𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓.

𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳. 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦.

[۟ @godsfell]

i am someone who did not die when i should have died.

[︎ ︎ ︎ ،،̲ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ HELL'S ︎ ︎ ︎ ꒷꒦ ︎ ︎ BELLS. @devouringink]

lately, i've been drowning. hopelessly choking for air. i sob like a little child.

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

shamelessly and openly staring at the professor’ lips.

“ so —— what kind of music do these adults listen to while they’re accidentally eating dessert together ? i may know what kind of sounds i’d like to listen to tonight though. “

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

“ does that mean you’re celebrating something today ? is that why you cant and wont have lunch with me ? “ he cant help but ask, curious and perhaps a bit bothered that someone else will have regulus’ attention that is not him.

his eyes flick down …

[𝐏rofessor 𝐑.𝐀.𝐁. @jadedantihero]

“A date would indicate that there’s something to celebrate and you don’t celebrate your birthday.” There’s a tiny twitch to his lips as if he’s trying to hold back a smile ( a feat really in the other’s presence. somehow he has the ability to feel stupid when James —

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

“ good mornin’ .. “

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

genuine. he cant say no to him even if he wanted to — somehow he will end up in regulus’ bed anyway. “ your invitation sounds suspiciously like a date, professor black.

and i’ll be damned to say no . “ he cant even if he ever wanted to.

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

“ is it that surprising ? “ there’s no teasing bite in his tone —— just curiosity. james knew how out of character it sounded, but it is what it is.

he studies regulus for another second, then exhales through his nose, the corner of his mouth lifting again …

[𝐏rofessor 𝐑.𝐀.𝐁. @jadedantihero]

“You don’t?” He won’t press. It’s not like he celebrates his either since the passage of time only reminds him of everything he’s gained and lost.

“So if I were to ask you to accompany me to get dessert tomorrow and listen to music, would you say no, Potter?” —

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

died in his throat, the grin on his face flattered for a second before he catches it back. “ is it ? must’ve forgotten. “ he says instead, lightly with a shurg.

“ i dont do birthdays anymore, professor. “

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

he stands still as regulus adjusted the glasses back on, blinking slightly and letting lenses settle into focus back again —— a hand resting loosely at the younger’ waist, casual.

a thank you was on the tip of his tongue, maybe teasing regulus too —— but the words …

[𝐏rofessor 𝐑.𝐀.𝐁. @jadedantihero]

Regulus does his best to keep his breathing even. It’s stupid. They’ve seen each other in different states of undress, have been much closer physically before and yet the way Potter was looking at him was what got to him right now.

He’s certainly buying time by —

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

“ good thing you’re here to fuss about it and fix it for me . who would’ve thought we’d be working together one day ? “

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

he dares to step closer, just enough for the space between them disappears entirely without disturbing his careful work. just enough to have a better look at regulus’ face, though it’s blurry still —— he just watches.

the corner of his lips tugged up then ….

[𝐏rofessor 𝐑.𝐀.𝐁. @jadedantihero]

Jokes on the other, he was going to clean it for him anyway. His fingers were already ever so carefully reaching for the frames before he meticulously wipes every smudge and dust, brows furrowed slightly and lashes lowered as he does so.

—

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

“ seems only fair for you to clean them. dont worry i’ll give you the excuse to stare at my face longer —— “

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

curiosity passes through his eyes before it disappears, a scoff slipping out as he reaches up automatically, sliding the glasses off “ of course you’d notice that — “

instead of cleaning them on his shirt, he steps a little closer again and holds them out toward regulus ...

[𝐏rofessor 𝐑.𝐀.𝐁. @jadedantihero]

Head tilting slightly, almost contemplative as he takes in the other’s face.

“I want a lot of things. Your glasses is smudged by the way.”

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

“ you’re acting familiar. “ his voice low with amusement. stopping just few inches away— an interaction that felt like they’re seventeen again.

“ isn’t this what you wanted though ? my whole attention on you and you only. “

[𝐏rofessor 𝐑.𝐀.𝐁. @jadedantihero]

A scowl painting his features but there’s an absence of his usual annoyance and malice. Maybe just maybe there’s a tinge of pink in his cheeks.

“It’s Regulus. Or Professor Black, Potter. You’re acting too familiar.” And yet he’s not even stepping away.

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

“ if you want persistence, reggie. you’re going to have to ask for it. “ amused grin spread on his lips. stepping closer.

“ im starting to suspect you just want the attention. “

[𝐏rofessor 𝐑.𝐀.𝐁. @jadedantihero]

“I thought you’d be more persistent or at least tell me how your company would be better.”

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

“ so you’re counting ? “

[𝐏rofessor 𝐑.𝐀.𝐁. @jadedantihero]

It wasn’t five times

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

“ you just rejected me for five times in row, why are you disappointed now ? “

[𝐏rofessor 𝐑.𝐀.𝐁. @jadedantihero]

. . . is that all? You’re going to give up that easily? I expected more

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

rolls eyes. this is not the end. “ fine. see you next week then—— enjoy it ! “

[𝐏rofessor 𝐑.𝐀.𝐁. @jadedantihero]

I don’t know if you’d get jealous but maybe it will keep you away.

We’ll have lunch next week.

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

it’s reggie until you say yes —— wait dont tell me you will start making out and wait for me to get jealous or something ?

[𝐏rofessor 𝐑.𝐀.𝐁. @jadedantihero]

It’s Regulus, you imbecile. Maybe I’ll sit on his lap to dispel the awkwardness.

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

you got it all wrong, reggie ! i simply just wanna see how awkward you’d be with your ex fuckbudy and whoever you’re trying to date on the same table.

[𝐏rofessor 𝐑.𝐀.𝐁. @jadedantihero]

I never thought you’d be masochistic enough to be a third wheel.

[𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. @crimisonvoid]

nope. you either say yes or im coming to your *appointment with you.

[𝐏rofessor 𝐑.𝐀.𝐁. @jadedantihero]

Nope. I can pencil you in next week.