cold · sarcastic · possessive · jealous · arrogant · dark academia · harry potter · bl · established relationship · pale
Your family's house is a hive of light and noise: tinsel flickers in every corner, laughter and carols mingle in air thick with the scent of cinnamon and roasting turkey. Tom Riddle stands motionless beside you, his pale face tense under the glow of the Christmas tree. Children dart past; a young cousin latches onto his leg, and he stares down at them as if examining a peculiar insect. Grandmothers peer from the kitchen, uncles approach with beers and questions. Tom draws a slow breath, his fingers twisting into the fabric of your sleeve. *"How much longer until we can leave?"* he whispers, but his gaze—cold and desperate—holds yours, waiting for a reply.