A chipped soul

by orphan_account

Summary:

A model taking the stage all over the world, plastered on magazines.

After the Queer Gala in the center of London James was blessed to judge, he can't keep his eyes away from the younger Black sibling.

What happens when he finally returns to London, and James meets him again?

Notes:

This will not be the last you'll see of model Regulus, this is just the starting chapter

Chapter 1: A trapped star

❝The moment you fade from view, you will take part of my soul along on this journey with you❞ 

 

 

James Potter was dreading the Queer Gala, an event that took place yearly. Every year, queer models would walk the stage, show off their outfits. Every year, James found himself dreading it for one reason and one reason only. 

 

One of the agents of his models was the man he despised. Severus Snape. Snivellus, if you will. Always, Severus' model won, if only for his mysterious approach. People liked a mystery, liked something to unfold, something to chip away at until a soul was laid bare for them to see. 

 

"Jamie, my man," Peter patted James on the shoulder, shaking James out of his troubled mind, a bright grin on his lips. "I'm so happy to see you, I've been dealing with grumpy agents and picky models all day. Please tell me you've come to save me. Be my knight, pretty boy." Peter grinned widely, pressing his lips to James' cheek. 

 

"Oh, come on, Pete," James sighed "of course I'll save you. I always do." 

 

"Have you heard the news?" Peter found himself throwing the words out, eyes growing wide as James frowned. "Yes! Finally I get to gossip. Right, right, so..."

 

"So?" James tilted his head as Peter chuckled. 

 

"Sirius has a model! Finally, took him long enough. Fat lot of good that last model did him, not." Peter made sure to add, scoffing as James grinned. 

 

"Is that so?" James asked with a small grin, causing Peter to splutter out a response. 

 

"Yes, we-- you know, I--" Peter paused, clearing his throat "I can't tell you who it is, yet, you know that, but... I think you'll like them." Peter ruffled a hand through James' hair. "And please, please go put your normal glasses on... not that I think men shouldn't wear pink, but it just... it doesn't suit you." 

 

James rolled his eyes playfully "ever the ally, are we?" 

 

"Not exactly an ally when I have a boyfriend." Peter winked, causing James to gasp. It was a shock, because Peter always moaned and groaned about Sirius and Remus being too... lovey. 

 

"Since. When?!" He raised his voice, causing Peter to snort. He was shocked. Peter having a boyfriend wasn't the problem, it was the fact that James hadn't known. 

 

"Since the end of November. About a month and a half." Peter responded with a soft smile. "It'll shock you when I tell you who it is." 

 

"Well, go on, then." James raised his eyebrows, adding dramatic effect as he tapped his fingers against the table in a drumroll, eyes wide with curious. 

 

"Astrophele." Peter announced with a bright smile, and only then did James spot the short-haired boy a few feet behind Peter. 

 

"Hi, James," Astrophele smiled brightly, dimples forming in his flawless cheeks. "Petti..." He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Peter's cheek. 

 

"My God, do not. My poor eyes." James held his hand up, covering his eyes like a pouty child. He didn't wish to see his friend, yet another one, kissing a Black. 

 

"Oi," Sirius made his way over to his friends, holding a newspaper, to hit it atop Astrophele's head. "Back away, I said." 

 

James lifted his pen, weighing it in skilled fingers, before turning on his heel. He had chuckled at Astrophele and Sirius, but had to focus. 

 

Regulus spun around to face the front, seated before the mirrors. According to Barty, who stood behind him, he was going to win this thing. Regulus hadn't even come out, yet, but now, now, with an opportunity to come out to his parents, and the world... he took that opportunity. Tilting his head back, he looked up at Barty who chuckled at the curly haired boy. 

 

Barty leaned down, pressing his lips to Regulus' cheek "come on, it's almost time." 

 

Regulus stood up, turning to cup Barty's face, a small grin spreading on his lips, even if he was extremely nervous. "I have waited for this moment ever since I turned eleven." 

 

"Then you have a lot to live up to." Barty smiled, hand resting in Regulus', as they approached the line. There, waiting behind the curtain, they all breathed heavily. 

 

"This year, our yearly event is bigger than ever. Completely sold out, we may have reached our biggest peak yet. Now, I would like to introduce to you..." Pausing for dramatic effect, Minerva opened the envelope, reading out the first name. "Our first model of the day, she will take the stage... Dorcas Meadowes!!" 

 

Dorcas passed the the curtains, her dress shimmering under the lights aimed at her. She walked with a smile on her lips, hips swaying before she came to a stop, raising her chin up so the light fell on her dark skin perfectly, almost setting it alight. Then, turning on her heel, she wiggled her fingers, waving before moving back behind the curtain. Next in line, Mary Macdonald stepped onto the stage, curly hair flowing with the soft wind, carried forward with grace as she walked. She was an open book, beautiful, yet smart. She knew exactly when to move, causing the judges to grin, clapping once she turned to move back behind the curtains. 

 

Barty's shoulders shook with nerves, his low-hanging shirt moving with the action, before it was his turn. He walked forward, hands balling up into fists. He only let them relax once he was up on the stage. His heartbeat thudding loudly in his ears, lump forming in his throat as all eyes were on him. With a plastered on grin, he waved, before turning. He made sure to sway his hips, shirt moving up slightly as he did so. 

 

Once back behind the curtains, Barty patted Regulus on the back. 

 

Regulus' cousin, the oldest of the models, took the stage. Narcissa Black. His favourite. 

 

She was as graceful as ever, as alluring and beautiful, a soft smile on her lips. Regulus had to throw everything he had planned out of the window. She had copied his exact moves. 

 

The moment she was back behind the curtain, his nerves built up as he moved. 

 

He pulled open the button of his jacket, revealing his naked torso, the necklace hanging over his collarbone, moving as he did, swinging slightly. He stepped slowly, chin held high, curls falling beautifully as he moved, letting himself be guided by the soft, cold wind that hugged him like he was the only thing that mattered, wrapping around him in an almost cinematic moment, hair moving perfectly, James thought it was fake. 

 

Regulus twirled, showing himself to the crowd that cheered for him then, and him alone. The glitters on his suit shining, only capturing his beauty, glitters shining like tiny stars trapped within the fabric that hugged the beautiful body James had to fight hard not to admire. 

 

Regulus' eyes landed on James' for only a second, but that second... that moment was the best moment James had ever experienced, dark sees on a stormy night meeting his own eyes. James had never seen such beautiful eyes, but he wished to see them until he drew in his last breath. 

 

Alright, so James is a bit attracted to a model... so what? Who isn't? 

 

All models were called onto the stage once done, all standing in a row beside each other. "Dorcas Meadowes," Mcgonagall called out as the girl bowed. "Mary Macdonald," Mary blew the crowd a kiss, an outcry pulled from the crowd when she smiled brightly "Barty Crouch Jr," Barty made the crowd laugh when he ruffled his hand through Regulus' hair, causing the boy to grunt as he did so "Narcissa Black," Narcissa turned to Regulus, soft grin on her lips before winking at the crowd. More specifically, one man sitting somewhere. "And lastly, our newest addition, Regulus Black." 

 

Regulus always had been one for the dramatics, so with a sigh, he twirled around, revealing the constellation tattoo on his back. The Leo constellation, with him at the heart of it. Then, turning back around, he let a small grin grace his lips. That got the crowd to cry out, whistle and scream for him. 

 

"Alright, I am very pleased with our models this year," James spoke into his microphone "you all look lovely. I'd be glad to get to know you better, who wouldn't?" When he spoke the words, he met eyes with Regulus. He had said it to all, but meant it for only one. James knew Regulus, had met the boy when he was only ten, but now... now, he was entirely different. Beautiful, and actually daring to do something he never would have thought any Black could. Well, if you don't count Narcissa, that is. 

 

Regulus cocked an eyebrow, but winked, still. Beside him, Barty glared at James, before turning that glare to Regulus. James could sense there was something there, but couldn't tell exactly what. 

 

"Thank you, everyone." Pandora spoke into her own microphone "grab something to eat, to drink, we'll be right back with our winner of the year." 

 

••

 

Regulus was laid out on the couch in the changing room, drink abandoned on the table, when Sirius walked in. "You did it... you actually did it." 

 

"Think maman will be mad?" His accent laid heavily on his more than skilled tongue, causing Sirius to chuckle. 

 

"Oh, she'll be pissy about it for months. At least you live with Barty, I doubt she'll seek you out to give you a piece of her mind. Actually, no, she probably would." Sirius corrected himself. "This might gey you a new job, though. You could become really big, you know? I would love to see you in pride clothes." 

 

"Oh don't take it too far, Sirius," Regulus scoffed as he sat up. "That's your thing." 

 

"Well, you did just come out on television." Sirius sunk down onto the couch. "I'm proud of you. Damn, I have a gay brother. And a gay cousin! My lord, we're all gay. Figure that's what homophobic parents do to you?" 

 

"I think sexuality is harder than you make it out to be, and we're all a bit... bent." Regulus cleared his throat, hoping with everything within himself that Sirius would piss off. 

 

"Oh, do not say that. People will think you're homophobic." Sirius groaned, pushing a hand into Regulus' face. 

 

"I'm not, really, I'm not," Regulus shook his head. "I just wish I hadn't been born this way." 

 

"Yeah, me too, kid." Sirius brushed his hand through Regulus' hair. 

 

"Not a kid." Regulus responded with the roll of his eyes. 

 

"To me, you'll always be a kid." Sirius replied, smile stretching out onto his lips when he recieved a scoff for his statement. 

 

Chapter 2: Bambino

Summary:

Eight years before Regulus became the heart-throb of not only France, but England, and all surrounding countries, he was a young soul.

Eight years ago

 

Bambi," Bellatrix moved over to where the curly haired boy was seated. He looked less than amused, sad, even. "what's gotten into you?" 

 

Regulus wrapped his fingers around a stone laying on the ground, raising his hand up to toss it into the water. "Sirius is too busy with his new friends. It's like he isn't even... Here." 

 

Bellatrix sighed, reaching out to brush her hand through Regulus' hair, much to his dislike. "How about you come with me and Ciss, we're going to an art gallery, she asked me to go. I'm sure you'll like it, Bambino, didn't you like to draw?" 

 

"I do like art." His eyes lit up as Bellatrix placed her hands under his arms, resting in his armpits, before lifting him up. Then, she spun them in a circle, causing Regulus to laugh. "Stop, stop!" He laughed out, to which Bellatrix grinned. "I'll come along, just put me down!" 

 

"And there we go," Bellatrix lowered Regulus back down. "Well, I'm much cooler than your brother, believe me." 

 

Regulus smiled up at his cousin, hand resting in hers. "He's been ignoring me."

 

"I could bury him alive. Shave his head? Steal his pants? Set his clothes on fire? Whatever you want, Bambi." She offered, to which Regulus frowned. " I was joki--"

 

"I want him to be alone. To feel alone." Regulus suddenly interrupted her with the words "like I do."

 

Bellatrix looked down at Regulus, a worried glance casted down at him. Sometimes, his words were worrying, threatening, even, but he didn't have the most stable family, so it was to be expected. "He'll regret leaving you, Bambi. You're the best of us all." She said, and it was true. Unlike others, Regulus treated every servant, every worker, every person paid to work for them, he treated them all kindly, even became friends with some of them. "Truly." 

 

"Since when do you like art?" Regulus suddenly asked, having been confused by her offer. "I thought you liked to read--"

 

"I do, like to read, that is," Bellatrix spoke, interrupting the boy that held her hand, still "I like to admire art from time to time. This is one of those times." She explained as they approached the art gallery. 

 

"Regulus!" Narcissa squealed childishly, hands stretching out to hug Regulus. Regulus and Sirius were never the type to hug, but Narcissa insisted on it time and time again. "I didn't know you were coming along. If I had, I would have brought you a hat!" The thing with Narcissa was, even if she was young, herself, she cared for others like she was a mother of all. She brought hats for those she thought would get cold, sometimes she'd wrap Regulus in jackets and scarves, popping a hat on his head, even if it wasn't that cold. Regulus never understood it, but at least she cared, that had to count for something. 

 

"Oh, you needn't bring me a hat every time, Cissa," Regulus smiled, invisible strings pulling at the corners of his mouth. "I won't freeze to death." 

 

"You might!" Narcissa argued even as they entered the gallery, hand resting on Regulus' shoulder. "You could freeze to death. Frostbite is a thing. So is hypothermia." Her narrowed eyes settled on Regulus' mischievous grin, almost as if he wanted to stand out in the cold, just to prove to her that he wouldn't freeze to death. 

 

“Are you alright, Bambi?” asked Bellatrix, breaking the silence once she saw Regulus' eyes glaze over. He was lost in thought, possibly thinking about his brother. "You look a bit lost."

 

Regulus looked up, then, eyes travelling to Bellatrix's. "I miss him." 

 

"No thinking about Sirius, today. It will be illegal as of right now." Bellatrix stated, patting to top of Regulus' head. Right then, his eyes landed on a headless person, heart resting in the painted hand. He walked closer, reading the plaque. 

 

'Stealing your heart - Anonymous' 

 

He had never seen such a graphic, yet beautiful art piece. He could see the veins etched into the heart, the blood dripping from it. It was more beautiful than anything he had ever seen, and his eyes remained glued to it for several minutes, until Bellatrix guided him away. Even if he moved away from it, that art piece would never leave his mind. It was engraved into his mind, more so than his own name. More so than his brother's, this... This was Regulus. 

 

Engraved into his mind and soul, Regulus was the headless man holding a heart within his hand. A bleeding, beating muscle fading into his hand, one and the same, many would say. 

 

It actually made Regulus think of his family. That piece, it was Sirius, too. Sirius was the one holding Regulus' bleeding, beating heart, yet he had run off with it, only leaving the shell of it behind, yet not the insides of it. Not the feelings, not the love. All he left was a empty hole where love should be. Where love used to be. Love, if love was a person, chaotic, intense yet held back... It would be Regulus, albeit slow, he would be love, because he loves wholly, intensely, wholeheartedly, and falls head-first from a cliff to his incoming death, yet, given the chance to turn back time to save himself, he would not. That is what love is. That is Regulus. 

 

That pain, the heartache, the gut wrenching feeling when losing the one you love... Regulus would take it all, for only a single moment of being loved entirely. Of being loved more than he could ever love himself. He wished for every part of him, even the ugly parts to be loved. Even his sickness, even his scars, even his heart, bloody and hollow, he wants it to be loved, even if he might not be able to return the feeling entirely.

 

"Candy for your thoughts?" Bellatrix held a chocolate frog out to Regulus. "You seem lost in them, is all."

 

"Is it possible to love someone entirely... Even for their faults?" He asked, even shocking Narcissa, who's eyes grew wide as she heard the words. 

 

"I don't think so," Bellatrix sighed "I wouldn't like someone for faults, I would like them for their accomplishments."

 

"But faults make us human. Sickeningly so, but we are human, still." He explained, which caused Bellatrix to huff out laughter. "What?"

 

"Don't be absurd," she voiced "there is no place for faults amongst the Black family. We are noble, we are graceful, we are... Superior. We don't make mistakes. Faults are not part of us." 

 

At that, Regulus nodded. "What about uncle Alphard? He likes Mic--"

 

"Don't," Bellatrix warned "Uncle Alphard is not who you should be turning to. He is... Bent... He is not someone you should look up to. He likes a man, and that should never be okay." 

 

With that, Regulus and Bellatrix became... Less close, than they used to be. Less loving towards each other. 

Chapter 3: Triangle

Present time

 

 

 

Regulus' recent boss, Simon, was a raging asshole. Forcing Regulus out of his comfort zone, forcing Regulus to do things he said he never wanted to do. If he wanted to take a day off, it wasn’t allowed, the moment he began eating more, or eating less, Simon would comment on it. He had to be 'the perfect weight', which was underweight, but seen as perfect in the modelling world. 

 

"Merde, Regulus," Simon groaned out "stand up straight! You're hurting your back." 

 

"I'm fine," Regulus responded rather quickly, eyes narrowing down on Simon, as he fixed his posture. "When will we have our next shoot?" 

 

"In three days. We're going to England." Simon told Regulus, who seemed no more interested than he had been. Unamused and Irritated, Regulus turned away from his boss, only to refocus on himself in the mirror. 

 

"If it's okay with you, I'd like to leave, now. I have a bus to catch." Regulus spoke as he brushed a strand of hair behind his ear, trying out a different look. 

 

"Don't be late, we're leaving at seven. If you're not here, you don't get any money. Understood?" Simon made sure Regulus was listening by snapping his fingers in front of the boy's eyes. 

 

"Understood." Regulus responded as coldly as he could "snap your fingers in my face again, and you won't have any fingers left to snap with." With that, Regulus left the office. 

 

••

 

Resting his head against the condensed window, Regulus heaved out an indolent sigh that had stuck in his throat for the last two hours. Now, in the back of the limousine, Regulus was bored. Finally back in England, yet incredibly bored. 

 

Mr. Sandman filtered in through his headphones, massaging his mind in a way no spoken words could, only sung. 

 

Once the limousine rolled to a stop, Regulus let his headphones hang from his neck. His door was opened, setting him free. Holding his hand up, he shielded his eyes from the bright flashes of light. He had been gone for eleven months and two weeks. Almost a year, he had been in France. France, where he had been named most desirable of the year. 

 

Now, walking past those taking pictures, he felt overwhelmed. Sure, in France there were many people wanting pictures, but this... This was extreme. Flashes blinding him from all sides wasn't all that fun, when he could barely move, held back by hands reaching out to grab onto him. 

 

"Hey," the familiar voice of his brother, and agent called out, reaching out to grab onto Regulus' wrist. "I'm glad you're back. Would prefer not to call you when you're in bed with your b__friend." He teased, causing Regulus to roll his eyes. 

 

"He isn't my boyfriend," Regulus sighed "he's my... Well, friend, you could say."

 

"Remus and I are friends, then." Sirius winked at Regulus "really, how are you?"

 

"Okay. Tired, but alright." Regulus found himself nodding, even if he wasn't alright. The hearing aids resting behind the curve of his ear should tell Sirius enough. He hadn't had those, before. He had known Regulus was worse with hearing than others. "Right, these are cool," he gestured to his hearing aids. 'Got worse after last shoot' He had to sign it out over the loud outcries of fans as they were held back by bodyguards. 

 

'I heard about the... Canon' Sirius signed, a bit rusty, but Regulus understood. 'You okay?'

 

Regulus nodded, following Sirius into the dark alley, before he was guided into the back of a building. There, his hearing was refocused on Sirius' voice alone. "I'm... Fine. Not that thrilled to be deaf, now, but fine."

 

"Oh, you dramatic baby, you're not deaf. Just deaf-ish." Sirius grinned widely, causing Regulus to roll his eyes. "Prongs, Moony and Wormy are upstairs. Want to come up?" 

 

Regulus nodded, though not all that amused. He did follow behind Sirius. He realised he always would follow in the shadow of his brother. The lesser, the younger, the second choice, the spare heir. He would never be his own person. He would always be Sirius' younger brother, never only Regulus Black. He never liked living in the shadow, never liked to live behind Sirius, but it would always be like that. He would always be the spare, the rebound, the second to everyone. 

 

"Prongs!" Sirius' voice echoed out loudly as he walked into his apartment, having pushed the door open. "I present to you, my brother. Again." 

 

'Hi' Regulus waved, not feeling like speaking out loud at the moment when Sirius' voice overpowered his. Always the stronger of the two, in voice, even. 

 

'You were the glittery one, right?' Remus moved his fingers, signing out to Regulus who was shocked at how quickly he was able to respond when he, himself, was a little rusty on signing. 

 

Regulus nodded, a soft smile gracing his lips, one only meant for Remus in that moment. 

 

'I liked your suit' Remus smiled right back at Regulus, which caused Sirius to scoff out. 

 

"I have no idea what they're saying." James suddenly breathed out from beside Sirius, causing Regulus to snort.

 

"You didn't have these, then," Remus voiced, touching the hearing aid laying behind Regulus' ear. "Are they irri__ing?" Half of the word fell away for Regulus, forcing him to frown as he tried to piece the word together. 

 

"A bit." Regulus responded when he managed to figure it out. With how quickly Remus had spoken, and Sirius and James laughing rather loudly, he hadn't been able to focus on only Remus. 

 

"I'm James. We haven't properly met." James held his hand out to Regulus "James Potter." 

 

"Regulus Black." Regulus responded, even though James had already known his name. "Although you knew that already." 

 

"I did," James grinned "but it's a nice name. It isn't too bad to hear." 

 

"Oh, really?" Regulus raised his eyebrows in shock, chuckling as James flushed slightly. 

 

Remus snorted as Sirius turned with his hands on his hips, leveling the room with a flat stare, a grunt escaping his lips. "Do not flirt with my brother, please and th__k you." 

 

"Piss off," Regulus waved his hand, telling Sirius to bugger off. Then, he reached out if only to trace his finger over the rim of James' glasses. Alright, so he was a little bit high. Who's to judge? "You're wearing different glasses."

 

James' eyes grew wide. How had Regulus seen that? Why had he noticed? "I... I am," James nodded "erm... My old ones, they broke." 

 

"I like these," Regulus found himself smiling "I prefer gold over black." 

 

He sighed, James chuckled then, which made Regulus' mouth quirk up against his will, unable to stop it, a smile overtook his lips. 

 

There’s three pairs of eyes widening at him for that, but only Sirius gasped, lifting a pillow to swing it at James' head. 

 

Seeing the pillow coming, Regulus squeezed his eyes shut, fingers curling up into fists, preparing himself to be hit. He knew it was only a pillow, but some part of him was stuck in memories from the past. Memories he couldn't quite shake. 

 

"Oh, you idiot," Remus smacked the back of Sirius' head with a flat hand, before moving over towards Regulus, who had opened his eyes by the time that Remus sat down in front of him. "You okay?"

 

"Fine." Regulus simply responded, eyes fixed on Remus'. "I'm alright."

 

"Good," Remus smiled "Worms," he looked at Peter "are you in for a little game, now?"

 

"What game?" He asked, tilting his head. 

 

"Tr__hs. I give you a sentence, you guess if it's a lie. You giv_ me one. It's a bit of an ice-br__ker, it'll allow us __ get to kn__ Regul__ better." Remus spoke, though it fell on deaf ears. Regulus frowned once more, puzzling the words together as Peter nodded. 

 

'I kissed every single person in my friend group' Remus signed out, only to have Sirius translate it to the group. 

 

'Truth' Regulus signed out, to which Remus confirmed it by nodding. 'I have been going out with two people at the same time' 

 

Remus furrowed his eyebrows, thinking it over. 'Truth'

 

"It's, ah... It's a bit of a trick question. They're dating each other, but they're also separately going out with me, and sometimes together. Guess you can call us a triangle." Regulus tried to explain "though, I'm not their boyfriend, but they're each other's. Does that make sense?" 

 

"It doesn't." James found himself frowning. "So, wh_t, you shag?"

 

"That, amongst other things." Regulus responded, before he turned to James. "My zodiac sign is a cancer."

 

James shook his head, disagreeing with the statement. 

 

"Drink up," Regulus gestured to the cup Sirius held out to his friend. "Born in June." 

 

James mouth fell open as he took the drink. "Can't __ _rue." 

 

"What was that?" Regulus asked, because James had spoken with his head turned away. 

 

"That can't be true." He spoke more clearly, voice raising. 

 

"It is." Regulus chuckled as James hummed. 

 

"I," he touched his chest, trying to think of a way to sign, even if he didn't know how to. "Have kissed your brother more than once." He pointed out Sirius, even if Regulus could hear him, since he spoke rather loudly. 

 

"True." Regulus was quick to respond "you have a strange bond, I've had to hear about it for a while now."

 

"It's true. Every New Year's... Always, when the clock hits 12, we kiss. It's tradition." James simply shrugged, causing Regulus to chuckle. 

 

"It's weird." 

 

"You're weird." James responded with a scoff, causing Sirius to snort. 

 

"It's not my fault I'm the more attractive sibling." Sirius teased, to which Regulus was the one to scoff. 

 

"Didn't know your head was on the cover of magazines? Hm... Let's agree to disagree on that one." Regulus narrowed his eyes, hearing Sirius gasp, dramatically pushing his hand over his mouth as if Regulus had told Sirius their favourite cousin had died. 

The game continued, but Regulus let it filter out, only focusing on the drink in his hand. 

 

Chapter 4: Three musketeers

Summary:

An ex, an ex's boyfriend and a best friend meet again. Talks of health begin, and with it, arguments do

Notes:

TW: references to being suicidal

“The beginning of loving oneself is never easy”

 

Regulus awoke with a gasp, tapping the screen of his phone once he had shot up, hair falling before his eyes. It was ten minutes before Barty and Evan would arrive at the train station, and Regulus had a walk of fifteen minutes. Tugging on a pair of jeans, he searched for a shirt, desperately searching through his closet, not even having had the time to put in his hearing aids. Once he found a shirt, he sprayed some cologne onto his neck, before adjusting his hearing aids. Forgetting his phone, he tugged on his shoes whilst bouncing down the hall on one leg. Once outside, he broke out into a run, legs moving faster than his mind could. He moved swiftly, ducking through alleys, sprinting before cars, using poles to swing around corners. He made it right before the bus rolled to a stop. 

 

Raising his hands up as if he had won a thousand dollars, he grinned. He had waited to see the two for a while, and now, finally, he could dive into their arms the moment they stepped out of the bus. 

 

Barty was the first to step out of the bus, holding his bag in hand. Then, letting his eyes adjust to the bright light of the sun shining down on him, he spotted Regulus. He took long strides, smiling once he was finally able to pull Regulus into his arms, bag awkwardly swung over the boy's back. "Nine months. I haven't been able to do this for nine months." He spoke closely to Regulus' ear, which Regulus was thankful for. 

 

Then, Evan jumped against the two, arms tightly wrapping around them. To the outside world, they were either seen as lovers, or disgusting beings. To themselves, they were best friends. Closer, even. They had a bond many wouldn't understand.

 

The moment Evan's lips brushed against Regulus' cheek, Regulus felt his breathing slow. Then, Evan pressed forward, cupping Regulus' face in cold hands. "You're famous now. Don't leave us." Evan spoke with a grin, even though he really did hope Regulus wouldn't leave. 

 

Regulus turned to Barty with a chuckle, standing up on his tip-toes to kiss Barty, a quick peck, though Barty decided taking the funny approach would be better. Barty playfully licked over Regulus' cheek once Regulus pulled away, causing the smaller boy to jump back, gasping dramatically. 

 

"I missed you two." He admitted truthfully. "How's Pans?" 

 

"Fine. Tired of us, but she's f_ne." Evan responded with a chuckle, pushing at Regulus' shoulder. "You should ____ called!"

 

"Nine days," Barty grunted "we thought you were dead for nine days." 

 

"Okay, don't be dramatic," Evan cursed Barty out "two days __ most, I thought you wanted __ stop being our friend." 

 

Regulus gasped "oh, and what a tragedy that would be." Regulus was joking, but it truly would be a tragedy. Without Evan and Barty, Regulus wouldn't know how to function. Regulus could piece together the words he couldn't hear rather easily, because Evan, ever the hero, always signed along, even if he spoke. Barty had a bit more of a problem in that department, but he tried. 

 

"It would be," Evan voiced from beside them. "A tragedy. It would be a tragedy, I mean." He held a grin on his lips, almost as if he looker forward to being stuck with both Barty and Regulus for two weeks. Maybe he did. 

 

"Come on, I'll show you around." Regulus took both their hands in his own, happier now that they were here. His best friends, his ex-boyfriend, and his now boyfriend, Regulus couldn't be happier. Well, yes he could be, but for the sentiment, he must lie. 

 

"So, Regulus, want to explain the whole party thing? Not that I don't love seeing you shirtless, but the magazines are everywhere." Barty flirted his way through the conversation, hand squeezing Regulus'. 

 

"That wasn't supposed to be filmed," Regulus tried to explain "it was a shit situation, they caught it on camera. I wasn't... It was the day after my doctor told me my hearing's going backwards, again." 

 

"Shit, I'm sorry." Barty tried to apologize, though he had needed to ask, Regulus understood that. 

 

"It's... I can't tell Sirius," Regulus voiced, and that caused Barty to stop, forcing the other two to stop, as well. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

 

"You haven't told your brother you're becoming deaf?" Barty asked, wording it incorrectly which caused Regulus to sigh indolently. He was sick of having to explain.

 

"I've always been shit with my hearing, but this... He'll make me stop--"

 

"Well, __ should stop," Evan was quick to interrupt "if __ keep going to parties, if you keep going __ events, photoshoots, you'll... You'll be deaf __ the end of the year, __gulus." Evan tried to reason, but Regulus wasn't having it. All he wanted was to be seen, to be seen by those who couldn't be seen, themselves. He wanted to be a picture for those that needed it, for those like Regulus had once been. 

 

"I won't. This is my life now, Evan, please accept it, or leave me alone." Regulus began to walk again, hands pulled from theirs, even as Evan called out to him. Barty picked up his pace to match Regulus', and Evan eventually did the same, though the silence was no longer comfortable, not even close. Regulus was angry, understandably so, yet Evan only ever wished to help. 

 

"Reg, we... Look, we care, okay? You might not care about your hearing, hell, you might not care about your life, but I-- we do, we care about you, even if you don't." Barty finally broke the uncomfortable silence, filling it with his husky, low tone. 

 

"Yeah, well, you might care, but you can't do anything." Regulus just shrugged. He wanted this life, he had always wanted this life. The life his brother loved, the life his cousin loved, but he never seemed to be able to. Now, he finally had the life he always wanted, and he wasn't going to let it go.