NUMINOUS | Harry Styles

THIRTEEN

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The mornings, Vera and Harry would share quiet breakfasts, often accompanied by Shadow, who would curl up in Vera's lap, purring contentedly.

Harry had a way of looking at her that made her heart flutter—a softness in his piercing green eyes that made her feel cherished and safe. As they cooked together in the kitchen, he would lean in close, whispering little jokes that made her laugh, his breath tickling her ear.

"I can't let you burn the pancake again," he teased one evening, gabbing the spatula to flip it once the batter was cooked, as Vera feigned a gasp of offense.

"Oh, please! It was one time!" she laughed, shaking her head. "And it was a very small fire."

"Very small," he echoed, smirking. "But it did add a certain... flavor to the pancake."

Their playful banter was punctuated by moments of tender silence. They would often find themselves wrapped up in each other's arms, lost in the comfort of simply being together.

After breakfast, Harry pulled out a small collection of jars filled with vibrant herbs and colorful powders. "You want to see how I make my healing potions?" he asked, a glint of excitement in his eyes.

Vera leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued. "Absolutely! I've always wanted to know how that works."

Harry began sorting through the jars, explaining each ingredient with careful precision. "This one here," he said, holding up a delicate green herb, "is chamomile. It's great for calming the mind. And this"—he pointed to a bright yellow powder—"is turmeric. It helps with inflammation."

Vera listened intently, her heart swelling with admiration.

He continued to explain, eyes sparkling."It's also about intention. You have to focus on what you want to achieve while you're mixing."

"Intention?" she echoed, her brow furrowing in thought. "That's so interesting."

Harry nodded, a hint of seriousness creeping into his expression. "Yeah. That's why the tea I made for you is special. It's a blend designed specifically for sleep and peace. I wanted you to feel safe and relaxed, especially after everything."

Touched, Vera met his gaze, warmth radiating between them. "I really appreciate it, Harry. You've made such a difference in my life."

With a gentle smile, he continued, "And those plants I gave you? They're meant to protect your aura and home. They create a shield, especially when I can't be there."

Vera felt a flutter of affection. "You're like my own personal guardian," she teased lightly. "A witchy superhero."

Harry laughed, the sound warm and rich. "If only it were that glamorous."

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One evening, as they sat on the couch sharing a blanket, Harry gently brushed a stray hair from Vera's face. "You know, I never thought I could feel this way about someone," he admitted, his voice low and sincere.

Vera's heart swelled at his words. "Neither did I," she replied softly, leaning in closer.

Harry's hand found hers, their fingers intertwining naturally. The warmth radiated between them, and without thinking, she leaned in, her lips brushing softly against his. The kiss deepened, a sweet melding of affection and promise.

Shadow jumps onto the couch pulling them apart, comfortably curled into Vera's lap. The cat purred contentedly, his little body vibrating with happiness as Vera absentmindedly scratched behind his ears.

"Look at this," Harry said, a mock pout forming on his lips as he crossed his arms. "I think Shadow likes you more than he likes me."

Vera laughed, glancing down at the feline, who seemed utterly oblivious to the playful accusation. "Oh he definitely does! I'm only here for him to be honest."

"What?!" Harry exclaimed, feigning shock. "Of course, I should have known." He pointed dramatically at her, as if he were announcing a great injustice.

"He's softer, sorry." She shot back, giggling at his antics.

Shadow lifted his head, glancing between them, clearly unfazed by the banter. Harry leaned closer, adopting a conspiratorial tone. "You know, I think he's plotting something. A secret alliance, perhaps. Shadow and Vera, the Dynamic Duo against Harry the poor lonely bystander."

Vera chuckled, rubbing Shadow's chin. "What can I say? He's just too charming to resist."

Harry crossed his arms again, this time a playful scowl on his face. "I'm telling you, I deserve more credit here. I'm the one who brought him into your life. And now he's stealing my spotlight!"

"Oh, come on," Vera teased, leaning over to ruffle Harry's hair playfully. "You can't deny Shadow just... well, he adds a little extra charm."

"Extra charm?" Harry raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You're saying I'm not charming enough? Is that it?"

Vera shook her head, laughing. "Not at all! But you've got some competition now, my friend."

"Friend?" Harry's eyes widened, feigning shock. "What's a man to do to change his status?"

"Maybe just ask?" She bit her lip, teasingly raising an eyebrow.

Harry took a dramatic step back, clutching his heart as if wounded. "Vera, will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?" His voice dropped to a mockingly serious tone, and he put on an exaggeratedly sincere expression.

Vera's laughter filled the room, her cheeks warming at his earnestness. "You're such a dork!" she exclaimed, shaking her head. But deep down, her heart fluttered at the sincerity behind his words.

He leaned in closer, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Is that a yes, or do I need to prepare a grand romantic gesture? Perhaps a serenade?"

"Please, no serenades," she replied, waving her hand dismissively, though she couldn't help the smile spreading across her face. "I might just run away."

"Okay, fair enough," Harry said, chuckling softly. "But seriously, what do you think? I'd really like to be more than just friends."

Vera felt a rush of warmth at his words, a wave of affection sweeping over her. She looked into his eyes, finding a mixture of hope and vulnerability. "I think I'd like that, Harry. I really would."

A grin broke out on his face, bright and infectious. "So it's official then? You're mine?"

"For now," she teased, biting back a smile. "But just so you know, Shadow might be a little jealous."

Harry laughed, glancing down at the cat, who was still curled comfortably in Vera's lap. "Shadow will just have to accept that he has to share you now. I'm sure he'll come around."

As their laughter faded into a comfortable silence, Harry shifted closer, his shoulder brushing against hers. Vera felt an electric spark at the contact, the world around them fading away. It was as if everything had fallen into place.

They both leaned back into the couch, a sense of peace enveloping them as Shadow purred softly in her lap. In that moment, everything felt right.

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a/n: hiiii thank you so much reading and following harry and vera!!

i do have another harry series called Reluctant Hearts and a One Shot Collection if you guys are interested :)

i will be brainstorming new story ideas (any suggestion lmk), right now im thinking of maybe (??? still in the air) writing a f1 fic but we'll see

also happy halloween week!! anyone dressing up??

anywayyys love you guys so much take care of yourselves <33