Where A Muse Creates

Step into the ruins of a lost dream and wander the halls of stories told through the mouth of a lost and rambling muse.

[makebelievemuse]

You have been on many travels but something about these ruins draws you in. Maybe it’s the faint scent of warm spices being burned or maybe it’s the soft voice you swear you can hear calling your name. Whatever it may be, You feel a welcoming energy wash over you as you 🕯️🕯️Enter the ruins 🕯️🕯️

Upon entering you decide to: ✨Learn of the Fallen Muse ✨

💠Walk the Hall of Stories 💠

🫧Offer a Musing of your Own 🫧 (this path is currently locked…)

[makebelievemuse]

hello sweetie!!! how are you doing?? I’ve been missing youuu🥺🩷

MY BELOVVVVVEDDDD IM SO SORRRYYY 😭 I’m so sorry i just disappeared out of no where… things got hard for a bit. but I’m making my return! slowly but surely I’m making my return. first thing I’m doing? CATCHING UP ON YOUR WORKS! so get ready to get SPAAAAMED

[makebelievemuse]

You walk down a stone hallway, the air freezing and harsh as it blows against your skin, almost as if it’s telling you to leave this place and to not come back. but you persist anyway. eventually, you stumble upon a cavernous room with a large pit in the middle. You take two steps towards the pit to try and peek inside. but then a pale hand shoots out over the ledge and digs it nails into the earth. You stumble back, what creature was about to come out of this pit where you can hear screeching laughter and cries of pain echo out of it? slowly, a woman drags herself over the ledge and flops onto the ground once she’s secure. She takes several deep, heaving breaths. It seems she has been fighting, scratches and bruises cover her skin. You can even see tear streaks down her dirt covered face, she’s been crying and crying hard. she rolls her head back and looks at you finally and- wait. Isn’t this… ”Oh hello!” I say cheerfully, a bright smile contrasting against my image so much it keeps you frozen in place. I slowly begin to stand, brushing off soot and dirt as best I can before looking at you with a big grin, “Long time no see! Hope you haven’t missed me too much!” your eyes flick between me and the pit I had just crawled out of. I turn to look down at the pit over my shoulder and laugh softly. “Yeeeeaaah, that’s my pit of depression and sleep deprivation. It’s gotten bigger since I was last down there! Added an Injury and Illness wing! I’ve kinda been stuck down there since I disappeared suddenly…” I take a deep breath and turn back to you with a kind smile. I slowly walk over to you and reach out a hand to help you stand once again. Once you take it and become righted again I laugh and ask you. “I can feel some changes have been made, we have some new members in the ruins. Will you help me tell them I’ve come back? I won’t be a hundred percent back but I’m back.” what will your answer be? It doesn’t matter, I’ll still hold your hand as we walk the ruins together. ~~~~

Bells ring out, signaling the return of the Muse. she smiles brightly remembering and thanking every reminder that people enjoyed her work. That people enjoyed her presence. The Muse will be returning to her duties, slowly but surely. thank you everyone for being so patient 🩷

[makebelievemuse]

Hello again. :)

Sadly I don’t remember where the body and “Mudblood” note was in game, just that it was in one of the treasure vaults.

But I did start thinking of something else.

Imagine a player character who is completely unaware of Muggle-born prejudice or what Mudblood means, so you ask Sebastian and Ominis what it means. They immediately get protective and defensive.

“Where did you hear that word? Did someone call you that? Who called you that? I swear-”

They have to be reassured that no one called you Mudblood. Maybe don’t tell them about the corpse and note, though.

Ah! Hello again Anon! I’m so gad you’ve come back!

As far as not remembering wher you found it don’t sweat it! Just means I’ll have to spend hours on HL again. Oh the tragedy.

As for this Idea…

Sounds like I’m going to have write some headcannons!!! (IM SO EXCITED!!!!)

Unfortunately I can’t do so at the moment (today was something and my brain is fried beyond relief. I have been staring at word doc while my brain makes the windows error sound for about an hour now. 😅)

But I promise I will jump on this Idea as soon as I can form a whole thought process again!

Thank you so much for dropping by again it means so much to me 🩷

[makebelievemuse]

Hello. :)

Sorry to hear about the Stranger Things finale. I never got into the show, but I hear that the final season was kind of “eh”. :(

If it makes you feel any better, I was playing Hogwarts Legacy and found something interesting that got my brain going.

Spoilers for those who haven’t played.

So I found a corpse with a note attached to it that simply said, “MUDBLOOD”. Coupled with the fact that it seems like the player character comes from a non-magical background, and you can overhear some students talking about how they don’t want Muggle-born wizards attending the school, I just imagine a scenario where your companions overhear those conversations and are immediately ready to throw hands (or I suppose “sling spells”, in their case).

You cannot tell me Poppy, Sebastian, Ominous, or Natty wouldn’t immediately be the 19th century equivalent of, “I heard you were talkin’ shit about my friend.”

‘Why hello Anon! Welcome to the madhouse that is my blog, please take a seat!

Yeah that finale was…FRUSTRATING to say the least (was so mad I couldn’t sleep and as an Insomniac extreme, once I hit a certain point of No sleep I stop being tired and yeah…needless to say I stayed up too long and fell ill which is why I took so long to reply and I am sorry about that please forgive me.)

And this little tidbit of Information DOES make me feel better!!! Where did you find this??? I neeeeed more info.

Oh dude and if Mc wasn’t a pure blood (i have Ideas my friend Ideas, on how that could work out.) the squad would pull up SO quick.

Poppy would unleash nifflers into the dorms of the offenders so they could steal all their money and valuables, along with other small beast that would hinder and annoy the problem speaker.

Natty would be like “I know I did not just hear what I just heard! Why I wonder if you could survive being trampled by a gazelle.” And when he student was all like “Wtf is a Gazelle?” She would smile wickedly and warn “Keep talking like that and you will find out.” The threat is just vague enough to not get her in trouble but serious enough it is taken as law.

Ominis is pulling his aristocracy card SO QUICK “Do you know who my father is? One word from me and you’ll be lucky to be accepted to Illvermony, Oh you think I won’t tell him a lie to accomplish my goals? Try me I dare you. Or maybe I just let Sebastian know who you were talking about?” He is a MENACE and does not hide it :)

And Sebastian? Bro, Mc has to hold him back from casting confringo to set the student on fire. Immediately. Ominis may be a menace but Sebastian is a Problem™️ and he’ll never back down from a fight ;)

(Sorry if this wasn’t very good I’m still recovering a bit.)

Your mind anon has opened mine to the possibilities and for that I thank you <3

[makebelievemuse]

I’m going to get a rant out here and now and I’m not apologizing, i said what i said.

They just Game of Thrones’d Stranger Things.

First let’s talk about the moments I did enjoy:

-the Wheeler siblings fighting over who gets a gun (that was PERFECT sibling interaction)

-Jane’s little “hiiii” to max in her water realm. (She’s was a fairy✨)

- the Stonathan conversation

-Jim going back for Kali and softly going “I got you, I got you” like he would with Jane

- My propheting skills where I’ve called that being the mind flayer since I first saw it and that fuck ass case having todo with Henry’s powers (I WISH I HAD RECORDED IT GOD DAMN IT) (this is just media literacy skills) (I also did not know about the play until like…3 weeks ago)

-the D20 theory being real just in a different way than we expected

- Joyce being the one to hit the killing strike

- DELIGHTFUL DEREK. FULL STOP.

- Dustin’s speech

-Steve becoming a coach and Teacher!Steve halfway being real!

-Jonathan’s movie idea!

-….thats it.

No I didn’t enjoy the Apology tm, No I didn’t enjoy the fake out Jane death, NO I didn’t enjoy the “this is where the cycle started” conversation between Henry and will (that shit WAS ICK)(ik that’s the point but good GOD and maybe that’s my lack of knowledge on the subject showing!)

I DID NOT enjoy the fake out deaths (Dustin’s little face had me in tears IMMEDIATELY) I did not enjoy the desecration of Jane’s friendships with the other boys (“you have to explain it to them for me Mike” YOU WERE IN A TRUCK TOGETHER??? WHY COULDNT YOU HAVE A MOMENT WITH THEM THEN??)

It all felt rushed and unfinished and it was two hours long. My god.

I don’t understand how they missed the mark THIS bad but they did.

I just hope Netflix suffers for it and not those who wanted love to win for the boy who has suffered for far too long.

I will say the Dustin&Steve moment at his college warmed my heart so much

But then THAT FUCKASS EPILOGUE BOYFRIEND FROZE IT. His name is Marcus Whitman and he goes by Marc for short *eye twitch*

I hate how Steve never left Hawkins and is still trying to save up for his own place without a strong relationship to lean on.

I did love the LuMax moments.

I’m so….upset but honestly not surprised.

Thank you for letting me rant I’ll probably delete this later tbfh

[makebelievemuse]

I don’t think I’ve ever been more underwhelmed in my life, emotional weight WHERE

[makebelievemuse]

As a Fatherless Daughter, I don’t wanna SEE THIISSSS .

Sucker brothers you fucking losers. You need to SUFFER more.

[makebelievemuse]

THAT WASNT EVEN SLIGHTLY FUNNY FUCKER BROTHERS I HOPE YOU GET A HORRIBLE UTI THAT NEVVVERR GOES AWAY.

We’re only 20 minutes in I’m taking this as a sign

[makebelievemuse]

Imma warn yall here and now im gonna be reacting to the finale of stranger things so go ahead and block me if you must

[makebelievemuse]

Keeping an Eye on You

💽Sebastian Sallow x Reader; Ao3 / Masterlist 💽Summary : Sebastian Sallow has perfected the image he presents to people for many reasons.

It’s just a little wild how many of those reasons surround you.

💽 W.C. : 4.5k ( see I can Restrain myself!) 💽 Warnings: Manipulation, Morally grey!Seb, Stalker!Seb, watching you through a camera, and that’s about it for this one i believe (If I’m wrong please lemme know) 💽 A/N: Hey so lisssttennn…. Imma need y’all to keep yourselves open for this one. First, Welcome to this little idea that wouldn’t leave me alone after I listened to Stalker by Stevie Howie (which yes, was used in my long fic HOWEVER I like this idea as well)

This will be a series rather than just a long ass fic because tbh I’m tired and I didn’t want to pace it wrong and have it be weird and focused on one or two scenes I will be writing. So expect shorter parts unfortunately. (I say this but we all know I’m a certified yapper.)

Anywaayyys enjoy!

“Sebastian, Look alive! It’s a Code Red day my friend!” Garreth warns him as he walks by Sebastian’s cubicle bright and early that beautiful Tuesday morning.

Of course it was Code Red day, of course it was. It’s not like he woke up late and wasn’t able to shower or even comb his hair the right way. He definitely didn’t then proceed to lose his good shoes making him later than he already was which meant he had to rush to the office with no coffee or breakfast. Oh and once he got here he did NOT come to the horrific realization that he forgot the very important documents he needed for the meeting he had today or anything. Oh wait.

Why, whhhy, why must today, of all days, be a Code Red day? 

Pause.

You might be wondering what a Code Red day means. The simple explanation: Sebastian is wholly unprepared for what is about to come at him full forced while looking stunning doing so. The complex explanation: A Code Red Day is when a certain someonecomes in with a pep in their step, a wide beautiful smile on their face and a certain pair of dress pants that accentuate their hips a little too well. Along with other considerable assets of theirs, that is.

Who was he talking about? Why it was- “Sebastian! There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you!” - you of course.

He repressed a violent flinch that put an ache in between his shoulders to suppress. He slowly swiveled around to watch as you walk up to him with that big, beautiful smile on your face and- wait is that?

“I had some time this morning and stopped by that little cafe you showed me the other day. I had a hunch you would need a coffee and sausage roll to help you get through that meeting you’ve got later. So yeah, here you go!” You had started mildly blushing mid way through your adorable little speech and it about sent Sebastian to Mars.

He about ascended to Venus when he reached out and his fingers brushed yours as he took the blessings you’ve brought him. “Thank you Darling, your intuition has saved me once again.” The blush stayed but your smile somehow had gotten bigger. Letting your hands fall to hold the other behind your back, you suddenly look as if a lightbulb should be going off above your head. “Oh and another thing!” You reach into your work satchel and pull out a stack of papers. “I figured you might need a copy of your presentation to read in front of the others that you haven’t already marked with your cute doodles.”

You were his Savior.

“Are you god walking among us or maybe just a humble incarnation of Apollo?  Darling you have saved me!” He watched in adoration as you look to the floor in a bashful way and almost fell to his knees to begin to pray at your feet.

He meant it, you were his Savior. His Goddess.

“Oh it’s nothing I just…. I like being there for you is all.” He wanted to cry with how precious you were. He would always want you there with him. He gives you a smile as you both give a small goodbye to the other and begin your days as the adults you are. Even though you would always somehow reduce him into a school boy with a big fat crush. 

Or at least something akin to it.

~

“You were great in there Sebby!” Garreth cheers as he claps Sebastian on the shoulder on their way out of the board room. Sebastian gives his friend a smile that was a mix of bashful with a tinge of a smirk. He didn't want people to think he was tooegotistical, He had an image to maintain after all. See people tended to talk and if you heard he was too self assured it would ruin the image he's worked so hard to maintain.

He wanted you to see him as Reliable and yet somehow a bit of a klutz, someone who you could always lean on but would fumble his words every now and again. He was self assured but humble, someone who knew what he was doing but the right compliment would do good for his self esteem. He was someone that was gentle in his words but the wrong move from anyone against those he cared for would cause him to stand to his full height and handle the situation. Promptly.

He had maintained that image for years now. Ever since you had arrived at the company and within the first day showed everyone what a true asset you were by bruising Sebastian's ego.

He can admit he was showing off a bit that day by bringing in a Difficult Client, but your effortless take down of said difficult client's ridiculous demands (and landing the high dollar contract with the client) showed everyone that there were now two big players in the office. And while everyone fawned over your natural talent of securing such a big prospective contract, Sebastian silently fell in love with the only other person on his level.

After that Sebastian did everything possible to fit himself into your life. He started small and over the years has continued to chase the high of your attention.

"Garreth please don't inflate his ego more than necessary, he could have done that presentation in his sleep." Ominis says from behind the two before he steps up to Sebastian's free shoulder with a smirk. "But I will admit, you definitely made it more interesting than anyone else could have. I didn't have to fight to hear you over snores like I do with certain individuals." Sebastian clicks his tongue at being compared to Hobhouse of all people. He sneakily reaches into his bag for a USB marked 'blind prince's recap' in the front pocket and sighed in relief that he hadn’t forgotten this.

"Why thank you, my oldest and dearest friend, for that heartfelt compliment. Honestly a statue should be resurrected in honor of your kind words." Ominis lets out a loud 'HA' as Sebastian grabs his closest hand and shoves the USB into the other man's while acting out an overly excited handshake. "You're a hero to us all Mr.Gaunt, keeping my ego in check by giving me this stellar compliment. I'm truly honored to be humbled by you." The group of those surrounding the trio couldn't help themselves as they laughed along with Ominis at Sebastian's antics.

The two had known each other since they were 12 and it showed. They often acted like brothers instead of two discarded children who found comfort in the other. Which is why he knew how much Ominis's condition bothered the man. Even though he has been blind his entire life, Ominis would rather fall on his face a hundred times than allow those around him to pity him. Ominis hated how the company forced him to carry a walking cane and when they asked if he needed someone to write notes for Ominis during meetings? Let's just say the man almost lost his job he only had for a month at that point.

From that day on Sebastian would secretly record any meetings and write up a detailed description for his friend to listen to on his speech to text app he created when they were in highschool, Parselmouth.

"I'm glad you finally agree my kindness deserves more recognition Sallow." Ominis jokes as he takes his hand back from Sebastian and rest it in his trouser pockets. "Maybe now you'll-" Ominis starts but something catches his attention and he turns his head to one of the break rooms nearby as he mutters a simple "Hm, isn’t that fascinating."

Listen, Sebastian knows that being blind doesn't elevate the other senses -Ominis gave him that lecture at thirteen- but he swears the man has supersonic hearing. How else could he explain hearing whatever was happening in the break room and then, turning to Sebastian with a mischievous smirk, sarcastically advise, "Maybe you should go get a cup of coffee Sebastian. You used so much energy during that meeting and we still have three hours until the day is over! You could probably use the pick-me-up if the bags under your eyes are anything to go by." Sebastian just raised a brow at the man. Okay First, He may look a little rough today but he does not have bags under his eyes. Second, Ominis knew he hated the office coffee with a vengeance why would he- Oh.

"Make sure to not create too much of a mess Sallow." Ominis says before he walks to his desk chuckling under his breath. Sebastian barely registered the words as he stuffed his hands inside his pockets while coolly walking to the side room. He wouldn't cause any issues on the clock of course, he did have bills he needed to pay.

Of course that thought got thrown out of the top floor window when he saw what was going on in this room.

"-and I bet we could have some real fun! What do you say, I can pick you up at eight on Friday?" It was some nobody from the Research and Development department. Why he was using the break room in a completely different department than his own was obvious once Sebastian saw your frustrated face. "Sorry Justin, I really can't. I have plans already." You gently tell the boy in front of you. Sebastian could tell you were trying to let the boy down softly without having to brutally say "I don't want to go out with you. Period." But it seems the boy wasn't as smart as Sebastian.

"Well what about Saturday? Or we could even go out next week!" You pinch the bridge of your nose and sigh out "Look Justin, I'm sure you're a nice guy and all but-" "But what?" This boy interrupts you with a whine before he begins to pitch a fit. "You've been sending me signals for weeks and when I finally ask you out you say no? That's just you being a te-" Sebastian didn't let this conversation go any further as he moved inside the room and stood behind the little boy as he let his voice go deep to warn him. "I would stop while you're ahead mate."

The idiot turns around and has to crane his neck up a bit to meet Sebastian's eyes. "The lady said she didn't want to go out with you. Take it as the only explanation you need and go back to your department to do the job that you're currently being paid for. Or do I need to speak to your supervisor about his workers usage of company time?" Sebastian takes a quiet pleasure in the bob the boys adams apple does before he mutters something under his breathe and leaves the small break room. Sebastian watches his retreating form all the way to the elevators, taking note of clenched fist and the gait he walks with. "What is it with guys these days?"

Your voice brought Sebastian back to the present and he turned to see you pouting. Oh god, you were so precious. He wishes he could lock you away so no other man could see you like this, all cute and pouty and begging for attention. He wanted to keep you all to himself, you were just too-

He shook his head before the gollum-like thoughts took over his brain again. "Don't worry Darling, I'll help keep the bad guys away." Sebastian teased as he walked over to lean against the counter next to you. You gave him a small smile before bumping your shoulder with his. "How did your presentation go? Did it go as well as I'm sure it did?" Your asked as Sebastian's mind started swirling with thoughts of 'she touched me first, I didn't have to imitate it! Oh god I can smell her perfume with how close we are, how does she always smell so good? Wait, if she's this close does that mean she trusts me? Does she trust me to not be like those other guys she gets irritated with? Is my plan working?'

Sebastian clears his throat and gives you a small chuckle, “Ominis said that he didn’t have to fight to hear me over snores so I’m taking it as a success.” He humbly preens and is rewarded with you cheering “High praise from the Ice Prince himself! You must have done an excellent job!” God Sebastian wanted to float. Your small praise always elicited these feelings within him, it always felt like his very blood was replaced with champagne and the fizzy bubbles of success would lift him to the stars.

Rubbing the back of his neck in faux embarrassment- again Sebastian wanted to be known as a humble man- he conceded “it israther high praise from Ominis.” You giggled and stood up from your place next to Sebastian. He wanted to whine in a very undignified manner as you begin walking away from him but before you left the room completely, you turned back and gave him a grin as you told him “You deserve every word of praise I’m sure. Just don’t forget me when you make it big yeah?”

Sebastian had no choice but -with the utmost sincerity- to utter out “I don’t think I could forget you if I tried Darling.” Your grin grew into that too big smile as you turned and went back to your desk.

‘As if’ Sebastian thought ‘can’t forget the only thing I think about.’

~

“Hey man, wanna grab drinks to celebrate your big day? Not only did you give an amazing presentation but you successfully survived a Code Red day!” Garreth cheers as his strides begin to match Sebastian’s. “Garreth, it is a Tuesday.” Ominis warns from his place on the other side of Sebastian. Sebastian snorted and looked around for your form as he exited. ‘Hm must have left already. Perfect.’ “Listen to Ominis Gare-Bear, we don’t want a hangover for tomorrow’s “surprise team meeting” with Marcus do we?”

Garreth groaned “Fuck thaaat. Why does that man insist on having a team meeting every Wednesday? It’s not like enough stuff happens every week to permit the hour long meeting anyway. He mostly uses that time to try and fluff his image.” Sebastian laughed. It was then he remembered something and grinned while telling the two with him conspiratorially “Not like it matters, I have plans.”

Ominis raises a brow as Garreth jeers “Oho? What got a hot date with a new movie and your left-” an elbow to his side shut Garreth up before he finishes his chaotic thoughts. “No you vulgar idiot, I got a new toy to tinker with and it should have arrived today.” Ominis lets out an understanding hum before teasing, “You secret nerd, always tinkering with something. I knew it wasn’t a date considering certain individuals didn’t mention anything when they returned from the break room earlier.”

Sebastian didn’t care for you and Ominis being desk-mates at first, that was until he realized his friend was, and always has been, a gossip at heart. “Oh yeah? And did this certain individual mention anything at all?” Garreth snickered but Ominis casually said “Only that you had come in like some white knight to drive away the jester from her court.”

Garreth couldn’t contain his laughter as Sebastian’s chest filled with pride. Ominis scoffed as he pushed open the door to release them from this awful place. “Honestly Sebastian, that kid was like Nineteen at best.” Sebastian shrugged “Gotta teach them when their young to not touch what isn’t theirs.”

Garreth gawhuffed “She’s not yours either moron!”

Oh how wrong he was.

~

Sebastian unlocked his front door and stepped into his apartment whistling some song you had showed him the other day. He set his briefcase down and shrugged off his suit jacket.

He tugged his tie off as the excitement inside him grew. He could feel his face being split from the smile on his face. ‘I’ve gotta calm down, I can’t rush this.’ He didn’t want to ruin the moment by being too eager, he had been waiting for this for months after all.

After taking a shower and cooling down some of his -ahem- excitement, he crossed the hall clad only in his towel. He was too eager to dress, he could no longer stop himself from playing with his new toy.

Opening the locked room with the key he kept hidden from nosy guest, he walked in and looked up at one of the twelve monitors on the far wall. This one showed a front door being opened and a figure struggling to enter the door with the package in their arms. ‘Huh, that’s weird.’ He thought as the figure on the screen sat their bag down while looking at the note that came with the medium sized box in their hands. ‘She usually gets home earlier than this.’

Sebastian watched through his monitors as you walked down the hallway that opened up to your living rom and kitchen. There was a half wall that acted as a counter to separate the areas and that’s where you placed the package down to find something to open the box. He dried his hair with the extra towel he had brought as you found something to open it with and cut down the middle of the tape. He couldn’t wait to see your reaction to your gift.

He was drying the front part of his hair when he heard your adorable little squeal. He smirked as he watched as you picked up the little snow leopard plush and pet at its face with a look of precious awe. Sebastian couldn’t help the little laugh that escaped him at your expression. He just knew you would love this version, you had told him your love for the creatures a couple of months ago.

His eyes went wide when you bit your lip and rushed to the back of your apartment. ‘Where were you going?’ He wondered as he watched you opened the first door on the left causing his heartbeat to start picking up. He figured you would place it in your living room or maybe in your home office but watching you through his monitors made him realize there was a much better option that he hadn’t even dared to think of.

You opened your bedroom door, the one place Sebastian didn’t have a camera, and stayed in there for a few moments before exiting and heading for your own shower.

Sebastian rushed to his keyboard then. Opening up his highly secured computer and started the program for his new toy. He had found it three months ago and already it was exceeding his expectations.

Click click, a grainy image starts to become a high definition image of your room and Sebastian's breath starts getting heavier.

Click click click, a high pitched ringing sounded out in the room for a few seconds before soft quiet took over and Sebastian could faintly hear you singing the same song he had been whistling earlier from the shower. The mic on this thing was as good as advertised and Sebastian made a mental note to praise the seller.

Click click, tap tap tap, click click, Sebastian adjusted the settings and wow. He dragged the live video feed and placed it on the monitor he had recently got specifically for this purchase. He couldn’t believe it, he was in your bedroom. He was giddy beyond belief at what he was now seeing. It was a wet dream come true and he was beginning to feel the affects of it.

He wanted to curse Garreth, but his absolute joy dulled the feeling as he palmed his growing excitement. He wouldn’t get off to the sight of your room alone, he wasn’t that big of a creep, he just wanted to ease the ache until later.

That was until you walked back in to your room in nothing but a towel.

Oh goooooood, this was the best/worst thing that has ever happened to him. He couldn’t look away as he watched you, so very wet and shiny, searching for pajamas. He whined as you bent over in that too short towel and the bottom of your ass peeked out at him.

He couldn’t believe it, he couldn’t have expected this outcome in a million years. He silently thanked his past self for spending the money to purchase the admittedly pricey item. He watched with wide open eyes as you stood back up and opened a new drawer to pull out a small sleep tank and disappeared. He groaned when he realized you hadn’t brought underwear with you.

He couldn’t help but imagine how easy it would be to slide into bed with you and feel every inch of skin he could under your clothes. How long would it take for you to wake up to his ministrations? Would you tell him to stop or to keep going?

He heard your blow dryer turn on and leaned back into his seat. This piece of spy wear he had fought with himself on purchasing was proving to be worth every penny very quickly. The smirk on his face was predatory as he listened to you sing along to the music playing from your phones speaker.

He had an idea and quickly snatched up his phone. 'Hey what was the name of that song you showed me the other day? It’s been stuck in my head all day and it’s driving me nuts lol.’ He sent off the text and waited with bated breath.

A ping went off on the other side of his monitor and Sebastian sat up a little straighter. You turned off your blow dryer and giggled, a sound that he would never tire of hearing. Sebastian sighed with contentment as you typed out your message, Oh how he was going to love using this.

He picked up his phone as you went back to drying your hair. ‘I think it was One & Only by Soulidified? I found it from a Steve Harrington edit. You know who I’m talking about right? From Stranger things?.’ He chuckled and a terrible, no good idea crossed his mind.

He knew you liked the show, that Dustin was your favorite kid but Max and Erica were close seconds. He knew you cried at Eddie’s death and wanted to write an actual letter to the Duffer Brothers in your outrage. He knew you were scared that Steve was going to die in the final season. All this lead him to believe you would play into his hand as he texted back. ‘Sorry Darling but I don’t, I’ve never seen it.’

He bit his lip as he eagerly awaited your reaction. Hearing the room go silent again before a very quiet “do what?!” ripped through it. Sebastian almost giggled in delight at your reaction. He could hear the little tap tap taps of your nails hitting the keyboard as you wrote back to him.

He laughed like a maniac when your text came through, ‘exCUSE ME??? That will NOT do! I’m going have to educate you it seems, are you free for a binge session this weekend?’ He had to bite his hand to not wake the neighbors with his scream of pure joy. He had only ever seen your house through cameras and now he would finally see it in person!

“Was I too forward?” Sebastian heard you murmur and he looked up to see you pacing the hallway while staring down at your phone nervously. As much as he wanted to just stare at you, he couldn’t have you thinking you weren’t fulfilling nearly every one of his dreams at the moment. He quickly texted back ‘for you? I’m free anytime ;)’

He immediately went back to watching you on his monitors and got to enjoy you giggle yet again as you pressed a hand over your chest. “I really hope he’s not texting other girls like that good gracious.” Sebastian scoffed at you, how could any other girl try to compare to you? He would have to up his attention level for you it seems.

Sebastian was realizing exactly how much of a gift this little camera was, he could now know your private thoughts and insecurities and react accordingly! He would have to figure out how to do so without raising alarm bells in your head but that hadn’t been a problem for him before. He read your text and laughed once more, ‘well then I suggest you bring your comfiest clothes and favorite snacks over to my place on Saturday and get ready for the best series binge session of your life.’

Oh he would be prepared, very prepared.

~

Sebastian sat in his chair watching you move about your home until you crawled into bed to go to sleep. He took note of your phone usage before bed and mentally began to form a plan to get you to stop. It wasn't good for you and he had to look after his Darling’s health after all.

He left the room with a satisfied smile on his face. You were the blessing he hadn’t even known he needed until you stepped into his life. You brought in a new sense of life into his world and revitalized his very outlook on the world. He had to protect his precious girl however he could, which is why he bugged your living space in first place. He couldn’t have you harmed in anycapacity.

He’s driven off sketchy neighbors, cheeky delivery boys, bad friends, and terrible exes. All for your sake of course, you didn’t have any family he was aware of and needed protection from those who would do you harm.

He has done terrible things for your sake and doesn't feel an ounce of regret about it.

As he slips into his own bed he thinks about how he would stretch this binge out to be able to spend the entire weekend with you. It was then, when he was about to fall asleep did his phone start pinging off the hook.

He almost ignored it, knowing it couldn't be you as he had just watched you fall asleep but the noise was so insistent he could no longer ignore it. Didn’t he just mention how bad it is for one’s health to be on your phone in bed!

Unlocking his phone he saw the spam of text was from Ominis and the blood in his veins froze. He quickly sat up and opened the thread to read the messages. The ice in his veins quickly turned to murderous fire.

Oh that fucker was going to die.

He quickly texted back his dear friend, ‘He’s bluffing, don’t stress it too much.’ A reply came back just as quick ‘and if he isn’t?’ Sebastian sighed and gave one last reply before laying his phone back on his side table.

‘Even dogs can be swayed from their masters side with the right motivator.’

There! We! Go!

Yes this is me saying i am a Steve Stan, and yes I did catch that little quip Robin made in the final episode. (There will be fics TRUST)

And as someone who constantly uses their phone in bed, Sebastian is gonna have to get over it. Who am I to judge what you do on your personal time? lol

I hope you enjoyed this first installment, keep an eye out for the next one! See you later lovelies!

[makebelievemuse]

Gilded Forever

🥀- Summary: You’ve been told to never go to the Riddle Manor so what happens when others plans decide your hesitation to step foot inside the sprawling Manor is a problem to be solved?

🥀-W.c.: 11.5.k (professional yapper unfortunately)

🥀- warnings: drugging, mention of injury, shitty boyfriend/pick-me-bestfriend, mention of over controlling mother, undescriptive death, cheating (mention of boyfriend and technically reader), smut, oral (f receiving), fingering (f receiving), p-in-v, there’s something off about tom but he’s real good about not letting you see it til he has you (aka manipulative Tom and *spoiler*), dubious consent, murder, haunted house. All characters are absolutely 18+! (I believe that’s it if I am wrong do NOT be afraid to let me know.)

🥀- A/N: Hiiiiiii. Welcome to my very first Tom Riddle fic! The wonderful @viperify has absolutely brought me to the dark side with this man and I’m not even mad about it. I’m actually quite excited if I’m honest 🥰 I do ask that you read the tags for your own safety, I did bleep out part of a tag because of what it is but it’s nothing too crazy (if you need to know it will be at the bottom of the fic) I am NOT responsible for your media consumption but I do hope to make it enjoyable. With that please enjoy!

Let me VERY clear. Minors- DO NOT INTERACT. Ao3 🥀

~~~

“Oh come on babe! Those stories are just that, stories! Cody and his boys were just up there last weekend and you can see they’re just fine!” Your boyfriend whined into your ear about this particular topic. For the fifth time. Today. 

It was starting to grate on your nerves and your annoyance slipped into your voice as you repeated yourself for the fifth time today. “I’ve told you already, No! I don’t care who's been in that mansion and survived! I refuse to go up there! My grandmother has-“ You were interrupted by a bored voice “We knooow. Your grandmother told you what happened up there when she was a girl and forbade you from going anywhere near it or whatever. God it’s like you’re equipped with, like, three dialogue options with how much you repeat yourself.”

You turn your head to look over your shoulder at your best friend Seraphina, well more like ex-best friend that is. She hasn’t really been your best friend since she made out with your last boyfriend at a house party. And slept with the boyfriend before that and stole the one before that. And afterwards not giving you a pout while claiming “It’s not my fault you pick bad guys. Honestly you should be thanking me for helping you see they didn’t really like you.”

Really the only reason you allowed her to stay around you is because your mother would have a conniption if you didn’t. The girl was a traitor and a snitch.

“Maybe I wouldn’t repeat myself so often if some people took no for an answer the first time around.” You snide at the girl who was very obviously putting you down to get your boyfriend's attention. God you wish he would just give it to her so you could dump him without your mother raining her wrath down on you.

“Maybe if you weren’t such a prude and said yes once in a while you wouldn’t be pestered constantly.” She snapped back at you and with a scoff she continued bashing you. “I mean honestly are you really so scared of some rumors and tall tales from your grandma’s age that you’re gonna refuse some good fun?” You met her stare with the anger that seemed to be consuming you every second of the day recently. “Yes I am and you know what?” Standing up from your place leaning against your boyfriend’s car and grabbing your things before pointing a finger in Seraphina’s face. “It’s because I know who to listen to and whose words aren’t worth a damn.”

Turning on your heel and storming off into the closest building of your university. Your mind was so full with emotion you missed the conversation currently happening behind you.

~

“You know there’s one way to get her up there.” 

“There’s no way she’ll ever agree Sera.“

“Who says she has to agree?” 

~

“Here babe, I know how hard you’ve been working lately and so I made you this tea to help you study tonight.” Your boyfriend says before kissing your temple as he placed the tea on your desk. 

Well, isn’t this Suspicious.

You look up at him with a raised eyebrow “you made me tea to help me study?” He faked being offended before chuckling embarrassed. “Yeah no you’re right. I didn’t make it, your mom did and sent me up here with it.”  Yeah, that made more sense. Sighing and rubbing your forehead you asked him “do you know what kind it is and if she added any sweeteners this time?” 

He hummed in thought before saying “I think it was cinnamon? Or maybe that was the honey she added in it? I’m sorry all I could catch was that it would have a cinnamon taste to it.”  Pressing your lips together you nodded before giving him a small smile and thanking him. 

Taking the cup of tea into your hand you spun your chair as you watched him pace your room and wondered aloud “you hanging around for a bit? Thought you had plans tonight.” He groaned and flopped down onto your bed. “Yeah, that got cancelled, Sera ditched us and the guys didn’t want to hang out in a creepy old manor with just us guys.” He gave you one of his charming boy next door smiles and softly spoke “so I figured I could hang out with my pretty girlfriend for the night. Maybe I could even convince her to watch a movie with me?” 

You smiled at him and decided you could indulge him a bit. “Okay after I finish this essay we can go watch a movie or two. Hell, we can even make it a spooky movie so you can get the thrills you missed out on tonight.” Taking a couple of sips of your drink you can’t help but scrunch up your face in disgust.

“God that’s wretched! It must be cinnamon tea with no sweetener. It’s all I can taste.” Coughing harshly you looked to your desk to try and find your water bottle but found it wasn’t there.  You felt your head starting to swim as the sound of your boyfriend's voice rang out. “Why would we watch one when we can star in one Baby?” 

~

“God she’s fucking gone.”

A laugh “wow that medicine of yours really worked as well as you said it would.” 

Cooing sounded out. “Of course it did. How’d you get her to take it?”

“Told her her mom made it. Guess she forgot her mom went out for book club.”

Laughter and then nothing.

~ 

“C’mon! Get her in before she wakes up!” One of your boyfriend's stupid friends, Robbie, crows out. “Even if she comes around she won't be able to move any of her limbs any time soon.”  Sera’s voice raised with laughter right behind it.

You moved your head around to try and see where you were but the sight in front of you made your blood freeze.

It was the Riddle Manor.

The Manor you were absolutely not supposed to go in.

You began thrashing around in the hold of the two guys that were carrying you while shaking your head violently “n-n-NO! Do-o-n’t make m-me go-o IN th-there!” You’ve never once had a stutter but whatever drug they gave you was making speech very hard.

“Oh shit! She’s waking up bro! Hurry up and get that door open!” You recognized that voice as Matthew or Mattie as he liked to be known. Oh god, of course they would have the two most athletic lackeys of the group carry you into the Manor. They needed little more convincing than “It’ll be funny” and they were in on any situation. 

“Peeaase jus’ le’ me g-go!”  You tried to raise your face and beg but your tongue didn’t want to work with you. You could feel the tears start to stream down your face. Why were they doing this? Hearing Seraphina’s loud laughter at your desperate attempts of breaking out of their hold told you exactly why they were doing this. 

Getting all your strength together for one last attempt of breaking free, you yelled out while pulling at your limbs “ I DON’ WAN’ TO GO IN THERE!” 

Suddenly your arms were free from Robbie’s grasp but Mikey’s grip on your ankles held firm. A sharp and sudden “Oh Shit!” Was the last thing you heard before your world went black once again. But before that happened you saw something strange in one of the windows of the Manor.

You swore you saw a figure staring down at you before shutting the curtain concealing the window.

~

“Bro her head is bleeding, that’s like really bad right?”

“Shit dude I don’t know just put her on the couch!” 

“Hey Babe wake up! Just give me a sign you're not dead at least.”

A groan

“Well she’s not dead. Look, just leave her on the couch until she comes to. She won’t leave on her own and we already drug her in here and disproving her stupid grandmother's theory about this place. So let’s just go explore this Manor already boys!”

Footsteps and laughter faded away and in its place a dark aura stood.

“They want to explore? Well time to give them something worth exploring for, since they went and left their treasure for me to find.”

The Dark Aura felt closer than it was before.

“Maybe I should make sure this treasure is hidden from them, well hidden.”

~

You fully came to an unknown amount of time later, your head was pounding and you could feel the dried tears on your face sticking uncomfortably. You slowly blink your eyes open and feel your breath leave you in a rush.

You weren’t laying on a gross dusty old couch like you were expecting. No, you were laying in a queen bed that felt better than the one you had in your room at home. It had a burgundy lace canopy laid over the post surrounding the bed. The duvet that was pulled up to your collar felt like a cloud over your body. You sat up from the too comfortable pillows and looked around the room you currently occupied in the Manor you never wanted to enter. 

You were terrified to say the least. Not only were you not even supposed to step a foot in this place but you had taken a nap for who knows how long and had not a clue on where the others could be. Thinking about the people who dragged you into this place made you realize that they probably weren’t the ones to bring you to this room. You blearily remember Seraphina’s voice telling the others to leave you on that god awful couch.

With that realization a question begged to be answered; if the ones who brought you into this abandoned Manor left you on that couch, who brought you here?

You stood up and realized you were no longer in your clothes that you wore earlier. You now stood in this lavish room in an emerald silk nightgown that barely hit your mid thigh. Feeling a blush coat your cheeks as you realize your bra was also missing and it was freezing in this house. You cross your arms in front of yourself and cross over to the armoire in hopes there was something to cover yourself with against the biting cold. “Oh you have got to be kidding me.”

~

“Dude there’s nothing interesting in this old ass mansion. Why are we here in the first place?” Robbie asked as he kicked a ball down the hallway while the others explored one of the hundreds of rooms

“There’s definitely something interesting here Robbikins. We just have to find it.” Sera says, running a finger over the edge of a mantle.

“You know it’d be easier to find if you would just tell us what we were looking for Sera.” Mattie states as he opens several drawers in the desk before moving out of the room. “I’m going to go see what’s in the other rooms of this hall brb.”

“Bro I don’t think we should split up.” Robbie says as he watches Mattie move down the hall. The boy turns to him with a huge eye roll and beckons him “We already broke that rule haven’t we? But if you’re really that scared for me just come with me.”

Sera let a smirk creep onto her face before a concerned voice dampened her triumph. “I’m a shit boyfriend, I should go check on her.”

“No you’re not honey,” Sera cooed at the boy before walking over and placing his head on her sternum. “She’s probably waiting in the car pouting by now. Are you really going to let her ruin our fun together?”

The boy sighed as she ran her fingers through his hair and shook his head.

“Good,” Sera let the smirk grow again “because I’m sure we’re about to find something good soon.”

~

“No mister detective, I haven't seen my husband, Is he all right?” You muttered as you tied the sash of the dark green robe around your mid section. “Poison you say? And then a car crash? Oh gods, oh no, oh Richard!” You quietly act the part and swear you can hear someone laughing from the door.

But when you turn around you see the door hadn’t even budged an inch. 

Listening to the house you don’t hear anything else so you assume you’re just going insane due to stress. Sighing and running your hands through your hair you feel a sore spot near your temple and hiss. Ah that’s right, you had been dropped on your head. How could you forget the sweet treatment of your captors. 

You could hear the laughter at your get up now. They would laugh at you for dressing like some Lady of the Manor and you knew you would never hear the end of it. 

Sucking your teeth, you begin looking for your clothes you arrived in. Surely your boyfriend -well you hoped it was your boyfriend who changed you- wouldn’t have hidden them in another room. “I hope the bed was to your liking My Dear.”

You gasped and turned to find one of the most handsome men you had ever seen in your life. He had dark curls that dropped onto perfectly arched eyebrows, his cheekbones were chiseled by the gods themselves, his lips were perfectly full and oh so kissable - even when they formed a smirk he was barely trying to hide - but the thing that was devastating you the most were his eyes. Pools of brown so dark they looked obsidian.

You took in this beautiful man and something in your chest began to… began to ache strangely enough. It almost felt like you had known this man once upon a time, like this wasn’t your first meeting.

Unfortunately even though you were dressed like some romantasy character, you were - again, unfortunately - not one. 

“I’m sorry I hadn’t meant to frighten you.” The man said as he began to take steps towards you. “I had only meant to check on you, I didn’t think you would be awake this soon.” He was taking in your form as he came closer. What he saw you weren’t sure, but whatever he saw definitely shouldn’t have made him look at you the way he was.

‘Hungry,’  your mind supplies ‘He looks hungry.’ 

“It’s all right, I’m just surprised someone else is in this place.” You want to die at how breathy your voice sounds right now but -if judging the slight uptick of the man’s lips before they fall back into that seemingly practiced easy smile- the man didn’t seem bothered by it. It almost seemed as if he enjoyed seeing you like this. “That’s not shocking, I just recently purchased the property. It seems the realtor forgot to mention this is an attraction house for the locals.”

You let out a big sigh and rub at your forehead. Great, now you were going to get charged with breaking and entering as well as whatever else comes with entering a house without permission. “I’m so sorry about this, I wish I knew why these morons came here but I unfortunately don’t. I’ll round them up and-“ The man started chuckling and the dark timber of his voice stopped your words in your throat.

Looking up at him from under your lashes, you watched as he collected himself before asking you “You really don’t know what they could want from here?” You shook your head “I didn’t even want to step foot in this Manor. My grandmother has always told me stories of this place and at the end of every one she would make me promise to never come up here. I guess I broke that promise tonight.”

The man took another step forward and you were surrounded by his scent. There was a spice there, Anise? No, Cardamom and… well there was a pleasant male musk but then there was something else as well. What is it? It almost smelt like- “You mean that your friends dragged you into this decrepit manor without your permission?” His voice shook you out of your thoughts that were quickly getting out of control. 

You scoff before explaining “Yes, they drugged my tea to knock me out but as they were carrying me in I woke up and tried to get out their grasp. Well I got out of one their grasp and slammed my head into the ground out there. I’m sorry if I bled all over your house by the way Mr.-?” You left the question hanging in the air to finally learn the name of the new owner of the Manor.

He gave you a pleased smile but there was a look of adoration in his eyes that caught you completely off guard. “My, where are my manners?” He grabbed the hand by your side and bent over to place a kiss to it. “I’m sorry My Dear, you may call me Tom. There’s no need for forced formalities, I’m about your age if I had to guess.”

You could feel heat rise to your cheeks with shock, but the manners your mother drilled into you for so many years quickly gained control as you told him your name as well. “I’m surprised someone so young could afford this place much less was willing to buy it.” You murmured as you began to get lost in his dark eyes, it almost looked as if there were swirls of red in them. That had to be the brown of his iris peaking out if you had to guess. 

Tom smirked as he leaned more into your space as he whispered “You’ll find I’m full of surprises Dearest.” Your face was on fire as you could feel his breath on your own lips. He is close enough now that if you leaned forward the smallest bit you would be kissing. A thought of your boyfriend was quickly replaced with the need to know if his lips felt as soft as they looked.

Unfortunately it was then that Tom stiffened and all the softness in his eyes was rapidly replaced with heavy anger. He straightened and turned his body towards the door as he gritted out. “That won’t do.”

“What won’t do?” You asked scared you had done something wrong but when he looked back at you Tom gave you a tight lipped smile. “I’m afraid your friends aren’t the only ones to decide to explore My Manor tonight.” Fear lit up your spine, you may not be happy with them at the moment but you’ve known these people since you were a child. You made a move to the door but Tom grabbed your waist to stop you. “I can’t let them-“

“Don’t worry Dear,” Tom soothed you as he cupped your face and ran a thumb across your still warm cheek. “Stay here where it’s safe and let me handle this alright? Trust me, I’ll be back as soon as I’m able okay?”

You don’t know why but you nodded, acquiescing to his request. 

“That’s a good girl, I’ll be back with information soon.” And with that you were once again left alone in this lavish room. 

Now, where could your stupid boyfriend have hidden your clothes?!

~

Robbie coughs as he enters what looks to be a woman’s bedroom on the next floor up.

There were white sheets covering everything in here. God what kind of goth freak’s wet dream did he step into? “Dude I don’t think we’re supposed to be in here.” 

Robbie can hear the groan Mattie lets out before he does it. “Bro,” Mattie starts as he begins taking down the sheets “If you’re gonna be a little bitch you can go rejoin Sera and her boyfriend. I’m trying to find something valuable to bring back to Winnie.”

“Dude, I don't think your situationship would want a haunted trinket. And also Sera isn’t dating-“ a scoff rang out as Mattie tore a sheet off a vanity with a cracked mirror. “Please Robs I’m just saying what we all know. If Sera didn’t want to come up here, do you think we would have drugged the little placeholder to force her in here?”

Silence fell over the room as Robbie picked up a small music box off of one the dressers Mattie had uncovered. “Exactly. So stop trying to correct a situation so wrong it surprises me little miss perfect is still with the luckiest man ever and help me find something for Winnie.”

Robbie muttered an affirmative as he wound up the music box and let it play. The tune was… hauntingly sweet. “That’s creepy as fuck bro.” Mattie murmured as he continued rummaging through the room but Robbie paid him no mind as he walked over to what looked like a covered portrait. 

Every fiber of his body was telling Robbie to leave the sheet alone. Hell, every fiber of his body was telling him to leave this place completely but he ignored the feeling as he yanked the covering down.

Robbie was left without air in his lungs as he lifted his flashlight to the portrait. ‘There’s no way.’ A chill fell over his body as he stumbled back from the portrait. ‘There’s no way! It’s impossible! Thats’- 

A tightness encircling his neck cut off the scream building in Robbie’s throat and suddenly the room was quiet. Too quiet.

“Bro? God dam- did this asshole really just leave me all alone?” Mattie turned around and was about to march out of the room to find his so-called best friend when he noticed the other boy's flashlight on the ground flickering.

Mattie felt his stomach drop to his feet but brushed it off as Robbie playing a prank on him. At least he did until he raised his flashlight up to the same portrait Robbie had just uncovered. 

“Holy Christ,” Mattie started as he rubbed his eyes to make sure he was seeing what he was seeing. “Is that-“

Suddenly the music box stops and a voice Mattie didn’t recognize called out, “Don’t you know It’s not a smart Idea to go through someone else's things?”

Before Mattie could turn to the voice a sheet was pulled over his head and dragged him backwards.

Footsteps fell into the now empty room as a figure approached the music box on the dresser and picked it up. Placing the music box in a pocket of their pants, the figure goes to leave the silent room.

But not before looking up at the portrait with a soft smile and whispering “Soon, My Darling, Soon.”

~

You had searched every inch of this room for your clothes but you could not find them. Which could only mean one thing.

The bastard had your clothes.

You wanted to scream, really you did, but you felt kind of silly. Every exaggerated move of your arms felt like you were about to fly with the oversized bell sleeves of the robe flapping about. You felt an odd sense of hilarity start to fill you and you couldn’t help the giggles that started to bubble out of you as you sat on the end of the bed with your head in your hands. 

“And what could you possibly find so funny My Dear?” Tom’s voice shocked you once again, - you would think you would hear the heavy door open and close. - as he came closer to you and leaned against one of the bedposts. He stared down at you with clear amusement in his eyes and a raised eyebrow. You continued giggling in small bursts as you explained “I feel like a bird Tom.” 

When his gaze turned from amused to confused you stood and twirled as you waved your arms up and down. You could feel his amusement return and stopped twirling before you got too dizzy to see straight. Placing your hands over your eyes as you shakily joked “See? I look like a bird who forgot how to fly in this damn robe.” 

You could feel your body begin to shake, no longer with giggles but with the emotions that had been threatening to take over your mind since you woke up. “I didn’t even choose the cage,” you feel the tears welling up in your eyes begin to fall slowly, your voice was just as watery as your eyes. “I don’t want to be stuck in the cage but everyone who has the key just tells me a bird who can’t fly should enjoy being in such a nice cage.”

You don’t even know why these thoughts have suddenly decided to spill out. Maybe it was the fact that you had been drugged only mere hours ago, or maybe it was the fact you were realizing that the boy who was meticulously hand picked by your overbearing mother was the one who helped orchestrate it. You knew that even if he found you and returned your clothes, even if you told your mother about the evening's events, even if your “best friend” apologized, nothing would change and you would still end up the butt of the joke.

You figure that after enough hurt, the smallest comfort of the man in front of you finally broke the mask you had spent years crafting.

Realizing Tom was still in the room and hadn’t said a word since your -admittedly- strange outburst, you swallowed down the hiccup that was rising in your chest and tried to sneakily wipe your cheeks as you joke “What a stupid, twittering bird I am.” Taking a deep breath before looking at Tom you begin to ask “Did you find-“ “you don’t have to stay in that cage you know.”

Your eyes locked onto his and your breath was stolen from you. His eyes held violent intention as they flickered from your own wide eyes to the bandage on your head. You bent your head and raised a hand to cover it but a larger one stopped you. You bit your lip as he pulled you closer to himself, you weren’t sure what he was doing but you didn’t feel afraid.

Tom raised his free hand slowly and placed his fingers under your chin. Only when your eyes met his again did he whisper “A cage like yours is supposedly meant to protect, and yet I feel like this isn’t the first time it has caused you harm.” You sighed out through your nose as your eyes fluttered close. His thumb pet your cheek as he moved his hand to fully cup your face once more. “One would think whoever put you in this cage would realize that you need a better cage.”

How your little emotion fueled metaphor has run away from you. 

You let a rueful snort leave you at Tom’s words. “Unfortunately the one who put me in this cage doesn’t care if the cage harms me, all she cares about is that it’s from a “respectable and good-valued family” and can give me a “comfortable life” as a stay at home mother. She doesn’t care if I wish to fly, she has already decided I don’t need wings.”

Tom scoffs at your situation but it was the truth. Your mother didn’t care if you wanted to be something other than a mother of two point five kids in a house with a picket fence and a golden retriever named Lucky. She didn’t care that this boy was obviously sleeping around with your best friend and didn’t care if you knew. She didn’t care if she clearly heard you crying yourself to sleep most nights. No, the only thing your mother cared about regarding you was that you married the right kind of boy as soon as you were done with your Bachelors degree. No man wanted an uneducated woman after all.

“And if you left the cage on your own?” Tom asks “If you find a cage better suited to your needs?” You open your eyes at his words and just stare at him for a second. His thumb was still stroking your cheek as he stared down at you with a tenderness you weren’t sure you deserved after only meeting the man tonight. You swallowed harshly as the feeling of familiarity started to burn in your chest once more. 

“It would have to be gilded” He would have to come from money. Tom understood the hidden message in your whispered words it seems because he whispers back “It is.”

Your eyes flick to his lips “It would have to come from a well trusted maker.” He would have to come from a well known family. Tom chuckled as he began to lean down. “You would know the name as soon as you heard it.”

Your breath began to come out fast as nervous excitement began to take over. “It would have to be strong enough to keep me grounded.” He would have to be able to keep me in line. You feel his sigh on your lips before he purrs against them “The door would always be open because you would always know where it is you are safest, but I will not stop you from flying Sweetheart.”

You couldn’t help the gasp that left you as Tom’s lips finally met yours.

You didn’t care that your stupid, undeserving boyfriend could walk in that door at any moment and see you kissing another man, not when that man was kissing you this good. You almost felt insecure in your skills until Tom’s hand slid from your jaw to the back of your head and pressed you closer to him as he groaned into your mouth. 

You got the message immediately, ‘stop thinking, let me lead, stay with me.’ You grabbed the front of his shirt to bring him impossibly closer, as if to respond ‘yes, of course, please don’t leave me.’ 

You were so dizzy you felt like you were falling.

No wait, you were actually falling.

You braced yourself for the impact that you expected from falling on the floor with someone Tom’s size on top of you but it never came. Instead you fell on top of Tom, you fell onto Tom’s lap. You didn’t think your face could burn as hot as it did in that moment but you soon found out it could burn hotter.

Tom placed an open mouth kiss to your neck as he trailed his fingers down to the sash keeping your robe wrapped around you and began to tug it loose. “If you don’t wish to fly away right now Pet, I would love to take off your wings.” Tom offered in his low gravely voice, clearly giving you the option to stop before things got too much for you to handle.

You shook your head as you let the fabric drop from your shoulders with a shiver from the cold in the room.

Tom let a dark laugh leave him as he pulled back to stare up at you with eyes that resembled cooling magma. “Perfection.” He praised before he pulled you to his mouth once more.

~

“Fuck! Sera!”

“What now?”

“She’s gone!”

“It’s like I said she’s prob-“

“I just checked and she’s not!”

“Do you think she-“

“What walked home? In the pitch black woods with no flash light?”

“Calm down, we’ll-“

“Calm Down? CALM DOWN? NO! I swear to god Sera if anything happened to her-“

“You’ll what? Fuck me about it? Be honest, you wouldn’t be as upset as you’re pretending you would be.”

“FUCK! Where are the guys? Maybe they’ve seen her.”

“Why are you panicking? It’s not like anyone is up here with us that would want to hurt your precious little girlfriend.”

“Yeah then where is she?”

~

“Tom, please.” You whined as you entangled your fingers in raven curls. The man currently kissing up your thighs pressed a smirk into your skin before teasing, “Please what Pet? What would you like from me? You know you need only ask.”

You tossed your head back into the pillow with a whine but Tom only laughed before cooing almost condescendingly at you, “Come on now, use that lovely voice of yours to tell me what it is you need.” You breathed in deeply before looking down at Tom once more and begging “Tom please, don’t tease me. I don’t care what is you do but just do something.”

You couldn’t really explain how it is you got here. Laying back on the most comfortable bed you’ve ever felt, nearly naked, with a man you had only recently met (yet you felt like you’ve known him for so much longer) on his stomach in between your thighs hopefully about to do something your ridiculous, obnoxious, ex-boyfriend would never do. 

You couldn’t make heads or tails of it. Why you felt this connection with Tom, why you were so willing to do things with him you had fought others against doing, why he wasn’t doing anything to ease the ache in between your legs. 

“Okay My Dear Okay, I’ll quit teasing but just remember you asked for this.” Tom teases before dragging a thumb down the wetness soaking through your underwear -the last article of clothing you had left- causing your hips to cant to the ceiling while a strangled moan tumbled out of your mouth. “Please- Please Tom, I need it. I need you.”

Oh if only you knew that those were the magic words twenty minutes ago. 

You wanted to sob when your panties were pulled to the side and the mouth that was torturing you by pressing kisses in the shape of a dangerous smirk into the inside of your thigh suddenly pressed over you with a long lick from your hole to your pulsing clit. The hand that was simply resting in Tom’s hair was now entangled in the dark curls, you didn’t think you could stay on the bed otherwise. 

Large hands pressed down on your hips to keep you still while Tom utterly destroyed you. He was not only taking you apart with every flick of his tongue or suction of his lips, but he was taking apart your very belief system. 

You whined and squealed as you questioned why you would deny yourself this feeling of pleasure based on what someone thought was proper behavior of a young woman.

“Tom -Oh god- please don’t- hmm- don’t stop” you begged as you cursed the ignorant, god awful, hand picked disaster of a boy you were coupled with. How dare he not try to not give you what a near-stranger was willing to give you without thought. “I wasn’t planning on it Dearest.” Tom said quickly before diving back into you like a man starved. 

You looked down to find his onyx eyes already staring up at you and the heat that tore through you felt like Hellfire. You damned every passage spoken at you by your mother (who only ever went to church to better her image) against this very act, because if God didn’t want you to find bliss in a man you weren’t married to he shouldn’t have given him such an excellent mouth. You sure the Devil will understand where you’re coming from, especially with the way Tom looks ready to make an altar to your cunt.

You began to feel the beginning of your end start to pulse in you and groaned. You weren’t often able to reach the end of that fantastic road but you seriously doubted Tom wouldn’t lead you there. Just as the thought settled into your mind like warm syrup you felt a finger circling your entrance. Pressing your free hand against your eye you sighed out “Yes Tom -gah, hah yesss- please.”

Somehow even while eating you out the man still was able to smirk with satisfaction. “My perfect Little Dear didn’t even need me to speak, how smart she is.” Suddenly it was two fingertips instead of one poking at your entrance. “It’s too bad I want her blissfully dumb, I’ll have to fix my mistake.” You sucked in a large breath as Tom’s fingers entered you fully and immediately found that beautiful spot that blinded you.

You couldn’t even hear the words you were babbling at this point. Tom focused his mouth on your aching bundle of nerves while he stretched you out on his fingers. He would swipe over that spot every now and again -usually when you began to come back to yourself long enough to become self conscious about the noise you were making.- causing the end of the road to appear much faster than you were ready for. 

You tried to warn Tom by tapping against his head but he just grabbed it and pinned it to your hips under his own hand. You started to pant, trying your best to stave off your finish as long as possible but Tom was making it very difficult. Lifting your head from the pillow you were squeezing for dear life you whimpered out “Tom -holy jes- Tom wait I’m gonna-“ The hand currently trapping yours against your body squeezed tightly as Tom lifted his face barely an inch and lowly commanded “I know, so be good and give me what’s mine already.”

And how were you supposed to deny that?

Seeing your eyes haze over at Tom’s words gave the man all the permission he needed to drag you to your finish. Pulling your clit into his mouth and rubbing against the little area inside of you that drove you insane with three fingers had you screaming. You came back into your body just in time to feel your orgasm beginning to flow over you, you couldn’t feel anything but Tom and that’s the only thing your mind could focus on. Which is probably the reason why the only words out of your mouth were “Tom”,”Please”, and “Yesyesyesyesyes”

It was only when your eyes met once again and you saw the tinge of red swirling in his Irises did you finally reach your peak. 

Tom worked you through it, like the gentleman he was, and once you began to come down he slowed his fingers while pulling away from your clit. You almost wanted to thank him, like he had just done a great act of service rather than destroy you only to then recreate you. But that feeling of gratitude quelled as he crawled up over your body and stared down at you with a look of pure hunger. 

You blinked up at him as he swiped a thumb over your cheek before placing a sweet kiss there. You felt your body sink into the mattress at the tender gesture until his gravely voice whispered into your ear “I hope you’re ready for me Pet,” hearing creaking wood, you look at the wooden headboard above you to see Tom’s hand clutching it. Swallowing harshly your eyes drift back to his and your heart nearly stutters at the look in his eyes. “Because I fear I won’t be able to help myself once I’m inside of you.”

You fear that Tom is going to be the end of you completely.

You throw your arms around his shoulders and whisper “what help could you possibly need?”

~

A body was being dragged down the halls of the Riddle Manor.

It had been made useless by a quick blow to the back of the head.

The person dragging the body was breathing heavily but was just grateful the body they were dragging was breathing at all.

Soon reaching their destination, the one dragging the body opened the large oak doors to a dusty, dark ballroom.

Placing the unconscious participant on their mark, the choreographer began to set the stage for a Dance with the Devil.

“Finally,” achievement coated the voice that disturbed the silence of the Manor. “I will reach the station I was born for, with My Darling by side no one will be able to stop me.”

Turning to the unconscious body, a smirk settled over sharp entitlement. “And you will be the key to my ascension.”

~

You could barely breathe with the way Tom’s weight pressed on you, into you, over you. Fuck he was everywhere.

“Don’t tell me My Precious Dear has lost her senses already tsk tsk, and here I thought I was the one who would need help.” Tom taunted into your ear from behind before nipping at the shell as he pounded into you slow and hard. Showing your poor cunt absolutely no mercy. 

This was the second round and you could feel his cum from the previous round dribbling out of you with every harsh thrust into you. You were on a different planet at this point. You stopped caring about the others who came here with you after Tom started actually fucking you. You forgot their names and at this point you could barely remember yours, the only name you did seem to remember was the man’s currently trying to mold you to the shape of him.

You could only lay there and take it, Tom’s hands were pressing into your body as if he intended to leave the shape of them like a brand. He was certainly fucking into you like he was trying to lay ownership. Every deep roll of his hips against yours was a testament of the idea. You wished you could tell him that he didn’t have to prove his ownership, you were sure that no other man could seduce you well enough to give this up.

“-hah hah- oh my precious girl, you feel so. damn. good.” His words were punctuated with sharp ah ah ah’s from your lips and you thought maybe he would have mercy on you, instead he stopped his movements all together. You let out a very undignified whine before Tom forces your face from the pillow by your chin. “Shhh, don’t worry Pet I’m not going to stop. No,no,no I wouldn’t dare." His reassurance felt like condescension as he slipped out of you. You could feel him turn you on your back once more but you still looked at him confused as he hooked his elbows under your knees and folded you in half. 

You gasped at how exposed the new position left you but didn’t dare complain as Tom lined himself to your center once more. “No, I just needed to watch those pretty eyes of yours roll to the back of your skull when I make you cum all over my cock once again.” You wanted to begin praying at that moment as Tom stopped the slow roll of hips and began absolutely pounding into you. 

You weren’t able to form anything but broken syllables and instinctual sounds, nothing else stayed in your mind long enough to leave your mouth. “Oh look at you Pet, -hnn- you’re completely gone. -haaa- tell me, whose cock has you on a different plane of existence right now?” You could barely make sense of the words but the angle Tom was pummeling into you at gave the answer he was looking for anyway. “Tom!”

“That’s right, and do you think that boy -fuuuuck- could ever give you what I’m giving you?” You vigorously shook your head as you whimpered “No T-ah-om, on-hmmm-ly yo-ou.” You felt one of Tom’s hands trail down to where you were connected and soon enough his thumb started rubbing circles into your desperate clit. “What a Good -too good- Girl I have. Tell me, do you want -God this cunt- to stay with me? Or will you try and find an-ah-other?” 

Another whine, but this one was mixed with hurt as you responded “Only want you -YES- Tom. Don’ ma-a-ke me go-ooooh-“ Tom kissed the furrow between your brow as he began to piston his hips faster. “Ne-hah hah-ver My Dear, Never. -mmmmmn fuck- Tell me, tell me you’ll stay -like that, take me like that- by my side.”  You felt the pull of your orgasm tugging at you harshly now. You knew it wasn’t going to be much longer before you came for Tom once again.

“I’ll stay, I’ll stay, oh please Tom I’m-“ Tom silenced you with a deep kiss but his hips never stopped pulling you closer and closer to the finish line. Tom pulled away to whisper against your lips “I can feel it Dearest, I can fucking feel it. I need you to look me in the eye when you do, un-nnngh-derstand?” You nodded your head as your eyes found his, not trusting yourself to remember to do so when the time came. 

“What a Good Girl. My Dearest Treasure. I want you to do it, I want you to cum. Do it. Cum all over me. Do it, Now.” And who were you to deny a command like that?

~

That was the strongest orgasm you ever had, it must have been, you had passed out for Christ sakes.

You could feel fingers running through your hair as you awoke, and the voice that whispered to you woke you up completely. “You’ve finally revived, it seems.” You let out a groan that quickly turned into a sigh as Tom massaged your scalp. “Maybe I was too hasty in my judgement.” 

You couldn’t help but snort at his tone as you opened your eyes and searched for his face. You realized you were laying against his chest and looked up at him with a sheepish “Hi.” Tom gave you a small smile as he took in your relaxed state “Hello Dearest, how are you feeling?” 

You stretched your legs out before curling back into Tom’s chest with a satisfied sigh.” Good, real good actually. I don’t think my body has felt this relaxed in years.” You feel Tom chuckle as his hand travels from your scalp to run light circles over your back as he places a small kiss to the crown of your head. “I’m glad to be of service. Please don’t be afraid to see me again if you need a repeat performance.” You laughed at his awful humor before just lying against him, enjoying the moment of peace between you when you noticed something.

You pulled up the covers as you turned to look up at Tom “Tom you’re freezing, are you okay?” You watched as his eyes widened for a fraction of a second before pulling you back to his chest. “Yes Pet, it just tends to get a bit drafty in here some nights is all.” You hummed but the answer didn’t sit well with you. It seemed as if he didn’t even realize he was cold. “I do have a question for you though,” Tom spoke up and effectively broke your train of thought. “You said that your grandmother had told you stories to keep you from coming up here, what did she say?”

You sighed as he continued drawing soothing circles on your back and moved to get more comfortable as you leaned against him. It felt like you had injured your ribs somehow but just assumed it was the last position Tom had you in. You cleared your throat while clearing your mind of the recent memories, “Are you sure you wish to know? It’s not going to make you sell the place and go running for the hills is it?” Tom laughed “No Dearest, I’m afraid I have something too good here to run for the hills.”

You smiled to yourself at his response and started the tale you’ve been told a thousand times. “Okay, well the story goes that this Manor has been here as long as the town has. It was handed down the line of the Gaunt family, some well-to-do family that started the town in the first place. Well after some time it landed in the hands of Thomas Riddle, the last standing descendant of the Gaunts. Some say he was a genius businessman or politician, others say he was a con-man who conned the wealthiest families out of every dime they had for a snake oil promise. Either way he had made a name for himself and eventually settled down here with his wife.”

“While his rise in status and wealth were argued about, his devotion to his wife could never be. They were seen as the perfect couple, he loved her like she was his reason for living and she adored him like he was the air she breathed. They moved into the Manor and the whole town knew that No One could come between the two. There was even speculation that they were planning on announcing a pregnancy when disaster struck.” Tom shivered and you raised your head to ask “Are you okay?” He nodded with a strained smile as he whispered “Yes Dear, please continue.”

You nodded and placed your head back down as you snuggled closer. “You see others bliss often invites envy inside as my grandmother would say. There was a maid who had been employed here who envied Mrs.Riddle to say the least and lusted after Mr.Riddle like.a dog with a bone. She was often heard muttering to herself about “ungrateful wives” and “wasted romance”. One of the other staff members had tried to warn the couple but they had waved it off as just a crush that would pass. Now what happened next is often debated by the locals. Some say the maid killed Mrs.Riddle by pushing her down the main stairs and in his grief Mr.Riddle killed himself. Others say that the maid poisoned Mr.Riddle for not returning her affections and Mrs.Riddle threw herself out of the tallest window in her grief.” It was your turn to shiver now.

“But?” Tom’s voice croaks on the word and you grab his hand on the other side of his ribs to hold as you continue. “But my grandmother worked here when it all went down. She said that Mrs.Riddle caught Mr.Riddle and the maid together in his study and in her shock and grief drowned herself in the tub of their room. She had blocked the door with the heaviest dresser in the room so when Thomas finally got to her it was too late. He had the maid “sent away” and went Mad. You see he could not walk around the manor and not find a place his wife had not touched. One day he locked himself in the ballroom and the look on my grandmother’s face had always stopped me from asking how they found him. They say you can find her body floating in the bath every full moon. Or if you come up here on a moonless night Mr.Riddle will follow you around asking if you have seen his wife and if you don’t give him the correct answer he’ll hunt you down and cause you harm or to be cursed yourself.” 

The air was silent for a while after that, Tom squeezed your hand every now and then as you mulled the story over in your head. “Something never made sense to me though.” You confessed and Tom let out an inquisitive hum. “If Mr.Riddle was as devoted as everyone swore he was, why would he sleep with a maid he had previously made fun of?” Silence washed over you again before Tom whispered “Maybe he never slept with her and it was a terrible misunderstanding.”

You hummed before softly saying “That would make the story more tragic than it already is.” A yawn escapes you as Tom makes an agreeing noise in the back of his throat before telling you to go back to sleep. “I’ll be here when you wake, don’t worry Pet.”

You had started to drift off once more when Tom groaned and cursed under his breath.

~

You awoke sometime later to find that you were the only one in the bed. 

You felt oddly … uneasy at your loneliness. It was as if not having Tom near you was making every creak in the house sound like someone coming to harm you. You knew you were being paranoid and blamed it on telling a ghost story right before falling asleep but the feelings persisted no matter how much you tried to calm yourself. 

You stood up and the ache in your ribs made you want to crawl back into the bed. You were going to have words with Tom when you found him. But first you had to in fact find him. 

You quickly redressed in the nightgown and robe before bending over and pulling the bottom drawer of the dresser by the door and finding slippers. You questioned how you knew these would be there for only a moment when something on the back of the dresser caught your eye. 

Indentations, almost as if someone had hit it multiple times with the edge of something else. 

Once again you blamed your recent storytelling on your paranoia and did the one thing you had - for some reason - yet to do.

You opened the door to the dark hallway.

You cursed as you took in the darkness until a lit candelabra - of all things - caught the corner of your eye. You prayed you didn’t trip on something on your way to grab the only source of light you could find short of the small candles in the room.

(You had tried the switch already, Tom must have really just bought the place because there was still no electricity.)

You made your way down the main stairs and moved down the hallway whispering for Tom. You were sure at this point the others had left you, thinking you had hiked back or something. It was only when you came across an ajar door did you pause your search for Tom.

Something was telling you to go into the room and you listened. Seeing furniture covered by white sheets you begin to turn around when you notice a hand peeking out from under one of the sheets. You felt terror fill you until you noticed a familiar silver bracelet. Sighing you place the candelabra down and tightened the robe around you before admonishing the boy “Don’t you think you’ve tormented me enough tonight Mattie? You’ve been found out so quit the act and come on, we gotta find the others.” When Mattie made no movement you stepped closer and realized that he wasn’t moving, he wasn’t breathing..

A creaking sound from above you made the scream in your throat die. You shakingly looked above you and recognized the shoes from when you dropped in between those feet hours ago. 

You couldn’t breathe as you ran from the room faster than you had ever run in your life.

You don’t know how you didn’t trip down the stairs, it felt instinctual every time you came across a set and continued running down while searching for Tom.

You reach the bottom floor and listen to see if you can hear anything. You almost begin screaming Tom’s name when you hear his voice yelling from your right.

“The ballroom was to the left of the staircase when you walked into the manor” your grandmother describes as she tells you the tale of the Riddle Manor for the first time.

You swallowed harshly as you approached the large oak doors. You could hear Tom yelling at someone on the other side but you couldn’t quite make out the other voice. Swallowing down your fear you push open the doors.

“SHE’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU! YOU’RE MEANT TO BE WITH ME! NOT HER, ME! WHY ARE YOU PRETENDING YOU WANT HER WHEN MY PORTRAIT WAS HIDDEN IN YOUR DESK IN YOUR OFFICE RIDDLE?” 

You knew that obnoxious, envy-filled voice. You furrowed your brows as you entered the ballroom to see it lit up with candles all along the walls while Sera stood above…”Oh God” Your voice startled the two arguing with each other. You didn’t notice the look Tom was giving you as you stared at Sera horrified. “What have you done Seraphina?”

She was standing above your boyfriend's body that was currently swimming in a deadly amount of his blood. You were planning on leaving him but you didn’t want him to die. You felt cold hands grab your arms and flinch back from the unexpected feeling but meeting Tom’s eyes you finally feel that feeling of unease start to wither away. “Don't look Dearest.” He says softly as he steps in front of you to block the image of your childhood friend standing over your dead boyfriend’s body with a very large knife covered in his blood. “What are you doing down here? I thought you were resting upstairs? How did you even get down here?

You tried to answer his questions but Seraphina’s voice rang out sarcastic and bored. “Oh please, will you drop the act already? She didn’t even want to be here! I wouldn’t hold your breath on her staying either.” You were going to tell her to shut up when Tom reacted before you could. “If you value your life you will be quiet.” While he didn’t raise his voice, the promised violence in his voice gave you chills all the same.

“Tom?” Your shaky voice brought his attention back to you as you asked “what’s going on?” Tom sighed and placed a kiss on your hairline before whispering softly “everything’s fine Dearest, go back upstairs and-“ Riotous laughter from behind Tom turned his soft expression into one filled with endless anger. “Oh this is TOO good! Your grandma tells you what happened up here but never why she didn’t want you to come up here!” Seraphina keeps laughing as she squeezes out “Oh this is priceless.”

“What are you talking about?! Have you gone insane?!” You asked the girl over Tom’s shoulder as he tries to cajole you out of the ballroom with a hand on your sternum. He presses a little too hard for only a second and a yelp rushes out of you. Tom tries to soften the pain with sweet words and Sera is sent into another fit of crazed laughter. “Oh you DIDN’T! She doesn’t even know and-“ ”YOU WILL BE SILENT!” it was the first time you had heard Tom raise his voice and you could see the anxiety in his eyes as he barked the order at Sera.

“WHAT DO I NOT KNOW SERA?” She continues laughing like a maniac and it only serves to infuriate you further. “WHAT DO I NOT KNOW THAT WOULD MAKE YOU KILL THREE PEOPLE?” Her laughter only grows as she snatches up a flashlight and shines its beam at a wall on the other side of the ballroom. When your eyes finally landed on what she was pointing at, a gasp fell out of you as Tom’s head fell to lean against your temple.

On the wall was a portrait, the painting was of you and… Tom?

You didn’t know what to be more confused about, why was your face on the painting? Why was Tom’s?

Tom was whispering something in your ear but you couldn’t hear him over Sera’s explanation. “You see, you dumb bitch, it would seem that you're the reincarnation of our dear lover boy's wife. The only problem with that is the last time I was here I found myportrait in his office. The top left drawer of his desk to be exact. Almost as if it was there to easily grab whenever he wanted to look upon it. He really was so fond of that dear maid.”

“I had planned to remind him of his affection for me tonight when a little bump in the road appeared; you. This idiot,” she flicks her knife to the too still body at her feet. You watch in horror as droplets of blood splatter over its original host. “wouldn’t come up here without you. And the other two wouldn’t follow me but they would follow him. So I just had to figure out a way to get you up here. I never planned to harm you, I swear. I just needed the three stooges as sacrifices to gain someone’s attention. And sure I had planned to kill them but I wasn’t the one to do so.” You began shivering as Sera’s obvious intention of words dawned on you. 

“She’s lying Pet.” Tom hissed in your ear and you wanted to believe him. But somehow this scenario felt all too familiar and there was only one person offering an explanation. “Oh I’m lying am I? True, I just stood to the side as you killed the two upstairs but you were the one to actually kill them. I only killed this one.” Sera explained with a shrug. Almost as if her acceptance of her sins cleansed her of the guilt. “But what should I expect of a spirit who has harmed others for less than roaming around his dead wife’s room.”

You knew you weren’t dreaming but what other explanation was there? This couldn’t possibly be real! Your Tom couldn’t possibly be- “What don’t believe me?” Sera must have seen your torn judgement because she scoffs and clutches the knife firmly in her hand once more. “Fine I’ll prove it.”  With a speed you didn’t know she possessed she began running to Tom’s back.

“No! Stop!” You screamed as she plunged the knife into his back so deep the very tip poked out of the front. Tom merely sighed as you screamed in horror at what Sera had done. You began to rip open the button on Tom’s shirt when he whispered in a tired tone “Dearest stop.”

You wanted to yell at him but then you noticed it. 

Tom wasn’t bleeding.

“It’s almost like he doesn’t have any blood.” Sera sneered as she removed the knife from his back. Tom grunted and turned to her with blood red, infuriated eyes. “You just don’t know when to quit do you? That portrait in my desk wasn’t placed there by me you ingrate. It was placed there by your supposed past counterpart. I hated that woman with every fiber of my being for what she did to My Wife. And now I hate you just as much for harming her once again.”

For the first time since this all began Sera looked afraid But Tom only seemed to revel in it. 

“And now to send you away just as I did with her.” Tom sneered as raised his hands and sent Sera flying into the far wall with a sickening crack.

You yelped once again as you watch her lifeless body fall to the floor. Tears begin to burn your eyes as Tom sighs and turns to you with that practiced smile. “Now Dearest let’s get you back upstairs and-“ you take a step back and warn him with an unsteady voice “Don’t come near me.”

Tom stops his movements and tilts his head as if studying a small creature instead of a terrified young woman. “Now Dearest-“ ”NO!” You yell as you take in the horrific setting. “Oh god I’m going to be sick.” Tom sighed as he stood a few feet from you. “No you won’t, you can’t get sick.” The confusion that took over you monetarily shook you from the shock of recent events. “What are you talking about?!” 

Stuffing his hands into his pocket, Tom merely raises an eyebrow at you before muttering. “I must have made the compulsion too strong.” Shaking his head he took a step towards you with a “Oh well, it doesn’t matter anymore. You’re still mine forever.” You shook your head, denying something you didn’t fully understand yet. “Tom please, what are you talking about?” Your voice was too small for your liking as you reluctantly begged him to explain himself.

“Did you not question how much and how easily you trusted me? I know something in you recognized me but not enough to let me in the way you did.” He takes two steps closer as you slide down the door thinking about every hesitation you had over the night. “You told me things you would have never admitted to anyone else, you let me do things to you that you would have fought against doing with anyone else.” Tom sighed almost wistfully before realization hit him and he hastily corrected any misgivings. “Don’t get me wrong Dearest, I’m glad you allowed me to please you the way I did. I missed doing so so very much.”

Tom was now standing over your curled up form, you had your head on your knees trying to breathe but no matter how much air you sucked in it never felt like it filled your lungs. Your tears were streaming down your face but you couldn’t feel their warmth. The ache in your side was starting to become too painful to stay curled up so you let your legs stretch out in front of you as you fell completely to the floor. You placed a hand over the sore spot and Tom’s eyes followed the movement.

He squatted down and reached his hand out to cover yours, you whimpered in pain when his hand accidentally caused you to press against it further. Tom shushed you in what you assumed was supposed to be a soothing manner before instructing you. “Let me see it Pet.” Whatever he saw caused him to suck his teeth before asking you “Has it been hurting you this whole time?” You nodded in small jerky movements as you whined “pulled a muscle with the way you had me bent in half.” You watched a smile pull at the corners of his mouth until your words sunk into his mind.

His eyes floated up to meet yours for a few seconds, you wanted to say so much but had no idea where to even start. Tom’s eyes searched your face for a second before speaking slowly, “Dearest I need you to think for a second, just how fast is your heart going right now?” You closed your eyes as you listened for your heartbeat.

But realizing you didn’t have one made them slam open.

You stared at Tom who was staring at your side muttering something. Your eyes slid down to your side and that’s when you saw it. An open wound that was surrounded by dark red blood, as if it had been hours old. 

As if you hadn’t just passed out earlier, but had instead died.

“I made it quick and painless for you. I’m sorry you figured it out like this but I had to make sure you would stay by my side.”  He swiped a thumb over your side and sighed exasperatedly. “You shouldn’t have moved like you did so quickly after your transformation, your new body wasn’t ready for it.” You felt him lift you but you were now too exhausted to fight against him. “Transformation?” You asked as you laid your head against his shoulder as he carried you bridal style up the stairs. 

Tom hummed and explained “We are no longer alive but we are not dead either. The day I locked myself in that ballroom I found a ritual to transform us into everlasting beings so we can stay together forever. I just needed to wait to find you again. Once I got you all I needed was for you to say you wished to stay with me and to accept the bond by looking into my eyes at the height of emotion. I would say the height of passionate emotion was the best choice, no?” You wanted to argue that he stole your right to choose just like everyone else in your life had. You wanted to scream and punch him for how he tricked you, but your weakened state only let you whimper into his shoulder.

“I thought you had feelings for me.” You hadn’t meant to let the words slip out but Tom took no offense in them and merely chuckled. “Of course I do Dearest. My devotion to you knows no bounds, not even the bounds of Life and Death can stop my love for you.” You hear a door creak open and you are placed on the nicest mattress you have ever felt in your life.

Tom rubs the back of his fingers over your cheek as your world fades to black once more. “You’ll remember how much you loved me sooner or later but no matter how long it takes I’ll be here. After all, we have forever together and I hear that’s a very long time.”

A gentle kiss is the last thing you feel as the cage door of your Gilded Forever shuts close. ~ 🥀 a/n: The spoiler is the fact that tom is the entity that haunts the house lol

I hope you enjoyed my crack at writing Tom! I will eventually write more for him but you can always come and yell at me about him some more!

Also viperify has some AMAAAZING tom fics on here I’m sure you would enjoy! 🥰

Thank you so much for reading!!

[illusivedreamingg]

I knew this was going to be amazing but OMG... as always the writing is *French kiss*

[makebelievemuse]

Omg Ada darling thank you SOO MUUUCCH 🥰💗 I’m so glad you enjoyed!!! Gonna make me stop being lazy and ACTUALLY write something lol.

[makebelievemuse]

Ngl bigdick!Steve getting confirmed in show was NOT something I expected to happen in show but I am GOING to run with it

[makebelievemuse]

I was debating on whether or not to make me next fic a Series or not when the ending of The Summoning by Sleep Token came on.

Needless to say the next fic I’m putting out will be shorter because it’s going to be a series rather than just a long ass fic 🥴

But don’t worry it’ll be so worth it 😉

[viperify]

WINTER EVENT ‘25 | ᴛᴏᴍ ʀɪᴅᴅʟᴇ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

⛆ DARK DAYS.

❄︎ SUMMARY: years of neglect at the orphanage result in Tom loathing everything surrounding holiday season. the cold, the faked happiness, the greed of some others. nobody has ever cared enough to show him the true meaning of Christmas—but will you be able to?

❄︎ CONTENT: angst with a fluffy ending. orphanage trauma, mentions of child abuse and neglect, lil Tommy just needs to be held, I love him so much I feel SICK, Tom has never celebrated Christmas until you show you up. <33

❄︎ AUTHOR’S NOTE: I broke my own heart writing this. there were tears in my eyes. MY BABY😭

wordcount: 1,6k

Tom knew winter came when the days grew shorter and nights stretched well past breakfast time. It was freezing cold outside in late December, and nearly the same temperature in his room.

As a younger child, Tom had been afraid of the dark. Of abandonment and of the shadows lurking under his bed or in his closet. Though, he quickly learned that there were no horrible beings in his room other than, perhaps, himself. That’s at least what he was continuously told by the nurses coming to visit once or twice a day. Mostly to bring food, or medicine which was supposed to calm his demeanour.

Tom fed the pills to the pigeons pecking at the frozen ground outside.

There were no monsters in the sanctuary of his four walls—they waited just outside his very door.

—

The darkness ate away at his soul as did the moths with his passed-down clothes behind the broken closet door.

Sunshine was rare in the months following October. Mostly, it was there shortly, for not more than an hour a day. Fog clouded the scenery outside his window, and singular, fluffy snowflakes began falling from the grey sky whenever it reached temperatures below the freezing point.

Somehow, it brought peace. Life calmed down, and not many people walked around the usually busy London streets when the weather was unpleasant. Somehow, he no longer felt as though the world was changing too quickly for him to catch up once he’d be free from here.

Though, winter brought more than traditions he’d grown to loathe and his birthday, which he resented even more.

It came with loneliness, and—worse—pain, which reminded him of his pitiful existence.

He’d long grown used to the bitter temperature in his bedroom. The heating didn’t work, or the nurses didn’t want it to work—at the end of the day, it resulted in the same. Tom had become all too familiar with the freezing cold surrounding him, misty clouds forming in the air with every breath he exhaled, and his little fingers turning a blueish-purple colour from the lack of blood pumping oxygen through them. 

The pain started at his fingertips first, slowly spreading from knuckle to knuckle, making his joints ache and muscles stiff to the point he couldn’t properly hold his quill to finish the homework he had been assigned.

Not even a hot cup of tea, which he nearly had to beg for and yet was lukewarm by the time someone finally brought it to him, could soothe the ache in his tendons.

After a few weeks, he no longer felt the pain. It became somewhat of a constant: freezing cold, stiff fingers refusing to move whenever he tried doing something different than standing on a chair and staring out of the barred window to watch children play in the snow.

Tom wasn’t allowed to go outside.

Tom was barely allowed to leave his room at all nowadays—not after what happened when he was left alone with other children.

The only time he got to step outside in the much warmer corridor was for dinner; lunch was shoved into his hands, and the door shut before he could even catch a glimpse of another human soul.

Oh, and of course whenever visitors came. Couples interested in adopting a child—which was rare during the ongoing war and the economic crisis challenging Great Britain.

Tom rather stayed hidden in the safety of his four narrow walls. Nobody ever chose him either way.

When he was still little, years ago, some of them had at least considered him—but nowadays, nowadays they only warily smiled down at him, at his gaunt face and dark eyes, husbands quickly shoving their wives along to the next child in line without sparing him another glance.

Nobody wanted a sick, troublesome child.

Nobody wanted him.

—

Later, at Hogwarts, his fingers at least no longer felt stiff, and he could happily indulge in reading or writing without having to rub his skin raw to warm up.

Tom no longer minded festive traditions, because now he had something to eat and had learned how to charm his tea to stay hot. No presents, but he couldn’t care less. His dorm mates all left for home during winter holidays—which meant he was by himself for two entire weeks, and he could do whatever he pleased.

Yet, Christmas remained a painful reminder of his past, and especially during those days, he preferred to stay locked in the safety of his dormitory. Not once had he attended the special dinner in the Great Hall on Christmas Eve for all students who decided to stay at Hogwarts.

Tom had always rather gone to bed hungry than to endure hours of watching others live traditions he was never taught.

There had never been presents under the tree for him. Most years, he wasn’t allowed to attend the celebration at all. He had learned not to care—and silence was the best gift he could wish for during these days.

Tom has handled it like this every single year—until one Christmas Eve, a gentle knock on his door disturbs his peace, and the string of concentration between him and his book is lost.

With a sigh, he rises from his seat and carefully creaks the door open—just an inch.

Enough for his favourite pair of eyes to peek through the narrow gap, enough for his heart to skip a beat.

Tom is well aware of what you are here for, and yet he lets you in.

“Merry Christmas, Tom,” you murmur, hands hidden in the pockets of the coat you’ve brought. The corridors are freezing cold, and even with the thick woollen fabric draped around your shoulders, it still makes you shiver.

He catches the slight trembling, of course he does. Immediately, he pulls you further into his dorm—and if you aren’t imagining things, he moves closer to you. Just a little—yet sufficient to feel his warmth.

“Merry Christmas,” he replies finally, gentle brown eyes meeting yours.

You know he doesn’t do this—doesn’t attend the celebration. You’ve come to ask the same exact question for years, and the answer has always been no.

Still, you ask.

“Will you come with me to the ceremony? They have those cookies again. Your favourite.” Your eyes soften visibly as you speak those words, voice small and controlled. “You always made me bring you some. Remember?”

He huffs softly under his breath and doesn’t answer immediately.

“Please.” You add. “Please come with me. Just this once.”

Tom exhales a long breath, regretting his words as soon as they leave his lips.

“Fine,” he agrees. “Just this once.”

—

Gleefully, you drag him with you, and sit down at the far end of the table as he wishes. Dinner is amazing as always—no matter what dish you desire, it’s there. The Christmas tree is lit with candles, adorned with colourful ornaments—it’s so tall, it nearly reaches the ceiling of the Great Hall.

From the corner of your eyes, you catch Tom looking at it. Beneath it, at the many presents which students have gotten for each other.

A small, knowing smile spreads across your face, and luckily enough, he doesn’t catch it.

Tom’s way too lost in his own thoughts while he fills his plate for the second time. At the same time, the headmaster holds his speech, followed by Christmas carols sung by a choir.

When it’s time for students to give each other their presents, a small, carefully wrapped box floats your way, and you catch it.

“For you,” you smile and place it next to his plate.

For a long moment, he just looks at it, not reaching out. Tom swallows the lump that has formed in his throat before he finally does move for it.

His first Christmas present. From you, of all people.

“It’s just a bar of chocolate. I am sorry,” you whisper near his ear as his fingers tear away the wrapping, and he reveals exactly that. Caramel filled chocolate, from one of the finest chocolatiers in Great Britain.

He remembers the shop opposite Wool’s gates. Whenever he was allowed outside, he used to sit there, watching the glowing, golden display window of the confectionery through the bars he was locked behind.

They sold this exact chocolate. He only knew that because they used to donate some of the expired ones to the orphanage on Christmas Eve, and he once was lucky enough to get a single piece of it.

“Thank you,” he says, and although he wants to say much more, how much this actually means to him—he can’t. It’s “just a bar of chocolate” as you called it—but for Tom, it’s everything. “Really. I mean it. I— I don’t have anything to give to you, I am sorry.”

“It doesn’t matter.” You say softly, offering a gentle smile. “The greatest gift is having you here with me after all these years.”

Before he even realises, his hand inches towards yours, intertwining your fingers as you watch the rest of the ceremony together.

It’s the first time his hands don’t ache in the cold during Christmas. The first time in his life that the thick layer of ice around his heart doesn’t grow, but melts—thanks to your warmth.

thank you so much for reading! <3 feel free to reblog and leave feedback! :3 — masterlist. | winter event.

©2025 viperify. please do not copy, translate or claim my work as your own.

ᢉ𐭩 taglist:

@dreaming-of-epiphanies @fawnfate @kzyhycklvr @makebelievemuse @evieeeak @aliceee010511 @blacksnake13 @yuunarii-arii @rarebambi @blueblore @whimpurrin @glowingatdawn @lokigonnakmsforbucky

[makebelievemuse]

Y’ALL SHE’S DONE IT AGAIN!! I don’t know why I’m surprised but I pleasantly am

I don’t care much for the holidays for similar reasons to Tommy here (dw it’s all good) but she’s honestly made it better with her stories. I have something to look forward to during this cold season and while I was a bit nervous for this one Mar has blown me away with how they’ve written the feeling of not caring for the holidays because the holidays don’t always care for you.

I know it’s an angst piece but I genuinely enjoyed it. So if you haven’t already and you love a good Tom fic I am begging on my knees for you to go check out some of their stuff!

And for those of you who maybe feel the same way, you’re not weird or alone in the feeling but the holidays are a great excuse to put on terrible movies to make fun of. There are so many, pick one and laugh at other people’s lives and choices. (It’s one of my favorite things to do, the hallmark movies HATE to see me coming with warm apple cider in my hand 😂)

[makebelievemuse]

Gilded Forever

🥀- Summary: You’ve been told to never go to the Riddle Manor so what happens when others plans decide your hesitation to step foot inside the sprawling Manor is a problem to be solved?

🥀-W.c.: 11.5.k (professional yapper unfortunately)

🥀- warnings: drugging, mention of injury, shitty boyfriend/pick-me-bestfriend, mention of over controlling mother, undescriptive death, cheating (mention of boyfriend and technically reader), smut, oral (f receiving), fingering (f receiving), p-in-v, there’s something off about tom but he’s real good about not letting you see it til he has you (aka manipulative Tom and *spoiler*), dubious consent, murder, haunted house. All characters are absolutely 18+! (I believe that’s it if I am wrong do NOT be afraid to let me know.)

🥀- A/N: Hiiiiiii. Welcome to my very first Tom Riddle fic! The wonderful @viperify has absolutely brought me to the dark side with this man and I’m not even mad about it. I’m actually quite excited if I’m honest 🥰 I do ask that you read the tags for your own safety, I did bleep out part of a tag because of what it is but it’s nothing too crazy (if you need to know it will be at the bottom of the fic) I am NOT responsible for your media consumption but I do hope to make it enjoyable. With that please enjoy!

Let me VERY clear. Minors- DO NOT INTERACT. Ao3 🥀

~~~

“Oh come on babe! Those stories are just that, stories! Cody and his boys were just up there last weekend and you can see they’re just fine!” Your boyfriend whined into your ear about this particular topic. For the fifth time. Today. 

It was starting to grate on your nerves and your annoyance slipped into your voice as you repeated yourself for the fifth time today. “I’ve told you already, No! I don’t care who's been in that mansion and survived! I refuse to go up there! My grandmother has-“ You were interrupted by a bored voice “We knooow. Your grandmother told you what happened up there when she was a girl and forbade you from going anywhere near it or whatever. God it’s like you’re equipped with, like, three dialogue options with how much you repeat yourself.”

You turn your head to look over your shoulder at your best friend Seraphina, well more like ex-best friend that is. She hasn’t really been your best friend since she made out with your last boyfriend at a house party. And slept with the boyfriend before that and stole the one before that. And afterwards not giving you a pout while claiming “It’s not my fault you pick bad guys. Honestly you should be thanking me for helping you see they didn’t really like you.”

Really the only reason you allowed her to stay around you is because your mother would have a conniption if you didn’t. The girl was a traitor and a snitch.

“Maybe I wouldn’t repeat myself so often if some people took no for an answer the first time around.” You snide at the girl who was very obviously putting you down to get your boyfriend's attention. God you wish he would just give it to her so you could dump him without your mother raining her wrath down on you.

“Maybe if you weren’t such a prude and said yes once in a while you wouldn’t be pestered constantly.” She snapped back at you and with a scoff she continued bashing you. “I mean honestly are you really so scared of some rumors and tall tales from your grandma’s age that you’re gonna refuse some good fun?” You met her stare with the anger that seemed to be consuming you every second of the day recently. “Yes I am and you know what?” Standing up from your place leaning against your boyfriend’s car and grabbing your things before pointing a finger in Seraphina’s face. “It’s because I know who to listen to and whose words aren’t worth a damn.”

Turning on your heel and storming off into the closest building of your university. Your mind was so full with emotion you missed the conversation currently happening behind you.

~

“You know there’s one way to get her up there.” 

“There’s no way she’ll ever agree Sera.“

“Who says she has to agree?” 

~

“Here babe, I know how hard you’ve been working lately and so I made you this tea to help you study tonight.” Your boyfriend says before kissing your temple as he placed the tea on your desk. 

Well, isn’t this Suspicious.

You look up at him with a raised eyebrow “you made me tea to help me study?” He faked being offended before chuckling embarrassed. “Yeah no you’re right. I didn’t make it, your mom did and sent me up here with it.”  Yeah, that made more sense. Sighing and rubbing your forehead you asked him “do you know what kind it is and if she added any sweeteners this time?” 

He hummed in thought before saying “I think it was cinnamon? Or maybe that was the honey she added in it? I’m sorry all I could catch was that it would have a cinnamon taste to it.”  Pressing your lips together you nodded before giving him a small smile and thanking him. 

Taking the cup of tea into your hand you spun your chair as you watched him pace your room and wondered aloud “you hanging around for a bit? Thought you had plans tonight.” He groaned and flopped down onto your bed. “Yeah, that got cancelled, Sera ditched us and the guys didn’t want to hang out in a creepy old manor with just us guys.” He gave you one of his charming boy next door smiles and softly spoke “so I figured I could hang out with my pretty girlfriend for the night. Maybe I could even convince her to watch a movie with me?” 

You smiled at him and decided you could indulge him a bit. “Okay after I finish this essay we can go watch a movie or two. Hell, we can even make it a spooky movie so you can get the thrills you missed out on tonight.” Taking a couple of sips of your drink you can’t help but scrunch up your face in disgust.

“God that’s wretched! It must be cinnamon tea with no sweetener. It’s all I can taste.” Coughing harshly you looked to your desk to try and find your water bottle but found it wasn’t there.  You felt your head starting to swim as the sound of your boyfriend's voice rang out. “Why would we watch one when we can star in one Baby?” 

~

“God she’s fucking gone.”

A laugh “wow that medicine of yours really worked as well as you said it would.” 

Cooing sounded out. “Of course it did. How’d you get her to take it?”

“Told her her mom made it. Guess she forgot her mom went out for book club.”

Laughter and then nothing.

~ 

“C’mon! Get her in before she wakes up!” One of your boyfriend's stupid friends, Robbie, crows out. “Even if she comes around she won't be able to move any of her limbs any time soon.”  Sera’s voice raised with laughter right behind it.

You moved your head around to try and see where you were but the sight in front of you made your blood freeze.

It was the Riddle Manor.

The Manor you were absolutely not supposed to go in.

You began thrashing around in the hold of the two guys that were carrying you while shaking your head violently “n-n-NO! Do-o-n’t make m-me go-o IN th-there!” You’ve never once had a stutter but whatever drug they gave you was making speech very hard.

“Oh shit! She’s waking up bro! Hurry up and get that door open!” You recognized that voice as Matthew or Mattie as he liked to be known. Oh god, of course they would have the two most athletic lackeys of the group carry you into the Manor. They needed little more convincing than “It’ll be funny” and they were in on any situation. 

“Peeaase jus’ le’ me g-go!”  You tried to raise your face and beg but your tongue didn’t want to work with you. You could feel the tears start to stream down your face. Why were they doing this? Hearing Seraphina’s loud laughter at your desperate attempts of breaking out of their hold told you exactly why they were doing this. 

Getting all your strength together for one last attempt of breaking free, you yelled out while pulling at your limbs “ I DON’ WAN’ TO GO IN THERE!” 

Suddenly your arms were free from Robbie’s grasp but Mikey’s grip on your ankles held firm. A sharp and sudden “Oh Shit!” Was the last thing you heard before your world went black once again. But before that happened you saw something strange in one of the windows of the Manor.

You swore you saw a figure staring down at you before shutting the curtain concealing the window.

~

“Bro her head is bleeding, that’s like really bad right?”

“Shit dude I don’t know just put her on the couch!” 

“Hey Babe wake up! Just give me a sign you're not dead at least.”

A groan

“Well she’s not dead. Look, just leave her on the couch until she comes to. She won’t leave on her own and we already drug her in here and disproving her stupid grandmother's theory about this place. So let’s just go explore this Manor already boys!”

Footsteps and laughter faded away and in its place a dark aura stood.

“They want to explore? Well time to give them something worth exploring for, since they went and left their treasure for me to find.”

The Dark Aura felt closer than it was before.

“Maybe I should make sure this treasure is hidden from them, well hidden.”

~

You fully came to an unknown amount of time later, your head was pounding and you could feel the dried tears on your face sticking uncomfortably. You slowly blink your eyes open and feel your breath leave you in a rush.

You weren’t laying on a gross dusty old couch like you were expecting. No, you were laying in a queen bed that felt better than the one you had in your room at home. It had a burgundy lace canopy laid over the post surrounding the bed. The duvet that was pulled up to your collar felt like a cloud over your body. You sat up from the too comfortable pillows and looked around the room you currently occupied in the Manor you never wanted to enter. 

You were terrified to say the least. Not only were you not even supposed to step a foot in this place but you had taken a nap for who knows how long and had not a clue on where the others could be. Thinking about the people who dragged you into this place made you realize that they probably weren’t the ones to bring you to this room. You blearily remember Seraphina’s voice telling the others to leave you on that god awful couch.

With that realization a question begged to be answered; if the ones who brought you into this abandoned Manor left you on that couch, who brought you here?

You stood up and realized you were no longer in your clothes that you wore earlier. You now stood in this lavish room in an emerald silk nightgown that barely hit your mid thigh. Feeling a blush coat your cheeks as you realize your bra was also missing and it was freezing in this house. You cross your arms in front of yourself and cross over to the armoire in hopes there was something to cover yourself with against the biting cold. “Oh you have got to be kidding me.”

~

“Dude there’s nothing interesting in this old ass mansion. Why are we here in the first place?” Robbie asked as he kicked a ball down the hallway while the others explored one of the hundreds of rooms

“There’s definitely something interesting here Robbikins. We just have to find it.” Sera says, running a finger over the edge of a mantle.

“You know it’d be easier to find if you would just tell us what we were looking for Sera.” Mattie states as he opens several drawers in the desk before moving out of the room. “I’m going to go see what’s in the other rooms of this hall brb.”

“Bro I don’t think we should split up.” Robbie says as he watches Mattie move down the hall. The boy turns to him with a huge eye roll and beckons him “We already broke that rule haven’t we? But if you’re really that scared for me just come with me.”

Sera let a smirk creep onto her face before a concerned voice dampened her triumph. “I’m a shit boyfriend, I should go check on her.”

“No you’re not honey,” Sera cooed at the boy before walking over and placing his head on her sternum. “She’s probably waiting in the car pouting by now. Are you really going to let her ruin our fun together?”

The boy sighed as she ran her fingers through his hair and shook his head.

“Good,” Sera let the smirk grow again “because I’m sure we’re about to find something good soon.”

~

“No mister detective, I haven't seen my husband, Is he all right?” You muttered as you tied the sash of the dark green robe around your mid section. “Poison you say? And then a car crash? Oh gods, oh no, oh Richard!” You quietly act the part and swear you can hear someone laughing from the door.

But when you turn around you see the door hadn’t even budged an inch. 

Listening to the house you don’t hear anything else so you assume you’re just going insane due to stress. Sighing and running your hands through your hair you feel a sore spot near your temple and hiss. Ah that’s right, you had been dropped on your head. How could you forget the sweet treatment of your captors. 

You could hear the laughter at your get up now. They would laugh at you for dressing like some Lady of the Manor and you knew you would never hear the end of it. 

Sucking your teeth, you begin looking for your clothes you arrived in. Surely your boyfriend -well you hoped it was your boyfriend who changed you- wouldn’t have hidden them in another room. “I hope the bed was to your liking My Dear.”

You gasped and turned to find one of the most handsome men you had ever seen in your life. He had dark curls that dropped onto perfectly arched eyebrows, his cheekbones were chiseled by the gods themselves, his lips were perfectly full and oh so kissable - even when they formed a smirk he was barely trying to hide - but the thing that was devastating you the most were his eyes. Pools of brown so dark they looked obsidian.

You took in this beautiful man and something in your chest began to… began to ache strangely enough. It almost felt like you had known this man once upon a time, like this wasn’t your first meeting.

Unfortunately even though you were dressed like some romantasy character, you were - again, unfortunately - not one. 

“I’m sorry I hadn’t meant to frighten you.” The man said as he began to take steps towards you. “I had only meant to check on you, I didn’t think you would be awake this soon.” He was taking in your form as he came closer. What he saw you weren’t sure, but whatever he saw definitely shouldn’t have made him look at you the way he was.

‘Hungry,’  your mind supplies ‘He looks hungry.’ 

“It’s all right, I’m just surprised someone else is in this place.” You want to die at how breathy your voice sounds right now but -if judging the slight uptick of the man’s lips before they fall back into that seemingly practiced easy smile- the man didn’t seem bothered by it. It almost seemed as if he enjoyed seeing you like this. “That’s not shocking, I just recently purchased the property. It seems the realtor forgot to mention this is an attraction house for the locals.”

You let out a big sigh and rub at your forehead. Great, now you were going to get charged with breaking and entering as well as whatever else comes with entering a house without permission. “I’m so sorry about this, I wish I knew why these morons came here but I unfortunately don’t. I’ll round them up and-“ The man started chuckling and the dark timber of his voice stopped your words in your throat.

Looking up at him from under your lashes, you watched as he collected himself before asking you “You really don’t know what they could want from here?” You shook your head “I didn’t even want to step foot in this Manor. My grandmother has always told me stories of this place and at the end of every one she would make me promise to never come up here. I guess I broke that promise tonight.”

The man took another step forward and you were surrounded by his scent. There was a spice there, Anise? No, Cardamom and… well there was a pleasant male musk but then there was something else as well. What is it? It almost smelt like- “You mean that your friends dragged you into this decrepit manor without your permission?” His voice shook you out of your thoughts that were quickly getting out of control. 

You scoff before explaining “Yes, they drugged my tea to knock me out but as they were carrying me in I woke up and tried to get out their grasp. Well I got out of one their grasp and slammed my head into the ground out there. I’m sorry if I bled all over your house by the way Mr.-?” You left the question hanging in the air to finally learn the name of the new owner of the Manor.

He gave you a pleased smile but there was a look of adoration in his eyes that caught you completely off guard. “My, where are my manners?” He grabbed the hand by your side and bent over to place a kiss to it. “I’m sorry My Dear, you may call me Tom. There’s no need for forced formalities, I’m about your age if I had to guess.”

You could feel heat rise to your cheeks with shock, but the manners your mother drilled into you for so many years quickly gained control as you told him your name as well. “I’m surprised someone so young could afford this place much less was willing to buy it.” You murmured as you began to get lost in his dark eyes, it almost looked as if there were swirls of red in them. That had to be the brown of his iris peaking out if you had to guess. 

Tom smirked as he leaned more into your space as he whispered “You’ll find I’m full of surprises Dearest.” Your face was on fire as you could feel his breath on your own lips. He is close enough now that if you leaned forward the smallest bit you would be kissing. A thought of your boyfriend was quickly replaced with the need to know if his lips felt as soft as they looked.

Unfortunately it was then that Tom stiffened and all the softness in his eyes was rapidly replaced with heavy anger. He straightened and turned his body towards the door as he gritted out. “That won’t do.”

“What won’t do?” You asked scared you had done something wrong but when he looked back at you Tom gave you a tight lipped smile. “I’m afraid your friends aren’t the only ones to decide to explore My Manor tonight.” Fear lit up your spine, you may not be happy with them at the moment but you’ve known these people since you were a child. You made a move to the door but Tom grabbed your waist to stop you. “I can’t let them-“

“Don’t worry Dear,” Tom soothed you as he cupped your face and ran a thumb across your still warm cheek. “Stay here where it’s safe and let me handle this alright? Trust me, I’ll be back as soon as I’m able okay?”

You don’t know why but you nodded, acquiescing to his request. 

“That’s a good girl, I’ll be back with information soon.” And with that you were once again left alone in this lavish room. 

Now, where could your stupid boyfriend have hidden your clothes?!

~

Robbie coughs as he enters what looks to be a woman’s bedroom on the next floor up.

There were white sheets covering everything in here. God what kind of goth freak’s wet dream did he step into? “Dude I don’t think we’re supposed to be in here.” 

Robbie can hear the groan Mattie lets out before he does it. “Bro,” Mattie starts as he begins taking down the sheets “If you’re gonna be a little bitch you can go rejoin Sera and her boyfriend. I’m trying to find something valuable to bring back to Winnie.”

“Dude, I don't think your situationship would want a haunted trinket. And also Sera isn’t dating-“ a scoff rang out as Mattie tore a sheet off a vanity with a cracked mirror. “Please Robs I’m just saying what we all know. If Sera didn’t want to come up here, do you think we would have drugged the little placeholder to force her in here?”

Silence fell over the room as Robbie picked up a small music box off of one the dressers Mattie had uncovered. “Exactly. So stop trying to correct a situation so wrong it surprises me little miss perfect is still with the luckiest man ever and help me find something for Winnie.”

Robbie muttered an affirmative as he wound up the music box and let it play. The tune was… hauntingly sweet. “That’s creepy as fuck bro.” Mattie murmured as he continued rummaging through the room but Robbie paid him no mind as he walked over to what looked like a covered portrait. 

Every fiber of his body was telling Robbie to leave the sheet alone. Hell, every fiber of his body was telling him to leave this place completely but he ignored the feeling as he yanked the covering down.

Robbie was left without air in his lungs as he lifted his flashlight to the portrait. ‘There’s no way.’ A chill fell over his body as he stumbled back from the portrait. ‘There’s no way! It’s impossible! Thats’- 

A tightness encircling his neck cut off the scream building in Robbie’s throat and suddenly the room was quiet. Too quiet.

“Bro? God dam- did this asshole really just leave me all alone?” Mattie turned around and was about to march out of the room to find his so-called best friend when he noticed the other boy's flashlight on the ground flickering.

Mattie felt his stomach drop to his feet but brushed it off as Robbie playing a prank on him. At least he did until he raised his flashlight up to the same portrait Robbie had just uncovered. 

“Holy Christ,” Mattie started as he rubbed his eyes to make sure he was seeing what he was seeing. “Is that-“

Suddenly the music box stops and a voice Mattie didn’t recognize called out, “Don’t you know It’s not a smart Idea to go through someone else's things?”

Before Mattie could turn to the voice a sheet was pulled over his head and dragged him backwards.

Footsteps fell into the now empty room as a figure approached the music box on the dresser and picked it up. Placing the music box in a pocket of their pants, the figure goes to leave the silent room.

But not before looking up at the portrait with a soft smile and whispering “Soon, My Darling, Soon.”

~

You had searched every inch of this room for your clothes but you could not find them. Which could only mean one thing.

The bastard had your clothes.

You wanted to scream, really you did, but you felt kind of silly. Every exaggerated move of your arms felt like you were about to fly with the oversized bell sleeves of the robe flapping about. You felt an odd sense of hilarity start to fill you and you couldn’t help the giggles that started to bubble out of you as you sat on the end of the bed with your head in your hands. 

“And what could you possibly find so funny My Dear?” Tom’s voice shocked you once again, - you would think you would hear the heavy door open and close. - as he came closer to you and leaned against one of the bedposts. He stared down at you with clear amusement in his eyes and a raised eyebrow. You continued giggling in small bursts as you explained “I feel like a bird Tom.” 

When his gaze turned from amused to confused you stood and twirled as you waved your arms up and down. You could feel his amusement return and stopped twirling before you got too dizzy to see straight. Placing your hands over your eyes as you shakily joked “See? I look like a bird who forgot how to fly in this damn robe.” 

You could feel your body begin to shake, no longer with giggles but with the emotions that had been threatening to take over your mind since you woke up. “I didn’t even choose the cage,” you feel the tears welling up in your eyes begin to fall slowly, your voice was just as watery as your eyes. “I don’t want to be stuck in the cage but everyone who has the key just tells me a bird who can’t fly should enjoy being in such a nice cage.”

You don’t even know why these thoughts have suddenly decided to spill out. Maybe it was the fact that you had been drugged only mere hours ago, or maybe it was the fact you were realizing that the boy who was meticulously hand picked by your overbearing mother was the one who helped orchestrate it. You knew that even if he found you and returned your clothes, even if you told your mother about the evening's events, even if your “best friend” apologized, nothing would change and you would still end up the butt of the joke.

You figure that after enough hurt, the smallest comfort of the man in front of you finally broke the mask you had spent years crafting.

Realizing Tom was still in the room and hadn’t said a word since your -admittedly- strange outburst, you swallowed down the hiccup that was rising in your chest and tried to sneakily wipe your cheeks as you joke “What a stupid, twittering bird I am.” Taking a deep breath before looking at Tom you begin to ask “Did you find-“ “you don’t have to stay in that cage you know.”

Your eyes locked onto his and your breath was stolen from you. His eyes held violent intention as they flickered from your own wide eyes to the bandage on your head. You bent your head and raised a hand to cover it but a larger one stopped you. You bit your lip as he pulled you closer to himself, you weren’t sure what he was doing but you didn’t feel afraid.

Tom raised his free hand slowly and placed his fingers under your chin. Only when your eyes met his again did he whisper “A cage like yours is supposedly meant to protect, and yet I feel like this isn’t the first time it has caused you harm.” You sighed out through your nose as your eyes fluttered close. His thumb pet your cheek as he moved his hand to fully cup your face once more. “One would think whoever put you in this cage would realize that you need a better cage.”

How your little emotion fueled metaphor has run away from you. 

You let a rueful snort leave you at Tom’s words. “Unfortunately the one who put me in this cage doesn’t care if the cage harms me, all she cares about is that it’s from a “respectable and good-valued family” and can give me a “comfortable life” as a stay at home mother. She doesn’t care if I wish to fly, she has already decided I don’t need wings.”

Tom scoffs at your situation but it was the truth. Your mother didn’t care if you wanted to be something other than a mother of two point five kids in a house with a picket fence and a golden retriever named Lucky. She didn’t care that this boy was obviously sleeping around with your best friend and didn’t care if you knew. She didn’t care if she clearly heard you crying yourself to sleep most nights. No, the only thing your mother cared about regarding you was that you married the right kind of boy as soon as you were done with your Bachelors degree. No man wanted an uneducated woman after all.

“And if you left the cage on your own?” Tom asks “If you find a cage better suited to your needs?” You open your eyes at his words and just stare at him for a second. His thumb was still stroking your cheek as he stared down at you with a tenderness you weren’t sure you deserved after only meeting the man tonight. You swallowed harshly as the feeling of familiarity started to burn in your chest once more. 

“It would have to be gilded” He would have to come from money. Tom understood the hidden message in your whispered words it seems because he whispers back “It is.”

Your eyes flick to his lips “It would have to come from a well trusted maker.” He would have to come from a well known family. Tom chuckled as he began to lean down. “You would know the name as soon as you heard it.”

Your breath began to come out fast as nervous excitement began to take over. “It would have to be strong enough to keep me grounded.” He would have to be able to keep me in line. You feel his sigh on your lips before he purrs against them “The door would always be open because you would always know where it is you are safest, but I will not stop you from flying Sweetheart.”

You couldn’t help the gasp that left you as Tom’s lips finally met yours.

You didn’t care that your stupid, undeserving boyfriend could walk in that door at any moment and see you kissing another man, not when that man was kissing you this good. You almost felt insecure in your skills until Tom’s hand slid from your jaw to the back of your head and pressed you closer to him as he groaned into your mouth. 

You got the message immediately, ‘stop thinking, let me lead, stay with me.’ You grabbed the front of his shirt to bring him impossibly closer, as if to respond ‘yes, of course, please don’t leave me.’ 

You were so dizzy you felt like you were falling.

No wait, you were actually falling.

You braced yourself for the impact that you expected from falling on the floor with someone Tom’s size on top of you but it never came. Instead you fell on top of Tom, you fell onto Tom’s lap. You didn’t think your face could burn as hot as it did in that moment but you soon found out it could burn hotter.

Tom placed an open mouth kiss to your neck as he trailed his fingers down to the sash keeping your robe wrapped around you and began to tug it loose. “If you don’t wish to fly away right now Pet, I would love to take off your wings.” Tom offered in his low gravely voice, clearly giving you the option to stop before things got too much for you to handle.

You shook your head as you let the fabric drop from your shoulders with a shiver from the cold in the room.

Tom let a dark laugh leave him as he pulled back to stare up at you with eyes that resembled cooling magma. “Perfection.” He praised before he pulled you to his mouth once more.

~

“Fuck! Sera!”

“What now?”

“She’s gone!”

“It’s like I said she’s prob-“

“I just checked and she’s not!”

“Do you think she-“

“What walked home? In the pitch black woods with no flash light?”

“Calm down, we’ll-“

“Calm Down? CALM DOWN? NO! I swear to god Sera if anything happened to her-“

“You’ll what? Fuck me about it? Be honest, you wouldn’t be as upset as you’re pretending you would be.”

“FUCK! Where are the guys? Maybe they’ve seen her.”

“Why are you panicking? It’s not like anyone is up here with us that would want to hurt your precious little girlfriend.”

“Yeah then where is she?”

~

“Tom, please.” You whined as you entangled your fingers in raven curls. The man currently kissing up your thighs pressed a smirk into your skin before teasing, “Please what Pet? What would you like from me? You know you need only ask.”

You tossed your head back into the pillow with a whine but Tom only laughed before cooing almost condescendingly at you, “Come on now, use that lovely voice of yours to tell me what it is you need.” You breathed in deeply before looking down at Tom once more and begging “Tom please, don’t tease me. I don’t care what is you do but just do something.”

You couldn’t really explain how it is you got here. Laying back on the most comfortable bed you’ve ever felt, nearly naked, with a man you had only recently met (yet you felt like you’ve known him for so much longer) on his stomach in between your thighs hopefully about to do something your ridiculous, obnoxious, ex-boyfriend would never do. 

You couldn’t make heads or tails of it. Why you felt this connection with Tom, why you were so willing to do things with him you had fought others against doing, why he wasn’t doing anything to ease the ache in between your legs. 

“Okay My Dear Okay, I’ll quit teasing but just remember you asked for this.” Tom teases before dragging a thumb down the wetness soaking through your underwear -the last article of clothing you had left- causing your hips to cant to the ceiling while a strangled moan tumbled out of your mouth. “Please- Please Tom, I need it. I need you.”

Oh if only you knew that those were the magic words twenty minutes ago. 

You wanted to sob when your panties were pulled to the side and the mouth that was torturing you by pressing kisses in the shape of a dangerous smirk into the inside of your thigh suddenly pressed over you with a long lick from your hole to your pulsing clit. The hand that was simply resting in Tom’s hair was now entangled in the dark curls, you didn’t think you could stay on the bed otherwise. 

Large hands pressed down on your hips to keep you still while Tom utterly destroyed you. He was not only taking you apart with every flick of his tongue or suction of his lips, but he was taking apart your very belief system. 

You whined and squealed as you questioned why you would deny yourself this feeling of pleasure based on what someone thought was proper behavior of a young woman.

“Tom -Oh god- please don’t- hmm- don’t stop” you begged as you cursed the ignorant, god awful, hand picked disaster of a boy you were coupled with. How dare he not try to not give you what a near-stranger was willing to give you without thought. “I wasn’t planning on it Dearest.” Tom said quickly before diving back into you like a man starved. 

You looked down to find his onyx eyes already staring up at you and the heat that tore through you felt like Hellfire. You damned every passage spoken at you by your mother (who only ever went to church to better her image) against this very act, because if God didn’t want you to find bliss in a man you weren’t married to he shouldn’t have given him such an excellent mouth. You sure the Devil will understand where you’re coming from, especially with the way Tom looks ready to make an altar to your cunt.

You began to feel the beginning of your end start to pulse in you and groaned. You weren’t often able to reach the end of that fantastic road but you seriously doubted Tom wouldn’t lead you there. Just as the thought settled into your mind like warm syrup you felt a finger circling your entrance. Pressing your free hand against your eye you sighed out “Yes Tom -gah, hah yesss- please.”

Somehow even while eating you out the man still was able to smirk with satisfaction. “My perfect Little Dear didn’t even need me to speak, how smart she is.” Suddenly it was two fingertips instead of one poking at your entrance. “It’s too bad I want her blissfully dumb, I’ll have to fix my mistake.” You sucked in a large breath as Tom’s fingers entered you fully and immediately found that beautiful spot that blinded you.

You couldn’t even hear the words you were babbling at this point. Tom focused his mouth on your aching bundle of nerves while he stretched you out on his fingers. He would swipe over that spot every now and again -usually when you began to come back to yourself long enough to become self conscious about the noise you were making.- causing the end of the road to appear much faster than you were ready for. 

You tried to warn Tom by tapping against his head but he just grabbed it and pinned it to your hips under his own hand. You started to pant, trying your best to stave off your finish as long as possible but Tom was making it very difficult. Lifting your head from the pillow you were squeezing for dear life you whimpered out “Tom -holy jes- Tom wait I’m gonna-“ The hand currently trapping yours against your body squeezed tightly as Tom lifted his face barely an inch and lowly commanded “I know, so be good and give me what’s mine already.”

And how were you supposed to deny that?

Seeing your eyes haze over at Tom’s words gave the man all the permission he needed to drag you to your finish. Pulling your clit into his mouth and rubbing against the little area inside of you that drove you insane with three fingers had you screaming. You came back into your body just in time to feel your orgasm beginning to flow over you, you couldn’t feel anything but Tom and that’s the only thing your mind could focus on. Which is probably the reason why the only words out of your mouth were “Tom”,”Please”, and “Yesyesyesyesyes”

It was only when your eyes met once again and you saw the tinge of red swirling in his Irises did you finally reach your peak. 

Tom worked you through it, like the gentleman he was, and once you began to come down he slowed his fingers while pulling away from your clit. You almost wanted to thank him, like he had just done a great act of service rather than destroy you only to then recreate you. But that feeling of gratitude quelled as he crawled up over your body and stared down at you with a look of pure hunger. 

You blinked up at him as he swiped a thumb over your cheek before placing a sweet kiss there. You felt your body sink into the mattress at the tender gesture until his gravely voice whispered into your ear “I hope you’re ready for me Pet,” hearing creaking wood, you look at the wooden headboard above you to see Tom’s hand clutching it. Swallowing harshly your eyes drift back to his and your heart nearly stutters at the look in his eyes. “Because I fear I won’t be able to help myself once I’m inside of you.”

You fear that Tom is going to be the end of you completely.

You throw your arms around his shoulders and whisper “what help could you possibly need?”

~

A body was being dragged down the halls of the Riddle Manor.

It had been made useless by a quick blow to the back of the head.

The person dragging the body was breathing heavily but was just grateful the body they were dragging was breathing at all.

Soon reaching their destination, the one dragging the body opened the large oak doors to a dusty, dark ballroom.

Placing the unconscious participant on their mark, the choreographer began to set the stage for a Dance with the Devil.

“Finally,” achievement coated the voice that disturbed the silence of the Manor. “I will reach the station I was born for, with My Darling by side no one will be able to stop me.”

Turning to the unconscious body, a smirk settled over sharp entitlement. “And you will be the key to my ascension.”

~

You could barely breathe with the way Tom’s weight pressed on you, into you, over you. Fuck he was everywhere.

“Don’t tell me My Precious Dear has lost her senses already tsk tsk, and here I thought I was the one who would need help.” Tom taunted into your ear from behind before nipping at the shell as he pounded into you slow and hard. Showing your poor cunt absolutely no mercy. 

This was the second round and you could feel his cum from the previous round dribbling out of you with every harsh thrust into you. You were on a different planet at this point. You stopped caring about the others who came here with you after Tom started actually fucking you. You forgot their names and at this point you could barely remember yours, the only name you did seem to remember was the man’s currently trying to mold you to the shape of him.

You could only lay there and take it, Tom’s hands were pressing into your body as if he intended to leave the shape of them like a brand. He was certainly fucking into you like he was trying to lay ownership. Every deep roll of his hips against yours was a testament of the idea. You wished you could tell him that he didn’t have to prove his ownership, you were sure that no other man could seduce you well enough to give this up.

“-hah hah- oh my precious girl, you feel so. damn. good.” His words were punctuated with sharp ah ah ah’s from your lips and you thought maybe he would have mercy on you, instead he stopped his movements all together. You let out a very undignified whine before Tom forces your face from the pillow by your chin. “Shhh, don’t worry Pet I’m not going to stop. No,no,no I wouldn’t dare." His reassurance felt like condescension as he slipped out of you. You could feel him turn you on your back once more but you still looked at him confused as he hooked his elbows under your knees and folded you in half. 

You gasped at how exposed the new position left you but didn’t dare complain as Tom lined himself to your center once more. “No, I just needed to watch those pretty eyes of yours roll to the back of your skull when I make you cum all over my cock once again.” You wanted to begin praying at that moment as Tom stopped the slow roll of hips and began absolutely pounding into you. 

You weren’t able to form anything but broken syllables and instinctual sounds, nothing else stayed in your mind long enough to leave your mouth. “Oh look at you Pet, -hnn- you’re completely gone. -haaa- tell me, whose cock has you on a different plane of existence right now?” You could barely make sense of the words but the angle Tom was pummeling into you at gave the answer he was looking for anyway. “Tom!”

“That’s right, and do you think that boy -fuuuuck- could ever give you what I’m giving you?” You vigorously shook your head as you whimpered “No T-ah-om, on-hmmm-ly yo-ou.” You felt one of Tom’s hands trail down to where you were connected and soon enough his thumb started rubbing circles into your desperate clit. “What a Good -too good- Girl I have. Tell me, do you want -God this cunt- to stay with me? Or will you try and find an-ah-other?” 

Another whine, but this one was mixed with hurt as you responded “Only want you -YES- Tom. Don’ ma-a-ke me go-ooooh-“ Tom kissed the furrow between your brow as he began to piston his hips faster. “Ne-hah hah-ver My Dear, Never. -mmmmmn fuck- Tell me, tell me you’ll stay -like that, take me like that- by my side.”  You felt the pull of your orgasm tugging at you harshly now. You knew it wasn’t going to be much longer before you came for Tom once again.

“I’ll stay, I’ll stay, oh please Tom I’m-“ Tom silenced you with a deep kiss but his hips never stopped pulling you closer and closer to the finish line. Tom pulled away to whisper against your lips “I can feel it Dearest, I can fucking feel it. I need you to look me in the eye when you do, un-nnngh-derstand?” You nodded your head as your eyes found his, not trusting yourself to remember to do so when the time came. 

“What a Good Girl. My Dearest Treasure. I want you to do it, I want you to cum. Do it. Cum all over me. Do it, Now.” And who were you to deny a command like that?

~

That was the strongest orgasm you ever had, it must have been, you had passed out for Christ sakes.

You could feel fingers running through your hair as you awoke, and the voice that whispered to you woke you up completely. “You’ve finally revived, it seems.” You let out a groan that quickly turned into a sigh as Tom massaged your scalp. “Maybe I was too hasty in my judgement.” 

You couldn’t help but snort at his tone as you opened your eyes and searched for his face. You realized you were laying against his chest and looked up at him with a sheepish “Hi.” Tom gave you a small smile as he took in your relaxed state “Hello Dearest, how are you feeling?” 

You stretched your legs out before curling back into Tom’s chest with a satisfied sigh.” Good, real good actually. I don’t think my body has felt this relaxed in years.” You feel Tom chuckle as his hand travels from your scalp to run light circles over your back as he places a small kiss to the crown of your head. “I’m glad to be of service. Please don’t be afraid to see me again if you need a repeat performance.” You laughed at his awful humor before just lying against him, enjoying the moment of peace between you when you noticed something.

You pulled up the covers as you turned to look up at Tom “Tom you’re freezing, are you okay?” You watched as his eyes widened for a fraction of a second before pulling you back to his chest. “Yes Pet, it just tends to get a bit drafty in here some nights is all.” You hummed but the answer didn’t sit well with you. It seemed as if he didn’t even realize he was cold. “I do have a question for you though,” Tom spoke up and effectively broke your train of thought. “You said that your grandmother had told you stories to keep you from coming up here, what did she say?”

You sighed as he continued drawing soothing circles on your back and moved to get more comfortable as you leaned against him. It felt like you had injured your ribs somehow but just assumed it was the last position Tom had you in. You cleared your throat while clearing your mind of the recent memories, “Are you sure you wish to know? It’s not going to make you sell the place and go running for the hills is it?” Tom laughed “No Dearest, I’m afraid I have something too good here to run for the hills.”

You smiled to yourself at his response and started the tale you’ve been told a thousand times. “Okay, well the story goes that this Manor has been here as long as the town has. It was handed down the line of the Gaunt family, some well-to-do family that started the town in the first place. Well after some time it landed in the hands of Thomas Riddle, the last standing descendant of the Gaunts. Some say he was a genius businessman or politician, others say he was a con-man who conned the wealthiest families out of every dime they had for a snake oil promise. Either way he had made a name for himself and eventually settled down here with his wife.”

“While his rise in status and wealth were argued about, his devotion to his wife could never be. They were seen as the perfect couple, he loved her like she was his reason for living and she adored him like he was the air she breathed. They moved into the Manor and the whole town knew that No One could come between the two. There was even speculation that they were planning on announcing a pregnancy when disaster struck.” Tom shivered and you raised your head to ask “Are you okay?” He nodded with a strained smile as he whispered “Yes Dear, please continue.”

You nodded and placed your head back down as you snuggled closer. “You see others bliss often invites envy inside as my grandmother would say. There was a maid who had been employed here who envied Mrs.Riddle to say the least and lusted after Mr.Riddle like.a dog with a bone. She was often heard muttering to herself about “ungrateful wives” and “wasted romance”. One of the other staff members had tried to warn the couple but they had waved it off as just a crush that would pass. Now what happened next is often debated by the locals. Some say the maid killed Mrs.Riddle by pushing her down the main stairs and in his grief Mr.Riddle killed himself. Others say that the maid poisoned Mr.Riddle for not returning her affections and Mrs.Riddle threw herself out of the tallest window in her grief.” It was your turn to shiver now.

“But?” Tom’s voice croaks on the word and you grab his hand on the other side of his ribs to hold as you continue. “But my grandmother worked here when it all went down. She said that Mrs.Riddle caught Mr.Riddle and the maid together in his study and in her shock and grief drowned herself in the tub of their room. She had blocked the door with the heaviest dresser in the room so when Thomas finally got to her it was too late. He had the maid “sent away” and went Mad. You see he could not walk around the manor and not find a place his wife had not touched. One day he locked himself in the ballroom and the look on my grandmother’s face had always stopped me from asking how they found him. They say you can find her body floating in the bath every full moon. Or if you come up here on a moonless night Mr.Riddle will follow you around asking if you have seen his wife and if you don’t give him the correct answer he’ll hunt you down and cause you harm or to be cursed yourself.” 

The air was silent for a while after that, Tom squeezed your hand every now and then as you mulled the story over in your head. “Something never made sense to me though.” You confessed and Tom let out an inquisitive hum. “If Mr.Riddle was as devoted as everyone swore he was, why would he sleep with a maid he had previously made fun of?” Silence washed over you again before Tom whispered “Maybe he never slept with her and it was a terrible misunderstanding.”

You hummed before softly saying “That would make the story more tragic than it already is.” A yawn escapes you as Tom makes an agreeing noise in the back of his throat before telling you to go back to sleep. “I’ll be here when you wake, don’t worry Pet.”

You had started to drift off once more when Tom groaned and cursed under his breath.

~

You awoke sometime later to find that you were the only one in the bed. 

You felt oddly … uneasy at your loneliness. It was as if not having Tom near you was making every creak in the house sound like someone coming to harm you. You knew you were being paranoid and blamed it on telling a ghost story right before falling asleep but the feelings persisted no matter how much you tried to calm yourself. 

You stood up and the ache in your ribs made you want to crawl back into the bed. You were going to have words with Tom when you found him. But first you had to in fact find him. 

You quickly redressed in the nightgown and robe before bending over and pulling the bottom drawer of the dresser by the door and finding slippers. You questioned how you knew these would be there for only a moment when something on the back of the dresser caught your eye. 

Indentations, almost as if someone had hit it multiple times with the edge of something else. 

Once again you blamed your recent storytelling on your paranoia and did the one thing you had - for some reason - yet to do.

You opened the door to the dark hallway.

You cursed as you took in the darkness until a lit candelabra - of all things - caught the corner of your eye. You prayed you didn’t trip on something on your way to grab the only source of light you could find short of the small candles in the room.

(You had tried the switch already, Tom must have really just bought the place because there was still no electricity.)

You made your way down the main stairs and moved down the hallway whispering for Tom. You were sure at this point the others had left you, thinking you had hiked back or something. It was only when you came across an ajar door did you pause your search for Tom.

Something was telling you to go into the room and you listened. Seeing furniture covered by white sheets you begin to turn around when you notice a hand peeking out from under one of the sheets. You felt terror fill you until you noticed a familiar silver bracelet. Sighing you place the candelabra down and tightened the robe around you before admonishing the boy “Don’t you think you’ve tormented me enough tonight Mattie? You’ve been found out so quit the act and come on, we gotta find the others.” When Mattie made no movement you stepped closer and realized that he wasn’t moving, he wasn’t breathing..

A creaking sound from above you made the scream in your throat die. You shakingly looked above you and recognized the shoes from when you dropped in between those feet hours ago. 

You couldn’t breathe as you ran from the room faster than you had ever run in your life.

You don’t know how you didn’t trip down the stairs, it felt instinctual every time you came across a set and continued running down while searching for Tom.

You reach the bottom floor and listen to see if you can hear anything. You almost begin screaming Tom’s name when you hear his voice yelling from your right.

“The ballroom was to the left of the staircase when you walked into the manor” your grandmother describes as she tells you the tale of the Riddle Manor for the first time.

You swallowed harshly as you approached the large oak doors. You could hear Tom yelling at someone on the other side but you couldn’t quite make out the other voice. Swallowing down your fear you push open the doors.

“SHE’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU! YOU’RE MEANT TO BE WITH ME! NOT HER, ME! WHY ARE YOU PRETENDING YOU WANT HER WHEN MY PORTRAIT WAS HIDDEN IN YOUR DESK IN YOUR OFFICE RIDDLE?” 

You knew that obnoxious, envy-filled voice. You furrowed your brows as you entered the ballroom to see it lit up with candles all along the walls while Sera stood above…”Oh God” Your voice startled the two arguing with each other. You didn’t notice the look Tom was giving you as you stared at Sera horrified. “What have you done Seraphina?”

She was standing above your boyfriend's body that was currently swimming in a deadly amount of his blood. You were planning on leaving him but you didn’t want him to die. You felt cold hands grab your arms and flinch back from the unexpected feeling but meeting Tom’s eyes you finally feel that feeling of unease start to wither away. “Don't look Dearest.” He says softly as he steps in front of you to block the image of your childhood friend standing over your dead boyfriend’s body with a very large knife covered in his blood. “What are you doing down here? I thought you were resting upstairs? How did you even get down here?

You tried to answer his questions but Seraphina’s voice rang out sarcastic and bored. “Oh please, will you drop the act already? She didn’t even want to be here! I wouldn’t hold your breath on her staying either.” You were going to tell her to shut up when Tom reacted before you could. “If you value your life you will be quiet.” While he didn’t raise his voice, the promised violence in his voice gave you chills all the same.

“Tom?” Your shaky voice brought his attention back to you as you asked “what’s going on?” Tom sighed and placed a kiss on your hairline before whispering softly “everything’s fine Dearest, go back upstairs and-“ Riotous laughter from behind Tom turned his soft expression into one filled with endless anger. “Oh this is TOO good! Your grandma tells you what happened up here but never why she didn’t want you to come up here!” Seraphina keeps laughing as she squeezes out “Oh this is priceless.”

“What are you talking about?! Have you gone insane?!” You asked the girl over Tom’s shoulder as he tries to cajole you out of the ballroom with a hand on your sternum. He presses a little too hard for only a second and a yelp rushes out of you. Tom tries to soften the pain with sweet words and Sera is sent into another fit of crazed laughter. “Oh you DIDN’T! She doesn’t even know and-“ ”YOU WILL BE SILENT!” it was the first time you had heard Tom raise his voice and you could see the anxiety in his eyes as he barked the order at Sera.

“WHAT DO I NOT KNOW SERA?” She continues laughing like a maniac and it only serves to infuriate you further. “WHAT DO I NOT KNOW THAT WOULD MAKE YOU KILL THREE PEOPLE?” Her laughter only grows as she snatches up a flashlight and shines its beam at a wall on the other side of the ballroom. When your eyes finally landed on what she was pointing at, a gasp fell out of you as Tom’s head fell to lean against your temple.

On the wall was a portrait, the painting was of you and… Tom?

You didn’t know what to be more confused about, why was your face on the painting? Why was Tom’s?

Tom was whispering something in your ear but you couldn’t hear him over Sera’s explanation. “You see, you dumb bitch, it would seem that you're the reincarnation of our dear lover boy's wife. The only problem with that is the last time I was here I found myportrait in his office. The top left drawer of his desk to be exact. Almost as if it was there to easily grab whenever he wanted to look upon it. He really was so fond of that dear maid.”

“I had planned to remind him of his affection for me tonight when a little bump in the road appeared; you. This idiot,” she flicks her knife to the too still body at her feet. You watch in horror as droplets of blood splatter over its original host. “wouldn’t come up here without you. And the other two wouldn’t follow me but they would follow him. So I just had to figure out a way to get you up here. I never planned to harm you, I swear. I just needed the three stooges as sacrifices to gain someone’s attention. And sure I had planned to kill them but I wasn’t the one to do so.” You began shivering as Sera’s obvious intention of words dawned on you. 

“She’s lying Pet.” Tom hissed in your ear and you wanted to believe him. But somehow this scenario felt all too familiar and there was only one person offering an explanation. “Oh I’m lying am I? True, I just stood to the side as you killed the two upstairs but you were the one to actually kill them. I only killed this one.” Sera explained with a shrug. Almost as if her acceptance of her sins cleansed her of the guilt. “But what should I expect of a spirit who has harmed others for less than roaming around his dead wife’s room.”

You knew you weren’t dreaming but what other explanation was there? This couldn’t possibly be real! Your Tom couldn’t possibly be- “What don’t believe me?” Sera must have seen your torn judgement because she scoffs and clutches the knife firmly in her hand once more. “Fine I’ll prove it.”  With a speed you didn’t know she possessed she began running to Tom’s back.

“No! Stop!” You screamed as she plunged the knife into his back so deep the very tip poked out of the front. Tom merely sighed as you screamed in horror at what Sera had done. You began to rip open the button on Tom’s shirt when he whispered in a tired tone “Dearest stop.”

You wanted to yell at him but then you noticed it. 

Tom wasn’t bleeding.

“It’s almost like he doesn’t have any blood.” Sera sneered as she removed the knife from his back. Tom grunted and turned to her with blood red, infuriated eyes. “You just don’t know when to quit do you? That portrait in my desk wasn’t placed there by me you ingrate. It was placed there by your supposed past counterpart. I hated that woman with every fiber of my being for what she did to My Wife. And now I hate you just as much for harming her once again.”

For the first time since this all began Sera looked afraid But Tom only seemed to revel in it. 

“And now to send you away just as I did with her.” Tom sneered as raised his hands and sent Sera flying into the far wall with a sickening crack.

You yelped once again as you watch her lifeless body fall to the floor. Tears begin to burn your eyes as Tom sighs and turns to you with that practiced smile. “Now Dearest let’s get you back upstairs and-“ you take a step back and warn him with an unsteady voice “Don’t come near me.”

Tom stops his movements and tilts his head as if studying a small creature instead of a terrified young woman. “Now Dearest-“ ”NO!” You yell as you take in the horrific setting. “Oh god I’m going to be sick.” Tom sighed as he stood a few feet from you. “No you won’t, you can’t get sick.” The confusion that took over you monetarily shook you from the shock of recent events. “What are you talking about?!” 

Stuffing his hands into his pocket, Tom merely raises an eyebrow at you before muttering. “I must have made the compulsion too strong.” Shaking his head he took a step towards you with a “Oh well, it doesn’t matter anymore. You’re still mine forever.” You shook your head, denying something you didn’t fully understand yet. “Tom please, what are you talking about?” Your voice was too small for your liking as you reluctantly begged him to explain himself.

“Did you not question how much and how easily you trusted me? I know something in you recognized me but not enough to let me in the way you did.” He takes two steps closer as you slide down the door thinking about every hesitation you had over the night. “You told me things you would have never admitted to anyone else, you let me do things to you that you would have fought against doing with anyone else.” Tom sighed almost wistfully before realization hit him and he hastily corrected any misgivings. “Don’t get me wrong Dearest, I’m glad you allowed me to please you the way I did. I missed doing so so very much.”

Tom was now standing over your curled up form, you had your head on your knees trying to breathe but no matter how much air you sucked in it never felt like it filled your lungs. Your tears were streaming down your face but you couldn’t feel their warmth. The ache in your side was starting to become too painful to stay curled up so you let your legs stretch out in front of you as you fell completely to the floor. You placed a hand over the sore spot and Tom’s eyes followed the movement.

He squatted down and reached his hand out to cover yours, you whimpered in pain when his hand accidentally caused you to press against it further. Tom shushed you in what you assumed was supposed to be a soothing manner before instructing you. “Let me see it Pet.” Whatever he saw caused him to suck his teeth before asking you “Has it been hurting you this whole time?” You nodded in small jerky movements as you whined “pulled a muscle with the way you had me bent in half.” You watched a smile pull at the corners of his mouth until your words sunk into his mind.

His eyes floated up to meet yours for a few seconds, you wanted to say so much but had no idea where to even start. Tom’s eyes searched your face for a second before speaking slowly, “Dearest I need you to think for a second, just how fast is your heart going right now?” You closed your eyes as you listened for your heartbeat.

But realizing you didn’t have one made them slam open.

You stared at Tom who was staring at your side muttering something. Your eyes slid down to your side and that’s when you saw it. An open wound that was surrounded by dark red blood, as if it had been hours old. 

As if you hadn’t just passed out earlier, but had instead died.

“I made it quick and painless for you. I’m sorry you figured it out like this but I had to make sure you would stay by my side.”  He swiped a thumb over your side and sighed exasperatedly. “You shouldn’t have moved like you did so quickly after your transformation, your new body wasn’t ready for it.” You felt him lift you but you were now too exhausted to fight against him. “Transformation?” You asked as you laid your head against his shoulder as he carried you bridal style up the stairs. 

Tom hummed and explained “We are no longer alive but we are not dead either. The day I locked myself in that ballroom I found a ritual to transform us into everlasting beings so we can stay together forever. I just needed to wait to find you again. Once I got you all I needed was for you to say you wished to stay with me and to accept the bond by looking into my eyes at the height of emotion. I would say the height of passionate emotion was the best choice, no?” You wanted to argue that he stole your right to choose just like everyone else in your life had. You wanted to scream and punch him for how he tricked you, but your weakened state only let you whimper into his shoulder.

“I thought you had feelings for me.” You hadn’t meant to let the words slip out but Tom took no offense in them and merely chuckled. “Of course I do Dearest. My devotion to you knows no bounds, not even the bounds of Life and Death can stop my love for you.” You hear a door creak open and you are placed on the nicest mattress you have ever felt in your life.

Tom rubs the back of his fingers over your cheek as your world fades to black once more. “You’ll remember how much you loved me sooner or later but no matter how long it takes I’ll be here. After all, we have forever together and I hear that’s a very long time.”

A gentle kiss is the last thing you feel as the cage door of your Gilded Forever shuts close. ~ 🥀 a/n: The spoiler is the fact that tom is the entity that haunts the house lol

I hope you enjoyed my crack at writing Tom! I will eventually write more for him but you can always come and yell at me about him some more!

Also viperify has some AMAAAZING tom fics on here I’m sure you would enjoy! 🥰

Thank you so much for reading!!

[makebelievemuse]

“I miss my husband.” I say as I think about Sebastian in Limits (my long fic) while writing a Tom Riddle Au one shot.

If this isn’t the way of the fic writer I don’t know what is. 😂