The Transit of Venus
His good mood lasts about 3 minutes.
It is squashed as soon as he enters the dining hall, seeing James sit on the other side of the table. Sirius just a few feet beind, standing by the door.
James looks good. Too good.
He smiles at him openly, in a way that makes his heart jump in his chest.
Regulus tries to smother it immediately. This isn’t happening. He refuses to find anything about this man charming or endearing. He knows better than to let himself feel any way but hate towards this person.
„Hello Regulus.“ He says in a way that would warm anyone’s heart. But not Regulus‘. No of course not. He would not fall for this again.
„Hello.“ he answers, coldly.
„Is it alright if I join you for a meal this evening?“
It is said so casually, as if he was just a friend dropping by.
It is infuriating. The way he grins, his lips full, inviting.
No, not doing this. Regulus tells himself again.
„A meal?“ he says, confused. Trying to focus on the irritation he is feeling, not the... other feelings.
„A meal. Are you -"
„A meal?!“ he repeats, scoffing in disbelieve.
He turns on his heal, exiting the hall in a quick stride.
„Regulus!“ he hears James call out behind him, pushing back his chair and hurrying after him.
„Where are you going?“
„I do not know, just… away from you. Wherever you are not!“
He keeps going, quickly, though he hears James right behind him.
„Regulus! Regulus, please, if you will give me a chance… Regulus, stop walking this instant!“
He does stop at that. Spinning around, glaring at James.
They are alone, standing in the halls. But James doesn’t start to speak for another few seconds. The tension sizzling between them.
„I…“ he sighs. „I realise you have no reason to like me. You have no reason to trust me.“
Regulus just scowls. Not arguing it in the least. But also not trying to leave again. James‘ brown eyes keeping him captive.
„I marry you… and then I disappear into my observatory. And then I come here to dine as if…“ He looks so genuine, like he really means it. „But if you will… give me just one evening of your time.“
His eyes pleading, just as his words.
„Allow me to show you where my mind has been. It might not make you forgive me, but it might make you hate me a bit less.“
Regulus does not want that. He does not want to give him any of his time. Does not want to hate him less. But as James holds out a hand to him, he can’t help but take it and letting himself be lead away.
—
~The Observatory~
Regulus was looking through the telescope, acutely aware of James standing just beside him.
„Look, do you see it?“
„I do not see anything.“ he managed to still sound agitated.
„Well, concentrate.“ James told him, clearly giddy with excitement. Leaning forward, so close, Regulus can feel his breath on his skin.
„I cannot concentrate with you hovering, breathing and telling me to concentrate.“ He answered, hoping to come across as annoyed and not out of breath from this close proximity to this man.
„Let me just turn the focus a tiny bit.“ James reaches out to do just that, brushing Regulus‘ hand with his own.
„Would you just step away and let me… Oh, my word.“ All his annoyance flooded away by the view of the white glowing ball through the lense.
„What is that?“ he breaths out.
„That is Venus.“ the smile of satisfaction and delight in his voice.
„Venus? The planet Venus. I’m staring at Venus?“
He had learned about the planets from his parents but he had never seen one like this. It was beautiful. Fascinating.
He looks back up at James, eyes wide.
„You are. I’ve been studying it.“ James smiles at him, pulling him over to a table near by littered with papers.
He points at one, showing a map of the night sky.
„See, a rare occurrence is coming. Venus will travel in a specific arc and give us a single moment to take precise measurements and we shall know the distance from the Earth to the Sun. ‚The Transit of Venus‘ it is called. It will be quite a spectacal.“
He grins at him like a little boy who has just had his very first piece of chocolate. It is…
„It is… James it is beautiful.“ he looks up, fascinated by him.
„It is.“ he looks back in his eyes and they look at him like Regulus is what makes him glow with admiration. Regulus feels his face grow hot.
„And this is what you have been doing.“
„There is something about the heavens. In this world we live in, where I am given so much power and attention, it is good to remember I am a bit of dust. I’m a small dot in the universe. It keeps one humble.“
He keeps smiling, looking at Regulus but his eyes go sad.
„Being king is a… hazard. My world has been made to revolve around and… it has made me… selfish. I cannot imagine how painful and cruel it must have been to have me ruin your wedding night.“ Taking Regulus‘ hand and looking genuinely sorry, so much so that Regulus lets him hold it, looking up through his lashes.
„It was your wedding night too.“
„I am so sorry.“ he pleads with him.
„Yes well…“ feeling himself being worn down but refusing to make it too easy for James.“I do not forgive you.“
James‘ shoulders slump down and he starts to look like a beat puppy. A cute one, not like this deformed bunny.“
So he takes pity and continues,
„Yet.“
„Yet.“ James perks up.
„Yet is good!“ he starts to grin again. „Yet is hope!“ he declares.
„Perhaps.“ Regulus fights his lips curling up, failing.
„You know… it almost does not quite count as a wedding night. As we did not have the night part.“ He takes his other hand, slowly, gently. Caressing the back of it with his thumb.
„I have been told that as well.“ Regulus breaths out, trying not to stare at James’ lips.
“We can start over. Try again.” James steps closer, only inches away now. “If you are willing?”
“Well…” he tries to keep a clear head but every one seems to just end at James’ lips, their hands touching. “That seems very… I think that is a reasonable idea.”
‘This is about power.’ He tells himself. If he can seduce James, he will be able to make Sirius’ life a living hell. That is what this is about.
It is not about the way James looks at him like he is the only one to exist. Not about the way he feels himself grow hot and wanting. Wanting to let himself fall into James.
But every remotely clear thought leaves him as James leans forward, taking his face in his hand ever so gently. Kissing him softly, carefully.
Regulus had nearly forgotten how it had felt the first time, at the wedding. But now, it was coming back to him full force.
The smell, the touch of this man was intoxicating. It made his head spin.
As James pulled back, carefully searching his face for confirmation, to make sure it had been alright, Regulus was panting.
He leaned forward, unable to stop himself, wanting more.
And James gave it to him freely.
The second kiss was different. It was more intense. James pulled him closer.
Regulus had enough of his wit left to pull back, looking James in the eye.
“Does that mean you are coming home to Buckingham House?”
Regulus could see something flash over James’ face for a second but it was gone as soon as it had come. Retuned back to his reassuring smile.
“I am coming home to Buckingham House.”
Regulus couldn’t help but smile at that.
Of course only because his plan to destroy Sirius was working so well.
It had nothing to do with being able to spend more time with this man that made him feel so… intensely.
__
James kept his promise. He had packed up his thing the same evening, officially moving into Buckingham House.
Regulus was getting ready for bed, Remus standing by the book shelf, not looking at him as he starts talking.
“You remembered what I told you when we were talking with Lily? The preparations necessary for… you know?”
“Yes, I remembered.” Regulus doesn’t really want to talk about it again, it had been uncomfortable enough the first time.
“Good.” And after a short break, “So you spoke with Sirius. How was that?”
Regulus stiffened at that. Why did he want to know?
“It was fine.”
“Really? Sirius seemed quite upset afterwards.” His voice sounding a bit too nonchalant while brushing the back of a book with the tips of his fingers.
“He did, did he?” Regulus smirks.
Remus does look at him now, a pained look on his face.
“Yes…” drawing in a deep breath. “I have to tell you something Regulus. I… we are friends right?”
“I… uhm.” Regulus is caught by surprise. “I suppose so. Yes, I think we are.” He smiles a bit at that. He had not expected to make a friend here. He hadn’t ever really had one before after all. There had been Sirius of course but that had been different.
“That’s good.” Remus looks a bit reassured. “I am glad to hear that.”
“So as your friend, I feel obligated to tell you the truth. It isn’t easy to say and I will be honest I am quite scared that you might be angry. I have been giving advice to be honest and open but haven’t taken it myself.”
“Just tell me already.” Regulus urges, brow furrowed.
“I… uhm. Iknowyouandsiriusarebrothers.” He pushes out, staring at at him with a worried expression.
Regulus is stunned for a moment. How? How does he know?
“What? How did you find out? When?”
“Sirius told me. When you were at the Observatory for the first time. But honestly I should have known earlier. You two look so much alike. It is a mystery to me how James hasn’t already figured it out.” Remus looks at him sheepishly, still not sure how to behave.
Regulus flinches at his comment. He never thought of the both of them as looking alike at all. Sure as children maybe, but now?
“Are you angry with me? For not telling you sooner?” Remus bites his lip.
“No. No I’m not angry with you.” Regulus hears himself say. “I am glad you did tell me. It is actually a relief that you know. And it has proven that I can trust you. If you’re so scared about keeping this secret from me.” He smirks.
Chuckling, Remus relaxes. Releasing the tension from his shoulders.
“Yeah, well you can be pretty scary you know?”
“Me? Scary?” He is truly a bit confused at this. “I mean, I guess I understand that my title can be intimidating.”
“Oh no its not that. That doesn't scare me. But have you seen the way you look when you’re mad? It’s terrifying. I mean even to me who knows how to defend himself if it came to it. You’re death glare still gives me a chill.”
“Hm. I never thought of it that way. I just thought I looked neutral. But that explains the servants running around like beheaded chickens.”
Both started chuckling at that but it doesn’t last long.
“So, you still want to be friends after Sirius told you? I mean you are friends right? He probably spouts the most horrendous things about me to justify his own behaviour, huh?”
“No actually. He hasn’t told me a lot. And you don’t have to either. These are two separate things. My friendship with you and my… friendship with him. They are very different.”
There is something strange about the way Remus said friendship. He can’t quite place it but it seems like there is a sadness about it. Maybe Sirius had done wrong by Remus as well. That would be great. They can hate him together. But he doesn’t ask about it. Remus had given him the freedom to not talk about it, so Regulus would do the same for him.
They were friends now after all.
—
Only dressed in a thin but intricately decorated black night robe and a dressing gown, Regulus made his way towards the bedroom.
As he came into view of the door, he saw Sirius, standing beside it. The sour look on his face grew only worse at seeing Regulus walk up.
‘Ha. Yes, take it all in. I’ll go in to my husband. How does it feel to be replaced? Left behind by someone you care about?’
He smirked at him.
Sirius looked away.
Good choice, in Regulus’ opinion.
Sirius opened the door wordlessly but Regulus could see his knuckles going white around the doorknob.
As he stepped inside, leaving Remus and Sirius outside, he remembered to be nervous. This was going to be it. Would it be scary? Hurt? He had to do this didn’t he? Its not like he wanted to. Its like a chore, like Lily had said. He didn’t like James after all. Right?
But it hadn’t been scary in the Observatory, just a few hours ago. James had been gentle. Regulus had wanted it. Wanted more. Needed more. So what did that mean?
As he was standing before him, James. His mind went blank. All thought of meaning and duty and revenge gone.
There was only this beautiful man with warm brown skin and curls you wanted to push your fingers into. He wasn’t wearing a dressing gown but dressed in a similar robe to Regulus’, the only difference being it’s colour. A dark red. So dark it was nearly black. It was made out of the same silky fabric as Regulus’.
James was standing up from one of the Settees, by the bed, smiling widely, glowing like someone had just turned on the sun.
How did he do this every time? With every smile, James managed to make Regulus feel so strange. So warm, almost too warm. Making something jump in his chest.
“You are breathtaking.” James whispered, like he was marvelling about some miracle.
Regulus wanted to say something back. Wanted to let James know just how beautiful he was. But only the thought of it made him blush.
Hoping James would not be able to see it, he tried to distract by motioning at his gown.
“It is pretty. But it has a thousand tiny buttons.” He started to chuckle. “I begin to think they made the wrong choice for both of our gowns.”
“I am very good with buttons.” James replies, smiling as he slowly steps forward.
Regulus’ heart start beating very fast as James stands only a few inches away, looking down at him with those beautiful eyes, that Regulus could loose himself in.
As James cradles Regulus’ cheek, he can’t help but lean into it. The touch is so soft, so… loving. It feels like James could soothe every pain he has ever felt, or break him wide open.
Regulus can’t help but think that he might let him.
So he puts his arm around James’ waist, leaning forward, closing his eyes, letting their lips meet.
It is soft at first, but it grows more wanting, more needing fast. Regulus hears himself make a noise in in the back of his throat, which seems to just encourage James more, pulling him in even more.
Their bodies pressed together, he feels the warmth of him, takes in the scent of him. He smells of fresh cut grass and of the outdoors, like a warm fire on a cold day.
James pulls back shortly, whispering and gesturing towards Regulus’ gown, “May I?”
Regulus doesn’t trust himself to speak so he just nods, a smile creeping on his face.
James reaches back, slowly pulling down the dressing gown, letting it fall to the ground.
Then, avoiding the tiny buttons, he pulls at a bow of string, that is used to keep the robe above his shoulders.
Regulus reaches up too, starting to do the same to James’ Robe. James kisses him again. It is passionate, but short. Regulus wants more.
“Regulus?” James says in a hushed voice. “Do you know what happens on a wedding night?”
“Yes, I know everything.” Regulus hopes to sound confident about it. He did after all learn all the theoretics about it. Practice couldn’t be much different right?
“I’ve seen… drawings. And had a detailed explanation as to what is to occur.”
James chuckles lightly, “Well, that is good to hear.”
“I have prepared everything.” He looks up, hoping to not have to explain further, but luckily James nods knowingly.
“I have as well. So we will just see what happens alright? See what feels right between us? If either of us wants to stop at any time, we can, alright?”
Regulus feels relief.
“Yes. Yes that does sounds good.”
Smiling, James pulls at his own robe, letting it fall to the ground, leaving him exposed.
Regulus looks at him, the muscles of his upper body perfectly shaped. Not at all looking like the body of a king, but like a man that knows hard, physical work.
It makes Regulus shiver with anticipation.
Regulus puts a hand on James’ chest, feeling the heat of his body, slowly moving his hand down. He could feel James humming under his touch. Twitching, as Regulus put his hand around him.
Now, that he saw it, felt it, he could see the appeal.
He felt the need to be as close as possible to James.
So he reaches up with his free hand, letting his own garment drop. The shyness he had felt before washed away with mindless need.
He pushes forward, reaching around James’ neck, kissing him deeply. His tongue searching. Wanting to taste all of him.
The moan this rips out of James is everything. So he keeps pushing.
Until James is with the back to the bed, letting himself fall. Sitting on the edge of the bed, staring up at Regulus with flushed cheeks and the expression of someone worshipping at a shrine.