the dark between the stars

The Family of Regulus Black

“Oh, she’s cute, she seems really sweet, you two must be good together,” she said with a grin. Decidedly so, considering Regulus looked like a love-struck puppy. It was a face she’d seen on someone different. “That’s cute.” “Uh… No not really, he’s really fit though, the eye wanders,” she said with a shrug. “He’s a good man, I imagine you’re one too.”

Regulus grinned “Thankyou. She’s the Undersecretary, so she understands the politics of this scene a lot better than I do.” he said lightly. At least nothing was getting too heated with all the schmoozing going on.

He snorted slightly at the comment about his brother being ‘fit’, shaking his head. It wasn’t the first time he’d heard that, and he was sure it wouldn’t be the last. “Well, I try my best. I’ve had Sirius to learn from most of my life.” he said, smiling “Forgive me if I’m wrong, but you don’t seem like the usual target audience for the Rodolphus’ campaign efforts.”

“I don’t know Reg, I think that suit is way nicer than this dress,” she told him with a laugh. “Is Helena busy mingling?” She asked, knowing that she had to be around there somewhere. She wondered what was going through Regulus’s head being here. Was it as hard for him as it was for her? “I think that if they had, I would be on the keep out at all costs lists if Andromeda put it together. Which is fine, I don’t care what her royal highness says or thinks about me. I never have.” She loved Regulus for always trying to cheer her up, he was too good for them all, for all of this. “Thanks, Reg,” she said. “All of this,” she gestured to the room. “I’m supposed to report on Rodolphus’s speech, about the public’s opinion about him. Want to give me a quote?” She laughed.

Regulus laughed lightly, before nodding. “Yeah, I couldn’t quite keep up with the political discussions.” he said in a light tone, but there was an air of pride in the way he spoke about Helena. She was far better than him with these kinds of social events and he’d been letting her do most of the talking, while he smiled and nodded along. “I’m sure Bellatrix would have opted for my name to be on the same list.” he said with a half-grin. “At least we’re outcasts together.” He looked around the room as she gestured, a soft sigh on his lips “Sure. ‘I don’t really support what’s going on, but at least the food is good’? Will that work?” he added, teasingly.

Alexander laughed, looking down at Regulus’ suit to see that the damage was easily concealed. “No worries, mate,” he said with a smile, his hands already free of the wine. “And that was a good choice. Yes, Alexander McKinnon,” Alexander replied, nodding. “And you’re Regulus Black?” 

“Indeed, that’s me.” Regulus said, offering his hand to shake. Regulus had seen the other man before a couple of times in passing, but didn't know much about him. Still, he was grateful that he was being kind and courteous as he knew how everyone would be. Many of the people in this place would like have be irate that he'd spilled something on them. "Are you enjoying your evening?”

Her posture said everything. She stood tall, her left foot sitting just behind the right and her head titled ever so slightly to the left. Her curls cascading over her shoulders as she twirled her champagne in the glass. Dark eyes steely with disdain. When they were children, she had been a little less than accepting of the boy. Her aunt and uncle taking him in out of the kindness of their hearts and adopting him fully. Making him a Black by name but not by blood. Bellatrix was given instruction to be welcoming to the new addition as they grew older. But that had never stopped her from giving him the coldness that she was known for. Seeing him here now was a flash from the past and all she could see was a small and scared little boy in her ballroom.

A meticulous smile spread across her face. First Narcissa now Regulus? Who else had come to her home where they were unwelcome? Sirius was brazen enough to come draping in through her doors though she had yet to see him. They were making this almost too easy for her. “I am, thank you,” she said with a nod, “I hope you find our accommodations well, Regulus.”

Regulus had never wished more for the ground to swallow him where he stood. Bellatrix had always set him on edge; and even know he had that feeling as if he was in trouble, or about to be. At least as a child he had been certain that Bellatrix would never truly harm him. With their familial ties cut, that was far less certain.

He nodded politely. “It’s just as I remember.” he said. He had some fond memories here, with Narcissa or Andromeda. But the house overall had frightened him as a child. It felt too big, and oddly cold. “How is the campaign for Rodolphus going?”

Narcissa nodded her head. “I’m glad to see you too,” she said. She relaxed into his embrace for a few moments before she stepped back and smiled, taking him in. “Looking good, Reg,” she said with a smile. She forgot that he needed to attend things like this with Helena, and she was just so grateful that he was there. “Work,” she said with an eye roll. She recognized how big it was that they had wanted her to cover this, but it was just…hard. “Andromeda sure did,” she said with a frown. “She’s less than pleased that i’m here. But whatever, who cares about her, right?” She said, looking away. She hated how Andromeda made her feel. 

“So are you Cissa.” Regulus said with a fond smile, as he pulled away from their hug. He knew that neither of them truly wanted to be here, at the Black manor of all places. But here they were all the same. He frowned at the mention of Andromeda, shaking his head. “It’s not like they put up a guest list. Seems the only stipulation was supporting Rodolphus’s political campaign, or at least being interested in it.” he said with a small shrug. “But don’t let her get to you. You’re brilliant. It’s their loss.” He gave her a comforting squeeze of the arm “What are you covering?”

“Who’s your girlfriend? I imagine you’re here for her, you look like a fish out of water, kid,” she said with a laugh, taking out her wand to clean the rest of the liquid out of her clothes.  “Emma, Emma Vanity,” he said offering her hand before his name made her remember who he was, shaking his hand. “Oh, you’re a Black! Sirius’s brother, right?”

“Helena, Helena Rosier.” Regulus answered, a lovesick expression on his face as he motioned towards her, talking to a group of people. “And yes, I’m here for her moral support.” he said, clearly proud of her. He shook her hand with a smile “Yeah, I’m Sirius’ brother.” he said, happy that that was the connection being made. “Do you know him well?”

Despite not being a big fan of events like this, Helena had certainly grown at dealing with them. She’d been forced to attend them since she was a small child, all the way up until this point in her adult life. Being naturally good with people helped, but it was a skill she had acquired out of survival. She had been raised not to step a toe out of line at such events, and she knew just how to navigate them now. “That’s not a problem at all, luv. I imagine a lot of people are going to want something of me anyways, so you should be off the hook,” she reassured, turning to give him a soft kiss on the cheek. Smiling, she murmured, “My knight in shining armor. What ever would I do without you?”

Regulus smiled warmly at her, giving her a chaste kiss on the cheek in return. “Perfect. I’ll just stand here and look pretty.” he teased with a soft chuckle. “Oh I’m sure you’d survive. You’re pretty tough, did you know that?” he said, teasing but also full of awe for her. It was him who wouldn’t survive without her, surely. He followed her lead as they moved around, looking at the various guests and hoping he didn’t see his ex-family among them. Unlikely, considering this was at the Black Manor. “Where do we start?”

Helena followed him easily, just as she always had. When Regulus pulled her backwards, it only felt natural to follow him. The smile she reserved just for him had graced her face - full of love and adoration - as she easily slid her legs on either side of him. Her hands automatically moved towards him; one resting on the back of his neck while the other cupped his cheek gently. She moved her head to the side easily, giving him a soft hum, “Of course. Anything you have in mind is okay with me, luv,” she murmured, placing a kiss on his cheek. “I trust you,” she promised.

regulus black: character sheet

Raising her eyebrow, a playful smile formed on her lips as teased, “I think I could certainly spare an hour at the very least for you.” In truth, whenever Regulus asked for her time, she was happy to give it. Her hand gave his an automatic squeeze as a grin formed, “I do like the sound of that,” she murmured. If anyone could get her out of her own head it was Regulus. He could bring her down and to a place that she could actually relax for a while. As he kissed her, everything dulled down to a white noise. Her arms wound around his neck on instinct as she kissed him back. Helena soaked up the touch and leaned into him as his hands reached her skin. Grinning, she lifted up on her toes to press a kiss behind his ear. “It must be your presence rubbing off on me,” she teased, giving him a warm smile. 

“It must be.” Regulus murmured with a pleased hum, a shiver of warmth running down his spine as he felt her lips on his skin. Slowly, he pulled her backwards, until he was sitting on their bed and lifting her onto his lap. His hands slid further under her shirt, caressing her waist with incredible gentleness. “Is this okay?” he asked in a murmur, kissing along her jawline tenderly.