Nothing Will Hurt You (Not While I'm Around)

You don't ever have to be stronger than you really are, when you're lying in my arms


A sudden crack of lightning illuminated the room, followed instantly by a deafening rumble of thunder. The noise caused Barty to jolt out of his dream, a startled yelp escaping his lips.

The nightmare was still fresh at the back of his mind; haunting images of a narrow, wet basement, the steely eyes glaring at him from the only shard of light at the top of the stairs, and the pain of what seemed like thousands of lashes from a leather belt.

Barty's wounds had long since healed, but he could still taste the agony of that thin leather belt striking the skin on his back, leaving deep, ugly red welts. He shivered as he remembered what that man had done to him, suddenly aware of the freezing cold.

He didn't realise that his body was wracked with sobs until arms suddenly enveloped him from behind. Barty flinched automatically, but soon became aware of the familiar scent of Regulus, and he knew he was safe. He twisted out of the foetal position that he'd been in, and turned to face his boyfriend.

Lightning flashed again, illuminating the beautiful ivory that was Regulus's skin. His dark eyes were soft and concerned. "Did you have another nightmare?"

"Mm," Barty mumbled in response, not meeting Regulus's eyes. "What time is it?"

"I can't see the clock. It must be past midnight. The storm hasn't let up yet." Regulus paused, and ran a finger down Barty's bare back. "Is the noise making the dreams worse?"

Barty burrowed his face in Regulus's shoulder. "I'm not scared of storms."

"I didn't say you were."

They were quiet for a few moments, listening to the rain hammering the window outside. Lightning flashed again, followed a few minutes later by another deep groan of thunder. Barty cuddled closer to Regulus as the noise echoed around the bedroom of the low-rent apartment that they shared.

When the thunder stopped, Barty wriggled away from Regulus and laid on his back, staring up at the cracked ceiling. "You shouldn't have to put up with this."

"Put up with what?" Regulus asked, resting his hand on Barty's stomach. Barty pushed his hand away gently.

"Me. This. Having to pander to me like I'm a toddler whenever I have a bad dream," he snarled. He hated himself.

"I don't care about that."

"I do," Barty continued. "You left your life, your wealth, to come and live in this shit-hole with me. You should go back home, Reg. You should leave me." Tears started to spill down his cheeks, and Regulus pulled Barty back towards him, ignoring when Barty tried to wriggle out of his grasp.

He pressed a firm kiss to Barty's forehead. "I love you, you idiot," he murmured. "You can't get rid of me that easily. I wanted to move out of home and live with you. I want to care for you when you need me. I'm committed to you, and there's nothing you can do about it."

Barty tilted his head to peer at Regulus through the dark. "You really mean it?"

"Yes, stupid." Regulus kissed Barty on the mouth softly. "The nightmares won't last forever. You'll get through this. We'll get through this; together."

"You're too good for me."

Regulus continued to kiss Barty, his hands moving up and down his back. "No more talking," he murmured into Barty's mouth. "Let me help you forget about the nightmares."

A small smile tugged at Barty's lips. He wasn't going to pass up on that offer.


Written For:

- Assignment #4/Beauty Therapy Task #4: Write about someone making a commitment.

- Valentines vs. Singles Awareness: Valentines Prompts #11. 11. (dialogue) "I love you, you idiot. You can't get rid of me that easily." and #26. (colour) Ivory

- Bingo Party - B3: Barty Crouch Jr

- Writing Club/Trope of the Month: 3. (action) Cuddling

- Writing Club/Showtime: 14. (word) Nightmare

- Writing Club/Elizabeth's Empire: 22. (setting) midnight

- Winter Seasonal/Days of the Year: February 11th - Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day: Dialogue - "You will get through this. We will get through this."

- Winter Seasonal/Winter Prompts: 8. (word) Freezing

- Winter Seasonal/Slytherin Prompts: 28. Regulus Black

- 1,000 Prompts: (action) Kissing

Word Count: 611