You Should Think About The Consequence
Jamie:
baby black
baby black
oi
baby black
respond
fine
be like that
petulant brat
ughhhhhhh
reggie
reggie
i will spam you
do not doubt me
biefonrejeionfpion
HII!!!!!!
-that was sirius
he stole my phone
fuckin dick
REGGIE
JAMES
JESUS
FUCKING
CHRIST
TAKE A HINT
no <3
why didnt you respond
do you not love me :(((((((
no you dipshit
im in class
i think ur forgetting that im in your class
how could i forget when i have balled up paper
being thrown at the back of my head 24/7!!!
yeah you didnt respond to those either
rude of you
i didnt read them
didnt realize there was anything to read
what were they
love notes.
????
the ones your darling brother was trying to throw over my head to the lohl
oh
thought you were writing me love notes for a second there
you woulda liked that
sure
but yeah the ones sirius wrote were very detailed
i wanna ask but im scared
you definitely want to ask.
what were the details of...?
you'll find out if you read them
i stuffed them in my bag
itd be too obvious to get them out now
read em later
will do
this class is boring
how would you know
youre not paying attention
rude of you to assume such a thing
how do you know that im not listening??
youre texting me??
well ur not listening either
we dont gotta mention that jamie
i think we should baby black
why do you insist on being such a pain
do you not like the nickname?
i can always call you something else
random question but whats 'heart' in french?
cœur
why
dw abt it
shit the teachers comig
hid eyous pjone
"Mister Potter, Mister Black. Phones away, or on my desk. This is your final warning, James, and Regulus, I didn't expect this from you." James pockets his phone dejectedly, and sees Regulus, in the row in front of him, put it in his bag, and take out the notes he'd passed. He watches Regulus presumably read them under his desk, shoulders shaking. James sees his hand move, and assumes he's covering his mouth to muffle his laughter. James grins. Some of the lines in that note were very... thought out. Such as exactly where Sirius wanted Remus to make him forget his name, if you catch my drift. "Mister Black. For the second time today. Pay. Attention. Or face detention."
"Sorry, Mrs Burke. It won't happen again."
"It had better not. Now, as I was saying..." James feels bad for Regulus, it's his fault he got in trouble, after all.
Sorry, man
He scrawls quickly on the ripped out corner of his textbook. While the teacher is writing something on the board, he tosses it at Regulus. It goes over his shoulder and into his lap. James watches as Regulus strategically picks a time to write something back.
Not an issue. Do you want to get lunch and work on fps? Lesson's almost over
That'd be great. gotta tell your brother I'm ditching him
James nudges Sirius, who's on his left and mindlessly scribbling into each of the corners of his paper.
"Oi," James hisses. Sirius looks up. "I'm ditching you for lunch."
"Oooh, have you got a date?" Sirius asks, with an entirely unnecessary raise of his eyebrows.
"Something like that. I'll catch you later, 'kay?"
"Yeah fine, just don't be late to English."
"Me? Late for class? What do you take me for."
"Mister Potter! Be quiet when I am talking!"
"Sorry, Mrs Burke," James quotes Regulus. "It won't happen again."
"I'm afraid you won't be seeing that chance. Detention." James nods and the teacher continues.
haha sucks
"Mister Black?" James sees Regulus freeze. "Are you passing notes in my class? Is it that unimportant to you, that you think you can just talk to your friends all through it?"
"I- no, I... I was asking a question."
"I'm fairly sure you all know that I'm the one you go to for answers."
"I'm sorry, and I know it's disrespectful of me, but it was a question about another class."
"What class?"
"English."
"You still get a detention for passing notes in class, however helpful the notes may be. You will accompany Potter at 5pm tomorrow night. Don't be late."
"Yes, Mrs Burke." Just then, the bell sounds, and kids rush out of the classroom before the teacher can say another word.
"Hey, Reg. We still on for lunch?" James asks, following him out of the classroom.
"I think you mean our... 'something like a date'," Regulus responds, looking up at James with a glint in his eye.
"Oh... er- you heard that?"
"Yes, I did."
***
The ‘something like a date’ went well, in Regulus’ opinion. Then again, in Regulus’ opinion, everything goes well with James. They finally did what they’ve been putting off. Their English assignment. Well, they started it, but quickly got distracted plotting what the most embarrassing costume for Sirius would be. They got half their script done, and were rather proud of that, when the bell for fourth period rang.
“Shit, I’ll catch you later, ay?” James says, stuffing loose paper in his bag.
“Er… maybe.”
“‘Kay, see you!” James rushes out of the cafeteria before Regulus can respond. Regulus, in a much more organized manor, tidies where they were sitting, and walks to his next class. Music.
See, music wasn’t that bad, especially because Regulus has grown up playing instruments. But also in his music class was Snape. Severus Snape. Everyone hates the kid, and for good reason. He hates everyone as well. Besides Lily Evans, of course. Poor Lily, Regulus thinks every time he sees the greasy creep. Luckily, the music seating plan has them far away from each other.
Regulus walks into the room and takes his seat. He doesn’t have anyone he’d consider a friend in this class yet, but he doesn’t dislike anyone, besides Snape of course. A blonde girl sits next to him, Pandora Somethingorother. She looks familiar, but he can’t place her. They’ve spoken a few times, usually just asking a question. On Regulus’ other side sits another girl, Dorcas Meadowes. She seems cool. She certainly looks cool. She wears band tees, a different band every day. Today was Guns & Roses.
The teacher, Mr Colter, finished writing on the board and turned to the class.
First graded assignment
In groups, you will create a soundtrack to a script
Due by the end of next period
Groups of 2-3
People around Regulus start moving into groups. He stays seated, hoping to pair with someone who also didn’t know anybody.
“Regulus? Do you want to work with me?” Pandora asks. He likes her, so he agrees.
“Yeah, sure.” Regulus moves his chair closer to her.
“Do you think I could join you? I was going to go with Lucius, but he’s pairing with Snape and Snape is disgusting,” Dorcas asks.
“Of course!” Pandora says. Regulus nods.
“Glad to hear I’m not the only one who hates Snape’s guts,” Regulus says.
“He’s a gross little mole-weasel with piss for brains,” Dorcas spits, glaring at him. Regulus laughs.
“I hate him too. What’d he do to you?” Pandora asks as Dorcas pulls her chair over. They all rearrange into a triangle in between Pandora and Regulus’ desks.
“He’s a racist little scumbag,” Dorcas responds. “Never gives me a break.”
“He harrasses my brother and his friends. Especially Lily,” Regulus says. He’s never met Lily, but from what he hears, she’s very sweet and doesn’t deserve to be treated the way she does by him. No one deserves that.
“Lily Evans?” Dorcas asks.
“Yeah, her. Why?”
“Lucius told me that he never shuts up about her. I told him that Snape sounds like a perv and Lucius said he’s been like that since he met her. Apparently they were childhood friends, but he treated her terribly and she didn’t know. When she befriended who she hangs out with now, she ditched him, and he’s never let her go.”
“Aw, poor girl. Now I want to punch him even more. No, not punch. Bend each of his fingers back so far they snap, one at a time. Then punch him,” Pandora says. Regulus’ jaw drops slightly, and Dorcas freezes and stares. “Oh, did I say that last bit out loud? Sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. I didn’t even know I wanted to do that to him until now. But I do ,” Dorcas says.
“As much as I love the topic of torturing Snape, we should get to work. We can talk about this after,” Regulus says. Mr Colter walks by, writes something, presumably their names, on his clipboard, and hands them a stack of papers, three copies of the same script. They silently read them.
Title: "Love Rekindled"
Scene 1: The Coffee Shop Reunion
(Sarah sits alone at a table, sipping her coffee. John enters, scanning the room.)
John: (Spotting Sarah) Sarah?
Sarah: (Surprised) John! It's been years!
(They hug.)
John: (Smiles) Yeah, it really has. How have you been?
Sarah: (Reflective) Life's had its ups and downs, but I'm doing okay. You?
John: (Nods) Same here. Can't complain.
(They both notice Lisa entering.)
Sarah: (Waving) Lisa's here too!
(Lisa joins them, and they share a group hug.)
Lisa: (Excited) I can't believe we're all here!
John: (Laughs) The gang's back together!
(Scene transitions to them chatting about old times, laughing, and catching up.)
Scene 2: Michael's Surprise
(Michael enters the coffee shop, carrying a guitar case.)
Michael: (Nervous) Hey, guys.
Sarah: (Surprised) Michael? Is that really you?
Lisa: (Excited) You made it!
John: (Curious) What's in the case, Michael?
Michael: (Sheepish) Well, I thought, since we used to play together, maybe we could... you know, jam a bit?
Sarah: (Thrilled) That's a fantastic idea!
Lisa: (Enthusiastic) I've missed our music!
(They find a corner to sit and start playing music together.)
Scene 3: The Jam Session and Rekindled Feelings
(As they play, John and Sarah share meaningful glances, memories of their past relationship surfacing.)
John: (Nostalgic) Remember when we wrote this song together, Sarah?
Sarah: (Smiles) How could I forget? It was our song.
(Their connection deepens as they sing the song together.)
Michael: (Noticing) Looks like old flames are sparking again.
Lisa: (Whispering to Michael) Do you think they still have feelings for each other?
Michael: (Whispering) I have a feeling they do.
Scene 4: Emily's Arrival
(As the jam session continues, Emily, a barista at the coffee shop, listens from behind the counter. She has a warm smile.
Emily: (To herself) They sound amazing together.
(She brings over their orders and joins them at the table.)
Emily: (Friendly) Mind if I join you all?
All: (Inviting) Of course!
(They introduce themselves to Emily.)
Scene 5: Love Rekindled
(As the evening progresses, Sarah and John's chemistry becomes more apparent.)
Sarah: (To John) It's funny how life brings people back together.
John: (Smiles) Maybe some things are meant to be.
(Lisa and Michael exchange knowing glances.)
Emily: (Noticing) You two have a special connection.
Sarah: (Confesses) John, I never stopped loving you.
John: (Touched) Sarah, I never stopped loving you either.
(They share a tender moment, sealing their rekindled love.)
Scene 6: A New Beginning
(The group shares a joyous toast.)
All: To love, music, and second chances!
(They clink their cups, celebrating the reunion and the love that has been rekindled.)
"Love Rekindled" is a heartwarming short play that celebrates the power of friendship, music, and the enduring nature of love. It reminds us that sometimes, even after years apart, true love can find its way back into our hearts.
Great, Regulus thinks, a love story. Pandora looks up from her script and a moment later, Dorcas does too.
“It’s a love story. We need Taylor Swift,” Dorcas says.
“Obviously. And, I hate to say it, ‘All of Me’.” Regulus winces at Pandora’s words.
“Do we have to?” He asks.
“Yes, it’s very important. We should be making a list.”
“Oh! What’s that one song… it’s by Adele…” Dorcas taps her lips in thought.
“What’s it about?” Pandora asks.
“Like, a gathering of old friends. Reminiscing.”
“It was just like a movie, it was just like a song? That one?”
“Yes! What’s it called?”
“When We Were Young,” Regulus answers.
“Yes, that. We need that. It’s perfect.”
“Again, we need a list,” Pandora repeats. She reaches over and digs in her bag, pulling out a notebook and pen.
The three of them continue naming songs. By the end of class, they had twelve, and four crossed out ones. The bell rings, but their teacher signaled for them to stay inside.
“Ms Rosier, can you stay after class? You’re not in trouble, don’t worry.” Rosier.
“I will,” Pandora responds.
“Shit,” Regulus mutters.
“Hm? What is it?” Pandora asks.
“You’re Pandora Rosier.”
“Er- yes?” She’s rightly confused.
“I live with your brother. Like- we’re roommates. And Barty too,” he explains.
“Small world.”
“It’s just… he’s never mentioned you.”
“We never really… got along. I’m glad he’s left now, though.”
“What?”
“Regulus, you have to go. Look.” Regulus looks around and sees everyone else leaving. “I’ll see you around, ok? Don’t mention me. Please.”
“I won’t.” Regulus leaves the classroom and catches up to Dorcas in the hallway. Well, catches up is the wrong phrase. He bumps into her talking to Snape. She looks murderous. Regulus can’t hear what the greasy goblin is saying, but he’s sure it’s vile. He’s not really thinking when he walks up to Snape.
“Sev? Is that you?” Snape stops talking to Dorcas and turns to Regulus.
“What do you want?”
“I was just wondering whether… whether that spot in your band was still open?” Regulus lies. Last year, Snape’s band asked whether he wanted to be their drummer. He’d declined, of course, but it seemed like the perfect reason to talk to him in the hallway. Luckily, Dorcas seems to understand that this was an out for her, and she leaves. Snape looks bothered by that, but doesn’t say anything to get her back.
“For now. But we’re getting a replacement in a few weeks. Then we’ll be back and better than ever, which is difficult, as we’ve always been better than your brother and his dirtbag friends’ band.” Regulus tried not to show any emotion. How dare he , the king of the scum, call my brother a dirtbag?
“Well, just thought I’d ask. See you around,” he starts walking away before adding, “Snivellous.”
***
Regulus has a free period last on Mondays, and decides to stay at school and edit the first part of the Icarus script he and James wrote. And by ‘edit’, he means ‘be repeatedly shocked at how awful James’ handwriting is’. The hour went by fast, and the bell rang. Regulus leaves the classroom and, once again, bumps into Dorcas.
“Regulus! I just wanted to say that you didn’t have to do that. I was perfectly fine.”
“Dorcas, I respect you and know that yeah, you were fine. But you looked like you were about to kill him. So, I stepped in. Not because killing him wouldn’t be fine with me, but because if you kill him, we’ll never be able to do the positively evil things Pandora has come up with to him.”
“Right, yeah, totally. But trust me, I don’t need anyone fighting my battles. I can do it on my own.”
“I know.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow?” Regulus nods and she leaves.
When Regulus gets home, Barty and Evan are already there. They also have a free last period, but they come home instead. They’re on the couch in a very platonic way. Evan sitting normally leaning against the arm of the sofa, and Barty lying with his head in Evan’s lap. I swear, they got together and just haven’t told me.
“Reg! Welcome back!” Evan says, looking up from his book. Seeing Evan now, smiling slightly, blue eyes on him, he sees not only Evan, but Pandora. Their similarities and their differences, of which there are few. Evan’s hair is short, but that same almost metallic blond color. Apparently he stood there staring at Evan long enough to draw Barty’s attention.
“You have a thing for Evan now or what? Mate, we know you’re a whore but back off, he’s mine,” he says. Evan hits him over the head with the book.
“Out of the two of us, hell the three of us here, you’re definitely the whore,” Regulus responds. “And no, I’m not crushing on Evan. I know he’s off limits.” Evan winks at Regulus.
“You sure about that?” Evan asks.
“Evan!” Barty exclaims, sitting straight up. “Leave him for Potter.” Evan snorts.
“Oi! Enough, both of you. I’m leaving.”
“Barty’s not wrong!” Evan yells as Regulus closes the door to his room behind him.
“Least Potter’s not my roommate!” Regulus yells back. Then, under his breath, grumbles, “And I don’t like stupid, gorgeous, Potter.” His phone buzzes, and before he can stop himself, he’s grinning at the notification from James.
Jamie:
hey
wyd
I was about to play drums
sounds fun
anygay
lunch was fun.
im guessing asking me what i was doing was just a set up?
we should do it again.
yeah sure ig
didnt think lunch was something we had to plan
not the lunch bit
the
us
bit
the us bit?
what does that mean
nevermind
pretend i never said anything
have fun with the drums
ill see you tmr
ok?
ig
see you
Regulus, confused, puts his phone on his nightstand and walks to his drums. He sits down and puts his headphones on, but he doesn’t have any motivation to play. The texts from James threw him off. Everything about today was weird. What is my life anymore?
He moves to sit at his desk instead, sorting through a pile of paper. He doesn’t have anything to do, really, so he just kinda sits there, doodling on a blank page of one of his notebooks. Before he can do anything productive, not that he was going to, his phone rings. His heart jumps at his first thought. James. He rushes to pick it up, but it’s an unknown number. He answers hesitantly.
“Regulus? Is that you?” A girl asks. Pandora.
“Yeah. Pandora?”
“Yes!”
“How’d you get this number?”
“Well, I got it off James. But he was super cagey about it. I think he might like you.” Regulus splutters.
“I- what? No. Pandora, you’ve got it wrong. He doesn’t.”
“Hmm… I think you might like him too.”
“I will have you know that I am…getting over him,” Regulus lies.
“Ah, very believable.”
“What’d you call for?” Regulus asks quickly, changing the subject.
“Just to check the number James gave me was right. Did it to Dorcas too.”
“Of course."
"Anyway, how's it goin?" She asks cheerfully.
"Er, can I ask a question?" Regulus has no idea what he's doing.
"Sure, anything! WAIT! Regulusssssss," she drags out his name, "who did you kill?"
"Kill? No one! I didn't kill anyone!"
"Ok good, I thought you were asking for help hiding a body. It’s all about how much blood there is, honestly. If there’s a lot you-”
“Pandora, I didn’t kill anyone. I was asking you if you knew-,” he lets out a breath-, “how to ask someone out.”
“AWWW REGGIE!! You like James! I knew it. You know, I can always tell with these things. I think it’s my power. A blessing and a curse, really.”
“Can you help me or not?” Regulus snaps, cutting off her rant.
“Ok, here’s what you’re going to do…” As Pandora explains, Regulus starts to regret this conversation more and more. “...and then you fall in love and have the most beautiful children ever!”
“I’ll try tomorrow. Thanks, Pandora. I needed that.” It was true, he did. As he hangs up and tosses his phone onto his bed, he sighs deeply. Fuck me, he thinks.
*DYSPHORIA BEGINS!!!*
He looks at the sheet hanging, covering the mirror on his closet door. Sighing again, he pulls it down. His eyes lock on his reflection, tracing his body with the piercing look. Too…soft. All of his features were gentle, he had big eyes, and a slim waist. He swallows, and for some reason, the lack of an Adam's apple bobbing in his throat springs tears to his eyes. He blinks them back. Fuck me, he repeats to himself, James Potter would never be seen with someone like me. Nobody should have to be seen with me. His nails press into the soft skin of his palm until the sting of pain pulls him from this trance. He covers the mirror again.
*DYSPHORIA ENDS!!!*
His phone buzzes on the bed, and he picks it up.
Jamie:
Petie’s sick, he’s gonna miss practice 2day
Fill in?
yea, no problem
time?
ASAP
Regulus pulls on his hoodie and grabs his sticks.
“Guys! I’m going out,” he says to his roommates, who are currently throwing food into the other’s mouths.
“Have fun with Potter!” Barty says, smirking.
“Why do you think I’ll be with Potter?”
“You have that look. Flushed cheeks, a smile,” Barty explains. Regulus looks to Evan for support, but he shakes his head slightly.
“Not you too!” Regulus exclaims at the blond.
“I hate to say it, but Barty’s right. You look happier when you’re with him.” Regulus rolls his eyes and leaves, but he’s rolling the words around in his mind. Is it that obvious? Does James know? Is he just making fun of me because he knows I’m in love with him? NO! I’m not in love with James Potter. Absolutely not. Just…enamored. He’s caught my eye, that’s ALL. He busses to James’ house repeating the mantra, but it does nothing to settle the rising suspicion that he is, indeed, falling for James Potter.
James opens the front door for him before he gets the chance to knock. His eyes are wide and his cheeks are flushed.
“Come on in, Baby Black!”
“Are you drunk, Potter?” Regulus asks suspiciously, incredibly aware of James’ hand still wrapped around his wrist.
“Just buzzed. The guys are in the kitchen.” Regulus follows behind James through the house and sees Remus and Sirius already at the table.
“Hey, little brother,” Sirius says, smiling. “We’re glad you’re here! Peter ditched us.” Sirius pouts and Remus pats him on the shoulder.
“Reg is better anyway, aren’t ya?” James asks with a cocky grin. Regulus rolls his eyes.
“Are we gonna play, or just sit around?”
“PLAY! PLAY! PLAY!” The band all starts shouting as they file down the narrow hallway and into the garage. Regulus takes his spot behind the drums. He and Peter are relatively similar heights, so he doesn’t need to change the kit at all. He waits for everyone else to get situated.
“What are we playing?”
“Psionic Rupture, one of our electro-pop songs. It’s pretty simple, you’ll get the hang of it.” James responds, rolling up the sleeve of his button-down and flexing his hand. Regulus’ eyes zero in on the pulsing tendon and miss the knowing smirk on James’ face. Regulus snaps out of it and fiddles mindlessly with the drums. Remus sets himself on the keyboard while Sirius sets up the pre-recorded soundboard effects. *A/N PSIONIC RUPTURE iS A REAL SONG BY MERCY’S CRYPTID ik sick name right AND IT’S SO GOOD PLEASE GO CHECK IT OUT THE ARTIST IS REAL COOL AND NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC*
The song goes well, Regulus gets the flow of it. It is a pretty simple song, but it’s good for the very start of a show to get people interested. After two run throughs, James opens the cooler and tosses out some beers. Remus doesn’t take one, but the others do, including Regulus, who takes a deep swig of the bitter liquid.
It’s around 9 when Remus announces his departure, taking a drunken Sirius with him. James and Regulus watch the two leave.
“Need another one?” James asks Regulus, the can already in his hand. Regulus nods. He cracks it open before tracing his fingers along the sweat on the side of it. He brings his wet hand to the back of his neck, cooling off. “Just take your hoodie off, I don’t care.”
“Pardon?”
“You’re warm. Take it off.” Of course James Potter, now currently shirtless and gleaming with sweat, would say that. His torso is perfectly flat. Regulus shakes his head and takes another big sip of his beer. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees James shrug. Regulus gets up to check his phone, which is on the table by the door, but stumbles and falls.
“Fuck, I think I’m a little more than tipsy,” Regulus slurs. He rights himself and checks his phone, seeing texts from his roommates in the group chat.
Ev:
if ur not back in 10 we’re locking u out
you had a warning
fuck u
BARTHOLEMEW:
hah even Ev hates you now
stay at potters
is that why you locked me out???
BARTHOLEMEW:
yes #noregrets
Ev:
yea pretty much #noREGrets
you are both the worst
🖕
go to hell
Regulus puts his phone down and sighs.
“What’s up?” James asks.
“My roommates locked me out, I have to find a place to stay tonight.”
“Stay here,” James says with a casual expression.
“Sure, I’m tired though. Wanna head to bed.”
“Sleep in my room, I can take the couch.”
“No! No, we can share the bed.” As Regulus walks up the stairs, he regrets that sentence more and more. But as he lays in James’ bed, and he feels James climb in beside him, he wonders why he regretted it.
And he's never fallen asleep faster.