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_remus]

*clenches jaw, sighing silently*

Indeed. Right you are.

*stabs a potato a little more aggressively than intended*

Every step forward is accompanied by half a step back. It will always be this way. I can learn to be content...

*swallows painfully and glances up*

Why did you do this for me? What were you hoping for?

[trio_snape]

*notices Lupin's sharp, angry movements* He looks miserable. Why must he make his moniker so damned important?

*places utensils carefully next to plate, settles back in chair* Is there something wrong, Remus?

[trio_remus]

*looks up, a flare of anger sparking in his gut*

No.

*tries to smile but manages only to press his lips together tightly*

*softens voice* No. This evening is lovely.

*returns to food*

[trio_snape]

I do not need Occlumency to spot that lie!

I see. *hardens expression, picks up wine again, appetite gone* I make the most blatantly obvious gestures for him, and it is never enough. He seems to want to reshape me into a romantic hero - someone I can never be. Is that what he wants? Is he trying to recreate Black in me?

*narrows eyes as Lupin continues to chew* If I give him what he seems to want and he responds, I suppose I will have my answer.

*puts glass down, sitting up to the meal again, speaking softly* Forgive me Remus, it has been a long day and I should not take it out on you. Would you care for some more wine?

[trio_remus]

*lifts eyes sharply, fork halfway to his mouth*

*tension eases as he takes in Snape's gentle expression, the silky lilt in his voice*

Thank you. *holds his glass out, allowing Snape to refill it*

That was a rapid turn-around. Did he just...smile? *observes Snape closely as they continue eating, relaxing more and more as the conversation takes an easy, pleasant turn, their eyes meeting again and again throughout the meal*

Interesting. He's being positively...charming.

*meets Snape's gaze again and feels something flip over in his stomach*

His smile is...magic. It does things...

*begins to forget all about the meal still in front of him, wine beginning to make him feel warm and light*