Something different I Severus/Lucius/Y/N

1+2=3

As the weight of the revelations about Legilimency settled in, I felt an uncomfortable tightness in my chest, the beginnings of panic creeping up on me. Despite the earnest reassurances from Snape and Lucius, the idea that my private thoughts might not be entirely my own anymore was overwhelming. Their concerned glances were quick to notice the change in my demeanor.

"Are you all right?" Lucius asked, his voice laced with concern, his earlier playfulness replaced by a more protective tone.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I managed to respond, though my voice was perhaps a bit too quick and high-pitched to be entirely convincing. "Actually, I think I'll handle the bill tonight."

Snape looked ready to protest, possibly sensing my discomfort as a reason for my sudden decision. "That's not necessary—"

But I interrupted him, steadying my voice as much as I could. "Please, I insist. It's the least I can do. Besides, my family..." I paused, hinting at the well-known financial stature of my family, which made such gestures within my means, hoping to use it as an excuse to step away from the table for a moment and gather my thoughts.

Lucius and Snape exchanged a look, understanding my need for a brief reprieve more than my desire to pay. "Very well," Lucius finally said, nodding. "If you feel strongly about it, we won't object."

"Thank you," I replied, giving them a small, forced smile before standing. I walked over to the counter to settle the bill, using the short walk to try and calm the racing thoughts and the unsettling feeling of vulnerability.

While the staff processed the payment, I took deep breaths, trying to focus on the positives—their honesty about their abilities and their reassurances of discretion and ethics. Yet, the unease lingered, a shadow over what had been a pleasant evening.

Returning to the table, I found Snape and Lucius rising to join me, both clearly concerned but respecting my earlier show of independence.

"If you're ready, perhaps we can take a walk?" Snape suggested gently. "A bit of fresh air might do us all some good."

"That sounds perfect," I agreed, grateful for the chance to step out into the cool night air, hoping it would help ease the discomfort and give me a chance to fully regain my composure away from the crowded restaurant.

As we left the establishment, the streets of Rome offered a soothing backdrop, the night sounds and gentle breezes providing a sensory distraction from the turmoil within. Walking beside Snape and Lucius, their presence was both a comfort and a reminder of the complexities of our relationships—marked by newfound openness and yet shaded by the implications of their magical insights.

As we strolled through the cobblestone streets bathed in the soft glow of streetlamps, the cool night air seemed to bring a certain clarity. Snape broke the silence first, his tone more gentle than usual.

"I must apologize, sincerely, for any discomfort our earlier conversation caused you," he began, his expression earnest. "It was never my intention to make you feel exposed or vulnerable. The use of Legilimency is something I approach with great caution, and I assure you, it will not happen again without your express consent."

Lucius nodded in agreement, his face mirroring Snape's seriousness. "Indeed, I echo Severus's sentiments. We value your trust above all, and I regret if our revelations might have jeopardized that. Please believe, it was never about intrusion."

Their apologies seemed genuine, and despite the lingering discomfort, I felt reassured by their commitment to respect my boundaries. "Thank you both," I responded, managing a small smile. "I appreciate your honesty and your apologies. It's a lot to take in, but I understand your intentions were not to harm."