-CHAPTER THREE: Morning Folly-
Harry sighed for the umpteenth time that night and placed the last sheaf of papers onto the carefully stacked pile. It was a quarter past eleven, or so the wall clock said. Blinking his gritty eyes Harry got to his feet, grimacing when his leg protested to the quick movement. He was at last finished with organizing the manuscript and was a little bit pleased with himself for stacking it so neatly. Chewing on the inside of his cheek Harry suppressed a smile. Wondering what exactly Severus' writing was like he bent to retrieve the first page.
Chapter one – Hearts of Lust.
His racing heart beat sang in time with the forceful thrusts the tanned man above him was giving. Sweat slicked his skin and the salty tang was almost sweet on his lips…
Harry's cheeks blushed pink and he hurriedly dropped the piece of paper to the stack. That was far too explicit for his liking. It amazed him Severus had enough emotion to write such things. The man did seem rather stoic and snarky. It was difficult to image him dreaming up such vivid scenes of homoerotic sex. Flushing brightly Harry wiped his palms over his thighs, wondering why he was sweating over a few inked words.
Swallowing a thick mouthful of saliva the boy left the room, sending a quick reproachful glance back at the innocently stacked papers. "Bloody nymphomaniac," he muttered to himself.
The living room was dark save for the fake fire that sent soft, orange light across the leather armchairs and sofa. The kitchen light was off and Harry realized Severus must have gone to bed. Nibbling his lip, Harry was unsure about where he was to sleep. The obvious thought was to take the spare room, however what if Severus used it for a study. Shrugging to the empty room Harry lowered his tired body down onto the sofa. It was comfortable enough and he wouldn't get into trouble.
After a few minutes of blearily watching the fire Harry's breathing evened out and he fell asleep.
-SSHP-
It would seem that Harry had a thing for his sofa. The boy was curled up in a tight ball, hugging his body with his arms and drooling all over the cushions. Severus frowned and ran a hand through his hair. He had just woken up, at the early time of six in the morning, his chest was bare and he wore a pair of pajama bottoms that hung low on his hips. Deciding to let the boy be the older man went into the kitchen to fix a strong brew of coffee and fetch some breakfast.
A slice of toast slathered with strawberry jam held in one hand and a cup of fragrant coffee in the other Severus made his amble back into the living room, Harry had sprawled out now and was hanging half off the sofa, his dark hair hid his face but Severus could make out the straight nose and delicate chin. The sight was almost endearing. Shaking away the thought Severus sat down and took a bite of his toast, the sweet jam clashed with the bitter coffee.
He sat for a few minutes, crunching his toast and listening to the shallow breathing from the boy on his sofa. It wasn't until Harry keened softly and wriggled around that inspiration crawled up Severus' spine and niggled at his mind. Quickly he fetched his notebook and begun scribbling out more of his chapter. "Perhaps a hold up." He mused and smiled to himself. The events he had gone through upon meeting Harry made for excellent insight.
The men walked confidently towards the counter and pointed their weapons at the shaking middle-aged woman…
Halfway through his fervent writing a barely audible moan caught the authors attention, pausing his pen he looked up at Harry. His lips twitched at the corners when the boy shifted and rubbed against the sofa. A morning erection was obviously common in someone of eighteen years old, it didn't mean Severus was going to dismiss it and he watched with a raised eyebrow as Harry breathed out another little moan and massaged his groin into the cushions. Harry's cheeks were flushed delectably pink and his lips were pouting. Severus wondered what he was dreaming about.
Harry stilled after a few more sighs and Severus, fitfully ignoring the twitch of his groin, went back to his writing, distracted slightly and finding it hard to stay on track. A good five minutes went by tediously and no more words were added to the paper, finally he threw down his pen in exasperation and shot the sleeping Harry a glare, as if his distraction had been all the kid's fault. And really it had.
Pacing the living room and willing his lust to subside Severus heaved a breathy sigh. Since when did he find annoying, unlawful, little boy's attractive? Harry breathed loudly and keened; Severus snapped and stormed back to his armchair, throwing himself down onto the soft cushions. He would not allow his attraction to go any further. It was too bigger age difference, not to mention they were complete opposites. Running a palm down his face Severus gathered his composure. He'd deal with his giddy emotions surrounding the boy later – for now he had to deal with the events of yesterday.
A heavy thump got his attention and he turned to find a disgruntled Harry lying on the floor. Clearly having rolled over a smidgen too far, his green eyes were glassy and his hair sleep-mused.
"Good morning, Harry." Said Severus with a smirk on his lips, Harry yawned and stretched his t-shirt riding up to show a peeking of smooth flesh, Severus idly wondered what it would feel like, soft he imagined. "Sleep well?" he asked, trying not to give away his inner thoughts.
"Yeah, I wasn't sure whether I was supposed to sleep in the room or out here." Severus raised one eyebrow. Harry bent over self-consciously and Severus chuckled inwardly, erections were a bitch sometimes.
"I'm not a sadist; I do allow my guest to sleep in a bed." Harry flashed him a smile, lopsided and sleepy. It made butterflies erupt in Severus' chest and he frowned at such a feeling. It had been far too long since anyone had elicited a response like that from him. He wasn't sure he was comfortable with knowing his body reacted so strongly to the kid. "Are you hungry?"
Harry shrugged and pushed off the floor, perching on the edge of the sofa, his jeans were wrinkled and Severus mentally decided he would have to get the boy into some cleaner clothes. No tent in the boy's jeans, Harry must have done some quick thinking about old ladies or whatever helped the hard-on subside. "I guess, are you?" Mocking Harry and shrugging exaggeratedly the older man got to his feet, thankful his own half-erection had subsided also.
"I've already ate, do you want me to make you something?"
Harry's expression was laughable, "I do know how to make myself food, you can trust me in your kitchen." He stated and scratched his hair, making it stick up at the back. Severus just nodded and gestured to the kitchen. He watched Harry hobble through the doorway and hoped the kid wouldn't burn down the entire flat. With Harry he couldn't be sure what to expect next. A knock at the door had Severus also getting up.
Looking through the window next to the front door Severus wondered absently when he had become so paranoid. He couldn't see anyone for a moment and then a formally dressed woman entered his vision, her hair was tied back into a tight bun and her face was thin and serious. "Police," he whispered and crouched a little lower, his heart raced and he hoped the woman would leave. She didn't. When the next knock came Harry wandered out, he was holding a slice of toast with butter smeared across the surface.
"Who's here –" with speed he didn't know he had Severus dived forward and clamped Harry's mouth shut with his palm. The boy's eyes bulged with incredulity and he slapped at Severus' hand, trying to tug it away from his mouth, he froze and paled when a firm voice spoke from outside.
"Mr. Snape? It's the police, open up now," Wincing and closing his eyes tightly until white spots danced across his vision Severus cursed under his breath. He let his hand fall away from the warm, soft lips and Harry immediately gripped his biceps hard.
"Maybe they will go if they don't think you're in?" He queried hopefully.
Another sharp, quick rap at the door, "we know you're home, now open the door." Harry continued to hold on to Severus' arms even when the man tried to go for the door, a small, awkward fracas insured when Harry refused to allow the man freedom.
Pushing Harry up against the wall Severus growled in admonition, he didn't like to be pushed around, especially not from someone younger and smaller then himself. "Don't be daft, if I don't answer the door I will be in more trouble." He said and shook the boy for good measure. Harry glared and bunched handful of the tall man's pajama pants in his hands. "Let go of me." Severus said lowly.
"No," whispered Harry fervently, pulling Severus closer, the man's naked chest pressed forcefully against Harry's, a sizzle of desire skipped through Severus' veins at the warm press of their bodies. "She sounds pissed, if you go out there she will arrest you on the spot. Do you want that?" Harry's voice was so hasty and worried that fear spiked in Severus' bones. He didn't want anymore trouble, and despite the fact it would take a while to work out this whole mess he knew it was better to open the door. Before he could move Harry was wrapping his arms around his waist and pulling him along, into the spare bedroom.
Severus crossed his arms over his chest. "What do you –?"
"We can climb out the window and escape." The front door pounded and Severus could hear the woman officer calling for back up on her two-way radio. Harry's green eyes pleaded with him and he gave a quiet scream. This was not a good situation to be in.
"Let me get dressed." He exclaimed and dashed from the room, Harry followed hot on his heels.
"So we're going out the window?" the boy asked and openly stared at Severus' body as he slipped on a button down shirt and a pair of slacks. He shot Harry a look and sneered.
"Didn't your mother ever teach you not to stare?" he quipped and swept from the room. He caught sight of the flush that climbed Harry's neck and stained his cheeks. Apparently the kid wasn't aware he had been gawking at another man's body so intently. Severus hadn't really minded, although knowing such a beauty was staring at his body made his groin react and he didn't need to be harboring a hard-on while trying to escape the police.
Once back in the spare bedroom Severus got busy with opening the window, it stuck slightly and Harry had to push with him to get it moving. Finally with a loud scratching, scrapping sound the window unstuck. Both men winced at the noise. "Think they heard?" hushed Harry.
A loud clamor at the front door told Severus the police were breaking in, "quick before more arrive." He said and hoisted himself bodily up onto the window ledge, the drop was a good meter and a half and he prayed he wouldn't sprain his ankle. Jumping like a frog the man landed heavily with a dull thud. The wet grass under his palms squelched.
"Help me," Harry hissed down at him and Severus stood up, watching the boy awkwardly climb up on to the ledge, he favored his damaged leg. "It's going to hurt when I land." Harry warned and bit his bottom lip. Severus could still hear the police working on the front door. Widening his stance and looking back up at the scared boy he gave a small smile, hoping it was comforting and encouraging.
"I'll catch you as best I can, just hurry or I'll leave without you." He wouldn't of course but the threat knocked Harry into gear and before Severus was ready the boy jumped, leaping from the window with his eyes shut tightly. Readying his muscles Severus caught a hold of Harry's middle, pulling the small body close to his. The momentum of the jump combined with the force of their collision sent the pair to the ground, Harry lying on top of the scowling man.
Breathing deeply Harry raised his torso and opened his eyes, Severus was scowling fiercely and his dark eyes gleamed with vexation, "sorry," Harry mumbled sheepishly and allowed Severus to help him to his feet. "Thanks for catching me." he added and gently placed his weight on his bad leg. It hadn't been jarred from his jump; thankfully Severus had caught him even before his feet had hit the ground. Surely that had been an effort for the man.
"Come on, follow me." Said Severus briskly and grasped Harry's wrist tightly, he dragged the boy behind him as he set off at a sprint, fleeing from the police who were besieging his home.
-SSHP-
The dreary trail of rain droplets cried down the glass of the bus window, leaving wet lines in their wake. Harry sat with his forehead pressed against the cold glass, watching the outside world blur by in hurried hues of green and grey. The sight made his head spin. Sighing he turned to the man next to him, Severus was pointedly not giving Harry his attention.
"You know this time it was your decision to run from the police?" supplied Harry helpfully and nudged his thigh against the warm, slack covered one next to him. He ignored the glaring fact that he had in fact insisted they climb out the window. Severus grunted but didn't move away his leg. The bus' engine rumbled and a gear change jerked them lightly in their seat. "We're lucky it's early, not many people catch the bus this early." Harry mused. Dark eyes narrowed in his direction.
"Lucky?" Severus said scornfully, "lucky that we are fugitives?" he sighed heavily from his nose and Harry shrugged – the man could be a bit of a drama queen when he wanted. It really was one big tangle of misunderstandings, however, that had led them to be sitting on the bus, heading to goodness knows where, and taking out their dismay on one another. Harry's head spun even more, this time from exasperation.
"This is fucked up." He huffed and leant his head against the back of the seat, groaning lightly. A gentle hand patting his knee made him look up into coal black eyes. Severus was watching him carefully with an expression Harry hadn't seen the man wear before – was it pity? Concern? He wasn't sure. But it burned bright in those pitch-black eyes.
Removing his hand the older man ran his finger through his wind tousled hair. "This situation is extremely fucked up, Harry. I'm so glad I met you." The last part was said sarcastically but Harry decided to ignore that little detail, sitting up straighter he leaned over and rested his head on Severus' shoulder. The man stiffened at the gesture.
"I'm glad I met you to, Sev." Harry said in a sugary sweet voice, he was pushed away a moment later and could hear the sniggers from the teenage girl who sat two seats behind him. He shot her a glance and she quieted, playing idly with her phone. A palm slapped at Harry's jaw and he jumped. Severus smirked.
"You call me that once more and I'll tip you over my knee and spank you."
Harry's mouth dropped open and he stared at his companion, "we're on a bus!" he exclaimed.
"Very observant of you." Severus replied dryly and turned back to watching out the front window. Harry took a deep breath and flopped back into his seat. The bus shuddered as it pulled up at a bus stop; a few more strangers joined them.
"Where are we going?" asked Harry as he watched a mother struggle to fit her child's stroller on board. They had been on the bus for well over half an hour now, since running from Severus' flat, and he was curious as to where they were indeed heading.
"I have no clue." Was the quiet reply Harry received.
"What?"
"We'll go as far as the bus takes us."
The stroller clacked as it was pulled up against a seat. Harry frowned.
"That could be anywhere! We could end up lost." Severus nodded and smiled, actually smiled – not a smirk, Harry's chest tingled and he gave the man a goofy smile in return. He was such a dork sometimes.
"Lost is good. We can't be found if we are lost."
The man was insane, Harry decided. But he must also be insane if he was willing to go along with it.
-SSHP-
The café was busy and alive with sound, Harry sighed and rested his elbows on the shiny tabletop, the smell of pastries and coffee was appetizing and he watched Severus order some food at the counter eagerly. His breakfast had been somewhat ruined by the police swarming the flat, so the boy was glad that they had decided to get off the bus at its last stop. Where they were was anyone's guess. It was a small rustic countryside, a far cry from the beautiful sights of France. It was charming in its own right however and Harry was more then happy to allow his companion to find a place to stay for when night fell.
Severus came over with his hands full of plates and a coffee cup handle held by his little finger, "I got you some pastries, I didn't know what you'd like." Severus explained and placed the white plate full of hot, savory smelling food in front of Harry. Harry took a huge sniff and almost moaned, his tummy grumbled at him and he wasted no time. Grabbing a large sausage roll he stuffed it into his mouth.
"I eat anything." He muttered through his tongue-burning mouthful, Severus shot him a disgusted look when flakes of pastry sprayed from his mouth and landed on the tabletop. Harry just shrugged and continued eating.
"I've found us a place to stay for the night," the man said conversationally and took a bite of a small, round pie, Harry nodded and made a sound of question in his throat, his mouth still busy with chewing his food. "It's at a ranch just down the road from here. I'm paying a woman to allow us to stay in her empty room. There are no hotels around here." Harry laughed then subsequently choked on his food. Severus watched with a raised eyebrow as the boy coughed – he made no move to help Harry, and Harry decided a good hard kick under the table was well deserved.
Severus jumped and immediately kicked Harry back, flippantly however, and without much force. "What was that for? You're incredulity about our residence or because you were embarrassed about choking on your absurdly big mouthful?" asked Severus and took a long draught of his coffee, his eyes never left Harry's flushed face however. It made butterflies flutter in his chest and Harry wasn't sure that was a good thing.
"Shut-up, I was hungry," Harry said defensively, "and I don't mind where we stay the night so long as I can sleep in a bed." Severus nodded, continuing to eat his own plateful. A comfortable silence fell around the two.
"How much for the night?"
Severus looked up, "I don't engage in prostitution, Harry." It was a dry joke.
Harry gave a blank stare and crossed arms over his chest, willing his lips not to twitch. "I meant for the room, you pervert." Severus shrugged and Harry noticed duly that he hadn't actually seen the man shrug with out it being mocking. Perhaps the man had picked up the habit from Harry. It was to be expected, they had spent a lot of forced time together since first meeting. It was odd how two individuals could spend so much time together within a couple of days and not know much about one another. Harry made a mental note to find out more about his companion.
"Sixty-five Euros –"
"Oh, that's not so bad…"
"Per-person."
Harry's face dropped into a frown and he sighed, "I only have a little bit on me." he admitted and tapped his front pocket where his wallet sat. Severus sipped his coffee and waved his hand expansively.
"Doesn't matter I've paid already, I have the address here," he slipped a small piece of paper out from his shirt pocket and showed Harry, "we will go to the ranch after we finish eating, unless you want to have a look around that is?"
Harry picked at the golden pastry of his pie, lifting a small, melt-in-the-mouth slither to his lips, "s'not much to see but trees and fields." He commented around his food. "Plus I could use some sleep." He added and stifled an involuntary yawn. Severus shook his head.
"Is eating and sleeping the only two skills you have?" he said sardonically, Harry poked his tongue out and made a 'nerr-ing' sound. "Watch it or I'll chase that tongue back into your mouth with my own." If the older man was startled by his own words he gave no slight towards it. Harry's cheeks heated in a blush and he cleared his throat noisily. The words made his blood run cold, but what made Harry uncomfortable was that he actually quite liked having Severus talk to him in such a silky, suggestive voice.
After a pause where it was entirely too hushed within the café Harry gave a chortle, then snorted laughter, his thoughts tickling him, "really, here we are, fugitives running from the law, one snarky, evocative author and a student who is having a gay-crisis." Again Harry swore his blood turned to ice. He hadn't meant to say the last part about himself aloud. Biting his lip he stared at his scraps of pastry, watching the plate with such intent he was surprised it didn't spontaneously combust.
"It'd make a good book." He added weakly and willed his blush to disappear.
Harry heard Severus take a noisy gulp of his coffee and then place down the mug with a clatter, "a gay-crisis?" he said slowly and Harry didn't need to be looking at the man to know that he was smirking widely. Sometimes Harry wished he had the ability to become invisible. Now would be a perfect time to use such a power. "And yes, I suppose it would make a good book. Will you excuse me, Harry, I have something to do."
Harry jerked his head up when Severus got up from his seat, "where are you going?" he inquired and also stood up, unsure why the man was departing so suddenly.
"I need to go to the shop, there's one not far from here. If you want you can go to the house," the paper was handed over to him, Severus' callous fingers brushed against Harry's smooth ones and he shivered when tingles flamed on his skin. "I'll meet up with you in a couple of hours; don't go getting into any trouble." Dark eyes gave him a stern look and Harry glared halfheartedly. Had he upset Severus with something he said?
Sighing and watching the tall man leave Harry unfolded the scrap of paper, in scratchy scrawl that was undeniably Severus' read;
Little Greenstead Cottage
19CaneDrive
It sounded like an old lady's home, Harry decided and tucked away the paper – now came the hard part of actually finding his way to Greenstead Cottage. It would have to be a fair ways away, the scenery was remote. Harry just hoped he could keep his mind off his twisting emotions that surrounded Severus. He hadn't known where his gay-crisis comment had come from – he wasn't aware he was having one, but…
"Fuck, I need some air."
Storming out of the little café Harry marched into the gravel-paved street. The smell of grass and livestock hit him with a breath of wind and he huffed. His life was beginning to get very confusing. Little did he know it was about to get a whole lot eventful.
R&R? ;)