Athens, Greece
JAMES
James's face twists in shock when he sees The Emeralds enter the room. His mind races with confusion. What on earth are they doing here? A surge of questions hits him. What did Moody plan for them? James glances at Sirius, expecting to share his surprise. Instead, he finds Sirius completely still, locked in a stare. Curious, James follows his friend’s gaze. His eyes land on Regulus Black.
Oh fuck.
James had seen pictures of Regulus online, but gosh. The real deal was ten times better. It had been years since James had last seen him. Back then, Regulus had been just another Slytherin—quiet, aloof, always lurking in the shadows. But the man standing before him now was... different.
James couldn’t help but stare. Regulus had grown into his features, and Merlin, what features they were. His dark, curling hair fell above his sharp cheekbones, perfectly framing his pale face. His silver-grey eyes scanned the room with cool detachment. His eyes were like a storm, and James didn't mind being sucked into it.
“Reg,” Sirius said, breaking the silence. He stepped forward with a wide, cocky grin, but James didn’t miss the tension in his shoulders. “Long time no see.”
Regulus gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable. “Sirius.”
Why was every part of this man so perfect? His voice, his face, his body. Regulus wasn't the type you'd think was pretty and go on with your day; he was the type that needed to be admired for hours, days, weeks, months, years, and decades. And James was more than willing to do so; how did he never notice him back at school? James must have been blind.
"Moody," Regulus begins."What are we doing here?" He asks in his cold tone.
"I'm sending you all on tour; it's for charity. It'll be all over Europe, and you'll be there for a month and 2 weeks. The Valkyries will join you in the fourth week, though. I thought I'd tell you ladies in advance."
Lily nods with a sweet little smile."I appreciate it, but why us? Why these 3 bands together?" She asks, keeping her tone soft and even.
Moody replies, not matching her kind and gentle energy. "First of all, because I fucking said so. Second of all, The Marauders fans and The Emeralds fans fully believe that there is bad blood between them, and even if there is, that isn't a public image I want for them. Third of all, Albus, for some odd reason, wants the three of you to work together."
James blinked, trying to process what he’d just heard. A month and two weeks. Together. With him.
Before he could stop himself, his eyes flickered back to Regulus. He stood there, arms crossed, his face a picture of icy indifference. How could someone look so effortlessly composed when James was having a full-blown existential crisis just a few feet away?
"Hold on a second," Sirius interjected, leaning back with a dramatic flair. "Can we decline for our sanity?"
Moody’s one good eye zeroed in on him. “No.”
James snorted, earning a sharp glare from Sirius. Regulus’s lip twitched—just barely—and James’s heart leaped like he’d just witnessed a shooting star. Did that count as a smile? Did Regulus even know how to smile?
"Your flight is tomorrow; you'll be going to Greece for night one; I'll email you the details later. You're dismissed." Moody declares.
The three bands step out of the cramped office. A member from The Emeralds named Pandora Rosier starts to speak. "Well, since we're going to be together for a while, how about everyone introduce themselves?" She says with a sweet smile."I'm Pandora Roiser."
"I'm James Potter."
"Sirius Black."
"Remus Lupin."
"Peter Pettigrew."
"It's a pleasure to meet you all." Pandora says cheerfully, elbowing another boy that looked like a male version of her.
"I'm Evan Rosier." Evan mutters.
"Barty Crouch Jr." Another boy says with pride and a wide smirk.
"Well, I'm Meadowes. Dorcas Meadowes." The girl standing next to Regulus says.
“Black,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with ice. “Regulus Arcturus Black.”
"Don't worry, we know, Reggie." Sirius replies with a smug smirk.
"How about you ladies?" Pandora asks, looking at The Valkyries.
"Well, I'm Lily Evans." Lily answers, tossing her red hair backward.
"Marlene McKinnon, gorgeous." Marlene answers with a wink.
"I'm Mary Macdonald." Mary flashes Pandora a sweet smile.
“A pleasure, I’m sure. Thank you and goodbye.” Regulus said coolly, already turning on his heel to leave as if the conversation had cost him more time than it was worth.
***
The following morning, James and the other members of the Marauders boarded their private plane. The aircraft was as luxurious as one might expect for a band of their caliber—plush leather seats, mahogany tables, and subtle lighting that screamed exclusivity. The hum of the engines provided a comforting background noise as they settled in, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement.
James sprawled out in his seat beside Sirius, occasionally glancing out the window. Remus and Peter, seated behind them, were already immersed in a quiet conversation, Peter laughing at something Remus had said.
When the Emeralds finally arrived, James’s gaze zeroed in on Regulus the moment he stepped onto the plane. Regulus wore a simple white tee, but the way it clung to his frame made it look effortlessly stylish. A black cardigan draped over his shoulders, softening his sharp edges, while light blue jeans completed the outfit. Clean. Simple. Perfect. James couldn't help but think he could stare at Regulus forever and still not get enough.
The Emeralds began finding their seats. Barty and Evan slid into a pair of seats after stowing their bags and helping Pandora and Regulus with theirs. Pandora joined Dorcas near the middle of the plane, leaving Regulus to choose a seat near the window by himself. James noticed the subtle way Regulus's hand lingered on the seat next to Pandora before pulling away, as if deciding something at the last second.
James leaned closer to Sirius. "He’s sitting alone," he murmured.
"By choice or not?" Sirius whispered back, his brow furrowed.
James shrugged. "Why don’t you ask him?"
Sirius hesitated for a moment before standing, his jaw set with determination. "Wish me luck," he said under his breath.
“Don’t push it,” James reminded him quickly. "If he doesn’t want to talk, let it go."
Sirius gave a solemn nod and strode toward Regulus. James’s eyes followed his every step, his heart pounding for reasons he didn’t entirely understand.
He watched as Sirius slid into the seat next to his brother, offering a tentative smile. Regulus stiffened at first but didn’t immediately push him away. They began talking, though James couldn’t hear the words over the plane’s engine. Instead, he watched their body language. Regulus’s posture was stiff; his gaze fixed out the window. Sirius leaned closer, gesturing animatedly.
Was it going well? James couldn’t tell. But then, for the briefest moment, Regulus turned to Sirius, his expression softening just slightly. A flicker of something—acceptance? Curiosity?—crossed his face before his usual guarded mask returned.
James felt a wave of relief, followed by a pang of something else. Jealousy? No, it couldn’t be. Could it?
He shook his head and forced himself to look away, his fingers drumming nervously on the armrest. Whatever Sirius was saying, James just hoped it was enough to begin to bridge the years of silence between the Black brothers.
As James tries not to eavesdrop, Sirius returns to his seat with a conflicted expression.
"So?" James asks, his curiosity getting the best of him.
"It's a start; I can't ask him everything at once or else he'll push me away immediately." Sirius answers. James nods, understandingly.
Crouch suddenly stands up, addressing everyone onboard. "Did anyone open Moody's last email? Cause I didn't, and my email isn't opening for some odd reason."
"When the fuck did he find time to send another email? Isn't he busy or something?" Remus asks annoyed.
"Exactly! That's what I always fucking say." Crouch agrees.
Meadowes speaks up with a laptop on her lap, "It's about the hotel details and the room arrangements. Black and Lupin are sharing a room, Barty and Evan, Pandora and Pettigrew, Reggie and Potter, and I'm sleeping alone."
"Oi, Pettigrew! No offence, but I'm not letting you share a room with my sister. Dorcas, can you switch with him, please?" Roiser says.
Meadowes rolls her eyes fondly. "Sure, Evan. Pettigrew, do you mind?" She asks.
"Not one bit; I'm glad that I don't have to share a room." Peter replies nonchalantly.
James then tuned out all the other voices. He and Regulus were sharing a room. He was going to be in the same room as THE Regulus Black. What if I snore? What if I say something stupid? What if I breathe too loudly? What if I talk in my sleep? What if I say his name in my sleep? Oh, Merlin. James tries to act casual but fails miserably, shooting a quick glance at Regulus, who looks entirely unbothered.
REGULUS
Ever since Moody told them about the tour, James has not left Regulus' mind. Regulus had been in love with James since 4th year at Hogwarts, but James had never seen him as anything more than Sirius' younger brother. That was also one of the reasons Regulus never actually told the public that Sirius was his brother because he refused to be stuck in his shadow any longer.
No one had ever given Regulus any attention at Hogwarts, too focused on his older brother, but Regulus couldn't blame them. Why would anyone give a fuck about the cold, reserved little brother when the prankster, funny older brother was right there? He was doomed to be only known as 'Sirius' younger brother' and never his own person. He hated being stuck in Sirius' shadow and refused for it to go on as he became famous; the world would know him as 'Regulus Black' and only that, nothing else.
Regulus couldn't stop staring at James when no one was looking and feeling his breath quicken every time he felt James' eyes on him. The moment Dorcas announced that him and James were sharing a room, Regulus didn't know if he wanted to thank Moody or hex him.
Currently, they had just arrived at the hotel and it was huge and luxurious, they had agreed to sleep now and then plan something in the morning. So Regulus and James went to their assigned room and once they entered, Regulus froze.
One bed. There was only one bed.
James tossed his duffle bag onto the plush hotel bed, letting out a relieved sigh. "This is nice, huh? Fancy but not too much."
Regulus, standing stiffly by the doorway, crossed his arms. "Sure. Fancy." His eyes flicked to the singular bed in the middle of the room, his lips pressing into a thin line.
James noticed the direction of his gaze and grinned. "You good, mate? It’s just a bed. Won’t bite."
Regulus scowled. "I’ll take the floor."
"Don’t be ridiculous. You’ll ruin your back."
"I’ll manage." Regulus’s tone left little room for argument as he dropped his bag near the couch and sat down, pulling out his phone in an attempt to ignore James.
James sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "Look, you don’t have to act so noble or whatever. It’s one night, and I promise I won’t hog the covers."
"No."
"Why not?"
Regulus glanced at him, his cheeks faintly pink. "I move in my sleep. It’s a bad idea."
James flopped onto the bed, stretching out dramatically. “Great, so do I. We’ll have a little midnight wrestling match. Could be fun.”
Regulus scowled, his jaw tightening. “I’m serious.”
“And I’m James,” he quipped, flashing him a grin.
Regulus didn’t laugh. Instead, he grabbed a spare blanket from the closet and tossed it onto the floor. “I’ll sleep here.”
James sat up, watching him spread the blanket with military precision. “You’ll wake up sore.”
“I’ll manage,” Regulus said curtly, already lying down and turning his back to James.
James sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Suit yourself, mate.” He turned off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into darkness.
The truth is, Regulus didn't want to sleep next to James because he would have not been able to sleep with James so near to him and whenever he slept next to someone which had only been Sirius (When they were kids) and Barty (At a sleepover) he would end up cuddling them and Regulus would die if he ended up doing the same to James.
JAMES
The dull thud startled James awake. He blinked, his eyes landing on Regulus, who was sprawled half on the floor, his head resting against the sharp edge of the bedside table. It looked like he had bumped his head on it.
“Bloody hell,” James muttered, sitting up. He leaned over and shook Regulus gently. “Oi, get on the bed before you give yourself a concussion.”
Regulus didn’t respond, his face slack in sleep.
James sighed, muttering under his breath as he got up and carefully lifted Regulus off the floor. “Stubborn git,” he grumbled, maneuvering him onto the mattress.
He pulled the blanket over Regulus, intending to leave him there and return to his side of the bed. But as he lay back down, he felt something shift. Regulus’s body inched closer, his head landing lightly on James’s chest.
His heart raced as he stared at the ceiling, the weight of Regulus’s head warm and oddly comforting. He hesitated before whispering, “You’re lucky, you're cute.”
Regulus stirred slightly but didn’t wake, his hand curling near James’s ribs.
James let out a quiet laugh, his nerves fading as he let himself relax. Maybe sharing a room wouldn’t be so bad after all. James gently brushed Regulus’s hair out of his face.
Regulus looked so innocent when he was asleep and not staring daggers at everyone. He looked so innocent, pure, and adorable as if he wouldn't dare hurt a fly.
James took a risk and gently, pressed a light kiss on his forehead.
The kiss lingered in the air, just a soft brush of warmth against Regulus’s forehead, and James immediately froze, his breath catching. His heart pounded in his chest, the pulse racing under his skin. What had he just done?
Regulus didn’t stir, not even the slightest shift of his body. James had no idea if Regulus was still asleep or if he’d somehow sensed the brief, intimate contact. But it didn’t matter. James had crossed a line, and now the question of what to do with this new, dangerous spark burned in his mind.
James didn’t even realize how long he lay there, staring at the ceiling, the weight of Regulus’s head still warm against his chest. He felt the soft rise and fall of Regulus’s breathing, the quiet sound somehow soothing despite the chaos swirling in his own mind. You’re being an idiot, Potter. You’ve got it all wrong. He’s just—he’s just your mate’s brother, that’s all.
But it wasn’t that simple, was it? The moment Regulus had stepped into the room, everything had shifted. James couldn’t stop thinking about the way Regulus’s eyes seemed to linger just a second too long on him, how the air between them had felt thick and charged with something unspoken.
Focus, James. Focus.
But it was so hard to push the thought of Regulus from his mind now. The feeling of his hair between his fingers, the warmth of his hand so close to his own... It was as if everything about Regulus was pulling him closer, wrapping him in a strange, inescapable pull that he didn’t know how to fight.
He swallowed thickly, trying to ignore the rush of emotions building in his chest. No. Regulus doesn’t want this. He’s not like that. He doesn’t even like you.
And yet, there was a part of James that couldn’t deny the quiet tenderness he felt towards him, especially now. He didn’t want to admit it, but that kiss—no matter how innocent it had seemed—had made something inside James twist and ache.
Minutes passed, the silence stretching on between them. James let himself drift, the rhythm of Regulus’s breathing calming him for a moment. But just as he was starting to slip into a more comfortable sleep, a small, almost imperceptible movement came from Regulus. He shifted slightly, his body inching closer to James, his face nuzzling into the warmth of his chest.
James’s heart skipped a beat.
He should push him away. He should say something, tell Regulus to get back on his side of the bed. But he didn’t. He couldn’t. Instead, he let out a breath, his fingers lightly brushing the edge of Regulus’s hair again, almost unconsciously.
For a few moments, the room was still. There was no awkwardness, no tension—just the soft sound of their breathing, and James’s mind reeling. The quiet closeness felt natural, like it had always been this way. But that was impossible, wasn’t it?
He let himself drift, the warmth of Regulus’s presence almost lulling him into a false sense of peace, even as a gnawing uncertainty continued to churn beneath his calm exterior.
The kiss was just a mistake. It was nothing. He wouldn’t think about it again.
But deep down, James knew it wouldn’t be that easy.