InsaneJournal

I Don't Care What You Say Anymore...
Characters: Severus, Serenus, Tybalt
Summary: Serenus asks a question and doesn't like the answer.

Tybalt Floo'd back to Azoth House, tired from the seemingly endless debate, but hopeful that perhaps they might be able to find some answers with enough hard work. As he stepped from the grate, he wasn't surprised to see Serenus sitting on the sofa with a chubby toddler on each side listening with rapt attention as he read to them. He stepped forward with a smile, and Serafino looked up, catching sight of him and grinning in delight.

Serafino scrambled down from the sofa and toddled somewhat unsteadily over to Tybalt, holding up his arms. "Up! Up!"

"Okay, sport, up it is," Tybalt said, scooping Serafino up and settling him on his shoulders so that the little boy's head almost brushed the ceiling. Serafino delighted in being up high, and he fisted his hands in Tybalt's hair, squealing happily as Tybalt walked to the sofa. "Hello, Etienne, and hello there, you handsome hunk, you." He kissed Serenus on the cheek, holding on to Serafino's legs as he bent down carefully. "Sorry I'm late, but I was requested to attend a meeting."

"Oh, really?" Serenus marked their place in the book with his finger and looked up at Tybalt questioningly. At his side, Etienne scowled at the interruption and released what sounded like a grumbly sigh, and Serenus smoothed one hand over Etienne's hair soothingly. "Is Moody being a slave driver again?"

"Actually, no, not really," Tybalt replied. He sank down on the sofa, Serafino still clinging to him. "This is different. I didn't tell you before because I wasn't certain I was going to accept, or if I even could accept. But given that Moody is a part of it, I think I can, so long as you don't mind." He drew in a breath. "Harry is reforming the Order of the Phoenix, the organization Dumbledore started years back to fight Voldemort. He wants to have the members try to solve whatever it is going on with magic lately. I wasn't a member, of course, not even in the second war, but Severus is... and he recommended me to Harry as a new member."

Serenus listened, his initial rush of pride in Tybalt fading at Tybalt's last words, and he went still as he processed this new bit of information. He knew about the Order; Severus had mentioned it when he talked about the wars, which was rare, but he'd said enough to give Serenus a sense of what he'd done for the Order. On the one hand, he thought it was sensible that Harry was reforming the Order to deal with this new threat; on the other, he was stunned to find out Severus had not only not recommended him, but hadn't even bothered to tell him about it or that he was recommending Serenus' partner.

"That was very sensible of them," he said stiffly. "I'm sure you'll be an asset to the group."

Serenus' tone sent off warning bells in Tybalt's head, and he frowned slightly. "Is there something wrong, Serenus?" he asked, misreading the source of Serenus' perturbation. "I promise you, I won't let this take more time than absolutely necessary. I'm here for you and the boys, and I always will be. I think the main reason they want me is that I don't rely on magic for most of what I can do. I seriously doubt this is going to be the kind of fight the war was; it's almost more of a puzzle than anything else. At least at this point."

Serenus closed the book and put it aside, much to Etienne's disgruntlement. "I'm not worried about that," he replied, shaking his head as he drew Etienne into his lap. "I know about the Order and what they did. It makes sense that they would want to bring in new blood to deal with this issue, and I think you are an excellent candidate. I also know you can take care of yourself and you'll be careful."

He drew in a deep breath, his mouth thinning; the more he thought about it, the more angry he grew, and a Snapean scowl began to form.

"What annoys me is that my own brother asked you to be part of it and not me," he continued. "He didn't even mention the Order was being reformed to me. I'm curious as to why."

"Oh." Tybalt blinked in surprise; he honestly hadn't thought about Serenus feeling that way about it, and he felt remorseful for not considering that while the war hadn't been Serenus' fight, he was as caught up in this particular crisis just as much as anyone else. He bit his lip, then sighed, lowering Serafino from his shoulders to his lap and scooting closer to Serenus. "I'm sorry, Serenus. I'm a dense idiot sometimes. I was flattered they asked me to join, and I guess I was pigeon-holing everyone by whether they - you - were here during the war." He offered an apologetic smile. "Stupid of me, and I'm really sorry. Maybe Severus was thinking the same way?"

"Perhaps," Serenus said grimly, his brow furrowing even more. He paused and glanced at Tybalt. "I'm not upset with you," he said. "I'm proud you were invited, and I think you deserve it. It's Severus who has some explaining to do," he added, his tone dire.

"I'm glad you're not angry at me. I'd turn down the invitation, if it was a choice between that and you being happy." Tybalt reached out to touch Serenus lightly on the arm. "You should probably talk to Severus, though, if it's upsetting you. There's probably some reasonable explanation He loves you dearly, for all the snark and snap and prickliness he shows most of the time. Believe me, if I thought he didn't, I'd pummel him myself."

Releasing a slow breath, Serenus nodded. "You're right," he said, offering a one-sided smile. "I should probably talk to Severus and find out what's going on from him instead of speculating. In fact..." He gave Tybalt a questioning look. "Do you mind watching the boys for a while? I'd like to talk to Severus now rather than waiting and stewing about it."

"I think that's a good idea," Tybalt agreed. The slight smile assured him that Serenus really didn't seem to blame him, and he leaned closer to brush his lips over Serenus' cheek. "I'll finish story time, and you talk to your brother. I know you won't rest until you feel you've sorted this out with him."

"No, and you don't need a broody Snape on your hands." Serenus rested his hand on the back of Tybalt's neck and pulled him back, drawing him in for a light but lingering kiss. "Thank you," he murmured against Tybalt's lips. "I'll be back shortly."

Tybalt returned the kiss, savoring the warmth of Serenus' lips. He smiled slightly as Serenus pulled away, then reached out to scoop a grumbling Etienne from Serenus' lap. "There, there, petite," he said soothingly. "I know right where Papa left off, you won't miss a thing in the story. Then when Papa comes home, we'll all cuddle for a bit."

"Yes, we will," Serenus promised as he rose to his feet. He bent to bestow kisses on Etienne and Serafino's cheeks, and then he headed to the fireplace, glancing back and waving to the little group on the sofa before getting a pinch of Floo powder and heading off to Snape Manor.

He had just stepped onto the hearth in the parlor and was brushing off his clothes when Lurch appeared, greeting him with a groan. Fortunately, the big man didn't appear as love-struck as he had the other night, so it seemed the potion had indeed worn off.

"Is Severus home?" he asked, and Lurch replied with a nod and another groan, pointing to the door, which wasn't really helpful, but Serenus nodded anyway. "I'll find him," he said.

He set off with grim determination, deciding to check Severus' workroom in the catacombs first, and luck was with him; the workroom door was ajar, and when he peered in, he could see the torches within were lit, and there was the tell-tale scent of fumes wafting through the air. He pushed the door open and stepped inside, knocking on the door frame lightly. "Severus, if you aren't busy, I'd like to talk to you," he said, striving to keep his voice neutral - for now.

Severus glanced up from the textbook he was poring over, raising one eyebrow when he saw Serenus standing in the doorway. "Come in," he said with a little nod. "I'm not doing anything that can't be put off for a while." He watched with growing curiosity as Serenus entered the room and moved closer to his worktable; although Serenus didn't look upset, Severus thought he could detect tension emanating from his brother. "Is this is a social call or is there something particular you want to talk about?"

Serenus stopped at the end of the worktable and regarded Severus for a moment; Severus didn't seem different towards him, and he didn't seem to realize what Serenus might want to talk about, so perhaps Tybalt was right, and there was some reasonable explanation. Perhaps Severus had simply wanted to extend an invitation in person.

"Tybalt said you recommended that Harry invite him to join the Order," he said, hoping that would be enough of a hint.

"I did, yes." Severus nodded, pushing the textbook aside and turning to face his brother. "I thought Tybalt would be an asset, especially since he is less reliant on magic than the rest of us." He gazed at Serenus speculatively. "Do you have a problem with that?"

"No, I don't have any objections to Tybalt being in the Order," Serenus replied, waving one hand negligently. "I agree he's well-suited for it, and I'd like for whatever is going on to be stopped as soon as possible."

"Then what exactly is the problem?" Severus asked, frowning slightly.

Serenus drew in a deep breath and released it slowly, reminding himself not to make any accusations. Yet. "I was just wondering if you planned on extending the same invitation to me."

"Ah." Severus fell silent and turned his gaze to the wooden table, searching for a tactful way to respond. "I don't think you are suited for it," he said at last, lifting his head to meet Serenus' gaze steadily.

Serenus stiffened and drew himself upright proudly, feeling the words like a punch in the gut but refusing to show it. "Why not? I'm just as strong as you are magically, and I specialize in a branch of magic that none of the rest of you know much of anything about."

"Then if we need you, we'll consult with you, but I am not going to recommend that you be admitted to the Order," Severus replied bluntly, folding his arms across his chest.

Frowning, Serenus shook his head, not understanding Severus' refusal. "Why not?"

"Because you have no combat experience, you have no experience with planning strategy, and you don't have the proper mindset for the job."

"What exactly is that supposed to mean?" Serenus moved closer, his hands curling into fists by his sides as he glared at Severus.

"It means you aren't ruthless enough for this." Severus lifted his chin, refusing to back down even though he could tell this was headed toward a quarrel. "Look, you may have magical strength, but you weren't raised in the same kind of atmosphere we were, even Tybalt. You're completely inexperienced-"

"I've been training!"

"You have no real combat experience."

"What about those zombies?" Serenus pointed out, his temper rising as the message behind Severus' words sank in: he wasn't good enough to be included. "I did just fine against them!"

"They were monsters," Severus replied matter-of-factly. "What if they had been living beings?"

Serenus hesitated, wanting to say that it wouldn't have made any difference, but he knew it would have been different, and Severus nodded grimly.

"You see? A moment of hesitation like that in the midst of a battle could mean your death. We may not be facing a war, but that does not mean the situation doesn't have the potential to lead to combat, especially if we find out someone rather than something is behind all this. Besides risking yourself, you risk Tybalt and me as well. How well do you think we will perform if our attention is divided because we are concerned about an untried rookie?"

Serenus felt a rush of heat stinging his cheeks, but he continued to glare at Severus in defiance. "In other words, you don't trust me not to get myself and others killed. You don't think I'm good enough to be given a chance."

"I did not say that!" Severus glared back, irritated at having words put in his mouth.

"You didn't have to! You know what kind of training I've been getting lately. You know I don't like sitting around, waiting, or being left behind any more than you would, but you're bringing Tybalt in and leaving me out anyway!"

"Tybalt is a trained Auror who has experience with tracking, planning strategy, and combat," Severus retorted. "He has the skills we need. You don't."

Clenching his jaw, Serenus stared at Severus. "That's your final word, then, is it?"

"It is," Severus replied, his own expression stony.

"Fine. I'll say no more about it."

"Fine."

They stared at each other for a few moments longer, neither willing to blink or give way, and finally, Serenus whirled and stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut behind himself. He made a beeline for the parlor, too angry to stop and say hello to Remus and the children, and he returned home, still growling under his breath as he stepped into the parlor of Azoth House, his scowl fierce enough to rival any of Severus'.

Tybalt looked up as the Floo flared, his smile fading as he took in the look on Serenus' face. For the first time in memory he looked, in Tybalt's eyes, almost exactly like his twin, with none of the gentleness or humor which normally mitigated even his most severe expressions. Alarmed, Tybalt closed the story book and stood up, for once oblivious to the objections of the twins as he focused on Serenus to the exclusion of all else.

He crossed to his husband, his eyes full of sympathy and concern. He wanted to wrap Serenus in his arms, but the ferocity of Serenus' expression made him hesitate. "It didn't go well." It was a statement, not a question, and he sighed, holding out a hand if Serenus wanted to take it.

Serenus moved closer and clasped Tybalt's hand, squeezing it tightly. "No, it didn't," he replied, tamping down on his anger to avoid upsetting the twins. "Shall we take the boys upstairs? I have things to say that involve words they aren't old enough to hear," he added grimly.

The wince that crossed Tybalt's face was all that showed of his own anger at whatever it was Severus had said to upset Serenus so much, and he nodded. "That's a good idea. Under the circumstances, I think the family cuddle is best postponed for a more auspicious time."

He squeezed Serenus' hand in response, then pulled Serenus toward the sofa. He released Serenus' hand, picking up Serafino and placing him in Serenus' arms; under the circumstances, he thought it might help to have their cuddly, affectionate son give his Papa a hug. Scooping up Etienne, he nodded toward the stairs. "Let's go up, then. Once we have them settled, we can go in our room. With the soundproofing charms, you can even scream if you need to."

Serafino wrapped his soft, plump arms around Serenus' neck, and Serenus cuddled him close, feeling some of his tension draining away as he nuzzled his son's cheek. "That sounds like an excellent idea," he said, giving Tybalt a grateful smile. "Maybe we can still have the family cuddle later. I just don't want to risk upsetting the boys while I'm angry. They might not understand it has nothing to do with them." His expression darkened slightly as he headed toward the stairs. "And everything to do with their git of an uncle."

"Ouch," Tybalt said softly, breathing out slowly as he saw Serenus actually relax a bit. He followed along without further comment, though, deciding anything else could wait until they had the boys settled. He lowered Etienne into the big double crib, rubbing the little boy's chubby cheek. "Go to sleep, that's my good boys. We need a little bit of time right now."

As soon as Serenus settled Serafino in the crib, Serafino snuggled up to his brother, and they cooed happily to each other for a moment, their blue eyes already drooping; Serenus watched, feeling a little pang at the sight of their harmony in the wake of his quarrel with Severus, but he was glad these twins were getting along, at least. He reached down and stroked Serafino's hair, waiting until they closed their eyes and drifted off to straighten up again.

"For once, they're cooperative," he whispered, sliding his arm around Tybalt's waist. "I'm grateful."

"Definitely. There are small favors at times, aren't there?" Tybalt held Serenus tightly for several moments, wishing he could soothe the hurt Serenus had obviously suffered. "Come on, love, let's go to our room. You can tell me all about it."

Not releasing his hold on Serenus, but turning just enough so that they could both walk, he led Serenus out of the room. He closed the door behind them, then the door of their room after they entered. "Okay, we're alone now... you can do anything you need to do."

Serenus breathed in deeply, his jaw clenching. "My brother," he said, the words ground out through gritted teeth, "is an ass. He had no intention of including me in the Order because he thinks I can't handle it."

"What?" Tybalt gasped, not believing that Severus could actually believe that of his twin, much less say it. "Is he out of his mind? Of course you can handle it! You were brilliant against those zombies or Inferi or whatever the hell they really were. Better than me, since all I could do was toss things at them."

Scowling, Serenus began to pace back and forth across width of their bedroom to release some of his agitation. "He said it would be different if I'd been fighting living beings. That I'm not ruthless enough, and if I hesitated, I could get myself hurt or cause you or him to get hurt because your attention would be divided between fighting and worrying about me. He said I don't have any experience, and I don't have the skills the Order needs."

"That's stupid. Hell, during the war, how many of us had experience? We all had to learn, and believe me when I say we didn't do all of it in simulations, either." Tybalt watched Serenus pace, understanding the need to release the pent up emotions after listening to the things Severus had said. "It's not even a matter of ruthlessness. Maybe it is for Severus, but let me tell you that you also have to know when not to kill. I don't know about your twin, but if he can stand in front of me and tell me that he's never made a mistake in the heat of the moment by being too ruthless, I'll call him a liar to his face."

"Considering his past, you'd be right to," Serenus growled. Then he stopped and raked his fingers through his hair with a sigh. "No, that was unfair. Sorry, I shouldn't say things like that no matter how angry I am." He grimaced and shook his head. "It's just so frustrating! He refuses to see past my inexperience. He just keeps saying I'm at a disadvantage because I didn't grow up in a war zone like the rest of you, and I don't have any combat experience, and I don't know anything about strategy. He won't even give me a chance to try. It's like he wants me to sit home and knit socks for the boys on the front line or something."

"Well, he's wrong." Tybalt moved to Serenus, laying his hands on Serenus' shoulders and rubbing his upper arms. "First off, I don't think we're in a war. This is... different. I don't know how, exactly, but it definitely is. I don't know if a single person or even a group of people could be causing this; it seems far too widespread and too random to me. I don't think even Bellatrix Lestrange, Lucius Malfoy, and the Dark Lord himself combined couldn't raise this much havoc, so the chances of having pitched battles as we did during the war are probably pretty low. Zombies notwithstanding, of course. Secondly, it's not his place to tell you what you can and cannot do. Oh, perhaps he can refuse to invite you to the Order, but it isn't as though he is the be all and end all of the damned thing, right? If you want, we can go to Harry, and Sirius, and even the Old Man himself. If you feel that strongly about it, we'll see about getting you in. And if they won't accept you, I'll leave."

Serenus shook his head. "It isn't getting into the Order I care about so much. I'd like to help if I can, but I don't have to be part of the group to do it. What bothers me is Severus' attitude. He's basically saying he doesn't trust me at his back and he doesn't think I'm competent enough to hold my own in a fight. That was true once," he admitted, thinking back to the long-ago bar brawl in which he'd lost his wand. "But not anymore. At least... I don't think it's true," he continued hesitantly, feeling a sudden surge of doubt. "I've been working with you and Harry and Severus for the past few months, and I don't think I'm incapable of defending myself anymore. Am I?" He gazed up at Tybalt searchingly. "Is Severus right? Am I good enough to manage in a one-on-one practice session, but not in a real fight?"

"I think you are, but that's not what matters. Nor does it matter what Severus thinks." Tybalt rubbed Serenus' upper arms, gazing into his eyes soberly. "What matters is if you believe it. I've seen Aurors who've had all the training in the world, who were absolutely flawless in simulations, freeze up when it came to it being real people on the other end of their wand. I've seen veterans who had been fighting for years lose their faith in themselves and not be able to do it anymore. And I've also seen rookies who were barely out of Hogwarts take on former Death Eaters and kick their arses from here to Azkaban. Talent matters, training matters, but when it comes right down to it, what counts is the reason you're fighting and your faith in yourself." He moved one hand, laying it over Serenus' heart. "You're strong here, where it counts. If you are fighting to defend those you love and the things you believe in, I have utter faith in you. I would trust you at my back with no hesitation, training or not."

Sliding his arms around Tybalt's neck, Serenus lifted up and pressed a light but lingering kiss to Tybalt's lips. "Thank you," he murmured, the anger in his eyes fading into warmth. "I'm glad someone has faith in me. Severus is still a bastard, though," he added with a scowl. "But I don't want you to quit. They do need someone like you, and I am proud you were asked. You deserve it." He lifted his chin proudly. "I'll just help when I can, and Severus can go to hell if he doesn't like it."

Tybalt returned the kiss, running his hands down Serenus' back. He was glad that he could help Serenus feel better; there was no reason for Serenus to doubt himself, and Tybalt was more than a little annoyed with Severus himself for having doubted his own twin. "I'll do what I can to help them, but you are my first priority." He kissed Serenus again. "When all is said and done, we'll do what we want and spit in their eyes, right? I respect your twin, but he's off base in this case. It's not his place to tell you what you can and cannot do, and more than that, it was a cruel thing to say."

Under different circumstances, Serenus might have defended his twin; he knew how blunt and opinionated Severus was, and he could usually see what was really motivating Severus, but this time, he wasn't inclined to make excuses for Severus' behavior. This time, he was angry and hurt, and he didn't feel like giving Severus any slack.

"Sometimes I forget Severus has a vicious streak," he said, still frowning. "I won't forget that again in a hurry. Anyway..." He mustered a smile and smoothed his hands down to Tybalt's shoulders, squeezing them gently. "How about that cuddling now?"

"Anything you'd like, my dearest one." Tybalt smiled, more than willing to offer Serenus any comfort he desired. His expression turned wicked. "Do you want me to go wake up the boys and bring them in, or will I do for the time being? I promise to cuddle you extra hard if it helps."

"I think I can make do with just you," Serenus replied, his smile widening. "I hate to wake up the boys after they went to sleep so easily for us." He slid his hands down Tybalt's arms and twined their fingers, tugging Tybalt toward the bed. "We'll have a family cuddle once they wake up on their own," he said, pausing to slip off his shoes and socks. "Right now, I think I would find a pair of manly Auror arms very comforting."

"One manly pair of Auror arms, at your service," Tybalt said. As Serenus removed his shoes and socks, Tybalt stripped his shirt over his head, then unfastened the fly of his jeans and let them slip down his legs before stripping them off. With a wicked smile, he put his thumbs in the waistband of his boxers, slipping them lower but not completely off. Then he struck a body building pose, one hand on his hip, the other raised, hand turned inward in a fist as he flexed his bicep. "So, is that manly enough? I can grunt and sweat, too, if you'd like."

Heat kindled in Serenus' eyes as he watched the little show, and he reached out to trail his fingertips lightly along Tybalt's bicep and down his chest, stopping just short of the waistband of Tybalt's boxers. "I think I can find ways to make you grunt and sweat myself," he said, his voice already deepening with desire. "It's amazing how much I've come to appreciate manliness, especially big, hard muscles," he added with a wicked smirk, letting his hand stray lower for just a moment.

Tybalt's breath caught, his eyes going heavy-lidded as Serenus' long, elegant fingers strayed over sensitive areas. Then he moved, capturing Serenus' hand and carrying it to his mouth. "I love your hands, you naughty tease," he said huskily, nuzzling Serenus' palm. Then he bit down lightly on the mound just below Serenus' thumb. "I could devour you piece by piece and still never get enough."

The feel of Tybalt's teeth on his flesh made Serenus shiver, and he moved closer, gazing up at Tybalt with heavy-lidded eyes. "I'm all yours to devour as you please," he murmured. Lifting his free hand, he splayed it on Tybalt's chest. "Where would you like my hands to go next?"

"Everywhere." Tybalt smiled, pondering. "Hmmm... you're definitely overdressed for cuddling, so let's take care of that, first. Then we can decide what parts of me need the most attention."

His blue eyes darkened with desire as Tybalt slowly moved his hands under the bottom of Serenus' jumper, caressing lightly over the warm skin of his abdomen before sliding upward, the fabric bunching on his wrists as he stroked Serenus' chest. "Lift your arms," he instructed softly, then proceeded to remove the jumper with slow deliberation, before stripping it away over Serenus' head and tossing it aside carelessly. He licked his lips, admiring the firm muscles of Serenus' chest and stomach, and he couldn't resist reaching out to stroke them again, trailing his fingers lightly over Serenus' nipples just to watch them harden.

Serenus' breath hitched, and a soft moan escaped him as Tybalt teased and stroked him. "Feels good," he murmured huskily, giving Tybalt a coyly flirtatious look from beneath his lashes as he rested his hands on Tybalt's hips and squeezed, wanting more contact. "That part of me certainly likes attention."

"Good, I'm glad - but we don't want other parts of you to feel neglected, now do we?" Tybalt's lips curved in a predatory smile, and he slid his hands lower and forward, trailing a finger under the waistband of Serenus' jeans before moving to the button and zipper. "Let's get these off, shall we?"

Tybalt's fingers worked deftly, and he then he began to work the denim down Serenus' hips. "Hmmm... I think there is a more efficient way to do this." With that, Tybalt dropped to his knees, then pulled Serenus' jeans down to his ankles. "Step out. Yes, like that. Excellent."

Tybalt looked at Serenus' long legs, running his hands over Serenus' calves, stroking the sensitive area behind his knees for a moment before moving upward, caressing Serenus' thighs with slow, firm strokes. "How does that feel?"

Serenus shivered again, sucking in a sharp breath, and he reached out to clutch Tybalt's shoulders to keep himself steady when his knees threatened to give out. "Wonderful," he breathed. "It feels wonderful. I love the way you touch me."

"That's convenient, because I definitely love to do the touching." Tybalt chuckled, a low, sensual sound as he plotted his next move. He wanted to drive Serenus wild, to show him how much he was adored, and he thought he knew a good way to do it.

Slipping his fingers under the waist of Serenus' boxers again, he quickly stripped them down Serenus legs, leaving Serenus bare to his sight. "Mmmm... now that's incredibly tempting, you know. I'm a weak, weak man when it comes to temptation, too. I think I'm simply going to have to indulge my taste for the sweet and spicy."

Placing his hands on Serenus' hips he leaned forward, parting his lips and slowly, slowly taking Serenus into his mouth, moaning softly at the heady taste and scent of the man he loved filling his senses.

Groaning, Serenus plunged his fingers into Tybalt's hair, giving himself over to Tybalt's ministrations willingly; Tybalt's mouth offered hot, wicked pleasure, and Serenus watched avidly, his arousal heightened by the sight of Tybalt on his knees, taking him in eagerly. "Oh, Merlin..." he groaned, combing his fingers through Tybalt's hair. "So good, love... feels so good..."

A low hum was Tybalt's only answer; he was too busy trying to make Serenus lose control. The way Serenus' knees were trembling indicated he might fall, though, and so Tybalt pushed Serenus backward gently, moving with him until Serenus' legs were against the edge of the bed. Then he pushed harder, urging Serenus to lie back on the mattress. When Serenus sank down, he moved between Serenus' knees, increasing the rhythm, his hands kneading Serenus' hips as he sought to give Serenus as much pleasure as humanly possible.

Letting his knees fall open wider, Serenus slumped against the mattress, grateful that he didn't have to try to keep himself upright any longer; instead, he was able to surrender completely to the pleasure Tybalt offered, moaning as the tension coiled tighter and tighter within him. The sweet torture of Tybalt's mouth drove him to the edge quickly, and he tightened his fingers in Tybalt's hair, his back arching as he shattered, Tybalt's name spilling from his lips.

Humming softly, pleased at Serenus' utter abandonment and aroused by the sound of his name on Serenus' lips, Tybalt continued to move until Serenus went limp beneath him. Then he raised his head, his face flushed and eyes dark with arousal as he gazed at Serenus, licking his lips suggestively. "Delicious," he murmured, before beginning to kiss his way up Serenus' body, savoring the salty heat emanating from Serenus' skin. He braced himself over Serenus, then lowered his head to claim Serenus' lips in a slow, deep kiss.

Serenus wound his arms around Tybalt's shoulders and pulled him close, humming with pleasure as he parted his lips, tasting himself on Tybalt's tongue. He hooked one leg around Tybalt's hips and rocked against him suggestively, and when the kiss ended at last, he gazed up at Tybalt with slumberous eyes.

"That was perfect," he murmured, his voice still husky. "Just what I needed. Now how can I make you feel just as good?" He widened his eyes with faux-innocence, letting one hand stray down to grope Tybalt's arse shamelessly.

"I think I can figure out something," Tybalt drawled, rocking back against Serenus. He gave a low moan as the friction enflamed him, his breath becoming faster and more ragged. Lifting himself away from Serenus' body just slightly, he stripped away his boxers, then reached for his wand where it was sticking out of the crumpled mass of his jeans. He tapped Serenus' hip, murmuring the preparatory spells before slipping his hands behind Serenus' thighs, lifting him slightly.

"Oh, yes, I think this will do nicely," he continued, giving Serenus a look of pure desire as he moved forward, sliding slowly and carefully into Serenus' tight, willing body. His eyes rolled back in his head, and he moaned. "So good... Oh, Serenus, so good..."

Wrapping his legs around Tybalt, Serenus welcomed him eagerly, rocking up to send Tybalt deeper, and he stroked Tybalt's warm, damp back tenderly. "Yes, yes, you feel so good - so perfect," he whispered, gazing up at Tybalt with his heart in his eyes. "Let me make you feel good. I want to give you pleasure too."

"You do, you always do. So much, every time, until I can't think." Tybalt knew he was babbling, but he couldn't help it. Serenus was all that he wanted, all that he needed, and he began to move faster, losing himself completely in the sensation of Serenus around him. Pleasure spiraled upward in a dizzying whirl, and then he was poised on the edge for a long, breathless moment, before falling in a haze of heat, crying out Serenus' name as he gave himself over to it completely.

After several long, breathless moments, he slumped down, breathing hard and fast, his hands caressing up Serenus' sides. "Perfect, love. Absolutely perfect." He raised his head, his eyes sated and slumberous, his mouth curved into richly contented smile. "You cuddle better than anyone in the world."

"So do you," Serenus replied, laughing softly. "I feel thoroughly comforted." He craned up to capture Tybalt's lips and taste his smile as he let his hands roam Tybalt's warm, bare skin in lazy caresses. "This was a perfect diversion."

Tybalt enjoyed the stroking for a bit, then he moved, not wanting to cause Serenus any discomfort. Rolling to one side, he moved up the bed, then pulled Serenus into his arms. "Perfect indeed," he agreed, slowly stroking Serenus' skin. "I can't imagine anything that could make me feel one bit better than I do right now."

Purring softly, Serenus wound his arms and legs around Tybalt, twining around him like ivy and nestling close. "Neither can I," he said, sighing with contentment. The quarrel with Severus faded away as he found solace in Tybalt's arms; he would have to deal with it again later, but for now, his world was perfect just as it was.