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]

*serves Lupin a piece of cake* I have him eating out of the palm of my hand.

Bollocks.

Tell me more about your classes? I understand you are petitioning Albus to be allowed to bring in a young Manticore. I could speak with him on your behalf, if you wish.

How long can I continue this charade? Is it worth it? *sees Lupin staring at him with shining eyes, resists urge to scowl* It could be. It would not be the first life-long act I would be undertaking. It would be just for me this time....

It would make him happy.

[trio_remus]

I am. *pushes away empty plate, bringing the cake closer to him, tasting a bit of the frosting again* For the love of Merlin, this cake should not be legal!

Hagrid is looking into possible suppliers for me. *lifts fork, scoops some cake onto it, speaking evenly* And he's helped me identify the proper charms needed to keep one safely caged indoors. *sees Snape smile at him again; drops eyes*

What is this? Why would you offer to speak to Dumbledore for me? I can get his approval on my own, you know this.

*takes a bite of the cake, chewing slowly*

You do not offer to do my bidding. I don't need you for that.

*puts fork down slowly*

This is not him. He is...false, this...

It is an act.

*grips napkin tightly in his lap, smoothing it out unnecessarily*

*quietly* Severus, what are you doing?

[trio_snape]

*looks up from half-eaten cake, seeing apprehension in Lupin's eyes*

Perhaps he will not accept mere acquiescence after all.

*equally hushed* What do you mean, Remus?

[trio_remus]

*bristles at the sound of his name being so deliberately spoken once again*

You go from barely speaking or looking at me to being intensely fascinated by everything I have to say?

*pushes plate away, feeling suddenly sickened by the sight of the cake*

This behavior isn't like you. And as much as I enjoy actually being engaged in meaningful conversation with you, I don't enjoy you...patronizing me.

[trio_snape]

You seemed to be enjoying my behaviour well enough for the past half-hour!

*stands, stalks away from table*

You want me to call you Remus, you want me to listen to you, speak with you, and, somehow, never engage your ire. Impossible!

*leans against mantle, fuming* What do you want from me, Lupin?!

[trio_remus]

This has been going on too long, this tension underlying everything we say and do, tiptoeing around each other, avoiding every issue...I cannot do this anymore!

I want you to be real, Severus! I want you to be interested and I want to feel close to you, but I don't want it to be a lie!

*throws napkin down on table, rises too*

I want what I have always said I wanted! For you to want me!