'They'll live, Potter.' Severus could read the reluctance in Potter's face. 'It might even hurt less, if there are other things happening at the same time.' Severus didn't say that Remus and he was sacrificing their privacy for the boy. They were to make their connection public, of course, but it could be done quite a bit more discreetly than to let Skeeter have the story. Severus sighed at the thought of what he was willing to do for his lover. Even ease the way for this impertinent brat around who the whole wizarding world seemed to revolve.
Severus had about had it with socialising and being nice. If the child did not want them to help, he could bugger off and stop pestering Severus' life. Now would not be too soon. Patience was wearing thin. Severus realised he had important things to do elsewhere, like finding dustbunnies behind the book shelves. 'I'll leave you two to decide,' Severus managed, neutrally. He stood. 'Potter.' He nodded at the boy before he - not caring whether Potter would want to dig his eyes out - bent down and kissed his lover. He sent Remus a strained smile. He'd understand. 'I'll be in the workshop,' he informed. Remus could come find him there when Potter had left.