In Need

The usual disclaimer. Obviously, the Harry Potter universe is not mine and these characters, save for the OC's, are not mine. I appreciate the ability to play in JKR's universe. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy. Please check out my other fics!

This story is AU. It begins after the war. Voldemort has been defeated by Harry Potter. Lucius and Severus fought by Potter during the final battle. Severus survived, but he was punished for his association with the Death Eaters as well as the death of Dumbledore.

Chapter 1: Paint It Black

The fetid drop of water rolled down the lichen covered wall slowly. The stone was cold and a stinging breeze could be felt as it creped through the cracks. The drop meandered along the dark crevices until it fell into a small puddle that had collected in a sloped portion of the floor. Another drop began where the last had started. The drips had become more frequent, and the lone, pale body that lay on the floor was the only one to hear it.

The room was dark, but the years had accustomed his eyes to the shadows. He lay quietly, breathing shallowly and conserving energy. Had there been light, one could have seen how lean he had grown. His tall frame was curled up into a fetal position. His skin was taut over what was left of his rangy muscles. His belly was sunken in and his chest was beginning to concave. He was starving slowly. They fed him once a day and barely enough to keep him alive.

He had no notion of how long he had been here. During the second year of craving marks on the slimy wall, they had taken his bed frame and left him with a mattress. They had found the bit of metal he had been using to carve on the wall. The mattress had quickly absorbed the water from the floor, and he could not sleep on the freezing, sodden mass. His robes had finally deteriorated, and he had used what was left of them to make a small nest on the high part of the floor, which was away from most of the moisture.

There was nothing else in the room except a chamber pot, whose vanishing charm had worn off. He no longer produced enough refuse to fill it in a week, but an elf stopped by to clean it anyway. He took a shuddering breath. His lungs were growing worse, and he was trying not to cough. Now that the dementors were gone, there was only enough staff to barely see to the base needs of most of the prisoners. Those in better health were those whose family was able to pay the guards in bribes to feed their loved ones more often. There were also those who provided favors for the guards.

Severus mulled over this for the millionth time. Were he in the position at this point to offer favors, he wouldn't. He would die first. He heard the door to his cell screech open. It grew louder with each passing day. Like him, its bones protested the mistreatment it was dealt and the lack of upkeep it was given.

His long matted hair lay on the floor and covered his eyes, so he was unable to see the guard who entered. He lacked the strength to lift his own head.

"Looks like it's your lucky day Snape." A jovial voice spoke and bounded on the dark, stone walls of the narrow cell. The water drops continued to shiver and shimmy down the cracks as the rotund man pushed further into the cell.

"D'ya hear what I said? Get up you lazy sot. It's time for ya' to leave." He kicked Severus in the side, and the shivering man could feel his bones protest.

Severus grimaced and tried to push himself up. His arms shook and his malnourished muscles protested. He heard the tap of a cane and the slide of a foot. The sound repeated.

A horse, aristocratic voice slithered through the air, "He needs help." It said tersely.

"Well, I ain't goin' ta touch 'im." The guard protested.

The cane tapped closer, and Severus saw white blond hair slip into view, "Lucius?" His raspy, quivering voice whispered into the darkness.

"Come," The blond said tersely as he inelegantly managed to get his hand under the thin man's arm and lift him with little effort. Severus' naked legs shook and his back was curled into a wretched stoop from the years he had spent curled on the cold, damp floor.

While times had been tough for Lucius, his accounts at Gringotts had been frozen and were just released last month, he had been able to beg, borrow and sell to stay afloat. His defection to the side of light had been corroborated by Minerva, but the Wizengamot had placed him on house arrest for three years and had frozen all of his accounts. He, Cissa, and Draco had been forced to subsist on a meager pittance, which was distributed from their accounts once a month. It had been enough to buy food. They sold many of their valuables. They were forbidden from leaving the country or accessing any foreign or Muggle bank accounts. If they had thwarted the terms of the agreement, they would have had everything stripped from them and would all be in Azkaban.

Lucius had Severus to thank for his life. Were it not for his friend, he would be rotting in prison too. Severus had seen what was coming and had urged Lucius to turn himself over to Dumbledore. Lucius' waning loyalty had finally died the moment he had seen his beloved son tortured at the hands of Voldemort for his failure to kill Dumbledore. Severus had done the deed, and he had convinced Lucius to abandon the Dark Lord, who had grown more imbalanced as the pieces of his soul were destroyed. Severus had defected as well, and they had fought beside Potter at the final battle. Severus had personally saved the young man's life over seven times during the battle, and he, Lucius, had taken a hex to his leg in order to protect the Granger girl, who was a firecracker with a wand.

The ideals that had colored their youth had withered thin, and by the time the Dark Lord had risen a second time, it was all merely an act for Lucius and Narcissa. He wished that Severus would have told him of his switch in allegiances sooner. Perhaps they could have ended the war and lived in peace. It had been about prestige but never about the blood lust, death, and war. Naively, Lucius had sought political power and the solidarity of a voting base, and the Death Eaters seemed to promise that.

He and Severus had grown to be quickly disillusioned, but they knew the only way out was death. There was no escape. But here they were, two men aging long before their time. Lucius' once shiny blond hair, hung dry and stringy around his face. His eyes were stony, but as he wrapped his thick robe about his shivering friend, a spark returned.

"Severus," Lucius whispered. "I have been ordered to return you to your home at Spinner's End. They have forbidden us from seeing you, and you are not allowed to have any contact with any Wizards or Witches of questionable character for at least a year. You will be heavily monitored. You will not be allowed to have dealings with any Order Members. Landon Dejanus is minister, and his initiatives have been vastly unpopular. Kingsley is the favorite for the next election, but we've another year to endure." He huffed as he nearly drug Severus from his cell and down the hall.

"I have seen to Spinner's End as best I could in the short amount of time they gave me. I have left Taffy there for you, but you'll have to keep her hidden. Madam Pomfrey has stocked your cupboards and supplied strengthening, health, blood replenishing, muscle restoration and a host of other potions for you to take. She will be by tomorrow to see that you have taken them and to take measure of your general health. She is the only of your past associates that the Ministry has agreed to allow you contact with." Lucius looked back at the guard who was walking slowly behind them. Lucius had paid him handsomely to give them some space.

"I have also put some money in a Muggle account for you. However, you will only be allowed to withdraw a small amount per month. I believe the Ministry likes to keep their targets hungry, but we'll see that you are well fed. Have no doubt. You'll need to acquire income, however; the ministry wants proof that you are a productive member of society. You have two options: get a Muggle job or find a renter. I urge you to rent your place. There are many who want you dead." The blond wizard looked at his gaunt friend pointedly.

"Don't leave your house unless you must. I've placed ads in several papers. You will probably receive inquiries in the next few days. Get yourself well. Your labs have been stocked. Once your magic returns to full force, begin brewing. I can't meet with you, but I can and will write to you. Our correspondence will be monitored, but there is nothing that says that you cannot make and or sell potions."

Lucius had been speaking quickly and lowly. He had held Severus up as best he could, and a few times they had nearly stumbled. But they made it to the exiting platform. Severus' wand was returned, but it was useless for all intents and purposes. His magic was just as unhealthy as his body. Lucius received his own wand and nodded to the guard. His money had gone a long way to getting his friend pardoned and getting him out of Azkaban without much trouble, but Severus would need to endure another year of near exile before he could rejoin Wizarding society.

Lucius held on to his friend tightly and apparated them to Spinners End. He had set the wards to allow both he and Severus to enter. "I cannot stay. We are being monitored. I hope you approve of the changes to your home." The older man gestured to the room around him, which Severus was too exhausted to notice.

Lucius sat Severus on a nearby chair and grabbed several potions vials and poured them down the limp man's throat. He coughed and sputtered but managed to swallow. Lucius was heartened to see his friends skin return to a healthy glow and his cheeks fill out marginally. It would take quite a while for him to work his way to optimum health. Only good food and healthy exercise could return all of his size and muscle tone. Lucius wept inside for the proud, robust man Severus had once been and hoped that he would find some measure of happiness in his life soon.

"Sleep," Lucius ordered as he covered Severus with several warm blankets. "I've left you a letter," He gestured his head to the table beside Severus, "read it when you wake and take the rest of your potions. Lucius cast a cleansing charm on his friend.

"Your bathroom is well stocked. I've cast a charm to rid you of vermin and clean you, but you need a nice hot bath."

Lucius pulled a lever and the chair reclined and Severus' feet were propped up, "Taffy, have a meal prepared for when he wakes, make sure he bathes properly, and put him to bed. You will report to me if he needs anything and let me know what happens with the renters. You'll have to keep a close eye on them but don't allow the Muggles to see you."

Severus' eyes were growing heavy and he fought to stay awake, "Thank you, Lucius." The dark man mumbled as he drifted off to sleep.

"You're welcome, old friend." Lucius patted his friend's shoulder and then apparated back to his manor.

Taffy lit a merry fire in the grate and the room quickly warmed. It was spring, the air was fresh, but there was a chill to it. She saw that her new master was sleeping comfortably. She ran her hand over his face and a glow settled over his skin. She would know if he were in danger, if he needed her, and she would always be able to find him. Taffy smiled and her ears flapped. She was anxious to prepare a meal. She enjoyed working in the small kitchen. It was so much more manageable than the large kitchen in Malfoy Manor, which was practically lousy with elves. She enjoyed the fact that she was master Severus' only elf, and she would do everything she could to make him happy.

She began by making him a meal. Through the magic that all house elves contained, she knew what pleased him best and what he most needed. Fat content was key here, but his stomach was still tender. The potions had helped, but it would take time for his digestive track to adjust to rich foods. Instead, she made him a healthy, vegetable laden stew with a hearty beef broth base. Taffy had never been good at baking, but she managed to produce tolerable rolls. They were a bit dry, and she poked at them unhappily as her ears drooped. Motty would be so upset with her if she saw this. Hopefully her master didn't care at the moment. She would have to work on her baking skills. She had just finished brewing tea and cleaning the kitchen when she heard him stirring. She brought a tray out to him and waited as he focused his blurry eyes on her.

Severus' head was spinning and his stomach clenched painfully. His body had been restored somewhat by the potions, but his newly restored cells required energy and sustenance to retain their vigour. If he didn't eat soon, he would be violently ill. It was likely that he would be ravenous shortly after he finished digesting what he was about to eat. He smelled the food that the little elf handed him. He was too hungry to acknowledge her with more than a nod of the head. He brought the bowl of soup as close to his mouth as he could. He chewed vigorously as he could spooned it into his mouth rapidly. He swallowed bite after bite and within moments the bowl was empty.

"More," Severus requested and belatedly offered, "please."

He was gnawing on the tough biscuit when the elf brought him another bowl of the delicious stew. He dropped the biscuit, quaffed a glass of water and began eating again.

Taffy's ears flapped happily as her new master made little sounds of contentment. She heard his belly grumble as he finished the second bowl. He sat back contentedly, and his once flat stomach was distended. His robes pushed out a little under his robes.

"Can Taffy gets you anything master?" The little elf asked.

"Could you help me up stairs Taffy?" Severus asked. He was humiliated to be forced to ask a house elf to help him around, but if he fell, he could do serious damage to his weakened body.

Taffy helped her master upstairs and into a bath. She stayed to help him bathe. Once he had eaten, lethargy overcame him. By the time he was clean, he had fallen asleep. She noticed that his belly, which had been full only moments before, had already processed the nutrients and absorbed them into his body. His system was working overtime with the help of the potions in order to repair the damage done to his body by the years of neglect and abuse. After dressing him in clothing that her old master had provided, she tucked master Severus into bed and went down stairs to fill another bowl for him.

Thirty minutes after Taffy had put him in bed, Severus awoke with a start. His bowels were rumbling. He needed a loo . . . now. He leaped out of bed and summarily tripped over his own feet, which were tangled in his night shirt. Severus felt his hip slam into the floor seconds before he threw his arm in front of his face to buffer the blow. The minute he hit, his bowls let loose. Once, he might have been affronted that his body chose to betray him in such a way. Now, he found that he had very little in the way of dignity left. This, the fact that his dignity had fled him, seemed a harsher blow than the betrayal of his body.

Taffy had appeared immediate and cleaned him, tucked him into bed, gave him several potions, and fed him yet again. Severus identified each vial before quaffing the contents. He knew that his system would want to eliminate the food he was eating soon and asked Taffy to return in twenty minutes. He mused, "at least he hadn't soiled the bed."

His first night was both heaven and hell. He was warm and surrounded by softness..His muscles were trying to repair themselves and periodically he was seized with cramps. Even though he had a large bed with a lovely, soft mattress and silken sheets, he found that his body continually wanted to curl up. He would wake up and straighten out.

He woke up starving during the middle of the night and unashamedly called for Taffy to bring him food. He gorged on the hearty soup once again, and she helped him to the bathroom only moments later. It seemed that his body was on overdrive. The poor elf was put through the wringer. She tended the aching, needy wizard all night. In the early hours of the morning, she felt his pain as her own and went to him. He was curled on his side shivering. The little elf drew him a hot bath and levitated him into the water. Her little hands worked over his stiffened, stringy muscles, helping him to straighten his limbs. Her magic seeped into his skin, sinew, muscle and bone allowing him to straighten and heal. Her ministrations were never ceasing, and it was ten in the morning before she was allowed some peace.

She left Severus in bed. She had given him another round of potions, fed him, and helped him to the restroom. She could tell that his body rhythms were starting to level out. He would likely sleep for the rest of the day. The little elf went to bed exhausted and woke up five hours later and began making another meal for her master.

Severus woke at five thirty in the evening to the smell of pot roast. He felt more human than he had in years. He sat up and noticed that he had been sweating. He reached over weakly and grabbed his wand, but he was still unable to cast even the simplest cleansing or drying charm. So, he stood shakily and made his way to the bathroom. He showered slowly and stepped out of the tub gingerly.

He looked around and noticed that the bathroom had been retiled and repainted. The colors were subtle, tan, marbled tile and cream colored walls. The shower curtain was plain and serviceable, but the towels were plush and soft against his skin. The products he had used on his body were of the finest quality and likely made by Narcissa's personal beautician.

Severus inspected his body and noticed that his skin felt much smooth, his nails were clean, but when he examined himself in the mirror his face looked very gaunt and drawn. The years had not been kind. Given the state he had been in when he arrived home yesterday, he suspected that whatever he had taken, between potions and products, they had worked wonders. Still, though he looked as if he had suffered from a lengthy illness. He felt better than he had in a long time. He would be sure to thank Poppy and Lucius for their kindness. After last night, Taffy had earned more than his loyalty. She had cared for him as if he were her own, and though it was her duty, her tenderness was not lost on the Wizard.

Severus wrapped himself in the thick towel and walked back to his room. The house was warm and toasty, something he appreciated greatly after years of bone chilling cold. He had not been warm since his feet had hit the stones of Azkaban. He shrugged the tight, corded muscles of his shoulders and walked into his room. His closet was filled with clothing of all sorts both Muggle and Wizarding robes. Lucius had been most generous. Severus chose a pair of slacks and a button down shirt. The fit was quite loose, and the clothing hung on his tall, thin, rangy frame.

Severus walked down the stairs carefully and into the kitchen where Taffy plated his food and waited patiently for him to eat. He thanked the elf graciously and her ears fluttered with pleasure. She watched him with her large, lamp-like eyes.

Severus took time to examine the house. The kitchen had been refurbished, and the cabinetry had been restored. The linoleum had been replaced with wooden floors and covered with a simple rug. The table was new as well. It was sturdy and well built. He saw hints of the old house including the original shelving that lined the walls of his sitting room. His books were there, and how Lucius had saved them was beyond him.

He was about to head to his lab when there was a knock at the door. It was Poppy Pomfrey, who made much of him. He withstood her fawning as long as he could.

"Poppy, could we get on with the examination?" He groused.

The plump woman removed her arms from around his waist and dried her tears. "You've no idea how much we have worried over you my boy!" She exclaimed. She had always felt motherly towards the boy, who had come to Hogwarts in such bad shape. At the beginning of each term she had healed fractures and what scars she could, and she had taken great pains to ensure that he was eating properly. She had forced potions down his throat to help him gain weight, but every summer he went home, he had come back more poorly and abused. She had purchased second hand robes that the house elves had placed in his battered clothes chest, and neither of them had ever said a word about the boots, underwear, cloaks, and even the dress robes that had always managed to appear when he had need. She tried to purchased lightly worn items so that he would make no fuss over the expense.

When Severus had returned to Hogwarts as a teacher, it had taken him many years to warm up to any of his fellow professors even remotely, but as gruff as he was towards Poppy, it was always evident that he favored her. It showed in the way that he gave difference to her requests, allowed her to coddle him after he had been badly tortured or beaten and in the way that he respected her advice. He had trusted her, and she had and did love him dearly.

Poppy sniffed and straightened her robes. She examined him straight away and found that his kidneys were in distress. She pulled out a large leather bag and rummaged through it. She pulled out a potion and handed it to him expectantly.

The sullen man sniffed and drank it. He braced himself for the pain that was to come. His fingers dug into the thick leather of the chair he was perched on, and his teeth gritted. Poppy hadn't bothered to offer him a pain potion because it would have interfered with the targeted healing potion she had just handed him. His kidneys protested, and he felt twin stabbing pains in his back as the potion flushed the impurities and healed the lesions.

"Your heart is weak and your lungs are still compromised. You need to avoid the damp and the cold. Take this," she shoved a red vial into his hands.

Severus took a sip of the potion swiftly and promised to take a dose a day until it was gone. Poppy continued to check him thoroughly, and discussed the physical therapy that would be necessary to recuperate his muscles. He promised to to refrain from using magic for a month, and she reinforced Lucius' directives to Taffy. The little elf nodded eagerly and promised to feed Severus carefully.

After Poppy left, Severus felt exhausted. He leaned back in his chair and dozed until the fire died down. He made his way back to his room and changed into his night shirt again. He slipped into bed and felt his body slowly relax. His dreams were strange and frightening, and he was relieved that he had not remembered them when morning arrived.

After breakfast, Severus headed down to the lab to take a look,and what he found was astonishing. His old, shabby basement had been refurbished. The shelves and cabinetry were new. The wood shone with a rich luster. His cauldrons and instruments were gleaming and ready for use. The supplies cupboard was fitted with an extension charm, and it held anything that he could possibly use.

Severus knew that he lacked the ability to brew even the most basic potions. It was possible that he might be able to create a basic lotion or perhaps perfume. Neither of these ideas interested him. He opened the desk drawer and found a journal.

He felt the ache in his muscles that simple movements caused, and he decided on a plan. He went upstairs and took one of the muscle replenishing potions that Poppy had left, and he returned to the lab where he began moving and stacking several large cauldrons. They were very heavy, and he was unable to even budge the largest one. After fifteen minutes of moving them from one side of the room to the other, he was exhausted. His arms were shaking and his back ached. He walked slowly up stairs and relaxed on the couch. He woke about an hour later. The sun was streaming through the window, and he was feeling a little sticky from his exertions.

He went up stairs and showered and put on a suit similar to the one he had worn while working at Hogwarts. The frock coat seemed to adjust to his frame, and he examined himself in the mirror. He looked tall and painfully lean, but he felt a vestige of his old self confidence. He was walking down the stairs to the sitting room when someone knocked at the front door. He heard Taffy pop away. He walked into the kitchen, turned off the stove and moved the pot she had been using off of the still heated burner.

Soberly, he walked to the door and opened it quietly. A young woman stood with her back to him. She was examining the neighborhood, which had been renovated within the last years. Several older homes had been torn town, and a little subdivision was being carved out of the overgrowth that had claimed quite a few vacant lots left when several old tenement houses had burnt down. Some developer had aims of making this into an up and coming area. There was even a new organic grocery store a couple of blocks away, several small boutiques and a salon. The businesses were all housed in new but quaint architecture, and while they did not scream upscale, the businesses catered to the upper middle class families that the developer was trying to bring into the area.

Several houses were built and two more were under construction. One home was already occupied by a small family. Severus leaned out to look at the facade of his own house, which Lucius had evidently had renovated as well. There were stone work details around the entrance and the exterior had been freshly painted a neutral tan. The shutters were new. They were made of heavily lacquered rich walnut. Currently, they were closed with a heavy wrought iron latch. He looked beyond the girl quietly and saw that the walk and steps were paved with natural stone, and the gate was made of a heavy, ornate wrought iron. His meager front yard was planted with delicately flowered shrubs. He suspected that the once grimy glass of his windows had been replaced as well.

Severus watched the young woman for a moment. She was fairly tall for a woman and lean with narrow hips and very long auburn hair. When she turned to look at him with her vibrant green eyes, his hand gripped the door frame tightly and his brows furrowed. The young girl smiled. She was clothed in a tight fitting long sleeved sweater and jeans. The day was cool, but the sun warmed them and lent an air of comfort.

She looked up at him, and he saw the visceral reaction in her wide eyes. She was put off by the very look of him. She composed herself quickly and smiled broadly up at him. "Hi!" She said chipperly. "I'm here about the room?" She said hopefully. He could tell that she was more than a little uncomfortable about standing there with him, but she looked around and steeled herself. She clearly liked the idea of the location. She began to fidget with the hem of her shirt and looked back at him with those green eyes, so like Lily's.

Severus swallowed thickly, "there is no longer a vacancy." His voice was still rough from years of disuse.

And her gestures only served to seal the likeness to his old friend. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and smiled coyly. She pushed out her chest and her small breasts pushed forward. She was willowy like a nymph and, like Lily; she was clearly use to getting attention and having her way.

"Are you sure," she smirked. "I'd be willing to pay more than you're asking. I go to the community college, and it's only five blocks from here. This would be perfect for me. What if I paid $700?" She asked.

Severus had perused the letter that Lucius had sent during the night when he had been unable to sleep. He had detailed the political climate of the Wizarding world again, believing that Severus would likely forget what he had told him in his exhaustion and distress. He had not. He also told him the terms of the lease that he had published. He was offering the room for $500 a month. The stipulation was that all common areas would be shared with the current owner. Any other terms could be negotiated. Lucius said that he would also send people his way.

Clearly, Lucius had seen this young woman and sent her his way for a reason. He began to sweat uncomfortably but not because of anything he felt. It was what he didn't feel that bothered him.

Here he was standing in front of young woman who was nearly the splitting image of a woman he had pined after for nearly all of his life, and he felt nothing. The hollowness startled him and he blinked rapidly. There was a slight ache for the friend he had lost, but the love, the lust, and the longing were gone. He felt a tightening in his chest and a churning in his stomach. 'Damn Lucius,' he thought.

"I'm sorry. There is no vacancy at this time. Please have a good day." He nodded at her crestfallen look and slammed the door in her pouty face. His hands were shaking, and he slid down the door and sat on the floor with his head on his knees. Suddenly, he knew what had happened. Dumbledore. Fucking Dumbledore. When he had come to the man distraught that Lily had been killed, he had sworn an unbreakable vow. By the time Lily had married Potter and given him a child, Severus' love for the woman had mellowed into a gentle longing. The sting of the loss of her friendship had never left him, but he had begun to grow beyond his obsession. He had even started seeing a young woman who was working at an apothecary.

The memories flooded back to him. He had never questioned the return of his obsession, the pining, The unrequited love that had hit him like an avalanche after he had sworn himself to the cause. Dumbledore had used him, had used what he had once felt for Lily, had magnified it to the point that it was a driving factor behind all that he had done. It had never been real. Had he been allowed to grow older and wiser, he would have eventually come to terms with his broken heart and found what he needed in another woman, a flesh and blood woman. He may have had a wife, a family.

Instead, the feelings had been manufactured and magnified by the vow; a spell had been insidiously woven into his promise in order to insure his dedication, his loyalty beyond a promise or a feeling of indebtedness. She had become his standard, the lady love he fought for and a courtly love that would never be consummated. He would not be distracted from his duties by romantic notions of love or the worries of a family. His every action was carefully controlled by the man who worked the strings.

His gut heaved and his eyes filled with tears. Dumbledore had been like a father to him or so he thought. He had revered the powerful man and turned to him when he had need. Had the man secretly despised him for his foolish choices as a young man? Had he scorned him in private and merely tolerated him because he was useful?

Severus' long handed fingers slid across his face, and his breath hitched as the sobs racked his body.

Had all the tender feelings been a lie? Had his loyalty, devotion and love for Dumbledore been manufactured by the vow as well? He searched within, but he could sort nothing out in this state. He was confused and alone, and his emotions were raw.

Taffy walked into the kitchen with her ears drooping and her lip trembling, "is there anything that Taffy can do master?" She asked.

Severus looked at her with red rimmed eyes and grimaced, "Go!" He shouted at the little elf, "Just GO!" He stood shakily on his legs and clambered up the stairs with his long, uncoordinated legs. He had not been so out of sorts since he had sprouted up into a gangly teen.

He felt his chest closing in again and it was growing hard to breathe. He sat on the bed and leaned forward. His long hair was like an inky, silken curtain around his face and the long, thin strands slid over his knees as he bent forward.

He swallowed thickly and focused on his hair. He hadn't noticed how long it had brown. He was fascinated by the way it moved, swayed as he sat there breathing harshly until he calmed. His eyes grew large in the dark room, and he lay back slowly on the bed. His pale face glowed against the covers. He rolled, tucked his legs up and fell asleep.