my almost lover

The Marauders

2 – The Marauders

Since that first night of Regulus coming into his room to hide from the storm, it seems to have become somewhat of a habit. Not the storm... the cuddling.

James never really thought about Regulus as a physically affectionate person. Unlike his older brother, it seemed like he always shied away from physical contact. But with James... he's different. And James feels honoured.

He's not in his room every single night, just the ones where he has particularly brutal nightmares. They never talk about it. He just shuffles into his room and curls under the sheets, wrapping himself around him. James will whisper reassuring and comforting things to him through the dark until Regulus falls asleep or tells him he's being particularly mortifying with quiet laughter.

And... James loves waking up to him the next morning.

They never talk about that part either. Where Regulus looks at him shyly, snuggles closer, swears at him and then runs away all within the space of ten minutes. It's cute.

James wakes up to the sound of voices just outside of his doorway and to the feeling of a quickly cooling sheet next to him. He can't help but frown at the absence of Regulus; he's gotten quite used to waking up with him in his arms or curled up to him in some capacity.

He hopes that Regulus can find comfort in someone else when they get back to Hogwarts during the times he has nightmares. And if there's a spark of anger at the thought of it not being him? Well, James pushes it down as just being protective.

James would rather Regulus didn't have nightmares at all. But while they are happening over the summer, James will let Regulus in his room any time.

He pushes himself on to his elbows, eyes narrowing as he tries to focus on who is talking outside.

"So..."

That's Moony. He sounds teasing. James wonders what time he woke up.

"I'm sure you're aware that your bedroom is on the other side of the house." Remus continues.

James hears Regulus deadpan a "Yes." in response.

"Your sense of direction must be appalling... seeing as you've somehow wound up in James' bed."

"Lupin, please..."

He quietly chuckles to himself, not surprised that Remus is giving Regulus a hard time. As much as it might make Reg a little bit uncomfortable, the gentle teasing is Moony's way of accepting someone. But Remus has always had a soft spot for Regulus, the same way he has. Well... perhaps a little bit less. James wonders if Sirius could deal with the jealousy of his boyfriend being so decent to his little brother.

He stands, blocking out the quiet conversation outside as he goes through his morning stretches.

James reaches for his glasses, gives himself a once over in the mirror to make sure he looks semi-decent and pulls open the door, immediately greeted with the sight of Remus Lupin and Regulus Black deep in conversation. Regulus startles at the sight of him but Moony just glances over and takes in his state, amused.

"Good morning, Moony!" James greets happily, before turning to look at Regulus. "Good morning, Reg," he adds, a little softer.

And then his eyes zero in on the cup of tea in Remus' hand.

"Is that for me?"

Remus laughs and shakes his head, "Get your own, Prongs. I am simply a messenger. Breakfast is ready."

"Huh," James nods, "Mum or dad make it?"

"Effie,"

"Ugh... Mum always burns the pancakes,"