#amongemeraldclouds follower celebration

[amongemeraldclouds]

love blooms in strange places

When Mattheo was assigned to help you tend to the greenhouse as punishment, he never expected detention could be so pleasant.

Mattheo Riddle x f!Reader | Based on this request

Warning: fluff, one use of y/n, used my creative license to come up with plant lore and magic to serve the plot.

✿ Masterlist | Event Masterlist | Tea Party | 1.7k words

When Mattheo Riddle started his day, the greenhouse was the last place he expected he would be. Yet that’s exactly where he was headed, kicking up dirt as he went.

Snape’s words haunted him as he slowed to the door. “Mr. Riddle, you had been in detention several times just this month alone. If you will not learn by reflection, you will learn by deed. As punishment, you will have to help y/n cultivate plants for a week.”

Before Mattheo could open his mouth, Snape raised his hand. “Any protests and we will make it a month.” He knew better than to talk.

He shook his head as he opened the door, eager to get it over with. He took in pots and plants of various shades of green, color sprouting sporadically where flowers and fruits blossomed. Then there was you.

You saw the curly haired boy approach, Mattheo Riddle, you recalled. Everything about him spelled trouble from the frown fixed on his face, to his askew tie, and the way he strut as if the entire world bent to his will.

You smiled and introduced yourself politely. Your mum after all had raised you to give others a chance. To look beyond first impressions.

Still, it didn’t surprise you when his frown stayed glued to his face. “Mattheo Riddle,” he just stated by way of introduction. “Here’s how this will work. I’m going to stay here,” he said, grabbing a chair at the side of the greenhouse and taking a seat. “I’ll stay out of your way, you stay out of mine. When the time is over, I’ll walk away. Nice and simple.”

“So you’ll just let me do all the work?” You huffed, your fists clenched by your side.

“Glad you’re catching on, darling. Go on. Some would say it’s a privilege to be around me but it’s okay if you don’t see that yet.” He flashed you a shit eating grin and propped his legs up the table across him. Such a shame. He’d probably be handsome if his personality weren’t so rotten.

You caught yourself and your expression turned livid. “No, being around you is punishment. I don’t know what I did to Snape to deserve this,” you mumbled to yourself.

Your mum may have raised you to be polite, but she also taught you to stand up against bullies. You strode over to the arrogant boy, plucking a bearded iris on your way. You crushed it beneath your fingers, muttering an incantation.

When you were close enough, you hurled the crushed petals at his feet. Upon impact, sparks burst. Bright searing sprays of light was accompanied by a loud bang.

Mattheo dodged it, losing his balance. His chair tipped backwards. He crashed to the floor.

The bearded iris was otherwise called the firebreather iris. He should have known better than to challenge you.

You towered over him. “You will help me as Snape intended. It’s bad enough I have to spend time with you. You will make yourself useful or that,” you pointed at the ashes of the firebreather iris, “is just the beginning of what I can do. There are poisonous plants around here like nightshade. I will not hesitate to use them and make it look like an accident.”

He looked at you as if he saw you for the first time. The fire was brighter in your eyes than the spark you had thrown. He was silent for a beat as he recalled what Theo warned him about nice girls. You never wanted to see them mad. They were always more clever and therefore more dangerous.

As much as he loved danger, he very much preferred to stay alive. Besides, things just got more interesting. He schooled his face to a bored expression. “Fine,” he said standing back up and dusting the dirt from his clothes and hair. “If you teach me that cool trick, I’ll help out.”

“Stick around and I’ll teach you a few things,” you nodded, satisfied. You tossed him a pair of gloves. “We’ll start here, plant boy.” He suppressed the smile that threatened to break across his features. It was fascinating how you snapped quickly back to your good natured self, as if you weren’t just threatening him moments earlier. If there was anything Mattheo loved, it was a challenge.

As he put on the gloves, he felt detention wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Threatened by the poison and lured in by the idea of learning plant magic, Mattheo had surprisingly been a helpful herbology partner.

Yes, he was stubborn and annoying. But at the end of the day, he was quick to pick up the steps, memorizing which fertilizer to use for what plant, and how much water each plant needed.

The weeks quickly passed and you found a comfortable rhythm. You just had to put up with those terrible lines.

“Are you a flower bed?” Mattheo asked, his face streaked with dirt as he hauled another bag of soil.

“What is it this time?” You rolled your eyes. You found it impossibly adorable and ridiculous how he managed to get dirt all over his face despite wearing gloves and other gardening gear.

“Let’s pretend you asked me why. ‘Cause I want to lay you down and get dirty,” Mattheo said with his signature smirk.

You tried not to laugh, but you couldn’t wipe the silly grin off your face. Mattheo considered it a win. “That seriously works for you?” You pointed in his general direction. “I’d rather choke on a cactus,” you beamed.

Mattheo chuckled, “then I want to be a cactus.”

“Oh why, because you’re a prick?” You retorted, shoveling more soil to the new pot.

“No, you can’t use these lines against me,” he said, narrowing his eyes, grabbing a handful of soil.

“Don’t be such a weeping willow about it,” you quipped. “And I swear if you throw that lump of soil, you’ll have to clean it up.”

“Why don’t we go straight to the cleaning part?” He teased instead, returning the soil. He grabbed the water hose nearby and turned it on, aiming it directly at you.

Before you could react, you felt a steady stream of water hit you, the cold shocking your entire system. “You really did it,” you muttered uselessly, releasing a string of curses as you gathered your wits about you.

You ran after him, but he was quick to deflect, running off the opposite direction, taking the hose with him. Five steps in, you slipped on the mud and landed on your back. The wind rushed out your lungs and you laid there recovering your breath.

“Salazar! Are you ok?” He asked, running towards you.

“Come here,” you spoke softly and he leaned in to hear you.

“My name is not Salazar,” you declared when he was close enough. “It’s an expressio—“ he tried to explain but in one swift motion, you grabbed the collar of his shirt. The surprise was enough to send him down the floor. He slipped in the mud and joined you. You grabbed the hose from him and sprayed him with water.

He flailed for a few seconds before he caught purchase and rolled over you, yanking the hose away and then switching it off. You both found yourselves in hysterics, bodies shaking from the cold and laughter.

“I can’t believe it. You really laid me down and got me dirty,” you managed to say in between laughter.

“This is not what I meant. But if you want to know what I mean,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. But he was rendered speechless, the words and laughter faded in his throat.

He didn’t think it was possible. But up close, you were even more beautiful with your captivating eyes and kissable lips.

His intense gaze stole the laughter and breath from your lungs. You felt his heartbeat drum against yours, your breaths mingled with one another.

It sunk in then that he was on top of you, gazing at you like he wanted to do a hundred and one sinful things to you. He had a forest full of desires and you wanted to explore every corner of it. To go on an adventure with him. So you did.

You weren’t sure who started it, but the next second you found yourselves kissing each other. It was better than any euphoria plants could induce. His lips felt surprisingly soft and he started off tentative, seeing if you were okay with it. You just needed more and he quickly matched your pace, taking in as much of you as he could.

He was no longer gentle and he ran his hand through your mud streaked hair, holding you just where he needed you, deepening the kiss. You tugged on his hair in return and he rewarded you with a groan, his chest rumbling against you. He licked your lower lip, prompting you to open your mouth as his tongue darted in, exploring until you both needed to come up for air. Panting against each other.

“Why are you looking at me like I just kicked a puppy?” He asked.

You shook your head. “You’re just a boy trying to get through detention,” you stated.

“Darling, my detention was only a week long,” he admitted.

Your eyes widened. “But this is your third week helping me.”

“You still haven’t taught me how to make fire with flowers yet,” he said, kissing you on the nose.

“You’re not afraid I’d poison you?” You narrowed your eyes, recalling your threat.

“I looked it up. The nightshade you mentioned that first week isn’t even poisonous. You never meant to poison me, dear.”

“But you fell for it, that’s what mattered,” you insisted.

“Maybe it’s you I’ve pollen for,” he quipped.

“You’re never gonna stop with the plant puns, aren’t you?”

“No, because you’re ivy and you’ve fully crept in my thoughts. Next, you can creep in my—” you kissed him then to shut him up. He didn’t seem to mind at all. You really had had enough of his silly plant puns, even though you couldn’t get enough of him.

✿ Masterlist | Event Masterlist | Tea Party

[wordsarelife]

—LOVER: the 1k follower celebration

content: various requested x reader fics that will be posted in the week of july 1st!

warnings: some are overly angsty, fluffy, happy, funny etc (they will have their individual warnings

note: so here we finally are!!! i spent the past (i think) two months, working on these fics and i'm so happy that i'm finally able to share this 1k follower celebration with you!! again, thank you so much for following and reading my stories, it truly means the world that people are actually interested in the stupid shit i write.

you will find all the fics tagged under the hashtag #lizzys1kfollowercelebration and now without further ado, the schedule:

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ monday

✧ FOREVER WINTER, theo

↳ ❜all this time i didn't know, you were breakin' down. i'd fall to pieces on the floor, if you weren't around❛

✧ WE ARE NEVER EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER, mattheo

↳ ❜you go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me, but we are never, ever, ever, ever getting back together! like, ever❛

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ tuesday

✧ HITS DIFFERENT, isaac

↳ ❛i heard your key turn in the door down the hallway is that your key in the door? is it okay? is it you?❛

✧ VAMPIRE, rafe

↳ ❜i tried to help you out, now i know that i can't❛

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ wednesday

✧ SO HIGH SCHOOL, theo

↳ ❜you know how to ball, i know aristotle❛

✧ TEENAGE DREAM, george

↳ ❜yeah, they all say that it gets better, it gets better, but what if i don't?❛

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ thursday

✧ YOU'RE NOT SORRY, mattheo

↳ ❜and you got your share of secrets and I'm tired of being last to know❛

✧ SHAKE IT OFF, quill

↳ ❜i stay out too late, got nothing in my brain❛

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ friday

✧ ANTI-HERO, draco

↳ ❜it's me, hi, i'm the problem, it's me (i'm the problem, it's me) at tea time, everybody agrees❛

✧ SUPERMAN, theo

↳ ❜i'm lovestruck and looking out the window, don't forget, don't forget where i'll be❛

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ saturday

✧ MISS AMERICANA AND THE HEARTBREAK PRINCE, mattheo

↳ ❜it's you and me, that's my whole world. they whisper in the hallway, 'she's a bad, bad girl'❛

✧ BIGGER THAN THE WHOLE SKY, theo

↳ ❜salt streams out my eyes and into my ears, every single thing i touch becomes sick with sadness❛

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ sunday

✧ LONG STORY SHORT, theo

↳ ❜long story short, i survived❛

✧ THE MOMENT I KNEW, quill

↳ ❜"i'm sorry, i didn't make it" and i said, "i'm sorry too" and that was the moment i knew❛

---------------------------

tagging a few mutuals: @ahead-fullofdreams @obsessedwithceleste @mqstermindswift @ahqkas @amongemeraldclouds @blooberry-bagel @mitskiswift99

[amongemeraldclouds]

Tom Riddle clutched the handmade bookmark you gave him at the end of class. You said it was to wish him good luck for the upcoming exams and nothing made sense. Not the flutter in his stomach nor the warmth he felt in his chest.

You had always been warm and friendly to him like you were with everyone else. He didn’t understand how others could be kind without getting anything in return. It seemed futile. A weakness, even.

And yet, whenever you were kind with your bright eyes and warm smile, there was a quiet boldness within you that he deemed powerful. It piqued his interest.

When he dreamt of you the next day, he knew he had to spring to action. It started with a carefully concocted plan to get to know you. You found it odd how inquisitive he was one day, but your crush had suddenly taken an interest in you. You could hardly complain.

Soon, he’ll find himself on an open field with you, the warm sun caressing your face. He’ll tuck a flower behind your ear, strumming the strings of your desire. He already considered you his, it was only a matter of time until you knew it too.

✿ For this request | Follower celebration | Event masterlist

[amongemeraldclouds]

Dancing in the rain with the Slytherin boys

Ft. Matteo Riddle, Lorenzo Berkshire, Draco Malfoy, Tom Riddle, Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini

© amongemeraldclouds I do not consent to having my work shared or reproduced elsewhere. Please do not claim as your own, tumblr is the only place I share my written work.

✿ Masterlist | Event Masterlist | Tea Party | 2.2k words

Lorenzo Berkshire (established relationship, modern au)

The walk home should have been simple and straightforward. But as you stepped out the bustling restaurant, you traded the warmth for the unexpected downpour. Yet it could not dampen your good mood; the alcohol buzzing in your veins made sure of that.

“You sure?” Enzo asked as you opened the door and faced the rain.

“We’ll be fine, it’s just a short walk,” you suggested and he simply shrugged in agreement.

The song blasting from the restaurant stayed with you and you found yourself singing the lyrics. You wondered how a space cow found its way in a song about summer romance, but it seemed to match the beat of the song. It was good enough for you.

“Are those even the right words?” Enzo asked, a small laugh accompanying his question. It was not.

“Space cows can be wherever they want to be!” You declared.

“Yeah space cows!” He cheered you on as he started singing with you, ever the supportive boyfriend.

“You know since we’re singing,” you said, a glint in your eye, “we might as well dance. It’s just us here.”

Enzo stopped abruptly in front of you and surprised you with a bow. “My lady,” he said, courteously reaching out his hand. You held a corner of your dress in each hand and curtsied.

You took his hand and found yourself dancing on the empty sidewalk with Lorenzo Berkshire. You hummed the song as you moved, feeling his body move in sync with yours.

When you arrived home, you’d shower and warm up with a cup of tea. You’d spend the rest of the day cuddled beneath cozy sheets, wood crackling in the fireplace. But for now, the rain drowned out everyone and everything else. In that moment, it was just you and him dancing with your silly smiles.

Mattheo Riddle (enemies)

You exited the hall and stepped into the evening air, eager to get away from the music and merriment. You were the furthest thing from feeling festive. Not after your date had ditched you for another pretty girl.

Your cheeks burned with rage and embarrassment and you tried taking deep breaths to steady your nerves.

Just when you thought an already bad evening couldn’t get worse, you saw lightning flash through the sky followed by a crack of thunder. Before you could safely make your way back the castle, you found yourself drenched in the sudden downpour.

With no other outlet for the intense emotions, you released a frustrated scream and your tears soon joined in the rain. You jolted when a warm hand touched your shoulder.

You inhaled the telltale scent of cigarette smoke. Through the blur of tears, you saw Mattheo Riddle. Of all people, it really had to be your enemy. He must have been smoking outside and got caught in the rain.

“What happened to your dashing date?” He spat.

“Come to laugh at me, have you?” You said bitterly. “He’s off with a prettier girl,” you said, not sure why you were even talking to him.

“Why, I’ll break his face” he started and it was your turn to put his hand on your shoulder.

“But why? Don’t you hate me?” You asked, confusion mixing with your cocktail of rage, disappointment, and weariness.

“Obviously,” he said quickly then added, “but only I can be horrible to you.”

“You can’t be possessive over your enemy, that’s not how it works,” you shot back.

“I can be possessive over who I want to be,” he moved closer, arguing.

You sighed. It had been a long day. “Fine, just let me wallow here in peace.” You muttered, “didn’t even get to bloody dance.”

He studied you closely, it was unfair how gorgeous you managed to look despite the tears and soaking rain. The look in your eyes broke something in him.

You were stunned when you found yourself in his arms. “I’m only doing this so I don’t have to look at your crying face. This is for my benefit,” he explained, trying to sound annoyed.

Then he really was annoyed when he realized how nice it felt. To distract himself, he started to move, swaying you both to the beat of a song only he could hear. It soothed the storm raging within you.

“For the record, this never happened,” Mattheo stated, quick to deny everything.

“As if I want everyone to know I danced with you,” you said even as you matched his rhythm, “no thank you.”

“Good,” he stated.

“Good,” you replied, not wanting him to have the last word.

There was an odd comfort dancing with Mattheo. You could overanalyse it later. For now, you savoured how secure you felt in his arms, his body warm against you. Electric sparks lit within you as if lightning coursed through you.

Hidden by the onslaught of rain, you could pretend you’re not enemies even if it’s only for a moment.

Draco Malfoy (established relationship, modern au, Yule Ball)

The regal melody of classical music greeted you as the footman opened the limousine door and the cold wind caressed your hair. Draco waited near the door in his crisp tailored suit, his hair neatly gelled back. You took his outstretched hand and smoothed your hand over your dress when you exited the car. You were fashionably late and ready to make a grand entrance at the Yule Ball.

“Ready to party?” He asked. Salazar, you were gorgeous. He was eager to show you off to everyone.

“You mean get drunk and dance the night away? Count me in!” You leaned in, inhaling his expensive cologne. 

You had just taken two steps away from the car when thunder clapped and the sky rumbled ominously. Draco put a protective arm around you as if he could save you from the elements.

“Let’s get inside quickly, yeah?” You nodded wordlessly, trying to walk as fast as you could in heels. Despite his rush, he was patient enough to match your pace, placing you as his first priority even when the first drops of rain fell on your heads.

“Bloody storm,” he muttered. Before you knew it, the sky unleashed a torrential downpour, soaking you from head to toe. You gasped. Hours of hair and makeup was smeared off by Mother Nature in a matter of seconds.

You could sense the thoughts in Draco’s head: “how much would this cost me at the dry cleaners,” “this suit was made for balls and dinner parties, not mud and rain,” and “how dare the elements!”

Instead he looked at you, worried. “Are you okay?”

You nodded, but he could see the disappointment in your eyes and the set of your jaw. You were doing your best to hold it together.

“Not the kind of ball I expected” he said, turning to face you, “but we’re here and there’s music around us. May I have this dance?”

You laughed at him, but when he didn’t join you, you blinked. He shrugged as if to say ‘why not?’

For the second time this evening, you took his hand and he spun you around. Water droplets traced your movements and he watched you in slow motion. It’s ridiculous how you still looked perfect despite everything. He was relieved to hear a small laugh escape you.

He wrapped his free arm around your waist and pulled you in, his other hand still firmly holding yours. You leaned in his shoulder, “sorry this didn’t work out the way you expected.”

He shook his head. “Whatever do you mean? I’m dancing with the most beautiful girl in the world. I’m still the luckiest man here tonight.”

Tom Riddle (established relationship, spicy but not smut)

Tom Riddle did not do parties. Yet he somehow found himself walking alongside you, accompanying you to one.

“I want to dance!” You declared.

“I’d rather die,” he muttered.

You laughed and took his hand, leading him outside the castle grounds.

“This isn’t the way to the party,” he observed.

“It’s a compromise, we’ll bring the party to us,” you grinned. He sighed in surrender.

“Hear that?” You asked, the faint party music audible from where you stood. You took his hand and started moving. “I’ll look less silly if you joined me?” You offered hopefully.

“Then we’ll both look silly,” he stated.

As if Mother Nature was on his side, rain fell from the sky unceremoniously. You were instantly soaked.

“Come on,” you insisted, still asking him to dance.

“You know I love you all wet and needy doll, but not like this,” he said, not budging from where he was.

“How about this?” You offered, lowering your voice. “After this, we’ll enjoy a nice hot bath together and then I can be wet and needy for you the way you like it.”

He closed his eyes and groaned, already picturing all the sinful things he would do to you. “Fine,” he growled, “you’ll be punished for this doll. I’ll make you regret it.”

You casually shrugged and smiled, “worth it. Now come on, the sooner we dance, the sooner you’ll have me just where you want me.”

He grabbed the back of your neck and pressed his lips to yours, his other arm snaked around your waist as he drew you in. Bodies flush together, you felt his hard length against you and you moaned against his lips.

He started moving you both slowly, the upbeat party music long forgotten. You let him lead, glad to have him dance with you in the rain.  

Despite everything he brought his lips to your ear and said in a low voice, moving his hands around your body. “I already have you where I need you.” That hot shower would have to wait.

Theodore Nott  (established relationship)

“As much as I’d love to get away from the party with you amore, it’s storming outside,” Theo said, stopping as you both neared the exit. 

“A little rain wouldn’t hurt,” you grinned and stepped outside, getting drenched within seconds. You welcomed the cold and lifted your head to the sky, raising your arms and spinning. You looked so carefree and it tugged something in Theo’s heart.

“Come back here, we can stay warm indoors,” he offered.

“Too late, join me!” You asked, running towards him. Instead your shoe slipped on the wet grass and you lost your balance. Theo’s eyes widened as he held his arms out as if he could catch you.

He saw you on the floor, shoulders shaking and he rushed towards you. When he neared you, he put a reassuring hand on your shoulder. You looked at him, your laughter piercing through his concern and he breathed a sigh of relief. “If it brought you out here, it’s worth it,” you thought aloud as he helped you back up your feet again.

“Come on, someone’s got to keep me upright. Dance with me, caro,” you said, wrapping your arms around him.

“With no music?” He asked skeptically. He was not making this easy.

You looked at him, listening closely to the rumbling in the clouds. Any second now. Lightning struck and you raised your finger. On cue, you heard the crack of thunder. “There,” you said, taking a step back to hold his hands. You started spinning around again, taking him with you this time as you raised your head up the sky again.

You were so full of life, your energy so infectious, that Theo let the rain wash away his protests. He mirrored you and lifted his head up the sky, feeling the raindrops on his face. The things he did for love, he sighed inwardly as he smiled.

Blaise Zabini (established relationship, modern au)

You laughed as the first drops of rain fell. It was sweet relief after a sweltering afternoon at the festival. You raised your head up, welcoming the rain, and bopped your head side to side to the beat of the music. 

You looked to the side and saw your boyfriend, Blaise, already watching you. He was a man of few words, but his expressions and actions told you all you needed to know. It took forever to convince him to join you at a festival where it would be crowded, loud, and now muddy. But here he was, grinning at you.

Blaise held out his hand to take your phone and he tucked it safely in your tiny waterproof bag that he carried for you. You pecked a kiss on his cheek to thank him. He didn’t seem to mind the rain though you could tell he was trying hard not to be bothered by the cold and mud.

You grabbed his hand, waiting for the DJ to drop the beat. You mirrored his grin in anticipation, the bass building up slowly as the rain fell down heavily. Your heart thumped along the music’s beat, your body dancing along the rhythm, the crowd electric as the music built up to its crescendo.

You counted down with other festival-goers, breaths held: 3, 2, 1.

The beat dropped. You launched yourself in the air, bringing Blaise with you, chanting along with the crowd. Everyone else blurred as you kept your eyes on him, watching his eyes glow with excitement.

It may have been dark and stormy around you, but right in front of you, his smile was all the sunshine you needed.

A/N: Based on a super cute request I received! Original ask will not be published for a bit as there are multiple ideas in there I’d like to play around with.

✿ Masterlist | Event Masterlist | Tea Party

[amongemeraldclouds]

Headcanons: Theodore Nott with gf!Reader who loves to read gruesome murder mysteries

✿ For this request | Follower celebration | Event masterlist

✿ “I won’t let anything happen to you,” Theo whispered reassuringly into your ear as he wrapped his arms around you tighter, bringing you closer to him in bed.

✿ You melted against him and all the tension left your body. It was another great day spent reading murder mysteries, except for the horrors that chased you in your sleep. Thankfully, Theo always let you cuddle with him at night when you couldn’t sleep.

“Amore, you know I love having you here in bed, but why do you do this to yourself?” He asked, sleep giving his voice a gravely edge. He absentmindedly drew circles on your hip. “Hmm,” you considered his question. “It gets my heart racing. Plus there’s the satisfaction of mysteries solved in the end.” “If that’s all, I could also get your heart racing and leave you feeling satisfied,” he said, trailing kisses down your neck.

✿ A week later when he still didn’t understand your obsession with gruesome murder mysteries, you challenged him to read a book. That way, he would experience the thrill firsthand. He loved it.

✿ Since then, you started reading a book together and would have date nights mapping out all the details on a murder board.

✿ Red strings connecting events, potential suspects, motives, and so on. You’d spend hours chewing on snacks and discussing theories.

✿ He never realized how intellectually stimulating it could be and he was impressed by your analytical skills. He found something new to admire about you.

✿ He also made time to read some books you have enjoyed in the past. Your discussions brought out his competitive nature and he didn’t want to get left behind by your years of experience reading mysteries.

✿ Inevitably, the nightmares followed him too and you found yourselves cuddling more often.

“Now who will protect us?” He joked, placing a kiss on top of your forehead. “I can tire you out, keep your mind elsewhere,” you suggested, your hands tracing his muscles. “I can live with that,” he breathed as he let you take him on a different adventure.

[amongemeraldclouds]

“What is it?” You asked for the third time as Tom dodged you, clutching the book behind him.

“I already told you it’s the Dark Arts, not for your eyes, darling.” Tom tried to remain composed despite the color in his cheeks. But you already spotted the familiar corner of the book that told you otherwise.

“Tell me and I’ll be a good girl for you tonight,” you teased.

“You’re always a good girl for me. Now stop asking or I’ll have to punish you,” he warned and you wanted to punch and kiss his smug face at the same time.

“Guess some things should remain a mystery,” you replied with a sigh and Tom visibly relaxed. You hugged him then and he should have known better because the next moment, you gripped the edge of the book and yanked it away from him.

It was your favourite romance novel.

You laughed with glee. You could hardly believe the boy who spent hours reading textbooks would ever spend time reading fiction, let alone a romance novel.

You opened the book, a bright smile on your face as you moved swiftly away from him. Tom always annotated books and his habits carried over here with neatly underlined passages and bookmarked pages.

Scrawls that said “buy y/n flowers”, “compliment her and notice her hair or clothes“, “ask her about her latest crochet project”. Of course he was doing research: how to be a good boyfriend, how to keep you.

“We should start a book club! This is fantastic, Tom! I could tell you all about—“ you stopped when you saw his horrified expression. “I love that you’re doing this,” you spoke softly and beamed. His eyes softened.

“Now I’m going to have to punish you, don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he said sternly as he strode over to you. Anticipation fluttered in your stomach.

“Worth it,” you grinned.

✿ For this request | Follower celebration | Event masterlist

[amongemeraldclouds]

Dating Mattheo Riddle meant going on wild adventures. Today, you got to choose your activity. “You know I love to get dirty, but this is not what I had in mind,” he said as he took the basket you offered him, skeptical. You were going foraging through the woods.

“I’ll make it worth your while,” you smirked and led him deeper into the woods. “That’s what I like to hear,” he said. When you started telling him about the different plants and bugs you saw, he realized you meant something else. Of course nothing about you was predictable. It was why he liked being with you in the first place.

The more flowers and fruits filled your baskets, the more intently he listened to you. Through you, he saw the forest anew. A kingdom filled with stories and magic. For the first time in a long time, he felt childlike wonder. The forest was magical not because of its inherent power, but because of you.

✿ For this request | Follower celebration | Event masterlist

[amongemeraldclouds]

starry eyed

Tom Riddle never meant to feel affection. That warm, sickly feeling felt like indigestion and heartburn. An inconvenience. But Salazar, you had never been on a date. It was an injustice he needed to make right.

Tom Riddle x f!Reader | Based on this request | Fluff

✿ Masterlist | Event Masterlist | Tea Party | 1.9k words

It was just supposed to be another project. Tom Riddle expected you to just be another schoolmate who would let him do most of the work so he could have things exactly as he wanted. He never minded the work; enjoyed it, even. But he did mind having another student’s grimy fingers all over his carefully planned and skillfully executed projects. Just the thought of it made him want to cast crucio on whoever owned those grimy fingers.

Yet you managed to squeeze your way through his neatly arranged schedule. A row of clean lines and routines that made room for your squiggles and smiles. Literally. You had penciled yourself in his timetable “library with y/n for Astronomy project :)”. At least you had capitalized the A in Astronomy as all subjects should be.

That was how he first found himself walking towards you at the library. People respected him, was even intimidated by him. But you smiled up at him like you had been friends forever and he nearly doubted for a second if he was supposed to be there. He figured you were either naive, a lamb prancing into the lion’s den, or simply unbothered.

“Why did you invite me here?” He asked, placing his books across you in the library.

“Hi Tom,” you beamed, ignoring his question. “I’m doing great. Thanks. For a smart person, that sure is a silly question.”

He clenched his jaw and so you soldiered on. “We were paired together for the project so I thought we’d meet tonight to discuss. You may not be used to it Mr. Perfect, but I always help out with all my projects so like it or not, you’re stuck with me.”

“Fine,” he breathed out quickly. “Just try to keep up,” he said curtly as he opened his books to discuss.

“Maybe you’re the one who has to keep up with me,” you said, unfazed.

But he ignored you and launched straight into the project details and his plans. Your eyes widened and you grabbed your notebook and pen. Tom’s mouth twitched and you imagined it was his version of a smile. He really was going to make it difficult for you, but you were up for the challenge.

You may have also had a crush on him, but that definitely had nothing to do with the way your heart was pounding in your chest. School could also be intense and exciting. Ha.

By the third written sentence, you managed to catch up and gather all the details he had in mind for the project. You asked questions about the plan and Tom was surprised you mentioned a minor detail he had not previously considered. It irritated him, but you had also managed to earn his respect.

The discussion had been a lot more engaging than he thought. Though it probably didn’t say much considering his expectations had been so low, it had melted with the lava down the centre of the Earth.

You tapped on the table lightly. “Now that we’ve accomplished a lot, it’s time for snacks!”

Tom blinked, not sure if he heard you right. “What are we to do with snacks?”

You blinked back. “To eat. So we can take a break from all the studying?”

“I don’t do breaks. My focus levels are perfectly fine,” he stated.

“This is why you’re so grumpy all the time! You don’t eat snacks or take breaks,” you slapped a hand to your forehead.

“Ah yes you have cracked the mystery. You now know everything about me,” he replied sarcastically and you snorted. If you hadn’t felt so tired, you may have spent some energy being embarrassed for your un-lady like behaviour in front of your crush. But you had your priorities straight.

“Try these biscuits I baked and I promise you will know all about joy and the wonders of the universe,” you offered.

“So it’s spiked?”

You looked horrified. “I’ll have you know my baking is magical all on its own.”

“It’s bad enough that I have to work on this project with you. If I go on this break with you, will you leave me alone to complete this project?”

“Maybe,” you said, scooping up your belongings and rushing out the library before he could change his mind. You inwardly cheered when he followed you.

Tom didn’t take any of your words seriously, but when he bit into the biscuit, the buttery goodness that melted in his mouth made him feel like he was coming home to a place he never knew he belonged to. Not that he would ever tell you.

“What’s your favourite astrological event?” He asked as he savoured the biscuit.

“I love meteor showers, though I’ve never seen one before. Imagine seeing a cluster of stars raining down the sky,” you said, after a moment’s pause.

“Don’t have to imagine, I’ve seen it before,” he said unimpressed.

Your eyes widened in fascination. “What did you wish for?”

He looked affronted. “I don’t do wishes, I make things happen.”

You slapped your thigh and his eyes followed your movement, making you blush. “How could you not make a wish? It’s like having a magic lamp and using it as a teapot. Where’s the wonder and romance?”

“Magic is a science, it’s why we’re here,” he insisted.

“We’re here for biscuits,” you declared instead and shoved another into your mouth. He inwardly smiled. Sure, if anything were to be magical the way you saw it, he supposed it could be those heavenly biscuits. 

He was sure that was the last time he’d meet you outside of class. But the very next day, he found your squiggly handwriting on his timetable again. “Library with y/n for Astronomy project + snack break :)” He sighed, but he secretly looked forward to the buttery biscuits.

You made good progress on the project as the days passed. Tom continued to be surprised by your helpful contributions. Sure they were unconventional and your process was far too scattered for his liking, but you came up with creative ideas and were equally as committed as he was to the project.

Tom suggested extra research for some information he wanted to include and you managed to read all the chapters he wrote down. All for the love of education. You were certainly not a girl trying to impress your crush. Nope.

The snack breaks were also not as miserable as Tom thought they would be. You got to know each other better and there was something strangely fascinating about you. Then there were those life-changing biscuits.

He sometimes found himself craving those buttery goods during his long hours of studying. The problem was that he could not get them anywhere else except from you. It didn’t help that you were nearly done with your project and would soon have no reason to see each other. That diabolical woman, he thought.

Something else stayed with him. On one of your snack breaks, you finally built up the courage to ask Tom about his dating life. He managed to deflect and turn the question around to you, but you didn’t mind. Hopefully you sharing would one day help him open up to you.

“What was the last date you’ve been on?” He asked and you watched in slow motion when he licked the corner of his lip to catch a stray crumb. You had to dig your nails into your palm to stop yourself from squealing.

Then you thought hard about his question. “What qualifies as a date?” You asked cautiously.

“Someone who likes you takes you out, preferably somewhere you like, and you spend quality time together.”

“Well,” you turned it over in your head, “then I guess I’ve never been on a date before.” You quickly added, “I have had boyfriends before, we just did things they liked and anyway, it’s no big deal.”

It had been days, but he still seethed at the memory. He was not one for romance, but even he felt indignant that all that sunshine and sweetness was wasted on boys who didn’t know what they had. That evening, he added you to his timetable himself. He was going to set things right.

“Are you sure you’re not here to m*rder me and take full credit for our brilliant project?” You asked as you followed Tom Riddle deeper into the woods. You hugged your coat tightly as the evening chill swept around you. The crickets chirped and twigs snapped below your feet.

“Do you think I’d announce it if I was? Besides, there’s no one around so you’ll just have to trust me,” he replied.

“I thought we were becoming friends,” you remarked.

“Never assume things,” he said matter of fact.

You gripped your wand tightly and walked on. He was right. You followed a boy into the woods at night because you had a crush on him. You cursed inwardly and vowed to make better decisions in your next life.

We’re here!” he announced. There was a clearing ahead and before you could ask what it was, he pointed to the sky. “Should be about now,” he commented. The next moment, you watched as stars glittered and rained down the sky. It was a meteor shower. Your eyes brightened, reflecting the glowing lights that dove through the sky.

“You said you’ve never seen one before and it just so happens there’s one tonight and this is the perfect spot,” he explained before you could even ask. He then asked you to make a wish.

“Only if you make a wish with me,” you said, looping your arm around him. You figured it was the closest he’d allow a hug. Surprisingly, he stayed beside you, letting you lean into him.

“Isn’t it enough to just watch this with you? You like it, don’t you?”

The pieces clicked in your head. “You said and I quote ‘a date was when someone who likes you takes you out, preferably somewhere you like, and you spend quality time together.’ Mr. Tom Riddle, is this your way of telling me you like me? Is this,” you motioned at the stars and around you, “a date?”

“What did I tell you about assuming things?” He deflected and pointed at the stars again. “They won’t fall forever, you know. Are you going to use this magical lamp as your teapot?”

Perhaps it was the shooting stars or the cold evening air, or being alone with the boy you liked in the dark forest, that made you bold. 

“What if you’re the only one who can grant my wish?” You gave him your brightest smile and Tom could read all the words you’d never speak aloud in your eyes. He shook his head, a ghost of a smile on his lips and he brought them down to yours.

The kiss was surprisingly gentle and you wrapped your arms around him, letting your body melt against him. He pulled you in closer, his arms strong and confident as if you belonged to him. He placed tender kisses down your jaw, moving slowly to your neck, and as you gazed up, you watched the last of the stars fall down the sky. 

The cold bit down your skin as Tom stepped back and you immediately missed his warmth. “You like me!” You beamed.

“How are you so sure I’m not just after the biscuits?”

You wrapped your arms around him, enjoying the warmth again. “I’ll bake you all the biscuits you want. Doesn’t change the fact that you also like me, which works perfectly because I like you too. You’re never getting rid of me now.”

Tom returned the hug. Not that he wanted to get rid of you anyway.

✿ Masterlist | Event Masterlist | Tea Party

A/N: Tom secretly liking biscuits is so adorable. A subtle nod to our tea party!

[amongemeraldclouds]

haunted escape room with mattheo riddle

Your heart thumped loudly in your chest as the line brought you closer and closer to the entrance of the haunted escape room. You stood on your tiptoes trying to see past the heads at the adventure that awaited you.

When it was finally your turn, the attendant dressed in a grim reaper costume announced the minimum for the attraction was two. When they called for another individual in line, you were fine with settling for a stranger as long as you got to experience the spooky thrills ahead. Except you recognized the boy with the curly hair and smug smile as he approached. It was your rival, Mattheo Riddle.

“Fancy seeing you here, partner,” he said sarcastically. Of course he had known you’d be there, it was all you could talk about the entire week.

“Just don’t slow me down,” you narrowed your eyes and accepted your fate as you walked past the door.

“Bet I could escape faster than you. Do try to keep up,” he taunted because of course, everything had to be a competition with him.

“We’ll see about that,” you smirked. You felt quite confident having played multiple games that included puzzles and required strategy.

When you entered the first room, you inspected everything. Turning items over and opening cabinets to look for clues. You each searched half of the room, collecting items that seemed significant and piecing them together.

You solved the first clue faster than expected and were ready to advance to the next room when the lights turned off. You yelped and instinctively grabbed Mattheo who held a protective arm around you.

He backed you into wall beside you, shielding you with his body. You felt his hot breath against your forehead and it sent delicious jolts of electricity through you. Bodies pressed together, you could feel his heartbeat drumming quickly, matching yours. You reminded yourself to stay focused.

When the lights flickered on again, you both made a run for it, hand in hand. You inspected the next room and just as you opened the cabinet, a headless body fell out. You jumped back and screamed.

Within seconds Mattheo was beside you, alert for any threats. When he saw the headless body, which turned out to be a mannequin, he laughed. Just as he was about to open his mouth to tease you, a hand closed around his leg.

It was his turn to yelp and jump back. A woman in a white gown with long hair crept away from where she hid and scurried off the opposite side of the room. It was your turn to tease him and talk about instant karma.

“Let’s just get out of here,” he huffed. Surprisingly, you both figured out the lock’s combination numbers quickly after solving clues, and moved to the next door. You hated to admit it, but you both worked well together.

As you moved to the next door, the lights switched off once again. Breaths held, looking cautiously around, Mattheo moved you behind him protectively.

You were about to argue how you could protect yourself when up ahead, you heard the zap of electricity. It was accompanied by a blue electric current illuminating a scary face. The effects were so convincing, you had to remind yourself it was just a fake taser and a mask.

Mattheo, however, let his instincts take over. He was always going to choose fight over flight. In the next second, you heard the impact of fists and the taser clattered on the ground. Red lights flooded the room as the warning sound blared through the speakers.

A security guard charged in, hauling away the scare actor from the frenzied boy. When you had a chance, you wrapped your arms around Mattheo to stop him. He melted under your touch and the fight went out of him. He was shocked how nice and comfortable it felt to be held by you.

You got kicked out the horror escape room.

“Well, that’s one way to escape,” you remarked, looking back at the attraction as you walked away.

“I’m creative like that, darling. Told you I could get us out faster,” he winked at you.

“That was not a complime-”

Before you could complete your sentence, he sidled up beside you, lowering his lips to your ear. “The next time you want to hold me like that back there, just tell me directly. No need for excuses, I can keep a secret.”

✿ For this request | Follower celebration | Event masterlist

[amongemeraldclouds]

written in the stars

You never meant to fall for your best friend, Lorenzo Berkshire. Everything had to happen according to plan, and this was not part of the plan. Yet each sweet gesture of his was leading you down the path of no return.

Lorenzo Berkshire x f!Reader | Based on this request

Warnings: fluff, no use of y/n, semi-violent depiction of falling in love lol

✿ Masterlist | Event Masterlist | Tea Party | 1.7k words

The words swam across the page and you sighed in frustration. It had been the fifteenth time you tried to read the same sentence, but fatigue had made its home in your bones. You finally surrendered, slumping your shoulders and landing face first onto your textbook with a thud.

“There are better places to sleep, you know. For instance, the couch or literally behind you, your bed,” Lorenzo Berkshire suggested helpfully as he closed the door to your dorm room. You didn’t even hear him enter.

You shifted your head, placing your cheek onto the printed words. You could hardly care if any of the ink transferred onto your face. Would it somehow seep into your brain too and help you study faster? “Let me perish in peace,” you whined.

He shook his head and grabbed your open planner beside you, scanning through the scrawled handwriting that dictated your life. “You’re supposed to be preparing for bed now,” he said, shoving the list into your face. 

“Too. Many. Words.” You emphasized each word as if it was a struggle to even speak.

“You can’t do this to yourself,” he said, his words tinged with concern. His worry shot an arrow straight to your heart. It was bad enough you couldn’t concentrate on your studies anymore. You didn’t need to fall deeper in love with your best friend. A feeling that you tried hard to suppress. It wasn’t part of the plan.

That warm, cozy feeling you tried not to think about was enough to restore some of your strength as you closed your textbook and packed up for the night. You updated your planner and placed the stationery away for tomorrow. “I didn’t mean to worry you,” you said, rubbing the back of your head. 

Enzo just smiled and exhaled as if you were being ridiculous. “Well you can’t stop me from caring, you’re my best friend. Besides, what would you do without me?” He said, holding out a paper bag to you.

You stared at his smiling face just a beat longer, trying to save it for later, and turned your attention to the paper bag. You opened it and peered inside, it drove the arrow further through your heart. “You didn’t have to get me my favorite candle,” you began.

“But I had to, yours is nearly over,” he said pointedly looking at your burning candle, whose flames flirted dangerously with the bottom of the glass jar. “It’s a freshly scented fire hazard at this point.”

You frowned and took out the second item from the bag. It was exactly the book you wanted to read. You gasped excitedly. It was sold out everywhere but he managed to get a copy for you. You couldn’t find the words so your excitement sent you leaping into his arms instead. The impact surprised him but he caught you, holding on tightly as he lifted you off the floor.

You inhaled the scent of his soap and cologne, your heart fluttering at the familiar scent. “Thank you,” you said, burrowing your head into his neck. He exhaled sharply as if your gesture took the breath out from him, but you dismissed it as a delusion. As far as you knew, he only ever saw you as a friend and you were not going to take advantage of his kindness. He’s a good friend, that’s all.

You removed your arms around him in disappointment, placing your feet back firmly on the ground and back to reality. “You’re welcome,” he replied, “now why were you studying when your planner clearly said you should be sleeping?”

You blushed, not wanting to admit that it had been hard to concentrate since he took over your mind. “Just, you know me, I want to do well in the subject,” you gulped, you were a bad liar. You were so exhausted, you even forgot which subject you were reading about. But Enzo didn’t push further, trusting that you’d share with him when you were ready.

“Just take care of yourself, okay? Good night,” he said, pressing a kiss to your forehead. It sent electric jolts from your head all the way down to the prickling sensation in your toes. A warmth settled in your stomach.

You waved after him weakly as he left your dorm, gently closing the door. You didn’t trust your lips to speak or you might just find yourself asking him to stay.

Of course guys and girls could be friends together, unless the boy was Lorenzo Berkshire. You huffed in annoyance. You had managed ten perfectly wholesome years laughing at each other’s silly jokes, sharing lunch, exploring new places together during the summer holidays. 

He was Lorenzo, the snotty little kid who scraped his knees climbing trees and chasing after spiders. He was your best friend. How dare your heart and brain join forces against you, feeding you things that were anything but wholesome.

He looked at you from beside the Astronomy Tower and you took in his features closely. Time had carved away his rounded cheeks and sharpened his jaw line. His frame filled in the uniform as if the rest of his body was sculpted by the gods themselves. It was clear that he was no longer that little boy you knew.

“Something wrong with my face?” A playful smirk adorned his already charming face. And oh he knew the effect he had on people.

“Ugh,” you rolled your eyes as heat crept up your cheeks because you had been staring at him a beat longer than was appropriate.

“If you were actually doing your Astronomy homework, you might have a chance at getting top marks,” he gestured at the abandoned instruments beside you.

“And if I told you that the way your eyes twinkle could rival the stars? My mind would still be on Astronomy, no?”

It was his turn to blush at your words. It wasn’t new, flirting with each other. You were both quick to throw in compliments and jabs at each other. It was always meant to be playful, and yet your words jumpstarted his heart and unleashed an entire zoo in his stomach.

“You must be a black hole,” he quipped, turning the tables, “because I can’t help but get lost in your eyes.”

You hid your smirk behind the thermos he had brought you and took a sip. It was your new favorite tea. It shouldn’t have surprised you that you that he knew how you liked your tea despite your affinity for trying new flavors.

After all, he remembered you’d be here tonight to do your Astronomy homework and he wanted to keep you company. Just like he remembered to save you your favorite breakfast croissant when you arrived late at the Great Hall. Then there was the time he brought you flowers just because.

It was one sweet deed after another, a small act that nudged you off the ledge and then some. You groaned inwardly as the warm bittersweet taste of tea settled into your senses. This was the final straw. Some people fell gracefully into love then there was you. You had  tripped into love and landed face first on the ground. You never planned to fall for your best friend.

Gripping your fingers through the soil, you fought tooth and nail to remain firmly on the ground. But when you moved to stand, you somehow tumbled further down the hill with each thoughtful gesture, collecting scrapes from rocks and twigs on your way down. Dirt caked your clothes. Your hair was a metaphorical mess, so much so that a bird could make its nest there. Needless to say, falling for Lorenzo Berkshire was anything but graceful.

As you took another sip of your favorite tea, you could no longer deny your feelings. You chuckled, sure you were going crazy as you shared your feelings. “Well I feel more like a comet just hurtling in space because I never planned for this.”

He stood up straighter at the sudden fire in your tone and seriousness at your expression. He looked at you patiently, waiting for you to continue.

“Do you know how hard you’ve made it for me these past few weeks?” You huffed, pointing at him. “I tried so hard not to fall for you because you’re my best friend. It wasn’t part of the plan! But you bring me this,” you gestured at the tea, “my favorite tea and you expect me not to fall for you? Then there’s the flowers, the scented candle and books! You knew the way to my heart and you just waltzed right in. How dare you!”

He chuckled and nodded, “How dare I? So that’s why you’ve been acting strange the past couple weeks. No,” he shook his head. “How dare you make me think about you all the time? Did you think I wanted to fall for you too? I just wanted to see you smile, wanted to hear you laugh, especially when it was because of something I did. I don’t know when I started to fancy you but I do and I just wanted to have these little reasons to see you.”

You both huffed as your confessions set in. “You love me too?”

“I think my actions have spoken louder for me, no?” He asked rhetorically.

“But it’s not part of the plan,” you argued, pointing at your planner that had your life planned out in neat rows and columns, down to your daily to do list.

“Maybe it was written in the stars,” he quipped, returning to your conversation on Astronomy.

“You did not just say that,” you said, a chuckle escaping your lips.

“Stop being stubborn and come here,” he sighed, picking up your planner and grabbing a marker. “Here, add me to the plan, it’s that simple. You know you’re in charge of these, not the other way around.”

You looked over his shoulder, watching his handwriting form on the page as he moved your schedule around and he inserted his name. Dates you’d spend together. 

“I—” you opened your lips to protest but he caught you in a kiss. The words died on your lips as everything else inside you came to life. You knew then that there was no going back and for the first time, you allowed yourself to want it. To want him.

You sighed inwardly, he was right. It could be that simple. Perhaps it was even written in the stars. 

✿ Masterlist | Event Masterlist | Tea Party

[amongemeraldclouds]

“Are you sure you’re not here to murd*r me?” You asked as you followed Tom Riddle deeper into the woods. Around you, crickets chirped and twigs snapped below your feet. “Do you think I’d announce it if I was? Besides, there’s no one around so you’ll just have to trust me,” he replied.

You gripped your wand tightly and walked on. He was right. You followed a boy into the woods at night because you had a crush on him. You cursed inwardly. “We’re here!” he announced. There was a clearing ahead and before you could ask what it was, he pointed to the sky. You watched as stars glittered and rained down the sky. It was a meteor shower.

“You said last week you’ve never seen one before and it just so happens there’s one tonight and this is the perfect spot,” he explained before you could even ask. “Is this your way of telling me you like me?” you quipped. He just winked and asked you to make a wish.

✿ For this request | Follower celebration | Event masterlist

[amongemeraldclouds]

Theodore Nott didn’t think much of it when he visited a lounge cafe. It just so happened to be near the place he went shopping. Yet the moment he heard you playing the piano, he knew he would never be the same.

He had seen orchestras that boasted some of the world’s top musicians, but none were like you. When you played, the keys took him on an adventure. Art is supposed to make you feel something and to him, you were a masterpiece.

And so that one random visit turned into more as he listened and watched you play. One day, he visited the cafe and was surprised to see you on one of the tables reading a book he loved. It was your day off. Wasting no chance, he approached you and introduced himself. As the conversation continued, he just knew, it was the start of something great.

✿ For this request | Follower celebration | Event masterlist

[amongemeraldclouds]

the perfect playlist (modern, magical au)

Summary: Mattheo Riddle takes you on a date at a rare record store that plays The Perfect Playlist, a set of songs that lets you relive highlights of your life.

In the intersection where angels last laughed and where a powerful witch dropped her earring, stood The Perfect Playlist. Many brushed it off to be a myth. It seemed too good to be true that an establishment could conjure up the perfect set of songs to match the highlights of your life.

What’s more is that the songs were not just curated but rather created for you. These were lyrics and melodies you couldn’t go out and stream on music platforms nor buy CDs for.

And yet for something that seemed so legendary, it looked just like any record store. The storefront was made with oak once bold and dark, now faded with time. And yet it gleamed where the sun hit it just so, showing off its carefully applied polish.

Past the large window, rows upon rows of vinyls were stacked neatly on shelves. Each album cover had an intriguing design. Different art styles fought for your attention, each with a story to tell.

Beyond the shelves stood cozy listening booths with dark leather seats, still proud and elegant as they had been in their early days. No less worn by the thousands of souls that have sat and listened to their perfect playlist.

The establishment had been so hard to find that most of its customers are those who stumble upon it by accident. Even rarer are those who managed to find its location in the intersection where angels last laughed and where a powerful witch dropped her earring. For it was never in the same place.

And somehow, you and Mattheo Riddle were standing right in front of it. “Surprise!” Mattheo said, motioning to the store. A sophisticated script spelled The Perfect Playlist on the door. You could hardly believe it.

“Who did you have to torture this information from?” You asked, eyeing your boyfriend suspiciously.

“This was through honest research this time,” he smiled proudly.

“You researched it?” You quirked an eyebrow.

“The important thing is we’re here now,” he said, deflecting. “Aren’t I the best?” He took your hand and started walking to the entrance. “You sure are something,” you grinned excitedly as you let him lead the way.

“Now let’s enjoy this once in a lifetime experience!” He said. And it was quite literal for you could only visit once, but it was all you’ll ever need.

The attendant greeted you brightly and he seemed to already know your names. He too, seemed quite ordinary in a shirt and trousers. But that was the last thing that would underwhelm you about this place, for it was never about the store or the beings inside it. It was all about The Perfect Playlist.

He beamed, “The love birds, your booth is ready. Right this way.” He led you to one of the listening booths with its wooden door leading to the cozy leather seat that sunk low when you sat. “Simply put on your headphones, press play when you’re ready, and let the music carry you away. It’s The Perfect Playlist for your relationship.”

He smiled brightly as he closed the door and returned to the counter. Mattheo tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear and placed the headphones on you. You watched his long lashes flutter and still blushed at his proximity even after all this time.

He then put on his headphones and looked at you to confirm you were ready. You smiled and held a thumbs up and so he pressed play.

A faint rhythm started in your ears, a beat that seemed to grow louder by the second. You closed your eyes to listen more carefully until a bright light took over the darkness, the upbeat music now loud enough for you to feel the bass in your headphones until you found your head bopping to the beat.

You may have never heard the song The Perfect Playlist created for you, but you felt the rush of excitement. It was like hearing a great song you haven’t heard in ages, both new and familiar at the same time.

As the beat picked up, bright colors danced along with its rhythm, swirling together until it formed shapes that resembled a music festival. Ahead of you, a DJ onstage hyped up the crowd with the song you were listening to.

Your friends were laughing around you and you were dancing with them, having the time of your life. Of course, this was where you first met Mattheo all those years ago.

Even in a crowded place where people danced and sang their hearts out, you stood out to him. To him, you were sunshine personified. He pretended to bump into you that day, knocking your drink out of your hand so he could buy you one.

You could almost laugh at how the world went in slow motion, the perfect soundtrack softening to something romantic as you introduced yourselves and the sparks flew instantly. It didn’t take long until you were dancing the night away, the playlist back to an upbeat song you could dance to forever.

Then there were long drives and motorcycle rides when you both wanted more speed and danger. Late night talks under the stars, huddled beneath blankets that always led to something more.

That was only the beginning. The Perfect Playlist still had albums worth of songs to play as you relived all your wonderful memories with Mattheo Riddle.

✿ For this request | Follower celebration | Event masterlist

[amongemeraldclouds]

Having settled in the cozy chair at your dorm, you opened the fiction book you checked out from the library, glad to have completed your assignments. It was meant to be a relaxing evening ahead with a warm cup of tea and a good book until a slip of paper fell on your lap.

“I was enchanted to meet you.”

Your heart froze at the words. It was a lyric from your favourite artist. Unfortunately, university had just started so almost everyone was new and it was no secret you loved Taylor Swift. It was your go-to fun fact about yourself. So Mr. Enchanted’s identity remained a mystery.

Every couple of days, when you borrowed a new book from the library, a slip of paper always fell. You had even grown to anticipate these slices of heaven that made your stomach do cartwheels:

“You’re so gorgeous. I can’t say anything to your face, ‘cause look at your face.”

“What must it be like to grow up that beautiful, with your hair falling into place like dominoes?”

“All of this silence and patience, pining in anticipation. My hands are shaking from holding back from you.”

If you had carefully thought back, you’d remember that encounter during your first week of university when you reached for a book at the same time as a handsome stranger. He introduced himself as Theodore Nott.

You let him have the book. You had already read it and it was one of your favourites. It was his too. He smiled at you then and he knew nothing would ever be the same again.

It was the first time he felt this way about anyone and he didn’t know what to do. But he would send you notes while he figured it out. Time was ticking and soon he would start the clock to forever. Because as the song went, all at once, you were all he had been waiting for.

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[amongemeraldclouds]

welcome to emerald’s tea party (event closed)

amongemeraldclouds 500 follower celebration

Thank you for being here! I appreciate all of you and am excited to celebrate together. Let’s get this par-tea started. Sip sip hooray 💚

Send an emoji to my ask box with your preferred treat and add all the relevant garnish (ie., details). Anons are welcome.

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Fortune cookie, additional information:

✿ Day deck (Oracle of The Fairies by Karen Kay); Night deck (Soul Whispers by Dreamy Moons) ✿ If you're not sure what question to ask, you can also submit something general like, "what do I need to know right now?" ✿ As your ask will be shared with everyone, please keep it short and avoid personal details, and add any trigger warnings as applies. ✿ By submitting a question, you provide consent to the cards and the reader access to your energy for the duration of the reading.

The event is open for submissions from now until June 28, 2024. Please submit an individual ask for each item on our menu so it’s easy to organize responses. You can send in as many asks as you’d like.

Please be patient, it will take some time to get to all requests. Thanks, bes-tea!

[amongemeraldclouds]

You inhaled the fresh air and took in the picturesque scenery before you of open fields and clear skies. With a basket full of treats in one hand and Enzo’s hand in another, you had everything you need. You smiled at him and saw him already looking at you with a grin.

When you lay down your blanket and set out your picnic, Enzo surprised you with a copy of the book you had been meaning to buy. You gave him a kiss to thank him and he enveloped you in a hug. After eating your food and laughing over sweet nothings, Enzo lay his head on your lap and you lazily stroked his hair, gazing down at him. “Brighter than any sun,” he commented as he looked at you.

When he fell asleep, you inhaled the smell of the new book and started reading. With the sun warm on your faces, a new book to get lost in, and the love of your life beside you, it truly was the perfect day.

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