Part 5
It's the first anniversary of Lily's dying day since they're together, and in the evening, Severus doesn't come home from work. Remus isn't surprised, and when it's time, he brings Teddy to bed alone.
When Severus comes, it's after ten. He's drenched from the rain, but he doesn't seem to notice, just like he doesn't seem to notice Remus. Slowly, he crosses the room and disappears into the bathroom. Remus sighs and puts his book away.
They still haven't spoken when they lie in bed, but when Remus hears muffled sobs, he tentatively reaches out. Severus flinches and turns away.
.-.-.-.
Part 6
In the wee hours, Remus wakes up to find himself alone in bed. There's light in the living room, and when he enters, he sees Severus and Teddy, both deeply asleep on the couch. Severus is holding Teddy, the two-year-old's little fists clinging at his nightshirt.
Remus watches for minutes, unable to move. Finally, he goes to them, pulling up the blanket that had slid down.
Severus blinks sleepily. "Teddy…nightmare…" he murmurs.
"He's fine now, "Remus answers. "Go back to sleep."
Severus is asleep again in a matter of moments, but Remus doesn't return to bed for a long time.
.-.-.-.
Part 7
Severus never considered himself a nurturing person. On the contrary, he always felt vaguely mistrustful towards them, as though they were an alien species too strange to be understood.
Yet there are the mornings after the nights of the full moon – nights which Teddy spends with his grandmother – and it would be a lie to say that taking care of Remus is merely a task to fulfil.
He dislikes seeing Remus weak and in pain and will only be satisfied when he is lying in bed, when scratches are bandaged, potions administered. When Remus smiles, grateful, and finally falls asleep.
.-.-.-.
Part 8
"Why me?" Severus asks one evening. They've never talked about it during three years together, but he can't deny that he's curious by now.
Remus looks surprised, but answers willingly.
"Because you're a good man. Because after everything that happened, I knew I could trust you. Because I knew you'd protect Teddy, just like your students."
They're good reasons, Severus thinks, although not many see him like this. Still, for some moments, there's an odd, nagging feeling of disappointment. He brushes it aside and draws Remus close for a kiss. He can't ask for something that he can't give himself.