my almost lover

Marlene and Dorcas

4 – Marlene and Dorcas

So... holding hands. That's a thing now.

Oh, don't get James wrong – he's definitely not complaining. Physical affection? Absolutely his love language. And he completely adores Regulus, so holding his hand at any given moment isn't an issue. He's just surprised at how much Regulus wants to actually do it in the first place.

Sitting next to each other? Regulus is lacing their fingers together.

Passing each other in the corridor? He reaches for his hand and squeezes it gently before going on his way.

Since the first Quidditch match of the year, and James felt that unusual burn of jealous, it's just become their normal behaviour. Sirius made a small comment once about being surprised – and sickened – that his baby brother is so openly affectionate in public but James just brushed him off with a bright smile. If the simple touch makes Reg happy, he's not going to stop. Besides, he enjoys the warmth and he likes being able to pull him closer.

It's such a regular thing now that when Regulus took his hand that morning and asked him to go to Hogsmeade with him, James thought nothing of it.

He wishes people would stop looking curiously at them as they walk through the village though.

It's been a good day so far. Regulus wanted to buy some new quills, James wanted to go to the joke shop. They both were eager to go to Honeydukes and Regulus pretended to put up a massive fuss when James bought his sweets and chocolates as well as his own. The smile was a giveaway that he was flattered and James felt so fond at the sight of it.

Now, they were in The Three Broomsticks, after Regulus insisted to buy him a Butterbeer in return for his small shopping spree.

They found a booth closer to the back, dumping all of the sweets carelessly on the table, before Regulus raced off with a handful of sickles, leaving him to make himself comfortable in their seats.

In the absence of activity, James turns to watch him now as he stands at the bar, waiting. He's dressed up warm for the November weather, wearing James' Gryffindor scarf because he coincidentally forgot his own. The jumper he threw on is far too oversized because he claims it keeps him warmer but James thinks he accidentally picked up Evan's clothes by mistake on his rush out to ask him to Hogsmeade. He looks sweet, cosy. Lovely, as usual.

Regulus notices him looking and smiles. James smiles back, feeling warm.

He's so caught up in watching Regulus that he doesn't notice two people dropping into the booth opposite until they cough loudly to make themselves known. James is honestly quite upset that he can't focus his full attention on his friend but turns anyway.

Marlene McKinnon and Dorcas Meadowes are sitting across the table, eyeing both the sweets and James with playful expressions.

He loves the pair of them, a mischievous duo who have only become more troublesome since announcing their relationship two years prior. As much as he and his friends like to claim they are the champion pranksters of Hogwarts, it's a close contest with the two opposite. He is always worried they're up to something and today is no exception.

Marlene leans over the table, her smile beautiful but ever so mocking, "It's embarrassing how much you look at her, you know. Your crush is so gross."

James blinks, tilting his head to the side in genuine confusion, "Who am I meant to be looking at?"

At this, both Dorcas and Marlene exchange a look before the former gestures towards the bar.

"Lily?"

He looks over and spots Lily just a few bar seats away from Regulus. He genuinely didn't notice her, something that would have surprised James of years passed. She's talking to Mary, looking perfectly content and James is suddenly hit with the realisation that he hasn't kept up with what Lily's been up to at all. His crush has dissipated – he can't remember the last time he looked at her with his usual awe and reverence.