Tender Mercies
A very happy birthday to lore and a big thank you for all the wonderful things you do for the Lupin/Snape ship.
Title: Tender Mercies Author: sweetmelodykiss Pairing: Remus/Severus Rating: Mild R Word Count: 688 Category: Ficlet Summary: Remus is at Severus’ mercy. Disclaimer: I do not own them. Beta: Thank you angela_snape
Severus added each ingredient carefully, first the turmeric for joint pain, then the vervain as an anti-inflammatory and finally the ginseng to help battle fatigue. The healing balm would need to cool for a few hours and then it would be ready to use. Severus knew as soon as the sun rose, he would need it.
Severus filled jar upon jar of his special balm, fully replenishing his stock. He liked to make it in one large batch that would last for several months. Severus capped the last jar and left the potions lab to catch a few hours of shuteye before morning arrived.
From the very first moan of pain, Severus became instantly alert. The scarred body in bed next to him writhed helplessly, a small whimper escaping his lips as he tried to find a comfortable position.
"Hush now and lie still. You will feel better in a few minutes."
Severus lifted a vial to Remus' lips and poured a healing potion down his throat.
"Roll over and I'll start the massage."
Remus could only groan gratefully.
Severus picked up the jar of balm from the bedside table and applied the substance liberally to his hands. He started at Remus' feet and worked his way up. The balm was odourless, colourless and left no residue. It was one of his best creations.
Severus kneaded the tense muscles, working the balm into every part of Remus' body. He always tended to linger on Remus' arse cheeks, for purely selfish reasons. He then moved on to Remus' back, shoulders, arms and neck. These areas always needed the most work. His hands slid effortlessly over scarred flesh, tenderly massaging away pain and tension.
As Severus slowly and methodically rubbed the sore muscles, Remus moaned, but not from pain. "Ah, Severus, that feels wonderful. I'm sorry you have to go through this every month."
"I do not have to go through this every month. I choose to go through this every month. So do be quiet and let me finish."
"Yes, love, but I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate it."
"I know already. You tell me on a daily basis. There, that should do it. I'll go and make you some breakfast now. You'll recover quicker if you eat something."
Remus rolled over and smirked. "I am a bit hungry, but not for food."
"Foolish wolf, you're in no condition."
"Well, my entire body is boneless except for one part."
"Cheeky--it would probably kill you."
"Ah yes, but what a way to go. Please, come lay back down next to me. I want to feel your skin against mine."
Remus knew this was the one request Severus would always grant him.
Severus stripped off his robe and climbed back into bed with Remus.
They lay chest to chest with Severus lightly trailing his fingers up and down Remus' arms. Remus' body was limp as a rag doll except for his proudly jutting cock. Severus snickered, "Can't keep a good man down, can we?"
Remus grinned. "Never."
They slid their arms around each other and Remus leaned in for a long, sweet kiss. They rocked together slowly, like the gentle motion of a boat adrift at sea. Severus' hands cupped Remus' arse cheeks and pulled him closer. Remus' breath hitched in his throat as he aligned his cock with Severus' rigid member. They danced a slow, sensual dance, rolling their hips and swaying to a silent rhythm.
It always lasted longer this way, the warm slide of skin against skin, until finally after what felt like an eternity, they would groan and come almost in unison. Afterwards, Severus would run his fingers gently through Remus' hair, lulling him into a badly needed restorative sleep.
Severus would watch him sleep for a long moment before getting up to prepare breakfast. The smile that curved the edges of Remus' mouth in dreams was the only thanks Severus needed. It was a far cry from the days when Remus would wake up alone and in agony with no one there to comfort him. As long as Severus lived, Remus would never have to suffer alone again.