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“And then, and then, and then… then there was the most incredible sea turtle.” James sits up a little straighter on the couch with the most blinding smile. “It swam right in front of me!” His hands are moving quickly in front of his chest.
James has been telling them about the snorkeling he did while he was on holiday and Regulus is entranced. Not only is Regulus genuinely interested in hearing about James’ experience, but he also just loves listening to James. The way his eyes light up right before he’s about to say something he’s really excited about. The way his hands move with a mind of their own as if they can’t help but be a part of the conversation. The way he stumbles over his words like he wants to say too many things at the same time and his mouth can’t keep up.
“Oh my god!” James’ eyes light up so brightly. “There was this sea otter that had the cutest patterns in his fur that made it look like there were circles around his eyes that looked like glasses. He looked so handsome, so I obviously had to name him Potter the Otter.” James chuckles.
Regulus snorts a laugh and rolls his eyes, then quickly glances around the room to make sure no one saw. God forbid someone notice Regulus actually enjoying himself. But he quickly realizes he had nothing to worry about. No one noticed him laughing next to James because no one is paying attention to him, because no one is really paying attention to James.
James keeps talking excitedly and Regulus’ heart sinks slightly as he looks around at their friends.
Barty and Evan had left the room a while ago and Regulus doesn’t care to think about where they went. Honestly, he doesn’t really care that they aren’t there.
Peter and Marlene are engrossed in something on Peter’s phone, completely distracted. They randomly glance up a few times but are doing a piss poor job of feigning interest.
Dorcas and Pandora are doing a slightly better job. At least they’re interjecting a few appropriately placed ooo’s and ahh’s. But Dorcas is also whispering about some guy with an unpronounceable name who she wants to introduce to Pandora.
Remus is struggling to keep his eyes open—which Regulus doesn’t blame him for, it’s been a bad pain day—and Sirius is massaging his sore legs. Sirius is also attempting to look at James, but it’s clear his focus is elsewhere.
“…and then there was this small group of fish, and I swear they were dancing together. Or maybe fighting.” James chuckles a bit. “The way they moved with each other and between each other, it looked like—”
“Oh my god!” Mary interrupts excitedly and James perks up a bit. Then Mary turns to Lily. “Remember when you had those two betta fish that did nothing but fight with each other.” She laughs.
“Don’t laugh, that was horrible! I didn’t know they couldn’t be in the same tank!” Lily chuckles reluctantly and turns her focus to Mary.
James huffs a short laugh with them, then sinks back on the couch with a sad smile and goes quiet.
“What did it look like?”
James startles slightly when Regulus slides closer to him. He turns to look at Regulus with an expression that just about breaks his heart. James looks at him like he’s baffled that someone is listening and just a little bit hopeful that maybe he might keep listening.
“What?” James breathes into the space between them.
Regulus smiles and scoots just a little closer, turning on the couch to fully face James. “The way the fish moved with each other. What did it look like?” He asks again.
“Do you really… you don’t have to…” James stumbles over his words.
Regulus stops him, putting his hand on James’ arm. James stares at the hand for a few seconds before he lifts his eyes to meet Regulus’.
“I really want to hear about it.” Regulus tells him with full sincerity. James absolutely beams and Regulus’ heart just about melts at the sight of it.
°‧ 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 ·｡
James tells Regulus all about how the fish were dancing with each other. He talks about a starfish that camouflaged itself every time it moved. He tells him about a small octopus that was building a garden with shells and stones—“Did you know they actually did that?” James asks with a giddy chuckle. He brings up Potter the Otter at least four more times. He talks about how the coral and the plants and the fish and even the sand had the most brilliant and vibrant colors and how they all shimmered in the sun under the water.
They go on a small side quest with a deep dive into Finding Nemo—including a sidebar on the proper use of fish vs fishes (James prefers fishies)—then back to Finding Nemo where they end up talking about why the shark was named Bruce, which prompts a short discussion about Spielberg movies, that starts a debate on the best types of cereal (there’s a connection, trust him). And at some point they get back to the snorkeling conversation and pick up right where they left off.
James talks and Regulus listens. Regulus asks questions and James lights up every time. James rambles and goes on tangents and Regulus follows him effortlessly. James seems to have countless stories and endless information, and Regulus is ready and willing and more than eager to hear every bit of it.
James’ smile is so bright, and his laughter is so warm and the excitement in his voice is so real and raw. Regulus could listen to him talk for hours, for days, forever and still want more.
“It sounds like it was incredible, James.” Regulus tells him.
They’re both sitting sideways on the couch now, Regulus with both feet tucked under him and his knees pressed against James’ thigh. His arm is lying on the back of the couch and at some point James started brushing his fingers lightly on Regulus’ forearm.
Regulus can’t help but smile at James’ enthusiasm. “You really loved it, didn’t you?”
“It was so amazing, Regulus.” James’ eyes are literally sparkling. “It was just… it was breathtaking.”
“Because you were underwater.” Regulus huffs.
He rolls his eyes at his own stupid joke, but James throws his head back with a beautiful, loud, genuine laugh that has Regulus’ lips twitching into a soft smile.
“It wasn’t that funny, Jamie.” Regulus whispers almost bashfully.
James’ laughter dies instantly, his hand stills on Regulus’ arm and his eyes are wide and filled with something Regulus doesn’t recognize. He breaks eye contact and looks down at his lap and when he looks up again, James’ expression hasn’t changed.
“What?” Regulus whispers.
“You called me Jamie.” James tells him with awe in his voice.
Regulus freezes and starts to pull his arm away. “Sorry.” He says even quieter, and his cheeks are getting warm.
James wraps his hand around Regulus’ wrist to stop him from pulling away and even pulls him a little closer.
“I like hearing you call me Jamie.” His voice is soft and sweet, and Regulus feels his cheeks getting even hotter. James’ voice alone could melt him on the spot.
“I like listening to you talk.” Regulus bites his lip trying not to feel embarrassed by the confession. But James’ smile is so bright and filled with so much pure joy, it washes away any potential embarrassment. It even has Regulus easing into a smile of his own.
Regulus doesn’t notice if anyone else is paying attention to them and honestly, he couldn’t care less if they are or not.
Not when James is smiling at him like that. Like Regulus might be something worth talking about, too.