Only the Brave

Chapter 12: Bohemian Rhapsody

Monday afternoon James is a man on a mission. His friends have been dragging their feet all day, tired and battered after their duel with Moody but James? James is on top of the world.

He feels invincible.

He cannot wait to climb to the owlry roof again. Except he must find one of those cubes first. Two reasons: one, he got the impression Regulus didn't think he'd be able to get one. Two: it's a puzzle one makes with their hands, and James will do just about anything for an excuse to watch Regulus use his hands.

So. Man on a mission.

"Evans!" James yells across the Gryffindor common room as soon as he steps through the portrait.

Lily is sitting with Marlene and Mary, as per usual. They're going through homework, or at least they have books open in front of them. Marlene salutes him. "What's up Cap?"

"Hello Marlene, Mary," James says politely. "Lily. I need to ask you for a favour."

"Sure, James. What do you need?" Lily asks, shooting a quick glance towards her friends. "Is everything okay?"

James nods vigorously. Things are wonderful. Brilliant. Amazing. The world is beautiful, and he's on top of it, and honestly James could break into song.

"I just need to get a raiby cube? Reiban cube? The puzzle thingy. You know? That muggles invented?" he says, gesturing with his hands as well to get his point across.

Marlene wrinkles her nose, confused. But Mary's eyebrows shoot up to her hairline and she laughs. "You mean a Rubik's cube?"

"Oh!" Lily says. "Good one, Mary. I was lost for a moment."

James beams. "Thank you. Yes. Exactly that. Rubik's cube. I need one. How do I get one?"

Lily and Mary exchange glances. Marlene sits forward on her chair. "What is this cube you're on about?"

"Very popular puzzle. Muggles love it," Mary replies. "What do you need one for, James?"

He shifts the weight from his heels to his toes, balancing on his feet. There's more energy coursing through him today than usual. He's felt electric since he almost fell to his death and Regulus saved him.

Regulus saved him.

And James was so close to him. They were... lying there, together. And he... argh. James almost passed out from sheer want. Regulus fits so well under him. Like he was made to be there. Also, he smells amazing. Woody. Grass-y. Like the outdoors, which is surprising because as far as James knows Regulus doesn't spend much time outside. Except well. James doesn't really know Regulus very well, does he.

For example, he had no idea he liked puzzles. It's adorable, James thinks. He's so smart. Who enjoys brain teasers for fun? Well, Regulus Genius Black is who. And James will learn to solve this cube if it costs him his life.

"I just need one," James says. "It's a surprise."

Lily smiles at him. "I'll ask my parents to send me one. They're easy to get for muggles. It should take a couple of days."

James tries to hide his disappointment. He knew it wouldn't be immediate, but if he's honest, he's struggling to be patient about Regulus. James wants it to be night, and he wants to climb to the owlry again. It's all he can think about. Regulus at night. Regulus smoking. Regulus looking at him with a scowl and a frown. Exasperated, but also... a little soft? James thinks Regulus enjoys when James makes him irritated. And he can't wait to just be there again. Wiht him. So. A couple of days isn't great. But that's not Lily's fault. She's only trying to help.