Come Back...Be Here

The 1

When James was eleven, he fell in love with Lily Evans. The moment he set eyes on her; he was obsessed. Her hair, her smile, her laugh, the way she never gave him the time of day. It all intrigued him. He started doing things to try to impress her. Nothing ever worked and he did slowly have to move on. The thing is, he was eleven. It wasn’t real love. At that age, you believe that everything you feel will be true for the rest of your life. That’s not the case. People eventually grow and change and find new things to be interested in.

When James was fifteen, he started falling in love with Regulus Black. It was different than with Lily. For one thing, it was a very gradual love that blossomed over several years. It was the little things that Regulus did. Like his nose scrunch at every minor inconvenience, for example. Or his snarky remarks. But what especially got James was Regulus’s observance. He saw the world and understood people in a different way to anyone James had ever met. James hadn’t even realized he was falling in love until it was too late. Regulus Black was his best friend’s little brother, though. And he was a boy. Both of those facts were too much for James to deal with at such a tender age so of course, he shoved his feelings down as far as they’d go. Until one day he couldn’t anymore...

At seventeen, a couple of months into the school year, James made a move on Regulus. A ballsy move, even for him. His feelings were eating him up and although he was terrified, he’s never been one to not go after what he wants. After Regulus’s footie practice one day, James pulled him aside under the bleachers. He didn’t even know if Regulus felt the same and had meant to ask instead of just going for it but...well talking isn’t exactly James’s strong suit. He’s much better at doing. So, he’d kissed him. Just like that. Regulus had obviously shoved him away and called him a few choice names. He'd been crushed and begged Regulus not to tell Sirius or anyone else for that matter. Regulus had scowled and stalked off in typical Regulus fashion, without answering.

For the next two weeks, James was an anxious mess. Every time he saw Regulus he tried to talk to him and apologize. Regulus always brushed him off. That is, until one random Thursday afternoon. James remembers it was a Thursday because Thursdays were always when he’d stay late in the library to study. Regulus found him there and had silently pulled him into the back of the room, despite James’s many objections. James was understandably scared of what Regulus was going to do to him. When they were behind a curtain however, the warm afternoon sun shining through the window on them, Regulus kissed James. Just like that. It was the best day of James’ life.

He wishes he could say it was history from there but unfortunately, life isn’t as simple as that. James and Regulus kept meeting in dark corners and behind locked doors for several months after that. It wasn’t necessarily the best situation, since neither of them ever talked about their relationship or feelings, but both continued regardless. It worked for them. At least, James had believed it was working until Regulus started pulling away suddenly and everything went downhill from there.

Staring into Regulus’s eyes is like reliving all those memories over again in a painful, wonderful, slideshow. It’s too much and it’s the reason why James hasn’t been able to look him in the eye for 14 years. Now he does. James stares into Regulus’s eyes so hard, he probably hasn’t blinked in a minute. And Regulus stares back just as intensely.

Finally, he’s forced to break the staring contest because Sirius is waving a hand in front of his face.

“Y’alright James?” Sirius asks as he turns his head to glance back at his brother. “Don’t worry about Reg.”

James blinks and then frowns at Sirius. “What? Why would I be worried?”

“Uh...” Sirius shrugs, a little confused now. “I thought the last time you saw him at my wedding, he did something?”

“Oh. Right.” James gazes back at Regulus who is talking in harsh whispers with Barty.

Why is Barty here? They can’t be...together? It just doesn’t make an ounce of bloody sense. They are friends. They were always just friends. It- that- no. James refuses to believe they’re a couple. And yet, they’re holding hands. Their fingers are interlocked. The most un-platonic way of handholding!

“You two have gotten passed what ever happened, right?” Sirius asks James tentatively.

He never told Sirius about the fight or the reason for it. He’s never kept anything from Sirius, besides this. Besides his relationship with his little brother. And he feels shitty about it, he does. He always has. The thing is, back in school, James was so terrified of what Sirius would think of him if he knew he liked boys. At the time, he and Remus hadn’t gotten together yet, or at least they hadn’t come out about it yet. He knew deep down Sirius wouldn’t treat him any differently, but sometimes the people you’re closest with and love the most are the hardest people to tell your most vulnerable feelings to. Then there was the added complication that his little brother was the one who made him feel those feelings. James wasn’t so sure he would treat him the same for that.

So, James has never told Sirius about Regulus and him, out of respect for Reg and out of fear of the reaction. A few years after school though, when none of it mattered as much because he was married to Lily, and Sirius was with Remus, he told Sirius some of it. He explained to him that he had had a secret relationship with a boy in school but that the boy didn’t want it to get out. He explained most everything that happened, leaving out any...personal details, and specifics about Reg, but he told Sirius that the boy was his first love and his first real heart break. Sirius of course took it very well, having been in a similar situation with Remus. They both laughed and cried a bit about how dumb they were. If they had just been honest with each other back then, then it would have made things so much easier.

That was it though. He never told Sirius what happened at the wedding, not for a lack of Sirius prying. There wasn’t really any way to explain it without spilling everything, so he just brushed Sirius off and said it was Regulus being his moody self. Sirius never bought it, but it doesn’t matter as long as he doesn’t know the truth.

“Yeah, of course.” I think, he doesn’t add. He doesn’t know what Regulus is thinking but there’s been a lot of time for James to get over it. He just hopes Regulus will have matured enough to talk about their issues like adults. He wants things to be on good terms so that he can visit the Black-Lupin residence when Regulus is there, or they can do functions like this without it being painfully awkward. Maybe he’ll finally get an apology or at least some answers.

“Pete, you cheeky bastard! You didn’t tell me how gorgeous your new lady is!” Sirius gives Valentina’s hand a kiss and a flirtatious wink, staying true to his melodramatic reputation.

The group has all gathered now, after exchanging greetings and introductions. Regulus and Barty wander over too. Everyone’s said hello to them, even James. Though Regulus ignored him and is still as far away from him as he can be.

Valentina laughs brightly at Sirius’ bravado. Peter has one arm around her waist but uses the other to playful push Sirius away.

“Don’t forget we’re literally here for your vow renewal ceremony to your husband.”

“I could never forget about my Moony,” Sirius says, acting aghast at the mere idea. “How dare you even suggest it, Wormtail.”

Sirius pulls Remus over by the collar and gives him a firm kiss just to accentuate his point. Remus shakes his head fondly as he pulls away from the kiss.

“Calm down you two,” Lily chuckles, leaning her head on Mary’s shoulder. “Save it for the honeymoon suite.”

“Yeah, think about the children. They could be traumatized,” Pete adds in, looking more traumatised himself.

The kids aren’t paying attention. They’re talking about something quietly that they obviously don’t want anyone else to hear. James smiles a little at they’re animated whispering. He is so happy they grew up close. When Harry was 5, Dara was adopted. She was three years old at the time, and although they did fight, like most kids would at that age, they became best friends.

“I don’t think they care much,” Mary laughs, hooking her arm around Lily’s waist tightly. Lily smiles at the kids and then at Mary, sweetly.

“No, I think they’re used to it,” Lily chuckles and nuzzles her face into Mary’s neck.

Regulus does a double take and then snaps his head over at James. James meets his eyes for the second time in ten years. Regulus searches his eyes for answers to questions James doesn’t know. He tilts his head with confusion at Regulus’s confusion. Is he surprised Lily is dating a woman?

“So, you and James call it quits then, Evans?” Barty blurts out randomly, halting all conversation.

Lily’s eyes widen in surprise, and she glances over at Barty, then to James. James blinks and looks between Regulus, Barty, and Lily. Regulus looks irritated by Barty’s outburst but also like he wants to know the answer just as bad. That's weird. He really hadn't heard about the divorce?

“Uhm...Yes, almost two years ago,” Lily says curtly.

“Interesting,” Barty gives Regulus a rather strange smirk. Regulus clears his throat loudly and looks around. He’s planning an escape route like he does when he feels trapped or uncomfortable. James knows the look all too well.

“Is it?” James stares Barty down.

Barty grins at the hard look. “Quite interesting.”

A charged silence fills the room.

“On that weird note,” Remus breaks the tension, looking around at the group. “How about we all settle into our rooms and meet back later?”

Remus can always be counted on to be the level-headed one of the group. That is, if he’s not the one in a row with Sirius, then it’s James who’s the level-headed one. Okay, it’s actually Lily, but it can be James sometimes!

Immediately Regulus jumps at the easy chance of escape, pulling his suitcase and Barty towards the exit. James wants to say something, but he doesn’t have a clue what. He should at least try to talk to Regulus, shouldn’t he? Especially since he promised Sirius he’d try to be nice.

“Hey, Reg- Regulus,” James calls out, taking several steps over to reach the couple. “I just wanted to say...Uh well I wanted to tell you that-”

“Let’s not do this,” Regulus says sharply.

“I- what?” He frowns and shoves his hands into his pockets.

“This isn’t the time or place,” says Regulus, a cold air about him.

James gapes at him for a second before snapping his mouth shut and straightening up. Right, so he is still a selfish prat.

“I see you’re still as immature as you were ten years ago.”

Scoffing, Regulus says, “Yeah, I’m immature. Okay Potter.”

What’s that supposed to mean?

“I wanted to be cordial for Sirius’s sake, but I guess if you’re going to be like that, then I won’t even bother.” James glares and Regulus glares daggers right back.

“This is going to be the best vacation ever,” says Barty looking like he wants a bag of popcorn.

They both ignore him.

“We can be cordial without speaking.” Regulus crosses his arms, moodily.

“Fine with me.” James copies his stance.

“Great. We’re going to go get familiar with our room, isn’t that right baby?” Regulus gives Barty a meaningful look and he nods quickly.

James doesn’t hide the look of disgust at the dirty insinuation and pet name.

“You have fun with that,” says James sarcastically.

“Oh, trust me, we will,” Regulus shoots back. He pulls Barty out of the building, not even looking back to scowl at James.

Oh, he’s just the most arrogant, self righteous, son of a-

“This is not going to be a drama free week, is it?” Sirius asks coming up next to him.

God, when has it ever been drama free when James and Regulus are involved? He’d been kidding himself thinking that they could just move on and simply talk about things. Crazy of him to think they could actually be friends.

“I’m sorry,” sighs James. “He’s just infuriating sometimes.”

“Preaching to the choir, mate,” chuckles Sirius, giving James a pat on the back.

“Shall we check in then?” James says, needing the change in subject.

The topic of Regulus is dropped, for now. James is grateful that Sirius didn’t ask any questions because he wouldn’t have been able to answer any of them.

After every couple has checked in, James finally walks up to the desk. Sirius is still next to him since they were making small talk while in line.

“Hi there,” James puts on a dazzling smile, before he even faces the front desk man. His eyebrows shoot up immediately. Oh.He’s quite fit. “Hi,” He clears his throat. “I already said that. I’m James. Potter. James Potter.”

What was that? He internally smacks his face. He’s obviously rusty, okay? It’s not his fault. He can feel Sirius smirking without even looking. He’s not going to let him live that down.

“James Potter,” The receptionist, Javier his name tag reads, gives him a warm smile. He scans over the reservation book looking for the name. James pushes his glasses up and then risks a glance at his best friend.

Sirius gives him a devious smile and then opens his mouth, “So Javier, tell me… you must work strange hours being a receptionist here. Does that ever put a strain on your relationships?”

James whips his head sharply to Javier then back to Sirius. James wants to smack him upside the head. In fact, where’s Remus? He’s more effective at keeping Sirius in line than James is. Looking over his shoulder he sees Remus distracted by Lily and Mary. Oh well, it’s too late anyways.

Javier looks up from where he was retrieving a key. He looks surprised at the question but takes it in stride. “It hasn’t been a problem.”

“Oh good, good.” Sirius nods. He shuffles some pamphlets, laid on the desk, around absentmindedly. James thinks he might just leave well enough alone but of course, he doesn’t. He’s Sirius Black. “You know, you have been too kind to us. You must join us for dinner tomorrow. In fact, bring your partner.”

James gapes at Sirius. He looks how he does when he’s pulling off a prank. James usually loves that look because it almost always means a good time. Now it’s one of those times when it means mayday, mayday, abort, you’re in trouble.

Javier laughs easily, briefly making eye contact with James. He seems to understand the obvious set up. James holds his breath, not really sure what he wants the answer to be from the handsome man.

“Thank you, sir,” Javier says, as he hands James a key. “I would like that but unfortunately, it’s against company policy.”

“No! Oh, that is unfortunate,” exclaims Sirius with a sad headshake. He does seem genuinely disappointed that his little plan didn’t work out as easily as he’d hoped. James knows he’s not given up yet, though. “We would have loved to have you and your... boyfriend?”

Sirius tries to say it casually but it’s so obvious James rolls his eyes.

“I am so sorry about this idiot,” James finally cuts in, pushing Sirius away. Sirius feigns offence though he wanders off to Remus easily. James ignores him and Javier looks up, meeting his gaze.

His eyes are striking. His long lashes blink slowly up at James. It reminds James of something all too familiar and yet so long forgotten.

***

“Shhh, be quiet,” James whispered, giggling too loudly himself.

“Me? You’re the one cackling like a witch,” Regulus whispered back harshly. He couldn’t stop himself from bursting out in more giggles though.

James grinned, looking over Regulus’s face fondly. He didn’t see enough of that smile or hear enough of that laugh. Their meetings always seemed to be more fumbling in the dark to get each other’s clothes off, than this. Don’t get him wrong, he loved the fumbling hook ups but this was what he really wanted. He wanted all the relationship things. He wanted to giggle with Regulus every day. He wanted to talk about worries and fears and hopes and dreams. He wanted to hold Regulus’s hand in the hall. He wanted to talk about him to his friends. Most of all, he wanted to protect Regulus in the hard times, or in the good times, or in the times that were just in between. That wasn’t possible, though. At least not now.

Regulus’s laugh slowly dwindled and his eyebrows furrowed, though he was still smiling. “Why are you looking at me like that?” His long lashes brushed his cheeks as he blinked slowly up at James.

“Like what?” asked James in a barely there whisper.

“Like- like you...” Regulus’s smile dropped, and he gulped. He kissed James suddenly, instead of answering.

James kissed him back passionately, conveying all his unsaid words and feelings into the kiss. If they couldn’t do all the stuff a normal couple could, then at least they had this. It was enough for James.

***

“He wants me to come for you, yes?”

James is quickly snapped back to reality. He blinks. “I’m sorry?”

“Uhm, he wants me to come to dinner for you, as a date?” Javier amends. He seems a bit unsure of his words.

James’s face softens. “Oh, yeah. I’m sorry. He tries to play matchmaker for me with almost every person we meet.”

Javier nods but doesn’t say anything. James stands there awkwardly for a minute.

“I should-” James points behind him to his family. Most everyone had left now, to check out their rooms, but Harry was still there in the sitting room with Dara and Sirius. Of course Sirius stayed.

“Sí. Have a good stay, sir,” responds Javier, looking back down at his books.

James takes two steps away from the desk before whirling back around.

“Were you... I mean are you...” James huffs and straightens his glasses. “If it wasn’t against company policy would you want to come?”

Javier meets his gaze again and gives a small smile. “Yes. As your date.”

Okay. Cool. Yeah. James nods, returning a lopsided smile as he turns back around. He needs to get out of there before he does something stupid.

Listen, he doesn’t want to hook up with anyone on this trip. Especially since Regulus is around. Not because he is trying to spare his feelings, he obviously wouldn’t care if James hooked up with someone but it’s just... It’s... He doesn’t really know what it is but that’s not important. He’s just glad he’s still got it. That’s all he wanted to know.

He can have a good time on this trip. Without any one-night stands. He really doesn’t need that. No matter what Sirius says. All he needs is friends and family right now.

“So?” Sirius asks excitedly as James approaches.

“So what?”

“You know so what Prongs,” Sirius says exasperated. He isn’t going to outright say it in front of Harry, and James knows that.

“We got our room key,” says James instead. “You wanna go check out our bungalow Haz?”

Harry gets up from his seat, texting someone on his phone as he does.

“Hey kid, unfortunately, you won’t be able to use that this week,” James informs his son, ruffling his hair.

“What why?” Harry demands, immediately on the defensive.

“My fault,” Sirius confesses. “Sorry Haz but I thought it’d be good for our family to reset a bit. So, there’s no wifi on the island.”

“WHAT?”

***

After the mini fiasco of breaking the tragic news to Harry, Sirius invited him to the beach with Dara. It appeased him for the time being. James felt a bit bad that he hadn’t told his son before they left, but not very. Harry has been glued to that phone since he got it a few months ago. He’s wanted Harry to feel like he has a safe place with James, so he hasn’t enforced phone limits much. When Sirius brought up the idea that this trip be off the grid, James said it was a great idea. He just couldn’t bring himself to tell Harry, since he was already moody about Mary being invited. If the consequence of waiting for Sirius as backup was Harry being a bit pissed, so be it.

James walks straight into his little hut/bungalow/yurt whatever it is, and drops their luggage. He collapses onto one of the twin beds and stares at the ceiling. It doesn’t look like the outside, James realizes. The ceiling is beautiful bamboo, even though on the outside, the roof is made from palm tree leaves. He glanced around at the walls. They’re all bamboo, the floor is some kind of lacquered hardwood.

He sits up and takes in the entire room. It’s way more modern and cozy than he was expecting from the run down appearance of the outside. There are two chairs with a small table between them. Several books are stacked on the table. Across from that, is a rocking chair with a throw blanket on it. Every piece of furniture looks handcrafted out of quality wood. There’s a bamboo room divider by the bed next to the one he’s sitting on. Whoever designed this hut really loves bamboo.

He gets up and walks to the door on the other side of the room. It’s a sliding door that reveals a bathroom on the other side. It’s a nice bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink; not just a hole in the ground like he was half expecting. He goes back to sit on the bed. All in all James is very pleasantly surprised. This place must have cost a fortune for Sirius and Remus. Not shocking though. Sirius loves going all out for special occasions, and he has the money to do it.

He'd inherited a small fortune, from an estranged uncle, enough to never work again but ended up becoming an artist. Bit ironic considering his family’s trade was “art dealing”. Anyhow, Sirius makes a killing off his art, partly because of his name but mostly for his talent. James is incredibly proud of him. Besides, having an incredibly wealthy, extravagant best friend means he gets to go on all expenses paid vacations like this.

There’s a knock on the door and he gets up to answer it.

“Hey Lils,” He greets, opening the door wider to let her enter. “Unbelievable spot isn’t it?”

They’re directly on the ocean. Palm trees sporadically surround the huts, but they can see the ocean and feel it’s breeze when they step outside.

“Gorgeous,” She agrees, entering his room. “Sirius and Remus really know how to go all out.”

They both know it was really just Sirius. Remus will go along with anything to make his husband happy.

“So, what’s up?” He can tell she has something on her mind, otherwise she probably wouldn’t have come to see him by herself.

“Well,” Lily sighs and looks around for somewhere to sit. James pulls out a chair for her at the table and then sits down on the other. “I think Mary’s going to propose.”

“Huh?” That was definitely not what he’d been expecting to hear.

“I just have this feeling. We’ve been dating for awhile now and we’ve known each other for a long time. I mean, since we were eleven, for God’s sake! That’s a long bloody time and I think... I think she thinks it’s time.”

“Right.” He runs a hand through his hair as he absorbs her words. He’s a bit dumbfounded. It’s not that he was expecting Lily to never remarry but he just... well it hadn’t really occurred to him. He feels blindsided by this but he doesn’t want that to show. If she’s happy about this, he want’s to be happy for her.

“Do you think it’s time?” He asks quietly.

“I...” Her eyes drift over the room as if searching for an answer in the walls. Silently, he watches the gears turning in her head. He can tell what she’s going to say before she even opens her mouth. He reaches across the table and takes her hand.

Blinking away small tears, Lily meets his eyes, smiling a bit.

“Yes,” She lets out breathily.

James smiles back at her and nods.

“Then you’re getting married,” He declares.

She laughs through the tears streaming down her face.

“How are you such a good person?”

“It comes naturally,” he shrugs, a broad grin on his face.

***

James felt sick. He felt like throwing up. Or passing out. Or both. This wasn’t how it was supposed to happen. He thought he’d have a couple more years to get his life together before... before this.

“Please say something,” Lily said quietly.

“Just give me a minute,” James snapped. He hadn’t meant to. He wanted to handle this better. Be a man about it. But he’s barely a man, he’s 18.

“I- I need to…” He couldn’t finish his sentence. He was hyperventilating. Clutching his chest, he sat down hard on the ground, leaning against his bed. Lily came down to sit next to him. She pulled him into her chest and cradled him as he tried to calm down.

“Shh,” Lily soothed, petting his head comfortingly. “Calm down, James. I know, I know. It’ll be okay.”

He pulled away, taking off his glasses and rubbing his face hard. It was not the time to panic like a child. He took several deep breaths and tried to slow his heart rate. He’d dealt with enough panic attacks in his life to push them down if he really concentrated.

Lily was being too kind to him. She was the one who just found out she had something growing in her, yet she was comforting him. He looked over at her. Her knees were pulled up to her chest and she was picking at a loose string in the carpet.

“I’m sorry,” He said finally, after a too long silence.

“It’s okay, I had a similar reaction when I found out.”

He nodded and looked at the ground. Slowly, he reached for her hand and curled their fingers together. They both stared at their entwined fingers for awhile. James realized she was probably waiting for him to say something. Despite his initial reaction he suddenly felt very calm and sure of what he wanted to say. He loved her and would be there for her through the good and bad.

“I’ll support you. No matter what,” he said firmly, lifting her chin with the hand that wasn’t connected to hers. “I love you, Lily Evans. I’ll love this baby too, if it’s what you want, and I’ll still love you if it’s not.”

Her eyes filled with tears, and she smiled a little.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“How are you such a good person, James?”

“It just comes naturally, I suppose.”

They both grin at each other, despite the fear and trepidation for the future. It would all work out, James knew. Somehow, things always tend to work out how they're supposed to.

***

They sat in silence for a few minutes before Lily spoke again.

"I know it's rather soon after the divorce but I don't know, I just feel..." she trailed off looking for the right words. "I feel like she's it. She's right for me."

James understands. When you know, you know. He'd known it was the right thing to marry Lily when he had. It was the right thing to do but not the right person. For either of them. James is admittedly not quite ready for Lily to remarry but it's not because he still wants her, it's because of all the memories they have. He would never trade that for anything and he hopes she feels the same way. 

"Do you regret marrying me?" He asks. He's needed to know for awhile but never quite had the courage to ask. Now seems like the best time to ask, he's ready for the answer, whatever it may be.

"No!" She says quickly. "I've never regretted marrying you."

Her words are fierce, she means it. He lets out a breath of relief.

"I'm sorry I made you feel that way. To be honest, I thought you felt that way about me for a long time."

He stares at her with surprise. "Why?"

"C'mon James," she gives him a meaningful look. "We both know half the reason for the divorce was about him."

He looks down at the table. He does know. They'd never said it out loud but it had been present in every argument and spiteful remark. James hadn't fully gotten over Regulus when he'd gotten married. He just had that what if in the back of his mind. He did love Lily, he never would have married her if he didn't but...there was just always something missing. Lily felt it too. And so, resentment slowly grew and their marriage fell apart. Maybe it was his fault for telling her about Regulus. She's the only one he's ever told the whole truth to. But he knows really, deep down, it wouldn't have changed things. 

"I never regretted marrying you either. I just..." He sighs, not knowing what he wants to say or should say.

"I know. Wrong person, right time," she says simply. 

"Yeah," he agrees with a shaky breath. "Yeah, that sounds about right."

"Listen, as therapeutic as this has been," Lily says with a small chuckle, "I didn't just come in here to talk about how our marriage ended."

"No, really?" chuckles James as well. 

"I wanted to ask you what we should tell Harry. If she proposes, that is."

"Well, I'm not really sure," he says shrugging. "I'll back you with whatever you want to do."

"I think I want to wait and see what Mary does. I guess I just wanted to make sure you'd have my back on this."

"You thought I wouldn't?" he fakes hurt, holding his chest.

She slaps his hand lightly. "No, you're so damn selfless I knew you would."

"You're welcome?"

"It's just annoying," she laughs, "I somehow always end up being the bad cop parent because of it."

"Well, in that case, if anything goes badly with Harry, I'll be sure to take up immediate bad cop position so that you can be good cop."

"Thanks James. That's all I wanted to hear," she gets up and pulls him into a hug.

He smiles into it.

"I should get back to Mary," she says, pulling away. "Thank you, James. Really."

James nods again as he walks her to the door.

"I'm always here for you Lils."

Lily smiles at him again before leaving. 

He slumps back down on his bed. Damn, this week really is going to be interesting. He's exhausted already from the travels and seeing Regulus again, and having that talk with Lily. His eyes start to droop as he looks up at the ceiling. He does need to take a shower, but a quick twenty minute nap wouldn't hurt...

There's a knock on the door. James groans and lifts himself up to go answer it again.

"Did you forget something-"

"Hello."