Daylight

The soft song of a early morning Black bird gets lost in the rattle of cicadas. The sun blares down on him despite it only being 7am. He steps onto the gravel from his plane, prepared to do his best this week for Miami. He did pretty well in China, placing second. Only 0.3 seconds behind his boyfriends deep red Ferrari.

Boyfriend .

He feels like giggling like a school girl at those words. They agreed to become official, kinda, after the China quali’s. 

“Hey, ready for this week?” Barty walked up to him. Despite them both dating other drivers, they still flew with each other to every GP. 

“Yeah, everyone knows Miami is a big money grab. I’ll be doing more waving and baby kissing than actual driving.” Regulus laughed as his friend bumped his shoulder. 

“Yeah, but it will be kinda fun. Might take some pressure off everything. Your parents won’t be here and with your home race coming up. Also the Emilia-Romagna is also an important race since your Nona lived here.” 

“Yes, I am aware of how important they are.” Regulus sighed and ran his hands over his face. “Sorry, thanks for being here.”

“Well, I am being paid. But even if I wasn't, I would cheer for RAB13 any day.” Barty smirked and dodged Regulus’ punch. He runs to the car and Regulus joins him. They both start laughing in the car.

“Well, hello there kids.” Remus is sitting across from them with a smile.

“What’s up, Moons.” Barty uses the nickname they gave him in F2 after learning of his names origins.

“Nothing, you seem to have more going on.”

“Oh, just Junior reminding me of the upcoming races that are marked as the most important races of my career. At least to me.” Regulus sighs dramatically, he really is Sirius’ brother.

Growing up Regulus wasn’t a Mummy's Boy, or a Daddy’s Boy. He was Sirius’ boy. Always has been. Regulus smiles thinking of his first words, which had been ‘Siri’ in contrast to what his parents hoped for. 

“Come on, Stella. You’ll do great.” Remus’ words were slow and caring. “Just not as great as mmm-“ his sentence gets cut off by a cushion being thrown at his face by Regulus. 

“Alright, dickheads. Time to kiss babies' heads.” Lily opens the door and Regulus can see all of the people waiting for them. He sent Barty a look causing him to roll his eyes and nod.

“They don’t give a shit about me.” Barty grumbles but gets out of the car.

They both step out and are deafened by screams. Regulus can hear a young boy screeching his name and can’t help but laugh. Remus hears it too because he sends a smile to Regulus.

“ Regulus! Regulus! Regulus! Regulus! Reg-“ the kid chokes on his air and starts coughing. Regulus is worried for a moment but looks to see him laughing and decides to walk over.

“Hi.” Regulus smiles at the young boy decked out in Mercedes gear.

“H-hi.” The kid stammers out handing Regulus a Mercedes hat for him to sign. 

“I better not see this on EBay.” Regulus laughs and walks away, he can hear the boy freaking out to his father and a few laughs.

“Regulus Black, making girls and boys go crazy since ‘04.” Remus laughs.

“Shut it.” Regulus signs a few more hats, a few body parts of people wanting to get his signature tattooed (which he will forever find strange but also cool), he signs one pair of breasts( which is even weirder but he will comply), and someone asks him to sign their baby's head. Which he politely declines, he isn’t a doctor he doesn’t know what Sharpei to the head will do to a kid. He tries to keep his signature neat, he has had the large cursive swirls down since he was a kid so it isn’t too hard. He still mocks Remus’ little signature in print to this day.

“Can we go now?” He wines in Lily’s ear.

“Just a few more photos, don’t look at me like that. I know.” She says and positions him with a few celebrities which he knows but can’t quite name. 

The team principal, Slughorn, comes and takes a few photos, signs a few things, says he has faith in his drivers and the car, and leaves. Y’know, team principal stuff. 

“I wanna go take a nap.” Remus sighs, he is valid though. The jump from Paris time to Miami isn’t for the weak. But they can sleep till the night or they will be tired all week, and that won’t do them any good.

“Come one, let’s go get something to eat.” Regulus ushers them to the car.

“Thank god.” Barty mutters.

The salty air that hits James is a large contrast to what he was used to in London, but a welcomed one. Being near the beach always reminded him of the house his parents had in Marbella. 

Regulus would love it there. He thought, now that they have made it official he couldn’t help but think of the future. Holidays and vacations they could spend together, off season when they could walk their cities together without fear. Well without as much fear, a lot could happen in these next months.

But James can’t help but think of the future as bright, he doesn’t want to think of it as anything else.

But they have barely begun the season and aren’t allowed to make “political statements” which coming out as gay is seen as. Though teams can bring presidential candidates and controversial figures as celebrity guests?

(No seriously wtf McLaren??? Trump???)

Bullshit, that’s what James thinks it is. He isn’t allowed to stand up for what he believes in, let alone have a public relationship with the man he loves. Many drivers do their best to make statements without getting in trouble, small things. But they can only do so much. And while Regulus has a history of fighting this rule, something this big can shatter their careers. And they both can't afford that. 

“What's on your mind, brotherfucker?” Sirius’ voice fills the car. 

“Can't you just let it go?” James sighs. Sirius hasn't called James his actual name since before he found out about the relationship. 

“Are you going to stop fucking my brother? Didn't think so.” Sirius draws out the ‘so’ for emphasis. 

“Okay then, what's going on with you and Lupin?” Sirius’ mouth closes immediately. 

“I- nothing, we are friends.”

“Friends? Sirius I have been your friend since our carting days. I know how you act when you are in a relationship and this isn't a friendship.” James is tired of watching them sneak off together and not knowing what is going on. He likes to know people's business, sue him. He was interested, and Sirius is his best friend, he has some right to know at least a little bit. 

“I, fuck, James. Yes, we have been seeing each other since the start of the season and-”

“Start of the season!” James cuts him off, baffled by how long it has been going on.

“Shh, lemme finish. We told Lily and she said to keep it a secret, for our own good. Don't be mad, okay? I really like him, and I think he really likes me.`` Sirius looks so insecure, it's weird. James has seen Sirius go in and out of many relationships, he was a bisexual man and did not necessarily deny the stereotypes. 

“Okay, I am happy for you. When are you gonna tell Reg?” That was a big part in this, Regulus. Remus is his best friend, at least on the grid. They have been as close as brothers since F3. Now, James knows Regulus is a cool guy, he takes things with very little care. But James also knows how insecure he gets with relationships. And that could feel like a betrayal. Sirius took it better than they thought, but Sirius isn't scared of losing James, Regulus is in a constant state of fear of being left.

James remembers a story Regulus told him one night. When Regulus was a kid, anytime his mother would stop by the shop and leave Regulus in the car, he would have her give him her ID so she had to go back. He was always scared of people in his family or his friends leaving him. It left James with a terrible hollow feeling, the fact that Regulus, even at such a young age, was so scared of people leaving him. 

He is on meds now so maybe he will take it better. Maybe.

“I think at the end of the day, Regulus wants to see us happy. I feel the same, I am not exactly ecstatic about you being with my brother. But I can see how happy you make him. He always looks relaxed near you, and like he can talk to you freely. I have never seen him like that with anyone but me or Barty. Remus makes me feel like I can take a breath, I can just live and be enough for him.” Sirius confesses his voice is quieter.

“I feel a similar way with Regulus. Maybe all we needed was shy nerds to be happy.” They both laugh to themselves.

The car comes to a stop and they both know what they need to do. Most people think Formula One is all driving, but that is only a small part of it. Most of it is publicity, and Miami is a massive public stunt. They spend the majority of their time making videos, doing interviews, and meeting fans. Not actually driving. 

“Okay, James, Frank ready to-” Mary opens the door with force her brown eyes meeting theirs. “Sirius, where is Frank? Never mind, just come on. I have a thing to be at.” Mary sighs.

“Does that ‘thing’ happen to include Petter?” James wiggles his eyebrows at her and Sirius joins him. She rolls her eyes and ushers them out.

Cameras are clicking and fans are screaming. James has to sign a bunch of Ferrari hats, photos, and fanarts. He doesn't mind the whole fanfare thing, but it gets a bit ecghstasting. Especially when he has plans to meet his boyfriend for breakfast and really does not want to be late. 

They take a few photos and his team principal comes to join them. Minerva McGonagall. He adores her, she spotted him when he was young and made it a point to sign him. He can't imagine driving for another team. Sirius joins a few photos but as a RedBull driver it isn't really important. His Principal, Albus Dumbledor, isn't known for being very social. So it is very rare to see him anywhere off the track.  

“Can we go now?” James asks Mary as she checks her phone.

“Actually, yeah. Get Sirius I wanna go.” She gets in the passenger seat quickly.

“Sirius, SIrius, SIrius!” He whisper yells trying to get his friends attention. Sirius looks up from a painting he is signing. “Let’s go!” Sirius runs after him and they get into the car. 

“So then, you know Dorian always reminds me of Sirius, he has a breakdown over wrinkles. Which-” Regulus cuts himself off releasing how much he has been talking. “Sorry.”

“What? Why are you apologising?” James asks sitting straighter in his chair.

“You don't- sorry. I am talking a lot.” Regulus feels like he is shrinking is his chair. He has always kept to himself and stays on the calmer side. Something about being with James makes it all feel so easy. 

“No, I was listening. I like listening to you talk. I like the way you say things.” James says and Regulus must have actual stars in his eyes. Where has this man been all his life?

“Umm well, I just really liked it and yeah.” Regulus sits father in his chair.

“No, no. You're cutting yourself short. I wanna know more.” James continues arguing. Regulus smiles and continues his talk about The Picture Of Dorian Grey. He quiets his voice a bit more, but James still listens with all the interest in the world. It makes Regulus feel more loved than anything. 

It was a good racing day. The sun is high in the sky and the is no threat of a cloud covering it. Regulus is swaying the car from the left to the right as to warm up his tyres. 

He hopes it will help the medium keep there grip on the many turns of the Miami circuit. Which he should be more worried about his boyfriend, Ferraris habit of either not starting or steering properly. But Mercedes struggle with grip I hot conditions, which this is, and bouncing. They all have there issues.

Like the very long rant Evan went on yesterday about the slowness of his McLaren, which they are not wrong. McLaren historically has the slower cars, at least none of them drive for Williams. 

And Redbull, while having the best car on the paddock, has a few, inappropriate accusations against them. 

At least Regulus’ team hires women, but he can’t blame Sirius for that. And the F1 academy seems to be getting more traction, though not nearly enough. Regulus could speak up about the unfair rules for the female drivers. They can’t not drive over 240 kms while a Formula One driver has no technical speed limit, though cars do have their own limitations. 

But Regulus is unable to speak on ‘political matters’ as it causes controversy. It’s bullshit, absolute bullshit. It is the main thing holding James and Regulus off from going public with their relationship, Regulus can only imagine the talk it would cause. Bloody prudes. 

Regulus’ car is currently placed in P2, behind, which was a shocker to them all. Ted Tonks, who, after a long and fruitful racing career, curating five world championships, hasn’t placed on the podium in three seasons. Which, you’d think being sat in the fastest and most skilled car on the paddock, should be driving better. Maybe the car just doesn’t work with him. The driver’s relationship with the car is just as important as the car itself. 

“Okay, Stella. The conditions are hot and dry, so let’s hope the car doesn’t fuck up. Just drive the best you can, I have every faith in you. I don’t expect a box before lap 30. Hopefully we can find a proper time before that. Ted’s dried out, just push him, he will fall behind.” Bartys scratchy voice comes through the radio. Regulus want to win, not just place well. He hasn’t had a win yet, which, a win in one’s rookie season is rare at best. It still hurts that Regulus has come so close but fallen just a little short every time. Every. Time. 

It’s infuriating.

“Got it.” Regulus quips.

“What’s up? You’re doing great, P2 in your rookie season! No one can deny your place in Formula One. You’ll get a win eventually, but it isn’t expected in your first season. Remember Sirius’ shit show of a first season?” Barty chuckles. 

“Yeah, I know. I know. Just I really that win.” Regulus feels like crying though he isn’t sure why. The burning between his eyes is distracting. Fuck fuck fuck . 

“Hey, hey, hey. Starai bene. Non mi frega un cazzo se vinci o dnf. Sei il mio migliore amico, mio fratello e il mio primo amore. Ti sei provato molto. Ti posso garantire un titolo negli anni a venire. Dagli tempo, i tuoi pazienti potrebbero sentirsi inutili. Ma il risultato sarà fruttuoso. Guida veloce e duro, piccolo.” Barty’s italian is smooth and his voice goes an octave lower. It puts him a little st ease, not only the words, but the language. Speaking in a language that you didn’t learn till you were 10 years of age all the time is exhausting. Hearing someone speak in his preferred language is a relaxing feat.

“Grazie, Barty. Sarei davvero perso senza di te.” Regulus laughs, he can’t tell if it grows from nervousness or relief.

“Amen, brother.” Barty announces. 

“3,2,1, and its is flag up and away we go! The first lap of the third Miami Grand Prix has begun!” 

The car fly off and Ted remains in first. The first turn is soft but quickly followed by another. His car is quick and appears free of issue.

All the turns are smooth till the first, and of only two, comes. His car steals to the curb a tad but he controls it and regains control. 

“ First lap has come and gone with only one notable overtake Lockhart, who has taking the placing from his own teammate, Mulciber. Tonks has defended his pole, but Regulus Black is only .9 seconds behind and we are coming up to a DRS zone.”

“Okay, Stella. Do you think you can get a tad bit closer to Ted before entering DRS zone?” Barty’s voice fills his head.

“Yeah, he seems to be defending rather weekly so I think I can position myself to overtake him.” Regulus states trying to keep his eyes on the blue and pink Alpine I front of him. 

“Good, you are now .5 behind and in DRS zone. Now, Reg.” Regulus presses the small yellow button on his wheel and feels the car speed up. He smoothly glides past Ted and can’t help the smile on his face as he holds pole for two more laps.

“Okay, watch out for Potter. Ted has fallen behind three positions. He is 1.6 behind.” Regulus nods though Barty can’t see him. 

Regulus checks his mirror to see the bright blue Ferrari not far behind him, why they changed to blue for Miami. Regulus has no idea, seems a bit useless and odd to cover up the classic Ferrari red. But the car still looks sleek.

Lap 49 now, why hasn’t he pitted. 

“Barty, shouldn’t I box?” What’s going on?

“The strategy engineer say no?” It sounds like a question. What the fuck . “I don’t know, but you can’t box, sorry.” 

“I’m driving in almost 50 lap old tyres, I’m slowing down. Fuck.” Barty sighs and they stop talking for only a few moment.

“Lockhart has crashed, safety car is coming out.” 

“Box?”

“Still no.”

“Fuck.”

“Yes, i know but I can’t do anything.” Barty sighs and Regulus sees James move to box. Okay they gotta be messing with him.

“All lap cars stay in position.” Regulus does so staying behind the blue Ferrari.

It is now mid way through second to last lap when Barty comes back on radio.

“He changed his mind?” Barty states sounding confused.

“What?” Okay someone is messing with him.

“You can drive now.” But at this point multiple cars have passed him, placing him in fourth with old fucking tyres.

It’s now the last lap and he is trying to defend his place with 56 lap old tyres while also trying to move up on the podium, which after James and Regulus were told to stay put. Is now dominated by Ted Tonk, Evan Rosier, and Remus Lupin.

Fuck his life.

“What the fuck was that?” James swiftly walks to Regulus after placing fifth in the shit show that was the Miami GP.

(Not really, LETS GO LANDO, LANDO IS OKAY!!!!)

“Don’t ask me!” Regulus is clearly pissed, but his eyes look…hurt? 

“Are they allowed to change their mind mid safety car lap?”

“I am unsure, it seems like foul play?” Regulus’ voice is a sweet break after the race. James wants to pull him into his arms and never let go, but they are surrounded by cameras so that feels like a fever dream.

“Yeah, fuck. I really don’t feel like taking about it.” Regulus nods at his words his eyes drooping in a tired way. But James has a feeling Regulus is feeling a tad hollow, the racing season takes a toll on everyone, and Regulus places high expectations on himself a top of everyone else’s.

“How about we ditch everyone and just go back to my hotel and get takeout?” James proposes, he really doesn’t feel up to dinner with everyone.

“Oh, thank god. I didn’t want to be the one to say it.” They both laugh but swiftly stop when they see Lily run towards them.

“You two might as well just make out on the paddock for Christ sake. Come on, come on. Just do interviews together.” Lily rush’s then to the press. “Don’t complain, this is your job .” God Lily can be scary.

“I am sorry, I know you are upset about the race. Rightfully so, you were robbed. And you should be able to live outwardly but you can’t, and that sucks ass. But pleas let’s finish this so we can go home to our people.” Lily pleads in a kind voice.

“And who is your person, my lovely Lily flower?” The smirk on Regulus’ is filled with humour and admiration for him friend.

“You know about me and Pandora, don’t look at me like that!” The blush on her face is such a deep red that it appears she has been burned by the Miami sun.

“You two are lovely together, flower.” Regulus pokes his flushed cheek and walks off with James in tow.

“So you two appear to have formed quite the friendship.” A middle aged lady laughs. Friendship? The word makes James want to laugh out loud, he looks to Regulus. Who’s eyes, one a dark green the other an equally dark grey, both shining with humour. 

“Yes, I thought that my brother, though not the brightest bulb, must have some reason to have latched onto him all these years.” Regulus words seem practised yet true. They both let out soft laughs.

“Well  we are excited to see what you two will bring on and off the grid.” The woman, Angela, walks off allowing them to also leave. 

“You’re my best friend, Reggie.” James leans down and giggles in his ear, earning a swat to the arm. 

“You are the most annoying human I have ever-“ Regulus’ words get cut off by Barty jumping on him.

“The fuck was the fucking race?!” Barty screams.

“You think I know. Driving on 57 lap old tyres, who even thought of that.” Regulus mumbles his words, casting his gaze to the ground.

“I’ll have you know that was not my idea.” Barty throws his hands up in defence.

“Better not have been.”

“Okay, come Mi estrella. Do you want Greek or Italian takeout?” James jumps into their butting heads as to slow down the conversation.

“God is that even a question?” Regulus giggles stepping into the rental car.

“Why don't they just like go back in time and kill baby Darth Vader, if they have access to all this space tech stuff?” Regulus asks, his head resting on James’ chest and he is wearing one of James’ old sweatshirts, which is at least 4 sizes too large. 

James had learned that Regulus had never seen a Star War movie and decided to change that, but Reg doesn't seem to understand what is exactly going on. 

“I, I don't know. Wouldn't the current timeline stay the same?” James counters trying to keep this ridiculous conversation going.

“I don't know, maths and science was never my best.”

“What maths and science were my favourite subjects!” James wasn't the best in school but he understood maths well, maye just in comparison to his english and history grades. He never understood why every piece of writing had to be so deep and dissected. Also, what was wrong with the occasional Diary of A Wimpy Kid, which was apparently not ‘real literature’. God, he hated his English professor. 

“Oh, English and history was my favourite. I was in all AP but did best in those. If racing didnt work out, I was going to study art history and classical literature. I got accepted into Oxford but didn't go.” Regulus states as if getting accepted into one of the worlds highest ranking Universities is just a normal thing.

“Regulus, that's crazy! Why didn't I know this?” 

“Didn't seem important.” 

“Didn't seem important? You are a thing to behold for sure, love.” James laughs and turns back to the television screen, actively choosing to avoid the empty container of italian takeout they ordered a while ago, Sirius had tried to convince them to go out to dinner with them, but neither felt in the mood. Though they were very proud of Remus’ second place, especially after the shit race that occured today. 

Regulus eventually falls asleep, not making it to even halfway through the second movie. James knows the pressure he is under. His up and coming home race, which has a current curse on it because it has been decades since a Monegasque has won the Monaco Grand Prix. And the Imola Grand Prix which is his Nonna's home city, his Nonna whom he loved very much and most definitely has an expectation to win if not do well. 

James has no doubt his boyfriend will do amazing, but he worries about the pressure that he puts on his shoulders. James wishes he could take some of it for himself. But he cant, he doesn't even understand the relationship between the Black brothers and the parents, who will be in attendance at both up and coming races. James doesn't know what to do or how to help his boyfriend, who he only wants the best for.

Maybe he should call his mum.

That always helps. 

He can do that in the morning. For now, he is watching his beautiful boy sleep peacefully in his arms. He has worked so hard for this moment and he will commit it all to memory. He hopes it last the entirety of their lives, but he is so unsure of himself. Not of Regulus, but of himself. Unsure is he will mess it up or not. 

But for now all he can do is make sure Regulus feels loved and cared for. James will listen to his words with his ears wide open so as not to make the younger boy feel as if his words are being lost in the air between the two of them. Regulus has felt far too much and James has a need to put an end to it. 

Maybe James has a bias, but he loves the way Regulus says things. Everything that comes out of his mouth feels so thought over in ways that they don't come from other people. And the way Regulus views the world is so different from others. He is attentive and observing, having seen things no one thinks to pay two glances to. But not Regulus, he can find beauty in the most mundane thing. 

James has made it his life mission to appreciate every part of this boy even when he does not want the attention.

The air around him has a relaxing scent to it, because he finds his muscles relaxing and his eyes drifting closed. The stars he is doodling on Regulus’ thigh with his finger comes to a stop. His breathing levels itself out and he feels consciousness leave his body.

And he lets it happen, lets himself be relaxed.

He would want to do it anywhere else but here.