#slytherin fan fic

[starzioo]

i biblically need this man.

[ana-reblogsposts]

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 | 𝐓𝐎𝐌 𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐋𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 | 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 - When Y/N finds herself at odds with a classmate, her unlikely protector makes sure no one else dares to challenge her. 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄 - Saw a headcanon on how Tom would act if you're ever in a fight.

𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃 - @bernardsbendystraws

The corridor thrummed with a tense energy, alive with whispers and glances as Y/N and a Ravenclaw girl stood face-to-face, locked in a fierce argument that had begun over a simple disagreement in Potions class. What should have been a passing spat about a misplaced ingredient had somehow snowballed into a stubborn standoff, each girl unwilling to back down.

The Ravenclaw girl’s face was flushed with anger, her jaw set as she spat, “Maybe if you actually paid attention to your own work, you’d understand why I’m right about this.”

Y/N crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing with icy resolve. “Or maybe you’re just too proud to realize you’ve made a mistake,” she shot back, her voice calm but cutting. “You didn’t even double-check your notes, did you?”

A murmur ran through the crowd, students glancing back and forth between the two girls like spectators at a duel. A few stifled gasps hinted at the onlookers’ anticipation, waiting to see if anyone would get the upper hand. But just as the Ravenclaw girl’s mouth opened, ready with her next retort, her words faltered.

Her eyes darted nervously over Y/N’s shoulder, widening. The spark of defiance in her expression dwindled as she seemed to shrink back, looking as though she’d rather be anywhere but there. Y/N frowned, about to question the girl’s sudden change in attitude, when she caught sight of a familiar figure approaching from behind.

Tom Riddle had entered the corridor, his presence as commanding and cold as ever. His gaze swept over the scene with an unreadable calm, landing on the Ravenclaw girl and pinning her there in silent intimidation. The air around them seemed to grow heavy, as though he alone commanded it, and the crowd fell into an anxious hush.

Tom gave the Ravenclaw girl a subtle, dismissive tilt of his head. His message was clear: leave. The girl’s bravado vanished in an instant, and she managed only a quick, nervous nod before she gathered her things, muttering a barely coherent apology, and practically fled down the corridor. The crowd didn’t linger long after, some students averting their eyes as they slipped away, others glancing at Tom with wary admiration, before dispersing altogether and leaving Y/N and Tom alone.

Y/N took a deep breath, turning around to find Tom watching her with a faint, almost amused smirk, his dark eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

“What did you do?” she asked, folding her arms, her tone one of exasperation tinged with curiosity.

Tom shrugged, feigning innocence, his expression infuriatingly calm. “I didn’t do anything,” he replied smoothly, though the glint in his eyes betrayed him.

Y/N rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “Right. Because she just happened to change her mind the moment you showed up.”

He didn’t answer immediately, but his smirk deepened, his eyes flickering with a playful light as he took a step closer, regarding her with that same knowing look. “You know,” he said softly, his voice low, almost teasing, “the only person you should be fighting with is me.”

Y/N raised a brow, her arms still crossed. “But we’re not fighting?” she replied, her voice defensive.

His gaze sharpened, and he arched an eyebrow with an amused tilt of his head. “Aren’t we?” he murmured, his tone challenging, yet the hint of amusement in his eyes suggested he was enjoying the exchange far too much. She caught the hint of a smirk on his face, one that told her he’d gotten exactly the reaction he was looking for.

Y/N felt her cheeks warm, letting out a soft huff as she crossed her arms tighter. “Fine,” she muttered, her lips twitching with an unwilling smile. “Maybe we’re… debating. But that doesn’t mean you need to chase everyone else off.”

“Debating?” he echoed, leaning in slightly. His voice dropped lower, a dangerous warmth in his tone. “If this is what you call debating, I’d hate to see what happens when we’re truly at odds.”

Y/N’s heart skipped, but she held her ground, refusing to back down. “You still don’t need to defend me, Tom,” she replied, though the firmness in her voice wavered under his intense gaze.

He tilted his head, giving a slow, almost casual shrug. “Maybe not,” he said, his voice a quiet murmur, “but that doesn’t mean I won’t.” The words were soft, almost an afterthought, but there was a possessive edge beneath the surface, a quiet claim that left no room for argument.

She let out a small laugh, shaking her head as she tried to ignore the flutter in her chest. “So, what, you’re just going to scare off anyone who dares to argue with me?”

Tom’s lips curled into a faint smirk, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Only the ones who don’t deserve your attention,” he replied. His voice was casual, almost playful, but the steely resolve in his tone betrayed the quiet possessiveness he refused to openly acknowledge.

Y/N scoffed, feeling her cheeks grow warm. “You know, this whole overprotective thing—it’s a bit much, don’t you think?”

“Is it?” He arched a brow, his eyes softening slightly. “I’d think you’d be used to it by now.” His voice lowered, and the cool amusement gave way to something deeper, something dangerously close to affection. “After all,” he murmured, his tone carrying a rare hint of warmth, “I’ll always be there to remind them that you’re not theirs to challenge.”

Her breath caught, his words leaving her momentarily speechless. There, beneath the layers of cold indifference, she caught a glimpse of the quiet, possessive loyalty he kept hidden from the world. She could feel the depth of his words—the way he would always stand by her, even if it meant he’d never voice his feelings directly.

Finally, she managed, “So… that’s your way of saying you’ll always be there to ‘debate’ with me?”

His smirk softened, a rare warmth flickering in his eyes. “Something like that,” he replied, his voice barely a whisper, as if the words were meant only for her. The unspoken promise in his tone left her pulse racing.

They stood in the quiet corridor, the weight of unspoken words lingering between them, until he gestured toward the library. “Shall we?” he asked, his tone returning to its usual calm reserve, though his gaze lingered on her with unmistakable fondness.

With a sigh and a faint smile, she nodded, falling in step beside him. And as they walked down the hall together, Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that beneath Tom’s cool exterior lay a silent devotion he’d never admit—and that, despite her protests, she didn’t mind it one bit.

[darkmarkmarauder]

Only Good Girls Get to Cum - T.R.

!mature content! minors dni

Pairing: Husband!Tom Riddle x Wife!Reader

Summary: Teasing your husband during dinner was a mistake. You knew it the moment you felt his sharp gaze on you, the silent warning in his eyes. Tom Riddle is not a man to be disrespected—not in public, and certainly not in private. Unfortunately for you, some lessons need to be learned twice.

ᴅɪᴠɪᴅᴇʀ ᴄʀᴇᴅ: @ꜱᴛʀᴀɴɢᴇʀɢʀᴀᴘʜɪᴄꜱ

The moment the heavy wooden doors shut behind you, sealing the two of you away from the rest of the world, you knew you were in trouble.

Tom hadn’t spoken a word since dinner, but his silence had been deafening. You’d seen the way his fingers twitched when you ran your foot up his leg beneath the table. The way his jaw clenched when you whispered filth into his ear between courses. The flicker of something dark in his eyes when you sucked your dessert off your spoon just a little too slowly.

Now, standing in the dimly lit bedroom, you finally had his full attention.

“I do hope you enjoyed yourself tonight, my love.” His voice was smooth, dangerously calm as he shrugged off his outer robe, draping it over the chair beside the fireplace. “You put on quite the show.”

You tilted your head, feigning innocence, though your pulse quickened when he took a step closer. “I don’t know what you mean.”

His lips curled into something that was not quite a smile. “No?”

Faster than you could react, his hand was around your throat, pressing you back against the wall. He didn’t squeeze—yet—but the weight of his palm was enough to send a delicious shiver down your spine.

“You forget often, my wife” he murmured, his thumb dragging along the column of your throat. “I allow you freedom. I indulge you. But you will not embarrass me in front of my men.”

You wet your lips, your breath coming in short gasps. “I think you liked it,” you whispered, watching his pupils darken. “I think you enjoy punishing me just as much as I enjoy provoking you.”

His grip tightened for just a second—a warning—before he let go entirely.

“On the bed,” he ordered.

You hesitated, just to test him, and in an instant, he had you spun around, your cheek pressed against the wooden post of the bed. His hand came down sharply across your ass, the sound cracking through the air. You gasped, the sting blooming through your skin.

“I said,” he growled, his voice dangerously low, “on the bed.”

You obeyed, crawling onto the mattress, heart pounding. Tom was not a man who tolerated disobedience, and you had spent the entire night pushing him. You knew exactly what was coming.

He stood at the edge of the bed, rolling up the sleeves of his crisp white shirt, exposing the veins in his forearms. His wand was in his hand, twirling between his fingers, and with a lazy flick, invisible bindings wrapped around your wrists, securing them to the headboard.

The vulnerability sent a fresh wave of heat through you.

Tom climbed onto the bed, kneeling between your parted thighs. His hand smoothed over your hip before delivering another sharp slap to your ass. You gasped, your back arching involuntarily.

“Tell me, my love,” he mused, his fingers trailing up your spine. “Did you think I wouldn’t make you pay for your little performance tonight?”

You bit your lip, but the smirk playing at your mouth betrayed you. “I was hoping you would.”

He chuckled, dark and indulgent. “Oh, I know.”

Without warning, his fingers pressed between your thighs, feeling the slick evidence of your anticipation. He hummed in approval, his other hand gripping your chin, forcing you to look at him.

“That's my girl” he murmured, sliding two fingers into your mouth, pressing against your tongue. 

You sucked on his fingers, letting your tongue swirl around them, watching the way his eyes darkened, his breath coming just a fraction sharper.

Then, just as suddenly, he pulled his fingers from your mouth and entered them inside you. The stretch made you let out a whimpered moan, your body jerking against the restraints. He set a punishing pace, curling his fingers just right, his thumb pressing against your most sensitive spot.

Your head fell back against the pillows, a desperate moan slipping from your lips. “Tom—”

His hand wrapped around your throat again, pressing down just enough to make you focus. “Try again.”

“My Lord,” you gasped, the title tasting like surrender on your tongue.

He smirked, leaning down until his lips brushed against your ear. “Good girl.”

Without warning, his mouth was on you, hot and unrelenting. He licked a stripe up your core before sealing his lips against you, sucking with a wicked precision that made your entire body jolt. Your legs trembled, pulling against your restraints, but there was no escape—not from him, not from the overwhelming pleasure he forced upon you.

“You’re so responsive,” he murmured against you, dragging his tongue through your slick folds. “So needy for me.”

Before you could even catch your breath, Tom moved, lifting you effortlessly. Your legs wrapped around his waist on instinct, his strong arms locking you in place as he pressed you against the wall.

And with that, he fucked you—hard, deep, ruthlessly—the way he bounces you, shifting his grip to adjust as he starts to move, has you gasping. With every upward thrust, you can feel his cock filling you completely. 

You can feel his breath on your skin, his lips close to your ear, his voice rough with desire. "Look at you," he growls, tightening his grip on your waist as he shifts, bouncing you harder, faster. His eyes trace the way your body moves, the way your tits bounce with each thrust, and it’s driving him insane. He can barely keep his composure, the way your skin trembles beneath his hands, the way your hair falls in disarray, clinging to your flushed face, only heightening the urgency in his every motion.

His lips brush against your ear, his voice low and filled with raw desire. "You’re so fucking tight." he groans. 

His grip on you tightens, and the intensity of his thrusts deepens, his cock hitting you in just the right spot. Every movement has you gasping, your body riding him with desperation.

Your head tilts back, lips parting on a breathless moan. “i-i’m gonna cum.” 

The pressure builds, hot and overwhelming, your head tipping back against the wall as he picks up the pace, each bounce rougher, deeper. The coil inside you winds tighter, his name slipping past your lips like a desperate prayer. He feels it—the way you clench around his warm cock. And just when you think you might fall, he growls against your ear, voice dripping with command.

"Only Good Girls Get to Cum."

Pulling out, he sets you in front of him on your knees. His cock hard and wet from penetrating you. You would've been angry, furious even but it was clear to you this was your punishment. 

When you finally take him into your mouth, he exhales a low, satisfied groan, his fingers tangling into your hair as he guides your movements.

The weight of him on your tongue, the way he controls every inch of you, the soft, ragged sounds of pleasure he makes as you hollow your cheeks—it’s almost enough to make you forget your own denied release. Almost.

He thrusts deeper, fingers tightening in your hair, and when he finally comes undone, his pleasure painted across your lips and you licked them clean. 

The way he looks down at you—dark eyes flashing with ownership, jaw tight with restraint—sends a fresh wave of arousal pooling in your stomach.

"Enough games," he growls, before effortlessly lifting you further up, your legs instinctively tightening around him. He turns, the distant sound of running water reaches your ears as he carries you towards the shower. His eyes never leave yours—dark, intense, and full of hunger.

"Time for round two," he whispers, his lips curling into that smug, dangerous smile. "And this time, I’m not going to be so patient."

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

a/n: father forgive me for I have sinned

LMAO but srsly tho.. anyways hope u enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed writing it. my next WIP is going to be titled that. im exciteddd gonna have sum real inappropriate SHEIT I can't wait to finish writing it and for u all to enjoy<3

MASTERLIST

[sevenhusbandsofyn]

"𝐈 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮"

I OWN YOU | BOYFRIEND! TOM RIDDLE X READER | IMAGINE |  PAIRING: Boyfriend!Tom Riddle x Reader

SYNOPSIS: your boyfriend mouths something to you and your friends become curious about what he said. WORD COUNT: 352 WARNING(S): Dirty Talk? shocked besties, flirting.

AUTHORS NOTE: Saw a Mattheo version on tiktok and decided to write a Tom version.

The dimly lit Slytherin common room Y/N sat on a plush couch, sandwiched between her boyfriend, Tom Riddle, and Draco Malfoy, Theo Nott, and Blaise Zabini. The atmosphere was light-hearted, in stark contrast to Tom's typically reserved demeanor.

As they chatted and shared stories, Y/N couldn't help but notice Tom leaning in close, his lips moving silently as he mouthed something to her. Draco, Theo, and Blaise, ever observant, caught the subtle exchange.

Draco leaned over to Y/N, a mischievous glint in his gray eyes. "Did he just say 'I love you'?"

Y/N stifled a laugh, her gaze flickering to the intrigued trio. Theo and Blaise leaned in, eagerly awaiting her response. The prospect of Tom Riddle expressing love was a rare and intriguing occurrence, to say the least.

Y/N shook her head, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "No, he said, 'I own you.'"

Draco, Theo, and Blaise's eyes widened, their jaws nearly hitting the floor. They didn't know what shocked them more—the audacity of the phrase or the fact that Tom Riddle, known for his emotional restraint and lack of public displays of affection, had just smirked.

Tom observed the reactions of his friends with a self-satisfied grin, relishing the astonishment he had caused.

[drcomttheo]

Theo Nott x YN

summary: Theo can cook?

warnings: fluff, established relationship

words: 382

a/n: SORRY ITS SHORT!

Excerpt from my fic "Inordinate love" or find it on my ML that's pinned.

Slytherin Boy oneshots—ML

Slytherin Boy oneshots—AO3

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙛

You were lying in bed with the covers tangling around your bodies.

He was stroking your hair and you were drawing imaginary shapes on his chest until you felt him shift. "Are you hungry, Y/L/N?"

You didn't feel hungry before he asked, you guess because you were only focused on him, but now that you were thinking about it, you were a bit hungry.

"I could eat something," you nodded in response.

He smiled, but just a bit as he got up. "Well, come on, I'll cook you the best meal ever."

He cooks?

Surely not.

He has house elves. You doubt he's ever stepped foot in a kitchen, let alone his own and it's far less likely he cooked in it!

"Theodore Nott, the chef..." You were saying this as you were dangling your feet from the counter.

"You didn't know about that?" He said as he was close to you now.

"There are a lot of things you don't know about me, Y/L/N. Now, what would you like to eat? Toast?" He said it with a laugh. "That's really about all I can make."

You knew it.

"A chef who can only make toast?" You said, questioning him for a moment.

"What can I say? I stick to the finer things in life." He answered.

"Well, then it better be some damn good toast," you say.

"Oh, just wait, Miss/Mister Y/L/N. Best toast you've seen in all your years." He was saying this as he was putting the toast into a toaster, which was making you laugh a bit seeing him struggle with the "muggle" technology.

"Are you laughing at me?" He said as he turned around with a slight look of defeat.

"No," you said, following it with a small giggle. He gave you a pointed look.

"Fine, but it's just a little funny." You were trying to hold back a grin, but you failed.

"Theo! You are burning the toast," you said as you hopped down from the counter and went over to the toaster, pulling out a charcoaled piece of bread.

"I'm not going to eat that," you said, laughing.

"Okay, maybe you should just have Muffy cook us breakfast," he said, laughing before embracing you in a tight hug.

[writing-intheundercroft]

When We're Older // A Birthday Present

Artwork by: @ravenbronze

“So why is Ominis an option over me?” Sebastian inquired.

Theo shot him a cheeky grin. “Well, he’s certainly more handsome than you. Much more well groomed.” she rustled his hair.

Sebastian’s jaw dropped, scoffing as she laughed. “You’ll pay for that!” He growled, splashing water at her.  Theo kept laughing, splashing water back at him. She shrieked as he launched himself, grabbing her waist to slam her under the surface.  When they emerged to the top, both gasping for air, Sebastian kept his tight grip on her waist. 

Mine, his heart screamed again. His eyes dipped to her lips, slightly parted. 

His head said otherwise. The worst idea he’s ever thought of.  The worst he’s ever dreamt up. Just like Theo had said, it would ruin everything.

“Seb,” Theo said gently. “Let me go.”

His grip only tightened.  It would be doing her a service, he thought.  Nothing more, just a first kiss between best friends, no harm done.

Sebastian half expected her to pull away, but she didn’t. Her arms, which had been down awkwardly at her side, were now wrapped around his neck.  “Sebastian,” Theo  whispered. Her tone was different, no longer joking with him. There was a neediness to it, breathy as her eyes looked down at his lips.

“Happy birthday, Theo.” Sebastian said softly, pressing his lips to hers.

A/N: I love this little community and how it has connected me to some of the most talented people I've ever met! @ravenbronze you are so amazing, and I can't thank you enough for capturing one of my first and favorite moments for Theo and Seb.

Back to writing my long fic, When We're Older - I just shared chapter 28 on AO3!

[itskirstiswani]

Hey everyone I need some good angsty Slytherin Skittles fanfics recommendations when Pandora & Dorcas find out Reggie, Barty & Evan have become death eaters

[latenightreadingpdf]

Hi! I know this request sounds completely crazy but do you think you could do a yn that's like starfire coded? and Lily finds her and ends up kinda taking care of her (kinda like yn crashes falls into the forbidden forest and lilly finds her) because she's so confused on their world and has that weird type of speech. anway she gets super close with the Marauders and the rest, they're so curious by this new life form. and simply it's all of them, trying protect her from the 'bad houses' slytherin

Out of this World - Marauders Era

₊‧⁺˖⋆ Masterlist ⋆˖⁺‧₊

Summary - Lily Evans and her friends discover an injured, otherworldly girl named Y/N in the Forbidden Forest. She claims to be from the planet Tamaran, having crash-landed after her ship was struck by lightning.

A/N ~ sorry if this really sucks, i haven't written anything in a while

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

The Forbidden Forest was unnervingly silent as Lily Evans led her group of friends through the underbrush. She had come here on a whim, dragged along by James Potter’s insistence that the Marauders had discovered something fascinating that evening. The air was damp and cold, the moon casting a silvery glow over the forest floor.

The snap of a branch broke the quiet. Lily turned sharply, her wand already drawn. The sound came again, followed by a faint, pained groan. Frowning, she pushed through a cluster of trees, the others following closely. When they came upon the source of the sound, they all froze.

A girl—or at least she appeared to be a girl—lay sprawled among the roots of an ancient oak. Her skin glowed faintly, as if kissed by the light of another sun, and her hair spilled around her like liquid fire. Her clothing, strange and tattered, clung to her figure, and her chest rose and fell in shallow breaths. Blood seeped from a gash on her arm, staining the ground beneath her.

"Merlin," Lily breathed, rushing forward. "Someone’s hurt!"

"Lily, wait!" James called, but she was already kneeling beside the stranger, her wand hovering over the wound. The others approached cautiously, forming a loose circle around them.

"Who is she?" Sirius Black asked, his gray eyes narrowed. "She doesn’t look like a student."

"That’s because she’s not," Lily said sharply. "Help me turn her over."

Remus Lupin stepped forward to assist, gently rolling the girl onto her back. Her face was ethereal, her features unlike anything they’d ever seen. Her lips moved, forming words in a language none of them could understand.

"What’s she saying?" Peter Pettigrew asked nervously, glancing around as though expecting an ambush.

"I don’t know, but she’s hurt. We need to help her," Lily said. She muttered a quick healing spell, her wand glowing softly as the gash on the girl’s arm began to close. The stranger stirred, her eyes fluttering open. They were an otherworldly shade of green, brighter than any human’s.

The girl gasped and sat up abruptly, wincing in pain. She looked around at them, her expression a mix of confusion and alarm., her expression a mix of confusion and alarm.

"Who... where am I?" she asked, her voice melodic but tinged with an odd cadence. Her words were strangely constructed, as though English was not her native tongue.

Lily offered a reassuring smile. "You’re safe. We found you here in the forest. Can you tell us your name?"

"My name? It is... Y/N," the girl replied, her brows furrowing. "I am from the planet Tamaran."

The group exchanged bewildered glances.

"Tamaran?" Sirius echoed, raising an eyebrow. "You must’ve hit your head pretty hard, thinking you’re from another planet."

Y/N’s eyes widened. "No, it is truth! My ship was struck by the light. I fell from the skies and landed here. I am most distressed!"

James crossed his arms, looking skeptical. "Right. And you just happen to speak English?"

"It is not the language of my people," Y/N explained. "But I have the gift of... what is the word? Absorption? When I hear the words, I learn them."

"I believe her," Lily said firmly, her eyes scanning Y/N’s glowing skin and otherworldly features. "She’s different. You can’t deny that."

Remus sighed. "All right, but what are we going to do with her? We can’t just leave her here."

"Exactly," Lily agreed. "She’ll come back to my dorm. I’ll clean her up and figure out what to do next."

"Hold on," James said, stepping in front of Lily. "What if she’s dangerous? We can’t just let her into the castle."

"She’s injured and scared, James. I’m not leaving her here," Lily snapped. "If you’re so worried, you can come with me."

James hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. But we’re all going."

Lily rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. Sirius and James moved to Y/N’s sides, gently helping her to her feet. She winced, leaning heavily on them as they supported her.

"We’ve got you," Sirius said, offering her a lopsided grin. "Just don’t start glowing or shooting beams out of your hands or anything."

"I possess no beams," Y/N replied earnestly, though her phrasing earned a snicker from Sirius.

As they made their way back to the castle, Y/N glanced between her unlikely rescuers, her heart swelling with gratitude. These strange humans had shown her kindness, and though she was far from home, she felt a flicker of hope. Perhaps, on this unfamiliar planet, she might find allies.

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

The girls' dormitory was quiet, save for the soft rustling of the canopy curtains as the group settled in. James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter perched awkwardly on the edge of the beds, clearly out of their element in the girls’ space. They glanced around at the floral decor, feeling strangely out of place but too curious to leave.

Meanwhile, Lily guided Y/N into the adjoining washroom, shutting the door gently behind them.

“Here,” Lily said softly, pulling out a set of her own clothes. “These should fit well enough for now. You’ll be more comfortable than in those ripped things.” She gestured toward Y/N’s tattered attire.

Y/N tilted her head, inspecting the clothing with curiosity. “These garments are strange to me, but I thank you for your kindness. You have much generosity, Lily of Evans.”

Lily smiled warmly. “You’re welcome, Y/N. Let’s get you cleaned up.”

It took some time, but with Lily’s help, Y/N was soon dressed in a cozy jumper and a pair of soft leggings. Her glowing skin seemed to dim slightly as she relaxed, blending in a little more with her surroundings. Lily brushed through her fiery hair, taming it into a neat braid, and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

“All right,” Lily said, smiling. “Let’s head back out.”

When they re-entered the main dorm room, the boys turned their heads as one. Sirius let out a low whistle.

“Well, don’t you clean up nice,” he said with a teasing grin. James elbowed him, though he, too, couldn’t hide his curiosity about their otherworldly guest.

Y/N looked between them, her expression unsure. “I feel... strange. These clothes are most peculiar, but they are warm. I thank you again.”

“You’re welcome,” Lily replied, leading Y/N to sit down on one of the beds. “Now, we need to figure out what happens next.”

James leaned forward, his brows furrowed. “So, uh, how exactly are we supposed to get you back to your planet?”

Y/N blinked at him, her green eyes wide. “I do not know. My ship was destroyed in the falling. I am... stranded, as you say.”

“Right,” James muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “That’s a problem.”

“A bit of an understatement, mate,” Sirius added. “How do we even hide someone like her? No offense, Y/N, but you’re not exactly inconspicuous.”

“None taken,” Y/N replied earnestly. “I am not of this place. It is clear to see.”

Lily crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. “We’ll figure something out. But for now, the most important thing is keeping her safe. If anyone finds out about her, especially someone like Slughorn or—Merlin forbid—Snape, there’ll be chaos.”

“Not to mention the Ministry,” Remus added. “They’d lock her up faster than you could say ‘alien.’”

Y/N’s eyes filled with worry. “You believe I am in danger?”

“Not as long as we’re around,” Sirius said confidently. “But yeah, we’ve got to keep you under wraps.”

James nodded. “We’ll need a plan. For now, she stays here with the girls. Lily, can you keep an eye on her?”

“Of course,” Lily said, her tone firm. “But you lot need to help too. We’re all in this together.”

Peter, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up. “What if someone comes looking for her? Like, from her planet?”

Y/N’s expression softened. “I fear no one will. I was sent here because my people are in peril. My mission was to find aid, but I have failed.”

The room fell silent, the weight of her words sinking in. Remus leaned forward, his voice gentle. “You haven’t failed, Y/N. We’ll help you, one way or another. You’re not alone anymore.”

Her eyes shimmered with gratitude. “Thank you, Remus of Lupin. You are all most kind.”

“Well, we’re not letting anything happen to you,” James declared. “Even if it means sneaking around and keeping you hidden. We’ve gotten away with worse.”

Sirius smirked. “He’s right. If we can manage full moon escapades with Moony here, we can handle this.”

Lily shot them a warning look. “Let’s not get overconfident. We’ll take this one step at a time. Y/N, you’re safe with us. We’ll figure it out together.”

Y/N nodded, her heart swelling with hope. These humans, so strange and yet so kind, were unlike anyone she had ever known.

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

The sunlight filtered through the curtains of the girls’ dormitory, casting a warm glow on the room. Lily stirred first, glancing over to see Y/N sitting cross-legged on her bed, gazing out the window. Her fiery hair shimmered faintly in the light, and Lily was momentarily reminded of just how otherworldly her new companion was.

“Good morning,” Lily said softly, sitting up. Y/N turned to her, offering a small smile.

“Good morning, Lily of Evans. Your greeting is most welcome,” Y/N replied, her cadence still slightly unusual but endearing.

Lily stretched and stood, reaching for her wardrobe. “We need to get you some food. But first, let’s get you dressed in something more... inconspicuous. If anyone comes in here, they’ll think you’re a new student.”

Y/N tilted her head. “Inconspicuous? I do not wish to cause alarm. I will wear these garments you provide.”

Lily handed her a Hogwarts uniform, complete with a Gryffindor tie. The sight of Y/N awkwardly adjusting the robes made Lily chuckle. “It suits you. Now, stay here. I’ll go to the Great Hall and bring back a plate for you. Don’t wander off, okay?”

Y/N nodded earnestly. “I shall remain. Thank you, Lily of Evans.”

Lily smiled and left the dormitory, heading down to breakfast. In the Great Hall, she spotted the Marauders gathered at their usual spot. James waved her over, a curious look on his face.

“How’s our visitor?” he asked as she sat down.

“She’s fine,” Lily replied, grabbing some toast. “I left her in the dorm. I told her I’d bring her food, but we need to figure out what we’re going to do next.”

“Has she said anything about how she got here?” Remus asked, pouring himself some tea.

“Not yet,” Lily admitted. “But she’s mentioned her ship. If it’s still in the Forbidden Forest, we might be able to fix it and send her back.”

Sirius raised an eyebrow. “Fix a spaceship? Lily, we’re wizards, not engineers.”

“Do you have a better idea?” Lily shot back. “We can at least go look for it. She’s not safe here, especially if anyone finds out what she is.”

James nodded. “After classes, we’ll head back to the forest. If her ship’s there, we’ll figure something out. Until then, we keep this quiet.”

The group agreed, finishing their breakfast quickly. Lily piled a plate with food and excused herself, heading back to the dormitory. When she opened the door, she found Y/N standing by her dresser, examining the trinkets and photographs with wide eyes.

“Oh!” Y/N gasped, startled by Lily’s return. She stepped back, clasping her hands together. “I did not mean to intrude. Your artifacts are most fascinating.”

Lily chuckled. “It’s fine. Here, I brought you something to eat.” She handed the plate to Y/N, who took it cautiously, peering at the food with a skeptical expression.

“This is nourishment?” Y/N asked, tilting her head. “It is unfamiliar.”

“It’s good, I promise,” Lily said reassuringly. “Try it.”

Y/N hesitated, then picked up a piece of toast and took a tentative bite. Her eyes lit up. “This is most delightful! You call it... toast?”

“That’s right,” Lily said, smiling as the boys entered the room. “Enjoy your breakfast while we talk.”

Sirius flopped onto one of the beds, grinning. “Morning, Y/N. Sleep well?”

“Your beds are most comfortable. I am grateful for your hospitality,” Y/N replied between bites of toast.

“Glad to hear it,” James said, leaning against the wall. “Now, about your ship. You said it might still be in the forest?”

Y/N nodded, setting the plate down. “Yes. It fell when the lightning struck. If it remains intact, I may be able to repair it and return to Tamaran.”

“And you’re sure it’s safe for us to help?” Remus asked cautiously. “We don’t want to make things worse.”

“I will guide you. Your assistance is most appreciated,” Y/N said, her expression earnest.

“Right then,” James said, clapping his hands together. “After classes, we’ll head out to the forest. If your ship’s there, we’ll figure out how to fix it.”

“And if it’s not?” Peter asked, his voice quiet.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” Lily said firmly. “For now, let’s focus on finding it. We’ll meet back here after dinner and head out together.”

Y/N’s face brightened with hope. “You are most kind. Thank you, all of you.”

“Don’t mention it,” Sirius said with a wink. “We’re just getting started.”

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

The evening air was crisp as the group made their way out of the castle, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone path. Y/N walked in the middle, flanked by Lily and Remus, while James and Sirius led the way with Peter trailing behind.

As they neared the edge of the Forbidden Forest, a voice called out, stopping them in their tracks. “Well, well, what have we here?”

The group turned to see a cluster of Slytherins, with Severus Snape at the forefront, his dark eyes glinting suspiciously. Beside him stood Mulciber, Avery, and a few others, their expressions smug.

“Out for a nighttime stroll?” Severus drawled, his gaze flicking to Y/N. “And who’s this? A new friend?”

Y/N, thinking they were more friends of the Marauders, stepped forward with a bright smile. “Greetings! I am Y/N of Tamaran. It is a pleasure to meet more of your companions.”

The Slytherins exchanged confused looks, but before Y/N could say more, Lily quickly pulled her back. “She’s just visiting,” Lily said curtly. “None of your business.”

“Visiting?” Mulciber sneered. “From where, exactly?”

“None of your concern,” James said sharply, stepping forward. “Now, why don’t you lot run along before you get hexed?”

“Hexed?” Severus’s lip curled. “Big words, Potter. Maybe you lot should focus on dealing with your new friend .”

Sirius smirked, his wand already in hand. “At least I don’t have to deal with greasy hair like yours, Snivellus.”

Severus’s face darkened, and before anyone could stop him, he raised his wand. “Expelliarmus!”

The spell missed as James deflected it with ease. Chaos erupted as wands were drawn on both sides, spells flying through the air. Lily stayed close to Y/N, shielding her from the fray.

“Stay behind me,” Lily urged, her own wand ready just in case.

The duel between the Slytherins and the Marauders was over almost as quickly as it began. The Marauders fought with practiced ease, countering the Slytherins' hexes with skillful precision. James and Sirius worked in tandem, their spells complementing each other in an almost choreographed way, while Remus and Peter provided backup, casting defensive charms to keep the group protected.

“Petrificus Totalus!” James shouted, his wand aimed at Mulciber, who froze mid-attack and toppled over like a plank of wood.

“Rictusempra!” Sirius cast with a wicked grin, sending Avery flying backward into a bush.

“Enough!” Severus snarled, his face twisted with frustration as he blocked another hex from James. Realizing they were outmatched, he barked at the others, “Let’s go!”

With a final glare, the Slytherins retreated into the shadows, muttering curses under their breath. As the dust settled, the Marauders turned to Y/N and Lily.

“You okay?” Sirius asked, brushing off his robes as he approached.

“I am unharmed, thanks to your bravery,” Y/N said, her wide eyes filled with awe. “Your magic is most impressive.”

“Yeah, we’ve got plenty of practice dealing with those lot,” James said, tucking his wand back into his robes. “They’re always causing trouble.”

“Who were they?” Y/N asked, her gaze flicking to Lily.

“The worst,” Lily said with a sigh, shaking her head. “Severus Snape and his cronies. They’re Slytherins, and they’re not exactly the friendly type. It’s best to avoid them whenever possible.”

“I understand,” Y/N said solemnly. “I shall steer clear of these Slytherins.”

“Good plan,” Remus said with a small smile. “Now, let’s keep moving before they come back with reinforcements.”

The group continued their trek into the forest, the atmosphere growing darker and more ominous with every step. The towering trees seemed to close in around them, their gnarled branches casting eerie shadows on the forest floor. Despite the foreboding surroundings, Y/N seemed calm, her glowing green eyes scanning the area with curiosity.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of walking, they reached a clearing. In the center lay a sleek, silver ship, its surface glinting faintly in the moonlight. Though it was partially buried under branches and leaves, it appeared relatively intact.

“There it is,” Y/N said, her voice filled with relief. She hurried forward, kneeling beside the ship and running her hands over its surface. “My vessel! It is not as damaged as I feared.”

The group gathered around, examining the strange craft. “This is incredible,” Lily murmured, her eyes wide. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Neither have I,” Remus said, his tone awed. “It’s... definitely not from Earth.”

“Guess that answers any doubts about her being from another planet,” Sirius said, crossing his arms. “Not that I had any.”

Y/N looked up at them, her expression earnest. “If I can access the power core and repair the guidance system, I will be able to return to Tamaran.”

“Can we help?” James asked, crouching beside her.

“I appreciate your offer, but the systems are quite complex,” Y/N replied. “I will do my best to explain if assistance is needed.”

For the next hour, the group worked together to clear debris from the ship and hold lighted wands for Y/N as she tinkered with its inner workings. Her hands moved with practiced precision, her knowledge of the advanced technology evident.

Finally, Y/N stepped back, her face glowing with triumph. “It is done! The ship is ready.”

Lily’s smile faltered slightly. “So, this is goodbye?”

Y/N nodded, her expression bittersweet. “I must return to my people. But I will never forget the kindness you have shown me.”

Lily pulled her into a tight hug. “Promise you’ll try to visit. You’ll always have friends here.”

“I promise,” Y/N said, her voice thick with emotion.

James and Sirius stepped forward, each clapping Y/N on the shoulder. “Take care of yourself,” James said. “And if you ever need us, you know where to find us.”

“Yeah, don’t let any Slytherin-like creatures push you around out there,” Sirius added with a grin.

Remus and Peter waved as Y/N climbed into her ship, the door closing behind her. The group stepped back as the engines roared to life, the ship lifting off the ground and ascending into the night sky. They watched until it disappeared among the stars, a faint streak of light the only trace of its departure.

Lily wiped a tear from her cheek, her smile returning. “She’s going to be okay.”

James slipped an arm around her shoulders. “So are we.”

The group stood in silence for a moment, their gazes fixed on the sky, before turning and making their way back to the castle. Though Y/N was gone, her brief time with them had left an indelible mark, one they would carry with them always.

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

[starzioo]

𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄. 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐎 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐓.

This is a Theo fic where you are a VS SUPERMODEL. During one of your shows you see a very handsome man. I think we can guess who said man is.

5.1k words.

WARNINGS: NONE

It was 2006 and you were in the heat of the Victoria's Secret angel show era. You were a high grade model. you had been modeling with Victoria's Secret for 3 years now and you had already made a big impact on the fashion industry. While doing business with VS you had also done shows with GUESS and Tommy Hilfiger. You also did catalogue with JUICY and many other hot brands. This was the start of your career and you made it big. Your face was all over the world along with Adriana Lima, Heidi Klum, Gisele, and even Tyra Banks. You were the it girl.

You sit legs crossed in your silk baby pink VS robe. Sitting in the stylists chair you had 3 different stylists were getting you ready. Two were curling your hair into the iconic VS blowout, while the other worked on your eyeshadow making sure the gold shimmer was nothing short of perfect. Backstage was always hectic, dozens of stylists and crew running around making sure the girls were on track and most importantly on time. It was hard to not get nervous during these times but you always knew how to keep your cool. While you weren't opening the show you were going to be the 3rd girl that walked out. 3rd? And not only that Justin Timberlake was going to be preforming for the show. I mean come on Justin Timberlake? Everything had to be perfect.

You had been shown the lingerie you were going to be wearing tonight, you had 4 pieces total. And every single one was tailored perfect to your body. Although you had worn the pieces during the rehearsals, tonight was the night. You could hear the crowd of people bustling outside, even over the noise of all the girls laughing and conversing while getting ready. You take a deep breath. "Is Y/n set to go? She has 10 minutes." A crew member asked the stylist working on your hair. "Uhh, she needs to go to outfits still. We'll get her there asap!" She says hairspraying your hair into oblivion. "Okay -she scans the clip board in her hands- make sure she gets there Gisele and Heidi are already changed and on there marks." She sighs and rushes away to the other girls. This is the moment when you can feel your heartbeat all throughout your body. This happens every show it's the adrenaline rush. The knowing that there's hundreds of people out in the crowd. The knowing that this show is broadcasted to millions of people global. "Okayyy, open your eyes! What'd ya thinkkk?" The makeup artist says finally pulling the soft brush away from your eyelid. You open your eyes. There was a soft brown shadow on the outer part of the crease that blended into a light gold shimmer that added as highlight to your inner corner. She did a natural eyeliner with small falsies. It made your eyes pop. The base of your makeup was natural but yet gave a glow to your face. Your hair was perfect aswell the curls accentuated and framed your face in every right way. Everything was absolutely beautiful. "Ahhh! Thank you! It's perfect as always, I need to rush to costumes now!" You say giving your makeup artist and hairstylist a quick hug. "Thank you byee!" You said quickly as you ran off to go find your outfit coordinator.

"I'm here!!" You say frantically as you run behind the curtains to the dressing rooms. "Finally, I swear we were about to send S.W.A.T for you! -She takes your hand and takes you to a dressing room that has

'Y/N Y/L/N' printed on a gold name plate on the door.- Ok, here's your opening outfit. -She hands you your first piece of lingerie- Holler if you need help with the bra!" She says as she walks out of the small room. "I have your wings out here when you're done!" She yells from outside. "Okay!" Although it was never your fault, things always seemed to go this way with every show. You were always running late. Whether it was a wardrobe malfunction or a burn with the curling iron, it was always something.

THEO:

It had been an on going tradition with the boys and Pansy to go see the VS fashion shows. I mean who didn't wanna see dozens of goddesses walking up and down a runway in lingerie? Me, Draco, Blaise, and Pansy are all walking through the VIP access to get to our seats. Every year without fail we had front row seats to the shows. Front row usually consisted of celebrities and important people from the fashion industry but when you have as much money as we do, we fit right in. Tonight me and the group were wearing all black Ralph Lauren, except for Pansy she was wearing Versace from the dress to the shoe. She opted for the Medusa '95 Midi Dress with the matching pumps, she wore her short chic hair tucked behind her ears. She looked absolutely stunning. If she didn't swing the other way I would've probably tried snagging her up myself. I wore an obsidian black tuxedo jacket with the matching tux pants, underneath I wore a black turtle neck long sleeve. My shoes were black aswell shined to absolute perfection. Blaise and Draco wore almost the same but a different variation of the shirts and pants. When we went anywhere publicized or not we came in outfits that were made to impress. Although our choices weren't as flashy or branded as others our style choices showed our money. Only if you paid attention to fashion would you know that this simple cashmere turtle neck costed $1,000. Or that Pansy's dress and heels total were $3,000. Or even Draco's rings that costed more than an apartment in Manhattan. Our style choices tonight were nothing short of perfection.

We finally take our seats we are sat close to the end of the runway. It had the best view from our experience. And you also got to see the girls more up close. You could see every laced detail and every diamond on their stunning lingerie pieces. Although we had all originally started coming as a joke we started taking these shows as a chance to get publicity. About 2 years ago Pansy had made friends with one of the models at an after party and the next day they were seen on Hollywood boulevard shopping and they ended up getting hit with paparazzi. Pansy and Karolina were on the cover of Teen-Vogue, STAR US, and were posted all over countless TMZ gossip blogs. That's when we realized how much publicity we could get just from being here. That's also when we decided to buy VIP tickets to the shows. The paparazzi tended to pay much more attention to the VIP entrances hoping to get shots of celebrities entering in and out of the venue. I mean if you acted important the paparazzi seemed to think that you were important. We had gotten pictures of us taken and posted on page 6. of STAR US captioned, 'Seen at the Victoria's Secret Angel Show last night these mystery guests have appeared yet again! Wearing only luxury designers, who could these people be? Their outfits all together cost more than my mortgage! Girls across America have been on the hunt to find these handsome boys. Mysterious and totally gorgeous? Count me in on the search!' The amount of publicity was insane and even now seated from row we have the paparazzi taken pictures of us every now and then. As we all converse with eachother about the show the lights in the venue begin to dim, the crowd goes silent.

Y/N:

You stood in line on your mark behind Gisele and another angel. Your nerves were crazy. Stylist swarmed the line of girls getting every last flyaway slicked, making sure every heel was clasped, fluffing all wings. You nervously shook your hands taking a breath.

"10, -The backstage manager yelled- 9," "Ok girls! Keep on beat! AND KEEP THE CROWD ENTERTAINED!" Not only were you girls there to model you were there as an advertisement. A campaign. You were entertainers. Performers. Keeping the crowd focused on you and nothing else was your main goal during shows. "5, 4, 3, 2, 1" You could hear the audience cheering for Justin Timberlake as he arose from a platform that was hidden underneath the runway. The beat to 'Sexyback' could be heard all throughout the venue. "5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Gisele." The manager said giving Gisele her cue to walk. As she opened the show the crowd roared and you could hear the cameras shuttering. "Ok, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Alessandra." She walked out more and more cameras shuttering. It was your turn. This is the moment where all your jitters wash away. Nervous backstage, confident bombshell on stage. You placed your hands on your hips and get ready to walk. "5, 4, 3, -during these moments time always seemed to slow. Everything around you was in slow motion as you prepared for the moment when you would be in the gaze of hundreds of people.- 2, 1. Y/n."

Not missing one beat your body moved in sync with Justin's music. As you appeared on the runway, it felt as if a flash bomb had went off. The hundreds of cameras flash flashed before you. You looked absolutely perfect. Your opening lingerie was stunning. The bra itself was a white gold fabric with 24k diamonds that were delicately placed to make a lacy like pattern. Your panties were low waisted, barely leaving anything for the imagination, the fabric had small diamonds around the waist and elegant lacy white gold patterns. Your wings made you look like a literal angel. The feathers were white and fluffy they faded into gold at the tips. Your heels were stiletto embroidered with more bling that you can ever imagine. You looked stunning. You walked as if you owned the runway, like you owned the venue. The crowd loved you. Justin faced you giving you playful eyes. You reached out your hand, playfully wiggling your finger motioning him to come you to you. He obliged. He walked towards you as you continued your catwalk to him. Once you came close enough you ghosted your hand across his chest and continued walking. As he sang he checked you out as he did every model. As you approached the end of the runway you met eyes with a man. He was quite handsome in your opinion, -I mean absolutely gorgeous, he was eye candy to you- and that was saying a lot. I mean you're a Victoria's Secret supermodel. His eyes were icy and grey. Even with all the flashes of the cameras his eyes stayed almost dead? But not in a bad way, a totally invitingly sexy way. He sat forward as you approached the end of the stage. A small flirty smirk played on his lips. You didn't know why but you felt, -almost drawn?- to him. As you got closer the cameras flashed more than ever. "Y/n! Over here!" "Y/n!" "Y/n!!!" The photographers and crowd shouted your name. Even with all the people calling for your attention you couldn't look away from his eyes. There was just something about them. As you reached the end of the runway you finally ripped your eyes away from his and looked into the mob of flashes. A flirty smile on your lips as you posed for the cameras. You rested one of your hands on your hip and the other raised to your mouth. You sexily bit down on your pointer finger as you basically made love to the sea cameras with your eyes. After your designated 10 seconds on the head of the stage it was time to strut back to backstage. A playful smile replaced the flirty as you looked away from the cameras, you turned to walk back. You glanced back at the mystery man and kept walking flirting with Justin as you walked.

The next segment you were walking was segment 3: Come fly with me. Once again your piece was absolutely perfect for you. Your top was a simple baby pink bra with bold white detailing. Your skirt was a matching low waisted super mini skirt that showed the white underwear you wore underneath the skirt. You wore a small matching jacket, the sleeves went to your elbows. You had a cute flight attendant hat to go with. You carried with you a cute little baby pink pamphlet with a pink airplane on the front. It gave Hue Hefners flight attendant in all the right ways. As the 2nd segment was happening you were actually ahead of time. You actually had time to talk for the BTS clips and take pictures with the other models. You were talking with Miranda when the manager yelled. "Y/N! On your mark!!!" She yelled as she rushed you into the line of models. "Sorry!" You said worried as you rushed to your place behind Adriana.

The segment was already about to start. There was only about a minute intermission between the segments and that minute if even one model was late could ruin the entire show. You really needed to start paying attention to your marks. "OKAY GIRLS! KEEP. THEM. ENTERTAINED. DO SOMETHING!!! ANYTHING WE WANT THE COVER! NOT PAGE 3!!!" The managers always yelled backstage it was nothing new. Although to anyone else it would sound mean. But that's their job. It's their responsibility to make sure that the show goes smooth without any hiccups or problems. It was also their job to make sure to instruct the girls on what to fix and improve. "Okay Adrianna. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1." The manager said as she strutted out from backstage. Once again you found yourself in the trance like state. The tv that was backstage showed what the cameras were broadcasting as Adriana approaches the head of the runway you hear the long awaited count down. "5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Y/n." All worries wash away and once again you're that girl. You cat walked that damn stage like never before. Your glittering legs moved to the beat and your hips swayed with the rhythm. The cameras bombed you per usual. You knew you were gonna be on a cover or atleast a headline. You always were. You were just that girl. The crowd always loved you, they lived for you. You approached the end of the runway. Even in the middle of hundreds of eyes you could feel one stare particularly. His eyes were paralyzing. You fluttering your eyelashes at him as you continue walking up. You looked him up and down flirtatiously and he did the same. You acted on impulse -not on thought- When you got to the end of the runway you fanned yourself with the pamphlet, then tossed the pamphlet into the man's lap, and shot him a flirty wink then strutted away. Hundreds more cameras flashed it seemed like they were faster than the speed of light. We were definitely getting front cover. I mean the manager said to keep the people entertained?

THEO:

"Bro, what the fuck!" Blaise laughed as the angel walked away. "Theo, I told you! I swear she was looking at you like you were candyyy!" Pansy giggled. I just stared in awe at the pink pamphlet that laid in my lap. "Dude...she's into you!" Draco said basically geeking. "What the fuck." I said picking up the pamphlet as cameras flashed at me.

Y/N:

"Y/n?! What the hell was that?" One of the backstage managers said as she came out of nowhere. "Uhhh" You stared blankly at the woman. "Y/n, you're an angel! -she kisses you on the cheek- We just got 400 thousand more viewers on the live broadcast when you did that! God! Muah! Muah! -she continued giving you forehead kisses- Oh my god! -she smacks her forehead- We need to get you to wardrobes!" She shrieked as she pulled you by your hand through the crowd of models. Some of the girls whistling at you. You both finally made it to the dressing rooms. Although you weren't walking segment 4 or 5 you were opening and closing for the 6th segment: Winter Wonderland of Glacial Goddess. So ohh did you need all the time you could gather to get ready.

This time they re did your eyeshadow to an icy shimmer look. It truly did make your eyes pop. You were in all white and silver. The bra was absolutely stunning. Nearly blinding with the amount of diamonds. The designer had told you the lingerie costed more than the venue itself. And that was saying a lot. This is L.A. and this venue. It was absolutely nothing short of breath taking. You were opening this segment in the 6million dollar bra. All eyes would be on you I mean how couldn't they be the bra was basically built out of diamonds. The main focus of this piece was this bra. "Okay Y/n! Good luck! Maybe flirt with your mystery man again... -ooo's erupt from the girls- but good luck not that you need it! WE HAVE ONE MINUTE LADIES!" The manager yelled as she walked around instructing the staff on what to fix on the models. Your nerves got the best of you, you were shaking your hands and popping your knuckles. After what felt like hours you finally heard the count down. "Ok Y/n, show the world the physical embodiment of winter goddess! 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Go." As you hear the beat of the music you get into the rhythm.

Your hips were swaying smoothly with ease. Gasps and whistles erupted from the crowd as you walked slowly and sensually. Your wings flowing behind you. Being the opener of the segment you got to walk down the center of the runway. All eyes were on you. The cameras were flashing at such a rate you thought the photographers would've ran out of storage by now. The diamonds blinging with every shot taken. When you got to the middle mark of the runway you did a small but quick spin. Once you neared the end of the runway you felt the fans blowing on you and the artificial snow falling from the ceiling made the whole scene perfect. Your eyes fluttered at the cameras and your lips parted slightly. Your hands rested lightly on your hips. After your designated time was up and the next model started walking down the runway you glance down to the man you have been flirting with all night. You looked from his eyes and then back down to his lap where the baby pink pamphlet laid then back up to his eyes. You blew him a kiss, then giggled when you seen his friend practically leap across a girl and a blonde man to catch it. The way he looked at you wasn't like how any other man looked at you it was with that same thirsty look you'd seen on every man at the shows it was more like admiration. He looked at you like you were a literal goddess on Earth. Hundreds of cameras caught the moment. You were living for this. I mean obviously all these stunts were getting you publicity, but there was just something about this man that drew you to him. It made you want to continue this flirty behavior towards him. You couldn't put your finger on exactly what it was. His alluring eyes? His perfectly tailored suit that showed his physique? Or perhaps the way he rolled a single gold ring between his fingers? You didn't know this man was truly a mystery.

You went backstage once more and covered your face with your hands in embarrassment as a group of stage directors and managers swarmed you. "The viewers are living for this!" "Your name is all over Facebook and MySpace!" "You gotta keep this going!" "Did you plan this?" "This is definitely making front cover!" You laugh in embarrassment of the very public flirting situation you have going on with some random you've never met before. "Oh my god! What do I do next? I mean there's not much I can do. It's not like I can pull him up on stage or anything? I don't even know the guy!" You say as they all rush you back to the dressing rooms. "Yes! Yes! Do exactly that!" "Do what? No. I won't that's- that's just embarrassing. Not only for me but for him! Like I said before I don't even know the guy!" You explained as the group of stylists quickly changed you into your next lingerie set.

Again there you stood on your mark in line watching as the line of ansy girls get shorter and shorter. You were gonna be closing the same segment you opened. And ohhh were you nervous. I mean who wouldn't be? You stand there nervously shaking your hands trying calm yourself down. Taking deep breaths as you watch the cue get shorter and shorter. "Okay Y/n, you ready?" One of the backstage managers asks lightly resting a hand on your back. "Yeah..Yeah I'm ready." You lightly smile. As you approach the hidden door way where you're supposed to enter the stage. Even from backstage you can hear the photographer's cameras flashing, and the people clapping and whistling. You snap out of your thoughts and look up. There's only one girl in front of you in line. You take quite possibly the longest breath you've ever taken before you hear those same repetitive words you've been hearing all night. "Okay Y/n, you ready?" You only nod in response. "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Go." As soon as you heard the word you had to force yourself to walk. You could not let your nerves get the best of you right now.

    You walked onto the stage looking as ethereal as humanly possible. The bra had dozens of dainty diamond embedded silver chains that traveled down your body to the panties. The thong had the same diamond chains dangling from it that connected with your sheer sparkling thigh highs. The diamonds that were connected with the one that laid against your torso also traveled up and around your neck creating a diamond choker illusion. Your stilettos were covered in the same stunning diamonds. You were dripping head to toe in bling. And let's not get started on your wings. The wings were extravagant. There was feathers that blended into a sheer flowing fabric at the ends that blew and bounced in the wind when you walked. You had a head piece aswell it blended into your hair making it look like you had diamonds and snow in your hair. Your earrings were diamonds that were engraved to simulate snowflakes. You were an actual winter goddess.

     As you appeared on stage the crowd went absolutely crazy. You walked per usual but this time walking directly down the middle of the stage, hips gliding with the music. Your wings flowing and bouncing with every step you took. Looking from left to right engaging with the crowd. As you walked closer and closer to the end of the stage once again you locked eyes with him. You gave him a wink before posing for the cameras. Since you were closing you had an extended amount of time to pose for the cameras. It was like a flash bomb had went off. Every. Single. Photographer. in the building was taking hundreds of pictures of you. You stood there hands on your hips letting the artificial snow and wind do its job.

After your designated time you made a rash decision. Instead of turning around and walking back to backstage. You stepped down the stairs that were at the end of the stage and approached the mystery man. His eyes no longer appeared sleepy or dead, but now utterly surprised. Once you got close enough you extended your hand to him, and he happily obliged. His cold hand took yours and you guided him back up onto the stage. His friends whistling at you two. The cameras bombed you two. Once you got back on stage he gave you a little twirl. Your fingers were loosely grasping his as you guided him to backstage. You walked in front of him looking back at him every few seconds.

You both finally made it backstage and immediately you two were surrounded by managers and stylists, models gawking at you two. The models were laughing and smiling at the sight. "Ahh! Y/n you did it!" Your managers said wrapping an arm around you. Some of the backstage cameras recording and taking photos of the both of you. "And what's your name?" The manager turned and asked the man. He looked completely dazed and confused, while also smiling. "Uhm, Theo. Theodore Nott." He said shaking the managers hand. "Well I have business to attend to. You can stay backstage until we're done! Uhhh! Stacy get him a backstage pass!" The manager shouted for her assistant. Stacy comes up to him and wraps a lanyard around his neck. You turn to him to find him already looking at you. "So uhm, sorry about all that. I was just- My manager told me to." You looked down to find that you were both still holding hands. You quickly let go when you realized. "Yeah, no worries. I was just confused...but I really don't mind." His voice was as smooth as velvet.

As you looked up at him you took the opportunity to take in all of his features. He truly was as handsome as you thought. You both kinda just stood there looking at each other. "So...would you want to go to dinner with me?" He asks breaking the silence between you two. Even backstage where there's girls running around trying to get changing out of their pieces and managers trying to make sure everyone was doing their jobs, you felt as if the room was silent. "Yeah, that would be nice." You said softly as you tucked a stray piece of hair behind your ear. His expression once questioning now soft. A small smile laced his lips. "I'm gonna go get changed, uhm, there's drinks and a snack table over there if you want anything. Oh, and if you want you could bring your friends back stage with you." You said giving him a small smile. "Yeah, okay, take your time. There's no rush." He said giving you one last smile before you turned to go back to the dressing room.

You made your way to the dressing room and when you got there you were swarmed with girls squealing and asking you questions. "Okay, okay. So, he asked me to dinner." "And what'd you say?!" "Well obviously I said yes!" All the girls were jumping and hugging you. "Well hurry up and get changed already you can't keep him waiting!!!" They ushered you into your dressing room and you hurriedly got changed back into your clothes you had came to the venue in. Due to the fact that before the show you had an interview for the BTS footage your outfit was simple. It was a black strapless dress from Versace that ended at a little below your knees. Your shoes were black Gianni Ribbon Pumps from Versace as well. Your hair was still in its classic VS blowout. You carried a small black shoulder purse. You stepped back out of your dressing room. "Do I look okay?" You said with a worried expression. "Yes? Is that even a question Y/n?" One model said smiling at you. You began walking out of the dressing room before quickly turning around, "Wait i'm nervous!" "Y/n you'll be finee! I'll walk you out of the dressing room, c'monnn let's go!" She said hooking your arm with hers. She walked you maybe 15feet out of the room and then he was in your line of sight. He and his friends stood all together right where you left him. The girl was chatting with Karolina and a stylist. "Now go...see he's waiting for you~" She cooed in your ear. You gave her a 'really.' look. "Okay —you take a breath— wish me luck!" You say before turning to walk over to him.

You immediately catch all of his attention. He looks almost awestruck? "Hey, i'm ready to go." You say softly smiling up at him. Your gaze then wanders to his friends who are watching and giggling at you two. "Don't worry about them, I already called the car service for them. As for us we'll be going to Providence. It's a very nice restaurant, I think you'll like it." He says with a charming smile. You've never been there but from what you've heard about the place the restaurant sounded luxury. "Yeah that's fine with me, whenever you're ready to go I am." Right when you say that your manager comes rushing to you. "Y/n! Y/n!" She says nearly out of breath as ran up to you. "Oh, Y/n~" She says as she sees you standing next to Theo. You roll your eyes playfully. "I just got you an interview with the director of GUCCI! He wants to speak with you now though so let's go!" She says trying to yank you. "Ericka! Wait!" You slightly yell trying to get out of her grasp. She lets go turning around to you with a worried face. You turn back around to Theo. "I'm sorry, I don't think-" He cuts you off, "Don't worry about it bella, we'll schedule dinner for another time. Now go. Don't let me stop you, okay." He says charming as ever as he tucks a stray piece of hair behind your ear. You blush slightly and give him a small smile. "Okay, thank you for understanding. Oh! Uhm, Ericka do you have a pen?" "Yeah, yeah, here." She says as she frantically looks for a pen and gives one to you. You take his hand and write.

415-***-**** Call me. XoXo.

You fold his hand then lean up to give him a small kiss on the cheek. He just stands there slightly blushing. "I'll see you soon, yeah?" You ask as you turn to walk away with Ericka. "Yeah." He says as he slightly licks his lips.

[celestialseawitch-ff]

[ana-reblogsposts]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 | 𝐓𝐎𝐌 𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐋𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 | 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 - When Y/N’s rushed morning leaves her hair down, Tom Riddle finally gets the chance to approach her, revealing a long-kept admiration.

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄 - Based on a scene I saw on tiktok from the book Bosses Secret by Serene. 𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃 - @bernardsbendystraws

The morning sun barely peeked over the towers of Hogwarts when Y/N burst out of her dormitory, running down the empty corridors, half out of breath already. She’d never woken up so late—her hair still hung loose in soft waves around her shoulders, and her robes were hastily pulled on over her uniform. She didn’t usually look like this; she was used to a neat bun or braids that framed her face perfectly. But today, she hadn’t had the time to fuss over any of that.

As she rounded a corner, clutching her bag tight to her side, she nearly collided with none other than Tom Riddle. Tall, poised, and sharp as ever in his crisp prefect’s robes, he glanced at her with a raised eyebrow. Y/N felt her cheeks warm immediately. She wasn’t sure why it had to be him she bumped into, but somehow it felt both horrifying and… oddly thrilling. This was Tom Riddle, the infamous and admired Slytherin prefect who practically commanded respect from everyone he passed, herself included.

“Sorry, Riddle,” she blurted, trying to catch her breath. She began to stammer, unable to look him in the eyes as she tugged at the sleeves of her robes, feeling entirely disheveled. “I know I’m a mess and—”

“Y/N, right?” he interrupted softly, his gaze fixed on her. Before she could finish her apology, he reached out and gently brushed his fingers through a loose curl that had fallen over her shoulder. The touch was light, and he seemed almost curious, as though it was a move he’d planned but never dared to make until now.

For a split second, she froze, her heart hammering at the unexpected closeness. His gaze softened ever so slightly as he held the lock of her hair between his fingers, studying it as if it held some kind of secret.

“It’s okay,” he murmured, his voice lower, just for her. “You look beautiful like this, by the way.”

A surge of warmth flooded her cheeks, her eyes widening as she looked up at him, unable to find her voice. She had never seen Tom look at anyone the way he was looking at her now—intensely, yet with a touch of softness. And it was the first time he’d ever even spoken to her.

“You… you think so?” she managed, a bit taken aback.

His lips quirked into a small, rare smile as he dropped his hand back to his side. “Yes. It’s… refreshing,” he said, his gaze unwavering. “I’ve seen you every day, and yet I feel like I’m only really noticing you for the first time.”

Her heart stuttered at his words, and she couldn’t suppress a small, shy smile of her own. There was something almost surreal about this moment, standing in the empty hallway with Tom Riddle, her hair loose and unkempt, while he looked at her like she was the only person in the world.

“Well,” she said, still a little flustered, “I can’t promise I’ll look like this again.”

“Perhaps you don’t have to,” he replied smoothly. He glanced down the corridor, his usual unreadable expression flickering back into place, though his eyes still held a hint of warmth when he looked back at her. “Just… don’t rush off too quickly next time.”

And with that, he gave her one last, lingering look before turning and continuing down the hallway, leaving her standing there, her heart racing and her thoughts a chaotic, breathless blur.

[underthenightskydreamsneverdie]

Carnal chapter six

Summary: The sexual tension between Mattheo and Daisy reaches a breaking point as they grow closer to each other.

Warnings: 18+, thigh riding, oral sex (f! receiving), hand job (m! receiving),

Pairing: Mattheo Riddle and f!OC Daisy Waters

Word count: 4286

A/N: Things are getting spicy 🌶️ wrote this whole chapter in some sort of music and lust fueled trance, it was kind of awesome. Hope you dirty freaks (💜) love it!

Divider credit to: @enchanthings

Chapter one Chapter two Chapter three Chapter four Chapter five

Character mood boards Chapter two mood board Chapter three mood board Chapter four mood board Chapter five mood board Chapter six mood board

Taglist: @evaslytherpuff @sylviaonyx @helendeath @hotcinnam0nspicy

If you would like to be added to the tag list, leave a comment or send me an ask

Reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated!

The next few weeks flew by for Mattheo, his day spent at Daisy’s home breaking down a lot of boundaries between them. Mattheo was obsessed and he didn’t care who knew it. He hung on her every word, her sweet voice and soft giggles like a drug. He needed constant physical connection with her, from simply holding her hand during classes, pulling her legs over his during meals and ghosting his fingers over her soft thighs, to full on make out sessions in the middle of crowded hallways, it didn’t matter, he had to have her near. 

Tonight he was in the Hufflepuff common room, Daisy in his lap as they sat in a quiet corner. He was attempting to convince her to spend the night with him, kissing her neck and whispering in her ear. “Please, princess, let me hold you all night long. I sleep so damn well when you’re next to me.” 

“No fair…” Daisy moaned as he nipped at her neck and swirled his tongue over each bite. 

“Hmm? What’s not fair, princess?” He knew she was referring to the attention he was giving her neck, having recently discovered how much she enjoyed it, but she sounds so sexy when she blabbers like this, I can’t help but wind her up. 

“Using neck kisses to get what you w-want…fuck, Matty!” Her fingers tangled in his hair, gently tugging at his curls.

Chuckling, he smirked against her ear. “Is that a yes, princess?” Going back to her neck he sucked hard, using his tongue to push her to give in. She groaned softly, her hips instinctually moving against his raging erection. Mattheo sucked in a sharp breath, pushing her hips down on him as she continued. “Mmmm, come on, princess, say yes. Let me take you to bed and give you what you clearly want. Say yes to Matty.” 

She pulled away suddenly, climbing off his lap, leaving them both whiny and needy. “Come with me, darling.” 

Waiting for him with her hand out, he noticed her blushing softly, eyes focused on his pants. I know you’re not embarrassed by my cock right now, you did this to me, pretty girl. When she started giggling he flicked his eyes down and his jaw dropped. Oh. Oh my. He chuckled, very pleased with himself, and her. Outlining the bulge in his pants was an impressive wet spot, left by her grinding. “Well, fuck, princess.” He got up, following her up the stairs to her dorm. “Are you even wearing panties right now?” 

“Maybe. Maybe not.” 

She didn’t turn around to look at him, her voice stayed even, leaving him unable to guess the answer and it drove him wild. How wrong would it be to look up her skirt right now? He shoved his free hand into his pocket, resisting the temptation of lifting her skirt right that second. 

Daisy led him through the halls into her room, waving her wand to close and lock the door. His eyebrows shot up as he looked around. She wasn’t kidding, there isn’t a single bit of privacy in here. “Don’t get me wrong, Daisy, I’ll get naked with you anywhere, but, uh, won’t your roommates mind?” 

“Oh, we’re not getting naked here. Ever.” He frowned before she grabbed a fistful of his shirt, pulling him down to her level. “You think I want my roommates seeing that?” Her voice dropped to a seductive whisper. “No, the privilege of seeing you naked belongs solely to me now, handsome. And I’d claw out the eyes of any girl who ruins that.” Fuck, why is that so sexy?!

A growl slipped past his lips and he lifted her up, squeezing her ass in the process, growling again as her legs wrapped around him. “Which bed is yours?” 

“That way, you’ll know it when you see it.” He didn’t know which way she gestured, but she was right, he definitely knew by looking which was hers. The black floral blanket, and skull covered pillow cases were a dead giveaway, but it was the sight of his sketch, the one he had sent her over the summer, framed, and sitting on her desk that made him sure. 

Gently laying her down, kissing her before reaching for the frame, he looked at her with a brow raised. 

“Isn’t it gorgeous? My boyfriend drew it. He’s pretty talented.” Mattheos heart skipped a beat as she used the word boyfriend for the first time. Fuck yes, say it again, baby. He never liked it in the past, but hearing it in Daisy’s sweet voice, he felt like he could melt through the floor. 

“Oh, your boyfriend?” He wanted to play it cool, tease her a little, but he couldn’t, he loved it too much. 

“Oh, sorry, did you think we were just casual acquaintances, Matty? My casual acquaintance drew - Ahh!” She let out a playful scream and giggle as he threw himself on top of her, pressing her hip into the mattress with one hand and gripping her chin with the other. 

“There is nothing casual about us, Daisy Waters.” He growled. “Not a fucking thing.” He pressed his forehead against hers. “I wish you’d let me show you that, Daisy.” 

“That’s why I brought you up here, Matty,” she didn’t look nearly as excited as he expected, “I want to talk about sex.” Talk or have?

“I want it. With you, I mean.” Pretty sure she knows that, dummy. “Only with you.” Nice recovery. “And I’m pretty sure you want it too, so why are you holding back, pretty girl?” 

“I do, Matty, I do! You have no idea…” His mind went back to the way she had happily spread her legs for him to crawl between, and the wet spot on his pants, a little smirk forming on his lips. Oh I have some idea, princess. “But…” No, not a but, anything but a but. “I have something that I need to tell you first, a secret, about myself.” She looked almost scared, making his heart flutter with a sudden protective instinct. He climbed off of her, pulling her into his lap, wrapping her in his safety. 

“You know you can, Daisy. You can tell me anything, sweet girl. Anything. You’re safe with me.” 

“I know, that’s why I have to tell you before we have sex. This is bigger than sex, more… revealing. There could be serious consequences if it gets out, Mattheo.” The worry in her voice was unmistakable and his own worry was growing. What could her secret possibly be? Doesn’t matter, I’ll keep it. 

“I won’t tell a soul, Daisy. I love you and I’ll keep your secrets safe.” Squeezing her tight to him, he kissed her forehead and ran his fingers through her hair. “Will you tell me now, princess?” 

“I want to, love, but it’s more of a show and tell and we need more privacy.” 

More privacy? “We’re alone in here, Daisy, just you and me. What more do we need?” She’s the only thing I need. 

“We’re not alone enough. Please, Matty, just trust me. You’ll understand once I show you. Just give me a little longer to figure out how I can do that.” Her stress over this situation was clear, and not wanting to make it worse he agreed. 

“I trust you, princess. We can wait until you’re ready, just know I’m going to struggle so hard. I want you, Daisy, constantly, desperately, completely.” 

“Well…that’s the other part of this conversation. I need us to move slowly, but I do not want us to stand still, I have needs and I want you to help me take care of them.” She blushed, giggling softly, the sight making Mattheo melt. Gods, I love her so fucking much. “Do you understand, baby?” 

He was nodding his head before she even finished her sentence, not caring in the slightest about how eager he appeared. He would take anything she gave him and greedily beg for more. “Fuck, yes, tell me where to start, princess. What are you comfortable with right now? I want to rip all your clothes off but that may be too much.” 

Daisy giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Why don’t we start with you taking me back to your dorm, and see where things go from there.” 

“Gods, yes! Come on, pretty girl.” 

Daisy gasped as Mattheo led her into the Slytherin common room, the view into the murky Black Lake the first thing she saw. The green glow it cast over the room was eerie and cold, making a chill run down her spine. Certainly not in Kansas anymore, Dorthy. 

Mattheo stopped, letting her look around, and she knew he was happy to show her off, especially here. His arms wrapped around her waist possessively if she stood still for longer than two seconds on any given day, but this was his home territory and he seemed a little more relaxed, following a few paces behind her as she walked to the window. 

“What do you think, pretty girl?” 

She stayed silent for another few moments staring out into the darkness of the lake, feeling uneasy. “Get me out of here before I start thinking any further about the crushing pressure of the Black Lake being all around me.” 

“Oh, shit.” He grabbed her hand, pulling her away from the window. “Why didn’t you tell me you were claustrophobic, Daisy?” 

“I’m not.” 

“Don’t like water?” She could hear his concern for her growing as he steered her in what she could only assume was the direction of his dorm.

“Love the water.” The tiniest of lies. The human side of her loved being in the water, loved being in this very lake. She had always felt good in the water, quick, agile, at peace, alive, but since she had become a wolf her relationship with the water had changed. It was life giving in an entirely new way but the wolf in her preferred to keep its paws firmly planted on solid, dry ground. 

She shivered again, the chill of the room seeping into her bones. She wanted to transform, knew her incoming winter coat would keep her warm, but there was an easier solution. Mattheo. Bringing their intertwined fingers to her lips she kissed his knuckles, taking in his smell. The effect was instant, the lust fueled warmth his scent brought her washed over her body, making her moan and her eyes roll back. She stumbled into him, unaware he had stopped, surprised to find him looking at her. 

“Daisy, are you okay?” His face was full of concern but there was a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. 

“Oh, yeah, I just got lost thinking about you for a minute there…” Fuck. How am I supposed to explain this? What the hell were you thinking, Daisy, taking a sniff at him now? Gods, why is he looking at me like that? It's so sexy. I need him. I need him! 

“What about me, pretty girl?” Damn him. His voice was deepening as he caught on to her arousal. No way out of it now.

“All the ways you turn me on, baby.” 

“Oh you’re turned on, are you?” His smirk turned into a devilish grin, he looked like he could eat her alive. She was ready to be devoured. 

“I’m well past turned on, handsome, I’m dripping for you.” Fuck it, let’s go there. She stood on her toes, giving him a sloppy kiss, tongue swiping across his lips. “Get me to your bed, Matty.” 

Daisy giggled as Mattheo picked her up, his hands slipping under her skirt. She loved it, could feel exactly how much she was getting to him, his hard cock pressing against her as he quickly walked to his room. “Hurry, Matty. Wanna cum for you.” 

“Fuck, princess, I’m going as fast as I can, we’re almost there.” He set her down a minute later, pushing open his door, guiding her to his bed. He turned and looked around. “Looks like we have the place to ourselves for now.” 

“Thank Merlin.” She reached for his belt, undoing it quickly. “Get these off.” 

She kicked off her shoes, dropped her bag on the floor and reached under her skirt, pulling off her tights. “I’m gonna say things that don’t make sense, just let me talk, okay?” 

He clearly had no idea what was going on with her, but he was also clearly okay with it. “Are you kidding, your horny babble is the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard, say anything you want, pretty girl.” 

“Good. Get on the bed. No wait!” He was standing in only his button up shirt and boxers and the sight of him almost made her orgasm right then and there. Hold on, Daisy, just hold it down a little longer. She reached up, slipping a few fingers between the buttons of his shirt. “You won’t be needing this.” She tugged, what she thought was gently, his entire shirt ripping in half. Damn it! Fucking wolf strength. “I swear I’ll fix that!” 

His look of disbelief and eruption of laughter as the ruined shirt fell to the floor sent her into a fit of giggles. “Never mess with Daisy when she’s horny. Got it.” He chuckled, looking down at her. 

“Just get on the bed.” She said between giggles, smacking his butt as he did. The shocked look on his face and the moan she suspected he hadn’t been able to control turned her on even more. 

“Daisy! You’re a wild thing, tonight. I’m in for the ride of my life with you, aren't I?” 

“Oh, Mattheo, you have no idea just how wild I am.” She laughed deeply, crawling across the bed to him, straddling his thigh. “You asked earlier if I had panties on…now’s your chance to find out.” She rocked her hips slowly, grinding herself against his thigh, the thin fabric of her thong doing absolutely nothing to contain her juices. His hands slipped under her skirt, sliding over her ass, squeezing her flesh, making her moan. “Matty…” She was so close already, his scent driving her towards climax at breakneck speed. Her hips sped up, her thighs parting further, desperately seeking friction against her clit. Gripping his shoulders, she leaned in, taking a deep breath, eyes rolling back and fluttering closed, every muscle in her body clenched as a new wave of burning lust washed over her. Yes! Yes! She was oblivious to him and his exploration of her curves, completely consumed by the need to climax from his scent. Burying her face in his hair she tumbled over the edge of sanity, dragging her nails down his neck, digging them into his shoulders as the first orgasmic wave hit her like a train. She couldn’t see, blinding white light behind her eyes forcing her other senses into overdrive. She opened her mouth to scream his name, a perfect howl coming out instead, piercing the air, her neck stretching towards the ceiling. 

As the first wave passed she collapsed, falling back onto the bed between his legs, chest heaving, mind completely blank. After what felt like an eternity of pleasure she registered Mattheo calling her name, his beautiful face coming into view above her. 

“Daisy? You there, gorgeous?” She smiled up at him and he stroked her cheek. “You have no idea you just squirted all over me, do you, baby?” 

She stared at him, not taking in a thing he said. “You’re all wet, Matty…” 

“Yeah, pretty girl, I am.” He chuckled, a sound Daisy loved hearing and she smiled again, eyes unfocused. “One good orgasm and there’s just nothing behind those pretty eyes, huh, baby?” He pressed soft kisses to her face, gently lowering his weight onto her. 

She moaned in agreement, still basking in the afterglow and now his sweet kisses. Things were slowly starting to come back to her, she remembered she was in his room, and supposed to be denying the overwhelming urge to let him take her all night long. 

“That was incredible to witness, Daisy, you’re so damn beautiful when you fall apart. And that howl…fuck, that was sexy, I’ve never heard a girl do that. You must be worn out, baby, do you want to stop?” His voice was soft and caring, almost hiding his hunger for more, for the same release she had. 

“Want another, Matty, wanna please you too…” She trailed off, fumbling with the buttons on her shirt. “Kiss me, touch me.” She finally gave up and ripped her own shirt apart, cursing as it split down the middle like his. 

Mattheo laughed again at her desperation and lifted himself off her, pulling her up to sit in his lap. She watched him toss her ruined shirt on the floor with his, sighing contently as he wasted no time acquainting himself with her newly exposed chest, making her giggle. His hair tickled her chin, the soft, wet kisses he planted outlining her lacy bra setting her skin ablaze again. She let herself breathe in his scent, getting high off of it. “Fuck, you smell good, Matty. I can’t get enough.” She buried her face in his hair again.  

“I've noticed you enjoying the way I smell a number of times now. I got some new cologne over the summer, is that what you like so much?” 

“Cologne? What?” She took a small sniff at his neck. “Oh you did, oh, that’s quite pleasant. But that’s not what I’m talking about.” She lifted his chin, kissing her way down his neck. “I’m talking about you, your natural scent, your pher-, never mind.” She licked a path up his neck, inhaling as much of him as she could, moaning as she sucked a mark under his ear. “It’s intoxicating to me, just like a drug.” She knew he couldn’t understand, and it was okay, he would soon enough.

“The feel of your skin is intoxicating to me, Daisy. Gods, the sight of you in this lacy bra is intoxicating. Please tell me your panties match, pretty girl.” 

“Wanna find out?” She searched the waistband of her skirt for the zipper before stopping, raising her hands to his chest. “Maybe you should take this off me given my track record with clothing tonight…” She laughed, her face flushing. 

“Good idea. Now where is that damn zipper, there we go. Fuck, princess…they do match, don’t they? Can you just sit here like this for a minute, this is an image I need burned into my soul. My perfect punk princess in her pretty pastel lingerie, just for me.” He groaned, making her blush and giggle. 

“You really like it that much, Matty?” 

He stayed quiet for a few long moments, just staring at her, his voice far away when he spoke. “Draco dared me to steal something from a muggle store once when we were younger. He shoved it into my hands and told me to run. It was one of those muggle nude magazines but this edition was all about lingerie. I had never seen anything like it. I thought it was so fucking sexy, I used that magazine to jerk off for years, I even went back and stole more. I’ve seen enough to know Daisy, so please, baby, believe me when I say not a single one of those models could ever compare to the sight of you right now.” She blushed as he laid her down, slipping her skirt off, and kissed his way up her body. “You are the absolute sexiest woman I have and will ever see. You make the lingerie sexy, princess, not the other way around.” 

She was stunned. She hadn’t felt insecure when she asked but his incredible answer made certain she would never feel insecure around him again. “Matty…I don’t know what to say…I love you…and I bought it all with you in mind…” 

“You bought this sexy little thing to wear for me?” 

“I did, and twenty others like it…” She giggled as he groaned against her neck. 

“Twenty?! Are you trying to kill me, Daisy?”

“Not kill you, Mattheo, just…turn you on.” She gasped as his hips bucked, his stiff cock grinding against her. 

“It’s working.” His growl made her moan and she felt him roughly pull her thong out of his way, a moment later rubbing his, now bare, velvety shaft against her folds. “Daisy, fuck, baby, I want you. You sure I can’t nestle my cock inside you tonight, princess?” 

“Matty.” The thought of him inside her was heavenly, something she had been dreaming about for months, but she was strong willed in her decision about showing him her wolf form before allowing him to take her completely, just in case it changed things. This moan of his name was a warning not to push his luck, one he seemed to understand as his hips slowed and he sucked another possessive mark onto her neck. 

“Will you let me taste you, princess?” He sounded so desperate for her, there was no way she could deny him this. 

Oral sex was something she had never received before, the way her past lover talked made her unsure she ever would, telling her it was disgusting and he would never indulge her desire even while demanding she do so for him. But he wasn’t Mattheo Riddle and it was easy to forget that jerk existed now Matty was in her life. 

“I’ve…no one I’ve been with has ever been willing…” She trailed off feeling shy about wanting this, his surprised expression making her groan. Fuck, should I not have said that? Surely he didn’t expect me to be a virgin, right? He didn’t say anything for a few long moments, staring down at her with a pained, confused look. “Matty?” 

She felt even more confused as he shook his head, leaning down to kiss her. “Sorry, princess, I’m having trouble comprehending the fact that any man would be idiotic enough to pass up the opportunity to devour your pretty pussy. Don’t you worry, I’ll make up for their foolishness, if you want me to, that is…” 

She nodded eagerly, whimpering as all of her embarrassment slipped away. “Yes, oh gods, yes, Matty.” 

“That’s my girl. You’re gonna love it, princess.” With another kiss he moved down her body, making her groan as he caressed her curves and spread her legs. “Oh, Daisy. Your pussy is even more gorgeous than I thought.” She could feel herself blush, heat rising in her face and her stomach, the feel of his breath on her soaked folds made her squirm with anticipation. “So fucking pretty…” she cried out as his tongue swiped over her, back arching off the bed. Oh fuck yes. “So fucking delicious…mmmmm gods, Daisy, you’re fucking perfect.” 

She could hear his words, her body reacting to them, but her mind was gone, lost in a world of pleasure better than anything she had ever experienced. Yes! Oh yes, Matty! Every movement of his tongue sent her further into heavenly oblivion. She felt weightless, certain her body was floating as he groaned and gripped her hips hard whenever she squirmed. How did I ever think this was wrong? It feels so fucking right. She was addicted to his worship already, knew she would die without it from this moment on, just like everything else about him. The sounds of him slurping and sucking, his groaning and heavy breathing, the sheer wetness of it all flooded her sensitive ears, leaving her begging for more, for him to never stop. Moaning his name over and over like a prayer, her muscles tightened, hands gripping his curls as the heat in her stomach reached a burning point, spreading through her veins like a poison. Her vision blurred, her heart raced, her lips pursed and she howled again as her orgasm crashed over her like a tidal wave. 

Ages passed as she slowly floated back to reality, Mattheo nipping at her thighs, sucking and licking, leaving his marks on her skin bringing her from one heaven to another. “Mattheo…” She moaned his name, softly running a hand through his hair, gripping his chin when he looked up at her, pulling him up to her face. She kissed him desperately, sucking on his lips, swirling her tongue with his, tasting herself on him. His hips bucked, she knew he was beyond ready for release, ready to force it to be his turn, his groans morphing into growls. Slipping her hand between their bodies, she gripped his cock, stroking him expertly, slowly, perfectly. “So big, so hard, look at you falling apart for me so prettily. You wanna cum for me, baby?” His whimper was absolute perfection, a sound she would never tire of. “Cum for me, Matty.” She watched his eyes roll back and squeeze shut, a deep growl emanating from his chest, his body shuttering, ropes of his warm seed shooting onto her stomach and chest. Her hand never stopped stroking, greedily milking every last drop from him until he collapsed on top of her, groaning her name. She stroked his back, ran her fingers through his hair as he struggled to catch his breath. “Good boy. Such a good boy for me.” His head nestled in her neck, his broken whimper sent deep vibrations through her chest making her back arch. Pulling her hand from between their bodies she licked his cum from her fingers, groaning softly for him. Arms wrapped around him, she held him close, basking in the warmth of his presence.

[darkmarkmarauder]

Caveat - T.M.R.

!warning! minors dni

Summary: Past curfew, the Three Broomsticks buzzes with laughter and firewhiskey-fueled mischief—but you don’t care. You live to provoke, especially when it comes to Tom Riddle. Dressed to turn heads, you push his patience to the limit, daring him to react. And when he finally does, his attention locked on you and well, isn’t that exactly what you wanted?

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐠𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐫. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐰, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝. 𝐄𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐘/𝐍.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐫, 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝, 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤. 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬—𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒚, 𝒕𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕, 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔—𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐬. 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐬, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞, 𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝.

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝, 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛. 𝐇𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞—𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕. 𝐀𝐧𝐝, 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐚𝐲. 𝐘/𝐍 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝, 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡.

𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭, 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞. “𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠?” 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐰, 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐝. “𝐀 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞. 𝐎𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐭?”

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐚𝐰 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝. “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒆.”

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐤 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬. “𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲,” 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦. “𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧.”

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝒈𝒐𝒅𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬.

𝐇𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐦, 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬.

𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐦’𝐬 𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫.

“𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝, 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭. “𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐠—𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮?”

𝐘/𝐍 𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. “𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐈 𝐝𝐨,” 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐭. “𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.”

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐞. 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞. 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬. 𝐋𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥.

𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫. “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐬��𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐝. “𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞.”

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐝. 𝑳𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒆𝒅. “𝐎𝐡, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞, 𝐓𝐨𝐦. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐦𝐞.”

𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬. “𝐍𝐨?” 𝐇𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐦, 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰, 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠. “𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧?”

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫.

“𝐅𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟𝐟, 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞,” 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝, 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫. 𝐇𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲. 𝐒𝐨, 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭. 𝐇𝐞 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫, 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒂 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌.

𝐘/𝐍 𝐬𝐚𝐰. 𝐎𝐟 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒘.

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝑻𝒐𝒎 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒍𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒎𝒖𝒈 𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐞. 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞.

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐠𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝒉𝒊𝒔.

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི⋆♱⋆ཋྀ ˚₊‧⁺

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐢𝐭.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬.

𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝. 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝. 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬.

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫—𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅.

𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐲. 𝐀 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐬, 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞’𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞.

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐧, 𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬. 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐤—𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞. 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧-𝐚𝐧𝐝-𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐩, 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐘/𝐍’𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐤, 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐚𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞.

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞—𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦—𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒕.

𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭. 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐬. 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬, 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬.

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧. 𝐀 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐣𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐭, 𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬.

𝐘/𝐍 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐝.

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝐈𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩, 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭.

𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔—𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠.

“𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰, 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫. “𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫?” 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦—𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦, 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐨.

𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐳𝐞, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐧.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬. “𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡,” 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡. “𝐍𝐨?”

𝐇𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧, 𝐦𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝. 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐡, 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲.

“𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒄,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝. “𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭.”

𝐘/𝐍’𝐬 𝐣𝐚𝐰 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝. “𝐅𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞.”

𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭. 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝, 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫—𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.

𝐓𝐨𝐦’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭, 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧. “𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐤,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐝, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞. “𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐮𝐬, 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮?”

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐩. 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞—𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅.

“𝐈 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬, 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞.

𝐀 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐤. “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭.”

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞—𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬.

“𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭. “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝, 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐤, 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞.

𝐘/𝐍 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.

𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐞—𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝.

𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐲, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐥𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐭, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

𝐀 𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭, 𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝, 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝.

𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐠𝐨.

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰-𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧, 𝐚 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰, 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬.

𝐘/𝐍 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝.

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝, 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐫.

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦.” 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐰, 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝—𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐲𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤, 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.

𝐇𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫.

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬.” 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩.

𝐘/𝐍 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐝.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐧𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝.

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐫.” 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭—𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡, 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝.

“𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰—” 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐥𝐲, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩, 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧.

𝐇𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐮𝐩, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦.

“𝐍𝐨𝐰, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭?”

𝐘/𝐍 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒏-𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬. 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐭. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐭.

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝, 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐩 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐢𝐭.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝.

“𝐎𝐡…” 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐥𝐢𝐩, 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐥𝐲, 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐞, 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮?”

𝐘/𝐍 𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐥𝐲, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐝, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐩, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲.

𝐓𝐨𝐦’𝐬 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐤 𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧—𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲, 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞.

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐣𝐚𝐰, 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫-𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤. “𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 ��𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐱𝐞𝐝, 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡. “𝐈… 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”

𝐀 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐞. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥, 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫.

“𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥.”

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐤, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧. 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐫-𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝, 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫.

“𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟, 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬, 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐚. “𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡, 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟… 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?”

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝, 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐭.

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠. “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐝𝐨.”

𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐫. 𝐘/𝐍 𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐝, 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐝. 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐩, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞, 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝.

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐬𝐨 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐬𝐨 𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝.

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭, 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞. “𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞. “𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐤.”

𝐘/𝐍 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧. “𝐃𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞.”

𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐞. “𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”

✦ . ���⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

a/n: LOVE ME SOME RIDDLE FR

ii want to start writing about the Riddle family including their kids Mattheo, Marvolo and Delphini

ii love writing these too tho so I’m gonna release both

MASTERLIST

[thessynyx]

Final chapter of Shadows of Worth is out now! Here’s a snippet of the fic, and there’s a link at the bottom or in my bio!

He drags James up onto the shallow surface, with only their feet and legs touching the water now. And he looks at him. And James isn’t breathing.

“No.”

Regulus grabs James’ face in his hands. His eyes are shut, lips parted, no air coming between them. Instinctively, Regulus dashes down to James’ chest and begins compressions. One, two, three, four…

“Come on, James,” Regulus pleads. Five, six, seven, eight…

“Hands in the air!”

Regulus barely registers the voice. Too focused on the man in front of him. Dying in front of him. Please, Regulus begs the universe. Please, not again.

“He’s not breathing,” Regulus pants, continuing his compressions. James jolts with each one, but he doesn’t make a single conscious move.

“Hands in the fucking air.”

“He’s not breathing!” Regulus repeats. Because he’s not. Regulus loves James, and James isn’t breathing. He has to breathe. It can’t end like this. They were so close. It’s all Regulus’ fault. It’s all –

The sudden pain in the back of his head is prominent enough for him to take note of it. But it doesn’t last long before the world in front of him fades away.

[ribbons111]

Olivia Rodrigo: Obsessed

Matteo Riddle

Summary. Obsession with matteos ex leads to jealous butthurt feelings. Go with your gut!!

Warning. jealousy. obsession. toxic. angst. cheating.

The loud music rang in my head, backgrounding my thoughts.

My eyes burned and my heart flouted.

I felt fuzzy, drenched with overwhelming feelings.

I drowned myself in strong drinks, covering the buthurt poker face away.

I frowned, my eyes followed him from the end of the room.

He can not be serious right now.

I analyzed every look she gave out, every thought she might have, every smile, every wink, every word.

I stared at her, I wanted to get hurt.

I look back to Matteo, I frown at the way he laughs, his eyes lingering.

I know they both have moved on, they don’t even talk.

My fists balled up and my dress pulled up.

I flipped my hair away, fixing my lipstick before walking off, my heels clacking the wet floor.

Matteo smiled once he noticed me, his hand going out to hold my hips.

I pulled his collar, pushing his back towards the wall.

I kissed him roughly, swallowing him whole.

With the way he kisses me I know he loves me but I can’t help it I got issues.

Making sure I marked him well enough with my red lipstick I pulled away.

I smiled, kissing his cheek sweetly, noticing her in my peripheral vision.

I raised my finger, pushing the stray lipstick back into place onto my lips.

I grazed my painted nails on his toned chest.

“I’ll see you in bed,” I made sure to be heard before walking off, “your room.” a clear smirk on my lips, picking up another drink on my way.

BONUS!!

“Are you serious Matteo!?” I screamed, pushing his body away from mine “She sleeps on my side of the bed hasn’t she?! You brought her into your room! Onto your bed!”

“Are you seriously arguing over the smell of perfume on your side? You're honestly mental ” He ran his hands through his hair, furrowing his brows as he got off of his bed.

“That’s not my perfume Riddle and you know it!” I groaned, pulling down my sleave.

[shitty-hp-prompts]

Oftentimes in HP fic, most (if not all) of the Slytherins—especially the Purebloods—will have abusive parents, but something that I haven't seen a lot of is fic where the Slytherins legitimately, genuinely have no idea that what they go through isn't normal.

Think about it: if all of your family—from your siblings and parents to your cousins, aunts and uncles, and your parents' parents—and all of your friends, your acquaintances, your housemates—everyone you spend any time with, everyone you're close to, everyone you're comfortable or amicable or even just cordial with—if they all grew up abused…

And if you're raised to believe that this abuse is something shameful, something private, something not mentioned in polite company…

And if anyone and everyone who you'd be comfort discussing private matters such as this with are all in the same boat as you…

…how would you ever know it's not normal? How would you ever know that it's wrong? Hell, how would you even know that what you're going through is considered abuse?

What I'm proposing is this: Slytherins and Purebloods and Slytherins Purebloods especially are so insulated that they genuinely have no idea that the way their parents treat them is wrong, and while normally they would not mention it outside of private settings…

Normally they don't mention it in public or in front of non-Slytherins because it's considered impolite and uncouth, not because it's a secret; they genuinely have no idea that their parents (who at some point had likely realized that this is illegal) might want them to keep this hush-hush.

Which means…

…that in the right circumstances…

…if pressured or annoyed or angry…

…a Slytherin might mention this offhand without having any idea of the impact that it would have on their (non-Slytherin) audience.

Cue shock and horror. Cue outrage. Cue public outcry. Cue massive scandal.

Non-Slytherin classmates—rivals and so-called "enemies"—are in horrified disbelief. Teachers and parents are scandalized.

They can't believe that this has been going on this whole time and no one ever realized—that the Slytherins weren't even trying to keep it a secret, didn't even realize that there was any reason to—didn't realize that anyone would even care.

…the Slytherins, meanwhile, have no idea what all the fuss is about.