The Dark Lord (Tom Riddle X Reader) || Short Story - Chapter 5: Chapter 5

At the ball both Tom and Avery are waiting for their dates. Casey descends down the stairs first.
Tom watches as Casey descends the stairs and walks over to him. She looks stunning in her dress for the evening. Once she reaches him, he smiles back at her and offers his arm.
"You look absolutely gorgeous." He says.
And then it's time for you to show up. You're kinda nervous and you peak a little before going down the stairs.
Then finally with slow and steady steps you decide to advance downstairs toward the boys.
You're looking utterly breathtaking. The most gorgeous you have ever been. All eyes around you are at you.
As you make your grand entrance, a hush falls over the room. People whisper and turn their heads to admire you. Even some of the guys let out low whistles, clearly impressed.
Tom is left absolutely speechless. His eyes widen as you make your way down the stairs. He's always thought you were pretty, but now... now you're breath-taking.
You smile to yourself before reaching Avery and greet him. "Hi." Your chest puffs up some air as you greet him.
Avery, standing there in a sharp tux, grins widely when you approach him. He looks at you and his eyes widen slightly, clearly impressed by your appearance in the beautiful dress.
"Wow, you look... absolutely stunning. I'm glad you accepted my invitation."
You don't even spare a glance at Tom and leave with Avery to the dance floor.
Tom watches you walk away with Avery, his jaw slightly dropped. He can't take his eyes off you, still visibly stunned by how beautiful you look. He stands there, speechless, watching you and Avery enter the dance floor.
He can't help but feel a twinge of disappointment that he's not the one you're dancing with. But he tries his best to shake it off and refocus on Casey, who's standing beside him.
"Tom?" Casey gives him a questionable look.
Tom is snapped out of his reverie as Casey's voice snaps him back to reality. He quickly composes himself and looks at her, a hint of embarrassment in his eyes.
"Uh, yeah, sorry. I was just... distracted for a moment."
"I look prettier than Y/N, right?" Casey raises an eyebrow at him.
He is forced to lie to her because you look incomparable tonight.
Tom looks at Casey for a moment, studying her carefully. He knows he should say yes, that he should tell her that she looks absolutely gorgeous. And indeed, she does look beautiful. But comparing her to you... it's not even a fair competition. He nods, trying to sound as convincing as possible.
"Yes, of course you do. You look stunning tonight."
This makes Casey squeal out in joy.
At the ball, you're slow dancing with Avery on a romantic beat.
Avery, who's got his hands resting on your hips as you both sway to the slow music of the dance, looks down at you with a small smile. He seems captivated by your presence, his eyes drinking in your beauty.
"You're a great dancer, you know that right?"
"I've been practising." You smile at him nervously.
Avery chuckled lightly, raising an eyebrow slightly
"Practising for who, might I ask?"
"For you, of course!" You playfully roll your eyes.
Avery's smile widens at your reply.
"Well, it definitely paid off. You move so gracefully, it's like you were born to be on the dancefloor."
You laugh at his words.
Tom notices the close proximity of you two.
Tom, from a few meters away, can't help but glance over. He sees you and Avery dancing very close together, laughing and talking. He can't help but feel a pang of something... jealousy maybe? He tries to push down the feeling and focus on his own partner, Casey.
When the dance is over, you decide to settle down while Avery brings you some drinks. Meanwhile Casey and Tom approach you.
"Oh, hi you two!" You greet them excitedly.
Casey smiles as they approach you. Tom tries to act casual, his eyes flick over your appearance, seemingly unable to help himself.
Casey, however, is the first to speak up.
"Hey! You were really good out there! You and Avery looked so good together."
"I know right. He's charming really." You praise Avery.
Casey smiles at your praise of Avery, feeling a bit relieved that he's living up to the expectations.
"Yeah, he's a good guy. He's one of Tom's best friends, you know."
"Right. I wonder how someone like him, can be friends with someone like Tom." You glare at Tom when he finally speaks up.
Tom flinches slightly at your comment, stung by your words. He glances at you, a mixture of irritation and hurt in his eyes.
"And what's that supposed to mean? What's wrong with being friends with me?"
Then Avery brings you drinks. "Thank you, Avie!" You call him by the new nickname you just gave him while you were on the dance floor.
Tom raises an eyebrow as he hears your affectionate nickname for Avery. He glances over at the other boy, seeing him hand you a drink with a smile. Tom tries to keep his expression neutral, but there's a hint of irritation in his eyes.
The four of you enjoy drinks when it's time to leave. Casey had a bathroom emergency and shortly after she left, Avery was called by a Professor. Leaving Tom and you alone.
Tom and you are left standing there in silence after Casey and Avery walk away. An uneasy tension hangs in the air as Tom breaks the silence.
"So... You and Avery, huh?"
"Yeah... what about us?" You try not to look into his face.
Tom nods, his expression unreadable. He hesitates slightly before asking another question, unable to keep the hint of jealousy out of his voice.
"How long have you two been... a thing?"
"We're not a thing... yet. But we might be soon." You glare at him with a subtle smirk.
Tom's grip on his drink tightens at your reply. He feels as if he's been punched in the gut, his heart sinks in his chest. He desperately tries to hide his reaction and replies with a forced nonchalance.
"Oh, I see... So, you two are... just having fun for now, huh?"
"Who knows, we might get serious and marry each other by the end of graduation." You state with darkness in your aura.
Tom's heart clenches at your words, the thought of you marrying Avery... or anyone else for that matter, feels like a dagger piercing his heart. He clenches his jaw, trying to keep his façade of nonchalance intact.
"Marry, huh? That's a bit of a bold statement, don't you think? You barely even know the guy."
"I'll know him in no time. Just like you and Casey know each other so well now." You taunt him.
Tom takes a deep breath, trying to control the mix of jealousy and pain he's feeling. He stares back at you, his expression intense
"Yeah, me and Casey... we've been together for a long time. We... we know each other well."
"A couple of weeks is not a long time, you know." You scoff.
Tom's frustration is growing, and it shows in his voice.
"Look, it's been more than a couple of weeks. Why are you doing this? Are you trying to make me jealous or something? Is this some sort of game to you?"
"Why will I make you jealous? My best friend likes you and your best friend likes me. And we- we like them back too. What's the matter then..." Your voice wavers when you blurt out the last sentence.
Tom's gaze on you intensifies, and he can tell that your voice wavers. He takes a step closer, his eyes searching yours.
"The matter, is that it's not that simple. And you know it. You and I...we've been friends for ages. You can't just... walk in here... looking like this and start pretending to be all smitten with one of my best friends... like it's nothing..."
"What do you mean by that? I'm not allowed to date, but you are?" Tears start to collect at the brim of your eyes.
Tom clenches his jaw, anger seeping into his voice.
"That's not what I'm saying and you know it. You have every right to date whoever you want. But why does it have to be Avery? Out of all the guys at Hogwarts, why him?"
"I don't know, why don't you go ask him that question since he's the one who asked me out and you didn't!" You finally reach your limit and burst out. Hot tears streaming down eyes.
Tommy's eyes widen as tears start streaming down your face. He takes a step closer to you, his voice softening instantly.
"Hey... hey, wait, don't cry. I'm sorry... Just, just listen..."
"What's going on here?" Comes Casey.
Tom quickly averts his gaze from you to look at Casey
"Ah, hey... nothing, everything's fine. We were just... talking, that's all."
You look at Casey with crying eyes. "Your boyfriend just ruined the night, that's what's happened." You leave them both and go back to your dorm.
Casey looks after you, clearly confused and worried as you leave. She turns to Tom, her expression turning to one of irritation.
"What did you do this time?"
Tom sighs heavily, rubbing his eyes tiredly.
"I don't know... I guess I said something stupid. She just... She started acting weird, talking about how she and Avery might get married. I don't know, it's like she was doing it just to rile me up..."
"Why would you be riled up? It's not like you like her or something, do you?" Casey grows suspicious.
Tom looks down at the ground, not wanting to meet Casey's gaze. He knows she's already suspicious, and if he's not careful with his words, he might reveal all his secrets.
"No, of course not! I don't like her... Not like that. We're just...friends."
He can tell from Casey's expression that she doesn't believe him entirely, but he tries to keep his composure and look convincing.