The Forbidden Fruit

𝕱𝖔𝖚𝖗

As the evening progressed, Severus and Lucius continued to indulge in each other's company. Sharing a few laughs and of course pampering themselves with the endless supply of fine cuisine and drinks. "I do have to say, you have made this night quite enjoyable Severus" Lucius says with a certain twinkle in his eye as he takes a drink from his glass, as they sit at a lonesome table away from the main party. Smiling down at his small plate of hor d'oeuvres Severus taps a finger on the edge of his plate. "You have been quite pleasant as well Lucius.. I haven't had a good time in a long while. You were the unsuspecting spark this old flame needed" Severus admits honestly looking over seeing Lucius smile. Flattered Lucius looks down for a moment "Why thank you Severus.. you've been quite the treat yourself. It's refreshing seeing you loosen up a bit from your usual demeanor" sharing a small smile each, Lucius's eyes linger over the party in the distance. Noticing Narcissa enjoying herself a little too much with that young man she's been chatting with all throughout the night, Lucius gets up. "Excuse me.." he mutters before leaving Severus alone as he approaches Narcissa with a small smile. "May I?" he gestures out as he talks to the young man "After all she is my wife.." he says with a slight sneer watching the young man nervously nod stepping away.

Taking her hand gently in his own as he rests the other on her waist Lucius smiles softly "We haven't talked much tonight.. " he says as he spins Narcissa slowly with elegant poise. Finding his intrusion irritating, Narcissa looks off to the side "Despite what you had in mind as for what would happen tonight between us, Lucius, I would like to mention that I am having quite the night without your presence" she says with brutal honesty. As they stop swaying, Lucius's smile fades feeling a knot in his gut. Not knowing what to say as he stares at her, Lucius runs a hand over his face. "I don't know what you want from me Narcissa. I'm trying to keep what little we have of our marriage together and you keep pushing me away" crossing her arms Narcissa sighs. "Let's not do this now Lucius, we're in public for Merlin's sake" Narcissa spits out with annoyance as she rolls her eyes. Feeling his frustration boiling over Lucius shouts a bit "Why not!? We can't keep the perfect image alive forever. You clearly want nothing to do with me anymore despite being married for nearly thirty years" he steps closer taking her hand. "I am trying my best to keep us together, partly for my sake but also our sons, we cannot fall apart like this, not now" Lucius says in a demoralized tone. "I can't do this, not in front of everyone" Narcissa says before disappearing through the crowd leaving Lucius with wandering eyes as the crowd around them overhears their argument. 

Feeling a swirl of emotions within him Lucius sighs "Cissy wait!" he shouts as he trails after her into the hallway just outside of the ballroom. Stepping out of the party with a quick step, Lucius darts his gaze from side to side along the corridor, seeing Narcissa he approaches calmly. "Darling.." he says softly as Narcissa turns to face him "Lucius.. I want to be as transparent as I can right now.." she starts off as he steps closer with a soft nod. "I know you have put in such effort to keep me close but.. I need you to stop.." looking at her Lucius takes a hard swallow, the dismay and anguish evident in his gaze. Putting a gentle hand on his arm Narcissa looks into his eyes "We cannot force something that no longer exists.." letting her words echo in his conscience Lucius nods as he looks down at his hands, fidgeting with his wedding band.

Looking up and into her eyes, Lucius hesitantly reaches up to caress the side of her face as they share a silent gaze. Pulling her close, Lucius holds Narcissa to his chest, wrapping his arms around her in a way he hasn't in years. Putting a comforting hand to the back of her head while the other remained wrapped around her waist, he lets out a deep sigh closing his eyes as they share this moment of acceptance. 

To Be Continued...