The afformentioned christmas
"Yeah, pads, go upstairs. I'll see you in the morning for Christmas," James smiled, picking up the two empty mugs of cocoa as Sirius walked up the stairs.
As he placed the dishes in the sink, he heard a knock on the door. 'Who would be here this time on Christmas Eve?' he thought, walking over.
"Reg," he said coldly, seeing the dark-haired boy in the doorway. "Look, Potter, I don't want to cause a scene. I just came here for my brother. We have a Christmas party tomorrow, and if he is not there, well, the family will not be pleased. So, can you send him down?" James laughed at this; there was no way in hell he was giving his best friend over.
"No?! He came here on his own accord. You're insane. He does not want to be with you all. How can I get that through your thick skull?" James laughed. Reg's face turned red. "Potter, I don't expect you to understand. I just need him to come back." Regulus looked ashamed.
James paused for a second, considering something. "You don't like it there, do you?" Reg blushed. "What? No, I mean, how dare you. We are the noble house of Black; we have standards and dignity!" James rolled his eyes. "Look, it's cold out there. Come on, get inside." After a brief protest, Reg agreed and followed James in.
"See, much better. Now we can have a civil conversation without you getting hypothermia," James smiled, taking Reg's over robes. Regulus mumbled something. "Here, let me fix us some drinks. Just sit there," James insisted, getting out some hot cocoa and alcohol. "Aren't you afraid your parents will hear you!?" Reg asked, shocked, seeing how casually James was doing these things.
"It's not like we are shagging, but you're probably right," he joked, making Reg turn red. "Muffliato." "Yeah," Reg mumbled. "So Reg, what would happen if Sirius did not come back for Christmas?" James asked, sliding the warm mug down the table. Reg huffed, as if it was obvious. "Well, mother and father would be pissed, and at the party, we would be the laughingstocks!" "So what," James shrugged. "Well, they would take it out on me!" Reg exclaimed, then realizing what he said, covered his mouth.
James' eyes widened. "What do you mean..." Reg tried to backtrack. "Well, it's not like what they would do to Sirius. I mean, I'm sure he told you, but they just act more strict and aggressive. I would have to practically stay in my room, which is not that bad. I guess I prefer my room; my books are there." He avoided James' gaze.
"Yeah, Sirius told me what they did to him." "Yeah, he was a good brother." Regulus' eyes looked watery, so he took a sip of the drink. James paused, not sure what to do, so he just started humming the song that was playing on the kitchen record player.
Reg looked over at him, confused. "What, you've never heard 'Let It Snow' before?" James chuckled. "No, we don't listen to Christmas music at home—well, any music, really." James looked shocked and jumped to his feet. "Well, we must change that, Black. Come on, let's dance, or do you not do that either?" He offered his hand. Regulus mumbled in protest. "Well, we don't really," he got pulled to his feet. "Hey!"
James laughed, sliding one hand to Reg's hip and held his hand with the other as they swayed. "See, not too bad." James smiled at Reg's blushing face as he pulled him through the warmly lit house that was aglow with Christmas decor and a blazing fire.
"Yeah, Potter," he sighed, letting himself smile. "See, I got a smile." James grinned, and god was James' grin contagious. "But as long as you'd love me so," James sang softly, spinning Regulus. "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."
Regulus felt so comfortable at the Potters, so at ease; it was like a new world. "So, Mr. Black, looks like you're not getting your brother back tonight," James smirked lovingly at Reg. "That's fine," Reg said loosely, leaning back.
"Wow, I guess I am very persuasive," James laughed softly. "James?" Regulus asked. "Yeah?"
"Does Sirius ever talk about me?" He asked, ashamed. James sighed, a sad smile on his face. "Of course." This was a lie. "He told me that he always wanted to defend you and that he would do anything for his little brother." This was the truth; once Sirius sobbed, confessing this to James about how guilty he felt for leaving Reg. "Oh," Reg mumbled.
A new song started playing ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"). They swayed in silence for a little while, just absorbing the music and enjoying each other's company. Regulus felt more and more at ease, like he could do or be anything.
He cocked his head a little closer to James. "I don't know if it was your drink or just Potter magic, but I feel really good." James laughed. "Potter magic, you say? What's Potter magic?" Reg gazed into James' eyes. He slipped his hand away and pushed James' glasses back onto his nose. He smiled for a second then kissed James.
James let go of Regulus' hand and hovered his hand over Reg's back (Aziraphale style). Reg stepped back and gasped, coming back to reality. "James," he stuttered, running to fetch his jacket. "Reg, Reg, wait!" James called, running after him. "No, James, I'm sorry. I have to get back home." He said, tears in his eyes as he put on the robe.
"Please, Reg," he pleaded as Reg flung the door open. "No, Potter, I understand. I'm sorry, just let me—" He started to run off in the cold with James on his heel. "Reg." He grabbed the collar of Reg's robes and pulled him back, turning him around and pulling him in for another kiss.
Feeling warm despite the snow falling on them, Regulus lightly stepped back after a few moments but still had his head close to James. "Potter," he said quietly, "James." James corrected. "Yeah, James. I should go. But can I see you again sometime?" he asked, embarrassed. "Yeah, Reg, of course."
"Okay, good, good. Well, bye," he lightly touched Reg's shoulder. "Yeah, bye, Reggie." James smiled as Regulus blushed. He lightly kissed Reg's cheek before Reg slipped away into the night.
James smiled, knowing he would see Reg again and strolled back into the cozy house, but not before looking up to the stars