“And there you can see center Regulus Black kiss his necklace again, something that has become a ritual after each goal.”
“Makes you wonder where he got that necklace,”
Regulus looked up at the stands and saw the box where the announcers sat, commenting on his goal. And of course what he does after each goal.
He puts his necklace, a simple antler pendant with a star on the peak, back into his jersey.
The game was over, Regulus’s team winning 6 to 2. He skated over to the edge of the rink and hopped out, sitting on the bench and untying his skates. He had played the entire game and his feet were going to be very sore.
“Speak of the devil!” Reg looked up to shouts as he walked into the locker room.
“Hey man, what’s going on with that necklace?”
He looked over at Barty Crouch Jr. his teammate and best friend.
“Yeah, that’s the second time they’ve commented on it in a row,” Evan Rosier chimed in.
“I don't know what you’re on about, I've had this for like 3 years.”
Reg sat down next to Barty and Evan at his locker.
“Yeah but you only started kissing it like that a few months ago,” Barty leaned back and grabbed his shirt, throwing it over his head. “Come to think of it, that was around the time that you and James broke up…”
Regulus stood up, tired with their antics and just wanting to shower. “I don’t know what youre talking about.” He grabbed his towel and left the locker room, ignoring the looks from his teammates.
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James watched from the stands as Regulus scored another goal. He watched as Regulus reached into his jersey and pulled out his necklace, giving it a small kiss and putting it back. The necklace that had been causing so much commotion this season. The one everyone wanted to know about.
The necklace James had given regulus for their 1 year anniversary. The necklace of that which a twin was hanging around James’s neck.
James was also in the NHL, but he played as a goalie for his team until recently. So no one noticed that James had been kissing a necklace for years after each goal his teammates scored.
James went to all of Reg's matches that he could, he had started when they were dating, but even afterwards it was hard to stop.
But tomorrow's match was different. Tomorrow James and Regulus will play against each other. Both as centers, meaning they would be spending a lot of time together.
James hopes that they will get to talk before the game.
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Regulus was not excited for this game, he knew it would happen eventually, they had played against each other multiple times while they had been dating, but luckily, they hadn't had to since they broke up 4 months ago.
Regulus had called it off so he could focus on his team more after being promoted to team captain. But after 4 months he knew he shouldn’t have.
Regulus missed James with all of his soul. He missed the way james’ smile could light up everyroom. He missed the way James could make him laugh on his worst days. He missed the way they were together. Regulus missed the way he could be open with james. Regulus missed the way James loved him. Regulus missed the way they would call every night they weren't together. Regulus missed the way James would run his fingers through Reg's hair when they kissed. Regulus missed the way James was always there when Reg needed him. Everynight when he prayed to the stars, he asked for forgiveness from the constellations.
Regulus was sitting on the bench, tying he skates on before the game. He was confident in his teammates' skill. He was confident in his own skill. He was confident in the stars.
He just hoped that James knew that.
On the ice, James’ team was warming up, skating up and down the rink. Regulus watched the way James moved on the ice, like he knew he was meant to be there. He pranced the way a deer prances through the woods. Completely at ease. Sure in every step.
James’ face was set in concentration, the stress and anticipation for the match clear on his face. He was just as confident as Regulus.
Regulus stood up from his bench and led the team onto the ice as the announcers greeted them. Regulus skated around the rink once and stopped in the middle, facing the other side. His team set up behind him as he slid forward to meet the ref and the other captain, which just so happened to be James.
“Alright, you boys ready?” Regulus avoided James’ gaze as he listened to the Ref list the rules of the game. He didn’t look up as they shook hands, focusing on the feeling of James’ hand in his.
Regulus skated back as the Ref blew the whistle to start the game.
By half time the two teams were tied 4 to 4. The teams were equally matched, but the fact that the two centers seemed to avoid each other was a damper on the winning scores. Everyone on both teams knew that the scores would be higher if James and Regulus would go near each other.
Regulus was sitting on the bench, catching his breath and fiddling with his necklace unconsciously.
“Hey,”
He looked up at the sound of a soothing voice, one that he could recognize anywhere,
James.
“Can I sit?” James pointed at the bench next to Regulus. Reg nodded and looked back down.
They sat in uncomfortable silence for a minute, both holding their breath, waiting for the other to say something. Finally James broke the silence,
“Reg, I’ve seen your matches.” He took his gloves off and Regulus gasped quietly as he saw the bracelet that was wrapped around James’ wrist. One with a matching charm to the necklace Regulus held.
“Your team has really benefited from you as captain. You're doing a really good job.”
Regulus looked up at James, who was already watching him. “thank you,” Regulus let out a whisper. “Reg?” James was searching Regulus’ eyes, looking for an answer before he even asked. “Reg, do you miss me?”
What a selfish question, regulus thought. Of Course he did, anyone could tell he did. “Yes,” Regulus looked down at his hands. “Yes, of course I do”
James breathed out a sigh of relief. “Good, that means I can do this” James put his hand on Regulus’ cheek and pulled his face towards his.
“James?” Regulus searched James’ eyes for an answer to the unspoken question.
“Reg, I have missed you everyday you’ve been gone. I can’t handle the distance. I need you back. I love you, I love you more than I know. More than you will ever know.” James leaned forwards, still staring into regulus’ wide blue eyes. “Please, tell me you feel the same. Tell me I'm not delusional when I see you kiss your necklace. Tell me I haven’t been dreaming of this moment for nothing.”
Regulus rushed forward before James could take another breath. He pressed his lips against James’. Feeling his breath catch. James moved his hands to the sides of Regulus’ face as he embraced the kiss.
Regulus pulled away and pressed their foreheads together. They both took deep breaths and started talking at the same time,
“Of course I-”
“I understa-”
They laughed and looked at eachother, “you go” James breathed out.
“Of course I feel the same. I made a huge mistake breaking up with you and I’m so sorry. I completely understand if you can’t forgive me. I was just worried about being a captain”
“Oh my lord-” James pressed a kiss to Regulus’ lips again, “Reggie, I just confessed my love to you, and you have the audacity to ask if I forgive you”
He chuckled at Regulus’ thoughts.
Regulus blushed at his words, realizing something,
“James, I love you. And I don’t ever want to miss you again. I never want to be apart.”
“I feel the exact same mera sitaara”