Chapter 29
They ended up spending Boxing Day in the pub, watching the football with Monty, and eating lunch with Effy, who appeared glad to have a break from cooking. When they eventually stumbled home, all quite drunk around dinner time, they ended up having an early night, with James leading Regulus to his bed before 8, both of them falling asleep curled up in each other's arms before 9.
The next morning was spent with James spending time with his father until Regulus finally stirred, padding downstairs to watch films all day with the Potters, who appeared sad at the fact James had booked their train tickets home already. The films were fine, but Regulus didn’t concentrate on them. He couldn’t, really. James lay his head in his lap to watch them, so Regulus spent the majority of them threading his fingers through his hair, watching James’ expression as he rewatched films he’d seen 100 times before. He fell asleep on the couch after dinner that night, and James carried him to bed, falling asleep beside him again.
Finally, on the morning of the 28th, they packed up all of their things and brought them downstairs. “Oh, you’ll call when you get back, won’t you?” Effy begged as she hugged her son.
“Of course, I will, mum,” he rubbed her back.
She nodded into his shoulder, sighing as she pulled back. “Right, good. Okay,” she gave him a sad smile. She then pulled Regulus into a bone-crushing hug, smoothing his back as she did. “Thank you for coming, love.”
“Thank you for having me!” He responded, hugging her back as tightly as he could.
“Anytime! Anytime!” She replied, pulling away. She beamed up at him, and he almost welled up looking at her. He kept his cool, though, smiling back. “You come back soon, okay? And watch James, would you?”
“I will,” he promised. James rolled his eyes behind him but smiled at his mother one final time before they walked out of the house, lugging their bags behind them.
“We have to make a stop before the station,” James informed his dad. He leaned closer to him, whispering something quietly which made his dad laugh.
“Sap,” was all his father said, unlocking the car.
They loaded their cases into the back, and James easily slid into the front seat as Regulus got into the back, checking his phone as he went. He hadn’t really paid attention to the exchange, and didn’t bother looking up from his phone as James made small talk with his father about god knows what. Regulus was in the middle of reading an article about parliament when Fleamont stopped the car, eyeing the clock.
“We’ll be two minutes,” James shrugged. “Reggie, out now!” He ordered, and Regulus awkwardly pocketed his phone, opening the door quickly. He stumbled out, looking around. The area was entirely unfamiliar until he noticed the phone box just down the road, almost out of sight from the car.
“James?” He questioned as James shut his door.
“Cmon,” James grabbed his hand, tugging him forward. Regulus jogged to keep up, following James towards the bright red phone box.
“Are you serious?”
“Bucket list!” James argued, holding the door open for him. Regulus rolled his eyes, slipping into the box. James followed him, the door swinging shut behind them. Regulus looked up at him expectantly, while James grinned at him. “This was good, right? A good trip?”
“A perfect trip,” Regulus agreed, watching as James lit up at the comment, his eyes appearing to sparkle. “Thank you.”
“For what?” James tilted his head.
“Inviting me.. taking me.. Letting me spend a perfect few days with you,” Regulus shrugged, looking down. He felt embarrassed as he spoke. “It was the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”
“It was mine too,” James assured him, his finger lifting Regulus’ chin. Regulus was blushing before their lips even met. He ended up with his arms wrapping around James’ neck, pulling him closer as he held him by the waist.
Regulus broke the kiss, one of his hands tangling in James’ hair momentarily. “We’re gonna miss our train.”
“Would have been worth it,” James shrugged, pecking his cheek.
“Sap,” Regulus repeated Monty’s insult which made James laugh, shaking his head,
“Right, let’s go, let’s go!”
James held the door for Regulus as he walked out, making his way back to the car quickly. Monty didn’t say a word as he restarted the engine, setting off again. Within a few minutes, they were back at the train station, Monty pulling into the parking space he’d occupied the same day he collected them.
They all got out of the car, Monty opening the boot as Regulus fixed his backpack. James lifted the suitcases from the back, setting them onto the tarmac as Monty made his way towards Regulus.
“You’ll come again, won’t you?”
“If you’ll have me,” Regulus offered up a small smile.
“Of course, we will! You’re part of the family!” Monty opened his arms, and Regulus instantly stumbled forward, embracing him easily. Monty hugged him back, giving him a light squeeze before letting go, patting him on the shoulder. He pulled his son into a hug afterwards, whispering something to him which made James nod, pulling back enough to shake his hand in a semi-formal way. “See you soon!” Monty called as they began to wheel their bags towards the station.
“Bye!” They both called over their shoulders.
There was only one other person on the platform, and there was still snow on the ground around them. James was wearing the hoodie Regulus had bought him, making Regulus glad he’d picked the right size. Regulus was wearing a jumper that he’d stolen from James that morning, lying about not having more clean clothes. James had simply handed it over, admiring Regulus in it anytime his back was turned.
He stared at the sign above them, digging into his coat pocket until he found his pack of cigarettes, pulling them free. He pulled out the original white lighter, lighting a cigarette with the last of the fluid in it. He took a deep breath as James watched him, eyebrows raising.
“How long have you been waiting to do that?” James questioned.
“Too long,” Regulus shrugged, smoke floating out of his mouth. James plucked the cigarette from his lips, taking a quick drag. “Hey!”
“Sharing is caring!” James snapped.
“Have you ever owned your own pack?”
“I don’t need to, my boyfriend appears to always have one!” James took another drag.
Regulus’ heart stuttered ever so slightly. He rose an eyebrow, taking back the cigarette. “You have a boyfriend?”
James was blushing suddenly, eyes widening as he realised what he’d said. “Sorry.. Do you… Do you want to be my boyfriend?”
Regulus almost squealed. But he couldn’t. He simply shrugged, attempting to remain casual. “I will if you buy me a pack of cigarettes.”
“Are you serious?” James questioned.
Regulus shrugged again. “You owe me a pack from the amount you steal from me!”
“You’re ridiculous!” James snapped, making Regulus smirk.
“And yet you want me to be your boyfriend?”
James eyed him for a second before nodding. “I do, yeah. I really do.”
Regulus couldn’t help but smile. “I suppose I’ll accept the offer, then.”
“How romantic,” James muttered, shuffling closer to him. He dropped a kiss on Regulus’ cheekbone, smiling. “This is nice, isn’t it?”
“The train platform?” Regulus looked around.
James rolled his eyes, stepping back. “No! Dating!”
“Oh?” Regulus took a long drag of the cigarette, attempting to calm down. A nagging part of his brain reminded him just how long he’d waited for this exact moment. He couldn’t let that distract him from the actual moment, though. “It is, yeah.”
James grinned at him, and Regulus felt his heart almost burst. There he was. His sun. James Potter was smiling at him like he was the only person in the world. He stepped forwards, leaning against James' shoulder until the taller wrapped his arms around him, pulling him in. He kissed his head lightly, the action feeling intimate, and special, releasing butterflies in Regulus’ stomach.
They passed the cigarette back and forth until they reached the end, James walking over to the bin to stub it out as Regulus waited by the tracks. Within a few minutes, the train had arrived, and they were seated in the same seats as their trip up. Regulus got the window seat this time, James immediately resting his head on his shoulder. “I told Sirius we’re coming home tomorrow.”
“Okay?” Regulus slowly reached out, tentatively taking James’ hand. Their fingers easily interlocked, fitting together as if they were meant to be.
“So… Can I stay in yours for the night?” James questioned, nuzzling into Regulus more.
Regulus almost laughed at the motion, twisting his head slightly to press a kiss against James’ hair. “I suppose.. Barty says my couch is really comfortable.”
“You’re going to make your boyfriend sleep on the couch?” James sounded offended, his tone mocking.
“I might if you snore on my shoulder the whole way to Hogwarts,” Regulus shrugged slightly.
James faked a yawn, cuddling into him more. “You’re just so comfortable!”
Regulus sighed, relaxing under his touch. “Fine.”
“Awh, Reggie.. I appreciate you,” James yawned.
“Mhm,” Regulus rolled his eyes.
James was fast asleep by the time they reached the next station. Regulus listened to his even breaths for a few minutes to make sure before concentrating on his phone. He ended up playing Tetris for almost an entire hour, barely noticing the stations they passed. James managed to sleep through the announcements of each station, not even stirring as a drinks trolley passed through the aisle. Regulus felt slightly jealous as he yawned. He couldn’t fall asleep.
James finally woke up when they were two stops away, still holding Regulus’ hand. He squeezed it as his eyes fluttered open, not bothering to raise his head. He remained cuddled into Regulus' shoulder, mumbling a quiet ‘hello’ to Regulus who continued his game.
It was late afternoon when the train pulled into Hogsmeade. James stretched as he got up, throwing his backpack over his shoulder as Regulus followed his lead. They both collected their suitcases easily, quickly exiting the train.
“We should get take out,” James informed him.
“Pizza?”
“And Chinese food!”
“Both?” Regulus rose an eyebrow.
“I can’t go home until, like, 4 o’clock tomorrow! We’ll need leftovers,” James shrugged innocently.
“Fine,” Regulus gave in easily.
James insisted they order in, not wanting to lug their bags to the main street and back. Regulus agreed, enjoying the fact he lived close enough to the station. James ended up carrying their suitcases up to the flat as Regulus dug his key out of his backpack.
“Take out menus?” James asked once they were both inside. He left the suitcases by the door as Regulus went through the post they’d collected downstairs.
He held up two new ones which had been stuffed in his postbox. “Bottom drawer by the fridge,” Regulus dropped his backpack by the counter, rounding it to hand James the new menus. James collected the small pile from the drawer, turning back to Regulus. “Why do you have so many?”
“Freshers week pile,” Regulus shrugged.
“Ah, to be a first-year,” James wistfully murmured.
Regulus rolled his eyes, dropping the rest of his post on the counter. “I don’t like pineapple on pizza, so don’t order that.”
“You’re perfect to me,” James complimented. Regulus avoided his eyes as he blushed.
“Mhm, sure. Just order the food, I’m starving.” Regulus grabbed his suitcase, wandering down the hall to his bedroom. The whole flat felt cold in comparison to the warmth of the Potter house. He dropped his suitcase onto his bed, unzipping it to pull out his worn clothes. He dropped them all in the laundry hamper in his room, going back to his case to take out his clean clothes.
James knocked on the doorframe making Regulus turn as he attempted to slip a jumper onto a hanger. “Do you- Hey! You had clean clothes!”
“Mhm,” Regulus nodded, hanging the jumper in his wardrobe.
“You lied to me?” James questioned.
Regulus shrugged. “You said I look good in your clothes.”
“And I was right, obviously,” James looked him up and down. “Do you want chips?”
“Yeah,” Regulus nodded, hanging up another jumper. He dropped his shoes into the end of his wardrobe, zipping up the empty suitcase again. He slid is under the bed, turning back to James who appeared to be watching him. “What?”
“What?” James seemed to snap out of a trance.
“You’re watching me,” Regulus pointed out.
“Watching my boyfriend..” James smirked. He made his way towards him easily, snaking his arms around his waist as he stood behind him. He rested his chin on Regulus’ shoulder as Regulus rested his hands on top of his hands. “I like how that sounds.”
“Do you think it’s.. fast?” Regulus asked before he could stop himself.
“Do you think it’s fast?”
“I don’t know.. I mean.. You and Lily only broke up recently.. It’s still fresh…” Regulus looked at their hands.
James took a few seconds before he spoke as if he were attempting to sort through his thoughts. “Yeah, but I think it was over before that… And I think she knew it too.. I just didn’t know why…”
“You make me sound like a homewrecker,” Regulus mumbled, attempting to lighten the mood. James tightened his arms, though, pressing a gentle kiss on Regulus’ neck.
“It’s not like that,” James promised him. “Look at me,” James requested. Regulus let go of his hands, turning in his arms to look up at him. James’ hands moved to cup Regulus’ cheeks, forcing him to maintain eye contact. “I’ve wanted you for longer than I’ve known… I think a part of me always wanted you.. And if I’m not mistaken, you’ve wanted me too… Right?”
“Of course,” Regulus said, not needing to think about it.
“Well, you have me, Regulus. I’m all yours. If you want to take it slow, we can. We can do first dates, and first kisses, and first times… Or we can just dive in.. I don’t want anyone else. I promise you.” Every word James spoke made Regulus fall more. He was sure his cheeks were bright red, but he couldn’t bring himself to be embarrassed. James was holding him like he was the only person in the world.
“Okay.. We’ll dive in,” Regulus decided, unable to say no. James smiled at him, so brilliantly it was almost blinding, before he leaned in, capturing Regulus in a kiss. Regulus pulled away after a moment, marvelling at the beauty of James Potter before tilting his head. “Did you order food, though? Because, as great as the kissing is.. I need to eat.”
“You could eat me,” James smirked which immediately made Regulus’ cheeks flame red, and his eyes roll. “Sorry,” he mumbled as Regulus lightly swatted his chest. “I ordered the Chinese, not the pizza.”
“Well, order it!” Regulus declared, twisting out of the boys arms. “You can pick the film we watch.”
“You know the way to my heart, Reggie,” James called as he dug his phone out of his pocket, Regulus slipping out of his room.
They split the cost of the food, and ended up eating in the living room, in the dark, the tv casting light over them as they watched Lego Batman, which James claimed to be the best film ever made. Regulus didn’t have any complaints as he worked his way through a box of noodles, and slices of pizza, listening to James quote the film as if he were in it.
“The Joker and Batman are gay in this, right?” Regulus asked as they reached the end.
James almost jumped. “You’re a genius! I watched this with Peter a few months ago, and he said he didn’t see it!”
“It’s obvious,” he shrugged, kicking his legs into James' lap. He liked being able to do that. He could do anything, really. He’d spent years wanting to reach out and touch James, to hold his hand, to kiss his cheek. Now he could. James was all his. He’d told him just that. He stared at James for a few moments, the dim light making him shine in such a beautiful way. “James?”
“Mhm?” James looked over from the tv, eyebrows raising.
Regulus almost stopped himself. But James had said it. He’d managed it. “I love you,” he softly said, admiring the way James’ features softened, his eyes widening slightly.
“I love you, too,” he replied, reaching out his hand to grab Regulus’. He squeezed it gently, smiling at him as Regulus smiled back, feeling content with himself.