A Burden of Butterflies (Regulus)

[brett]

"Fair enough," Regulus shrugged fully expecting this sort of response. He had already been satisfied with her answer, so he hoped his wouldn't be a disappointment. "I think if things were a bit different, I would date you," he was was going to add something about how at the current time he would have to say no, but he figured it was unnecessary because of the way he had phrased his answer.

"You're easy to talk to and easy on the eyes," Regulus smiled feeling he should say what he liked about her as she had done for him. He thought about adding something else to do with the word easy, but decided against it. After all this was still a reasonably new friendship and Regulus didn't want to ruin it over a stupid comment. He probably would have messed it up anyway so it was best he kept his mouth shut.

Not wanting to deal with a silence however he added, "Sadly I already have a love interest." Regulus smiled thinking about Indigo. He hadn't said her name because for some reason he felt like making Bella ask. That way if she didn't want to know who it was he wouldn't have to bother telling her. He wondered if perhaps she had interest as well...or did she have an actual boyfriend, Regulus really wasn't sure, but she had never mentioned him if she did.

[bella]

Bella nodded, accepting his reply. She wouldn’t have expected anything differently. There was a mutual stance between them, but neither could honestly say that right now, they were willing to dive into. For whatever reasons, there was a small wall that Bella nor Regulus wanted to break down, not at the moment. And she found herself okay with that, strangely enough. It was a little odd, she had to admit, talking so calmly with some who had just admitted their attraction to her and visa versa. But she was alright, accepting it for what it was worth.

But then Bella’s inner girl caught hold of herself – so Regulus had someone he was interested in, did he? She was so bad sometimes, such a gossiper. It was a bad habit she had, and one she couldn’t seemingly break. It was as if it were embedded into her, never to leave and despite her best intentions, she couldn’t stop herself from asking about it.

“Really?” she asked, keeping her voice calm. No need to sound over eager. “Would you mind sharing? Perhaps if I know her, I could tell you if she’s ever mentioned you…?” It was an equal trade, wasn’t it? A name for information. Although, somehow Bella didn’t think anyone he was interested in she would know very well. Have you learned nothing? If he was willing to admit he could ever pursue a relationship with her, then what’s to say it couldn’t be another Hufflepuff? “I’m only curious. I’d understand if you didn’t want to tell me.” She didn’t want to make him feel obliged.

[brett]

Regulus considered the offer. Indigo's name in exchange for information on whether or not she mentioned him. It was definitely something he wanted to know and it wasn't like his crush was really a secret. Yes, she was in a rival house, but she was also pureblood...then again so was Sirius. In any case he hadn't exactly been discreet with his feelings, so he really saw no harm in telling Bella.

"It's a Gryffindor girl named Indigo Grace," Regulus confessed. He watched Bella's reaction waiting for first the stunned reaction that a Slytherin boy liked a Gryffindor. Even if he had proved he was different he figured this fact would still surprise Bella as she was probably expecting it to be another Slytherin. After the initial shock however hopefully she would be able to give him a little information about her.

The conversation had taken Regulus' mind from the fact that they were still speeding along on their way to St. Mungos in a dingy bus. As long as they kept talking it kept him from thinking about the dirty old man that had been eying Bella or about just how disgusting the chair he was currently sitting in was. And most importantly it kept him from wondering what was taking them so long.

[bella]

“It's a Gryffindor girl named Indigo Grace.” Bella couldn’t stop herself from grinning. So she did know his crush and she could indeed tell him if she’d ever mentioned him before. She thought it a bit strange that it would be a Gryffindor though; she’s accepted the possibility of a Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and of course Slytherin, but not Gryffindor. Then again Sirius was in Gryffindor and apparently they maintained a secret friendship. Bella just ended up accepting it, not bothering to worry herself over it.

“Indigo Grace, eh?” she echoed, maybe teasing just a little bit. “Lucky for you, we happen to be alright friends.” Bella paused – on purpose – wondering how long she could hold it before he got angry at her. “While she’s never told me personally, I’ve been known to ease drop sometimes and I think you’ll be happy to hear your name has come up.” It was true – Bella was such a bad gossiper. Like some sick hobby or something.

“It’s kind of like one of those forbidden love things, isn’t it? How romantic,” she sighed, distracted for a moment, “You’re going to have to let me know how that works out. If you don’t tell me, I’ll find out somehow. Either way, I hope it works out for the better.” She would hate to see him in bad mood if Indigo rejected him for whatever reason.

Bella had opened her mouth again, but was cut off by a hurrying Ms. Drivels, “Come on you two, this would be us. Hurry up now, come on.” Instantly Bella’s good mood was crushed and her stomach began another round of flips. She didn’t want to see her mother anymore – she wanted to run away, back to Hogwarts, and never leave again. “Isabella dear, come on.” Ms. Drivels waved an impatient hand at the pair, ushering them out just as the bus gave another halted jolt. Bella’s lips formed a hard line – the sensation of wanting to hurl was back.

[brett]

“Lucky for you, we happen to be alright friends.” Regulus' heart jumped up in his chest. If they were friends then certainly she must have heard something, otherwise why say he was lucky. Why had she paused so long, "Out with it then," he said excitedly unable to stand the tension for a moment longer. Reg smiled at the fact that his name had come up surely that was a good thing.

“It’s kind of like one of those forbidden love things, isn’t it? How romantic,” Regulus smiled, "I suppose it is, isn't it?" Of course he already knew that it was he had thought about it quite a lot. He liked to think of Indigo and himself as a Hogwarts own Romeo and Juliet, only without all the killing and the tragic, but romantic, end. It was nice that Bella saw it as romantic, hopefully Indigo would as well.

...Either way, I hope it works out for the better.” "Thanks, so do I," he said taking a hopeful breath "And don't worry, I'll be sure to keep you posted," Regulus smiled. He would have said Bella would be the first to know if/when they started dating, but he didn't want to break his word. Though who else would he have to tell? Some of his Slytherin friends might not mind. He would certainly want to tell Sirius, but like with Bella Reg's relationship with his brother was kept secret, so he may not be able to deliver the news right away. Of course there was always a chance Sirius'd overhear the news in the Gryffindor commonroom.

Regulus was pulled away from his thoughts by Ms. Drivels voice announcing their arrival. The look of relief on his face quickly faded to one of concern as his eyes fell on Bella. He had been able to distract her for a while, but now he could tell, reality of what was about to happen had set in. "It's going to be alright," Regulus said gently. He had meant what he said even if he couldn't be sure that the words were true. He put his hand on top of hers for a moment in a gesture of comfort before they were ushered hurriedly off the bus.

[bella]

Bella was pleased to see him happier, knowing there was a standing chance that everything would work out with Indigo. She tried to smile, but she knew it was wasted – her mind was so far from school now it seemed impossible that she could have ever been happy for a moment out here. She still hadn’t moved to Ms. Drivels annoyance, but Regulus’s small offer of comfort helped a little. Bella gave a stronger smile, and got up to follow their rushing guide.

She was at a lost to see what the big hurry was – the longer Bella could prolong the meeting with her mother the better, why was it so important they get there quickly? Bella practically had to jog after the old woman to keep form falling behind, unaware of her new surroundings. She figured it was London, all the streets crowded with early morning shoppers and late-for-work employees. Bella couldn’t stop to think about it much, she was too focused on why they were hurrying – and then her heart sunk so quickly Bella swore the weight almost pulled her down.

Bella reached out and tugged on Ms. Drivels sleeve, and she batted her away impatiently, “What is it dear?” Bella scowled behind her back and grabbed the lady’s wrist forcefully. Ms. Drivels paused in the middle of the walkway, asking in a nicer tone, “Isabella dear, what is it? We mustn’t dally.” Bella took a low breath and asked quietly “She’s really dying, isn’t she?” If they had a limited time to get there, something must have been going wrong. Ms. Drivels looked worried now, whether because Bella actually looked concerned or because she had guessed correctly, Bella had yet to find out.

Ms. Drivels sighed sadly, “Today might be here last day, yes dear.” Bella nodded weakly and let go of her wrist. Ms. Drivels hesitated for a moment and then turned back around to lead them onward, slightly fast and up paced.

So, her mother was really dying. Today might be her last day of life. Bella had always thought she would be happy once she didn’t have to worry about her mother anymore, but her emotions were so mixed she wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do with them. She glanced at Regulus for a moment, wondering if he had ever actually lost a family member. She didn’t suppose Sirius really counted, but after his intermediate family, Bella knew nothing of the Blacks.

Giving up, Bella resorted to following Ms. Drivels in silence.

[brett]

((so I went and checked the Black family History and all 4 of Reg's grandparents outlive his parents, and sadly I think both his parents out live him...actually his dad dies a year before him...back to posting.))

Regulus had done his best to keep up, but he was in no hurry. Subsequently he was always a few steps behind, but caught up as Bella stopped Ms. Drivels. Regulus diverted his eyes pretending he wasn't listening to the conversation due to the sensitive subject matter. Of course he was only standing a few feet away and heard every word of the short exchange.

Regulus's eyes fell to the pavement in front of him hearing that this may be Bella's mothers last day alive. He looked up at her catching her glance and offering a sympathetic half smile. Regulus had family members die before, but none he was particularly close to or had even met more than a few times. He realized that was the sort of relationship Bella had with her mother with the one key difference being that she had unresolved issues to be settled before her mother passed.

Regulus began walking still a few steps behind, now however it was because he was too consumed in thought to keep up pace. He sighed heavily before making the move to catch up with Bella. Breaking even with her he gently put his hand on her shoulder. "Its gonna be alright," he assured her softly. This was why he had come, to support her when things were tough now was not the time to show indecision. Hopefully if he believed in what he said Bella would too, and then they would make the words true.

[bella]

OOC: Wow, really? Hmpth. Random, but I always like Regulus. I thought he was an interesting character. Sort of sad it doesn't end well for him.


So her mother was going to die. There was a high possibility that it could be today. Bella wasn’t sure why, but it felt like her world was crumbling. There were few things she could think about to try and push away her tears. She tried thinking about all her friends, rattling off their names one by one and thinking of a good reason of why she enjoyed their company. She tried to think of fun times she’d had, reliving them as best she could. She tried to justify her behavior around her mother; it wasn’t her fault – if she hadn’t been wanted as a child, why would she be wanted now? Her attitude was completely normal. But one thing led to the next and every time she was led right back to her mother, holding out on her last moments just so she could see her neglected daughter one last time.

Bella seemed to become numb, not really aware where her feet were leading her. As long as Ms. Drivels was insight, it didn’t really matter. She’d lost track of Regulus, vaguely wondering what on earth had happened to him. She didn’t bother to look around. It may have been rude, ignoring him, but what was she supposed to say? ‘I’m sorry you have to come see my dead mother’? He’d already pointed out it had been him to make the offer. If it hadn’t been for him, she wouldn’t even be following Ms. Drivels down the sidewalks of London. Who knows where she would have been otherwise: outsides on the ground she supposed, perhaps out having a good laugh with Kole? Taking a forbidden walk within the Forest with Drew? Perhaps she would have been out with Annette, letting Mispy the rat and Chubbs the owl roam alongside them?

She nearly jumped when someone touched her and for a moment she had a sickening feeling maybe the creep from the bus had followed them off. Bella let her shoulders relax back down when she realized it was Regulus. “It’s gonna be alright.” She let out a low breath, trying to get her heartbeat back down to normal. “I hope your right,” she answered simply, not trusting herself to say much more. She felt bad not letting him know how much she appreciated him being with her, but words seemed fumbled and rattling off real sentences was difficult at the moment.

She nearly collided with Ms. Drivels when she stopped suddenly, looking around as though making sure the coast was clear. They were standing in front of what looked like an old abandoned warehouse though the ugly displays where still in the window, not looking very appealing. For a moment she looked like she was about to comment on the ‘dating-pair-that-weren’t-really-dating,’ thought better of it, and instructed them to just walk through the glass like the platform at the train station. Bella didn’t even bother questioning, and figuring it would be harder to go in the longer they stayed, she pulled Regulus along with her and into St. Mungos, shortly followed by Ms. Drivels. “Come on you two, this way please…” She started off again, seeming to know where she was headed. Bella gulped and followed after her stiffly. “I don’t want to go,” she muttered feebly, though to no one in particular, “I don’t want to go anymore. I want to go home. At Hogwarts, that’s my home, not here…not with her…” Ms. Drivel glanced over her shoulder, “What’s that dear?” Bella just shook her head. Ms. Drivels gave an impatient huff and went along her way. Bella knew there were no ropes around, but she had the distinct feeling she was being dragged along right after her.

[brett]

“I hope your right,” Regulus gave a cocky grin, "I'm always right, you should know that by now," he said dropping his hand from Bella's shoulder. Hopefully his confidence came off as reassuring and not as if he were mocking her somehow. He kept stride with Bella now though he had no more words to say he hoped that he could give her a bit of comfort by just being present. That was, after all, the only reason he was here.

Regulus stopped abrupt as Bella and Ms. Drivels had. He looked at the Warehouse in front of him. 'They really ought to make this place more convenient to find' he thought. He hadn't exactly enjoyed the bus ride or having to walk around with all these filthy muggles who had no idea that wizards even existed, fools. But throughout the journey Bella had been a welcome distraction and he hoped she could say the same about him.

Regulus was pulled in to the magical hospital by Bella and was immediately hit with the strange scent that hospitals seemed to carry with them. Regulus had been to Mungos before for mishaps his and Sirius pranks gone awry, but they were always in and out. Once his mother had brought him to visit a Great Uncle who would end up dying a few weeks later. Regulus had been young at the time a few years before he started Hogwarts. It scared him how helpless the man seemed, confined to his bed. He was told stories about how brave he had been, how strong and powerful he was in his glory days. Yet as Regulus looked upon him he looked as though he would barely be able to lift his wand.

Regulus stayed in stride with Bella as they made there way. He heard her say she didn't wan to be here anymore. Reg waited for Ms. Drivels to respond and then look away before addressing his friend. "Bella, you can do this, ever thing is going to be fine," He reassured her taking her hand into his gently giving it a quick squeeze. They had come too far to back out now...besides they had no way of getting back to the school.

[bella]

Bella made a mental note to try and be nicer to Regulus, inside and outside of school. He could not possibly fathom how grateful she was to not be going alone – she didn’t count Ms. Drivels as true company – but she found no words to try and tell him. She settled herself with squeezing his hand gently in return, looking straight forward and trying hard to keep herself walking forward. She wanted nothing more then to turn around and run when Ms. Drivel slowed in front of a close door, turning her attention back to them.

“Isabella, I think it’d be better if me and the boy stay out here, you know, it might”- Bella cut her off, “‘The boy’ has a name, it’s Regulus, so start calling him that, and I don’t go by Isabella, it’s Bella.” Ms. Drivels looked offended, but Bella had had enough of being treated like a little kid. Maybe she felt like a sulky child on the inside, but she felt better by putting on a stronger front. At least then she could take her frustrations out on someone. It was a bit selfish, but she didn’t really care. She was standing within hearing range of her mother and that put her just a little bit on the edge. “And he doesn’t have to wait outside either; he offer to come with me, not wait outside the door.” Bella was sure it was her anger talking and knew she would later regret her small outburst of disrespect, but decided firmly it was now or never. She grabbed Regulus by the wrist and pulled him along with her, pushing the door open and stopping the moment she entered the room.

Marie Swan was lying on her hospital bed, wrapped within the white sheets and hooked up to a few different objects Bella didn’t even try to wonder what for. Perhaps IVs, injections of some sort. But she wasn’t concerned with them, studying her mother’s pale features and weak hands. She looked much older then she really was, and looked remarkably like Bella herself – she felt like she was watching herself in later years, getting ready to pass on. Bella had thought she had braced herself, but she realized she hadn’t been close. She realized she had been squeezing Regulus’s wrist a lot tighter then she meant to and immediately eased up, dropping her hand back to her side. Her mother looked like she was sleeping, but as soon as the door hitched close behind them, her eyes filtered open and she whispered faintly “Isabella…” Bella tried to talk, but when she opened her mouth nothing came out. Instead a tear rolled down her cheek.

Gulping, she walked in a dream-like state to the side of the bed, reaching out to grab her mothers hand – it was so feeble, weak in Bella’s shaky grasp. “Hi mom,” she whispered just as faint, “Ms. Drivels said…you wanted to see me…” With whatever strength her mother had left, she nodded and smiled. “I couldn’t…not…before…” Bella’s cheeks were slowly becoming drenched, tear rolling off her chin. She turned a little, giving a weak smile to Regulus, “Regulus, meet my mother…” Her mother tried to say something, but Bella didn’t catch it. “I brought a friend with me…a really good friend,” she told her mother, “His name is Regulus Black.” With the hand Bella wasn’t holding, she made an attempt at a wave. “Hello Regulus,” she whispered in a happy tone. Bella watched her mother carefully – how had she let so many years pass, without really ever knowing the woman before her...?

[brett]

Regulus looked at the door where they had stopped. It wasn't much to look at really, no different from any of the others they passed. Yet their arrival at this door had Regulus heart beating faster. It was strange and even Regulus didn't really understand why himself. He had no relation and had never even met the person behind that door, but he was nervous about about seeing her none the less.

Regulus smiled rather proud of Bella as she told off Ms. Drivels. Yes, he believed in respecting your elders and what not, but she really was getting quite annoying. Of course he would have had no problem waiting outside to give Bella alone time if she so wished, but he was quite glad when she pulled him into the room along with her. As they entered the room, however, what little smile he had on his face faded as he looked at the woman laying helpless in the bed.

Regulus tried to avoid looking at Marie Swan somehow afraid that if he stared at her he would wind up contracting whatever disease it was that confined her to her bed. Regulus hated sickness because quite frankly it scared him. He was deathly afraid of one day winding up helpless in a bed as Bella's mother now was. Regulus was rather relieved when Bella released his arm, he understood fully and was glad to be there for her...he was just also glad to have back proper circulation in his hand. "Hello Miss Swan, pleasure to meet you," Regulus said with a soft smile and weak wave of his own.

[bella]

Her mother’s face wrinkled in a smile, accepting Regulus without question. Bella just stood motionless between them, her hand still trembling as she tried to steady her mother’s weak grasp. It was so hard, standing there without a chance of ever helping her. What could she do? There were so many questions she wanted to ask, but all of them, every last one of her questions would drain whatever energy her mother had left. She was scared when she talked, wondering if it would be her last. What was Bella going to do? She was weeping silently over a person who should have had a great influence in her life, but hadn’t had the decency to do so. Bella sank to her knees weakly, resting her arms along the bedside and her head upon her mother’s hand, sobbing. “God mother,” she whispered, her eyes shut against her pain, “Why did you do this? It’s always been like this.” She hiccupped once to her extreme embarrassment, “You’ve never been there. Why did you leave me? You’re going to leave me again, you always leave…and this time you’re not…” Another hiccup, “You’re not coming back…”

She felt her hand slip from her faint hold and comb through her hair tiredly, an effort she was sure was draining her mother. She didn’t want to do this, but she couldn’t stop – her tears ran freely and her mind was considerably fuzzy – what was she doing here? Why had she bothered to come? Why had she allowed herself to be persuaded by Regulus and come to St. Mungos? She should have never talked to him, she should have taken Mipsy and left… But it wasn’t fair to blame him; she had been nothing but ‘unfair’ to him the entire time, wallowing in her own self pity and not bothering to try and comfort his pain. He’d shelved his troubles so he could help her and in return he’d had to endure an annoying guide, a dying mother, and watch Bella break into tears over the silliest of things. It made her cry harder, but her mother hadn’t said anything – she just stroked the top of her head over and over, like no words could ever mean as much.

“Isabella,” her mother titled Bella’s chin up with a feeble finger, “I didn’t want…you to have…to live with someone…who couldn’t take care of you…” Bella gulped, shaking her head, “I didn’t want to go there…I wanted a mother…” Her mother smiled faintly, “I couldn’t be one…” Bella tucked her head back against her arm, wiping her tears against her jacket. “Things happen for…a reason…maybe you have never…gone to that school of yours…if I hadn’t…” Bella looked up, “If you hadn’t what? Abandoned me?” Shock crossed Bella’s face when her mother looked angry, “That’s what you think? That I didn’t care about you?” Bella’s expression was blank and whispered dejectedly “What else was I supposed to think?” Her mother looked confused and dropped her hand, leaving Bella hurt.

Bella gulped and stood up, shaking her head “You’ll never change,” she whispered angrily. Furiously she wiped her eyes with her sleeve and turned to stomp out of the room. For a fleeting moment she paused beside Regulus, wondering. “I’m sorry about this. All of it.” She lifted her hands in a helpless motion, what am I going to do? “Welcome to my family.” She threw the door open and stormed past Ms. Drivels, who remained quite unmoving. Before she lashed around the corner, she heard her asked quietly “My boy…what happened…?” After all that she still didn’t use his name.

A few nurses tried to stop her and ask her what was wrong, but she pushed pasted them and kept going. She didn’t really care where she ended up. When she finally reached a hallway where no pesky people were walking around, Bella sunk against a wall and ducked her head against her knees, her hands wrapped over her head. Her jeans began to soak from her tears, but she didn’t care. It had been a mistake to come. Her mother didn’t even realize how much it had torn her to even show up and once she did, all she could do was defend herself and claim she had no other option. She could have kept her; she could have found her father; she could have kept her baby girl. Bella would have given anything to be raised in a poor family just to have a mother and father – not some foster home where her only company was a stupid dog that cost Bella her sanity. Their old dog Jesse had spoken to her one day and when she had confessed to her foster mother, she was sent away to the mental ward on charges she was going insane. She hadn’t believed them at the time, but maybe Bella really had lost her sanity. She certainly felt like it at the moment. The first time in nearly a year she had confronted her mother and just like the last time, she had run away. With or without help, it was too hard.


OOC: *Clicky click*

[brett]

Regulus stood about a foot off the bed watching the scene in front of him unfold. It was so touching he could feel tears begin to well up in his own eyes, but he blinked them away. This wasn't happening to him so what reason did he have to cry? Besides boys don't cry. His grandfather Arcturus had made sure Regulus learned that at a young age. Boys were tough, they were powerful and crying only showed weakness and weakness was unacceptable.

Regulus moved to stop Bella, but she had rushed by him before he got the chance. He cast a glance back to her mother as if to say 'I'm sorry' before pushing out of the room. He stopped briefly next to Ms. Drivel, but Bella was more important now so he gave a sigh and took off down the hall after her. Regulus was pretty fast so he was able to stay close enough to see where she turned. Having finally found her in her final location Reg was breathing harder than usual to catch his breath after the chase.

"Bella, I'm sorry," Regulus said sliding down the wall to sit next to her. He blamed himself for this whole thing, without him Bella never would have come. Regulus wanted to say more, but no words would come. He leaned his head back against the wall looking straight out. He couldn't look at Bella while she was crying, he hated seeing girls cry. Especially when he felt it was his fault.

[bella]

She should have stayed at Hogwarts, why, why, why had she allowed herself to come? Perhaps she had allowed herself a false sense of comfort? Regulus had told it would be okay and everything was certainly most not. She knew in all reality it wasn’t his fault, she could have said no, but he was the only one she could point a finger at – if she blamed him for her problems it wasn’t so hard.

Above her sobs she barely heard a voice. She was angry for a moment, thinking it was another one of those pesky nurses trying to calm her down. When she glanced up through her tears she realized Regulus had followed her, staring straight at the wall across from them without really seeing it. He was sorry? For what? Surely he couldn’t…? Had she really…? Bella felt awful, knowing it was her fault to make him feel that way. She should have treated him better. She too stared at the wall for a moment, unsure of what to do.

Almost on impulse she wound her arms around his and hugged him, at least hugged his arm, tucking her head against his shoulder. She didn’t care that Bella didn’t know him all that well, but he was the only motion of comfort she had. “It’s not your fault,” she muttered, her words muffled against his shirt. “I’m glad I came. It made me realize just how…how…” Bella paused for a moment, “It made me realize that she will always care more about herself then me. She’ll never, ever change…no, it’s better she just…just go away…” The resentment she’d been holding against her mother was now just sadness – this was something that could just not be fixed.

Bella vaguely wondered if Regulus was even getting circulation to his arm. She immediately let go, wiping the small spot on his shirt she’d managed to get wet. “Ugh, I’m so sorry…I just…I know I shouldn’t…I’m not thinking, such a wreck…” She dropped her hands to her lap, unwilling to magically dry his sleeve.

Bella was aware she probably should have kept it to herself, but she told him anyways: “I wasn’t lying when I told her I’d brought a really good friend along with me. I don’t need anything more then that though; I just need a really good friend. I can’t take you in a clear conscious – Indigo will be pleased to have you and I sort of…” She hadn’t really mentioned it, but Bella wasn’t exactly free. Hastily she wiped off her tears, “I just wanted to let you know I know I haven’t really treated you nicely and that I’m really sorry about that. I’m glad you’re here, I just…didn’t know how to tell you…” Bella stared dead center at the wall now, an annoying habit she had, not looking at someone when she felt so insecure.

[brett]

Regulus turned to Bella when she took hold of his arm and began crying into his shoulder. This was his fault. It was his fault they had come, his mistake that had Bella now crying. Regulus ran his hand softly through Bella's hair as she cried on his shoulder hoping to calm her. He should not have dragged her here, though really her mother could have been a little more helpful and at least taken responsibility for the fact that she had abandoned Bella. But now he saw she hadn't even deserved that chance.

Regulus couldn't help but give a weak smile at Bella's words. It was nice of her to say it wasn't his fault, but remained convinced it was, he would have wanted credit if things went well and now he had to take the blame since things had gone poorly. At least it hadn't really been a wasted trip as it helped Bella come to the conclusion that her mother just wouldn't be there for her. "…no, it’s better she just…just go away…” Regulus nodded, "Your better off without her," he said softly his eyes had returned to staring unfocused at the wall.

Sirius was better off without his parents and Bella was better off without hers. Regulus hated that fact, not just because it proved him wrong, but because it meant that some families were better off broken. It meant there were things in this world he just couldn't fix. His hand dropped back to his side as Bella pulled away from his shoulder. Regulus hadn't even realized the lack of circulation until he regained it, but he was once again just glad to help.

Brett listened to Bella, but half his mind was unfocused still hoping there was someway to fix the mess he had made. Indigo's name caught his ear and he began paying attention, though mention of her had been brief. She really didn't have to sorry for the way he treated him he had actually thought she was treating him quite nicely...perhaps his sense of what was nice and what wasn't had been distorted in any case Bella seemed to have stopped sort of finishing her sentence. "Tell me what?" he asked looking away from the wall to watch her wipe away her tears.