smolskyz
In which,
Tom is, indeed, quite a riddle.
And Nikolai has always loved solving riddles.
"You know, dear Thomas, despite everything, you are still quite... marvelous, aren't you?"
"There's nothing wrong with ambition and seeking power, but that should not be an end on its own, or it will amount to nothing, it will be shallow and will leave you as empty and hungry as you have been starting out. You seek to be great, but you haven't thought precisely what for. You need "a for", Tom, you are already too clever for your own good, but you lack the wisdom to see this.
"A for", "a why", this is the heart of all things. And nothing is worthwhile without a heart. If I've learned anything in my life, this is it. Never forget and neglect your heart."
"Someone better talk fast right now or soon no one will be able to talk in any pace anymore. I'm as close to bleeding out this whole room as it can get, gentlemen."
Tom riddle x male oc/ published in 2021/ on-going