Spin The Bottle
Regulus followed James around looking for his dorm room to stay at while he was living at the ship. James seems to know how to get around the shape quickly, Regulus thinks it's because of the little map he checks every minute. But he quite good directions. He is starting to get comfortable around him (not really) but for the time being he is like an okay person. Yeah, he'd rather stay alone sure. But James's charisma made him want to observe him more. Maybe that's why Sirius was around him all the time, he just made everything slightly better than it seemed.
Regulus noticed the similarities between them, he thought that James was the person he'd turn out to be if it wasn't for his mother. Charming, sarcastic, and kind. He turned out the opposite. He wouldn't change himself though but he always wonder what a better person he can be. After all, his shadiness was just a form of self-protection.
They arrived at the dorms quickly, the were rows and rows of rooms for the crew to stay in. They all had silver-plated names on the doors to see who was living in each of them. Some of them had posters of quidditch or muggle artists to make it more personal, doodles, or vines. And the "important" people had golden door frames. Regulus was surprised that his room has one too. His plated name stood out to him as James stopped his footsteps hand signaling him that that was his dorm.
It said:
Regulus Arcturus Black, 505
Commander in chief.
"Like the number I chose for you?" James asked smiling, truly proud of himself leaning against the door smirking.
Regulus couldn't explain how he hated that smirk. He hated how it made him sick and wanted to snog his face. He hated how kind he looked and hated how much he wanted James to smirk over and over again.
"I don't care" Regulus sighed, looking away from James avoiding eye contact, and crossing his arms behind his back as if to make him more confident in body language. It did make him more intimidating but who would actually scare James Potter other than his mama?
"Seems like you do, since you're avoiding my eyes." James responded eagerly dipping his head and forcing Regulus to make eye contact with him, of course, he was smirking.
Regulus just rolled his eyes and opened the door of his room. And he cannot express how much he loves it. It was like everything he wanted in a room a better.
The dark wood frames, the bookshelves filled with books of old muggle literature, and photo frames of pictures of him and Sirius as babies. Potted plants scattered all over the room, and a record player. A violin, it was probably Sirius who told James that he liked to play it while he was sad along with the piano. Posters of his favorite quidditch player. Of course a cat bed, and weirdly an extra bed. And on the bed were two things wrapped like a present.
"These," James pointed "Are welcoming gifts. I picked them myself, had to ask Sirius about your interests. But I trust my gift-giving skills that you will love these" James said confidently.
Regulus thought for a minute that it was going to be a prank but James's words seem genuine enough for him to trust his instincts. He opened it and almost cried with joy.
Oil paints, brushes, and a canvas. It was the first gift. The second was Sense And Sensibilityby Jane Austen. Regulus thought it was the most foreshadowing book he ever received. He freaked out about the oil paints, it was his favorite brand even. Regulus already had new ideas of what he liked to paint already. Maybe running away from home was the best choice he'd made ever made. That and the gifts that James Potter gave to him but that was just a minor detail.
Regulus stood in silence for a few minutes, trying so hard not to smile but he did it anyways. If Sirius was there he would want him to smile. He smiled at James although he thought it was extremely fake James thought it was the truest smile since he got there.
"Thank you, James" Regulus said daintily, with the softest whisper. Looking at James with those cloudy eyes. It made James want to do anything for him.
James?
"You're welcome, you deserved it."
"I know."
-
Regulus spent the night reading, the sea was too calming. He fell asleep immediately after reading only four chapters. He used to stay up one night just for reading entirely just so he can finish a book.
He woke up with a mild headache after, clearly sleeping on a ship is not for everyone. But he did get a good night's sleep though, no nightmares of Sirius leaving or their mother beating them to death, or even worse Tom fucking Riddle staring at him. The dam leader of the death eaters. He really wish that someone could sleep with him, just like Sirius did when they were little, but Capella would do for now. The creature purred against him to wake him up, and she would also sleep close to his arms whilst she slept. It made Regulus more comfortable sleeping alone.
Either way, he got up and got dressed. He noticed a little box beside his nightstand. It was a perfume, the scent he always wore. On it said "For my partner in crime, Sirius"
Sirius knew him too well, he guessed it by the presents James gave him, he had surely been a snitch of Regulus's interests, he could quite literally give those gifts himself but handed them to James because he was too shy to give them personally. Regulus didn't mind it though, he really felt welcome. But he didny gets quite used to the excess kindness.
-
Regulus wasted his time in the morning by wandering around the ship basically doing nothing, according to Effie and Monty he looked to dreaded to even do anything. And it was true, his eyebags were clearly part of the roll. Instead, he followed James around and in the afternoon he, Sirius, and James decided to drink some tea. Along with some new peers that Regulus didn't seem to recognize or know them. Mary MacDonald and Marlene McKinnon.
Remus chimed in on the fun as well. Honestly, Regulus didn't talk much since he felt out of place every time he spoke.
"Yeah, yeah spare the speech Moony. I know you shagged more people than I did in my whole lifetime. Most of them bitches don't recognize me" Sirius chuckled, drinking some rum instead of the tea that was offered. He seemed so different around these people that it made Regulus think that he didn't recognize him at all.
Who are you, Sirius? when you are not performing for everyone else?
Those words baffled his mind and he could help from hating himself for not being as extroverted as Sirius was.
"Who said they were women the people I shag? am I not seriously hot enough to shag every person I come across?" Remus joked as he laughed at the fact that Sirius made, flushed cheeks and a stuck-out tongue like a five-year-old.
They were, so in love. The people around them noticed it too and didn't try to change the topic of the conversation as if trying to make up for the lovers' talk.
"James, how many people have you shagged?" Marlene asked in curiosity lifting a mischievous eyebrow whilst lifting her cup of tea and pointing at James. She didn't talk loud enough for Remus and Sirius to hear though.
James only smiled and his eyes shifted quickly towards Regulus. Only to find out Regulus was staring right back, James didn't talk much as well. As if he accompanied Regulus with his silence. Regulus really really hoped that there was a dagger next to him so he could quite literally stab him for making Marlene laugh hysterically as if she knows James was quite honest about his crush on Regulus. Well, James wouldn't call it a crush, it was more of an interest in his eyes. He wouldn't dare to shag Sirius's brother. His body would be separated into five once he finds out. But he couldn't help but make Regulus embarrassed.
Regulus didn't speak but he only flicked his nose up and stared in the opposite direction of James. Because he knew he didn't want to see James Potter smirking again. It seemed like he was doing it on purpose to make him angry.
"Why aren't you talking? also, why do you look away every time I look at you?" James asked. sitting closer to Regulus so only he can hear what he was saying.
No response.
"I prefer you not to draw attention to me, on my first day Potter." Regulus said coldly, this time eyes directly staring into James's soul although James seem to not mind.
"So it's Potter again?" James said while slightly shifting in his seat like a child unable to control his excitement. Regulus honestly doesn't know where he gets all that energy from. His hands fidgeting and tugging his blouse.
"I prefer not to respond to that," Regulus whispered and pointed at James's cup of tea "Your drink his cold, might as well drink it"
"Oh, I almost forgot," James got up to get yet another thing wrapped like a present "So we can't use wands. Well we can but swords are more efficient during combat"
Remus seems to notice James's unusual tone while talking to Regulus and decided to tease him for it.
"Aw is James Potter getting gifts for Reggie?" Remus teased.
"Don't tease him about it, Rem, you might earn a hex" Mary said, finally noticing the protagonist of this whole tea party.
James unwrapped it and threw it to Regulus and he caught it swiftly.
It was a sword that captured eyes and was certainly beautiful. Slim and sleek almost like it was made just for Regulus. And on the handle, it carved his name Regulus Black with a tiny heart.
"Didn't know what your middle name was when I ordered them to make this," James's said observing Regulus's running his fingers on his name as if something was missing "But I did put a little heart. Now that I think about it should've put a cross instead"
"A heart? mine was a cock." Sirius stated the others were trying not to burst out of laughter.
"Well, I thought you liked those" James teased, smirking at Sirius's disgusted face.
"He does." Responded Remus.
Sirius strutted away with sass. And James laughed, his contagious laugh made Regulus laugh as well.
-
James had been sitting in his room roaming around trying to make a good excuse to make Regulus come out of his shell. There was a party tonight that just maybe would make Regulus happier for the time being. He thought it was also a good idea to be roommates with him.
Since if he was alone, therefore there is a good chance that he is the most sincere and vulnerable. James didn’t know what exactly he was looking for in Regulus. After all he is still a mystery, and a day at the ship wouldn’t guarantee him anything of his persona. Except that he was cautious and silent half of the time. And also sarcastic. Unbelievably so anyway.
So probably showering him in gifts wasn’t the best idea, but according to Sirius which was a hundred percent sure that would make him open up in wasn’t really the case. After all who wouldn’t except free stuff that peaked their interests.
But then again James really didn’t save Regulus for the sole purpose that he was Sirius’s brother. It was because he saw potential. He was the perfect double spy. But unless he trusted them completely that full potential could go directly out the window really fast. So he was wondering that maybe, just maybe he could start being roommates with Regulus. But obviously it needed to come with a plan. Which is being incredibly vulnerable or incredibly annoying.
So James, being James, make sure that Regulus would actually attend to his party. And also beforehand asked Sirius if he would stab a knife in his throat.
"Erm, do you think Reggie is actually gonna talk at our party tonight?" Asked James, slowly sitting down at the armrest next to Sirius. It was almost the afternoon and they were gonna party all night.
"Dunno. He likes to party though. But being him I think I wouldn’t join in because he is not comfortable enough. Maybe you shouldn’t make him come." Sirius responded looking a tad bit worried as he looked up at James.
"But he needs to trust us, Pads. If he doesn’t how the hell are we gonna make him work for us anyway" James explained, looking a bit desperate for Regulus.
"Wait. Do you like my brother? I haven’t seen you this worried in years. The last time it was Lily mate."
"I don’t like your brother."
That felt more than I lie than Regulus saying he didn’t find James annoying at all.
"Look me in the eyes, Prongs. I know my brother is extremely beautiful I admit that. But he is gonna break your heart. Don’t try to save him." Sirius put on the most serious tone he had in ages.
James hated that he was so oblivious to everyone. Especially Sirius Black. And he didn’t wasn’t sure that his feelings were authentic either. It seemed to alarmingly weird to like someone this much for the moment of meeting them. And also his love life was extremely complicated to drag Regulus into the mix.
"I won’t, I won’t." James exhaled.
Later that afternoon he went to check on Regulus and also drag him to the party.
Don’t try to save him.
But he couldn’t help but imagine how Regulus would be without any problems that let him down. Besides the next battle with the death eaters was this Friday. He couldn’t fuck up.
James knocked on Regulus door and surprisingly he let him in without any sort of insult.
"What do you need?" Regulus said coldly. Ignoring the fact that James put on a literal formal outfit.
James made himself more presentable by wearing a blouse with a messed up tie, some jewelry mostly just rings he stole from his mother. Loose trousers and a necklace that he found from Sirius’s nightstand. Little did he know Regulus had one too.
"Nothing, just ah, come to pick you up for the party tonight."
Regulus flinched at the thought.
"I suppose I am not welcome to go."
"Because your an outsider?" James didn’t realize that Regulus was getting up and getting closer to look at his necklace "I’m sure you’ll be fine-
"Where did you get this?" Regulus asked eagerly. Fidgeting the necklace and also standing very close to James, their chests were touching.
"From- uh- Sirius." James panicked.
"Oh. It’s a family heirloom." Regulus finally let go of James and it made James sigh.
Why was he suddenly so nervous?
"I have one too," Regulus got up and fiddled in his nightstand to find an identical necklace. Only his was made out of gold instead of silver. It was a small chain with a emerald pendent. "Is had the meaning that family is blood, quite ironic isn’t it"
"I shouldn’t have worn it right?"
"it’s fine, we weren’t quite a family anyway. I’ll go to the party. Turn around I’ll change into something better than the rags im wearing."
He took out one of his fine blouse, waist coat and trousers he brought when he escaped. After all the were expensive. The waist coat was dark emerald green whilst the blouse had a high neckline. And surprisingly he had a pocket watch. Regulus told James to turn around but obviously James was peaking.
Regulus was covered in scars from the back. But his muscles abs from his stomach made James quiver. He obviously played quidditch. He could tell from his slim figure that he was a seeker.
After changing he put on a signet ring with the initials R.A.B. And the heirloom so he was matching with James.
"You can turn around now."
"Wow," James pretended to be actually shocked as if he wasn’t peeking half of the time. "You look beautiful. I mean, you are beautiful."
"Famous crowd pleaser I see."
Regulus didn’t say a word and the rushed out to the room.
"Right, the party" James said as he quickly followed Regulus to main party room.
James and Regulus made it to the main dinning room. It was extravagant in all the ways you can think off. The dull lighting made de chandelier in the room pop. Pale moonlight was seen through the little windows. Food was served buffet style, and they were various entertainment activities such as cards, or if you are vicious enough a pool table.
Regulus, without any word went to the alcohol section immediately. Grabbed himself some whisky. James on the other hand opted for a sweet cocktail. He hated getting drunk, it made him speak truths he didn’t want to. James was a horrible person for keeping secrets. And he didn’t want Regulus to know any thoughts of what James thinks of him, yet.
Nevertheless it was an odd feeling he had towards Regulus. He felt fascinated and attracted to him at the same time. But James himself thinks there is very little chance that Regulus will accept him in his little bubble, since we’ll Sirius couldn’t even do it.
Regulus on the other hand was drinking his whiskey peacefully minding his own business. But he would in several occasions laugh at Remus’s jokes and look for chocolate deserts. He ate a brownie, some chocolate ice cream, chocolate cake and some strawberries dipped in, you guessed it, chocolate.
Although before that he ate the littlest amount of mash potato.
James was quite literally observing him from every angle although it seemed very obvious that he was following him in a subtle fashion.
Effie joined the party mainly to make sure everyone is fine and the food was enough and perhaps get some red wine. And she, being the polite woman she is, went to start the conversation with Regulus.
Regulus, was good at hiding his emotions but with the Potter’s unhinged kindness he couldn’t do it very well.
"Reggie! How nice to see you here?" Effie said excitingly placing a soft kiss on the young man’s cheek. It made him blush a tad.
His mother, never gave him physical touch of any sort. Only harsh punishment.
"Yes, Mrs. Potter. James brought me here." Regulus responded softly but kindness shone through his cold expressions.
"Has my boy caused any trouble?"
Yes. A lot.
"No, Mrs. Potter. He’d had been really kind to me since I arrived. And also gave me tons of gifts which I’m grateful for" Regulus blurted out.
James heard that from a far and made him it quiver.
"Are you always this formal when your talking?" Laughed Effie "You can call me Effie. They are no rules here sweetheart. I know you’ve been through a lot just like Sirius. Just know if you you can stay here as long as you want, and I’ll treat you like my own"
"Thanks Mrs. Potter, I mean Effie. Sorry I just never seem forget my formal talking when I talk to elders" Regulus’s eyes seems to be avoiding Effie’s whenever he could. He can’t really face anyone at this point.
"Sirius had that problem too, but after a week he was just fine. Hun, if you’d like I’ll make you a nice meal tomorrow. You seem skinny for a boy whose age is supposed to be the golden age of growth" She gave a sincere smile and a shoulder pat before she walked away.
Then Regulus turned around to hear screams coming from Sirius. They were playing a game, with a bottle?
Regulus couldn’t be less interested when all of a sudden James tugged his arm, dragging him towards the game.
"What are you doing?" Whispered Regulus close to James ear so only he can hear. Eyes narrowed in confusion.
"Making you come out of your shell."
"My what?"
Before Regulus could cuss at James he was dragged into the game.
"Prongs! Come to join in the fun?" Sirius shouted excitingly.
Regulus was beginning to think about ways to end himself.
"Let me explain the rules," Chimed in Remus smiling mischievously at Regulus, something in him knows it’s either gonna end horribly or Regulus would make a fool of himself "You spin the bottle, and if it lands on you, you’ll have choose truth or dare. Easy right?"
"Come on Moony, they will learn as they play" Said Mary anxiously. Waiting to resume the game as soon as possible.
"I know how to play." Regulus stated. And shot glances like he wasn’t amused. And he wasn’t. But nervous still.
"There is a spot here" Offered Marlene as she moved a pillow for Regulus to sit on. Whilst James just sat cross legged on the floor.
"Since you guys joined in late, James you go first," Remus said, passing the bottle to James. "The person whom spins gets to ask the person it lands on."
James was weirdly nervous, and felt like he was gonna get Regulus no matter what. He spinner lightly and hoped in landed on Sirius which he was sitting on the oposite side of them with Remus, while Mary and Marlene were sitting on the either side of them. Mary next to James and Marlene next to Regulus.
And oh fuck. Regulus.
Regulus looked up in shock in despair while James just sat in silence.
"Go on," said Mary. Regulus was about to slash her for having the ability to speak before anyone else "Ask the questionn"
"Well, Reg. Truth or dare?" Asked James fixing his eyes on the gorgeous Regulus Black. Cheeks red from drinking and lips marked with chocolate that he didn’t notice he didn’t wipe off.
"Dare."
"Er," James thought he didn’t want to get blacklisted by Regulus just yet "I dare you to chuck down that entire bottle of vodka from Lupin’s"
Regulus grabbed it forcefully from Remus’s hands and chucked it down without a second thought. And glared at James while he’s done so.
James was staring like a hopeless romantic.
"That’s so lame." Marlene exclaimed crossing her arms in annoyance.
Which earned a glare from both Regulus and James.
"My turn!" Shouted Sirius. He spun the bottle and it landed on James. "Truth or dare?"
"Dare." James said without a second thought.
"I’ll go easy on you," Sirius smiled "Drink the doble of what Reg drunk"
Easy enough.
Several rounds went by and they were either challenged to drink or to tell embarrassing stories or to snog. Almost no one picked truth.
They were getting more drunk as the time went by and more people started to pick on truth.
It was Remus’s turn. He always had the most exposing questions and the most evil dares. Although he was quite soft with Regulus. But with James, he was the opposite.
He spun the bottle, and it landed on none other than James Potter.
"Prongs? How exciting mate," Remus chuckled and James didn’t like that look in his eye "Truth or dare."
"Dare." James said for the hundred of millionth time.
"I dare you to kiss the prettiest person in the room."
Panic flashed James eyes when Remus finished his sentence. He was obviously gonna kiss Regulus but in front of Sirius? Oh no.
"The clock is ticking" Remus suggested.
James thought about it for a second but at the end of the day he loved bad ideas. He slowly turned to Regulus, him looking at him with piercing grey eyes as always.
"Reg?" James whispered, the softest Regulus ever heard him
"Hm? oh, mhhf"
James kissed fucking Regulus Black.
Sirius spit his drink, Remus looked proud and Marlene and Mary stared in utter shock.
The silence felt like years, months, weeks after James slowly backed off from Regulus’s face. They were so close they could touch their noses together.
Regulus wanted to dig a hole and jump into it. Of course. But instead he stood up slowly, and shifted towards the door. James did something that would leave him speechless.
He stood up, hugged Regulus from behind and placed a feather soft kiss on his cheek. And whispered "Sorry, Reg. I had to stay truthful"
Fucking hell.
James was clearly drunk.