Work Text:
Regulus sat, staring blankly at the plate before him, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. The food looked delicious, but the mere thought of eating sent chills down his spine.
That's when James appeared, bearing a wide grin and a tray full of plates, his cheerful energy a stark contrast to Regulus's gloom.
"Bet you can't finish this," James challenged, joining Regulus at his table, the myriad of dishes causing Regulus's eyes to widen.
Regulus bit his lip, unsure, but James wasn't one to give up so easily. "We could make a game out of it?" he proposed, hoping to ease Regulus's tension.
And so, they began a bizarre food duel, James's jovial spirit engulfing Regulus, enabling him to eat without the usual anxiety.
Over the following weeks, James continued to be there for Regulus, supporting him, encouraging him, and slowly helping him overcome his disorder.
---
One evening, as they sat together, Regulus found himself able to eat a full meal without panicking, a first in a long time.
James clapped him on the back, his smile infectious. "One day at a time, Regulus. One day at a time," he would repeat like a mantra.
Regulus began to trust James more, confiding in him about his fears and anxieties, letting him in on the battles he fought within himself.
James listened patiently, never interrupting, always empathetic. His shoulder was a constant comfort for Regulus to lean on.
Not every day was easy, there were times when Regulus would fall back into old patterns. But James was always there to pull him back up.
Through all the struggles and triumphs, their bond grew stronger. They built each other up, always there to balance out each other.
One night, after a particularly tough day, James held Regulus's hand, reassuring him, "You're not fighting this alone, Regulus. I'm here."
After years of fighting, the days where Regulus could enjoy his meals without any anxiety started to outnumber the ones where he couldn't.