CANNONBALL ⇒ jegulus

THRITY FIVE

James' fingers graze against Regulus belly softly as he kisses the younger man as they walk out the doorway, heading towards Lily's. "You're...you're sure you're going to be okay here for another few weeks? I don't have to go back-"

Regulus shakes his head. "James, you're going to cause a Sirius sized tantrum if you don't," He reminds his boyfriend. God. His boyfriend. Regulus Black never imagined he would have a boyfriend. The word seemed so lost to him, the mere idea seemed so surreal to him; not that he particularly minds, though.

James intertwines their fingers as they walk towards their friends apartment. They're making their rounds, James had said before they'd left. James wants to drop by everyone's while he's home for a bit, Marlene, Dorcas and his parents are also on the list.

"I know, I know," James sighs softly. "I just like to be around you, to get to spend some time with you and the little one," He pauses. "I can't miss out on anything. I don't want to miss a thing-"

"I'm twenty three weeks, you'll have plenty of time. Besides, the little one is going to be here in the next few weeks, you'll have all the time you need," Regulus says gently. He looks up at James, their eyes meeting. "Trust me, you're not going to miss anything," He reassures firmly. "I wouldn't let you muss out anyways, silly,"

James chuckles. "M'sorry, love. I just don't want anything big to happen without me if I go back to tour and leave you here all by yourself,"

Regulus is about to ask James what could happen in his absence that would be so huge but then he is reminded woefully of all of the things James has missed. The kicking, the heartbeat, Regulus swallows. "James..." He trails.

James blinks, concerned. "Yeah? What's wrong? Why have you taken that tone with me? You sound all floaty and whimsical-"

Regulus hums before whispering with a small smile. "I...I heard his heartbeat,"

"You....you did?" James almost stops walking completely.

Regulus just nods, squeezing James' hand. "Yeah, I did,"

"What....what was it like?" James' voice is barely above an utter.

"It was amazing," Regulus can't find any other adjective words for the feelings and emotions that rushed through his as he listened to his little boy's heart beat loudly.  "It sounded amazing, I wish I had recorded it or something-"

"Can you? Next time? For me?" The questions rush out of James quickly. Regulus suspects he inquires before he even has taken the time to consider them.

Regulus nods. "Of course I can," He responds.

James breaks out in a bashful smile before shyly admitting, "I think I'd like to do something with that, his heartbeat. I could use it in something I'm working on, y'know? It sound sappy and a lottle stupid, but-"

Regulus interrupts. "No, James, that sounds....it sounds lovely," He grins gently. "That would be brilliant. I'll make sure I get that recording for you, alright?"

"Thanks, you brilliant boy,"

Lily welcomes them with open arms and slight teary eyes at the sight of James' messy hair. She practically crushes them with a hug while James uttered, "Hey, watch Reg's tummy, my son is in there," He had laughed.

Lily sets a tray of biscuits before them with three mugs of tea. She takes a seat in a swirly armchair while the men take the sofa. Lily grins. "So? This is quite the arrangement!" She gestures to the pair, whom are seated rather closet than usual. "Have you two finally sorted out your idiocy?"