Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.

Written for; Buttons Bonanza, Green 1. "You're making a mistake." and Showtime, 8. "Wasn't it yesterday?"

Word Count - 402


Just Yesterday


"You're making a mistake."

Barty glanced across the tiny room they'd been put in. "I don't think so."

"You're doing this for me," Regulus argued. "Not because you believe, not because you want to, not because it's a good life choice for you. You're making a mistake, Barty."

"If I didn't do this, would I ever see you again?"

Silence is the only answer."

"Then it's not a mistake."

"What did they do to you?" Regulus gasped, rushing across the room to help Barty into his favoured chair.

"I fucked up," Barty wheezed out. "And paid the price. I'll be fine, Reg."

"This isn't right," Regulus murmured, silently summoning the first aid kit. "You got these injuries because of me. How dare they?"

"I'll be fine, sweetheart," Barty replied, wincing when Regulus carefully took care of one of the wounds on his arm. "I promise."

"Regulus?"

Regulus looked up to see Barty sitting up in the bed, sleep muzzed and adorable.

"What are you doing up?" he asked, shielding a yawn behind his hand.

"Couldn't sleep," Regulus admitted. "Haven't been able to sleep since the raid."

Barty reached out a hand, and Regulus took it, allowing his boyfriend pull him back to bed.

"I'll keep you safe, baby," Barty crooned softly, wrapping himself around Regulus as close as he could. "Nobody can get you when you're in my arms."

Regulus was restless. Had been for days, and Barty had tried everything he could think of to help settle him, all to no avail. He crossed the living room and held his hand out to Regulus.

"Dance with me," he murmured.

"What?"

"Dance with me," Barty repeated, pulling Regulus to his feet when Regulus took his hand. He led the rhythm, just a slow sway, and gradually, Regulus relaxed into his hold.

"Wasn't it just yesterday when I first held you this way?" Barty whispered. "It feels like it."

Regulus chuckled softly. "Not quite."

"Five years… and you make me feel just as happy now as you did then."

"Sap."

Barty grinned, when despite the insult, Regulus' grip on him tightened.

"Why do I feel like you've been trying to tell me goodbye?" Barty asked quietly.

The man sleeping beside him slept on, restless, even in his sleep.

Barty didn't know it, but it would be the last time he fell asleep to the soft sounds of Regulus' breathing.