Regulus sat in the quiet peace of the garden, legs tucked up onto the outdoor couch, book resting on his lap, and warm cup of black tea cradled in his hands.
It was one of those rare summer mornings where he could get away with just a t-shirt- the memory of a biting cold winter making it all the more pleasant as the warm, soft breeze rustled the trees at the end of the garden.
He was often up this early, but rarely did he get time like this- where the stars seemed to align and he could simply exist for an hour or so without the interruptions of his busy life.
He took a deep breath in, letting the fresh air fill his lungs, and as he breathed out, the sound of footsteps on the stairs in the house behind him spilled out through the open back door and broke the silence of the moment.
The footsteps were light and fast, so Regulus took one last sip of his tea, placed it down on the coffee table in front of him with his now closed book, and prepared for the inevitable end to his calm, quiet morning.
The end that came in the form of a six year old with boundless energy and a penchant for launching himself into Regulusā lap.
āPapa!ā Came a young cry, and Regulus held out his arms for his son, wrapping the child in a tight embrace and kissing the top of his head.
āBonjour, Harry. Tu as bien dormi?ā
āOui, Papa. I spend most of it in my own bed!ā
Regulus leaned back, a smile curling up the corners of his lips. āMost of it?ā
Harry nodded enthusiastically, a grin spread across his face as he leaned back in Regulusā arms to look at his father. āDaddy let me in your room this morning, but he told me not to tell you.ā
Regulus chuckled. āOh did he now?ā
āWell you werenāt supposed to tell him, Haz!ā
The voice of Regulusā husband came from behind them, the couch sinking in further as James walked around and settled in next to him.
āOops, sorry daddy.ā Harry didnāt look sorry in the slightest, a wide grin on his face as he wriggled restlessly in Regulusā lap. Their son has never been one for sitting still for very long.
āItās okay, buddy, I know you were just excited to see Papa.ā
Another enthusiastic nod followed by, ācan I play now?ā And two pairs of eyes resting on Regulusā face.
āOui. Until breakfast is ready. Je t'aime.ā
āLove you too, Papa!ā The words were barely out of his mouth before he was flying off Regulusā lap, across the lawn and into the small, plastic sandpit full of toys that the two of them couldnāt resist buying their wonderfully imaginative son.
James laughed beside him and put his arm around Regulus, pulling him into his site and kissing his cheek. āBonjour, love.ā
Regulus hummed contentedly, allowing himself to be enveloped by the familiar soft warmth of his husband.
āBuenos dĆas mi amor.ā
āSorry about Hurricane Harry, I was doing my best to keep him upstairs, but you know how he can be.ā
Regulusā brow creased. āWhy were you doing that?ā
James moved his arm, choosing to lace his fingers through Regulusā instead, letting their hands rest on Regulusā knee.
āI just thought you deserved a little time to yourself,ā James said. āYou looked so at peace down here. Figured Iād try to stall long enough for you to finish your tea.ā
Regulus gave a quiet laugh, shaking his head. āI donāt want peace and quiet, Jamie.ā
James raised an eyebrow. āNo?ā
Regulus turned to look at him, something soft and fierce shining in his eyes. āI want this. The noise. The interruptions. I spent half my life convincing myself I didnāt need it- couldnāt have it. And now itās mine. I donāt want calm mornings. I want our mornings.ā
James stared at him for a beat, eyes crinkling at the corners as a grin slowly spread across his face. āYou really have gone soft in this marriage, havenāt you?ā
Regulus smacked him lightly on the chest. āDonāt make me regret saying it.ā
āYou wonāt,ā James said, leaning in to kiss him gently. āBecause I want it too. The chaos. The toys in the bed. The early mornings and the late-night snuggles and the endless sand in the house. I wouldnāt trade it for anything.ā
They sat there in silence, listening to the delighted shrieks of their son as he declared war between the dragon and the mermaid faction in the sandpit.
Regulus tilted his head against Jamesā shoulder, watching the little boy who had turned their world upside down in the best possible way.
āI think the mermaids need backup,ā Regulus said.
āI dunno,ā James mused. āThat dragon looks like he means business.ā
Regulus lifted his head, smirking at his husband. āShall we?ā
James chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to Regulusā temple. āLead the way, General Potter.ā
