#mmeskywalker

You couldn’t help but chuckle. “Dork,” you muttered, knowing damn well he could still hear as you stalked toward him. Tissue in hand.

His legs opened as you stepped between them, taking his chin in your hands as you carefully wiped the edges of his mouth. He didn’t question it. Your thumbs brushed beneath his eyes as they stared adoringly up at you, gently taking his glasses off for better access. As you did, his features sharpened, showing you all of your beautiful boyfriend.

The microwave yelled for you to come back, but you had a new hunger. Something rooted much deeper in your stomach. “Pretty boy,” you murmured, soothing your palm along his cheek.

Clark was so enthralled by the gentleness of your hands he didn’t say anything. Instead, he sat there. Tissue caressing his forehead. “Sweetheart,” he whispered. “Could you take the tissue away?”

“No,” you frowned. “I need it.”

“Why?” If you didn’t know any better he was whining, guiding your thighs to wrap around his as you wiped his face with dry tissue. His large hands settled on your hips.

You adjusted yourself in his lap. “Because,” you said. “I’m cleaning my seat for later.”

His movement stilled, eyes opening slowly as his head tilted forward. Then his lips captured yours. It was dizzying. Soft mhms slipping until you sat above him on the couch. “Clark!” You gasped, giggling as he pulled you in for another.

“Your seat? Come on,” he chuckled, sliding his hands down your pants. “Don’t leave it waiting, it could get cold. Or worse! Dirty,” goosebumps crawled across your skin as he flipped you with practiced ease, settling you right atop his mouth as your giggled stilled, replaced by something more.

You watched his pants tower, aching the be let free. His tongue delved in and out of your pussy, penetrating you as he rolled your hips into his mouth. “Golly,” he moaned, bucking into the air. “Were you this wet when you came over here? Or was it me, sweetheart—all ‘cause of me?”

He circled your clit with his tongue, sucking greedily as he mixed his spit with your arousal. It was filthy. You knew you were making a mess of him, moaning like a bitch in heat. Still, you whined as he grinded your hips down, bouncing you against his face.

Wetness formed on the fabric of Clark’s lap, his toes curling into the armchair. Time stilled until his breathing sputtered. The outline of his dick was in your hand, shaky fingers dragging across the clothed tip. “All you,” you whimpered, pulling his sweats and boxers down at the same time. “All ‘cause of you, Clark.”

Then your lips were around him, inching his length as he moaned into your sex. “G-goodness—Baby you’re gonna make me—!” his hips stuttered. He was large, but nothing you weren’t able to handle anymore.

Your spit coated his cock, tongue swirling as your nose brushed against neatly groomed pubic area. “Gonna make me come,” he warned, fingers applying pressure to your clit and he practically attacked your cunt with his mouth. “Come with me, sweetheart. Make a mess of my face—Goodness. Gosh, please make a mess of my face, sweetie. Please, please,” he cut himself off with a broken breath, chasing your orgasm as he came down your throat.

You gyrated against his fingers and chin as he milked you dry, thighs shaking around his sides. “You’re so perfect, baby,” you breathed, licking the cum off your lips. It spilled down your face but you didn’t mind. You wanted to see his, so you turned around. He helped you, stilling your shakiness with the gentleness of his palm.

“ced, don’t tease,” you whimper, involuntarily bucking your hips into his mouth.

he chuckles, and to prove his point, he seals his lips around your clit and suckles greedily, his tongue lashing over the sensitive bundle of nerves again and again. at the same time, he slips a long finger inside your tight heat, pumping it slowly as he laps at you.

your walls flutter and clench around his invading digit, trying to draw him deeper. your slick coats his finger, dripping down to pool on the sheets beneath you.

cedric adds another finger, stretching you open as he thrust them in and out of your soaked channel. his eyes flick up to watch your face as he pleasures you, committing each expression and sound to memory.

"that's it, love," he murmurs against your sex, his fingers pumping steadily. "don't hold back. i want to hear you, all of you. let me know how good it feels."

he curls his fingers just so, brushing against that spot deep inside that made your back arch off the bed. at the same time, he sucks harder on your clit, his tongue flicking rapidly over the sensitive flesh. he can feel you tightening, can sense your impending release, and he’s determined to make it happen.

“fuck, cedric!” your body tenses, your thighs clamping around his head as your climax grows quicker. he doubles his efforts, sucking harder on your clit as he pumps his fingers faster, curling them to hit that sweet spot inside you with every thrust.

you moan, mumbling nonsense before: “oh my gods, i’m going to come, baby. i’m going to come so fucking hard!”

"that's it, sweetheart," he encourages, his voice strained with arousal. "come for me, y/n. i want to feel you come undone on my tongue, want to taste your pleasure as it crashes over you.

“give it to me, honey.”

he feels your walls starting to flutter and clench around his fingers, your body drawing taut as a bowstring. he knows you’re close—because, well, duh—he can sense the coil of tension in your core as your orgasm builds.

"let go, sweetheart. i’ve got you," cedric urges, his breath hot against your sex.

with a final, hard suck your climax crashes over you. he groans against your sex, the vibrations of it sending shockwaves through your core as he feels your release gush out to coat his chin and hands.

he growls, fingers pumping frantically as he works you through your high, his tongue lapping up every drop of your essence like a man starved. "that’s it, my love. come on my tongue, fill my mouth with your sweet cream. i’m going to drink down every last drop."

as your spasms finally began to subside, cedric gentles his touch, his fingers slowing their frantic pace to long, slow drags through your soaked folds. he presses soft kisses to your sensitive flesh, his tongue flicking out to catch the last drops of your release.

“how was that for hello?” he asks, body settling between your legs. he caresses the back of his fingers across your forehead, brushing the hair out of your face before kissing you gently.

you moan at the taste of yourself on his lips, then chuckle at his ridiculous remark. “that wasn’t any hello,” you say, tilting your head. “that was extraordinary.”

“was it?” he murmurs, a soft smiling playing on his lips. “because i was thinking i could’ve done better.”

your brows squint, meeting in the middle as he kisses your cheek, your jaw, and your forehead—and you let out a strand of air, giggling as you push him off of you, holding his face in your palms. “what are you talking about, better? darling, have you gone mad? it doesn’t get any better than that,” you scrunch your face as he comes back to kiss the tip of your nose, giggling more.

“have you seen the way your eyes shine in the firelight?” the plush of his lips brush against your cheek. “could’ve had you over there, and fed you s’mores…”

“is that even possible,” you scuff, eyes fluttering shut as he kisses your lashes. yes, your lashes. this man is relentless. but he’s your man, and you blush a deeper shade of red at every gentle peck. “‘course it’s possible,” he rolls his eyes. “don’t underestimate me, lovely.”

cedric rolls onto his back, pulling you with him so you’re draped half across his chest, your head pillowed on his shoulder. his fingers find your hair, combing through the strands that glints even in the low light. “you’re beautiful, you know that?” he murmurs against your hairline.

you smile then, a real smile that reaches your eyes and makes them crinkle at the corners. "thanks to you," you softly tease, your hand sliding up his arm, soaking in his embrace. "you remind me everyday, and everyday i fall a little more in love with you.”

“only a little?” you know he’d be clutching his heart if your chest wasn’t pressed against his, and you laugh, hiding your face in his neck, breathing in the comforting scent of his skin.

“okay, a lot,” you correct yourself. you feel him smile against the top of your head.

his hand strokes up and down your back, brows furrowing softly before smoothing out at the sound of your yawn. “did our lovemaking make you tired,” he coos, chuckling as you nestle yourself against him.

“yes, you wear me out,” a slow grin stretches over your tired lips.

he scoffs. “i did all the work,” he says matter-of-factly. “i should be the tired one.”

“well, here we are,” you tilt your head to meet his gaze, only to find him looking at you with the warmest smile you’ve ever seen. your heart melts at the sight. “ced,” you murmur, and he catches your lips with his, kissing you so gently you almost miss it. “go to sleep,” he musters. you look at him expectantly, waiting for him to say the three words he knows puts you to sleep immediately.

he doesn’t look up when you sit beside him, just mutters, “i hate when people ask for help and don’t listen to it.”

you hum, brushing your fingers through his damp hair, gently sweeping it off his forehead. “you’re not mad at them,” you murmur. “you’re mad you care so much and they don’t see it.”

this makes him glance at you. eyes heavy, but still impossibly soft as they land on your face. you lean in a little closer, fingertips ghosting over the hem of his jersey.

he notices. swallows hard. doesn’t stop you.

“want me to distract you?” you ask quietly, your voice layered in warmth.

his breath catches.

you take it as permission.

your hands slip beneath the soft fabric of his quidditch jersey. his skin is flushed and firm beneath your fingertips, the curve of his waist sharp, his stomach tensing as you skim over his ribs.

his head tips back against the wood with a soft, wrecked sigh. “you’re not helping,” he says, voice hoarse.

you laugh under your breath, leaning closer until your nose brushes his jawline. “i’m not trying to.”

he turns to you — slow, deliberate — and kisses you.

it’s not rushed, not desperate. it’s full of that intensity you know so well. where every moment says that he needs you. his hand finds your thigh, fingers curling tight like he’s trying to anchor himself. your hands slide further up his jersey, and he groans softly into your mouth. his voice is barely audible when he breathes, “keep touching me like that and i’m going to lose every last bit of patience i have left.”

“then lose it,” you whisper.

he backs away slightly, reading your face, brows tense, until you pull him back in and he kisses you harder. “merlin,” he murmurs into your mouth, crawling over your seated form. he traps you between his thighs. you look at him through lovesick lashes, confused when he backs away, but before you say anything, he slides off his jersey.

“i love you,” his breath is shaky, watching your fingertips dance across the delicate line of his abdomen. your thumb traces just below his ribs and he shudders. “so much,” he whispers. then, before you can pull away, he reaches behind you to spread the jersey onto the grass. “be completely still,” he whispers softly into your ear, lips grazing the sensitive skin.

a strong arm wraps beneath your waist, lying you on the grass with your head placed carefully against the fabric of his quidditch top. cedric has always been gentle when it comes to you. even in the midst of his anger. even when the world is heavy. never has he put you at fault, because you are the constant that keeps him still.

he exhales like you’ve knocked the wind out of him, and for a moment, he stays hovering, legs tangled in yours, admiring you sprawled out beneath him. “come here,” you wrap your fingers gently around the back of his neck, thumb brushing the hair at his nape as you tug him closer.

he melts into it. into you.

his lips land just beneath your ear, then trace slowly down the curve of your jaw, before meeting your mouth again. slower now. less desperate. more certain.

he smiles into your embrace. the first smile of the night. not forced. not guarded. just real. just him.

you feel it before you even see it, the curve of his mouth brushing your cheek.

“awww,” you murmur, grinning up at him. “was that a smile? finally?”

his face buries in the crook of your neck, and he groans, embarrassed in the gentlest, most boyish way.

“shut up,” he mumbles, but he’s still smiling. wider now.

you laugh, threading your fingers through his hair.

“don’t pretend you’re not completely adorable when you smile, diggory. it’s a dangerous weapon.”

he lifts his head, eyes soft, glowing from the compliment and the way you’re looking at him — like you’ve never wanted anything more.

“you’re one to talk,” he says, voice low, rough around the edges. “you smile at me like you’ve got me in the palm of your hand.”

you blink. your heart does something.

because the truth is, you do.

he dips back down to kiss you again, slower this time, and in between kisses, he whispers against your mouth,

“you’ve ruined me. completely.”

you laugh softly, the sound muffled between your mouths as the kiss deepens.

his hand slides along your thigh, guiding it gently to wrap around his waist, angling you closer. it’s instinctive, like your bodies are trying to close every bit of distance left.

cedric hums against your lips, kissing you deeper, a little more sure of himself now.

when his tongue brushes teasingly at your bottom lip, you smile and let him in.

the kiss shifts — slower, messier, sweeter.

your fingers tangle in his hair.

his breathing evens out. his shoulders drop, tension melting.

you stay like that for a while, wrapped up in each other, everything else fading out.

Don’t be ridiculous, you thought. Get your mind out of the gutter.

You opened Sudoku on Clark’s device, picking up where he left off, but heat rushed through you. Clark’s mouth was agape, starring at the screen as if he were in a trance. Was that a good thing? A 3 could fit into the first space on the top left box. He squeezed your calf. “Holy smokes… Crawling around like that could make a guy weak,” he sputtered, unable to pull his gaze.

“Yeah?” You smiled shyly, inching away from the phone.

“Oh yeah,” he scoffed as if it were obvious. “You’re beautiful, darling,” he was absentmindedly tapping your skin to the rhythm of the beat. “And those vocals? Goodness, sweetie. They’re beautiful too. Everything you do. It’s mesmerizing. You’re mesmerizing. Jeepers—“ his voice broke as you bored into the camera, working the floor the same way you have in the bedroom.

The same way you will tonight.

It was hard to tell exactly where he was looking from that angle. His side profile in full view, warm fluorescents glistening off his skin as the screen zoomed into your lips. Enveloping your foot, he pressed your heel against the firmness of his slacks, unable to decently express how you were making him feel. He was at a loss for words.

He swallowed thickly as the video faded. Grabbed your phone. Pushed replay… then repeat. “You,” he breathed, separating your legs with his hips as he settled above you. “Are so talented.” His voice muffled as he stole a deep kiss from your lips, tongue swirling with yours. “Just listen to that.” His head boped to the beat, tickling your sides to get you to move in order to lay between you and the couch.

“I’m listening, I’m listening,” you giggled, shielding yourself in his chest until he stopped tickling you.

He held you for a moment. “Good,” he huffed, kissing the top of your head. “Because this is a hit.”

“You’re a loser,” you shoved him away. Far enough to look him in the eye. He smirked, legs tangled with yours. Before you knew it he was pressed against your core, hips bucking into yours as he rolled you to your back, pinning you under his weight.

“Gonna give this loser an autograph?” He spoke into your neck, groaning at the beat drop. His body was a magnetic pull. Hair soft. Voice sweet.

Smugness spread across your face as you held his face against your shoulder blade, teeth nipping your skin. “Clark, baby. That doesn’t even make sense,” you chuckled, waiting for his contort.

“I don’t care,” he whined, holding you close. You could feel his lashes as he rolled his eyes. Lips gentle against the crook of your neck. His weight an anchor. Something you didn’t want rid of. You held him closer. He sighed into your embrace, arms slipping between your waist and the couch, hugging you tightly.

Your nails raked through the thick hairs of his nape. Up his scalp. Massaged his hairline. “You know,” you whispered in an effort to distract his drifting eyelids. “I wrote a song about the way you proposed to me.”

“Did you really?”

“Mhm,” you hummed, playing with his curls. “I’m calling it True Love.”

“You make me weak,” Clark tilted your head forward, planting an open mouthed kiss to your jaw. His hand fumbled down your stomach. “You gotta stop wearing these.” You frowned, confused until he tore your underwear as if it were flimsy garbage. Not sixty dollar, sleek material. “Oh great heavens,” he exhaled shakily, gathering your wetness on the tip his finger.

He brought it to his mouth, moaning around the taste, before catching you in a dizzy kiss. You wrapped your arms around his neck, reining him closer. His slacks pulled down his ankles. He pressed his length against you. The fabric of his boxers was delicious against your puffy clit.

“Gonna fuck me, Superman?” You cooed, unbuttoning his white work shirt. “All worked up over my new video?” You had a direct view down his sharp abs. The shirt draping loosely around his frame.

He nodded, whorishly moaning. “Been waiting all day for this. Was bragging about you during my shift,” he admitted. “Can’t believe you’re mine.” Recalling back his cock seemed to swell thicker against your core. He pulled himself out of his boxers, lining himself with your entrance. “Is this okay? Please baby, it hurts. I-I need you so badly!”

You couldn’t get enough of the sounds he was making. Begging to let him fuck you. As always, Clark never failed to ask for consent. Your nails raked up his back. “It’s okay, Clark,” you took his earlobe in your mouth, sucking gently before grazing it with your teeth. “Fuck me.”

“S-so tight,” he whimpered, pushing his cock into you. “Squeezin’ me, sweetheart. Feels so good—Aauh—“

His hips stuttered. The bridge repeating the lyrics: Do you like that? over and over as his seed spilled from your pussy. His moaning stuttered ‘yes’ as the it progressed. Sweetheart, you thought, unable to be mad he came so early. You expected it. Poor boy was working himself up all day waiting to see your pretty face on the big screen of your apartment.

Clark fucked his seed back into you, gathering it and pumping it in and out of your greedy hole, mesmerized as his thumb toyed with your glistening clit. He pressed down and your entire body buzzed. You muffled your moans in his neck as you reached your climax. His face turned back toward the screen.

“There,” he paused the video. “Want you to ride me like that,” effortlessly, he flipped you above him, managing to keep you connected as he rolled you onto his lap, breath uncontrollably hitching as you bounced up and down his cock.

Unpaused.

“Dirty boy!” You gasped, sliding his shirt the rest of the way off his muscular frame, then wrapped the fabric teasingly around his neck. “One orgasm wasn’t enough?”

He couldn’t respond. Too dizzy. Too fucked. His hands rested on your hips, squeezing the fat of your ass as his head rolled back. “Mmmm—N-no!— Not enough. Need more of you!” His palms became harsh. Groping your ass. Slapping it. Forcing you to take him deeper. Tears prickled his eyes. “Right there!” He screamed.

You pulled him to your mouth by the sleeves, keeping him close as you rode him. His mouth was wet against yours. Needy. You savored the sounds on your tongue. Sliding his hands under your shirt, he discarded it from your body, brows etched, maintaining eye contact as he sucked your stiff nipple.

He moaned around it, needing your other tit in his big hand. “Keep going,” you breathed, throwing your head back. “Feels so good, baby!” He circled his tongue around your nipple, whimpering at your praise.

Pop.

“Think you look better like this,” he admitted, playing with your nipples between his fingers. Face flushed. Crying. You tilted your head. Smirk toying at your lips.

“Having a-actual sex?” You chuckled, caressing his head back and your hands, breath caught as you began to shake. Your clit was rubbing perfectly against his pubic area. It was overwhelming in the most delicious way.

He shook his head, stifling a moan. “N-no,” he murmured. “In my arms.”

“You’re a c-cornb-ball!” your smile was prominent until it was cut by an earth shattering orgasm. You went limp against his chest. He held you firm against him as you failed to catch your breath, squeezing his thick length.

“No. I love you,” he corrected, thrusting faster. “I love you,” he repeated. Breath pitching. “I love you. Goodness, honey, I love you so much. ‘nd I get you everyday. You’re a dream come tru—Uuuuh!—“ his thrusts fastened as he released inside you again, not daring to drag his cock away.

You stilled for a moment. Wrapped your arms around his head. “I love you,” you murmured back. “So much.”

Clark buried his face in your neck. “Y/N Kent,” he murmured, rubbing your back as his hips slowly circled against yours.

“Hm,” you whispered, eyes fluttering shut.

His nose rubbed back and forth against your skin. “I just like saying it...” he said, kissing your shoulder blade, down your arm, then took your ring finger in his mouth, pressing the digit down on his tongue.

you’re at his side in less than a millisecond.

“you’re burning up,” you murmur, pressing your hand to his forehead. he leans into your touch like he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it.

they send him home, of course. tell him to rest.

and you go with him.

because you’re not about to let him take care of himself when he can barely stay upright. not when he needs you. not when he looks at you with tired eyes like you’re the only thing keeping him grounded.

“sweetheart,” he murmurs, trying—but failing—to sit straighter on the mattress. you’re immediately at his side, brushing the hair out of his face as you cradle his head onto the pillow.

hayden opens his mouth to say something, but you shake your head. “i have some of that soup you like cooking on the stovetop,” you sit by his side, using the back of your fingers to check his temperature.

still burning.

“you don’t have to talk. just rest,” you say softly, your palm settling on his cheek for a moment. he closes his eyes at the touch, lashes fluttering like he’s already half-asleep.

his voice is rough when he tries again. “you’re too good to me.”

you let out a quiet laugh, leaning down to press a kiss to his damp forehead. “yeah, well, someone’s gotta keep your stubborn ass alive.”

he gives the faintest smile, barely-there but still warm. you adjust the blanket over his chest, tucking it in like he’s not twice your size and pretending he doesn’t secretly love it.

“five more minutes and then you’re eating,” you whisper, fingers threading gently through his hair. “even if i have to spoon-feed you.”

his brow lifts the tiniest bit, teasing even now. “kinda into that,” he chuckles, the low sound reverberating through his chest until he coughs.

you roll your eyes but don’t fight the grin tugging at your lips. “sleep. before i smother you with a pillow.”

“hot,” he hoarsely breathes.

you groan and shake your head, already reaching for the cool rag to lay across his forehead.

“don’t get up,” you warn with a warm lit to your tone, kissing the tip of his nose. as you stand, hayden’s fingers curl gently around yours, allowing you to pull away as you make your way to the kitchen.

“i’m just getting your soup,” you call softly over your shoulder, glancing back to catch the way his eyes stay on you, heavy-lidded and full of something so tender it nearly knocks the breath from your lungs.

he doesn’t say anything, just watches you go with that soft little smile like you’re some kind of miracle.

you move quietly through the kitchen, ladling the soup into a bowl, the smell of garlic and herbs wrapping around you like a blanket. it’s the one he always asks for when he’s sick—though he never actually says he’s sick. just “a little off” or “run down.” but you always know.

back in the bedroom, he’s right where you left him—splayed across the mattress, flushed and sleepy, blanket tugged up to his chest. he blinks up at you like you’re the dream and not the other way around.

“hey,” you murmur, settling the bowl down on the nightstand. “think you’re up for a few bites?”

he nods, slow and lazy. “only if you sit with me.”

you smile, slipping in beside him, legs tucked under your body, spoon in hand. “i planned on it.”

he doesn’t eat much—just a few spoonfuls before his head lolls back against the pillow, murmuring a soft “thank you” that melts against your collarbone when you lean in to wipe his mouth with a napkin.

you set the bowl aside, curl back under the covers beside him, and he immediately shifts closer, chasing your warmth with a sleepy sort of desperation. his arm winds around your waist, fingers slipping under the hem of your shirt like he needs to feel your skin to settle.

you stay like that for hours.

the rest of the night moves slowly, gently.

he wakes a few times—once shivering, once drenched in sweat, once just to mumble your name until you soothe him back to sleep with soft touches and even softer words: “shh, it’s okay, my love, go back to sleep.”

you keep a cool cloth near the bed, change his shirt when it gets too damp, let him cling to you like a lifeline. when you step away to grab water or medicine, he stirs, eyes barely open, asking where you went with the smallest slur of panic in his voice.

each time, you return with a kiss to his forehead and a quiet promise: “i’m right here.”

by the time the sky begins to lighten, casting pale golden through the bedroom windows, hayden’s fever has dropped just a little, his breathing steadier.

he’s still curled around you, one hand loosely resting against your ribs, his face tucked into your neck like he doesn’t want the morning to take you away.

and you don’t move.

“you know what else is perfect?” your lips twitched into a malice smile.

“what?” she was still laughing, hardly able to contain herself as she ran her fingers through her hair.

grabbing your wand, you pointed it toward the dress. “evanesco!” you quickly shouted, a smirk now adorning your lips as the fabric disappeared from her grasp.

“you’re no fun,” she pouted, her laughter ceasing before giggles bubbled right back up again. “i’ll tell you what, i think i do have a dress for you to wear. trust me?” she asked, still giggling as she cocked her head to the side.

“i don’t know…” you teased, “are you going to pull out another bumblebee catastrophe?”

“no, i promise.” she interlocked her pinky with yours, the laughter finally dying down.

after a moment, you sat on her bed, your head leaning against the headboard as you waited for her to find what she was looking for in the mess she called ‘closet’.

your fingers danced around your wand, attempting to spin it around your unskilled grasp—only for it to end up dropping to your side. you blew out a stream of tense air. “have you found it yet?” you impatiently wailed.

“hold on,” she replied, annoyed.

after holding on for what felt like half an hour — two minutes max — she found the dress she was looking for

and it was beautiful.

it was a black dress with spaghetti straps that would clearly hug your body; long, plain, but gorgeous; just what you wanted.

“pans, it’s perfect.” you said, excitement rushing through your veins before it pained back down. well shit, you thought as your heart practically pounded in your chest.

tonight was the slytherin house party hosted to celebrate the new year. you’re a hufflepuff, a hufflepuff that managed to befriend the group of slytherin that everyone wanted but couldn’t become friends with. you knew most of the slytherin house disliked you, but your friends were feared, nobody dared to say too much about you to your face.

how sweet of them, you thought.

“yeah, it’s nothing special, but paired with a few gold accessories and your pretty face it’s going to look great!” pansy set the dress on the blanket beside you, her hands smoothing out the nonexistent wrinkles before meeting your gaze. “woah— hey what’s wrong?” she asked.

“uh,” you stuttered, looking toward the dress once, twice, before making eye contact with her again. “nothing’s— wrong?” you said, clearly trying to convince yourself of that matter rather than her.

you weren’t too emotional, always being able to hold a strong ground, but you had your days; like most hufflepuff. you guessed that today was one of those days.

great.

“baby, what’s wrong?” pansy asked again, brushing a strand of your hair behind your ear. “you know i’d never seriously make fun of you, right? you can talk to me,” she laughed softly, looking at you with an understanding gaze.

“it’s stupid.” you muttered, a smile creeping on your face despite the heavy turmoil in your chest. “i don’t even know if i should be going to this party… i don’t belong there.”

pansys brows furrowed. “whose making you feel like you don’t belong there?” she was upset, that of which you could tell.

“uh, everyone?” you responded as if it were as plain as day. “well, not you and our friends of course… but everyone else. they so-obviously don’t want me at their party, and i understand that; i mean, i’m a hufflepuff.”

pansy rolled her eyes. “screw them,” she said. “i want you there. matteo wants you there, enzo, draco, and blaise, all want you there.” her eyes glistened in the dim candlelighting, squinting as she drawled out her last sentence with an undeniable tease, “theo wants you there.”

pansy has known about your little crush on theo for years. it started in third year, when he began calling you that nickname you’ve just recently learned the meaning to: soffio.

it meant puff; a simple word that referred to your house, but it made your heart flutter.

he gave you that nickname

and it meant the world to you.

however, your delusions were just delusions. he didn’t know how much that name meant to you because he made it out of ridicule; a teasing ridicule, but ridicule at that.

“whatever,” you rolled you eyes, your thumb brushing away the singular tear rolling down your flushed cheek.

pansy smiled, getting out of bed, grabbing your hands to pull you off of the mattress as well. “you’re coming tonight,” she sing-songed. “and you don’t have a choice.”

7:30P.M.

"are you ready yet?!" pansy yelled against the bathroom door, pounding on it as you stared at yourself in the mirror.

your eyes shifted down the length of your body.

the dress looked just as good on as you imagined it would in your head, and if you were being honest, you're more-so holding her up to stare at yourself a little longer.

cocky, but whatever because you felt and looked amazing.

“one second!” you shouted, fluffing your hair up softly to make it look as if you ‘rolled out of bed’ in a perfect, flawless type way.

you could hear the sarcasm dripping from her tone as she counted, “one,” but you had already opened the door.

she looked stunning as well, wearing a long-sleeved, dark green dress with three gold rings forming a line down her slightly exposed chest.

“pansy, baby, you look so freaking pretty!” you squealed, your hands intertwined with hers mid-air as you both grinned at each other like overly-excited school girls. “me? oh my gosh, what about you?!” she said, her hands moving to your shoulders and rocking you gently as her eyes glistened. “you look so, so gorgeous, y/n!!!”

“i think theo’s going to have a mannerism,” she teased and you rolled your eyes.

“whatever,” you giggled.

. . . . . ╰──╮꒰ 🤍 ꒱ ╭──╯ . . . . .

8:00P.M.

two hundred slytherin and one hufflepuff,

two hundred slytherin and one hufflepuff,

two hundred slytherin and one hufflepuff,

but you’re only focused on six of them.

the six you felt safest around:

pansy parkinson (duh),

matteo riddle,

lorenzo berkshire,

(somehow) draco malfoy,

blaise zabini,

and theodore nott.

obviously, you didn’t walk in unnoticed.

matteo immediately sat up from the couch, making his way over to you as he watched you walk in with pansy. “funny seeing you here,” he teased, “how’s my favorite hufflepuff doing?” his arm wrapped around your shoulders, pulling you in closer to kiss the top of your head.

“yeah, yeah,” you rolled your eyes, laughing as you pushed him away. “and i’m okay, a little nervous, but i’m all good. y’know?”

“nervous?” matteo asked, cocking a brow.

you shot him a look and he quickly understood. “ah, no need to worry about them.” he promised, “they’ll be dealt with if they do anything.”

your forehead wrinkled slightly as you shot him a weary smile. “thanks.” you replied coolly, noticeably unsure of his intentions.

from across the room, theo’s eyes lit up, his frown transforming into a soft, bright smile as he made his way through the thick crowd to get to you. “soffio, you’re here.” his lips brushed against your hair, his arms wrapped around your head, pulling your cheek flat against his chest.

his italian accent was thick and heavy, harder to understand as his voice muffled into the depths of your hair, but you still felt a blush crawl over your flesh.

“theo—“ you muttered, your voice just as muffled as he pulled you even closer, one hand cupping the back of your neck while the other threaded through your hair, “i thought you weren’t going to show up, bella, i was worried,” he then whispered.

matteo shot him a look.

“theo you’re crushing me!” you giggled, your hands crawling up his chest to create a little distance between the two of you.

his large hand gently caressed your cheek; four fingers stroking your jaw as his thumb lingered in its original place, now smiling as he pulled away. “mi dispiace,” he whispered before turning his attention to the friend making his way over.

"i'm surprised you showed up," blaise drawled, leaning against the wall with an amused smirk. "thought you'd run the other way once you heard who all was coming." despite his words, there was warmth in his gaze as it met yours, a spark of admiration glinting in their depths.

“oh, shut up,” pansy hit his side, rolling her eyes. “if you scare her away i’ll beat your ass,” she then whispered, eyes squinting as she playfully bit down on her words.

“relax, ma.” he chuckled, his hands falling to her hips, squeezing them gently as he leaned down to kiss her, “let’s go get a drink, yeah?”

“and that’s my cue to leave,” pansy playfully hit your thigh, shooting a quick glance to theo as if she knew something you didn’t, “don’t do too much without me.”

you shivered as you watched her walk away, your mind racing at what she could have meant; knowing her, it could be anything.

draco entered the room then, scanning the gathering with a faint smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. he hesitated when he spotted you surrounded by the others, finally shrugging as if it wouldn't bother him either way before striding over. "y/l/n," he greeted coolly, shooting a smug look at matteo and theodore. "happy almost new year."

you wrinkled your nose at draco, a playful challenge lighting up in your eyes. "happy almost new year to you too, malfoy."

lorenzo approached last, his gaze taking in the group with a slow appraisal before he settled on you. there was something unreadable lurking behind his dark eyes, a mixture of surprise and a slight hint of desire. "quite the turnout," he murmured.

weird, you thought.

"aye, quite the turnout," matteo replied, chuckling softly as he placed a hand on lorenzo's shoulder. there was a brief moment of tension between them as they glanced toward you and theo, a silent understanding passing between the two of them before both men simply let it slide.

what seemed to you as theo ignoring their odd behavior, he turned to face everyone, clapping his hands together. "ah," he grinned, his voice full of mirth. "glad you decide to join us, lorenzo." theo patted his side.

lorenzo grinned, patting theo’s side in return, “wouldn’t wanna be here with anyone else.” he replied before looking toward the brunette woman he felt eyeing him down. “except maybe her,” he then smirked.

you heard matteo sigh, muttering a series of curse words as draco snickered beside him.

“whore,” draco spoke as if his commentary were a compliment, but lorenzo was too busy undressing the girl with his eyes to notice.

“well go up to her,” you groaned, rolling your eyes teasingly as you pushed him away from the circle. “don’t be a puss; drinking her up from afar is an unattractive trait, berkshire.”

he stumbled, his palms brushing down his white suit before glancing over at matteo. then, he turned around to wink at you playfully. “oh, you’re in for it later,” he chuckled. “wish me luck, love.”

‘good luck,’ you mouthed as he began to walk toward the girl, the tension in the room shifting.

theo scowled at lorenzo, three fingers rubbing against his thumb as matteo teasingly brushed the italian’s side. “chill,” he whispered, a shady smile playing on his lips.

“do not tell me to chill,” theo’s voice rose. “i am chill, no need to tell me to chill if i am already.”

your brows furrowed slightly, confused as to why theo snapped so suddenly. “everything okay?” you asked, your thumb rubbing soothing circles against his bicep before he blew out a sigh.

“yes, soffio,” he shakily assured, finding the hand you placed on his bicep, sliding it into his palm, and kissing your knuckles gently. “i’m— i’m okay.”

matteo grinned brightly as an idea struck his mind. “alcohol, anyone?”

8:30P.M.

you were trying not to spill your drink as you made your way back through the crowd. yeah, you were wearing a black dress, so you guessed that a stain wouldn’t really matter… but you still hated the feeling of wet fabric against your skin.

“ow,” you muttered as you bumped into matteo’s chest. don’t worry, you did not spill your beverage.

you were about to apologize until you noticed lorenzo standing beside him, now turning to stand behind you. your brows furrowed to the bridge of your nose. staring at them intensely, you asked, “uh, what exactly do you think you’re doing?”

“we’re going to help you out, girlfriend,” matteo smirked, his eyes a dangerous game, his tone slithering directly into one ear then finding its way out the next.

“like i said,” you scowled. “uh, what?”

“do you want a new years kiss or not?” lorenzo asked, his palm finding your waist to keep you steady as you tried to walk away.

you slapped his hand. “not from you, berkshire.” you spat.

“obviously not from me, idiot.” he rolled his eyes. “from theodore.”

your eyes lit.

matteo cocked his brow, “there might be one before new years though if he doesn’t crack.”

this time, you did spill your drink—a little of the liquid dripping from the rim of your cup as your hand jerked forward. “what are you talking about, matty?” your voice dripped with disgust as you then slapped lorenzo’s hand away from your waist, “and let go of me.”

“do you like theodore or not?” matteo asked, clearly annoyed.

“none of the bullshit either, sweetheart.” lorenzo dragged. “everyone can tell you’re crazy about the guy, there’s no point in hiding it anymore.”

“you know what they say…new year, new confessions.” matteo cocked a brow, waiting for you to come clean.

you huffed, the need to correct him strong as you rolled your eyes. “they don’t say that,” you said, but you were now looking toward the ground… “okayyesiliketheo,” you muttered.

“what was that?” lorenzo asked, a teasing smile apparent on his lips. “one more time for me, love?”

“yes; merlin, yes, okay! i like theo,” you bit in a faint yet deadly whisper. “what do you want from me? a cookie?”

matteo smirked, looking around before taking a step closer to you, “atta girl.” he said, “enzo and i’ve been thinking,” - “not a good sign.” - “girl, shut up. we were thinking and we know a way to get theo to confess his feelings.”

before you could ask how, you felt lorenzo’s proximity come closer as well. “he’s protective over you, that we all know.”

you couldn’t necessarily see enzo roll his eyes, but you could hear the eye roll in his tone.

“we’re going to make him jealous.” matteo added.

lorenzo nodded, “precisely.”

he stumbled, his palms brushing down his white suit before glancing over at matteo. then, he turned around to wink at you playfully. "oh, you're in for it later," he chuckled. "wish me luck, love."

'good luck, you mouthed.

“see, you were playing along before you even realized.” matteo nudged your shoulder playfully and you finally laughed, easing up a bit.

“you really think this is going to work?” you asked, a little unsure of the whole situation.

to that, lorenzo scoffed. “i know it’s going to work.” he stated. “darling, theo is head over heels for you; you’re all he talks about. let’s just consider this to be theo’s wake up call.”

9:00P.M.

you’re now wineless.

you downed three cup-fulls of the substance to take your mind off the fact you’re sitting on lorenzo berkshire’s lap at a party; a guy you’ve always thought of as a brother.

“i’m sorry.” he whispered against the side of your head, “i know how uncomfortable this may be for you.”

“not uncomfortable,” you responded, your head now resting against his shoulder, and that was the truth. you weren’t uncomfortable, “this is just different.”

he nodded, his gaze lingering on theo’s hand as he watched his knuckles turn white around a glass. “somebodies getting angry,” enzo chuckled. theo never contemplated anything when it came to you, must be the italian in him well, except maybe when it came to confessing his feelings. you watched as he began to walk toward the two of you. “prepare yourself, love.” enzo then warned.

“lorenzo,” theodore smiled, a forced smile, one that laid heavy on his chest. “how about you come on a walk with me, yeah? i want to speak with you privately.”

his eyes found yours—they were heavy and disappointed. your heart sank further, but you only held onto lorenzo a little tighter.

“woah, heyyy, what’s going on here?” matteo quickly intervened, gently patting theo on the back as he looked at you and lorenzo. “i didn’t know you two were a thing!” matteo sounded astonished, his mouth dropping as he chuckled. “theo, buddy, isn’t this wonderful news?”

the scowl on theodore’s face was apparent as he muttered, “considerati fortunata, puttana,” (consider yourself lucky, whore.) under his breath, but he quickly nodded. “yeah, such great and—wonderful news, mio amico.”

“you think?” lorenzo smirked, giving your waist a gentle squeeze before kissing your neck, cheekily staring at theodore as your hand entangled into his brunette hair.

theodore’s eyes darkened as he sipped his alcohol, an angry noise bubbling from his throat. “yep.” he bit, “it’s fucking wonderful.”

“now that’s good sportsmanship.” matteo rubbed theo’s back before continuing. “hey! i have an idea. why don’t we go dancing? how does that sound, lovebirds!”

you slid off lorenzo’s lap and he was quick to follow suite, his arm sliding around your hipbone, pressing your back against his chest. he had to be strongly willed because the way theodore’s gaze burned through his skull wasn’t easy to ignore.

at least you couldn’t ignore it.

it made you sick to your stomach.

theo set his glass on the table. “you do that—i’m going for a smoke.”

9:30P.M.

theo didn’t go outside to smoke.

instead, he was leaned against a wall, a cigarette planted between his parted lips as his eyes stuck to yours like glue; watching you dance against lorenzo rather than him.

you decided not to make eye contact with theodore because if you did you’d end up stopping the plan right then and there.

“enzo,” you muttered, your gaze struggling to stay on the ground as his chin rested on your head, swaying to the music with his hands on your waist. “hmm?” he hummed.

“could you, um,” you stuttered, your eyes fluttering to theodore’s and immediately regretting it. “turn me around.”

he nodded, his gaze now facing theodore’s pained one as you wrapped your arms tighter around his neck to comfort yourself. in return, he gave you a squeeze. “i know how hard this is for you, love,” he whispered, “but trust me, it’s going to be worth it.”

“are you sure?” you asked, your mind beginning to race. “because he hasn’t done anything other than stare. i mean, who stares at the person they supposedly have a crush on as they dance with your best friend?…oh my merlin,” you muttered, reality hitting you. “i’m dancing with his best friend.”

you tried to back away but lorenzo’s grip tightened around you, “y/n.”

“i’m going to hell,” you continued. “this is it for me. i’m literally the worst person alive. hell. that’s my future. h. e. double hockey stic—“

enzo squeezed your hips, signaling that he’s about to kiss you. “now?!” you shouted in an angry whisper. lorenzo nodded, his eyes darting toward theodore’s again, watching as he began to make his way over.

“now.” he confirmed and your stomach backflipped.

a hand came to your cheek, lorenzo’s thumb covering your mouth as he kissed that rather than you; to the unassuming eye, the kiss was passionate, stomach hurling curling.

any girl would die to kiss lorenzo berkshire; slytherin’s number one heart throb.

just not you.

but boy did you put on a show.

theodore stopped in his tracks, his hand reaching forward as a communication indicator but falling back to his side in defeat. he turned back around.

good thing you didn’t see that because you would’ve chased after him, throwing your arms around his neck and kissing him passionately; not his fucking best friend.

10:30P.M.

you were comfortable dancing with lorenzo when theodore’s eyes weren’t burning through the two of you; laughing as his hands ghosted over your hips, dancing to the music as friends rather than ‘lovers’.

you almost forgot about the whole plan.

“thought that she… was with theo.” a slytherin you didn’t recognize commented.

“must be a pass around.” another smirked, and your heart sank even further.

you stepped away from lorenzo, emotions stirring as you made eye contact with the group talking about you.

their commentary came to an end as you watched matteo approach them in your peripheral vision. you didn’t hear much bickering after that, but regardless, your vision began to blur.

looking around, you noticed everyone staring at you, and you took another step back.

“hey— hey!” lorenzo was close to you again.

“what?” you bit. “this whole thing, this whole plan is stupid and i want to stop.”

“y/n.” he chuckled, looking around awkwardly, trying to place his arms around you waist but you smacked him hard in the chest, sending him slightly backward.

a small gasp tumbled from his parted lips.

you didn’t shout, but your voice graveled as you continued to walk into him. “i’m.” you hit him again. “not.” again. “doing.” again. “this.” and again. “anymore!”

but his arms stayed around you.

“i want to stop!” you were crying now, going limp against his chest as your throat burned. “please, please let me stop, enz… please.”

enzo drug a hand to your lower back, doing what he knew he needed to do. “don’t worry. i’ll go find pansy.” he whispered before kissing your temple.

10:45P.M.

“pans,” you cried, your mascara staining your cheeks as you burried yourself in her arms. “this was a mistake—i shouldn’t have agreed to their stupid plan.”

“hey,” she whispered, her fingers gently massaging your scalp. “we’ve all fallen for their antics before, don’t blame yourself too badly, honeybee.”

you shot her a look and she cocked her head, smiling empathetically, “not the time?”

“i’ll tell you what,” she whispered again, casting a small spell to rid the mascara from your cheeks before pulling your shoulders back to look you in the eye. “don’t leave. give it until midnight like planned, and if it goes wrong…” pansy took her phone out, a recording of both matteo and lorenzo stopping you earlier to explain the plan playing on screen.

she then smirked, “i’ll show him this.”

“when did you take that?” you asked, your fingers trailing down the length of the phone before looking at her skeptically; eyes still swollen.

her gaze shifted toward the ground, “let’s just say i was um… in on the whole thing…”

“don’t worry, though.” she says, brushing the final tear on your cheek away with the base of her thumb as she smiled. “they came to me so things wouldn’t get all fucked up… they care about you y/n, and they care about theodore, they don’t want to ruin this thing you have with him, okay?”

you nod, and she hugs you one last time before you have to go and find lorenzo.

11:00P.M.

“you seem tense, y/l/n,” draco found you before you found lorenzo.

his gaze drifted toward theodore, who was currently yelling at matteo—who was currently yelling at matteo. draco’s eye widened, astonished at the sight laid before him, “and i think i know why.”

“no, no, no, fuck!” you shouted, about to run toward them before the pair of hands you’d become so acquainted with today found your waist a-fucking-gain.

“do not.” enzo spat. “just be patient.”

draco raised his brows, clearly not even wanting to know as he silently left the scene.

“he’s going to kill him!” you shouted, struggling in his grasp, “let. me. GO.”

enzo rolled his eyes, “has anyone ever told you that you’re a stubborn little asshole?”

you paused for a moment. “hm, yes,” you nodded. now let me go.”

he held on tighter.

11:15P.M.

“no, no , no,” theodore’s fingers ran through his hair, “what is he doing to her, matteo? he shouldn’t be dancing with her like—like that! she’s a lady!”

theodore wasn’t yelling at matteo, his movements made it look as if he were upset, but he wasn’t. well… not at matteo at least.

matteo, being such a good friend, was letting theodore rant to him about how much he valued you and your friendship.

otherwise known as: matteo wanted to milk theo to his breaking point.

“dancing with her like what?” matteo asked, staring at you and lorenzo as he swayed and rocked his hips against yours. “seems to me like they’re having a little fun, if you know what i mean.” he winked playfully.

“jokester.” theodore drawled, pushing his shoulder. “i don’t like seeing her with him.”

matteo cocked his brow, “yeah and why’s that, buddy?” his head tilted to the side, “are you… jealous?”

theo looked astounded, immediately shaking his head in denial. “no, of course not.” he said, his cheeks turning a brighter shade of red as his anger grew palpable. “but she shouldn’t be here with that imbecille.”

“here we go again,” matteo rolled his eyes, groaning. “you never think anyone is right for her, dude. you have to give it a break.”

“a break,” theo threw his hand flat out in front of him, his forearm horizontal against his stomach. he drew it out, creating an invisible line. “she disserves someone that respects her, not a man like lorenzo.”

becoming harder to contain himself, matteo raised a brow at theo. "you mean deserves?” he grinned, continuing to drawl, “and who says he isn't the one for her?"

theo appeared as if he were on the verge of snapping. that caused matteo to chuckle, clasping his hands together as he grinned. “aw, what’s wrong, theo?” he playfully pouted, “you don’t like seeing them together? you poor, poor thing,” he puffed his lips. “guess you can’t do anything about it now.”

theo's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched as he glared at matteo. "this isn’t right," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "that boy is not good for her, and you know it."

matteo raised his hands in mock surrender, stepping back from theo. "whoa, whoa, calm down, buddy," he said, trying to lighten the mood. "i’m just messing with you. I know you care about her, but you can't control who she chooses to be with."

theo's gaze never left matteo, but he slowly relaxed his posture, his anger simmering down. "don’t mess with me right now, matteo," he warned, his voice still tense. "this is y/n we’re talking about; that boy will corrupt her!”

matteo shrugged, a smirk still playing on his lips. "maybe she likes the bad boys," he teased, gesturing toward you and lorenzo. "maybe she's into a little danger and excitement."

theo scoffed, muttering a curse under his breath. matteo raised an eyebrow, leaning closer to his friend, his tone becoming serious.

“you love her, buddy.” he said softly, his words filled with gentle understanding, “i know you do; trust me, i’ve seen the way you’ve looked at her since first year. just talk to her.”

the moment stretched thinly between them, theo's face twisting with an agonizing mix of emotions. things became tense, and both men glanced over to where you and lorenzo danced in the distance.

“i need a drink,” theo muttered.

11:30P.M.

“this sucks,” you groaned, looking at lorenzo only to find that his gaze is back on the brunette girl from earlier. you watched him, rolling your eyes before taking that chance to slip away.

music blared throughout the common room, it was upbeat and happy, but your focus drifted toward the window as you sat on the ledge.

you could feel the weather seeping through the glass, a gentle coldness caressing your cheeks as you took a deep breath in.

you sighed heavily, rubbing your temples with your fingertips, trying to clear your thoughts as you stared out into the misty night. winter breezes blew through the open windows, accompanied by the distant sounds of laughter resounding from behind you, but for some reason, you couldn't enjoy yourself.

a part of you longed to rejoin the festivities, while another wished for escape entirely. lost in thought, time seemed to blur until suddenly, draco’s voice startled you from your own thoughts.

"i wasn't aware the fireplace emitted such an enticing scent." he commented dryly, leaning casually against the window frame beside you. "or did you just need another excuse to avoid lorenzo back there?"

you repeated, "an excuse," you blew out a string of air, turning to look at draco with a raised eyebrow. "or maybe i just needed a break from the chaos."

draco smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. "chaos?" he echoed, leaning back against the window frame. "i thought you enjoyed these kinds of gatherings."

you shrugged, looking back out into the night. "sometimes," you admitted, "but not when i'm stuck in the middle of a bunch of drama."

draco's smirk faded slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied you. "don’t be too hard on yourself, y/l/n," he said softly, his tone more serious now. "you're just trying to figure things out, like the rest of us."

you hesitated, biting your lip as you considered his words; words that you never thought you’d hear from him. "maybe," you murmured, glancing back at him. "but it's hard when everyone else seems to have it all figured out."

draco's gaze softened, and he reached out to gently take your hand in his. "we all have our moments, y/n," hemumbled. "don't fall through to others. just focus on what makes you happy."

his eyes flicked toward the party, a hint of sympathy in his gaze. "trust me, even the most confident among us struggle on occasion. and that includes myself." he added, smirk reappearing briefly.

you sighed, examining his hand holding yours, his grip firm yet comforting.

"it's hard to believe sometimes," your fingers curled around his, returning the pressure. "everything's getting complicated."

"maybe," draco mused, "and that's alright. life would be boring without consequences and complications." he smiled, a rare glimpse of vulnerability in his eyes.

for the first time, you felt a pang of pity for him- not because he was malfoy, but because he was human.

draco’s eyes drew over yours, then they glanced toward theodore who was cocking his head in your direction. the boy seemed to follow you everywhere, not letting you get too far when anyone approached you.

“i better get out of here before your real boyfriend starts to think i want any trouble,” draco chuckled.

you looked up at him, "what?" he waved, his brows angled in an amused position as he grinned. "i'll see you later," he chuckled.

you hesitated, your gaze flickering between draco and theo, who was still watching you from afar. you couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for this whole evening.

"yeah, see you later," you murmured, pulling your hand away from draco's and standing up.

draco nodded, his smirk never wavering. "don't let theo get too jealous now," he teased before turning and disappearing back into the party.

you watched draco walk away, a mix of amusement and confusion playing on your face. you couldn't help but feel a little flustered by his teasing, but you also couldn't deny that he had a point.

11:45P.M.

you looked up at the clock, contemplating on whether or not to just go back to your dorm. you were tired of pretending, and it wasn’t like enzo was coming back to you anytime soon. he had that girl pressed against the wall, his lips violently sucking the sweet spot under her jaw, her legs wrapped around his waist.

“fifteen minutes til new years,” an overhead announced, “head outside for the firework show, or don’t, whatever!”

their voice was cocky, but it caused you to finally crack a smile as you headed toward the door. you weren’t going to mope, but you also weren’t going to bother your friends who were clearly busy with their lovers or one-night stands.

the music was still loud outside, blaring messages from her by sabrina claudio through the speakers as you stood by a fountain.

sitting on the ledge, you watched the water, the stillness of it causing you to relax.

somewhere behind you, you heard footsteps crunching on gravel and snow. slowly, you turned to see theodore walking toward you hunched down into his coat.

his eyes met yours and a sympathetic look crossed his features. "i couldn't stay away," he whispered, further approaching until he was sitting on the ledge next to you.

though it pained you, you smiled at him, wanting to say a million things but you voice falling flat as he shifted around nervously.

“you must be freezing,” he then commented, pretending to just now notice your spaghetti strapped dress as he slid out of his jacket, shrugging it off his shoulders and carefully draping it over yours.

"thank you, theo." you murmured, wrapping the familiar fabric of his jacket around you, the scent of him clinging to it.

theo glanced away, his jaw tightening before he spoke again, seeming to collect his thoughts.

"happy new year, soffio," he said cautiously, focusing his attention back on the fountain.

you mirrored his gaze, feeling a tear pool in your eye. your throat burned as you swallowed. "happy new year," you whispered back, hesitating before tentatively reaching out to grasp his hand.

theo's features softened, giving your hand a gentle squeeze. "is it true," he asked quietly, casting a quick glance your way, then looking back sharp to the water.

your breathing hitched, swallowing the lump in your throat. "is what true, theo," you whispered, fixing your gaze on his profile.

“you and lorenzo,” he replied, the sentence like poison on his tongue.

you held back a small breath, shaking your head vigorously. "no," you managed after a heavy exhale.

"then why did you leave me to be with him earlier?" theo questioned stiffly, his own whisper evaporating in the chilled air. you closed your eyes, letting out a shaky sigh.

his grip on your hand tightened, though you didn't pull away.

"it's not like that," you mumbled, struggling with your emotions. "it’s complicated..."

your voice trailed off, uncertainty clouding your judgement.

“so tell me, y/n!” theodore’s voice rose, now holding both of your hands, turning you to look him in the eye. “devi dirmelo. (you have to tell me) i can’t take it— i need you to tell me what’s going on between you and lorenzo. is- is he or is he not your lover?”

you watched his eyes plead with you, the desperation washing away some of your fear and anxiety. “it wasn’t real,” you stammered, your voice just as loud. “none of it; the kiss, the dancing, the whole relationship.”

you took a deep breath, steadying yourself for the conversation that was about to unfold. "okay?” you shakily muttered, meeting his gaze. "that whole thing was to get us together."

theo's eyes widened, his grip on your hands loosening slightly. "what?" he whispered, clearly taken aback by your confession.

you nodded, swallowing the lump in your throat. "i know it sounds crazy, but i wanted to be with you, theo. they told me this would make you ask me out—” you cringed at your sentence, “if you don’t believe me pansy has the whole video."

your voice trembled, and you could feel tears pricking at the corners of your eyes. "i'm sorry, i never meant to hurt you."

theo stared at you for a long moment, his expression a mix of shock, confusion, and hurt. "why would you do that, soffio?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, “make me jealous so i’d get with you? bella…”

your eyes welled up with unshed tears, your voice catching as you spoke. "i was scared," you admitted. "scared that you wouldn't see me the same way, scared to ruin our friendship... scared that you wouldn't-"

a sob echoed from your chest, causing you to falter.

"sorry, i'm so sorry, " you breathed, burying your face into his shoulder.

as the realization washed over theodore's face, his embrace around you tightened. "va tutto bene," (it’s okay) he whispered, a catch in his voice as he stroked your hair repeatedly. "soffio, i have loved you for so long. i despised seeing you with him tonight.”

you pulled back slightly, your eyes searching his face for truth. "you... you love me?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

theo nodded, his eyes filled with sincerity. "always, bella, but i never thought you saw me the same way."

you bit your lip, a small smile tugging at the corners of your mouth. "i'm sorry, theo," you murmured, leaning back into his embrace. "i should have told you sooner."

"it's okay," he reassured you, his arms tightening around you. "we can start fresh now. no more games, no more pretending."

you nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over you. "i'd like that," you whispered, your eyes closing as you rested your head on his shoulder.

the countdown to midnight began over the speakers, the music dying down as people waited for the new year. “come here,” he whispered, a hand placed on your waist, positioning you to straddle his lap as he rested both palms on your hips.

you hesitated for a moment, but then slowly shifted your weight, wrapping your legs around him as he guided you.

“tell me you want this, bella,” he whispered, one palm gently squeezing your hip as the other came to caress your cheek.

with a subtle smile, you leaned in toward him, whispering into his ear. "i want this, theo," you confirmed.

his adam's apple bobbed, his thumbs tracing lazy circles on your lower lip. you closed your eyes, feeling his breath tickling against your skin. there was anticipation on his expression, almost palpable.

as the countdown reached zero, the music swelled, and fireworks exploded in the sky, theo’s palms guided your face in anticipation, tasting you the way he’d dreamed of for years as his lips danced softly, gracefully against yours.

you shivered against him, relishing in the warmth of his embrace as your happiness leaked into every corner of your being.

this moment was different, liberating. his touch, intimate, and sincere.

“bella,” he whispered sweetly, resting his forehead against yours, “don’t you try and win my affection again, understood? it’s yours; it always will be yours.”

you laughed, kissing the tip of his nose as you closed your eyes, “okay, okay. i got it.”

his laughter grew with yours, his head falling to your neck as he softly kissed the delicate skin under your ear, “happy new year, soffio.” he then whispered, twirling a strand of your hair around his finger.