The first thing that crosses Regulus’ mind when he wakes is how much shit his friends, namely Barty and Pandora, are going to give him. For all the talk he does in the end he really is a weak man for James.
James with his natural state of bedheadedness, although it may be more prominent now. James with his unwavering determination in trying to woo Regulus. James with his stupid billowy, eccentric button-ups that he stupidly pulls off. James–
Who is now looking back at Regulus with tired eyes and a dopey grin.
“Do my eyes deceive me or is that Regulus Black, laying in my bed?”
“I’m actually just a figment of your imagination, sorry to disappoint.” Regulus says dryly, even though he’s trying his best to hide a smile.
“I knew I had a wild imagination but I wasn’t under the impression I could imagine such beautiful things.” James continued lazily grinning.
Regulus swatted at James’ arm. A futile attempt if he was being honest. James just laughed and buried his head in the crook of Regulus’ neck.
Regulus reached his hand up to run it through James’ unruly curls. James gave a shudder and blew a hot breath right onto Regulus’ neck.
“Let’s not start something we can’t finish.” James breathed out. At this Regulus thought back to the previous night and remembered his saying the same to James, and look how that ended. But still, Regulus pulled his hand away and James lifted his head back up shortly after.
“You’re right,” Regulus starts, “gotta meet Barty, Ev, Pandora, and Cas. Thanks for the reminder though.” It was slightly sarcastic but James was right, he didn’t need to start anything. Especially since he was on a slight time crunch.
“I’m gonna be honest, I was hoping you’d say screw it and stay with me.” James wistfully says.
“Oh I wish I could too, there’s literally nothing I want more right now.”
“So just stay, tell them you’re busy doing things.” James winks.
“As tempting as that is, I really do need to go but, I mean I can come by later today if you want…” Regulus trails off.
“Cheers, I’ll be patiently waiting on your return. I may even call your brother and tell him all about how I fu–”
“That’s quite enough, Sirius really does NOT need to know about our… sexual relations.” Regulus grimaced.
“Alright, alright but, really, Reg, I’d love it if you came back by later.” James smiled.
Sometimes the way James talked to Regulus made him believe that they could be more but he just replied, “Yeah, alright, I’ll be here,” a pause and then, “But, I do need to shower and get dressed before I leave James, so please…” He gestured down at James’ arms tightly wound around his abdomen.
James dutifully lets go and sighs out, “Of course, I’ll go make some tea.” He then gets up and heads to his bathroom to predictably brush his teeth. This prediction is proven seconds later when Regulus hears the water running and the sound of James' electric toothbrush.
In the meantime though, Regulus begins to collect his clothes scattered about James’ bedroom. He sighs, catching a glimpse of a picture of him and James on his desk wondering what they could be.
James leaves the bathroom saying, “I turned the shower on for you.” He then turns and exits the bedroom. Regulus listens for the sound of James’ Keruig (he claims he isn’t cheating on making tea he’s just being efficient and resourceful) before entering the bathroom.
He quickly strips and showers. When he’s out he puts on his shirt and pants from the previous night as well as one of James’ jumpers, because Regulus has a little self-respect and he really doesn’t want the further torture from his friends that he will undoubtedly endure due to the outfit repeat.
He gathers his phone, wallet, and keys before heading to the kitchen where he sees James waiting with two cups of tea. When Regulus is across the counter James slides him his cup. Regulus drains it quickly, wishing he hadn’t as soon as the burning starts. But he really does need to go to avoid too much interrogation from his friends.
He explains this to a worried looking James to which James gives a hum and begins making his way around the counter to Regulus. He wraps his arm around Regulus’ shoulders and involuntarily Regulus leans into him.
“Alright, sweetheart, I guess I’ll be seeing you later.” James says easily.
Regulus untangles himself and looks at James smiling brightly, “Of course, I’ll be home later, see you.” Regulus leans in and places a chaste kiss to James’ lips and then begins walking toward the door of James’ flat.
James unconsciously trails behind and as Regulus is walking out the door James says, “See you…” admittedly a little quiet because he’s reeling from Regulus referring to his flat as ‘home’.
As soon as James closes the door he smiles to himself and does a little excited jump. Y’know maybe he will call Sirius, not only to tease but to rant about what he and Regulus could be.