Chapter 1
“Go on then, Reg. Give him a hug.”
Sirius looks mortified when he sees his younger brother, his eyes red and puffy, much like his cheeks. James has tried relentlessly to get him to stop crying on their way here, but by the time they arrived home, he’d figured out that it was an impossible mission.
Regulus isn’t making much sense. He constantly moves back and forth between crying fits and moments of what James could only describe as pure bliss. The sedatives that were administered to him are still playing their part, but the doctor had assured him it would only last for a couple of hours.
So there he stands, holding on to James’ jumper, looking rather ridiculous with the bandage around his head that is meant to keep the cold packs in place. It’s supposed to reduce the swelling, the doctor had explained. James had made sure to take a selfie with him before they got here. Might come in handy sometime.
After a moment of stalling, Regulus finally lets go of James’ sleeve and crosses the room to get to his brother, who’s lounging on the sofa. Remus, seated next to him, tries to stifle a chuckle when Sirius awkwardly accepts the hug Regulus is giving him.
“Now tell him how much you love him.”
James takes off his jacket, smirking as he puts it away.
“I don’t.” Regulus mutters begrudgingly, wiping at his nose.
“That’s not what you said in the car, love.”
Regulus directs him a weak glare, turning away from Sirius. James lifts an eyebrow, walking up to the pair that’s still entangled in a half-hearted hug. One second Regulus’ is positively scowling at him, and the next he’s a sobbing mess again, turning back to Sirius and hiding his face in his shoulder.
“I love you.” He murmurs into his jumper. “You’re all I have.”
Now, James would like to take offence at that, but he doesn’t. The brothers have come a long way, and while the connection they have is not perfect, it’s real. It’s pure.
Sirius’ eyes soften in an instant, and he too scowls at James. But then he properly wraps his arms around Regulus, holding him as he cries.
“I love you too, of course…” He says quietly.
Remus looks up from his book and gives him a meaningful look. James shrugs. Is he ready for the wrath of the Black brothers once this is over? Probably not. But for now, he’s quite pleased with himself.