tendency - jegulus - @taylorswiftmicrofic - word count: 385

Regulus had always had the tendency to shut people out during times of panic or stress.

When asked if he was okay, his body was programmed to respond with ‘yes,’ without even thinking about it first. When given a concerned look, his first reaction was to scowl.

Which was why James Potter was so damn inconvenient.

“I have to study, Potter,” he murmured as James trailed along behind him, arms crossed furiously, a look of absolute determination on his face.

“You’re using that as an excuse, Reg. You’ve been running yourself ragged all week, and I saw how big that letter was that you got in the mail for your parents! Talk to me, I want to help!” James demanded, half-running to keep up with him.

But Regulus refused, just walking faster. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about,” he insisted.

James, however, was just as stubborn as he was annoying. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he murmured, taking a sharp left and leaving Regulus on his own.

Dumbfounded, Regulus stopped for only a moment to stare after his boyfriend. Where had he gone? Why hadn’t he stayed? It was a stupid thing to ask, of course, since he’d insisted that James leave, but still….

After a moment, though, Regulus scowled again, deciding it didn’t matter. He was going to the library and he didn’t need James.

So he continued on, up a few more staircases and around some turns until–

James was standing there at the door to the library, flanked by Madame Pince.

“The library is closed,” Pince said robotically, eyes flickering to James before turning back inside.  

“The fuck it is–” Regulus called after her, trying to push past James.

“It is to people whose boyfriends threaten to let off dungbombs,” the Gryffindor said cheerfully, looking down at Regulus with a smug smile. “Now,” he paused, his expression turning somber. “You don’t have to talk. But at least go for a walk with me, yeah? Let yourself relax.”

All of the fight drained from Regulus at the words and he felt tears prick his eyes. “Fine. But if I ruin your jumper with my stupid crying , it’s on you, Potter,” he murmured, already stalking off.

“I’d be an honor,” James replied, jogging to catch up and grabbing his hand.

Tendency - Moonwater - @taylorswiftmicrofic - 320 words - AO3

“Go away,” Regulus snarls as the door to the empty classroom he is in creaks open behind him, not bothering turning away from gazing at the sun setting in the sky. 

The door closes and he assumes whoever that was left, until he hears footsteps on the stone floor and Remus muttering, “I’m not going anywhere.” 

“Why? I was a complete arse to you earlier.” 

“You got defensive over a sensitive topic; I have no place judging you for that.” 

Regulus takes a deep breath, then another and another. He doesn’t know how much time has passed for him to gather the courage to say the word he almost never utters. “I’m sorry, Remus.” 

“I accept your apology.” 

“It’s just…” 

Remus wraps his arm around his shoulder. “You can tell me anything.” 

“I have a tendency to push people away when they get too close, and the other day, I realised that I-” He cuts himself off, already having said too much and finishing that sentence would make things infinitely worse. 

“You realised what?” 

Regulus makes the mistake of looking at the Gryffindor for the first time since he entered the room and gets lost in his hazel eyes. How can someone so kind and pure want to be with him? He’s asked himself that so many times over the past few months. He's way too good for him, but he supposes the least Remus deserves for putting up with him for so long is the truth. “I love you, and that terrifies me. I have never felt this way about anyone before, not ever. But everyone I get close to leaves me and I- I don’t want to lose you.” 

“You could never lose me.” Remus’ calloused hand cradles his cheek. “Reg, I love you too.” 

“You do?” he asks, failing to hide the hope in his voice. 

He gently connects their lips. “I really, really do love you.”