ᴛʜɪʀᴅ ᴘᴏᴠ

𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴

♛♛♛

The bell above the door chimed loudly, the two entered inside the old vintage store Hazel had chosen to go to.

Her fingertips glided over the CD cases with ease, each one bearing a significant date, decade, genre, and artist.

Hazel was a big fan of music from the 1970s. The Bee Gees or the Eagles, preferably. Her musical tastes were varied, as she had previously stated.

Just as Hazel passed by some vinyl records, she gasped at what she saw next.

In a glass box, a pitch-black record player was on exhibit. The top was open, displaying a random record inside that shined reflectively from the light.

"Juls, look!" She pulled at his hand, her gaze never leaving the glass.

Julius came right behind her, emotionlessly looking at what she was. "I've been wanting one for so long,"

"Why haven't you gotten one?" He blandly asked, randomly starting to twirl his tatted finger around the ends of her hair.

"I can't afford to spend any more money on myself. I'm saving everything I've got so I can move out of my home and get my own place."

She glanced over her shoulder at him, solemnly smiling through pained eyes.

"It's beautiful isn't it though?" Looking back at the record player, Hazel almost smiled as she thought of the many midnight dance concerts she could have with the music playing on there, just like an old 70s life.

While Hazel fascinatingly skimmed through some records, she was so distracted that she hadn't realised the hand from hers had left, and so did the body attached to it.

Julius found himself signalling over the worker, silently ordering them to grab him a new one that wasn't unboxed. He peered over at her from the counter, the couple hundred bills on the bench, waiting.

The lady returned with the box containing a brand new record player. She grabbed the money and placed it in a brown paper bag with the store's logo on it, and he told her to keep the change as he strolled back towards her.

Hazel looked between two records, deciding which she would buy if she were to ever actually purchase a record player.

The Elvis Presley one was definitely caught her attention; his music brought her a sense of nostalgia for some reason.

A hand touched the bottom of her back, startling her. She swiftly turned around and was greeted by him.

She smiled as she held up both records and pointed to one of the Elvis albums' covers. "Do you like Elvis?"

His lips quirked into an expression that clearly showed his disdain for Presley or any music in general.

"Sure." He found himself saying. It wasn't a yes but it wasn't a no.

Hazel took that as assurance enough and placed both of the records down in their previous position. Turning on her heel, Hazel brushed past him with her hand tugging him along.

"Elvis would be one lucky man for me to consider him my first record."

Julius smirked a little at her comment and exited out with the girl.

The breeze relived Hazel's skin. Even if it were cold already, the breeze was always refreshing to feel.

Turning around again, she halted and so did he. Hazel opened her mouth to say something, but then it got stuck once the large bag in the man's hand had finally been recognised.

"Oh. Did you buy something? How come you didn't tell me? What is it?"

Hazel began smiling again, curiosity flowing over her mind and as she wondered if he got himself a T-shirt or maybe even a CD, or maybe a—

Her lips parted in shock as her eyes scanned inside the bag.

A record player.

"You wanted one too?" She mumbled, restraining her eyes away from the bag as her fingers fumbled with the necklace he gave her.

"No." He replied, monotonously.

She snapped her eyes upwards and frowned tilting her head back. "Then wha—

"It's for you." He held out the bag with both hands, the gesture soft and Hazel's heart melted right beneath her feet.

For you.

For me.

"O-o, wow—

Hazel cut herself off and slammed her mouth closed. Stuttering nonsense would only embarrass her as she was already completely at loss for words.

She didn't know what to say, or what to do. But what she did do, was take the bag from his grip and look down at it again, reassuring herself that she wasn't dreaming.

After a while of scrutinising the bag, Hazel had finally placed it down in between them and took a step in front of Juls, who stood silently watching her every move.

"Can I hug you?" She mumbled softly, in a daze with his silver mess.

Instead of his normal nod or deep hum, his response was much more physical.

Pulling her waist with his hands, she immediately flung her arms around him and hugged the man so tightly she might've left bruises.

Her face was buried above the torso of his body, her hands fisted the fabric of the shirt he wore behind his back. And her most beautiful eyes were shut, anonymously thinking of ways to thank him.

"Thank you so much, Juls."

His hands slowly rubbed down her hips, soothingly curving over her dips and back up again, and again, until she was nearly falling to sleep.

"You don't have to thank me, angel."

She smiled at his words, forcing her eyes to open and her body to move away from his most comfortable hold.

"When I get enough money, I pinky promise you that I'll buy you something special. Whatever you want, I'll give it to you." She ran her hand over his forearm, assuring him in her sweet, sweet, tone.

The determined look in her eye told him not to argue, even though they both knew he would win anyway.

Picking up the paper bag, sheepishly, she held it out to him. "Would you mind...?" Julius nodded without hesitation and took the bag from her.

Taking her hand again, she smiled small and walked with him side by side back onto the streets.

"Where to now?"

He nodded his head in the direction of a building. The name of the city's shopping centre is displayed in bright green illumination.

She nodded and started walking towards it, tugging him along.

♛♛♛

The man and the woman sat down opposite each other at the cosy cafe designated inside the shopping centre.

After a ridiculously long day of browsing stores full of items worth more than her, the obnoxious growl of her stomach had Julius smirking and her blushing.

Her best friend was insistent on getting food into her stomach, so they found a mini cafe Hazel had spotted it.

"What are you getting, Juls?" She looked up from her menu, dragging her finger along it in circles.

The man across from her shrugged lightly and pointed a finger at one of the options.

Number 7.

Which was the same order Hazel had chosen. This nearly made her grin.

Of course, Hazel hadn't told him yet; he was just as keen for a Nutella croissant as she was.

"Me too."She giggled. Her eyes glistened under the light, making it hard to concentrate on anything but her.

Those full lips curved ever so slightly, into the sort of smile he seemed to grace her whenever she looked at him adoringly.

"Do you me to order for you?" Standing from his seat already, Hazel nodded gratefully. "Yes, please. Would you mind ordering me water too?"

Nodding, he turned and walked over to the counter where they took orders.

Hazel peeled her eyes away from him, not wanting to seem creepy for staring at him. Even though she could stare at him all day long if she wanted to.

Newer thoughts brewed her mind now. Now that she was alone, she could congest the day she has been through.

No, she hasn't bought anything, besides the beautiful record player her Juls had bought for her.

And, wow, did that not only make her want to scream into a pillow but also want to completely pour her heart out to him.

The little action only perceived her heart and soul, but also the way he held onto her hand every time they walked off together or the way he rubbed her wrist with his thumb.

He glanced over at her every few minutes, she knew this because she was always already looking at him, which lead to her getting caught, Every. Single. Time.

It was as if he looked at her just to make sure she was there or to know she was okay.

Hazel had never been one to know if she were quick to catch feelings for someone. But she knew her emotions were high all of the time, for everything. Which, again, lead her to be overly sensitive.

This also leads her to catch feelings, fast.

Julius was perfect. He was unique, different and, oh boy, was he just handsom—

"Hazel!" A voice called and her headshot right up in front of her.

The sight of the familiar man caught her attention and her eyes bulged as he pulled her into an embrace.

"I knew it was you! I couldn't tell from behind the glass," He chuckled and pulled away, peering into her eyes.

Hazel laughed awkwardly and shifted in her spot.

"How are you doing, Daniel?"

He nodded and grinned broadly looking around the cafe. "Yeah, yeah, I'm good Haze. I just got back from an interview from the Police department down in North Bay."

Hazel's lips parted and she smiled happily with her eyes. "I'm so happy for you, Daniel! How did it go?"

Daniel grinned and was about to make a move to sit down opposite her, but the hand that came behind the chair, pulling it away from him, stopped all immediate actions.

Daniel snapped his head towards the person, as did Hazel, and all eyes grew wide.

"Oh!" Hazel abruptly stood from her seat, waddling between the table and the wall, slipping past and coming beside Julius.

She wrapped her arm around his and looked up at Daniel. "This is my bestest friend, Juls. But you can call him Julius." Daniel stared wide-eyed at the man as if he were paralysed.

Uncomfortable, Hazel looked up at Julius, only to see his eyes set in a cold, chilling glare toward the male.

Clearing her throat, Daniel snapped out of it as Hazel decided to speak again.

"And Juls, this is Daniel, one of my colleagues."

No one moved.

Not even an inch.

And it seemed like, at the time, the entire cafe had gone quiet for a moment.

"I-I, um," Daniel scratched the back of his head but took a wary step back, smiling uncomfortably at Hazel.

"I should go." He mumbled and sent Hazel another uneasy grin. "See you at work, Haze."

With that, he took off, literally fleeted out of there and the entire cafe went back to its chatter.

A pout came to her lips, still staring off at the previous place Daniel had been standing in.

That was weird.

"Excuse me? I've got the order for the two toasted croissants?"

Jumping in her spot, she quickly moved out of the way, her arm tugging Julius with her too. The worker placed both plates of food down but before she could walk off, Julius gripped her forearm.

The lady tensed and looked up at him while he glared at her coldly. "And the water with extra ice." He demanded and Hazel almost winced at the cold tone.

She shook her head and immediately scurried off.

"You should be a little bit nicer Juls," Hazel mumbled quietly.

His eyes snapped to her. Hazel didn't look at him, a little embarrassed at what she had said, but she moved her chair around the table so she could sit beside him, instead of across.

Julius still stood, staring at her.

When she finally looked up, expecting a rather harsh response but instead, she noticed the dancing amusement on his features. His eyes.

"Nicer?" He repeated her words. Now have taken a seat and relaxed in it.

She nodded slowly and looked down at her food. Oh, so hungry.

His veiny hand clutched the ends of the chair that was now closer to him, screeching along the tiled floor as he placed her directly next to him. Side by side.

He carefully raised her chin, Hazel gasped and her eyes bugged out from the sudden electricity.

They were so close, she could see every feature, dot, and the little brown freckles strewn across his neck.

"Show me, Hazel. Show me how to be nice." He murmured, tracing his thumb along her jaw.

"You can say please," She said breathlessly as if she had been running a marathon and had only just stopped to take a break.

Eyes searched hers, and unexpectedly his shoulders shook lightly as a low, low, chuckle soundlessly escaped his lips.

Bowing his head, he shook it lightly, removing his hand from her face and now placing both his hands in her palms.

"You amaze me, Hazel."

Hearing those words for the second time today, Hazel thought she'd turn entirely inside out.

Cups of water was placed in front of her, she smiled at the waitress who had already turned and walked off.

Releasing a breath, she bit onto her bottom lip and pulled the plate in front of her.

The two began to slightly eat as if their moment of closeness never happened.

But the two did know it did.

"I don't like him very much," Hazel admitted, face sour as she made her 6th or 7th bite. Julius peered over at her and rose an eyebrow.

"Daniel." She explained and still, he was confused.

Sighing, she took his free hand and placed it on her lap, fiddling with his. "This okay?" She asked quietly before going to tell her short story.

With an apprehensive nod of approval, she continued to fiddle with his fingers.

"Daniel was a friend but he betrayed me. He ditched me at this bar he invited me to. That's when and where I met Trace and Gracie." She explained.

"He was the one that ditched you?" Julius scoffed, tensing his jaw. She hummed softly, tracing a vein of his.

"So I'm not fond of him anymore," She sighed sadly. "It's a shame though because, before you, he was the only person who was willing to talk to me."

His thumb started stroking her palm, it was his way of comforting her, and she loved it.

"But it doesn't matter now," She looked up, a small smile graced her and her eyes welcomed a million things at once, presenting them right into his own.

"Why's that, Hazel?" Julius looked right at her, right through her. Her heart pounded and her mouth spilt out whatever came to her head, as it does when she's nervous.

"Because I have you."

Hazel looked down, now nervous that her mouth had spoken. It's not like she hasn't said something like that before, but it's different now because she knows how much she likes him.

But he doesn't.

A hand came to her cheek, cupping it in its large nature. Hazel shot her head up so fast she thought she almost had whiplash from it.

Julius intensely looked at her, as if she were the only person in the world. Her breathing seemed to slow as he leaned closer, and closer. Only until his lips hovered over hers a mere inch, had he then only moved them directly to a spot on her cheek.

His lips pressed down slowly, he lingered them there for a few seconds before removing them.

Hazel didn't get the chance to breathe as he made his next move. Tucking her hair behind her left ear, he moved his warm lips there.

"I'm here to protect you, Hazel," He whispered softly, deeply. He came back in front of her, his eyes on sight for her to see.

Every muscle, every heartbeat was frozen in time. His words, his touches, everything just had her hypnotised.

"Always." He ended, eyes flickering over her features one last time. She blinked and he had pulled away, leant back in his chair as if he hadn't had his lips so close to hers.

Hazel was completely flustered, and Julius was not.

Silence fell between them for the next few minutes. After eating, the two had exited once Julius paid for both of them.

Now they walked along the curb, Hazel's mind wandering from one end to another. All thoughts were, of course, consumed by him.

"Can I ask you some questions?" Hazel asked rather quizzically.

A gentle breeze whizzed past them in the evening air, the sun slowly heaving down as its orange rays reflected on some buildings.

From the corner of her eyes, she saw him nod once. Giving approval, she began to interrogate him.

"Would you rather colder weather or sunnier weather?"

A cigarette was now between his lips, his thumb flickering the flame on as it lit the toxic stick. "Colder." He replied, exhaling the first hit to his other side.

She nodded slowly looking down at her shoes. "Ice cream or chocolate?"

A breathy chuckle escaped him, looking over at her once, he looked away almost instantly. "Neither."

She pouted. "Candy?"

"Starburst." He mumbled unsurely.

Hazel made a mental note to add that to the list of things to buy him.

"Favourite flower?"

He stopped, making her stop too. Exhaling another hit, he stepped in front of a large man who was dressed in all black. He handed him a pair of keys, casting a confused glance between the two, Hazel's gaze went right towards the car beside them.

It was his car. Here.

"You brought your car?" She stepped behind him as he moved off the pavement and towards the car. His strong arm pulled open the door, revealing the passenger side.

"Yes." He replied and tossed the cigarette to the ground. Hazel frowned.

"And roses are." Blazing his eyes into hers. She exhaled and nodded, stepping inside the car.

Julius had gotten in beside her, pushing the ignition and easily gliding onto the roads at his abnormal speed.

"Where are we going?" She asked, glancing over at him. Rubbing a hand down his thigh, he subtly looked at her, she noticed the way his eyes lingered on her for a few more seconds.

Returning to the road, Hazel watched his lips quirk up the slightest.

"Like sunsets?"