Chapter Text
“Okay, so what now?” James asked, his brow furrowing playfully. “Do we start a relationship or something?”
“I think so,” Regulus replied, a hint of uncertainty creeping in. “But I want to make sure we don’t lose what makes our dynamic special. I still want to challenge you, push you to your limits.”
James’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Oh, I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re going to need to bring your A-game, Regulus.”
“Always,” Regulus said with a smirk, feeling a sense of exhilaration at the thought of balancing their rivalry with romance.
As they made their way back through the castle, their fingers brushed against each other, sending electric sparks through Regulus’s veins. Each accidental touch felt significant, igniting a new layer of tension between them.
“Hey, what do you think our friends will say?” James asked, breaking the comfortable silence as they walked side by side.
“They’ll probably be shocked,” Regulus replied, recalling the teasing comments Evan had made. “Especially Evan. He’ll never let me live this down.”
James chuckled. “True. But you know what? Let them talk. We’re the ones who matter now.”
Regulus nodded, feeling a rush of affection for James. He was right. It didn’t matter what others thought; what they had was real.
As they neared the entrance to the Gryffindor common room, Regulus felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety bubble within him. “So, should we tell them?”
James paused, contemplating. “Why not? We’re not hiding anymore. We’re just… us.”
“Us,” Regulus repeated, testing the word on his tongue. It felt exhilarating, filled with potential and promise.
“Yeah,” James said, grinning. “Come on, let’s make an entrance.”
With that, they pushed through the portrait hole, stepping into the bustling common room. Conversations paused, heads turned, and Regulus felt a wave of heat flush his cheeks.
“Look who it is!” Evan called out, his eyes lighting up with mischief. “The rival couple!”
Regulus shot him a glare, but he couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at his lips. “Shut it, Rosier.”
But Evan only grinned wider. “Oh, no. This is too good. You two finally decided to stop pretending?”
Regulus exchanged a glance with James, who shrugged, a playful grin on his face. “Yeah, we did.”
The room erupted into cheers and laughter, and for the first time, Regulus felt a sense of belonging wash over him. They weren’t just rivals anymore; they were something more profound, something that felt right.
“Who would’ve thought?” Remus chimed in, a genuine smile on his face. “Regulus Black, a softie for Potter.”
“Don’t push it, Lupin,” Regulus shot back, but the teasing didn’t bother him.
James chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter. “Maybe it’s true. Maybe I’m just that charming.”
“Please,” Regulus said, rolling his eyes, but his heart raced at the thought of being seen in a different light.
Regulus grinned, feeling a competitive spark reignite. “It means I’m going to wipe the floor with Potter in our next match.”
“Bring it on!” James shot back, raising his fist in a mock challenge. “I’m ready for anything you throw at me.”
The banter flowed easily, and Regulus felt a lightness in his chest. They were embracing this new chapter, and it felt exhilarating.
As the evening wore on, laughter and teasing filled the air, and Regulus found himself drawn to James, their playful rivalry fueling a warmth that wrapped around them like a blanket. He felt a sense of happiness he hadn’t anticipated, and he relished every moment.
But just as the night seemed perfect, the door swung open, and Sirius entered, his eyes landing on Regulus and James. “What’s this? Are we throwing a party without me?” he asked, a teasing lilt in his voice.
“Oh, just celebrating our new status,” James replied, winking at Regulus.
Sirius raised an eyebrow, a frown forming on his lips. “Wait, you’re telling me that the two of you are an item now?”
Regulus felt his cheeks heat, but he couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”
"Does mom approve? " Sirius asked eyes downcast.
"She doesn't know" Regulus said voice barely above a whisper.
Sirius scoffed then smile that mischievous grin of his "well fuck her. Come with us reg"
James grinned, and Regulus felt a sense of warmth swell in his chest. This was a new beginning, and he was ready to embrace it.