Nights like these were awful, terrors which tormented him like horror movies played behind his eyes as soon as he closed them.

Even on nights where he didn’t have to deal with his damned father, even on nights when he was laying beside the only good thing in his life.

Severus shot up in bed like he’d been electrocuted, his hands gripping at the sheets. He rubbed his face, holding back tears.

He was supposed to be enjoying his summer with you. Your parents had so kindly offered to look after him, and Severus had never been more grateful.

Hot showers, shampoo, body wash, three square meals, snacks, clean clothes and a warm bed. Severus hadn’t had these privileges before, and he felt like crying whenever he was presented with them.

He glanced to you, sleeping beside him comfortably, and he relaxed. You were here. He was safe. His dad wasn’t here.

Severus repeated that little mantra in his mind a few times as he laid back down, cuddling up as close as he could to you. Severus sniffled, pressing his ear to your chest to listen to your heartbeat.