Written For:

- 2017 Drabbles: Bandage

- Build-a-Fic Workshop: Barty/Regulus, "The only person you are destined to become is the person you choose to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Daylight, Sofa, Fireplace

- Jewel Day Event: Blue Topaz Ring - Write about your favourite couple

Word Count: 528


Just Sleep

But I can't fix him, can't make him better, and I can't do nothing about this strange weather.

It was well after midnight when Regulus finally walked in from work, and he already knew that Barty would be in a bad state. The mingled scent of alcohol and vomit permeated the air as soon as Regulus crossed the threshold, and he could hear the rustling sound of static playing on the television. He entered the living room with bated breath, as he often did when he knew that his boyfriend had relapsed.

Regulus sighed and dropped his bag when he spotted Barty. He was sprawled out on the sofa, fast asleep, with his arms above his head and his cheeks stained with tears. His eyes were puffy and his face was splotchy, and to Regulus's dismay, he noticed a loose, stained bandage wrapped around Barty's wrist. Empty liquor bottles littered the mantle above the fireplace, and the pool of vomit beside the sofa suggested that Barty had reached his limit.

Even though he was exhausted from work, Regulus switched off the television and scooped the glass bottles into a bin bag. Holding his breath, he used a sponge and a bowl of soapy water to clean up the carpet. Finally, he pulled a groaning Barty off the couch, and half-carried him into the bedroom.

Barty's eyes were open when Regulus laid him on the bed. "I'm sorry, babe," he murmured groggily, clutching at Regulus's hands. "I'm a mess again."

"It's okay," Regulus whispered. He peeled Barty's dirty clothes off him and tucked him under the sheets firmly. After Regulus had changed out of his work clothes, he sat on top of the covers and put an arm around Barty. "I just wish you would tell me when you're spiralling. If you called me, you know I would come out of work for you."

Barty sighed. "I just don't want to disturb you at work. You're the only one of us who has a job, and it's already hard for you to pay the rent on this apartment alone. I'm just a burden on you right now - I know that work is your only source of escape from all the drama at home."

Regulus frowned at Barty. "You're not a burden to me."

"I'm useless," Barty continued, his chestnut eyes beginning to swim with tears. "I can't provide for you or help you in any way. We can't have a proper relationship because I'm so haunted by the things I've done in the past." He paused to wipe the tears out of his eyes. "Aren't you scared of me, Regulus? Aren't you scared of who I might become?"

Regulus pressed his lips to Barty's hair. "The only person you are destined to become is the person you choose to be," he said quietly. "And it doesn't matter to me what you've done in the past. I still love you, on your good days and bad days."

"I don't deserve you."

"Well, you've got me." Regulus pulled back the sheets and climbed under the covers beside Barty. "Now, get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a better day."