Wildflowers

Insidious Advice

Katelyn stirred in bed, her mind still lingering on the events of the previous night. The way Severus had so easily taken control of her, his dominance both terrifying and thrilling, left her confused in ways she wasn't quite ready to admit.

She felt an odd mix of excitement and fear, emotions that swirled together as she replayed every moment in her head. But this morning, there was no time to dwell. She was sleepy, but she needed to get up and shower before school.

Severus stirred beside her, already awake, his dark eyes observing her. "Up," he said softly but firmly, a hand brushing her shoulder. There was no escaping it—his command was undeniable. She sighed and slowly got out of bed, feeling his presence close behind her as they walked to the bathroom.

Once in the shower, Severus took control again, washing her body with care and attention, his hands methodical and deliberate. Katelyn tried to suppress the growing feeling inside her, the way his touch still made her stomach flip, but it was hard to ignore. When they were done, she reached for a towel, but Severus was quicker, drying her off with precision before brushing her hair.

"I got it," she muttered, feeling a flash of independence as she reached for the brush.

But Severus, ever controlling, made her stand still, taking the brush from her hand. "No. Stand there and let me do it," he said with finality, his voice leaving no room for protest. Reluctantly, she complied, feeling the tug of the brush through her damp hair as he worked with care.

When her hair was done, Severus moved to the closet, choosing her outfit for the day, right down to her undergarments and perfume. Katelyn crossed her arms, watching as he laid everything out. "I can pick my own things out, Severus," she said, trying to assert some of the independence she was starting to feel slip away. "You don't have to do this."

"This is how it's going to be from now on," he replied calmly, without looking at her, his tone making it clear there was no debate to be had.

She opened her mouth to argue but knew there wasn't time. She reluctantly got dressed, following his lead, even as her mind rebelled against it. She was conflicted, torn between wanting to fight against his control and the strange comfort it provided.

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door, and Miles let himself in. Katelyn was still adjusting her shirt when she heard his voice from the living room.

"Are you about ready?" Miles called out.

"Yeah, just give me a minute," Katelyn replied, tugging her clothes into place as she hurried to finish getting ready.

Meanwhile, Severus buttoned his own shirt, walking out to greet Miles. There was an immediate shift in the air, a tension that was palpable as Severus crossed the room, his expression unreadable.

"Oh, I didn't know you were here, Severus," Miles said, his voice casual but with an underlying awkwardness. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you," Severus replied coolly, his hands still working on the last buttons of his shirt. "And thank you for feeding her cat while she was away."

"No problem," Miles said, though his gaze flickered nervously between Severus and the hallway where Katelyn was finishing up. The tension was undeniable, hanging in the air like a thick fog, as if they both knew something unspoken. Miles shifted uncomfortably, trying to break the silence.

The exchange between them was brief but loaded, a subtle power struggle lingering beneath the surface as Severus stood with his usual cold authority. Katelyn quickly emerged from the back, grabbing her bag and ready to leave, unaware of the quiet intensity that had passed between the two men.