Stay - Mattheo Riddle

Denial

The morning sun peeked through the curtains of the Slytherin dormitory, casting a warm glow across the room. Mattheo was the first to stir, his eyes blinking open as he adjusted to the gentle light. He turned his head slightly, his gaze falling upon the sight that never failed to take his breath away.

Kirra lay beside him, her delicate features softened in slumber. Strands of her raven-black hair framed her face, and the rise and fall of her chest, steady and peaceful, reassured him that she was safe and sound. Mattheo couldn't help but smile, the warmth in his heart growing with every passing moment.

The soft rays of morning sunlight continued to bathe the room as Mattheo's thoughts danced in the quiet of the dawn. He couldn't help but let his mind wander back to the night before... the fear and sadness that had consumed him the night before suddenly came back to him.

As he lay beside Kirra, her rhythmic breathing a soothing lullaby, he tightened his grip on her, fingers tracing gentle circles on her back. The warmth of her presence against him was a reassuring reminder that she was here, alive and well.

The memory of that harrowing night replayed in his mind like a haunting melody. He didn't know what he would have done. He knew that if she hadn't come back, he, along with Theodore and Jasper would more than likely all be dead right now. He had been prepared to fight Dumbledore, to fight all of the teachers. 

The rage that had filled him the night before had been consuming, it was like his mind had been wiped completely and then filled with nothing but the thought of pure revenge. He'd do anything for her, he always would. 

Mattheo's heart ached at the recollection of those agonizing minutes when he believed he had lost her forever. The image of her lifeless body on the ground, her spirit seemingly extinguished, had sent shockwaves of despair through him. He remembered the numbness that had enveloped him, the desperate yearning for her.

In the quiet of the room, Mattheo found himself pressing another soft kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering as if to convey the depth of his emotions. His thoughts swirled with a mixture of tenderness and sadness, his heart heavy with the knowledge of how close they had come to losing each other.

Mattheo's thumb brushed over her cheek, wiping away an invisible tear, and he marvelled at the strength she possessed. Kirra had always been a force of nature, but that night, she had become something otherworldly, a protector and saviour.

It was like he fell in love with her all over again. He didn't think it was possible to love her more than he already had. Everything about her had taken over his senses, there was rarely a minute in his day where his thoughts didn't drift to her, even his dreams couldn't ignore her. 

The other boys in the dorm began to stir as well, their sleepy grumbles filling the air. Theodore was the first to sit up, rubbing his eyes. He spotted Mattheo gazing at Kirra and let out a low whistle, loud enough to rouse the others.

"Look who's turning into a hopeless romantic," Draco teased, grinning mischievously.

Theodore, still half-asleep, mumbled, "Simp."

Blaise chuckled, "Don't be too loud, you'll wake her up."

Mattheo shot them all a warning look, his finger pressed to his lips. "Keep it down, you lot. Let her sleep, she's had a long night."

The boys exchanged knowing glances, but they couldn't help but smirk at Mattheo's newfound softness. They had all seen the way he cared for Kirra, they couldn't help but think back to the boy he had been in the first two years at school, his cool and dark nature. Looking at him now, it was as if they were looking at an entirely different person.