I'll Give You All You Want
James was happy to spend money on Regulus, if he was completely honest. He had grown up with a good amount of money, ready to land in his pockets when he turned eighteen, so he had plenty to spend. And he wanted to. He wanted to spend money on Regulus.
After breakfast, James called them a cab, Regulus clinging adorably to his arm. He, of course, promised to visit Marie sometime, giving them a tight hug before he stepped into the cab, Regulus following him.
James dragged Regulus happily through the mall to a nice store, something designer. James didn’t care all that much, but Regulus deserved something nice. Regulus stopped him at the entrance, running a nervous hand through his pretty black curls.
“James, isn’t this a bit… expensive?” Regulus asked, still holding onto James’s hand. “You’re sweet, and it’s nice that you want to buy things for me, but-”
“It’s fine, Reggie,” James said sweetly. He held back a chuckle at the flush on Regulus’s face at the nickname. Cute.
Regulus shook his head, his cheeks pink. “No, James, you don’t have to-”
“Regulus,” James said, pulling out a black card. “It’s fine. I can afford it.”
Regulus stared at him, mouth agape. “How the hell do you qualify for that? You’re a fucking musician.”
James chuckled. “My dad owns a large pharmaceutical company. I work for them to make extra money. Y’know, since music doesn’t make all that much money.”
Regulus smirked. “So… you needed extra cash and resorted to nepotism.”
James grinned. “I suppose you could say that. It allows me to be lowkey though. I like it.”
Regulus shrugged. “Guess I can’t complain, since you’re buying stuff for me. I’m glad you’re happy, I suppose.” James smiled, raising Regulus’s hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to it.
“Go on, love. Try on whatever you like. I’ll buy whatever you want,” James said softly, slowly lowering Regulus’s hand. His cheeks were adorably red.
“I still feel weird about spending this much of your money,” Regulus said hesitantly as they walked in. The walls were black, words painted in white cursive. It wasn’t the type of place he usually went shopping, but hopefully Regulus could find something he liked.
“It’s fine, Reg. I promise,” James said, smiling. Regulus hummed, walking away to look at a line of cashmere sweaters.
Regulus turned away from the rack to look at James, smiling so sweetly. “James, what’s your favorite color?”
James cocked his head to the side, puzzled. “Red. Why?”
Regulus turned back to the rack, but James could feel his smirk. “Just want to buy something you like.”
James chuckled, his cheeks warming. He was almost glad that Regulus wasn’t looking at him. “How about we take this as a chance to get to know each other a bit more? We could just ask each other questions. For example, what’s your favorite color?”
Regulus grabbed at a soft looking sweater. “Green. Soft green, dark green, deep green, basically any green that’s not too bright.”
James smiled, filing that information away for later, hoping he wouldn’t forget it. “I’m asking another, okay?” Regulus hummed in confirmation. “Are you a coffee or tea person?”
Regulus grabbed something from the rack. He seemed to already have plenty of items piled on his arm. “Both. Depends on my mood, really. Always black though.”
James grinned. “Like your last name?”
James could almost hear Regulus rolling his eyes. “No, like my soul. Yes, like my name, James.” James just laughed.
“My turn to ask a question, right?” Regulus asked. James could see hints of a soft smile on his face as he nodded. “Um… do you have any siblings?”
James shook his head. “No. No cousins either.”
Regulus nodded affirmatively. “I had a brother. You know that. But I also had three cousins, all girls. I grew up spending a lot of time with them, especially my cousin, Narcissa. She was always my favorite. Sirius had his favorite too, her name is Andromeda. They were so alike, he followed in her footsteps and ran away.” Regulus laughed bitterly. James wanted to reach out and hug him.
They were quiet for a minute before Regulus spoke again as they walked around, Regulus picking up items from the racks. “Ask another question, James.”
James nodded, gently taking some of the clothing items from Regulus’s hands. “What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?”
Regulus thought about it for a moment as he picked up a green blazer. “Depends on my mood. I like lemon a lot. Mint chocolate chip or coffee if you’re looking for a common one. My favorite is lavender though. I love lavender.”
James grinned. “Hm. Makes sense. You seem like you’d like lavender.”
Regulus smiled. “At Evan’s apartment, I have lemon shampoo and lavender body wash. They just smell nice.”
James cocked his head to the side. “‘Evan’s apartment’? Do you not have your own?”
Regulus shifted uncomfortably, swaying slightly. “I think I have enough clothes. I’m going to try them on. Mind waiting outside so I can show you.”
“No, yeah, of course, Reg.”
James could tell Regulus was avoiding answering. It didn’t necessarily bother him, but it was a bit of a nagging thought as he stood outside the changing room, hearing the shuffling of fabrics from through the door. It suddenly swung open, Regulus wearing a soft looking red sweater that hung off his shoulders. He had taken off the t-shirt he had been wearing, leaving his shoulders bare.
“What do you think?” Regulus asked, giving him a cute little spin. The sweater fell beautifully over his lithe frame, the red looking warm against the pale of his skin.
“Beautiful,” James mumbled. “Absolutely gorgeous.”
Regulus grinned. “Well, I suppose we’re buying this one. I hope you don’t mind, we’re going to be here for a bit.”
James smiled. “I don’t mind. I’m sure you’ll look gorgeous, no matter what.”
Regulus smiled, backing back into the changing room. The next time he emerged, he was in a light green long-sleeved shirt, open down to his navel. There were no buttons to close it up, leaving his bare skin on display. The sleeves flowed as he moved, spinning for James, who applauded excitedly.
That was the process of it, the routine. Regulus would come out wearing any number of garments, from a sheer black flowery top, to a simple black dress shirt with emerald colored thread, to a set of silk stockings that James thought were absolutely adorable. They had been there for almost three hours, and they hadn’t found a single item that Regulus didn’t want to buy. And James was so incredibly happy to indulge him. James was leaning on the wall, scrolling through the photos he had taken of Regulus in various gorgeous outfits, posing dramatically. Regulus had been trying to act silly. James thought he looked like a model.
“James,” Regulus said, a little breathless sounding. “Little help?” James hummed, turning off his phone and putting it in his pocket.
“Open the door, love,” James said, standing outside. A moment later, the door swung open, Regulus smiling sheepishly. He was wearing a lacy black corset over his t-shirt.
“Could you tie it for me?” Regulus asked a little shyly.
James nodded, his cheeks warm. Regulus turned around, and James grabbed the cord. “Inhale, love. Expand your ribs.” Regulus did, and James laced it up, his hands shaking on the cord. After he finished, Regulus turned around, absolutely beautiful, his curls falling down around his neck. They were a bit long, falling almost to his shoulders.
“You’re gorgeous,” Regulus mumbled, his eyes pretty and soft. James couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m pretty sure that’s what I’m supposed to be saying right now,” James replied warmly. He couldn’t help the fond look that he felt grace his face as cupped Regulus’s cheek. James leaned in to kiss him, but Regulus stepped away, laughing.
“Nope,” he said, laughter in his voice. “We are not making out in the changing room of some designer fucking store while I’m in a fucking corset. You’re helping me get out of this thing, and then we’re going to buy all of these and meet up with my friends for lunch.”
James pouted. “Then when can I kiss you?”
Regulus’s smile was soft, sweet. “Anytime you want. But after I get this damn thing off.”
James spent almost 2k on new clothes for Regulus. He regretted nothing. Well, except for volunteering to carry around the ton of clothes Regulus bought, since apparently everything on the planet looked stunning on him. Regulus had told him as they walked around the mall that his friends, the rest of Serpentine, James assumed, were having lunch in the food court. Regulus wanted to join them, and James wouldn’t dare say no to him.
So, he ended up eating lunch with Regulus and his friends in the mall food court, while carrying four bags of luxury clothing. It may have been a bit mis-matched, but he was happy.
“Hey, Reggie!” said a petite blonde girl, running up to Regulus, her hair covered in pastel butterfly clips. She was incredibly pale, with strikingly blue eyes. She gave Regulus a quick kiss on the cheek, before turning to James. “Hello, James. It’s nice to properly meet you.” Her voice was a bit daydreamy, like she wasn’t fully there. It reminded James of a fortune teller he once met on the street who freaked him out. This girl seemed quite a bit nicer.
“Hello. Pandora, right?” James said, smiling. He was determined to make a good impression, after all, this was probably the closest he would get to meeting Regulus’s parents. God knows he didn’t want to meet his actual ones.
“Reg!” Shouted a thin dark haired boy- Barty was his name, James remembered. He had a large grin across his face. “Should’ve told us you were bringing your boy toy!”
Regulus scowled and shook his head. “He’s not my boy toy.”
“But I could be,” James responded, nudging Regulus’s shoulder. That got a laugh out of Barty and a blush out of Regulus.
“Come on. Sit down,” Barty said, smirking. James could see glimpses of abnormally sharp canines that only added to the intimidating punk-rock vibe that Barty gave off.
At the circular table, there were two more people: A dark skinned girl that he knew was Dorcas from Marlene’s constant ramblings, and who he could only assume was Evan. He hadn’t really bothered to get acquainted with them before, much too focused on Regulus, who held his hand as they walked over.
James set down the bags on the table, eliciting an appreciative whistle from Evan. “Expensive. Didn’t know you were rich.”
James shrugged. “Nothing but the best for our Reggie.”
Barty grinned, fluorescent lights glinting off those odd canines that James couldn’t help thinking were oddly badass. “You got that right.”
Evan grinned, looking at Regulus with a teasing look. “Looks like our little Reggie found himself a sugar daddy.”
Regulus glared at him. “He’s not a sugar daddy.”
“Seems like it to me.”
“But he’s not.”
“I think he is.”
“Evan.” Regulus seethed. Evan just grinned in response.
“For your information, he’s my boyfriend now,” Regulus said factually. James felt almost relieved. They hadn’t talked about labels, and James was always so worried about pushing Regulus’s boundaries, he didn’t ask. It seemed that Regulus had decided without him, and that was okay. Good, even.
Evan smiled curiously. “When did that happen?”
James didn’t really know, but Regulus seemed happy to answer for him. “I would say it’s probably when he bought me nearly 2k worth of clothing.”
Evan’s jaw dropped and Barty laughed. “Jeez, I figured he was well-off, but what the fuck? Are you sure he’s not your sugar daddy, Reg?”
Regulus glared, and James chuckled, kissing the top of Regulus’s head, followed by teasing ‘Awwww’’s from Barty and Evan. Regulus flipped them off. James just chuckled.
“Reg, why don’t you get James and you something to eat?” said Dorcas, a little sharply. James wasn’t really sure why, but she seemed sharp, cold, at least towards him.
Regulus shrugged. “Sure. What do you want, James?” James grinned.
“Surprise me, love,” James said, pulling out his card. “Here.” He felt Regulus’s friends staring at him, wide-eyed, as Regulus took the card, kissing him on the cheek before walking away.
“Jesus,” Evan said. “How rich are you?” James just chuckled a bit.
“Okay,” Barty said seriously, his voice suddenly much darker. “What are your intentions with Regulus? Are you in love with him? Do you intend to leave him at any point? Where did you get all your money? Do you have any shady business that might endanger Regulus? Are you attempting to use him? Are-”
“Slow down, B,” Evan said, putting a calming hand on his shoulder. James saw Barty inhale deeply. “James, we want to make sure that you’re putting Regulus in a safe and healthy relationship. We just want to protect him.”
James nodded. “I get that. Ask me whatever you want.”
Evan turned to Barty. “B?”
Barty nodded. “First thing’s first, what’re your intentions with Regulus?”
“To date him, and make him happy?”
“Do you ever intend to break up with him, or break his heart?” Barty asked, his eyes narrowed.
James shook his head adamantly. “No. Never.”
Barty nodded. “Do you have any explanation for the atrocious amount of money you have? Any shady or illegal business that Regulus might get wrapped up in?”
James shook his head. “No. It’s just a family business. I grew up with lots of money, and just continued making money as I got older. I get that it sounds a bit sketchy, but I swear, nothing illegal.”
“Hm,” Barty hummed, nodding. “I believe you. For now. One last question.”
James nodded. “Okay?”
Barty seemed a bit hesitant, but he glanced at Evan, took a deep breath, and asked. “Do you love Regulus?”
James was hesitant. He wasn’t sure, really. He thought Regulus was gorgeous, of course, and sweet, and clever, and amazing. He was amazing, and he adored him. But he hadn’t known him all that long. He would be happy to introduce him to his parents any time now, but he wasn’t sure he was ready for three little words that had always come so easy for him. Maybe that was just because it was real. He didn’t know.
“I’m not sure,” he said honestly. He felt relieved when Barty just nodded and smiled.
Dorcas walked up to him, putting a strong hand on his shoulder. “I’ll put this bluntly. Regulus seems happy with you. You haven’t known each other that long, and I’m sure you’ll get to know each other and fall in love as time goes on. I’m happy for you, and I don’t think you’ll hurt him.” James smiled appreciatively, at least until she kept talking, squeezing his shoulder tightly. “But, if you hurt him, we will kill you. That’s not a threat. It’s a promise. We actually will kill you if you dare hurt him.”
James nodded, smiling. “Of course. I won’t hurt him. I promise.”
Dorcas nodded, loosening her grip and sitting back down. “You better.”
A few minutes later, Regulus returned, holding chinese food he had bought from one of the stalls. “Hope you like orange chicken,” he said cheerfully, sitting down with James and leaning on him. James supposed that the tension was gone now that their anxieties had been somewhat relieved.
The conversation was more free and cheerful from there, leading to a few confused looks from Regulus. Still, it was pleasant, happy. James liked seeing how happy and comfortable Regulus was when he talked to his friends. He liked seeing how happily he could hug Barty and Evan at the end of their lunch as they said goodbye. How warmly he said goodbye to Dorcas and Pandora as Dorcas clapped him on the back and Pandora kissed him on the cheek, rubbing at the slightly pink tinted lip gloss she was wearing. He was happy and almost a little proud when Evan shook his hand and Barty patted him on the back. Dorcas stayed back, simply nodding at him, but Pandora did lean up to kiss him on the cheek. That just seemed to be the way he was.
James and Regulus didn’t shop anymore after that. They didn’t have time. James took him back to his hotel room to pack for the plane flight that night. James sat on the bed, chatting as Regulus packed, before going to James’s room to pack his stuff. Regulus decided to help, folding his clothes for him (“Honestly, James, have you ever done laundry?”). They went to the airport together, got on the plane together, and sat together. Regulus even, though reluctantly, shared headphones with James as they listened to the Sweeney Todd soundtrack ("It's my favorite,” Regulus said, pouting, when James suggested a more cheerful musical).
Not too long after Regulus sang all of Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir under his breath, James heard soft snoring. He turned to see a lovely sleeping Regulus. His mouth was open a bit, his eyelids fluttering as he slept. He was so adorable. James let him sleep, staring out the window at the night sky. He thought back on the day they had had, the questions Barty had asked him.
“Do you love Regulus?” Barty had asked. James hadn’t been sure then. But now, with a sleeping Regulus by his side, and the stars shining through the window, James had his answer.
He was in love.