ᴛʜɪʀᴅ ᴘᴏᴠ

𝘈 𝘚𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦

♛♛♛

His lips parted as he enveloped her lips. His lips were exactly as soft as she had imagined.

In a hesitant second, her mouth moved against his. She took it slowly, allowing herself to really absorb and feel him.

There were so many sensations that they were nearly overwhelming. His lips, his touch, his taste. Everything was amazing in a way, with sparks flashing through her bloodstream like fiery rain.

Her thoughts turned to jello; she would have collapsed if she wasn't sitting down, but she knew he would have caught her. He always did.

A hand went to cup his cheek, deepening the kiss further as she brought her body closer. He tasted sweet. Like mint and...strawberry?

The fingers on his cheek climbed to his hair and ran between the strands of his silky, soft hair. The caress of his lips and the sensation of it against her fingertips had her soaring in the clouds.

One last touch to her lips, they broke their contact away. Hazel was breathing hard against his scarlet lips, her forehead brushing against his.

She smiles through it all. Her first kiss. It was just what the movies said it would be. Breathtaking and magical.

A faint giggle left her mouth, her mind light and easy and it felt like every single wrong thing in her life was taken from her and turned into this spring of happiness.

"What's funny, angel?"

His deep voice pierced her ears and warmed her heart. It was scratchy again, but deep and quiet just how she loved it.

"Nothing." She opened her eyes and leaned her head backwards, her hand still in his hair and the other still on his cheek.

Upon realising this, she gradually detangled her hands from his hair and cheek. As her hand left his cheek, she looked up at him when his hand had laced through hers.

His eyes shone brightly in the moonlight, and his features were lightened but darkened. She sensed his gentleness in the way his thumb brushed over her skin and his head tilted to the side to examine her.

"That was my first kiss." She blurted out. She felt the need to let him know, she didn't why but she did.

She watched his chest rise and fall slowly, suddenly having a temptation to run her fingers along the scars and tattoos beneath. She blushed at the thought.

"Are you okay?" He looked at her almost blankly but the tenderness behind his words assured her heart to beat rapidly.

"Yes, I'm fine. Great actually." She admitted and looked away from him.

When she saw him shake his head, he let out an amused breath. Her grin deepened, and she brushed her fingers absently across the keyboard once more.

They fell silent, and only their own breathing could be heard.

"Hazel." He said after a while, his tone again quiet but serious.

"Yes, Juls?" She looked away from the piano, seeing the intense gaze held in his eyes.

"I'm going to give you a key." He gave her a long, pensive stare; her every breath felt heavy now, as if time and she were both slowing down.

"A key?" She questioned as quietly as he spoke. He nodded and handed her a remote that looked exactly like the one he used to unlock the gates outside his house.

"To this house." He ran his fingers over her palm as he stared down at her hand. "If you need to study, sleep, eat, come here."

Her heart sank, but not in a bad way. It sank because she had never been offered anything like this before. Julius was nice enough to offer her a safe place despite the fact that no one knew her living situation or the struggle she was going through.

She tried to discover any source of regret or anything that looked like regret as she stared into his eyes, but she couldn't find anything. Not because he didn't show anything, but because of the silent words contained behind it.

Silent words that simply told her that he meant every word.

"You're sure?" She hesitantly said, tightening her hold on his hand, as if to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

He nodded twice, replacing his hand with the remote. She looked down at it, simply in awe as realisation occurred to her.

A single tear fell down her cheek, her heart pumping and pumping with happiness.

When she glanced back up at him, her arms flung from her sides and instantly flew around his neck—her body flying up with it.

He caught her easily, his strong arms protecting her body around his as she hugged his neck and kissed his cheek once.

"Thank you, Juls."

She felt his throat bobble up and down and his cool breath on the base of her neck. Her eyes fluttered closed as he whispered into her ear.

"Welcome, Hazel."

♛♛♛

Hazel sat in front of a very large TV mounted onto a wall. The sofas were extremely comfortable and large. Her body looked like an ant compared to it.

Julius was on the phone and had wandered off into another room, leaving Hazel in charge of the TV.

She found herself on his Netflix account, going into the profile she had created. She was comfortable on the couch as she began a show, paying no attention to the television instead of becoming lost in her thoughts.

Thoughts of going back home after this, returning to her home life and inevitably stiffening as she remembered her parents were home.

Leaving this comforting home, with her comforting person, was absolute despair. She was almost afraid that when it came time to leave, she wouldn't be able to get off the couch.

Closing her eyes, she inhaled the scent of leather as well as some other lingering house scent that aroused her interest.

As she reopened her eyes, a gasp escaped her lips as she saw Julius standing just ahead of her.

His gaze was deepened by her view of him, and every element of his face was darkened by the low light. Leaning up against the wall, his strong arms crossed over his chest and ankles crossed at the feet.

"Juls?" She tiredly fisted both her eyes, reopening them to see him leaning off the same spot and coming toward her.

"Stay tonight. I've got a room for you."

She sat up slowly, he came down next to her and leaned back, looking at her with a casual blank stare.

"But—

"Do you want to go?" He cut her off, leaning forward with his elbows on his thighs. She noticed then that he had changed his attire, sweatpants and a plain black tee.

Licking her lips to get rid of the dryness, Hazel shook her head softly and ended up leaning back against the chair.

"You've done so much for me already, I don't want to burden you, Juls." She mumbled softly. Having an immediate effect, a hand came under her chin, a familiar feeling wavered in her chest.

"Look." He grumbled and she understood, peering up into his eyes. Those silver swirls mesmerised her completely, capturing her once again.

"Stay. You're welcome here anytime. Best friends, no?"

A long, deep breath exhaled through her mouth and she nodded, placing her hand on the one under her chin.

"As long as you're okay with it."

With no emotion, no deep look or affection, he nodded yes and released his hand.

She stared at him for a little longer. Contemplating his words, particularly the best friend part. Amongst everything, those were the words that got to her.

Best friends, well, of course, she loved that they were best friends but...do best friends kiss each other?

The question was on the tip of her tongue. So to keep her mouth shut, she blurted whatever the next thing on her mind was.

"Do you want to watch a movie with me?" She stared at him wide-eyed, mouth agape as she waited for his answer.

His eyes seemed to wander from her lips to her eyes millions of times before nodding.

Passing the remote to her, she blinked a few times and took it into her palm.

Browsing through Netflix, she picked one of the only other movies she hasn't seen and put it on. Frankly, she's seen all of the Harry Potter movies...besides the last two.

Harry Potter was one of her sister's few favourite movies. It was a long, long time ago when they were younger, and it was a fortunate rainy day when they watched the series together.

Her mother had called them in for dinner by the time they got to the second last movie. They never finished the series. Both being so young, they forgot they even were watching it just after dinner, they got sidetracked by other things.

But now, Hazel remembered every part of it.

Breathing deeply, she sat back and placed both her legs under her, crossing them. Both palms rested on her stomach, laced with each other.

She was nervous. She knew this would bring back memories and nostalgia with her sister, though, Hazel thought getting over this fear would be the best with him.

Julius brought the best out of her. Along with the worst. Meaning her most embarrassing, clumsy side. But she felt fearless next to him, whether it was because he was so big and strong he could protect her but also because even if she did panic, she knew he'd be there to soothe her. Catch her before she fell.

"Hazel," He called gently. Her eyes immediately went to his, and her senses returned to normal when she heard the sound, saw the darkness of the room, and stared into his glowing eyes.

"Yes?"

He opened his arm, lifting it as he gave her whole access to the side of his body.

"Come here." He said lowly, slowly, and deeply. Her stomach tingled, a different sensation drifting down and down—

Oh, God.

She turned red and was so thankful for the darkness.

Moving over, she slipped her legs to the side as she wrapped an arm around his waist and the other slipped behind his back.

Hugging his body, she smiled at the warmth he brought her. All those feelings rushed back to her head, all the ones that told her she was falling and falling.

Suppressing them, she blinked a few times to adjust her headspace. Being in his arms and thinking of every single detail about him was going to bring her only embarrassment due to her body's reactions.

"What are you thinking?" His voice had reached her ears. His breath fanned the back of her neck as he was leaning down, whispering into her ear lightly.

She could feel the soft graze of his lips against the back of her neck, it made her utterly lightheaded.

"I wanted to ask you something," She said in a mumble. Nerves crept up her spine, shivering up her neck.

"Mhm," He traces a small pattern on her arm, whether he realised it or not.

Blowing out a breath, she spoke her words carefully. "Do best friends kiss each other?"

His patterns stopped, but then they continued after a few moments. She felt his lips still, and then he spoke.

"Some do. Only if they like each other."

"Like each other more than best friends?" She whispered.

He hummed in response, his hum rumbling off her back and deep into her stomach—erupting those butterflies again.

Her mind ran around the words that had been said. Hazel knew that she kissed Julius because she likes him. Then where did that leave him?

"So does that mean—

An incredibly loud sound erupted from the TV, which had Hazel jumping in her spot, cutting off any thoughts or words.

Her hands gripped tightly around his stomach as she stared at the TV with horror. It was only a rumble of thunder, that was loud.

"My sister and I used to watch this," Hazel distracted herself from everything by talking about one of the worst topics for her to handle.

She peered up at the television and took another deep breath in. "Yeah, we watched the first five and then we had to stop at this one because of dinner."

Exhaling, she looked up at him, scanning his blank eyes that stared down at her too. "This is your first time watching it again?" He asked.

"Yep." She leaned her cheek against the side of his chest, embracing his smell, warmth, and the familiar protectiveness he possess over her.

"And you're okay?" His voice went scratchy again, his voice lowered into her ear. His question would be rather tricky to answer but instead, it was simple.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm okay." She smiled lightly and then slowly looked up at him again. "You're here," She mumbled under breath, hoping he didn't hear her little confession.

It went silent for a moment, the sound of Hermione's voice filling the void.

"Why me?" He said after a while. His question caught her off guard. As if she weren't expecting him to ask why out of all people, him.

Though she knew the answer, it was simple.

"You're special to me, Juls." Her glance remained on him, a smile tugging on her lips.  Julius was just as special to her as her chocolate. He was once a person in her life that had shown her kindness.

He's also made her feel things that she's never before, which makes him special.

The man didn't say a word, he didn't even move an inch, and Hazel was okay with that. At least he knew.

They returned to the movie, Hazel deeply invested in what's happening, now finally being able to watch the rest without wanting to cry out in tears.

Her body had found its tranquility as the minutes went into an hour, and then another, and she slowly drifted off into a slumber.

He moved her through the house, her arms were wrapped around him as her thoughts drifted in and out of consciousness.

As her back landed on a plush mattress, silk sheets cool and clashing with her warm body, her head fell back against the pillow that felt ever so amazing against her head.

A thick duvet fell over her, along with another wool blanket on top of that. She snuggled into the pillow, a sigh falling from her lips and her eyes now have completely fallen shut.

Another wave of serenity fell through the room, silencing through her calmed body. A hand that wasn't hers dropped lightly to her forehead, gently brushing the short bangs on the sides of her temple.

Those two fingers slowly trailed down the side of her face, passing her jaw and stopping underneath it. That hand wrapped around the side of her neck tenderly, a strange feeling overwhelming her body when his cool breath was against her forehead.

"You're special to me too, angel."

The words were whispered softly as those same lips touched her delicate skin, lingering and sending the affection straight to her heartstrings.

When they were removed, Hazel felt her body relax instantly, but also suddenly missing the soft touch. 

With his words lingering between her heart and mind, her eyes soon drifted back into their heavy stage and fell back into its void of sleep.

♛♛♛

Morning sunlight streams in through the room's windows, revealing her to Hines' vision.

A knock on the door sounds a second time, and she quickly realises she isn't in her room.

She scoots up from the silk bed, her body crashing onto the hardwood flooring, and she gives out a little squeal as she hits the ground.

Suddenly the door swings open, revealing an almost worried-looking Julius to snap his eyes to Hazel, who's currently lying helpless on the ground.

Instantly, his hands are under her arms, helping her up from the ground while Hazel embarrassingly stands to her feet—gripping onto his forearms.

"Thank you." She mutters and moves away from him. Her gaze is drawn to the mirror beside them, causing her to wince from her image.

Still in her clothes from yesterday, her shirt was riled up to her belly as her jeans were hung low on her hips. Red hair was scattered everywhere, resembling a bird's nest. Lips were coloured pink and cheeks were pale.

"All good?" Julius murmured, his voice deep and calm as always. Her gaze returned to him, and she nodded and ran her hand through her hair in an attempt to appear less psycho.

"There's breakfast for you downstairs. You've got work in 30." He mentioned, adjusting the watch on his wrist while watching her with lowered eyes.

All of his words hit her like a bus. Work. She forgot.

"Can I eat it in the car? I'll have to go grab all my stuff from home and get changed shower—

She was panicking but he, once again, had calmed her down without even trying.

"Got someone to pick up all your things. You can go shower and get ready in the bathroom in here." He pointed his eyes to the bathroom in the far corner.

Confusion and everything you could possibly feel for someone as confused and devoted as Hazel was racing through her mind at breakneck speed.

She shook her head and stepped forward, frowning at him.

"Wait—

"Go eat, Hazel." He cut her off again, his stare cold and visually calculating to the point where she simply didn't question anything and left the room.

As she walked back down the stairs, the smell of deliciously made breakfast was the main picture of her mind now.

All thoughts from before were tossed aside and now were replaced with the stack of beautiful, syrupy pancakes.

The dish sat on the counter, stacked high and mighty. Hazel didn't want to take all of them, even though she knew she could eat all 9 or 10 slices there were.

But instead, she took three and placed some of the fruit that was kept aside in a bowl—also onto her pancakes.

She ate by herself, observing the decor and kitchen and smell. His scent lingered in this home, even if he didn't live here very often, it still smelt like him.

Scoffing the pancakes down, within five minutes Hazel was done and she rushed back up the stairs to her bathroom.

Julius was still nowhere to be seen, probably answering phone calls and doing work stuff as Hazel assumed.

Inside the room, the bed she had slept on was made nearly professionally, and she seemed to be aware now that the random woman walking around the house was a maid.

She couldn't believe how wealthy he was. It was insane.

On top of the mattress laid a duffel bag, his duffle bag. She assumed.

Inside held her work scrubs, instantly pulling them out she found her undergarments too and blushed when she thought of anyone looking at them.

How embarrassing.

Considering she only had granny panties, literally regular black, beige and white undies was all she wore, she didn't own anything...sexy.

She shrugged it off, looked further into the bag and pulled out all of her hygiene and skincare products.

She again assumed that it was a woman who had picked her things up, knowing that no male would have any idea what an 'eyelash curler' would look like.

Taking a seven-minute shower, she got changed and quickly did her face routine. Brushing her teeth before that too.

When she exited out of the room with all of her things, the deep sound of someone talking could be heard not too far from where she stood.

Thinking it was Julius, she followed the voice, walking down the long staircase and rounding a corner, her feet come to an immediate halt.

In front of her stands a man, tall, muscular, and dressed in a suit that