Harry felt weightless.
It had been that way since last night, since Shikaku's hands had closed around his waist and his mouth had ravished him against that mountainside.
The memory lingered along his nerves every time he let his mind drift.
And he did drift.
Constantly.
Every time he blinked, some new memory resurfaced in his mind, the scrape of Shikaku's beard along his jaw, the low rumble the man made when Harry tipped his head back.
It had been torture not to drag him inside afterwards.
Not when Harry's hormones clawed up his spine, urging him to pull the man into the Keep, into his room, into his bed, and let him finish what he'd started.
But he wasn't too horny as to forget that the Keep was full of witnesses. Sirius and Barty were likely prowling the halls judging by how many windows were still lit, and every portrait in the castle would interrogate Shikaku on sight. And he just knew that the elves were little gossips with no sense to keep his company quiet.
Privacy in the Keep was non-existent.
So instead, they lingered at his doorstep at the Ryūjin house, whispering, laughing, touching.
The man had pinned him to his door, bodies grinding together, breathless gasps and moans coming from both of them.
When Shikaku finally pulled away, the older man's voice had been low, breath hot against Harry's ear as he whispered all the things he would do to him if he stayed the night.
And gods, Harry wanted.
He wanted Shikaku to take him to bed and claim him completely, to give himself to the older man and not stop till sunrise.
But he didn't want just a few hours of paradise before the man had to leave him and go to work.
No, he wanted to wake up next to the man in the morning.
He almost relented though—almost—but somehow kept just enough sense to slip inside and slam the door shut before Shikaku's wandering hands made him forget himself.
He'd leaned against the wood, heart pounding, and couldn't stop the soft, dazed laugh that bubbled out of him. "Goodnight, Shikaku…"
Shikaku muttering a throaty, "tease."
Now, it all felt like a fever dream.
Until a slice of sunlight found his face, sighing, he rolled upright and padded across the room to check on the boys.
Shikamaru was sprawled like a starfish, mouth open, hair sticking up in every direction. Teddy curled into his side, a tiny blue-haired lump in a blanket nest.
Merlin, they were adorable, his chest warming at the sight.
Letting the boys sleep a bit longer, he went to the kitchen and let the routine of making breakfast settle over him, humming quietly under his breath.
Routine disturbed as the kitchen door banging open and Tsunade stumbled in, carrying a wriggling Teddy who was attempting to chew her hair.
"Morning," she drawled. Mischief sparkled in her eyes the moment she saw him. "Shikaku certainly marked his territory last night. Is he still in your room? I can go wake him if you want."
Harry groaned, heat flooding his cheeks. "Please don't start. And no, he went home. Some of us actually have restraint, thank you."
No need to tell her how he almost lost his…
Tsunade barked a laugh, dropping Teddy into his highchair. "You? Restraint? I'll alert the council."
"I am a model of restraint," he said primly, but the effect was ruined when Teddy squealed and reached out for him, chubby arms waving.
"Maa!" Teddy crowed, eyes bright with delight. "Maasaa!"
Harry melted instantly. He crossed the kitchen, scooping Teddy up and pressing a kiss to his soft hair. "Good morning, little wolf. Were you good for Aunt Tsunade and Grandma Saeko?"
Tsunade snorted. "If by 'good' you mean refusing to sleep until Shikamaru read him a story and sang some hissing nonsense at him, then yes. Bedtime was a nightmare. Shikamaru even tried to wait up for you two, he was convinced you'd come home together. You're lucky Saeko had to leave before you got home."
Harry just grinned, cuddling Teddy close. "Oh, I don't believe that for a second, do I? How could you possibly be a handful, hmm?" He nuzzled Teddy's cheek, earning a giggle and a beaming smile.
But Teddy didn't stay still, he kept burrowing his face into Harry's neck, sniffing loudly, before pulling back and staring up at him in puzzlement.
The boy kept inhaling with a determined little frown, letting out a tiny growl and burrowed into his neck.
"What are you doing, Teddy-bear?" Harry asked, baffled and amused.
Tsunade nearly choked on her tea as she cackled. "Oh, that's perfect. He can smell Shikaku all over you. Have you looked at your neck yet?"
Harry's eyes widened in horror.
He reached up and gingerly touched the side of his throat, feeling the faint sting of bruises. Heat rushed to his face as he shot Tsunade a mortified glare.
Tsunade grinned, eyes glinting. "Honestly, you should see yourself."
Harry groaned, burying his face in Teddy's soft hair.
Tsunade cackled again like the witch she was. "You look ravished."
"You encouraged this."
"Best advice I've ever given you," she said smugly.
Teddy began fussing, aggressive scenting forgotten, chanting, "Faaasss! Faaasss!" until Harry set him back into his chair and passed him a cut up pear.
Tsunade came over to pour herself another cup of tea, giving Harry a sly once-over as she did. "So? Details! You can't expect me to just let this slide."
Harry shot her a look, grabbing a plate for himself. "Details of what, exactly? That we had a lovely walk in the Nara forest, a romantic moonlit picnic, and some perfectly innocent conversation?"
"Innocent, my ass. Did you at least tell him about magic?"
Harry's fingers tightened slightly on his fork. "I told him everything. About magic, about the Keep, about where I really came from. I was terrified, but…he just accepted it. Like it was the most natural thing in the world."
Tsunade's face softened, and for a moment she looked almost wistful. "Of course he did. Anyone with half a brain can see the way he looks at you. He'd want you even if you grew wings and started breathing fire."
Harry snorted. "Don't say that in front of the dragons, it will give them ideas."
"Are you happy?" she asked quietly, voice uncharacteristically gentle.
He hesitated, then smiled. "I am."
Tsunade smiled. "Good. You'll tell me if he fucks up."
They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, until Teddy started fussing again, waving his hands impatiently. "Maas, up!"
Harry grinned and plucked him from the chair, settling him on his lap. Teddy immediately snuggled in, tiny fingers tangling in Harry's shirt.
"You're getting spoiled," Harry told him, ruffling his hair. "But I suppose I'm to blame for that."
Shikamaru appeared a moment later, hair sticking out at odd angles, blinking blearily as he rubbed sleep from his eyes.
"Mornin'," he mumbled, dragging himself to the table and dropping into a chair like a puppet with cut strings.
"Good morning, my little fawn," Harry murmured, smoothing a hand over the wild tangle of his son's hair. "Sleep okay?"
Shikamaru nodded, then squinted at Harry's neck. His brow furrowed, "did you get bit by a bug?"
Tsunade snorted loudly over her tea.
Harry felt heat rush straight to his ears. "Something like that," he muttered quickly, brushing a hand over his neck and glamouring the marks away.
He hid behind his teacup, watching with quiet fondness as Shikamaru slowly blinked himself into wakefulness, and then in the space of a heartbeat, the boy's eyes sharpened, and he sat bolt upright.
"You're back!" Shikamaru blurted, all sleep gone. "Did your date with Dad go okay?"
Harry choked on nothing, coughing into his hand. "I—well—"
"Was it good?" the boy pressed, sitting forward eagerly. "Did he treat you right?" He flicked a quick glance toward Tsunade, as if checking his phrasing.
Harry laughed helplessly as he saw the exchange. Tsunade smirking over the rim of her cup like the terrible enabler she was.
"Oh, you two are absolutely in cahoots," Harry said, pointing an accusatory finger at both of them.
Tsunade lifted her hands innocently. "Don't look at me. Smart boy is just asking the right questions."
Shikamaru puffed up proudly, waiting expectantly.
Harry sighed in exaggerated defeat and set his cup aside. "Well," he drawled, stretching the word just enough to make his son squirm, "your father was very romantic. I think he must have spent half the evening lighting all those lanterns for our picnic. And the Nara forest was beautiful."
Shikamaru lit up instantly. "You went to the forest?"
Harry nodded, smiling softly at the memory. "He said I could visit anytime I wanted now. Maybe we could take a walk there soon, just the three of us."
The boy practically vibrated. "Did you meet the herd?!"
"I did," Harry said warmly. "They're wonderful. The fawns were precious, and Rikumaru, he reminded me a little of Buckbeak. You remember him? Very clever. Very proud."
Shikamaru nodded sagely, as though it were obvious. "The herd's always smart, like the Nara. And of course Rikumaru accepted you. He'd be stupid not to."
Harry's heart twisted sweetly at the unwavering confidence his son had in him.
In one smooth motion, Harry reached across the table, scooped the boy into his lap, Teddy squished between them with a confused squeak, and wrapped both of his sons in a fierce, sprawling hug.
"My sweet boy," he murmured, pressing his cheek against Shikamaru's hair.
His wolf stirred contentedly under his skin, rumbling a low, soothing growl that vibrated in his chest as he buried his face into the boy's soft hair.
The wolf's purr deepened at the combined scent of both his pups, and he couldn't help the small noise of contentment that slipped from his throat.
Tsunade arched a brow over her cup. "You're purring again," she remarked.
Harry blinked, realising the low vibration was still rumbling out of him. He flushed, ducking his head. "I—it's the wolf. He's very attached," he muttered, embarrassed.
"Attached," Tsunade repeated dryly. "I'd call it aggressive mothering."
Harry opened his mouth to retort, but Shikamaru wriggled in his lap, laughing as Harry playfully scented his hair one last time.
Harry laughed, releasing him finally.
Once things settled again, Harry leaned back and said lightly, "Before I forget, I sent invitations for your playdate this weekend. Ino, Shino, and hopefully Chouji."
Shikamaru froze mid-chew.
His earlier confidence dissolved, replaced by something small and anxious. His fingers fidgeted with the hem of his shirt as he looked up hesitantly.
"They're really coming?" he asked, voice soft. "What… what do I do?"
Harry's heart clenched.
"What do you mean, love?" he asked gently.
"I've never had friends come over to play before," Shikamaru admitted, cheeks pinking. "What if I mess up? What if it's weird?"
A flash of sharp, protective anger burned in Harry's chest at the reminder of Yoshino's neglect.
He swallowed it quickly and reached out, brushing the boy's hair from his eyes.
"Hey," Harry murmured softly. "You had fun with Fu and Gaara, didn't you?"
Shikamaru hesitated, then gave a tiny nod.
"Then this will be the same," Harry promised. "You don't have to do anything special. Just be yourself. Grandma and I will be right here if you need us. You'll do wonderfully."
Shikamaru bit his lip. "You really think so?"
Harry smiled, warm and sure. "I know so."
He paused, then added gently, "When I was your age, I didn't have playdates either. But then I met Luna, and suddenly every day was an adventure. We used to sneak to the rookery together, and her mum would sing lullabies while she taught us to play her lyre."
He trailed off, eyes distant, the memories filling his mind. He could still remember Pandora's warm smile as she'd pressed a lyre into his hands for the first time.
"You know," he continued, ruffling the boy's hair, "sometimes when you find the right friends, they stay with you forever. Like Fu and Gaara, they're still your friends, right?"
Shikamaru's expression softened. "Yeah. Gaara said his sister played with him the other day. He said it made him really happy."
Harry's chest warmed. "That's lovely. I'll have to ask him all about it when I bring him his gift next week."
Across the table, Tsunade watched the three of them and her expression softened into something equal parts longing and fond.
How domestic, she thought.
~
By lunchtime, Saeko arrived with a knowing grin.
"Well?" she said. "Did my son treat you right last night?"
Harry groaned. "Do you all have so little faith in him?"
Saeko sniffed, entirely unrepentant. "Experience, dear." Then, with a perfectly serious tone that didn't match her amused eyes, she added, "He's always been too focused on work and too lazy about everything else. It's about time someone lit a fire under him."
Harry snorted. "If you're implying I'm the fire, then your son's the one who keeps fanning the flames."
Tsunade choked on her tea again. Saeko blinked, then laughed, clapping her hands together. "Oh," she said. "I knew you would be perfect together."
Harry smiled sheepishly, still a bit pink.
Saeko leaned forward suddenly, deftly plucking Teddy from his arms before he could protest. "Now, give me this little angel," she cooed. "I need my fix."
"You were with him all night," he reminded her.
She ignored him and instead blew raspberried on Teddy's soft belly, making the baby squeal happily.
"Kami," Saeko said, "he's adorable. Look at him, Tsunade!"
The little show-off shifted his hair colour from bright blue to dark brown, identical to Shikamaru's.
"See!" Saeko crowed triumphantly. "Even he knows what he wants. A proper Nara through and through...maybe even in name one day," she said slyly.
Harry's face flamed scarlet and started clearing the leftover lunch instead.
Behind him, Saeko rummaged through the leftovers. Harry glanced over his shoulder, brow arched. "What are you doing?"
"Making a bento," she said breezily. "My son was so absentminded this morning he forgot to take his lunch. If I don't send something, he'll work himself half to death without eating."
Harry blinked. "Oh."
"Oh," she mimicked teasingly, giving him a look far too sly to be innocent. "You should take it to him. He's probably starving by now. Poor thing."
Harry narrowed his eyes. "You're not being subtle."
Saeko just smiled sweetly. "Go on, dear. I'll watch the boys. Tsunade and I can handle them for a few hours."
"I—" Harry started, but Tsunade had already betrayed him.
"Say hi to Shikaku for me," Tsunade said cheerfully.
Harry groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You're all conspiring against me."
Saeko tutted. "We're helping love along. Now go on, before the food gets cold."
Defeated, Harry accepted the neatly wrapped bento box, giving them both a mock glare.
He bent down to kiss Teddy's chubby cheek, earning a giggle, then pressed a fond kiss to the top of Shikamaru's head. "Be good for grandma and auntie, alright? I won't be long."
~
It took him longer than expected to navigate all the unfamiliar side streets near the Hokage Tower. Harry groaned when he realised he'd passed the same small dumpling stall three times.
"I could have flown here faster," he muttered.
Finally, the shape of Shikaku's building came into view.
The sight made Harry hesitate, his palms feeling sweaty as he clutched the bento in his hands.
Ridiculous.
As if he hadn't spent half the night with the man's tongue in his mouth. But still, his heartbeat quickened as he lowered his veil and stepped inside the building.
He instantly regretted it.
Dozens of sharp eyes cut toward him and Harry fought the urge to pull the veil over himself as nearly every ninja looked his way.
He approached the front desk where a woman in a barely-there top lounged with a bored expression.
"Excuse me," Harry said with polite brightness. "Could you point me toward Shikaku Nara's office?"
The woman arched a brow. "Who's asking?"
"Lord Ryūjin," Harry replied calmly, raising the neatly wrapped bento Saeko had forced into his hands. "He forgot his lunch."
That earned him a snort, but her eyes flickered with interest as she gave him one last scan.
Ninja and their paranoia, honestly.
She finally jerked her thumb. "Down the hall, fourth door on the left."
"Thank you."
He passed several more lingering stares before reaching the door with the plaque:
JOUNIN COMMANDER — NARA SHIKAKU
Harry's stomach flipped, but he rapped gently on the door.
There was a muffled thud, the rustle of paper, and a pained groan that Harry had to bite his lip to keep from laughing.
The door cracked open and Shikaku's face appeared in the gap, hair wild, eyes bleary, stubble shadowing his jaw. He looked half-awake, the very picture of a man violently torn from a nap.
He was devastating.
For a second, the man just stared, blank and utterly adorable.
Then his eyes widened and sharpened, a slow, wicked smirk tugging at his lips. "Hari?" Shikaku drawled, his voice a touch rough. "What brings you to my little corner of hell?"
Harry raised the bento in offering. "I could just leave if you're too busy."
"Don't you dare," Shikaku said, and before Harry could move, a strong hand shot out, dragging him inside and slamming the door shut with a bang.
Harry yelped as his back slammed against the closed door, breath knocked from him as the man's body pressed flush against his own.
"You're very welcome," the man murmured. "In fact, I'd say you're the best thing that's happened to this office in years."
Harry grinned, pulse leaping. "You say that now, but if I interrupted your nap—"
He got no further.
Shikaku's mouth crashed down on his, hungry and greedy, and Harry let out a muffled gasp that was instantly swallowed by the man's tongue.
The bento slipped from his grasp, thunking gently to the floor, as he twisted his hands in the thick vest, pulling Shikaku even closer.
The kiss turned fierce, hot, bruising.
A hand threaded through Harry's hair, yanking his head back to expose his neck, and Shikaku dragged his mouth down, pausing to nip at Harry's jaw.
Shikaku paused then, inspecting the skin beneath Harry's ear, lips ghosting over a spot that made Harry shiver.
Shikaku's eyes narrowed.
"Thought I left this neck a mess last night, sweetheart," he muttered, tugging his collar down.
Harry flushed at the endearment, a hand fluttering up to his neck. "I used a glamour."
Shikaku huffed out a quiet laugh, his eyes dark with need. "Let me see."
He raised a shaking hand, undoing the glamour with a just brush of magic.
The bruises bloomed across his throat in soft purplish shades, the unmistakable work of Shikaku's mouth.
His breath hitched as he felt Shikaku's thumb stroke the marks.
"…beautiful," the man whispered, smile slow and wicked. "I was thinking of adding more. Would you like that, Sweetheart?"
Harry could only nod eagerly, his words caught in his throat.
Then Shikaku's mouth sucked at the marks he'd made last night, teeth dragging, tongue soothing, then biting again until a sound escaped Harry that was half-keening, half-gasp.
Heat coiled through him so fast he nearly sagged to the floor.
"Shikaku—" His voice was breathless, ruined.
The man only pressed closer, hands sliding down to cup Harry's thighs, hauling him up.
Harry's legs wrapped around Shikaku's waist without thought, and the older man carried him across the room like he weighed nothing at all.
Shikaku settled him on the edge of his desk, neither of them caring about the towers of paperwork that scattered to the floor.
The next kiss was slower, but no less desperate. Shikaku's hands tracing Harry's waist, pushing under the hem of his shirt, calloused palms mapping his skin in a way that sent hi desperate with need.
Harry finally got his own hands under that stupid mesh shirt, and felt of hard muscle under his fingers, the trail of hair running from Shikaku's navel downward making his mouth water.
Shikaku's hips jolted forward at the touch, a bitten-off curse hot against Harry's ear.
"Fuck—" Shikaku breathed, pinning Harry to the desk.
The man's hardness pressed against his own, and for a dizzying moment, he thought he'd lose himself right then.
"Shikaku—" Harry managed, panting. "We should—gods, we should stop, you're on shift—"
Shikaku ignored him, biting down on the curve of Harry's shoulder, hands tightening on his hips. "Tell me you want me to stop," he growled. "Say the word and I will. Tell me now or I won't be able to stop myself…"
Harry shivered as Shikaku pulled him forward and ground their bodies together.
"Don't—"
A strangled sound broke from Harry's throat as he felt the full, hard press of Shikaku's arousal against his own. The heat, the pressure, the friction, Harry's head fell back, lips parting into a helpless moan.
Harry gazed up at Shikaku, the man's face straining with the effort as he held himself still.
"Don't stop," he whispered, a gasp escaping as he pressed his own hips forward.
Shikaku swallowed the sound with another kiss, mouth trailing down to bite on the curve of his shoulder. Harry could only cling to the man as he pressed their bodies together and began rocking, hard and unrelenting.
Harry's hips rolled up to meet him, each thrust desperate as he felt the hard lines of Shikaku's thick cock press against him.
It took everything in Harry not to just banish their clothes and beg Shikaku to fuck him.
He wanted to. Gods, he wanted to.
But this —this was enough for now.
"Kami," Shikaku muttered against his throat, breathing heavy as he continued to fuck their clothed cocks together. "You came to torture me."
Harry tried to retort, but their mouths came crashing together in a messy, desperate kiss. He was so close already, embarrassingly close, the heat coiling low in his belly.
They moved together, frantic and hungry. Every grind of hips sent sparks shooting through Harry's spine. His fingers dragged through Shikaku's hair, gripping tight as the man bucked into him again with a deep groan.
"K-Kaku—" Harry gasped, breath shuddering. "I'm—I'm so close—"
Shikaku only growled, "Good," and rolled his hips harder. "Let go, Sweetheart. Come for me," Shikaku rasped, voice shaking with the effort it took not to lose himself first.
Harry nearly cried out loudly, quickly clamping his teeth into his hand to smother the sound as pleasure burst through him.
He barely registered the shudder that ran through Shikaku in return, the broken curse against his throat, the way the older man buried his face in his shoulder as he trembled with his release.
The only sound in the room was their heavy breathing.
Shikaku rested against him, lips pressing against his head and one hand stroking absently along his thigh.
After a long moment, Shikaku huffed a laugh, "What a drag."
Harry's head snapped up. "Excuse me?"
Shikaku huffed a quiet laugh, dropping his head against Harry's collarbone. "I was going to finish courting you properly before taking you to bed. I was so determined." He nuzzled lightly at Harry's neck, breath warm. "Do you know how hard you made that?" He gave Harry a sharp look. "And now look at us. There goes self-control."
Harry leaned up and whispered against his ear, "I wasn't planning to wait that long anyway."
Shikaku made a strangled growl, dropping his forehead against Harry's shoulder in defeat.
"Troublesome," he muttered hoarsely. "You can't say things like that when I have night shifts for the next couple of days."
Harry grinned breathlessly. "Not my fault you're easily distracted."
Shikaku nipped his neck gently. "Not my fault you're irresistible."
Then his voice dropped lower.
"And for the record," Shikaku murmured, lips brushing Harry's pulse, "when I take you fully, it will be with you flat on your back in our bed. So I can take my time." He kissed high on Harry's throat. "So I can worship every inch of you." Another kiss. "So I can make you come undone with my hands and mouth until you're begging." Another warm brush of lips. "Only then will I fuck you senseless."
Harry let out a helpless, shaking swear, body arching.
He was getting hard again.
And Shikaku knew it.
Which was why the bastard pulled back with a smirk.
Harry opened his mouth to protest, but Shikaku stepped slightly away, grimacing at the damp stain on his own trousers.
"…I need to find my spare pair," he muttered.
Harry glanced down at himself and winced, feeling the cooling mess in his trousers was… unpleasant.
Shikaku rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Think you could twirl back home and change?" He smirked then. "Or you can take them off and sit in my lap until I finish my paperwork. Should be done in time for dinner."
Harry snorted and slid a hand behind Shikaku's neck to pull him back in for a slow, lingering kiss.
Then he clicked his fingers.
A warm ripple of magic washing over them both, cleaning them instantly.
Shikaku blinked.
Harry smirked.
"You didn't forget about magic already, did you?"
Harry flushed when Shikaku's voice dipped low, "There's not a chance I could forget anything about you."
Shikaku tugged gently at his wrist, half slumped in his chair.
"Come here."
Shikaku guided him easily onto his lap, and Harry settled with a small sigh. Sitting like this, his back against Shikaku's chest, the man's strong arms holding him tight… it was maddeningly comfortable.
Shikaku's chin settled atop his shoulder, a soft exhale brushing Harry's neck.
They stayed like that for a long moment.
"How was your morning?" Shikaku murmured finally, his thumb tracing idle circles on Harry's stomach. "Before you decided to bring me lunch and ruin me."
Harry snorted softly. "Peaceful. Mostly. Shikamaru tried to interrogate me about our date while Tsunade encouraged him like the menace she is. Teddy was an angel of course."
Shikaku's hum of amusement rumbled against Harry's back.
Harry continued softly, "Despite Saeko's teasing, your mother's been very kind to me."
Shikaku's arms tightened around him in question.
"I was thinking…" His voice dipped shy, almost uncertain. "I might tell her tonight. About magic. She's Shikamaru's grandmother and…" his throat went warm, "hopefully Teddy's too."
When he looked up, Shikaku's expression had softened drastically.
Before Harry could lose his courage, he added, "I don't want to hide anything from her."
Shikaku cupped the back of Harry's neck and pulled him into a kiss so gentle, that sent butterflies darting through Harry's stomach.
"She will accept you no matter what," Shikaku murmured against his lips. "I'm pretty sure she already loves you and Teddy more than me."
Harry beamed, "If she's anything like you then she will accept magic with no issues."
He didn't feel the slight flinch before Shikaku pulled him in for another kiss.
Harry melted easily.
But when they broke apart, Shikaku hid his face in the curve of Harry's neck. The man's arms tightened as if pulling Harry closer could shield from something.
Harry brought a hand up gently, threading fingers into Shikaku's hair. "You okay?" he whispered.
Shikaku only hummed, so Harry changed the subject.
"Will you make it home for dinner?" Harry asked softly.
"I've got a few hours to spare between shifts," Shikaku answered, the brush of his nose against Harry's throat. "After that, I'm stuck here for a couple of days."
Harry's thumb brushed under Shikaku's eye, smudging at the dark circles. "Then come home first. Take a nap before you go back. I've heard Nara brains are so overworked they require scheduled naps."
Shikaku groaned. "You make it impossible to argue."
"Good," Harry said brightly. "I'll pack your dinner to go."
Shikaku laughed softly.
Before Harry could react, Shikaku shifted his grip, hands sliding down to Harry's thighs. Then, with one strong pull, Harry was turned fully around, straddling his lap.
Harry gasped, gripping the man's shoulders after the sudden movement. "Show-off."
"That impressive enough for you?" Shikaku smirked up at him.
Harry leaned in, brushing their lips together. "Maybe. Is this what will happen every time I try to take care of you?"
Shikaku's hands squeezed at his hips. "Hmm, just like holding you close," he murmured, forehead resting against Harry's, "I'm not fool enough to refuse you wanting to spoil me."
Harry laughed quietly and kissed him again, "you're allowed to be pampered," he whispered.
Then the man was kissing him again, his hands tracing over Harry's back.
He could have stayed like that forever, but time had passed by them quickly.
"I should go," Harry murmured eventually, though neither of them moved. "I need to take care of the boys so the ladies can go back to work."
Harry started to slide off his lap, only for Shikaku to pull him straight back in for a lingering kiss.
"Just one more," Shikaku muttered against his lips.
Harry laughed softly into the kiss. "And then another, right?"
"Blame yourself," Shikaku murmured, brushing his mouth along Harry's jaw. "You keep kissing back."
Proving his point, Harry kissed him again. Then, with a shaky laugh, he pulled away properly.
"Really," he said, breathless, "I should go, and you should get back to work."
He bent to pick up the bento box from the floor, brushing it off. A quick wave of his hand reheated its contents.
"Here. Try not to forget to eat."
Shikaku accepted it with a grunt, only to find Harry's fingers curling in his hair again as Harry leaned down for one last, lingering kiss.
"I'll see you tonight," Harry whispered, lips brushing his.
"Troublesome minx," Shikaku grumbled softly.
Harry grinned, slipping out the door.
Harry paused outside, leaning back against the wooden surface, breath unsteady and cheeks burning.
He ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm his pounding heart before heading toward the exit.
Shikaku was definitely going to need that nap later.
~
Despite the suggestive smirks and needling from some of the ninja —and some not so positive gossiping he had overheard— Harry was still floating when he apparated back to the house.
He let himself linger by the door, fingers pressed to his lips, savouring the ghost of Shikaku's mouth against his own.
Gods, what a way to ruin him for life.
Just the memory of Shikaku pressed against him, hands everywhere, mouth claiming, teeth scraping, cocks rutting together, it had his pulse racing again.
He fanned himself uselessly, cheeks flushed pink.
He'd always imagined intimacy as being something delicate, almost breakable, but with Shikaku it felt like being devoured, sweet, possessive, overwhelming. And he wanted nothing more than to be claimed again, to spread himself open and let that lazy, clever man take him apart and put him back together.
Merlin, he really was a wolf in heat.
The sound of laughter bought him back to himself and he drew in a steadying breath, making sure the glamour was back on his neck before stepping through the door.
~
Harry stirred the pot gently, watching steam curl from the broth as he worked alongside Saeko that night.
She moved with the easy confidence of someone who had cooked the same meal for decades, sleeves tied neatly at her elbows, chopping green onions with swift, efficient strokes.
Harry tried to match her pace —he really did—but he kept getting distracted.
He had been meaning to tell her at dinner, originally at his house, where he could control the environment and not worry about unexpected visitors or clan members walking in on a magically animated teapot.
But Saeko had invited him to the Nara home instead, smiling warmly and insisting it was "high time he let someone else cook for once."
Harry had immediately offered to help anyway. Partially because he loved cooking.
Mostly because it kept his hands busy.
He stirred the pot a little too aggressively.
Saeko gave him a side-eye. "You're going to lose that spoon into the stew if you're not careful."
Harry winced. "Sorry. Distracted."
"Yes," she said dryly, dropping chopped scallions into a small bowl. "I noticed."
He opened his mouth, then closed it again.
He wasn't nervous per se. Saeko was kind, motherly, impossibly perceptive. She had already accepted him as Shikamaru's… mother? Parent? Something between both.
But magic was different.
And if Saeko reacted poorly… Harry didn't want to think about what that would do to Shikaku. Or Shikamaru.
He inhaled slowly, turning away from the pot to take the dish Saeko handed to him.
"Taste."
He did.
The broth was perfect, warming, earthy, just the type of comfort food he needed.
Saeko nodded in approval. "Good. Add another handful of mushrooms. The boys love them."
It was such a normal moment that Harry felt his anxiety stutter slightly, the panic loosening.
He liked being here.
He liked cooking with her.
He liked the way she hummed under her breath and the way she occasionally bumped shoulders with him.
Saeko broke the silence first.
"So," she said, voice light and deceptively casual, "Shikaku sent me a message saying you scolded him like a tired old man."
Harry flushed bright red. "I didn't scold him. I just said he looked exhausted."
Saeko actually laughed, warm and amused. "You two really are adorable."
Harry refused to rise to the bait.
After a moment, Saeko's asked. "How did you like his workplace?"
Harry paused, scowl forming instantly. "Ninja are nosy pests, and they need to mind their own business."
Saeko blinked amused.
Harry muttered darkly under his breath, "Staring at me like I'm a piece of cake. Asking who I am to their commander. And the wolf whistles. Merlin's balls, the wolf whistles."
Saeko snorted. "My goodness."
Harry continued hotly, "When I was leaving, one man had the audacity to wink at me and call me 'Shikaku-sama's tasty little—'"
Saeko dropped her ladle. "WHO?"
Harry covered his face with both hands. "I don't know, I didn't look! I was trying very, very hard to escape with my dignity intact."
"Oh, child." Saeko wiped her eyes, shaking with laughter. "You poor thing."
Harry glared, cheeks burning. "His workplace is full of barbarians."
"Welcome to Konoha," she said cheerfully. "You get used to them."
"Well I certainly don't want to," Harry muttered.
Saeko held her stomach, laughing. "They'll get over it. And if they don't, my son will set them straight. No one in that building wants to be on the wrong side of Shikaku's temper."
Harry's lips twitched. "Good."
They worked in silence a moment before Harry hesitated.
"Saeko… can I ask you something?"
Her posture shifted immediately, but her eyes stayed warm. "Of course."
Harry fiddled with a bowl. "Do you think it's too soon? For Shikaku to be seen with someone I mean?"
Saeko blinked. "Too soon?"
Harry swallowed. "I heard one of the Jounin whispering 'didn't Lady Nara just pass away? You'd think Shikaku-sama would honour the mourning period.'"
Saeko froze.
Harry rushed on, stomach twisting. "I just—am I ruining his reputation? Will the village think badly of him because he's courting me?"
The silence stretched for a beat.
Then Saeko exhaled through her nose.
"Oh, child," she said, voice low, "sit down."
Harry startled, obeying instantly.
"That woman," Saeko said, voice flat, "is not mourned by anyone in this clan."
Saeko continued, tone sharp enough to cut steel. "Yoshino brought shame to this clan long before she died. Shame, and more harm than we realised."
Harry opened his mouth, but Saeko raised a hand, stopping him gently.
"This clan," she said carefully, "would no more honour her memory than it would honour a cursed scroll. I won't lie to you, Shikaku took great pleasure in killing her when he found out that it was her who sold Shikamaru. And as for Shikamaru…" Her jaw tightened. "That boy suffered. You know that."
Harry's chest clenched as he remembered the trauma his son had endured.
Saeko leaned closer, eyes blazing with fierce, protective fire. "If anyone in this village dares speak ill of my son for finding happiness again, they can come to me and learn precisely why Yoshino was killed."
Harry inhaled sharply.
Saeko softened slightly. "We kept the truth quiet because the elders insisted airing it publicly would tarnish the clan. But make no mistake, if the village begins whispering cruelty about Shikaku or about you, I will tell them everything myself."
Harry's throat tightened painfully. "Saeko…"
Her hand reached across the counter, warm and steady, covering his. "You are no stain on this clan's reputation, Hari. You are a blessing."
Harry swallowed thickly, blinking away burning tears. "Thank you," he whispered.
Saeko squeezed his fingers once, then released him. "Now. You said you had something to tell me?"
He nodded slowly, nerves crashing back over him. "Yes."
"Go on."
Harry wiped his palms on his apron.
"You've probably noticed some strange things about me," he began. "Or maybe at the house."
Only seeing curiosity, he continued. "Where I come from, there's no chakra. I don't have a chakra system like you do," he admitted.
That startled her. Saeko's eyes widening in horror, mouth parting. "But that's…how can you even be alive?" she asked, voice full of honest confusion and worry. "Everyone has chakra, even if they can't use it. Do you have chakra sickness? It's impossible to live without a chakra system. Even infants—"
"No," Harry said quickly. "No sickness."
Saeko stared at him.
Then reached out suddenly and grabbed his face gently, turning his head to the side as if she expected to see a physical seam where chakra should be.
"You have no chakra?" she whispered. "None?"
"None," Harry confirmed softly. "My body just doesn't make it naturally like you do."
Saeko whispered, horrified, "Then how are you alive?"
Harry offered a tiny, sheepish smile. "Magic."
"Magic," she repeated.
Harry nodded. "My people use magic instead of chakra. It's a part of us, it fuels our abilities, it… it's a whole different system."
Saeko sat back slowly, processing. "Magic."
"Yes."
She blinked. Again. "Magic."
"Yes," Harry repeated, trying not to laugh nervously.
Her jaw set. "Explain."
"I… come from another world," he said quietly. "Literally. A different world entirely. No chakra. No shinobi. Only magic. My magic lets me absorb the chakra around me so I can use it, and I haven't had any problems since I arrived."
Saeko's lips parted in silent shock. "Another… world…"
He told her, briefly, about the magical world he'd left behind, about the ritual that brought him to this world. He spoke of ancestors and old enemies.
As he spoke, Saeko listened intently, brow furrowed in thought, but never once pulling away.
Harry rubbed his neck sheepishly. "And not long after I dove into the sea and scooped up a little fawn."
Both their gazes drifted to the living room where Shikamaru and Teddy were sprawled on the floor, building wonky towers with blocks, the younger boy shrieking happily each time Shikamaru let him knock one over.
Harry's smile softened. "He was so small. So brave."
Saeko's eyes warmed deeply as she watched them. "You saved him."
Harry hesitated. "I also changed him. Did Shikaku tell you about the blood adoption?"
Saeko nodded immediately. "He did. And I was sworn to secrecy."
Harry blinked surprised. "Oh."
Saeko reached across the counter again, cupping his hand.
"Why tell me now?" she asked.
"Because," Harry said, "I want you to know all of me. Shikaku knows, and you're Shikamaru's grandmother. I—" he swallowed, shy and earnest. "I hope, one day, you'll be Teddy's real grandmother, too."
Saeko's face broke into a soft, radiant smile. "You silly boy," she murmured, thumb stroking his knuckles. "You've always been family. Shikaku told me about the blood adoption, and I kept it secret because he asked me to. I don't care how you made Shikamaru your son, only that you did."
She reached up, cupping his cheek in a gesture so achingly maternal Harry almost crumpled. "He never truly had a mother, not until you came along. Whether you and Shikaku last forever or not, you're part of our clan as his parent."
A soft, helpless laugh escaped Harry, thick with emotion. "Saeko…"
Saeko squeezed his cheek once more before withdrawing. "Now. You said something about magic developing in Shikamaru?"
Harry nodded, wiping under his eyes quickly. "Yes. He's already forming a magical core. I can feel it. Parseltongue is just the first gift he got from my blood. He'll likely manifest a gift for an element as well. Shadow's are closely linked to your clan's nature, so he will probably excel at using shadow magic."
Saeko leaned back, pondering. "Alright, now tell me I'm not crazy and the new portrait in your house actually moves? I turned away and when I looked back, it froze in a completely different position. Is it—was it alive?"
Harry burst into laughter.
Saeko slapped his arm lightly. "Don't laugh! I thought I was losing my mind!"
Harry grinned, wiping a tear of laughter. "No, no, you're absolutely right. The portraits are alive in a way."
Saeko stared.
Harry rushed to explain. "They're magical paintings. They hold pieces of the original person's personality, memories, and voice. They can talk, move, and travel between frames."
Saeko blinked. "Travel?"
"Yes. That particular frame is a master frame. It connects to the Keep, my home where the dragons live. My ancestors use the new frame to visit the boys. They've been pestering me daily to bring the boys to see them, but I've been busy so this is a compromise."
Saeko put a hand over her face. "I cannot believe I was suspicious of a painting yesterday."
Harry wheezed. "Who was it?"
"The tall one," she muttered. "He looked like he was judging me."
Harry dissolved into laughter again.
Saeko glared, cheeks pink. "Stop laughing at me!"
Harry tried and failed miserably.
Saeko laughed, shaking her head. "And the dittany plant? I sent a cutting to Research and Development, and the Nara researchers want to speak to you. It's done things I've never seen before."
Harry grinned, recognising a fellow Ravenclaw when he saw one. "I thought you might enjoy it. The elves take care of my greenhouses, maybe I can show you some other plants."
At that, Saeko looked at him quizzically. "Elves?"
He paused, biting his lip. "Promise you won't panic?"
Saeko arched a brow, though her hand unconsciously slid toward a nearby knife.
"House elves are magical servants," Harry explained. "They need magic to survive, but they're family, really. My family." He reassured. "I want you to meet Tilly. She's been dying to reveal herself."
He called softly, "Tilly?"
There was a sharp crack, and suddenly a small, bright-eyed figure appeared at Harry's side, eyes luminous, ears twitching with delight.
"Master Harry!" Tilly squeaked, throwing her arms up. "Master finally tells them! Can Tilly stop hiding now, please? Tilly doesn't want to hide behind curtains anymore!"
Saeko's grip on the knife faltered.
"It's alright, she's just excitable."
Tilly bounced, beaming. "Master's friends is Tilly's friends now, yes? Tilly can cook and clean and take care of the little ones! Tilly missed being able to helps."
Saeko stared, mouth open, then slowly relaxed as Tilly peered up at her with hopeful, wide eyes.
Harry grinned, patting Tilly's hand affectionately. "Saeko, meet Tilly. She's been with me since Nox hatched from her egg."
Saeko found her voice at last "Well, Tilly, if you're helping with dinner tonight, you'd better be ready to learn the Nara way."
Tilly puffed up, nodding fiercely. "Tilly learns everything! Nara food, Nara house, Tilly is ready!"
Harry laughed, happiness welling in his chest as he watched the two patter about the kitchen finishing the meal.
He was sure Tilly was glad to be able to do her normal duties again.
He couldn't help but smile when Saeko pulled out a stool for the elf to stand on as she explained the meal to the excited elf.
~
He carried Teddy on his hip, the baby's head lolling drowsily against his shoulder, little fist clutching a strand of Harry's hair. He was on the verge of sleep, but the moment Harry left the lounge, Teddy perked up, little nose twitching.
Then the front door creaked, and in shuffled Shikaku.
He looked absolutely wrecked, dead on his feet.
The man slung his flak jacket onto the entryway hook with a grunt, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose as he yawned wide enough to make his jaw pop.
Harry didn't even have time to call out before Teddy caught sight of his favourite victim.
Teddy's little face lit up. "Sh'kuuu! Sh'kuuu!" he yelled, wriggling so hard Harry nearly lost his grip. "Sh'kuuu!"
Harry set him down, barely steadying him before Teddy took off, arms flailing, feet thumping wildly across the floor. There was nothing but pure adoration in the way he flung himself at Shikaku.
The sight of Shikaku kneeling down to the floor to catch Teddy, who all but launched into his arms did something soft and dangerous to Harry's chest.
"Hello, little terror," Shikaku murmured, voice rough with tiredness but thick with warmth. "Did you make trouble for your mother today?"
Harry let out a quiet sigh from the doorway, lips twitching despite himself.
He rally should go back to Waterfall and kick Okada for telling Shikaku the meaning of Maashah.Teddy babbled happily, oblivious to everything but the fact that he had his favourite adult Nara in his clutches. His little hands found Shikaku's hair, then shoved his little nose into Shikaku's cheek and inhaled so deeply it made Shikaku blink.
"Trying to sniff out all my secrets, huh?" Shikaku asked, voice softening as he let the baby scent him. "Anything new today, puppy?"
Teddy responded with a long story involving "Shika," "boom!" and a dozen words neither man could untangle, but Shikaku nodded seriously at every syllable. "That so? You don't say! And what did your brother do about it?"
Harry, still leaning in the doorway, just watched them, heart so full it almost hurt.
This—this was everything he'd ever wanted.
"Of course," Shikaku said gravely, giving Teddy's belly a gentle tickle that made the boy squeal and kick. "I'll have to consult with your Maashah. See if I need to assign you extra missions for being such a handful. Though I'm sure something so cute could do no wrong."
Harry rolled his eyes, but the smile stretching his mouth was pure affection. "Don't go putting dangerous ideas in his head," he teased, folding his arms and arching an eyebrow.
"I'm not wrong if it's true, sweetheart," Shikaku replied, eyes dark and laughing as he straightened, shifting Teddy to one arm.
The man made his way over, pausing right in front of Harry. With his free arm, he reached out and tugged Harry closer for a brief, chaste kiss, just a brush of lips, but it made his toes curl.
Then, with a sly smile, he murmured, "Honey, I'm home…"
It was pure mischief, the kind that begged to be answered.
Harry grinned, hooked his fingers into Shikaku's shirt, and pulled him down for a proper kiss. He sighed softly as Shikaku pressed their bodies together, careful of the squirming baby wedged between them
They might have gotten stuck like that if Teddy hadn't suddenly gone rigid, little body vibrating with an uncharacteristic fierce growl.
Startled, Harry pulled back just enough to see Teddy's scrunched-up face, nose wrinkled, eyes narrowed as he sniffed the air around Shikaku.
Shikaku pretended to be affronted, "Did I do something to offend you, puppy?"
Teddy ignored him, turning, arms reaching insistently for Harry, climbing up his chest and burrowing into his neck, emitting a series of tiny, stubborn huffs.
"Don't worry, he's just being territorial. The wolf in him must be a bit confused with all our scents mingling."
"Puppy's got good instincts," Shikaku muttered, "but he better get used to it. These scents are going to be mixing a lot more from now on." His eyes gleamed, voice thick with promise.
A thrill went through Harry at that, and before he could stop himself, he leaned in, brushing his nose along the column of Shikaku's neck, breathing him in, spice, sweat, and ink.
The rumble in his chest deepened, and he nipped lightly at the man's throat, only dimly aware of what he was doing.
He half-registered Teddy's delighted attempt at rumbling back, the baby's warble high and eager as he tried to scent both of his parents at once, little hands kneading into hair and shirts.
He might have kept going, might have pressed in and let his wolf take over completely, but he caught himself, blushing, when he realised what he must look like.
Harry pulled back, apologising under his breath, but Shikaku just grinned, kissing his hair.
"You can do that whenever you want," he murmured, then, with a glint in his eyes, dragged his own nose up Harry's neck in imitation, making him shiver.
"Fair warning, though, do that again and I'll be tempted to carry you upstairs."
Harry's answering smile was bright and wicked. Then he smoothed his thumb under the man's eyes, frowning at the tired lines. "You look exhausted. Do you want food or sleep first?"
"I'll take your advice and take dinner to work." Shikaku groaned, rolling his neck. "Sleep first. Puppy's out already, look."
Sure enough, Teddy was dozing off against his chest, little mouth slack as he snored lightly.
Harry reached for the baby, but Shikaku shook his head. "I've got him. I'll put him down, say goodnight, and maybe get a few hours myself. Might be the only time I get this week."
Harry's heart melted. "Alright," he said quietly. "I'll bring up that tea you like. Shikamaru's putting away his games, he'll want to say goodnight too."
He watched as Shikaku pressed another kiss to Teddy's head and shuffled upstairs, broad shoulders bowed with exhaustion.
He busied himself in the kitchen, brewing Shikaku's favourite blend, balancing the mug carefully as he padded up the stairs.
As he passed Shikamaru's door, he peeked inside. The boy was packing away his shogi pieces carefully.
Harry paused, frowning at the empty corner where the cot used to sit. He could have sworn he saw it there the day before. But before he could ask, a soft hum from down the hall caught his attention.
He followed the sound, stopping in the open doorway of the room.
He blinked, stunned.
The last time he'd seen this room, it was bare, used for storage he thought. Now it was painted in gentle blues, clouds drifting across the ceiling, not magical but beautiful, nonetheless. There was a playpen in the corner, soft blankets and plush toys spilling out, and a crib draped in a delicate mobile of deer that twirled in the air.
Shikaku was swaying gently with Teddy in his arms, murmuring something into the boy's hair as he settled him into the cot.
He ducked away, not wanting to ruin the moment, and slipped down the hall to leave Shikaku's tea on his bedside table.
He barely had a moment to compose himself before he felt arms slip around his waist from behind.
Harry turned in the circle of his arms, smiling up, only to pause at the shadow flickering across Shikaku's face. "What's wrong?" he asked quietly.
Shikaku hesitated. "I hope I'm not overstepping. Making the nursery…we talked about it, but I didn't want to pressure you into staying here more if you didn't want to."
Harry reached up, hands cradling the man's jaw, and kissed him gently.
"You have no idea what that room means to me," he whispered, eyes shining. "Thank you, Shikaku. Really."
Something melted in Shikaku's face, all the tension and worry ebbing away. He reached up, fingers combing through Harry's hair. "I haven't done the room you stay in yet," he confessed, voice thick. "Was kind of hoping you'd just stay in mine instead."
Desire flared hot and fierce in Harry's belly, and he grinned, rising onto his toes to brush their mouths together again, voice sure. "I want that," he said, letting the truth ring out. "I want you. I don't even want to sleep apart, not in my house, not in yours. I want you."
In a heartbeat, he swept Harry up, pressing him down onto the bed, hovering above him with a wolfish grin.
"Tell me again," Shikaku growled, mouth finding Harry's throat, biting down just hard enough to leave a mark.
Harry gasped, hands greedy on the man's back. "I want you—want to stay with you—"
The rest was lost to a fierce kiss of lips and teeth. His hands fumbled beneath Shikaku's shirt, tracing the ridges of muscle, dragging the fabric up and over his head with a little help. The man's hair tumbled loose from its band, falling in wild over his face and shoulders.
Hari stared, breathless. "Oh."
He reached up, almost reverently, fingers threading into the heavy, dark hair, tugging gently. Shikaku shuddered, relaxing into the touch like a cat, eyes half-lidded.
"Why'd it take so long to see you like this?" Harry breathed, reverent and wicked all at once. "I'm having a lot of thoughts right now."
Shikaku's lips curved in a dangerous smirk.
He nipped at Harry's neck, "feel free to hold on, sweetheart. Especially when I'm between your pretty thighs."
The needy whine that escaped Harry was mortifying.
Then Shikaku's hands found Harry's braid, loosening it with slow, teasing fingers, winding the length of hair around his fist. He tugged, gentle but commanding, and Harry arched up with a gasp, legs spreading in open invitation.
"Imagined this," Shikaku whispered, voice pitched low and dirty, "holding your hair like this while you take my cock down your throat. Watching that pretty mouth of yours stretched around me, fucking into you nice and slow, holding you by your hair. Want that?"
Harry whimpered, body answering for him, cock twitching in desperate need. "Yes—I want it," he breathed.
Shikaku cursed, then claimed his mouth, hands rough on Harry's hips. He started to lift Harry's shirt, trailing kisses up his stomach, biting and soothing every inch he could reach.
But just as Shikaku began to push the shirt higher, there was the sound of a door slamming from down the hall.
Shikaku groaned, dropping his forehead to Harry's stomach, frustration thick. "Next time we're leaving the boys with my mother."
Harry let out a strangled laugh, half wanting to cry, half ready to start a mutiny. He pulled the man up for another kiss and shifted his hips against Shikaku's tented trousers, just to be petty, smirking at the man's ragged curse.
"Drink your tea and go to sleep," Harry sniffed, pretending nonchalance.
Shikaku sat up on the edge of the bed, unstrapping his weapons pouch from his thigh, then beginning to undo the bandages around his ankles with a groan.
Watching him, Harry's feigned irritation melted away. Shikaku looked so tired, worn down to the bone.
Guilt twisted in Harry's stomach, scolding himself for not letting the man sleep right away.
He slid from the bed to his knees in front of the man, gently pushing Shikaku's hands aside and taking over the task of untangling the wrappings. He moved slowly, setting the cloth to the side, hands lingering on Shikaku's calves.
He looked up through his lashes.
Shikaku's eyes were dark, fixed on him, every line of his body tense. "Did I not just tell you what I would do with you on your knees," he rasped, voice hoarse with want.
Harry let his cheek rest on the man's thigh, gaze coy and sweet. "I'm just helping you this once. I really do need to thank you for the nursery, don't I?"
The whispered, "fuck," and the low, broken groan that followed made Harry grin.
He leaned up, pressing a kiss to Shikaku's stomach, right above the waistband of his trousers, then stood.
He set the tea inside Shikaku's hand. "Drink up and try to sleep, old man."
Shikaku drank the tea then flopped back onto the bed with theatrical exhaustion, dragging the blanket up over his chest, eyes squeezing shut.
"Too worked up to sleep now," he grumbled.
The door cracked open, and Shikamaru peeked his head around the edge, beaming when he saw his father. "Dad? Can I come take a nap too?"
Harry laughed, patting the bed.
Shikamaru scampered across the floor and launched himself at his father, earning a groan of protest as he landed on Shikaku's chest, but the boy only giggled, wriggling under the covers and curling up tight.
Harry was about to slip away and let them sleep, but Shikaku reached out, catching his wrist, tugging him onto the bed as well. "Stay," he murmured, voice heavy-lidded but intent.
Harry let himself be pulled in, Shikaku's arm around his waist.
Harry couldn't resist, threading his fingers through Shikaku's loose hair, scratching lightly at the man's scalp.
Shikamaru shifted, turning to face Harry, little hands latching possessively onto Harry's free hand, guiding it up to his own head. He fixed Harry with a pleading look.
"Head pats?" he whispered.
Harry snorted, using his magic to flick off all the lights, plunging the room into a darkness. He lay there, one hand in Shikaku's hair, one hand petting Shikamaru's head.
He must have drifted off.
One moment, he was floating in a haze of content, the next he was blinking awake.
Shikaku was gone already.
Shikamaru, however, had wormed himself so far into Harry's side that they were practically tangled together, little hands curled in his shirt. On his other side, Teddy must have been brought in some time in the night, now barricaded with pillows, thumb tucked in his mouth and blue hair plastered to his flushed cheek.
Harry just let his head flop back onto the pillow, eyes falling shut as he breathed in the scent that was so purely Shikaku and his pups. For the first time in ages, his body felt fully rested, and the bubble of happiness in his chest was so big he wanted to giggle to himself.
He had a man he was falling—no, already in love with. He had his boys, his hatchlings, Sirius was healed and as mouthy as ever. Saeko had accepted him. Tsunade, Shizune, even Barty had slotted perfectly into their little family.
It would all be perfect, really, if Luna and the others could be here too. But he ruthlessly pushed the thought down, refusing to ruin his morning with such thoughts.
Still, he couldn't help frowning a little as he considered how up and down his emotions had become lately.
He'd always been prone to strong feelings, but lately it was so hard not to lose himself in the overwhelming urge to mother everyone, his children, Tsunade, even Barty, and he was the last person who would accept any mothering.
The wolf inside him only seemed to make it worse.
He resolved to ask Sirius about animagus instincts, wondering if this was normal, or if he was simply going mad.
It didn't feel harmful, not really.
He only gave into the kinder instincts when it was safe, when they were in their dens. But it was still unnerving.
And his knowledge of being a bearer was woefully incomplete. He'd stopped reading most of the literature on it after learning he couldn't have children in this world. It had felt pointless —painful, even— to dwell on what he could never have.
But he has children. He has Shikamaru and Teddy and his hatchlings. He was a parent, even if he'd never carried a child.
Still…perhaps it was time to dust off those books, to see if there was something biological happening after all.
Sighing at his heavy thoughts, he instead summoned a tempus charm, startling when the glowing numbers told him it was past seven.
"Twelve hours?" he muttered to himself, genuinely impressed.
No wonder he felt so good.
He couldn't remember the last time he'd slept so long without it being potion induced.
But there was no staying in the warm nest of blankets forever.