I am going to be contrary here for a second and say: One thing I didn't like, personally, was Rita's articles (in contrast to some other reviews it seems!). Normally I find such things very funny, but somehow they detracted from the narrative in this, IMO. This didn't seem to me like a story that needed comic relief beyond the amusing lines exchanged between Harry and Severus, so I found myself eyerolling and skimming at those parts. The idea is not bad, but I think it might have been better executed as just a few lines read aloud by either or both of them at various points, rather than "quoting" longer passages.
All that said, I really loved this story.
His own experiences with his father had taught him that happiness was not found in the bottom of an amber bottle. Clear perhaps, but definitely not amber.
*snerk*!
To his right, Severus could hear Potter banging his head against the table he had conjured.
This image was really hilarious for some reason.
While Severus had no problem with sex anywhere it came to him, he wasn't about to bend Harry over the kitchen table.
Not if he wanted to eat there again at a later date.
The scene after this was just so great. Such tasty "first time"ness.
Sighing, Severus leaned over the chair to rub Harry's shoulders. The quill fell from Harry's hand and hit the floor, a few ink spatters covering the hardwood floor where the tip hit. Severus continued his ministrations, his thumbs working at a couple of knots between his shoulder blades.
"Do you know what time it is?" he asked softly.
I really liked this glimpse of Severus being really tender.
"My turn to take care of you for once," Severus replied with a small smile.
What a beautiful scene.
He never hears the words 'and I you' replied so softly, it's like a whisper on the wind.
*cry*
Yes, laugh all you want. Yes, I can love, you bastards.
Rawr. No shit. Go Severus!
Once again, Severus was indebted to someone else for his future.
Oh, ouch. I can imagine how galling this must be for him.
"And that you would love me forever," Severus finished to Harry's astonished expression. "I was not asleep. I heard every word." He extended his hand to Harry. "Are you going to break those promises as well, or are you going to come inside?"
With a deep breath, Harry reached across the threshold to take Severus' hand.