Chapter Text
Regulus tossed and turned in bed, waiting for the effects of the sleeping pill to kick in. His mind was a storm, thoughts crashing into each other like waves, and he felt as though he were being torn apart from within. Since leaving James at dinner, the conflict inside him had only grown fiercer, worrying him with a relentlessness that wouldn’t let him rest. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw James’s face—trapped, trusting, oblivious to the intricate web of deceit he’d been caught in. Regulus clenched his jaw, his heart pounding as guilt, anger, and fear twisted inside him like a poison.
He doesn’t deserve this, he thought bitterly. None of this is his fault.
But what could he do? Every path that led to helping James seemed lined with traps, risks that would unravel everything he’d worked for, everything his parents expected of him. The weight of it was suffocating. His entire life, he’d played the obedient son, the dutiful prince. One misstep could see him stripped of his title, his family’s trust, and any future he had in the kingdom. Was he destined to become the next Sirius?
And yet... he couldn’t shake the image of James, the warmth in his eyes, the easy way he had trusted Regulus, even when he knew he shouldn’t. That trust was fragile, precious, and Regulus knew, deep down, that it was worth protecting.
But if I help him, Regulus reasoned, I risk everything—my position, my family’s respect, my future. His heart twisted painfully. But what future was there for him if he couldn’t look himself in the mirror? If he allowed James to be broken for a cause he no longer believed in?
The decision weighed on him like an anchor, and he swallowed, feeling a clarity emerge through the haze of fear. Maybe, just maybe, it was time he chose for himself—for once in his life, he had the power to do what he felt was right. In that moment, Regulus made a decision: He would no longer be a pawn in his family’s schemes; he was done with their lies, their manipulation, their twisted plans. Whatever it took, whatever the risks, he would find a way to get James out of here. And if it cost him everything—his title, his family’s trust, his future—then so be it. For the first time, he felt the weight lifting, replaced by a fierce, steady resolve.
He awoke the next morning strangely calm now that he had come to a decision. He went through his morning routine as usual before calling for his servant. The girl stepped into his room and bowed deeply, awaiting Regulus’ request.
“Good morning, Maisie,” he greeted, watching as the girl flushed, offering a hurried reply. James had been insistent that Regulus take the time to learn each servant’s name, and while Regulus had once dismissed the idea, he now made a point to remember every single one. “Is the Fire Lord in the throne room?” he asked, his tone composed but sharp.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Maisie replied. “I believe he is meeting with someone soon but if you hurry, you may be able to catch him before hand.” He thanked her and made his way through the dark halls of the palace to the throne room. Today, he was determined to tell his father that he would no longer visit James, refusing to be used any longer. His palms were damp with nervous anticipation, his heart pounding at the thought—he had never confronted his father like this before.
But as he approached the throne room, he realized that he was too late; the guest had already arrived. Curious to see who it was, Regulus cracked the door open slightly and leaned up against it, straining to hear their conversation.
“Have the preparations been made?” his father’s voice inquired, carrying that sharp authority Regulus had known all his life.
“Yes,” came the reply, cold and sinister, from a voice Regulus didn’t recognize. “Tomorrow, at first light, the young Avatar will be in my custody.”
Regulus’s stomach dropped. James.
“I trust he will be… compliant.” the stranger said, his voice sending shivers down Regulus’ spine.
“Oh yes, rest assured. We’ve arranged for a method to ensure his compliance.” His father’s voice dripped with satisfaction, and Regulus felt a sickening certainty that he was the “method” they were referring to. Heart pounding, he grasped the enormity of what he’d overheard—James would be handed over to this dark stranger by morning.
No, no, no, he thought desperately, this can’t be happening. It’s too soon.
His father’s voice cut through his thoughts. “The cuffs have worked splendidly, Dark Avatar. I look forward to seeing where this alliance will lead us.”
The cuffs. Regulus's stomach twisted. This stranger, the Dark Avatar, was the one behind the binding cuffs—the dark bender who’d crafted them to keep James’s powers suppressed. And now, his father had formed an alliance with him. Regulus had no time; he had to get James out tonight. But he couldn’t make a move until he figured out how to unlock those cursed cuffs.
His mind raced, searching for a solution, when he remembered something Mulciber had bragged about just weeks before.
“And I alone have the key to unlock them,”
Regulus stifled a groan, clenching his fists in frustration. Of course, it had to be Mulciber. But he now knew what he had to do.
With a deep breath to steady himself, Regulus pushed away from the door, his mind already crafting a plan. If he could get his hands on that key, he might just stand a chance of getting James out before dawn. And this time, he wouldn’t let his father or anyone else stop him.
Regulus took a steadying breath, forcing his hands to stop trembling as he stood outside Mulciber’s chambers. Every nerve in his body screamed at him to turn around, but he pushed the impulse down. For James, he reminded himself. Just get the key and get out.
He knocked on the door, and Mulciber’s smug voice called him inside. Regulus entered, schooling his face into something he hoped looked like reluctant admiration. Mulciber looked up from where he lounged in his chair, a sly smile spreading across his face.
“Ah, Prince Regulus. This is a pleasant surprise,” Mulciber drawled, his eyes raking over him in a way that made Regulus’s skin crawl.
Steeling himself, Regulus took a slow step forward, trying to channel the charm he usually reserved for moments when he needed to win someone’s favor. “I thought... well, maybe you and I could talk,” he murmured, letting his voice drop ever so slightly. He forced himself to meet Mulciber’s gaze, his stomach twisting with disgust.
Mulciber’s smile grew wider, and he leaned back, clearly enjoying the sight of Regulus standing before him like this. “Talk?” he said, voice heavy with mockery. “That’s all you came here for?”
Regulus’s pulse pounded, but he plastered on a small, coy smile. “Maybe not just talk.”
He moved closer, letting his fingers trail along the arm of Mulciber’s chair, fighting the urge to flinch when Mulciber reached out to touch his wrist, his fingers cold and possessive. Regulus wanted nothing more than to pull away, but he couldn’t—he needed that key. He just had to endure this.
“And may I ask what brought upon this…” Mulciber’s hand slid up his arm, lingering. “Newfound curiosity?” As he did, Regulus caught sight of a small chain attached to his waist holding a single key. That must be it, he thought.
But before he could do anything, Mulciber roughly grabbed him and pinned him against the nearest wall. He had to remind himself not to fight back, but it was taking everything in him. Mulciber’s face was inches away from his now and he could smell the whiskey on his breath. He looked up at him with what he hoped looked like lust in his eyes as Regulus snaked his hands around Mulicber’s waist, feeling for the key.
Regulus swallowed, forcing himself to keep up the act even as every fiber of his being recoiled. “I’ve just been so... lonely lately,” he murmured, feigning a soft, flirtatious tone. He bit his bottom lip, keeping his eyes downcast, his fingers subtly working to unclasp the small chain around Mulciber’s waist. Finally, he felt the satisfying weight of the key slip into his hand. Got it. Now, just get out.
It was proving far harder to slip away than Regulus had anticipated. Mulciber’s hands had started roaming over him, lingering in ways that made Regulus’s skin crawl. He forced himself to stay still, every nerve screaming for him to get out. When Mulciber leaned in, his lips grazing Regulus’s neck, a surge of revulsion nearly broke his composure. His heart raced as he fought the urge to recoil, pressing down the impulse to push Mulciber away by sheer will.
Okay, it’s time to get out of this, now.
“Wait, hold on,” he said, as he tried to push Mulciber away, but he wouldn’t budge. Regulus grimaced as he licked a strip up his neck, fighting the urge to throw up all over him.
“What’s wrong, Little Bird? Getting cold feet now?” He sneered, groaning as he began to grind his hips against Regulus’. “I’ve been waiting too long for this.”
This was a mistake. Frustration bubbled within him, but Regulus was acutely aware that unleashing his flames would only raise Mulciber’s suspicions. Panic gripped him at the thought of being trapped in this situation with Mulciber once more. He should have devised a better plan, but he had the key now—he just needed to escape before it was too late.
Suddenly, he was saved once again by a knock on the door. Clearly agitated, Mulciber turned away from Regulus to see who was there, and he took that moment to slip the key into his pocket.
“Who’s there?” Mulciber roared. He pulled himself off of Regulus as a male servant walked into the room. He eyed Regulus curiously before informing Mulciber that he had been summoned by the Fire Lord. Mulciber’s eyes narrowed in frustration, and he muttered something under his breath. “Fine,” he snapped, straightening his clothes as he glanced back at Regulus. “We’ll have to finish this later,” he said with a sickening grin.
As Mulciber stalked off, Regulus took a steadying breath, forcing his racing heart to calm. He nodded briefly at the servant in silent gratitude before slipping quietly out of the room. The cold metal of the key pressed against his palm, grounding him. He had what he needed—now, he just had to get to James and put his plan into motion before anyone noticed.
With one last glance over his shoulder to ensure he wasn’t being followed, Regulus darted down the dimly lit hallways, each step bringing him closer to James and to the chance they both needed to escape.
James sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor of his cell, eyes closed, letting his breathing steady as he drifted into a light meditation. He’d been trying to calm his racing thoughts about Regulus. For the first time in almost a month, he hadn’t shown up for dinner and he worried about what this meant. Was he never going to see him again? But just as he settled into the calm, there was a faint scuffle outside his cell door.
His eyes snapped open, senses instantly on alert. It was dark out now, so he could barely see inside his own cell. Footsteps approached, and he could just make out the low murmur of voices. Then—thud. A muffled grunt, a clang as metal hit stone, and then… silence.
James rose to his feet, his heart racing. Another thud followed, and he heard a strained breath—quiet but unmistakable. The guards. Someone was taking them out. He pressed himself against the bars, trying to see down the hallway, catching glimpses of movement through the dim torchlight.
A hooded figure slipped into view, pausing by the cell door, and James’s breath caught. He recognized that silhouette anywhere.
“Regulus?” he whispered, hardly daring to believe it.
The figure turned to him, the faint torchlight illuminating Regulus’s face, which was flushed and determined, his breathing slightly ragged from exertion. He glanced back over his shoulder once, ensuring they were alone, then took out a small, dark key from his cloak.
"Quiet," Regulus hissed, eyes darting down the hallway. "We don’t have long." He slid a key into the cell door and it clicked open, swinging wide. Before James could react, Regulus was already at his side, pulling out another smaller key.
“Give me your wrists,” he murmured urgently. James extended his hands, heart hammering as Regulus fumbled with the cuffs, his hands shaking.
“What’s happening?” James whispered, still grappling with the idea that this was real and not some fever dream.
“Shit,” Regulus cursed under his breath as he struggled with the lock. "There’s no time to explain everything. My father plans to hand you over to a dark bender at dawn tomorrow. If you’re going to escape, it has to be now.”
James' brows furrowed but suddenly he heard a click and one of the cuffs came unlocked. Instantly, he felt a rush of power flow back through him. Regulus wrestled with the second cuff, and after a tense moment, it finally unlocked, both cuffs clattering to the floor.
Regulus stepped back, looking winded. “Well? Can you bend again?”
James’s heart pounded as he focused, summoning a breath of wind that blasted Regulus’s hood back, ruffling his hair. Excitement flared in him, and he was about to shout with joy when Regulus clamped a hand over his mouth.
“Do you want us to get caught?” Regulus hissed, eyes darting around. James mumbled an apology into his hand, and as it dropped, he looked at Regulus with wide-eyed amazement.
“You’re helping me escape,” he whispered, a sense of awe in his voice.
Regulus rolled his eyes, though there was a glint of amusement. “Are you only now realizing that?” he quipped, sarcasm thick enough to make James grin.
“Gods, I could kiss you right now,” James said, the words slipping out before he could stop himself. Regulus froze, clearing his throat awkwardly.
“Let’s focus,” he said briskly, turning away. “I need to get you to the kitchens. There’s a cart that can sneak you out—”
“Wait, what about Nimbus?” James interrupted, his gaze serious. Regulus turned back, an exasperated look on his face.
“The bison?” he asked, eyebrows raised.
“I’m not leaving without her,” James replied firmly, standing his ground. Regulus looked ready to throttle him, his jaw tight with frustration.
“Fine. Fine,” he muttered, pacing as he recalibrated his plan. “Alright, then we’ll have to get you up to my room first. But you can’t just walk around looking like this.”
Regulus’s eyes flicked to one of the unconscious guards on the floor, a sly grin forming. “I’ve got an idea.”
He instructed James to strip the guard and put on his uniform, and James complied, feeling a pang of guilt but understanding the necessity. Just as they were about to leave the cell, James hesitated.
“Hold on.” He stepped back, bending down to retrieve the cuffs. Taking a steady breath, he channeled heat into his hands until a glow flared around his fingers, melting the metal into a steaming pool. He glanced back to see Regulus watching him, intrigued. With a nod of determination, he joined Regulus by the door, prepared for whatever came next.
The walk to Regulus’s room was tense and silent, each step stretching out like a test of nerves. Every time they passed a servant or soldier, James’s heart hammered, silently pleading to his past lives that they wouldn’t be stopped. Miraculously, they managed to make it to Regulus’s room without incident.
As they slipped inside and locked the door behind them, both exhaled with relief. James quickly shrugged off the heavy Fire Nation guard uniform, feeling the weight lift from his shoulders. He glanced around Regulus’s room and couldn’t help but smile when he noticed the stars on the ceiling—a small glimpse of the person Regulus might have been, hidden beneath all the fire and armor.
“Alright, this might just work,” Regulus murmured, stepping back from the balcony at the far end of his room after surveying the grounds below. “Since you can airbend again, there’s a line of descending balconies along the right side of the building. Follow them down to the ground level. The stables are around the corner to the right. Nimbus is kept in a hidden room in the back. It’s guarded, but you should be able to handle them.”
Regulus grabbed James, pulling him out onto the balcony and gesturing urgently to the series of balconies below. He explained the escape route in quick, precise whispers. Once he finished, he stepped back, a mix of fear, pride, and sadness in his eyes.
“This is where we part ways,” he said quietly. “You need to go, now.”
James glanced out towards his freedom, then back at the boy who was risking everything to give it to him. He waged a quick, silent battle within himself before saying, “Come with me.”
Regulus stared at him, stunned. “Come with you? Are you out of your mind?”
Stepping forward, James reached for Regulus’s hands, holding them firmly as Regulus blinked at him like he’d just proposed something absurd. “What happens to you if they find out what you’ve done? You don’t belong here, Regulus. Not with them.”
Regulus looked down at their intertwined hands, his face caught between determination and fear. “James, we don’t have time—”
They both froze at the sudden sound of someone at the door. Regulus’s eyes went wide. “Shit, shit,” he muttered, looking around frantically. “You have to go, now!”
James shook his head, to which Regulus groaned in frustration. He grabbed James and roughly shoved him towards a closet in the corner of his room. “Get in here. Do not come out, no matter what you hear. Do you understand?” James didn’t even get to answer before Regulus slammed the door in his face.
Through a small crack in the door, James peered out, straining to see what was happening. His heart sank when he saw Mulciber stride into the room.
“Mulciber?” Regulus’s voice held a mix of surprise and barely concealed panic. “Since when do you have a key to my room?”
“Oh, I have my ways,” Mulciber replied smoothly, a sinister smirk playing on his lips. James’s stomach twisted as he caught the dark undertone. “We were interrupted earlier, quite rudely. I thought I’d stop by to... pick up where we left off.”
Pick up where they left off? James’s mind raced. What is he talking about?
Regulus let out a sigh, his expression tight with forced patience. James watched as Mulciber advanced, his gaze predatory, savoring Regulus’s discomfort.
“Now isn’t the time,” Regulus managed, his voice strained as he kept a grip on his temper. “Please, leave.”
James jolted as Mulciber suddenly grabbed Regulus and shoved him back, pinning him forcefully against the desk. His own fists clenched with fury, and he nearly burst from the wardrobe, but Regulus shot him a quick, discreet signal to stay put, his eyes sharp with warning. Every fiber of James’s being screamed to intervene, but he stayed hidden, muscles tense with restraint.
“You don’t know how long I’ve waited for you, Regulus,” Mulciber murmured, his voice thick with sinister intent.
Regulus glared, his voice sharp and controlled. “I’d strongly advise you to back off right now, Mulci—” His words were cut off with a muffled cry as Mulciber forced his lips onto Regulus’s, holding him in place as Regulus fought against him, trying to shove him away.
That was it. Something inside James snapped. One moment, he was standing in the shadows of the wardrobe, the next, he was towering over Mulciber’s unconscious body on the floor, his breath coming fast and his hands still balled into fists.
“James! James, look at me,” Regulus’s voice was calm but insistent, and he stepped close, placing steady hands on James’s chest. “It’s okay. I’m okay.”
James blinked, his gaze finding Regulus’s face, and instantly his anger ebbed. Without hesitation, he reached out, gently holding Regulus by the shoulders, scanning him for any sign of harm.
"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" James’s voice was tight with concern as he looked Regulus over.
Regulus, still catching his breath, glanced at him with a strange mix of anger and reluctant admiration. "Yes, James, I’m fine. But what the hell was that? I had it under control."
"Under control? He was assaulting you. And what did he mean by ‘pick up where he left off’?" James’s voice grew tense.
Regulus let out an exasperated sigh, pulling out of James’s grasp to glance down at Mulciber’s body. "Think for once, will you? How do you think I got the key to unlock your cuffs?"
Realization dawned on James, a sick feeling twisting in his stomach, but Regulus continued before he could respond. "What exactly did you do to him?" he asked, nudging Mulciber’s limp hand with his foot.
James swallowed, looking down at his own hands as if they weren’t quite his. "I... I don’t know. I just felt this surge of anger, and the next thing I knew, he was on the ground."
"You went into the Avatar State," Regulus said, his voice soft but serious. James’s eyes widened in shock.
“Really?”
Regulus nodded, his expression unreadable. "It looked like... like you were pulling the air right out of his lungs," he said, almost in a whisper. "I thought for a second you were going to kill him."
James paled as he looked back at Mulciber. But before he could reply, Regulus shook his head and grabbed his arm, urgency in his voice. "We don’t have time for this. You need to get out, now."
"I’m not leaving here without you," James said firmly. "Especially not after this."
Regulus looked like he was ready to argue, but then Mulciber stirred, groaning softly. He glanced between Mulciber and James, weighing the risk, before letting out a low curse. "Fine. But we have to go. Now."
Before James could fully revel in their small victory, Regulus led him onto the balcony, which towered twenty stories above the city. The wind whipped around them, and James glanced to the right at the next balcony they needed to jump to.
“This might be easier if I carried you-”
"Do not touch me," Regulus snapped, his tone sharp. James stepped back at once, caught off guard. “Just… you go first, and I’ll follow,” he added, swallowing hard as he eyed the distance between the two balconies.
James sighed but complied. With a burst of air to propel him, he floated effortlessly to the next balcony, turning to watch Regulus.
Regulus climbed over the railing and positioned himself on the other side, bracing himself with his back turned, pointedly avoiding looking down.
“You’re not afraid of heights, are you?” James called out, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips.
“Shut up.” Regulus hissed, his voice taut.
James let out a quiet laugh and held out his arms. “Just jump. I’ll catch you, I promise.”
Regulus hesitated, his eyes darting between James and the precarious drop below.
“Trust me, okay Reg? I won’t let you fall.”
After a moment of internal struggle, Regulus nodded slightly, took a deep breath, and leaped from the balcony. He yelped as he crashed into James’s arms, clinging to him tightly as James pulled him safely onto the next balcony. Regulus was breathing hard, visibly shaken. James leaned in, murmuring reassurances that they were safe.
“Okay, I may have a slight fear of heights,” Regulus admitted, his voice shaky. James chuckled silently as he turned to survey the remaining balconies. If they continued at this pace, they’d never make it to safety.
“I have an idea, but you have to promise not to hit me,” James said quickly. Before Regulus could voice his protest, James scooped him up in a bridal carry and began hopping effortlessly from balcony to balcony. In just a few heartbeats, they landed on solid ground.
Regulus stumbled slightly as James set him down, pushing away from him as his legs wobbled. “You could have given me a bit more warning,” he gasped, trying to catch his breath as he pointed them towards the stables.
True to Regulus’ word, a few guards were stationed both outside and inside the stables, but with their combined efforts, they were dispatched swiftly and quietly. James followed Regulus into a back room, where they had to swipe a key from one of the guards to unlock the door.
When Regulus finally swung the door open, James gasped at the sight of Nimbus. She was tied to the ground in a dimly lit room, her fur matted but otherwise unharmed. Without hesitation, he rushed over and climbed onto her muzzle, wrapping his arms around her as she roared a joyful greeting.
“Oh, Nimbus, I’ve missed you!” he exclaimed, casting a grateful glance at Regulus, who was already working to untie the ropes that bound her.
“There will be time for reunions later. Help me with this,” Regulus snapped, urgency in his voice.
“Right,” James replied, sliding off Nimbus and joining Regulus. Together, they quickly made short work of the ropes. Moments later, Nimbus was free, her eyes sparkling with gratitude and excitement.
“Now, how do we get her out of here?” James asked, scanning their surroundings. Nimbus definitely couldn’t fit through the human-sized door they had entered, but if they had managed to get her in, there had to be a way to get her out.
“I’ve got it!” Regulus exclaimed, pointing at a panel in the corner. “Look at that larger door.” As James turned his gaze to the wall, he noticed a mechanism that allowed the entire panel to be lifted upward.
“I think this button will activate it,” Regulus said, pressing his finger against the panel. “But once I do this, we need to move fast. It’ll probably be loud and attract a lot of attention.”
James nodded, determination in his eyes, and quickly made his way back to Nimbus. They had already removed her saddle and harness, so he snatched up one of the discarded ropes and tied it between her horns as a makeshift rein. He turned back to Regulus and nodded again just as Regulus slammed his hand down on the button. Instantly, a siren blared as the doors began to rise. Regulus sprinted over to James, who lifted him up once more and used airbending to gently float them onto Nimbus’ back.
“Now, you do know she can fly, right?” James said, glancing back at Regulus, slightly anxious now that he remembered Regulus’ fear of heights.
“I’m well aware of what a flying bison is capable of, James,” Regulus retorted, annoyance creeping into his voice.
“Just… hold on tight, okay?”
Regulus nodded, gripping James’ waist, sending a jolt of butterflies through him that he tried to ignore.
The door was halfway open now, and they could hear distant voices yelling in alarm.
“We have to go, they’ll have figured out you’re missing by now!” Regulus said, his voice urgent.
“Then duck!” James shouted, nudging Nimbus forward, who managed to fit just under the opening door. She seemed to exhale a sigh of relief as they stepped out into the open air. Glancing to his left, James saw a group of soldiers racing toward them.
“Hold on tight, Reg!” he yelled, and Regulus gripped him even tighter. “Yip yip!”
With the command, Nimbus launched off the ground, soaring into the night sky as the sounds of angry shouts faded below them. James burst into laughter, reveling in the rush of the wind against his face, while Regulus buried his face deeper into James’ back.
“We did it, Reg! We’re free!” James shouted, exhilaration bubbling within him.
Regulus didn’t respond; instead, he tightened his already-death grip around James’ waist.
“Hey,” James called back, the wind rushing past his ears. “I know I said to hold tight, but I still need to breathe.”
Regulus muttered something that sounded like an apology and relaxed his grip just a bit. James could feel him trembling behind him, his head pressed firmly against James’ back.
James glanced behind him as the Fire Nation palace, both his and Regulus’ prison, grew smaller and smaller until he could no longer see it.
Once they reached a comfortable altitude, James guided Nimbus into a steady glide. The night sky was clear, and he wanted Regulus to experience the beauty of it.
Gently, he placed one of his hands over Regulus’ that clutched at the front of his shirt. “Reg, come on, you can open your eyes now.”
“No thanks, I’d rather die,” Regulus gritted out, making James chuckle.
“I’m serious. You have to see the stars. It’s incredible up here.”
After a moment, Regulus hesitated and slowly lifted his head, his eyes widening as he took in the vast expanse above them. “Whoa,” he breathed, the fear momentarily forgotten. The stars glittered like scattered diamonds on a dark velvet cloth, and the moon cast a silvery glow over the landscape below. “I’ve never seen so many stars before.”
James glanced over at Regulus, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of the boy’s face illuminated by the moonlight. Regulus’ eyes sparkled with wonder, and for a moment, all the chaos and fear of the past few hours faded away. The tension that had gripped him was replaced by a genuine sense of awe.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” James replied, his tone soft, as Regulus adjusted his grip on his waist so he could see better.
Regulus nodded, still entranced by the night sky. “I’ve spent so much time viewing it from the ground. It feels so… freeing. I guess I never truly realized how trapped I was before.”
James watched him, a fond smile spreading across his face. Regulus looked so small and vulnerable against the vastness of the sky, yet there was an undeniable strength in his gaze. “You deserve this,” James said, more to himself than to Regulus, but the words hung in the air between them.
“What?” Regulus asked, turning his head slightly to meet James’ gaze.
“Nothing,” James said, shaking his head with a chuckle. “Just… I’m glad you’re experiencing this. You should never have to feel trapped again.”
Regulus turned his attention back to the stars, his expression shifting from awe to reflection. “I always thought the sky was just a ceiling, you know? A limit. But now, it feels like it’s opening up, showing me everything I’ve been missing.” He shook his head, a small smile on his face. “I can’t believe we actually did it. We’re fucking crazy.”
James felt a warmth blossom in his chest at Regulus’ words. “Would you like to sit in front so you can see better?” he offered. Regulus hesitated, shaking his head at first, but James gently insisted, guiding him to carefully shift his position. Soon, Regulus was settled in front of him, his back against James’ chest. The moment felt instinctive, like puzzle pieces clicking together, and James couldn't help but notice how perfectly they fit in this position.
As the cool night air wrapped around them, Regulus gradually relaxed against him, his tension easing as he found comfort in the warmth of James' body. “Look!” he exclaimed suddenly, leaning forward slightly, his voice brimming with excitement as he pointed up at the sky. “There’s my star!”
James followed his gaze, searching the vast expanse for the star that had captured Regulus’ attention. “Your star?” he questioned, intrigued.
“Regulus; it’s part of the Leo constellation,” he explained, a smile slowly spreading across his face, illuminating his features. “I used to chart constellations from my balcony. It was one of the few things that kept me sane.”
James grinned down at him as he slowly wrapped his arms around Regulus’ waist, pulling him in closer. “Tell me more,” he whispered, his voice low and inviting.
Regulus’ breath hitched at the intimacy of the moment, but he pressed on, excitement lighting up his eyes as he pointed out various stars and constellations. “That one is Vega,” he said, his voice gaining strength. “That one’s Antares. And that’s Sirius, the brightest star in the sky.”
At the mention of Sirius, there was a subtle shift in Regulus’ demeanor. His voice quieted, a flicker of something deeper passing through his eyes.
“We’re going to find him, aren’t we?” Regulus asked softly, his voice barely rising above the wind that whipped around them.
James nodded, looking down at Regulus, who suddenly seemed so small in his arms. “I have to reunite with my friends. They’ve probably been worried sick about me,” he said, feeling the weight of that truth settle between them.
Regulus nodded in return, but a silence lingered, thick with unspoken thoughts and emotions. James could feel Regulus’ cold hands resting gently over his own, a quiet plea for comfort. He instinctively tightened his grip, wanting to shield Regulus from the chill of the night and the uncertainty that lay ahead.
Leaning down closer, James brushed his cheek against Regulus’ hair. “It’s going to be okay, I promise,” he whispered, hoping to instill a sense of reassurance.
Regulus took a shaky breath, his voice barely above a whisper. “What if we don’t find them?”
“We will,” he replied firmly.
“And what if we do?”
James could sense the fear simmering just beneath the surface, a stark contrast to the awe they had shared moments earlier. “I don’t know if I’m ready to face Sirius yet,” Regulus confessed, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke. James could see the weight of that admission in his eyes, the complex history that lingered between the brothers unresolved and heavy.
“You will be,” James replied, striving to sound more confident than he felt. “When the time comes, you’ll find your strength.”
Regulus shifted slightly, peering up at James with wide eyes, a mixture of hope and vulnerability swirling within them. “And what if we get caught? What if they find us before we can find Sirius and the others?”
James paused, weighing the truth of those words. “Then we fight,” he said, determination flaring in his chest. “Together.”
Regulus offered a small, fragile smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m always so amazed by your persistent optimism.” The two shared a moment of silence, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air like the stars above them.
Just then, a bright shooting star streaked across the sky, illuminating their faces for a brief moment. “Did you see that?” James exclaimed, pointing excitedly. “Make a wish!”
Regulus laughed softly, the tension easing slightly. “What are you wishing for?”
James thought for a moment, then said, “To be brave enough to face whatever comes next.”
Regulus smiled. “That’s a good wish. I’ll wish for that too.”
They watched the night sky together, Regulus pointing out a star or constellation to James every once and a while. After a few hours, James noticed Regulus’ head beginning to droop.
“Go ahead and rest if you need to,” James murmured, his voice low and gentle. “Just lean into me. I’ll wake you when we land.”
Regulus shifted, attempting a protest, insisting he could stay awake, but his words were already losing conviction, his eyes drooping despite his stubbornness. “I can handle it. I don’t need to sleep,” he mumbled, trailing off as he finally gave in, his body instinctively relaxing against James’ chest.
In mere moments, Regulus was fast asleep, his breathing soft and even, his guard completely down for perhaps the first time since James had met him. James felt his heart swell at the rare sight of Regulus at peace, unburdened, even if just for this brief moment. He wrapped his arms around him carefully, holding him steady as Nimbus glided smoothly through the starlit night.