Where the Evening Takes Us
Miriam sat their suitcase by the couch as the doorbell rang. She frowned as she walked through the house to answer the door; hopefully the interruption would be quick so she and Severus could leave in a quarter hour. Miriam glanced through the window beside the door, and she did a double-take. Curious, she opened the door; Severus stood before her, his hands clasped behind him.
"Severus, what on earth are you doing?" Miriam asked with a laugh. "Did you forget you live here?"
"Of course not. However, since this is a romantic getaway, I thought it only fitting to give you these." With those words, Severus pulled a bouquet from behind his back and presented it to Miriam.
Miriam smiled widely at the colorful arrangement. "Oh, Severus, they're beautiful!" Miriam accepted the flowers as Severus stepped into the foyer. She kissed him tenderly on the cheek. "Let me put these in some water, and we can head out."
Severus shut the door as he watched Miriam walk away from him. She was dressed in a dark green, flowy dress. It had long sleeves and a deep v neckline. A matching belt cinched her small waist, and the skirt flared out and stopped well past her knees. Her black high heels made a soft clicking sound on the floor as Mia walked to the kitchen. Severus admired the view as he followed her; tonight, he hoped to further make up for his mistake if Miriam allowed it.
Miriam started on the flowers as Severus joined her in the kitchen. She took a moment to admire his dark gray suit, crisp white shirt and dark blue tie. He wore his long wool dress coat over the suit, and Miriam couldn't help but smile. Severus hated Muggle clothes, but Miriam found him quite handsome in them. Besides, they were necessary for their destination.
With the flowers in water, Miriam led Severus to the sitting room. Severus helped Miriam into her black wool princess coat, and as she buttoned it, Severus picked up their suitcase. Without a word, Miriam wrapped her arms around Severus' waist, and they disappeared.
Once the world righted itself, Severus looked around at his surroundings; he was at a loss. The sky hung low and gray. Snow drifted down and clung to the trees and sidewalks. Miriam shivered, and Severus wrapped an arm around her to shield her from the cold. As they walked, the streets became busier; gradually, Severus had a feeling he'd been here before. They stopped at an intersection, and Miriam turned to stare at him. She raised an eyebrow before she gestured at the large building in front of them.
Miriam waited as Severus looked at the building. He frowned and turned to stare at Miriam; she gently grasped his arm and walked Severus across the street. Miriam and Severus ascended the sweeping stone steps as the doorman nodded in greeting and opened the huge wood door. Miriam thanked him as she and Severus passed. Inside, they took a moment to stomp their feet free of snow and brush the flakes from their coats. The couple then walked across an intricate mosaic floor and stopped at a large desk made of dark wood.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. How may I help you?"
"Good afternoon. We're checking in; the reservation is under Miriam Snape."
The gentleman perused his book as Severus tried to take in the lobby without gawking. The dark wood paneling on the walls was almost black, and contrasted sharply with the sleek white drapes and moldings. Three large crystal chandeliers hung artfully from the tall ceiling. Several groupings of plush velvet shell couches were scattered about. A Christmas tree with white and red baubles stood prominently along the far wall. It was so tall and full; its size rivaled the trees at Hogwarts. "Ah, yes!" the gentleman exclaimed, and Severus turned his attention back to Miriam. "Here you are. Welcome back to the Hotel Russell, Mrs. Snape."
"Thank you," Miriam said as she smiled. She quickly signed the papers, and took the offered room key.
Arm in arm, Severus and Miriam descended a marble staircase and passed several statues as the couple walked to the elevators. Severus remained silent. When they stepped into the lift and the doors closed, he turned to his wife. "This was your surprise?"
"Do you really think this is all I have planned?" She held Severus' gaze as the lift slowed to a stop. Together, they walked down the hall to their room. "Originally, my plan was to bring you here, give you the photos, and spend the whole time having a copious amount of sex," Miriam told Severus as she unlocked and opened the door. She turned around and spread her arms wide as she walked backwards, facing Severus. "I booked the same room we took the photos in, by the way. Beautiful, isn't it?"
Severus followed Miriam into the room, and he shut the door behind them. "Now I'm really disappointed I ruined the surprise," Severus admitted as he sat their suitcase down. He looked around the room. Severus took in the matching blue sofa and chairs in the small sitting room. He recognized the upholstered chair in front of an ornate secretary from Miriam's photo, as well as the window seat. Snowflakes swirled in the air and clung to the window, which obscured the view slightly. His eyes fell to the large bed done in crisp white linens and an obscene amount of throw pillows before they focused on Miriam.
Miriam smirked. "Well, the plan has changed a bit. First, we're going to explore the city, and then we have a dinner reservation at seven."
"Then what?"
Miriam gave Severus an appraising stare. "Then, we'll see where the evening takes us."
/-/-
Later that evening, Severus helped Miriam into her coat as they prepared to leave the Scarlett Green. He smiled at the pink hue of Mia's cheeks; they were both a little tipsy from their time spent at the bar before dinner. Severus had to admit the night so far was quite enjoyable. Severus made sure he was complimentary—yet sincere, and even a bit flirtatious—in his interactions with Miriam. He noticed Miriam was being rather coquettish herself this evening. Severus felt himself grow warm as he thought about how Miriam leaned close and rested her hand on his thigh at the bar, or how her foot kept sliding up his leg under the table at dinner.
Severus slipped his arm around Miriam as they left the restaurant. Miriam leaned into Severus as her arms wrapped around him. The snow continued to fall, and drifts of snow mounded across the lanscape. As they walked down Bloomsbury Street, Miriam and Severus admired the Christmas decorations in the shop windows; coupled with the snow, it made for a picturesque scene.
Once they arrived at the hotel, Miriam took Severus by the hand. Severus felt her small fingers slip between his, and he smiled slightly. As they waited on the lift to their room, Severus noticed Miriam staring at him. He raised an eyebrow at her, but before he could say anything, the elevator doors opened with a loud ding. Severus gestured for Miriam to go ahead of him. Once they were safely inside, Miriam pushed the button for their floor, and the doors closed.
Alone in the elevator, Miriam turned to Severus. Miriam placed a small hand on his chest and stepped into his arms. She kissed him, and backed Severus up against the wall as he kissed her back. Emboldened by his response to her, Miriam slipped her tongue past Severus' thin lips and grabbed the lapel of his coat. Severus tasted of scotch and dark chocolate, Miriam thought idly as she explored his mouth. Severus felt the elevator slow down and bounce to a stop. Miriam broke the kiss as the doors slid open, and reluctantly stepped away from Severus. Severus placed his hand against the small of Miriam's back and guided her ahead.
As they walked down the hall, Miriam dug the room key out of her coat pocket. Her hands shook a bit from the sexual tension that had steadily built between them all evening; actually, since last night, Miriam realized. After their fight, Severus went no further than his kisses, as Miriam made it clear that she wasn't interested in make-up sex. Now, it was all Miriam could think about; all she wanted to do was drag Severus down the hall to their room, and then push him onto the bed. Instead, she took a deep breath and focused on her original plan.
She pushed the key into the lock as Severus' arms slipped around her waist. Miriam couldn't help but lean back against him. Severus' sigh of contentment felt warm against her ear. Anxious to get Severus alone, Miriam turned her focus back to the door, and then she felt a chaste kiss on her neck. She knew Severus heard her soft hum of pleasure as she felt his lips pressed against her skin turn into a smile.
Severus began to gently kiss Miriam's neck as he held her between his body and the door. He tightened his hold around Miriam's waist as she pressed against him. Severus' lips teased her as his hands slowly untied the belt of Miriam's coat. When that was finished, Severus started on the row of buttons.
Miriam moved against Severus as he lavished her neck with kisses. Dully, the realization that anyone could come upon them like this in the softly lit hallway registered, and Miriam fumbled for the doorknob. Severus chuckled at Mia's uncharacteristic clumsiness, and wrapped his hands around hers. "Allow me," Severus purred in Miriam's ear as he unlocked the door.
Severus intently watched Miriam enter the room; she slipped her coat off and then haphazardly tossed it at a chair. She turned around as Severus shut the door; immediately his hands were on her as Severus pressed Miriam against the wall. Severus kissed Miriam passionately as his hands smoothed over every part of Mia's body he could reach. Miriam's hands were equally busy. Severus felt them over his back, and in his hair before he felt Miriam's slender finger trace down his coat buttons.
Severus broke the kiss and glanced down at his opened buttons. "Impatient, are we?" Severus asked as he slipped out of his coat. The dark wool fell to the floor with a heavy thump. He looked hungrily at Miriam as she leaned against the wall, her full lips parted slightly and her eyes filled with heat. "So, where has the evening taken us?" Severus asked.
Miriam smiled as she remembered her earlier comment. "Oh, I think you'll like what I have in mind."
"Do tell," Severus said with a grin.
Without a word, Miriam took Severus by the hand and led him to the upholstered chair near the desk. She walked behind the chair and rested her hands on the blue velvet chairback. "Have a seat," Mia told him. Severus hesitated; he looked at the chair, and then he looked at Miriam. "Don't worry, I'm not going to tie you up—at least, not yet."
Severus raised an eyebrow and sat down while Miriam sauntered over to their suitcase. While he waited, Severus removed his suit jacket and shoes. Mia retrieved a small bag, which she then handed to Severus. Curious, he unzipped the bag and discovered a camera inside. He looked inquisitively at Miriam.
"What was your favorite photo in the album?" Miriam asked. She gracefully sat down on the plush rug in front of Severus. As she waited, Mia leaned back on her hands with her legs demurely in front of her.
Severus shook his head slightly. "I loved them all for different reasons. Honestly, it's impossible to pick a favorite."
"Well, did you happen to notice the album wasn't full?" Severus nodded yes, and Miriam continued. "Would you like to help fill it up?"
Severus looked at the camera in his lap, then at Miriam. Mia studied him through her dark lashes as she gazed up at him. He sat a little straighter and leaned forward. "You want me…to take photos of you?"
"Yes, but only if you want to. I'm curious how you'd pose me, and I want to see what you find…visually alluring."
Both of Severus' eyebrows shot up at Miriam's comment. He looked at her from his seat in the chair. Severus' eyes were drawn to Miriam's hair artfully piled atop her head, and he let his eyes rove over her bare neck and chest. Her pose accentuated the curves of her body, and the dark green material of her dress fanned out around her and over her thighs. "You're quite alluring right now," he told Mia earnestly.
"Then take my picture, Severus," Miriam said softly.
Severus studied the camera. He was familiar with Muggle technology, though this camera was more advanced than what he was used to. Severus wasn't about to waste any time reading the instructions, however; he would figure it out. He turned on the camera and looked through the viewfinder.
Miriam heard the shutter click as Severus took several pictures. He stood and pushed the chair back. "Bend your left leg a bit, and cross your ankles." Miriam did as Severus asked, and he frowned slightly. He knelt down and arranged the skirt of Miriam's dress to where it rode up and exposed more of her thighs. "Don't move," Severus said as the shutter clicked.
Severus lowered the camera and Miriam looked at him. "How do you want me now?" Miriam asked.
The double meaning of her words was not lost on Severus. He quickly stood and offered Miriam his hand. Severus helped her up off the floor as he glanced around the room. His decision made, Severus slipped an arm around Miriam's waist and he pulled her in for a slow kiss. His hands traced Miriam's curves to the front of her dress, where they unfastened Miriam's belt, slipped it off, and let it fall to the floor. "Come here," Severus commanded as he led Mia to the bed. He mussed the blanket and then pointed to the corner of the mattress. "Sit."
Miriam gracefully sat down and Severus took several steps back. He went to his knees, checked his shot, and looked again at Miriam. "Cross your legs and show me as much skin as possible—I want to see your stockings." Miriam crossed her left leg over her right and slid her dress up to expose her legs. "Keep your hands right where they are, and don't look at the camera," Miriam heard Severus say as he snapped several photos.
"Now, I want you to take off your heels, unclasp, and roll down your stockings." Miriam gave Severus a confused look. "I want you to undress as though I'm not here," Severus explained.
Miriam felt herself grow warm as she thought about what Severus told her to do. "I can do that, but I'm going to imagine it's you undressing me," Miriam said quietly as she stared heatedly at Severus. He swallowed hard and gave Miriam an abrupt nod. She smiled coyly at Severus before she turned her attention to her shoe. Slowly, Miriam slid her hands down her leg and slipped the heel off her left foot. Her eyes followed her hand as it traveled back up her leg to the first clasp.
Severus watched Miriam through the viewfinder as she unclasped her stocking. She leisurely slid the sheer material down her leg and pulled it off, her toned leg bare. He continued to snap photos as Miriam stood and turned to face the bed. She rested her black high heel on the side slat of the bed and pushed her dress up so that her garter clasps were showing. Miriam took her time unhooking the stocking, and once she did, Miriam used both hands to slide it down past her knee. She sighed softly as she imagined Severus' hands caressing her.
From his spot on the floor Severus studied Miriam through the camera. His pants grew uncomfortably tight as Miriam undressed for him; first the other heel and stocking, followed by her garter belt. It was difficult to focus—all he could think about was bending Miriam over the bed. Despite his wayward thoughts, Severus managed to take several photos.
Unaware of Severus' dilemma, Miriam continued. With her legs and feet bare, Miriam used magic to undo the zipper of her dress. Slowly, she pulled the dress off her shoulders, and glanced back to gaze seductively at the camera. Miriam pulled her arms out of the sleeves and let her dress slide down to the floor. Clad only in her pale pink bra and lace panties, Miriam stood beside the bed; she raised her hands and started to unpin her hair.
Severus angled himself to capture Miriam's reflection in the mirror over the dresser as her curls gradually came undone. Severus stood and walked to the nightstand, where he sat the camera down.
Miriam waited as Severus' eyes swept over her. He brought his hands up and ran them through Miriam's hair. As Severus shook out her curls, a satisfied smile replaced his usually severe expression. A content sigh escaped him as he draped several curls over Miriam's shoulders.
"You, are so beautiful," Severus mused as he gazed at his wife.
"Oh, Severus."
The words barely left Mia's lips before Severus claimed them with his. Miriam wrapped one hand around Severus' neck in attempt to get closer, while she used the other to remove Severus' tie. Severus gently cupped the back of her head with his hand so that he could deepen the kiss. He tilted his head slightly so that her could better ravish her lips; the soft moan that escaped her caused Severus to clutch Miriam tighter to him.
Eventually, Severus removed his hand from the back of Miriam's head. Without his hand for support, their lips separated. Miriam opened her eyes to find Severus studying her. Her eyes fell to Severus' lips, and she wrapped herself around him. Miriam slid her hand into Severus' hair and pulled him closer. As her lips moved over his, she could feel Severus caress her back. His hands continued, down past her waist, over the curve of her bum. Severus lifted her, and Miriam wrapped her legs around his hips.
Severus turned slightly; Miriam stopped her kisses and watched as Severus flicked his wrist at the bed. The throw pillows slid onto the floor. Severus climbed into bed, laid Mia down and settled over her. Miriam rested her head against the pillows as a soft sigh escaped her—there was something so, so right about how Severus felt pressed against her. Severus kissed Miriam, his actions demanding, yet gentle. She felt Severus' large, warm hands begin to caress her slowly. Miriam once again sighed with pleasure as his hands moved up her thighs, over the curves of her hips. He ghosted along Miriam's sides, over her ribs, and under her breasts. Severus' lips moved lower—over Miriam's jawline and over her throat. He began to alternate his kisses with small nibbles followed by the warmth of his tongue. Severus sensuously explored Mia's shoulders and collarbone as he shifted even lower.
Miriam groaned as Severus cupped her breast in his large hand. As his calloused thumb brushed against her nipple, Severus' mouth moved hungrily over her curves. He drew her nipple into his mouth and Miriam shuddered as his tongue teased her taunt skin. Severus pushed her breasts together and gently squeezed as he laved them with his tongue before he drew both nipples into his mouth.
Severus heard Miriam moan his name as her fingers slipped into his hair. He continued to lavish her body with attention as he listened for that next sigh, that next groan of pleasure. He eventually released her breasts to gently run his hands over Miriam's belly, and she arched sensuously at the sensation. His fingers hooked under Miriam's panties; he slid them down her legs and added them to the growing pile of clothes on the floor. Severus scooted back and ran his hands up and down Miriam's legs. "Let's see if you're as sweet as I remember," Severus purred.
Miriam's brows knitted together as it took a moment for the meaning of his words to sink in. The understanding came to Miriam the same time she felt Severus' tongue on her inner thigh. She gasped and tried to twist away, but Severus wrapped his hands around her legs and held her body open to him. A dark chuckle reached her ears, and Miriam looked down at Severus.
"You're not going anywhere. Let me taste you, and allow yourself to enjoy without worrying if it's proper. Now, give it here, witch."
"Severus!" Miriam cried as his tongue flicked her clit. She thrust her pelvis forward and grabbed his hair as Severus sucked gently and bathed her with his tongue. Miriam heard his groans of pleasure as his tongue delved deeper, and she let out a low moan. She blushed deeply at the sound of her own enjoyment, but as Severus continued, Miriam quickly gave herself over to the pleasure she felt.
Severus felt the tension leave Miriam as she began to thrust into his mouth, his tongue fell in sync with her hips. Mia's hand slipped from his hair; Severus grasped it and wove his fingers through hers. Severus ardently applied himself; his tongue swirled and probed Miriam's soft flesh as her juices covered him. Severus was a quick study at what brought her pleasure, and his pride wouldn't allow for him to leave Miriam anything less than completely satisfied.
Miriam felt the aching fullness begin to rise within her. She was vaguely aware of their groans of pleasure as they moved together. Miriam's movements became more urgent and Severus stayed with her as her body writhed and twisted. It was too much—the overwhelming need for release consumed her. When her orgasm hit her, Miriam's hips came off the bed and she cried out. Her thighs clamped down around Severus' head for a brief moment and she once again grabbed his hair. Her entire body trembled with pleasure and Miriam's hand dropped weakly to the bed.
Severus kissed his way up Miriam's body as he moved towards the pillows. He settled over her; the cool fabric of his shirt pressed against her hot skin, and Miriam groaned quietly. Severus brushed her hair aside; the tenderness of his touch caused Miriam to open her eyes.
"You're amazing," Miriam sighed. She kissed Severus softly on the lips. Severus smiled, and Miriam's heart fluttered as it reached his eyes and she smiled back.
"You, are even more delicious than I remember. I'd much rather have you than some plain piece of cheesecake," Severus mused. Miriam blushed, and Severus watched in amusement as her body flushed pink. He brought a pale hand to his throat and began to unbutton his shirt.
Miriam was mesmerized by the movement of Severus' hands. As he unfastened the buttons Miriam caressed his exposed skin tenderly. "You can have me for as long as you'd like, Severus. Hopefully, forever."
Severus pulled his shirt free of his waistband and continued to unfasten the buttons. Miriam helped him along by unbuttoning the cuffs. He slipped the shirt off and tossed it aside. Severus rolled to his back and began to unbutton his trousers. "I'm going to want you for a long, long time, Mia. I don't know if forever is long enough."
Miriam turned on her side and propped herself up with her elbow. She watched as Severus lifted his hips slightly and pulled off his trousers and briefs. Her eyes swept up and down Severus' body. Miriam wanted him closer, so she laid her body on top of his. "Then let's make our time count," Miriam breathed.
Severus wrapped his arms around Miriam as she kissed him. She moved against him, her heat and wetness teased his cock. Severus groaned at the friction. He lightly teased Miriam's sides with his long fingers. Severus twined his tongue around Mia's as he rolled over and pinned the witch under him. Severus took several steadying breaths. "I don't think I'm misjudging the situation, but I must know." Severus stared deeply into Miriam's eyes. "Would you like to continue?"
Miriam gazed at Severus, touched that he asked. She could feel him, hard and ready, his erection pressed against her thigh. Even if it wasn't, Miriam could see Severus' desire in his dark eyes. "I would very much like to continue. I just have one question."
"Only one?" Severus gently teased.
"For now," Miriam admitted, and they smiled at one another.
"You can ask me anything, little witch. You know that."
Miriam grew thoughtful. "Our evening has been rather one-sided so far, and that simply won't do." She traced his jawline with a manicured finger and leaned closer. "What can I do to please you, Severus?"
Severus gazed heatedly at Miriam. "I must say, I disagree with the one-sided comment. I've found our time together quite pleasurable," Severus said.
Miriam smirked. "Disagreements aside, you still haven't answered my question, Severus. How do you want me?"
Severus took a moment to consider Miriam's question. "I want you."
Miriam frowned. "You want me…?" The inflection in her voice made it clear she thought Severus wasn't done speaking.
"My sentence wasn't unfinished, Miriam. I want you. That's it. I don't need a scenario, or a Kama Sutra position. Just my wife; passionate and accepting," Severus said lowly. He caressed Miriam's thigh as he stared at her. Mia's lips parted slightly as she stared at him with wonder. "After the past week, I simply want to connect with you." Severus kissed Miriam's neck softly. "I want to hold you as we move together, to feel you under me." Another kiss, this time on Miriam's collarbone. "Let me love you," Severus breathed as he covered Mia's mouth with his.
Overwhelmed by his ardor, Miriam let out a slight whimper as Severus kissed her; his lips conveyed such passion and fire they left Mia dizzy. Miriam pressed herself against his loins; the foreplay was delightful, but Miriam needed more. Reflexively, Severus ground against her, and Miriam gasped. "Patience," Severus whispered. "We'll get there." He returned to Mia's lips, and he felt her arms wrap around him as she caressed his back. Once more, Severus began to move against her. His lips fell to her throat, their movements more urgent as their desire continued to build.
Severus stopped his kisses. As he looked down at Miriam, he reached between their bodies and pressed forward slowly. Miriam moaned as he filled her, and Severus' dark eyes narrowed with delight as he studied her reaction. He took the time to draw up Miriam's knees around him before Severus slipped his arms under Mia and began his slow, steady possession of her body.
"I hope you don't mind slow and easy. I want to take my time with you and enjoy every second of this," Severus panted as he gently stroked into the witch beneath him.
Miriam couldn't find her words, so she simply nodded. They moved sensuously together as they embraced. In between Severus' searing kisses, Miriam moaned and sighed with pleasure as Severus' velvet voice spoke of his desire for her. Every tender thrust fulfilled Miriam's deepest, most primal need. Overwhelmed, Miriam clutched Severus tighter.
Severus thrust a little deeper, and Miriam groaned as he began to take her harder. Severus kissed her, and as his tongue delved into her mouth, Miriam felt that familiar slow burn ignite inside her once more. Miriam gladly yielded to Severus' possession; she knew he would take her to where she needed to go. The need for completion continued to build between them, and they worked together to achieve their mutual goal. They stared at one another, their breath harsh between them, their movements increasingly frantic until the euphoric rush hit them. A shuddering gasp went through Severus as he released and he felt Miriam arch against him. The heat of her orgasm washed over him, Severus' name on her lips as she writhed beneath him.
Severus and Miriam clung to each other as they lingered in the bliss of the connection their coupling created. Severus gazed down at Miriam, and he could see the satisfaction in her eyes. "You are…so passionate," Severus breathed before he kissed her. He rolled to his back and took Miriam with him.
Miriam rested her head on Severus' shoulder and closed her eyes. She felt as though her body was still floating back to reality, so she simply focused on Severus' strong arms as he held her. Miriam felt safe, and very much adored; a content sigh escaped her. Eventually, Miriam raised her head to look at Severus. She smiled at his relaxed features as his eyes opened and focused on her.
"Do you like our little getaway?"
"Very much," Severus said.
"And the pictures?"
Severus' gaze turned heated. "Especially the pictures. Hopefully, the ones I took turn out half as beautiful as you looked." He kissed her softly, then smacked his lips. "Definitely better than cheesecake."
Miriam grinned at his teasing tone. "Well, if you wish to take more, I packed the outfits I wore for the originals, if you want to use them."
Severus arched an inky brow. "Did you pack the sweater?"
"Ah-ha! I knew you had a favorite!" Miriam exclaimed as she laughed.
Severus chuckled and pulled Miriam close. He swept her hair back and looked into her eyes. "You're right, I do have a favorite—you."
Miriam shivered as Severus' words washed over her. His dark eyes looked at her longingly, and Miriam realized their night was just getting started. "Would you like for me to put on the sweater, Severus?"
"I'd like that," Severus admitted.
Miriam raised an eyebrow. "Then what?"
Severus smirked. "We'll see where the evening takes us."
/-/-
A/N: Time frame is December 1984