Love For Too Many

Chapter 11

Your thoughts stayed with him for hours as he graded papers alone. He thought you were upset about it. But you were conflicted to no end. Your heart said to go for it while your brain said to stay safe from possible disappointments.

A knock at the door surprised him. "Come in." His voice drawled. The door creaked as it opened. Minerva walked in with a giant grin plastered on her face. His grew more annoyed for he had been hoping to see you. "What can I help you with Minerva." His thin patience showed through his words.

"The students are gossiping Severus. Apparently you were seen 'cuddling' Y/n outside in the leaves today with Wendy. The students think you are dating." He stood abruptly.

"What?!" She only gave him a knowing look.

"What are you up to Severus? She has been through so much."

"I know that Minerva! I am doing nothing of the sorts. She leaned up against me. She was cold!" His voice boomed through the space, his anxiety through the roof. The students always feared him. Now they were going to question everything. But you couldn't blame them. You both were questioning everything too.

"I didn't mean to upset you Severus. I'm very sorry if I did. I thought I'd prepare you for the questions tomorrow. This way you could... get your stories straight." She winked at him and left the room. Leaving him utterly baffled.

He huffed. There was no longer anyway he was going to continue grading papers. He packed up his things and headed to your quarters.

You were making dinner while Wendy played with her dolls in her bedroom. The urgent knock on your door surprised you. You swiftly answered it to see Severus standing in front of you looking absolutely awful. His face paler than normal and his breathing shaky. But you soon realized he was quite frustrated.

He shoved past you entering your living area. "Welcome in I guess. What's the matter Severus?"

"The students saw your show of affection this afternoon. Apparently they think we are seeing each other. Minerva informed me we should 'get our stories straight' for when the children ask us questions tomorrow. She seems to believe them." You smirked at his anxious being. His hands fiddling with the hem of his shirt.

"Come with me. We can finish this conversation in the kitchen so I can finish dinner." You turned on your heel and strutted into the kitchen to finish up the cooking.

"What are you making?" His softer tone of voice warmed you.

"Nothing fancy. Just chicken tenders, ramen, and green beans." The simple dinner was slightly embarrassing for some reason. You were cooking for a small child it shouldn't have been.

His presence at your back was unexpected. He wrapped his arms around you and took over cooking. "Let me help." He whispered in your ear. His chin resting in the crook of your neck.

His hands were much larger than yours and he wrapped them over your hands to take over stirring the ramen. But he didn't let you pull your hand away. It was his way of holding your hand.

Dinner finished and he finally let you go. He let you grab plates and serve the food before going to get Wendy.

You set Wendy down in her high chair and the three of you talked and ate together comfortably.

Severus stayed for awhile even waiting for you to finish putting Wendy to bed. Once the two of you were alone you snuggled up on the couch with your cup of tea.

"Let's talk." You stated simply before taking a long sip of your hot tea.

"Are you upset about our kiss?" The words fell from his mouth without his consent. He smacked himself mentally and waited for your response.

You thought for a moment about what had gone down that night. "I'm surprised that's the part you wanted to talk about. But no, I liked our kiss Severus. I just have... baggage."

"We'll, I was wondering..." he took a deep breath allowing himself a second to back out if he need to. "would you like to go on a date with me."

"I would love to Severus." The flush of your cheeks returning. "Now what are we going to tell the students tomorrow?"

"We tell them that... it's non if their business. Besides we need to tell the school before the students if we ever become official."

You nodded in agreement. For now that was the best option. His hand rested on your thigh as he took another sip of his own tea. Following his example you sipped your own tea to hide your smile.

When he had finished his tea and set it on your coffee table he leaned over and whispered; "May I kiss you again?" You set your own tea down and nodded your head. "You must say it aloud Y/n."

"You may kiss me again Severus." He took his other hand and rested it on your cheek, pulling you towards him. His soft lips met yours and instantly you were filled with joy. He pulled away and looked into your eyes. His onyx eyes sparkling at the feeling of your lips against his.

You snuggled into his side and smiled. Before you knew it you had fallen asleep leaving Severus to carry you back to your room and lock up. He headed back to his own chambers and slept peacefully.