Starry Night

December 14th 1977

The snow fell a little harder on the already snow coated ground. The train to Kings Cross Station would leave in the morning, until then the castle was quietly tucked in the hills and mountains that surrounded it.
James was at breakfast earlier today than usual, his best mates still in the dorms. They had no reason to be up super early, break technically started today but the train was coming tomorrow to pack and say goodbyes. James on the other hand had an incentive, Regulus who in fact was seated next to him. They were eating in a comfortable silence that many around them were also following. James dropped one hand from the table to meet Regulus’s thigh,the light squeeze was met with a glance from Regulus who was holding his coffee to his lips. “Don’t start this at…” Regulus looked at his watch that James had bought more recently, “7:30 am Potter,not when I’ll have to talk to my brother in the coming hours.” Regulus muttered as he brought his coffee back to his cold lips. James would always admit to enjoying this aspect of their relationship, they didn’t need to be talking or doing much in order to feel love, James would also like to admit he loves Regulus’s side profile but he might get hexed or punched. Instead he sat there happily and enjoyed his apple juice. “’mum is excited to see you by the way, she owled me the other day making sure you were still coming.” James muttered, glancing at Regulus to see his reaction. His breath hitched a bit before he let out a “I’m excited too, glad they’re still okay with me coming over.” James knew Regulus thought his parents might not accept them…him. After Regulus first came over and he was asleep for the first time that day, James sat his parents down and had a sit down conversation with them about boundaries on both sides. Euphemia, James’s was happy her son had found a nice boy he obviously cared about and that the boy trusted James so much that when he knew he could live in his home anymore he came to James. Fleamont was just happy James was happy and offered to help in any way he could. James had remembered the conversation the two of them had after returning from Christmas break, he recalled it word for word. How James was upset about the marks and all Regulus asked of him was to ask later and to let him come over during summer, James had told him he was always welcomed at the Potter home. It was their second Christmas together but the first they’d spend around each other. “Jamie,are you still in there?” Regulus asked as James blinked, “sorry, spaced out I guess.” He said sheepishly. This Christmas was the biggest one, it’d be Fleamont, Euphemia, James, Sirius, Remus, and Regulus. Remus was coming a few days later but still was going to be at the Potter's for Christmas.

It was nearly 5 pm when Regulus and James moved from their window seat in the library. “I need to talk to Barty and Evan before dinner about where to owl for talking since I’m not going to the Manor. I’ll see you later, love.” Regulus got up kissing James before walking away. He was left a bit stunned; normally Regulus hated PDA. James just sat there thinking for a while because Reggie just kissed him in public.

“The lion let you go? I didn’t know he knew how to do that.” Barty grumbled as Regulus walked into their shared dorm, “oh shut up, sorry I don’t care to watch you and Evan make out all the time, I’m just here to pack and relay some information.” Regulus said walking to his trunk, “what’s up Reg?” Evan asked. “I’m spending Christmas at James’s place so if you want to owl me it’ll have to be there not to the manor, the address is on this paper James wrote it down so you can’t forget.” Regulus said as Evan nodded, taking the note. “And Barty if I see or James tells me you’ve owled him for a not positive reason I will rip your balls off.” Regulus said as he started putting more things in his trunk. “I can just use Legilimency when you both get back then what?” Barty smirked like he was clever, “I’d tell James to not use Occlumency, I’d let you see all the sex we had over the nearly month long vacation,how would you enjoy that?” Regulus replied with a slight smile but shook it off and continued the packing so he could see James. “Gross I don’t want to know what you and the Lion are doing over break.” Barty groaned but was quickly silenced when Evan said “we know what they’re doing…each other, they’re doing each other Barty you know having sex, making love if you will. So stop the nonsense you're playing at.” Regulus was close to laughing, then he heard Barty gag and the bathroom door slammed closed.

When Regulus was done packing it was nearly the end of dinner, dinner ended at 8 pm and it was 7 pm. He rushed out hoping James opted for a late dinner. James across the school finally decided to put his book down and go eat. If he didn’t he’d have to go to the kitchens later and the elfs would gripe. So he walked at a semi-slow pace down the corridor. The two’s pace matched to where they’d meet at the bottom of the grand staircase, they would essentially bump into one another. “You know James when you don’t open your eyes you miss the simplicity of life.” Regulus said a few steps behind him, “Reggie! I thought you’d be at dinner already by now, my book was too good to put down so late dinner for me.” James said sheepishly. “I feel like I’ve told you better but oh well, I had to talk to Barty and Evan and I packed up my trunk so it’s ready for the morning. I thought you would’ve gone to dinner after I left, but I’m glad you didn’t.” Regulus intertwined his fingers with James as they walked down the corridor.
When they walked in,the dining hall was nearly empty, not many ate this late in the day before Christmas break so the two sat at the Gryffindor table contrary to this morning’s breakfast at Slytherin.
“I’m excited for big Christmas this year, over break baking is always the best and I think dad is getting all the best Christmas movies out.” James said in between bites of food. “I’m excited to love, it’s our first Christmas holiday that we’ll be together, together. Last year was rough, but I know this one will be much better.” Regulus replied to him sipping his tea. “ mum is excited to have you around again and so is dad. Moony is going to start Christmas with his parents but he’ll be over I think on the 20th. So I think once he’s coming over I can convince Sirius to switch rooms.” James said with a slight smirk that slowly made a large smile on his face, “lovely idea James but why is Remus Moony but Sirius is still Sirius? If anything, isn't it the other way around?” Regulus questioned. “I’m not sure, I guess it feels odd to call your brother anything other than Sirius around you, I mean I guess I thought you’d be a little uncomfortable?” James replied looking down at his hands, Regulus knew he only did that when he was anxious or worried about something. “Jamie, sure he’s my brother but he’s your best mate. Him and I are just getting back to speaking terms, you call him Padfoot or Sirius or whatever you want to, you love him I know that, he loves you I know that, but I also need you to realize that I don’t care what you call him because he’s just your best mate, nothing more. He’s just my brother. I know even if you call him Padfoot that it’s my brother. You call him whatever makes you happy, you hear me?” Regulus said holding James face, normally he wouldn’t do anything this extreme in public but James feeling upset wasn’t something Regulus liked seeing. “You really don’t care? It doesn’t bother you?” James asked quietly, “not one bit,love.” Regulus replied just as quiet.
The boys walked quietly hand and hand down the corridor,” Reg, can I sleep in your dorm tonight?” James asked softly, “of course Jamie, you can always sleepover, what are you gonna tell Remus and Sirius?” Regulus asked softly, “Well one of two things either that I am staying with you, or I could say I’m spending the night at someone else’s place. If I ran in to grab a thing or two I could grab the map so they wouldn’t know.” James pulled Regulus' hand to his face. “Jamie, you tell them what makes you comfortable, nothing more.” He smiled faintly back at him, then he pushed his hand away and walked a few feet past the portrait so no one could immediately see him. “I’ll be quick.” He muttered stepping into his portrait hole.

“Mates I won’t be back in tonight, just grabbing some things and then I’ll see you at breakfast most likely.” James said to his best mates as he grabbed a shirt, jumper, and a few other necessities before sneaking the map in. “Where are you off too at this time of day Prongs?” Sirius asked, “spending the night in another mates room is all. Last horay before break since we won’t see each other for a while. Just thought I should tell you before I left, plus I wanted my clothes not to wear his.” James said folding clothes together and then shrinking them down to fit in his pocket. “Enjoy your evening Prongs, we’ll see you tomorrow.” Remus replied gently to distract Sirius, he also stood from his bed with his book and walked to Sirius’s and sat down on the foot of said bed. “Yeah I’ll see you tomorrow.” James muttered as he looked at the two. He then proceeded out of the dorms and out the common room, turning the corner to find Regulus leaning against the wall. “And the mystical potter is back.” Regulus snarked at him pushing off the wall, “you are an absolute prat sometimes, you're lucky I love you so much.” James replied with a smirk walking up to and then past Regulus. “Why am I letting you spend the night? Only Salazar knows ” Regulus jokingly muttered, “maybe because you're about to have to sleep in the guest room for almost a week or so and we can’t really be us for that time.” James said, reaching his hand out, without hesitation Regulus grabbed it and held on dearly. The two crept up the slytherin dorm, James was known for coming in the slytherin common room and dorms so no one really bat an eye. The two walked into Regulus’s shared dorm with his two best mates. “Lion! You’ve been brought back already! I thought I’d have to wait until after break.”
Evan said, trying to get a crack outta James, “Evan! My secret affair partner! I could never leave without seeing your face once more.” James replied faster than Regulus felt made sense. “Jamie…” Was all Regulus had to say before James went and sat on the edge of Regulus’s bed. “Evan, leave James alone, I thought Barty would be the issue, not you. speaking of Barty, keep your boy-toy in line, thanks. James is staying over if you have an issue…Fuck off.” Regulus followed the path James had to his bed across the room. James was now lying comfortably in his bed shoes off to the side of the bed and everything, Regulus followed by taking his shoes off and loosening his tie before getting into the bed next to James; closing the curtains with a silencing spell cast wordlessly. “Reg you know to me you are the idea that ‘post nubila Phoebus’ I don’t think I’d make it without you.” James says in almost a whisper, “Jamie…what does that even mean and what language was that?” Regulus rambled out, entranced by the words James said to him. “Latin, my dad knows some so he always taught me growing up what he knew. It doesn’t matter what I said” James said, pulling Reggie closer to his chest. “I wish I didn’t feel like I have to hide this; you; us from your… Padfoot, I care for him so much but I care for you on a level I’m not sure he’d truly understand or appreciate.” James said holding Regulus that much tighter. Slowly with soft kisses and quiet words and promises the two boys fell asleep.

December 15

They woke at 7 am and the train would leave by 12pm which meant they had a few hours to kill. The two spent some of their time just close, some of it was kissing, and some was more than kissing and being close. When the two realized they worked up a hunger it was 10, the great hall served food all day until the last train left on departure days to make sure everyone ate. They decided to get up and get food, pulling on clothes that were scattered across the ground.
The two walked at a leisurely pace down to the great hall hand in hand. James knew he shouldn’t see Remus or Sirius and even if he did they could break apart fast enough it would be fine. What James didn’t plan for was the fact he was in one of Regulus’s dark green jumpers. Regulus had noticed before James had, so he quickly pulled the other along until he found a secluded corridor. “Take your jumper off James.” Regulus said, grasping the bottom of the fabric, “Reg…look I know you have some fun fantasies and I’ve told you I’m down but…here?!? This is not very ideal, you know?” James said, grabbing Regulus' hands. “You are daft, and a pompous…you are in my slytherin green jumper, but yes I would just love for you to shag me against these stone walls right here and now, oh baby oh baby” Regulus replied with a very snarky sarcastic tone at the end. The two were close enough in size and that Reg preferred slightly baggy clothes, he’d picked it up without realizing. “Reg, we are absolute pillocks” James mutters “well apparently I can fit in your clothes but that’s not the issue at hand now is it love? The issue is I am in fact IN YOUR JUMPER” James starts pulling at his fingers, he’s stressing himself out over this and Regulus picks up on it immediately. “Jamie calm down for me, I noticed it hence why we’re in the corridor that’s super out of the way.” Regulus pulled James' hands away from the jumper and into his own. “We just have to trade jumpers, nothing terrible, then breakfast-lunch.” Regulus pulled his hands back taking James jumper off and handing it to James while James did the same but with the green jumper, “Just future knowledge, you look sexy in dark green Jamie, 100x more shaggable.” Regulus grabbed James hand again and they were walking to the great hall once more. Right before they rounded the corner to the great hall they released hands. Walking into the hall they sat with Barty and Evan. “Hello dear Regulus and his lion, how are you two in this dear morning?” Evan asked, sipping his coffee, “we’re fine Evan and you don’t have to call me lion, I have a name?” James replied before Regulus could, “James isn’t a name after we hear Reg scream it all night or it be chanted in our room at 3am. So you’ll live.” Barty responded this time, but was quickly cut off by Regulus, “shall I start calling you something else Evan? If you’re holding it over my head I can do this over yours, just because James and I decide that a silence charm isn’t worth it at 2am. At least we don’t shag at 9pm or 11am.” Regulus snapped back, placing his right hand on James’s left thigh. James froze under the grasp, slowly unlocking his joints and such ideas. Regulus moved his hand on his thigh, creating small circles. “Barty I feel as though Reg has been successful in shutting you up.” Evan giggled. “Shut up Evan you literally cry out for my-” Barty started before quickly interrupted by James, “No- nope no no no no, Godric, you two are bloody wankers you know. Here I am trying to enjoy time with my lover and his friends but no of course not.” James sputtered as he shook his head; turning his body like he were to get up to leave. “Are you leaving Jamie? You know it's just how Evan and Barty get-.” Regulus started to say but James leaned over grabbing his face with his hands, laying a soft kiss on Regulu’s forehead, followed by his nose,both cheeks, and finally when James felt he had thoroughly got a blush out of him, kissed Regulus. Not a goodbye kiss per se but a promise to see him later. “I need to head back to the tower before Pads or Moony get down here or I am thoroughly fucked my love and not in the way I enjoy. So I love you and I’ll see you later my love.” James said, leaning for one last kiss before getting up and walking out of the great hall. Regulus who naturally sat taller with James around, deflated. “My Salzar you two are so whipped for one another. I have never seen you deflate like a poorly casted ‘Wingardium Leviosa‘.” Evan nearly snickered. Regulus on the other hand just loomed down at his hands “James makes me feel safe and like me. You know what it was like at ‘home’ for me,he makes me forget that hell. I love James.” Regulus gets up from the table while talking. “I’m gonna make sure I have everything packed.” With that Regulus was gone.

James went to the Gryfindor tower after grabbing him things from Reggies room. He liked being around Regulus. Yes,but his friends were a little harder because at the end of the day the one person he really wanted to know he was terrified of telling. He knew Sirius pretty well and he knew that telling him that he and his little brother were in a committed relationship would be the same as asking for an unforgivable curse, or it felt like it atleast. James was in the common room when he bumped into Lily. He used to like her at one point but they had came out to one another by year 5 and from then on it was just a committed friendship. “Hey James, Love you so much and I’m happy for you and Regulus, especially to have an intimate relationship but you might want to glamour that hickey on your neck or there will no longer be a ‘Jegulu’. Lily said, hiding a small laugh, “Hide the what? Oh my Godric Lils you have to save me. Reggie, why do you hate me?” James fell quite ungracefully onto one of the couches. “You’re lucky I love you James.” Lily carefully ‘glamoured’ over the dark mark on his neck.

Everyone had boarded the final train out of hogwarts. Evan, Pandora (his twin), Barty, Dorcas and lastly Regulus all sat in the front of the train where most slytherins sat. While Sirius, Remus, Peter, Lilly, Marlene, Mary, and James all sat in the middle to the back of the train. They had their car, they always sat in every trip in and out of Hogwarts.

It was 5pm by the time the train rolled into Kings Cross station. James grabbed his trolley and immediately searched the crowd for his mom and dad. When he found the olive skin his dad carried he made sure Sirius was close to his trolley as he took off running. James and his parents were incredibly close and he loved them immensely. “Mum! Dad! My godric I’ve missed you so much.” he said hugging one then the other, “Oh James deary I’ve missed you and your cooking so much. I can bake and your dad can kinda cook but you’ve always been the best cook.” His mum spewed while James realised that everyone was now close enough to hear his mom go on about his cooking skills. “Say Mrs.Potter you got space I gotta try James potter magical cooking.” Marlene said with no care in the world. “I mean It wouldn’t hurt for more comp-” Euphima had started “! You don’t have to invite them.” James slightly begged, “nonsense, as someone who's tasted your magnificent food you shall cook for everyone, I’ll owl you all when we get home later for a good day and time.” Sirius said out confidently followed by him going over and hugging Euphemia and Fleamont, “Mum! Dad! How lovely to see you both, how I have missed you.” The three exchanged pleasantries before Euphemia interrupted, “Regulus dear how glad I am to see you again. I feel Monty has a classic literature book he’d wish to show you at home.” She said as she pulled him into a hug. The thing about both Euphemia and Regulus is neither will ever let go first. James had to intervene so the five could head home.

The five got to the Potter household just after 6 pm. “I had ordered pizza earlier so it should be here soon. While we wait, sleeping arrangements?” Euphemia askes. “James and I always share a room till Moony gets here, sorry little Reg.” Sirius said, “it’s fine, you and James are best friends, why would I want to separate you?” Regulus said calmly, trying not to show how it slightly scared him. James noticed; he noticed the slight gleam in Regulus’s eyes that pointed to anxiety. Regulus saw the look James flashed at him but nodded him off. “Monty, what book was it you were going to show me? I’d be rather pleased to see it.” Regulus said with a small smile on his face.
Regulus and Monty talked about the book which ended up being a first print of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, passed down from his father. The two talked about their love for classic literature for over an hour.
When food arrived the five sat down together and ate pizza. Regulus couldn’t lie it was a nice start to winter break. After they ate, Euphemia gave Regulus an updated tour of the house. Showing him the two guest rooms he could pick to stay in and he opted for the one closest to James room. Thinking of it, Regulus really hadn’t slept alone in over a year. Either he was in James’s bed or James was in his or he had Barty and Evan in the room as well. The idea of being alone was frightening. Regulus was a regular to the idea of being alone but since James came into his life it hadn’t been so regular anymore. After he put his stuff in the guest room he went back downstairs to where everyone else was gathered in the living room watching a movie. Regulus sat on the floor between Sirius and James legs.
James knew Regulus was tired when he started to lean heavily against James’s leg. His head was fully against his knee and his hand hung near James lower shin. James softly smiled to himself Regulus only fell asleep like he had when he felt safe. Euphemia noticed after James but said it out loud. “Aww James dear why don’t you get Regulus up to his room. It's been a long day. Me and your father will see you three in the morning. We love you all.Goodnight James, Sirius and Regulus.” Euphemia stated, getting up with Fleamont and walking to their bedroom. James slid forward wrapping his arms around Regulus’s waist. Lifting Regulus up and then repositioning so he held Regulus in a bride carry. Regulus shifted in his arms until his head was nicely tucked against James' chest. James slowly walked upstairs and he could tell Sirius was behind him. “Hey Pads why don’t you start getting ready for chill or sleep I’ll get him settled then we can chit chat and such.” James said as he approached Regulus’s bedroom door. “Alright, good idea that way I don’t have to smack you when you take 45 years in the loo like a wanker,see you in a few prongs” Sirius said turning into the loo. James walked into Regulus’s room, walked over and gently laid him in the bed. Pulling the covers down and then fixing them around Regulus. James leaned down kissing his forehead, his nose, both of his cheeks and ended it with a gentle kiss to Regulus’s lips. Before James could leave he said out to the quiet room, “baby if you need me I’m across the hall don’t think twice about coming over if you need me or Pads, I love you Reggie. I’m so excited you're here.” Then he left and gently closed the door.

Sirius and James had stayed up for about two additional hours before also deciding to sleep. James had been asleep for maybe an hour when he noticed someone by his side. When he turned over all he could see was a visibly distraught Regulus, without second thought he cast a silencing charm around the two of them. “Jamie…I”. “Reggie my love, what's wrong?” James asked as he brought his arms out to meet Regulus’s. “I. I’m sorry. I’m not used to being alone. I don’t know why it bothers me so much but it just reminds me of that place. I’m scared.” Regulus cried out as he leaned as far as he could into James' grasp. “Baby, it’s okay to be scared. You have me and pads and mum or dad. Everyone here cares about you my love. Want to sleep in here? Nightmares are hard to get out of alone.” James suggested as he slid over in his bed. Regulus slid in, then he got as close as he could. Curling against James and snuggling the blankets that smelt so strongly of James. “I love you Jamie. Thank you.” Regulus said as he started to doze off once more.

December 16

In the morning Sirius woke up to his best mate but also his little brother in said best mates bed. “Prongs? Regulus?” He said seeing if they’d wake. “ProNgs!? Regulus!” He said louder causing Regulus to stir followed by James. “What do you want, Sirius?” Regulus asked, “Just curious why you're in my best mates bed?” He asked. “I had a nightmare. I couldn’t fall back asleep and respectfully Sirius we aren’t super close anymore. I didn’t know if I could wake you without dying. He calmed me down and I didn’t feel like being alone so he let me stay.” Regulus said; it hurt to say because he loved and cared about Sirius but they’d grown apart for a few years now. “He just made sure I was alright nothing more nothing less. It’s James after all.” Regulus said, “I guess that’s true Prongs barely can get a date.” Sirius replied. James snickered into the pillow he was closest to.
“I wouldn’t try anything on Regulus, Pads. I do have respect and boundaries. Now who’s showering first?” James asked as he sat up. “I’ll go, I need to get things from my room anyways.” Regulus stated as he got up and left. “Nothing happened right Prongs? You would tell me if it had?” Sirius questioned. “Nothing happened Pads, as Regulus said, he walked in and it woke me up. He was crying and you were out and he asked if he could just sit for a while, I guess we just fell asleep in the time period he was in here. Then we were awake. Nothing happened.” James reassured him. “How about you go and tell mum we’ll be down in a bit so she doesn’t think we’re ignoring her. Or her cooking.” James said to Sirius. He nodded and walked out.

( ⬇️ More focused on Reggie ⬇️)

“How could I be so daft? In James' house? With my brother in the next bed over? Salazar kill me.” Regulus groaned into his hands as he ran the shower. He knew he was overthinking everything. But it was James and Sirius; he was more concerned about Sirius than James honestly.
When Regulus got out of the shower James was alone in his room so Regulus walked in. “The shower is open now Jamie.” He said as cautiously as he could. “Reggie. Hi darling.” James looked towards him. “Hello love”. It was the simple things like these that made awkward and frightening moments worth it. The two of them alone in a room that could be larger than Hogwarts and it’d still feel small with just the two of them together. “Shower?” Regulus asked curiously, “Right, shower. I’ll pop into your room when I’m done.” James said standing, grabbing his towel and passing Regulus.

(That’s all for the focus for now⬆️)

When James came into his ‘room’ after he’d showered it was quiet. Not much talking or moving just having one another around. “I can smell breakfast, go get dressed so I don’t bite your head off.” Regulus commented as he stood. They hadn’t been in his ‘room’ long, less than 5 minutes total. James changed into sweats and an old shirt, very much lazy clothes and then walked downstairs. Regulus wasn’t far behind him; they could hear quiet conversations almost as to not disturb the peace. “Pad it’s your turn to shower” James stated at a decently quiet level, but Sirius heard him perfectly well. Apparently having wrapped up his conversations he turned and walked past James and Regulus. “Morning dears I have eggs, bacon, sausage, and biscuits so help yourselves.” Euphemia said with a smile set on her lips. “Thank you Mrs.Potter.” Regulus said subconsciously without realizing. “I thought I told you to call me anything other than that Regulus dear.” She said softly. “Sorry ma’am.” Regulus said as he slightly spaced out, never before had he not addressed someone as their full title. “Now Regulus, that's far too formal for my son's boyfriend. Please try and feel welcomed here. We do care for you.” Euphemia said as she poured more coffee in her cup. “James- you told her?!??” Regulus sputtered out, “No I didn’t tell my mum Regulus she’s just my mum and figures everything out. Also where’s dad this morning mum?” James asked in between bites of buttered toast. “He got called in early this morning. And Regulus dear trust me the way my son looked at you last night and always looks at you is how I imagine the sun looks at stars. Especially a night filled with hundreds of thousands of stars. So no he didn’t tell me.” Euphemia said gently. “Mum, can you not mention it to Sirius, we haven't told him quite yet.” James said as he turned his gaze towards the stairs then to his hands. “It’s not my story to be told.” Was all she replied with. Regulus was happy with that answer; James was as well, knowing he could allow the stress of his love life slightly out. The two ate in a relaxed silence that they both enjoyed.

The day was a quiet one, the three of them helped Euphemia pick up slightly. James slid into his regular habit which was to hum along or quietly sing with the music his mother would turn on. This particular day it was White Christmas by Frank Sinatra. This song held many memories and that led to him singing and dancing along with the tempo. Sirius was used to his best mate's behavior. He’d been around for long enough to know that singing and dancing was just James. Regulus on the other hand, had never seen this side of James. Yes he’d seen him at parties drunk and drunken singing but never like this. James looked so carefree and happy while he sang along, and that caused the hidden part of Regulus to heat up. Not that he needed to know that, but maybe he could? Regulus tried to shake his focus and get back to organizing a beautiful bookshelf that needed dust and books put away. Was he successful with this distraction? No. James fucking Potter was singing in this deep but not to deep but perfectly smooth register, as he gently swayed with the music. He looked alive. Regulus had seen many sides of his dear lover; this was not one of them. He attempted once more to change his focus on his books when Sirius walked up to him. “Isn’t Prongs a lovely singer? I won’t lie, I like Moony’s more, it's more angelic.” He’d said, “shut up, you have a bias towards your boyfriend Sirius.” Regulus said, trying to sound as annoyed as possible. As if he didn’t have an automatic love for James' voice, he would always favor his voice over others. “Are you two gossiping instead of cleaning? How dare you?!?” James said with a fake heartbreak in his voice. “It’s not like that prongs I SWEAR. I was just telling little Reggie about how good Moony’s voice is.” Siruis said as if he’d just been caught with an affair partner instead of his brother. “He isn’t lying, he was over here swooning for Remus and his ‘angelic’ voice.” Regulus said turning his back, “He said I had a bias because I’m dating Moony but that’s crazy I love you Prongs but Moony’s voice is so..Crisp” Sirius said. “Salazar you sound like a child who is talking about his classmate who he fancies. So smitten; It’s gross.” Regulus said, moving the book he’d had in his hands. “Sirius dear can I get some assistance with the washing up? I can tell they're messing with you. James I told you to be nice” Euphemia said with a hint of smirk on her voice. The nice thing was between the living room where the three had been and the kitchen is the kitchen was down the corridor and around a corner. So as Sirius left the room it left just James and Regulus. “He is obsessed with Remus, it’s honestly embarrassing. I mean” Regulus had started when he felt the heavy hold of hands on either side of his hips. “I could feel your eyes, you know. You stare a lot.” James said against his neck. “James! Sirius could walk in at any moment.” Regulus scolded as he attempted to turn his head to look at James. Only he was met with resistance and couldn’t move his head much. “Then I guess you’ll need to be quieter, right love? Also he’ll be pretty occupied. I asked mum to make her famous Banana Pudding. They’ll be busy for a while, so as I was saying You stare a lot love. If I didn’t know better I’d think you have a crush on me.” James said the smirk in his voice was so strong that he might as well have been staring Regulus in the face. Before Regulus had much more time to think in what James had just told him he was being pulled and flipped by his hips so his back was now against the bookshelf. “Jamie!” Regulus blurted out from the surprise of being flipped around. “I do have one question Reg, what was it you were thinking while you undressed me with your eyes in front of Your Brother? I am quite curious love.” James snickered as the faint blush on Regulus’s checks flared to almost bright red. “You have a nice voice, why haven’t I heard it before? I’ve only ever heard your drunken ‘singing’ that’s nothing like what I heard.” Regulus said in a hushed voice. “Oh but you have heard it. I sing to you all the time my love, normally when you’re sleeping. But I have also sung a handful of times before you were asleep.”

“One more question Jamie.” Regulus said after they’d stood in silence for a moment or two, James nodded at him to continue on. “Kiss me?” Was all Regulus had said before James was pressing him even further into the bookshelf he was against. It was one of those kisses that air was hard to regain after the fact. Names were split quietly into the air as more kisses were exchanged. Regulus eventually pulled his head to the side to break a kiss; laying his head on James' shoulder instead. “Sorry love, I hate not being able to just exist how we normally do, hands off sucks. Only a few more days till he’s more consumed with Moony’s company than mine or yours. I love you.” James said, kissing the top of Regulus' head. “Love you too Jamie.” Was all said into the quiet room. After a few more minutes the two separated but continued to organize this time closer to one another. Not that Regulus would ever tell anyone but it felt like they were refilling energy that had been lost. James went back to his sway of hips and gentle singing of Christmas music. Regulus went back to his reorganizing of the bookshelves. He couldn’t lie he was in love with all the books on the shelves. “Do you think your father would let me borrow a few of his books? I’m just dying to read some in his collection.” Regulus stated as he turned towards James. He was already facing Regulus, “Yeah he adores you more than me I swear.” “You do know that looking at me doesn’t sweep the floor and organize,yes?” He questioned James, “I’m aware but looking at you is much more enticing and fun.” James snarked back.

Once Euphima and Sirius had finished the banana pudding and cleaned up from cooking, the four of them sat in the living room. The rest of the afternoon was very quiet, telling stories of James as a child or Sirius sharing childhood memories of Regulus. “I fancy a chai, mum, Padfoot, Regulus, would any of you like one?” James asked standing. “I’m fine dear, thank you for the offer” Euphima stated, “Yes please Prongs” Sirius said grabbing a blanket that had been recently folded. “Do you have other types of tea? I’m not the biggest chai drinker.” Regulus said looking at James. “Quite a few, follow me.” James said walking towards the kitchen.

“I didn’t know you didn’t like chai, I make them all the time.” James looked in the cabinet for the spices he required. “It’s not that I don’t like it on occasions, I just don’t gravitate towards it that’s all love. When you make it they are lovely.” Regulus replied, “if I didn’t know better I would think your buttering me up.” James looked back as he grabbed two mugs and a pot. “Maybe I am, you’ll never know. Now where is the tea collection?” Regulus replied. He settled for a chamomile and ginger tea. James hopped up and sat on the counter as he waited for his tea to boil and steep. “How many more days until Remus gets here? I found this book in your father’s library. I think he’ll love.” Regulus asked as he sipped on his tea. “I think he gets here in two days but I’ll have to check with Sirius. How’s your ginger chamomile tea?” James asked as he gently poured the hot tea into two mugs. “Wanna taste? I think it’s pretty good, I might need to find it in Hogsmeade after winter break.” Regulus said, taking another long sip. “I’ve never been a chamomile tea fan but I like ginger, give me a small sip…please” James says as he leans over, expecting the mug to be placed on his lips. Instead he was met with warm lips on his. Soft hands on either side of his face and the gentle intrusion of Regulus’s tongue. Regulus slid one hand up until it was in James' hair, then he pulled…Hard. He then pulled back from James slowly, "See, that's pretty good isn't it? I’m going back to the living room.” He walked out and to the living room leaving James to sort himself out and follow behind. “Here’s your Chai Padfoot. Made with extraaaaa love.” James handed the warm mug to him and went to go sit in the love seat where he had previously been sitting. Only now Regulus was sprawled out on the whole length of the couch. “Regulus, can you scoot over a bit?” He asked politely, “Mm no, I just got comfortable. Besides, you can sit on the floor, I believe in you.” He replied, going back to the book he had been reading. “Reg don’t be rude to Prongs!” Sirius said in a very bewildered tone, Euphiuma was laughing and James? James sat his happy ass on the floor. “It’s fine Sirius, I don’t mind” he said, grabbing a blanket for said spot on the floor. Sirius just stuttered around apologies of Regulus and his “behavior”.

Once Fleamont got home dinner was started. James was making lasagna as per Fleamont’s request. Regulus sat at the table watching him work. “How long have you been cooking? Do you like cooking? If you can cook does that mean you can bake? Have you been holding out on me with good dessert recipes?” Regulus rambled out while he watched James make fresh sauce. “I’ve been cooking my whole life, normally with dad. Yes I love cooking because it's a stress reliever. Yes I can bake, I might’ve been holding out on you slightly but we also don’t have the best time to bake at school now do we? I mean now you have something to look forward to right?” James asked, grabbing spices from the cabinet. “I guess. I think it’s just so odd to see someone enjoy something that house elf’s always did at the manor…I miss it sometimes you know? I don’t miss the cruelty or the abuse but I miss the house, the good simple memories I had there.” Regulus said as he stood up to leave the kitchen feeling like the room was closing a little faster than regularly. A tight firm grasp was around his shoulders. A warm embrace, James head in the crook between his shoulder and neck. “You're allowed to miss things, even if they weren’t the best. You are allowed to miss your childhood and what was taken from you as a child. No one can tell you different. No one. I love you regulus and no one will ever make you feel like that again. Not if I have an input.” James said into his shoulder while he held him. “Do you need to get out for a while? I can’t leave cooking right now but,” James started when Regulus stopped him “I’m going to sit back down. Rather be around you, not alone. We can get out for a little while later.” He did as he said and sat down in his chair. After a few minutes James got back to cooking, checking in Regulus every little while.

The whole time James cooked Sirius was out in the backyard first talking to Fleamont than to Remus who was supposed to be there soon.

Regulus wasn’t going to lie, James could fucking cook. It wasn’t like regular lasagna; there were more complex flavors. Regulus could’ve gone on for a while about it but stopped himself. When he found himself writing to Evan and Barry later that night he just wanted to go one about the food. That or the making out while Sirius was in the next room over or the holding him or the telling him he loved him in the most serious tone. If he was honest he was just rambling about his boyfriend.