Chapter 17 – We Were Perfect Together

When they came home, an unpleasant surprise was awaiting Regulus, rendering him standing with his mouth half open. In the living room Sirius, Peter, James, and Lily were sitting. Along with Barty Crouch Jr.

Barty stood up when Regulus walked in and smiled nervously at him. "Hello, Regulus."

"Barty has just been telling us about your time at Eton," beamed Lily. "Ain't it a nice surprise getting a visit from home?"

"Yeah..." mumbled Regulus, still staring at Barty.

"I just thought it would be a nice surprise for you," smiled Barty.

"Yes. Nice," said Regulus, his expression unreadable. "Can I talk to you alone?" he continued and motioned for Barty to follow.

Instead of taking him to his room, Regulus lead Barty downstairs and outside. He turned on his visitor when he had checked no one was close enough to hear them. "What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?" he growled.

Barty took a step back as if afraid that Regulus would bite him. "You stopped answering my e-mails, so I bought a plane ticket and came to see you," he smiled nervously and stretched out his arms as if expecting a hug.

Regulus showed no intention of wanting a hug. "I answered plenty of your mails - with the same message: for you to leave me the hell alone! So what are you doing here?"

o0o0o

"Regulus didn't seem happy to see him at all," said Peter.

"Perhaps it's an ex," speculated Lily.

"Yeah," said Sirius. "He's quite handsome. For a bloke. Classy and well dressed. Just like Reggie."

Remus looked out the window, feeling his stomach knot up. So it might be his ex? The one who had broken Regulus' heart? Why was he here? To get Regulus back? What if Regulus was still in love with him?

o0o0o

"I came here so we could talk. Perhaps fix things so you could come back with me to the UK." Barty smiled fondly at his ex. "I like your fiery mood, Reg... reminds me of so many things."

"I don't care what you like!" spat Regulus. "And if you don't bugger off soon then I'm going to get too fiery for you to take the heat!"

Barty took a few steps back and gulped. "But... but I came all this way to see you. Won't you at least sit down with me and have a chat?"

o0o0o

James had gone to the window and stood with his nose pressed to the glass. "Man, he ain't happy at all! He's yelling at him."

Remus moved up behind James to get a better look, a little relieved that things didn't seem to go well for Barty.

"He traveled all the way from Britain to see Reggie," said Sirius, "and Reggie tells him to stick it."

"He must really be into him to go this far just to get him back," said James. "If that's what's going on. Technically we don't know if he's even an ex. Maybe it's about your family, Sirius."

"I've never seen him before," said Sirius. "I definitely think it's his ex. The way he talked about Reggie before he came home. It was pretty clear."

Lily voiced her agreement.

"You... you think Regulus knew he was coming to visit?" asked Remus. "Or had the intention of coming, at least?"

"Don't know. Reggie is a very private person, you know. He keeps a lot of things to himself," said Sirius.

"What did he say about your brother that makes you think it's his ex?" asked Peter.

"Just the way he talked about him. He sounded like he adores him. In a creepy way." Sirius shuttered. "Not like you, Remus. You can adore my brother all you want."

"It's not going well, out there," said James, his nose still flat against the glass. "He just pushed him. I think he was trying to kiss him."

"James!" scolded Lily. "Don't spy on them!"

"I ain't spying. They're standing in a public place!"

"I'm going down there," said Remus and hurried out the door and down the stairs. He wasn't sure what help he would be, but he couldn't just let Regulus get into a fight. Barty was looking absolutely miserable when Remus came down, and Remus actually felt a little sorry for him. "Everything okay? " he asked.

"This is none of your business, Remus," said Regulus curtly. "Go back up."

"But..."

"Who's he?" asked Barty, looking from one to the other.

"He's no one," said Regulus. "Remus – go back up!".

Remus felt a sting to his heart as Regulus addressed him as no one, and he left as he was told.

"Go home, Barty," said Regulus again. "I'm leaving now, and don't follow me up! You're going to regret it if you do!" He turned on his heel and marched back up to the apartment. There he locked the door and put on the chain.

He found the others in the living room, looking very curious. "Don't anyone dare let him in if he comes back," he threatened. "He's a pestilence and he only understands things the hard way."

"You can't just let him sleep on the streets!" said Lily, eying Regulus reproachfully. "Why don't you let him stay here for a few days? His plane home is on Wednesday."

"He could sleep in your room and you bunk with Remus," suggested James.

"If you don't mind sleeping with a nobody," mumbled Remus, looking down at the floor.

"No!" said Regulus. "He can stay in a hotel. He's got money enough." Not wanting to discuss anymore Regulus went to his room.

Five minutes later there was a knock on the front door. Sirius sighed and got up and went to the door.

"Hey. Can I come in?" Barty asked through the mail slot.

"Probably not a good idea, mate," said Sirius. "It's best if you go to a motel. "You can try swinging by tomorrow or something, yeah? See if he's in the mood to talk when he's cooled off."

Barty sighed. "I don't know where to find a hotel. Can't I stay for just one night? I came all this way and I'm exhausted. I just want to talk to him."

"Look, he doesn't want you here." Sirius looked over his shoulder at James. "Can't you drive him to a motel? I don't fancy getting killed by Reggie for letting this bloke inside."

"Sure," said James and went to find his car keys.

Lily came into the hallway. "Sirius... Why not let the poor boy in just for the night? He can sleep on the couch."

"How do you think Jamie would feel if your ex came and crashed on the couch?"

"Yeah," said James, looking horrified by the thought. "He's going!"

"I wouldn't be a bother at all," said Barty, still peeping through the mail slot. "It's just that I'm here all alone and I don't know anyone but Regulus."

"I'll drive you to a motel close by, okay?" said James.

Sirius walked into his brother's room without knocking. "What the hell is going on, Reggie? What's your ex doing here? And what did you say to upset Remus?"

"I don't know what the hell he's doing here," snapped Regulus. "Has some screwed up idea that he can win me back or something, although I've made it quite clear to him to sod off and stay gone."

"Well, clearly he didn't get the message!" said Sirius. "I asked Jamie to drive him to a motel. I suggest you go sort things out your current boyfriend. Also, might be an idea to tell him that you've been talking to your ex and what his intentions are."

"I have nothing to hide, and I had no idea he was coming around. Now get out of my face, will you? And keep your nose out of my private life!"

"Hey – I'm part of your private life! And I don't like to see my friends upset, and Remus is upset over something. Try not to screw this one up, Regulus. He loves you. You know that, right?"

"I'll take care of it, yeah?" growled Regulus and stood up. "Now stay out of it!"

o0o0o

A few minutes later Regulus went into Remus' room, thinking that he deserved an explanation. He found him sitting on his chair by the table. "Hey..."

Remus turned his head to look briefly at Regulus. "Hey..." he mumbled.

Regulus stood, wringing his hands. "Something wrong?"

Remus turned around and rested his elbow on the back of the chair. "I'm a little hurt that you introduced me as nobody to your ex-boyfriend."

"That had nothing to do with you. It's none of his business who you are. And for the record - I didn't invite him here, as you could probably tell."

"I know, but you seemed to be ashamed of me," said Remus.

"What? No! I just didn't want to get you mixed up in this. I don't want him in my new life. I want him to fuck off home and never contact me again."

"Oh, okay," Remus nodded slowly. "Regulus, I just... I was afraid that you might not like me enough to introduce me as your boyfriend."

"Why would you think that?" asked Regulus, looking puzzled. "I've chosen you, haven't l? I could have him - as you could clearly see - but I've chosen you. I don't understand your logic."

"I don't either," said Remus and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm just confused. Afraid of losing you somehow... I dunno..."

Regulus sighed and sat down on Remus' bed. "This has nothing to do with you. I just hope he doesn't come back. My brother said Potter drove him to a motel."

"Why didn't you tell me that you were in contact with him?" Remus couldn't shake the fear that Regulus still had feelings for Barty. He was very handsome, and Remus would call himself average at best.

"Why should I tell you everything about my past? You haven't told me about all your boyfriends either, and I haven't asked."

"I just... I'd tell you if my ex was trying to get me back."

"Well, there was no reason to make you worry. He wrote me a few times, begging me to take him back and I told him to shove it. Then I blocked him on my e-mail. I had no idea the crazy bugger would come over here. I don't even know how he found out where I live."

"He probably looked up Sirius' name," said Remus and got up from his seat, walking over to Regulus and sitting down.

"What the hell is wrong with the bloke?" said Regulus irritably. "Half a year ago he wouldn't even look at me - now he's ready to throw away his whole life for me."

"I don't know," said Remus and placed a hand on top of Regulus'. "But I understand why he would want you back. You're a very special person."

Regulus scoffed. "I'm not that special. There are plenty of fish in the sea. Why the hell doesn't he just pick one of those? It isn't like it would be too difficult attracting someone. He's both handsome and rich."

"Yeah..." Remus hung his head. He was neither handsome nor rich. Basically, he had nothing to offer Regulus. Why would he pick him over Barty?

Regulus got to his feet. "Want to sleep in my room?"

"Yeah," said Remus and turned off his computer before following Regulus.

Regulus was in a bad mood and for once didn't initiate any kind of sex. It was nice, though, lying close to Remus.

Remus put his arms around him and kissed the top of his head. He took in a deep breath and sighed, trying to forget that Regulus' obsessive ex-boyfriend was sleeping only a few miles away.

o0o0o

Remus had the next day off, so he sat in an armchair trying to read a book while Regulus paced back and forth all morning, consuming one cup of tea after another, waiting for Barty to come by. Oh, Regulus was ready. Ready to kick him across the state line.

Past noon he started believing that Barty had actually given up. "Hey, Remus, what time do people usually have to be out of their motel rooms over here?"

"Around noon, I think," said Remus and checked his watch. "If you still think he's gonna show, that gives him a good half hour to get here." Remus took a sip of his coffee. He dreaded this meeting very much.

An hour later and still no Barty. "Well," said Regulus, having checked both his phone and e-mail once more. "Seems like he actually got the message yesterday. Fucking finally."

Remus smiled and leaned back in his seat, looking over at Regulus with relief written all over his face; but this was cut short when there was a knock on the door and Remus felt his stomach sink.

Regulus marched to the door and tore it open. He was just about to bite the head of who he thought was Barty but turned out to be a frightened looking mail man. "Oh," said Regulus, "What do you want?"

"I got a parcel for a Mister Pettigrew," said the man, glancing nervously at Regulus. "Is that you?"

"Heavens, no!" said Regulus, rolling his eyes. "But he does live here. I'll sign for it."

Remus lit up when he saw Regulus come back to the living room alone. "It wasn't him?"

"No. Just a care package from Peter's mum, I think. She has to make sure he doesn't starve to death, doesn't she? Anyway - I need some air, so I thought I'd go out and get some groceries. It's my turn to cook tonight. Want to come or are you busy?"

"You go ahead. I need to do some studying for my last exam. Didn't get too much done at the beach house. But be careful Nancy doesn't try to snatch you up again while I'm not there to protect you."

o0o0o

Not five minutes had passed after Regulus left until there was another knock on the door. Remus found Barty standing on the other side. "Regulus isn't home," he informed him.

"I know. I thought that one of you lads would be more open to reason. His brother told me to try coming back today. I figured that perhaps it's easier if I get in and wait for him here." He looked expectantly at Remus.

"I don't know..." said Remus and rubbed his chin nervously. He knew Regulus would be very upset with him if he let Barty into the apartment, and Remus was not keen on it himself either, but it had always been difficult for him to turn people away, and maybe it was actually a good idea for them to talk things through so Barty would understand that Regulus was in a new relationship and not interested in him any longer. "Alright, but if he doesn't wanna listen to you then you gotta leave," said Remus and stepped aside.

"Alright," said Barty, relieved. "Can you spare a cup of tea?" he asked as he went into the living room to sit down.

Remus returned a few minutes later with a cup of tea for Barty and a plate of cookies (being the good host he was raised to be).

"So..." started Barty, blowing steam off his cup. "It's really hot here, yeah? I imagine Reg is having a hard time with that. He was always very sensitive to his surroundings. Complaining about being cold one day, too hot the next, and too wet the day after that," he grinned. "Well, very sensitive in general. One of the things I love about him, actually. He's very affectionate, too, when he's with someone he loves. And he loves fiercely."

"Yeah, I know," said Remus, trying to force a smile, sitting down on a chair opposite Barty. He didn't like it when Barty talked about Regulus that way. As if he didn't believe Regulus could possibly love anyone else. Remus just wanted him to shut up, but he couldn't tell him that so he just nodded.

"Well... He got a nice tan. Looks good on him," said Barty. "Well, he always looked good. He's the handsomest bloke I've ever met. Gorgeous. As if the gods created him specially. Don't you agree? "

Remus swallowed a lump and bent his head, regretting the decision of inviting Barty inside. "Yes, he's very handsome..."

Barty sat quietly for a moment. "You're his boyfriend, yeah?"

"Yes," Remus said and sat up straight, trying to look taller and more secure.

Barty looked Remus up and down, a peculiar look on his face as if he was trying to figure out what in the world Regulus saw in him. "Huh," he said to himself. "Well, it's quite new, isn't it?"

"No. We've actually been dating almost from the start he came," Remus lied, seeing the expression on Barty's face, easily reading what he thought of him. "We clicked immediately."

"Ah," nodded Barty. "Well, Reg and I were together almost a year, so that's a lot longer. And we were best friends for years before that. We were perfect together, but then this mess happened and that's what I've come to clean up."

"Well... he… he's with me now so you can't really change that. And he's over you," said Remus, feeling the knot in his stomach tighten. He felt like screaming at Barty.

"I understand you completely," smiled Barty in a patronizing manner. "Regulus is not somebody you want to ever let go. Which is why I've come this far to patch things up with him. You know... I think his reason for coming over here was to run away from me. He tends to run away from painful things instead of facing them. But it doesn't make him happy in the end."

"He's happy with me. He told me so," said Remus. "He's not interested in you any longer. He will tell you again when he comes back and then ask you to leave. I only let you in here so you could hear it one final time and then leave him alone."

Barty sighed. "What's your name again?"

"Remus."

"Remus. Right. I have known Regulus since we started at Eton at 12 years of age. I know him better than anybody. We were best friends until we became lovers. We're soul mates. Do you understand that? I know he will come back to me eventually. He always had a hard time forgiving, and I hurt his feelings because I was an idiot. I'm not giving up until I've convinced him I'm going to make it up to him."

"I'm not giving up on him either!" snapped Remus, feeling helpless. "I love him and I don't care how long you two have known each other!" Remus actually felt himself getting close to tears out of stress and desperation. Could it be true that Barty could win Regulus back and Remus would lose him? He dared not think about it.

"But he still loves me. I could tell the minute I saw him. If he were over me do you think he would have been this furious? No. Then he wouldn't have cared enough to be more than irritated."

Remus bent his head and shut his eyes tightly. He felt like his heart was breaking. "That's not true..."

Regulus had never told Remus that he loved him, and when Remus had tried to say it to him, he had quickly changed the subject. What if he was indeed still in love with Barty, and Remus was just a rebound?

The sound of the front door made both boys look up. A moment later Regulus came into the living room on his way to the kitchen. He stopped dead in his tracks when he spotted Barty, then dropped the grocery bags he had been carrying. "You? What the hell are you doing here? How bloody daft have you become? How many times do I have to kick you out before you get it?"

Barty smiled sweetly and got up from his seat. "Your brother said I could come by today and I really need to talk to you. Maybe your boyfriend could leave so we can be alone?"

"Remus isn't going anywhere," said Regulus, his eyes boring into Barty. "What have you been saying to him? Did you try to walk all over him? Take advantage of his hospitality? I see he got you tea and biscuits as though you're welcome here."

"I just told him the truth," shrugged Barty. "That we have known each other since we were 12 and have been lovers for a year. Much longer than the two of you. And I honestly believe that you're still in love with me because you give out the vibe that you're not over me, and I mean - come on, Reg... that bloke can't be much more than a fling. Look at him."

"You don't know anything about Remus," growled Regulus through gritted teeth. "So shut up about him! And I don't love you any more, Barty. I got over you. Believe it or not - you're not that incredible. I got over you, and you know what? I was relieved. I learned that you're not the meaning of life. That there are other people in the world. We had only been with each other, so we didn't know that it could ever feel any different. If you just tried to be with someone else you would find out that I'm not the only one in the world for you."

Barty looked at him a little taken aback as if this was the first time Regulus had said this. "But I don't love anyone but you... don't you see that?" He then pointed at Remus. "What does he have that I don't? I'm better looking than him and I bet I have more money as well. And I have status."

"I don't care! Those qualities didn't do me any good when things got tough, did they? You know what he has that you don't? He's kind and unselfish. And I don't think you're handsomer than him." Regulus hesitated for a moment before deciding to deliver a blow to Barty's pride. "And he's bloody brilliant in the sack."

Barty stared at Regulus, clearly in shock. "Well... well you were my first! How was I supposed to know how to do things? He's probably been with loads of blokes, so that's how he learned."

"Shut up about Remus! You don't know shite about him. Go have sex with some other people and you will expand your horizon. And you're going home, even if I have to put you on the bloody plane myself!"

"But..." said Barty "But I love you so much, Reg. More than he ever could. Or anyone else. I said I was sorry and you just ditch me for some stupid yank?" Barty got to his feet. "No! I won't accept it!"

"Accept it!" spat Remus and got to his feet as well. "He doesn't love you! He's with me now and he asked you to leave, so leave! I love him and I'm not going to let you take him away from me!"

"Out!" said Regulus, pointing at the door. "I didn't want to get nasty but you're forcing me to."

Barty seemed to want to say more but then took his jacket and went to the door. "I had hoped you would take me back. What we had was special," he said but when Regulus' expression did not change, he walked out the door with a sigh.

As soon as the door had closed and they had listened to Barty's footsteps disappear down the stairs, Regulus turned to Remus. "Why'd you let him in? I told you not to!"

Remus bent his head and bit his lip. "I'm sorry, I just... I... I thought that maybe if you talked things through then he would finally get the message and leave you alone."

Muttering to himself, Regulus picked up the grocery bags and went into the kitchen where he proceeded to unpack them.

Remus peeped into the kitchen, looking slightly nervous. "Are you very upset with me?"

"I asked you to do one thing," said Regulus, not turning to look at Remus. Of course, Regulus was glad that Barty finally seemed to have given up, but Regulus had not wanted to say those things in front of Remus. Regulus didn't like having revealed so much of his personal history and emotions to him.

"I'm really sorry... can't I make it up to you?" Remus asked and moved into the kitchen with caution.

"It doesn't matter," mumbled Regulus. "At least he finally got the message."

"Yeah..." said Remus, leaning against the counter. "Thank you for defending me, though."

Regulus ignored him, wishing he would go away. He felt like he had been forced to tell Remus some things he wasn't ready to.

Remus bit his lip nervously and scratched his neck. "Did... did you only choose to be with me because I'm good in bed? You didn't say anything about having feelings for me... you just told Barty that I'm amazing in the sack."

Regulus didn't answer. He didn't want to lie, but he wasn't sure he was ready to tell Remus that he loved him, even though it was very much true. He didn't know if he would ever feel safe enough to do that.

Remus looked hurt by the silence and sighed. "I said I loved you, and you can't even say that you like me. Apparently you only like the sex?"

Regulus froze. Had Remus said he loved him? He hadn't noticed. He must have been too focused on Barty. "You... you said that?"

"Yeah, I did," said Remus. "I had maybe hoped you felt the same way. We've spent so much time together and I'd hoped it was more than just sex."

"Of course I like you. I said you were kind and unselfish – doesn't that mean I like you? How many complements do you want?"

"Not many… But it would be nice to hear you say you like me. You don't have to say that you love me, but I want you to know that I love you." Remus walked towards the door to the living room. "I'll leave you alone now."

Regulus sighed. Why did Remus have to go and make things so complicated? Damned Barty, coming here and messing up something perfectly good.

o0o0o

Remus stayed out of Regulus' way the rest of the day. At night Regulus lay awake for hours, hoping that Remus would come in. It was always he who came to make peace after a conflict. Finally, Regulus swallowed his pride and sneaked into Remus' room. Perhaps if he acted as if nothing had happened, things would go back to normal. He climbed into Remus' bed and pressed himself against his back, slipping a hand under his pajama shirt to let the fingers play enticingly on his stomach.

Remus hummed in his sleep and then slowly opened his eyes. He knew he should probably push him away, but he hated fighting and Regulus had actually crawled into bed with him, meaning he wanted to make up. "I missed you all day..." he said softly and sighed, enjoying the touch.

"You're the one who stayed away from me," hummed Regulus into Remus' ear before giving it a lick and slipping his hand into Remus' boxers.

Remus leaned his head back and gasped as Regulus' fingers fumbled around in his boxers. "I... I just wanted to give you some space."

Regulus continued for a moment but then pulled his hand up. "Why do you always give in? People hurt you and you end up apologizing to them."

"I don't know... I reckon I've always been weak like that," said Remus. "I hate fighting with you and I just want things to be okay again. I'm glad you came in here. Makes me feel like you care at least a bit. "

Regulus lay quiet for a moment. Then he sighed, finally giving in. "Of course, I care. I love you, you muppet. I just thought it was obvious. I thought I had shown it pretty clearly. I don't shower everybody with affection, like I've been doing to you, you know? I didn't know I had to spell it out for you. I'm not good with emotional talk."

Remus felt his heart do a summersault and a warmth rise in his whole body. He couldn't help smiling widely. "I love you too, Regulus. More than I've ever loved anyone. Barty just said so many things that confused me and I got scared. He kept saying that you loved him and you wouldn't act like that if you didn't. I'm really sorry, Regulus."

"There's nothing to be sorry about. You didn't do anything wrong. I know Barty - he can worm his way in everywhere. Of course, you were too nice to refuse him."

"I didn't tell him I was your boyfriend. He guessed it and then he looked at me as if I wasn't worthy of you."

"Don't listen to him. Barty has a tongue like a snake. He knows exactly what to say to get to people."

"If he's like that, then what did you see in him? He doesn't sound like a very nice guy."

"Well... There were good things about him as well. He was my best friend since I started at Eton."

Remus turned and put an arm around Regulus' waist and pulled him close, smiling. "Well, I'm so happy you're mine now."

"Yours?" said Regulus, cocking an eyebrow. "Where's that coming from? Has all that bondage play given you ideas?"

"I meant you're my boyfriend. But don't try denying that it turns you on when I treat you like my property," Remus grinned.

"We can play that game tomorrow when the others have left. Unless you have work in the morning?"

"I don't work until noon," smiled Remus and gave Regulus a kiss on the lips. "So I can play with you for a couple of hours."

"That stuff I said about you being brilliant in bed - that was just to get Barty to leave, yeah? So don't let it get to your head."

"I know I'm great because you moan my name in extasy every time, but I don't like bragging," smirked Remus and kissed Regulus' neck.

"I'm just doing that to encourage you. To give you a bit of self-confidence. I'm a nice bloke that way," said Regulus, tilting his head to encourage Remus to keep going.

"Of course, you are, darlin'," Remus smiled. "I'm looking forward to your encouragement tomorrow, then. I really need that."