Posted 5/21/2001

Rating: NC-17

Disclaimers: These characters are not mine. If they were, they'd be naked all of the time.

Summary: Snape gets to help a couple of ailing friends.

Warnings: This story is NC-17 Slash. Beware. Male/Male hokey-pokey.

Archive: Archive, put on your own site, etc. Just let me know where it is!

Feedback: Love it or hate it, lemme know.

Author's Note: Thanks to maraska who gave me the idea about the shower scene...I didn't forget you!

"Where the devil have you been?" asked Lupin as he walked into the haphazard cottage that was Hagrid's.

"Who wants to know?" growled Snape, "And go away."

Severus Snape, Potions Master, was sitting on the floor next to Fang. His hand was lazily petting Fang's head. Fang didn't look so good.

Lupin walked across the room, pulled up a chair and sat on it backwards, straddling it. He rested his arms on the back of the chair and rested his chin on his arms. Snape glanced up at him.

"Remus, please leave. I'll talk to you later," said Snape dispassionately.

"What did you do to him, Severus, cook for him?" asked Lupin, a sly grin on his face.

"Since you insist on being your charming self, I'll have to ask you to at least move back, Remus. Please give me some room," said Snape distractedly.

It was obvious to Lupin that Snape was worried about Fang. "Is there anything I can do?" asked Lupin.

"No."

"No? Come on, Severus. What's wrong with him?"

Snape sighed. Ignoring Remus Lupin would not get him to leave. Although completely irritated by his presence, Snape decided to answer him. "He misses Hagrid, so he doesn't eat. When he does eat, he eats some old food and gets sick. Now he's worn down, dehydrated, starving *and* depressed. Not a good a combination for a beast like Fang."

Lupin got up and walked over to Fang. He knelt beside him and stroked his fur gently. "And I suppose you promised Hagrid to look in on Fang while he was gone running errands for Dumbledore, didn't you?" asked Lupin.

"Yes."

"You big softie," said Lupin, teasing.

"You joke now, but just you wait."

"What do you mean by that?" asked Lupin, "Wait for what?"

"Fang wore himself down," Snape explained with a sneer, "and managed to catch chickenpox. Ever had chickenpox, Remus?"

"No."

"I have. Had it a long time ago."

"So?"

"Let's just put it this way. Had you left immediately like I asked you to, you wouldn't be having to spend the next 4 days in here with Fang."

Lupin stared open-mouthed at Snape. Snape laughed a menacing laugh before standing up and walking to a large cooler.

"Damn!" said Snape opening it and looking inside. "Nothing worth eating or drinking."

"What did you mean by that?" asked Lupin incredulously.

"I believe I meant that the big oaf has no bread, no fruit, no tea, or no chocolate. He has one jug of whiskey in the cupboard and some ungodly beast bone in the cooler. I swear sometimes Hagrid is just plain uncouth."

"I *meant* about the four days," said Lupin, raising his voice. "What the devil do you mean I will be spending the next four days with Fang in this shack?"

Snape leveled a pompous gaze at Lupin and sneered. "Chickenpox is extremely contagious. With Fang it's even worse...look at all the steamy breath he exhales. Not only is it contagious, but also it's not particularly a good thing for an adult male to have. You need to stay rested and quiet in a solitary place. Since you and this overgrown beast share the same malady, I'm keeping you together. It will be at least four days, if you're lucky."

"I don't think so, Snape," said Lupin, obviously irritated. "I'll go and talk to Madam Pomfrey before I'll allow you to play nursemaid. I'll NOT be your prisoner. Oh, sorry, I meant *patient*."

Lupin stood to leave and walked towards the door. Snape was right there blocking his way before he had a chance to reach for the knob.

"You're not going anywhere, Remus," growled Snape, standing threateningly before him.

"If you think you can stop me, perhaps you had better provide a better explanation before I kick your ass," said Lupin through gritted teeth.

"All right. You step out there and you'll risk exposing those kids to chickenpox. Those *kids* haven't had the disease. Although to children it can be mild, it wears them out, covers them in spots, and sometimes put them in bed for a week. You want to do that to them, Remus? Do you?"

Lupin backed down. He turned around silently and sat back down in the chair, correctly this time. He stared resignedly up at Snape, who stood before him, arms folded.

Snape looked down at him sternly, but slowly the serious face turned into a compassionate smile.

"I wouldn't worry too much, Remus," said Snape. "Since Fang is sick as well, I'll be here to help you both."

"Oh, gee...thanks," said Lupin sarcastically, "I'm sure Fang is grateful he has such a caring friend."

Smiling and walking past, Snape ruffed Lupin's hair as he headed to the kitchen.

"You want a drink?" asked Snape from the cupboard.

"No."

"It's *Hagrid's* whiskey, Remus," said Snape holding the jug up and sloshing it.

There was a long pause before Lupin answered, "Oh, Ok."

Snape poured the drinks and handed Lupin a healthy portion.

"I don't like getting drunk with you, Severus," said Lupin as he sipped the strong whiskey. Wincing, he sat the still full tumbler down on the counter.

Snape looked back at him steadily before responding, "Yes, you do."

Lupin looked back at him and managed a smile.

"So, Nurse Snape, are you going to tell me what's going to happen to me when this chickenpox thing takes hold?"

"Don't call me that," growled Snape.

"What?" asked Lupin, an innocent look on his face.

Snape snarled at him and delivered an unspoken warning before answering. "You'll break out in a rash or spots that itch, maybe. Mostly, you'll have a fever and feel like you've been run over by Madam Maxine's coach...later you'll feel like it backed up and ran over you again."

"Nice."

"It will be good for you, Remus," said Snape, a sly grin on his face, "It will teach you to be humble."

"You're the one who needs the lesson, you prick," said Lupin, suddenly not in the mood to joke.

"Seriously, Remus," said Snape as he stood across the counter and looked at Lupin's face, "you do need to stay rested. The fever compounded with the disease can damage your body. Perhaps your werewolf side can easily combat its affects, I don't know. But this isn't a joke by any means."

Lupin stared back at Snape. He was beginning to feel a bit nervous. As if reading his thoughts, Snape reached up and touched Lupin's hair and allowed his hand to trail down the side of Lupin's face.

"I am here for you, Remus. Not just for Fang."

"I know that."

Lupin lay down gingerly on Hagrid's bed. Snape gently draped the warm quilt over Lupin and pulled it up to his chin.

Wrinkling his nose, Lupin sniffed at the blanket. "Does the man ever *wash* his bedclothes?"

"You may not want to know that," replied Snape dryly.

"Get me some more whiskey, Snape," said Lupin irritably.

"No more whiskey for you. Water."

Snape brought over a mug of very cold water, which Lupin greedily drank. It tasted good to him. As he rested his head back on his pillow and closed his eyes, Severus Snape paused to admire his friend.

~Everything about him is so ... so very intense. How I want to touch his chest, feel his breath on my neck, press his hardness against my own. How I want to taste the saltiness of his neck, stroke the soft brown hair on his chest, touch his face. How I'd beg to taste him...to pull him close just to feel his heart beat against my own...~

"Severus, you ok?"

Snape snapped out of his trance and grunted something unintelligible and returned the mug to the counter before turning back to stare at him.

Remus looked back at Snape through half-closed eyes. "Severus, come here."

Snape walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. "What is it, Remus?"

"I feel like shit."

"Thanks for sharing that, Remus, will there be anything else?"

"Climb into bed with me, Sev, will you?" asked Lupin weakly.

"Remus. Really. You never cease to amaze me. I don't think this is the ideal time-"

"Severus, will you please just shut up and get in bed with me? I don't feel like being alone."

Snape pulled off his shoes and climbed in bed with Lupin. Lupin rolled over so that his back faced Snape and said over his shoulder, "Hold me, will you?"

Complying, Snape spooned up against Lupin and held him. His fever was there, but not as bad as it could have been. Snape could tell that Lupin was exhausted and weak just by listening to his shallow breathing and feeling the slow tired beat of his heart. As the night inched forward, Snape held Lupin while he slept. Even considering all of their passionate encounters they've shared in the past, Snape never felt closer to Remus Lupin than he did at this very moment.

The following three days were a battle between Remus Lupin and Severus Snape. It mostly centered on Snape insisting that Lupin eat something and Lupin refusing to do so. When he did eat, most of it came right back up. This only served to make things between the two men more tense.

Snape refused to let Lupin drink whiskey, but allowed juice and water. Lupin, although not necessarily a whiskey drinker, resented the control that Snape had over him and told him so.

"Why don't you just leave me be, you prickly pain in the ass!" growled Lupin as he lay on one side.

"Shut up and go to sleep," Snape hissed back, looking at Lupin over his book. "Can't you see I'm trying to read?"

"Read me a story."

"Get real, Remus."

"Then get me something to drink, Sev, come on, I'm feeling miserable and I'm bored out of my mind."

"Remus, if you'd sleep, you wouldn't be so bored and you'd feel better. How many times do I have to tell you -"

"And if you'd get me some whiskey, perhaps I'd sleep," snapped Lupin, sitting bolt upright in the bed.

"You don't want whiskey, you git. You just want to be in charge."

"How DARE you suppose to know what I want!" spat Lupin.

Lupin threw back the covers. He tore off the shabby bathrobe and stood there in boxer shorts. "I'm hot!"

"*I* always thought so," said Snape under his breath.

Lupin heard the remark and opened his mouth to say something but thought better of it. He took a step towards Snape and felt his knees begin to shake. "Sev-" Lupin stuttered.

Snape jumped up from the sofa and in three bounds was there to support Lupin as he began to fold.

"Remus, please, at least sit down. Please." Snape walked Lupin over to the reclining chair. Wads of foam and an occasional spring stuck crazily out of its arms. Lupin shot an uneasy look at Snape. "It's all right. Just sit."

Lupin sat.

Snape knelt before him and took his hands. "Listen to me you hard-headed ass. Trust me when I tell you that you'll feel much better tomorrow if you can just make it through tonight by doing exactly what I tell you."

"And what would that be?" Lupin asked in a hoarse whisper.

Snape stood and reached for the mug. "Drink this water." Lupin took it and drank. "Lie back." Snape pushed the recliner back allowing it to prop Lupin's feet up as well. Snape leaned down and whispered, "Close your eyes and sleep." Lupin closed his eyes. Snape walked over to the bed and grabbed the blanket off of the top and draped it over the reclining man.

"Don't leave me," whispered Lupin, his eyes still closed.

"Have I ever?" asked Snape.

"No."

Snape pulled another chair next to Lupin's and sat in it. Before returning to read, Snape reached over and placed his hand on Lupin's chest. The fever still raged there, but behind it, beat a strong heart. Lupin faintly smiled as he felt the warmth of Snape's hand and slowly drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, very early, Snape awoke still sitting in the uncomfortable side chair. It wasn't the chair that woke him, however, it was Fang, eagerly licking his face. Fang nuzzled the side of the chair nearly toppling it with Snape in it.

"Hey!" growled Snape.

Lupin was still in his recliner, but beginning to wake. He turned and smiled. "It appears that a certain furry friend feels better."

"Which one?" growled Snape.

Laughing, Lupin replied, "The smelly one."

"Which one?" repeated Snape.

"I beg your pardon?" said Lupin, incredulous to the accusation regarding his personal hygiene.

Standing and letting his book and blanket drop, Severus Snape stretched. As he raised his arms above his head, his body seemed to double in length.

~Damn! thought Lupin.

Snape stood before him and held out his hand. "Come on, you're taking a shower. You do stink."

"Thanks, nurse."

"I thought I asked you not to call me that."

"Will you scrub my back?"

"That's negotiable."

Lupin took Snape's hand and Snape pulled him out of the recliner. Resisting more than he had to, Snape had to tug Lupin, who was laughing, to an standing position. Pushing him playfully, Snape coaxed Lupin into the bathroom at the back of Hagrid's cottage. To their amazement, the shower was absolutely huge.

"Plenty of room," thought Lupin out loud.

"Mmm," replied Snape.

Snape turned on the water and adjusted the temperature until steam billowed from the huge stall. He turned to face Lupin. He looked at him steadily without expression. Snape touched his face gently without words. He slowly undid the tie on Lupin's boxers and let them fall, still without comment or instruction. No words were necessary between these two men.

Lupin pulled the shirt up over Snape's head and tossed it carelessly into the corner. He began to untie Snape's shorts as well but paused to look into his eyes. Lupin smiled faintly. "You never left my side. You went through all of it with me."

"It was only a pox-induced fever, Remus," said Snape.

"I was talking about life in general," explained Lupin.

"Oh."

Lupin pressed his hand against Snape's bulge and held it there, a gentle pressure. Snape nearly melted at his touch. With a compassionate gaze, Lupin kissed Snape's lips sweetly and resumed undressing him.

They both stepped into the shower and let the hot water bounce off their backs. Grabbing the soap and large porous sponge, Snape began to slowly wash Lupin's chest. He made a large circular pattern on his chest and dipped occasionally to wash his stomach. Lupin groaned as Snape moved away from his lower abdomen and continued to wash his wide shoulders and the back of his neck.

"Arms," Snape instructed. Lupin lifted his arms while Snape washed under them and reached to wash his upper arms and forearms. Lupin lowered his arms, resting them on Snape's shoulders.

"Turn around," Snape commanded. Lupin turned around...all the way around until he was facing Snape again.

"Face away from me, fruitcake," hissed Snape.

Chuckling, Lupin turned again so that his back was facing Snape. Once again, Snape scrubbed a large circular pattern as he soaped Lupin's shoulders and back. He washed his buttocks too, how could he not? Squatting, Snape washed his legs one by one and paused to bite Lupin on one cheek. Lupin turned to face Snape has he was squatting and Snape gently washed Lupin's privates, moving a soapy hand over his erect member. Snape could hear Lupin's breathing catch and Snape stroked him gently. Snape cupped his balls with soapy hands and washed them as well, occasionally leaning forward to kiss Lupin there.

"Sev...Sev, aren't you dirty?"

Standing, Snape faced Lupin. Snape had a crazed look in his eyes as he handed Lupin the sponge and the soap. Lupin lathered up the sponge and caressed Snape's chest with it as well. ~God, this man is stretched tighter than a tightrope waiting to snap~ thought Lupin.

Lupin's touch alone nearly sent him over the edge. Knowing not to tease him too much, Lupin quickly washed Snape's back, his legs, his arms and stood before him again only to kiss him passionately.

Reaching down, he soaped Snape's erection and gently as he could. As the hot water beat on them both, Lupin, still holding Snape's cock in his hand, leaned forward and whispered in Snape's ear. "Fuck me."

Raising an eyebrow, Snape replied, "Really, Remus. You need to be more direct with me. Get to the point."

Lupin looked intensely into Snape's eyes as he squeezed his swollen member sending his desperate message. Snape, with a knowing smile, turned Lupin around and positioned himself against Lupin's opening while Lupin stood before him bent forward. Lupin placed his hands on the opposite wall and pressed back towards Snape.

Snape dragged his leaking cock across Lupin's opening and Lupin chocked back a cry. His plea was not coherent, but Snape knew exactly what he wanted.

Whispering "Remus", Snape slid steadily into Lupin. Hands that were flat against the shower wall were now balled into fists as Lupin fought crazily to maintain this intense and erotic moment of first contact. Lupin felt so complete, so full as Snape pulled partly out and thrust in again, ever so gently.

Like their slow start, their coupling was slow as well. Snape thrust into Lupin, gently rubbing against that sweet spot, gratefully, many times. Lupin squeezed his eyes shut as Snape reached around and took Lupin into his hand. As harsh as Snape appeared to others, it always amazed Lupin how gentle he could be.

Snape slowly and gently stroked him, keeping in a soft tempo with his own thrusts. Slowly, and so very gradually, the tempo increased. Snape pushed deeper yet into Lupin as his hand continued to touch him.

Before long, Lupin began to pant, frantically whispering words that Snape could not hear. But the tone was all it took. After a steady long thrust, Snape came with a soft cry. Feeling the pulsing deep inside, Lupin came as well. He grabbed Snape's hand as it held his own cock and they caressed together.

Lupin's orgasm was quite overwhelming and he could feel his knees begin shake. His breath caught in his throat and his heart pounded painfully. But Remus Lupin would never trade this feeling for all of the gold at Gringott's; and Severus Snape was not in any better shape.

Snape and Lupin shakily finished their shower, washing each other's hair and whispering intimately to each other in the steam-filled room. When they were finished, they dried one another off. Padding naked into the open living room of the cottage, they dressed in cleanly folded clothes.

"Who delivered these?" asked Lupin as he pulled a fresh robe on.

Peaking out of the curtains, Snape answered, "Winky...who's running like mad towards the safety of the castle."

Laughing, Lupin queried, "Do you suppose we scared her, acting like mad men in the shower like that?"

Smiling, Snape answered, "I doubt she noticed...she's afraid of Fang."

Fang, who lay sprawled out on the rug in front of the hearth, gnawed happily on a the large bone that was about the size of a house elf.

"I supposed Fang and I are not contagious any more?" asked Lupin has he stood watching Fang with interest.

"No, not any more," stated Snape flatly. "Are you the one who gave him the bone from the cooler?"

"That would be me, yes," confessed Lupin.

"Then you can explain to Hagrid what happened to his dinner when he returns tonight," said Snape tartly.

"Then perhaps you can explain who used up all of his hot water, Severus," retorted Lupin.

"I believe the hot water will be regenerated by tonight, Remus."

"...and who drank his whiskey?" replied Lupin sarcastically. "The bone can easily be replaced with a roast from the kitchens."

Considering the implications, Snape agreed to tell Hagrid that Fang refused to eat while he was gone and that, upon hearing that Hagrid would be returning, finally ate the meal in the cooler. "I think we can leave everything else out, don't you?" asked Snape, placing a direct gaze upon Lupin.

"Yes, nurse," replied Lupin with a sinister grin.

Shaking his head irritably, Snape picked up his dirty clothes, stuffed them into his satchel, and walked out of the cottage with Lupin behind him.

-fin