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Regulus wakes up and notices that there is an absent warmth in his bed. He turns to see that the spot next to him, that was previously occupied, is empty. This isn’t an uncommon occurrence for James and Regulus. Having a secret relationship is difficult. Especially when the person you’re in the secret relationship with is no other than your brother’s best friend. They’ll have to tell Sirius at some point. It’s inevitable. But for now, they sneak around and try to enjoy every little moment they get together.
James and Regulus have been together since summer. Regulus left home and didn’t know what to do, so he went to the one place he knew he could go. The Potters. When Sirius left 12 Grimmauld Place, Regulus had never felt so alone. Their relationship was strained, but ever since Regulus moved into the Potters, he and Sirius have reconciled.
While working on mending one relationship, he found himself developing a romantic one with James Potter. Regulus always had a bit of a crush on James, if he’s being honest. Don’t tell him that though, he’ll never let Regulus hear the end of it.
Regulus gets out of bed and starts getting dressed. He’s searching everywhere, but he can’t seem to find his tie. He found James’ tie, but why would that be here and he can’t find his own–
Oh.
“Shit.”
James walks into the room, trying his best to look casual. Remus is reading a book to Sirius as the door closes. Sirius immediately starts interrogating James.
“Prongs! Where have you been?”
James is about to spew about some excuse about quidditch or homework or something but is cut off by Remus.
“Are you wearing a Slytherin tie?”
James freezes in place as he looks down to see–yes, he is indeed wearing a Slytherin tie. Which happens to belong to his best friend’s brother. Shit.
Sirius, clueless to what’s happening between his brother and best friend, walks over to James and puts an arm around him.
“You cheeky bastard! So, who’s the lucky Slytherin?”
And at that moment, as if that line was a cue, there’s a knock on the door. Remus goes to open the door as Sirius continues to tease James.
Standing on the other side of the door is Regulus Black, and in his hand is a scarlet and gold tie. Remus didn’t need to see the tie in the younger Black brother’s hand to understand what was going on. Remus just gives him a look before stepping aside and opening the door more, revealing Regulus to the others in the room.
Sirius walks over to greet his brother before seeing the tie in his brother’s hand. And then it clicks. He steps away from James and Regulus, looking back and forth between the two. Everyone stands in awkward silence as they wait for Sirius to say something. Sirius turns to James.
“YOU SHAGGED MY BROTHER?!”
James flinches as he awaits the wrath that Sirius will incur.
“My brother and my best friend.”
As Sirius continues to stand frozen in disbelief, James and Regulus give each other their ties back.
“Sorry I grabbed your tie and got us into this.” James loudly whispers to Regulus.
“It’s all right, mon amour.” Regulus says to James with a smile.
Hearing the French words snaps Sirius out of his daze.
“This isn’t just fooling around.” Sirius is starting to understand. “You love each other.”
The boys both nod in agreement. Regulus grabs James’ hand and squeezes it.
“I love James more than anything.”
James’ develops a smile so beaming that the sun couldn’t compete.
“I love you too Reggie.”
Sirius sighs and his body language relaxes.
“Well, since that’s the case… then I’m happy for you both.”
The change in attitude is shocking to everyone, including Remus, who is just a witness to this discussion.
“Really?” Regulus asks.
“Of course!” Sirius walks between the two and pulls them together, hanging an arm around each boy. “Two of my favorite people. There is no one more deserving of you two than each other.”
“I gotta say Pads…” James says. “I thought you’d be really angry once you found out.”
Sirius lets out a long breath and then shrugs.
“What can I say?” Sirius looks up at Remus. “I know a thing or two about love.”
He swiftly turns his head to James.
“If you break his heart, I will hunt you down.” James’ eyes widened.
“I would never!”
Then Sirius turns his head to Regulus.
“Same goes for you. If you break his heart…”
“You’ll hunt me down?”
Sirius nods and pulls the boys in for a hug. Remus continues to just observe them before Sirius beckons him over.
“Moony!”
Remus walks over and envelops all three boys, joining the hug.
Soon after, as they are separating from their hug, the door opens. Peter walks in, holding a plate of treacle tart. He looks up at the sight before him.
“Hey guys! Did I miss anything?”