The Forbidden Fruit

𝕿𝖍𝖎𝖗𝖙𝖞-𝕾𝖎𝖝

"..It has become apparent that our motive has never changed and will never change. furthermore, our strategies must continue to change and shift, keeping those who are against us from obtaining an edge.." the Dark Lord continues to drone on after nearly two hours. Sitting mind-numbingly close to the lecture, Severus zones out as his gaze wanders across the table, his eyes falling onto a sight for his sore eyes. Sighing subtly under his breath, Severus realizes how childish Lucius is behaving by avoiding his gaze, knowing they haven't spoken in quite some time. Deciding to look elsewhere, his gaze trails down the line of scowling wizards and witches until it comes to a gradual stop, meeting another lingering gaze. Unfazed by Draco's attempt at an intimidating scowl, Severus returns his attention back to the Dark Lord as he finally wraps up the meeting. As everyone gets up to leave after the grueling four hours being stuck sitting stiffly at a table, Severus manages to snake his way through the departing crowd "Lucius, a word" he calls out, trying not to sound desperate; knowing being in front of a crowd, Lucius puts up a front, unable to decline such a beckoning.

Stepping off into the hallway, out of the far entrance as the other members flood out through the other entrance near the begining of the hallway, Severus lets out a sigh. "I haven't a clue as to what had occurred eight days ago, Lucius, but I do believe you understand how incredibly rude and immature it was to not communicate with me.." Severus starts off strong despite his hushed tone. Letting out a sharp huff from his nose, Lucius brushes back his long, silver hair from his shoulder to distract himself "I had family matters to attend to, Severus and as I recall.. we agreed upon detachment in this arrangement, did we not?" Lucius asks rhetorically. Scoffing, Severus takes a step closer "How dare you accuse me of becoming attached. I simply was worried considering how desperate you were for an outlet to your family matters. As I recall, you came to me with the proposal because you were in distress on behalf of your darling wife and her growing distance and distaste for you-" cutting him off, Lucius sneers. "Enough. How dare you talk to me in such a way" gritting his teeth, Lucius looks around the hallway "Perhaps this discussion is better spoken behind closed doors.." he grumbles, feeling rather embarrassed despite the lack of anyone noticing their subtle argument. 

Finding an unoccupied bedroom off of the hallway, the pair step inside and the tension is palatable. "Severus, although I can understand your reasoning for being upset with me, you have no right to act as though you're my priority" Lucius says as soon as he shuts the door behind them. Baffled by his bold words, Severus crosses his arms "Well I certainly haven't claimed to be nor would I want to be. This arrangement we agreed upon is nothing but an escape for you and your woes, I understand this. But simply ignoring my calls and insisting on pretending I do not exist is unacceptable behavior from a man of your standard, Lucius" Severus retorts back with a hiss in his tone, trying to hide the need behind it. Rubbing his temples out of frustration, Lucius snaps "Do not scold me like some child when you insisted on calling my home consistently for the past eight days as if you were a needy hound waiting for his master to return home" widening his eyes, Severus flushes slightly forgetting about his seemingly endless calls to the Manor out of concern, need and something else.

"Perhaps I am a needy hound!" he spits out with a crack in his tone, recoiling a bit as he realizes what he had said. Seeing the shock and slight blush creeps across Lucius's fair completion, Severus steps away covering his mouth "My apologies, Lucius.. I never meant to blurt out such a thing" he mutters as he turns away. As silence falls upon them, Lucius looks down at his hands, fidgeting with the sleeves of his cloak, catching a brief glance at Severus as he collects himself, hanging his head in his hand. Deciding to speak up, Lucius takes a few steps towards him "Severus, I didn't know-" cutting him off just as he reaches out, Severus turns to face him. "Don't.. it is alright, you don't need to apologize. My mind was in a wril and my judgment was elsewhere, we have separate lives and separate problems and I should respect that and the boundaries you set whether they're said or simply implied.." Severus says rather formally, keeping his hands tucked behind his back loosely. 

Sighing, Lucius nods, putting his hands at his sides as he looks down at his feet briefly "Very well, I suppose this brings an end to our discussion then" nodding, Severus walks towards the door, his hand reaching for the knob before he is stopped. "Severus, perhaps we can arrange a more suitable time for a longer discussion, I think this requires more attention moving forward" nodding, Severus opens the door. "Until then, goodnight Lucius.." he mutters with a courteous nod before leaving through the door. As makes his way down the hallway, Severus looks behind him, letting out a deeply saddened sigh as he catches sight of Narcissa and Lucius pulling each other close with smiles that could light up a dark dungeon; realizing what kind of family matters Lucius had been attending to while neglecting him. Finally leaving the Manor, Severus walks swiftly, trying to keep his head held high, but as he walks the seemingly endless driveway, his emotions start to get to him. Starting to break down, he veers off of the cobblestone, ducking behind a tall hedge before he breaks down into heavy sobs, covering his mouth with his hand to stifle the pained noises he is making to anyone who may pass by. The anguish and pain evident in his tone as he sinks down onto the dirt, feeling alone and lost in his emotions as he continues to sob, feeling as though this was his greatest mistake. 

To Be Continued...