Part Seventeen - Early Morning

Harry woke earlier than normal. The sun hadn’t yet rounded the corner of the window, and the room was still in darkness.
He slipped his free hand under the blanket, and let his fingers play across Severus’ naked body. He was still heavily asleep, and Harry knew he had had some trouble falling asleep last night. He felt him shift during the early hours. Poor man…he had a hard time talking of how he really felt, but Harry wanted him to tell. He didn’t want to keep on reading his mind, as he knew it made Severus feel vulnerable, and that wasn’t a good feeling for any man.
Harry’s fingers was trembling. This wasn’t everyday business between the two of them. They had their issues. Both of them. And when Harry felt down, there was no use even trying. And most of the times Harry was up for it, Severus hadn’t slept at all the previous night, and could only dream of it happening.
Harry knew Severus hadn’t slept too well, but he longed for his lovers body. He longed for the warmth, and the touch. His hand played its way down. He gently stroked him, as he could hear Severus open his eyes. His breath shortened, and he waited for him to stop it. Waited to be denied.

Silence.

Harry kept on his little game, feeling Severus’ eyes on his shoulders all the time. He felt him stiffen in his hand, but he didn’t move even an inch. He could hear him enjoying the touch, he panted every now and again. And as it closed in on him, he whispered to Harry, ”I love you, you’re my everything, Harry. I love you for being so gentle. So real. Don’t ever offer to leave me so that I can stay…do you hear me? Don’t eveeeeeeeeeehh…” He came in Harry's hand. And never finished. But Harry answered him anyway. ”I thought of it before you joined me at the lake yesterday”, he said ” but I can’t. I wouldn’t survive without you. It has to be both of us, or no one, Sev. I’m sorry.”

Severus smiled to himself. He had done it. He had told him. Even though he had been interrupted, he had told Harry what he felt. What he had twirled around in his head. And Harry had thought of it too. Earlier. He was an amazing man. So considerate, and beautiful inside. He rolled over to face him. And asked how he could repay him his effort… Harry smiled an innocent smile, got out of bed, and into the bathroom, where he filled the tub, and called for Severus.

”You know honey, this bath-oil, works quite well as a lubricant.”

Thank god it’s still too early for anyone to hear us, Severus thought to himself, before he slipped out of bed, and let himself be surrounded by the water. Right now, nothing else mattered. Harry was his, and when the answer from the ministry came, they’d have to face it. No use being concerned now. After all, they both knew it had to be both of them or no one