Chapter 3
Regulus hasn’t been home in two days, and Sirius is this fucking close to calling the cops. Barty keeps telling him not to, that he’s legally an adult, and he’ll come back when he wants to, and that if he gets dragged back by the cops he’ll never forgive either of them. Sirius knows he’s right, but he’s getting desperate.
Sirius hadn’t gone into work since Regulus went missing; his manager had gratefully understood. He’d spent his days wandering the streets around their apartment, before giving up and waiting at home for even the slightest chance that Regulus would come home.
It’s a Friday night, and the front door is unlocked. Sirius has been keeping it unlocked, in case Regulus hadn’t brought his copy of the key with him. There wasn’t anything noticeably missing from his room, which worried Sirius more. But Barty had told him that they’d had a fight right before he left, and he just needed to cool off.
Under normal circumstances Sirius would accept that, but recently, things with Regulus had been strained. They hadn’t had a real conversation in weeks. Sirius was heartbroken; he never thought this would happen to them. Regulus did not seem bothered.
Sirius was busy, yes, but he could still notice things. He noticed how he’d get home from work, and their apartment would look untouched. He’d knock on Regulus’ door, and he usually wouldn’t get more of a response then a shout to fuck off. So he’d leave him alone. He didn’t want to push.
Maybe he should’ve pushed.
It is 11:34 PM on a Friday night. Sirius and Remus are curled up on the armchair, with Barty sprawled out and snoring on the couch. Sirius is dozing off, eyelids heavy with sleep.
He is jolted awake when the front door slowly squeaks open. He stands up, Remus standing with him.
“Hey,” Regulus says weakly. He’s soaked from the rain. He looks exhausted. Massive eye bags and he looks like he could keel over any second.
“Reg!” Sirius says, rushing forward. He pulls his brother into a hug, not caring when his shirt steadily becomes soaked. “Fuck, are you okay?”
He hears Barty talking, and he senses Remus directly beside him, but he’s only focused on Regulus. On his brother.
Regulus doesn’t answer. He stays silent for a moment, before letting out a choked sob. Sirius just pulls him closer.
“Hey, hey, it’s okay. It’s okay, I promise,” Sirius whispers, gently carding his hand through Regulus’ hair. He leads them to the floor, getting comfortable against the wall. Regulus is still crying; quiet, painful sobs. Remus shuts the door, beckoning Barty to follow him towards the kitchen. They aren’t a part of this. It pains Barty to admit, but right now his best friend just needs his brother, and he needs to be okay with it.
Eventually, Regulus quiets. Sirius’ grip loosens, but his heart is still racing.
“I’m sorry,” Regulus says, his voice cracking.
“I don’t understand, Reg. I thought we were close. Closer than most brothers,” Sirius says, fighting back the tears in his eyes. He feels like he’s already mourned the boy he’s holding.
“I felt better than I ever had, so…I just kept on doing it. I’m sorry,” Regulus whispers, squeezing his eyes shut.
“This isn’t us, Reg. This isn’t who we are.”
“I know.”