Word Count: 228

Written For:
- Speed Drabble: "I don't know if I can do this anymore", "I know more about pain than anything else", darkness


His Dark Embrace

I've been a fool and I've been blind, I can never leave the past behind.

Regulus edged into the bedroom quietly, from where he could hear Barty's gentle sobs. He bit into the flesh of his bottom lip, feeling slightly nervous. It was always uncomfortable finding his boyfriend in the awful state he knew was awaiting him.

"Barty," he whispered into the darkness, squinting. He could just make out Barty's silhouette, hunched over on the bed, his shoulders shuddering as he sobbed. Regulus closed the door behind him carefully, and trod over to the bed. He sat down beside Barty, slowly wrapping his arm around the sandy-haired boy. Barty initially froze; his body going rigid, but as Regulus rubbed his arms as though he was thawing him out, he eventually melted into his embrace. "Tell me."

"I don't know if I can do this anymore," Barty spoke, his voice hoarse with tears. "It hurts too much."

Regulus sighed, pressing his lips to Barty's temple. Since they had left Hogwarts and become acquainted with the Dark Lord, Barty was taking it a lot harder than Regulus did. He struggled to accept the way that his life had panned out. "You know you can always talk to me, Barty," Regulus told him. "I know more about pain than anyone else."

Barty nestled his head into Regulus's neck, sighing. "I know."