Severus walked into Malfoy Manor, slowly making his way to the living room where Lucius was sitting.
“Lucius… “
He walks up behind him, a somber look on his face.
The blonde turns.
“What is the matter Severus?”
“I… I don’t-…..”
He hesitates finishing his sentence and hugs Lucius, burying his face in the blonde’s chest.
The blonde hugs him back, but still seemed puzzled.
“Severus, ....what happened?”
He looks up at the taller man, tears running down his face.
“I can’t do it anymore….”
“I don't understand..”
Lucius frowns, wiping his tears away and holding Severus, kissing his forehead.
“What don't you think you can't do anymore?”
“Anything…. I just…. It’s all slipping away.”
He lets out a choked sob.
The blonde wizard look horrified as he held Snape even tighter, cradling him in his arms.
“It'll all be ok Sev, shhh shh shh..I'm here...I'm here..”
“I haven’t opened up like this ever… I’m sorry I really am..”
He wipes his tears.
Lucius lifts Severus’ face with his hand and looks deep into his slightly reddened eyes.
“Don't you dare be sorry for talking feelings to me ever again, Sev, I'm one of your most loyal companion and always here for you.”
Severus blushes, but starts to cry again.
“It’s all crumbling….”
“I am your family, dear. “
The other man pulls Snape into another tight embrace.
“You mean a great deal to me, and I will always be there for you. You are my equal, and I won't leave your side while you struggle. I promise you this.”
Severus cuddles softly into Lucius, his tears rolling down his face and falling on his shirt.
Lucius kisses the top of his head, smoothing his dark hair lovingly.
“It’s alright Sev.”
He whispers tenderly, hoping to reassure the distressed man next to him.
“I am here.”
“I miss everything… how it used to be. I wish we were in Hogwarts again when everything was fine…. “
Snape says quietly.
“I know...I know..”
Lucius kisses his head again, rubbing his back sweetly.
“But we can make it better Sev. We have each other. I will always be here for you. “
“Narcissa is dead, Draco is in danger, my parents are gone, my other family is dying, I only have you…. I want it to be like when we were all friends in class together…. I can’t do it……”
Severus’ cries turn into heavy hard sobs.
Lucius pulls the other tightly into his body, rubbing his back up and down slowly, and speaking softly.
“I will never abandon you Severus, our connection is stronger than it ever has been. You will never be alone, I promise you. I'm all you have and all you will need.”
Lucius kisses his head another time, his nose buried deep into Severus’ soft hair.
“My dearest Severus, I will always love you. Forever.”
“I love you too… I…. “
Snape wipes his eyes.
The blonde holds him as close as possible.
“Never ever forget that Severus. I will be here for you every single day. I love you with all my heart.”
He whispers softly.
“Please… please…… just stay here.. “
Severus holds his knees close to his chest as Lucius is pulled away, almost like time is speeding up.
“I love you….. “
He reaches for Lucius’ hand. It all goes black and he wakes up in the middle of the night. He looks out the window and almost bursts into tears again…. The same nightmare, although it was real….
Everyone was gone.