Chapter 2: My/Your Cup of Tea

| B's POV |

"At this rate, Blaise, you're going to lose your mind," Theo shook his head. "You very well know that she is a mere mortal! Yet every century, you keep seeing her. Why?! All you're doing is bringing pain towards your way."

I smiled and stirred my cup of rose tea. "I would wait forever for her if needed. You would not understand our boundless love."

Theo snorted. "Oh bro, I know enough to determine this is no good! Just listen to me, for once."

Sipping from my tea, I replied coolly, "Once you find somebody you love, you keep her around for as long as you can. You're the naïve one here."

"Whatever. Don't forget to get what needs to be done first before some stupid human girl."

He threw his hands in the air in despair and walked away, grumbling.

I finished the drink and sighed in content. Hermione was always the same, no matter how many times she was reincarnated. Different names, different times, same soul and heart. Ah, she's so lovely. I wonder how I shall capture her heart. And if she will remember this time. Her brown curly hair cascades past her petite shoulders and still smells like spring cherry blossoms. Her eyes honey brown and wide in wonder. Lips oh so full and luscious and porcelain skin soft to the touch. I've only seen her wear her work uniform but I have seen her past reincarnations wear all sorts of garments. She can pull all of them off effortlessly.

The only thing I dislike is that she is mortal.

I am a Zabini, coming from a long line of immortal demons.

No, demons are not a bad thing. We simply are of the dark arts. Humans tend to make us out as the stereotypical bad guys but that is not always the case. Demons are just creatures of darkness and we rise with the moon and linger in the shadows. Theo is my brother in arm, a fellow demon. He is much younger than me, 10 000 years or so. Perhaps that's why he still has that attitude of his.

| H's POV |

I looked at the clock in absolute astonishment. Here I was, Saturday afternoon, 5:24pm. No sight of the infamous Mr. Americano. What was his name again... Blake? Blaise? I wonder what happened. In all of my time working here, he has never once missed a Saturday. It is a bit concerning.

"Hmmmm your man hasn't come in today," Lavender sang loudly, eyeing me. "Do you think he got in an accident or something?"

"Hopefully not. Either way, none of my business."

She giggled. "You're totally worried. I've never seen you this tense before, even during rush hours! Girl, you caught some feels!"

"Shush," I frowned and continued to organize the stock supplies.

"You know I'm telling the truth," Lavender winked and hopped back on cash with her signature blinding smile.

I shook my head in dismay. There were light flurries today but it wasn't terribly cold outside. A normal January evening. Christmas lights still hung from nearby business and trees on the streets, giving that holiday atmosphere still. I heard the door open and I looked up prepared to greet the customer until I realized who it was.

Him.

Blaise walked with a slight limp and a stern expression hung over his fatigued face. His hair was gelled back completely and his usual outfit was replaced with a maroon button-up polo shirt tucked in black dress pants. In contrast, he still wore the same white sneakers and chain. Upon closer inspection, it looked like there were some scratches and cuts on his hands. What happened?

He approached the cashier as Lavender and I exchanged looks, similar thoughts running through our heads. She gestured for me to take over cash and I sighed, obeying her command.

"Hey," Blaise smiled weakly, holding the counter casually for support.

"Are... you okay?" My eyes widened.

"I'll manage," his voice came out huskier than usual. "The usual please. Plus, a small matcha green latte."

I punched in his order, silently observing him. Something happened. A fight? His eyes met mine and his gaze intensified per second. I broke contact and turned around to do his order until something encircled around my wrist.

"Wait."

I blinked. "Yes?"

"When do you get off today?"

"In twenty minutes or less. It's not that busy. Why?"

"Can I see you afterwards?"

From the back of my eye, I could see Lavender fangirling.

"Uh, sure."

Blaise grinned and then added. "Also, the latte is for you. My treat. Make it whenever you want."

"Wow, thanks. That was unexpected."

He smiled devilishly. "It won't be the most unexpected thing."

I tilted my head to the side and he let go of my wrist to go sit down at one of the tables, watching me from a distance. What does he mean? Is he insinuating something?

"Pssst Herm," Lavender said excitedly, "I can close the café today. Go out with your man already, oh my god! Text me all the juicy details later. Bye bye, girly!"

"Wh-what?!-"

She smiled brightly and took off my apron for me and shooed me away past the counter.

"Well, hello again," he smiled.

I sent a death glare to my coworker and nodded to him.

"Hey. So, what's up?"

"I have important things to tell you. But they have to stay between the two of us only," he lowered his voice and inched closer to look me directly, "do you understand?"

"Yeah. What is it?"

Why is he so damn serious? What is he going to say?

"Promise me you won't freak out," he held out his pinky.

I almost burst out laughing but decided to play along anyway as I interlocked my pinky with his, ignoring the way my heart sped up from feeling his skin against mine.

"Pinky promise."

"This is going to sound crazy. I don't blame you with how shallow this world allows you to see things. The truth is... there are other beings than humans. You all are not the only intelligent species out here. And I am living proof of that. There are others blending in this human society on Earth. Actually,humans weren't the first ones to live here but that's beside the point."

"What are you getting at?" I looked at him incredulously.

"I am not human. I am a demon. If you want to get into the specifics, I am from the Zabini arm of the main family of Riddle," his eyes shone as he explained further, "I am an immortal. I have been walking on this planet for more than a millennium now. Just because I am a demon does not mean I am a bad person. I don't know where you silly humans got that idea from."

"Why should I believe you?"

"Why would I lie to you?"

"You don't even know me! You could be for all I know," I frowned and crossed my arms.

"I know you far more than you even know yourself."

"Impossible."

"Your favourite colour is blue. Sometimes it's pink. You love pizza and pasta. You dream to be a therapist and travel to America one day. You were born September 19. You like to listen to rock, pop, indie, blues, soul, and jazz. You play guitar and you're really good at it. You like dark chocolate the best and think pie is better than cake. You like cats a lot."

I gawked at him.

"H-h-how even?! Who are you?"

"Your ancestors would know," Blaise smirked. "No worries, you'll get to know me just as well this time too."

I narrowed my eyes. "This time?"

"You're a bright girl, you'll figure it out sometime," he chuckled.

"And here are our drinks!" Lavender cheerfully said while putting down our drinks.

"Lav, you forgot his honey and milk on the side-"

"It's fine, I don't need it today."

"What?"

"I already got something sweet in front of me."

"Aww, this guy's so good for you! Best of luck honey!" She giggled as she escaped my barely contained wrath.

He took a long chug of his coffee and sighed in content. I also sipped from my drink, a bit confused about all of this information. Overwhelmed even.

"Look... I know it's a lot to take in at first, don't stress about it."

Excuse me, how can I not? Easy for you to say, you immortal Americano-loving demon dude!

"Sure," I said, not totally convinced.

"I'll show you something outside once you're done your drink," he set aside his empty drink.

"Done already? It's like you're chugging alcohol or something."

He laughed. "I wish. Alcohol has no effect on me to make it enjoyable. I do, however, enjoy your company very much."

"I'm just the girl that makes your coffee but okay," I laughed, "is there something hot about baristas to guys?"

"No, only you are to me," he answered with a deadpanned face. "Always and forever."

My cheeks grew hot and I coughed to hide it. Blaise just grinned in response.

"That wasn't a joke."

"I'm done my drink. Let's go."

He took both of our drinks and put it in the garbage. I waved goodbye to Lavender and she winked back to my dismay. What a girl. The flurries had stopped and a thin sheet of white covered the city, softening the usual concrete jungle look. Blaise didn't even have a jacket on and he didn't seem bothered by it. Maybe it has to do with his demon biological makeup. Meanwhile I need a scarf and my handy dandy wool coat to stay warm enough to not shiver or catch a cold.

"What happened to your hands?"

"Oh, these?" He held his hands up. "It's nothing."

"Did you get into a fight?"

"Something like that, yeah."

"Against who? Why? Where?"

"An enemy. Conflict. Earth."

"Sounds like the plot of every action film released ever."

He looked at me and frowned. "You're cold."

"It is the dead of winter."

"I know what will warm you up."

"What-"

Before I knew it, Blaise had carried me bridal style and held me sturdy.

"What the hell?!"

"You're warmer now, right?" He grinned and his face was a bit too close for comfort.

I sighed and closed my eyes. Now I don't have to use energy walking. Yay, I guess.

"Basically, I have managed to make all of the past reincarnations of you fall in love with me," he said confidently, "I don't plan to lose that streak now with you."

"Who is the original then?"

"You. She's still you. Same soul."

"I see."

"Yes."

"Why not just go for an immortal instead? Seems not so smart to be with a mortal. Didn't you have to see me die every time too?"

"Yes. Love isn't meant to be practical. It is painful to see that, yeah. But at least I get to see you in your next lifetime."

"Ah right."

"But there is something threatening all reincarnations. This may be the last you I ever see," Blaise stated darkly, "that's why I have to stop it. I can't afford to lose you. I just can't."

"Blaise!"

A/N: Hmmm what do you guys think? Heads up, Tom will make an appearance soon! And Draco will follow, don't worry. Please review and thanks for reading! ^^ And Happy New Year to everyone!