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Regulus observes the decorated façade of the house before pressing the doorbell.
The pale yellow door in front of him is adorned with a medium-sized wreath, and the staircase he just climbed is wrapped with sprigs of holly curling around the bannisters. He notices that the fairy lights are off, probably because it’s still afternoon, and the sunlight would outshine the glow of the tiny bulbs.
Regulus lets himself get distracted by these small details to avoid thinking about how nervous he feels and to delay the encounter that is about to happen.
He tightens his grip on the strap of the backpack resting on one of his shoulders and takes a few deep breaths, his left hand lifting towards the doorbell more slowly than necessary.
He hears the muffled chime from the other side of the door, followed by several jumbled voices speaking all at once.
Regulus takes two steps back, mentally preparing himself to adopt the persona of someone at least somewhat sociable and eager to make a good impression.
He doesn’t quite know why he’s so concerned about making a good impression; Regulus has never been one to care much about what others think of him. But now, here he is, practising a friendly smile while listening to footsteps approaching the door. He waits a few more seconds until something above him catches his attention.
A mistletoe.
“Hey!” Regulus shifts his focus to the dishevelled figure welcoming him. His brother’s black hair falls in waves past his shoulders, the longest Regulus has ever seen it. Sirius is wearing a green Christmas jumper that Regulus finds rather ghastly, but it sort of suits him. “I’m glad you came. How are you?”
Sirius pulls Regulus inside and traps him in a hug. Regulus expects to feel awkward but quickly realises he doesn’t.
He hugs Sirius back, momentarily forgetting to answer the question as he gets lost in the familiar comfort of embracing his brother so naturally.
Sirius releases him and looks at his face expectantly.
“I’m fine.” Regulus replies simply, his voice several tones lower. “I’m doing well. How about you?”
Sirius seems pleased with the response and smiles at him, his right hand still resting on Regulus’ shoulder.
“I’m doing well too.”
They stand in comfortable silence for a few seconds, as if finishing the rest of the conversation telepathically, until a taller figure appears behind Sirius, catching Regulus’ attention.
The first thing that strikes him is the radiant smile, beaming at him like a ray of sunshine.
James stands there with his characteristically messy hair, round glasses, and a jumper that matches Sirius’, but in red. It’s equally awful, and yet it suits him just as well.
“Hi.” Regulus waves timidly, unsure of what to do or how to greet him. Sirius notices his friend standing behind him and steps aside, giving James a clear path.
Regulus isn’t sure whether he should wave or offer a handshake. It feels strange not to remember a time when a person wasn’t in his life and yet still not know exactly how to act around them.
James walks up to him, and Regulus hesitantly lifts his right hand, only for it to be pressed back against his body as James pulls him into a hug.
James’ arms wrap around his waist, one hand gently stroking his back. Regulus’ face ends up resting on James’ shoulder, and he feels almost overwhelmed as his cologne fills his senses.
“I’m glad you’re here.” James murmurs softly, his lips close to Regulus’ ear.
Regulus remains a bit stiff, managing only a few awkward pats on James’ shoulder before he lets go.
He doesn’t offer a response, unable to fully understand why James said that, but he assumes it has to do with the whole “spending time with your brother again” thing. There would be no other reason than that.
James slides the bag containing Regulus’ overnight belongings off his shoulder, but Regulus tries to grab it back. “You don’t have to…” He begins, feeling slightly embarrassed by James’ politeness.
James hoists the bag onto his own shoulder and smiles warmly at him. “It’s fine, don’t worry. I’ll take this to Sirius’ room while you talk to my parents.”
“Filho? Regulus chegou?” A sweet voice calls from another room, and Sirius gently guides Regulus further into the house with a hand on his back.
As they move past the entrance hall, with a few framed photos of a kid James that Regulus wishes he had more time to examine, they enter the living room with a view of the kitchen, separated by a counter.
“Sim, mãe. I’ll take his things upstairs.” James says, heading towards the staircase in the living room. Regulus discreetly wipes his sweaty palms on his trousers as the attention of the two adults in the kitchen shifts to him.
“Hello, dear, welcome!” A beautiful woman with warm brown skin and a kitchen apron approaches him with open arms.
Regulus realises he doesn’t need to force his usual polite smile; he feels genuinely disarmed by the sweetness that seems to fill the space. He still doesn’t quite know how to behave around adults who aren’t as cold as his own family, but it’s a change he isn’t reluctant to embrace.
He steps forward and allows himself to be enveloped in Effie’s strong, comforting hug. “Hello, Mrs Potter. Thank you for having me.”
Effie releases him from the hug but keeps her hands on his shoulders. “No need for ‘Mrs,’ please call me Effie.” Regulus nods timidly, and she adds, “And there’s no need to thank us. We and the boys are so happy to have you here.”
Regulus’ stomach churns with feelings he can’t quite identify. Perhaps it’s just the overstimulation and nerves of the day.
He had known James’ parents for many years, ever since James, Sirius, and Regulus had attended the same school. Effie and Monty always showed up for school trips, events, and meetings, unlike Sirius and Regulus’ parents, who weren’t particularly fond of those activities.
However, Regulus was realizing there was a significant difference between greeting them occasionally and spending the night and Christmas Day in their home.
Regulus had hesitated greatly when Sirius casually mentioned he could come to the Potters’ if he wanted. He had vehemently refused without really knowing why, it just seemed like the obvious thing to do.
But as time went on, his resolve began to melt. His parents didn’t celebrate anything at home, so it would just be another night spent locked in his room.
Then there was the fact that, ever since his brother had left their home to live with the Potters, they had lost the close connection they once had.
Sirius had tried hard to keep him in his life, but with their parents cutting ties entirely, Regulus was not allowed to visit his brother.
He suspected his parents would have pulled him out of school to sever the last remaining bond between the two brothers, but they likely didn’t want to tarnish his perfect record with such a drastic move. Regulus believed they thought he no longer wanted to keep in touch with Sirius and knew how to maintain that illusion, even if it was far from the truth.
Regulus offered Effie a shy smile as she stepped aside, making room for Monty, who Regulus noticed was wearing a kitchen apron identical to his wife’s.
Monty’s smile was warm, though more subdued. He wiped his hands on the apron and extended one towards Regulus, who shook it.
“How are you? All good? Make yourself at home, alright? Effie and I are just getting a few things ready for tomorrow’s lunch.” He explained, gesturing to the table full of utensils and the stovetop entirely occupied. For the first time, Regulus noticed the aroma of roasted vegetables and meat filling the air.
“It smells wonderful.” He commented timidly, fidgeting with his fingers as though unsure where to put his hands.
“Hope you like it, dear.” Effie chimed in, already back to stirring a bubbling pot but twisting her neck to glance at Regulus.
“We’re heading upstairs to drop off his things.” Sirius said as he moved towards the staircase. “But we’ll be back down soon because James has apparently decided he wants to bake gingerbread biscuits.”
Regulus blinked in surprise, his eyes lighting up with interest.
He looked from Sirius to the couple, who were sharing an expression of comical concern.
“James wants to cook?” Monty asked slowly, as if those words together defied logic.
“I’m against it too!” Sirius exclaimed dramatically, raising a finger in the air. Then his shoulders sagged as he deflated. “But he spent all of last night looking up recipes, and this week he went out and bought loads of cutters and decorations, so it seems like he’s really committed.”
“Well… if that’s the case.” Effie sighed, shrugging. “We’ll clear out of the kitchen for you soon.”
“I didn’t even know James liked gingerbread biscuits, we’ve never made them before.” Monty remarked, leaning on one of the chairs at the dining table.
“Neither did I.” Effie replied, sounding just as puzzled.
“Well, if they turn out awful and no one likes them, we’ll just give them to Regulus.” Sirius quipped with a laugh, drawing attention to Regulus, who suddenly felt very self-conscious. “Regulus loves gingerbread biscuits.”
“Do you like it, dear?” Effie asked, her curiosity seemingly genuine, exchanging a look with Monty, who raised his eyebrows in response.
“Yes, I do.” Regulus admitted quietly, his voice timid as he fought the urge to throttle Sirius for making him the centre of the conversation.
“Likes them? Regulus loves those biscuits.” Sirius declared, grinning. “When we were kids and spent Christmas at our uncle’s house, Regulus would practically kidnap the biscuit tin and carry it around under his arm.”
Everyone in the room laughed, and Regulus felt a mix of emotions. His cheeks burned at Sirius' blatant oversharing, but he was also surprised that Sirius remembered such a silly little detail about their childhood.
Regulus gave a small, sheepish smile, but to his own astonishment, he felt comfortable enough in their presence that he didn’t want to crawl under a rock with embarrassment over his questionable childhood antics.
“Well, lucky us then. Seems like James made the perfect choice.” Monty said with a wide smile directed at Regulus. He then turned to Effie, adding, “It’s almost as if he knew.”
Regulus sensed a subtle shift in the air, as though something unspoken had passed between the others, but he was oblivious to its significance.
The laughter faded, and the Potters resumed their preparations. Sirius gestured towards the stairs, and the two brothers began to ascend.
At the top of the stairs, there was a hallway with two doors side by side. Regulus assumed one was James’ bedroom and the other was what had originally been the guest room but had since become Sirius’.
Sirius’ bedroom door is open, and James is sprawled across his bed, fiddling with his phone. Sirius enters first, throwing himself down next to him, while Regulus makes his way to his backpack positioned on the bedside table.
He allows himself to take in the room for a moment. It’s completely different from the one Sirius had at their parents’ house, and it screams him from every wall. From the crookedly stuck band posters to the noticeable disorganisation.
It seems like a good place to live, and Regulus feels happy for his brother. Not that he’d ever admit it openly.
He picks up his bag and brings it to the edge of the bed, close to the feet of the two boys squished together on the small single bed.
Regulus opens his bag and begins unpacking the things he brought, personal hygiene items, a comfortable change of clothes for sleeping, and a book in case he gets too bored with James and Sirius’ conversation.
He starts carefully organising these items on the bedside table, pushing aside empty wrappers that Sirius had left there.
“What did you tell them? About where you were going?” Sirius catches his attention by asking, surprising Regulus, who hadn’t thought their family would be a topic of discussion.
“I said Pandora and I were going to Dorcas’ house.” Regulus recalls, remembering the moment when he’d felt his heart might leap out of his chest while talking to their mother. He was getting the hang of this skill Sirius had mastered much earlier, the art of hiding and lying, but that didn’t mean he didn’t still feel nervous and restless, like a child afraid of getting caught.
“And they agreed?” Sirius questions, his eyebrows knitting together.
Regulus shrugs. “They said since we didn’t have any events to attend and no one was visiting, I could go, as long as I didn’t mess anything up.” He explains.
Sirius lets out a bitter laugh and seems to have more to say but holds back, simply sitting up on the bed instead.
“Well, either way, Christmas here is a thousand times more fun than the family events. You’ll thank me for inviting you.”
“Will I?” Regulus asks, his tone characteristically bored, as he organises his clothes into a pile and arranges his hygiene items on the other side. “And what exactly is there to do that’s fun?”
Regulus isn’t trying to be rude, he genuinely doesn’t know. Their family doesn’t follow Christmas traditions, nothing beyond a dull, silent dinner like any other. Regulus and Sirius had never decorated the house, eaten festive food, or opened presents on Christmas morning. He truly has no idea what the plans are in this family so unlike his own.
When he asks, James sits up surprisingly quickly to join Sirius, who’s already holding up his fingers to list off their plans.
“We can watch Christmas films.” Sirius begins.
“Listen to Christmas music.” James adds, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Play board games.” Sirius suggests with a grin, probably remembering the general knowledge competitions Regulus takes part in at school.
“We can do personality quizzes to find out which Christmas film we are.”
“I’m definitely The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Sirius declares. “It suits me, it has songs and Jack Skellington is so fucking cool.”
“And I’d be Home Alone, obviously.” James announces, crossing his arms in a smug stance.
“Bold of you to compare yourself to the genius Kevin McCallister.” Sirius retorts, one hand on his hip, while James opens his mouth in indignation.
“Hey! I’m the mastermind behind all our pranks.”
“If Moony were here, he’d disagree, and in his absence, I feel obliged to do so on behalf of my beloved.”
Regulus stands by the bed, silently observing the exchange. James and Sirius both turn their gaze to him, as if expecting him to say something.
Regulus has never seen a Christmas film. He doesn’t know the titles they’re mentioning and wouldn’t even know if there’s one that suits him. So he says nothing.
A few seconds of silence pass before Sirius breaks it. "Oh, do you know which Christmas film Reg would be?" He turns to James with a mischievous grin.
“Which one?” James doesn’t return the glance, his eyes still fixed forward on Regulus.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
The two boys burst into laughter over a joke only they seem to understand. Regulus is used to it, to be honest.
James cuts in to say. “Don’t say that. Reggie may look like the Grinch, but deep down, he’s as sentimental as Love Actually. ” He says it in a lower tone, as though confiding, the corners of his mouth lifting in a nearly shy smile.
Regulus is caught off guard by James’ comment and by this insight into how he views him. Until now, he’d have assumed James saw him as the petulant younger brother of his best friend, not as someone sensitive .
“I’ve never watched that one.” Sirius responds thoughtfully, oblivious to the seconds where Regulus and James hold each other’s gaze.
“Anyway, we’ve got plenty of options for what to do, but our first stop will be gingerbread biscuits!” James exclaims with enthusiasm, earning a disapproving groan from Sirius, who dramatically flops back onto his bed.
“I can’t recall a single time you tried cooking and it actually went well.” Sirius grumbles.
“But this time, we’ve got Reggie to guide us, haven’t we?” James looks at him expectantly, his eyes shining.
“Well, I’m not exactly very experienced in the kitchen, but… it’s just following a recipe, isn’t it?” Regulus shrugs timidly, while James’ grin spreads even wider.
“It’ll be fun!” James declares enthusiastically, shaking Sirius by the shoulder as the latter continues to grumble. “You like gingerbread cookies, don’t you, Reggie?”
Regulus swallows hard when James’ attention turns to him again, feeling nervous under that warm, radiant gaze.
He nods quickly, unsure why he’s searching for words to answer such a simple question. “I do, yeah.”
James stops shaking Sirius and gives him that dazzling, magnetic smile. Regulus feels that funny sensation in his stomach again, the one he still doesn’t have a name for.
They hold each other’s gaze for a few seconds before Sirius abruptly gets up from the bed.
“Right, if we’re actually going through with this, we’d better get started. You,” Sirius points at James, “come down and help me sort things out. And you,” He points at Regulus, “put your pajamas on.”
Regulus frowns in confusion, glancing briefly at the window behind him.
“But it’s only like five in the afternoon.” Regulus says, and Sirius turns back from his path to the door.
“So what? It’s Christmas Eve.” Sirius gestures as if that explains everything. Regulus concedes and starts pulling his sleepwear from the pile of clothes.
He turns towards the door and sees James leaning casually against the doorframe while Sirius exits to head downstairs.
“The bathroom’s that way, at the end of the hall.” James informs him but doesn’t move from his spot. Regulus tries to slip past him through the free side but is stopped by James. “Wait!”
Regulus startles slightly, James’ hand on his shoulder, his expression urgent. Before Regulus can ask what’s wrong, James slowly raises his index finger and points upwards.
Confused, Regulus follows his gesture, tilting his head back to see what could have caused James’ dramatic reaction.
Then he sees it, dangling above them, hung from the doorframe.
A mistletoe.
Regulus’ expression twists into doubt and indignation as he lowers his gaze back to James, who, to his surprise, is smiling.
“Well, you know what they say.” James teases, motioning between them and the mistletoe.
Oh my god, what an idiot.
“Gross.” Sirius calls from the top of the stairs, having apparently been drawn back by James’ antics, his face twisted in mock disgust. “Couldn’t even wait for me to come down. So rude.” He grumbles, heading downstairs.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Regulus slips out of James’ hold and quickly makes his way to the indicated bathroom without looking back.
He steps inside and closes the door firmly behind him, clutching the clothes he’s about to change into, his breathing slightly uneven.
Regulus takes a few steps to the mirror and is startled by the flush in his face. His cheeks are comically red.
He doesn’t want to think too much about what just happened. It was just another one of James’ jokes, the kind he probably makes with Sirius and Remus too. Regulus just hadn’t expected that sort of teasing to be directed at him as well.
It wasn’t a big deal, and Regulus doesn’t want to dwell on it any longer, not on the warmth in his cheeks or the sensation in his stomach.
He sighs and begins to change, swapping his cargo pants and heavy jacket for a pair of sweatpants and a dark sweater, far less hideous than the ones James and Sirius insist on wearing.
Running his fingers through his hair, Regulus checks his appearance in the mirror, relieved to see his cheeks have returned to their usual pale hue.
After folding the clothes he took off, Regulus returns to Sirius’ room to leave them neatly by the bedside before heading down the stairs.
At the bottom, he pauses to observe the two shared spaces. On the left, the living room, where Effie and Monty are seated on the couch, watching some afternoon TV show. Beside the television stands a medium-sized Christmas tree, adorned with colourful ornaments and twinkling lights blinking alternately.
To his right is the kitchen, where James and Sirius are arguing loudly, practically tossing various utensils onto the table.
Taking a deep breath, Regulus walks slowly toward the kitchen.
James is wearing one of his parents’ aprons and appears to be arranging ingredients in a sequence that only makes sense in his head.
Sirius is distracted, fiddling with cookie cutters of various shapes. Regulus notices the sheer variety of tools, it seems James has gone all out for this cookie-making endeavour.
“Here, Reg.” Sirius exclaims as Regulus steps into the kitchen, holding out another apron for him.
“You’re not wearing one?” Regulus asks, and Sirius shakes his head vehemently.
“Nah, that’s not really my thing.” He replies, pulling out his phone and settling into one of the chairs at the end of the table.
Regulus puts on the apron, tying the strap behind his back.
“I found this recipe in my gran’s old cookbook.” James says, handing him a well-worn but carefully preserved book. “What do you think?”
Glancing over the recipe, Regulus notices the original text is in Portuguese, with a neat and carefully written English translation underneath.
James looks at him expectantly, though Regulus isn’t entirely sure what he’s meant to assess, having never baked these cookies before.
“Seems like a good recipe.” Regulus says because he thinks it’s what he should say.
James’ grin spreads wide, that magnetic smile that makes something twist inside Regulus. “Do you want to read it out while I make the dough?”
“Sure.” Regulus agrees, settling across from James at the table. He begins dictating the instructions and explaining the measurements.
They quickly find an easy rhythm, the atmosphere becoming surprisingly relaxed and comfortable. James occasionally comments on how he’s never tasted most of the ingredients before, and Regulus can’t help but be amused by his habit of smelling each one before using it.
Regulus’ voice and James’ hands worked in sync until they had all the dry ingredients mixed together. James grabs a mixer from one of the cupboards and beats the rest of the ingredients at Regulus’ command.
From the reactions of Sirius, Monty and Effie, Regulus was expecting a complete disaster from James, but when they finished mixing and achieved the right consistency to roll out the dough and cut it, Regulus wouldn’t call it that.
Regulus watches James mix the dough, and he seems proud of his work, a small smile gracing his face.
James looks up and catches Regulus staring at him, who immediately looks away.
Regulus searches for somewhere else to look and then notices Sirius still sitting at the table. He had been silent for the past few minutes, which honestly felt pretty strange. Regulus had almost forgotten he was there.
“The dough’s ready, are you planning to help with anything or...?” Regulus asks, pointing to the table full of used ingredients and empty wrappers.
“You and James work so well together that I didn’t want to interrupt.” Sirius offers a fake smile and goes back to typing on his phone the next second. “Actually, since you don’t need help, I’ll take a break in my room, okay?”
Sirius is already walking around the table and heading up the stairs before Regulus can protest or call him lazy.
Regulus hears James’ laugh and turns back to him.
“Sirius is even worse in the kitchen than me, I think it’s better if he doesn’t help.” James explains, starting to clear the table to make room for rolling out the dough.
“I know he’s terrible, but at least he could help clean up.” Regulus grumbles, receiving a laugh and a wave from James in response. “And also... I didn’t think you were bad.” James quickly looks up at him, and Regulus realises what he said. “I mean... I still need to taste the cookies, but it doesn’t seem bad.” he clarifies, gesturing to the dough resting in a bowl.
James looks away, and Regulus wonders if it’s just him, or if James’ face has taken on a rosy hue. He gets back to cleaning the table.
“It’s hard for me to cook when I’m alone. I always end up mixing up names, forgetting measurements, or some crucial ingredient.” James explains, and Regulus nods in understanding. It’s not hard to imagine hyperactive James trying to do everything at once and getting mixed up. “But with you, it was way easier. I could focus on just one thing.”
Regulus involuntarily smiles. He doesn’t want to admit it, but he’s actually having fun so far, trying things he’s never done before.
Cooking with James Potter. What universe has Regulus ended up in?
He walks over to James’ side of the table, and they both look at the dough in the bowl. Regulus lifts his gaze back to James.
“I think you did a good job.” Regulus says quietly, now much closer to him.
The spark in James’ eyes almost blinds him, his smile lights up his entire face, and Regulus feels something warm in his chest. He can’t help it, and before he knows it, his face is also spreading into a smile.
Regulus feels intoxicated by James’ magnetism, by the radiance of his actions, his voice, as if it were impossible to take his eyes off him.
“Well…” James breaks the eye contact but still stays close to Regulus, their arms brushing. “Do you want to help me roll out the dough?”
Regulus nods, and James divides the dough into a few pieces, then reaches for two rolling pins from the cupboards.
They sprinkle flour on the table and start working to roll out the dough to a good thickness. James grabs a baking tray lined with parchment paper and brings it to the table, along with the cutters to shape the dough into custom shapes.
Regulus starts inspecting the shapes. Stars, Christmas trees, Christmas stockings, gingerbread men, snowmen, and… Dinosaurs?
“I don’t think this one is very Christmassy.” Regulus holds the cutter in his hands and lets out a soft laugh.
“Everything can be Christmassy if you put a Santa hat on it.” James shrugs, and Regulus has no argument against that, so he starts using the dinosaur cutter to shape some cookies and arrange the dough on the tray.
Soon, the two of them fall into a synchronized rhythm, rolling the dough, cutting, and filling trays. James turns on the oven and puts some trays to bake, leaving Regulus in charge of setting the timer.
Regulus reaches for the candy cane cutter, but James seems to have the same idea. Their hands touch, and they quickly pull away.
“Sorry.” Regulus whispers, not looking at James.
“It’s fine, you can take it.” James responds softly and grabs the snowflake cutter.
Regulus doesn’t know why his hand is tingling as he cuts the dough. Suddenly, the memory of James’ hug at the door is fresh in his mind. His arms around Regulus and the tenderness with which he held him. Regulus can almost feel the shiver of his voice, low in his ear, again.
DING!
The timer goes off, indicating that the first batch is ready.
“Don’t forget the gloves.” Regulus warns as he sees James, distracted, about to go straight for the oven.
James opens it and pulls out two trays, the smell of sugar and ginger filling the house, and Regulus’ stomach growls almost loudly.
The two of them look happily at the freshly baked cookies, and James sets them on the counter to cool.
James is preparing the icing, and Regulus is rolling out more dough and cutting more cookies when a thought hits him.
“James?”
James looks up from the bowl at him, and Regulus glances around. There are two trays cooling on the counter, two in the oven, three waiting to be baked, and by Regulus’ calculations, the remaining dough could still fill about four more trays of cookies.
“What’s up?” James asks, concerned, turning toward him.
“Did you check how many people this recipe was supposed to serve before we made it?” Regulus asks, almost laughing because he’s surrounded by gingerbread cookies on all sides.
“Wait, what? Isn’t it always the same number?” James asks, his glasses sliding down his nose and his brow furrowed. His confused expression is slightly adorable.
Regulus can’t hold back his laughter. It’s silly, but he can’t help finding it funny that they’ve accidentally made enough gingerbread cookies for about thirty people.
James looks around, and the realization starts to hit him. His eyes widen a little, and Regulus finds it even funnier, pressing his hand to his stomach.
“Oh my god, it looks like the Potters are going to be surviving on gingerbread cookies for the next few months.” Regulus comments, wiping a tear from his eye.
James laughs with him, and Regulus feels that comfortable warmth again. It’s such a strange feeling, but he doesn’t want to push it away.
“When you get a craving for gingerbread outside of the season, you know where to come.” James says, his face tinged with pink. His tone is playful, but his expression is serious, as though he’s genuinely inviting Regulus to come back to his house.
“Or you could bring it to me at school next year.” Regulus responds, trying to mimic James’ playful tone. Regulus imagines the scene: James Potter bringing him gingerbread cookies every day at lunch. Funny, but impossible.
“I could.” James agrees, and his eyes lock onto Regulus. He doesn’t take his eyes off him, and they seem to scan his entire face. Regulus feels incapable of looking anywhere else.
Regulus’ hand is resting on the table, and before he can register what’s happening, he feels something cover it.
James’ hand.
James is smiling at him. And holding his hand. On purpose.
Regulus feels the urge to glance down to make sure this is really happening, but it would take him a monumental effort to stop looking into James’ sweet brown eyes.
DING!
The two boys jump in surprise. The sound of the timer cutting through and completely dissolving the bubble they’d been in for the past few seconds.
They pull away at the same time. James turns to put his gloves back on and pulls out the trays. Regulus wipes his sweaty palms on his apron and looks for something else to occupy himself with.
They don’t speak for a few minutes, James busy finishing the icing and starting to decorate the cookies.
Regulus is lost in his own thoughts and doesn’t hear James call his name, only jumping a little when the other boy taps his shoulder.
“Reggie, come here.” James walks over to the counter, with Regulus following behind him. He shows him the plate with just one gingerbread man. “I made this for you to try.”
The cookie is decorated with icing, the green dough forming a shirt on the figure, with eyes of different sizes and a big smile. In the middle of the shirt, made with black icing, is the letter R.
It’s so silly and so cute that Regulus already feels himself blushing again. He looks from the little figure to James, who watches him expectantly.
Regulus reaches for the cookie and carefully picks it up. Fortunately, it doesn’t look burnt, which means they got the baking time just right. Its texture is firm, and he brings it to his mouth, biting into a piece.
Regulus chews slowly, the sugary taste mixed with the subtle spiciness of the ginger invading his taste buds. The cookie is still warm, adding a special touch.
“It’s amazing.” He says when he finishes swallowing, and James’ face nearly splits into a smile.
“You swear?” James exclaims excitedly, almost jumping as though he can’t contain himself. “You don’t have to lie if it’s horrible.”
“I’m a gingerbread cookie expert, and I wouldn’t lie about something so serious.” Regulus assures, taking another bite and murmuring his approval.
James looks like he’s on cloud nine, unsure of where to put his hands or what to do next.
Regulus raises the half-eaten cookie in his direction. “Here, try it too.”
“No, no need, the first one’s yours.” James gently declines, waving his hand.
“But we made them together, and I’d like to share the first one with you.” Regulus explains in a soft, shy voice, still holding the cookie out to James.
He seems to reflect for a moment before nodding and gently taking the cookie from Regulus’ hand, bringing it to his mouth.
Regulus watches him chew and think for a moment, before James breaks into a smile.
“Turns out it really is good.” James says, and they share a confident smile. “I’m glad you liked it.” James adds quietly, returning to spreading icing on the cookies.
Regulus thinks it’s a funny coincidence that James happened to make his favorite dessert. And, indeed, the cookies turned out great.
They go back to work, cutting dough, taking trays out of the oven, and spreading icing over the cookies. Effie had left a large glass jar on the counter for them to store the cookies, and they begin filling it with the already finished ones.
It’s dark outside by the time they finish, both leaning on the table, their arms tired but very satisfied.
Regulus removes his apron, folds it carefully, and leaves it on one of the cabinets. James is finishing putting away the utensils when they hear a noise from the stairs.
“Are you guys done? What a shame, I was sooooo excited to help.” Sirius appears in the doorway, his hair a mess so big that Regulus suspects he’s spent the last few hours rolling around in bed.
“We noticed how excited you were by the way you ran off to spend hours on the phone with your boyfriend.” Regulus crosses his arms, taking a guess. Considering he knows Remus is traveling with his family and the couple is spending a few weeks apart, Regulus would bet that’s what Sirius went off to do.
The way Sirius suddenly straightens up confirms Regulus’ guess. “That’s beside the point.” Sirius points a finger at him, and Regulus rolls his eyes. “Besides, you guys clearly didn’t need any help.” Sirius remarks, eyeing the big jar overflowing with cookies.
James steps forward and walks over to the jar, opening it and pulling out a cookie. “Man, you need to try this.”
Sirius looks at the cookie suspiciously, his eyebrows furrowing in the same way Regulus’ does. “Do I really have to?”
“This time, it actually turned out well, even Regulus approves.” James says proudly, glancing back at Regulus.
“They’re pretty good.”
Sirius looks from one to the other, still skeptical, before slowly extending his hand to take the cookie. “You guys aren’t playing a prank on me, are you? A day before Christmas would be pretty low of you.”
“Unfortunately not, but now that you mention it, I kind of regret it.” Regulus huffs, a little impatient with his brother’s drama.
Sirius tries the cookie while James watches him expectantly, and Regulus pretends not to care.
Sirius’ expression shifts from doubt to disbelief, finally landing on realization.
“James... This is a Christmas miracle.” Sirius’ face is completely serious, and Regulus almost physically feels James’ excitement radiating toward him.
“I told you.” James says proudly, turning back to Regulus, who, now caught up in his energy, smiles back. James grabs another cookie from the jar, and Regulus takes the opportunity to do the same.
The three of them eat in silence, only nodding in approval.
“But enough with the kitchen.” Sirius announces, brushing crumbs off his sweater and turning around. “Let’s go to the living room. I’m putting on my Christmas Playlist.”
Regulus checks the kitchen one last time, not wanting to leave anything out of place. James moves to the doorway, waiting for him to finish smoothing the tablecloth.
Regulus figures they’ll pass through the door and head to the living room together, but before he can, James gently grabs his arm.
“Hey, Regulus.” His tone is soft and low. Regulus stops in his tracks and turns to face him. In the few seconds that follow, thousands of possibilities race through Regulus’ mind, maybe James is going to tell him the cookies were actually horrible, or that Regulus broke something in his mum’s kitchen, or even that he’s got something stuck in his teeth.
Out of all the possibilities, Regulus didn’t expect James to point upward.
Another mistletoe.
How many of these are scattered around the house?
Regulus feels more confused than the first time, and he can’t decide whether James’ smile is too annoying or too attractive. Maybe both.
“What’s up?” Regulus asks, a bit grouchy, the mischievous grin on James’ face making him even more irritated with this silly joke.
“Well, you know the traditions, right?” James says with a teasing tone, shrugging. “You don’t want to make me unlucky in love, do you, Reggie?”
Regulus lets out a humorless laugh, unable to believe the audacity of the boy in front of him.
“Oh, right, of course, it’ll be my fault or the mistletoe’s that you can’t manage to find someone to date you.”
James’ jaw drops in mock indignation, and Regulus stifles a laugh as he walks through the door. He can still hear James saying, “How dare you?” as he heads toward the living room.
Sirius is sprawled out on one of the sofas, so Regulus takes the armchair. James quickly follows, lifting Sirius’ legs to settle underneath them.
An old Christmas song plays on the television, which is also decorated with holly. The three of them drift into random conversations about whatever Sirius is looking at on his phone. Regulus prefers to listen more than talk, but he feels comfortable in this atmosphere.
After a while, Effie and Monty reappear with sandwiches and take their places on the other sofa, joining in the conversation.
Effie talks about the trip they’re planning to spend New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro, the state where she was born and where her family lives.
James excitedly tells Sirius and Regulus about the beaches, the food, and the things he enjoys doing most when he’s there.
Effie laments the absence of Sirius on the trip, which he had already planned to spend with Remus and his family. James says that next year, all of them, including Regulus, need to go together.
Regulus smiles and agrees, fascinated by the stories, but deep down he knows it’s just a fantasy. If he has to lie to his parents to spend a night away from home, how could he possibly travel with them? Besides, it was very kind of the Potters to invite him tonight, but he knows they only did it because of Sirius. Regulus can’t let himself think he has a place here.
When they finish the sandwiches, Monty moves the cookie jar to the coffee table, and they all try some, murmuring in approval.
Effie takes a bite while sipping her tea and beams at Regulus. “I think you’ll need to come over more often to test recipes with James.”
Regulus laughs, trying to hide the flush on his face by stuffing his mouth with cookies.
“I think so too.” James agrees. Their eyes meet across the room, and even from a distance, Regulus feels the warmth of his gaze cover him. James’ smile is sweet and shy, and Regulus feels his head spin in confusion.
They spend a pleasant evening, soft music playing in the background and simple conversations flowing. Regulus rests his face on his hand, observing the decorations, the green and red colours radiating from every corner. Effie and Monty are close together on one sofa, exchanging simple smiles. James and Sirius share the other sofa, laughing loudly from time to time.
The dirty dishes and glasses on the coffee table, the jar of cookies that Regulus helped prepare.
A wave of emotion hits Regulus when he wonders if this is how it is in every home, this warmth and easy camaraderie.
He feels like he’s looking through someone else’s window, watching the scene from the outside.
Regulus didn’t find this with his own family, but he was lucky enough to experience a fraction of it with another.
The older couple gets up and announces they’re heading to bed.
“Don't stay up too late, boys.” Effie warns, leaning down to James and cupping his face in both hands to kiss his messy hair.
Regulus watches her do the same with Sirius before turning in his direction. He looks at her expectantly, unsure of what he should do in the face of a gesture of affection he has never received.
“Goodnight, darling.” Effie caresses his hair and leans in, pressing her lips to the top of his head. “I’ve already told Sirius to let you sleep in his bed, so don’t let him make you sleep on the floor.” She whispers confidentially, and Regulus laughs and nods, not wanting to look her in the eyes, fearing they might make his emotions transparent.
“Goodnight, Effie.” His voice comes out a little shaky, and she smiles at him one last time before walking towards the stairs with Monty.
Regulus snuggles into the armchair, feeling his eyes start to get heavy. Sirius lets out a long yawn, which quickly catches on with the other two, almost like a silent conversation telling them they should go to bed too.
Sirius is the first to get up, stretching and stretching his back. “I’m going to the bathroom, then I’ll head up.” James and Regulus nod in agreement, and Regulus gets up, starting to gather the plates and glasses to take them to the kitchen.
James silently follows him, then heads back to the living room, walking up to the unlit fireplace. Regulus notices he’s holding something in his hands. He turns and calls Regulus’ attention.
“Come here.” James gestures with his hand, and Regulus looks at him warily, crossing his arms.
“What is it? Another mistletoe?” He asks, looking at the ceiling above James, searching.
James laughs and shakes his head. “Not this time. Why? Did you want it to be?” The mischievous smile returns, and Regulus rolls his eyes, making as if to turn away. “Wait! It’s just something I wanted to give you.”
His curiosity takes over, and Regulus moves closer slowly, still cautious.
Now, standing next to James in front of the fireplace, he observes the decorations in more detail. There are four stockings hanging, two large ones with “Effie” and “Monty” embroidered at the top, and two smaller ones with “James” and “Sirius”.
“I wanted to give you one to hang up.” James explains, extending what he’s holding in his hands to Regulus.
It’s a green stocking with a soft texture. Regulus holds it gently and examines the details. Also embroidered at the top is his name, written in golden thread.
Regulus is once again overwhelmed by emotions, feelings he still doesn’t know exactly how to deal with.
James seems nervous at his silence, so he continues speaking. “I know it’s nothing special, but I thought it’d be nice.” He looks worried, afraid that Regulus might not like it.
“I’ve never had one of these.” Regulus comments, his voice soft. He lifts his face to James, even though he’s embarrassed that his face is probably red. “This is so sweet, thank you, James.”
James beams a radiant smile, and Regulus isn’t sure if it’s his blurry vision or if James is blushing a little too.
“I bought it because I hope this isn’t the last Christmas we spend together.” James looks at him with so much affection that Regulus feels like he’s going to melt. “And I hope you’re enjoying being here, because I’m really happy that you are.”
Regulus clutches the stocking tightly in his hands, searching for words to say, but his throat feels dry and his mind blank. He keeps looking at James, and before he can think twice, he rises up on tiptoe, his arms wrapping around James’ neck.
James looks surprised but allows himself to be embraced by Regulus. One of his arms wraps around Regulus’ waist while the other moves to his hair, fingers tangling in the black strands.
Regulus feels their chests pressed together, and James still smells of cologne, now mixed with cinnamon.
Regulus can’t find the right words, so he hopes that the beating of his heart against James’ will be enough to express what he feels.
James doesn’t let go until Regulus pulls away first, his face burning and the stocking still tightly clutched in his hands.
James’ smile comforts him, and he says nothing, simply pointing to the fifth hook on the fireplace, next to Sirius’ stocking. Regulus strokes the fabric and lifts it, attaching the little ribbon of the stocking to the hook.
Regulus looks at all the elements together and, deep down, he hopes there’s a place for him.
“Hey, should we head up?” Sirius calls from the base of the stairs. Regulus notices his hair is tied in a complicated knot with a satin ribbon.
The two of them cross the room and walk up the stairs in silence. At the door, they whisper goodnight and farewell. James enters his room and shuts the door, and Sirius does the same with his.
Regulus quickly sits on the bed, and when Sirius tries to move him, Regulus threatens to tell Effie that Sirius made him sleep on the mattress on the floor.
Sirius eventually gives up and positions the mattress near the bed. Regulus settles into the bed, rests his head on the pillow, and tries to calm his thoughts.
He realises it won’t be an easy task because his entire body feels electrified. When he closes his eyes, his mind keeps replaying moments from the day on a loop. James looking happy that he was there. James making his favourite sweet. James with flour on his face, eating icing by the spoonful. James embroidering a stocking with Regulus' name. James smiling at him under the mistletoe.
Regulus huffs and tries to turn to face the wall. It’s not uncommon for him to have trouble sleeping, but he really wishes he could drift off now. His arms still ache from rolling dough, and he feels tired, but his mind is more awake than ever.
The scent of James still clings to him, his hand holding his.
Regulus is so confused. His heart races just thinking about James’ smile, how he’s discovered it’s easy to spend time with him. How irritatingly funny he is and so unbearably sweet.
To make matters worse, Sirius falls asleep first and starts snoring. Ridiculously loud.
Regulus grumbles as he realises that, despite checking his things several times, he forgot his earplugs.
He tries to muffle the sound with the pillow, but it’s no use. The noise, combined with his mind racing, makes it impossible to fall asleep.
Regulus mutters and huffs, staring at the ceiling for what feels like an age.
He considers waking Sirius and asking him to turn over, but he knows how his brother is when he’s woken up, and Regulus doesn’t want to fight on Christmas Eve.
In a more drastic measure, he considers stuffing a stocking in Sirius’ mouth to block out the noise, but he gives up, thinking it might cause an even bigger argument.
Before he can think it through, Regulus is pushing the covers aside and getting up. He has no specific destination but wants to escape the noise and maybe even go downstairs to steal some biscuits.
He opens and closes the bedroom door carefully, walking slowly to avoid making noise. He moves down the stairs and heads towards the kitchen but stops suddenly at the door.
James is standing there, his back against the sink. His arms are crossed as though he’s thinking, and it takes him a few seconds to notice Regulus’ presence, which Regulus assumes is because he’s not wearing his glasses.
When their eyes meet, James looks as surprised as Regulus, who feels embarrassed about being caught wandering the house. It’s also a little awkward for him to run into James after everything that’s been replaying in his head.
“You alright?” James asks, uncrossing his arms and pushing away from the sink.
“Yeah, all good.” Regulus answers, not moving, and then realizes he should add an explanation for why he’s up. “Sirius snores like hell.”
James covers his mouth to stifle his laughter, his shoulders shaking. “Sometimes I can hear it from my room.” They share a laugh, and a few seconds of silence pass before James explains. “I couldn’t sleep either, so I came down to clear my head and have a glass of water.”
Regulus is really curious to know what kind of thoughts occupy James’ mind to keep him awake too, but he knows he wouldn't dare ask, so he just nods in agreement.
“Would you like one?” James asks, pointing to his used glass on the sink.
“No, I’m fine, thanks.” Regulus politely declines, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, awkwardly.
James keeps moving closer, and Regulus assumes he’s heading back to his room, but he stops beside Regulus.
“We keep finding ourselves under these, don’t we? Makes me wonder if it means something.”
Regulus doesn’t need to look up to know.
The mistletoe.
This time, I set this trap, he thinks.
Regulus stares at James’ face, only partially lit by the dim light coming through the windows.
If James can joke with him, then Regulus can do the same, right?
“Shall we?” Regulus approaches him, almost threateningly.
James’ smile fades, and he looks shocked. Regulus knows James is just teasing him, that he won’t actually kiss him, so he plans to give him a taste of his own medicine.
“A-are you serious?” James asks quietly, looking completely disbelieving. Regulus steps closer and enjoys the way James leans against the doorframe, letting himself be cornered by him.
“Where did all the mistletoe jokes go, James? Are you chickening out?” Regulus teases, a wicked smile on his lips.
He sees James swallow, but he doesn’t back away, wanting him to admit it was all a joke and that Regulus has won in his prank.
However, James doesn’t do that. He looks at him intensely and says:
“No, I won’t.”
Regulus’ smile fades as James’ hands find his face, his thumbs caressing his cheeks.
James leans down slowly. Regulus can’t believe this is happening.
It’s impossible. James is going to back out before finishing whatever this is.
Their noses brush, and Regulus feels James' breath against his lips before they softly touch.
He’s kissing James Potter. On the lips.
Regulus’ body melts against James’, who moves one hand to his neck. His lips are incredibly soft against Regulus’, making his legs weak.
He supports himself on James’ shoulders and involuntarily tries to follow his movements. James kisses him with such determination that Regulus feels dizzy.
The feeling in his stomach turns into fireworks when James’ tongue enters his mouth. He tastes like cinnamon, mint, and long-held desire.
Regulus can’t help but murmur in approval against his mouth, and James lowers one hand down his back to press Regulus’ body against his.
Regulus considers that maybe this is part of the joke too but God , the way James is kissing him doesn’t feel like a joke at all.
Regulus’ mind is blank, and he keeps kissing James purely by instinct. He’s out of breath, but he can’t stop, not now that he knows what it feels like to kiss him.
James smiles against his lips, leaving sweet little kisses on his mouth. His breathing is ragged, and Regulus is grateful that James is holding him firmly at the waist, because his knees are weak.
“So… all these mistletoe jokes?” Regulus’ voice shows how disoriented he is. James laughs, his cheeks flushed.
“Well, they weren’t entirely a joke, I guess.” He admits, his fingers fiddling with the hem of Regulus’ sweater in a nervous gesture.
“I thought you were making fun of me.” Regulus admits softly, and James’ expression turns to alarm.
“No! I mean, it was a joke because I didn’t think you’d actually kiss me, but I don’t know…” James explains quickly, as if searching for the right words. “Maybe it would make you think about kissing me? Or, I don’t know, give you a hint that I wanted to.”
James seems really concerned about getting his message across to Regulus, who smiles to reassure him. One of his hands slides from James’ shoulders to his face, and James rubs against his palm, snuggling into it.
“I’d already thought about kissing you long before any mistletoe.” Regulus admits shyly, his face burning with the confession.
James’ eyes scan his face, his pupils dilated in the brown of his eyes, as if searching for confirmation, the truth of Regulus’ words.
Then James kisses him. Again, again, and again.
Regulus murmurs in satisfaction against his lips, the taste and scent of him taking over his senses, making his head spin.
One of Regulus’ hands goes to James’ hair, tugging lightly at his neck, earning a breathless moan in return. Regulus kisses him hungrily and voraciously, proving his words to James by licking his lips and pressing his body into the doorframe.
It doesn’t take long before they’re out of breath again, breathing heavily, goofy smiles decorating their faces.
“This is really happening?” James whispers, his lips pressed against Regulus’ cheek. “I’m sure I didn’t fall asleep by accident and this is all a dream? I mean, I’m kissing you and you’re okay with it?”
James is babbling, and Regulus can’t help but laugh, standing on tiptoe to hide his face in James’ shoulder.
James hugs his waist, rubbing his face in Regulus’ hair, and Regulus lets himself close his eyes for a few seconds, just feeling James’ body against his.
“I’m really going to have to thank Sirius for inviting me, which honestly, is awful.” Regulus says muffled against his shoulder, and James laughs, his hands tightening around Regulus’ waist.
“I’m so glad he did.” James’ voice is dreamy, and Regulus melts a little more. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
Regulus mumbles, not wanting to pull away to look him in the eye. “You’ve already said that, more than once.” He murmurs shyly.
“I know, but I really am so happy.”
Regulus can’t think too much about how he’s also incredibly happy, because he might end up having a crying fit, and that wouldn’t exactly be romantic.
“I’m really happy too.” Instead of looking at him, Regulus kisses him. From below his ear, across his cheek, until he reaches his lips.
It’s slow and sweet, hands caressing and lazy pecks.
“We should go back to the rooms…” Regulus starts, but James silences him with a low grunt and presses his lips firmly against his. “If anyone catches us like this, you’ll never hear from me again.” He finishes, muffled.
James pulls away slightly, sliding one hand over Regulus’ arm to intertwine their fingers.
“Well, it would be embarrassing, but I don’t think anyone in this house would be surprised.”
Regulus raises an eyebrow inquisitively, and James brings his hand to his mouth to kiss the back of his hand.
“You need to tell me more about that later.” Regulus states, pulling his body away from James and tugging him to go with him.
“I will, I promise.” James reluctantly follows him, and as they pass through the living room toward the stairs, he stops suddenly.
Regulus looks for what caught his attention and finds the wall clock, reading 00:34.
James turns to Regulus, a big smile adorning his face, and his eyes reflecting the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree.
“Merry Christmas, Regulus.”
Regulus smiles back, his hand gripping James’ more tightly, as if to remind him of the reality of this moment.
“Merry Christmas, James.”
They walk up the stairs in silence and slowly, hands intertwined the entire time, reluctant to let go.
Hopefully, they’ll be holding them again soon.