Always (SNILY): Angst, Multiple POV, Dark Romance

Chapter Fourteen

Severus' heart continued pounding in the depths of his chest as Lily laid asleep in his arms. The soft curves of her body pressed against him consuming any ability to sleep. He was afraid that if he closed his eyes, he would wake to a hardened reality... one where the divide between them would grow and grow, pulling her further away from him. He was afraid that he would wake to find that she decided this wasn't what she wanted.

That he wasn't what she wanted.

Severus' bones ached at the thought. Lily's words tugged at the sharpened bits of his soul, pulling at threads and tethering them back together. Her words tasted like redemption, but Severus knew better than to place trust in that. Pulling Lily tighter into his embrace, he pressed his lips against the back of her head, breathing her in. He was broken. In every sense of the word. But what he had left, every gathered piece... belonged to her. It always had.

"Even if you decide you don't want me," Severus whispered against the burnt shades of her hair, "I am yours."

The words were more of an admission than a proclamation of love. A truth that had existed within him, evolving, and carving its way into the crevices of his mind.

Severus had dived headfirst into the dark abyss of an abandoned lake of his own making, descending deeper and deeper into its depths. Alone. But for the first time... he had turned his gaze to the surface above, ripples sending light tendrils through the murky waters. It was Lily. And she had jumped in after him. He wasn't sure where any of this was leading or if they'd stand a winning chance in this war... but he did know one thing. One final, foremost, and fundamental thing...

She had come for him. And that realization was unlike anything he had ever known.

***

"Well, good morning, you two," Regulus whistled from the entrance of the bedchamber, a wild smirk spread across his face. "I'm glad at least some of us had a... productive night."

Severus peaked an eye open, his body still heavy with sleep. "I'm beginning to regret bringing you in on this mission." He grumbled towards the door.

Lily stirred beside him, her curves rubbing against the front of his robes. The sensation already fueling his body with an all-consuming need.

"Get out of here, Regulus." Severus growled, his features growing deathly with frustration. "Now."

Regulus raised his brows as he turned towards the exit of the chamber, "I got places to be, I got places to be. I was only coming to brief you on my plans, but..." he turned his gaze back to the bed with a wink, "I'll check in later."

"Not if you know what's good for you," Severus shot at him as he grabbed his wand, sending the wooden door of the chamber slamming shut. The sounds of Regulus' frightened run echoed in the small corridor beyond. Good riddance.

"I might be regretting bringing him on this mission, too," Lily let out a laughing yawn as she nestled her body closer to him. "The man doesn't know when to let up."

No matter the topic, Severus wasn't keen on hearing Lily talk about another man while she laid against him in his bed. "How... did you sleep?"

Lily continued to move her backside in quiet rhythm against the front of his robes. "Alright."

Severus bit down on his lower lip as he looked at their moving bodies. The sight and thoughts flowing through his head were further igniting him, making his want for her... very... apparent. "Just alright, hm?" He spoke low as his hands began slow grazes over the delicate frame of her body.

Lily turned herself flush against him, the movement startling him. Holding his gaze, she carefully spread her legs over the front of his body, her hands firm against the plane of his chest. "Yeah... I think something might have been missing... can't quite figure it out." She looked down at him with a wink.