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Regulus has it all figured out. He keeps men on a rotating roster so none can get too close, works nights as a dancer to make the most of his chronic insomnia, and pushes everything he doesn’t want to remember about the past ten years into the recesses of his mind. It’s easier to pretend none of it ever happened. But when James Potter crashes into Regulus’ life with his fancy sports car, wealth beyond measure, and devil’s smile, it marks a switch in the natural order of things. James is a client; Regulus isn’t allowed to fall in love with him. Except James is the first man in a long time who can see past Regulus’ carefully constructed façade, and who could ever resist the temptation of being known. Or, this is a story about identity, addiction, self-expression, and love in all of the varying shapes they can take.

Regulus hates his brother—this is fact—and as his best friend, Remus would never betray him by falling in love with aforementioned brother. Sirius hates his entire family—this is also fact—and as his best friend, James would never betray him by falling in love with a member of it. The problem is, none of them are even aware that it's happening.

Regulus’ best friend Dorcas convinces him to go on a summer trip with her. She dubs it ‘operation make Reg smile again'. It's his chance to break from the cycle of toxic mistakes he keeps repeating in London. James wouldn’t know casual if she walked up to him and introduced herself. That’s why he’s got a rule to protect himself from heartbreak: only hook up with tourists on their last night in town. When James learns the gorgeous tourist he’s just met is around for six weeks, he gets spooked. Six weeks is a long time, but also no time at all. As the Black brothers unexpectedly reunite after ten years apart, James and Regulus are forced to spend time together and James starts to think that maybe rules are meant to be broken. Getting involved with Regulus is going to hurt, but James believes it'll be worth it. Either way, James knows what he signed up for. Or does he? OR James and Regulus have a summer fling that they promised their friends they wouldn’t have. Remus and Sirius discover their mutual hatred is just pent-up sexual tension. Dorcas and Marlene are always winning, even when they’re not. It’s a cruel summer for all. I love you (ain’t that the worst thing you ever heard?)

The Blacks want to marry off their youngest child. He begs Sirius for help and tells him a secret: He is a man and would rather die than be forced to be anyone's wife. Panicked, Sirius arranges a marriage between his brother and his friend James Potter, knowing that Regulus can be the man he is in the English countryside on James' estate. James wants to ensure Regulus' happiness, even at the expense of putting his life on hold for a while. Regulus wants to ensure James doesn't fall into societal ruin because of him. Sirius wants to be loved. Barty must decide whether he wants to keep causing destruction or choose redemption. And Remus is just a very tired butler who watches James and Regulus dance around their actual feelings (literally).