CANNONBALL ⇒ jegulus

THIRTY ONE

"Morning, sweet pea," Regulus mumbles to his belly as he rolls over.

His pajamas shirt has ridden up during the night, a result of his endless tossing and turning throughout his slumber. His belly is poking out and Regulus, at twenty one weeks feels huge. He let's a hand fall to rest against his bump.

It's just after noon. Regulus hadn't intended to sleep in so late, but he's glad he did. The baby needs it, he tells himself, we both deserve a rest.

Regulus strokes the pad of his thumb against his belly, muttering soft nothings to his son. "Are you hungry, babe? I'm a little peckish, mummy's going to go make us some breakfast," He says gently as he rises from the cave of duvets.

Slowly, Regulus wanders down the stairs, Manon laying peacefully on one of the more higher steps; in view of the front door. She sleeps here a lot.

And so, Regulus likes to think Manon thinks of herself as a protector, keeping a watchful eye out for any intruders that may potentially come through that door.

Staggering into the kitchen with Manon trailing behind him, Regulus flicks on the kettle and begins pouring himself a bowl of cereal.

Regulus is half way through said bowl of cereal when his doorbell rings, followed by a knock at his door and Regulus begins to wonder who is so persistent in seeing him so early in the day, but he swiftly reminds himself that it is reaching midday. He really isn't used to waking up so late.

Abandoning his bowl of unfinished cereal and promising himself and his sprog that he would finish it later on, Regulus approaches his door, expecting to see Marlene and Dorcas or Lily, maybe even Andy.

But instead, he opens the door to Euphemia Potter.

Regulus stammers. "Erm, Euphemia, hi," He can't help but blush as he spots the bags of undeniably groceries in her hands. She smiles politely to him so he smiles back.

Regulus' blush deepens as he realizes he's clad in his pajames, which do nothing to hide the growing bump he's been sporting. Feeling his embarrassment grow, Regulus clears his throat. "How are you?" He asks.

He feels awkward and tesnse and he's in his bloody pajamas.

Even more so, his bump is showing in front of the woman who's son gave it to him.

Euphemia shakes her head with a kind, warm smile. "None of that tense, small talk with me, mister!" She grins gently before wagging her finger; the one with the ruby engagement ring James' father had given her all those years ago. "Now, let's go make a cup of tea, mmh?"

Regulus awkwardly steps aside to allow the shorter woman inside with her innumerable amount of grocery bags. He runs a hand through his hair before clearing his throat.

"Er, I have tea made, actually, uh, if you want a cup?" Regulus offers, despite Euphemia already expressing her desire for one. He feels truly and utterly ridiculous right now.

"Course, honey! Come on, back into the kitchen. Wouldn't want your lovely neighbors to see you in your bed clothes, eh?" Euphemia laughs softly as she calls from the kitchen, having already trekked there.

Regulus suddenly feels more at ease so he chuckles as he shuts the door behind him before following the dark haired woman into the kitchen to see her unpacking her grocery bags.

Euphemia claps her hands together before, "Now! I've brought you some essentials!"

"Erm, thanks.....thank you so much,"