The din two-dozen people could make was astonishing! In Remus’ absence two of the tables had turned into strip variants on each of the games. Andromeda and Narcissa were literally beating the pant off of Lucius at Blackjack, while Harry, Hermione, Luna, Pansy and Draco all in various states of undress encircled the Monopoly table. He needed a drink, or perhaps tea. Tea. It had been a long day and a long evening albeit an interesting and exciting one. A shout went up as Lucius lost the last item he was wearing, the ribbon that held his ponytail. Remus decided to search out the kitchen for himself.
After a few wrong turns and a prank by a poltergeist, Remus arrived in the kitchen. It was larger than the dining room. The gray granite countertops shimmered with silver, Remus assumed it to be granite from Aberdeen. There was a myriad of ovens, sinks and coolers. The baking for breakfast apparently had already been done, there were three bakers racks groaning under the weight of the sweets and breads. Severus appeared at the opposite end of the kitchen. Remus saw him roll his eyes and turn on his heel.
“Wait, Severus.” Remus said as he took long strides to cover the distance between them.
“One would think in a house this size I could find somewhere to be alone. ” Severus muttered and then paused.
“Stay please, Severus. I imagine you came looking for tea, the same as me.”
“If you wait Lucius will hold a midnight tea about two a.m.”
“I don’t want to wait until two. I plan to be asleep long before that.” Remus said.
“What, no late night plans?” Severus feigned shock.
It was Remus turn for an eye roll and he avoided the question. “Why don’t we divide up the work? You find the cream and sugar and I’ll brew the tea.”
“I am a brew master. I will make the tea.” Severus said haughtily.
Remus located cups, saucers and spoons as well as the necessary sugar and cream. Then he took a plate and put together a sample of sandwiches and pastries from the overflowing shelves. Watercress and roast beef finger sandwiches, miniature croissants with brie and honey, currant scones, and shortbread, and then he went looking for Devonshire cream and lemon curd.
“Have you invited others?” Severus asked.
Remus gave a lop-sided grin. “No. This is just for us.”
“There is enough there to feed a Quidditch team!”
Remus laughed. “With me it would be a stretch to feed three with this.”
“Perhaps, you might save some for the other guests?”
“There are three entire racks full. I’m certain they’ll manage.”
The kettle whistled,and conversation stopped for a moment. Remus took time to arrange the food and accompaniments on a small table by a fireplace. He sat in the chair that’s back faced one of the doors; he couldn’t imagine after all his years, as a spy Severus would ever be comfortable with a door at his back.
“Isn’t this cozy.”
“I think so, yes.”
Severus sighed and poured some cream in his tea. The silence stretched.
“Will you tell me about your bet?”
“No. I believe I’ve already indicated that. Why are you here? Aside from the obvious.”
“What do you consider obvious?”
“The sex, of course. Werewolves are well known for their extreme libidos.”
“Actually, that was the reason that almost made me not accept the invitation.”
Severus wrinkled his brow.
“It’s not fun to be the circus freak or in this case the representative dark creature. I researched the Manor and decided I wanted to see it. Gourmet food also helped tip the scales.”
“But you cared nothing about the sex.” Severus sneered.
“Of course, I cared about it, but it wasn’t the overriding factor.”
Severus contemplated a croissant thoroughly before speaking again.
“But a weekend of “first come, first served sex? Certainly you have more pride.”
“It’s not a matter of pride. I don’t plan to do anything with anyone whom I’m just a novelty to. I’d like very much to have a permanent partner, but people, Wizard or Muggle, don’t que up in great lines for a werewolf. Yes, I make a lovely novelty, but becoming a raving beast or disappearing for a couple of days every month is apparently off putting.”
Severus sipped his tea thoughtfully. “I never considered that particular point of view. To me you were always one of the popular ones, I couldn’t and still don’t imagine you struggling for companionship.”
“There is companionship and there is companionship. I have many friends covering a half-dozen generations, but no one special. I’m lucky to have a job, a home and the aforementioned friends, but no one I could tell my deepest desires to, no one to share my bed or my life with.”
“I think you might need more tea, you’ve apparently indulged in too much drink as well.”
“No, Severus my last drop of alcohol was at dinner. I just thought as an unattached personof my own age might understand what I had to say.” Remus paused. “I’m sorry about earlier.” He clarified. “The kiss. I thought you were responding. I shouldn’t have been so opportunistic. It was really, wonderful and obviously hot. I’m sorry you were uncomfortable, because I went too fast, or we were in a public place or I misunderstood your reaction. “
“And you would have been satisfied with that? Just kisses.” Severus asked incredulously.
“I find it’s the best place to start.”
“You immediately went off with someone else.”
Remus gave his best sheepish look. “No. I went into the next room and wanked.”
“You wanked?”
“Yes.”
“Alone.”
“That’s the definition of wanking, me and my hand.” He didn’t mention watching Harry and Draco since they had been unaware of his presence. “I really don’t know the etiquette for meeting your hosts with tented trousers. I thought wanking was the most expedient way to take care of the immediate problem.”
Severus didn’t say anything, but picked up a watercress sandwich and sniffed it delicately before taking bite.
“I would like to kiss you again.” Remus blurted out. He was, clearly, more tired than he’d thought.
Severus stirred his tea, as his eyes remained downcast, for a long minute before he responded. “That would be acceptable.”
Remus put down his teacup. “When you’ve finished, perhaps you will join me over here.”
Severus slowly eased himself out of his chair. Remus held out an arm toward him. Severus too a few uncertain steps, and Remus used both hands to guide him down. Severus’ Adam’s apple bobbed and then he tilled his head so his hair partially hid his face.
Remus pushed a lock of hair behind Severus’ ear. “I want to see you.” He ran a finger over the thin, pink lips. “You hair is wonderfully silky, but I want to see your eyes. You project all your intelligence there.”
“Pretty words, Lupin.”
“Not just pretty, heartfelt.”
Severus sighed as he relaxed his posture. Remus rubbed his cheek against Severus’.
“A wolf scenting ritual, I presume?
Remus chuckled. “No. Something less invasive than a kiss for starters.”
This time it was a gentle volley of kisses. Mouths were opened slowly, like petals budding in the spring. Finally, a bit of tongue grazed teeth, and tongues and palates. Remus cupped Severus’ cheek and stroked his hair. Severus kept a death grip on Remus’ bicep. Eventually, Remus pulled back.
“Enough for now?”
Severus nodded and uncurled himself from Remus’ lap. He bowed stiffly. “Good night.”
Remus smiled a gentle half-smile. “Good night, Severus.” As Severus walked away he heard a whisper ‘I do understand’.