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Written for;

Pairing Appreciation - BartyReg

Heroes Hunt - finding something valuable in an unexpected place.

Acceptance

Acceptance had always been a myth to Barty. From his father, to the other Ministry officials kids, to the students in his house at Hogwarts, acceptance was elusive, evasive, a mystery that Barty could never get close enough to solve. He was laughed at, he was teased, he was avoided and he was ignored. He wanted to know what it felt like to have a friend. He wanted to know what it felt like to have someone who wanted to talk to him, someone who wanted to spend time with him, someone who would be there for him.

He wanted to know what it felt to be wanted.

He was sixteen before he finally got close enough to investigate. Regulus Black, the dark haired slytherin who was a danger on a broom and far too cool to pay attention to anyone, took an interest in him. It was strange.

At first, he felt like he was being watched occasionally, and sure enough, when he turned around, the stormy eyes of Regulus Black were resting on him unapologetic and amused.

It was uncomfortable, but he began to crave the feeling.

A few weeks later, Regulus cornered him in the library. A skitter of fear travelled briefly over Barty's skin, but Regulus only smirked and slouched into the chair facing him while he read.

Needless to say, Barty didn't get much studying done that night.

"Why are you here?" Barty asked, his voice little more than a whisper, when a week passed by with Regulus joining him in the library every evening following that first.

"We're in the library," Regulus replied coolly, though his eyes glinted with a spark of humour. "I'm studying."

"You haven't opened a book the whole time we've been here," Barty snorted, eyes widening when he realised what he'd said.

Regulus chuckled, a low raspy sound that went straight to Barty's groin. "Who said I was studying books. I just said I was studying."

"Studying what?"

"You, of course. I find you rather interesting Barty Crouch. You're not at all what one would expect of the Senior Crouch."

"You know my father?"

"I know enough to know that you don't wish to be like him. Meet me at the top of the Astronomy Tower at midnight," Regulus ordered.

"Why there?" Barty asked, though he was already planning his route in his mind.

"It's the only place I can smoke in this godforsaken place without being forced to suffer through a detention."

Barty watched Regulus Black saunter away with wide eyes, unsure of what he'd done to capture his attention but praying that he could keep on doing it.

The stale smell from the cigarettes itched Barty's nose, but the taste of them on his tongue as Regulus kissed him was heaven.

"You're mine, Barty Crouch. You should understand; I don't share."

Barty could only nod before lips were attaching once more, a hand in his hair and a hand on his lower back pulling him closer. When Regulus next pulled away, eyes hooded but a smirk on his face, Barty could only croak, "I'm yours."