Oh, Merlin, Riddle

{10: Joe}

What's better than waiting for your 'boyfriend' to meet you at Hogsmead? Your ex showing up with another girl.

Alright, I have no right to get mad. It's been what- a month? He had the right to move on. Of course he did. He left me. And I'm 'dating' Mattheo.

When Joe scanned around The Three Broomsticks for a table, his eyes fell onto me. I shivered. I was sitting alone in the corner, with nothing but water in front of me. Of course, because I haven't had a butter beer yet in my life. Mainly because Joe didn't like them. Said they were bitter and bad. So I never had one.

He lead the girl to a table near the door, yet so that he had a perfect angle of me. Then, after five minutes, he excused himself, and made his way to me!

"Hey, are you alone?" He asked concerning.

"At the moment yes," I said, playing with the glass of water in my hand.

He looked around. "Why are you alone at The Tree Broomsticks? It's dangerous Ribbon-"

"Sorry I'm late." Mattheo's voice saved me. He slid in beside me, before planting a kiss on my temple. Then, he turned to Joe. "Hey Joe. Can we help you?"

Alright that came a bit off more rude than it should have.

Joe looked from me to Mattheo as he slid his arm over my shoulders. "You're really dating?" He frowned.

Mattheo frowned back, and I couldn't help but feel anger rise in his eyes. "Yes. Is that a problem, Connie?"

Joe rose his eyebrows, looking at me again, then he left his hands in surrender. "Of course not. She's no longer in my hands. Enjoy, Riddle. She's clearly all yours."

WHAT THE FUCK, JOE???

Then I felt anger in Mattheo's hand as I felt it form into a fist on my shoulder.

"What the fuck did you just say?" He asked, ready to pull his arm off of me to allow him to stand.

But I didn't allow him. Instead I cupped my left hand over his fist, before feeling it loosen, lightly.

"I'm just saying she's yours, Riddle."

Mattheo's head tilted a bit. "What? You thought I'd share her? Not a fucking chance, Connie. Get lost."

"Hey man," Joe said, lifting his hands again. "It's not my fault you had her waiting ten minutes. A little longer and I'd think she came to drink, alone."

"Listen here, Connie-"

"Leave, Joe."

Mattheo looked at me, and I saw surprise on his face as I was glaring at Joe.

"Ribbons, I-"

"She said leave, Connie."

Joe looked at Mattheo, seeing him glaring. He gave a sighing nod, before turning around, walking back to his table, where the other girl questioned him.

I turned my head to Mattheo, seeing him still glaring at Joe.

"Drop it," I said, making his eyes turn to me.

"What did you see in that guy?" He asked, pulling his arm off of my shoulders, but then slipped his hand onto my leg, at an appropriate spot. "I mean he's so- odd."

"He's kind," I began, glancing at Joe again. "He's respectful. He's a gentleman."

"He sounds boring," Mattheo stated, making me look back at him. "He sounds like every muggle guy who stays in his mother's basement."

Rolling my eyes, I took a sip of my water.

"I mean- how was your relationship? How did he keep you to stay?" It sounded more like he wanted advise than asking for conversation.

"He was honest," I explained. "He didn't lie to me. He made sure I was healthy. He tutored me from time to time. He spent time with me at lunch to make sure I ate. He helped me when my parents were- were busy."

"He sounds like a best friend," Mattheo stated, waving over a waitress. "Honestly. I've never seen you two have sleepovers. You were barely together at parties. You were together at lunch, and that's it. I've never seen you two hold hands or kiss. Really- I don't know how you considered that as dating."

I looked at him. He had a point; but Joe wasn't like that. He didn't love physical touch much. He was always bust with extra classes or work. He'd help tutor other students. He'd be with his friends at parties. We were just never always together. Yet, Mattheo had a point.

I shrugged. "We were just like that."

When the waitress stepped beside us, Mattheo instantly ordered two Butter Beers, and she walked off. I sat wide eyes, before turning to Mattheo.

"I'm sorry, I don't drink butter beer."

He frowned. "Why not?"

"Well, I've never had one."

His eyebrows lift. "You've never had a butter beer?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Joe said they're bitter and troublesome. You know, with the alcohol."

Mattheo chuckled, taking a quick glance at Joe. "You mean the guy who has never been drunk in his life? Has he ever tried one?"

To think if it: "No..."

Mattheo laughed. "Of course he hasn't. So how would he know?"

I shrugged, and when the drinks arrived, Mattheo cheered me on to taste. And to my surprise: I loved it.