Chapter 2
James
Before James even sees his best friend, he hears him, barrelling into his penthouse apartment like a wrecking ball.
“James I am about to tell you something and you can't react till I'm done talking okay.”
“What did you do Sirius,” James says looking at his best friend feeling his nerves get worse with every passing second.
James has arguably had some of the worst days of his life since the leak and the threat of losing his career. His usually happy-go-lucky attitude seems to be on shutdown. Sirius has been trying to help for two days telling James to get out again and not let the media win.
But James can’t he's horrified, he trusted the guy he sent them to those pictures were James trying to be open. This was never supposed to happen. He was comfortable being Bi but he'd never wanted to come out like this. Everyone who mattered had known for years but that didn't make it easier.
Everyone keeps forgetting how brutal this is for James not only is he being called a whore he is being called a whore because he's Bi. People in the media had speculated about his sexuality for years but it was supposed to be James’ choice to come out when he was ready.
Growing up with famous parents had made James want nothing to do with the public eye having this happen is quite literally one of James’ worst nightmares.
“James your not listening pay attention,” Sirius says kindly but seriously
“Yeah sorry, Sirius what's this plan now,” James says tuning back into the world
“Okay, I'm going to have Reggie move in with you and pretend that those pictures were fake and designed to slander you,” Sirius says so quickly James almost doesn't catch it all.
James does though and he has no words to say back but “what the fuck you can't be serious”
“I'm, always Siri-”
“No jokes today pads this isn't funny how could you do this to me I don't want to fake date, someone.” - “There has to be another way I made a mistake please Sirius I want to keep my life the way it was please” James feels frayed and on the verge of begging
“James you know I love you, if I could think of any other way to fix this I would, I asked Reggie specifically because I know you can trust him to keep quiet,” Sirius says and continues to talk
“Look I know this isn't ideal but I think this will all blow over, we’ll convince the media you are the poster child for good and right and people will forget the rest. It's fucked up and not your fault though James you shouldn't have to do any of this. I wish I could fix it any other way.”
And that's why James loves his best friend because he has the biggest heart. He knows Sirius would take his place if he could and that means the world to him.
“Okay, I’ll try and make it work when is Regulus going to be here, in a couple of days?” James questions
“So about that, he's on his way now, surprise he should be here in 20,” Sirius says
“Sirius the place is a mess and I haven't shopped in over a week”
Before James can dwell any longer there's a knock at the door.
“Sirius. James. Let me in I don't want to stand out here like an idiot.”
James opens the door to Regulus holding just one bag and food. As he enters he watches Regulus take in everything.
“Would it kill you to clean James it’s just you living here how can it possibly get this messy” Regulus teases
“I wasn't exactly expecting a guest or I would have prepared better” James knows he must be blushing it’s a curse.
“I assumed you weren’t gonna be ready so I brought dinner over, it's all prepped and cooked”
James doesn't think Regulus realizes what this means to him but it was thoughtful for no ulterior motive and James hasn’t seen a lot of that recently. Regulus could have made James get takeaway instead but he went out of his way to cook.
“Thank you, you didn't have to do that, but I can't wait its been so long since I had a home-cooked meal probably since we were home for a Sunday dinner,” James says fondly thinking of his mom
“Yeah well don't get sappy James it's just a pasta dish, Sirius are you staying I made extra,” Regulus says to his brother.
“I would but I have to go back to the office and follow up on damage control, and prep for our press release of your relationship” Sirius looks regretful to leave them without making sure they settle in together.
James watches and Regulus takes pity on him “We’re fine Sirius this isn't the first time I've stayed with James, this will be like Christmas at Effies now go to work”
After Sirius leaves James and Regulus are politely cordial, James is worried about how this is supposed to last 3 to 4 months if they barely seem like friends.
“So Regulus how are the charities doing lately?” James is aiming for small talk or anything at this point
“It’s going well, we opened a new home for queer foster kids in Seattle. The donors have been generous this year and we will probably be able to help 1000 more kids this year than last.”
Regulus may have said that as a business fact but James notices how sincere Regulus gets when he talks about the kids he helps. The cause is close to home for him as a former foster kid. James remembers meeting Regulus in the foster system, closed off and shy around his parents. It wasn't until a year later that Regulus would hug Effie and Monty comfortably.
“That's wonderful Regulus, If there is anything I can do to help just let me know,” James says back in response.
Their dinner goes by quietly but comfortably.
“Want to watch a movie,” James asks
Maybe he shouldn't bother Regulus will just be annoyed, but he wants to try anyway. They have to spend the next few months together it will be easier if they get along better.
James can see Regulus is trying but he doesn’t know how to make any of this easier. It's his fault Regulus has to help him. He knows that he ruins things no one says that to James’ face. But sometimes James worries that people will get sick of his fuck ups and walk away one day.
“Sure James I just need to get changed and I'll meet you in the living room,” Regulus says excusing himself briefly
As James sits on the couch pondering how he got to this point he gets anxious thinking about what he will have to do to keep his position. He wonders if the guy that betrayed him will come forward publicly and call James a liar. He wonders if his teammates will start acting weird around him. There’s so much unknown now and James hates it.
“Your worrying James stop it.” Regulus gives him a knowing look
“Sorry, a lot's going on right now and I don't know how any of it is gonna get resolved” James apologizes even though he's not sure why
“James you don't need to apologize I just mean stop worrying you're doing everything you can there's nothing more. Sirius has a plan and I'm sure the rest of the PR and Legal team is working on getting it all erased quickly.”
“Thanks,” James says feeling strangely touched that Regulus seems concerned for him.