headphones
Peter loved his friends. But sometimes it sucked being the only single one of the group.
One such example: movie night. They all got together every month and watched as many films as they could until everyone passed out or left. Snacks and alcohol included, of course.
The girls dropped out at the end of movie number three. Sirius was falling asleep on Remus halfway through movie number four, and Remus had to bridal-carry him through the door.
Just three remained: James, Reg, and him. Normally, Peter would have already left (he was never one for late nights due to his early shifts at the greenhouse), but he was really invested in the film by this point and it was almost over anyways. Peter’s eyes were glued to the screen and he was absently munching on some popcorn, when he heard James and Reg whispering to each other.
He had been friends with both James and Reg before they’d gotten together. Peter had known James practically since they were in nappies, while Regulus was the most recent addition to the group. He moved into James’ apartment after Sirius moved out to live with Remus, and James had an opening on his lease. Peter didn’t know what to make of Regulus at first, but after one night of drinking that everyone only vaguely remembered, they realized that they both had the same sense of dark humor and got on like a house on fire.
At first, James and Regulus did not get along at all. Regulus would outright ignore James, which would frustrate James to no end. When Regulus was no longer ignoring him, they were arguing about one thing or another. Then, came the unfortunate period of intense eye fucking and weird flirting through vague threats (Peter shuddered just thinking about it. They were literally roommates. One would think they could have had a single conversation about their feelings). After months of circling around each other, Sirius, Remus, and him finally devised a masterful plan (locked them in the pantry) until they finally sorted their shit out. However, the worst was still to come. Actually together, they were sickeningly in love and could not keep their hands to themselves.
Which is why Peter really should have seen it coming when Reg leaned over to him and said, “Hey Pete, so sorry, but unless you want to borrow my noise-canceling headphones, I would recommend you get out of here in the next five or so minutes,” not sounding at all apologetic.
“Fuck you guys,” Peter groaned. They hadn’t even finished the movie. The charming Southern detective was only halfway through explaining how he knew it was the grandson, not the nurse, that had killed the wealthy mystery novelist.
“That’s the plan!” James said with a quick grin and wink before disappearing into his bedroom.
Yeah, Peter really needed some new friends.