Chapter 9
Everyone becomes more and more drunk as the evening goes on. Except Regulus. He has only had one glass of whiskey. James can’t help but feel like he needs a drink too. His eyes keep on wandering to Regulus. Regulus. Regulus Black. His best friend’s brother. His handsome stranger.
James knows this is selfish, but he wants to talk to Regulus, alone. Without Sirius. But he can’t. He shouldn’t, it’s his birthday. And he is his brother.
J: Meet me in the bathroom.
James leaves after he sends the message. A few minutes later, the door to the bathroom opens. James becomes face to face with the man he has been obsessed with for almost two months. And, once again, he is speechless. Why doesn’t his brain function normally when he’s around?
“Hi,” Regulus breaks the silence, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Hi,” James replies.
“James,” Regulus says, playing with the words in his mouth, “James Potter.”
“At least we know each other's names now,” James tries to laugh, but fails.
“Yeah.”
Now that James has a proper chance to look at him, he notices that Regulus has his ears pierced, and is currently wearing dagger earrings. That's so fucking hot. He has eyeliner on; a long, thin line rather than Sirius’ typical smoky emo look. Sharp enough to kill. Gleaming silver rings cover each of his fingers. He's wearing a black shirt, tie and trousers. James suddenly feels underdressed in his ripped jeans and flannel shirt. But he couldn’t care less, because the handsome stranger is looking at him. He knows his name. And he looks like a Greek God. He looks like he belongs on a fucking movie screen. He looks perfect.
“Why did you agree to come with me tonight if you already had ‘different’ plans with your brother?” The sound of his voice echoing back surprises him. Can't he just keep his fucking mouth shut for once.
“It was at the same place, I figured I'd spend time with both of you. I really should have figured out you two were friends sooner.”
“I should have realised you were his brother sooner.”
“Why?”
“I remember thinking how much you looked like Sirius before. I should’ve put two and two together when he told me you were studying here.”
Regulus says, “I guess we’re both as stupid as each other then,” and they both laugh.
Hearing his laugh makes James forget about everything in the world. As far as he is concerned, the only things that exist are in this room. The only thing that James cares about is standing right in front of him. And he would do just about anything to protect this man. To hear his laugh again and see his incredible smile.
“Did you maybe want to get a drink with me sometime? Without my brother there, I mean,” Regulus asks.
“I don’t drink.” Regulus’ disappointment is obvious, and James continues, “but I’d love to go out with you.”
And there it is. That smile. James swears that smile has the power to brighten even the darkest of days, eliminating every shadow lurking within him until he is nothing but the sun. Regulus. A real star. His star.
“Coffee?”
“I love coffee,” James says.
“Perfect.”
They stand grinning foolishly at one another for a moment when the bathroom door slams open with sudden force. A very drunk man staggers forward.
“Jaaaaaaaames!” he says, “Come back to the party, it’s great.”
“I can tell,” James laughs, “how much have you had to drink, Wormtail?”
“Not much,” he answers.
“Lightweight.”
Peter’s face starts to pale, before he runs into an empty stall and begins to puke.
“Oh, Peter.”
James turns to face Regulus and says, “I’ve got to take care of this; see you later.”
Regulus smiles, “You’re a good friend, James.”
“I know,” he jokes, making his way towards Peter. “You okay in there?”
More vomiting. Guess not. When James turns around, Regulus is gone. James can’t help but smile.