Marauders age regression one shots

Safe?

When Sirius first arrived at the Potters' house, he was a bundle of nerves wrapped in tension. 

He'd escaped his own house, fled the cold, oppressive atmosphere of his parents' rules, and yet... he wasn't sure he'd actually escaped. The things his family had drilled into him about how he wasn't good enough, how he didn't deserve kindness or warmth, had followed him even here. Though he was in James' warm, cozy home, in a room that was quiet and safe, a little voice in the back of his head kept whispering that he didn't belong here. That it was only a matter of time before they, too, grew tired of him.

Sirius hadn't regressed in a long time. His headspace was scarred from everything he'd endured, so when his mind started drifting, he almost fought against it. But then there was James, constant as ever, reassuring him without saying a word.

"Hey," James said softly, finding Sirius sitting curled up on the floor by the bed, staring into space. He sat down beside him, giving Sirius a little nudge. "What's up, Pads?"

Sirius hesitated, biting his lip and looking down. The words felt heavy in his chest, but his voice was small and uncertain when he spoke. "D'you... d'you really want me here?"

James didn't even flinch; he put an arm around Sirius' shoulders, giving him a gentle squeeze. "Of course, I do. You're my best mate, and this is your home now too. I want you here just as much as you need to be here, alright?"

It was a simple promise, but one that settled some of the anxiety swirling inside Sirius' chest. He nodded, not quite able to find the words to express his gratitude. James didn't need them, though. He seemed to understand.

"Tell you what, how about I make some hot chocolate?" James asked, standing up and holding out his hand. "The really chocolatey kind, with the marshmallows on top. Mum always keeps extra hidden away."

Sirius gave a small nod, his lips curling into the faintest smile as he took James' hand. They padded down the stairs together, and James kept chatting on the way, filling the silence in a way that made Sirius feel like he could relax, if only a little.

Once they were in the kitchen, James got busy making the hot chocolate. Sirius leaned on the counter, his eyes watching James' every move, as if he were committing this moment to memory. When James finally set the mug in front of him, Sirius stared into the warm, frothy surface, inhaling the comforting scent.

It was a small comfort, but for the first time in a long time, he felt a little closer to safe.