ᴛʜɪʀᴅ ᴘᴏᴠ

𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘕𝘦𝘸

♛♛♛

"You guys are what!?"

Both Trace'aline and Gracie looked at Hazel as if she'd just spat out the largest lie of all time. As if she'd gone crazy.

"Mhm yeah, we're together now." The woman admits shyly.

The hot chocolate between her palms rose to her lips. Instantly hitting her taste buds, the warm drink melted down her throat, calming her nerves.

"Holy fucking shit." Trace casually sips her tea, masking a slurping sound to go with her dramatics.

Gracie rolled her eyes at her girlfriend and leaned over the table to talk to Hazel. "I'm not surprised really. Like we saw it coming, didn't we Trace?"

Trace hums, nodding her head equally.

"Totally." She grins. Hazel looked between them both, confused and amused. She didn't know why they were being weird, they usually got all flustered when Hazel talked about Julius and her.

"We're happy for you, though. Julius needs someone like you, and I guess you need Julius too." Gracie says, taking her palm and Trace adds her own too.

"Thank you." She blushed, shrugging ever so lightly. "How about you two? Anything new going on?"

Gracie moved back and shrugged casually, taking her glass of orange juice into her palm. "We've got a mission coming up in a few weeks, we're trying to loca—

"Gracie!" Trace exclaimed loudly—interrupting Gracie's words, her lips upturned into a huge, terrifying smile. "Remember those pigeons we saw the other night, they were naked!"

The cafe was crowded and lively, so luckily her little outburst wasn't noticed.

"Mission?" Hazel asked confused. She scooted her body closer to the table to hear them properly, she's never heard the phrase used before.

Gracie's cheeks turned pink at the mention of her mistake, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Uh, yes. We like to think we're spies when we go on business trips, it just makes them more fun." She explains quite meekly.

Hazel nods her head slowly, it was odd per se but understandable. She would do it if she had to go to all these long lectures of nothing.

The subject was dusted aside instantly and the girls then caught up further. Hazel explained the deal with her parents and her living situation, the girls made it clear to Hazel that if she ever needed to stay somewhere she was always welcome in their spare room.

The night before, the memory of her being locked in a bathroom and Julius coming to get her out was only briefly in her memory. She was too tired and drowsy to remember the rest. But what she did know, was that the other side of her bed was used.

As the women began to grab their belongings to go, Hazel noticed familiar black hair from across the room.

Percy walked into the cafe, grumpy and tired. His whole focus was on his phone, which he typed at lightning speed.

"What's Percy doing here?" Trace muttered confused, seeming to have noticed Percy too.

Hazel's eyes widened with surprise, which was stupid because she should've known they'd all know each other, they do all work together at the end of the day.

"Grabbing a coffee, duh Trace," Gracie stands from her seat and kissed her lips to Trace's cheek. She huffed in response to her attitude and stood too.

"Do you guys work together often?"

Hazel's question lead both of their gazes to jump to her, but before they could answer, Percy had finally noticed them all.

"Hazel?" He called. Her eyes darted to his and she smiled sheepishly. "Hi, Percy."

He looked over to the other two women and rose a brow curiously. "Trace, Gracie?" They smiled at him sheepishly too and waved a little.

"Long time no see, Devon." Trace placed both hands on her hips, eyeing him mischievously. The use of his last name instead of his first name brought Hazel in a confused muffle.

"Small world, huh?" Gracie looks between all three individuals, appearing to be amused.

"Mhm," Percy looked away from the women, as it was his turn to order, he mumbled his order and pulled out a ten, walking away without receiving the change.

"Finished classes, Hazel?" He asked the bewildered woman, she nodded her head rather robotically and looked over her shoulder towards Trace and Gracie.

"We're heading off, Haze. We've got work but we'll catch up again soon, yeah?"

Gracie pulled her into a tight hug and Hazel giggled nodding her head at both the girls. "Of course," She replied, hugging Trace next.

"We'll see you soon, Devon."

Percy nodded once, looking away from them. Hazel waved once more before she watched their backs leave the premises.

"Are you leaving too?" Hazel asked Percy, tucking her hands behind her back as she rocked forward on her feet nervously.

"Yeah, Julius has me on with both of them," He motions to the previous two women from before, and Hazel nodded in understanding.

"Haven't seen you for a while, you all good?" He crossed his arms over his chest, which surprised Hazel as she realised today he was wearing a t-shirt instead of a sweatshirt.

He had tattoos just like Julius, but only a few. He was decently muscular, on the arms too, just not as much as Juls.

Though, his shirt was a tight fit, expressing his toned body underneath. Hazel thought about how all these people around her worked out and were fit. Whereas Hazel couldn't bear the thought of even standing next to a gym.

"Yeah, I'm okay Percy." She looks down at his shoes and smiles. "And you?"

He shrugs and turns his head to the side absently. "All good."

Hazel wasn't very convinced with his answer. It was vague, very vague. Usually, Percy wasn't one to speak, but over the past few weeks he'd gotten closer to Hazel and has opened up more, which meant he expressed more.

But today, he was closed off.

"I'm always here for you Percy. If you do need anyone to talk to ever." Hazel met his gaze once again, seeing the darkened green waver in hesitation.

"Skim Cap for Percy!"

Both heads turned to the woman as she placed the paper cup down, Percy smoothly took it into his hands and nodded once at the woman.

He gestured for Hazel to follow him out just as he drifted through the crowd of people.

The air was slightly humid, cloudy but humid. Which was the worst type of weather. Once they were outside, they stopped outside the curb and Hazel vaguely pushed her hair back due to the humidity.

"Mum's been home lately, fucking up the routine." He explained, looking over at her as he sipped the piping hot beverage.

"Oh no," Hazel frowned upon that, dropping her hands. She thought of Jamie instantaneously, and then Percy too, he must be worried.

"Don't worry, Hazel. She'll be fucking off somewhere again soon." He said the words with venom, words likely close to his heart more than to his mind.

Hazel stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. She knew words were no good in these circumstances, so she did the one thing she'd wish someone would've done for her. Before she met Julius.

Percy tensed and remained still. Arms flat at his sides, thoughts stilling too.

"You'll be okay, Purse. And so will Jamie." She smiled up at him and removed her body slowly.

Percy looked to be in shock. Hazel's words hadn't been much but they were enough.

"Thanks, Hazel." He muttered quietly.

Percy turned his head toward a car that pulled up in front of them, he nodded once at Hazel and began to enter it.

"I'll see you 'round, Haze."

She gave him a small smile, watching as he entered the vehicle and then seconds later, sped off down the street.

Sighing, she looked around her, realising that she was now alone once again. Hazel figured she'd just go home, Julius wouldn't be home until later tonight, and Hazel didn't have work which gave her lots of time to unpack and settle in.

Though, she also thought of the idea to cook dinner tonight. Even though she couldn't cook, it didn't mean she couldn't learn.

After returning home, Hazel unpacked. Placing her clothes inside her abnormally large walk-in closet, there was even a section for her shoes.

She had a vanity, where she placed her perfumes, lotions, and the minimal makeup she owned.

Minutes turned into hours and all suitcases were empty and hidden away in a closet. Hazel had showered, covered in an oversized jumper and large track pants, she was beyond warm and she loved it.

Hazel spent some time researching what she'd cook, since Julius' kitchen was completely packed full of many vegetables, spices, meats and cheeses, she thought she'd cook up something challenging.

Which wasn't the best idea for an inexperienced cook.

Nevertheless, Hazel chose a dish that she was familiar with and something that she personally loved and hoped that Julius would too.

Risotto was a broth dish that took fairly a long while to perfect, but she was going to try.

The youtube tutorial played out on her screen, her sleeves rolled to her elbows, her hands rinsing under the warm water as she now prepared for the dinner ahead.

♛♛♛

Hazel proudly stood in front of two bowls of freshly made broth. The creamy dish sat steaming with basil sprinkled on top, rather attractively. Hazel just hoped it tasted as good as it looked.

It was currently 8:05 p.m and Hazel was sitting at the dining table with her phone in her hand, waiting for her best friend and lover.

She sat back, scrolling through her phone until she found her source of entertainment, which was the obsessive cooking game she stresses over. She placed her earphones into her ears, listening to music that would block out the silence.

It seemed Hazel developed another ick. The silence was nice, she enjoyed it. But not when she was alone with no one near meters from her.

Julius was due to be home at 8 but she of course knew he wouldn't be home at exactly 8, so she didn't think much about his late appearance.

But as time grew, and the steam from the bowls evaporated, Hazel was growing tired. She placed both of their meals inside the oven, just under the 'keep warm' temperature so their food wouldn't go cold.

By the time Hazel finished at least eight other levels of the cooking game, it had turned to 9 p.m. And Hazel was bound to fall asleep at the kitchen stool, hungry and lonely. Hazel opened her message app, about to type in a few words to Julius, but all motives were stopped as the front door unlocked.

Standing, she tiptoed around the corner and peaked her head out behind the wall, only to see her Julius drenched in water, clad in a white work shirt and black trousers. But as the light hit his body all at once, the gasp that left her lips fell like the heavy rain from outside.

A wound bled right through his stomach, a patch of crimson blood soaked through his already drenched shirt that clung to his skin like a second skin. Julius immediately dropped his bag, his dark gaze meeting hers.

"Juls!" She ran up to him, her mouth covered by her hands as she stood in front of him, staring directly at the bleeding wound.

"I'm fine, darling." His voice held a deep rasp, one she's heard only once before.

As their eyes met for the second time, she could see how his irises were hidden beneath the pupil that overtook his eyes. The darkness that lurked beneath the silver had restored, the pain he received hidden.

"You're bleeding," She whispered, looking into his eyes without backing down once. Julius looked down at her, dark and brooding. Even if Hazel noticed his change of demeanour, she still couldn't care.

"Let me help you," She deepens her gaze, narrowing her eyes with concern and forcing a frown on her brows.

And by an inch, his eyes softened.

Nodding, Julius wrapped an arm around her shoulder, her own arm wrapping around his waist.

They walked slowly to the bathroom, Hazel had placed a spare first-aid kit inside. She knew that this wound would be deeper than usual, it would require her stitching skills this time.

Once they made it inside the bathroom, Julius had turned the light on for them both. Closing the door, Hazel immediately went to grab the first aid from the cabinet, while Julius rested his body up against the wall.

As Hazel turned back around, she had to keep her mouth from opening in awe.

His shirt was free of its buttons, now open revealing his much-toned chest that glistened with moist, but also blood. Which had immediately alerted her about his current injury, snapping her out of awe.

Hazel took a seat in front of him, as she was the one who needed to sit owing to his excessive height. His back was still against the wall, which caused his lower half to lean forwards in a modelling type of stature.

She moved his shirt to one side, he held its position as her eyes took in the gash.

Physically, she winced.

Peering up at him, Hazel shakes her head with disappointment. "How did this one happen? You were at work weren't you?" She huffs, her hands rather aggressively dabbing the alcohol rubbing onto the cotton.

Julius stares at her emotionlessly, not responding to her mini outburst.

As Hazel managed to clean and stop the blood, she then began her way on stitching him up.

"This might hurt a little, Juls. You can hold onto my shoulder if you'd like?" She starts to prickle the needle into his skin and he didn't flinch or tense once.

Hazel began stitching him up professionally, her hands steady and breathing slowed. Though, her mind was going crazy that Julius had been hurt again, worse this time.

Nothing was said between the two, tension surrounded in the air, Julius' hand somehow ending in the back of her hair. As she closed it up, then cleaned around it once more, Hazel tossed all rubbish into the bin beside her and looked up at him from her position.

"All done." She says quietly, looking back down at the closed wound.

He hums deeply and that actively makes her stomach swarm, minus the issue apparent.

She averts her gaze, rises to her toes, and moves over to the sink. Hazel drops the soap between her palms and gently massages her hands with it, without looking up as she senses his body approaching her from behind.

She rinsed, then dried, and then ever so slowly met his dark gaze in the mirror.

The silver shone brightly again, and his emotions were controlled as he stared at her blankly. A single arm lifted up with a tilt of his head, inviting her to embrace him. She took a deep breath and turned to face him.

Their bodies were touching, and his arm lingered around her waist as he drew her close to him.

"Careful," She warns, rubbing a spot on his chest with her palm. He shook his head, smirking ever so slightly and leant down to her lips.

"What's going on, Juls?" She asked him hopelessly. He relived a kiss to the corner of her mouth and then ducked his head into her neck, pulling her impossibly closer.

"Nothing for you to worry about, Angel."

Hazel was aware that something was going on. She didn't know who was hurting him or why, but she wanted it to stop immediately.

"It is if you're getting hurt all the time," She was surprised by the rise in her tone. But as if all seriousness were like an angel telling the devil to stop raising hellfire, the devil smiled.

Because Julius did.

His face lowered to hers, the tips of his lips were tilted up and the flash of his dead eyes was lit.

Hazel was so mesmerised by the dimples and the slight crinkle between his eyes that she hadn't noticed all her frustration vanish into thin air.

"I like it when you're overprotective," He whispers faintly against her lips, his cool minty breath making her lips part for more.

"I'm just worried," She mumbles hopelessly again.

His fingers travelled up her waist until they reached the ring of her neck, one hand in the back of her hair tilting her head back. While the other gently touched her cheek, lightly brushing across her skin.

He was staring at her intently now, his actions so flawless that they appeared almost dreamlike. Although his next words were also the nearest thing to a dream.

With the drawl of his hum, his lips grazed hers as he says, "I can't believe you're mine."

And Hazel's heart gushes. It beats, her pulse rapidly speeding, the heart between her ribs pumping with an excess of love.

Soon after his words left, his grazing lips had moved deeper and now moved with hers.

It was a slow, passionate kiss. Two perfect lips merge into one and clash with the gravity of their emotions. Breathing rhythmically to the purpose of their hold.

Hazel pushed her hands up into his hair, just the way he liked it. And the gentle squeeze of his hand at her hip, the small circles he made on her flesh, were just perfect for her.

Somehow Julius had backed her up against a wall, his hands on either side of her hips and her arms loosely around his neck. Their bodies pressed together solemnly kneading and feeling because now their kiss was strong and fierce.

He pulled away to let her breathe, though his lips never detached from her skin.

He kissed her along the length of her slender neck, finding the points that made her shudder beneath his touch. Her breathless breaths became uneven and quickly changed into pleasurable, gentle moans as she trembled beneath him.

"Julius," She whispered, the soft sound causing his soft touch to find her own again.

"How are you feeling?" He asks her above her lips, it was the second time he'd done that, asking her if she was okay. She liked that he was making sure she was okay, she felt safer that way.

"Amazing," She smiled slightly, feeling her pulse pump and pump between her thighs.

Those sinful lips crashed onto her own again. They explored her mouth, his tongue dancing lullabies with her own.

"Have you showered?" He asks between a kiss that blew her mind and her breath away. She only nods her head in response, hooded, hazel eyes lazily expressing her bliss.

"Want to take another one with me?" He smirks against her heated flesh, the warmth of his tongue running over her neck as he kisses her again and again in a line that formed to her lips.

Her heart accelerated at the thought of being naked with him. But in the spur of the moment, Hazel allegedly agreed with her voice.

"Yes,"

With that, he had her flipped over with her back against his front within seconds.

His cool breath hit the back of her neck, his hands swarming her lower stomach as he possessively held her to him. "Can I undress you, Hazel?" He asks her with softness.

She hums a 'yes' and leans her head responsively back against his stomach. His hands itch at the hems of the sweatshirt she wore, they begin to lift, slowly grazing her skin underneath doing so.

Each touch of his was like magnitude fire. It repulsed throughout her veins, every heatwave overcoming her soul.