Serenus Snape (serenus_snape) wrote in snark_n_bark, @ 2008-09-14 09:28:00 |
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Entry tags: | complete, regulus, serenus, tybalt |
A Change of Venue
Characters: Regulus, Serenus, Tybalt
Summary: The kids are asleep, and the adults get to sit down and have a conversation in complete sentences.
The twins were fast asleep, having dropped off with a minimum of fuss, although they had demanded good-night kisses from Regulus as well as their parents, having accepted him as part of the household readily as if he had always been there. Now the house was quiet and still, and the adults could enjoy a respite.
They convened in the parlor, and Serenus put on a soothing Jazz CD and turned the volume low before making the rounds of the parlor, banishing toys to the nursery, righting pillows and cushions, and putting away storybooks. When he was finished, he sank down onto the sofa and propped his bare feet on the low table in front of it, leaning back against the cushions.
"Ah, peace at last." He released a quiet sigh and smiled wearily at Tybalt and Regulus. "Now the adults get a little quiet time."
"Shall we celebrate?" Regulus moved to the liquor cabinet, glancing questioningly at Tybalt and Serenus. "I will serve, if you like."
"That would be lovely. Some brandy for me," Serenus replied.
"And for you?" Regulus poured a generous amount of brandy for himself and Serenus before looking at Tybalt.
"The same for me, thanks," Tybalt said, sinking down on the sofa next to Serenus and wrapping one arm around his shoulders. "We should definitely enjoy this as long as it lasts. Hopefully all the way until tomorrow morning, middle of the night trips to the loo and requests for water aside."
Regulus smiled as he approached the sofa and handed over a glass to each of them, and then he retrieved his own before taking a seat in a chair by the hearth. "Which makes me grateful for the sound-proofing charm I put on the room," he said archly. "I may get roped into reading bedtime stories, but I can avoid the middle of the night summons."
Serenus accepted the glass with murmured thanks and chuckled at Regulus' remark. "Lucky you! We take turns. We try to have a more or less even distribution of the load."
"It works," Tybalt said, lifting his glass in a silent gesture of thanks before taking a sip. "It's gotten easier as they've gotten older, too, although now that we're thinking about adding a new one to the mix, it will probably get even more chaotic. But worth it; it's worth every sleepless night and every pulled hair. There's nothing more wonderful and fulfilling than what we're making here. Our family."
Regulus' gaze flicked involuntarily to Serenus' midsection as if checking for a tell-tale bulge. "You aren't pregnant now, are you?" he asked, and Serenus laughed and shook his head.
"No, no. We're planning to start trying for another after the holidays," he explained. "It seems we'll be able to have Christmas with the whole family this year instead of Gaius having to divide his time, and I don't want to be in the middle of morning sickness while everyone else is being festive," he said with a wink.
"Ah..." Regulus nodded and relaxed in his chair, taking a sip of brandy and savoring the trail of warmth it left on its way to his stomach. He paused, regarding them speculatively, and then he decided to voice a question that had been in the back of his mind for some time. "If you don't mind my asking, what exactly is so wonderful and fulfilling about it? Is it knowing you will be leaving a legacy? Something more emotional? I find myself a bit baffled. Not that I dislike children," he added, holding up one hand to show he meant no insult. "I have found myself growing rather fond of yours since I've been here, but I cannot imagine doing this all day every day as the two of you do."
"Having a child is very emotional," Tybalt said, looking at Serenus and giving him a sweet smile. "Part of it is leaving a legacy, yes, but another part is deeper. A connection, deep and lasting. A bond of love that nothing can break. Oh, maybe I'm putting it too idealistically, but being a parent is wonderful and frustrating and fulfilling and maddening... there are just too many facets of it to describe, but when you look at your child and know that this is a little person you've brought into the world, who relies on you and trusts you... it's the most wonderful feeling you can imagine."
Mirroring Tybalt's smile, Serenus nestled against Tybalt's side and rested his free hand on Tybalt's leg, giving it an affectionate squeeze. "It is wonderful. Terrifying at times, when you think about the responsibility you've taken on in bringing a child into the world and attempting to raise it to be a good person, one who will make the world better just by being in it, but wonderful too. There are times when it's exhausting, and as Tybalt said, maddening and frustrating, but the bond you have with your child and the love... There is nothing like it."
Regulus listened quietly and watched the two of them, noting the easy affection and obvious connection between them. He saw the way they looked when they spoke of their children and when they looked at each other, and he felt a little ache of longing.
"I envy you," he said at last. "Not just because you are excellent parents - nothing like mine! - but also because of what you share with each other. Everything I have seen since I have been here has been so different from what I grew up knowing about marriage and child-rearing. So much better. I wish..." He downed the rest of his brandy swiftly and toyed with the glass, turning his gaze downward. "It almost makes me wish to experience what you have."
Tybalt smiled, giving Serenus a one-armed hug, his blue eyes glinting with heat at the feeling of Serenus' hand on his leg. Then he looked at Regulus. "If you want it, you could have it, too. And don't give me any crap about not finding the right person. It took Serenus a while to find me, you know, and you have plenty of time. Trust me, it's worth anything you have to go through to find the person you love, children or not. Although I do highly recommend the children part, too. If Severus Snape can be a wonderful parent, it sure shouldn't be a stretch for you!"
That coaxed a laugh out of Regulus, and he shook his head, his pale eyes alight with amusement. "I'm beginning to suspect it's all just propaganda on the part of people with children spread about in order to drag people without children into the same cycle of sleepless nights, early mornings, and untidy houses," he said, teasing lightly.
"Damn! You caught on far too quickly," Serenus said, chuckling. "But I agree with Tybalt. It took Severus and me both a long time to find the one we were meant to be with." His expression turned mischievous. "Well, it took me a long time to find Tybalt. Severus found Remus early on; his problem was in realizing it. You aren't too old to find your partner or to start a family, and I think you would be better at it than you give yourself credit for."
"The thing is to go into it knowing that's what you want and to make certain your partner wants the same." Tybalt kissed Serenus' cheek and then stood, crossing to retrieve the brandy bottle and refilling glasses all around. "We've been lucky to find the right people, our soul mates, if you will - although don't use that word in front of Severus unless you enjoy death by sarcasm. You could, too, if you wanted. It might not happen quickly, but then again, who knows? Like Severus, maybe the person you're meant to be with could have been here all along."
"I think that's rather unlikely," Regulus replied, murmuring his thanks when Tybalt refilled his glass, and he took a sip. "If you mean my soul mate is someone I already know. Everyone I know is either already happily partnered or is unsuitable." He paused, then added, "Or has already found and lost their soul mate. I should feel like a cradle robber with Harry, but he and Barty are more or less the only single people I know." He smiled dryly at Tybalt. "Perhaps I should take you up on that invitation to meet your mother after all."
Tybalt glanced swiftly at Serenus, but that was the only indication he dared give about Regulus' oblique reference to Gaius. "That might cover everyone you know well, or think you know well, but hardly everyone of your acquaintance, or a fraction of the people in Wizarding London, for that matter. But regardless, it doesn't matter if you know the person already or not. You just have to decide want you want, and if you're willing to go after it." Placing the bottle on the sofa table, Tybalt dropped back down next to Serenus, growling happily as he nuzzled Serenus' cheek. "Personally, I recommend giving it a shot, because there's absolutely nothing else like it."
Smiling, Serenus returned the nuzzling happily and slid his arms around Tybalt. "Agreed," he said, gazing at Tybalt with affection in his eyes. "Finding the right person makes all the difference. I've had other relationships, and I've been alone, but I've never been happier than I have been with Tybalt. This was worth the wait and all the obstacles we had to overcome along the way."
"You mean it wasn't all hearts and flowers?" Regulus raised a questioning eyebrow. "I'm shocked!"
"Hearts and flowers? Don't I wish!" Tybalt laughed, leaning forward to rub noses with his husband. "No, my poor love was in a bad way when we met, heart-sore from too many disappointments and the irresponsibility of others. He ran from me, not that I can really blame him, since I can, upon occasion, be a bit, um... overwhelming? But true love won't be denied, and Serenus decided to take a chance on me; the day we got married was the day that heaven came to earth."
"You, overwhelming? I don't believe it," Regulus said blandly, earning a snort from Serenus. He sipped the brandy and thought for a moment, considering what he had learned. "It is oddly comforting to know the path wasn't easy for you. That love didn't simply fall in your lap."
"Hardly!" Serenus shook his head, giving Tybalt a fond look, and he reached out to stroke Tybalt's cheek gently. "I had issues that hindered me greatly, but Tybalt was patient and kind, and he stood by me until I was able to sort it all out." He glanced at Regulus, smiling wryly. "Of course, it took a cleansing ritual for that to happen, but it did happen."
"Do you think such a ritual would help me?" Regulus asked, leaning forward.
"I'm not certain you need it yet," Serenus replied, gazing at him speculatively. "If your problems prove insurmountable, we can certainly consider it as an option, but you don't seem quite as bad off as I was."
"That is something, at least," Regulus replied, relaxing in his chair once more.
"You just need to work through things," Tybalt agreed, leaning into the caress of Serenus' hand. "Which is why you're here with us, to work through what that bitch did to you. To see that there are things worth living for, worth striving for, and to see that you deserve far more than you're letting yourself have in life."
"I think it has helped," Regulus said softly, lost in thought for a moment. "I sound-proofed the room to keep from waking the children if I had a nightmare, but I haven't had one since I've been here." He gave an amused snort and added dryly, "Perhaps falling into an exhausted slumber after being run ragged by toddlers is the magic secret."
"The sleep of the righteous. Or the dead tired." Tybalt laughed, giving Regulus a sympathetic look. "But seriously, part of it is being so focused on something outside of yourself - or two someones - doesn't leave a whole lot of time for fretting about the past, does it? That's one of the things you may have lacked, something to help you see beyond your own pain. Toddlers are demanding enough to not leave you much time to fret about anything else."
"I must agree," Regulus said, inclining his head slightly, a smile tugging the corners of his mouth. "I cannot think about myself when I am too busy trying to make certain no one eats any mud or bugs. Having a pet helped, but it isn't quite the same thing. It isn't as consuming, for one thing, and I was perpetuating the fretting by talking about my problems over and over to an audience that could offer no constructive advice."
Serenus laughed and leaned his head on Tybalt's shoulder. "I sympathize. Believe me, I know all about getting caught up in fretting. It can become a vicious cycle, one that is difficult to break. But if you've managed to break it thanks to being here, I'm glad." He paused, his dark eyes alight with mischief. "And I feel no remorse for asking you to help with bath time."
Tybalt felt a surge of satisfaction, knowing that his suggestion seemed to have born fruit. "We could turn over bath time to you every night for, oh, the next year, if you'd like. If nothing else, it would insure that you get a lot of sleep."
"Your generosity astounds me," Regulus replied dryly. "But I wouldn't dream of depriving you of the pleasure for my own selfish needs." He paused, then added in a more serious tone, "Besides, I doubt you would care for me to infringe on your hospitality for so long a time."
"You wouldn't be imposing, 'Unca Weg'lus'," Tybalt laughed, the sobered a bit. "Seriously, I don't mind you staying as long as you need to. What do you think, Serenus?"
"I don't mind either," Serenus said, offering Regulus a reassuring smile. "This is a big house, and I like having people around to fill it. I was raised in a small village, you know, and I became accustomed to people coming and going and staying."
"But what about your... er... private time?" Regulus asked, trying to word the question tactfully.
Serenus grinned, a wicked gleam in his eyes. "You think we haven't had 'private time' just because you're here? Think again. We know how to be discreet, and we already have to work around two toddlers. What's one more person added to the mix?"
"Definitely," Tybalt nodded firmly, his own eyes flashing in amusement. "At least you don't come banging on the door asking for water in the middle of the night, or decide that five in the morning is a fantastic time to bounce on daddy's stomach. You've not interfered with anything, nor will you staying here for a year change it, either, if that's what you wanted. Of course, if our plans to expand the franchise are successful, we just might pull you in for middle of the night feedings. So that you get the whole experience, of course."
"Now I really do believe you are trying to run me out!" Regulus smiled and sipped his brandy. "Very well, then. If it isn't an imposition, I will consider my stay here to be an open-ended one." He paused, debating, and then he decided to voice his thoughts. "The truth is, I am not keen on returning to my flat. I think living with other people has done me good, and the thought of returning to an empty flat, even with Sekhmet... Well, I can easily see being alone and isolated like that leading me back into fretting, as you put it."
"Well, then, it sounds like that's settled." Turning to Serenus, Tybalt grinned and then kissed him soundly. "There you go, love, a long term visitor, just like you wanted." He glanced at Regulus, his smile welcoming. "We do respect private time, as well, just so that you don't think you're stuck doing every single thing we do. If you need a little space, we won't be offended. Hopefully you'll get used to the chaos and clutter, and after that, well... just imagine the possibilities. Maybe in a week, we'll have you happily making those mud pies - with or without toddler accompaniment."
"I wouldn't count on it!" Regulus replied with a fastidious shudder. "I do appreciate the offer, however, and for the private time."
"Of course." Serenus smiled warmly. "Like Tybalt said, we won't be offended if you need some time alone. If you're going to stay, then you should consider this your home. You aren't a guest, and you don't have to be on your best behavior all the time. Feel free to redecorate your room, too, and make it your own space."
"We'll make sure the boys know to knock first and to respect your privacy," Tybalt added. "And Sekhmet seems to have settled in happily enough, too, so I think this will work out fine. I'll invite Mum and Celestra over for dinner so that you can meet them, too, and not be alarmed when they pop in and out. Oh, and you should know that my grandmother has an eye for pretty young men, so don't be alarmed if she flirts with you. Or if she suddenly says odd things that she shouldn't know."
Regulus' eyebrows climbed nearly to his hairline at that, and he nodded slowly. "Very well, I shall keep that in mind," he said, and then he looked at Serenus. "I may redecorate a bit. I could also prepare dinner once or twice a week. After all, if I am not a guest, then I should help with the household chores, right?"
"If you want to cook, be my guest!" Serenus raised his glass. "Perhaps you could teach me some of your favorite recipes. I like trying new things."
"Gladly," Regulus replied with a smile.
"Sounds like I'll be very well fed," Tybalt chuckled. "Not that I mind that one bit, growing boy that I am. And if you want any other chores, Regulus, no doubt we could come up with something; there's never any lack of things to do around here, as you can see. Sometimes it's rather astonishing the amount of mess two little boys can make. I suspect the only reason Snape Manor stays straight with three is because they have a full time nanny and Lurch. If we're lucky enough to have a third, I suspect we'll need to add more reinforcements as well!"
"No doubt," Regulus agreed, pleased by the invitation to help tidy up; he didn't mind, and it would appease his sense of order and fastidiousness. "Perhaps my contributions will help somewhat, although I draw the line at answering the door with 'you rang'."
Tybalt laughed so hard that tears sprang into his eyes. The thought of the elegant Regulus Black attired in Lurch's antiquated suit and speaking in such a dolorous tone was just too funny to be believed. "I'd... pay... to... see... that," he managed to gasp out. "Perhaps... for Halloween!"
"I will consider it," Regulus replied, regarding Tybalt with amusement. "But somehow, I doubt I will be able to do Lurch justice."
"I think something more dashing would be appropriate," Serenus said, also watching Tybalt with amusement and tempted to tickle him just to make him keep laughing. "But we have plenty of time to plan. For now... bedtime, perhaps?"
"Mmmm... yes." Tybalt wiped his eyes, still chuckling a bit, but unable to resist the idea of a bed and a naked Serenus. He rose to his feet and held out a hand to Serenus to help him up. "We'll say goodnight then, Regulus. As you know, morning comes early in this house. Sleep well."
Serenus slid his hand into Tybalt's and stood as well. "Good night. See you bright and early," he said, teasing, and then he headed upstairs with Tybalt, looking forward to a little 'private time'.
"Good night," Regulus replied, waving to them both. After they were gone, he settled deeper in his chair and sipped his brandy, turning his gaze to the fire. He had a lot to think about, but for once, the turn of his thoughts was a positive one.