Entitled

Chapter 107*

When you finally return to the cabin, the familiar comfort of home does little to ease the tension that has been building inside you. 

Severus immediately sets to work hooking up the television and VCR, his focus intense as always. You watch him for a moment, feeling a mixture of affection and restlessness. The past few days have left you feeling like you're constantly being handled with care, and you're tired of it.

Ignoring the persistent ache in your muscles, you head into the kitchen and start preparing lunch. You need to do something, anything, to feel like yourself again. The rhythmic motions of chopping vegetables and stirring a pot give you a sense of normalcy that you've been craving. But it isn't long before Severus notices what you're doing.

"Violet," he calls from the living room, his tone carrying that familiar blend of concern and authority. "You should sit down and rest. You've been through a lot, and you need to take care of yourself."

That familiar frustration flares up in you, and this time, you can't hold back. "Severus, I'm not a student, and you're not my professor anymore," you snap, turning to face him. "I don't need to be told to sit down every five minutes. I need to feel like I'm still in control of my own life."

Severus pauses in his work, clearly taken aback by your sharp response. He straightens up and crosses his arms, his expression a mix of concern and irritation. "I'm only trying to help," he says, his voice steady but tinged with frustration. "You've been through a lot, and I just don't want you to overexert yourself."

You let out a sigh, trying to steady your emotions. "I know you're trying to help, but I need to do this, Severus. I need to feel like I'm not just sitting around, waiting for something to happen. I'm not a fragile thing that needs constant coddling."

There's a moment of silence as you both stare at each other, the air thick with tension. Finally, Severus lets out a slow breath and uncrosses his arms, softening slightly. "I understand that you want to feel useful," he says, his voice calmer now. "But you have to promise me that you won't push yourself too hard."

You nod, appreciating the compromise. "I promise," you say, your tone gentler now. "But I also need you to understand that I'm doing what I think is best for me. My father said I should trust my instincts about the babies, and that's what I'm trying to do."

Severus's eyes narrow slightly as he processes your words. "So he confirmed it?" he asks, his voice careful.

"Pretty much," you reply, a hint of sadness creeping into your tone as you remember the conversation with your father. "He also told me something else. He said... I had a brother. A twin. But he didn't make it."

Severus's expression shifts, a mix of surprise and concern flashing across his features. "I didn't know anything about that," he says quietly, his voice filled with genuine sorrow. "I'm sorry, Violet."

You swallow hard, the reality of your lost twin still sinking in. "I never knew either," you say, your voice trembling slightly. "It's strange... to think that there was someone else, someone who could have been with me all this time. But I guess... it explains why I've always felt this pull toward having twins myself."

Severus steps closer, his hand reaching out to gently cup your cheek, his touch grounding you in the present. "You've been through so much, and yet you're still standing," he says softly. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together. But you're right—trust your instincts. They've guided you this far."

You take a deep breath, finding strength in his words, and then you look up at him with a determined glint in your eyes. "Good," you say firmly, your voice carrying a note of finality. "Because I'm done being coddled, Severus. This is my last day being cooped up in this cabin. Tomorrow, I'm going for a small hike, and you're welcome to come with me if you wish."