Warm

In the second week of the holiday, James spent the majority of his days out of the house and training with the Tornados. Each day, he came home in that obscenely tight uniform of his, sweaty and dishevelled, his eyes bright despite his clear exhaustion. Regulus made a habit of jumping him at the earliest moment possible.

“Hillford said… you lot can come… watch tomorrow.” James panted out as Regulus attacked his neck.

The Slytherin grinned against the heated skin. “Wonderful.”

“As long… as you’re all… not too… distracting.” James continued breathlessly, his focus clearly already waning.

“No promises.” Regulus smirked before biting down hard to emphasise his point.

If James’s groan was anything to go by, he didn’t much mind.

Still, the next day, a truly ridiculous amount of them Portkeyed over to Tutshill’s Training Grounds, a few hours into James’s upsettingly early practice (the knob didn’t seem to mind the early mornings at all). By the time they got there, the practice was already in full swing, and an official-looking person came to lead them over to a fancy boxed-off area of the stands while giving them strict instructions not to cause any disruptions. They even had to sign agreements not to tell anyone anything about the training.

“They don’t really know us at all, if they expect this to be incident-free.” Evan commented quietly. Barty snickered in response.

Regulus’s attention was, predictably, already in the air. Despite the distance, he almost immediately zoned in on his boyfriend, spotting that wild mop of hair easily.

James zoomed past in a convoy with the other Chasers – the three currently on the team as well as another Reserve Chaser besides James.

Oliver Farley – or, Olly, as Regulus had been introduced – led the charge in what seemed to be a series of laps around the pitch. Close up behind him was Brandon Sharpe (Bran), with the current third Chaser of the team, Georgina Harper-Smythe, lagging behind him slightly. (Yes, the same one James had a signed Quaffle from in his room.) Surprisingly though, James was hot on her heels, barely a moment away from overtaking her at any moment. The youngest Chaser had his determination face on, with his chest pressed flat to his broom as he relentlessly chased the team-mate ahead of him. Symthe, meanwhile, was looking absolutely enraged by this fact, barely keeping him back. Taking up the rear was the Official Reserve Chaser, Maria Alonso – still unbelievably fast but comparatively slower.

“Shake him, Smythe! Come on!” The Primary Coach of the Tutshill Tornados’s voice boomed across the stadium with the help of a Sonorus charm. When Regulus glanced over to him, the man was leaning forward on the rails of the stands, watching intently. “Shake ‘im!”

But the woman couldn’t seem to manage it, James sitting right on her tail the entire time. Even as she gained speed, James moved with her, matching her pace without missing a beat.

“One more chance, Smythe, come on!”

It suddenly struck Regulus that James was purposefully not overtaking her. That he was waiting for permission to really push himself. The chase continued on as fast as ever and Regulus almost got dizzy thinking about how insane it would feel to fly at that sort of pace continuously.

“Alright, that’s it!” Hillford called after another couple of laps. “Let’s see what ya got, Potter!”

Not a moment after the words left the man’s lips, James shot forward, overtaking Smythe with relative ease. Overtaking one of his heroes with relative ease. He bridged the gap between himself and Sharpe in only half a lap and proceeded to sit right on his tail too.

“Now, that’s what I’m talking about!” Hillford yelled. “Do ya worst, Potter! An’ Sharpe, keep him back!”

The next few laps saw a much more two-sided fight as Sharpe and Potter jockeyed for second viciously. James managed to overtake his teammate multiple times but Bran retook his place just as often. The battle was clearly much more intense and even, and it pushed the two Chasers so much that they caught right up to Olly in front at one point, forcing the front-flyer into their little skirmish until he managed to pull ahead again.

It was a show of pure athleticism and skill, a display of Quidditch at its finest. And Regulus was practically drooling. His childhood crush, whom he used to have a poster of on his wall, versus his literal boyfriend, a gorgeous Adonis in his own right. British Heartthrob Brandon Sharpe versus Britain’s newest Golden Boy, James Potter. How was Regulus not supposed to pop a semi? He only hoped no-one noticed.

Eventually, Hillford called the Chasers to a stop and ushered them over for feedback. Both Olly and even Bran bumped their shoulders good-naturedly against James’s – no hard feelings in sight – but Smythe looked positively livid, trailing behind with a glare at James’s back.

Hillford seemed to talk to each of them individually as well as to the group, and James seemed more focused than Regulus had ever seen him in the face of an adult telling him what to do. He nodded along, listening intently, and though Regulus couldn’t hear his responses, they were clearly serious and engaged. He looked completely in his element.

Hillford must have called for a break then, because the Chasers dispersed and James flew over to them in the box.

“Hi!” He beamed excitedly as he hovered in front of them. “How’re you enjoying yourselves so far? I hope it’s not too boring just watching.”

“Prongs – you just overtook Smythe!” Sirius yelled probably too loud, given that the woman was just over there.

“And you absolutely gave Sharpe a run for his money!” Mckinnon shouted too, practically bouncing in her seat.

“I’m so proud.” Effie gushed, bright-eyed.

James rubbed the back of his neck, smiling bashfully. “Yeah, that was kind of intense, but also… I’ve never been able to tail or jockey like that without worrying I’m going to crash with someone… so: pretty awesome.”

“Beyond awesome!” Emmeline burst out, at a more appropriate volume. “I absolutely would have crashed.”

Dorcas nodded in agreement. “You’ve been holding back at school.”

James shrugged. “Don’t want to hurt anyone just to win.”

“Prongs, you’re a god!” Sirius praised, unable to contain himself apparently.

“Remember me when you give your first victory speech!” Peter chimed in.

“Tell them it was me firing bludgers at you when we were kids that made you so fast.” Mckinnon added with cheeky grin.

“You gave me grey hairs with that.” Monty complained but he smiled at his son. “At least it was worth it.”

James beamed with pride and Regulus found himself unconsciously smiling too.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so focused mate.” Sirius teased, causing James to sober and nod seriously.

“I signed a contract – I’m literally getting paid for this. It’s a job now, my job.” He shrugged. “As fun and cool as it all is, I have to take this seriously, and I am.”

His parents gave him proud and approving looks. “Oh, look at you! You’re so grown up.” Effie praised. He gave her a bashful look.

“So, give us the goss.” Evan cut in because of course he did. That boy could not go one second without knowing everything about everyone’s interpersonal relationships. “Smythe looks like she hates you.”

Peter perked up, interested. “She kind of does.”

James glanced away awkwardly. “Management wanted to demote her and replace her with me so she’s… understandably upset. Especially since her contract’s not up yet and she now has to train with me.”

Salazar. And James loved her. She was one of his favourite players – Regulus had heard him gush so many times before he signed with Tutshill.

There were a few winces at that but Barty looked delighted. “Oh, the drama.” Salazar, him and Evan were a match made in hell.

“You are outperforming her.” Dorcas mused indelicately.

But James was quick to shake his head. “Not really –  or, not in everything, I suppose.”

“So, you’re faster but what’s she better at?” Emmeline wondered. “I know her scoring rate is pretty high.”

James shrugged. “It really comes down to intelligent flying, I guess – what choices you make when you’re up there. She’s got years of experience on me and it shows. She’s… brilliant.”

“Hmm. I’m not convinced.” Mckinnon said. “Kick her arse!”

James chuckled a little awkwardly.

“Potter! Time’s up!” Hillford’s voice bellowed out. James looked over and gave a thumb’s up.

“Duty calls. We’re doing Skill Drills next.” He flew closer to Regulus, giving him a doe-eyed look. “Wish me luck?”

Unable to help himself, Regulus grabbed James’s robe and yanked him in, quite confident he wouldn’t fall, so that their lips crashed together. James made a startled noise but kissed back instinctively, Regulus swallowing the sound down. Regulus distantly heard a few catcalls and comments but didn’t pay them any mind. After a few seconds, he let go and pulled back, leaving a dazed James staring at him.

“You look hot out there. Good luck.” Regulus told him with a smirk.

James blinked dumbly for a few seconds.

Hillford’s impatient voice came again. “Potter! Any time today!”

That snapped him out of it. “You’re going to kill me one of these days.”

“Good. Shoo.” Regulus waved him off.

A grin spread across James’s face. “Yes, sir.” He obeyed, flying off the next second. Regulus watched him go fondly.

“Couldn’t help yourself, could you?” Barty mocked, a maniacal look in his eye as he lightly hit Regulus’s arm.

“Piss off.” Regulus bit, hitting him back.

“Oh, James! You look hot out there.” Evan repeated in an exaggerated high-pitched voice.

“I will hex you both.” He warned.

They didn’t pay his threats any mind and Regulus had to sit through most of the group heckling him good-naturedly. He didn’t mind as much as he pretended to.

*

As it turned out, ‘Skill Drills’ were exactly what they sounded like. Each of the players had to drill specific moves over and over until the Coach was happy with it and moved them on to the next thing. They mainly seemed to focus on shooting-based drills this time, hurtling towards the goals at breakneck speed to attempt increasingly difficult shots using particular moves. Hillford seemed to be particularly fond of a fast-paced, high-intensity practice that simulated a real game. It looked exhausting.

This did not seem to be a problem for James, though; he seemed overfilled with energy and just kept coming no matter what Hillford threw at him. Despite the man’s general gruff demeanour, he seemed reluctantly impressed by James which made Regulus’s heart sing proudly.

The youngest Tornado breezed through the first few sets as easily as his team-mates, sometimes easier – his reverse passes were undeniably smoother than Smythe’s or Alonso’s. Curve ball, fast ball, knuckle ball, straight ball. James made each shot and made it look easy. The Sabryn Steal, the Speelman Steal, the Singleton Steal and the Porskoff Ploy – all went off without a hitch.

By the time a lunchbreak was probably approaching, the team had gotten through a truly dizzying amount of specialised Chaser moves, James keeping up like he had been there all along.

“Alright, Chasers! Time to step it up a notch!” Hillford called out. He started assigning a few different moves for each individual to work on, each more notoriously complex than the last. “And Potter – Let’s see some Alanov Twists! I’m convinced they’re in there somewhere.”

Now, in case you’ve never seen an Alanov Twist, it’s basically this: A Chaser launches towards the hoop, spinning incredibly fast, while plastered horizontally against their broom, and with the quaffle held to their chest. Then, when they’re close enough, they send the ball through the goal, while still spinning. The point is to make it too difficult for an opposing player to get close and steal the quaffle without crashing. It’s actually an incredibly effective move, popularised by Gregory Alanov many years ago, but insanely difficult to pull off consistently.

Regulus tried to imagine for a moment, lying flat on his broom, spinning like a rotisserie chicken, so fast he could get dizzy, a hundred feet up in the air, and then still maintaining the proper aim, whilst rotating, to succeed in shooting a goal. He felt a bit ill just thinking about it.

James did not seem to have the same qualms.

“Understood, sir!” He shouted back with a nod and unhesitatingly assumed the proper position, ball clutched with one hand, and waiting for the go-ahead.

“Oh, Merlin.” Mckinnon leaned forward to watch and Regulus could feel himself doing the same.

“I’ve never seen him do one before.” Sirius stated tensely, craning his neck to see. “Have you?”

“Nope.” “Nada.” “No.” Were the chorus of replies.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine.” Effie reassured herself, tapping a nervous rhythm on the railing.

“He’s a natural up there, Ef. And Hillford wouldn’t push him to do anything dangerously above his skill-level.” Monty reasoned, rubbing a hand up and down her back comfortingly. She hummed unconvinced.

“He’s not nervous.” Regulus told her confidently, as he studied the sure and determined expression on James’s face. “I’d only be nervous, if he was. But he’s not nervous. So, there’s no need to worry.”

Effie grasped his hand at that, the line of her shoulders dropping slightly. “Thank you, dear. You’re right, he looks fine up there.”

“Yes, he does.” Regulus stated surely. He had full faith that his boyfriend would be fine.

Hillford signalled for James to start and, by Hecate, he did. The young Chaser shot forward, launching into a violent spin that made Regulus’s stomach turn just watching. He hurtled towards the goal in an impressively straight line and at an unbelievable speed before shooting the ball. It sailed towards the goal surprisingly steadily, and for a second Regulus thought it would go in, only for it to bounce off the hoop. James slowed to a stop, surveying the result and looking a little disappointed but not put off.

“Whoo!” Olly called, pausing in his own drill to cheer. A few of the others started clapping and cheering too. Their box joined in.

Hillford was smiling wryly too, his voice still spelled loud. “Well, aren’t ya something, Potter? That was ya first try, weren’t it?”

James was too far away to be able to hear his response but he nodded bashfully, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Merlin and Morgana both, tha’ was a good firs’ go. Farley over there crashed into the hoop on his firs’ try.” The Coach shook his head fondly.

Olly held up a middle finger at the man but was still smiling.

Hillford clapped his hands together. “Alright, Potter. Gimme another one! Let’s see if we can clean up yur aim.”

And so, James did it again. And again. And again. Regulus had no idea how he didn’t throw up, even when it was clear he got dizzy a few times. He must have been at it for a straight half an hour, but he didn’t give up in the slightest, launching headfirst into the insane move every single time he was prompted without fail. He even managed to succeed a few times, the quaffle sailing satisfyingly through the hoop, which elicited raucous cheers and even a reluctantly impressed nod from Smythe. (James beamed when he noticed her reaction.)

“Alright! Good work, everyone! Especially you, Potter! We’ll make a proper Chaser out of you, yet! Let’s break for lunch and meet back in an hour! Now, get off my pitch!” Hillford shouted eventually, shooing them all away.

Effie and Monty took this as a cue to unpack the picnic baskets of food they had prepared. By the time James came back over, accompanied by some teammates, the food had already been distributed.

“Hi, again!” He greeted, a towel over his shoulder and a water bottle and sandwich in his hands. He wedged the bottle under his arm and the food in his mouth before smoothly swinging over the railing and off his broom to stand in the box, broom in hand.

“Put those down – I want to kiss you.” Regulus instructed before anyone could get a word in.

James scrambled to comply and it didn’t take long before they were kissing again. Nothing too steamy, but Regulus had to do something with his excessive levels of horniness.

“You did it.” Regulus mumbled the congratulations into his mouth.

“You gave me a good luck kiss.” James murmured back, placing his hands on his boyfriend’s hips. “Couldn’t fail then.”

“Can you please stop sucking face? My retinas are burning!” Sirius cried disgustedly. James reluctantly pulled away.

“Tension indeed, little bug!” Nicky (the Seeker) grinned, apparently on break from her practice too, not that Regulus had been paying attention to anything but the Chasers the whole time.

Olly plopped down next to them, pointing at Regulus. “You have been promoted from friend of little bug, to little bug’s little bug.”

“That is to say: bug’s bug.” Bran piled on with a grin.

Regulus grimaced at the nickname and James didn’t seem thrilled either. “You lot are awful, why are we friends?”

“Quidditch is a uniter of all, little bug.” Jen (Keeper) told him sagely. “Now introductions, please.”

There was a flurry of introductions after that, led by James. Regulus was introduced for the first time to Maria Alonso, who seemed pretty easy-going, as well as Beater, Arjun Thakur, who looked like a giant but was actually quite sweet.

Smythe seemingly decided to sit elsewhere, which was fair enough, and a few others decided to keep her company.

“Lot of people you got here, bug.” Alonso – ‘call me Maria’ – commented.

“Oh, this isn’t even half.” James grinned knowingly. In her defence, ten people was actually quite a lot, but far from James’s full friends and family tally.

Conversations split off quite quickly as they ate but the Tornados seemed mainly interested in hearing about ‘little bug and his little bug’.

“I saw you two in the papers and I felt so betrayed you didn’t tell me first, bug!” Nicky cried out dramatically, hitting him on the arm.

“We need to know everything!” Olly prodded, leaning in eagerly.

“You did promise us.” Bran added, smirking. Regulus would never admit this to a soul but his brain was having a bit of trouble with James and Bran sitting so close together, still sweaty and in uniform. It was like a wet dream come to life.

James gave Regulus an unsure look. “I’m not exactly sure where to start.”

“I had a crush on you and started flirting to see if you were interested?” Regulus suggested as an opening. Not entirely true but that’s what he was letting his boyfriend think.

James nodded, continuing on. “But you were closeted and my best friend’s brother so I tried not to go there.”

Arjun – ‘call me Thakur’ – raised an eyebrow. “Who’s the best friend?”

“That would be me!” Sirius chimed in pointedly, raising a hand from a few seats over. “I’m still not over the betrayal, Prongs!”

Nicky looked delighted. “Ooh. Drama!” Regulus was starting to get the impression she was actually a chaos demon in disguise.

“A forbidden romance.” Jen commented with interest.

“Intriguing.” Maria leaned her cheek into her hand. “Go on.”

“It was basically that for… five or six months? I think?” James said, tilting his head in thought.

“You were being extraordinarily difficult.” Regulus frowned at him half-jokingly. “I tried everything.”

James winced. “In my defence, I had good reasons.”

“Not good enough.” Peter chimed in, shaking his head. “We all had to watch you pine after each other the whole time.”

Subtly, Regulus took his boyfriend’s hand. “They were good reasons.”

“What reasons?” Jen asked curiously.

Regulus attempted to shrug nonchalantly. “I’m from a traditional Pureblood family. It wouldn’t have worked if I had stayed there.”

There was a pause in the group.

“Good for you then.” Olly nodded approvingly. “My folks don’t like that I have a husband, but fuck them, I always say.”

Regulus felt the corner of his lips quirk up. “We got together a couple of days after the Gryffindor-Hufflepuff game. Late Feb – not long after I met you lot. Around the time I was in the papers.”

“Oh, yeah. I didn’t believe that for a second.” Jen assured him.

Maria was frowning. “That must have been awful, I’m sorry.”

Regulus looked at Effie and Monty with a faint smile. “It worked out. I had help.” He felt James squeeze his hand.

“You said you tried everything.” Nicky shifted the topic. “What does ‘everything’ mean?”

Regulus smirked then while James’s expression turned rightfully nervous. He didn’t stand a chance when everyone started chiming in with Regulus’s various and numerous seduction attempts, the Tornados listening with rapt attention and laughing along.

“…the nail polish…” “…quidditch… every week…” “…the outfit…” “…dares…” “…danced together…” “…comfort after…” “…study sessions…” “…shots…” “…always sat close…” “…name-calling…” “…double-date…”

“That was a double date?” James burst out in shock and Regulus had to try not to laugh.

“I still can’t believe you fell for the chaperone thing.” Evan snickered.

James pointed an accusing finger at Regulus. “You tricked me into a date before we were dating.”

Regulus forced a straight face. “We went to Madame Puddifoot’s, James. I called you my eye-candy to your face. Twice. I was flirting and touching and sitting close to you the entire time. I honestly don’t know how you didn’t realise.”

James gaped in disbelief. “I thought you were just being friendly! And playful!”

There was a round of laughter and face-palms.

“He gets this from you.” Effie told her husband who was busy cackling.

“Oh my god, little bug!” Thakur shook his head in mock-disappointment.

“This is better than I thought it would be!” Nicky giggled.

“James, bug, Potter, darling. What is wrong with you?” Olly asked, wiping a tear from his eye.

“My condolences for his obliviousness, bug’s bug.” Bran chuckled along.

“I told you.” Sirius pointed at James intently. “I told you, but did you listen? No!”

James sobered a bit. “I suppose you were right. Kind of.”

Sirius clenched his jaw, visibly trying to stop himself from speaking.

Fuck, how was Regulus supposed to get out of this one?

“In Jimmy’s defence.” Barty cut in, diffusing the tension. “We did gaslight him loads that entire time – couldn’t have him realising and running off!”

Regulus took the opening, grateful for his friend’s quick thinking, and leaned into James noticeably. “I didn’t want you to run off.”

“Awww!” A few of the Tornados cooed as James melted into the proximity.

Regulus internally sighed in relief. Crisis averted.

“Young love.” Maria sighed.

“So cute.” Jen agreed.

Olly’s eyes turned wide for a second. “You have L-worded, right? We didn’t make it awkward?”

James just smiled sweetly at Regulus. “I love you.”

Regulus softened into his gaze. “I love you too.”

Salazar, that felt good to just say. Openly. In front of all these people. Without a fucking care. This loving in the light thing was… incredible.

“Awww!” Came another round of coos.

“Urgh! How is my love life worse than a teenager’s?” Nicky complained slumping against Bran.

The Chaser grimaced in commiseration. “Not any worse than mine.”

“Just fall in love with your best friend.” Jen advised. “That’s what I did. Abby’s great.”

“I would rather die than marry George.” Bran stated. “He’s a little shit and an idiot.”

“Also, a man and you’re straight.” Thakur added, amused.

Bran shrugged. “Eh.”

Regulus’s mind just about exploded with images of James and Bran making out on Regulus’s new bed. Oh, that one was going in the bank.

“I feel that ‘eh’ on a spiritual level, mate.” James said seriously.

A thought suddenly occurred to Regulus. “I never actually asked what your sexuality is.”

James gave him an amused smile and shrugged. “Eh.”

“Your sexuality is ‘eh’?” Evan asked incredulously.

“No, they’re onto something.” Barty chimed in. “‘Eh’ is about right.”

“I’m so confused.” Maria looked between them.

Bran shrugged. “Birds. Blokes. In between. Other. Doesn’t really make a difference, does it?”

“It never properly occurred to me that you were male until I first said the word ‘boyfriend’.” James told Regulus. “You’re just you. And I love you.”

He really needed to stop saying things like that. Regulus might spontaneously combust any day now.

“I was aware you’re a bloke.” Barty was nodding along in Evan’s direction. “But that’s never really been a thing for me. It was more about it being a thing for others.”

“So, gender just… isn’t a factor for you three?” Olly asked curiously.

“Exactly.” “Yeah.” “Pretty much.”

“Huh.” Regulus said. “I am very gay.”

James burst out laughing at that, as did most others. There were a few chimes of “Me too!” here and there.

“Alright, ya lazy lumps!” Hillford’s voice cut through eventually. “Back to work! Double time!”

*

After lunch, the whole team seemed to come together for mini-game practices; the seven players plus six reserves (including James) splitting into two teams to play against each other.

James was put on a team against Bran and Smythe, with Hillford clearly pitting the youngest Chaser against them specifically.

The full line up was James and Olly (Chasers), Nicky (Seeker), Thakur (Beater), and two other reserves named Jamal Simmons (Beater) and Anna Faye (Keeper). Against them was Bran, Smythe and Maria (Chasers), Jen (Keeper), Christine Sui (Beater), Kathy Gardner (Swing Reserve as Beater) and Cody Danvers (Reserve Seeker). 6 versus 7.

James held his own remarkably well and honestly looked like he was having the time of his life working with Olly. He followed the more experienced Chaser’s lead a lot, seemingly learning from his style and tactics on the go. Hillford was quick to encourage bolder strokes though, and James delivered, getting quite a few good shots in himself. It was slightly easier to see what James meant about Smythe’s experience lending to ‘intelligent flying’ but Regulus still thought James gave her a run for her money. Maybe he was too biased.

By the time the Coach called it a day, all the players were dripping with sweat but they were working together noticeably smoother than when they started out.

Regulus and the rest of James’s audience made their way down to greet him outside the changing rooms. When he emerged, his hair was wet from a quick shower instead of sweat, and he looked exhausted but also exhilarated.

“Potter! A word?” Hillford’s gruff voice called, gesturing for James to come over almost the second he stepped out the door.

The other Tornados watched on, carefully monitoring the conversation in a way that made Regulus pay close attention too.

James did go over, his posture straight as he stood in front of the Coach. “Yes, sir?”

“Look, I know management have been waffling like the sun shines out of ya bloody arse – the papers too – but you’re not gunna get that from me, lad. Ya hear?”

James nodded hastily.

“What I need from you is results.” The man continued emphatically. “You been showing promise this past week – ‘specially today, though I do hear ya work well offa crowds. Your little boyfriend motivate you today?”

“Er, yes sir.” James responded rigidly.

“Good, good. Invite ‘im back then, you were good today. But I don’ want ya getting cocky, lad. I need consistency from ya. Can ya do that for me?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Work on your catches; your reaction time is slow ‘cause you’re used to playing with fuckin’ toddlers. And I want your underhand loop tosses cleaner, ya hear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Don’t drill the Alanov twists – don’t want you injuring yaself. And no Finbourgh Flicks or shite like that either; heard you’re fond of trick shots at school.”

“Understood sir.”

“I better be. Ya got talent, kid, no doubt. But I want dependable. Give me dependable.”

“I will, sir.”

“Good.” The Coach softened, the smallest of smiles coming onto his face, and he reached over to ruffle James’s hair. “You’ve been real good, kid. Just keep it up… what’s it they call you? Little bugger?”

James shifted on his feet. “Little bug.”

“Right, keep it up little bug.” His voice was gravelly but with just a hint of fondness. “Now scram! I got shit to do.” He gave James a hard clap on the shoulder before walking off.

Olly immediately pounced on his teammate, grabbing hold of his shoulders from behind and hooking his chin over one of them. “I told you, he’d warm up to you!”

“He called you little bug!” Nicky joined in excitedly, giving James a friendly punch on the arm.

A few of the players started crowding around James with similar sentiments and an aggressive type of physical affection. Typical jock behaviour. Regulus probably would have started breaking bones if they hit him like that.

“Welcome to the family, bug!” Bran called with a dazzling smile and a pat right on James’s cheek.

“With Hillford’s blessing, you’re a proper Tornado now!” Jen added, shaking him by the arm.

Smythe scoffed and rolled her eyes but she didn’t say anything, just walked off. Regulus supposed that was the adult way of handling her dislike.

“We should get drinks to celebrate.” Thakur smiled fondly.

“He’s a baby bug!” Maria protested but James smiled cheekily.

“Technically, I’m an of age bug as of a few weeks ago.”

“In that case…” Nicky smirked wickedly. “Mrs P! We’re taking your son out for drinks!”

“It’s tradition!” Olly said earnestly and probably falsely.

Effie pointed at her son, warningly. “Be responsible.”

Monty, on the other hand, grinned at him. “Don’t listen to her! Be irresponsible! You’re young – make stupid choices!”

That earned several snorts and chuckles even as Effie hit him lightly on the arm in reprimand.

“Let me say my goodbyes, and then we can go?” James offered his teammates who easily agreed.

There was a flurry of praises and goodbyes then, before James got to Regulus.

“Come to my room when you get home.” Regulus whispered into his ear as they hugged. “I have to reward you for doing so well today.”

James froze in the embrace, blinking dumbly. “How are you real?”

“You’re very lucky.” Regulus told him before grabbing his stupid, gorgeous face and kissing him goodbye soundly.

*

When James did get home, they resumed kissing quite quickly despite the late hour. He hadn’t, in fact, gotten very drunk, and was only teetering on tipsy, probably in part due to his high tolerance level built up from raucous and frequent Gryffindor parties.

“You were so good today.” Regulus mumbled into James’s mouth, enjoying the feel of those chapped lips against his own. He tasted vaguely of cheap beer but Regulus wanted to devour him anyway.

“Regulus.” James gasped. He had a habit now of primarily saying variations of Regulus’s name, ‘yours’, or ‘please’ when they were making out. It was absolutely fucking perfect. The Slytherin couldn’t have built a better partner if he tried.

Regulus pushed James down on his bed and crawled on top of him, straddling his hips. Then he leaned down and took James’s face in both of his hands. “So hot out there.” He told his man between kisses. “Such a good boy.”

James moaned in response, his lips parting and Regulus took the opportunity to dive into his mouth, licking around and sucking on his tongue. James came to rest one hand on the back of his neck and the other on Regulus’s arse. It had taken him weeks to work up the courage to put his hands on Regulus’s arse without prompting but it seemed to be his favourite now. (Not that the Slytherin was complaining). James squeezed his arse and Regulus groaned at the feeling, bucking into it.

“So gorgeous. So perfect.” Regulus muttered thoughtlessly after they pulled back for air. “So good for me.”

“For you.” James repeated mindlessly, lost in pleasure-pain as Regulus began biting at his neck. The man tilted his head to give better access as the Slytherin mouthed, sucked, licked and bit at the skin there, leaving a fresh trail of claiming marks over the pre-existing ones. Regulus vowed to himself he would never let James’s neck be bare again.

“Mine.” Regulus growled. Then he pawed at his man’s t-shirt in irritation. “Off.”

James immediately reached to pull his shirt off, Regulus leaning back to give him room. He pulled from the back of the shirt and swiftly over the head in a masculine jock-ish manoeuvre that never failed to get Regulus going. Then, he tossed the garment carelessly off to the side, giving Regulus the opportunity to look his fill.

This wasn’t the first time they had taken their shirts off around each other, but Regulus didn’t think he’d ever get over the novelty of it. He ran his eyes and fingers over the dark skin and hard muscle, relishing in the feeling of it.

“Please.” James begged and Regulus wasn’t sure what for exactly. He also wasn’t sure that James knew what he wanted.

Deliberately, Regulus brushed a finger over one of James’s nipples which hardened instantly at the sensation. “Touch you here, or my shirt off?” He asked curiously.

“Both. Please. Regulus.” James’s reply was strained and desperate, and the Slytherin had no idea how he always got so worked up from so little but he absolutely adored his boyfriend’s responsiveness.

Generously, Regulus decided to comply, unbuttoning his own shirt with relative speed and shrugging it off before tossing it away. He would suffer the indignity of a wrinkled shirt, just for James.

The man in question stared unabashed at the now exposed expanse of skin, reaching up to caress the sides of Regulus’s waist with reverent care. Like he was something precious. “Beautiful.” James breathed. “You’re so lovely.”

“I know.” Regulus responded, eliciting a breathless giggle from his partner before he swallowed up the sound, recapturing his lips. He kissed him fiercely, and at the same time brought his hands up to play with James’s nipples. Pinching and flicking and rubbing however he wanted.

“Regulus.” James moaned into his mouth, a flush overtaking his handsome features. Regulus followed it down, kissing and licking all the way to the man’s chest. He took one of his nipples in his mouth and sucked lightly.

“Fuck! Wait– please stop! I–”

Regulus instantly pulled away, putting space between them, and he became immediately concerned that he’d hit some sort of boundary. Had he pushed too far? He knew James wasn’t ready for more yet, he should’ve held back. “Fuck, I’m sorry, are you–?”

“I’m fine!” James panted out, as he flopped back gracelessly, chest heaving. “I promise. You didn’t do anything wrong, I just–” He closed his eyes, still trying to get his breathing under control. “I was so close.”

Regulus suddenly stilled. “Close to…?”

“Yeah.” James breathed raggedly, throwing an arm over his forehead. “Fuck.”

He couldn’t seriously mean… “You were close to coming?”

“Mhm.” James hummed, sounding strained.

Regulus felt like his mind was about to explode. “But I didn’t even touch you?”

“You touched me plenty.” James panted.

Fuck, that was hot.

“You almost came without any stimulation at all on your cock?” Regulus prodded, feeling exceptionally proud of himself.

“You could probably talk me into coming from the other side of the room.” James replied, removing his arm to turn and fix Regulus with a pointed gaze.

Fuck, that was even hotter.

“You want to.” James observed.

“There’s a lot of things I want to do to you.” Regulus said evasively.

“You want to right now.” The man insisted. He wasn’t wrong.

“You want to wait and you’re not exactly sober right now.” He reasoned even though his mind and body were screaming at him to go for it.

“I only had two drinks over several hours – I’m barely tipsy.” James countered evenly.

Regulus decided to bite the bullet. “Are you saying you’d let me?”

That elicited a pause.

“…Maybe.”

Regulus sighed, moving closer to his boyfriend again. He ran a finger delicately along the man’s sternum. “I’m not going to do anything without a proper yes.”

“Since when do you wait for my permission?” James asked, clearly aiming to rile Regulus up. The Slytherin didn’t let it happen.

“Since I respect your boundaries. We’ve even talked about waiting specifically.” He replied calmly, trying not to get his hopes up. “Though, I know that was almost a month ago.”

“…I don’t want to have sex yet.” James began hesitantly, biting his lip. Regulus tried his best to patiently wait him out.

“But…?” He eventually prompted when it didn’t look like James was going to continue.

“But I really want to get off right now.” He admitted quietly.

“There are a few different ways we can do that.” Regulus responded gently, willing his heart rate to calm down and his excited erection to chill the fuck out.

James fidgeted nervously. “Can you not touch me there? … But, I er… liked…”

“We can continue making out and above the belt touching, and I can talk you to orgasm if you want?” Regulus offered, feeling absolutely over the moon at the idea but trying to keep a cool head.

“Please?” James whimpered softly and Regulus simply couldn’t hold back much longer.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” James nodded, staring Regulus in the eye. “I’m sure. Please.”

Well, he certainly wasn’t going to turn down a full, consenting invitation like that. “Tell me to stop and I will.” Was his last warning before he went in.

Regulus practically pounced on the man, grasping his hair with one hand and resting the other on his chest as he attacked his lips with fervour. James whimpered into his mouth when Regulus tugged on his hair and mewled when he ghosted over his nipple with a finger. The Slytherin swallowed down the sounds greedily, taking his fill of everything James was willing to give him.

The man didn’t make any move to touch Regulus again, simply grasping onto the sheets at his side, twisting and pulling on them in time with Regulus’s ministrations. The Slytherin didn’t push him on that.

Eventually, Regulus started kissing his way back down to James’s chest for attempt number two. He kissed his chin, then underneath his jaw, then down his neck to the collarbone, and down and down until he finally paused, blowing a warm breath across James’s nipple.

“Do you want me here, Sunshine?” He crooned, sickly sweet. If James liked the dirty talk, then by Hecate, he was going to get it. “Want me to suck and bite as much as I want? Want me to give some attention to your pretty tits?”

“Regulus.” James groaned, overwhelmed, but Regulus didn’t let it deter him. He saw the way the man inhaled at his language.

“Come on, be a good boy for me.” He purred. “Tell how much you want me to play with your needy tits.”

“Regulus.”

“Say it Sunshine, or you won’t get what you want.”

James stared at him pleadingly through half-lidded eyes. Regulus didn’t budge, relishing in the conflict in James’s eyes.

Eventually, his lover caved. “Play with my…”

“Don’t forget a please.” Regulus taunted.

“Please play…”

“With…?”

“With my… tits.” James looked like he wanted to die of embarrassment but he was also undeniably turned on. It was fascinating to watch.

“Altogether now.” Regulus prompted meanly.

James made a pathetic sound. It was delicious. “Please play with my tits, Regulus.”

“Of course, my good boy. You only had to ask.” Regulus smirked before acquiescing. He leaned down to suck on one of James’s nipples, hard; a hand came up to play with the other one, flicking and pinching as he so desired.

“Regulus.” James sighed, his tone fractured as he fell to pieces beneath Regulus. It was almost palpable how much he wanted Regulus, how needy and pliant he was just for him. The Slytherin was in absolute heaven with the heady power-rush of it all.

“Please.” The man then begged for more, and Regulus could not bear to deny him in this moment.

He switched over to suck the other nipple and play with the first, while his free hand moved down from James’s hair to rest on the man’s neck instead. Teasingly.

“Please.” James whined more insistently this time, begging Regulus to squeeze but he just pulled back instead, smirking wickedly.

“What do you want, Sunshine?” He drawled meanly. “Want me to squeeze and steal all the breath from your lungs? Want to choke under me? Want your life in my hands? Want to know once and for all that you only breathe because I let you? That your very existence is mine now?”

“Yours! Yes! Please, Regulus! Please!” James shouted desperately and Regulus was suddenly very glad he had cast a silencing charm on the room. No-one else should hear him beg so pretty.

Regulus squeezed, hard and quickly – just enough to cut off his breathing but only for a moment. And at the same time, he sucked on one nipple and pinched the other.

The next second, James was shaking beneath him, groaning in a (literally) strangled tone as he tensed for a few long moments before slumping bonelessly onto the sheets. His features went slack in the throes of pleasure and Regulus was completely enraptured by the sight, committing it immediately to memory.

Salazar, James just came with his cock entirely untouched. Came while being choked and having his nipples played with. What did Regulus do to deserve someone like this?

“Merlin, Regulus, please, oh my–” He babbled continuously sucking in air desperately, and Regulus understood. He removed his hands and pulled back to rest his head on the man’s chest, stroking his side comfortingly, ever so lightly.

“You’re okay, Sunshine. You were so good for me. That’s it. You’re okay. So beautiful. So good. It’s alright.” Regulus murmured soothingly as the man came down from his high. He watched in amazement and waited patiently as James seemed to float in an overwhelmed haze for a while.

“Here, have some water.” Regulus offered when James seemed to finally come back to himself. “Slowly now, small sips.”

His boyfriend obeyed, his eyes still glazed over a bit and movements sluggish from the full exhaustion of the day. He looked so unbelievably honeyed and soft; Regulus couldn’t believe that he was allowed to see James this way.

“That was nice.” He mumbled. “Thank you.”

“You did not just thank me for making you come.” Regulus teased gently, placing the glass back on the bedside table. “Come on, we’ve got to get you cleaned up.”

James shook his head, looking at Regulus’s bulge that hadn’t gone down yet. “You first.”

“Don’t worry about me.” Regulus denied. “I’m more than satisfied already.”

“I want to see your face when you come.” James insisted. “Please, Starlight.”

Regulus was in no state to be denying his boyfriend anything right now. He caved immediately.

“Okay.” He agreed. “Just sit there and look pretty.”

James gave a mock salute that indicated he was definitely ‘waking up’ now. He sat up against the headboard to watch properly.

Regulus, meanwhile, unbuttoned his trousers and didn’t waste a second before shoving a hand into his boxers. He grasped his cock immediately, running his thumb over the leaking tip and smearing himself with the wetness. He tugged himself off quickly and efficiently, the memory of James coming still fresh on his mind and James’s wide-eyed stare right in front of him. He was watching like he couldn’t look away, like Regulus was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.

“You were so good for me, Sunshine.” He panted out. “So pretty. So perfect. Begged so nice. My good boy.”

He tightened his grip around his cock, fucking into it with abandon and raised his other hand to tease along his bare chest, pinching his own nipples. Salazar, he was already so close.

“Regulus.” James breathed out, looking mesmerised by the sight in front of him. “You’re so lovely.”

“Tell me you love me.” Regulus instructed.

“I love you.” James said instantly.

“Tell me you want me.”

“I want you.”

“Tell me you need me.”

“I need you, Starlight. More than I need air in my lungs.”

That was enough to tip Regulus right over the edge, spilling into his hand and boxers with a ragged groan, his hips stuttering in their motion. His eyes fell closed as he came, his features falling lax. He’d been told before he was pretty when he came, and James’s gasp told Regulus he thought the same.

When Regulus finally finished, he pulled his hand out, sticky and messy. He already felt uncomfortable in his clothes and he didn’t know how James could stand it.

Regulus was about to vanish the mess on his hand when he caught James staring at it fixatedly… longingly?

“Want to taste?” He asked cautiously, knowing that they had already crossed some big boundaries today and unsure if James wanted to push it any more.

James’s cheeks suddenly flamed more and he tore his gaze away quickly.

“You can if you want.” Regulus offered a little more firmly.

James slowly brought his gaze back up. “I…”

He clearly wanted to but was struggling to say it even despite everything they had just done. Regulus decided to take the awkwardness away.

“Here, Sunshine. Lick me up, nice and good.” He cooed gently, holding his hand up in front of James’s face.

Hesitantly, cautiously, James leaned forward, ever so slowly, eyes on Regulus the whole time, and eventually peeked his tongue out to lick up a tiny bit of Regulus’s cum.

“How’s it taste?” Regulus asked curiously, studying the man’s reaction closely.

“Good.” James admitted quietly. “Been wanting to taste you for a while.”

“You like it?”

James nodded. Fuck, that was hot. Every time Regulus thought this man was perfect, he went and ticked off another one of Regulus’s boxes. Even random dirty ones he didn’t know he had, apparently.

“And the rest.” Regulus urged and he absolutely lost his mind when James went for it. He licked up the length of Regulus’s hand a few times before sucking his fingers into his mouth, his soft lips looked gorgeous around Regulus, who would be saving this image for later. He suckled gently, with his tongue wrapping around the digits sinfully. When he finally pulled back, Regulus’s hand was clean of cum and covered in saliva.

“You’re so perfect.” Regulus told him, diving in for another kiss, tasting himself on James’s tongue, the wetness of his hand smearing James’s cheek with his own spit. Merlin, he was getting excited again.

He forced himself to tear away before they could get too heated again, and then proceeded to clean them both up and hydrate them some more. They both changed into more appropriate bed clothes on Regulus’s urging before cuddling up together, soft and sweet. Beautiful little words passing between them until they eventually drifted off to sleep.