A/N: this is for the 5 drabbles challenge pairing Severus/Emmeline and the prompt "So that's what you really think?", for the Up to 50 pairings challenge, and for the marauders era of the every kind of pairing challenge, and the cruel and unusual pairing challenge.

Emmeline couldn't believe what her boyfriend of three years had just said.

"So that's what you think? That because I've been busy, that I'm cheating you?" she asked, shaking her head.

"Well I don't know what else it could be. You've been secretive, and staying out late so what else am I supposed to think," Severus said coldly.

Emmeline winced.

He wasn't one to show his emotions that much which is why he wasn't ranting and raving like a madman, but she knew he was angry because of how his voice cut like ice.

"Not that," she said quietly. "You know I was cheated on before and how upset I was. I would never, ever do that to anyone."

A tense silence filled the room after her declaration.

"There are two reasons why I've been hiding things and staying late at work, and none of them are what you think. I've been trying to organise a surprise for your birthday. I know it's just after Christmas, and I know it's not a big deal to you, but I wanted to make an effort. It's something which is a bit pricey so I've been doing overtime to make up the money I haven't got," she said, eventually breaking the silence.

Severus' eyes widened a fraction before he said, "I didn't think about that."

"Well that's obvious. I think we both need to take some space and time to see if this is really what we want. I can't be with a man who thinks that every time I'm working late, or keeping something back means that I'm cheating," Emmeline suggested.

"That's not what I want. I know I want you, and I-I've been hurt before too," he admitted. "I never told you because no one knew about the relationship, but she cheated on me with someone and I could never forgive her for it. She's married to him now, but it started the same way."

"You could have told me," she said gently. "You don't need to tell me who it was, but you could have said you were hurt and I would have understood and made sure you knew it was nothing to worry about."

Despite the fact that everything made sense, she was upset that he had never told her about his ex. She had been very open when it came to her past relationships, and was disappointed he hadn't been the same.

"Can you ever forgive me?" Severus asked.

"Eventually, but I'm going to need time. It hurts that you never told me about this when all I've done is be open and honest with you. There isn't much we can do about it now but deal with it. I will spend a few days with my parents so you can stay here," she said, before leaving him standing there whilst she left to pack her things.

Emmeline really hoped that they would be able to get past this as she loved him very much.