Chapter 13
For the past few days, Sirius has been ecstatic, constantly thinking about his boyfriend. But right now, all he can think about is his best friend. James is really struggling right now with his bipolar. This afternoon, he wanted to skip his lecture and be with his friend, who couldn’t get out of bed, but James forced him to attend. He probably didn’t want to be coddled, but it’s not a good idea to leave him alone for so long. Not when he gets like this. Sirius is practically sprinting through the corridors to get back to James now his lecture’s finished.
“What the fuck!” Sirius stares at the scene from the doorway, mouth agape. His best friend and his brother are in bed together. Not in that way, but there is nothing platonic about the way they are holding each other.
“It’s not what it looks like,” James exclaims.
“Then what is it?”
Regulus acknowledges, “It’s exactly what it looks like.”
“So, you two are-”
“Dating? Yeah,” Regulus says.
“Since when?”
“Officially, today. But we’ve been messaging for a while now.”
“Oh my God!” Sirius shouts, realisation striking him. “He’s the Handsome Stranger! You weren’t stood up on my birthday, were you?”
“No,” James responds, “but I had no idea he was your brother when we met.”
“This is just too much right now. I mean, my brother and my best friend!”
“I’m sorry we didn’t tell you sooner.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“I didn’t want anything to jeopardise our relationship,” Regulus confesses. “I just got you back, I can’t lose you now. Not again.”
Sirius sighs, “I need some air,” and he turns away without saying another word.
What the fuck?
Out of every other fucking person in this university, they have to choose each other? He thought they hated each other. Regulus always groaned and walked away from him when Sirius would talk about his friends from Hogwarts, especially James. And James – the least violent person ever – wanted to punch his little brother after everything that happened the night Sirius left.
Sirius rushes outside, the cold air grounding him slightly. He grabs his phone and calls Remus. “Moony? I need you...”
***
Sirius is sitting on Remus’ bed, drinking a hot chocolate. He’s just finished explaining everything that happened.
Remus muses, “Maybe this is a good thing.”
“How is this a good thing?”
“Well, you know them. You know they would treat each other well, and don’t you want the best for them both?”
“I guess so,” he sighs. “But they still lied.”
“And I’m not excusing that. As soon as they knew who the other was to you, they should have told you. I’m not saying you should forgive that so easily. But maybe you can learn to accept their relationship. From what James has told me, he really cares about Regulus.”
“Yeah, you’re right. As always. How are you so wise, Moony?”
“I read,” he states.
“Ah, of course,” Sirius smiles affectionately. “My very own nerd.”
“A very hot nerd.”
Sirius barks a laugh, “And very modest too.”
“That’s rich coming from you.”
“We’re both very hot, aren’t we?”
"You are, indeed," Remus responds, planting a gentle kiss on his lips.
With a soft, cosy blanket wrapped around them, they enjoy their hot drinks while sitting in comfortable silence.
“Can I stay here for the night?” Sirius asks.
“On one condition. You talk to the pair of them tomorrow.”
“I will. I promise.”