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Content: Character death
Part 1
A single werewolf father is not what Teddy needs. Remus agrees with Andromeda, but he doesn't want to live there, with the memory of Tonks looming over him.
He gave in to Tonks partly because he felt lonely, and he feels lonely still. It need not be great romance, only someone he can trust and respect, someone who'll take good care of Teddy.
A name comes to him, and at first he thinks he's gone mad. He thinks more, though, and soon it makes perfect sense.
When he feels brave enough, he takes Teddy for a visit at St. Mungo's.
.-.-.-.
Part 2
When Severus awakes in St. Mungo's, he curses his bad luck for surviving. When Lupin appears one day, carrying a baby, he's sure he landed in Hell. But he can't do anything, and so he suffers through their visits – Lupin talking awkwardly, the boy gurgling, babbling, and putting sticky little hands on his face.
Severus and Teddy learn talking and walking simultaneously, and there comes the day when it's time to go home.
They're not what he wanted, but they're what he can get, and Severus is tired of being alone. When they kiss him, it doesn't feel so wrong.
.-.-.-.
Part 3
Severus never tells Remus that he loves him, and Remus appreciates it. It's a relief after Tonks, after all the pretending.
His friends tell him that he deserves better, that Teddy deserves better. And what about Severus, he wants to ask them. Doesn't he deserve better, too? They don't understand, but they don't have to. It's his life, not theirs, and he'll be damned if he ever lets them talk him into – or out of – something again.
They don't argue often, their touches are gentle, and recently, Teddy started calling Severus "papa".
Remus is content, and that's more than enough.
.-.-.-.
Part 4
Severus is a virgin. He never wanted anyone beside Lily, and now, with Remus, he feels wary and nervous. He knows everything, of course, but theory and practice are entirely different.
Remus is patient, though, and soon, Severus's self-consciousness dwindles. There are kisses and caresses, warm touches on pale skin, and Severus is amazed at how different it feels when it's someone else's hand instead of his own.
He thought of this as a duty he couldn't refuse, but when he comes, held tightly in Remus's embrace, he knows it won't be. Instead, he finds himself looking forward to more.