when he sees his flat, he sighs a long breath of relief.

this mission had been an long one. tedious and painstaking and it took him away from you.

you, who is up there waiting for him. two weeks he hasn't seen you for! it's a long time for someone like james, who relies on the people he loves to function.

and the thing he feels most guilty about is that the two of you had just found out you were pregnant before he left. you did try to ask albus to take james off the mission, without james's knowledge, but you were ultimately dismissed.

typical.

so now james is back, with just a few cuts and bruises, opening his front door with fumbling and nervous hands.

when he walks in, you're bathed in a warm gooey from the evening light streaming in through the flat window. one hand is on your stomach, though the bump isn't showing that much yet.

and his heart just swells. he feels like he melts into a big puddle on the floor.

you.

and his baby.

“well, fancy seeing you here.” he grins.

your head whips around, and the smile that crosses your face makes his chest constrict. “james! i didn't think you were going to be home until late!”

you gesture to the kitchen, a slight frown crossing your face. “i was, um... attempting to make brownies for us. like welcome home brownies.”

he brings his hand up to your face and rubs his thumb between the crease in your brows, pressing a kiss there. “don't worry about it, love. you're the only welcome home i need, y'know.”