Going Through the Emotions
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"I don't need you here from gratitude," he snarled, glowering at his nurse.
"I'm not," she replied placidly, pulling serum-sodden cotton from his neck. "You used up all my 'gratitude' some time ago." She gently sponged the mangled flesh, then replaced potion-soaked compresses. "You also," she added drily, "used up 'hero-worship,' 'respect,' 'charity,' and 'duty' with your… charm."
"Then why the devil are you here, girl? Fuck. off." Severus grimaced, the potion burning the venom-saturated tissue.
Hermione laid a cool hand on his forehead and trailed it down his cheek. Her lips brushed his softly. "Guess," she suggested, smiling.
Written for the GS100 'gratitude' challenge.
