Chapter Text
I met him at a party
I think he was on drugs
He wasn't smart or funny
I convinced myself he was
He had a great apartment
And a car his parents bought
I thought that he was perfect
And now his number's blocked
I won't settle for a guy with a fake job
They seem so desperate for lovin'
But, baby, I'm not
Gave my heart with zero stipulations
Now I take careful consideration
∘₊ ☆──────☆₊∘
October 31st 2025: Halloween Party
Regulus was pissed.
Both figuratively and physically. James had just broken up with him a week ago due to the fact that Regulus wanted them to move in together. He had claimed that it was too early, and that he didn’t want Regulus to get caught up on him as James was his first boyfriend, 'just in case something happened'.
The younger boy lashed out, why wouldn’t he? James was supposed to be the love of his life - since he was eleven - so why was this such a big deal now? Regulus had tried to reason with James, but he had to be all noble and let Regulus 'live his life'.
James was cupping Regulus' face gently (supposedly to make the younger boy feel better), and stared up at him with his big brown doe eyes, “Regulus I’ve been your only partner ever I just don’t know if it’s a good idea yet.”
Regulus scoffed pushing the other boy away, finding the notion of James saying that unbelievable, “We have been together for 7 years James. I find it hard to believe us moving in together is a bad idea.”
“Yeah, but three of those seven years were in school.”
“So?”
“So… what if you end up realising I’m not what you thought or wanted.”
“James I’m not going to think that. I never have and never will."
“Well you could,” there was silence for a moment until the older boy decided that it was time to drop it, “Regulus I just don’t want to hold you down, okay? Just… let’s break up. I love you baby I promise, but it’s for the best, for now."
So that’s why Regulus was now drunk out of his mind at some stupid halloween party his friend Evan had told him about. Believe it or not Regulus wasn’t actually here to find some random bloke to be his rebound, he had just needed to get his mind off of James.
Regulus navigated his way through the crowd attempting to find Evan, but it was as if he was hiding from him. The blonde haired boy was nowhere to be seen. When he made it to final room at the back of house (which seemed to be a third living room) Regulus gave up on finding Evan and decided that the boy would come find him sooner or later. As he waited, a tall man with messy brown hair, a lean build and had a grin that looked like he wanted to eat him alive approached Regulus, he had tried to politely smile back and walk away but the man wasnt allowing it. As Regulus attempted to leave, the guy had already gotten a firm grip on him keeping the smaller boy from escaping.
The mysterious guy flashed a toothy grin, looking down at him with rose tinted cheeks and slightly bloodshot eyes, “Hey there, love. What you doing running away?”
Regulus held his gaze. He didnt know whether it was real or just the alcohol but either way, it felt as if the other mans stare was burning him alive from the insides, “I’m not looking for anything tonight I’m sorry…” his words slighty slurred and the man in front of him grinned at that.
“Come on pretty boy it’s okay. We can have a little fun,” Regulus frowned back at his words, “Look if you really don’t want to, say the word and I’ll leave you alone forever I swear. But you were looking so upset from across the room and I couldn’t just let a beautiful boy like you wallow in his despair without someone to help.”
This guy was right, he was upset, however that didn't mean he needed a shag to get over it (even if it was sounding like a good idea right now). Regulus knew it was't smart but as he looked up at the man with his lips parted, a fuzzy feeling began to form in his stomach. Shit. Regulus wasn’t supposed to be easy - then again it was probably just the alcohol. Slyly, the mans hands moved from his arms to his waist, squeezing slightly like a suggestion and Regulus' stomach dropped even more, a throbbing starting to form somewhere lower. His hands were almost as big and firm as James'. Almost.
He scanned for Evan in the crowd. If Evan was here he'd talk some sense into Regulus surely. Still, as Regulus looked around the blonde headed boy was nowhere to be found. Fuck it. If Regulus was going to get his mind off of James he might as well take any good chance he got.
The guy squeezed his hips again. Regulus whimpered lowly in reply.
“So what you say baby?”
I love you baby I promise, but it’s for the best, for now.
“Fuck it, yeah.”
They find an empty room in the massive house and the taller mans mouth is instantly on Regulus, and he's backed against the wall. He feeds off of him like a starving predator who’s found it’s prey. Regulus can’t pretend it’s not making his head spin. Nothing is ever soft or sweet. Everything’s rough. As the man sucks and bites on his neck it comes off with a sound almost like a pop. Regulus moans into it, and each time he does the other nuzzles in his neck again harder just to make Regulus moan even louder.
Slowly, the man starts pressing his hips down onto his. Regulus reciprocates and lifts up to make even more connection. He groans and starts to go faster, causing even more friction.
It occurs to Regulus how bizzare this all is. He knows it’s definitely just the alcohol enhancing the pleasure coursing through his body with every touch, but it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t feel really fucking good. James had barely crossed his mind. Barely.
As Regulus was about to let out another whimper James’ name had almost escaped. Fuck’s sake. He had to ask this guy for his name right now.
“Wait- wait shit sorry.”
The other man detached himself from Regulus’ neck, “Yes love what’s wrong? You wanna stop?”
Regulus whines at the pet name love - he had missed it, “No it’s just,” he was struggling to catch his breath, “I wanna know your name. I want to be able to scream it later.”
The other man’s eye’s darkened his grip on Regulus’ waist tightening, “My name’s Barty, baby.”
Regulus smirked, “Okay Barty. Fuck me hard till I can’t move anymore.”
Barty groaned at the command, he unzipped his trousers greedily for the boy and revealed his leaking cock, “Whatever you want baby.”
Regulus was limp on the sofa, Barty lying next to him. He had kept his word and thrusted into him till the smaller boy was lying senseless beneath him. It was fucking great, and for a while it took his mind off of everything.
“Shit, that was great,” Barty chimed.
Regulus hummed in agreement, “You know Barty, you never asked for my name. You just fuck people and whisper sweet nothings at them without giving the respect of learning their name?”
He laughed, “I’m sorry, you’re right. I was just so caught up on you, you’re fucking insane,” Barty turned to face him a smirk forming on lips, “What’s your name love?”
Regulus leaned forward pressing his lips against his, climbing his way on top of him, “My name’s Regulus.”
∘₊ ☆──────☆₊∘
November 5th 2025
Rain splattered from the clouds onto the ground as they headed into the pub. Evan had suggested that Reg invite Barty out with their group since they’d started talking. Regulus thought it might have been overkill as it had only been a few days, but Evan insisted.
Every Friday Regulus, Evan, Pandora, Dorcas and Emmeline would go to the pub in town just to hang out. Pandora thought it was good for them all to keep in touch as it ‘kept their bonds strong’. Regulus and Emmeline argued that they would all always stay in touch no matter what, but then Dorcas butt in saying to let her have it - and they did.
In the end it worked out well. Regulus loved these days really and the place they chose wasn’t all that bad. The pub was dim lit inside with big TV’s spanning all over the interior on multiple walls, different sports and news channels playing on each. The first time they came Evan had picked a booth near the back. It could hold about 8-10 (which was more than enough for the group), and from that day became their spot. Once in a while - when someone in the group had a partner - they would have a few guests. Regulus would invite James, but of course that was over now so the table felt a little emptier than usual. Not today though, not when Barty was coming.
Barty hadn’t met any of his friends yet. He had only caught a slight glimpse of Evan at the party but that was about it. So, today was the first meeting. It was kind of like him meeting his family since his parents were so shit, and anyways it was way too early for him to encounter Sirius. That was more of a one month thing (maybe year knowing them both).
Regulus flicked his nails erratically with his fingers, waiting for Barty to arrive. He was barely even late it was only two minutes past four. Still, he couldn’t get over the neurotic feeling in him saying ‘he’s not coming’ and ‘James would be on time’.
As a whole, the getting over James thing wasn’t going horrible, he had already found someone else. Maybe it wasn’t a forever thing, but it was someone. And yeah maybe he compared Barty to James at every other thought, and had flashes of him during sex, but he was making progress, right?
Suddenly a tall, broad figure, dripping in water ran right to their table.
“I’m sorry I’m late it’s raining cats and fucking dogs out there.”
Barty was here, finally.
Evan laughed then replied to the soaking boy, “Well took you long enough.”
Barty tilted his head grinning right back at the blonde boy, “Well so much for first impressions.”
So far everything was going just fine. Fine. Secretly, Regulus wished it was going amazing, even just great would’ve been better, but fine is better than horrible.
After Barty was done strangely ogling Evan, Regulus had gotten up to greet him and Barty had suddenly pulled him into a hug. This wouldn’t have been a big problem if it wasn’t for the fact that the other man was drenched in rain - Regulus hated the water. As Barty detached himself from him, the two dripped an immense amount of water onto the carpet. How does one get so wet from the rain? Barty shrugged it off laughing, not a care in the world. Regulus wasn't. The water made him feel gross.
The next thing was that Barty was very abrupt and direct. They’d all be talking, laughing, making jokes, and then Barty would just go on and say something stupidly outrageous and uneducated. Whenever that happened the conversation would stop, everyone would look at each other and then just carry on as normal, so as not to disturb the peace. Regulus despised unintelligent people. You didn’t even have to be the smartest person in the world, you just had to have common sense.
The rest of the afternoon seemed to have less hiccups than the first, which in retrospect nothing actually went that bad it was just how Regulus felt. Barty had started to settle more in the second hour - asking more questions and listening to the others. Regulus was quite grateful for that if he was being honest. James was better at this really. The listening and making small talk seem like a normal conversation. However, Barty was not James and would never be. And that would have to be enough for now.
Once the clock hit around 7:30 they had all decided to call it quits and head home. Before Barty could leave Regulus stopped him.
“Hey.”
He turned around a grin forming, “Hey Reg. Thanks for inviting me.”
“Don’t worry about it. How did you feel? Did you like everyone?”
Barty laughed, much to Regulus’ dismay, incredibly loud, “They were great. I mean at first I think they were skeptical of me. Dorcas and Emmeline were staring at me as if they were interrogating me, and Pandora kept asking questions that felt like a trick," Regulus gave him a quizzical look,” But, after we settled all was well.”
“What about Evan?”
That seemed to catch, “What do you mean what about Evan?”
“You mentioned everyone else but him.”
“Oh well, there wasn’t much to say. I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll get to know him in no time.”
“Yeah. Right…”
“Oh come on you love me. And if you do they sure will.”
Love.
Did Regulus love him? Not really no. And he knew Barty was just using it as an expression, but it didn’t stop it from making him wonder. Could he love Barty? The way he loved James?
“I’ll call you later Barty, okay?” Regulus assured. He tangled his fingers into hair and pulled Barty into a kiss. The other snakes his arms around his hips reciprocating, “I’ll miss you idiot.”
“Mhm,” Barty replied, “See you later, love.”
As Barty left Regulus turned around to catch up with the rest. The group was chattering under a lamppost when Regulus arrived.
“Hey Reg,” Emmeline chimed, “What did Barty think of us?”
“I think he was quite alright,” Dorcas added.
Regulus smiled lightly in return, “He said you guys great and that he’s get to know you all soon enough.”
“Yeah, I thought he was kinda funny actually.”
Dorcas snorted, “You. Evan Rosier, who thinks everyone is unfunny, thinks that Reg’s new boy-toy is funny?”
A defensive expression forms on Evan’s face, “Hey, right, well he was. God forbid I find humour in someone.”
Stopping an argument (without really knowing one was forming) Pandora stated, “Well I think he was okay. Haven’t talked to him enough yet. But there’s something off about him, I just don’t know what.”
Pandora was known to their friend group and anyone who knew Pandora really that she was very spiritual and superstitious. So, everything she said should be taken seriously (or so she said).
“Okay Dora. If you think so,” Regulus contemplated for a second, “He was already starting to piss me off tonight anyway.”
Dorcas raises a brow at this, “How so?”
“He just keeps getting on my nerves, and then my head keeps going ‘James would be better’, and I hate it but I can’t help it.”
“Give it a week or two it’s only been a few days, it’ll probably get better with time,” Evan placed his hand on Regulus’ back, giving him a sorry look.
“Yeah, you’re probably right. It’s still early to be worrying this much about it.”
Emmeline smiled wide, “See Reg, soon you’ll be over ex-loverboy James and fully entangled in Barty.”
∘₊ ☆──────☆₊∘
November 27th 2025
They were wrong. Well, not really. Things had gotten better with time, but then things got worse.
It had been almost a month since Barty had started hanging out with them, and everything was going well. He had come to the pub with them again last week, and the two had started spending the night together, sometimes even the day.
Regulus and Dorcas were out and they spotted Barty in some Dingy alley from the street across their pub.
Dorcas stopped in her tracks, “Hey Reg, I think that’s Barty! Let’s go say hi.”
Regulus turned to see the boy across the road, in all honesty he could not tell you what the fuck Barty was doing. Whatever he’d find out when they said hi to him anyway, “Alright, come on Cas.”
As the crossed the road and closed in on Barty, Regulus noticed a guy. He couldn’t tell who it was. But in that moment it didn’t matter. What did though was what was in Barty’s pocket. Two small plastic packets filled with white powder peaked out of it, his hand reached it and quickly Barty and the random man made the exchange.
Regulus and Dorcas watched in disbelief. He was supposed to have a job. Some job working at a restaurant, and it was definitely nicer than where Regulus and the others were working right now. So why was Barty doing this?
“What the fuck.” Dorcas finally said, “What does he think he’s doing?
“I don’t know… but I’m about to find out.”
As soon as the guy left Regulus and Dorcas stormed over to Barty.
“Hi Barty.”
The other boy turned around, a grin instantly forming on his face, “Reg! What are you doing here? I missed you. Oh, hi Dorcas nice to see you too.”
He was unfazed. He was acting as if he hadn’t just been drug dealing. Regulus wasn’t having it.
“What were you just doing?”
“Sorry?” Barty’s forehead creased.
“We just saw you and that random bloke a few minutes ago. Do not lie to me.”
Barty sighs, “Listen Reg, It's not what it looks like really. I was going to tell you I swear!. I just wanted to pick the right time cause I didn’t want you to react badly. And see! Clearly I was right to think that way. You’re literally staring daggers at me.”
The smaller boy scoffed, “Of course I’d react like this! Your actual job pays just fine Barty, and also you lied to me and hid this from me of course I’m mad.”
“I’m sorry Reg. I really am. You can be angry at me for a week, even a month! I’ll do whatever you want, baby.”
Whatever you want baby.
I love you baby I promise…
“Fuck you Crouch. I couldn’t care less if you sold drugs if you had told me before all this. This can be dangerous shit and I know you don’t need me to tell you that,” Barty grimaced at his words, “and even more so, how can I trust you with anything after this? Big and small. You should’ve told me from day one, or at least day two. But, you didn’t.”
“Reg please! I’m so-“
”We’re over.”