Bedtime Games Characters: Remus, Severus, Gaia, Cymbeline Summary: in which there is sisterly progress, serious conversation, and shagging.
"No pink! Want bwack, Daddy!"
Gaia stuck out her lower lip stubbornly, the gesture looking amazingly like Cymbeline at the same age, despite the different color of her hair and eyes. Standing in front of the bathtub with her arms crossed over her chest - dressed in frilly underpants and nothing else - she was allSnape, and Remus shook his head and chuckled. He had no resistance to Snapes, not even those he'd fathered.
"Of course, poppet," he said, pulling his wand and using a quick charm to change the pink nightgown he was holding to black. It still had lace, but apparentlyGaia didn't object to it, for she smiled and clapped her hands, then allowed Remus to slip it over her damp red curls.
"Fank you, Daddy!" she said, throwing her arms around Remus' neck and hugging him tightly.
Remus picked her up and carried her to the sink, supervising tooth-brushing and hair combing before picking Gaia up again. He started toward the nursery, but Gaia shook her head and pointed. "No bed! Haffa say goo'night to Cymbleen!"
"Of course, how could I have forgotten?" Remus asked, shaking his head with amusement. In the last few weeks, Gaia had taken to subtly mimicking Cymbeline, following her around - sometimes at a distance - and getting as close as Cymbeline would tolerate. It seemed she wanted to be like her elder sister, who must seem quite talented and sophisticated to her toddler mind. Not thatCymbeline wasn't quite intelligent and precocious for her age, but Remus wasn't certain he could handle yet another potential Diva in the family!
The request for the black nightdress was thus explained, and Remus turned his footsteps toward his eldest daughter's room. "We have to knock; she might be doing homework," he cautionedGaia, who nodded. She reached out one chubby fist and rapped three times on the door, looking quite proud of herself.
A moment later, the door opened, and Cymbeline peered up at her visitors curiously. She was in her nightgown - black with a hint of lace as well - having just finished her assigned homework for the next day. "Hello," she said.
"Someone wanted to say goodnight before bedtime," Remus said, lowering Gaia down to the floor.
Gaia smiled, looking up at Cymbeline with admiration in her eyes. Cymbleen was so tall and pretty and smart, and Gaia wanted to be just like her. "Night, Cymbleen," she said, drawing herself up as tall as she could.
The fact that Gaia was wearing a nightgown like hers wasn't lost on Cymbeline, no more than the look in Gaia's eyes; stubborn she might be, but she was her papa's daughter, and she was susceptible to flattery and acknowledgment of her talents. Thus her attitude toward her little sister had softened over the past few weeks, enough that she reached out and pattedGaia on the head, much like she would Winslow or Cyanide.
"Good night," she said, in a tone reminiscent of a grand lady greeting a lowly peasant.
Gaia beamed, obviously thrilled with the attention and not catching Cymbeline's superior air. Remus snorted, picking up Gaia again. He'd noticed the picture Gaia had drawn of Cymbeline discreetly stuck up on a wall near Cymbeline's desk, and he thought perhaps the progress it appeared the girls were making - or rather, that Cymbeline was making toward her little sister - might be real after all. But it wouldn't do to call attention to it; if Cymbeline perceived that her parents saw her as softening, she just might go in the other direction out of Snapean stubbornness.
"Good night, Princess," Remus said, leaning down to kiss Cymbeline affectionately on the cheek. "Don't stay up too late, all right?"
Cymbeline tilted her head to accept the kiss, and she nodded. "I won't," she promised. Although she had her papa's night owl tendencies, she knew better than to stay up late when Nanny Stella started lessons early. "Good night, Daddy."
"See you at breakfast," Remus replied with a smile, then turned and headed for the nursery. Gaia craned to look around him, raising a hand to wave at her sister.
"See you at bweakfas'!" she echoed, keeping her eyes on Cymbeline until they turned the corner and stepped out of sight. Then she settled down in Remus' arms with a happy sigh. "Cymbleen waved!"
"Did she now?" Remus asked, chuckling again as he stepped into the nursery. He put Gaia down, and she went to fetch the storybook they'd been reading, and he settled in for their customary chapter.
By the time Snow White was placed in her glass bower in the forest, Gaia was drooping, her eyes half closed and her thumb in her mouth. She didn't protest as Remus placed her in the tiny bed that had once beenCymbeline's , rolling over and curling up on her side. He covered her up, then leaned down to kiss her soft cheek, feeling a swell of love for the determined little girl Severus had given him. She'd had a time of it, what with Severus having had difficulty bonding with her at first and then bearingCymbeline's resentment and distance for so long, but she was as determined as any Snape, as strong and resilient, and he was proud of her. Gaia was making her own place, and he liked to think that her inner core of serenity might have come from him.
He turned off the light as he left the nursery, then made his way to the master suite, wanting to find Severus. Lysander, like Cymbeline, liked to have his alone time in the evening in his room, and Remus felt a pang for how independent the children were becoming. It was a good thing, of course, considering that bothCymbeline and Lysander would be heading off to Hogwarts before too long, but it was still bittersweet to know that his little ones were growing up so fast. He couldn't believe how swiftly the years were passing; it had seemed when he was younger and alone and miserable that time had crept by, each day an eternity. Now that he was happy the time flew by so quickly it sometimes too his breath away.
Opening the door to their room, he stepped inside. He looked toward the bed, and his eyes widened as he saw Severus lying in the bed, his long hair down around his shoulders and wearing, from what Remus could see, the top to a set of particularly attractive black silk pajamas that Remus liked. Remus closed the door quietly, gazing his fill of his gorgeous mate. "Hello there, beautiful," he said, a smile curving his lips. "Dare I hope that you've been waiting for me?"
Severus closed the book he'd been reading and put it aside before looking at up Remus and shifting his position subtly into a more provocative pose. "I was waiting for a handsome werewolf to come along and ravish me," he said with a haughty lift of one eyebrow. "If that's what you are here for, I suppose you will do."
"Well, I'll do my best to live up to your high standards," Remus replied, amused and delighted by Severus' attitude. He stepped out of his shoes, then stripped his slightly damp jumper over his head and let it fall to the floor. The band which held his hair back followed next, and he shook out his long hair before starting to prowl toward the bed with a predatory gait. He gave a hungry smile, his eyes glintingferally as he let the wolf rise up. "Did somebody ask for a werewolf?"
Severus watched each movement avidly, darting his tongue out to lick his lips as Remus approached the bed; the sight of the wolf rising so quickly and easily in response made his body tighten with anticipation, but he lowered his gaze demurely even as he flipped the covers back invitingly. "Somebody did," he said, his voice husky.
"Good." Remus watched the flash of Severus' tongue, and it made him growl in satisfaction. Even after three children and several years of being together, Severus could inflame him with a look, a gesture, or even just by breathing. It was a delight to him, and he was just as eager now as the first time they'd made love.
By the time he got to the side of the bed the wolf could scent Severus, the subtle, spicy smell of him that caused him to growl low and deep in his chest. He stopped, unfastening the button of his jeans and then pausing to shoot Severus a wicked smile. "So, did your order request one that was wrapped, or bare?"
"I prefer my werewolves bare," Severus replied, a flash of hunger in his dark eyes as he let his gaze roam up and down the length of Remus' body. "All the better to see you with."
"Then by all means, you shall see everything you want." Remus unfastened the jeans all the way, then made a little show of easing them off his hips. They dropped to the floor, and he repeated the exercise with the blue silk boxers he wore. Finally he stood nude, not feeling self-conscious at all under Severus' regard, knowing that Severus loved him and enjoyed looking at him. "Like what you see?"
"I need a full three-sixty view," Severus replied imperiously, making a circular motion with his finger. "I can't venture an opinion until I've seen everything."
"Oh, of course - how silly of me," Remus said, grinning wickedly. He began to turn, using the opportunity to flex his muscles, particularly those of his arse. He worked out to keep himself in shape, not wanting to get flabby and soft from their comfortable life. He completed a show circle, then raised a brow. "Seen enough?"
"Yes, I've seen enough," Severus replied, beckoning to Remus. As much as he enjoyed looking at Remus' firm body, looking was no longer enough. "I want to touch now."
"So do I." Placing one knee on the bed, Remus slid in next to Severus, then straddled Severus' thighs. "I think you can reach everything from here, don't you?"
Severus didn't hesitate to rest his hands on Remus' thighs and slide them up slowly to Remus' hips, savoring the feel of warm skin and firm muscle beneath his palms. "I think so," he said, lifting his gaze to Remus' face and meeting his eyes. "Let's test the theory, shall we?"
He smoothed his hands around to Remus' backside and squeezed, and then he slid his hands up the length of Remus' torso, molding them to the planes and angles until he reached Remus' nipples. He flicked them lightly, then soothed them with his thumbs until he felt them harden.
"Yes," he purred. "I can reach everything I want."
The slide of Severus' hands over his skin was delightful, and Remus growled, showing his appreciation. He could feel the wolf rising up more, and he let it, knowing how Severus loved the fact that he and he alone had dominion over the darker part of Remus' soul. Pressing against Severus' hands, he gave a toothy grin. "So how much do you want it?"
Severus smirked as he slid one hand down, stroking Remus' stomach until he felt the taut muscles quiver beneath Remus' skin, and then he curled his fingers around Remus' hard length. There were ways other than pleading to get what he wanted, and he intended to use them.
"How much do you want this?" he countered, stroking Remus at a leisurely pace and watching the wolf grow restless, which was a pleasure for him in and of itself.
Remus let out a hissing breath as Severus went from teasing to a full frontal assault, sending waves of pleasure through him with every stroke. His eyes gleamed golden as he looked down at Severus, and he leaned forward, grasping Severus' shoulders. "I want you," he said, his voice deep and raspy. Then he moved, his head descending as he latched his teeth on the sensitive skin below Severus' ear and bit down.
Severus cried out and threw his head back to offer his throat, his toes curling at the feel of Remus' teeth on his flesh. "Yes...." he hissed, holding back nothing of the pleasure he felt. "I'm yours. You can have whatever you want."
Remus worried Severus' skin to leave a bruise, the wolf smugly satisfied with Severus' submission. Then he lifted up, nudging Severus' knees apart and moving to kneel between them. "Mine," he murmured against Severus' flesh, kissing his way from Severus' throat to his lips. He claimed Severus' mouth hungrily, his kiss possessive as he pressed Severus down into the mattress, relishing the feel of his silk-clad body.
Winding his arms around Remus' shoulders, Severus parted his lips and moaned into the kiss as he relaxed beneath Remus, surrendering to the possessive claim willingly. He enjoyed nothing better than feeling the wolf take charge, and he was eager to give whatever it wanted of him.
For a moment Remus wallowed against Severus, enjoying the sensation of Severus' firm body, but the wolf was insistent. He could smell Severus' desire, could taste it on Severus' lips as he explored thoroughly, wanting to wring every bit of pleasure he could from the kiss. Then with a wave of a hand and somewandless magic he made Severus' pajamas disappear, and he growled as bare skin pressed against bare skin, feeling better than any silk ever made.
Groaning, Severus arched up, seeking more contact as the slide of his bare skin against Remus' stoked his desire to nearly unbearable heights; he slid his hands down the expanse of Remus' back and clutched Remus' arse, urging him onward. "Now," he moaned, rocking his hips up. "I want you now."
There was no way Remus or the wolf could have resisted that plea, and he murmured the preparatory spells against Severus' lips before moving forward, claiming Severus' body with one slow, deep thrust. He groaned as the familiar, tight heat surrounded him, Severus feeling as perfect to him as he had the first time they'd made love this way.
Sliding one hand between them, he wrapped it around Severus' arousal. "Is this what you want?" he asked, nipping at Severus' lower lip. "Do you want your wolf to love you until you scream?"
"Yes." The word was a strangled moan, but there was no mistaking Severus' vehemence. He tightened his grip on Remus' arse, as if trying to push him deeper, and he writhed beneath Remus, his breathing grown ragged and shallow. "Yes, love me. I want to scream for you."
Growling deep in his throat, Remus let the wolf do as it wished, which was to take Severus hard and fast, wanting to drive them both over the edge. He stroked Severus in counterpoint, watching Severus' face avidly, wanting to see the moment when he came completely undone.
Severus cried out with wild pleasure at the rough claiming, and he dug his fingers into Remus' shoulders, clinging desperately tight as he gave himself over to Remus and the wolf; he could feel his body tightening as his arousal reached its peak, and he shouted Remus' name as he shattered, going wild beneath Remus in the throes of pleasure.
The sight of Severus letting go completely, the sound of him crying out Remus' name was almost overwhelming. Remus continued to stroke Severus through his release, then he could hold back no longer. With a moan he began to move faster, burying himself deeply, the wolf fiercely pleased with the response of its mate. Then ecstasy overwhelmed him and he howled, surging forward one last time and going still as he shattered.
Giving a groan, utterly spent, Remus moved down beside Severus and pulled Severus into his arms. "So perfect," he murmured, pressing his lips to Severus' damp temple, feeling completely sated. "My Severus. All mine."
Severus rolled into the embrace and slung one arm across Remus' waist, nestling close, feeling pleasantly exhausted by their exertions. "That was worth waiting up for, I suppose," he replied, although the haughtiness of his words was undermined by the lazy satiation in his voice.
Casting a wandless cleaning charm on them both, Remus pulled the covers up over them, tucking them in around Severus to keep him warm. "Well I guess I'll have to try harder next time - you're still conscious," Remus teased lightly, amusement in his eyes. He felt happy and content, and he cuddled up to Severus with a gusty sigh. "I'm glad you waited up for me, though. Gaia took a little longer to settle than usual; she insisted on a black nightgown and saying goodnight to Cymbeline."
"Oh, really?" Severus lifted his head and fixed Remus with a curious look. "Am I imagining things, or does she seem to be shadowingCymbeline more lately?"
Caressing Severus' back with long, slow strokes, Remus smiled. "No, you aren't imagining it. Moreover, Cymbeline is tolerating it. I've held my tongue, though; I'm afraid if I call attention to it Cymbeline will do an about face and start treating her badly again."
"She might at that," Severus conceded, knowing it didn't need to be said that she inherited her contrary ways from him. It was a relief, though, to know the changes he'd noticed of late weren't merely wishful thinking on his part; he didn't know what had prompted the change, but whatever the cause, the effect was a considerable reduction in the tension in the household. "I'm pleased to know they're making progress. Do you have any idea what started it?"
"I think it was Regulus having a talk with Cymbeline," Remus replied. "When he and Gaius took her shopping several weeks back. At first she just seemed thoughtful, but it's gotten better. I think that Gaia has also reached the age where she wants to be like her sister, and Cymbeline is hardly immune to the flattering implications of that."
"No doubt," Severus replied with a snort. "I've no doubt she would relish the idea of having a mini-me following her around. Perhaps the days of ignoring the troll are over."
"It would be different," Remus replied, then sighed. "Although I have a bit of concern that she'll go to the opposite extreme - from shunningGaia to treating her as though she were her own personal groupie. Siblings shouldn't be like that. It should be more equal. But maybe ifCymbeline can tolerate her for a while she might actually develop a fondness for her sister. Thank Merlin that Gaia isn't the sort to hold a grudge; she's just so grateful for any crumb Cymbeline throws her."
"Not that she has a diva-groupie model in her parents," Severus pointed out. "But I see your point. We will have to monitor the situation carefully and see how things develop. Right now, I am simply relieved that the hostility seems to be gone."
"We're not that bad," Remus said, nuzzling Severus' temple gently. "They know we're equal, just devoted to each other. But yes, we'll keep an eye on it and make sure nothing gets out of hand. And enjoy the lessening of stress in the household. When two people aren't getting on, it really can make things uncomfortable for everyone."
Severus shifted restlessly, thinking about his own recent sibling difficulties, and he frowned a little. "Is that a general observation or an oblique reference to the state of affairs between me andSerenus and his hulking husband?" he asked, arching one eyebrow.
"Actually I wasn't thinking about that," Remus replied honestly, then sighed. "But now that you mention it... you're still feeling prickly toward him, aren't you?"
Severus fell silent for a moment, considering the questions and his own feelings. He wouldn't consider giving an honest answer to anyone else, but he knew he could trust Remus to listen and give sensible advice without judging him for how he felt.
"Not prickly," he said slowly. "I'm not angry with either of them. I understand that neither of them left us - me - out intentionally, but knowing they didn't mean to doesn't make how I feel much better. I suppose the best way to describe how I feel is 'withdrawn'."
Remus ached for Severus, since he knew how Severus had cherished his bond with his twin. It had taken him so long to accept Serenus, and now he'd lost him again, or at least had lost the closeness they'd shared.
Caressing Severus' back, Remus pulled him close. "You've been hurt, so of course you're withdrawn... it's a natural reaction. The fact that they didn't mean to hurt you doesn't mean you don't feel hurt, and when something causes us pain it's reasonable to want to step back from it so that you don't suffer again." He sighed slightly. "Unfortunately interacting with your family isn't like avoiding drinking tea that's too hot or not poking a hornet's nest, because you can't cut them out of your life completely. All you can do is wait for the memory of the hurt to fade, and find a way to trust again."
"I suppose so." Severus sighed quietly and nestled closer, seeking comfort in Remus' embrace. "It isn't even that I truly believe they will hurt me. It's odd. I know they regret what happened and are genuinely remorseful, but at the same time, I feel protective of myself nonetheless. I'm not certain how to move beyond that other than time, as you said."
"I'm assuming that you do want to move beyond it," Remus replied softly. "Once you accepted Serenus, it seemed like you were truly happy to have your twin in your life. Has that changed at all?"
"No, of course not," Severus said, shaking his head. "I have learned to appreciate the benefits of having siblings. I wouldn't give it up lightly."
"Well that's good, at least," Remus said, kissing Severus' temple. "I was afraid that maybe there was something unspoken there, some issue beyond the obvious that might be involved. Maybe even one you weren't aware of yourself that's making it hard for you to bridge the gap. But you'll get past it, I'm sure. Just don't push yourself, and know that I'm not going to push you, either. This has to be on your terms, at your pace, or, if I know mySnapes, you'll end up digging in your heels."
"Am I so predictable, then?" Severus asked, giving an amused snort.
Remus chuckled. "To an extent, love, but it's part of what makes you you, and I wouldn't change you for anything in the world."
"Lucky for me, then." Severus sighed quietly and tangled his legs with Remus', wanting the closeness and feeling the rare desire to crawl under Remus' skin, if it was possible. "No matter what happens, I have you to understand me."
"You do, and you always will," Remus promised, holding Severus even closer. "And anything that hurts you, I'm here to give you comfort, and help you through it. You never have to be alone, just remember that."
"I know," Severus murmured, tightening his arms around Remus. He hoped Remus knew how grateful he was to have someone who knew him, understood him, and liked him, because the words certainly didn't come easily to him, but he suspected Remus did know. He was aware that he'd been more prone to melancholy since his difficulties after giving birth toGaia , and that was something he needed to think about and consider whether it was a factor in his withdrawal. But whatever happened, he knew Remus would support and help him along the way. "Thank you," he added, deciding this was as good a time as any to express a little appreciation.
"You're welcome, my love," Remus murmured. He knew that words were difficult for Severus, but he didn't need them. Severus was here, in his life, and Remus knew he would never leave. "You're my life, and anything I can do for you, be for you, I will. You deserve it. Your wolf wants you to be happy."
"My wolf keeps me very happy," Severus assured him, brushing a series of light kisses along his jaw. "I plan to keep my wolf happy in return in any way I can."
Humming softly, Remus tilted back his head to accommodate the kisses, enjoying Severus' affection. "Oh, you do," he said, moving a hand down to squeeze Severus' arse. "You most certainly keep me very happy, indeed."
"Mmm." Severus wriggled against Remus' hand as he continued nuzzling and kissing Remus' throat. "Perhaps I ought to take an invigorating potion so I can keep you happy again. The night is young, after all."
Remus laughed, pulling Severus closer. "I'll need a dose, too," he replied, even though he was feeling more than a bit aroused by Severus' attentions. "Whatever would make you happy, my dear one. I want to make you feel as good as possible."
"I think it would make me feel very good to ravish a werewolf and watch him go mad with need," Severus said, biting down lightly on Remus' throat.
With a gasp, Remus buried hands in Severus' hair, holding his head in place as he rolled onto his back and tipped his head back. "You could make me go mad very easily," he said raggedly. The wolf responded to being bitten, to its mate showing possessiveness in a way that spoke directly to it, and Remus had no desire at all to fight the feeling.
"Good," Severus replied smugly. He laved the bite mark with his tongue and pressed a light kiss to the spot before lifting his head. "I'll get that potion for us, and then we'll get started on round two."
"I can't wait," Remus replied, then pulled Severus back for a brief, hard kiss, plundering his mouth before releasing him with a swat to his arse. "All right, then, get that potion and hurry back - your wolf is anxious for its mate."
"Far be it from me to make the wolf wait," Severus replied as he climbed out of bed and headed to the bathroom, swaying his hips and giving Remus a little show along the way.
Remus watched, his desire growing as he stared at the delectable curve of Severus' arse. He growled softly. "I'm waiting!"
Once he was in the bathroom, Severus took his time, knowing round two would benefit from Remus' impatience, even though it meant tamping down on his own desire to hurry back to bed. "Good things come to those who wait!" he called back, a reminder to himself as much as to Remus. But he knew that what awaited him in the bedroom would be very good indeed.