Love Against All Odds // Jeverus

Chapter 27

They reached the Astronomy Tower, and Severus leaned against the railing, catching his breath. The air was cool and refreshing, and the view of the castle grounds below was breathtaking.

James followed behind him, gazing out at the view "It's beautiful here at night"

"You've never been here before?" Severus asked, looking at him over his shoulder.

"I have, but I never really appreciated it" James stepped closer to him "You know, Severus, you opened my eyes and showed me all the beautiful things"

Severus closed his eyes when James put a hand to his cheek, softly caressing it. He leaned into the touch, his heart beating fast. When he opened his eyes again, their faces were inches apart.

Until, Severus closed the distance, and captured his lips. James' mind raced with a wave of emotions. His initial shock melted, and he returned the kiss eagerly.

It wasn't perfect as expected. Their lips moved together awkwardly, but that kiss was everything they could ever ask for.

When they parted, their forehead rested against each other as they gazed to each other's eyes.

James' eyes were Severus' favorite feature. They shone brighter than the stars, making them hypnotizing to look at. They held his true emotions for Severus, and one of them right now was love. It had always been there, yet Severus had failed to notice until now.

"I love you" Severus said softly, his heart pounding frantically in his chest.

James didn't have the chance to fully register the words before Severus kissed him again. This time, they moved in sync. Severus wrapped his arms around James' neck, pulling him closer to deepen their kiss, while James gripped his waist.

They pulled away once they were out of breath, both with smiles on their faces.

"I love you too" James said, placing a gentle kiss on Severus' forehead "Does this mean we're together now?"

"Do you want another kiss?" Severus teased, making him turned even redder "Yes, we're together, James"

"That's one way to put it" James chuckled.

Severus laughed softly and buried his face in James' chest "I've been waiting to do that"

"Me too" James said, hugging him tightly "I can't believe this is real"

"I hope you won't be jealous anymore" Severus teased.

"I can't help it" James murmured, nuzzling Severus' hair. The sweet strawberry scent was oddly comforting.

"You don't have to worry" Severus said, lifting his head to meet James' gaze "I'm not going anywhere"

"Good, because I'm not letting you go"

They stood there, wrapped in each other's arms. It felt almost too good to be true that they were now official. Putting a label on their relationship felt right, and Severus knew today was the perfect day for it.

After a long while, Severus spoke up "We should probably head back before they start wondering where we are"

James nodded but didn't move "Just a few more minutes"

Severus smiled "A few more minutes, then"
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"Mr. Lupin, have you seen where Mr. Potter and Mr. Snape have gone?" Professor McGonagall asked.

Remus turned around slowly, a cup of juice in his hand that he was about to drink "Um... I just saw James dancing earlier. But Severus? I think he left early"