A/N: I think this one may be a lighter story than most and therefore probably shorter… we'll see…

Despite his goading, Severus Snape turned out to be a fairly good boss. True, she'd only been there for a little over a month, but working with him hadn't been as bad as she may have feared. Then again, his apology had gone a long way to smooth things between them and without that, she might not have liked working with him so much. To be sure he was still as snarky and grumpy as before but the cruelty in his burns had diminished. It was clear that he was just like any other employer with incredibly high standards. Anyone who couldn't take his criticism probably didn't belong in that field at all. After all, the experimental potions they used were all pretty volatile in the wrong hands so it was important that whoever attended them was competent and made of steel. She hoped she fit the bill.

Currently, Hermione was taking a break in the otherwise empty room designed for such purposes. Most people actually chose to eat at their desk or go downstairs to the canteen but she liked it up here. Not just for the solitude, but for the apricot danishes they set out. Of course there are other varieties but it seemed no one else liked this flavor which suited Hermione just fine. There were always two. Just two. And since she's been here she's hoarded them and enjoyed them privately with her tea. Today was no different. She had just polished off the first and was taking a bite out of the second when she heard: "So you're the one who's been eating them all."

The accusing tone could belong to no one other than her boss. Squaring her shoulders, Hermione flickered her gaze up at the tall, imposing wizard. She could tell that he must have come in early to brew because his hair was pulled back into a low ponytail and those bangs of his were hanging limp from the fumes. Still, he looked hot. And angry. "Yes, I didn't think anyone would mind because no one seems to touch these. There's always these two left no matter what," she pointed out, not really seeing the big deal.

"Yes, two for me, Miss Granger," he growled, eyeing the danish in her hand. "I'm the one who orders apricot. The least you could do is save me one."

Hermione frowned, but looked reasonably guilty. "I'm sorry sir, I just assumed…"

"Well you know what they say about people who make assumptions…," Snape drawled, his sneer firmly in place. "Now hand it over," he demanded.

Hermione's mouth gaped, "B-But, but I've bitten off a piece!" She retorted, wondering how he could intend to eat after her. She thought for sure he would care about germs. Plus she really wanted to finish the danish.

Snape was not stalled. "Trust me, I'm not afraid of a few germs. Plus, I doubt anyone as fastidious as you would have diseases," he smirked, reaching to snatch up the fruity breakfast treat from her hand. But Hermione was too quick, and she stuffed it into her mouth before he had a chance. Her cheeks bulged from the effort. And her face is covered with jam and crumbs. She knew she looked ridiculous but that wasn't the point. She gave him a triumphant grin, figuring she had outsmarted the Slytherin at last. "Why you little-! Oh you will share that danish one way or another…"

"Ssshhhnappe, what are you doing?" She asked, trying to swallow the bready food quickly. He stalked up to where she was leaned against the counter, a calculating look in his eyes before he bent down and licked her cheek. Again and again, moving to gather up all the crumbs and jam. And then his lips were on hers and she groaned as their tongues collided and she felt his caressing her own. Hermione sighed, her arms moving to curl around his strong frame when he suddenly pulled away.

"Delicious," he purred, licking his lips and she wasn't sure if he meant her or the danish. "Next time, leave one for me," he added, sweeping out of the break room just as quickly as he came.

And leaving Hermione to stare after him in bewilderment.

What was he doing?!

He could not come up with a reasonable excuse for his behavior so far. Was his attraction to the witch so much so that he couldn't control himself? Severus didn't think it was, but all the evidence pointed to the opposite. He would have to get a hold of himself in the future. What if one of the other employees walked in and saw him snogging Miss Granger? Disaster. That's what. Not only would he ruin his own reputation, but hers. People would draw all sorts of wrong conclusions. He couldn't do that to her. Not after she worked so hard. Sighing, he slumped into his chair at his desk, and pondered what to do if Hermione confronted him about the kiss.

Sure, they flirted a bit but he never actually made a real move until today. That kiss…. he hadn't wanted it to end but it was too good. The way she sighed and surrendered so readily… The taste of the apricot and sugar on her tongue. It was too much. But at least it wasn't unwelcome. A small smirk lit his face as he thought about the way Hermione smiled and flirted back with him. And she wasn't afraid to speak her mind either. So many of his former students still cowered in his presence. Not her. That confidence was something he admired. And it was nice to know that the feeling was mutual. But he also knew that he couldn't act on it. That means he would have to apologize, and soon.