Ed nodded and exhaled slowly.  He hid the pang he felt at his words well, at least outwardly.  He couldn’t hide it in his thoughts though as he glanced over at Regulus.  “I suppose it was,” he replied.  

After a moment’s hesitation, he glanced away.  “I mean, we’re both adults here…” he started.  “I’m going to leave the ball in your court.  No pressure or anything, but it is fun… whatever this is.”

“Kids aren’t exactly my thing.” Regulus finished. Not that the girl was horrible, it was more her presence than anything else. He could hear everything now, Edgar made it nearly impossible not to. “I’ve not got much time for anything else, nothing serious.” Partly a lie these days given his lack of other jobs. He’d been grounded for a little while, nut it gave him more time to work on ways around the security measures that were put in place against him.

-

Ed relaxed slightly, glancing back over at the other man.  He didn’t want to bring up the fact that Regulus left him on read.  If Regulus wanted to bring it up, he could, but Edgar wasn’t about to flat out asking him why.  Ed knew why, but it wasn’t his place.  

“I get it,” he replied easily, falling back into a natural cadence with his words.  “Life is hectic most of the time.”  He knew Regulus never would have texted again if they hadn’t bumped into each other (quite literally) because Edgar had this feeling that Ella ruined whatever the hell this might turn into.  “I haven’t exactly texted either.”

“Perhaps too hectic.” Regulus replied. They had stopped for a moment, Occasionally there would someone walking past at the end of the corridor, but other than that, they were alone. It was better this way after all.

Edgar offered him a wry smile.  “Only if you want me here more often.”  Fuck, why the hell did he say that?  The words slipped out of him so easily.  It wasn’t even as though he flirted with people that often, it simply felt natural.  

Immediately, Edgar looked away.  What did he do now?  Did he apologize for being an idiot and making things even more awkward?  Did he try to play it off?  It was a little too late for that.  “Yeah, I don’t come here that often, to be honest.”

Maybe he could play it off like he hadn’t said it.  Smooth, Ed.  Real smooth.

For a moment he was reminded of why he had stayed longer than expected, against his better judgement. There was a pause for too long, and the wave came back once more. It was a short exchange so far, but it needed to be addressed. One of them had to do it, he just hated that it would be him. “I know I haven’t texted. I’ve been busy.” Easy start.

Edgar shrugged. *This was honestly never really my scene,“ he admitted. "Too much politics.” Not that there weren’t politics at St. Mungo’s, but there was definitely more at the Ministry.

“Greatly appreciated,” he murmured. Seeing Regulus again sparked something inside of him that genuinely scared him.

“Not exactly mine either.” He mumbled under his breath. He wasn’t sure why he was still there, but soon enough he’d be gone once more and Regulus could pretend that he didn’t exist. Of course there was still the nagging voice, one he needed to silence with something else. “Am I expected to see you here more often or was this a rare visit?”

Edgar watched him for a moment.  “Wonderful,” he murmured, glancing down at his watch.  “This place is a maze, I swear.  One wrong turn and you’re somewhere you’re probably not supposed to be.”  Well, this was awkward.  

Edgar could sense the tension in the air between them, and for good reason.  

“It becomes easier to manage the longer you’re here.” Regulus commented, shifting the files in his arms. He half debated on walking away entirely. Certainly wouldn’t be the first time after all. “I’m heading out towards the main corridor.” He finally said, seeming to lock everywhere but him. The silence would have been welcomed, though really, Regulus could still hear the slight nagging at the back of his mind. The awkwardness was coming off in waves it seemed.

Edgar didn’t even realize who he was helping when he knelt down to help Regulus pick up the papers.  It was so ingrained in him to help people that needed it.  The other’s voice sent an unwanted chill through him.

“I wasn’t stalking,” he stated bluntly.  After taking a deep breath, he handed Regulus the pile of papers he managed to pick up, their hands brushing for just a moment before Edgar stood, his knee popping slightly as he stood up.

“Had a meeting with Dubrowski down the hall and…”  Why was he explaining himself to the younger man?  It shouldn’t matter that much.  

Edgar sighed.  “Nevermind.”  He didn’t owe him an explanation.

“Thank you.” Regulus said briefly. He paused when he felt him for a brief moment before straightening himself out. “Right, I’m sure.” He commented, raising an eyebrow before getting up himself. Never had ghosting someone backfired as much as it did today. It seemed that was just his luck.

Edgar: So again, I'm so sorry.

Regulus: Maybe we should take some space. For a little while

Edgar: I understand if you want to break off whatever it is that we have going on.

Regulus: Not as if you can control it

Puffin99: Only alright?

Puffin99: You're gonna make me cry.

Stygianlion: Good, cry

The one cousin that Regulus did actively make time for the most was Narcissa. It wasn’t that he didn’t love Andromeda or Alice; Bellatrix would always be kept firmly off that list, she terrified him, always had even when they were kids. As the youngest children of the family, it was almost natural for them to be able to bond, less they lose their insanity at mandatory weekly family dinners. As adults, they saw each other less, though they managed to find time to catch up. Granted, it was only over a lunch, maybe once a month, sometimes not even that. Considering both their busy schedules, this seemed to work best for them. Of course he hadn’t seen her since February, so he was sure that there would be plenty to catch up on. 

“This is a surprise, I’m here before you for once.” He commented when he saw her walking over towards the table.

Puffin99: Boooooring.

Puffin99: Kidding. I think we should match. ;)

Stygianlion: Merlin, no

Stygianlion: I like you, you've been alright so far

Puffin99: Probably. I have a few outfits in mind.

Puffin99: You?

Stygianlion: No, it's not really my thing

Puffin99: Deal.

Puffin99: I have some homemade Easter candy too. It should still be good by that time. It's been in the freezer.

Stygianlion: If I end up getting sick, then I'll know who to blame

Puffin99: :(

Puffin99: I'm sorry. :(

Puffin99: I can bring you candy... as an apology.

Stygianlion: . . .

Puffin99: I'm sure. You know we've probably crossed paths before and never realized it.

Puffin99: Ha ha. You're so funny.

Stygianlion: Most likely

Stygianlion: Sarcasm hurts, you know