Always running, avoiding sometimes in the shadows, other times directly in the light from himself. The armor of self preservation strong and stitched to the skin. Severus refused to show emotion. Father had taught him better than that. Teasing received from his youth; even teasing now. Having to prove himself to both sides, at the risk of his very life. Sometimes, rarely, to just feel with no agenda, no charades; to cast away his burdens was all he needed.
It wasn't until she locked her eyes into him, exposing her soul, begging him for his did he remove the armor.