A Piece of My Brain
Now that everyone knew about Regulus and James, they were a lot more open about affection. That had surprised most people. They didn’t think of Regulus to be a very touchy person, except Sirius. Sirius has experienced Regulus’ touchy behavior when they were kids.
So, this sight didn’t exactly surprise anyone. Regulus was sitting on the couch closest to the fire, reading, with James on the floor in front of him. Regulus was using one hand to hold his book, and the other hand was running through James’ hair. James was content sitting by the couch with Regulus so close.
Remus and Sirius sat on the couch across. Remus was talking quietly into Sirius’ ear while Sirius laid on his chest. Remus ran his hand through Sirius’ hair, along his chest, massaging his shoulders, fidgeting with Sirius’ fingers. Sirius had a soft smile on his face with his eyes closed.
Regulus paused after finishing another chapter a leaned over James, giving him a quick kiss on the head. James jumped slightly, not having his eyes open. James caught Regulus by the back of his neck quickly, before he sat back against the couch, and he gave him a quick kiss. Regulus pulled James back in when James let go. He kissed James again before deciding it was enough. He smiled as he readjusted his position on the couch. He heard James whisper something from in front of him.
“What, Jamie?” Regulus whispered, into James’ ear.
“Can you read to me?” Regulus loved how James’ face became slightly pink.
“Of course, Love, get up here.” Regulus tugged on James’ sleeve. James quickly jumped up. Regulus lifted himself up, so James could slide under Regulus. He quickly got comfortable on James’ chest before beginning to read the next chapter aloud, making small comments for James to understand what’s happening. Eventually, Regulus noticed James’ closed eyes and even breathes, and he memorized the page number before closing the book. He relaxed with his arms wrapped around James’ waist. He slowly fell into a peaceful sleep.
Regulus was nervous to meet James’ parents. He knew they were nice, but what if they thought James deserved someone better? He did deserve better, but what if James’ parents agreed with Regulus?
“Hon, they’re going to love you. I promise,” James pulled Regulus out of his thoughts. James planted a light kiss on Regulus’ hair. Regulus just nodded. Yeah, they’re going to like Regulus.
“I agree with James, I couldn’t imagine them not liking you,” Remus spoke up. They were all in the same compartment. Remus and Sirius were on one side by the window, and James and Regulus were mirroring them. Lily, Marlene, and Mary were going to join them soon. Regulus had thought about asking them if Pandora could join them, but it was already going to be crowded in the compartment anyway, Regulus had decided to be quiet about it.
Regulus wasn’t expecting for her to show up asking for him however. “Regulus?” Pandora asked from the door, “Are we not sitting together?” Regulus felt a pain of guilt at not asking them now.
“Oh, shit, I’m sorry, Dora. I completely forgot to tell you I was going to James’.” Pandora’s face lit up.
“Really?” She sounded so excited. Regulus nodded. “Finally, I was waiting for you to.” She laughed, and she started walking away. Regulus felt sad seeing her go.
“Pandora, would you like to ride with us?” James asked before she got out of sight. Regulus looked at James, surprised.
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to intrude,” she said politely. She had a smile on her face.
“Please, Dora. I want here,” Regulus spoke up. He didn’t know why James asked her to stay, but he’s going to take it.
“Fine, just because of you, Star child.” That was a newer nickname Pandora had taken to. Regulus has to say he did like it.
Pandora sat next to Regulus, who was leaning onto James. “Did he convince you to come to his house, or did you ask?” Pandora asked him like she already knew the answer.
“Fuck you, Dora. Obviously he convinced me,” Regulus muttered. Pandora laughed lightly. He loved her laugh, it always made him smile.
“Should I be nervous about her?” James whispered into Regulus’ ear. Regulus made a confused sound. “The way to look at her. It’s like she’s a fucking diamond.” James didn’t sound jealous when he said it. Regulus wondered what James sounded like jealous.
“She’s just really important to me. She’s my best friend. She could never be anything more. That would be gross,” Regulus whispered back. James laughed slightly. His arms tightened around Regulus anyway.
“So, when did you tell Sirius?” Pandora asked. Regulus realized he never really told Pandora much about what had happened.
“The night before we began walking together to classes. Sirius didn’t take it well the first week, but he got used to it.” Regulus lowered his voice before saying, “We have avoided telling him certain things. Things we don’t think he’d like to hear.” Pandora burst out laughing. That’s what Regulus liked about Pandora, she never thought he was over sharing. Of course he never told her details about a lot of things, but she knew more than Sirius and James, in certain aspects.
Soon, Lily, Marlene, and Mary joined their group. They all accepted the addition of Regulus and Pandora. Marlene actually started flirting with Pandora.
Regulus loved his new friends.
It turns out that James’ parents really did like him. They tired to make Regulus as comfortable at their home as they could. They wanted it to feel like his home as well. Which it already did. Way more than Grimuld Place ever could. Regulus woke up next to James everyday which they both loved. Regulus normally wakes up 30 minutes to a hour before James does, and he normally spends that time reading next to James or admiring James. He would never admit that no matter which one he chooses, it normally ends with him admiring the way James looks with the morning sun reflecting off his face.
They’ve also started taking showers together, which did not go unnoticed by a certain brother. In which they might’ve mentioned they’ve seen each other enough times already, that it’s not something new.
“Oh god, Moony, do you here this? Ugh, what the fuck?”
That was definitely an interesting conversation.
Regulus loved showering with James. Not because he got to see James’ body. He definitely wasn’t complaining about that though. He loved being able to wash James’ hair. He liked doing something for James’ that James didn’t protest against. Regulus could tell he liked it, so it was a constant thing. James always insisted on returning the favor.
Regulus wouldn’t be honest if he said there haven’t been times where they’ve got a bit carried away, but no one needs to know that.
James’ father, Fleamont, has talked about how happy he is that his son treats his love like gold. He has stated, “I would be very disappointed if I heard that he treated you anything less than royalty. It’s the Potter way after all .” Which Regulus can most definitely tell, with how well his father treats Euphemia, James’ mother.
Oh, Euphemia, is something else. She has offered to teach Regulus to cook, which he took up on. She told him, “You won’t have to worry about it because James knows how to cook, but I think it’s fun.” She’s offered to buy him new books, or some more parchment, those he declined. James already bought him enough. He didn’t want the entire family buying him stuff.
Needless to say, Regulus loved it at the Potters. It was Christmas Eve, and Regulus still hasn’t decided what to get James. He was running out of time, so naturally he was kind of freaking out.
“Euphemia, sorry to ask you for something so early, but would you take me shopping. I still haven’t-“ Euphemia cut Regulus off.
“Of course, Regulus, let’s go. In the car, you can continue telling me why.” Euphemia told Fleamont to let James know they went out for breakfast. James was still asleep. This was the first time they haven’t gotten up together. Fleamont gave her a kiss on the check before they left.
They walked to the car when Euphemia asked where they should go first.
“I was actually hoping you know some good stores in the area.” Euphemia seemed to realize something.
“Oh, of course, I forgot you don’t know what’s around here,” she laughed. “Do you know what you’re looking for?”
“Yeah, I already got stuff for everyone except James. Nothing I’ve looked at has felt good enough. I think I want some jewelry or a good book. Something meaningful, you know, but not overbearing.” Regulus felt himself get nervous as they began to drive.
“We can go to a jewelry store first, then a book store, and if we don’t find anything there a mall nearby that we can walk through.” Euphemia’s voice was gentle. Regulus felt himself relax.
“Okay,” Regulus whispered. He felt a smile grow on him face. He liked it here. There was a peaceful silence before they parked in front of a smaller store.
“Here’s the jewelry store. There is some fancier stuff, but they’re also some not so fancy stuff. I think it’s one of the best places in town.” Regulus would take her opinion. He had nothing else to go off of anyway.
Regulus realized when they began looking, he didn’t know what James’ ring size was. Necklace or bracket it is. He looked at matching jewelry. He looked at fancy jewelry and the less fancy jewelry. Nothing. He started to feel disappointed.
“I don’t think I really see anything here,” Regulus whispered to Euphemia.
“That’s okay, we can head to the bookstore.” And, they do. Regulus looked around for anything that caught his eyes. And, he found nothing, absolutely nothing.
“Maybe, I’m just not good at picking out gifts,” Regulus said, disappointed, when they return to the car.
“James will love whatever you get him. It could be a piece of paper, but he’d love it because it’s from you.” Piece of paper. Oh, oh!
“I’m sorry for waisting time, but I have an idea. I have all the stuff at home already.” Euphemia told him that it’s okay, and she can’t wait to see what it is.
As soon as they get home, James is practically attached to Regulus. “Why’d you leave, I woke up alone?” Regulus was trying to make a plan in his head on how to do James’ present without him seeing.
“James, do you have presents for everyone?” At James’ nod, he continued. “Are they all wrapped?” James’ face dropped, and he practically ran out of the room. “I need to wrap mine, so you can’t come back in.” Regulus locked their door.
He instantly got to work. He was going to write James a letter. He was going to tell James everything he’s been to scared to make known.
James, I know this probably wasn’t what you excepted for a christmas gift, but I hope I don’t disappoint. Nothing I had been looking at was good enough. And, I couldn’t just give you some bullshit gift, so I’m going to give you something I hope is better than anything I could’ve bought.
You coming into my life has been the best thing to ever happen to me. To be able to feel your love, feel loved by someone so perfect is something worth my every last knut. You have given me something I never excepted to have. You shown me that I’m not just my parents’ perfect son. That that is not all I can amount to be. You’ve shown me that I am worthy of love, and that love is not something that needs to be earned. You’ve shown me how it feels to truly be loved. I will forever be grateful for you.
The mornings recently have been some of the best times of my life. Being able to do absolutely nothing, but admire you. I love seeing the sunlight against your face. I love the way your hair looks in the sun. I love feeling the warmth of your body against mine. It’s truly priceless.
You, James Potter, are priceless. You make me feel things I thought were made up. Part of an actually fairytale.
You’ve also made me feel worth something. You taught me that I’m not what my parents say I am. You’ve taught me that I have a say in what I am and what my future entails.
You are honestly an angel. You are my angel. You have singlehanded saved me. And, I need you to know that. I need you to know that if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be living my own life. I need you to know that you are the best thing to ever happen to me. That you are my world. Thank you, James, for everything. Especially, for reconciling me and my brothers relationship. That is something I can never repay you for, but I will try. I will do everything in my power to make you happy. I will love you with everything I have. You are my everything. I love you, James.
Regulus didn’t reread it. He had shoved all of his thoughts on a piece of paper, and he wanted James to have a piece of his brain. He didn’t know if he was going to regret it, but it didn’t matter. He waited a second for it to dry before folding it, and putting it in an envelope. He wrote a clean, A Piece of My Brain, on the front. He doesn’t really tell James he loves him all that much, so he hopes this doesn’t reach outside a zone he doesn’t actually know if it has an end.
Regulus quickly put the small envelope with the rest of the presents and went to find James. Got he hoped that wasn’t a bad idea.
When Christmas day finally came, they were woken up by a very excited Sirius. “Come on, lovebirds, get up I want presents.” They did get up.
Apparently, they were the last ones to get up. Everyone else were already sitting around the fire.
“Okay, are you guys ready to hand out presents?” Euphemia asked everyone. Everyone replied with some version of a yes. “Okay, so should we do, one person gives all of their gifts out, or everyone gives one person the gifts they got for that person.”
They ended up agreeing on one person gives out all their gifts. First up was Fleamont, he handed out all of his presents. Regulus didn’t know why he was surprised when he was given one, but he was. He opened it to find a small lamp.
“For reading at night, when someone’s sleeping,” Fleamont had explained, slightly making fun of his son. James had gotten a broom polishing kit.
Next was Euphemia, they were probably going in order of age, who handed out two gifts to almost everyone, Regulus included. Regulus got a thin ring, and a book. “It’s to remind you, you’re part of the family.” Regulus wanted to cry. The book was a muggle poetry book. James got a cook book and a broom cleaning kit.
Then it was Sirius. Who gave Regulus a small box with a necklace Regulus had previously given to Sirius, right before he left. “I don’t need it anymore. You’re here now.” Regulus wanted to cry even more. James received a pack of condoms which he hid very quickly, with a blushing face. Everyone bursted out laughing.
Then Remus, who gave Regulus a gay romance book. “I thought you’d like it.” With a wink. James received a bracelet with a stag, a dog, and a wolf. Oh animagi. He should surprise them.
Then came James. Regulus was incredibly nervous, and he didn’t even know why. James handed everyone else their gift before coming over to regulus with his gift. “Hope you like it,” James whispered in Regulus’ ear. Regulus had to conceal a shiver that shot down his spine. He began opening his present. It was a necklace, and it had a spiral of green, grey, and a slight bit of brown, as the pedant. “Our eye colors,” James whispered. Regulus felt tears actually appear in his eyes. He stuck his face in James’ neck. He heard James laugh slightly.
“What did you do to my baby brother?” Sirius asked, loudly. Causing everyone to focus on Regulus and James. Everyone laughed as Regulus flipped off Sirius. James just held up the necklace. He got multiple compliments on his choice.
“Love, let me put it on you,” James said softly. Regulus whipped his eyes, and he let James clasp the necklace around his neck. Regulus let out a watery laugh. Fuck, he is so in love with this man.
“Okay, Regulus, your turn to pass out gifts.” Regulus suddenly felt even more nervous.
“Oh, yep.” Regulus hurried to pick up his gifts. He handed them out. He got Fleamont a very nice, and probably overpriced, ink because he said he liked writing. He got Euphemia some spices she said she was running out of. He got Sirius a few more vinyl records. He got Remus a pack of cigarettes and some tea. He hesitated slightly before handing James the envelope. “Can you wait to open it?” Regulus mumbled as James went to open it. He didn’t want his brain to be spilled out to James in front of everyone.
“Of course, Love.” James kissed Regulus’ hair. He began running his hand through it. They thanked each other before returning their presents to their room. They’d have an early lunch together later.
Once all of their gifts were put away, James sat down and opened the envelope. Regulus felt his heart begin to race. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. “James,” Regulus started. He shut up when James pulled him onto his lap. They sat in silence as James read the letter, and ran his hand through Regulus hair.
Regulus had his eyes closed when he heard a small sniffle. He pulled away from James to see his eyes full of tears. Regulus started trying to apologize and make a James feel better. He was cut off by James pulling him in a kiss. When they pulled apart, James kept Regulus close.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything better, Regulus, thank you.” Regulus felt himself smile when James kissed him again. The kiss was faster than the previous. Regulus didn’t realize how heated it began to get until there was a knock at the door. Regulus practically threw himself off of James, and they were both struggling to catch their breathe.
“Euphemia, is almost done with lunch.” Remus said, through the door. Regulus was thankful he didn’t walk in, who knew how they looked. James let himself fall back on their bed. Regulus curled into his side. “I love you too, Regulus, so much.”
Regulus was incredibly nervous as he got ready. He wasn’t exactly used to being in the Slytherin dormitories anymore. James told him that he needed to get ready in his room today though. James also told Regulus to meet him at the entrance of Hogsmade at one. He said Regulus didn’t need to dress up or anything, but he couldn’t not. He didn’t want to wear actual fancy clothes, but he had to put in more effort than normal.
He slid on his white button up then he slipped on one of James’ sweaters. He put on a pair of black jeans, and he tied up a pair of converse that Remus helped James pick out for Regulus.
Regulus tucked in the necklace James got for him. He liked it touching his skin. He jumped at the sound of footsteps entering the dorm. He turned to see Barty standing and looking at him.
“Getting ready for something?” He asked mockingly before breaking eye contact.
“Yes.” Regulus didn’t say anything else, and he quickly grabbed the stuff he needed before leaving. Most of his stuff was in the Gryffindor dorms.
“Fuck you, Black,” Barty spat. Regulus stopped instantly. He whipped around.
“Fuck did you just say to me?” Regulus asked stepping closer to Barty.
“Fuck you, fuck you and your stupid boyfriend.” Regulus rolled his eyes.
“Whatever, Crouch.” He quickly left. He practically ran to their meeting spot. He was regaining his breathe when he saw James walking towards him. His breathe caught. He could never get over how beautiful his boyfriend was.
“Hello, Love,” James greeted when he finally reached Regulus. James quickly connected their hands and began leading them somewhere.
“Hi, James,” Regulus laughed, blushing. James squeezed his hand slightly.
“Want to have a butterbeer first?” James asked politely. Regulus just nodded, smiling. He’d do anything James suggested.
“I love you,” Regulus whispered before they walked into the Three Broomsticks.
“I love you too,” James stated before pulling him inside. Then saying those three words got more common after Christmas.
They quickly slipped into a booth. This was one of their first actual dates. Regulus was scared to do something wrong. ”Two butterbeers,” James said to the waitress. She quickly walked away and James turned his attention back to Regulus. “You look nice, Love.” Regulus blushed as James looked him up and down.
Regulus was confused when James reached over. His breathe caught when he felt James’ hand brush his neck. He felt James untuck the necklace, and he relaxed. “That’s better.” James smiled softly at Regulus.
Regulus smiled back. He never wanted this to end.
“Here are those butterbeers.” The waitress quickly handed both of them their drinks before rushing to another table.
“Take a drink, Regulus.” James nodded for him to go first. That was something James always did. He always waited for a regulus to take a drink first or take a bite first. Hell sometimes he’d give Regulus the first drink or bite of his own food.
They sat in a comfortable silence until they finished the butterbeers. “Where’d you like to go next?” Regulus thought about it for a second.
“I know the whole point of this is to do something in Hogsmade, but could we go to the forbidden forest.” Regulus looked at his hands as he had asked.
“Of course, Love,” James laughed slightly. Regulus had noticed ‘Love’ has become the most used pet name recently.
Regulus instantly shot up, excited. “Come on.” He smiled as James grabbed his hand, and they began to run. James laughed, and Regulus felt free.
“Okay, okay,” Regulus began, out of breath, “I figured something out on Christmas, so I’m going to show you something.” Regulus let go of James’ hand, and he backed up slightly. Then he transformed into his animagus form. He was now a sleek black cat, but his grey eyes stayed.
“Oh my god, Regulus,” James whispered, coming over and picking up Regulus. Regulus felt himself begin to pur, and he decided that was enough.
“Okay enough of that,” Regulus said as he transformed back. His checks were slightly red. “Are you a dog or stag?” Regulus questioned.
“What- Oh, a stag.” James was confused for a second before figuring out what Regulus was asking. He quickly transformed into a stag then back. “Sirius is the dog.”
Regulus nodded. They were silent for a moment. Before Regulus spoke up, “Want to run through the forest?”
James grinned.