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Regulus did not do crowds.
And yet, here he was—smack in the middle of a packed hockey arena, surrounded by screaming fans, sitting as inconspicuously as possible in the first row where he knew the cameras could see him.
And if that wasn’t enough, he was also wearing James’ jersey.
Not just any jersey.
His boyfriend’s captain’s jersey.
With Potter written in bold white letters across his back.
Regulus swallowed hard, trying not to think about it too much.
James had insisted, practically pleaded, pressing kisses all over Regulus’ face before he left for warm-ups.
— Wear my jersey for me, love. Want everyone to know you’re mine.
Regulus had rolled his eyes at the time, but now—sitting here, feeling dozens of people glancing at him, hearing the murmurs from the people nearby—he was rethinking his decision.
And then, the commentators noticed.
— Oh-ho, what do we have here? Looks like someone special is in the stands tonight!
Regulus froze.
— That’s James Potter’s captain jersey! And judging by that blush, I’d say that’s a very important someone.
Regulus wished the earth would swallow him whole.
But then—then the players came out, and James skated onto the ice, and everything else faded into the background.
Because James’ eyes found him immediately.
And oh.
Regulus felt his breath hitch.
James looked so good.
Flushed from warm-ups, hair a wild mess even under his helmet, shoulders squared with pride as his gaze raked over Regulus.
And then—he beamed.
Not just a smile—no, this was a grin, wide and stunning, so full of adoration that Regulus swore he felt it all the way in his chest.
— Oh, look at that reaction from Potter! He’s practically glowing.
— I think we just found his good luck charm.
Regulus covered his face with his hands.
He was never wearing James’ jersey again.
Except—James had the game of his life.
He scored. Twice. Assisted the game-winning goal. Nearly tackled his teammates in celebration.
And every single time, his eyes flicked to Regulus.
And then—then the final buzzer rang, the crowd exploded in cheers, and before Regulus could react, James was skating straight toward him.
Regulus barely had time to register the cameras flashing before James grabbed him by the collar of his own jersey and kissed him.
Right there.
In front of everyone.
Regulus made a tiny, startled sound before melting into it, his hands fisting in James’ damp jersey, his heart pounding.
The crowd roared.
— Oh, Potter is not being subtle tonight!
— Not that he ever is.
Regulus swore he was as red as James’ team colors.
James pulled back, grinning against his lips.
— Hi, beautiful.
Regulus exhaled sharply, cheeks burning.
— James.
James laughed, pressing one last kiss to his nose before grabbing his hand and dragging him backstage.
The moment the door shut behind them, James pinned him to the wall, still in full gear, still panting from the game, and kissed him breathless.
Regulus gasped, gripping at his jersey as James’ arms wrapped tight around him, pressing kisses to his jaw, his throat, anywhere he could reach.
— You looked so good in my jersey, James murmured, voice husky and thick with love.
Regulus swallowed hard, tilting his head back, breathless.
— You— You asked me to wear it.
James hummed, nipping at his ear.
— Best decision of my life.
Regulus shivered.
James pulled back just enough to look at him, eyes warm and soft, his hands cradling Regulus’ waist.
— Mine, James whispered, pressing their foreheads together.
Regulus let out a breathless laugh, wrapping his arms around James’ neck.
— Yours.
And as James kissed him again, slow and sweet, Regulus decided that maybe wearing his boyfriend’s jersey wasn’t so bad after all.