Chapter Text
“They’re both morons.” Regulus says, his voice low and groggy in the morning. He was still in bed, messy black curls on James’ pillow, peeking out from the covers.
”No-“ James’ instinct to defend his friends kicked in immediately, but then he backtracked. “Well. Yeah they kinda are, aren’t they…”
James and Regulus had met up to talk about what Regulus said last Friday yesterday. James would’ve done it earlier if he had the time, but keeping the peace in the dorm was top priority for a couple days. Regulus had admitted that he’d suddenly gotten irritated with his brother that night and that he did say it to make fun of him, which absolutely boiled James’ blood, but after talking it through they agreed that there were deeper layers to this and that Regulus didn’t mean to hurt Sirius, or Remus for that matter. He apparently wanted Sirius and his friends to leave him alone as he was feeling strangely overwhelmed and couldn’t think of a better way to get rid of them. Over the course of their relationship James at learned that this was a thing Regulus struggled with, he’d get overwhelmed, not know how to just be honest about needing a moment to himself and then lash out if he couldn’t get away. It had happened two times between them, but Regulus had apologised and explained after he’d calmed down. It had hurt when it happened, sure, but it really wasn’t the biggest problem in their relationship. The whole Sirius-is-his-best-friend-and-Regulus’-brother-and-he-doesn’t-know is a far bigger issue, and the thing they can’t ever seem to compromise on.
They had a promise with each other that if Regulus was overwhelmed he’d give a sign, either a word or just squeeze James really hard somewhere, and then James would leave without saying anything. He hated that part. He’s always preferred confrontation and talking, but it was what Regulus needed, and they always talk it out afterwards so there’s no confusion.
“I know I shouldn’t have said it, but I was right.” Regulus smiles, his eyes still closed and head smooshed into the pillow.
”Yeah. You were.” James was using all his energy and focus on admiring Regulus, so he didn’t bother arguing. Regulus raised his eyebrow and bit his smile down before opening his eyes. They stared into each other eyes, another thing James had noticed as their relationship went on. At first Regulus refused to look him in the eye, rather focusing on his jewellery or something like that, but after a while Regulus seemed to quite like looking James in the eyes. James loved doing it in bed, like this and in… other contexts.
Regulus eyes are a green-blue so light they look grey when you aren’t as close as James is right now. He loves that he, James, could see the little hint of colour, it makes him feel special.
Regulus puts his hand on the side of James’ head and strokes it through his hair. He’s sure it’s a huge mess right now, Regulus thinks it always is.
Regulus leans in and kisses him. He’s always so sweet and careful in the morning and James adores it. He pulls Regulus closer and tangles their legs together, Regulus almost on top of him now. James is so fucking grateful for the head boy dorm so he doesn’t have to worry about his roommates. Don’t get him wrong, he sleeps in the marauders dorm most of the time. He couldn’t stand the quiet the first night of his 7th year, but it’s a great spot if you’re secretly dating your best friend’s brother and you want to make out in the morning.
About thirty minutes later they’re pulling their uniforms on and tying each other's ties.
“We were serious about inviting you guys this Friday too, and bringing some of the girls, if you wanted to.” Regulus says as James stands behind him, arms around him and looking in the full length mirror in front of them so he can tie his tie. James wanted to go, getting high wasn’t really a thing he and Regulus did together. He knew Regulus did it with his friends, but they’d agreed not to do it together because Regulus liked it being something between him and his friends. James was fine with that really, he wasn’t big on the whole concept of getting high anyways, but he did enjoy seeing Regulus high. His boyfriend laughed and giggled so much that night and he seemed very in his element around his friends. James knew that Rosier and Crouch knew that Regulus was in a relationship, but apparently they didn’t pry too much. Which frankly was a foreign concept to the marauders, they all knew an unhealthy amount of details about each other. Which is why it felt even worse to lie to Sirius, because Sirius genuinely trusted him and believed him when he made excuses. Sure, some of them were a little unbelievable, which made Sirius frown, but never would he ever think James was having a secret rendezvous with his brother.
“We’re bringing Pandora and Dorcas at least, I’ll tell her to ask your table at dinner tonight.” He finished the knot and adjusted it a little.
”Alright, we might not be able to though. They’re still not speaking to each other.” James said as Regulus turned around to tie James tie. Obviously he finished it quicker than James and with a much better result, but James just found it charming. He pulled on the tie to bring James in for a kiss, which quickly turned into yet another make out session. He eventually pulled away, much to James’ disappointment.
“We are gonna be very late if we keep doing this James.” Regulus said in a very serious tone, but he obviously wasn’t as committed as he sounded because he still hadn’t taken either hands off James.
”Yeah.” They both leaned back into a kiss. They ended up skipping breakfast and first period.
Dinner didn’t go so well.
James took a deep breath before opening the door to their shared dorm. He was either going to walk into a screaming match or his two best friends sucking face, he really hoped face was the only thing he was gonna walk into someone sucking.
Luckily the scene he saw as he entered the room was actually quite nice, better than he had expected at least. Sirius and Remus were standing in front of a cracked open window, the light shining in behind them coating them and the room in an orange sunset colour. They were kind of sucking face, but it wasn’t so intense it could be considered inappropriate for James to be here. It was actually, truly, sweet.
They must’ve heard James come in because they pulled apart. Remus cleared his throat.
”James.”
”Oh please! Don’t mind me!” He said excitedly bouncing on his feet, he felt giddy.
”Just get it out of your system.” Remus sighed. Sirius immediately ran and tackled James in a hug and James responded by squealing like they were teenage girls meeting their favourite boy band member.
“He’s my boyfriend now James! Can you believe it? I’m dating our Moony!” Sirius said while they swayed back and forth in a hug. James couldn’t see Sirius, but he was sure he was grinning manically.
James looked up to meet Remus’ eye, he seemed embarrassed, but also happier than James had ever seen him.
James loved his friends like they were a part of his soul, by now they probably were. He was so happy for them.