#james loves it when regulus is mean to him

[my-castles-crumbling]

Practice - jegulus microfic - @into-the-jeggyverse - word count: 219

“James Potter!”

James looked up from his conversation with Marlene to see Regulus furiously approaching him, and he knew instantly he was in trouble.

“What’d you do?” Marlene whispered under her breath, smirking.

“What makes you think-” James began to hiss back, but he cut himself off as Regulus drew level with them.

“James. Please tell me why I had to find out from Remus that you’ve kissed my brother?” Regulus asked, a dangerous gleam in his eye. 

“I’m gonna…” Marlene said slowly, before quickly walking off.

James stared desperately after her, before turning to his boyfriend. “Reg. My love. It was years ago. We were stupid, and we just wanted to…y’know, practice kissing, to make sure we were good at it! For when we finally kissed a girl-”

Regulus’s eyes flashed at the word ‘girl,’ and James immediately laughed awkwardly.

“-which, I mean, look at us now, huh?” he said, forcing a chuckle. “But I promise, it wasn’t anything. I swear! I love you!”

Regulus stared at him for what felt like forever, his eyes burning holes into James’s face, before he relented, sighing impatiently. “Fine. But please remember, James, if you ever want to practice anything, you have a very willing boyfriend now.”

And with that, he walked off, leaving a shocked James to process that offer.

[bradleysass]

Pine - @black-brothers-microfic - wc: 650 - Starchaser + Sirius

James Potter had always been a man with a plan. That plan, however, had been spectacularly failing for five years.

For five long years, he had been in love with Regulus Black. Five years of subtle glances, charming grins, and carefully placed love notes scribbled onto napkins, sticky notes, and sometimes, on the corner of Regulus’s meticulously organized notebooks. And for five years, Regulus had responded with the same level of enthusiasm one would give to an unsolicited email—mildly annoyed at best, completely indifferent at worst.

James had held onto hope, of course. How could he not? He was James Potter—stupidly optimistic, annoyingly persistent, and tragically in love with his best mate’s younger brother. And now, by some cruel twist of fate (or perhaps Sirius’s own misguided attempt at playing matchmaker), Regulus had moved into their shared flat.

If James thought he had trouble getting Regulus’s attention before, it was nothing compared to the obstacle of a closed bedroom door.

Regulus was a ghost in their flat. He emerged only in the dead of night to make tea, moving like a shadow through their kitchen, and somehow always managed to slip back into his room before James could so much as croak out a greeting.

Sirius, of course, found the whole thing hilarious. “Mate, I think it’s time to admit defeat.” He was lounging on the sofa, watching James stare longingly at Regulus’s firmly shut door like a dog left out in the rain.

James groaned and flopped down next to him. “There has to be a way. I mean, what do I have to do? I’ve tried everything. I left him handwritten notes, I bought him coffee—”

“You left those notes anonymously, didn’t you?” Sirius pointed out, smirking.

“Yeah, because it’s romantic,” James argued. “Mystery, intrigue, all that.”

Sirius snorted. “He probably thinks they’re from a serial killer.”

James groaned again and buried his face in a pillow. “I’m doomed.”

“No, you’re just painfully bad at this.” Sirius patted his back, far too amused by the whole thing. “But lucky for you, I’m feeling generous. Reg tends to come out when I’m not home. So, tomorrow, I’ll be conveniently out for the evening.”

James lifted his head. “You mean—?”

“You get your shot, mate.”

It was a shot James would not waste.

—

The next evening, James found himself strategically stationed in the kitchen, waiting. And sure enough, at precisely ten past midnight, Regulus emerged, clad in his usual oversized sweater, hair slightly messy from sleep.

James held his breath as Regulus moved toward the kettle, seemingly unaware of his presence. That was, until James cleared his throat.

Regulus froze mid-motion, eyes flicking up to meet James’s, and for the first time in five years, James didn’t look away.

“Hey,” James said, voice softer than he intended.

Regulus’s fingers curled around his mug. “You’re awake.”

James grinned. “I live here.”

Regulus hummed, noncommittal, and turned back to his tea.

“Look,” James started, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m just gonna say it—five years is a long time to pine, and frankly, I’m exhausted.”

Regulus blinked, clearly caught off guard. “You… what?”

James took a deep breath. “I like you, Reg. A lot. Always have. I left those notes because I was too much of a coward to say it to your face. But you’re here now, and I can’t keep pretending I don’t want you to notice me.”

Silence. James’s heart pounded. And then—

“I noticed.”

James stared. “You—what?”

Regulus exhaled, looking down at his tea like it held all the answers. “I knew they were from you. I just… didn’t know what to do with it.” He finally met James’s gaze, and for the first time, there was something there—uncertainty, maybe, but also something warm, something hopeful. “But I’m noticing you now.”

James’s breath hitched. “Yeah?”

Regulus gave the smallest of nods. “Yeah.”

[illustriousday]

method acting (like you love me) by illustriousday

Chapters: 1/29

Rating: Mature

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Regulus Black/James Potter

Additional Tags: Fake/Pretend Relationship, Idiots in Love, Minor Sirius Black/Remus Lupin, Minor Marlene McKinnon/Dorcas Meadowes, Past Regulus Black/Barty Crouch Jr., also some present oops, denial is a river in egypt, Inspired by a Lizzy McAlpine Song, actually her whole discography, Regulus Black and Sirius Black Angst, Regulus Black & Sirius Black Have a Good Relationship, eventually, POV James Potter, POV Regulus Black, Everyone Is Gay, Regulus Black Needs a Hug, Walburga Black’s A+ Parenting, Rivals With Benefits, Meeting the Parents, Fluff and Angst, Mild Sexual Content, Happy Ending, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, because it’s regulus and sirius come on, Gay Regulus Black, Pansexual James Potter, Alternate Universe - Actors, Musician Sirius Black, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Hurt/Comfort, Social Media, Trans Regulus Black, British Regulus Black, American James Potter, the story is split between Europe and the US, Press and Tabloids, Implied/Referenced Drug Addiction, James Potter & Lily Evans Potter Friendship, they are not and will not be romantic ever, No Lily Evans Potter Bashing, she's my girl i love her, Minor Mary Macdonald/Lily Evans Potter, Mutual Pining, French Black Family (Harry Potter), Enemies to Friends to Lovers

Regulus Black has hated James Potter for years. He’s obnoxious, and arrogant, and stole his brother away. James Potter has hated Regulus Black for years. But only because he’s so mean to him. And James, frankly, doesn’t think he deserves it. When the two star as romantic leads in a new coming-of-age movie and have a very public catfight at the wrap party, the publicity team scrambles to find a way to fix this before social media runs wild with it. Something like… a relationship between the two Hollywood golden boys? Featuring fake dating, lots of late-night talk shows and interviews, getting a little too heated “for the paparazzi”, and denial being a river in Egypt.

CHAPTER 1 IS OUT RAHHHHH!

[thedrowningstar]

I am Regulus Arcturus Black - the heir of the Black House. Since my older brother, Sirius, ran away. My parents do everything so I have the best education and future possible - in the acting industry. They want me to have the same success than the rest of my family. And I'm glade for them. They are doing their best. This is the reason I am attending and are ones of the new hope of the Hogwarts Acting Academia. I am a male leader and loves to interpret characters. I fell more free and alive when I do this. It makes me fell seen maybe. I'm 16 years old - maybe this is the irony part - but I will prefer a good book, and a glass of wine than go to a party with a lot of people that I can't stand - even in pretty photos. I talk French fluently and one of my favorites books is ; Le jour ou le soleil ne s'est plus levé. I won't tell the what it is about - but I felt very represented with it. And I think that if you talk French or wish to start reading in French it's a very good book to do this. I am quite mean to everyone and anyone principally people I hate and people I love. I am also very severe with myself. I have the responsibly to the Black name and it's legacy. My favourite artist are ; Conan Gray, Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey as well as Ashe. Please do not talk to me unless I talk to you. And if you know you won't be killed (by me) because you are talking to me.

@redheadonthepodium : Lily Evans - very nice and loves acting. @marlsvmckinnon : Marlene Mckinnon - an idiot how is friends with my brother. Needles to say, I don't like her. @bartyyynotcrouch : Barty Crouch - My annoying and insane best friend. I will die for him. @Prong4prong: James Potter - world biggest idiot. I actively hate him with a lot of passion. @sameoldstarboy : Sirius Potter - older brother how ran away and left me dealing with all the shit and "brother" with JP. @itsloopylupin : Remus Lupin - my sibling boyfriend or something. To say the true the only thing I know is that they are ridiculous together.

[thequeen0fhearts]

@aesthetic-writer18 , congratulations! You've been chosen to be the second person I choose a person for. It's truly an honor. Cherish it.

Your character is James Potter!

Prongs and why? :

Apologizing. Just like James Potter you and him hate hurting the ones you love. You're always the bigger person. Always. Even when it's potentially hurting you. The fear of hurting the ones you love consumes you to the point of spilling apologies out even when you've done nothing wrong. It makes you easy to manipulate and hurt. Apologizing isn't a bad thing by all means but there's a fine line of earnestness and fear. Unless someone hurts the friends or people you love. Apologies isn't an option. You fight with your whole chest but for some reason you can't do it for yourself.

Forgiveness. You forgive everyone. Of course not all of the time but the majority of the time you find some type of way to forgive the person who has harmed you. These people hurt you and you still find that little percentage of them changing even though you know deep down it's never going to happen. You always forgive these people. Unfortunately for some odd reason you can't seem to forgive yourself.

A ray of insightful sunshine. Everyone views you as that one person who seems to have a smile on their face. Not literally but you're there for everyone. Always there with a small fun fact or a conversation to start. You are always there. Without realizing people may forget that part of you. It's looked over because it's always there. But when you start to lose that spark and shine people don't notice until the conversations start to slow and everyone begins to pull apart. You're the glue and when you start to lose it everyone else does as well. You're important. When you realize that you'll be so fucking strong.

Jamie and why? :

The darkness. You have your dark days. Without realizing but when the realization settles in you feel guilty. You feel as if you don't have the right to be okay. Everyone else has it worse. You've got an okay life. You shouldn't feel that way. You can't let the darkness consume you because you don't deserve that right. Except you do. Everyone is allowed to have bad days and let the darkness settle as long as you don't let it consume you. You're strong and shine bright but even the sun needs a break. And that's completely valid.

Everyone needs silence. You don't always have to fill the silence in the room. It's okay for you to rest and not try your hardest for everyone. Give yourself a moment of peace. People like Regulus allow you this silence. No expectations to be loud or fill the room with sunlight. They let you sink into the dark and that's alright. Once you find that person you'll grow. Until then you'll have to help yourself grow.

This fear of losing people. If you make a mistake you won't lose everyone. I promise.

A/N : OMG ILYSMMMMMMM ngl this isn't my best but it felt right again ilysm and you're perfect so don't be afraid.

[shadowjinx2906]

James: *sighs a madly in love sigh* He speaks with a voice as sweet as honey 😍

…

Regulus: The fuck you looking at, Four Eyes?

[shadowjinx2906]

Regulus would do this 🤣😭💀

[lexithwrites]

i'll always love that the fandom, specifically the jegulus shippers, have collectively agreed that james has a kink for reggie being mean to him

[james-sunshine-potter]

the biggest mistake anyone could make was calling James dumb infront of Regulus.

it’s basically asking for a death wish.

[ricochetyears]

love that hc where james doesn’t really like being called “jamie” but goes absolute stupid when regulus calls him that. i mean, in general, he’s all so grumpy and frustrated that no one bothers to just add a fucking s to “james”, but whenever reg says it so casually like “thank you for the tea, jamie” or “no, i’m not busy, jamie” or “that’s alright, jamie” his mind just goes lalala i’m so in love hihi

[my-castles-crumbling]

vow - Jegulus microfic - @into-the-jeggyverse - word count: 255

“So,” Sirius said casually, sitting next to Regulus on the couch in the flat Regulus and James shared, “have you confessed to James yet?”

“I’ve no idea what you mean,” Regulus nearly-growled, staring at the blank pages of the little notebook he held in his hand.

“No idea? So you’re still pretending that you wrote your vows ages ago, then?” Sirius smirked, crossing his arms.

Regulus kicked out, hitting his brother in the knee. “Mind your business, asshole.”

But it was true. In their relationship, he’d always been the one to struggle with expressing his thoughts and feelings. The one to show his love through small gestures and affectionate eyerolls. It wasn’t the idea of marrying James that scared him…he was more sure about that than any other decision he’d ever made…but the thought of confessing his undying devotion in front of a crowd of over a hundred people was getting more and more terrifying as the day grew closer.

“Reggie, listen,” Sirius said softly, taking the book from his hand, “I get it. I nearly pissed myself when I had to say my vows-”

“Oh, that’s bullshit, you love attention,” Regulus interrupted, rolling his eyes.

“When people are laughing!” Sirius shrugged. “Not when it’s…serious,” he smirked. “But trust me. When the time comes…it’ll feel like you’re the only two people in the room. Just….write like you’re going to talk with him, and nobody else, okay?”

Regulus met his eyes, and slowly nodded. “Okay,” he mumbled.

And, taking the book back, he began to write.

[haunting-hufflepuffs-basement]

You know, I'm discovering that half the appeal of jegulus for me is that it forces rosekiller and james to interact in a non-antagonistic way. And that dynamic is soooo fun. I need more. Like. Just some highlights for ya'll:

Evan: Great. You don't want Regulus to die. We don't want Regulus to die. Now we just have to make sure REGULUS doesn't want Regulus to die.

James: Fantastic, but have you met Regulus?

Barty, kicking down James door: POTTER!

James: What the HELL are you doing in here? Scratch that HOW the hell did you get in here?

Barty: Regulus told me, now WHERE ARE YOU GETTING YOUR BOOZE?

Regulus: James. You know how you said you'd do anything for me? Well. . .how much did you mean that?

James: With my whole heart. Anything. What do you need?

Regulus: Evan?

Evan: We need you to find Barty. He went into one of his fits of exam-stress-induced madness and he's been missing for three days.

James, suspicious that Reg blabbed about the map: Okay, why do you think I'd know where he is?

Evan: Because when you and Regulus were in your painful pining phase you were somehow able to avoid us AND stalk him everywhere. I don't know how you know where everyone is all the time, I just know you're doing it somehow. If you can't find him, I'll have to assume he finally made good on his threat to fling himself into the lake.

James: Is? Is this a recurring problem for you?

Evan: OH, and you've NEVER lost track of YOUR boyfriend OR your best friend because they were spiralling and have a complex from their shitty upbringing?

James: . . . Point taken. Give me 5 minutes.

Evan: *grabs James in the hallway and slams him against a wall*

Barty: Alright Potter, start talking!

James: Dammit you two! You know you can just ASK Regulus how it went after we go on a date, right? He'd probably be thrilled to tell you! Don't you two keep complaining about how much he won't shut up about me?

Evan: EXACTLY. If we encourage him, then we'll REALLY never hear the end of it. Now, did you do the thing we told you about?

James: the praise thing? Yeah, he reacted really well. Which you'd know if you ASKED REGULUS!

Barty: See, what did I tell you? He loves it! See you same time next week Potter!

James, yelling after them as they leave: I STILL WANNA KNOW HOW YOU FOUND OUT ABOUT THAT BY THE WAY!

Evan: NO YOU DON'T!

Idk, I'm a sucker for not quite friends James and Rosekiller. I need more.

[crescenthistory]

hi! i have this really cute idea for regulus x fem! reader. so reader is a animagus and it’s winter time so sometimes she’ll shift into a their animal form, preferably a cat, and goes seek out warmth. but reader is also besties with remus and knows he’s a werewolf, his body temperature runs a lot warmer then anyone else so she goes to room to cuddle. when that happens, regulus immediately knows they reader is with remus and, begrudgingly, goes to gryffindor to steal reader back.

when he gets there, sirius is pouring and complains to reggie that “your girlfriend is stealing my boyfriend” and regulus snaps back by saying “well your boyfriend is stealing my girlfriend” and reader and remus are amused but their bickering but don’t care.

anon. anon. i am giving you the BIGGEST kiss, you don't even know. this is perhaps the best idea i've seen in a while and so i love you. i will be thinking about this throughout all of winter, thank you.

Words: 3k

Warnings: not proofread, fem!reader, references to previous black brothers angst, disgusting amounts of fluff, best friends can cuddle platonically regardless of gender i will fight you on this, background rosekiller and wolfstar, childhood best friend!remus, implied gryffindor!reader, sirius pretends to be jealous but is not

Note: read more about cat!animagus!reader's shenanigans with regulus, wolfstar and james in Sweet Like Honey; Karma is a Cat & Padfoot vs. Whiskers

When Regulus accepted Sirius’ attempt to mend their relationship, he had expected to get his big brother back in full and no more. The person who understands him best, the boy he needed to lean on – it was all he wanted to get out of it. Perhaps he expected to have to grown tolerant of his brother’s friends, but that was something he dreaded, if he at all thought of.

What Regulus had not expected was to be introduced to and fall head over heels in love with you.

Remus’ childhood best friend, the more reserved one of the bunch that he had always seen floating around with them, but whose voice he had never had to roll his eyes at, thus never interacted with. It bewildered him now how he once upon a time barely thought of you, regarded you.

Now he knew you were delightful, and Regulus was positively smitten.

It had been exactly what Regulus had never thought he would get – an easy love. Like your friends, you were open and honest and loyal to the bone, and it spilled over like honey into your relationships with those around you. Once you caught a glance of his clearly lovestruck eyes, you melted, and the puddle was caught delicately in his hands.

Since then, that is where he has held you. In the palms of his hands, close to his heart. He learned more than he perhaps wanted to know about himself during the process of opening up to you, and you showed him a patience he still is not entirely certain he deserves. But you gave him your time, your moments, your touches and your lips, and he received and received without complaint.

When the two most important people in Regulus’ life – one a fervent, natural devotion, another a sassy, passionate rivalry – were in the same hazardous circle of loud-mouthed Gryffindor friends, he eventually had to capitulate that he could no longer just tolerate them. They were family.

God, what love has cost him.

Regulus walked into his dorm room where you have spent more days than not for the past few months, and sighed defeatedly when all he finds there is Barty laying on top of Evan in some odd position that cannot possibly be comfortable.

“Hello to you too, Black. Thrilling to see you.” Barty’s voice was laced with sarcasm, but there was no menace there as of yet.

“Yeah, yeah,” Regulus grumbled as he threw his bookbag onto his bed and sat down. “You seen Y/N lately?”

“You mean since you were all snuggled up this morning? Nah.”

Regulus rolled his eyes painfully hard at his oldest friend, murmuring a soft sod off before tossing whatever was closest – his pyjama t-shirt – in Barty’s general direction, missing by a good metre. He is a seeker and not a chaser for a reason.

“What of it, Reg?” Evan mumbled, but it was distorted by Barty’s elbow being more or less shoved into his mouth. He could never sit still.

“Just figured she’d be here, ‘s all. She finished class before me.” Regulus falls down onto his bed, curls spilling onto the emerald sheets as he stares at the ceiling, picturing you there and then immediately kicking himself for being that down bad. Then reminding himself with the therapy-speech Sirius has been teaching him, love is a strength not a weakness, it’s good to feel your feelings. Yada yada. "It's been a long day."

“Maybe she got tired of your sorry ass.” Barty laughed at his own joke only to be smacked by Evan’s finally-freed hand.

“Or yours, you sod.”

“Nah, Treasure absolutely adores me.” Barty propped himself up to flash you both a grin. “See, unlike you, I’m fun.”

“Interesting word to substitute insufferable with.” Evan said, leaning his face up from underneath Barty, as if to intimidate him.

“You love me,” Barty drawled before kissing the blond soundly.

“Would you guys please stop flirting?” Regulus’ voice was closer to a groan than anything else. He pressed the backs of his hands to his eyes, seeing stars and thinking of you. Stupid poetic feelings.

“Just because you can’t keep track of your girl doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves.” Barty pointed an accusatory finger at Regulus. “I would classify that demand as rude.”

“Bite me.”

“Only if your girlfriend says yes.” This time it was Evan’s turn of tuning into Regulus’ torture.

“And she would.” Barty winks at him.

This time it’s a pillow Regulus throws at them, and it lands perfectly, smack in the middle of Barty’s face.

“Oi!” He calls as he throws it back. “Either you quit it, or you throw me your jumper, it’s freezing in here.”

“You’re literally in bed, Barty.” Regulus looks at him, unamused. “Just–”

He trails off, gaze falling from Barty to the wall behind him as he pieces the puzzle together and realisation dawns on his face. The other boys seem to have caught on as they both cock their heads curiously at him. 

“Of course,” Regulus whispers, first in marvel and then it morphs into something between exasperation and disgust. “Of course.” At last, he gets a determined look on his face, slapping his palms on his knees as he sits up from bed and grabs his jumper to go.

“Excuse you, what just happened?” Barty says, increasingly louder throughout his sentence as he realises Regulus is headed for the door, thick wool jumper tucked under his arm. “Hey!”

Regulus throws the boys a look over his shoulder, smirking at them and shaking his head before shutting the door and walking off. He barely catches Evan’s “shush, you baby, I’ll warm ya” before he is out of earshot.

A man with a purpose and half a plan stalks off, beginning the treacherous journey from the Slytherin dungeons to the Gryffindor dormitories.

What is the single thing Regulus knows can keep you from him when you’re otherwise attached at the hip? The cold.

What is the one person you go to for anything and everything, especially dealing with the cold? A certain ragged boy with a wolfish smile that he knows is to be found only behind the portrait of an increasingly annoying woman.

“Password?” The Fat Lady asked, quirking a brow ridiculously high as she regards Regulus with a mutual disgust.

“Catulus leonis.” Regulus does not bother holding back the eyeroll at the ridiculous passphrase.

She looks at him a moment or five longer than she needs, almost as if considering not letting him in despite his answer being perfectly correct, before she finally swings open the door wordlessly.

Regulus mutters a harsh thank you, Pureblood upbringing having knocked some politeness into him he is just not able to forego, no matter how severe his beef – as Sirius says – with the woman is.

When he finally approaches the offending dorm, the door opens fast enough to knock some wind across his face, and he is met with a set of black curls and a superfluous frown that both match his own.

“Regulus. Thank Merlin.”

“Good to see you too, Siri. How'd you know it was me?”

"Recognised your footsteps. Now, c'mon."

Regulus pushes in past his brother and his eyes immediately find Remus Lupin’s bed. To the unaware, it would just look like the scrawny boy was innocently laying on his bed, head propped against a mountain of pillows and reading another one of his paperbacks.

However, Regulus knew better and could see the perfect girlfriend-shaped lump underneath Remus’ jumper, shielded by his arms as he held his book over his stomach.

Or, at least shaped like this rather specific form of his girlfriend.

“Hello, amour, I’ve been looking for you.” Regulus’ voice is addressed to the bump on Remus’ chest, but he looks up at him with a quirked brow and a smug smile tugging on the corner of his lips.

“Didn’t know we were on a pet name-basis, Reg. Good to know.” 

“Absolutely not.” Sirius and Regulus chorus at the exact same time, and Regulus fights back the wince at how painfully similar they are in this moment.

“Reggie,” Sirius finally whines. “Your girlfriend’s been stealing my boyfriend for the past two hours. Do something!”

Despite having a very similar sentiment settled in his own chest, Regulus gives his brother a pull yourself together look as he comes up to stand beside him, near the occupied bed. “I’m fairly certain your boyfriend has stolen my girlfriend equally as much,” he tuts.

“Whatever, just do something.” Sirius waves his hand towards Remus’ still very relaxed state with something a bit too close to a pout forming on his face.

“There’s no need to be jealous, Pads, the poor girl’s just cold,” Remus chides, with a teasing glint in his eye that clearly shows he knows his boyfriend is being dramatic for the bit and not actually upset. "Gotta help 'er out."

“‘M not jealous. I’m needy.” Sirius’ deadpan stare is not affected by Remus’ laughter nor Regulus’ barely-contained snort.

“Glad you admit it,” Regulus says slyly, patting Sirius on his shoulder twice, who immediately shrugs his hand off with a scowl.

“Like you’re any better, you slithered all the way up from the snake pit to fetch her. At least I’m open about it.”

Before Regulus has the chance to retort, Remus puts his book down in his lap and reaches out a hand for Sirius, which he immediately takes. “I told you you could come lay in the bed with us, love,” Remus murmurs and swipes his thumb over the back of Sirius’ hand.

If he did not feel the same way, Regulus would have given Sirius hell for how he seemed to absolutely soften in the sunlight of his boy. “Yeah, I know, Moons, I’m just being theatrical.”

Remus laughs once more, and this time his chest rumbling results in a distinct prrrt! coming from the inside of his jumper. Up through the collar, cheek smashed against Remus’, comes the tentative head of beautiful grey-and-white fur and slow-blinking yellow eyes, still riddled with sleep. 

“Good morning, amour,” Regulus coos, ignoring Sirius’ snort as he drops down to squat beside Remus’ bed so his face is lined up with yours.

You pur, stretching beneath the fabric, a single paw escaping beside your head through the collar as you roll over onto your back. Your eyes remained trained on Regulus, and though he knows cats can’t actually smile, he swears you were smiling at him.

“Sorry to wake you, princess,” Sirius drawls as he looks down at you from where he is leaning on the bedpost beside Remus. “But have you seeped up enough warmth for me to get my boyfriend back yet?”

You make a faux hissing sound before ducking your head down, so it’s just barely hidden by the collar.

Remus laughs heartily, setting his book completely away this time so his hand can come up to rest on your cat-form, petting you through his jumper. “It’s alright kitten, take your time.”

The exposed paw lightly hits Remus’ cheek in retaliation, and this time it is Sirius and Regulus’ turn to laugh at his expense. “Ow! I share my warmth with you and this is what I get in return?”

From the movement beneath the fabric, Regulus assumes you’re nuzzling your head against his chest in apology.

“Amour, I brought your favourite jumper of mine and promise to make you so much hot cocoa if I can steal you back. We can be in your dorm room instead of mine, it’s warmer in there, right?” A smile remains consistent on Regulus’ face as he talks to you.

Sirius pats him on the back, murmuring something about you’re so whipped that he doesn’t bother to pay attention to. 

More movement beneath the fabric, and then suddenly your ears are poking out of the neckline again – because why would you make it easy for yourself and use the big exit, when you can squeeze your way through a tight opening? You’re a cat after all.

Remus seems to be thinking the same as he laughs while you attempt to climb out beside his head, soft fur brushing against his skin and making up for the occasional claw you use for traction. 

Regulus attempts to bite back the coos as he sees more and more of you, recognising your movements as sluggish with sleep, no doubt coaxed into it by finally being comfortable.

“Thanks for today, see you again tomorrow, same time?” Remus teases, head turned towards you as you headbutt him lovingly, finally fully escaped from his jumper and standing on his shoulder. He nuzzles you back and scratches your head in goodbye.

Another prrrt! escapes you in greeting as you saunter your way across Remus and plop onto the small strip of mattress on his side where Regulus’ hands are open and ready to receive you. 

“Hi, sweetie,” he whispers as you allow him to scoop you up into his arms while he’s still squatting beside the bed. He holds you like an infant, tight to his body and securely supported. You immediately begin to purr loudly, nuzzling your head even further into his neck and shoulder.

Regulus does not bother to hold back the slight giggle as your caresses tickle him. 

“Good gods, are you two sappy,” Sirius groans, but when Regulus looks up, there is a wide grin on his face. A slightly teasing one admittedly, but a grin nonetheless.

Then, Regulus recognises where Sirius is grinning at him from – properly cuddled up besides Remus on the opposite side of the bed, arms beneath his jumper, soaking up the leftover warmth from you.

“Wait– how did you get there so fast?” Regulus’ voice is almost incredulous, stopping his greeting of you – earning him a harrumphing meow – to narrow his eyes at his brother. “I didn’t even notice you move from beside me.”

“What can I say; I am a dedicated man.” Sirius nuzzles into Remus’ cheek, not much unlike how you were mere seconds ago, albeit his involved a tad many more kisses.

“You’re weird, that’s what you are,” Regulus laughs as he stands up with you in his arms.

You turn around to look up at him with those big, slitted eyes of yours. When you extend your neck further towards his face, Regulus lifts you higher so you can give him the cat-kisses you so evidently wanted, his lips curling at your touch.

Sirius lifts a brow at the two of you. “Yeah. I’m the weird one.” 

Regulus scoffs at him, but when you continue to caress your furry cheeks against his lips and chin, it is difficult for any menace to remain serious.

“Thank you for your deviant supernatural warmth keeping my girlfriend alive, Lupin, but I’d like to steal her away from you now.” 

“By all means, Black, you’ve already stolen her from me once,” Remus harrumphs, pretending to be some scorned faux older brother but his eyes betray his facade; he is happy for you.

Regulus chooses to ignore it nonetheless.

“Brother.” He nods at Sirius. “Soon to be brother-in-law.” He nods at Remus. “We bid you goodnight.”

“Try not to undo all of Moony’s hard work by freezing her right back up with your freakishly cold feet!” Sirius calls after him as he heads towards the door. He then promptly gives out a soft yelp that indicates Remus corrected him in some physical way.

“Goodnight love, goodnight Reg,” Remus calls instead.

“Yeah, bye, doll!” Sirius adds, whispering more to himself, “he’s mine again now.”

You give out a tired meow that is so cute it makes Regulus’ heart clench with endearment. You cuddle properly up into the crook of his neck as he carries you out, softly closing the door behind him with a smile.

He shifts you in his grip so he can look down at you more carefully. “You are so unbelievably predictable. And even cuter than that again, which is saying something,” he murmurs to you and you respond with quiet meows.

He looks at you curiously. “Are you going to remain in cat form the whole night?”

Your tail twitches teasingly, your only other response is a quiet prrt as you close your eyes into the warmth of his neck again. He laughs, covering your feline body with his hands as he carries you, to keep the warmth in.

He sneaks into your dorm – thankfully often unoccupied as Marlene is with Dorcas and Mary is with Pandora – and settles you down onto your plush mattress and pillows. He undresses and gets ready for bed, while you’re resting your head on the pillow, observing him, but just before getting under the covers, he slips on his jumper.

“It’s so soft I could cry, Reggie,” you had whispered to him when you cuddled up to him when he wore it around you for the first time. “I fear I can never let you go now.”

Regulus slides under the blankets with a knowing smile, opening the hem, allowing you to creep under, chest against chest with your head poking out of the collar to rest at the bottom of his neck. 

“I'm no werewolf, but I’ll keep you warm with my love, amour,” he whispered to you in the dark, one hand combing through your fur protectively underneath his own jumper.

He swears, he could hear the little cat snort against his skin.

Regulus fell desperately deeper in love.

[ultravioletbrit]

“coffee” - Jegulus microfic - @into-the-jeggyverse - 618 words

“He doesn’t like coffee. He likes tea; no milk, two sugars.” James interrupts the random guy that’s been trying to ask Regulus out for coffee for the last ten minutes.

“Oh, okay… well, um…?” The guy looks at James then back to Regulus and raises his eyebrows with an unspoken question. Regulus just gives him a small shrug. “Right… um… I’ll just... I’m going to… yeah…” He mumbles, then just turns and walks away.

“Quite the linguist, that one.” James says with a small laugh.

“How did you…?” Regulus questions as he turns to look at James.

“You looked kind of stuck, so I thought I’d give you an out if you wanted to take it.”

“No, I mean, how did you know my coffee order, or lack thereof?”

“Oh, well, I sort of just pay attention sometimes.” James shrugs.

“You pay attention to me?” Regulus asks as he raises an eyebrow skeptically.

“Maybe… but not in a creepy way… I just like to know what people like, I guess.”

Regulus tilts his head and narrows his eyes at James. “What else do you pay attention to?”

“What do you mean?”

“You pay attention to what people like. What else do I like?” Regulus challenges.

“Um…” James swallows nervously. “Your favorite color is green.” He says it almost as a question.

“Everyone knows that.” Regulus says as he rolls his eyes.

“But you don’t like dark green, you like lighter green better, sort of like the color of a green apple.”

Regulus raises both eyebrows, slightly impressed and takes a step closer to James.

“Hm. What else do I like?”

James still seems slightly nervous but gaining a bit more confidence at the same time. “You don’t like tomatoes, but you love tomato soup.” James’ voice starts to get a bit softer.

Regulus tilts his head and furrows his eyebrows, it’s an odd choice but accurate, nonetheless.

“What else?” He takes another step into James’ space.  

“You like white chocolate more than milk chocolate, but you like that you don’t have it very often because then it’s sort of special when you do have it.” James starts to whisper as Regulus moves even closer.

“What else?” It’s barely a breath as he gazes into James’ eyes.  

“You don’t like when this curl falls forward.” He reaches up to tuck the curl behind Regulus’ ear.

Regulus doesn’t respond, he just hums and leans into James’ hand a bit. James moves his other hand down Regulus’ arm.

“You wear your jumpers a few sizes too big because you like when the sleeves fall over your hands.” He intertwines their fingers and continues-

“You like to paint your nails black, but you like it better when you paint them pink, but you don’t do that very often.” James quickly glances down to Regulus lips then back to his eyes. “You don’t like it when your lips get dry, so you always keep chapstick in your left pocket. You like the mint flavor the best.” James says it so quietly Regulus only hears it because he’s barely an inch away from him.

“James…” Regulus says just as softly. “What else do I like?” He breathes with a heated look in his eyes.

“Do you maybe like…?” He bites his bottom lip with a small smile and before he finishes the question, Regulus is already nodding.

“Yeah.” He says with a soft smile. 

“Can I…” James’ smile grows slightly bigger as he flicks his eyes down to Regulus’ lips again.

“Yeah.” Regulus can’t help but smile back as James closes the final distance between them with a soft, slow kiss. 

When they break apart Regulus smirks slightly and says, “You taste like coffee.”

James’ smile grows impossibly wider.

“Sorry.” But he doesn’t seem sorry at all as he leans in to kiss Regulus again.

[pretty-little-mind33]

James Potter x Lupin!fem!reader

Summary: You never realized how much of an idiot your brother's best friend is until he becomes jealous.

Genre: Fluff, friends to lovers

Warnings: Regulus Black x reader mentioned, swearing, insecurities, unrequited love? James is oblivious, he's kind of an asshole, jealousy, idiots in love basically

JAMES POTTER MASTERLIST

During the six years you've known him James Potter was never mean to you.

He'd always been the sweetest out of your brother's friends, and as kids you looked up to him. However, it wasn't until you turned sixteen that it became obvious you didn't see him as another brother. Instead, your admiration turned into the most obnoxious, heart-wrenching, crush. 

When, after a year of pining, you came to the conclusion that James would never like you in the way you liked him, you reluctantly allowed your crush to fizzle away.

"He's just so cute," Your smile hurts your cheeks as you lay on the ground and point out the little notes your newest crush had written in your potions book. 

"Oh, and look at this," You sit up and lean in to proudly show your friends your wrist, where a messy little heart is drawn. "Isn't Reggy just the cutest?" You must sound repetitive by now but your friends still listen with enthusiasm, "I think he likes me," You whisper.

You don't pay attention when James, Sirius, and a few other Gryffindor Quidditch players walk into the Common Room until, with exhausted humphs, Sirius and James let themselves slump dramatically onto the couch behind you and Sirius nudges his foot into your ribs, "Hey, little Lupin," He teases.

You hum and nonchalantly turn to look at him, accidentally catching James's eye. Jame's arm leans across the cushions as he tilts his head a moment and his lips curl up. His tongue cheekily pokes at his cheek as they turn pinker.

"Heard'ya have a crush on my little brother," Hearing his friend, James's smirk disappears as he tears his eyes away from yours, "He mentioned you yesterday." Sirius continues. 

Quickly, you jump up and happily skip over to where Sirius and James sit. Your friends watch you in amusement as you mutter, "Excuse me," and wiggle in between the boys.

James moves his arm and sits up, clearing his throat. He runs a hand in his hair as he pretends not to listen in on your conversation.

"What did he say?" You ask.

James's jaw tightens as your scent surrounds him. He is never sure if it's your perfume or your shampoo but you smell like vanilla (with just a hint of strawberry) and his heart thumps. Absentmindedly, his hand twitches around his knee. 

"Said he wants to know you better," Sirius side-eyes you, "Wanted my advice on how to talk to you. You wanna know what my advice is, Lupin?" Sirius leans his elbow on his knees and his chin in his palm as he looks at you directly.

You nod, your entire body now turned away from James and facing Sirius, "Stay away from Regulus. He's trouble. I don't know what you see in him anyways." Your face falls.

"What do you mean? He's actually kind, and he's funny, and he has really gorgeous eyes." You insist a little loudly, "I like him. He makes my heart flutter as if it contained a million butterflies — " You admit.

You've have always had a tendency to dramatize your crushes. 

You hear James shift and he mutters something under his breath. Turning to him, your cheeks warm as you don't think you heard him clearly, "Sorry?"

"I - can't you just shut up about Regulus for one goddamn second? Because, frankly, I don't think anyone in this room actually cares what he does to your heart or how good he makes you feel," James's voice is tense and he looks at you with a completely blank expression.

Your eyes bounce frantically from feature to feature. From his crimson cheeks, the dark circles under his eyes, and a small, developing, bruise (most likely from Quidditch) hidden under his chin. You feel nauseous as his words sink in. 

You look around the room. Your friends all look surprised by James's comment and a few of the Quidditch players still in the Common Room whisper among themselves as they occasionally glance your way. Sirius turns to his best friend, his smile has disappeared but he doesn't speak. You wonder if he's as lost for words as you are.

At that moment, your brother walks into the room, three or four books tucked under his arm, and he looks at you and his friends from behind his reading glasses. He sees your lip tremble as your hands shake over your lap and you refuse to look away from James. Remus frowns, "Y/n, what's wrong?" He asks, cutting into the tension.

"You're a jerk, James." Your voice quivers and you stand. Without another word, you run up the stairs to your dorm and, as quickly as possible, your friends scramble to follow you.

"Why'd you say that?" Sirius asks in shock, raising his eyebrow in question at his best friend. James barely feels like he's in his body anymore and he blinks. Why did he say that to you? He looks at Remus and his heart sinks as a pit forms in his stomach. He's so screwed.

"What the bloody fuck did you say to my sister, Potter?" Remus curses.

Remus never curses. 

* * * 

James hasn't spoken with you in almost three weeks. Which means he hasn't had the chance to tell you he's sorry.

He's not that stupid, he knows you've been ignoring him and he can't exactly blame you. As you'd said, he'd been a jerk and he feels goddamn awful about it.

Ironically, what is making this entire situation so much worse is instead of hanging out with your friends — with him — you've been hanging out with Regulus. 

James sees you study with him in the library. He sees you eat together in the dining hall, and walk to Quidditch games, hands almost brushing. His Quidditch games. Where he can't concentrate because all he can think about is the way another boy is making you laugh as he whispers, whatever it is that is so urgent he needs to press his lips to your skin, into your ear. 

"What the hell was that out there?!" Sirius sounds annoyed as he hits James in the chest with his damp towel on their way out of the showers and into the changing room, "Where was your head, because it certainly wasn't in the game, mate!" 

James looks away as he dries his hair with his towel, "I know, I know. I don't know what's wrong with me lately." He slumps onto the bench and resists the urge to scream into his hands. 

"It's his little girlfriend. Our captain here s'just upset because she's been spending all her time with your little bro instead of with him — like she usually does." Andy, one of the beaters, snorts from behind James and quickly, James spins around and throws his towel at him in. He sends Andy a dark look, to which Andy shrugs his shoulders.  

"Y/n?" Sirius frowns, he points at James and then gestures his arms wildly, "Our Y/n? As in Remus's sister, Y/n?" James cheeks flame in embarrassment and Sirius's eyes widen, "Oh my, you're so jealous." He says with a smirks

"I am not jealous, Padfoot. I just — seeing her with him while she smiles like that annoys me a lot." James tries to defend himself, "I don't know why it bothers me so much but it does. It really does and I- it's just that she was never with other guys usually and I – " He pauses and squeezes his eyes shut as he groans, "I'm just describing my jealousy, aren't I?"

His teammates laugh and Sirius crosses his arms, "Yup." He tilts his head and pops his 'p', "So, how long have ya had a thing for our little Lupin, Prongs?" 

James gives in and leans forwards to cover his face with his hands, "I don't know, Pads. I didn't even know I had a thing for her until three seconds ago." He opens his fingers and peeks at his friend, "And what am I supposed to do now? She's completely in love with your brother and she's Moony's sister."

Sirius rolls his eyes, "Oh please, she isn't in love with my brother."

James drops his arms onto his lap and looks at Sirius with confusion, "How would you know? She seems pretty in love with this to me."

"James, do you really not known that she's had a crush on you for almost a year? Everyone knows, even Remus." 

James's eyes widened, "Wait, what? Since when – I - why didn't anyone tell me?"

"She made it very obvious. It's not our fault you're a knucklehead when it comes to women." Sirius chuckles and throws his towel over his shoulder. James stares blankly in front of him as all kinds of emotions wash over him.

You had a crush on him?

"Yeah, w-well she doesn't like me anymore," James concludes as he stands up and slips on his jeans, "I was a dick, she must hate me now." He clumsily buttons his chemise.

"Y/n could never hate you." Sirius chuckles, "Just go talk to her, you idiot."

James stares at his friend for a moment, debating his options, but then nods. As soon as he walks out of the changing room, he's determined to make this all okay again.

However, when he enters the Gryffindor common room a few minutes later and sees you and Regulus sitting on the ground around a game of wizards chess, his heart sinks.

His eyes automatically find the board. You're losing.

James can't help but remember all the times you've beaten him and the way your cheek had risen in excitement and smile lines had illuminated your features. He doesn't understand why Regulus would want to miss that smile. 

James would kill to see you smile like that again.

You glance up at the sound of the door just as Regulus turns around. James stands in the doorway, his skin pales and his knuckles flex as his eyes vibrate. They're locked onto yours. Instantly, you're on your feet, "James!" You exclaim, eyes shifting from him and then Regulus. Regulus, whose expression is blank.

"Sorry," James mutters weakly. He realizes her doesn't have it in him to be jealous anymore. Not now that he knows why he's jealous. Who is he to stand in the way of your happiness? And if you're happy with Regulus, then he's happy for you.

He walks by you without a word and you turn around to watch him leave. However, your chest tightens when he pauses and it looks like he's debating something. You sense Regulus stand, "You know what? No." James suddenly blurts out and then turns around. You look at him like he's insane.

"I can't let you do this," He continues breathlessly. 

"I think your friend has gone completely bonkers." Regulus leans in to whisper in your ear with a smirk but James interrupts him,

"This really doesn't concern you." James doesn't waste any time on him as he looks at you again, "Y/n, you should be with me, not him." 

"Excuse me?" You frown and then look at Regulus as if to make sure he'd also heard James correctly. Regulus's smirk just widens as he crosses his arms.

Your embarrassment becomes worse when the common room door opens and Sirius, Peter, and your brother walk in. Their amused chatter turns into hushed whispers until they become silent as they watch the scene in front of them.

James's head whips around and you assume he'll stop whatever he thinks this is, but instead he just continues to ramble, "Hi!" His voice is hurried and loud. Sirius frowns. "You guys can stay. You should hear this too, Moony."

James turns to you again, "I like you."

You blink at him and look around the room, worried that you're losing your mind. Your brother has his cheeks flushed and he narrows his eyes at his friend. However, his eyes move to you and they soften when he sees your expression, "Y/n," Remus whispers.

"You like me? Is this one of your sick jokes?" You're unamused. James shakes his head adamantly but you continue in one breath, "I've liked you for months and months and it's only now, when you probably think I like someone else, you decide you like me? That's unfair, James" You sound stern. 

"That's really fucking unfair," You whisper and push past him. James turns to you and calls your name as you disappear up the stairs to the dorms. It feels all too familiar when it sinks in that he messed things up. Again.

 "You're such an idiot," Sirius groans as he drops his head on Remus's shoulder dramatically. 

* * * 

You throw yourself onto your bed with a bounce and scoop your pillow into your arms, screaming into it. Why does James have to be so goddamn infuriating all the damn time? He's always been oblivious to you until now — just when you've been trying your hardest to move on.   

You hear a knock on your door and you grumble in response. One of your roommates walks into the room, "Remus is waiting by the stairs. Says he wants to talk to you." She says as she throws her book-bag onto the ground. You sit up, running a hand all over your face with an annoyed groan.

Reluctantly, you make your way downstairs. Your hand slides down the railing until you pause and see your brother at the end of the stairs, his arms crossed over his chest. "What?" You raise your brow and mimic his posture with a small smile. 

James and Sirius aren't with him. "Come here," Remus demands calmly. 

You look away and bite your lip. Still, you jump down the last pair of stairs until you're directly in front of your older brother, "Y'know, I don't know why you're pissed at me. I wasn't the one who — " Remus suddenly flicks your forehead which shuts you up.

"Do you like James?" He stares at you.

You stare back, your heart pounding. You don't know what to answer him. "I- I don't know." 

"Well, you better know because he's having an existential crisis in the dorm right now and to be honest, Y/n, I'm so sick of pretending I don't know you've been head over heels in love with him for what feels like years." Your brother always sounds serious, but this time it scares you a little. Your arms drop to your side.

"Would you let me date James if I liked him?" You ask cautiously. 

"I couldn't exactly stop you," Remus shrugs and looks away a moment, "Who am I to dictate your life." You see a small smile curl his lips, "Plus, James is an idiot but he's harmless. I've never seen him so genuine."

You perk up, "Yeah?"

Remus turns to you and reaches out to hold your shoulders, "Yeah. You should talk to him. He's convinced you're in love with Regulus." Your smile disappears. 

"Oh, yeah, Regulus." 

"You aren't in love with him, are you?" Remus asks, a hint of suspicion in his voice.

"Of course not!" You stutter, "I mean — I did like him for a moment but I've always liked James more. And I'm not exactly Regulus's type, y'know…" You admit in a whisper, knowing Remus knows exactly what you mean. 

Remus smiles and nods. You look up at him and see his eyes shimmer, "If you've been holding back from liking James because of me, don't." He says sincerely, "He could make you happy, I know that."

You look at your brother's expression. He's completely serious. You look away and think back to James's confession: Y/n/n, you should be with me, not him. Your cheeks burn just remembering his words. You turn your head to your brother and nod, smiling. Remus drops his hands on your shoulders and lets you sprint up the stairs. 

You barely make it to your brother's dorm when the door opens and James comes out. Your forehead hits his and the momentum causes him to fall backward.

You yelp as James's arms wrap around your waist as he cushions your fall and smacks the back of his head on the ground. You lift yourself with your arm, your knees in between James's legs as you practically lay on top of him.

James winces and his eyes shut.

"James! Are you okay?" You pant, barely aware of the embarrassing position you're in. 

Sirius and Peter peek their heads out of the door and Sirius smirks when he sees the two of you, "I don't think Moony meant you could jump straight into this, Y/n." He jokes. 

"Shut up," James mumbles and his hand holds your back as he sits himself up. You're now sitting on your heels as you look at James with wide eyes. He looks at you too and then his thumb gently brushes over your forehead, "You're gonna form a bruise." He mutters, eyebrows scrunching. 

You smile faintly and move to adjust his glasses on his nose, "Probably from your glasses."

James stands up and helps you up with him. Your hand lingers in his and you smile faintly. 

"We should talk." You say.

"Yeah," James looks away bashfully, "Come with me." He takes your hand again and you let him steer you down the stairs. Your feet barely feel like they're on the ground as you follow him.

Your stomach is in knots when he pushes the doors to the Common Room open and you make your way down new stairs and multiple hallways. Your head is spinning.

"James?" You mutter but he continues to walk, "James! Wait." You shout in a laugh. James turns around just as you pull him closer. You can feel your heartbeat in your ears when you delicately push him towards the wall and as his back hits the wall, you press your lips on his. 

Your hands cup his cheeks and his hand lowers to your lower back as he pulls you into him. You can't help but smile into his mouth as you run your hands in his curls.

After a moment, he disconnects your lips and his thumbs rub across your cheeks as he holds them. He grins, "Since when do you know how to kiss like that?" He teases with a raised brow. 

You smirk, "Wouldn't you like to know." You kiss him again quickly.

"Y/n, be honest," James looks serious. You frown. You thought your joke was funny. "Do – did? Di- do you still like Regulus?" He tries to avert his eyes but quickly looks at you as if he simply can't look away, "I think I deserve to know," He mutters.

"Of course you do!" You look into his eyes, "And if I still had any feelings for Regulus, I wouldn't hesitate to let you know, but I don't like him – not anymore. I haven't for weeks. Regulus doesn't like girls," You explain slowly. 

James's eyes widen, "Oh. Ok." He smiles and tucks some of your hair behind your ear, "Good."

You giggle and kiss him again, "You're cute when you're jealous, Potter." You pause, "Cute but just a tad insane."

James frowns, "You'd go insane too, if you were me." 

You grin, "Perhaps I would." You tease him and look at him adoringly, "You won't make me find out will you?"

James returns your grin and wraps his arms around you. He kisses your forehead and says, 

 "Never, my love." 

[ecstarry]

@into-the-jeggyverse / jewelry / 428 words // for @velanavis & @del-stars

“Is it possible for you to not be the center of attention for one moment?” Regulus grumbled.

James smirked, a smug grin spreading across his face. “What else could you possibly be doing that’s more important than admiring me?”

Regulus closed his eyes. “Anything would be more important, James.”

As arrogant as ever, James leaned back and bit into his apple, his shirt riding up just enough to reveal a happy trail. Regulus absolutely did not get distracted by it. No, under no circumstances.

“You’re such a fucking slut, Potter.”

James moaned dramatically, followed by a laugh. “Oh, say that again.”

“Prick,” Regulus muttered, glaring at him.

James set the apple aside and ran a hand through his hair, eyes closed and panting, “Keep going, baby. I love it when you get mean.”

“Whore,” Regulus bit out. But his blown pupils betrayed him completely.

James turned to look at him fully. “I suck dick like one too.”

Their interaction was interrupted by a mocking laugh. Shit. He’d forgotten that Barty was in the room.

“Don’t stop on my account,” Barty said, shifting in his seat to face them, his smirk just as insufferable as James’. “Please, go on—what exactly makes James Potter such a distracting slut, Regulus?”

James’ eyes widened, and he leaned forward, clearly more than a little interested in Regulus’ response.

“You won’t do it,” James challenged. “Always too careful not to stroke my dic— I mean ego, right?”

Regulus narrowed his eyes. “It’s that slutty fucking jewelry piece you wear around your neck.”

James laughed, undoing a few buttons to reveal the dainty gold necklace with a heart-shaped pendant. 

“Yeah, that fucking thing,” Regulus replied, biting back the thought of how often he’d pictured that pendant swinging above his face while James fucked him senseless.

“It is pretty slutty,” Barty chimed in, clearly enjoying himself.

“It was my mom’s,” James countered.

“Well, then your mom is a—”

“Lovely person, I’m sure,” Regulus interrupted, shooting Barty a warning glare. “Unlike you.”

Barty shrugged, unbothered. “I stand by what I said.”

James leaned closer, his cocky grin returning full force. “Didn’t know you kept such a close watch on me, Regulus.”

“Get over yourself.”

There was something about fighting with James that always lit a fire in Regulus. He was insufferable, smug, and annoyingly clever—but god, he was also hot.

“You’re the one who called me distracting,” James teased.

“Maybe if I find something to keep your mouth full, you’ll stop talking,” Regulus shot back.

This time, James actually blushed.

“Yeah,” he said, his voice quieter. “Maybe.”