Pair of gloves
Regulus closes the book and sights at the sound of his phone ringing. He picks up the phone and hesitates at the name James Potter on the display. James for some reason Regulus was still suspicious about started to spend time with him. He calls him just to talk or texts him random thoughts over the day. Regulus is not sure why. Don’t get him wrong, he likes the boy and the attention he is receiving. He just doesn’t understand why James even bothers with him.
“Yes?” Regulus says as he picks up the call.
“Well hello to you too, Reg,” James answers and Regulus can hear the amusement in his voice. “Are you home?”
Regulus narrows his eyes before answering. “Why?”
James laughs. “That means yes, great! I will pick you up in 10 minutes meet me downstairs.”
Regulus throws up his free hand in the air. Where the good manners of announcing your visit a few days beforehand went. He looks outside and yes, it’s still snowing. The white blanket lies heavily on the ground. “No. It’s cold.”
“So dressed up. Don’t forget your scarf, I know you have one. And gloves, Reg.”
“I’m not going outside, James.”
“You have 8 minutes.” James singsongs and Regulus can hear how the snow crunches under his shoes.
“I’m gonna leave you there standing.” Regulus resorts knowing already that it’s an empty threat. James apparently knows it too.
“Don’t forget the gloves. See ya.” And hangs the phone. Regulus stares at the phone and then looks outside and back at the phone. Unbelievable. He thinks and gets up intentionally omitting the gloves just out of pure spite.
Fifteen minutes later Regulus opens the door to see James waiting for him. He is dressed in a warm jacket and a red scarf around his neck. He is not wearing a hat, so the white snowflakes catch in his dark curls decorating it. Regulus refuses to acknowledge how cute it is. “James.” He greats.
“Reggie, how are you today?” Regulus can see the excitement shining from the boy.
“Cold. Why are we outside, when it’s snowing?” Regulus asks still hidden under the tiny roof over the door. James looks at him as if Regulus have just asked the most stupid question.
“Because it’s snowing? It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Come one, let’s go.” James says and takes a few steps back carefully watching if Regulus follows. When he isn’t he stops again smiling widely like he is enjoying this game too much for Regulus’ liking.
“Where are we going?” Regulus asks. He already made his way downstairs so he will be going, but he would appreciate knowing the plan, thank you very much.
“We are building a snowman!”
“We are not children anymore.” James takes a few steps back standing right in front of him.
“Oh, Reggie. And who said you have to be a child for us to build a snowman? I love it. And Sirius told me you never did it much as children because of your parents, so we are making up for it! Will you please do me the greatest honour and stop stalling?”
Regulus tries very much not to blush at the intensity James is giving him puppy eyes. He is a weak man and scoffs at the fact his legs move against his wishes. He briefly wonders what James would have to ask for Regulus to truly say no. He looks down at his bare hands and regrets not bringing the gloves. He starts to open his mouth to suggest he will just stand there and watch while James builds his desired snowman when James laughs.
“Oh, don’t even try that. I’m having no excuses today.” He buries his arm into his bag and hands Regulus another pair of gloves. “I brought spare ones because I know you are stubborn.” James leans closer, his shoulders bumping against each other and mock whispers. “I have you figured out, Reggie. There is no escaping now, you’re mine.” Regulus fastens his steps in an effort to hide how his breath hitch up at that.