The Forbidden Fruit

𝕿𝖍𝖎𝖗𝖙𝖞-𝕱𝖔𝖚𝖗

..After a pain-staking twenty-four hours, Lucius and Narcissa have become much closer than they had been for months. In the meantime, Severus had begun experiencing withdrawals from the lack of intimacy and affection despite the short passage of time..

"It has only been two days and he hasn't rung for my company.. although I knew this was a possibility, I did not expect it so soon.." Severus mutters to himself as he stands behind his desk, rubbing his temples before sitting down and returning to his work. Trying to keep himself occupied despite his inner turmoil, Severus's mind continuously reverts back to the shared moments him and Lucius have had, missing the feelings he felt during them. Becoming frustrated, he lets out a huff before abruptly standing up from his desk "I need to take a walk.." he grumbles under his breath before leaving to stroll the grounds. Finding himself lost in thought as he wanders the hedge maze, coming across a small courtyard, he lets out a sigh spotting a young couple enjoying each other's company on a bench. Passing by without notice, he bites his tongue as an unfamiliar feeling bubbles within his chest. Making his way out on the other side of the hedges, Severus finds a secluded place to stare out and dissociate in hopes of forgetting his feelings for a while. 

Meanwhile, at the Manor, after seeking seclusion in separate rooms for months as their marriage was becoming weaker, Lucius and Narcissa wake up in the same bed for the first time in a long while. As his eyes flutter open, Lucius sits up in bed as the sheets fall into his lap. Rubbing his eyes clear, he looks around before his morning scowl softens at the sight of Narcissa sound asleep beside him. Reaching over, he gently brushes a strand of hair out of her face, feeling the softness of her skin he longed to feel since their marriage had become cold. Planting a gentle kiss to her temple, he gets up quietly to get dressed for the day. Striding across his chamber, enjoying the morning sunlight fluttering through the curtains, he notices not something but someone peering into the room. 

"Draco.. you know better than to disturb your Mother and I in the early hours.." he says with a softness in his tone, unable to stop a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Nodding, he steps into the room, quietly shutting the door behind him "I know Father, I'm sorry but.. I couldn't help myself. You and Mother haven't been like this since I was a child, it's refreshing to see" Draco says as he quietly approaches Lucius standing by his wardrobe. Taking out his attire for the day, Lucius smiles "Well, isn't that rather sweet.." he comments, keeping his voice low as Narcissa turns over in the bed "But, I must say Draco.. that is partly because of you" not expecting such a claim, Draco s stunned briefly before he responds "Me? How so, Father?" he asks in slight confusion.  Laying out a cloak of his choosing onto the back of a nearby lounge chair, Lucius rummages for extra accessories as they talk quietly. "After your little outburst yesterday, although inappropriate.." he teases with a soft glare "It had grounded me in my mind and made me realize how distant I had become not only from your Mother but you as well.. I had realized how out of touch I was for months on end and for that, I thank you for opening my eyes Draco" Lucius says with a softer, more endearing tone than he normally would use.

Looking down at his slipper covered feet, Draco can't help but smile "I didn't think I had such an impact on your thoughts, Father.. I'm flattered" he says graciously. Nodding, Lucius lays the finishing touches to his attire on the chair besides the wardrobe "You certainly do, Draco.. but for now, you're excused" Lucius mutters gently as he gestures towards the grand doors of the bed chamber. Getting the hint, Draco nods "Right, of course" he says before leaving quietly, shutting the door behind him with a gentle click. Heading back to his own room, Draco can't help but do a little happy dance at the thought of his parents finally being close again. 

After a delightful breakfast, quite the polar opposite of previous meals they've shared in the past few months, everyone is in good spirits. Sending Draco off to school, Lucius makes his way back into the Manor, looking for Narcissa. "There you are, petal.." he rings lovingly, walking up behind her as she looks for something to read within their expansive and grand Library. Smiling at his approach, Narcissa nods "I was just looking for some light reading" she says gently "Last night was rather.. enjoyable, wouldn't you agree?" she comments. Smirking, Lucius nods "Oh yes, quite enjoyable, my dear.." hearing the subtle gruff in his tone, a bit of blush creeps across her cheeks as she feels Lucius's hand's snake around her waist from behind. "We haven't been as close as we once were for the past few months.. it's been nearly a year.." Lucius mentions as he rests his head beside her own watching as her delicate fingers trace the book spines on the shelf. Letting out a soft sigh, Narcissa nods keeping her gaze forward "Since Draco's fifteenth birthday.." she comments, the length of their dimming relationship hanging heavy in her words.

As silence falls upon them, Lucius hesitantly releases her from his gentle hold and instead, stands beside her as he gazes up at the tall bookshelf before them. "You have read nearly every book within this Library.. it is quite an impressive feat.." nodding with a brief smile, Narcissa pulls out her book of choice. "I've always loved reading, it brings knowledge and an escape from one's mind. Touching parts of our inner thoughts we never thought possible" she says with a graceful tone, her words smooth. Nodding, Lucius smiles as he follows her to one of the many seating areas within the Library "Ah yes, you were quite the book worm in our youth. I would always know where to find you.." he says in a reminiscent tone as Narcissa sits in a tall backed chair as he leans against the back of it. "In the Library.. hidden away like a secret beauty in the windowsill that overlooked the gardens.. it was your favorite spot and rightfully so" he says, noticing the small smile curling at the corners of her lips as she sets the book in her lap. 

Flipping the pages with a soft crinkle as they brush against one another, Narcissa crosses her leg over her knee "It was quite the beautiful place and we had shared quite the few memories in that spot.. when you so boldly asked me to be your date for the Yule Ball, to then asking for my hand and eventually, our first kiss.." she recalls with a soft, almost rueful, sigh. Nodding, Lucius places himself in a similar chair nearby, clasping his hands together in his lap as his gaze remains on her face. "We have had quite the memorable times in our past Narcissa.. why did we ever stop?.." he asks, knowing the question holds a heavy emotional weight that neither of them were ready to unfold. Letting his words settle, Narcissa's hands pause on the first page of the book in her lap as she stares out at the floor beneath their feet "I don't know.." she says softly, her head tilting ever so gentle to the side as if yearning for the answer herself.

To Be Continued...