InsaneJournal

Confession Is Good for the Soul...
Characters: Gaius, Regulus, Serenus
Summary: Gaius comes clean about recent developments.


Serenus hummed quietly to himself as he went from room to room downstairs, casting charms to tidy and straighten things up a bit; having two small, rambunctious children made keeping the house neat a challenge, but having Regulus around helped considerably because he didn't hesitate to pitch in when it came to keeping things clean. As long as dirt and dust bunnies weren't everywhere, Serenus didn't mind if things weren't always in their proper place, but having an extra pair of hands was certainly appreciated.

A glance at the clock showed it was growing late in the day, and Regulus still hadn't come home; Tybalt had seemed quite amused when he said Regulus had plans to go out, but he hadn't elaborated, saying he "didn't want to jinx anything", which had left Serenus wildly curious. Regulus hadn't come home the night before, and he'd been gone all day; Serenus was growing a little concerned, and he hoped to hear from Regulus soon. Still, Regulus was a grown man and could take care of himself, and so Serenus wasn't going to start making any attempts to track him down. Yet.

It was time to face the music, and Gaius wasn't certain whether he should be terrified or simply nervous.

Not that he expected his brother to be upset with him, but there could be some discomfort, particularly if Serenus let slip that Regulus had been the object of Gaius' affection all along. Gaius hadn't yet come clean about that, but he felt it really wasn't time, not yet. Regulus seemed incredibly pleased to have "won" him away from the man he believed to be the object of Gaius' affections, and he didn't want to burst Regulus' bubble. There would be plenty of time for that later, after he was able to confess that he already was in love with Regulus and could be certain that Regulus' feelings for him were just as deep.

As it was, the previous night and all of this day had been wonderful. Spectacular. Heavenly. Gaius simply couldn't think of words which could possibly describe what it felt like to be with Regulus, to be the focus of his complete attention. They'd hardly left the nest of cushions except when absolutely unavoidable, and between napping, snacking, and exploring each other's bodies with thoroughness and total delight, Gaius felt so sated and happy, he thought it possible he might float off into the sky. Except that would mean leaving Regulus, and that was completely unacceptable.

Unfortunately, the idyll had to end, the necessities of real life creeping up on them, and with regret, Gaius had agreed to shower and dress so that they could go back to Azoth House. He didn't want to leave the flat, but neither did he want Serenus to worry, although he'd coaxed Regulus into a lengthy bout of lovemaking in the shower, warm water pouring down over their bodies and their cries of pleasure echoing off the tile walls. Now at last they were clean and dressed, and Gaius clung to Regulus' hand as they stood before the Floo.

"Well, this is it," he murmured, then turned to wrap his arms around Regulus' waist and crane up for a kiss. "I hate to leave, but I suppose we must." He sighed, eying the cushions he could see behind Regulus longingly, but with a rueful smile, he stepped back from Regulus reluctantly, taking a pinch of Floo powder. "Here's wishing us luck," he added, then tossed the powder into the grate and disappeared in a flash of green.

Stepping out into the parlor of Azoth House, he immediately spotted Serenus, and he smiled. "Hullo, mein bruder. Did you miss me?"

Serenus whirled to face Gaius, initially startled, but then delighted to see his little brother. "Hello to you too!" he exclaimed as he crossed the room to enfold Gaius in a warm, tight embrace. "How have you been? We have missed you, especially at work."

Just then, the flames flared green again, and this time, Regulus stepped through and into the room.

"And here you are as well," Serenus said, smiling a greeting at him too. "I was beginning to worry."

"No need," Regulus replied, mirroring the smile. "I have been quite well taken care of."

Gaius returned Serenus' hug, and he heard Regulus' arrival. "Don't tell him you know it was him," he murmured in Serenus' ear, then stepped back so that he could stand next to Regulus, reaching out to take his lover's hand.

"We've both been taken care of quite satisfactorily," he said, turning to smile up at Regulus, knowing that his expression was ridiculously soppy, but not caring in the slightest. "Regulus told me that I should focus my attentions in a different direction, and he was most persuasive in his arguments."

At first, Serenus was puzzled by Gaius' seemingly cryptic remark, but then the pieces fell into place, and he had to repress a grin; Tybalt had mentioned that Regulus was convinced there was a real "other man", and apparently Regulus had decided to make a move at last to steal Gaius away from his "rival".

"Did he indeed?"

He studied the pair of them for a moment. Gaius looked happy - blissfully so. Serenus couldn't remember ever seeing him quite so happy and relaxed, but if they had been shagging since the night before, it was little wonder that he appeared so beatific. Regulus seemed relaxed as well, and there was a measure of peace in his countenance that was definitely new. Privately, Serenus had a few reservations, but he had already spoken of them to Gaius, and he wasn't about to make an issue of it; above all else, he wanted Gaius to be happy. He wanted Regulus to be happy as well, and if they made each other happy, then it was all to the good. He just hoped it would last and that neither of them would end up hurt or disappointed.

"Congratulations are in order, then," he said at last, smiling warmly, and he embraced Regulus. "Welcome to the family."

The impact of Serenus' words hit Regulus hard as he realized he was part of their ever-expanding clan now; he had a family and perhaps a place to belong, and he returned the embrace with a little more fervency than usual. "Thank you," he said, his voice husky.

Gaius watched them embrace, feeling a sense of peace and rightness about the situation, and he moved to wrap his arms around both of them. "Yes, thank you," Gaius echoed Regulus' words. He was pleased that his family approved of his choice of lover this time. Not that he would have let it stop him if he had thought they wouldn't approve, but it was definitely a relief to know that Regulus was welcome and truly would be part of the family.

Pressing a kiss to Regulus' cheek, then to Serenus', Gaius chuckled softly. "So, mein bruder, I suppose this is as good a time as any to ask if I might be welcome to share Regulus' room. If, that is, Azoth House could accommodate one more for a while."

Serenus was startled anew, but pleasantly so, and his smile widened to a grin. "Of course!" he exclaimed, sliding one arm around Gaius and squeezing him tightly. He had assumed Regulus would move out and set up house with Gaius somewhere, which would be a disappointment to the twins, but if they were willing to stay, he was happy to accommodate them. "In fact, we can do better than a room. We have enough space to create a suite for you - bedroom, living room, and a private bath. Even a small personal library, if you want it." He glanced back and forth between them. "How does that sound to you?"

"It sounds perfect to me," Regulus said, grateful for Serenus' generosity. "I disliked the idea of moving out so soon after promising the twins, especially Etienne, that I would stay for a long time, and Gaius was kind enough to oblige me."

Gaius' eyes widened, and he gave Serenus a tight squeeze of gratitude. "Oh, Serenus, that's fantastic! Are you really certain you can spare the room, though? The boys are getting older, and it wasn't my intention to crowd you and Tybalt out of your own home!"

"Nonsense!" Serenus smiled reassuringly. "We can move the two of you up to the third floor; all those rooms have been standing empty, and it'll be easy to move walls and doors to create however much space you want. The boys will have all the space they need on the second floor. We've already set aside a room for them and for their sibling-to-be once they're old enough to leave the nursery."

"Well, in that case, how could we refuse, eh, Regulus?" Gaius smiled widely, happy that things seemed to be falling into place so well. They could be with the family, and yet it sounded as though they could also have a little space when they needed it. Despite indulging themselves shamelessly over the last day, Gaius knew that his hunger for Regulus hadn't been appeased, and perhaps it never would. It was nice to know they would have a place for privacy to explore each other without wondering about little invaders. He was all in favor of family togetherness, of course, but time for intimacy was just as important, perhaps even more so at this stage of their relationship.

"How could we indeed?" Regulus rested one hand on Serenus' shoulder and squeezed it briefly, giving him a small, grateful smile. "I appreciate your generosity. You and Tybalt have been very kind and very helpful, and I have no idea how I can ever repay you."

"You needn't worry about that," Serenus replied, smiling. "We are both glad to help, and I'm especially happy to have more people in the house. You know how much I love having my family close," he added, glancing at Gaius.

"Ah, the scheme finally comes out!" Gaius said teasingly, his dark eyes sparkling with happiness as he hugged Serenus and Regulus both. "Tell the truth: you sent Regulus to seduce me just so I'd move back in, right? Now I know you have plenty of babysitters, so all I can figure is that you were missing cat hair on your sofa. Hmm... no, wait, you have Sekhmet for that, I suppose. So you must have missed my outstanding good looks and charming personality."

"Ah, you've found me out!" Serenus laughed and squeezed Gaius playfully. "All that, and I missed having my baby brother to pick on. With you under the same roof, I can tease you to my heart's content. Severus will be jealous," he added with a wink.

Gaius kissed Serenus' cheek again, then nuzzled him affectionately. "I think Severus will be just as happy not to have Regulus and me around, or at least not together. You know how he despises soppiness, and for some reason, I'm feeling most delightfully soppy." He turned his head so that he could nuzzle Regulus, adding a tiny nibble of his lover's ear. "If you don't mind me being soppy, that is. I'm afraid I'm not terribly good at hiding my feelings most of the time; when I'm happy, everyone knows it. And I am most assuredly very happy right now."

"Really? I hadn't noticed," Serenus said blandly, amused and bemused by this turn of events. "And what about you?" he asked, turning to Regulus; it hadn't been that long since Regulus had declared his disinterest in sex and romance, and he had come 'round to the idea of pursuing Gaius rather quickly. "Are you deliriously happy too?"

"I am happy, yes," Regulus replied. "A little overwhelmed, perhaps, but happy."

"Ah, well, you'll have to get used to it," Serenus said, giving him a sympathetic look. "We tend to be overwhelming on a regular basis, and Gaius is one of the worst of the lot," he added, teasing.

"Hey!" Gaius sniffed, tilting his head up at a haughty angle, although his eyes were smiling. "Well, perhaps I'll have to tone it down a little bit, but only for Regulus' benefit." He stepped back, taking Regulus' hand and squeezing it. "I'm glad you're happy, and you'll have to tell me when you feel you are too overwhelmed and need space. Even from me. I understand that you will need your private time, and it won't offend me when you take it."

Regulus twined his fingers with Gaius' and smiled reassuringly. "I am not in need of private time," he replied. He hesitated before continuing, but Tybalt and Serenus had been his confidantes of late, and he supposed there was no need to hold back now just because Serenus was present. "I suppose now that the initial rush is over, the reality is hitting me: I am in a relationship with you, a Snape, the brother of the scary Snapes, and the former lover of my deceased brother. It is quite... odd, don't you think?"

Gaius chuckled; he couldn't help it, although he wasn't laughing at Regulus; he was just amused by the way Regulus had put it. "Let's see... We have Severus, who is in a relationship with a werewolf whom he pretended to hate for twenty years, and he likes to dress up as female and has been, as a 'woman', a Muggle fashion model and borne two children. Then we have Serenus, who ran away from Tybalt and had his future mother-in-law give him a necklace that makes even Severus drool, and who has also given birth to twins. Odd? Well, maybe so, a bit, but you have to say that in our family, it just makes you fit in better."

"Well, when you put it like that..." Regulus smiled, amused by Gaius' description of his brothers. "I suppose our situation isn't so odd in comparison."

"Definitely not," Serenus said. "One of you would have to get pregnant to come even close. Any takers?" he asked lightly, raising one eyebrow.

Eyes wide, Gaius looked at Regulus. "I don't think we've gotten to the point of talking about that... yet," he said lightly. "Cymbeline did ask me to have kittens for her, but I thought that Cyanide put an end to that particular request!"

"No, we are definitely not at the point of discussing that yet," Regulus said vehemently. He was perfectly content to take care of the twins and enjoy parenthood from a distance for the time being; he was in no way ready to contemplate being a parent himself, not when their relationship was new, and he was new to dealing with small children.

Serenus laughed, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief. "No close cousins for our Snapelet-to-be, then? I suppose I'll have to hope for another set of twins so they won't be alone in the pack."

Gaius gave Regulus' hand a squeeze, glad that they were on the same wavelength in that regard. No doubt, given the very oddness of the Snape family, they would end up discussing it, but he wanted to have a good long time to enjoy Regulus first. They would have plenty of family around for the time being without adding to it themselves, and if they ever did, it would be on their own time and on their own terms.

He knew Serenus was only teasing, though, and so he stuck out his tongue. "Don't go trying to make us have one just because you want a playmate for your own!" he said with a sniff, but his eyes sparkled with humor. "But I will concede that I won't mind helping with the babysitting or with chores. In between bouts of fabulous, hedonistic shagging with Regulus, of course. He wants me all for himself, and I intend to see that he gets me as often as he wants."

"Of course," Serenus said, straight-faced but with twinkling eyes. He remembered all too well how that giddy rush of new desire felt, and as much as Gaius' remark amused him, he could understand it too, and he wasn't inclined to tease, given the tables could be turned on him quite easily. Despite having been together a while and being parents, he and Tybalt were no less hungry for each other than they had been on their honeymoon.

"Fortunately, Gaius is quite generous," Regulus said, chuckling. "We will try not to disappear entirely. We do have work to drag us out of the bedroom, and we will emerge to eat and contribute to household tasks."

Wrapping his arms around Regulus' waist, Gaius snuggled in close. "Yes, we will - and to play with the hellions, of course," he said, rubbing his cheek against Regulus' shoulder. "Thank you for everything, Serenus. This means the world to me, and I owe you so much." His eyes spoke of more than he could say at the moment, as he gazed at Serenus with love and gratitude. "I have the best family in the world, even when my older brothers pick on me. I suppose it's worth it."

His expression softening, Serenus reached out to stroke Gaius' cheek, pleased to see him looking so happy and content. "I think all of the madness is definitely worth it," he said. "You don't owe me anything. It's what family is all about, right? I'm just glad you're happy again, and I hope you and Regulus find the same satisfaction that Severus and I have with our partners."

"I hope so, too," Gaius said fervently. He looked up at Regulus. "I'm going to do my best to make you happy, I promise. Not just with fantastic sex, either; we were friends first, right? I enjoy being with you, no matter what, and I think things will work out fantastically. See, I'm even saying that in front of my brother, and you know he'll remind me of it time and time again if I ever start to pout or fret or grumble. Not that I do much of that, of course." He winked broadly at them both. "I leave the grumbling to Severus, and the fretting to Serenus - and my pout is just too sexy to be resisted."

Regulus slid his arm around Gaius' waist and smiled down at him. "We were friends first, yes, and that will not change. Our friendship has given us a solid foundation to build on," he said, and then he glanced at Serenus, amused. "I will not forget we have a witness in case you do grumble, fret, or pout."

"I won't forget," Serenus promised, drawing an X over his heart with mock-solemnity.

"Well, since that's settled... I suppose I should collect up a few things from my flat, shouldn't I?" Gaius raised a brow. "Unless you want to talk to Tybalt about things before I invade and we take over a whole floor of your house. Although I suppose you could point out the advantages of having two cats in the place: you'll never have mice in the pantry."

"No doubt that will be the strongest selling point," Serenus said, grinning. "No, go on and get your things. Bring whatever you want to tide you over, and we can start the renovations as soon as you get back. I don't think Tybalt will have a problem with my idea, but if he does, I'm sure I can find a way to win him over," he said, smiling winsomely and batting his lashes. "I do have certain powers of persuasion."

"No doubt!" Regulus chuckled, and then he gave Gaius a questioning look. "I can help you pack, if you like," he said. "Although the process might not be a quick one if I go with you," he added with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"I'm in no hurry," Gaius replied, answering the gleam in Regulus' eyes with a heated look of his own. Hunger rose swiftly, and he pictured himself sprawled out naked on his own bed with Regulus over him. "Well, not to pack. As for getting there..." He let his voice trail off suggestively. "Are you ready, then?"

"Oh, yes," Regulus replied, smiling suggestively and giving Gaius a squeeze. "Very ready."

Serenus chuckled and shook his head, flapping both hands at them in a shooing gesture. "Go on, then. I'll expect you when I see you, and I certainly won't hold my breath waiting for you."

"You are a wise man," Gaius said, urging Regulus back toward the fireplace again. "I'd not like you to suffocate on our account." He blew a kiss to Serenus, then picked up a pinch of Floo powder. "I'll be in the bedroom," he told Regulus, licking his lips in anticipation before tossing the powder into the grate and disappearing from view. With any luck, Regulus would tackle him before he even got down the corridor.