He had been so sure.

So sure as he left James.

So sure as he entered the cave.

So sure as Kreacher forced the liquid down his throat.

So sure as he made Kreacher get away with the locket.

How had it backfired so terribly?

As he was dragged down in the water, screaming, scratching at rocks, trying to cling to something to save himself, as sharp rocks cut his palms and fingers as the Inferi dragged him down, their claws digging into his skin, as Regulus begged to someone, any higher power, begging to forgive all the horrors he's done, begging for one last chance to see his brother, to see his lover.

He sobbed as water filled his lungs, as he still fought to stay alive for just a second more, he cried and begged in his mind for someone, anyone to come save him.

He had to know the price he would pay if he attempted to destroy The Dark Lord's Horcruxes.

And yet, he left the safety of his lover's arms.

He left James' embrace.

"I'm sorry, James... I'm sorry. Find me one last time.." He mumbled as his last breath left him in the bubbles that travelled through the water, as his lungs filled with water, and as his eyes closed, and as his consciousness slipped through his fingers, and the warm hand on his back-

Wait.

The warm hand on his back?

And then all over his face, his chest, his waist, then pressing down on his chest rapidly until he felt the water from his lungs get out and make way for air, the warm lips on his, and then...

"Regulus? Regulus, baby, come on-"

That voice.

He'd know that voice anywhere.

"Baby, please, please open your eyes for me? Please."

James.

It was James.

Regulus' eyes opened.

And he began coughing again as water left his lungs on the floor, and he felt his body being pulled into a warm, solid chest, and strong, firm arms held him tightly against James, whose eyes were wet with tears, as one of his hands buried itself into Regulus' long wet hair, the other wrapped tightly around the younger's waist.