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. “
“ 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 …
“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 —
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.
“ 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 …
“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?” —
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. “
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 …
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 —
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 ….
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.
—
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 ...
“ 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. “
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.
“ 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. “