Regulus
“Papa, pay!” Harry squealed, tugging Regulus’ hand off the keyboard of his laptop. “Papa, pay!”
Regulus pursed his lips and raised an eyebrow at James as Harry struggled to try pull him to his feet.
This had happened every time he sat down to get some work done this week. Three minutes of reading and typing, followed by an hour of playing whatever game it was that James had picked out to occupy Harry with.
Because apparently, he couldn’t handle not playing with both parents. He needed his Papa and Dada otherwise his fun was spoiled. A nasty habit, Regulus always called it. James always hummed and smirked, you’re enabling by giving in. A light shove and swift glare usually shut James up.
Besides, it wasn’t Regulus’ fault that Harry was so… Harry. How was he meant to say no to an excited one-year-old toddler? How was he meant to focus on his work while Harry sobbed that his Papa didn’t love him? Regulus was certain that if the tables were turned and it was James working from home, he’d been even worse at giving in to Harry’s demands.
“Alright,” Regulus grinned, shutting his laptop and pretending to be pulled to his feet with Harry’s help. “I’ll come play for a bit.”
Harry immediately let out another happy squeal and began dragging Regulus out of the living room, toward the backdoor. He babbled nonsensically the whole way, with enough enthusiasm to put even James to shame.
Regulus was more than happy to nod along with his story, even if he had no idea what they were on about. It was a wonderful change from the cautious boy he’d been a few months back.
The pair made their way out the back door and down into the garden where James was kicking a glowing soccer ball between some of the lamp posts, darting in and around them like he was dodging bullets. He was quite quick for a human, though, not nearly as quick as Regulus.
“Dada,” Harry called out, dropping Regulus’ hand and waddling toward James as fast as his stubby little legs could carry him. “Papa, pay!”
James stopped mid-stride and spun around, the wild grin on his face getting bigger as he spotted Regulus. His hot, flushed cheeks getting a little more flushed. And his racing heart racing a little bit faster. Regulus would never tire of that reaction.
“What happened to all that work you had to urgently get done?” James shouted while Regulus followed Harry.
“Apparently, he needs a better coach,” Regulus shouted back as James crouched down to grab Harry. Harry closed the gap quickly and leaped into James’ arms.
“Ooft,” James huffed with a grin as he caught and lifted the boy up onto his hip. “That hurts, Reg. You’ve really cut me deep with that one.”
Regulus smirked, paring it with an innocent shrug.
“What can I say?” he sighed, leaning in and planting a quick kiss on James’ cheek. “I like it when you bleed.”
James’ heart thumped extra hard on the next beat.
Gets him every time…
James coughed and after a couple of breaths managed to regain his composure and went on to explain that he and Harry were just kicking the ball back and forth. Which mostly consisted of James kicking the ball softly across the yard, Harry toddling after it and then kicking it any whatever direction he was facing.
“His kicks have a fifty-fifty chance of going somewhere or him just tripping and falling flat on his face though,” James chuckled, Harry babbling along with him, like he was helping explain the game. “You wanna take turns kicking it?”
“Sounds good.”
The game started off exactly the way James had described. Regulus kicked the ball a little way into the yard, and Harry waddled after it, James right behind him, pretending to be struggling to keep up. When they reached the ball, James attempted to coach Harry through the kick, but it worked about as you’d expect coaching an infant. His foot hit the ground instead of the ball and he fell over.
Not that Harry seemed to care, jumping up with a giggle and immediately trying again.
This time, his foot successfully hit the ball, and it rolled forward a few feet.
“Great job,” James cheered, giving Harry a high-five, before they both ran for where it had stopped.
James kicked it and Regulus had his turn racing Regulus. He let him win and this time, when Harry tried to kick the ball, he managed on the first try. It shot forward, disappearing into a dense patch of brushes.
“Told you I was a better coach,” Regulus called out smugly as Harry chased after the ball.
James stuck out his tongue and Regulus just smiled innocently, turning his attention back to Harry, who had stopped at the edge of the bushes. He stuck his arm into the thicket of branches and strained to reach as far as he could. It wasn’t far enough.
With huff and a puff, Harry pulled his arm out and turned to face James, who was closest.
“Dada,” he whined, pointing at the spot where the ball had gone.
Regulus snorted. “Guess that means you’ve been demoted to ball boy.”
James ignored his comment in favour of reassuring Harry he was coming to help.
Harry directed him to where the ball had gone, pointing into the bush and babbling about whatever he was babbling about. James nodded along as if he understood what Harry was saying and eventually gave the boy a solute and thrust his arm into the bush. James probably shouldn’t have thrown his arm into spiky bushes at full speed.
“Ahhhh! Fuck!”
James yanked his arm out of the bush before he could make a grab for the ball, revealing an angry red cut, sliced right across his wrist. His face scrunched up, contorted with pain as he looked at his arm.
It only took a second for Regulus to notice the scent shift in the air. The sweet smell of blood dancing its way across the yard. Harry noticed it too.
“Bud?” he murmured. His green eyes being instantly burned out by red. Licking his lips and as he stared up at James’ wound like a trance was taking over. It probably was. “Dada bud…?”
Regulus snorted, biting his lip to stop his amusement from being too obvious.
This ought to be good.
“Bud!” Harry demanded, reaching up with his short arms. Clenching and unclenching his chubby little fists in a ‘grabby’ motion. Staring at the little red drops escaping his father’s flesh. “Dada bud! Bud!”
James blinked, his brain clearly taking a second to catch up as he frowned down at Harry. But the second passed and Regulus heard the telltale spike in his heartrate, ThumpThumpThump, that meant he was surprised.
Regulus didn’t bother trying to hide his smirk this time.
“I think someone wants a taste.”
ThumpThumpThump.
“He wants to taste me!?” James exclaimed, eyebrows raising as his jaw dropped and he snatched his hand up to his chest.
Harry didn’t like that.
“Dada,” Harry whined, his excited smile turning into a sad pout as his eyes widened. Regulus was pretty sure he could faintly see some tears welling up. “Dada bud! Dada bud!” he cried out, his bottom lip trembling as he bounced up on his toes and tried to stretch taller.
“What were you expecting to happen?” Regulus asked, pressing a hand to his mouth and very unsuccessfully muffling a snicker. “We’ve never given him fresh blood before.”
“AND!? I’m not a playtime snack!?”
Regulus snorted, the memory of James happily taking up Sirius’ suggestion of playing ‘hide and hunt’ just a few days ago flashing through his mind. That’s debateable.
“Just let him have a little lick. Maybe he’ll get a taste for you and start making daily dessert requests,” Regulus teased.
James gaped at him as Harry’s whinging became more insistent.
“Bud! Dada bud!” he whimpered, just about trying to climb up James’ legs. And yes. Regulus was certain he could see little drops of bloody tears forming in Harry’s eyes. “Peas! Dada peas!”
Wow, he’s bringing out the please’s… he wants this…
Not that Regulus could blame him. James was quite a delicacy.
“Peas! Bud! Bud! Peas!”
More please’s!? God, he really wants this…
Harry was terrible with please. He knew how to say it, what it meant, and when he was supposed to use it. But he never said it, preferring to try ‘cute’ his way into getting what he wanted. Regulus was pretty sure he was to blame for Harry picking up that little tactic… not that he’d ever admit it.
“Are you really going to deny our adorable little boy?” Regulus asked sweetly, smirking as the resolve practically melted off James’ face. It came back though, when he took his eyes off Harry and glared at Regulus.
“You’re not the one whose blood he’ll be craving when his fangs come in!”
Okay. Fair point. But still.
“It’ll be fine. You’re his dad. Harry loves you for more than just the sweet, rich and indulgent blood coursing through your veins.”
“You’re doing a really horrible job of reassuring me, Reg.”
Regulus winked, and James’ cheeks grew a little darker as he failed at stopping the corners of his lips from twitching.
So easy…
James pursed his lips and glanced back down at Harry. Who now had faint shadows cracking down his cheeks. He sighed.
“Why do you have to be this cute?” he muttered, looking down at his still bleeding wrist, then back up at Regulus.
He extended said bloodied arm out and jabbed a stern finger at Regulus.
“If his fangs come in and I start getting bitten in the middle of the night. It is your fault.”
Regulus shrugged.
“I can live with that…” and besides… Regulus licked his lips. “I might have a sip or two after Harry’s finished anyway…”
“HEY!”
“To heal it! Calm down. You’d think I was threatening to murder you.”
James narrowed his eyes and mouthed, ‘I hate you’. And not a second later shook his head and took it back with, ‘Fine. I don’t hate you; I love you. But I’m still annoyed.’
Regulus grinned.
‘I love you too,’ he mouthed back innocently.
“Dada peas,” Harry just about sobbed as he reached up at James. “Bud… Bud peas… Dada…”
Here we go…
James sighed again. Whatever final bits of resolve left on his expression flaking off as he looked back down at Harry.
“Would you like to have a little treat, Harry?”
“Peas…” Harry nodded, still pouting as he sniffled. Fuck. No wonder James broke. Regulus half wanted to offer his own icy, flavourless blood. “Dada bud…”
James sucked down one final long, deep breath. Then slowly let out.
“Alright,” he exhaled, letting a smile finally grace his face, crouching down to Harry’s height and holding out his wrist. “You can have some.”
ThumpThumpThump
Harry nodded; eyes glued to the weeping wound. Regulus got himself a little closer, just a few meters away so he could watch. God. He couldn’t miss this! It was Harry’s first vein blood! This was a milestone moment!
ThumpThumpThump
Harry nervously reached forward, his hands a little shaky as he held onto James’ arm. One hand on either side of the cut. He squeezed a little (Oh he’s so smart!) and a fresh wave of blood dribbled out.
ThumpThumpThump
Harry looked back up at James in question, likely hearing the nervous beat of his heart.
ThumpThumpThump
“It’s alright,” James smiled, lifting his arm up a little closer to Harry’s face. ThumpThumpThump. “You can drink it.”
ThumpThumpThump
Harry looked back down at the cut and leaned forward. Dropping his head down closer… and closer… and closer… and…
“HMMM!” Harry bolted upright. His eyes the size of dinner plates as he just about vibrated. Jumping up and down on the spot as he ravenously licked his blood-stained lips. Face lit up like a Christmas tree with a giant smile spread between his cheeks. “DADA HMMM!”
Harry dropped back down and pressed his mouth against the wound again, licking up every drop of blood the cut could offer. Greedily gulping down every bit that passed his lips.
James looked a touch uneasy and a little white in the face, but he was smiling all the same. Just like Regulus.
Taking Harry in as the toddler giggled and squealed with excitement. Drinking his fill of fresh blood from the vein for the very first time.
This is much better than a drunken stranger in the park…
A lot of vampire children drank from their human parent for their first year or so. Their familiarity with the… err… victim… meant they were much more inclined to restrain themselves. And if that wasn’t enough, their strength was that of a regular baby at this age, so the parent could easily intervene if they needed to.
Harry let one hand go of James (though noticeably tightened his other hands grip) and spun it around. There was blood smeared all over his cheeks and staining his teeth. Smiling like he’d discovered joy itself.
“PAPA!” he called out, waving his free arm around through the air. “DADA ‘UMMY!”
Regulus practically melted on the spot.
He wants to show me…
His heart ached as Harry tugged on James’, trying to bring the meal over to his Papa. How his mother had been the way she was, Regulus would never understand. This was the sweetest thing he’d ever seen. And he was married to James.
“PAPA! BUD! BUD!”
Regulus shared a smile with James, who was now very graciously standing up to let Harry ‘carry’ his arm over. Which Harry did. Hopping and skipping across the few meters of lawn to Regulus. Excitedly holding the cut up like it was a sacred offering to the gods.
“DADA BUD!”
Regulus grinned, glancing at James.
Can I? He mouthed.
James rolled his eyes.
“Knock yourself out,” he encouraged. “Apparently I’m really yummy.”
“HMMM!” Harry cut in, patting his tummy with his free hand. “DADA ‘UMMY!”
Regulus looked at James. James looked at Regulus. They both snorted with laughter.
“Thank you for the assessment, buddy,” James chuckled, as Regulus crouched down to Harry’s height.
“Can you show me what to do, Harry?”
Harry beamed, pulling Jame’s wrist back to his mouth and pressing his lips over the cut. His face lit up the moment the blood reached his tongue, but he managed to pull himself after just two sips.
“Dada bud!” he explained through blood-stained teeth, making sure to lick up any stray dribbles. “Hmmm!”
Regulus’ face softened. Reach out and giving Harry a proud pat on the shoulder.
“You did a really good job! Thank you for showing me.”
Harry held James’ wrist out again.
“Papa!”
“My turn?”
Harry nodded. “Papa bud! Papa bud!”
---
James
James was about to have a heart attack. He was having palpitations, he was short of breath, his arm was going numb and his vision kept getting randomly blurry. It could have been because harry was being too adorable for this word, his arm was having the blood sucked out of it and happy tears kept welling up in his eyes. But he was pretty sure it was a heart attack.
And he didn’t even care.
Because how on earth, was he meant to interrupt this?
“Papa!”
ThumpThumpThump
“My turn?”
ThumpThumpThump
Harry nodded. “Papa bud! Papa bud!”
ThumpThumpThump
Regulus leaned forward, his lips parting.
ThumpThumpThump
Harry squeezed his arm, and more blood oozed out.
ThumpThumpThump
When Harry had fed from the wound, James hadn’t known what to expect. Regulus had explained many times over the years that how a human reacted to the venom was based on their relationship to the person. People who’d been lured in under the promise of affection usually felt lust. Random attacks mostly experienced fear.
But family or friends just elicited a calming effect. Which is exactly what had happened with Harry.
ThumpThumpThump
Regulus though… that was a whole other thing… and for that exact reason, with Harry standing right there, the touch of his husband’s lips lasted only a few seconds… before he licked up the wound enough to heal it properly. The skin knitting itself together before their very eyes.
“Dada ‘ummy?”
Regulus nodded, licking his lips. “ Oh, Dada tastes amazing!”
Harry gleamed, dropping James’ arm and turning around, raising his arms the way he did when he wanted to be picked up. Blood was all over his face and staining his shirt. If James picked him up, he would surely have to get rid of this light blue shirt.
So naturally, James bent over and wrapped Harry up in a giant hug.
“Dada,” Harry yawned, immediately pressed the side of his face against James’ chest. Right over his heart. Shutting his eyes.
James and Regulus just stood there for a minute. Watching Harry fall into dreamland. His head of curls completely unkept, with the strands at the front caked in blood. His body just about frozen as he did little to no breathing.
“I don’t want him to grow up,” James pouted, gently rubbing his little back.
Regulus stepped forward and cupped a hand around Harry’s cheek, before planting a kiss to his forehead.
“Me neither.”
James stared at Regulus, as Regulus stared at Harry. Taking in the cool skin that was almost as cold as ice. The beautiful curls hanging around his face, that were as soft as silk. And his eyes… those pretty… pretty… silvery eyes that reminded him on the stars.
He threw an around Regulus, gripping around his waist and pulling him into the hug. Burying his face into the top of his head.
“I love you,” he whispered.
Regulus replying without a second of hesitation, “I love you too.”