Severus Snape's Quarters

[trio_snape]

*comes through floo to find house elves have already prepared the evening meal*

Good. Last year, Lupin's birthday was a disaster. Black had left him the day before - I understand now because of me.

We will make a better memory tonight.

*lights candles on table and waits calmly for Lupin to arrive*

Comments

[trio_snape]

*sees Lupin's eyes flutter shut as he sucks on his own finger, forces heart-rate to remain steady* I doubt the house-elves knew their culinary skills could create such side-benefits.

I asked them to prepare the roast you seem to appreciate above all other meals. Eat.

*starts on own dish of fish and mixed vegetables*

[trio_remus]

*does so, noting all of his favourites on the plate before him, a strange feeling in his chest when he notices that Snape is not eating the same meal*

Why won't he look at me? I thought we'd reached a better place, and yet he still barely speaks.

Perhaps it is time to make peace with this. This is just the way things are going to be. It can be enough for me. He did all of this, it must mean...he wouldn't do it if he didn't care.

*repeats, meaning it* Thank you, Severus. It's nice, just being here...with you. Having peace and quiet. *sips his wine*

[trio_snape]

Lupin, you need not continue. It is a simple meal. Although-

*looks up from meal, serious* I would not be opposed to this happening more often.

[trio_remus]

*meets his eyes, searching them briefly*

I would not be opposed to it either.

*takes another sip of wine, picking up fork again*

He says this, did this for me...has said and done a lot of things lately, is trying...

He is trying, don't...

He still behaves most of the time like we are casual acquaintances.

I don't want to fight tonight-

*looking at food* I would also not oppose you calling my by my rightful name. In our own private quarters. On my birthday.

*takes bite*

[trio_snape]

*nods, returns to food* When is the last time I took a meal with just one other person other than to discuss business? *thinks of Narcissa* Or the past?

*huffs* Lupin is also your rightful name.