DARCELLE

The little summer villa, hidden behind trees and pines and olive bushes where Regulus and Sirius used to hide from family gatherings, looked like a castle from a fairytale.

Vines hugging the white bricks in a tight embrace, a garden with flowers so beautiful and yet so ancient that half of the wizarding world has never seen them in their life.

And at the highest tower, just barely peeking out from the trees, and yet enough to see the sun grazing the waves, with a small window, was Regulus’s room.

Ironic, isn’t it? Regulus, the loner and the not so outgoing guy locked up all alone, with nothing else to do than look out of the window and dream of the times where Sirius would still share the floor with him, just a door next to his.

Sometimes when he was little, really, he would imagine himself as a prince he read in books about. A tragic story, preferably in which the parents were once nice but then got poisoned and were now evil, while keeping their one and only, perfect son safe.

But there were only three things missing from the completion of the story.

For one, Regulus didn’t have a crown which he could cluelessly try to use, couldn’t try it out as a bracelet before realising that it belongs on top of the head.

Second, Regulus didn’t have long hair which he could use as a rope, to maybe one day pull up a knight in shining armour. Or the opposite, find himself trying to hide a ruggedly handsome bandit that climbed into his tower, before caving in and running away with him.

And at last, there was no knight in shining armour, nor was there a bandit. But Regulus was giddy enough to run up the stairs again like he used to all these years, throw his luggage on his bed and look for the letter with the words-

“Reggie, if you ever want to heal my heartbreak again, then you should go find me the second you arrive.

P.S - These two weeks which you were shamelessly not here were absolutely horrible.”

He already knew who that letter came from.

-

You have known Regulus for three years now. Which meant that you had spent three, long and hot summers together.

Sharing secrets, arguing and then making up while walking to your favourite local ice cream place, while once again prying into a fight over who would pay. (You didn’t realise that the owner had a fond smile on his face while throwing out the paper bill.)

It’s a miracle that you and Regulus even got along in the beginning, since he was really jealous of the fact that Sirius was spending his time with you and not him. But it seems like you managed to convince the high and mighty Regulus Black and make him like you.

You, like the Black brothers, went to Hogwarts the school of witchcraft and wizardry, but before Sirius didn’t quite literally fall into your pool while being hunted down by a lady from the market, you never actually talked. There was no need to even try, because Sirius had the Marauders and Regulus, well.. he had Barty or someone else in the beginning.

But at the end of the day, the poor stolen peach was like fate, bringing you all together like puzzle pieces that didn’t even know needed each other.

So it took quite a toll on you too, when you heard from a sobbing Regulus that Sirius had left. And from that summer on, you made it your mission to spend every second of your freedom with Regulus. How bad can it be?

…

Maybe not exactly bad, but it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride from that moment on. A rollercoaster ride for your poor heart.

-

While getting rid of his polished shoes, Regulus almost tripped on his trousers. Damn him for being so impatient and not wasting another second by not immediately taking off his dress attire that literally suffocated him.

Tossing it carelessly aside, he thought to himself just why he was so excited. Was it really just him wanting to break free from his parents, even if it’s just for a few hours, or was it something else?

‘Maybe someone else~’ a voice purred in his mind, but he shook the thought away, snatching a blue striped t shirt and pulling it over his head. The sun has risen to its highest point today, and he could already feel the heat sticking to his blue shorts, the warmth seeping into his bones and slightly dusting his cheeks.

He’s been waiting for this since the beginning of the term, and now finally he was free to do as he pleased. His report card had been exceptional like every other, and as a reward he could go out as much as he wanted to. Maybe his parents were finally going to be nice to him after all the torture, or maybe they just didn’t want Regulus to rot in the four walls while they were gone for things that didn’t matter to Regulus.

‘Just no hanging out with girls!’ The shrill threat rang in Regulus’s mind like an annoying bell, but the irony of the sentence humoured a smirk on his lips.

‘She never said anything about boys..’ Regulus tutted mischievously under his breath as he tied his shoelaces. Some muggle sneakers Walburga didn’t approve of, but it was best for their sake. Others didn’t have to know that wands were indeed not a made up thing..

But for now he didn’t care about what “others” thought of him, because for now the only importance was getting ready for-

‘Geez- you sure never close your window!’ An amused voice caught Regulus out of his daydreams, and in a dangerous situation, that could be fatal since his wand was lying on his bed. But Regulus was sure that the jar next to him would have the same effect.

-

‘Woah-!’ You ducked and heard the glass shatter somewhere, glancing down at the now broken pieces.

‘You sure have good reflexes..’ You murmured with a breathy chuckle and scratched the nape of your neck, pondering what would just happen if you hadn’t ducked in time.

‘You- FUCKER! What if I hadn’t missed?! You would’ve scattered down like the cinnamon candy balls!’ Regulus yelled, swatting your chest as a blush crawled up his cheeks in shame of his outburst.

‘Hey, technically you didn’t miss.. It’s just that I have great reaction time. And cinnamon candy? Really? Is that your go-to travel snack?’

You laughed and reached for his hands, now balled into fists. It was normal for a friend in this situation to try and soothe his anxious friend, right? Were you doing this subtly, or was Regulus getting goosebumps on his arms a sign of pure disgust and discomfort?

With that thought you dropped his hands, missing Regulus’s blush. And yet your fingers were tingling, this absolutely innocent touch sending arrows straight into your chest.

‘Uhh.. yeah right. I sometimes get a sore throat, and the candies help me. They are like.. cough drops.’ Regulus wiped his sweaty palms off on his shorts, eyes darting back and forth between your eyes and the mess on his bed. Hopefully you won’t mind the fact that he didn’t fold his clothes..

‘Uhm, so will you go out with me? Or do you have any other plans?’ You asked and rocked on your heels, trying to appear as calm as possible.

‘I mean-! Will you go outside-‘ Your indifferent demeanour completely vanished at the tiny slip up, hands waving around in front of Regulus.

Merlin! Why was it so difficult for you this year?

‘I will!’ Regulus yelped over your rambling, this time his hands holding yours, big eyes locking with your gaze.

For a few seconds you just stared at each other, Regulus’s face turning red like a furnace while yours was probably just as red and hot as his.

‘Alright..! Then we should go..’ You articulated slowly, nodding along to the syllables.

Regulus nodded as well fervently, his nimble fingers still resting on your hands, before ripping them away like it burned him.

‘Right..! Ice cream shop, then..?’ Regulus asked awkwardly, sucking in a hopeful breath.

‘Let’s go to the beach first..?’ You offered, heavy tongue sticking to your dry mouth.

‘Yes, let’s go.’ Regulus stated, pulling at your hand and guiding you quietly through the house, making sure his parents don’t get a glimpse of you.

-

‘-and that’s how I got stung by a jellyfish..’

‘Do you regret harassing the little children?’

‘I regret nothing. Plus, I didn’t even harass anyone! It’s not like I did anything outrageous! They were the ones who were screaming and running around, ruining my peace and quiet!’

You complained, the cigarette hanging low between your lips, the ashes flicking down at the movement of your lips.

The sand under your back was still warm, even after the sun had slowly set, painting the sky in oranges and reds.

Regulus was lying next to you, both of your shirts long gone and thrown somewhere next to a bush. You didn’t have to worry about someone taking them, since you were all alone, hidden somewhere under trees and next to the sea, waves whispering sweet lullabies.

The water droplets on your body had already dried which made you want to scratch or even wash off the salt, but you wouldn’t dare moving an inch. Because you believed that even a tiny noise could ruin the moment. Regulus would object.

‘Like you aren’t the one ruining the peace and quiet half of the time for other people,’ Regulus mused softly, rolling onto his side to pluck the cigarette from your lips, taking a cheeky drag before blowing it out.

The world was still. Time was endless, and he didn’t have to worry about anything. Well maybe the sunburn on his skin could make him look like a fried shrimp later, but for now it felt more like a pleasant sizzle.

‘You dare to just take my cigarettes? The next time I see them gone, I’ll know who to blame..’ You teased softly, a playful smirk tugging at your lips.

Regulus sat up, and the sunset painted his pale-ish skin into a soft pink, his dark curls looking exceptionally endearing. Not cutting and cold like they used to at Hogwarts, but now they looked soft and almost disheveled, salt water creating a crust at the ends.

Without thinking twice, you raised your hand and brushed away one strand that has been nagging you the whole evening. A dainty curl just above Regulus’s brow, which made you question whether or not it bothered him.

Maybe you should’ve been surprised, maybe you should’ve been more concerned about the fact that you had broken multiple rules of friendship.

Friends don’t brush the hairs off someone’s face. Friends don’t tease each other, just to see the other blush.

But most certainly, a friend was not supposed to look at you like Regulus did.

You knew what would follow next, but your heart was still beating too fast for your liking. You saw how Regulus stubbed the cigarette out on the sand. You saw how he slowly turned around and sheepishly placed his hand on your chest. Just above your heart.

‘..am I supposed to say anything..?’

‘Not really, or at least I don’t know..’ You responded, eyes greedily taking in his appearance.

He looked beautiful, and not just lustily, but he looked as if someone carved him out of marble. He looked otherworldly.

Regulus took in a small breath, as if he wanted to say something but thought against it.

And just like that his lips were on yours.

Unhurried, gentle but firm, steady.

It was perfect.

Your arms slowly wrapped around his waist, pulling him to straddle your hips, your chests just lightly touching. Your fingers mapped out his back while Regulus still kissed you, his elbows boxing your head in the middle.

When you pulled away, your breathing was shaky and could feel his heart pounding against your fingers, his skin buzzing with heat and ecstasy.

‘..and here I thought I would still have time take you out for ice cream like you wanted..’ Your whisper got drowned out by Regulus’s breathy chuckle.

‘Like I want ice cream right now.. all I want right now is right in front of me..’ He smiled mischievously, and pulled you in for another kiss.

And just when you thought that maybe that night you’ll have the opportunity to introduce yourself to Walburga, Regulus decided not to come home at all.

The little summer villa, hidden behind trees and pines and olive bushes where Regulus and Sirius used to hide from family gatherings, looked like a castle from a fairytale.

Vines hugging the white bricks in a tight embrace, a garden with flowers so beautiful and yet so ancient that half of the wizarding world has never seen them in their life.

And at the highest tower, just barely peeking out from the trees, and yet enough to see the sun grazing the waves, with a small window, was Regulus’s room.

Ironic, isn’t it? Regulus, the loner and the not so outgoing guy locked up all alone, with nothing else to do than look out of the window and dream of the times where Sirius would still share the floor with him, just a door next to his.

Sometimes when he was little, really, he would imagine himself as a prince he read in books about. A tragic story, preferably in which the parents were once nice but then got poisoned and were now evil, while keeping their one and only, perfect son safe.

But there were only three things missing from the completion of the story.

For one, Regulus didn’t have a crown which he could cluelessly try to use, couldn’t try it out as a bracelet before realising that it belongs on top of the head.

Second, Regulus didn’t have long hair which he could use as a rope, to maybe one day pull up a knight in shining armour. Or the opposite, find himself trying to hide a ruggedly handsome bandit that climbed into his tower, before caving in and running away with him.

And at last, there was no knight in shining armour, nor was there a bandit. But Regulus was giddy enough to run up the stairs again like he used to all these years, throw his luggage on his bed and look for the letter with the words-

“Reggie, if you ever want to heal my heartbreak again, then you should go find me the second you arrive.

P.S - These two weeks which you were shamelessly not here were absolutely horrible.”

He already knew who that letter came from.

-

You have known Regulus for three years now. Which meant that you had spent three, long and hot summers together.

Sharing secrets, arguing and then making up while walking to your favourite local ice cream place, while once again prying into a fight over who would pay. (You didn’t realise that the owner had a fond smile on his face while throwing out the paper bill.)

It’s a miracle that you and Regulus even got along in the beginning, since he was really jealous of the fact that Sirius was spending his time with you and not him. But it seems like you managed to convince the high and mighty Regulus Black and make him like you.

You, like the Black brothers, went to Hogwarts the school of witchcraft and wizardry, but before Sirius didn’t quite literally fall into your pool while being hunted down by a lady from the market, you never actually talked. There was no need to even try, because Sirius had the Marauders and Regulus, well.. he had Barty or someone else in the beginning.

But at the end of the day, the poor stolen peach was like fate, bringing you all together like puzzle pieces that didn’t even know needed each other.

So it took quite a toll on you too, when you heard from a sobbing Regulus that Sirius had left. And from that summer on, you made it your mission to spend every second of your freedom with Regulus. How bad can it be?

…

Maybe not exactly bad, but it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride from that moment on. A rollercoaster ride for your poor heart.

-

While getting rid of his polished shoes, Regulus almost tripped on his trousers. Damn him for being so impatient and not wasting another second by not immediately taking off his dress attire that literally suffocated him.

Tossing it carelessly aside, he thought to himself just why he was so excited. Was it really just him wanting to break free from his parents, even if it’s just for a few hours, or was it something else?

‘Maybe someone else~’ a voice purred in his mind, but he shook the thought away, snatching a blue striped t shirt and pulling it over his head. The sun has risen to its highest point today, and he could already feel the heat sticking to his blue shorts, the warmth seeping into his bones and slightly dusting his cheeks.

He’s been waiting for this since the beginning of the term, and now finally he was free to do as he pleased. His report card had been exceptional like every other, and as a reward he could go out as much as he wanted to. Maybe his parents were finally going to be nice to him after all the torture, or maybe they just didn’t want Regulus to rot in the four walls while they were gone for things that didn’t matter to Regulus.

‘Just no hanging out with girls!’ The shrill threat rang in Regulus’s mind like an annoying bell, but the irony of the sentence humoured a smirk on his lips.

‘She never said anything about boys..’ Regulus tutted mischievously under his breath as he tied his shoelaces. Some muggle sneakers Walburga didn’t approve of, but it was best for their sake. Others didn’t have to know that wands were indeed not a made up thing..

But for now he didn’t care about what “others” thought of him, because for now the only importance was getting ready for-

‘Geez- you sure never close your window!’ An amused voice caught Regulus out of his daydreams, and in a dangerous situation, that could be fatal since his wand was lying on his bed. But Regulus was sure that the jar next to him would have the same effect.

-

‘Woah-!’ You ducked and heard the glass shatter somewhere, glancing down at the now broken pieces.

‘You sure have good reflexes..’ You murmured with a breathy chuckle and scratched the nape of your neck, pondering what would just happen if you hadn’t ducked in time.

‘You- FUCKER! What if I hadn’t missed?! You would’ve scattered down like the cinnamon candy balls!’ Regulus yelled, swatting your chest as a blush crawled up his cheeks in shame of his outburst.

‘Hey, technically you didn’t miss.. It’s just that I have great reaction time. And cinnamon candy? Really? Is that your go-to travel snack?’

You laughed and reached for his hands, now balled into fists. It was normal for a friend in this situation to try and soothe his anxious friend, right? Were you doing this subtly, or was Regulus getting goosebumps on his arms a sign of pure disgust and discomfort?

With that thought you dropped his hands, missing Regulus’s blush. And yet your fingers were tingling, this absolutely innocent touch sending arrows straight into your chest.

‘Uhh.. yeah right. I sometimes get a sore throat, and the candies help me. They are like.. cough drops.’ Regulus wiped his sweaty palms off on his shorts, eyes darting back and forth between your eyes and the mess on his bed. Hopefully you won’t mind the fact that he didn’t fold his clothes..

‘Uhm, so will you go out with me? Or do you have any other plans?’ You asked and rocked on your heels, trying to appear as calm as possible.

‘I mean-! Will you go outside-‘ Your indifferent demeanour completely vanished at the tiny slip up, hands waving around in front of Regulus.

Merlin! Why was it so difficult for you this year?

‘I will!’ Regulus yelped over your rambling, this time his hands holding yours, big eyes locking with your gaze.

For a few seconds you just stared at each other, Regulus’s face turning red like a furnace while yours was probably just as red and hot as his.

‘Alright..! Then we should go..’ You articulated slowly, nodding along to the syllables.

Regulus nodded as well fervently, his nimble fingers still resting on your hands, before ripping them away like it burned him.

‘Right..! Ice cream shop, then..?’ Regulus asked awkwardly, sucking in a hopeful breath.

‘Let’s go to the beach first..?’ You offered, heavy tongue sticking to your dry mouth.

‘Yes, let’s go.’ Regulus stated, pulling at your hand and guiding you quietly through the house, making sure his parents don’t get a glimpse of you.

-

‘-and that’s how I got stung by a jellyfish..’

‘Do you regret harassing the little children?’

‘I regret nothing. Plus, I didn’t even harass anyone! It’s not like I did anything outrageous! They were the ones who were screaming and running around, ruining my peace and quiet!’

You complained, the cigarette hanging low between your lips, the ashes flicking down at the movement of your lips.

The sand under your back was still warm, even after the sun had slowly set, painting the sky in oranges and reds.

Regulus was lying next to you, both of your shirts long gone and thrown somewhere next to a bush. You didn’t have to worry about someone taking them, since you were all alone, hidden somewhere under trees and next to the sea, waves whispering sweet lullabies.

The water droplets on your body had already dried which made you want to scratch or even wash off the salt, but you wouldn’t dare moving an inch. Because you believed that even a tiny noise could ruin the moment. Regulus would object.

‘Like you aren’t the one ruining the peace and quiet half of the time for other people,’ Regulus mused softly, rolling onto his side to pluck the cigarette from your lips, taking a cheeky drag before blowing it out.

The world was still. Time was endless, and he didn’t have to worry about anything. Well maybe the sunburn on his skin could make him look like a fried shrimp later, but for now it felt more like a pleasant sizzle.

‘You dare to just take my cigarettes? The next time I see them gone, I’ll know who to blame..’ You teased softly, a playful smirk tugging at your lips.

Regulus sat up, and the sunset painted his pale-ish skin into a soft pink, his dark curls looking exceptionally endearing. Not cutting and cold like they used to at Hogwarts, but now they looked soft and almost disheveled, salt water creating a crust at the ends.

Without thinking twice, you raised your hand and brushed away one strand that has been nagging you the whole evening. A dainty curl just above Regulus’s brow, which made you question whether or not it bothered him.

Maybe you should’ve been surprised, maybe you should’ve been more concerned about the fact that you had broken multiple rules of friendship.

Friends don’t brush the hairs off someone’s face. Friends don’t tease each other, just to see the other blush.

But most certainly, a friend was not supposed to look at you like Regulus did.

You knew what would follow next, but your heart was still beating too fast for your liking. You saw how Regulus stubbed the cigarette out on the sand. You saw how he slowly turned around and sheepishly placed his hand on your chest. Just above your heart.

‘..am I supposed to say anything..?’

‘Not really, or at least I don’t know..’ You responded, eyes greedily taking in his appearance.

He looked beautiful, and not just lustily, but he looked as if someone carved him out of marble. He looked otherworldly.

Regulus took in a small breath, as if he wanted to say something but thought against it.

And just like that his lips were on yours.

Unhurried, gentle but firm, steady.

It was perfect.

Your arms slowly wrapped around his waist, pulling him to straddle your hips, your chests just lightly touching. Your fingers mapped out his back while Regulus still kissed you, his elbows boxing your head in the middle.

When you pulled away, your breathing was shaky and could feel his heart pounding against your fingers, his skin buzzing with heat and ecstasy.

‘..and here I thought I would still have time take you out for ice cream like you wanted..’ Your whisper got drowned out by Regulus’s breathy chuckle.

‘Like I want ice cream right now.. all I want right now is right in front of me..’ He smiled mischievously, and pulled you in for another kiss.

And just when you thought that maybe that night you’ll have the opportunity to introduce yourself to Walburga, Regulus decided not to come home at all.

The little summer villa, hidden behind trees and pines and olive bushes where Regulus and Sirius used to hide from family gatherings, looked like a castle from a fairytale.

Vines hugging the white bricks in a tight embrace, a garden with flowers so beautiful and yet so ancient that half of the wizarding world has never seen them in their life.

And at the highest tower, just barely peeking out from the trees, and yet enough to see the sun grazing the waves, with a small window, was Regulus’s room.

Ironic, isn’t it? Regulus, the loner and the not so outgoing guy locked up all alone, with nothing else to do than look out of the window and dream of the times where Sirius would still share the floor with him, just a door next to his.

Sometimes when he was little, really, he would imagine himself as a prince he read in books about. A tragic story, preferably in which the parents were once nice but then got poisoned and were now evil, while keeping their one and only, perfect son safe.

But there were only three things missing from the completion of the story.

For one, Regulus didn’t have a crown which he could cluelessly try to use, couldn’t try it out as a bracelet before realising that it belongs on top of the head.

Second, Regulus didn’t have long hair which he could use as a rope, to maybe one day pull up a knight in shining armour. Or the opposite, find himself trying to hide a ruggedly handsome bandit that climbed into his tower, before caving in and running away with him.

And at last, there was no knight in shining armour, nor was there a bandit. But Regulus was giddy enough to run up the stairs again like he used to all these years, throw his luggage on his bed and look for the letter with the words-

“Reggie, if you ever want to heal my heartbreak again, then you should go find me the second you arrive.

P.S - These two weeks which you were shamelessly not here were absolutely horrible.”

He already knew who that letter came from.

-

You have known Regulus for three years now. Which meant that you had spent three, long and hot summers together.

Sharing secrets, arguing and then making up while walking to your favourite local ice cream place, while once again prying into a fight over who would pay. (You didn’t realise that the owner had a fond smile on his face while throwing out the paper bill.)

It’s a miracle that you and Regulus even got along in the beginning, since he was really jealous of the fact that Sirius was spending his time with you and not him. But it seems like you managed to convince the high and mighty Regulus Black and make him like you.

You, like the Black brothers, went to Hogwarts the school of witchcraft and wizardry, but before Sirius didn’t quite literally fall into your pool while being hunted down by a lady from the market, you never actually talked. There was no need to even try, because Sirius had the Marauders and Regulus, well.. he had Barty or someone else in the beginning.

But at the end of the day, the poor stolen peach was like fate, bringing you all together like puzzle pieces that didn’t even know needed each other.

So it took quite a toll on you too, when you heard from a sobbing Regulus that Sirius had left. And from that summer on, you made it your mission to spend every second of your freedom with Regulus. How bad can it be?

…

Maybe not exactly bad, but it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride from that moment on. A rollercoaster ride for your poor heart.

-

While getting rid of his polished shoes, Regulus almost tripped on his trousers. Damn him for being so impatient and not wasting another second by not immediately taking off his dress attire that literally suffocated him.

Tossing it carelessly aside, he thought to himself just why he was so excited. Was it really just him wanting to break free from his parents, even if it’s just for a few hours, or was it something else?

‘Maybe someone else~’ a voice purred in his mind, but he shook the thought away, snatching a blue striped t shirt and pulling it over his head. The sun has risen to its highest point today, and he could already feel the heat sticking to his blue shorts, the warmth seeping into his bones and slightly dusting his cheeks.

He’s been waiting for this since the beginning of the term, and now finally he was free to do as he pleased. His report card had been exceptional like every other, and as a reward he could go out as much as he wanted to. Maybe his parents were finally going to be nice to him after all the torture, or maybe they just didn’t want Regulus to rot in the four walls while they were gone for things that didn’t matter to Regulus.

‘Just no hanging out with girls!’ The shrill threat rang in Regulus’s mind like an annoying bell, but the irony of the sentence humoured a smirk on his lips.

‘She never said anything about boys..’ Regulus tutted mischievously under his breath as he tied his shoelaces. Some muggle sneakers Walburga didn’t approve of, but it was best for their sake. Others didn’t have to know that wands were indeed not a made up thing..

But for now he didn’t care about what “others” thought of him, because for now the only importance was getting ready for-

‘Geez- you sure never close your window!’ An amused voice caught Regulus out of his daydreams, and in a dangerous situation, that could be fatal since his wand was lying on his bed. But Regulus was sure that the jar next to him would have the same effect.

-

‘Woah-!’ You ducked and heard the glass shatter somewhere, glancing down at the now broken pieces.

‘You sure have good reflexes..’ You murmured with a breathy chuckle and scratched the nape of your neck, pondering what would just happen if you hadn’t ducked in time.

‘You- FUCKER! What if I hadn’t missed?! You would’ve scattered down like the cinnamon candy balls!’ Regulus yelled, swatting your chest as a blush crawled up his cheeks in shame of his outburst.

‘Hey, technically you didn’t miss.. It’s just that I have great reaction time. And cinnamon candy? Really? Is that your go-to travel snack?’

You laughed and reached for his hands, now balled into fists. It was normal for a friend in this situation to try and soothe his anxious friend, right? Were you doing this subtly, or was Regulus getting goosebumps on his arms a sign of pure disgust and discomfort?

With that thought you dropped his hands, missing Regulus’s blush. And yet your fingers were tingling, this absolutely innocent touch sending arrows straight into your chest.

‘Uhh.. yeah right. I sometimes get a sore throat, and the candies help me. They are like.. cough drops.’ Regulus wiped his sweaty palms off on his shorts, eyes darting back and forth between your eyes and the mess on his bed. Hopefully you won’t mind the fact that he didn’t fold his clothes..

‘Uhm, so will you go out with me? Or do you have any other plans?’ You asked and rocked on your heels, trying to appear as calm as possible.

‘I mean-! Will you go outside-‘ Your indifferent demeanour completely vanished at the tiny slip up, hands waving around in front of Regulus.

Merlin! Why was it so difficult for you this year?

‘I will!’ Regulus yelped over your rambling, this time his hands holding yours, big eyes locking with your gaze.

For a few seconds you just stared at each other, Regulus’s face turning red like a furnace while yours was probably just as red and hot as his.

‘Alright..! Then we should go..’ You articulated slowly, nodding along to the syllables.

Regulus nodded as well fervently, his nimble fingers still resting on your hands, before ripping them away like it burned him.

‘Right..! Ice cream shop, then..?’ Regulus asked awkwardly, sucking in a hopeful breath.

‘Let’s go to the beach first..?’ You offered, heavy tongue sticking to your dry mouth.

‘Yes, let’s go.’ Regulus stated, pulling at your hand and guiding you quietly through the house, making sure his parents don’t get a glimpse of you.

-

‘-and that’s how I got stung by a jellyfish..’

‘Do you regret harassing the little children?’

‘I regret nothing. Plus, I didn’t even harass anyone! It’s not like I did anything outrageous! They were the ones who were screaming and running around, ruining my peace and quiet!’

You complained, the cigarette hanging low between your lips, the ashes flicking down at the movement of your lips.

The sand under your back was still warm, even after the sun had slowly set, painting the sky in oranges and reds.

Regulus was lying next to you, both of your shirts long gone and thrown somewhere next to a bush. You didn’t have to worry about someone taking them, since you were all alone, hidden somewhere under trees and next to the sea, waves whispering sweet lullabies.

The water droplets on your body had already dried which made you want to scratch or even wash off the salt, but you wouldn’t dare moving an inch. Because you believed that even a tiny noise could ruin the moment. Regulus would object.

‘Like you aren’t the one ruining the peace and quiet half of the time for other people,’ Regulus mused softly, rolling onto his side to pluck the cigarette from your lips, taking a cheeky drag before blowing it out.

The world was still. Time was endless, and he didn’t have to worry about anything. Well maybe the sunburn on his skin could make him look like a fried shrimp later, but for now it felt more like a pleasant sizzle.

‘You dare to just take my cigarettes? The next time I see them gone, I’ll know who to blame..’ You teased softly, a playful smirk tugging at your lips.

Regulus sat up, and the sunset painted his pale-ish skin into a soft pink, his dark curls looking exceptionally endearing. Not cutting and cold like they used to at Hogwarts, but now they looked soft and almost disheveled, salt water creating a crust at the ends.

Without thinking twice, you raised your hand and brushed away one strand that has been nagging you the whole evening. A dainty curl just above Regulus’s brow, which made you question whether or not it bothered him.

Maybe you should’ve been surprised, maybe you should’ve been more concerned about the fact that you had broken multiple rules of friendship.

Friends don’t brush the hairs off someone’s face. Friends don’t tease each other, just to see the other blush.

But most certainly, a friend was not supposed to look at you like Regulus did.

You knew what would follow next, but your heart was still beating too fast for your liking. You saw how Regulus stubbed the cigarette out on the sand. You saw how he slowly turned around and sheepishly placed his hand on your chest. Just above your heart.

‘..am I supposed to say anything..?’

‘Not really, or at least I don’t know..’ You responded, eyes greedily taking in his appearance.

He looked beautiful, and not just lustily, but he looked as if someone carved him out of marble. He looked otherworldly.

Regulus took in a small breath, as if he wanted to say something but thought against it.

And just like that his lips were on yours.

Unhurried, gentle but firm, steady.

It was perfect.

Your arms slowly wrapped around his waist, pulling him to straddle your hips, your chests just lightly touching. Your fingers mapped out his back while Regulus still kissed you, his elbows boxing your head in the middle.

When you pulled away, your breathing was shaky and could feel his heart pounding against your fingers, his skin buzzing with heat and ecstasy.

‘..and here I thought I would still have time take you out for ice cream like you wanted..’ Your whisper got drowned out by Regulus’s breathy chuckle.

‘Like I want ice cream right now.. all I want right now is right in front of me..’ He smiled mischievously, and pulled you in for another kiss.

And just when you thought that maybe that night you’ll have the opportunity to introduce yourself to Walburga, Regulus decided not to come home at all.

Ink stained Regret- Regulus Black/M! Reader

From my earliest memories, Regulus Black has been a persistent stain on the paper of my life, always there, always bleeding through, yet never being able to truly remove it.

As most pure blood families are rather conceited, me and Regulus were pit against each other from a young age competing in nearly every aspect of our lives.

At first it was amicable between us; a soft, unspoken understanding, but with age, came bitterness, the grapes of friendship curdling not into wine, but something sour.

I thought things would be better when we went to Hogwarts. But clearly the designed rivalry from oppressing parents deigns boundaries. If anything, it became more prevalent.

He was always better than me. His ambition driving his soul, his very being, and landing him in Slytherin.

Whereas I landed myself miraculously in (y/h/n). The next gala after the sorting was unbearable. The gloating from Mrs.Black, the Sympathetic looks from Sirius, the sharp, penetrative, haughty snears Regulus sent my way through the night. Like he knew he'd one upped me.

In the nearly 5 years since then, and it's only gotten precariously worse. And there's simply more to compete on now quidditch, grades, friends, social hierarchy.

It's been a tight lipped race, each of us trying to out do the other, but I'm loosing steam. Loosing the want to fight. Was there ever really a need to in the first place? I'd rather cut my losses, but with every snear, every sarcastic comment, every time he's better at anything, a anger boils in me, dark and cold and unwavering, as well as a flutter of nerves.

It doesn't help he looks like that while being a grade A fucking prick.

He's attractive, I'll give him that. But that's all I'll give him. So it's untimely and extremely unfortunate when fucking bitch ass Slughorn decides that we'd be perfect partners for a month long project.

Maybe I'll kill myself.

Then I won't have to deal with him.

I sigh as he slides into the seat next to me, body tense, like a snake coiled to strike, face impassive and cool and unfairly looking sculpted like a Greek god, marble skin and midnight curls, thunderstorms in his eyes.

Probably from rage, if our previous interactions are anything to go off of.

He side eyes me, eyes scanning. Always fucking scanning. His friends snicker in the background.

"Try and keep up, you're brain capacity is that of a very special koala" He says, face impassive, though his eyes hide a mocking edge to his comment.

I shoot Regulus a glare. And also try not to laugh. He doesn't get to think he's funny on top of all of his bullshit too.

"Sure thing, only if you don't fuck it up yourself. Considering your as inept as a jellyfish." My voice is breathy as I say the words through another sigh.

He huffs, and turns his nose. We set to work listening to slughorn.

The assignment is relatively simple; it's a few month long partner project. Each team is assigned a potion to study in depth, as well as create a viable sample as an example of said potion.

And while it seems straightforward, and would be easy, even possibly enjoyable with anyone else, I'm stuck with Regulus fucking Black.

I sigh, rolling my eyes a bit as slughorn starts to make his rounds to give each team their assigned potion, and let my eyes wander, eventually landing on Regulus himself.

His hair's grown a bit long, although still pristine there is a rogue curl in his face, his eyes are sharp and detached, yet still focused, observing.

He turns to me, face impassive, voice sharp as he states;

"Stop staring,"

"I'm not."

"you very much are"

I scoff, "what if I'm plotting your downfall?"

He smirks. Sharp and cold and calculated.

"I'm honoured you think of me so much, darling" his voice holds a sneer.

I scoff and splutter, face heating a bit but turning my face forward again.

Luckily, I don't have to think up a witty reply as Slughorn approaches our table, informing us that Amortentia will be the potion assigned, and that he expects grand things from us, as his top students.

I huff through my nose, but don't respond, instead turning straight to my books as Slughorn whisks himself to the next table.

"Try not to mess this up, L/N" he states, turning to his own books. I scoff, but don't dignify him with a response.

We both work in tandem, and by the time classes ended we've both amassed a decent amount of notes, though I know we'll have to study together and work outside of class. Despite the knot welling inside me, I decide to bite the bullet, and tell Regulus the days I'm available to work on the project. He just nods, and stalks off to his lackeys.

--

Thursday evening, after classes for the day I find a spot hidden in the back of the library finding the books I'll need and setting them up while I wait to see if Regulus will even arrive. Unfortunately, I see he does.

I nod curtly at him as he takes his seat across from me, mirroring my own set up.

"Evening, Black," I say, assessing him. His curls, still overgrown, eyes still piercingly grey, posture still tense.

"Good Evening," he's curt, a small nod of his head, "What have you gotten done with the project?"

Straight to the point, an admirable trait. I explain what I've gotten through thus far, what needs to be done, the timeline, and on and on for nearly over half an hour; my mini lecture unwavering under his intense gaze and fixed posture.

After my rundown, he gives his own. I give my own rapt attention; just like before, as children- taking turns in the spotlight of attention.

We converse lightly, bouncing ideas off each other on what to do next, entering almost a flow like state as we go on about the project. We stay there until nearly curfew; indulging idea after idea and procedures and prompts.

--

We continue working, bounding ahead of other groups study session by study session at a time.

But as one week turns to two, and two turns to a month, the topics start slipping- less about the ashwinder eggs or the moonstone powder or the origin; and more often about the book he saw me reading, or if he still reads poetry, and so on. More genuine conversation; more about him and me and less about the assignment. We still argue, and banter, but he gives me a slight nod in the hallways.

And I'm not sure how to feel about it; How we've started studying in his dorm with his roommates gone, how soft his face looks in the dim candlelight; how his eyes sparkle slightly when talking about his latest read; or how his hairs continuing to grow longer the curl still stubbornly in his face and I want to gently remove it, trace my finger along his brow and nose. Ease my thumb on his glabella to remove the persisting furrow.

But I don't. I won't. Because we hate each other. And so I pull away.

I start opting to study in the libraries again.

Stop talking about anything but the project.

Lock my cold heart back in its cage.

And he notices. Because Regulus Black, despite his cool, calm, prickish demeanor; he is observant.

And it's on a moist, frigid Monday during early November it comes to a head.

--

I set a brisk pace as I walk down the halls towards the library; barely suppressing a shiver at the cold, wet castle surrounds me.

As I get there, I head towards my usual spot a hidden corner in the back, and find Regulus already there, waiting. My heart constricts a bit, at the sight of him.

He looks tense, tenser than he has been, with a sort of grim resolution and quiet resignation in his eyes I can't place as to why it's there.

I nod curtly, and take my seat, noting his more than usual silence.

"what's been up with you?" He finally says, after a long, pregnant pause.

I raise a brow. "What do you mean?"

"you've pulled away"

I huff. He states it like a bored observation, but I notice his finger twitch slightly.

"I've not."

"you have"

"and why do you say that?"

"you've stopped coming around my dorm"

"didn't realise your academic enemy was required to be at your dorm, regulus," I drawl, "and besides, I got tired of Barty and Evan"

He rolls his eyes, not deigning my obvious Barty and Evan deflection with a response."we were never enemies, Y/N."

"it felt like we were."

He hums, and thinks for a long, long moment. "When did we stop being a team?"

My breath hitches. I hesitate. "When you stopped being the regulus I recognized." I pause, "when you started falling for our parents schemes."

His eyes flash with hurt, and he looks down at his lap, his hair covering his face as he crosses his arms, but despite that he nods in acknowledgement.

I don't say anything for a moment. I lean back in my chair, gazing at the library around me. Anywhere but him, letting the words sit in the space surrounding us.

The silence is thick with tension, before regulus clears his throat.

"I regret letting go of what we had. Before our parents got into our heads"

My gaze snaps back to him. He's staring at me, unnervingly so, through his bangs, Grey's eyes trying to pierce through my flesh and into my soul. The only response I can manage is a hoarse;

"me too."

We sit in silence for another moment.

He hesitates. "Would you....want to be a team again?"

I look at him. Really, really look at him. Think about how much he's changed, how he's stayed the same. How I want to gently trace along his face. And I find myself nodding.