X
Regulus and James went out for breakfast the next morning, Regulus grumbling that he was wearing the same clothes as yesterday and that it was too early to be getting food.
"It's like a crime," Regulus muttered, and James just shook his head.
"I do it all the time," James said, and Regulus let out a horrified gasp. "Plus, I have work at nine, so get over it."
"That's illegal."
"Guess you'll just have to lock me up, Officer," James fluttered his eyelashes and held out his hands towards Regulus.
"Eh, are you guys ready to order?" The waiter asked, a they/them pronoun badge on their apron.
Regulus flushed a deep red, clearly embarrassed, but James saved him.
"I'll have the full English breakfast, and he'll have French toast and a black coffee, please," James said, handing then menu's back to their waiter.
"No problem. Anything else?" They asked.
Regulus shook his head, his hair bobbing. "No."
When they left, James giggled at him, and Regulus flushed red again.
"I don't see what's so funny," Regulus scowled, and James just laughed harder. He's so adorable, it's hard to take anything he does seriously.
"You're so cute," James sighed, and Regulus rolled his eyes.
"You say that as if you haven't seen yourself," Regulus replied, and James' heart fluttered because Regulus actually liked him and he wasn't just making it up. "Apart from the fact you're wearing the same clothes as yesterday, you look as stunning as always." And this time it was James who flushed.
"You liked the clothes yesterday, you'll like them today," James sighed. "Plus, you're wearing the same too."
"Yeah, but I have a valid reason. You're just lazy," Regulus quipped, and the waiter left Regulus' coffee and James' tea down.
"This amazing face has to have a few drawbacks," James said, and Regulus rolled his eyes.
"How anyone puts up with you is unbelievable."
"Because everyone loves me," James replied, laughing, and Regulus didn't protest to it, which only made him laugh harder. "You admit it!"
"I so did not!"
"You basically did," James replied smugly, sipping his tea.
"You remind of the children arguing in the bookshop last week. Children."
"To argue you need two people," James grinned, and Regulus huffed.
"It's even worse that all your points are true," He muttered, drinking his coffee.
James loved his breakfast. It was proper English breakfast, meaning there was plenty of grease and fat, just how James fancied it.
"Just watching you eat that makes me feel sick," Regulus complained, watching James dip his sausage into the egg yolk.
"Just because you have no taste--"
"Excuse-moi! I have loads of excellent tastes."
"Then let me make you dinner," James said, a grin playing across his face.
Regulus scoffed. "What are you going to make? Sausages and mash?"
"It's actually bangers and mash, and no. Did I never mention how much I love cooking?" James asked, frowning.
James saw his lustful gaze over the new information he just gained, and James felt very smug indeed.
"Game on," Regulus said, taking a casual sip of coffee.
James grinned. Regulus was going to lose by a landslide. Satisfied, he took some more food, earning a gag from Regulus.
"Going to show up to Astronomy on Thursday?" James asked him.
"Maybe. If I feel like it," Regulus shrugged, a gleam in his eye giving him away.
"If you do we can have a date night on Friday," James said, shamelessly bribing him.
Regulus was definitely pretending when he looked liked he was mulling it over. James and Regulus were wound so tight around each other's little fingers that they would probably be all curly like Dorcas' hair if undone.
"Fine. But at my house. I don't want to hear my sibling getting laid," Regulus said, and James' smile spread right across his face.
"Deal. I'll bring all the ingredients I need," James replied, knowing exactly what he'll cook. Saoji Chicken Curry. But he won't mention the first part to Regulus. Just so he thinks he has the upper hand. "It has a lot of ingredients."
"I'm sure I have them all," Regulus said dismissively, and James snorted. White people. How naive they are. James found it cute yet irritating that Regulus didn't get it.
"Oh great! That will save me bringing the Bedgi Mirchi and Jawar flour, along with the--"
"Maybe you should just bring your own stuff," Regulus said quickly, looking nervous he may not win for the first time. James turned his head.
"I thought you had them all?" He asked innocently, and Regulus glared daggers at him. "Did Regulus Black make a whoospie?"
Regulus looked so outraged by the choice of words that James burst out laughing.
"What's the matter, don't like child talk?" James asked, as Regulus stalked off to pay for the meal.
Regulus still was mad as they made their way back to James' apartment, and when they got in, James started kissing him in attempt to make up. Regulus clearly didn't mind, kissing him back with much more vigor. James ran his hands through Regulus' hair, and his hands made their way to James' hips.
"You're bac-- EW EW JAMES!" Sirius covered his eyes after walking into the hallway.
James immediately stepped back from Regulus like he'd been burned, but Regulus pulled him back.
"I'm allowed to kiss my boyfriend," Regulus said, and Sirius made a gagging sound.
"I don't want to see that!" They replied, still looking horrified.
"May I remind you I've literally seen you and Remus give each other head, and heard much worse?" James questioned, running a hand through his hair. It was extra messy, but he didn't really care. He had work, and needed to put on a different top from yesterday at least. He could take Regulus' teasing, but self entitled five year olds and Marlene's? Not a chance.
"Yeah but at least I'm not your blood relative!" Sirius protested. "Now come on, we need to catch the train." He tapped their foot on the ground impatiently.
"Let me just change," James said, going to his bedroom, not expecting Regulus to follow after him like a little dog.
"Manwhore!" Sirius called after him, and was only delighted when Remus poked his head around the doorframe.
"Yeah babe?"
James lost it. He laughed so hard he fell into his bed, Regulus blushing behind him. "Change your shirt," Regulus reminded him, and noticed the pills on his nightstand. "And pills."
James only looked slightly annoyed at the last comment, and took his top off, watching Regulus pore over his chest.
"Feeling a lot of jealously and awe right now," Regulus said, and James ruffled his hair, but his hand was swatted away.
"Just wait until June ..."
"Oh I can't wait," Regulus said, disappointed when James put his top on. "I'm doing exactly what Taylor said. Getting it off my chest."
James laughed at the reference, grabbing the pill box and taking them. He kissed Regulus again, and wished he could spend the day doing it. But no. He had children to teach.
"I really have to go," James mumbled, not that eager, but Sirius shouted to him. "Stop groping my brother and get your ass about the door James Fleamount Potter or I will come in their myself!"
"That's what she said," James heard Remus say as he opened his bedroom door.
Sirius was waiting for him, and smirked at James when he emerged.
"Fix your hair," he said, grinning.
James rolled his eyes. His hair was always messy, why would he bother?
"You coming?" James asked Regulus, who was fidgeting with the sleeve of his jumper.
"I suppose I have too," Regulus mumbled, but Remus spoke.
"You can always stay and chat, James said you like reading," Remus offered, and Regulus smiled.
"I'd like that," He said, and James and Sirius exchanged glances.
"Well bye then," Sirius said, and as they walked out the door they grabbed James's hand so he'd be pulled along too.
"C'mon. They'll get along just fine. Both moody and hate people," Sirius said, and James found himself nodding in agreement. Remus was a major introvert, it was strange he had a job as social as a barista. It had taken Remus three weeks to talk back to Sirius' shameless flirting. James smiled at the memories of Sirius twirling his hair and winking at Remus.
As he went to work, he thought about everything that had happened in the last day. He had therapy, had a breakdown, was comforted by an amazing boyfriend, spent the night with him and then got breakfast the next morning. Wow. That was a lot, even for James. But he wasn't complaining. It was one of those days where the 'it gets better' saying really homed in on him. Because it started off shit, but by the end of it he got to lay next to Regulus.
As he was cleaning down all the play tables, Marlene came up to him, a slightly worried look on her face at James' good mood, but also partly hopeful.
"Did you make up with Regulus?" She asked, and James wondered how she knew this, but then remembered Dorcas was friends with Regulus. And that they probably thought they were still fighting.
"Yeah. We talked it all out. He's so understanding of me being a mental mess. I don't know what I've done to deserve him," James said happily, but Marlene had a look of pity on his face that he hated so much. It was bad enough when people felt sorry for him, but when they showed it on their face it made it a hundred times worse.
"James, everyone deserves someone who genuinely cares about them and stays with them, mental mess or not," she replied, sweeping up some dust. She blew her blonde hair out of her face. "Okay? Just because you have bipolar doesn't mean you're not worthy of love."
James smiled awkwardly. "That's enough deep shit for today. Don't make me leave."
Marlene took a step back in fake offense.
"And leave me with this mess? Not a chance. You'd be tacked to the ground in an instant."
James rolled his eyes. "Please. I did Rugby in secondary school."
Marlene scoffed. "I still do Rugby," she said. "If you peaked in secondary school you're lame."
James admitted defeat.
"So sorry, Miss McKinnon. How about I sing you humpty Dumpty to make up for it?" James asked, and Marlene laughed.
"Do it."
"Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall!" He sang in a high pitched voice, waving his duster around dramatically and dancing. "All the King's horses and all the King's men, couldn't put Humpty Dumpty together again!"
He twirled at the end, earning applause from Marlene.
"You were still off-key though."
"Oh shut up you prick," James grumbled, and Marlene laughed, ruffling up James' hair. "Like you could do any better."
"I could do better while fucking your mum."
"I never ever way to picture that."
"The way she holds me--"
"I'm telling Dorcas!" James said, rubbing his eyes in case any thoughts of Marlene and his Mum entered his mind. "It's basically cheating."
"I'm sure she'd just say she'd want to join in."
"Marlene you hoe!"
Marlene blew him kiss and rubbed her hands down her body. "As if you wouldn't kill to fuck me."
"I'm ending this conversation so I can up my therapist to discuss the trauma I just handed," James said, absolutely horrified, while Marlene just cackled.
"You're too easy, lover boy."
******
James hummed as he made his way to Astronomy. He'd went shopping for all the ingredients to make dinner for Regulus earlier, and was really looking forward to his reaction to eating it. If he was like every other white person who came to their house, Regulus would find it way too hot at first, and once his mouth cools down he'll realise that it's bursting with flavour. He'd bought creme brulee for dessert, but from Tesco, so he hoped it would be at least edible for Regulus.
He was only delighted to see Regulus', or Barty's, car in the car park, as it meant Regulus was here before him. He passed the drivers window and saw a rather attractive man smoking a cigarette. His hair was straight and fell gracefully around his head. His hands had rings om them, similar to Regulus', and James was almost jealous of him. Who he presumed was Barty was sitting in the car, waiting for Regulus, while James was the one spending time with him.
But wasn't it a relationship with Regulus, he was.
So he happily skipped into the classroom, and nodded to Alice as he walked by, before greeting Regulus with a hug.
"Hey love," James said, feeling cheeky.
Regulus rolled his eyes at him. "What's with the pet name, babe?"
James was proud of the fact that his knees didn't immediately cave in right there and then, as he managed to hold himself upright. Regulus was wearing a silver turtleneck and black jeans, and James just had to marvel at the site of him. He was a true star. And he was James' star.
"Just feeling extra happy at seeing you," James replied, and was about to tell Regulus all about Annie at work, who'd declared that she was going to only date girls because Dylan annoyed her too much.
"Hello!" Chris said, bringing James and Regulus out of their reunion. "It's good to see that everyone is here. We'll get started straight away, as today we're learning about the planets!"
James found it to be a very interesting lesson, as he found out that Saturn has the most moons, with a total of 145, surpassing Jupiter again.
James also found Regulus to be very interesting, as he would listen intently and nod his head approvingly everytime Chris' facts were correct. And he looked super hot while doing it too. James was very much looking forward to their date night tomorrow. He couldn't wait to spend time with just him and Regulus in private. James wanted Regulus all to himself. He couldn't give a damn if that made him selfish or greedy, he just needed Regulus.
When it was over, James walked Regulus to Barty's car, and James was introduced to the man.
"Barty, this is James. James, this is Barty," Regulus said, and Barty gave James a curt nod, whereas James smiled and gave him a small wave.
"Nice to meet you," James said, and Barty cocked an eyebrow, lighting another cigarette.
"Is it though?" Barty said, taking a drag of his cigarette and blowing out. James had a fleeting moment of jealously, as Barty looked so effortlessly cool, but James tired to remind himself that Regulus had been friends with Barty for years and could've easily made a move on him if he wanted, but he didn't.
"Be nice Barty," Regulus said, but was smiling. "See you tomorrow?"
"See yeah," James grinned, and as he walked away, he heard Barty's comment.
"How does a boy of sunshine fall for you?"
"He maybe sunshine and I midnight rain, but we go together like Achilles and Patroclus."
James beamed the whole way home.
****
James was so happy Friday was finally here. He'd been meticulously planning what he'd wear, how he'd cook and present the dish, including what type of wine he would serve and would he say something that sounds sexy but in Hindi?
Yeah, he may have done a bit too much thinking.
He'd practically skipped home from work, immediately getting changed into some good clothes. He decided wear something classy, knowing Regulus was probably going to be wearing a suit, as he was one posh man. He wore a respectable pair of black chinos with a white shirt. He was bringing a black t shirt for cooking and an apron, just in case.
As he weakly attempted to fix his hair, Sirius came in, a smirk on his face as he caught James doing so.
"After all these years and you're still trying to control that?" He asked, going over and ruffling his hair.
"You wanker! I was just getting somewhere."
"No, you weren't," Sirius replied simply.
"Piss off."
"Make sure to get a picture of Regulus' face when he tastes it."
"Great idea! Then I can have one of each of you," James laughed as Sirius pushed him.
"Don't be so mean Prongs. It's incredibly homophobic."
"Are you forgetting that I'm fucking your brother?" James asked, grinning as Sirius covered his ears.
"Why would you remind me? I don't wanna think about that!" Sirius complained, and James merely poked them in the side.
James rolled his eyes, and Sirius wolf whistled as James checked himself out in the mirror.
"Looking good."
"Sorry, I'm taken," James winked, and walked to the kitchen to go make sure he had all his ingredients in his shopping bags.
After double checking three times and making sure he looked as nice as possible, he decided he probably should go to Regulus' house. He said he'd show up to start cooking at six, and it was 5:55 now... Yeah, he wasn't going to make it on time.
Sighing, he left for the tube, and out in his earphones to listen to Lover. He thought it was good timing, and decided that he would also listen to king of my heart, as he thought Regulus was the king of his heart.
When he knocked on the door at 6:10, an angry Regulus greeted him.
"You're late. Again," he snapped, but James only smiled.
"I'm sorry," James said softly, planting a kiss on Regulus' cheek. "Forgive me?"
Regulus blushed, which was a rare sighting.
"Yeah yeah. Get cooking," Regulus mumbled, still red, and James smiled at him. He was so beautiful. "So, what are you even cooking? You kept it quiet from me."
"Just a traditional indian chicken curry," James said, unpacking all his ingredients and getting out his mum's cook book. Regulus looked at it strangely.
"What does it say?" He asked, and James remembered it wasn't written in English. His mum insisted that their food should be written in it's mother tongue.
"Oh, just 'Mums cookbook'," James replied, flicking through until he found the page he was looking for. Regulus paled slightly, probably only understanding the two and a half chilli's coloured in for hotness. "I hope you like chicken curry."
"I prefer Bouillabaisse, but okay," Regulus said, and James scoffed.
"French twat."
"Don't act like you wouldn't fold if I spoke French to you," Regulus whispered, pulling James closer, stopping him from emptying his bags. "Bon garçon."
James had no clue what Regulus just said, and he hoped that it was something sexy. He kissed him softly.
"Let me cook up your food," James whispered, and Regulus reluctantly let him go. "It will only take an hour max."
Regulus nodded. I best get set up then." He then went to go set the table, and James took the opportunity to change his shirt and out his apron on, and rolling up his sleeves, he began to cook.
He loved it. It was so relaxing, he could chop vegetables all day. As he cooked, he tried his best to ignore Regulus, which was rather hard as he was staring right at him. It made him slightly nervous, like Regulus would know immediately if he messed up.
"What are you looking at?" James asked, trying to sound casual as he added different ingredients into his dish.
"Your ass," Regulus deadpanned, and James rolled his eyes. "It's amazing." James blushed slightly, and Regulus grinned in victory. "Keep cooking babe, I still need dinner as I'm saving you for dessert."
James' eyes went wide, and Regulus laughed at the sight. "I'll make you a meal so delicious you'll be disappointed with the dessert," James replied, knowing he was insulting himself but he found it hard to care at the moment. Regulus just sighed, but James knew he would be happy either way.
As James cooked the chicken, Regulus went to go get one of the many fancy bottles of wine that he had, and James grinned to himself as he cooked. He was here, cooking a meal for his boyfriend like a good boyfriend. Regulus was lucky to have him at a time like this.
James hummed as started plating up his dish. It didn't look that appealing to someone who hadn't grown up eating it, but James was extremely pleased with how it had turned out. He'd gotten the curry bit perfect, now all he had to do was watch Regulus eat it.
"Oh honey! Dinners ready!" James called Regulus as if he wasn't standing on the other side of the counter.
"Coming babe," Regulus said, sitting himself down at the table.
James changed back into his white shirt, and went down to the table and attempted to look as sophisticated as possible, not easy as his hair was usually a mess.
"Good evening sir. Did you order two saoji chicken currys or are you waiting for your incredible hot boyfriend to join you? Because someone as hot as you couldn't possible be single."
Regulus smiled at the comments, and James was pleased. He left down a plate where Regulus was sitting. Regulus had done up the whole room, not just the table. There was fairy lights strung up around the room and candles lit. Regulus also had a rose on the table, along with all the appropriate cutlery and fancy napkins that most normal people don't have lying around their houses.
James sat down, and couldn't help but gaze into Regulus' eyes, who were staring back at him just as intently.
"Dig in love," James said, and watched as Regulus cut into his chicken. Any second now, he would bite into it, and James would be laughing his ass off.
Regulus didn't seem to want to taste it, so James put some in his mouth, not even bothering to blow on it, just to lead Regulus into a false sense of security that it wasn't spicy. To him, it was just the perfect amount of spice that didn't make your mouth uncomfortable.
James watched in glee as Regulus took his first bite. He watched Regulus look impressed by the taste, then he started to chew.
Regulus started fanning his mouth almost immediately, and James laughed as he turned red from embarrassment and started drinking his water to try and stop the burn. He knew there was nothing he could do apart from laugh.
Regulus scowled at him, and James snorted from laughter, earning another glare from Regulus.
"What the hell did you put in that?" Regulus gasped, looking at the dish like the was scared of it.
"The spices you stole from us and didn't even use," James replied, and Regulus' eyes widened, not sure if he should laugh or not. James himself thought it was a good joke, so he laughed softly about it. "Why?" James asked innocently. "Did you not like it?"
"It's so hot!"
"Ugh. White people," James said sarcastically. "So dramatic. You better eat all of it love, I'm counting on you."
Regulus looked appalled, but also pleased at the praise. James hoped Regulus didn't have a praise kink. Because he said encouraging stuff for his job, he wasn't doing it in bed.
Regulus tentatively took another bite, a lot smaller, and nodded in approval. "It is nice, I have to give you that."
"Thanks. It's one of my favourite dishes, especially since my Nani would make it when guests were over for dinner. It was her favourite to cook. I got to help her too. She called me her chhota mahaaraaj, saying I'd grow up and be a chef," James remised. "When I told her I was a teacher, she was disappointed but happy because she considered it smarter anyways."
Regulus laughed slightly, taking another small bite. "Did you tell her you're not a real teacher?"
James shook his head. "I told her i taught the English equivalent of Lower Essential, which is English equivalent to Primary school."
Regulus sighed. "And she believed you?"
"Yep. Last time she was the one coming over here, and she asked if she could visit my classroom. I brought her in and everything, she loved it. Though her English wasn't great, so I think that's why I got away with that." James missed her. She'd passed away almost three years ago, and he was only lucky he was able to say goodbye to her. He hadn't been to India since. He thought about that. Maybe it was time he go again.
Regulus interrupted his trail of thought.
"Do you visit her often?" He asked. "My grandparents nor parents cared about me all that much. Maybe I can meet yours?" James admired the bravery in asking. Meeting the parents is a serious deal. He only wished he could bring Regulus to meet his Nani. She was the first person he ever told that he liked boys.
"She passed away a couple of years ago," James replied, wiping his eyes. "She would've loved you. She wouldn't understand what you're saying, most likely, but she could read people like a book. So can my mum. I'll bring you to meet her, if you want."
Regulus scoffed. "I'm sure Sirius has talked a load of shit to them about me."
James shook his head. Sirius had never, ever, spoken bad about Regulus in front of Effie or Monty. They'd usually reserve that for James.
"No, he'd just say how they wished you came with him," James said, and now it was Regulus' turn to be sad. He didn't want him to be sad. "Maybe let's talk about something happier."
They then proceeded to have a thirty minute conversation about different languages, as they compared Spanish and French, seeing as Regulus was fluent in French and James in Spanish. James had also mentioned Hindi a couple of times, but Regulus was so out of loop with it, he decided to drop it.
"Spanish is so much easier," James said, thinking about how Sirius would spend hours at his French homework. Though now he thinks that's because his mother was the strictest on his French grades, seeing as they'd spoken it since birth. "French you don't pronounce half the letters."
"Yeah and it sounds super sexy," Regulus replied, rolling his eyes. He'd finally finished his food, so he was talking much more easily now. "je veux te baiser jusqu'à ce que tu cries mon nom."
"No clue what you said."
"Just how I like it," Regulus smirked, and James just knew it was something dirty. For such an uptight person, Regulus loved dirty talk.
"Me gusta tu. Quiero gastar cada día contigo. Quiero dormir en tu cama para el resto de mi vida," James aimed for sweet, because God knows Regulus needed to hear it, even if it was in a different language. Regulus didn't say anything, but he did smile at the floor so James felt okay.
There was a lull in the conversation, and James decided it was time to have dessert.
"I brought dessert," James said, clearing the table, and Regulus looked apprehensive.
"What is it?"
"I could've brought kheer, but I decided to go for something that you would probably like. Creme brulee," James said happily, and Regulus rolled his eyes, and James' blood turned cold at that. Had he done something wrong? "What's wrong with it?" He asked, slightly hurt.
Regulus shook his head.
"Sorry. I'm just being a snob. It's just that you probably bought it, and it never tastes as good as the homemade one, but I'd be very surprised if you did make it, because why would you have a kitchen blowtorch?"
James relaxed. His Tesco creme brulee was sufficient.
"If you wanted dessert you would've made it yourself," James said, clearing the table. "As you didn't, you either get to eat mine or watch me savour every bite."
He watched Regulus struggle to come up with a suitable response. "I'll feed you yours then," he shrugged, acting like that wasn't the hottest thing that came out of his mouth that James actually understood.
James just nodded, unable to reply. He quickly went to put the plates in the dishwasher, and grabbing the creme brulee out of the fridge, he put it into the microwave to warm it.
Just as he was trying to plan out the best way to spend the evening, Regulus came in, getting more seven up for them. James didn't mention he wouldn't be drinking, Regulus had already gotten at least six different fizzy drinks and refreshments for the both of them, which had really made James smiled.
As James took the creme brulee out, Regulus got out two fancy bowls just to top it off.
"Do you ever feel like we're just playing being grown-ups?" James asked as they went back to the dining room. James liked how Regulus had a completely separate room for eating. It made him feel like the whole date had a lot more seriousness to it that he enjoyed.
"All the fucking time," Regulus almost whispered back, as of saying it out loud meant he didn't have his life together. But he then proceeded to stuff James' mouth with Creme brulee, and James had to admit, he really did love the shitty Tesco one.
But eating it didn't last long, as James, unable to hold back anymore, leaned forward to brush the hair off Regulus' forehead and kissed it gently. Regulus immediately responded, grabbing James by the scuff of his shirt and practically dragging him forward so their lips were touching.
James relished the feeling of kissing Regulus. He thought it should be a sacred art, a way of practicing religion because he felt like he was in heaven. Regulus was kissing him with urgency, like if he went a second longer he wouldn't live to tell the tale. James was kissing softly, not seeing the rush. They had all evening.
They broke apart eventually, and James looked at Regulus, grinning. He'd gotten a bit into it, so now Regulus' hair was messed up and his lips red. James thought he looked absolutely gorgeous.
"Have you ever watched Heathers?" Was the first question that James thought he should ask. He didn't know why that was in his mind, it just was.
"The musical?"
"No the paint drying channel on YouTube," James responded sarcastically. "Yes the musical!"
"Do you take me as a trans twink or not? Obviously I've watched it," Regulus replied. "But why is that relevant?"
"Because it's a good musical," James said it like it was obvious. He thought that he should know if his boyfriend liked musicals or not. "My favourite character is Veronica. Such an icon. 'dead girl walking' lives in my head rent free."
"I liked Heather. The one that died. She was cool. And a bitch. Plus Candy store is an amazing song."
James hummed happily, pulling Regulus closer to him. He was so lucky to have someone as special as Regulus. Then, he had an idea.
"How about we watch Heaters and after we 'get freaky?'" James laughed slightly, as he was trying to copy Veronica's slang. He really liked that song. It scratched his brain in the right way.
"I have absolutely no problem with that," Regulus said, curling up into James, and James knew he would do anything for the man lying in his arms. James just wanted to spend the rest of his life with him, because he knew that he was the one.
They lasted fifty minutes until they closed the bedroom door.
*****
On Sunday they decided to visit Peter and Grace, accepting their invite they sent on Saturday. James had spent most of Saturday with Regulus, as they'd went to go get ice cream and walked around London. James had really enjoyed it, and promised Regulus he would take him to Madam Tussauds another time, because it was a crime he hadn't already been.
Remus knocked on Peter's door, bringing James back to the present, and Sirius was only delighted that Grace was the one to answer it.
"Oh my god! Gracie!" Sirius exclaimed, hugging her happily. "Congrats! Let me see the ring! I hope Wormy wasn't too stingy-- oh my! It's fabulous!"
"Nice to see you too Sirius," Grace smiled fondly, holding her hand out to Sirius, who was currently clutching it in awe.
"Take notes Remus," Sirius said absentmindedly, and James laughed as Remus blushed profusely.
Peter came to the rescue, letting them all inside. Sirius proceeded to plonk themselves down on the couch, with Remus and James following suit.
"I adore your eyeliner," Grace said as she and Peter came in with cups of tea and a coffee for Sirius.
Today, Sirius' eyeliner was wavy and just above their eyelid, going well with their black flowy top and jeans. They looked effortlessly handsome, compared to James and Remus who were wearing oversized hoodies. At least Remus was wearing jeans, James was in his joggers, because who cared? Not him anyways.
"You flatter me Grace," Sirius smiled nonetheless. "I love your new painting. It makes big Ben look amazing."
If James was being honest, he wouldn't have noticed it. Which made him feel slightly guilty,bas Grace was a very good artist.
"How's the wedding planning going?" Remus asked, tactfully changing the subject. Peter sighed.
"Extremely stressful," he said, and Grace stared at him, dumbfounded.
"You aren't even helping me plan it! You have zero say," Grace said, hitting his arm lightly. "I'm the one who looked into the venues. All you did was shown up to the cake testings!"
Peter and the rest of them laughed.
"Is me showing up enough?" He asked sweetly.
"No."
James swore he was about to die of laughter. This is why he enjoyed coming over here.
"Gotta up the game Petey," James said solemnly.
"Me paying for the wedding should be sufficient," Peter mumbled."It's not like I'd be any help anyways."
"Mr Surgeon here can spot internal bleeding in the stomach but can't tell which bouquet of flowers should be put on the tables," Grace said, and James snorted with laughter, which made everyone laugh.
Peter rolled his eyes. "That's enough Peter bashing for one day. What's been up with you guys?"
All three of them turned to look at each other. Peter knew Regulus was Sirius' brother, but none of them had mentioned anything else. Especially Sirius, since they felt everything that happened was their fault.
"I talked to Regulus," Sirius blurted out, fidgeting with the hem of their shirt. "That obviously led to a fight. And then we cried for a while. Regulus then also found out about James' bipolar through me."
"Which made me freak out and have a breakdown, but Regulus came to the rescue and reassured me that he wouldn't let it get in the way."
" And while all that was going on, I was chilling but not really because I went for a run and had an asthma attack."
James turned his head towards Remus. He hadn't known that.
Remus nodded at him. "I didn't want to worry you."
Peter held his hands up. "Woah woah woah. I may need a few more pieces of information, because all I was told was that Regulus was Sirius' trans brother. You actually talked to him Padfoot? You haven't spoken in what, ten years?"
"Nine."
"That's really brave. And I mean that," Peter continued, and Sirius blushed. "But James, what do you, he found out about your bipolar. Had you not told him!"
James turned red. It wasn't something he was proud of. "I may have forgotten to mention it."
Peter sighed. "I'm glad you're still with him, Prongs, because you seem really happy."
"I'm glad too."
"Alright, who wants to play games?"
They'd played Cluedo and charades, and were currently on twister when James got a message from Regulus.
James smiled as his phone chimed, Regulus had text him a picture of him and Dorcas.
Thinking of you. Not really though.
James laughed, and sent back a picture of the twister mat.
We should use this if we run out of sex positions
Sirius, who unfortunately happened to be looking over James' shoulder at the time, gasped and covered their eyes.
"Omg what the fuck James!" Sirius protested, looking appalled.
"That teaches you not to look over my shoulder."
"You're paying for my therapy."
"Sorry, can't do that. My own is expensive enough," James replied, and Sirius rolled their eyes.
"I'm taking the spinner. James traumatized me I can't play right now," Sirius announced, grabbing the spinner and sitting down on the couch.
Peter came back with 0.0 beers. Peter had text him yesterday if he'd be comfortable with them, and James had said yes, looking forward to having one himself. He appreciated Peter texting first.
James lost after three moves, nearly knocking Remus down in the process. James knew he had no balance, and watched as Peter and Remus played on, but he was also texting Regulus.
Remus ended up winning, and he smirked triumphantly.
"I suggest Remus and Sirius have a showdown," Peter said. "Create some rivalry."
Sirius huffed. "I don't want to do that."
"You don't have a choice."
"If Grace was her I would. I can't believe she abandoned me and plans with other people when she knew I'd be here!" Sirius complained, folding their arms.
"That's why she made other plans," Peter teased, and Sirius scowled. "You walked right into that one mate," Peter shrugged.
"C'mon Padfoot," Remus pleaded. "We both know you'll win anyways."
Sirius sighed, giving in. They couldn't resist Remus, not really. James noticed they grimaced as they got up, but quickly replaced it with a smile.
"Ready to lose?" They asked Remus, who started right back at them.
"I'm still hoping I won't."
Sirius laughed, and James took it upon himself to be the spinning master. He sat down and tried not to laugh as Sirius took a swing of their beer before they began. It wasn't like it was going to do anything.
"Left foot on red," James said, and watched as Remus and Sirius both plonked their foot down.
"Left hand on green."
"Right hand on yellow."
"Left foot on blue."
"Right foot in the air."
James laughed as he saw the next one. Left foot on green. He knew this was going to be fun to watch.
"Left foot on green," he giggled, and Peter laughed as Remus gasped.
"How am I supposed to move my foot with one in the air?" Remus complained, and Peter shrugged.
"It's the rules."
James was impressed by Sirius' way of doing it. They'd just jumped and happened to land on green. But they were wobbly, something that never happened, even in ones harder than this.
Remus managed to do it, with a lot of grumbling and cheering from Peter. James gave the spinner to Peter so he could do it.
James loved days like these. They'd all just chill, have fun and it made life worth living. The games of twister, the arguing that came with it. Uno in all it's glory. Mario Cart. And the takeaway they would get. James always felt loved in a room with them.
"Right hand on blue."
Remus done it easily, but Sirius wobbled again.
"Losing your balance?" Remus teased, and Sirius shook their head.
"Never."
"Right foot on blue," Peter said, and Remus was only too happy to out his foot back down on the floor. "Thank fuck."
Their heads were now against each other, and as Peter was spinning again, Sirius leaned in and whispered into Remus' ear. James assumed it was something dirty to throw Remus off, but Remus' face fell from happy to concerned.
"Why didn't you say something earlier?" Remus asked, his time half angry half concerned. Sirius fell onto the mat and smiled crookedly, mumbling something about not wanting to ruin the game.
"Wait what?" James was so confused, Sirius and Remus had both given up and Remus was guiding Sirius to the couch.
"They said they're feeling really faint," Remus cursed, and Peter immediately went to go get cushions to put under Sirius' legs. Now that James looked, they did seems paler than usual.
"James, go get an ice pack and a glass of water," Peter said, grabbing more cushions.
James immediately headed towards the kitchen, his heart racing. Sirius hadn't fainted in a while, and had caught him by surprise. Yeah, they had episodes of it, but it really had been a while. James immediately feared it was because they hadn't been eating properly.
He came back with the ice as soon as possible, and as he went to hand it to Peter, Sirius' head lolled back and their eyes closed. They'd went and fainted while lying down.
Remus sighed. "Fuck."
Peter just went to put the ice pack behind their head and near their neck, and pressed his palm toctheir forehead.
"He's-- they're warm."
James shot Remus a worried glance.
Luckily Sirius began to regain consciousness fairly quickly, and Remus kissed their forehead, holding their hand.
Sirius didn't say anything, and Peter started talking.
"You fainted," he said, and Sirius didn't say anything for a minute.
"You would've sworn someone died with your faces," they said weakly, and Peter handed them the glass of water.
"Why didn't you tell us you were gonna faint!" James asked, shuffling around.
Sirius just blinked at him, and looked away.
Remus nudged them gently, prompted them to speak.
"Because I was trying to fool myself into thinking it wouldn't happen," they muttered, and James nearly rolled his eyes at the absurdity of it. Sirius had told him before that they can always tell they're going to because they always feel really nauseous and get a cold sweat. "Clearly didn't work."
Remus handed them a chocolate bar. "Here. Eat. You need to get your blood sugar back up."
Sirius took it without complaint, and all three of them watched them eat it. When they finished, they rolled their eyes.
"Don't look at me like I'm fragile. I faint frequently. It's not a big deal," Sirius reassured them, but James wasn't sure if he was convinced.
They ended up watching a movie, settling on The Hunger Games. Sirius had loved it as a child, and James liked it because it was similar to the book.
They'd ordered takeaway during it, and James had gotten a veggie pizza, and he watched Sirius suspiciously as they only ordered chicken goujons and chips.
"Are you sure you're okay?" James asked as Sirius picked at their food. The last thing anyone needed was for Sirius to relapse. Of course, James couldn't pick and choose when Sirius would feel bad, because if he could, they would always be happy.
"Yeah, I just still feel nauseous," they whispered back, looking sheepish.
"We can always leave now, if you want?" James replied, knowing they'd have to talk.
Sirius shook their head. "Nah, wait until it's over."
They left shortly after, walking back. The walk back was peaceful, and James was trying to figure out what he should say to Sirius. He needed to remind them that they could always talk to him, and they don't have to struggle alone. James would remind them that this isn't their mother's house, and you can feel whatever you want without shame, because that's what friends were for.
James' trail of thought was interrupted as Sirius doubled over and vomited on the grass, Remus immediately holding their hair back and rubbing their back. Sirius was pale again, and James was scared they'd faint again.
"Maybe they're coming down with something," Remus suggested, a pleading look in their eyes, praying that the skipping meals and vomiting everything up was staying in the past.
Sirius retched again, and James turned away, feeling sick himself. Sirius wiped their mouth on the tissue Remus handed them, and smiled weakly.
"I think I could have something too," Sirius said, and the walk home was one filed with a heavy silence.
James knew he had to talk to them as soon as possible.
As Remus made tea and went to go get blankets and hot water bottles for Sirius, James knew he had to talk. And cut to the point.
"Sirius, you're not skipping meals again, are you?" James asked, and Sirius snapped their head to face James.
"No!"
James didn't like how Sirius got so defensive.
"Purging? Because Sirius, if you are, I would like you to tell me so I can help you, because I love you, and I want what's best for you," James said softly, and Sirius shook their head.
"I promise I'm not. I think I've caught something off the students. I've taken tomorrow off work, and Remus is off too."
James wasn't sure if he believed them, and Sirius could see that too.
"James, if I was purging my breath would stink, my cheeks would be puffy and I would be spending a lot of time in the bathroom. I promise I'm not. I've been trying not to, actually. I don't know why they keep coming back to me. I hate it so much. All I can hear is her voice screaming at me," Sirius looked so sad and scared, and James gave them a big hug. "Will I ever be free?"
James knew the answer.
No.
Mental illnesses didn't let go that easily. By he wasn't going to say that right now.
"I'm here for you. You've got me."
"I know."
"I love you," James whispered.
" I love you more," Sirius sniffled, and they let themselves cry on James, because he was able to hear the weight for Sirius when it became too much. James only hoped Sirius would get back on their feet again, because James didn't know how much more heartbreak he could take.