The Forbidden Fruit

𝕿𝖜𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖞

"Lucius we need to speak and we must speak today, this is important" Severus grumbles as he listens intently to Lucius's reply as he stands hovering over his desk with the landline to his ear. Rubbing his temples as he stands straight, Severus sighs "Perhaps we can manage some time later then" he says with frustration, his lucid nightmare weighing heavily on him this morning. Listening with bubbling frustration Severus interrupts  "No need for random, unnecessary excuses Lucius, it is settled, we will find some time to speak later" he says before hanging up, running a hand over his face as he lets out an exasperated sigh before he turns to gaze out the window. Pondering in silence for a few moments, Severus breaks the silence with his own words "The complexities of this emotional bond that is brewing between us could become rotten and poisonous if we are not careful.. but I mustn't let myself become completely vulnerable or else I risk my transparency becoming a weapon against me.. so for now, I will-no.. I must keep my woes to myself or risk losing him entirely.." he says under his breath, feeling the looming implications that are yet to come from this secret bond he has put himself within.

Meanwhile, on the other end, Lucius sneers as his gaze lingers down at the phone sitting on his desk. "Despite my emotional needs, he must understand that we have a duty to the Dark Lord and such matters must wait" he murmurs to himself before turning to the door hearing someone enter. To his utter shock and surprise, Lucius perks up with a tense stature as he trembles in place "M-My Lord.. I wasn't expecting you" he chokes, his eyes remaining on the Dark Lord himself. Scanning the room with an unreadable look, Tom's gaze lands on Lucius's anxious stance. "I had no plans to be here myself Lucius but.. there are matters I have been pondering and perhaps.." he says with a soft hiss in his tone as he approaches "You may know the answer to my inquiry" he says with a slight curl to the corner of his lips. 

Adjusting himself nervously, Lucius nods a few times with hesitation "Of-Of course my Lord, anything" he says, watching as Tom shuts the doors behind him. Turning to face the small confines of the office, he clasps his hands together "That has always been one particular thing I have liked about you, Lucius.. your utter and complete worship.. which is why I come to you now to answer one particular question about one of our best" he says, elongating his words and exaggerating them to build suspense. Feeling the beads of sweat forming on his forehead, Lucius stays perfectly still despite the anxious tremors running through his body, feeling weakened and inferior. "It has come to my notice that our dear friend Severus hasn't been himself.. despite almost being utterly normal on the surface.. I can sense something is off and perhaps you have the answer as to why" Tom says as he comes around to his side of the esk, lingering close awaiting an answer.

Taking a hard swallow and reiterating his words within his mind, Lucius knows the exact answer to his question, and that answer is- him. Knowing if he answers with the full truth, he may not be living shortly after and so, he musters up an answer, hopeful that it might spare his life. "May I speak freely, My Lord" he asks hesitantly, seeing Tom nod slightly, feeling his gaze locked onto him like a snake ready to pounce. Clearing his throat with a small nod of his own, Lucius lets out a breath "As you and I both know well, Severus, is a rather odd individual.. perhaps he has some lingering thoughts that have been keeping him from acting as his best" he says with false confidence, knowing he has twisted the truth. Taking in his response, Tom slinks around behind him before standing in front of the desk, creating space between them he nestles his arms behind his back. Observing him for a few beats, he finally speaks "Very well then, Lucius, as I have predicted.. you haven't a clue.. I will be taking my leave.. as you were" he says with a slight nod suggesting Lucius return to whatever he was doing prior to his sudden arrival.

After the doors are shut behind him and after waiting a few moments, Lucius relaxes with a deep sigh of relief as he braces himself on the desk in front of him. Catching his breath, not knowing he was holding one in, he stands straight his gaze lingering on the landline. Reaching for the phone Lucius goes to dial the number once again but he is interrupted for a second time by a softer presence knocking on his door. Letting out a frustrated sigh, he sets down the phone before walking over to the doors. "What, what is it, I am busy I-" abruptly stopping his sentence, Lucius stares at the visitor "I wish to speak with you.. and I refuse to take no for an answer.."

To Be Continued...