Expressive eyes
James could not believe he was doing this.
He had barely been on any jobs in months and Sirius had set most of them up. He hadn’t done a concert in years and never anything as big as the Serpents concerts.
Another thing was that Sirius’s brother seemed to hate him for reasons unbeknownst to James. That was really messing with him. I mean, obviously they didn’t have to hook up (James wouldn’t mind if they did) but he had just met the guy and already he seemed to have a vendetta against him.
What was he doing wrong? I mean, he literally had not spoken two words to Regulus before Regulus decided to hate him.
He sighed, grabbing his camera and packing it away. He really had no idea what he was supposed to pack for two months. He had quite a few bags full of a lot of clothes. On top of that, he had 3 cameras he was bringing. He had his concert camera and two personal ones.
He loved taking pictures of everything. When he was younger, his dream was to take photos for national geographic and someday to have his photos hanging in the Louvre or the Met. He remembers so vividly when he was 8 and his mom took him to the Louvre for the first time. They were on a trip to France to celebrate his parents' 25th anniversary but Monty had a business meeting on the first day so James and his mom just explored.
When they got to the art museum, James was distraught. He did not want to walk around looking at pictures for 2 hours while seeing nothing. While his mom was waiting in an unreasonably long line to look at the Mona Lisa, he wandered off and stumbled into a huge temporary section full of photos. There was one in particular that he could hardly recall now but it had sparked something in there. His mother found him two hours later just staring. She had been terrified that she lost him but he was just sitting at a bench staring.
On his birthday three months later his parents got him a small digital camera and James had been taking photos ever since.
He took photos of everything that had any sort of meaning to him. He had filled cameras with pictures of his friends and parents and had filled more with all the things he loved.
In all of his cameras there were only two photos of himself and they were very poor quality. One was a group photo that had been taken with a timer of him and his friends on their last day of Uni.
The second photo was of him and Remus that Sirius had taken. You could hardly tell that it was James next to Remus in the photo but they were sitting, red solo cups in hand and laughing about something Sirius had said.
He really didn’t mind not having photos of himself. In fact, he preferred it. He loved the photo that Sirius had taken because it was just so natural but he hated posing for photos and he hardly ever did.
His work camera was a lot less personal to him. It had photos of celebrities from all over. It had a lot of pictures of Sirius and even those meant almost nothing to him. Doing cover work photoshoots was a means to an end and James honestly did not enjoy it. He liked how much it paid and he liked that he got to work with Sirius from time to time but the photos weren’t important to him.
A loud bang by his door pulled him out of his trance.
“James!” A voice yelled. “Hurry up, it's time to go!”
“Sirius, calm down. It’s 5 in the morning. We don’t have to leave for at least half an hour.” Remus scolded. “
“On time is late Moony.” Sirius said matter of factly. “Besides, if Marlene gets there first she is going to absolutely terrorize Reggie and I don’t think he is ready for her yet.”
James zipped his bag up and slung his camera bags over his shoulder. “I’m ready Sirius. I don’t think I packed enough clothes but it’ll probably be fine.”
Sirius rolled his eyes. “You are an idiot. If you start constantly repeating outfits I’m going to force you to go shopping with me and Moony in Paris.”
“When did I agree to shop with you in Paris?” Remus asked
“When you agreed to date me.” Sirius stated. “Duh.”
James laughed at the two as Remus scoffed and placed a loving kiss on the side of Sirius’s head.
“But really Prongs, that bag isn’t going to last you two weeks.”
“I’ll be fine, Pads. I have the necessities.” James said. “Besides, Paris isn’t for 2 weeks so if it doesn’t last me, I’ll let you shop for me.”
Sirius groaned. “You and Moony are going to be the death of me. Let’s go before I ask about your shoe situation and pitch myself off a cliff.”
James laughed and the two stumbled out of his flat and to the cab that was waiting for them . The ride to the airport wasn’t very long, especially due to the fact that it was 5 in the morning. They got there rather early and were directed to the back lot where a private jet was waiting.
“Are you kidding me?” Sirius whispered as the three got on. “I knew they were big but not private jet big.”
They were not however the first ones there. Regulus was sitting on a comfy looking seat, legs folded, headphones in and a green notebook on his lap. He was currently sitting back with his eyes closed. He didn’t seem to notice the three coming in and James got a quick look at his notebook. It seemed to be full of lyrics. The pages were messy with music notes strone about and lyrics crossed out.
James never really thought about how stressful it must have been for Regulus to be the only songwriter in the band. He knew that Dorcas wrote lyrics sometimes but she couldn’t read or write music. That kind of stress had to be sitting heavy on his shoulders.
“You know, you three could say something.” Regulus muttered, eyes still closed. “It’s rude to stare.”
“Okay Reggie, that’s creepy.” Sirius said. “You haven’t even opened your eyes.”
“It’s a skill I've mastered. It’s good to know your surroundings, you know? I mean, you of all people should know why Sirius.” Regulus said while moving to take off his headphones and finally opening his eyes. “Also, do not call me that.”
Sirius laughed, sitting down in one of the chairs directly across from Regulus, motioning for James and Remus to do the same.
“You know, I haven’t been on a private jet in years. Not since our last visit to the states.” Sirius said
Regulus nodded. “Yes well, Barty insisted we purchase a jet. It took us months to save up but it has been nice to have. Dealing with fans in airports is hell. No, actually, the fans are fine. It's the paparazzi that are awful.”
Sirius gave Regulus a look full of pity. “Yea, I get what you mean. Even now I get them asking about the inner workings of the House of Black. They must swarm you. I mean what with your recent statement against Bella and your rising fame.”
“Yes, well, nothing I can’t handle.” Regulus said, stretching his legs out. “One good thing that came from our childhood is my skill with the press.”
Sirius laughed. “That is likely the only good thing that came from our childhood.”
Regulus seemed to freeze for a moment. He genuinely looked like he didn’t know what to say. Sirius' eyes widened a bit like he realized something a moment too late. Whatever it was, it seemed to be personal.
When Regulus collected himself he turned to James who smiled. “Is that the only bag you have with clothes in it?”
James looked down at the bag beside his chair and he nodded.
Regulus sighed. “Idiot.” He muttered under his breath. “Sirius really, I’m shocked you didn’t just pack for him.”
Sirius laughed. “You see Prongs, I told you that you needed more.
“I’ll be perfectly fine.” James said. “We aren’t all as high maintenance as the black brothers are.”
Regulus snapped his eyes to James, his expression cold. “Yes well, you could do well to learn a thing or two from us.”
James arched his eyebrow and smirked, looking Regulus up and down. “I’m sure I could learn a thing or two from you. Just not in the way you’re thinking.”
“Really James?” Sirius scoffed. “Can’t you flirt with my brother not in front of me?”
“Or preferably, don’t do it at all.” Regulus snarked.
“I’ll wear you down eventually.” James said with a smile. “I’m nothing if not persuasive.”
Regulus stared at him for a moment. “I’m nothing if not stubborn. The odds of you wearing me down are about the same as Sirius’s brain being filled with something other than air.”
“Oi!” Sirius exclaimed. “Why’d you have to go and drag me into this? I’m just sitting here minding my own business with my boyfriend and you are bullying me.”
Regulus rolled his eyes and went back to looking at his notebook, looking over the last line he had written a few times before groaning and crossing it out.
“What are you writing?” James asked.
“Music.” Regulus said in a tone that made James feel a bit stupid.
“Yea, no shit. I meant like what’s it called.” James said.
“It doesn’t matter. This song will never be recorded. At least not by the Serpents.” Regulus said, jotting down another line.
“Why not?” James asked.
Regulus sighed, closing the notebook and setting it on the table next to him. “It’s far from our usual genre of music. All the stuff I’ve been writing lately has been meaning I have to start completely from scratch. Not to mention, certain things are too personal to share with my band mates let alone the rest of the world.”
“Why does a genre change matter?” James asked, trying his best to disregard all the other stuff Regulus had said. He clearly didn’t want to talk about it. “I mean, if it’s a new album couldn’t you do a new genre. That’s what Taylor Swift does isn’t it?”
Regulus looked at him like he was an idiot before saying, “Our fanbase is not nearly as loyal to us as Taylor’s are to her. Not to mention, we have a significantly smaller fanbase than she does. Our fans would not like the switch from soft rock to indie pop. In fact, we would probably lose most if not all of our fans if I were to release any of this stuff.”
“If they would stop listening to your music because the style changed then they aren’t really great fans.” James stated. “Besides, all of the fans at the concert loved that last song you played and it wasn’t anything like any of your other songs. Also, if anything, adding in more music genres could expand your fanbase.”
Regulus’s jaw clenched. “That song was not finished and I really was not ever planning on singing it or releasing it.”
“Why? Who’s it about?” Sirius asked, joining the conversation.
“I don’t see why that’s important.” Regulus said.
“I was just curious. It was a really good song.” Sirius said.
“Too bad it’ll never be released.”
“Oh come on Regulus!” A new voice boomed. “Everyone loved that song. We need to have it on the next album.”
James whipped around to see Barty, Evan and Pandora entering the plane.
“Barty, when you start writing the songs, you can start deciding what we record.” Regulus glared.
“Oh come on.” Evan groaned. “You know, diverging into indie pop could expand our fanbase.”
James grinned triumphantly. “That is exactly what I was saying.”
Regulus seemed utterly done with the conversation and he said, “The piolet is here and ready to take off whenever. Where is Dorcas and the blonde?”
“You mean Marlene?” Pandora asked. “She has a name.”
“Yes Dora, her.”
“Dorcas and Marlene are right outside.” Pandora said with a grin.
“I’ll go grab them.” James exclaimed, hopping out of his seat.
As he exited the plane, he saw Dorcas and Marlene at the bottom of the stairs.
“Oh come on, don’t act like you don’t want me here.” James heard Marlene saying.
“Why are you even here?” Dorcas asked. “I mean, James is a photographer and the only reason any of you are coming in the first place. Sirius is James’s best friend and Regulus’s brother. Remus is a writer and Sirius’s boyfriend. I just don’t really see what your purpose in coming along is.”
Marlene grinned. “You can’t really be bothered by my presence. What’s the issue? Are you nervous that you are going to fall madly in love with me.”
Dorcas snorted. “Ha, as if.”
“Then what’s the problem?” Marlene asked innocently.
Before Dorcas could respond, James interrupted the two. “Regulus is getting antsy and would like to request that you two board so we can get into the air.”
Dorcas jumped a little at his voice and whipped around. When she saw it was him she smiled. “Were you and Regulus talking?”
James smiled a half smile. “Yes we were. Why?”
“No reason.” Dorcas said, picking up the bags that she had set down. “Let’s get a move on.”
When they got on the plane, Regulus looked even more irritated than he had when James had left. He had moved from his spot across from Sirius, James and Remus to a spot across Pandora. There were no seats by either of them except for one that was behind Regulus. The two seemed to be having a conversation with just their eyes and Regulus looked very frustrated.
When he saw the three enter he grumbled, “Finally. I’ll go tell the pilot that we can go when he’s ready.”
“We are not finished with this conversation Regulus!” Pandora called to his back.
“Yes Dora. I know you’re not just going to let it end like that. We’ll finish it in the air.” Regulus groaned.
“You two were having a conversation?” Sirius asked. “You weren’t talking.”
“I’ve known Regulus a long time. You do know that we went to secondary together right?” Pandora said
Barty laughed. “Oh please Dora. Evan, Dorcas and I were there all along and we don’t have the kind of weird connection that you and Regulus have. I was trying to interpret your strange conversation but I have no clue what that was about.”
Pandora smiled rather smugly. “Yes well, for the inferior intellectuals, Regulus and I must seem to be bonded on a strange level but really, we are just smarter than the rest of you.”
“Damn.” Sirius exclaimed. “I have now been called stupid by both you and Regulus and it isn’t even 7. This is going to be a long day.”
“Chin up love.” Remus whispered affectionately. “We’re going to be in Spain soon.”
“You know, Remus,” Pandora started. “I think that you would probably be able to converse with Regulus and I. You definitely will be able to by the end of this trip but there is something about you that makes me think you’ll understand.”
Remus looked back at Pandora and smiled. “Yes well, I do think I know what that conversation was about. Perhaps one day I’ll join in.”
“I’d love that and I’m sure Regulus would as well.”
“Wheels up in 5.” Regulus announced storming back into the room.
“Did you know that Remus understood our conversation?” Pandora asked.
Regulus looked at Remus for a moment. “Now that I think about it, that makes sense.”
Remus smiled as Regulus took his seat and James looked at Sirius who looked equally confused.
James took his seat as the Plane came to life. He had a good view of the back of Regulus’s head from where he was sitting and as he put in his airpods, he smiled at the view. He may not have been excited for this trip at first but now, he was rather looking forward to spending some quality time with Regulus. He was now determined to make the boy like him and James really was nothing if not persuasive.
__________________________
Pandora was getting on Regulus’s last nerve.
In all honesty, Pandora was probably Regulus’s best friend. They had always had a good understanding of each other and sometimes it was nice for Regulus to be around someone who could know what he was thinking by a glance.
Unfortunately, it was not always nice.
Regulus, you are being stupid. Pandora glared.
Regulus raised his eyebrows pointedly. I am not. These songs should not be put out into the world. I can’t let anyone see them.
Pandora rolled her eyes. “That one you showed me was really good.”
Regulus groaned. “You have to say that as my friend.”
“Maybe, but as your manager I have to be honest and honestly, I want to hear you sing that with piano.” Pandora said.
“What on Earth are the two of you talking about?” Evan asked. “You just picked up a conversation out of nowhere.”
Regulus looked at Evan and then at Pandora. What about the rest of the band? It would probably be better acoustic.
“Evan plays acoustic guitar Regulus. Not to mention, the drums can go with anything.”
Evan rolled his eyes, giving up and went back to whatever show he was watching.
“Can we please talk about something else?” Regulus pleaded.
Pandora smiled, glaning over her shoulder and looking where Regulus knew James was sitting. He knew this because he could feel James’s eyes burning holes into Regulus’s head. The intensity of the gaze was making Regulus feel hot.
Pandora turned back to Regulus and raised her eyebrows. Let’s talk about him. I haven’t seen you crush on someone like this in ages.
Regulus glared at her. I’ve known him for less than 12 hours and I hate him
A look of surprise flashed on Pandora's face. Why do you hate him?
Regulus groaned, knowing a simple look wouldn’t be able to explain this. He thought through his words carefully before saying, “Think back to year 8. A certain Black was at a different school. I complained about one thing in that school all the time.”
“Ohhh.” Pandora said. “The friend.”
Regulus nodded. “You know, we should come up with a code for when we can’t communicate through a look.”
Pandora’s face lit up. “I know you’re trying to change the subject and although we will be coming back to it, I completely agree.”
“Oh please no.” Dorcas said. “The two of you are already insufferable enough with your silent communication. We really don’t need you guys saying things we can’t understand in a language we do understand.”
“Oh well,” Regulus said mockingly. “Now we definitely need to do it. We should have Remus help. Our aggravation should weave throughout the friend groups on this plane.”
“No chance.” Sirius stated. “Moony wouldn’t betray me like that. He wouldn’t come up with a secret language with my brother when he doesn’t even have one with me.”
Remus laughed. “Oh I would. Just let me know if you actually end up doing it.”
Regulus turned his head to smile at Remus but accidentally made direct eye contact with James who was smiling.
Regulus groaned and turned back to Pandora who was looking back and forth between the two.
You are so going to date him. She smirked.
“You know what, I’m going to check how much longer this flight is.” Regulus said, glaring at Pandora and standing up.
“Oh come on Regulus.” Pandora groaned. “I’m not sorry but I will stop.”
Regulus rolled his eyes. “Fine, I’ll be back. I just need to piss.”
Regulus found his way back to the small bathroom and locked himself in. This was going to be a long trip. He stared at himself in the mirror for a moment and groaned. He hated the reflection looking back at him. Sighing, he turned the tap on cold and splashed his face a few times.
He stayed in the bathroom a few minutes longer, enjoying the silence it gave before deciding to return to his seat. When he opened the door, he ran smack into something very tall.
“Woah!” the voice laughed, grabbing Regulus’s arm to stable him. “Someone seems to be in a hurry.
Reuguls looked up and saw James Potter looking down at him.
Regulus shook James off of him and went to move past him but James just stepped in his way.
“What’s the hurry?” James asked
Regulus glared at him. “I am far too tired for this.”
James laughed. “Right well, I just wanted to tell you that we have 30 minutes before we touch down.”
Regulus nodded and moved past James who went into the bathroom.
When he sat back down, he could still feel James’s grasp on his arm. The touch had been brief but for some unknown reason, it had warmed Regulus.
Regulus shook the feeling off. He did not and would not have a crush on James Potter