The next time Severus woke up, it was to a handsome blond twenty-something man asleep in the chair standing by his bed. He looked disheveled, as if he had run his fingers through his hair multiple times before deciding that he was better off tugging at his robe.

"Lucius" Severus croaked, his voice hoarse from sleep and thirst. But it was enough to make the man startle violently, nearly falling to the floor.

"Severus!" He cried in relief and joy, leaning forward to see him better. "Oh, thank Merlin, when I got the news-" He broke of, made a choked noise. "Thank Merlin" he repeated.

"Water" Severus croaked, feeling as if he might faint if he did not drink. Lucius hands shook as he picked up the glass on the bedside table and held it to Severus' lips, and though most of the water ended up on him it tasted sweet and cool. After he had drunk his fill, Severus sunk back towards the pillows, exhausted.

"I am alive, as you can see." He said, quietly, eyes already drooping. But he needed to say this while he still had the strength to. Needed to tell Lucius.

"Yes, thank Merlin" the blond replied reverently, looking at him in that soft way that always made Severus' heart ache with love for him. Severus stared intently at his face, memorizing each line and groove, the way the sun shone on his blond hair and the way his eyes glowed. He would keep that look in his heart, as one of his fondest memories of childhood dreams.

"Lucius" he whispered, "I need to tell you-"

"You need to rest, love" Lucius interrupted, taking his hand. The one that wore the ring.

Severus shook his head. No, he had to tell Lucius that their dream had shattered, and better he be told now.

"Eileen" he whispered, knowing that the mentioning of her would make Lucius listen if nothing else would, "Eileen."

"Yes, love?" He could see in Lucius face that he did not want to know, did not want to hear. Don't tell me, those grey eyes pleaded. Lie to me. Please, don't tell me.

"Eileen is gone" Severus whispered, a tear slipping down his cheek. Lucius shook his head slowly.

"No" he croaked, clearly not willing to accept what he had just heard. But Severus gripped his hand as tight as his exhausted body allowed.

"Yes" he insisted. "Eileen is gone. And… and there won't be anymore, Lucius. I can't… the damage was too extensive."

He stared helplessly as his lover's eyes filled with tears, a particularly daring one slipping down one alabaster cheek as he shook his head in denial.

"No" he said stubbornly, "you're going to be alright, you'll see. After we're married."

"There won't be a marriage, Luc." Severus whispered, exhausted and heartbroken. "The agreement was… an heir. I had to give you an heir. I can't, anymore." Lucius shook his head again, more tears forcing their way past his lashes.

"No" he protested, "there will be. You will wear that white robe you picked out and-" but his voice trailed of, anguished, helpless. Severus looked at their clasped hands. The ring shining on his finger.

"You… better take back the ring" he finally said, when Lucius' silent tears started to become audible. "I'm sure your wife won't mind… someone else wearing it before." Lucius shook his head again, desperate, pleading.

"No, it's yours, only you-" but Lucius' voice trailed of again, as the tears made him choke. They both knew that everything was ending.

"I love you" he begged, finally.

"I know" Severus whispered, exhausted, wanting nothing more than to fall asleep and never wake up again.

"But love… isn't enough, Luc."