Chapter 3
*All the single ladies*
[09.12] Bratty
And I really think that carrot is a dangerous thing, the force with which you bite it... you can bite off someone's finger with it!
[09.12] (R)eggplant
Just got back from DATE
it's nothing important so don't overdo it and keep writing about vegetables, sure
[09.13] Pandannini
OMG
[09.13] Bratty
With James?
[09.13] Even
Who else would he go on a date with?
[09.14] Bratty
I'm supposed to know? Anything is possible with him, I was actually at the stage to be sure that he was about to start fake-dating someone either to forget about Potter or to check if he was jealous
[09.15] Even
Very Regulus's thing to do, you're right
[09.15] MeaowMeow
HE CAME BACK FROM A DATE
[09.15] (R)eggplant
I CAME BACK FROM A DATE
[09.15] MeaowMeow
TELL US EVERYTHING BABE
[09.16] (R)eggplant
I'm setting up a meeting either in twenty minutes or tomorrow morning, whichever suits you better?
[09.16] Even
TODAY
[09.16] Bratty
TODAY YOU MORON
[09.16] MeaowMeow
TODAY
[09.17] Pandannini
This is the first time in my life I'm sneaking out of the house so it better be worth it
[09.17] (R)eggplant
<3
[09.17] Even
Our little girl is growing up
[09.20] Pandannini
I left a note on the fridge saying I'm going to Regulus, because it's really important and I'll be safe because Barty would walk me, and I'll be back in the morning, I left some smiling faces and hearts too
[09.20] Even
Nevermind
[09.34] Bratty
WELL BE THERE IN A MINUTE BITCH
[09.35] MeaowMeow
make some popcorn please
*Bratty changed the name of the group chat from All the Single Ledies to Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice*
/////
[09.33] Mr. Sunshine
Want to come? Lilly and Pete are here, Remus on his way
[09.34] Mr. Pretty face
I'll just make me look phenomenal and I'm going
Sirius sent the message and got out of bed. Regulus and James had a date today and Sirius wanted nothing more than to applaud and congratulate them.
He'd throw them a fucking parade.
Sirius felt so proud that they finally took matters into their own hands and he really suported them and cheered for them, actually he even argued with Barty who was number one supporter for a Jegulus relationship.
The name was the product and proud work of Marlene and Peter, who greatly teased James for having a crush on his best friend's brother.
They tortured him by singing "And Yeah-Yeah-Yeah-Yeah Best friend's brother is the one for me!" they sang Best Friend's Brother by Victorious Castand on repeat, and honestly? Sirius thought it was hilarious.
Now that it was obvious that they were both attracted to each other and their date had been arranged, their friends were annoying but the advantage was that James didn't feel insecure because of that.
Sirius had the whole "big talk" with him and James could be sure that Sirius wasn't mad and that was probably enough to make him feel more confident with his emotions. And that's good.
Sirius knows that emotions are a big deal for James and he understands it, trying to support him as much as he can and he seems to be doing quite well.
Sirius tied his shoes before leaving the room, took one last look in the mirror and sighed. He was really curious how James and Regulus' first date went.
Regulus had returned about twenty minutes ago, but Sirius was giving him time. Regulus usually needed time to process important things, he couldn't just go in and demand conversation or answers to his questions, so he waits.
Date, romantic feelings, relationship, love.
Well, these are rather big things and Regulus has always been secretive about these matters.
Sirius didn't want to push, he wanted to give his brother a safe space, so he waited and waited and waited, because he knew that if Regulus needed him, he would come. Sirius knew that if he wanted to talk, he would, and if Regulus wanted to do it on his own terms... well Sirius didn't mind.
As he walks out into the hallway, he hears voices from his brother's room, it's laughter, and hushed excited voices. Regulus' friends were probably there.
Wait... what?
Sirius stands in the middle of the corridor for a moment, unable to move.
Something hit him hard because... Should he be there with him? Should he be with Regulus? He should, right? He was his brother, he should be there with him now, right? Sirius wanted to be there for him.
But he was just going to James. James was his best friend and James needed him, James wanted his presence, James wanted to tell them about his date and Sirius wanted to hear that, but he also wanted to hear that from his brother and-
Sirius didn't know what to do, he suddenly felt very bad.
Is he doing wrong?
Suddenly he's not excited anymore, now he hates it, because... He should choose, right? He has to choose.
But he can't choose and never will be able to. He just can't.
He wants to be for Regulus but he also wants to be for James but he can't be in two places at once and ugh-
His phone vibrates and he remembers he should be on his way, running down the stairs hoping he didn't disappoint Regulus. It was one of those things he couldn't handle.
Sirius wouldn't forgive himself if he hurt Regulus.
He hoped his brother wouldn't be mad at him because of it. He was with friends, he was in good hands...right?
Sirius got home after midnight, his brother's room was quiet, he knocked.
He'll make it good.
"What?" Regulus suddenly appears behind him, Sirius jumps up in fear. Regulus looks at him expectantly, holds the star-patterned bedding in his hands, one of the spare ones, his friends probably staying with him for the night.
"Want to tell me about your day?" Sirius decided to asks with a soft smile.
"You probably already know everything anyway," is Regulus' reply, but it's not a denial, so Sirius smiles a little wider.
"I want to know your version," Sirius announces with a grin.
Maybe he can play it right after all. Maybe he can make it work. Maybe he can be a good brother and a good friend at the same time. He will try. He will.
"Okay, give me a minute, I'll just leave this in my room," Reg says, opening the door with his elbow. He threw the sheets across the room for which he got an indignant "Oi!" from Barty, who got hit in the face with it.
And then they went to Sirius' room and talked and Sirius is happy for his brother and best friend.
He really is.
/////
"Mis frutas favoritas son... los plátanos. ¿Dije eso correctamente?" (My favorite fruits are... bananas. Did I say that correctly?)
Regulus frowns, concentrating on the pronunciation of the sentences, he has to do it perfectly because he has to pass the exam soon.
James still helps him learn Spanish and is still so patient and kind, he's just so lovely. And Regulus is already really good at understanding Spanish.
James says Tienes mucho talento, Reg, ¿eh? (You're very talented, Reg, huh?) and Regulus doesn't deny it.
"Sí, Reg, buen trabajo, cariño, ahora dime cuál es tu color favorito," (Yes, Reg, good job, darling, now tell me what your favorite color is.) James smiles, pleased with every bit of progress Regulus is making.
James loves to praise him and Regulus likes to ignore the little additions James gives him in the middle of sentences.
Well, he tries to ignore them, but it's hard to ignore that tender smile, the loving look and the words "Cariño," or "Mi rey," or "Mi amor," that slips from James' lips so often.
Sometimes Regulus doesn't understand them, but one look at Jamds is enough to understand that he is saying something nice.
"Um, color, me gusta el verde," (Um, color, I like green.) He smiles slightly, he loves learning with James.
Regulus he loves how James adapts to him, how he takes into account his methods and learning ideas, how he tries to make it work for both of them. Regulus loves how learning with James is not boring, because James... he is simply perfect.
"El verde es genial, ¿dónde vives?" (Green is great, where do you live?) James looks at the paper before asking this question and then he does it with such grace and even winks at him at the end, as if he was hitting on him.
"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" Suddenly, Sirius appears out of nowhere, throws himself onto the sofa next to Regulus and reaches for the candy on the table.
"We're flirting," Regulus replies flatly, he shrugs, James holds back a smile and Sirius grimaces.
"Keep it to yourself," Sirius snorted, wrinkling his nose, "James, you can't flirt with my little brother, because, come on, how old is he, like, five?" He snorted, stuffing five pieces of candy into his mouth at once.
Regulus kicked him in the calf and Sirius jabbed him in the ribs with his finger, in revenge Regulus pushed him off the couch, Sirius landed on the carpet whimpering and James watched it all laughing.
Oh how good it is to have siblings.
/////
Sirius waited.
Sirius waited excitedly with impatience, because, hey it was his first art exhibition.
Someone from his summer courses became interested in his work and offered him a small cooperation, it was a great opportunity for Sirius. He was so proud of himself, he was so happy.
He pursued his passion and his dream, and at that moment his parents' words that it was pointless, that it was just a stupid hobby, that it was just a phase and he would get over it, that it would get him nowhere, that he would achieve nothing, were a mistake and Sirius could laugh in their face.
He was trying to inform them, he wanted to tell them. "Hey I have my own art exhibition," he wanted to make them proud of him but they didn't even listen.
(Sirius still left them the date and address of the event, just in case.)
Sirius had been very excited for weeks. He painted more than usual. He carefully selected his best works especially for today, and was damn proud of himself, only... only no one was listening.
Sirius understands that he may have talked about it ad nauseum, but he was so excited that it was hard to contain himself. After all, it's a pretty big deal in his career, right?
So today was his big day.
And for an hour he'd been sitting alone and starting to think it was for nothing, that it was stupid, his enthusiasm was waning.
His parents did not listen to him and his friends did not come.
Did they even listen when he told them about it? Or did they just ignore him like they always did when he was too loud?
It hurts.
Sirius wishes, he wasn't such a dreamer. He believed that he had ruined this life for himself.
Maybe his expectations were too high.
"Do you always have to be the center of attention?" His mother would ask.
The world doesn't revolve around you. Father would add.
He pushed away the uncomfortable thoughts and tried to focus on the good sides.
Sirius spent some time getting to know the people around him, the atmosphere here was so friendly, so nice, everyone was cheerful, polite and so lovely, Sirius felt so good here.
The door opened again and, like every time, he jerks his head up, he smiled happily.
A few people had already approached him and started talking, and Sirius loved talking about art, so conversations, even if short, were satisfying and lifted his spirits.
Someone stood in front of him and Sirius couldn't hide his smile.
"Hi Sirius," she smiles at him.
"Hi Minnie," he also smiles at her.
Minnie knew about art and painting... nothing. She had no idea about it and that must have made Sirius feel special, because... had she come here especially for him?
Sirius didn't think she'd ever seen his paintings before, or visited their art extracurricular activities.
"Wow!" Minerva exclaimed in delight, looking at the wall behind him. "You did these? Freehand?" Her mouth open in shock.
"Yup," Sirius smiled sheepishly, slightly overwhelmed by her enthusiastic response.
"My God," she looks around in wonder, does she really like it? "Look at this one, wow!" She smiles, she's proud of him, he may not have been her best student, but he was certainly the special one for her. "You nailed it." She grins.
"Uh, huh," Sirius just nodded.
"I'm really proud of you," she says placing her hand on his shoulder with a soft smile on her lips.
"You- you- what?" Sirius stares blankly at her. "Oh fuck, I'm- Thank you professor," he grins broadly.
She was the first person he cared about to come here and actually showed up.
"Be sure to let me know how it goes Sirius, we'll catch up on Monday, okay?" She smiles.
"Sure," he nods.
"I'll stay here for a while to look around," Minnie informed. Sirius smiled charmingly. "Will you tell me about it?" She asks, he did so with pleasure.
Sirius wasn't angry.
He knew that Remus had a consultation at the hospital and the queue wasn't short. Remus promised him that he would be there, even if it was a minute before closing time, he will make it.
Sirius was constantly checking his phone to see if Remus had magically managed to jump the queue and was already leaving. It wasn't his fault, the dates were set and his health was more important than anything else.
Marlene was visiting her grandparents and her parents wouldn't let her stay, she threatened to just run away or jump out of the car but it was no use, she had to go, it wasn't her fault, she had no influence on it. She wanted to be here but she couldn't, that's all right.
Lilly had a drama with Petunia and she was trying to sort it out, she was busy with family matters and that was okay, it wasn't her fault.
Mary spent time with her father, who returned after a long time. Who was Sirius to demand that he was more important than her family? He knew how much Mary missed her dad and he wouldn't even dare ask her to interrupt her day with him.
Peter never liked such places, he supported Sirius sure but he didn't like going to any art galleries or anything like that. Sirius didn't question it, he didn't demand that he come. There were a lot of people here, confusion and constant artistic gibberish, Sirius understood that it was not for everyone.
As for Regulus and James... they had a date. It's some kind of festival or something like that, so they couldn't postpone it.
Sirius knew they both felt terrible about it, but Sirius asked them not to give it up just for him, because it didn't make sense, he just wished them a good time and promised to tell them all about it after the fact.
Sirius wasn't angry, but... he couldn't put into words how happy he would be if even one of his friends showed up here.
He couldn't put into words how happy he'd be if Regulus decided to stop by, if only for a minute, if only for a moment. Regulus loves art, maybe this Sirius art piece would be to his liking too?
But these are just pipe dream.
He was alone here.
Regulus wasn't here.
Sirius talked to other creators and artists, he was the youngest of them all, he wasn't even an adult and his certificate was signed by the chauffeur, not his parents, but who cares.
He found himself in their company, he felt good, he felt understood and supported and it was... wonderful.
He spent a lot of time talking to the older man, his paintings had something eye-catching about them, each one was created in a completely different style, they looked as if this man was simply having fun with what he was doing. He had paintings of nature, forests and oceans, those depicting fantasy worlds, castles, magical animals and others, there were paintings of modern art, literally everything.
Sirius loved the painting of the dog and deer in the police car, there was something special about this painting, something that reminded him of him and James, though he didn't really know why.
When he returned to his place, he found a visitor there. A lot of people passed by his stand, many even stopped and chatted for a while, but this time, it was someone... more important and special.
"You thought I'd let it go? That I won't come? You won't get rid of me that easily, brother." Regulus's smile is small as he watches the look of disbelief on Sirius's face. Regulus huffed a laugh.
Sirius jumps on him, hugging him tightly and rocking him.
Oh, he came.
He came here, he came here for him.
Oh, he's so lovely.
"It's us," Regulus didin't ask, he informs, he knows the answer, he stares at one of the paintings with great attention. Sirius stands next to him and puts his arm around him, so now they're standing side by side.
They perfectly replicate the painting of two little boys on the background of a stormy sky.
"I'm so damn proud of you," Regulus admits, and those words mean so much. Sirius feels like crying. "It'll be awkward if you cry," Regulus muttered quietly, not looking at him but behind them, Sirius looked in the same direction, his heart growing bigger.
"We didn't want to spoil the moment,"
it's Remus' soft voice. Sirius crashes into him, squeezing hard. And now he's crying.
He stayed for a long moment in his boyfriend's arms, Remus soothing him.
We, Remus said, and it's a fact, he's not alone here.
James with a wide smile and Peter with a slightly smaller one are standing next to them.
Sirius' grin grew slowly.
He hugged them, but not so hard and letting go of the kiss, because that's what he did with Remus.
They started asking Sirius started talking about today and how happy he was. And an hour pass in a blissful peace.
"The girls are here, take an interest in us mister artist," Marlene jumps on Sirius, he laughs. (She later promised she didn't jump out of the car at all).
In the end, it turns out that everyone who mattered came and Sirius had no words to thank for these wonderful people who appeared in his life, no words to say how grateful he was for their presence, no word for how much he loved them.
Because he loved them so damn much.
/////
It took Regulus and James three dates to make their relationship official, but they get there.
And when James could proudly call Regulus his boyfriend, he was so excited that he couldn't hide it.
James literally shouted it at home when he came back from a date and his parents cheered him on. He used the word my boyfriend every chance he got, he was so happy and excited.
He was beaming all the time, more than usual, many didn't know it was possible, but Regulus brought him a new light.
Their relationship became public very quickly, as soon as they left the locker room together after some game, everyone knew.
And Regulus was on everyone's tongues in the school again, actually this time it didn't bother him so much, it didn't bother him that much, he tried to convince himself that it was something to be proud.
He knew that if he kissed James at the school canteen, everyone would be talking about it for a week, and he didn't know that this was the power he wanted to have.
"Hello brother," Sirius grins at him. It's a long break and Regulus has nowhere to run, so he looks at his brother with a raised eyebrow "what's up? Lots od stories going around about you right now," he informs with a smirk.
"People say they hate me," Regulus shrugs.
People say he's not enough for James, they're mad at him for taking their sunshine boy, they say that they are not compatible at all and their relationship makes no sense, that James would never really love someone like Regulus, but Regulus loves those moments when James proves them wrong.
"Nice," Sirius snorted.
"Well, it's hard to give a fuck when you're the smartest, richest and prettiest mutherfucker at school," Regulus shrugs again. His confidence is fake and they both know it, but that doesn't stop Sirius from teasing him.
"Yeah, right, keep dreaming," Sirius snorts "you might be smart but I'll always looks better," he informs.
"James would agree that the prettiest," he sticks out his tongue at Sirius.
It's so childish... but well, they both laughed.
/////
"You are jealous," Remus points out, he narrows his eyes watching his boyfriend closely.
"Yes," Sirius doesn't even bother to deny it, Remus frowns.
"But why? Or better yet, who are you jealous of?" Remus asks with a raised eyebrow.
"You won't understand," Sirius purses his lips as he sits down on the bed next to Remus.
"Let's see," Remus suggests, he placed his hand on Sirius' knee smiling tenderly "maybe just telling someone about it will make it easier," he suggests.
"It's not like," Sirius take a deep breath. "I want James, I need him, okay? He's been my soul mate for six years and he's always been there for me," Sirius starts.
"Yeah, that's right," Remus nods to encourage him.
"Whether it's something important or some bullshit, he is always here for me. I could talk to him about anything and he'd still be there, he understands me like no one else and, and it hurts because..." he stops, his throat tightens, it's hard to put his emotions into words. "It's... it's like I'm losing him," Sirius whisperes.
"Like you're losing him... Sirius, you're still best friends, he's just in a relationship." Remus frowns, but, well, he kind of understands, he knows Sirius and he knows James and he also knows what James and Sirius are like together. He knows they are close, that they need each other. He knows.
"I know it's stupi," he admits "it hurts me that he doesn't reply to my messages within a minute anymore, that he leaves me on read, that he has no time for me," he purses his lips, it's stupid, it's so stupid "Because, because already five times this week I heard 'sorry but I have other plans', and it's Wednesday," he shakes his head.
"He really did-"
"And I know it's very childish and selfish and i should be nothing but happy that he's happy and I am, I'm really happy and I want him to be happy. I want him to remember those first moments of his first true love well. I understand this is new for him and exciting and all and that's good, that's very good but," he stops "that's- I don't make sense, sorry, I'm just fucked up." He lowers his head, his hands clasped in his lap trembling slightly.
What was wrong with him, huh?
Sirius wondered if maybe James had a moment like that too, if his relationship with Remus had influenced him, if it had influenced their friendship.
The worst thing is that he couldn't find the answer, because even if James felt bad, he wouldn't tell him about it, because this man was too good to bother anyone about anything.
"Oh Sirius," Remus wrapped his arms around him gently, hugging him "You're not, that makes some sense," he whispered.
"It's different with Regulus because he always ignored me," Sirius continued "but being ignored by James is something I can't stand because he never did, and, and it's hard," he sniffs.
"Why not-"
"I won't tell him Remus," Sirius denied immediately. "I won't hurt him like that, he'll start to get carried away and feel bad about being happy and that's the last thing I want," he shakes his head. "You know James takes care of others before he takes care of himself and I don't want to be the one to break things for him or Reggie," he mumbles.
Why it is so hard?
/////
A Halloween party is the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends and meet some new ones.
James organized a party in his house in the living room, his parents agreed on the condition that when they came home the next day it wouldn't be destroyed, they also asked him to write to them when the party was over (if he was able to) or when he woke up to say if it was a good party.
James invited his closest friends and suggested Regulus to take his friends with him as well.
Regulus agreed only because Dorcas insisted, it turns out she has a crush on Marlene and well, Regulus cheered for them.
Most of the guests had already been seated in the living room and were making themselves comfortable with snacks while waiting for the movie and the rest of the guests.
Barty's entered the living room with Evan and Pandora, led by Peter, who opened the door for them. He scanned the room quickly, grinning happily.
The first thing Barty says when he sees James that evening was:
"Nice onesie, does it come in men's?"
James looked at him, then scanned his Halloween costume and frowned. It's a pretty cool costume.
"Oh I think you come in men enough for all of us," Regulus snorts without hesitation.
A few people gasped in shock, because like... since when Regulus was so sassy? He's a child! The rest just burst out laughing.
"Oh no, who told you that Reg?" Barty fake gasped, It's impossible to throw Barty off balance, he always responds to every attack with a broad smile. "Evan?" He looks at the blonde suspiciously.
"Shut up," was Evan's response.
Pandora with a soft smile began to introduce herself to everyone in the living room, asking about their well-being. She was dressed as Alice in Wonderland.
"I brought us some Halloween cupcakes, does anyone have any allergies? They are peanut-free and half of them are also gluten-free, if you don't like topping, there are also cupcakes without it," she informs with a tender smile.
"She's so lovely," Sirius shakes his head, "I love you Dora," he grins at her, her cheeks flushed as she thanked. "She's gorgeous, in contrast to those two ghouls right here," he huffs, pointing to the rest of Regulus' friends.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Barty asks indignantly.
"You bite me!" Sirius points out. "I still have a scar!" He complaines.
"I was six years old!" Barty is defending himself. "Besides, it's your fault," he decides. "You didn't want to lend me your bike, and I wanted to ride bikes with Reggie, you can't blame me, you ruined my dreams, I had every right to bite you!" He folds his arms over himself.
"It was my bike! I have every right to not lend you it!" Sirius exclaims.
"Oh, shut up, you two," Regulus sighs heavily. It's always like that with them. "It's not like I didn't go to my parents that day asking for another bike because "I got bored with this one" so you could ride with us, Bartemius."
"Spoiled brat." Sirius snorted.
"Proud of it." Regulus huffs.
The evening goes peacefully, they watch a movie, some not se very scary horror movie, but half of them hide behind a pillow. Sirius the dodger pretends to be afraid to have an excuse to cuddle Remus, James squeaks at every jump scare, but it's a nice time.
Then they decide to play some games and then they talked.
"Reg is like really obsessed with tangled, made me watch it more times than I can count," says Sirius for some reason.
"What do you think you're doing? Are you trying to embarrass me?" Regulus raises and eybrow. "Not a very good move with all the black mail I have on you," he shakes his head other whistles at that.
"You can't leave us without this knowledge, Reg, please share what embarrassing thing Sirius is doing," Peter begs him, amused.
"Hmm, let me think about it. He was, like, sixteen years old when he found out that in movies they hire another actor for childhood scenes and don't wait until the first one grows up to record the rest of the movie," he shrugs.
"You know what? Go fuck yourself." Sirius scoffs as the rest of his friends starts laughing. "You were afraid of frogs until, hm, last year?" He huffs.
"Bad shot, I still hate them but you know what? You literally learned to ride a bike later than I did," Regulus snorts in response.
"Attention, I'm gonna make it sad," Sirius warns "because I had no one to teach me, you moron," he huffs again "no one held me when I tried, so sorry it took longer."
"Enough of the trauma," Marlene decides "lest get drunk," and everyone agreed.
So they played some stupid drinking game like "never have ever".
"Shit!" Lilly groaned as she fell to the ground during a game of twister. "I wanted to win this!"
"Nothing in life comes easy," Mary comforts her.
"Sirius do," Remus grunted in response. He didn't even think about it, just like the rest of his slightly tipsy friends.
"You know what?" Sirius sighs. "I won't even deny it," he shrugs. "I'm sorry, but have you seen my man? God, he's gorgeous," he smiles in awe.
////
"They're fighting for your attention," Peter tells him amused after another "James!" from the Black brothers.
They have a meeting with the rest of their friends, they are sitting at James' house and playing games and Sirius and Regulus can't stop bickering with each other and okay maybe it's normal among siblings but it's becoming unbearable. They are like jealous kids fighting over a damn cookie.
"I was first," Sirius reserves.
"No you weren't," Regulus argues.
"I'm his best friend," Sirius snaps.
"I'm his boyfriend," Regulus points out.
"I've known him longer," Sirius continued.
"By one week!" Regulus throw his arms up.
"Can you both stop, please?" James looks at both of them with tired, worried and slightly stressed eyes. Pulling Regulus's hand, shoving Sirius in the back, he ushers them out of the living room.
Neither Sirius nor Regulus gave up muttering "it's your fault" to each other and then pushing each other.
"What's going on?" James asks as they left and stopped in the corridor.
"Nothing," both brothers grunted at the same time, James gave them a mixture of expectant and disappointed look.
"What's going on?" He repeats, and it's a tone that neither of them will object to, because even though James is gentle with this demand, they can't disobey him. He seems so stressed and worried, as if he realizes that he is the reason for this quarrel among the brothers and he's determined to fix it, he wants to fix it, he really does.
"You've been ignoring me for, for weeks!" Sirius is the first to crack,
James looks at him blinking blankly.
He did?
"It's really all about his attention, isn't it?" Regulus huffs.
"Just so you know," Sirius snorts angrily.
All his life he was constantly sharing, he shared with his brother, he shared everything: toys, parents' attention, and even damn sweets.
But their friends were their own, not to be shared. Sirius and Regulus had established it long ago, Regulus' friends were his friends, Sirius's friends were his. That's it, no objections or exceptions.
But now James was no longer Sirius's, he was shared. James was Sirius' friend and Regulus' boyfriend and... Sirius missed the time when he had his friend exclusively. He doesn't care that it's stupid and childish, he misses it.
No matter how much he enjoys James' smile when he talks about Regulus and how much Regulus's eyes shine when he looks at James, Sirius still misses it, he's only human and his feelings are complicated.
"I want to feel special for you," Regulus follows his brother in a second, James turns his attention to him, quite confused so Regulus explains "with Sirius being near, you treat me like if I was less than a friend. And it's not that-" he struggles with his words, hes not very good at feelings.
"Yeah?" James encouraged gently.
"I know you won't give me all your attention, your friends are important to you and I understand that but, you're like spoiling me with affection when we're together and then... then someone else appears and you are completely indifferent, as if you didn't even notice my presence and-"
"Oh," James is chewing on his lips. "Oh, I'm so sorry," he apologized. "I know that I change my behavior and adapt differently when there are more people but I didn't do it on purpose, I didn't mean to hurt you, I didn't think it would affect you so much, I won't do it, I'm sorry."
"I mean, I get it, I don't feel like making out in front of Sirius either, I mean, he'll make a scene or throw up," Regulus calms down, he knows that James didn't do it on purpose and he realizes that simple talking with someone as generous and good as James will solve any problem.
"Fair point," James nods "but I'm sorry, it's true I have a certain distance with us in public in general but with Sirius especially, you know, he's your brother," he tries to explain. "And like, this is my first serious relationship and I'm still learning, because I don't know how to do things well, I don't know if I'm doing what I'm doing right," he admits. "We still have many things to discuss and agree on, but I want to make you happy, and I'll try," he smiles softly at the end.
"I know I'm not good at it either," Regulus sighs. "I suck at feelings, but I'll try too, okay?"
"Awesome," James smiles. "I remember about you, Sirius," James turns to the other brother, who has already sulked, watching them from under squinted eyes with crossed arms "Why didn't you say something earlier?" He frowns, Sirius was usually loud about what he didn't like.
"I-" Why not? He didn't want to be a bad friend, he didn't want to be a bad brother, he wanted to do it right, he wanted to be good. He wanted to give them time to enjoy themselves, but it's been almost two months and...
"Sirius if you need to spend more time with me just say a word and I will find time, I will always find time for you," James asures. "You are like my soul mate, you've got me and I've got you," he reminded him. "I don't want it to change because suddenly you are afraid to talk out, thinking you'd break something," Sirius looks away, why does James know him so well? "I wasn't weird when you started going on dates with Moony," James points out.
"Because you're you," Sirius scowls. "I'm jealous and I don't want to be but I can't stop even if I know it's wrong," he tugs harshly at his hair.
"Stop," Regulus demands, tightening his hand on his brother's wrist, his voice though commanding somehow also soothing "feel the feelings, talk them through, alright?" He asks.
And they talked.
/////
Sirius was in the process of putting his face mask on, standing in front of the mirror and adjusting the size to his face.
Regulus was lying on the carpet in his brother's room with his mask already on his face and was playing with his phone.
Sirius was watching him out of the corner of his eye because he had left the bathroom door open. Regulus was smiling stupidly at the phone, probably texting James.
The Black brothers always made sure that at least once a month they had evenings or sleepovers together where they gossiped about everything and nothing, where they made face masks together, recently Regulus also tied Sirius' hair and today they even painted each other's nails.
Sirius is terrible, he makes Regulus cry.
Regulus curses him for being such an emotional artist, because you know what he did? He chose a nail polish that was the same color as Regulus's eyes.
What's worse, he made him aware of it by telling him to his face. "It's for you, look," he put the bottle of nail polish to his face near his eye and took a picture to prove it to him. Regulus asked why and Sirius shrugged. "Why not? You are important to me."
Regulus felt stupid after choosing the simple black one. Not wanting to be worse, he said, "black because that's your surname," Sirius laughed loudly and reminded him, "yours too, you fool."
They like their brotherly nights.
Regulus would go on about his favorite book, his friends, the cat he met on the sidewalk, James, or his new pet or James, a lot of about James, especially lately.
Regulus usually didn't talk much, but when he was with Sirius he would share everything, every little thing.
Maybe because Sirius was willing to listen, because Sirius made it seem like every word he said was valuable.
Regulus was someone Sirius wasn't afraid to talk to. Sirius liked talking to Regulus because Regulus was a good listener.
They were brothers, they were someone they could talk to without worries, without stress, without being judged.
But they didn't just talk about nonsense, they often focused on important, serious things, about their problems or troubles.
Sirius appreciated their little routine.
"I never thanked you," Regulus says after a short silence, Sirius looks at him with a raised eyebrow, in question. "You know, I just thought I never really thanked you for always checking under my bed for monsters," Regulus explains. "When I was little and afraid of the dark," he continues.
"You still are," Sirius stuck out his tongue, making fun of him just a little.
"Oh shut up," Regulus shakes his head "and you always checked in my closet and under my bed so I could sleep peacefully. You did it because our parents wouldn't," his smile is small.
"What about that?" Sirius asks quietly.
"I just really appreciate that," he shrugs "you always made me feel safe, thank you," he smiles and that's the smile Sirius fight whole his life for.
"You know," Sirius sighs. "I was-" Sirius never liked to admit his weaknesses, especially around Regulus. He wanted to be perfect for Regulus, he wanted to be a role model, someone worthy of attention, he wanted to be good for his little brother. "I always check under your bed, but I was afraid of the dark back then too," he finally confesses.
Regulus looks at him for a moment, it's calm and quiet and this silence is oppressive, haunting Sirius, but is eventually interrupted.
"I'm sorry I never checked under your bed for you," Regulus's voice is small, like he's a little boy again.
"It's okay, it wasn't your job," Sirius assures calmly with a soft smile.
"It wasn't yours either," Regulus shakes his head "you know what?"
"What?" Sirius looks up.
"If you had asked me then, I would have done it, I would have checked under your bed to prove to you that I am as brave as you, I would have done it for you," Regulus assures him, it sounds like a promise.
"Thank you," Sirius smiles. "It's too bad I can't ask for things," he purses his lips "then I feel like a problem," he addmits and maybe it's because whenever he asked for something from his parents or they refused or graciously fulfilled his request, pointing it out to him at every possible opportunity, maybe because for him asking for help was a sign of weakness and he didn't like being weak.
"I know," Regulus nods. He understands, he always understands.
////
James took Regulus to the comic book store, talking about his favorites and these less, the ones he had fond memories of and the ones he had thrown into the fireplace.
Regulus listened. He was never a fan of comics, never read one himself, but to James it was important and Regulus wanted to do important things for him, so he listened spellbound to how happy James was that someone finally took the time to listen to him about his hyperfixation.
James could have been showing Regulus around a supermarket and Regulus would have been just as content, as long as James looked that excited about it.
James lost himself in muttering about another Spiderman comic, this was by far his favorite hero.
Regulus can't help himself, he kisses his nose showing him affection, James looks at him as if his brain has stopped working, as if he has a short circuit and then a slow wide smile blooms on his face.
He's always so happy with Regulus, it's almost unreal.
James knew love was real. It had to be real because he existed, he was real and he was full of it. So it has to be.
And Regulus on the other hand, with James realized that maybe love actually exists, because what else could bring such a stupid smile to his face, speed up his heart, flush his cheeks and make him think how wonderful it will be to spend every day of his life with this lovely boy?
Love, love, love.
/////
Regulus is studying James, learning his feelings and emotions, and when things are good and when things are bad for him, he spends more time with him then ever and can't help but notice a lot of things.
"You don't tell people you're not okay," Regulus said. It's something that worries him, something that has caught his attention a lot.
Even when James feels bad, he won't show it to anyone else, so if you don't know him well enough, if you don't understand him, you won't notice that slight change in his tone.
"Because it's hard watching them not know what to do," James confesses. "It's hard when you end up comforting them, even though the one who needed comforting is you." He looks down.
"You realy think so?" Regulus whispers.
"I know that," James sighs.
"Someone's did that?" Regulus asks quietly.
"More than once," he swallows hard.
"Really?" Regulus asks in disbelief. Who dared to hurt this sunny boy? "It shocks me, that you're so polite with your sadness," Regulus touches his face gently "you don't want to ruin this for anyone," he continued "but you're eyes are so sad James, you hold so much sadness in your eyes," he rubs his cheek, James' eyes start to fill with tears, he don't want it but he can't help it, he feels safe, he let himself fall apart, he trust that Regulus will help him put it all back together. "I can almost touch the scars of your soul and cry," ah, Regulus has the soul of a poet.
James can't help but smile tenderly, he smiles gracefully.
They will be good together.
They will help each other.
Regulus will shine for James. When needed, he will be there to share his light.
That's what stars are for, right? To relieve some of the work of the sun.
Regulus would be more than happy to do just that.
Make James truly happy.
/////
"I love you," James announces, it's not the first time, but definitely not the last either.
"Mhm," Regulus humms in response.
"Hey, say it back!" James damands, his cheeks puffy.
"It back, why?" Regulus chuckles.
"Reg," James scowls.
"I love you James," he smiles tenderly and kiss him briefly.
James grins widely as if he had just received the best gift in the world.
Sirius watched them, biting his cheek until it bled. He forced a smile but when he got back to the room he was punching his pillow in... anger? He wasn't even angry, he was...
Remus followed him to his room, calmly asking what was going on, what had happened.
"It's about what James and Regulus did?" Remus frowns, he wanted to understand why it was so hard for Sirius to see them together when he'd been excited for months for them to finally get together.
Surely Sirius must have expected that to happen, he was aware of the things that happen when you're a couple, from kind words and tender looks, kisses, dates and lots more.
He knew it, so why was it hitting him so hard?
"You do not understand!" Sirius whines. "He's all cuddly and touchy, talking to him, hugging him, telling him he loves him and, and I know I'm only supposed to be happy and proud and," he took a deep breath "but instead I'm jealous." He looks down.
"Jealous? About Regulus?" He makes sure.
"Mhm," Sirius nods. "Shit, he never told me he loved me, you know?" He laughed through tears. "Not for real. It's not fair. He is my brother, I should be important to him, he should love me."
"He does," Remus assures quietly.
"It hurts. It hurts to know that he can do that, that he can show tenderness, affection and love, and- and apparently- I simply wasn't enough to get it from him," Sirius wipes tears from his cheeks but new ones keep coming back again, it's no use.
"Tell him," Remus suggests.
"What?" Sirius sniffs.
"I'm sure you're wrong," Remus decides, he gently touches Sirius's face.
"What?" He asks once again.
"He loves you more then anything Sirius, you're his big brother," Remus informs as if it was obvious, maybe it was.
Sirius was his big brother, sure. Regulus loved him, of course. They cared about each other, they were brothers, it was true. But why did Sirius never get this better version of Regulus' love? The more open and nice one, why?
Sirius trusted Remus so he decided to follow his advice.
He trusted Remus, he loved him, and if Remus believed Sirius could do it, Sirius would try. Talking should be easy.
"Reg?" One night he sneaks into his younger brother's room, luckily Regulus is awake, feeding his snake. Sirius shudders, he doesn't like this pet.
"Yes?" Regulus turns to him, giving him attention, he goes to the bathroom and washes his hands, quickly returns and looks expectantly at Sirius.
"I- I don't know," Sirius. huffs angry at himself, why can't he just say something? "I just wanted," he tried but failed "listen, you're to only person I never had to choose to love, I just did, you know?" He admits quietly, it's a good start, he thinks.
Deep things, alright.
"Yeah?" Regulus asks softly, why did Sirius choose today, why did he choose this day and this hour for heart to heart conversations? It's the middle of the week.
"And- and I know I'm selfish, I know I'm terrible and I know it's not true, but sometimes I feel like you didn't," he's shaking, holding back his tears and biting his lip, he looks away, he's a mess, he's weak and he doesn't want Regulus to see him like this, he doesn't want to be defenseless, helpless next to him, but now he is and he can't help it.
"What?" Regulus blinks painfully "Sirius what are you talking about?" He asks, he needs to understand.
"I- I don't know," Sirius sniffs "I just- I feel jealous, because, because, you show affection to James so easily and, and you never-" he's struggles to make sentences. "I always needed to force it from you, I- you've never even told me that you love me, Reg," he whispers at the end.
It hurts, it hurts, it hurts.
"I-" he frowns "I have not?" Regulus looks at his older brother sad tearful face in shock, convinced it's a lie.
It must be a lie, Sirius must be lying, there is no way it could be true but... Sirius is not a liar.
How on earth can this be true?
Sirius is the first person Regulus has loved, he is the only person he loves above all else, for whom he would sacrifice his own life. Sirius needs to know that. He needs to.
Sirius was his everything. His beginning and his end.
Regulus has never lived in a world without Sirius, and he's not sure he could have handled it otherwise. Sirius was his home, his person, his brother. He was his happiness, his light, his good. His everything.
Sirius was the one who taught him what unconditional love is, the one who showes him love. And it is thanks to him that Regulus can love.
He needs to know that, right?
Sirius knows that he is the most important person in Regulus' life, that he means more to him than himself, he knows right? He must know.
But Sirius is standing there in front of him with watery eyes saying he's not sure if it's true, that he doesn't know that Regulus loves him.
How could Regulus not?
Sirius was his everything, he had done more for him than Regulus could ever thank him for.
"I thought you knew," Regulus whispers eventually. "That you know how proud I am to have you next to me. I was sure you knew how lucky I am to share my life with you," it's quiet, unsure. "I thought I was good at showing you love..." he looks down slightly confused. "I never thought you needed words for confirmation," he murmured, not very clearly "is that why you're so weird lately?" He asks, it's a silent question, he's not sure if he wants to know the answer.
"No," Sirius shakes his head.
"There's more?" Regulus asks.
"There's more," Sirius agrees.
"Go on, I'm listening," Regulus assures.
"I'm jealous," Sirius admits. "I'm fucking jealous because-" he purses his lips. "I was you're favorite for 16 years and fuck, I still want to be," Sirius admits "but I want to be James's favorite as well," he grimaces. "I want to be someones favorite," he mumbles.
"I wanted to be you're favorite my whole life and I wasn't," Regulus tells him then. "Don't say a word." He damands, he's not done, he's going to say things that hurts him, maybe he will feel better after.
"At family gatherings, you always looked for Andromeda, putting me aside. When you met your new friends you pushed me away again, you preferred to spend time and talk with them than with me, and that's okay," Regulus points out. "I put up with it, letting you do it, secretly hoping that someday I might be your first choice, I waited, I waited for years," he smiles sadly.
Sirius is quiet.
"You always needed people Sirius and I understand that, I understand I wasn't the one you needed. It hurts but I understand." Regulus purses his lips. "Do you remember when you asked me once what is love? I told you it's when the dog cuddles up to you and you laughed, you wouldn't let me add 'even though you left him alone all day'. So, yeah, I've been waiting."
Sirius remained silent.
"And I'm not James's favorite," Regulus decides to add "he loves me, sure, I know that, but James has no favorites," he informs simply. "He can't choose between people, he won't choose because he doesn't want to hurt anyone. Honestly, his goal in life is just to be a very warm person. He want to be as loving and as kind as he can be."
"I'm sure he's just like that," Sirius agreed.
"I've come to terms with the fact that I'll never be anyone's first choice," Regulus says. "I've spent half my life wondering what it's like to be chosen," he smiles, something sad about it. "I was never chosen. I was a maybe, a probably sometimes even definitely, but never the one," he bite his cheek.
"What are you talking about? You were always the first choice for all Reg, everyone always looked at you to see a perfect angelic little child," Sirius argues "you were always better."
"I've never been as loud or brave or good as you," Regulus decided to say. "I've never been open like you and I've never been better than you, whatever I did all I heard was 'look at Sirius'," he looks down. "People prefer you, they choose you, you're easy going, you're easy to talk. You're good. It's easy for you to fit in, for me it's not," he admits.
"You really feel that?" Sirius has tears in his eyes, but that okay. It's okay to cry sometimes, Regulus is also crying.
Maybe they should cry together for a bit for it to turns out better then it was now and before.
Maybe that's what they needed.
/////
"You know we were at the mall looking for gifts and these idiots were competing with each other, they wanted to buy literally anything I looked at for more than five seconds, shouting over who would give me a better Christmas gift," Regulus tells Remus after returning from the mall, it was a real race, James and Sirius jostling, shouting at each other and mocking.
"I can see it," Remus chuckles.
"I won't say that I was planning to give them some voucher," Regulus shrugs.
In fact, it's not true, because for Sirius Regulus has already spotted a helmet with a beautiful pattern that Sirius will surely love and for James he ordered a gold ring with an engraving and the emblem of the sun from the jeweler, it will match Regulus's silver one with a star, it's trite but Regulus knows that it will make James happy. In addition James loves to play with Regulus rings, let him have his own, why not?
"I guess James will give me something cliché like some pictures of us or something," Regulus would jump for joy if he got something like this, he won't deny "and Sirius will give me a book with his annotations like he does every year," he shrugs "you know how much I love that right?" He smiles at his brother.
"I know, otherwise I wouldn't do it, do you think I would read the iliad of my own free will?" Sirius snorts.
"Yeah," Regulus nods. "I love gifts from Sirius, they always put their whole heart into it, and like-" Regulus stops, frowning, he shouldn't say that, he just misgendered his own brother. "Fuck, sorry Sirius," he looks at Sirius in slight horror but something catches his attention "did I just give you a gender crisis?" He raises an eybrow.
Sirius's brows are furrowed as if he's thinking deeply about something, his eyes are shining and his cheeks are pink, he's chewing his lip.
"Yeah," Sirius admits frowning "can you do it again?" It's a quiet question.
"Yeah, sure," Regulus shrugs like it's not a big deal "so Sirius gifts are always something special, I'm not trying to stress them out at all now so they're under pressure to choose something special for you too, Remus," he smiles cutely.
Sirius grins happily.
"Thanks," Sirius keep his grin "and I actually already have a present for Remus so," Sirius shrugs.
"Charming aren't they?" Regulus bite his cheek. Sirius grins at him, beaming.
"They really are something out of the ordinary," Remus smiles softly as he agrees.
/////
"You have no idea how much you mean to me, how important you are for me, love," James kisses Regulus' nose, it's probably his favorite thing to do, he does it all the time and loves how it brightens Regulus' eyes and gives color to his cheeks every single time.
"Why are you saying that?" Regulus looks at him uncertainly, still getting used to the shown affection "it's like it's about to end," he adds more quietly.
"I don't think like that," James tells him. "I think you should tell people how important they are to you not because they could leave at any moment, but because they're here now, and it's worth saying," James informs with a soft smile.
"Oh," Regulus bites his lip. "It make some sense," he agrees. "I'm sorry," he sighes "I wish I could say something so nice to you too, but it's still hard for me to talk about emotions," he admits.
"You're trying and that's what matters, love," James smiles softly.
"I guess the reason why I keep my feelings to myself, is because I can't explain them," he confesses sincerely and very quietly after a short silence. "I don't think people understand how stressful it is to explain what's going on in your head when you don't even understand it yourself."
"Oh, love," James wraps his arms around him. He's so soft, so gentle, so good.
/////
"Salzar escaped!" Regulus' slightly panicked voice echoes off the walls of the Black house one afternoon "close the windows and doors, help me look for him," he asks. "The poor guy must be terrified," he tugs at his hair.
"Terrified?" Sirius huffs. "You know whose terrified? ME!" They stood on his bed, watching for danger.
"You know he can climb, right?" Regulus raises an eyebrow.
Sirius squealed something about a bloodthirsty scary monster, making Remus check every inch of his surroundings before he set foot in it.
Regulus looked in every corner, closing doors and windows and toilet lids, can snakes swim? He checked under beds and behind cupboards, checked everywhere.
When he returned to the room from the bathroom, the lid to the terrarium was open. Barty must have kept it open while he was playing with Salazar today. Why didn't Regulus check it? He was a terrible, irresponsible guardian.
He was on the verge of crying because he got used to Salazar and loved his pet, this is his first real pet apart from some boring fish in childhood.
He checked everywhere, even went downstairs, checking the living room and kitchen, oven, fridge, parents' offices, bathrooms, rooms. He checked every inch of the house, went through every piece of clothing in the wardrobe and still couldn't find him, is it possible that this one crawled outside?
Should he notify the police?
"Hey, why is the door locked?" Barty asked cheerfully as he entered the corridor.
"Because," Regulus starts devastated, looks up and clenches his teeth in anger "I fucking hate you!" He punches his friends in the stomach.
"Woah, why?" Barty huffs.
Regulus reached forward and took Salazar in his hands, the poor little guy was freezing outside.
"I was sure he ran away," he threw to Barty furiously, he climbed the stairs shouting. "Sirius stop squealing like a damsel in distress, I found him!"
"I took him for a walk," Barty shruggs.
"He's not a dog, he doesn't need walks! You just stressed him out," Regulus hit his friend on the back of the head.
/////
James and Regulus entered the house laughing and giggling.
They returned from the court, spent a good couple of hours there, rolling in the snow. They made a snowman, tried to make a needle, and threw snowballs at each other.
They felt like little children again, and honestly? It was amazing.
Their clothes were soaked through, their hairs dripping with water from the melted snow.
They giggled as they ran upstairs to Regulus' room.
"I'll murder you if I get sick," Regulus laughs loudly. James hugs him, soaking his soaked clothes more.
Regulus kissed him.
"Regulus?" James whispers.
"Mhm?" Younger boy humms against his skin.
"How about a shower?" A quiet question.
"I'd love to," Regulus chuckled.
"I mean, together," shy smile.
Regulus takes a step away from him, breaking their hug, he presses his lips together, biting his teeth into his lower lip. He looks down, he wonders.
"I'm not-" he starts "you know what? Fuck it, sure, let's go," he nods.
"We don't have to," James assures.
"I know," he shrugs and grabbed his hand dragging him behind him.
He closed the door behind them and took off his wet sweatshirt, his shirt sticking to his body, it was starting to feel cold and uncomfortable.
James turned on the water, he had already removed his shirt, leaving Regulus with a full view of his bare chest and outlined muscles.
Fuck him for being so handsome.
"Let me help," James smiles slightly, he comes closer, Regulus lets him.
James rubs his cheek and places a short kiss on his lips, starts undoing the buttons on his shirt, Regulus bite his lip.
"You're so beautiful Reg," James announces, and it's so sincere coming from him, that Regulus feels like crying.
They are under warm water, it washes over their frozen bodies, it's not too warm or too cold, it's pleasantly soothing, it's very pleasant.
How good it is to have a boyfriend.
/////
"Hi Sirius, why are you so smiling?" Regulus raises an eyebrow as he meets them outside his room, Sirius definitely wanted to share some good news with him.
"I just wanted to show you some great skirt Lilly lent me, because Lilly lent me one of her skirts," Sirius emphasize excitedly.
"She did? That's wonderful, show me," Regulus smiles encouragingly.
Sirius's New Year's resolution? Fuck gender and all that jazz.
Sirius decided that from the new year he would go by any pronouns and thiers friends were quick to comply.
Regulus loved watching Sirius's smile grow day by day as she felt more like themself than ever before.
////
"Remus," Sirius looks at him with an awkward smile.
"Yes sweetheart?" Remus touches her cheek.
"Um," Sirius purses thiers lips "my parents want to meet you," he blurted out quickly.
Sirius was shocked when they called, they were sure they wanted to say something about the college she chose, about how inappropriate it is, how much they are ruining his future and that art studies are ridiculous and they won't pay for it, but no, that's not what they wanted to talk about, they wanted to meet Sirius's boyfriend, the Remus Lupin about whom they had heard so much.
When Remus and Sirius' relationship became long term, Sirius's parents decided that it was no longer just youthful stupidity and whim. And if Remus Lupin was someone Sirius intended to settle down with, they want to get to know him properly.
Perhaps they were also slightly terrified by the thought of their first-born child leaving home, growing up and starting college far from them.
Sirius didn't think that was the case, his parents almost certainly weren't trying to improve their relationship to make Sirius feel better.
"Yeah?" Remus smiles softly. That must mean a lot to Sirius, right? Considering that their parents were critical of their relationship from the beginning.
"Yeah," they swallowed nervously.
"When?" Remus asked with a small smile.
Remus can handle it, he knows Sirius is worried that her parents will make a bad impression on Remus, they already made it from the very stories of Sirius and the remnants of childhood memories but Sirius was still seeking their approval so Remus would help them, be nice and kind. He will behave well, because these are indeed the ones who gave life to the love of his life.
"On Sunday, but-" they shaked his head "it'll be at the Black Manor so champagne, prestigious dishes and elegant attire and all that," they listed "and um you have to wear a suit or a tuxedo so they don't take it as an insult, so," Remus frowns at them. "Yeah, I mean, I'd love it if you came in your navy sweater but just," Sirius purses his lips. "I can wear a dress if it makes you feel better," she shrugged.
"Please don't do that," Remus shaked his head "I couldn't take my eyes off you and what would your parents think, huh?" He raised an eyebrow "however, I would love the view so feel free to do it whenever you want," he kissed them briefly "but I don't have any suit," he added with a frown.
"I know," Sirius noded "that's why I'm taking you shopping!" He waved excitedly "and it's need to be a decent suit so let me pay," she asked "you can leave it for our wedding right away, it won't go to waste," they suggested, Remus laughs. "You won't be laughing when you see the price tags," Sirius warned.
"Right," Remus turned serious "what else should I know?"
"I mean I know you have manners, my lovely gentleman, but we have to repeat it anyway, I don't remember half the rules of table manners myself so," Sirius shruged. "I'd recommend you prepare your answers to the most likely questions but with your diplomacy and vocabulary you'll manage without this."
"What questions?" Remus looks at them with a little stress. It'll be like a test he may fail. He knows it won't change much but he'd still rather win, he always wanted to win when it came to Sirius.
"Something, like, hm," Sirius shrugs "don't talk about politics even if they start the subject," they suggested "they will probably ask about your worldview, work, school, where do you see yourself in five years, like a job interview," she shrugged "and some of, you know, something like 'what are your intentions with our child'," he shaked their head amused.
"Did James have a hard time with it too?" Remus sighed heavily. This sounds exhausting.
"Nah," Sirius shruged "Reg was like 'we're having dinner with my parents tomorrow, you know everything?' and James was like 'yes', and that's it."
"Really?" Remus sighs, he envied James, in that case.
"You know he has been to our house a lot and knows a lot about our family, having been brought up in this environment himself so James knows how to treat our parents, knows how to pretend to be obedient and speak only when required." Sirius rubbed his eyes.
"Mhm," Remus nodded
"You know he came in the brand new suit bowing and giving them compliments and he was as serious as you've never seen him before, the way he spoke so matter-of-factly about their relationship was crazy." Sirius shaked their head. "They ended this dinner with 'good to know you found someone worthy of you son.' Regulus repaid him for those two hours for a month," she smirked.
/////
Regulus was jolted out of his sleep by his vibrating phone.
[10.18] ketchup
again, why am i ketchup?
[10.18] french fries
because I hate french fries with ketchup
[10.18] ketchup
Lovely
[10.18] french fries
what do you want, Barty?
[10.19] ketchup
Um
So
Evan may have just kissed me
Yeah
And
Yeah
I do finger guns back
[10.20] french fries
YOU DID WHAT
[10.20] ketchup
I KNOW OKAY, WHAT I SHOULD DO NOW?
[10.20] french fries
Where are you?
[10.20] ketchup
In the closet
[10.20] french fries
Fucking funny
[10.20] ketchup
...
[10.20] french fries
He kissed you and you go and hide? Are you dumb??? Go out and talk to him before he runs away you twat
You're so stupid, omg
And how is he supposed to sleep now?
The relationship he's been waiting for since he was thirteen is just beginning, and Reg thinks it's probably going to work out, and he probably won't have to kill his friends after all. If all goes well, these two will actually get together before college.
He hoped, he kept his fingers crossed that they wouldn't mess it up.
With these emotions, there is no chance that he will fall asleep, so he opened a second conversation on his phone.
*My best teas'*
[10.24] Reggie
It's happening girls!!!
[10.24] Dora
What's happenening?
[10.24] Cass
Your first time?
[10.25] Reggie
Stfu, no
[10.25] Cass
Loser
[10.25] Reggie
Shut up
I'll give you a clue: Barty&Evan
[10.25] Cass
THEY DIDNT, DO THEY???
[10.25] Dora
OMG I'm so happy for them
they will be so cute together!
[10.26] Reggie
I mean I'm not sure how it will go, but as far Evan confesses
[10.26] Cass
Shut up, he did not
[10.26] Dora
I'm so proud <3
[10.27] Cass
Keep us updated
[10.27] Reggie
I will
Some time letter he called Barty but he didn't pick up, Regulus took it as a good sign, he decided to wait until morning to harass his friend.
He woke up to the messages:
[02.23] ketchup
We like kissed, no big deal
ahhagsakagaukabahakanavajakajbah
I'm going to die
I will tell you everything, keep that in mind
Everything
He's like so sweeeeeeeeet
He's flawless Reg, realy, like
How dare he?
[03.12] ketchup
We're like together?????????
Help
[4.54] ketchup
The best night in my life
No, we didin't have sex
Regulus immediately sent screenshots to the group with girls.
[8.12] Reggie
Did you see it? He wrote "have sex" instead of "fuck" or "shag" ahagshiaagah
[8.15] Dora
Litellary so cute
[8.16] Cass
He's all grown up
/////
"What are you doing?" Regulus raises an eyebrow, Sirius just walked into his room moments ago and started posing in front of the mirror, he tried to ignore it but when he started singing...
He wanted to throw him out, making a fuss like usual, and end it with a fight, but then it hit him.
This is probably the last time Sirius will do this, in a few days he will leave, they will go to college and leave this house behind, Regulus will not have him on the other side of the hall anymore, there will be no more mocking and arguing about trivial things every day, there will be no more entering the other one room in in the middle of the night with something not very important to say.
It's over.
They are grown up.
Sirius goes to college there, Regulus stays here.
Because Regulus is the younger brother and he still has a year of school left.
Regulus has a feeling that this will be a hard year for them.
But they'll be fine.
They will get through this, it will be fine, it has to be.
Their childhood is over. But a new stage is just beginning and maybe it will even be better than the previous one?
They'll make it better, Regulus is sure.
/////
*LGBT-Cuties*
Siriusly_in_love_with_Moony added to the created group: Moony, I-love-lillies, Lills, R.A.B, TheSun, Rose, Junior, Pete, Dora, Xenowho, Cass and FavouriteBitch
[2.29] Siriusly_in_love_with_Moony
Hello eveybody
Who's up for a weekend at our house?
[2.30] FavoriteBitch
Do the boys know about this?
[2.20] Siriusly_in_love_with_Moony
Bitch, it wasn't even my idea, Mr. Prongsie misses his little boy
[2.21] I-love-lillies
Reg is literally 17
[2.22] Siriusly_in_love_with_Moony
A baby, right?
[2.22] R.A.B
Stfu, I can take you
[2.22] Pete
Keep family traditions to yourself
[2.22] FavoriteBitch
I genuinely choked
[2.22] R.A.B
In a fight
in a fight
in a fight
Fuck
[2.22] Siriusly_in_love_with_Moony
It's disgusting Reg
[2.23] R.A.B
Shut up
[2.24] Junior
He's like screaming right now
[2.25] Moony
What about the weekend?
[2.25] Lills
We're in
[2.25] Junior
Reg?
[2.26] Siriusly_in_love_with_Moony
You're still asking him for permission, Barty? We've known each other for years. We're friends!
[2.26] Rose
And you're brother can be really frightening so what's your point?
[2.27] R.A.B
Of course we're going
[2.27] TheSun
Cool
[2.28] Pete
He's like giggling and kicking his feet right now
[2.28] R.A.B
Cute
[2.28] Siriusly_in_love_with_Moony
I'm gonna puke
[2.29] Cass
We will be there <3
[2.30] Moony
So everyone, wonderful, this is going to be great!u
[2.31] Pete
I just hope it doesn't end like Halloween
[2.31] Siriusly_in_love_with_Moony
Don't even remind me
[2.32] Lills
Oh it was a tragedy, I was sure I was going to die
[2.32] TheSun
We'll never drink that much alcohol again. Sirius, you are on guard, I am assigning you to this task
[2.35] Siriusly_in_love_with_Moony
Sure, and James? You'll be sleeping in the guest room, sorry not sorry
[2.35] TheSun
Why? My bed is like, 100 times more comfortable
[2.36] Siriusly_in_love_with_Moony
I don't want to hear you fuck my brother, he's fucking loud
[2.37] Pete
So you made it everyone problem? Thanks, you're a great friend Sirius.
[2.37] R.A.B
You should hear yourself. Remus, buy them a fucking muzzle, I'm glad they doesn't live here anymore
[2.38] Moony
I've already done that :*
[2.38] FavoriteBitch
When did this place become a fucking brothel?
[2.38] Rose
Why don't we have more groups with them, they are literally so hilarious
[2.39] TheSun
IM SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU ALL, SO EXCUTED TO HUG YOU ALL <3<3<3
[2.40] Lills
Aw, Jamie you're so cute
[2.41] FavoriteBitch
He really is <3
[2.41] Dora
He's lovely, I like him best <3
[2.41] Moony
I totally agree
[2.42] R.A.B
Why is everyone suddenly in love with my boyfriend?
Oh, and Sirius, we're not going anywhere, I like James' bed ;)
[2.43] Moony
Thanks Reg, she's crying now
[2.43] I-love-lillies
Go get your sweetheart Remus
[2.44] Junnior
And who will come to get me? :(
[2.44] Rose
attention whor3
[2.45] Rose
I'm on my way
[2.55] Xenowho
Why everyone's so disgustingly in love?
[2.55] Pete
RIgHt?
/////
Let's just hope it will last forever, yeah?