Heart’s desire
Regulus knows he is not an easy person to date. He had never pretended to be. He told James from the start. That doesn't mean he is not trying. But it's hard for him. James is all big gestures and lovely words, and Regulus just can't.
James understands. Of course, he does. That doesn't change the fact it's bothering Regulus. He can see it sometimes in James' eyes. The wanting to have more. For Regulus to open up and say something nice. He sees the disappointment James is always trying to hide when Regulus can't say the I love you back.
That's why they are now walking in the middle of the night on the third floor to a hidden classroom. He discovered this room last month and since then he was gathering the courage to share it with the boy.
The light in the room is dim so he casts a lumos. It's empty and full of dust. The only the thing in the room is a big ancient mirror. It didn't take long for Regulus to recognize what the mirror shows.
When he looks back at James, he sees the knowing smile. “You know this place,” he notes.
James nods. “We discovered it in the second year. I will let you know I looked amazing with a Quidditch World Cup trophy in my hands.” James smirks at him. Regulus rolls his eyes. Of course, James wanted something related to Quidditch. “I wonder…” James continues as he without hesitation moves in front of the mirror. “… if the image changed.”
Regulus waits for a reaction but all he gets is another knowing nod and a soft smile. He would love to know what James sees but that's not why they are here.
He is nervous. He has been the whole walk here, but now it reached its peak. He doesn't have to look in the mirror to know what's there. He still does, because it will be easier just to describe an image.
James senses the tension. “Are we here so you can finally tell me your heart desires to be a Gryffindor?" He jokes. "I've been telling you for months you would be hot in red and gold.”
“Never in my lifetime, Potter.” he narrows his eyes at him, but he lets the nervousness and laughter bubble from his chest.
James slowly walks to stand behind him. He wraps his arms around his body and places a soft kiss on the top of his hair. It helps when he doesn't have to look at him. How does James always know?
“I see me standing in front of a cottage. Somewhere far away from people. I'm older, I think it's after I graduated from Hogwarts.” Regulus starts because this is the easy part. He takes a shaky breath and he feels James’ arms tighten around him. “Next to me is Sirius. We are okay again, talking instead of arguing all the time.” Regulus continues and here comes the most difficult part, the part why he dragged James here. “And you… you are standing there with arms around me just like you are doing now.”
He can feel James shakily breaths out. Was he really worried? He doesn't have time to ponder. James kisses him again this time on the skin of his neck right bellow his ear. “I love you too, Reg,” he whispers.