Je' T'aime (Tom Riddle Love Story)

Christmas Parties Part 1

The entire conversation I felt like I was the knot in the middle of a tug of war. Both men were trying to use brute strength (well, mind and will power) to get me to their side. Most of the time I just felt like an object to the both of them. They were playing with my life. Tom was threatening me although he never outright said it, the threat was there.

I knew Lestat wouldn't let anyone hurt me except him. It would be war. A very close war. And I really didnt want either side to be hurt. I wanted both sides to get what they wanted. But I didnt want them to get it the way they were going about it.

"Can you both just shut up!" I finally had had enough of the bullshit after an hour of the two being calmly at each others throats. It was unnerving and ruining my experience of Hogsmead.

"Tom," Lestat smirks, ignoring me. It made my cheeks heat in anger this time. "I think you'll find your own way to power. You dont need mine. But how about this: if you are an inch from death, unicorn blood will grant you your immortality."

Tom's features softened and for the first time I saw him look surprised. He looked impressed and intrigued and I was practically bouncing up and down in my seat thinking of the possibility that the conversation would end.

"You mean to say that if I drink it, I can escape death?"

"That's right. The effects, if course, make you less than human."

"I'm not worried about that. My soul is damned already," Tom shot back. A coy smile was shared between the two and I actually felt afraid. It was a disaster if they didnt like each other, but if they did I was definitely doomed to spend the rest of whatever life I had as a knot on a rope.

"That's a beautiful hair comb," Lestat notes while eyeing it warily from where it sat in my hair. He inhales my conditioner and raises a sharp eyebrow at Tom. "Poisoned?"

"I figured it'd do in a pinch if she needed a weapon. And, as you said, it was beautiful."

"Dad," I whispered in warning. Please dont statt anything.

"I didnt take you as the gifting type," he says while pulling me into his side.

"Well, I thought gifting was something one does for the girlfriends."

I groaned and hid my red face in Lestats silky dark blue shirt. I felt him tense up and his arm locked around me. I thought he was going to lose his shit and make a scene, but he surprised me by relaxing and patting my leg with his stiff, cold hand.

"Well then, as her father, I must say I'm a bit annoyed. However, I want her to be happy. Which is why I'm inviting you both to my castle. I play a tune on the violin my dear Mira loves."

Lestats dark eyes bore into mine as Tom pretends to be interested. His cold hand comes up and pushes some stray hair behind my ear and then trails his fingers down my cheek to my neck, where his eyes drop to. My pulse picks up and I look over to Tom to see that he isnt even paying attention. His eyes are downcast to the wooden table and his lips pressed into a thin line.

"Perhaps we will show for the Christmas Holiday," Tom said slowly, clearly deep in thought. "Theres something I should like Mira's help obtaining."

"And what is this something?"

"A...family heirloom," Tom answers Lestat while finally meeting his eyes.

I was so glad when we finally left and Lestat kissed me on the forehead before we exited. The air in Hogsmead was so much fresher without the scent of beer and caramel, and the intoxicating battle of power between two vicious lords. Christmas time was near and I decided I really wanted to buy Tom something. I wondered if he ever got Christmas presents?