@jegulus-microfic April 22, Word count 966
For the second time that week, James woke wrapped around Regulus. The TV was still switched on. Matthew Broderickâs young face smirked back at them. James reached for the remote to turn it off.Â
Regulus stirred. He nuzzled his face into Jamesâs chest. James gently ran his fingers through the other manâs hair.Â
âMorning, love,â He murmured into the quiet room.Â
âHmmmm,â Regulus groaned as he slowly woke.Â
It was their last day together. Tomorrow morning, they would be leaving and returning to their homes. James didnât want to think about tomorrow. He wanted to make today count. Regulusâs ankle was almost better, but still got sore if he exerted himself too much.
âSo what have you two got planned for today?â Sirius asked as they crowded around the sofa with their breakfasts. âMore canoodling?â He snickered.Â
âOh, with what Iâve got planned, almost definitely.â James winked at Regulus and watched him screw up his face as he pretended not to enjoy Jamesâs attention. Siriusâs face replicated Regulusâs expression, and Remus clapped him on the back, doing nothing to hide the laughter in his voice.Â
âYou did ask, Sirius,â Sirius grumbled something under his breath but cheered up when Remus ruffled his hair and pecked a kiss on his cheek.
Soon, Sirius and Remus disappeared together, leaving James and Regulus to themselves.Â
âSo, do you have something planned, or did you just say that to shut my brother up?â Regulus asked, trying not to look too interested.Â
âCanât it be both?â James answered, wiggling his eyebrows wildly. Regulus huffed out a laugh.Â
âAlright, spill it. What are we doing today, then?â James reached into his pocket and tugged out a slightly rumpled leaflet.Â
âDid you know that the hotel has a selection of private hot tubs you can rent?âÂ
âNo, I did not,â Regulus leaned closer.Â
âWeâll they do, and Iâve rented one for us for this afternoon. So we can watch the sunset together.â James had thought it was a perfect idea, but Regulusâs silence made him second guess himself.Â
âAnd what if I didnât bring my swimming things?â Regulus broke his silence.Â
âOhâerâerm.â James stammered. He hadnât thought about that. He always brought his swimming things just in case when he went on holiday. âWell, it is completely enclosed, so itâs up to you. We could go into town and get you something, or you could just wear your undiesâŚâÂ
Regulus moved so his mouth was whispering against Jamesâs ear. James had to concentrate on breathing evenly so that he didnât pass out.Â
âThereâs another choice, you know.â James gulped at Regulusâs sultry tone. âI donât have to wear anything.â Jamesâs mind went white. Everything became static, and it took him a minute to recover.Â
By the time he could think again, Regulus was back on the sofa licking chocolate from his fingers left over from his pain au chocolat. âWhat about this morning? There are a lot of hours between sunset and now.â Regulus finally took pity on him when his mouth opened and closed a few times, and nothing came out. â Shall we go have a wander through the shops, get some lunch and then come back and watch a group of kids try and find pirate treasure?â James shook his head.Â
The shops were a lot more interesting than James had thought theyâd be. There were the usual tourist traps full of crapy overpriced souvenirs. But tucked away at the back of an alley was a little reading cafe. Regulus yanked James into it and refused to leave until it was nearly time for them to get back.Â
âReg? Just so you know, weâve been here six hours.â Regulusâs head snapped up.
âWhat?! How?!â He looked shocked and spotted the multiple tea cups on the table. âOops, sorry. Got carried away.âÂ
âAbsolutely no problem at all, love. I enjoyed watching you enjoy yourself as much as you enjoyed reading. Did you find any you wanted?â James asked indulgently. Regulus looked at the small pile beside him, but before he could narrow it down, James scooped them all up and went to the till to pay. He carried them dutifully up to Regulusâs room, refusing Regulusâs offer to pay for them but accepting his thanks before they headed back outside. Â
They settled back into the warm, bubbly water just as the first pink rays began to cross the sky. James leaned his head back on the side and let the water relax his body. He let out a contented sigh as he closed his eyes.Â
âJames?â Regulus said quietly.Â
âYeah, love?â James replied, keeping his eyes closed.Â
âWill we see each other again? You know, after we leave tomorrow.â James cracked an eye and stared at Regulus.Â
âYou just try and keep me away.â He growled playfully.Â
âI promise.â He vowed and let his eye droop closed again.Â
He felt the water shift as Regulus moved but wasnât prepared for what happened next. Regulus hopped into his lap and grasped either side of his face with his pale hands. Jamesâs eyes flew open as he stared into those quicksilver eyes. Regulus hesitated for a second before he closed the gap between them and pressed his lips to Jamesâs.Â
James wrapped his hands around Regulusâs waist and pulled him closer as he deepened their kiss.Â
They lost themselves in each other, missing the sunset entirely.Â
They moved away from each other when the stars lit the sky, and Regulus began to complain about pruning. James held Regulusâs hand as they made their way back into the hotel and up to Regulusâs room. James looked back fondly at the hot tub, knowing that every time he saw one now, it would evoke memories of their first perfect kiss.Â
