InsaneJournal

“But this is our third date.”

Hermione sipped her tea. “So? For some people, the physical side of things moves more slowly than for others. Take me and Ron for instance--”

“No thanks,” muttered Harry, staring into his cup.

Hermione sighed. “All right, bad example since we’re no longer together. But honestly, every relationship moves at a different pace. Just because you kissed Ginny before you were even officially together doesn’t mean that you and Snape have to move at the same rate.”

“He won’t even touch me casually, Hermione.” Setting down his cup, Harry leaned in. “On our first official date we went to a Muggle restaurant. Italian. Very romantic. And then he proceeded to pull out pictures of my mum!”

Hermione smiled mistily. “I think that’s lovely.”

“Well sure, if I wanted to think about him and Mum while snogging him!” Harry ran a hand through his hair.

“If you’re so worried, why haven’t you snogged him yet?” she asked.

Harry sighed. “I was hoping he’d kiss me goodnight, but he didn’t. And before I could move in and give it a try, he was gone. I thought it was because he’s so, you know, proper? But then on our second date he had the perfect opportunity and...nothing.”

Hermione pursed her lips. “In a private box in a dark theatre would have been perfect,” she conceded.

“I thought so, too, but clearly Severus didn’t agree. Every time I even twitched in his direction he would point out something about the play.” Harry groaned, resting his forehead against the table. “Which is why I decided no distractions for this one. I’m making him dinner at my place and then--”

“And then what?”

Raising his head, Harry looked at her. “And then I test the waters. See once and for all if I’m wasting my time.”

She shook her head. “I think you’re rushing it. It’s clear you’ve always had something with Snape. Just because you haven’t kissed yet isn’t a reason to give up on the possibility of a relationship.”

“What if it’s his way of telling me he’s not interested?” Harry said. “What if he’s trying to let me down easy or something?”

“This is Snape we’re talking about,” Hermione reminded him. “It’s not as if he’s too shy to state his own mind. No, he clearly wants to go out with you since he’s accepted all your invitations.”

“Right.” Harry sat up and squared his shoulders. “I guess what I need to find out is why.”

Hermione’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t do anything too...precipitous, all right?”

“Precipitous?” Harry blinked at her. “You’re starting to sound like Kingsley. He must be rubbing off on you.”

She smirked. “On occasion,” she agreed.

Harry groaned. He’d walked right into that one. “No details!”

“Understood.” Reaching across the table, she clasped his hand. “Just...try to relax, all right? Snape moves at his own pace. I doubt trying to rush him into anything will work.”

Harry smiled. That was certainly true. “I know.”

“So what’s on the menu?”

“I thought I’d do a roast, some root veg, and Molly even gave me that dinner roll recipe of hers. Trifle for pudding.” Unless something else is on offer. Harry shunted that thought away.

Hermione nodded. “Those are solid choices. You’ll do fine if you don’t try to rush into things. Good luck.”

“Thanks.”

***

The roast was almost done, the rolls were cooling on the counter, and the trifle had been ready since that morning. Surveying the scene, Harry was pleased. The intimate table for two had candles, wine glasses, Harry’s best dishes, and flowers. Right, if this doesn’t put him in the mood, nothing will.

At precisely seven the doorbell rang.

Wiping his hands on a towel, Harry hurried towards the door. “Severus!” he said upon opening it and seeing Severus standing there. “Come in. You’re right on time.”

Severus looked as he always did, tall and severe in his black robes. He was carrying something. “Indeed. That is only polite when one receives an invitation. I brought wine,” he said, handing it to Harry.

“Thanks!” Standing aside, Harry gestured him inside. “I’m just finishing things up. I’ll open this to breathe, shall I?”

Severus didn’t say a word as he followed Harry into the kitchen.

“I hope it’s all right if we eat in here,” Harry said, setting the bottle down on the counter. “There’s a formal dining room but I converted it into a home office since I don’t really entertain all that much and, well, my friends don’t mind eating in here.”

“It’s fine,” Severus murmured, looking around. “You must enjoy cooking; this is a well appointed kitchen.”

Harry shrugged. “It’s all right. I’m not too bad at it, but it took a long time before I wanted to do that much of it.”

“Oh?” Severus eyed him. “And why is that?”

“My aunt and uncle used to make me cook their meals. Well, the simple stuff anyway. Breakfasts and some lunches.” Harry looked down. “Then they would eat every drop so I couldn’t have any.”

“Charming.”

Severus’ tone was icy and, surprised, Harry glanced up at him. “Yeah, well...all that’s over,” he said. “Now I can have as much as I want and whatever I want.” He smiled. “It’s a miracle I’m not enormous.”

“Indeed.” Severus leaned against the counter and regarded him for a long moment. “Even with my...unfortunate childhood, my mother did feed me.” He grimaced. “Although, my father made a most concerted effort to live only on beer.”

Harry moved towards Severus. “Oh. I’m sor--”

Severus immediately turned away. “But we are not here to reminisce. Would you give me a tour?”

Harry bit his lip. Guess that answers that. “Sure,” he said, moving quickly past Severus. He’s really perceptive. Don’t want him to know I’m upset. “This is the kitchen, obviously. Through here is the living room--”

The tour was fast; Harry’s flat wasn’t all that large, after all, and when they returned to the kitchen, Harry felt calmer.

“You have a lovely home,” Severus said.

Harry managed a smile. “Thanks.” Gesturing towards the table, he said, “Why don’t you sit while I get everything ready?”

Severus sat as Harry bustled about. Realising he hadn’t opened the wine, Harry Summoned the wine opener. This may be our last date, Harry thought as he worked. I don’t think I can do this again. I’d love to be just friends with him but I don’t think I’m capable of being around him and not wanting him--

Distracted, Harry’s hand shook and the sharp spear of the wine opener stabbed his hand. Harry hissed, dropping it and the bottle. Glass and wine flew everywhere. Within seconds, Severus was there, grasping his hands to inspect the damage. “You fool,” he snapped. “You need to be more careful. You’re bleeding!”

“Yeah, I know.” Flustered and embarrassed, Harry tried to pull away from Severus. “Sorry, I’ll just get a bandage and clean up--”

But Severus wouldn’t release him. Drawing his wand, he starting murmuring low words and waving his wand, even as his other hand cradled both of Harry’s.

Warmth spread through Harry, who gasped. Looking up at Severus through his lashes, he saw an intense look on his face. It reminded him of when he’d hexed Malfoy with Sectumsempra while in school. It was heady being the focus of all that concentrated attention.

In about a minute, all the cuts on Harry’s hands had healed, with no sign that he’d ever been injured. Severus slipped his wand back into his pocket and peered into Harry’s face searchingly. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” Harry swallowed past a lump in his throat. “You can let me go now. I know it’s uncomfortable for you.”

Severus’ eyes narrowed and his hand tightened on Harry’s wrists, still caught in his grasp. “Uncomfortable?”

Harry sighed. When will I learn not to just blurt things out? “It’s obvious my touch isn’t comfortable for you. I assume that’s why you won’t ever let me touch you, even accidentally,” he said carefully.

Severus froze, then, moving slowly as if Harry was something wild he’d caught, he drew Harry closer until their bodies were aligned. His free hand went around Harry’s waist. “I never let you touch me because I’m not sure that if you did, I could ever let you go,” he breathed when their faces were mere centimetres apart.

“Oh.” Harry blinked. Oh! Melting against him, Harry licked his lips and went for it. “To be honest, right now I’m not sure I want you to let me go.”

Severus made a strange noise in his throat. “Do you know how hard it’s been not to kiss you?”

Manoeuvring his hands out of Severus’ grasp, Harry slid them up and around Severus’ neck. “Oh yes,” he whispered. “That I do know.”

As their mouths met, a jolt went through Harry, a spark that ran to his toes. He moaned, opening his mouth. Severus took immediate advantage, sliding his tongue inside to explore. Their tongues entwined, heat exploding between them as the kiss, which had started out slow and languid, rapidly got frantic.

Harry clung to Severus as the kiss deepened, as their bodies began rocking together. On some level Harry had always known Severus had a passionate side simmering beneath the surface. And there it is, Harry thought hazily as Severus’ erection pressed into his thigh. God--

Severus tore his mouth from Harry’s, burying his face in Harry’s neck, where he pressed a few kisses as he caught his breath. “I wasn’t sure you were really interested.”

Harry blinked as the words sank in. “But I asked you out on three dates! Of course I’m interested.” He leaned back to stare into Severus’ face. “So all those times I tried to touch you--”

“Self-preservation.” Severus smiled faintly. “Do you know how disconcerting it is to get hard from just being in someone’s presence?”

Harry smiled. “Yes.” He pressed against Severus, his smile widening as Severus’ mouth parted in a moan. “I do. I thought--” He paused.

“Yes? What did you think?” Severus murmured, leaning in to scrape his teeth over Harry’s neck.

Harry’s knees almost gave out. Severus’ arms tightened around him. “I thought you were being...oh God...proper. That there were some mysterious...rules of etiquette you were...following.”

Severus lapped the sensitive skin around Harry’s Adam’s apple. “I’m Slytherin, Harry.” Harry felt the curve of Severus’ smile against his skin. “Given the opportunity, we fuck on the first date.”

Harry laughed softly. “Then what are we waiting for? We’ve several dates to make up for.”

And as Harry started dragging Severus towards his bedroom, he almost stumbled at Severus’ low purr of a response. “Indeed.”

***

“You burnt dinner?” Hermione blinked at him. “Oh, Harry, I’m sorry! Were you nervous?”

Harry coughed. “I was more...distracted, to be honest.”

She shook her head. “And you broke his bottle of wine?” Heaving a deep sigh, Hermione raised her hand. A moment later a bottle of brandy flew into it. “I think our tea needs a bit of fortification.”

Harry nodded. “No arguments from me.”

Once their tea had been ‘fortified’, Hermione leaned in. “Did anything go right?”

Harry sat back in his chair. “Yes, actually. I managed to salvage the evening with a bit of creative thinking.”

“Oh?”

“I made sandwiches with some leftover ham and cheese. And there was still trifle.” Which tastes especially delicious when licked from Severus’ body. Harry smiled. “All in all, it was a good date.”

“You see?” Hermione smiled, clearly satisfied. “And now you don’t even seem worried about the physical side of things. I told you taking sex slowly was the way to go.”

Harry bit back a moan as the memory of Severus taking sex very slowly indeed the night before assailed him. Desire coiled low in Harry’s gut. “You were absolutely right,” he said once he could speak. “Slow is definitely the way to go. I’ll never doubt you again.”

She nodded. “And you’ve another date tonight?”

“Yes.” Harry smiled blandly. “This time he’s cooking for me.”

“Well, I’m sure it will be very enjoyable.”

Harry sipped his tea and shifted in his seat. Now that his body knew exactly how enjoyable, he could hardly wait. “Me, too.”