Work Text:
It was very random when Remus found a job in this coffee shop. It started during a very rainy afternoon, after a visit to a local bookshop. Remus ran into the first shop open, the coffee one. It was a warm and welcoming coffee shop, in a very rich neighbourhood. As Remus was talking with the barista, he learned they were looking for someone, and he naturally asked if he could work here.
Work was a bit far away from Remus’ flat. He had to take the underground for around 30 minutes and walk for 10 minutes more before finally arriving. He lived in a poor neighbourhood, far away from the rich ones the coffee shop was. He didn’t study at Queen Mary or even go to Eton College, he was far away from this world. But the customers he served were from this world.
Remus started to get used to seeing private drivers waiting outside the coffee, boys and girls with very jewellery that was worth his yearly salary. But he didn’t really cared. He just served coffee, tea, some pastries, smile politely and doesn’t ask questions.
Though… There was always that one customer he asked a few questions here and there. He always ordered the same things: a black coffee, a glass of cold water — no ice —, and a blueberry muffin. In summer, he ordered an iced coffee — almond milk — with a lot of ice. If Remus were working at Starbucks, he would have asked for his name, but the coffee shop wasn’t like that. He learned his name a random Tuesday afternoon, when a blond guy called him as he entered the coffee shop “Regulus”.
“Pretty name for a pretty man.” Remus though in himself.
The few months he spent working here, Remus grew even more hateful of rich people. Seeing them every day, in their perfect and protected little bubble, was starting to drive him mad. The comings and goings of Porsche, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Range Rover in front of the coffee shop was a ballet he grew disgusted with. He didn’t hate the fact that people had money, he hated the fact that some people could be so rich that they were as rich as some countries.
It’s when he was in the underground that he learned that this “Regulus” was, in fact, one of them. On top of the food chain of the rich. While randomly scrolling on Bluesky, he saw a news article, something about a CEO and a scandal about something he didn’t care to read, until he saw the picture of Regulus. Some paparazzi had followed his father and the whole family to an exclusive dinner in one of the most expensive restaurants in London. You couldn’t even get a table without waiting six months and even then, you had to answer a few questions about your motivation to be a participant in the “experience” — which was eating very expensive food in very small quantities. That’s how Remus learned — while reading the article — that Regulus was Black. As in the private bank “Black”. His father, mother, and probably the whole damn family were billionaires, and Regulus was probably a millionaire if his parents had placed some stocks in his name or even brought property in his name.
And that’s how Remus started to feel disgusted with Regulus. Something changed. He wasn’t a cute customer that he made chit-chat with here and there. He was a fucking silver spoon child, even a diamond spoon at his point. A rich fucker that never learnt the real value of money, work, or even moving his — lovely — ass to make himself a cup of coffee or clean his room.
Remus started to change his shifts at his work, making sure to avoid Black Junior, since he had an older brother who seemed to have a lot of issues with the law. Remus wanted to avoid Regulus, because a part of him felt humiliated to serve an entitled brat like him. He hated waking up in the morning for only the purpose of making coffee for people who would never consider him as equal. Just another lower-class person, at their service for £12 an hour when they probably win this amount of money every nanosecond.
For a few months, Remus managed to avoid Regulus pretty well, until he had to replace one of his coworkers. It wasn’t a big deal, right? Just working from 10 a.m. until 6.pm. having a quick break in the middle, which for Remus was taking a sandwich and going to the nearby park or in the bookstore just around the corner. Regulus never stopped by on a Wednesday afternoon anyway, so, yeah… no big deal.
And that’s exactly how the day went by. He served some clients, cleaned some cups, and prayed no one would bring the last blueberry muffin so he could take it home tonight with him. Since the baker of the coffee shop insisted on throwing away every product that didn’t sell during the day and only selling fresh products every day, Remus was used to nearly never having to go grocery shopping and living only on muffins, brownies, and chicken and brie sandwiches.
At 5.59pm. just a tiny minute before Remus was free from hell, the door opened and, to his great misfortune, it was Regulus Black. The boy didn’t look up from his brand-new iPhone, he walked to the counter and didn’t even look at Remus.
“A black coffee and a blueberry muffin,” he said, texting on his phone.
Remus had a smirk and laid his arms on the checkout counter. The muffin was his, it was 5.59.pm, he wasn’t going to work an hour more, Regulus always stayed at least an hour.
“We’re closed. Come back tomorrow.”
Regulus looked up fast, as it was the first time he had been denied something.
“Pardon me?”
Remus wanted to laugh at the face Regulus made. A small frown, a superiority look, soft pink cheeks, probably from frustration.
“You hear me, Black? We’re closed.”
“There is a blueberry muffin just here,” Regulus said, watching the pastry display. “And a black coffee will take you two minutes to make.”
“It’s 6.pm. I’m done with work, and the muffin is mine. Learn to read when a shop is open or not.” Remus shows Regulus the opening time. “I’m sure you can read numbers.”
When they looked back at each other, Remus had a satisfied look on his face, while Regulus’ eyes were darkened.
“Listen Remus, I’m just asking for-“ “You didn’t ask. You didn’t even say “hi”, or “please”, you just ordered. I’m not working for you. And my shift is over. So get out of the coffee.”
Regulus clenched his hand around his phone, his arm along his body.
“Why are you acting like that, you never used to be bitchy before.”
Remus shrugged, “Maybe I’m just bored to serve your ungrateful ass.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he knew he had gone too far.
“Wow… I see, yeah. Weeks without seeing you working here, and suddenly you hate my guts. Nice…”
Regulus walked away, holding the front door of the shop.
“I thought you were cool, you know? I liked the few conversations we had.”
“Suddenly realising poor people are interesting too?”
Regulus let go of the door. “What is wrong with you? Do you have a personal vendetta against me or what? I’ve always been the same since we met.”
“I just didn’t know who you were, that’s all.” Replied Remus, upset.
“You don’t know me!”
“I don’t want to anyway! A rich kid from mommy and daddy’s money, with a private chauffeur waiting for you outside and a Centurion Card. I don’t want to know someone like that!”
“Fine. Fuck you.” Regulus said, getting out of the coffee shop.
★
Three weeks. Three long weeks that Remus made his best to avoid Regulus when he knew he would come into the coffee shop to study or be with his friends. At first, he thought Regulus would have contacted his boss and made him be fired, or something like that, but none of that happened. He tried to act normal, to not let his heart rush when he heard the door open or mistook someone with short and black hair for Regulus.
It’s during his Monday morning shift that he saw Regulus for the first time after their… argument? Was it an argument or an awful way to treat a customer? Probably both. Regulus was accompanied by a boy, taller than him, but with the same eyes, same nose, same hair. Probably Sirius, his brother, the one with trouble with the law.
“Heya darling.” Said Sirius looking at the menu. “Mhh- I’m going to take a matcha please, and” He looked at the pastries. “A chocolate cheesecake please.”
“Sure.” Said Remus preparing the matcha and cutting the cake.
“Come on Reg, take something for fuck sake.” Whispered Sirius.
“I’m not angry.”
“He’ll take a black coffee and a blueberry muffin.” Said Sirius anyway.
Remus tried not to smile at their interaction, he was sure it was his brother now. He made their order rapidly, not bothering to make some small talk, he wasn’t in the mood anyway.
“You’re the one who put Regulus at his place, right?” Said Sirius, crossing his arms.
“Siri!” Said Regulus, upset, giving him a murderous look.
Remus looked up, noticing the tattoos around Sirius’s arms.
“I guess. I don’t know how many times your brother has beef with baristas.”
Sirius laughed. “Fair enough. You’re right anyway, he is a little bitch.”
Regulus was about to say something, but Sirius didn’t leave him the time to.
“You’re paying, by the way.” And Sirius left like that, walking to take a seat in the corner of the coffee shop.
Remus tried his best not to chuckle. Sirius and Regulus were so different and yet so similar.
“How much for it?”
“£14.05 please.”
Regulus paid, taking the tray where the matcha, cheesecake, coffee, and blueberry muffin were, but he didn’t leave right away.
“You need napkins or something?” Asked Remus while cleaning a cup of tea.
“Listen, I— for the list time, I want to say sorry, okay. But you were pretty aggressive too, to be honest. Yeah, I’m from the Black family, and I’m not ashamed of that. But all the societal problems are not because of me, okay?” He ran his hand in his hair, nervously. “And I think you should know me. Maybe you’ll like what you’ll see. But I’m not my family’s cliché or values. I’m just, Regulus.”
He pushed the muffin toward Remus. “As a peace offer. I like this coffee and the grumpy barista, I don’t want to come here like it’s a battlefield, okay?”
Remus looked at him, well aware of the gaze of Sirius on both of them.
“Fine. Just because there is the muffin.” Remus said, taking the muffin.
Regulus chuckled softly. “Thanks.”
★
Remus didn’t feel the need to avoid Regulus anymore, but he didn’t feel the need either to take a shift at the same time Black was in the coffee shop. He simply tried not to really care, which wasn’t successful. When he was bored, which happened often, he found himself opening his laptop and searching about the Black family. The scandal about money laundering the Bank did, or at least, didn’t declare, the stock they had in obscure private funds, or even some tax evasion some of the family members did. Remus was pretty sure it was just the tip of the iceberg, but for some reason he didn’t truly want to know more. Sirius and Regulus spent their whole scholarship at private schools, the most expensive one in England, probably even in the world. Sirius had an Instagram account but seemed to have been suspended, Remus wondered if it was by the platform itself or because the Blacks didn’t like what he was posting on it. And for Regulus, he seemed to have no social media at all, or at least, well hidden.
Around October, during one of his breaks, Remus was, as usual, eating his chicken and brie sandwich in the park. It was a cold afternoon, but Remus was a firm believer that there weren’t such things as bad weather, just bad cloth. He had a book opened on his lap — The Three Musketeers — and his headphones on his head, immersing him in a calm atmosphere. Until two cold fingers softly tapped his shoulder.
“James, not now,” he said, not even looking.
The cold hand softly made him slide his headphones down his neck.
“Not James. Should I be jealous?” Regulus said teasingly.
As Regulus took a seat next to Remus, Remus looked at him with a look of surprise, or maybe confusion, probably both.
“What are you doing here?”
“It’s a park, everyone can walk in a park, Remus. You should read the sign.” He said teasingly as Remus made the same statement when they had their argument, saying to Black he should read the opening hours of the coffee shop.
“Very funny, Black.” Lupin said, rolling his eyes.
“That’s one of my qualities. I have a lot of them.”
“Being humble is not one of them.” Replied Remus.
Regulus chuckled, looking down at the book Remus was reading.
“A classic. I see.” Regulus looked up, noticing that Remus didn’t stop looking at him. “Who’s James, by the way? A boyfriend I should be aware of?”
Remus scoffed. “My personal life is not something you need to be aware of.”
“The issue is that I want to be aware of your personal life. You see, grumpy barista,” Regulus said, fiddling with the sleeve of Remus’s sweater. “I like the idea of knowing you better.”
“You see, entitled brat, I like the idea of a peaceful and unbothered life.” Said Remus with the same tone Regulus used.
“I’m not a bother, nor is it peaceful. Quite the opposite.” Regulus started to feel his cheeks hot as Remus didn’t break the eye contact. “I have a dinner party at my flat next Saturday. Wine, cheese, bread, board games, jazz, and candlelight. I would like it if you could join us.”
“Us?”
Regulus nodded, moving his thumb on his bottom lip, a nervous habit.
“Sirius, my brother, you already met him. Evan, the blond guy I’m having a coffee with every Monday morning. And Barty, his boyfriend, the guy with the piercing on his lips and elbows. You can come with this, James, your boyfriend, right?”
Remus chuckled, finding amusing how Regulus wanted to know if James was his boyfriend or not.
“He is not.”
“Mh— Interesting. Someone else has this place already perhaps?”
“Perhaps not.”
Regulus smiled, nodding. “Very well then. Invite him anyway, it will keep Sirius company.”
Remus chuckled. “What makes you think I will come?”
“It will be a good way to make yourself forgive me for the awful things you said to me.” Regulus pouted dramatically. “I’m still very hurt.”
Remus laughed, looking up. “Fuck sake… Alright.”
Regulus stood up. “Give me your phone.”
Remus lifted his eyebrow, “I think you forget something.” He smiled seeing Regulus rolling his eyes.
“Please, give me your phone Remus.”
He pulled out his phone, an old phone with a non-existent screen play.
“What is that? A dumb phone?”
“Yeah, just shut it and put your number in it.” Replied Remus.
And that’s what Regulus did, he also called himself on his personal phone, to have Remus’s phone number.
“I’ll text you the address. It’s a casual dress code, don’t worry.”
Remus chuckled. “I didn’t worry, I don’t do other than casual anyway.”
Regulus stayed here, standing in front of Remus.
“You should go, you’ll be late for your work.” Regulus said softly.
“Sure, I’ll see you Saturday, maybe.” Teased Remus as he stood up.
He was way taller than Regulus, which made Black a bit frustrated.
“Not “maybe”. I see you Saturday.” And Regulus walked away, only smiling when his back was facing Remus.
★
“I’m sure they’re going to sacrifice us and drink our blood. Rich people do that, right?” James said, getting out of the elevator — who smelled really good. “Fuck, what if they eat us? Maybe we are the meal?”
“Shut up, for fuck sake, James! I should never have made you a Reddit account.” Remus said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
James brushed the dust off his jacket, obviously nervous. Remus knocked on the door of Regulus’s apartment, trying to act like all of this was normal and not weird at all.
“I just don’t want my dick to be cut when I’m still alive, Rem’…”
“James, just shut the fuck up for fuck—” Remus stopped as the door opened to a blond man, Evan, if Remus remembered correctly.
“Hey! You must be James! Hi Remus, how are you, mate?” Said Evan, shaking James’s hand and hugging Remus rapidly.
They were both invited into the flat, and James’s thoughts seemed to disappear as Evan started to make jokes. Remus stayed on the door mat, closing the door and looking around. He saw Sirius pushing Regulus towards him, and finally walking in his direction.
“Hey, thanks for coming.”
“Sure.” Remus said, offering a plant in a pot. “It’s a housewarming present. It’s a Pelargonium. You have to water it from time to time. I made you a note on the back, just in case.”
Regulus smiled, taking the plant. “Thanks, you shouldn’t have.”
Remus nodded, a bit uncomfortable. The flat was big, at the entrance was a big kitchen on the right, and the living room was without a doubt the double size of Remus’s studio.
“You want a drink?” Ask Regulus asked, noticing how Remus seemed out of place.
“Yeah, thanks.”
“White, red, champagne, prosecco, whiskey, vodka?” Regulus asked as he walked to the open kitchen.
“Uhm, red wine sounds fine, thanks.” Remus said as he removed his jacket.
He gave a quick look at the living room, noticing James was speaking with the three other guests.
“He is cute.” Said Regulus, giving Remus his glass of wine.
“James?” Asked Remus while nodding politely as he took the glass. “Yeah, a true heartthrob.”
Regulus pinched his lips, before drinking his glass of white wine. Remus tried not to act surprised when he took a sip of his glass, it was the most exquisite and probably the most expensive wine he ever tasted.
“You have always been friends? You and James, I mean.” Asked Regulus, faking arranging some cheese on a charcuterie board.
“Yeah, since kindergarten. Our family used to live next door to each other. And if your question implies if we dated, the answer is no. But we were both our first kiss, when we were four. I hope I don’t break your heart with this news.”
Regulus chuckled, trying his best not to blush.
“I’m not jealous.”
“Of course not.” Remus said teasingly. “Need help with something?” He said looking around the kitchen.
“Yeah, serve a drink to James, I don’t know what he is drinking.”
“All depends if you want to see him pass out or not. White wine will be fine for him.” Remus said as he opened a bottle of white wine and poured a glass. He tried to remember the name of the bottle to check the price once he got home.
As Regulus and Remus joined James, Evan, Barty, and Sirius in the living room, Remus started to relax a bit, feeling more comfortable with James around. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Sirius, Evan, or Barty, nor Regulus, it was more that James and he knew each other since babies and that the couch they were both sitting on was probably at a six-digit price tag. And that made Remus uneasy.
James didn’t seem to be bothered by any of it, he was in his element, meeting new people, having a conversation with them, asking questions, listening, the perfect situation for an extrovert. Remus tried to speak a bit too, but in reality, he just answered some questions Evan asked him. Sirius had noticed his introvert demeanour and didn’t try to push further questions, while Barty wasn’t confident enough to ask questions; he didn’t trust himself not to ask weird and inappropriate questions; he needed a few more drinks for that.
“And, do you have someone in your life, James?” Asked Sirius with a melodic voice.
Remus chuckled silently, noticing how Sirius was suddenly way more flirty with James, his arms behind James on the couch, the older Black batting his eyelashes in a soft manner.
“Can I smoke on the balcony?” Asked Remus in a whisper to Regulus.
“Yeah, sure.”
With a small smile, Remus stood up, walking rapidly towards the entrance where he left his jacket, took a cigarette and a lighter, and walked to the balcony. As he closed the door and noticed Regulus’s gaze on him, like he was scrutinising his actions.
“Fuck sake, seriously?” Whispered Remus as he watched how big the balcony was.
It had multiple kinds of flowers on it, a small citrus tree, a wooden table with six chairs around it, and a cosy corner with a couch in wood and a lot of cushions on it. Remus ran his hand through his hair, knowing for a fact all the furniture was even more expensive than the price of his whole studio.
He rapidly lit his cigarette, needing nicotine and alcohol to survive to the evening. He hated being here, in the most expensive part of London, having a cosy night with the people from the most richest and wealthiest family in the world, like everything was normal, like they were the same.
“Not too cold?”
He took a drag of his cigarette before turning his head to the left.
“No, I’m fine.”
“You don’t look like you’re enjoying the evening.” Said Regulus, holding himself as it was a bit chilly outside.
“Not my kind of party.” Remus replied, looking away, bringing his cigarette to his lips.
“What’s your thing then?” Regulus took a step closer. “Nightclub? Romantic restaurant? Walk in a park?”
“Somewhere where the wine doesn’t cost my annual rent, for a starter.” Remus said, a bit bitter.
“I always treat my guests with the best.” Said Regulus, trying to ease the conversation.
Remus scoffed, “You think I couldn’t treat my guests well if I didn’t offer a Dom Pérignon? Or a cheese imported from France in a private jet?”
“Listen… I know you’re upset because my family has money, but—“
“I’m not upset because your family has money, I’m upset because in this world it’s possible to have that much money. Billionaire type, nearly trillionaire in a few years. That’s what’s disgusting.”
Regulus pinched his lips together, looking away from Remus.
“But… I made my own money. I own a jewellery brand, a brand that I made myself.”
“With the money of your parents, don’t try to make me think having contacts in the luxury world, and parents to help you with your business made you a self-made man. It doesn’t, Regulus.” Replied Remus, looking back at him. “You are in another world, far from reality, a small and exclusive bubble of rich and condescending people.”
“Then why are you here if I’m so disgusting in your eyes?”
Remus shrugged. “Curiosity, I guess.”
“Could you give me a chance at least? To prove to you that, yes I’m rich but not the asshole type of rich.”
“For what? Huh? Show me that you can have everything just because you want to? Or that after all you have some deep personality without all that money?”
“James seems to like us, maybe if you tried to know me, you could like me too.”
“James could be friends with some stray raccoons.”
Regulus chuckled, not impressed by Remus’s tentative push to push him away with his remarks.
“Come on, I’m not backing down… Give me a chance. I won’t beg another time.” Said Regulus, taking Remus’ cigarette, smoking it without breaking eye contact.
Remus wasn’t impressed, but smiled a bit as Regulus’ chin was up, trying to match their height difference.
“I have some conditions then.”
“I’m listening.” Said Regulus, blowing up the smoke.
“No more parties like this, with expensive shits. You stop being a silver spoon brat. And you were your hair down.” Remus said, taking back the cigarette between his fingers, voluntarily touching Regulus’ fingers.
Regulus’ eyes drifted rapidly from Remus’ eyes to his fingers, before getting up to his lips and back to his eyes.
“Fine.”
“Like, right now,” Remus said, smoking softly.
“Hair down won’t match my fit.”
“I don’t give a shit.” Remus blew some smoke at Regulus’ nose. “We have a deal or not?”
Regulus rolled his eyes. “You’re boring.” His hand went up behind his head, removing the low bun he had, and the soft wind shook his hair. “Happy now?”
“Yeah, very much.”
“Let’s get back inside. I’m freezing to death.” Regulus said, trying to imply the red of his cheeks was because of the cold.
As they went back inside, some laughs could be heard from James and Barty playing a card game, making fun of how Evan and Sirius were terribly losing.
“I swear to God you’re cheating! Both of you!” said Sirius, slapping his cards on the coffee table.
“I’m just naturally good at anything.” replied James, smirking.
“Anything? You sure?” teased back Sirius.
“Hundred percent sure,” smirked James before drinking his wine.
Remus didn’t comment on that, silently laughing.
“Who will make the first move?” whispered Barty to Remus. “I bet £10 on Sirius.”
Remus chuckled, looking at him. “I bet £20 on James for sure.”
The evening went by, with an embarrassing flirt between Sirius and James, a lovely eye contact between Evan and Barty, and weird avoiding conversation between Remus and Regulus. After a few bottles down, Remus felt his cheek a bit hot, and his mind less clear.
“I can make some pasta if anyone is hungry?” said Regulus, standing up from his chair, stretching enough to make his sweater revealing his lower stomach.
Remus tried not to lick his lips, but he wasn’t sure himself if he did or didn’t.
“Pasta sounds great,” he answered, looking up at Regulus’s face, unashamed of being caught staring.
“Truffle on top for me,” said Barty, kissing Evan’s neck.
Regulus rolled his eyes and walked to the kitchen, perfectly aware of Remus’s gaze on him, or perhaps his ass. That’s why he rolled his hips this way.
“Probably should help him, he can burn pasta even without fire,” whispered Sirius to Remus. “Just saying he should need the help of someone, you know.”
Remus finished his glass in a rapid sip and walked to the kitchen, letting Barty and Evan nearly make out on the couch, and James and Sirius wishing to do the same.
“Need help?” He said, leaning against the wall. “I figured a spoiled brat like you wouldn’t be able to cook without poisoning us.”
Regulus showed him his middle finger, which made Remus laugh softly.
“Should the water be boiling before or after I put the pasta in?” He said teasingly.
“Need a cooking coach now?”
“You offered help. I think I need someone to teach me.” Regulus said with puppy eyes.
Remus rolled his eyes, leaving the wall he was leaning on to walk towards Regulus.
“You don’t have any skills except being pretty, huh?” Remus rhetorically asked while pulling his sleeves up and washing his hands.
“You think I’m pretty?”
“Switch on the gas before I choke you with your fucking truffles.”
Regulus laughed, a sound Remus was starting to be fond of. He filled a pot of water and put it on the gas before looking around, trying to find some condiments.
“I didn’t know you were a chef.” Said Regulus while opening the fridge and putting out some cheese, butter, tomatoes, and herbs.
“You don’t know anything about me when you think of it. It’s irresponsible of you to invite a stranger into your house.” Remus said while washing some tomatoes, before cutting some garlic.
“What can I say… Pretty face makes me dumb…”
Remus chuckled, looking up. “Do you have olive oil? It’s better for the pasta.”
“Yeah, sure.”
Regulus pulls on his hair on the side, looking for olive oil, trying not to blush as he feels Remus’ gaze following each of his movements.
“I like your hair down like this. Suits you better. It’s giving you a more wild look.” Remus said, putting back Regulus’ hair.
“Your hand smells garlic.” Regulus said, trying to pretend he didn’t hear Remus or didn’t feel his hand in his hair.
“That’s what happens when you touch garlic. You don’t like it? It’s good for your heart.” Remus said, moving his hand over Regulus’s cheek.
“Not good when you want to kiss someone. And for your heart, I know some cardio can be as good.” Regulus said while eating a piece of tomato, well aware of the small drop of juice rolling from his bottom lip to his chin.
Remus raised an eyebrow, surprised by how Regulus was flirting with him. A small smirk appeared on his lips, and he moved his hand from Regulus’s cheek to his jaw, his thumb wiping the tomato juice.
“Hey! If you want to fuck my baby brother, do not do it in the kitchen while I’m here, okay!?” Screamed Sirius from the couch.
Regulus looked suddenly toward his brother, throwing a wooden spatula at him. “Then don’t fuck James on my couch, asshole!”
Some laughs warmed up the apartment. And Remus looked back at the tomatoes he was cutting.
“Sorry for that.” said Regulus, adding some salt to the water.
“That’s fine. I won’t fuck you in the kitchen right now, don’t worry.” replied Remus, pretending this sentence was absolutely normal to say.
After Remus finished preparing the meal and put the pasta in the boiling water, Regulus disappeared for a few minutes. And when he came back, his cheeks were a bit red and his hair a bit disheveled. No one in the living room seemed to pay attention to it, but Remus didn’t miss it.
“You’re okay?” he asked, serving the pasta in some bowls he found on the kitchen shelves.
“Yes, thanks for… basically cooking the whole meal.” Regulus said, avoiding eye contact.
“No worries. Couldn’t let you do that all alone, huh?” Replied Remus in a teasing tone before giving a bowl to Regulus. “Tell me if you like it.”
Regulus grabbed a fork before eating the pasta, suddenly looking at Remus. “Fuck, that’s really good.”
“Why are you so surprised by my culinary talent?” Remus said, holding two bowls before going to the living room and serving Evan and Barty, before coming back.
“I should hire you as my personal chef.” Regulus said, eating again.
“Or maybe try to be friends with me and let me teach you how to cook and survive on your own? What about that?” Remus said, holding two other bowls.
Regulus nodded, his mouth full.
“Be careful, you have sauce on the corner of your mouth,” Remus said with a wink before going back to the living room.
Regulus did his best to choke on the pasta and rapidly wiped the corner of his mouth before taking Remus’s bowl and joining him in the living room.
“Thanks.” whispered Remus as he watched Regulus sitting next to him.
James noticed how they both looked at each other, and for a moment he wondered if he had messed something up between them, but found himself distracted again when Sirius laughed softly.
As the evening was dying out, James and Remus were on helping with the dishes before getting ready to leave.
“You can stay here if you want, I have some guest rooms.” Said Regulus, holding his chest, strangely shy.
“Nah, we’re good. I don’t like sleeping in strangers’ beds.” Said James, closing his jacket.
The sentence made Sirius confused for a moment.
“Was nice anyway, thanks for the invitation.” Said Remus politely.
“Anytime.”
Regulus had that drunk smile on his face, but he wished Remus could stay longer.
★
Regulus was torturing himself for four days, wondering if he should text Remus, go to the coffee shop and act like they hadn’t flirted the whole evening, or if he should ignore him and wait for him to beg for his attention. Which, from what he knew about Remus, was less likely to happen.
“Not used to not being pursued, huh?” Teased Sirius while tapping on his phone.
“Shut up, Siri. I’m just… leaving him some space. I don’t want to make him feel I’m desperate.”
“But you are desperate for him, Reggie. It’s all over your face. And you were practically bent over the kitchen counter the other day, nearly begging him to—“
“Shut up! Who are you texting anyway? It’s our brother night!” Pouted Regulus, trying to see Sirius’s phone.
“James. He sent me a pic of his abs. He’s going to be my favourite ice cream.”
“You’re disgusting.”
“Jealous. Text Remus, he is with James right now.” Sirius said, texting again, chuckling silently as some texts James sent him.
“You’re a pathetic whore.” Replied Regulus, looking at the movie neither of them were paying attention to.
A few hours went by, Sirius had left his phone on the coffee table, smiling every time the screen lit up as James was sending him messages.
“You’re ignoring him?” Regulus asked, eating popcorn.
“No. Making him needy.”
“He’s a nice guy, don’t play with him like that.”
“It’s just a bit of teasing.” Sirius drank his diet Pepsi. “And… Yeah, he’s a nice guy, I like him to be honest.”
“Do you think Remus likes me too?” Screamed Regulus on a pillow.
“You’re pathetic.” Said Sirius watching back his phone when James sent him another text.
★
“Should I text him?” Remus said, looking at the ceiling. “If I do, he’s going to think I like him, and if I don’t, he’s going to think I don’t. But if I do too early, he’s going to think I’m under his charm, which I am, but I can’t let him know about it, and if I text too late, he will find someone else. I don’t want to be nonchalant, but I don’t want to be over the top.” He face-palmed, screaming slightly. “I can’t date a Black person seriously. Have you seen his flatmate? And I don’t want to be like him. I mean, you know what I mean, huh?” Remus looked up at James, but James was on his phone.
“Yeah, sure, bro.”
“Pete?” Asked Remus.
Peter looked up from his Nintendo switch. “Honestly, man, it’s been four days. You can text him, asking him for a date or something.”
“Nah, I can’t.”
“Then deal with him being with someone else one day,” Peter said before continuing his game of Mario Kart.
“Fuck… You’re right…” Replied Remus by taking his phone.
“He’s with Sirius, by the way. I can ask him how he’s reacting to your text.” Said James.
“No, don’t! What are you talking about with Sirius anyway?”
“Well—”
“Please. No.” Interrupted Peter. “I’m too pure for that.”
Remus went to Regulus’s contact in his phone, opening the text app. He tried to type some words, but wasn’t happy with the result, even after multiple attempts.
“I’m going to smoke.” He said, walking to his small balcony and closing the door. “Just a phone call, nothing crazy.” He said to himself as he pressed the call button on his phone.
After a few minutes of ring tone, he heard a noise, like a door closing, and finally heard Regulus’s voice.
“Hey.”
“Hi.” Remus said, smiling. “I thought I should call you, asking you if you’re surviving the awful lovemaking between your brother and James.”
Regulus chuckled, and started to walk into his room. “No, that’s disgusting. I might pass out if I see Sirius giggle once more.”
Remus chuckled softly, “Yeah, same here. I think they really like each other, to be honest.”
“Seems like it, yes. Never saw Sirius being serious with someone.” Regulus said before sitting on his bed. “How are you?”
“I’m fine. And you?”
“Fine too.” Regulus said before a silence started to build between them. “Missed your voice.”
Remus smirked softly, holding his phone tightly. “Yeah? Why that?”
“I don’t know, I just like it.” Regulus said, closing his eyes.
Remus hummed, looking up at the sky. “You know Regulus is a star, right?”
“Of course. Our parents named us because of stars, it’s a family thing. Why?”
“No reason. I find it cute, that’s all.”
Regulus smiled, “Me or the star?”
“Both.” Remus said taking a drag of his cigarette.
A soft and comfortable silent build-up between the two of them. The old phone of Remus made a low hum, that Regulus could hear, but he didn’t bother him.
“I was thinking. Maybe you could… come over? One day, if you want, I mean.” Remus said, running his hand on his face. That was pathetic, he thought.
“To your place?” Asked Regulus, opening his eyes suddenly.
“Yep. It’s obviously smaller than your flat, but way cooler.” He answered, smiling. “We could, I don’t know, watch a movie, cook together like last time.”
“You mean me watching you cook and me disturbing you while you cook, right?”
Remus smiled. “Yeah, something like that. Or just ordering something.”
Regulus smiled, not answering right away, just wanting to build the tension.
“Sounds great.” He said quickly, unable to wait longer. “Should I bring something?”
“Nope. We’ll drink cheap wine, a huge bag of chips, and you won’t complain or bring anything at all.” Remus insisted.
Regulus chuckled. “Fine.” He said, already knowing he’ll bring chocolate, remembering Remus told him during the party four days ago he really liked chocolate.
“Hair down, otherwise the deal doesn’t work.” Remus insisted.
“Of course.” Regulus sat on his bed. “I should go, Sirius is being dramatic.”
“See you, Friday, let’s say?” Remus asked, unsure.
“Friday, your place. Perfect.” Regulus said, smiling like an idiot.
“See you.”
“Bye.”
★
Remus’s studio was well decorated: he had a couch, a coffee table, a TV, a road table with four chairs, a double bed hidden behind some curtains, and a multitude of bookshelves everywhere. His kitchen was simple: a fridge, an electric cooker, an oven, a sink, and a few drawers. But today, his place seemed too small, not good enough. It was warm, yes, he lighted a few candles, not for a romantic purpose, but just because it’s something he always did, the tv was on a random documentary about history, he had pre-made lasagna and they were grilling in the oven, his apartment immersed in a delicious smell. But he was scared it wasn’t good enough for Regulus, and he nearly wanted to cancel their date. Was it even a date? He didn’t know it himself.
As his mind was starting to overthink, he heard the intercom ring. And without even answering it, he pushed a button to open the building door, before getting out of his flat and walking downstairs.
It’s only when he saw Regulus that his mind shut down.
“I said you didn’t have to bring anything.” Remus said, noticing Regulus’s package in his hands.
“Ha, it’s strange, I don’t remember that.” He said, smiling as Remus stopped in front of him.
“Hey.”
“Hi.”
They smiled softly, before Remus made a small head gesture toward the stairs. “You’re coming?”
“Yeah, sure.”
As they both entered in Remus flat, the latter was anxious, he tried to analysed Regulus expression.
“You were right, you’re flat is way cooler than mine.” Regulus said before finally looking at Remus.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” Regulus removed his shoes and jacket, trying his best to not blush when Remus took it before putting it on a chair. “Smells good.”
“Lasagne. My mother’s recipe. Thought I wouldn’t risk making you cook.”
“Hey! I’m not that bad!” Regulus said, standing awkwardly. “Uhm— That’s for you, by the way.” He said, giving the small package to Remus.
“Thanks, but you really shouldn’t have.”
“Shut up, open it.”
Remus scoffed before opening it. “How did you—”
“I asked Sirius to ask James what your favourite chocolate brand was. I must admit, Charbonnel et Walker are my favourite too.” Regulus said, taking a step closer.
“Thanks, that’s very sweet of you.”
“You’re welcome. Thought it might make you smile a bit.” He said, brushing some hair from Remus’s face.
“That worked.” Remus said, chuckling, liking the proximity Regulus decided to make.
“Would you mind if I hugged you?” Questioned Regulus asked nervously.
“Not at all.” Answered Remus answered before putting the chocolate box on the dining table.
Regulus pulled down his sleeves as a nervous tic.
“Didn’t think you liked hugs.” Said Remus, smiling at Regulus’s shyness. He took a few steps closer. “Come here.” He whispered, opening his arms.
Within seconds, Regulus let himself be held by Remus. The strong arms of the older man wrapped around Black, as a soft but protective hug. Remus’s hands moved softly on the lower back of Regulus and behind his neck, delicately pressing his body to hug him, feeling that Regulus was slightly unsure if he could.
“You okay?” asked Remus softly.
“Just wanted to do that for a long time,” he whispered against Remus’s chest, “Your sweater is soft.”
Lupin smiled and rested his chin on top of Regulus’s head, his fingers softly playing with some hair along Regulus’s neck.
“I knew you’d give the best hugs…” Said Regulus, moving his hands from Remus’s back to his hips.
Remus smiled softly, rubbing his hand on Regulus’s lower back. “Glad you like them.”
Regulus nodded softly, listening to Remus’s heartbeat. They stayed like that for a few minutes, comfortable in each other’s embrace.
“You smell good.” Whispered Regulus. “Old books and coffee.”
“Yeah? You like it?” Asked Remus, his hand softly caressing Regulus’s neck.
“Of course I like it.” Regulus looked up. “Anyway…” He said looking into the deep brown eyes of Remus.
“Take a seat, I’ll make us tea.” Remus said brushing some hair from Regulus’s face.
As Remus walked to the kettle to pour some water in it, he tried not to show Regulus the big and idiotic smile he had on his face. He took a cup of tea from an old Royal Albert set his grandpa offered him when he moved into his own flat a few years ago. “A real man knows how to serve a decent tea and have a decent tea set,” he said when he offered it to him.
“You read in French?” Asked Regulus asked, looking at some books on the shelves.
“I try, yeah.”
“I speak French. My parents used to send Sirius and me to some extended family in France during the summer holidays,” Regulus said, opening a book.
“Yeah, I know.” Remus mentally face-palmed himself when he said that.
Regulus looked up at him as Remus was setting the cup of tea on the coffee table.
“Did you…” Regulus smirked. “Did you Google me?”
“Pff… no.” Remus said, rolling his eyes. “Okay… just a tiny bit.”
Regulus laughed, shaking his head slightly. “What did you learn, stalker?”
“First of all,” Remus said, sitting on his couch, “I’m not a stalker. I was curious, it’s different.”
“What did this curiosity make you learn?”
“Well, expensive private school, you speak English, French, German, and Italian. And I’ve read your thesis about Latin culture, it was on the Oxford website. I didn’t have to dig too much, alright?” Said Remus, showing up his hand as a sign of innocence.
“Did you like it?” Asked Regulus, sitting next to Remus.
“Was alright.” He teased.
“Alright? 167 pages being alright? With the compliments of the director of the Latin department of Oxford and its “alright”? You’re kidding me, Remus.” Said Regulus, offended.
Remus chuckled softly, putting his elbow on the back of the couch, his body oriented towards Regulus.
“I’m joking, it was really nice, well written with good arguments.”
Regulus scoffed softly, before taking his cup of tea, warming his cold hands.
“I tried to stalk you too, but you just have a Goodreads that you barely update.”
“I’m not a fan of social media.” Remus whispered before playing with a curl near Regulus’ ear. “I just use my laptop to write and pre-order some books. That’s all.”
“You write? What kind?” Regulus asked, leaning his face closer to Remus’ hand.
“Poetry sometimes,” I signed. “But I’d rather write poetry in my notebooks to be honest. My laptop is for books. And I’ve written some thrillers and historical romances.” He said softly, captivated by Regulus’ eyes.
Was Remus already thinking of what kind of poetry he could write about him? Yes, that was for sure.
“Tell me more.” Whispered Black.
“The thriller is about a group of friends, one of them betrayed them for the anti-hero, who wants a social war between the poor and the rich. The friend who betrayed his friends ends up getting crazy, not supporting what he did. There are some deaths, two sides of the story, both tragic, etcetera.” Remus drank his tea, before getting his attention back on Regulus. “And the historical romance, it’s about Alexander the Great and Hephaestion, his great lover, even if some historians said they were friends.”
Regulus crossed his legs, trying to be more comfortable on the couch.
“What happened to the friend who betrayed?” He asked curiously.
“He killed himself, I think. I haven’t written to the end.” Remus said softly, taking Regulus’ ankles so his legs were lying on his lap. “Better?”
“Yeah,” answered Regulus, drinking his tea, trying not to blush — which he did regardless of his effort. “Alexander the Great lost his mind when Hephaestion died, right?”
“Yes, in a way he did. I can understand why, to be honest.”
“Yeah… Losing someone you love to death but are separated forever must be the most awful and insane thing to live.” Regulus said, laying his head on the back of the couch, his cheek held by Remus’ hand.
“He was the most powerful King of his time, maybe even from the world, no matter the era. And yet—”
“The death of his lover broke him like no wars broke him before.” Regulus said, finishing Remus’ sentence.
“Exactly.” He said, drinking his tea, his eyes not living Regulus’.
They looked at each other, silently. It wasn’t awkward, neither was it weird. It was a silent understanding between the two.
“Is that what you want? A tragic love story?”
“No. I want the opposite.” Remus said, rubbing Regulus’ cheek with his thumb. “A delicate, quiet, and peaceful love story. With gentle kisses, interesting conversations, passionate lovemaking, and trust.”
“And books.”
“Yes. And books.”
Regulus tried his best not to let his eyes fall on Remus’ lips, but failed.
“Is it strange if I want the same?”
“Why would it be strange?” whispered Remus.
“Don’t you think sometimes what you think or want is strange, even if others want the same?”
“Maybe, but who cares?” Replied Remus, rubbing his thumb on Regulus’ bottom lip.
“I have the feeling every wish I have is ridiculous.” He whispered, shivering under Remus’ thumb.
“Tell me your wishes. I won’t find them ridiculous.”
Regulus looked at him.
“Even if I wish to kiss you now?”
Remus looked up from Regulus’ lips to his eyes, slightly surprised.
“Even if you wish to kiss me now.” He replied, laying closer.
The tension in the room was charged with anticipation and need, until the kitchen timer rang, making them both jump scared.
“Shit! The lasagne.” Remus said, putting his cup of tea on the coffee table and walking towards the oven, turning it off.
Regulus lay his head on the back of the couch, looking at the ceiling a bit frustrated and blushed, his heart racing in his chest. He was never the type of person to fall in love quickly, he wasn’t sure he ever felt in love. He never was the type to kiss someone on the first date, or for the first time of being alone with his crush. But Remus was everything he wished for in his darkest nights, and during his brightest days too. He was smart, into books and history, he wasn’t impressed by his money, quite the opposite in fact, he was a chef — according to the amazing smell in his flat — he was gentle and kind. Remus teased Regulus just enough to make him aroused but never enough to make him uncomfortable. His fingers were delicate on his skin, making Regulus think he was the most delicate thing Remus had ever held in his hand. And that’s for every one of those reasons that Regulus wanted to kiss Remus so badly.
“You’re adorable when you’re pouting.” Said Remus standing in front of him.
“I am not pouting.”
Remus smiled softly, placing his two hands on each side of Regulus’ head.
“Yes, you are.” He said smiling softly. “Well? Aren’t you going to try to make your wish come true?”
“You’re not even going to kiss me first?” Said Regulus crossing his arms, faking being upset.
“You’re a brat.” Scoffed Remus. “Show me that you want it as badly as I want. Maybe I’ll be merciful.”
That turned on Regulus, who sat a bit more straight in the couch, before grabbing Remus’ sweater, forcing him to get closer.
“You’re absolutely gorgeous when you’re desperate.” Whispered Remus holding Regulus’ cheek.
“Shut up…”
“Make me Black.”
And that’s what Regulus did. He stretched from the couch, getting closer to Remus’ face, their noses practically touching. Neither of them broke the eye contact, surprising both of them as they were both usually uncomfortable with it, but how could they not get lost in the other’s iris? Regulus softly closed the gap between their lips, that was the only moment when they closed their eyes.
Remus heard a tiny moan from Regulus when he grabbed his hips and made him wrap his legs around his waist, holding him firmly by his back thighs. And Regulus smiled when Remus moaned softly as he started to open his mouth, their tongues twisting with one another.
Regulus grabbed Remus’ face, tilting it to the side so he could have better access. Without realising it, Regulus found himself sitting on Remus’ lap, when this one had his hands moved from Regulus’ thighs to his ass, rubbing it without shame.
“Got carried away?” Teased Remus when they tried to catch their breath.
“You’re the one who lifted me in his arms and are now touching my ass…”
“I admit. I got carried away.” Chuckled Remus.
Remus smiled softly, liking how good it made him feel to have Regulus sat on his lap, the man’s arms around his neck. Regulus leaned closer to his face again, and when Remus tried to kiss him, Regulus moved away slightly.
“Hey!” Protested Remus.
“Show me that you want it. Remember?” Teased Regulus like Remus had done it previously.
“You brat.” Mumbled Remus before getting one of his hands behind Regulus’ neck and pulling him closer into another kiss.
Regulus melted against Remus’ lips, adoring how controlling Remus was when he teased him just a bit. His lips had a taste Regulus knew he was starting to get obsessed with, a mix of coffee, tea, a bit of cigarette, chocolate, and cinnamon. Regulus smiled as he felt Remus shivering when he softly put his hands under his sweater, finally touching skin he had longed to touch for so long.
Remus broke the kiss, but didn’t stop worshipping Regulus’ lips with soft kisses, delicate licks and bites, provoking him with tiny moans that were driving Remus insane.
“You taste divinely good.” Whispered Remus by kissing Regulus’ neck.
“Glad you like it. I’m afraid you’re going to have to taste me a lot now.” Regulus said, unsure.
Remus chuckled against his skin. “I don’t mind the slightest.”
This sentence made Regulus relax, as if he knew Remus wouldn’t disappear.
“We can slow down, Reggie.” He said, feeling Regulus’ hands shake on his hips. “Kissing, speaking about books and teasing are enough, you know?”
Regulus nodded. “I’m not really—“
“Hey,” stopped Remus by holding Regulus’ cheek, “No explanations needed. If I make you uncomfortable, you tell me, okay? We won’t do something you don’t want. I’m not here for that.”
“You’re here for what then?”
“Just you. And I don’t want to fuck you like that. I told you: a delicate, quiet, and peaceful love story.” Remus whispered, kissing Regulus’ nose. “Don’t overthink, little star.”
Regulus let his forehead rest on Remus’, cursing himself for ruining this moment.
“You want some lasagne? And speak a bit more about your thesis?” Asked Remus in a loving way.
“Only if I can read some of your poetry.”
“We have a deal, darling.” Whispered Remus by kissing Regulus softly.
Remus stood up, softly lifting Regulus in his arms before sitting him on the couch again, leaving a forehead kiss before walking towards the kitchen.
“You want some wine with it?”
Regulus stood up, looking at Remus as he took good care of serving the lasagne on a plate.
“What do you have?”
“White or red.”
Regulus chuckled, “I mean, what is the name of the wine?”
Remus looked at him, raising an eyebrow, “Calm down, rich guy, I have a white and red wine, no name written on them.”
Regulus laughed, “White’s fine then.”
“Sit.” Remus said before putting the plates on the table.
“You don’t need help?”
“I’m good, sit.” He said kissing Regulus’ forehead again.
Regulus didn’t bother to protest, liking how Remus was taking care of everything. He sat, making sure to be on the closest chair from Remus’.
“My dear, tonight for dinner we have a white wine from Lidl.” Remus said with a voice that made Regulus smile.
“A classic.” He said smiling as he watched Remus pouring some wine into a cup of tea.
“I don’t have a wine glass, you’ll forgive me for that.”
Regulus smiled stupidly, “of course I will.”
It was an automatism, nearly a habit, when Remus put his hand on Regulus’ thigh as they started eating. It froze Regulus for a nanosecond, before he was used to it, liking the warm and rhythmic movement of Remus’ thumb.
“It’s delicious.” Regulus said when he ate the lasagne.
“Glad you like it, darling.”
They spent the dinner speaking, from politics to history, from their dreams to their fears. As the evening continued, they both grew closer to one another, nearly whispering to each other, laughing like teenage lovers.
“Fancy another drink on the couch? Or a tea maybe?” Asked Remus as he cleared the table.
“Wine is fine.”
As Remus and Regulus sat on the couch, Remus couldn’t bring himself to let Regulus sit too far away from him, and he wrapped his arm around his hips, dragging him towards his chest.
“You’re blushing?”
“No. It’s the wine.” Lied Regulus.
“You don’t have to be ashamed.” Whispered Remus, kissing Regulus’s neck. “That’s okay?”
“Yeah… It’s okay.” Said Regulus, closing his eyes, loving how tender Remus treated him.
At no time did Regulus feel it was sexual, or pushing, it was simply loving, and caring, not pushing Regulus’s boundaries.
“I like how tender you are with me…” He whispered. “I’m sorry I’m kind… block with physical affection, I don’t know how to do it.”
“It’s okay, Regulus. Kiss me when you want to, or hug me if you feel like it. I don’t mind you telling me what you want, even if you don’t know how to do it. Alright? No pressure.”
“Thanks.” He whispered before kissing Remus neck. “It’s okay? I do it correctly?”
Remus smiled, closing his eyes, “Yeah, do as you please,” he whispered adoring how the soft lips of Regulus were brushing and kissing his skin.
“Can I leave marks?”
Remus felt his eyes rolling by when he heard the question.
“Yeah, please.” He signed, hearing how desperate he sounded. “You can leave marks, I mean.” He said, wrapping his arms around Regulus’ waist, dragging him onto his lap.
Remus closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of his skin being sucked by Regulus’ soft lips. He tried to rest his heart, unsuccessfully. He squeezed his hands around Regulus’ waist, already smiling at the idea of having some hickeys made by him. As he felt some bite, he tried not to curse, not because it was painful, but because it was starting to get him worked up and he didn’t want Regulus to feel it.
“So… about your thesis? How long did it take you to write it?” Asked Remus, trying to act normal, not tense like he was.
“What?” Said Regulus, leaving his neck and looking up at Remus. “You don’t like it?”
“No, no, no. I do. I really, really do. But—” He sighed, rubbing his hand on his face. “You’re getting me worked up. Let’s just… keep kissing, alright?”
“Oh— Yeah, yeah, sure. Sorry.” Said Regulus, about to get up from Remus’ lap.
“Nope. Don’t go away. Stay here, tell me about your thesis, and if I can, let me kiss your pretty face while you’re explaining it to me.”
Regulus chuckled, a small blush covering his face.
“Alright.”
★
Regulus always had sleep issues, either he didn’t sleep at all or his sleep was as shitty as hell. So when he woke up, past 10.am. he thought he had had a coma or something. Until he heard a small and soft breath in his neck, brushing his skin like a delicate feather. He opened his eyes, looking at the ceiling, a small smile on his lips. Remus didn’t leave his side during the whole night, nor did Regulus leave his. He softly turned his head, looking at the man asleep at his left. Regulus had slept here, in Remus’s clothes he had let him borrow for the night, a sweat pant and a comfy sweater he didn’t want to leave.
For the first time, Regulus slept with someone who really seemed to care. They didn’t have sex, not because they didn’t want to, but Regulus was too scared to mess up what was between them, and he found himself even more fond when it didn’t matter to Remus. Regulus felt safe. Safe to be himself, to not sleep with someone just for the sake of it or because the other person wanted to. He was listening to himself, and Remus listened to him too. And for Regulus that was priceless.
“Hey baby.” Said Remus with a morning voice that nearly sent Regulus to heaven.
Regulus took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, “Hey love.”
Remus smiled softly, rubbing his hair before snuggling his head in the crook of Regulus’s neck.
“Did you sleep well?” He said softly caressing his stomach, just under the sweater.
“Yeah, I did. And yourself?” Asked Regulus feeling himself melting.
“Very well. Thank you.” Said Remus leaving a tender kiss on Regulus’s neck before sitting on the bed. “I propose we brush our teeth, just to keep the romance for at least the first morning, and to stay in bed, kissing, maybe ordering pizza and watching a movie for the rest of the day?”
Regulus chuckled, “Sounds great.”
★
The following week, Regulus and Remus didn’t leave each other’s side, they both called sick at work and spent every day together. The first few days, they stayed at Remus’ flat. Regulus tried to learn how to cook and bake, and they both ended up laughing on the floor, food burned or disgusting, and Remus ending up making pasta as Regulus kissed his neck, holding Remus from the back. The next few days, they started going to the museum, tasting some new coffee shops, buying books for each other, and ending up reading the same book at Remus’ flat, annotating it and discussing their thoughts after each chapter ended.
They ghosted everyone, answered quickly to their best friends, before getting back in their bubble, perfectly knowing it wouldn’t last forever, and that one day, the real world would call them again. But for now, it was just the two of them.