Suffering Part 6: No Longer

Chapter 61

The cabin in the French Alps stood like a beacon of warmth against the snowy expanse, its wooden beams and stone fireplace radiating rustic charm. Snow piled high outside the large windows, framing a breathtaking view of the mountains as the sun dipped below the horizon on December 20th. Inside, the fire crackled, filling the air with the scent of pine and the promise of a cozy retreat. It was a world apart from the chaos of home, and yet, as you stepped inside, a flicker of anxiety stirred in your chest. You were more than halfway through your pregnancy, and being away from the kids—Baron, Stevie, Charlie and the pets—felt strange, even if your grandmother Penny had everything under control.

Severus and Lucius followed you in, their cloaks dusted with snow from the journey. They'd just dropped the children and pets off at Penny's, and now, their eyes gleamed with anticipation. This was their chance—two whole days with you, uninterrupted. Lucius shook out his platinum hair, his silver gaze sweeping the cabin with approval, while Severus lingered near the door, his dark eyes softening as they settled on you.

"I've been dreaming about this for weeks," Lucius said, his voice warm and rich as he stepped closer, his hand brushing your arm. "Having your undivided attention—well, except for Severus, of course." His lips curled into a teasing smirk as he glanced at Severus.

Severus arched a brow, his tone dry but playful. "A burden I'll endure, Lucius. Someone has to keep you in check."

You laughed, the sound easing the knot of worry in your chest. "You're both ridiculous," you said, leaning into Lucius's touch. His fingers lingered on your arm, a gentle anchor, while Severus moved to your side, his presence steady and comforting.

The cabin was everything you'd hoped for: plush furniture, soft blankets, and the golden glow of the fire casting dancing shadows on the walls. You sank onto the sofa, the cushions enveloping you as the warmth seeped into your bones. Severus settled beside you, his arm draping over your shoulders, while Lucius took your hand, his fingers intertwining with yours.

"I'm trying not to worry," you admitted, your free hand resting on your belly. "It's just... I keep wondering if Baron's napping, or if the twins have enough beads for their bracelets."

Lucius chuckled, his thumb tracing circles on your hand. "Penny's got them covered, love. And if Stevie runs out, she'll improvise—probably turn the pets into walking jewelry displays."

Severus's lips twitched, his hand sliding to your shoulder. "The children will survive," he said, his voice a low rumble. "You, however, need this." His fingers brushed your neck, sending a shiver down your spine.

You sighed, letting their words sink in. They were right. The kids were fine, and you deserved this—a moment to breathe, to reconnect. "Okay," you said, smiling softly. "I'll try."

"Good," Lucius murmured, his hand slipping to your thigh. "Because we've missed you." His touch was warm, deliberate, and Severus leaned closer, his breath grazing your ear.

The fire crackled as the three of you sat there, the silence a rare gift. For once, there were no little voices calling for attention, no pets underfoot—just the steady rhythm of your breathing and the comfort of their closeness. Lucius's fingers traced idle patterns on your leg, while Severus's hand rested lightly on your belly, a quiet acknowledgment of the life growing inside you.

"You're glowing, you know," Lucius said, his voice soft. "Even more than usual."

"Flattery," you teased, but his words warmed you all the same.

Severus hummed in agreement, his lips brushing your temple. "He's not wrong."

The air shifted, the warmth of the fire mingling with a different kind of heat. Lucius's touch grew bolder, his hand sliding beneath your cloak, while Severus pressed a kiss to the sensitive spot behind your ear. "We should make the most of this," Lucius whispered, his tone a velvet promise.