Short and Adorable
Regulus needs to talk to James.
As he makes his way up the stairs he runs different things to say through his mind.
He should say sorry, shouldn’t he?
But then there’s always the fear of James not accepting his apology.
He could be selfish and tell him that he wants him back but that would hurt James and in association hurt Regulus too.
He could–
“Oh shit sorry, didn’t see you here”
James bumps into him, purposefully, “sorry love, didn’t see you there you’re just so short and adorable” he says as he pinches Regulus’ cheeks.
Regulus pretends to scowl but even he can’t stop the smile which forms on his lips and the way his cheeks redden up whilst butterflies flutter happily in his stomach.
James doesn’t make the joke now, and no matter how much Regulus wants to he can’t control the pang of hurt which slices through his heart.
He can’t blame James can he?
Regulus broke James’ heart though he had been so sure that it was always going to be the other way around.
James has already begun to walk away so Regulus hooks grabs his bicep and gosh it's been ages since he touched his biceps.
“I need to talk to you, please” Regulus hopes that James stays, and that he actually listens and doesn’t ignore him like Regulus has done these past couple of months.
Regulus doesn’t want to experience that pain but luckily he won’t have to experience that because James could himself be getting crucio’d but still wouldn’t even fucking think of hurting Regulus.
“I’m sorry” it’s the only thing Regulus can think of saying, the only thing that comes to mind.
He hopes that James accepts it and that he– oh he’s shaking his head.
Regulus' heart drops to the soles of his shoes.
James turns fully around facing him, “don’t say that”
“I have to, i broke your heart and then entered your life again like nothing fucking–”
James cuts him off, “Regulus, stop. Don’t you dare say sorry, don’t say sorry when you wanted to do it. Don’t– don’t say sorry when you don’t mean it, you don’t have to apologise for me to forgive you, love. You had every right to break up with me if you wanted it and you’re not going go apologise for it”
But Regulus is sorry and he wants to apologise for it especially when James starts speaking again and tears begin to fall.
“And I get it, you know? I get why you needed to break up with me and I'm not angry with you at all. I've loved you for three years, it hasn’t changed in the past couple of months and it hasn’t changed today nor will it ever change. I told you when we started dating that you could break my heart and I wouldn't mind it because it would be you breaking it, that I’d take it and you–” James stops and averts his gaze.
“Don’t be stupid, James, I’d never break your heart”
Regulus had said that.
“Anyways it doesn’t matter, but I love you Regulus Arcturus Black and that will never change, you could skin me alive and I’d relish in the way your hands touch me.”
Regulus is barely holding in his tears at this point, he hates seeing such hurt in James’ eyes especially knowing that he was the one who put it there.
He can see James’ hands moving as he raises them up in question, “one last time, please.”
Regulus has never wanted to agree to something more than this in his life, so he nods his head.
Holding Regulus’ face in both his hands James steps forward.
His touch as delicate a flower, treating Regulus like a prince my little king he used to say with a teasing smirk adorning his face.
Regulus doesn’t want to find out how much longer it would take for him to hear those words fall out of James’ mouth again in a sweet, caring voice.
Regulus closes his eyes as he feels a delice delicate touch on his forehead, his heart content and for a moment he can pretend that this isn’t happening possibly for the last time, he can pretend that they are in one the fantasies they used to create of Regulus coming to james and them being happy together.
And then his thoughts come to an abrupt halt as he feels one of James’ tears fall on his cheek.
That’s all it takes for a tear to fall out of Regulus’ eyes too.
All too soon, James pulls away slightly, his thumb moves to wipe away a tear on Regulus’ cheeks.
“I never got to thank you for showing me” he says before pulling away completely.
Regulus is confused and overwhelmed by the lack of contact, the feeling of warmth leaving.
Something that probably will never return again, not from James if it ever even does.
But if it isn’t from the Sun itself is it truly light?
If it isn't from James himself is it truly warmth? Is it truly safety?
Showing him what thought??
“Showing you what?”
“That actions speak louder than words” he says before leaving.
And oh.
Oh.
That’s cruel.
That’s so cruel.
Because it was Regulus who told him that and then it was Regulus who broke his heart as well, after saying he wouldn’t.
It was Regulus who broke up with him after saying that he’d help James escape his mind.
It was Regulus who said “i won’t, never” when James brokedown for the first time in front of him and then begged him not to leave.
Regulus was laying on top of James’ chest, eyes closed basking in the warmth James brought him whilst he was busy looping Regulus’ curls.
“Regulus?”
“Hm?” Regulus is quite content right now.
“I think i’ll love you forever”
Regulus wants to smile but he knows not to hope, so he moves up a bit causing a whine to slip past James’ throat.
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Potter”
Regulus thought that James would be put out by this but instead he just smirks, “oh love, i can assure you that this is a promise i intend on keeping even if it costs me my life.”
Regulus didn’t believe him then.
But he does now
Oh, he so does.