AN: This is a drabble oneshot connected to the main story. The main story is complete! But I will post related oneshots now and again. I have one related oneshot that I can not post here because it is intimate. If you would like to read that, find my A03 info in my bio.

Remus speaking telepathically = ~This~

Severus speaking telepathically = *This*

-Five Years after Mind Explosion-

*Happy birthday, Remus,* Severus said, grinning when he felt the other gasp, even though the werewolf was on the other side of the world at a werewolf convention.

They had accomplished a lot with the wolfsbane potion business and had organized many gatherings for werewolves of all ages and their families.

~What the… how? Severus?~

Severus smirked. 'Did you think I wouldn't try and recreate the potion that blended our minds? It took some trial and error, but since you've answered, it must have worked! This one is less potent, so it will only last the day.*

~Working on another secret potion? How many other secrets do you have in the works?~ Remus asked. In his mind, Remus's laughter tickled him, wrapping around him like a hug. Warmth bloomed in his chest.

*Maybe I'm just an obsessive Slytherin who can't stand being away from his partner.*

As Severus walked into the kitchen, he set down his things and placed his elbows on the table, resting his chin in his hands.

~I know better than that.~

Remus was too sweet. It was true that ever since they had gotten together, thanks to the potion backfiring, he had grown and considered himself a better person now. It meant a lot that others saw it in him, too, especially Remus.

*Well, I missed you. I missed this, being so close to someone in ways you can't be with anyone else.*

They had barely been apart since the mind explosion five years ago. They didn't have to read minds to know what the other was thinking, but he did miss it sometimes when words became hard for him.

~I miss you, too! And, of course, I missed this. It was so much more embarrassing when we were seventeen.~

That made him laugh, thinking of the first embarrassing thought he had shared with Remus: imagining them kissing in the broom closet. They did a lot more than kissing now, that was for sure, but sometimes he still felt awkward and shy about it.

*Sure took us a while to get our act together, didn't it?*

~Yes, but I enjoyed seeing your adorable thoughts about me.~

Severus flushed at the implication. No matter how many years passed, he had a feeling Remus would always be able to fluster him.

He could tell Remus was talking to other people and distracted by his thoughts, so he cleared his mind. It was something he had gotten much better at over the years, and some might say he was an expert at it now. Ever since the mind explosion occurred and he realized how open his mind was, he became serious about learning Legilimency.

~Whoa, your studies have been paying off. I can't hear a single thought!~

*What can I say? You never know when an evil wizard will demand all my darkest, deepest secrets.*

He felt Remus laughing and wondered what his companions thought of him laughing out of nowhere.

'I'm sorry the gathering fell on my birthday. I wanted nothing more than to spend it with you.'

Severus rolled his eyes. *Remus, the werewolf society is important to you. We will have many birthdays in the future.*

~Yes, we will. I love you, Severus.~

*Indeed.*

~Hey!~

*I love you, too, Remus. Now and forever. Always.*