Chapter 14
In the past couple of days, Regulus has felt as though the world was finally at peace. It was a very strange and unfamiliar feeling for him, but he thought he might actually be happy. Happiness wasn't a feeling he had felt often, but when he did, it was so intense. He held onto it as tightly as he could, drowning himself in any sort of comfort he could get from it. Unfortunately it never lasted long. He always felt like it was at the peak of it, that it would be ripped away in just a second. It felt no different to him this time. He was happy, yes, but also aware that he should cherish it as much as possible before it was gone again.
It didn't exactly help that James was clueless on the matter. He had known almost nothing but happiness his entire life, Regulus was sure of that. So for him it was different, and also probably not as important and sacred as it was for Regulus.
“Reg, can I ask you something?” Evan was sitting at the end of the couch they were both currently on “Sure” Regulus sighed, putting down his book, knowing this was going to be about James “At the party this weekend, I was talking to Potter it was going well actually. Then you basically ripped him away, so you can imagine my confusion on that” Evan explained, and of course Regulus was always prepared to lie “My apologies. It was about Sirius. He was terribly upset and I knew Potter would be the only one who could talk to him so it was urgent” he explained “Oh. alright then, just making sure there was nothing else going on” Evan said, leaning back against the couch “Nope, nothing else” he lied again.
Regulus was currently taking shots with Dorcas, in the Gryffindor common room. There was a huge party going on, and Regulus felt like he was definitely not going to be able to handle a bunch of Gryffindors sober “One more” Dorcas said, making Regulus sigh in frustration “Do you wish for me to vomit on you?” he asked, leaning against the table “No, but don't be a wuss. Here” she handed him another, and he of course took it.
Though Regulus was currently very happy about his relationship with James, there was still one problem. Nobody else could know. The only one who knew was Dorcas, and that was only because she had figured it out herself. This of course meant that Regulus could not just walk up and kiss James whenever he felt like it, and that fact was annoying him terribly “Reg, you are nearly as pathetic as he is. You're still allowed to speak without anyone finding out you know? Just go talk to him” Dorcas said, seeing as he was pathetically staring at James as he was speaking to Lupin “No. I have my principles” Regulus had always been stubborn, and he wasn't about to stop now, just because he had dumb feelings.
Oh
He felt like he had been punched in the stomach. He had turned away from his conversation with Dorcas, and was met with a gut wrenching sight. Evan had of course figured out a way to discreetly place himself on James's lap. James had his hand placed around his waist, as Evan was speaking to him in the most disgustingly flirtatious way possible. Regulus felt like he might actually vomit right then and there.
Dorcas placed a comforting hand on his back, as she had seen it too “You know how Evan is reg…” she said “Yeah” he gulped. He was unable to take his eyes off of them. Then finally James turned and locked eyes with him. His face sort of softened, and he looked from Evan to Regulus, winking at him.
What the actual fuck? Did he think this was fun for Regulus? He knew Evan was just fucking with him, why on earth was he playing into it that much. Regulus placed his cup down dramatically, and simply walked off.
It didn't even take more than a minute until regulus heard footsteps following him “I am sorry” he just said, standing next to him “Oh you are? Didn't really feel like it” he said, clearly annoyed “Reg..” James said, taking both his hands making him look at him “Why don't you just let him know that you aren't actually interested?” Regulus asked “Like I said, playing into it makes it so that I have more excuses to be around you. And besides, didn't you tell me that he doesn't actually fancy me?” James smirked lightly “Well, by the looks of it, it seems like he might actually start to be quite fond of you” he explained.
“Oh I can't imagine why” James said sarcastically “Oh I definitely can't either, you are insufferable” Regulus said looking up at him “But that is what you love so much about me..” he smirked once again, making Regulus smile softly “I'm afraid that is true..” he sighed. James lifted up his chin fully, and kissed his lips softly.
Regulus of course melted completely, kissing him back. Seeing as they were both definitely drunk, it got sort of heated. Much more than it had ever been between them. Regulus panicked, as he felt James's hands start to wander off. He grabbed both his wrists, pushing him back lightly “Sorry” Regulus found him saying that just a tad too much “No, never ever apologise for that okay? I care about you so much, so of course I wanna learn your boundaries” James explained, and Regulus rolled his eyes. Of course he had to be so bloody sweet all of the time “What?” James asked “You are too sweet for your own good” he chuckled “Can't help it when its about you” he replied, making Regulus shoved him lightly “I need another drink”
When Regulus had explained to James how Evan had planned it all out, James hadn't really been surprised. But he had been when he learned that Barty had feelings for Evan, and that Regulus was so sure Evan felt the same, he was just too clueless to realise it. So of course James had jumped to the chance of playing wingman. He knew it would be incredibly easy, since Evan had already approached him, the second him and Regulus had come back “Let me make you a drink” Evan had offered, and James gladly took it
“You know, I am kinda glad we have started to mix up the parties” James said “Yeah? Why?” Evan asked “Because I never realised how many people I haven't gotten the chance to know yet. Attractive people that is” James explained “Like who?” James had already gotten him curious “Well there is of course a dear friend of yours. Never realised it before but Barty is very fit. Bloody gorgeous don't you think? I can see why my friend Mary wanted to snog him” he chuckled, leaving a puzzled look on Evans face “Well I guess I haven't really thought about him either. Why haven't you gone for him then?” Evan said, having now turned his gaze to where Barty and Regulus were standing, across the room
“I haven't really gotten around to it to be honest, I am a busy man. But as I've heard he is very available, why haven't you?” James asked, knowing this would definitely set him off “I don't know actually, again it never really crossed my mind” He said, clearly deep in thought “I think you should go for it then, you make a great pair as friends already. Why not?” James smiled “You're right..” he said, not taking his eyes off Barty, clearly drunk as well “Of course I am, Oh look he's free” James pointed as Regulus had walked away. And just as he had expected, Evan was already walking over there.