Regulus Black - Supermassive Black Hole VI
Pairing : Regulus Black x (she/her) Selwyn!Reader
Word Count : 4.9k
Warning : Food. Mention of alcohol. Mention of blood. Mention of SA (lip biting).
Synopsis : A simple arrangement turned into an everlasting one as two naïve children try to figure out their heart.
Notes : I wrote this slightly drowsy and completely out of my head. I'll do some fixing if needed in the morning.
If you'd like to be tagged for the next chapters, please comment or reblog so I can add you to the tag list. If you like this story and would like to support me, please visit my kofi page and perhaps get me a coffee?☕
Taglist: strikethrough means I could not tag you.
@lostarc24 @hogwartshouse @milivanili99 @stelleduarte @40rimm @lilmaymayy @mischiefmanagers @happilyjollynacho @bl00dyr3gulus @lonelywitchv2 @burns-in-the-sun @lanaspepsicoke @rabluver
↞ Part V
The conversation they had last night haunts her. Each word Regulus uttered plays in her mind in a loop, buzzing as if there were bees stuck inside her brain. She thought that the condition they were in was complicated enough and that it couldn’t go any more worse than it already is yet once again, she was proven wrong.
The Greengrass girl was the textbook definition of perfection. She never knew her personally, never had any need to get to know her, but now it feels as if the universe is forcing her to know. Like a toddler being forced to eat a spoon of vegetables.
On one hand, she knew that Rosier might just be exaggerating about the Greengrass girl’s personality and how she’s the perfect match for Regulus, but she couldn’t help but to overthink. How would life be if Regulus were to marry her? Would he be happier? Would he be more satisfied? Would he love her?
There have been moments lately where she found Regulus slowly opening up to her. How he’s more comfortable with her presence, how the bitter look on his face has subdued whenever they were ‘forced’ to display affection to each other, how the word love seems to roll off his tongue easier whenever he calls her now, yet she still couldn’t stop herself from thinking, if he was married to the Greengrass girl, would he find these troubles at all? Would being married to her be as easy as breathing air?
Now she finds herself cutting the stems of flowers from the garden. It’s been a while since she came here, the one sanctuary she has whenever her mind is clouded. Her orchids are in full bloom, ready to be cut to replace the flowers in her bedroom vases.
But even doing her most therapeutic task does little to no help for her heart. Her mind was too full that she didn’t realise the other soul now standing a few feet beside her. He was dressed. Handsome and collected as always. A sight for sore eyes indeed.
Regulus clears his throat, making his presence known.
She turns to face him, stunned for a brief moment. The last time she’s seen him this neat was on their wedding day and as much as she appreciates his beauty, the unknown occasion makes her raise her brows, “Going somewhere?”
“I’m going to the Greengrass house. They’ve invited my family for dinner tonight.”
“Oh.”
Oh, indeed. Of course the two families would see each other more frequently now, given the fact that Sirius and the Greengrass girls’ arrangement is in motion. With Sirius’ unsettling nature, it is only logical that the parents of these children would need to spare more effort to make sure that such arrangement be successful. He’s wiggled himself out of the many arrangements his parents have made so far. If the two families wanted to make this reunion happen, they must surely sweat and cry blood for it.
“Don’t wait up for me,” Regulus says again, noticing her lack of response.
“I won’t.”
With that, she turns herself back to her flowers. Her answer was too quick and too callous for Regulus to understand. Something was not right.
“Are you alright?” He asks.
“Grand,” She answers, still not facing him “Tell Sirius I said hi.”
Regulus huffs, jealousy for his brother bleeds slightly, “Anything else?”
“No, have fun.”
“Is something the matter?”
She finally turns to face him again, brows furrow and the most displeased expression plastered on her face. How should she tell him that she doesn’t want him to go? How should she tell him that she doesn’t want him to meet the Greengrass girl again? How should she tell him that it hurts to know that he didn’t even want to invite her, his lawfully wedded wife, to this dinner?
“I can’t read your mind,” Regulus says again “If something is bothering you then spill it.”
She huffs, her eyes glaring at him, “When did you know about this dinner?”
“This afternoon. I got an owl from Sirius begging me to come.” He answers nonchalantly, still lost over her cause of vexation “He asked me to bring you but I knew you wouldn’t want to come.”
“Why would you think I wouldn’t want to come?”
“Because it’s just a dull bleak dinner?” Regulus says as a matter of factly “Doubt you’d even consider if I ask.”
Regulus was right. Dinner with the Greengrass would never be something she agrees to come. She wishes to never see the Greengrass girl ever again, not when Regulus is within a kilometre radius. The Greengrass girl only proves as a reminder of someone who might be a better fit for Regulus, someone who might be a better wife for him, someone who might be better for him than her.
But the idea of him spending hours with the Greengrass girl, though not alone, peels her skin. What if he realises that she was the better pair for him tonight? What if he realises that refusing the betrothal to Aquila was wrong? What if he realises that their wedding was a mistake?
Jealousy is a bad sight, indeed.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” She asks, sounding offended.
“I just— I don’t know!” Regulus says in frustration, ruining his perfectly combed hair as he runs his hand through it “Do you want to come?”
“Do you want me to come?”
“Stop turning my questions back to me.”
She rolls her eyes, “That’s rich coming from you.”
“What is it with you?” He asks in despair this time, looking completely baffled at her demeanour “Do you want to come?”
“I don’t know. Do you want me to come?” She asks again, still with that irritated tone “It’s your family dinner. You have the bigger call in this.”
Regulus bites his inner cheek, taking a few paces back and forth as if he was in a big dilemma. In his mind, he was doing her a favour to not invite her to what would be her death, seeing Sirius, the man he still believes is the one she’s having feelings for, being promised to another girl.
Perhaps her hostile remarks were caused by her jealousy. That she was hurt from his brother’s betrothal and had no other outlet to relieve it. A pain that he has to suffer in silence. His hair is even more messy now as he keeps on running his hand through it, completely frustrated over one silly question she asked him.
“Fine,” He says at last, surrendering to her cryptic meaning “Please, come.”
—-
“Stop fidgeting,” Regulus grumbles as they enter the Greengrass Manor.
“If someone was smart enough to tell me earlier that we’ll be going to a dinner then I would have more time to prepare myself, hence avoiding this state of a messy hairdo,” She spat back, glaring “I’m trying to be decent enough and not embarrass you.”
“I told you, I didn’t think you’d want to come,” Regulus reasoned “And you look beautiful. Now calm down and smile. You’d look even more beautiful then.”
She knew that her cheeks must have been as red as a tomato now. Granted that was the nicest compliment Regulus has ever given, even when he looks like he’s being tortured saying it with his angry expression still etched on his face. It was strange to see this side of Regulus. Though he still evidently has his rough edges and cold demeanour, it is obvious that he’s trying his best to warm up to her.
A cause to fuel her wide smile for the night.
“Oh, thank Merlin you’re here,” Sirius says as he scoops her into a hug “I thought I would have to spend this dreadful dinner alone.”
“Glad to have come to your rescue, Brother,” Regulus snorts, his eyes now eyes the small crowd of people “Is that—,”
“The Rosiers, yeah.” Sirius answers.
“Rosiers?” She asks, looking at the direction the brothers were staring at “What are they doing here?”
Sirius shrugs, “Maybe one of the Rosier kids is courting the Greengrass daughters.”
“Ah, a little competition for you then,” She jests.
“Please,” Sirius rolls his eyes “They can marry all the Greengrass daughters for all I care.”
She smiles at Sirius’ remarks. It was obvious that Sirius paid no mind in this arrangement, something that certainly isn’t out of his character. She turns her gaze to Regulus who still has his eyes locked on the Rosiers, looking as if his night has gone from bad to worse. The stiff state of his shoulders and how his eyes are now sending deathly daggers to the Rosier family was baffling.
“You alright?” She asks, giving Regulus a light squeeze on the arm “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“Worse,” He mutters before turning to Sirius “Do you have any idea where Mother and Father are at? I think we’ll leave early tonight.”
“But dinner hasn’t even started,” She protests.
“I’m sure we have food at home,” Regulus says with a forced smile.
“Mother will have your head if you leave before dessert is served, Reg.” Sirius says with a chuckle “You might be the favourite son but she’ll never let you out of this circus. You’re as trapped as I am.”
Regulus huffs, looking irritated beyond words.
“What’s wrong with you? Took a glance at your own bestfriend’s family and suddenly wanted to leave.” Sirius comments, an eyebrow raised as he studies his brother “If I see any of my friends here, James or Remus or Peter, I would consider staying, not leaving.”
Regulus didn’t answer.
It was a question she’s itching to ask too. Something tells her that the friendship Regulus and Rosier said to have been mended has actually been burned to ash, no turning back this time. Whatever it is Rosier thought Regulus stole must have been something so precious, so important that the two couldn’t look past it. Or rather, Regulus couldn’t look past it.
Perhaps he was offended at the accusation. Regulus certainly doesn’t seem to be someone who would steal anything from anyone. What could he possibly want to steal after all? With his family wealth and reputation, the power his name holds, what could he possibly ever desire that he could not gain on his own? What is it that Regulus desperately craves that he has to ruin his friendship with Rosier in the process?
“Whatever,” Regulus snorted at last, turning to his brother with that bitter expression still evident on his face “You owe us big time, Brother, and I will collect.”
Sirius raised an eyebrow, impressed yet appalled at the same time.
“I’ll go look for my parents,” Regulus announces, leaving the two on their post.
She watches as Regulus’ shoulder turns and slowly walks away, becoming a smaller silhouette before completely disappearing behind the pillars. Salazar knows just how many times she’s seen him walk away now. Each time scratches the surface of her already whimpering heart and leaves a mark that she doubts even time could heal.
It feels like some time in the near future, he will walk away for good.
“Well he’s always been a pleasant kid to be around,” Sirius comments, frowning still as he tries to understand his brother’s antics “I hope he treats you better than that.”
She shrugs, “I’m getting used to it.”
Sirius’s eyes lingered on her, studying her expression as if he wanted to look for an answer. As if he wanted to crack the riddle he’s been unable to decipher for weeks. It was one thing to be stared at by Sirius in the open when he was being himself but his obvious hidden meaning is bleeding out and it’s starting to make her quiver in uncertainty.
“Look, Love,” Sirius finally sighs, making her heart heavier “I really don’t know what to say about that dear brother of mine, but believe me when I say that his heart came from the right place whenever it comes to you. He cares for you, much more than he’s willing to admit. He’s just struggling to find the best way to convey his means.”
She remains quiet, trying to believe the older boy’s words.
Sirius bites his inner cheek as if he was debating to spill his gut, but Sirius was never one with a strong self-resistance as he questions, “I know it’s not my place to ask, Bug.. But why did you date Regulus?”
Her brows knit, taken aback at the sudden question. No one has ever asked her why she dated Regulus. In the early days of their pretend dating there were wonders and questions, sure, but such a curiosity only lasts for a day or two. Everyone simply accepted the fact that these two Slytherin royals are bound to be with each other, familial duty or not, but to be asked by Sirius, the one person that has always been so close to the two to see the connections others are making, is pushing bile up her throat.
The memory of Sirius’ bitter expression on that train ride back from Hogwarts replays in mind. She’s suddenly reminded by how Regulus seems to be on edge everytime Sirius was around at first, as if the brothers were fighting and Sirius was the one holding a gun to the younger brother’s head.
A sight that was never experienced before.
“What do you mean?” She asks, an unsure smile tugs on her lips “Was the idea of us dating so appalling?”
“No, no, it’s nothing like that,” Sirius says fast, shaking his head “It’s just that— I never knew you two were close in that sense, you know? I mean perhaps it’s due to the fact that we’re sorted to different houses but I truly have never seen you two together. And I know how cold Regulus could act so I just—”
She bites her lower lip. Her bad habit comes out, making her lip bleed a little. She knew Regulus would scold her for this later but she couldn’t stop herself. If there is anyone that could crack their faulty agreement, it would be Sirius, there’s no question in that. He knows her too well, lived under the same roof with Regulus for too long to not notice all the peculiar details to their relationship.
“—thought that there would be no way that you would ever date him.” Sirius says with an awkward laughter.
“Who would you think I’d date, then?”
Sirius shrugs, “I don’t know. No one, I suppose.”
“Would it be disastrous if I actually like Regulus?”
There was a pause. She wanted to look away from Sirius’ gaze, to mentally hide and run from his studying eyes before she showed him too much of her truth but realisation hit the older boy too quickly. The look on Sirius’ face changes from confusion, to understanding, to anger and disappointment within seconds.
His reaction felt like salt to her wound. It twisted her stomach even worse now as Sirius stared at her with that pitiful look. It was as if he knew the full truth. How their dating, their marriage, everything about their relationship wasn’t based on love. How she is the only one trying to row their ship to the shore. How she is the pathetic party that is bound to have their heart crushed and stomped to the ground by the end of the day.
But there was a glimmer of anger in Sirius’ eyes that she couldn’t pinpoint why. It was certainly not out of jealousy, rather a secret knowledge Sirius possessed that brought embarrassment to her confession for all the wrong reasons. It was as if he knew something she didn't.
“Does Regulus know?” He asks.
“No,” She says quietly, feeling even more humiliated now “I don’t plan for him to ever know.”
“What do you mean you don’t plan for him to ever know? He’s your husband.”
“Yes, well— We’re not exactly the most traditional couple there is, are we?”
Sirius opens his mouth, only to close it before any word could escape. He looks frustrated for some reason, as if he’s a time bomb ready to explode any minute now. His eyes were busy scanning the crowd of people, no doubt trying to find Regulus. Perhaps he could provide the answer the two are looking for.
“I’m going to kill him.” Sirius mutters.
“Why? Because I’m crushing on him?” She jokes.
Sirius’ gaze softens, placing a hand to her shoulder as he kisses her temple gently, “I think I need to find my parents.”
She knew that it was a bad lie. Sirius would rather have his head than to ever look for his own parents which makes her feel even more embarrassed and confused now. What could be so bad about her actually liking Regulus? Shouldn’t he be happy for them, knowing that even though their relationship is as dysfunctional as one could possibly, there’s still seeds of innocent feelings planted underneath? What is it that he knew?
—-
Regulus was certain that, for once in his lifetime, he knew that she wouldn’t want to come to the Greengrass dinner. It would be hell to come and sit for hours on the same table where your real crush is about to be promised to another girl while you’re stuck married with someone who you don’t even love. Regulus was still convinced that if she indeed harbours feelings for anyone, it would be none other than Sirius and he has stripped her out of any possibility to unite with him.
He supposed the sour response she gave him earlier was because he tried to keep this away from her. That he tries to save her from another heartbreak of watching Sirius play courting with the Greengrass girl. She must have been heartbroken to know that the arrangement was in motion hence all the snappy gestures towards him.
But then again, Regulus was proven wrong.
She can’t understand me, she said, Regulus thought as he dawned yet another flute of champagne, does she think she's the easiest person to read?
“Regulus!” A voice called as they snatched the empty glass away from his hand “What in the bloody hell do you think you’re doing?!”
“Oh, don’t be the moral police now, Sirius,” Regulus scoffs “As if you don’t get yourself hammered on every function we ever attended.”
Sirius’ eyes were still piercing, clearly disapproving of the younger’s action, “Is that really what you plan to do? Get yourself hammered?”
Regulus rolls his eyes, not answering.
“Who’s going to take care of her if you’re drunk?” Sirius asks.
“You,” Regulus answers flatly “And I won’t be drunk from champagne.”
“I am going to murder you, Brother.”
Now Regulus raised his brows. He looks up to Sirius, studying his expression closer to notice the underlying anger on the calmness of his brother’s gaze. Identical pair of eyes staring back at him, silently scolding him in ways that it surprises Regulus. Whatever fault he’s done now must have upset Sirius so much that he couldn’t even let his mouth run its course.
“For drinking champagne?” Regulus asks, taunting.
Sirius rolls his eyes, sighing, “Why don’t you go and find your wife. You’ve left her alone long enough.”
“Why did you leave her? I’m sure she appreciates your presence much more than mine.”
“Oh, you couldn’t be more wrong about that.” Sirius chuckles this time.
“Trust me, I’m not wrong,” Regulus snorts, stubborn “She likes you, do you know that? If only you’d say yes to my request and date her, we wouldn’t be stuck in this depressing dinner.”
“She doesn’t like me.”
“Oh, you couldn’t be more wrong about that.” Regulus mocks, returning his words.
“Why are you so persistent that she likes me?” Sirius asks instead, folding his arms to his chest to challenge Regulus “What makes you think that she likes me? Has she ever told you that?”
“No, but you make her laugh,” Regulus argues “No one could make her laugh as loud as you do.”
“Well, have you ever tried to make her laugh? Maybe you could make her laugh even louder.”
Regulus was stunned. He blinks, brows furrowing as he tries to digest Sirius’ words, “Don’t jest with me.”
“I’m just saying,” Sirius shrugs “You always say that she likes me because I make her laugh, have you tried to make her laugh? And even if she doesn’t laugh louder with you, do you really think that all she needs in life is laughter? That what she seeks in a partner is just some giggles?”
“She looks the prettiest when she laughs.”
Sirius narrows his eyes. Regulus’ comment would never escape his lips without the help of Merlin knows how many flutes of champagne he has drunk tonight. There was a hint of delicacy in the eyes of the younger boy now. As if he was remembering the moments where she was smiling and laughing in his head.
“She doesn’t like me, Regulus.” Sirius says again, this time with a softer yet fixed tone “I know because she told me.”
“She told you she doesn’t like you?” Regulus raised an eyebrow “How? Did you ask if she likes you? Did you ever have feelings for her? Have you ever confessed?”
“Yes and no to the rest of your questions.” Sirius answers, placing a hand to his brother’s shoulder in a reassuring manner now “All you need to know is that she doesn’t like me. Not in any way you think she does.”
Regulus frowns, unimpressed.
“If you don’t believe me, why don’t you ask her yourself?”
“I’d rather face the cruciatus curse.”
Sirius bites his smile, “Why are you always skittish whenever we talk about this?”
“Talk about what?”
“Her,” Sirius responds, still with that amused smile lingering on his lips “And you.”
“And me?”
“Yes.”
“I’m not skittish.”
“You are.”
“I’m not.”
“You are, Regulus.”
“I most certainly am not.”
“Do you fancy her?”
Regulus was silenced. He could feel his cheeks heating up with the growing smile on his brother’s face. The cat is finally out of the bag and it just has to be Sirius to be the first one to know. How brilliant.
Without a word, Regulus reaches for another flute of champagne and gulps it in one go. He places the empty glass to the table, fixing his hair and dress robe. He could feel Sriius and his teasing smile staring at him, studying all the little bashful gestures he makes now that his secret is compromised.
“This conversation never happened.” Regulus says to Sirius, his eyes glaring in all seriousness.
Sirius, still smiling from his recent knowledge, raises his arms in surrender. He steps out of Regulus’ way, not saying a word. Just how fantastic this dinner has become.
—-
Spending time with Rosier, smiling and laughing over the banter he throws shouldn’t bring any form of pleasantness in her heart yet here she is, standing in front of the boy with a gleeful grin plastered on her face.
“Tell me more about Aquila,” She says once their laughter has died down, hiding her bitterness behind a feigned smile “She seems to be a lovely girl.”
“She is, I suppose.” Rosier says, shrugging “Like I said before, I don’t know much about her. She’s the reserved one of the other Greengrass kids. I think I could count the limited time we’ve interacted throughout the years with my hands.”
She smiles curtly.
“Why do you ask?”
She bites her lips once again, feeling the foul taste of iron bleeding once more. It was an ever ending debate for her to tell Rosier about the supposed betrothal of Regulus and the Greengrass girl. On one hand, she needed to know more about the girl and she couldn’t do it without telling Rosier the truth. He wouldn’t give her the information she needed otherwise. But she was still wary about the state of friendship he has with Regulus. She wasn’t sure if the boys had actually put their past behind them.
“Just because,” She says instead, shrugging and smiling “She’s about to be part of the family. I just feel like I should get to know her better.”
“Well, good luck with that.” Rosier says with a mocking chuckle “As private as Regulus, she is also as callous and uninterested. It should be a real treat to see her actually marrying Sirius.”
Once again, she only replies with a smile.
“I have not seen Regulus,” Rosier said, taking a sip of the champagne in his hand “Where is he?”
“Not sure,” She says now, eyes looking around “I—”
“Right here,” A voice answers, followed by a hand encircling their way around her waist. Regulus smiles at her, planting a soft kiss to her temple as if he’s missed her “I wandered around and lost track of time. I’m sorry, Love.”
She smiles at him, unable to form any words from his sudden gentle gesture.
“Regulus,” Rosier greets, a bitter smile evident on his face.
“Evan,” Regulus nods at him before turning to face her “Can I steal you for a minute, Love?”
Confusion was clear in her eyes but she bobbed her head, “Of course.”
With a short nod and half-hearted smile to Rosier, Regulus led her out of the room. His hand was holding onto her wrist, a firm yet gentle grasp that made the butterflies in her stomach go frantic. He was walking at a fast pace, eager to leave the room as if he couldn’t get any oxygen inside.
Once they were out at the garden, Regulus let her hand go and paced away, creating space between them as he ran his hand through his hair.
“What in the bloody hell were you doing?!” Regulus yells, clearly angry now “Talking and laughing with Evan? Have you lost your Goddamn mind?!”
She blinks in confusion at his sudden outburst. Her eyes were glued on him, watching as the boy had his meltdown with zero comprehension as to what might cause it. Was talking and laughing with Rosier really that big of a mistake? Didn’t he say that they’ve rekindled their friendship? What exactly is the problem now?
“I left you for a few minutes and you’re flirting with my ex-best friend.”
“Alright, hold on, now.” She says at last, feeling anger to boil up at the accusation “I was not flirting with him, alright? We were just talking. You left me for more than half an hour, you can’t possibly expect me to not try to talk to some familiar faces.”
“Oh so Evan is familiar now?”
“I— What is wrong with you?” She asks this time, taking closer steps to him “Are you drunk?”
“There’s literally other people you can talk to. You could’ve talked to my parents or the Greengrass, not Evan.”
“Are you hearing yourself right now? I don’t know any of the Greengrass and I couldn’t find your parents. Even if I did find them, what exactly can I talk to them about? The weather?”
“Better still than talking to Evan!”
She was speechless now. Regulus was never one to let his anger out this way, never to be this emotional. Whatever fueled this meltdown must have been some other bigger problem that he’s not telling her about. That and the fact that his breath smells like alcohol.
“You’re drunk,” She says, trying to be the sane one out of the two “Let’s just go home. Wait here. I’ll find your parents and tell them we’re leaving early.”
“No, you’re not going back inside.”
Regulus pulls her, his hand clutching to her wrist once again but with apparent despair this time. His eyes were still filled with fury but the way his brows furrowed and the way his lips quiver as if he was fighting back tears makes her stunned. Regulus was fighting a battle she doesn’t understand about.
“Don’t go back inside,” He says again, this time with a much softer tone. Begging.
“What’s going on, Regulus?” She asks “What’s wrong?”
Regulus remains quiet. His anger subdues as he stares back at her. His eyes travel from her eyes, her nose, down to her lips. Another frown forming on his face as he notices the trace of dried blood on her lips.
“You bit your lip again,” Regulus whispers “How many times should I tell you not to do it?”
She remains quiet.
“You’re driving me crazy.” He says again, his hand reaching to cup her cheeks “Fuck this.”
With that, he pulls her for a kiss. A hungry, desperate kiss that would surely leave the both of them out of breath once they part. She couldn’t fight the urge to not kiss him back once his left hand pulls her closer by the waist. She couldn’t fight the urge to not kiss him back once he moaned as her hands found their way to play with his hair. She couldn’t fight the urge to not kiss him back once the only thing filling her senses were his body heat and the smell of alcohol from his breath. She couldn’t stop.
“Be mine,” Regulus says between their kisses “Please, be mine.”
“I’m already yours.”
As if she’s said something so appalling for him to hear, Regulus pulls away and stares at her. His eyes were half open, hair completely in a mess now from all the tugging and pulling she’s done. He looks beautiful.
“I’m sorry.”
Then everything turns black. Regulus passed out.
↠ Part VII
104 notes
·
View notes