Jules of Nature
Monterey Bay Aquarium
★
trying on a metaphor
taylor price
pixel skylines
noise dept.
h
macklin celebrini has autism
#extradirty
祝日 / Permanent Vacation
PUT YOUR BEARD IN MY MOUTH
almost home
Product Placement
Xuebing Du
JVL
Kiana Khansmith
dirt enthusiast
NASA
Cosimo Galluzzi
seen from United States
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Singapore
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from Argentina
seen from Canada
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Canada
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Saudi Arabia
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
@vithir
Anyone ever just wished they had a fanfic which was not too long but still happened over a couple of years? Like one which jumped in time, but still made sense? Yeah, yeah me too. Me too.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Picky Eater Sirius
So imagine Sirius being the pickiest eater alive. But not in a ew, there's no food that taste good way, but in a ew, why is there white disgusting things on my mandarin?
And then imagine Remus Lupin who quietly nods while peeling the mandarin for him, no questions asked.
LIKE, OMGOMG!!!! And well.... what if I told you I wrote a fic that includes that? And that raccoonjams on insta (@racc00njams ) illustrated art to it? Huh? HUUUH?
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
*Wolfstar getting paired for a, but Sirius hates Remus, and Remus loves Sirius*
Sirius: You’ve got to be kidding me.
Remus: Looks like it
*silence*
Remus: Should I tell you what the project is about?
*silence*
Remus: Okay, so Flitwick told us that he put us in pairs with someone he thought was, um… opposite of each other. He wants us to interview each other, tell about our past, future, our dreams and then… um… see how we look different but actually have a lot of similarities. He wants us to dig below the surface and get to know each other well enough to see that we’re actually more alike than we think.
Sirius: Ha, then he’s going to get a really boring paper, because we’re nothing alike!
Remus: Well… we’re both boys.
Sirius: Yeah, but that’s probably the only thing.
Remus: So, should we... get, um... started?
*silence*
Remus: Okay, I’ll start then: do you... um... play any music?
Sirius: Um... yeah—I—Yeah, I play guitar in a band. With my best mates James and Peter.
Remus: Tell me more then!
Sirius: Well, I and James decided to start the band at the end of our high-school years. We convinced Pete to join in as the drummer, and ever since we have been playing together. James is on guitar too, but he also sings. God, his voice is great!
Remus: No bassist then?
Sirius: No, sadly. We have been looking for one for months, but no one has offered themself yet
*silence*
Remus: I play too. Bass, actually.”
*Sirius having an inner breakdown*
--------------------
📝From my fic Rhythm Of Us on ao3 by AstronomyAddict,
🎨Art to the story by raccoonjams on instagram, @racc00njams here
📖 2 chapters up already.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Sirius: Anyway, is anyone up for drinks tomorrow? I could really use some after today
James: Sorry mate, I have a date with Lily. She wants to check out a new café that we found. They should have some really good strawberry cakes
*Sirius looks hopefully at Peter*
Peter: I know it. I would never leave you if I got a lady; don’t worry
Sirius: Peter, we all know you’ll never get one. You haven’t even tried, which is foolproof plan not to get one
Peter: Whatever, man, let’s get to class anyway.
--------------------
📝From my fic Rhythm Of Us on ao3 by AstronomyAddict,
🎨Art to the story by raccoonjams on instagram, @racc00njams here
📖 2 chapters up already.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
@racc00njamsacconjams
He fished the milk out and without thinking he checked the date. Still good. Not that it surprised him, Remus drank a lot of milk. Or more like a lot of tea with milk.
Sirius placed the milk on the counter and moved on to the top drawer next to the sink, where Remus kept the tea. Well—tea, plural. Sirius opened the drawer and was immediately faced with absolute chaos. Boxes and loose bags jumbled together, tags peeking out like tongues. He bit back a laugh.
“Of course, Moony,” he muttered to himself. “You organise your bookshelf alphabetically but your tea drawer looks like a school class exploded.”
Still, Sirius knew exactly which one to look for. Not the Earl Grey, not the blackcurrant, not the weird one with cinnamon and something that might’ve been bark. No—Remus had one specific favourite. Something mellow and earthy. It smelled calm. Like the safe silence after music stops and the warm haze of early mornings. Chamomile and lavender. Putting the little bag up in the mug, he waited for the water to finish boiling. And when it did he poured it up in the mug followed by the milk. And when he placed the milk back on the counter Sirius heard a low rhythm take form from the living room: Remus had picked his bass up. Sirius loved that sound, deep and hypnotic. There was something extra magical about it when Remus was the one playing. It gave him some kind of energy rush. Or precision, dedication. Right now he just wanted to finish the damn tea so he could get right back to Remus.
He only needed one last thing: cinnamon.
Reaching the shelf where Remus had all his spices was a challenge for Sirius. He was simply too short. Not even on his tiptoes was he able to get it.
He had to climb up on the kitchen table before his hands finally closed around the jar he’s been looking for. Now he had to be extra careful. This was about balancing the amount of cinnamon he let out of the jar and down in Remus’ tea. With a cautious hand he slowly let the cinnamon powder glide down the inside of the jar and into the cup.
It looked about right. But better double check.
Lifting the cup in his tattooed hand he brought it to his lips. Just a tiny sip, nothing more. It was only to ensure that everything was as it should be.
And thankfully, for Sirius, it was.
The warm liquid hit his tongue, filling his mouth with a thick taste. It tasted like home. Like freedom. It felt like stepping into a crowded room and finding honey brown eyes as the first thing. It felt like recognition. And in that moment in the kitchen Sirius caught himself wondering if Remus tasted the same. Of warm milk and cinnamon. It shouldn’t be something he wondered about, not even something to cross his mind.
It felt like forbidden territory, like he was crossing some invisible line he couldn’t quite name. The thought of knowing what Remus might taste like felt strange—and yet, somehow, so utterly right.
It was as though the world had split in two: one half unawareness, the other knowing, and Sirius didn’t feel welcome in either. It felt real, but uncertain—and that’s what made him tremble.
There, by the kitchen table, tea in one hand and Remus waiting in the sitting room, Sirius felt more confused than he’d ever been in his twenty years of life. He felt lost; like a mirror with no reflection. And what was he supposed to do? Walk right back into the room and act like his whole world hadn’t just been shaken by the taste of tea? Absolutely pathetic, yet absolutely true.
He looked down at the tea in his hand. Still warm. Still right. Remus was still in the next room, probably sitting there with his bass resting in the lap. Waiting. Trusting him.
Sirius swallowed.
He could fall apart later—tear through the walls of this feeling when he was alone. But right now, he needed Remus to trust him, and he wasn’t about to drop it.
He squared his shoulders—not in defiance, but in intention. This wasn’t a moment for clarity. Just for presence.
He turned on his heel, cup still in hand, and padded softly back toward the sitting room. No answers yet. Just tea. Just Remus.
And that, somehow, felt like enough.
📝From my fic Rhythm Of Us on ao3 by AstronomyAddict,
🎨Art by raccoonjams on instagram, @racc00njams here
📖 2 chapters up already.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Peter: What’s with the mood today? Did someone shit on your chocolate croissant this morning?
Sirius: First of all, how dare you! It’s not a croissant; it’s a pain au chocolat. And second of all, I had classes with Remus! I’m allowed to be moody when that happens! Not only were we in the same room; no, we were in the same fucking group! I’m talking one and one type shit. The things where you actually have to sit and have a normal conversation together. It was literally torture!
Peter: *laughting*
Sirius: It’s not funny. My mind got traumatised for an hour straight. I would have chosen waterboarding over this!
Peter: I mean, you hate when your hair gets wet.
Sirius: Shut up! You weren’t there, Pete! You didn’t see the way he looked at me like I was the one being weird for existing within a five-foot radius of his sacred academic aura. And then—then—he asked me if I understood the assignment. Like I’m some kind of remedial idiot who just flirts his way through life.
Peter: I mean… don’t you?
Sirius: You’re supposed to be on my side.
Peter: I’m always on your side, but that doesn’t mean I won’t roast you like a Sunday chicken.
Sirius: *groaning*
--------------------
They hate each other. Until the music forces them to stay.
🛑 slowburn 🛑 yearning 🛑 found family
📖 read now – Rhythm Of Us by AstronomyAddict on ao3
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Tea Incident: Aftermath” (Chapter 1)
James: You spilled boiling tea on his dick, mate. Sirius:I said I was sorry! Peter: I mean… did you look sorry? Sirius: I gave him tissues. James: You threw them at his face. Peter: It was kind of romantic. Sirius: Thank you—wait, what? James: You’re obsessed with him. Sirius: SHUT. UP.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Band Practice (Emotional Support Chaos)
James: If I have to sing this eight-minute song one more time I’m going to ascend. Peter: My fingers are going to fall off. Sirius: I will literally cry. Remus: You’ve cried three times already. Sirius: AND I’LL DO IT AGAIN. James: Alright, alright—one more take. Nobody mess up. Peter: If I die, tell Whiskers he was right about jazz. Sirius: If I die, delete my browser history. Remus: If I die, good.
--------------------
Inspired by my fanfiction on ao3.
Rhythm Of Us by AstronomyAddict, with fanart by raccoonjams on insta
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Remus Lupin was having a normal day until Sirius Black walked into it. Literally.
...So, Remus had made a list with reasons to stay. A list he would take up everytime his mother mailed him or he got the feeling that he couldn’t breathe. A list that he would look at when he got too overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do with himself. A list that would help him.
Better opportunities to start a band
Far away from home
Good tea
Remus was aware that this was a very short list, but he honestly didn’t need any more than that to convince him to stay. As long as he had a book and good cup of tea—
Boom.
Burning hot water hit Remus’ leg and he hissed.
Somebody had walked into his table and catapulted his cup of tea directly into his lap.
It felt like someone had sent his leg straight into hell.
“Bloody hell! What the fuck were you—”
The words died in Remus’ throat.
A black leather jacket half-on. Dark curls. Big blue eyes.
Sirius Black was staring at him in horror.
“Oh, I’m so so sorry! I didn’t mean to spill your drink all over you,” Sirius said, eyes wide like a kicked puppy.
Remus couldn’t answer. Not because he was angry—he wasn’t. It was because the sound of Sirius’ voice had gone straight into his brain and short-circuited every nerve ending.
“Um, are you okay? Can I help in any way? Um, hello, are you there?”
Remus just sat there, frozen. His mouth dry. His brain static.
Sirius looked so uncomfortable.
“Please just take these!” he blurted, flinging a pack of tissues directly at Remus’ head before storming out of the classroom.
Remus was so, so stupid for ever hoping he’d get to know Sirius Black.
But it was already too late.
Because loving Sirius felt like holding onto starlight— beautiful, impossible, and utterly worth the pain.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Wolfstar
"You play bass?" "I do."
He was supposed to hate him. Then bandshiped forced them to be friends.
🎧 Rhythm Of Us Slowburn. Queer. Loud.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Wolfstar
“Loving him was like holding onto starlight— beautiful, impossible, and utterly worth the pain.”
— Rhythm Of Us, Chapter One
📖 read now
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Su- what kind of flowers?
Chapter 11 of Bright Water by AstronomyAddict on ao3
Regulus lifted his glass towards James. “Shall we toast?”
James reached out and clinked his glass against Regulus’s. “To what?” he asked with a crooked smile.
“I don’t know yet,” Regulus said with a twinkle in his eye. “Perhaps to understanding each other a little better.”
James smiled back, still nervous, but oddly calm in his company. “Was that an invitation to get to know you better? I’ll take it that way, so okay, I have at least 100 questions for you. Where do I start?”
Regulus chuckled and took a sip of his wine. He fit in so well here; in a fancy restaurant with fine food. “Start with the easy questions, please.”
James thought carefully. He wanted to know so many different things, and he didn’t know where to begin. Regulus had said easy, so that’s what he would try.
“What change would you like to see in the world?” James asked eagerly, and Reg laughed again. “I said easy! That was not an easy question.”
James didn’t have to think long before he had an easier, yet not boring question. “What music do you listen to?”
“Classical.”
James nodded slowly. That actually made quite a bit of sense when he thought about it
“Do you play music then?”
“Yes, I play the piano, and I’ve been doing it since I was four,” James was lost for words. Could this man be any more attractive? “I also compose my own music.” Yes, he certainly could. Regulus played and composed music! James didn’t know what to say, but he realised that his silence was starting to stretch on too long.
"Wow, that's wonderful! We should do something together one day." He flashed a crooked smile at Regulus, still trying to take in the new information. He composed music? Of course he did!
"Next question!" Regulus ordered.
James massaged his temples in a thoughtful gesture, even though he already knew what to ask. He had so many questions and wanted to fire them all off at once—
"What's your favourite place to take a nap?"
"The floor."
"How often do you dance?"
"Never."
"Which workers have the worst job?"
"Nursery teachers."
"Favourite scent?"
"Cinnamon."
"Food?"
"Snails."
"Favourite flower?"
"Su—you're absolutely not getting that out of me!" Regulus glared across the table. James couldn't help but laugh. That glare was so adorable, filling every corner of his heart.
"Why won't you say it? I'll figure it out anyway. Whether I get it out of you, or I have to bring you different flowers every time we hang out, that's up to you."
Regulus glared even harder, leaning over the table toward James.
"Oh, is that what you think? I can tell you right now that—"
"Dinner's ready." Regulus was cut off by a short-haired woman who entered with two delicious-smelling plates. Regulus leaned back as she placed one plate in front of him and the other in front of James. She stood beside the table, looking expectantly at Regulus. He said nothing. With a small sigh, she left, and James couldn't help but laugh. Regulus had just brushed her off, which meant he wasn’t interested in her. James picked up his cutlery and began cutting into a potato. He had never been that keen on squid. It was a bit rubbery, and the taste was something he'd never quite gotten used to. He couldn’t understand why Regulus appreciated it. With his French background, it made sense that he was used to eating odd things—snails, frog legs, and yes, squid.
"So," James said after the silence had stretched on for a bit too long. He put his elbows on the table and leaned forward. "The favourite flower. I’m serious. I’ll figure it out, sooner or later."
Regulus slowly looked up from his plate, his eyes glinting with both irritation and amusement. "Are you seriously bringing up flowers right now? In the middle of dinner?"
James laughed and nodded. "Yeah, why not? Flowers are interesting! They say a lot about a person."
Regulus rolled his eyes and took a bite of his food, but James could see he wasn’t planning to answer immediately. Instead, he took his time, chewing slowly, as if weighing his next move.
"Alright, let’s say I give you my answer," Regulus finally said, his voice low and almost secretive. "What are you going to do with that information? Buy me flowers all the time?"
James blinked dramatically, pretending to think deeply about the question. "Maybe. Or maybe I’ll just use it against you every time I need to make you smile."
Regulus snorted and shook his head, but there was a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "You’re an idiot."
James laughed again and shrugged. "Maybe, but I’m your idiot."
There was a brief silence where Regulus just looked at him. "I don’t have a favourite flower," he said suddenly, but James could hear the doubt in his voice.
"I don’t believe you," James said. "Everyone has a favourite flower, even if they won’t admit it. But fine, I’ll figure it out. You won’t be able to hide it forever."
Regulus simply gave him a sceptical look but dropped the subject. Instead, he took a sip of his wine, as if he had won the battle—but James knew better. He had all the time in the world to crack Regulus’ shell. "Wait and see," he muttered to himself with a satisfied smile.
Late night talks *wink wink*
Regulus: (sighing, mortified) “Why do you do this to me, Sirius?”
Sirius: (mock-serious) “Because it’s fun to watch you squirm. Besides, I’m just making sure you're both getting what you need in this marriage.”
James: (grinning wide) “Oh, trust me, Regulus is getting exactly what he needs from me. Every... single... night.” (laughs at Regulus’ expression)
Regulus: (slapping his forehead) “We are not having this conversation.”
Sirius: (dramatically clutching his chest) “My innocent ears are burning! What have I done to deserve this? A lifetime of trauma...”
James: (laughing) “Oh, don’t act so shocked, Padfoot. We all know you and Remus have your own late-night conversations.”
Sirius: (pausing, looking very offended) “Excuse me, I do not have dirty conversations with Remus. We—well, let’s just say, we like our romantic talks a little more... refined, yeah?”
James: (chuckling) “Refined? Sirius, I’m pretty sure you’re the last person who gets to talk about being refined.”
Regulus: (exasperated, but trying to hide a smile) “Alright, enough. Let’s stop before Sirius actually dies of embarrassment.”
Sirius: (feigning shock) “Me? Embarrassed? Please. I was born to make you two blush. It’s practically my life’s mission.” (laughs)
Sirius: "Moony, have you seen my leather jacket?"
Remus (wearing a suspiciously large knitted sweater): "Nope."
Sirius: "Are you… wearing my jacket under that sweater?"
Remus: "What? That’s ridiculous. Why would I—"
Sirius: [Pokes under the sweater] "I KNEW IT. You’re stretching it out!"
Remus: "It’s cold, Sirius! And your clothes smell like… you."
Sirius: "Aw, Moony, that’s sweet."
Remus: "Never mind. I’ll take it off."
Sirius: "Don’t you dare."
The Cat Disaster
Regulus: "Why is there a cat in my bed, Potter?"
James: "Because I saw it outside, and it looked sad, so I brought it in."
Regulus: "You brought a stray animal into MY room? Do you know what kind of diseases it could have?"
James: "Relax, it’s clean! I even gave it a bath!"
Regulus: "You WHAT? It looks traumatized."
James: "Well, I might have used shampoo for people… but look at its fluffy fur! We’ll name it Sirius II."
Regulus: "Get it out. NOW." (But secretly keeps the cat after James leaves)
Quidditch disscussion
Quidditch CompetitivenessJames: "So, I’m obviously the better Quidditch player. Just admit it, Reg."
Regulus: "Better? You fell off your broom trying to show off last match."
James: "That was strategy. I distracted the Slytherin chasers."
Regulus: "Yes, they were so distracted laughing at you they scored three goals."
James: "Touché. But you love me for it."
Regulus: "No, I tolerate you because no one else will."
Jegulus backstageroom
In which Regulus is at James, Sirius, Mary, Marlene and Peters concert to support Dorlen's relationship, but it becomes clear he's also drawn by a deeper reason: watching James Potter perform.
James and Regulus "first real meeting" in Bright Water chapter 8 on AO3 by AstronomyAddict
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Regulus was still feeling the aftermath of the concert when Dorcas began to pull him toward the small backstage area along with Barty, Evan, and Pandora. She had made it very clear that he didn't need to come along. He had told her that he would do it for her and Marlene. That hadn't been the whole truth. For it wasn't just about supporting a friend for Regulus; it was also about watching James stand on a stage and sing with all his soul. No matter how much he tried to deny it, James hadn't disappointed him. Shortly after Dorcas had told them all about Marlene, Evan realized that they had gone to school with her. It irritated Regulus that he hadn't noticed it when he saw the name Marlene McKinnon. She had been a year ahead of them and had been one of Sirius’s friends. So, of the four of them (Barty, Pandora, Evan, and Regulus), it should have been Regulus who noticed it. After all, he was the one who knew the most about Sirius’s friend group. The noise from the concert still hung in the air, and the light from the stage, seeping in through the heavy curtains, cast faint flashes of color across the room.
Marlene was leaning against the wall, still with her guitar slung loosely over her shoulder. Her blonde hair was a bit tousled after the concert, and the pink tips caught the light in a way that almost made them glow. When her eyes met Dorcas’s, they were filled with a warmth that could ignite a fire. She approached them with an enthusiasm bubbling with happiness. She smiled and wrapped an arm around Dorcas’s waist, pulling her close.
“All right, everyone,” Dorcas announced a bit nervously. Regulus didn’t like that they were making her nervous. She deserved to be happy, and she shouldn’t doubt their support. “This is Marlene! Marlene, this is Evan, Barty, Pandora, and Regulus.”
Regulus gave her an approving nod as the others issued a small chorus of “hi” and “hello.” Pandora tried to start a conversation, but it quickly fizzled out. They all stood in awkward silence. It wasn’t like Barty to be quiet like that. He usually chatted away about everything under the sun, but now he was silent. Marlene, desperate to break the silence, turned to Regulus. She stared at him with a raised chin and a challenging glint in her eye, and Regulus wasn’t quite sure how to react. But he was Regulus Black, and he had no intention of letting a simple girl take control. So he held her gaze, with a haughty expression on his face.
“You’re Dorcas’s best friend,” Marlene said. How clever she was.
“Good, now you know who will break all your bones if you break Dorcas’s heart.”
Dorcas gasped. “Reg! Don’t threaten her.”
Regulus shrugged, still fixated on Marlene. “It’s not a threat,” he replied calmly. “It’s a promise.” His voice was flat, but there was a seriousness behind the words that made Marlene’s smile falter for a moment.
However, Marlene wasn’t easily scared. Her smile quickly returned, crooked and confident. “I don’t intend to hurt her,” she said with a confidence that revealed she wasn’t a stranger to such confrontations. “But it’s good to know where we stand.”
Marlene cast a quick glance at Dorcas, seeing her relief that she wasn’t too upset by Regulus’s remark. “He seems to have your back. I like him. It’s funny to see how people react when you challenge them a bit.”
Dorcas chuckled softly and shook her head.
Marlene turned her gaze back to Regulus.
“Well, now I know you’re not easily intimidated,” she said with a smile that was both crooked and welcoming. “That’s a good start. I’m glad you’re willing to get to know me, even though I might not fit into your comfort zone.”
Regulus couldn’t help but smile a little. “So, it seems we both like a challenge. I must admit, you’re quite brave for someone who’s only just been introduced to me.”
Marlene laughed. “And you seem like someone who’s pretty good at keeping people on their toes. That must be a useful skill to have. What else do you do when you’re not standing around threatening people with broken bones?”
Regulus raised an eyebrow and thought for a moment before replying. “Well, I usually avoid having boring conversations, so I have a rule that I only engage in conversations where you can get a free trial course in stand-up comedy. It’s a good way to keep things interesting.”
Marlene laughed, and Regulus found her reaction to be a funny and refreshing contrast to his own expectations.
“I like your approach,” Marlene said with a smile. “Maybe you should consider taking your rule to the next level and start your own comedy club. I would definitely stop by.”
Regulus laughed and nodded. “Maybe I should. Or maybe I should just figure out how to avoid boring conversations with you. That could be a fun challenge.”
Marlene laughed again, and the atmosphere became lighter. It was clear that she had a knack for making people feel comfortable and relaxed, and Regulus found himself in a better mood.
Barty, who was known for his wild personality, chimed in with a crooked smile.
“So, Marlene, how was it playing in front of such a large audience? I have to admit, I’m a bit curious about what it feels like to be on stage with so much energy.”
Marlene laughed and sat down next to Barty. “It’s a very special feeling. You can almost feel the energy of the audience, and it gives you such an adrenaline rush. But it also requires a lot of preparation and focus. What about you? What do you do in your free time?”
Pandora, who had become a bit nervous over the earlier awkward silence, spoke up. “I’m a designer myself, so I spend a lot of time experimenting. Otherwise, we usually hang out together and come up with crazy things. What about you, Marlene? What do you do when you’re not on stage?”
Marlene smiled. “I love making music, but I also have a passion for painting. It’s my way of relaxing. I find it very calming to paint with Sirius, our bassist.”
Regulus froze at the sound of his brother’s name, but no one noticed, and the conversation continued.
Barty, who always had a comment ready, looked at Marlene with a gleam in his eye.
“Painting? I like it. I imagine your paintings must be as colorful as your hair.”
Marlene laughed. “You’re right. I like to use a lot of colors and create something that really grabs people’s attention. What about you, Barty? What’s your hidden talent?”
Barty laughed. “Hidden talent? I’m actually a master at baking cookies. It’s not something you’d necessarily expect, but I make the best cookies.”
Evan, who had been listening with interest, added, “I think it would be fun to organize a baking competition one day. Barty, I think you could face some competition.”
Marlene turned to Regulus, who was still standing a little apart. There was something in her gaze that revealed… something. She met his eyes directly, without wavering, and Regulus couldn’t help but notice the warmth and humor she radiated. In his thoughts, he acknowledged her ability to stand up for herself and the energy she brought to the conversation.
“What about you, Regulus? What do you do when you’re not hanging out with your friends? I’ve heard you’re a bit of a loner.”
Regulus raised his eyebrows but let a small smile break through. “I have my own interests. It’s not always easy to find time for social gatherings.”
Marlene smiled warmly. “It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. I can understand why you might not always have time to be social. But it’s good to see you here tonight. It means something.”
Regulus’ gaze softened a bit. He appreciated that Marlene wasn’t intimidated by his reserved nature. There was something refreshing about her genuine demeanor that he found hard to resist. He could sense that her energy was something he could respect, even if he was inclined to keep his distance.
“I must admit, it’s not every day I meet someone who’s so open. It’s… refreshing.”
Marlene nodded and looked at the others. “So, now that we’ve all learned a bit about each other, what do you say we meet up with the rest of the band? It would be fun to get the whole group together and maybe grab a drink or two.”
Pandora and Evan nodded eagerly. “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea,” Pandora said. “It would be fun to get to know the band better.”
Barty clapped his hands. “Let’s do it! I’m up for a good evening.”
Regulus didn’t want to. Meeting the band meant seeing Sirius, and that was not something he was ready for. Facing Sirius face-to-face required preparation. He exchanged a knowing look with Dorcas and then said, “I’ll stay here.” He didn’t need to say more, as the others understood him. The reunion of the Black brothers was not to happen tonight, and they respected his choice. Marlene nodded understandingly. “Okay, Regulus. That’s perfectly fine. If you change your mind, you know where to find us.”
With that, Marlene and the others began to leave, while Regulus stayed behind. He watched their disappearing figures. Although he disagreed with her choice of friends—friend—he had to admit that she had a rare kind of courage and charm. Regulus took a deep breath and decided to use the time alone to reflect on how he would handle the rest of the evening. He knew that Marlene would come back to him afterward (Dorcas hadn’t asked yet, but she would as soon as they returned). Regulus settled into one of the sofas and closed his eyes, letting out a long sigh. Watching James play and sing had definitely affected him. The way he sang with his soul made Regulus’s stomach churn. If only—
“Regulus!” a cheerful voice called.
His eyes flew open again.
James Fleamont Potter.
He stood in the doorway the others had disappeared through, with tousled hair and red cheeks. A big grin was plastered on his face. A ridiculously handsome face. Why did he always smile like that?
“Ah, I’ve been looking for you since the concert ended! Marlene said you were out here. I’m glad to see you.” James’s voice was filled with genuine joy, and his smile seemed like a beam of light trying to break through Regulus’s coldness.
Marlene. Maybe Regulus should reconsider if he actually liked her.
Regulus rolled his eyes and tried to appear indifferent. “I’m here to support the two,” he said coldly, making it clear that he wasn’t there to see James. “Not because I necessarily wanted to be here.”
James laughed and walked over to him with a beaming smile. “So you’re saying you’re here out of duty? You know, you could have done it in a more fun way. What if I promise to entertain you instead?” He sat down next to Regulus on the sofa and leaned in a bit closer, so Regulus couldn’t help but feel the warmth of his presence.
Regulus looked at James with a skeptical gaze. “And how do you plan to do that? Tell jokes or something like that?”
James shook his head. “Oh, I don’t necessarily have a plan, but I’ve always had a knack for coming up with something that makes people smile. Or laugh. Or both.”
Regulus raised an eyebrow and leaned back on the sofa. “So, is that your way of being charming? I must admit, I’m a bit disappointed. I was expecting something more than just words.”
James’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he leaned forward. “Call it a challenge, then. If I can’t make you smile, I’ll buy you a drink next time we meet.”
Regulus looked at James with a mix of suspicion and irritation. He wanted 100% James far, far away. “And what if I’m not interested in being entertained?”
James laughed and looked at Regulus with a flirtatious gaze. “Then maybe it’s time you figure out why you’re even here. Is it really just for Dorcas and Marlene, or is there something more?”
A wave of panic hit Regulus. Dorcas hadn’t figured him out, so why did James? Why was James even talking to him? Regulus hadn’t been in contact with his brother for a year, and the same went for James. He had watched a few of their concerts, but he hadn’t spoken to James in three years. Regulus tried to remain cold and sarcastic. “Maybe you should stop psychoanalyzing me. I’m here because I chose to be. I don’t need your speculation.”
James seemed to find Regulus’s reaction entertaining. “You can be as ice-cold as you want, but I have a feeling you actually enjoy the company.” He laughed smoothly and looked Regulus in the eyes. His chocolate-brown eyes stared directly into Regulus’s soul. Beyond the coldness, beyond the facade, beyond the hatred. He saw right through it all.
Regulus felt his face grow warm, and he could feel a heat spreading to his cheeks and down his neck. The red color was obvious against his pale skin. Regulus tried to hide his reaction, but James’s smile only grew wider.
“What are you smiling about?” Regulus said sharply, trying to compose himself.
James’s smile became even more flirtatious. “You actually look pretty cute when you’re embarrassed. I think I’ve hit a nerve.”
Regulus seriously needed to pull himself together! He couldn’t continue like this. James was just a silly boy trying to tease him. He had probably arranged this with Sirius.
Yay, should we tease my little brother now that he’s here?
Yeah, Pads, that sounds like a brilliant idea!
Regulus could clearly see the scenario in his mind, and just the thought made him angry. Who did James think he was? He might be attractive (and Regulus had had a few breakdowns over his godliness), but that didn’t mean he could get away with whatever this was about.
“Fuck off, Potter!” Regulus snarled in a tone most wouldn’t dare to defy.
James hummed a cheerful, bright tone. “I think I’ll stay here. I’m enjoying the company, at least.”
Regulus needed to get out of here. Immediately. He quickly stood up from the sofa and felt the strong absence of James’s warmth. He had the same body temperature as a radiator.
“I don’t think I have anything else to say right now.” He began to walk toward the door as James’s laughter filled the room, and Regulus couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed by his reaction. James’s charming nature had struck something he wasn’t quite ready to confront.
As Regulus left the room, he could hear James shout after him, “I’ll see you later, Regulus! And watch out, I’ll be looking for your next reaction!”