Chapter 15 - The Prologue
James had been so busy studying for the OWLs and Regulus knew he felt bad about how little they were seeing each other.
He made all the time he could for his boyfriend.
Regulus didn't mind. He took all the time he could get, even if they were just falling asleep together.
James strolled into the Room of Requirements, running a hand through his hair.
Regulus brightened at his presence, "Hi."
"Hi, baby", James greeted leaning down to press a kiss to Regulus' lips, "Sorry it took so long. Sirius has been clingy now that he's not spending every second with Remus."
Regulus leaned back in the beanbag, a quill behind his ear.
"How is Remus?" Regulus asked.
"Fine, I think. Still angry at Sirius, but I think they're working on it." James explained.
"That's good." Regulus quipped.
"How about you? How are you, love?" James asked.
"I'm fine. Better now that you're here." Regulus smiled.
"Sorry I haven't been around much-" James started.
"James, stop apologizing. I know how important OWLs are." Regulus assured the boy.
"Maybe I should've just let you tutor me." James huffed.
Regulus scoffed, "You and I both know that no actual studying would have been done."
"I just- I miss you." James muttered plopping in the beanbag beside Regulus.
"I'm right here." Regulus assured.
James intertwined their fingers.
"But you won't be in a week", James whined, "Can't you just spend the summer with me?"
Regulus sighed, "James."
"Regulus."
"What is this really about?" Regulus asked.
There was a pause and James frowned.
"What if she hurts you?" James quizzed.
He averted Regulus' gaze.
Regulus stood from his beanbag and crawled into James' lap, making the boy look at him.
"I'll behave. I'll do what she says and keep my head down." Regulus promised.
"What if something bad happens to you?" James cried.
"I'll write every other week, okay?" Regulus promised, "It'll be okay."
He rested his head on James' shoulder and buried his nose in the boy's neck.
"Okay", James sighed, "But I'll miss you everyday."
Regulus' chuckle was muffled.
"Mmkay." He mumbled.
~
Finally the last day came around and they were leaving.
Regulus had never had to say a goodbye so excruciating.
Saying goodbye to James was like saying goodbye to himself- to all the fun times.
Regulus knew it wasn't deep and they'd be right back on the train in three months time.
Still his heart ached in his chest.
James managed to slip away from his friends and spent the last half hour of the ride with Regulus.
He held the small boy and pressed soft, sweet kisses to his lips.
Enough kisses to last three months.
They shared soft touches and whispered words in the comfort of their own compartment.
James spoke of his summer plans- which included missing Regulus a lot.
Regulus knew this was going to be the longest three months of his life.
With James, time moved so fast. Regulus couldn't believe the year had blown by.
He'd never been so upset to leave Hogwarts, but he knew that meant excitement for the future year.
"I wanna give you something." Regulus muttered softly, pressed against James' chest.
He stood up and shuffled in his bag on the seat across from them.
Regulus pulled out his copy of The Grapes of Wrath. Worn and well-loved.
He handed it to James and slipped back into his spot in James' arms.
"The Grapes of Wrath?" James quizzed.
"A little something to remember our first kiss." Regulus explained.
James pressed a kiss to the top of Regulus' head.
"I love it."
They got closer and closer to the station with every passing minute.
'Just one more', Regulus begged, 'Just one more minute'
He had to survive a whole summer on 30 minutes worth of kisses and cuddles.
Regulus wanted to go back. Back to safety, back to comfort, back to freedom.
He knew what awaited him at home.
Regulus had promised James he would keep his head down, but there was only so much he could do when it came to his mother and her rage.
Worst case scenario he'd be an engaged man when he saw James again.
Best case scenario he's got a few bruises and cuts, but nothing that won't fade within weeks.
Regulus had no expectations for the summer, so he couldn't be disappointed.
For once, Regulus was jealous his brother got to spend the summer with James.
He just pictured them swimming and James getting tan.
Playing quidditch until they returned inside with red faces, dripping with sweat.
Eating home cooked meals as a family around the dinner table.
Regulus smiled.
Maybe the summer would fly by. He could let himself get lost in his thoughts and busy himself so the time moved faster.
When the train came to a stop, Regulus' heart dropped into his stomach.
The pair stood up, but didn't dare speak just yet.
If they didn't move they could pretend they were still miles away.
"My sweet Regulus." James breathed.
Tears pricked Regulus' eyes.
This was too hard- it hurt too bad.
Why did they have to say goodbye?
"It's only three months", James muttered, smiling, "Then you're all mine."
Regulus chuckled, wiping the tears from his eyes.
James placed a hand on his cheek and kissed him so so softly.
Regulus would miss this- he already missed it.
He already missed James and he wasn't even gone.
"Sirius is gonna come looking." James muttered as he pulled away.
"Go." Regulus breathed.
James grabbed his bag and went to open the door.
He turned back to take one last long look at Regulus and then he was gone.
Regulus felt instantly less happy. Like all his happiness had drained and gone with James.
He grabbed his bag and peaked out into the hallway.
Regulus made his way to the closest door and climbed down off the train into the busy station.
He spotted his mother after a moment, beside Kreacher who had collected his trunk.
Regulus saw the look in her eyes and swallowed.
He took a step and crashed into someone.
"Sorry." Regulus muttered, stepping back from the man's chest.
He looked up, but his face was hidden by his hood.
Regulus quickly began walking again, already knowing the summer was off to bad start.
~
The hooded man watched as Regulus joined his mother and elf.
He watched the woman frown and grab the boy's arm.
They were gone with a blink and the man smirked under his hood.
Regulus Black had no idea what he was in for...