Chapter Text
Never has Regulus felt Kreacher's absence more than he does as he stands scraping the burnt remains of what was supposed to be scrambled eggs. The room is foggy with smoke and if he doesn't open that tiny square window soon, the fire alarm is sure to go off.
It's his second night in the dorms. When he moved in yesterday he managed to persuade his uncle Alphard to buy him dinner at a restaurant nearby. But Alphard isn't here anymore and Regulus is wholly unprepared to live alone right now.
He flops on the couch, the small window trying its best to evacuate the leftover smoke. His pan is ruined and he doesn't have the energy to scrub any longer. His stomach growls with hunger which he can't sate because it's late and all the restaurants have closed and his kitchen is in tatters. Thanks to his new disownment he also doesn't have the funds to order takeout and he's loath to rely on Alphard more than he already has.
He wonders, in this moment, about his brother. Sirius attends the University opposite the Ballet college he's currently at. Alphard claims that he's studying Art and is apparently very good at it. Regulus doesn't doubt that. Sirius has always had a talent for the arts. His sketches and paintings always took his breath away, not to mention how easily he mastered the piano.
Regulus had his own talents. He can charm anyone with his violin skills but more importantly he's a ballet prodigy.
Their parents of course, didn't care for their passions. Sure, extra curriculars during high school was fine, but they wanted the brothers to follow in their footsteps and pursue a career in law. Sirius flat out refused, taking Art as his final GCSE.
Regulus complied as long as he could, taking business in GCSE and then Law in A-level. But when his parents started talking about admission essays for some prestigious law schools, reality finally hit.
Sirius had already graduated and moved in with Uncle Alphard who helped him with his application in the arts programme.
Regulus followed two years later, thankfully, Sirius had already secured his own place so he didn't have to deal with the inevitable i told you so. Not to mention they didn't part on good terms.
A tense argument, with Regulus convinced there was no other option but to stay and do what their parents wanted. What can he say, he was pampered. He would want for nothing if he did what they wanted. They already agreed to pay for his apartment and even offered to let him take Kreacher so that he could focus on his studies. It was a good deal.
Sirius didn't really get that. They offered to pay for the school and the apartment, but it didn't matter. Sirius claimed he would rather die than give up his passion. Regulus knew without a shadow of a doubt that he meant it.
They tried before, to make him quit.
Walburga had thrown out each brush and canvas, each pot of paint, every pencil. All of it. Burned it in front of him as he stood watching with tears in his eyes. Then Orion shoved a law book in his hands and they thought that would be it.
Except Sirius didn't leave his room, content to let himself waste away. Even when Regulus tried to sneak in dinner or lunch or even a simple snack. He did not move. He got thinner and thinner, no amount of threats from their parents coaxed him from his bed.
In the end, Regulus had gone out and used all his savings and his birthday money to try and replace all they took. He couldn't get the exact brands Sirius used since he knew nothing of art, but he replaced Sirius' brushes and pencils and got him some good paint. Even splurged on a really expensive sketchbook.
It was difficult to sneak it back but luckily Walburga had to go to court and Orion was always in the office.
Sirius had taken one look at the offered supplies and launched himself out of bed. Regulus had never been hugged so tight before. They found a way to hide everything, and Sirius was a great actor, tricking their parents into thinking he would finally follow in their footsteps. What they didn't know is that, as they were putting in a good word for him at their alumni school, Sirius was showing off his portfolio to a different one.
Ultimately they dropped him off at their alumni with nothing more than a nod and a demand for success and then Sirius had hitched a ride with Alphard to his actual school. It took one week for their parents to find out but by then it was too late. Nothing they could do other than cut him off from the family fund and then focus their efforts on their remaining child.
Sirius tried to take him with, just before Regulus was set to do his A-levels Sirius contacted him asking if he wanted to come with him. They could stay with uncle Alphard and Regulus could start his ballet training early.
Regulus was too much of a coward though and told Sirius that he was free to do whatever he wanted but he wasn't going to drag Regulus with him. There were a few other harsh words thrown in, mostly out of fear he would get caught. Just fear in general.
Sirius didn't try again.
Regulus doesn't blame him, he did everything in his power to hide the fact that he was still training daily. He had Barty cover for him to his parents, claiming they were at the library studying the latest bylaws. Meanwhile Regulus was two hours away in a public studio.
Needless to say, Sirius thinks Regulus is currently at the school Walburga and Orion wants him to be at, staying in the apartment they payed for Sirius.
Regulus begged uncle Alphard not to let his brother know that he had defected and is now studying across the road from him. His uncle was hesitant but he knows better than anyone else the kind of terse relationship siblings can have.
His uncle had been generous enough to pay for one of the studio apartments within the academy for him, but Regulus refused any other help. He's already got a part time job within the college, helping out the costume department for the older years upcoming recitals. It pays pretty well, enough for Regulus to afford some semi decent meals. But he's only worked one shift so far and he's not due to get paid until two weeks time.
He sighs.
Might as well get ready for bed.
-+-
The next morning Regulus has his first class. He wakes up at the crack of dawn, does his morning stretches and then runs about. He hastily grabs a bowl of cereal, scoffing it down as he gathers up his clothes for the day, chucking them in his emerald green gym bag.
He shoves the dirty bowl in the sink haphazardly before moving to his bedroom to grab his leg warmers.
The air is cold when he finally makes his way out. He's lucky the commute from the dorms to the actual studio is only 3 minutes. It's currently 7:55 and class starts at 8 sharp. The hallways are pristine, the floors shiny and solid beneath his feet. Through the windows, he watches as the other students get ready for their own classes.
A mix of male and female older years stretch along the floor, chatting aimlessly as they tie their pointe shoes or wrap themselves in layers.
The teachers are stern, barking orders and straightening legs. Regulus is already in love.
When he makes his way to his first class, there are already a number of students there. Some practice on the bar, overseeing their movements in the mirror. Some are laid out on the floor legs spread in a split as they do their stretches.
Others are chatting excitedly about some of the upcoming recitals.
Regulus drops his bag down along one of the back walls, it's relatively quiet, with only two other dancers next to him. He moves through the motions, making sure his shoes are on properly, stretching this way and that. He holds on to the bar in front of him and practices a few basic moves.
It doesn't take long before the teacher arrives. Her voice is sharp, snapping everyone to attention. They all stand tall at their bars, shoulders back and heads held high. Regulus feels a mix of nerves and excitement.
Minerva McGonagall is one of the most famous Prima Ballerina's and even though it's been a long time since she formally took the stage, dancers still whisper of her flawless turns and tearfully beautiful compositions.
Having her as a Ballet Mistress was the only reason Regulus considered this college as he would have much rather preferred somewhere further away from his brother. Alas, McGonagall is here as so too shall Regulus be.
It's a riveting class, pushing Regulus harder than he'd ever thought possible. Though his parents allowed him to go to the best ballet school back in his teen years, the teachers there had nothing on Minerva.
She was swift, critical and downright ruthless. By the end of the class, Regulus felt his body ache in places he didn't know could ache.
The rest of the day followed much the same. Regulus had three other classes with a brief lunch break in between. He finished at around 5 p.m. and decided to stay longer to practice a few moves he had just learned.
As he danced slowly in the nearly empty room Regulus felt alive. More alive than he had for years. He was finally doing it, pursuing his passion and actually living. It was easy to get lost in it, in the rhythm, the feel. By the time he finally stopped it was starting to get dark and his lunch from earlier no longer kept his stomach at bay.
The thing about this college was that it partnered with a boxing club. It was just off the side of the building with its own main entrance. You wouldn't even know unless you decided to go there specifically. Regulus heard that a few of the ballerinas go there to use some of the more specialised equipment, or just to watch the boxing students.
Regulus has to pass because he doesn't know how to get to the main entrance from where his last class was. It's as he's walking through the halls that he sees him.
There, as he passes the entrance to the boxing studio, are the sounds of dense gloves hitting pads. The sounds of coaches barking different combinations and throwing encouraging words. It's so different from how his day has been that Regulus can't help but watch.
The boy currently in the ring is tall. His hair is a mess on his head, matted with sweat which clings to his body. His very nice body. Chiseled and toned, flexing with every hit. Regulus leans against the entryway.
The coach holding the pads is yelling, spittle leaving his mouth every so often. The force of the boy's hits shakes the coach slightly. Regulus isn't the only spectator, littered across the gym are other boxers paused in their own training to watch the spectacle. Regulus moves in slightly, taking a stand along the back wall, eyes never leaving the ring.
He hears, to his right, some of the other boxers talking in hushed tones as they keep their eyes glued to the sight in front of them.
"I hear he's going for the championship next month, hoping to take down Mulciber"
"No fucking way! Mulciber's not even in his weight category"
"Dude, have you seen Potter? By the time the competition comes around he'll definitely be in the weight category, besides, Potter's fighting Mulciber one way or another".
There's laughter but Regulus only focuses on one thing. Potter.
His name is Potter.
The sparing doesn't go on for much longer and soon Potter is stepping out. He unlatches the gloves with his teeth which makes Regulus touch the wall for support. He watches as Potter picks up a towel from the side wiping down his face and body in slow languid movements. He's too busy ogling his abs to notice that Potter has caught his staring.
Which is why he's wondering how those abs are getting closer and closer–
"Hey"
Fuck.
Regulus hastily meets his eyes and oh–
What warm and beautiful eyes. Deep hazel eyes stare into his own and Regulus feels his face flush with warmth.
"Hi..." He breathes, utterly transfixed.
"You go to the ballet school here?" Potter asks with a quick gesture to Regulus' outfit. He didn't bother to change since it was getting late and his dorm is only a short walk away.
"Er– yeah.. yeah I just had my first day of classes" Regulus mutters. He can't bring himself to look away. He sees Potter's lips curl up into a soft smile. "You were really good" Regulus blurts because– well, it's all he can think about right now...Among other things.
Potter moves to lean against the wall, pivoting his body so that he's giving Regulus all his attention.
"Thank you, though if I'd have known a pretty boy was watching I would have put on a better show" He drawls giving Regulus a quick once over. His smile is blinding and Regulus gets lost in the way his cheeks reveal dimples.
The words catch up eventually and he's once again flushing red. He adjusts the strap of his bag on his shoulder, shifting on his feet as he returns Potter's gaze and smile.
"I quite liked the show," Regulus says, eyes lingering too long on Potters's lips.
The boy is about to reply but Regulus' stomach makes itself known with a loud grumble.
Fuck. He wants the world to swallow him whole.
Potter chuckles.
"Hey, I've just finished my training for the day, if you don't mind waiting till I've showered, I'd be honoured to take you to dinner?"
Well. He's not gonna say no.
"I don't mind waiting."
James gives him a final smile before rushing to the showers. He evades his coach and the other boxers wanting to talk to him, barely giving himself time to grab his gym bag. Regulus perches himself on a nearby bench, entertaining himself on his phone.
Alphard sent him a few messages asking how his first day went which Regulus responds to first. Orion sent him an email updating him that he's been officially removed from the will. Regulus simply deletes that message.
Potter must have taken the world's quickest shower because he's out and by Regulus' side in no time. His hair is still damp and some droplets have dampened his shirt. His face is flushed from the steam of the shower and it makes Regulus think very inappropriate things.
"Ready" Potter huffs, trying as subtly as possible to take in as much air as he can. Regulus smirks, he stands, lugging his gym bag back on his shoulder.
"I'm Regulus by the way" he says. Potter stops, a flush of pink colours his cheeks.
"Right... Regulus.. Yeah, sorry I'm James."
Regulus can't help but giggle at his bashfulness. James laughs, brushing against him as he leads the way out. Regulus smiles, watching him as he walks, eyes dipping down briefly before snapping back. He shakes his head and moves to follow James.
There's a small diner not too far from the college. It's not too busy this time of night but Regulus can already tell it's popular with the students. James greets a few of the waitresses that mill around, he even gives a short wave to the cook behind the counter who greets him with an excited exclamation of his name.
Once they're seated in a corner booth, James starts reading off the menu listing things he thinks Regulus might like.
"Come here often?" Regulus realises how corny it sounds the minute it comes out his mouth, but he's genuinely curious and hopes James doesn't catch on. James does. His smirk says it all.
"Yeah actually, me and my friends frequent this place a lot. Linda's our favourite waitress, she always gives me extra curly fries" James sighs wistfully and Regulus already knows what he's going to order.
"It's nice, I've never been to a diner before" Regulus muses. James shoots up straight staring at Regulus with an incredulous look in his eyes.
"You've never been to a diner before?!" Regulus shakes his head, confused by the scandalous look on James' face.
"My parents thought diners were trashy, forbid me from setting foot in one. My brother though, he loved diners, always wanted to go to one." Regulus explains.
"Did he?" Regulus looks back at James, taking his eye away from the menu he was looking through.
"Did who what?"
"Did your brother ever get to go to a diner?"
Regulus pauses. His eyes grow cold and so does his voice.
"I don't know, I haven't spoken to him in five years" he says curtly, moving back to study the menu.
They're interrupted by a polite waitress who asks what they'll be having. James orders a burger and curly fries and also asks for the "Thickest shake you can make".
As for Regulus, James manages to tempt him into getting his own basket of curly fries, which he has alongside a simple salad and a glass of water. He's still in training after all and a ballerina's body is a temple and he's already pushing it with the fries.
He wishes it weren't.
When the food comes Regulus eyes up James' burger hungrily, the smell captivating and making his mouth water. James laughs at his expression but diverts his attention to the curly fries.
Holy Fuck.
These are the best fries Regulus has ever tasted. James sits smugly relishing in Regulus' wide-eyed surprise and watches fondly as the ballerina scarfs down the fries like a man starved.
During dinner, they chat casually about their studies. Regulus learns that alongside his boxing training, James is also doing a sports science course at the university opposite. There's a pit in Regulus' stomach at the fact that James might know his brother, but he brushes it off, surely a sports science and an art student wouldn't cross paths right?
He doesn't want the answer so he doesn't ask.
James also talks at length about his group of friends, and Regulus has to ask about the stupid nicknames.
"Well... Let's just say someone was doing a purely educational study on furries and thought it would be funny to assign us all fursona's. One was a wolf, the other a dog, I was a deer and Pete was a rat. The names were derived from them" James has a faint blush on his face and Regulus can't blame him.
Fursona nicknames.
He's heard it all.
It brings to light Regulus' own friends, or rather, lack thereof.
"Evan followed what his parents wanted, but mostly because he actually likes law and business, he has a plan to slowly overthrow his parents and snatch their businesses for himself. As for Barty, considering his father is a chief of police, he wanted to do something the opposite...
Evan and I managed to talk him out of becoming a common criminal, but he went down the nearest path, took up hacking and coding, currently making a name for himself in the deepest parts of the web, he helps Evan funnel some of his families money so that the embezzlement plan goes through".
James is looking at him with such concern and awe that Regulus has to choke down his water before he spits it all over the place.
"Don't worry, I do have normal friends... Dorcas is in a band which has recently picked up a lot of attraction, she's currently on a miniature tour around the country. Mostly bars and clubs, though she has seen a few talent agents. And Pandora is currently on a specialised exotic animals training programme. A mix between being a vet and a trainer. She works with all sorts, and is already making a name for herself."
"A wild group of friends you got there..." James says with a dopey smile.
"Well, nothing like having a group of furries running around..." Regulus smirks.
"We're not furries! We just happen to have fursonas..." Pouting looks good on James, Regulus wants nothing more than to kiss it off his face, but instead he occupies his mouth with another handful of curly fries.
James walks him back to the dorm. They exchanged shy glances and soft laughs.
"I had fun tonight... I would love to take you out again?"
"Oh? Was this a date?" Regulus teases. James moves to cup his cheek, it's cold, but the fabric of James' glove is warm against him.
"It is if you want it to be?" James whispers, eyes boring into his own.
"I want it" Regulus whispers back. James leans in, Regulus waits for the brush of warm air against his lips before moving a hand up to cover James' mouth.
"I don't kiss on the first date" He says softly. James' eyes swirl with amusement.
"When do I get a kiss?" He asks. Regulus pretends to think for a moment.
"Third date at least" he says. James smiles.
"Then I hope to have our second date as soon as possible".
Regulus reaches into his pocket, he fiddles with his phone for a moment before passing it to James.
"Going on then Prongs. Give me your number."
James narrows his eyes at the use of his nickname, but the smile he gives Regulus is breathtaking. His phone feels ten times heavier when James returns it, brushing their fingers together momentarily.
"I'll text you." Regulus says, he leans on his tiptoes to press his lips against James' cheek. It's cold, biting. But it sends a rivet of heat through his body.
James is rendered speechless and can do nothing but watch as Regulus moves into the dorm building. He stands there for a few moments before lifting his hand to the place where Regulus kissed. It's warm to the touch.