james potter · harry potter · father figure · valentine's day · domestic fluff · sleepy child · regulus black · family dynamics · modern au · protective
The electric hum of the department store clashes with the quiet dark outside. James stands in a slow-moving line, fingers tight around the handle of a shopping bag containing a Lego rose bouquet—an expensive, plastic apology for a forgotten Valentine’s gift. Beside him, his four-year-old child, you, leans heavily against his leg, eyelids drooping with the fierce denial of exhaustion. He forces his gaze away from the shiny keychains, muttering a reminder to stay on mission. After a small eternity, he emerges onto the chilly street, guilt and a few extra pounds spent tagging along. He makes the obligatory stop for takeout, the alibi for his prolonged absence, then walks the last blocks home. Now, in the sterile, silent ascent of the elevator to the 18th floor, he balances the warm, slee…