Chapter Text
Regulus woke up and he just knew it wasn't going to be a good day. His knees hurt from the way he slept, he was still tired even after ten hours of sleep and on top of all that he was having a bad dysphoria day.
Normally, he would ask Sirius to let him stay home since it's the start of a flare up, but these days Sirius seems more distant and he's always tired. Regulus doesn't want to burden him with his problems.
So, Regulus scrambles to find his phone on his very messy bed. His blankets are halfway off and half his stuffies are now on the floor, instead of being neatly placed on the bed, like he makes sure they are every night.
After checking the time, he gets up and quickly changes to a binder and a baggy shirt. He tries to make himself not look like he just rolled out of bed and already lost his will to live by accessorising. He puts on some belts, pins and of course his rings.
When it was time to leave he decided that he should actually care about himself and use his crutches as well as his knee braces.
He still isn't quite comfortable with his disability. He often "forgets" his crutches. Or more like he doesn’t use them if he doesn’t absolutely need to. He still hasn’t accepted what happened to him. He wants to go back in time to fix it, or at least better it.
He is embarrassed to be seen in public using his mobility aids, so using them at school is a big no-no. They bring too much attention to him, which does not exactly align with his withdrawn personality.
However, he is pretty sure if he doesn't use them today he literally won't be able to walk and embarrass himself by falling in the middle of the hallway.
Begrudgingly, he makes his way to school and is greeted by Pandora and Evan, his close friends. There is also Dorcas in the group, but she went to France this year, and Barty, who is probably late, again.
Regulus sighs to himself. Barty is more often than not late and he gets detention a lot. He's got that bad boy persona. You know, the one who doesn't follow the rules. All the teachers know him because of how often he is at the headmaster's office.
Plus he's so loud and annoying. So obnoxious. A big attention seeker. Just another boy who never learnt that not everything is about him.
Barty has daddy issues. Honestly, fitting for their friend group. His dad is an addict and leaves for month trips, leaving Barty all alone in the house and when he's home it’s almost worse.
He's the classic fuckboy, a manwhore. He's been with like half the school. Mostly girls but there've been a couple boys. Including Regulus himself.
But it wasn't anything sexual and much less romantic. No, Regulus is not attracted to morons. Barty was just… there. And they were drunk. And Regulus hates Barty. He does hate him, right?
Right? It's not like they're best-friends and spend most days together. Not like they have frequent sleepovers. Not like Regulus' "dad" and uncles know almost everything about Barty from how often they pick him up as well and how often he's at their house. Totally none of these things are true. Totally.
And even if they are true, Regulus is totally forced into being friends. It's not by choice, because who would choose that? Not Regulus, that's for sure.
Regulus doesn't like Barty.
He doesn't like Barty.
He doesn't like Barty.
He doesn't like Barty.
He doesn't have crushes. Crushes are for little babies and he is a mature young man. He's got standards and knows his worth. He was top of his class last year. That means he's really smart.
You should ask Sirius, he'll tell you all about his little boy. But please don't ask maman or papa, they've got different opinions. Siri says theirs don't matter, though. And Siri is always right.
So, all this to say Regulus doesn't like Barty. Not one bit.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Suddenly he's pulled out of his thoughts when he's being lifted up. Who even does that?
"Good morning Reggie! Missed you so much" exclaims an excited barty, clearly already planning to annoy Regulus as much as possible.
Regulus scoffs as an answer and he hits barty with one of his crutches.
"Oh you mothe-" yells Barty, letting Regulus fall to the ground abruptly. It turns out the crutches may have a positive after all, thinks Regulus sending him into a feat of giggles.
"Oh, you're a little shit"
Regulus shakes his head from side to side "no I'm not. You deserved that! Who just lifts people up without a word"
Bickering with barty is Regulus' favourite pastime. Right after talking to Evan and tasting Barty’s mouth.
Still, he has to admit that his fall was not very pleasant for his knee. He even let a little wince. When he doesn't make a move to get up, Barty kneels in front of him.
"Reggie, w-"
He cuts the other man off without much thought "I'm okay, just need a little hand getting up"
"What got you actually using your crutches? Did you get scolded by Sirius about your recklessness again or something? Or have you decided to care about yourself?"
"Nah, I just doubt I could even get here without them, today"
"Well, whatever the reason is I'm glad" there's an easy smile on Barty's face.
"You're getting too sappy! You're supposed to be the loud scary guy" groans the shorter boy.
"That's what you think of me, huh? That I'm scary" teases the taller one.
"No" he replies flatly.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
The rest of the day is quite uneventful, if you ignore the whispers from the other kids. And the strange looks he gets at the hallway.
"Look over there discreetly. That kid is using crutches"
"Did you know Regulus is a cr*pple?"
"As in Regulus Black? Orion's and Walburga's son?"
"Mhm."
"Since when does he use crutches?"
"I've certainly since him use them before, but not often"
"We probably shouldn't be talking about it. He's clearly embarrassed"
"Turn around and look at that guy"
But Regulus is used to all this, so it's fine. And most people are not trying to be mean, they're just surprised. They don't see people with disabilities often, so they don't know how to act around them.
Regulus gets that, but he really wishes things would be different.
The day really wasn't that bad. Regulus' next class is English with Minnie. She doesn't let students call her by anything except her last name, McGonagall. Yet, she does allow Regulus to call her Minnie.
Some people would call Regulus a teacher's pet but he would beg to differ. It's not that he goes out of his way for teachers to like him, he just has a lot of questions and doesn't disrupt the class.
Teachers tend to like quiet students. The ones who don't talk the whole time to their classmates. The ones who don't throw papers and markers to others. The ones who don't disrupt the lesson every single class period.
And maybe he has some advantage because Minnie has taught James and Sirius. His uncle and "dad" and if you know them, you know that they're… quite memorable people, to say the least.
Minnie is his favourite teacher. She's very kind and explains things in a way he understands. She never gets annoyed like some other teachers do when he doesn't get something. She's always happy to answer any and all of his questions, even though some have to wait until after class, so that she actually teaches and helps the other students as well.
That's how they ended up here. Regulus by Minnie's desk chatting about this and that. Mostly about how he needs new books.
Good thing Sirius promised to take him to the library later today.
"I had this essay thing about insects a couple weeks ago and turns out they're really interesting"
"Oh really? How so? I've never paid them any mind"
"Did you know that caterpillars have twelve eyes, or that some insects can hibernate?"
"No" answered the professor earnestly "that's so cool!"
"Mhm. And Siri promised to take me to the library today. So I'm gonna pick books all about them"
"I bet you're excited. Do you know more of those interesting facts?"
"Yeah actually. Butterf-" the young student is cut off by the vibration of his phone in his jeans pocket.
Regulus has a few notifications from his friends about being late to lunch and his friends assuming he's at the library or talking to some teacher. I mean they weren't wrong, Regulus was talking to Minnie after all. But he was only 5 minutes late.
"Excuse me professor, but I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow"
"I'll see you at class tomorrow. First period. Don't be late again"
"Last time wasn't my fault, Minnie! Bart-" the boy rushes to defend himself and instead blame Barty. Let's be honest, it's always Barty's fault.
Minnie cuts him off, not really in the mood to listen about Barty's escapades. That kid gives her a headache "Whatever you say. Just be on time, got it?"
"Yes, goodbye Minnie!"
Regulus rushes to the cafeteria because now that he's thinking about it, he's starving.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Rosie🌹🥀
where the fuck is reg
12:55
barty_black
probably talking to McGonagall
Dork_ass
McGonagall
?
the_hungry_caterpillar
our english teacher
Dork_ass
i didn’t know Regulus was that much of a nerd
barty_black
have you met him?
I’m not!
Also, i was only five minutes late
guys chill out
barty_black
we are chill
and you’re a total nerd
I’M NOT
the_hungry_caterpillar
sorry regs,
but you are
not you too
Dork_ass
were you actually talking to the teachers
yeah
Dork_ass
fag
excuse you
barty_black
excuse you
Rosie🌹🥀
just kiss already
barty_black
We’ve already done that
haven’t we, babes?
stop spreading lies
Dork_ass
oh, we all know it’s gonna happen
we all know
Rosie🌹🥀
they won’t be lies for long
Dork_ass
shut up
like you have any right to speak
the_hungry_caterpillar
yeah, shut up evs
"there you are!" Yells Pandora as soon as she sees him approaching.
Regulus limps his way to the table. He is holding a bunch of books, so he couldn't actually use both of his crutches. Damn, he really needs to adjust his knee braces once he sits down.
Barty got up to help Regulus, seeing as he looked like a car ran him over.
"You look like shit, Reggie"
"Thank you, your kind words mean so much to me"
"Yeah, I know. I'm the bestest friend to ever exist" Barty sets Regulus books down "sit down" he pats the chair next to him.
Regulus just falls on the chair and Evan sets his crutches so that Regulus can actually get up when lunch is over.
"What happened Reg?" Pandora asks from where she's sitting opposite him, evidently worried.
"Nothing, just a bad day"
"You sure"
"Mhm"
Evan gets up, his chair screeching against the floor "I'll get you a tray" and leaves.
Barty starts playing with Regulus' hair "So, do you know how much of a nerd you are, or what?"
"I'm not, you're just jealous of my excellent grades"
"I could get better grades than you with half the time you spend studying"
"Could you?"
"Oh, yes I could"
The bickering turns into a chatter between the two boys and the girl.
Pandora is babbling about her day and Regulus is more than happy to listen to her. Barty, on the other hand, adds to the conversation as much as he can.
Suddenly, there's a loud noise, a bum, and a tray falls in front of Regulus. Everyone in the cafeteria turns their heads and stare at them, wanting to know all the drama.
Evan, who was the one to deliver the tray with lunch nods his head "you're welcome, princess"
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
After lunch he had chemistry with Pandora and Evan. Although Evan wasn't actually there, he skipped class.
Regulus was really disappointed. Who will he shit talk with now? Like this people need to be taken down a notch. Why do these people bully others for their personal style when they're literally copies of each other. He still can't tell three girls apart.
He knows he's just being dramatic. He's got plenty of classes without Evan, but it's different. He's used to having Evan next to him in this class.
He heavily considered skipping with him. But his knees hurt, like a lot. He's at the start of a flare up. And he doesn't want to leave Pandora alone. The fact that Sirius wouldn't approve of him skipping isn’t helping either.
Pandora's favourite subject is chemistry, so there's no way she'll skip. And if he'll leave her alone she'll probably kick his ass after class.
That's why in the end he decided to stick with the smarter twin.(Pandora)
He sat next to Pandora, listening to the professor explain the project he was assigning them to do. Basically the professor wants them to do an experiment at home and film it as well as make a presentation about it, preferably on paper.
Halfway through the lesson the pain is just unbearable. He discreetly takes out his phone to text Sirius to come pick him up.
He doesn't always stay the whole school day lately, but it's usually because of anxiety and not his chronic pain.
Reggie♥️
can you pick me up
?
Siri♥️
I’m still at work
can’t you stay till the end?
no
no, no, no
Siri, please
what happened?
I’m having a flare up and…
idk
just come pick me up, please
i really can’t leave work right now
but Jamie will probably be able to pick you up
i guess that’ll do
don’t be like that kiddo
i thought you liked uncle James
i do
good
Anyways, he just can't stand it today. He's sure Pandora would have noticed his predicament if she wasn't so focused on the lesson. It's probably become a hyperfixation of hers.
Pandora is autistic. When she hyperfixates on something she focuses on that one thing and nothing else besides her. She kind of loses touch with reality.
Siri♥️
so he’ll pick you up and take you to the doctor’s
I don’t want to go to the doctor’s
i know kiddo
but you don’t really have a choice
why?
don't you trust me?
i really am not feeling well
it’s not that
it’s just you’ve not been feeling well a lot recently
and the doc had told me to make an appointment if you had another flare up
but I don’t want to
i know
yet you’re still making me go
you’re mean, i don’t like you
that’s fine
and you can barty over later
plus i’ll be free the rest of the day and be able to take care of my kiddo
fine, i guess i’ll go
not that i had much say in the matter
😔😔😔
see you later
text me when James comes
haha, come
omg, you’re so immature
you’re spending too much time with barty
I’m not
anyway text me when you go home
ok
"Okay, so you'll come over to my house tomorrow for the project, okay? I've already got everything we need, so you just bring your ass over"
Whispers pandora as she packs her own bag.
"You could be more polite, you know" answers Regulus, playing with his headphones.
"I already am!"
"Whatever you say" Pandora narrows her eyes at that.
"I'll see you tomorrow and just because of this conversation you better have food with you. I hope to see your brother. I expect someone to drive you" there was an edge to her voice. Regulus decided to test her anyway.
"Yes mom"
"I'm not kidding, Regulus Arcturus Black. It's too far for you to walk by yourself. Got that? That's an order" Regulus swears he saw a glint in her eyes
That was enough for him to shut up. Everybody knows that when Pandora tells you to do something, you do it.
"Goodbye Reg. I'll clean the whole house just for you and I'll make sure to have food you like, "Pandora says, her voice soft once more."
"Thanks dora. Love you too"
She hugs him and runs out, since her next class is at the other end of the school building.
Reggie♥️
Jamie’s here
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Regulus thought his day couldn't get worse. Well, he was wrong. So, so wrong.
He is at the doctor's office, which he still hasn't forgiven Sirius for forcing him to go, and the doctor is asking all these invasive questions and prodding him.
The doctor is a woman, she's very beautiful if Regulus says so himself and he's gay so he thinks he's pretty objective. Her hair is super long and she's got hazel eyes.
Despite all that, her voice is annoying as fuck and she doesn't know personal boundaries. Also, she makes him wait for an hour or so at every appointment.
At some point he just stops answering and James has to answer for him. James knows his medical records anyways and she's used to him not answering.
He is often quiet and doesn't defend himself. So much so that his therapist suspects that he has selective mutism. Although he's not yet diagnosed.
This is different though. He could easily speak, she just annoys him so he blocks her out and instead takes out his phone to scroll mindlessly through social media.
When he opens his phone he is instantly met with a bunch of texts from his friends, mostly Barty asking for him and Dorcas finding the opportunity to make fun of someone.
barty_black
Regulus
03:33
barty_black
you hoe
03:35
barty_black
where the fuck are you?
03:37
Dork_ass
why do you care?
03:38
barty_black
because he’s my best friend?
Dork_ass
is he?
barty_black
yeah, the fuck?
and i don’t like what you’re insinuating
Rosie🌹🥀
of course you wouldn’t
the_hungry_caterpillar
i can’t tell if that’s sarcasm or not
barty_black
guys
we’re just friends
Dork_ass
…
the_hungry_caterpillar
…
Rosie🌹🥀
…
barty_black
when was it the last time you saw Reg?
I saw him at lunch
Rosie🌹🥀
lunch
Dork_ass
i am in France
so i haven’t seen him today
barty_black
obviously you haven’t
🙄🙄🙄
the_hungry_caterpillar
we had chemistry together
like the period after lunch
Rosie🌹🥀
oh, fuck. I forgot
Regulus went home early
barty_black
well, shit
Dork_ass
again, why do you care?
barty_black
he was supposed to pick me up
the_hungry_caterpillar
makes sense
Rosie🌹🥀
why
?
you’re having a sleepover
again?
Dork_ass
you jealous, ev?
barty_black
why would he be jealous?
Rosie🌹🥀
barty, shut up
barty_black
🤐
yes, sir
Dork_ass
absolutely smitten
barty_black
anyways
so i kind of have no way to go home now
the bus isn’t due for another hour, it’s too far to walk and reg’s abandoned me
the_hungry_caterpillar
you’re a dramatic bitch
Rosie🌹🥀
are you really stuck at school
?
Dork_ass
imagine your best friend just leaning you at school
barty_black
😔
Regulus
Reggie
03:48
reg
03:49
@NeedFloaties
03:50
Regulus Black
03:50
Regulus Arcturus Black
03:51
Dork_ass
stop spamming
Rosie🌹🥀
☝️☝️☝️
the_hungry_caterpillar
there are other people in this chat too, you know
barty_black
Regulus if you don’t answer right now, i swear to god…
03:52
hi
03:53
the_hungry_caterpillar
hi, Reggie
☺️👋
barty_black
not hi
where the fuck are you?
the doctor
Rosie🌹🥀
again
fuck you, evie
Rosie🌹🥀
yeah, fuck me!
you’d like that, wouldn’t you?
03:55
dumbass
03:57
the_hungry_caterpillar
🤮🤮🤮
barty_black
bold of you to assume that regs a top
Dork_ass
how would you know
the_hungry_caterpillar
oh, trust me he would
pandora!
Rosie🌹🥀
excuse you
barty_black
haha
the_hungry_caterpillar
i caught them full on hooking up
lies
i would never do that with someone as stupid as bee
the_hungry_caterpillar
obviously you would
because you did
barty_black
and I’m not stupid
yes you are!
barty_black
well, you didn’t say that when i took you to bed
die die die
Rosie🌹🥀
what the fuck?
when did you two…
Dork_ass
aww, good catholic boy can’t even say the word
Rosie🌹🥀
shut up, dorks
but seriously barty
I’m disappointed in myself too
barty_black
I’m not that bad
Rosie🌹🥀
yes you are!
yes you are
❗❗❗
barty_black
well…
I’m not bad at sex
that’s it, I’m leaving this conversation
barty_black
NO
Rosie🌹🥀
NO
the_hungry_caterpillar
no
barty_black
I’m still stuck at school, so until i leave you don’t leave this conversation
fine 😔
barty_black
also, you didn’t say no
SHUT UP
biggest mistake of my life
Rosie🌹🥀
yeah, it was
barty_black
you’re both do mean
*so
Rosie🌹🥀
and you’re a dumbass
you deserve it
barty_black
oh my god
let’s go back to the important topic
somebody pick me up
Jamie can
I’m almost finished at the doctor
the_hungry_caterpillar
did you ask
?
no
?
he’ll say yes anyways
the_hungry_caterpillar
yeah, but it’s about the principle of the matter
Dork_ass
ohh, Reggie learning manners
do you only reply when you have someone to make fun of?
Dork_ass
yes
Once James is done chatting with Regulus' doctor, who is presumably upping the dose of Regulus' medicine, he walks up to Regulus and leans forward so that he meets the younger boy's eyes.
"You're all done Reg" James pats Regulus back while saying that "Wanna go get ice cream before going home?"
"Actually, we have to go pick up bee"
"Oh really? Do we have to? You didn't even ask, you just declared that. What if I couldn't?"
"Well, you just said we could go get ice cream so you're obviously free"
"Fine. I guess we can go pick him up"
"Ok"
"No Jamie you're the best? Not even a thanks?"
Regulus shakes his head "no" desperately trying not to smile
James pinches Regulus' cheeks which in turn earns him a glare from the younger one.
"Fuck you, Jamie!"
"Uh, uh, uh. No cursing, sirius wouldn't approve"
"Siri also wouldn't approve of me smoking, yet you I still do it"
"Want me to tell him?"
"NO"
James smiles triumphantly "that's what I thought. Now come on, up you go" he chuckles "need a hand or can you stand up on your own?"
Regulus scoffs "Of course I can. I can take care of myself" he grabs his crutches and after standing up he hits the older one with them.
As their leaving he murmurs under his breath "asshole"
"Calm down little guy" James says but picks up Regulus once he stumbles a couple times and carries him the whole way to the car, where he sits Regulus on the passenger seat.
"You're such a crude"
"I'm nothing but your humble servant" James says lazily while searching where to place Regulus' crutches so that they’re somewhere that's not on the way, but is also convenient to grab "I carried you the car, your majesty. So you didn't have to touch the floor like all those other commoners"
"Shut up!"
"No I won't"
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Regulus reaches for his crutches
"How about you just stay in the car, little guy?"
"I am not little!"
"Yes you are. You're only 15, still a baby"
"No. No I am not! I’m a teen, you stupid man.” Regulus rolls his eyes the way he always does. It’s his signature move at this point “And I can walk! I’ve got legs, haven’t I?"
"I know you can. But your knees hurt and… How about I just go find Barty and you stay in the car?"
"No, no, no. Jamie, I can come"
"Yeah, I… Fine" James turns around and kneels slightly so that Regulus can get on his back "hop up"
"Seriously? You're gonna carry me?"
"Either this, or you're staying in the car"
Regulus rolls his eyes at the obscurity of the situation "fine"
James waits until Regulus is settled to start walking.
"Jamie, am I gonna see Lily and Harry today?"
"I don't think so. Why? Do you miss them?"
Regulus hides his face in James neck and whispers "yeah, a bit"
"In that case, you can come over on Saturday. I'm sure Lily would be more than happy to have you over”
“i’ll ask Siri once he gets home”
“Sounds like a plan” James ruffles Regulus’ hair up affectionately, much to Regulus’ annoyance
“Stop that!”
“Let me think. hmmm… No”
Regulus kicks James but quickly realises it wasn't a good decision as he feels a sharp pain in his right knee. “You're an idiot” Regulus rolls his eyes, but it goes unnoticed by the older boy.
Eventually, James lets Regulus down and helps him stand up with his crutches. Regulus was just about to make a frankly rude comment when he heard a loud “REGGIE” He turns his head from side to side trying to find the source of the noise. Of course it was none other than Barty.
Barty hugs Regulus, almost knocking him off his feet “Good to see you, Regs. Even though you abandoned me”
“I did no such thing!”
“Really, because I think you left without a word. And you had promised you would pick me up”
Regulus almost chuckles, but we can't have that, he needs to maintain his unbothered persona “Well, then you must be mistaken. I don't recall any of these happening. Did you take your meds today, bee?”
“Yeah, I did and you're an ass”
“You too”
Barty ruffles Regulus' hair up and Regulus glares at him “I hope you die”
“You always say that, yet we're best friends”
“In your dreams” Barty huffs at the annoying response but he's got a smile on his face. Fond of his friend's personality.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
It was pretty late at night, Regulus thinks. He's not sure, he’s been staring at the ceiling for so long that days could have passed and he wouldn’t have noticed if it weren’t for the sun. The latest it could be is early morning, since it’s still pitch black outside. He runs his hands on top of his favourite blanket. It’s so fluffy and soft.
Barty let him have the best ones. He wasn’t feeling too good, he’s fucked up knees fucking his whole day up. Anyway, Barty, like the good friend he is, decided to let him have the bed to be able to stretch or like he said “You need the space more. You’ve got your knees. I’ll just sleep on the floor. It’s not like I haven’t slept in worse places”
And so it happened. Regulus got his bed all to himself and Barty slept on the floor on top of a couple old blankets. As much as he hates when people talk about his chronic pain (read: being thoughtful and caring), he’s got to admit Barty was sort of right. He needed that extra space.
He can’t imagine how he’d feel in the morning if he had slept with Barty like they usually do. Although, he doubts he’d actually fall asleep. He would most likely just end up staring at Barty. And oh, how much appreciation Barty deserves. Because he is so beautiful and beautiful things should be appreciated. Barty is literally a work of art.
People used to say how pretty Regulus was, how attractive he was. They said he was a masterpiece.Those people clearly haven’t met Barty.
But he would have been calmer sleeping next to Barty. Barty is just so comfortable (read: an amazing pillow), so cozy and he just calms Regulus. Okay? There’s nothing weird about that.
Friends care about each other too. They’re just friends. Why does everyone, except Sirius, assume otherwise?
And James is such a hypocrite. He dares to comment on Regulus’ relationships like he doesn’t have the most homoerotic friendship with Sirius.
As he gets up he feels his feet wobble beneath him. He hopes he doesn’t fall on Barty. That would be embarrassing. Barty has already given Regulus the bed to himself and even stayed up late, because he was worried about Regulus. So Regulus really needs to be careful. He has inconvenienced Barty enough.
He carefully steps away from Barty. Now, let’s see. Where are his crutches? Regulus looks around his room. Once he finds them, he quietly steps out of the room. He is extra quiet when he’s passing by Sirius' room. Wouldn’t want to wake Sirius up and get in trouble.
He slips into the kitchen and searches the cabinets for fags. He knows Sirius smokes, so there must be some around here.
All of a sudden Regulus feels hand on his back. He holds his breath and turns around only to see Barty in front of him.
“You scared the shit out of me!”
“Shhhh. If Sirius hears us, I’m sure he’ll be more reluctant to let me sleepover. Don’t you think so?”
“I guess you’re right. He’s not your biggest fan already”
“Why? I’m an extremely trustworthy young man. What’s not to like”
“You’re literally the definition of a fuckboy”
Barty moves next to Regulus, looking through the cabinets like Regulus was doing just seconds ago “I so am not. Tell me a single person I’ve hooked up”
“Stacey, that one girl in maths class, your cousin’s bestie-” Regulus counts with his fingers, he honestly could go on for a very long time.
Barty blushes and searches more frantically, desperately trying to hide his face. Regulus would have found it pathetic if Barty didn't look so cute like this “I meant a boy. Name a single boy”
Regulus flushes, the pale skin of his cheeks, full of freckles, turning a rosy red “Me… You have kissed me”
Barty doesn’t know how to answer so he just doesn’t. And neither does Regulus. For a really long time. He’s never been in a situation like this before so he has no clue how to react or what to think of it.
He turns his head by mistake he looks at Barty and his beautiful, big lips. He shakes his head. “What are you even looking for?”
“I don't know”
Regulus slightly eases. It isn’t that bad. It’s just Barty, his best friend. Why is he being so weird? Regulus focus. Your friend is talking to you. God, he can’t do anything right. He’s fucking their friendship up. Act cool “How can you not know?’
“You just… You were looking for something and I decided to help”
“Oh” See, that made more sense. The smile returned to Barty’s face and his dimples showed. God, Regulus is dead man “Just wanted to have a smoke”
“In that case I can help. I’ve got the good stuff. Not that shit Sirius smokes” Barty leads Regulus to the circle window in the living room. They open it and sit on the window sill.
It’s a little book nook that Sirius built for Regulus when he first moved in here. Regulus was always a book nerd and Sirius just wanted his little brother to be calm and happy. Wanted him to be comfortable in his own home and thought a safe space would help. When he was younger they would make a pillow net around the nook.
Now he mostly uses it to smoke, which he’s sure Sirius would throw a fit about if he ever happened to learn about.
Barty hands him a joint “Here you go princess”
The shorter boy takes a puff and exhales slowly out the window “How long has it been since we've last done this?”
“Done what?”
“Late night talks”
The taller boy steals Regulus’ joint out his mouth “oh yeah, you missed this? Now you gotta tell me something. What’s going on in your life, reggie”
“hey, that was mine” And after a long pause “I Think I like… I- you…”
Barty stays silent letting Regulus get his thoughts out.
“You know how we hooked up?”
Barty turns crimson “yeah?”
“Well, it’s just…”
“Just spit it out Reg”
“It made me realise something about myself” Regulus turns around facing the wall instead of Barty. It was just too hard right now. “It was- You’re a good kisser”
Barty opens his mouth and closes it again a couple times, unable to form any coherent words.
Regulus takes that as rejection and he tried to save the conversation and most importantly their friendship but his head was reeling.
Why does he keep messing everything up? “We… I think I’m asexual”
“Asexual you say? So what does that mean? No more kissing?” Barty says in an attempt to keep the conversation light.
“No more kissing”
“Wow. Was I really that bad?”
“You really were”
“Fuck you”