3
For the next few weeks, Barty and Regulus were awkward towards each other. James and others caught on to this. "Okay, what happened between you two?" James demanded. Regulus sighed.
"We almost kissed each other when I went to look for him the morning after our date, but Barty pulled away," Regulus explained. James looked hurt. Barty was expecting him to yell, but James' following words would shock him and Regulus.
"Are you sure you're not in love with Barty?" James asked. Regulus eyes widened as well as Sirius' too.
"He doesn't love me, James. He loves you and always will," Barty said before walking off with a concerned Evan, excusing himself to follow Barty. Regulus watched the two walk down the hill in the courtyard, then looked at James, who was waiting for his boyfriend's response.
"I...I don't know," Regulus said before sitting on a bench. "I loved you always since before we became official, then we broke off things, then Barty and I got closer, and I guess I developed different feelings, if that makes sense," Regulus rambled. James looked understanding.
"Reg, I think you have feelings for Barty. I understand, and I'm not angry. I was glad that he was there for you always, and he comforted you in so many different situations that I couldn't, and I thank him for that. Just think about it, okay? If you like him as much as he likes you, then maybe you should tell him, but if it's just a deeper friendship bond, I'll be here. I'm not pressuring you to ignore your feelings; I want you always to express your true feelings. Just go and talk to him. I understand," James said. Regulus nodded. He kissed James' cheek and then ran after Barty.
//
Barty was crying under a tree with Evan trying to comfort him while trying to distract him. It was only when Regulus was nearly a foot away that Barty wiped his eyes and turned on a fake smile. Regulus frowned at this and looked at Evan, which the other took as it was time to leave, so he excused himself. Regulus sat down next to Barty.
"Barty, I-I," Regulus tried to find words to form. He took a deep breath as Barty waited patiently as he always did. "I want to try this," Regulus finally said. Barty needed clarification.
"But what about James? You said you loved James, so why would you try?" Barty questioned.
"The truth is...the truth is Barty, I've liked you for a while, but I wanted James back because I always thought I loved James, and this is hard to put into words!" Regulus explained, trying his best.
"Alright, we can try, but aren't you sure you don't just want to be with James?" Barty asked. Regulus took Barty's hand into his.
"I want to try this. You have always been here for me, no matter what!" Regulus answered. Barty smiled genuinely. Regulus kissed Barty on the cheek.
So it was official: Regulus and Barty would try this relationship out.