Jegulus Microfic

lifeguard (july 17) @jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic

past jegulus | 550 words | graphic pain / injury

It really is just like going to sleep. The terror bleeds away, and nothingness takes over so sweetly it’s easy to give in.

What Regulus didn’t know is how much the first breath hurts.

It is searing—a deep, ragged thing that comes waterlogged. He comes to choking, then coughing; his ribs flex and grind like his chest is made of gravel.

He’s going to be sick.

And he is. Violently so.

His whole being narrows to the slurry of lakewater and poison burning its way back up, how each heave seems as if it might snap him in half. He just wants it to stop, just wants it to stop, please stop, and, finally, after an eternity, it does.

“Is that it? Can you hear me?”

Regulus startles; his entire body lights up with agony. It’s nothing like he’s ever known before. He feels as if he’s chewed and swallowed and spit up glass, and still, he cannot help the sounds coming out of him. Every howl tastes of blood.

Someone scrambles over to cradle his face, their own swimming into focus. Relief floods him.

“Hey,” Sirius says over Regulus’s sobbing, “Hey. It’s alright, Reggie. No worries, mate. You’re fine. You’re fine. We’ll have you right as—as rain, don’t you—” His voice cracks and does not continue.

Another takes over.

“Hi, Reg,” James says simply, ripping Regulus right out of his pain and into the horror that he might actually be dead. He’s sopping wet. Stupidly, Regulus thinks to remind him that drying charms exist. His torn throat doesn’t work.

James gently, so carefully, lifts Regulus’s hand. When there’s no flinch or hiss, he smiles and—as if he’s still allowed to do such a thing—presses a kiss against scraped knuckles. Regulus forces a noise of protest.

“I know, love,” James coaxes, rubbing down his arm. “I know it hurts. I’m sorry about the ribs. I had to. But we’ll get you out of here, yeah? Just waiting on Remus and Lily. She’ll set you right. She’s a brilliant Healer.”

Regulus doesn’t have it in him to sneer. He has no qualms about relying on a muggleborn if she can stop this pain. He’d serve her for the rest of his second life. If he manages one.

James huffs a laugh. “Merlin. I can’t believe we actually found you.”

“We almost didn’t,” Sirius mutters. He sniffs. “Stupid bastard.”

Regulus has so many questions. He doesn’t know where to start, but he has to try.

“Where—?”

Is Kreacher? The locket? Your friends? You came alone, you fools? Have you any idea what perversion has been wrought here?

“We’re taking you home,” James says. “To the Hollow.”

Fuck. Seems like he’ll get what he always wanted after all. Collecting Blacks like trading cards.

With a shaky breath, James kisses the back of his hand again. Regulus tries to withdraw, and finds, to his horror, that his body does not listen.

“You should have come to us, love. Told us you switched sides. You know we would have helped.”

The adrenaline is ebbing away. Pain swells like a tide coming in. It threatens to take him again. It already is.

Regulus lets his gaze drift back to the cave ceiling, and does not correct him.

Couldn’t if he wanted to.

If he wanted to.

Prompt 23 - Swim

@jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic July 23, Word count 233

Previous part First part

When they finally went back downstairs, everyone was trying their hardest not to say anything. Effie gave anyone whose mouth so much as twitched the look, and they soon found a new interest to concentrate on.

“There’s food in the kitchen for your lunch, darlings,” Effie told them and realising how hungry he was, James pulled Reg out of the living room and into the kitchen.

Reg poked him playfully in the side as James tried to make them sandwiches.

“Hey!” He complained as he tried to butter their bread. “Do you want food or what?”

Reg pretended to think, tapping his finger on his bottom lip.

“Hmm, well, we’ve already had the or what, so I suppose food will have to do. Carry on.”

“Good,” James said, grabbing fat chunks of leftover hog roast and putting it in the sandwiches. For a second, he lost track of Reg and then a finger poked him in the side again. “That’s it!” He spun around lightning fast and grabbed Reg around the waist, hauled him into the air and hung him upside down.

“James! Put me down!” he squealed, wriggling as hard as he could, trying to get free.

“Nah, I think you could do with a cool-off. How about a swim in the pond?”

“JAMES!!!” Reg howled as James opened the back door.

“Oh,” Barty said, his hand outstretched to open the door.

Next part

Swim - Jegulus - @jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic - word count: 854

First, Previous

Regulus was just dozing off when his phone started ringing.

“’lo.” He mumbled as he picked up, a soft chuckle on the end of the phone made him smile.

“Hi, love.”

“Hi, James.”

“Did I wake you?”

“No,” Regulus tried to stifle the following yawn, but he was unsuccessful and James chuckled again.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have called so late.”

Regulus checked his watch and saw it was almost 11pm. “It’s okay, honestly, I’m glad you called. How’s Harry?”

James sighed heavily. “Pissed off and not talking to me. Well, after he was done shouting and cursing at me, anyway.”

A moment of worry passed through Regulus’ brain. “Because of me?” James paused for a second too long and Regulus sucked in a deep breath. “Because of me.”

“Yes, but not for the reason you’re thinking.” James rushed out, heading off some of Regulus’ panic. “He knows I’m bi, its never been a secret from him. It’s cause you’re a teacher at his school.”

Regulus didn’t know what to say. He couldn’t change the fact he taught at the same school.

“Oh.” Was all he could manage, so soft and quiet, he barely heard it himself.

“Sweetheart, don’t let it worry you.”

Regulus took a steadying breath. He didn’t want to say it, but he knew one of them had to.

“I’ll understand if you want to end things.”

“Absolutely fucking not.” James told him with such quick conviction that Regulus let out a quick bark of a laugh.

“But Harry,” Regulus started, controlling himself again.

“Harry is a little shit and will get over himself.” James grumbled.

“James.” Regulus used his best teacher voice to scold the other man.

“It’s true! I love him, of course I love him, but I’m not going to let one moody teenager dictate who I can and cannot date.”

“Are you sure?”

“Reg, sweetheart, there isn’t a single doubt in my mind about you.”

“You’re being silly.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

Regulus sunk back into the sofa cushions as he suddenly felt more relaxed. “No, I suppose not.” He answered with a smile.

“Good.” Regulus yawned before he could respond and James caught him. “Go to sleep, love. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Alright. James wait!” Regulus called into the phone before he could forget. “I left without the food you’d boxed up for me. Will you bring it in tomorrow? I was thinking we could have lunch in my office?” Regulus added a touch shyly.

“Already bagged up in the fridge so I don’t forget them and lunch sounds great.”

Regulus sighed happily. “Good. See you in the morning.”

“Sweet dreams, Reg.”

Regulus managed to drag himself up and into his own bed before he fell fast asleep, dreaming of what could have been if there hadn’t been any interruptions that night.

*

The next morning, Regulus was just getting out of his car when James pulled up next to him.

“Good morning, Reg.” James was bright and chipper and Regulus wanted nothing more than to kiss him. “You alright?” James asked quietly as he walked over.

“Yes,” Regulus pouted.

“Then why are you pouting?” James asked as they walked towards the doors into the school.

“Because you looked so sweet just now and I wanted to kiss you but remembered where we are.” Regulus admitted and then smirked as James nearly tripped over his feet.

“Reg,” James whined quietly. “You can’t say things like that just as we’re about to walk into the building.”

Regulus chucked. “Sorry.”

“N,o you’re not.”

They both laughed as James buzzed them in and held the door open, letting Regulus walk in first and humming to himself.

“What?” Regulus asked.

“Nothing, just imagining what you’ll look like on Saturday, all wet from the ocean, in your tiny shorts.”

Regulus kept his voice low and breathy. “Will you help me stay afloat if I forget how to swim?”

James kept his smirk low, there weren’t many kids around, but enough to see them flirting if they weren’t careful.

“With pleasure.” James purred as they entered the staff room.

“Ah, Regulus, there you are.” McGonagall calling his name made him jump. “Sorry to pounce on you first thing, but Remus has been pulled into this morning’s Governor’s meeting at the last minute and I need you to cover his first period class.”

“Oh, um, yes, that’s fine.”

“Excellent, thank you. Here are the workbooks they need to finish filling in and a copy of Remus’ notes.” McGonagall handed him a stack of papers and swept from the room.

As he made his way over to James and the kettle, a name on the first workbook almost had him dropping them all.

“Do you want a coffee, Reg? What did Minnie want? Reg?”

Regulus put the papers down. “She needs me to cover the for Remus during first period.”

“Alright? Are they a shit class?” James joked.

Regulus shook his head as he pushed the stack of papers towards the other man.

There, at the top of the stack, front and centre, was the workbook belonging to one, Harry Potter.

Prompt 24 - Tan

@jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic July 24, Word count 272

Previous part First part

James felt Reg tense in his arms and immediately righted him and set him on his feet.

“Where have you been?” Reg sneered. James noticed the overnight bag in Barty’s hand.

“Hotel. Effie and Monty thought it best that I wasn’t in the house while the wedding was taking place. I stayed at the hotel as long as they’d let me, but I didn’t have anywhere else to go, so I thought I might be able to sneak back in with no one noticing, but I guess that’s out,” Barty sighed, pushing his dirty blonde hair out of his eyes. “Look, I’ll just grab something to eat and go up to my room, alright?”

“James is making sandwiches. Want one?” Reg asked, his voice chilly, but not as bad as it was last time they’d spoken.

“If that’s not too much trouble,” Barty answered, looking to James. James shrugged and went back to making the sandwiches, grabbing another two slices of bread.

“Why are you so tan?” Reg scowled at Barty.

“I’ve been out in the garden a lot helping Monty. It’s relaxing, you know.”

“Here,” James pushed a completed sandwich over the counter to Barty and finished up his and Reg’s. “Where do you want to eat, love?”

“How about under the willow? We won’t be disturbed there, and it’s romantic.”

“Whatever you want, love,” James replied, knowing that Reg was goading Barty a bit. He grabbed a few more things and something to drink; might as well make it a picnic, and they wandered across the garden and dipped under the willow’s long fronds, leaving Barty alone in the kitchen.

Next part

Tan(ned) - Jegulus - @jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic - word count: 295

First, Previous

“It’ll be fine. Just, ya know, don’t draw attention to it.”

Regulus knew that James was trying to help him, but really, what kind of bs statement was that?

“Oh, really, James, you mean I shouldn’t let a class full of twelve year olds know that one of them caught me trying to get railed by their father.” Regulus angrily hissed in response.

James smirked and whispered back. “Railed by? You’re such a romantic, Mr. Black.”

“Don’t.” Regulus pointed a finger in the other mans face. “This isn’t funny, James.”

Regulus could feel the panic swelling in his chest and all he really wanted to do was be wrapped up in the strong arms, of the tanned Adonis standing in front of him.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. Look, Harry will sulk in the back of the class and as long as he doesn’t play up, you can probably get away with ignoring him.”

“Yes, yes, that’s true. Remus is always banging on about well-behaved his year sevens are.”

“See, you’ll be fine sweetheart.” James’ hand twitched, clearly wanting to reach out, but knowing he couldn’t. “But listen, if he does play up, you need to treat him exactly as you would any other student. Do not give him any special treatment, alright?”

Regulus nodded. “Okay, well, I’m gonna head up and get ready. Hopefully, they’ll just get on with their workbooks and the fifty minutes will pass without any issues.”

“Go on and I’ll see you at break.” James gave him a smile that could light up the darkest of rooms.

Armed with that smile and the coffee his, whatever, had made for him, Regulus nodded again and left the staffroom, telling himself to breathe as he headed to the classroom to face his fate.

Berries - Jegulus - @jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic - word count: 944

First, Previous

Remus’ classroom was, not messy, but definitely not as organised as Regulus’. It was very Remus in the way that it looked lived in and cosy, rather than just a normal secondary school classroom.

Regulus sat down behind the desk and read through the quick notes that Remus had scribbled for him. It all seemed pretty straight forward. Hand out the workbooks, one copy of the book per pair, tell them they have to complete the workbooks today, take them back in.

Easy.

Please, god, let it be that easy.

The bell rang in the hallway and Regulus took a few more calming breaths before he got up and let the class in.

Regulus hadn’t taught any of these students before, but he recognised a few of the faces as they filtered into the room. He recognised Harry right away and there was a brief second where Harry’s eyes looked like they were going to bug out of his head, before he ducked down and sat down at a desk at the back of the room. Regulus recognised the Weasley boy as he sat down next to Harry, by his flaming red hair and resemblance to his old brothers.

Once everyone was seated, Regulus called the class to order.

“Good morning.” He started.

“Good morning, sir.” A small chorus of voices replied.

“I am Mr. Black and I am covering for Mr. Lupin this morning.” He let his statement settle as he sat down to take the register.

Once everyone had been marked present, he came to the step he was dreading. Handing out the workbooks. He could have asked one of the students to do it for him, but, regardless of Harry being in the class, he wanted to learn who the other students were. It would help him as he saw them around the school.

“Mr. Lupin has left me your workbooks and they need to be finished today. When I read your name out, raise your hand, so I know who you are. I will need someone to hand out the copies of the books for me.”

A hand shot into the air. It belonged to a young lady with wild bushy hair, who looked like she was straining to be called on.

“Yes, miss?”

“Granger, sir. Hermione Granger. I can hand out the books for you. I know where Mr. Lupin keeps them.”

“Very well, thank you, miss Granger.”

The workbooks and textbooks were all handed out and Regulus set the class off to complete their work.

As the class worked away, either silently, or discussing quietly with their neighbour, Regulus had to admit he was slightly jealous of Remus for how well behaved this class were. He had no doubt that would change as they got older, but for now, Regulus was enjoying the quiet as he got on with his own work.

About halfway through the class, Regulus noticed what appeared to be a lively discussion going on between Harry, Ron, Hermione and another boy that Regulus had forgotten the name of. It made him smile to watch them debating the text so animatedly.

Hermione’s hand went up again and Regulus walked over to the little group, trying not to notice how Harry was still refusing to look at him.

“Yes, miss Granger?”

“Sir, we’re stuck on one of the last discussion points.”

“Alright, what’s the question?”

“It’s this scene with the berries.” Ron said with a furrowed brow. “We need to pick a side. Are we with Katniss or Peeta. But I don’t understand the difference.”

“It’s obvious that it was a bluff!” The other boy burst out. “Katniss knew they would never let both of them die. She says it herself, they have to have a winner.”

“Yes, Neville, but then why does Peeta get so sad?” Hermione pushed.

Regulus heard Harry mumble something. “Harry?”

The boy looked mortified to be called on and still wouldn’t look him in the eye. “Yes, sir?”

“It looked like you were saying something. Why do you think Peeta reacted the way he did?”

Harry chewed on his lip. “Um, well, I think it’s cause, for him, his feelings are real.”

Regulus smiled. “Go on.” He encouraged.

“Peeta tells the story right, of the first day he saw Katniss and then how he watched her for years. If you then look at what he did in the Capitol and in the arena? They both are doing what they do for love, but Peeta’s isn’t for a sister.”

“I think you might be right there, Harry. That’s a great observation.”

“Mate, how did you figure that out?” Ron asked him with a confused expression.

“Well,” Harry blushed ever so slightly. “My dad, he told me that when you really love someone, you start to notice every little thing about what makes them them and you never want to be without them. So, when Katniss gives Peeta the berries, Petta doesn’t know it’s a bluff. He thinks that it’s their chance to stay together forever.”

“I think that’s a wonderful thought, Hary.”

The other three jumped on the answer and started engaging Harry back into their conversation and Regulus left them to it.

As he sat down, he glanced up and caught Harry giving him a strange look, like the young boy was trying to work out a particularly difficult riddle. Then realising he had been caught, Harry ducked his head back down and carried on writing.

When the bell rang and the class filtered out, Harry gave him the tiniest of smiles and Regulus smiled back.

Maybe, just maybe, James was right and it would all work out. Slowly, but surely.

breadcat-xx

25.07.2026 - 251 words

@jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic - berries

“Is that really necessary?”

When Regulus asked James to show him the Animagus form he’d been bragging about ever since the beginning of their relationship, he didn’t expect to end up in this situation.

They’re in the woods that border the Potters’ property. They both agreed that this was the best spot to do it: it was private enough that they wouldn’t be bothered by anyone, and James would have plenty of space to roam freely.

He’s currently prodding his wet snout against Regulus’s sleeve. It’s a bit slimy, and Regulus winces a little. “Okay, okay…” He presses a hand to the top of the stag’s — well, James’s — head, gently guiding him away from his arm. “Got it. You’re still as clingy in your Animagus form. Surprise, surprise.”

James makes a snorting noise and turns his head away for a moment. His interest then seems to be piqued by a berry bush a few metres away. He makes his way over and starts chewing on it. The berries seem to be a real treat for him. Regulus wonders whether he should worry about them being poisonous.

As he watches from a short distance away, he can finally get a proper look at him. A majestic animal. James is in luck. His coat glistens in the faint sunlight filtering through the trees. Magnificent.

Regulus watches for a while until James lifts his head and looks at him curiously. “What?” he asks.

James snorts again, then starts walking.

“Where are you going?” Regulus follows in his wake. James doesn’t answer, of course, so Regulus simply follows him. It’s going to be a long day…

Prompt 25 - Berries

@jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic July 25, Word count 300

Previous part First part

They ate their sandwiches in comfortable silence, the light breeze swaying the willow’s leaves, making for a serene setting.

“I’m pissed off that I still have feelings for him,” Reg said suddenly, tearing the crusts from the edge of his sandwich and chewing on them thoughtfully.

“What do you mean?” James asked, not worried that Reg was about to declare his undying love for Barty and run off into the sunset with him.

“We were friends for a long time before we got together, and I miss that. I miss him, even though he was an absolute shit to me, and I miss Evan.” Reg looked so sad that James had to pull him onto his lap and hold him.

“You can be friends with him, you know. I won’t stop you, not that you’d let me,” James kissed Reg’s hair and continued. “You can start slow and see if that’s what you want. Maybe start with Evan?”

Reg furrowed his brow as he frowned in thought.

“Start with Evan? It would get Pandora off my back if I made up with him. Yeah, I think I'll do that.” Something seemed to lift from Reg’s shoulders as he relaxed against James’s chest. “Does your mum have any berries?”

“Probably, she was talking about making a Berry Chantilly cake at some point.”

“Good, I really want some strawberries,” Reg told him as he got to his feet and parted the Willows pendulous branches, creating a gap to walk through. James hopped to his feet and followed him back up to the house, where the kitchen was once again empty. Reg stole a few strawberries, and James helped himself to a handful of blueberries, and then they wandered out the back door again towards the woods at the bottom of the garden.

Next part

Grill - Jegulus - @jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic - word count: 776

First, Previous

When morning break rolled around Regulus found himself eager to see James and it then he was instantly freaking out about how much he wanted to see James. So, instead of going down to the staff room, he went to his office instead and as soon as the door was closed, he pulled his phone out of his bag.

“Aren’t you supposed to be teaching?” Barty asked by way of a greeting.

“And hello to you too.” Regulus rolled his eyes. “It’s breaktime.”

“Alright. So, why are you calling me?”

“Did I interrupt something?” Regulus bristled.

“Just cause I’m not currently working doesn’t mean I’m not busy. What’s happened?”

“Why does anything had to have happened? Maybe I just wanted to chat.”

Barty barked a loud laugh. “Regulus Black doesn’t just call for a chat. Especially, not in the middle of the working day.” Regulus sighed heavily.

“I’ve got a problem.”

“There it is. Is it Potter?”

Regulus choked on air. “How the hell do you know about James?”

“I have my sources. So, how close to running are you?” Regulus couldn’t answer and hated that Barty knew him so well. “Come on, Reggie. Tell Uncle Barty all about how the nice man is too nice. Is the sex shit? Is he boring? Is it cause Harry doesn’t like you?”

That pulled Regulus up. “Firstly, I did not call so you could grill me about my love life. Secondly, how do you know Harry’s name?” The silence on the other end of the phone was deafening. “Bartimus Crouch Junior, you tell me how you know Harry’s name!” Regulus demanded and he head his best friend let out a sigh of resolution.

“Pan’s dating his ex. Lily.” Regulus didn’t know what to say, so he started stammering down the phone. “Dude, calm down, I’ve got no idea what you’re trying to say.”

“How long have Pandora and Lily being seeing each other?”

“I don’t know, a couple of weeks, I guess.”

“And she’s met Harry?”

“Yeah. But she wasn’t trying to jump his mum when they did meet.” Barty joked and Regulus was mortified, again.

“Fuck sake. Does everyone, know about that? It was literally yesterday!” Regulus whined.

“Well, Pan and Lil were here when Harry text Lil to complain about it. It sounds fucking hilarious.”

“I hate you all.” Regulus’ head dropped to his desk and he groaned into the wood.

He was about to keep complaining to Barty when a knock at the door had him sitting up. “2 secs, Bee. Come in.” The door opened and a worried looking James stepped into the office.

“Oh, sorry, are you busy?”

“It’s alright, come in. Bee?”

“Is that him? Put me on speaker, I wanna talk to him.”

“Absolutely not, I’ll speak to you later.” Regulus hung up before Barty could say anything else. “Hi.” He smiled at James. “You okay?”

“I was about to ask you that. You didn’t come down and I was worried Harry had said something.” Regulus couldn’t stop his face from flinching. “He did say something didn’t he? I’ll kill the little git. What did he say?” James asked earnestly as pulled Remus’ chair over and sat close to Regulus, their knees slotting together.

“He was great, actually and I think he was coming round to me in the end.”

“So, why the face?”

“Because it’s not me he spoke to.”

“Sweetheart, I’m confused.” James’ brow was scrunched up and he looked so adorable, Regulus couldn’t help but smile and he rubbed the ridge that had formed at the top of his nose.

“So, you wanna know something funny?” James nodded as he leaned into Regulus’ touch. “Lily’s girlfriend, Pandora, she’s my best friends, twin sister.”

“Wait, wait, wait. You know Pandora and Evan?”

Regulus nodded. “Me, Evan, Pandra and Ev’s boyfriend, Barty were all at school together.”

“Well, shit. I can’t believe we didn’t meet until last week. Feels like we had so much wasted time.”

“Sap.” Regulus smiled coyly.

“Maybe.” James leaned in and snatched a kiss. “So, tell me. How bad is it?”

“How bad is what?”

“Whatever it is that Harry said to Pan.” Regulus pulled James’ chair even closer and dropped his head onto James’ shoulder. James’ hands were instantly rubbing his back. “Love?”

“Our entire mixed friendship group knows about last night.”

James’ hands stilled. “What?”

“Apparently, Harry text Lily and Lily was with Pandora, Evan and Barty. And I told Sirius and Remus.”

“Oh, I see.” James replied matter-of-factly. “Well, that’s one way to announce our relationship I suppose.”

There was a brief moment of silence and then suddenly both men burst out laughing.

picnic (july 18) @jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic jegulus | 490 words

“This is ridiculous.”

James’s hands pause in the basket, halfway through lifting out two champagne flutes. It’s an odd choice for them. They rarely touch the stuff, keeping it in the house only for the occasional celebration.

But Regulus would say the picnic itself is odd.

When he hears the word, he thinks of the quintessential summer scene. Daylight. A warm breeze. Itchy grass. The sort of thing he might enjoy if he cared for the outdoors.

He does not think of sitting in complete darkness beneath a new moon, with nothing but a firefly charm for light. He certainly doesn’t fucking think of sitting lakeside at the school he hasn’t seen nor wanted to see in nearly a decade.

“Er. What is?”

“Being here,” Regulus says, gesturing towards the Black Lake. “A night picnic. The whole thing, Potter.”

James huffs a laugh, but it comes humorless. He scrubs his hands on his trousers.

“Really? I thought you liked our night picnics.”

“We were teenagers and sneaking about. Frankly, I think we’re more likely to be caught now.”

“We won’t be caught,” James says for… oh, the millionth time in his life. “We’ve got permission, haven’t we?”

“Permission from whom? I—Sorry, do you mean to say you actually asked permission to do something? You?”

“‘Course I did. And I asked Minnie, didn’t I? Who else?”

Regulus stares. Oblivious, James continues carries on unpacking food. And... flowers, apparently.

“She says otherwise, but I know she’s always had a soft spot for me. You too, by the sound of it. Told me not two weeks ago she preferred having you in class to Sirius. Fair enough, really. Reckon we weren’t much better than a pester of pixies. And she was well pleased when she heard you’d left home, wasn’t she? Remember that? Wrote to you and all.”

Right. The rambling is a concern.

Regulus frowns. He glances down at the spread—freshly cut tulips, food a bit too fancy for eating on a blanket, chocolate strawberries. Then he looks past it, to the flicker of firefly gold catching on starlit water.

For a moment, he is sixteen again, secreted away in the dark by a boy who laughed too much and loved too hard; a boy who, on this very spot, told Regulus his entire family history before asking him to go steady.

Oh.

“Oh,” Regulus breathes. “Oh, Jamie.”

James freezes. “What?”

As he did then, Regulus pretends not to know what this means. Though his chest feels full, he recovers well enough to say, “Nothing. Just… Just thinking about what a good idea this was. Love a night picnic, me. We ought to do them more often.”

James beams and turns back to the basket, none the wiser. Regulus smiles after him. His throat is dry. He almost asks to crack open the champagne, but he can wait.

It’s for celebrations, after all.

And he has a feeling one’s coming quite soon.

missmoonfrost

In our time - a jegulus microfic

@jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic - July 21: Castle - Words: 254 - warning: implied sexual activities

“So, I was thinking about taking him to the boathouse for our next date”, Harry said with a faint blush. Honeydukes and The Three Broomsticks are great, of course, but it’s so long between Hogsmeade weekends.”

“Oh, that’s perfect! A nice view over the lake and you can go on a boat ride.” James grinned excitedly.

James' smile turned smug and he gave Regulus a nudge with his elbow. “I remember that one from our time, actually.”

Regulus frowned. “We never went on a date in the boathouse.”

“No… But other pleasant activities.” James wiggled his eyebrows.

“Ew! Dad!” Harry groaned. “Nope, definitely not the boathouse, then. How about the astronomy tower?”

James' smug grin said it all.

“What?! There too?” Harry put his hands before his eyes.

“I’m afraid so,” James said in a cheerful voice, “and the divination tower, and the abandoned stairwell in the Ravenclaw tower, and -“

“Is there nowhere in the entire castle you haven’t been?” Harry whined disgustedly.

“Don’t worry, Harry. Dad is just messing with you. The boathouse is a great idea”, Regulus assured.

Harry sighed in relief.

After Harry had left the room, Regulus fixed James with a look. For a moment, James thought that he was in trouble, then Regulus' lips curled into a small smile. “Please don’t scare our son more than you’ve already managed.”

“I won’t”, James said quickly. “Nice save.”

“Yeah, just as in our time.” Regulus’ smile deepened. “When we got caught in the broom cupboard near the Great Hall, remember?”

relax (july 19) @jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic jegulily | 430 words

The table is set, but dinner isn’t quite done. For three people who know each other as intimately as they do, the silence is awkward. But Regulus doesn’t talk much, anymore. And James doesn’t know where to start.

Lily does it for them, thank Merlin. “Love, how've you been getting on with the new medication?”

Regulus looks between them. James sits up straighter.

“It’s fine,” he says, as if he’d say anything else.

James slumps. “It isn’t fine,” he mutters, and despite Lily’s warning glance, he adds, “You’ve not been yourself lately, Reg.”

“There’s an adjustment period. That muggle healer said as much.”

“You’ve given it time, Regulus,” Lily cuts in before James can respond. “Longer than they asked you to, and it still doesn’t seem to be—It doesn’t seem to suit you, is all. It might only be the dose. I think you should mention it at your next appointment. I could come, if that helps.”

“Oh. Alright. That sounds good,” Regulus says, and James is so fucking tired of hearing those words. It’s all he ever says now—that’s fine, sounds good, sure, alright. James is acutely aware of how rarely Regulus has said darling or I love you.

James only realizes he has scoffed when Lily hisses his name. “You are not helping,” she says under her breath.

Regulus watches. He doesn’t roll his eyes or remind them of his presence. Instead, he simply says, “I think I’m hungry. Are we eating soon?”

James makes an incredulous noise. “You think?”

Lily digs her heel into the top of his foot until he hisses. She smiles a tight, practiced thing. “The stew’s just about done, love. Do you want that or something else?”

Regulus’s gaze drops to the table in thought. James already knows what he’s going to say. He almost can’t bear to hear it.

“I’ve got him,” he mutters, rising to his feet so fast his chair scrapes. Then, knowing the answer and bitter because of it, “Honey or marmalade, Regulus?”

There’s a long pause as James gathers the bread, butter, and a knife. He slams as much as he can along the way. Still no response. James does not turn to look. He braces his hands against the worktop and tries to steady his breathing.

Finally, Regulus says, “I like both.”

James wishes it meant something. “I know you do,” he says, voice going weak. He clears his throat. “I know you do, Reggie. How about I make you both, then?”

“Sounds good,” Regulus says, and it takes James an entire minute to unclench his jaw.

relax (july 19) again! @jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic

jegulus | 327 words | explicit NSFW; transmasc Reg

Damp - Jegulus - @jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic - word count: 639

First, Previous

“Oh, my god,” James spluttered as the two men tried to get their laughter under control.

“Don’t, I’m actually bloody mortified!” Regulus chastised through his own tears. “That poor boy. I’m not surprised he told his mother what had happened.”

“I know, I know, but honestly, I don’t think I could’ve planned a better way to tell people about us. You have to admit, it’s one hell of a story.”

Regulus bit his bottom lip as James continued to chuckle and calm himself down. That was twice he had said that. Called them an us.

“Reg?”

“Sorry, what?”

“Where did you go just now?”

Regulus panicked and so instead of asking what he really wanted to ask, he decided to distract James instead. “I just got distracted thinking about you standing on that dock, water dripping off you, looking all delectable.” Regulus licked his lips and smirked as James tracked the movement.

“Well, damn, Reg, way to wind a guy up before he has to go teach.” James tugged on Regulus’ waistband and pulled him forward.

“Mr. Potter.” Regulus hummed as he slid onto James’ lap and locked his wrists together behind his neck. “I’m not sure my office with the unlocked door is an appropriate place for this,” Regulus looked down into their joined laps and then back up. “To happen. We could get in trouble.”

James pulled them flush together and nipped at Regulus’ earlobe. “Worth it.”

“Fuck.” Regulus shivered at James’ touch and James moaned so lowly it made him want to strip the other man bare. Regulus grabbed a handful of James’ hair and tugged his head backwards. “That bell is going to ring any minute. We don’t have anywhere near enough time to do what I want to do, so you had better kiss me like you need it to breathe.”

“Yes, sir.” James growled.

Their lips crashed together, as their hands grabbed desperately at each other’s clothing and their tongues fought for battle.

Christ.

Regulus had been trying to tease James, but he had managed to set himself up in the process. He needed this man like he needed air. He needed him biblically. He had to know how it would feel to have this man moving i…

“If you leave a damp mark on my chair, I will sue.”

Regulus ricocheted backwards, almost tumbling to the floor as James jumped to his feet and caught him from landing on his arse.

Remus gave them both an exasperated look and shut the door. “You two need to get control of your bloody hormones. You’re at work. You’re in a school.”

Regulus felt suitably ashamed. “You’re right, Rem, sorry.”

“Yeah, sorry.” James looked just as embarrassed as he scrubbed at the back of his neck in that adorable way he did.

Remus rolled his eyes and took his chair back so he could sit at his desk. “Just not in school, alright?”

“Yeah.” The other men agreed at the same time.

“So, maybe we have lunch in the staffroom?” Regulus suggested, begrudgingly.

“Sounds sensible.” James smirked and winked before he took his leave just as the bell rang for third period.

Regulus quickly and quietly gathered up his notes for his next class and was about to run out when Remus called his name.

“Reg?”

“Er, yeah.” Regulus turned back to look at his brother-in-law, expecting to be told off by his head of department but instead was caught off guard by the soft smile he was being given.

“I’m really happy you’re happy. You deserve it.” Regulus swallowed against the lump that had suddenly formed in his throat. “Now, go before you’re late for class.” He followed up in his gruff, teachers voice.

Regulus took a minute and then, finding his voice, he quietly said, “Thanks, Rem,” and then left to go teach.