one word prompt challenge!! 'money'
"James?"
"Yes, love?" James replied, leaning across the counter. His hazel eyes glinted mischievously, even as an innocent smile stretched across his face.
Regulus sighed, setting a large pile of books on the counter. "Mind explaining?" The books blocked James' view of Regulus, so he moved it aside, careful not to let the tower topple over. James supposed he could explain. Yet, noticing the tired and exasperated look on his boyfriend's face, he decided that it might not be the best idea.
"Well," He started, dragging the end of the word so that it hung in the air. "They're your birthday presents!" He eventually cheered, grinning at Regulus. They were not, in fact, Regulus's birthday presents. Regulus's birthday was in December, and currently? It was still hot, sunny, July.
Regulus's grey eyes narrowed dangerously, "Oh, really?" He challenged, "Want to try again?"
"They really are your-" James started, before faltering at the look on Regulus's face. "Alright, fine. They're just regular gifts for you. Like any boyfriend would do for their lover!"
Regulus sighed once more, "How many times have I told you, I don't need you to do this? I might not be a part of the Black family anymore, but I can still support myself! If there's anything I need, I can get it myself, James." His lips dipped into a frown, an almost hurt expression in his eyes.
Now it was James's turn to sigh. Yes, Regulus might've been able to support himself, but that was still a big difference between supporting, and being able to spend freely. Had he still been a part of his family, money would've been no problem. Yet now, James knew he was barely managing to pay rent, but Regulus's pride refused to let him ask for help. So, James knew, Regulus hadn't been getting himself anything but the essentials for the past three months.
"Look, love. I'm not trying to say you're struggling," James paused, trying to figure out the best way to phrase the next few words, without having an angry boyfriend for the rest of the night. "I just want to spoil you a little, okay? Let me do that for you?" He pleaded, turning puppy eyes on his lover.
Regulus's frown lessened slightly, a reluctant smile crossing his face.
James stayed silent, already knowing he had won this battle.
But not the war.
He would take the small victories though, and perhaps one day, he would be able to persuade Regulus that asking for help was completely okay. For now, he would stick to spoiling his boyfriend just a little.