A brother's love is always a true one
Regulus sat through the carefully spoken and woven tales with an expression that turned from understanding to panic. He realised he wasn't as cut out for this as he thought. He watched his brother talk about the countless times Father had yelled at them and Mother releasing more spells than he could count. He tried to slip the mask back on but he wasn't able to as the story filled his skull echoing in the back. Reg walked up to Sirius and sat next to him since Sirius's voice was getting quieter a he continued. "I tried to protect you Reggie! I genuinely tried but Mother she...She hurt me far too many times. I couldn't deal with it anymore. I had to run."
" I know Sirius the reason I didn't join you wasn't because I liked them but to keep you from being hunt down. You know how she gets, Sirius. If Mother had an heir left she would let you escape. I don't blame you ok? " Short, ragged breaths and a small nod was his only response. "I love you Siri, I would never blame you for anything. I understood what I had to do to make sure you were safe. It was my turn to protect you. Like you always did. It was my turn, Sirius."
Sirius gripped the arm chair trying to collect his thoughts, his brother's voice guiding him and comforting him. He felt weak. Pathetic. Why was his younger brother looking out for him? That was his job. He shouldn't be doing this. The youngest is always the one that needs protecting, not the eldest. Regulus was put through all of this because of him. He endured worse punishment because he left. His brother nearly died by the hands of Mother. Her punishments were always harsh but by the memories of Reg on the train at the start of each year the scars and bruises were worse than normal. Far worse. It was clear now that Mother truly did not care who was in her hands, they would all be tortured and punished for simple mistakes that could easily be fixed. It was clear that she had no respect for human life. It was clear she had no favourite. She never loved she despised those around her. His brother had been put in twice as much pain because of him. It was all his fault. All his fault. Sirius was to blame as always. The scape goat of the family. The black sheep. The one not to be trusted. The traitor. The one that brought shame to his family and everyone near him. All his fault.
"Reg why did you start doing this? Why did you decide to start this whole thing?"
"You know why, Sirius. I want people to know that they are not the only one and that they always have someone. So that they have that will talk and listen to them. Somebody to appreciate them. Someone that would never hurt them after building up their trust."
Sirius smiled sadly, he knew that some of the explanation was targeted at him but he didn't care, he hugged Regulus trying to stop tears from flowing. He missed the comfort that this made him feel. He missed how Reg always closed his eyes when hugging someone. He missed everything about his dear brother. He would kill to spend forever like this. In his brothers arms once more. How he wished that his brother could always be by his side. Could always be there for him. So that they could support each other. So that they could hang out more often. So that they could spend the rest of their lives still connected. He missed these moments so much. He loved his brother more than life itself. He would die for him. He knew that. He knew his job.
"I love you so much Reg"
"I know, Sirius. I know. It's going to be ok." Regulus never wanted the hug to end. He had finally gotten Sirius to break down some of his walls around him. It was the first time in years that Sirius had opened up to him. He had always avoided him and when Regulus tried to talk to him he just rolled his eyes and walked away. It had always shattered Regulus' heart and it still did, though he didn't show it as clearly now. He was better at hiding it now. He had to be. He couldn't let anyone know. Not anymore. His mask was always on no matter the situation. The only time he purposefully lets it slip is when he is asleep. No one has to know. Not even his own brother knew. Barty had always suspected something but knew not to ask questions when it came to that. At least somebody suspected that something was off. It always angered Reg that nobody else could see through it even though his acting was absolutely horrid. He knew that Sirius had similar problems but he could actually share his situation. Regulus couldn't. His trust in most people was gone. After that night he couldn't trust anybody anymore. Nobody would try with him. They would always say that he chose to stay so might as well live with the consequences. Damn it Sirius. Why are you like this? Why can't you control your big mouth?
Another knock came at the door. He wasn't expecting anybody to be coming through at the moment. Sirius pulled away in shock at the noise still somewhat shaken from the memories. He offered to open the door letting Reg process what happened. A familiar voice came from the hallway. Now was not time for him. Trust him to interrupt an important meeting. He was always there when he was needed but as soon as he is needed he just disappears without a trace. He just couldn't understand why that man insisted on being everywhere at once. Regulus was trying to spend some time with his brother alone. Was too much to ask? Clearly it was since the moment was ruined. He laughed at the thought. Great. Great. Sirius was walking slowly towards, him, luckily there were no other footsteps with him. Thank God for that. He didn't know he would react to him walking in especially right now. "I told him to wait a few more minutes. Don't worry. It's ok, everything is ok. I promise. I missed you so much Reg."
"Missed you too. "
"I bet I missed you more." Sirius said wrapping his arms around his brother again. It felt good to have his favourite person back in his arms. Back by his side.