refer to chapter one for disclaimer and warnings.
Oh! And by the way... this story does have an M rating for a reason, and this chapter is one of those reasons. So, be forewarned, I won't warn you ever again.
Enjoy! I think you'll like this one, I certainly enjoyed writing it.
Fuck." Harry swallowed the jolt that had caught in his throat. "You scared the shit out of me."
"Good." Severus snapped. Harry strutted to his bag, Snape admiring the way his sleek muscles rippled as he walked. "You seem quite recovered."
"Yes I am thank you, the rest did me well."
"I can see that, I also noticed that you became quite attached to that bottle of brandy while I was gone. Not the greatest remedy for stomach flu."
Harry turned and flashed him a winning smile. "It seems to have settled just fine, and besides, now I'm quite relaxed." He shook out his pajama bottoms. "How was the rest of your evening?"
Severus smirked. "None of your business Potter, as you unfortunately, were not there." He stepped to the end of the bed where he could stand guiltily close the half naked young man.
"Fine. Guess I've lost my privileges."
"Care to explain what the hell you thought you were doing back there?"
Harry smiled sweetly. "Wouldn't you agree that having me around all the time is a little, counterproductive?"
Severus snorted a laugh and nodded to the pajama bottoms Harry was still awkwardly holding in one hand. "Don't let me disturb you. You obviously have your own agenda." He turned and stormed into the living room flourishing one hand until the lights lit just enough to see his way through the room.
"Severus please! You don't have to be so mad at me. Was it really all that bad? I was trying to help."
Severus poured himself a tumbler full of the most accessible bottle of liquor and downed it in one quick burning gulp. At this rate they were going to be fresh out of alcohol by the end of the week. "Don't worry yourself and go to bed."
Harry inched closer. "Tell me what's wrong."
"Nothing that concerns you."
Harry uncomfortably twisted his hand around the knot in his towel. "What if it does concern me? Huh? What if I want to know what's troubling you? Is it so terrible that I might…?"
"What?"
Harry looked like a scared child. "Well… is it so terrible that I might care about you?"
"For Merlin's sake Potter! We're not a pair of fucking lovers." Severus cringed as the words left his mouth.
Harry paled, his eyes were suddenly burning and his gut felt punched in. "Yea, I've noticed. Silly me." His jaw began to tremble and he looked away from Severus's unreadable expression before he noticed, though Harry knew his emotions were obvious. He looked around the beautiful empty room. This wasn't home… and he suddenly didn't want to be anywhere but home. "I'm going to bed. In the morning I'll fly back to England… You're right, we're not lovers. I should never have come." He looked up and forced a sad smile which he was sure looked pathetic paired with his dewy bloodshot eyes. "You'll do brilliant without me, I don't need to be here getting in your way. I'm just… in your way." He nodded and inched back towards the bedroom doorway. Why couldn't he be nasty like Snape had been? He wanted to so badly, but his tongue was yet to agree with him.
Harry felt utterly defeated. This had felt like such a great opportunity, and he was sure that with enough will he could break through the ice and burrow his way into Severus's life. How pathetically presumptuous and arrogant it was for him to think that Severus would want him, or find him attractive. And besides, Severus had always detested him, and they had such a hurtful past.
Who was it that said time heals all wounds? Severus hadn't meant anything to him a year ago, surely in due time he could erase this odd little emotion that made him weak in the knees when he looked at the other man. But somehow, Harry doubted it.
He headed quickly for the bedroom and slipped behind a wall where he quickly changed into his pajama bottoms. He then grabbed a pillow and blanket and returned to the living room where Severus was still standing looking blankly into his cup. "I'll sleep in here tonight."
"Harry..." Severus stared coolly. Harry instantly felt that he didn't want to know what was at the end of the comment.
"Don't call me that."
Severus looked at him shocked. He knew he deserved to be spoken to with such piercing bite, but somehow he'd thought Harry might brush off the hurtful comment. He stared at the side of Harry's face and thought he saw a tremble at his lips. "Harry please, look at me." Severus reached out and placed his hand firmly around Harry's naked arm.
"Don't touch me." He commanded, pulling his arm away with a painful flick.
Snape withdrew, his hand felt cold. "Forgive me. I…" He moved away, his steps muted. "'l'll sleep on the couch Potter. Don't cross me on this."
Harry's eyes were on fire and in danger of spilling over. He was tired, and broken. He nodded once. "Fine." Then disappeared into the bedroom where he threw down the sheets and crawled quickly under the warm weight where he felt shrouded. Being nasty hadn't made him feel any better at all, in fact he felt much worse, but he wouldn't cry. Snape would hear him. He wouldn't cry. He sniffed back the tears and bravely flopped over to bury his face in what he imagined to be Severus's pillow. As soon as the light in the living room dimmed off, Harry quickly drifted away.
Severus had been staring blankly at the ceiling above the couch where a shadow like a clutching branch loomed, consistently distracting him throughout the quiet night. He was trying desperately to discern whether or not Potter was stirring in the next room, or sleeping soundly, or if he too were laying awake thinking of what the hell to do next.
When not a single sound emerged for what seemed like an aching eternity, he slowly eased off into an unwanted sleep as the shadow waved in the most hypnotic pattern before him.
Severus awoke abruptly what felt like only moments later to the sound of a heavy thump. He blinked open his eyes and looked to the window. It was still night, or at least very early morning. He sat up slightly with one elbow to look into the open bedroom. Harry was no longer in bed. He heard a zipper close, and his heart stopped. He was leaving, again.
He thought it wouldn't matter so enormously, he didn't think it would feel like he was losing, well, losing a lover. They weren't lovers. It was those words that had pushed Harry away in the first place, words that Severus deeply regretted saying, but had believed just the same, despite all the harshness and cruelty.
And yet… why did he feel so sick? Like his gut would be wrenched out if Potter left through those doors tonight. When would he ever see him again? Where would he look for such a wanderer? Not even the most cunning prophet gossip colonists could find him. And at this very moment he had a beautiful and alluring opportunity sitting right under his nose and he was too much of a coward, too selfish and single minded to do anything about it.
Harry walked across the large open doorway and into the bathroom where he softly shut the door. He was fully dressed, scarf already in place, head bowed and hands stiffly in his pockets. It was just like the last time he'd tried to leave. However, this time Severus doubted that there was much chance of him not leaving forever. Last time he had made a point to awaken him, last time he had wanted to be stopped. This time Harry wanted to simply disappear. He had even made the bed.
Severus stood and walked to look nervously at the closed bathroom door where the bright bar of light under the door softly showed the shadow of Harry moving back and forth within. He felt in his gut that he would never forgive himself if he didn't do something about his leaving. And he knew that only he had the power to do something… if anything could be done at all.
The light switched off from within and Harry stepped out, the room now illuminated only by the blue light of the moon through the window.
He looked up and froze. "I thought you were asleep."
"No. I've been awake."
"Why?" he asked coldly.
"I've been, thinking."
Harry brushed by him and began ordering his things on the ottoman in the corner. "Pity. I slept like a baby."
Severus swallowed. "Good. You seemed tired."
Harry glanced over his shoulder, but never looked at him. "What was so engaging that it kept you up all night? Hmm? You obviously plan on telling me."
"I was thinking of you."
Harry paused briefly, his shoulders stiffening, and then began shuffling his things once again. "Contemplating all the things we're not?"
"Yes actually."
"It's a long fucking list isn't it?"
"Yes."
Harry threw his bag over his shoulder and turned around. "Well here we are again. I'm leaving in the dead of night. Becoming a theme with us isn't it?"
Severus looked down at the carpet. He feared his voice would betray him. Apologies felt heavy and foreign to him. He felt like someone else. "I shouldn't have said what I said to you last night."
"The truth hurts, but it apparently needed to be said. I over stepped my boundaries, we're not lovers, you were right. That's why I'm leaving."
"I wish you wouldn't."
Harry shook his head. "I can't handle this anymore Snape. This needs to end tonight. For both our sakes." He shifted his weight and then quickly walked to him, but stopped short of coming too close. "Well, goodbye Snape. I'm sure I'll see you again one day. Tell your daughter I loved meeting her." He smiled and nodded once, then hurried out of the room.
Severus held his breath. He had to do something! He had to think of something, say something, but he was coming up cold. "I want to give it a try." He blurted out; his feet had turned themselves toward the front corridor where Harry had disappeared. He waited for the sound of the door slamming, but it never came. "My life has had very little pleasure Potter, but despite all your outstanding annoyances… you bring me pleasure." It was true; it was all he had, the truth. He looked toward the entry hall where he desperately hoped Harry was still standing, and listening. He prayed that he wasn't talking to no one, but at least the possibility made it easier to say. "We might not be lovers, but, it couldn't hurt to try." Severus held his breath. "Please Harry. I'm sorry."
Through the longest moment of stillness he could ever remember Harry emerged from around the corner, his arms tight around his midsection. Severus let out a breath and relaxed slightly against the wall. "Do you mean it?" Harry asked.
Severus shrugged. "Have you ever heard me give such a speech before? Of course I mean it."
Harry stood staring at him. It felt like a more searching gaze than even Voldemort's must untrusting invasions into his mind. He felt as if he was being laid completely bare, even though he knew that no thought searching was afoot. Harry had been a hopeless occlumency student.
"I realized tonight that it's been a long time since I've wanted something as much as I want you. I am a selfish bastard, but it's the truth."
Harry seemed to come out of a trance, and slowly he began to smile brightly, his eyes sparkling again, the dullness simply forgotten. Harry hurried over to him, throwing his arms around his neck and planting his lips firmly upon his own. He kissed him urgently, sucking in his bottom lip and moaning when Severus just barely parted and allowed him to slip in.
"Alright?" Harry asked breathlessly.
Severus pulled away slightly, their noses still pressed together. One of Harry's hands was now tangled into the hair at his neck. "I didn't think you'd be so quick to forgive."
Harry grinned. "I've been waiting days for you to give me a chance." He leaned in with a heated open mouthed kiss. "And I'm sick and tired of words."
As Harry's caresses grew in intensity, and their kisses became more and more possessive, he noticed the absence of Snape's caress. He glanced down and spotted his hands, pressed white knuckled into the wall behind them. He reached down and softly caressed one until is threaded around his fingers forcefully. He brought their combined hands up to his hip.
Severus paused and pressed their foreheads together, his eyes focused darkly. "Does my touch no longer disgust you then?"
Harry pulled away sharply. "Oh…god. I didn't mean that. You know I didn't mean that right?" He looked into the older man's eyes then whispered up into his ear. "I do want you to touch me. Anywhere and everywhere." He gently bit the skin under his ear, pulling out a low strangled groan.
Severus untangled his hand and hungrily reached under the back of Harry's shirt, running his palms over his firm back and sleek sides. He dipped one hand into the back of his loose jeans and forcefully pressed their hard erections together.
Harry sighed into Severus mouth. His emotions were running high, too high. First, feeling as though Severus hated him, thought of him as a pest, to being pressed up against his devouring lips. The sheer relief made him want to cry, so he released his tight grip, took a deep breath and pressed his face into Severus's warm collar to settle the flutters in his throat.
"I'm sorry." Harry whispered.
Severus tensed. "Whatever for?"
Harry kissed the side of his neck gently. "I don't know. Everything."
"You needn't apologize Harry. Do you think I'm upset at you?"
"Something like that."
Severus kissed the top of Harry's head, then grasped the shirt bunched up over his hands and pulled it off over the younger man's sleek arms. "You have only done the right things. It's me who must apologize."
Harry laughed. "Please don't apologize anymore. I wanted a turn." He kissed Severus's smirk off and began nibbling at his gravely jaw. "Was I annoying at least?"
"Of course. But it did get us here."
Harry smiled up at him shyly. The moonlight casting soft shadows across his chest and making his green eyes sparkle.
Severus rubbed his hands gently and searchingly over Harry's smooth chest and sides, his expression had melted into something much more serious. "What-" His voice sounded distant, and cautious. "What do you want from me tonight?"
Harry pressed in closer. "What do you think?"
Severus sighed. "Harry, we, we were both so drunk last time."
"So?" Harry looked up at him confused.
"I- Just don't expect too much from me. I don't want to disappoint you."
Harry leaned in and placed another soft and achingly slow kiss on the lips of the man he had already begun to think of as his lover, his quite skilled lover. "You couldn't possibly. Besides, you were excellent last time. Remember, I wasn't that drunk."
Severus sighed and pulled Harry in closer. "Just… don't expect much."
Harry led them to the shadowed bed, his eyes never leaving the face of the man who possessed every one of his thoughts as of late, his expression concealing nothing, such a rare occurrence that Harry couldn't look away, no matter how hard he tried. Slowly he began to strip away his remaining clothes, but Severus would have none of it, his eyes fierce and his hands shaky as he batted away Harry's hands and began to pull at both of their clothing, until finally, with a frenzied thump, they were nothing but skin against skin lying still atop the cool coverlet, too overcome with sensation to move.
Severus looked down at Harry's half lidded eyes. "I don't remember feeling like this," Harry whispered. "I thought I remembered… but-" he sighed and thrust up towards Severus who was hovering above him.
Severus smiled and lowered his body down until every possible inch of his skin was touching the heated flesh below him. It was the only response he had to the all too true comment. This was much more
than he'd remembered and he suddenly wondered what had possessed him to keep his hands off this supple young man; it was insanity.
Harry moaned, a deep guttural moan that had him throwing his head back and stilling his breath. It was too much, and yet not enough and they were only touching. What was different? What made Severus, a man who he hated and despised, someone he would never pick out of a crowd for himself; what was it that made him the one that felt so undeniably right? Severus latched onto Harry's salty neck and slowly began his decent until the soft lips were all around his own.
Harry gently spread his legs and brought them slowly up until they were wrapped tightly around Severus's thin hard waist. Severus stilled. His breath was frenzied against Harry's teeth, his arms shaking.
"Fuck me," Harry groaned into his mouth, his voice so coarse and low that Severus wasn't even sure if he'd said anything at all, but that didn't stop him from gratefully fulfilling the wanton plea.
"I thought I told you to turn that thing off." Severus murmured into Harry's hair.
"uhuh?" Harry twitched then settled back into the warm nook between Severus's chest and arm. "No alarm." He grumbled.
The noise came again, a knocking that Severus was having a hard time rationalizing in his post-coital drowsy state. They hadn't even fallen asleep until the early morning light was casting a bluish golden glow over their slowly moving, sweat soaked bodies. That would explain why the light was so bright, it must be late into the morning.
The knock came again.
"Did you order something?" Harry asked.
"What?"
"The door!"
Severus sat up slightly and looked toward the living room. The door? Who would be knocking? Maid service maybe, or…
"Fuck!" Harry jumped off the bed and spun around, his naked backside making Severus too distracted to worry about whatever urgency Harry was in. It was probably just the maid. "Harry it's just the maid, go tell her to blow off."
"It's not the bloody maid, its Willow, it's your daughter, remember? Lunch! It's noon already."
Severus bolted up and looked to the strangely glowing digital clock. "Fuck!"
"Exactly!"
Severus picked up his pants from the floor and threw his legs through. "Well go let her in! She's going to leave!"
Harry nodded and hurried to the door, then turned around and gestured to the mess of clothes and overly rumpled bed. "I'll distract her, you clean this up." He grabbed something off the floor and threw it at the bed. "Hide that!"
Severus reached over and plucked a half empty bottle of lubricant from the sheets and smiled as he hid it behind the bible in the side drawer.
He was in the process of shoving an armful of Harry's traveling clothes in the toppled suitcase when he heard the door open, and Harry's slightly elevated and unnecessarily chipper voice in the entry way. "Hey!"
"I was just about to leave, I figured you'd forgotten, or were still sleeping or something. Sorry, I should have called."
The door shut.
"You were sleeping weren't you? Wow, I'm sorry."
"No we weren't, well we were, but, no. It's fine. We should have set the alarm but Severus hates them."
Willow laughed. The voices were still awkwardly trapped in the direction of the entry way when Severus threw one of Harry's too tight button ups over his head and quickly adjusted the collar. He might not have time to properly make the bed, but he could at least heave the heavy blankets off the floor. "So…" she began again, "… the room looks really nice from what I can see, it must be big, is there more…"
Footsteps started into the living room. "Severus! Willow is here!" Harry yelled much too loud. The boy had no idea how to be discreet. Severus stopped his efforts, it would have to do. He'd prefer their early activities not be so obvious but Harry had already crushed any hope of that, a rumpled bed wouldn't do any more harm than had already been done.
He strolled casually to the entry way and smiled thinly. "Good morning Willow. I'm sorry about the state of us, and the room. We overslept. It was terribly rude of us."
Willow looked past him at the bedroom and smiled. "It's okay. It looked like you guys needed some, uh, sleep anyway." And she smirked his trademark smirk and Harry blushed crimson red behind her.
I have good news... summer is upon us, which means no more term papers to write... only fanfiction :)
So, in the spirit of summer, leave a review!!
