shower
James loves going for a morning run. He loves the routine of it. Loves the feeling of solid ground beneath his feet and the open sky sprawling out above him. How nothing else matters but placing one foot in front of the other and regulating his breath. In through his nose, out through his mouth.
For these brief moments, he can let his mind wander freely. He’s been feeling restless lately. Work has been busy. His parents are getting older, and he’s not able to visit as much as he’d like. He wonders if he’s doing enough for his friends and family. Doubts plague his every step. But the familiar habit of running allows him to rein in his thoughts before they get too out of control. Breathe in, breathe out.
All around him he can hear the sounds of the world slowly waking up. His feet transition from soft dirt to concrete as he exits the trail and reenters the neighborhood. He turns onto his street. Mrs. Gupta, the nice old lady from a couple houses down, is out walking her shih tzu like she is every morning. James waves to her. He should stop by to visit soon and get the latest community gossip from her and her wife. He passes Mr. Nigel’s gardenias and idly thinks about picking up gardening as a hobby. Maybe it’d be good to get his mind off things, and he misses his mother’s garden.
Soon he sees the familiar green door welcoming him back. He enters the house and drops his keys in the small bowl on the table. Bends down to take off his shoes. Catches his breath. Watches Regulus bring him a glass of water. James takes a moment to memorize him, the way the morning light streaming in through the living room windows catches in his dark curls, the pillow lines on his cheek, and the sleepy expression on his face, eyes still half closed. He has a blanket wrapped around his shoulders and fuzzy slippers on his feet. James loves him so much.
“Thank you,” James says, after finishing the water in one go. He sets the glass down and reaches for Regulus. “Hey, baby. Good morning.”
Regulus leans into him immediately, face fitting into the junction between neck and shoulder. Arms wrapping around James’ waist. A muffled good morning.
“You stink. Go shower,” Regulus complains, and then kisses him anyway.
“Yes, sir.” James moves towards the bathroom, dislodging Regulus’ hold in the process, and laughs under his breath as Regulus grumbles about the disruption.
“You go back to sleep. I’ll make pancakes for breakfast.”
“Blueberry pancakes.”
“Blueberry pancakes it is.”
Satisfied with this answer, Regulus shuffles back towards their bedroom. James waits for the small thump that lets him know that Regulus has fallen back into bed.
James loves going for a morning run. But the best part will always be coming home.