fight - jegulus - @into-the-jeggyverse - word count: 433
Groaning a bit, Regulus turned in his bed in the Hospital Wing, desperately trying not to jolt his left arm, which was currently in a sling. He told himself for the thousandth time that he needed to stop being a baby about this–Salazar knew he’d dealt with worse, and at least this time, the injury had come from Quidditch, something he liked, but still, a small, childish part of him wanted to cry. He didn’t want to be alone here, waiting for the multitudes of healing Potions coursing through his veins to start working.
He wanted James.
But he’d sooner fall off his broom again than ask for him. After the fight they’d had the previous night? No, he wasn’t going to show weakness like that. Jaw set, he just rolled a little more, trying desperately to find a comfortable spot.
Until the door to the Wing burst open and, only a few seconds later, his bedcurtains were wrenched back, revealing a pale-looking James Potter.
“Reg! Fuck, are you okay?” Potter seemed both furious and terrified, his eyes wide and his teeth worrying his bottom lip. “Godric, Regulus, what happened? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Wincing again, Regulus tried to sit up. He ignored the warmth and yearning that bubbled in his stomach when James immediately reached for him, helping him get upright. “Fell off my broom, is all,” he muttered, avoiding eye contact. “Broke my arm in a couple places. It’s fine.”
“If you’re here, you’re not fine. Why didn’t you tell me?” the Gryffindor demanded again, moving to sit next to him on the bed, his voice still breathless.
Regulus chewed at the inside of his cheek. “We fought. I didn’t want to…I didn’t know if you would….” he trailed off, hot shame dripping into his stomach. The truth was, he’d been nervous that James wouldn’t show. That something vital had shattered between them. That he’d be rejected.
But when he looked up, he saw fire burning in the taller boy’s eyes. “Reg, we can argue a thousand times, over a million things. It doesn’t matter. If you need me, I’m here. No questions asked. Alright?”
Choking up a little, Regulus nodded. “Okay,” he whispered, hands shaking with emotion and pain.
James’s smile was gentle and understanding. “Good. Now, what can I do? How can I help, love?”
“Just…stay? It’s…stupid,” Regulus murmured gruffly, desperately trying not to show how uncomfortable he was. “Just…hurts a bit.”
The Gryffindor was already settling next to him, moving gently as he pulled him close. “Not going anywhere,” he said simply.
Finally, finally, Regulus fell asleep.
