Sweet innocence ~ Jegulus

06.

James had a simple plan. Go to the greenhouse, get flowers, give said flowers to Lily and ask her to take him back. Simple, so simple that he couldn't possibly mess it up.

Except James should have known better than to trust himself with a simple plan.

About halfway on his way to the greenhouse, he spotted a familiar head of dark curls a few feet ahead of him sitting under a tree. James's steps faltered for a second as he watched Regulus flip through his textbook.

Just keep walking. Do not get distracted. Do not- Oh what the hell...

"Shouldn't you be heading in for dinner?" James called out. Regulus's head snapped up and his eyes met James's. Regulus didn't say anything so James took a step closer. "Isn't it a bit dark out to be doing your homework outside. How can you even see?"

"Some of us don't need glasses to see." Regulus muttered, James would have thought that the boy was trying to be snarky if Regulus's voice wasn't so monotonous. James huffed out a laugh and walked a bit closer to the boy even if his mind was yelling at him to get to the greenhouse. Maybe he could use a spell to conjure up some flowers instead.

"Aren't you cold?" He asked now standing directly in front of Regulus. The Slytherin pulled at the collar of his sweater as if to say 'no'. James nodded thoughtfully turning his head in the direction of the castle.

"Did you need something or?" Regulus asked closing the textbook in his lap. "No I just- well I saw you and..." James trailed off scratching the back of his head.

"And what?" Regulus asked as he stood up much to James's relief, his neck was starting to cramp from looking down. "Greenhouse." James said as if that explained anything. "Greenhouse?" Regulus repeated with an arched brow. "I was going to the greenhouse." James nodded.

"Okay... well then you should probably get back to that." Regulus muttered, stepping around James to go back into the castle. "Why don't you just work inside?" James found himself calling out to the boy. Regulus didn't stop walking and simply shrugged. "Why don't you mind your business?"

James smiled as he watched Regulus enter the school before running off into the first greenhouse.

***

"Hey!" Enzo said, slidding his arm around Regulus as they entered the library. "Hello." Regulus replied smiling up at the older boy. "Study date?" Enzo asked, shaking his textbook in his free hand. "Sure, but I've got a paper to write." Regulus said as they settled at a table. "I can help you, what's it on?" Enzo asked, looking at the parchment Regulus had opened up. "History of magic."

"Oh lucky for you that's my best class." Enzo smiled and read over Regulus's work. "I'll be back, there's a book I wanted to get for reference." Regulus said before wandering towards the bookshelves.

He was looking through the shelves for the book he had found last term, when he heard sniffing coming from the back of the library. Regulus furrowed his brows and followed the sound, letting out a low sigh when he found James Potter sitting on the floor with his head in his hands.

"Is crying in the back of public areas your new thing?" Regulus asked as he looked down at James's tear stained face. "Oh haha, very funny." James rolled his eyes. "What's happened this time?" Regulus asked, despite himself. He turned slightly to see if Enzo was looking for him. Luckily the boy was still occupied reading the parchment Regulus had left him.

"I gave her flowers, I gave her chocolates and she still wants nothing to do with me. I just don't understand what I'm doing wrong?" James huffed. Regulus sighed, regretting starting this conversation with James.

"How about this; instead of giving her useless things like candy and flowers, just give her time. If she truly loves you and wants to be with you then she'll come back. Just let her breathe for a moment." Regulus suggested, nudging James's foot with his own.

"And if she doesn't come back?" James asked.
"Well if she doesn't come back then I'm sure there are plenty of other people out in the world who are mad enough to date you." Regulus said, a small smile playing at his lips.

"Thanks, Reg." James breathed, smiling. He sat up and wiped his face, feeling slightly better. "What about you?" James asked, patting the floor next to him. "What about me?" Regulus asked back, taking the seat that was offered to him.

"Is there anyone mad enough to date you?" James mused. "I'm working on it." Regulus muttered, peering out of the isle to look at Enzo. "Oh, that guy." James leaned over Regulus to get a better look at Enzo. "Why him?" James asked, furrowing his brows.

"Why not him?" Regulus grimaced, pushing James's head out of his view. "I just- it seems like you could do much better than that." James shrugged. "Yeah, I'm not taking relationship advice from someone who's crying over their ex in the back of the school library." Regulus mumbled. "And there's nothing wrong with Enzo, he's perfect." Regulus added, smiling at the blonde boy.

"Sirius doesn't like him." James said, watching Regulus's side profile. "Sirius doesn't get a say in who I date or don't date. Sirius can fuck off." Regulus snapped. "He's your older brother, he just wants what's best for you." James shrugged.

"How did you manage to turn this conversation from your troubles with Evans to my troubles with my brother?" Regulus spoke as he stood up. "It's a talent." James smiled and stood up as well.

"Right well, I shouldn't keep him waiting for long." Regulus gestured at Enzo. "Okay. Bye, Reg." James said. Regulus nodded and walked back to Enzo, taking the seat next to him. The Ravenclaw immediately put his arm around Regulus and drew him closer. James watched from afar, an unsettling feeling growing in his stomach.

~

Notes:
I'm literally developing the plot as I write...