Regulus stood with his hands on his hips, trying to catch his breath after a long afternoon of running around. His usually composed demeanor was softened by the laughter and chaos of the moment—though that didn’t stop him from muttering under his breath.

"Boy, you’re heavier. You are going to break my back."

The little boy on his shoulders giggled, his small hands gripping tightly to Regulus's dark hair as he bounced with excitement. His tiny feet kicked the air as he leaned forward, peering over Regulus's head with mischievous eyes.

"I thought your boyfriend did that last night," the boy said with a sly grin, his voice full of playful innocence.

Regulus froze for a moment, the words hanging in the air like a challenge. He looked up at the boy, wide-eyed, then down at his playful expression. His sharp features tightened, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his face before his usual smirk took over.

"Excuse me?" Regulus’s tone was a mixture of surprise and feigned indignation. "You should be ashamed of yourself, you little troublemaker."

The boy's grin only widened, and he leaned in closer, his breath tickling Regulus’s ear as he whispered, "I was just wondering, Reg. You never tell me about him."

Regulus sighed, adjusting his posture, the weight of the boy no longer an issue as he braced himself for the playful banter he’d become all too familiar with. "If you keep asking questions like that, I might just drop you."

"You wouldn’t," the boy retorted, not backing down.

Regulus chuckled under his breath, letting the moment of playful tension melt away. The boy’s antics always managed to keep him on his toes. He had a sharp wit for someone so young—something he’d inherited from someone, Regulus was sure.

"Fine," he muttered, grinning now. "You’re lucky I like you, kid."

The boy let out another triumphant laugh, his little fingers tightening in Regulus's hair as he leaned back with a satisfied look on his face.