Falling for a mistake | Jeverus

Part 17

James and Severus haven't spoken in almost 4 days. Severus picks up late shifts so that he can leave when James comes from work and he even sleeps in the guest room.

The bed is cold and empty, the satin sheets feel like nails under him. James spends hours staring into the ceiling at night, unable to sleep and wondering what Severus is doing.

Whether he is asleep or doing the same thing as him. He thinks for days, brain working a mile a minute at every spare chance.

He blocks Regulus and sends a short 'i'm sorry but it's over' and doesn't wait for a response. He stays cooped up in his office and ignores all the texts asking him what is happening.

Lily called almost 10 times the day after, Frank calling 3. Even Alice tried but James just threw his phone out of his sight whenever the names popped up.

He doesn't know what to do that will make Severus talk to him again. He knows James broke it off because Remus told him and yet he still won't look his way.

James lays his head down on his desk and wraps his arms around his head, as if to cage himself in.

" Mr. Potter, Sirius Black is here to see you." His intercom buzzes next to him and James looks up at the door.

" Let him in." He clicks on the second button and then lets go, sitting straight while ruffling his hair.

The door creaks open slightly and Sirius pokes his head through, a pursed smile on his face. He takes one good look of James and already knows he's made a mistake.

" Why'd you come here?" James asks and Sirius looks back.

" He wanted to see you." He says softly and the door opens fully, Regulus standing on the other side.

While Sirius is tense, Regulus is angry. He walks straight up to his desk and James had all of two seconds to stand up and stop him.

" Regulus no."

" Why arent you responding to any of my texts?" Regulus holds up his phone and James doesn't look at it.

He gives Sirius a look beyond angry and he finds him leaning against the wall with a guilty look.

" I told you it's over."

" This is Severus' doing isn't it?"

" No it's not, don't bring him into this-"

" Don't lie to me." Regulus' voice booms and Sirius closes the door after a second, seeing how this might get ugly.

" Reggie just say what you want, we have to go." Sirius tries but Regulus brings up a hand to tell him to stop.

" Why would you just cut me off like this?"

" Because he's a married man, now let's go." Sirius yells and walks forward to grab his brother.

" Don't get involved." Regulus hisses and James watches as they stare each other down.

Sirius' jaw clenches but he looks away and sits down at one of the couches anyway.

" So it's because of Severus?" Regulus asks and James sighs.

" I already told you no."

" I don't understand."

" I'm married. It's about time i choose my husband over meaningless flings." James gestures and walks back to his desk, catching Sirius' eyes along the way.

Regulus has this unbelievably hurt look on his face and raises his eyebrows.

" So everything was just...meaningless?"