When the Moment comes

He was led through a room decorated with warm golds and browns into a room decorated with marble and colored stones. In the centre stood a large bathtub with steaming water and bubbles, the kind Severus could only imagine in his best dreams. Warm breath touched his cheek and then Eradian hugged him closely. “You are smiling.” He said simply. “I will ensure you smile more often.” Eradian vowed cupping his cheek. Their kiss was breath-taking and loving.



“Don’t.” Severus whispered breathlessly when Eradian tugged his shirt. He was very much self-conscious. His body was not much to look at. Severus squirmed out of the embrace avoiding looking up at disappointed brown eyes.



“We are not going to do anything to make you uncomfortable.” Eradian did not try to reclaim his lover. He discreetly turned around and sighed a little, fighting a temptation to peek.



Certain that Eradian was not looking, Severus quickly removed the hospital grab and slid into the water. His sigh was of contentment. “You may look.” He whispered. The steam penetrated to the bones, relaxing the muscles and draining away all tension. Taking a deep breath, Severus sunk underwater. Only when the last bit of air escaped his lungs did he emerge on the surface. The soap stung his eyes. He brushed the hair away from the face and picked up a handful of bubbles poking them and drawing pattern on the shimmering surface. When the patterns melted, he blew on them, sending bubbles in every direction.



Eradian held his breath stepping back to merge with the wall, fearful to interrupt the peaceful instance. He and Madam Meline worried that trauma will cause Severus to withdraw but so far young wizard proved to be an enduring spirit. The enjoyment of something so simple made Eradian’s heart clench. Severus looked so innocent and younger than he was. Yet, when dark eyes rose from the sparkling water, there was no mistake that Severus was aware of the presence of another, even when he seemed carefree. Dark eyes were older than the rest, much older, hiding pain in their depths as deeply as the cuts ran. “Would you like me to wash your hair?” Eradian asked hopefully.



Severus scooped more bubbles. “I promised to let you take care of me, did I not?” He earned a sincere, open smile as Eradian unlocked on of the drawers and searched through the contents.



“I do not keep that many bottles here, only some herbal and evergreen. Are any of these all right with you?”



“They all are” Severus confirmed. “Please use herbal.” He never tried that one before. The school didn’t have a selection besides cheap raspberry soap bars which he detested. Meanwhile at home his bath consisted of a bucket of cold water on a good day.



Eradian picked up a green bottle. “We can visit the herbal shop once Madam Meline releases her jealous guard of you.” It was an epic battle with her to get Severus to his rooms while young wizard slept. Eradian poured a generous amount of fragrant substance into his hand. He gently massaged the oil into the black strands. “You can choose as many flavors as you like. They will be added to the selection.”



“I would like that.” The massage was wonderful. Severus didn’t believe he could relax any farther, even his bones were melting. Apparently Eradian expected them to live together. Severus didn’t dare to confirm or question that, not when he was so happy. His eyes fluttered closed and he leaned against the side of the tub. He shuddered in pleasure when Eradian pressed a kiss on his bare shoulder.



Everything about Severus was elegant and sophisticated. The curve between long neck and shoulder, visible above the water was delicious. “You are so beautiful.” Eradian murmured. He could fantasize about the creaming skin hidden from view. Recent cuts, under the healer’s skillful magic had perished. “I’m done with the hair.” Eradian cleared his throat. He wanted to rise, but Severus dived again. He could only soak the sponge in fragrant oil and wait.



When Severus emerged, Eradian drew him close and ran the sponge along the skin. He was delighted when no protect came.



Severus knew he should tell Eradian to do something more useful while he bathed, but being taken care of felt so divine. He wouldn’t be angry if he found out that imperio was used on him to let his guard down. The hand sliding along his skin was sensual and exciting. Perhaps too exciting, he soon discovered.



“Severus?” What’s wrong?” Eradian instantly noticed the change, when Severus became stiff. He took in the flushed featured and a brooding look which threatened to turn into a glare, correctly judging the trouble. He was careful to mask his delight. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I wanted you to relax.” He meant it sincerely, although secretly thrilled to have another proof that his advanced were wanted.



“This is not your fault. I didn’t think I could possibly react this way so soon…” Severus trailed. He knew he should be embarrassed, but when Eradian spoke in that quiet, velvet voice, it was bearable.



“What would you like to do?” Eradian asked. “I can help you find release or I can leave and give you privacy.”



Severus considered. He didn’t want Eradian to leave. He was protected in the wizard’s presence. A small part of him still feared that Tanya might appear out of thin air, grab him and lock him in the basement again, to die. He didn’t want to think about her. He wanted Eradian’s strong hands running across his check, stroking his sides, reaching for the…”I want you to stay.” He whispered urgently.



“Are you sure? You don’t have to agree.” Eradian’s hand hovered above his shoulder, not quite touching.



Severus took the hand and brought the palm to his lips. “I trust you. I don’t think that there is anyone else in the world whom I trust, but I know you cannot hurt me.”



Eradian embraced him again. He was not bothered by how wet he became. Their cheeks were touching. “I love you so much. I thought I might lose sanity when you vanished. Never do that again.” It was nonsense, complete lovers nonsense whispered in his ear, accompanied by long, sensual strokes. It didn’t need to make sense, emotion was enough. Shuddering in the waves of please, Severus came, overwhelmed by the seductively weaved enchantment. It was like being drained of the years of pain and humiliation. He might have sunk to the bottom of the tub and melted there if Eradian was not holding him. With the final kiss on his ear, Eradian released him.



“Mmmm, I might have found my favorite bathtub toy.” Severus commented dryly on the surface completely indifferent, if it weren’t for the marvelous blush. The tension between them, present since Severus woke up in the hospital wing lessened.



Eradian smiled. “Is this an invitation to join you next time?” Severus despite the glimpses of occasional, unique humor was far too serious for his age. Not nearly as wicked and energetic as he should have being. Of course, the seriousness was part of what Eradian adored. Stiffly, he climbed to his feet, the evidence of his discomfort clearly visible. “Surely, you didn’t think I can remain indifferent when you squirmed so temptingly in my arms?” He tried to maintain their light tone, when he met a baffled look. He intercepted a hand when Severus reached for him. It seemed only fair to the young wizard to return the favor despite the obvious unease. Eradian kissed the hand touched by the offer. “I don’t want to push you farther outside your comfort zone.” He explained. He summoned a fresh set of clothes and towels. “Why don’t you dry and get dressed while I change and take care of my inconvenience?” He offered. “I will be in the next room.”



“Go ahead.” Severus was not so selfish to keep Eradian with him. They shared another kiss before the bathroom door softly clicked shut. Ignoring the silence and sudden emptiness, Severus focused on how soft and clean the towels were and how well the pair of black trousers and a white shirt, although somewhat wide in the shoulders, fitted him. Almost timidly he went came back to the room of gold and brown. Standing in the doorway, Severus took in the sight of the room which seemed to reflect the owner’s personality, rich in every sense and so warm.



“Oh good, you are done.” He quickly looked at the source of words. This was the first time he saw Eradian dressed in robes, they were also brown and flowed easily to the floor. Eradian seemed comfortable in them as he made his way to the large couch and then beckoned Severus to join him. When the young wizard tried to perch at the very edge of the couch, Eradian grabbed him in a loose hug and dragged him to the very center and then draped a blanket over the thin form. Severus didn’t protest when Eradian summoned a hair brush and began to gently untangle his hair. “We also need to take you to the tailor shop. You cannot wear my transfigured clothes, even if the entire healing staff protests. I want you comfortable and happy as you deserve to be.” Severus was far more quiet than he was when they met at the ball, which Eradian didn’t mind, understanding how overwhelmed young wizard might be, although he loved hearing the voice, which haunted him the most.



“Do you mean that?” Severus ventured to ask. “You want me to stay with you?”



“I want you to stay forever, Severus, forever. I want to marry you. I want to introduce you to my family, to my father and to all the dotting uncles and aunts. I had to battle them away with a stick, as they are all dying to meet you and spoil and smother you with affection, as soon as they found out that you are my fiancée and when I told them your mother’s name.”



Severus simply listened as he simply chose to believe everything Eradian told him. He never felt safer in his life. He knew nothing was perfect. Tomorrow he will have to deal with finding a way of finishing his education, dealing with anxiety of unknown expectation as he would meet Eradian’s family, with coming to terms that a Prince of the magical world planned to marry him. But it was all tomorrow. At the moment, in the safe embrace he had not a single worry in the world, his joy as clear as the cloudless sky, at the moment he was happy.