Fever.
It was 2am the first time James woke up,his arms still wrapped tightly around Regulus but they had moved so Regulus' back was against James' chest,James' arms wrapped around Regulus' waist.He waited for a few seconds,watching Regulus' shoulders rise and fall softly before sighing and drifting back off the sleep.
The second time,It was about 5am,Regulus had now moved,he was now curled up facing James,his arms wrapped around himself as his body shook.James blinked his eyes open and frowned,propping himself up on an elbow.He watched as Regulus' body shook,his eyes still closed as he slept.
"Reg?" James mumbled,gently shaking the other boy away.It didnt take much for him to wake Regulus,he stirred opening his eyes to look at James,his body still shivering violently every few seconds.James grew even more worried as his eyes latched onto the beads of sweat dripping down Regulus' forehead."Reg,whats going on?" James asked,pulling himself to Sit up and Place a hand on Regulus' shoulder."I'm really cold" Regulus whispered,squeezing his eyes shut."But- Reg,you're sweating" James replied and Regulus shook once more,his teeth chattering against eachother slightly.
"Okay,it's okay.Can you sit up?" James asked and Regulus nodded,pushing himself to sit up,his knees curled up to his chest,arms wrapped tightly around them.James reached over to grab his phone from the table at his side of the bed before unlocking it,squinting slightly at the brightness."What are you doing?" Regulus frowned,shifting himself closer to James."i'm calling Lily,She's a nurse she might be able to help" James replied softly before opening his arms and pulling Regulus into him.
"Hello?" Lily answered groggily,James had almost forgotten it was barely 5am."I'm so sorry to wake you Lils,but Regulus is sick,the doctors said it was the flu but he's sweating a lot but is shivering and telling me he's cold.I don't know what to do" James reeled off,speaking faster than usual."Okay,Okay i'll be over in 15 minutes,yeah?" Lily replied and James stroked a hand over Regulus' arm."Yeah.Yeah see you then" James spoke before ending the call.
James sighed,placing his phone down before looking down at Regulus.He was curled up beside James in the same position as he was on the couch,knees tucked up to his chest,arms wrapped around James' bare stomach."Okay,i'm gonna go and get a flannel for you" James spoke before starting to get up but Regulus clung onto him,shaking his head.James paused,sitting himself back down,"okay,okay love,i'll stay.Lily will be here soon" James whispered gently,Holding Regulus close to him.
It took Lily 10 minutes to get to James' appartment,a sleepy Mary following her into James room.The door clicked open and James watched as Lily popped her head in before walking over to the bed.James was leant against the headboard of his bed with Regulus layed on his stomach inbetween James' legs,the warmth of James' bare skin keeping him warm as he kept his arms circled around him.Regulus' head was turned so his cheek was against James' chest,the soft drumming of James' heart putting him to sleep.
Lily crouched down,putting a hand against Regulus' forehead.Regulus woke up,flinching backwards away from Lily's hand before she could fully put her hand against him,Lily pulled her hand back and James looked down at Regulus."It's okay,Reg it's just Lily.She just needs to feel your head" James spoke softly and Regulus shook his head "Her hands are cold,i'm already freezing" Regulus croaked and James looked at Lily apologetically."It's alright,can James feel for me? i just need to know how cold or hot you feel to touch" Lily spoke in a soft,comforting tone as she stayed crouched down,James watching both her and Regulus.A soft nod was all James needed before bringing one of the hands that was on Regulus' back to rest against his forehead."Jesus,yeah very warm" James nodded at Lily before gently pushing Regulus' hair from off of his forehead.Lily nodded before she pulled a thermometer out of her bag.She took the cover off of it before handing it to James,"I don't think he'd let me do it and i don't want to upset him,he'll let you" Lily whispered to James who took the thermometer from the hand."Reg? Love can you let me take your temperature?" James asked quietly and Regulus hummed in agreement.James shifted slightly,tilting to the side to hold the thermometer to Regulus' lips,he opened his mouth before closing his mouth around the thermometer.After a second,the thermometer beeped and James pulled it out of Regulus' mouth,carefully handing it to Lily.
"Okay,it's just a fever it'll help if we can cool him down" Lily spoke and Regulus opened his eyes to look at her."i'm freezing.You are not going to make me more cold" Regulus grumbled and James tapped Regulus gently on his back,making him lift his head and look at James."it'll make you better" James looked over to Lily who nodded softly and Regulus huffed before nodding, wow he really can't say no to James Potter and he knew for a fact if he wasn't so sick he would absolutely not be cuddled up to him right now but something inside of Regulus doesn't want to let go and wants James to look after him forever like this."Fine.But i'm not moving" Regulus mumbled,closing his eyes again.God he is stubborn.Lily started moving from the kitchen to the bedroom,back and forth bringing things with her."Mary,go knock on Sirius and Remus' door will you? he'll want to know" James whispered and Mary nodded before leaving the room.
The process was slow,Sirius arrived obviously very confused as to why Regulus was cuddled up to James like that but he didn't say anything on the matter.Lily handed James a cool pack,"Put that on his back" Lily spoke quietly while Remus placed a cool glass of water on the bedside table for Regulus.James sat against the headboard,Regulus still layed between his legs,on his stomach,resting against his chest.James took the cool pack and gently lifted up Regulus' shirt,just enough so that he could sit the pack against the small of his back.Regulus hissed at the coldness,scowling at James who gave him an apologetic smile..
After 10 minutes,Regulus' temperature had been brought down and Lily took the cool pack from where James was holding it out to her before she packed her belongings back into her bag as Regulus dropped his head back onto James' chest and tilting his head up slightly,to look at him again."Can i go to sleep now?" Regulus whispered,his eyes heavy and James nodded,turning to place a kiss onto Regulus' forehead."Yeah,you can go to sleep,Love" James whispered and Regulus nodded,his eyes closing immediately.
After James was sure Regulus was asleep,he gently slipped out from underneath him and made his way to the living room.Sirius and Remus sat on the couch talking until Sirius noticed James and stood up."hello prongsy" Sirius greeted with a beaming smile,wrapping an arm over James' shoulders and pulling him over to the couch."Erm morning padfoot" James replied suspiciously, his eyes switching between Sirius and Remus.
"What?" James laughed,frowning at the two boys infront of him."Want to tell me how long you've been in love with my brother?" Sirius asked,arching an eyebrow at James.James immediately stilled,his knee stopping from bouncing,his fingers no longer fidgeting together."No" James replied,looking down at his hands."Oh come on,Prongs.I'm not mad if thats what you're worried about" Sirius laughed and James shook his head "Just drop it,nothing will happen anyways" James said and Sirius frowned but decided it was best to keep his opinion to himself.Good choice.
The group woke Peter up with a loud "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" before being reminded to be a bit quieter by James.They all handed their presents to Peter and watched eagerly as he opened them,falling into conversation about the items they had gotten him.After another half an hour,The boys all agreed to get dressed then meet back in James and Peter's living room so the four of them could get ready.
James made his way into his room,being extra careful to not wake Regulus up as he grabbed his clothes.He stood by his side of the bed,checking his phone while he got quickly changed.Once he was dressed in a pair of black jeans with a white tshirt,James carefully knelt one knee on his bed as he leant over to gently brush Regulus' hair away from his face.
"Reg?" James whispered and Regulus disturbed,squinting his eyes open to see James."Hey,We're going out for Peters birthday,just the four of us.Are you gonna be alright by yourself?" James asked and Regulus nodded sleepily."I'll just sleep" Regulus whispered and James nodded."Don't forget to eat and drink something though" James raised his eyebrows at Regulus who rolled his eyes gently."I'll text you at lunch.Yeah?" James asked and Regulus nodded."Alright,Bye.Ring me if you need anything,okay?" James asked and Regulus nodded.James bent down to place a kiss on Regulus' forehead,smiling softly as he hummed in delight.
The boys started off with going Bowling,and after deciding to switch up the teams a bit this time,James and Remus Won.The next stop,was lunch at Nandos.Sirius and Remus sat together while James and Peter sat opposite them deciding what they want to eat.Once they had successfully ordered their meals,James took the opportunity to pull his phone out of his pocket and click on Regulus' contact.
James 🦌
Hey! Are you awake? x
Reg ❤️
Hi.Yes i'm awake.
James 🦌
God,you text like you're writing
a formal letter.It's just me reg :)
Reg ❤️
Okay.
James 🦌
Have you made something to
eat yet?
There's soup in the cupboard! x
Reg ❤️
Oh my god.
For the last time,i am not
eating anymore soup!
James 🦌
What are you having then? 🙃
Reg ❤️
i'm trying some toast.My throat
doesn't hurt so bad now,so
i'm going to try it and see if it's okay.
James 🦌
Good! :)
I think we're going to the pub
for a few drinks,do you mind?
i can come home if you need me to xx
Reg ❤️
James.It's fine,have fun x
James 🦌
Thanks,Love :)
The boys did as James said,making their way to the local pub,the three broomsticks after finishing their lunch.They found a booth at the back of the pub,in a corner where the music still reached but they were still able to hear each other.They chatted,drinks being taken away and brought to their table.
"That's what i'm saying!! Tangled is the best movie to ever exist!" Sirius yelled,the multiple beers fuelling his energy levels."You'd save me if i was locked in a tower wouldn't you Moony?" Sirius asked with a grin and Remus nodded,patting a hand against Sirius' thigh."Sure,Love.Whatever you need" James wasn't fully convinced Remus was listening but he did well hiding it.
"Come on,Pete.Let's do some shots,we've got to celebrate well!" James decided,Standing up from the booth."James.We've got to get home remember?" Remus reasoned but James was giving him his best puppy dog eyes,his hands clasped together."Come on,Moony.James is right,You only live once" Sirius joined in,Smirking at Remus.
Eventually,Remus gave in and the four boys made their way over to the bar,ordering more shots than they probably should have.They were now 4 shots down,James and Sirius were dancing around on the dance floor together,attempting to Salsa while Remus and Peter laughed at them."Ow! That was my foot!" James yelled,pushing Sirius away from him a little."I think we should call it a night,do yous?" Peter asked and Remus nodded,"Technically morning!" Sirius added and James burst out laughing.The four walked outside,James almost falling when he tripped on the pavement,being caught by Remus.
They started the walk home,it was only 10 minutes but it was late,half past midnight and James and Sirius continued a slurred conversation between them."Every time" Remus rolled his eyes,Holding Sirius up with an arm around his waist."How were we celebrating my birthday and these fools are more drunk than i am" Peter laughed,holding James' wrist around his shoulder as he supported him.
James pulled his arm out from around Peter's shoulders to pull his phone out of his pocket.He gasped when he saw the chain of texts he had gotten from Regulus.
Reg ❤️
hey,what time are you
going to be home?
Are you okay?
"A few drinks" my arse
James 🦌
REGGUE!!!
Reg wdere in dhe wah hime
Reg ❤️
Erm hi James.You okay?
James 🦌
ib fabtastuc sre yiu okay reggue?
Reg ❤️
I'm okay.Where are you?
James didn't answer the next message,instead he clicked on the video call button before shouting to Sirius."Sirius,look it's Reg! Hi reg!" James yelled as Regulus answered the call,showing his phone to Sirius before turning it back to himself."Hi James" Regulus smiled,trying his hardest to cover his laugh behind his hand."Why are you laughing? Sirius he's laughing at me!" James shouted,immediately being told to shush by Remus."You're ridiculous" Regulus spoke although the smile was still evident on his face."Pass the phone over to Remus,yeah?" Regulus asked but James was too distracted by Sirius almost falling over,James stopping walking to laugh at him."Jamie? Pass Remus the phone" Regulus spoke a bit louder,James blushing at the name before nodding and yelling for Remus "Moony! Reggie wants to talk to you!!" He shouted and Remus grabbed the phone.
"Hi,Reg.You alright?" Remus asked before pulling Sirius to keep walking."Are you?" Regulus laughed and Remus shook his head with an exaggerated sigh before chuckling quietly.Remus told Regulus that they were around the corner to which Regulus nodded,letting Remus know that he would come down to the enterance and help them all upstairs and the pair said goodbye before Remus handed James his phone back.
"He didnt even say goodbye!!" James complained loudly,crossing his arms over his chest.Remus shook his head and pointed over to the enterance of the appartment complex across the street where Regulus stood,his arms crossed,a large hoodie on.
James grinned as the crossed the street,now being close enough that James could see that Regulus was wearing his football hoodie 'Potter' written on the left side of the chest and if Regulus turned around James would see the same thing across the back in big letters.
James waved "Reg!" he yelled,once again being told to shut up by Remus but Regulus uncrossed one of his arms and lifted it up a little bit to wave back at him.James beamed a smile and started jogging forwards "oh James please don't run,you're gonna fall over" Remus sighed but James managed to reach Regulus.
James got to Regulus,immediately wrapping his arms around him and rambling about the night,way too fast for Regulus to understand but he nodded along into his chest anyways,his arms wrapped gently around James' waist."you smell good" James sighed as he pulled away from Regulus,who rolled his eyes,a fond smile creeping onto his face.
The walk up to the appartments was difficult,Remus practically carried Sirius up 4 flights of stairs while Peter carried Remus and Sirius' bags,following behind them.James and Regulus were at the back,James' arm slung over Regulus' shoulders,one of Regulus' arms wrapped around James' waist as he helped him up the stairs."Hey Sirius! look down! Hi!" James yelled as Sirius looked down the stairs towards James and Regulus who had significantly fallen behind."James! Hello!" Sirius yelled and the pair burst out laughing until James suddenly stopped walking and stood with his free hand pressed against his stomach."James?" Regulus frowned and James just looked at him before taking a deep breath and nodding."Almost threw up then.I'm good.It's good" James nodded,blinking his eyes slowly before laughing again.
Once they reached the appartments,Sirius and Remus said their goodbyes and made their way into their own appartment while Peter opened the door to his and James',Regulus and James following him in."You need any help?" Peter asked and Regulus shook his head "Should be alright,Hope you had a good birthday Peter" Regulus smiled politely and Peter thanked him before walking into his own room."God,James can you help me,you're heavy and just leaning on me,you're not even trying to walk" Regulus groaned as he walked into James' room."You're pretty" James slurred as Regulus flicked the light switch and closed the door."Yes,thank you James.Now can you stand up properly?" Regulus asked and James took his arm off of Regulus' shoulders,stumbling to the side slightly before laughing quietly.
Regulus pulled out a pair of Pyjama pants for James and a plain black tshirt before walking over to where James sat on his bed."Here,Put those on" Regulus held them out and James took the pyjama pants,shaking his head at the shirt."You don't want the shirt on?" Regulus asked and James shook his head before fumbling with his belt."What the fuck? How the fuck do i do this thing?" James mumbled and Regulus turned around from where he had just placed the shirt back to see James still trying to undo his belt.James looked at Regulus and Regulus rolled his eyes.
He seriously was not about to take James Potters belt off of him.Absolutely not.
"Regggg" James huffed.
Or maybe he was.Brilliant.
Regulus sighed before stepping forwards towards James.James lifted his shirt up and over his head while Regulus bent down slightly.He gently undid the belt allowing James to slide it off from his waist while Regulus took James' shirt and placed it in the laundry basket and James slid the pyjama pants on.
Regulus moved to stand back with James,pulling the duvet back and turning towards James who was staring at him with a smile."What?" Regulus asked and James blinked as He slowly brought up a hand and traced his thumb against Regulus' cheekbone. "i have this...wierd feeling when i'm with you,i can't explain it.But i think its a good feeling" James blurted,his voice soft and quite as he looked down at Regulus."What do you mean?" Regulus asked,a confused smile on his face."I think...i think i really like you...a lot" James whispered,a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth."Yeah?" Regulus asked,a glint of hope in his eyes."Mhm" James nodded,focusing on his thumb which he trailed down Regulus' cheek before running it across Regulus' bottom lip slowly."Reg?" James whispered and Regulus hummed in Response,watching James closely."I really want to kiss you...can i?" James asked and Regulus smiled softly at him,lifting a hand to rest against James' cheek."James.You're drunk and i'm still sick" Regulus whispered softly but James just smiled "i don't care" James' eyes searched Regulus face for an answer and Regulus paused before nodding,a smile on his face.
One minute they were looking at eachother,the next their lips connected softly.James tasted sweet,the beer still present on his lips and he pressed their lips together.Regulus cupped James' face in his hands before slowly pulling away,a fond smile on his face that made James grin."Reg" James started but Regulus cut in softly "We'll talk tomorrow.Yeah? Get some sleep" His voice was calm,gentle and James nodded before climbing into his bed.He watched as Regulus walked around the bed and climbed into his side,opening his arms for James to curl into him,His head resting on Regulus' chest.The soft thrumming of Regulus' heart sending James slowly off to sleep.