A/N Jily AU Week, Day 2 – Survival AU.
Lily wrapped her arms around her slightly swollen stomach and attempted a smile. James drew her gently into a hug, kissing her forehead lightly.
"I'll be back before you know it I swear," he said, his warm voice washing over Lily and calming her nerves. "I'm not in the order anymore; this is just a one off thing where Dumbledore needed a few extra hands to clear some rubble after an attack. Nothing can go wrong."
Lily screwed up her nose. "If anything happens to you, Dumbledore had better start running."
James laughed and kissed her nose affectionately. "I'll be sure to pass on that message. I'll see you in a few hours, okay?"
"Please don't get hurt, James," Lily whispered quietly before relinquishing her hold on him. James cupped her face with one hand while the other rested on the small curve of her belly. He looked her directly in the eyes, and Lily could see how much he hated it when she worried, she knew he hated when she was upset especially when it was his fault. James's eyes crinkled a little as he smiled fondly, his face full of love.
"I love you, Lils, and James Junior. I'll see you in a few hours I promise."
Before Lily even had the change to argue over his use of 'James Junior' he was gone. She watch him walk with a confident grace out the door, her eyes followed him until he was out of sight. Lily drank in the site of her husband, unaware that it would be the last time she ever saw him.
It was the first time since she'd known James Potter, he broke a promise. He was never coming home.