Runaways (Don't Save Me Book 2)

Chapter 16: For You

The next morning I woke up with Severus's arms around my waist as he held me close to him. I had missed this feeling. It reminded me of when we were kids and we slept in the same bed, though this time it was different. This time, I wasn't just sleeping next to my best friend. This time I was sleeping next to the man I loved.

...

The next few hours were joyful, though I could sense that something was off with Severus. After Dumbledore had awarded the final house points and I said goodbye to Harry, I pulled Severus aside.

"Sev, are you alright?" I asked him, my hand resting on his arm.

"Yeah, why?"

"You just don't seem like yourself."

"Oh... well I'm fine," he responded, not meeting my eyes.

"Severus, don't you dare lie to me."

"Come on, love. Why don't we go back to my chambers?" he whispered close to my ear. "We have until tomorrow before we have to leave and I'm sure Albus and Minerva are going to have a million questions for us tomorrow. So... I was thinking... maybe we could have some fun in the meantime," he continued, pushing a lock of hair behind my ear. I moaned as his hands moved downward and his breath tickled my neck.

It took a moment of him kissing my neck for me to realize what he was doing. I took a step back, placing my hands on his chest to keep him from moving closer.

"Seriously, Severus? Don't try to distract me. I know something isn't right with you. Why won't you talk to me?"

"Because it isn't a big deal... Y/n, it's nothing you need to worry about."

"Clearly something is upsetting you... just talk to me."

He sighed, moving his hands around my waist.

"It isn't just one thing... It's... multiple small things," he said as he traced small circles in my waist.

"Well, I want to hear all of them."

"You don't have to listen to my issues, you know?"

"I know. I want to, Severus. I want you to talk to me about anything."

I could see the surprise in his eyes. He had never had someone to truly listen to him when he was growing up. He lived a life trapped in a house with a man who hated his very existence and he didn't have anyone to talk to. He sighed before locking eyes with me and began to speak.

"It's really not a big deal... It's just... we just got together and now we're leaving for the summer... and I won't see you. And then there's the fact that we haven't talked about if we want to tell the students and if you're going to tell Harry... and the boy already hates me so he won't be too happy about the fact that I am dating you. And if you tell him he'll probably tell his friends and then all the students will know. And they'll probably tell you that I'm no good for you and maybe you'll realize the truth and leave me."

I stood there unsure of what to say. The words had spilled from his lips so quickly, as if he was afraid if he didn't say it quickly enough I would stop listening and he would be forced to keep it all inside once again. I lifted my hands to his face, gently lifting it. I could see the tears in his eyes that he was holding back and I gently stroked his cheek.

"Oh... baby," I sighed. "There's obviously a lot that we have to talk about, but I knew what I was getting into when I said yes to going out with you. I love Harry... he's my Godson... but I also love you. As for the students... if it makes you more comfortable we don't have to tell them right away. We can just... keep this between us for now. I can even wait to tell Harry."

"You would do that for me?"

"For you I would do anything, Sev, and as for that other thing. It isn't like back when we were in Hogwarts and I was cut off from the world during the summers. We are grown adults. I have my own place and so do you. We can see each other whenever we want, love."

"Whenever?"

"Yes, whenever."

A smile spread across Severus's face and, for a moment, the Severus from our Hogwarts years was back. The way he found joy in the smallest things and the way his smile would light up any room he walked in always made my heart flutter. Over the years, being a Death Eater had hardened him to the outside world. Although he was never rough with me, I could sense the way the students feared him and the other teachers always seemed to keep their distance. I was lost in my thoughts when Severus lifted me off the ground and spun me around. Our laughter filled the corridor as I gripped his arms tightly.

"You better not drop me, Severus!" I giggled.

"Never, darling."

He gently placed me back on the ground and pressed his lips against mine. His hands pulled me against his chest as his lips moved in sync with mine.

"I knew it!" a voice echoed through the corridor.