Daylight

“Okay, Regulus. 0.2, you got this. Go easy.” Barty’s voice echoed through the radio. Regulus’ hands tightened on the black wheel. 

It was his rookie season in Formula One, his first race. The qualifying for Bahrain had gone amazing, Regulus got fourth, right behind his teammate. And now, with only seven laps to go, he was fighting his brother for third. He wasn't going to get first, he was at least 8 seconds behind the bright red Ferrari car that held his brother's best friend. And he wasn't even going to think about fighting his teammate for a second. Barty had said earlier that Remus and Potter were having it out and it would be best not to join. But he needed to get on the podium . 

“0.1, Regulus now,” Barty instructed. Regulus’ hand ideally moved to the button on his wheel to activate the DRS, he positioned himself to glide past his brother. If he did it correctly, he could gain multiple seconds to ride out the last laps. 

Even through his helmet and the car, he could hear the cheers when he overtook his brother, taking third place 7.15 seconds behind Remus. It appeared everyone was rooting for the rookie Monegasque, even people who didn't normally root for Mercedes. 

Well, most people. Many still believed his father bought his spot with the other 19 racers. Which is why he had to do so well, to prove that he belonged here. He belonged with Mercedes.

The rest of the lamps went smoothly. Even Regulus, who prided himself on his level of composure, couldn't fight the smile on his face. He had gotten third in his first-ever race in Formula One, which if you didn't know, is pretty unheard of.  He knew this would be a bigger talk than James Potter's first place. He stepped out of his car and jumped to meet his friend and engineer, who was waiting on the side for him. They embraced fully while people cheered around them, Remus came to join them before they needed to go to the Mercedes hospitality to get ready for the press and podium. 

“Your first race, Reg! You made it on the podium!” Remus shouted at him through the noise. All Regulus could do was smile, he was truly proud. It was rare that he was proud of his driving. Even when he was dominating F2 and three, he always thought he could've done better. But at the moment, he had nothing going through his brain but pure adrenaline. It was glorious. 

“Regulus, Remus, we gotta go!” Lily, their Press Officer grabbed them by the shoulder steering them to the press conference and the podium. But first, it was the fun bit. Regulus and Remus were both steered to the podium. Curtly shaking hands with the Ferrari driver, neither of them had anything against the Spaniard, just nothing to draw them to him. Regulus knows James and Sirius’ friendship dates back to their days in F4, but that is the extent of his knowledge of the driver in red. 

“Phenomenal job, Regulus. I have a feeling you're going to leave us all in the dust this season. And in your rookie season! Insane!” James bent down and said quietly so none of the microphones would pick up any sounds. 

“Merci, congrats on the win,” Regulus said politely, unsure why Potter felt the need to speak to him. But James just sent his famed smile and walked to the highest step. 

They all posed for pictures, smiled, and doused each other in Champagne. Regulus could have never anticipated how fun and draining it would all be. The adrenaline from the race had taken all his energy and thrown it on the track to get run over, so now he just felt empty. But he still had the press conference to attend, and everyone would want to hear from the rookie Mercedes driver. So he just went on his way with Lily and Remus. 

“Wow, what a race. How are you feeling, Regulus?” A small man with a badge that read Reporter asked in a loud voice putting a microphone to his face. 

“Amazing, I am so happy to be able to contribute to Mercedes this season,” Regulus answered hoping the man would ask his three questions quickly. Sometimes you can just tell an interviewer will have shitty questions even before they open their mouths. 

“Of course, now in those last laps, you were fighting pretty heartedly with your brother, Sirius. Are there any hard feelings on you joining an opposing team, should we expect dirty racing this season between you two?” The man had that gleam in his eye Regulus had seen a million times before, Regulus had grown up surrounded by people like him he knew he was baiting him. 

“It is all fair racing, I will treat my brother like any other driver. We will fight hard and fairly the same I will with drivers like Lupin and Rosier. I am very proud of my brother and how far he has brought Red Bull, I am excited to make my place next to him in Formula One.” Regulus gave the man a polite smile and turned to look at Lily, who gave him a proud nod. 

He and Remus finished the rest of the conference with minimal problems. Everyone was stuck gushing and cooing at Regulus for his placing on the podium. He found himself sitting in a tent still in his suit waiting for someone to tell him and Remus they could leave. He had fallen asleep on Remus’ shoulder, everything had finally caught up to him. Lily and Remus both smiled at each other, proud of the young racer.

“And it’s all too much for little Regulus Black. Twenty years old, he just needs a bit of sleep.” The announcer stated causing Remus and Lily to laugh, Regulus slightly stirred at the but quickly fell back asleep unbothered. 

James’ eyes were fixed on the younger driver. His first podium had been a lot because he was currently asleep on Lupin's shoulder. He felt bad walking over there, but it was sort of necessary. 

“Hey, all the drivers are going to the Club later tonight. But me and Sirius thought you guys would want to come with us to dinner beforehand. You are also welcome Lily.” He smiled eyeing the redhead. She pursed her lips and shook her head, seeming disgusted by the proposition, so James directed his attention to Lupin.

“Yeah, we will come, I'll get him there,” Remus said quietly, clearly afraid to wake Regulus, who was at the moment still sticky with champagne. The first of many days he would spend covered in the drink. James smiled and nodded as he walked back to Ferrari hospitality. The bright red is easy to spot. He quickly changed and headed back to the hotel he was sharing with Sirius. Most drivers don't room with opposing team drivers, but they had been doing it for so long that no one cared. 

They would spend a night in Bahrain and then fly back to their flats in London. Where they would train before the qualies. Then it would be time to fly to Saudi Arabia, James always liked driving at night, it felt different from other GPs. But he still had one night in Bahrain, he was going to use it well. He arrived at the hotel but was beaten by Sirius, the fast kid.

“You invite Reggie? Yay, his first F1 celebration dinner!” Sirius cheered all his disappointment after getting fourth replaced by pride for his baby brother. 

“We all remember out first.” James laughed walking to his room to get properly changed. He doubted he should go drinking in sweats and a tee shirt. 

He was excited to drink. It isn't against the rules to drink during the season, but many drivers stay away from a lot of it, better driving, fewer accidents and all that. But he had two weeks till the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, so he should be fine. As long as his trainer doesn't find out, Nico is a scary dude. A proper 6’ 6, and 230 pounds of pure muscle, so James didn't want to get on his bad side. And when he spoke to Frank, his teammate, earlier, he also didn't seem too eager to press Nico on these matters. Maybe later in the season but they have only one race finished for the ‘24 season, they should probably start on good terms with everyone. 

He finished and went outside to wait for Sirius, who always took way too long with his hair. James knows he is trying to meet someone, it has been a while since Sirius appeared to be even on the brink of a proper relationship with someone. Who knows maybe tonight will be both of their nights. 

At that thought, Regulus Black came to mind.

The prodigy driver was probably in a Formula One car before he could even get on the autoroutes. Who also happened to have dark hair, gorgeous eyes(one a dark green, the other an equally dark grey), a lean-cut build, a sharp jaw, a voice and accent that could melt anyone to the floor, and a mysterious demeanour that could pique anyone's interest. F1’s pretty boy, who is the future of motorsports. He has been scouted by Mercedes practically since birth and dominated in F2, F3, and F4. He was a force to be reckoned with in all categories. 

James had been infatuated with the boy since their meeting, even before James knew he was queer.

James just thought everyone was attracted to everyone, he never had any reason to think otherwise. He always had loving and supporting parents who taught him he could love anyone. Who can blame the guy?
(Me core 😞)

That was till he told Sirius about this. He very kindly held his hand and told him the truth. Not that it changed much, it just put a label on what James knew was normal. 

But back to his small obsession with the youngest Black. He wanted to get closer to him, in multiple ways, but mostly personally. But he spoke to Regulus like he was playing Episode with no diamonds, safe to say it didn't go well. He stuttered and never said what he wanted to, it all just kind of came out in a slur of vowels. He normally just blamed it on his Spanish accent, but that didn't hold up because Regulus also had a French-Italian accent and learned English later in life than James. Earlier today when James complimented Regulus’ driving was probably the longest conversation he had ever had with him.

And James was determined to change that tonight.

So he put on his best jeans and his septum piercing, hoping it might draw Regulus’ eyes to him. Assuming he was going. James had hoped to catch the boy before he left, but Regulus seemed pretty out of it so James left him be. It was cute seeing him tired after a big race. James remembers his rookie year, it went okay, but not nearly as well as Regulus’ is going and what it will be. The rookie had already established himself on the podium, and his team was in first. 

Mercedes- 33pts

Ferrari- 31

Red Bull- 13

It was a very close race between Ferrari and Mercedes, but with Remus and Reg on the podium, and Frank in 7th, Mercedes was leading by only two points. It is rare for teams to be that close in points, but not unheard of. It makes sense that it is happening this early, it will change, and hopefully James and Frank will help Ferrari get in the lead. But in the back of his mind, he still wanted to watch Reg do well. It was conflicting, it is always hard to have personal relationships in the game. Like, Severus Snape, who James hates but will always put on a nice smile for in front of cameras, claims to have ‘No friends in F1, only enemies.’ which is fucking bullshit and everyone knows it. Plus, it sucks all the fun out of racing. If you race just to win, or be famous, or get money. You're not doing it for the right reason. 

James, while having a famous racer as a father, has never felt an obligation to drive. He does it simply for his enjoyment. Sirius feels the same way, and James hopes Regulus also feels this way. It’s sad watching racers only race because they are a legacy or need a job. 

“Ready to go?” Sirius pops his head in when he is finally done.

“Yup, where is it?” 

“I can't pronounce the name, but I have it put in Apple Maps, I’m driving.” With those last words, Sirius bolted out the door, racing to James’ car. A very expensive, very nice Ferrari. James runs to get there first, but of course, it is too late. He grumbles and gets in the passenger seat. Sirius just smiles proudly and turns on the ignition. 

On the ride the the restaurant, James and Sirius talk about the race. They have never been one for quiet. So they always fill it with noise, mostly about racing. And they arrive. In the parking lot, James sees a very nice Mercedes parked. It is fully black with silver embellishments. James bets it drives well. James knows exactly who the car belongs to. There is only one person in the world who could own such a nice Mercedes.

The rookie of the year, F1’s pretty boy, the future of motorsports. Regulus Black.

Regulus sits in his car already regretting coming. Most racers would be thrilled to have dinner after such a good prix. Especially one with their best friend, brother, and brother’s very handsome friend. But he knows he will have to go out after with everyone else, and he isn't excited about that. 

He has never really liked going out, he is fine with dinner, but what comes after dinner he dreads. And he has a strong dislike for many of the drivers that will be there. Not all, his best friends since childhood, Evan and Barty, will be there. He has always liked Marlene, she is a fast and strong driver, and fun to talk to. He's not impartial to Longbottom, though he has never had a real conversation with him. Tonks is a nice guy, and the fact that he is his cousin's husband helps. But he hates Snape and Avery. They are dipshits and terrible drivers. They both have been in F1 for years, and Regulus has managed to get closer to a win than they have in their careers in F1, F2, and F3. 

But he knows he will have to have polite conversations with them all since most of them have influential families in the racing business. Especially Avery, whose parents have been donating to F1 forever. 

“Are we going to get out of the car or just sit here? Because I am okay with just staying here. But your car isn't very nonchalant. It is very Regulus. They will probably know we are here.” Remus speaks up, breaking the natural silence they had built when Regulus was driving. That was why he had been so drawn to Lupin in their early days, they matched energies well. It was amazing luck they were on the same team. 

“Yeah, let's go.” Regulus sighed, stepping out of the car. He was glad he had time to change. Barty kept him late to discuss his stats, time, and turns. What they could do better, and what Regulus had done well. 

He wasn't wearing anything too nice. His Mercades jacket, dawning his number 13 on the back. Black jeans and a white shirt. He had put in his piercings which made him feel more put together, his nose piercing, first, seconds, thirds, and all his cartilage piercings. He took them out for the race because they aren't the most comfortable thing when you have a massive helmet on. And it is nice to feel more complete with them after a long day. 

They walked in and spotted James and Sirius sitting at a booth near the back. Sirius made eye contact with Reg and started obnoxiously waving. Regulus rolled his eyes and made his way across the room. 

“Reggie! I haven't seen you yet, you drove beautifully!” Sirius congratulated bringing Reg into a full embrace. Regulus smiled despite himself and hugged his brother back. 

“Merci, Siri. Tu as roulé vite aussi. Je suis excité pour la suite. Pensez-vous que Mère et Père seront là?(You drove fast too. I am excited for the next. Do you think Mother and Father will be there?)” Regulus asked, trying to swallow down the nervousness in his voice. 

“Ne nous inquiétons pas de ça pour le moment, nous te célébrons, minou.(Let's not worry about that right now, we are celebrating you,)” Sirius shook his head and moved Regulus to sit down.

“English, guys. What's up?” James said.

“Just talking about the race,” Regulus responded, taking a menu and grimacing when it was in an Asian language he didn't recognize. Remus showed him to the English section in the back. 

“Not sore about fourth right?” Remus teased with a smirk. Regulus knew of his feelings for his brother, and he did not want to watch them flirt. 

“No, I’ll get first in Saudi Arabia, don't you worry.” Sirius jabbed back.

“I don't know, I think Reg might have this one. You saw how he drove today. And that was on a track he had never raced before. He has driven Saudi Arabia.” James said causing Regulus to look up from the menu at the mention of his name.

“Huh?” 

“Nothing, minou. Just that you drove well.” Sirius explained. Regulus nodded turning back to what he was doing. 

They continued their conversations through dinner, Regulus did not add much input, mostly just a few things here and there. He was mostly just listening, but no one seemed to care, they kept him in the loop but didn't expect replies. 

Finally, when dinner was over and all of their meals were finished, it was time to go to the club. Regulus was tired and wanted to go back to his flat, but he knew he needed to show his face for at least an hour and a half. He looked to Remus and they exchanged a silent agreement to leave early. It was going to be a long night. 

James could see Regulus was less than excited to go out, but he needed to talk to him. They all met up at the club and made their way in, Remus and Sirius went off with each other to get ‘drinks’ but James knew of Sirius’ feelings and knew something was going on. But Sirius didn't bring it up so neither will James. 

“Want to go get a drink?” James shouted through the noise, bending down to reach Reg’s ear.

“Im not drinking tonight,” well there goes James’ plans. “But I’ll get a soda.” Regulus stretched so James could hear him without the need to yell. James nodded and led Regulus to the bar, maybe putting his hand a little lower on his back than needed, but it was needed. 

Regulus ordered and looked up to James with wide eyes, telling him silently to order. James did, getting something with a little less alcohol than he planned earlier. But he didn't want to get drunk if Regulus was not and say something stupid. 

He felt Regulus jump slightly beside him, he quickly turned away, facing the bar. It looked like he was hiding his face. James quickly figured out why Snape and Avery were sauntering over to them.

“Congrats on the race today!” Avery shouted at them with a painted smile. James did not mimic it, keeping his face straight. Regulus did the same.

“I want to congratulate you too, but I am afraid I can't. I assumed you would spend this time speaking to your engineer. Y’know strategy and what you could do better.” Regulus’ words were loaded with a tone of passive aggressiveness James had never heard from him. James fought his laugh at the boy's boldness. Avery didn't seem in a laughing mood, his fake smile now gone.

“Shut it, rookie. My father could end your career before it even starts.” Avery hissed through his teeth.

“Oh, I apologise. My words must have come out wrong. I have already had a few drinks, my English gets messy. I just meant that we should all be discussing with our engineers, to be better for the next Prix. I wanted to, but Barty is here so I may speak to him later.” Regulus lied through his teeth with a kind smile. Avery rolled his eyes and huffed away, taking Snape with him.

The moment they were gone James burst out laughing, and Regulus let out a few small giggles.

“God, I fucking hate those pricks.” James managed through laughter, Regulus nodded with a smile. 

They spent the rest of the time phasing in and out of topics. Mostly racing. Till Remus came to get Reg, looking a tad dishevelled but overall in a sober state. They left, and James fears he may like the rookie racer more than he first thought.