old
To be completely honest, Regulus did not expect to live this long.
By the time he was fifteen, he was convinced that he would die before his eighteenth birthday. When he was eighteen, it felt like he was just waiting for the right moment.
He definitely didn’t think he’d make it to thirty-six. He didn’t think he would get married and certainly not to the boy he’d been in love since he was thirteen. He didn’t think he would be on speaking terms with his brother or have him in his life at all. He didn’t think he could be someone’s dad.
James comes out to the front steps carrying matching cups of tea - hibiscus for himself, chamomile for Regulus - and passes one to him. Regulus holds the cup tight to warm his hands and James tucks the blanket around both of them as he settles down. Regulus studies James’ side profile as he blows on his tea. James is getting laugh lines by his eyes and a few more silver strands in the hair by his temple.
“I think Harry is seeing someone,” James says, breaking Regulus from his thoughts. The boy in question was at his mothers’ house for the week, leaving James and Regulus alone in their nightly routine. “His first real relationship. I bet Mary knows for sure. Probably Lily does too. Maybe he’s too embarrassed to come to us with this.”
Regulus knows that James has been stewing on this for a while before bringing it up. He always wants to be the best dad he can, and it is probably killing him that Harry hasn’t talked to him about this milestone yet. Truthfully, Regulus has suspected for some time as well. Harry spends more time in his room than usual and always seems to be glued to his phone. Sometimes Regulus catches Harry smiling to himself, as if his happiness can't be contained. It reminds him of a younger Regulus trying his best to hide those same smiles from his parents, albeit for very different reasons.
“Harry probably just wants to keep his new relationship to himself for a little bit longer. He’ll tell us when he’s ready,” Regulus reassures him.
James lets out his breath all at once and gives Regulus a grateful smile. “Yeah, you’re right.”
He continues after a few moments. “By the way, remember that Sirius and Remus have their ten year vow renewal ceremony coming up. Sirius called me about it again today.”
“I put it on the calendar. I still have to get my suit adjusted. I’ve definitely gained a few pounds since the last time I wore it,” Regulus thinks out loud with a slight frown.
“You’re still just as handsome as the day I married you,” James says and nudges his side. “More handsome, in fact.”
“And you are a sap,” Regulus grumbles, rolling his eyes but not bothering to hide his smile. He doesn't do that anymore.
“Your sap,” James teases, leaning in to kiss Regulus on the head. “How was work today?”
They stay out there for two hours talking into the night air, until Regulus’ fingers are frozen solid and James has to rub them between his hands to warm them up.
“We’re getting old,” James says, getting up and pushing on his lower back to crack it then twisting side to side. He turns back and holds out his hand to help Regulus up.
“Yeah, we are,” Regulus responds, taking his hand.