For Once [Solo]

If anyone had told her that Severus and her brother would have an actual conversation without attempting to kill each other, she would've laughed in his or her face. But as it was, that was what happened.

Well, Remus offered up his wand first, so... that was at least something.

Either way, she was in a good place. Heart soaring, she had wandered down to the spot on the lawns that it seemed she and Remus had claimed for themselves and was enjoying the afternoon sun. Knowing that she would be left well enough alone, she had removed her robe and shirt, to soak up the sun and hopefully tan a little bit. She wasn't a fan of looking so pale.

She hadn't gotten the details of what they talked about and she really didn't need them. Seeing the two of them not in the hospital wing after such a chat was enough. Without thinking she cast her patronus, the charm forming without even a thought or hesitation. Being able to cast such a spell with such ease told her she was in a good place mentally.

For once.

For once she wasn't worried sick about Remus, wondering where he was, how he was doing, if he was eating or if he was safe.

For once she felt like she was able to relax and truly be herself. The last six years had been spent worrying about the welfare of her brother, and it had taken a huge toll on her.

For once... she felt like she could be a seventeen-year-old girl. Or just a girl in general. She was in love. It was an unexpected source, sure, but who cares. He brother didn't agree with her choice of men, but whatever. That part wasn't his business anyway.

"I knew I'd find you down here."

Rose jumped, turning to see Tonks, smirking down at her.

"Enjoying the sun, are we?"

Rose chuckled, patting the grass next to her indicating for Tonks to sit, which she happily obliged to do. Flopping down in the grass next to her.

"Rose?"

She had focused on her patronus again and then she turned to face Tonks, suddenly the girl had lurched forward, pressing her lips against hers. Rose froze, her mind racing, hands unable to decide what to do, push her away or... nothing.

But luckily before her mind could unfreeze, Tonks pulled away, smiling slightly. "I just had to check."

Rose blinked several times, "check?"

Tonks snickered, "you know how amorentia has a smell for people, that tells them what they like?"

Rose nodded, egging Tonks to continue, "well, for me, it smells like, grass, chocolate... and then I taste chocolate."

Rose blinked, raising a brow as Tonks continued. "Well, I always... I always thought it would be you. And prior to meeting your brother in the Three Broomstick in Diagon Alley... I had been planning on asking you out this year."

Tonks' face darkened in colour, as well as her hair. Deep burgundy. "But, then I met your brother. It's confusing that two people would register with the same... amorentia smell, but then he kissed me, and... I knew which one it associated with."

Tonks chuckled, "too much info, I know. But, that's the reason I kissed you just now, to see if... I had the same reaction. And... while it was nice it wasn't..."

"Him, I get it," Rose nodded, understanding. "I'm... glad he came into your life before I broke your heart."

Tonks laughed, "oh, I don't think the rejection would've broken my heart. I would still have you as a best friend, and that would be enough for me. Though, I guess there is one thing I'm jealous about."

Rose blinked, "and what would that be?"

Tonks gave Rose a purposeful look, eyeing her topless self hungrily. She leaned in, lips ghosting across Rose's jaw. "That I will never experience what its like to have you for a lover. I was always curious."

Rose turned bright red, face and body heating to unnatural temperatures.

Tonks pulled away laughing. "Gods you're adorable when you're shocked. Remus has a lot of the same reactions."

Rose's face paled, "I- I don't need to hear about you seducing my brother!"

Tonks snickered, "it's not much different from seducing you, you know."

"Stop! Too much info!" Rose hid her face in her hands.

Tonks smirked, "you two really are alike. He had the same reactions when he thinks about you and Snape."

Rose drug her hand down her face and Tonks' smirk grew. "The Lupinisms aren't just the self-deprecating thoughts, it seems."

"Tonks, you minx," Rose muttered, attempting to allow her face to cool.

"That's what Remus says," and Rose was back to over temp again.

"Toooooonks... pleaaaase," Tonks busted out laughing at Rose's groan of embarrassment. "He would hate that you're talking about this, even with me."

"Yeah, probably, but I think he realizes it's something that's going to happen. I had you first, remember?"

Rose sighed, "true that I suppose."

Tonks smirked, "and if you ever get stuck... you can talk to me about ideas on how to seduce your Potions Master."

"Tonks!"
"Just saying!"

Tonks chuckled, leaning over and kissing her temple, "I'll leave you to your half-naked sunbathing out on the lawn."

"It's not like anyone comes out here!"

Tonks smirks, "when you realize your an exhibitionist, I'll tell you I told you so."

Tonks stood, brushing grass of the back of her pants. "Don't stay out too long, it's supposed to get colder tonight."

"Yes mom," Rose groaned, rolling her eyes.

Tonks vanished back up to the castle and Rose flopped onto her stomach, laying on her robe, watching her Patronus trot around. Soon, she found her eyes closing as the sun warmed her back.

For once, she was finally content, but how long would it last?