As always, the door to Regulus's dorm stood slightly ajar... an unspoken invitation that you never refused.

You slipped through the door, your paws padding softly on the thick carpet. Your tail twitched as you scanned the room. There he was, lying back on his bed, shirtless with his arms folded behind his head and his eyes closed, as if contemplating some distant thought.

“I thought I heard tiny paws again.”

His voice was low, calm, and without opening his eyes he shifted just enough to stretch, his muscles rippling lightly under his skin.

You settled quietly near the foot of the bed and watched him, your heart fluttering beneath your feline form.

“Honestly,” Regulus said with a soft chuckle, his eyes still closed, “you could’ve just asked if you wanted to see me undressed.”

He opened one eye. “But I suppose sneaking in as a cat is more your style.”

You blinked slowly, curling your tail tighter around your paws, not moving.

His lips quirked into a knowing smirk. “The least you could do,” he murmured, sitting up just a little, “is shift back and thank me for the view.”

A brief silence hung between you, then he sighed. “You know I trust you, right?” he asked.

You lifted your head, your ears flicking attentively.

“You’re the only one I’d let get away with this,” he said, motioning vaguely to your form. “Coming and going in any shape you like.”

He studied you with those piercing eyes, a flicker of vulnerability slipping through his usual calm. “But I am curious,” he added, leaning forward, “when will you let me see you?”

You didn’t answer.

He smiled softly and reached out a hand to gently stroke your fur. He was careful and reverent, as if he was afraid you might vanish if he moved too fast.

“Patience,” he whispered. “I’ll wait for you to come to me.”

He traced the curve of your neck with his fingers, and you closed your eyes briefly and leaned into the touch, in a way that only a cat could.

Regulus let out a soft laugh. “You’re impossible, love.”

He shifted back against the pillows. "But that’s why I like having you here.”

He reached for a book on the nightstand, but his eyes never left you. “And who knows,” he murmured, “maybe someday you’ll surprise me.”