Los Angeles, California. Creed Estate

"Severus, get up! It's time for breakfast!"

Severus rubbed his eyes and rolled over, hiding his head under the pillow just in time as Mary-Anne opened the door. "Severus, I know you heard me, young man." he let out a groan and snuggled under the blanket.

It was Summer and all he wanted to do was sleep in but no, he was being forced to wake up and mow the neighbor's lawn. "5 more minutes..." it was quiet for a moment, making him think she left, when the pillow and blanket were suddenly yanked off.

"Ma!" He covered his eyes as she yanked open the blinds and turned to look at him. "Get dressed and go mow Miss Chen's lawn, now." and with that, she left the room. Severus let out a long groan and rolled out of bed and into the restroom.

Severus splashed his face with cold water, hoping it would wake him up. He stared at his reflection in the mirror, his eyes still heavy with sleep. "Why can't I just have one day of summer to myself?" he muttered.

After reluctantly pulling on a pair of old jeans and a T-shirt, he trudged downstairs. The smell of breakfast filled the kitchen—pancakes, bacon, and eggs. His stomach rumbled, but he knew there was no time to enjoy it.

Mary-Anne was busy at the stove, flipping pancakes. She glanced over her shoulder as he entered the kitchen. "There's some food for you once you're done. Miss Chen is waiting."

Severus sighed and grabbed a piece of bacon, stuffing it into his mouth as he slipped on his shoes. He stepped outside, squinting against the bright morning sun. The lawn mower was already out, a silent testament to his impending chore.

Miss Chen's house was just a few doors down. She was an elderly woman who had trouble maintaining her garden, and his mom had volunteered his services. As he walked over, he saw her in the garden, watering her flowers.

"Good morning, Miss Chen," he called out, trying to muster some enthusiasm.

"Good morning, Severus! Thank you for doing this," she replied with a warm smile.

He nodded and started the mower, the loud engine shattering the morning peace. As he pushed it across the lawn, his mind drifted. There were so many things he wanted to do today—read a book, convince Ma to let him get a dog, anything but this.

Time seemed to drag, but suddenly he heard Miss Chen's voice. "Severus! Come here for a moment?" He turned to find Miss Chen, who was now sitting on her porch, waving him over. He turned off the mower and walked over to her.

"Severus, I want you to meet my granddaughter."

Severus looked up and saw a girl about his age step out onto the porch. She had long, dark hair tied back in a ponytail and was holding a basket of fresh flowers. She smiled shyly at him.

"This is Emily. She's visiting for a couple of days," Miss Chen explained. "Emily, this is Severus. He's been helping me with the lawn."

"Hi," Emily said, her smile widening.

"Hey," Severus replied as He wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans, his eyes trailing from Emily's eyes to her lips, before going down to her hips.

"I was wondering if you could show Emily around the neighborhood later," Miss Chen continued. "She doesn't know anyone here yet, and it would be nice for her to have a friend."

Severus hesitated, glancing back at the half-mowed lawn. "Uh, sure. I can do that."

"Great! Thank you, Severus," Miss Chen said, looking relieved. "Why don't you finish up here, and then you two can go explore?"

Emily nodded. "I'd love that. Thank you."

"Yeah, no problem," he said, giving a small nod. He returned to the mower, feeling a bit more motivated. As he worked, he kept glancing over at Emily, who was arranging flowers on the porch. Maybe today wouldn't be so bad after all.

After finishing the lawn, he ran back home and up the stairs, ignoring Ma yelling at him to stop running. He took a quick shower and got dressed. He chose a clean shirt and a pair of jeans, hoping to make a good impression.

When he came back downstairs, Ma was waiting in the kitchen with a knowing smile. "Making new friends, I see?"

Severus felt his cheeks flush. "Yeah, Miss Chen's granddaughter."

"That's nice. Just make sure you're back in time for dinner," Ma said, handing him a couple of granola bars. "In case you get hungry."

"Thanks, Ma," Severus said, grabbing the bars and heading out the door.

Emily was waiting by the gate, looking up at the sky. She turned and smiled when she saw him. "Ready?"

"Yep," Severus replied, trying to sound casual. "Let's go."

They walked down the street, Severus pointing out various places of interest. "That's the library over there. It's small, but they have a good selection of books."

"I love libraries," Emily said. "I'll have to check it out."

As they continued, they chatted about their favorite books, movies, and hobbies. Severus found himself relaxing, enjoying her company. They eventually reached the park, a sprawling green space with a playground, a pond, and plenty of trees for shade.

"Want to sit for a bit?" Severus suggested, gesturing to a bench near the pond.

"Sure," Emily agreed, following him. They sat down and watched the ducks glide across the water. His hand itched to grab the pack of cigs in his pocket, but he didn't want to ruin the moment. He shifted slightly, trying to distract himself from the urge.

Emily noticed his restlessness. "Everything okay?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Yeah, just... um... where are you from?" he quickly changed the subject, hoping she wouldn't notice.

"Oh, I'm from China," Emily replied, her face lighting up. "I was born in Beijing, but my family moved to Shanghai when I was six. We've been there ever since."

"Damn, that sounds amazing," Severus said, genuinely intrigued. "I've always wanted to travel, but I haven't had the chance yet. What's it like living in China?"

"It's very different from here," Emily said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Beijing is huge and bustling with people and activity. Shanghai is more modern and has a lot of tall skyscrapers and amazing food. I miss it sometimes, but it's nice to be here with my grandmother."

"I bet," Severus said, imagining the vibrant streets and delicious food when he felt her shift closer, her body pressing slightly against his. With her being so close, he followed suit and shifted closer, their shoulders now touching. The proximity felt comforting, and Severus felt a small thrill of connection.

Emily smiled at him, seemingly comfortable with the closeness. "Do you have any favorite places in town?"

"There's this old treehouse in the woods," Severus said, feeling more confident. "My friends and I used to hang out there as kids. It's a bit of a walk, but it's worth it."

"That sounds amazing," Emily said, her eyes lighting up. "I'd love to see it sometime."

"We can go now if you want," Severus offered, feeling a spark as she slid her hand up his arm. She nodded, and he grabbed her hand, leading her toward the path that wound through the woods. Their hands fit together naturally, and Severus felt a surge of excitement.

The trail to the treehouse was a bit overgrown, but Severus navigated it with ease. "Watch your step here," he said, helping Emily over a fallen log.

"Thanks," she said, squeezing his hand. "You're like a pro at this."

"I've been coming here since I was a kid," Severus said, smiling. "It's kind of my secret hideout."

When they reached the clearing, the treehouse stood tall among the branches, bathed in the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. Emily gasped in delight. "It's beautiful," she said, looking up at the structure. "I can't believe you have this all to yourself."

"It's even better inside," Severus said, climbing up the ladder and helping her follow. The treehouse was cozy, with a few old chairs, a small table, and a stash of books and snacks.

Emily looked around in awe. "This is incredible," she said, running her fingers over the worn wood. "I feel like I'm in a storybook."

"I'm glad you like it," Severus said, feeling a sense of pride. "I spent a lot of time up here, especially when I needed to think or just get away from everything."

As they settled into the treehouse, Severus watched as Emily fanned herself before pulling off her sweater. She glanced over her shoulder and giggled at him, catching him off guard with her playful demeanor.

"What's so funny?" Severus asked, trying to play it cool as he shifted a book over his lap.

"Nothing," Emily said, still giggling as she moved closer to him. "Just your face. You looked so serious for a moment there."

He smirked while he watched her body move, the playful sparkle in her eyes making his heart race. "I guess I was lost in thought," he said, feeling a bit self-conscious but enjoying the moment.

"About what?" Emily asked, her curiosity piqued as she settled next to him, their shoulders brushing.

"Just... you," Severus said, his voice soft as he stared at her. Emily's eyes widened slightly in surprise, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Me?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and bashfulness.

"Yeah," Severus admitted, staring at her lips. "I was just thinking about how fucking beautiful you are." He reached up and brushed his thumb against her neck before trailing it up to her lips.

Emily's breath hitched, her eyes widening at his touch. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as they looked at each other, the world outside the treehouse fading away.

"Severus," she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with emotion. She leaned into his touch, her lips parting slightly as his thumb brushed across them.

He moved closer, his heart pounding in his chest. "Fuck," he murmured, his voice low and filled with lust. "I've wanted to do this since I saw you."

Emily's eyes fluttered shut as Severus leaned in, his lips hovering just a breath away from hers. The anticipation was electric, the connection between them palpable. When their lips finally met, it was gentle at first, a soft exploration that quickly deepened as their emotions took over.

Severus's hand slid from her neck to the small of her back, pulling her closer as the kiss intensified. Emily responded eagerly, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pressed against him. All that mattered was this moment, the electricity between them.

After what felt like an eternity, they slowly pulled away, both of them breathless and slightly dazed. Emily looked up at Severus, her cheeks flushed and her eyes shining with a mixture of surprise and happiness.

"Wow," she said, a small, breathless laugh escaping her lips. "That was... amazing."

"Yeah," Severus agreed, his voice equally breathless. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently caressing her cheeks. Then, he tilted her head and attached his lips to her neck.

Emily's breath hitched again, a soft moan escaping her lips as his warm breath and gentle kisses sent shivers down her spine. She closed her eyes, leaning into him, her fingers tightening their grip on his arms.

"Severus," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "This feels... incredible."

He responded with a soft hum, his lips moving up to her jawline. The closeness, the intimacy, was intoxicating, and Emily felt as if she were floating while Severus wanted to memorize every detail, every sensation.

After a few more lingering kisses, he pulled back slightly to look into her eyes. The depth of her gaze was almost overwhelming, filled with unspoken words and shared feelings.

"So fucking hot," he murmured into her lips as he gently lowered her onto the floor of the treehouse, the worn wooden planks creaking softly beneath them.

Emily's breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the warmth of his body pressing against hers, the scent of him enveloping her senses. She reached up, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer, their lips meeting again in a passionate kiss.

Severus's hand moved to cradle the back of her head, his thumb gently stroking her cheek. The intensity of their connection grew with each passing second, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

"Severus," Emily whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Please don't stop..."

They continued to kiss, their movements slow and deliberate, savoring each moment. The outside world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their own little universe. Severus's hand traced the curve of her back, eliciting a shiver from Emily as she pressed closer to him.

"You're fucking amazing," he murmured against her lips, his words filled with sincerity and awe.

Emily's eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze. "Sev" she replied softly, her fingers caressing his jawline.

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped up in each other and the magic of the moment. Eventually, the need for air and the realization of the time made them pull away slightly, their breaths mingling as they smiled at each other.

"We should probably head back," Emily said reluctantly, glancing at the evening sun outside the treehouse window.

Severus smirked and pulled her close, his breath hot against her ear. "Or, we can stay~" His finger trailed down her thigh, sending a shiver through her.

Emily's breath caught, a mix of excitement and uncertainty swirling in her eyes. "Severus..." she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "What if someone comes looking for us?"

Severus kissed her ear, his lips brushing against her skin. "You'll be quiet, right?" he asked, his voice low and seductive. "Just a little longer."

Emily's resolve melted under his touch, and she nodded, her heart racing. "Okay," she agreed, her voice barely audible.

Severus smiled, his hand continuing its slow journey down her thigh. He captured her lips in a passionate kiss, his other hand sliding down to unclasp her bra.

Their breaths mingled, and the air around them seemed to grow warmer as he explored every inch of her body. Severus's fingers traced patterns on her skin, each touch igniting sparks of desire. Emily responded eagerly, her nails digging into his back.

He whispered sweet nothings, her gasps and moans blending with the sounds of nature outside. Eventually, as the evening light began to fade into night, they reluctantly pulled away from each other. The air was thick with the remnants of what they had just done.

"We should really go back now," Emily said softly, her voice tinged with regret.

Severus nodded, pressing a gentle kiss to her back. "Yeah," he agreed, his voice equally soft. He stood and dressed himself before looking back at Emily, who was staring out the treehouse window. "You good?"

She nodded, waving him off. "You go first, I'll see you tomorrow."

Severus hesitated for a moment, then leaned down to give her one last kiss on the cheek. "Alright. See you soon," he said, his voice filled with warmth.

He climbed down from the treehouse and began the walk back home. The evening air was cool, and he felt a pleasant exhaustion from the day's activities. As he approached his house, he saw his mom waiting on the porch, her lips in a thin line.

"Hey, Ma," he greeted, trying to sound casual as he walked up the steps.

She reached out and grabbed his shoulder. "Inside, now."

Severus's heart sank, and he followed her into the house, his mind racing. What had he done wrong? Once inside, his mom closed the door behind them and turned to face him, her expression stern.

"Where have you been?" she demanded, her voice low and controlled.

"I was with Emily," Severus replied, trying to keep his tone calm. "We were just hanging out."

"All day?" she pressed, her eyes narrowing. "I called Miss Chen to check in, and she said she hadn't seen you since you two left her house."

Severus swallowed hard, realizing he hadn't told his Ma where they were going. "I showed her around and then to the treehouse," he explained. "I didn't think it was a big deal."

"It is a big deal," his mom snapped. "You need to be responsible and let people know where you are, especially when you're out all day. Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

"I'm sorry, Ma," Severus said, genuinely remorseful. "I didn't mean to worry you."

She sighed, her expression softening slightly. "Just get something to eat, then go to your room."

Severus nodded, heading to the kitchen to fix himself a sandwich. Finishing his meal, he put his plate in the sink and headed up to his room.

Once inside, he flopped onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling. His mind wandered back to the time he had shared with Emily, the way her moans had filled the air, the softness of her body. He sighed, feeling a mix of sleepiness and longing before reaching under his bed and pulling out his bong.

Getting up, he locked the door before opening the window and climbing onto the roof. The night air was cool, and the stars were bright against the dark sky. This was his time, a time where he could relax and think. He settled himself on the roof, taking a deep breath before lighting the bong.

As he took a hit, he felt the familiar relaxation wash over him. The tension from the day's events began to fade, replaced by a calmness that he had come to rely on. He stared up at the stars, his thoughts drifting back to Emily. He replayed their moments together. He felt like he should feel some kind of way about what they did, but there wasn't any real emotion. To him, it felt like a good summer fling, not a soon-to-be relationship.

He sighed and glanced over at Miss Chen's house and saw an open window with a clear view of Emily lying in bed, drawing. She was a nice girl and all, but she wasn't permanent. Emily deserved someone who saw her as more than just a fleeting moment. But Severus knew he wasn't that person.

He took another hit, blowing the smoke out into the night air. He couldn't deny that he enjoyed their time together, but he also couldn't ignore the reality of his feelings. Or rather, the lack of deeper feelings. He didn't want to hurt her, but he also didn't want to lead her on.

The night wore on, and Severus eventually crawled back through his window, placing the bong back under his bed. He laid down and drifted off to sleep.

Today was a Rollercoaster...