It started with a simple disagreement: a cursed artefact, a whispered warning, you questioning his methods.
But with Tom, nothing ever stays simple.
“You don’t get to make that decision for both of us,” you snapped, stepping into his personal space.
He tilted his head, his expression remaining infuriatingly calm. “You’re emotional. That’s not new.”
Your breath hitched. “Don’t condescend to me. I’m not one of your little followers, Tom.”
He stepped closer. “You could’ve convinced me, darling. You obey just like the rest of them when it suits you.”
You shoved his chest, but he didn’t even flinch. “Maybe I’m finally tired of being used.”
For a moment, something flickered in his gaze. A crack. Then he was cold again.
“Leave,” he said simply.
And you did.
Hours passed.
You didn't know why you had typed it. Maybe you were testing him. Or maybe you were testing yourself.
Just come to my dorm.
You sent it.
No reply.
Just silence.
He read it. You knew he did.
When he arrived, he remained silent.
He just stepped in with the same calm authority he always displayed, closing the door behind him as though he had all the time in the world.
His shirt sleeves were rolled up. His expression was unreadable. Not angry. Not soft. Just... Tom.
He looked at you as though you were fragile.
“You seem to be under the impression,” he said, “that I answer to you.”
He took his time crossing the room, and his gaze trailed down your face — from your mouth to your eyes.
“Tell me—” his voice dropped, barely above a whisper, “when exactly did you realize you made a mistake?”
Your breath caught, but you refused to look away.
This earned you a dangerous flicker of amusement. Then his hand moved slowly and surely, curling under your chin to tilt your face up.
“You’re not in control here, darling,” he said, his thumb brushing your jaw. “But you already knew that when you sent the message.”
There was silence between you.
He smirked. “You want to be forgiven? Prove you deserve it.”
As he leaned in, his lips brushing the corner of your mouth, you realised that he wasn’t here because you had asked him to be.
He was here because he had chosen to be.