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Regulus was getting a little impatient, or maybe more worried. He was sure James had told him yesterday that they would definitely meet up tonight. And it was also definitely well into the night yet still no sign of him. Regulus almost wanted to retreat from the astronomy tower, catch up on all the sleep he’d been missing from their nightly meet-ups, despite James promising he’d be here. But as much as James never breaks his promises, he never takes this long to get here.
With a disappointed sigh, he started his first step towards the exit, the idea of his bed too tempting, but right on cue a black mop of hair followed by those distinctive glasses appeared in his line of sight. “James,” he breathed out, delighted.
James smiled. “Sorry I’m late, love.”
Regulus accepted that apology in a heartbeat and forgot any doubt he had for James coming.
Soon a cloak fell over both of them — James’ invisibility cloak, Regulus noted — and James took Regulus’ hands in his to guide him back down the tower. Regulus furrowed his brows in confusion — James had just arrived and he’s leaving again, although he’s taking Regulus with him. Evidently, James could tell the question on Regulus’ mind and moved close to his ear to whisper, “A surprise.” When he backed away, one of his hands had moved to his face, pointer finger up against his lips in a shushing motion, smirk half-hidden behind it.
So Regulus let James take him wherever as they walked hand in hand, silent as to not be caught. He grew more curious the further their journey went, especially when James led him outside. Eventually, he could see they were headed towards a gathering of trees by the great lake.
“Are we going to the lake?” asked Regulus, voice quiet, even if they were far enough from the castle to not be overheard.
“Yeah, we’re almost there.”
“Is there some reason we’re going there instead of staying at the tower?”
“You’ll see.” Regulus could practically hear James’ smile, like he couldn’t wait to show Regulus whatever this surprise is.
They’d made it to the trees, and just a little walk further past them, by the lake, was where they stopped. Regulus took in the scene: a blanket spread across the grass; a basket atop it, emptied; food presented on a couple plates; everything illuminated by the gibbous moon above — bright, although not as much as a full moon would be. Looking towards the side, the moonlight reflected off the lake, specks of starlight too, shimmering distorted by the rippling waves.
“A picnic?” he asked after a moment, eyes now on James, surprise and fondness lacing his tone.
“This is why I was late,” James explained with a sheepish grin, hand reaching back to run through his hair — a nervous habit. “Had to spend some time preparing it.”
“You went out of your way to do this for me?”
“Of course, you deserve a proper date, Regulus. I just hope this will suffice.”
“Suffice?” Regulus repeated in shock. “It’s more than enough, James, it’s lovely. Thank you.” It was so much more he could’ve hoped for with their secret relationship, when there’s not much they can do while still hidden.
James let out a breath, pressure of doing well lifting off his shoulders, smile turning more confident. “Take a seat, love.”
Regulus listened, sitting down on the blanket, facing the lake. James followed, dropping down by his side where they could both enjoy the view. He passed Regulus a plate of sandwiches, letting him pick one.
“Did you make all this?” asked Regulus before taking a bite, arching his brow at James as he chewed.
“It wasn’t all me, I had some friends down in the kitchen to help,” James replied, taking a sandwich off the plate for himself before setting it down. “Knew they’d make some good food.”
“It is nice,” said Regulus after finishing his bite, not one to talk with his mouth full. “I’ll have to thank the elves later.”
“Couldn’t have done this without them,” affirmed James, smiling softly at Regulus, glad that he was able to get this done for him.
“Mm, it really is wonderful, dear,” said Regulus, watching James light up even more at the pet name. (James wished he could tell Regulus the irony of it, how he was in fact Regulus’s deer.) He waited a moment for James’ to finish what he was chewing before moving closer. Lifting his hand up to cup James’ cheek, he brought their faces together, lips pressed against one another: a kiss. Soft, gentle, thankful — for this and for them. Regulus could feel James’ smile against him, he was sure James could feel his own.
They broke apart soon, those smiles still upon their faces, giddy. “You’re the best. More than I could’ve ever wished for,” said Regulus fondly.
“You deserve it, love,” was James’ response. Regulus didn’t think he could smile wider, brighter, but he did, all because of James.