“Regulus if you don't stop shaking your leg I am going to cut it off.”
Regulus shot a glare over at Barty but willed his leg to stop moving up and down. He started to twist his rings one by one instead. Regulus had been waiting for this day for months now, he couldn’t understand why he was so nervous. Regulus looked down at the ring on his right middle finger. A silver band with antlers coming off it. Sirius has thought it was a gag gift, but Regulus had yet to take it off since last Christmas when he got it. Every time he looked at it he could feel a glimmer of warmth from the person who gave it to him.
“Reg you have nothing to worry about. He will be there and he’s going to be excited to see you. Stop stressing out, you are going to put Barty in a bad mood.” Regulus looked over at Evan as he spoke. It was easy for him to say. He got to see his boyfriend every single day this last year. He didn’t have to worry about Barty forgetting about him or moving on to someone else or the distance causing him to fall out of love.
Normally Regulus wouldn’t worry about such things. James had proven over and over how much he loved Regulus. But ever since James had started playing for Puddlemere United, the time between letters had gotten longer and longer. They hadn’t even been able to see each other during Easter break due to a training camp James had had to attend. This led to them not seeing each other since Christmas break. Regulus’s anxiety was starting to take over and had started to convince him that in their time apart, James had grown less fond.
The train started to slow and platform 9 ¾ came into view. Regulus quickly turned away from the window, he couldn’t bear to look out and not see James. James had said he would come pick him up but that had been over 2 weeks ago. Who knows what could have changed since then.
Barty and Evan began to collect their luggage, talking between the two of them about their plan to get it all to their new flat. Regulus had helped them pick it out over Easter break. It was just around the corner from where James had bought a flat for him and Regulus. Regulus guessed that if James decided he no longer wanted him, he could always crash on Evan and Barty’s couch. Maybe Sirius and Remus would let him stay with them occasionally as well, but then again James would probably be over there often so maybe not.
“Merlin’s beard Regulus Arcturus Black! Stand up, get your luggage, and go find your man. I do not want him all over us trying to find you. Now go. We will see you in a few days after your top surgery. Pandora and Dorcas are coming too.” Evans' words sent another wave of anxiety through Regulus. He had almost forgotten about his surgery. James was supposed to take him and bring him home and take care of him while he recovered. What was he supposed to do if James rejected him? Maybe he could ask Lily, she was straining to be a healer so she could probably help take care of him. The two of them had gotten close in their study groups with Remus in years past.
Regulus barely noticed as Barty lowered himself in front of Regulus, grabbing his hands. “Listen Reg, I know you’ve been through a lot these past years. But no matter what you’ve got us. You’ve got your brother and Remus. And you especially have James. That man is so deeply in love with you it's honestly disgusting. There is nothing that will stop him from being on that platform and taking you home. Except maybe your brother.” Regulus gave a small laugh at that.
Barty and Evan both said their final goodbyes and Regulus took a moment before finally getting the courage to collect his things. He made sure his cat, Wallace, was secure in his carrier and moved to get off the train. As he stepped off he started to look around for any familiar faces. All around him students were reconnecting with loved ones. It made Regulus’s heart long even more for his own.
Finally after a few minutes of searching and pushing through the crowd, Regulus’s eyes landed on his big brother Sirius and their boyfriend Remus. He quickly made his way over to them and was soon wrapped up in a hug. The two brothers stood there locked in an embrace for far too long but Regulus didn’t care. He missed his brother and it felt good to be back with him.
As they pulled away Sirius put his hands on Regulus’s shoulders. “It is so good to see you Reggie. And I see the hormone potions are working. You are starting to look almost as handsome as me.” Regulus rolled his eyes and turned to Remus who gave him a quick hug, not nearly as long as the Sirius’s had been. Regulus started to nervously look around and stopped only when Remus cleared his throat.
“He’s on his way. Practice went a little long this morning and he wanted to take a shower before coming here. He shouldn’t be too long now.” Regulus felt a small sense of relief flow through him. James was coming. He hadn’t forgotten about Regulus. They would be reunited soon.
As Remus and Sirius started to collect all of Regulus’s things, he felt a tug in his gut and turned. Suddenly it was as if time stopped. Standing just down the platform was James. He had muggle jeans and a red shirt. His hair was still wet from a shower, Regulus assumed James had thrown on some clothes as soon as he got out and rushed here. He was looking right at Regulus. He was the most beautiful thing Regulus had ever seen.
Then suddenly Regulus felt his feet start to move underneath him until they were at a full sprint. He kept going until he was close enough to leap into the arms he called home. He felt James’s arm quickly surround him as Regulus locked his legs around James’s middle. He buried his face into James’s neck and neither of them spoke as they took a moment to just be with one another.
It was James’s who broke the moment with words. “Hello my star. I missed you.” Regulus couldn't reply. He just held onto James even tighter. He felt as every bit of worry and anxiety melted away. It was all replaced with pure love and warmth. He has his sun back, he would never have to be cold again.