Suspicious Lies
"What's in the box?" Severus asked.
"Nothing! Just something Inga sent me."
Severus watched as Miriam quickly shut the lid of the box, and his eyes narrowed slightly. Her voice was too high, and her demeanor too skittish—Miriam was up to something. Severus claimed a seat on the couch as Miriam carried the box to their bedroom. Anger that slowly simmered the past week was now a low boil. Miriam was lying to him, of that there was no question.
Miriam was good at fooling other people, but Severus knew her too well. Severus had grown suspicious of Mia's behavior the past couple of weeks. There were other packages, abruptly ended floo conversations, and oddly-timed owls that Miriam snuck off to answer. Last Friday, he finally discovered Miriam's secret.
She told Severus there were business meetings in London that would keep her out all day, and he didn't doubt her words until he saw Miriam's outfit. It was fancy, and a touch too Muggle for a day at the office. With no regard for his teaching duties, he canceled his classes and followed Miriam. Severus' suspicions were confirmed when Miriam didn't go to the office. Rather, Severus followed her to a Muggle part of London she had no business going to. He trailed Miriam to the Hotel Russell near Bloomsbury. With trepidation, Severus watched from across the street as Miriam quickly disappeared into the hotel, her black leather backpack slung over her shoulder.
His worst fears realized, Severus walked slowly down the street in a daze. Severus always knew that Miriam would tire of him eventually. How could she not? He was solitary, prideful, and laden with baggage from his past. Despite that knowledge, the proof that Miriam was cheating on him left Severus reeling. He returned to Hogwarts with his bruised ego, and brooded. Over the past week, Severus barely kept his anger in check as he tried to catch Miriam in another lie. It didn't look like Miriam was going to confess on her own, so Severus would force her hand tonight.
Unaware of the storm brewing in their sitting room, Miriam stashed the box away in her closet, and she smiled to herself. Her little surprise turned out even better than she'd hoped, thanks to Inga. Miriam just hoped she could keep her excitement in check; Severus was going to love his gift, and she simply could not wait. Tomorrow, she planned to surprise Severus with a little overnight trip and gift him the box. He'd been rather short with her the past week, and Miriam hoped this would improve his mood. Pleased with herself, Miriam left their bedroom. When Mia returned to the sitting room, she found Severus sat on the couch as he angrily stared into the fire.
"Severus, what's wrong?" Miriam asked as she took in his furrowed brow and stiff posture.
"Sit down, Miriam," Severus said darkly.
"What—,"
"Sit. Down."
Miriam shivered at the icy tone of Severus' words, then anger welled up inside her. How dare he take that tone with her. Her anger was quickly replaced with anxiety when she recalled the time Severus broke up with her—it started much like this. Miriam crossed her arms protectively in front of her. "No, I don't think I will." She frowned at Severus. "What the hell is your problem?"
"Right now, it's you and your lies," Severus ground out.
"What are you on about?"
"Don't play daft with me, Miriam. The packages, the owls. Who is he?"
Confused, Miriam shook her head. "There isn't any 'he'."
"I saw you," Severus hissed. "What were you doing at a London hotel if not meeting another man?"
Miriam's eyes grew wide. "You think I'm cheating on you?" Miriam asked incredulously. Severus said nothing; rather, he glared at Miriam from his place on the couch, his eyes hard. Miriam shook her head. "I've never been unfaithful to you, Severus."
Severus ignored the rawness of Miriam's voice as she struggled to keep from crying. "Spare me your theatrics; the least you could do is be honest."
Miriam swallowed down her tears as she stared at Severus' furious face. His accusations deeply hurt her; after all their time together, how could Severus think such a thing? It suddenly occurred to Miriam that her behavior of late did not cast her in a good light, and she worried her lip between her teeth. All she wanted was to surprise her husband. Instead, their relationship was now damaged and Severus thought her a liar. She took several shaky breaths as Miriam tried to keep from crying. She should have never taken Inga up on her idea, especially if this was the end result. Miriam took another deep breath; fine. Severus wanted honesty? Miriam could do that easily.
Miriam walked away from Severus, and he closed his eyes. He sighed heavily and mentally prepared himself for another go with Miriam. If being with Miriam all these years taught him anything, it was that this fight wasn't over. Severus heard Miriam's heels as she walked across the stone floor, and Severus' eyes snapped open. She came to stand beside the coffee table, and the box from earlier was once again in her hands.
"I am not an adulterer, Severus Snape. While it's true I haven't been completely honest with you, there isn't anyone else." Her voice wavered, but Miriam pressed on. "It was Inga I met at the hotel you followed me to. I planned to surprise you with this tomorrow, but that's ruined now." With those words, Miriam sat the box on the coffee table and returned to the bedroom.
Severus heard the bedroom door click closed; he tried to ignore the muffled sound of Miriam crying as he eyed the box suspiciously. Now that he had the chance, Severus was having second thoughts about looking inside the box. After a few minutes of debating his options, Severus leaned forward. He pulled the box towards him, and opened the lid.
Inside the box was a book bound in soft black leather. When Severus removed the book from the box, he discovered it was actually a photo album. Severus lightly ran his fingers over the smooth leather cover. He opened the album to find a small handwritten note from Miriam on the inside of the front cover.
Dearest Severus,
This gift is for your eyes only. I hope you enjoy having an entire cheesecake to yourself.
All My Love,
Miriam
What the hell was she on about, cheesecake? This wasn't even edible, Severus thought. He turned the page and inhaled sharply. There, was a black and white side profile Muggle photo of Miriam. She was perched on a window seat, her face turned to the window as she gazed out over London. Mia's hair was down, and she had on a dark, long-sleeved sweater. Her bare legs were drawn up and angled towards the window, which afforded Severus a good view of her skimpy lace knickers, round bum, and high heels.
In the next photo, Miriam was reclined in an upholstered chair. Her hair was up, and she wore a sheath mini dress with a demure v-neckline and lace stockings with no garters. She held the phone to her ear as she looked haughtily at the camera. The photo caught her in the process of crossing her legs, and the leg that was raised caused her dress to bunch up, which showed the soft, bare curve of her upper thigh.
Severus quickly turned the page. A standing photo this time of Miriam in a ruched corset and tall, spiky black heels. Her hair was up, and her fingers caressed the sides of her face. Clasped between her wrists, a silk scarf dangled artfully to the floor as it accentuated her long, toned legs. Miriam stared down the lens with a sultry expression.
The next photo was a candid head shot of Miriam drinking from a wine glass. She looked away from the camera, her expression languid. Her full, parted lips touched the rim of the glass in anticipation of the sip of white wine. Her slender fingers wrapped gently around the curved glass while she held a lit cigarette between her fingers. A stray curl dangled over her left eye as her hair tumbled over her shoulder.
The last two photos were the most risqué of the bunch. A side profile of Miriam seated on the large bed; her legs and bare feet tucked under her. She wore a short, sheer, flowing chemise. Its off the shoulder design hugged her breasts and her curls tumbled down her back. She looked playfully at the camera as she toyed with the wand in her hands, a soft smile on her lips.
In the last picture, Miriam was seated on the bed again, but this time she fully faced the camera. She wore one of Severus' white button-down shirts, only this one hung open completely. The shirt barely covered her breasts, and Severus' eyes traveled over the exposed curves, down her smooth belly to the tiny patch of lace peeking out between her legs. Her expression was ardent as she stared into the camera, her wild curls a halo about her head.
Severus took his time and studied each photo in the album. There was something about the chaste, yet sexy photos that Severus found very alluring. He couldn't believe Miriam made this for him. Severus abruptly recalled his earlier behavior and the accusations he'd made. Despite how it appeared, Severus couldn't have been more wrong. "Shiiit," Severus groaned as he buried his face in his hands; he'd really buggered it this time.
Miriam, meanwhile, was seated in front of the fireplace. Inga listened sympathetically through the floo while Miriam cried to her about the fight she and Severus had. "Oh, Miriam, I'm so sorry. Are you going to be alright?" Inga asked.
Miriam sniffled and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "I think so? I'm just really hurt that Severus could so readily accuse me of cheating like that. Doesn't he know me at all?"
The face in the embers frowned. "I get where you're coming from, but think about how this looks from his side. Your behavior was pretty sneaky and atypical. Plus, it's not that he doesn't know you, he doesn't know himself."
"I don't understand."
"You understand more than you realize, Miriam. When people who are supposed to love you spend their whole life putting you down and telling you what you lack, eventually you start to believe them, right?" Miriam nodded her head slowly as she listened. "Then, when you meet someone who truly sees who you are, do you just forget about all the negative things?"
"No," Miriam whispered. She recalled all the hateful things Malcolm called her growing up, and later all the other men she met who told her she was too willful, too pushy, too driven, too independent to be a good girlfriend, let alone wife. Then, Miriam remembered how Severus grew up, and the mocking he endured at school. "Basically, Severus is just waiting for the other shoe to drop because he thinks I'll find someone better?" Inga nodded. "That's ridiculous! He knows I love him, and I can't spend our whole lives placating his insecurities!"
"He probably thinks every day about how he isn't good enough for you, Miriam. You're right, though. Severus' insecurities are something he needs to work through." Inga sighed. "Gods, I feel terrible! This is all my fault—I was the one who suggested the pictures and the hotel. I should have known the spy you married would grow suspicious and follow you."
Miriam chuckled dryly at Inga's wording. "Don't be so hard on yourself. I was so wrapped up in putting together this surprise, none of that occurred to me, either." Miriam sighed sadly. "None of that matters now anyway, my plans are totally ruined."
"You don't think there's any way you could salvage them?" Inga asked.
Miriam exhaled and shook her head. "I—I just don't know. That depends on Severus, I guess. I may not even have a husband anymore, after this. At the very least, I feel I deserve an apology for his accusations."
Inga nodded. "What about you? Are you going to apologize?"
Miriam frowned. "I have nothing to apologize for," the witch said tightly.
"Come now, Miriam, really?" Inga laughed lightly. "If Severus' insecurities were a fire, your actions were a spilled canister of petrol."
Miriam lowered her eyes as guilt washed over her. Inga was right. Miriam was oblivious the past two weeks, so engrossed in pulling off her surprise she missed Severus' cues. Had she caught his suspicions sooner, they wouldn't be in this mess. She knew Severus was insecure, but damnit she was just trying to be spontaneous.
"Just—think about it, Miriam."
"I will," Miriam agreed, and she sighed heavily. "I should go."
"I'm here if you need me," Inga told Miriam.
Miriam severed their connection and stood. She walked over to the edge of the bed and sat down. Defeated, she crossed her arms as she thought about what Inga said. Mia lost track of time as she stared into the fire, until she heard a knock at the door.
"May I come in?" Severus' muffled voice asked.
"Yes," Miriam said.
Severus opened the door. As he walked towards the bed, Miriam stood and turned to face him. They looked at one another in tense silence. Miriam's expression was guarded; Severus had no idea what she was thinking. Severus figured if he apologized first, it would enamor Miriam to him. "I'm sorry, Miriam."
"Stop." Miriam said firmly as she held up her hand. Her eyes became clouded with anger. "How dare you, Severus! We've known each other for almost ten years, and been a couple for over two of those. Yet you think so little of me—"
"But I don't think little of you," Severus urgently interjected as he stepped closer to Miriam.
"Let me finish," Miriam hissed, her face red. "You think so little of me and my love that you feel I'd just hop on another man's broomstick on a whim. Is that it?"
"No," Severus mumbled sullenly.
"Oh, really? I admit my actions were suspicious, but I can't believe how fast you accused me of cheating. We took a vow, Severus. I am bound to you." Miriam emphasized her last words by poking Severus on the chest with a slender finger. She wrapped her hand around Severus' cravat and yanked him closer. "Don't you ever call into question my fidelity again!" Miriam loudly demanded.
He listened as Miriam railed at him, and Severus found himself getting warm under the collar. Severus didn't know if it was the pictures, the way Miriam's eyes burned when she demanded things of him, or a combination of the two, but Severus felt wound tighter than a clock. The only thought in his head was that Miriam's lips were right there. Severus grabbed Miriam and pressed his lips to hers.
Miriam squeaked in surprise when Severus grabbed her, her body tense until his lips moved over hers. As they kissed, Miriam felt Severus' hand slide over her skirt. He gently squeezed her arse, and for a brief moment Miriam forgot her anger. Severus clutched her tighter—it appeared her gift had its intended result, judging from how Severus felt pressed against her. Then, Miriam remembered again why she felt angry, and she pulled back.
"Oh, no you don't. I'm still cross with you, Severus. Sit down." Miriam stepped back and pointed to the chair next to the fireplace. She watched as Severus dutifully took a seat. Miriam crossed her arms and shook her head. "The audacity," Miriam muttered. "You think I'm going to let you off the hook that easily?"
"Well, there was always hope," Severus admitted as he looked at his wife. His gaze turned heated as his eyes traveled over her body. He felt how Mia responded to his kiss; her reaction to him gave Severus hope that he could schmooze his way out of this predicament.
Miriam arched an eyebrow at him. Severus wasn't skating by on a flimsy apology. From Miriam's viewpoint, a little punishment was in order. She began to pace back and forth in front of him, and Severus followed her with his dark eyes. With her thoughts finally organized, Miriam walked behind the chair. "Are you a penitent man, Severus?"
Severus turned slightly as Miriam stepped around the chair. "I can be with the right motivation," Severus purred as his fingers gently grasped Miriam's wrist.
"Ah! I don't think so," Miriam said with a shake of her head as she slipped from his grasp. She flicked her hand and conjured two silken cords. They wove around Severus' wrists and the arms of the chair, effectively binding his hands. Severus scowled at Miriam as she leaned down so they were face to face. "You can't use your hands anymore to get out of this mess, so I guess you'll have to use your words. Now, on a scale of one to five, just how penitent are you, Severus?"
"Oh, a five, definitely."
Miriam arched an eyebrow in disbelief. "Really, Severus, a five?"
"You doubt me? I'm practically an altar boy," Severus said solemnly.
Miriam looked dubiously at Severus before she smirked wickedly. "Good. Then this should be easy for you. You may begin to earn your way into my good graces again with an apology."
Severus frowned. "I've already apologized."
"That wasn't an apology, and you have a lot to make right, Severus." Miriam's eyes turned hard. "Namely, insinuating I'm an adulterous whore and for ruining my surprise." Miriam stepped back and began to walk towards the door. "I'll give you some time to think about your transgressions," Miriam added as she left the bedroom.
Severus was left speechless as he watched the door close behind Miriam. He glared down at his hands; he couldn't believe she just left him tied to a chair. Annoyed, Severus crossed his legs and let out an irritated puff of air. Severus realized Miriam wasn't going to forgive him easily, so he rested his head against the back of the chair and started to mentally sort out his apology.
From her spot on the couch, Miriam glanced at the clock. She'd been gone about thirty minutes, and Miriam figured that was long enough. Severus' demeanor and the depth of his apology would help Miriam determine her next course of action, she decided. With her opened book in hand, Miriam rose from the couch, picked up her wine glass, and returned to the bedroom.
From the chair, Severus watched Miriam open the door and walk leisurely across their bedroom. She glanced up from the book she read and looked at Severus. "Oh! You're still here?" Miriam's words were laced with surprise, and Severus gave her an exasperated look. He couldn't believe Mia spoke to him as though she wasn't the one who tied him to the chair. Severus also knew she wanted to get a rise out of him, so he said nothing. Miriam sat her book down on the bed, and took a sip of her wine. She leaned against the bedpost and studied Severus for a moment. "Before I hear what you have to say, I need to say something."
Severus looked at Miriam oddly. "Go ahead."
The witch took a deep breath. "Severus, I'm sorry my actions over the past weeks caused you to doubt my loyalty. I have never been unfaithful to you, nor would I ever be. I would end our marriage before I'd ever cheat on you. You should know I'll never leave you, though. There's no one that can hold a candle to you, Severus."
Miriam frowned and looked at the floor. When she looked at Severus again, she said, "Inga wanted to practice with her new camera, and she suggested the photos and the hotel. We thought that way, we could keep everything a secret." Miriam laughed bitterly and shook her head. "You were short, with me, and…I thought surprising you with the photos and an overnight getaway would be a lovely romantic gesture. I won't make that mistake again," Miriam added ruefully.
Severus appeared to deflate at Miriam's words. "Miriam, I just…" Severus sighed as he grimaced. "I know what I am, and everything I'm not. I look at you and I wonder why the hell you're with me. You tell me you love me—and I believe you—but a small part of me says just wait, this won't last."
Miriam's brows knitted together. "Oh, Severus. I'm not going anywhere. All I have are my words, and my actions to show you the truth of those words. You are welcome to my memories, though I'd rather believe we have built enough trust between us to where you wouldn't want them."
"I don't need your memories," Severus quietly interjected.
"Fair enough," Miriam conceded. "Though you've no idea how deeply your words wounded me, Severus. You've got to find a way to deal with your insecurities because I can't do it for you. It's also not fair for you to expect me to constantly reassure you." Severus pursed his lips together and nodded curtly in agreement. Miriam finished her wine and sat her glass on the nightstand. "Now, is there anything else you'd like to tell me?"
"Yes." Severus sat straighter and looked at his wife. "Miriam, I'm sorry I let my thoughts run rampant like that. When I started noticing things, I should have just talked to you instead of assuming the worst. I apologize for accusing you of seeing someone else, and for ruining your surprise. For what it's worth, your photos are amazing. I'm sure the getaway would have been equally so. I understand if you can't forgive me," Severus added quietly.
Miriam smiled sadly and knelt in front of the chair. She looked Severus in the eye. "I accept your apology, Severus."
Severus swallowed hard as he stared at Miriam kneeling in front of him. "Well, for what it's worth, I accept your apology as well."
"Just don't let it happen again," Miriam said firmly.
"I won't."
"Good." Miriam gently placed her hands over the cords that kept Severus bound to the chair. "Now, why don't you show me how penitent you are," Miriam said softly.
Severus felt the cords around his wrists vanish, and he wasted not even a second of the opportunity presented to him. He dropped to his knees and pulled Miriam into his arms. Miriam stared at him apprehensively, and Severus tenderly caressed her cheek. Her eyes drifted closed and Severus kissed her softly on the forehead. "I'm sorry," Severus whispered. Then, he kissed one eyelid, and then the other; a murmured apology followed each one. He gathered Mia into his lap. Severu kissed Miriam's cheeks and along her jawline as he continued to apologize.
Finally, Severus covered Miriam's lips with his own as his hands slid lower. Severus gathered her in his arms and leaned to the side as he gently laid Miriam across the rug. As he settled down beside her, Severus noticed the tears in Miriam's eyes. "Please, don't cry," Severus said softly.
"Oh, Severus," Miriam whispered. She felt a tear slide down her cheek, followed by the warmth of Severus' thumb as he brushed it away. Miriam felt overwhelmed by her emotions; between her anger, hurt, and sadness Mia's brain was all fuzzy. "My actions were stupid, but it really hurts that you think I would seek out someone else. It's always been you; from the first time you held my hand as we walked back to the castle from the lake, I've never wanted anyone but you."
Severus' eyes widened at Miriam's admission. "I had no idea." Severus said quietly as he gazed at Miriam. "It's easy for me to use my words as weapons, to shield my hurt when I feel vulnerable." Severus paused. "I need to stop, because I know all too well words can never be taken back once they're spoken. I was a right git to accuse you of cheating as fast as I did."
"Well, knowing you as I do, I shouldn't have been so sneaky." Miriam gave Severus a small smile and tucked a wayward lock of hair behind his ear. "I guess we both have a lot to learn about being married," Miriam mused.
"I guess so," Severus agreed, but then he hesitated. "Miriam, would you still like to go away tomorrow night?"
"Why? It's not a surprise, anymore."
"It can still be a surprise. I have no idea where you planned to go or what you planned to do, and I would like to salvage what we can. Only if you're willing," Severus added.
Miriam smiled. "I'd like that."
Severus returned her smile, but he quickly turned serious. "This was our first big fight as a married couple, wasn't it?" Miriam nodded that yes it was, and Severus took a deep breath. "We're okay, right?"
"We're okay, Severus. In fact, I think with a little recompense on your part, we can be even better than okay," Miriam added.
"Tell me what I need to do," Severus quickly replied.
Miriam considered her options as Severus waited. "You may start with one hundred kisses."
"One hundred kisses?" Severus asked incredulously. Miriam nodded her head. "I see you're out to tarnish my spotless altar boy reputation," Severus said piously.
"I am," Miriam agreed. She wrapped her hand around Severus' cravat. Miriam tugged gently on the black silk, and brushed noses with Severus. "Now. Kiss. Me."
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A/N: So, if you haven't been introduced to vintage cheesecake photography, go ahead and research it. It was my inspiration for this short little story. Thanks for reading!