The Forbidden Fruit

𝕿𝖍𝖎𝖗𝖙𝖞-𝕰𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙

Moments earlier, just before Draco had arrived, Lucius had briskly made his way to the Castle, wanting to right the wrong he seemed to have caused within Severus's heart. Stepping into the classroom, Lucius leaves the door ajar before walking down the center row of desks, feeling his heart beginning to pick up pace in his chest. Letting out a deep sigh, knowing he's not one to admit fault even if he caused it, Lucius knocks, knowing it is for someone he's grown deeply fond of. Approaching the door, Severus wipes his sore eyes from a soft break down before opening it "I'm very busy perhaps coming at a later time would- Oh, Lucius. I was not expecting you" Severus says with a stiff tone, unsure of how to react on account of their last interaction. After a brief but rather awkward silence, Severus clears his throat "I suppose since you have clearly come here with a purpose, it is only polite that I invite you in" he says as he steps aside, allowing Lucius to enter.

Looking around the solemn soaked room, Lucius frowns softly noticing the rubbish bins full of tissues beside the desk. Letting out a sigh, he turns to face Severus as he shuts the door "I won't keep you long, I simply wanted to continue our discussion from the last time we had spoken" nodding, Severus avoids his gaze which was very out of character for him as he swiftly passes by to approach his desk, subtly sliding the bin out of sight. "Very well, I have come to a lull in my work which is quite rare, so you have my full attention" quirking a brow, Lucius sets his walking stick aside. "Did you not answer the door insisting you were busy just moments ago?" catching him in his lie, Lucius's expression softens as he steps closer. "Severus.. I understand the withdrawals you must have experienced without me for nearly an entire month. I am an observant man, I notice the signs, you cannot hide from me" he says gently as he reaches out to turn Severus's face to look at him in his darkened eyes. Ensuring he has his attention, Lucius smiles as his hand trails down his arm, taking Severus's hand within his own in an affectionate grasp. "I must admit that our last discussion has been clouding my thoughts throughout the day and throughout the night and with all that time thinking, I finally realized where I went wrong" he says with a genuine tone as he steps closer, their dress shoes nearly touching at the proximity.

Feeling his surprisingly soft hand within his own weathered and calloused one, Severus's gaze trails down to their hands before meeting his gaze once again. "And what conclusion did your endless thinking come to, Lucius.." Severus asks, feeling as though Lucius can see right through him, to the most tender parts of his soul, making him feel vulnerable in this moment. Letting out a soft sigh through his nose, Lucius subtly runs his thumb across the back of Severus's hand soothingly before he speaks "I had hurt you and it in a way that others could tell. I had thought back to the way you looked at me, the way your voice sounded, I was blinded by strong emotions that I completely ignored your pain. You're touch starved like a wounded animal in the woods that refuses help from any stranger passing by, aching and shivering. Until the one face you recognize emerges from the brush, the hunter who had caused your pain returning to see if you had perished. I am your hunter, I had hurt you and you came back to me seeking comfort and reassurance, but instead of giving you what you needed, I had shot the final arrow through your tender heart without a second thought" Lucius says rather poetically as he brings Severus's hand up to his lips, kissing his knuckles gently. 

Hearing his words and listening deeply to his analogy, Severus feels his eyes welling up with tears, nodding as he tries to keep himself composed. "You had done far more than just killed me, Lucius.. you had killed me and then left me for a better prize" Severus says with a subtle quiver to his tone, making Lucius frowns deeply knowing exactly what he meant. Sighing, he nods as he looks off to the side "You had seen Narcissa and I, hadn't you" he asks, knowing the answer but he needed to ask anyway. Seeing Severus nod softly, Lucius winces, feeling guilty coursing through his entire being, finally feeling for the first time in his entire life that his actions had consequences. "Severus, I must insist that you know it was only a moment of weakness.. I was fighting between my duty as a Father and my dedication I swore to you and I had chosen in a brazen act. Please, allow me to mend the wounds I've created.." he pleads softly, his hand letting Severus go as his hands come to rest on his waist. Feeling his chest clench with conflicting feelings, Severus lets out a gentle sigh from his nose before looking Lucius in his icy blue gaze knowing he held himself at a higher standard than this, but the heart wants what is wants.

Nodding, Severus manages a small smile at the corner of his lips which makes Lucius grin from ear to ear. "Brilliant, just brilliant" Lucius proclaims as he leans in, kissing Severus as he tugs him closer by his waist, getting reacquainted with the feeling of his lips against his own. Unable to suppress his happiness, Severus smirks against his lips as his hands find their way to Lucius's chest. Knowing deep down, despite the embarrassment felt in his pride, he is relieved that he has Lucius back in his arms.

To Be Continued...