The Forbidden Fruit

𝕿𝖊𝖓

"Good morning students, Professor Snape will be absent today and I will be your substitute for the hour" rings Professor Flitwick as he comes down the row of desks with a step stool and his books in hand. Perking up from his slump, Draco looks down watching Filius walk past the end of his desk "Wait, Sir, why is he out?" he asks, watching him set the stool down and climb up to view the entire class. "Is Malfoy suddenly a proper pupil wondering where his dear Professor has gone?" teases Crabbe. Shoving him Draco sneers before looking back towards Filius who is adjusting his glasses. Pulling out an extended pointer he nods no "He is simply just out, Mr. Malfoy. Now, will you all get out your parchment and quills. We will be continuing the lesson you have been learning since yesterday" hearing a collective groan, Filius frowns a bit. Getting out his notes, Draco murmurs to himself "Where could he possibly be... that man doesn't miss a beat when it comes to being attentive.." with Severus's absence, Draco's suspicion and curiosity only thickens.

Arriving on the grounds of the Manor, Severus whisks his way down a secondary path along the tall hedges. Swiftly making his way around sharp corners and narrow pathways, he finally arrives at a side gate. Looking around to ensure no one has caught a glimpse of his whereabouts, he heads towards a side entrance before slinking his way inside the darkened interior. Adjusting himself properly he tucks his hands neatly in front of him as he heads towards the drawing room. Stepping inside he shuts the door behind him with a gentle click seeing Lucius already within the room eyeing the grounds outside. "Severus..." he says smoothly as he turns towards him, their eye contact intense for a few moments until one of them speaks. "I have taken time out for this conclave, Lucius... and I don't wish to waste it, we must settle this.." he murmurs  as he steps more into the room. 

Nodding Lucius lets out a sigh "Well then... I suppose since some of us want bluntness.. what do you purpose is the next step in this... whatever we are creating between us.." he asks calmly, watching his movements. Rubbing his temples Severus saunters over to rest as Lucius's side, gazing out the window before speaking. "I am not the one who has to make a difficult choice here, Lucius..it is you.." he murmurs in his usual monotone voice. Quirking a brow, Lucius turns to face him, chuckling lightly Lucius nods his head no softly. "I know you're a sharp minded man Severus.. but may I remind you that night was not purely one sided. We both had desires and acted on them... this decision cannot and will not be put solely onto my shoulders" he says in a calm yet stern tone, tucking his hands behind his back comfortably. Sneering, his gaze unwavering, Severus adjusts his posture "Yes, I am aware but I am not married.. I do not have a son to look after and care for... unlike some of us" he grumbles hoping to knock Lucius back down to reality and off of his high horse.

Hearing his words, Lucius ponders for a few moments before speaking "I am aware of my own situation, Severus. I do not need you to remind me of my duties as a Father and.. despite the distance, a husband" he glances over at him as they share eye contact before continuing. "But before I decide on any sort of decision regarding what occurred that night and what will come of it. I must know what it is that you desire..that is important to me.." he admits honestly. Hearing the honesty in Lucius's words, Severus looks off to the side not expecting much a soft gesture from him. "I... must admit Lucius, I am rather surprised that you have considered my wants within this, rather odd, circumstance we find ourselves in" smiling a bit as he gazes at Severus, Lucius nods. After a moment of silence, Severus speaks up "What I desire... is to see you happy.." he murmurs as he looks over at him.

Staring back at him, Lucius lets out a sigh "That is all? Are you certain, Severus..." he says softly seeing him nod. "I don't know what it is but... there is something, deep within me, that desires to see you happy. I do not know if it was that kiss we shared or simply emotions brewing before then but, all I know now, is that is what I want... that is what I desire" he says without hesitation. Feeling his cheeks flush a faint pink hue, Lucius can't help but smile as he looks down at his fidgeting hands. "My, my Severus.. I have never heard you speak that way, especially about me... I'm flattered" he says softly as they share a softened gaze, Lucius smiling more seeing a similar smile curl at the corner of his lips. Nodding, Severus hesitantly reaches over, taking one of Lucius's hands into his own and bringing it up to his lips kissing his knuckles and holding it gently between his rough hands.

"And now I ask again... what is it that you want.. I'm sure you have been asked this question plenty within your childhood-" interrupting him Lucius takes his hand away. "No, I did not and I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't assume such things" he snaps, which catches Severus off guard. Adjusting himself Lucius lets out a short sigh "My apologies.. I lost my temper there for a moment" he says clearing his throat. Nodding Severus keeps his hands in front of him as they turn towards the window, gazing out in silence. After a long needed pause, Lucius looks down before looking over, admiring Severus for a moment before speaking "I want you..." he says softly, reaching over and taking his hand into his own, feeling Severus grip it gently.

To Be Continued...