Closure
[Closure| Valentine's Special: Greatest Love]
[7:15/15:13]
.
[The screen shows black after the two boys says the word ‘fuck’ side to side in an incredible show of editing.]
[After two seconds, words begin to appear.]
Will facing their greatest love finally heal the wounds that are buried deep within our guest for today?
Or will it reopen upon seeing the greatest wish their heart calls for?
***
Regulus and James are finally shown at the screen once again, they are seating face to face, their blindfolds still intact.
Although the silence is deafening in a video that was once filled with chatter, the audience can hear their panic with the way they carry themselves.
Regulus is still, too still for anyone alive. His whole body is stiff, except for his hands that seem to be shaking. He does not show even an ounce of calmness in his demeanor. What the audience once deemed as an untouchable man in the beginning of the video was nowhere to be found.
James, on the other hand, is bouncing with energy. He feels like his body is filled with electrical currents, reaching for the source. One cannot determine if it was because of excitement or nervousness, the way he is acting. Even himself.
“Okay, you may now take your blindfolds off."
A beat.
And then another one.
And another.
Their eyes meet, and it feels as if the universe can finally breathe
The video is designed to make an audience root for an end. To close a chapter that you somehow tattooed to your soul.
Closure.
Yet.
Why does seeing these two strangers stare at each other for a while make people believe that there is love after all?
***
“Please re-introduce yourselves."
The sentence reminded the two men where they currently are, breaking the long eye contact they were having.
"I'm-”
"Reggie.” James Potter breathes. He feels as if the chains in his lungs are cracked open by force, the air feels nicer. The weather seems kinder. The sun shines brighter. “He's Regulus. My Regulus. Was my Regulus?"
He cleared his throat, "I mean- His name is Regulus. Regulus Arcturus Black.” He looked at Regulus with adoration that feels like born inside his bones. “The love of my life."
Regulus all but melts. “And you're James. My Jamie," He paused. "Wait, I'm the love of your life?”
"I'm your Jamie?" James questioned back. Two words beating with his heart. My Jamie. My Jamie. His.
“That's all you got from what I said?"
James smiled at his deadpan expression. It reminded him of the good old times. Best times. When everything is in place. "Always baby, always," He then replied his two eyebrows going up and down
Regulus can't help but smile. It's him. He's here.
“You're here."
“You are, too."
***
“Wait, what exactly are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same.” James looked at Regulus up and down, he still feels like he's dreaming. “I mean, don't get me wrong, you weren't exactly the type to do this- Well, back then… Not that I'm assuming that you're not the type of person to do that now!! Are you?”
“James, breathe," he said smiling, to the now panicked and rambling mess across him. "And to answer your question, I'm not."
James tilted his head to the side, still not looking away from Regulus. “Then why?"
“Well I was here because I lost a bet, so… “
"Wait, you did?!”
"Yeah, what about you?” Regulus asked, leaning forward to get closer to the other man.
James, still gob smacked about what happened, took a deep breath. "I can't believe you finally lost, I need to break my ‘no contact with your friends rule’ and congratulate them,’’ He looked at Regulus, his face now wearing a bittersweet expression. “Damn, I missed so much…”
Silence enveloped them for a couple of seconds, making them both reflect on the two years they had to live apart. They missed a lot about the other. A lot of laughs. Achievements.
Two years seems short, but when you count how many days, minutes, seconds, you spent without the person you want to spend it with, It feels like forever.
“Anyways, I'm here because I thought I was um- I thought it was a survey form,” The silence is finally broken with James, picking up where their conversation left off.
Regulus just stared at him blankly, “...You thought… How even?”
"Marlene.”
"Makes sense.”
***
"The segment for today is greatest love, what do you think that implies?”
Once again, silence took over the room. They both know why they're here. And if they were made to meet up…
James looked at Regulus. Is he? He knew that Regulus loved him. Of course he knows that! But greatest? He didn't think so. But this show took that belief and said ‘actually, no.’ Regulus is looking at him now, and James has the opportunity to ask, they've lost so many more opportunities just because they refused to ask, so James is not repeating that mistake here.
He took a deep breath and looked at Regulus seriously. "Am I?”
"Yes. Am I?”
Regulus didn't even miss a beat. He didn't even blink. He just answered like it was the simplest, easiest question he was ever asked.
James was having a mind blowing realization but he can't leave Regulus’ own question unanswered. “Yes, of course! That's not even a question.”
"James, you said earlier that you thought that your greatest love does not consider you as his greatest love, how do you feel now, knowing the opposite?”
James didn't think he ever felt more betrayed in his life.
This beats the Peter incident.
This beats Remus leaving him after it sank in that he was crushing on Sirius' brother
Hell, this beats Sirius eating all of the cookies his mom made.
He looked at the interviewer with betrayal, making them force a laugh as they looked away. Traitors.
Regulus on the other hand leans back against the chair whilst looking at James with a hurt expression. “You didn't think I loved you?"
James leaned forward in panic. “What? No, baby, I did! I just didn't think I was the greatest, you know?"
"There was no other option, you were always it for me. Greatest isn't even enough to encompass what I feel for you.” Regulus said each word with vigor, emphasizing each syllable, hoping that every word he said will make James understand even a fraction of how much he feels for him.
James’ eyes are glistening and his bottom lip is between his teeth. He looks at Regulus like he wants. Just wants.
“I-" He looked away, contemplating. “Me too."
Two words.
And for Regulus, that was enough.
***
"Why did you break up?”
James wished he knew the answer to that. He knew Regulus didn't want to. But he doesn't know why.
He looked at Regulus, waiting for him to answer.
“My mother," Regulus said. “She was alive back then." “
James expected it. He knew it had something to do with Regulus' family. But hearing him say it makes him sigh with both relief and hatred.
Relief because he was right, Regulus didn't want to end them. He wasn't delusional!
Hatred because how dare she? Why did she always have to ruin every single happiness the brothers have?
“My mother was a terrible woman.” He looked at the camera. "And I was her favorite son. So she did her best to try and keep me... She found out about me and James, that morning, she called me to my father's study and demanded that I go break it off with him.”
He looked away from the camera, and instead looked directly at James. "I said I didn't want to, I was ready then to run. Like my brother did. But she smiled, Walburga never smiles at you except when she knows she won. She threatened me that she'll hurt Sirius, my brother, if I didn't.” Regulus took a deep breath. “I thought to myself, she can't hurt Sirius, he already got away! But then I remembered Remus was finally getting treatment at some hospital, the same one she acquired a few months ago…”
“Reg-"
“I did it. I broke James' heart that same night." He bit his lower lip. “I broke your heart. You should be angry at me, James. But please believe me when I said I didn't want to.”
James was just looking at Regulus, not even moving.
"Jamie? Please say something. Shout at me! Scream! Just say something, please.” Regulus said desperately, he feels so bare. He just now, announced his big secret to the world, to James.
“You did well, love." James finally spoke, he cut himself off before he could say the next part. Not yet. Not now. “I'm proud of you."
“I did?"
“I wish you didn't have to, I hate that you had to, but in the circumstance that was forced on you, you did great." He smiled at Regulus before standing up. “Can I hug you? Please?"
Regulus just stood up and ran towards him, enveloping him in a hug. James feels warm, he feels so… homey.
“You did well. I'm so proud of you." James whispered. “So proud, love."
“James?" Regulus called, tightening his hold.
"Hm?”
"I'm glad she's dead.”
"Me too, Reg. Me fucking too.”
***
[The video was once again covered in darkness after those words.]
[The dark screen typing out a sentence.]
We gave them a small break as we prepared the studio for the next part.
***
[The two men are seated at a small table. They are facing each other, an impossibly large bottle of alcohol, a jug of what appears to be some-kind of juice, and cards are placed between them.]
[In the middle of the screen, words appear.]
Truth or Drink
We asked our guests to play a game of truth or drink about their past relationship.
“When did you break up?"
Regulus squinted his eyes then proceeded to recite exact numbers. "Two years, two months, and three days."
James just stares “You memorized that?"
"Yeah, I've been keeping track,” Regulus replied, raising one of his eyebrows. " You didn't?”
"I did.” He looked away. "I try to do my favorite things on our break up anniversary so I don't cry.”
“My friends usually buy me a tub of ice cream to accompany me in my misery.”
"Cookie dough?”
"No, It reminds me of you because you used to buy them for me so I get more sad. They buy me mint.”
James gapes. “You hate mint.”
"Can't hate it if it becomes my constant comfort food for two years now."
"I hate that you can't eat your favorite food because of me.”
“Don't do that," Regulus shook his head. “Don't blame yourself."
"Wanna get cookie dough ice cream after this?”
Regulus mouth shuts itself. “I'd love to."
***
It was Regulus' turn to pick a card.
“Last words.”
“Huh? That's it." Regulus flips the card towards the camera.
James looks at the crew and chuckles. “You guys are evil."
Regulus just looks at him curiously.
He continues to talk towards the crew, “Be honest, did you guys just add this now after hearing my answer earlier?" The answer cannot be heard by the camera but James just pointed toward where the crew is and shouted. “I KNEW IT!"
"I don't get it.” Regulus said, looking back and forth at James and the crew. He looked at the camera, “Am I the only one confused?"
“You guys just need to tell each other your last words."
“Oh. Uhh-" Regulus looked at the crew pleadingly. “Which one?"
“Whatever you want."
“I tried. I'm sorry. I love you." James recited.
Regulus looked at him, surprised.
“Those were your last words, right?"
"How did you-”
"I heard you, you think I didn't but I did."
Regulus just looked at the card in his hand, contemplating. “Why didn't you stop me, then?"
"I was hurting. You told me you lied about wanting me.” James looked at him, “About loving me."
“I've always been a liar."
“That you are." James said with a hint of amusement. "Knowing you didn't really want to break up helped, though. I couldn't hate you, and I couldn't move on.”
“I did love you, though."
“I know."
***
James read the next card, "What do your friends think of me?”
Regulus smirked, "They fucking loathe you."
“Why?"
“Because I couldn't shut up about you, especially after the break up." He looked at James sheepishly. “I was a proper mess."
"See, people said we should be happy if our ex admits that, but I'm just sad now thinking how much you suffered. I hate that.”
“Well, we're here now so…”
"That we are, love. Cheers!" He said, before chugging one shot of the otherwise untouched alcohol between them.
“I don't think we have to drink that."
“Yeah but it's free!"
“Yeah, okay." Regulus just watched him, smiling. "How about yours?”
"Huh??”
"Your friends. What do they think of me?”
"I have the right to remain silent."
Regulus just chuckles at the man's antics. “They hate me, huh?"
“No, they don't. I didn't let them." James poured another shot and smiled. "I'd hate them if they did.”
"That's…”
"What?”
"I honestly don't know.”
***
"What process did you do to get over me?” Regulus reads.
James took the shot, then proceeded to answer. “I’m not over you.”
Regulus just stares at him and blinks. "I don't think that's how the game works.”
"Fuck the game." James smiled. “I'm not over you. I will never be over you."
Regulus cleared his throat. " Processes? I mean surely you tried, I did! I'd feel shitty if you didn't.”
"Oh! Yeah I did!" James chuckles, “But even if I didn't, you don't have to feel shitty, love."
Regulus let out a breath he was holding. “Okay. How, though?"
"You sure? You're kinda the jealous type.”
"Hypocrite.”
"Hey! I never said I wasn't one.” James said, whilst pointing his index finger towards Regulus. "Anyways, I tried dating apps, blind dates, and other stuff.”
Regulus raised his brow, “You and dating apps? What was your profile? You, holding a fish?"
James just looked away.
"No fucking way.”
"Next question, please."
***
“Do you still love me?" James read. He then proceeded to pour two shots of alcohol giving Regulus one.
"Drink up, love.” James says, his voice soft.
"Huh?”
"We're not answering it. At least not here.” He smiled apologetically at the camera. "We're going to talk but not here, not with cameras"
"I'm pretty sure they already know, James.”
"Well, I don't. And I don't wanna find out here.”
Regulus sighs, accepting the drink. “You know I only need to drink, not you."
“I'm making you, so I'm joining you. Cheers."
"Cheers.”
***
"What should I change about myself in my next relationship?” Regulus asked.
“Nothing.” James just shrugs. "That was easy."
“Nothing? Not even one?"
“Nope.” James looks at him like he was asking a stupid question. "You're perfect."
“I'm certainly not."
“You areee."
“No human is perfect, James."
“You must be a god then."
"You are getting cancelled.”
“For speaking my truth?"
“James."
“Fineee, no one is perfect." He looked at the camera and mouthed ‘he is’ “But you are damn close to being one."
"Regulus sighed.
James once again broke the silence, "I don't have something for what you should change, but I do have a suggestion for what you should not.”
"What?”
"Your partner.” And the man winked. He fucking winked.
***
James flipped the card. "Regrets.”
James leaned forward, “Did you ever regret us? Me?"
Regulus poured himself a shot of alcohol and drank. In the corner of his eye, he saw James looking at the shot glass sadly.
He gently put the glass down and answered. “I've regretted many things in my life, James.” He looked at the other man and smiled. "But never you. Never us."
“I almost did."
“Yeah?"
“Hmm."
“What stopped you?"
"You. Me. Us.”
“I'm glad, then."
“I think the ‘almost’ was just me missing you.”
Regulus gulps. "If missing you leads to regret, I'd have regretted us by now. I think.”
"Yeah?” James asked, tilting his head.
"Yeah.”
“I'm glad it doesn't, then."
“Me too.”
***
"When did you know it was over?”
"I didn't." James answered. “We were fine the day before, and then shit happened."
“Glad that ‘shit’ is dead now, then?"
"So glad, In fact, this calls for a celebration!” He pours the both of them a shot and they both proceed to drink it, giggling.
“We are so getting cancelled."
***
James picks up the last card. “If given the second chance, would you take it?"
"Yes, claws and all.”
James smiles giddily, "Really?"
“Yes.” Regulus smiled. “You were- You are the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“Sunflower field?"
Regulus looks at him surprised, his smile brightening. “Sunflower field."
“Well, speaking of second chances…" He paused, then began acting out his next words.
“You're here.” He pointed at Regulus. " I'm here." He pointed at himself. And he made an exploding motion with his hands. “Boom! Look at that, is it? A second chance? Woahhhh."
"You look ridiculous.” Regulus giggles.
James just stared at him with awe, sighing helplessly. “And you look beautiful."
"Let's buy that ice cream first, yeah?”
"Of course, love.”
"My treat.”
"I'll pay for the next one then.”
"Next?"
“Uh-huh!"
***
[The video once again fades but now, instead of a black screen it shows a beautiful sunflower field, perhaps a symbol? A new beginning? Words appear again, this time in black letters.]
Some chapters are closed, to symbolize an end. Some are closed to open a new beginning.
-End-
***
Closure| Valentine's Special: Greatest Love
Comments:
MildlyanxiousVerge
They are in love your honor 4y ago
DragAddict
UPDATE PLSSSSS 2y ago
Arjrjrj
I'M CRYING THIS FEELS HOPEFUL 4y ago
alsisgood
They're now married with two kids trust 👍1 month ago
Mewmew
This is what I believe in now 2w ago
ThomasIsHotYesTheTrain
James is a simp. I love him. 2y ago
MyInnerDemons
IS NO ONE GONNA TALK ABOUT THE POEM? HELLO? 4y ago
BAWLING247
SUNFLOWER FEILDS 4y ago
Joehoe
SUNFLOWER FIELDS!!! The fact that the end picture is that too jssjsjsj 3y ago
MyInnerDemons
HOLYSHIT I DIDN'T EVEN NOTICE 3y ago
Siriuslysexy
Fuck Walburga. 4y ago
Ramdommoron
(2) “Glad the shit is dead” (2) 4y ago
Hoplessinromantic
This made me hate and believe in love at the same time! I hope they are happy together rn 1y ago
Nooneatall03
WHAT HAPPENED AFTER I NEED TO KNOW 13m ago.
JProngsey
We're engaged now lol 5m ago