Orchids and Sunflowers | Jegulus

•9

James sat beside Regulus' bed and just watched him as he slept. It's been a few hours since Regulus passed out outside the main hall and he only managed to send Sirius back to the dorms on the promise he would watch over him. James sighed and leaned in so he was closer to Regulus. He had one arm resting on the edge of the bed while the other pushed away a few curls that rested against Regulus' forehead. James took a moment to study Regulus. His skin was paler than it was a few hours ago and even though Regulus was asleep, he looked exhausted.

"I'm sorry Reggie," James whispered, his hand still in Regulus' hair. Regulus stirred slightly but didn't wake. He didn't know how long he sat playing with Regulus' hair before he heard footsteps somewhere behind him. He quickly threw his cloak on and stood away from Regulus' bed. He watched as Dorcas walked in with a tray of food. She placed it on the side table and gently shook Regulus awake. He was only awake for a moment before he started choking on flower petals. Thankfully, it was less violent than the one he had a few hours ago.

"Hey Reg, I bought you something to eat" She whispered as Regulus struggled to sit up. She watched as he placed the petals on the table. He smiled slightly when she placed the tray in his lap and she sat down in the chair beside him.

"Thank you" James stood watching them, wondering if he should leave but realised they would hear his footsteps.

"It's James isn't it," Dorcas asked. Regulus choked slightly.

"Sorry?" Regulus looked at her in shock. Dorcas laughed at him.

"I'm not blind. I saw how you looked at him earlier" James had to stop himself from flinching. If Dorcas saw that then did Sirius?

"Was it that obvious?"

"Sirius is too stupid to realise, don't worry" Regulus let out a sigh of relief and continued to eat.

"Does James know?" Dorcas continued—Regulus nodded.

"Of course he does. I told him in the middle of an argument"

"I'm guessing he doesn't feel the same"

"I mean he kissed me so, probably does but I'm too far along for it to mean anything" Regulus sighs. James flinched. He felt so stupid.

"He did what?" Dorcas nearly shouted but managed to keep her voice down. Regulus glared at her.

"Just announce it to everyone here. And it's fine, it's not like it changes anything. I'm going to..." Regulus looked like he was in pain and trailed off. Dorcas just sank in her seat in defeat.

"I'm going to miss you Reg" She whispered. Regulus gave her a small smile.

"I'll miss you too" James couldn't stay any longer. As quietly as he could, he left without turning back.

★☀

Regulus was woken up later in the day by Madam Promfrey, needing to take potions that were meant to make him feel better but Regulus didn't want her to worry over the fact they didn't. She did a few diagnostic spells and then gave him some breakfast.

"Once the potions kick in, you can go to your lessons today. However, if you feel anything wrong then come back here" She told him. Regulus nodded. She placed his uniform at the end of his bed, closed the curtains and left him alone. He managed to get himself dressed without collapsing and sat down. He knew it was a bad idea to go to lessons like this but he would rather be busy than sitting alone and overthinking. The curtains opened up and he watched as Sirius walked through and closed the curtains behind him. He walked up to Regulus and hugged him.