Trapped in the Past (Tom Riddle x Reader)

10 - Death and Life

You know you should avoid romantic thoughts, but as you're reunited with Tom Riddle in Hogsmeade in a secret date, you can't help but remember your weird date there.

Tom is just standing there, kissed by the sunlight of the warm spring day.
Some flowers bloomed around you but he is indifferent.
You're not in a love affair, you remind yourself.
You're just enjoying yourself together.
And although you kept reminding it to yourself since it started, you can't help but wish for more, wishing that he might start to feel more.
Kissing and making out with him is just great and passionate, but he never showed a deeper interest.
You're confident that he respects and maybe even admires you. Yet that's not enough to save you from the fear that one day he tires of you and ends it all.

"If you want something to drink, you just need to ask" Tom wakes you from your brooding, inspecting your face as if you're an open book while he's so introvert and unreadable.

You glance at the distant pubs, at the crowded streets of the village.
Your first date with him was public, you could walk and drink in public.
Now it was secret.
He just signaled you with a small nod and you left your friends to walk up the hill until you met him in the wilderness where nobody else can see you.
Once you wouldn't have trusted to follow a boy there, but you trust Tom to be decent.
He doesn't touch you if you're hesitant, he is careful of what you want and respects that.

"If you're not joining me, then I'm fine" you say feeling your mouth dry in response.
You should be used to be alone with Tom Riddle by now, after weeks of rendezvous.
But there's always this wall of awkwardness around you, faltering only when you both lower your defenses and let your lust lose.
There are no sincere hugs nor other gestures of true affection.
It's not a love story. And you should stop hoping that it will turn into one.

Tom shoots you a naughty look, one that totally make you thirsty for something more than just a drink.
"You really look like you need to get drunk".

You narrow your eyes, unsure if he's mocking you.
"I think I would love" you can't help but stress that word "to see you drunk. You become quite funny".

"I don't think so. You prefer when I'm in control".

"What would happen if you're not in control, Mr Prefect Perfect?".

A sinister light shone in his eyes before he looks away with a smirk "You'd rather not finding that out".

"If that's your way to be appealing...".

He cuts you off with a sideway glance "I have news that can cool you off. We are invited to the Slug Party next Saturday".

You cringe at the news "Really?".

"It's the last party for this year".

You blink in confusion as he keeps staring at you like expecting you to guess what he has in mind.

"Are you suggesting we should go together?".

He smiles as if hinting that you guessed right.
"You don't want to?".

"I thought we had to keep this secret".

He sighs "I think people should care of their own business. I know that girls already dispise you anyway. If you agree, we walk down to the village together. If don't want to, I'll wait here until you're reunited with your friends".

He's leaving the choice to you and you love how that makes you feel special.
He doesn't simply impose his will on you. He keeps your opinion in the highest regard.

And if he wants to go to the damned party with you... you smile at the silly worries you had earlier.

As an answer, you take his hand and lean closer to kiss him.