AN: we're getting close to the end and I have to say it's gonna be sad. there is character Death but if you're willing I think it'll be worth reading. only maybe 5-6 chapters left
March 2006
Things had been going well, Severus and Harry had been hosting a few older teenagers from town who were queer and wanted a different life compared to their parents' ideas. The local queer community in Connie, Anne, and Rose helped when they could. Tyler, Anne and Rose's son was in college now but wrote letters to the household, offering support as an ally and information of how life was different and could be different at university.
Severus had been able to go back to his job on the ranch and many of the other ranch hands agreed that Kennedy had been a shit stirrer, only looking to cause trouble. Most of the men were wary of HIV/ AIDS but respected Severus enough to only ask minimal questions.
A couple weeks went by without Harry and Severus getting to spend much time together, but Harry was slightly alarmed when he saw Severus in more than just passing. The man had lost several pounds in just a few weeks. When he brought it up, Severus waved his concern away. He was just too busy at work to eat much, that he couldn't keep much food in his stomach was a concern he kept to himself.
Harry noticed on the weekend that every time Severus sat for longer than five minutes, he would nod off to sleep. This was unusual as well. Then, the next time they were able to go to bed at the same time, Harry looked over at Severus changing for bed and exclaimed, " What are these lumps! In your armpit! Severus, I really think you should see a doctor."
Severus sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. "Do you know why I've put it off?"
The younger man shook his head.
"I'm…scared. They're going to tell me that the HIV has progressed. I've known I've been living on borrowed time, but I'm content for once. I just wanted to live in this moment with you and the children. I don't want you to see me decline."
Harry sat beside him and grasped his hand. "We're in this together. You know I support you, but I think we should make sure. And if it is AIDS…then we know how much time we have left."
Harry laid his head on Severus' shoulder and held him.
The next week Severus made an appointment with his doctor in Helena and took off work to make it in. The doctor confirmed what they had thought. Severus was not an overly emotional man, but on hearing that he had perhaps a year left, he sobbed by himself in his beat up truck right there in the office parking lot.