broom - Jegulus microfic - @into-the-jeggyverse - word count: 747
Gryffindor parties are loud. Regulus almost instantly regrets stepping into the abandoned dungeon classroom turned party spot, his eardrums cringing into themselves. The lighting is low with dozens of candles charmed to float near the ceiling like a perverted version of the Great Hall. Someone, most likely Sirius, has charmed a stereo to hover right above the middle of the room above a large throng of people dancing to a throbbing volume of muggle music. He debates just turning around as quickly as he can, but the next second Barty comes up behind him, blocking his exit with only a few inches between them.
“No running, they’ll all see,” Barty murmurs into his ear, his breath smelling like the fire whiskey they’d all shared back in the dorms before heading over. He brushes past before Regulus can react, dragging Evan with him, their hands intertwined. They disappear into the crowd before Regulus can decide if it’s worth a public stinging hex for leaning in so close to him.
Regulus takes a deep breath through his nose before striding in after them.
There’s faint smoke lingering near the back of the room and Regulus spots a few seventh-year Ravenclaws sharing a couple of cigarettes as they perch on old wooden desks shoved against the furthest wall. Without a second thought, he’s changed directions, wandering over and wondering how quickly he can bum one off them if they recognize he’s a friend of Barty’s. The room is packed, almost everyone around him writhing to the music, the tangy scent of sweat mixed with a mass of perfumes and food despite the early hour. Regulus can feel a headache forming behind his eyes.
As he’s almost escaped the densest part of the crowd near the back of the room, trying not to obviously cringe away from every limb that accidentally grazes him, Regulus slams right into what feels like a wall of muscle. He almost immediately forgets his craving for a smoke and the bodies that still swarm around him.
“Woah, sorry mate-” James Potter wraps his hands around Regulus’ biceps to steady him with a friendly smile before he freezes, “Reg?”
“Hello, Potter,” Regulus has to tip his head back a bit to look up at James, and Merlin he can’t believe he forgot about that height difference since they’d last seen each other. He tries to scowl, but the older boy just grins at his greeting, a dimple forming on his left cheek.
Regulus feels James’ chest brush his with the next breath he takes. Oh. They are standing very close. Regulus can smell eucalyptus, cigarette smoke, and a hint of broom polish coming from the other and has to resist the very embarrassing urge to just lean into James and inhale where his throat meets his chest.
“I didn’t think you’d actually show,” James continues holding onto Regulus’ arms and he’s not sure if he’s imagining the other boy’s grip get firmer, like letting go isn’t even on his mind. Suddenly he feels brave and maybe not as sober as he’d thought.
“I had to show up and congratulate you and Sirius on your win against Hufflepuff. It seemed only right since we’ll be winning this next match with you next weekend,” Regulus tilted his head to the side and let his lips curl up into one of his smirks, “Maybe I’ll invite you to our party after the win. I think you’d like to see how a Slytherin celebrates.”
He gets the reaction he’s hoping for when James turns just a little red under his soft brown skin and his eyes dip down to look at Regulus’ lips before looking up again, eyes wide behind black wire frame glasses. He would look almost comical if Regulus didn't already find the response so unfortunately endearing.
After a few more moments of eye contact, Regulus decides to take pity on the boy in front of him, “I’d like a drink, Potter.”
“Right,” James replies almost immediately, but he doesn't move an inch and his hands don't drop from Regulus’ body.
“Right…” He tries his best to keep the fond tone out of his voice because really, Regulus should not be so content with another’s hands on him. Especially for this long.
It takes a pointed look at one of his arms and a raised eyebrow for James to finally drop his hands- His large hands- with an unintelligible stutter.
Regulus barely holds back a smile, “Lead the way.”