I Wouldn't Dare

{word count: 1607}

'but now she's got a cup with something else in it.'

Water Fountain - Alec Benjamin

    He was livid, and he had no clue why. Rage was a normal emotion for Mattheo, but this was a different kind, one he's never felt before. A red hot sensation formed a pit in his stomach. After the lesson was finished he stormed out of the room leaving the Slytherins confused, all but Maisy and Enzo of course. " What's his problem?" Theo asked with a chuckle. They all just shrugged it off.

   Mattheo found himself next to the forbidden forest, with no recollection of walking there. His mind stuck on Lorenzo's hands on Maisy. He took a look around, it was then he realized this is where he asked Maisy to be his date to the Yule Ball a year prior. Some Gryffindor had asked her as a joke and when she agreed he laughed in her face. She had been heartbroken, Theo and Mattheo beat the boy to a pulp and left him bruised and bloody. Theo suggested Enzo take her but he had already asked a Hufflepuff, so Mattheo took her.

   The cold brisk air brushed his arm bringing him back to reality. With a deep sigh he walked back to the castle, and to the common room where everyone was. Maisy and Enzo sat on an armchair, she sat on his lap while his arm was around her waist. He whispered in her ear causing her to laugh. Theo and his Ravenclaw girlfriend were making out in the corner, out of sight of the first, second and third years. Draco, Blaise, Hazel and Pansy were sitting on the couch speaking of the party that they were throwing that night.

   " Hey Matt." Hazel said as she noticed he entered, they all turned they're heads to the boy. Mattheo and Maisy made eye contact making her tense up, Enzo put his hand on her knee which was draped over his own. " you alright, mate?" Draco questioned as he noticed Mattheos fists clenched. Snapping out of his daze he nodded plopping down next to Hazel. " The new professor tests my nerves." They all agree as Theo and Clara make they're way back to the group.

   Theos eyes landed on Maisy and Lorenzo, and on his hand on her knee. He raised his eyebrows before swatting his hand off of her. " Theo!"

   He looked down at his sister with a frown. " What Mais?" Her eyes widened a slight bit. " Why did you do that?" She said placing Enzo's hand back on her leg but higher. " He shouldn't have his hands on you." Maisy rolled her eyes as Theo took Enzo's hand off again. " He's my boyfriend, so yes he should."

   Theo stilled, his eyes closed as he began to process what his little sister had just said. " He's your what?" he said through gritted teeth. " and you were going to tell me when?" he said, raising his voice making the other Slytherin's in the room turn their heads.

   Mattheo felt a chill roll down his spine, his eyes locked on Enzo's smirk as the words left Maisy's lips.

   " When you finished sucking Clara's face off." Maisy fought back standing up, but it did nothing seeing as Theo towered over her. " How long?" Theo asked with a sigh, Maisy crossed her arms. " he asked me during lesson this morning."

"Okay."

   His eyes then met Lorenzo's, he pointed his finger at him. " You hurt her, I'll cut your dick off and feed it to you." Enzo nodded with a smile. " I wouldn't dare."

   "I need a smoke." Theo said with a sigh before leaving the common room, the boys and Clara following after him.

<*>

   Maisy, Pansy and Hazel sat on Maisy's bed in their dorm. " You and Berkshire never saw it coming." Pansy squeaked. Maisy let out a chuckle, shaking her head and looking down with a smile. " You and I both."

   You didn't tell us you fancied him. Hazel pointed out, glancing at her friend. Maisy smiled wistfully. "I didn't realize it myself until... It just happened. I mean, I've always thought he was cute and nice, but I didn't know I felt like this about him." She paused for a moment, her eyes distant. "I guess I'm just glad it's out in the open now. Even if it's a bit awkward with Theo."

   Pansy snorted, rolling her eyes. "Oh, don't worry about Theo. He'll get over it. He's just being protective." Maisy gave her friend a grateful smile. "Thanks, Pan. You're right. I just wish things could stay the same, but..." Her voice trailed off, and she shrugged. Maisy couldn't believe she was lying to her befriends. She wanted nothing more than to tell them this relationship was fake, and it was all to make Mattheo jealous.

   But she couldn't. Not yet. She had to play her part for a little while longer. With a small sigh, she changed the subject, asking them about their plans for the party. They chattered away, discussing outfits and music and decorations, and soon enough the tension eased from the room. Maisy knew that eventually she'd have to tell them the truth, but for now, she could enjoy their company and pretend that everything was normal.

   The party was in full swing when they finally made their way downstairs. Music blasted from the speakers, and students danced and laughed, their faces flushed from the alcohol and excitement. Hazel and Pansy had convinced Maisy to join them, promising that it would be fun, and she was glad they did. It was nice to forget about everything for a little while, to just let loose and have fun.

   Maisy scanned the crowd, searching for Mattheo amidst the swirling mass of bodies. She spotted him across the room, dancing with a group of girls from Ravenclaw. He was laughing, his eyes sparkling, and it made her heart ache just a little. She wondered if he was enjoying himself, if he was having as much fun as she was.

   "Hey, come on!" Hazel yelled over the music, grabbing Maisy's hand and dragging her onto the dance floor. "Let's dance!" They swayed and twirled, moving to the beat, and for a moment, Maisy could almost forget about everything else. The music, the crowd, even the fact that she was pretending to be in love with someone else. It was just her and her friends, lost in the rhythm of the night.

   The three of them moved in sync, their laughter filling the air as they let loose and enjoyed the moment. Enzo took Maisy and started dancing with her instead and nudged her, pointing to where Mattheo was standing by the edge of the dance floor, watching them with a glare.

   "He's jealous," he whispered with a smirk. Maisy smiled weakly in response; her attention still fixed on Mattheo. He was dancing with a pretty blonde girl now, their bodies pressed tightly together. Maisy's heart ached at the sight, and she had to force herself not to look away.

   As the music came to an end, Hazel and Pansy headed off to get drinks, leaving Maisy alone with Enzo. "You okay?" he asked, studying her face. She shook her head, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, I'm fine." She smiled up at him, but he could see right through it. "Really?" he pressed. "Because you're not."

   She sighed, feeling a bit guilty about lying to him. "It's just... seeing him with someone else, you know?" She gestured vaguely in Mattheo's direction. Enzo nodded, understanding perfectly. "Yeah," he said with a knowing smile. "I get it. It's rough, seeing the person you care about moving on." He paused, studying her face. "But you know, if he really cared about you, he'd be jealous too."

   Maisy glanced back at Mattheo, who was now deep in conversation with the blonde girl. A pang of something sharp and painful twisted in her gut. "I know," she said softly. "It's just... hard to remember that sometimes." They fell silent for a moment, watching as Mattheo continued to dance and laugh, oblivious to the turmoil he was causing.

   "Hey, you know what they say," Enzo offered with a wink. "All's fair in love and war." Maisy smiled weakly in response. "Yeah, I guess." She took a sip of her drink, trying to steady her nerves.

   As if summoned by her thoughts, Mattheo made his way through the crowd, weaving between dancing bodies until he was standing directly in front of her. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, they held an unspoken question. "Everything okay?" he asked, his voice edged with concern.

   Maisy forced a smile, not wanting to give away the turmoil churning inside her. "Yeah, I'm fine," she lied. She leaned into Enzos side. "Just having a good time." Her voice sounded hollow even to her own ears.

   Mattheo's brow furrowed, but he didn't press the issue. Instead, he nodded and took a step back, giving her some space. He glanced over at Enzo, his expression unreadable. "Well, enjoy yourselves." With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd once more.

   With a sigh Maisy turned to Enzo." I'm going to go to bed." She said softly. "You okay to get back by yourself?" Enzo asked, but she was already walking away from him, weaving through the crowd towards the stairs that would take her up to her room.

{Authors Note}
- I'm so sorry it has took so long to update, I have literally had no motivation or ideas. I hope you enjoy and have a lovely day or night!!!