I Get By With a Little Help... Characters: Gaius, Serenus, Severus Summary: Gaius is depressed, which means it's time for a Snape intervention.
Gaius had seemed quite different since returning to human form, haring off to Egypt to get a cat for Regulus and returning home sunburned and still unsettled. Serenus was concerned, wondering if the reason behind Gaius' continued lack of spirit was grief or something more, perhaps guilt on top of grief. He wanted to see if he could help somehow, thus he asked Ethelenda to watch the twins, and then he prepared a tray of tea and biscuits and levitated it up to Gaius' room so they could talk privately and without interruption.
He knocked softly on the door. "Gaius? Are you busy?"
In fact, Gaius was not busy, unless running endlessly over every mistake he'd made in the last few years qualified. Even if it did, it was certainly unproductive, and he sat up on his bed with a sigh. "No, Serenus, come in, please," he said, straightening the t-shirt he was wearing over old sweatpants, then running a hand through his unkempt hair.
Serenus opened the door and peeked in before entering, the tray bobbing in his wake; he levitated it to the bedside table and went to sit on the bed near Gaius, watching him with growing concern. He wasn't used to seeing his brother looking disheveled, and it was another sign that all was not well.
"I brought tea, if you want it," he said, reaching to clasp Gaius' hand. "But that was a thinly veiled excuse to come up and talk to you because I'm worried about you. Are you all right? How did it go with Regulus?"
"It went," Gaius replied, holding on to Serenus' hand and taking comfort in the contact. "At least he didn't toss me out on my ear, and he did agree to take the cat, at least for a bit. She's gorgeous, a real live Egyptian temple cat, and I... I hope she can give him the comfort I can't." He sighed, shaking his head and looking at Serenus sadly. "I want to make it better so badly, and I don't know if I'm helping or just making it worse!"
Twining his fingers with Gaius', Serenus held on tightly and scooted closer, wanting to offer what comfort he could. "I know you want to help, but you've done what you can, and I think in this case, there's only so much you can do. The rest is going to take time. He's still talking to you, right? So take that as a positive sign. I think if he were going to cut you off, he would have done it already."
Gaius nodded, feeling completely miserable. "I'm trying not to wallow in it, but... I've never felt so wretched in my life. I can't stand the thought of hurting anyone, much less a friend, and then there's what you and Severus went through worrying about me. I don't know what has happened to me, Serenus. I don't feel like I even know myself any longer. I look in the mirror and the man I see isn't me."
"Believe me, I understand," Serenus said, giving his hand a sympathetic squeeze. "I've been there myself, and it's not a good feeling, but you can come back from it. Maybe not exactly the same as you were, but someone you recognize and can live with." He reached out with his free hand and combed his fingers through Gaius' hair. "Let's try to put some things into perspective. Severus and me being worried about you is no different from you and Severus worrying about me when I ran off to Egypt. Or rather, ran away from Tybalt like a frightened ninny," he said with a self-deprecating smile. "We're family. Worrying about each other is what we do, so you can stop fretting about that."
Gaius leaned into the comforting touch, although it made him ache a bit, remembering Regulus' fingers stroking Anubis' fur. "I suppose you're right. I'd worry about you and Severus and the children just because you matter to me." He fell silent then, trying to gather his thoughts. "I just feel... restless, confused. I know part of it must be because I simply wasn't dealing with anything for the last month, since being a cat sort of pushes human considerations out of sight for the most part. But one thing keeps occurring to me, something I can't seem to shake: I need something... different in my life now. If I've changed inside, maybe it would be best to change on the outside as well, instead of trying to struggle back into a mold that no longer fits."
"That makes sense," Serenus agreed, nodding. "I've done something similar - growing a beard, cutting my hair, shaving the beard off again. Did you have a cosmetic change in mind or something bigger? I'll help, if I can. I can't imagine that you haven't come through this unchanged, and there's nothing wrong with altering other aspects of your life to reflect that."
Gaius managed a small chuckle. "Yes, you've changed your hair and beard a few times since I've known you, but you look wonderful in any guise. But for me... I feel so disconnected from everything I used to enjoy. It's not even grief over Sirius, because that seems so far away now, almost like something that happened to another person." He paused, then finally managed to get out something he'd been thinking about a great deal for the last few days. "I'm thinking that if you and Severus would not mind, I'm going to officially change my name from Blank to Snape. I think... I think I need that identification, especially now. Perhaps if I start thinking of myself that way, it will help me to find out who I am now."
Serenus stared at Gaius for a moment, shocked into silence, and then his face lit up, and he flung his arms around Gaius in an enthusiastic embrace. "Of course I wouldn't mind!" he said, pulling Gaius close. "You're our brother, and I'm thrilled you want to share our name. I won't speak for Severus, but I doubt he'll mind either. You're a Snape! It's about time you were called by the right name."
The enthusiasm surprised him, but Gaius returned the hug, relaxing a bit; he'd not realized he was a bit worried about his brothers' response to his decision, until now it was out in the open. "Thank you," he murmured, closing his eyes for a moment and drawing in a deep breath as something within him seemed to ease. "I'd thought of doing it before, but... well, Gaius Blank was who I had been my whole life, and then there was Sirius, and I wasn't certain he would be able to accept me actually calling myself a Snape. Neither of those matter now, though, and neither does the fact that it is our father's name. I want it because it is your name, and Severus' name, and you two and your families are all I have left in the world."
"You'll always have us," Serenus replied, holding Gaius close and tight. "You'd be our brother no matter what you call yourself, but I'm happy that we'll all share the same name. It lets the rest of the world know you belong with us." He nuzzled Gaius' cheek gently and then drew back. "But you have more than just us, you know. You have friends, and you have your job."
"Friends, yes... or at least those I've not alienated," Gaius said, biting his lip as his thoughts returned, as they so often did, to Regulus and the mistakes he'd made there. But he pulled himself back, not wanting to sink into that pit again, because he was probably getting close to obsessive about it. "My job, however... that's something else I'm thinking about changing. When I think about teaching now, it gives me no pleasure as it used to. It's not the students, but... so much of who I used to be was tied to that career. I was Professor Blank... I do not think I wish to be Professor Snape."
"Understandable," Serenus said, chuckling quietly. "There is only one Professor Snape, and you aren't nearly so terrifying. So..." He sat back and regarded Gaius curiously. "Do you have anything in mind that you would like to do? Severus and I will happily drag you into the family business, if anything about it appeals to you."
"I'd not really thought that far ahead," Gaius admitted with a rueful smile. "I think I would like to use my innate abilities, but I've never really done anything with them outside the classroom. I'm certainly willing to help with the business, if you have anything you wish me to do; I'll also have to make certain I earn my keep, since I'm not going to be able to stay here mooching off you and Tybalt forever." He raised a hand to forestall the inevitable protest. "Yes, I know, you'd let me stay here forever if I wished it, and part of me certainly does. But... I think I need to be back on my own, at least eventually. It's part of finding myself again, of being able to live with who I am now in a literal way, you know?"
Smiling, Serenus caressed Gaius' cheek again. "Yes, I know. You won't get any arguments from me. Do you want to move back into the cottage? Or there's the flat over the shop. You're welcome to either place, unless you want to find something on your own. As for the business, we can talk to Severus and see what we can come up with that will incorporate your talents. How does that sound?"
"That sounds as though I have the most fantastic brothers in the world," Gaius said huskily, hugging Serenus tightly. "You always understand me, even when I don't! I can't believe how fortunate I am to have you, and yes, even Severus." Gaius chuckled a little breathlessly. "I need both of you to keep me on an even keel. I'd always thought myself so independent, but I see now I was just a baby brother waiting to happen, wasn't I?"
"Yes, you were, and I'm glad of it," Serenus said, leaning over to buss Gaius' cheek. "I love having a baby brother." He smiled wryly. "I'm glad too that I can help. I just happen to understand because I've been there. My situation wasn't exactly the same, but it was similar enough. I understand the need to get away from old roles and start fresh, and if I can help you find what you need, I will. Severus too, I'm sure. We both love you, you know, and we want you to be happy."
Gaius leaned his forehead against Serenus'. "I know you've been through a very similar heartache, and I wish it had never happened to you, but I'm grateful you've been so generous with sharing your understanding with me. I'm so glad you found your true love at last, because you deserve to be happy. You and Severus both, and I'm very lucky you share your families with me."
"Uncle Kitty is welcome any time." Serenus replied, remaining close with his forehead against Gaius. "But I hope you'll think about having a family of your own - and yes, I know you don't feel a burning desire for children of your own. A family can be just you and your partner, someone to drag to the big and boisterous Snape family Christmas celebrations and subject to our snark and madness. You're still a sexy, desirable man with plenty of years ahead of you, and you deserve to be happy too."
Gaius closed his eyes, and swallowed hard. "I don't know if I have the heart to be Uncle Kitty anymore. Perhaps I'll just have to go back to being Uncle Gaius. As for the other... I can't even begin to think about that now. And no, it's not because of Sirius, I just... I don't think it's good for me to go looking for someone when I'm still not sure who I am."
"Well, I wasn't suggesting going out and cruising the clubs right now," Serenus said, giving Gaius a playful nudge. "Just... don't close yourself off to the possibility like I did, all right? I know you have a lot to sort out, and I think it's a good idea to figure out who the new Gaius is first, but once you do, I hope you won't cut yourself off from the idea of having a social life." He cupped Gaius' cheek in his palm again, stroking it gently. "I'd like to see the light come back to your eyes. You're a bright spirit, Gaius, and you deserve someone to have fun with again."
Serenus' words were flattering, and Gaius smiled slightly, although he had the feeling fun wasn't in his immediate future. He couldn't even bring himself to shift into cat form, partially from guilt over the situation with Regulus, and partially from fear that he'd never want to change back. It made the nights very hard, because even in his human body, he missed the nearness of another, the warmth of a familiar presence and the unconscious touch of a seeking hand.
Not Sirius, either. Regulus.
"I won't close myself off, I promise," he said, allowing the touch of his brother to comfort him, even though he felt guilty because Regulus had no one to comfort him. "I remember you cutting yourself off from sex, and I know what it cost you. I don't know when I'll feel ready, but I won't totally exclude it forever."
"Good." Serenus leaned over and brushed a light kiss against Gaius' lips. "You're a Snape, and Snapes are passionate creatures. You definitely don't want to keep that passion bottled up forever." He pulled back and smiled wickedly. "Not to mention it would be a crying shame to deprive some lucky man of all this Snape sexiness."
Gaius rolled his eyes in a very Snape-like gesture, but he returned the kiss with equal gentleness. "I think that there are two incredibly lucky men with Snapes of their own already, so the world is not in desperate need of a third any time soon." He smiled with equal wickedness. "I am making changes, am I not? Perhaps I ought to try the other side of the street for a change. Wouldn't that be a new phenomenon for the world... a Snape with a female partner!"
Serenus laughed and shook his head. "Somehow, I think that's about as likely as Remus throwing over Severus for a sweet, biddable, blond, snub-nosed man. No... Somewhere out there is a third man who wants a Snape of his very own." He touched Gaius' nose lightly, his smile widening. "Even if he doesn't know it yet."
"Well, when he figures it out, maybe he'll tell me," Gaius replied lightly, looking cross-eyed at the tip of his nose where Serenus' finger touched. "Perhaps that would be the best course: to wait for some drop-dead sexy Auror to fall for me and pursue me to the ends of the Earth. Stranger things have happened, right?"
Laughing again, a more unfettered sound this time, Serenus sat back and levitated a cup of tea over to Gaius and then a cup to himself. "Indeed they have. When you're ready, I'll see if Tybalt knows where any drop-dead sexy Aurors can be found. Other than himself, of course," he added, a twinkle in his eyes. "You deserve to have someone pursue you and love you and indulge your every hedonistic whim. We'll find him, just you wait and see."
Gaius knew he'd be waiting a long time for anyone, but he wasn't going to spoil the mood. He accept the cup of tea, taking a sip and sighing. "Well, while I'm waiting I'll just have to focus on finding a job, a place to live, and keep working on fixing up the things I've messed up. No problem, I'll probably have it all solved in an hour or two at most. No problem for a Snape." He made a droll face, wishing it really could be that easy, rather than the long, wrenching process he suspected it would be.
"It shouldn't be a problem if we put our heads together. You have three options for living arrangements," Serenus pointed out, deciding to get straight to business. "If you don't want to live in the cottage or the flat, I'll be happy to help you find someplace else. There are a couple of smaller places available in Hogsmeade, I think, or we can find a place in London, if you want to be where the action is. If you want to start thinking about a job, we can talk to Severus and get his input. I'm sure the three of us can come up with something."
Gaius leaned over and brushed his lips against Serenus' cheek. "What would I ever do without you, mein bruder? Sometimes I feel as though you and Severus are the only things keeping me from shattering into a million pieces." He looked down into his tea cup. "I wish I'd come to you instead of trying to run away from my grief. I wouldn't have messed up so badly if I'd let you help me instead of trying to do it on my own. Remind me of that in future, if I forget, all right? Because I never again want to have my problems mess up someone else's life. I find it harder to live with that than with my own loss."
"You were dealing with the pain and grief as best you could," Serenus said gently. "You didn't set out to hurt anyone. Cold comfort, I know, but it would be worse if you had deliberately used and manipulated Regulus. I'm sorry he got hurt, though, and if there's anything I can do to help, let me know. Severus said he wouldn't help you fix things, but I didn't say that," he added with a wink. "Regulus did accept the cat, though, so we'll take that as a step in the right direction."
"A small step, but forward, I think," Gaius agreed. Then he chuckled softly. "You and Severus really are the perfect yin and yang for each other, aren't you? Lucky for me!" Suddenly he found himself eager to throw off the lethargy which had beset him since his return from Egypt. "When shall we see Severus? Doing something rather than just thinking about it will help me, I think. At least it will give me a reason to get out of bed and shave." He looked down at himself and pulled a face. "This is really unacceptable, isn't it? I can't recall when I've ever let myself go as I have in the last several weeks. I don't mind changing too much, but becoming slovenly isn't an alteration for the better."
"Well, why don't I go downstairs and call Severus while you clean up a bit?" Serenus suggested, levitating his cup and saucer back to the tray and rising to his feet. "If you're ready to brainstorm, I don't see any reason to wait."
Gaius blinked, not expecting Serenus to suggest right that minute, but come to think of it, that was probably for the best, before he fell back into thinking too much about his mistakes, letting it paralyze him into immobility. "All right," he said, sending his own cup to follow Serenus'. Then he stood and wrapped his arms around his brother, hugging him tight. "Thank you, Serenus. For everything. You've been my rock through all of this, and I won't be able to ever thank you enough for all you've done."
"Nonsense," Serenus replied, wrapping his arms around Gaius in return. "You're my brother, and I love you. I want to help if I can." He bent and kissed Gaius' cheek, smiling affectionately. "Besides, you were there for me during all my sexual ups and downs with Tybalt, so if anything, we're even." Pulling back, he gave Gaius a playful swat on the arse. "Now go and get freshened up. We wouldn't want Severus to snark at you for looking like a rag."
Gaius grinned at the swat, then moved to the dresser where he'd put his clothing. "By all means let's avoid that; he'll no doubt have enough other things to chastise me for; at least this is a matter I can do something about." He smiled to himself. Severus' snarking was the same as Serenus' hugs; it simply was the way he showed he cared.
While Gaius changed, Serenus headed back downstairs, levitating the tea tray with him; he deposited the tray in the kitchen, and then he went to the parlor to call Severus. Fortunately, Severus was home, and when he found out that he was being summoned to help Gaius, he agreed to come over with alacrity.
"It's about time he stopped wallowing," he said tartly. "Give me a few minutes to take Gaia back to the nursery and let Remus know, and then I'll be there."
"All right," Serenus agreed amiably. "That will give me time to make some fresh tea and get some snacks for us anyway."
Once Severus disappeared from the flames, Serenus stood up, sent a brief note winging its way upstairs to Gaius to let him know they would be convening in the parlor, and went back to the kitchen to make more tea and add some fresh-baked bread and fruit to nibble on in addition to the biscuits. He returned to the parlor and set the tray on the low table in front of the sofa, and he'd only just taken a seat when the flames flared, and Severus stepped onto the hearth.
"So what happened?" he asked without preamble. "Has Gaius decided to stop moping and get on with his life?"
"Something like that," Serenus replied, holding out his hand and beckoning to Severus to join him. "He wants to make some changes in order to break away from his old life and start fresh."
"Oh?" Severus clasped Serenus' hand and let himself be coaxed down beside him. "What kind of changes?"
"A new job, for starters, but I'll let him explain it to you." Serenus leaned over and kissed Severus' cheek, snuggling against his side. "Be nice," he added.
"I tried being nice," Severus grumped, folding his arms across his chest. "But he wanted me to yell at him."
Gaius took a quick shower and changed into pleated black trousers and a button-up black shirt. He also shaved, removing the several days worth of stubble he'd allowed to accumulate. His hair was longer than it had ever been, several inches past his shoulders, but there was no help for that at the moment. He'd deal with it in the next few days. The sunburn on his face was fading to tan, thanks to some lotion Serenus had on hand, and as he examined himself critically in the mirror, he decided he looked almost presentable. The gauntness in his cheeks and the dark circles under his eyes, he tried to ignore.
Serenus' note told him where they would be waiting for him, and so Gaius drew in a deep breath and made his way down to the parlor, where he found the twins sitting on the sofa. He caught the last bit of Severus' comment, and he chuckled softly. "Yes, I think I needed to be yelled at, so I'm grateful to you, Severus, for obliging me." Crossing to them, he leaned down to kiss Severus' cheek. "Serenus for sympathy and Severus for a reality check. I told Serenus earlier that I needed both, and I'm lucky you could provide it."
Serenus scooted over and beckoned for Gaius to join them. "Here, come and sit between us so we can cuddle you."
Severus tilted his head to accept the kiss and then shifted fractionally to make room for Gaius as well. "I'm much better at the reality check part anyway," he said. "Being nice is unnatural."
Gaius willingly settled in between the two of them, sitting back and taking comfort in the closeness. "Thanks for coming, Severus. Serenus and I discussed some of the things I've been thinking of, and I'd appreciate your input, too." He drew in a deep breath. "I've got to make some changes in my life, because I don't feel like the same man I used to be even a few months ago. I know it's not been such a long time since I've been human again, but there is something I'm certain I want to do." He reached out to take Severus' hand, hoping that Severus would be as supportive as Serenus had been. "I want to change my name to Snape; Gaius Blank is no longer someone I feel I know any longer. But Gaius Snape... maybe he will be someone I can live with being. But I won't do it if you object. Names are important, and it was yours first."
"Don't be stupid!" Severus retorted tartly even as he twined his fingers with Gaius'. "It's our name. You're our brother, and you are a Snape just as much as we are. If you want to change your name, do it. It's about bloody time, if you ask me."
"Well, I think that decides it, then," Gaius said, smiling and giving Severus' hand a squeeze. "I'll see about going to the Ministry and doing whatever it is that's necessary for it to be official." He batted his eyes, relief causing his more playful side to peek out for once. "Don't I get a kiss? As a welcome to the name, or something?"
"Oh, all right." Severus released a put-upon sigh, but he didn't hesitate to shift until he faced Gaius, and he framed Gaius' face between his hands before he drew Gaius into a kiss, slow and lingering. If it had been Serenus, he would have deepened it, but he wasn't certain Gaius was either as receptive as Serenus or ready for such attentions, given he was still recovering from his loss.
Gaius returned the kiss, though he was a bit surprised that Severus made it a bit more than strictly brotherly. He found he didn't mind; he'd seen Severus kiss Serenus like this, and he was touched that he rated the kind of sentiment Severus seemed to reserve for his twin. It made him feel warm, as though he really did have a right to the name, and that Severus approved completely.
"Thank you," he said, smiling warmly and squeezing Severus' hand again. "Well, everything else Serenus and I talked about is rather simple, compared to the name thing. I've decided that I'd like to do something different from teaching, and I want to find a new place to live. Harry has said that I am always welcome at Haven's Loft, but... I can't stay there, not anymore. Monkshood Cottage isn't what I want, either, as generous as you and Remus have been about allowing me to stay there. I think I need something new. A clean break, as it were, but someplace close enough that I can still see all of you frequently."
Severus listened somberly and nodded. "The flat over the shop is empty," he said, and Serenus nodded.
"I mentioned that as a possibility." Serenus shifted so he could nestle closer to Gaius, pleased that Gaius was making plans; it seemed like he even felt a little better, too. "It's unfurnished, but it's got plenty of space, even for a hedonist," he teased.
Gaius had been considering that possibility ever since Serenus had mentioned it earlier. "That might be a very good solution, particularly if I find a job in Diagon Alley, or out in London itself. The problem is that while I have talent, I simply don't know what to do with it other than teach." He looked at Severus, smiling crookedly. "And one Professor Snape is really all the world needs, right? Not that I could be anything except a pale copy, so it's best to find a new niche."
Severus gave a snort at that and shook his head, amused. Serenus, however, was already turning his thoughts toward solving the problem of Gaius' new career.
"What do you enjoy?" he asked, looking at Gaius questioningly. "What are your talents, other than teaching? I'm sure we could find something to work with."
Gaius chuckled. "Other than teaching and lounging around, looking sexy?" He sighed, then, seriously considering the question. "I really don't know. Children like me, but I think that staying away from anything that even resembles teaching would be best. Besides that... Transfiguration, obviously, although I've never tried to do anything practical with it, other than fixing things around the house or playing jokes on people. I went through a phase as a young man of changing the color of things in my room several times a week, just because I could, but I don't think anyone's terribly interested in that." He shrugged. "If you want, I could take plain bottles for your products and turn them into fancy shapes, I guess... but I don't know if that's something I could make into a full time career."
"Hmm..." Serenus frowned slightly as he thought over what Gaius had said. "Well, you also have a good artistic eye," he said at last, thinking of the times Gaius had picked out clothes for him and the little touches Gaius had brought to the cottage when they had lived there together. "Not to mention an eye for beauty. I wonder if there's a way you might turn your hedonistic tendencies into a career."
"As in showing other people how to be hedonists?" Gaius asked, eyes dancing with amusement. Then he thought about what Serenus was saying about his abilities, and frowned thoughtfully. "I don't know... something like dressing shop windows, you think? I certainly don't have any artistic talent for painting or the like."
Gaius' words sparked a sudden bout of inspiration in Severus, and he shook his head. "Not showing people how to be hedonists, but perhaps bringing some hedonism to their lives. Think bigger than shop windows. What about rooms?"
"Brilliant!" Serenus exclaimed. "And it dovetails perfectly with Alchemy and Ecstasy, since what we sell is all about pampering - a sort of hedonism. We could even expand the shop. What do you think, Gaius? Does that interest you at all?"
"Decorating rooms?" Gaius thought about that; it was a totally novel concept to him, or at least the idea of doing it to make a living. Of course, he'd decorated his own spaces for years, and people had always admired his efforts, but would they be willing to pay for it? "Yes, it appeals," he said slowly, looking between his brothers, excitement and doubt warring in his expression. "But don't people have to go to school for that, to do it formally? I wouldn't even know where to begin to try to market that, selling my skills, as it were. But... It would be fun, if people would pay for it!"
"If we incorporate your interior design business into the shop, you'll have a built-in place to build your customer base," Severus pointed out. "We can simply expand the catalog, and that will get you some exposure."
"The Snape brothers - a total pampering experience," Serenus said, grinning at the prospect. "If you have natural talent, who needs schooling? I think you could definitely find a niche."
Gaius listened, and then suddenly the whole idea was there, Serenus' words making it click for him. "Yes!" he gasped, a huge smile curving his mouth, and he grabbed one hand of each of them. "That's it - that I can do, and I'd really like to try it. If I started out small, with things that complimented the products, that would fit in with what you already have and may appeal to your customers. Say... a fancy vanity for to use for applying makeup, a huge, claw-footed tub for use with the bath products... It could work. I really think it could work!"
"Yes, it could," Severus said, nodding his approval of the idea. "We can enlarge the shop space to add a showroom. We'll start off with a few items to get you off the ground, and once you build up a customer base, we'll expand as needed." He was warming up to the idea, rather fond of the idea of all three of them working together.
Serenus' enthusiasm was growing exponentially as well, and he clutched Gaius' hand. "It'll be perfect! We can plan all sorts of crossover product lines. I think our talents will mesh brilliantly."
For the first time since his world had been shattered, Gaius felt truly excited about something. He'd known he wanted a change, but he'd been a little lost about how to go about it, and now his brothers were pulling him in, making him a part of their business, but giving him a place in it that was all his own. What more could he ask for? Well, other than Regulus being comfortable with him again, but that was something even Severus and Serenus weren't going to be able to help him with.
"Thank you, both of you... this could be exactly what I need," he said, wrapping an arm around each of their shoulders and pulling them in for a tight hug. "It is perfect, and hopefully I will be able to bring the vision to reality."
Serenus wound his arms around Gaius and leaned into the hug, bussing Gaius' cheek affectionately, and on the other side, Severus allowed himself to be drawn closer and wrapped his arms around Gaius as well.
"We will help you in whatever way we can," Severus said. "We can start the modifications to the shop while you plan your first products."
"And I'll talk to Miriam about updating the catalog," Serenus said, grinning. "It'll need to include a section for your stuff, and we'll have to change the cover as well. 'Alchemy & Ecstasy - products by Serenus, Severus, and Gaius Snape'."
Gaius' throat tightened as Serenus spoke, the simple words evoking such a sense of acceptance and belonging that it took his breath away. His brothers, giving him a place with them, not just in their lives and families, but trusting him in their business as well. It was more than generous; it was showing a faith in him that he wasn't even certain he had in himself, and a deep knot of self-doubt that he'd lived with since Sirius' death finally loosened a bit.
"Thank you for believing in me," he said huskily. "It means more than you can imagine. For a long time now, I've been feeling as though everything I touched was somehow tainted, doomed to failure. You're helping me so much. More than I can possibly say."
"Good." Serenus gave him a comforting squeeze and nuzzled his cheek. "We're glad to help. That's what family is for."
"Of course we believe in you," Severus added with a haughty tilt of his chin. "You're a Snape. That means you can do whatever you put your mind to. Your new venture will enhance the family business, and I have no doubt it will be a success."
"My family," Gaius murmured, then gave each of them a kiss on the cheek. He felt dangerously on the verge of becoming too emotional, so he squeezed them both and then bounced up from the sofa. "We need to drink on it, you know. The time honored way of sealing a business arrangement, and tea isn't in the spirit of the occasion. Serenus, what do you have that would be appropriate to toast such a hedonistic venture?"
"Let's see..." Serenus thought for a moment, trying to remember what they had in stock. "Wine, brandy, whiskey... If that doesn't suit, I can always make a quick run for champagne so we can celebrate our new business venture properly."
"Brandy should do," Gaius said, moving to the sideboard where he knew they kept the liquor. He found the brandy, then pulled out three snifters and filled them before returning to the sofa, passing them over to the twins. "There we are! Now, we can drink to the success of the Brothers Snape!" He lifted his glass, his eyes full of love.
Serenus lifted his glass and touched it to Gaius'. "To the Brothers Snape!" he exclaimed. "Family business is the best business."
"To the Brothers Snape," Severus chimed in, lifting his glass as well and touching it to theirs. "To us and to family."
Gaius touched glasses with them, then lifted it to his lips and drained it, enjoying the burn of alcohol as it slid warmly down his throat. He'd not had anything to drink in a long time, and he sighed, content. "Well, when do we get started. Tomorrow? I could come by the shop, check out the flat, then head to the Ministry to see about the name change. No sense waiting, is there?"
"No sense at all," Serenus agreed cheerfully, taking a sip of brandy. "We'll even help you shop for furniture whenever you're ready. Won't we, Severus?"
"Of course. And we'll get Tybalt to come in and do the heavy lifting," he agreed with a wicked little smirk.
"Remus too," Serenus insisted. "Shirtless."
"That goes without saying."
Gaius lifted a brow. "Well, I'm not about to turn down that kind of enticement. I'll have to make certain to buy a lot of things in heavy wood, so we can see all those rippling muscles." Not that there would be any purpose in it for him, beyond aesthetic considerations. Then he realized who had said what about whom, and his eyes narrowed. "All right, you two... this isn't the first time you've dropped hints about a little share and share alike. So, can I ask, or shall I keep my nose short? Er... so to speak, salient Snape physical traits aside."
The twins exchanged looks, Serenus' expression sheepish and Severus' expression arch. Then they looked at Gaius, and Severus shrugged.
"You can ask," he said insouciently. "We haven't discussed it with you because there was Black to consider, and we didn't want you to feel left out."
"But yes," Serenus picked up the narrative and continued. "We have... er. Shared." He studied Gaius, a little concerned and hoping Gaius wasn't shocked or appalled. "Not on a regular basis or anything, but certainly more than once. Remus and Tybalt don't mind, or else we wouldn't do it."
Gaius considered that, then smiled and lifted his empty glass in a toast. "Well, if everyone is happy, more power to you, as the saying goes. If anything, I envy the amount of trust it shows you have in each other and in your partners." He spared a brief thought about what Severus had said about Sirius, and he wondered wistfully if he'd ever have a partner that he not only loved, but that his family would accept to that extent. He supposed it shouldn't matter, since he'd never thought of his brothers in that way. Which was a blatant lie and he knew it, but it was pointless to think about it now.
"It is nice," Serenus said, smiling. "I mean, nice in more than the obvious ways. It's brought us all closer together, I think, and it's certainly a relief to me, since Severus and Tybalt didn't hit it off at first."
"We have bonded sufficiently now," Severus said, still smirking. He gazed at Gaius speculatively, one eyebrow raised. Gaius wasn't reacting as if he were scandalized, which made Severus wonder if perhaps they would be able to expand the family intimacy to include him.
"It certainly sounds that way!" Gaius chuckled, thinking that if Severus had still disliked Tybalt, he couldn't imagine his snarky brother having sex with him once, much less 'more than once'. He could imagine that the four of them really were close, and thinking back on times when he'd been with them, he could recall little comments and teasing looks he'd not read much significance into at the time, but now made more sense. The small pang he felt he dismissed as unworthy; he knew his brothers loved him, and he knew that Remus and Tybalt were fond of him as well, and the children all adored him. He was a part of this family. Hadn't Severus and Serenus proven that over and over again? But just because they loved him, it didn't mean that they wanted to include him in a special intimacy. Not only would it have been a matter of their feelings about Sirius before he had died, but of his own; he'd shared Sirius with Neville without any qualms, but he wasn't certain if he would have been able to share him with Harry in that fashion, even if Harry had been interested in his Godfather that way. Sirius might have been the same, willing to share him with another lover, but Serenus, and particularly Severus, might have been another matter entirely.
And he wasn't even certain why he was standing here thinking about it anyway; Sirius was gone, and it was a moot point, and he had far too much to think about on other matters. "Well, let me know if you need me to babysit some night for the four of you. Uncle Gaius is always willing to take care of the younger generation so that the older ones can indulge. Hedonism, you know... I'm all for promoting it."
Severus eyed Gaius, a warm gleam in his dark eyes; he didn't say what he was thinking, because he didn't want to pressure Gaius or bring up the possibilities too soon, but he certainly didn't have any objections to including Gaius if the others didn't. The look that he exchanged with Serenus proved that his twin was thinking along the same lines, and they both shifted closer to Gaius in unison.
"We do appreciate it," Serenus said, sifting his fingers through Gaius' hair. "We'll have to find a suitable way of thanking you for your considerateness."
"Indeed. We don't want our little brother feeling unappreciated," Severus said, stroking Gaius' cheek.
"I could never feel unappreciated, believe me," Gaius replied quickly, looking between the two of them gratefully. "You two have both been fantastic to me ever since the beginning. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would find as much acceptance as I have when I came here looking for my brothers." He put one arm around each of the twins' waists, hugging them tightly. "If I have any regrets, it is that we didn't all grow up together, but then I'm not certain if Hogwarts would have survived the experience. I love both of you, not just for all you've done for me but because of who you are, and who the three of us are together. The children are very, very lucky to have fathers like you and a family like this. It's very special. Just like the two of you."
"And like you," Serenus replied warmly, leaning against Gaius. A thought occurred to him, and he gave Gaius a questioning look. "Speaking of the family, would you like to share the news with the rest of the clan or would you like the evening to remain just the three of us? We could go out to dinner to celebrate, if you like."
"You have made some rather momentous decisions," Severus added. "We should mark the occasion in some way."
It had been ages since Gaius had seen the whole family, and now that he was feeling enough better not to feel like a drag, he really should spend some time with everyone. "Why don't we get together as a family? It's been a long time, and I did miss the children. We can all be together as Savage-Snape-Lupins - and I won't be the one just filling in the Blank."