Checking In and Intervening Characters: Severus, Serenus, Tybalt Summary: Severus is requested to pay a call at Azoth House to discuss important matters.
Severus was frowning when he stepped into the parlor of Azoth House, but in puzzlement, not anger; Serenus had asked him to stop by because they wanted to talk to him about something, and he wasn't certain whether he ought to be concerned or not. At the moment, he was leaning toward cautiously apprehensive, because while it wasn't likely to be anything serious, something might have happened to Gaius or Serenus might have encountered Bellatrix again.
No one was in the parlor when he arrived, and so he began poking around the house; eventually, the sound of shrieking and laughter led him outside, and he stepped into the back garden to find the twins chasing Tybalt around and trying to drench him with their toy watering cans while Serenus looked on, laughing, his pruning shears obviously forgotten in favor of watching the antics unfolding before him.
He approached Serenus, who was in what seemed to be a safe spot out of the line of fire. Serenus slid one arm across his shoulders and leaned over to kiss his cheek, and Severus relaxed a little; walking into this carefree domestic scene did much to assure him that whatever Serenus and Tybalt wanted to talk about, it wasn't deadly serious because neither of them seemed at all upset.
"Thank you for coming," Serenus said. "I hope we didn't drag you away from anything interesting," Serenus said with a knowing waggle of his eyebrows.
"Nothing that cannot be resumed later," Severus replied, watching the game of chase. "Should we rescue him?"
"I'm not certain he wants to be rescued," Serenus said with amusement lacing his voice. "Sometimes he's just as much a little boy as the twins are."
Tybalt was, indeed, enjoying the game, even when Wooster, the new crup puppy, decided to get involved, barking and jumping at him as Etienne and Serafino called out in encouragement and flung water all over the place, dousing themselves as much as they wanted to do him. It was, in fact, the puppy that caused Tybalt's downfall; the small animal zigged right into Tybalt's path, and rather than step on him with his big feet, Tybalt elected to go down himself, tumbling to the thick grass with the wind knocked out of him. Not ones to miss a golden opportunity, the twins immediately hopped onto him, giving shrill victory cries as they emptied what was left of their water onto Tybalt's head.
Laughing and sputtering, Tybalt pushed his wet hair out of his eyes, catching one twin by the back of their overalls with each hand and lifting them up while they squealed and kicked their feet. He'd been able to do it easily when they were babies, but he could tell it was taking more effort almost daily to lift the growing boys, who were doubtless going to be very tall indeed before they were done. He rolled to his feet, groaning with the effort, and walked toward Serenus and Severus with the boys dangling from almost his shoulder height.
"Severus, it's good to see you," he said, then with a wicked smile held out the damp twins toward their uncle. "Say hello, boys! Do you think Uncle Severus wants a nice, wet hug?"
"Uncle Severus does not," Severus said quellingly, giving Tybalt a look that implied there would not be spankings in his future if a single drop touched Severus' robes. Drawing his wand, Severus dried off the twins and Tybalt with a charm, and then he rescued Etienne, who was reaching out to him, from Tybalt's grasp while Serenus took Serafino. "Dry greetings only, if you please."
The warning didn't stop Etienne from planting a big, wet kiss on Severus' cheek, but Severus was accustomed that sort of thing from his own brood.
"It's a nice evening, so we could sit outside unless you'd rather go inside," Serenus said, giving Severus a questioning look. "The chairs are in the shade," he added, gesturing to a cozy little arrangement of table and chairs under the thick branches of a nearby tree.
"I have no objections to remaining outside," Severus said, moving toward the nearest chair. He offered to put Etienne back on the ground, but Etienne clung tightly to him and scowled, and so Severus sat down and settled Etienne in his lap instead.
Tybalt chuckled as Severus dried them all off, following both older and younger sets of twins toward the chairs. He bent down to kiss Severus' cheek as well, then poured out glasses of lemonade from the pitcher on the table for all of them. The toddlers had cups with spill-proof charms on them, which Tybalt knew from long experience was the only thing that kept the adults from icily drenched laps.
"Here we go," he said, passing around the glasses before dropping to the grass at Serenus' feet, preferring to lean back against Serenus' legs and look up at all of them. "Ah, I can see we're going to have problems prying your nephew off you later, Severus. He clings with all the tenacity of a leech when he wants to be held. We might even have to settle you in the nursery come bed time. I think Remus has managed to convince the entire junior set that you're the best cuddle toy." He waggled his brows. "There's at least some merit in that opinion, come to think of it."
Severus gave a snort in response to that nonsense. "I wouldn't put it past Remus to do such a thing," he said tartly.
"Funny how half this family derives such great pleasure from cuddling something so prickly," Serenus said with a playful wink at Severus. In his lap, Serafino leaned back against his chest with a gusty sigh, fatigue seeming to catch up with Serafino now that he was sitting down, but he drank his lemonade eagerly. "It goes with the contrary streak that seems to run in the family as well, I suppose."
"Hmph! I will remember that the next time you try to cozy up to me," Severus retorted.
Laughing, Serenus secured one arm around Serafino and reached down with his free hand to run his fingers idly through Tybalt's hair. "Oh, dear. Have I earned myself a rebuff? I'll have to ask Remus to intervene on my behalf. He has such persuasive powers where you're concerned."
Tybalt leaned his head into Serenus' stroking hand, a smile playing about his lips as his eyes went half-lidded with pleasure. "Or you could just cozy up to me, my love, since I'm eager to experience all your charms." He glanced over at Severus. "I suspect your prickly twin likes them, too, whether he'll admit it or not. Ah, well, that's an argument there is no way to win. I suspect I'd be putting my life in danger to even try."
"Likely so, and I'd rather not see you endangered," Serenus said, still gently combing his fingers through Tybalt's hair. "Or worse, deprived of a spanking."
Severus rolled his eyes and tutted. "Perhaps we could dispense with the nonsense and the two of you could tell me why you wanted to see me? Obviously, it isn't anything life-threatening, but I would like to know what it is before the next ice age."
Serenus grinned at him. "Curious, are we? Well, you're quite right. It isn't anything of dire importance." His expression grew more somber then, and he gazed at Severus searchingly. "It's a more personal matter we wanted to discuss."
Tybalt nodded, then reached up to capture Serenus' hand and hold it, his touch supportive. "Your opinion matters to us, you see. With you being Serenus' twin, and the connection between you, we want to make certain nothing happens to strain that or make you unhappy, because I know Serenus would be equally upset."
Severus glanced back and forth between the two of them, even more wildly curious after all of that build-up. "Will one of you just spit it out?" he demanded. "What is this all about?"
Serenus breathed deeply and looked Severus square in the eyes. "Tybalt and I are going to try to conceive another baby after the holidays."
Severus looked at him and waited, and when there was nothing more forthcoming, he made an impatient gesture. "And... what? Surely you don't need me to coach you through the process."
Chuckling, Serenus shook his head. "No, of course not. We just wanted to let you know ahead of time so it wouldn't be a shock, and..." He studied Severus intently for a moment. "We wanted to make sure it didn't upset you. I know you wanted to have another too."
Tybalt smiled at Severus' words, squeezing Serenus' hand briefly. "We know what you went through with Gaia and Cymbeline and how unhappy you were for a while. As I said, you matter, not just to Serenus, but to me as well, and we want to prepare you and make sure you're all right with it. When it came up in conversation the last time we were all together, you seemed... wistful? We just want to make sure that if we do manage to have another, you're not going to feel bad."
"That is very thoughtful of you," Severus replied, putting his glass aside. He thought about watching Serenus' body change and grow over the course of another pregnancy and thought about how it would make him feel. He had felt wistful when the subject had come up in their previous conversation, but he had resigned himself to the idea of not having more children.
He had enjoyed being pregnant - enjoyed the way he looked and felt and how Remus reacted to him. He had enjoyed flaunting the visible claim, the connection between himself and Remus made physically manifest. But he had done it twice, and while he knew he would enjoy it again if he were to become pregnant, somehow, he didn't feel it was... necessary. He also wasn't certain he wanted to have a houseful of young children right up until he and Remus were beyond middle age even for wizards. They were still young by wizarding standards now, and they would still be young and vital enough to enjoy their lives once the children were all old enough to go to Hogwarts. As much as having another baby was an appealing thought, so too was the thought of having the house to themselves and all the time in the world to do as they pleased.
"I don't believe I will," he said slowly. "I imagine I will have the occasional pang, but I doubt I will be unhappy or upset." He turned his attention to Serenus. "One benefit to our connection is that it will allow me to share the experience on a deeper level. I intend to take full advantage of that."
Smiling, Serenus nodded. "I don't mind at all." He searched Severus' face for any sign of evasion, wanting to make certain Severus wasn't just telling them he would be fine to appease them, but he sensed no duplicity. "I'm glad it won't bother you. The last thing I want to do is make you unhappy again because we can do something you feel like you can't. I wouldn't rub it in, and I hope you know that."
"Of course." Severus waved negligently. "You want a large brood, so have it. Spawn away to your heart's content."
"We're glad you feel that way!" Tybalt grinned, feeling a sense of relief that their desire to expand their family wouldn't cause any pain or discontent to Severus. It would make things much easier on Serenus, and Tybalt wanted more than anything for Serenus to have a pleasant pregnancy. He knew that it was a sacrifice for Serenus to carry their child, and while Serenus had said that he was feeling much more serene about the prospect this time, Tybalt wanted to make certain that nothing would make Serenus feel uncomfortable or sad, and Severus' own feelings were very much key to that.
Turning his head, Tybalt looked up at Serenus, his smile turning wicked. "You heard the man, love. We'll need lots of practice, so that Severus' understanding doesn't go to waste."
Serenus laughed and shook his head, giving Tybalt's hand an affectionate squeeze. "Don't you worry. I'll make certain we have plenty of practice before the time comes for us to try in earnest."
"Why are you waiting until after the holidays?" Severus asked, frowning quizzically. "Why don't you go ahead and start trying now? It's obvious you're ready."
"Well, I was thinking about how much difficulty you had conceiving Gaia," Serenus replied. "I wasn't certain if I would have the same trouble or if I might have luck during the early attempts. Either way, I didn't particularly want to deal with morning sickness over the holidays, so I thought it best to wait and start trying afterward. I want to enjoy Christmas, not feel too ill to have a single bite of roast goose or plum pudding."
"Not to mention your birthdays are right afterward," Tybalt pointed out. "What a marvelous birthday present, don't you think? And if it doesn't happen, well... the attempt should offer an enjoyment all its own. With respect to Christmas... what about a huge family celebration? Even Gaius could be here this year." He flushed a bit. "Er, no disrespect to his suffering, of course, but... well. You understand." He looked at Severus pointedly.
"Indeed I do," Severus replied dryly. "It will indeed be pleasant to have the entire family together for the holidays." He glanced at Serenus, one eyebrow raised. "I wonder..."
Serenus nodded. "As do I."
"What?" Tybalt blinked in confusion, looking back and forth between the twins, his eyes narrowing. "Oh, you two and that damned bond! It can be damned cryptic at times, you know that? I've got perfect recall, but I can't read minds! Out with it! Or I'll have to tickle it out of you later, Serenus."
"Well, you can certainly try," Serenus retorted smartly, his eyes twinkling with mirth.
"Hmph! I don't know that we ought to tell you if you are going to issue threats," Severus said as he rearranged Etienne, who had dozed off, to rest more comfortably in his lap. "Haven't you ever heard of catching more flies with honey than vinegar?"
"Oh, a challenge - two, actually," Tybalt drawled. He rolled to his knees, turning so that he was between Serenus' legs. He was so tall that even in that position with Serenus seated, he was about on a level, and he smirked as he carefully put his arms over Serenus' shoulders, avoiding the sleeping Serafino as he brought his lips to Serenus', kissing him deeply and slowly. He didn't rush, taking his time as he buried the fingers of one hand in Serenus' hair, cradling his head as he kissed Serenus as he knew Serenus loved to be kissed, putting his heart into the effort.
Serenus parted his lips on a soft moan and surrendered to the slow, gentle kiss, loving every moment of it and in no hurry to end it. The firm pressure of Tybalt's lips made his toes curl, and he could feel arousal beginning to stir already. When he pulled back at last, he smiled besottedly, his eyes half-lidded.
"I'm convinced. I'll tell you whatever you want to know," he said, his voice a lazy purr.
"You are a traitor," Severus said with a disdainful snort. "And all too easy to boot."
"I'm not finished yet," Tybalt said, brushing his lips lovingly against Serenus' again before turning his attention to Severus. He went down on hands and knees, crawling toward Severus in a predatory fashion. When he was before Severus, he knelt as he had in front of Serenus, eyes gleaming. He had to avoid Etienne as he had Serafino, but he rose to the challenge, raising his hands to cradle Severus' face and pulling him into a kiss.
He was a bit rougher with Severus, nipping at his lower lip before soothing it with his tongue. But he took his time on this kiss as well, aware of the differences between the twins and doing his best to give Severus what he wanted.
Severus parted his lips, but rather than yield, he claimed control of the kiss, responding to the roughness with a soft growl of pleasure; he claimed Tybalt's mouth, reacquainting himself with the taste and feel of him, and he didn't rush, savoring the kiss as much as Serenus had. When he disengaged at last, a faint smile curved his mouth.
Serenus, who had watched the kiss with interest, chuckled warmly. "Still think I'm a traitor and easy?" he asked with faux-innocence.
"Easy, yes," Severus retorted. "We can negotiate the traitor part." He glanced at Tybalt archly. "But you didn't say 'please'."
Tybalt widened his blue eyes appealingly; he wasn't as good at it as Remus, and Severus wasn't in love with him, but he hoped boyish charm would count for something. "Please?" he asked, a bit breathless himself from the focussed intensity of Severus' kiss. Between the two of them, they'd probably have him spilling every secret he knew after those kisses, not that he could think of anything at all at the moment. He was almost in danger of forgetting what he was asking in the first place.
"We were wondering whether Gaius might be bringing someone to the family holiday celebrations," Severus said, smirking over the fatuous look on Tybalt's face.
"He has several months to work on it, after all," Serenus said, nodding.
"Oh."
Tybalt looked back and forth between the two of them, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. There had to be more to it than that, and yet Sirius hadn't been gone long, and Gaius had spent so much time as a cat, and since then he'd started in on the business with Severus and Serenus, and doing the decoration for Regulus. In fact, Serenus had commented that Gaius had been extremely busy, so when could he have possibly.... ?
A blink, then Tybalt's eyes widened as the clues fell into place. "Regulus? You're thinking he might bring Regulus, aren't you?" Intensely curious, he tilted his head at them. "Does he realize it himself, or is this a case of brotherly matchmaking?"
"No match-making," Serenus said, shaking his head vehemently. "He did this entirely on his own. He didn't even tell us! Severus figured it out."
"It wasn't difficult," Severus said with a haughty sniff. "He was mooning over Regulus like a lovesick calf."
Tybalt winced at Severus' description. "Oh, no. Poor guy. Don't get me wrong, I really like Regulus, but... well, it didn't seem like he has been relationship minded to me. Especially after that mess with Bellatrix." He sighed. "Maybe it's just a passing thing on Gaius' part? After, um... you two, perhaps he's just missing a physical relationship?"
Serenus shrugged slightly and shook his head. "I don't know. Severus and I both wondered if it was a rebound or perhaps part of his guilt, but he seems convinced it's more than that."
"I rather hope it is passing," Severus said. "Not that I would object at all to Gaius and Regulus being together, but I have reservations about the wisdom of this particular relationship going forward at this particular time."
"You had reservations about me and Tybalt too," Serenus pointed out with a smile.
"That's true, you did," Tybalt agreed, then fell silent as he mulled over everything he could remember about both Gaius and Regulus. "I think they'd be good for each other, if the timing was right. Regulus has always struck me as a singularly lonely man, for all his hedonistic ways and the rather indolent mannerisms he can project. Gaius might be just the balm for that, while Regulus might finally be the person to appreciate Gaius for what he is and give him the permanence he deserves. Among other faults, Sirius struck me as being extremely committment phobic and... well, you know I thought he was an arrogant arse, and not just because he didn't treat my darling as he deserved. In the long run, that worked out distinctly to my benefit, since I was quite ready to settle down with the man of my dreams." He beamed at Serenus.
Serenus beamed back while Severus rolled his eyes and grimaced.
"I think Gaius is ready for something more than what Sirius could give him," Serenus said, nodding slowly. "He's changed quite a lot in the last few months. Grown up a lot, I think. His needs and what he's looking for in a partner would naturally change as well."
"The problem is, Regulus doesn't trust him," Severus said flatly. "Also, Regulus seems rather oblivious to Gaius' affections. Which is unusual, given he used to have quite healthy appetites, and he never failed to notice anyone who noticed him."
Tybalt moved back to Serenus, leaning against his legs once more and rubbing his cheek against Serenus' knee as he mulled over the situation. "Regulus doesn't have reason to trust much of anyone, after what he went through," he said softly. "I've seen it before, you know, in Aurors who have been put through terrible things at the hands of some dark wizards. Even myself, to an extent... and Regulus didn't have anyone to support him, did he? He put his life on the line after suffering greatly at Bellatrix's hands in order to try to apprehend her, but at the same time, he seemed so distant from everyone, even those of us who offered to let him talk. I can imagine he must have felt like some kind of tool, used for what was wanted of him, but never really being pulled in and forced to accept that people thought he was worthwhile, that he was forgiven and valued for what he had done."
"Yes..." Serenus felt a surge of regret for not doing more, and Severus shifted uncomfortably in his chair, clearing his throat and glancing away at the reminder. "I suppose it was easier just to offer but not press the issue. Sometimes a person needs to be pressed."
"So what happened with those Aurors?" Severus asked. "Is there something to be done?"
"The Ministry has counselors and Healers for them to talk to, and usually the Aurors have families to support them, or people they care about, at least, to help them deal with the pain." Tybalt looked up at Serenus with love and gratitude in his eyes. His injuries hadn't been nearly as severe as some, not even as much as Gaius and certainly not what Regulus had experienced, but he still appreciated having a reason to want to recover, to not withdraw in on himself and doubt his own value as a person. He looked back at Severus again. "Sometimes they have to be forced to go, because of course the inclination for many is to try to man up and pretend they're too tough and self sufficient to need help. But the truth is I can't think of anyone who can endure that kind of punishment and not be scarred, and I mean more than just the physical ones. Look at Moody! The Old Man has been through hell and back, and you can't say that for all his toughness that he's, um, quite right. It took him a long time to get over what Barty Crouch did to him, and he'd already been through the wringer a dozen times before that."
That reminded Severus of Regulus' new hire, and he made a mental note to make sure Serenus and Tybalt knew about it, but for now, he didn't derail the topic at hand. "Regulus doesn't have any family anymore," he said. "All he has is that cat."
"He doesn't seem inclined to talk to Gaius now," Serenus added. "Well, he'll talk to him, obviously, but not about personal things. I'm not sure how much improvement there has been on that front lately, although Gaius is trying."
"I wonder if we should send Regulus to a Healer," Severus mused.
Tybalt shrugged. "It wouldn't hurt him, you know, but... well, it's not like he can be ordered to go, the way that Aurors are. Perhaps if he will talk to Gaius, he can find his own way to heal fully, but sometimes people suffer without ever realizing why." He looked at Severus again. "You've not said too terribly much about it, but I'm quite familiar with what you went through yourself, Severus. And I have seen with my own eyes the before and after of your relationship with Remus. You found your healing on your own, if I'm not mistaken, but some people... they can be so damaged, they don't even believe they are worth healing."
"I hope Regulus hasn't reached that point," Serenus said softly, glancing down at Serafino and stroking the sleeping boy's hair gently. He'd had his own struggle with healing, and it had taken Alchemical intervention before he had been able to regain his sense of self. "Oh, damn, now I feel horribly guilty for doing nothing, especially after he apologized to me."
Severus shifted uncomfortably again, feeling his own sense of guilt for putting Regulus off for so long. "It isn't as if we could have known what was going on. He hid it well."
"Probably because we never saw him!" Serenus retorted. "It's easy to hide your problems when you don't see anyone."
"He's probably in public denial," Tybalt said, suffering a bout of conscience himself for not doing more for Regulus. "One of the things I've noticed over the years is that certain types of people would rather have their hearts ripped out - literally! - than show weakness." He smiled wryly. "Not that Snapes know anything about that, eh?"
Serenus laughed. "Oh, no, of course not," he said, still grinning. "Not at all."
"We aren't talking about Snapes," Severus said, giving him an aggrieved look. "We are talking about Regulus and what to do about him before Gaius ends up getting hurt all over again because he was foolish enough to fall for someone who is emotionally damaged and stunted."
"Because that would be so completely different from what Remus and Tybalt had to deal with," Serenus said, his grin growing wider at the sour look Severus shot him. "Well, look at it this way: at least we're all in a good position to help Gaius and Regulus because we have first-hand experience."
"True," Tybalt said softly, squeezing Serenus' thigh gently at the reminder of what all they had been through to get together. "If they'll accept advice or help, that is. If Regulus hasn't fully come to terms with what he suffered at Bellatrix's hands, though, he might never fully trust anyone again. He also might be worried that he might put anyone he cared for in danger. Perhaps an intervention is in order? You know him better than any of us, Severus. Is there any way to get him to accept help and support?"
"We could try suggesting that he get help," Severus said with a little shrug. "He isn't stupid or relentlessly stubborn. If we explain that we have noticed problematic changes, he may realize he needs the help and accept. He is proud and independent, however, which means he may not readily accept support from people he knows. It may be easier for him to talk to a stranger, as it was easier for him to talk to a cat."
"We could start by showing him that we all understand what he's been through and go from there," Serenus suggested. "If he understands that we've been there ourselves, one way or another, that might help."
"Perhaps." Tybalt frowned thoughtfully. "I can get the names of the people that the Ministry recommends for Aurors and have those available. The biggest question is who should do this. Should Severus bring it up? Or should all of us be there, and if so... with or without Gaius? If he is romantically interested in Regulus, we might want to talk to him first rather than spring it as a surprise."
"I don't think we should bear down on him en masse or else he might feel as if he is being ganged up on and shut down in response," Severus said, thinking about he would feel in a similar situation. "Telling Gaius is fine, but with the way things stand between him and Regulus, I don't know whether having him there would do more harm or good. Tybalt and I are the ones who ought to handle it, in my opinion. Regulus would, I think, be more inclined to listen and trust me due to our history, and Tybalt has the necessary resource information."
"That sounds fine to me," Serenus said, nodding. "I don't know him that well, and while I'd be happy to help, I think it does make more sense to let you do it since you've known him longer and better than any of us."
"Sounds fine to me," Tybalt agreed. He turned again, rolling to his feet and smiling down at Serenus. "Well, if that's all decided, why don't I take our sleeping young gentlemen up to the nursery while you two continue to talk? I could bring back some of the biscuits Celestra baked for us, too."
"Are you in a hurry to return home?" Serenus asked, giving Severus a questioning look as he carefully handed Serafino over to Tybalt.
"Not particularly," Severus replied. Etienne scowled in his sleep during the careful transfer from Severus' lap to Tybalt's arms, but he didn't wake. "Remus knows where I am, and I don't need to be home until dinner."
"Good." Serenus smiled warmly and reached across the small table to squeeze Severus' arm. "Then stay and sit with us a while. The biscuits are excellent."
"What about the company?" Severus asked archly.
"Brilliant and easy on the eyes to boot." Serenus grinned playfully, earning a snort from Severus.
"I suppose I cannot refuse an invitation like that." Severus settled more comfortably in his chair and made a shooing gesture at Tybalt. "Go on, then, and hurry back with those biscuits."
"Yes, sir!" Tybalt said smartly. He stuck out his tongue at them both, then turned and wriggled his arse as he walked away. At least that way, they would know what they were missing!