Warm

“Remus!” Regulus called out as he caught the boy heading off in the direction of the library.

Remus paused and turned around, giving Regulus the opportunity to catch up to him. “Regulus, hi.”

“Gryffindor’s hosting a party for that Muggle love holiday, isn’t it?” Regulus prompted as he fell into step with the taller boy.

Remus shot him a curious look. “If you mean Valentine’s Day, then yeah. Why?”

“I need an invite. Two actually.” Regulus told him.

The boy squinted his eyes suspiciously. “What are you up to?”

Regulus stopped walking and determinedly looked his friend in the eye. “I’m not going down without a fight, Remus.”

A small, pleased smile crept onto the Gryffindor’s face. “Took you long enough. He’s been miserable.”

He started walking again and Regulus kept his pace.

“Everyone’s invited no matter their House. The rule is you have to bring a date or no entry.” Remus supplied airily.

“Sounds exclusionist.” Regulus replied without missing a beat. “Which poor skank is James stringing along?”

Remus gave him a disapproving but still mildly amused look for his word choice. “Marlene. It’s a friend date since they’re both ‘single’.”

Regulus smirked wickedly. “Perfect, I’ll bring Dorcas. Two birds.”

“Dorcas?” Remus eyebrows shot up. “So that’s who she’s fucking.”

“You should see them trying to hide it – it’s very entertaining.”

Remus matched his smirk. “I don’t doubt it. You’re going to push them together?”

“Just a nudge.” The boy gave Regulus an unimpressed look. “Okay, more of a violent shove, but they need it – they’re both too stubborn.”

“Look at you, Mr Matchmaker.” Remus teased. “Crouch and Rosier and now this?”

“I resent that this has become my role. But I simply cannot deal with all the pining.”

“I suppose you have enough of it in your own love-life.” He smirked.

Regulus gave him a heatless glare. “Low blow.”

“Speaking of your love-life, need any help with Prongs?” Remus offered in consolation.

Regulus shook his head. “No, I’ve got it. I do need help with Ancient Runes revision, though.”

“You’re only friends with me for my notes, aren’t you?” The boy accused playfully.

“They’re your best feature.” Regulus shot back. “That a yes?”

“Yes, fine, you leech.” Remus said but he was grinning. Regulus smiled back.

*

The party was in full swing by the time they arrived, let in by Macdonald who gave him and Dorcas a dubious look before promptly deciding it wasn’t her problem.

“James is at the drinks table and Marlene is on the dance floor.” She told them unprompted. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a redhead to seduce.”

Huh. Okay. Regulus made a mental note to add that to his agenda for the night.

The party set up was much the same as the last one, though the energy in the room was quite different. The decorations were largely pink, red and white with tacky heart motifs everywhere Regulus looked, while the music playing was much more romance-based than at the previous soirée Regulus had attended. Couples filled the space, chatting, drinking, cuddled up in each other’s arms. It was unbelievably sickening.

A sultry song was currently playing and couples grinded together on the dance floor. Sickeningly enough, Remus and Sirius were one of those grinding couples, and Sirius was wearing… a dress?

Meanwhile, Mckinnon danced playfully with Evans before Macdonald went and joined them, stealing up most of the redhead’s attention. Okay, Regulus was definitely interfering there.

Over at the drinks table, James was ladling out drinks from a punch bowl and passing them out, chatting idly with people here and there. Regulus did a double take.

James was wearing a crop top.

A crop top.

A fucking long sleeved Quidditch jersey, cut off above the abdomen, bearing his glorious six-pack for the world to see.

Regulus wanted to lick it.

“I can’t believe I agreed to this shite.” Dorcas muttered to herself.

“Me neither, but I’m not letting you back out now.” Regulus responded, not taking his eyes off of James. “Drinks first?”

“‘Course you would say that.” Dorcas sighed in disgust. “Fine! But only because I cannot get through this sober.”

They made their way over.

“Hi guys!” James greeted them jovially. “Here, have some punch!” He handed them drinks automatically before he paused, seeming to notice who exactly he was talking to. “Are you here… together?”

“Yes.” Regulus answered nonchalantly, trying not to stare. “Moving on and all that.”

James’s smile turned fake. “Good to hear. Have fun.”

Dorcas rolled her eyes. “Merlin, you’re an idiot.” She downed the contents of her cup in one go. “I need shots. Stat.”

James scrambled to comply, looking utterly confused. He poured out two shots of firewhisky. Dorcas drank them both in quick succession before fixing her eyes on the dance floor.

“Who does she fucking think she is? Wearing that?” Dorcas growled out. Regulus hadn’t noticed the girl’s outfit at all.

“Make her pay for it.” Regulus suggested.

Dorcas nodded decisively. “Good plan.” Then she stalked off towards the dance floor.

“I… have no idea what just happened.” James said stupidly. He was such a moron. Regulus wanted to kiss him.

“Cas is after Mckinnon.” The Slytherin took pity on him.

James took a few seconds to realise what this meant. “You’re not actually with Meadowes.”

“No.” Regulus admitted with a smirk. “I just like fucking with you.”

James stared at him. “You’re so mean.” He sighed, his tone almost wistful.

Regulus could get meaner. “And you’re a naïve imbecile.”

James tilted his head up to the ceiling. “Hecate, give me strength.”

“I should make you pay for your outfit too.” Regulus said almost conversationally, swirling his drink around in its cup.

James glanced down at his shirt then up at Regulus with wide eyes. “I was just trying to make a friend feel more comfortable wearing feminine clothes.”

Ah. Sirius’s dress.

“Even your acts of kindness turn me on.” Regulus told him with a straight face. Nevermind that it was true.

James gulped, shifting nervously. “What did I do to deserve this?”

“Something terrible, surely.” He placed his hands on the table and leaned across it deliberately. “Or something wonderful.”

“Stop that!” James jumped back.

“Stop what?” Regulus purred.

“That.” James gestured to all of him. How cute.

“No.” He smirked. “Come dance with me.”

“I’m on drinks duty.” The boy protested.

“Everyone else abandoned their posts.” Regulus argued, waving vaguely in the direction of the entrance which Macdonald had left without a second thought, and then the music station which was sitting empty.

“That doesn’t mean I should.”

“It’s just a dance.” Regulus lied through his teeth sweetly, looking up at James through his lashes. “It doesn’t have to mean anything.”

“You’re just saying that.” The Gryffindor accused.

“I wouldn’t dare, Sunshine.”

Regulus could see the exact moment that James cracked. It was the pet-name that did it.

“Just one dance.” He said weakly.

“Two.” Regulus countered, just because he could.

“One.”

“Three.” The Slytherin smirked.

“No, stop going up!”

“Four.”

“Regulus!”

“Five. Final offer.” Regulus grinned at the boy wickedly.

“You’re evil.”

Regulus held out his hand. “You love it.”

James hesitated for a moment, staring at it conflictedly. “This is a bad idea.”

“Be a kid.” Regulus baited. “Make bad decisions at parties.”

James took his hand.

*

The one bonus of this party being so disgustingly full of happy couples who couldn’t look away from each other, was that no one was paying them any attention when Regulus pulled James onto the dance floor.

The song that was playing was deep and sensual, a heavy base thrumming through the hot, heavy air.

Regulus tugged James closer until they were pressed up against one another, placing the boy’s hands on his waist when it looked like James wouldn’t do it of his own volition. He then took the opportunity to touch as he pleased, his right hand splaying out on James’s exposed abdomen, enjoying the feel of the hard muscle beneath his palm. James shuddered at the touch. His left arm came up to rest lazily on James’s shoulder, his fingers playing idly with the hair at the nape of the boy’s neck. Merlin, it was just as soft as he remembered.

Regulus swayed his hips to the music, leading James to move with him, gentle at first but getting more intense as they progressed. James stared at him with his pupils blown wide in lust, but his hands stayed chastely where they were.

When the song changed, Regulus got bolder, his fingers tracing James’s six-pack before slowly sliding up to push beneath the Gryffindor’s crop top.

James’s breath hitched.

Regulus experimentally brushed his fingers over one of the boy’s nipples, relishing in the gasp that it elicited.

The song changed again and Regulus started grinding against James more obviously, his trapped cock straining against his clothes. He could feel James too, and Merlin, it felt like an absolute monster. Regulus wanted it inside him so badly.

The song switched again.

Regulus slid his hand up to properly bury itself in James’s hair, grasping hold and tugging periodically. The boy let out stifled whines that he tried to hide and Regulus strained against the music to hear them. They sounded beautiful.

The music changed.

Tired of James holding back, Regulus grasped the other boy’s hands and guided them down to his own arse before returning to his ministrations. When James hesitantly squeezed, Regulus threw his head back in a quiet moan. Salazar, he had been waiting for this for so long. James gained confidence, kneading the flesh gently and Regulus basked in the feeling.

They were barely dancing at all now, just holding each other and exploring their bodies as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Regulus didn’t care if anyone was watching, he would do anything to hold onto this feeling forever.

Then, James suddenly stepped away and Regulus was cold again.

“Why–?”

“Five songs!” James yelled over the music.

Regulus stared at him disbelievingly. He absently registered that the song had changed once more. “Get back here!”

James shook his head, backing away. “Our time’s up!”

He disappeared into the crowd before Regulus could get another word in.

Fuck.

*

“Regulus? Regulus, hi!” Came a voice he hadn’t been expecting to hear at all tonight.

The Slytherin turned around to see Lockhart’s smiling face.

The blond boy sidled right up to him with a drink in hand. “What are you doing here, baby?”

“It’s a party, Lockhart. What do you think I’m doing here?” Regulus responded sardonically. He didn’t have the patience for this tonight. Not with James so close by.

“I’m here looking for something inparticular, if you know what I mean.” The boy said, winking at Regulus with no subtlety whatsoever.

“Good luck with that.” Regulus replied half-heartedly, already thinking of his next move on James. If he could just get the boy alone for bit…

“I think my luck is looking quite good right now.” Lockhart leered at him. “Yours too.” He ran a hand up Regulus’s forearm.

Regulus deliberately moved away. “Shouldn’t you have a date to get to?”

“You mean Rachel? You don’t have to worry about her, baby.” Lockhart assured him, stepping closer again. “My eyes are on you.”

“Your eyes should relocate.” Regulus told him, stepping away once more. This was getting ridiculous.

“Oh baby, I know you like to play hard to get but it’s Valentimes–”

“Valentine’s, I think.”

“Yes, yes, whatever.” Lockhart dismissed, staring at Regulus with a predatory gleam in his eye. “Love is in the air and you don’t need to resist me on today of all days.”

“You’re delusional.” The Slytherin gave him a disbelieving look.

Lockhart reared back, offended. Regulus absently thought that James probably would have laughed at that.

The Ravenclaw managed to get his expression under control; a pretty but false grin lit up his features. “Oh, Regulus. Always playing your little games. How about we play one of mine for a change?”

“I’m not interested.”

“Oh, but I know you are.” Lockhart purred into his ear. “I know how much you like my big cock splitting open your pretty little hole. I know how pretty you moan for me when I have my hands all over you. Inside you.”

Ice flooded Regulus’s veins. “Fuck off. I said I’m not interested.”

“Come on, baby. Let’s find somewhere private and I can give you what you really want. Me.”

Well, it looked like this boy was a mistake. He would have to go.

“We’re done, Lockhart.” Regulus sneered. “Not that there was anything there in the first place.”

The boy didn’t listen. He grasped Regulus’s arm and tried tugging him off in the direction of the dorms. “I’ll fuck that attitude right out of you, slut. I’m very good at it.”

Absolutely the fuck not.

Regulus reached to get his wand out and hex this arsehole’s balls off but then a thought occurred to him.

“JAMES!” He yelled instead, at the top of his lungs, drawing quite a few eyes.

Sure enough, one specific set of eyes landed on him from across the room, flashing with anger when the Gryffindor realised what was happening. James’s face turned stony and cold in a way Regulus had never seen before. He probably shouldn’t have found it as attractive as he did.

“Are you really saying another man’s name right now?” Lockhart asked obliviously. “You naughty minx. I’ll get you to forget about whoever this James fellow is.”

James, meanwhile, was storming over like a man on a mission, pushing through the crowds with the same single-minded focus he used on the Quidditch field. He looked edible. Regulus was discovering all kinds of things about himself tonight.

“Lockhart, I said no, you absolute wanker.” Regulus made sure to speak loud enough for James to hear from a few paces away.

“Yes, but you’re quite tricky, you know. You often say one thing and mean quite another.” Lockhart explained his own personality to him. “Never fear, though! I have mastered the art of deciphering your silly little moods.”

Regulus kind of wanted to slap him.

“Or maybe ‘no’ just means ‘no’, you prick.” James cut in, blocking Lockhart’s path.

Ah, good. Perhaps James will do it for him.

“Potter? Isn’t it?” Lockhart asked like the boy hadn’t been in the Daily Prophet the other day. “Don’t worry, old chap – me and my dear friend, Regulus here, are just off to talk somewhere quieter. You can get back to doing… whatever you Gryffindors do.”

James was not impressed. “Let go of him or I’ll make you.” He commanded with a voice like thunder. Regulus swooned a little on the inside.

“That’s quite enough of that Potter. Regulus and I are just having a bit of fun, aren’t we?” Lockhart looked to Regulus for support.

“He called me a slut.” Regulus said quietly instead, just to see what James would do.

And, oh, it was glorious.

James reared up to full height and towered over Lockhart menacingly. He ripped Regulus’s arm free from the Ravenclaw’s grip and shoved the blond back harshly so that he slammed into the railing post of the stairs, placing a hand on the boy’s chest to hold him in place. He didn’t even draw his wand but his magic rippled threateningly through the air, barely restrained. Then, James leaned in close and spoke, his voice deadly quiet.

“If you even look in Regulus’s direction again, I will make you regret being born.”

Oh, Regulus wanted him so bad.

Lockhart paled dramatically, eyes wide with fright. “Of course! I understand! No looking at the bloke! You can let go of me, Potter! James? Jamie-boy?”

James released him harshly. “Don’t call me that.”

The Ravenclaw scrambled away gracelessly.

“Are you okay?” James turned to Regulus, then. All of the hard edges were replaced with an aching level of softness that made the Slytherin want to melt into his arms.

“Yes, thank you.”

James shifted a little restlessly. “Godric, what a prick.”

“Not even a big one.” Regulus replied experimentally.

“You–” The Gryffindor’s eyebrows raised in disbelief. “Him?”

“That was me actually trying to move on.” He admitted carefully.

James processed this for a moment. “You have abysmal taste in men.”

That startled a small laugh out of Regulus. “Are you including yourself in that?”

“Definitely.” James grinned, backing away again. “And Regulus?”

“Yes?”

“Next time something like that happens, just hit him yourself. You won’t always have me around to give you a show.”

Ah. Now, there was a man who could keep with his ‘games’ and his ‘silly little moods’.

*

The Truth or Dare circle was smaller this time than last but that suited Regulus just fine. By the time he joined in they had already gone through rounds of Spin the Bottle and Never Have I Ever before settling on the new game. Though Regulus had yet to make another move on James, he was carefully looking for an opportunity.

But first things first.

“Mckinnon!” Regulus called when his turn came around. “Truth or Dare?”

“Dare!” The girl answered without hesitation.

“I dare you to ask the girl you’re fucking on a date.” He said casually, ignoring the wide-eyed stares he received as well as Dorcas’s livid glare. Evans and Macdonald, however, perked up, regarding their blonde friend with anticipation.

Mckinnon’s eyes widened as a blush overtook her features. Still, her words came out brash and aggressive. “I’m not–”

“You’re not fooling anyone.” Regulus interrupted brazenly. “Now put up or shut up.”

The girl sputtered for a few seconds.

“Or are you too scared?” Regulus taunted deliberately. He had thrown down the gauntlet and it was only a matter of time now. He watched and waited for the girl to cave.

Sure enough, a determined gleam entered her eye as she rose to the challenge. Mckinnon straightened up as if preparing for battle and then looked the object of her affection dead in the eye.

‘Gryffindors.’ He thought. ‘So unbelievably predictable.’

“Meadowes, will you go out with me?”. The girl asked loudly and clearly, refusing to shy away. 

This caused Dorcas to freeze momentarily before she resumed her casually aloof demeanour. “You can do better than that.”

Oh, that was a good line. Regulus might use it in the future.

Mckinnon frowned at that answer, but never one to back down from a challenge, she met Dorcas’s unimpressed gaze. She stood up and stomped over before dropping to one knee in a performative but probably satisfying move. Regulus certainly would be quite pleased if James dropped to his knee like that for him. Then, Mckinnon grasped Dorcas’s hands in her own.

“Dorcas Meadowes. Will you do me the honour of going on a date with me?” She asked dramatically but there was an intense look in her eye as she stared the other girl down.

Dorcas hummed noncommittally. “I suppose I have nothing better to do.”

It was like a switch flipped. The Gryffindor’s bravado dropped instantly and her expression became far more genuine. “Really?” She asked excitedly.

“Yes. Now calm down – you’re embarrassing yourself.” Dorcas reprimanded but Regulus thought that she looked rather pleased by the blonde’s enthusiasm.

The girl grinned, wolfish and unrestrained. “I don’t care.”

Then she launched herself at the Slytherin, tugging her down into a heated kiss. Regulus watched in a detached and morbid sort of fascination as Dorcas attempted to devour the girl whole. It didn’t look like they were going to be slowing down any time soon.

“Hmm. I guess I’ll have another go.” Regulus announced casually.

“Oh my god, you deserve it!” Evans exclaimed. “I’ve been trying to get Marls to ask her out for weeks!”

Regulus hummed in acknowledgment, an idea coming to mind. One pair of useless lesbians down, one to go.

“Macdonald, Truth or Dare?”

The dark-skinned girl eyed him warily. “Truth.”

“Who’s that redhead you told me you wanted to seduce earlier?”

Macdonald and Evans blushed in synchrony.

“You’re trying to seduce me?” Evans asked hopefully.

“Er… maybe?” Macdonald answered carefully. “Would that… Would that be okay?”

“Yes, that would be okay!” The redhead threw her arms around the other girl and then they were making out.

Ugh, women. He was far, far too gay for this.

Remus smirked at Regulus from a seat over. “You’re three for three, Mr Match-Maker.”

“Ah, if only I could find someone for myself.” Regulus lamented pointedly. James shifted in his seat, avoiding eye contact.

“Alright! Enough of that!” Sirius cried out, looking between his boyfriend and Regulus jealously. “My turn! Moony I dare you to kiss me!”

Regulus had no idea what Remus could possibly see in this moron but the boy just smiled in amusement. “I’m pretty sure the game doesn’t work like that, but fine.” He leaned over and pecked his boyfriend on the lips.

“Regulus. Truth or Dare?” He said next, giving the Slytherin a meaningful look. Sirius frowned in dissatisfaction.

Oh, that was quite helpful of Remus. Regulus jumped on the opening. “Dare.”

Remus hummed thoughtfully. “I dare you to spend 7 Minutes in Heaven with whoever the bottle lands on.” He decided eventually, gesturing to the empty bottle they had used for the previous game, lying abandoned in the middle of the circle.

Regulus bit back a grin. “Done.”

He reached forward and span the bottle. While everyone’s eyes were on it, Regulus murmured a wandless incantation to stop the bottle right… there!

The bottle pointed straight at a wide-eyed James.

Perfect.

Regulus feigned indifference and stood. “Well, come on then, Potter.”

“You can use our dorm.” Remus said helpfully. “It’s empty right now.”

Regulus made a mental note to buy him some more chocolate for the next time his mysterious illness flared up.

“I… Don’t I have a say in this?” James tried to protest.

“No.” Regulus and Remus said at the same time.

James tilted his head to the ceiling again. “Why me?”

Peter chuckled at his expense. “Rules are rules, mate. Off you go!”

“Seven minutes!” Sirius called out, looking like his worst nightmare had come true. “I’ll be fucking counting!”

*

Regulus did not waste even a second. The moment the door closed, he backed James up against it, caging him in with his body.

“I’m going to kiss you now.” Regulus told him surely, every atom of his body radiating with the need to capture. Claim. Possess.

“We can’t.” James whispered, his voice wobbling, but Regulus could feel the need behind it. Like a sixth sense. He would give the boy exactly what he needed.

Regulus leaned in closer and closer until their breaths mingled. James’s was hot against his skin and it set Regulus’s nerves alight. Without a shred of hesitation, he reached up to cradle the boy’s face in his hands, the skin smooth and oh so warm to the touch. Caressing his cheeks lightly with his thumbs, Regulus let their noses brush lightly. Teasingly. A hint and a promise all in one.

“Tell me to stop.” He whispered, staring into James’s eyes. The pupils were blown wide, smothering the brown with black. James wanted him; Regulus didn’t have a doubt in his mind.

James whimpered brokenly but he didn’t say anything. His hands were clenched at his sides but there wasn’t a denial in sight.

“Tell me to stop.” Regulus repeated one more time in warning, giving the boy one last out. He wanted this gorgeous boy but if–

Suddenly, James leaned down, bridging the gap between them and crashing their lips together.

Regulus felt like he could breathe again.

The kiss was sloppy and needy at first with James leading the charge, a hurricane of pure desperation poured onto Regulus’s lips. But he met James tit for tat, shoving him harder into the door even as it rattled on its hinges. He leaned into the kiss, taking control as he tightened his grip on the boy’s face with one hand. The other, Regulus slid up into the boy’s unruly hair.

“Please.” James begged, breathy and perfect, and who was Regulus to deny him? Who could deny a plea so sweet?

He obligingly tugged on the boy’s soft locks, little moans and whimpers slipping from James’s mouth like he couldn’t hold onto them no matter how hard he tried. The noises were far more satisfying to hear like this than at the hands of someone else or overpowered by loud music. Regulus found himself greedily swallowing them down as their lips slid against one another, hard and fast and so very eager.

“Regulus.” His name sounded like a prayer on James’s tongue. Like his salvation could only be granted by Regulus alone. He decided to reward the boy.

He let his tongue sweep across James’s lower lip and the boy gasped in response, his lips (involuntarily) parting in what the Slytherin decided to interpret as an invitation. Regulus used the opportunity to dive into the boy’s open mouth, licking into him with fervour. James melted into the sensation, pliant as Regulus devoured him. Pliant as he let Regulus take and take and take.

He still wanted more.

He now gripped the boy’s jaw strongly, possessively, biting his lower lip almost hard enough to draw blood. James moaned at the prick of pain and Regulus couldn’t get enough of the sound. He bit down again but only a mewl came out this time. It wasn’t enough.

In retaliation, Regulus let go of the boy’s jaw and–

“No, where–”

He ignored the protest and grasped onto James’s neck instead, over his Adam’s apple. Regulus swore he could feel the airflow residing there, just under his fingers, James’s life quite literally in the palm of his hand. The rush of power was intoxicatingly thrilling. Experimentally, Regulus squeezed just a touch.

James went positively boneless.

The taller boy groaned loudly, head falling back against the door with a satisfying thud as his eyes rolled back. Regulus felt James’s breath stutter and his hips cant forward, searching for friction.

It was utterly delicious and Regulus lapped up the reaction, storing it in his memory forever. He grinned wickedly.

“Oh, you liked that.”

“Please.” James whimpered, eyes shut tight and cheeks red. Cracking at the seams but loving every second of it.

The boy was prey beneath Regulus’s fingertips and he felt high on the knowledge that he could do anything right now. Say anything. And James would obey without a thought.

So, Regulus squeezed again, relishing in the unrestrained moan that spilled from James’s lips. It was more beautiful than any symphony in existence. The boy’s hips grinded forwards, catching on Regulus’s.

“You beg me so pretty, darling.” Regulus smirked conversationally, adopting a careful air of nonchalance to make James’s unravelled state all the more prominent. “Do you think my hand will leave marks?”

James mewled at the thought. Regulus felt the vibrations under his palm.

“You want me to leave marks, don’t you James? Beg me nice and pretty.” Regulus instructed experimentally.

“Please.” James breathed out instantly, not a thought between his eyes that wasn’t consumed by Regulus. “Mark me, please.”

Oh, he was so perfect. Regulus wanted to ruin him forever.

He moved his hand away, ignoring James’s protests and leaned down to lick the boy’s jugular in one broad stroke. He tasted of sweat, and something primal in Regulus writhed. He attacked with fervour then, sucking and biting, quick and rough, focusing on the juncture of James’s neck – a spot that would be clearly visible to anyone and everyone. The skin grew hot under Regulus’s ministrations and he kept going until he was sure he’d left bruises, James gasping and moaning all the while.

“Say my name.” Regulus demanded, observing his handiwork. A breath-taking mark on a perfect canvas.

“Regulus.” James panted without hesitation. It sounded like heaven on his lips. Like water on the tongue of a man in the desert. “Regulus. Regulus. Regulus.”

Absolutely divine.

He dived in again, this time right under James’s jaw, and repeated the process. Sucking, licking, biting. Enjoying the beautiful symphony that spilled out of James’s mouth. The way he shuddered under Regulus’s touch.

All was right with the world. They were both exactly where they belonged.

Then a loud banging rattled the door.

“Time’s up!” Sirius’s voice bellowed angrily.

James’s eyes shot open, wide with fear.

*

“What the fuck did you do to him?” Sirius yelled, when he yanked open the door to reveal a James that was utterly dazed and dishevelled.

Regulus was rather proud of his work to be quite honest.

“Nothing that concerns you.” He drawled in response, eyeing the hickies he had left on James with interest. The boy would look much better with a few more.

“What are you? A Vampire? Look at what you’ve done to the poor sod!” Sirius screamed, incensed. Regulus was quite glad they were in the privacy of the dorm now, the music too loud downstairs for anyone to hear the screeching.

“Oh, I’m looking.” Regulus assured him. Maybe James would let him mark up his thick muscled thighs too someday.

“You dirty little snake! Stay away from him!” Sirius sneered.

“I don’t think I will.” Regulus responded idly.

Sirius reared up to continue but Remus stepped in calmly. “It was just a dare, Sirius. No need to blow a gasket.”

Sirius ignored him, rounding on James. “And you!”

“Pads…”

“I should hex your dick off! Maybe that way you won’t stick it where it doesn’t belong!” He raged, his eyes alight with fire.

“Please, don’t. I haven’t gotten to see it yet.” Regulus cut in blandly.

Sirius shook with rage, raising his hands and squeezing them tightly as though envisioning that he was strangling Regulus.

Regulus would rather have James choking for him. He was so pretty with a hand around his neck.

“I will flay you alive!” Sirius screamed at Regulus before turning to James. “I thought you were done with him!”

“We just… had a disagreement.” James said weakly. “Friends fight, yunno.”

A disagreement, huh? That was underselling it.

“So, you stuck your tongue down his throat to settle it?”

Yeah. Pretty much. Though, Regulus supposed that he did more of the tongue-sticking than James.

“It was a dare, Sirius.”

“Can’t you see he’s playing you?” Sirius screeched. “He wants to steal you away from me and after he’s done with you, he’ll throw you away like yesterday’s rubbish!”

Okay, now that was upsettingly close.

Or was it?

Regulus realised with a start that he hadn’t thought about the revenge plan in weeks. Months even. He’d just been focused on James.

He loved James. He knew that now. He wanted him close and forever, and he would do whatever it took to have him.

He didn’t care about revenge anymore.

All that mattered was James.

“That’s not true.” Regulus denied, begging James to believe him with his eyes. It may have been once, but it certainly wasn’t anymore.

“I know.” James said, firm and sure. Regulus couldn’t find a trace of doubt in his eyes.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

“You don’t know him like I do, Prongs!” Sirius insisted, jaw clenched “He’s–”

“Lovely.” James interrupted. “And intelligent, and funny, and so caring when you get past his walls.” He stood tall as he stared his best friend down. “I know him far, far better than you do, Sirius, because I actually talk to him. Did you know that his favourite ring is shaped like a snake? Or that he triple-knots his shoelaces? Every time without fail! Did you know that he actually likes Muggle literature? His favourite is ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, by the way! Did you know he supports the Holyhead Harpies, or that he gets this cute little wrinkle between his eyes when he’s really focused? Did you know that he cares so unbelievably deeply about his friends but he’d rather die than say that to their faces? Did you know that they know that anyway? That they can see how much he cares in all the little things he does for them every day? That I can see it?”

James took a step forward. Sirius’s eyes were wide as he trembled under James’s ire.

“He’s not a perfect person but none of us bloody are! All that matters is that he’s a good person! I know that! Moony knows that! All our fucking friends but you, apparently! Because you haven’t bothered to know him! To see him! To bloody talk to him!”

He dropped his volume dramatically, voice firm and sharp. “But I have. And I like what I see, Sirius. I tried my fucking hardest to look away for your sake, but I see him. All of him. And contrary to your opinion, me and Regulus have nothing to do with you. Our struggles, our fights, our highs and lows are our own. And I will not let you diminish this without bothering to understand.”

He looked over at Regulus, then, staring intently into his eyes in a way that made Regulus feel pierced right through. “You already know how I feel, Regulus. And I know how you feel. But my mind hasn’t changed. I won’t love you halfway. So, unless you can give me everything, I need you to walk away. I need that. Because I can’t keep doing this. It hurts too much.”

His gaze bored into Regulus, desperate and pleading. Asking for something Regulus wanted to give him but didn’t know how. Didn’t know if he even could.

“James…” He began quietly, gazing into the warm, warm eyes. “I-I don’t know…”

“Then figure it out.” James said firmly.

The sun blinded him.