Berlin, Germany
REGULUS
Regulus sat in the back of the private plane, staring out the window as the last traces of Rome disappeared beneath them. The hum of the engines filled the quiet spaces between conversations, and despite the relative comfort of the flight, he still felt restless.
James, seated beside him, stretched lazily before wrapping an arm around Regulus’s shoulders, tugging him in slightly. “Relax, love,” he murmured, voice just low enough for only Regulus to hear. Regulus sighed but allowed himself to lean into James’s warmth. They hadn’t told anyone yet—hadn’t figured out how to—but moments like this, tucked away in the back, felt like their own little secret.
Across the cabin, Barty was trying to convince Evan of some ridiculous idea, his hands gesturing wildly while Evan rolled his eyes and muttered something about ‘not getting arrested in another country.’ Pandora was sketching, her notebook balanced on her knees, while Dorcas scrolled through her phone, occasionally kicking the back of Barty’s seat just to irritate him.
Regulus’s gaze flickered toward the middle of the plane, where Sirius and Remus were seated together. Remus was absorbed in his book, one hand resting idly on his lap, while Sirius—who had been valiantly attempting to stay awake—had finally given in and dozed off, his head resting against Remus’s shoulder. Regulus watched as Remus, without even glancing up, adjusted slightly to give Sirius a more comfortable position. His fingers moved, barely perceptible, threading through Sirius’s hair for a fleeting moment before returning to the book in his lap.
Regulus swallowed, glancing away. The sight shouldn’t make his chest feel tight, but it did. It was easy, natural. Like something that had been in place for years, even if they hadn’t admitted it to themselves yet. It was something Regulus wasn’t sure he’d ever have, but then James shifted beside him, pressing a kiss against his temple—barely there, fleeting, but grounding.
Regulus let himself close his eyes for a moment, ignoring the chatter around him, the distant turbulence of the flight, and just existed in the warmth of James’s embrace. Berlin was still hours away, but for now, this moment was enough.
But if anything, Regulus couldn't wait to land. James had promised him a beautiful date, and the thought of it made his heart race in a way he wasn’t used to. He had never done this before—never let anyone in like this. Sure, there had been fleeting interests in the past, moments of curiosity that he had quickly shut down, but this—James—felt different. He wasn’t just entertaining the idea of romance anymore; he was living it, letting it seep into his guarded heart bit by bit.
Would James realize that? That he was Regulus’s first? That this was untouched territory for him?
Regulus turned his head slightly, watching as James scrolled absentmindedly through his phone, his free hand still wrapped around Regulus’s arm, his thumb brushing soft, thoughtless patterns into his skin. Maybe James already knew. Maybe that’s why he hadn’t rushed him, hadn’t pushed for more than Regulus was willing to give. And maybe—just maybe—that’s what made this whole thing so terrifyingly real.
***
Regulus stared at his reflection, gripping the bathroom counter so tightly his knuckles turned white.
This was ridiculous. Absolutely, completely, and utterly ridiculous. It was just a date. Just dinner. With James. James Potter. Who had kissed him yesterday like it was the most casual thing in the world.
Regulus groaned, tilting his head back as if the ceiling held the answers to his crisis.
“You’re being stupid,” he muttered under his breath. “It’s just dinner.”
But his reflection wasn’t convinced. His reflection knew better. Because his reflection was currently watching him debate whether his black button-up was too formal or if he should go with the emerald green jumper that Pandora had declared his ‘power color.’
His hair was another issue entirely. It was being particularly uncooperative today, curls sticking out in ways he didn’t want them to. He reached for the hairbrush, running it through his hair before huffing in frustration. Maybe he should just tie it up. No—too casual. Leave it as is? No—too messy.
Merlin, he was spiraling.
Regulus stepped back, exhaling sharply, before turning to the bed where two different outfit options were laid out like evidence of his indecisiveness. He glared at them as if they had personally wronged him.
“Why am I like this?” he muttered, rubbing his temples.
“Good question.”
Regulus froze. Every muscle in his body tensed.
That voice did not belong to the mocking voice in his head. That voice belonged to James Potter.
Slowly, painfully, he turned around. And there James was, leaning casually against the doorway, arms crossed, wearing that infuriatingly charming grin. His hair was still slightly damp from the shower, and he had the audacity to look effortlessly good in a simple t-shirt and jeans.
“How long have you been standing there?” Regulus asked, horrified.
James smirked. “Long enough to see you having a full-blown existential crisis over your jumper.”
Regulus wanted to die. Right there. On the spot.
“I was not having a crisis.”
“Oh, you definitely were.” James pushed off the doorframe and walked over, glancing at the two outfits spread out on the bed. “You know, you could just ask me which one I like.”
Regulus scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “And why would I do that?”
James grinned. “Because, darling, you’re getting ready for a date with me.”
Regulus turned away quickly, hoping James didn’t catch the way his ears turned red.
“Shut up,” he muttered, grabbing the green jumper and stomping towards the bathroom.
Behind him, James laughed, and Regulus could already tell this was going to be an impossibly long night.
Regulus shut the bathroom door with a little more force than necessary, leaning against it as he exhaled sharply. His heart was racing, and he could still hear James chuckling outside.
He turned to the mirror, gripping the edges of the sink. "Pull yourself together," he whispered, shaking his head.
Regulus pulled the sweater over his head, smoothing it down and adjusting the sleeves. He tried not to think about the fact that James had caught him mid-crisis, that James had called it a date so effortlessly, like it wasn’t the single most terrifying thing in the world.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped back into the room, only to find James sitting on the edge of the bed, watching him with an amused glint in his hazel eyes.
"You look nice," James said, tilting his head slightly. "Very fitting for a date."
Regulus rolled his eyes but didn't bother fighting the warmth creeping up his neck. "Are you done being insufferable?"
James grinned. "Not even close. But come on, we should go before you decide to change again."
Regulus sighed, grabbing his coat and shaking his head as James stood up beside him. "This is going to be the longest night of my life."
James just winked. "Let’s make it a memorable one, then."
***
Regulus had no idea why he was nervous.
James had been nothing but warm, patient, and utterly insufferable in the best possible way since the moment they’d landed in Berlin. He had taken Regulus’s hand the second they stepped out of the airport, lacing their fingers together like it was the easiest thing in the world. And maybe for James, it was. For Regulus, it still felt foreign—good, but foreign.
Now, they were seated at an intimate restaurant James had found, tucked into a quiet corner where the candlelight flickered against the polished wood of their table. The place was warm, cozy, filled with the quiet hum of conversations spoken in soft German and the occasional clink of silverware against plates. The kind of place Regulus would have never picked for himself but now realized was perfect.
James, sitting across from him, grinned as he reached for his glass of wine. “You’ve been quiet,” he observed, swirling the drink absentmindedly. “That’s not like you.”
Regulus arched a brow. “You don’t know me that well, Potter.”
James hummed, leaning forward slightly. “I think I’m getting there.”
Regulus rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips. He picked at the edge of the menu, feigning interest even though he’d already decided on what to order. James had a way of looking at him—like he saw past every wall Regulus had spent years perfecting. It was infuriating. It was exhilarating.
“So,” James said, breaking the momentary silence, “what’s the verdict? Best date you’ve ever had?”
Regulus huffed a soft laugh. “You’re assuming I have anything to compare it to.”
James blinked, then tilted his head slightly. “Wait—are you serious?”
Regulus hesitated, his fingers tightening around the stem of his glass. He hadn’t meant to let that slip, hadn’t meant to say anything at all, but now it was out there, floating between them in the dim candlelight. He exhaled slowly and nodded. “Yeah.”
For the first time all evening, James seemed to be at a loss for words. Then, slowly, a soft smile spread across his face, something impossibly fond. “I feel honored, then,” he murmured, reaching across the table to take Regulus’s hand. “And I swear, I’ll make it worth it.”
Regulus rolled his eyes, but he didn’t pull away. “You’re already unbearable, Potter.”
James smirked. “And yet, here you are.”
Regulus bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling too much, but it was no use. Maybe, just maybe, this whole dating thing wasn’t as terrifying as he thought.
Their meals arrived shortly after, the scent of freshly baked bread and rich, seasoned dishes filling the air between them. James eagerly dug into his food, making an appreciative noise that had Regulus shaking his head fondly.
“You act like you haven’t eaten in days,” Regulus said, taking a measured bite of his own meal.
James grinned, wiping his mouth. “Well, excuse me for enjoying good food. You should try relaxing a little.”
Regulus gave him a dry look, but he allowed himself to take another bite, savoring the taste. The food was good, better than he had expected, and the atmosphere was soothing in a way he hadn’t anticipated.
As they ate, James filled the space with effortless conversation, recounting ridiculous stories from past tours and the absurd things Sirius had done over the years. Regulus found himself laughing more than he expected, shaking his head at the sheer madness of James’s life.
“And then,” James said between chuckles, “Sirius tried to convince the entire hotel staff that our manager was a retired rock legend who faked his death and was living in secret. He almost got away with it, too.”
Regulus let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “I have no idea how you deal with him.”
James smirked. “Oh, I don’t. I just let Remus do it.”
The conversation flowed easily, the usual tension that came with being in public melting away as the night stretched on. By the time they finished dessert—something chocolate that James insisted they share—Regulus had nearly forgotten his earlier nerves.
They left the restaurant hand in hand, stepping out into the cool Berlin night. The streets were lit with warm golden lights, and the distant hum of the city surrounded them. James, ever impulsive, tugged Regulus along until they reached a quiet park nearby, where they sat on a bench beneath the stars.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence between them was comfortable, the weight of the night settling in. Then, James turned toward him, his expression softer now, more serious.
“You know,” he said, his fingers idly tracing circles over Regulus’s hand, “I don’t want this to just be a tour thing.”
Regulus felt his breath hitch slightly. He looked down at their intertwined hands, then back at James. “Me neither.”
James smiled, something bright and full of relief. He squeezed Regulus’s hand, then, with a quiet confidence, leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss against his lips.
Regulus didn’t pull away.
When they parted, Regulus exhaled softly and looked up at the sky. His gaze lingered for a moment before he lifted a hand and pointed. "See that one? The brightest star in the sky?"
James followed his line of sight and nodded. "Yeah, I see it."
Regulus's lips quirked in something between fondness and melancholy. "That's Sirius. The Dog Star. It's always visible this time of year."
James glanced at him, picking up on the way his voice softened. "You miss him, don’t you?"
Regulus let out a slow breath. "I don’t know. Maybe. It’s strange. He’s always been larger than life, so loud and impossible to ignore. Even when we weren’t speaking, I still felt like he was there. Now, it’s different."
James squeezed his hand gently. "He's still there. Maybe not the way he used to be, but… he's there. Just like that star."
Regulus let himself lean against James, his head resting lightly on his shoulder. "Maybe you're right."
They sat there a little longer, hands still intertwined, as the stars watched over them, unbothered by the worries of two boys falling in love beneath them. The stars were scattered above them, shimmering against the vast darkness. He tilted his head, watching them thoughtfully. “You ever think about how small we are?” he murmured.
James blinked, following Regulus’s gaze. “In a philosophical way or a ‘space is terrifying’ way?”
Regulus huffed a quiet laugh. “Both, I suppose. It’s strange, isn’t it? We spend so much time worrying about things, but up there, none of it matters. The stars have been there for millions of years, and we’re just… a fraction of a second in comparison.”
James studied him for a long moment, then smiled softly. “Maybe, but I think moments like this matter.” He squeezed Regulus’s hand again. “Even if we’re small, what we do with our time still counts.”
Regulus turned to him, searching his face, then nodded slightly. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “I think you’re right.”
They sat there a little longer, hands still intertwined, as the stars watched over them, unbothered by the worries of two boys falling in love beneath them.
JAMES
James couldn’t stop smiling.
The night had been perfect—better than he ever could have imagined. Regulus had laughed, really laughed, and James had watched as the tension in his shoulders slowly eased with every passing hour. The dinner, the park, the way Regulus had leaned into him under the stars, all of it replayed in his mind like a favorite song he never wanted to end.
And then there was the realization that he was Regulus’s first boyfriend. That had settled deep in James’s chest, warm and profound. Regulus was so guarded, so careful with his emotions, and yet he had chosen James. Trusted him enough to let him in, to let him be the first.
James didn’t take that lightly. He wanted to make this right—to make Regulus feel safe, wanted, adored.
With that thought, he made his way through the quiet hallways of the hotel, heading towards Remus and Sirius’s room. His excitement bubbled up inside him, almost too much to contain. He needed to tell them. Needed to say it out loud.
As he reached their door, he hesitated for just a second, running a hand through his hair before knocking. Sirius was going to lose his mind.
Meanwhile, Regulus was probably having a similar conversation with the Slytherin Skittles. James smirked at the thought, imagining Barty and Evan’s reactions. He was almost certain there would be dramatic gasps and teasing remarks.
James took a deep breath and knocked.
This was it.
James pushed the door open quietly, expecting to find Sirius lounging around and Remus buried in a book, but what he saw instead made him freeze.
On one of the beds, Remus and Sirius were curled up together, fast asleep. Remus, ever the taller one, was sprawled out comfortably, his arms wrapped securely around Sirius, who was tucked beneath him. James blinked.
Sirius Black—the self-proclaimed leader of chaos, king of dramatics, and general menace to society—was currently curled under Remus Lupin like the world’s most exhausted house cat. James covered his mouth with his hand, trying to suppress his laughter.
Of course Sirius was under Remus. He was the king of bottoms, after all.
James stepped closer, biting back a grin as he took in the sight. Sirius had buried his face against Remus’s chest, his fingers curled lightly into Remus’s shirt. Remus, in turn, had one hand resting on Sirius’s back, his grip loose but protective. James had never seen either of them look this peaceful.
For a brief moment, he considered waking them up—after all, he did have big news—but then he thought better of it. Sirius would never let him live it down if he caught James being sentimental, and Remus… well, James had a feeling Remus already knew how deep Sirius had him wrapped around his finger.
Shaking his head, James pulled out his phone, snapped a quick picture for future blackmail purposes, and backed out of the room as quietly as he came.
Maybe he’d tell them later. Right now, he just wanted to enjoy the moment.