Work Text:
Regulus takes a sip of his coffee, feeling the warmth spread through his body. There is just something special about that first kick of caffeine in the morning.
He eyes Pandora, who is busy watering the plants in the shop. She’s talking to them gently, but he can’t make out what she’s saying. Probably something sweet.
06.05
Boss Dorcas: Good morning!! Remember the banners and the decorations today!
06.07
Regulus: can’t Barty or Evan do it?
06.07
Boss Dorcas: would YOU trust them with your first born?
06.09
Regulus: …
06.10
Boss Dorcas: Exactly! This shop is my baby, reg! Everything needs to be perfect and I know you’ve got an eye for detail <3
06.13
Regulus: fine
Pandora gives him a look as she joins him behind the counter, the empty watering can in her hand.
“Let me guess” she says, studying his frown. “We got decoration duty”
Regulus nods.
“I barely made it through December as it was. I’m starting a petition to cancel all holidays.” he declares, taking a long and irritated sip of coffee. Pandora leans against the counter, looking him straight in the eye. Regulus already knows what she’s going to say before she says it.
“Does this have something to do with the fact that James won’t be here for Valentine’s?”
Regulus sighs. “My dislike for Valentine’s day has nothing to do with James. I’ve always disliked it. Don’t you remember last year?”
Pandora hides her giggle behind her hand.
“Sorry.” she apologizes, still smiling. “I just remember the heart headband you were forced to wear.”
“I was miserable for weeks! Everything was pink. So many teddies and balloons everywhere.” he sighs again. “Maybe I should just quit.”
“Oh you’re so dramatic” Pandora waves him off, fully aware that it’s an empty threat. “How about I do most of the thinking and you can be my assistant?”
He agrees to it. Pandora goes to leave the watering can in the backroom.
He wasn’t lying when he said he had always had a dislike for Valentine's day. He got that it was a day to celebrate with your partner, but was it really necessary to make everything pink? And what did teddy bears even have to do with anything? Roses he could understand, they were a symbol of love after all, but a stuffed bear?
“You know.” Pandora says, emerging from the backroom dressed in her purple apron. “Maybe this dislike stems from your childhood. Growing up like you did can damage future relationships and alter your view on the world.”
Regulus blinks at her, wishing he had more coffee in his now empty cup.
“Panda, I love you. But please, it’s too early in the morning for this.” he complains, knowing fully well that she’s probably right. She just gives him a small smile and leaves to prepare a batch of cupcakes. Damn her and her ability to see right through him.
He wasn’t lying when he said that he had always had a dislike for Valentine’s day. He was however lying when he said his current state of mind had nothing to do with James. James Potter, Sirius’ best friend and partner in crime. James Potter, former mall elf and now football coach for the little girl’s team.
James Potter, his boyfriend.
It still felt a bit odd to call him that, as they had only dated for a little while. But the thought of him makes Regulus warm inside, as much as he hates to admit it.
James was a very affectionate person, always finding a reason to touch him. A hand on his hip, an arm around his waist, his fingers brushing the hair behind his ear. It was all just a bit overwhelming at times. Not that Regulus hated it (he loved it), he was just not used to it. But it was becoming easier and he often found himself leaning into his touch. Leaning into his warmth. That was another thing about James, he was always so god damn warm.
Like a personal heater.
The problem and the very reason why this holiday annoys him more than usual is the fact that James won’t be here for Valentine’s day. What is the point of having a boyfriend if he can’t take part in the overly commercialized holiday, that plays into the societal claim that the only way you’ll be happy in life is if you’re in a relationship?
Not that James was adding to his misery on purpose. No, he had a perfectly valid reason for skipping out. The team he had been coaching were playing a championship out of town and it just so happened to take place during Valentine’s day.
Regulus is happy for him, he really is. He really loves coaching the team and always talks about how good they’re getting. But a small part of him would like James to be with him during this holiday, if nothing else then at least to distract him from the themed drinks and the lovey-dovey couples.
Oh god, the themed drinks.
Regulus wants to bang his head against the counter, but decides against it. He goes to prepare the coffee machine instead.
Soon the smell of cupcakes is evident in the air. Pandora has turned on the radio, which is currently playing a love ballad that Regulus has heard one too many times. He’s sure it will play every day for the upcoming weeks. The lights in the mall have turned on, but the shop won’t open for another hour.
“Will you grab the other box?” Pandora asks, barely visible behind a tall box of decorations in her arms. She maneuvers her way from behind the counter and places it on the ground in front of the door. Regulus does as she says, soon placing a smaller box next to the big one.
“Isn’t it a bit much to decorate three weeks ahead?” he asks, while Pandora begins unboxing. She holds a garland of pink and red hearts up, smiling as she looks at it.
“What Dorcas wants, Dorcas gets. Besides, I think it’s cozy with some decorations. It livens the place up.”
She hands him the other end of the garland and gestures for him to step on the chair.
“We’re placing this one over the window.” she explains, as he moves the chair in position.
Besides the heart garland, the boxes contain fluffy pillows for the couch, a teddy bear holding a heart, pink tinsel (wasn’t tinsel reserved for Christmas?) and an ungodly amount of heart balloons.
Pandora hands him the pillows, while she takes the teddy. They’re heart shaped and fluffy and Regulus wants to throw up a bit. It’s all so much. He removes the usual pillows and places the new ones in their respective corner. He looks up to see Pandora positioning the teddy next to the tip jar on the counter.
“Isn’t he cute?” she asks, taking a few steps back to admire him. Regulus hums.
“Super cute.” he says without a trace of emotion.
They get to work on the balloons and Regulus is thankful that Dorcas had actually gotten them a helium tank. He also gets why she didn’t want Evan or Barty handling the decorations. They’d probably inhale the helium themselves and leave nothing for the balloons.
Thirty minutes later they’re done with the balloons and Pandora has managed to convert the usual cozy interior into a Valentine’s day nightmare. There’s red and pink heart shaped balloons in every window and tied next to the counter. The signs behind the counter have been replaced with pink ones, displaying a bunch of themed drinks. The teddy bear on the counter is staring at him with dead eyes and Regulus definitely needs another coffee. Preferably black.
11.37
James <3: how’s work? do you want to grab food after your shift? <3
11.38
Regulus: Dorcas forced us to decorate. I’m currently in pink hell!!
11.39
Regulus: and yes please to the food question
11.45
James <3: u look great in pink though!!
Regulus is wiping the tables when he hears the doorbell jingle. Glancing up, he spots James. He watches as his eyes take in the decorations, his mouth forming into a grin. Regulus had tried to ignore the decorations as much as possible, but it was difficult as he was surrounded by them. It also didn’t help that everyone commented on just how lovely they were. Regulus brings the rag with him as he joins his boyfriend at the counter.
“James, lovely to see you. How are the girls doing?” Pandora asks, beating Regulus to it. James’ grin seems to grow and Regulus questions how that is even possible.
“They’re doing great, thank you for asking! Some are feeling a bit nervous about the up-coming games, but we talked through it together.”
He’s so considerate it makes Regulus want to chew his own hand off.
“Hi love.” James turns his gaze back to Regulus, the smile making him weak in the knees. He was still not used to the nicknames or the terms of endearment. They all seemed to come easily for James.
“Hi. I’m almost done.” he replies, returning the smile. “Do you want something to drink before we eat?”
James shakes his head.
“Not today. I’m just hungry right now.”
“Okay. I’ll just be a second.” he excuses himself and heads to the backroom to watch his stuff. He hears Pandora introduce him to the teddy, which she for some reason has named Frederick.
[baristas rock]
15.13
Barty: it looks like a unicorn puked in here
15.15
Regulus: imagine how I felt when I had to set everything up
15.17
Barty: why didn’t you leave some helium for us?
15.18
Panda: to ensure u idiots wouldn’t inhale it
15.19
Evan: we would never. it’s totally dangerous and absolutely not something we would do
15.19
Barty: i’m wounded you think so low of us Panda
15.20
Panda: love u too <3
~
“I know you’re sulking, but can I tell you about my plans for Valentine’s day?” Pandora asks, turning to face him as the customer she had just served walked away.
“I’m not sulking.” Regulus protests. Maybe he was a bit. “You know you can always tell me stuff”
“So I’ve been thinking…and I think it would be cute to do some kind of activity. I’m thinking of porcelain painting or pottery. Some good food. Maybe a glass of wine. Do you see the vision?”
Her and Lily had gone on a few dates but weren’t officially together yet.
Regulus nods.
“Sounds like something she’d like.” he agrees. “But more importantly”, he smirks, “are you going to ask her to be your girlfriend?”
Pandora visibly blushes.
“Isn’t it too soon? What if she says no…”
Regulus scoffs. “There is no way that woman will turn you down. I’ve seen the way she looks at you.”
“Do you think so?”
“I know so. If I’m wrong I volunteer to hang the Easter decorations myself.”
Pandora laughs, seemingly encouraged by his words.
“Okay, I believe you. I’ll think about it.”
“It would be amusing to see you in charge of decorations though” she adds, before turning her attention to the customer in front or the counter.
Regulus refills the container with sprinkles, his thoughts wandering back to the first time he met James. Oh, how infuriated he had been with his order and his unholy obsession with sprinkles. The gingerbread latte season might be over (for this time), but James still tries to find a way to top everything with sprinkles. Claims it just makes it better.
Regulus thinks it's just more likely to cause cavities.
13.10
Regulus: you won’t believe what happened to me at work
13.15
James <3: sabrina carpenter came to buy espresso
13.16
Regulus: I wish
13.16
Regulus: I walked in on Barty and Evan making out in the backroom
13.17
James <3: OOOP
13.18
Regulus: yup
13.18
Regulus: worst part is that they didn’t even care I was there, they just told me to get in and shut the door
13.19
James <3: ahahhah
13.20
Regulus: I ran
Regulus pockets his phone, rejoining Pandora at the counter. She’s busy doing crossword puzzles in one of her magazines.
“What’s a different word for disgust, 8 letters starting with an a?” she asks, glancing up to meet his gaze. The concentrated look on her face shifts into one of mild concern.
“You look exactly like it” she says. “a……?” she frowns, lightly chewing on the end of the pen.
“Appalled” Regulus fills in, reaching for an empty cup.
“Appalled!!” Pandora exclaims, her excitement lighting up her face as she scrambles it down. “Perfect.” she studies the page for another second, then seems to remember her previous observation.
“Why do you look appalled?” she puts the pen down and turns to fully focus her attention on him.
“Walked in on Barty and Evan and they asked me to join.” he shivers, handing the cup to Pandora. She hides her laugh behind her hand, the sound alerting the customers who sit the closest to the counter. She smiles innocently in their direction and they go back to their own conversations.
“What did you say?” she wonders, preparing his coffee. He notes that she still has the cup he made for her about half an hour ago.
“I didn’t. I just ran away.”
“Another time.” she winks, handing him the steaming cup. “Now, don’t burn yourself.” she adds.
“Thanks.”
Regulus slows down as he nears the football field, not wanting to seem like he was rushing over. He hears James before he sees him. He’s calling out directions to the girls as they run around, chasing after the ball.
Regulus has to remind himself not to panic as he takes in James’ appearance. He’d seen him countless times in the same kind of outfit by now, but there’s just something about it that makes him lose his marbles a bit. Today he’s dressed in grey sweatpants and a long sleeved, dark red, jumper that hugs his body just right. Regulus almost forgets to breathe as James starts waving at him, the smile blinding.
He considers turning around and just running away. He is not built for this.
“You made it” James says, pulling him into his side and kissing the top of his temple. Regulus swallows, his cheeks matching the color of James’ training jumper.
“I did” Regulus relaxes against his touch. He watches as one of the girls, Brianna if he remembers correctly, scores a goal and the team erupts into excited screams.
“Way to go Bri!” James cheers, letting go of Regulus to meet them in the middle of the field. Regulus mourns the loss of warmth, but can’t help but smile to himself as he watches James interact with the girls. Brianna is grinning from ear to ear as he gives her a high five.
“Great job today, everyone! We’ll pick it back up tomorrow.” he says, high fiving each of them as they begin clearing the field. Regulus spots the parents waiting over by the bleachers.
“What?” James asks, smiling as he looks at the expression on Regulus’ face.
“You’re good with them. It’s just cute.” He says, shrugging as if his heart wasn’t busy doing backflips.
“So you think I’m cute?” James teases, wrapping his arms around Regulus’ waist while maintaining eye contact. Regulus can’t look away.
“Well I think” James says, kissing his cheek, “That” he plants another kiss on his nose.
“You’re” he kisses all over Regulus face at this point. “The cutest”
“You’re ridiculous” Regulus smiles, burying his face in James’ chest. He feels rather than hears him chuckle.
“Come on, let’s go to mine” James says, pulling away to grab his bag and the soccer ball.
[baristas rock]
15.30
Barty: you could have joined us reg </3
15.35
Regulus: no thank u!
15.36
Barty: sharing is caring and all that, don’t u care about us reg?
15.38
Evan: yeah reg?
15.40
Regulus: blocking u!
~
Regulus stares at the dark ceiling, his mind preventing him from sleeping. He sighs, turning to lie on his side instead. He looks at James’ dark mop of hair on the pillow next to him, his arm resting on top of the covers. He’s fast asleep, his breathing deep and slow. Valentine’s day is two days away and James leaves tomorrow morning.
Regulus doesn’t know why he’s bothered about it. He’s never celebrated the day before. Maybe that’s just it. He finally has someone he wants to celebrate with and he won’t be able to. It’s silly, he can’t deny it. It’s not as if James is missing a big life event.
It’s just Valentine’s day. There will be others.
The thought does nothing to calm him, his body unable to relax enough to fall asleep. He gives James another look, before turning on his other side. Slowly, he moves until his back connects with James’ warm chest. Although James is still asleep, he instinctively moves his arm to wrap it around Regulus.
Regulus sighs tiredly, letting the warmth of James’ body and the sound of his breathing lull him to sleep.
In the morning they have breakfast together and Regulus accompanies him to the bus. The parking lot is filled with parents and their children, excitement and nervousness evident in the air. James greets a few of the girls and their parents as they reach the bus. He gives Regulus a mischievous grin, then pulls him behind the bus to kiss him without anyone distracting them.
Regulus melts into his touch, glad that the bus driver had washed the bus this morning or else the back of his jacket would be covered in mud by now. James kisses him like he’s drowning and Regulus wonders if he’s as nervous as the girls are. It’s his first championship as coach as well.
“I’m sorry for missing Valentine’s” James murmurs as they pull away. Regulus is still leaning against the back of the bus, chest to chest with James. He swallows, trying to dampen the emotions in his chest.
“It’s okay. We already talked about this” Regulus promises. “Are you nervous?”
James nods and Regulus can see it in his eyes too.
“You’ll do great. And I’m sorry I can’t come with you.” Regulus says. He hadn’t been able to take time off work this time.
“That’s okay. I’ll be back soon.” James says, kissing Regulus a few more times before it’s time to go.
Pandora doesn’t comment on his mood when he joins her at work after waving James off. She just hands him his already prepared coffee and squeezes his shoulder.
~
06.00
James <3: Happy Valentine's day <3 I miss you
06.01
Regulus: Happy Valentine's :) I miss you too! Hope you guys win today
06.02
James<3: I'll tell the girls you're cheering for them :D
Valentine's day begins like most mornings. He prepares the coffee machines, while Pandora gets the cupcakes (decorated with pink frosting for the occasion) ready on the display. He makes her coffee and she makes his. He gets the chairs down from the tables and she puts on the radio.
Pandora is wearing pink heart earrings today and she's put on some pink eyeshadow. It looks good. Regulus is glad that Dorcas isn't forcing them to wear the headbands again this year.
A few minutes after they've opened, Regulus finds himself face to face with a flower delivery. The man carrying the flowers looks young, his dark hair hidden underneath a red beanie.
“Flower delivery for Regulus and Pandora?” He smiles, holding the red roses towards Regulus. Regulus stares at him, not entirely sure what's happening until he's suddenly holding a bunch of roses in his arms. Pandora squeals behind him as she reaches for the card, currently tucked into the bouquet.
“Oh aren't they lovely” she sighs, eyes darting across the small note as she reads it quickly. “It's from Lily!! And James!!”
“They're pretty” Regulus agrees, unable to mask the smile on his face. No one had ever sent him flowers before. It makes him all warm inside and he blushes a bit under Pandora's gaze. She's however too busy admiring the roses to notice.
“I’ll find something to put them in” she says, turning on her heel and leaving Regulus frozen in place with the roses.
They didn’t have any spare vases so Pandora decides an empty glass jar will do. The roses don’t seem to mind.
“Feels nice getting flowers from your girlfriend doesn’t it?” he asks, drinking the last of his coffee. He feels a little bit better about James not being here. At least for now.
“She still needs to say yes” Pandora sighs.
“She will”
Regulus leans his head against the counter and sighs. Pandora hums along to the radio, while cleaning up some spilled milk from the floor.
“I can’t do this.”
“Just an hour left! We got this!” Pandora encourages and Regulus wonders how it’s possible for her to be so cheerful after the shift they’ve had.
There had been a steady flow of customers all day and he had barely had time to breathe or even sit down. He had lost count of many Red Velvet Mocha Lattes he had made, not to mention how many pink frappuccinos. At one point the line had reached all the way outside the shop!
He doesn’t reply, trying to pretend he isn’t in a busy coffee shop but rather at home in his bed. A nap really does sound great right now.
Somehow the hour passes and Regulus is finally free.
“Good luck on your date!” he tells Pandora, who beams at him.
“Thank you. I’ll tell you about it later.” she promises as they part ways outside the coffee shop.
Regulus goes home, deciding that he’ll just nap and wish for the day to be over. He checks his phone, but there are no new messages. It's a bit odd that James hasn't texted him. He's probably just busy with the game.
He’s about to lie down when there’s a rushed knock on the door. Frowning, he wonders who it might be. He rarely got visitors, besides James or Sirius, and he had not ordered anything. James was out of town and Sirius had plans with Remus, so it couldn't be one of them.
He thinks about the roses. Maybe James had sent him something else?
He leaves bed and heads for the door, his mind coming up with different scenarios.
None of them end up being right.
James is standing outside his door, grinning at the surprised expression Regulus knows is visible on his face.
“Happy Valentine’s day!” James says. He’s still dressed in his coach outfit, the tight jumper hidden underneath a sports jacket. He looks like a dream.
“But-” Regulus begins. “The game?”
James smiles at his confusion. “We won! And I left earlier so that I’d make it home in time.” he explains. “Hence the outfit. I didn’t have time to change.” he looks a bit apologetic.
“I can’t believe you” Regulus shakes his head, but can’t help but smile. James had made it back for him. It might not seem like a big deal, but it feels like the whole world to Regulus.
“What can I say? I couldn’t miss out on seeing my boyfriend” James grins.
Regulus takes his hand, pulling him into the apartment.
A moment later they’re kissing on the sofa and Regulus sighs against his mouth. James' hands find his waist, holding him steady. His touch sends shivers down his body, leaving a trail of goosebumps across his skin.
“You don’t know how good you look right now.” Regulus says, leaning his forehead against James’ as they part for air. James grins, brushing some hair behind Regulus’ ear.
“Do you remember how we met? I looked pretty darn good then too” James’ touch lingers on his skin, his fingers finding their way into his hair. Regulus closes his eyes.
“Don’t ruin the moment by talking about that elf costume.” Regulus tries to stay serious, but begins to giggle at the thought of James wearing those pointy shoes again.
“Sorry, love” James chuckles, planting another kiss on Regulus’ nose.
“Did you like the roses?” James asks, changing the subject.
“I loved them”
James looks happy, smiling like the sun. Regulus smiles back. He feels content, his whole body relaxed. He's never felt like this with anyone before.
James cups his face in his hands, meeting his gaze. Regulus thinks he could drown in his eyes.
“I love you” James' voice is honest and warm.
It's the first time James has told him that. Regulus feels his insides doing somersaults.
“I love you too” Regulus means it. Never ever had he thought he'd say those words so easily. But he does. He loves James.
James gives him another blinding smile, leaning in to kiss him again. There's a different intensity to it now, sparked by the confession. Regulus matches his energy, the kisses almost desperate.
“I love you” James repeats, pressing his lips against Regulus' neck. Regulus thinks he'll never tire of hearing it.
James loves him.
It's the only thing he thinks about as he pulls James with him to the bedroom.
21.22
Panda: SHE SAID YES!!!!!!
21.24
Regulus: knew she would <3 congrats
21.24
Regulus: James showed up at my apartment
21.25
Regulus: he told me he loves me
21.26
Panda: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA OMG
21.22
Lily: she finally asked me!!!
21.23
James: About damn time!!
21.24
James: I told Regulus that I love him
21.25
Lily: !??!;!_(€+883