elmyraemilie (elmyraemilie) wrote in snape_potter, @ 2014-07-19 19:37:00 |
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Entry tags: | summer challenge14 |
Summer Challenge 14: When It Sizzles (General)
Title: When It Sizzles
Author: elmyraemilie
Other pairings/threesome: None
Rating: General
Word count: ~750
Theme chosen: Summer quote: "I love Paris in the summer, when it sizzles." --Cole Porter
Warning(s): None
Summary: In Paris in the summertime, mere flirtation rises to the level of an Olympic sport.
A/N: Unbetaed. A cameo appearance of a beloved character from a classic fandom of yore.
"So what did you think of the Cathedral?" Harry asked. They were strolling toward the Seine along Rue Saint-Julien le Pauvre.
"A remarkable piece of architecture. The guide was knowledgeable enough, though with so many people on the tour, it was difficult to hear sometimes."
"Yeah, I thought so too. But we did learn that you have absolutely nothing in common with Saint Severin. Here," Harry said, "here's a tea room. Want a cuppa?"
"Certainly. We can decide where to visit next." Severus patted his trouser pocket. "Drat it! I left all those brochures on the bench where we sat, back at the church."
"Damn. I tell you what--you order for us, and I'll run back and see if they're still there." With a quick peck on Severus' cheek, Harry trotted back the way they'd come.
The tea shop was almost empty. Severus ordered a pot of the plainest tea possible ("Thé, s'il vous plaît. English breakfast, oui!") and settled at a table just forward of the fireplace. He was absorbed in watching the people walking past on the street outside when another customer entered. There was something about him, a whiff of danger or, more kindly, of adventure. Snape watched him over the rim of his cup. The man ordered something complicated in rapid French, then sat down at the next table, turning his chair to keep his back to the wall. His height and slender build let him drape himself over the chair with a sensual grace, but his eyes were those of someone accustomed to trouble. To Snape's well-concealed amusement, their noses were almost of a type.
"Good afternoon," the man said, catching Snape's eye. Instantly wary, Snape returned the greeting with a nod. "Lovely day to be in Paris, isn't it? Not so hot as it often is."
His English was not merely flawless, but unaccented and relaxed in its syntax. Curiosity stirred, so Snape answered, "You have a good eye for picking out English tourists. Should I look to my wallet?"
With a laugh, the man said, "No, no. My skills lie in other areas." Snape gave him an eyebrow, and he laughed again. "You are the suspicious type. I like that in a man." He put out his hand. "My name's Adam. I'm here staying with a friend."
Snape shook the offered hand and sat back; he wondered what was taking Harry so long. To his uninvited companion, he observed that there were not many places to buy a good cup of tea in Paris. Everyone was coffee-mad.
"Traditionalist, are you? I prefer coffee, but I'm here buying a little apology gift for the guy I'm staying with. I broke a very expensive vase this morning, and I know he's going to be angry. I may even end up being booted into a hotel room. More privacy, I guess, but still..."
They spoke for another few minutes: hotels in the area, the traffic, good places to eat and drink.
At the counter, the clerk held up a neatly-wrapped package. "Monsieur?"
"Oh!" Adam stood up and gave the man his credit card, then turned a warm and beckoning smile to Severus. "Well, it was very good to meet you. Perhaps we'll see each other again. There's a bookseller by the river on the Rue de la Bûcherie, right around the corner. They generally know where to find me."
Just then, Harry strode through the door. "Severus! You'll never believe..." He looked Adam up and down and, to Snape's shock, his eyes narrowed a bit. "Who's this, then? A new friend?"
Adam supplied Harry with an appraising look of his own. "No, merely passing the time with a chat. Tourist to tourist, right?" He turned to Snape. "Enjoy your stay in Paris. Don't forget--if you get bored, there's always the bookshop I mentioned."
Snape crossed his legs and leaned back, gesturing Harry into the other chair. "Bored? In Paris? Oh, I somehow doubt that."
With a nod to Harry, Adam made for the door and was gone. Harry reached across the table, grabbed Severus' hand and pulled him into a kiss that nearly upset the teapot. "Bored, my arse," he growled. "If you're done with your tea, I believe we should go back to the hotel. I have an activity planned for the afternoon that will leave you anything but bored."
That evening, Snape had cause to reflect that a jealous Harry was an inspired Harry. Good thing they were on holiday, and could sleep late in the morning.