Two weeks.

Two weeks since the slaughter.

Two weeks of Regulus not talking to James.

Two weeks of silence from his lover.

Two weeks of the house being filled with family from the heist.

Two weeks of James working on their home in Brazil.

Two weeks of oranges wafting through the air.

One week

One week since Regulus woke up with a wince.

One week of James having his love back.

One week of James talking, and talking, and talking to Regulus.

Six days of Regulus breathing by himself.

Five days of Regulus walking around.

Four days of Regulus bossing James around.

Three days of James making love to make up for all that time lost.

Two days of Regulus returning the favor.

One day of painting the shutters green, and red.

One day of being tired beyond words, covered in paint, James in red and green, Regulus smiling at the other as his face was painted with little finger marks from James, since he couldn't get in on the fun (according to James), James would bring the fun to him.

12 hours since they hung the painting.

8 hours since they've been sitting on the floor staring at it, Regulus leaning his head on James' shoulder, watching.

4 hours since they've napped on the couch for two hours.

2 hours since James has been crying over seeing Regulus' healed bullet wound.

An hour since Regulus has been comforting James, stroking his hair.

And... Now.

Now, when James holds Regulus in his arms happily. Now, when James gets to kiss him.

Now, when Regulus feels complete for the first time in his life.

Now, all they have left to do is live.

The moment felt perfect.

Regulus in James’ lap, safe and loved.

His eyes were closed, his head on the crook of James’ neck. He never wanted to move, he never wanted to leave.

He felt James’ hand brush his hair from his face, he hummed, opening his eyes and looking up at James. A smile appeared on his face, as he watched James’ face.

Slowly, he raised a hand to brush against the other’s cheek, a soft “Hello love.” leaving his lips.