i really loved him

chapter 51

Saturday, 28th May – "But it's almost June!" James whined.

He was standing by the window in the dorm, staring forlornly out at the iron-grey sky and torrential rain, on the morning of the most important Quidditch match either of them had ever played.

"It's Scotland," Regulus pointed out calmly, coming to stand beside him and turning his head from the window for a kiss. "And the weather won't make any difference to you, James. I know it won't."

His heart skipped.

"Reggie, that's really sweet—"

"—Because either way, you're going to lose."

"Oh, you're such an arsehole."

"Your—" Regulus stopped, closed his eyes and smiled. "No, on second thoughts, I won't say that."

James snorted with laughter and wrapped an arm around him. It was still early. They had time. For a little while, they stood by the window, listening to the rain as it clattered against the glass. Neither would admit they were nervous, which was fine, since they both knew anyway. Smiling to himself, James kissed Regulus on the temple, then softly rubbed his cheek against his hair.

"Oi, will you still go out with me, even if I beat you?"

"If I say no, will you let me win?"

"...No?"

"Good," Regulus said, looking up at him sternly. "If you were to let me win, I would feed you to the giant squid."

"Hm."

Smirking, James moved the arm away and cupped his face.

"We still need to get you some stilts or something; then you can actually look me in the eyes while you threaten me."

Without hesitation, Regulus grasped the front of his pyjama shirt and tugged him down until they were at eye-level, a breath apart.

"That won't be necessary."

Before James could respond, the drapes of the nearest bed slit apart and Remus clambered out.

"Morning," he yawned, standing up and beginning to plod towards the bathroom. "How're— oh, you're being gay."

"Er..."

"Good." He waved a groggy hand at them. "Carry on."

The bathroom door slammed shut.

They glanced at each other for a moment, then burst out laughing. Regulus let go and covered his face with his hands, leaning against James as they attempted to stifle themselves. Unsuccessfully. Still chuckling, James drew both arms around him and tugged him in against his chest. Regulus looked up, smiling, and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

"I should go," he said quietly. "My dormmates will wake up soon."

"Yeah," James sighed, pulling him back into the hug. "Yeah, alright."
"I'll see you on the pitch."

"Meet me behind the changing rooms first?"

Stepping away to summon the invisibility cloak, Regulus smiled again.

"Fine," he said, eyes twinkling like they so often did these days. "Gladly."

He made to leave.

"Reggie, wait a sec," James said quickly.

Regulus turned back to face him. Stomach fizzing, James grabbed his hand and leaned in towards his ear.

"Love you," he whispered.

It had been a week, and he was yet to get tired of saying that. He said it all the time; probably too much, when he came to think about it, but he didn't care. Saying it a lot didn't make it less true.