Breathing in and out
Regulus, James, Barty, and Evan were on arts and crafts. In the craft room, Regulus, James, Barty, and Evan were busy setting up different craft stations for the campers. Regulus tried to focus on the task at hand, but he couldn't think over James' dad jokes.
"Alright, everyone! Today, we have a variety of fun crafts for you to enjoy. Over here, we have friendship bracelet making. You can create bracelets for your new friends at camp! We'll be regular Picassos!"
Regulus rolled his eyes. The boy was ridiculous. As James spoke, he deftly demonstrated how to weave colorful threads into intricate patterns, capturing the campers' attention.
Regulus internally scoffed at the kids' fascination with James' crafty skills. The children giggled and clapped as he finished the first bracelet and handed it to a beaming camper.
At another table, Barty was working on a painting station. He had a palette of vibrant paints set up, and the kids were eagerly grabbing brushes and creating their masterpieces.
"Look at you, little artists! Let your creativity flow," Barty encouraged,
praising the campers' efforts as they painted.
Regulus couldn't help but be impressed by Barty's ability to connect with the kids and make them feel confident in their artistic endeavors. He wouldn't even expect Barty to like kids, but he was quite good with them.
Evan, on the other hand, was leading a group in making paper lanterns. He patiently guided the campers through the steps, helping them fold and decorate the lanterns.
"Now, remember to be careful with the scissors, and if you need any help, just ask," Evan said.
Regulus watched as Evan gently showed one of the younger campers how to cut out a star shape for the lantern. The kid's eyes lit up with pride as he held up the finished piece.
Meanwhile, Regulus was overseeing a station where the kids could create their own nature-themed bookmarks. He didn't have the same natural charm as James or Barty, but he tried to be patient and encouraging as the campers worked on their bookmarks.
One camper, a shy girl with glasses, approached Regulus with a worried look on her face.
"I don't know what to draw," she said softly.
Regulus crouched down to her eye level and smiled reassuringly.
"That's alright. Take a deep breath, and think about something you love in nature. It can be anything, like flowers, animals, or even the sky."
The girl thought for a moment before her face lit up with inspiration.
"I love butterflies," she said, her voice filled with excitement.
"Good choice. Why don't you draw a butterfly on your bookmark?" Regulus suggested.
With newfound confidence, the girl picked up a colored pencil and started sketching a delicate butterfly on her bookmark. Regulus watched as her nervousness faded, replaced by pride in her artwork. Barty grinned at him. He made his way over to Regulus.
"Look at you, Reg. You're a natural with them."
He said, putting his arm around Regulus' waist. James stared at the two of them, looking upset.
"Hey, what's up with Potter?" Regulus whispered to Barty.
"He's probably homophobic and thinks we're dating. I wanna make him mad." Barty chuckled, pressing a long, wet kiss to Regulus' cheek. James made an incomprehensible sound and promptly went into a coughing fit. Regulus groaned, wiping the spit off his face.
"You're disgusting. Never do that again." Regulus hissed.
"Nah, you love me."
After dinner, Regulus went for a shower. The campers were asleep, and he was turning on the shower in his cabin when his phone rang. Hesitating for a moment, he answered, thinking it might be an emergency.
"Regulus, darling, what on earth are you doing at some ridiculous camp? You're letting the family down by wasting your time like this," Walburga Black's cold voice pierced through the sound of the running water.
Regulus clenched his jaw, trying to keep his composure.
"Mother, it's just a summer job. I wanted to do something different for once."
"A summer job? You should be interning at prestigious firms, not playing counselor at a children's camp. What will people say about the Black heir wasting his time like this?"
Regulus felt a lump forming in his throat. He didn't want to disappoint her. No matter how much Regulus tried to pry himself away, she always had her claws in him. He took a deep breath.
"Mother, I'll be back soon, and then I'll focus on what you want. Just give me this little time for myself, please." His voice shook.
His mother's scoff echoed through the phone.
"Fine, but don't expect me to support such foolishness. You better come back soon and behave like a proper Black."
Regulus felt his heart sink as his mother hung up abruptly. Panic and guilt swirled inside him as he slumped against the bathroom wall. He couldn't handle the pressure his family put on him, and he couldn't handle the thought of letting Sirius or anyone else down. He let the cold water cascade over him, unable to move. The water mixed with the tears that streamed down his face. He tried to keep his cries muffled, not wanting anyone to hear him.
Suddenly, the curtain was yanked open, and there stood James, looking concerned and worried.
"Regulus, what the hell are you doing? Are you okay?" James asked, his voice filled with urgency.
Regulus couldn't form words, sobbing harder. James reached in and turned off the water, pulling him out of the shower.
"Hey, it's alright. I'm here,"
James said, wrapping a towel around Regulus and guiding him to sit on the edge of the tub.
Regulus felt vulnerable and exposed, but he couldn't help but lean into James' touch.
"I'm sorry,"
Regulus finally managed to say between sobs.
"I didn't mean to be like this. This isn't your burden to bear. I'm sorry."
James sat beside him, looking into his eyes with sincerity. "You're not a burden, Regulus. God, Is that what you think you are to me?" James shook his head sadly.
Regulus let out a shaky breath, unable to articulate the storm of emotions inside him.
"Can I touch you?"
Regulus nodded.
James pulled him into his arms, and Regulus clung to him, burying his face in James' chest.
"You don't have to face everything alone. I'm here." James said softly, stroking Regulus' wet hair.
Regulus took a shaky breath, trying to steady himself. He felt a mix of gratitude and fear. He didn't want to rely on anyone; he didn't want to get attached. He couldn't think right, so he let himself be lulled by James' presence.
"Thank you," Regulus finally whispered, his voice barely audible.
"Anytime, Reggie," James replied, giving him a reassuring squeeze.
They stayed like that for a while, Regulus gradually calming down. James stroked his back soothingly.
"Reg? Can I leave for a second? I'm gonna get you some dry clothes."
Regulus nodded again, letting James out of his hold. As soon as James was out of the bathroom, Regulus was painfully aware of everything that had just transpired. He let James Potter hug him. And comfort him. Regulus groaned, scrubbing a hand over his burning face. He couldn't do this. This was against every single rule in his book. James was Sirius' straight best friend. It would never happen, not in a million years. He had to stop before he got attached.
James returned with a knit jumper and pajama pants in his hands.
Regulus glanced pointedly at the clothes, that were clearly James'. James flushed sheepishly.
"Sorry. It was dark, and these were the only clean clothes I could find."
Regulus nodded curtly.
"Whatever. Thanks."
James stood in the doorway, looking confused. Oh, how Regulus wanted to wipe that look off his face and make it better.
"Can you go? I reckon you don't wanna watch me change."
Something sad passed across James' face, but it was too brief to interpret.
"Yeah. Sorry, I'll be going."