Archive of Our Own

James Potter was not one to miss the subtle signs in Regulus Black's demeanor, especially when it came to his little side. 
 
All day, Regulus had been off-kilter—more quiet than usual, his slender fingers tugging at the sleeves of his robe, shoulders tense as if carrying a weight no one else could see. His eyes, normally sharp and calculating, had lost their edge, clouded with something fragile. 
 
James had seen Regulus like this before, teetering on the edge of a deep regression, as if the adult mask he wore was crumbling bit by bit.
 
It wasn't like Regulus to openly show it, though. Not in public, anyway. That was the thing about him. He was so good at maintaining control, at pretending he was still the cunning Slytherin prince everyone expected him to be. But James knew better. He always knew better.
 
So, James let him be for a while. He kept an eye on him through breakfast, noticing how Regulus barely touched his food, pushing his toast around his plate. During Transfiguration, Regulus had scribbled distractedly in his notebook, his attention flickering between the lesson and the window, where the outside world seemed to offer more comfort than the classroom ever could. 
 
James's instincts told him to intervene, to ask if Regulus needed something, but he didn't want to rush him. He knew how sensitive Regulus could be when he was this close to regressing.
 
But then Defense Against The Dark Arts came, and James could feel it—Regulus was teetering on the brink, and it wasn't going to take much to send him over the edge.
 
It started when the professor called on Regulus. Normally, Regulus excelled in this class, his knowledge of dark magic rivaling even the older students'. But today, when he answered the question, his voice wavered, and the answer... was wrong.
 
James knew immediately what would happen. The professor was strict and unforgiving. "Wrong, Mr. Black," the professor snapped, his voice like a whip in the quiet classroom. "I expect better from you. Perhaps you should spend more time studying and less time daydreaming."
 
Regulus flinched. It was subtle, but James saw it. His shoulders hunched slightly, his hand stilled over his quill, and for a moment, he looked like a lost child rather than the composed, untouchable boy he usually was. Then the trembling started.
 
Regulus's bottom lip wobbled, and his eyes glistened, though he desperately tried to blink the tears away. But they kept coming, and before James could even think, a soft, broken sound escaped Regulus's throat—a sound that sent a sharp pang through James's chest. 
 
James leaned over, whispering softly, "Regulus? Hey, love, look at me."
 
Regulus's wide, watery eyes turned to James, and in that instant, James knew. He was already small, regressed to the point where nothing in this world made sense except for his need for comfort. His need for James.
 
"Regulus?" James whispered gently. "Love?"
 
"H-Hurts," Regulus whimpered, his voice so quiet, so vulnerable.
 
James's heart clenched. He reached under the table, placing a gentle hand on Regulus's knee. "What hurts, baby?" he asked, his voice soft and soothing.
 
Regulus pointed a trembling finger to his chest, his lip quivering more violently now. "H-hurts here... Heart..."
 
James's breath hitched. He hated this part—seeing Regulus like this, so fragile, so small. "Oh, baby..." he whispered, rubbing soothing circles on Regulus's knee.
 
Regulus sniffled, his hands clutching at the edge of the desk as if he could hold himself together. "You fix it, pwease?" His voice was desperate, like he truly believed James could fix everything with just a touch.
 
James swallowed the lump in his throat. "Of course I will, love. Just give me two minutes, okay? You can be a big boy for me, right? Just for two minutes."
 
Regulus nodded shakily, but his eyes never left James's. His trust in moments like this was overwhelming. 
 
James quickly began gathering their things, stuffing parchment and quills into his bag. He needed to get Regulus out of there, away from the judging eyes of their classmates and the harsh environment of the classroom.
 
Once everything was packed, James stood and held out a hand to Regulus. "Come on. Let's go."
 
Regulus hesitated for only a second before he reached out, grabbing James's hand with both of his. He gripped tightly, as though he was afraid to let go, his eyes wide and brimming with tears. "Carry pwease?" he asked, his voice breaking.
 
James's heart ached at the request. He hated saying no, but they were still in class, and carrying Regulus out would draw too much attention. "I wish I could, baby. I really do," James whispered. "But you're a big boy, aren't you? Can you walk with me for just a little while?"
 
Regulus's lip wobbled again, his face scrunching up in frustration. "N-no... not big..." he whimpered, his foot stomping lightly on the ground.
 
James glanced around, noticing the eyes of their classmates on them. He couldn't do it here. Not like this. 
 
"Shhh, baby," James whispered softly. "It's okay. You're safe with me. Just take my hand, okay? I'll hold you soon, I promise."
 
But Regulus didn't budge. Hot tears streamed down his red cheeks as he whined. "Nooo!"
 
James's heart clenched with guilt. The last thing he wanted was for Regulus to break down completely, but they couldn't cause a scene in front of the class. 
 
James tightened his grip on Regulus's hand and firmly pulled him out of the room, ignoring the professor's scolding voice. 
 
Regulus let out little pained cries and sobs as he struggled to keep up with James's pace, tugging on James's hand in protest, but he couldn't overpower him.
 
They made their way down the corridor, but it was clear Regulus was struggling. His steps were slow, and every few seconds, he let out a soft whimper, tugging on James's hand as if he couldn't keep up.
 
James slowed his pace, but it wasn't enough. They were only halfway down the hall when Regulus let out a heart-wrenching sob, his knees buckling as he collapsed to the floor, clutching at James's robes.
 
"I can't," Regulus cried, his face buried in James's thigh. "Too hawd... hurts..."
 
James dropped to his knees in front of him immediately, cupping Regulus's face in his hands. "Shhh, shhh, baby. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," James whispered, his thumb brushing away Regulus's tears. "I didn't mean to rush you. I'm here now, okay? Daddy's here."
 
But Regulus's sobs only grew louder. He looked so broken, and it shattered James's heart over and over again.
 
James gently shushed him again. "Baby... Was I too rough? I'm sorry."
 
Regulus hiccuped between sobs, his words coming out broken. "Y-you pull too hawd..."
 
James's face softened. "I'm so sorry, love. Really, I am. I didn't mean to hurt you. I just couldn't carry you in front of everyone, and if you didn't walk, they would've said mean things." He gently took Regulus's hands in his. "I really didn't mean to be rough."
 
Regulus hiccuped, tears streaming down his face as he looked up at James with wide, pleading eyes. "Y-you pwomise?" He asked, his voice trembling. "Y-you no mad?"
 
James's heart shattered at the question. How could Regulus ever think he'd be mad at him for something like this? 
 
"Oh, sweetheart," James whispered, pulling Regulus into his arms. "I'm not mad. Not even a little bit. You did so good walking with me, love. I'm so proud of you."
 
Regulus sniffled again, looking up at James with watery eyes. "And you pwomise you no mean to hurt me?"
 
"I promise," James said softly, nodding.
 
Regulus clung to him, his hands fisting in James's robes as he buried his face in James's shoulder, his body trembling with leftover sobs. "S-sowwy..." he whimpered.
 
"Shhh," James murmured, rocking him gently. "There's nothing to be sorry for, love. You're safe now. Just breathe, okay? Can you do that for me?"
 
Regulus nodded against his shoulder, taking a shaky breath as he tried to calm down. James held him close, one hand rubbing soothing circles on his back, the other tangled in his hair, combing through the dark curls with gentle fingers.
 
They stayed like that for a while, sitting on the floor of the corridor, until Regulus's sobs finally quieted, replaced by soft, hiccuping breaths. 
 
Regulus's grip around James's robes loosened, but when James gently tried to pull back, just enough to check on him, Regulus stubbornly refused to move. He burrowed deeper into James's shoulder, clutching him tighter as if to hide from the world.
 
"Baby," James whispered, his voice low and soothing, "look at me for just a second, love." 
 
He gently stroked the back of Regulus's head, letting him know there was no rush.
 
Regulus hesitated, his fingers clutching the front of James's robes with a white-knuckled grip. But slowly, inch by inch, he lifted his tear-streaked face, blinking up at James with eyes swollen from crying, his pale cheeks streaked with both dried and fresh tears. His nose was runny, and his lips quivered with the leftover tremors of his earlier sobs. 
 
He looked so small, so utterly vulnerable, and for a moment, James's heart ached with the depth of his love for him.
 
"Sweet boy," James murmured softly, cupping Regulus's damp cheeks in his hands. He thumbed away the lingering tear tracks, his touch as gentle as a whisper. "There's my brave little one."
 
Regulus sniffled, blinking up at him as a fresh tear wobbled on the edge of his lower lash, threatening to fall.
 
"Let's clean you up, yeah?" James suggested. The tears on Regulus's face slowly drying up meant that his face would be sticky soon, and that would only lead to more tears.
 
Regulus sniffled, still looking so young and fragile as he blinked up at James. His voice was barely a murmur. "M'sorry daddy..."
 
James's heart squeezed, but he hushed him gently. "Oh, love, no need to be sorry. You've done nothing wrong. I've got you."
 
"Let's just clean you up a bit, hm?" He said, his voice so tender that it made Regulus's lip quiver again. 
 
James quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out a tissue, dabbing at Regulus's cheeks.
 
When his cheeks were all dried up, James moved the tissue down to his runny nose. "Alright, sweetie. Blow your nose for me, okay? Just like we practiced."
 
Regulus gave a little nod, his breath still shaky. He scrunched up his nose and blew softly, his eyes never leaving James's. There was something so trusting, so reliant in his gaze, that it made James's heart swell even more.
 
"Good job, baby. Just like that," James encouraged, gently wiping the rest of his nose and then tossing the tissue into a nearby trash can. 
 
He stroked Regulus's cheek with his thumb, offering a soft, reassuring smile. "All clean now?"
 
Regulus sniffled again, rubbing his damp eyes with the back of his hand. His voice was small when he finally answered, "Uh-huh..."
 
James tucked a loose strand of Regulus's hair behind his ear and pressed a kiss to his temple. "Feeling a little better, love?"
 
Regulus nodded, though his hands instinctively reached up to clutch the front of James's robes again, as if seeking more reassurance.
 
James rubbed slow, soothing circles on Regulus's back, speaking in a low, calming voice. "Do you need anything, baby? Is there something that would make you feel better?"
 
For a moment, Regulus didn't respond. He seemed lost in the gentle rhythm of James's hand on his back, his mind still heavy with the aftereffects of crying. But then he shifted slightly in James's arms, resting his head back on James's shoulder with a soft whimper. "Wanna stay wiv m'Daddy..."
 
James's heart nearly melted at the whispered request. He kissed the top of Regulus's head, brushing his lips against the dark curls. "I'm not leaving, love. I'm right here. How about we go back to the dorms, hm? We can get you all cozy and comfortable."
 
Regulus nodded into his shoulder, still clinging to him like a koala, unwilling to let go.
 
This time, James didn't hesitate. He shifted slightly to make sure Regulus was fully supported, then scooped him up with ease, holding him close as he stood. 
 
Regulus let out a soft sigh, tensing for just a brief moment before fully relaxing again. His arms wound tightly around James's neck, and he nestled his head into the crook of James's shoulder again.
 
As James carried him through the quiet halls, he felt Regulus's breathing start to even out, his body going limp with fondness. He was so delicate in James's arms, and James's protective instincts flared even more.
 
When they finally reached their dorm (it was actually Regulus, Barty, and Evan's, but the other two were rarely around and James slept over nearly every night), James opened the door as quietly as he could, stepping inside and closing it behind them with a soft click. 
 
James carefully made his way to the couch, gently lowering Regulus onto the cushions. But the moment he pulled back, Regulus whimpered, his hands immediately reaching for the hem of James's robes, tugging insistently.
 
"Hey, hey, love," James soothed, sitting down beside him and gathering him into his lap once more. "I'm right here, sweetheart. Not going anywhere."
 
Regulus curled up tightly against James, his face pressed into James's chest. His body still trembled slightly, the remnants of his earlier sobs not fully gone yet. James held him close, rocking him gently and murmuring soft reassurances, rubbing slow, comforting circles on Regulus's back.
 
After a few minutes, James spoke softly. He knew Regulus liked to feel clean, especially after a big cry like that. "How about we wash your hands, hmm? You always feel better after, don't you?"
 
Regulus sniffled but nodded, his nose brushing against James's chest. "Mhm..."
 
James smiled and stood, guiding Regulus toward the small bathroom attached to the dorm. Regulus clung to him the whole way, his hand gripping James's fingers tightly as if afraid to let go. 
 
When they reached the sink, James turned the faucet on, adjusting the temperature to make sure it was warm but not too hot.
 
"Here we go, sweetheart," James said softly, taking Regulus's hands in his own and guiding them under the stream of water. He squeezed a bit of soap into his palm. "There we go, baby. Let's get all the yucky feelings washed away."
 
James's hands moved slowly and carefully over Regulus's, the touch both comforting and gentle. He praised him as they worked together, his voice low and reassuring. "Good job! Look at you, using the soap like a big boy."
 
Regulus shyly blushed at the praise, his eyes dropping to the floor. "Thanks, Daddy..."
 
James rinsed off the soap, then grabbed a soft towel, drying Regulus's hands with care. "There. Now we've got the cleanest, softest hands in the whole castle." He kissed the back of each hand, making Regulus giggle softly.
 
He smiled at the sight of Regulus being so happy. "All better now, yeah? Do you feel a bit lighter, love?"
 
Regulus nodded shyly, his lips tugging up into a smile. "Yeah... feels better."
 
James crouched down in front of Regulus. "Now, do you need to go potty, baby? Before we get you changed into something cozy."
 
Regulus bit his lip, shifting slightly on his feet. After a moment, he nodded, his voice small. "M'gotta go potty..."
 
"Alright, sweetheart. Let's use the big boy potty, okay?" James asked, guiding him toward the corner of the small bathroom. "Or do you want your duckie potty?"
 
Regulus shifted on his feet, glancing up at James with those wide, innocent eyes. "With da duckies, pwease..."
 
James chuckled softly and crouched down to pull out the duck-themed potty they kept for moments like this. "Of course, honey. The duckies it is."
 
He placed the little potty in the corner, and Regulus pretty much immediately pulled down his pants, sitting on it with his hands resting nervously on his knees. He looked up at James, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
 
"Hey, no rush, love," James crouched down beside him and held his hand but looked away to give him some privacy. "I'm right here. You can take your time."
 
Regulus's face grew redder, but after a moment, he relaxed enough to do his business. After a minute, he tapped James's hand lightly, signaling that he was done. "I goeses, Daddy. M'done now..."
 
James smiled warmly, standing to help him up. "Good job! All done like such a big boy." He wiped Regulus gently before helping him pull his pants back up. "You did so well."
 
"Thanks." Regulus mumbled adorably.
 
"Now, let's get you into something more comfortable, okay?" James suggested.
 
Regulus nodded, reaching out to take James's hand again, holding on tightly as they walked back to the bedroom. His thumb hovered near his mouth, but he didn't put it in, instead curling his fingers around James's hand for comfort.
 
Once they were in the bedroom, James quickly laid out a soft, cozy sweater and a pair of comfortable shorts. Regulus was too little to care much about the clothes themselves, but James knew how much Regulus loved feeling warm and safe in soft fabrics.
 
"Let's get you nice and comfy, hm?" James murmured as he laid Regulus down on the bed, slipping off the boy's shoes.
 
He kneeled down next to Regulus and began undressing him carefully, first slipping off the robe and then his dress shirt, replacing it with the soft sweater. The fabric was warm and comforting, and Regulus's hands immediately found the hem of the sweater, fidgeting with it.
 
Regulus was barely moving as James pulled off his pants and changed him into a fresh diaper. Which kind of surprised James, because usually there was a lot more fussing and complaining when it came to wearing diapers or pull-ups. 
 
The warmth of the new sweater was probably distracting Regulus, making him smile softly, his fingers brushing over the fabric. 
 
James picked up the shorts and slipped Regulus's feet through them. He let the boy wear them despite it being a bit too cold for them, knowing that Regulus liked his legs to feel free when he was this small.
 
"There we go, love," James said softly, pulling the shorts up Regulus's legs and diaper. "All nice and comfy."
 
Regulus tugged at the sweater, his face breaking into a small, pleased smile. "Comfy..."
 
James's heart swelled at the sight. He pulled Regulus into his arms, bouncing him gently. "You're the cutest, you know that?"
 
Regulus giggled at the bouncing and snuggled into James, his head resting on James's chest as he let out a contented sigh. "Wuv you, Daddy," he whispered, his voice happy and soft.
 
James's heart swelled with affection. "I love you too, baby. I love you more than anything."
 
Regulus adorably grinned up at him, his thumb still hovering just above his lips. "Wuv you more."
 
James chuckled softly, brushing a stray curl out of Regulus's face. "Impossible. I love you the most in the whole wide world."
 
Regulus huffed, kicking his legs playfully. "M'love Daddy the mostest!"
 
"Oh, do you now?" James teased, his smile widening. "Cause I love you to the moon and back three times in a rocket ship."
 
Regulus's grin grew even wider as he tried to sound like a bigger kid. "I wuv you to da moon an' back ten miwwion times in a spess ship!"
 
James gasped dramatically, making Regulus giggle. "Ten million times? That's a lot of love."
 
Regulus nodded proudly, looking very pleased with himself. "Wuv you da mos'est!"
 
James laughed softly, pulling him closer. "Alright, I suppose we'll have to agree that we both love each other the most."
 
Regulus nodded, giggling. "Uh-huh! Love each other da mos'est. Dis' my Daddy."
 
James took his face in his hands and smiled warmly. "And that's my baby!"
 
Regulus giggled, snuggling into James's hands. "Uh-huh! Daddy's da bes'est."
 
James smiled warmly, holding Regulus close. "And you, my love, are the most precious thing in the whole world."
 
They stayed like that for a while longer, James holding Regulus in his arms, bouncing him gently as they shared quiet giggles and whispered reassurances, the warmth of their love settling over them like a soft, protective blanket.
 
Regulus seemed much calmer now, but he still clung to James like he was afraid to let go, his fists gripping the soft fabric of James's robes. 
 
James didn't mind one bit. He loved these moments with Regulus, loved how much trust the boy placed in him when he was feeling this vulnerable and small.
 
After a while, though, James noticed the sunlight filtering in through the dorm window was starting to shift, casting a warmer glow over the room. He glanced at the clock on the wall and saw that it was already past noon. His stomach gave a little rumble, and he realized it was well past time for lunch.
 
"Hey, honey," James murmured softly, his voice coaxing but gentle. He smoothed a hand over Regulus's curls, coaxing the boy to look up at him. "Are you hungry, sweetheart? It's almost time for lunch."
 
Regulus blinked up at him, his face still nestled against James's chest, his thumb now in his mouth as he sucked on it lightly. "Wunchies?" he mumbled around his thumb, the word barely forming properly.
 
James grinned softly, his heart swelling at the sight. "Mhm, lunchies, love. How about we make something yummy? Maybe some noo-noos with sauce and some grapes?"
 
Regulus shifted in James's lap, his face lighting up just a little at the mention of food. "Noo-noos..." he repeated, the word sounding extra cute in the way he said it. He gave a small nod, still sucking on his thumb. "Pwease."
 
James chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of Regulus's head. "Alright then, let's get you nice and comfy while Daddy makes the noo-noos, okay?"
 
With gentle hands, James helped Regulus to his feet, keeping a steadying arm around his waist as they made their way to the small kitchen in the dorm. 
 
Regulus leaned heavily on James the whole time, his steps slow and wobbly, but James guided him patiently, matching Regulus's pace and murmuring soft reassurances along the way.
 
When they reached the kitchen, James pulled out a chair, helping Regulus sit down with care. 
 
"You sit right here, love," James said, crouching down to meet Regulus's eyes. "I'll make lunchies, and you can watch. Does that sound good?"
 
Regulus nodded, his thumb popping out of his mouth as he wriggled in his seat. "Mhm... watch Daddy make noo-noos."
 
James smiled and pressed a quick kiss to Regulus's forehead before heading over to the stove. 
 
He moved around the small kitchen with ease, grabbing a pot and filling it with water, setting it to boil while he pulled out a box of noodles and a jar of tomato sauce. He hummed softly as he worked, glancing over every now and then to make sure Regulus was okay.
 
Regulus sat quietly in the chair, his legs swinging lightly as he watched James with wide, curious eyes. The rhythmic sound of the bubbling water and the soft clang of utensils seemed to keep him calm. 
 
James tossed a few noodles into the boiling pot, stirring them carefully as they cooked. Meanwhile, he grabbed a small bowl and began cutting some grapes in half, making sure they were bite-sized for Regulus. He knew that he didn't actually need to cut them, that Regulus could eat them whole just fine. But Regulus liked them like this, and if he wanted them like this, he would get them like this.
 
As the noodles finished cooking, James drained them and mixed them with a little bit of tomato sauce, stirring it all together until the kitchen filled with the smell of warm, comforting food. 
 
He poured the noodles into a small, brightly colored bowl that he knew Regulus liked—one with little stars printed all over it—and added the grapes on the side.
 
"All done, love," James said with a grin as he brought the bowl over to the table. He set it down gently in front of Regulus, then grabbed a fork. "Ready for some lunchies?"
 
Regulus's eyes lit up at the sight of the food, and he nodded eagerly, though his movements were still slow and hesitant. 
 
"Noo-noos..." he whispered again, reaching out for the fork but not quite sure how to use it in his regressed state.
 
James chuckled softly and gently took Regulus's hand, helping him grip the fork. "Here, let me help, sweetheart," he murmured, guiding Regulus's hand toward the bowl. "We'll do it together."
 
Regulus watched intently as James speared a small noodle and brought it to his lips. He opened his mouth obediently, letting James feed him, and made a soft, satisfied sound as the warm food filled his mouth. 
 
"Mmmm... yummy," Regulus mumbled through a mouthful, chewing carefully.
 
James's heart melted at the sight. "Good job. I'm so glad you like it," he said, his voice full of warmth. He scooped up another bite of noodles and brought it to Regulus's mouth, patiently feeding him one small forkful at a time.
 
Regulus tried to help a few times, reaching for the fork with clumsy fingers, but his coordination wasn't quite there. He would grab the fork, manage to spear a noodle or two, but then they'd slip off before reaching his mouth, making him frown in frustration.
 
"'S okay, love," James reassured him softly. "Daddy's got you. No rush; we can take our time."
 
Regulus nodded, though his lip wobbled slightly as he tried again, this time managing to get a noodle into his mouth without dropping it. "Did it..." he mumbled proudly, a bit of sauce smudging on the corner of his lips.
 
"You did," James praised him, grinning as he wiped the smudge from Regulus's chin with his thumb. "You're doing so well, sweetie. Daddy's so proud of you."
 
The praise made Regulus beam, though the effort of eating was clearly tiring him out. His face was already a bit messy, little bits of sauce dotting his cheeks, and his hands had gotten sticky from gripping the fork.
 
After a few more bites, Regulus's attention began to wander, his focus drifting away from the food as his thumb found its way back into his mouth. James took over completely then, feeding him the last few noodles and making sure he ate a few of the cut-up grapes as well.
 
When the bowl was empty, James set the fork down and leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "There we go, all done. You did such a good job eating, sweetheart."
 
Regulus blinked up at him with wide eyes, his thumb still in his mouth as he mumbled, "Full... tummy full."
 
James chuckled softly and ruffled his hair. "Good, that's what we wanted." 
 
He stood up and grabbed a couple wet wipes from the counter, then kneeled back down in front of Regulus. "Let's clean you up a bit, yeah? You've got sauce everywhere."
 
Regulus giggled softly, squirming a little as James gently wiped the sauce from his cheeks, his chin, and even a little spot on his nose. 
 
James was careful and patient, making sure not to miss a spot. "Hold still, love. Almost done."
 
After cleaning Regulus's face, James moved to his hands, wiping the sticky sauce from his fingers with the same careful attention. 
 
Regulus let out a soft, contented sigh as James worked, his thumb slipping back into his mouth once his hands were clean.
 
"There we go," James said with a smile, wiping down the table as well. "All nice and clean. Now, what should we do next, hm? Do you want to cuddle some more, or maybe play a little?"
 
Regulus blinked up at James, his thumb still in his mouth as he thought about it. "Cuddles," he finally mumbled around his thumb. "Wanna cuddle wiv Daddy."
 
James's heart swelled at the words, and he nodded, standing up and scooping Regulus into his arms with ease. "Cuddles it is, love. Come on, let's get comfy."
 
He carried Regulus with care, holding him close as he walked them back into the bedroom. The dorm was quiet, the soft hum of the distant hallway providing a peaceful backdrop as they moved. 
 
Instead of heading for the couch like they usually did, James made a beeline for Regulus's bed. It seemed like a better spot, more comfortable, and he had a feeling Regulus needed that extra coziness right now. 
 
He gently laid Regulus down on the soft bed, making sure to settle him against the pillows before sliding in beside him. 
 
Regulus wasted no time in scooting as close as possible, his arms wrapping loosely around James's waist as he nuzzled into his chest. 
 
The warmth of the blankets and the soft, familiar scent of James seemed to soothe Regulus instantly. His body relaxed fully against James's, and for a while, they just lay there, wrapped up in each other's presence. 
 
James's hand came up to rub gentle circles on Regulus's back, the repetitive motion lulling him further into calmness.
 
"Comfy, love?" James murmured, his voice low and filled with tenderness. He pressed his cheek to the top of Regulus's head, feeling the soft curls brush against his skin.
 
Regulus nodded, but it was a small, sleepy gesture. His eyes were starting to flutter shut, his breath coming in softer, slower rhythms. Every now and then, his thumb would slip from his mouth, only to return a moment later as he unconsciously sought that soothing comfort.
 
James noticed the way Regulus's eyelids were growing heavier with each passing minute. He smiled softly, pressing another kiss to his hair. "Is someone getting sleepy?" he whispered.
 
Regulus stirred slightly at the question, lifting his head just enough to blink blearily up at James. "No..." he mumbled, though his voice was so quiet and drowsy that it sounded like he was halfway to dreamland already.
 
James chuckled softly, his heart swelling with affection. "You sure, sweetheart? You look like you're just about ready to fall asleep right here."
 
Regulus shook his head again, a little more firmly this time, but the effort seemed to drain him. His eyes fluttered shut for a moment, only to pop open again a second later, blinking up at James with a sleepy pout. "M'not sweepy," he insisted, though his voice was slurred with exhaustion.
 
James smiled, his fingers gently stroking through Regulus's hair. "Oh, I see," he said, playing along for a moment. "Not sleepy at all, huh?"
 
Regulus gave a tiny nod, but his eyelids drooped once more, and James could see how hard he was fighting to stay awake. His thumb slipped from his mouth again, this time staying out as he yawned, the sound soft and drawn-out, like a little kitten.
 
James leaned down and kissed his forehead, his voice dropping to a soft, soothing murmur. "I think someone is sleepy, love. How about a nap?"
 
Regulus shook his head weakly, but this time the protest was barely there. "Nooo..." he whispered, his voice almost a whine, though there was no real conviction behind it.
 
James could see right through him. He smiled softly, his hand still rubbing those soothing circles on Regulus's back. "It's okay, baby," he whispered. "I've got you. Time for a nap, alright? Daddy's right here."
 
Regulus let out a soft, sleepy sound, his eyes closing completely for a moment before they blinked open again. He was too little to fight it now, too tired to argue. "Wanna..." he mumbled, his voice trailing off. "Wanna have m'stuffie. Puppy..."
 
James smiled. He'd been waiting for that. "Of course, love. I'll get your puppy for you." 
 
Carefully, he slipped out of bed, making sure Regulus stayed snuggled up under the blankets. He moved over to the small shelf near the bed, where Regulus's things were neatly stored. 
 
He grabbed the familiar black dog, the one Regulus always wanted when he was feeling small. It reminded him of Sirius, and that comfort was always enough to calm him down. James gave the stuffed dog a quick squeeze before returning to the bed.
 
"Here you go, baby," James said softly, slipping the stuffed dog into Regulus's waiting arms. Regulus immediately cuddled it close, burying his face into the soft fur with a quiet, contented sigh.
 
But even with his stuffie in his arms, Regulus still didn't seem fully settled. His thumb found its way back into his mouth as his eyelids fluttered, his body squirming slightly under the blankets. 
 
James kneeled down beside him, brushing a gentle hand over his cheek. "What else do you need, love? Your paci?"
 
Regulus nodded, his thumb slipping from his lips just long enough to mumble, "Paci... pwease."
 
James smiled warmly. "Of course, sweetie."
 
He reached into the small drawer by the bed, pulling out Regulus's dark blue pacifier, the one with little stars painted on it. It was Regulus's favorite. 
 
James turned it over in his hands for a moment, then gently slipped it between Regulus's parted lips. 
 
The moment the pacifier was in place, Regulus's entire body seemed to relax. He let out a soft, contented sound as he suckled on the pacifier, his eyes falling shut completely this time.
 
"There we go, all cozy now," James whispered, tucking the blankets up around Regulus's shoulders. 
 
He reached over to the window, pulling the blinds down to dim the room, then turned on the small nightlight by the bed. It cast a soft, comforting glow, filling the room with just enough light to keep Regulus from feeling scared in the dark.
 
James settled back beside Regulus, sitting on the edge of the bed as he gently stroked the boy's hair. "You're safe, baby. Daddy's right here," he whispered. "You can sleep now."
 
Regulus's eyes fluttered open just for a moment, the pacifier still between his lips as he gazed up at James. His eyelids were heavy, but there was a sleepy smile on his face, a warmth that made James's heart swell.
 
"Wuv you..." Regulus mumbled around the pacifier, his words soft and muffled. His voice was so quiet, it was barely more than a whisper. "Wuv you da mostest..."
 
James felt a lump rise in his throat at the sweetness of it all. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Regulus's forehead. 
 
"I love you the most too, baby," he whispered back, his voice filled with all the love and tenderness he felt. "More than anything."
 
Regulus let out a contented sigh, his body going completely still as he snuggled deeper into the blankets, his stuffed dog tucked securely against his chest. His breathing grew slow and steady, the soft sucking sound of his pacifier the only noise in the room.
 
James stayed beside him, watching over him as he drifted off into sleep. 
 
Even after Regulus's eyes had closed fully and his body had gone completely limp with exhaustion, James didn't move. He couldn't bear to leave, not when Regulus looked so peaceful, so completely safe and content in his care.
 
He sat there for a while longer, just watching the rise and fall of Regulus's chest, feeling his heart swell with love and protectiveness. 
 
This was his boy, his precious boy, and there was nothing in the world he wouldn't do to keep him safe and happy.
 
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of quiet, James leaned down and pressed one more kiss to Regulus's forehead, his lips brushing softly against the boy's warm skin.
 
"I love you, baby," he whispered, his voice barely audible in the quiet room. "I'll always be here." 
 
With that, James settled back against the headboard, keeping his hand resting gently on Regulus's back, just to reassure him that even in sleep, he wasn't alone.