cocoa_cardigan (cocoa_cardigan) wrote in snark_n_bark, @ 2008-03-10 18:48:00 |
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Entry tags: | complete, remus, severus |
How do you keep them back at the Manor...
Characters: Severus, Remus
Summary: It's Remus' birthday, and Severus has a big surprise for his wolf
Severus had kidnapped Remus.
It had been the first step in his process for giving Remus a perfect birthday, something he'd been planning for weeks; after the special gift Remus had given him in January, he wanted to make certain Remus' birthday was special as well, and while his plans didn't involve gift-wrapping his brother, he thought Remus would enjoy the evening nonetheless.
The children were being left in Nanny Stella and Lurch's care overnight with Serenus having agreed to pop in and check on them before bedtime, and Severus had started things off by taking Remus by surprise with a stunning spell, throwing a hood over his head, and sidelong Apparating him to the Wizard's Quarter in Paris. He had booked a room in a posh Muggle hotel, but they had to get there first, and so Severus had released Remus from the spell and hustled him out of the Wizard's Quarter and into a cab with the warning that if he asked any questions, there would be no spankings or chocolate-covered Snape later. Remus, he noted with amusement, hadn't uttered a peep during the entire ride.
Once they and their luggage were safely ensconced in their hotel room, Severus had settled Remus in a chair and told him to sit still, and he went off to unpack a few select items from his luggage. Twenty minutes later, he was ready, dressed in one of the gowns Remus had given him for Valentine's Day - the vintage design - his hair up in a style reminiscent of the 1930s, and cosmetics artfully applied. He slipped into a pair of pumps dyed to match the gown and fastened the green diamond Remus had given him around his neck, and he cast a subtle glamour to give him a stronger illusion of femininity - rounder hips, fuller bosom, slimmer arms, no adam's apple - to those who saw him. Only then did he remove the hood with a flick of his wand and struck a pose while he waited for Remus' eyes to adjust and take in the surroundings.
"Happy birthday," he purred, resting his hand on his cocked hip.
Remus had spent the last half-hour in a state of anticipatory excitement, not frightened, but definitely surprised, intrigued, and more than a bit aroused. Comments about spankings and chocolate coatings aside, the whole idea of Severus whisking him off to parts unknown for whatever purpose was guaranteed to make Remus' heart beat faster in the best possible way.
His faith in Severus' motives was more than justified when after a short wait that had him almost vibrating with eagerness, his hood was removed and he was treated to the sight of his mate dressed up in all the finery Remus had given him for Valentine's Day. Severus looked absolutely gorgeous and so sexy that Remus was tempted to tackle him to the floor and ravish him immediately.
That, however, was probably on the agenda for later, and for now, Remus wanted to enjoy whatever it was Severus had in mind. His eyes flashed golden, his cheeks flushed with desire, and when he spoke his voice, was a low, husky growl. "Well, if this is my present, I approve of the wrapping, and even more so of the contents. Lucky me... all I have to do is unwrap you, and I'll have all the riches of the world in my hands. And I'm not talking about the diamond."
Severus walked toward Remus slowly, swaying his hips, and he licked his lips, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "This is part of your present," he said. "Unwrapping is for later. Right now, we have dinner reservations with dancing to follow. I thought you might enjoy an evening out, and I dressed for the occasion. Your suit is in your luggage, and I have packed everything we will need. Including a few more surprises," he added with a coy look from beneath his lashes.
"What a wonderful surprise." Remus rose to his feet, unable to resist placing his hands at Severus' waist, caressing upward over the fabric of the gown, his palms molding to the familiar planes and angles of Severus' body. He could feel Severus' warmth through the dress, and he leaned closer, running his nose along the length of Severus' neck and inhaling deeply, letting Severus' beloved scent surround and fill him. "Perfect. I would love to go out to dinner and dancing with you, my darling. I enjoy showing off your perfection to the world, so that they can all stare at me and be envious of the fact that I am with the most gorgeous creature in existence."
Severus wound his arms around Remus' neck and tilted his chin up, purring softly at the feel of Remus scenting him. "No less than I enjoy flaunting my handsome mate." He trailed his forefinger along the sharp line of Remus' jaw, his dark eyes aglow as he gazed down at Remus. "This is your night, and I want it to be special. Anything you want, I will gladly give."
Remus lifted his head, smiling in a fashion that was partly soppy and partly wicked. "That is a blank check I'm happy to accept," he said, brushing his lips against Severus' lightly. "Why don't we do what you've planned while I think it over? Just being with you is very special, you know, but I'm sure I will come up with something."
He couldn't resist caressing Severus again, savoring the slide of his palm along Severus' bare back and imagining with great clarity exactly how Severus' body looked beneath the green dress. "I'd best go and change now, or else I'll be unable to resist the temptation of unwrapping my gift early." Pulling back reluctantly, he smiled at Severus. "Perhaps I'll have a surprise or two of my own for you. Just imagine what I may or may not be wearing under that suit during dinner."
"I will look forward to finding out later," Severus replied, a small, wicked smile tugging the corners of his mouth as he slid his hands down to pat Remus' arse. "But for now, go and change! I want to satisfy one appetite before we satisfy another. By the end of the evening, I intend for you to be fully sated in every possible way. We have all night with only each other to think about."
Remus wiggled playfully against Severus' hands, then stole another swift, hard kiss before stepping away. "I'll hurry," he promised, his eyes gleaming with anticipation for what the night would hold. "Hold that thought, and I'll be back as fast as I possibly can."
With a final, hungry look over his shoulder, Remus did indeed hurry, changing into the suit Severus had packed with only a brief pause to use his wand to transfigure the promised surprise of his own. He returned so quickly that he was slightly breathless, and he grinned as he held out an arm for Severus to take. "Shall we go?" he asked. "I find that my hunger is rising higher by the minute, and satiation is sounding better and better."
Looping his arm through Remus', Severus lifted one hand to smooth his hair. "Yes, let's go," he said haughtily. "I too am growing quite hungry."
He let Remus lead him to the lobby, but once outside their hotel, he took the lead in finding a cab and giving the name of the restaurant. It was a short ride, but Severus took advantage of the opportunity to press close against Remus' side and tease Remus by sliding his silk-stocking clad leg against Remus'. Once they reached the restaurant, he was the image of demure calm as he murmured, "Blythe, party of two" to the maitre'd. Once they were seated, he accepted the offered menu and pretended to study it while sneaking coy looks at Remus over the top of it.
"What looks good?" he asked with faux-innocence.
The ride in the taxi was pure torture, the slide of Severus' leg heightening Remus' arousal to an almost unbearable degree. It was only by sheer force of will that he was able to keep from molesting his mate right there on the seat, and his eyes glowed in the dim light, a low-pitched, almost inaudible growl rumbling in his chest.
When they were finally seated - after a walk to the table during which Remus was aware of more than one pair of masculine eyes on Severus with appreciation - Severus kept up the torment, the heat in his dark eyes not disguised by the disingenuous tone of his voice.
"You do," he replied, his voice low and husky. He leaned across the table, giving Severus a wicked smile. "Careful, my mate, or I'll pull you onto the table and feast upon you right here in front of everyone, which might cause a scandal we'll never be able to live down."
Severus crossed his legs and gazed at Remus demurely. "I wouldn't object to that," he murmured, his voice low and sultry. "Only I am hungry, and this is one of the best restaurants in Paris. I had to ask your editor to help pull strings to get reservations for us, and I would hate to waste the opportunity." He glanced at the menu, made his selection, and put it aside, giving Remus a small, secretive smile. "I promise you will feast to your heart's content later."
"I'll hold you to that." Another flash desire in golden eyes, then Remus sat back with a small sigh, resigning himself for the moment to remaining hungry in at least one fashion for the time being. It was a nice restaurant, he thought, looking around and really seeing it for the first time. A quick glance at the menu was all it took for him to make his selection, and no sooner had he set it down on the pristine table cloth than their waiter seemed to materialize at his elbow, the sommelier right behind.
"Monsieur Blythe, Madame Blythe. I am Alfonse, and I'll be serving you this evening," the small, dark haired, extremely efficient looking waiter greeted them in lightly accented English. "Have you decided on your meal, or shall I make recommendations?" There was recognition in the man's eyes, and Remus had the feeling that his name had been recognized by at least one person on the staff. Not that he minded; it had been odd at first being accosted in public by people who had read his books, but after nearly three years it was no longer extraordinary.
For a moment Remus felt completely surreal - after so many birthdays lived in poverty, obscurity, and loneliness, where whatever he could scrounge had provided an unsatisfying supper, here he was, Remus Lupin the werewolf, eating at the finest establishment in one of the most glamorous cities in the world, wearing a suit that had cost more than he'd probably earned in his first thirty-eight years of life combined and sitting across from a glamorously adorned Severus Snape, who was gazing at him with not only lust but genuine love in his dark eyes. Success was something he had almost come to take for granted in the last few years, but he was now reminded very forcefully of what he had endured, and how unbelievably lucky he was that his life and fortunes had changed so much. More important than the money, recognition, and success, however, was the incredible gift of his mate, and Remus reached across the table to take Severus' hand, lifting it to his lips for a moment, savoring the contact with not just desire, but humility.
"What will you have, my darling one?" he asked Severus, his heart in his eyes. In that moment if Severus had asked for the moon, Remus would have found a way to get it for him.
The look in Remus' eyes warmed Severus and let him know that Remus was enjoying the evening above and beyond their on-going flirtation, which was a relief; he had wanted to give Remus a special and memorable birthday, and if Remus' soppy expression was anything to go by, Severus was doing well so far. However, the first thought that arose in Severus' mind was one he couldn't bring himself to utter in response to Remus' question. But then again, he wasn't Severus Snape tonight, and they weren't in England. They were far away from home and all the people who knew them and expected nothing more than snark and prickle from him. Tonight, he was Serena Blythe, and there were no rules that stated she couldn't say such things to her husband if she liked.
"You," he murmured, holding Remus' gaze steadily as he squeezed Remus' hand. "Always and only you." A faint blush rose in his cheeks as he voiced the unfamiliar sentimental words, and he quickly disengaged from the romantic reverie and turned his attention to the patient waiter. "We would like the iced poached oysters for starters, and I will have the rib of marinated turbot," he said briskly.
Remus knew his grin was probably manic at Severus' words, but he didn't care. He couldn't imagine a better birthday, and it was only just getting started.
"I'll have the same," Remus said, not really caring what he ate, so long as he got to do it while gazing into Severus' eyes. Alfonse showed his excellent training as he nodded and slipped silently away, not fussing over them as some waiters seemed to do. The sommelier was equally discreet, and Remus selected a fine white wine to accompany their meal before returning his attention completely to his mate.
"This is wonderful," he said with a soft smile, reaching out to place one hand over Severus' on the table. "I appreciate you going to such lengths to give me a memorable birthday. Trust me, this is one I shall cherish for the rest of my life."
Turning his hand over, Severus curled his fingers around Remus' and squeezed gently. "Good," he said firmly. "After the memorable birthday you gave me in January, I wanted to do the same for you." He paused, mulling over his next words and reminding himself that no one would think twice about "Mrs. Blythe" being sentimental. "You always seem to know what I want and what I need, and you are always generous enough to give it to me, no matter what it is. There are few men in the world who would give me my own brother for my birthday," he said in a low voice so as not to raise any eyebrows at neighboring tables. "After so many years of such generosity, some might come to take it for granted, but I do not, and I wanted to give back in some small measure."
Remus tightened his hand on Severus', feeling his throat tighten with emotion, surprised and incredibly pleased by Severus' uncharacteristic emotional openness. He'd learned to "speak Snape" long ago, but it was nice on occasion for Severus to speak the words, and Remus was grateful for it. "You've more than repaid me, just by being with me," he said, his voice slightly rough. "I was just thinking about all the years I spent my birthday with literally nothing, never imagining that my life would change so much, and all because of you. You know you have my heart and soul, and I'll always give you anything and everything I can. I want you to be as happy and feel as cherished and adored as you make me feel. I'm so happy that sometimes I'm afraid I will wake up and find it's all been some wonderful dream."
"No dream," Severus replied, twining his fingers with Remus'. "Unless we are both dreaming, and either way, I have no desire to wake up."
He was glad to know Remus felt special; sometimes he wondered if he said or did enough to show Remus how he felt beneath all the ice and prickles, and while he knew their relationship was solid, he didn't want Remus ever to feel taken for granted or taken advantage of. Severus had grown more comfortable with the softer side of himself since being with Remus and becoming a father, but it was still difficult for him to express things, and he relied on Remus' understanding of him - on Remus being able to translate "Snape snark" into English. He just didn't want to rely on that too much, not when Remus deserved to feel wholly loved too.
"Happy birthday," he said softly. "May there be many more, none of them spent with nothing and no one again."
"Thank you for making all my dreams come true," Remus replied, his voice and eyes tender. At that moment, the sommelier returned with their wine, pouring their glasses full. Remus smiled and lifted his. "Thank you for a fantastic birthday, my darling. And as long as I have you, I know that every one in the future will be just as wonderful."
Severus touched his glass against Remus' and took a sip of the wine, nodding his approval of the selection. "Right. Enough maudlin sentimentality. Apparently there is something about being in Paris as your wife that gives me a bout of temporary insanity."
"It suits you," Remus replied, amused at Severus' return to himself. "At least from time to time, and I do appreciate it. So, what shall we discuss during our meal? Hopefully something to help take my mind off of wanting to crawl under the table and lift your dress to get a peek at my gift."
"We could discuss the strange goings-on," Severus said, taking another sip of wine. "But I suppose that might not be appropriate since we're taking the evening to get away from it all. We should choose pleasant topics, so what does that leave us with?" He raised one eyebrow, his mouth quirking up with amusement. "Read any good books lately?"
Remus laughed. "Too busy writing, as you well know. Hmm... We could discuss family, perhaps. What do you think the odds are of Serenus and Tybalt wanting more children? I know they love the twins, but somehow I see both of them as the type to also want a little girl to spoil rotten."
"I think the odds are quite good," Severus replied. He paused when he saw the waiter approaching with their oyster appetizer, waiting until it had been served to continue. "He has said repeatedly that he wants a large family, and I would not be at all surprised if he decided not to stop at two children." He sampled a poached oyster, making a little show of letting it slide between his lips. "The real question will be whether he will decide having a third child will be worth going through pregnancy again or if he will take Tybalt up on his offer to carry the next one."
The sight of Severus eating the oyster made Remus catch his breath, and he licked his lips and had to swallow before he could haul his attention back to the conversation. "Yes, a big family," he said, drawing in a deep breath to calm the flare of arousal he felt. "I have to say, a pregnant Tybalt might be too funny to stand. Serenus doesn't quite have your subtle androgyny, but he didn't look strange, either. Tybalt, on the other hand..."
Severus gave an amused snort at the thought of Tybalt Savage nine months pregnant and waddling. "Somehow, I think we will be spared that sight. My brother has changed quite a bit in the last few months." He paused and took a sip of wine, considering. "Perhaps changed isn't the right word so much as reverted. He seems far more comfortable in his own skin again, and I notice he has lost any remaining qualms he might have had about bottoming," he said dryly, thinking back to their birthday celebration. "My galleons would be on Serenus carrying their children, however many they end up having."
"You're right, he's more like himself," Remus agreed, smiling fondly at the memory of the twins' birthday. "And he's lovely when he's pregnant, just as you are, so we will all get a treat to see him knocked up again. I'm so glad for him and Tybalt both that he's feeling better again. Serenus deserves happiness, and for a while, there it felt like he was going to be his own worst impediment to finding it."
"That seems to be in the past, fortunately." Severus ate another oyster, and then he pushed the plate toward Remus. "Care to wager on how many they will have? For that matter, are we finished?" he asked archly, although he was teasing. As much as he enjoyed being pregnant, he wasn't certain adding to their brood was a good idea after what they went through with Gaia.
The oysters smelled interesting, and Remus picked one up, lifting it to his lips and swallowing. He lowered his gaze to Severus, his eyes full of wicked amusement. "Well, I can think of things I prefer to swallow, but that wasn't bad." He raised a brow. "Hmmm... I don't know, I certainly wouldn't mind another child, but three is also a nice number. Minerva might have something to say on the subject, you know; she's going to be overrun with Snapes in short order, and I have no doubt they will make as much of an impression on Hogwarts as you did."
"No doubt," Severus said dryly. He gave Remus a long, measuring look over the top of his wine glass. "Three is indeed a nice number, but we could always discuss the possibility of four at some point in the future. Would you really want to risk going through another round of sibling rivalry?"
"Perhaps it wouldn't be as much of an issue when our first three are older," Remus replied, shrugging slightly. "I'm not really concerned about it, though, because what matters is that we all love each other. Cymbeline is a darling, but I will be the first to admit we've probably overindulged her on some things. Natural, I guess, since she was the first." He chuckled ruefully. "And the fact that she is so like you makes her utterly irresistible, of course. I find it almost impossible to deny her anything, which is terrible of a father to admit."
"Fortunately, I don't have quite as much difficulty," Severus said, an undercurrent of amusement in his voice. "It might not be as much of an issue, at that. I doubt she would object to another boy, and she has already faced the horrors of having a sister once. Doing it again would likely not be as difficult. Still, I only just regained my girlish figure," he said, giving Remus a coy look. "I am content to wait for a while. Care to wager on how long it takes before my dear brother starts making noises about number three?"
"I happen to adore your girlish figure." Remus' eyes traveled down what he could see of Severus' body with appreciation. "We have all the time we desire to expand our family. Or not. I doubt that Serenus will wait more than another few months to at least start discussing possibilities. Say, no later than the twins' first birthday. Care to make a small wager on it?"
"That sounds quite interesting." Severus paused while the waiter delivered their entree, and he sampled a bite of the fish before glancing at Remus again, his dark eyes alight with the anticipated fun a wager could bring. "I happen to think it will be a little longer than that. What stakes would you like to play for?"
The fish smelled wonderful, and Remus took a bite, savoring the succulent flesh with appreciation. He could see Severus immediately rising to the challenge he'd issued, and he smiled, debating just how naughty he ought to make the stakes. "Hmm... that's a good question. How about the winner gets to have the loser do anything he wants for twenty-four hours, no matter what it is?"
Severus took another bite of fish and then gave Remus a wicked look. "We have a deal. If Serenus utters a single word about having another baby on or before the twins' first birthday, you win. If it's afterward, I win." He smirked across the table at Remus. "I can think of plenty of ways to use you for twenty-four hours."
"And I you," Remus replied tartly, meeting Severus' look with a sly one of his own. "Now what you can't do is influence your twin, all right? I know the two of you communicate without talking, so don't go working your hoodoo on him. That's cheating."
Severus widened his eyes and tried to look wounded. "Is that what you think? That I would stoop to cheating to win you as my slave for a day?" He mustered a haughty sniff, looking affronted. "Very well, if you wish me to promise I won't try to influence him, I will."
"Not cheating - a good Slytherin uses all means at their disposal, don't they? I'm just trying to level the playing field." Remus favored his mate with a bland smile. "Not to mention that I'm just not as smart as you are, so I'm using my own wiles to assure myself of victory."
"Hmph." Disgruntled at having been thwarted - Remus knew him all too well - Severus decided he would regain the upper hand a different way; he had wiles of his own at his disposal, after all. Slipping off one of his shoes, he began teasing his way up Remus' calf with his foot. "We shall see who can claim victory," he purred, his look of bland innocence in direct contrast to his naughty teasing under the table.
"Wicked," Remus accused softly, even as he pressed his leg more firmly against Severus' caressing foot. "You know when you do things like that I'm all too ready to concede victory. I'll have to do something to get back at you for this, you know."
"Oh?" Severus' smirk widened, and he continued to tease his way upward. "What did you have in mind? I'm sure I'll deserve whatever it is." He lifted another bite of fish to his lips, relishing it with all the sensuality he could muster.
"You deserve to be spanked," Remus growled softly, eyes riveted on Severus' lips. "Hard and long. Among other things."
A shiver rippled down Severus' spine, and desire kindled in his eyes in response to the images Remus' words brought to mind. "I like the sound of that," he murmured huskily. "You're the birthday boy, and I get the spanking. And the long and hard."
"Any way and every way you'd like." Remus' voice was ragged. He looked down at the remains of his fish. "I think I'd prefer to have dessert in private. What about you?"
"Yes," Severus agreed immediately, his own voice ragged as well, and he slipped on his wayward shoe. "I believe it is definitely time to take this celebration from public to private, Mr. Blythe."
"Definitely." Remus signaled to Alfonse. A brief exchange of Remus' Muggle credit card and then Remus was rising to his feet, moving to pull out Severus' chair. "Are you ready, Mrs. Blythe? I shall summon a chariot to whisk us back to the hotel."
Severus rose to his feet and looped his arm through Remus', his lofty smile belying the passion smoldering in his eyes. "I am quite ready," he replied. "By all means, let's return to the hotel so you may unwrap your present. I am quite eager to see how much you will enjoy it - and for how long," he added in a low tone meant for Remus' ears alone.
"Perhaps a better measure would be how frequently," Remus replied, his own eyes full of barely contained heat. He spared a polite but preoccupied nod for the staff as he ushered Severus from the restaurant and out into a cab. Once he had given the name of their hotel to the driver, he turned to pull Severus into his arms, unable to wait one moment longer to taste Severus' lips.
With a soft, needy moan, Severus relaxed willingly in Remus' arms and parted his lips, responding with unfettered eagerness. All their teasing and flirting had kindled his desire, and he was more than ready to be alone with Remus and unleash it at last.
Severus' response was all that Remus could have wanted, and he pulled Severus closer, accepting the unspoken invitation to deepen the kiss. He growled as he devoured Severus' mouth, eager to taste and explore, to feel Severus wild and desperate in his arms. His hands were splayed against Severus' back, stroking and caressing the warm expanse of skin revealed by the low-dipping back, and it was only by sheer force of will that he held back from ripping the designer gown from Severus' body then and there.
Severus arched against Remus' hands, enflamed by the caresses and wanting more, but they weren't alone yet. He could feel the wolf rising, familiar enough with the signs to know Remus was exerting effort to maintain self-control, and he pulled back from the kiss with reluctance and lifted his hand to stroke Remus' cheek.
"Patience," he murmured, sliding his fingers into Remus' hair. "Patience, my wolf. I welcome being thoroughly ravished, but not in the back seat of a moving car."
Remus' response was part groan and part growl, and he looked at Severus through half-lidded eyes as he leaned into the caress of Severus' fingers. Fortunately the cab driver seemed to sense their urgency, for he sped through Paris as though the cab were a magic carpet. Remus was able to hold himself in check just long enough to pay the driver, adding an outrageously large tip which made the man grin even more than the knowing smile he'd given them previously.
It would be completely unacceptable to have to walk through the lobby and then take the elevator up to their suite, and so Remus took Severus' hand and pulled him into a dark patch next to the hotel, drawing his wand and Apparating them up to their room.
"Now," he said, pulling Severus hard against his body, the wolf no longer willing to be denied. Fastening one arm around Severus' waist, he growled "MINE!" before fastening his teeth on the side of Severus' neck, biting down on the soft flesh and worrying it until there was a livid bruise.
Gasping, Severus flung his arms around Remus, clinging to him tightly, and tilted his chin up, offering the wolf his surrender. "Yours," he moaned. "Always yours."
It was, he thought muzzily, nothing more than the simple truth. For all that they might play with Serenus and Tybalt, Severus wanted no one more than he wanted Remus, and he knew the same was true of Remus; he could live the rest of his life without ever touching anyone else, but the mere thought of losing Remus and what they shared in and out of bed was unbearable.
With a growl of his own, he captured Remus' face between his hands and claimed Remus' mouth, pouring all the devotion and adoration he felt into the fierce, demanding kiss. "Mine," he murmured against Remus' lips, his voice low and intense.
"Yours. All yours." Remus' voice was hoarse, the wolf rising swiftly in his eyes, wanting to know the touch of its mate. He returned the kiss even as he swept Severus up into his arms, carrying him swiftly to the bed and laying him down on the silk comforter. It took only a moment for him to strip off his suit coat and step out of his shoes, and then he pounced onto the bed, straddling Severus' hips as he leaned down to claim Severus' lips again.
"I want to unwrap my present now," he said, a feral grin curving his lips.
Slipping off his shoes, Severus slid his hands along Remus' chest until he reached the collar of Remus' shirt. "Go ahead," he replied, gazing up at Remus with heat in his eyes as he began unfastening the buttons of Remus' shirt. "It's ready and waiting to be unwrapped."
Continuing to growl softly, Remus didn't hesitate to take Severus up on his invitation. He slid his hands up Severus' arms to the straps of the gown, pulling them down off Severus' shoulders. His lips followed the trail of his hands, sliding over the bare skin of Severus' shoulders, interspersed with flicks of his tongue as he savored the spicy taste of Severus' skin. Then he nibbled softly on Severus' collar bone, humming low in his throat in pleasure. Severus was a feast to be enjoyed, more tempting than any meal in even the finest restaurant in the world.
Making short work of the buttons, Severus slid his hands beneath the fabric of Remus' shirt, caressing Remus' warm, bare skin even as he relaxed beneath Remus with a soft sigh, tipping up his chin to offer better access. It seemed Remus intended to tease and savor the experience slowly at first, and Severus had no objections to that, not when each nibble and rasping lick made his skin ache with longing and stoked his need higher.
"Delicious," Remus said against Severus' skin, even as he arched against Severus' hands, the stroking of his mate's fingers driving him wild. He wriggled slightly, then decided that payback was in order. Reaching beneath Severus' back, he found the zipper of the dress and slid it down, then pulled the bodice of the dress down, baring Severus' chest to his hungry gaze. He slid further down Severus' body, then lowered himself again, laving his tongue over one of Severus' nipples until he felt it harden into a taut, aching peak.
Severus' breathing accelerated to rapid panting, and he arched up, a sound suspiciously like a whimper escaping his throat as he clenched his fingers on Remus' back, writhing in a silent plea for more. He raked his nails along the length of Remus' back and groped at Remus' arse, his need growing tinged with desperation.
"You like that, my mate?" Remus asked throatily, his warm breath ghosting over Severus' damp skin. He loved to see Severus like this, loved the feel of him, desperate and needy against Remus' body. The scent of desire rising from Severus' skin was more potent than wine and far sweeter than any perfume, and it increased his own desperation to feel Severus around him completely.
With a moan, he moved off of Severus, but only so that he could strip the dress away completely, pulling it down Severus' long, tempting legs and tossing the expensive garment aside without any care whatsoever for its value. He was far more interested in the sight of Severus' body, and he reached out to caress his hands over Severus' torso, down his waist, to his hips, then stroking over the filmy undergarments that did very little to hide Severus' arousal.
"Very nice," he said, caressing and teasing Severus through the fabric. "I think this package is the finest one I've ever opened in my life."
Smirking, Severus rocked his hips up, wanting more than teasing from Remus' stroking hand. "Just think: it's a package you can enjoy again and again for years to come. So to speak."
Chuckling in delight at Severus' quip, Remus lowered his head again, biting down on the edge of the lacy, delicate fabric. Using only his mouth, he pulled them down and off, discarding them after taking a moment to sniff appreciatively at the scent of Severus clinging to them. It took only a moment, then, to strip off his shirt, and one more than that to unfasten his trousers and strip them away, leaving him clad only in the dark green silk boxers he'd transfigured when he'd changed into his suit.
Moving between Severus' legs, he grinned down at his mate, enjoying the sight of Severus splayed out bare against the covers. "Happy birthday to me," he said. "I hope you enjoy it as much as I know I'm going to."
"I have no doubt I will," Severus replied breathlessly as he wrapped his legs around Remus' hips. Skimming his palms down the length of Remus' torso, he stroked the front of Remus' boxers, savoring the feel of warm silk beneath his fingers. "I'm enjoying it already."
Remus couldn't help the moan that escaped his lips as Severus' long legs wrapped around him, and he gripped Severus' hips with one hand as he reached for his wand with the other. "You're about to enjoy it much more... as am I," he replied breathlessly. With that, he banished the boxers, then tapped Severus' hip with his wand, uttering the preparatory charms before tossing his wand aside.
"Now I'm going to ravish you until you scream in ecstasy," he promised. He gripped Severus' wrists, lifting them over Severus' head and pinning them easily with one hand. Then he leaned down to devour Severus' mouth, growling as he moved forward and claimed Severus body in one long, slow thrust.
Moaning into the kiss, Severus tugged his wrists, not in an attempt to free them but to savor the feel of Remus' strength, and he slid one stocking-clad leg against Remus', wanting to stoke Remus' desire as his own had been stoked. He wrapped his other leg firmly around Remus' hips, his body welcoming as Remus claimed him, and he groaned his pleasure at being filled and fulfilled by his beloved mate.
There was no more exquisite feeling in the world than that of Severus' tight, hot body welcoming him, no more exciting sound than the one of pleasure Severus gave as they were joined completely. He held still for a moment, breathing hard as he lifted his head to stare down into Severus' eyes, man and wolf present in his own. "Mine," he said softly but intensely, speaking for both halves of his soul.
The sight of Severus' flushed face, dark eyes gleaming with lust, was more than either man or wolf could take, and with his moan echoing Severus', Remus began to move, thrusting slowly at first but increasing speed as he claimed Severus' body completely. He moved his free hand between them to wrap it around Severus' arousal, stroking in counterpoint to the movement of his hips. He wanted to drive Severus as wild as he himself felt, to watch as Severus went wild in his arms.
Severus knew there was nothing Remus liked more than to see him let go, and in Remus' arms was still the only place he felt safe enough to relinquish control completely; he flung inhibition aside and gave himself over to the moment, savoring each thrust and stroke as a litany of "yes" and "yours" and "Remus" spilled from his lips. He writhed, wild and desperate, beneath Remus, his world dwindling to nothing more than the sight, scent, and feel of Remus surrounding him.
"Yes!" Remus watched Severus' face avidly, the sight of Severus' pleasure intensifying the feeling of his own. This was how they belonged, the two of them in the cocoon of love and need they created together, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. Only with Severus was it ever like this, a fulfillment so much more than physical, reaching into the depths of Remus' soul and binding him to his mate completely. "Let go for me, my love," he said raggedly, urging Severus on with hips and hand, wanting to see the moment when the world fell away.
Severus could no more resist Remus' urging than he could resist the need to breathe, and he gave himself over to pleasure, crying out as ecstasy overwhelming him, his only anchor found in the depths of Remus' eyes. Gasping, he slumped against the pillows, but he gazed up at Remus with slumberous eyes and rocked his hips to urge Remus on, wanting to see Remus' pleasure, too. "Yes, yes, let go," he whispered. "Let me see you."
"All for you, because of you." Remus devoured the sight of Severus' release, then he, too, was falling over the precipice, urged on by Severus' velvet voice and the irresistible movement of his body. A cry was torn from his throat as he gave himself over to the rapture, then he slumped down, rolling to the side and pulling Severus into his arms, enjoying the feel of warm, passion-damp skin sliding together.
Severus rolled with him willingly, lifting heavy limbs and twining them around Remus with post-coital languor, and he nestled close and pressed his nose against the warm, damp skin of Remus' throat. "I don't suppose I need to ask if you enjoyed your present," he murmured.
"No need to ask, but I'll tell you anyway," Remus replied, stroking his hands lazily over Severus' skin. "You are the most wonderful gift I've ever been given, and as you pointed out, it's a gift that keeps on giving." He pressed his lips to Severus' temple in a tender kiss. "You've made this birthday the most wonderful one yet. You're my shining diamond."
Severus mustered the energy to wriggle beneath Remus' stroking hands to show his pleasure in the contact, and he allowed himself the luxury of a small, pleased smile. "If I am your shining diamond, then it is your duty to see to it that I am well polished," he purred, nuzzling a kiss beneath Remus' ear. "I'm glad you enjoyed your birthday," he added quietly. "We can stay all day tomorrow and go sight-seeing if you like. I told Nanny Stella we might not be home until tomorrow evening, and Serenus has agreed to pop in periodically and check to make certain the children haven't driven her insane."
"Mmm... a whole day and night alone with you. Sounds more like heaven than a birthday," Remus replied, shivering slightly in delight at the brush of Severus' lips on his sensitive skin. A small chuckle escaped him, and he held Severus close, never wanting to let him go. "I will do my best to keep you well polished in all ways, my love. It will be my pleasure to do so. Literally."
"Mine as well." Severus relaxed in the comfort of Remus' embrace, sated and drowsy. "I did arrange for a cake, too. Chocolate, of course. It should be in the sitting room of this suite. Perhaps after a nap, we could indulge in dessert of a different kind."
"Mmm... cake," Remus said, licking his lips. His eyes gleamed with mischief. "A nap sounds good, then after that I do want cake. I just want to eat it off of a Snape plate."
"That can be arranged." Severus pulled back so he could look at Remus, and he cupped Remus' cheek in his palm. "Happy birthday," he said, meaning I love you.
Speaking fluent Snape was a good thing, and Remus smiled as he leaned into Severus' hand, staring at his mate with his heart in his eyes. "I love you, too, Severus. I always have, and I always will. Thank you for the best birthday I could ever imagine."