Truth be told
A Regulus Black fake dating thrope
You are hunted by the realisation that while your relationship is fake your feelings are very real. Meanwhile James figures out more than just his feelings for you.
Again lots of kudos to @thatdammchickennugget and her hogmarch challenge. You brought magic to march! Also lots of love to all the tumblr peoples who encouraged me to write a part two. 💛 Your love makes writers write! Happy readings!
Another week had passed since your dance with Regulus, the beautiful but painful moment you realised you were in love with Regulus. You had cursed yourself everyday for playing a dirty game and getting hurt yourself. This is just bad karma for trying to get James jealous. Merlin, I’m such a fool.
“That will be it for today’s class. Remember I’ll be expecting your essays by friday.” You could barely hear professor Mcgonagall through all the noise of students closing their books and chairs moving.
As soon as you exit the classroom Marlene bumps into you. “Hey, are you joining us for a picnic?” You think it over, you still needed to write a conclusion for your paper and you were really desperate to meet up with your boyfriend, fake boyfriend that is. “Come on you’ve gotta join, we barely hang out anymore since you’ve been dating. Don’t be that girl.” Remus argued and you smiled, he could take the weight of the world off of your shoulders with just one look from his kind eyes. “Sure, but not for too long I don’t want to disappoint professor Mcgonagall.”
“Right, right. It’s about homework and not your sexy slytherin.” You gasp at Marlene’s boldness. “That’s not it. I really need to finish my essay.” The three of you laugh and for a moment all is well.
However it doesn’t last long, you can feel the knot in your stomach grow when you see Sirius, James and Lily are already at the picnic. “Look what the wolf dragged in.” Sirius jokes as he munches on some food. “She doesn’t have much time, she has homework.” Marlene winks playfully and you roll your eyes as you all sit down. “Is that Regulus’ new codename?” Lily teases and you just drop your head to the side, pretending to be annoyed but you had to admit you kinda enjoyed the teasing. At least to them your relationship was real.
“Ugh. Please don’t. That’s my baby brother.” Sirius complained. “Baby brother is getting more than you padfoot. Deal with it.” Remus threw a grape at Sirius to get him to stop complaining. “I’m working on that.” Sirius countered, picking up the grape and trying to seductively eat it, making Remus frown.
Unfortunately, fake dating did not include getting some. Not that you had never thought about it. Your mind had wandered off more than once, when he slung an arm around you and smelled so fresh. Merlin, you had it bad.
The afternoon passed and you had started working on your essay in the sun with your friends, but you were too engaged in your work and suddenly you found yourself sitting with just James. “Hey, where's everyone?”
James chuckled at your confusion. “Sirius is showing Remus a new magic trick. Marlene, Lily and Peter are getting extra drinks. They have good connections with the house elves.” You nod and there’s a strange tension in your silence. “Why? You need help?” James offers, leaning closer to scan your paper.
“No, I’m good. I think I got everything in my conclusion. I will reread it tomorrow.” You carefully fold the parchment and James nods, but he seems a bit frustrated with you. You notice how tense his jaw is and stare at him for a moment, when he catches you he chuckles. “You’ll probably go to Regulus for help now…” You bite your lip, you couldn’t deny that there was still some attraction. Definitely now that he sounded so jealous.
“So about baby Black.” You narrow your eyes at James’ attitude. “Don’t.” You demand some respect that’s the least Regulus deserved for being so good to you. “Sirius and I are worried.” James suddenly admits catching you off guard. “I mean here at Hogwarts he might seem like a good guy, but out there he hangs with a bad crowd and.. I mean.. just look at his family. You have no future with him. You do realise that?” His words stung, hard. His jealousy was suddenly a lot less attractive and it took you a moment to bite back.
“Are you worried or jealous, James?” You snapped as you put your quill and parchment in your bag, ready to get up. “Maybe both.” James looks at his hands as you stare him down after his confession. When he looks up his eyes look vulnerable. Your heart starts to race. James’ lips part but he’s forced to keep his words to himself as he sees Regulus heading in your direction.
You turn your head and the corners of Regulus’ lips tug up. He hated how he couldn’t hide it anymore. You had full control over him. He was just lucky that he got to play the role of boyfriend. If not, he would look like a fool. You heard James sigh and turned to look at him, making Regulus’ heart squeeze. You looking away from him was a painful reminder that your heart belongs to the most obnoxious person ever.
“Hi beautiful.” Regulus’ whisper stroked your eyes as he kneeled next to you on the picnic blanket. You were hesitant for a second because James was there, but your lips found your way to Regulus’ like muscle memory. “I got you something.” Regulus reached for a small pack of your favourite HoneyDukes candy and your eyes widened with joy. James let his head fall back as he leaned on his arms, his eyes rolling to the back of his skull with disgust for what was happening in front of him. “You went to hogsmeade?” Regulus nodded. “Forced to, by Evan.” Regulus watches you with adoration as you struggle to open the candy wrapping, but his jaw tenses when he looks at James and notices his hostility.
Clearly you were no longer unnoticed and Regulus hated the whole fake dating thing was going to blow up in face. You had always liked James and you were going to fall into his arms at the first effort James makes. “Can I steal her away?” Regulus manages calmly, before looking away from James and stroking a strand of your hair making you meet his eyes. James chews the inside of his cheek to keep himself from yelling ‘no’.
“Reg.” Sirius pants as he approaches you, followed by Remus mumbling something about almost getting caught committing a crime. “Brother.” Regulus returns nonchalantly as he gets up to meet his brother in height. “Long time no see.” Sirius chuckles, making Regulus tilt his head and frown. “We see each other every day.” Sirius nods and Remus’ eyes widen at the awkwardness. “They were just leaving.” James announces, making the air between everyone even more tense.
Regulus ignores everyone and helps you up, guiding you with a gentle arm around your waist. “Was I interrupting something I shouldn’t have?” Regulus questions pretending to care about your connection with James, while only wishing he misinterpreted the situation and that James still only saw you as one of the boys.
“No, I don’t think so.” You lied, afraid that if you told him the truth he might think there would be no need to further continue fake dating, but by Salazar did you hate yourself for lying to the man you cared about so damn much. Regulus’ lips formed a line and you didn’t really know what to make of it, but he gave you no time to overthink it as his hand reached for the back of your head, pulling you in for a passionate kiss. “He’s a fool for letting me steal you away from him.” Regulus’ husky voice and warm breath sent shivers down your spine. It was one of those moments that made you wonder how much passion was hidden behind his calm demeanour.
You were sitting between Regulus’ legs, laying against his chest with his arm around you, both reading your own book with an occasional kiss for Regulus if he noticed you drifting off. It was moments like this that were absurdly romantic and comfortable for two people fake dating. You had been chewing your lip for a while now wondering if you should test the waters. What encouraged you was the gentle way Regulus fingertips caressed your arm, probably subconsciously, as he was deeply engaged with his book. “You know… there’s no one around so there’s really no need to be all cuddly… but I’m kinda comfy, sooo can I stay for just a few more minutes?” Regulus' lips formed half a smile at your question but he barely looked away from his book.
“It would be weird if someone walked in and we weren’t sitting together, gossip would spread quickly. This is the slytherin common room after all.” You nodded at his boringly reasonable argument. “I guess I’m not moving if you're not.” You declared settling in more against his chest, unknowingly making Regulus’ whole body heat up. He caught himself leaning in to kiss the crown of your head, but was interrupted by a loud slam of the door as Barty walked in.
“You told Evan I kissed Tessa.” Regulus raised his chin in thought. “Ah, that was her name. I thought it was Tilly.” Barty shook his head aggressively, clearly annoyed with his friend. You and Regulus both sat up straight to prepare for the drama Barty had just brought in. “I’ve been trying to impress Evan for weeks and you tell him I’ve been kissing other girls. I’ll hurt you for this, Black.” At the harsh tone of Barty Regulus got up to stand in front of you. “Alright. Let’s take this elsewhere, before this gets out of hand.” Barty narrows his eyes at you. “Afraid I’ll hurt your little birdy.” Regulus gives Barty a soft shove in the direction of the door. “First of all leave (y/n) out this and second if you’re trying to impress Evan why in Merlin’s name are you kissing other people. I had no idea you had a thing for Evan… Well a lot of things make sense now.”
You hear the two bicker until the door closes behind them. You’re a little worried, but on the other hand you know better than to get involved with Barty-drama, Regulus was way better at handling these kinds of situations. Sirius had once explained it as a family survival skill to manage conflicts with hotheaded people.
However, on the other end of the door the always so calm Regulus Black was about to lose his patience. “How would you like it if I told everyone all about your business?” Regulus rolled his eyes and shook his head at what he thought was an empty threat. “There’s nothing to tell, I don’t go around kissing people when trying to impress another.” Barty licked his lips before showing a filthy smile, closing in on Regulus’ face with a firm and dark tone. “I know all about your pact with (y/n). Pretending to be dating so she can get James’ attention.” Regulus’ eyes widen and Barty’s pleased with the reaction. “How do you-” Barty laughs. “I overheard you talking once. You are so occupied with her that you’re losing your touch.” Regulus clenches his jaw and his eyes go dark, but Barty just continues. “What would people think of that Regulus? No one would take you seriously if they knew you were caught up in petty games like this. And what would people think of her?”
With one move Regulus had Barty thrown against a wall and his wand against Barty’s throat. “You don’t want to make that mistake Barty. You keep your mouth shut.” Barty eyes are still mad, but tempered down by the force with which Regulus is pushing him against the wall. “You do seem to care a lot about your fake relationship with your fake girlfriend? I hope the feelings are still fake?” Regulus’ eyes get meaner at Barty’s deduction. “You obviously care about her. I care about Evan, let’s not ruin this for one another and let all slide.” Barty reasons, but Regulus isn’t quick to take the deal, considering more sinister options to deal with Barty instead, but distant footsteps force him to pull away.
However, what neither of them had realised is that someone overheard the whole conservation.
“We are going to make those snakes cry for their mums!” Sirius yelled as he excitedly fist bumps Peter and Marlene. Regulus just rolled his eyes, but Bellatrix doesn’t stay quiet as she walks by. “Shut it, family disgrace!” Sirius falls silent and James gives him a gentle pat on the back, before checking the tape on his wrist.
“Not looking good, Potter.” Regulus laughed at James’ wrist taped in after he had hurt it during training a few days ago. Regulus normally wasn’t one to bully, but a few mind games before a quidditch game were always hard to resist. Definitely after Regulus had noticed you and James talking more and more. Since you were dating Regulus, you felt more confident and no longer felt the need to avoid James, but Regulus hated it when you were around the gryffindor.
“No need to act so tough, Regulus. By the end of the day you’ll be a double loser and honestly that’s what you get for playing dirty games.” Regulus’ laughs mockingly at James' accusations as he walks closer, but before he can counter with something witty James takes the word again with a venous low whisper. “Lily overheard you and Crazy Crouch talking yesterday. It's over for you, after the game I’m kissing (y/n), I’ll tell her how I feel.” James slammed the quaffle hard into Regulus’ stomach, making slytherin groan a little. Regulus felt like his whole world was shattering around him, the quaffle hadn’t done as much damage as his heart was enduring right now. On top of it all he had to watch Sirius look questioningly at James, but not sparing his own brother so much as a glance of worry.
Regulus clenched his jaw and turned to walk to his own team. His eyes were dead and even though you were seated far away you could notice something had happened. “Do you want me to curse him for you?” Bellatrix’s eyes lit up as she offered her assistance. “Make every limp hurt, please.” Bellatrix laughed maniacally, enjoying her cousin's darker side.
The game was a mess and not just because of the hellish weather but the ridiculous amount of fouls made. Sirius was sent off first for offensive language, then James almost got hit by a curse which led to Bellatrix being sent off and finally Barty almost got himself killed, not even mentioning Regulus’ reckless behaviour to get any points.
When Gryffindor was celebrating their victory, chanting loudly in the stands, you only watched Regulus, who couldn’t bear to look up to his fake girlfriend that he was going to lose. Without a word he passed everyone and everything and headed straight to the barracks to hide himself. There was nothing that he could think of that would console him.
You rushed through the excited Gryffindors and avoided the frustrated Slytherins ready to make amok. You had no idea of what was going on but you knew it was more than a lost game and you knew you needed to be by your boyfriend’s side. You cursed yourself and reminded yourself that Regulus was only your fake boyfriend. Yet, it didn’t stop you hurrying through the crowds.
Once on the field you headed straight for the barracks, until to your surprise a firm hand grabbed your upper arm. Your eyes land on James, sweaty, wet and panting. “I need to talk to you.” You see Regulus disappear with his teammates before locking eyes with James. You let him pull you to the side, under the stands.
“James, what’s this about?” One hand reaches for the back of your skull and the other firmly snakes around your waist as James pulls you in a warm and wholehearted kiss that leaves you gasping for air. “James?” You breathe out his name demanding an explanation. “I know none of it is real. I told Regulus to back off. I want you… for real.” Softer, but still filled with passion James’ lips lock with yours and this time you kiss back with equal intensity. Merlin, did it feel good. You had loved him for so long and part of you was still so attracted to him.
you push him away. “James. I think… I think I love Regulus.” You're both still out of breath from the kiss and your eyes can’t look away from James’ but the truth had to be told. “What? But it was all fake, right?” A tear rolls down your cheek as you see James’ hurt and feel your own heart squeeze. “I fell for him. I’m sorry.” There’s a silence as James studies you and you force your eyes shut, hating yourself and the whole situation. A soft thumb brushes your tears away. “It’s my fault for not noticing you sooner and for not acting the moment I felt you slip away.”
Your hands slipped down to his arms, gently creating some distance between you. It hurt you both, but staying close felt wrong. “I’ve got to talk to Regulus.” You whisper looking away from James for the first time. James closes his eyes and you take a step away. He watches you silently turn around, before speaking up. “If he ever lets you go I’ll catch you.” You feel your eyes water again, but force a smile. “No, you won’t. Because you won’t wait for me. You’ll fall in love before you know it, you’ll be happy… Please.” The softest laugh escapes James’ lips as he nods, letting you go, letting you run into Regulus’ arms.
Everything was a blur, your heart raced and your brain was hazy. Your body was in a rush to find Regulus, like a magnet you were drawn to him with a forceful pull.
“Regulus?” You swung the door open to the slytherin changing room. Regulus jumped up from the bench where he had been mourning his love for you in silence. Everyone holds his breath including you, until your raw love for Regulus kicks in. Once you took the first step in his direction every other one was easy as you ran into his arms. Like a fitting puzzle piece Regulus enveloped you into his arms. A kiss so hungry, it matched all those longing moments you had both pushed away for weeks.
“She’s not allowed to be in here. I’m butt naked.” Barty yelled from the showers. “Shut up! No one cares, Barty. She’s here for Reg.” Evan yells back. You and Regulus laugh at the ridiculous exchange and with a smile on his face Regulus meets your eyes. “I don’t understand, why are you here?” You kiss Regulus again to give yourself the courage to tell him. “James kissed me-” Barty laughs. “That would make me want to run away and hide as well.” Regulus rolls his eyes. “Shut up!” You press your lips together. “James kissed me and it made me realise that I can’t pretend to not love you.” Regulus' eyes widen at your words and his smile grows. “You love me?” You nod encouraged by the rush of it all and feeling yourself all giddy. With both hands Regulus cups your cheeks and kisses you intensely.
“She still can’t stay here.” Barty points out with a smile. “Don’t worry, Bart. Regulus is coming with me.” You take his hand. “I still need to shower, though.” You give him a mischievous smile and the teasing glint in your eyes reminds him there are plenty of showers ideal for just the two of you. with a happy smile he whispers to you: “I love you too.”
