#and james is so charmed bc poised nd proper regulus is a flustered mess

[static-radio-ao3]

@jegulus-microfic // january 24 // prompt: dinner // words: 388

“James Fleamont Potter,” Regulus yells. He didn’t intend for it to be a yell, but his nerves got the best of him. “I want to declare my intentions for you!” He thrusts forward a bouquet of flowers. James’ eyebrows furrow as he tentatively reaches for them

It’s a sunny winter day, crisp and cold, but made bearable by the way sunlight crashes down on them. James looks radiant, Regulus thinks. Then again, he always thinks James looks radiant.

“You wanna do what to me?” James asks, bringing the flowers up to his nose, sniffing.

Regulus doesn’t know what to do with his hands now that he’s no longer holding something. He ends up tucking them behind his back, so James can’t see him fidgeting.

Regulus takes a deep breath. “I want to court you.”

“Court? Like date?”

The words bring a flush to Regulus’ cheeks. Date. He could date James Potter. Be his boyfriend, if things go well. Merlin, he hopes things go well.

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you just say that?”

“Because that’s not how it’s done. Pure Blood Tradition mandates that I declare my intentions, speak with your father, call at your house and then have the honor of escorting you to a planned activity or event outside the home that might please you,” Regulus rattles off.

He’d practiced for weeks. In front of the mirror, under his breath during breakfast, on his way to classes. Barty and Evan had teased him relentlessly, but Pandora had told him it was sweet. Had offered pointers, even.

“Yeah? You gonna wine and dine me, Regulus?”

A cluster of students passes by them. Some cast glances their way, but most don’t pay them any mind, simply heading back to the castle.

“I can take you to dinner, if you’d like that, yes.” Regulus straightens, squaring his shoulders. He hopes he’s exuding confidence. He needs to show James he is capable and dependable and a good match. James, who always takes care of others, deserves someone who takes care of him too. Regulus wants it to be him.

“It’s a date.” There’s a bright smile on James’ face, but he tries to hide it behind the flowers. Tucks his chin closer to his chest, buries his nose in the bouquet.

“So you mean—”

“Yes, I accept your intentions to court me.”