Warm

“Holy Hecate.” James breathed as Regulus approached. His eyes were wide and Regulus could already see his pupils dilating. “You’re so beautiful.”

James placed a gentle, hesitant hand on Regulus’s cheek, brushing a thumb under his eye. “You’re wearing eyeliner. Merlin’s tits.”

“I’m assuming that means you like it?” Regulus smirked up at him as James’s other hand settled on his waist, and Regulus’s own arms wrapped around his neck.

“You look gorgeous all the time, I want to clarify.” James stated, looking him up and down multiple times, his eyes catching on his face each time. “But right now, you’re stunning.”

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

He had clearly tried to make a bit of an effort. He was wearing a nice, white, short-sleeved, linen shirt (perfect for summer) as well as some matching white shorts – not loose and slouchy like his normal outfits but tailored and preppy instead. His Regulus star necklace hung in pride of place and he was even wearing the bracelet Pandora gave him, as well as clean-looking white trainers.

Funnily enough, James was in all white and Regulus was in all black. How fitting.

James was giving him a dopey, adoring look. “I really want to kiss you but I don’t want to mess up your… lip-gloss? Is it just gloss or did you do the layering thing?”

“The layering thing.” He pecked his boyfriend on the lips lightly, not willing to mess it up so soon either. “But Sirius did give me the tubes so I can reapply later.”

“Sirius?” James smiled at him. “Is he who I have to thank for all of this?”

“Yeah.” Regulus confided, a little shyly but also really happy and knowing that James wouldn’t judge him for it. “He wanted to do the big brother thing and help me get ready.”

His boyfriend beamed. “That’s awesome.”

“It was nice.” Regulus admitted, smiling. “I mean, it was awkward but… I didn’t think I’d get to have that sort of thing anymore.”

“I’m really glad you did.” James kissed him lightly on the forehead.

“It’s kind of because of you.” Regulus leaned into him. “We always bond over you.”

“Well, I am the best.” James grinned cockily. It did funny things to Regulus.

“You’re something alright.”

“Let’s get this show on the road, lovebirds!” Barty called as he approached, arm in arm with Evan. “Ooh, is that eyeliner, Reg? I should try that sometime.”

“We’re wasting time!” Evan ushered them towards the floo. “I have twenty-three places I want to snog Barty at!”

Evan’s grand list of snogging-spots turned out to be a hilarious past-time. The four of them gallivanted around Diagon Alley, hitting every place on his list so they could snog there. The list included highlights such as every aisle in Flourish and Blotts, the toad section of the Magical Menagerie, right in front of the very homophobic Madam Primpernelle from the beautifying store, and Griphook’s desk at Gringotts (Evan’s family account manager).

James and Regulus kissed each time too, though they only properly snogged a few times in semi-private settings. Needless to say, Regulus had to reapply his lip shit on several occasions.

Regulus bought James a pretty, deep pink carnation from a stall because he was feeling incredibly soppy and happy today.

“It symbolises fascination, distinction, and love, supposedly.” Regulus told him. James beamed and affixed it to his shirt immediately, wearing it proudly.

He gifted a Narcissus flower in turn. “I don’t know what it means but here: after your favourite cousin.”

Regulus smiled emotionally as he fixed it to his own shirt. “It actually means renewal, hope, optimism…” He paused. “It means forgiveness and that you want me to stay exactly as I am.”

“How fitting.” James whispered slowly. He cradled Regulus’s face in his hands. “I love you exactly as you are and I forgive you.”

Regulus’s heart soared. “James…”

“I asked my Mum the other day what forgiveness really means. And she said it’s when you no longer hold any resentments towards that person.” He smiled sweetly at Regulus. “When I look at you now, I don’t feel angry or upset or betrayed anymore. All I feel is love. So, I forgive you.”

Fuck his lip shit.

Regulus surged forward and kissed him, deep and passionate, right there in the street. It was magical. This was probably the best day of his life.

Regulus vaguely heard a wolf-whistle which he guessed was Barty’s doing and Evan’s laughter sounded off too.

Everything was utterly perfect.

They wandered off Diagon to explore Horinzont Alley and Vertic Alley too. There was a small pottery shop that advertised ‘decorate-your-own ceramics’. James got really excited about it so the four of them spent an hour making decorative bowls which they were to pick up the next week after being fired and glazed.

Evan, in turn, got excited about a knitting shop and purchased his body weight in wool, to be delivered to Potter Manor. He spent half an hour getting tips from the elderly Witch manning the counter while the rest of them watched on fondly and mucked about to pass the time.

Barty did the same thing at a Healing store and Regulus halted them for a full forty-five minutes at his favourite bookstore, James becoming his personal book-holder.

Eventually, they made their way back to Diagon Alley and settled down for ice cream at Fortescue’s after grabbing a proper meal.

“You did not get vanilla you absolutely boring prick.” Evan gave James a judgemental look as he held his own Earl Grey and Lavender cone.

James shrugged unaffected. “There’s nothing wrong with the classics. And at least my taste buds aren’t that of a grandma.”

Evan immaturely stuck his tongue out at the other boy, and Regulus didn’t think he’d ever seen his friend so relaxed in public before.

“If he’s grandma, you’re grandpa.” Barty mused. “Vanilla’s such a grandpa flavour, Jimmy.”

“And chocolate and raspberry is for toddlers, Junior.” James shot back. He gestured to a little toddler making a mess of the same flavour in a booth across the shop. “I enter into evidence: that kid.”

“That kid has an exquisite palate, far beyond his years. A budding gourmand, I’m sure.”

James snorted. “Whatever you have to tell yourself.”

“You know who the real travesty is here?” Evan posited. “Mr Sticky Toffee Pudding over there.”

Regulus rolled his eyes and ate another bite with his spoon.

“You know what? You’re right.” Barty backed up his boyfriend immediately. “That ice cream is a sin.”

“The flavour itself is too sweet for me to comprehend.” James didn’t even support him. “But the cup over cone?” He shook his head dramatically. “That’s where the real tragedy lies.”

“Hear, hear.” Barty held his own cone up in toast.

“You’re a pyscho, Reg.” Evan grinned at him. “Shame upon on you. Shame.”

“Oh, fuck off, all of you.” Regulus kept his voice quiet to avoid young ears overhearing the swearing. “Just because you have no taste, doesn’t mean you can rag on me.”

“It’s okay baby.” James’s tone was sickly sweet and the mocking endearment absolutely saccharine as he teased him. “I love you flaws and all.”

Regulus glared at him lightly. “My ice cream preference is not a fucking flaw, you piece of shit.”

“Okay baby.” James kept the same tone, kissing the side of his face several times. “Whatever you say.”

“I will withhold kisses.” Regulus threatened, drawing inspiration from Sirius’s earlier comment. “Be on my side and don’t ‘baby’ me or suffer the consequences.”

His boyfriend’s eyes widened in panic. “Sticky toffee pudding is the best flavour ever. Cones are for suckers.”

“That’s better.” He smirked approvingly. “Good boy.”

“Have you two fucked yet?” Barty asked curiously, out of nowhere, and way too loud.

“Shut up!” James hissed, sending some placating smiles and awkward apologies around to a couple of scandalised parents.

“There’s children present!” Regulus added scathingly, bringing a hand up and pretending to scratch his forehead to hide himself from view a bit.

Barty rolled his eyes. “Sorry.” He whispered. “Have you fucked yet?”

“Inquiring minds want to know.” Evan grinned, unfazed by the drama. He would have to be immune by now, given the chaos demon he was in a relationship with.

“No.” Regulus told them quietly. “We only got back together a few weeks ago.”

“Which is a few weeks you could have been fucking in.” Barty said at full volume again. He leaned back, looking between them judgementally.

“Seems like a missed opportunity for make-up sex to me.” Evan added in agreement.

“Have neither of you ever heard of volume control?” James asked frantically. “You’re going to get us kicked out.”

The couple ignored him.

“Can you get to it?” Barty requested to Regulus. “I am still dying to know the truth of Jimmy’s virgin monster cock.”

“I am so sorry.” James told a young couple ushering their daughter out, before turning on Ev and B. “Literally shut up and eat your ice cream. Please.”

“See, Reg? He begs so pretty. Just like my B here.” Evan drawled. James put his face in his hands and Regulus didn’t blame him this time. “What are you waiting for?”

Truthfully, the question gave him pause. What was he waiting for? He was sixteen; he was legally allowed to fuck as much as he wanted. He supposed that he was still waiting for James’s cue. For… whenever James came to him and told him he was ready. He wasn’t sure when that would be but he was willing to wait as long as it took.

“For the right time.” He answered firmly. Then he poked James. “Your ice cream is going to melt.”

Ears burning red, James went back to eating his ice cream, avoiding the eyes of the other customers.

“I suddenly understand why Em didn’t want to go on a double date with you two.” Regulus told the little shits in front of him.

Evan grinned. “Your mistake.”

People thought he was the sensible one but truthfully, he could be just as bad as Barty if he wanted to be.

“Starlight.” James said quietly – the nickname alone was odd since they were in public but his tone was falsely light too, putting Regulus on immediate edge. “Is that Annabelle Cleary in the corner there?”

Regulus sneaked a glance.

Oh shit.

“Oh, you fuckers have done it now.” He growled under his breath.

“Cleary?” Barty frowned. “Why does that ring a bell?”

“She’s a reporter at Witch Weekly.” James answered quietly, not looking over. “She’s written six articles about me and Regulus over the last few months.”

“And now she basically heard information about our sex life.” Regulus glared at them.

“Or lack thereof.” James licked his ice cream, doing his best to seem unbothered.

Barty and Ev both froze.

“Shit.” Barty said.

“Sorry.” Evan winced.

“Yeah sorry.”

James fake-smiled. “It’s okay. I’m just going to have to… warn my parents about it.”

Oh shit. Oh, s h i t.

The other two grimaced in synchrony.

“That’s going to be a fun conversation.” James continued, eating his ice cream.

“James…” Barty said apologetically, and you knew it was serious when he used his actual name.

“I’m not ashamed.” James’s voice was quiet. “It’ll just be a bit much having it in the national news.”

“Fuck.” Evan swore and Regulus very much concurred.

With the Lockhart scandal, everyone knew that Regulus was most definitely not a virgin. James on the other hand… Cleary was going to have a field day diving into his sex life.

“It was an honest mistake.” James said next, with a smaller, more genuine smile. “It’s not like we expected a reporter to be following us around.”

“How long do you reckon she’s been there? Has she been following us?” Regulus asked. There was no answer – they had no way of knowing at this point. “Maybe this was a mistake. I’m sorry – I was trying to get you to relax, not add more stress to your plate. And I know the whole point of this was a public date, but maybe we can’t do that since you’re a public figure now and–”

“Hey, hey, no.” James cupped his face with his free hand. “Today has been awesome and I’m so glad you suggested it. Best second-first date I’ve ever been on.” Regulus gave him a weak smile. “I don’t regret it. Let’s rewind about ten minutes and get back to having fun. We can worry about this later.”

*

JAMES POTTER: VIRGIN HEARTTHROB?

By Annabelle Cleary

Heir James Potter of House Potter and Peverell, Reserve Chaser for the Tutshill Tornados, has been heralded as the most handsome young man to step onto a Quidditch pitch in recent years. Our Golden Boy has had a quick rise to fame, first appearing on our hallowed pages only in January this year. Yet, he is already renowned for his good looks and gaining significant traction as the hottest new heartthrob in town. Unfortunately, and to the broken hearts of witches all around, Heir Potter has been in a tumultuous relationship with the disowned Regulus Black, on and off for approximately four months now. It is no secret to our faithful readers that Black has been with others before (a certain scandalous fling with Gilderoy Lockhart springs to mind), but close inside sources say that Heir Potter has not been with anyone before Black. At all. Ever. The pair seem most often to us, hearteningly in love, and all over each other at any given opportunity – only last week Heir Potter appeared at Tutshill’s practice grounds with a quite startling number of love-bites adorning his neck. Shockingly, however, close friends of the couple tell me that the two have not been intimate together as of yet. Reports of them missing out on “make-up sex” have reached my ears, dear reader, and a close friend of the pair’s asked “What are you waiting for?” I found myself asking the same question, but never fear – I have found an answer. Black himself was heard yesterday in Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour admitting that the love-birds are simply waiting “for the right time” (yes, that’s a direct quote). The couple are clearly taking things slow – understandable after Black’s last relationship. But one wonders if the experienced Black might be pressuring our innocent Golden Boy to put out. According to reports, Black is extraordinarily excited by the prospect of Heir Potter’s (prepare yourself, dear reader) “virgin monster c***”, and was, until recently, counting the days until he turned sixteen. Now that he has, this reporter wonders how much longer the couple will wait. Will the promiscuous Black be patient enough? Will Heir Potter’s virginal inexperience be an obstacle? Time will tell, dear reader. And so will I.

For those interested about Britain’s hottest young couple, here is a timeline of everything we know so far:

“Well.” James grimaced down at the paper. “Could be worse.”

“Everyone who reads this is going to see the phrase ‘virgin monster cock’.” Regulus did not butcher his words.

The picture of ‘virginal’ James in all white and ‘promiscuous’ Regulus in all black beside the headline wasn’t helping their case.

“I am not looking forward to the owl I’m going to get from Tutshill Management.” He winced. “They can’t fire me for this, right?”

“No, they can’t.” Regulus assured him. “I can check your contract if you want though.”

“It’s probably fine.” James dismissed. “It’s just going to be awkward.”

Fuck. Everyone they knew was going to read this or at least hear about it. Their friends, their classmates, their teachers, future employers.

“Congrats on your first real scandal.” He joked weakly.

“Thanks.” James chuckled uncomfortably. He shook his head at the paper. “I can’t believe she suggested you’re pressuring me.”

Regulus had to smirk a bit or he’d cry. “Do you think I’m promiscuous?”

James went with it, smirking too. “Well…”

“I’ll show you promiscuous…” Regulus climbed into his lap and kissed him soundly.

“I don’t know.” James mumbled jokingly against him. “I might be too inexperienced and virginal for you.”

“Not at all.” Regulus grasped his hair and pulled, slipping his tongue in when James gasped. They made out sloppily for a few minutes but Regulus could tell his boyfriend’s heart wasn’t in it.

“Okay spit it out.” Regulus instructed when he pulled back. “What’s got you spinning in there?” He tapped on James’s forehead lightly.

“You’re not… bothered by it?” James asked. “That I’ve never…”

“It doesn’t bother me in the slightest.” Regulus told him. “It makes me conscious of making your first time as perfect as possible but it doesn’t bother me.”

“You sure?” James bit the inside of his lip, looking insecure. “What if I’m bad at sex?”

Regulus started carding his fingers through his boyfriend’s messy curls in what he hoped was a comforting gesture. “Number one: you’re unlikely to be that bad in bed. Number two: the first time with a new partner always takes some figuring things out on both ends. Number three: you can always get better with practice.” He winked cheekily. “And number four: I love you.” He pecked James’s nose playfully. “You could be the worst person at sex in the history of the world, and I would still love you.”

James kissed him softly. “Thank you.”

“Does it bother you that I’m promiscuous?” Regulus asked just so there were no lingering doubts he’d come back to later.

“You’re not–” James huffed a short laugh. “You’re sexy and experienced but you’re not promiscuous.” He stated matter-of-fact, making Regulus smile a bit. “And I find it a bit hot to be honest – that you’ll know what you’re doing, probably boss me around a bit.”

Oh?

“You’re really bossy and confident about 90% of the time anyway.” He continued. “If I didn’t find that hot, we would be in trouble.”

Well, that was good to know. It bolstered Regulus to reveal his own thoughts.

“Can I tell you an intense secret?” Regulus whispered hesitantly.

“Yeah?” James tilted his head encouragingly.

“I find it really hot that no-one else has had you.” He admitted.

His boyfriend looked a bit confused. “You have a virgin kink?”

“It’s more that…” He grasped James’s hair again, leaning close. “…no-one else will ever get to see you like that. I’ll be the only one ever. Your first. Your last. Your one and only. Just me, because you’re all mine and no-one else’s. Ever.”

“Oh.” James’s pupils dilated. “Yeah, that is hot.”

“I know right?” Regulus grinned like a predator. He kissed him again fiercely and they battled in a passionate brawl for some time.

When they pulled back again, they were both panting, and James fell back, bringing Regulus with him so that they lay back on the bed, cuddled together.

“Ever.” James said after a few minutes of comfortable silence. “As in forever ‘ever’?”

“Not to presume, but yes, hopefully.” Regulus answered cautiously.

James’s hand found his without looking and Regulus felt him stroke over the ring he had gifted him.

“Does that mean you want to marry me one day?” James queried, equally cautious. “Because I kind of implied that on your birthday with the whole promise ring thing, but I just want to know if we’re on the same page.”

Regulus shifted so that they faced each other, only inches apart. “I want a huge wedding that makes everyone so jealous they cry. I want to double-barrel our names so that everyone has to call me Regulus Potter-Black. And I want to honeymoon in the South of France – there’s a lovely town there I want to show you.”

James blinked. “You’ve thought about this before.”

“A lot.”

“You want to marry me.”

“And have at least two children.”

James suddenly looked teary. “I love you so fucking much.”

Then they were kissing again, soft and slow and sweet.

“Tell me more.” James whispered after. “Tell me everything you imagined.”

“Only if you tell me yours after.” Regulus bargained.

“Deal.” He agreed, beaming.

He settled in to listen, and so Regulus told him everything, in all the near-concerning levels of detail he had thought about. It made him sound insane and obsessed but… as it turned out, James was as crazy as he was. The Gryffindor then rambled about everything from what cufflinks they would wear during their wedding ceremony, to what paperwork they were going to have to file at Gringotts when setting up a trust fund for their first kid.

Maybe they were messy and intense and naïve. But at least they were as messy and intense and naïve as each other.

*

“Spotted! A wild virgin in our midst!” Marlene joked when they walked into the kitchen for breakfast.

There was an awkward tension in the room, not only due to the two warring sides inhabiting the same space, but also because of the newspaper which had clearly been passed around.

“Har, har. Very funny Marls.” James sighed, looking quite mortified as he avoided eye contact with his parents. Inside, Regulus cringed intensely – if it was awkward for him, he could only imagine how James was feeling about having his sex life splashed in front of his family. Well, technically that had happened to him, but he hadn’t actually had to face them about it. Perks of being disowned, Regulus supposed.

“I mean, it’s not that bad, right mate?” Peter tried to lift his spirits. “It’s not like either of you have got anything to feel ashamed about.”

James nodded awkwardly, his whole body rigid with tension. “You’re right.”

Regulus gently directed him over to the table and they sat down.

“Sorry again.” Barty looked extremely guilty. Evan was staring down at his omelette with a very obvious grimace.

“How were you supposed to know Cleary was there?” James dismissed. “There’s nothing to be sorry for.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to do anything about it, dear?” Effie asked, making James cringe.

He shook his head, avoiding her gaze. “It’s not like we can really sue when most of it is true. Ish.”

Marlene drummed her fingers against the breakfast counter awkwardly. “Yikes.”

There was a bit of tense silence in the kitchen for a few moments as everyone ate quietly.

Then, the wards flared. If Regulus wasn’t mistaken, it was Evans and Mary. Sure enough, the two girls entered the kitchen minutes later, each holding a copy of the article.

“We came as soon as we read it.” Evans told James. “I’m so sorry.”

“Are you okay?” Mary asked. She paused before looking at Regulus. “Both of you?”

That was surprising. Maybe Evans had made some progress in getting her to hate him less.

“About as good as can be.” He answered the girl while James gave them each a highly uncomfortable smile.

“Thanks for checking in.” His boyfriend said stiltedly. “I’m… yeah.”

The wards flared again. The floo this time.

“Is that…?” Evan frowned.

“Pandora. I think so.” Barty answered.

“Oh, I’m so sorry boys.” Pan swept in and hugged James then Regulus with a kiss on each of their cheeks. “People these days are too nosy.”

“You came just to…” Mary asked suspiciously.

“Support my boys. Of course.” She nodded at the two Muggleborn girls. “Much like you, I suppose.” Pandora turned to them. “Cas and Em are on their way. Cas is apparating to Em’s to pick her up.”

“That’s sweet.” James smiled faintly. “But you don’t all need to go to the trouble…”

“Nonsense!” She declared. “It’s our job to cheer you up – it’s in the friendship bylaws.”

“She’s right.” Evan chimed in. “Chapter 3, section 12.”

“Whoever’s having the shittest day gets a full support squadron.” Barty nodded along.

“You have bylaws… for your friendship?” Peter asked with a mixture of curiosity and incredulousness.

“Of course. How else will we maintain order?” Evan asked genuinely. Honestly, the bylaws had served them well.

Lupin made it before the girls did, and Fenwick showed up ten minutes later with the Prewetts in tow. They each regurgitated the same sort of conversations before silence fell upon the crowded space. It was extraordinarily awkward having all the disagreeing parties in the same room, but they all seemed to agree on one thing.

James.

It almost turned into the friendship Olympics of who was being the more supportive friend.

“Okay.” James stood up when he couldn’t seem to stand the tension in the air anymore. “This has been sufficiently awkward. Thank you all for coming. I’m going to go… be anywhere else.”

But then an owl knocked on the kitchen window.

“Oh fuck.” James cursed and momentarily closed his eyes.

“That’s the Tutshill company owl, isn’t it, champ?” Monty asked.

“That it is, Abba.” James sighed. He let the owl in and fed it some treats stashed on the kitchen counter as he petted it. “Hi Torny. Please have good news for me.” He unfastened the letter and opened it to read.

Suddenly his eyes widened and his expression dropped.

“What?” Regulus was instantly concerned. “They’re not trying to fire you, are they? I should have looked at your contract after all. We can–”

“Starlight.” James interrupted, looking completely and utterly shocked.

“What?” He stood up, ready to jump into action. “I’ve got your back Sunshine. Whatever you need.”

“Bran is sick, Maria is out of the country because of a family emergency, and Kathy’s pregnant.” He looked up at Regulus with wide eyes. “They need me to play in the match today.”

The whole room exploded.

*

“As cool as this is, can they even do that?” Sirius asked as James scarfed down his breakfast, suddenly aware that he had to leave within the hour. “You’re not a proper member of the team yet.”

“Technically.” James swallowed his bite. “I’m a Reserve player.”

“Only because there’s no real precedent for school-age players in the professional leagues.” Evans argued logically. “Let’s be real – it was a work around so they could sign you now without worrying about you joining some other team later.”

“Still.” Effie countered. “James is on the team roster. He gets paid. He pays taxes because it’s his official job.”

“Legally speaking, he’s contractually obligated to play if they ask him to.” Monty clarified, nodding along.

“It was only supposed to be an in-case-of-emergency thing.” James added, with his mouth full. They all excused the poor manners this once.

“Well, I guess this counts as an emergency.” Dorcas reasoned. “Literally both proper Reserves are unavailable on top of Bran.”

“I can’t believe you’re playing in a real match.” Emmeline looked beyond excited. “Today.”

“Today.” James repeated dumbly. He shoved another forkful into his mouth.

“It’s going to be fine.” Regulus tried to soothe his nerves. James was much better in this role than he was.

Peter patted his back. “Yeah, you’re the best player we know.”

“You met Olly.” James was staring off, haunted. “He’s about seventy times better than I’ll ever be.”

“Okay, you’re like the third best player we know.” Barty corrected. “That’s still pretty good going.”

“We’re playing the Harpies.” James dropped his fork emphatically. “The Holyhead Harpies.”

Yeah. They were Regulus’s favourite team for a reason.

“And I’m going to be cheering for you today.” Regulus told him, cupping his cheek tenderly.

“The Harpies are your favourite team.” James stated blankly.

“You’re my favourite.” He told his boyfriend. “Always.”

“Oh.” James said. “Thank you.”

“Sunshine, you’ve been training for this not just for months but for years.” He reminded the boy gently. “All those 5am practices. All that drilling over and over again. All those early morning runs that mean I wake up alone. You’ve earned this, and you’re going to do what you do best. Shoot that quaffle through a bloody hoop.”

James visibly softened. “You’re gonna be there?”

“Even if I have to kill someone for a ticket.” Regulus confirmed.

A small smile crept onto his face. “I could probably just ask if there’s a complementary box you guys can squeeze into. They generally leave one free for the team’s family members.”

Regulus smirked. “That sounds better.” He swiped his thumb over James’s cheek. “Feeling okay now?”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

“You can do this.” Regulus was absolutely sure of this. He knew how good his boyfriend was, even if James doubted himself.

James kissed him, quick but grateful.

When Regulus finally looked up from James, he noticed some mixed reactions around the room. His own friend group looked mostly amused and happy, while James’s parents were watching them with soft looks. Peter and Evans gave him approving nods while the others seemed as though they were examining Regulus carefully. Meanwhile, Sirius looked genuinely happy for them for once and he winked when Regulus caught his eye.

“I can do this.” James said determinedly.

“Hell yeah, you can!” Sirius encouraged. The others followed suit, showering James with support.

*

Regulus was already pacing when he came in.

“If you’re here to berate me, you can leave.” He told the boy. “I can’t do this today – I need to have my head screwed on straight for James.”

“I’m not here to berate you.” Remus said from the doorway.

“Then what are you here for? Because I’m being serious – James is stressed enough as it is.” He kept pacing as he talked. “Between everyone fighting and the Cleary article and now this. I need to be calm so that James can be calm.”

“You don’t look calm.” Remus commented blandly.

“I’ll fucking get there!” Regulus snapped. Then he closed his eyes and tried to take deep breaths even as he continued walking back and forth in his room.

James had already left because he needed to join strategy briefings and go over game protocol, and get some basic media training, and do literally everything that a professional player is supposed to do well before the day of a match. The rest of them were waiting for a letter confirming that they had tickets to watch, and so Regulus had retreated to his room to collect himself.

Or at least try to collect himself.

“You were nice to him today.” Remus stated in faux nonchalance. “Encouraging.”

Regulus opened his eyes to give him an incredulous look. “He’s my boyfriend. Why are you so shocked?”

“You’ve said it before yourself – it’s rare that you’re nice to him.”

Regulus rolled his eyes and looked away again. “It’s called a joke. Look it up.”

“When are you nice to him then?” Remus questioned insistently. Regulus could feel his eyes burning a hole into the side of his head. “Because I can count the number of times I’ve seen it on my hands.”

“I don’t have to explain myself to you.” Regulus maintained. He wasn’t actually a cold-hearted bitch. Not all the time at least.

“Is it when you’re alone?” He pressed. “When you were calming him down in the kitchen and being oddly nice – is that what you’re like to him in private?”

“Again. I don’t have to explain shit to you.” He reiterated. “But sometimes.”

“Sometimes is really vague.”

“I don’t know!” Regulus bit out in frustration. “I don’t bloody keep track of my compliment to insult ratio!”

“But you do compliment him?”

Regulus abruptly stopped pacing and rounded on him, eyes icy. “Contrary to your opinion, I am not actually a monster! I love my boyfriend – of course I fucking compliment him!”

Remus just stared at him, assessing.

“He’s properly forgiven you, hasn’t he?” He asked quietly.

“Are you seriously trying to do this now? Right now?” Regulus’s expression and tone was disbelieving. “This is one of the most important days of James’s life and you want to rehash things?”

“You really do care about him.” Remus asserted, more to himself than to Regulus.

“I love him.” The younger boy corrected.

“He called you Starlight.” Remus’s voice was a bit distant. “And you called him Sunshine.”

“…Yes.” Regulus replied cautiously.

“Siri used to call me Moonbeam and I called him Starshine.”

Regulus fought back a wince. “I know.”

“I miss him.” Remus admitted.

Alright, it looked like they were doing this.

“Look.” Regulus blew out a breath, trying to tone down his iciness. “If anyone knows just how fucked up and awful my brother is, it’s me. And forgiving him is hard, I’ll admit. But…” His lip quirked up the tiniest amount. “… I’m happier having him in my life again.” The admission was difficult to get out but he managed it anyway. He looked straight at Remus. “Did you know he helped me get ready for my date yesterday? It was the most awkward thing ever, but I spent years thinking I’d never get to have that. As it turns out, the only thing standing between me and awkward makeovers with my big brother, was myself; forcing myself to stay away from him was only making me miserable and I don’t want that anymore. I am choosing to be happy… even if it makes things harder.”

There was a long minute of silence as they stared at each other.

“James is rubbing off on you.” Remus stated carefully.

“Not nearly enough.” Regulus joked on autopilot before remembering they weren’t friends anymore.

Surprisingly, Remus laughed. It was short and sounded like it had been startled out of him.

“Godric – you’re still…” Remus shook his head. “You haven’t changed a bit.”

“I’ve changed a lot actually.” Regulus corrected. “James insists on calling it growth.”

“You’re still you though.” Remus countered. “At the core.”

“I don’t need to change my core.” Regulus said, feeling confident in it where he wouldn’t have even a month ago. But James didn’t want him to change who he really was, so he knew he didn’t have to. “I like who I am and if other people don’t, that’s their problem.”

Remus’s lips curved into the ghost of a smile. “Growth.”

“Growth.” Regulus repeated.

There was a pause before Regulus spoke.

“Sirius is growing too.” He told the Gryffindor at last. “We’re starting to repair things.”

“I figured.” Remus nodded once, looking off.

Another moment of silence.

“I don’t think he actually meant to hurt anyone.” Remus whispered shakily. “I think he just wanted to give Snivellus a scare.”

Regulus melted his ice a touch more. “I think so too.”

“Has Prongs forgiven him?” Remus asked, his voice still uneven.

“No.” He answered steadily. “But they’re working on it.” He paused, wondering if he should disclose the next part before ultimately deciding to go for it. “One of James’s conditions is that Sirius try to earn your forgiveness without help.”

“You mean, without James helping.” Remus guessed astutely.

“Yes.”

“He finally got tired of the pedestal?”

“Yes.”

Remus nodded approvingly. “Good for him.”

There was more silence.

“Do you think I can forgive him?” Remus asked quietly.

Regulus was not qualified to answer that in any way. Still, his maybe-still-a-friend looked lost, so he tried to come up with an answer.

“Love takes work and pain to blossom.” He stole the line from Monty’s story. “If you feel like he’s worth the pain and worth the work, then you’ll be able to forgive him and your love will be all the stronger for it.”

“Where the fuck did you hear that?” Remus gave him a look that was mildly impressed but also incredulous.

“I’m paraphrasing Monty.” He admitted.

Remus sagged in understanding, nodding to himself. “Ah. Makes sense.”

A pause.

“Was James worth it?”

“James is worth everything.”

Remus chewed on the inside of his cheek. “How did James forgive you so easily?”

Regulus sighed, shifting on his feet to get more comfortable. “Well, you’d have to ask him but it definitely wasn’t easy. If I had to guess, I’d say he was tired of making us both miserable by staying away when he could clearly tell I was remorseful and wanted to patch things up. The forgiveness came later, once he stopped feeling upset with me.”

“I’m still upset with Sirius.” Remus whispered.

“That’s okay.” Regulus tried to keep his voice calm and reassuring. “You don’t have to forgive him right away. Just… evaluate what’s most important to you. If you think you can live without him, and move on, and find someone else – if you that’s what you want, then do it. But if you feel like you’re drowning without him… you can work on things. Slowly. Together.”

Remus was quiet as he took that in for a few minutes. Regulus waited him out, trying his best to be patient.

“Were you really going to rip me away from him?” Came the barely audible question.

Regulus took a fortifying breath. “Originally, yes. But as it turns out, I don’t need my brother to be unhappy, for me to be happy.”

“I could have told you that.”

Regulus’s expression tinged with wryness. “Yes, well – I was being young, short-sighted and selfish. I know better now.”

Remus raised a sceptical eyebrow. “Does that mean you’re not going to play games anymore? Because I find that hard to believe.”

“I’m still going to play games.” Regulus confirmed. “It’s who I am and I don’t want or need to change that. But I’ll be more careful about it from now on. I do believe I’ve learnt the limit the hard way.”

“And Prongs is just fine with that?”

Regulus couldn’t help but smile the slightest amount, remembering James admitting that he liked Regulus’s games. “He’s definitely fine with it.”

“I don’t want you to play games with me anymore.” Remus asserted firmly. He said it like it was a condition of him starting to forgive Regulus but… the Slytherin knew deep down he couldn’t make that promise.

“For the sake of honesty, I can’t promise you that.” Regulus replied carefully.

Remus reared up. “I refuse to be a pawn in your game again!”

“Remus.” He started evenly. “A large percentage of the time my schemes aren’t malicious. I schemed to get Barty and Evan together. And Evans and Macdonald, and Dorcas and Mckinnon. I scheme to get people to take breaks when they need it, or to come up with something that would cheer a person up. It’s in my nature to plot and play around, but it’s not always bad. James recognises that and that’s why the only thing he asked of me, was that I don’t target anyone we care about maliciously. And that…” He met Remus’s gaze head-on. “… I could definitely promise.”

Remus regarded him angrily for a few moments before he seemed to suddenly deflate as though his strings had been cut.

“I was reading this novel the other day.” He began out of nowhere. “And there was this character that reminded me of you; he was sort of a villain – not the main one though, he was mainly just an arsehole. And I kept waiting for his redemption, for him to stop being such a prick and do something good or nice, but it didn’t happen. In the end he was just an arsehole.”

“Is that what you think of me?” Regulus asked carefully, his heart sinking as he braced himself.

“That’s the thing.” Remus said frustratedly. “I kept waiting for him to do something redeeming because that’s what I’ve come to expect from you – you seem like a prick most of the time but… when it comes down to it, you come through.”

A weight lifted off of Regulus.

“You’re going to be there for James today, right?” The boy questioned even though they both already knew the answer.

“Of course.” Regulus replied instantly.

“You’re going to keep being there.” He stated.

“For as long as James lets me.”

“I’ve missed you.” Remus admitted.

“I’ve missed you too.” Regulus returned.

“You’re the only other one with a braincell around here.” Remus joked weakly.

“That’s one more than you.” Regulus joked hesitantly back.

Remus smiled at him. “I’m still upset with you.” He warned. “But I’m done pushing people away.”

Regulus didn’t stop himself from fully smiling. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“Just fucking hug me, you prick.”

Regulus did.

*

“And for the first time, the British and Irish Quidditch League welcomes James Potter to the pitch! Subbing in for Brandon Sharpe on the Tutshill Tornados!” The commentator narrated after introducing the teams. They had just filed onto the pitch and were flying around, hyping up the crowd before the start of the game.

After some very rushed arrangements, the Tutshill Managers managed to get them seats in a box for the players’ families after all. Literally all of them refused to miss this, so all seventeen of them piled into the box, much to the annoyance of the stadium coordinators and to the bemusement of the two scattered occupants already there – Olly’s husband, Amir, and Nicky’s brother, Martin. Regulus supposed the families of the other players were much more used to them playing professional matches and didn’t show up to every single one.

“Olly tells me it’s little bug’s first match.” Amir said smiling once they’d introduced themselves. “You’re the one dating him, right?”

“Yes, and yes.” Regulus confirmed, his eyes straining to focus on James’s distant figure even as they talked.

“He’ll do great.” Amir assured him. “You don’t need to worry.”

“I worry if James worries.” Regulus let slip absently. “And he’s worried.”

He could tell from the way the man was flying with one hand on his broom instead of hands-free like he usually would when playing up a crowd.

“Here.” Amir offered him his omnioculars. “You look like you’re going to need these more than me. You should invest in some – they’re not cheap, but well worth it.”

Hesitantly, Regulus took them with a grateful nod. “Thanks.”

“Another tip:” Amir continued. “Don’t drink anything for the first half of the game or you’ll need the loo.”

“You’ve been to one or two of these before.” Regulus observed.

“Olly and I have been married fifteen years.” The man told him with a smile. “You pick up some things.”

Fifteen years. He knew Olly was 35 so they must have married at 20. Salazar, Regulus imagined himself sitting in Amir’s place fifteen years from now, married to James and talking some newbie’s partner through everything.

“Any more advice?” He asked, with a lot more respect in his tone now.

He patted his bag with a wry grin. “Have some pain reliever potions ready for when you get a headache from the noise, the stress, or both.” He winked at Regulus. “Don’t worry I have spares.”

“I might need it.” He admitted to the man. “I think I might break out in hives.”

“I would tell you to relax but that’s very unhelpful.” Amir smiled. “Just remember how good he is. I bet you’ve seen him fly a lot by now.”

“He’s thrashed me every year since I was twelve.” Regulus gave a wry smirk of his own.

“You play?”

“Seeker not Chaser. And just in school.”

“Ah.” Amir nodded. “I’ve never played myself but Olly looks damn good doing it.”

Regulus chuckled. He could relate – James was a vision in the air.

“So, how old are you?” Amir asked curiously. “You and your bug look real young.”

“I’m sixteen, he’s seventeen.”

“Oh, you’re babies.” The man breathed. “I suddenly feel so old.”

“I think it’s more that we’re young.” Regulus countered honestly.

“Oh, you’re both definitely young.” Amir was looking at James with fresh eyes. His voice was more empathetic than condescending. “He’s got to be the youngest on that pitch by at least five years.”

Regulus couldn’t help but wince.

“Sorry.” The man apologised.

“It’s fine.” Regulus sighed. “But now you see why I’m nervous.”

“I do see.” Amir blew out a breath before nodding his head towards the pitch. “They’re going to start in two minutes.” He pointed to something happening on the ground. “You can always tell because they get the balls out at this point.”

Sure enough, the omnioculars revealed that some officials were unloading the balls at ground level.

“Oh Merlin.” Regulus murmured worriedly.

“It’s going to be fine.” Amir bumped their shoulders together.

Meanwhile, the players were lining up. Through his new magnifying lenses Regulus noticed Olly look over in their direction and hold up a calm hand, smiling. Beside him, Amir shifted and mirrored the action. Oh, that was so cute – he and James were going to have to come up with a signal for themselves.

“Olly’s not nervous at all, is he?” Regulus asked.

Amir kept smiling even as he dropped his arm. “He gets a normal level of jitters in the lead up but by this point, he’s not my Olly – he’s Oliver Farley, Star Chaser.”

James suddenly looked over in their direction, looking incredibly nervous. Regulus panicked and stood up immediately, causing James’s eyes to catch on him. He wished he could say one last thing to calm the man down but he couldn’t. Instead, they just stared at each other from so far away. Regulus brought the omnioculars back up to his face just in time to watch as determination settled over James’s features. He gave Regulus a tight nod before looking away, staring right at the umpire holding the Quaffle.

It looked like Regulus didn’t need to say anything after all. He just needed to show James that he was still there.

“He still your James or is he zoned in yet?” Amir asked knowingly.

Regulus sat down, something within him settling. James wasn’t nervous any more. So he didn’t have to be nervous.

“He’s in it.”

Amir smiled. “Then let the game begin.”

The umpire held up five fingers and started counting down.

5

4

3

2

1

The Quaffle was thrown into the air.