just lovers like we were supposed to be

ACT FOUR: Part Two

Chapter Notes
okay, folks and friends. no warnings for this chapter outside of angst. just...so much angst. the first part is happy, at least? enjoy...?
See the end of the chapter for more notes

The Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff match is highly anticipated by the entire school. It falls just at the very end of February into March, and everyone in the school is practically vibrating in excitement for it, even those that don't really care for Quidditch. This is because whichever team wins, there will be a huge, celebratory party that practically everyone of age goes to. Hufflepuff and Gryffindor are known for them.

For James, on the day of, he is focused. He gets up earlier than usual, does exercises in the silent dark of the dorm room before anyone else even gets up, then gets ready before the sun even drags itself into the sky.

Sirius, who used to play for the team until fifth year, knows how important this is to James. While he likes to tease James for how seriously he takes Quidditch, as most people do, he's also ridiculously supportive. This means he gets up earlier than he usually would and, without complaint, joins James outside to time him when he runs. (Remus has expressed that it makes entirely no sense for James to run when he'll be flying, and James can never make him understand the full-body workout and preparation that running provides him, which lends itself to flying better, nor can he get it through to Remus that running is simply fun for him and helps get his blood pumping and the adrenaline rushing.)

Because Sirius is no longer on the team, he doesn't bother running with James. He cheers him on, though, as much as he can when he's not dozing off standing up. James appreciates his effort, he really does. When they make it inside, James heads off for a shower, and Sirius crawls back into bed with Remus to get more sleep before they all go for breakfast.

Peter loves Quidditch, but does not love flying, which makes him great for watching and explaining to Remus everything that's going on, but not actually playing. Remus does not love Quidditch (thinks it's a bit stupid, honestly, which has and will always cause James great agony), but he loves James, so he keeps his witty little comments to himself on the day of matches James is participating in, stowing them away like a true best mate and being supportive instead.

This means none of them tease him for being relentlessly intense about the whole thing, and none of them are startled by the fact that James quite literally does not care about anything if it doesn't have to do with Quidditch. There are no exceptions to this rule. On the days of matches, James is not a bundle of sunshine and laughter; he doesn't move around casually; he doesn't get distracted.
No, he's sharp and serious, not a smile in sight; he walks with purpose; he—

"You're wearing it?" James blurts out, doing a quick double-take as Regulus, much to everyone's shock, sits down in the open spot on the bench next to James at the Gryffindor table where everyone is having breakfast. He is, in fact, wearing the Potter Quidditch captain jumper that James gave to him, which makes James break out into a grin—also much to everyone's shock, because they know his usual routine.

"Yes, obviously. Good morning. Good luck," Regulus lists off, then leans over to kiss James quickly, then stands right back up and leaves without another word.

James stares after him and, for a bit, doesn't think about Quidditch at all. He plants his elbow on the table, leaning his cheek over on his fist, and thinks oh, he's so lovely.

"Well, that was...suspiciously sweet," Sirius notes, squinting over at Regulus where he's sinking down at the Slytherin table next to Barty.

"It was really sweet," Peter agrees, sounding like he's seconds from saying aww.

"I think he's being nice to me today," James says, turning to press his mouth against his fist to try and hide his grin. It doesn't really work, but he does try.