Delicious smells of baked goods wafted out onto the busy London Street as Harry unlocked the door to his bakery and café. He wondered for a few moments why he smelt such things, as it was he that normally did the cooking.
Walking through the main area of the shop flicking lights on as he went, Harry found his assistant manager and best friend busily loading a tray with chocolate croissants. The bench covered in flour as well as his assistant.
'Trying to impress your boss?' Harry laughed entering the kitchen
'Thought my boss wouldn't be in til late this morning, might have been up all night' Tatum Richards winked as she sat another pastry onto the tray 'hot date and all'
'Well you thought wrong, and it wasn't a hot date it was a cry for help' Harry cringed 'While I think of it your family are now banned from my shop'
'Can't have been that bad' Tatum gave Harry one of her inquiring looks
'It was worse' Harry answered 'the man is in desperate need of professional help and a shower'
'Eww' Tatum scrunched up her nose
'Exactly' Harry concurred 'if you're happy here I might go out and get things sorted out the front'
'Happy as can be' Tatum chortled
Harry left her to it in the kitchen and walked out to the main area of the shop, he switched on the coffee maker, put all the chairs under the tables and went out into the crisp morning air and hung his sign. He had owned Sinful Delights Bakery and Café for close to four years.
He went to a prestige cooking school and got his degree, spent a year in France working under some of the most renowned bakers there was, he went on to Italy after that before returning to London and opening the shop.
Tatum had taken a business course at college and offered to run the more conservative side of the shop for Harry, he was only too happy to employ her.
They had been friends since Harry was 10 years old, his parents were killed in a car accident, his mother had been very good friends with Tatum's mum and as he had no other family to speak of they took him in. she was his best friend and confidant.
Brewing a coffee for himself and one for Tatum, Harry grabbed the paper off the counter and sat in his favourite spot by the window, the early morning sun streamed through casting a warm glow. Perfect for his first coffee of the day.
'Coffee's up Tay' Harry called out opening the paper and reading the headlines.
Tatum joined him a few minutes later, pinching the middle section of his paper and laying it flat on the tabletop. The woman was obsessed with the gossip pages; she couldn't get through a day without her dose of juicy city gossip.
Companionable silence ensued as each read the contents and caught with the happenings. Tatum looked out the window and then up at the clock, she quickly folded her paper and got up from her seat.
'What are you doing?' Harry asked
'Our favourite customer will be here very soon' she answered walking over to the coffee maker.
Harry looked at his watch it was only a few minutes until 8am, their customer usually didn't arrive before 830am on the dot, and he was very punctual. Harry always had his coffee ready and piping hot by the time he walked in the door.
'We have just over half an hour' Harry said puzzled
'I just saw him coming up from the tube station, must be starting early today' Tatum informed Harry, who instantly looked out the front window and sure enough saw the tall man walking towards the shop.
'Blimey' Harry breathed 'he's never been this early are those croissants ready?'
'Yeah in about two minutes' Tatum countered
'Good you make his coffee and I will go and grab him one' Harry rushed out to the kitchen and boxed up two of the chocolate croissants, by the time he had done that and walked back out to the front of the shop, the bell over the door was just jingling and Severus Prince was stepping into the shop.
'Good Morning Mr Prince' Tatum smiled, putting a lid on his coffee
'Severus please, and a good morning to you Tatum' the man smiled
'Morning Severus' Harry came out from the direction of the kitchen and placed the box on the counter'
'Harry, lovely morning' Severus greeted him
'Here's your coffee and two fresh out of the oven Chocolate Croissants' Tatum handed him the coffee cup.
'Oh thank you they smell divine' Severus inhaled deeply 'Have a good day' he paid for his purchases and went out the door.
Once he was outside Severus stood over the other side of the street and watched as Harry was bent over reshuffling the food cabinets. His attractive bum on show for all to see. Very nice Severus thought taking a sip of his Mocha with one sugar.
He left before anyone could accuse him of being an old pervert. Lets face it they wouldn't be far off, ogling a man that was at least 15 or so years younger than him, he would be run in.
'Morning Mary' Severus called out as he walked into his office on the 5th floor of a large high-rise building in London's high street.
For the last 10 years Severus had worked at the publishing house as one of the editors, his receptionist Mary had been with him since his very first day.
'Morning Sev' Mary smiled coming into the office and setting his mail down on the desk, 'you're early today'
'Mmm blame Doug who rang me last night in a panic about the launch of the new Belinda Thornton novel, he said he was having palpitations and on the edge of a heart attack, that is until I agreed to come in early and lend a hand' Severus said dryly 'The man has had more heart attacks then I've had cups of coffee'
'Not sure about that' Mary chuckled 'You do love a morning cup of Joe'
'Go on get on with it you cheeky sod' Severus smirked shooing Mary out of his office.
Setting his coffee down, Severus went to over to a large cabinet where all the material for the launch of the new novel were stored, Doug had rambled on about running out of this, that and the other. They had more than ample copies of the book ready to be signed later that day.
'I had the worse dream' Doug proclaimed as he walked into Severus' office mopping his brow with his handkerchief 'the bookshop where Belinda is holding her signing burnt to the ground, I have been watching the news all morning to see if there've been any fires'
'Good god the man was a drama queen, worse than some of the authors they dealt with' Severus thought to himself
'It will be fine Doug, everything is ready to go, nothing will go wrong' Severus assured him 'I walked past the bookshop on my way here and it was still standing'
'Oh thank heavens for that' Doug sighed with relief 'Don't know what I'd do without you Severus'
Probably harangue some other poor soul' he mused instead he replied with 'You will be fine Doug'
The bundle of nerves vacated Severus's office and he sat back down behind his desk and opened the mail Mary had left. By the time he was finished there were 6 new manuscripts all from budding authors desperate to make a name for themselves.
'Half of London have been in here today' Harry said
'There's some new book out today, that bookshop down the road had a signing or something' Tatum informed him 'nothing better than a coffee or cake to go with a brand new book'
'I'm not complaining' Harry smiled 'It has been a good day, it will mean coming in earlier than normal in the morning'
'Jack is in town and said he would come in and get started in the morning, all we have to do is sort everything out, either you or me can whip up a few goodies while the other runs things out here' Tatum smiled
'Have I ever told you, you are my favourite person on this earth' Harry said kissing Tatum's cheek.
'Not often enough love' Tatum giggled 'It's Jack you should be thanking'
'I will thank your wonderful brother with beer and sandwiches' Harry chortled
Harry more often than not was in the shop in the wee hours of the morning baking away, it was what he loved to do. Jack Richards Tatum's brother was also a baker and helped out on occasion when he was visiting from France.
As well as baked goods, Harry offered freshly made sandwiches, pies and pasties. Jack often made those things while Harry stuck to the sweet things.
Coffee was also a big hit with his customers; over the years he had gained many regulars who were in daily to get their morning heart starter.
Heading out to the kitchen to make some more sandwiches in time for the afternoon rush, Harry hummed along to the radio as he put the fillings on the bench. Life was good.
Tatum convinced Harry to come to the movies with her seeing as he didn't have to be at the shop so early the next morning.
He went home first to change then met Tatum at the cinema, they were seeing something with Vin Diesel in it, and Tatum assured Harry it would be an educational experience for them both.
It just meant that they could both remark on the muscled stars body. Harry had known his was gay from the age of 14, when he found the sight of boys more alluring than the girls. Tatum was very supportive and promptly started helping him to find his type.
She more often than not pointed out which of their male customers might be a possibility, that had led to the disastrous date her Aunty had set him up on.
If he was honest men his age didn't appeal to Harry all that much, he preferred an older more experienced man, someone who had lived life, could hold a decent conversation and showered regularly.
It really wasn't asking all that much, but alas he had yet to find that amongst the ever growing population of London.
Severus paid for his ticket and walked into the foyer of the cinema, after a hellish day he had decided to treat himself to a movie, a new action film caught his eye or rather the actor starring in the film did, so he opted for that.
Ordering Popcorn and a sparkling water, he tried to limit his caffeine intake to just coffee. Following the line to the theatre Severus found a seat towards the back and settled in for an action packed couple of hours.
'Better see some skin' Tatum whispered as they settled in their seats, placing the drinks in the holders and the popcorn on Harry's lap. 'My love life has been severely lacking getting almost as bad as you'
'My love life is just fine thank you' Harry huffed indignantly
'Honey if you don't get some action soon things will start to shrivel and die' Tatum pointed out
'You shouldn't be concerning yourself with my things' Harry sniffed 'concentrate on your own things'
'I have battery powered tools to help me what do you have?' Tatum remarked
'Permanent scaring from that image' Harry cringed
The movie began and all talk of love lives ceased, Harry moved down in his seat and rested his feet on the back of the chair in front, it was vacant so he wasn't disturbing anyone.
Tatum gave a shriek when Vin Diesel took his shirt off and tapped Harry's arm, not bad Harry thought popping some popcorn into his mouth
Severus sipped on his drink, watching the main character taking his shirt off to reveal a buffed tanned body, muscled and smooth.
Not really his type he concluded. He had been openly gay for most of his adult life and gone on numerous dates, even managed a few short-term relationships, but had never found what he was looking for.
Men his age didn't seem to suit him as much as someone younger did. Take Harry for instance, good looking in his late 20's Severus guessed, owned his own business, made delicious coffee.
That was the type Severus wanted someone like Harry, bonus if it was the man himself. He had been on the cusp of asking Harry out so many times over the years, but never followed through, for one thing he didn't know if the man was gay or straight.
He might not want someone who was older than him and not boyish handsome as opposed to a man closer to his age. Oh well for the time being he would settle from buying coffee from the man daily and having the odd look now and then.
'Wanna grab a coffee and a snack before we head home?' Tatum asked Harry as they came out of the movie theatre.
'Sure we can go to the shop if you like?' Harry suggested
'Great I need to visit the loo and we'll go' Tatum rushed off in the direction of the ladies room and Harry went to wait outside.
Severus came out of the theatre and placed his rubbish in the bin nearest the confectionary counter, he walked out into the night air, heading for the tube station. He spotted a familiar figure waiting just outside the doors, when he got closer he realised that it was Harry.
'Good evening Harry' Severus spoke
'Severus' Harry smiled turning to see who had spoken his name 'What brings you here?'
'Thought I would see a movie, long day' Severus explained 'You?'
'Tatum dragged me out, saw some action flick' Harry replied 'We are going to the shop to have a coffee if you would care to join us?'
Tatum came out the doors then, spotting Severus and smiling warmly 'Coming or going?' she asked the man
'Going' Severus answered 'Thank you for the offer Harry, but I better be going I will see you in the morning as usual'
'See you then Severus' Harry replied 'I have a pear tart you might like?'
'I'm intrigued add it to my order' Severus waved them off and headed for the station.
Harry watched as one of his best customers walked away, he moved with elegance and grace, something people seldom did anymore, he had a slim waist, and the pants he was wearing sat very well on said waist, not a bad arse either.
Looping his arm through Tatum's they wandered slowly down the road to the shop, Jack was halfway through the baking when they arrived, so gave him a hand, and then took a break to have coffee and a snack.
'Are you sure you will be fine?' Harry asked for the twentieth time in the past five minutes 'you know I wouldn't norm…
'Yes I am sure, just as sure as I was when you asked me the previous nineteen times' Tatum said mildly 'Now please stop worrying and go, you are disturbing my morning ritual'
'Sorry' Harry said 'Just a little nervous I guess never been asked to be part of a panel before'
'You will be nothing less than outstanding' Tatum grinned
'Bye I love you, don't forget Severus' coffee and the French apple slice I left for him' Harry instructed before rushing out the door
'Wouldn't dream of it' Tatum mumbled going back to the paper.
Severus walked with long strides from the tube station towards the bakery and café on the corner, he had been thinking of Harry intermittently over the last week or so, since he ran into him outside the cinema.
Maybe he should throw caution to the wind and ask the man out on a date, what was the worst that could happen, he'd have to find another place to get his morning coffee from, they were a dime a dozen in a city this size, but he was quite fond of the coffee he bought from Harry, the man knew just how to make it, no he would suss him out a bit more, before diving in.
The bell jingled as he opened the door and stepped into the bakery, a few customers were occupying tables and another couple were waiting for their coffee orders no doubt.
Going to the back of the queue Severus looked around for any sign of Harry, but could only see Tatum at the front counter, he must be in the kitchen.
He wondered if she and Harry were something of an item, they seemed very close certainly spent time together outside of work.
Tatum finished serving the couple in front of Severus; he moved forward and took his wallet from his jacket pocket.
'Can I hel... Oh Severus good morning' Tatum said cheerfully 'I'll just get your coffee ready won't be a tick'
'No hurry, you on your own this morning?' Severus asked casually
'Yeah Harry's in France' she started to tell him, a buzzing sound in her pocket stopped her mind sentence, taking the phone out she quickly looked at the screen.
Just boarded the train, see you in a couple of days~ don't forget to feed Rufus H x
'It's a bloody plant' Tatum mumbled shoving the phone back in her pocket
'Problem?' Severus asked smirking at the young woman's mutterings
'No just instructions from his lordship' Tatum quipped
'About plants?' Severus quirked a brow
'The man has serious problems, a botanist friend of his gave him this rare plant or some such thing, Harry treats it like it's his baby, there is a detailed list of food I have to give it when he's away, got a good mind to give it a dose of weed killer' Tatum grumbled
'I see' Severus chuckled
Tatum cocked her head and gave him what passed for a withering look; setting his coffee on the counter she suddenly remembered something else Lord Harry had asked her to do.
'Hang tight a few Severus I just have to grab something from the kitchen' Tatum hurried out to the kitchen and was back seconds later with a small box. 'Something else his Lordship asked me to do, French Apple slice for you to try'
'I am going to pack on the pounds with all the cakes and slices you feed me' Severus said peeking inside the box and inhaling the aroma
'Do you good' Tatum smiled 'looks like you could do with a few pounds far too skinny'
'Thank you Tatum have a lovely day' Severus bid her goodbye and left the bakery, coffee and treats in hand.
The Parisian School of Baking and Pastry Arts looked more like a grand hotel than a cooking school. Harry had never seen anything so big in all his life. His shop would have been able to fit in the foyer alone with room to spare.
He told the woman behind a large desk who he was and what he was there for, she clicked polished nails over the keyboard and handed him a flat card with a black strip along the back, kind of like a bankcard, gone were the days when you actually used a key to open a door anymore.
Taking the lift to the third floor, Harry found his room, unpacked and freshened up before heading back downstairs and over to the other side of the school where he would meet the host for the next two days.
Harry had been recommend to attend this school by one of his mentors whom he worked with after finishing his training.
Raphael Beaufort was one of the best Pastry chef's and bakers in Europe, Harry had learnt more from him in the year he worked with the man than in 3 years at the London College he attended. The students here were being tested on their patisserie skills; Harry was one of the judges on the panel that assessed them.
Monsieur Louis Allard was in the conference room where the judges would be briefed before meeting the students. Harry knocked on the door.
'Ah Monsieur Potter welcome to Paris' the rotund man beamed grabbing Harry and kissing him in quick succession on each cheek.
'Thank you Monsieur Allard' Harry replied
'Louis' the red faced man insisted
'Then please call me Harry'
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, for the last hour he had been reading through a manuscript from the next John Grisham of authors, not with this publishing house they won't be Severus thought perhaps when they found another word to use apart from and. he placed a red line through the recurring word, and moved on to the next page.
By the time he got to Chapter 3 Severus had had enough. A knock on the door brought him out of his stupor.
'Doug what can I do for you?' Severus asked as the man took a seat
'Belinda Thornton sent along her thanks for the great work we did in getting her book published and the signing at the bookstore the other day' he smiled 'I see you have started reading the next big thing in mystery novels?'
'Wading my way through it' Severus intoned
'A friends son wrote that' Doug said proudly 'A brilliant piece of writing'
So that's why the envelope was on the top of the pile with a post it note saying IMPORTANT stuck to it Severus cursed inwardly he'd lost count of the number of times a friend of Doug's relatives attempts at creative writing had crossed his desk.
'Well I'll let you get back to it' Doug announced getting up from the chair and leaving Severus in peace.
In need of a break Severus walked out of his office and into the staffroom, made himself a cup of mediocre coffee and took the slice he had gotten from the bakery that morning.
Sitting at the table he flicked through the London times, taking a forkful of slice and popping it into his mouth.
It was divine, the apples were succulent and juicy, there was a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, underneath the apple filling was a thin layer of custard, and it was the icing on the cake as far as slices went.
He would have to thank Harry next time he saw him for that, might even see if the man would bake him a whole tray of the stuff. He took another mouthful and moaned in pleasure.
'You right Severus?' Mary asked coming into the staffroom and giving him an odd look
'Grab a fork and taste this' Severus muffled with a mouthful of the heavenly slice 'it's like nothing you've ever tasted
Moments later both Severus and Mary were moaning over the French treat, anyone walking past might have had different ideas as to what was going on in the staffroom and took a wide berth.
Harry set his bags down and went into the kitchen and put the kettle on, he had arrived home from Paris half and hour earlier. Hopped on another train and came home.
Even though his shop was in London Harry chose to live on the outskirts in Amersham, Buckinghamshire his home was modest two-storey brick house, boasting a large kitchen that allowed him to bake until his heart was content.
While in Paris he had picked up a new recipe that he was dying to try out. Severus might even like this one he thought randomly, not exactly sure why the name had popped into his head.
Pouring his cup of tea, Harry opened the fridge and the pantry cupboard, looks like if he wanted to eat he would have to visit the market in the village; he could buy the ingredients for the new experiment while he was there.
Severus took a basket from the front of the gourmet market he had just walked into and started walking up and down the isles; he only needed a few things so a basket would suffice. It had been another long day at the office and he wanted nothing more than peace and quiet.
The long days were becoming more frequent of late; maybe it was time for a change in career, Severus had long since lost that feeling of accomplishment his job use to give him. It wasn't something he had necessarily set out to do when he had left college.
Look at Harry he owned his own business and genuinely loved the job he did. The young man was more often than not apart of Severus' thoughts these days; he really should just man up and ask him out.
Turning the corner into the next isle, he saw the very man on his mind, standing behind a shopping trolley perusing the shelves.
'We have to stop meeting like this Harry?' Severus chortled coming to stop beside him
'Severus' Harry smiled a wide smile 'What brings you to my neck of the woods?'
'We share the same woods Harry, I live in the village' Severus replied
'Small world' Harry shook his head chuckling 'Guess neither of us care for the city other than work?'
'No can't say that I do' Severus answered
Harry had a sudden thought and he decided to take the bull by the horns. 'I am going into the shop later tonight try out a new recipe would you like to join me?' he asked shyly
'I would love to Harry' Severus said without thought 'What are you making?'
'A strawberry loaf with a glaze on top, one of the students baked it while I was in Paris' he explained
'Tatum told me about you being there' Severus told him 'why don't you join me for dinner?' he added taking the same bull by the horns
'What's on the menu?' Harry inquired
'Just simple pasta of mushrooms, bacon, Onion, cream, garlic nothing fancy' Severus smiled
'Yum, you're on ' I'll just take this lot home and meet you there' Harry grinned 'Text me your address' he added giving Severus his mobile phone number
He hadn't even gotten in his car and turned the key, and his phone was buzzing in his pocket. Smiling as he read the text with Severus' address he drove home, thinking this might be the answer to prevent his things from shrivelling up and dying as Tatum so eloquently phrased it
'So tell me about yourself Sev all I know is you have a Mocha with one sugar' Harry asked twirling pasta around his fork.
'Not much to tell really, I work at a publishing house not far from your bakery, have done for about 10 years, I spend my days reading manuscripts from people desperate to become published and placating my boss' Severus stated 'You might have had a few customers from the book signing the other week'
'More than a few' Harry laughed 'it was rather a hectic afternoon'
'What about you what's your story Harry?' Severus asked with genuine interest
'Mine is very Annie' Harry sighed dramatically 'my parents were killed when I was 10, Tatum's parents took me in save ending up in a foster home, I went to cooking school for 3 years, travelled to France and Italy. Before coming back here and opening the shop'
'I'm very sorry Harry' Severus said sombrely
'It was a long time ago and I know they would have been proud of how I turned out' Harry shrugged
'You and Tatum are an item then?' Severus ventured
Harry roared with laughter, ensuing a coughing fit 'Good god no, where did you get an idea like that?' he croaked out
'You work together and I have seen you outside of the shop' Severus said feebly
'Tatum is like my sister; her mum and mine were great friends, that's why I went to live with them. Aside from that I am gay, so Tay really isn't my type, not that she isn't constantly trying to find that for me' Harry said earnestly
Yahooooooo! Severus' mind cheered and whooped could more beautiful words have ever been spoken?
'I apologise' Severus said in an even tone
'All good, I don't exactly broadcast it' Harry brushed the comment away
'Neither do I' Severus replied not missing a beat
'Lord have mercy' Harry's mind did a happy dance at this glorious piece of information
'Seems we really do share the same neck of the woods Severus' Harry smirked
'Indeed' Severus remarked
An hour later the pair were in the kitchen of Harry's bakery, the ingredients for the strawberry bread lay on the counter. Harry gave Severus and apron and they set to work.
The older man was in awe as he watched Harry work meticulously with his hands, hands that he very much wanted to take into his own.
He'd given Severus the job of chopping the strawberry's that would be later added to the batter.
'Sure you're up for the task of chopping fruit?' Harry asked, handing Severus one of his knives
'I think I can manage it' Severus said dryly 'Might show you a thing or two'
'Really?' Harry raised a questioning brow 'think you're up to my level?'
'You get back to your mixing, let the expert take care of the hard stuff' Severus made a shooing motion with his hands
'By all means Mr Expert dazzle me with your skill' Harry said taking a step back
'I'll do more than dazzle you' Severus remarked deftly chopping the red fruit to within an inch of its life
Harry had only just gotten the mixer off the shelf when Severus let out a squawk followed by several expletives. Shaking his head, he went to inspect the damage.
'Looks like the expert forgot to move his fingers out of the way' Harry quipped 'hope you didn't bleed on my strawberries'
'Taking up comedy are we?' Severus shot him a look 'never mind my poor finger'
'Give me a look' Harry took the injured digit and inspected it closely it was only a superficial cut, nothing a bandaid couldn't fix. 'I think you'll live' he added taking a cloth and gently cleaning away the blood
'Good to know' Severus said quietly, too distracted by the close proximity of Harry and himself.
'Right' Harry said his voice an octave higher than it normally was ' I'll just grab you a bandaid and you're good to go' he scurried off to his office at the far end of the kitchen, returning a few moments later with a small box.
He took a bandaid from the box and set about wrapping it around Severus' injured finger. Scratching his nose, before closing the box, Severus saw he had put flour on his face.
'Harry you have flour on your face' Severus informed him
'Do I where?' Harry asked running his hand over his face and making it worse
'Everywhere now' Severus chuckled, taking a handkerchief from his pocket and wiping the white dust from Harry's face 'much better'
'I never realised how dark your eyes are' Harry said staring into obsidian orbs almost in a trance
'Nor did I ever note how intense your eyes are' Severus reached up and cupped Harry's face, then leaning in and brushing his lips over Harry's softly 'Was that alright?' he asked, thinking it was about 30 seconds too late to be asking such a thing
Harry nodded his head, not trusting himself to speak, not even sure he could. Running a finger over his lips that were still tingling he moved forward and kissed Severus again, mouths parted eagerly, tongues danced, tasted and explored. Strong arms went around Harry's waist and pulled him flush against a warm body.
Breaking apart when breathing became an issue, Harry took a step back his face flushed, his lips swollen and his heart racing.
'Wow' he whispered
'I agree' Severus replied, grabbing the bull by the horns flittered through his mind and encouraged him to ask the next question. 'Harry would you go out with me sometime?'
'I'd love to Severus' Harry smiled 'I'm not too young for you am I?'
'Not at all, am I too old for you?' Severus wondered
'You're perfect for me' Harry said wistfully 'I prefer older men'
'Had a lot of experience have you?' Severus remarked
'None, people tend to set me up with men my age ' Harry replied 'Very droll, what about you and younger men?'
'Nope' Severus said firmly 'All been my age and boring so far'
'I hope you're ok with taking things slow?' Harry asked 'Most of the dates I've been on want to jump into the sack right after dinner'
'We will go as slow as you like' Severus assured him 'although I will be honest and say it will be quite a task keeping my hands off you'
'Who said anything about that?' Harry laughed 'I meant it might be a month or so before we get naked'
'I'll mark the day on my calendar' Severus husked, pulling Harry to him once more
Tatum came into the shop the next morning to music playing in the kitchen and Harry singing at top note, while he danced along.
She stood in the doorway her mouth gaping open at the sight in front of her. The entire bench was covered in freshly baked, cakes, slices and breads.
'Morning Tay' Harry grinned, moving over to turn the radio down 'I didn't hear you come in?'
'I'm not surprised with all that racket' she pointed to the radio 'Have an attack of insomnia last night?'
'No, just a lot of energy' Harry replied, singing away to himself
'Righto what gives?' Tatum asked eyeing her friend suspiciously 'did you have a date last night I didn't know about?'
'Not really a date' Harry smirked, then let out a giggle
'Oh my god you're smitten, you only giggle when you're smitten' Tatum gasped 'I'll make the coffee, you bring breakfast'
While Tatum was out making the coffee, Harry took a plate and sat some of the savoury muffins he had cooked earlier on it.
Walking out to the front of the shop, he set the plate on their favourite table and went outside to grab the morning paper. His phone buzzed as he sat down at the table. It was a message from Severus.
Hope you woke up with as big a grin as I did?
Didn't go to sleep, but grinning all the same Harry replied
Not at all? Severus wrote back
Not a wink Harry typed, he ran into the kitchen and took a photo of the nights work on the counter and sent it along with the message to Severus
Now I'm hungry
I'll make you up a snack box to take to work
See you soon gorgeous
Can't wait handsome xx
Harry put his phone back in his pocket and waited for Tatum to come over with the coffee. He opened the paper and quickly scanned the headlines, nothing exciting happened overnight.
He did read that the publishing house Severus worked for was holding another book signing at the shop down the road, apparently the author who was there had been asked to come back by popular demand. He might have to go down and see what all the hype was about.
Tatum came over and sat the coffee on the table, took her seat and looked at Harry. 'Spill' she instructed
Harry told her everything from the time he ran into Severus in the market, to having pasta with him at his house, to coming to the shop and cooking, and kissing of course.
'I have never been kissed like that before Tay' Harry said dreamily
'You have got it bad, it's about time though' she stated
'What do you mean?' Harry quizzed
'Harry he is the only one that you give baked goods to, his is the first coffee you make apart from your own or mine, you get a goofy grin on your face when ever he comes in to the shop, and at the cinema, I saw you checking him out' Tatum explained
'Blimey I didn't even realise' Harry breathed 'He is the nicest man Tay'
'I'm happy for you love' she smiled taking a muffin from the plate and biting into it. 'He hurts you and he's dead'
An hour and a half later all the nights cooking was sorted into the display cabinets and the box of assorted goodies was ready and waiting for Severus when he came into the shop. Harry's heart skipped a beat when the man entered, his hands started to sweat.
'Morning Harry' he smiled, coming over to the counter
'Morning Sev' he brushed his hand over the older mans
'Morning Mr Prince' Tatum grinned, coming out from the kitchen
'Morning Tatum' Severus greeted her
'I'll just go and make your coffee' Harry said 'won't be a minute'
'I'm not going anywhere' Severus smiled
Harry turned to the coffee maker and began making Severus' coffee, he knew it off by heart and had it made in no time. Placing the lid on tightly, he faced the counter and handed the cup to Severus.
'I'll walk you out' he offered picking up the box as he went around the counter and over to the door.
The pair stepped out into the morning sun, and stood on the footpath, watching as people emerged from the tube station a ways down the road and rushed about on their way to work.
Severus set his coffee and the goody box on the brick ledge of Harry's shop and pulled the man into his arms.
'I can't stop smiling' Severus said quietly
'Me either' Harry admitted 'I am very happy'
'As am I' Severus concurred 'I better go to work I'll text you later'
'You better' Harry answered kissing him gently on the lips 'Are you at the signing down the road today?'
'Only for a little while' Severus replied 'I will more than likely need another coffee by that time'
'I'll make you a sandwich to go with it' Harry grinned 'Text me when you're done'
'Why don't we eat in the park if you can spare sometime?' Severus suggested
'I'm the boss I'll make time' Harry countered 'Tatum's brother's coming in for a visit I will ask him to cover me for an hour'
'Good I'll see you about 1?' Severus said, reluctantly pulling away from Harry and picking up his items.
A quick kiss later and he was off down the path on his way to work, Harry went back inside to find Tatum, grinning madly behind the counter.
'Awwww' she crooned 'so cute'
'Shut up' Harry chided blushing furiously
Severus got out of the lift and walked along the corridor to his office, Mary was already at her desk when the rounded the corner.
'Morning love' he said cheerfully kissing her cheek as he went past
Mary got up from her chair and followed Severus into his office, the big cheesy grin still plastered firmly on his face.
'Who is he?' she asked regarding the man in front of her
'Grab a cup of coffee and I'll tell you all about it' Severus suggested
Mary went into the staffroom and made herself a cup of coffee; she went back into Severus office and pulled up a chair. He had opened the goody box and gestured for her to take something.
'Lets hear it' she said
Severus told his personal assistant all that had happened to date with Harry, and while it hadn't been a great deal, to Severus it felt like the world. When he spoke of their kiss, his heart flipped and he couldn't help the smile that crossed his face.
'He sounds like a lovely young man Severus' Mary smiled when he had finished telling her everything. 'I might have to start getting coffee from this place'
'I go every morning I can bring you anything you like' Severus mused
'I need to see this young man for myself' Mary countered 'give him the once over'
'You'll do nothing of the sort thank you' Severus said mock sternly 'Let me at least have a few dates with him before you scare him off'
'The cheek of you' Mary chided
Harry waited on a seat a few shops down from the bookshop where Severus was for the signing. A paper bag containing their lunch rested on his lap, along with a fresh coffee for Severus when he came out.
Every customer that had come into the bakery that morning had commented on Harry's good mood, he couldn't help it he was just incredibly happy.
'You waiting for someone handsome?' a voice cut into his thoughts
Harry smiled 'My lunch date'
'Can I have his coffee while you're waiting?' Severus grinned
'Sure' Harry handed him the cup 'how was the signing?'
'Never ending' Severus answered 'shall we walk?'
'We shall' Harry stood from the seat and walked beside Severus towards the park a block or so away. They chatted easily, like they had been friends for years.
Filling each other in on their mornings so far. When they got to the park, Harry found a sunny spot by a tree, they sat on the grass and Harry removed the contents from the bag.
'Roast turkey for you' he said handing Severus the sandwich
He took his own from the bag and set it aside, removing the wrapping.
'Oh I forgot something' Severus piped up, sitting his sandwich down, he leant over and kissed Harry's cheek.
Harry turned a bright shade of red, and tried to hide his face, he was acting like some lovesick teenager, not the 28-year-old man he was.
Severus crooked a finger under his chin and looked into dark green eyes, 'That blush is adorable, you don't ever have to hide it from me' he said kindly
'Not used to being kissed very often' Harry said softly
'Well get used to it' Severus smiled 'I won't be able to not kiss you'
'That's very sweet Sev' Harry said shyly 'I was wondering if you were doing anything tonight?'
'Nothing that I know of' Severus replied 'what did you have in mind?'
'The markets are on in the village, I try and go each time, I thought we could go together' Harry countered
'Sounds perfect, shall we get something to eat first?' Severus asked
'There's a small food court there we could have dinner at' Harry suggested
'Wonderful' Severus said jovially 'I look forward to it'
They finished their lunch and took a leisurely stroll around the edge of the park, it housed some lovely plants, and Severus took Harry's hand in his and was thrilled when the young man didn't pull away.
Walking back towards the bookstore, they parted ways and agreed to meet at the entrance to the markets that evening. Harry initiated the kiss goodbye this time, telling Severus he would text him later.
Floating on a cloud Harry went back to the shop and spent the rest of the afternoon in a dream like state. Tatum grilled him for every detail about their lunch date and impending date that evening. Jack came to his rescue and told his sister to leave Harry be.
Thankfully the afternoon went quickly and Harry was soon on his way home, he should have been exhausted after no sleep the night before, but he was wide-awake, excited for his date with Severus.
The older man wore a navy blue button down shirt with a light jacket over the top, he had on his favourite jeans and shoes, and locking the front door he walked the short distance to the markets.
As he was walking he text Harry to tell him he was on his way. Harry replied telling he was already inside, the tables at the food court looked to be filling up fast, so he snagged one while he could.
Severus found him sitting at a small table covered with a red chequered tablecloth, the theme looked to depict an Italian bistro, he sat down across from Harry, but not before giving him a peck on the cheek and receiving one in return.
'Thought I better grab a table, or we'd be walking around with our food' Harry relayed looking over the menu
'There was a line of people coming in behind me' Severus told him 'they are a very popular market'
'Mmm I try and buy my supplies from here, the fruit and veg anyway' Harry replied
They ordered from the menu, Severus insisting on paying as Harry had supplied lunch. Sharing a bottle of wine, the pair exchanged more about themselves, Severus telling Harry about his boss.
'He sounds like one of the Professors I had in college' Harry mused 'the man was a walking raw nerve, constantly sensing doom, but always happy to talk about himself to whoever would listen'
'That's Doug' Severus said dryly
The meal was delicious and after they had finished, Harry and Severus walked hand in hand around the markets. They took their time looking at each of the stalls.
Harry bought some fresh produce from a local grower, Severus picked up some second hand books to add to his collection.
They spent the most time at the plant stall, Harry itching to buy another plant. Severus told him what Tatum had said about Rufus.
'I'm surprised she hasn't poisoned him' Harry said wryly
'Maybe I could look after him next time you're away?' Severus said quietly
'You could' Harry replied
The next three weeks went by in a whirl, Harry and Severus saw a lot of each other, Tatum and Jack had come out to dinner with them, he had met Beth and Damien Tatum and Jack's parents, who loved Severus immediately.
Harry had met Mary Severus' personal assistant, she had invited the pair over for dinner one night. Her husband Herb was great gas, he and Severus got along like a house on fire.
There was a morning when Severus didn't arrive for his usual coffee, Harry was getting increasingly concerned, and until Mary showed up in the shop and told Harry he was in bed with the flu.
He'd left his phone charger at work and of course his phone had gone flat, but he told Mary that he had sent Harry a text before ringing her.
Harry hadn't had a chance to check his phone, they'd had a few people in for breakfast and it got busy. Harry made her a coffee and told her he would make some soup for Severus and try and get away early from work.
Mary was on her way to see him, so would pass on the message. Harry scribbled a quick note to him and gave it to his assistant.
He checked his phone after she left and sure enough there was a message from his Sev, saying he was in bed with some mutant germ eating him from the inside out.
He laughed at that, Beth called it the Man Flu whenever Damien got sick, he always he thought he was dying.
'How you feeling?' Harry asked later that afternoon coming into Severus' living room to find him bundled up on the couch, tissues spread all over the floor.
'Miserable' Severus said sounding incredibly blocked up
'Will some homemade chicken soup help?' Harry smiled
'Yes' Severus sniffed
'I will go and heat it up, be right back' Harry told him, heading into the kitchen
'Where's my kiss?' Severus called out
'Waiting until you're better' Harry replied, taking out his phone and texting some kisses to Severus
'Hahaha' Severus huffed
Harry brought the soup into the living room and set it down on the coffee table, he helped Severus sit up and placed the tray over his lap.
'You'll have to feed me, my arms hurt too much to lift the spoon' Severus said feebly
'Oh poor baby such a heavy spoon too' Harry chuckled lifting the offending spoon and scooping up some soup.
'Thank you' Severus smiled when he had finished his soup
'My pleasure' Harry returned the smiled, 'now off to bed young man'
'You coming?' Severus asked boldly
'Soon' Harry said sincerely 'we will talk about that when you're better eh?'
'Ok' Severus replied
'Hey?' Harry said making Severus look at him 'I want to believe me, but I want both of us to be sure before we do'
'I understand' Severus answered caressing the side of Harry's face 'I care a great deal about you Harry
'I care a lot about you too Sev' Harry smiled 'Ill go and fill a hot water bottle for you'
He went out into the kitchen and switched the kettle on, while Severus took a shower and got organised for bed. The truth was he more than cared for Severus; Harry was falling hard for the man in the other room, it excited and scared him at the same time.
After Harry had gone, Severus laid in bed staring at the ceiling, he was falling hard for the young man, who had kindly come and looked after him this evening, he had never felt like this before, and had a strong feeling that Harry could very well be the one.
Harry climbed into bed, just as his phone buzzed, he picked it up from the nightstand and smiled
Good night my Harry xx
Good night my Sev xx Harry text back
Four days in bed and a plethora of Harry's comfort food saw Severus well again and back at work and listening to Doug.
The company had just signed a new author while Severus had been away; the book was due to be released in little over 8 weeks. The story was of the science fiction genre, something Severus didn't care for in the slightest.
Doug however thought differently boasting this was the next big thing and yada yada yada, the man sang the same tune every time and it was getting old.
Mary snickered as she walked past Severus' office to see him rolling his eyes as Doug yammered on and on.
'You have another letter from Paris' Tatum told Harry, as she sorted the mail
Harry took the proffered letter and opened it, inside was another invitation to judge another group of students in 2 weeks time. He put the letter back in the envelope and went back to his coffee.
'Paris would be a great place to take Sev to' Tatum piped up, vocalising the very thought he'd been having
'Taking up mind reading Tay?' Harry questioned
'No I just know you' she replied
'Do you think it's too soon to invite him to go away with me?' Harry wondered
'Not at all' Tatum said simply 'all you can do is ask'
Harry chewed on the problem for the rest of the day, he was having dinner with Severus that night, he would ask him then, and they could perhaps stay in a hotel this time instead of at the school itself.
Cuddled up on the couch later that night watching a program, Harry gathered the courage to ask the man in his life if he would come to Paris with him in a fortnight's time.
'I got another letter from the school in Paris today, they've asked me back to judge a group of students' Harry began 'it's in two weeks time
'That's great news love, I can feed and water Rufus while you're gone if you like?' Severus replied
'I was kind of hoping you would come with me' Harry ventured
Severus sat Harry up from his place on his chest and looked into dark green eyes, a grin crossing his face. 'I would love to go with you' he said softly
'Really?' Harry beamed 'the judging only takes about an hour each day, but after that I am free'
'Sounds wonderful' Severus countered 'It's been years since I've been to Paris'
'Great' Harry answered snuggling back into Severus' side and draping an arm across his stomach.
God how he wanted that arm and the hand attached to move just a little lower, Severus thought willing any growing problems to stay dormant.
He thought of Doug that soon squashed any frisky feelings that might have been contemplating making themselves known.
Harry and Severus arrived in Paris two weeks later and settled into their hotel, Severus had taken care of the arrangements booking separate rooms, as he didn't want to pre-empt anything. Not that he wasn't wishing like crazy that this might be the place he and Harry finally took the next step.
Harry knocked on Severus' door when he had finished unpacking, they were going to have a quick bite to eat before Harry had to go and meet Louis Allard.
Choosing a small café not far from the hotel, the pair sat outside in the warm sun, enjoying the food and the view.
'I shouldn't be more than an hour' Harry told Severus as they parted ways back at the hotel.
'I'm going to look through some of the brochures I saw in the lobby, see if I can't find a nice restaurant to have dinner in.
'Why not have dinner in the restaurant here?' Harry suggested 'I could do with an early night'
'I'll make the reservations' Severus managed to get out, not mistaking the lustful look he saw in those gorgeous green orbs.
Harry pulled him in for a kiss, deepening it slightly, leaving Severus flustered, panting and aroused as he walked away.
'Harry' Louis Allard greeted him warmly with two quick pecks on either cheek 'thank you so much for coming back to help with the judging'
'You are more than welcome' Harry smiled 'how many students are going through this time?'
'30' Louis answered '15 today and the rest tomorrow'
'Brilliant' Harry replied, following the rotund man into the same room they had previously met before.
The students of the elite school took cooking to a whole new level with their creations. Their talent blew Harry away.
One girl had managed to perfect something that had taken Harry 6 months to get right in a single session. She was definitely going places, Harry thought as he wrote down her score.
'I will see you tomorrow' Louis bid Harry farewell later that afternoon. He strolled back to the hotel, finding Severus waiting for him in the lobby.
'How did the judging go?' he asked Harry as they wandered along the street
'It was great, some of the students work was outstanding' Harry told him about the young girl
They walked along the streets, visiting shops and watching as the world passed them by, they had coffee at a small patisserie, Severus commented that it wasn't anywhere near as good as what Harry made.
Harry thought it was sweet of the older man to say so, after coffee the pair looked through a few more shops, before heading back to the hotel. Severus had made the reservations for 7pm.
Dinner became quite the spectacle, a couple having a very loud and very public breakup in the restaurant; apparently the woman had been meeting another man while her partner was conducting business during the day.
Said man just happened to be one of the waiters at the hotels restaurant and had delivered the couple their meal. The now ex boyfriend had caught the look they shared and once he was gone, called his now ex girlfriend on it.
The Maître D kindly asked them to leave offering to place their meals in takeaway containers so take with them. The woman stormed off before the waiter returned with their containers, calling the man every name she could think of.
'That livened things up' Harry heard a man say excitedly
'Apart from the entertainment dinner was quite nice' Harry said later, walking with Severus back to their rooms.
'It was lovely' he agreed 'Harry would you like to come into my room for a nightcap?'
'Sure' Harry said in a low tone, sending a shiver down the length of Severus' spine.
Barely in the door, Harry had Severus pinned to the wall, attacking his mouth, his hands pulling his shirt free from his pants and running his hands over warm skin, tweaking sensitive nipples, eliciting breathy moans from Severus.
'Please tell me if you don't want this, and I swear I'll stop' Harry whispered
'I want this, I want you, I want everything' Severus stammered
'Thank god for that coz I didn't really want to stop' Harry replied kissing Severus' neck
Severus went to work on Harry's buttons, relieving the man of his shirt in record time, his hands explored the tanned, toned body of his soon to be lover, running finger tips over erect nubs, coming to rest on slender hips.
He spun Harry around taking control, pressing his hardness into the cleft of Harry's arse. Letting his hands dip beneath the waistband of his jeans, teasing the growing bulge.
'Feel what you do to me' Severus whispered in his ear 'No one has ever made me feel like you do'
'Wanna suck that, wanna ride that' Harry panted moving his arse over Severus' clothed cock
'Bed' Severus growled taking Harry by the hand and leading him over to the bed. Both men got out of the rest of their clothes, admiring each other as Severus laid Harry gently down on the bed.
'You are beautiful' he said mesmerised by the lithe body beneath him.
'You are gorgeous Sev' Harry breathed
'I'm not quite as impressive as you' Severus compared
'Baby you are perfect' Harry grinned rolling Severus over.
Harry moved down the older mans body, worshipping every inch, suckling each nipple like a newborn, kissing the inside of each thigh, before running his tongue along the hardening shaft, fondling his ball sac.
He dipped his tongue into the leaking slit, slicking Severus' cock with pre cum, swallowing him whole, feasting on the beautiful prick, watching Severus, keen and arch off the bed, delicious sounds escaping his mouth.
'You have the most sinful mouth' Severus groaned running his hands through thick raven hair 'God that's good
'Cum for me Sev' Harry coaxed giving his balls a squeeze
'Yeah just like that' Severus whimpered 'Fuck yes, oh Harry, oh god Harry' the older man emptied himself in Harry's mouth, the younger man greedily swallowing every last drop.
He licked the flaccid penis clean, taking Severus' mouth in a hungry kiss, letting the man taste himself on Harry's tongue.
'Do you have any condoms with you?' Harry asked nipping an ear lobe
'Top drawer of the nightstand' Severus replied
Harry leant over and took a condom from the nightstand; he ripped the packet open and slid the contents over his erect dick.
'Show me that gorgeous arse baby' Harry whispered placing a pillow under Severus' hips.
'So pretty' Harry husked licking around the puckered hole, before inserting his tongue into the wet channel.
'Fuck' Severus growled, writhing as Harry fucked his arse with his tongue. Fingers were next, by the time he had two in there Severus was begging the younger man to fuck him.
Happy to comply Harry lined his cock up with Sev's entrance and slowly pushed past the first barrier, when he was fully sheathed he moved at a steady pace. He positioned himself so that he hit that delicious sweet spot, Severus near jumped clean off the bed, screaming in ecstasy.
'Yeah right there' he panted
'So tight honey' Harry moaned 'feel so good around my cock'
'Harder Harry, faster' Severus instructed
Holding Severus' hips Harry fucked the man beneath him as if his life depended on it, his balls slapping furiously against Sev's arse.
His orgasm fast approaching, Harry leant down and took his lover in a hungry, passionate kiss, shouting his name as his climax crashed over him like a tidal wave, white spots appeared in front of his eyes.
Slipping from the abused hole, Harry took the condom from his spent penis and tied a knot in the top. He set in on the floor to dispose of later.
'That was magnificent' Severus whispered, kissing Harry's head as the younger man lay beside him.
'It was' Harry replied 'better than I ever imagined'
'Will you stay with me?' Severus asked
'Tonight or forever?' Harry answered, wondering if he had said the wrong thing
'Both' Severus said reverently 'I am falling very hard for you Harry'
'I am falling for you too' Harry admitted
3 months later
The new sign sparkled in the morning light. It had been 3 months since Harry and Severus had been in Paris and spent their first night together, one of many after that.
Retuning to London, their relationship grew from strength to strength. Severus moved in with Harry and Rufus, deciding it was better for him to move as Harry had the big kitchen.
Tatum announced a month after they got back that she was going to travel for a while, see the world. This prompted Severus to think about his own career as such he quite Henderson Publishing and went into business with his one and only.
Mary left too, stating she had only stayed as long as she did so Severus didn't kill Doug. Harry put her on part-time at the shop, just a few mornings a week.
The shop was now known as Potter and Princes Sinful Delights Bakery & Café Harry walked back inside the door and saw his lover sitting at their table reading the morning paper.
'Coffee love?' Harry asked kissing Severus' cheek
'Mocha with one' Severus grinned
Harry chuckled to himself; it had all started when a man came in each day to get a Mocha with one.
Fin