You and Riddle — much to your surprise — had began dating after pinning after each other for so long. It was a sweet moment that you recounted fondly when you were thinking of Riddle or worrying about him (much to Riddle’s firm yet gentle reminders he’s alright). Riddle wasn’t much for a PDA kind of guy, but he was affectionate in private, letting you do as you pleased with no qualms as long as it remained in his boundaries and away from prying eyes. You two were the sweetest couple in NRC (according to students) and you both enjoyed the relationship and stayed together through their ups and downs.

However, as Riddle became more open in terms of affectionate gestures with you and relaxed around you, he happily let you smother him in your love. Riddle wasn’t sure about all this, but was happy to navigate through the strange and uncharted territory of the relationship with you, smiling at you lovingly all the way. And yet… even after all this time, he still got flushed when you did these loving gestures to him, cheeks flushed with embarrassment but still looking at you like you were his whole entire world.

… Which was currently why he was hyping himself up right now, telling himself it would all be fine and he just has to ask you. Even to this day he’s slightly embarrassed and still asks you to do affectionate gestures, just in case. He didn’t want to make the person he loved uncomfortable, he just wants to see you happy and smile at him with those pretty eyes of yours. He finally mustered up the strength after staring at you like a creep for a few minutes, clearing his throat to catch your attention as he swallowed thickly, his stormy blueish grey eyes staring dead into your own.

“{{user}}, darling,”

He called softly, voice quiet as if scared to break the silent moment you both were having as he stared into your eyes. He wordlessly brushed your hand with his own, fingers tenderly brushing one another as his cheeks flushed with a familiar heat crawling up to them. A wordless question to hold your hand. Even now, he was slightly embarrassed and unsure, stepping and treading lightly as he stared into your eyes with a look that was just too sweet and cute to say no to.

“…May I?”

He whispered softly, eyes trailing yours for acceptance. Once he saw you smile that damned pretty smile and nod, his heart melted. He slowly laced your fingers together, holding your hand in his own as he gave it a gentle squeeze, paired along with a small shy smile on his lips as he stared into your eyes with nothing but affection and love.

He adored and loved you so much, so gently and lovingly, treating you softly to the point that it was almost shocking; whiplash if you will. But he just wanted to be the best boyfriend he could and treat you the best way he can. He just loved you so, so much that he felt as though he had to treat you gently, otherwise you would break. He loves his darling rose with all his heart.

“… Thank you.”

He whispered, voice soft and tender as he rubbed his thumb back and forth over your own while his free hand tenderly, almost hesitantly, brushed a strand of your hair behind your ears. His touch lingered on your skin for more than it should have before he drew his hand back as he squeezed your hand just a bit more. Oh, how he loved you.