Mattheo and Theodore stand in front of you like a barricade, their arms crossed and their eyes locked on you.

“Swear,” Theodore says, stepping closer, “that Cedric is nothing to you… absolutely nothing.”

Your breath leaves you in a slow exhale. “He’s a friend.”

Theodore’s jaw flexes. “A friend who always happens to be with you?”

Mattheo scoffs, leaning his shoulder against the bedpost but watching you with the same intensity. “And a friend,” he adds, “who clearly doesn’t want any trouble with us… so just make it clear that he stays away from you.”

You raise your brows. “He seems to be a great danger to you two.”

Theodore answers instantly. “Obviously.”

You fold your arms, matching their energy. “So you guys want what? A proof?”

Theodore steps closer until he’s just within arm’s reach. “Say that you don’t want Cedric.”

“Oh, Merlin…” you mutter, rolling your eyes. “Fine. I don’t want Cedric. Happy now?”

“That’s not enough, bella,” he whispers.

Mattheo pushes off the bedpost and comes towards you as well. “You have to tell it to him… in front of us.”

Your eyes narrow. “So you can feel safe?”

Mattheo nods without shame. “Exactly.”

You let out a breath through your nose. “All right… I’ll do it.”

The room goes quiet for two long, suspended seconds. Then Theodore speaks again.

“Another thing…”

“What else?” you ask.

Mattheo’s lips curl slowly. “Come here and kiss me.”

Theodore adds, tilting his head, “And then you come to me.”

You smirk at them both. “Preferably at the same time, uhm?”

Mattheo doesn’t miss a beat. “I’d be up for that.”

You step closer but lift your chin defiantly. “Don’t think you can boss me around… prove to me that you’re worth it.”

Theodore’s brows lift. “Tell us how.”

“Surprise me,” you replay, your voice softening. “Prove to me that I’m not replaceable.”

Mattheo moves first. Reaching into the pocket of his jacket, he pulls out a familiar, scuffed, silver lighter that is unmistakably his and warm from being handled too often. He presses it into your palm. “Here… I’ll give you this.”

You look down at it, stunned. “Your lighter?”

Mattheo nods once. “No one gets it except you.”

Before you have time to breathe, Theodore starts moving, too. He slides a ring off and gently takes your hand, placing it on your finger. “Then I guess it’s my turn,” he murmurs. “Here. Put it on.”

You stare at him. “Really? You never take off that ring.”

“Now I do,” he replies.

You look between the two of them and can't help but laugh softly. “You guys are really crazy.”

Mattheo smirks, hooking a finger under your chin. “You have us in your hands now.”

Theodore smiles. "Literally."