The Forbidden Fruit

𝕱𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖞-𝕾𝖎𝖝

..Nearly three months pass by and Lucius remains adrift from Severus keeping him at an arm's reach. Quick glances throughout meetings and occasional mutters passed through others are their only form of contact, they have become farther apart than before their arrangement. Lucius seemingly has gotten what he desired out of their fleeting relations leaving Severus's heart beating for a life line. Throughout their separated state, Severus being keen as always hadn't failed to notice Lucius's rekindled closeness with Narcissa and although Lucius has been the one to draw the line, Severus couldn't help but feel as though it was his fault..

Having a break from the meeting, called upon by the Dark Lord himself who needed to attend to a few things on his own, the large group took this time to stretch or mingle. Keeping to himself as he stands by one of the dusted windows in the large room, Severus's gaze is caught by something subtle. As his eyes fall upon Narcissa and Lucius mingling in flirtatious whispers and minor touches, he feels his neck burn up instantly. Feeling his grip at his side tighten a fist of his cloak into his palm, Severus remains calm as he averts his gaze back out the window, hoping to ease his mind. "He doesn't want you anymore, though I'm certain you've already figured that out" says a young voice beside him, looking to his left, Severus sneers "Know your place Draco, you may have seen and heard many things in the past few months but none of it was for your entertainment. As I have stated countless times, adult matters remain between adults, not a child pretending to be one" he mocks with a cold tone, clearly not in the mood for quips or comments. 

Letting out a laugh, Draco continues in his studious tone he presents at meetings, his attention fixated on Severus's side profile. "I was musing the idea of telling Mother about you and Father, in fact, I've attempted before but she brushed it off. Then again, she is a smart woman, that's where I get my intelligence from" he says with a proud smirk before continuing. "She is capable of recognizing patterns and subtitles that, perhaps, she has her own accusations floating about her head" he says with a smirk seeing the subtle twitch in Severus's neck. "Enough.." he grumbles through clenched teeth, keeping his gaze out the window, hoping to ease the burning anger pooling in his chest. "We all could use a bit of entertainment, can't we? Perhaps I'll tell Father now, in front of Mother, loud enough for the rest to hear so we can have an entertaining meeting once the Dark Lord returns" Draco taunts, briskly walking away. But before he can get too far, Severus reaches out and grips his arm vigorously, jerking him back "You will do nothing of the sort!" he shouts rather loudly in his face, gaining the attention of Lucius and Narcissa, with a few curious but stern looks from a few others in the room. 

As his eyes fall upon Severus, Lucius notices the fury burning hot in his usually cold gaze, letting out a short sigh "Unhand my son, Severus.." he says with a chilled tone. Feeling the eyes of many boring into his skin, Severus straightens up, letting Draco go as he meets Lucius's stare "Perhaps a discussion is in order.." Lucius says more like a demand rather than a question. Standing beside Narcissa, Draco watches intently with a hint of amusement gleaming in his eyes "My apologies, Narcissa.." Severus says sincerely before following Lucius out of the room. Closing the doors behind them to a nearby solar, Lucius hangs his head briefly before turning into the room "I will not allow you to potentially hurt my son over pent up emotions, the display you entertained moments ago was quite immature" giving him a glare, Severus tucks his hands behind his back. "I will not be scolded like a child, Lucius-" cutting him off with a snap as if to tell him to keep quiet, Lucius steps forward. "Since you cannot control yourself as well as I thought, this evening after the meeting, we will sort out our arrangement in its entirety" Lucius says with a stern tone, metaphorically putting his foot down.

Around two hours later, Narcissa and Draco are off somewhere in the Manor enjoying some leisure time while Lucius and Severus find a suitable spot for privacy of a different variety. Needing somewhere truly desolate and quiet, Lucius leads them to the smoking room where the majority of his luxury spirits are kept as well as the finest cigars made just for his taste. "I cannot express how disappointed I am in you, Severus.." Lucius scolds as he reaches for a decanter by the fireplace. Feeling bitter about his current treatment, Severus remains by the door cast in shadow "I will not be disrespected, Lucius. If you do not address me properly, I will leave" he says with restraint. Taking a long drink from his glass, Lucius concedes "I suppose you're right, despite our circumstances, I do owe you the same respect I have always shown you, my apologies.." he says sincerely, setting down his drink on the mantle.

As a tense silence comes between them, Severus remains distant as Lucius gets comfortable in a tall backed chair. "You have.. resumed relations with Narcissa.." Severus says as he approaches, his features illuminated by the roaring fire keeping the room warmer than it should be. Feeling his jaw tighten, Lucius looks off to the side and into the flames "You've noticed.." he murmurs, hearing Severus sit across from him in the other chair. "How could I not.." Severus replies, feeling his chest tighten as his eyes remain on Lucius's side profile, admiring him with saddened eyes. Standing up to retrieve his glass, Lucius sits back down, crossing one leg over his knee "Don't look at me like I'm your only desire.." he says dismissively, taking a sip from his glass, still avoiding eye contact. Frowning, Severus sits on the edge of his seat "But you are-" cutting him off, Lucius snaps, meeting his gaze. "More than that woman!?" he says fiercely, the emotions behind his eyes betraying his tame facade. 

Feeling his heart sink into his stomach, Severus sits back with heavy shoulders "So that moment was the cause of our drift.." he says as his words trail off, his gaze falling to his lap where his hands remain clasped together. Scoffing as he stands, helping himself to another glass of brandy, Lucius takes a quick sip "It appears to be so.." he says as his back remains turned towards Severus, his eyes returning to the fire. Growing quiet as the fire crackles, Severus's gaze remains on Lucius as he drinks leisurely "If you will allow me to, Lucius.. I will give you the clarity you seek, on one condition.." he says as he rises to his feet, meeting Lucius's gaze as he turns around unhurried. "I ask that you do not discuss this with anyone outside of this very room, this discussion stays between you and I" Severus says with a subtle shift in his tone. Considering his choices briefly, Lucius nods ever so slightly "You have my word, Severus.."

To Be Continued...