Chapter 2
"Fucking hell," Regulus mumbles staring at James, he swallows hard, his head is buzzing and his heart changes rhythm.
Just to be clear, Regulus hated having a crush.
"Doesn't he violate the dress code?" He asks, and then he immediately hides his face in his hands because he knows what's coming and he knows his nose will start bleeding at any moment.
Oh how much he hated his life right now.
Fuck James Potter.
"All because you saw your crush's abs?" Barty teases him.
He was such a compassionate friend, wasn't he? Jr. just patted Regulus on the shoulder and laughed. Regulus hated him.
"Fuck off, will ya?" He hissed with a fake cute smile.
It was a nice calm September day and Regulus was doing great, but then James Potter showed up and thinking that it is somehow terribly warm, came to school in a fucking Hawaiian shirt. Note, because it is important, unbuttoned.
He was wearing beige pants and an unbuttoned red Hawaiian shirt, why did Regulus think he looked irresistible?
It's probably because of his bare chest.
And James Potter proudly paraded around the school, strutting like it belonged to him, a wide grin plastered on his lips.
He's so fucking –
"Hi Reggie!" James called cheerfully waving to him across the hall and walking over to him. Barty disappeared imperceptibly right after that. "Oh my– what's wrong?" James asks worriedly when Regulus didn't answer him and James saw him bury his face in his hands even more as blood slowly ran down his palms.
Regulus's face is red with shame and he wishes a hole would open beneath him and swallow him up. He doesn't want to be here, he begs for someone or something to just take him away from here.
This is so embarrassing, he would rather die. But when he's about to tell James to fuck off and leave him alone, only a pitiful groan escapes his lips.
"What happened to you?" James asks concerned. "Come on, I'll take you to the nurse," he touches his arm to help him straighten up, Regulus might faint.
What's wrong with him?
James takes a bandana out of his pocket and hands it to Regulus, who replaces his hands with this cloth, "should help," James murmured worriedly.
They walked slowly all the way to the nurse's office, James still stabilizing Regulus just in case. (Regulus doesn't need it, but he doesn't feel the need to tell James about it.)
"Hi Poppy," James grins at her. "We need you help," he informs right after, the woman got up from the desk and quickly walked over to the two of them.
"Oh dear," she looks at Regulus worriedly, he swayed on his feet, everything is blurry, his heart is pounding, and his hands are shaking.
Damn it, Regulus, pull yourself together!
"James, help him sit on the bed," she asks, goes to the cupboard, taking out ice packs, places one of them on Regulus's neck.
After a while, he feels better, Madame Pomfrey does not allow him to move, but the bleeding slowly stops.
"I didn't eat breakfast, I have low iron levels, so that's probably it," Regulus assures quickly. "James, you can go, I'll be fine, really, and you're skipping class," he points out, "and I don't want to be responsible for that," he huffs.
"Yes, James, you should leave," Poppy agrees, frowning at Regulus. "Thank you for your help," the woman smiles friendly at James.
"You sure?" James asks, ignoring Poppy and focusing on Regulus. "Maybe I should wait outside the door? I'll wait for you or I'll call Sirius, would you like that?" He asks, Regulus rolls his eyes.
But James is worried, really worried. Because Regulus feels bad, and maybe it's actually the iron level... but James is still worried.
He's crushing on that boy, remember?
"You can wait if you have to," Regulus decides. "Sirius will freak out," when it came to Sirius and how he couldn't stop fussing about Regulus... it was a pain. "Don't tell him yet," he orders.
James was happy to obey.
So James left and Regulus was alone in the office with the nurse, Madame Pomfrey took his temperature, checks his blood sugar, and other medical stuff, gave him some chocolate cubes and took the blood pressure.
"You have very high blood pressure, my dear," she tells him worriedly.
"Yes," Regulus sighed "it's probably because of the coffee I drank, and the fact that my crush literally escorted me through half of the school here," he shrugs casually, she's bound by medical confidentiality anyway, right?
He could have said it, it felt good to say it. It feels good to say it out loud.
Well, his friends guess and laugh at him because of his crush on Potter, they knew, but he never admitted it out loud.
His crush on James Potter was a secret.
Well, Sirius was always the first one Regulus went to with his secrets, but this time...
Well, he hasn't admitted out loud to anyone yet that he fancy James Potter.
"He's great, isn't he?" Poppy smiles and shakes her head. She's lovely.
Regulus smiles lightly.
He comes out of the office to find James standing in front of it, his expression worried, as if he genuinely cares for him. He asks if he's okay and offers to walk him home if he prefers to rest.
Damn him.
Damn him.
Damn him and his soft hair and his handsome face for being so perfect. Damn him for being so charming, so thoughtful, so wonderful.
Damn him for caring and being lovely, damn him for being so fucking good.
Damn him for making Regulus like him.
/////
"I'm so sorry professor," Sirius looks at her with tears in his eyes. "I promise I'll be better, don't be mad at me," he begs in a broken voice, his friends look at him confused, does he just trauma dump on Minerva?
They are genuinely worried and confused. Their great prank they've been preparing for the past week has finally come to fruition and Minnie quickly discovered they were behind it, so she went to them to explain it and give them detention and extra lessons.
"Yes, all right, it's okay, just don't do that again," Minerva looks at him worried before she left.
She left without giving them any punishment other than a warning. They had never been out of detention so smoothly.
Sirius smirks.
"Was I good? Was I credible?" He asks his friends, wiping his eyes from forced tears, luckily he didn't do any makeup today.
"You're bloody brilliant Pads!" Peter praises him.
"I believed you for a moment myself," James says with a sigh of relief.
"Smart boy," Remus approves, lifting his chin up and kissing him on the lips.
Sirius grins.
He was definitely Minnie's favorite.
It's lunch time and Sirius is sitting at his chosen already in freshman year table with his friends, laughing at some story Peter told, and just then they are interrupted by none other than Regulus Black.
It's strange because Regulus doesn't approach Sirius often at school, he often just ignores his presence, but today he is standing at his table, if Sirius was naive he would believe that he wants to join him.
Maybe he's imagining it, maybe not, but Regulus stubbornly avoids the gaze of James who is, literally staring at him, he's probably as confused as Sirius, that's why is he's ogling his brother, for sure (he wants to believe it, okay?) and Regulus often ignores others, that's nothing new.
So yeah. Nothing weird about it, nor about the tense atmosphere between them.
"Hey, baby brother!" Sirius smiles at him, Regulus scans him with a disgruntled frown on his face.
"You were crying," he stated.
He had seen the situation, heard about it, or maybe read it in his face? Regulus could be terrifying, Sirius wouldn't be surprised if the slight redness from crying on his face immediately caught his younger brother's attention, and that was why he was here now.
You see, because Sirius learns new things every day and recently he learned that he is not the only protector, because his younger brother is also capable of taking care of him.
Sirius would argue and say I'm the oldest, I'll look after you, but then Regulus would say I'm the youngest, let me help when you're struggling, and well... that was news to Sirius. The fact that they were both old enough to take care of themselves just fine, but well, they could still rely on each other.
"Why," was more of a demand for an answer than a question.
Regulus was protective and caring, but he wasn't very good at showing it.
In fact, Sirius thought that Regulus was generally poor at expressing feelings.
While his face was a mirror of his soul, reflecting every emotion on it so brightly, while Sirius felt emotions very deeply, with his entire being. For example when he was happy, he would laugh loudly, he would smile, his eyes would shine, he would jump excitedly and scream.
Regulus, on the other hand... his face was usually natural or with a slight frown or with a scowl. His emotions couldn't be read on his face like an open book, not if he didn't let you, not if you didn't know him close enough.
Regulus was a secretive man, and a few people had the privilege of knowing how gentle, sensitive and soft he really was inside, beneath that shell of a mean posh boy.
Sirius didn't know why there was such a difference between them, but it had always been like that and he could live with it.
He probably felt special in a way, that he was so close to Regulus that his little brother trusted him so much that he was the most important thing in his life. It's an honor and... it's a very nice thing.
"Mommy issues," Remus shrugged as Sirius didn't answer, too focused on the glint of concern in his brother's soft eyes.
"What?" Regulus' voice rasped a pitch higher than usual, and Sirius immediately moved to calm him down.
"It's nothing. I just wanted to get out of detention, so I set Minnie up to feel bad for me," he rolled his eyes. "That prank I told you about, do you remember?"
"You're revealing our plans to others?" Peter clutched his heart as if hurt by this fact.
"Traitor," James joined him with a snort, clearly detached from watching Regulus.
(Lie, his eyes were still dreamy.)
/////
"Sirius invited us to James' party this weekend," Barty announces with a huge smile as soon as he saw Regulus.
Sirius found a good opportunity this morning, knowing that Regulus would come later today because of the Science Olympiad at another school, and by complete accident (not at all) he stumbled upon his brother's friends to invite them to the party.
Sirius knew that Regulus wouldn't come on his own and besides, he quite liked these kids, they were just a year below him and James invited half the school anyway (and Sirius knew that James would be happy when they came)
"Why?" Regulus frowns, not understanding, it doesn't make sense.
James's parties were parties for James's team (and other school teams) and James's friends and their companions.
Regulus and James weren't friends enough for him to invite them to his party. Regulus was just his friend's brother after all.
Sirius invited them? But Sirius didn't like Reg being around his friends.
This did not make sense.
Not that Regulus would even consider going there.
"Because he knew you wouldn't agree," Evan shrugs casually as if it was obvious.
"Right, but," Regulus agrees frowning.
"Yes, Reg, we know, we are not to talk or be friendly with Sirius," Barty pats him on the shoulder with a reassuring smile, Regulus huffs.
"That's why Barty spat in his face," Evan shrugs, Regulus' expression is priceless.
When Regulus widens his eyes, he looks like a doll and this makes his friends laugh. His mouth was slightly open in shock and his eyebrows were raised. Immediately afterwards, his facial expression changes to an angrier one.
Regulus could say that he hated his brother, but he was always the first to defend him, he was the first to help him, he was the first to comfort him.
And only he had the right to insult Sirius, okay?
"I did not!" Barty defends himself immediately. Barty knew for sure that it was better not to anger Regulus.
"I know you didin't," Evan shrugs "but look at how sweetly Reggie got nervous," he grins and poked Regulus on the cheek with his finger. "So we were invited to the coolest party ever," Evan decided to get back on topic.
"Well-" Regulus won't stop them from going, but they'll probably take him with them... not that Regulus was against going to the party, he just didn't agree to it out of principle (and to piss Sirius off).
"Relax Reg, we know you want to separate us from your cool brother," Barty grins, teasing him like the tosser that he is.
"Because we'd decide he's better than you and leave you," Evan adds.
Oh they really hated him.
"Laugh all you want," Regulus huffs "it's true, okay? Everyone always chooses him. He is literally better than me." He murmurs.
Okay, and maybe that made his friends' smiles fade. But it's true, isn't it? Sirius was older, he was better, he was cooler and people always liked him. Always.
"He's a loud extrovert, it's obvious he gets more attention, but that doesn't mean he's better than you," Evan reassures him comfortingly.
"I bet he's jealous of you the same way, probably hurts to see you being your parents' favorite and all," Barty agrees.
"Maybe that's why he doesn't want to take you with him when he sees his friends," Evan guesses.
"That would make sense," Barty nodds.
"Why is he changing his mind now?" Evan frowns.
"Maybe he matured," Barty shrugs.
"Sirius? Please," Evan laughs.
"Right," Barty murmurs "maybe–" he tries again.
"Can you two stop?" Regulus sighs heavily.
He really hates how they figure out his problems, especially since Regulus already knew it all.
/////
"Reggie, why don't you want to go to the party?" Sirius insists once again, why is he so insistent that Regulus be involved?
Fuck James for having a party.
"You know it'd be okay if you and James were friends, right?" Sirius raises an eyebrow, it's defiant in one way, questioning in another. "You can do it." He assures and, and well, Regulus felt his throat tighten.
"Sirius–" he doesn't even know what he wants to say.
"Neither of you will ever replace the other," Sirius throws in his face something that Regulus faced when he was ten, oh fuck him. "You're allowed to like him." Sirius repeats with a reassuring smile.
He's allowed to like James, he's allowed to like James. He is.
For a while, this was a problem for Regulus, because in fact when Sirius met James and couldn't shut up about him saying how great he was, Regulus was jealous. Oh, he was so jealous, so angry, so, so sad.
Regulus was a kid and well, for 10 years he was Sirius' favorite, he didn't want that to change and stupid James Potter was taking his brother away.
So he was jealous, he didn't know how to deal with it so he was rude and mean to James whenever they had a chance to meet, but James Potter was never anything other than kind. James was so good and lovely at everything he did that Regulus just couldn't hate him. He just couldn't.
At one point, Regulus was simply glad that Sirius had someone as warm, good, and kind as James in his life, because Sirius needed that tender, soft love.
Regulus couldn't give it to him so he was grateful for James Potter.
Regulus he quickly grew out of his jealousy and began to admire James instead, he pretended he wasn't so and for years he played indifferent and even hostile towards him, but in his heart Regulus always knew that James Potter was special, he really was.
And since the summer, Regulus had realized it painfully hard... every time he marveled at Potter being too young or stupid to realize it was more than camaraderie.
Well, maybe Regulus was crushing James long before he realized it, much earlier than this year's holidays, he just didn't name his feelings, or maybe it wasn't like that at all, maybe his feelings changed into something else only this year and just since now he saw James in a different way. Maybe.
"Sirius I'm not a kid, I grew out of this stupid jealousy," Regulus rolls his eyes.
He had grown out of it at eleven, and listening in awe as Sirius talked about James with his eyes shining with happiness, the Potter boy was simply too nice and it was impossible not to like him.
James made Sirius happy and everything and everyone who made Sirius smile was valuable to Regulus.
When Regulus started noticing this, that he was starting to like James he shut himself down, he didn't want to fall into it, he didn't want to fall into James Potter's snare, he didn't want to fall for him, he didn't want to fall in love, and what did he get out of it? Nothing.
Stupid James Potter.
"Did you?" Sirius raises an eyebrow, not believing him one bit.
Regulus has always been indifferent, quiet, well... sometimes malicious and mean towards James.
"Yes," Regulus nods, speaking forcefully and sincerely. Okay, Sirius was confused.
"You know," Sirius starts, chews his lip like always when he's stressed. "I was thinking that it's better now, that it's good, because," he sighs, it was good during the holidays, really, but then... "because you two were on talking terms and all, but lately," he closes his eyes "you've been avoiding him terribly lately," he points out. James tried not to pout about it in front of Sirius, but Sirius knew anyway. "Are you angry with me or him?" He decides to ask.
That's the only thing that came to his mind. Regulus must be angry with one of them. That must have been why he pushed them away.
"No Sirius, I'm not angry," Regulus shakes his head. It's true.
He's scared that's what he is.
A coward.
"So why are you avoiding him?" Sirius frowns. "He's sad. James doesn't like it when people ignore him or dislike him," and he has a crush on you, so be nicer to him for fuck sake. Sirius, however, did not add it aloud.
"I'm not mad at him and I don't dislike him, in fact–" now or never, right? Regulus is sick of hiding it, he needs someone to share it with and he always share with Sirius the deep stuff so... "Sirius, I think I like him a little too much actually," it's quiet and honest and very very scared and fragile.
It's as gentle as anything that has ever come out of Regulus' mouth.
Crying is not really Regulus' thing, but one tear escapes from his eyes now, he quickly wipes it, he allowed himself only one drop, one tear, he was afraid that if he allowed himself more, he would crack and break.
He can trust Sirius, who if not him, right? Sirius was his light, his brightest ray in life, he would understand, he would understand right? Sirius always understands.
"What?" Sirius stares at him blinking, it's not happening, Sirius doesn't believe it.
It's not true.
His brother and his friend have feelings for each other? This is not just a crush anymore. It's more serious and well-
"Nothing, forget it," Regulus speaks quickly, he drops Sirius's hand off his shoulder and is about to turn and run away.
He's made a complete fool of himself and Sirius will never forgive him.
James is important to Sirius, how dare Regulus fall in love with him? He knows it's off limits, he knows it's forbidden. So how dare he? What's more, how dare he tell Sirius about this and seek his support?
He really must have been naive.
Regulus was falling in love with his brother best friend so does he have the right to blame Sirius? He would hate himself too.
"No, no Reggie," Sirius shakes his head, grabbing his wrist "okay, it's okay, I'm not going to be angry, it's okay," he assures him quietly and calmly, even though his gaze is not calm at all.
"Sure," Regulus snorts, its wet, his eyes watery, it's obvious Sirius is lying and it hurts.
"No. Really, I just- I need a minute but it's okay," Sirius assures, it was okay, it was.
It was okay because they both deserved happiness.
Sirius knew.
It was okay because James would be good to Regulus,
it was okay, because James would respect him and treat him right.
Sirius knew.
It was okay because Regulus would steal the stars for James,
it was okay because Regulus would take care of him.
Sirius knew.
It was okay because they fit together in some twisted way and Sirius can see that.
It was okay because the two of them needed each other.
Sirius was okay with it as long as they were okay.
"Don't worry Sirius," Regulus shakes his head humorlessy "it's not like he'd ever be interested, he's straight anyway."
Sirius watches him with big eyes, firstly because his brother has a crush on his best friend (his friend also has a crush on his brother as well(!)), secondly because Regulus was heartbroken, thirdlly because Regulus thinks James is straight.
Sirius couldn't reveal any of their secrets to either of them, he couldn't go to James and say Regulus felt the same way, he couldn't go to Regulus and say James had a crush on him. He couldn't out either of them out to the other, to show them that they have a chance in trying, because it was none of his business to speak and share.
But damn.
What is Sirius going to do? His best friend found love back. His brother had met the love and had a chance at a really great relationship, only... neither of them would bring it up.
Sirius needs a plan.
But before that, he needs to be a big brother.
"Oh Reggie," he mumbles and wrapped him in a tight embrace "do you want to sit in my room eat some ice cream and let yourself rant about him to me? I promise not to vomit," he smiles faintly.
He hugged him once more and Regulus squeezed him back which Sirius took for a yes.
Shit, shit, shit, what was Sirius supposed to do?
His bestfriend is pinning about his brother for over a month now and his brother has a crush at his best friend as well. Sirius knows it sounds horribly but he hopes it wasn't.
He hope that they would end up together and live happily in love because it's what they deserves.
Damn Remus, he makes Sirius think responsibly.
/////
"So are you sure you're definitely going to this party?" Sirius makes sure for the hundredth time, he's already dressed and just waiting for Remus to pick him up so they can go to James together, at this time he decided to check on his younger brother.
"Yes Sirius, I'm sure," Regulus rolls his eyes as he buttons up his black shirt.
"Okay," Sirius nodded "but if you want to leave sooner or whatever happens, find me, text me, call me, okay?" He orders him worriedly.
"Okay," Regulus sighs.
Overall, Regulus was surprised how well Sirius reacted to the news.
Frankly, he was terribly afraid of his brother reaction, after all, it was about James, Sirius's best friend, his soulmate and his sun. Regulus didn't know if he was above him or below him in terms of importance to Sirius. (He probably didn't even want to find out.)
"You promise?" Sirius asks with big eyes, Regulus swears he's like a fucking dog sometimes.
"Sirius, I'm not a child," he states with a sighs "and I'll be there with my friends," he adds, hoping this will calm him down a bit "stop fussing," he ordered.
"Okay, okay," Sirius raises his hands in surrender. "Are you sure you're okay being around James?" He asks gently.
"Sirius," Regulus sighs agaian "yes I'm sure," he smiles softly, he knows Sirius is worried, he understands. "I've been hiding it pretty well so far don't you think?" He smirks, because Sirius' expression of disbelief was priceless.
Regulus had no right to know that it was caused by more than his feelings for James, more so because James reciprocated his feelings.
"I would never guess that," Sirius agreed. He wouldn't. He didn't see that coming, never.
He could imagine James falling in love with Regulus but Regulus falling in love with James? No never.
Well... perhaps he just didn't want to see it, maybe he rejected the thought, because if he thinks about it more deeply, it's obvious.
Regulus was destined to fall in love with the sun. Sirius could see it.
"Don't worry, I'll be okay," he asures with a small smile "it'll pass, whatever."
Should Sirius tell him that crushes longer than 6 weeks don't in fact "pass" that easily?
"He's not seeing anyone lately so you know," Sirius winks at him.
"Are you trying to convince me to hit on your friend, Sirius?" Regulus raises an eybrow.
"I'm just saying," he shakes his head.
"What do you think of my outfit," he asked his brother while he had the chance, before Sirius left, he spun around presenting himself.
It's no big deal, his shirt is black, he rolled up the sleeves, he also left two buttons unbuttoned at the top, his pants are also black, fitted, and he only styled his hair a little. He chose his everyday rings and decided to go for a silver chain with a star pendant (it's tacky, but it's a gift from Sirius so he'll protect it at all costs, okay?).
He thought he looked pretty good.
"I think," Sirius smacked his lips as he scanned him with his eyes. "That it looked much cooler on me," he grinned, biting his tongue.
Regulus rolled his eyes, right, it was Sirius's shirt which he had recently taken from his brother, well he didn't take it, he asked if he could keep it and Sirius said "yeah, sure."
"You look great, Reggie," he assured, took a step closer, straightened his shirt collar, and kissed him on the forehead.
Sirius had gone with Remus earlier, they were helping James with the preparations and Sirius even offered Regulus to join them but Regulus declined, preferring to go with his friends having some sort of support.
They still arrived earlier than most guests. Pandora and Dorcas talked to each other the whole way, so did Barty and Evan, Regulus just stared ahead, the sun went down, he smiled slightly, the smile quickly vanished from his face as he lost the pebble he had been digging in front of him for several meters.
Sirius opened the door for them with a wide smile on his lips, he invited them inside.
"Regulus, could you call James downstairs?" Remus called from the kitchen. It makes sense, because only Regulus other than Sirius knows where his room is so he goes.
He climbs the stairs and quickly finds the door to James' room, knocks and waits for a reply that is a cheerful "come in!" Regulus swallows.
"Hi, Regulus!" James grins cheerfully.
"Hi," Regulus mumbles in response.
"What? Did you come to show me how good you look all dressed up?" James smiles.
Regulus was stunned, he doesn't know right? Sirius wouldn't tell him, he wouldn't do that, he wouldn't betray his secret, he trusted him. Sirius wouldn't. So it's just a joke, right? It must be a joke.
"What if I came to see how good you look all dressed up?" He asks with a smirk, pretending to be bold but it works anyway. James swallows nervously but after that a big grin grew on his face.
"Mr. Black, are you flirting with me?" James asks with a happy twinkle in his eye.
He's joking, he's joking, he's joking. It's just a joke!
"And how would that make you feel if I was?" Regulus raises an eyebrow, playing bravely today. Sirius might not have encouraged him, (well, it doesn't change much because another smile from James and there was nothing left of Regulus's courage.) "Remus calls you," he adds and leaves his room, shortly after locking himself in the bathroom washing his face with cold water.
What the hell did he just do?
/////
"Sirius you know I didin't hit you! I swung but I missed!" Explains the stressed boy.
"Look Severus," Sirius turns to him, swaying slightly on his feet "I–" he stops there and pretend to faint. Remus caught him and helped him straighten up, playing along. Sirius gave him a small smile.
"Okay, let's take him to the nurse's," Professor who showed up at the scene of the accident grabs his shoulders and Sirius smiles gratefully.
"But I didin't hit him!" Severus defends himself.
He bumped into Sirius and they exchanged some unpleasant sentences with each other and so Sirius annoyed him and provoked him so he almost hit him but almost.
"Can someone call my mum?" Sirius asks weakly.
"I will call your mum," James assures him and reaches into his pants pocket, he knows he won't call her and Sirius knows he's only doing it for public, his mother wouldn't answer but people don't know about Sirius's 'warm' relationship with his mother.
"He doesn't need his mum, don't bother her!" Severus shouted at them.
"I gonna call his mum," James threatens further, pressing something on his phone.
"And I thought we were just starting to be friends, Severus," Sirius turns to him one last time with something like betrayal pain in his eyes, his voice trembling.
The professor leads him to the nurse, Sirius still pretends to be shaken.
"But, I-I didn't!" The boy shouted after them.
"We expected better from you, Severus," Remus gives him a coold look, even though he knows this whole thing is a set-up and Sirius is fine, in fact it was very Sirius' fault but oh well. Severus was not a person to like.
Severus is summoned to the headmaster, leaves the office in a lousy mood, left with minus points and detention. Fucking Black.
Annoyed, he yanks open the door to the nearest restroom and fuck.
"Oh my fuck!" Shouted someone who had obviously been hit by the door. "Walk more carefully, you bastard!" His tone indicates bossy, mean and posh.
"You could also be careful," Severus snorts, it's not his fault that someone stumbled upon the door. A kid who looks like a pissed off little duckling or a kitten stands in front of him, so he snorts. Scans his face, cold eyes and black curls "oh shit," he grins broadly. "Black, isn't it?" His smile is mean, he's already planning something.
Regulus hasn't been in this school for a long time but it's already been known that he's nothing like his brother so he's an easy target.
Severus can get back at Sirius through his younger brother. Because the other obvious thing is, Sirius is terribly protective of those he cares about.
"And?" Regulus raises an eyebrow, really cute kid, how old is he, fourteen? For a moment Severus scans the younger boy with his eyes, he probably doesn't even know how to fight, he looks delicate, but let him know that his death glare is better than Sirius's. "You could have hurt me, you know?" The boy raises an eyebrow even more.
"And you're what, a pussy?" Severus snorts.
Regulus clenches his teeth in anger and annoyance. He's a good boy, he wouldn't get into a pointless fight. Well, he still pushed that boy wanting to pass and leave, he won't waste his energy on brainless morons, no.
Severus pulls him back by his shirt, Regulus wobbles and Severus takes advantage of this and punch him in the face. Regulus growls, his gaze becomes hazy and his body limp.
An easy target, as Severus thought.
He throws another punch and how shocked he is when Regulus stops it.
Well, Regulus knew the most important self-defense moves. Of course Sirius taught his brother how to throw a punch, what kind of a great older brother would he be if he didn't?
Young Black twists Severus's arm with an indifferent expression on his face.
"Don't try, you don't want me to have a bad mood," younger boy hissed, still twisting his arm, he would be able to break it if he wanted to. Severus tries to pull away. "Help! HELP, please someone help!" Regulis cried out. His voice trembling and weeping, choked.
Fucking actor.
Regulus crumples his shirt, turns Severus around holding him tightly by the collar, shifts them and slams his body against the wall. Severus is too confused to react
"Please let me go," he pleads tearfully as the door opens, two people pull Severus away and Regulus is huddled on the floor, shivering and crying.
"Everything all right?" The headmaster crouches beside him. Regulus shudders and denies shaking his head, sobbing, burying his face in his hands.
"What the fuck?" Severus blinks. Regulus gives him a look that says: you messed with the wrong person, dude.
"Did he hurt you, boy?" Regulus nods uncertainly, sniffles and winces in pain.
"It hurts," he weeps, his eyes are watery and his voice is trembling, he has blood on his lips, his nose is bleeding slowly and a bruise is forming under his eye, from a blow he didn't manage to stop. "I thought I could feel safe in this school," he whispered brokenly. "Mom said it would be fine," he sobbed, curling into a ball. "I don't know what he was about, he just attacked me, sir," he explains trembling.
"Severus, are you having some sick contest to hurt every Black in this school?" The headmaster looks at him coldly "to my office," he ordered.
Regulus is at the nurse's, merrily swinging his legs and chatting with Poppy when the door opens and his mom steps in.
"Mother?" He blinks.
"Oh my poor boy," she hugs him, Regulus's eyes open wide "how dare he hurt you," she hissed "tell me everything, he will be punished, I'll take care of it," she informs. "Regulus, oh, your pretty face," she watches him carefully "let's hope it heals quickly," she sighs. "Let's go to the principal and talk to him," Regulus nods. He's shocked she's here.
[10.28] Siriusly annoying
I got into a fight, mother came, I'm going to the principal with her from nurse
He tapped quickly on his phone and sent it to Sirius.
In less than half a minute, Sirius is on their way and eagerly cups Regulus' face in his hands.
"I thought I taught you well to defend yourself," he frowns. "Who did this to you?" He asks, their mother sighs.
"Sirius, don't bother us, we're going to the headmaster's," she informs, giving him a look.
"Oh! I also visited him today, I faint because Snape hit me," he boasts with a wide smile.
"Sirius not now," she waved her hand.
She wasn't worried about Sirius.
Nothing new.
"You'll tell me everything," Sirius orders as he sits down outside the Headmaster's office, Regulus nods and follows his mother.
Regulus tells to headmaster what happened in as much detail and made-up things as possible, looking uncertain the whole time and trying to keep his voice quavering and cracking believably.
He's very good at pretending to be a bigger victim than he was in the situation. After all, he was the younger child.
The boy just hit him with the doors by accident and it could have ended there, he wouldn't have brought it up again but no, that boy had to talk and hit him, he was messing with the wrong person, so he's gonna pay.
After that, Regulus leaves the office and sits next to Sirius. Within seconds, you hear Walburga Black scream.
"THIS IS NOT THE SCHOOL MY CHILDREN DESERVE, THEY WERE BOTH PUT IN A DANGER TODAY. WHAT DO YOU IMAGINE!? STUDENTS LIKE HIM SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM SCHOOL. THIS SCHOOL SHOULD BE A SAFE PLACE, I WILL NOT TOLERATE SUCH SITUATIONS!"
"Nice," Sirius chuckles, Regulus shakes his head and told him about today.
"NO! HIS SUSPENSION DOESN'T SATISFY ME, HE SHOULD APOLOGIZE TO MY CHILDREN AND NEVER GO TO THEM AGAIN, IS THAT CLEAR?"
"Yes of course," The principal agrees, even he is afraid of Walburga Black, is anyone surprised?
The brothers laugh out loud as they come home, they have been excused from school and have free time, rolling around on the floor.
When Sirius found out who was trying to mess with Regulus, he burst out laughing so loud it hurt Regulus's ears.
[11.12] Mr.Sunshine
Is Reggie okay?
Sirius got a message from James.
"Regulus are you okay?" Sirius asks as he records the message.
"Fuck off," Regulus scoffs.
"As you hear, he's doing just fine," Sirius assures amused and send the massage.
"Who are you sending to?" Regulus' eyes widen suddenly.
"James," he shrugs.
"No," Regulus shakes his head "do it again," he demanded.
"Why?" Sirius smirks. "So you could say 'I'm alright, don't worry baby'?"
"You fucking–" Regulus hit him with a pillow.
//////
[7.58] Starlight
Call me
[7.58] Moonbeam
Good morning darling, I'm good, thanks for asking, and how are you? Oh, nice to hear that. Yes, the weather is really nice.
[7.59] Starlight
Stop being picky and call me. But in a moment so it wouldn't look like a fake phone call
[7.59] Moonbeam
But it will be a fake phone call.
[7.59] Starlight
Doesn't matter, you love me so do this for me, I'll tell you everything but later
[8.00] Moonbeam
Fine.
[8.00] Starlight
I love you
[8.01] Starlight
Answer me, you fucking moron
[8.02] Moonbeam
I was searching for a gif, here:
[8.02] Moonbeam
I Love You.
[8.02] Starlight
...
"Are you talking to Remus? You're smiling all over," Regulus raises an eybrow as he enters the kitchen.
"I am, so you know I'm in happy relationship, not like you single losers," Sirius stuck his tongue out at him, Regulus gave him the middle finger in response.
"Strawberries or mango for this cocktail?" James asked before their small exchange of words turned into fisticuffs. He wasn't used to sibling quarrels, and quite honestly, they scared him a little.
Regulus only now seemed to be aware of James' presence. His eyes widened slightly and he ran his hand through his hair, trying to make them more compact than they were after a night's sleep.
"James and I are going today to-" and before Sirius can finish and invite Regulus to join them, his phone rings and he frowns, he had already forgotten his cunning plan "well, looks serious, unlisted number, do you think it's a bank employee? Or maybe it's from the road inspection, this unpaid ticket?" Sirius answers the call and puts the phone to his ear "that's right, Sirius Black on the phone," he says as he leaves the kitchen.
James and Regulus exchange confused looks.
Sirius had a brilliant plan, creating opportunities for Regulus and James to be alone so that they could talk freely and perhaps even discover their feelings for each other over time.
So today, knowing that Regulus would come down to the kitchen at 8 o'clock, because that's what he does every Sunday, he invited James over for a sleepover and on Sunday he put them in the kitchen by eight o'clock only to leave the two a few minutes later and maybe just eavesdrop a little.
It must have worked because Regulus and James started talking and they did it quite lively.
/////
[11:23] Siriusly annoying
I
love
you
<3
[11:23] Regg the egg
pls don't do that again
[11:23] Siriusly annoying
I FUCKING LOVE YOU BITCH
[11:23] Regg the egg
FUCK OFF
I HATE YOU SO MUCH
YOU LITERALLY MAKE MY BLOOD BOIL
[11:24] Siriusly annoying
Just wanted you to know though
I do not hate you all of the time
[11:24] Regg the egg
I'll take it
you're okay sometimes too
[11.24] Siriusly annoying
Awww
[12.32] Regg the egg
Okay, I can't stand it. What's wrong, why have you been so abnormally nice to me lately?
[12.32] Siriusly annoying
What do you mean?
[12.33] Regg the egg
dunno, you just seem nicer than ever
[12.33] Siriusly annoying
I can punch you in the face if you want???
[12.34] Siriusly annoying
But seriously, I don't know, I guess I'm growing up.
[12.35] Siriusly annoying
I really love you, Reg
Sirius was left on read after that, he sighed sadly, looking at his phone and the displayed conversation.
"You fucking bastard, you can't get all emotional and nice and then, then‐" Regulus enters his brother's room about 10 minutes later and throws a board game at him, Sirius winces in pain. "You can't tell me things like that and make me to feel feelings," he snorted and unfolded the game board, "mine are green," he informed.
Sirius accepted it.
//////
"You're taking another language?" Sirius frowns.
"I didn't take French," Regulus shrugs, Sirius looks at him confused "why should I take a language I'm fluent in? I chose Spanish, it's a nice challenge," he explains with a shrug.
"You'd have an easy A, I did," Sirius shrugs "and now you're crying over the textbook," he points out "pathetic," he sticks his tongue out at his brother.
"Fuck off," Regulus shoves him "it's not easy, I'm used to learning a language with a tutor like in childhood," he explains with a sigh.
"Oi!" Sirius grins suddenly.
"What?" Regulus is ready to know this great idea Sirius just came up with.
"James is fluent in Spanish," he points out "his mum taught him, he talks to his grandparents in it so he is still improving, he could help you! James loves to help." Sirius is grinning.
He's brilliant, his plan is brilliant.
"No," Regulus refuses sharply.
"Because?" Sirius raises an eybrow "you'll get a chance to be alone with him," he wiggles his brows, Regulus hit him for that "and James realy is smart, you might think he's an idiot but he's so fucking smart when he want to," Sirius keep encouraging him "besides, you won't find anyone better anyway and you said yourself that it's better to study with someone, try it," he smiles.
"I won't," Regulus huffs.
[17.28] Regulus Black
Will you help me with my Spanish? Sirius said you're good at it.
[17.28] James Potter
I would love to! :D
[17.29] James Potter
When you want to meet? At mine or yours? :)
//////
"What's that?" James curiously points to the terrarium, a few meters which is filled with lots of things like branches and small caves.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Regulus smiles. "Come closer, take a look," he suggests "he's so pretty," he bite his lip "don't be afraid, he may confuse your attitude with aggression," he informs seriously "he is gentle," he assures.
"When did you get it?" James asks, he doesn't remember this pet being here the last time he was visiting.
"When Sirius got the motorbike," he shrugs "my parents didn't want me to feel left out so they asked me what I wanted, I wanted a pet," Regulus smiles.
"And you chose a snake?" James blinks slowly.
"It's a corn snake, they're good for beginners, they're easy to care for and calm, they don't bite, they seem to have some venom, but it only works on small rodents," he explains. "It's a Blizzard corn snake, it's unusual, white with black eyes, it's so cool."
"Does he have a name?" James looks curiously through the glass of the terrarium.
"It's Salazar," Regulus bites his lip to suppress a smile.
"I wouldn't let you name the baby," James laughs and shakes his head as Regulus panics for a moment.
"Do you find that name inappropriate for my snake?" He emphasized with narrowed eyes.
"No, no, it's a beautiful name," James assures amusedly."I wouldn't expect you to choose such a pet, I always thought you were more of a cat person," he adds.
"I am," he admits "and I've always wanted a cat but stupid Sirius must be allergic," he huffs.
"I don't think your parents would have a problem with that," James admits quietly.
They don't give a shit about Sirius, not amymore, he was 'too broken' and 'too difficult' they decided, and that's just so fucking sad.
"I would have a problem with that," Regulus sighs.
"So you care," James grins.
"Shut up," Regulus purses his lips "do you want to hold Salazar?" He asks with a smirk.
"You know," James chuckles nervously "maybe not now," Regulus laughs at that. "We've got some work to do, Mi hermosa luz de estrella, don't we?" James smiles softly.
Well, Regulus didn't think this through, because James Potter speaking suggestively in Spanish towards him... oh boy, he can't handle it.
/////
Regulus no matter how sick he was or how bad he felt, wouldn't admit it, he would overwork himself, but he wouldn't admit that he was sick, tired or in need of help. Never.
"You're swaying on your feet, go to bed Regulus," Sirius demands.
"No," Regulus shakes his head "I have something to do," he argued.
"It's not more important than your health, please go back to bed," Sirius pleaded "every step you take you wince in pain," he points out "I'll make you some tea, read to you and bring you a heating pad and some sweets, what do you say?" He smiles softly.
"Fine," Regulus sighed resignedly. There's no point in arguing with Sirius, he would take him to his room by force.
So they went to the room of the younger brother and sat together on the bed, Regulus leaned against Sirius and sighed. Sirius wrapped a protective arm around him and kissed his forehead, giving him a worried look.
"I really am fine," Reguls assured his older brother quietly. Sirius continued to play with his hair, he humed softly.
"I can massage you if you want," Sirius propose after a moment, Regulus seemed to consider it.
"But I don't take my clothes off," he reserves instead of simply agreeing.
"Sure thing," Sirius nods.
Moments later, Regulus was dozing off. Sirius was playing with his phone, he answered James's call before the sound of music would wake Regulus.
"Hey, hey, how's Regulus?" James asks worriedly, Sirius wrote to him that he wasn't feeling very well today.
"Better now," Sirius assures.
"Good to hear," James smiles lightly "what happened?" He asks.
"He just has his tummy troubles," Sirius winced as he explained.
"Sirius!" Regulus hisses at him. Sirius isn't sure if it was because of what he said or if it woke him up talking.
"Sure, sure you're a big, strong man and you're so healthy every day of the year at every hour," Sirius rolls his eyes "bro your forehead is hotter than sidewalk in australia in summer," he snorts.
"Don't "bro" me!" Regulus snaps, punching him in the ribs.
"Someone's in a bad mood here," Sirius teases, he flicked him on the nose.
"Shut up!" Regulus put his hand to his brother's mouth and Siriius bites him "you fucking dog," Regulus hissed "why would you even talk to him about me," he clenched his teeth.
"I have to go and I don't want to leave you alone so I invited James," Sirius informs.
"What?" Regulus' eyes widened.
James had actually come to spend time with Regulus, but did Sirius really need to go somewhere? This will remain his sweet secret.
James enters Regulus' room with a slight smile, he finds both brothers there. Regulus lies curled up with his eyes closed and Sirius rubs his back.
"Hi," Sirius smile at him "I really have to go now, you can make tea for you two and you can drink it when he wakes up. I give him 10 minutes max. I know he's not a fucking baby but at 6pm he should take his meds again so make sure he does because he likes to ignore his feelings, bye Jamie, thank you," he gives directions and wave as he leaves.
And James did as suggested when he came back upstairs with two steaming mugs of tea, (Regulus's with a teaspoon of sugar and milk because that's how he liked it best, and James just knew), Regulus already sat on the bed rubbing his tired eyes.
"So he wasn't joking," Regulus groaned in agony as he collapsed onto the bed as he spotted James.
"What a warm welcome, I'm flattered," James grins happily, Regulus snorts a laugh. "I've brought some tea," he announces as he places the mugs on the dresser and walks away to sit in one of the armchairs. Regulus' room was large enough to have such comforts.
"Don't be silly James, come here," Regulus pats the spot on the bed next to him "I won't infect you," he assures with a faint smile. His cheeks flushed from the ongoing fever and his hair messy from Sirius' fingers and sleep, he looks damn beautiful and James bites his tongue to not say it out loud.
"Okay," he agreed excitedly.
"You don't have to look after me, I'm fine, we can do something," Regulus asures.
"We'll do something that doesn't make you get out of bed or Sirius will kill me," James states seriously.
"So let's look for bed activities, yeah?" Regulus raises an eyebrow looking at James flatly, James' eyes widen as he begins to assure that he didn't mean it, Regulus laughs "let's watch a movie," he decides after a moment.
"I can take Sirius's laptop," James offers.
"Nah," Regulus shakes his head "look," he turns on the projector in his room.
Oh, Regulus was a spoiled brat and he knew it.
They chose a movie, James brought snacks, Regulus wasn't even surprised that he knew where to find everything, he also didn't think about the fact that James had brought his favorite snacks, apparently they had to be on top. (They were not).
They watched a movie and talked, but one sentence from James in particular caught Regulus's attention more.
"He's so hot," James said as he put a popcorn in his mouth and stared at the screen as one of the actors left the coffee shop bumping into this main character.
"What?" Regulus stared at him blinking slowly, what did he say?
"What? Don't you think he is?" James shrugs.
"Yes he is, but–" he frowns.
"Oh," James shakes his head. "Didn't you know I'm pansexual?" He smiles.
"You're- yeah, whatever, good for you, I guess," Regulus shrugs. He's not excited, not even a bit "but I think that security guard from the theater is hotter, did you see his ass in that outfit?" He shrugs.
"So gay of you," James laughs.
"Yeah, well, it's hard to argue with the truth," he huffs a laugh, James laughed too.
It's a nice evening.
When Sirius came home he found both of them in bed, which he took as a success, but then he take a closer look and they both lay on opposite sides with a meter gap between them, each turned in its own direction. He sighed.
/////
"Huh?" Regulus opens the door rubbing his eyes, he's just been jolted out of a nap. He yawned. "James?" He frowns.
"We had an appointment," James smiles apologetically.
"Fuck, right," Regulus opens his eyes wider, he completely forgot, he take a fucking nap. "Sorry," he mumbles "my room is a mess, we can go to the living room," he suggests.
Their house was taken care of by cleaning ladies, but the rooms of Mr. and Mrs. Black's sons were not entirely accessible to them, they could take baskets of dirty clothes from there, but apart from that, they had no need to go there.
Sirius and Regulus were not so spoiled that they couldn't clean their own room, well, when it comes to major cleaning, once a month all the furniture was put away, the dust was thoroughly wiped and everything, but they usually had to do the daily cleaning themselves.
"Not a problem really, wherever it is more convenient for you," James assures with a smile.
"Yeah, okay, come in," he sighs, he doesn't have the strength to move around much, he's still hazy from his sleep.
He's just adorable, his hair a mess, his cheeks pink and his eyes a little hazy. His clothes are wrinkled and too big for him, the sleeves of his sweatshirt cover his hands almost completely. It's not his clothes, neither are Sirius's, James frowns.
"Not yours?" He casually, nods his head at Regulus.
"Hm?" Regulus mumbles "oh," he looks down at himself "Barty should be careful where he leaves his stuff," he huffs "his favorite sweatshirt, it's incredibly soft, he won't get it back that fast," he mutters.
"Barty's?" James asks, lips pursed, he's not jealous, he shouldn't, he can't, he's not.
"Mhm," Regulus nods "here," he invites James to the table "sorry, I'm not contacting properly today," he sighs.
"It's okay, we can let it go today," James assures with a smile.
"Thank God," he sighs closing his book "so what are we going to do?" He asks.
So Regulus wants to spend time with him unforced?
Of course he wanted to, he loves spending their Spanish class with him because James speaking the language did things to his stomach, but of course he also loved James' presence.
"And what you want? I think we'd rather stay here. We can see if you're better than Sirius at mario card, watch a movie, I'll get us some snacks, or we can read something," Regulus doesn't let him finish listing the activities.
"Read?" He raises his eyebrows.
"You like it right?" James frowns, looking out of the corner of his eye at his impressive bookcase, sorted by colors, sizes and authors, wow. "You may not believe it, but I like it too," he smiles "for a long time I analyzed poems just for fun," he admits slightly embarrassed.
"You did not," Regulus chuckles.
"Yeah," James sighs, his cheeks slightly pink.
He's so cute.
How dare he?
Finally they decided to play on console, Regulus was looking for the second controller when he heard a hiss. He quickly turned his head toward the terrarium and looked at Salazar.
"Hi buddy you're annoyed?" He laughs. "Maybe you want to hold him today?" Regulus looks at James, he opens the lid and slowly pulls out the pet, lets it crawl over his shoulder, it rests on the back of his neck resting his head on Regulus's shoulder, James watches, the snake raises its head and hisses at him.
"I'm not sure if he likes me," James muttered uncertainly.
"He bite Barty and peed on Evan, he also lick Pandora and hiss on Dorcas," Regulus says, as if that's supposed to comfort James.
"Okay, give it to me," he finally agrees "just tell me how," he pleads.
Sirius, leaving his room, hears laughter from his brother's room, it's a rare occurrence, but it's not just Regulus laughing, it's also James.
Sirius wonders what's so funny about Spanish, he shakes his head.
Good for them.
James doesn't leave until the evening and Sirius is no longer at home so he can't complain that James was at his house for so long and didn't even talk to him for a second. Regulus bids him farewell as James closes the door behind him.
"Hey, James wait!" Regulis calls out, but James didn't stop, didn't turn around. "Doesn't matter," he shook his head, picking up James' hoodie from the bed and squeezing its soft material.
James left it here, in his room, on his bed. Regulus will never know that he did it on purpose.
He can wear James' hoodie and breathe in its soothing scent, he can give it back to him later, he can leave it in the dry cleaners next to Sirius' clothes and no one will ever know it was in his possession, Sirius won't even know, he sure has plenty of other clothes belonging to James after all.
/////
[14.56] James
I'm so sorry, Regulus, but I can't come today, please don't be mad, I'll explain later, I swear.
James sent him a message. It's not like him, it's weird and—
Regulus dialed his number and called.
"Mom, I told you-" James' voice is shaky, shaky and wet, its like– like he's crying.
"Um, it's not mom," Reg said softly, "are you okay?" He asked, frowning.
Something must have been very wrong if James was crying.
This golden boy was practically never anything other than happy.
"Oh," James panics, quickly trying to regain his composure. "I'm sorry" he says, which seems stupid to Regulus, why is he apologizing? "It's stupid, don't worry, I'm stupid, it's no big deal."
"Hey, hey, I'm sure it's not stupid," Regulus states.
"No really, I'm oversensitive, I shouldn't have-" he says, stressed.
"James, listen to me carefully, okay?" He demands. "You're not overreacting, dramatic or childish. You're struggling and that's valid. If it hurts, it hurts. You don't have to pretend you're okay," he assured quietly.
James remains silent.
"James?" he asks "do you- ugh, this is stupid," he sighs but he continued anyway "do you want me to came?"
"Please?"
So Regulus was standing outside James' door a moment later, waving goodbye to his driver. Camil Reacher had been working for the Black family for years and Regulus had to admit he really liked him. Sometimes it happened that this man seemed closer to Regulus than their own father, but that was a minor thing.
"My parents aren't at home, you can come in," James opens the door for him, rubbing his red eyes. His glasses are gone from his nose and his face is sad.
Oh James...
"Well, I was with my parents at my grandparents' house, they're really great people, but... you know it's always a lot of stress for me, going there, visiting them, trying to be perfect for them because all my cousins are and I am just– a disappointment. And you know, my grandma started saying something shitty and I sat there with tears in my eyes and my grandpa summed it up with "you are too sensitive" and as I was sitting there having a panic attack until my parents came back and I heard "You're faking it", and I– it was a hard day. Mom didn't want to leave me alone but– I'm sorry I'm ranting about that all, you probably don't even care and-"
"Oh James. I'm so sorry someone made you think your feelings aren't valid."
It was weird, seeing James this way.
James has never been anything other than happy and funny and charming to anyone but... but now James seems closer, more human, more real, less perfect and Regulus thinks that's beautiful.
There were times when Regulus caught James at less than ideal times, of course. Regulus was an observer, of course he noticed things and he noticed James too.
Regulus had the opportunity to observe James, he had the opportunity to get to know him and he knew, he knew how James speaks fondly of his passions and talents, music poems and stars, but then he often stops short and apologises for speaking at all. He noticed it.
All because somewhere in her life, someone ignored his beautiful words telling him to shut up, keep it down, nobody cares.
People aren't born sad.
We make them that way.
And Regulus was determined to make sure James would never feel like this again, he promised himself that James would never be sad because of him.
In his life he wanted to be something that didn't hurt.
And he will try, you will see that he will try.
"So you're saying your chauffeur's literal name is Creature?" James laughs.
"No, no, no," Regulus shakes his head "It's C. Reacher." He explains.
"I just said it!" James huffs a laugh.
/////
"Want to go bowling with us?" Sirius asks Regulus as he points to himself and Remus when his younger brother enters his room.
"Why? So that I could thrid wheeling?" Regulus huffs "no thanks."
"James will be too," Remus puts in.
"And why would that change my mind?" Regulus raises an eyebrow.
By now, he's sure Remus knew. All those meaningful glances and little clues in words. Nevertheless, he was grateful to him that he never broached the subject directly.
Regulus was also convinced that Remus and Sirius are gossiping about him more than once a week, so it's not really surprising.
"Because," Sirius grins "James will be there," he explains with wide grin.
"Yeah, whatever, when?" Regulus sighs.
"Tomorrow," Sirius informs.
"Cool, see you," he opened the curtains, letting light into Sirius's room, and left.
But the next day he had to go bowling and he knew nothing about bowling, he never held a bowling ball in his hands, it's not a game for boys from good families and rich homes, it's a commoner's game played in sleazy bars and- and it looks like a lot of fun, but Regulus doesn't know a thing about bowling, so he read about bowling techniques and watched videos until midnight, he didn't want to embarrass himself with the rest.
Once there, they split into teams, and of course Sirius wouldn't leave Remus, so Regulus is stuck with James. (Did he complain? Not really.)
"We'll lose this," Regulus says flatly.
"Yeah? Why?" James grins.
"I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing here," he muttered "I tried to pick up one of the balls and fuck I can't even lift it," he admits iritated.
"Well," James smiles at him "let me help, they have different weights," he informs "try this one first, we warm up before the game anyway," James hands him one of the balls, it's not heavy but it's not light either, Regulus grimaces, not too happy "besides not wanting to brag but I'm pretty good at bowling," James grins.
"And them?" He nodded towards his brother and his brother's boyfriend.
"Sirius is good but I can easily beat him, however I usually let him win but don't tell him," James pleads. "Remus, on the other hand, is an average player, if he's lucky he can get three strikes in a row and if he doesn't, he can lose it all in second so it's a very balanced fight at the moment," he informs, Regulus nods.
"Any tips?" He looks hopefully at James. "Should I just drop it? It's harder than in the movies," he muttered indignantly.
"Let me help," James suggests, helps him position himself and Regulus' first throw isn't bad, he knocks down half the pins, James congratulates him.
They practice two more times before Sirius calls them to start the duel.
The fight is fierce but Sirius gets offended and whines when he loses, Regulus on the other hand gets angry when they loses, they argue a lot.
It's funny to watch how they fight, and call out each other only to help each other get up from the floor moments later.
There is no good way out and it's hard to find a draw in a game where it's all about luck.
James accidentally wins the last bout and Sirius gives him a death glare because of it, Remus rolls his eyes.
"Hi Sirius," Remus draws his attention "it was a great game, I had a really great time, let's do it again sometime," he smiles, Sirius blinks, calming down momentarily "how about ice cream?" He suggests, and they both leave the bowling alley.
"They know they left us, don't they?" Regulus looks at James, James laughs.
"So how about ice cream?"
"So eger to see my lips moving? I know better ways," Regulus says with a smirk, he made it sounds so filthy, God.
"W-what?" James panicked just a little.
"I have a feeling you'll be a karaoke master, shall we go?" Regulus proposes with a smile.
Ah, karaoke, of course, that's cool.
"Yeah, sure," James grins.
So they went and sang and sang and sang and laugh and had a great time together. It turns out that James is not the worst singer, but Regulus wins with him in purity and timbre of voice.
(Ha, Regulus could dream, James won, of course.)
They laugh as they walk, James walks Regulus home. Just as they're about to say goodbye, James steps forward, opening his arms in encouragement, Regulus just staring at him.
"Oh, yeah, sorry. You're not a hugger, I forgot," he smiles awkwardly.
"I actually don't mind hugs," Regulus admits "they're just wierd, because like," he winced. "I don't know when they're supposed to end," it's embarrassing isn't it? "Not that I get a lot of hugging opportunities," he rolled his eyes "but you know when Sirius does that he always like squeeze me after a while and I squeezes him back and that's it, I guess then we both know we don't need a moment longer," small smile on his lips.
"You don't hug because you don't know when to stop?" James asks with a frown.
"Yeah, weird, I know, I guess I'm the only one with this problem," he sighs.
"Well, people often tell me to stop or enough, I guess I don't know when to stop either," he smiles softly.
And they hugged.
"It's raining," Regulus notices as he looks at the driveway "are you staying?"
"You know... I wouldn't want to be in a room with two teenagers who just got back from a date," he shrugs.
"You can stay at mine," Regulus suggests.
"Oh wow, you're proposing a night at your place? Take me on a date first, man," James grins.
It's a joke, it's a joke, it's a joke... right?
"Wasn't today enough for you?" Regulus raises an eyebrow amused.
James didn't know what to answer him.
They went upstairs together, closed the door to Regulus' room, changed into pajamas. Regulus lends James Sirius's clothes from his closet, stolen from his brother so long ago that they had lost his scent and kept Regulus's. James is pleased.
Regulus finds a second bedding, James assures him he can sleep on the couch, Regulus tells him not to be silly.
They talked until late at night.
Sirius raises an eyebrow to greet James in the kitchen as he makes tea for Remus, raising an eyebrow even higher at the flushed cheeks on Regulus' perpetually pale face.
What happened?
Namely, Regulus woke up nestled in the body of the other boy. Maybe it was normal for James, but this was the first time Regulus had experienced this and he was bloody ashamed of it.
James woke him up by gently touching his arm and saying a very eloquent "I need to pee", Regulus, when awake enough to realize what was going on, pushed him away so hard and sharply that James practically fell off the bed but he only smiled warmly and told Regulus, that everything is fine.
Of course it was okay for him, Regulus bet that he often found himself in such situations, James was all touchy and cuddly, Regulus could bet he was in this situation with each of his friends.
Did Regulus already qualify as his friend?
But Regulus? Regulus slept in the same bed only with Sirius or Pandora and they never ended up tangled in each other.
/////
"Regulus!" James called after him as he left the school parking lot. He's running towards him.
"Yes?" Regulus looked at him with a slight smile. James stops and grins.
"There's goldfinch in cinema, would you like to go with me?" He asks, still smiling broadly. "Tonight at 7pm or tomorrow or whenever it suits you, if you want of course," he ends with a small, hopeful smile.
"You want to go for the drama?" Regulus raises and eybrow slightly shocked, he would assumed James for a lover of romance. "None of your friends agreed?" He asked. Admittedly, he was planning to go to the movie, and he would have liked spending time with James, but he was still suspicious.
"None of them were my first choice," James shrugs "I'd like to go with you," he admits.
"Okay," Regulus agrees with a smile, a smile that James Potter would sell his soul for. "Today sounds good, will you come get me?" He asks.
"Y-yes of course," James can't believe his luck "6.30pm sounds good?"
So they have a date for tonight.
Date?
"It's not a date," Regulus sighs "it's just- it's just meeting, you know, like friends do," he rolls his eyes.
"It is a date Regulus, from what you said, it's very much a date," his friends argue "and don't give us that shit that he would never love you," they demands "it's obvious he cares about you, you idiot."
"What's going on here?" Sirius looks at them curiously.
"Regulus has a date with James today," Pandora explains.
"It's not a date!" Regulus stomps his foot like an angry child, his cheeks burning.
"James didn't tell me about that," Sirius frowns, he know James would. "Tell me more," he sits across from Pandora, he likes her best. She's just adorable.
They start talking and explaining.
"It's definitely a date," Sirius sums up hearing the whole story.
"It. Is. Not." Regulus hisses.
"You know what? You're right, it is not," Sirius unexpectedly agrees with him "don't raise your expectations, not that James will ever like you, or look at you as more then my brother, because it's true, isn't it? You are nothing more than–" Regulus is confused, Pandora looks at him in disbelief and Evan is ready to punch him.
"What?" Regulus blinks.
"Do you hear how fake that sounds?" Sirius glares at him. "He likes you, like really, he can't shut up about you, it's annoying," he rolls his eyes "but well, maybe you're right, it's not like James to go on a first date to the movies," he decides "and he didn't specify, I'm sure after your confirmation he would have said something like 'okay so it's a date', so today might not be a date," Sirius nods
"Exactly!" Reg agreed.
"But, maybe he was stressed out and didn't do it or maybe it wasn't meant to be a date, who knows?" Sirius shrugs. "It doesn't change the fact that he'll probably ask you out, or you know what? Better yet, you do it, if he refuses you can be sure," he suggests.
"Sirius–"
"Hey, isn't that James' hoodie?" Sirius asks, raising an eyebrow in amusement. "Put on these other black pants, it will be more comfortable for you to sit in the cinema and it won't be so noticeable when he'll turn you on, dear brother," Sirius smacked his lips and left.
Regulus yelled something about him being disgusting.
James arrived on time, Regulus was ready, opened the door and joined the boy in the driveway, smiling slightly.
"You look stunning, you're very handsome, you know that Regulus?"
It's the thing James said and what he meant, and it makes Regulus's heart do some happy flips.
Many people have told him that he is beautiful, that he is pretty, he always was pretty, but few have ever told him that he is attractive, handsome or good-looking.
He smiles.
/////
"I'm feed up with them Moony," Sirius whines.
"Right? And it's only been three months," he points out "think how James felt with us for over years," he winced.
"I admire him, he's a saint," Sirius sighs, "but I hope they will get there faster," he murmured.
Sirius really wanted them to be happy.
Sirius must croak it because literally on the same day James came to him with information that he was going to take Regulus on the date.
And that's how it goes:
"James," Regulus spoke when they faced each other.
"Regulus," James did the same at the same time. They both frowned slightly.
"Go first," Regulus suggests, maybe it will give him a little more courage before he asks.
"No you," James smiles warmly.
"Okay," Regulus gives in, takes a deep breath "is it just me or is it really between us lately, like, different but in a good way and, and I rummbling, doesn't matter," he shakes his head "I just wanted to ask you, James Potter, would you like to go on a date with me?" Regulus finally asks, James looks at him blankly. "If it was stupid, ignore it and forget it," he pleads, he is ready to leave.
He's so fucking stupid.
But all the times they flirted couldn't be nothing, right? James wouldn't play with his feelings, he's too good for that.
Were they really just good friends and he had just ruined that with his stupid feelings? He wanted to cry.
"Reg wait," James' voice is tender, soft "actually, I wanted to ask you the same thing," he announces with a shy smile.
"What?" Regulus blinks.
"Yes," James nodded. "I have some things planned that I think you'll like, but since you asked first, I guess I'll have to be prepared for a little time shift. I would love to go on a date with you Regulus Balck," he announces with a smile.
"Cool, cool," Regulus nods, he's stressed okay? He's crush just agrees on a date with him, fuck. He's fucked.
"Sooo," James grins happily "you like me," he points out.
"Yes James, I like you," Regulus admits with a sigh as if indignant but his cheeks are pink and he's adorable like that.
"Since when? How long?" James asks with the excitement of a puppy when its owner comes home from work.
"Since summer," Regulus mumbles.
"Oh shit, oh my, oh, oh," James grins even harder, he's almost jumping right now.
James finds it hard to believe, because he has a massive fear that no one actually likes him, rather everyone is just politely tolerating him hoping he'll leave them alone. So it's hard for him to control his heartbeat when Regulus is standing in front of him saying that he likes him and means it sincerely.
"I mean I liked you since I was eleven but like in summer I have the thing 'why he's hot? I'm gay?', the day you broke into my room to take a shower," he explains further.
"We could have a summer romance!" James throws his hands up in the air as if devastated by this loss.
"What?" Regulus frowns.
"I also like you since summer Regulus," James smiles softly. "I don't know if you missed it, but that one morning I was on the verge of kissing you," he reminds.
"I thought I was crazy to think you would do that," Regulus confesses "we are embarrassing," he sighs "now I see why Sirius was so annoyed," now it makes sense.
Regulus, however, appreciates that he did not reveal any of their secrets without their consent.
Sirius is good, he's so good.
"The date," James points out.
"Yes, yes," Regulus nods. "Sunday, 2pm, be ready, I'll come for you," he informs.
"I can't wait," James grins.
"And you know what, James?" Regulus asks, James shakes his head. "It's a date," he informs and they both chuckles.