Always and forever- Matteo Riddle

I woke with a start, my body trembling, the lingering shadows of my nightmare still clinging to me. My breathing was uneven, my skin clammy, but this time—this time, I wasn't screaming.

Mattheo's arms were still wrapped around me, his warmth grounding me, his slow, steady breathing a stark contrast to my own. I squeezed my eyes shut, focusing on the rise and fall of his chest beneath me, trying to push away the remnants of the dream.

Then, he stirred.

I felt his grip tighten slightly before he let out a low, sleepy hum. "You're shaking," he mumbled, his voice rough with sleep. He shifted, propping himself up on one elbow to look down at me. "Nightmare?"

I swallowed, nodding against him. "Yeah," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

He exhaled through his nose, his hand trailing gently up and down my back. "But no screaming this time," he noted. "That's progress."

I huffed a quiet laugh, though there was no real amusement in it. "Guess so."

For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then, Mattheo pulled me just a little closer, his fingers still moving in slow, lazy circles against my spine. "You're okay," he murmured, his voice softer now. "It was just a dream."

I wanted to believe that. I really did.

So I nodded, letting myself sink back against him, focusing on the steady rhythm of his heartbeat instead of the chaos still swirling in my mind

A sudden knock at the door made me tense, but before I could even think to respond, it swung open.

Draco stepped inside without hesitation, his usual impatience clear—until his eyes landed on me. Or more specifically, on me and Mattheo still lying in bed together.

His expression froze.

Mattheo, still half-asleep, let out a low groan. "Ever heard of waiting for permission, Malfoy?" he muttered, his voice thick with sleep.

Draco ignored him entirely, his sharp gaze locking onto me instead. I could practically see the gears turning in his head, analyzing every detail—the way I was curled up against Mattheo, the fact that we were still in the same position from last night, and, most of all, the undeniable fact that I had clearly slept here.

His jaw tightened. "Care to explain?"

I sighed, pushing myself up slightly, though Mattheo's arm stayed draped over me. "It's not what you think, Draco," I said tiredly.

His eyes narrowed. "Oh? Because it looks a lot like I just walked in on my twin sister in bed with—" He cut himself off, exhaling sharply before shaking his head. "Never mind. Do I even want to know?"

I ran a hand through my hair. "I had a nightmare. I didn't want to sleep alone."

Draco's glare softened just a little, though the tension in his shoulders didn't disappear. He shot Mattheo a look. "And you just happened to be the one to help?"

Mattheo smirked lazily, not even bothering to sit up. "What can I say? I'm a good friend."

Draco's expression remained unimpressed. "Right." He exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face before glancing at me again. "Well, as much as I'd love to sit here and question this entire situation, you might want to get up. We have class."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Already?"

Draco gave me a pointed look. "Yes, already. So unless you plan on showing up in your pajamas—" He motioned toward my sleep-rumpled state.

I sighed, finally untangling myself from Mattheo's warmth and sitting up properly. "Fine. Give me ten minutes."

Draco nodded but didn't leave immediately. He lingered for a second, giving me one last look—one that silently asked if I was okay.