cocoa_cardigan (cocoa_cardigan) wrote in snark_n_bark, @ 2007-12-11 17:36:00 |
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Entry tags: | complete, remus, serenus, tybalt |
A Modest Proposal
Characters: Serenus, Tybalt, Remus, Serafino, Etienne, and Etienne's teeth
Summary: Remus visits with his in-laws and makes a surprising request
Remus hummed to himself as he made his way toward Azoth House, enjoying the brisk winter wind as it blew his scarf back and ruffled the strands of hair which had escaped from his ponytail. Christmas was coming, which was excitement enough in a way, especially given the shenanigans Cymbeline and Lysander had gotten up to lately, but he had a date a little further off on his mind, and it was time to start making plans.
Of course, he couldn't let Severus know, and so instead of Floo'ing directly from Snape Manor, he'd gone to Monkshood Cottage, claiming that he was going to do some shopping in Hogsmeade. He'd made a few stops in town, but soon enough, he'd veered off toward his real destination, hoping Serenus and Tybalt would be interested in the little plan he was concocting.
His cheeks were pink with the cold and his eyes were dancing with amusement as he mounted the steps and knocked briskly on the front door. He could hear one of the twins wailing - Etienne, no doubt - inside, and so he knocked again, just to make certain that they could hear him.
"I'll get it!" Tybalt called out, bouncing Etienne on his shoulder as he paced up and down in the parlor. The baby was cutting teeth, and since he was miserable, he felt that everyone in the house needed to know it. Fortunately, he did have to pause to take a breath, and it was during a lull that Tybalt heard the knocking.
Disengaging Etienne's fist from his hair, Tybalt made his way to the front door. He was surprised to find Remus on the other side, but pleased. "Remus, hullo," he greeted his brother-in-law warmly. "Come on in, it's cold out there! Sorry for the din. Etienne doesn't seem to think that teeth are worth the pain of getting them."
"Cymbeline was similarly disinclined," Remus said, shaking his head and sighing. "Gaia's not quite there yet, but no doubt she'll be joining the choir soon. Here, let me have him. Maybe he'll respond to what Cymbeline did."
Tybalt nodded, handing over Etienne with a sigh of relief. "I think I've gone deaf in one ear," he chuckled. He tur
ned and called back toward the kitchen. "Serenus, Remus is here!"
Meanwhile, Remus cradled the fussy Etienne on his arm. The baby boy's blue eyes were filled with tears, but rather than looking pitiful, he wore a very Snapean expression of outright anger. "Shh... I know it hurts," Remus murmured to him softly. He dangled a finger in front of Etienne's face, and Etienne snatched the finger and put it in his mouth, gumming at it hard.
"Wow, you got him to stop. But doesn't that hurt?" Tybalt asked, raising a brow. "He hasn't wanted any of the chewy things we've tried to give him..."
"He wants to share his pain," Remus chuckled. He gave Tybalt a wink. "I know cranky Snapes, and believe me, they do best when they feel like you really understand their suffering. Severus has a salve that will help, though."
Tybalt gave an amused snort, then led Remus into the parlor. "Have a seat. Do you want me to take over? I'd not like to send you back to Severus without a finger. He'd have my head on a plate."
"I'm fine," Remus said, sinking down on the sofa. "As long as he's happy, let's not disturb him."
Upon hearing Tybalt's summons, Serenus lowered the heat beneath the pot of soup he was making and wiped off his hands on a dishtowel before retrieving Serafino from his bouncy seat; he'd brought the baby into the kitchen while Tybalt dealt with Etienne's teething pains to avoid Serafino deciding to howl along with his brother out of sympathy. Not to mention it gave them both a break from the racket!
"Dear Merlin, it's quiet at last!" he said as he walked into the parlor. "What happened? Did he conk out?" He spotted Etienne gnawing on Remus' finger and shook his head, amused. "Ah-ha - he's found another way to share his suffering. That explains it." Cradling Serafino against his shoulder, he went to the sofa and bent to kiss Remus' cheek. "This is a pleasant surprise. Is Severus with you or do we have the honor of your company alone?" he asked as he took a seat in a chair by the fireplace and settled Serafino in his lap, turning him so Serafino could still see everyone else in the room.
Remus leaned into the kiss with a smile. "Just me, actually. I wanted to talk to the two of you about something," he replied, watching as Serenus moved to the chair. Tybalt followed along after, sinking to the floor at Serenus' feet and leaning back against Serenus' legs. It was a familiar pose, and Remus was very glad to know the two of them were as comfortable with and certain of each other as he and Severus were.
"Really?" Tybalt asked, curious. "What's that? Plans for the holiday?"
"Not exactly," Remus said, his smile becoming decided wolfish. "At least, not for Christmas."
"Oh?" Serenus gave Remus a quizzical look even as he reached down to comb the fingers of one hand through Tybalt's hair lightly. His other arm was wrapped securely around Serafino, who was sprawled comfortably with his thumb in his mouth while he used his Papa as a backrest, seeming content to look and listen. "I know that look," he said, a gleam of amusement in his eyes. "If you want to leave the children with us while you whisk Severus off for a few days of decadence for the New Year, we'll say yes if you promise to leave Nanny Stella with us, too."
"Actually, Nanny Stella does figure into this, albeit indirectly," Remus replied. "But only in the sense of her watching all five of the cherubs."
"Oh?" Tybalt opened his eyes, which had fallen closed in sensual delight as Serenus caressed his hair. "We're invited along on... whatever this is?"
"Not just along," Remus said, then took a deep breath. Despite the intimacy the four of them had shared before, he knew what he was about to suggest went a bit further, and it might even be too far, at least by Tybalt's standards. Serenus he was more certain of, but he had no doubts that if Tybalt were disinclined, Serenus wouldn't press the issue, and neither, for that matter, would Remus. "It's about Severus' birthday - and since Serenus shares it, it seems only fitting that any plans be... inclusive. As a matter of fact, that's the central part of the the whole thing."
Serenus frowned slightly in puzzlement. "I'm afraid I don't quite follow you. Are you thinking about another family vacation?" That was the only idea he could think of, but he wasn't certain why Remus would seem hesitant about suggesting it.
"Um, no," Remus replied. He was obviously being too round about, and he flushed slightly. "I, er... I was thinking that if the two of you were agreeable, I'd like to give you, Serenus, to Severus for his birthday. Which would be a present of sorts to you, as well. I mean... if you were interested."
Tybalt's eyes widened, and his flush matched Remus'. He remembered quite well the little interlude they'd shared not too long ago, although he wasn't certain if there would ever be a repeat. It had been very enjoyable, and he turned his head to look up at Serenus. This was a bit different than before, if Remus was suggesting what Tybalt thought he was suggesting. A small shiver ran down Tybalt's spine, and he swallowed, images of two identical, pale bodies twined together flashing before his eyes. "Er... Serenus?" he asked faintly.
Serenus blinked and stared at Remus for a moment, wanting to make certain he had heard what he thought he'd heard, and then he couldn't help but laugh as images of himself tied up with a green bow being presented on a large silver platter to Severus, who was dressed up like a sultan, filled his mind. "You want to give me to Severus?" He shook his head, still chuckling. "Are you sure he wouldn't try to get a refund?"
"I think he would be very pleased." Remus' smile returned, and his eyes held a gleam of heat. "I've seen the two of you together, and there's more than just brotherly interest there. Tell me you haven't thought about it, Serenus... I know that I have, and I'd be willing to bet the profits off my next book that Severus has, too."
Tybalt's breath caught. He'd certainly heard them joke and tease about such things, but he was never certain how much of it was in earnest. Part of that, he knew, was his own rather adolescent awe of Severus, which oddly enough hadn't abated despite the fact that Severus had shagged him within an inch of his life while Serenus watched. "Oh, my." It was all he could manage that was coherent, caught between the sheer sensual wickedness of the idea and the hint of scandalized shock he felt at the idea of them actually going through with such a thing. Not that the rules of society had ever seemed to apply where Severus Snape was concerned.
"I won't deny the interest," Serenus admitted slowly, mulling over the idea now that it seemed Remus really was serious about it. "Things have always been somewhat... charged between Severus and me in one way or another since we met. And yes, I've thought about it."
Things had been somewhat "so close and yet so far" between the two of them when it came to indulging that heated tension between them; somehow, it never quite happened for one reason or another, and there was a little part of him that was a bit jealous that Remus and Tybalt had both experienced what he had not. He didn't know why the idea appealed to him; perhaps it was the lure of the forbidden or perhaps it was an innate desire to cement their connection, albeit in a manner that was taboo. Perhaps he wanted this kind of bonding because they had missed out on so much in not growing up together; perhaps he simply wanted to be joined with his other half in a literal sense. Whatever the reason, he hadn't thought Severus felt the same way, at least not quite so strongly; Severus didn't seem to feel their connection as keenly, and Serenus had often wondered if perhaps he did but didn't show it or if perhaps the existence of another kind of bond - the mating bond - made him less susceptible to the pull of their bond.
Glancing down, he stroked Tybalt's cheek, abruptly remembering his weren't the only considerations to be included in this decision. "How do you feel about it, caro? If it would make you unhappy or uncomfortable even a little bit, we needn't discuss it further."
"It's a bit, unusual," Tybalt said slowly, leaning into the caress of Serenus' hand. He looked up into Serenus' face, seeing the sincerity of Serenus' words. If he were to say no, he had no doubt Serenus would never mention it again. Serenus loved him, and Tybalt was completely secure in that love. They'd come through too much to be together, and he knew that he was the only one Serenus was in love with. This was... different, to be sure, but if Serenus had wanted to be with Remus and Severus instead of with him, Serenus no doubt would be already. Serenus simply shared a different sort of bond with Severus, one that expressed itself more sexually than it would have if they'd grown up together as Etienne and Serafino were. As Remus had once told him, Snapes were very passionate men, and it seemed that the delay of the fraternal bond had caused it to express itself in a more sensual way. It wasn't just limited to the twins, either; Tybalt had seen how Gaius was around his brothers, and they around him.
He smiled at Serenus lovingly. "I'm fine with it, if it is what you really want. I know you love me, and obviously Remus is secure enough in Severus' feelings to suggest it. What you have with your twin is different, but I've never thought that society had a place in anyone's bedroom. Or parlor," he drawled, a reminder of just where the four of them had indulged in their previous encounter. "Your happiness is all that matters to me, and if you want to shag your brother's brains out, you have my blessing."
Serenus laughed, his dark eyes alight with excitement at the idea, and Serafino peered up at him, seeming puzzled by all the bouncing at his back. "I'll reward your generosity later," he promised, stroking Tybalt's cheek again before turning his attention back to Remus. "Well, if you're certain it's something Severus would truly want, then it would seem you don't have to shop further for his birthday gift this year."
Remus grinned, pleased that they were both willing to go along with his idea; as expected, Serenus seemed quite taken with the idea, and he silently thanked Tybalt for not objecting, for being open minded enough to see what seemed so very obvious to Remus. "Excellent - and I'll make certain you feel adequately celebrated as well," Remus promised. "If Severus doesn't manage to do the job himself, that is. Although I have the feeling that he'll be quite inspired to make sure you are screaming with satisfaction."
"I can imagine," Tybalt chuckled. Severus' intensity was rather fascinating, and having experienced it for himself, he had no doubt that Serenus would enjoy whatever the two of them decided to do. "So are we going to truss you up like a Christmas goose or something? Or have you pop out of a cauldron?"
Serenus grinned, amused by both suggestions. "When Remus first suggested it, I had a sudden image of myself being presented to Sultan Snape on a silver platter." He glanced at Remus again questioningly. "I suppose it depends on where this will take place. Did you have anything or anywhere specific in mind?"
"Actually, I'd decided to tackle the problematic bit first," Remus said apologetically, although he was amused by the way both of them were getting into the idea. Relieved, as well - if things had gone badly, no doubt it would have created an uncomfortable tension between them, but the strength of what the four of them shared had given him hope that his idea wouldn't be rejected outright. This, however, was even better than he could have hoped. "Any suggestions? Either house is fine, and ours does have the pool-bath, if that appeals to you. Otherwise, we can have our choice of venues: hotels, mansions, private beaches... you name it, and I'll make it happen. Since Severus is getting the surprise, I think it only fair that you get to pick the location."
"Ooo... that sounds promising," Tybalt said eagerly. He grinned up at Serenus. "What do you think? Something wild and decadent?"
"I think what we'll be doing is wild and decadent itself," Serenus replied. "Perhaps a simpler setting would be best." He spent a moment cuddling Serafino while he considered the options. "What if we use the pool-bath?" he said slowly. "Those kinds of jacuzzi-pools can certainly be fun," he added, grinning at Tybalt as memories of their honeymoon rose up. "That way, we'll be in a familiar setting, but one with excellent potential."
"Sounds good," Remus said. He leaned forward, careful not to disturb Etienne, who had fallen asleep still gnawing on his finger. "Thank you - both of you. I know Severus will enjoy this, and I really hope that you will, too. I think it's special, what the two of you have, the same way that what Severus and I have is special. But I think we proved there's enough room for four on occasion - or two, in this case - without any of us feeling excluded or unloved." He looked at Tybalt directly. "I think the two of them need this, actually. It's been simmering under the surface for years."
"As long as Serenus is happy, I'm happy," Tybalt replied, rubbing his cheek against Serenus' knee. "And I agree, there is room for this without it lessening the relationship Serenus and I share. Right, Serenus?"
"Right." Serenus sifted his fingers through Tybalt's hair again and smiled fondly at him. "I love Severus, and we share a special connection, but it isn't the same thing as what we have or what Severus and Remus have. Neither could take the place of the other, and there is definitely room for both." He glanced at Remus again, still smiling. "I think you're right: we need this. I do, at least, and ignoring it won't make it go away."
"Even my darling mate, the king of denial, would agree on that point," Remus chuckled. "Well, good, I'm glad that's settled. What I'll do is arrange for a birthday dinner for the two of you, and then we'll spring the surprise on Severus as dessert. I think I can even arrange for that silver platter, and Merlin knows Severus would no doubt love playing the sultan." He looked at Tybalt with a grin. "Don't be surprised if he demands you as a serving boy. He's quite taken with the pretty Auror."
"He is?" Tybalt blinked, then blushed. "For some reason, he's the only person who can make me feel like a gawky fifteen-year-old again. Even Old Man Moody can't do that - but then Moody is hardly the subject of anyone's fantasies, adolescent or otherwise."
"Poor love." Serenus smoothed his hand down and rubbed the back of Tybalt's neck. "If it's any consolation, Severus would hardly have wanted to shag you silly if you were gawky or an adolescent. I know you got off to a rocky start, but he does like you." He smiled wryly. "In his own irascible way. Besides, I doubt His Highness will let either of you get away with sitting idly by. You'll be put to use in some way, even if it's just peeling grapes."
Remus laughed quietly. "Did he tell you about the restaurant Gaius took him to? I think a trip there might be necessary for the four of us at some point - perhaps as a reward to Tybalt and me for being the most fantastic spouses in the universe." He winked at Serenus, then stood up. "I should be getting home. Severus thinks I'm holiday shopping, and I don't want him to suspect it's a bit more than that. Being mated to a Legilimens means I have to be particularly crafty to keep secrets!"
Tybalt rose, reaching out to take the slumbering Etienne, who frowned as he lost his grip on Remus' finger. Tybalt quickly substituted his own, before Etienne could realize what had happened and wake up enough to object. "Maybe even worse than being married to someone who doesn't forget anything?" he asked, shooting Serenus a quick grin. "Don't worry, neither of us will say anything, although that grin on Serenus' face might raise a Snapean brow."
Serafino was dozing off as well, and so Serenus didn't move, merely answering the comments with a smile. "If he wonders why I look unbearably soppy, I'll just tell him it's because you've done something sweet and romantic, and that will guarantee he'll run away screaming rather than ask for details," he said, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "No comment on Legilimency versus eidetic memory from me, however!" he added, teasing.
"That ought to do it," Remus agreed. He craned up to kiss Tybalt quickly on the cheek, then bent down to give Serenus one as well. He stroked Serafino's silken hair briefly, then straightened. "I'm off, then. Let me know if you decide you'd prefer a secluded beach or something instead of the pool-bath. January can get awfully cold."
"I'll make sure he does," Tybalt said, walking Remus toward the Floo. "In the meantime, we need to get together for a family meal. Don't be surprised if you get an invitation in the near future."
"I'll be looking forward to it," Remus replied, then with a smile and a wave he stepped into the hearth and was gone in a flash of green light.
Tybalt turned back to Serenus, a wide smile on his lips. "Well, it looks like someone is going to have a very happy birthday," he drawled, sauntering over to perch on the arm of Serenus' chair. "Two someones, actually. A win-win situation."
"Most definitely." Serenus slid his free arm around Tybalt and leaned against him as best he could without disturbing Serafino, who was out like a light. "Thank you," he added softly, gazing up at Tybalt with heartfelt gratitude. "I appreciate that you're willing to share me with Severus, of course, but it isn't just that. I'm glad - very glad - you're secure enough to feel comfortable sharing. I know that wasn't always the case, and I know we've had a difficult time getting to this point, which makes me all the more appreciative of where we are now."
Tybalt flushed with pleasure, glad that Serenus appreciated him. "I don't think you'd have gone through what you did, risked what you did to be with me just to throw it all away for a shag - even with Severus, who had the reputation of being the Slytherin Sex God back when I was a lad," he replied. "I trust you, Serenus. We have something special and lasting, and you sharing your body with your brother isn't going to change that or weaken it in any way. Nor am I worried that you'll suddenly decide to toss me over for him or anything like that. No more than I changed after I had sex with him, or you did after having sex with Remus." He smiled. "It was just fun, and this is something that will be enjoyable for the two of you."
"Exactly so," Serenus replied, nuzzling his cheek against Tybalt's arm. "You're the one I'm in love with and the one I chose to spend the rest of my life with. Having fun with someone else won't change that, although I will say Severus and Remus are the only ones I feel inclined to play with. It's different with them."
"Yes, it is. To be honest, I don't think I would be quite as willing or comfortable if it were someone who wasn't family. Not because I don't trust you, but because I wouldn't trust them." Tybalt sighed and shook his head. "I suppose I've watched too many Muggle dramas, but I don't know that I wouldn't worry someone else might turn all crazy stalker and want to take you away from me - permanently."
"No worries about that ever happening," Serenus replied, giving him an affectionate squeeze. "Playing with our family once in a while is one thing, but I don't need or want anyone else beyond that. You satisfy me quite well enough without looking farther afield."
"As you do me," Tybalt said fervently, returning the hug. He leaned over and pressed a lingering kiss to the top of Serenus' head. "Why don't we put the princes to bed? If that soup can simmer for a while longer, I am willing to show you just how well you satisfy me."
Serenus released a little hum of pleasure and nodded, fully supportive of that idea. "The soup will be all the better for simmering and letting the seasonings seep in, but my appetite for you can't wait. I want satisfaction now."
"Then you shall have it," Tybalt promised. He rose to his feet, holding out a hand to assist Serenus up from the chair, his blue eyes darkening with rising desire. "You shall have everything you want, if it is possible for me to give it."
"It's possible," Serenus replied as he took Tybalt's hand and stood slowly and carefully, not wanting to jostle Serafino; once he was on his feet, he moved as close to Tybalt as he could with two babies between them, and he craned up to brush a kiss to Tybalt's lips. "All I want is right here."
Tybalt returned the kiss with barely restrained passion, then pulled back rather breathlessly. "Let's get the boys down before I risk Etienne's wrath by ravishing you right here," he said, using his free hand to tug Serenus toward the stairs.
Laughing softly, Serenus let himself be led upstairs, just as eager as Tybalt to settle the boys in their crib - and then get settled in bed himself. He was looking forward to their adult play date in January, but right here, right now, he wanted nothing more than to show Tybalt how much he was appreciated and loved, and he knew it would lead to great satisfaction for them both.