The Space Between Failing and Falling • Snarry •

Chapter 14: Explorations and Epiphanies

The muscles of Harry's thighs tense. He pulls Harry against his hard crotch, and he can see the notches of Harry's spine when he curls forward, groaning, gasping, groaning.

Suddenly, Harry stops, ribs heaving, and he threads his fingers in Severus's hair. "Fuck. Kiss me. Give my lips something to do so that I don't scream—"

He obliges, nails raking across Harry's scalp, and he knows Harry must be so close.

Then, his pleasure crests and he is shaking, abdomen taut, grip strong and slow. He jolts over and over, and whines helplessly into Severus's mouth as his cum lands on his chest.

He breathes heavily for a few seconds, before moving to hum loudly into Severus's neck.

Severus takes a moment to let what has happened sink in. He is in awe. He has held another man in his arms during an orgasm.

He kisses Harry's hair over and over again as Harry regains his composure.

All is quiet for a time, Harry's face buried into Severus's throat, though it can't be comfortable.

Eventually, Harry speaks to him. "Would've been better. With you inside me." Severus lets out a choked gasp when Harry wriggles against his erection. "Can I, er, help with that?"

Shaking his head tightly, Severus says, "Ah, no. That would not be wise."

"You must be a master Occlumens," Harry says. "You definitely seem turned on, but you look...blank. What're you feeling?"

Severus buries his nose into Harry's hair, and the knuckles on his fists are white. "I feel very aroused. In love. Tantalised." Harry's hand sneaks inside his robes to stroke the hairs on his forearm. "That tickles. I must insist you stop," Severus says. "And I should take my leave."

"Stay the night," Harry suggests.

"I haven't got my nightshirt."

Severus gets up and puts on his shoes. Harry furrows his brow. "What's wrong?"

"In case you hadn't noticed, I am trying not to have sexual relations with you," Severus states. "And I don't have my painkillers."

Harry cleans himself with a casual wave of his hand and rests back against the pillows. "Go home, have a wank, get your potions and stuff, and come back to me." Harry's eyes flicker down to the tented robes. "You can sleep naked—I promise not to seduce you."

He could stay. It's an option.

"Or are you afraid I'll dump you when I find out you snore or hog the duvet?"

"I do not snore," Severus says, folding his arms. "Nor do I hog the sheets."

"I don't believe you. Prove it."

Severus breathes in deeply through his nostrils. Harry looks so gorgeous nude. And he wants Severus to stay. What if he's still upset from earlier, and wants to be held? Severus ought to stay. Just in case.

"You win," Severus says.

"And what a prize you are," Harry says with a smile.

He leans down for a kiss, and Harry is gentle, pacified. "I'll be back soon."

Severus Apparates to Cokeworth, and tiptoes past his grandmother up to his bedroom. Within a flash his robes are off, and he's leaning against the door, fisting his aching cock. When he recalls Harry's incredible body, the whimpers as he came in his arms, and the smell of his sex, Severus doesn't last long—not even ten seconds.

Within minutes, he's brushed his teeth and is back in Harry's room, setting the potions on the chest of drawers and laying out his dark blue Serious Patents Office robes.