Faded with you

Regulus was watching James' hands intently. 

Exactly. He was carefully observing the boy's hands, which were engaged in two different actions.  

The left hand, in fact, was busy typing on the phone quite quickly, occasionally glancing at the keyboard while the other was busy delicately folding a sheet of paper, which was slowly taking on the shape of a...swan? 

“How did you do that?” Regulus blurted out making James look up from his phone, 

“Do what?” 

“That! That swan! Were you writing on the phone with I don't know who with one hand and with the other you made that swan? How?” 

James smiled sweetly before handing the paper swan to the boy, “It's for you.”

“Really?” 

“Of course. It was for you since the beginning.” 

Regulus looked at him for a few seconds before taking the swan in his hands, “Thank you. But I still don't understand how did you do this.” 

“Let me show you?” 

“I don't—” Regulus began but James had already put the phone down and got up to fetch two pieces of paper. 

And that's how Regulus found himself folding papers listening to what James was explaining to him. 

“You have to bend it to the right.” 

“I just did it.” The boy said as he bend it to the right as told. 

“My right Regulus.” 

“We have the same right.” He said causing a laugh from the boy who stretched out his hand adjusting the position that the fold should have, “Okay, I can't.” 

“Of course you can. It's easy.” 

“Yeah, whatever.” 

“We're almost done.”

“James, mine looks like a rolled up ball.” 

“It is not true.”

“Stop lying.” 

“I'm not lying I swear!” James said with a laugh when he saw Regulus's heartbroken expression, earning himself a punch on the shoulder. 

“I hate this.” 

“I'm the only thing that you don't hate.” James said proudly as he rolled his eyes, then quickly retracted his hand, then looked carefully at his finger. “Did you just cut yourself with paper?”

Regulus looked up, “No.”

“You did.” He said, “Aww, you're so cute.”

“Stop it.”

“Let me kiss there so it can pass.” He added, leaning forward, 

“James, stop it.”

“What? I'm a trying to make you feel better, c'mon let me kiss.” He said again this time laughing as Regulus stepped back, 

“No, don't you dare, James!”

“Now it's James? You always call me Potter when you're angry.”

“Stop it.”

“Trust me, it’ll pass!” 

“I swear, if you come closer I’ll kill you.”

“C’mon, one kiss.”

“Stop it!” Regulus said pulling back further in vain while James had already reached him and was trying to grab his arm. 

“Trust me, one kiss—”

“I swear—” Regulus said, unable to hold back a smile as he wrestled with the boy, who was grinning widely. 

Pandora entered the room, looking at the two fondly, before saying, “What are you two doing?” 

“I'm killing James.” replied promptly Regulus struggling to grab the boy's arm, who pulled back, 

“And I just want to kiss Reg because he cut himself with the paper.” 

“Aw, Reggie, did you get a paper cut?” 

“Shut up. Ah!” 

Pandora looked at the two boys, now standing still, for a second, “So you're even?” She asked looking at how Regulus had James' right wrist but James had Regulus' left wrist. 

“Just give up.” The latter said while the boy rolled his eyes, 

“I can stay like this all day.” 

“Oh really? Do you want to stay with me all day?” 

“Shut up.” 

“No, I'll not. Not until you—”

“I was—”

“Sooo, what are going to do today?” interrupted the girl promptly, 

“Kill James.” 

“Oh yeah, in your dreams!” 

“Why are you like this?” asked Regulus exasperated however not moving from the position the two were in, 

“Because you like me like this.” 

“In your dreams and in—”

“Your nightmares, we know.” 

“Fuck you.” 

“See, that's not very nice.” 

Pandora shook her head, “I'm going to meet Lily. See you this evening? Can I leave you or should I be afraid that Reggie will kill James?” 

“He won't kill me.”

“We'll see about that.”

The girl sighed before approaching the two and trying to separate them, quickly tickling James who let go instantly while Regulus cheered the next moment, “Ah! I won! Like always.” 

“That's called cheating!” 

“That's because Pandora and I are a team.” 

The girl interjected, “Actually you're just lucky because you're not ticklish.” 

“What? Maybe your Regulus isn't ticklish but I assure you that my Regulus is very ticklish.”

“Your Regulus?” slowly and as innocently as possible asked Pandora to the boy who blushed the next moment, 

“No wait. I didn't mean—”

“So I'm an object now, Potter? An object who you can possess?” Regulus asked playing Pandora's game while James blushed even more,

“No, of course not. You're an amazing beautiful person and—and you're funny and cute and—oh. You're fucking with me. Great, you're fucking with me. Again.” 

“We weren't. Do you really think that low of us?” Pandora said while Regulus pouted a little which immediately made the boy feel guilty, even though he knew it was false, 

“No, of course not. You two are—something. In every universe?” James said confusedly before his phone started ringing, even though he already knew who it was, because obviously it was the person he had been texting with for days now. 

“Who is it?” 

The lie came immediately, even if telling it wasn't easy. He felt guilty. Always. But he couldn't tell the boy about Sirius. Not yet. “Peter.”

“Say hi to him from me.” Pandora said before giving them both a kiss on the cheek and walking out to leave. “See you tonight, lovers!” 

“You do not answer?” asked Regulus instead, taking the swan that James had made for him earlier in his hand, 

“I'm sure it's nothing serious.” But in fact, it was actually Sirius. 

“Mhm.” Regulus leaned forward and hit him on the shoulder, 

James groaned in pain, “Oi! What was that about!” 

“For all of that. And say hello to Peter from me.” Regulus said turning to leave the room after waiting two seconds for Romeo to reach him (it was incredible how he followed him everywhere) “But thank you for the swan. It's beautiful.” He added leaving James rubbing his arm in slight confusion.

It wasn't difficult to find that coffee shop. Honestly, Regulus thought he would never forget. I mean, the moment when one of the most important people in your life doesn't recognize you? Yes, unforgettable.

That time he had made sure Barty was alone. Yes, maybe he was wrong. Indeed, he was certainly wrong, calculating that Evan was as important as Barty, but given how it had gone the first time he didn't want to risk it. He just wanted to talk. And the guy seemed really willing to talk that time too. 

He already knew that Barty didn't know him. It wasn't new. It wouldn't have been new.

But he missed him. He wanted to talk to him. Even if he had changed, if he was different, surely he wasn't a different person, right? Pandora was not. And as far as he knew, Lily and Marlene didn't look that different either. And then, Remus was no different. Why did Barty have to be any different? 

So there he was waiting for the boy to arrive. Thanks to Pandora, he had found the boy's profile on—if he remembered correctly—what were called social networks, and they had noticed that he always posted photos of the coffees he had. Nice photos, if he was being honest. So he was almost sure that he would meet him soon. 

Marlene had also taught him everything she knew about sign language in those days, and he honestly felt ready. This time he would talk to Barty. And he would have managed to make him a friend. Again. Even though the first time it was definitely Barty who took the first step. 

And so when he looked up he saw the latter who was walking calmly towards the coffee shop. 

Was it strange to look at someone like that? He was strange, wasn't he? Great, he was being weird. Well, if he just stood up and just happened to meet him, he would stop being weird, right? What if—

His cell phone vibrated in his hand, bringing him out of his thoughts. He didn't even have to check, because obviously it was James. Who else could it be? Sure, there was a small chance it was Benjy, but usually he called him directly. And then, James loved to always write to him. Send him photos of items. Of animals. Things like that. 

So he picked up the phone, but on the screen he saw that it wasn't James, which was strange and he personally didn't expect it. 

But he was one of the social networks that Pandora had made for him. Should he have opened the notification? Probably yes. But why should a notification arrive? He didn't want to do it either, but his  friend had shown him how he could find the boy easily. And that was why he did it. And that was why he decided to open the notification. Only to find a sentence that he definitely left him more than surprised. 

Barty Crouch Jr has started following you. 

Had Barty started…following him? Well, that was a sign. How had he found it? But more important question, why? Did he want to be friends with him then? Because that was definitely the only thing that made sense. So had he thought about it? Had he thought of…Regulus? Even after all that time that had passed? 

The boy looked up and before Barty entered the coffee shop, he quickly joined him. Maybe it was the wrong choice but at that moment he wasn't interested. If something went wrong he would leave. The boy would forget him and he would disappear. 

Okay, he had reached him. He was there. So he did the only thing he could think of. That is, touching his shoulder. 

Yeah, not much sense, but hey, he was trying. Barty, his Barty, had done so. It made sense that he would do it too…no? 

Barty stopped, turning to him in confusion, then smiling broadly, “Hi there. That was fast.”

Regulus smiled nervously before raising his hands and telling him, using sign language and slowly to try not to make mistakes, “Hi. Trust me, that was a coincidence. Do you remember me?”

Barty looked at him surprised but nodded, “Of course. Regulus Black. I honestly haven't stopped trying to find you. You're a hard guy to find, you know that?”

He smiled, “Yeah, you too. I would like to—” but before he continued, Barty stopped him, 

“Do you want to have a drink together?” He asked kindly, adjusting his glasses, “This place is one of my favorites. It makes good coffee and one of my dearest friends works there. Well, not for much longer. Don't tell anyone but I'm only coming here for her. It’s not much in general. But it's definitely better than nothing.”

And of course he said yes. How could he not? Finally something seemed to be going in his favor. 

So the two went inside and Regulus was honestly surprised. The outside was definitely nicer than the inside. He didn't expect it to be like this… not in order? I mean, it was in order, for goodness sake, clean etc, but there was something that didn't make sense. But he didn't understand what. From Remus and from Peter it had been completely different. The sensations had been completely different. Everything had been different. 

“So. How are you?” Barty asked as he sat down at the table while Regulus did the same in front of him, 

“It's okay. How are you?” Regulus replied promptly while Barty laughed, crossing his arms, 

“You know, I can hear. I have cochlear implants, I can hear you easily. But I didn't know you knew sign language. Although sometimes you misspell some words.” 

Regulus dropped his arms in surprise, “Wait, really? Can you hear?” 

Barty laughed again, “Yes, I think so? That's how cochlear implants work?” 

“And you hear me perfectly? Sorry, that was awkward.” 

But Barty was still smiling, “Yup. Perfectly. I honestly thought you had a higher voice.” 

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?” 

“Just saying.”

“The last time though—”

“Oh yeah, I didn't have them. They hurt a little, sometimes. And when I'm with Evan I don't feel the need for it much, you know? I know him perfectly, we don't need them.” 

“I—that was so romantic, do you know that right?” 

“Maybe I think about that too much.” 

Regulus smiled at him, “If you want to take them off, you can. Even if I misspell a few words I'm sure you can still understand, right?” 

Barty studied him for a few seconds, “It's okay. I have to keep them longer anyway. But I didn't know you knew sign language.” He added again, 

“Oh, I didn't know it. I learned it these days with a friend of mine.” 

“Really? What for?” 

“For talking to you, of course.” 

A long pause, “You really did it for me?” 

“Of course. But not like in a romantic way. I'm not flirting with you. I mean, trying to be with you? Like I know you are in love with Evan and honestly I'm—actually I don't know how I am because there are times when—shit, I'm rambling, am I?” Regulus sighed, dropping his head onto the table and looking up at the boy mortified, 

“A little bit?” Barty said smiling again, “But it's okay. I know. I mean, I can feel that I can trust you like a friend and that you're not trying to make me fall in love with you.” 

“Thank Merlin.” 

“Merlin? Is the new God?” 

“Totally.” 

“Mhm. Got it.” 

“Look who is it here, Barty!” A female voice said the next moment and Regulus honestly didn't think his day would get this much better. Worsened so much. Which one was right for the situation, he didn't know. 

The girl smiled widely, tossing her long braids behind her, then turning to Regulus, “Well, you are beautiful. I'm Dorcas. Barty told me about you.” 

“Yeah, that wasn't necessary to tell.” 

“I mean, a little. It's okay to tell—”

“Okay, fuck you.” And Regulus understood that Barty was not so different from his Barty, and that he was definitely not as delicate as he seemed. The tone was identical to his Barty now, without a doubt. 

“Fuck you too, darlin'. Anyway, like I said, I'm Dorcas. Pleasure to meet you.” 

“Regulus Black.” He said accepting the girl's hand, who after a few seconds nodded,

“I understand what you were saying. It really feels like I know him.” 

“See?! I'm not going crazy, I told you so.” 

“Mhm. You sure we haven't met? You really look familiar.” 

“No. Unfortunately I don't think so.” 

“Mhm.”

Regulus looked at the two, “You're working here?” 

“Not for long. I mean, I just have to finish this week and I'm done. And thank God.” 

“Yeah, and you will be jobless.” 

“I have a best friend who is rich.” 

“Evan isn't rich.” 

“Funny. Are you rich, Regulus?” 

“Huh, me? I mean I—I have money. I think?” The boy said confusedly while the girl smiled, 

“See? Rich. I'll be just fine.” 

“Why are you happy that you're leaving this place? If I can ask.” 

“Because they are all assholes. I don't like people who are assholes. I'll find something else.” 

“I know I'm asking you too much, but right now we are friends so, can you tell Dorcas that she can't quit?” asked the boy, adjusting his glasses, 

Regulus watched Barty run a hand through his hair (which was once again styled with gel) before turning to the girl, “Nah. She has to quit, I mean if she doesn't like them—”

“I like you already.” 

“Well, fuck you too then.” Barty said sighing, 

“Oi, fuck you.” replied Regulus while the girl nodded, 

“Yeah, Barty. Fuck you. I hate this place.” 

“I know you hate this place. But it's the only—”

“Why are we even talking about this? We just met Regulus and—”

“I have a job.” Regulus suddenly interrupted them before mentally hitting his forehead. Why, why had he spoken? 

“You—you have a job?” Barty asked confusedly, 

“Congratulations?” The equally confused girl said, 

“No, I mean. I have a job for you. The same job you're doing right now just in a better place.” Merlin, he was in trouble now. Why was he still talking?

“You're fucking with me.” The girl said, while Barty added,

“You're kidding?” 

“No. My—I have two friends who own a place like this. I'm sure they will be happy to—” Fuck, shut him up, please, “—give you a job.” 

“If you're fucking with me you have to tell me now, okay? Because I—are you for real?” 

The boy gulped, “Totally.” 

“Oh my god. Oh. My. God. I've known you for at least two minutes and you're offering me a job? Barty are you feeling this shit?” 

“I'm hearing it too.” 

“Will you marry me, Regulus Black?” asked the girl literally getting on her knees, 

“Sorry, I’m—gay?” He said slowly as both Barty and Dorcas looked at each other before bursting out laughing,

“Don't worry. I'm a lesbian, so. In another universe?” 

He nodded, “Yeah. Definitely in another universe.” 

“Great! Now let's get the fuck out of here.” 

“Are you kidding me? I just wanted a coffee.” Barty said sadly, 

“You don't like the coffee here that much. You're just here for taking photos.”

“And for you. I would have never come here. Fucking hate this place.” 

Regulus chimed in the next moment, “Yeah, about the job, it will take three days or something like that so if you really—” 

“Oh, yeah, I thought. But I honestly can't stay here anymore. And they already paid me, so Barty, show us the way. It's time we got to know each other better, although something tells me we already do.” 

“Why not?” Was that really happening? Merlin, what was he doing? 

“Guys! Can I have your attention please?” She shouted the next moment so that everyone turned to her, “Amazing. Rick? I fucking quit. You are all assholes. And please people, don't order the cupcakes, you have no idea how they make them. My captain? Fuck you.” said the girl then giving a military salute to the cashier which cursed under his breath as he watched the customers watch the girl take off her apron and throw it on the floor, then follow Barty and Regulus out of her. 

“That was crazy.” 

“We are crazy.”

“But if you're with us, you're probably crazy too.” Barty added as Dorcas nodded next to him laughing. 

“Yeah. I'm definitely crazy.” 

Merlin, what was he doing?

“What have you done?” Remus asked as soon as he saw Regulus (and James) enter the coffee shop. 

“What? I didn't do anything!” James said offended but Regulus knew he was talking to him. 

“How did you know?” 

“You have this face on you. I know that face is something bad. Spit it out.” 

“What did you do, Reg?” James asked in surprise as the two approached the counter, also greeting Peter, who turned to prepare their usual orders. 

“It's nothing too bad.” 

“Regulus.” 

“Reg?” 

“Okay, maybe…maybe I gave a job to someone. Here. A job here.” 

James burst out laughing next to him while Remus's eyes widened, “Are you fucking—kidding me?”

Regulus felt slightly guilty, but shook his head, “It's a good person, trust me. And—And of course, I don't want you to pay her, I'll do it. I mean, I will give the money and you will give them to her. You also know that an extra hand wouldn't hurt, right?”

“Who is her?” James asked now curious having stopped laughing, but not smiling, 

“Dorcas. I met her with Barty.” 

“You talked to Barty? How did that go?” 

“Currently, really good. It all happened yesterday and I think it was too—”

“So let me get this straight. You haven't been here in a week and now you show up with James, who also hasn't been here in over a week, and you tell me you hired someone I should trust because I trust you? Confidence that I think is in the ground now if you ask me?” Remus interrupted in an implied speechless tone. 

“Or maybe I wanted to call you to tell you about that. Or maybe just bring her here the same day. It was James who wanted to come because he wanted to talk to me." Regulus said as Remus looked at him even more offended, 

“Oh, so you never even came? Great. I feel better. Amazing. Wonderful. And—”

“I'm doing you a favor! It's just you and Peter! A helping hand wouldn't be too unpleasant. And I repeat, I will give her the money as it should be. You will also have more customers. I'm sure two guys will already come. One every day probably and also both James and I would come every day to have a nice big breakfast. I can bring Pandora and Benjy while James can bring Lily and Marlene, huh? And I assure you that Dorcas, the girl I was telling you about, you will like her. Guaranteed. And also she is very sociable, so she will attract other new customers.” Regulus quickly explained as James looked at him carefully. “And James agrees with me. It is not so?”

“Mhm. Totally.” 

“James always agrees with you. You could even kill a person and he would agree with you.” Remus said as Peter snorted a laugh behind him, 

“Oi, that's not—”

“Oh, shut up, James.” 

“Why are you being a bitch about it?” 

“Because, one: it's my place and you can't hire people I don't know—”

“Our place.” Peter added but he was ignored,

“—two: I don't need new clients, I'm fine with the ones I have, and three: I don't hear from you for more than a week because every time I call James he's on another call or every time I call you you're unreachable, and now you come here as if nothing had happened?” Finished the boy raising an eyebrow, 

“You missed us, Rem?” James asked softly and the boy shook his head,

“No, I didn't. But Peter did. It was a routine. James who came, took the same order, took Regulus' order and Regulus who thanked us afterwards. But now nothing.”

“He really misses us.” James whispered to Regulus who tilted his head, 

“If he makes you feel better, James doesn't answer me either.”

“Woah! That is a lie! You never called me.” 

“Because you always do. But look, you didn't.” 

“You miss my calls?” 

“That's not the point.” 

“I'm okay with her.” Peter said suddenly and Remus turned to him with a face of pure betrayal.

“You really betray me like that?” 

Regulus smiled at him and gave him a high five, “I mean. If she is friend with Regulus, then that means she is a great girl. And we really need a hand. And you miss them more than I do, Remus.” 

“Shut up.” 

“So, you're gonna hire her?” Regulus asked and after a few minutes of silence, yes that's right, minutes, Remus nodded. “Ah! Thank you, Remus Lupin, you're my savior.” The boy said before getting up and reaching for him to hug him, then quickly pulling away, “Sorry, that was—”

“Group hug!” James said the next moment as he approached them and hugged them, so that Peter would then join in happily. 

“Happy now, Black? We are hugging.” Remus said flatly as he rolled his eyes,

“It was your fault for making that long scene.” 

“I'm sorry if I have feelings.” 

“At least you're not like James.” 

“Oi, you like me.” 

“I don't.” 

“You do.” 

“He does.” 

“You do.”

“Okay, back off, time is up.” He said, breaking away from his embrace, even though the next moment James put his arm around his shoulders, pulling him towards him. 

“James—”

“I just wanted to say that I love you guys. All of you.” 

“Have we moved on to confessions? Because I love you too.” Peter said smiling at the boy who adjusted his glasses happily, 

“No.” Remus and Regulus said at the same time in the same tone of voice. 

“When is Dorcas coming?” 

“Whenever you want.” With pauses. “Maybe in two days.” 

“Can she come tomorrow?” Peter asked quickly while Remus gave him a flat look, 

“Yeah, totally. Trust me, Remus, you're going to love her.” Regulus said, freeing himself from James's grip to get his coffee that Peter had prepared in the meantime and going to pay, 

“It's on the house. And now go, before I kick you both out.” Remus said as James took a piece of the tart Peter was offering him from behind, 

“See you tomorrow, Remus.” Regulus said happily walking out of the shop while James shouted behind, 

“We love you!” 

“Speak for yourself.” Regulus added and Remus said,

“Exactly.” As Peter added, 

“Us too, James!” 

“Well, that was fun.” James said turning to Regulus as the two were now walking towards the house.

“A little. I love pissing off Remus.” 

“And trust me, he loves pissing off you.” 

“I know.” Regulus said taking a sip of his coffee before turning to the boy, “What did you want to tell me, anyway?” 

Oh. And then the good mood would end. Why? Because James had decided to tell the boy the truth. Hiding the truth from him was hurting him. And he didn't want to. And he honestly wanted the two brothers to reunite. Even though—even though he knew the feeling, he was sure that Regulus would be happy to see him again. It would have done him good. 

…Right? 

“Mhm. About that. I—you know, in life—”

“Woah. Your tone suddenly changed.” Regulus said surprised, 

“Yeah, well—”

“You didn't kill anybody, right?” 

“No. But you will kill me. Probably. Maybe?” 

“I doubt. What did you do?” Regulus asked, taking the paper bag James had in his hand to take a muffin from it, 

“You notice that…these days I'm always like out?” 

“Yeah, I notice that I didn't hear your voice so always in the morning.” Regulus said slowly, 

“Yeah. Well, and you notice how I'm always on the phone.” 

“Yes, James, I live with you so I notice.” 

“Exactly. You know—”

“Just tell me.” 

“I met Sirius.” James said finally and Regulus froze. Obviously. And everything remained still. 

“You what?”

The boy took a light breath, “I met Sirius. And I, actually, became friends with him. Again.” 

“Did he recognize you?” 

“No. He didn't. He just had this feeling that he knew me.” 

Regulus laughed softly, a fairly quiet laugh, too quiet, “Yeah, I know about that. How did you meet him? Exactly?” 

“How did I meet him?” 

“Yes. How?” 

“Pandora—”

“Are you kidding me.” Regulus interrupted him with a groan, 

“You asked me—”

“You searched him? Really?” 

James shrugged, “He is my best friend.” 

“And he is my brother. So what.” 

“You're not playing fair right now.” 

“Am I not? Really?” 

“Yes indeed!” blurted out the boy, “I told you the truth and yet you—”

“Did it hurt? When he didn't recognize you? How was that?” 

“Just like you felt when Barty didn’t recognize you.” James replied and Regulus looked up at him, 

“I didn't search for him. You did.” 

“I missed my best friend. I miss my best friend, okay? Like you miss yours. That's why you went after him. That's why you learned the sign language, right? C'mon, we—”

“It's different.” 

“How is that different?” 

“Because Barty isn't your brother!” Regulus said and James studied him silently, 

“I know. But I did miss him. And you miss him too, so—”

Regulus turned and started walking again, “No.” 

“What are you doing?” 

“I'm going home.” 

“Reg—”

“No.” Regulus stopped again, “Don't. I know what you mean. Is it a no.” 

“He is the same, I swear—”

“Stop it.” 

“You told me you miss him, it's better than nothing!” 

“No.”

“Why can't you just—”

Regulus turned fully to him now, “Why? Do you really wanna know why?” James was silent and the boy continued, “I can't do that again, James. I can't do that again. I can't go to him knowing that he won't recognize me. Again.”

“What—”

“Remember when he came to your house? Leaving me with our parents? Actually, me deciding to stay with them? Then we came back to Hogwarts. And he ignored me. He totally—ignored me. He pretended to know nothing about me. Absolutely nothing. He pretended he didn't know me. He didn't know his own brother. He—I heard telling that he didn't have a brother. Which was fine, really.” A pause, “But when I tried to talk to him, because I fucking did, he just said that he didn't talk with people he didn't know. And—and I'm sorry, James, but I can't do that again. Looking in his eyes and see nothing of my brother again.” The boy shook his head, “I can't.” 

“Sirius didn't tell me you tried to talk to him.” James said moving a little closer, 

“Of course he didn't. He is Sirius.” 

“He missed you. Even if he—acted like that. Trust me, he told me every night that he missed you.” 

“Yeah.” 

“I know it's hard. I'm the only one that knows how you are feeling right now.” James began, 

“Are you?” He asked and the boy raised an eyebrow, “Forget it.” 

“But I think it will be better if you talk to him. If you see him.” 

It will break me. “You think.” 

“I'm better. Like really better. Just, you know, spending time with him? It's something.” 

What if it breaks me? What if? What? “James.” 

“Do you trust me?” 

“It's not the point.” 

“But do you trust me? Do you really think I will ever do something to hurt you?” 

“Didn't it hurt you? When he didn't recognize you?” 

“It did. It really did. But the only person who remembers us is Pandora. It's going to hurt every time.” 

“Then why are we keeping hurting ourselves?” The boy asked, “For what I can know, it could be just us. You and me. We know each other. I—I think we know each other now, right?” 

“Because the memories are there, I think.” James replied confusedly, 

“Then we can make our memories.” 

“Do you really want to make new memories? Or just good times?” Asked James flatly, 

“I don't know. And I don't know what I'm doing. What we are doing.” 

“We can try to understand it together. I thought we were.” 

“I know.” The boy replied with a sigh, running a hand through his hair tiredly, 

“Then we can try to do this. Together. I—I'm sure that if you see him—”

“I don't know. I really don't know what to do.” 

“—okay. Just—Sirius invited me for playing cards. Tomorrow. And I thought—that you could come. With me.” 

“Do you know how to play cards?” 

“That was a plus point. I'm sure you know how to play it." 

“I do.” Regulus said, before turning towards the street, “I'll think about it. It's not a promise, but I'll think about it.” 

“It's more than enough, Reg.” James said softly and the boy nodded as the two started walking again, 

“And stop calling me that.” He added after a while, 

“Not again, I thought you liked it.” 

“Give me another muffin.” 

“Words?” 

Regulus rolled his eyes, “Please.” 

“See? Amazing.” 

“Shut up. And I want the chocolate one. I saw it.” 

“We can share it.” 

“No.”

“But—”

“No.” 

“We’ll see.” 

“It’s my muffin.” 

“It’s our muffin.” 

“No.” 

“Yup.” 

“No.” 

“Yeeees.”