A moment before disaster
It was just too much to handle for James. The way every thing was just so... Perfect. His features were perfect. But he knew why Regulus was the way he was. Sirius had countless stories about how the members of the family had to be "Perfect in absolutely every way". Of course this was half of the story as Regulus had to deal with so much more after that night. He then realised why the brothers had resented each other for a few years. They had never forgiven each other properly. But they seemed to be perfectly fine now. Seemed. Accepting each other's company, telling him to wait outside so they could enjoy time together. Regulus walked back into the room holding a cup of tea looking at them with an emotionless gaze. An apathetic mask painted over his true emotions.
James was still trying to piece things together. The brothers and their reconciliation as well as Reg's need to be neat and perfect at all times. That's when he saw that the edges of Reg's eyes were slightly damp as if he had just been crying whilst he was in the kitchen. He knew that Regulus had been on edge recently but he didn't know quite the extent. James felt like not even Sirius knew just how far Regulus' problems went. Regulus was just too good at hiding from people and himself, people could only tell when he accidentally slipped off his little mask. The brothers couldn't hide from each other but it would be a hard chase before the one knew what was wrong with the other. But they both knew that every year Regulus would always come back to Hogwarts with new bruises on his neck or his face. They all knew since he never bothered hiding it anymore. Regulus now had a pained look seeping through, cracking the flawlessly crafted veil. James could see him falter slightly as he made his way to his seat. Not even well balanced perfectly in control Regulus Black could keep upright. His hands were shaking slightly as well. His face was somewhere between serious and panicked. His knuckles were almost white from gripping the mug handle. It looked like it could shatter at any moment. Once he sat down his leg was bouncing u and down whilst he looked around the room for something he could focus on. Something he could stare at to forget about all the things around him.
"Reg are you ok? Please don't lie to me this time." Regulus was caught off guard at the question like he, too, was deep in thought. His head snapped towards James a stiff guise covering his face. He was hiding himself again. Hiding from feared reactions. His own anxieties and worries. The unknown questions lying before him. The ones that were never asked but still expected to be answered.
"We will talk about his later. I just don't feel like talking right now. I am fine at the moment, if that is what you are asking." Regulus muttered just loud enough for the others to hear. James didn't look too convinced but he didn't push any further. He knew never to push the brothers when in this state. At least he had told James that they could talk later. There was something though. Something that was deeply wrong. The way that Regulus diverted his eyes at every question. The way he shifted in seat. How he was fidgeting with the hems of his robes, picking at each little line of the seams. Something was wrong. He just knew.
" Sirius? "
"Yes Pron- James?"
" Do you want to go back to the forms it's getting quite late and Remus will be on our tails if we come late. " Sirius glanced at Regulus, almost asking if it was alright to which his brother gave him a distant nod starting to smile slightly. it was barely there but still noticeable by those around him. That damn smile was going to be the death him. It was gravitating, hypnotising, beautiful. Sirius seemed to notice the look on James's face. He knew it far too well as many people seemed to find his younger brother a suitable partner. "Come on then James. We don't want to make Moony mad." Sirius laughed. They stood up from their seats and walked slowly towards the door leading out of the room. James looked behind him and stared at the wonderous figure sitting on a soft brown armchair, arms by their side and his head looking away and instead staring at the blazing flames of the bright fire. Clearly entranced by their flickering movement. Their brightness and the way they danced under the chimney, each synchronised to their own tune. Its crackling whenever part of the log turned to ash and a new surface was uncovered. The embers flew around, contrasting to the dark brick behind them. A wonderful sight for the both of them.
"James. Stop staring at my brother and move!" Sirius laughed pushing him through the doorway. James tried to hide the bright flush that appeared on his face but much to his disappointment it was too late, Sirius had already seen it. "James. No."
The sentence was said so simply it was strange to hear from Sirius. Of course Sirius knew, what didn't he know. Well he didn't know when to keep his anger under control that was one thing. He also never seemed to know how to keep things to himself especially under said anger. They moved out of the room and made their way to their dorms. James had this feeling resurfacing in his chest. The label was unclear but it was there somewhere. It was hard to figure out as it felt so similar to all the others. It was all so jumbled but he knew exactly what he was looking at. Sirius and his little mistake. The same one that lead to everything falling apart. Peter was a messenger between two different sides. Two against One. Easy fight. James finally found the label he was looking for.