((Lindsay's.))
Severus sat in his armchair, unusually silent, as he watched Sabine rise to refill her coffee mug. It was very late, but still they lingered over the bitter drink, neither saying much. The Master could not speak for his companion, but he knew that he, at least, was loathe for the night to end... It carried far too much finality. The end of term feast was the next day, and Severus knew well that this might be the last night he would ever do this. He knew how very possible it was that he would never see her again; this fascinating woman that he had mysteriously connected with, whom in his mind he had affectionately termed "his American native."
As she passed so close to him and he inhaled her scent, looking up at her coltish frame, he was struck by a sudden urge. He reached out, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her down into the chair, into his lap. He raked his dark gaze over her; her intelligent hazel eyes wide and questioning, her mouth slightly open in surprise. You have no idea what you do to me...
Curling a long-fingered hand around the back of her slender neck, he kissed her - softly, briefly, but enough to have it etched in his memory, for better or worse.
"Checkmate." He breathed softly. "Your move."