Work Text:
Regulus never thought he’d be here.
When he imagined his life, he imagined a long, miserable life in a loveless marriage, constantly under his parents thumb.
Instead, he finds himself propped up on a sink, legs spread to let his stupidly tall boyfriend stand between them, hands fitted comfortably on his hips. Lips are trailing down his neck, lightly sucking, clearly intent on adding to the marks already there.
“James.” Regulus whispered. In turn, his boyfriend nipps at his neck.
Regulus let out a startled giggle (humiliating, truly) and smacked him on the shoulder. “James.”
James hums as he pulls back, but his face stays close to Regulus, nose to nose.
“Yes?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.
Damn him and his stupid cocky look. He knows exactly what he’s doing.
“I need to shower.” Regulus says in an unimpressed tone.
James nods agreeably. “Yeah.” And makes no move to back away.
“So I need to get up.”
James hums. “Now? At this very moment?” He’s slowly leaning back in “Can’t it wait.”
Regulus puts a hand on James’ chest to stop him and shoots him an unimpressed look. Really, he’s going to kill Sirius. Why did she have to meddle in Regulus’ love life? He was so happy before…
Well, no, that’s not quite true. For all James may annoy him, he’s the best thing in Regulus’ life. Even if he can act like a little shit, standing there, looking all innocent, like he isn’t trying to have a shag while the rest of the house is asleep.
“No, in fact, it can’t, because I have something dripping out of me, and I’m sweaty and gross and I’d like to feel clean again, thanks.” With that, Regulus gives a firm little push and hops off the counter.
James only gives him a little space to work with. His boyfriend can be very difficult when he wants to be.
Scratch that - James can be, and is, very difficult 90% of the time.
Regulus gives an impatient little huff and cranes his head to look up at his obnoxiously, completely inconveniently tall boyfriend.
Said boyfriend leans down again, clearly intent on getting another kiss (cheeky bastard) and Regulus slips from him just in time.
James, startled by the sudden presence of a sink against him instead of his beloved, looks to the side where Regulus stands in front of the running shower. The hot water made the air all steamy, and Regulus’ clear skin blurs with his surroundings, faintly glowing. He looks angelic, here to save James from his sins.
Regulus slowly moves his hands to the bottom of the oversized jumper he’s wearing, courtesy of James being captain of Gryffindor's quidditch team, and slowly slides it off, leaving his bare body for display.
There’s marks trailing all over him, both possessive and passionate. James doesn't think he’ll ever be over seeing Regulus, cold, shut-off, isolated Regulus, so bare and vulnerable.
James could worship him, and not just in a sexual way. He thinks he could find real, true salvation in the curve of Regulus’ back. He could find the beauty of life in the lean build of his body, in his soft, black curls. He could kneel for the softening gray of his eyes, and the curve of his rare smile.
“James.” Regulus calls softly. God, his voice. It’s so soft and melodic, and it’s only ever for him. It reminds James of the smooth, natural way Regulus plays the violin, or the piano. Flawless grace, made from years and years of harsh training.
James closes his eyes. “Say it again.” He asks quietly.
“James?” It’s a question, but it’s oh so lovely.
“Again.”
“James.” Regulus sounds a bit unsure.
A slow smile carved its way across James’ face. “Again.”
“James.” Now, Regulus sounds more sure, confident. He knows what he’s doing to; and he has no qualms about doing it.
Slow footsteps cross the short distance between them; and James opens his eyes to Regulus staring up at him, just through his big, long lashes.
“James.” It comes out, barely a whisper.
Regulus moves his arm to hook around James’ neck and his fingers miss with the hair at the nape of his neck. They move from the nape of his neck to the back of his head, where he closes his fist and drags James down to kiss him.
James follows with ease, never one to turn Regulus down. Their lips meet and, like always, it feels like a thousand stars have burst open, sending shockwaves across the universe. The world starts and stops with Regulus’ mouth.
James wraps his arms around Regulus’ waist to pull him closer, flush against him, and runs a hand up and down the curve of Regulus’ back.
It isn’t inherently sexual, but it’s intimate. Every press of Regulus’ skin against his is something James feels in his soul.
Regulus pulls back and moves his hand to tangle with James’. Then, he slowly pulls him forwards to the shower.
James follows without question, of course he does, and watches while Regulus lets go and climbs into the shower.
The water cascades down his pale skin in droplets, then sheets. His curls grow heavy and somehow darker with the water.
Regulus turns around to grab something and turns back to hand it to James.
It’s a shampoo bottle. James grabs it and doesn't even pause before he takes his own jumper off over his head and steps in the shower.
Regulus hums beneath his breath and wraps his arms around James’ waist, head buried in his chest. He can’t help it. James is just so warm…
James chooses that moment to gently card his soapy fingers through Regulus’ hair, gently scratching his scalp and twirling each soapy curl around his finger.
Regulus sighs a pleased sigh and just… stops existing. His brain turns off. He detracted himself from reality. All that exists is James’ warm, sturdy chest and his soft, caring hands delicately carding their way through his hair.
A long while later the shower is turned off, and Regulus doesn't even feel a chill because James is so quick to wrap a soft towel around him.
Regulus doesn't move either, because James gently lifts him up, not exactly bridal style but not uncomfortable either, and carries him out of the shower.
He sits his down on the toilet lid and grabs another towel (microfiber, because Regulus takes great care of his hair), and gently dries his hair.
Regulus will never get over how gently James treats him, like Regulus is something precious. Worth more than all the gold and jewelers in the entirety of Gringotts.
Regulus lifts his hand and catches James’ wrist. He looks him in the eye as he brings James’ hand toward his mouth, and slowly kisses his hand. Starting at his wrist, making a steady path to his palm.
“I love you.” He mutters, vision becoming hazy because of the steamy bathroom, and his eyes adjusting to being open.
“I love you more.” James’ pointer finger reaches out to slowly caress Regulus on his cheekbone.
Regulus can’t think of anywhere else he’d rather be.