Better
“Maybe you should call it off.” A voice from Regulus’ phone recommended. Regulus shook his head as he buttoned up his shirt.
“I can’t call it off, Panda. Me and James, we made a deal.” He sighed, packing his bag. His phone let out a beep, signaling a notification. Dropping his bag to the floor, Regulus picked up his phone, clicking on the message from James.
James
im outside
Regulus
Okay. Be out in 5 minutes.
“Look, James is here, I got to go.” Regulus said, zipping up his bag and throwing it over his shoulder. “I’ll see you soon.”
“This conversation is not over.” Pandora replied before Regulus rolled his eyes as he ended the call.
-
Regulus stepped outside with his coffee in hand. Turning around he locked the door and took a deep breath. Relaxing his shoulders, he began the walk to James, who was leaning against his car, not surprisingly a bold red.
Smiling wide, James greeted Regulus before opening the passenger door for him. Rolling his eyes, Regulus entered the vehicle, while James ran around to the driver's side.
“So, how’s your morning been?” James asked as he put the car into drive.
“Great until I saw you.” Regulus replied.
“If you didn’t want to see me in the mornings, why did you tell me I had to drive you every day.” James questioned while laughing.
“My hatred for driving happens to overpower my hatred for you.”
James nodded, still laughing brightly. “Whatever you say.” Regulus rolled his eyes, ignoring the corners of his lips turning upwards slightly.
-
Regulus exhaled heavily, anxiety wracking his body.
“We don’t have to do this if you don’t want Regulus.” James assured, sensing Regulus’ apprehension.
“It’s okay. I want to.” Regulus replied. James nodded in response and exited the car. Letting out a breath, Regulus followed. James looked down at him as he held out his hand in question. Regulus took his hand and began to walk towards the school with James by his side.
The attention was expected, but that didn’t make it any less awkward for Regulus. He was dreading Sirius’ reaction and hoped he wouldn’t notice until lunch. As if summoned, Sirius appeared right in front of them with Remus trailing behind, shock written across his face.
“Padfoot, before you say anything-” James tried to pacify unsuccessfully.
“James Fleamont Potter! That’s my baby brother!” Sirius yelled, gathering even more attention from onlookers. “Regulus Arcturus Black! That’s my best friend!” Regulus winced, unconsciously squeezing James’ hand.
“Siri, pouvons-nous s'il vous plaît poursuivre cette conversation dans un endroit plus privé.” Regulus pleaded quietly, as he felt hundreds of eyes on them. James’ head snapped towards his, not expecting him to start speaking in French.
“Non! Vous venez de décider de commencer à sortir ensemble sans me le dire!” Regulus cringed expecting Sirius to start throwing fists, what he didn’t expect was for Sirius to grin and embrace them. “Je voulais que vous vous réunissiez depuis toujours!”
“What?” James asked, voice cracking. Regulus’ eyes widened.
“You guys are like the perfect balance for each other.” Sirius continued, switching back to English after realizing James couldn’t understand and stepping out of the embrace. Regulus' face had never been more expressive.
“So you’re not mad?” James asked, relief flooding his face.
“Oh, I’m extremely mad you didn’t tell me,” James grimaced and Remus chuckled, “And I will absolutely kill you if you hurt him, but I’m also so happy for you guys.” Sirius exclaimed with a broad smile across his face. James looked at Remus with a scared expression.
“Alright, Sirius, stop threatening James and come help me find Lily.” Remus directed, steering Sirius in the opposite direction. James gave Remus a grateful look and turned back to Regulus.
“I can’t tell if that went better than expected or worse.” Regulus voiced, staring at where Sirius and Remus walked off to in shock.
“Better. Definitely better.” James chuckled. “Although I would prefer it if you were to let up on the grip.”
Regulus immediately loosened his hold on James’ hand, apologizing profusely.
“It’s alright love.” James reassured, not even recognizing the use of the endearment as he pulled Regulus with him in the direction of the school. The blush spread throughout Regulus’ cheeks in record time.
-
Regulus’ heart needed to learn how to calm down.
Halfway through the day and Regulus was still unaccustomed to James’ constant affection. He didn’t know how he was going to last any longer.
Walking through the halls on his way to meet Pandora for lunch, he’s stopped by James.
“Hey.” James greets happily, grabbing Regulus’ hand and walking with him.
“Hello.”
“I was looking for you.” James continues, unbothered by Regulus’ apathetic greeting.
“Were you.” Regulus responds languidly.
James breaks out into a grin, pulling Regulus to a stop. “You really ought to sound more excited to see me. People might start to get suspicious.”
Rolling his eyes, Regulus broke into a large fake smile. “Wow! My handsome boyfriend was looking for me!” James laughed while shaking his head. Regulus willed his lips to not spread into a real smile.
“Okay, I take it back. Stick with your unenthusiastic responses. They’re more realistic.” James informs, still roaring with laughter.
“James, what did you need?” Regulus questioned, worried he might start to actually enjoy James’ company.
“Right.” James said, recalling his reason for seeking out Regulus in the first place. “I was wondering if you would eat lunch with me.” Regulus stopped, turning towards James uncertainly. “Remus and Sirius will be there. And you can invite your friends too.”
Sighing, Regulus conceded. “Fine, but I have to find Pandora first. We have to talk about something.” James nodded, excitement flooding his features.
“Okay! I’ll meet you at the cafeteria then!” James started to strut(yes Harry, your father did strut) away, but turned around suddenly. “We’re at the long table near the back windows!” He shouted and turned back around to continue to lunch.
Regulus was not going to survive.