InsaneJournal

Intervention
Characters: Regulus, Severus, Tybalt, Gaius
Summary: Severus and Tybalt go meddling in Regulus' life, then have to reassure Gaius



Tybalt made his way toward Alchemy and Ecstasy, enjoying the way that the afternoon sun was no longer as hot as it had been only a few weeks ago. There was definitely a hint of approaching autumn in the air, and he was looking forward to it with a great deal of anticipation. Halloween was his favorite time of year, and he couldn't wait to take the boys out trick-or-treating, and running through the piles of fallen leaves which would soon grace Azoth House.

Yet that was still a few weeks away, and he put his daydreams aside as he entered the shop, the bell over the door tinkling merrily. He looked around, seeing the latest sets of changes that had been made since Gaius had finished with Regulus' shop and had turned his attention to expanding his own side of the business, nodding approvingly at the rich furnishings and lush fabrics Gaius had used. There was a new level of elegance to the shop, making it seem almost like some decadent Muggle spa, and he rather thought that would help sell even more of the twins' wares as well.

He turned toward the back, smiling at Miriam as she looked up from counting the register. "Hello!" she called out brightly. "Serenus isn't here, I'm afraid."

Tybalt waved a hand. "No worries, I'm actually here looking for Severus. He and I have a bit of an errand to run."

"Ah! He's in the back - I can check if he's done, if you'd like... although if we interrupt him in the middle of something, he might just chase you to wherever you're headed." Her eyes danced with amusement, all the more pronounced because there was actually a grain of truth to what she said.

"Thanks - I think I'll take that risk," Tybalt chuckled, and watched as Miriam turned to the curtained off area behind her, making a big play of peering through the concealing fabric as though expecting a cobra to suddenly strike.

"Mr. Snape? Your brother-in-law is here."

"It's about damned time," Severus grumbled. He had finished up his last bit of brewing for the day several minutes before so he would be ready to leave when Tybalt showed up, and he had been washing up his cauldron and utensils and tidying up. He dried everything and put it away, and then he strode toward the door, sweeping the curtain aside. "I've been ready for ages," he announced, giving Tybalt a haughty look as he approached.

"Sorry, Severus - the wheels of justice turn more slowly than those of commerce, I'm afraid," Tybalt replied, grinning at the imperious tilt of Severus' head. "If you'd like, you can give me detention later." He waggled his brows at Miriam.

"Hmph! Don't tempt me," Severus retorted. "At any rate, do you want to see if Regulus is at the shop first? If not, I believe it is safe to assume he will be at his flat."

"Sounds like a good idea," Tybalt agreed easily. "Shall we go, then? See you later, Miriam!"

Miriam waved, and Tybalt headed back toward the door. "Looks like Gaius is finally making headway on this shop," he said, gesturing toward the furniture. "Did you tell him what we were going to do, by the way?"

Keeping pace with Tybalt easily, Severus walked along beside him as they exited the shop. "I did, yes," he replied. "He wanted to accompany us, but I persuaded him not to. He reluctantly agreed his presence might not be beneficial to accomplishing our goals, and for all his soppy infatuation, he does want Regulus to have the best chance of healing."

"Good. I'm not sure how this will go, anyway, since some people get quite defensive over offers of help." Tybalt reached into his pocket, pulling out a piece of parchment. "I've got several names here, from Healers to counselors to ministers. Even a couple of Muggle psychologists, if he prefers to go that route - people who have Wizarding family members, and therefore are familiar enough with our society to be able to treat Wizards. In a way it almost doesn't matter who he talks to, so long as he talks to someone, and know that we're here for him."

"Suddenly, I have doubts whether I'm the best person for this after all," Severus muttered. "Perhaps Serenus should have come instead. He's the one who knows how to deal with other people's feelings and how to say the right thing. Comfort and support are not exactly my strong point."

Tybalt raised a brow. "I doubt that Regulus is going to want to be hugged and comforted, at least not at this point, and especially if he's clueless that Gaius would be willing to offer exactly that if he wanted. If he's in denial, he needs facts and encouragement, and I think you're perfect for that. Especially as, from what I've gathered, he values your opinion more than probably anyone else's. Besides, as you said, you've been where he is, and to an extent so have I. Serenus is wonderful on the nurturing part, but a person has to be able to accept that kind of support or it doesn't work."

"True," Severus conceded. "I can be very factual. That isn't a problem."

"And you obviously care about him, or you wouldn't be doing this, or worrying about doing it right," Tybalt added, then reached out to squeeze Severus' shoulder. "Don't worry, if it comes down to him needing hugs, I think I can step in to fill that role. I doubt it will be necessary, but if it is, I'll stand proxy for Serenus so that you won't have to deal with any soppiness."

Severus glanced sidelong at Tybalt, amused. "I do appreciate it," he said dryly. The image of Regulus, who was a couple of inches shorter than him, being engulfed and probably lost in an embrace from the big Auror was amusing, to say the least, and Severus almost hoped hugs would end up being necessary after all.

They reached the shop, which Severus noticed finally had a decent sign up, proclaiming it to be newly renamed Dreams of Egypt, but the windows were still draped. He tried the door, but it was locked, and he rapped on the frame loudly.

After a few moments, the door creaked open, and Regulus peeked out, looking puzzled and a little wary at first until he saw his visitors; then he swung the door open wide and stepped back.

"Hello," he greeted them with a smile. "I wasn't expecting company. What brings you by?"

"Hello, Regulus," Tybalt said, smiling in return. He held back so that Severus could enter the shop first, then gazed around the dimly lit interior with unfeigned curiosity. "Wow! This looks great! I guess all that time Gaius spent was worth it, eh?"

"It was indeed," Regulus replied, smiling proudly. He hadn't had much opportunity to show off the shop yet, and he was pleased to see position reactions from his first real visitors. "I am quite pleased with how the decor turned out. I have only a little more to do in the stock room before I will be ready to open at last."

"Sounds great! So it will be soon, then?" Tybalt asked, bending so that he could peer more closely at a couple of objects on a nearby table. Then he straightened. "You must be excited. It's always great to start something new."

Regulus paused, then nodded and shrugged. "Perhaps not excited as I have been running the business for quite some time on my own, but I am pleased to have a central location to work from and store my merchandise, and I have enjoyed having something to focus my time and energy on."

"Understandable," Severus said, tearing himself away from a tempting antique necklace on display on a bust that moved and preened to show off its wares to its best advantage. "Work can be a helpful distraction." He stood up straight and lifted his chin, deciding now was as good a time as any to bring up the reason why they had come. "However, it shouldn't be the sole focus of your life."

"Definitely," Tybalt said, giving Regulus a smile of empathy. "Work can definitely be a good thing, of course, but it isn't a substitute for friends and outside interests. Nor is it something that should be used long term to, um, shall we say deal with other problems."

Regulus regarded them quizzically, one eyebrow raised; a red flag was going up in the back of his mind, but he wouldn't make assumptions just yet. "I suppose not," he said slowly.

"It does create a rather empty life," Severus said. "I should know."

"We both do, actually." Tybalt's smile became rueful. "And because we care, we don't want to see the same thing happening to you. You're our friend, Regulus; we want to help you."

Growing more puzzled, Regulus took a step back and glanced back and forth between them. "What is this about, exactly? Obviously you aren't here to pay a social call."

"No, we are not." Severus lifted his chin and fixed Regulus with a resolute stare. "We came because we wish to talk to you. After everything that has happened to you in the last couple of years, but especially in the last few months, we thought you might benefit from listening ears."

"No need to panic," Tybalt said, his voice soothing. "Believe me, we do want to help you, because we've been where you are. Not in exactly the same way, of course, but we do understand what you've been through. And not just Severus and I, but Serenus, too, realize that we've been remiss in offering you the kind of support you've deserved from us. We've let you down, and we want to change that. You have people who care about you, Regulus. We may not be blood family, but we could be your extended family, and offer you that support."

Regulus felt his jaw drop slightly, and he shut it with an abrupt snap. The last thing he'd expected to hear from anyone was that they had let him down rather than vice versa, and he wasn't certain how to react at first.

"Why?" he asked, shaking his head with confusion. "Why now? Why me, for that matter? I don't understand where this is coming from."

Tybalt sighed. "We were having a conversation, Severus and Serenus and I, and the subject came up about what you had been through with Bellatrix." It wasn't a complete fabrication, more like a misdirection, since he didn't want to bring up the subject of Gaius, in case Regulus leapt to the exact right conclusion. "As we talked about it, we realized that, as caught up in our own lives as we were, we'd somehow lost track of what you might need along the way. And now that Sirius is gone, you don't have family to step in and offer the support you need, and that we are pretty sure you didn't get. Bellatrix attacked me, and Gaius, and neither of us was hurt as badly as you were, plus we had a network to help us heal." His voice became very soft. "You didn't have that, and we should have realized earlier. I hope that coming in at this late date doesn't seem like we're completely insensitive. But given how you've rather withdrawn into your work, we decided it was long past time that we offered you what we should have long ago - help, comfort, a listening ear. If you can't accept it from one of us, or Serenus, or Gaius, well... I have some experience with what help is available from my own work, and perhaps I can at least point you in the direction of whatever help you feel like you can accept."

Raking one hand through his hair, Regulus remained silent for a moment and tried to process everything Tybalt had said. On some level, it was everything he had wanted to hear, especially from Sirius; he'd felt better after his last serious conversation with Sirius, but he had gained enough self-awareness to realize he had changed and perhaps not in ways that were entirely for the best. It said much that he felt far more comfortable talking to an animal than to a human, and perhaps he ought to be concerned about his lack of sex drive as well. He had become perfectly content with his quiet little life, working and visiting Haven's Loft and not venturing out much anymore.

"I... don't know what to say," he admitted at last. "I am aware I have closed off, and to some extent, that is simply my nature, but there have been some changes that are perhaps... problematic. I am not quite sure what you want me to do, however."

Tybalt looked at Severus, then back at Regulus. "It may be your nature to be closed off and private, but everyone needs someone to talk to, especially about things that have damaged them." He bit his lip for a moment. "There are many ways to be victimized - believe me, I know, because my job for the Ministry used to be doing that to other people, in order to bring Voldemort's followers to justice. Bellatrix for all intents and purposes raped you, didn't she? I'm not talking about sex, for rape is a crime of violence, not passion. She stole from you your security, a belief that you could be safe. I can't even begin to imagine what all that bitch might have said to you, although the things she said and did to me were bad enough! Some people can heal on their own from such experiences, but the vast majority cannot. There is no shame in that, you know. And it's not just Bellatrix - she hurt you, then Sirius abandoned you, and then Gaius violated your trust. It would take a saint to be able to get over that without the need to discuss it with someone! And excuse me, my friend, but I know you're no saint. But you are a good person, one whom I'm proud to call my friend, and we want to help you. I just regret that it took so long for any of us to see outside our own insulated lives and offer that to you."

"I need to sit down for this conversation," Regulus said, moving to the table where a magical samovar was set up. He drew his wand and tapped the samovar; normally, he wouldn't use the merchandise for his personal needs, but he would make an exception for this. While he waited for the tea, he thought about what Tybalt had said, trying to process all of it. The last thing he had expected was this kind of encounter, and he wasn't certain how to handle it.

Severus didn't wait for an invitation, moving to sit down across from Regulus and waiting patiently for his response; he understood the need to pause and reflect before responding, especially when dealing with highly emotional issues. He took it upon himself to arrange the cups and saucers so the samovar could pour more easily.

Tybalt took one of the other chairs at the table, remaining quiet as well. He could see that Regulus was trying to wrap his mind around all that was said, and he could imagine it was a lot to be handed all at once, and apparently out of the blue. He just hoped he'd not made a hash of everything; he'd been as logical and direct as he could, and he hoped that Severus' silence had been approval rather than hopelessness.

Once the samovar began pouring the tea, Regulus handed a cup and saucer to Severus and Tybalt and kept one for himself, taking a bracing sip before attempting to speak.

"I would have said 'rape' is too serious and strong a word to apply to what happened to me," he said slowly. "But it was a violation. I have been unsettled ever since. Time and distance have helped, but I still have nightmares, and I still have moments of paranoia. And..." He grimaced and shook his head. "And I cannot bear to be restrained. It gives me flashbacks to her. I suppose that alone gives credibility to what you have said." He took another sip, trying to steel himself to speak aloud of something he had never discussed before. "There was a sexual element as well," he admitted in a low voice. "She said things... did things... It makes my skin crawl even now to think of it. She took pleasure in what she did in more ways than one."

Tybalt shuddered at Regulus' description; he couldn't help it, because what he had been through was truly one of the most horrid things Tybalt could imagine. "Anyone who has been through what you have does need help," he said softly. "Especially if you're having nightmares and other lingering effects. There are people who are trained to help you work through your feelings, to find balance and peace again. Serenus, as well as being a very compassionate person, also has performed Alchemical rituals to help cleanse himself and... well, someone else, of the negative effects of emotional trauma. What's important is that you get the help you need, no matter what form it's in. Talking to us, talking to a counselor or healer, talking to Serenus... whatever you feel you can accept. If you need someone to go with you, I'm sure any of us would be willing. We just want to help you get back what was stolen from you, so that you can heal and move on."

Regulus nodded when Tybalt mentioned the Alchemical ritual; he wouldn't admit it, lest the admission give rise to questions, but he knew Tybalt was referring to Harry, since he was the one who had helped Harry ground himself afterward.

"I would rather not go to the extreme of the ritual, unless it proves necessary," he said at last. "But talking..." He trailed off and shook his head. "I am not good at speaking of such things. Not to humans, at least," he added wryly.

"I understand what you mean," Severus said, sipping his tea. "I lacked a confidante for many years as well until Remus came along. He became my safe place. My haven, where I could speak freely with no judgment or repercussion."

"I have difficulty feeling safe with other people," Regulus said softly. "I have nothing - no one - that I would consider a safe place except Sekhmet. Anubis first, of course, but that was an illusion."

Tybalt winced, feeling sympathy for both Regulus and Gaius; they'd both suffered from what had happened, but it was worse for Regulus because he'd had less to begin with. "If you can't feel safe with us, what about a Healer, or a counselor? Or even a minister, although I have no idea what your religious beliefs might be. I think that you can be certain that none of us would judge you, but I know that feeling safe requires trust, and the way we've let you down might not lend itself to you trusting even us. But is there anyone you feel you could accept? I have an entire list of people that the Ministry sends Aurors to for exactly this kind of thing. I've had to use them myself in the past; there have been times I've nearly given up my job because I couldn't handle what it did to me."

"I will accept the list," Regulus said, his fingers tightening around his cup. "I cannot yet say what I could accept, however. This is all rather sudden, and I need to think about what you have said before I make any decisions."

Severus nodded, not surprised by the response. Regulus wasn't refusing or rejecting them outright, which was a good sign. "If I need to state it plainly: I will listen, if you want me to. I am not adept at offering comfort, but practical advice, I can manage."

"I will listen, too, if you need, and I'm a bit better at the comfort," Tybalt chimed in, his smile droll. "Serenus is even better at it, and he is willing as well, if you would prefer him." He withdrew the parchment from his pocket, and slid it across the table to Regulus. "With most of these, you won't even have to give your real name if you don't want to, so you know there will be no judgment based on your family, and nothing to come back to haunt you. If you really wish to keep it anonymous, I suspect Polyjuice would do the trick quite effectively. And while you're making up your mind, I hope you'll at least accept hospitality? We'd love to have you over for dinner, you know. We should have pushed earlier to get you to socialize, but... well, we'll push now. You have friends, and we'd like to spend time with you. On whatever terms you feel comfortable with."

"Thank you," Regulus replied, feeling a little overwhelmed as he examined the list. This wasn't at all what he had expected to happen, and he hoped he hadn't said anything that made him look foolish or weak; as much as he appreciated their efforts, he wasn't quite ready to roll over and bare his vulnerable belly yet. "I do see Harry and Faelan sometimes, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to expand my social circle."

"Indeed not," Severus said. "You are welcome at our home as well, as you should know. Remus feels quite differently about you than he did before, and you needn't worry that you are imposing or merely being tolerated for my sake."

"Think about it," Tybalt urged. "Serenus loves visitors, and like as not, you'll have the twins clamoring to be played with - even Etienne, who is Severus in miniature to a fault. I'm just sorry we're hitting you with this all at once, but... well, I suppose we're trying to rectify things that have been neglected for far too long."

"I will think about it," Regulus said, nodding. "I... appreciate the effort. I think," he added with a wry twist of his lips. "It is all quite sudden and overwhelming, but it seems you have good intentions."

"Indeed." Severus put his cup aside and faced Regulus directly. "Serenus has been wittering about sustaining connections and not wasting time since Bla - since your brother died. Consider this an extension of his out-reach program. It isn't limited just to family."

"No it isn't - although once Serenus has decided you're a friend, you are family," Tybalt added, chuckling softly. "Our brood is a bit overwhelming at times, but we mean well. Even Gaius, although he'll talk your head off if you let him."

"So I have noticed." Regulus drained his cup and put it aside, and then he picked up the list and fiddled it with it, needing something to do with his hands.

It was easy enough for Severus to recognize the signs that Regulus was reaching his limit; they were similar to his signs, after all, and he knew what they needed to do now was leave Regulus alone to process the conversation, mull it over on his own time, and decide what he wanted to do. More information or more pushing wouldn't help when he'd had all he could handle for the time being.

"Right," he said briskly. "Well, that covers it, I believe. We have said what we came here to say, and it is up to you to decide what you want to do with the information you have been given."

Relieved by the unspoken message that they would not push further, Regulus relaxed a little; he felt overwhelmed and needed some breathing space, and it seemed as if he would get it. Then again, he wasn't surprised that Severus understood; even after all these years and all the changes they had both been through, Severus still knew him well.

"Thank you," he murmured. He felt as if he ought to say more, but he had no idea what to say or how to respond at this point; he needed to think, and his mind was already reeling.

"You're welcome," Tybalt replied, rising to his feet. "Feel free to contact us any time, if you need help or just need to talk." He paused and then touched Regulus very lightly on the shoulder. "See you soon."

"Yes, of course." Manners ingrained practically since birth kicked in, and Regulus stood up after Severus rose as well, intending to see them to the door. "Give Serenus my regards. Lu - ah - Remus and the children too," he added, still feeling a little odd about being on good terms with his former rival. The truce was new enough not to feel entirely natural or comfortable yet, but he was trying.

"I will," Severus replied, following along behind Tybalt. "Good-bye and good luck finishing up the shop."

Tybalt waved, then stepped outside into the waning sunshine. He turned and smiled at Severus. "Well, that went about as well as I could have hoped," he said, heading back toward Alchemy & Ecstasy. "What do you think?"

"I think he will give what we said serious consideration," Severus replied, glancing up at Tybalt as they walked along. "As for what he will do with the information, I cannot hazard a guess. He might approach one of us or he might seek out one of the professional counselors on the list you gave him. Or he might do nothing, although I believe that is the long shot. He seemed more receptive than resistant."

Blowing out a gusty sigh, Tybalt nodded. "Yes, he did, which is a relief. Apparently he must have thought about it himself to a certain extent even before now, because he did treat it thoughtfully, rather than dismissing us out of hand. Well, we've done what we can for now; if a bit of time passes and we don't see a change, a subtle reminder might be in order."

"Indeed." Severus gave him a questioning look. "Shall we inform Gaius of what happened? I imagine he is sitting in his flat, vibrating with impatience to know."

"We could, if you like," Tybalt said, smiling slightly. "He'll probably nag either you or Serenus to death to find out what happened anyway, so we might as well head it off at the pass."

"Yes, and I would dislike being responsible for one of my brothers spontaneously combusting from anxiety and unfulfilled curiosity," Severus drawled.

Thus when they reached Alchemy & Ecstasy, he didn't unlock the front entrance but went to the side instead, heading up the stairs leading to the outside entrance of Gaius' flat. He knocked loudly and then stood back and waited for Gaius to answer the summons.

Gaius had headed up to his flat after the shop had closed, trying very hard not to think about the errand Tybalt and Severus had gone on, and the fact that he couldn't go with them. He had been fretting ever since then, wandering around his flat picking up and putting down random items as he worried about how Regulus might take the intervention of his friends. Regulus was an intensely private person, but Gaius knew better than anyone just how much Regulus truly did need help. The things Regulus had said to Anubis needed to be told to a person instead, one that could give him practical advice that Regulus might trust enough to take. Trust in a way he no longer trusted Gaius.

Wincing, Gaius flopped down in his favorite chair, head tipped back on the arm as he stared up at the ceiling, eyes unfocussed. He had never expected to feel this way about anyone after Sirius, especially not Regulus, but now that he did he could see that it had probably been building for a while. Not that he ever would have been unfaithful to Sirius, but there had always been a connection between he and Regulus ever since the first time they met. Perhaps he was drawn to Blacks in the same way Remus was drawn to Snapes, but he didn't think it was as simple as that. Nothing about any of this was simple, and Gaius only hoped that there wasn't more pain and loneliness waiting for him in the end.

The knock on the door startled him, and he jumped to his feet, heart thudding. It was an effort not to dash madly to answer it, for it had to be one of his brothers, since no one else ever visited him here. Of course he'd not lived here long.

Opening the door, he stared out at Severus and Tybalt, eyes wide and heart pounding. "How... how did it go?" he asked quickly, then flushed and stood back as manners overcame curiosity. "Sorry, I guess I'm on edge. Please come in, won't you?"

Severus snorted at the greeting, not in the least bit surprised to see Gaius so antsy, and he swept inside the flat like visiting royalty. "I should dawdle with small talk and demand tea before giving you one jot of information," he said as he made himself comfortable on the sofa. "Fortunately for you, I am not cruel or heartless. Stop fidgeting and sit down, and we will tell you what happened."

Gaius nodded, swallowing hard as he took his seat as instructed. He didn't know if Severus' attitude meant things had gone well or badly, but he certainly hoped it was good. "He's all right, isn't he?" Gaius' voice was uncharacteristically hoarse. "He's been through so much, I worry that this would be too much more for him."

Tybalt had entered behind Severus, and he moved to the side of Gaius' chair, laying a hand on Gaius' shoulder. "Well he was surprised, but he didn't freak out," he said gently.

Severus rolled his eyes over Gaius' fretting. He really does have it bad, Merlin help him, he thought, shaking his head. "As I told Tybalt on the way over here, I thought he was more receptive than resistant," he said aloud. "He listened to what we had to say, and he didn't argue or attempt to deny that he has issues. In fact..." He paused, debating whether to mention the specifics Regulus had revealed. "He gave us more insight into what happened with Bellatrix. Nothing detailed or graphic, but enough to explain why he still feels the effects of her attack even now."

"Oh yes, he feels it." Gaius' voice was flat, the memories of Regulus' screaming torment even in nightmares rising in his mind. Then he sighed, forcing himself to calm down. "It's good that he listened - he needs the help," he said, biting his lip in worry. "I had hoped that Sekhmet would be able to provide some sort of healing for him, but deep down I think I knew he needed more. I just hope he takes what you've offered. I don't want to see him draw in on himself and shut all his friends out. He deserves better. A better life."

"Yes, he does," Tybalt said soothingly, looking over at Severus with a brow raised. Gaius obviously was very worried about Regulus, but hopefully he would be able to take some comfort in the progress they'd made today.

Severus noticed the look and returned it with an aggrieved one of his own. Gaius was going to be absolutely useless until either he gave up on Regulus or Regulus fell madly in love with him; until then, he suspected they were all in for a great deal more fretting and mooning about. Perhaps, he thought, he and Serenus ought to shag Gaius again to get his mind off Regulus, at least for a little while.

"He was a little overwhelmed," he said. "However, I believe he will give what we said serious consideration. What he does now is up to him, but we have given him a nudge in the right direction."

"How long do we wait now?" Gaius rolled back to his feet in a smooth, graceful motion and began to pace again. Now that the genie was out of the bottle, he couldn't help but feel anxious about the continued progress, wanting Regulus to feel better so badly it almost hurt. "Should I go talk to him, or should I stay away? The shop is opening soon, you know - I'm hoping he'll want me there, but... I don't want to make him uncomfortable."

"Settle down, it's going to be all right," Tybalt said softly. He could sympathize in a way, remember his own anxiety over Serenus' mental condition back when they were first together, but he also knew that Regulus was the type that, like Serenus, he'd have to go at his own pace. "You're just going to have to be patient. Believe me, I know how hard that can be, but you don't have much of a choice now. If he needs you, he'll let you know. Trust me - don't go prodding at things before he'd ready, or you might drive him away completely."

"And Tybalt knows of what he speaks," Severus said dryly, lounging against the cushions and crossing his legs, glad that he was a spectator in this particular drama and that his own romantic life was secure and drama-free. He and Remus had gone through the romantic wringer for twenty years, far longer than either of his brothers, and he had no desire to be in Gaius' shoes, subject to the aches and pains of a lonely heart once more. "Remember the story of Malaga? If not, ask Serenus to relate it to you from his perspective. If that doesn't convince you not to push, nothing will."

Gaius nodded, drawing in a deep breath and trying to force down his anxiety. He did know about the travails Tybalt and Serenus had gone through, and he had no desire to repeat their experience. "I need a drink," he said, crossing to the sideboard where the liquor was stored. It wasn't a strong thing to do, but it was the only thing he could think of at the moment, needing to blunt the edge of his worry. "Either of you care to join me? Perhaps a toast to the success of what you started today?"

Tybalt shrugged. "All right," he said, sinking down into the chair that Gaius had abandoned. "Scotch if you have it."

"I do." Gaius looked at Severus. "How about you, mein bruder?"

"The same," Severus replied. He didn't need to hurry home; Remus knew he was out with Tybalt, and he had suggested that Remus and the children not wait for him for dinner in case the intervention with Regulus went longer than expected. It hadn't, but now he was in no hurry to leave Gaius in such an agitated state, and he could always drag the two of them out to dinner with him if need be.

Turning back to the bottles and glasses, Gaius poured out their requests and then passed the glasses around. "Here's to success," he said quietly, then lifted his drink and sipped it. The alcohol burned, but he could feel himself starting to relax almost instinctively in anticipation. He moved again, sinking down on the sofa beside Severus, cuddling up next to him and laying his head on Severus' shoulder.

"I suck at waiting," he murmured. "Must be the Snape in me."

"It's not limited to Snapes," Tybalt replied, shaking his head. "Those of us waiting for Snapes feel it too. Well, maybe not Remus; he seems more patient than the rest of us, at least most of the time." His eyes twinkled as he lifted his glass toward Severus.

Severus slid his free arm across Gaius' shoulders and sipped his drink, feeling it warm and relax him. "Hmph! Most of the time is right. Remus is quite capable of being impatient," he said with a little smirk. "He had his moments during our courtship, too. I remember a time when he came to visit me for his dose of the Wolfsbane potion, all droopy and moping because he had convinced himself I would never be interested in him despite the fact that I was sowing a few belated wild oats at the time and he had only just begun pursuing me in earnest."

"Is that right?" Tybalt asked, rather surprised that Remus would have even thought of giving up, given that Tybalt had thought of him as being as persistent as he was patient, especially where Severus was concerned. "Well it seems that it all worked out in the end, though. Three children is rather conclusive proof that you were more than interested."

"Is it never easy?" Gaius asked, sipping his drink and sighing, although he cuddled closer to Severus, enjoying the comfort of his brother's support. "I never believed in the nonsense about anything worth having is going to be difficult to get. I've known plenty of people who have fallen in love easily and had successful relationships. I always figured when I finally fell in love it would be that way, too. But it hasn't. Either time."

"You haven't exactly chosen easy men," Severus pointed out. "You chose a man who spent over a decade in prison, several years as a fugitive, then was dead for a while, and returned - all without significantly maturing much more than he had before he went to prison as a young man. Then you turned around and fell for his brother, who served the Dark Lord, faked his death for twenty years, returned to cause trouble, and got himself nearly turned into an Inferi by his mad cousin. If you wanted normal and easy, you should have taken up with someone like that little man who works in Madam Malkin's in the afternoons. He looks innocuous enough."

Gaius actually laughed at that, and shook his head, his cheek rubbing against Severus' shoulder. "Not my type, alas. It took me almost forty years to find my type, and then I found two of them not too far apart. But they are very different, too. I suppose it's the whole bad boy type of image, or reformed bad boy at least. I can't really compare how I feel about them, either, because it's different, too. I never felt that Sirius needed me, not in the way that you and Remus need each other. Of course I didn't need him that way, I suppose. Or I wouldn't let myself because I was aware that if I did, he wouldn't stay. But... Regulus is different. If I had him, I wouldn't be willing to share him."

Tybalt didn't speak for a moment, not trusting himself not to say something sarcastic about Sirius Black and his fear of committment, but his eyes hardened for a moment. He drew in a breath. "Maybe you've grown up too, at least a bit. What you need in your life changes, after all. I know it did for me, at least, and I could see that what Sirius was able to give you might not be enough now." He stopped and snorted in amusement. "And listen to me, lecturing someone ten years older than I am about growing up!"

"Out of the mouths of babes," Severus said dryly. "Personally, I think Snapes are drawn to the dangerous type. I have chosen a werewolf, Serenus has chosen an Auror, and you have chosen an ex-Death Eater. There does seem to be a pattern." He paused and sipped his drink while he considered his next words. "As you know, Regulus has never been in a long-term, committed relationship, thus I cannot say for certain that he can give you what you want any more than his brother could. However," he continued, inclining his head slightly to emphasize his point, "he did love me consistently for over twenty years, and he hasn't had his head turned by anyone else since. That, I think, says something for his ability to be loyal and steadfast."

"To you," Gaius replied. That was the one thing that really bothered him, the fact that Regulus had loved Severus for so long, unrequited though it was. He thought he could fight past the horrors Regulus had suffered, could even overcome any hesitation concerning Gaius having been Sirius' lover. But if Severus had been Regulus' one, true love - at least in Regulus' opinion - there was no way that Gaius could fight that.

Of course Regulus' often rambling monologues to Anubis had indicated that Regulus thought he was over Severus, but until Regulus found someone else to love - if he ever did - it would never be put to the test. Gaius was not Severus, and he wondered if being Severus' brother might stand between he and Regulus in the long run. He would never know unless he tried, though, and perhaps it was his own form of the family stubbornness that he refused to just give up on the thought of a relationship with Regulus without at least trying.

He sipped his drink thoughtfully, then lifted his head to look up at Severus. "I hope he might be willing to give another Snape a try, at least. You might be a hard act to follow, but perhaps he would be willing to settle for slightly less snark." His smile became wry. "At least I purr even better than you do."

"I shouldn't worry about it, if I were you," Severus replied, turning his head to look at Gaius in return, his expression somber yet open. "I believe he realizes we would never have suited, and whatever he may have felt for me then, he ought to know he doesn't need someone similar in temperament to me. He would be miserable having to deal with my quirks on a full time basis."

"But that doesn't mean he needs someone like me." Gaius sighed again. The alcohol had relaxed his agitation, but it was in danger of making him maudlin instead, so he scrubbed a hand across his face. "Sorry, sorry, I know this isn't like me, and I don't want you to feel it necessary to put me out of your misery with a mercy strangulation or something. It probably wouldn't hurt to have a few Calming Concoctions on hand, though... I've taken so many lavender baths to try to settle myself that I'm afraid I'm going to smell like a cathouse - and not the right kind!"

"I can brew something to help settle your nerves tonight and bring it to you in the morning," Severus said, smoothing his hand along the back of Gaius' head. "If that does not work, then I will consider the mercy strangulation."

"Isn't it great, what family is willing to do for you?" Tybalt asked cheerfully. "For what it's worth, I think he's offered Serenus the same sort of deal before. It's how you know Severus is fond of you; those he really dislikes, he just goes ahead and kills."

Gaius chuckled, appreciating that they both understood and were being very patient with him. "Thank you, Severus. I'll gratefully accept the potion and hopefully avoid the other." He didn't mention that he no longer sought refuge as a cat from his pain or worry. He didn't want to ever make that kind of mistake again.

"I do like to give people I have some regard for a chance before I put them out of their misery," Severus said mildly, still idly stroking Gaius' hair. "At any rate, I doubt it will be necessary. I suspect Regulus won't dawdle over making up his mind. He was never a ditherer before, and I doubt he has changed that much."

Gaius leaned into the caress of Severus' hand much as his cat form would have, unable to resist the petting. "I certainly hope that's the case, and for his sake, not just my sanity."

"Just have faith," Tybalt spoke up. "Regulus doesn't strike me as the sort to enjoy suffering anyway, so I'm certain he wants to get himself back as much as we want him to. We've given something to think about, at the very least, and I believe he will make the best of it. He has very good self protective instincts. If he didn't, he really would have been dead twenty years ago and you wouldn't be here eating your heart out over him."

"Oh, ha, ha," Gaius retorted, but his voice held more of amusement than ire. "I seem to remember tales of you eating your heart out, once upon a time."

"Yes, but he listened to me," Severus said, glancing archly at Tybalt. "As a result, he got married, and I got a new dress."

"If you can get Regulus to marry me, I'll buy you the most incredible dress in the entire world," Gaius said fervently. "Forget those Vera Wangs and that... who was that? Versace? I'll track down the perfect gown and even the shoes to match, if you can help me."

Tybalt's eyes widened. "Well, that's some offer, Severus. Hard to resist, even."

Severus' eyebrows climbed, and he gazed at Gaius in surprise, but then he nodded slowly as he considered the offer. "I would offer my assistance for free," he said. "But if I succeed in helping you win Regulus and you wish to express your gratitude, I certainly won't be churlish enough to refuse."

"You'd deserve it," Gaius said, patting Severus' leg affectionately. He was perhaps a bit more drunk than he thought, but he meant it. "I know that you'll help me, mein bruder. You and Serenus and Tybalt and Remus. How could Regulus resist such an onslaught?"

"He couldn't - he's only mortal." Tybalt smiled into his glass, winking at Severus over the rim. "The focussed attention of two Snapes is enough to bring any man to his knees. Three... well, that is the stuff of legend, isn't it?"

Severus snorted. "What nonsense. Still, we do have numbers and experience on our side. But let's focus on getting Regulus better first. Then we will work on coaxing him into falling for you."

"Yes, you're quite right." Gaius nodded. "Let's get him all better, then he'll know and appreciate what we're doing for him."

"I think your baby brother is into his cups, Severus," Tybalt said, rising to his feet and setting his glass aside. "We'd best get some food into him before we end up having to roll him into bed. Or do you have any Sober Up potions down in the shop?"

"Let's feed him and see how that works before resorting to a potion," Severus said, setting his own glass aside. "I will check the larder. If there is enough to work with, I will cook dinner for us. You may assist if you like or you may keep an eye on Gaius." He rose to his feet and glanced over at Tybalt. "You might let Remus and Serenus know what we are doing as well."

He bent and kissed Gaius' forehead as he might have done one of the children. "No more alcohol for you," he said sternly, wagging one finger. "Just rest here, and I will let you know when dinner is ready."

"Aye aye, captain," Tybalt said, watching as Gaius smiled at the kiss Severus gave him and then curled up on the sofa with a suspiciously contented sigh. "I'll contact our balls and chains, and then I'll be in to help. I don't think Gaius is going anywhere, even if he could walk."

With that he crossed to the Floo to call Remus and Serenus and let them know that for now they needed to kitty-sit for the evening.