Cedric Diggory Imagines!

First Fight

(Request and idea from @Fangirlysam !)

You sat alone at a table inside The Three Broomsticks, a small side of chips in front of you beside a glass of water. You had been waiting for almost two hours for Cedric to show up. It had been far too long since you and Cedric had gone out on a date, and he insisted that you meet him at Broomsticks. Yesterday he informed you that he had a whole afternoon and evening of fun planned for just the two of you to make up for the time he hadn't been able to spend with you lately. For the first few weeks after you and Ced discussed how little time he spent with you, he was doing well. He balanced his obligations and time with you well. Whether it was study sessions together or just cuddling in his spare time, he made it work. And when he needed to tend to his duties, you had no issue. But lately, things had gone back to the way they were before. You hadn't put up a fight yet. But once again he was throwing himself into task, doing an unnecessary amount of work for them. Even his friends didn't see him as much anymore. At first they blamed you, but you were quick to let them know that you had nothing to do with his behavior. In fact, the few times he did hang out with them were because you forced him away from his work and told him he needed to see them, or he would lose them. Well now he was losing you. Your heart ached at the though, because you loved him dearly. But he never made time for you. Now when he did have time, he spent it with his group of friends: Markus, Lester, Mason, Ryder and Wyatt. You almost regretted telling him he was losing his friends. 

You checked your watch before scanning the room for Cedric. You looked to the door, hoping he would be the next one to enter. When the door did inevitably open, a few students scurried in. Cedric was not among them.

***

Back at the common room you sat alone on the loveseat, watching the fire, deep in thought. You couldn't just stay quiet about this anymore. Cedric would want you to tell him if you were upset anyway. Right? Besides, you wanted to give him another chance. But what if it upset him? What if it hurt his feelings or made him feel guilty? You scowled as you imagined the pain in his eyes. You never liked seeing him like that. You just wanted him to understand.

You felt the cushion beside you sink down. You looked over to see bright blue eyes staring at you. You forced a smile at Cedric's friend. "Wyatt. I thought you would be with Cedric," you said. Of all of Cedric's friends, Wyatt was the most friendly towards you. He was also the only one that didn't make suggestive remarks about you to Cedric. You watched as the beach blonde's face contorted into a confused expression. "Why? I'm not on the Quidditch team." Now it was your turn to look confused. "What has that got to do with it?" Wyatt raised a brow, "Well... they're at that victory party on the field. It's for the Hufflepuff team. Didn't Cedric tell you about it?" You fell silent. The look on your face must have given the answer away. Wyatt's eyes widened. He nervously scratched his head, ruffling his wild blonde locks. "That would be a no," he whispered. "It's a fat no," you grumbled. 

You and Wyatt looked to the circular door as Cedric came rushing in. He paused at the sight of you. "Y/n! There you are. I... I was looking for you." He shifted nervously. Wyatt hummed under his breath and bolted out of the common room. You pressed your lips together, keeping your eyes on the restless Hufflepuff in front of you. 
"Here I am," you said softly, offering him a half-hearted smile. It was all you could muster. 
Cedric walked over slowly. He moved the cloak of his uniform aside before he took a seat where Wyatt once sat. You adjusted your position to face him. Cedric sighed and looked at the floor, then his eyes wandered to you. There was that guilty look you didn't want to see. 

"Cedric--"
"Before you say anything" Cedric cut in, "I can explain."
"You forgot." 
"I... forgot. But that's only because--"
Now it was your turn to cut him off. "I don't want an excuse." You had to look away from him. "Cedric, listen. This is really getting out of hand."
"Out of hand? I know I messed up, but it was just one date. I thought you might be more understanding... like you promised you would." Frustration caused heat to rush to your face and ears. "Underst-- Cedric, I have been more than understanding." 
"Not from where I'm sitting..." he responded curtly. And that, my dearest lovely reader, is what pushed you over. 

"Funny you should say that. Because an hour ago, I was sitting alone. For two hours waiting for you to show up. In the past five weeks I've spent more time with the twins than I have with my boyfriend! So if we're bringing up the promise that I made, then we're bringing up the promise you made. Five weeks I've gone without seeing you. You promised to make time for me."
Cedric scooted back, face cross. "You were the one who told me I needed to see my friends."
"Yes, and I stand by that! But... I didn't think that meant there would be no room left for me."
"I have obligations, y/n. I'm sorry, but my world doesn't revolve around you."
He fell silent at the same time you did. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.  
You were the one to break the silence. "I know that. And I don't expect it to. I understand that you have a lot on your plate. So maybe I shouldn't be trying to add one more thing." 
Cedric frowned, his eyes softened. He shook his head slightly and looked down, avoiding your gaze. "No. I can make it work."
"If you could, then it would have happened already."
Cedric scooted closer, "If this is about what I said... I--"
"No, Cedric. It doesn't. I know your world doesn't revolve around me. I would never ask that of you. I only wanted a bit of your time. A few hours once a week would be enough. It was. But then it stopped. Maybe we just need a little break."

It pained you to say it, but you knew you both needed it. You knew he might not even come back to you after this... that this break might become permanent. 
Cedric pressed his lips together firmly and stood up silently. He said nothing as he walked away slowly, leaving you alone in the common room once again.