Wildflowers

Reconnection

As the soft murmur of voices and the clinking of silverware filled the cottage, Severus sat in the armchair beside the sofa, watching Kat as she slept peacefully under the warm glow of the fireplace.

Her breathing was steady, and the tightness in her face, which had been so evident in the morning, had softened. She looked more relaxed, her body finally at ease, thanks to the potion and the care she had received throughout the day.

Severus leaned forward slightly, his fingers brushing a strand of hair away from her face. He didn't want to wake her—seeing her so calm was a relief—but dinner was ready, and her friends were waiting.

"Kat," he said softly, his voice low and gentle as he touched her shoulder.

She stirred slowly, her eyelids fluttering open, revealing the familiar warmth in her eyes. When she saw him sitting there, a soft smile spread across her face, and for a moment, the exhaustion and discomfort seemed to melt away.

"Sev," she murmured, her voice still a little sleepy but filled with affection. "You're back."

He nodded, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "I am," he replied, his voice steady and warm. "Dinner's ready. Your friends are waiting for you at the table."

Kat stretched a little under the blanket, blinking a few times as she shifted her position. "I feel a bit better," she said, her voice still soft but with more energy than earlier. "Not perfect, but definitely better than this morning."

Severus's gaze softened as he looked down at her, relieved to hear that she was improving, even if just a little. "That's good," he murmured, pressing another kiss to her temple. But as his lips brushed her skin, Kat turned her head slightly, catching his mouth in a soft, lingering kiss. The tenderness between them sparked immediately, and for a moment, she deepened the kiss, her hand gently finding its way to the back of his neck.

Severus pulled back slightly, though the faintest smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Your friends are still here, waiting on you to come to the dinner table," he teased, though there was a warmth in his voice that told her he wasn't entirely opposed to her advances.

Kat grinned playfully, her eyes gleaming with affection and just a hint of mischief. "So? They can wait a little longer," she said, her fingers brushing lightly over his collar as she tried to pull him closer.

Severus chuckled, his dark eyes glinting as he leaned down, pressing another quick kiss to her lips before pulling away fully. "We'll have time for that later," he said, his voice low and promising. "But for now, do you want me to carry you to the table? You're still recovering."

Kat raised an eyebrow, the smile on her lips growing wider. "Only if I get to sit on your lap," she said cheekily, her voice filled with flirtatious warmth.

Severus gave her a look, one that was both amused and slightly exasperated, but the affection in his gaze was undeniable. "If you insist," he said dryly, though there was a softness to his tone that told her he was more than willing.

Without another word, Severus slipped an arm beneath her legs and another behind her back, lifting her effortlessly from the sofa. Kat wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling closer to him as he carried her toward the dining area.

As they walked toward the kitchen table, Bea and Astrid, who were bustling around the kitchen with the last touches of dinner, looked up and smiled.

"Looks like someone's getting the royal treatment," Bea said with a wink.

Astrid chuckled. "She deserves it. How are you feeling, Kat?"

"A little better," Kat replied with a grin, though she made no move to leave Severus's arms. "My teddy bear is home."