Soft touch
“Show me,” Regulus demanded when James told him about being an animagi. From the boy’s expression, James couldn't make out what he was thinking. They walked slowly towards the forbidden forest and James was more nervous with each step they took. No one ever saw him in his stag form except the Marauders. He told himself it didn't matter if Regulus won't like Prongs. This can be the only time he sees him. It's not like James is lying in the dorms as a stag. He is not small and cuddly like Padfoot or Wormtail.
When they stopped at the clearing close to the edge of the forest James turns around. Regulus is watching him expectantly and James feels the knot tighten in his chest. Okay, well, so he does care he realised. He cares a lot. Because Prongs is part of James and if Regulus…
"Okay. Let's do this." James says because he wants to get it over as soon as possible.
The second he transforms the other boy takes a quick step back. Prongs lowers his head in disappointment. He should have expected this. He sits down folding his long legs below him. Sometimes James wishes his animagus was also something soft as a dog, so he could snuggle with his friends and play in the dorm. But it always was the case with him. Too much as an animagus, too much as human.
He doesn’t mind taking care of the others during full moons, it’s his role in their little pack. And he took the role gladly. He just wished that once he was the one someone would soft with.
Prongs lifts his head at the sound of steps. Regulus is slowly approaching him with wide eyes. He crouches in front of him, and his expression softens. “You are beautiful.” he breathes out. And James wants to run around with happiness.
Regulus reaches for him, but he stops a few inches from Prongs’ face. “Can I?” he asks, and James presses his face to the palm of Regulus’ hand.
Regulus chuckles and keeps swiping his hand over his head, scratching behind his ears and antlers. It feels good, so good. James forgets that he should stay still and flops himself on a side so Regulus can also pet his neck, back or belly.
“Okay, careful.” Regulus says because Prongs’ antlers missed him only by a few inches. “Hold on.” Regulus sits beside him and keeps petting him. Prongs is making happy noises.
Regulus frowns for a moment watching the stag in front of him. “You don't get a lot of pets, do you?”
Prongs rests his head on Regulus’ legs sadly nudging him with his snout so the boy would resume petting. He wants to get as much as possible of these soft touches.
“Okay, okay.” Regulus laughs. “It's their loss, you know? You have really soft fur and frankly, you are absolutely cute.”