God Complex

It had been a few days since James was at the crime scene. He hadn’t returned to work because, by some miracle, Sirius convinced Minnie to let him on their team. Granted, this was supposed to be something Remus and Lily could work on, but now they have the help of Sirius and James. That may make things move along more smoothly.

James was heading into the station. Lily made whatever they would discuss seem very serious, and James was... Excited? He knew they were supposed to receive information from the forensics team today. Maybe that’s what Lily was so eager to get everyone together for. 

As he walked into the conference room, James took a moment to look at every one. Lily stood at the head of the table, leaning over, using her arms to support herself while Remus and Sirius sat beside each other to the left of her. 

“Well, good morning, James!” Sirius greeted as the doctor made his way to the opposite side of the table. “Good morning, guys. What’s so important that we had to rush here?” He looked from the two boys to Lily, and that’s when he noticed the file under one of her hands.

“I’m so glad you asked.” She smiled somewhat sarcastically as she picked up the file and opened it. “Remus and I already took a peek at it before either of you arrived, but these pictures were sent over from forensics.” 

“Lily, I really don’t wanna see my old friend's dead body-” James started, looking away from the table once pictures were being placed in the empty space before him. “That’s the thing, James. Look.” She slid an image closer to him, and reluctantly, he shifted his gaze to look at it.

“That’s not-” A loud clap interrupted him. “Exactly! It’s not a real body, just some kind of silicon and stuffing. It's pretty strange that they didn’t realize something sooner, but it also raises more questions…” Lily pressed her hand to her lips, thinking hard about it. “Like, where did all the blood come from?” Sirius chimed in, and James nodded in agreement. “Yesterday, we learned that it was human blood, though. The labs proved that. It was also a match to the victim we had thought was killed.” Remus finally joined the discussion. 

“So Peter’s probably still alive somewhere. Kidnapped, most likely. We just need to figure out why they would have gone through the effort of faking his death.” Lily sighed, trailing her hand through her hair. “And where are they keeping him?!” James chimed in, rather upset saving him was not at the top of her list. 

“Yes, that too. Sorry.” She flashed an apologetic smile, and James just shook his head. “Some detective you are.”

The comment earned a laugh from Sirius. However, it was pretty easy for anyone to make him laugh. James just rolled his eyes, pouting like a child.

After some time of talking over theories, they decided to go get coffee and possibly a snack. James hoped he could get a snack. He had skipped breakfast that morning.

James was lost in his own thoughts after that. He knew they were walking to the nearby cafe, but anything else being said between the three people walking in front of him was far beyond him. He was worried too much about this poor victim. 

Yes, they used to be friends years ago, but now they were practically strangers. James still cared for him as if they hadn't grown apart and hadn’t been living separate lives all these years. What could he say? He had a big heart.

“James.” That was Remus. Quickly, the doctor shifted his gaze from the pavement up to the detective and plastered on a smile. “Hm? What is it?” He asked before his gaze flickered to Lily, then Sirius, ultimately ending up back on Remus. “I was just making sure we didn’t lose you. You’ve been really quiet.” He shrugged his shoulders, turning his back to James again, who only laughed nervously. “Sorry, just lost in my own world.” 

James took a moment to look around as they returned to talking amongst themselves. They had already arrived at the cafe, which appeared pretty empty. His eyes scanned the people at the outside tables. Any one of them could be their killer. As that thought crossed James’ mind, his eyes reached a boy who appeared to be not much younger than him, with black curls resting gently atop his head. He was beautiful. 

Then their eyes met, and James felt his heart stop, and that metallic taste filled his mouth.

This time, it tasted more like blood, threatening to choke him.

He liked it. 

When the male looked away, James smiled to himself and entered the cafe, joining the others at a table.

“I’m starting to think James was right. About there being more than one of them.” Lily said as she let out a sigh, leaning back in her chair. “How would we ever find that out, even if there was?” James replied, finally tuning back into the conversation. Lily replied with a shrug, “Most of the crime scenes have been the exact same- besides this one- So they must be going through some precise training.” That comment earned a nod from Remus. “I was thinking the same thing. Whoever is leading them must have put a lot of thought into the people they’d pick.’

James sighed, removing his glasses and rubbing his eyes. This was definitely a lot more complicated than he would have thought.

As his hands moved from his eyes, his gaze shifted to the window. The boy with the black curls was staring right at him. His silver eyes seemed to be filled with such curiosity James could tell that much.

Placing his glasses back on his face so he could have a clearer view, James raised his hand and waved to the mysterious boy, smiling so he would appear friendly. He was, but being with three detectives would scare just about anyone.

“James?” 

The voice brought him back to the people he was supposed to be paying attention to. 

“Yeah, sorry-” He replied, shaking his head a bit, but still found himself glancing towards the window. The boy was now smiling. Strange.

“Who were you waving at?” Sirius asked, nudging James’ side with his elbow. “Oh, there was someone outside looking at me… He’s right..” James stopped. He hadn’t looked away for more than a second, and now the boy was gone. “Never mind.” Letting out an awkward laugh, James shook his head. 

They had stayed in the cafe for hours talking, but James was finally home and exhausted. They didn’t even do much today, but knowing someone who’s involved in the case really wears you down. 

Opening the door to his flat, he walked inside and kicked off his shoes before tossing his keys onto the nearby coffee table. James collapsed on the couch the moment he was close enough and let out a sigh, immediately relaxing. 

It didn’t last too long when he heard a noise come from the kitchen. As James sat up, he noticed a figure in the doorway. How did he not see it when he walked in? 

“Who are you?” James asked, raising himself off the couch. He began to slowly step towards the nearest light switch, flipping it on. James froze; he felt like his heart had stopped for a moment, but now it was racing. Whether it was from excitement or fear, he wasn’t sure. 

“You’re the guy from the cafe. How did you find out where I live? Why are you here?” The questions came out without much thought as he watched the other male push himself away from the doorway, approaching him. 

‘What the hell do I do?’ James thought as he glanced at the front door, then at the male two feet away.

“All good questions, Doctor.”

Hearing his voice made all the air leave James’ lungs. God, his voice was as beautiful as he was.

This definitely wasn’t fear, he had decided. 

“Are you going to answer them?” James was backed as far away from the boy as he could be, never letting his eyes leave the silver ones piercing into his soul. 

“No, but I will tell you I have had my eye on you for a while. Aren’t you a fan of my work?” 

“Your work..??” 

James was only becoming more confused by the entire situation. 

“Don’t worry too much about that part. I’m Regulus Arcturus Black, by the way. I figured telling you my name wouldn't do much. You are so clueless.” 

Pulling his gaze from Regulus’ eyes, they moved down to the other’s gloved hands. He was removing them.

“Regulus Black,” James repeated after a moment. Saying his name made it feel like his tongue was being split open by millions of tiny razor blades. What an addictive feeling it was.

“Yes, you seem to work quite closely with that brother of mine.” Regulus hummed in reply as he shoved his gloves into his pocket and began stepping closer to James, who backed himself up against the wall. 

Regulus immediately used this to his advantage, a cold hand wrapping around the older male’s throat, pinning him to the wall. All while wearing a smile like this was fun for him.

“Sirius…” James had managed to get out. Being this close to Regulus was making it hard for him to sort his thoughts, and there were so many thoughts racing through his head.

Regulus nodded. He was rather polite for how threatening this all seemed to be. Yet, James still was far from scared and far too distracted, admiring him to realize he had pulled out a knife.

“I didn’t intend on hurting you when I first arrived. However… You are very pretty, Doctor. I think some blood would make you prettier.” Regulus trailed the knife's point across James’ skin, not actually cutting him, but it still sent chills down James’ spine.

This was wrong; it was so bad, but it felt right. It felt good.

“You’re not gonna kill me, are you?” He found himself asking. Not that this would be the worst way to go out, but James had hoped he’d get to see Regulus again.

“No. At least... Not right now. I’d like you to figure out who I am first.” 

“Why don’t you just tell me?”

The question was left unanswered, or maybe the knife now pressed to his neck was the answer. 

“I find games to be more fun.” Regulus found himself dragging the knife across James’ neck as he spoke, leaving a shallow cut. However, it was deep enough for blood to run down the other’s tan skin but not enough to be fatal. He made sure of it.

James winced at the pain; it stung, and he liked it. 

“Now, I was right. You do look much better bleeding.” He heard Regulus say as he felt the cold finger run along the cut. James hadn’t realized he had shut his eyes, but once they were open again, he was met with Regulus running his fingers over his lips, almost like he was using James’ blood as lipstick.

James was preparing to say something about this, but before he could even open his mouth, Regulus’ lips met his. The taste of his own blood matched that one he enjoyed so much. This was much more intense. It was real. Not a phantom of the taste. He was tasting his own blood. And the kiss... It was rough, like there was a point to be gained from it. 

James had to pause for a moment before he pushed Regulus away.

“Why did you do that?” James finally spoke, wiping the blood from his lips, watching while Regulus licked it from his own.

“I thought you might want to know what you taste like. However, I must leave you alone now, Doctor. I have things to take care of.” Regulus smiled as he gave a polite nod and left James’ flat. 

What just happened? Why was he sad that Regulus left? 

This was too confusing and messed up, even for him to figure out.