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James absolutely loves bars, especially during Christmastime. There’s just something so calming and warm about the music switching to jazz versions of popular Christmas songs, the doorways being decorated with garlands, the menus including Christmas Specials, and, most importantly, the Christmas lights contrasting in the dark environment and low lighting. He loves it. It’s by all means, his favourite time of the year.
So, when Sirius called him that morning and asked him to go for a drink at his favourite bar and talk, James instantly agreed. However, he chose to ignore the fact that this whole scene was just not really Sirius’ preference and that it meant he probably just needed a favour. It didn’t matter, though, because James was willing to do whatever favour Sirius would ask him and plus, he won a drink out of it. And he was pretty sure Sirius knew he didn’t have to bribe him to agree, James had never said no to him, but did it anyway.
That could possibly mean two things;
One: It’s a really big favour. Or, two: Sirius also wanted a drink and saw this as an opportunity.
James didn’t mind either.
And that’s how he finds himself sitting on a small round table at his favourite bar, sipping one of the Christmas Specials that has a strong taste of cinnamon – it’s brilliant – while Sirius sits right opposite him with a glass of Jack Daniel’s in hand. And as expected, jazz versions of popular Christmas songs echo from the speakers.
After some catching up, some réveillon planning, some work gossip and during the second round of drinks, James eventually asks, “You wanted to talk about something?”
Sirius’ eyes widen as if he just remembered why they went out in the first place. “Yes. Yes, I did,” Is all he says
James smiles and raises an eyebrow. “Are you going to tell me, or should I start guessing?”
“Right! Right… You used to like Regulus, yes?”
To say this was far from what James was expecting would be an understatement. He wouldn’t be surprised if Sirius had leaned in and asked him to help him hide a dead body, but to ask him about his very obvious crush on Regulus shocked him enough to raise both his eyebrows. Never, in a million years, would he expect Sirius to utter those words – especially so calmly. Something is definitely wrong, James is convinced.
Confused, and hesitant, James can only reply, “Yes…”
“And do you still?”
At that, James thinks enough is enough. He straightens up on his seat and tilts his head. “What is this about, Sirius?”
Because there is just no way Sirius was simply interested in knowing the status of James’ crush on Regulus. It’s simply impossible.
“Do you?” Sirius insists.
“Why’s that important?”
“It just is!” Sirius says instead of an explanation. “Just tell me, I won’t kill you if you say yes. I know that’s what you’re thinking.”
More hesitantly than before, and barely loud enough to be heard, James says, “...I do.”
“Great!” Sirius smiles. At this point, this might as well be a doppelgänger, because it’s too odd a thing for Sirius to say. “I want you to take him on a date.” Definitely a doppelgänger then.
“I– What?! ” James has either magically teleported to another dimension, or Sirius has lost his shit because he cannot be experiencing this right now.
“It’s Christmas and he hasn’t left his flat in, like, an entire month! He needs to go out!”
“And what does that have to do with me? ”
Sirius shrugs, takes a sip of whiskey. It’s scary how normal he finds this conversation, and for a moment, James thinks this might be a prank. “I don’t know, James. You’re the most cheerful person I know, a living example of the Christmas spirit. And you like him, so.”
“Sirius, may I remind you how you specifically told me to stay away from your brother?”
“Because he had just gotten out of a serious relationship and he needed time. No more time for him, though, he’s been sulking for way too long.”
“Uh… no.”
“What do you mean no?”
“I mean no.”
“James.”
“What?! Sirius, you're literally telling me to take your brother on a date because he hasn’t gone out in a month! Why do I have to take him on a date? We can just tell him to join us this Saturday when we all go out.”
“Already invited him. The answer was no,” Sirius explains.
“Oh, right! And what exactly makes you think he’ll say yes to a date? With me of all people.”
“I think he likes you.”
“He does not like me.”
“One way to find out, I guess, hm?”
James takes a sip of his cinnamon-y drink and remains silent, thinking about it in a very grown-up way. Teenager-James would say yes in an instant, a date with Regulus is a date with Regulus, he would never pass on that. However, adult-James takes his feelings into consideration. Because apart from what Sirius thinks, James would be putting his heart on the line. He would have to go on a date with someone he really likes and has liked for the past four years and it would most likely end in him getting his heart broken. Sure, Regulus and he talk sometimes, but that’s nothing that would indicate Regulus likes him, like Sirius said.
On the other hand, if it would pull Regulus out of his sulking, then it was worth it. He can’t just leave him in his monotone, not decorated for Christmas flat during the most beautiful time of the year. He just couldn’t. Taking his feelings into consideration be damned, James thinks he might actually do it.
He raises an eyebrow. “And what would Regulus say if he knew you sold him off to your best friend?”
“I’m not selling him off!” Sirius defends himself. “I’m just giving you the permission you wanted to go for it!”
“You literally brought me to my favourite bar to convince me to take him on a date.”
“That’s– That’s still not ‘selling him off’.” Sirius says, then sighs. “Fine, I’m sorry. You don’t have to take him on a date, I know I’m asking for a lot.”
“Shut up, Sirius, I’ll ask him if he wants to go out with me.” James ignores how relieved Sirius appears. “I doubt he’ll say yes, though.”
“You leave that to him. Thank you.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
⋆꙳•❅* ౨ৎ *❆ ₊⋆
The worst part about James’ natural habit of romanticism is probably his dedication to every idea he gets. For instance, he thought it romantic to show up to Regulus’ flat unannounced and ask him out. The problem with that, however, is that Regulus lives on the seventh floor of an old building with no lift. And James is currently breathless on the fourth floor.
Suddenly, it makes sense why Regulus never leaves his flat. It’s too troublesome of a task. Maybe he’s not even sulking anymore, maybe he just doesn’t go out because of what it would get to go back inside.
After tears and blood and suffering (three more storeys of stairs) James is finally standing outside of Regulus flat but doesn’t knock just yet, he needs a moment to catch his breath first. He’d worry about how awkward it would be if Regulus decided to leave his flat now and saw him just standing there on the hallway, but there’s just no way that would happen.
And, eventually, he knocks, and waits, and waits, and nothing happens. He frowns, he did not just climb all those stairs for Regulus not to even be home. He knocks a second time.
It takes a few seconds, but at least this time, the door swings open, and Regulus stands there in all his glory – black fluffy curls pushed back by a headband, tired eyes, and comfortable clothes. No smile but a confused frown creeps onto his face when he sees James, and James doesn’t know what to do with it, it’s not exactly the warm welcome he was hoping for. He smiles nonetheless.
“James? What are you doing here?” Regulus asks, eyebrows furrowed.
“I’m here to flirt with you,” James replies confidently. If he’s going to get rejected, the least he could do is make it funnier rather than more humiliating.
Regulus tilts his head to the side, eyebrows still furrowed, but James doesn’t miss the way his frown twitches into a very small, very tiny smile. “Are you, now?”
“Oh, yes, I have a pick-up line prepared and everything.”
“Great, and I needed a good laugh today,” Regulus says, crosses his arms and straightens up. “Please, do go on.”
James does a whole show of leaning on the doorframe and posing. Then he says, “Are you Santa? Because I’d sit on your lap.”
Regulus stares blankly, blinks once, twice, then promptly shuts the door in James’ face. James stays there for an entire second, considering his next move because he had thought that Regulus would most likely react this way, but he hadn’t exactly thought of what he’d do next.
But then the door opens again and Regulus is still staring blankly. Trust him to never go off-character. “That was stupid.”
James smiles. “I have another one if you want.”
“I don’t think I do, actually.” Regulus shakes his head.
“Oh come on, Regulus, don’t be a Grinch– Oh sorry, I forgot. You are the Grinch, you stole my heart this Christmas.”
“James,” Regulus says, tone-flat. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Well, if that earns me a date with you then so be it.”
Regulus tilts his head and eyes him carefully, and James starts feeling a bit anxious. As one does under the strong gaze of someone they like. For all he knows, Regulus might be internally laughing at him right now. “What’s gotten into you?”
Now it’s James’ turn to furrow his eyebrows in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“You don’t expect me to think you just randomly decided to show up at my flat and ask me on a date, do you?” Regulus says matter-of-factly. “So, what’s going on?”
“Nothing’s going on, I just wanted to ask you out,” James says and technically, it’s not a lie. He just told half the truth. Telling him that he’s liked him for years now but his older brother had forbade him from doing anything about it until last night where said older brother told him he could finally go for it, isn’t exactly an ideal thing to say to someone you want to go on a date with.
“Right… so, Sirius didn’t put you up to this?”
“No, he didn’t. Why would he?” Regulus raises a knowing eyebrow, and James can’t really help but break. He didn’t even last long, he’s down in the trenches. Regulus’ eyes can work in mysterious ways on him. “Look, he just told me that if I wanted, I could ask you out, that’s all.”
“And you did?”
James scoffs lightly, and rolls his eyes. “I didn’t think you were the oblivious type, Regulus.”
Regulus’ mouth shuts closed. And so does his front door after a couple of seconds. James can sigh in disappointment but he can’t exactly say he wasn’t expecting this. Maybe his hopes got a little high when Regulus actually started talking to him instead of just sending him home, but still he didn’t really think he would agree.
He backs off, and starts heading for the stairs when Regulus’ front door opens again and he stops in his tracks, turning around. This time, Regulus is wearing a long coat all buttoned up, and a thick crocheted scarf around his neck.
“Take me for coffee?”
Through his surprise, his wide eyes, and his even wider smile, James can only nod.
And down the stairs they both go.
⋆꙳•❅* ౨ৎ *❆ ₊⋆
The second worst part about James’ natural habit of romanticism is probably his persistence. Because if he weren’t as persistent as he is, he wouldn’t be going up those horrid stairs to Regulus’ flat three days in a row. He might as well cancel his gym membership at this point, this is plenty of exercise.
But it’s always so incredibly rewarding, because Regulus is always waiting for him with his arms crossed and a remark about how long it took him to get there ready to be uttered. It’s fabulous. Especially every time James follows him to the kitchen and they make tea.
This time, James does not follow him to the kitchen, instead drops flat on Regulus’ sofa and grunts. “You need to find a new flat.”
Regulus clicks his tongue. “No can do, I’m emotionally attached to this one.”
“You need to install a lift.”
“No can do, it’s not up to me.”
“Right, I guess I’ll just suffer every time I come here.”
“Sounds about right,” Regulus agrees, and hesitantly, very hesitantly, combs his fingers through James’ hair. It took about a week and a half of dates and hanging out for him to feel comfortable enough to do that and James feels too scared to move because he thinks that the slightest movement would make Regulus retract his hand. He cannot have that now, can he? “Aren’t we going to go Christmas shopping?”
At that, James sits right up, and his eyebrows furrow. “Didn’t you say no when I asked you if you wanted to go?”
“I did,” Regulus agrees, and James’ expression turns even more confused, if that’s even possible. “I say no to loads of outings, James, it’s part of my charm. That doesn’t necessarily mean I don’t actually want to go.”
James stares blankly, mouth agape. “What kind of logic is that?!”
“My logic, get used to it.” Regulus shrugs, then gets up. “Now, come on.”
As Regulus ties his shoelaces and throws his coat over his shoulders, James just sits there and watches hopelessly. “And why the hell did I come all the way up here?”
Regulus shrugs again, but James spots a hint of mockery. “No idea. I thought you just wanted to be all romantic and pick me up from my doorstep.”
With no other option than to follow, James drags himself out of the sofa and out of Regulus’ flat where Regulus is waiting for him with a warm smile. Screw everything, screw how tired he felt because of the stairs, that smile can cure everything. James smiles back, and down the stairs they go again.
And that is how a few hours later, James is facing Regulus as he blankly says, “It’s stupid.”
“It is not stupid.”
“James, I do not need a gingerbread-man-shaped mug.”
“You so do. Your cup board is going to feel empty without it.”
“I assure you it won’t.”
“Fine,” James settles after going back and forth for the past minute and a half. Regulus seems pleased until James continues. “I’m buying it for you. And the Santa one, too.”
Regulus rolls his eyes but doesn’t argue any further. And that’s another Christmas thing acquired merely because of James’ persuasion. Or something like that, anyway. James couldn’t feel happier.
The first time he went to Regulus’ flat during the holidays was like walking into the Grinch’s house. No decorations whatsoever. And when he asked him why he hadn’t done anything to make the place look more festive, Regulus had just shrugged and said he didn’t have any decorations and he wasn’t willing to get into all the trouble of going out and buying an entire flat’s worth of Christmas decorations. And more importantly, carry everything to the seventh floor.
But James is known for his love for Christmas and Christmas decorating so that just wouldn’t do. If he had to carry everything up to Regulus’ flat, then he’d do it.
And that’s why they’ve been to countless stores, and have hands full of bags while walking through a Christmas market looking at handmade mugs and tree ornaments. Which Regulus does not want to buy because he thinks he’s gotten enough already, but James is stubborn and loves buying him things so he gets them for him.
With all the bags in hand, they can’t even buy some hot cocoa or tea on their way back to Regulus’ flat. And it’s a shame because that one tea stand at the market looked so great, James makes a note to go back and get some cinnamon tea as soon as he can.
⋆꙳•❅* ౨ৎ *❆ ₊⋆
you should definitely join us
Let me consider it
I considered it
No
oh come on reg it’ll be fun
Nope
Have a good time though
does ur logic apply this time?
because i think u do want to join
It doesn’t
I don’t
please?
Are there going to be people there?
yeah obviously
it’s a pub
Have fun without me then
pleaseeeeeeee
i want you there pls come
pls pls pls
You’re insufferable
does that mean what i think it does?
Unfortunately
You’re picking me up though
anything for u angel
Shut up James
⋆꙳•❅* ౨ৎ *❆ ₊⋆
The walk from the parking garage to the pub was not a long one, but long enough for Regulus to start complaining. Especially because it’s freezing cold outside and snowing.
Well, not really snowing, but almost there.
“I don’t know why I keep letting you convince me into going places,” he says bitterly, and it sounds muffled because of his thick scarf. James can’t help but smile. “Do you know how wonderful it would be if we were at my flat, in front of the fireplace where it’s warm?”
“I’m irresistible, what can I say,” James explains smugly.
“You’re insufferable is what you are.”
“You’ve said.”
“I repeat.”
“Stop complaining, it’s pretty.” James enjoys the winter cold. As annoying as it is, it still holds some kind of comfort. Especially when there are Christmas lights everywhere, lights wrapped around lamp posts or hanging from shop windows, lights on balconies and window frames. “Look at the lights.”
“I see lights from my balcony,” Regulus keeps going, his inner Grinch making a guest appearance. “I see lights inside my warm flat. You helped me hang them, remember?”
“You’re just saying that, I know you love it.”
At Regulus’ silence, James finds a positive response. Even more so when Regulus clings to his side and holds his arm. And that’s James’ definition of heaven. Them walking under night lights and soft snow, carollers across the street, their arms locked together. He could die happily like that.
Before he has enough of Regulus by his side, they are already outside the pub, and Regulus points a threatening finger at him.
“If Sirius says something about me being here, I’m leaving.”
“Noted,” James nods. And then, “He won’t.”
However, the first thing Sirius says as soon as he sees James walking towards the table, Regulus trailing close behind him, is, “Well, well, look who—” And James is just about fast enough to cover his mouth with his palm and shoot him a glare before turning to Regulus with a smile.
“He’s happy you’re here!”
“Yes, I can see that,” Regulus says, obviously not believing his words.
Sirius bites James’ palm so he has to pull it away with a small “ow” and then smiles at his brother. “I am happy you’re here, I just didn’t know you had to start dating my best friend to finally accept my invitations.”
Regulus rolls his eyes as he takes a seat next to Peter, leaving an empty spot for James next to him. “I didn’t accept your invitation, I accepted his.”
From beside him, Peter snorts and that earns him a glare from Sirius. Instantly, his smile drops and he shakes his head at Regulus, feigning disapproval. “That’s unacceptable, Regulus, really.”
Sirius flashes a satisfied smile right as James slips into his seat and throws an arm around Regulus’ shoulders. He’s more than pleased to say that not only Regulus doesn’t say anything against it but he scoots closer to James to be more comfortable.
“Thank you, Peter,” Sirius offers, then shoots glare at Regulus. James hasn’t seen that many glares from him in ages, this must really be a shock for him. “What a brother to have.”
“I’ll leave if you want,” Regulus suggests.
To which James instantly replies, “No!” Then it’s his turn to glare. “Sirius, shut up.”
“Sorry, sorry.”
And Sirius doesn’t make any comments about it for the rest of the night. Surprisingly.
That isn’t to say that he didn’t spam-text James the next morning, asking why he hadn’t updated him on what was going on.
The truth is that James simply didn’t want to.
⋆꙳•❅* ౨ৎ *❆ ₊⋆
“Y’know,” James starts as soon as he parks his car and shuts off the engine. “I think you’re being grumpy on purpose.”
“Right…” Regulus says carefully, “Whatever gave you that impression?”
“You did.”
“I did?”
“Yep. We’re going for a walk, there’s no reason to be this grumpy.”
A car parks right next to them, both of them check to see if Regulus has enough space to open the door and get out. He does.
“Well,” he opens the door as much as he can, “you’re the one hanging out with the Grinch. Come on, now, you promised me tea.”
The market is busier than it was the last time they went. It makes sense, of course, it’s the weekend before Christmas, university students come back for their break, school students are free of homework, and adults found Sunday as an opportunity to go out. As did James and Regulus. Not that having work has ever stopped them from seeing each other even for a quick coffee.
So this time, the tea stand has a waiting line in which James and Regulus wait for about seven minutes before getting their tea and moving on, walking among the stands and booths and lights and garlands.
It’s when James spots a choir that he says, “I was in choir when I was little.”
Regulus’ smile is enough to make him feel all warm and fuzzy despite it being minus one degrees. “Really?”
“Oh, yes. I had made such a name for myself there.”
“Were you that good?”
“Nope,” James chuckles. “The exact opposite.”
Regulus clicks his tongue and shakes his head sadly. “What a sight to miss.”
“Bet you’d love listening to my off-tune voice singing ‘Joy To The World’ among several other tone-deaf kids.”
“I really would,” Regulus informs, nodding cheerfully. “I would never shut up about it.”
James sighs before he says what he knows he will later regret. “My mom has a couple of the shows on video.”
Regulus stops and lightly slaps James’ shoulder. “Stop, that’s rich! I want to see them!”
“Absolutely not. I’ll tell her to hide them somewhere and never let them see the light of day again.”
“You hate fun.”
“I hate my little self.”
Regulus snorts. “I used to think you were this cool kid that was good at everything and I hated you for it. If only I knew.”
“If only you knew what a true loser I was?”
“Exactly. It’d be great.”
James laughs as they eventually reach the end of the market but don’t stop walking. Regulus does that thing again, the one where he clings to James’ side and holds his arm. Yeah, that one that James can’t stop thinking about.
Ahead of them are a couple and two kids, probably a family, each one of them holding the hand of one kid, and the kids are holding hands, too. It’s like a picture out of a movie or a book. Across the street, a girl wearing a sparkly dress poses as a guy dressed in a suit takes pictures of her.
James glances down at Regulus, smiles, and doesn’t say anything. They keep walking.
It’s not long until they’ve drunk their tea, and James spots the trash can while laughing at something Regulus said. He takes Regulus’ cup, throws it and his own in the trash, and it’s then that he notes how dry his lips feel.
He wore chapstick before going out, but the tea must have taken it all off. But, of course he carries a chapstick with him. Always. It’s winter, everyone should carry a chapstick.
Regulus, however, finds it funny.
“Do you just carry a chapstick in your pocket?”
“Yeah?” James says as if it’s the most logical thing in the world — and, to be fair, it is. “I’m not going to let my lips go drier than Sahara, now am I?”
Regulus shakes his head. “No, you’re absolutely right.” James knows he’s looking at him as he applies the chapstick — which tastes like gingerbread and leaves a small brown tint on his lips — but doesn’t pay him any mind. As soon as he’s put the lid back on it, Regulus asks, “Can I have some?”
“Sure.”
But when James tries to hand it to him, Regulus just pushes his hand away, and James doesn’t have enough time to show his confusion because next thing he knows, Regulus has grabbed the collar of his coat, pulled him down and kissed him square on the lips.
And it takes James two full seconds of shock before registering what’s happening and closing his eyes. His hands find Regulus’ waist, pulling him closer. But unfortunately, it doesn’t last long.
Regulus pulls back, purses his lips, and says. “Tastes like gingerbread. I like it.”
James can’t truthfully say he hears anything when he’s so focused on Regulus’ lips. He just says, “Yeah…” and cups Regulus’ face with both his hands, pulling him into another kiss. Regulus goes willingly, and this one lasts longer than the previous one.