author's note: Okay, so this is my first submission, whoot. It's a short 230 words, just because I felt like going on a small ramble at 1:42 AM, hah. It's not meant to be anything great, in these regards.

disclaimer: Severus and Lily belong to JK Rowling and not myself, as much as I adore the pair.

s h a d e s : o n e s h o t

"Oh, Severus."

And it's the way she says it, the way she breathes out on the first word and subconsciously pulls the left side of her mouth up to flash a dimple for the briefest second. It's the way she looks at you with those eyes that have seen the world and cannot have enough of its wonders, absorbing every detail, every nuance. It's the way she then tilts her head back and laughs, glossy auburn curls framing her pale heart face like a halo. It's the way those two words affect you, falling familiar on your eardrums, but still catching you off-guard every time.

"We're friends forever, at least until you're sick of me. Remember?"

It's the way she reassures you every day, when you're awkward and fumbling as though meeting for the first time. It's the way she places her hand on your arm, understanding so much more about you than you could ever hope to know in just one glance. It's the way she makes you feel worth something without even having to pick and choose her words. It's the way she adores you, sincerely, truly, and you should never hope for anything more.

You shouldn't, you're painfully aware. But you do. You'll hope for eternity, because you know you could never grow tired of her company. You're reminded when you notice every way that she's perfect.