Hibernal [h.s.] AU

7

chapter song ^^ Bang Bang- Dizzy Gillespie

After we left the towers, Harry took us back to the docks and worked on a couple of boats he had to patch up. Several hours went by before he realized what time it was.

I don't think I have ever been so dirty in my life. I am covered in grease and oil and I smell like fish bait. I don't know how I got so grimy because I only helped for a few minutes on one boat.

I must have been complaining too much about touching motor parts and getting black filth all over my hands, because Harry sent me over to the dock shop to tend to any customers coming in. So, for the rest of the day, I restocked shelves with bait, organized boating gear, and worked the register.

It was boring compared to being outside on the boats. Even though I wasn't a fan of fixing motor parts, I was disappointed when he sent me away.

We actually seemed to be getting along.

He had a small radio sitting on the dock beside where we were working. I caught him humming along quietly to the tune of Hotel California.

We were working in comfortable silence for the most part. He would laugh lightly at my discomfort at some moments but was quiet otherwise. I didn't get any mean remarks or comments, and he didn't call me the wrong name.

I realize the fact that I consider this progress is indicative of my standards. Don't judge me.

Inside the shop was quiet and dull. My stomach was growling and I couldn't have been more ready to leave.

To pass the time, I pick up an outdoor magazine sitting on the counter and aimlessly flip through the pages. I sigh heavily, looking at my watch, waiting for Harry to tell me I was done for the day.

Finally, about a quarter to four, the little bell on top of the door frame jingles. He struts through the door, sweaty and dirty as ever. He had removed his big puffer coat layer and was left in a black quarter zip sweater.

The sweat from his face dropped down to his neck and went all the way to the little peek of his chest that I could see from the unzipped portion of his shirt. He had black grease stains smudged all over his face and hands.

"You can close up. Come on, let's go," he rushes out, looking down at his watch.

He nods his head in the direction of the door, holding out his arm to usher me out.

I practically leap around the counter and breeze past him out of the door. He sticks his hands in his pocket to pull out the keys and locks the store.

"In a rush, are we?" I ask, standing behind him.

He chuckles and turns to face me. "You want to stay here all night? Be my guest."

"I would rather eat the fish bait I've been selling all day than stay here."

He laughs quietly to himself and shakes his head before walking.

I follow beside him.

"You hungry?" he asks after a brief silence.

"I could eat," I shrug, knowing damn well I could eat a cow right now.

I could feel him looking over at me and I got the urge to put my hands in my back pockets, except I forgot I had on athletic leggings and there were in fact no—back—pockets.

He snickers and looks away after I awkwardly slide my hands down my ass cheeks.

"Come on, I know a place," he says, leading the way.