Regulus' POV:
A weird thing has been happening to me for a few days now. Something out of a movie or book I'd say.
It all started last Monday. I was on the tube, on my way back home from work late at night. I was reading a book just sitting on my own, nothing special. Just a normal evening. Then the tube comes to a halt at the next stop and two creepy looking men get on and sit right across from me. I don't pay them any mind and carry on reading but I can see them looking at me over the top of my book. Not just casually looking, full on staring. You know, like those creepy guys in movies. I'm quite used to it actually. Guys stare at me all the time. It's bloody annoying but I'm used to it. Most of the time I just ignore them. It's not that difficult as they just stare, so. But few times, there are these guys who feel the need to speak up. As if that'd make me interested in them. They call out to me or whistle, you know, the usual stuff. Ignoring is still the best option then. Most of them stop if you do, but some don't.
Unfortunately, those two lads sitting across from me, were the last type. They were saying all kinds of stuff like: “Wow, you look gorgeous!” and “Don't you wanna come home with me, love? You'd be lovely in my bed.”
It's bloody gross. They're at least twenty years older than me as well. I just ignored them, but they didn't stop. I was honestly getting scared of them.
What could I do? On the tube I could ignore them, it's not like they would do anything with other people around, but what if they followed me home? My thoughts were spiralling, when something unexpected happened. A young strong looking guy, with a black jacket and glasses got up from his seat and came to sit next to me. He crossed his arms and glared back at the two men, who clearly seemed intimidated by his presence. I felt a wave of relief flood over me. It seemed like I'd be safe from those men. And I was. The guys got off the next stop. As they got up and left the car, so did the young guy. I could only give him a thankful smile and he nodded with a soft smile, before getting off as well.
This event was completely wild to me and I couldn't stop thinking about it all night and the next day. It was like I was in a movie or in one of my books.
But it didn't stop there.
The next day when I got on the tube to go back home, those guys were there again.
They sat across from me again and did the same as the day before.
Immediately this time, that same guy with the black jacket and glasses, came to sit next to me and I got to quietly read my book. Again all three of them got off after a few stops. This time I managed to mouth thank you to the guy with the jacket. He just smiled a beautiful smile in response.
Third day, same story.
On the fourth day, it happened once again. Only this time the two guys seemed to be more aggressive. They were harsher with their words, even when jacket guy came to sit next to me. He even had to shut them up a few times. I found it very scary, but I was safe with jacket guy next to me. When it was time for them to get off, both guys didn't move an inch. Jacket guy had gotten up, waiting for the two guys to get off. But when he realised they weren't planning to, he sat down next to me again. A little closer this time, and he leaned forward taking on an intimidating posture. The guys didn't seem moved by it in the slightest.
Then my stop came and I was terrified. They were going to follow me home for sure. I put my book in my bag and I could see the guys were preparing to get up as well.
But as I got up from my seat and got off the tube, jacket guy got off after me and offered me an arm which I gladly took. I could hear the guys cursing only feet behind us, but jacket guy held my arm tighter and smiled reassuringly. I felt quite safe, though I knew those guys would follow us to my house.
So this is where I am right now. How ridiculous is this scene? I'm being chased around by two creepy guys but some stranger with a black jacket feels the need to protect me so I'm kind of safe. This really is a movie scene.
“I've got a plan,” Jacket guy whispered. Maybe I should ask for his name sometime, this is getting ridiculous.
“When we're almost at your place, you let me know and we run. There's no way they can keep up with us.” Jacket guy has a nice voice.
“Okay,” I answered. I took a turn left pulling him along, praying the guys would stop following us. But of course they didn't. I could hear them walking behind us. I sighed and jacket guy pulled me closer.
“It's going to be okay.” He whispered. I really hope so. I thought. We walked around for about ten minutes with the guys still following us.
“We're almost there.” I whispered.
“Okay,” Jacket guy nodded. “I'm ready when you are.”
“Now.” I let go of his arm and started running as fast as I could. I could see him running next to me, but unfortunately I could hear the guys behind us as well. I quickened my pace and quickly turned a corner, which hopefully threw them off a bit. We kept on running and running through the streets, trying to lose the guys, but it seemed to be impossible. They only seemed to be a little further away from us then before. As we approached my house, I rummaged my pockets for my key. I stopped at my house, opened the door as quickly as possible and got inside.
“Get in!” I said to jacket guy, pulling him inside and locking the door, just before the guys were there. “Shit!” I rested against the wall, catching my breath.
“That was wild.” Jacket guy panted.
“They know where I live.” I panicked, running a hand through my hair.
“At least they don't know what apartment?” Jacket guy said.
“Yes, that's something, I guess.” I sighed. “Come on, let's got to my apartment. Might be a while until you can leave.”
“Okay, yeah.” We went up the stairs to my apartment.
“You can put your stuff by the door, if you want. Take a seat on the sofa, I'll make some tea.”
“That would be lovely, thank you.” I nodded and went to the kitchen. As the water boiled, I took my time to realise what had happened. This was all so weird and scary. Sirius would call me crazy for even letting James into my house. But I can trust him, right? I mean, he saved me from those creeps after all. I shook my head. As if I didn’t have enough stuff to worry about. There's no need to come up with even more problems.
I grabbed some sugar and milk, put them on a tray, I grabbed some tea and cups and lastly the hot water and went back to the living room.
“I realise we don't actually know each other's names.” I said, putting the tray on the table. “I'm Regulus, nice to meet you.” I sat down on the sofa across from him.
“My name's James, it's nice to meet you too, what a lovely name as well.”
“Thank you,” I smiled. “Also, thank you for saving me from those guys multiple times and going out of your way to bring me home today, that's very kind.”
“No problem at all. I didn't feel comfortable with letting you alone on the tube with them. I knew something like this would happen.”
“It's still very kind. I don't know what I would have done on my own.” I said pouring the hot water in the cups and putting some tea in as well. I realised my hands were shaking.
“Consider it a simple act of human decency. Those guys are gross.”
“They are indeed. I'm kind of used to catcalling, but this was really bad.”
“That was bloody harassment, even borderline stalking, if you ask me. My god, they should be locked up.”
“I suppose, yeah. You want sugar or milk?”
“Sugar please. No, it's bloody illegal what they did, be sure that they could be jailed for that.” He took the cup I offered him. “Thank you,”
“When do you think they'll leave?” I asked.
“Not sure, they might wait an hour, but they might also already be gone.”
“Wait, let me check,” I got up and went over to my window. “No, they're still there.” I said, peeking through the curtains. James glanced at his phone.
“The last tube is in twenty minutes. If I can't get out in the next ten minutes, I might have to call a cab.” He smiled sheepishly. How cute. Oh god no. I can't deal with this right now. I rolled my eyes at my own stupidity and returned to the couch.
“You could stay over if you want? I know we don't know each other at all, but the couch can be made into a bed and it's getting kind of late... It's the least I can offer in return for your kindness.” I said.
“How very kind, but I have to get up very early.”
“That's not a problem. You can just leave in the morning. You don't need any keys to leave the building.”
“Alright, I didn't bring anything though.” He smirked.
“You can borrow something from me.” I smiled. “What do you need?”
“Something to sleep in would be nice.”
“I'll go look for something. I'm not sure if it will fit you though. I'm very slim. Wait here.” I went upstairs, grabbed my biggest pair of sweatpants and my biggest shirt, a pillow and a blanket.
“Try this.” I said, handing him the clothes. “That's the biggest I've got.”
“Should be good enough. Where can I...?”
“Ah, through that door.” I pointed at the first door to the left in the hallway.
“Thanks.” James went to the bathroom. This was all rather awkward. I made his bed on the couch and then he returned.
“It fits, kind of.” James chuckled as he left the bathroom. I immediately saw what he meant. The sweatpants were too short and a tad bit too tight for my liking and the shirt was also way too tight. Why the fuck can't I be straight for once?! I nodded.
“Well if it bothers you, you can just take it off when you go to sleep. I won't be in the living room anyway.”
“Thank you,” James smiled. I stood awkwardly. This whole situation was making me very flustered.
“Well, I'm going to bed now... Toilet's the door on the right, goodnight.”
“Goodnight Regulus.” I smiled and quickly went to my room. When I closed my door, I let out a soft sigh. That got a little too hot. I got changed and got to bed. It had been a really weird day and I really needed some rest if I wanted to survive tomorrow.
♧
The next morning I woke up to my alarm going off. I groaned, turning it off. I hadn't had enough sleep to get up already. I slowly got dressed and shuffled out of my room. I went to the bathroom and brushed my hair and teeth, still half asleep. It was only when I went to the kitchen that I started waking up. I grabbed some food and went to the living room. I halted. Suddenly I remembered that James had stayed over. He'd folded the blanket and neatly put it on the couch together with the pillow and the clothes were also folded and put on the table. He'd also left a note.
Thank you for your hospitality and kindness.
James
I smiled.
Even though I was tired, I had one of the best days in weeks, knowing I'd be seeing James again on the tube. I dreaded seeing the guys again though. What if they followed me again? I decided not to think about it too much. It wouldn't prevent it.
♧
I sighed nervously, getting on the train. I took my usual seat near the door and took out my book. A stop later I saw James getting on and I smiled.
“Hello Regulus,” he greeted along with a big smile.
“Hello,” I answered, closing my book. “Did you sleep well?”
“Quite well, yes. Thanks again.”
“Of course.” Regulus said, turning shy. “It's the least I could do for all that you did for me.”
“How did you sleep?” James asked.
“Good, but not quite enough. I'm still quite tired.” I chuckled sheepishly.
“Early night today then.” He smiled softly.
“I'm planning to, yeah.”
“Me too, I've had a little too much adventure for this week.” James chuckled. I nodded. There were a few minutes of silence. The voice from the speakers told me we were four stops away from my stop.
“Speaking of adventure, where are those guys?” I looked around.
“You don't miss them, do you?” James smirked.
“Definitely not, but I'm confused about why they're not here. It feels very weird and kind of scary.”
“I think I know where they are.”
“You do?” I turned to him, curiously.
“Yes,” he nodded. “They're in jail.”
“What?” I stared at him.
“They are.” James nodded.
“How do you know?”
“I put them there.” He smirked at my surprised expression. ”This morning after I left, I managed to figure out their names. I immediately called one of my buddies who's a police officer and he pulled a few strings and he got them jailed only hours ago. Apparently they'd kidnaped and raped young men before, it was against their probation rules to follow people home.”
“That's not weird.”
“I've been recording them since the second day they catcalled you. It was enough proof to lock them up as they'd violated their probation. Their stuck in jail for seven years.” I gaped at him. Please marry me.
“Oh my god,” I whispered. “... How can I ever pay you back for this?” He smiled, turning his body to me.
“Maybe go out with me some time? You don’t have to of course, but I'd like that very much.” His smile turned softer even a bit shy. I blushed. Yes please. Christ Regulus. Oh my god. This isn't happening.
The voice from the speaker announced that we were about to arrive at my stop. I grabbed a notebook and a pen from my bag and quickly scribbled down my number. I ripped out the page and gave it to James.
“Let me know when and where. I'll let you know if I can.” I said. James' smile became wider. The train stopped and I got up.
“See you tomorrow,” I smiled at him.
“See you tomorrow.” He smiled back and I left the train, smiling brightly.
This whole situation did bring something positive in the end.