#sunchaser

Monty: *goes to shake his hand* Monty is just fine

Regulus: *shakes his hand* Nice to finally meet you, sir.

Monty: Wow, look at you. You're much more attractive than those pictures your brother has of you.

James: Dad...

Monty: What a handsome young man you are.

James: Dad!

Monty: *chuckles* Well, I'm gonna go help your mother in the kitchen. Are you staying for supper, Regulus?

Regulus: Uhm...*looks at James*

James: I was about to ask him that.

Regulus: It would be a pleasure, sir.

Monty: I look forward to it. *leaves*

Regulus: *tucks his hair behind his ears and fixes his sleeves*

James: ...what was that?

Regulus: What?

James: You tucked your hair behind your ear and you fixed your sleeves

Regulus: So?

James: ...you only do that when you like someone!

Regulus: What? No, I don't

James: You did it for me, for Crouch, and for Remus! I know that move!

Regulus: You're being ridiculous

James: And my dad?! Are you kidding me?! My dad?

Regulus: Well...you look just like him.

James: Doesn't change the fact that he's my dad. And he's married. Not to mention the fact that he's basically 70

Regulus: And a successful potioneer.

James: Are you serious right now?

Regulus: Wha- Sirius already called dibs?!

Regulus hated a lot of things.

He hated being sweaty, loud roommates, mismatched socks, lukewarm tea, and how James Potter never put the forks back in the right slot in the drawer.

But he loved James’ hoodie.

@into-the-jeggyverse - September 27: Limit - Words: 348

After a welcome-home kiss, Regulus held James at arm’s length. “You look exhausted.”

“Thanks, baby.” James scoffed sarcastically and moved to drink a glass of water in front of the sink. “I’ve such a headache.”

Regulus slid close and brushed a strand of hair from James' forehead. “Go sit down. Should I run you a bath?”

“I need to be off in a minute. I promised Remus I’d help him shop for presents.”

“Remus, if anyone, understands that people have bad days. Even you have limits.”

James shook his head, opened the fridge and grabbed a pre-made sandwich.

“Fine.” Regulus glared at him, then faked a cough and dramatically laid a hand over his forehead. “I’m really not feeling well. You need to stay home and take care of me.”

“Baby…” James sighed.

“What?” Regulus looked at him with big shiny eyes and an adorable pout.

“You’re not really sick. I know you want to offer me an easy way out, but I’m not using you as an excuse to cancel on my friends. That’s not fair.”

Regulus crossed his arms and looked away. “What is not fair, is that if it was me who worked late three days in a row and came home looking like a wreck, you’d make me stay home and rest. But apparently, James Potter is above needing a break, unlike us mere mortals.”

James sighed, with a twinge of guilt in his chest.

“Suit yourself”, Regulus marched out of the kitchen without looking at him.

James ate the rest of his sandwich in slow sad bites. Then he called Remus.

“I’m sorry, I don’t think I would be good company today.”

“That’s fine. See you Friday, then, if you’re feeling better. Take care.”

James crept into the living room, where Regulus was curled up on the sofa, glaring into a book.

“Oh, so now it would suit you with a bath, would it?” he drawled without looking up.

“I don’t think so. Cuddles?”