inspired by butterfly's repose by zabawa

Y/n stood on a hill. Their hill, to be exact. It was different now that he was gone. The grass was not as green, the sun had dimmed, the flowers were wilted. And it's all because he's gone.

It was almost as if he was standing next to her - his hand ghosting over hers. Silent tears started to spill down her face, but she didn't want to move.

But he was there. He wanted to let her know that he was there, that as long as she wanted him, he'd be there. But she couldn't see him. It was hard for him to have to stay silent - to let her crumble.

The more the tears began to fall, the louder she sobbed. Regulus flinched as y/n collapsed to the ground. His non-beating heart broke in half at her shaking figure.

"I miss you, Reg. I miss you so much." Y/n croaked out between sobs. Regulus crouched down next to her, reaching out to brush a tear off her cheek. And for a moment, he forgot he wasn't really there. But when his hand went through her face, his face dropped.

A shiver went through y/n's body. "Regulus, is- is that you?" Y/n sniffled. She knew she sounded crazy, but it never hurt to try.

"Yes! Yes!" He wanted to shout. "Ugh!" Y/n sobbed, falling back against the grass.

"Regulus, if you're listening - wherever you are - talk to me. Please. I can't... I can't go on without you. Do you know how awful it was when Kreacher showed up to my door in tears? Do you? I offered him a place to stay but he said it wouldn't be the best idea. Sirius actually checked in on me the other day. He's actually really nice when he doesn't despise you. Anyways, I should get back home now. I've got no one at home but it's getting dark, and I'm exhausted. So, um... bye." Y/n sniffled, standing up quickly.

Regulus had never been in so much pain. He couldn't tell what was worse - the fact that he couldn't let y/n know he was okay, or that fact that he could never tell y/n he loved her again.