The common room is quiet as you’re curled up on one of the plush chairs, a book open in your lap, but your focus is far from the words on the page. Across the room, Tom and ReguIus are seated together, their hushed conversation ceasing the moment you glance up.

“Comfortable, doll?” Tom asks, resting his elbows on his knees. His dark eyes hold yours, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

“Trying to be,” you reply as you set the book aside. “It’s hard to relax with the two of you staring at me like that.”

Regulus chuckles softly as he leans back in his chair. “Can you blame us? You do make it difficult to focus on anything else.”

You roll your eyes, though you can’t help the small smile tugging at your lips. “Flattery, really? Is that all you two have tonight?”

Tom crosses the room to stand behind your chair. He leans down, his breath ghosting against your ear. “Who said it’s just flattery?” he murmurs, his voice sending a shiver down your spine.

Before you can respond, ReguIus rises as well, making his way to your other side. He sits on the armrest of your chair while as he smirks down at you. “You’re awfully quick to dismiss us,” he says. “Careful, or we might take it personally.”

“Personally?” you echo. “You’re both entirely too confident for your own good.”

Tom chuckles, his fingers grazing the back of your neck. “Confidence is earned, darling. And with you, we’ve earned every bit of it.”

ReguIus tilts your chin up gently, his eyes locking onto yours. “The real question is which one of us you’re going to give your attention to tonight.”

“How about both?” you tease, your voice light but your tone daring.

Their shared smirk is enough to let you know exactly what you’re in for.

"After you," Tom says smoothly as he steps aside, gesturing toward the staircase.

"Always so proper, Tom," ReguIus teases, leaning down slightly, his voice dropping to a murmur only you can hear. "But I don’t think we’ll be needing manners tonight, will we?"