bed
Let it be known that James Potter was not a morning person. He still hadn’t fully recovered from the full moon two nights ago and getting up was a Herculean effort. He stumbled through his morning routine with eyes half closed, cursing his past self for suggesting an extra morning practice. With the upcoming game against Slytherin, they needed to fit in all the practice time they could, he had reasoned. Now, he was half tempted to let them win for five more minutes of sleep.
By the time he had changed into his Quidditch kit and made it onto the pitch, he felt at least a little more human. It still took him a minute to realize he wasn’t alone.
Regulus was hovering above the stadium, methodically scanning for the snitch. He was too far away to see clearly, but James had watched him fly enough times to fill in the blanks. James had memorized the way his cheeks reddened in the frigid winter air. How his curls tangled due to the wind, ruining his usual picture perfect appearance. Knew that his brows were slightly furrowed, eyes hard and scrutinizing. The way his thighs bracketed the broom, and his hands looked wrapped around the handle, rings glinting in the light. James shook his head to clear that train of thought before it derailed into dangerous territory.
Regulus suddenly dove forward, a blur of green silhouetted against the overcast sky. James considered himself an excellent flyer, but Regulus was something else entirely. His speed and grace was unmatched. James found himself breathless just from watching him.
Regulus must have noticed he had an audience, because he added a flourish to his catch before flying down and landing in front of him. He looked exactly how James imagined he would, pink cheeks and windblown hair. James’ hands ached to tuck a stray curl back into place.
“Nice flying out there, Black,” James said, tightening his hold on his broom.
“Scoping out the competition, Potter?” Regulus retorted, with a cool look.
“Nah, just enjoying the view,” James smirked. He felt a thrill as Regulus’ flush deepened. “You’re here early. Couldn’t sleep?”
“Needed to clear my head. I didn’t know you Gryffindors were capable of waking up before noon.”
“As captain, I thought a little more time on the pitch wouldn’t hurt our chances of absolutely demolishing Slytherin at the game. You can stay for a little preview if you’d like.”
“No need. I already know your team needs the extra practice,” Regulus responded, then lowered his voice and glanced up at James through his eyelashes. “Captain.”
James bit the inside of his cheek to stop any sounds from escaping, and he definitely wasn’t thinking of Regulus saying that in any other context.
Regulus smirked as if he could read his mind before heading for the changing rooms. When he reached James’ side, he hesitated for a second.
“I'll see you later?” Regulus asked quietly. The little furrow was back between his brows.
This time James let himself reach out and brush the errant curl behind the other boy’s ear. Regulus relaxed into the touch. “I’ll be there.”
Regulus smiled, and it felt like the sun had come out.
Marlene caught up to him after practice. “You’re awfully chipper this morning,” she said, watching him out of the corner of her eye.
James grinned at her. “Found something worth getting out of bed for.”