Chapter Text
So. Maybe James and Regulus were a little quick on the everlasting love promise.
Maybe.
But that’s what happens when one of the pair maintains a crush for seven years, the other for two, and barely a date happens before you become exclusive.
You find out things about the other person too late. You’re already in too deep. You’ve already idealised them. You’re too committed to back away. You’ve invested too much time (one year, three months) in that relationship. And, perhaps the biggest problem of them all… you love them.
You love them when they tell you they believe in aliens. You love them when they tell you that 13 going on 30 is a good movie. You love them when they abandon you during the worst day of your life – the coffee shop is out of blueberry muffins, a minor inconvenience (“I’m not being dramatic, James, I’m devastated”) – to go celebrate your brother’s win (“Why aren’t I invited?” “Because he doesn’t love you.” “I hope someone eats you on your way out.”).
Regulus loved James from his thirteenth birthday. He fell in love with James over the space of one croissant-making date.
From there, Regulus thought he would be cured. People in love are full of endorphins, right? Doesn’t it stand to reason, then, that people in love would automatically rid themselves of their bitchiness and become fun, happy and kind?
Regulus doesn’t know what kind of endorphins James has been pumping into his system (the problem might be that James hasn’t been pumping endorphins, but rather cu–), but Regulus hasn’t mellowed out. Regulus isn’t fun, happy and kind.
Regulus is serving cunt.
He’s bitter and angry about everything, James included, and it makes James laugh a little too much, which is just enabling Regulus to be even more mean (“You’re adorable.” “I will put poison in your tea”).
So that Saturday morning when he wakes up, groggy and confused, head on James’ chest and eating his own curly hair, one leg thrown over James’ thighs, bleary eyed and so damn tired – why is he tired, he just slept through the entire night? – Regulus is very comfortable, loved, and ready to throw hands.
Untangling his leg from his boyfriend’s, Regulus turns his head around to peer at James.
James, good spirited athlete that he is, has his glasses on, one fingerprint from Regulus’ finger on the left side of his glasses (“I like to see your finger up there.” “You’re tragic.” “Tragically in love.” “Why did I have to pick you?”), and is reading a book Regulus has gifted him.
“Morning, Petit Prince,” he cheers on, and Regulus lets his head fall back on James’ chest. Upon further inspection, Regulus decides that it isn’t dramatic enough. With a deep sigh, he lifts James’ shirt and crawls underneath.
“Ah, one of these mornings, then.”
“I need twelve more hours of sleep,” is Regulus’ mumbled response.
The voice of reason comes from above him, amused. “You’ve already slept twelve hours, love.”
“So?”
The reverberating noise of James' humming resonates against Regulus' head. But James is wise. He learns fast. “Nothing. Twelve more hours, got it.”
“I can’t do this again,” Regulus continues.
“Being awake?”
“Being alive.”
“Ah.” The sound of The Little Prince closing, and James’ hand on his head through the shirt, rubbing soothingly at his head. Regulus hates that he loves it. He wants to rage at the world today, for no particular reason. James is derailing his plan. “That’s unfortunate.”
Well. He wants to rage at the world, but he’s also a curious person.
“...continue.”
James sighs, like Regulus’ vendetta against today is truly the saddest thing to have ever happened to the world. “I can’t, it would just lighten your mood. We wouldn’t want that.”
Regulus is cornered. Trapped. James is evil. The root of all his problems.
“I want to know.”
James tsks. “But what if it brings you joy?” Regulus turns his head just enough to bite James’ stomach. A reprimand. He’s rewarded with an “Ow, you wild animal, what the hell? Do you want me to take you back to the pound?”
Regulus kisses his teeth. “You could never replace me.”
“I’m sure feral cats are a dime a dozen in any pound.” Regulus bites him again. “Ow!”
“Tell me.”
James pulls at the collar of his shirt to scowl at Regulus. It’s like they’re in a tent. Why is it cute? Why is Regulus smiling? Why is Regulus so in love with James? It’s terribly inconvenient, for no reason other than love makes you stupid, and Regulus is stupid for James. “Not with this attitude I won’t.”
Regulus lets his smile die and scowls back. “You want me unhappy.”
The sound that comes from James’ head hitting the headboard as he collapses, already tired from fighting – weak – makes Regulus smile wider. “I don’t want you unhappy, I–”
“You don’t love me,” Regulus remarks sadly. God, it’s good to be mean.
“Regulus, I–”
“I’m unwanted,” he cuts in again.
“You–”
“Unworthy.”
“La madre que te pario.”
“Un–”
“It arrived in the mail, you menace.”
“It?”
Regulus can feel James’ smile even though he can’t see it. “I hate you,” he mumbles in defeat. He wants to be annoyed, but he’s too curious. Frustrated by his own weakness, Regulus sighs.
There’s a soft chuckle–a vibration that runs from James’ throat, over his ribs, and into Regulus’ own body. It’s anticipation. The good kind. The kind that means ‘it’ is one of the toys they’ve been steadily ordering as they get more comfortable with each other and explore their desires.
Immediately, Regulus decides that he can endure being alive another day. He can definitely put his belligerence to better use than verbally abusing everyone he comes in contact with.
If he can’t set the world on fire, he’ll settle for burning down this mattress with James.
They’re not leaving the flat, he’s just decided.
“Well? Stop stalling. Tell me.”
James picks up the collar of his tee shirt again, peeking down at him. A dangerous smirk hangs from the corner of his lips. “How about I show you, instead?”
“I don’t want you leaving the bed,” Regulus tells him haughtily. “I have decided we’re going to stay here. All day.”
“You have decided?”
“Yes. Problem?” Regulus puts his teeth on James’ skin again. He doesn’t bite this time. It’s a threat. A warning.
“I don’t have to leave the bed. It’s in the drawer.”
Regulus feels a lick of heat up his spine. The drawer. He was right. Whatever ‘it’ is, it’s for sex. Excellent news. A beautiful day to be alive, truly.
His mind runs wild. James knows him. Knows his moods. When Regulus is having A Day , they either don’t have sex at all, or they have the filthiest kind. The kind that exorcises all of Regulus’ self deprecation. The kind where he gives it to James in spit and sweat and all manner of bodily fluids, because James can bear it. He’ll take it and then he’ll ask for more. Which means–
“Oh,” Regulus says, softly. “Oh, fuck.”
He knows what ‘it’ is. For James to have brought it up today, there’s only one thing it can be. And Regulus is burning now. Warmth and lust bubbling to the surface, ready to wreck James in the best way.
Regulus loves him so much it’s honestly kind of embarrassing.
Slowly, Regulus crawls back out from James’ tee shirt. He sits on his haunches on the bed, looks at James. His boyfriend lets him. Doesn’t move. Doesn’t say anything. There’s no teasing now. They know each other well enough that Regulus is certain James understands this is the edge of the knife.
Regulus needs to decide if he is up for this or not. His choice, always. The way James just… gets him is part of the reason he loves James so overwhelmingly.
“Should I show it to you?” James asks quietly. “Do you want to see it?”
“Yes.”
Twisting his torso to reach the drawer, James pulls it open and takes out a small box. It’s nondescript, no pictures or branding on it. Regulus’ heart still picks up a little. With a quick glance towards Regulus’ face to confirm he’s still on board, James opens the box and extracts a black leather collar and a silver chain leash. There’s an adjustable buckle at the back and several hoops should they want to attach other things to it. A harness, for example.
The leash and collar hang from James’ hands. It’s one of the hottest things Regulus has ever seen in his life. His mouth goes dry and his dick stirs.
They look at each other for a beat.
Regulus doesn’t know who moves first, but they’re kissing now, and Regulus immediately climbs on top of James. Straddling him, Regulus’ fingers bury in James’ messy hair, twisting the strands and tugging until James is panting into his mouth.
“I’m going to hurt you, James,” Regulus tells him, dragging his mouth along his jaw, down to his neck.
“Yes,” James says, tilting his head to the side to give Reg more space to work. “I hope so.”
Closing his hand over the column of James’ throat, gently because it’s early still and there’s no rush, Regulus repeats, “I’m going to hurt you, and you’re going to like it.”
Regulus is a little delirious, but that’s good. It’s what James wants. It’s also what Regulus needs.
The lust will scourge him, erase every other emotion. For the time being, Regulus doesn’t need to worry about how much he hates the world, because it doesn’t exist. His universe is this bed, and James, and the sounds James makes when Regulus closes his fingers around his throat.
Today, it’ll be a collar, but the idea is the same.
“Yes,” James gasps.
Regulus reaches into the drawer to get everything he’ll need out now. He doesn’t know where this is going to go, but it’s good to be prepared, so he sets the lube and a cock ring on the nightstand. A few other toys, just in case. They might not use any of them, but Regulus likes options.
James watches, eyes going dark and mouth parting.
“Tell me your colours, James,” Regulus demands, yanking James’ tee shirt off. He licks a wet path from James’ neck, down his throat, over his collarbone and stops when he reaches his nipple. James is clutching Regulus’ shoulders, not replying to him.
“Colours or I’ll stop,” Regulus snaps, twisting James’ other nipple with his fingers.
“Ah,” James gasps. Then, “Green is good. Yellow is proceed with caution. Red is stop.”
“Good,” Regulus says, nodding.
They kiss again, tongues curling together, teeth clacking a little with the violence of it. Regulus and James know what they’re doing. It might be the first collar they purchase, but they’ve been exploring their kinks for some time now.
It’s not always like this. In fact, more often than not, James takes control. Regulus loves to let go, to just let James do what he will.
It only makes it so much better when they switch it up.
They take some time to anchor themselves in the moment. The parts that are familiar and the parts that are new. They kiss and bite and lick. Shoving the sheets back, Regulus takes a moment to look at James, sitting against the headboard bare chested.
I’m going to love you so much it’s going to drive you insane, because that’s what you do to me.
I’m going to ruin your life the same way you’re ruining mine.
I’m going to say thank you, every time.
James licks his lips like he knows exactly what Regulus is thinking, and that’s enough of that, Regulus decides. “On your knees,” he says, scooting back to stand at the edge of the bed and make room for James.
Regulus will forever be grateful that James didn’t fight him when he insisted on buying the biggest available bed when they moved into this flat. It barely leaves room for anything else, but watching James sitting on his heels, knees bent and open in front of him makes up for the lack of additional furniture.
Regulus picks up the collar. It’s smooth and flexible. They did spend an ungodly amount of money on it. James’ breath hitches. He gives a small nod.
James is loud. Boisterous. Attracts new friendships like nothing he’s ever seen. Regulus’ agenda since they started dating? Full to the brim. Birthdays, celebrations of all kinds, dinner with friends (twice a week at least).
Regulus is quieter. He’s a bit of a bitch with James only because he’s so comfortable.
That comfort allows Regulus to explore things he never would do in any other context.
Any context other than, say, putting a leash on one’s boyfriend.
Regulus doesn’t expect anything from the action. He’s learned to leave his expectations at the door. Exploring means that neither of them know what will happen. Some things go straight in the trash, never to be explored again. Some things are discussed and adjusted to be revisited at a later time. Some things tick the “yes” box and become part of the fun routine that is their intimacy.
The leash is a new experiment.
It’s not about control or degradation for Regulus. He isn’t the one who suggested it, in fact. By default, Regulus wouldn’t have ever thought to bring it up. It wasn’t on his radar.
James probably wouldn’t have, either — not seriously at least — if it hadn’t been for the very large joint Barty had put in his hands a couple of months ago, after James had admitted to having never tried it (”I’m generally in a good mood and I sleep well, so I never really seeked it out. The smell is weird too.” Regulus wishes he was that adjusted). One inhale and James was on the floor admitting things that Regulus wasn’t entirely prepared to hear. One of them was, well, the leash.
And so, Regulus slips it around James’ neck.
It’s a furiously intimate gesture, only further exacerbated by the fact that Regulus knows James’ neck is a weak spot. Kisses and teeth in the juncture, nips and a hint of tongue under his ear and James is done for.
What started a little furious becomes incredibly slow. Regulus’ finger trails along the soft leather, looking with interest as goosebumps erupt around James’ neck. He’s still on his knees. Regulus’s back is bowed to reach down. Patient. Calm.
“You’re teasing,” James whispers.
“Admiring,” Regulus corrects.
And he is. The black leather compliments James’ brown skin.
“Do you like what you see?” James asks, eyes tracking Regulus’ movement, unmoving otherwise. Patient. Calm. Ready.
“You should wear jewellery more often,” Regulus remarks. He slips a finger through the silver hoop at the front, curling his index towards himself.
“This isn’t jewellery.”
“Mhm.” A tug forward. James goes. “No, it isn’t,” Regulus confirms.
He pulls more, gently tugging James towards him, up, up, up and the collar strains against James’ neck. He stops pulling when James is half-lifted, looking at him like he wants to close the infinitesimal distance between their lips. Patient. Calm. Ready. Waiting.
Regulus doesn’t give James what he wants. He gives himself what he wants, though. His lips open, and Regulus’ tongue peaks out to trace James’ bottom lip.
That’s a whimper, and Regulus dragged it out of James.
“Are you going to be a good boy?”
“For you? I’ll be whatever you want.”
“Good answer.” Regulus closes the distance, pulling up.
Kissing James like that is thrilling. It always is, when he can look down at James. Something a little predatory that screams of mine, and no one else sees you like this always gets to him. Today is no different. There isn’t a clash of tongues, mouth open and teeth pulling. It’s lips pressed against one another with reverence.
Regulus lets go of the hoop and splays his hand wide against James’ neck, pushing him back.
James clears his throat. “I think I might die.”
Patient. Calm. Ready. Waiting. Good.
Regulus’ throat is just as dry. He swallows, and pretends like he isn’t on the verge of worshipping at James’ altar. He has time for this later, maybe.
“I’ve got you.”
“I know,” James says, and it almost undoes Regulus to hear the trust in his voice.
Privately, Regulus will admit to being a little nervous. It usually happens when it’s the first time they’re doing something. Still, they have enough experience with each other now. Regulus knows how excited James has been about trying this out, and he knows what James wants from this. Regulus knows exactly why the leash and collar turn James on. They got the talking out of the way when they decided to order it. Now, it’s time for the doing.
“James,” Regulus says softly, stepping next to the bed and curling the leash around his hand, over his knuckles. “I think you should have a look in the mirror.”
He gives a little tug. Experimental. Tentative.
James immediately crawls to the edge of the bed and stands, eyes wide and staring at Regulus, darting between his face and the leash in his hand.
Jesus Christ. Okay, Regulus’ got this.
He feels a little out of it as he… well. There’s no way to put it other than that he leads his boyfriend until they’re by the mirror inside the door of the only closet they could fit in the room.
James stares at it, pyjama bottoms hanging tantalisingly low on his hips, chest bare. There are two hickies that Regulus left the previous night.
Clearing his throat, Regulus asks, “Good?”
“Yeah,” James says, letting out a shuddering breath. “You?”
“I think I need a kiss,” Regulus says, and he tugs on the leash again a little bit.
It works like a charm. James captures his mouth, hands sliding over Regulus’ waist and bringing him close. Clearly, the leash is working for him because he’s just as hard as when they got a little carried away earlier. It emboldens Regulus a little bit to know James is really enjoying this, which, truly, shouldn’t be a surprise because James usually likes it when Regulus bruises his neck.
The rest of their clothes come off steadily as they continue to kiss, standing between the bed and the closet. It takes forever. It doesn’t take long enough. But then they’re naked, and James is still wearing that collar, and Regulus catches his eyes flying to the mirror every now and then.
Slowly, Regulus walks a step back towards the bed and sits on it. It’s just enough distance for the leash to tighten without pulling James, not until Regulus yanks on it again. When James’ breathing accelerates, Regulus smiles and–
“Maybe tug a bit harder?” James asks, earnest. “Only if you–”
Regulus does. James makes a sound that’s half desire, half surprise, then he’s coming to stand between Regulus’ legs, a pleased, soft smile on his face.
"Enjoying yourself?" Regulus teases, his hand sliding up James' thigh, lingering on the lean muscles there.
"Yes," James answers with a nod, his dark eyes twinkling with mischief and anticipation.
“Yes?”
A prompt with a very simple answer. James doesn’t disappoint. “Yes, sir.”
Naturally, Regulus rewards the good behavior. “You are a good boy.”
James' breath hitches as he tugs on the leash. It’s easy to notice the way he sways towards Regulus, the way his body reacts, arching, pressing into Regulus' touch. The way James doesn’t aim to be anything but Regulus’. It’s a heady scent that perfumes the air, James’ surrender. Intoxicating and terrifying.
Regulus tightens his grip on the leash once more, pulling James down towards him, seeing his own reflection mirrored in James' eyes. There's a wild, almost primal look in them. It almost takes Regulus' breath away.
"What game do you want to play, baby," Regulus whispers, his gaze never leaving James' face.
"Anything," James breathes out, the word sounding like a prayer. His hands come to rest on Regulus' shoulders, fingers digging into his skin, grounding himself.
Regulus takes a step back. “No touching.”
It’s a lie. Regulus really wants James to touch. But Regulus also thinks he’s power tripping. James in a collar with a leash linked to his own hand is doing strange things to his brain chemistry.
"Understood," James answers, breathy and heavy, and he slowly lowers his hands back down to his sides.
Regulus appreciates the obedience, rewarding James with another quick tug of the leash, causing him to gasp. A small smirk settles on Regulus' face. A sense of control. It's empowering. Oh, Regulus is power tripping alright. He lets his eyes drink in the sight before him, using his free hand to trace along the inside of James' thigh, delighting in the slight twitch of muscles under his touch. His fingers linger for a moment before he slowly starts to move upwards, the anticipation clear on James' face. His hand moves to James' hip, fingers digging into the soft flesh before sliding around to cup his ass. James lets out a soft groan, hips jerking involuntarily. Regulus squeezes, harsher than before, but James just arches back, pushing further into the touch.
Regulus withdraws his hand, stepping back a bit. "Patience, James," he murmurs, voice low and authoritative. His eyes never leave James' face, and he watches as James bites his lower lip.
“Good.”
Regulus takes a step forward, one hand trailing up James' chest before wrapping around his throat. Not squeezing, just holding. The grip is firm, assertive. James' breath hitches, eyes going wide as he looks at Regulus. Regulus just smiles down, not bothering to answer. It’s everything. The flushed cheeks, the wide eyes, the rapid rise and fall of his chest.
"Good boy," Regulus says again. He gives another tug at the leash, pulling James back towards him. He leans in, letting his lips brush against James' ear as he whispers, "I think you deserve a reward."
The sound James makes is almost a whimper, a mixture of relief and anticipation. His body trembles slightly as he leans into Regulus, a silent plea for more. Regulus keeps his grip on the leash steady.
After a moment of silence, "On your back, James." It’s not a request.
James swallows hard, and then he's moving to comply, breath coming in ragged gasps, cheeks flushed.
Regulus could die here, he thinks. Standing at the feet of a bed that holds a naked, pliant, and aroused James Potter wearing a collar and a leash that leads him straight to Regulus.
It’s one of the best things he’s ever seen in his life.
It’s so delicious, in fact, that Regulus wants to eat him. And he can. Besides, James does deserve another reward. He begins at the ankles, sliding his tongue up the inside of James’ calf, to his knee, then inner thigh. He stops right before he gets to where he knows James wants him. Goes to the other leg and repeats the process. James whimpers and writhes.
“Don’t move,” Regulus says, face hovering over James’ dick, leash tight around his knuckles.
James whimpers, but he nods and forces his body to go still even as Regulus licks his cock, from the base to the tip in one long, wet stripe. It twitches, glistening already. Regulus smirks to himself and takes James’ dick in his mouth, working him slow and gentle, the way he knows drives James insane. Regulus doesn’t expect him to be able to stay still through this, especially when Regulus swirls his tongue over the tip, then adds pressure to that little spot on the underside. He’s not at all surprised when James loses the battle and his hips do a jerky motion upwards, seeking more than he’s getting.
Tsk-ing, Regulus releases James’ cock with a wet pop. “I told you to keep still.”
“Reg,” James pants. “Sorry.”
“Say that again.”
James immediately corrects himself. “Sorry, sir.”
“Are you going to make it up to me?”
“Yes, sir."
Regulus pulls the leash, forcing James to crane his neck a little as he moves up. Bringing his dick close to James mouth, Regulus says, “You know what to do. You’re not allowed to touch yourself yet. Hands where I can see them.”
James goes to town so enthusiastically that Regulus’ eyes cross a little. He’s always loved this, from the first time they fell into bed together, despite both their declarations that they wouldn’t.
Put simply, James likes to choke on Regulus’ dick, and Regulus is always happy to indulge him. The collar just makes the choking part a bit more intense.
It is also quite lovely to watch the leather bite into that brown skin Regulus has mapped a thousand times with his fingers and his tongue.
Regulus can’t help himself. He tugs. The collar tightens around James’ neck, and Regulus feels his throat spasm around his dick. Tears spring to James’ eyes, and he looks up through wet lashes. Regulus has never been looked at this way by any other person. He doesn’t think he ever will, but that’s okay because Regulus has no intention of ever letting James go.
How could he when he’s like this? When adoration and reverence cling to James’ eyes every time he so much as glances in Regulus’ direction?
“Fuck,” Regulus groans. “That’s enough for now.”
He yanks on the leash, tugging James back and away from his cock. James tries to fight it for a moment. He wants more, Regulus knows. If he lets him, James won’t stop until Regulus spills down his throat.
That is not how Regulus wants to cum today.
Reaching for the lube, Regulus coats his fingers generously. He gives himself a good stroke, slicking his cock. It’s mostly for show, because Regulus loves the way James watches him, mouth parted slightly. There’s drool on his chin, but he hasn’t wiped it away.
The cock ring is for James today, Regulus decides. So, he takes James’ dick and slicks it in lube, too. James’ eyes fall closed, which prompts Regulus to tug on that lovely leash. “Watch.”
James opens his eyes immediately and stares at Regulus’ hands as he slides the ring on. He turns it on, a low vibration setting humming in the mostly quiet room.
Regulus can’t stop himself from kissing James then. It’s quick, close mouthed, but it’s important. It says I love you and I love that we can do this. I love that you trust me, and I love that I trust you, and this is fun and wonderful, and please never change.
“Now, get on all fours for me,” Regulus says, sitting back.
When James obeys, Regulus has to take a moment to reign himself in because fuck. Yanking on the leash to force James’ back to arch, Regulus runs the tips of his fingers over James’ buttcheeks. One, then the other, before bringing them down the middle.
“Reg–”
The first finger slides in easily. James moans, and Regulus tugs on the leash, which only makes him moan more desperately. He loves that about James. He’s shameless. Earnest in his desires. James is so comfortable in his own skin, so settled into his own body that he sees no reason to hide or shy away from what he wants.
“Jamie?”
A sound that could be a ‘what’ but could also be a groan of pleasure.
“I told you I was going to hurt you, didn’t I?” Regulus says, sliding a second finger inside of his boyfriend. He curls them, finding the spot that makes James’ entire body spark.
Regulus tugs on the leash harder than before, and James arches so beautifully Regulus wishes he could take a picture of it. Holding the leash back, he fucks James with his fingers, adding a third one when he knows James is ready for it.
“I’m going to bruise your neck. Leave a mark so that tomorrow you have no choice but to remember what we did.”
“Fuck,” James croaks. “ Yes. Please.”
“You good?”
“Yes.”
“What colour is blood, James?”
“Green,” he gasps. “It’s so fucking green.”
Smiling, Regulus tugs a little more, watching James’ head fall back. His back is impossibly curved as the leash holds him in place.
This is the best part, in Regulus’ opinion. It’s a little unhinged, maybe. But seeing James’ exposed back, the curve of his neck, the wings of his shoulders… the visual makes Regulus think about things that don’t make much sense. Breaking the skin. Observing raw muscles. Tracing the veins with his tongue, getting blood on his lips and staying hungry for more. Sinking teeth in the vulnerable flesh and marking it as his.
With his back turned to him like this, James looks like sin. Like transgression.
Regulus thinks James would be beautiful with his flesh split open, allowing Regulus inside that way. A distorted kind of beauty, the kind that says I’m gone to a place where violence is a sign of affection.
Regulus doesn’t want to skin James. He doesn’t. It’s just that he can’t help his own thoughts, sometimes. They don’t mean anything, and Regulus certainly doesn’t plan on executing any of them. It’s just that he’s so deep he’s drowning, and his mind is fighting for survival, thinking up ways to put Regulus back in control.
It’s not machiavellian, it’s self-defence. James owns too much of Regulus already. His brain is simply offering him ways to make him feel in control.
And like this? James’ back to him, collar on, so trusting?
James looks like a prey, and Regulus is circling overhead.
Regulus withdraws his fingers. He offers no warning as he pushes forward, breaching in. James’ answering moan feels like a gift, strained and somewhat confused. Like surrender. Regulus’ hand tightens around the leash for a moment, control slipping.
A deep breath, and Regulus places one hand on James' lower back, applying gentle pressure, each movement calculated and deliberate.
James sinks down, elbows dipping into the mattress, and yes, that’s a lovely view. An ideal angle for Regulus to lean forward, maintaining tension on the leash as he draws his hand back. James’ breath catches and stops. A little too tense, perhaps.
“Yes?”
The “Green,” is wheezed out, barely.
Regulus keeps his hold tight, pulling back before diving forward again, setting a slow rhythm as his mouth hovers over James’ back dimple, moving up, up, up, leaving a trail of goosebumps on the way up to James’ nape. Where Regulus takes a bite.
“Ah– ”
Regulus pauses, waiting for the rest.
“Yes?” he prompts.
And– nothing else. James’ intakes are quick and sharp, barely there, a catch and release that feels just on this side of dangerous.
“Green?” Regulus asks. The answer is too slow, and Regulus slackens his grip.
There’s a panicked “No,” when the hold releases, and a “–yes,” just as Regulus tightens his hold once more.
He takes another bite. “Speak faster next time.”
“Green–”
Regulus dives right, licking a path from the back of James’ neck to his artery, where he takes hold and clamps down. Regulus can taste James’ blood pumping through his neck like this, and it feeds something dangerous in Regulus’ own pulse, something hungry that courses through his veins like a lit fuse on a time bomb.
James doesn’t speak again.
Regulus, however, does.
“It’s nice to have you quiet for once,” he speaks against the column of James’ neck, nose dipping down to drift from his right shoulder to his left, tracing along the collar like a guide.
Regulus releases his grip on James' neck, leash finally slacking, teeth grazing lightly against the sensitive skin as James packs in the first full breath he’s been allowed in a while. He continues his exploration, lips and tongue mapping every inch of James' back, leaving a trail of wet kisses and nips. The taste of salt fills his senses.
James remains obedient and silent, body trembling, preemptively prompting a lovely “green” colour every so often, lest Regulus would have a mind to stop playing.
Regulus drags himself back, fingers digging into the supple flesh of James’ hips. He squeezes, leaving faint imprints of his touch that disappear all too quickly.
With a swift motion, Regulus pulls James back onto his lap and nuzzles against James' ear, voice low.
“Still nothing to say?”
He can hear it, James’ slow intake, gearing up to speak. Regulus doesn’t give him the chance to. He grips the leash tighter, pulling again, cutting off James’ voice.
“I said I liked you quiet, baby.”
James isn’t quiet, then. It’s a muffled groan, and it only grows louder when he rocks his body back to meet Regulus’ movement. It slows for a bit. Regulus eases back the pace just a touch so he can enjoy them together like that. Back to chest, two hearts beating in sync.
The leash is left alone for a bit so they can focus on feeling each other, and to give James’ airways a break because as much as he likes the whole choking thing, Regulus is simply not willing to risk causing him any real damage.
“So good for me, baby,” Regulus mutters.
Wordlessly, James takes the leash and hands it back to Regulus after a few slow moments. A request. A please. A more. Regulus smiles.
“More?”
An earnest nod.
So, Regulus picks the rhythm up again. Thrusts into James hard enough to make him grunt. James braces his hands on Regulus’ thighs to anchor himself and takes it.
Regulus’ free hand snakes around to grab James’ cock, which has been enduring the slow torture of wearing the ring and having heightened sensitivity but receiving zero attention. James has been so good for Regulus today. So obedient. He’s taking Regulus’ cock so well, matching his upward thrusts with little rocking motions of his own.
Regulus gives James a few slow pumps, earning strangled whimpers from his boyfriend. Smirking, Regulus nips at the skin right above the collar, red and slightly irritated from wearing it for… Regulus lost track of time ages ago, actually. Doesn’t matter anyway. The day is theirs, and nothing matters but their skin and their love and the things growing from the combination of the two.
“You look so fucking good like this,” Regulus tells him. “But I want to see your eyes when I cum.”
He pulls out, pushing James forward, flipping him over. Letting go of the leash a little bit, Regulus gives James a short reprieve– Green –before tucking a pillow under James’ hips and pushing his thighs up against his chest.
“I love you,” Regulus says, the sweetness of his words a beautiful contrast to their messy state.
They’re looking at each other when Regulus slams into James, bottoming out and tightening his hold on the leash to cut off the moan that escapes James. Regulus groans a string of incoherent sounds as he sets an unforgiving pace.
Under him, James’ eyes roll into his head, mouth slack as he fights for breath. Regulus takes his dick in his hand, twisting his wrist the way James likes. They’re racing now, hurtling towards the finish. He could let go now, Regulus thinks. He’s wound up tight, hot and ready because James does look delicious when he’s splayed open and just taking whatever Regulus wants to give him.
But no. Not yet. Regulus wants to see James fall apart first.
“Baby?” He releases the leash, lets James take a breath.
“Harder,” James croaks, eyes unfocused and wild.
Regulus adjusts the angle of his hips a little bit, and James wails. “Yes. Yes, right there. Fuck.”
“I want to watch you cum,” Regulus says, picking up his pace. “Be good for me and cum, yes?”
James nods, blinking fast. His cheeks are wet, and his chest is heaving. Regulus tightens the leash again, choking James in earnest and slamming into him with everything he’s got while he continues to pump James’ dick in his hand.
It’s the most violent orgasm Regulus has ever watched James have. It’s glorious. Tears and spit and cum. It’s choked breath, and James’ entire body shattering under Regulus. Immediately, he lets go of the leash, forgetting it in favour of holding on to James’ hips with both hands so Regulus can chase his own pleasure.
When James blinks through the tears clinging to his eyelashes and looks at Regulus like he cannot believe his own luck, Regulus feels the heat coiled tight in his lower back explode and then he’s cumming, and James is looking at him, and he’s so in love it’s mind boggling.
Panting, Regulus collapses forward, and James is ready for him. His arms come around, holding them together, sweaty and sticky and exhausted.
“Thank you,” James rasps.
It takes him several minutes to recover before Regulus is up and away, disappearing in the bathroom to clean up. He comes back with what he needs and looks after James, too, who’s out like a light.
It tends to happen, so Regulus leaves him to his powernap. Gently, he slides his fingers under James’ neck and unbuckles the collar, dragging the leather away from the skin. It’s red though not chafed, and Regulus doesn’t want to imagine what it’ll look like tomorrow. Regulus bites his lips. It’s very red . The bruises are already forming. He gets back up and heads to the bathroom, gathering a small hand towel that he wets under cold water, bringing it back and applying it to James’ neck. That makes him jump a little.
“Shh, you’re all right,” Regulus murmurs.
James lets out a rough, hazy laugh. “I’m better than all right.”
Regulus stays silent, his hand gently tracing the irritated skin. “I pulled too hard.” His voice is barely above a whisper, the seriousness of his tone cutting through the haze.
James immediately opens his eyes, pulling himself up on his elbows. “Hey, hey, no, love. Wherever you’re spiraling to, come back. Stay here with me.”
“Are you all right?” Regulus asks again, his eyes searching James'.
“You’ve asked me that question already.”
“I know.”
“And what did I say?”
“That you were fine.”
“Better than fine, Reg. I’ve–” James cuts himself off, dragging a hand through his mussed up hair as he lets out a small, somewhat embarrassed laugh. “I think I actually passed out for a bit there.”
“That’s not reassuring, James.”
“Ah, yeah, right. Sorry. I just– I came so hard. Because of the–ah, everything, probably. You’re just, uh, really good at, erm, everything, clearly.” James shakes his head, a sheepish grin on his face. “I’m sorry, I sound crazy. My head isn’t on straight. I’m riding a hard high. I– I’d like to do that again.”
Regulus immediately shakes his head. “Not today.”
“No, not today. I don’t think I can do anything right now. You’ve fucked the living daylights out of me. Can you read to me?”
“You want me to read to you?”
James nods. “Actually, yes. I think I might fall asleep again. I’d like it to be to the sound of your voice.”
“You fall asleep to the sound of my voice constantly.”
“No, though I do fall asleep to the sound of your snoring every night.”
“I don’t snore.”
James scoffs. “Every night, without fail.”
“That has to be a lie.”
“I never lie.”
Regulus snorts. “You do. You’re lying right now.”
“You just don’t want to hear the truth.”
“I–”
“Regulus. Please. I’m fine. I’m very happy right now, and I literally do not have the brain power to verbally spar with you right now. I want to lay in bed with you and snuggle and listen to you read me The Little Prince as I pretend to understand why you love it so much.”
“Fine.”
“Good.”
“Great. Do you want some water?”
“Nope, just for you to–” he pushes himself up, grabbing Regulus’ hand and pulling him towards him. With a surprised 'oof', Regulus lands on the bed. “There. Now, get comfortable so I can cuddle.”
Regulus rolls his eyes but can't hide the small smile that tugs at the corners of his mouth.
"You're a lovely disaster, you know that?" Regulus comments with a light chuckle as he allows himself to be pulled down next to James.
"The best kind of disaster," James retorts with a grin as Regulus wraps an arm around him, pulling him close. Gently, James buries his face into Regulus’ chest and settles against him.
With one last check to make sure James is comfortable, Regulus reaches over to the nightstand and pulls out their well-worn copy of The Little Prince . He flips it open to the page James last left it, clears his throat softly, and begins to read. It takes three pages for James’ head to grow heavier against his shoulder.
Regulus continues reading.
“To you, I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world…”