Tell Them

No one knew about their relationship. Regulus knew it had to be like that. His parents wouldn’t approve of him being gay much less of his boyfriend being James Potter. Regulus also knew that James had a reputation to keep up, and Regulus didn’t want to be the person to ruin that. James has told him multiple times that he’d tell everyone if Regulus wanted, but Regulus could never do that to James.

Regulus loved the time they spent together. He hated how they only saw each other at night though. He hated that he was never able to admire how the sunlight hits James’ face.

He longs to be able to walk around hand-in-hand with James, but he knew that isn’t a possibility. He longs to feel James’ love during the day, in front of people. He knew that it can’t happen though. He was a Black, and he was a Slytherin. James doesn’t need to have that connected to him.

He was currently walking to the astronomy tower to meet up with James. That was one of his favorite spots for them. Though it was nothing like the sunlight, he could admire the moonlight reflecting off James’ dark, beautiful, skin. He loved how James was nothing like him.

He loved how James had so much energy. He always had something to say, and he wasn’t afraid of saying it. He loved the way James spoke up for what he believed in. He loved the way James treated him even though he never got anything close to it in return. Regulus has never been good at showing his love, he’s tried buying gifts for James, or telling James sweet things. They never come over right though. James never wants to take the gifts, saying he doesn’t need anything from Regulus. He also always says the wrong thing to James. He strutters so much that he always gives up. He hates how he feels like he can’t show James how much he loves him.

James has no problem showing his love. Regulus can see it in everything James does. The way he always plans nights for them. The way he slips Regulus notes in the hallway or at the end of their nights. He’s never thrown one away. They are all in a small box with an extension charm on it, at the bottom of his trunk. James touches him like his made of gold. He looks at Regulus like his never seen anything more beautiful in his life. Which Regulus doesn’t believe. When they occasionally sneak into Regulus’ dorm, James will go around cleaning and organizing Regulus’ stuff. Just because he knows how much Regulus likes to be organized. Regulus has tried to do the same for James when they sneak into James’ dorm, but James never lets him. Saying he’d rather cuddle than let Regulus clean.

When Regulus finally made it to the top of the astronomy tower, his heart skipped a beat. James looked stunning backlit by the moonlight. “Hi, James,” Regulus whispered into the night air, making himself known.

“Hey, Love.” James turned around to face Regulus. That was another thing Regulus loved, the pet names.

“I missed you,” Regulus admitted, though he probably doesn’t need to.

“I know, Reg. Come here.” Regulus hates the way he runs to James. Regulus hates the way he loves the feeling of James’ arms around him.

Regulus heard James laugh slightly, and he hit the back of James head. “Stop laughing at me, Jamie.”

“I’m not,” James laughed out. Obviously he was, but Regulus could honestly care less. “I have a kinda stupid idea.”

“You always do,” Regulus cut in.

“Yeah, but this one might be slightly stupider than normal.” Regulus pulled back, away from James’ chest. He looked at James slightly confused. “What if we told Sirius and my little friend group?”

“Absolutely not,” Regulus stated. Regulus looked at James like he was crazy. What was he thinking? “You know, I can’t let you do that James.”

“But, they’re my friends, Reg. I want them to know, even if Sirius gets a little upset. He still cares about you, you know.” Regulus looked away. He never really believe James when he told Regulus how much Sirius still talks about him.

“I get that, James, but think of yourself here. What if they react badly? What if they tell all the Gryffindors? What if they completely ruin your reputation because you’re dating a Slytherin?” Man, Regulus doesn’t add. Regulus knew James was open about being bi, but he never outright told anyone, except Sirius.

“I am thinking of myself, Regulus. I promise you, I have thought about this so much. I love you, so much. I’ve told you this so much.” Regulus nodded because he knows this, even if he doubts it sometimes. It is undeniable. “I want to be with you for a long time, and I’ll keep it a secret if you want me to. I just want people to know, even if it’s just a few. Regulus, Im tired of having to hide how much I love you. I hate having to make stupid excuses up when I come to meet you, or why I don’t go on dates ever. I want people to know about you, Regulus,” James was practically begging Regulus at this point, and Regulus wasn’t sure if he could continue saying no. He wasn’t sure he wanted to anymore.

“I want people to know too, James. I promise you, Id love to walk around the halls holding hands, but I don’t want people to think less of you because of me.” Regulus looked down. He felt ashamed of himself. Why would a James want to risk his friends just for him? Regulus was surprised when he felt a James grab his chin. James forced him to look into James’ eyes.

“I would give up so much for you, Regulus. I want people to know about you, Regulus, and unless you would really rather stay at Grimaldi place with your parents, I want to tell everyone.” James had spat out the word parents. Regulus knew he hated that Regulus hadn’t come with Sirius the night he ran, but Regulus didn’t want to be a burden on them. Regulus knew now, after hours of convincing, he wouldn’t have been. “You can come stay with us, leave your parents. Sirius would love to see you again. I would love to wake up next to you during the summer.”

Regulus had so much running through his head. He knew if he went home this summer he might have to get the dark mark, and James is literally telling him to come to their house. What if Walburga finds out where Regulus went, and- James cut off his running mind.

“The house has powerful wards. They won’t find you, Regulus,” James reassured. Regulus hated the fact that that was basically his only rebuttal.

“Okay, fine, let’s go tell your friends,” Regulus whispered with a small smile on his face. He felt James’ surprise.

“Really?” James sounded so hopeful. When Regulus nodded, he felt James’ arms tighten around him, and suddenly, he was on the floor. James was laughing and kissing his face, mutter thank you in between them. Regulus realized he would do anything to make James this happy again. “Okay, let’s go while they’re still up.”

James put Regulus down before grabbing his hand, and he practically dragged Regulus to the stairs. “Please don’t kill me before we even get to the common room,” Regulus joked. He got a laugh out of James, but James didn’t slow down. They ran through the hallways. It was past curfew, so there wasn’t anyone that could see them. Anyone that are supposed to be able to see them, anyway.

They were both out of breathe when they reached the painting Regulus felt like he knew by heart. “Apple cider.” The painting opened. There were a few people reading, Regulus tensed. This was the first time he’s entered without James’ invisibility cloak. A few people looked up, surprised covered they’re face before they quickly looked away.

James didn’t let go of Regulus’ hand, and he was dragged to the girls staircase first. James knocked on one door, telling them to come to his door quickly before they left the girls hallway. James led them to his own dormitory now. Regulus suddenly felt anxiety rush into his chest. He stopped suddenly before they reached James’ door. “Reg?”

“I don’t know if this is a good idea, James,” Regulus felt tears of panic appear in his eyes. James instantly wrapped his arms around Regulus.

“It’s going to go amazing. I promise you, I won’t let anyone hurt you. I doubt it’ll come to that though. Come on, we’re already here we can’t back out now.” James was right. The girls were already heading over.

“Okay, yeah, don’t make it obvious at first though,” Regulus whispered. He loved feeling James close. It calmed him, but they probably wouldn’t take seeing Regulus and them holding hands well.

“Of course, Love.” James let go of his hand as he knocked then opened his door.

“James, I thought you said you’d be-“ Sirius’s voice cut off abruptly as Regulus entered the room. Regulus stared at the floor suddenly feeling even worse about this whole thing. “Why is he here?” Regulus flinched at the cold tone his brother had.

“Sirius, I have something to tell you, and you have to actually listen,” James tried. Sirius looked like he wanted to say something when Remus cut him off.

“Of course, James, what is it?” Remus was nice. Regulus liked him though he never actually had a conversation with him in years.

“Wait until the girls get here,” James stated. They heard voices at the end of the hall. “Speaking of the devil,” James laughed when they walked in.

“Oh,” Lily said, surprised, when her eyes landed on Regulus.

“This must be important than,” Remus half asked, half stated. James nodded.

The room quieted, and James motioned for the girls to sit on the beds.

“Yeah, this is very important. I have something to tell you guys, something I’ve wanted to tell you guys for a while. I don’t want anyone to interrupt me while I’m explaining.” James looked at Sirius before continuing. “You can ask questions at the end.” James pulled over a chair offering it to Regulus. He took a seat. Regulus was surprised when James sat directly in front of him on the floor. It seemed that everyone else was as well. They didn’t say anything though.

“Okay, well, let’s get the biggest thing out of the way. Me and Regulus are dating, and we have been for about two years now.” There was a gasp, and a few of them laughed. “Regulus was hesitant about letting me tell you guys, so I expect you guys to not prove him to be correct. All the times I have snuck off, or snuck out, and I haven’t given a solid reason. I have been meeting Regulus. He’s probably been in this room more times than you could guess. Now, you may think Regulus is a bad dude. He’s not, plain and simple. He’s simply not. I’ve witnessed it myself. I’ve seen how he tenses when he hears his classmate talk about pure-bloods. I’ve held him while he cried about how his friends bullied a group of young Gryffindors. He almost didn’t let me tell you guys just because he thought it would mean you guys wouldn’t like me anymore. Even though I know he’s been dying for people to know. ” James stopped and looked up at Regulus. Regulus blushed, and he ignored the eyes he felt on him and ran his hand through James’ hair. “Okay, now you guys can say what you’ll like.”

“Why didn’t he come with me when I left then?” Sirius asked, sounded more like he was hurt than trying to prove James wrong.

“Because he thought he would be a burden to us,” James explained, “I’ve spent hours convincing him he wouldn’t be.”

“Wouldn’t be?” Remus asked. James nodded.

“Regulus knew he’d be punished once his parents found out about us, so I convinced him they wouldn’t be able to find him at the house. There’s gonna be another Black at the house.” Regulus smiled when James looked at him. He really was incredibly lucky.

“Actually?” Sirius sounded hopeful. Regulus nodded. Sirius jumped off of the bed, and he ran over to hug Regulus. Regulus heard Sirius crying into his shoulder.

“I missed you, Siri.” Apparently, that was not the correct thing to say because Sirius started crying even harder.

“I missed you so much, Reggie. You don’t understand how happy I am. Probably would’ve been happier under different circumstances.” Sirius glared at James.

“Okay, okay, Babe, now is not them time.” Regulus whipped his head to Remus. Babe?

“Are you two together?” Regulus questioned Sirius and Remus. James never told him that.

“Obviously,” Sirius said, walking back to Remus.

“Thank god,” Regulus said, relived. Finally.

The whole room broke into laughter, and Regulus smiled. He could get used to this.

“Oh, and James,” Marlene started, James made a sound of acknowledgment, “Sirius was the only one who didn’t know.”