Stay with me

Potions and coffee

Severus began to stir, wincing at the slight pain in his side. He opened his eyes and instantly closed them, the light stung and did nothing for his increasing headache. He groaned more out of frustration than pain, slowly bringing his hand to his head in efforts to limit the amount of light that hits his eyes. He managed to limit the light somewhat, enough to see his surroundings. He was in his room. The memories from last night came flooding back, though how she managed to move him without causing him to stir he'll never know.

"There's two potions on your bedside table." Minerva entered carrying a tray. Severus made effort to sit up, and winced further. Minerva abandoned the tray mid air and effortlessly moved to his side, prompting him up against some pillows and the headboard.
"Now take it easy, you suffered quite the ordeal yesterday." Minerva sat on the edge of his bed, Severus went to argue but Minerva held up her hand "Before you even start I've spoken with Dumbledore so don't worry. He's sent you on a trip across sea to gather something very important and he's stepped in to take over until you return."
"Albus teaching my potions class doesn't reassure me at all, he may be considered one of the greatest wizards of all...but his potion skills do not back up that case." His voice was raspy, with a hint of sharpness. Minerva chuckled,
"Good thing he's teaching transfiguration then." Minerva summoned the tray over to the bed, carefully placing it on his lap. Severus furrowed his brows looking at the woman.
"That would imply that you're..."
"Yes it would. I didn't think you'd mind. I mean it's me or Dumbledore." Minerva pushed the cup of coffee towards him, and began preparing her own tea.
"Are you certain you're not after my job?"
"Oh believe me Severus, if it was your job I was after, I'd have had it by now. So brush that concern aside."
Severus' frown deepened as he noticed the unrecognisable tea set, that certainly wasn't his own. Nor was this delicate China coffee cup.
"Yes, you're correct to assume I transfigured your thick plain mugs into these. You know how I abhor drinking out of thick mugs." Why her dislike of thick mugs meant he had to drink out of one of those dainty little cups was unbeknownst to him, not that he minded terribly. He was glad of her company.

"Now, I want you to drink these." She placed the two vials of potions on the tray.
Skeptically Severus picked one vial up, popped the lid and took a deep inhale.
"My skills upto your standards?" Minerva had an amused twinkle in her eyes, and he could hear it in her voice.
"It's acceptable, I suppose." He drawled out, Minerva arched her brow.
"Just acceptable?"
"What more do you want me to say Minerva? It's nothing outstanding."
"Oh well in that case perhaps I'd best touch up on my potion skills, maybe a tutor is in order."
"Yes, a tutor might be advisable, I'll have to check my schedule of course."
"Oh, you needn't bother. I'll ask Horace, I'm more than certain he'd be happy to help me."
Severus stiffened at the mention of that man's name, and took a long sip of his black coffee.
"That's not all he'd be happy to help you with." He mumbled, like a pouting child. Minerva stared at him for a moment slightly shocked at his little comment though her surprise soon turned into a chuckle.
Severus glanced at her, his facial expression softening slightly.
"And what Minerva, is so amusing?" He arched his brow.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say there was a hint of jealousy in there." The mischievous glint danced around her eyes and for a moment he remained silent, until her words finally sunk in. The man made a disgusted sound, though there was indeed some truth behind that statement.
"Jealous of that lousy swine? Oh please Minerva, don't insult me like that." The woman chuckled.
"Don't be sour, drink your potions." She pushed the vials closer to him.
"Alright, alright. Would you Stop fussing for two minutes." He snapped, reaching for the vial he'd already opened.
"If I die from this, I'll have your head."
"If you die from that, you should of been more cautious when creating your potions."
"My potions?"
"Oh Yes. I was sure you'd recognise them but perhaps the events of last night took its toll and turned you into a complete dunderhead."

Severus didn't even warrant Minerva with a snappy come back, instead he gave her his best glare and downed the potion. Her smile never faltered, which made him frown even more. She was indeed very playful this morning.
He had thought about mentioning it, or purposely anger her, though he had second thoughts. She was teaching his class today, his class of second year Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws...that was definitely going to ruin her playfulness. Perhaps he'd indulge in it just a while longer.

"See, wasn't that easy." With an effortless wave of her hand the vials had vanished. Severus marvels at her, the way she made them disappear as if it was the most easiest thing in the world. Not even a second thought was given to those vials, she was more focused on her tea. His eyes became transfixed as he watched her potter with the tea cup, then took a sip. Severus wished she hadn't been wearing such I high neck dress, so he could watch as she swallowed. Though his eyes soon shifted to her lips. The way her tongue poked out and elegantly licked her bottom lip, followed by her handkerchief dabbing at the corner of her mouth.

"What?" Minerva had noticed that his attention had shifted to her, and slowly turned her attention to him.
"Nothing." He averted his attention to his coffee. His coffee that was probably lukewarm now.
"Liar. I can feel when those big dark eyes of yours are focused on me. They're very intense."
Severus swallowed, he hadn't realised she even noticed when he was watching her. This just made things awkward.
"I never intended to make you feel uncomfortable Minerva-" Severus faltered, trying to chose his next words carefully, though his thoughts were interrupted by a soft chuckle.
"Who said they made me uncomfortable? I certainly didn't. I just mentioned how I can feel them watching me." He glanced at her, and noted the warm smile gracing her delectable lips.
"I rather like the intensity of them." She patted his leg.
"Especially when I'm the sole focus of them."
That caught him off guard, as did the cheekiness shimmering within her eyes.
Another chuckle escaped her lips, and Severus suddenly found his mouth to be quite dry.