InsaneJournal

We'll Always Have Casablanca
Characters: Gaius, Regulus
Summary: Regulus has plans for Valentine's Day weekend that involves travel... and shagging.

After leaving Egyptian Dreams in his assistants' capable hands, Regulus went home briefly to change clothes and pack two small suitcases, one for himself and one for Gaius; he packed lightly, partly because he thought they would likely splurge in the markets while they were away and partly because he didn't intend for them to need many clothes in the first place. He freshened up quickly and dressed in loose, flowing robes of deep crimson in honor of the holiday, and he left his damp hair curling around his face. He indulged in a little kohl around his eyes, and then he shrank their luggage and secured it in his pocket along with the portkey he'd procured from the travel agent.

The work day wasn't quite over yet, and so Regulus took the Floo to Alchemy & Ecstasy to pick up Gaius. After all the surprises Gaius had planned for him, he thought it was high time to return the favor. And what better time than the weekend of Valentine's Day?

As soon as he arrived at the shop, he cleaned off his robes with a quick charm, and he looked around for Gaius, eager to spring the surprise and see Gaius' reaction.

Gaius had spent a very busy day serving customers in the shop, all hands having been called upon to serve in the hectic rush of people desperate to find romantic or salacious gifts for their objects of desire. He'd sold quite a few velvet pillows, sets of silk sheets, and even a couple of settees with carved cupids and heart-embellished brocades, but the vast majority of the commerce had been in the cosmetics and toiletries for which the shop was best known. Fortunately the mad rush had begun to taper off, giving him a moment to catch his breath and take a sip of the cup of tea Miriam handed him. He smiled at her gratefully, then turned as he heard the Floo activate, craning to see around a display of bubble bath to see who had arrived.

The sight of Regulus, looking stunningly handsome in dark red robes, immediately brought a smile to his face, and he put the cup of tea on the counter and headed toward his lover. "Hullo, this is a surprise," he said, holding out his arms as he drew near. "A wonderful one - you look fantastic." His smile became wicked. "Good enough to eat."

Regulus enfolded Gaius in an embrace, and he bent to brush a kiss against Gaius' lips. "Thank you," he replied, pleased by the compliment. "Although I am not on the menu. Not yet, at least," he added archly. "Right now, I want you to tell your brothers that you are leaving. Tell them I am kidnapping you, if they protest, because I will if I must. I have plans, and we are leaving right away to begin our holiday weekend a little early."

"Oh?" Gaius was immediately both interested and aroused, wondering what Regulus had planned, remembering the adventure Regulus had taken him on in Egypt. "That sounds fantastic," he purred, pressing close to Regulus' body and giving a teasing grope to his arse. "I quite fancy being your captive, locked away to serve you at your pleasure. Give me one minute to say goodbye and grab something, and I'll be right back, okay?"

"Be quick about it, or I will not hesitate to carry you off by force," Regulus replied playfully, giving Gaius a swat on the arse.

With a playful leer, Gaius wriggled his arse and then turned to hurry to the back of the shop, calling out to Serenus and Severus that he was being abducted but that they weren't to wait up. He ducked behind the counter, retrieving the gift he'd gotten for Regulus for Valentine's Day and slipping it into his pocket, feeling a little niggle of uncertainty but determinedly pushing it aside. Perhaps it was a little soon in their relationship for the present he had chosen, but it was what he wanted to give Regulus, and so he had decided to just do it and hope for the best.

He took another moment to cast a cleaning charm on his robes and another on his hair, not as good as a bath but hopefully enough to keep him from shaming Regulus wherever it was they were going. Then he returned to Regulus, not quite running but definitely showing his eagerness for whatever Regulus had planned. "All set! I'm at our disposal, my darling... whither thou goest. So, shall we go?"

"Yes, we shall." Regulus fished the portkey out of his pocket, held it out in his palm, and unwrapped it carefully. "Would you like to know where we are going before we leave or after we get there?" he asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.

"After," Gaius said without hesitation, smiling as he wrapped an arm around Regulus' waist. "I trust you, and as long as I am in your company, I'd be happy anywhere."

Sliding his arm around Gaius' shoulders, Regulus smiled slyly. "Trust me, you will be in my company, and I intend to make certain you are very happy this weekend. Ready?"

"Yes!" Gaius felt his anticipation building, certain that whatever Regulus had planned it would be wonderful simply because Regulus would be there.

Without further ado, Regulus touched the portkey, and they were whisked away with a familiar pull; the trip took a matter of seconds, and when they stopped at last, they were standing in front of a hotel that was obviously old, but well-tended and with a great deal of character. It was also clearly not European in design, and the people walking by underlined that fact, their clothes and language unfamiliar to an English eye.

"Welcome to Casablanca," Regulus said, smiling broadly as he gestured to the scenery around them. "This is the wizarding quarter, and we will be staying here this weekend," he added, indicating the hotel behind them.

"Casablanca?" Gaius gasped, looking around him with excited curiosity. Their surroundings were exotic, as unique as those of Egypt but in a different way. He turned this way and that, barely resisting the urge to bounce up and down like one of the children. After a moment he settled for throwing his arms around Regulus and hugging him fiercely. "What a wonderful surprise! Incredible, romantic, exotic, hot... just like you. I can't believe it! Thank you so much!" With that, he kissed Regulus, not caring who might see, just needing to express his gratitude for the fantastic surprise.

Winding his arms around Gaius, Regulus returned the kiss, pleased and relieved that Gaius was excited about the trip; he had taken a chance in planning everything without Gaius' input, but Gaius seemed to enjoy traveling to new and different places, and so Regulus had thought it was worth the risk.

"I thought perhaps we might relax while we adjust to the different time zone," he said, leading Gaius into the lobby of the hotel so they could check in. "A quiet meal, perhaps a little pampering at one of the beach clubs. Tomorrow, we can scour the city for merchandise for our respective shops or we can take in the sights - or a little of both," he said, smiling. "Whatever you would like to do. This is my Valentine's Day gift to you, although it might not be the only one," he teased.

"It's fantastic, all of it," Gaius replied, keeping close to Regulus as they entered the hotel. "And I have a gift of my own for you, although I don't think anything could match this. Although you, on a beach, might be more than my poor heart can handle. There is only so much incredible hotness one man can handle!"

Regulus chuckled and leaned over to nuzzle Gaius' cheek as they approached the front desk. "It might be a little chilly for the beach, but we can take advantage of the luxurious amenities of the clubs," he replied. "But if I ever want to overwhelm you once the weather turns warmer, I know what to do!"

It took only a few minutes to check in, and then Regulus led Gaius to their room - a spacious suite with an extra-large bed and a sunken tub with four magical faucets for them to choose from.

"What do you think?" he asked, keeping his arm around Gaius as they toured the suite. "Is this hedonistic enough for the most romantic day of the year?"

"It is... delightfully so," Gaius replied, looking around with approval and anticipation. He turned within the circle of Regulus' arm, putting his own arms around Regulus' shoulders and tilting his head back, his eyes half-lidded and a sultry smile on his lips. "All that's missing is you, naked in the tub, or on the bed, or anywhere else you'd like. And me, naked with you, and you ravishing me until neither of us can breathe."

"That can be arranged," Regulus replied, enfolding Gaius in a warm embrace and pulling him close. "I have suggestions, but no plans and no reservations, because I want to indulge whatever desires you may have, whether it's for sight-seeing, dining... or me."

"I think the sight I wish to see most at this moment is you," Gaius replied, craning up to place a nipping kiss on Regulus' jaw. "And as for dining... well, you are my favorite flavor, too. A delight for all the senses, you are... but I don't think I could ever be truly sated of my hunger for you."

"Good." Regulus cupped Gaius' cheek in his palm and gazed at Gaius, taking in the familiar sight of desire and adoration in Gaius' eyes. "I'm still not certain what I did to deserve you and this fierce devotion you seem to have to me," he said at last, his tone thoughtful, and he stroked Gaius' cheek gently. "I wonder if perhaps I had grown so accustomed to my feelings not being returned, I am left scarcely knowing what to do when they finally are. I have only recently realized how novel an experience it is, and perhaps I have been a little afraid of it, not because I do not want it, but because I have doubted it is real or that it will last."

"This is real," Gaius promised in a solemn tone, placing his hand over Regulus' and holding it against his cheek. He knew that Regulus had been through more than anyone should ever have to bear, and he wanted to offer all the reassurance that he could, to make Regulus believe in the rightness of their relationship as much as he did. "It will last, I promise you that. For the first time, I'm certain of it myself, you see. And as for what you did to deserve my love and devotion... you have simply been you, and that's all that I want or need."

Regulus thought back to his conversation with Harry and Harry's need to be whatever it was he thought his lover needed, and it made him doubly grateful to have been accepted as he was, flaws, checkered past, and all. He had changed of his own volition, but he hadn't done it for anyone but himself, and fortunately, it seemed to be enough for Gaius.

"Then let's hope I continue to deserve it," he said in a lighter tone. "I've become quite reluctant to give it up."

A slow, seductive smile curved Gaius' lips, and he pressed against Regulus teasingly. Regulus was in need of a lighter mood, and Gaius was more than willing to help him achieve one. "As have I," he purred, tangling his fingers in Regulus' hair. "Both Anubis and I know and good thing when we see it, and we're both anxious to keep you. So anything I can do to make you ecstatically happy is what I want, too. You're had too much of darkness in your life, so I want to help lighten it up for you in any way I can."

"You do," Regulus replied, sliding his arms around Gaius' waist and holding him close. "You needn't worry about keeping me; you have me, and I am not going anywhere." He smiled and bent to kiss Gaius lightly. "I have a Snape of my own, one who cares for me in return, accepts me, and does not seek to use me. That in itself is a tremendous gift, but beyond that, I have begun to feel as if I have found the person I was meant to be with at last."

Gaius managed to remain upright, but inside he had melted into a puddle of goo. He knew that Regulus cared for him, of course, but for Regulus to say that he thought they were meant to be was more than he had dared hope. He swallowed hard against a sudden tightness in his throat, the happiness seeming almost more than he could bear. He clung to Regulus, pressing his lips to his lover's for a long moment because he didn't trust himself to speak.

At last he drew back, giving Regulus a tender smile, and reached into the pocket of his robes. "I was going to save this for later, but somehow this seems like the right moment." Withdrawing a small, dark green velvet box, he held it out to Regulus, a slight flush staining his cheeks. "I know we haven't been together all that long, but... I know how I feel. I love you, my Regulus. I always will."

Regulus glanced at Gaius curiously as he accepted the box and opened it, his pale eyes widening when he saw a ring within. It was white gold embellished with an ankh made of onyx, a simple design that appealed to Regulus' aesthetics. He gazed at it for a long moment, and then he looked at Gaius, wanting confirmation before he made any assumptions. "Does this mean what I think it means?" he asked.

"Yes." Gaius' reply was simple, but the expression in his eyes was not, showing all of his love and hope and a tiny bit of uncertainty as well. "I don't want you to feel rushed, or pushed into anything you aren't ready for, but... it's yours, just as I am. I want to be with you forever, my beautiful one. You and only you."

"I accept," Regulus replied quickly, without hesitation. For once, he didn't care about stopping to weigh the situation before making a decision or about being cautious; there were no hidden pitfalls, no strings, no potential consequences to this decision, and he had no need to be careful, not this time. Perhaps it was too soon, but he didn't care about that either; saying yes felt like the right thing to do, and he was going to trust his instincts. "I want to be with you and you alone, and I am willing to proclaim my commitment to you to the rest of the world."

Gaius held his breath, unable to believe for a moment that Regulus had said those words, those beautiful, soul-filling words, and had spoken them without a trace of hesitation or uncertainty. He threw his arms around Regulus again, holding him close and kissing him passionately, trying to say through the press of their lips just how much Regulus' answer meant to him. This was forever, this was what he wanted, and the thought that Regulus wanted it too, whole-heartedly and with no second thoughts, was nothing short of perfect.

"I love you," he murmured against Regulus' lips. "I am so happy right now that I'm afraid I'll wake up and find it was nothing but a beautiful dream."

"It isn't a dream," Regulus replied, nuzzling gentle kisses along Gaius' cheek and jaw, and then he pinched Gaius' arse playfully. "There. See? You're still awake," he added mischievously.

"I am!" Gaius gave a small yelp at the pinch, but it was just for show. He smiled and reached into the box to take out the ring, holding it up. "Can I put it on you? I have dreamed about see it there, shining against your skin."

"By all means." Regulus smiled as he held out his hand. "Let's see how it looks."

Gaius wasted no time in sliding the ring onto Regulus' third finger, pleased that the fit was perfect. He admired the effect for a moment, then raised Regulus' hand to his lips, kissing the ring as though sealing a promise. "It looks wonderful," he said huskily, glancing up at Regulus' through his lashes. "It looks as though it belongs."

"Because it does," Regulus said, admiring the way the ring looked on his hand. The weight of it was unfamiliar on his finger, but it felt right, and he knew he had made the right decision. "I haven't got a ring for you," he said, giving Gaius a regretful look. "But we can shop for one here, if you like, and you can choose your own. It will be a sign of our commitment and a special memento from our first romantic get-away as a couple."

"I would happily wear a ring to show that I am yours," Gaius replied, reaching up to smooth the regretful expression from Regulus' face. Then he reached inside the collar of his robes, pulling out the lapis and gold necklace that he always wore, and which Regulus had enchanted to fit him as Anubis as well. "Although I have to admit I've rather looked upon this as a sign of your ownership ever since you gave it back to me. I think it was this that finally helped me to believe that I might hope for far more than forgiveness. Perhaps something with lapis to compliment it, then?"

Regulus stroked the necklace lightly, pleased to see Gaius wearing it. "Well, if you would like to see this as a sign of my ownership, I certainly won't object," he said with a wicked smirk. "But I do like the idea of giving you a ring as well. I imagine we can find something in gold and lapis to complement your collar."

"That would be fantastic." Gaius wriggled provocatively against Regulus again. "So... do you feel like celebrating our commitment? I don't know if you would like to make it formal at some point, like Tybalt and Serenus, or if you are fine with things as they are, but either way, I'm happy to do what pleases you."

"I hadn't thought about it," Regulus replied, his tone thoughtful. "What would you like? This is a decision we should both make, I think."

"Certainly," Gaius agreed easily. "I had thought to leave it up to your preference, to be honest. I'd never thought of getting married, but then I'd never met you." He smiled somewhat sheepishly. "I'd wondered if you might refuse the ring, and I guess I didn't let myself think much beyond that, just in case."

"Silly kitty." Regulus framed Gaius' face between his hands and kissed him fondly. "Saying the words doesn't come easily to me, but I am happy to accept your ring, and I hope you will never doubt that I have committed to you whole-heartedly."

Gaius returned the kiss with a mixture of affection and relief. "I don't doubt your word, not ever," he said, then gave a rueful little shrug. "I suppose that I was afraid that you wouldn't say it because you didn't feel it. That's not a criticism, either, love... It's my own insecurity that gets to me sometimes. I seem to have less self assurance than I once did, but then the stakes are so much higher with you, because you matter more than anyone else ever has to me."

"Not to mention the wounds my brother left obviously have some healing to do," Regulus replied, a frown creasing his brow. "If he walked through that door, alive and well, right now, I would hex him for the way he damaged your self-confidence. But rest assured, I do feel it," he said firmly. "You are my Gaius, my very own Snape to have and to hold, and I intend to keep you."

At that Gaius smiled, holding Regulus close. "I am definitely yours, every bit of me - and the wounds are all healed, knowing that you want to stay with me forever. I know that you do, and that's all that I need. I'm your Snape forever... hairballs and all."

Regulus chuckled and bent to kiss Gaius' forehead affectionately. "Still, I believe I'm coming off the fence in favor of having a commitment ceremony. How do you feel about a spring wedding?" he asked, raising a questioning eyebrow. "An outdoor ceremony when the flowers are in bloom, perhaps."

"I'd love that - and I'd be proud to stand with you before everyone," Gaius replied. Then he chuckled. "You know that Serenus will probably insist we do it at Azoth House. As the baby brother, I suspect they'll both try to talk us into all manner of things."

"No doubt, but we will do things our way," Regulus replied, although a smile belied the severity of his words. "The garden of Azoth House might make a nice setting, but we aren't going to let them take over, or we'll end up reciting our vows in Vera Wang couture gowns and spike heels while our guests are served spaghetti in bowls as big as cauldrons."

Gaius laughed at Regulus' description, far too able to visualize the scene for his own comfort. "Oh. My," he gasped, shaking his head. "You're right, and that just wouldn't do. I may be a bottom by preference, but I look horrible in drag!" Getting control of himself, Gaius took both of Regulus' hands in his, smiling wickedly as he pulled him toward the big bed. "What do you say to a preview of the honeymoon? I'd like to make sure you know exactly what you're getting into."

"I already know what I'm getting into," Regulus replied archly, a wicked gleam in his eyes, and he let Gaius lead him to the bed. "I've gotten into it numerous times already."

"Hopefully you enjoy it enough to get into it frequently for the next two hundred or so years," Gaius replied throatily. When they reached the bed, he moved his hands to the fastenings of Regulus' robes, undoing the top two to reveal the base of Regulus' throat. Placing his fingers inside the opening, he caressed Regulus' neck teasingly. "And how would you like to get into it today? Shall I lavish you with attention, or would you prefer something more rough and tumble?"

"Let's start slowly," Regulus said, reaching out to unfasten the first few buttons of Gaius' robes in return. "This is an important occasion, one we should savor so that we will remember it fondly in the years to come."

"All right," Gaius said, more than willing to go along with Regulus' desire. "I like that idea... then when we are back at home, I can look at you, and I shall give you a special smile so that you know exactly what I'm thinking about so fondly." Slowly Gaius continued down the row of buttons, pausing every couple to caress Regulus' skin as it was bared to his sight. "You have such a gorgeous body, my beautiful one," he murmured as he brushed his fingers lightly over Regulus' heart. "I enjoy touching you and tasting you, savoring every time we make love."

Regulus captured Gaius' hand and pressed it against his chest, and he curled his fingers around the back of Gaius' neck, drawing him into a lingering kiss. "I hope you will continue to savor it for the rest of our lives," he murmured against Gaius' lips.

Gaius melted into the kiss, relishing the taste of Regulus, the warmth of the kiss, and the beat of Regulus' heart, strong and steady beneath his palm. "I shall. I am a connoisseur of priceless treasures, so I know when I've found one." He nipped lightly at Regulus' full bottom lip. "I will never take you for granted."

"Nor will I take you for granted," Regulus replied with what was, for him, uncharacteristic earnestness. "I am too pleased..." He breathed deeply, bracing himself for speaking of things he normally kept to himself. "Too grateful to forget how lucky I am that you have chosen me."

"We are both very lucky to have chosen each other." Gaius smiled, raising his other hand to caress Regulus' cheek. "I am so appreciative for you being so open with me, since I know that you are by nature a very reserved man. You have given me so much - comfort and a place to recover when I needed it, affection, tenderness... and your forgiveness, which is something I value because I know how dearly it must have cost. How can I not adore you, when you have let me in in ways I know were neither easy nor completely comfortable for you? You asked what you did to inspire my devotion... my answer is that you have done everything, just by being you."

"It helps that you are remarkably easy to love," Regulus said, leaning into the caress. "I may not be able to speak as freely as you do, but I hope you will never doubt your place in my heart nonetheless."

"I don't doubt it, not at all," Gaius said firmly. He took Regulus' hand, the one with the ring. "You accepting this told me exactly how you feel, and every time I see it on your finger, it will remind me that you love me and have chosen me to spend your life with. No doubts at all, my Regulus. I could no more doubt your feelings for me than I could mine for you."

"Good. I am glad to hear it." Regulus twined his fingers with Gaius' and smiled at him with warm affection. "I want you to be happy, not harboring any doubts, fears, insecurities, or the sense that I will leave you one day. You have had quite enough of that, I think, and now it is time for happiness, security, and permanence," he said in a firm voice full of certainty.

"Yes, it is - for both of us." Gaius kissed the back of Regulus' hand, then smiled up at him, his expression a mixture of love and desire. He lowered his hand from Regulus' cheek, sliding it down the line of Regulus' jaw, then over the bare skin at the open neckline of Regulus' robes. Another button slipped free. "Now to consummate our promises in the best way possible, with you taking me so deeply that I don't know where I end and you begin."

Regulus' smile turned wicked, and with a wave of his hand, he banished Gaius' clothes, deciding the time for moving slowly had passed; another gesture caused Gaius to be hefted into the air and deposited onto the bed, making him bounce on the mattress. "There," he purred, letting his gaze roam up and down the length of Gaius' body. "All the better to ravish you with."

Gaius yelped with surprise as Regulus stripped him and dumped him in the bed, but he recovered quickly, stretching out on the mattress and arching his body provocatively. "Masterful and efficient," he purred, running a hand down his own body as he looked at Regulus' through coyly lowered lashes. "I adore it. So... you have me at your mercy, my beautiful one. I'm yours to do with as you desire."

Regulus made quick work of banishing his own clothes, and he pounced on top of Gaius, pinning him and swooping down to capture his lips in a deep, demanding kiss. "Yes, you are mine," he murmured against Gaius' lips, rocking provocatively against Gaius. "And what I desire to do to you is make you scream with pleasure."

Wrapping his arms around Regulus' shoulders, Gaius returned the kiss passionately, thrilled with Regulus' response. He moaned, bucking his own hips upward in an effort to increase the contact. "Yours," he replied breathlessly, his eyes dark as his arousal spiraled higher. "I will scream, or whimper, or beg... anything, anything at all. I need you so much!"

Smirking wickedly, Regulus continued to tease Gaius with unsatisfactory rocking to heighten the tension, and he nibbled and bit along Gaius' jaw to his ear and tugged at the lobe. "What do you need?" he purred in Gaius' ear, sliding his body sinuously against Gaius', savoring the heat of skin against skin. "Tell me, and if you're very good, I may give it to you."

"I need you," Gaius gasped, running his nails down the length of Regulus' back, then caressing his palms back upward, his desperation growing. "I need you, my Regulus... to take me, and fill me, and love me till I shatter!"

Arching his back against Gaius' hands, Regulus hissed with pleasure and kissed Gaius again, hard and swift. "It seems I can deny you nothing," he said, and he murmured preparatory charms against Gaius' lips as he positioned himself, not wanting to deny Gaius or himself the desired joining. With one smooth, sure thrust, he claimed Gaius and buried himself deep in Gaius' welcoming body, groaning as he was enfolded in tight heat.

"YES!" Gaius cried out as Regulus finally gave him what he craved, filling him exquisitely. He wrapped his legs around Regulus' thighs, arching against him to pull Regulus even deeper into his body. His skin felt flushed and delightfully sensitive, and he opened his eyes, looking up at Regulus with an expression that combined lust and adoration. "Perfect... you feel perfect inside me. Now let yourself go... love me as hard as you can."

It was a request Regulus couldn't have refused even if he'd wanted to - and he didn't want to, not when Gaius was looking at him that way, a way he'd never seen on any other lover's face before. He curled his fingers around Gaius' arousal as he began to move, matching the rhythm of his hips with the rhythm of his hand; if he was going to go mad, he wanted to drive Gaius mad right along with him.

Gaius' eyes rolled back in his head as Regulus began to stroke him, and he clutched at Regulus' shoulders, holding on for dear life as Regulus pounded into him, sending him higher and higher, every thrust sending jolts of ecstasy through him. It felt fantastic, and he didn't want it to ever end, but the edge of the precipice was suddenly upon him, and he hurtled over it, screaming Regulus' name as he shattered.

Exultant, Regulus let go and claimed Gaius as powerfully and roughly as Gaius had wanted, holding nothing back of his desire and need; the sight of Gaius' ecstasy fueled his own, and it wasn't long before he too was hurtling over the edge with Gaius' name on his lips. Panting and sated, he collapsed beside Gaius and reached out to gather Gaius in his arms, nestling close and nuzzling Gaius affectionately.

"Perfect," he murmured, smiling lazily.

Breathing hard, Gaius wound his arms around Regulus and pulled him close, purring with satisfaction. "Oh, yes," he replied, feeling deliciously worn out and very well loved indeed. He returned the nuzzling. "I love you so much, and I am looking forward to a lifetime with you." Lowering one hand, he gave Regulus' arse a small smack. "And shagging like that again and again."

Regulus yelped at the swat, and he frowned playfully as he returned the favor, giving Gaius' arse a firm smack. "I think that can be arranged," he said. "I will try to keep up, you greedy, insatiable brat."

Chuckling, Gaius wriggled his arse against Regulus' hand, not minding the tiny edge of pain, which only reminded him just how pleasurable everything else was. "Well, at least I'm your greedy, insatiable brat," he said smugly, rubbing his cheek against Regulus' affectionately. "You're stuck with me now, I'm afraid... You know what they say about feeding a cat and it's yours forever!"

"I have no regrets," Regulus replied, rubbing his cheek against Gaius' in return. "I will gladly keep you and keep feeding you." He gave Gaius an arch look, a wicked gleam in his eyes. "No matter what it is you have an appetite for."

"Excellent - because my taste definitely runs to tall, dark, and exotic men named Regulus." Gaius turned his head to kiss Regulus' cheek. "I can't get enough of them. I'm addicted, you see, and you are the only one who can satisfy my craving."

Chuckling, Regulus nestled closer and relaxed in Gaius' embrace. "Far be it from me to deprive an addict," he said, and then his expression grew more serious, although tender as well. "Happy Valentine's Day," he murmured, leaning in to kiss Gaius lightly. "This is the first time in my life I have had occasion to note the day, much less celebrate it, and I am glad my first was with you."

Gaius melted again, both from happiness at knowing Regulus was glad to be with him, and a bit of sadness, as well, for the many long, lonely years Regulus had to endure to get to this point. He returned the kiss with gentleness. "Happy Valentine's Day," he said, stroking Regulus' cheek tenderly. "I'm so happy to celebrate it with you. I'm honored to be your first, but I'm so sorry you had to wait so long to find love."

"I don't think I was ready," Regulus admitted with a wry smile. "I needed to grow up and to change. The man I used to be was incapable of loving you as you deserve, but now I can recognize your heart and your worth and appreciate it fully and unselfishly."

"I'm glad you're ready now," Gaius murmured, drawing Regulus even closer and holding him as though he would never let go. "And you're worthy of my heart, which is why I give it to you freely." Humming with contentment, Gaius closed his eyes, relaxing into a boneless puddle. "We're good together, in every way. This is definitely the best Valentine's Day ever. I wouldn't change anything, not for the world."

"Nor would I," Regulus agreed, settling in and closing his eyes as well. They had the rest of the weekend for sight-seeing and shopping, and he was in no rush to leave their suite - or Gaius' arms.

Fortunately there was no need to go anywhere, and Gaius sighed happily. A new phase of their lives was beginning, and in his opinion, it couldn't have gotten off to a more perfect start.