"Dancing" in the snow
James liked being outside, whether it was in the sun on a beach or in a snow-covered garden. He enjoyed the fresh air, nature, animals, rain or 30 degrees, it really didn’t matter. As long as he could be around the people he loved and cared for – long walks in the sun or snowball fights in 5 degrees below zero. All of the above was equally enjoyable with loveable people around you, which was why James practically jumped at the opportunity to go for a long walk in the snow with a bunch of his friends.
Marlene had shaken her head at him after he eagerly agreed, saying he would go find an extra sweater before heading out.
The two of them met the others, including Sirius, Remus, Peter, Lily, Mary, and to James’ pleasant surprise, Regulus, at the coffee shop a few streets from James’ house. It had closed for the day, and Mary gaped in through the window before Lily linked their arms and urged her along. James was convinced she could drink coffee all day long if she was allowed to.
The walk was relaxing, and though it wasn't anything outside of the ordinary, James still enjoyed it thoroughly. The silly conversations, the snow falling slow and steady, the snowball fight between Marlene and Sirius – all of it was perfect. And when they, in the end, headed back, James was in a good mood, and a smile was stuck on his face.
Sirius, who had been walking right next to James until then, suddenly ran towards Lily. Before she could react, he had her hat and started running away, a delighted laugh falling from his lips. Lily instantly yelled at him, and James almost felt bad for Sirius as she, too, started running. Remus shook his head, pushing past Mary, who was laughing and smiling at the most likely upcoming fight. Remus did a half-hearted attempt at running after them before giving up. James laughed and automatically turned his head to look at Regulus, who was walking just behind them.
Sirius had told James that Regulus hadn't wanted to be alone, so he had reluctantly agreed to coming along.
Regulus was looking at the ground, clearly unfazed by the racket his brother was causing. James slowed down, just a bit, and he didn't care if it meant lagging behind, as long as it got him closer to Regulus.
Regulus also didn't seem to notice this, too lost in thoughts. In hindsight, it must have been why he fell. Neither of them saw it coming, but Regulus must have stepped on an icy spot because suddenly he was on his arse on the cold ground.
For a second, they just looked at each other, matching confused looks painted on their faces; then James started laughing. It brought Regulus out of whatever trance he had been lost in because he pushed himself off the ground, wiping his back from snow and gravel.
“Oh my god,” James laughed. “Are you okay?”
“Oh, bugger off,” Regulus snarled, stepping away from the icy spot. He sent the ground a death glare that James was sure could make you melt in less than a second, but the ground surprisingly stayed frozen. James would’ve melted, though.
“No, but seriously,” James said, trying to stop his chuckling. “Are you okay?”
“Everything’s fine.”
It was clear that he was trying to get James to move on as fast as possible, and because Regulus genuinely seemed more embarrassed than hurt, James let it slide. He grinned once more, trying to catch Regulus’ gaze before carefully stepping on the icy spot Regulus had slipped on.
The others were far ahead of them, but James was in no rush, letting himself feel the slippery ground. Regulus was staring at him confused, arms crossed in front of his chest. His eyes seemed to say: “You’re going to fall, Potter. And I'm going to laugh.”
Carefully, James let himself slide across the icy ground, and he laughed as came to a halt on the other side. The spot wasn't bigger than you could just slide on it, but James honestly didn't care; it was all he needed for the moment anyway.
It reminded him of ice skating, and James’ smile was big and goofy. James was certain, Regulus thought he was an idiot.
He knew it was most likely going to end badly, but James didn't care as he reached out for Regulus, holding his hand out as an invitation.
“I,” Regulus started, shaking his head disapprovingly. “No. I'm not doing that.”
“Oh, come on, Reg.”
“Don't call me that.”
James sighed, reaching out once more, but Regulus dodged elegantly, quickly stepping away. James tried to follow, and it was honestly not planned as he stepped on the icy ground between them, loosing balance momentarily. Regulus reacted instantly, coming to help James and catching his arms to steady him just before he would’ve fallen. James rapidly returned the embrace, hands grabbing Regulus’ jacket, and as he came face to face with him, James was more inclined to call it a Christmas miracle rather than a mistake.
“You’re stupid, Potter. Absolutely. Stupid.”
James laughed.
“I swear,” Regulus continued. “If you did this on purpose, I'm going to kill you.”
It only made James laugh more.
Regulus sighed and let go of James, but James didn't let him pull away, keeping his grip on Regulus’ forearms.
“No, don't go,” James grinned. “Please.”
Regulus rolled his eyes, and as he once more attempted to pull away, it wasn't with much force, almost as if he wanted James to keep him right where he was.
“No, please,” James tried again, the laugh in his voice taking over. “Dance with me Regulus,” he exclaimed dramatically, trying to pull Regulus around on the slippery ground.
“Shit, James, we’re going to fall. James, I don't want to fall,” Regulus rambled. His eyes were fixed on their legs, but James’ were fixed on Regulus’ face.
“That’s the whole point, though,” James chuckled.
Regulus looked up abruptly, an equally confused and annoyed glint in his blue eyes.
“What?” James laughed. “You already tasted the ground, didn't you.”
That was clearly where the line went because Regulus took one second to glare at James before he threw himself at James.
Hands grabbed onto his arms, and a foot wrapped around his legs, giving him a firm tug. Before he could react, he fell backwards, the warm winter jacket luckily taking most of the hit. Regulus, whom he was still holding onto, landed on top of him with a low “oof”, and James rested his head on the cold ground, letting his laugh float between them for a moment.
When he looked down at Regulus again, he had lifted his face from James’ jacket, and James considered whether the red on Regulus’ cheeks was the cold or his own fault. Regulus, though he probably would never admit it, also looked like he was fighting a smile.
“I tasted the ground, huh?” he asked, cockily.
James grinned.
“We both tasted the ground,” he corrected.
Regulus seemed to be satisfied with the answer, and James let him go as he pulled back.
“You’re not going to help me up?” he asked, cocking an eyebrow in a playful manner. Regulus took one look at him, face unreadable.
“No,” he said and turned around, starting to walk away. “We’re going to lose the others out of sight, Potter; hurry up.”
In all honesty, James had forgotten about the others a long time ago, but now, as he looked, he could see that Regulus was indeed right.
James chuckled to himself, getting up quickly and running after Regulus.
When he slung his arm around Regulus’ shoulder, Regulus didn't move away.