IV
James practically skipped to Astronomy.
He had been texting Regulus back and forth all week, and knew he was falling, hard.
You couldn't deny the energy. Between James' cute remarks to Regulus' dirty mind, they fit. The cadence of their spark was steady.
As James walked into the prison school, he hoped Regulus would already be there. James was ten minutes early, but he really, really wanted to see Regulus in person again. He was beautiful.
As James walked into the classroom, he was very disappointed to see Regulus wasn't there. He sighed, and stood off to the side. He needed to be free at any moment in case Regulus walked in.
As James took out his phone, he heard the door open, and he looked up quickly, and broke into a huge smile as he saw Regulus walk in. He was as pretty as ever, and he had a ring that James hadn't seen before. It was a snake, but it had emerald for eyes. It was stunning.
James sighed dreamily as Regulus approached him.
"I see someone has learned how to be on time," James commented slyly, grinning at him.
"I could say the same for you," Regulus replied, but he couldn't hide the smile on his face.
"I can see I've already corrupted you to a life of smiling and happiness," James teased, brushing Regulus' hand with his.
"How dare you. I was perfectly happy brooding in misery," Regulus deadpanned, and James just grinned.
"That's too bad," James said, and he cringed internally at how incredibly bad he was at this. He couldn't flirt to save his life. He could however, write 1am drunk messages with 500 words about how Remus loves reading. It had only been sent to Sirius, but it was still funny.
"I hope you've done some research on the stars," Regulus said, looking up at him. "Because I'll quiz you."
"All I know is that stars are pretty," He replied, looking at Regulus.
"James, stop flirting with me."
"But it's fun. And you're really cute."
"Yeah yeah. But we're at an Astronomy class in a secondary school on a Thursday night. Relax," Regulus rolled his eyes. "We'll see each other on Saturday."
"A whole two days away!"
James had made sure Regulus was free for a picnic, except Regulus didn't know it was a picnic. It was a very good surprise in James' opinion. All Regulus knew was to 'bring himself.'
Before Regulus could complain about James over exaggerating, Chris appeared, and that was the start of the class.
"So today, my poor victims, we're going to look at the Canis Major and Canis Minor," Chris said. "No, they're not the same thing. Canis Major is the bigger one."
"Obviously," Regulus scoffed under his breath.
"Don't be mean."
"That's so boring"
"In Greek Mythology, Canis Major and Canis Minor were the hunting dogs to Orion the Hunter, the constellation we learned about last week. Can anyone name a star in Orion?"
"Bellatrix," Alice said.
"Beetlejuice," James replied, getting a few laughs. "But it's actual name is Betelgeuse."
"Correct. Now, Canis Major is the main constellation we will focus on, as it contains the Star Sirius, the brightest and most visible star in our night sky. Can anyone tell me how to find it?"
"Use Orion's belt as a guide," Samuel replied.
"Spot on. Now, let's learn something new," Chris smiled, before going to get his diagrams.
"First, I'll show you the constellation. As you can see this is the star Sirius. There's actually to Sirius stars, Sirius A and Sirius B, but Sirius B isn't visible with the naked eye. Sirius A, that's the main star. It's a main sequence star, which sounds cool. It's actually 25 times more luminous than our sun, but clearly not as big.
"Adhara is the second brightest star in this constellation, and it's around 430 light years away from Earth, while Sirius is only 8.6."
James couldn't listen properly. His brain had so many thoughts. He hadn't got much sleep last night, he hasn't felt the needed. He was slightly worried that this was the prodrome for mania, but surely it wouldn't come so soon after a depressive episode? It's only been three weeks aince the last one. But he couldn't stop thinking about Regulus. He had the picnic planned out with as much detail as he could possibly could. He was very meticulous about the whole thing it needed to be perfect.
Chocolate strawberries, chocolate marshmallows, sandwiches, grapes, he had it covered. He even had bought some sparkling water, with Mi Widi to go into it if Regulus didn't like it. James liked sparkling water as it felt like having bad bubbles in his mouth, and grounded him if needs be.
That reminded him, he hasn't taken his medicine in the last two days. As subtly as possible, he reached into his sachel to take two out. As he swallowed them, Regulus saw, and raised an eyebrow.
"Don't tell me you're a drug addict," He sighed.
"I can assure you I'm not. Just got a bad headache," James replied, impressed with his quick thinking.
"You carry Panadol on you?"
"I'm prone to a headache every so often. Plus, what if someone's on their period and in pain? I don't just carry Panadol. I carry chocolate."
"You're absolutely way to pure for this world," Regulus rolled his eyes, but his eyes were filled with admiration.
James was so pleased with that comment for the rest of the class.
When the class was over, James walked with Regulus to the train, as they were both taking it.
"Who's car was that last week?" James asked him, holding his hand out it to offer to Regulus.
Regulus took it, slightly shy, but tried to appear indifferent.
"My Friend Barty's. He was out of town on work, so I promised to make sure I would use it," Regulus replied. "He's terrified the battery will randomly die. Bless him."
James let out a low whistle.
"Fancy car. Can't say I have the same. More like an eight year old that's used rarely," James laughed. The only time either Sirius or himself would use it was if they were going somewhere that's not possible by train or in an emergency. The latter was used for it more.
"He's rich. His Dad runs some company," Regulus offered.
" Life isn't complete without that one rich friend," James smiled.
"Universal experience," Regulus quipped.
They were at the train station, thought neither of them seemed to want to part ways. The only reason James let go of Regulus' hand was because he had a train to catch.
"Goodbye until Saturday," James said. He was bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet with excitement.
"I better not be disappointed," Regulus joked.
"Only the best for my prince," James replied, and hopped onto the underground, feeling Regulus' eyes bore into the back of his neck.
James let out a sigh of longing. He wasn't the slightest bit tired. As he stared out the window, he had the excellent idea to make a playlist for the picnic. He got out his phone and started addin songs. Taylor Swift was immediately added. She was the question and the only right answer. He dreamed of kissing Regulus to I think he knows.
As he got off the train, he couldn't help but pick up on his strange mood. He had so many plans that made him happy. He decided to brush it off, he didn't want to worry Sirius. It was the last thing they needed.
"Honey, I'm home."
"Good! I made scones," Remus answered, and James walked into the kitchen to see that Sirius' hair had a lot of flour in it.
"Remus is a bully."
"Remus is funny," James laughed. It was the one thing Sirius loved. Their hair. James' couldn't help but laugh.
"You look so silly. Regulus didn't look silly. He was absolutely gorgeous. I wish I were that pretty."
He could feel himself speeding up, but he needed to speak. If his brain was gonna go a million miles an hour, everyone was gonna know. "I can't wait for Saturday. He better love it." James clapped his hands contently.
Remus and Sirius exchanged a look.
"Why don't you sit down and take a scone," Sirius said, handing him a plate, before preceding to push James into a chair. "Much better."
James decided that he wasn't going to argue. Sirius thought he was slipping. How silly of them. He was merely excited. It was completely normal.
As they discussed Jobs, James only half listened, joining in when he needed, but otherwise staying quiet. He also had to decide what to do with his class next week. He let the thoughts swirl round and round his head, but was rudely snapped back to reality by none other than Sirius.
"Prongs, are you alright?" Sirius asked, looking at him with a strange look on their face. "You zoned out."
"Just tired," James replied instantly, not even having to think too much about the lie. He knew lying would keep them all at ease.
"Moony, can I borrow that book now? The one with the popstar? I'd like to read for a bit."
If Remus was surprised with the sudden interest, he didn't show it. Instead, he went to his room to retrieve the book. He handed it to James with a suspicious look.
"Cheers," James said, going to his room. "Goodnight."
James had genuinely wanted to read, but he couldn't take in the words. He had so many things to do. His room was a mess, it needed to be tidied, he had to make his picnic food, plan his classes for next week, ans write an email to his boss. He decided to work backwards, starting with the email.
He needed to write the email to say thanks, because everytime he was off sick, he needed proof of his medical condition so the government would still pay him, despite them knowing. Usually there was an argument over should they pay him because of how long he was off, his wages coming in weeks late. But Pandora always helped, sending proof of everything and helping James sort out his wage insurance. She deserved more than an email of thanks, but she was currently in the Bahamas.
Once that was finished with, he moved on to planning his classes. Her tiptoed out to get his folder from the kitchen, and miraculously managed to get it without detection.
Getting a fresh page, he started brainstorming. He added the usual: playdough, painting, reading and puzzles. He decided to add maths, just simple counting, along with baking. It'd been a while since they got covered in flour.
As he searched for the perfect gluten free chocolate brownie recipe that wasn't a women's diet magazine that left put half the ingredients and replaced them with broccoli, he got distracted by the ads.
There was a beautiful charm bracelet with a star on it. James wished he could give it to Regulus, it was just so beautiful. He liked Regulus so so much. He was so pretty, and wasn't broken into pieces like James was. He was whole.
As James looked at it, he clicked into the website, and sighed. How lovely it would looks on Regulus' wrist.
That was the selling point for James.
Opening up his wallet, he retrieved his debit card. He used to have a credit card, but after his first manic episode, it was taken away, and that was one of the harsher consequences he agreed with. James hummed as he payed. Regulus would love it.
As a celebration, he decided to go get a hot chocolate. After doing his happy dance, of course. He was just so happy! He had a picnic on Saturday, and he was being productive. He jumped up and down, but remembered that he was supposed to be quiet.
Tiptoing, he made his way to the kitchen. No one would be up, it was too late at night.
But as he got to the kitchen, he saw he wasn't the only nocturnal animal up.
"James?"
"Remus?"
"Can't sleep?" Remus asked, looking at him sympathetically. He was sitting on the bean bag, and waved James over to sit with him.
James decided to lie about being tired. He was wide awake, but if he told Remus that he'd connect the dots way to quickly. Plus he would be wrong. Totally wrong. So he nodded along.
"Me neither," Remus said. "Don't be shy, there's loads of room."
James reluctantly sat down. He probably wasn't going to get that hot chocolate anytime soon.
" Are you okay, Remus?" James asked. "You seem like sad Moony and sad Moony makes me sad."
Remus let out a small laugh.
"Bit sad, yeah," Remus said, looking at him.
"Cén fáth?"
"I'm scared. I booked a doctor's appointment. But what if they can't help me? I know that's stupid but I have a bad feeling that something will go wrong. Does that make any sense at all?" He looked at James pleadingly.
James nodded. He knew all too well.
"Moony, you're not stupid. And it's okay to be scared. I promise you, no matter what, you'll always have Sirius and I. We love you."
Remus nodded sadly. "But what if I'm told to stop running? The one sport I truly love."
James' focus was breathing in and out. He couldn't listen to Remus properly anymore. He hoped his responses were what Remus is looking for.
"We'll sue the doctor. Or hit him. Oh! Spam email him."
Remus eyes him warily. James was usually good at social ques. Remus was a bit concerned, to say then least. He could see the signs.
"James, are you sure that you're okay?" Remus asked. "You're acting different."
He knew that he meant very bipolar like. But James didn't want to tell the truth. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears.
"Remus, I'm completely fine. Why do you keep asking?"
Remus wasn't convinced. But, to James' relief, didn't push it any further.
"James, just remember, we'll never think any less of you."
James snapped.
"I'm fine Remus! Goodnight!"
James got up and left, fuming. He hadn't even gotten his hot chocolate reward, because people thought he was falling.
They were right.
James had gotten up on Saturday morning with less than two hours sleep, his eyes bloodshot and his head screaming. But he insisted he was doing okay until Sirius stubbed their toe and let out a small "fuck."
It has set James' anger off, but before he could get properly mad, he started crying in Sirius' arms.
"I'm so tired," he cried, tears rolling down his cheeks. "All I do is try and try, but end up in another episode because my stupid brain doesn't like medication. It's not even my fault, which feels like the worse part. I can't even blame myself. I wish I could, because it really does feel like mine."
He let out another sob, and Sirius stroked his hair. They'd seem it coming, but overbooked doctors made it hard to prevent anything.
They really should've gotten up and made James tea, but they stayed like that, on the kitchen floor, James crying, and Sirius had shed a few tears too.
But James was completely relying on Sirius to hold him up, all the fight gone and replaced with his worries.
Sirius was deciding what to do. Remus wouldn't be up for a while, but she really wished he would get up to help her deal with James.
"James, why don't we move to the couch?" Sirius asked him. "It's a lot more comfortable."
James didn't answer. His eyes were glossed over, and Sirius knew he was out of it.
"James?" They tapped his shoulder gently, and his head snapped up. "We'll move to the couch?"
James nodded, and Sirius helped him up as he seemed to putting most of his weight on Sirius.
They made it over to the couch, and Sirius sat him down and went to go get some blankets.
"Might as well make ourselves comfortable, we'll be here for a while," Sirius said, placing a blanket on him.
But James was looking at them with pure horror.
"I have to go out with Regulus today! I have too!"
Sirius sighed. "James, you're in no condition to do so. Maybe another day."
James looked like he was about to argue, but his face contorted, and he started crying again. Sirius was there immediately, sitting down and hugging him.
"I'm sorry James, but you can't go."
"I know," James said in a small voice.
"Why don't you text for tomorrow?"
James nodded. Taking out how phone, he found Regulus' contact.
Reg, I'm really sorry, but I'm not available today. I promise I can do tomorrow though if that suits you.
James tried to think of a suitable ailment that he could use, and typed quickly.
I've been throwing up all morning:(
James decided technically it wasn't a lie, because he did feel ill. He also hated lying.
"Thanks," James said to Sirius. Sirius was always there.
"Anytime James, anytime," she replied, and put on the telly. "Hungry?"
James shook his head. "Actually quite the opposite. I feel incredibly nauseous."
Sirius grimaced, and went to get a bowl. "Just in case."
James sighed, and Sirius sat back down. "Catchphrase?"
"Catchphrase."
By the time Remus was up, James had settled, and was dozing in and out of sleep.
Remus smiled sadly, and gave Sirius a kiss.
"Morning love."
"Good morning Moony."
"I see you've been kept busy," Remus said, and Sirius nodded sadly.
"He broke down this morning. Can't say I'm surprised."
Remus nodded in agreement. "But it's so soon."
"Yeah, but it does happen. All we can do is be here."
The conversation Probably would've continued, if it weren't for James shooting up because he heard his phone buzz.
It's alright James. You're health is more important. How are you feeling?
James smiled. At least Regulus wasn't angry.
Very tired. Currently hogging the couch.
I think you've earned the right.
James couldn't think of a reply so he closed his eyes again. He didn't want to lie to Regulus, but he had too. Regulus couldn't find out. James thought about it for a while, sleeping until Sirius forced him to eat.
Later on, Remus and Sirius were sitting with him.
"James, you look like you need cheering up," Sirius said, nudging him.
"No I don't."
"Yes you do," Sirius replied. "Moony, back me up."
"What she said."
James smiled slightly. They were so in love.
"Wow, if it's working already you must be really sad," Sirius teased, laughing.
"Piss off."
"Why don't you just relax," Remus said. "No need to get worked up."
"Like you know how to relax Moony. You're wound tighter than Micheal Healy Rae."
"Who the fuck is Micheal Healy Rae?" Remus asked, turning to look at Sirius, who was laughing their head off with James.
"An Irish Icon," Sirius laughed, before pulling up a video of an Irish cultchie yelling at the Prime minister about his burger.
"I'm extremely confused."
"You're just jealous you can't pull off a hat like that," James grinned.
"Evil. You're evil."
"I am what I eat," Sirius said, wiggling his eyebrows, and Re us just rolled his eyebrows.
As Sirius cooked dinner, James sat on the couch with Remus, who was reading. James was staring idly at his phone, he didn't have anything better to do. When Remus looked up, James looked away, and Remus let out a small laugh.
"You're a man of mysteries," Remus said. James had cried a couple more times during the day, feeling completely overwhelmed, but Sirius had called Effie, his mum, so he had felt a lot better after that.
"What can I say? I keep them on their toes."
Sirius came in, holding three bowls of pasta. They always liked to cook.
"Looks delicious babe," Remus said, accepting his plate. Sirius smiled. He made James' without bacon, and instead had given him extra chicken. James loved chicken.
"Darling, you've outdone yourself this time. It's simply exquisite, honey-pie," James said, and Sirius faked modestly.
"You're too kind baby," Sirius said, sitting down right beside James.
"Sometimes I think your James' boyfriend and not mine," Remus said, huffing slightly.
"Probably because I am James' boyfriend?" Sirius looked hi up and down. "Why would you get any other impression?"
Remus rolled his eyes, giving up. James giggled, and Sirius flopped down beside him.
"It's so hard being a stay at home wife."
"Sometimes I forget you're ever sober."
"That's what you think," Sirius grinned, raising her eyebrows.
Remus knew any civil conversation was out, so he simply ignored them both. James only laughed. He wasn't sad. He was quite tired actually, so once he ate, he decided to call it a day.
"I'm going to bed," he said, but Sirius grabbed his arm.
"Taken your meds?"
James nodded, but Sirius didn't let go of his wrist. They had an absolute iron grip.
"You sure you're feeling okay?" She asked, concern still on her face.
"I'm fine," he insisted, but James wasn't angry at them. They were concerned, and he understood. "Besides, I'm meeting with Regulus tomorrow!"
Sirius reluctantly let James' wrist go. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight. Love you," James replied, heading towards his bedroom. But he also sent Regulus a quick message.
Goodnight. See you tomorrow :)
James was very pleased with the quick response.
Night :)
James sighed happily. Tomorrow would be great.
When he woke up, he was delighted to know that he could actually go. He felt fine, and immediately reached for his pills. He did not want another breakdown.
He checked the clock. 9:03. He was okay with that.
He went to the kitchen, where a tired looking Sirius was waiting for him.
"You're up early," James said to Sirius, who was sipping a large cup of coffee.
"Remus was snoring. Bloody annoying," She rolled her eyes, but didn't seem too annoyed.
James laughed as he went to get tea.
"Pronouns?" He asked, and they froze.
"I don't know! Erm, they/she?" She said, looking confused. "Gender is a very scary concept that one day I hope to understand."
James nodded. "I cannot relate. But, you can always tell me your pronouns when you're ready."
They smiled gratefully. "Thank you. I now shall grant you permission to visit your lover."
"Thanks mum."
"At least I'm letting you."
"I'm a grown man!"
Sirius gave him a skeptical look. "Sure James, sure."
James decided not to respond. Instead, he got his toast and tea, and enjoyed his breakfast. He knew he still had to make sandwiches, pick up apple juice as Regulus used to love it as a child instead of sparkling water, as Remus said no one willingly puts pins and needles into their mouth, and then pick the perfect outfit. He was going to have a great day.
"Sirius, can I borrow your Moony Jumper?"
"No, get your own Moony jumper from Moony."
"He's sleeping!"
"Well, you'll just have to wait then."
James sighed. He decided to make the sandwiches, making sure they were like the fancy salad ones you could buy. He loved them.
James decided to go to the shop next then, since Remus still wasn't up, and James really wanted to wear the jumper. He pulled on some joggers, and headed towards Lidi.
Once he secured the apple juice, he couldn't help but look at the fresh pastries. If Lidi closed down, this would be the section he would mourn for the rest of his life. The smell of bread was overwhelming.
Giving in, he got donuts. He made sure he got four, because Sirius and Remus liked them too. James considered himself a good friend.
Humming on the walk back, he couldn't help but just be happy. He was going on another date! He smiled. Regulus was a sarcastic as fuck, but James found it cute.
As luck would have it, Remus was awake, and was more than happy to lend his jumper to James.
"You're an excellent wingman," James said, thanking him.
"And I'm not?" Sirius asked incrediously.
"You're shit."
"Rude."
"Is it really rude if it's the truth?"
James yelped as Sirius threw her shoe at him, and ran to his room.
Once he was dressed, he packed up the rest of the picnic into a small basket. He still had another hour to wait. He passed it by dancing to music. It was very entertaining.
When he decided that he had to leave so he could be on time, he practically skipped down the stairs.
Once he reached the destination, Green Park, he was happy to know Regulus wasn't here yet. He bounced up and down nervously. He couldn't wait for Regulus to arrive. The thought of Regulus made him so happy.
When James spotted Regulus, he grinned, and waved wildly. Regulus only cracked slightly, his lips turning up slightly. Otherwise, he was able to keep his composure. Hands in the pockets of his black jeans, his walk confident yet coy in his docs, and his hair messily tidy.
James couldn't look away. He had shivers up his spine. He was so Regulusly.
James smiled once Regulus has caught up to him.
"Pleased to see you could make it."
"Glad to know you're feeling better," Regulus replied, and James panicked for a split second, before remembering Regulus thought he merely had a stomach bug.
"Thanks. Apologies for that."
"No apology needed, but I shall accept it anyways. Now, care to tell me about the picnic?"
James' smile instantly fell, and Regulus will admit he did feel bad.
"How did you know?" He asked, pouting slightly.
"The picnic basket in your hand," Regulus said, pointing to it. He was wearing the snake ring again. Pretty.
"Oh. Yeah," James said. He looked down at the basket, disappointed, but perked back up again before Regulus could say anything. "Ready for a life changing date?"
"We'll see about that," Regulus replied, but James took his hand to lead him towards the park. Regulus blushed, but James didn't see. He was busy looking for the perfect spot he found awhile ago.
He found it, and let out a delighted laugh. "Found it!"
It was a large Oak tree, the branches all over the place, and James ran over to the one that was low down and large enough to sit on comfortably.
"Well, hurry up!" He called, and Regulus couldn't help but roll his eyes. However, there was a smile on his face, so James considered it a win.
Regulus walked over to wear James was, as James got out his picnic blanket, along with everything he had prepared. The chocolate strawberries and marshmallows, the fancy sandwiches, the cheese and grapes, and two gin glasses for the apple juice.
Regulus gaped in shock, and James felt that it was a job well done.
"You really went all out," Regulus said, as James bowed in acknowledgement.
"Because you're worth it," James grinned coyly, and Regulus prayed to God that he wasn't blushing.
"Yeah yeah," Regulus dismissed him, hopping up onto the branch.
"Don't put yourself down. That's so mean," James genuinely felt sad. Regulus was so different. His cold exterior was very cold, but James felt as if it was more of a defense that was slowly falling.
"I'll do what I want," Regulus said, and James responded by stuffing a marshmallow in his mouth.
"Nows a really good time to hope that you aren't allergic to anything here," James said, slightly worried, as Regulus chewed his marshmallow with fond discontent.
"Lucky for you, I'm not," Regulus said, taking a strawberry. "Are you?"
"Christmas trees," James replied casually, taking a sandwich, but Regulus was extremely confused. James didn't really know why.
"How can you be allergic to a particular type of tree?" He asked incrediously.
"Is it not normal?"
"No?"
"Oh." James shrugged. His sandwich was really very nice. "Didn't find out until I was about nine either, when my friend Peter had a Christmas tree in their sitting room. Got a rash and everything." He said it very nonchalantly.
Regulus furrowed his eyebrows.
"That's unlucky."
James shook his head. "Not really. At least we don't celebrate Christmas. It would be upsetting otherwise."
Regulus' brain finally caught up, and made a little 'oh' sign with his mouth.
"Sorry. I really didn't realize. I grew up in a 'Christianity superiority' household."
"It's okay. Do you still practice religion?" James asked, genuinely interested. He liked discussing theology. He liked hearing different people's thoughts.
"I mean, I don't really believe in god as such, or the bible, but I pray to him every night," Regulus said, slightly embarrassed. "Because if I ask him something, he answers, but I can't bring myself to believe. It seems too good to be true."
"I think that's sweet. Despite not believing, you still pray. Praying doesn't have to be religious. You can wish well on people, and yourself. I'm Hindu, and I find that it's just a lot more open than Christianity. I'm not dissing Christianity, but many use it as an excuse to hurt other people, when your god told you to 'love thy neighbour.'" James sighed. "I am religious, but I don't care if anyone is or not. We all have free will. I'm religious because I want too. I think worrying about if you believe in something or not is silly. Just be."
James hoped he didn't sound like a crazy man, but Regulus nodded slowly. James was relieved, he didn't really know what he was doing. Ever.
"So no beef or pork."
"Correct," James smiled. Usually people gave him the 'oh you're Indian Indian' look, but Regulus nodded in understanding. It made his heart swell.
"Do you want to tell me more about it?" Regulus asked, and James swore he could've married him right there and then.
"I think I want to learn more about you," James said, looking into his eyes.
"You're such a sap," Regulus muttered, but was pleased nonetheless.
James laughed, but first whipped out his phone as he remembered the playlist. Paper rings was the first song to play, and Regulus put his head in his hands.
"You're such a romantic," he groaned, blushing.
"And you're such an Evermore person," James giggled, and Regulus rolled his eyes, not one bit impressed.
"And reputation," He added, and James made a noise of approvement.
As they ate, Regulus told him a story about a trans teen who had visited the bookshop earlier that week.
"And she was so happy to find a book that represented her, and it made me so happy to see a child find her community," he gushed, his smile wide. James noticed that Regulus was very closed off at other times, and Wondered if it was a defense mechanism or he was just naturally closed off. James decided either way, it didn't matter. He looked happy.
They talked some more, and James fed Regulus marshmallows as music played. James felt like a child. He had planned everything so meticulously, and in the end, they could've been in a rubbish bin and James would still feel like he was floating.
At one point, they had abandoned the branch so they could lie on a picnic Blanket and look at the clouds. James held Regulus' hand loosely, rubbing his thumb in his palm.
They pointed out different shapes clouds to each other, and James felt a giddy excitement the whole time.
"That's obviously a dog."
"This one looks like a baby being held by their parents."
"This one looks like a dragon."
"No, it's obviously a duck murdering a penguin."
"James, what the actual fuck?"
James giggled. "One thing you should know about me, is that my mind never shuts up. So naturally, it comes up with the most absurd things."
"I like your mind."
No you don't. James wondered what Regulus would say if he knew.
"Thank you. I didn't make it myself," James replied, and turned his head to look at Regulus. "This cloud looks like a beautiful man with really pretty eyes."
Regulus looked down, embarrassed.
"You flirt an awful lot," he commented, looking back at the sky.
"That's because I think you're really handsome," James said, and as luck have it, I think he knows started playing.
James shifted closer to him, and brought his hand to Regulus' jaw. Regulus tensed up, and James turned Regulus' head so he was looking at him again. Regulus' eyes were wide, but with excitement. James hears his heart beating in chest, and hoped Regulus couldn't hear.
"I would really like to kiss you," James said, looking Regulus in the eyes. He was really nervous. "May I kiss you?" He asked gently.
Regulus breathed out shakily.
"Please."
James leaned forward, and just like that, two worlds collided. Regulus' lips were so soft, and James imagined that this is what heaven must feel like.
James slid his hands up Regulus, so that he had his arms around his waist. Regulus responded by throwing his arms around James' neck, and kissing him deeper. James was immensely pleased.
As James thought things couldn't get any better, they broke apart, and James saw Regulus' cheeks flushed with happiness, and decided that was better.
They didn't say anything for a minute, just looked at each other, but James knew they didn't have to say anything.
"That was magnificent," James said, and Regulus nodded, and Regulus kissed James' cheek.
"You could've done better," Regulus deadpanned, and James laughed giddily.
"You're so cute when you're mean," he laughed, and Regulus huffed.
They didn't move, staying in the position for a while. James had leaned into Regulus, resting his head in between his shoulders and head. Regulus hadn't moved, but he was stroking James' hair. He was extremely relaxed, something he thought he could never achieve with someone else.
As they packed up the picnic, James had to ask.
"Does this mean we're dating?" He asked, staring at Regulus expectantly.
"Do you want too?"
"Badly."
"Good," Regulus said, and kissed James again.
He was very sad when they broke apart, feeling as if he was missing something.
As they walked back, hand in hand, James asked him small questions.
"Do you like cheese and onion crisps?" He asked.
"Why?"
"Because everyone should. They're delicious," James said, as if the answer was obvious.
"I do," he answered, and James nodded in approval.
As they said goodbye, James looked at Regulus with longing.
"I'll text you," Regulus said, releasing James' hand.
"Me too," James said, his hand feeling lonely already.
James gave him a quick kiss before Regulus walked away, and James watched him. He wished they could've stayed in the park forever. It would've been nice.
As he walked to the train, he pulled out his phone. Dialling his mum's number, she picked up on the fourth ring.
"Hello James," his Mum said, and James was so happy she picked up.
"Hi Mum!" He said, the smile being heard in his voice.
"Did you have a good day?"
"The best! That boy I was telling you about, we went on a date and it went extremely well," he said, giddy. He was so fucking happy. He was dating Regulus. Him! James Potter!
"That's great. Your father offers his congratulations too," Euphemia replied, smiling. "Where did you go?"
"I brought him to the park on a picnic," James said, sitting down on the train.
"On the second date? Impressive. How do you feel, beta?"
"Absolutely amazing. He's really nice. His name is Regulus, and he's very respectful. And kind. And sweet. And cool."
"You sound happy. I hope the next date goes just as well."
"It will. He's lovely."
"Does he know?"
James sighed, irritated. Why was it so important that he knew?
"No, not yet. As much as I want it to go somewhere, what if it doesn't? No point wasting my breath explaining myself," James replied. Was it the real reason? Absolutely not. James was just scared of Regulus leaving if he found out.
"I know you're trying to guard yourself, but if you think it will become serious, please tell him," his mum pressed.
James didn't feel like talking anymore.
"I have to go to the shop now. Call you later?"
"mujhe tumase pyaar hai," his mum said, and James smiled.
"mujhe tumase pyaar hai, mum," he said, hanging up.
He wished he could stay on cloud nine forever.
But what comes up must come down.