Chapter 19
Regulus doesn’t usually get drunk, and he has good reasons for it. He doesn’t like losing control, doesn’t like not remembering what he did the day after.
Today, he has the opposite problem.
He remembers, and he wishes he didn’t.
He avoids James for as long as he can, but he’s his brother’s best friend, so it’s a losing game. The next time they meet is when Remus and Sirius invite both of them for dinner. James doesn’t act out of the ordinary, but Regulus knows he remembers. He has to.
His suspicions are confirmed when they leave his brother’s flat. Regulus had attempted to convince him he didn’t need a walk home, but James was persistent.
“Bad hangover the other day?”
Regulus rolls his eyes.
“Nothing a pain potion couldn’t fix.”
James hums. When Regulus glances at him, his expression is unreadable. Regulus doesn’t say anything until they reach their destination.
“Well…” Regulus clears his throat. “This is me.”
“This is you.” James nods.
“Yeah… See you around, James.”
Regulus wants to go inside, but before he can do so, a warm hand clasps around his wrist. He freezes. When he glances over his shoulder, James looks a little startled, as if he can’t believe he’s just done that either. He recovers quickly.
“What?” Regulus asks, voice faint.
“I uh…” James smiles sheepishly. “Never mind.”
He lets go off Regulus’ arm and flexes his fingers, then puts his hands into his pockets.
Regulus doesn’t know what comes over him. It’s something about the way James is looking at him. The way his eyes move up and down his body as he takes a step back. The slight regret in his eyes. And he’s so beautiful. He’s always so beautiful.
Before James has the chance to walk off, Regulus dashes forward and catches his shoulder. Before he can say anything, he crashes their lips into the taller man’s. They both flinch at the impact. But James doesn’t pull away. He adjusts. He kisses back.
It’s everything Regulus had imagined it to be. It’s sweet, gentle and warm. He doesn’t feel cold for a second, even though it’s freezing out. By the time their lips part, both of them are out of breath and a little shaken, but it was so worth it.
Regulus swallows, clears his throat and takes a step back. When their eyes meet, he notices James’ glasses have slid down his nose and he doesn’t even bother to push them up. He looks mesmerised. Regulus’ heart stutters in his chest.
“Goodnight…” Is all he manages to say before turning around and hurrying towards the entrance of his apartment building.
He goes inside, leaving a very flustered James behind.