Broken

Chapter 4: The Kiss

Hermione unlocked the door to her house and threw her bag on the kitchen counter. "What a day." She sighed to herself. She poured herself a glass of cold water. After a few gulps she tilted her head back and massaged her neck. Walking half way to her living room she heard the door knock. The unexpecting knock made her jump. Good grief who could it be?

"You?" Hermione opened the door in a shock.

"Yes me." The same young man stared back at her. His eyes was glistening despite the dim hall way. He leaned against the door frame watching her. "Well? Won't let me in?" Hermione nodded and moved aside to let him pass through.

"Lovely home. Didn't mention it to you earlier." The man turned around to look at her.

"Thanks." Hermione closed the door and walked towards the living room passing him by. Once she sat herself on the couch she stared at him. "Never mentioned your name."

"Sorry, I thought I had. But you never mentioned yours." He sat across from her on the opposite couch. He made circular movements on his knee. Hermione watched him for a moment before replying.

"Hermione Granger. Yours?" Hermione couldn't help but watch him in a way that only little girls watch their favorite idols.

"William Mantous." He said calmly. Hermione just sat back and watched him in fascination. Something about him seems so familiar. His eyes? His grey eyes never lost connection with hers as he got up and sat next to her.

"Nice name." Hermione said breathlessly. She hadn't noticed she was holding her breath since he said his name. He smirked at her.

"You seem to have many questions for me." He spoke softly. Brushing his hair back that dangled in his face. Hermione flushed, how can she feel like jelly with one look at him. Your going crazy.

"What happened to you yesterday?" Hermione asked.

"Fight." He replied.

"And why were you so bitter?" Hermione said.

"Fight gets you angry." He replied. He never once turned his face from hers.

"What made you come to me after you yelled at me?" Hermione asked.

"You were the only witch that could help me at the moment." He said again.

Hermione sighed. "Why did you come to see me tonight?" Hermione asked.

"That you shall find out." He smiled at her and got up to his feet. He looked at the kitchen. William quickly made his way to the kitchen and gestured her to follow him. What is he up to? Hermione followed him looking a little confused. She made her way to sit on the stool and placed her elbows on the counter watching his movements. William took out vegetables, a stake from the freezer, spices, pans and utensils. Hermione arched her eye brow in question but refused to say anything. He looked at her and winked and went back to work.

15 minutes passed and she couldn't handle it any more. "What are you doing?" Hermione asked.

"Wouldn't you like to know." William said as his back was facing her. God, he's sexy even his back to me. Hermione blushed and was glad he couldn't see. Me and my dirty thoughts. Hermione continued watching him in silence.

"Go to the dining room." William said when he was finished cooking his stake. Hermione nodded and left the room. She sat down at the dining table and watched the moon through the window. It was a beautiful night and she was wondering what her two best friends were up to.

"What are you thinking about?" Hermione came back to reality and she watched him setting two plates on the table with champagne. Where did he get champagne? I don't have any. Hermione smiled at him.

"I wasn't thinking about anything much." William gave her a shrug and sat down next to her pouring himself and her a glass of the drink.

"Thanks." She said taking her cup from his hands and glanced at the clock. 9 o clock. "So why did you make us this lovely meal?" Hermione looked up at him from her plate.

"Just eat." William whispered. Hermione took the fork and cut herself a piece of the stake. After she ate it she smiled up at him.

"Where did you learn how to cook?" William grinned.

"No where special. How do you like it?" He asked.

"Its great! Come cook for me everyday." Hermione beamed. William took his glass and sipped the champagne.

"Thanks. "

"No problem." Hermione said. "And I wasn't kidding about cooking for me all the time." William laughed and his grey eyes twinkled. Damn him for looking so good.

"I'll be delighted." William said. "As long as you don't complain about the kitchen burning." This made Hermione laugh for a while.

"I love when you laugh." Hermione stopped and blushed at the comment.

"And I love when you make me laugh." Hermione replied.

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For the rest of the evening Hermione and William talked endlessly about absolutely nothing. William headed to the door after he helped her clean up the mess. He stood at the door watching her.

"Thank you for dinner." Hermione said holding the door knob.

"Your welcome. And I did this to repay you for your help." William said calmly. He seems so collective and I never seen him blush. Hermione nodded.

"Well...I guess you'll have to leave." Hermione uttered wishing she hadn't.

"I guess so." But neither of them moved. He continued to stare at her. Hermione also couldn't say anything, as though something was caught in her throat. He took her free hand and moved closer to her. Hermione still kept eye contact and didn't know what to say or do but her mind was screaming a thousand things. Kiss him! Make a move! Your too slow!

William took his other hand to touch her cheek, brushing his thumb below her lower lip. Hermione held her breath and waited for the moment. He leaned in and kissed her lips softly. Shivers went down her spine and she couldn't explain the feeling he gave her. The kiss lasted a minute before he disconnected his lips from hers. "I should go." He said brushing his lips against hers. Hermione was so caught up into moment that she barely nodded.

William still stood there watching her and she stared at him. Leave! Your going to drive me crazy with that stare. As though her thoughts were a signal William gave her one quick peek on the lips then apparated in front of her door.

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William walked down the street in the dark, angry with himself. I can't believe I kissed her. Twice! Fuck am I stupid. He kicked an empty can on the ground in frustration. And I made her dinner! His hands were in his pocket, looking back at her building. I can't fall for her...I just can't. He turned back and continued his stroll down the empty street. He glanced at the moon.

"WHY ME!!!" He screamed to no one. "Why couldn't he just kill me on the spot! Why did I run!" He couldn't take the anger in him any longer and ran into the forest. He continued running until his legs couldn't carry him any more. He fell on his knees and sat there panting and thinking. Never had he felt the feelings that were rising in him for Hermione Granger.