A Way Out; Mattheo Riddle

RIDDLE ME THIS

"Tell Me The Truth right now."

After staying at Stefan's hideaway for a couple more hours, discussing the recent events and sitting on his leather couch, drinking bourbon, Matteo and I said our goodbyes and began walking home.

The stone-cold wet roads, being every so slippery that we had to grasp and hold on to each other every few steps we made so that we wouldn't slip.

"I didn't know you were going to get marked." he admitted. As we took a turn towards my families' manor.

"I'm a Rhodes." I simply chuckled in disbelief.
"It just never clicked for me I guess." He sighed.
"Matteo, why are you helping me? This has to be a plan to lure me in and kill me or something."

As much as it pained me to think this I couldn't not. Never trust anyone. Keep your enemies close. But Ever since i met Matteo in September I couldn't stop overthinking ever single interaction we've had. I was never one for relationships or being the emotionally inclined one just because it's the way I am. While others thought of their boyfriends and girlfriends 24/7 and showered them in compliments, gifts and affection I couldn't really care less.

Yes i've liked some people before but never to the point were I would care about what happens to them. With Matteo I cant explain it. Every time I look into his eyes my insides flutter and I can't look away. When ever his dark eyes meet mine I fall into a transe, nobody else exists.

It disgusts me sometimes, the feelings I get but at the same time him being a jerk to everyone and having a soft spot for me always made mlme feel a certain way. Even if we are enemies, I always feel safe. Knowing he would protect me. I don't even know why.

"Gigi, I know everything else. Malfoy and Berkshire are becoming death eaters too. And I know you guys are planning to get out of it. I know what you were doing the book we made a bet on."
He stopped.

"hmm so you put two and two together in the past few hours. smart boy." I smirked, crossing my arms.
He rolled his eyes, holding back a smile.
"Can I ask you something?" I sighed.
"Go on." He said.
"What happened between you and Enzo. He's your brother." I sat down on a wet tree stomp. He didn't like that question. I saw him hesitate.
"You're going to get sick. Let's go home." He said, reaching for my arm, pulling my up to continue walking.
"No, tell me." I said firmly.
"Giselle-" he said.
"Mattheo." I cut him off.
"I'm sure Enzo told you everything."
"Matteo if you want me to trust you, you have to trust me. You have to let me in a little bit."
"fuck I can't-"
"You can." I stood up, brushing my cold hand across his cheek.
"I know your walls are up. And so are mine. But if you want to make this work we need to trust each other. Atleast a bit."
"I'll tell you. But inside." He said.
"Fine."

Time skip- Rhodes Manor
05:32AM

We snuck in through the back door, the one that led in through the botanical garden into the large, dark kitchen.
"well?" I questioned, taking my jacket off and carrying it up to my room as he followed.
"Well. Bellatrix is our mom. And my father is Voldemort. His father is some random wizard. I don't remember his name." he sighed, sitting infornt of me, leaning on my bed's backboard.
"I know this." I said concentrated.
"Of course you do." he took a pause.
"We grew up together, well some of our childhood. He's only 9 months younger than me. Mother liked childbirth I presume." He chuckled.
"which is why you're in the same year." I said realizing.

"Yeah. We grew up in The Riddle House. It was me, Birkshire, Bellatrix and him. The house was never empty, there were always servants or his loyal subjects. Voldemort trained me and Lorenzo everyday, with horrible punishments. He trained us how to kill. But he wasn't aware that Lorenzo wasn't his son.
When he found out he was furious. We were both about 8 or 9 years old. Birkshire was my brother but when Voldemort found out he never wanted to see Lorenzo again. He kicked him out of the house but Bellatrix, she always favored Lorenzo. She left with Lorenzo and they ran away. Somewhere far away. Away, as far away from my mass murderer father. I had to stay with Voldemort." he stopped for a moment. Taking a deep breathe.

"I'm not a good guy. I've done things. To people. That are unimaginable." He said. Looking away.
"hey." I said taking his hand. Electric sparks hit me from his touch. His warmth immediately hitting and radiating into my skin.

"I understand but you can't only blame yourself. Your father. It's so complicated. God. Being a pureblood Slytherin is just so complicated. This is all so messed up." I said grasping my head.
"I'm so sorry." I said hugging him, and wrapping my arms around his neck.
"No I am sorry." He said hugging me. Pulling down towards him. Laying down. I laid in his arms for the rest of the night. Us both silent in a big room, staring at the wall. In each other's embrace. Until we fell into a deep sleep.

Morning - 11:34

I rushed downstairs knowing that I had overslept my alarm. Mattheo was already gone by the time I had woken up and my parents were definitely going to be suspicious because in this family waking up at this hour is seen as lazy and improper.
"Giselle." My mother said huffing.
"Mother." I greeted.
"Why are you sleeping when it is mid day?"
"Tired from schooling. That's all." I said, walking past her to get a glass of water from the living room table.
"Giselle there will be consequences if you do not behave." She said.

A few hours later

I was sat outside, near the lake on the manor's property. Mattheo had been in the library all day. Most likely up to no good. The winter ball was coming up soon and I knew that it would be a disaster. It was only in a few days.

This morning I received an owl from Draco.

Dear Giselle,

I know your capable of taking care of yourself and protecting yourself. But I don't trust Mattheo. Please write to me and let me know you're okay. I need to tell you something that I cannot but in writing. It's too risky. As the Malfoys are invited to the ball, I will obviously attend your family's ball. I'll tell you everything then. Stay away from Mattheo.

Yours, DM

I could still smell his minty and apple scented cologne on the paper as a i crumpled it up and shoved it in my pocket so that nobody would see me with it.
Draco never joked around when it came to 'serious matters' so I do believe him but what if Mattheo truly is only just trying to do the right thing and is a good guy. But I have been best friends with Draco since forever ago. There is no way I would betray him for Mattheo. Right?

Mattheo, Draco and I need to all get into a room and talk. About everything. And Lorenzo too. And sort out this brotherly feud.

Dear Draco,

I'll see you at the ball. Is Lorenzo coming too?

best wishes, GR

I sent out my owl.