Waiting. That's all he could do. And hope, that he shows up. He could faintly hear the announcements of his colleagues and the crowd sounding like feral wolves in a tiny cage. He promised he would come, he promised. Yes, that means he will come. No doubt. But... what if he doesn't?
"I would like to thanks my Master, Evan Drew, for all his hard work and keeping me on track even if I drifted off."
That's Jared Raell talking, he identified anxiously. After that it's only Ravens, then Simons. Before... Before Severus himself. His hands shook, hidden deep in his pockets. He slowly looked around again. Nope, he's not here. His heartrate rose further - if possible - and he wasn't certain how he hasn't passed out yet.
"Next we say congratulations to... Master Ravens!"
He couldn't do this. He had to go, get away. He promised he would come. They've been discussing it for weeks! Or rather, Severus made it his priority to mention it every other day to make sure Lucius doesn't forget. And in turn, the blonde promised to take some time off work at the Ministry and attend. He's coming. Definitely. He will come. Maybe he'll be late?
"My last thank you goes to my beautiful wife, Aura Simmons, who without I could not have ever achieved my mastery. Thank you."
Fuck. That's it. That's Simons done. No. No! His partner isn't here! He can't do this. Someone has to be here for him. Please Lucius, ple-
"This person is an awfully talented potioneer as well as wizard. Since starting his mastery, he has come up with no more than four cures for various diseases around the world... And so I am happy to present Master Snape!"
He froze. That's it. His limbs weren't cooperating and he stood stiff and still. He couldn't do this. It isn't right. Luci-
"Master Snape?"
Silence. Seconds ticked by, then eventually he unfroze but walked away from the stage instead of on. He left people behind him annoyed as Severus pushed through the backstage area towards the exit. He could vaguely hear someone calling his name, but he was far too into his panic filled mind to recognise the voice and stop to respond.
He made it out a fire exit, into an empty car park and leaned against the wall breathing heavily. Blood was rushing through his veins, and his eyes became unfocused. He wasn't sure whether that was because of the tears or the oxygen loss from his inability to breath.
Suddenly a strong hand clamped down on his shoulder. A familiar hand, one that grounded him and helped him out of his broken state.
"Sev? It's alright. You're alright. Breathe with me, come on." his shaky hand was pulled to touch a warm muscular chest, "Feel me? Feel my breaths? My heart beat?"
Severus' panic slowly faded and he finally recognised his partner crouching in front of him. He never even noticed hitting the ground...
"Hey, Sev? You with me? Alright now?"
"Y-you're here?"
Lucius chuckled and flapped his long silky hair back like he usually joked.
"I am, aren't I?" but his face quickly turned serious, "That was the trigger wasn't it. Damn. I'm so sorry Sev. We sat hidden from backstage. You weren't supposed to see us until you were up there."
"We?" Severus questioned quietly as his partner helped him up.
"Yes well, that was supposed to be another surprise but never mind now. I brought Cissa, Reg and Lil. Thought you might appreciate the audience, since this is a big event for you and all. You never could stop talking about it." he teased.
Severus was starstruck. Not only did Luc turn up, but he also brought their friends to surprise him? He stared wide-eyed making the blonde laugh and draw him into a deep kiss.
The bliss was interrupted by someone clearing their throat, and Severus pulled away in horror, realising they were standing in a public place. Luckily it was only Narcissa.
"You two lovebirds, done?" she smirked, "Lily got the Masters to take a break from awarding and take a cup of tea. Whenever you're ready, your title is waiting for you Sev."
Lucius eyed him questioningly and Severus squeezed his hand. Both nodded at the witch to lead the way, which she happily did. Everyone was waiting. That's all they could do of course; wait for their brilliant potioneer.