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James ignored putting on his own clothes in favour of watching the scene before him. Regulus was buttoning his shirt with long, graceful fingers, the last golden rays of autumn sun shone through the window beside them, and the white fabric of Regulus’ uniform moved to cover the red and purple marks that littered his collarbones. He looked perfect in James’ dorm—like he belonged there.
“You’ll be late if you don’t dress now.” Regulus said, attempting to fix his hair with the small mirror on Peter's desk. James didn’t bother to move from where he was sitting on his bed. Rumpled sheets that smelt faintly of Regulus’ bergamot cologne surrounded him. He resented the idea of leaving.
“That’s alright, as long as I get to watch you.” James said softly. He really didn’t mind if he was late to supper in the great hall, not when he had the most perfect person in front of him.
“They’ll wonder, you know. My brother may be daft, but Lupin isn’t and neither is Evans,” he pointed out.
“They won’t notice, and if they did, they wouldn’t care, Reg.” James knew that Remus and Lily would both care very much if they found out what he was doing with Regulus, but they would at least have the decency not to tell Sirius about it. Whether it was because they saw Regulus as his own person that was capable of making his own decisions, or because they wouldn’t appreciate Sirius murdering James, he didn’t know. And besides, it’s not like anyone would even notice if he were late, they were all too busy with their own business.
Regulus was scowling. Usually a harsh expression, but when aimed at James, it seemed a bit softer—more playful. He crossed the small space between them, plucking James’ clothes from the floor along the way, and stood holding it out expectantly. James didn’t take them. He liked how flush Reg would become when he was annoyed.
James let Regulus guide him into his uniform shirt. He shivered as the cool cloth touched the hot scratches that ran down his back.
“I swear, you have claws,” James laughed. Regulus was not amused and pinched his arm hard enough to sting. He thought of Regulus below him on the bed, smiling and moaning and gripping onto him, “You were in such a pleasant mood a few minutes ago.”
“Yes, well, there was a reason for that,”
“Would you like me to make you happy again?” James gently captured one of his wrists. He brought it up to his lips and pressed into the soft skin, focusing on the pulse that thrummed beneath.
“We don’t have the time, James. Someone will come back up here.” Regulus said, pulling away.
“Tomorrow?” James asked.
“No.” he leaned over to grab the red and gold tie on the bed.
“Then when?” He worked against Regulus as he tried to loop the tie around his neck. Regulus just scowled harder and batted his hands away.
“I don’t know.” Regulus said softly, pulling the silky gold and red tie into place over James’ collar bone. He remembered how smoothly Regulus had taken it off in the first place, and once again wished they could stay alone in the Gryffindor dorm longer.
Reluctantly, James stood and finished getting ready to leave. He grabbed his wand, the map, and his invisibility cloak.
“It’s still hard to believe you were able to make this.” Regulus said, taking hold of the parchment, then whispering, I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. James watched him trace gentle fingers over the moving ink.
“Remus and Peter should have most of the credit. Sirius and I just came up with the idea and helped a little.” James took back the map, and looked into the Gryffindor tower.
“I hate to give Gryffindor complements, but if anyone were going to create something like this, it would be you.” Regulus’ praise made James duck his head to hide the flush that spread over his cheeks.
He gently took the parchment into his hands and wrapped the cloak around them both. James could have only covered Regulus, but he wanted any excuse to stay close. Plus, there were people in the common area, and James knew just how anxious Regulus got when he got pulled into conversations as they were leaving.
Quietly, they snuck through the castle, trying to find a spot with no one around. James purposely walked slower than he needed to, enjoying how Regulus let him wrap an arm around his waist. Eventually they came across an empty corridor, and based on the map, no one was moving toward them. Not even Mrs. Norris.
Regulus pulled the cloak off of them and took a step back, “You can go now, Potter.” he said dismissively and turned to walk away.
“There’s no one around, you don’t have to call me Potter.” James said as he caught Regulus’ wrist and pulled him close.
“You can go now, James.” He said again, softer, and didn’t move away again.
“Do I have to?” James asked. He already knew the answer, but he hoped to hear something different. From the look that flashed across Regulus’ eyes, he knew it wouldn’t be.
“James—”
“I know, I know. We can’t be seen,” James hated his own stupid rule at that moment. They’d agreed on it, so Sirius would find out until they were ready to tell him, but it meant their relationship was almost entirely restricted to empty dorm rooms, “Can you just…” James needed something—anything—from Regulus to reassure him at that moment.
Arms wrapped around him and relief coursed through him. James leaned into the hug and smiled when he felt soft lips pepper even softer kisses on his neck and jaw, “Thank you,” James whispered. He knew Regulus wasn’t a fan of hugging, so he started to pull away once he felt better, “You’re probably right, we should go.” James said. Regulus hummed in agreement, obviously thinking about something.
“I need to study tomorrow. The wizarding history section of the library rarely has any visitors.” James was a bit confused, not understanding what Regulus was trying to say. Regulus sighed and rolled his eyes, “You should meet me there.” he explained. He smiled, knowing that Regulus didn’t need to study—he just wanted to be around James.