The Dark Lord (Tom Riddle X Reader) || Short Story - Chapter 12: Chapter 12

He carries you back to his room and orders the boys to spend the night somewhere else.
Tom carries you gently back to his room, careful not to distress or wake you up. Once inside, he lays you down on the bed, making sure you're comfortable. Then he calls out to the other boys, instructing them to find somewhere else to sleep for the night.
Your eyes finally flutter open.
As your eyes flutter open, you find yourself lying in Tom's bed. Tom is seated next to you, his expression a mix of relief and worry. He notices that you're finally awake, and his eyes light up with concern.
Tom: "Hey, you're awake... Thank Merlin, I was so worried."
"Where am I?-" You take in your surroundings anxiously.
Tom gently runs his fingers through your hair, a soothing gesture as he tries to reassure you.
Tom: "You're in my room. You were hurt, so I brought you here to rest. I wanted to make sure you were safe."
You suddenly move away from his touch when you remember what happened.
"That jake guy, tried to force me." Tears stream down your eyes as the words leave your mouth.
Tom notices your withdrawal from his touch and your tears as you recall the incident with Jake. His expression softens, filled with empathy and regret.
Tom: "I know... And I'm so sorry you had to go through that. That guy had no right to do that to you. I should have been there earlier. I should have protected you." He sounds concerned and regretful about not being there to protect you sooner.
Tom gently wipes away the tears on your cheeks with his thumbs, his touch tender and comforting.
You scoot away from his touch. "Don't touch me!" being horrified.
Tom's heart aches as you recoil from his touch. The fear and trauma from what you've been through are clearly taking a toll on you, and he understands your need for space.
Tom: "Okay, okay. I won't touch you if it's too much right now. I just... I'm sorry. I don't want to hurt you, I just want to make sure you're alright."
He withdraws his hand, respecting your space.
Tom: "Just know that you're safe here. I won't let anyone hurt you again." He continues.
"It's all your fault! Casey set this up to take revenge on me! I'm so done with you two. Just leave me alone." You finally let out.
Tom's heart sinks further as he absorbs your words. Guilt and shame fill him as he remembers the situation with Casey and how it led to your ordeal.
Tom: "You're right. It's my fault for not seeing through Casey's manipulations. I was a fool to trust her and allow her to put you in danger. Please, just let me explain..."
"You're no better than her. First you kiss her and now you're acting like you care about me." Hot tears stream down your cheeks.
Tom's expression twists in confusion as your words sink in.
Tom: "What are you talking about? When did I kiss her?" He is confused.
"She told me you kissed her. She was all giddy about it too." You reveal the recollection of the moment.
Tom's confusion turns to outrage as he hears Casey's lies.
Tom: "What? No, I never kissed her! I would never do that to you. She's lying, trying to drive a wedge between us."
He clenches his fists, anger and frustration seeping into his tone.
"You didn't kiss her?" You frown at him.
Tom shakes his head vehemently, his eyes pleading with you to believe him.
Tom: "No, I swear I didn't. Casey is lying to you. I've never had feelings for her. I care about you, only you. Casey was just trying to cause trouble."
"She told me about the little fight you had... about you wanting her to be more serious about this whole relationship." Your tone is once again one of sadness.
Tom's anger shifts to surprise and concern when you mention the fight. He leans closer, his expression serious.
Tom: "I remember that fight. It was because she was messing with your diary. I confronted her about it, and we got into a heated argument, but I never once told her I wanted a serious relationship with her. The idea is repulsive to me. She was twisting the truth to turn you against me."
"What- she was the one who stole my diary?! I can't believe how far that bitch can go. She almost got me assaulted by a guy. Who knows what she'll do next, she might even get me killed to be with you." You blurt out furiously.
Tom nods, his eyes darkening with anger as he confirms your suspicions.
Tom: "Yes, she was the one who stole your diary. She's obsessed with driving a wedge between us, and she's willing to go to dangerous lengths to do it."
His hands clench into fists, his fury at Casey reaching new heights.
Tom: "I won't let her hurt you again. I'll keep you safe, no matter what. I love you, Y/N."
"No, you don't." You feel your tears once again.
Tom's expression falls as he hears your words, his heart breaking at your doubt in his feelings.
Tom: "What do you mean? Of course, I do. I've always cared about you, Y/N. From the moment we met, you captured my heart."
He leans in even closer, trying to bridge the gap between you.
Tom: "Please, believe me. I love you genuinely and deeply."
"You never showed up to check up on me in the hospital after saving me." You blame him.
Tom's expression softens, an air of sadness and remorse in his eyes as you recount how he never showed up during visiting hours.
Tom: "Oh... I did visit you in the hospital. Every night while you slept, I would come and be by your side. But every morning, I would leave before seeing you awake. I was afraid of confronting you after what I read in your diary. Casey showed me the tampered pages, and I thought you truly didn't want me anymore."
"You're just a liar. If you really loved me, you should've never went out with another girl. Instead of asking Avery to ask me out to ball, you should've asked me out. If you were really worried about me, you should've been the one to send me that note instead of asking Avery. You should've never come and save me in the avalanche. I hate you Tom Riddle!" You burst out, your anger flaring as you leave his room.
Tom's heart shatters as your words cut through him, each accusation a dagger to his heart. He stands there, stunned and devastated, as you explode with anger and leave his room.
He slumps against the wall, his mind swirling with pain and remorse. Your words echo in his ears, a cruel reminder of the ways he had failed you.
Tom: "I'm sorry..." He mutters softly to himself. His voice quivers with sadness and regret. He buries his head in his hands, tears threatening to fall from his own eyes.