A/N: Like I stated before I'm gonna write while the words are still coming!
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For this to just be two friends out to lunch it was feeling incredibly like a date. Severus's gentlemanly mannerisms were partly to blame. Of her numerous male friends he was the only one who consistently opened doors, and pulled out chairs for her. A habit that could be considered stiff and formal to others but it was wildly endearing. Enough to make her knees weak. They went someplace muggle, both wishing to avoid being ogled by the wizarding public. They were war heroes and high profile ones at that. She was lucky that Severus was so comfortable navigating both the wizarding world and the muggle one. So many times Hermione had felt like she was yearning for pieces of her muggle past but it seemed futile to even bring it up with anyone save maybe Harry. But so many muggleborns and half q bloods seemed ready to abandon their muggle side almost entirely. But that was a conversation for a different day.
The second reason their little adventure was starting to feel more romantic, (was she really counting?) was the restaurant he chose. A French bistro that, while casual, was a lot nicer than the diners and pubs they sometimes frequented. She knew that he could've just wanted to go someplace new but it felt like interesting timing. But maybe she was just hoping for more and so now she was reading too much into his every action.
Like the courtly mannerisms he used.
She didn't care how old fashioned they were, there was something sexy about a man who could take control without being overbearing. From his selection of a good wine to the way he took over ordering for her. True, she wouldn't want him to do that every time, but he seemed to understand that her mind was miles away. Plus, he got her exactly what she wanted, down to the extra croutons for her salad. Had they really spent that much time together? Except, she didn't think her other friends could order for her with that much accuracy. Such attention to detail…she was likely to start salivating at this point.
Even the way he ate was driving her to the point of distraction. He was always extremely dexterous, elegant even—she'd been infinitely envious of this fact, but now watching him cut his steak felt downright carnal. She never realized quite how sensual certain acts could be. Like those long tapered fingers idly stroking the stem of his wine grass as they chatted. "Seriously Severus, thank you for suggesting this. If left to my own devices I might've agonized over that potion all day."
At this he snorted and the sound made her quirk her lips into a smile, "Might've?" He countered, raising his brow. "Hermione, I've watched you and your overzealous, perfectionist, damn near pedantic tendencies for years. Not to mention I've kicked you out of the lab at least twice during your apprenticeship because you forgot to eat," Severus pointed out. Had this been years ago she might've taken more offense but it was the truth and his voice lacked any real malice.
Still, she had to defend herself somewhat. "I'm not the only one who overworks themselves and forgets to eat," Hermione pointed out. "Remember that time you brewed until five in the morning?! I had to drag you back to your chambers. You were dead on your feet."
He had the grace to flush, but otherwise his face remained somewhat smug. "You made those delightful bacon butties for me when I woke up. I've always wanted you to make them again… You know, it never occurred to me to question why you were still there when I woke up….why did you stay?"
Now it was her turn to flush. "Oh…um, well I guess I just couldn't leave you like that. After I got you into bed, I straightened up the lab, bottled the potion and…something told me to look after you for a while longer…"
"Something…" he stressed, staring at her. There was a question in his gaze. An intensity that felt a lot like he wanted to say or do something. Were their faces getting closer again? And it wasn't just curiosity. But he also looked as if he knew…as if he'd known—
"Can I get you two anything else today? Another glass of wine, dessert perhaps?" The sound of the waiter returning felt like water had been thrown on them.
Hermione sighed, pulling back and looking up at the waiter with a tight smile. But it was Severus who spoke. "No, we're fine. We'd like the check please, thank you." Whilst he was talking Hermione steadied herself with a long sip of her wine, draining the glass. Were these moments happening more frequently now that she knew he was her soulmate or did they just feel more real because now she had more hope that her affections might be returned someday? It was difficult to surmise. "I suppose you'll be returning to your experiments then?"
"Oh, well actually, I was thinking maybe I could continue taking a break from all that. I think I'm just going to relax for the remainder of the day," she said and she could swear that his face fell slightly at these words. Even though his mask was back up. But she was having none of that, she didn't want him clamming up on her. "I'd love it if you'd stayed. There's still two seasons of Sherlock that we haven't finished," she tacked on with a nervous smile.
Hermione was well aware that he could say no, he probably would decline but she felt compelled to extend the offer anyway. In fact, she was halfway about to make up the excuses for him when he smiled softly and nodded. "Sounds agreeable. I assume you have crisps?"
A raised brow and a knowing smirk was her only reply.
Not fifteen minutes later and the two found themselves lounging on Hermione's sofa. It was on the more expensive side, the luxurious black velvet fabric seemed to beckon her to lay on it at the store and so she bought it instantly. She didn't let anyone eat on this couch, save Severus. She couldn't trust her friends to carefully siphon away all the crumbs with their wand like Snape did. Nor could she trust a certain red headed dunderhead not to wipe his greasy hands on it. But with Snape she was absolutely certain that he would take the utmost care or at the very least have the decency to clean up behind himself. Not that she was thinking much about crumbs. How could she with the incredible warmth of Severus's body so close to hers? No, they weren't embracing but the sheer proximity was enough to set her on edge.
Today had been a roller coaster of emotions and after their two close calls she didn't think she could take much more. Something had to give… Either she'd be the brash Gryffindor she was and confront him about it or she'd wind up crawling onto his lap. Actually that didn't sound like a half bad idea. The handsome, raven haired wizard was sitting much closer than their norm. Their legs and arms were touching, the bowl of crisps balancing delicately between them. After the first few episodes it was set on the coffee table and now she was cuddling with him. Or his arm at least. Normally she wouldn't dare be so familiar but there had been a shifting in their dynamic. Like some of the walls that he had erected up were coming down. Slowly. But still, coming down all the same.
"Comfortable?" Came a low, smooth baritone that made her toes curl. "Here, let me adjust something." Suddenly, and without formality he curled the arm she'd been clinging to around her waist, crushing her to his chest. Hermione melted into his arms instantly, head resting on his shoulder. To think that he wanted her so close… "Much better right?"
Hermione's mouth felt dry, "Yes, much better. Thank you." He didn't reply after that, he just caressed her side, shooting a thrill up her spine. She stroked his chest fondly, and was rewarded with a hum of warmth and contentment. Such a wonderful sound. And his warmth. He was so steady yet sensitive. God, she yearned to kiss him!