In the Black of Night (Jegulus Crime AU)

Chapter 7: The Nightmare

Regulus was ready to go home. After returning from his walk pleasantly soaked, he took a shower and packed up all his belongings.

The flight back to Maryland was tomorrow afternoon, and he thought it would just be easier if he stayed in Sirius' room tonight. Especially now that his brother's newest friend was onto him. Regulus at first just thought the man was arrogant, but he quickly realized it was a battle of wit. That Remus fellow was not to be underestimated; he was hiding a brain behind all that fluffy hair.

Regulus wasn't interested in walking back to Congress Plaza, and he was tired of socializing, so he flagged down a cab and spent the entire trip longing for his apartment back home. The noise, the people, the constant need to be on guard - it was all so exhausting. The anonymity he cherished seemed so far out of reach in this city.

By the time the cab pulled up to the Congress Plaza Hotel, Regulus was more than ready to retreat to the safety of Sirius' hotel room. He gathered his things, paid the driver, and stepped out of the car, the familiar feeling of the cold air brushing his face. He pushed open the two golden doors and made his way through the lobby, only speaking to a bellhop as he declined help moving his things.

When Regulus reached Sirius' room on the third floor, he immediately went for the door, not even bothering to knock. He rattled the handle like an impatient child.

"Busy," Sirius pitched from the other side of the oak door.

"Cool. Now let me in," Regulus said, this time rapping his fist on the door.

There was a pause, a silence that stretched just long enough for Regulus to start tapping his foot with anxiety. Then, finally, the door creaked open. Sirius appeared in the doorway, leaning against the wooden frame with an amused smirk playing on his lips. His hair was tousled, a careless mess that only highlighted the glint of mischief in his eyes.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, dear brother?" Sirius asked, his tone dripping with mock politeness as he blocked the rest of the room off from Regulus.

"I need a place to stay for the night," Regulus quickly responded, motioning towards the suitcase he had by his side.

"Like I said, I'm busy."

Regulus got it now; Sirius was with a girl again. "Tell her to come back later," he said, annoyed.

"Nope. I will not be telling him to come back later."
Regulus raised an eyebrow. Sirius was into guys? When has that ever been a thing? "What am I supposed to do then?"

"Go sleep with James," Sirius said with a stupid grin.

"I can't, that's weird."

"Why?"

"Because he's my partner?"
Sirius chuckled. "I beg to differ. I think it's because you like him."

"I hate you," Regulus said as he grabbed his stuff and walked down the hall to James' room.

"I love you too!" Sirius yelled before someone quickly dragged him back into his room.

~~~

James had a plan. He was going to cheer Regulus up with a surprise. He had been researching what all there was to do in Chicago for fun, and then he remembered - pizza. Chicago was well known for its delicious deep dish. See, he had been doing a lot of thinking lately, but he was not prepared for Regulus to suddenly appear outside his door demanding his bed.

"What about your room?" James asked, genuinely puzzled. "Why do you need mine?"

Regulus didn't bother with pleasantries. "It seems my room was double booked. The front desk called me earlier today and said they needed it by tonight unless I was willing to pay double the rate, and you know me. I refuse to buy anything that's not necessary, and the agency suggested I stay with Sirius."