The Forbidden Fruit

𝕱𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖞-𝕿𝖍𝖗𝖊𝖊

The next morning, Severus is already on the move. Whisking his way down hill on castle grounds with determined steps, his mind is racing from last night. After having some time to think last night, he makes his way towards his destination knowing if he doesn't, he will never forgive himself. Timely arriving at the Manor's gates, his breath heavy and his direction steadfast, he slips through a side gate determined to reach his peace. Pushing back some hair from his face, he adjusts himself before walking calmly up to a side door, looking around ensuring no one has seen him before he disappears into the grandiose home. Slithering around bends and making haste down long corridors, Severus hears the distant sound of a familiar voice. Resting back against a wall just before a bend, he lets out a softened sigh, showing a brief and rare moment of softness he usually keeps hidden. Reeling it back a bit, his small smile fades as he looks around, hoping he is alone, he takes a risk deciding to head straight for the soothing melody.

Standing outside the doors of an unknown room to him, Severus listens closely to ensure he is alone before entering quietly. Slinking through a small gap between the large oak doors, Severus shuts the door behind him. Swilling a drink from his glass of rum, Lucius murmurs as he chalks a pool cue standing in front of a billiards table. "Draco.. you know better than to be in here I-" turning to the door, Lucius feels his stomach flutter. "Severus I-" without another beat, Severus takes a few wide steps closer before pulling him in close and kissing him deeply. Caught off guard by the entirety of the moment, Lucius closes his eyes, enjoying the kiss before Severus finally pulls away. "How.. I-" Lucius says, baffled at his sudden appearance. Smiling softly, Severus brushes back a loose strand of hair from his shoulder as he holds him by his waist. "I needed to see you, to apologize and explain" he murmurs as he leans in, nuzzling his face into the crook of his neck leaving a few soft kisses there. Tensing up, Lucius's hands fall from Severus's body as a scowl crosses his expression.

"Despite what it may seem, I do not wish to hear it" Lucius says rather coldly as he steps out of Severus's hold, resuming his game of pool. Knowing this was the outcome he expected, Severus pushes down his desire for it to be something softer. "Lucius, I am aware I hurt your feelings last night. I had said something that had you confused, hurt and dare I say a bit.. jealous" watching Lucius snap his head around to give him a sharp glare as if he were offended, Severus clears his throat. "My apologies.." he mutters, looking down at his feet for a brief moment before continuing "I beg of you, Lucius, allow me to explain myself, it is not how it seems-" cutting him off as he stands straight after sinking a perfect shot, Lucius talks in a low tone. "Space is needed, Severus.." he says in a flat tone that carries weight, which makes Severus gulp back anything he was going to say, his mouth hanging open for a few moments. "You cannot be serious, you need my affections, you sought me out for such an arrangement-" cutting him off, Lucius turns on a dime. "And you clearly have crossed a line in such an arrangement. If I recall, you insisted that we mustn't become attached and here you are.. a man known for his stoicism begging like a love sick puppy.." he says as their eyes meet, but this time, the longing was gone, it was nothing but pity and pain sharing a space.

After gathering his words to form a competent sentence, Severus steps around the pool table, hoping to meet his gaze. "I understand I made a mistake, I have made many, but I do not want us to be one of them.." looking up from the table, Lucius stands straight once again as he meets Severus's gaze, seeing the hidden desperation deep in his dark eyes. "What pronoun choice, Severus.. perhaps a bit of separation is needed far more than I thought.. I should have mentioned it sooner.." Lucius mutters before walking across the room to put away the cue in the slot on the wall. Tucking his hands behind him as he turns towards where Severus stands, Lucius meets his gaze "You're excused.." he says coldly, gesturing to the doors. Taken aback by his sudden coldness, Severus scoffs "Certainly you can see how important this arrangement has become for me, we have shared parts of ourselves outsiders haven't the privilege to witness, certainly that means something to you" giving a soft nod, Lucius turns to face him. "I will admit, I have found myself becoming more enamored with you since we have spent our nights together, Severus but.. we mustn't forget who we are and so.. I think it would be best if we part for a little while, would you say?" Lucius says in a statement rather than a question, quirking a brow as Severus gives a quaint nod, his eyes falling to the floor. Letting his words sink in, Severus nods once more as he adjusts his posture "Very well, Lucius.." he says in a flat tone, trying to hide the hurt that's steeping inside as he approaches the door. "In due time, Lucius.." nodding softly, Lucius meets his gaze "Goodbye Severus.." he says with more gentleness than before as Severus takes his leave.

To Be Continued...