For the Can You Make It To the End Challenge (Round Two: your OTP in Flourish and Blotts)
"Took you long enough," Regulus says, leaning against the shelf, a book in his hand.
Barty pauses, his eyes quickly scanning the shop. The few other shoppers are too busy to even notice him. He sighs in relief, moving closer. "Father is keeping an annoyingly close eye on me," he says, folding his arms across his chest. "Pain the ass trying to get away."
Regulus tosses the book aside, taking Barty by the hand and pulling him closer, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "It isn't fair. We shouldn't have to sneak around."
It's a thought that he's had countless times. He wonders which his father would find worse- that he's dating a bloke or that he's dating a member of the Black family. Still, it's too risky to find out. His father speaks about the raids and distrust more and more with each passing day.
"Not for much longer. We'll be done with Hogwarts in another two years, and we'll be able to just be together," Barty says.
It's a nice promise, and he hopes that he can keep it. He's tired of having to hide out in whatever shop he can find for just a few precious moments with his love.
Regulus smiles at that. "I can't wait."
"Me neither."
"Barty? Barty?"
Regulus deflates. "You should go to him. I'll see you in a few weeks."
Barty nods and turns, only to find himself face to face with his father. He swallows dryly, grateful that his father wouldn't dare make a scene in public.
His father looks from his son to Regulus, his eyes wide, nostrils flaring.
"I needed to get a book," Barty says innocently. "I ran into a… a friend, and-"
His father's fingers curl around Barty's shoulder. Barty winces, trying to ignore the pain. He'll catch hell for this soon, and he knows it.
"I'd better go," Regulus says, bowing his head politely. "Good seeing you, Barty."
And then he's gone. Barty wishes that he could go with him. He'd give anything for just one more moment with Regulus.
Hands trembling, he grabs the nearest book, not even bothering to look at the title. "This is the one I was looking for."
"Looking to enchant cheese, boy?"
"It's an interesting art," Barty mumbles.
His father takes the book, returning it to the shelf. Barty shrinks back, looking pointedly at his feet.
"We'll have a lengthy talk about the sort of company you keep once we get home," his father assures. "To think that my very own son would risk our- When we get home."
He leads Barty firmly out of Flourish and Blotts. Barty's eyes instinctively search the crowded street for Regulus. Just one more glance is all he needs.
But his boyfriend has already disappeared, and Barty sighs. The only comfort he can find is knowing that the trouble he's in was worth it for a chance to see Regulus again.