Wildflowers

Before It Hurts Too Much

The afternoon had been a whirlwind of conversations, performances, and endless introductions. Kat had flitted around like the social butterfly she was, engaging with students and faculty alike, her usual charm on full display.

But now, as the sun began to dip below the horizon and the day's events wound down, Severus noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor. The spark that usually lit up her eyes had dimmed just slightly, and the endless chatter had given way to an unusual silence.

They walked back to the cottages together, Boo trotting alongside them, his tongue lolling out in a happy pant. For once, Kat wasn't filling the quiet with playful banter or questions.

She walked beside Severus, her steps a little slower than usual, her shoulders relaxed but not in the carefree way he was used to. It was the kind of stillness that comes when a person's energy has been spent entirely, and there's nothing left to give.

Severus glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, noticing how her usual vibrancy had softened into something quieter, more vulnerable. They reached her cottage, and she stopped in front of the door, offering him a small, tired smile.

"Would you like to come in?" she asked, her voice softer than usual, almost hopeful.

He hesitated for a moment, feeling her eyes on him. "I think I'll get some rest in my own bed tonight," Severus said gently, though he could see the flicker of disappointment cross her face before she nodded.

"Of course," Kat replied, her tone understanding but tinged with a trace of sadness. "I get it. It's been a long day."

She turned to open the door, her hand resting on the doorknob, ready to retreat inside. But just before she stepped in, Severus spoke up, his voice low but unmistakably warm.

"No goodnight kiss?" he asked, a rare hint of playfulness in his tone.

Kat paused, turning back to him with a slow smile spreading across her lips. The weariness in her eyes seemed to lift just a little as she stepped closer to him, her hand lightly brushing against his arm. "Well, when you put it like that..."

Severus leaned down slightly, closing the distance between them as his hand reached up to gently cup her chin. He kissed her softly, his lips warm against hers, the gesture tender and unhurried. It was a kiss that lingered, not filled with the fiery passion they usually shared, but something deeper—an unspoken promise of comfort and connection.

When they finally pulled apart, Kat's eyes fluttered open, and she gazed up at him with a soft smile. "I guess that'll do for now," she teased lightly, though there was a genuine affection in her voice.

Severus brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering for just a moment longer. "Get some rest," he said quietly. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Kat nodded, her smile widening just a fraction. "Goodnight, Severus."

As she turned and finally stepped inside her cottage, Severus watched her for a moment, his gaze lingering on the closed door before he turned and made his way back to his own cottage, the quiet of the evening settling around him.

Despite choosing to sleep alone that night, the soft press of her lips still lingered on his, a reminder that something was growing between them—something neither of them could quite put into words yet.

Severus walked the familiar path to his cottage, the evening air cool and still. The soft crunch of his boots on the gravel was the only sound that broke the silence, but inside, his mind was anything but quiet.

He had spent so much time with Kat recently—more time than he ever thought he'd allow someone to get this close to him. Every day, every moment with her seemed to pull him further in, her energy wrapping around him like a spell he couldn't shake.