Benifits
It rained the next week. So, Sirius didn’t have another horseback riding lesson until the next Tuesday, Marlene seemed to have more energy than usual. James came with them this time. He stayed the whole time this time too. He had to take over a riding lesson because the instructor was sick. Marlene was right, James was good at riding. Sirius wouldn’t be surprised if he was better than Marlene.
“Marls, are you ok? You seem to have more energy than normal.” Sirius asked. Marlene told Sirius that he could call her Marls. She said everyone on her softball team and everyone at school called her that.
“Ya, actually I'm amazing! My bestie pookie is coming back tomorrow!!” Marlene answered with an excited squeal “Besty Pookie?” Sirius asked, amused. “Ya! Mary is my closes friend. Well, except for James.” Marlene said as she was putting the saddles on Mateo and Taylor.
Marlene and Taylor were going to a competition in Austin next week. Sirius remembered everything that Marlene told him the last lesson. They rode around the open field for a while. Marlene was jumping the little fence set ups, to get ready for the competition next week. She said that she and Taylor were out of practice, so they have to do a lot before the competition. Sirius didn’t think they were out of practice, they rode 5 miles in about 5 minutes last week! But practice wouldn’t hurt.
“Hey, do you want to go on one of the trails when James is done, or will your parents be home soon?” Marlene asked, she wasn’t really mad or annoyed about Sirius sneaking down anymore. It was only 2:30, Sirius told Regulus he would be back at 4:30. He had time. “Ya that would be cool, but do you think I’m ready?” Sirius asked “Ya, James will be done at 3 so I was thinking I could get you one of the real saddles instead of the beginners saddle.” Marlene offered, getting off Taylor. Marlene thought Sirius was ready, she believed in him. So, Sirius believed in himself.
He nodded his head with a big grin. Marlene when into the stables and came out with a saddle and a little bag of something under her arm. “What’s that?” Sirius asked pointing to the bag. Walburga always told them it was impolite to point, but Sirius knew that Marlene and all his new friends weren’t like Walburga. Even Peter, who he didn’t really like ever since they first met at the ice cream shop.
“They’re little treats for the horses.” Marlene answered taking Mateo’s saddle off. She put on the new saddle and thing that went on their head. There was no little rope. There was just a bid loop where Sirius assumed he held on to it like the little rope on the other saddle.
“Ok it is basically the same thing but hold on to his with both hands.” Marlene said gesturing to the big loop. Sirius got onto Mateo and did what Marlene instructed. It wasn’t that different; Sirius was proud of himself, and he could tell Marlene was too. They rode around the open field until James was done with the lesson.
“James go get Captain ; we are all going to that trail by the lake.” Marlene said as James walked out of the sable, finally done with the lesson. James turned on his heel and gave a thumbs up above his head. Sirius didn’t know who Captain was, he thought maybe it was James’ horse. Of course, James had a horse, his parents were rich, from Texas, and owned a horse back riding company.
James brought out a beautiful brown and cream-colored horse, Sirius recognized it to be a Mustang, he had learned about them in school. Sirius was wondering why James never told him about Captain .
They walked the horses to the start of the trail. Marlene and James got on their horses; Marlene never told Sirius how to get on without a step stool. “Oh, ya, sorry Sirius” Marlene said with a little laugh getting off of Taylor.
Marlene squatted down next to Mateo and put her hands out in a cup like manner. “What are you doing?” Sirius asked confused “Step on my hands to get on, dipshit.” Marlene said like it was obvious. Sirius looked at her like she was crazy for a minute before she gestured her head towards Mateo. Sirius stepped into her hand, she pushed up, Sirius swung his leg over. He was on the horse without a step stool. He would definitely have to ask Marlene how to get on by himself another time. But today he was going to enjoy this ride with his friends.
They rode slow, nothing insane or hard, but they all still had an amazing time. They rode all the way down to the lake. It was like a mini beach, Sirius personality has never been to a real beach, but he thought it was something like this. They dipped their toes in the water, the water was cold which felt nice on a hot summer day like that day.
Marlene helped Sirius back on Mateo and they were off again. James suggested going back to his house and getting a snack. Marlene of course said yes, over the last week Marlene has been at the Potters a lot. Well, from what James told him. Sirius knew Marlene and James were close, but it almost seemed like they were living together.
Sirius agreed to go to the Potters too. He had only been in the house for about 20 minutes last week, and only met James’ mom once. Sirius really wanted to get to know Euphmia and Fleamont Potter. He wanted to know who raised one of the best friends Sirius ever had. Sirius and James have only known each other for a week, and they can already call each other their best friend.
Euphmia and Fleamont weren’t the only people Sirius wanted to get to know better, he also wanted to get to know Remus better. They played Call of Duty a few times and went out for ice cream once but that’s all. Sirius wasn’t complaining. Oh of course he wasn’t complaining, every moment with Remus Sirius saved in his mind. Not just in his mind, his heart too. The first time they met on Call of Duty, his first night in Texas, he instantly fell in love. His sarcasm, his voice, his competitiveness. Oh, just everything, he was just perfect. But Sirius didn’t really know what perfect was. He never had a relationship that lasted longer than a month. But this felt different, not like one of his crushes he had at school on the cheer captain, Emmeline Vance, back in New York. Or his crush on, a boy he saw once at the mall. It felt like more than a crush.
When they got back to the stables, they put all three horses up and all got into the golf cart. James and Marlene were arguing over what song to play for a minute before they settled on a song called Hurricane by Luke Combs, Sirius didn’t know it again. It wasn’t as bad as the songs the other day but still not one of Sirius’ favorites.
“Oh of course! What would you all like?” Effi asked, she had told Sirius to call her. She said Euphmia was too proper for at home. Sirius like Effi she was very nice, nothing like his mom. The three of them agreed on sandwiches. Effi made all sorts of sandwiches, PB and J, turkey and cheese, cream cheese and cucumber. She also cut up fresh fruit for them. Sirius was amazed, he never saw a mom prepare so much food for her kid just because. Sirius’ mom never cooked, that’s why they had a cook. Walburga always said because they have money, they don’t have to do certain things or follow certain rules. Sirius didn’t understand or agree with this mindset but acted like he did for his sake of not getting beaten.
After they finished their sandwiches and fruit it was 4:30, Sirius had 10 minutes. He had been keeping track of time ever since what happened last week. “Hey James, I should get home, my parents told me they want me back by 4:40” Sirius said. James and Marlene both knew this was a lie. Well, the part about his parents, not the 4:40 part.
James got up and grabbed the keys to his golf cart and went outside, Sirius followed him. As they drove James didn’t put his music on this time. They talked, not boring talk. James caught him up on all the stuff in their friend group from last year, so Sirius wouldn’t be clueless when school started next week. Sirius couldn’t believe school was starting already. Time had been going by so fast, last think he knew he was still in New York saying bye to all his old friends. But now he’s here in Texas with a whole new friend group doing stuff he never thought he would do, like learn how to ride a horse.
When James dropped him off, he dropped him off in the back of the property, so no one saw. Sirius snuck back in the same way he did last week. He went upstairs to show Regulus that he was back at the right time this time and he wouldn’t have to be all pissed at him this time. But his room was empty. Sirius waited in Regulus’ bed for 10 minutes before calling him.
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Regulus liked the rainy week; he thought rain was relaxing. Sirius on the other hand didn’t, he was bored out of his mind. He had been annoying Regulus all week. So, when the rain finally stopped, Sirius was quick to tell Regulus he was sneaking out and would be back by 4:40.
Regulus didn’t mind, he told Sirius next time he snuck out and wasn’t home in time he would rat him out to their parents. Regulus was surprised that Sirius was even sneaking out again. But that was Sirius, never afraid.
When Sirius left, Regulus decided to read. He realized he had been doing a lot of reading lately. Sirius had told him that he was lonely, and he should make some friends. Regulus told him that he wasn’t lonely but Sirius and Regulus both knew it was true. Regulus had never been a people person. He was always the shy kid that always got picked last for a group assignment or a game in P.E. It was just what happened when it came to Regulus.
After about an hour Regulus decided to go walk around their property. He didn’t really like going outside but it was a nice day. Not too hot. Regulus grabbed his phone and went to their backyard. It was open. Regulus realized Sirius could have just gone outside and jumped over one of the fences, instead of climbing out a downstairs window and sneaking to James’ house.
Regulus was walking around the property when he heard a voice, “Hey you!” Regulus looked around to see where it came from. He saw a boy about his age with dark brown almost black hair. He had a earring on his right ear but not on his left. He looked like he had eyeliner on too. He looked at him mouthing ‘me?’ The boy rolled his eyes and said, “Ya dumb ass.” Regulus walked over to the fence where the boy was.
“You new are somethin’?” The boy asked, Regulus probably should have said no but he didn’t, he told the truth that he just moved here last week from New York. “Well, I’m Barty, I moved here last year from Boston.” Regulus was confused why he was telling him this, were they becoming friends? Was this Barty kid trying to get information from him? Was he some syco? Or was he just a regular kid his age wanting to become friends?
“So, do you want to go do something fun? Or just walk around your property by yourself all day?” Barty asked. Even though he had only just met him, he trusted him. So, he looked back at the house to make sure no one was watching, and then jumped over the fence. “So, what is this something fun?” Regulus asked. “Well first I need your name” Barty said as he cocked an eyebrow. “Oh, ya sorry, I’m Regulus, Regulus Black” he answered.
Barty told him they were going to an old, abandoned shed in the woods. Regulus was skeptical at first but didn’t say anything, if he was really making his first friend in Texas, he didn’t want to ruin it. Or of course he could still be a syco and bring him into an old shed in the woods to kill him, but Regulus was taking his chances.
When they got there Barty pulled up a wood bord on the porch of the old shed. It looked more like an old house. Barty took out a box with something in it. The box had a little colorful thing inside. He pulled it out and put it in his mouth. Regulus then realized it was a vape. He let out a huff of smoke then offered it to Regulus. Regulus just stood there before Barty spoke “Have you never done it before?” He asked Regulus gulped before answering. “Well, no, my parents are really strict and…” Barty looked at Regulus and stepped towards him during his pause. “It’s not hard just breath in and then out.” Barty said, putting the vape in his hand.
Regulus did what Barty instructed. It tasted like cotton candy; well, he thought it did. He only had cotton candy once in his life and it was because his cousin Narrissa got him some at the fair when their parents weren’t looking. But it also made Regulus feel calmer, less tense around Barty. Barty let out a laugh.
They sat down on a log and went back and forth using the vape. Eventually Barty put the vape down on the other side of him. Then he put his hand on top of Regulus’. Regulus tensed up again. What was happening?
“Barty what are you-“ Regulus stated looking at Barty. But he was cut off by Barty pulling him and kissing him. Regulus kissed him back, regulus only had kissed one other person before, and it was a girl back in New York in 7th grade, before he figured out he was gay.
Regulus knew that he just met him but couldn’t stop himself, and from what he could tell neither could Barty. Regulus moved his hand down from Barty’s head to his waist, pulling him closer. Barty started moving his mouth down from Regulus’ down to his cheek bone, then to his neck. It felt good. Like nothing Regulus had ever experienced. But there was just one problem, he had just met Barty and had thought they were becoming friends. And now, he was making out with him, what was going on?
Regulus pulled away first, “Barty, what tone fuck are we doing? I literally just met you like an hour ago and now we are fucking making out by a sketchy old shack in the woods.” Regulus asked, not mad but confused, he had removed his hands from Barty’s hips now. Barty grabbed Regulus’ thigh and whispered in his ear “Anything you want, Love. But I would call it friends with benefits.” He finished kissing Regulus on the cheek.
Friends with benefits? What was that supposed to mean? Regulus didn’t know but he wants with it. He pulled Barty in again and now he was the one kissing him. Regulus started on his cheek bone but eventually got all the way down to his collar bone.
They stayed like that, kissing each other and trying to get closer for a while. Regulus wasn’t even sure how long exactly. That’s until his phone rang. It shocked him and Barty. Barty jumped back and almost fell off the log, they were still sitting on.
Regulus got out his phone. It was Sirius, why was he calling him? Oh shit it was 4:30! Sirius kept his promise. He was home. And Regulus wasn’t, what was he going to tell him? He answered the phone, he could tell his lips were red. He had been kissing Barty for the last….. he doesn’t even know how long.
“Where the fuck are you Reg?” Sirius’ voice came over the phone
“I’m..just exploring the property, I’ll be back in a few minutes” Regulus explained trying to keep his voice steady.
“Okay, you just really fucking scared me”
Sirius hung up after that, Regulus hoped he was convinced. “So, you have to leave?” Barty asked. “Ya, but maybe- I mean if you want….um…. we can exchange numbers?” Regulus asked rubbing the back of his head. “Look at you, making the first move” Barty said with a laugh, pulling his phone out of his pocket. They did exchange numbers, then Barty gave him a kiss on the cheek before leaving.
Regulus still didn’t know what Barty meant by friends with benefits, but if that was what that was? He was perfectly fine with it. Regulus didn’t realize until now, on his walk home, that he just had his first gay kiss. He could feel his cheeks get warm; he was blushing. He had to stop, if he went back into the house blushing, Sirius would definitely start asking questions.
Regulus jumped back over the fence and ran back to the house. He took a deep breath before walking in the back door. Thankfully his parents weren’t home yet. He tiptoed to his room, he closed the door quietly behind him and took a deep breath. He just wanted to lay down. But when he turned around, he saw Sirius sitting on his bed.
“So, I know you weren’t on the property. So where were you?” Sirius asked, his arms were crossed, he looked serious. Well of course he looked serious, he was Sirius. “I made a friend.” Regulus admitted, he wasn’t lying. Barty was his friend; they were friends with benefits.
“Just friends you say” Sirius said holding back a smile. “Reg, tell me the truth.” Sirius said, he still had a half smile from trying not to smile. Sirius could never hold back a smile, even when he really needed to. “Fine, I met a boy named Barty, and he kissed me. He said that we were friends with benefits.” Regulus confessed. Sirius was the one that helped Regulus find out that he was gay. He knew he wouldn’t be mad. He would probably be overjoyed actually.
“Ya, that must be some really good benefits” Sirius said with a laugh. “What?” Regulus had no idea what Sirius meant. He looked at him like he was crazy for a minute before standing up and pointing out a red splotch on Regulus’ neck. “Oh shit!!” Regulus exclaimed, covering it with his hand.
“You didn’t know?” Sirius asked, he was still standing. “No! I didn’t fucking know!” Regulus answered starting to panic. “It’s ok, fallow me.” Sirius said, grabbing Regulus’ wrist, dragging him to Sirius’ bathroom.
Sirius opened a drawer and pulled out a little tube of foundation and a makeup sponge. Regulus sat on the closed toilet seat and looked up. Sirius squatted down almost touching the floor. He put a little of the foundation on the makeup sponge and started to apply it to the red splotch.
“Okay it’s not really noticeable if you don’t look at it that long.” Sirius told Regulus after the hicky was not visible anymore. “It’s not really your color but I don’t know if there is one that is your color.” Sirius continued. “What is that supposed to mean?” Regulus asked taken back. “Well, you are whiter than a ghost, so I don’t think they make foundation that white.” Sirius answered with a wide smile. “You bitch!” Regulus said flipping him off with both hands. “Hey, you know I’m kidding!” Sirius said standing back up.
Regulus got up too. Something that amazed him was, even if he and Sirius were pissed at each other they would still do almost anything for each other. “Hey Reg, you should introduce me to this friend with benefits.” Sirius teased before opening the door. Regulus just shook his head in disapproval.