Regulus lay on the couch, one hand resting on his swollen belly, the other tangled in Sirius's comforting grip. His face was contorted with exhaustion and irritation, every slight movement drawing a groan from him. Today was his due date, and he was feeling every bit of it—tired, cranky, and just wanting this baby out. His breaths came out in shallow pants, each one a testament to how taxing the day had been.
Orion, sitting beside him, gently rubbed his back in slow, soothing circles. "Breathe, Regulus," he murmured softly, his voice calm and steady. "Just breathe. You're doing great."
Regulus nodded, eyes squeezed shut, trying to focus on Orion's words and the comfort Sirius's hand provided. Just as he began to find a rhythm, a sharp pain shot through his abdomen, and he moaned, his grip tightening around Sirius's hand.
Sirius leaned closer, concern etched on his face. "Reggie," he said softly, brushing a strand of sweat-dampened hair from Regulus's forehead. "I need to check your dilation, okay? We need to see how far along you are."
Regulus whimpered at the thought, tears pricking his eyes. "I've been at this all day," he choked out, voice trembling. "And half the time...in labor... Why won't this end?" His voice broke on a sob, and he gripped Sirius's hand tighter, seeking strength.
"It's going to end soon," Sirius assured him, his voice soothing, though the worry in his eyes betrayed him. "You're so strong, Reggie. Just a little more, and you'll be holding your baby."
Orion nodded in agreement, continuing his gentle massage. "We're right here with you," he said, his voice a comforting rumble. "You're not alone, Regulus. We're going to get through this together."
Regulus took a shaky breath, nodding weakly. He knew they were right, but the constant, unrelenting pain made it hard to believe. As another contraction hit, he cried out, tears finally spilling over, a mixture of pain, exhaustion, and anticipation. He was so close, yet it felt like he was miles away from relief.
Hours seemed to blur together as the night dragged on, Regulus lost in a haze of pain and frustration. The contractions came closer and closer together, each one feeling like it would break him. But with every cry, every tear, his family was there, supporting him, grounding him.
Finally, just as dawn began to break, Regulus felt a shift. He knew, instinctively, that it was time. His cries filled the room, the final push taking everything he had left. As the clock struck five in the morning, Regulus's cries were joined by the shrill, unmistakable wail of a newborn baby.
Exhausted and relieved, Regulus fell back against the couch, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. But he managed a tired, triumphant smile as Orion and Sirius handed him his baby. The pain, the exhaustion—it all faded as he looked down at the tiny, perfect face in his arms. It had been a long, hard day, but it was all worth it for this moment.
"You did it, Reggie," Sirius whispered, tears in his eyes as he watched his brother cradling his newborn. "You did it."
Regulus smiled, the first real smile he'd managed all day, as he held his baby close. "We did it," he corrected softly, his voice full of gratitude and love for the family that had been by his side through it all.