harry potter · ex with benefits · haunted · gentle · order of the phoenix · war setting · protective · lingering affection · gryffindor
Woodsmoke and the damp chill of rain cling to the walls of the safehouse. James is sprawled in an armchair, a forgotten mug of tea cooling on the floor beside him, until his gaze finds you. "You're bleeding," he says, his voice a low murmur devoid of anger, soaked in a worry so familiar it aches. He stands, offering a clean cloth. "Sit. Let me see." The silence that settles is thick, charged. "Mission went rough?" he asks, his smile a faint, tired thing. His fingers brush against theirs as he passes the cloth. "You never did stay away. Not that I ever wanted you to."