A/N That time of the week again, hope you enjoy x

Severus roared with laughter, Harry was telling them a story about a child who had escaped from the school he worked in and ran into a nearby field, with Harry hot on his heels. He was sitting in Lorna Pengilly's dinning room with Harry and Ellie.

The older woman had extended the invitation for dinner to Harry and he asked if Severus could come along. In the time that had passed since the last coffee date, he and Harry had seen each other as much as possible, it had lessened somewhat since school went back a week earlier, but they had still managed to catch up.

The fear of texting had dissipated; seldom did a day pass when one of them didn't send a text to the other. Severus had learnt that Harry was very tactile when relaxed; he often put his hand on his forearm or brushed their fingers against the other while they were sitting or walking.

He had even given Severus a peck or two on the cheek, his heart soaring at the sensation. Even now Harry's hand was resting on his knee, a heat spreading through his body at the simple touch.

'He couldn't understand why he was in trouble and why I had chased him' Harry said as Severus tuned back in to the conversation.

'Quite put out by the whole thing' Lorna added 'little scamp'

'His older brother used to do the same thing' Ellie put in 'A friend of mine works at the high school and said he still does on occasion when something doesn't go his way'

'You won't see me running after the little beggars' Lorna smirked

'Far more entertaining watching Harry run hell for leather through a field' Ellie chortled

'Call you next time shall I?' Harry sniffed

'Wouldn't want to make you look bad in front of the kids' Ellie shot back

The rest of the evening passed pleasantly and Severus could honestly say that he didn't want it to end. Lorna and Ellie were lovely company and Harry was just the icing on the cake.

He wanted to know everything about Harry, wanted to leave no stone unturned when it came to this beautiful man. As they said their goodbyes in the front garden and idea occurred to Severus, the sun hadn't quite set and the breeze was warm.

'Do you have anything you need to get home for?' Severus asked as they reached their cars

'Nothing pressing' Harry smiled 'why's that?'

'I wondered if you'd join me for a walk along the beach?' Severus replied

'I'd love to Severus, I shall meet you there' Harry said as he got into his car.

'See you there' he said, getting into his own car and pulling out after Harry had left the curb.

The orangey glow settled over the water, the waves rolling gently to shore. Harry got out of his car and waited for Severus near the stairs.

His heart was going a hundred mile an hour and he was filled with nervous excitement, these last weeks with him had been fabulous, the man never failing to amaze Harry in someway.

Something had been niggling at him and in keeping with his new outlook on keeping no more secrets, he intended to ask Severus the burning question during their walk.

'There is nothing I don't love about the ocean' Harry said dreamily as they strolled along the shoreline.

'Very therapeutic' Severus replied

'Can I ask you something?' Harry said tentatively

'Of course' Severus replied

'Are we dating?' Harry rushed out 'because we've seen a lot of each other and I know it hasn't been long, but to me it feels like dating'

Severus stopped and moved to stand in front of Harry; those viridian eyes glimmered in the fading light. 'I would like nothing more than to date you, these last weeks have been some of the best of my life and would very much like them to continue'

'Good' Harry beamed 'I really want to date you too, and as I don't want to keep anymore secrets from you, I knew I only had to ask'

'You never have to worry about asking me anything' Severus said softly

'Excellent, so now would be a great time to ask you to kiss me?' Harry said

'It would be the perfect time to ask me' Severus whispered, he put one hand behind the messy raven locks and pressed his lips to Harry's. It was languid and sweet; he could feel his toes curling in the sand from the sensation, his arms moving down to Harry's waist and puling him closer.

The younger man moaned and wrapped his arms around Severus' neck, his tongue darting out and licking the edge of Severus' lips, he was more than happy to grant him entrance, and let his own tongue move over Harry's. Another moan escaped but he didn't know who from and right then didn't particularly care.

'That was amazing' Harry panted, when they broke for air 'God I could kiss you for days'

'Couldn't agree more' Severus said a little breathless, he took Harry's hand in his own and they continued to walk along the beach.

Boneless from another soul searing kiss half an hour later Harry got his breath back long enough to ask Severus if he would accompany him to Ambers soccer game that coming Saturday and join them for tenpin bowling later that afternoon.

'I would love to, and perhaps you can come to mine for dinner afterwards?' Severus asked

'Amber is spending the night with me, but you're more than welcome to come and have dinner with us, hope you don't mind Mac and Cheese it's Ambers favourite' Harry offered

'I'll bring dessert' Severus smiled and leaned in to kiss Harry one more time.

The car park of the Soccer field was filing up when Severus arrived that Saturday morning. Slipping into a spare spot quickly before the other car entering could, he got out and locked up. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he pulled up Harry's name and tapped out a quick message.

Just got here, now how do I get to you and will I make it in time? He sent.

Weaving his way through the cars his phone pinged with a reply

How about I meet you halfway? May need to send up a flare let me know where you are

Left them at home, will just have to keep my eye out for a gorgeous looking man instead

Who did you have in mind?

A man with mesmerising green eyes and the sexiest arse I have ever seen

I might know one or two that fit that description

Best point them out to me then

Harry grinned as he phone indicated another text had arrived from Severus, he had made up to where the canteen was located and had spotted the man in question coming to the edge of the car park. Shoving his phone back in his pocket, he walked towards him, his stomach doing flips at the sight of the man in a short-sleeved polo shirt and jeans.

'Hello' Harry said as he came to stand in front of Severus 'you made it'

'It was touch and go for awhile there, it's like the Bermuda triangle in that car park' Severus replied

'First game for the season always draws a big crowd' Harry told him 'you look very nice'

'Thank you' Severus said a gleam in his eye 'you look absolutely delicious'

'Do I, what about the man with mesmerising green eyes and a sexy bum?' Harry chuckled

'Bugger him, I'll keep you' Severus purred capturing Harry's lips beneath his own

'Man I love it when you do that' Harry breathed his face flushed and his lips swollen

'You haven't seen anything yet' Severus whispered

Harry's breath caught in his throat and he couldn't speak, there was no mistaking the look in Severus' eye or the meaning behind his comment. Part of Harry screamed at him to abandon ship and run for his life, the other half told him it was ok and the man in front of him would never force his intentions on him, if he weren't ready for them.

'Um, we are sitting just over there' Harry stammered clearing his throat and trying to collect his thoughts 'It's usually one side for the home team and another for the away'

He began walking leaving Severus to catch up, the older man had the distinct feeling that he had said or done something to upset or unnerve Harry. They found their seats and sat down, Severus greeted Draco and Luna. It was obvious that Harry was tense and uncomfortable, where moments ago he had been relaxed and laughing, he was now tense and on edge.

'Mum's just arrived I'll go and meet her' he heard Draco say to Luna

'Ok' the woman replied

'You want to come for a walk Harry?' Draco asked casually 'might grab a coffee or something while I'm over that way'

'Yeah sure' Harry replied 'I won't be long' he said to Severus

The pair walked around the edge of the field, Harry could just make out Amber's blonde head among her other team members. She was so excited for the season to start and more so that Narcissa was coming to watch her.

'You ok?' Draco asked as they walked

'Yeah why wouldn't I be?' Harry replied

'Your shoulders up around your ears tell me otherwise' Draco answered 'what's going on?'

'It's stupid, Severus and I were kissing, I said that I really like it when he does that and he said I hadn't seen anything yet and I freaked out' Harry said his head hanging low.

'You think he wants to take things a step further?' Draco asked gently

'From the look in eyes I would yes' Harry said

'You don't want to?' Draco asked 'or it scares you to think of taking things that far?'

'Both' Harry admitted 'I really like him Drake, but if he only wants to have a bit of fun in the sheets, then I can't be in that'

'Tell him then, make your intentions clear, tell him you aren't in this for just sex, set the boundaries' Draco suggested 'Harry if he really likes you and respects you then he will understand and back off a bit, if not then you have your answer'

'Yeah you're right, I really hope he understands' Harry said resignedly

They were almost back to the stands, when Harry's phone pinged with a text, he took it out of his pocket and opened the message.

I don't want to upset you or make you uncomfortable, so I am going to go home, please enjoy your goddaughter's game.

It wasn't you it was me, can I call you later?

Of course

Harry put his phone away and sat down in the stands, squashing the tears that wanted to fall. He may have just successfully ruined the first good thing to come along all because his past kept coming back to haunt him.

'Everything ok?' Draco asked

'He went home' Harry choked out 'I was an idiot and he left'

'I'm sorry Harry' Draco squeezed his hand

Spooning the remainder of his dinner into the bin Harry put the plate in the sink bracing his hands on the front of it he leant forward and cursed. The day hadn't gotten much better after Severus' abrupt departure and nor had Harry's mood. He felt like a cad and a fool. Swearing that he was putting his past to bed and was focusing on the future had been flittering through his mind most of the day, what a hypocrite he was. Severus was right to leave, who would want to be with a man that said one thing and did another.

The doorbell sounded and brought him out of his woeful stupor, wrenching open the door, he was shocked to see Severus standing on the other side.

'Hello Harry' Severus started before he'd managed to get a word out 'I was hoping we could talk?'

'Yeah, that'd be good, come in' Harry said his voice unsteady, moving aside he allowed Severus to step into the hall. 'Please go on through to the living room'

Severus entered the living room and stood by the stone fireplace, his nerves doing an excellent job of making themselves known. Harry came in and sat down on an overstuffed sofa, gesturing for Severus to take one of the armchairs that flanked either side.

'Harry I wanted to apologise for today' Severus said, he was about to say more when Harry held his hand up.

'You have nothing to apologise for Severus, it was me I overreacted to something that was perfectly innocent and caused you to leave'

'I do Harry, it was clear that I made you uncomfortable and for that I apologise, I know you've had a bad day what with your goddaughter and all but I felt it important to come and sort things out'

'Wait how did you know about Amber?' Harry asked

'I bumped into Narcissa Malfoy in the gourmet market earlier, she told me about Amber' Severus said sheepishly'

'You know Narcissa?' Harry gaped

'At one time yes, although she went by Narcissa Black then, we went to school together. I haven't seen her for many years and didn't recognise the last name until I saw her today. I knew the problems with her husband, but she wasn't ever mentioned by name in the newspapers'

'No she wanted to keep her and Draco's name well out of it' Harry said 'He'd done enough damage'

'Very busy man from all accounts' Severus said wryly

'Got that right' Harry scoffed 'Look I'm really sorry about today, the comment caught me off guard and I wasn't quite sure what to do with it'

Severus moved from the armchair and came to sit beside Harry on the sofa, angling himself so he could see the young mans face. 'I am not going to insult your intelligence and say the thought hasn't crossed my mind of what it would be like to do more than kiss you, but in saying that I certainly won't force the issue' Severus explained

'I can't and I won't be in a relationship purely for sex, I have come too far to go back to that sort of life. I want more, I want a partner someone I can talk to, share things with, someone to be there for me. Yes I would like the other stuff too at some point, but it can't be the only thing' Harry said adamantly

'Harry I have had various encounters with men in my time, I won't lie to you. But none of them have ever been given my number although some have asked; none of them have ever stayed more than a few hours before leaving. None of them have intrigued me like you, and I considered none of them long term partners. You have my number, when and if I take you to bed I want you to still be there the next morning, I want to think of us as long term'

'I've had such a good time I didn't want it to end' Harry said quietly 'It makes me happy to hear you want all those things with me, does it worry you I don't want other things just yet?'

'All I care about is spending time with you and if that means we only kiss and hold hands and perhaps cuddle up on the sofa together then that's what we will do. I can't promise to stop thinking about the other things, but I can promise nothing will happen until you're ready'

'Thank you, it means a lot' Harry smiled 'I want to do more things, please don't think I don't, but I need to be sure'

'I understand Harry' Severus said warmly

'There's a program on that I really like, would you stay and watch it with me?' Harry asked

'On one condition' Severus grinned

'What's that?' Harry asked sounding unsure

'We can cuddle on the sofa' Severus replied

'I think that can be arranged Mr. Prince' Harry giggled reaching for the remote and switching on the telly

'That's very kind of you Mr. Evans' Severus chortled leaning back on the sofa and putting his arm out for Harry to move in beside him.

'Perfect' Harry muttered as he cuddled into Severus and laid his head on his shoulder

'Meant to be' Severus whispered

Amber sat at the table regaling everyone in attendance with the story of her fractured arm, despite everyone in attendance having already heard and witnessed the account.

Apart from Severus and Narcissa's sister Andromeda.

Harry had told Severus about the events at the soccer game. A player from the other team had pushed Amber out of the way, and in attempt to avoid falling on another girl she landed awkwardly on the ground, putting her arm out to stop herself.

She had what the Dr's had called a greenstick fracture above her right wrist, she was now the proud owner of a bright pink fiberglass cast that had to be on for the next 6 weeks.

Narcissa had invited everyone to have dinner in her modest home in East Sussex; it hosted three bedrooms one of which was made up for Amber.

A large expansive garden covered most of the backyard, which they were now seated in enjoying the spring evening. Andromeda Narcissa's sister had come from the city to spend a few days with her sister and to meet Amber and Luna.

'I was very brave wasn't I Grandma?' Amber announced

'Yes darling you were' Narcissa smiled 'very brave indeed'

'Mr. Prince?' Amber asked turning her attention to Severus 'would you sign my cast?'

'What do you say Amber?' Luna prompted her daughter

'Please Mr. Prince' Amber corrected

'With such impeccable manners how could I refuse' Severus smiled

The little girl pulled a marker from a small backpack sitting on the ground beside her, she handed it to Severus. 'Could you please sign next to Uncle Harry's name?'

'Certainly' Severus replied and signed his name near Harry's and added a small smiley face underneath

'Thank you Mr. Prince' Amber beamed looking over the name

'You are more than welcome'

Harry looked out the window of the car; the sun was just disappearing behind the hills. It felt funny being a passenger when he was so used to driving himself everywhere, but as they were going to the same place, Severus had offered to pick Harry up.

'Can't believe that in less than a month spring will be finished and summer will be here, Drake and Luna's baby will be born and school will almost be out for the year' he said

'The year has certainly flown by' Severus replied 'these last weeks have made it quite enjoyable'

'They certainly have' Harry smiled giving Severus' hand a squeeze

Pulling into Harry's driveway, Severus turned the engine off and got out of the car, Harry followed and together they went inside.

There was no invitation needed for the older man to come and join his partner in a nightcap, which usually consisted of a cup of tea and a biscuit while seeing what was on the television.

The domesticity of what he and Harry shared moved Severus greatly and it was often on the tip of his tongue to ask Harry to move in with him, make all these moments permanent, but as he had yet to spend the night at Harry's he knew it was a ways off.

'Just in time' Harry beamed as the theme song to his favorite program played when the television sprang to life.

'Indeed' Severus replied, swelling with contentment when Harry scooted over and snuggled into his side. This was something he could definitely get used to.

Harry rinsed the cups out in the sink and sat them on the drying rack; he put the uneaten biscuits back in the jar and sat it on the shelf in the pantry.

It was getting harder and harder to say goodbye to Severus of late, he had been fighting the urge to ask the man to stay, to sleep beside him and be the first thing he saw when he woke the next morning.

But with that came an intimacy he wasn't sure he was ready for, although if the random states of arousal he had experienced over the last few weeks were anything to go by, it was simply a matter of his mind catching up with his body.

He was getting wrist strain from all the wanking he'd done, even this evening, just being near Severus who was carding his fingers through Harry's hair was enough to cause a stir, he'd had to dash off to the bathroom and fix the problem before it got out of hand.

Switching off the kitchen light, he headed up stairs to take a cold shower, his wayward manhood had other ideas, but Harry was tired and not about to give in to his desires twice in one night.

For mercy's sake it had only been a couple of hours since he'd sought relief in the bathroom, surely no sane person was rearing and ready to go after that shorter space of time.