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Chapter 8

Iris stretched languidly and tried to contain her smile. Mmm. What was I delaying the inevitable for, she wondered idly.

Severus was still asleep but he had her pulled very tightly to his chest and his arm was pressing heavily on her hip, as if to make sure she didn't go anywhere. Like that will happen, she thought smugly.

She watched him sleep for a while as thoughts careened through her mind. That unfamiliar tugging in her chest was back and she couldn't help but wonder if she was coming down with something. She looked back up at him and couldn't help but notice that even in sleep he still had a commanding presence about him. His dark lashes fanned over his cheeks lending him a boyish look but the hair that was tumbling rakishly over his forehead proved he was all man.

Severus felt her stirring and watched out of a slit eye, only to discover that she was looking at him. He couldn't explain why it didn't bother him. Anyone else staring like that would have his temper flaring but with Iris he understood because all he wanted to do was stare at her also. She looked absolutely delectable as the early morning sunlight shone on her hair causing prismatic colors to shoot from her luscious locks.

"What are you thinking?" He rumbled sexily in her ear as his eyes met hers. Such a brilliantly odd shade of blue, he thought.

"Oh nothing. Everything. Whatever." She said as she smiled coyly. "What about you?"

"The same." He answered.

She snuggled her head into the crook of his shoulder contently for a moment before looking up again.

"Are you hungry?" She asked.

"Starved actually." He said.

"Well how about I make us some breakfast?" She said as she rose and pulled on one of his sweaters that was laying on the chairs. I hope this is clean, she thought briefly.

"You cook?" He asked in amazement. She didn't strike him as the domestic type which just went to prove how little he actually knew about her. He found that bothered him. It's just physical, why should I care about her personality, he thought but even in his head it sounded tacky and tawdry.

"As a matter of fact I do. And not to sound conceited but I have been complemented on my talent on more than one occasion." She said, beaming a smile.

His thoughts immediately went to her in the same situation as now but with another man to cook breakfast for and felt an inexplicable jealous rage tear through him. Calm down. Her previous affairs are none of your concern, he coached.

"Well then. Dazzle me with your...skills." He said as he reigned in his temper.

"You asked for it. What's your pleasure?" She asked.

His mouth quirked at her unwitting question and smiled when she realized what she had said.

"What do you want for breakfast?" She clarified as she slapped his hand playfully.

He thought for a moment before answering "Waffles with maple syrup and sausage patties."

"Do you know how to cook Severus?" She asked curiously.

"No." He said.

"Well then come on. You're going to learn." She said as she tugged him downstairs.

An hour and a half later they finally had their breakfast. It would have been sooner but Iris made the mistake of bending over in front of him. Her sweater had flashed her firm buttocks at him and he lost control and ended up making love to her on the kitchen counter.

"You weren't kidding. You are a good cook. This is delicious." He raved, trying not to notice how right she looked in his kitchen.

"What else do you do?" He asked, suddenly curious to know more about this complicated woman.

"Mix potions." She said.

"I already know that. What else?" He pressed.

"Well I like to read and I write stories." She said as she blushed.

"What kind of stories?" He asked. The surprises just keep coming.

"Love stories." She answered, avoiding looking at him.

"Fascinating. What else." He asked.

"I'm not telling, you'll laugh and make fun of me." She said.

"No I won't. Tell me Iris. Please." He asked gently.

"I love listening to muggle music." She said quietly.

Snape heard her but was almost in disbelief. He'd never known another pure blood who enjoyed muggle music. So that makes potions, reading, and music that we have in common, he thought as he felt a connection pulsing through him. Then he did the unthinkable, a sure deal breaker.

"Iris. Would you like to go out on a date with me? A real one." He asked her in a moment of reckless impulse.

Never fear! We're going to get some twists in here soon. :)