Alius

The boy with dirty blonde hair, almost red, thought about a life outside of this. The life where he spent every night forcing drunk crew members off him and repeatedly dipping his mop in the bucket and swooshing the stick side to side. Over, and over, and over, again.

Remus took a break from that terribly hard task to stare at the stars above him, only tonight there were only about 5 up in the sky. He looked down to his left and was reminded that they were docked for the night. The light pollution coming from the city explained the scarce amount of stars. Normally he would see them spread out everywhere, across the whole sky, for as far as he could see. He liked spotting the different constellations, and found comfort in knowing they’ll always be there.

Remus sighed and went back to his mopping, he figured the crew would be back soon enough to dirty up the deck and make him mop all over again. He didn't mind so much because it wasn't his friends, or however close to “friends” you can get on a ship, that were doing it. The select two were normally holed up in their room. Sometimes, if Remus finished early they would sneak him in there.

Him and Dorcas would spend the night talking. That being considerably easy considering both of their wit. They would imagine a life outside the ship, not very hard to when they both know they want everything but this. It's not that they don't want to be on a ship it's just they don't want to particularly be on this one. Everyone knows that if you aren't royalty then you would rather be on the sea than in those muggy unkempt cities.

When Remus felt the need to calm down, he would go to Regulus’ room. He didn’t get to go often because of how watched like a dog because his father is the captain, but when he did it was a nice change. In Remus’ quarters, they slept in hammocks all stacked on top of each other so he never really got peace and quiet. The only time he has ever gotten quiet on the boat is when docked at a city or when he is in Regulus’ room. It was a nice change from Dorcas. Him and Regulus would sit there and converse about books, but most of the time they sat in silence reading whatever fiction book they could smuggle on the ship at the time. They spoke only a few words, but they held a deep sense of friendship and understanding.

Tonight was different though, they had all stupidly made a plan to meet up on the deck behind some crates to enjoy the fresh air together. In retrospect, almost everyone was off the ship tonight, the real concern was getting caught by Captain Orion Black (but you are really not allowed to say his first name), (learnt the hard way).

Remus looked around him to make sure no one was there, and when there wasn't, he shoved the bucket into the little supply closet right by the stairs that lead up to the more “refined class” of the crew. He darted around to the side of the ship towards the middle where all of the crates with guns and ammunition were stored. He climbed over the crates, trying to find the lit lantern Dorcas promised to meet him and Regulus with. He heard a quiet shuffle in front of some crates which only meant Regulus. Dorcas would not be so subtle.

Remus peaked around the corner and saw Regulus who had a book in hand along with another small lantern.

Remus watched as Regulus had his back to him and started scooting crates aside by kicking them. Remus heard him quietly say, “Hello, Remus”

The blonde boy went out of hiding while smiling and helped start moving boxes around. “New book?” he asked. He noticed that the cover was a leather black, which was a stark difference compared to the more colorful books he had in his room.

Regulus snorted, which was one of the reminders to Remus that he was an actual person and not just the cruel captain's son. “No, just some book about ocean maps and such.”

They both moved to sit down in the open space they created. Remus asked the question with the obvious answer, “Courtesy of Captain Black, I’m guessing?”

Remus watched as the boy with mousy black hair nodded and turned his head up to look at the sky. Remus suspected he didn’t see much of the sky since he’s noticed that Regulus doesn’t come out that much due to the obnoxious crew members.

He let Regulus have his peace while they both waited for Dorcas to show up. They were both definitely thinking that, of course Dorcas shows up late. It is one of her “special traits” she had said when Regulus countered it by saying “No, that’s special thinking.” He had meant it in a bad way but that did not matter because Dorcas was too busy laughing at the stark comparison between him and the captains hair.

Remus was pulled from his thoughts when Regulus groaned, “I am going to leave here in 30 seconds if Dorcas doesn’t get up here.”

Remus laughed, “Don’t know what’s taking her so long. Not like she has anyone else to see.” With context, Remus knew it was kind of mean, Dorcas’ little crush had practically punched her when she declared her love for her, which meant the end of them. But, nonetheless, Regulus snorted.

All of the sudden, they heard heavy boots running towards them with accompanied loud laughter. Regulus quirked a brow and marked the page of his book, ready for whatever Dorcas was going to rant about.

She was coming from Regulus' side of the crates and that is why he was the first to notice the expression on her face. As she got closer, her expression started to fade. Remus was confused as to what was going on so he slowly rose. “Dorcas” he called out.

When she reached their little inner circle, Regulus was still looking down at his book. Drawing sketches with his finger on the front cover. So that is why he didn’t see her raise a bottle and smash it over his head.

Remus’ eyes widened and immediately went to lunge for her and said “Dorcas what the-” But before he could get it all out, he felt a smash on his head. Next, he heard ringing. Then, everything went black.

-

Regulus groaned. His head was pounding and his ears ringing. He reached his hands up to cradle his head to try and stop the high pitch screaming in his ears.

He slowly opened his eyes and blinked rapidly to adjust his eyes faster to the change of light. From what he remembers, he was originally staring down at a book enjoying the fresh air… and now, he is in some room he has never seen before. He looked around and saw bookshelves covering the walls and in front of him a big table with lamps on it. He looked down and saw himself sitting in a wooden chair with no bindings.

Regulus slowly got up and remained calm. He understands why someone would want to kidnap him. To get to his father. He is actually not at all surprised someone did.

He decided their attempt was weak. Especially because they used someone the victim (Regulus) knows to do the job. He suspects Dorcas got something out of it and could, honestly, not blame her. She would tell tales of leaving the boat and finding a more lively life. If this is what it took to give her that then it’s fine.

He stood up and stretched his legs, the room spinning a bit before righting again. He walked over to the shelves and started to browse through the books. The selection looked a lot like his fathers. If he hadn’t been in every room in his home ship, he would have considered the possibility that this belonged to his father and he was simply knocked out and placed in a room.

He traced the spine of a blue covered book he plucked off the shelf. They had not collected dust and some were poking out, while others were fully just laying down on the outer edge of the shelf. Whoever had taken him was an avid reader. Whoever it was, was a very busy person, or maybe just unorganized. Either way, they had not taken the time to rightly put back the books.

Suddenly, he heard a light tap on the door and then the door opened. There standing was a tall man with dark brown hair, tan skin, and obnoxiously round glasses.

Regulus stared as the man let himself in and shut the door behind him. He smiled at Regulus and extended a hand, “Hello, I’m James.”

Regulus rolled his eyes as he went back to sit down in his chair.

When James realized he wasn’t getting a reply, he went and sat down in the seat in front of him. He adjusted his glasses which for some reason pissed Regulus off and said, “Look, I’m sorry about the head. But in order to get you out we had to make it look like a kidnapping.”

Regulus tilted his head, “In order to ‘get me out’?”

James smiled sheepishly, “Well, I’m not allowed to explain just yet. We’ll have Dorcas come in here and do that.”

“So, then what are you in here for,” Regulus asked as he watched James look everywhere but him.

James smiled when he asked, “What, so you’re not gonna ask ‘who are you’ or ‘what do you want’?” Regulus quirked his lips, raised his eyebrows, and slowly shook his head. James sat back and said, “I thought this one would be like this books. The kidnappee crying and begging.”

Regulus snorted, “Nobody in the books cry. They either get really angry or attack. Guess you won the lottery with me.”

James furrowed his eyebrows and sighed, “You’re acting just like him. Someone help me.”

Regulus leaned forward, “Acting like who?”

James eyes widened in alarm before he laughed, “Now you are asking the right questions.”

Regulus saw the break in the façade and decided not to think about it too long. Eventually, he’ll find out who took him. So for now, he’d play the waiting game.

James slapped his thighs and started to stand up, “Well, I’m coming in here to say that you are my charge for the time being. So, nice to meet you.”

James waited for a response and watched as Regulus just stared at him. When it was clear he wouldn’t be getting one, he left the room. Regulus could hear the quiet click of a lock coming from the outside.

-

“So James, how is he feeling?”

James grimaced, “Pretty bad, Sirius. Almost lashed out at me.”

Sirius’ eyes widened in alarm. Dorcas, on the other hand, laughed, while Remus just watched them all talk.

Sirius opened his mouth to begin to freak out and shoot a ton of questions at him, but before he could, James cut him off, “I’m only joking. Very calm. Didn’t seem to care, honestly.”

From across the room, Pandora spoke up, “You’ll need to tell him soon.”

Sirius stood up from his chair and said, “He won’t be so happy about this.” Remus snorted and Sirius whipped his head over to look at him and said, “Something to say?”

Remus smirked and slowly smiled while saying, “I’m sure he’ll be very happy to learn his brother is the one who kidnapped him.”

Dorcas called out from across the room, “Be kind, Remus. And kidnapped is a strong word.”

Sirius added, “Who told him he’s my brother?”

James laughed and moved to hit Sirius on the shoulder, “Sirius it’s kind of obvious. He looks like a moussier and nicer version than you.”

At the same time, Dorcas and Remus called out, “‘Moussier’?”

In truth, Regulus, had always had some features that could be described as moussey but really it was only because of his hollow cheeks and pointed cheekbones, while Sirius had similar features but more filling in his cheeks and less dark circles under his eyes. Dorcas and Remus had talked about it before, deciding they’d describe him more fairy-like than moussey.

Sirius ignored them, “Dorcas, you’ll go in there?”

Before she could respond, Peter poked his head into the room and said, “Um, Regulus wants you.”

Remus jerked his head up in question, “Wants who?”

Peter whispered, “He wants to see Sirius.”

Sirius groaned, “And now who told him it was me?” He pointedly looked over to his best friend.

James threw his arms up in defense, “I didn’t say anything! I swear!”

“Oh yeah? Then how-”

Pandora spoke out once more, interrupting, “Think gold, Sirius.”

Sirius didn’t know what that meant and he suspected that nobody else in the room did either. He knew Pandora only meant well, but her words just added to his anxiety. So when he reached the door of the room Regulus was in, he was practically jumping up and down. In reality, he didn’t know how this meeting was going to go. He suspected Regulus would be civil. Maybe, if he was feeling especially good and thankful he might get a little quick hug. Sirius knew, however, that this was wishful thinking. He knew that he’d have to work to have Regulus. That didn’t stop his nerves from going through the roof.

-

Regulus acting cocky worked for awhile, but now that he was sitting alone and waiting for someone he hasn't seen in years. He was extremely nervous. He'd never let anyone know, of course, but that didn't stop him from admitting that feeling to himself. He wasn't actually sure what he planned on saying to his brother, but he was going to try and not to make it too nasty. Regulus of all people does understand the reasoning behind it all, but it doesn't hurt any less.

They've tried to get Regulus to hate him over the years, in some ways it worked. In other ways, he will never forget the touch and laugh of his brother. He wonders if it's still the same.

Regulus sat upright in his chair when he heard the lock click, he took a deep breath and waited for the door to open.

-

Sirius looked at the thin boy in front of him. His brother didn't look so different from when he left him. He still had the same pointy face. the pushed back brown hair, his kind round eyes. The only thing that was different was the scars running across his baby brothers face. You could also say that his mouth had change shapes, it used to be always quirked up in a boyish grin when he saw Sirius. But when he sees him now, it stays in that same old frown he'd point at their parents.

Sirius moved to the side of the table Regulus was on, every step he took was measured. Regulus felt scared, like a boy being stalked. You could almost smell it in the air. Sirius didn't catch on to it, though. He was too busy trying to absorb the sight of his brother actually being in front of him. It was like seeing light for the fist time in 8 years, Regulus was someone that could burn you at the touch, but chose not to. A patter of stars that you could watch for hours because they are not going anywhere. He was Regulus, and he was right in front of him. He was the same Regulus he used to know.

Regulus watched as his brother surveyed him. He wondered what he was seeing. A wounded ugly boy? Some stranger that used to be his brother? Either way it did not matter, Regulus decided. He did not care what he saw. Because if he was seeing something horrifying in Regulus, Regulus could not say the same.

His brother has obviously flourished over the years. Obviously he has grown up, but he doesn't look so thin and frail anymore. A beautiful tan adorns his skin and his hair is grown out and carefree. No bruises on his face, no lashings on his hand. He did not look like the Sirius Regulus knew. And in some ways, Regulus knew that he wasn't the Sirius he used to know.

Sirius reached out to touch him but faltered in the way he saw Regulus slightly flinch back. he still went for it, and in a second, he was cradling Regulus' face in his hand. Regulus watched as Sirius started to tear up, Regulus wouldn't let himself do the same, because if he did, he'd be on the floor sobbing right now. Regulus didn't want to get too excited about the idea of being home. So for now, he'd let him enjoy the feeling of his brothers warm hand on his cold face.

Regulus was startled when Sirius threw himself at Regulus. Now, on his knees with his arms cradling Regulus' middle.

Sirius managed to force out the first words he's said to his brother in eight years, "I am so sorry."

That's when Regulus broke.