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The Heart-to-Heart over the Demitasses


She retreated and took another sip of the espresso. "I know," she said softly, reaching for his hand.

"It's rather sordid though, isn't it?" His fingers tightened around hers, but he avoided her eyes. "Tricking a young woman into being my housekeeper in order to use her to assuage my own loneliness." He looked rather miserable.

Elaine tried not to laugh. "I'm certain that you haven't coerced me, Severus."

He considered her for a long moment, head tilted to the side. "I'm going to kiss you again," he finally said.

"I look forward to it," and then she did laugh.


Writer's Choice: Espresso, #98.