True self
It’s been nearly six months since James stopped putting glamour charm on his forearm. Not all the time. But when he is just with Regulus alone. It’s weird how he forgot how it is not to hide. He got used to covering his neat scars under a layer of charm over those years, that it became part of his daily routine. Shower, brush his teeth, attempt to tame his hair, wave a wand over his forearm. Simple.
The first time he told Regulus about his past self-harm, he was truly nervous. He was afraid the boy won’t fancy him anymore, that he would turn his head away from the evidence of James’ struggling. He didn’t. Regulus listened and then proceeded to kiss the scars on his forearm. It was so unexpected that James didn’t have a chance to stop the tears from spilling with relief, overwhelmed by the love he felt for this boy. Regulus still does this sometimes. When he notices James is having a bad day. He holds him close and kisses him. It eases the knot in his stomach. Regulus’ lips on his skin warmed his entire soul.
It’s been nearly six months since James feels like he can finally breathe. Every time he doesn’t feel the lingering buzz of magic on his skin. When it’s just him, without the need to hide. Because Regulus gives him the safe space, to be his true self.