Archive of Our Own

The noise of voices carried through his headphones, which had been playing brown noise non-stop since he left class that morning. The volume was low, usually enough to drown out the ambient sounds that so easily distracted him, but today the laughter and timbres often drew his attention away from the scribbles he was making in his sketchbook.

Regulus slides one side of the headphone out of his ear, being hit by the sounds at full power, which seemed strange to him. He runs his eyes around the cafeteria with an expressionless look, staring at the abnormally full tables and counter.

He liked the place because it was always quiet in the morning, which was when he visited most, right after class.

Not long after moving in with his brother Sirius to begin his Fine Art degree, Regulus learned that he enjoyed spending his mornings outside.

It was much easier to deal with his brother’s morning grumpiness when they lived in a mansion and Regulus could escape to his studio whenever he wanted. Now, in the considerably smaller apartment, and Sirius working as a tattoo artist with flexible hours and only behaving in a socially acceptable manner after one in the afternoon, it was easy to get into fights.

Mainly for stupid reasons. “You wash the dishes too loudly”, “your room is a mess”, “your hair is greasy”, “your coffee is too weak”.

Regulus enjoyed the routine of walking in the sunshine to the coffee shop, carrying his side bag with his art supplies and sometimes a book. Sometimes he would go to the coffee shop just to order and go to the park a few blocks away to watch the people and the sun.

When he was in an especially good mood or feeling merciful, he would buy Sirius’ favorite peanut butter brownie and casually leave it in the fridge, on display. After the brownie disappeared, Sirius would spend a day or two being more tolerable to him than usual.

Regulus plays with the pencil between his fingers, sighing a little angrily, the feeling similar to seeing someone rummaging through your drawers or sitting in the place you consider yours.

He thought for a few seconds, wondering if he was unlucky enough not to know that that day was a holiday or a commemorative date. He came to the conclusion that if it were, he wouldn’t know, since most of them weren’t recognized by his family.

Regulus looks down at the nearly filled pages, gently sliding the graphite across the paper to give the rabbit he was scribbling a twin ear. He had recently become fixated on the idea of drawing animals, fascinated by their unusual shapes and textures.

In class the day before it had been crocodiles and oil paint, with several layers to build up the scaly, textured skin, so today Regulus had strayed into something softer.

He picks up his cell phone, which was resting on the table with some references, and sees that it was approaching eleven thirty in the morning. His vanilla latte was half empty, and Regulus begins to wonder if he shouldn’t start packing his things to go home.

“Hey, excuse me.”

The deep voice cuts through Regulus’ thoughts like thunder, as if shaking him. He quickly looks up, in the fright of someone who didn’t expect someone to address him.

He lifts his face like a startled cat, doubt forming in his mouth but dying on the tip of his tongue when his eyes land on the sender.

Regulus’ silence makes him, whoever he is, continue talking.

“Can I sit here, beautiful?”

Regulus’ gaze lingers on him, as if his image were something difficult to process.

The first thing he notices are his eyes, large and a deep brown, conveying warmth. They are framed by thick eyebrows and round, gold-rimmed glasses that are harmonious with his tanned skin tone.

His lips were full and naturally pink, with the corners of his mouth raised in a gentle, charismatic smile.

The man was wearing a white dress shirt buttoned at the elbows, obscenely tight, highlighting the muscles in his arms and also his slightly prominent belly.

Underneath the table Regulus felt an urge to rub his legs together but stopped himself at the last second.

His brain seemed to be working on cranks, connections struggling to be made. What did he call me? What was it he said? Did I put on perfume today before I left? His chest is huge.

“Ah…” Regulus makes disconcerted sounds that for some reason don’t connect with his thoughts. The man waits patiently, still watching him with those warm eyes. “Of course…”

After what seemed like an eternity in Regulus’ mind, he managed to utter a positive answer. It felt natural and right to do. Regulus would say yes to anything he asked.

The man smiles a toothy smile that seems to warm Regulus’ chest and reach down to his stomach.

The man uses one hand to pull out the chair positioned in front of Regulus at the small circular table and sits down. Regulus notices that he is placing a cup for hot drinks and a small brown take-out bag on the table.

Regulus continues with a somewhat lost look, his mouth opening and closing, and the man continues with an air of lightness and a friendly smile.

“Forgive me for disturbing you.” He says, and Regulus forces himself to swallow hard and try to produce meaningful sentences. “I don’t come here often, so I didn’t realize it would be so crowded.”

“It’s not usually, actually.” Regulus answers slowly and a little hoarsely. He reaches for his headphones and slides them around his neck in a gesture he hopes conveys an openness to conversation. “And you’re not bothering me.” He adds quietly, looking away but letting the corner of his lip curl up.

“I don’t plan on staying long, I’m having lunch near here with a friend from work and I’m waiting until he can leave.” The man explains casually, in a tone that shows he’s no stranger to making conversation. He takes his phone out of his pants pocket and places it on the table. “If you see that any tables have become vacant in the meantime, don’t hesitate to let me know.” He gestures to the room, which is positioned behind the man and in front of Regulus.

Regulus lets out a relaxed chuckle, forcing the muscles in his body to stop contracting and relaxes back into his chair.

He thinks about saying he was already planning to leave and leave the table for him but… nah.

If this ridiculously nice and obscenely attractive man wanted to share a table with him, Regulus wasn’t going to refuse.

“You said it’s not usually this crowded here, do you come here often?” The man asks, one of his large hands reaching around his cup and bringing it to his lips.

“Yes.” Regulus replies with disguised casualness. “I come here every day after classes.”

The man takes a sip and offers him a gentle smile, and Regulus does the same with his already half-cold latte so he has something to do with his hands.

“Really? At the same time?” He asks and gestures with his wrist to look at his watch.

Regulus finds it a strange question but nods.

“Well, I won’t steal your attention anymore, thanks again for the space.”

“It’s okay, don’t worry.”

The conversation trailed off and Regulus cursed himself for having such poor social skills. He looked down at his forgotten sketchbook and flipped to a blank page.

After a few seconds of silence with the pencil just hovering over the page, he risks a quick glance at the man, who is typing on his cell phone.

Regulus allows himself to study the messy curl that falls over his forehead, so perfect that it seems intentional. He notices that on the side, near his temples, there is a soft sheen of gray hair emerging and Regulus guesses that the man must be around forty.

Regulus has never been specifically attracted to older men, but looking at him he begins to question all the others he has ever been attracted to.

Regulus’ gaze travels down his face, reaching the expression lines at the outer corners of his eyes, small, well-drawn scribbles.

He has a large, curved nose, with expression lines that run down to the corners of his mouth, which are also wrinkled.

Regulus wonders if it’s because he smiles too much and then condemns himself for having such a cheesy thought about a stranger.

He notices the slight toothless smile that adorns his face, as if he doesn’t want to be caught laughing in public.

Was he married?

Was Regulus almost drooling over a married man’s nose and wrinkles?

While the man was talking to (presumably) his wife?

Regulus knows better than to assume people’s sexuality, but he also knows that a hot forty-something like that would never look at him twice.

Regulus pretends to scribble a few lines, just so it’s not so obvious that the object of his attention is far from his notebook.

He tries to reproduce the curve of his nose, drawing rectangular shapes and then rounding them (only for study purposes, it would be useful for making portraits).

His eyes betray him and move from the sheet to the man’s hands, which are still holding the cell phone, the left one on the back of the device and the right one in the air as he types with his index finger.

Regulus has to bite his lower lip hard to keep from laughing at this demonstration of those jokes about the way older people type on their cell phones.

He looks at his left hand for a wedding ring, or perhaps a mark on the ring finger, but finds nothing.

Which is by no means a concrete indication of the man’s relationship status. Maybe it’s just an excuse to check up on him.

He closes his eyes for a few seconds and grabs his latte, drinking it all the way, determined not to let himself get caught up in the wild fantasies in his head anymore.

His pencil runs across the page for several silent minutes, sketching the shape of a hand with long, thick fingers.

Regulus rests his face on his right hand and his elbow on the table, letting himself be carried away by the tranquility he feels with the sound of the graphite scraping the paper.

Without realizing or losing focus, he fills one side of the page with protruding noses, hands wrapped around cups and eyes with wrinkles sprouting like rays of sunlight.

He crosses his legs under the table, being careful with the expansion of his movements since with the small table he could end up bumping into the other man’s legs.

Moments later, Regulus feels watched.

He ignores this intuition but strategically opens his hand on top of the sheet, with the intention that, if the man were observing him, it would not be possible to see the drawings.

But what if he already saw it?

Regulus feels the wave of embarrassment crash across his cheeks, making his face hot.

He tries to ignore the churning feeling in his stomach.

His unconscious decides to face whatever the situation is and Regulus’ eyes suddenly look up, colliding with his like two trains heading in the same direction.

Warm eyes, with golden glow, fixed on him.

It wasn’t the drawings he was looking at, but Regulus.

Regulus has the feeling he can watch the man’s brain process being caught, because after mere seconds of shock his neck jerks flamboyantly to the side.

The man brings one hand to his chin and scratches it, squinting at some of the paintings on the wall behind Regulus, as if he was absolutely entertained by them.

His gestures are so cartoonish and dramatic that a laugh bubbles up inside Regulus but he holds it back before it overflows, forcing his lips into a thin line while still watching the man who now categorically avoids his gaze.

Regulus lowers his head, some of his curls falling in front of his eyes.

Was the man checking him out? Was it too delusional to consider that?

Regulus controls his breathing and risks a few glances, but notices that the man has gone back to focusing on his cell phone.

Regulus decides to do the same, already a little bored of drawing. He considers packing his things and going home again, but something inside him, probably the result of fantasies, tells him that he should stay.

Either way, he wouldn’t have such a busy day, which motivated him to hang out a little longer in the cafeteria.

A few moments pass with Regulus absorbed in his thoughts, until they are interrupted.

"Can I ask you a question?"

His voice booms like the first time, deep and taking root in Regulus’ brain, recording its tone.

Regulus looks up and thinks of a thousand ways to respond: Yes, I’m single, yes, I like guys, yes, I'm interested, yes, I'd like to go on a date with you .

What he ends up doing is nervously reaching up to his hair to fix it and whispering, “Sure.”

“Do you like peanut brownies?”

Regulus’ eyebrows almost met in the middle of his forehead, his face contorted in strangeness. Of all the crazy possibilities, this was certainly not what Regulus would bet on hearing.

The man seems to notice Regulus’ expression and the strangeness of his own question, so he steps forward to complete it.

“I just bought one for this friend I’m meeting for lunch, and I just found out he hates peanuts.” He gestures to his phone, then begins unpacking the takeout bag, pulling out a small box.

“What bad luck…” Regulus comments, chuckling. The talent this man had for being unpredictable with just a few sentences was admirable. “And I do like it.”

The man smiles broadly and radiantly, sliding the box toward Regulus in a flashy gesture.

“It’s yours then.”

Regulus tilts his head to the side in doubt. “You don’t like it?”

“I’ve never actually tried it.” The man shrugs.

Regulus slides the box to him again.

“You should, they’re great.”

“Then I insist that you stay, as a treat for disturbing your peace.” He justifies, with a sweet smile that makes Regulus’ insides melt.

Regulus licks his lips and thinks for a few seconds, taking his hands to the box and opening it to expose the rectangular candy.

“Let’s share then.” Regulus states. “I’d feel bad if you didn’t try it.”

The man takes a deep breath and looks at him over the lenses of his glasses, probably realizing how stubborn Regulus could be.

He sighs and gives in, grabbing a napkin from the table and wrapping the candy in it, bringing it to his lips to take a bite.

Regulus watches his movements with an analytical fixation, bringing his thumbnail to his mouth to nibble.

The man’s teeth take a simple bite, he runs his tongue over his lips to collect the crumbs.

Regulus waits expectantly, and the man’s eyes meet his as he chews and swallows, his adam’s apple bobbing.

He smiles and puts the brownie back in the box.

“They are really great.”

Regulus feels his own face relax into a smile, the thrill of approval would almost make you think it was Regulus himself who baked the brownies.

He contains the expression and replaces it with a convinced one.

Regulus reaches for the sweet treat and brings it to his mouth. He recognizes that the most polite gesture would be to bite off the other end, but then his lips are following the man’s, his teeth closing on the soft pastry and the shape of his mouth is glued to Regulus’.

He sighs in approval and chews, opening his eyes to find a slightly dismayed expression.

The man’s mouth is half open, his eyes fixed on Regulus’ lips. He runs his tongue over his lips again, though this time there is no residue to be cleaned.

Regulus swallows, not even paying attention to the taste.

A charged silence sets in, an electrifying tension that makes Regulus unable to maintain eye contact.

He sees out of the corner of his eye the man lower his head and run his fingers nervously through the hair on the back of his neck.

When he looks up again, his gentle features are back.

“My name is James, by the way.” He says, laughing and gesturing. “I should have said that before I went around offering you food, right? How bizarre of me.”

“I’m Regulus.” He mutters, holding back a laugh, looking back at the man who now had a name.

“Nice to meet you, Regulus.” James says, slowing down on his name, as if savoring the syllables. Regulus feels his ears grow hot.

James reaches his hand across the table in front of him. Regulus leans forward and lets his long fingers wrap around his, swaying gently.

James’ hand is warm and larger than Regulus’, his thumb sliding across the back of his hand.

Regulus watches the contrast of their skins against each other, and his mind forms images and fantasies that he would rather his head didn’t do to him in public.

They release their hands a little past the threshold of what would be a proper handshake.

James picks up the candy and holds it in the air as he speaks.

“So… You said you’re coming here after class, right? What do you study?” He asks before biting where Regulus’ mouth had previously been.

Regulus watches him, taking the headphones off his neck and placing them on the table.

“I do Fine Arts.”

James smiles as he chews, nodding.

“I can’t say I’m surprised. It suits you.”

Regulus tilts his head, interested.

“What makes you think that?” He asks, taking the brownie back for himself.

“You have an artist’s aura.” James explains, gesturing to Regulus.

“Is that any way of saying I look pretentious?” Regulus narrows his eyes at the man.

“Not at all.” James laughs, a bright, excited sound, shaking his head. “And in case you’re being pretentious, I think you have more than enough credit for it.”

Regulus smirks, raising an eyebrow.

It was interesting to see himself through James’ eyes, to discover what Regulus was like through his lens.

“You have a mysterious energy.” James explains and Regulus feels scrutinized under his sharp gaze, fixed on his face. “And you seem to be quite observant too.”

Regulus makes a smug expression, determined to take the remarks as a compliment.

“I see… And did you notice all this as you made your way to this table or…?” He teases, leaning over the table and resting his face in his hand.

James looks at him deeply, the corner of his mouth slightly raised. He nods slowly.

“That and a few other things.” He says enigmatically, shrugging. “You have very delicate hands too.”

Regulus opens his mouth, unable to formulate a response.

Was that a compliment? A criticism? An innocent observation?

Was this how older men flirted?

Regulus stuffs more pieces of brownie into his mouth to avoid having to answer and James takes this as a cue to continue talking.

“When I looked at you I thought you might be one of those people who go to public places to draw people around them.”

Regulus’ eyebrows furrow and he vehemently denies it.

“I’ve never done that, I usually just keep drawing whatever I feel like.” Regulus swallows the candy and explains, running his fingers over the worn edges of his notebook. “Besides, I don’t find people interesting enough to be worthy of a portrait.”

James seems to look at him in surprise, before nodding. “That’s a shame.”

“Or maybe…” Regulus continues, in a burst of confidence. “Maybe I was looking in the wrong place.” He says softly, lower, as he blatantly stares at James’ features.

The man seems speechless, analyzed under Regulus’ feline gaze, which passes from his eyes to his mouth.

Regulus tries to decipher his expressions and wonders if what the man feels is nervousness.

“But what about you?” Regulus says, breaking eye contact and leaning back against the chair. “To have noticed all this about me, you have to be observant too.”

“I’m observant, but unfortunately there’s not a bone in my body that could be considered artistic.” James smiles sheepishly. “Only if you consider PowerPoint presentations an art form.”

Regulus holds back a laugh, humming as if in thought before looking at him with a bored look. “I don’t think so.”

James nods, resigned.

“Yeah, I figured.” He fiddles with the brownie wrapper as he explains. “I work in the finance department of a company. Boring stuff like numbers, graphs, spreadsheets, and data analysis.” James gives a sheepish smile. “It’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but I like it. And I’m good at it, modesty aside.”

Regulus nods and looks down at the man’s torso, unable to contain his comment.

“And you look good in formal wear too.”

James opens his mouth but no sound comes out, and Regulus can almost see the gears in his head turning.

“I’ve never seen it from that perspective.” He answers quietly, discreetly glancing at the outfit.

“You should.” Regulus shrugs, pleased with the reaction. “What other boring things do you like to do?”

James composes himself and laughs, gesturing. “Just so we’re clear, my career is one of the only boring things about me, okay?”

Regulus narrows his eyes at him. “I’m still checking.”

James scratches his chin, where he has a thin beard. Regulus wants to feel it scratching his skin.

“I like to cook. I host weekly lunches at my house for my friends.” James says shyly, as if he wants Regulus to find him interesting. “Sometimes we go out to a bar or karaoke.” Regulus hums approvingly. “I like to run in the morning.” Regulus makes a disgusted expression. “And study history and geopolitics.”

The boy makes a thoughtful expression, as if analyzing data.

“I read too, mostly classics.” James adds.

“Boring.” Regulus responds immediately.

“Seriously? I don’t even read that much, I just said it to impress.” The man mumbles softly, making Regulus lose his train of thought.

“And some more old school stuff like Sudoku and buying vinyl.” James finishes and watches Regulus’ reaction.

Regulus puts his hand to his chin. “I would cut the running and Sudoku parts from the presentation, it hurts your image.”

“Noted.” James smiles.

“But overall it’s… good. Interesting.” Regulus smiles gently, wanting to signal his interest.

“That’s good.” James looks relieved. “Your turn then.” He smiles widely.

Regulus’ eyes widen, suddenly nervous. “I’d rather not. Trying to be an artist is kind of the only interesting thing about me.” He says with forced humor, disguising it.

James’ brows furrow and he vehemently denies it. “I highly doubt that.”

Regulus sighs and plays with his fingers nervously, trying to think of things he does besides academic work and rolling around in bed.

“I draw, paint, and sometimes do clay sculptures. I basically spend all my free time in the college studio.” James looks impressed. “I sometimes teach art history as an assistant.” The man leans over the table, interested. “I live with my older brother, so we end up doing stuff together.” Regulus rolls his eyes. “I go out clubbing sometimes when my friends insist too much. I like sewing, so sometimes I customize my brother’s clothes without him knowing. Sometimes I embroider ‘idiot’ on the collar of his jackets.”

James laughs and Regulus feels his body heat with validation, surprising himself with how much he wants this man he barely knows to find him interesting.

“And I also… I kind of study French. It’s not really studying because I already know the language but…” Regulus thinks, wondering if he should bring up subjects like that. These aren’t things he usually talks about in a first conversation. However, James has his eyes fixed on him and a sense of welcome that makes Regulus feel comfortable.

“I lived in France with my family until I was fourteen, after that my brother and I came here and I started my transition.” He mutters quickly, glancing sideways at James, waiting for his reaction.

James nods, as if he understands. “Your country transition?”

Regulus stares at him. James’ expression is oblivious.

“My gender transition. I’m trans.”

“Ah.” James suddenly goes pale, his eyes wide behind the lenses. “I’m sorry, I’m a complete idiot.”

Regulus can’t help but laugh, covering his mouth with his hand so that the sound doesn’t echo through the hall.

He looks at James, who has both hands on his face, below his glasses and laughs even harder, his eyes filling with tears.

James mumbles some apology and Regulus tries to appease him with hand movements.

“It’s okay, it was a bit of a surprise, you had no way of knowing.” Regulus tries to reassure him, sliding his finger under his eyes.

“Continuing, after we left I wanted to cut ties with the past and stopped speaking French. But a few years ago I decided to come back with the aim of giving new meaning to the language and the place.” Regulus says shyly, but feeling less nervous with the atmosphere of the conversation.

“I don’t know if that makes sense to you.”

James confirms and smiles welcomingly.

“It makes perfect sense, and everything else is really interesting too.” Regulus feels his stomach gurgle. “It’s great that you can go somewhere else and live the way that brings you joy, I’m happy for you.”

Regulus blinks at him slowly, disconcerted by the affection and honesty in the words.

“You clearly put a lot of dedication into your art and creation and I find that admirable, I’m sure you’re a great artist.”

Regulus mumbles a thanks, trying to ignore how hot his cheeks are.

James’ eyes light up, as if he remembered something.

“Oh, and we also have something in common: We are from outside of here.”

Regulus raises his eyebrows in curiosity. “Really?”

“My mother is from Brasil, I lived there until I was sixteen and then I came here to go to college.” James says with an affectionate smile.

Regulus looks at him in surprise. “That’s really cool, unfortunately I’ve never been there.”

“You should, it’s an amazing place.” James’ eyes have a hint of nostalgia that’s beautiful to watch. “I mainly go on holidays to help my mom cook.”

“What dishes do you make?”

James thinks, smiling at the corner of his mouth. “Moqueca, feijoada, escondidinho.”

Regulus wonders if James’ voice is purposely hoarse or if it’s just an impression. There are butterflies in Regulus’ stomach. 

“I don’t know any of those words but they sound good in your voice.” Regulus says softly, risking a seductive smile.

James suppresses a smile as he nibbles on his lower lip.

“There are several other things I can say.”

Regulus squeezes his crossed legs together beneath the table, wondering if they’ve gone far enough for him to consider that this man is clearly flirting back without it seeming crazy.

“Try it.” He teases.

James seems to think, but nods. “I don’t want to make you curious.”

Regulus agrees, even if he would accept being curious just to hear him again.

His fingers brush against the notebook still resting in front of him and he has an idea.

Regulus takes his pencil and opens the notebook to a blank page, holding it out to James.

“Say something and then write it down, and I’ll look up what it means.”

James looks from him to the page a few times, holding the materials with some nervousness.

The man handles the notebook carefully, sliding his finger along the middle where the pages meet. He plays with the pencil as he thinks, seconds later beginning to slide the graphite across the paper.

James looks up when he is satisfied and Regulus notices a reddish tint on his cheeks.

He meets Regulus’ gaze, who looks at him expectantly.

James scans his face not very discreetly, his full lips parted.

“Você é a coisa mais linda em que eu já botei os olhos.”

He murmurs softly, the sound tickling Regulus’ brain, the hairs on his arms standing on end.

He holds James’ gaze, which remains irrevocably on him.

Eventually he breaks it, handing the notebook back to Regulus.

“I’m especially curious.” Regulus finds his voice after a while.

James smirks and goes back to looking at Regulus’ materials.

“Do you always bring your sketchbook?”

Regulus shakes his head. “Not always. Sometimes I just come for coffee, or I hang out at the park nearby.”

“I see.” James continues to stare at the notebook, as if pondering something. “I’m tempted to ask to see a drawing, but… I know it’s the kind of intimacy that requires a few more meetings.”

Regulus is surprised by the words, running his fingers along the rounded edges of the cover.

He agreed about the intimacy part, and especially wouldn’t allow the first impression of his art to be black and white sketches made in boredom.

“I agree with you.” Regulus smirked, deciding to focus on the part of the sentence that implied future encounters. “Does that mean we’re going to repeat this?”

James opens his mouth in surprise, as if he didn’t expect Regulus to be direct.

He quickly covers it up, shrugging his shoulders.

“I don’t know, what if I show up here again at the same table and at the same time?”

Regulus decides to go all the way. At this point he would only lose if he continued to act oblivious.

“Is it a date then?”

James opens and closes his mouth a few times, looking away from Regulus. He licks his lips and sighs.

A few seconds pass, but Regulus’ mind constructs thousands of possible scenarios.

“I’m taken” “I’m not interested” “I’m not attracted to men”

“Look…” James finally speaks, awkwardly, almost shy. “I’m flattered, you’re beautiful and very charming, but… I’m a little old for you.”

Regulus can’t help but roll his eyes and sigh in relief. He looks at James with bored eyes.

That could still be an excuse to mask the real reason, but it wasn’t a rejection.

“By now you should know that I don’t care about such small things as these.” Regulus says softly, his voice melodious. There was no need to mask his desire, the cards were already laid out.

James chuckles and runs his thumb over his bottom lip, his eyes searching Regulus’ for answers and Regulus doesn’t hide any of them.

“I must have tattoos that are older than you.” He says in a warning tone, leaning across the table.

Regulus uncrosses his legs, mimicking his posture. He looks at him over his eyelashes, trying to conjure up the most attractive image possible.

“It just makes me more interested in seeing them.”

James bites his lower lip, shaking his head as if in disbelief.

Regulus just smiles innocently, internally proud.

“Shouldn’t you look for boys your own age?” James asks, his voice a little huskier.

Regulus makes a bitter expression. “I’ve tried, but they don’t know how to treat me.” His face falls into forced sadness, lowering his gaze. “They’re the type to get straight to the point, and they can’t even do that right.” He laments, turning back to James, whose posture is frozen and his eyes fixed on him. “I like the tension, the adoration, the surrender.” Regulus puts emphasis and emotion into each word.

James’ eyes are wide and fixed on him, his entire body tense. One hand is gripping the edge of the table, the other is clenched into a fist.

“Just because it’s supposed to be a one-night stand doesn’t mean we have to act like it’s insignificant.” Regulus continues, before sighing in defeat, his shoulders slumping in resignation. “But apparently, my only option is to keep letting them fuck me until I find one who does it right, right?”

He glances sideways at James, seeking his reaction.

It doesn’t come right away, his eyes blinking slowly, his adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows hard.

Regulus notices the tightly clenched pine hand, imagining the short nails leaving marks on the palm.

Regulus’ body vibrates with tension, knowing that throughout the conversation he was slowly pulling on a rubber band, seeking its limit, trembling for the moment when it would snap.

His stomach twists more with each second without a response, also causing Regulus to replay each of the words said in his head, which causes a blush to rise up his neck to his cheeks.

“It won’t work.”

James’ voice is a whisper, as if he is out of breath.

Regulus risks a glance and notices the hungry eyes on him, the expression determined and firm.

“No? Why?”

“You said it yourself. They don’t know how to handle you. They won’t know how to listen to you, recognize where you squirm the most when touched, hear where your voice breaks the most.” His voice is sweet and gives a great flavor to the words spoken. Regulus almost tastes them on his tongue, delights in them. “They don’t have the patience and delicacy necessary to fuck you properly.”

Regulus swallows hard, the words hitting his body like lightning. Heat spreading like embers over his skin.

His mind feels blank, all confidence reduced to a mess of confusion and desire.

James smiles a little evilly, while his eyes look pitiful.

“Poor thing, so needy.”

Regulus bites his tongue hard, making his mouth a prison for any embarrassing sounds that wanted to escape.

Regulus felt vulnerable under the gaze of the man who was now the one enjoying his lack of direction and response.

His gaze travels over Regulus’ face, which he hopes doesn’t show his urgency and desperation as much as he feels. James’ gaze travels from his eyes to his mouth, probably red from Regulus biting it so many times, then to his shoulders and his sweater-covered chest.

“It’s a sin for a beautiful thing like you to be so mistreated.”

Regulus presses his lips into a thin line, his thighs squeezing together under the table.

It was a little humiliating how few words caused such a devastating reaction in his body, igniting all his extremities and making him feel more needy than he had in months.

Regulus was afraid to open his lips and start babbling whimpers and begging for a simple finger brush against his skin.

James now looked at him with clear desire, no longer hidden behind gentle smiles. His misty eyes sent a chill down Regulus’ spine.

He opens his mouth to try to formulate a coherent sentence when loud noises of conversation attract the attention of both of them.

Regulus and James look towards the table to their right, not too close, where a large group of people stand up and drag their chairs back to their seats, leaving the cafeteria.

The two watch in silence and Regulus uses these moments to compose himself, running his hand through the hair that falls from his face.

The table next to him is empty and James turns to face him again.

“One of the tables is free.” He says slowly, even though Regulus already knew. His disconcerted posture makes Regulus wonder if he, too, had been given a reality check about the conversation after the bubble they were in had dissipated. “Do you want me to go there?”

Regulus frowns in displeasure, not believing the implication of simply leaving him as if the last few minutes hadn’t happened.

“Do you want to go there?” Regulus asks back, crossing his arms.

James looks at him in alarm, his hands fidgeting. “I’m happy with whatever you want.”

Regulus raises an eyebrow, lifting his chin and studying James with purposeful slowness, intending to cause the same terrifying uncertainty.

He slowly lifts one of his legs, groping blindly until he bumps into James’ shin, who jumps.

Regulus gives him a small smile. “Then you’ll stay.”

His tone is not open to answers.

Regulus deliberately slides his leg against James’, the fabric of his pants brushing against his. It’s not even close to direct, but Regulus’ body shivers at the deeply desired contact.

James casts a surprised glance under the table, as if to confirm that it was really happening.

Regulus remains aloof, as if he is doing nothing wrong.

His leg slides up and down, his sneaker occasionally catching on the hem of James’ dress pants and lifting them just a little.

James’ expression revealed that he too had been struck by the simple eroticism of the moment, turning his gaze to Regulus as if he wanted to jump him right then and there.

Unexpectedly, Regulus feels a hand grab his ankle, making it his turn to jump. He stops moving immediately, feeling that wave of fear and embarrassment again.

James’ features are calm though, contrasting with the firm fingers that curl around him.

Regulus finally processes the touch of skin against skin, so scalding hot he almost feels burning.

James lifts his leg until Regulus’ ankle rests on his own thigh, near the knee. When he’s stabilized, he relaxes his grip, beginning to slide his fingertips over the skin.

Regulus stands still, feeling an exaggerated overstimulation compared to simple touches on his ankle. Regulus didn’t even consider this an erogenous zone. (Maybe after this day he will.)

Goosebumps run up his leg, raising the fine hairs. It’s not the most comfortable position for his knee, completely stretched out, but Regulus is willing to feel all his muscles burn in order to feel those fingertips on him.

James starts a simple caress, sliding his nails around him, sometimes going a little up his pants towards his shin.

Regulus sighs and closes his eyes, his dry throat scratching. He considers relaxing back into the chair and starting to purr like a cat. If they were alone, he might do that.

James catalogues each of the reactions with interest, smiling in satisfaction. His thumb glides in circles as it moves up, Regulus’ pants covering James’ hand.

After long moments of trying to get used to it, Regulus begins to form sentences, which he tries not to let turn into mumbles when they reach his mouth.

He struggles to regain his confident, bold demeanor, even though he feels like James shattered that persona the moment his long fingers closed around Regulus’ leg.

“What were you saying again?” He asks in a shaky, almost drunken voice. “That you have better ideas about how to treat me than the other boys?”

James smiles wide with his gleaming white teeth. It made Regulus think of a hungry predator while he was behaving like prey begging to be devoured.

“Oh, I have some good ideas.” The tone of voice and the nails scratching his skin make Regulus feel a shiver run up his spine to the back of his neck. “I would take very good care of you.”

“I would strive for it, you know? To deserve it.” The words tumble from Regulus’ mouth unchecked, with no time for reflection, his mind a blank buzz. “To please and to be good.”

“Oh darling, you wouldn’t even have to try.” His tone was loving and warm. “Look at you, you’re made for this.”

Regulus made a small sound deep in his throat, his hands gripping the edge of the table to steady himself in reality. He felt like he might start melting into the chair at any minute.

He felt a disoriented urge to rub his legs, but he didn’t want to move so much that he would interrupt James.

Regulus’ eyes reflect the need that he is unable to convey, unable to find words that represent such fever, desire, feeling.

“You’re needier than I imagined. Almost begging for it.”

Regulus hated the condescending tone and the fact that the words were true. He hated knowing that yes, he was frighteningly needy and that he would beg for just a little extra touch.

“Are your underwear getting wet yet, love?”

The dirty words are whispered, reserved only for Regulus’ ears, who even with his mind in complete disarray found space for the deliciously hoarse timbre to make its home.

When Regulus turns back to face James, he is pathetically aware of the wetness between his legs, the fabric sticking to his skin.

His cheeks burn, feeling exposed as if he had been caught.

Firm fingers pinch his skin again, bringing him back to the conversation.

“Answer me, Regulus.” The deep, determined voice shakes his body. “Are you dripping yet?”

Regulus sighs with his eyes downcast, slowly nodding his head in agreement.

James has a triumphant expression, satisfaction emanating from his body. He goes back to stroking Regulus’ leg, moving up as far as he can reach to drag his nails.

“Messy boy.”

Regulus feels himself snap and fall back to earth, the throbbing between his legs unbearable.

He removes his leg from James’ thigh, who now has an expression that could be scared or shocked.

“I can’t do it anymore.”

Regulus stands up and tries to ignore the way his knees feel like they’re made of jelly and that his right trouser leg is raised higher than his left.

James stands still, staring at him. Regulus walks awkwardly around the table, until he reaches James' chair.

“I’m going to the bathroom, if you’re interested, find me.”

He doesn’t wait for a reaction before he marches off down the familiar path, trying hard not to walk awkwardly even as he feels the wet mess between his legs with every step.

The short path seems like a blur, with his heart pounding in his ears and his body feeling feverish.

Regulus goes to the corner of the hall where the bathrooms are, turning right and pushing the door with the masculine symbol. 

There are two sinks with a large mirror above, where Regulus can be startled by his burning face, and next to it another door that leads to a single stall.

He approaches the sinks, turning on the tap and sighing at the sensation of cold water on his hands. Only now was he able to feel how much tension had built up in his body during the brief moments of conversation.

Regulus wets his face in an attempt to ward off the heat and adjusts his spiky curls.

He glances past himself in the mirror, squinting at the door behind him. Anxiety coils in his stomach, twisting and turning with each passing second.

Had Regulus gone too far?

What was he thinking?

The conversation had escalated quickly, as had the attraction and chemistry he had felt.

It was nothing compared to anything he had ever experienced. Not even weeks of talking to the boys he had dated had had this effect on him. Regulus usually responded to their sexts with boredom disguised as mystery.

None of them could make Regulus pulse with mere words, using only the hoarseness of their voice as a device.

Regulus had lost track of time as he spiraled into thought. He shifted his gaze from himself to the door every few seconds, unsure if he was already being foolish for waiting.

James had shown interest in him, that was something he could tell himself for sure, but everything else wasn’t.

Maybe he thought it was too much. Maybe Regulus was too forward and that made his attraction fade. Maybe he only liked the theory part and not the practice.

Maybe he just wasn’t in the mood.

Maybe he had no particular interest in Regulus and was just having fun flirting with a stranger.

Regulus thinks about what he will do if (when) James doesn’t show up.

He will wait for several minutes until he is sure that James has already left because not even if he were dead would he share a table with James again knowing that he had made him ruin his underwear and then left him waiting.

Then Regulus would go to the booth to humiliatingly dry his parts on the rough toilet paper, return to the table to gather his things, and then growl at people who passed him on the street on the way back home.

Regulus would never be able to go to his favorite cafe again now that he had given the man every detail of his routine.

He would never go to the park again either, not wanting to risk running into him. Or to karaoke. Or to bars. Or to France. Or to companies that had a finance department, with their gray-haired middle-aged men in stupidly tight-.”

“Forgive me for the delay.”

Regulus looks up in fright, realizing where he still is. In the mirror he watches James close the door behind him, looking at Regulus with big, pleading puppy eyes.

Regulus turns to him and rests his back against the sink, absorbing the image in front of him.

James is also messy, with his dark hair spiky and his cheek flushed.

Now Regulus could see him in full: the black pants and dress shoes, the broad shoulders and the several inches he was taller than Regulus.

“I took the liberty of collecting your materials and asked the lady at the counter to keep it for you.” James explained, approaching Regulus slowly, as if he feared rejection. “I would hate myself if your art stuff went missing.”

“That’s…” Regulus begins, unsure of how he’s going to finish. “Very kind.”

All the whirlwind that was screaming in his mind suddenly seems silent. He wonders at the other’s responsibility for having thought of this, since he himself had not even considered the possibility.

Regulus finds James very sweet, and this was doing impure things to his body.

James looks relieved, smiling small, but still moving his hands in front of him restlessly.

The realization hits Regulus like the speed of a bullet train.

James had gone to meet him.

Regulus’ body reignites with the same power as before.

If James was there it was because he wanted him, and if he wanted him, well, Regulus was going to make good use of it.

Regulus glances at the cabin next to them, turning his eyes to James and arching an eyebrow. James follows his gaze and seems to swallow hard, taking a few steps towards the cabin door.

He pushes the door open and glances at Regulus, as if asking if he’s doing it right.

Regulus walks slowly until he enters the cabin, followed by James who locks the door.

Regulus leans his back against the wall to the left, with the toilet in front of him. James is leaning against the closed door, still wide-eyed.

All of his previous seductive demeanor seemed to have melted away, and honestly Regulus found this vulnerability very arousing.

Regulus deliberately runs his eyes all over James’ body, counting the five buttons on his shirt until they disappear inside his pants, tracing the outline of his belly with his eyes.

He stares at James’ belt, reaching out to hook his index finger through one of the belt loops.

Regulus pulls him towards him and James follows obediently, hands raised but unsure of what to do with them.

Regulus smiles predatorily, only releasing him when their bodies are one step away from joining.

He cranes his neck, gasping at the overwhelming sight of that magnitude so close up.

James’ eyes gleamed like gold and his mouth looked a million times more attractive than it did a table away.

Regulus noticed that he was also being watched with attention and almost dizzy eyes, internally hoping to please even though he was usually confident about his appearance.

James’ hands find a place on his waist, a firm grip but with his thumbs drawing circles.

Regulus runs his hands up his arms, squeezing his biceps until he reaches his shoulders. He lets his fingers slide to the skin above his collar and James seems to shiver, his mouth opening and closing a few times, as if there is so much to say but not enough words.

“Are you sure?” His voice is a mere whisper, invading the silence of the cabin.

Regulus smiles, trying to convey reassurance. “Absolutely.” He murmurs back, continuing to rub James’ shoulders. “And you?”

Before he can finish the question, James is already nodding quickly, making Regulus laugh.

“More than anything.”

The sincerity of the words melt Regulus, who slides a hand into the hair at the back of James’ neck.

Despite the confirmation, they do not rush to consummate their desires, spending a few moments to savor the sensation of their bodies together, of their breaths mingling and hitting each other’s faces.

They can’t help but smile when their eyes meet and Regulus feels a chill in his stomach that he had long forgotten. He wonders when was the last time he felt like this and imagines it was when he kissed for the first time.

He slowly brings his face closer to James’, their noses brushing against each other and reveling in the tension. James wraps his arms around his waist, one of his large, warm hands sliding down the length of Regulus’ back, sending shivers down his spine.

When their lips meet, Regulus almost feels like he’s floating.

It’s a determined, long press of the lips as if it were the last kiss rather than the first.

James opens his lips without taking them off Regulus’, his hunger showing. Regulus follows his movements, responding to his enthusiasm.

The hand on the back of James’ neck pulls him impossibly close, forcing him to press Regulus’ body against himself and the wall.

Regulus parts his lips and they are immediately taken by James’ tongue, sweeping the entire inside of his mouth. Regulus feels his entire body tingle, electricity going from one pole to another.

Regulus soon discovers that James kisses as if he wants to claim him entirely, starting with his mouth.

All of James’ uncertainty is gone and what’s left is a desperate man who licks his lips like it’s his right and squeezes his waist hard enough to leave marks.

Regulus mumbles involuntarily against his mouth, his head spinning from the lack of oxygen and probably blood as well since his lower parts throb painfully.

Regulus clings to James like an anchor, trying to keep up with his relentless pace. He sucks on James’ bottom lip hungrily and feels his smile against his own lips, before he licks the corner of Regulus’ mouth.

James slows down, focusing on massaging Regulus’ tongue with his own slowly. Regulus swallows all the sounds forming in his throat, taking them out in the form of scratches on the back of James’ neck.

James leaves little kisses all over his lips, going to the area around his mouth as they both breathe audibly.

Regulus leans back against the wall, boneless after a single kiss. He smiles half-lidded at James, licking his own tingling lips.

James kisses Regulus’ cheek multiple times, and when he speaks his voice vibrates against his ears.

“I-I don’t usually do this… I’ve never done it actually.”

Regulus searches his face, which seems to be contorted in some sort of shyness. He assumes from the way he was kissed that James is referring to picking up strangers in public places and not about kissing in general.

“Me neither.” Regulus says quietly, bringing his thumb to James’ cheek.

He feels the soft skin beneath his thumb, which stretches when James smiles. Regulus traces the lines around his lips and reaches up to adjust James’ glasses on the bridge of his nose.

James continues to press his hands against him, and Regulus can feel his chest rising and falling against his.

Their lips collide again, less desperately and more purposefully.

They find themselves in rhythm with surprising speed, a coordinated synchrony that makes Regulus’ toes curl inside his shoes.

He tries to return the effort, nibbling on James’ bottom lip and sliding his tongue against his. One of his hands is tightly gripped around James’ bicep and the other is twirling his hair between his fingers.

By the end of the second kiss, Regulus feels he has been ruined forever.

He leans his head against the wall and takes a deep breath, his head buzzing. His body is limp but his steady hands keep him upright.

When Regulus opens his eyes he feels his breath being taken away again by the way James looks at him.

His eyes are misty and his bright red mouth is slightly open. He blinks slowly, as if he’s trying to process the image in front of him.

When their eyes meet, he looks surprised and embarrassed, as if he’s been caught red-handed.

Regulus gives a mischievous smile, not hiding the way he also looks at him with desire. His hand slides from James’ neck to his chest, feeling the fabric and buttons in his palm.

“So…” Regulus begins, with false casualness. “Did you plan this when you came to my table?”

James gives a derisive laugh, shaking his head. “No. I never would have guessed you would give me that kind of attention.”

Regulus rolls his eyes, holding himself back from saying that anyone with two brain cells would look at James more than once.

“You’re a fool for that.” He replies, enjoying the way James looks down and holds back a smile. “So, how do you feel now?”

James lifts his face to give him the brightest smile Regulus has ever seen, even more perfect up close.

“Fucking spectacular.”

His honesty tugs at Regulus’ heartstrings, who grabs his collar to kiss him hard, this time in a hasty and clumsy kiss.

Regulus gives up on holding back his sounds, muffling against James’ lips, who seems pleased by the way he tries to explore the inside of Regulus’ mouth with his tongue.

One of his hands that was on his back goes up to Regulus’ curls, grabbing and pulling them, making their mouths come apart and Regulus makes a whimpering sound.

He looks pleadingly at James, wanting more of whatever he offers him.

James runs his tongue over Regulus’ parted lips, his other hand making its way down his torso to cup his chin.

James’ fingers pressed against Regulus’ cheeks, both hands holding him so tightly that he couldn’t move his head even a few inches.

James is also a little out of breath and messy, but he looks at Regulus like he hasn’t even started yet.

“You’re a miracle.” He murmurs in a deep, husky voice and Regulus’ slow brain can’t formulate a response before the air is sucked from his lungs again.

James continues to hold him firmly in place as he devours Regulus’ mouth, whose brain is filled only with James’ wet sounds and grunts.

His hands weakly grip James’ shoulders for support, whimpering as his lips are deliciously abused by James’ teeth.

Regulus breathes heavily when they pull apart, feeling the cold air hit his face where the area around his mouth is wet with saliva.

He feels a tingling in his fingertips, feeling pleasantly spent and drained.

James loosens his grip on his hair, stroking it in reward. Regulus stands on his tiptoes to press a peck to his lips, proceeding to lick the saliva around his lips and down to his jaw.

Regulus nibbles along the length of the bone, licking the marks with the tip of his tongue. He moves down to his neck, below his ear and James gasps.

James rests one hand on the wall next to Regulus’ head and the other remains in his hair, squeezing with each wet kiss Regulus gives him.

Regulus brings his nose to the base, near the collar, and inhales deeply of James’ intoxicating scent, which makes his head spin again. He sees James shiver and nuzzles his skin, murmuring in approval close to his ear.

With one hand, Regulus grabs James’ hair, pulling it lightly to expose his throat, the other sliding down to the buttons near his collar and masterfully undoing them, exposing his collarbone and part of his shoulders.

Regulus takes advantage of the new space he has conquered, savoring every inch of skin, letting his tongue navigate between the bones and sucking the reliefs.

Sometimes he pulls back and looks up, finding James with the same mesmerized, lost look that makes Regulus grab him again until he’s breathless.

James lowers his lips from his to Regulus’ neck, who bites his lower lip hard to keep from making too loud noises.

James leaves torturously delicate kisses down the length of his neck, which Regulus willingly offers. His large hands are on his back, caressing near the small of it.

When James’ lips close around the skin and suck, Regulus brings one hand to his mouth, pressing the back of his hand against his closed lips.

James’ tongue traces a path to his ear, his hot breath sending shivers down his spine. James brings one of his hands up to Regulus’ mouth, intertwining their fingers and placing them against the wall beside Regulus’ head.

Before Regulus can protest, James is passionately kissing the other side of his neck, teeth scraping the skin.

Regulus lets out a slurred sound of surprise as James’ teeth close into his flesh at the same time the hand that had been on his lower back drops down to grab his ass.

Regulus smiles dazedly, chasing James’ lips who starts to kiss around his mouth. Regulus leans in a few times, to which James dodges each time, allowing only a brush of lips.

Regulus frowns in irritation, to which James grins mischievously at him.

Regulus holds the back of James’ neck and brings his face close, the two breathing the same stale air for a few seconds.

James leaves kisses all over Regulus’ face, starting from his jaw, down his cheeks and nose, below his eyes.

“You are beautiful… Absolutely beautiful.”

Regulus feels his cheeks burn under his lips, closing his eyes to avoid looking at him and blindly chasing James’ mouth, which allows him to be kissed.

Regulus works hard to suck James’ lips and roll his tongue against his, aiming to leave the other man as helpless as he himself was.

James breathes heavily against his mouth, squeezing Regulus’ ass harder, forcing their bodies together. Regulus nibbles on James’ bottom lip, finding it appealing how it gets so red and wet.

James licks them to remove the excess saliva, his eyes still closed as he catches his breath. Regulus takes this moment to regain his composure.

“So where is it?” He asks, tilting his head to the side.

James opens his eyes, which are unfocused and have an expression of confusion as if Regulus had spoken in another language.

“W-what?”

“The tattoo that’s older than me?” Regulus grins mischievously.

James seems to take a few seconds to process, chuckling.

He holds one of Regulus’ hands, guiding it across his chest until it reaches his groin, on the left side.

“It’s here.” He whispers against Regulus’ face.

Regulus slides his fingertips over the area, brushing against the waistband of his pants.

“Show me?” He asks sweetly and seductively.

James seems to ponder before taking a few steps back, Regulus immediately missing the warmth of his body.

James’ hands go to the still-closed buttons of his shirt, which causes a shiver of anticipation in Regulus.

James unbuttons it ridiculously slowly, a mischievous grin never leaving his face. Regulus tries to hide his desire but his eyes chase every new inch of exposed skin.

When James finishes opening his shirt, Regulus doesn’t even remember what the purpose of it was, distracted by the image of James’ strong chest, brownish skin with some dark hair.

He follows James’ hand down to his crotch, lowering the waistband of his pants a little to show the entire design.

Regulus sees some black spots that aren’t very easy to decipher, so his drunk brain does the first thing that seems to make sense: he kneels in front of James.

Regulus sits back on his heels and looks more closely at the drawing, seeing clearly. There are seven stars of varying sizes, all drawn in thick black ink. They have a worn look, showing their age. Closer to James’ belly is a group of four stars that are shaped a little differently where the skin has stretched.

“When did you do it?” Regulus looks up, searching his face and is surprised when he finds James’ eyes, wide and fixed on him.

He blinks slowly, opening his mouth a few times, some inconsistent noises coming out.

“A little after I turned eighteen, a friend of mine was planning to open a studio and convinced me and our other friend, Remus, to let him try it out.”

Regulus chuckles at the story, raising one hand and slowly tracing the sharp shapes.

“What constellation is it?” He asks, curious that he can’t recognize it.

James gives him a sheepish smile. “I have no idea. Maybe the tattoo artist made it up.”

Regulus nods and continues following the shapes, moving on to the three stars in a row. He tries to store the shape in his memory so he can look for it in the future. He imagines himself drawing the shapes and connecting them in his sketchbook.

Regulus leans forward, drawn to something he doesn’t want to name. One hand rests on James’ waist as he presses his lips to the star at the outer tip.

Regulus leaves a delicate kiss, sticking his tongue out and sliding it along the path from one star to the other, as if connecting them.

He leaves a kiss on the next one and the next, listening to the breath hitch above him. When he reaches the cluster of four stars near his belly, Regulus looks up, batting his eyelashes at James.

James brings one of his hands to Regulus’ hair, stroking it, making him let out a hum of approval.

He goes back to tracing the patterns with his lips, enjoying the taste and texture of the skin in his mouth. His nose brushes the skin and it takes all of Regulus’ self-control not to move down to his groin to inhale him.

“It’s pretty nice, aesthetically speaking.” Regulus says. He wouldn’t exactly call it pretty, but it had a good story, and Regulus knows that the meaning of something is more beautiful than lines and strokes.

James laughs and strokes his hair. “It’s ugly as fuck.”

Regulus laughs along, leaving one last kiss and leaning on his waist to stand up again.

“You don’t have to be nice to me or my reckless teenage choices.”

Regulus smiles and leans his head against the wall behind him, pulling James close again.

“It’s a cool brand, and a good story.” He explains, shrugging.

His hands slip under his open shirt, moving to his back, where he strokes in circular motions. “Besides, I told you I could be good.”

He watches James’ smile grow, one hand cradling Regulus’ face, thumb sliding across his jaw.

“I see.” He leaves a smacking kiss on Regulus’ lips. “You’re the best.”

Regulus looks away and suppresses a smile, looking down.

James’ hand on his chin tilts his face up, forcing their eyes to meet. He caresses his cheek and slides his fingertip across Regulus’ bottom lip.

“The prettiest boy I’ve ever seen.” James whispers, mapping every inch of Regulus’ face.

Regulus grabs his hair again, their mouths clashing awkwardly. James moans in approval and Regulus feels a tingle throughout his body.

He embraces the warmth of James’ skin, sliding his hands down his broad back, letting his nails slide secretly wishing for a mark, no matter how small, something that would stay with James even after they were apart.

James grabs his hair possessively again, taking Regulus’ mouth with disconcerting and rhythmless desire, as if he were simply fulfilling a primitive and unconscious desire.

He continues to press himself against Regulus, as if he intends to unite them definitively. The cold wall behind him contrasts with Regulus’ feverish state, which seems to focus on his core, which he presses towards James’ waist.

He can’t help but take advantage of the other’s partial nudity and when he runs out of breath, his mouth travels down his neck and collarbone, one of his hands caressing James’ abdomen, scratching his waist.

James moans breathlessly, breathing heavily against Regulus’ hair as he licks and nibbles at the skin.

Regulus looks up and stares at James as he kisses his chest, letting his tongue slide along the creases of his skin.

James leans down and sucks on his bottom lip, leaving slow pecks punctuated by sighs and grunts of satisfaction.

James’ hands slide down his back until they rest on Regulus’ ass with a firm grip, which makes him moan softly against his mouth.

Regulus leans on James’ shoulders, pulling him towards him, kissing him like it was the only thing he was made to do.

He feels James’ legs slide against his, as if he were trying to adjust them. Seconds later Regulus’ entire body gasps as James’ thigh is lifted until it brushes between Regulus’ legs.

The friction made the fabric merely brush against his core and it was enough to make his knees weak.

Regulus’ eyes are half-open, as is his mouth, which is making delirious sounds. He unconsciously rocks his hips, rubbing himself against James’ leg.

Regulus can feel himself dripping, the friction exposing the mess in his underwear that sticks to his skin as he moves. It’s visceral the way his mind goes blank and all he can do is chase the bursts of electricity that sweep through his body with every movement.

James’ hands on his ass press him closer, making Regulus feel the firmness of his thigh muscles.

Regulus looks at James with a drunken expression, tasting a plea on his tongue but unable to form it into sound.

James smiles sweetly at him, as if he’s offering a dessert instead of his own leg so that Regulus can desperately relieve himself.

He rests his knee against the wall behind Regulus, supporting him with his hands on his waist, which motivate his movements.

Regulus hears James’ voice distantly, punctuated by waves of pleasure that can’t decide whether to be relieving or instigating.

“Take what you need, my love. That’s what I’m here for.”

The words result in another round of shivers and Regulus wrapping his arms around James’ neck, hiding his face in the crook of his neck.

He deliberately rubs himself against James, with a force and desperation that makes him feel bad because he knows that soon James’ leg will start to hurt. These thoughts are soon reduced to nothing when James starts whispering “That’s right, very good” in his ear.

Regulus tries to muffle his own moans by pressing his mouth to James’ skin, which works for a while until James starts pressing his leg against him, reaching Regulus’ cock and rubbing it intensely.

Regulus mumbles incoherent things, all his energy being focused on continuing to move against James, rubbing his throbbing, dripping pussy against him.

Regulus brings his mouth closer to James’ ear, searching within himself for voice and coherence to form words.

“I-I’m going to wet your pants.” His voice comes out crackly and thin, contrasting with James’ deep, husky laugh.

“I hope so.” He replies with a radiant smile and Regulus feels his body melt.

He doesn’t doubt James’ words for a second which makes him drip even more.

James holds him tightly around the waist as Regulus’ body grows heavier and heavier, chasing the burning sensation. Regulus exposes his throat and James licks the skin as if he is hungry.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.” Regulus breathes the words into the air, feeling his stomach churn and twist.

James whispers things in his ear, kissing his cheeks.

“I-if we continue like this I-I will…”

James eases his grip on his hips, stroking his back tenderly. One hand comes up to cup Regulus’ face, brushing the sweaty curls from his forehead.

“You can, if that’s what you want, baby.”

Regulus forces his eyes open and his feet to the ground, searching for his long-lost balance.

James opens and closes his mouth a few times, as if he wants to say more but can’t find the words.

“If that’s not what you want… we can… I-I can…” He looks away and mumbles incoherently.

Regulus frowns, curious.

“What, James?” He watches James’ expression twist in doubt, tilting to the side. Regulus brings a hand to his face, bringing James’ eyes to his. “You can tell me.”

James ponders for a few more seconds before adopting a restrained, even somewhat shy, posture. “How far are we going today?”

Regulus is surprised by the question, pondering a better answer than “I would do anything you asked.”

“How much would you like to go?”

James looks speechless at the question’s return, once again breaking away from Regulus’ gaze. He nervously fiddles with the hem of Regulus’ sweater that has slipped out of his pants.

“I was wondering if… if you wanted… if you felt comfortable I could…” James rambles on and Regulus waits patiently until he feels he’s found the right combination of words.

James closes his lips and takes a deep breath, turning back to face Regulus, now completely embarrassed.

“Can I please eat you out?”

Regulus stares at him for seconds in silence, trying to make sense of the words.

James looks even more embarrassed now that he’s gotten the words out, glancing at him only briefly.

Regulus’ face breaks into a smile for several reasons. Because of James’ insecure figure, which for some reason he finds attractive. Because of the insinuation of James’ mouth on him, which in itself makes him shiver. Because James asks him please, as if the act of eating him were a greater pleasure for him than it is for Regulus.

Regulus bites his lower lip, trying to contain his excitement. He nods a few times.

“You can.” Regulus confirms, trying to forge a tone of confidence that is immediately shattered by the widening smile on James’ face.

He cups Regulus’ face with both hands, leaving a long, smacking kiss on his lips and whispering, “Thank you.”

Regulus thinks he might faint.

He parts his lips and forces his tongue into James’ mouth, trying to distract him and himself from what is about to happen.

Regulus reminds himself that he’s still inside a stall in a public bathroom, but with James in front of him that seems like the last thing that matters right now.

James pulls away and smiles widely at Regulus, taking a few steps back and kneeling in front of him.

Regulus now understands the expression of disbelief James made when the situation was reversed. It is a true delighted vision.

He feels his knees weaken but tries to maintain his composure, resting his hands on James’ shoulders.

James looks down at him with misty eyes and slightly askew glasses, his hands raised on Regulus’ waist. His fingers slide down to the buttons of his pants, beginning to undo them.

“You don’t really need to.” Regulus mumbles without thinking, his stomach churning with anxiety.

James pulls away and looks back at him, his sad puppy expression making Regulus regret what he said.

“It’s just… most guys don’t like it.” Regulus adds, leaning his head against the wall and closing his eyes. “They prefer to get straight to the point, you know.”

Regulus bites the inside of his cheeks, not even knowing what he’s trying to say.

He feels apprehensive because it’s not something he’s done often due to his partners’ lack of interest. The ones who have bothered to try haven’t even come close to making Regulus cum. He’s afraid he won’t like it, or that James won’t like it, or that he’ll feel like it’s something he has to do.

Regulus feels a touch on his hand, James covering the back of it with his large, warm palm. Regulus looks down, cheeks burning.

James has a warm expression and Regulus feels like he’s going to lose his mind at how sweet this man is capable of being even in the context they’re in.

“It’s a shame what they've done to you.” James mutters, bringing Regulus’ palm to his own face. “If I had my time with you I’d be making you cum before I even took your clothes off.”

Regulus swallows hard, feeling a wave of shame as he remembers that he was actually about to cum while grinding against James’ leg.

“I’ll make good use of you. I’ll give you the value you deserve.” James whispers, staring at Regulus with terrifying intensity.

He kisses the palm of Regulus’ hand, brushing his lips over the skin, tickling it. Regulus brings his thumb to James’ lips, tracing them gently. The sight of them swollen and shiny, and the thought of them wrapped around Regulus’ cock, makes him shiver.

“And I want you.” James says, his wide eyes devouring every inch of Regulus. “I want you so bad.”

James seems like he’s always ready to beg for Regulus, as if he’s capable of denying him anything.

Regulus’ head goes back to being just white noise, not even remembering what exactly he was insecure about, being filled with a throbbing feeling of need.

“Can I have you, baby?” James asks, taking Regulus’ fingers in his and kissing the back of his hand.

Regulus finds it an interesting sight, a man like James in this place, and in this position. It seems unusual, that it doesn’t make sense, at the same time that Regulus feels that this is how he should be, kneeling before him.

Regulus nods, bringing his hands to the buttons on his pants and undoing them.

James smiles gratefully, leaving a kiss on his still covered thigh.

He lifts his hands to the waistband of Regulus’ pants, keeping his eyes fixed on him as he slides the fabric down his thighs, then down his shins and onto his feet.

Regulus feels the cold wind shiver his skin, especially when James’ fingertips begin to dance on the outside of his thighs, near his knees.

Regulus sighs and he wonders if James can also smell him emanating from his forever ruined underwear.

James slides down on his knees and moves a little closer to him, his lips finding Regulus’ right knee.

James makes his way up with wet, smacking kisses, his eyes never leaving Regulus’ which must show how desperate he is as James laughs at his frustration as he starts to make his way back down again.

Regulus rests a hand in James’ hair as he begins to passionately kiss the skin, sucking and leaving it shiny with his saliva.

The other thigh has red spots where his fingers pressed, and Regulus spreads his legs a little further in a sign of urgency.

James smiles at him and kisses him closer and closer. He licks wide areas from the inside to the groin, the tip of his tongue brushing against Regulu’ underwear.

Regulus frowns in the center of his forehead, his lips involuntarily forming a pout.

James smiles, moving closer to his center, his breath at the level of Regulus’ mound, and then he moves down again, starting to kiss his other knee.

Regulus snorts, gripping his hair between his fingers, to which James responds with a bite of his flesh.

Regulus takes a deep breath and tries to control his anxiety, focusing on the soft lips and skillful tongue.

James repeats the same path on the other leg, licking the inside of it eagerly, as if for him the wait was also torture.

When he pulls away, Regulus looks at him expectantly, stroking the hair on the back of his neck in encouragement. James rests his hands on the back of his knees, bringing his face closer to his intimacy. 

He touches the tip of his nose Regulus’ pubic mound, rubbing it. Regulus is speechless, overwhelmed.

James slides his nose further down, burying it in the fabric and inhaling deeply. Regulus thinks he might see his eyes rolling back.

He stays like that for several moments, breathing deeply as if he needs to fill his lungs with Regulus. When he pulls away he seems intoxicated and numb.

James kisses his center, above Regulus’ cock that makes a small bulge in his underwear. He leaves kisses all over the front area, caressing Regulus’ legs in the process.

He leans down and kisses the tip of Regulus’ still covered cock, sending a shockwave through the body above him.

James leans in further and further, leaving kisses all along the length of his pussy, from his throbbing cock to his lips and dripping entrance.

Every time James came back into view and his face was bright, Regulus had to hold back a groan.

James starts licking the fabric, now soaked in Regulus’ fluid and James’ saliva. He goes down to the part where Regulus’ entrance is and tries to capture the fabric between his lips to suck on it, which makes Regulus grunt in desperate frustration.

He brings James’ face up to where he can see, glaring at him. James still has the drunken look and the “Huh?”

“Holy shit, why don’t you just eat me already?” Regulus hated his needy tone but he couldn’t stand another second of that teasing.

James’ expression breaks into a mocking grin, making him boil even more. James approaches him and sticks his tongue out, leaving licks on the bulge where Regulus’ cock is.

Regulus holds back a strangled groan, lifting his head so James can’t see his expression.

“I thought you were being nice.”

Regulus rolls his eyes and snorts, regretting looking back at him when James’ lips close around the bulge, the effortful suction reaching Regulus’ cock.

“Oh, fuck, please, fuck.” Regulus groans in defeat, feeling close to tears. “Can you please just eat me?”

He watches James ponder, his chin resting on Regulus’ thigh. His fingers slowly move up, one of his thumbs brushing the bulge of his underwear until he reaches the waistband, where he hooks his fingers and slides them down. Regulus can feel the fabric peeling away from his skin, completely soaked. He looks down and feels his ears hot as he sees the fabric, once a light blue, stained with moisture. Regulus doesn’t think he’s ever been so wet in his life.

James helps him unhook his pants and underwear from one leg and then does the same with the other, supporting him with one hand on his waist.

Regulus watches James unfold the underwear, looking at it as if it were a rare and precious artifact, touching it delicately. He holds it in both hands cupped together and before Regulus can make a joke about how he’s going to have to throw it away, James makes his words die in his throat as he brings the item to his nose.

Regulus watches with wide eyes and a half-open mouth, the unspoken words lost in the air. James has the lower part of his face covered with his underwear, his eyes closed, his bare chest rising and falling with each long breath.

Regulus presses his thighs together unconsciously, afraid that his juices will drip onto the floor.

James pulls the fabric away from his face and lowers his hand to the side of his own pants.

“Do you mind if I keep this?” He asks hoarsely and Regulus can’t form a more complex response than a nod.

James smiles and tucks his underwear into his pants pocket, turning his attention back to Regulus’ now naked body.

Regulus looks down and sees his own pubic hair glistening with James’ saliva, his cock poking out between his folds.

James licks his own lips as he looks down at him, his hands coming up to pull Regulus’ sweater away, lifting it enough so that the lower part of his stomach is visible.

James leans in, brushing his lips just below Regulus’ belly button, his breath fanning against the skin. He kisses the area as torturously slow as everything else, dragging his lips back and forth as if he had all the time in the world.

Regulus feels a mixture of worry and longing as he thinks of James in other contexts, in an empty room with more time and more comfort. Regulus thinks James would kill him.

James makes his adoration visible in every touch, every breath. He is a patient and meticulous man, who studies him with scrutiny but gentleness, leaving Regulus a little embarrassed.

He lowers his face to Regulus’ pubic mound, his nose brushing against the hair, encouraging him to spread his legs a little further.

Regulus stares at him fervently, anticipation crackling in every extremity of his body, stretching him tighter and tighter. James meets his gaze, glowing with effervescent hunger. Regulus finds he likes being seen this way, something to be devoured.

James brings his hands down to Regulus’ pelvis, his thumbs finding their place in his folds, spreading him open.

Regulus almost feels embarrassed or exposed, if it weren’t for the expression of pure pleasure and adoration on his partner’s face.

Regulus notices that James is panting a little, his lips glistening with moisture.

He turns back to face Regulus as he moves closer, his breath pounding against Regulus’ throbbing cock.

James leaves a chaste, soft kiss on the tip and Regulus has to bite his lips to keep from moaning. He kisses him a few more times, intense and wet.

Regulus brings one of his hands to James’ hair, holding it and stroking it. He continues to watch as James takes his warm, soft tongue, sliding it along his cock.

Regulus bites the inside of his cheek hard, breathing heavily. His sensitive body shivers with each touch, the pleasure being both overstimulating and not enough.

James wraps his lips around his cock, taking it with a feverish heat, his mouth sliding and his nose buried in the skin.

Regulus has his eyebrows furrowed and a pained expression, his mouth half open without any sound coming out.

James starts sucking him harder, turning Regulus’ legs into a quivering mess. He hears the man beneath him grunt and force his face toward Regulus’ pussy, eager.

James pulls away breathlessly, using his thumbs to open it again. He looks at Regulus in wonder.

“Oh God. Look at you, baby.”

Regulus doesn’t get a chance to respond as James presses his mouth against his again, leaning down so he’s even further beneath Regulus.

He licks long strips through his folds, kissing clumsily and wetly, his delicate posture giving way to ambition.

The place is filled with the sounds of lip smacking and low grumbling from Regulus, who tries to control his body so as not to start grinding himself into James’ mouth.

James moans without a hint of shame, as if he was enjoying something delicious that he was desperate to taste. Regulus soon discovers that James eats like he kisses: strong, possessive and intense.

One of James’ hands settles on Regulus’ lower belly, holding him against the wall, while the other mauls the flesh of his thigh.

Regulus watches James bury his face in him, chasing him hard and desperately. His head moves from side to side as he licks at Regulus’ dripping entrance.

When he pulls away, breathing loudly and heavily, Regulus revels in his gorgeous face covered in moisture, his hair sticking up in every direction and his lips deliciously swollen.

“I can’t believe this is happening.” James whispers, and Regulus doesn’t know if James intended for him to hear.

Regulus looks at him, kneeling in front of him with adoring eyes. Regulus has never felt so worshiped.

James returns to his rightful place, between Regulus’ legs.

He licks and sucks at his folds, his tongue scraping against Regulus’ twitching entrance. James laps up all the wetness around it.

“You’re such a lovely little thing.” Regulus hears the voice muffled by his own thighs, followed by more wet sounds as James makes out with his pussy “I want to eat you whole.”

“Please…” Regulus’ voice comes out as a meow, trying very hard to keep it low. “Please, keep going.”

James redoubles his efforts, trying to penetrate him with his tongue while Regulus feels his nose brush against his needy cock. James is grunting and Regulus feels the vibrations in his center.

The sensation is terrifying and super stimulating, almost painful. Regulus squeezes his curls tightly between his fingers, confused between pushing him away or pulling James into his pussy.

James pulls away for a few moments, grabbing the back of Regulus’ left thigh and lifting it, placing his leg over one of his shoulders.

Regulus reaches for one of James’ hands and intertwines their fingers, leaning on his other leg.

James sucks his cock hard and Regulus suppresses dangerously loud moan, violent shivers running through his body.

“I hate not being able to hear you.” James says between small pauses to breathe. “Your beautiful, whiny voice. I wish I could hear you moaning my name so I can remember it.”

Regulus snorts internally, knowing he couldn’t deny him any wish.

He might be about to get kicked out of his favorite coffee shop for fucking a forty-something guy in the bathroom. And he wouldn’t even regret it.

“T-this is so fucking good, James.” His voice is whiny and brittle, trying to keep it low. “Oh fuck, please, yes.”

James moans in response, rubbing his face between Regulus’ legs, probably ruining himself with his fluids.

“You’re the best, Regulus.” James mutters breathlessly. “You’re the best I’ve ever had.”

Regulus feels something in his stomach tug, his entrance contracting and throbbing.

“Now you’re the one playing nice.”

James pulls back to look at him, wet cheeks and cheese making his face shine.

“I’m not.” He says completely seriously. “You ruined me, Regulus. Your smell, your taste.” James rests his head on Regulus’ leg that’s on his shoulder, looking at him with pleading puppy eyes. “You were made for me.”

Regulus swallows hard, not wanting to think too much about the effect those words had on him. He resents the position they are in because he feels the need to kiss him.

James leaves a kiss on his pubic mound and goes back to circling Regulus’ cock with his tongue, making the sensation in his stomach expand, an almost unbearable burning.

“Ah, James, yes.” Regulus whispers, feeling himself become consumed by the sensation. “I’m getting close.”

James increases the pace of his tongue and Regulus struggles not to scream.

“I’m not done yet, wait more.”

The deep, firm voice almost brings tears to his eyes.

“I-I can’t…” Regulus says in a whisper, the feeling of avoiding his own orgasm almost painful.

“You will.” James says simply and continues to eat it with the same intensity and desire.

Regulus feels his body burn and tremble, his ears ringing only to hear James’ grunts. He leans his head against the wall and breathes heavily, his eyes rolling back every time James inserts his tongue into his hot entrance.

The seconds pass slowly and torturously, the elastic threatening to snap. Regulus hates himself for wanting to obey him and hates this man for making him hold back his orgasm just so he can eat his pussy some more.

Regulus is about to ask if James intends to spend the day and night down there when the firm voice interrupts his delirious thoughts.

“Look at me.”

Regulus’ head feels heavy, he feels beads of sweat running down his neck, and it takes a lot of effort to look down.

James looks completely fucked up, in the most angelic way possible.

“Don’t take your eyes off mine. I want to see your pretty face when you cum in my mouth.”

Regulus has to try to press his thighs together to keep from cumming immediately.

He doesn’t have the strength to respond but continues to stare at James, his mouth open with unspoken requests.

Giving in to the pressure and heat of James’ mouth is the easiest thing Regulus has ever done in his life.

As soon as his lips are wrapped around Regulus’ cock, sucking on the sensitive spots, he feels his back arch, the intensity of his release destroying everything in its path.

Regulus can’t keep his eyes open but makes sure his head is down as he cums, his vision going black at the edges and the relief overwhelming.

James doesn’t stop licking him as it happens, his tongue delighting in his entrance, moaning in relief along with Regulus.

Regulus’ legs feel weak and one of James’ hands rests on his waist, holding him in place.

The sensation lasts for several seconds until it slowly subsides, leaving behind a boneless and completely stoned Regulus.

James’ touch feels light as a feather, as if Regulus has distanced himself from his own body. James gently removes Regulus’ leg from his shoulder, setting it on the ground.

His hands move up Regulus’ waist, hugging him, his face nestling in the crook of his neck.

Regulus slowly opens his heavy eyes, leaning his weight against the wall behind him. His breathing begins to even out and his face breaks into a lazy smile.

James’ scent and warm breath on his neck are comforting and Regulus struggles to lift his heavy arms and wrap them around James’ neck. He puts his fingers into James’ curls, massaging the back of his neck, feeling their chests pressed together synchronize their breathing.

James pulls away after a few moments, searching his face. Regulus graces him with a satisfied smile, sliding his fingers down James’ neck and landing on James’ bare chest.

James holds him with one hand while the other comes up to brush Regulus’ hair away from his face, unsticking it from his sweaty forehead. He smiles back at Regulus.

“Was it good?” James asks quietly.

Regulus feels like rolling his eyes. He laughs humorlessly.

“You know it was fucking good.” He replies hoarsely. “But don’t let it go to your head.”

James’ smile widens and he chuckles, his thumb resting on Regulus’ cheek.

“Oh, honey,” He begins in an overly sweet tone. “Didn’t you see how your legs were shaking and how you were dripping wet down your thighs?” Regulus’ smile fades and he feels his face heat up. “It’s already up.”

Regulus swallows hard, hating James’ smug smirk and tone.

He shifts his weight from one foot to the other and takes only a second to decide he’s going to return the provocation.

“How do I taste?”

Regulus hides his embarrassment at asking the question, distracted by the way James’ eyes sparkle.

“Amazing.” James replies, sliding his tongue over his own lips as if he can still taste it. “Wonderful, addictive.”

“Really?” Regulus asks, batting his eyelashes at him in feigned innocence. “Share with me.”

James stares at him, his eyebrows furrowing in doubt.

Regulus smirks before sticking his tongue out of his mouth, offering it to James. He keeps his eyes glued to him and watches as doubt turns to confusion, disbelief, and then to delightful realization.

James’ lips part and the hand that was on his cheek fits under his chin, in the same possessive manner as before.

He brings his face close to Regulus’, looking him up and down, his lips meeting as he spits, saliva sliding from his lips and landing on Regulus’ tongue.

He continues to hold it, his fingers firmly on his cheeks, preventing Regulus from retracting his tongue, as if he wants to appreciate the image for a few more moments.

James releases him and Regulus makes a scene of swallowing his saliva, licking his lips and letting out satisfied grunts. He feels the eroticism of the moment crackle on his skin, tingle at his fingertips.

James slides his hands from his face to his neck, holding him against the wall.

“You’re going to kill me.” James practically growls against his face, claiming his lips fiercely.

Regulus lets out a noise of surprise, trying to keep up with James’ devastating, imposing pace.

The two of them are a wet mess of chattering teeth and entwined tongues, Regulus gripping James’ shoulders and whimpering against his lips.

The grip around his neck is firm, but not enough to cut off his breath. Even so, Regulus is quickly out of breath, his lungs burning as James claims his mouth as his own.

Regulus responds erratically, licking James’ lips and tasting the musky flavor that wasn’t there before. His tongue slides out the corner of his mouth and he leaves wet kisses on his cheek.

James moves down to his neck, as if he is unable to pull his mouth away from Regulus. His teeth nibble the skin and his tongue slides over the marks, in an apology from someone who is not that sorry.

Their sweaty bodies stick together and Regulus moves his legs a little, feeling James’ bulge rub against him. He leans his waist towards him too, the slight friction making the man moan close to his ear.

Regulus considers sliding his hand down his pants to relieve him quickly, returning the favor, but when he thinks of James’ length, the weight of him in his hand, Regulus’ entrance throbs.

They’ve come this far, haven’t they? They’ve already surpassed every imaginable limit.

Regulus wants him. Desperately.

Regulus wants him and will have him if James wants him too.

“James.” Regulus calls out, feeling his lips mark a spot on the pulse point of his neck, the suction distracting him.

When James doesn’t answer, Regulus calls out again, holding his hair. “James, love.”

James immediately searches his eyes, his face mixed between affection and concern.

“Yes dear?”

“I need you to do something for me.” Regulus begins, his eyes betraying him and drifting to the bulging bulge in his pants.

“Yeah, anything.” James says with his full attention on him, hugging his waist again.

Regulus ponders how he should put this, but there is no other way to say it than bluntly. He swallows and looks James in the eye.

“I need you to fuck me.”

Regulus waits for James’ reaction, who doesn’t move a muscle for several seconds.

He starts to feel self-conscious and looks away, thoughts swirling in his mind and churning in his stomach.

He should have controlled his expectations before he even thought about asking. He should have thought about how he would feel if he were rejected like he now thought he would be.

James remains static until he gives a long sigh, also looking away from his.

“I don’t know if we should.” James says, half-clenched and slurred, like he’s pushing the words out of his mouth.

Regulus searches his features for an answer but doesn’t find it.

“I want it, do you want it?” He whispers into the space between them, feeling even more ridiculous.

James sighs again, looking nervous. He unwraps one of his hands from Regulus’ waist and brings it up to his own messy hair.

“It’s not just about wanting, I…” James pauses, his eyes distant, thoughtful. “I don’t have protection and I assume you don’t either and…”

“You said you don’t do this often and neither do I.” Regulus interrupts him.

“Yes, but…” James squeezes his eyes shut and looks down, his hand on Regulus loosening so that he misses the warmth of his palm.

Regulus breathes heavily. “Don’t you want to fuck me?”

James lifts his head so quickly that Regulus hears a crack in his neck, his eyes widening.

“What?” He says, his lips twisting as if he’s outraged.

Regulus shrugs, not knowing what else to say. The decision was entirely up to James now.

James’ eyes meet his and immediately melt, filling with that devotional affection that warmed Regulus from within.

“I just… I don’t want you to think we need it or that you owe me anything.” James explains in a low, confident voice, and Regulus can almost feel his insecurities in the air. “I’m not like other boys.”

Regulus chuckles, bringing a hand to his face and rubbing it, pushing his hair back.

“I know that.” Regulus says sincerely, hoping to convey it to James. He reaches for one of his hands and laces their fingers together, James’ palm swallowing his. “And that’s why I want it, why I need it.”

Regulus doesn’t like the vulnerability in his voice, like he’s on the verge of begging, but at this point he thinks James deserves his vulnerability.

“Ruin them for me.” Regulus concludes, laughing again.

James goes from impassive to a loose chuckle, as if he can’t contain himself.

He squeezes Regulus’ hand one last time before pulling away.

Regulus looks at him expectantly, following James’ movements until he brings his hands to the waistband of his pants, slowly unbuckling his belt.

“That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever done in my life.” He laughs again, shaking his head as if in disbelief.

Regulus smiles and feels his body crackle with realization and anticipation, lighting up again.

“Me too.” Regulus smiles at him, even a little shyly. “I hope you don’t regret it.”

James looks at him deeply. “I won’t.”

He turns his attention back to undoing his belt, slowly undoing the buttons on his pants. Regulus thinks he might see his hands shaking a little and wonders if he’s nervous.

He hooks his fingers in his pants, pausing for a moment.

“Just to say, it’s been a while since I…” His voice trails off and he gestures. “So you know, maybe I’m a little rusty, and I’m old too.”

“You underestimate yourself.” Regulus rolls his eyes at him, huffing. “If you get tired you can sit down and I’ll get on top.” He says, pointing to the toilet behind them.

James follows his gaze and then denies it. “Tempting, but no.”

Regulus raises an eyebrow.

James smirks. “I don’t want you doing any work.”

Regulus holds back a smile, muttering, “Oh, is that how it is?”

James approaches, his seductive posture sending butterflies down his spine.

“Yes, that’s how it is.” He whispers against Regulus’ lips before gently sealing them.

Regulus reciprocates, moving his mouths slowly.

“You took the matter of ruining me very seriously.”

James smiles against his lips. “I take everything very seriously.”

He leaves a long peck on Regulus’ mouth before pulling away again, his hands going to his pants and beginning to slide them down his full, toned thighs.

Regulus planned to keep his posture casual and not as interested as usual, but his eyes are fixed on every inch of exposed skin and immediately go to the large bulge in James’ black boxer briefs.

James finishes sliding his pants down to his ankles and clears his throat to get Regulus’ attention, who looks up embarrassed.

“Are you sure?” James asks quietly, and Regulus nods.

“I do.” He says firmly, and James nods.

James’ fingers go to his boxers and they follow the same path as his pants.

James’ cock slides out, looking painfully hard and ridiculously large.

The word “wow” makes its way into Regulus’ mind but he stops himself from saying it because it would be too ridiculous.

He swallows hard, torn between feeling intimidated and even more excited to take him all the way inside. The tip is flushed red and glistening, and Regulus feels his throb as he imagines it dripping wet as James was eating him.

James makes another throaty noise and Regulus feels his face heat up, as James’ must be too since his cheeks and collarbone area are red.

“It might be a little uncomfortable or hurt because I didn’t prepare you properly.” James says, one hand wrapping around his member and massaging it lightly, making his voice crack. “But you tell me and I’ll slow down or we’ll stop.”

Regulus is a little distracted and his mouth is full of saliva, but he mumbles an “Okay.”

James steps closer to him, a finger under his chin lifting Regulus’ face.

“You’ll tell me, won’t you?” James whispers fondly. “If you need to stop or don’t want to.”

Regulus meets his eyes, trying to convey confidence through them.

“I will, don’t worry.”

James smiles sweetly and seeks his lips, gluing their bodies together. Regulus can feel James’ hand massaging his member, brushing against his sweater.

Regulus is distracted by James’ lips, his hands traveling to his shoulders so when the tip of James’ cock touches his cock he grunts in surprise.

They keep their lips together but without moving, breathing together as James slides his cock along Regulus’ cock, the lubrication making it easier and the friction even more enjoyable.

James grunts against his mouth, his cock sliding further and rubbing between Regulus’ folds, the length becoming slick with his arousal.

James looks down and Regulus does the same. James guides his tip through Regulus’ again, the sight being enough to make him feverish again.

“I think we match.” James says as he uses his cock to massage Regulus’, rubbing his length against it. “Don’t you think?”

Regulus isn’t conscious enough to respond at the moment, just clinging to James and feeling his pussy clench almost painfully.

James watches his face as he inserts it, but as soon as the tip is embraced by Regulus’ warmth his eyes close, his mouth open as he lets out a few grunts.

Regulus feels it slide with some ease, feeling instantly relieved. He curses softly, trying to keep his breathing steady.

James continues to slide, stretching him inch by inch. He holds Regulus by the back of his neck, stroking his hair and Regulus buries his face in the crook of his neck.

It’s a slow process and James pauses several times to whisper that he’s doing good, that he’s taking it so well. Regulus revels in his words, distracting himself from the intrusive sensation.

When James whispers that he is ‘so fucking tight' Regulus feels him throb inside him.

Regulus lifts his head, breathing heavily. He feels like asking how fucking long is this thing but again he scolds himself.

James kisses him on the cheek and neck, feather-light kisses. “It’s almost over, okay?” He says into Regulus’ ear. “I promise I’ll make you feel good afterward.”

Regulus’ breath catches in his throat and he assumes his face is showing the pain that has begun to show because James stops, even though he is also panting, and grabs him tightly.

“Alright, you can continue.” Regulus says, his nails finding James’ back and digging into the skin.

He glances down and sees that James is almost completely inside him, making him suddenly realize how full he feels.

Regulus tries to contract around James and is rewarded with a surprised, sly moan.

James groans in his ear as their pelvises meet, his hand caressing the small of Regulus’ back.

“Wait a little while before moving, okay?” Regulus asks, his voice a thread that barely comes out.

“Don’t worry.” James smiles at him. “I’m satisfied just being inside you.”

Regulus chuckles. “You settle for less.”

James looks seriously, his thick eyebrows furrowed. “You’re mistaken if you think I’m not aware of my privilege in this situation.”

Regulus stays silent, hating James for saying that kind of thing so sincerely while his cock hits so many places inside him.

He buries his face in Regulus’ shoulder and takes a few deep breaths, Regulus telling James he can move.

James does it with all delicacy, which makes up for his length. He slides his hand until his thumb finds Regulus’ cock, leaving him wet and needy.

Regulus leans his head against the wall, letting the mixed sensations take over his body, feeling every inch of James inside him and how much he misses him when he slides out.

He lets out whimpers, the pleasure becoming louder than the pain. His skin crawls as James thrusts into him, the sound of skin slapping against skin.

James sets a rhythm, not too fast but with intense thrusts, making Regulus feel him impossibly deep.

“That feels so good, holy shit James.”

James smiles wide at him. “You’re so beautiful. And your pussy feels so good.” He says tearfully and Regulus feels himself melt inside.

They try to muffle the noises against each other’s mouths, but the sound of skin slapping against skin is unmistakable.

Regulus allows himself to think of someone walking into the bathroom, hearing the out-of-sync cacophony of noises, their whimpers and the grunts that come from the back of James’ throat into Regulus’ mouth.

He imagines someone opening the door and finding them like this, trying to understand where one begins and the other ends. Perhaps they wonder if they were ever separated by the way they are united.

The thought excites Regulus, not exactly being watched by someone, he’d never been interested in, but this sense of alertness he’d ignored until now, trying to pay attention to sounds other than his own.

James picks up the pace, grabbing Regulus’ waist and slamming himself relentlessly into him. Regulus feels boneless and groundless, a stuttering mess with his mind going blank.

Each thrust of James’ makes his body tremble, his knees weak and his voice hoarse. Regulus lets himself go and his moans become slightly louder as the pleasure starts to set his insides on fire again.

“Quiet, darling.” James says, so sweet in his reprimand that Regulus obeys him immediately, like an instinct.

He bites his lip hard, externalizing the wonderfully terrifying sensation in the form of scratches on James’ back.

“F-fuck Regulus, my God, fuck.”

James’ voice is warm in his ear, leaving him with a lazy smile.

Regulus blinks at him slowly, one hand moving down James’ back to his own stomach, where he swears he can feel him. Regulus places it above his belly button, pressing against the skin.

“You’re so deep,” He says, half in awe and then squirming as James increases the speed and intensity, as if determined to make Regulus feel him.

He bites James’ shoulder hard, worrying about the burning in his lower belly and whether he’ll be able to contain his voice when pleasure drowns him again.

James is increasingly breathless in his ear, perhaps mumbling incoherent things. Regulus can feel him throbbing more and more.

“I can’t hold on much longer, love.”

Regulus watches James breathlessly, his face and chest sweaty and red. He tightens his grip around James and watches him falter, one hand going to his cock.

James makes a move to take it off and Regulus reflexively hugs his waist, one hand holding the other wrist tightly.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

James looks at him with wide eyes, keeping only half of his member inside Regulus.

“I need to come, baby.” He sounds exhausted.

“You will. Inside me.” Regulus declares and James’ face contorts.

“What? R-regulus…”

Regulus cuts him off before James can spiral into worry.

“You’re going to cum inside me.”

James closes his eyes tightly and his hand tightens around the base of his cock.

“Please, James.” Regulus uses his sly voice, leaning closer to his ear. “I want to go home and lick the seat of my pants to taste you.”

James seems to choke on his own saliva, his body and voice trembling.

“Don’t say such things.”

“I’m going to stick my fingers inside me to have you again.” Regulus feels himself twitch at the thought. “Let me have that.”

James practically growls, pressing his forehead against his. He pushes himself forward and back into a relentless pace, making Regulus roll his eyes and smirk in satisfaction.

“You’re so evil Regulus, so naughty.” He grumbles under his breath, not slowing down. “I’m going to fill you up so good, isn’t that what you want?”

Regulus is unable to form coherent words, ending up just nodding.

“You want me to fill that beautiful pussy of yours, to mark you.”

Regulus feels tears pooling in the corners of his eyes, the burning becoming unbearably intense.

He groans a mess of “Yes, please, yes, yes”, hearing that familiar noise in his ears, along with the trembling in his legs.

“Cum on my cock and I’ll fill you up.”

Regulus completely surrenders to his own body, feeling the elastic snap and the wave of sensations take over him completely.

His orgasm leaves dark spots in his vision and his mind silent. His body feels weightless and he suspects he would have fallen to the floor if James hadn’t held him so tightly.

Just as wonderful as the sensation of his release is what comes next: James calling out his name, his fingers leaving marks on his skin and his cock pulsing inside him as he comes, deliciously filling Regulus’ insides.

He feels the high give way to exhaustion as the tension finally leaves his body, leaving a feeling of drunkenness and exhaustion.

His fingertips still tingle and he feels the small movements James still makes inside him, making sure Regulus has everything.

James hugs him tightly, as if they were lovers, and for a few seconds Regulus’ disjointed mind pretends they are.

His arms are heavy, but he wraps them around his neck, feeling the curls damp with sweat.

Regulus doesn’t know how long they stay like that, still together, and more and more he feels like he’s going to resent letting go.

He takes a deep breath of James’ scent, noticing how different it is now, mixed with Regulus’. He wants to commit it to memory.

As the feeling of orgasm subsides he feels his relaxation increase, making him laugh and taking James with him.

James closes his eyes and laughs, trying to contain himself.

Regulus feels himself coming to terms with everything that has just happened and imagines James feels the same way, by the way he shakes his head and looks around.

“Holy moly.”

“Holy shit.”

They look at each other and laugh some more and James’ eyes light up in an extraordinary way.

Regulus searches for the interest in his eyes and sees that it is still there, even after what they did. James still looks at him the same way he did when they were still at the table, sharing a peanut brownie.

This tugs at some of Regulus’ heartstrings, and he looks away at the small mess around them.

James steps back a little to lift his underwear and pants and then goes to the toilet paper dispenser, taking out several sheets and returning to Regulus.

He crouches down in front of him, touching his legs tenderly as he wipes the excess liquid from his thighs. Regulus is already starting to feel himself leaking so he doesn’t open his legs too wide.

James holds the pants for him and Regulus guides his leg into them, allowing himself to be dressed again as he leans on James’ shoulders.

They remain in a comfortable and even somewhat familiar silence, regaining their senses after so much intensity.

Regulus reaches for James’ belt and buckles it again, letting his hands run down his chest before he begins to button his shirt again.

James gives him a thank you kiss and Regulus finds it even nicer now that it’s not meant to be anything more than just a kiss.

“Are you also too embarrassed to go outside?” James asks shyly, making Regulus laugh.

“I’m a regular customer here, it’s much worse for me.”

James runs his hands over his face beneath his glasses nervously, and Regulus holds one of his hands.

“Come on, we better wash our faces and make ourselves presentable.”

James intertwines his fingers and Regulus opens the cabin door, looking through the crack to see if the sink area is empty. When he sees that it is, he continues until he is in front of the mirrors.

“Wow.”

They are undeniably fucked. Noticeable from ten miles away.

Both have visible marks on their necks and look like they ran a marathon, with their hair disheveled and sweaty.

Regulus splashes water on his face and suggests that James do the same, both of them fixing their respective hair.

They arrange themselves as best they can, distracting themselves by smiling at each other in the mirror.

Regulus feels light and happy, almost floating, still not believing what happened.

“Okay then, I’ll go out first and get your stuff and you’ll meet me outside later?” James asks as Regulus tries to fix his curls that he discovers are untamable.

“It’s okay. Don’t talk to anyone for too long or they’ll notice the marks on your neck.”

James nods and cups Regulus’ face in his hands, pressing their lips together in a slow kiss.

It doesn’t taste like a last kiss and Regulus internally hopes it isn’t.

James smiles against his mouth, leaving one more peck before stopping in front of the door. He takes a deep breath and holds the doorknob for a few seconds before leaving again for the hall.

Regulus leans against the sink, trying to contain his smile and counting down to about three minutes.

He feels nervous as he walks through the door, begging himself not to walk funny.

Regulus walks with his head down to avoid eye contact, only looking back when he passes the table they shared moments before.

He walks steadily to the door and out onto the sidewalk, feeling the afternoon sun bathe him.

James waits for him a few steps to the side of the door, the golden glow falling on him in an almost ethereal way.

Regulus approaches timidly, unsure of what his next steps are.

He takes his bag from James’ hands and looks at him as he thinks about what to say.

“To make up for my lack of manners.” James says, grinning sheepishly. “I’ll take you out to dinner.”

Regulus is speechless, surprised by his direct way of saying he wants to establish contact. Regulus was bracing himself for a “Well, that’s it then, see you later” , but he should have known better than that with James.

“Yeah?” Regulus asks with restrained enthusiasm.

James nods and reaches into his pants pocket, pulling out his cell phone and fiddling with it.

“Give me your number, you can tell me what kind of food you like and I’ll find a place that’s perfect, or if you want to come over to my house I can cook for you but I need you to lower your expectations and…”

Regulus was enjoying James’ musings, feeling his stomach churn at the thought of plans.

And then he sees James’ eyes widen at the screen.

“Oh my God.”

“What is it?” Regulus asks worriedly.

James hands the device to him, open to a conversation that Regulus begins to read.

“Remus is going to kill me.”

Remus Lupin

Change of plans, I found out that my date loves the sweets from this bakery so save it for me to give to him.

James?

Are you talking with the hot guy?

Don’t eat my future boyfriend’s candy.

James?

James don’t eat.

James take that out of your mouth.

You will buy another one for him.

I’m leaving in a few minutes.

James?

Did you eat it and have an allergic reaction that caused anaphylaxis? Did it close your airways, preventing you from breathing? Did you suffocate and die?

Should I cancel my date?

Missed call

Missed call

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

Why do you never answer?

I’ve already arrived at the restaurant and I’m having lunch.

I’m waiting for you to hear your apology.

You better have a good story.