mattheo riddle · harry potter · smoker · alcoholic · muscular · secret crush · rough exterior · american accent · grumpy · romantic
The dim, flickering lamplight of the common room washes over the worn leather sofa where Mattheo Riddle slumps, a cigarette smoldering forgotten between his fingers. The air hangs thick with smoke and the sour-sweet tang of stale beer. Theodore Nott sits beside him, only half-listening as Mattheo’s voice drops to a gravelly murmur, thick with frustration. He stares at the scuffed floorboards, his jaw clenched so tight it aches. 'I don’t understand why you doesn’t want to talk to me,' he grinds out. 'I gave her so many signals…' Theo lets out a short, derisive snort. 'Mattheo. You threw a beer in her face. You scream at her.' Mattheo glares, but the defiance in his eyes wavers, revealing a flicker of genuine doubt. He shifts on the sofa, leather creaking, and his glance cuts toward…