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[breadcat-xx]

staring into the void as I realise that the word count of my master's thesis (on which I've worked for two years) is roughly the same as the fanfiction snippets I used to write in one evening when I was 14

[breadcat-xx]

@jegulus-microfic

27.06.2024 - heal - 484 words

Regulus rarely catches anything. He hasn’t had the flu in years and can’t remember the last time he fought a cold. His immune system hasn’t let him down in a long time… Or well, it hadn’t.

Having a toddler run around the house is all fun and games until they bring home a nasty bug. Harry got it from one of his classmates; a fever, a runny nose, a nasty cough. Luckily for him, he felt better in no time. A couple of days after he first showed symptoms, he was as good as new and was able to return to class. For a while, Regulus believed that was the end of it. His hopes were crushed when he woke up the next day with an itchy throat himself.

Unlike Harry, Regulus didn’t feel better the third day. It only worsened. At first, a pain potion was enough to get him through work, but by the end of the week he found himself tied to his bed. It was awful. The only things he could currently do were sleep and use up all of the tissues they had lying around the house.

He was in the middle of a nap when he was awoken by a gentle hand brushing back his hair.

“Reg?”

Regulus hums. His eyelids are heavy and at first he can’t be bothered to try to open them. The hand feels cool and pleasant against his clammy skin, so he leans into the touch.

“It’s time for your meds, love.”

Fingers combs through his curls with practiced ease, slowly but surely managing to wake him fully. When Regulus finally opens his eyes, James is looking down with a somewhat concerned expression. James worries a lot. He fusses over him. He makes sure he stays hydrated, brings him food, reminds him to take his medication. It makes Regulus feel oh so safe.

He sits up a little so he can take the glass of water and the pills James is offering to him. He takes his meds, gulps down the rest of the water and then lies back down. A grimace spreads across his face as he does so. Everything hurts.

“Do you need anything else?” James asks softly. His hand finds Regulus’ and squeezes it.

“A hug?”

It’s selfish, Regulus knows. He doesn’t want to get James sick too, but at the same time he yearns for the comfort only he can give to him. James doesn’t seem to mind. He leans down immediately, carefully pulling Regulus into a warm embrace.

“I’m so sorry, darling.” He whispers. “You’ll be better in no time, promise… Your body just needs a little longer to heal.”

Regulus nods. He knows it’s only a matter of time, yet he can’t help but long for the day he’ll be able to breathe through his nose again.

“What about we take a nap together?” James offers kindly. Regulus couldn’t say no to that even if he tried. Soon, they’re curled up under the sheets together, James’ fingers combing through his curls once more as he slowly drifts off to sleep.

The last thing Regulus thinks before he dozes off is that if he has to be sick anywhere in the world, his husband’s arms are probably the very best place.

[breadcat-xx]

@jegulus-microfic

22.05.2024 - control - 539 words

“We’ve got everything under control, right Haz?”

Regulus smiles fondly at the screen of his phone when Harry appears next to James. He’s wearing his dinosaur jammies, the blue one with red triceratopses all over it. He smiles widely at the camera. It’s an adorable sight; one of his front teeth is missing and his glasses are a little askew. Regulus wishes he could pull him into a tight hug right then and there.

“Daddy, I learned about stars at school today!” He exclaims excitedly, prying the phone from James’ hands in an attempt to get all of Regulus’ attention. “I told Ms. Jones you’re an astrologist.” Harry puts great care into pronouncing the word, wanting to get it right. It took him a while to get the hang of the exact pronunciation, so he takes pride in being able to say it correctly.

“Did you?” Regulus asks with a smile, shifting against the headboard of his hotel bed. It’s not nearly as comfortable as the bed they have at home, but it does the job.

“Yes! I also told her you’re in America for a big science party.”

It’s endearing how proud Harry seems to be, even if he doesn’t fully understand what it is his dad does. By now, he’s told all of his teachers and all of his friends that Regulus is away for the week. It’s a little embarrassing, but mostly sweet. Harry loves loudly. He really takes after James when it comes to that.

“I know you’d love to talk to dad for hours, but I’m afraid it’s already past your bed time.” James interrupts their conversation. Harry whines and pouts, which makes Regulus smile again. “Come on, darling.” He says. “I’ll call you tomorrow, okay? I promise we’ll talk longer then.” Harry makes a face, but eventually nods and gets up. “I miss you.” He says. “Not as much as I miss you.” That makes the boy smile a little. They exchange i-love-you’s and then he’s off to brush his teeth.

When James appears on his screen again, his husband looks tired. He can’t blame him; taking care of a six year old all by yourself is one hell of a task. “You’re doing so well, love.” He tells him. James looks at him with warm and loving eyes and doesn’t say anything for a moment. “I can’t wait to pick you up at the airport on Thursday.” He mutters eventually. “Me either.”

They simply look at each other in complete silence for the next minute or so. They’re so far apart, and yet, Regulus feels so loved by the man on the screen. Words can’t describe how much he means to him. The peace is disturbed by Harry’s “I’m ready!”. James chuckles and runs his fingers through his hair. “I’ve got to put the little monkey to bed.” He says. “Text me later?” Regulus nods. “Will do.”

“I love you.”

“Not as much as I love you.”

When the call ends, Regulus feels recharged and ready to go to the fifth stand-up reception he’s attended in three days. He can’t wait for Thursday to come around, but in the meantime, he’s at peace knowing his boys back home are doing perfectly fine.

[breadcat-xx]

@jegulus-microfic

21.05.2024 - rank - 260 words

CW: slightly explicit content

Regulus Black is a patient person.

He doesn’t mind waiting in line at the check-out in the grocery store, he doesn’t mind sitting on Pandora’s bed as she tries on twenty different outfits before they finally get to go out, he doesn’t mind listening to Sirius as he goes on his fifth, cheesy rant about Remus Lupin.

Regulus takes great pride in being able to stay calm and collected. However, when it comes to James Fleamont Potter, it’s like all of those respectable qualities dissapear like snow before the sun.

“Almost done?” Regulus nudges James’ thigh with his foot. The other man hums, eyes never leaving the tv screen, his thumbs going crazy on the controller he’s holding. Regulus has been watching him play this stupid videogame for what feels like eternity. “Almost done, babe...” James mumbles. “If I finish this level, I’ll move up the ranks.”

Regulus forces a smile when James directs him a quick, toothy grin. It’s not that he doesn’t want him to win. He thinks it’s great his boyfriend has a hobby. At least as long as it doesn’t take away too much of his attention. He waits two more minutes before he decides that enough is enough.

James’ eyes widen comically when Regulus gets off the sofa and sinks to his knees right in between his legs. “What are you doing?” He asks as he struggles to keep his eyes on the screen. Regulus smiles as he unzips his pants for him. “Helping you finish.”

And boy, James does finish. Just not the game.

[breadcat-xx]

rip marlene mckinnon, you would’ve loved chappell roan

[breadcat-xx]

@jegulus-microfic

09.04.2024 - heart - 263 words

“You’re so cruel...”

Regulus sighs as he stuffs one of his notebooks into his bag. He’s heard it all before, has tried different strategies over the last couple of months and has come to the sad conclusion that nothing works. James Fleamont Potter is an incorrigible dramaqueen.

“Seriously, Reg, do you even have a heart?”

“James...” He tries, glancing over his shoulder. “My love, please...”

“Don’t ‘my love’ me.”

Regulus can’t help but smile when he sees that James’ cheeks are turning pink. He likes it when he calls him that, and Regulus likes to use that knowledge to his advantage.

He walks over to his boyfriend, who’s still in bed, and kisses his pouty lips. “I’ll be back before you know it.” He promises, caressing the side of his face. James huffs, so Regulus kisses him again.

“It’s my last class this week.” He mutters against his lips. “Tomorrow, we can sleep in and spend all day in bed... How does that sound?”

James seems to consider it for a while. Regulus is well aware that he wants to cuddle now, not tomorrow. Unfortunately for him, Regulus has an exam coming up and he’s not skipping this lecture. James agrees reluctantly.

Regulus smiles. “See you later, Jamie.” He tells him, pressing one more kiss to his lips. James manages to steal another one before Regulus can pull away fully.

He allows him to.

When he’s out of the door a few minutes later, Regulus has a hard time containing his smile. He has to admit he can’t wait for tomorrow morning to come around.

[breadcat-xx]

If Sirius loves anything in the world, it's lazy mornings. The ones where he doesn't have to rush and shove his breakfast down his throat because he's already late. The ones where he can ask Remus for five more minutes and he'll agree without complaint.

He loves waking up knowing he can take his time to get out of bed. He loves cuddling up to Remus and kissing him softly behind his ear, on his eyebrows, on the tip of his nose.

He loves taking a long, hot shower and walking into the kitchen to find his boyfriend with two cups of steaming tea and The Prophet in his hands. He loves stealing a kiss as he walks by and feeling his morning stubble against his skin.

It's on these mornings Sirius can enjoy his life to the fullest. He's grateful for every moment he gets to spend with Remus Lupin, but this is just different.

"Eggs, love?"

Sirius smiles behind his cup of tea and nods. As Remus puts butter in a pan and starts whisking the eggs, he walks up behind him and wraps his arms around his waist. He presses an ear to his back and listens as he hums along to the radio.

Yeah... He decides. Slow mornings are the best thing in the world.

[breadcat-xx]

In honour of having my own wisdom teeth removed, a pt.2...

The first time Regulus opens his eyes, a nurse is fussing over him. "Hello love..." Her voice is nice. Sing-songy. "Are you awake?" He hums in response, mind too fussy to form any words yet. "Perfect. It's over now. Lie back and relax, hmm?" Regulus does as she says.

The second time he opens his eyes, he's in a different room. His eyes land on a stranger that's seated in a chair next to his bed. He's handsome, Regulus can tell even when his mind isn't functioning properly. The man smiles at him, looking faintly amused.

"Hi." He says softly. "How're you feeling?" Regulus reaches up to inspect the ice packages around his face and hums. "Weird..."

The man nods and leans forward in his seat, taking his hand in his. Regulus allows him to. His touch is warm and gentle, and somewhat familiar, so he doesn't really mind. "I have a boyfriend..." He warns after closing his eyes once more. The man chuckles. "Do you?"

Regulus nods. "Yes. He's picking me up. I don't think he'll be happy to see us hold hands." The man hums understandingly. "He's quite possessive then, I assume?" Regulus all but snorts. "Possessive isn't the right word..." He mutters. "He's protective." He smiles a little, even though his cheeks are still numb due to the sedatives they gave him. "I love him..."

James watches his boyfriend with a lovesick gaze, holding his hand as he drifts off to sleep again. Maybe he won't remember this conversation with a so-called stranger when he wakes up, but James certainly will...

Pt.1

https://www.tumblr.com/breadcat-xx/738137715573440512/go-on-then-reg-give-him-a-hug-sirius-looks?source=share

[breadcat-xx]

“Moony…”

Remus is still awake when he hears Sirius’ broken voice. He shuts his book immediately and glances over his shoulder. Sirius is standing right there, holding on to one of the curtains around Remus’ bed. His eyes are red and puffy, tears threatening to roll down his cheeks as he looks over at him.

“What’s wrong?” Remus instinctively shuffles back, making space for his best friend. “Nightmare?”

Sirius has bad nights sometimes. Nights full of awful dreams filled with curses and Unforgivables.

“Mhmm…”

Even though they have an unspoken rule that states Sirius is more than welcome to slip into Remus’ bed whenever he’s had a nightmare, Remus will never get used to seeing his best mate like this.

Because it's Sirius, who is always so confident and fiery. He is witty and volatile and even cocky at times. Seeing him cry — or downright sob — is so heartbreaking Remus almost feels the urge to break down himself.

He pulls back the covers and Sirius lies down with him, instantly seeking the comfort of Remus’ arms. He lets him, holds Sirius tightly as he cries into his chest.

Sirius knows Remus won't ask questions. He finds as much comfort in that as he finds in his arms.

Remus knows Sirius will tell him once he feels ready. He gives him as much time as he needs. He just plays with his hair and rubs his back until the crying stops and his breaths slow. Only when he's certain his friend has fallen asleep, he allows himself to close his eyes.

[breadcat-xx]

As a child, Regulus never went camping. His parents weren’t into that kind of stuff. When they went on vacation, they liked luxury; hotels with breakfast and dinner included, cruises, villas with a swimming pool on the rooftop. He was pretty sure his mother would’ve rather died than spent a night in a tent or a camper.

Frankly, he had never seen the appeal in it either. Not until now.

Their tent was cosier than he thought it would be. Luckily for him, James had enough camping experience for the both of them. He’d made sure they had a nice mat to sleep on, warm sleeping bags and basically all of the gear they could possibly need.

Regulus watches him close the last zipper as he enters their little hideaway and is suddenly overcome by a feeling of pure bliss. It’s all so simple and yet so fun. He doesn’t need endless buffets or a fancy room to enjoy himself, he realises. This is more than enough.

“What?” James smiles at him.

“Nothing.” He tilts his head and smiles right back. “Come here?”

He doesn’t have to ask twice. Within a few seconds, James’ has scooted over to where Regulus lies on one of the mats. He leans in to press a soft kiss to his lips. Regulus’ heart stutters in his chest.

“Are having a good time?” James asks against his lips.

“The best time.” Regulus answers, running his fingertips down James’ back. He all but shudders when he feels his boyfriend’s hands slip under his shirt in return.

“I’m not sure about that…” He argues.

“Oh?”

“Mhmm…”

Regulus’ jaw goes slack when James starts kissing down his throat, his hands roaming his chest and eventually disappearing underneath the edge of his boxers.

And oh, James was right… And Regulus was so, so wrong about all of this. Now he is having the best time. And camping has officially become his favourite thing in the goddamn world.

[breadcat-xx]

“Sirius…” Regulus shifts in his seat. “You can stop crying now… Please.”

Sirius glances at his brother and opens his mouth. Before he can form any words, a sob leaves his lips instead. Regulus cringes. Sirius is such an ugly crier.

Remus doesn’t seem to mind though. He smiles amusedly as he brings a tray with tea and biscuits. When he sits down next to his lover, he offers him a tissue and a shoulder to cry on.

“How could I ever stop crying?” Sirius sniffles. “My baby brother got proposed to by my best friend. This is the dream of every man, Regulus.”

James smirks and directs Regulus a look that says ‘I told you so’. He pointedly ignores him. He hadn’t wanted to believe James when he had told him Sirius was most definitely going to cry when they told him the big news. Sometimes it’s scary how well he and his brother seem to able to predict each other.

“He’s very happy for the both of you.” Remus says, gently tucking some of Sirius’ curls behind his ear as he blows his nose. “That’s what he means.”

James nods. “We know.” He reaches out to squeeze Sirius’ thigh. “Here comes the real question though; whose best man are you going to be, Pads?”

That’s all it takes to send him straight into another crying fit. Regulus sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose as James chuckles beside him and offers his best friend’s comforting knee pats.

Regulus feels embarrassed on his behalf.

However, he can’t help but feel a certain warmth bloom in his chest as he watches his older brother and fiancé interact. He’s so damn lucky. And even when he’s sobbing and making a fool out of himself, Regulus wouldn’t trade his brother for anything in the world.

Reluctantly, he reaches out and squeezes his other knee.

[breadcat-xx]

Regulus doesn’t usually get drunk, and he has good reasons for it. He doesn’t like losing control, doesn’t like not remembering what he did the day after.

Today, he has the opposite problem.

He remembers, and he wishes he didn’t.

He avoids James for as long as he can, but he’s his brother’s best friend, so it’s a losing game. The next time they meet is when Remus and Sirius invite both of them for dinner. James doesn’t act out of the ordinary, but Regulus knows he remembers. He has to.

His suspicions are confirmed when they leave his brother’s flat. Regulus had attempted to convince him he didn’t need a walk home, but James was persistent.

“Bad hangover the other day?”

Regulus rolls his eyes.

“Nothing a pain potion couldn’t fix.”

James hums. When Regulus glances at him, his expression is unreadable. Regulus doesn’t say anything until they reach their destination.

“Well…” Regulus clears his throat. “This is me.”

“This is you.” James nods.

“Yeah… See you around, James.”

Regulus wants to go inside, but before he can do so, a warm hand clasps around his wrist. He freezes. When he glances over his shoulder, James looks a little startled, as if he can’t believe he’s just done that either. He recovers quickly.

“What?” Regulus asks, voice faint.

“I uh…” James smiles sheepishly. “Never mind.”

He lets go off Regulus’ arm and flexes his fingers, then puts his hands into his pockets.

Regulus doesn’t know what comes over him. It’s something about the way James is looking at him. The way his eyes move up and down his body as he takes a step back. The slight regret in his eyes. And he’s so beautiful. He’s always so beautiful.

Before James has the chance to walk off, Regulus dashes forward and catches his shoulder. Before he can say anything, he crashes their lips into the taller man’s. They both flinch at the impact. But James doesn’t pull away. He adjusts. He kisses back.

It’s everything Regulus had imagined it to be. It’s sweet, gentle and warm. He doesn’t feel cold for a second, even though it’s freezing out. By the time their lips part, both of them are out of breath and a little shaken, but it was so worth it.

Regulus swallows, clears his throat and takes a step back. When their eyes meet, he notices James’ glasses have slid down his nose and he doesn’t even bother to push them up. He looks mesmerised. Regulus’ heart stutters in his chest.

“Goodnight…” Is all he manages to say before turning around and hurrying towards the entrance of his apartment building.

He goes inside, leaving a very flustered James behind.

Regulus doesn’t get drunk very often, but when he does, he does it well.

James is basically carrying his entire weight by the time they arrive at Regulus’ flat. He’d promised Sirius to get him home in one piece, so he did just that. They enter the living room, James puts him on the couch and that should’ve been the end of it.

Emphasis on should’ve been.

Before James can step back and wish Regulus goodnight, one of the man’s hands grabs his wrist. It startles him. Up until now, Regulus’ movements have been slow and uncoordinated. He wonders where this sudden bout of sharpness comes from.

“Regulus…” James smiles at him, pats the hand wrapped around his wrist. “It’s been a great night, yeah? Let’s end it here… Sirius will come and check up on you in the morning.”

Regulus makes a disgruntled noise.

“I don’t want Sirius.” He spits out the name as if it’s got a bad taste to it. “I want you.”

James can’t help but smirk. Regulus is adorable when his speech is all slurred.

“You’re so drunk.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“Am not.”

“I’m not doing this with you, Reggie.” He smiles warmly. “Now if you would be so kind as to let go of me? You need to sleep it off.”

“Not until I get a goodnight kiss.”

James goes very quiet for a moment. His heart beats frantically against his ribs. For a moment, he’s sure he must’ve misheard, but no… Regulus Black has just asked him to kiss him goodnight.

“You know I can’t, Reg.”

“Then I’m not letting you go.”

Stubbornness is a Black trait. James likes to believe he’s rather good at dealing with it, but every now and again the brothers still like to test him.

He sighs. “Fine.” Before Regulus can continue to complain, he leans in and places an innocent peck on his forehead. The youngest Black brother makes a face.

“That’s not what I meant.” He complains. His cheeks weren’t already flushed, but now it becomes even more evident. James would swear his eyes are sparkling too.

“I know it’s not.” He tells him patiently. “Ask me again when you’re sober. I promise I won’t say no then.”

Regulus hesitates, but eventually lets go of his wrist. As James retreats, he realises he’s just promised Regulus a kiss.

He decides not to worry about it. Maybe Regulus won’t remember any of the next morning and it’ll be like nothing ever happened.

But deep down, James hopes he’ll remember. And he hopes that he’ll ask. Because he sure meant it when he said he wouldn’t say no.

[breadcat-xx]

Regulus doesn’t get drunk very often, but when he does, he does it well.

James is basically carrying his entire weight by the time they arrive at Regulus’ flat. He’d promised Sirius to get him home in one piece, so he did just that. They enter the living room, James puts him on the couch and that should’ve been the end of it.

Emphasis on should’ve been.

Before James can step back and wish Regulus goodnight, one of the man’s hands grabs his wrist. It startles him. Up until now, Regulus’ movements have been slow and uncoordinated. He wonders where this sudden bout of sharpness comes from.

“Regulus…” James smiles at him, pats the hand wrapped around his wrist. “It’s been a great night, yeah? Let’s end it here… Sirius will come and check up on you in the morning.”

Regulus makes a disgruntled noise.

“I don’t want Sirius.” He spits out the name as if it’s got a bad taste to it. “I want you.”

James can’t help but smirk. Regulus is adorable when his speech is all slurred.

“You’re so drunk.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“Am not.”

“I’m not doing this with you, Reggie.” He smiles warmly. “Now if you would be so kind as to let go of me? You need to sleep it off.”

“Not until I get a goodnight kiss.”

James goes very quiet for a moment. His heart beats frantically against his ribs. For a moment, he’s sure he must’ve misheard, but no… Regulus Black has just asked him to kiss him goodnight.

“You know I can’t, Reg.”

“Then I’m not letting you go.”

Stubbornness is a Black trait. James likes to believe he’s rather good at dealing with it, but every now and again the brothers still like to test him.

He sighs. “Fine.” Before Regulus can continue to complain, he leans in and places an innocent peck on his forehead. The youngest Black brother makes a face.

“That’s not what I meant.” He complains. His cheeks weren’t already flushed, but now it becomes even more evident. James would swear his eyes are sparkling too.

“I know it’s not.” He tells him patiently. “Ask me again when you’re sober. I promise I won’t say no then.”

Regulus hesitates, but eventually lets go of his wrist. As James retreats, he realises he’s just promised Regulus a kiss.

He decides not to worry about it. Maybe Regulus won’t remember any of the next morning and it’ll be like nothing ever happened.

But deep down, James hopes he’ll remember. And he hopes that he’ll ask. Because he sure meant it when he said he wouldn’t say no.

[breadcat-xx]

James doesn’t necessarily like working nights.

It fucks with his sleep schedule, ruins his perception of time and prevents him from having a social life. As an Auror, night shifts are a necessary evil and there’s no way around it, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck.

Luckily, it’s not all bad. Because even though there’s many downsides to being on duty at three in the morning, there’s nothing he loves more than coming home to a sleepy Regulus.

When he opens the door to their bedroom, he’s met by a warm glow of light. Regulus always leaves on one of their nightlights when he knows James will be home late. It’s those little things that leave him feel warm and giddy, even after all those years.

Regulus lies curled up under the blanket. His hair’s a mess and he’s wearing one of the old band tees James has lying around. He could stand there for hours and just watch him, all comfortable and relaxed in their bed.

But James is tired, so he decided to join him instead. He turns off the light and carefully slips under the covers as well, trying to be as stealthy as he possibly can, but it’s no use. Regulus stirs and opens one eye.

“James…”

His voice is heavy and hoarse. He’s barely awake, but he still reaches out, immediately wrapping one arm around James’ waist. He smiles and presses a loving kiss to the top of Regulus’ head.

“Hi love.” He whispers. “I’m home.”

Regulus hums contently and buries his face in James’ chest, fingers curling into the back of his shirt. Within minutes, his breathing evens out and he’s drifted off to sleep once again.

James holds him and listens to his soft snores with an enamoured smile on his face.

He’ll never get sick of this.

[breadcat-xx]

@jegulus-microfic

17.01.2024 - dream - 403 words

Sometimes, James is afraid all of this might be a dream.

He’s always lived a pretty happy life. He grew up in a warm, loving home with parents who were well-off. He had the best of friends back at Hogwarts and keeps in touch with many of them even now. He likes his job, married the love of his life and they moved into the cosiest of homes a few years ago.

He truly hadn’t believed he could become any happier. And then Harry was born.

James can’t put into words how overwhelmed he feels with love and affection as he watches Regulus feed their boy spoonfuls of the baby food he prepared earlier.

Harry’s chubby cheeks are covered in the green sludge, and his husband has seemingly given up on cleaning them in between bites. James can’t blame him. It’s a rather useless undertaking.

Regulus hums interestedly as Harry babbles nonsensically, and all James can do is watch him in silence. His lover is tired, he can tell, but being the amazing father he is, he puts in unshakable effort when it comes to caring for their son.

It’s inspiring. James finds himself falling in love all over again as he watches him flourish in his role as a parent.

Once the bowl of food has been emptied, Regulus wipes a satisfied Harry’s cheeks one last time and then lifts him out of his seat.

“Let’s go pick out an outfit for Teddy’s birthday party, huh?” He says, smiling at their son as he leans against his chest. “Oh, Jamie, let’s put him in those little overalls we got him, Sirius is going to lose his mi— Are you crying?”

James blinks rapidly in an attempt to get rid of the tears that have started to form in the corners of his eyes. He knows it’s silly, but it’s almost like becoming a dad has made him so much more emotional.

Regulus walks up to him, and when he comes to a stop next to his chair, James wraps an arm around him and allows Harry to reach for his glasses.

“I’m just really happy…” He whispers.

Regulus huffs and looks rather amused by his explanation. “You’re a huge sap, Potter.” He says, but he does lean in to press a comforting kiss to his forehead.

This time around, James is one hundred percent certain; this is what peak happiness feels like.

[breadcat-xx]

It finally happens on a cold winter night.

Sirius had imagined what it would be like more than a hundred times; different scenarios, different locations, different positions… Needless to say his fantasies hadn’t lived up to the real thing.

Sirius lies motionless in Remus’ bed, body heavy and tired but Merlin, he’s in a state of pure bliss.

He hadn’t been a virgin before it happened. He’d had his fair share of sexual interactions. But nothing had been quite as mind-blowing and show-stopping as this. Remus knows how to please a bloke, that’s for sure.

A low chuckle resounds, and Sirius can’t help but smile when a warm kiss lands on one of his eyebrows. “Are you asleep?” Remus asks, his voice a little deeper than usual. Shivers run down Sirius’ spine.

“Almost.” He answers, peeking through his eyelids. Remus is looking at him in the most lovesick way, and momentarily, Sirius feels unworthy of it all.

The longing gazes, Remus’ hand caressing his side as he shifts closer, the way he noses his jaw and gently nips at the tender skin of his neck…

He doesn’t deserve any of it. And yet, he never wants it to end. Sirius is selfish like that.

He’s had sex, yes, but he’s never had anyone make love to him. He guesses that’s the big difference between Remus and all the rest; what they have is so earnest and pure they could never just have sex. Because Sirius loves Remus, and Remus loves him. He can’t imagine a world in which they don’t.

“Are you alright?”

Sirius nods, tracing one of Remus’ scars with his fingertips. He lets him.

“Never been better.”

[breadcat-xx]

CW: mentions and slight descriptions of injuries

When Harry awakes, he’s not spooked by the soft beeping sounds or even how heavy his body feels. He doesn’t need to open his eyes to know exactly where he is. The sharp, clean scent, the feeling of freshly washed linen against his skin. St. Mungos is just one of these places he instantly recognises. Maybe that ought to worry him.

When he finally does open his eyes, he notices a blurry silhouette in the corner of the room. Someone must’ve taken his glasses, because he can’t see anything in detail. Luckily, he doesn’t really need them to figure out who is keeping him company; the bright blonde hair gives it away.

“You’re an idiot.”

Harry would chuckle if his face didn’t hurt so damn much. Leave it to Malfoy to speak his mind. It’s quite refreshing. Harry has come to appreciate his brutal honesty. He doesn’t like being coddled anyway.

“Good morning to you too.” Harry croaks. Merlin, everything hurts. He groans and carefully lifts a hand to run it over his face. He’s battered and bruised, once again.

Malfoy sighs, and before Harry can figure out what exactly he’s up to, his glasses land on his face. Harry squints as his eyes adjust. The first thing he sees is Malfoy’s grey-blue gaze peering back at him. And then the scratches and bruises on his face. His eyes widen.

“You’re hurt.”

Malfoy’s face does something complicated then. His brows twitch and his lips press into a firm line.

“Please tell me you didn’t just say that.” He hisses after a beat of silence. “Are you taking the piss, Potter?”

Harry belatedly realises he might’ve made a mistake.

“Yes, I fell on my face and I’ve got a few bruises.” Malfoy snaps. “You, on the other hand, were catapulted seven meters into the air and landed on the pavement with a, dare I say, sickening crunch.”

He grimaces at the rather appalling description.

“Because of this, I had to floo your dads and explain to them that their son has, once again, put his life at stake for the greater good. The only reason why they’re not here hovering over your bed as well is because you’re not allowed any visitors yet.”

Harry frowns at that.

“What are you doing here then?”

“I bribed one of the mediwitches.”

“How very Slytherin of you, Malfoy.”

Harry hopes to get a laugh out of him, but fails. Honestly, Malfoy looks pretty upset. He sighs and runs his hands over his face, appearing absolutely exhausted.

“For a second, I truly thought you were dead.” He informs him simultaneously. “I saw you fall, Potter. Your limbs were twisted in all the wrong ways and your nose bled and—”

He stops himself, takes a deep breath.

Harry’s ended up at St. Mungos a dozen times by now. The fact that Malfoy reacts the way he does must mean he fucked up pretty badly. He can’t quite remember the last time he saw him get this emotional.

Before he can stop himself, he’s reaching for his hand, even though it hurts like hell. Malfoy freezes but doesn’t pull away.

“I’m sorry, Draco.” He says and means it. “I never intended to scare you like that… I’m fine, I promise.”

Malfoy’s eyes soften for an instant, and Harry would swear his grip tightens around his hand. But then the moment passes, and Malfoy’s expression becomes impassive again.

“You don’t look fine.”

Harry smiles. “When do I ever?”

Draco tries hard to suppress a small smile, but this time he’s the one who fails.