@jegulus-microfic | april 26: aimless | 1,276 words | trans! regulus

james does regulus' tape binding aftercare <3

James lingers in the doorway, quietly observing Regulus in their softly lit bathroom.

He's perched on the ledge of the bathtub, seemingly lost in thought, his head bowed and fingers idle and aimless where they trace the rim of it. He's shirtless, clad in only boxers and socks. His bare thighs press against the cool porcelain, causing goosebumps to rise there. Soft, late evening light leaks from the window, casting gentle shadows against his frame. 

Outside, the rhythmic passing of cars punctuates the stillness, their headlights casting golden beams that dance across the wet asphalt. The nearby stoplight's red glow mingles with them, creating a surreal mix of colors on the shimmering pavement.

There's a soft rustle of movement as James enters the room behind Regulus, moving to the sink. He sifts through the contents of their vanity, hands passing over their shared face wash and the cup holding their toothbrushes to retrieve the items needed for Regulus' tape aftercare. Deft hands gather oil, washcloths, cotton swabs, and salve before placing them on the bathtub ledge. He approaches Regulus with a tenderness reserved only for moments like these, for him. 

"Ready, love?" James' voice breaks the silence with a mellow murmur. He settles his weight behind him. 

Regulus turns his head, giving a small nod against his own shoulder. "Yeah," he says, voice crackling from disuse. 

James leans in to press a kiss between Regulus' shoulder blades. He lingers there for a moment. This close, he can see the faint dusting of freckles that mark his back. They're spattered across the skin like spray from a wave on sand. Speckles in shades of russet, sepia, and chocolate dance across his pale skin, shifting as Regulus shivers lightly. As James' lips leave his back, the muscles beneath those pretty dots tremble.

James reaches for the oil, uncaps it, and warms it between his hands. He presses both his palms to Regulus, carefully smoothing the oil over the edges of the tape. His touch follows the span of the tape from Regulus' back, under his arms, to the front of his chest. His movements are slow and practiced, designed as much to reassure as to treat. The oil glistens slightly on Regulus' skin, catching the dim light as it begins to soften the adhesive.

As they wait for the tape to loosen, a comfortable silence settles over them, punctuated only by the distant sounds of the city and their own quiet breathing. James doesn't stop his ministrations; his fingers continue to trace gentle paths along Regulus' shoulders, the back of his neck, following the delicate contours of his shoulder blades. These moments are so special to him; he wants Regulus to feel loved through his actions, to experience the same palpable surge of affection with each pass of his hands that James feels. There is so much trust that Reg offers him in these moments—it's intimate. James is the only person Regulus allows to see the most vulnerable parts of himself, and that knowledge alone makes James' heart swell with fondness and love. He has never loved someone as he does Regulus.

Regulus, Regulus, Regulus. 

Sometimes, James thinks Regulus was crafted specifically for him; as if the cosmos themselves conspired to mold him to perfectly complement the contours of James' own body, his own soul. Looking back, it's almost silly to him now—he thought he knew what love was like before him. His heart was already overflowing with it for Sirius, his mum, his dad, his friends. He's always had big emotions, brimming with affection and fierce protectiveness for the people around him. He's always cared deeply and felt profoundly, but nothing could have prepared him for the depth of feeling that Regulus brought into his life.

James knows nothing, nobody else could ever make him feel like this.

He settles his hands on the edges of the tape on Regulus' left side. "Gonna take it off now, okay?"

"Yeah, okay James. Go ahead"

James pulls at the tape gently, easing it from the skin. He's careful not to pull too hard or move too fast, patient as he works. He grabs Regulus' bicep, thumb pressing into the underside, fingers curling over. "Lift your arm up, Reg," he instructs softly.

Regulus raises his arm, holding it aloft as James' hand moves back down to steady the skin being separated from the tape. He can't resist pausing to press a kiss to the underside of his bicep before continuing to peel off the tape there. When he encounters a tough spot, where the tape still clings to his skin, James reaches for more oil. He warms it between his fingers once again before lightly holding the piece back, rubbing it into the seam between Regulus' skin and the tape until it loosens enough for him to continue. He carefully removes the first piece, then works at a second, a third, before repeating the process on Regulus' right side.

There's still a faint trace of leftover adhesive where the edges of the tape once were. So, James takes a cotton swab, dips it in oil, and meticulously traces the outlines left by the pieces. He moves slowly, with deliberate delicacy, mindful of the soreness of his skin.

Once he's satisfied, James fetches the washcloth. He soaks it in warm, soapy water and carefully cleans the area, wiping away excess oil and any lingering traces of the day. Then he reaches for the salve—the last physical part of their routine, though James knows the comfort it brings goes beyond just the skin. Two of his fingers dip into the container, scooping up the soothing balm. James is so careful with him, his fingers so gentle as they spread the salve, taking extra care with the tender skin under his arms and over his ribs. He traces the rungs of them, then the dip of his chest, making sure no skin is left uncared for.

James then grabs what's technically his own shirt—a worn, soft thing that Regulus has claimed as his own, his favorite pajama top—from the ledge of the sink. He helps Regulus slip it over his head, taking advantage of every second he allows him to be so close, to take care of him.

"Feeling okay?" James asks once Regulus is settled.

He trails his hand at the hem of his shirt, slipping it underneath to rest gently on his stomach, careful not to brush the newly cared-for skin or his chest. 

Regulus hums an affirmative, "mhmm." Eyes closing and head tipping back as he nods.

"I'm not just asking about your skin, love," James whispers. It's tough for Regulus sometimes, taking the tape off, sitting with his chest. It's a necessity though, for his well-being, despite the discomfort it brings. And James always does everything within his power to make it easier for him. He knows he can't fix everything, but he'd be damned if he didn't at least try to.

Regulus reaches back, his palm sliding from James' elbow to his hand beneath his shirt, their fingers intertwining at his stomach. Their faces are so close that Regulus' cheek drags against James' as he turns his head, planting a soft kiss on James' cheek. "I do, I feel okay. I promise," he murmurs, giving James a warm smile.

Leaning back into James' frame, Regulus lets his weight settle comfortably against him. "You make it easier," he breathes out, words floating into the space between them. Another kiss, "Thank you. I love you."

James holds him a moment, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath, heart swelling just a little bit more. "I love you too."

James “and then I go and spoil it all by saying something stupid like ‘I love you’” Potter

An eligible husband.. (a Jegulus and Rosekiller Microfic)

For @imheredisappointingmyparents TW: deadnaming

He knew it was stupid to laugh. He was asking for trouble, really. But it was too perfect. He couldn't help it.

"Evan?" he asked, looking at his mother.

"Yes, Regina. You must marry an eligible pureblood and carry on our line," Walburga explained, her expression steely.

Regulus looked back at Evan's picture and tried not to burst. "You want me to marry Evan," he stated, just to be sure.

"Yes, Regina. We're in talks with his family."

"Right. I...right. I have to go, Mother. The Hogwarts Express arrives soon," Regulus said with a roll of his eyes. In his head he knew that he was more likely to marry the Giant Squid than Evan, but it wasn't worth arguing with his mother now.

-

When Evan joined Regulus and his other friends in their normal compartment, Regulus knew right away that he wasn't the only one who had received the exciting news. It was all over Evan's face.

So he decided to...share the news.

"Evan and I are engaged," He volunteered casually as Evan sat down next to Barty, who immediately yelped and started coughing.

"What? You're-" Barty asked, his face aghast.

But Regulus just grinned, enjoying the entertainment. "Yes, nobody's told you? We've been set up. We're going to be married after Hogwarts."

Immediately, Evan started calming Barty, rolling his eyes and saying he was not going to marry Regulus.

"But Evan! We would be such a good couple," Regulus deadpanned, fighting back a smirk.

"Just wait until your boyfriend finds out!" Evan retorted loudly. "He's even more territorial than Barty!"

Regulus paled, thinking about James's reaction. He didn't quite fancy holding him back from beating up his mother. "I want a divorce," he grumbled to Evan.

as soon as regulus claims someone as a friend or partner - he is CUDDLY. he is such a cuddler. specifically with james. he needs constant physical assurance and contact. he loves james' hands because james has big hands and when they hold hands, james' completely engulf regulus' and it makes him a little dizzy to think about. he loves when they're standing anywhere and james puts both hands on his waist, rubbing circles on his hipbones. other times he will latch onto james' arm like a parasite and he will not let go. when they're home he often finds james lounging and will just. launch himself at him and cuddle up against his chest, on his back, against his side, limbs completely intertwined. when regulus has a bad day he comes home sniffly and demands james to lie on top of him like a weighted blanket. he loves latching onto james in their sleep, he does not allow two inches of space to come between them. he's always brushing his fingers through james' hair and he will always fall asleep during a movie if james touches his hair, runs gentle fingers across his cheeks, his back, or arms. when they sit on the couch he always tucks his feet underneath james' thigh to keep warm. james always thrives on giving regulus massages, and he melts every time, getting sleepy but flustered by james' touch. they're also mega annoying at parties because they get so handsy when they're drunk. as soon as regulus takes a sip of alcohol he's practically ripping james' clothes off, fussy and trying to touch every spare inch of him. they contrast well, too - james is a living, walking furnace and regulus is always very cold, grabbing at james to warm him up by wrapping his arms around him. regulus is so fussy about it, needy for any bit of touch james will offer him.

10 things only James Potter knew about Regulus Black

1) In July 1976, he came to the Potters through their floo together with unconscious Sirius. He left again before Effie and Monty came.

2) After his brother got away from home, he continued to secretly check on him.

3) He threatened Snape into not spreading the information about Remus being a werewolf.

4) He hexed another Slytherin for insulting Pandora.

5) He got punished for it by his mother. That was the second time he came through the Potters's floo.

6) He spent most of his nights at Hogwarts in the astronomy tower.

7) Regulus had violent nightmares that left him shaking. Sometimes, the shakes didn't stop for hours.

8) His touch was like the ocean - engulfing, gentle, but also powerful.

9) Before he left for the cave, he obliviated James in his sleep.

10) The obliviate didn't work.

Regulus: What are you eating?

James: Chicken fried steak!

Regulus: What? You can’t have chicken fried steak first thing in the morning, James

James: Hey, you knew I was a bad boy when you married me

@jegulus-microfic / resist / 290 words / @fromagony

It was just ice cream. The weather was unbearable, and James had assured Regulus that some refreshment would ease them. So, Regulus simply obliged. They were at the Potter’s beach house, and Sirius and Remus had gone for a swim. However, James insisted he would much rather go for a drive and a treat.

So here they were, James wearing a simple white shirt—a dangerous choice for someone whose favorite flavor was chocolate—under a heat that was sure to melt his ice cream entirely in minutes. Regulus ordered a lemon popsicle, but he could barely pay attention to his own treat as a luscious scene started unfolding in front of him.

James’ tongue was stained with chocolate, the ice cream melting faster than he could eat it. Brown smudges adorned the corners of his lips, making them look even more inviting. Regulus cleared his throat as he watched James's tongue spread across the flat surface of the cone. James looked up once he heard the sound. 

James fucking stared at him as he tilted his head to catch some drops of ice cream with his tongue, preventing them from making a mess.

Resist. Resist. Resist. 

“You okay? Is the heat getting to you? You look a bit flushed Reggie,” James said with a smirk. 

“Fine. Have you finished making a spectacle of yourself or can we go back to a place with an air conditioner?” 

“Always such a princess,” James teased, almost as if he was daring Regulus. 

Regulus took the bait. He leaned in, close enough to see drips of sweat on James’ neck, licked his thumb, and wiped the corner of James’ lip with it.

“You got kind of messy there,” he remarked, playing the game right back.

more microfics here

@jegulus-microfic | april 27th | diplomacy | 296 words | cw: mentions of walburga black's a+ parenting, internalized transphobia

When Regulus was little, he and Sirius were always told to be on their best behavior around guests.

It never mattered who the guests were. As long as there was company at their house, the boys were expected to be stoic, perfect, the utmost example of diplomacy. For Sirius, this meant putting away his smirk. Doing his hair so it looked groomed even when he refused a haircut. Putting on his best dress robes. For Regulus, it meant hiding his whole identity.

He remembers screaming as his mother forced him into a dress when he was five, and he remembers knowing not to make a noise of protest by the age of seven. He remembers seeing Sirius watching him from the doorway, trying to figure out what was so wrong with looking nice for tea with their cousins.

Now, as James pulls him through the department store, Regulus can't help the way his eyes dart around. Can't help his confusion when James keeps pulling him towards the back. He stops, and James turns to him.

"Reg? You alright?"

Regulus shuffles his feet. He most definitely is not alright, and he knows that James is very aware of that fact. "The dresses are back here," he says quietly, looking towards the ground.

"I didn't think you wanted a dress," James says, sounding a bit surprised. "But if you want to look back here, we can -"

"Want?" Regulus asks, eyes flashing up to James as if he's never heard the word before. James stares at him, concern evident in his features before his expression shifts into a soft smile.

"Yeah, love," he says, sliding his fingers between Regulus's again. "You can get whatever you want."

Regulus practically runs towards the suits, James laughing as he trails behind him.

James: if I swallowed a magnet…

Regulus: uh oh

James: hypothetically could i use a different magnet to remove said magnet?

Regulus: THE FUCK JAMES?!?

Regulus “I can’t love you, anymore” Black.

James “I can’t love you any more” Potter.

Prompt 27 - Diplomacy

@jegulus-microfic April 27, Word count 760

Previous part First part

He couldn’t believe Regulus was just going along with it. The boy’s hands were in his hair, nails scraping against his scalp. He’d never felt anything like it. James needed him to be closer, needed to feel him. So, without warning, James put his hands under his skinny thighs, and lifted him into the air, using the wall to take some of the pressure off his arms, he held Regulus. 

Regulus let out a small gasp as his feet left the floor. James had fully expected to be punched, but Regulus reacted positively. He wrapped his legs around James’s waist and deepened their kiss with his newfound height. 

James felt his whole body melting. He wanted to stay in this moment forever. Nothing mattered, only the boy in front of him. 

They broke apart, panting, hearts racing, gulping down air into their oxygen-starved lungs.

“Hi,” James smiled at him, tilting his head, so he could look into those sparking eyes. 

“Hi,” Regulus murmured back, the hint of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. James let his head thump forward into Regulus's chest and Regulus tangled his fingers still further into the short unruly curls. He angled his head and pressed open-mouthed kisses into Regulus’s neck.   

“What the bloody hell are you doing?” They froze as Sirius’s voice broke the silence of their corridor. “Get your hands off my brother!” James and Regulus looked at each other this was not going to go well. James tried to convince himself that all they needed was a little diplomacy, but with Sirius’s hot temper and Regulus’s sharp tongue, it would be a challenge to keep them quiet enough not to get caught out of bounds after curfew. 

Slowly, he lowered Regulus to the floor, and together they turned and raised their hands to Sirius.

“Why are you raising your hands?” He asked Regulus, confused. 

“I wasn’t sure which brother he was referring to, so I thought I’d better be safe.” He shrugged. James let out an almighty snort and had to bury his face in his arm to quell the laughter.

“Put your hands down you idiots.” Sirius rolled his eyes at the pair. “I came looking for you when I noticed you weren’t in bed. This,” He waved his hands at them. “Was not what I expected to find.” He looked wild like he was about to explode at any provocation. 

“It’s none of your business what we do, Sirius.” Regulus drawled. “I don’t know why you think you can make a fuss.” All mirth left James as he quickly started damage control to hopefully stop Sirius from seeing red. 

“Sirius go back up to the dorm, I’ll meet you there,” He cut Sirius off before he could complain. “I’m going to take Reg back to the Slytherin Common room first.” 

“I don’t need an escort, Potter.” Regulus griped. But James ignored him and began to pull out the invisibility cloak. Sirius stormed forward, shoved his hand into James’s pocket and stole the Marauder’s Map. 

“Best hurry, Prongs. I’ll be watching.” And with that, Sirius turned on his heel and disappeared into darkness. 

James sighed and covered himself and Regulus with the cloak. 

“You don’t need to do this, I am quite capable of getting back on my own.” Regulus clearly wasn’t happy. James grinned at him and, making sure Sirius was well and truly gone, pushed Regulus back against the wall and kissed him again. All the fight went out of the other boy. 

“We’ve got a couple of minutes before we need to move. Sirius will think we’re bickering still.” James said, pulling away for a moment before pressing his lips against Regulus’s again. 

Regulus turned his head slightly, breaking the kiss.

“What does this mean?” Regulus asked, his eyes overly bright as though he was nervous. James shrugged.

“I don’t know, but I like it so far.” He grinned, wriggling his eyebrows. Regulus rolled his eyes in a strange imitation of his brother. He pushed James away from the wall, but grabbed his hand and started pulling him down the corridor towards the dungeons.  

“What was that bit of parchment?” Regulus asked as they walked.

“Oh,” James paused, he didn’t know if he could trust Regulus with that information. “Just a useful tool for Mischief makers.” He gave Regulus a final kiss before watching him enter the Slytherin’s secret entrance and headed back to Gryffindor Tower where his best friend waited for him. Maybe he’d go sleep in moaning Myrtle's bathroom, he’d probably get more rest.   

Next part

jegulus fucking and regulus is a blubbering, sensitive mess getting overwhelmed by james stamina and strength so he tries to crawl away only for James to simply pull him back by the waist or ankle saying “where do you think you’re going, love?”

longing - @jegulus-microfic - word count: 167

James stared at Sirius with a look of nothing less than longing.

Not because it was Sirius. No! It was because Sirius had nabbed the very last piece of treacle tart, leaving James without pudding.

Of course, he could have been mature about it. he could have even gone to the kitchens to get another one. But he instead chose to sit and pout.

He was quite happy with his choice, if he was honest. Fine to let Sirius feel guilty for the terribly traitorous act he'd committed.

But then a plate of his favorite dessert clanged down in front of him.

Astonished, James looked up only to see Regulus Black standing there.

"Don't make a big deal of this," Regulus mumbled before James could speak, and then quickly walked away.

And James smiled, far too happy about the little gesture from the boy he'd been pining after for weeks.

But then..."What the fuck was that?" Sirius asked thickly around a mouthful of his own tart.

april 26 @jegulus-microfic prompt: aimless. word count: 248.

Regulus Black is not a person who ever feels misguided. At this point in his life, he feels strength in his purpose, and he’s confident in his decisions, his opinions. He follows a clear path, he’s organized—and it brings him joy to be so put-together. He doesn’t often feel lost. 

That is—he’s never felt as aimless as he does now, standing before the most stunning man he’s ever met, mouth dropped open in awe as he stares wordlessly. The man grins at him, and his heart flutters. He is pure fucking gold under Regulus' gaze, glistening and warm under the sunlight, and Regulus knows he has never understood true want until this moment. 

He’s been standing silently for far too long now, and he realizes he forgot the question the man asked entirely. Shit. 

He stammers through half a phrase before the man’s chuckle interrupts him.

“I’m James,” he says, eyes full of honeybrown sugar as he looks down at Regulus. He’s tall. Regulus is weak in the knees. 

Remembering his manners, Regulus breathes and extends a hand, “I’m Regulus.” 

James’ smile widens, and he says, “That’s a lovely name, Regulus.” Their hands meet in the middle. Between them, Regulus feels the entire universe hone into the contact—he feels the universe pause and right itself completely at this moment, because nothing has ever felt as perfect as them. Regulus looks up at James, and he thinks, absurdly, in every life, my heart will find yours. 

⭐️ find more of my microfics posted on ao3, here.

Sirius: come on prongs! just tell me who you’re dating!

Regulus: *walks over*

Sirius: hey reg!

Regulus: hello brother

Sirius: whatcha doing over here?

Regulus: came to kiss my boyfriend

Regulus: *leans over to kiss James*

James:

Sirius:

Regulus: bye sirius

Sirius: I think i’m going to be sick

class - 160 words - @jegulus-microfic

warnings: house fire

Regulus hates to cook. But, with James busy teaching classes all day and having to put up with dirty teenagers, he thought it might be nice to make food for a change.

That was until Regulus had to call the fire department on himself because the oven mitt that sat next to the stove caught fire.

After the kind, tall firefighter checked on Regulus, he called James, who had sounded extremely shaken up at the thought of a fire. 

A pit of guilt dug in Regulus' stomach, his heart clenching at the worrying tone in James' voice. 

"I'm sorry, James; I thought I was doing something good! The house is okay; there's not too much -" And then James cuts him off.

"I don't care about the house, not even if it's in ruins! Reg, I asked if you were okay!" Regulus breathes out through his nose.

"I'm fine, just a little shaken up."

"I'm on my way home; don't dwell."