James stepped inside the quiet house, the soft glow of the kitchen light illuminating the neatly placed container on the table. The note beside it made him smile, its teasing message warming his heart.
Eat before you go to bed. Love you, your perfect, patient, understandable spouse.
“Perfect is right,” James muttered to himself with a chuckle.
He headed toward the living room and froze, his heart swelling at the sight before him. Regulus lay sprawled on the sofa, his arm draped protectively over little Harry, who was nestled against his side. Both were fast asleep, their breaths soft and synchronized.
James crouched down, gently brushing a strand of hair from Regulus’ face before leaning in to kiss his forehead. “Sleep well, love,” he whispered. He then placed a tender kiss on Harry’s temple.
Carefully, he lifted Harry into his arms, the boy stirring just slightly. As James tucked him into bed, Harry blinked up sleepily. “Goodnight, Daddy,” he murmured, his small hand reaching out to clutch James’ fingers.
“Sweet dreams, my little star,” James whispered, pressing a kiss to Harry’s cheek. He watched for a moment as his son snuggled into his pillow, then quietly left the room.
Returning to the living room, James knelt beside Regulus, his hand lightly shaking his shoulder. “Reggie, let’s get you to bed.”
Regulus stirred, his eyes fluttering open. “You’re late,” he mumbled groggily, his voice thick with sleep.
James chuckled, sliding an arm around his waist to help him up. “I know, love. And I’m sorry. But you fell asleep waiting for me, didn’t you?”
Regulus gave a soft hum of acknowledgment as James led him to their bedroom. As James gently laid him down, Regulus reached out, tugging him closer.
“You didn’t eat,” Regulus said, his tone a mix of accusation and concern.
“I will,” James promised, brushing a kiss across Regulus’ forehead. “Right after I take care of you.”
Regulus pouted but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re impossible.”
James laughed softly, his hand sliding to cradle Regulus’ face. “And you’re perfect.”
He kissed him, slow and tender, his thumb tracing delicate patterns along Regulus’ jaw. Regulus sighed against his lips, his hands slipping up to tangle in James’ hair.
“You know,” James murmured between kisses, his fingers working on the buttons of Regulus’ shirt, “every time I come home to you and Harry, I feel like the luckiest man alive.”
Regulus flushed, his heart pounding as James leaned in to kiss his collarbone. “James…”
“Shh,” James whispered, his lips grazing Regulus’ skin. “Just let me show you how much I love you, Reggie.”
Regulus melted under his touch, his insecurities fading away in the warmth of James’ embrace. “I love you too,” he whispered, his voice soft but sure.
“And I’ll never stop loving you,” James replied, his eyes filled with devotion as he held Regulus close, their world quiet and perfect in that moment.