Chapter 37
Regulus was rather shocked at how easy it was to feel at home in a flat full of people. He wasn’t shocked because he didn’t like the company, but instead because he was usually so solitary. He’d spent years in his bedroom, avoiding the fights downstairs. And after his brother left, he was even longer wrapped in blankets in his room. And the past months of living in the flat had also been rather lonely. But there always seemed to be someone coming or going from the flat now.
It was nice, really. The girls had come over a handful of times before classes started up again. And even with the busy schedules the group no doubt had, there was always time to see one another, nights split between going out, and staying in.
But as nice as that could be, it also wasn’t. There always seemed to be someone coming or going from the flat.
There were fleeting moments, really; a lingering glance over their toast while Peter ranted about how long his day was going to be; a small touch as they passed each other in the hallway; shy smiles as they managed to sit next to each other in the evenings, usually before a roommate dropped in between them. It was really nothing.
They had managed a small kiss, barely a peck, just outside the bathroom one morning. But that was about it. Regulus could tell James was too nervous to make the small steps across the hall to his room, and he was feeling similar. The fear of confrontation held him back.
They managed to text a lot, though. And they’d managed to have two more coffee dates between classes, James being the one to ask each time. Regulus was really quite busy, his workload distracting him from his boyfriend duties. But he supposed the texting was easy enough.
Most of James’ texts were observations from his day. He’d send messages during his classes, on his walk between classes, and when he was in the same room as Regulus, but too far to say what he wanted out loud. Regulus had quite the collection building of random thoughts from the mind of James Potter. It was rather sweet.
He liked to notify Regulus when he saw a dog, or a squirrel, occasionally managing to take pictures. He also informed him of what he ate, and when he ate it. He would send links to videos he found funny, and memes he enjoyed. And he really liked just texting any thought that popped into his head, no matter how random.
But Regulus’ favourite texts were the ones that were distinctly romantic. Compliments from across the room, when there were too many ears for it to be spoken aloud. Good morning texts that had heart emojis attached. Selfies taken as he was on the way to class, often involving him attempting to wink, or blowing kisses. Even just an ‘x’ on the end of a text let off an explosion of butterflies in his stomach. It was really quite sickly.
He was well aware he wasn’t as good at the couple texting as James was. He often forgot to add the ‘x’s on the end of messages, and his selfies often looked rather miserable as he commuted to classes. And he didn’t use emojis. Ever. But James never seemed to mind, simply typing back more ‘x’s, and endless compliments in response to moody selfies, along with as many emojis as he could fit.
“You’re turning me into a sap,” Regulus muttered down the phone. He pulled his coat around him as he walked, the February weather just as cold as January’s had been.
“I am not!” James scolded. James was probably warm. He was probably really warm. He wasn’t attempting to drunkenly make his way home from the pub at 1 in the morning. Barty had been the one to drag him out, only to disappear after Pandora and her boyfriend arrived. But they were entertainment enough for Regulus to remain in the booth with them for a few more hours, finally texting James to alert him of his whereabouts.
James was protective, apparently, and had demanded Regulus call him so he’d get home safely. Regulus had no problem with that, as he huffed quietly. “You are! Pandora saw me send you a ridiculous selfie earlier! That’s embarrassing.”
“It was a cute selfie. It’s fine.” Regulus could picture him shrugging. “Besides, you can’t turn into a sap! I’m simply unlocking something which was always there.”
“It was not!” Regulus argued. He was rather drunk, yawning into his arm as he walked. “S’not my fault you’re lovely.”
“I’m lovely?” James questioned.
“Really, quite lovely. Why is that? You’re lovely to me, all the time, even when I’m terrible!” His voice sounded higher than usual. He wanted to laugh. “I really like how lovely you are.”
“Well, then, I’ll keep it up!” He laughed quietly. “You’re never terrible, though, Reggie.”
“I can be!” Regulus whined. “I mean, I’m making you lie.. To your best friends! That’s terrible! And I treated you awfully in the past, really, but you’re so lovely.”
“Are you almost home?” James enquired.
“Home… You know, James, honestly, you’re my home! The flat is nice, I must admit, but you’re the reason I’m there, really,” he admitted. His guard was down. He couldn’t really remember the last time he’d been this drunk. He was nearing the flat, though. He could scrounge some food from the kitchen, and collapse into bed. Or he could see James. “Are you at home?”
“I’ve been home all evening,” he reminded.
“Oh, good,” Regulus exclaimed. “I can’t wait to see you. I love seeing you.”
“I love seeing you too,” James chuckled. Regulus couldn’t help but feel James sounded fond. “Are you almost home, though?”
“Coming up to the flat now,” Regulus promised, stepping into the lift.
“Good,” James murmured. Regulus stared at his reflection in the elevator mirror, almost smiling. He looked healthy, really. There were no dark circles under his eyes for once, and his cheeks were a light shade of pink, presumably due to the cold air and alcohol. He couldn’t help but smile slightly, as he stumbled into the flat, eyes immediately landing on his boyfriend who was waiting by the door.
“Jamie!” Regulus hung up his phone, throwing his arms around him. James immediately shushed him, although he was also huffing a laugh as he did so, amused by the performance. “Hi!” He drew out the word, keeping his voice quiet as he buried his face in James’ neck.
“Hi, Reggie,” James murmured, voice clear in his ear. Regulus held onto him tighter. “You smell like a brewery.”
“Mhm,” Regulus sounded, finally stepping back. He gave James a small grin, heart almost stuttering as James returned it. “You’re so pretty.”
James let out a quiet laugh, his hand holding Regulus’. “Do you want to go to bed?”
“Your bed?” Regulus waggled his eyebrows, a small smirk on his lips.
James shook his head slowly, still smiling. He tugged Regulus towards him, easily, already leading him towards his room. “Don’t go getting ideas, Reggie. You’re far too pissed to do anything other than sleep.”
“I’m not even tired,” Regulus whispered as they neared his bedroom. His breath caught on a yawn, though, which made James raise an eyebrow as he looked back at him. Regulus glared as he followed him into his bedroom, already stumbling towards his bed.
He fell back onto it, staring at his ceiling. The room span slightly, and he pouted as he attempted to pull his coat off, while still lying on his back. James appeared above him, and stood at the end of his bed, his head blocking the light above it. Regulus grinned up at him, eyebrows raising. “Here,” James held out a t-shirt. “Don’t sleep in your jeans.”
Regulus pushed himself up, finally freeing himself of his coat. He tugged off his shirt next, dropping it in a heap at the end of his bed, pulling off his jeans next. James offered him a small smile when he looked back at him. He pulled the t-shirt James gave him over his head, smiling at how big it was. “Are you staying?” He questioned, eyes widening as he looked up at James.
“Do you want me to stay?” James checked.
“I always want you to stay,” he gently reminded, moving towards James easily. James watched him, accepting the kiss Regulus placed on his lips before pulling back, nodding slightly. He held Regulus’ hand as he lead him to the bed, only letting go once Regulus had snuggled under the covers, making his way back to the door to turn off the light.
He landed on the other side of the bed, easily, and Regulus immediately gravitated toward him, wrapping his arms around him. Regulus hated feeling clingy, but he was too drunk to care as he attempted to wrap himself around James, tangling them together. “I love you,” he mumbled, sleep already washing over him.
“I love you too,” James whispered into the darkness.
Regulus didn’t remember setting an alarm, but he apparently had, as his phone blared a ringtone at 9 the next morning, making his head hurt, and his heart jump, jolting him awake. He wasn’t even really sure of where his phone even was, though. He couldn’t find it by blindly slapping his hand off his bedside table. He slowly cracked an eye open, detangling himself from James’ arms as he fell out of his bed, crawling towards his jeans on the floor.
He glared at the time, finally silencing his phone. There was a groan from his bed, which he ignored, as he quickly pulled on his jeans from the night before. He also pulled on a fresh t-shirt and the hoodie that he found discarded on his floor. He didn’t remember setting the alarm, and he certainly didn’t remember setting it for the wrong time.
He didn’t bother looking in the mirror, instead running a hand through his hair as he rushed to the opposite side of the bed, ducking to press a quick kiss against James’ cheek. He was still attempting to sleep, apparently, although he hummed in appreciation at the action, snuggling into the covers more.
Regulus felt warmth bloom in his chest before he stepped away, remembering he was late. He pulled on his shoes, grabbing his bag before finally slipping out of his bedroom, ignoring the pang in his head as he attempted to make it to the front door.
If Remus didn’t drop the spoon in the sink in the kitchen, Regulus was sure he wouldn’t have even noticed his presence. But he did, the noise causing Regulus to whip his head around to see the lanky boy, who held a mug with two hands. “Morning.”
“Morning,” Regulus responded. “I’m late.”
“Mm, late night?” He questioned, taking a quiet sip of his drink.
Regulus nodded, slowly padding towards the kitchen. He was already late, he might as well get an apple. “Yeah, didn’t make it home till 1ish.”
Remus nodded back, lifting his cup to his lips. “I’m sure James kept you occupied later than that, though.” He took a smooth sip as Regulus watched him, attempting to give nothing away. He kept his face completely blank, although his mind was running through 1000 things to say. Remus put his mug down, carefully, crossing his arms. “Relax, would you? I won’t tell him.”
“You know then?” He questioned, his hand hovering over the fruit bowl.
Remus shrugged slightly. “I figured it out at New Years.”
“That was weeks ago!” Regulus accused.
“Why do you think I dragged Sirius to London?” He rolled his eyes as if he were offended Regulus hadn’t figured it out yet. “He has no idea, by the way. He didn’t realise I was flirting with him for around 4 months. And he’s too busy falling over himself begging for your forgiveness to notice anything strange.”
“I forgave him,” Regulus shrugged.
“You didn’t, really,” Remus shook his head. “And I can’t blame you. I haven’t forgiven him, and he didn’t even do it to me. He can be really fucking awful.”
“It’s fine,” he lied.
Remus shook his head again. “It’s not, honestly. He was a twat for that. I know he’s your brother and my boyfriend, but christ, I hate him for that. He really needs to grow a fucking brain sometimes. Can’t even blame you and James for not telling anyone.”
“Well, some people know.”
“Who?” Remus questioned.
“Barty, Pandora.. Lily,” he led off as Remus almost laughed. “I don’t want to tell Sirius, and have some big… confrontation.”
“So, are you just going to leave him to figure it out by himself?” Remus tilted his head. “That could take weeks.”
“It won’t,” Regulus informed him, sighing as Remus rose an eyebrow. “I have a plan.”
“A plan?”
“Yes! A plan! So, he can figure it out, and feel smart, and high, and mighty, which will distract him from feeling angry,” he crossed his arms, mirroring Remus.
“Is the plan to get caught in James’ clothes?” He questioned, eyeing Regulus’ jumper. He looked down, mentally cursing himself for not realising he was in James’ hoodie sooner. “He’s not here, anyway. He and Peter said they’d be home at dinner time, so loosen up.”
Regulus sighed to himself, his classes practically forgotten as he moved towards the fridge, pulling it open. “How did you figure it out?”
“I have eyes,” Remus muttered. Regulus glanced at him over his shoulder, frowning before he turned back. “I just noticed things. Small things. James double-checked his outfit before you arrived, and then got excited when you did. He smiles a lot when you’re not looking, and he texts a lot and smiles. And you two disappeared at midnight that night. I just put it together, I suppose.”
“How smart,” Regulus sounded, ignoring the small flip his stomach did at the idea of James smiling when he wasn’t looking, and dressing up for him. He finally grabbed out leftover slice of pizza, reluctantly dropping his bag to the floor, class a completely abandoned idea as he leaned against the counter across from Remus. “Does James know you know?”
“Know what?” James called, on his way into the kitchen, making both of them jump.
Regulus rose an eyebrow as Remus shook his head. “Not yet.”
“Know what?” James questioned again, coming closer. He looked between the two, eyebrows raising. He was still in the clothes he’d slept in, and his hair looked rather flattened to his head, although still slightly fluffy. His glasses were falling down his face, but he quickly pushed them up, looking between them again. “I’m feeling rather out of the loop right now.”
“I was just talking to Regulus about boy problems,” Remus shrugged.
“What’s Sirius done now?” He questioned.
Regulus would have had to be blind not to notice the mischievous glint in Remus’ eye. Or not paying attention, like James. “Oh, not Remus’ boy problems. Mine.”
James almost jumped. He was by the cupboard, attempting to choose a mug, his back to the pair. “Really?” He questioned, a slight strain on his voice. “What seems to be the issue?”
“What isn’t the issue?” Remus laughed, and Regulus had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop from laughing.
James whirled around, eyebrows raising. “I thought you said he was a nice bloke!” He accused, eyebrows knitting together as he looked at Regulus.
Remus let out a quiet laugh, drawing the boy's attention back to him. James looked rather puzzled. “Do you just think he’s nice because he’s you?”
“You told him?!” James almost shrieked, looking over at Regulus.
“He didn’t need to. You’ve been wearing your ‘I heart Regulus’ t-shirt for weeks now!” Remus teased, and James’ cheeks flamed. “It’s rather cute.”
“Shut up,” James muttered, finally grabbing a mug. “Does Sirius know?”
“No, he’s an idiot,” Remus fondly murmured as James filled the kettle quickly.
“He is,” Regulus agreed, taking a bite of his food. “Will you make me a cup?” He questioned James, who looked back at him, nodding with a smile.
Regulus could feel Remus watching them, but he didn’t say anything as he kept his eyes glued to James’ movements, slowly spooning coffee granules into the mug he’d gotten out, dashing some syrup in next. He gave Regulus an easy smile as he handed him the full mug, and Regulus couldn’t help but smile back.
Remus made a mild noise of amusement, the couple both looking over at him. “He’s blind, honestly. I think Peter will notice before Sirius.”
“We’re usually more subtle!” James argued. “We can just let our guard down around you, because you know.”
“Trust me,” Remus put on a teacher voice as he spoke. “You’re not more subtle. Regulus, maybe. But not you.”
“I’m offended,” he protested, pouting a little bit. The boys simply shrugged in response. “I thought you have class. Why aren’t you in class?”
“Hangover,” Regulus lied, taking a sip of his drink. It was a bit too hot but he didn’t mind. He liked the fact James had made him something. James stepped closer to him, ruffling his hair. Regulus narrowed his eyes slightly.
“You should still go. Learn,” James shrugged.
Regulus shook his head behind his mug. He was going to be doomed to a day on the couch, watching whatever awful tv show he could find, recovering from the slight headache that was hitting. “Do you have class?”
‘No.”
“Great, then we’ll both stay,” Regulus shrugged, already spinning out of the kitchen, ready to crash onto the couch. He could hear quiet murmuring from James and Remus, the pair obviously quietly discussing something. But Regulus didn’t stick around to hear. He eased himself onto the couch, carefully, ensuring he didn’t spill a drop of his drink as he drew his knees to his chest, his other hand grabbing the remote that was beside him.
He was absently flicking through the channels when James finally sank down beside him, holding his own mug. Remus ended up in the armchair in the corner, a book clutched between his fingers. He seemed instantly engulfed in his reading as Regulus finally put on Back to the Future, which happened to be on a film channel. James lit up as he recognised the scene in front of him, and instantly, it was as if Regulus had been transported back to the Potter’s house. He was leaned into James, as usual, James occasionally quoting lines in his ear, nudging him lazily at his favourite scene.
When their mugs were empty, placed safely on the coffee table, James pulled Regulus into him more, arms wrapping around him, chin resting on his shoulder. His jokes were told as if they were secrets, the air from his lips giving Regulus goosebumps, making him want to squirm. He relaxed into his arms, though, finding it easy to simply lean into one another, the film ending as the next began.
Regulus was yawning as the front door opened, his brother back much earlier than expected. He vaguely glanced around the living room, and Regulus felt his heart drop. Was it all to unravel so quickly? Was this the confrontation he had been dreading? He could feel James tense under him, too, obviously thinking the same things. But Sirius wasn’t looking at them, instead offering Remus a small smile of a hello.
“Can you believe I left my charcoals? Took them out yesterday especially, and still fucking left them,” he huffed his words, walking past the couple clutching each other on the couch, not even offering a second glance.
Remus looked over at them, expression blank as his boyfriend stalked down to their room. “If you move, it will draw attention to it,” he warned. Regulus and James mutely nodded.
Sirius returned, shaking a small metal box that made a quiet noise. “Got them!” He announced, happily. He gave Regulus and James a slight nod, kissing Remus on the cheek, and left again, ridiculously quickly.
James blew out a breath Regulus had also been holding, letting go of Regulus as he fell back dramatically. Remus let out a quiet laugh, which he’d probably wanted to do since Sirius arrived back. “He’s blind, honestly.”