@jegulus-microfic
27.06.2024 - heal - 484 words
Regulus rarely catches anything. He hasn’t had the flu in years and can’t remember the last time he fought a cold. His immune system hasn’t let him down in a long time… Or well, it hadn’t.
Having a toddler run around the house is all fun and games until they bring home a nasty bug. Harry got it from one of his classmates; a fever, a runny nose, a nasty cough. Luckily for him, he felt better in no time. A couple of days after he first showed symptoms, he was as good as new and was able to return to class. For a while, Regulus believed that was the end of it. His hopes were crushed when he woke up the next day with an itchy throat himself.
Unlike Harry, Regulus didn’t feel better the third day. It only worsened. At first, a pain potion was enough to get him through work, but by the end of the week he found himself tied to his bed. It was awful. The only things he could currently do were sleep and use up all of the tissues they had lying around the house.
He was in the middle of a nap when he was awoken by a gentle hand brushing back his hair.
“Reg?”
Regulus hums. His eyelids are heavy and at first he can’t be bothered to try to open them. The hand feels cool and pleasant against his clammy skin, so he leans into the touch.
“It’s time for your meds, love.”
Fingers combs through his curls with practiced ease, slowly but surely managing to wake him fully. When Regulus finally opens his eyes, James is looking down with a somewhat concerned expression. James worries a lot. He fusses over him. He makes sure he stays hydrated, brings him food, reminds him to take his medication. It makes Regulus feel oh so safe.
He sits up a little so he can take the glass of water and the pills James is offering to him. He takes his meds, gulps down the rest of the water and then lies back down. A grimace spreads across his face as he does so. Everything hurts.
“Do you need anything else?” James asks softly. His hand finds Regulus’ and squeezes it.
“A hug?”
It’s selfish, Regulus knows. He doesn’t want to get James sick too, but at the same time he yearns for the comfort only he can give to him. James doesn’t seem to mind. He leans down immediately, carefully pulling Regulus into a warm embrace.
“I’m so sorry, darling.” He whispers. “You’ll be better in no time, promise… Your body just needs a little longer to heal.”
Regulus nods. He knows it’s only a matter of time, yet he can’t help but long for the day he’ll be able to breathe through his nose again.
“What about we take a nap together?” James offers kindly. Regulus couldn’t say no to that even if he tried. Soon, they’re curled up under the sheets together, James’ fingers combing through his curls once more as he slowly drifts off to sleep.
The last thing Regulus thinks before he dozes off is that if he has to be sick anywhere in the world, his husband’s arms are probably the very best place.
