Chapter 2
That Monday night wasn’t the first, nor the last, night that Regulus spent alone in his room. He hadn’t talked to Evan or Dorcas in months. Evan still texted him, a few days a week, but Dorcas hadn’t reached out. She’d sent a final text telling him to let her know when he stopped being pathetic. Seeing as that hadn’t stopped, Regulus hadn’t responded.
Pandora was off traveling the world. She called, usually every Sunday, and Regulus would answer. He’d ask her about her adventures and listen and listen and yearn to be there with her (or really anywhere else). She’d ask about his life, and he’d give a vague answer, and then ask her more questions. He missed her, truly, more than he’d ever missed anyone. Except for Sirius, after he left. That had hurt more than Regulus thought anything ever could.
Barty wouldn’t leave him alone, and Regulus was usually too tired to fight it. Sirius had given him a house key, something about ‘best friend privilege’, and Barty definitely put it to use. As the weeks went by, Barty almost became a part of their household. His father sucked, and Sirius felt better leaving Regulus alone knowing that Barty was there with him. But just because Barty was there, doesn’t mean they talked. They spoke about the weather and music and school but they never went deeper than that.
“Jesus Christ, what the fuck did you take?” Barty whisper-yelled as he tore the blanket off of Regulus.
“Fuck off, Barty!” Regulus shouted, not concerned about his brother overhearing. Was his brother home? What day was it?
“It is seven P.M. on a Wednesday. You look trashed. Care to explain?” Barty responded, raising an eyebrow. Regulus groaned, rubbing at his eyes. His vision was spotty, and he’d never been more nauseous. What he’d taken, Regulus didn’t know.
Regulus shrugged, unable to find words. Barty scoffed, looking frustrated.
“Have you even gotten out of bed since I was here last?” Regulus shrugged again, feeling a headache grow as he tried to remember…well, anything.
“Is Sirius here?” Regulus asked, his voice quiet down. Barty sat down at the edge of the bed, still looking at Regulus incredulously.
“Yeah, I think so. He invited me over for dinner, said you were avoiding him.”
“I wasn’t avoiding him, I was just…sleeping,” Regulus mumbled.
“For two days?” Regulus shrugged yet again. Barty sighed, reaching out to grab Regulus’ hand. He didn’t fight it, but he didn’t return the sentiment when Barty squeezed his hand.
“Reg, you haven’t texted Evan back. Or Dorcas. And Pandora said you missed her call last week. And if Sirius didn’t text me every other day and ask me to come over I’d never see you. What’s going on?” Barty looked incredibly uncomfortable. The thing with him and Regulus is that they just don’t talk about their feelings. They never had, but Barty needed answers.
‘I’ve been tired,” Regulus responded, his voice flat. “Sorry.”
Barty was about to respond, but they were interrupted by a quiet knock at the door.
“Come in!” Regulus said, hands back over his eyes.
“Hey, I ordered takeout for dinner. Remus is here. Come eat with us?” Sirius asked, his voice sounding hopeful. He had never been more worried for his brother, but he didn’t want to overstep. God, why is pseudo-parenting so hard?
“Whatever,” Regulus grunted, finally rising from the bed. He was in black jeans and a black sweater. Not pajamas, but they were wrinkled as if he’d been sleeping in them for days. Which was probably true, Barty thought to himself.
They followed Sirius down the tiny hallway to the living room, where Remus was already on the couch. It was tense. It was obvious Sirius didn’t know what to say, and Barty pitied him. Talking with Regulus when he doesn’t want to talk should be classified as an Olympic sport.
“Hey, Regulus, how are you?” Remus asked gently, his Welsh accent shining through. His eyes were on the TV; he knew what it was like to be stared out. Plus, he didn’t want his boyfriend’s brother to hate him.
“Fine, and you?” Regulus responded stiffly as he sat down on the armchair. Sirius offered him a takeout container, and he shook his head. He still felt sick and the idea of food just made it worse.
“C’mon, Reg, it’s from your favorite place down the street,” Sirius said, offering the container again. Regulus glared daggers at him, not responding.
“Sirius,” Remus muttered quietly, gently pulling Sirius towards him. Sirius sighed and gave in, sitting next to Remus. He offered the container to Barty instead, he gladly took it.
This would be the last time any of them saw Regulus even slightly sober.