Coiled (Book 1 of 2)

A Hungry Kingsnake

The Rosier Family Estate (England).

June, 1978.

Regulus Black and Evan Rosier lay half asleep together in Evan's bed, each of them smiling, their eyes closed as they revel together in what feels like a divinely peaceful silence.

Peeking just behind the partially open curtain, soft golden rays of early afternoon sunlight pour through the floor to ceiling bedroom window. With one hand propped behind his head, Reggie sighs and begins to drift off into a light slumber. And Evan, with the side of his face against Reggie's chest, continues to trace light, soothing paths over Reggie's stomach.

After a few more moments silence, he whispers softly to Reggie, "... Should I feel at all guilty for staying in bed past noon?"

Reggie's smile broadens as he shakes his head, his free hand slowly skimming its way up Evan's side. Then, he yawns and begins running his fingers lightly through Evan's blond hair, "Definitely not."

"I never sleep in."

"Well ... you should consider doing it more often. It's a good look on you."

"Mmm ..."

Though Reggie can't see it, Evan's practically glowing over the compliment.

Then, biting at his lip, Reggies leans forward and whispers again, this time more decidedly more teasingly, "That, and because it makes you quite a bit less grumpy."

At this, they both begin laughing against one another. Lifting his head upwards off Reggie's chest, Evan shifts further up the bed, eyes fixed on Reggie's as he leans forward, "Last night ..."

Last night, their night spent cuddling then tangled together.

"Last night," Reggie echoes back, bringing one finger to the base of Evan's throat and slowly tracing its way upwards.

"I hardly need to tell you I've never said that to anyone before."

Their lips are just barely ghosting against one another now, blue eyes locked with grey.

Swallowing, Reggie nods and whispers back, "I know. And I haven't either. But I do love you, Evan. I think I've always loved you."

They've never said it before, though they've both thought it for the past several months.

At this, Evan brings his lips onto Reggie's, nodding as he kisses him, "I love you."

More kisses, each slow and deliberate. Then, another shared smile as Reggie pulls at Evan and guides him on top of him, "And just think ..."

Another pause as they kiss again, followed by Reggie murmuring the rest of the thought, "... Just imagine how great it's going to feel to say it to her, too."

"I can't wait to say it to her ..."

Eyes locked, Reggie's hands begin stroking at Evan's hip, the two of them meeting for a new kiss.

And then, to their mutual shock, the sudden sound of the bell.

Freezing against one another, they stare at each other in shock.

"Who -"

"No idea -"

"Evan!"

"Don't panic. I'll go and see. But get dressed, just in case. And quickly, yes?"

A nod as they both fly out of bed. The bell rings again, this time longer.

Rushing to put his clothes on, Evan runs barefoot out the bedroom and down the steps. And when he opens the front door, his heart nearly stops completely.