Hot Coffee [Calista]

[reese]

Fresh off of his confrontation with Cali's assaulter, Tom was feeling less blood lust than he had before his chance encounter with Cali. Sure he was still miserable, but he was slowly becoming accustomed to being wallowed up by his own emotions. In fact some things he enjoyed more now. Besides women, he was discovering just how beautiful it was to punish a person beyond the usual house rivalries or blood status. No, when things got more personal, they were more fun. Cali leaving him had provoked something. He had crossed out doing his parents bidding as an option, such things no longer interested him.

But what he did find was that he hated the establishment. The Ministry was all politics and no action, letting off criminals such as the one that killed Scarlett's mother just because they were an auror. Now that he was able to understand, and feel revenge, he didn't know if there would be anything more satisfying. He got a taste of it with Lucas, but there were bigger fish to fry. First on his list, the people that put him in such a circumstance... His parents.

Before he could embark on his journey to rid the world, and himself, of his despicable parents he would have to wait for the winter holiday. That was the next time he would be heading home, and there was a lot of time between then and now for them to hear about his circumstance. This meant he still had to discuss with Cali the danger that he had put her in. He had touched on the matter before that damn Lucas came bursting in, but he needed an opportunity to sit with her, the chances of an interruption slim to none.

He sent his owl to give her a note, to meet him in the kitchens at midnight. They would have plenty of time before breakfast was to be made to discuss the situation. As he waited, quarter to midnight, Tom hopped up and sat on one of the counters, gripping the sides of the surface with his hands and leaning on them. His posture was relaxed, but he was anything but.

[calista]

Cali flew through the hallways, getting past the students and teachers on patrol easily as an Owl. She was small and the hallways were dark. Even with her bright, colourful feathers, she was still virtually invisible. She flapped her wings a bit harder than intended as she remembered Tom’s owl bursting into her room and dropping the note on her bed. After the blowout in the classroom, she fled back to her room and hadn’t left.

Just before she got to the kitchens, she turned back. Her hot pink tank top, baby blue shorts. She kept her feet bare so her shoes wouldn’t clip against the stone floor. She looked up and down the hallway, twice before opening the kitchen door and slipping in. She stopped, just inside the door, and just looked at him. He was sitting on the counter, back to her. He wasn’t relaxed, she knew better than the posture said. Slowly, the only sound she made was the pattering of her feet on the ground, she stepped lightly around the counter to stand in front of Tom.

”You sent for me?” she asked, lightly, putting a little more oomph to it with a ‘just rolled out of bed’ roughness to her accent. She spent the whole time in her room thinking over his words in the classroom; and drawing pictures of Tom. Death Eater being two very prominent words at the front of her thoughts. If all else failed between them, she’d always have her sketches.

She turned away from him, grabbing a glass and filling it with water from the tap. She’d left her wand in her room, but she was good at magic and didn’t need a wand to change the contents of her glass. She hopped up onto the counter, which would have been easier if she were taller; too bad for that. ”I’m assuming you called on me to talk about what we never got to finish in the class,” she said, holding the glass out to Tom, inviting him to have some; if he wanted any of her wine.

[reese]

Tom proceeded to become more antsy as the top of the hour ticked closer. Cali was like an addiction, and knowing that in a few moments he'd be able to set his eyes on her again just made his craving for her intensify. He smiled to himself, excited that his jonesing would be satisfied for the period of time that they were together. Every hour without her became a lifetime of suffering, and without his fix he was pulled to a dark place, the word of his insanity was beginning to spread. It was difficult to commit random acts of violence without being noticed.

His ears perked up at what seemed to be the sound of bare feet on the stone floor. Tom force his smile down, there was no need to show her that he had been staring at the wall in somewhat of a stupor, anxiously anticipating her presence. Things had last left of in a weird place for them. His confession, Lucas, a mix of feelings; Tom wanted to balance the insanity of their last encounter with a neutrality. Though, it was difficult to wipe his face clear of emotion when she stepped into his field of vision.

"That I did." He nodded simply, using the movement of his head to mask his survey of her body. So, she had returned to her normal style of dress... Well, normal for her anyway. Did that mean she was over him? That was quick, maybe the feelings he had for her were not as equally shared as he thought they were. But the less selfish side of him was relieved to see he was no longer influencing her wardrobe, which was a direct reflection of the attitude of the wearer. It was better if she was free of him, and Tom started to regret calling for her, just as she was moving on, he managed to pull her back in. Couldn't he just leave the poor girl be?

Though it was rather upsetting to see a person get over him so soon. "Nice to see you back in something more to your liking." His eyes fell to her shorts, and more revealing. He wouldn't let his thoughts about the shorts leave his own mind, he was trying to play it cool after all. But damnit, why did she have to make it so hard on him?

Tom coughed after she spoke, practically choking on visions of their meeting... The part prior to their interruption, which was still stuck in his mind. He shook his head, trying to prioritize the more pressing matter at hand. "Er, yes. I suppose I should give the floor to you, ask me anything you want. No secrets, no lies." Tom went to grab the glass extended to him, but after brushing her own hand with his finger tips on accident, he pulled away quickly. He couldn't be trusted to touch her, the electricity in her skin would only further distract his mind.

[calista]

Cali glanced down at her sleepwear at Tom’s comment about it. If she’d had anything in that horrid…shade, she would have donned it. Too bad the only thing black she owned that could even remotely be considered sleepwear was the lingerie she bought on one of her shopping trips with her mother; thankfully, she had no idea about it. ”Yeah, that’s why I’m wearing this.” Cali looked away. ”And here I thought it was because I didn’t own any black pajama’s.”She sighed, not wanting to go down that path; that sarcastic path she always seemed to run down when she was upset. She shook her head, trying to get dissolve her sarcastic nature.

Her thoughts still drifted to their conversation earlier. She still strongly believed that he was different; even if that sounded like a cliché, she really didn’t care. She tugged on a strand of her hair. An outward sign to her mixed feelings; she was nervous to be alone with him, yet she craved it. The vision of their previous, so rudely interrupted, meeting ran through her mind. Along with two certain words, it was right up there, in the front. It was pretty much all she could think of. All she had thought off since she left that classroom.

Cali turned her head, looking ahead, instead of looking at Tom. She nodded slowly, ”No secrets; No lies. Okay.” Cali sighed, she had so many questions running through her thoughts, she wasn’t sure which mattered more. She hadn’t missed the electric feeling touching Tom brought on. She couldn’t trust herself to be so close to him. Things wouldn’t get sorted out between them if they sat so close. Yet, Cali couldn’t bring herself to move further away from him.

She sighed, the internal tug o’ war was maddening, and probably so much worse for Tom. ”Okay, start from the beginning. I want to know everything, Tom. And, I mean, everything[/b]. Don’t leave anything out.”[/color] She turned to look at him; even if it was just of his profile. She needed to touch him. So, lightly, she placed her hand on his thigh. Baby steps, as it were.

[reese]

Tell her everything? Tom felt his stomach drop, he had been hoping for specific questions, to go through it all meant they'd be there all night. He wold have to give her the abridged version, skip over all the painful details of his relationship with his parents. Tom began to let out a deep breath, preparing himself for the long-winded autobiography he was about to give her, when she touched his leg. He took in a short breath, his eye lids fluttered shut, every nerve reacting to her touch. It was like her finger tips were laced with some chemical compound that sent his heart racing and his body aching.

"Even in my darkest hour you can make me feel so weak." He hated himself for admitting her power over him, but it just slipped in his vulnerable state. Tom sighed, grimacing as if in intense pain, but her touch just made him wish even more that he hadn't sucked her into his world. In a way, he didn't want her to come, didn't want her to show him any amount of affection. He was a lost cause, and Cali was the only one he didn't want to bring down with him. Everyone else could burn for all he cared, but he needed to see her survive.

Remembering the task at hand, Cali had side tracked him, Tom cleared his throat and let his grimace fade into what he hoped was a look of strength. He didn't want her to know how overwhelmed he was by his own life. He fought the urge move his hand over hers to hold it in place, refusing to let himself touch her but wanting nothing more than to. "My parents were avid followers of the Dark Lord, and to this day hold his teachings as the truth. Having been raised by them, I shared these beliefs. Initially they didn't want to send me to Hogwarts, i'm seeing now that they feared my mind would be corrupted by mingling with students from alternative backgrounds. But ultimately they decided that it would be a good way to try and spread their views, by using me as their platform."

He paused, saying it out loud made him sound like a person incapable of free thought. Which was true, but he still didn't like admitting that he had been so used by his own family. It only made the hate for them, that had been developing in him since being exposed to a different side of life, intensify. "So that's what I was doing, up until I met you Calista." It was the first time Tom had used her full name since their meeting, he turned to look her in the eye. "My parents made sure at an early age that I didn't feel anything. They didn't want emotions coming into play, emotions are not easily controlled. And up until you I was able to disregard them, suppress them."

Tom couldn't take it anymore, he grasped her hand. He didn't want to feel alone, not anymore, and by not just seeing her there, but feeling her there, made all the difference. "You opened up this part of me that I didn't even know existed. And now I don't know what to do with myself. I can tell that i'm losing control, i've never felt so lost in my life. Things were simple for me, my life was planned out. You have me questioning everything I believed in, but maybe even what I was then wouldn't be so bad. Not compared to this anyway."

He didn't want to say it, tell her how sadistic he knew he was becoming, how he was projecting his own pain onto others. But maybe that much was clear to her, maybe his display in the classroom earlier was enough for her to see it. "I'm so sorry, I don't know why I dragged you into this. I should have left you alone, at the bar, in the Astronomy tower, and now here." Tom turned away from her, the same pained expression returning to his face. He released her hand, letting his own fall back to his side. Touching her was selfish, looking at her was selfish.

[calista]

Lightly, almost hesitantly, Cali squeezed Tom’s thigh. ”You hold the same power over me.” Cali whispered, but she knew he could hear her. It was a quiet room, and they were alone. Cali wanted him to open up to her. She wanted Tom to know that he could tell her anything; she wouldn’t judge him.
If anything, she felt they’d become closer. He knew so much about her, and she knew next to nothing. Her life was an open book in comparison.

Cali opened her mouth to say something, but figured she should hear everything before making a comment on what he was saying; more specifically, a comment on his parents. Who could do that to a poor defenseless child? He should have been outside running around, getting dirty and making mistakes. Not, being taught old, dark, demanding ways. He should have been a kid with feelings; not some miniature adult taught to pass everything off. She was mad. But, she wasn’t mad at Tom. How could she be? He was just doing what he was told by his parents. It wasn’t his fault. No, she was mad at his parents. They were despicable.

Her eyes widened at hearing her full name come from him. She didn’t even think he’d spoken her it when they first met. Her mouth opened slightly as he looked at her; as he continued telling her of his parents.

She felt everything she’d just thought about increase dramatically. Maybe it was her upbringing that made her feel like Tom wasn’t allowed to have a normal childhood. Cali put her glass down behind her and, with her free hand, put it on the side of Tom’s face. She hoped he saw that she was there for him, in her eyes. It was there, along with an unnamed feeling, she wasn’t ready to think of yet. Tears formed in her eyes and slowly fell as she listened.”Tom, you didn’t do anything wrong. Your parents are to blame here,” She said, looking into his eyes, searching for something, anything to prove her right; to say he knew that she was right.

She held tighter when Tom took her hand. Cali smiled through the tears as Tom spoke of what she did to him. She didn’t think she had that much power over anyone, especially Tom. But then, she’d noticed that he was a bit unsecure with himself. She was no doubt the reason for that, too. Cali shook her head ”No. That is so much worse. No feelings sounds good, but then how are you supposed to feel immense love? Or explicit hatred? Without feelings, you aren’t living a real life. Just…going through the motions. Things may have been simpler, but what in life is, really? Living without control is something everyone needs to do at some point in their lives.”

She glanced away, willing her tears to stop. Her tears weren’t just for the little boy Tom didn’t get to be, but the man he grew up to be. How unfair life must have been for him. She turned back to him as he apologized to her for her own actions. She shook her head; feeling alone when he let go of her hand. The hand on his face fell as he turned it away from her. She put her hands, both this time, back on his face and turned him to look at her. ”It’s not your fault, and don’t ever think that. You didn’t make me do anything. I walked into this willingly; you didn’t drag me anywhere I didn’t want to be. Besides, what makes you think I would have left you alone? I’m extremely stubborn. If I want something, or someone, I go after it, or them, with everything I have.” Cali said, directly. She was known for her blunt, very direct truthfulness. Why turn away from that now?

[reese]

He had the same power over her... That was a scary thought. They could destroy each other, along with the world around them that way. But hearing it come from her made his heart skip a beat, so he wasn't so forgettable after all. He couldn't help it, but his sadistic side fed off this knowledge, enjoying the thought of being able to ruin her if he wanted. After their incident in the classroom earlier, Tom couldn't foresee a time where he would ever confront her in such a violent way. The guilt he had experiencing since could have brought him to his knees if he let it.

Another thing that had etched its way into his thoughts since their last meeting was Cali's reaction to Lucas cursing him. She had been hysterical, and even rushed to Tom's aid. Although he had not thanked her properly, Tom knew he owed Cali his life... That he could give her, but why was he so unsure when it came to his heart? Even when he didn't think of Lilith as part of the equation, he was still struggling with the thought of being so dependent on another person. That's what he was with Cali, she had all power over him.

Sometimes it was nice not having control over himself, but the misery cast a shadow over the benefits. Since their mishap in the forest, Tom had almost forgot entirely the feeling of being in her arms, or even that intoxicating shiver down his spine that was induced by her image. He had been so focused on how miserable her leaving him had been that any of the beautiful things that Cali had blessed him with seemed to slip from his mind. Hatred was a horrible thing, it prevented and even distorted love.

Not that he was exactly ready to use that word and Cali's name in the same sentence. He didn't even understand the full concept of love, let alone whether what he felt for her was such a thing. Maybe an outside perspective would be better able to classify his feelings for her. During his conversation with Alex a few days prior she mentioned that he must care about Cali if she was causing him so much grief. Maybe she would also be able to tell him exactly how much he cared for Cali. He supposed that if he was willing to kill in her name, which despite the pleasure he would get out of killing Lucas was the reason he began his damn quest for revenge, then maybe he was getting close.

It was remarkable, watching Cali react to his words. Her emotional response was almost infectious, Tom had to swallow back many attempts on his body's part to cry. It wasn't even his own pathetic life that was forcing him to look away from her in order to not get emotional himself, it was too... too touching to see her care enough about his situation to let it affect her in such a way. "What is life? I'm beginning to think it's a bunch of suffering." He laughed, although there was some truth to his statement, he meant it to be taken as sarcasm. Tom had just laid a lot of heavy stuff on her, the least he could do was try to brighten the place up a bit.

Keeping his hands free of her and staring in the opposite direction did not last long, she was not going to let him get away with it. Tom was forced by her hands to look at her, and all he wanted to do was close his eyes. Getting wrapped up in her was too much of a risk, and Tom knew that just by looking into her gray eyes he would be incapable of letting her be. But her words broke through, he couldn't make that decision for her, push her away without letting her have a choice in the matter. And if she wanted him still, at least she knew what she'd be getting into.

He let her words settle, looking at her bright shirt as opposed to her eyes. Her beauty would only serve as a distraction from the decision he had to make. But after a few moments of contemplation, Tom looked up at her, still in visible inner turmoil. "I don't want you to leave me alone." Tom brought his hands up to hers, resting there a moment before gripping her wrists. "But I don't understand it. Why would you care to pester me? I've cause you nothing but pain. I'm what they refer to as damaged goods. It doesn't make any sense."

[calista]

If Tom knew just how much power he held over her; she’d be lost. He could ruin her; she’d never be the same again. She’d have to throw out all her things and replace them with blacks and grays. ’Bleh,’ Cali shuddered at the thought. A life with no colour would be the perfect punishment for her.

She hadn’t missed the sarcasm she’d come to know as Tom’s but she didn’t think he really meant it”You can’t have the pleasures of life without, at least some, of the pains, Tom,” She said after a moment’s thought. She wanted him to know that. That, even with all the suffering right now, because of his mixed emotions, everything would turn out all right. The sun still came up in the morning, classes still continued, and Cali would be waiting for him, if he needed her. ”Now, if you don’t mind. Stop trying to brighten things up. You’re not any good at it.”

He wasn’t looking at her anymore. Well, he was but not her eyes. She smirked but tried to hide it; it didn’t work so well. She moved her one hand to his neck. He looked like he was still so mystified about everything. The words he spoke broke Cali. She was lost to him instantly. ”I won’t.” She spoke the simple truth. She wouldn’t leave him. Not only because he said he didn’t want her to, but also because she didn’t want to leave him; not again. She saw with her own eyes what happened to each of them over the short time they were apart. It was hell.

Cali smiled. It wasn’t as bright as her usual sunny demeanor but more subdued, to reflect the conversation. Lightly, she pressed her lips to his before answering. ”if you remember correctly, you walked up to me.” Cali laughed quietly, as she shook her head. She leaned her forehead against Tom’s and sighed. It would have come out sooner or later.

But, how to put it all into words without analyzing the feelings still unnamed. She cared for him, sure, but she wasn’t sure she was completely ready to look into those feelings. ”Tom, under that ostentatious exterior, you are a sweet, charming man. It’s a shame no one else sees that. You hide it well. ’maybe even too well,’ Cali finished internally. She didn’t want to scare him off but how else could she have put it when words escaped her.

[reese]

It was becoming more apparent that there was only one punishment that was capable of hurting him more than any curse in existence. Though Cali was sitting right beside him, she was the only one that could drive him to do such terrible things when not in her presence. Tom's ultimate punishment, a life without Cali. He didn't want to face the idea of never seeing her again, or worse, seeing her and never being able to be with her again. Their brief separation already drove him further down a path that he didn't care much to travel.

This epiphany encouraged Tom to think on how he would feel never being able to be with Lilith again... The results were almost painful. The reality was he would survive an existence without her. It was tough to think that after what they shared that it just wasn't there beneath it all, he had been caught up in his own needs at the time, getting high off the feeling of security she brought. Only now, as Cali was able to sit with him and not bring up his indiscretion with Lilith, could Tom see what had been right in front of him the whole time.

Cali wasn't caught up in the social complications of their relationship, and she certainly wasn't thinking about someone else when they were together. With Lilith there had been problems immediately following their connection, perhaps that was the trouble when two broken individuals got together. There was no one to pull them out of their darkness. And what Tom really needed was a ray of hope in his life, and there was only one girl capable of sending his heart a flutter with the smallest smile.

He checked back into the present moment in time to catch Cali's comment. Now, if you don’t mind. Stop trying to brighten things up. You’re not any good at it. Tom chuckled softly, his poor attempt at shifting the mood was rather comical. "Lucky for both of us you excel in that department. We are quite literally the right and left hand. You're obviously the left because you're so weird." He teased her, knowing that there was a level of comfort between the two that allowed for such playful banter.

Her words turned him into jello, his shoulders fell and he unintentionally leaned toward her. He thought it would be painful to hear her respond in such a way, but after mentally admitting to himself how much she mattered to him over all else he was more comfortable with the idea of her never leaving him. He grinned rather bashfully, his cheeks turning the slightest shade of pink. He had never felt so wanted in his life, it was a lot to live up to, but he was willing to make the effort. No, he wouldn't make an effort, he would do what was necessary.

"Years of practice I suppose. It's hard to just drop your old self so quickly. But who else is worthy of seeing a softer me?" Tom almost gagged at his own words, it was reflex, he never wanted to see himself as soft of weak, but Cali made it seem like such a good thing. At least one of them could appreciate it.

Tom cleared his throat, there was more that needed to be said. He couldn't avoid the subject any longer. "Cali it was so stupid. I don't know how I could have thought there was the same thing there that is between us." Tom knew that she would catch onto exactly what he was speaking about, he couldn't bring himself to say her name in front of her. He did not look forward to letting Lilith down, but it needed to be done. "There's nothing I want more than you, and I let my own inability to understand what's happening to me get in the way of that. Never again." He let out a sigh, finally he was able to understand a bit of this new self of his.

[calista]

Cali laughed, ”Yeah, it must be my sunny personality, or my dazzling hair.” Cali thought about what Tom said, more laughter bubbling from her. ”Weird? Really? And here I was, all this time, thinking I was just crazy. Well, maybe different, but not weird.” Cali shrugged. ”Hmm, maybe…”

Cali smirked at Tom’s reaction to her words. The timid grin and the slight blush was endearing and sweet. She’d never been so open about, anything really, with anyone outside of her family or her close friends. Then Tom came around. Cali didn’t think he knew how much he changed her, too. It wasn’t as much as Tom had changed, but Cali noticed it, even if others didn’t. She shook her head. ”That would be no one. I want you all to myself.” ”At least as much of you as you’ll let me have…” Cali finished mentally. She didn’t want to think about that. Not now; not ever.

Ever came pretty damn fast and Cali just shook her head, leaning back a bit. She knew what, who, he was talking about. The conversation was inevitable, really. They would have had to talk about. To see what each felt; if they wanted it to progress or stall. She looked into his eyes, ”No regrets, remember? I can’t blame you for it. I can be somewhat upset, but I can’t blame you for it, or judge you. I don’t judge.” Cali turned her head, to look anywhere to get her thoughts together as Tom spoke again. ”This is all so new to you; all these feelings. I’d really be surprised if you weren’t confused about it all. You needed the time to sort everything out, and if that included someone else, what can I really say?” Cali turned back to Tom as what he said last hit home. She raised a brow, ”Never again?” Cali could only hope.

[reese]

Tom looked at her breathlessly, his eyes settling on her lips as she spoke. He loved the way they moved to accentuate certain words in her elegant accent. Slowly, being around her was returning him to that state of mind that she induced. It was almost difficult to hear what she was saying, his mind shutting down everything except her. But he was able to make out what was being said and smiled blissfully, still fixated on her features. "The whole beautiful thing doesn't hurt either. Well, unless we're talking 'if looks could kill' here, because then it would definitely hurt."

That would be no one. I want you all to myself. Tom shook his head, he didn't understand it. As confident in himself as he was, it was perplexing why anyone would want to deal with him or his horrible life. Despite how confusing it was to actually be wanted, it was nice. Tom couldn't shut down his smile no matter how hard he tried to conceal his elation. It wasn't playing it cool to show pure joy at her feelings for him, but he already admitted his parents were evil, maybe a goofy smile wasn't something that would put her off. In fact, a dumb founded expression probably paled slightly in comparison to discovering he was teh spawn of ultimate evil.

He released his grip on her wrists and moved his hands up her arms, before letting them fall. His eyes were pulled away from her, feeling almost embarrassed about hearing her words. They found a new object of interest in her shorts, Tom reached out his one of his hands to tug at one of her pockets. Though he wasn't looking at her once again, he was listening to her intently, even cherishing the sound of her breathing. But when she caught onto what he was referring to, Tom had more than just her inhales and exhales to listen to.

"It's hard not to regret when I saw what it did to you. You in black, one sight i'll never forget. And even though you look amazing in anything, that's one outfit i'd rather not see again, knowing what it symbolizes." Tom looked up to her, a mischievous smirk fighting off the goofy grin of before. "Though I will admit, the boots were kind of sexy. But i'm sure that had more to do with the girl in them."

As she repeated the promise that he had inadvertently made Tom realized he didn't know if he could honestly say it. Would he succumb to temptation again? He didn't plan on it, but who knew what else he would encounter in the emotional world. Though, he felt like he could safely promise her no more straying away from her for now. "Assuming you can help me sort this whole thing out, then yes, never. But I might need a lot of help." He laughed, it was almost comical how mixed up he had become.

Tom pulled on her pocket to slide her closer to him, no longer able to resist the pull to be intimate with her. He put his arm around her waist, using it to pull her even closer. His hand raised to her chin, guiding her head towards his. Tom pressed his lips to hers, occasionally flicking his tongue at hers teasingly. Kissing her was so much better when he didn't have to think about deceiving her about his home life. Now there was nothing between their touch.

[calista]

Cali laughed, shaking her head; her hair flying all around her. ”Careful, a girl could get used to that.” She said it jokingly, but a light blush covered her features. She was used to the glances and the looks but not so used to the compliments. Those still unnerved her a bit, but, they were usually few and far between.

Cali raised a brow at the goofy grin practically plastered to Tom’s face. It just goes to show that no matter what their parents did, they could still turn out to be better than their upbringing. What she said must have done something to him because he let go of her wrists. She lowered her hands, putting them behind her to lean on as she kicked her feet carelessly. Tom tugged at one of the pockets on her shorts. It was everything she had not to smirk or laugh. Their conversation wasn’t exactly of the comical nature at the moment.

Cali listened to what Tom was saying about her clothing choices while they weren’t speaking. She completely agreed with him. She really didn’t like wearing black. She shuddered at the thought of doing that again. No, that wasn’t an option in the future. ”You and me, both,” she mumbled unconsciously. She glanced at Tom, catching the mischief there before he spoke. Cali shook her head, laughing. ”Those, I can always keep. The rest should be burned.”

Cali could virtually see the wheels turning in Tom’s mind. Asking himself if he would hurt her like that again. She hoped not, but life was full of uncertainties. Cali wouldn’t allow her thoughts to travel that path, not again. She thought she knew his answer before he spoke the words, but Cali held her breathe anyway. Just in case she was wrong. As Tom spoke, Cali let her breathe out as a slight sigh. ”Then, I will help you, to the best of my ability, sort everything out. I’m here for you Tom. Don’t forget that.”

Cali laughed as Tom pulled her closer to him and wrapped an arm around her waist to get her even closer. His hand came up to her chin, turning her head towards him. The laughter slowly fled from Cali’s eyes and the desire she felt was taking over. Tom pressed his lips to Cali’s, occasionally teasing with his tongue. It was too tempting to get caught up in him. Cali welcomed it. This kiss was different from the rest. It was more open, more revealing.

Cali moved her legs over Tom’s own. She wanted to be even closer. Cali hoped he could hold her, because her balance was astoundingly atrocious for a Quidditch player. So far, all signs pointed to him being more than capable. Cali wrapped her arms around Tom’s back, her nails digging in slightly, through his shirt. She bit his lip, playfully this time, before she ran her tongue over the same spot.

[reese]

Tom narrowed his eyes at her in warning, "I certainly hope not, this relationship can handle only one massive ego." He laughed at his own large head, but supposed he couldn't be too full of himself if he was willing to joke about it. Cali didn't need to be exposed to his egomaniac self-defense, she had already seen past it before, there was no point in continuing for appearances sake.

"But it may be unavoidable, I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Something tells me I won't be able to cease commenting on how stunning you are." His eyes searched her face, unable to find a flaw. Was she really so unaware of her own beauty? "If you already know it though, which i'm sure you do, please feel free to stop me anytime." Even if given warning, Tom would not be able to resist. There was few thoughts that crossed his mind that he didn't announce... At least when they were appropriate, some things were just better left unsaid.

"Mhm, if you wear those when i'm in trouble I may just start causing problems on purpose. Lets not motivate me any further." He smirked at her idea of a noble farewell for the black, thinking that they would have a much better send off if put to a bit of use first. "Well, maybe you should break them out one more time before you toss them. This time for my eyes only." His tone implied humor, but the more he envisioned her monochromatic outfit, the more alluring he found it. He raised an eyebrow at the visual that was turning his mind into some sort of explicit fantasy.

Not wanting to let her into his mind, Tom shook his head, throwing himself from his own thoughts. Good thing she wasn't a master Occlumense or he'd be busted. Come to think of it, it was a good thing that there was only one Occlumense on campus, and Tom doubted Professor Alabaster would come popping into the kitchen for a late night snack. But the professor fled his mind as quick as she came, there was only one girl worthy of cluttering his mind, and she was with him.

He smiled, hoping he wouldn't abuse her caring nature in the future. In the end he needed to figure things out for himself, but having Cali as a support system would certainly make things easier. "You're already helping me sort myself out. I haven't wanted to kill anyone since you came strolling in... Well, at least not anyone that isn't more than deserving."

Tom grabbed her exposed leg to support her as she adjusted her position to be more on top of him then next to. Now essentially cradling her, Tom could be satisfied with their closeness. His hand absentmindedly pushed gently against her back, creating a greater sense of stability. He groaned as she bit his lip. Even though it was more gentle than their kiss in the Classroom, it still inspired the same longing. His chest raised with hit heavy breathing, brushing against her with each inhale.

Pulling away, Tom's eye lids fluttered at the burning sensation that was inject through his body whenever they touched. "Maybe we should get out of here before some Prefect comes looking to fill his quota for detentions. And just in case some other mutant freak comes looking to get you, I should probably escort you back to your tower." Tom chuckled at his own words, but hadn't forgotten the strange boy from earlier that needed to be dealt with. But that would have to wait, now was Cali time.

[calista]

Cali smirked. ”Yes, wouldn’t want that ego of yours to deflate.” She rolled her eyes. Heaven knew his ego was big enough. Their playful banter was comforting. Cali had missed that a lot. She even missed that infectious laughter, when he chose to allow its presence. It really, still amazed her how incredible Tom was. He was so sweet to her and she adored that. Cali kissed Tom’s cheek. ”You can say all you want. That doesn’t mean I’ll get used to it; or bored of it.”

Cali laughed, running her fingers through her hair. ”Maybe, I’ll just keep those boots in the back of my closet and only take them out for…special occasions.” Cali refused to head down the cheesy path with a wink at the end of that. But, really, it was basically implied. Cali shook her head. She could just imagine where his thoughts were leading him. ”You just want your fantasy to become a reality.” Cali glanced at him, mischief in her eyes. ”I could make that happen, you know.”

Cali smirked, her thoughts returning to their earlier encounter. Her eyes darkened instantly at the most memorable minutes in that classroom. Too bad that little moron interrupted them. She would forever hate that kid for ruining that moment. Cali internally shook those thoughts away. This wasn’t the time to think of that dumbass. This was the time for her and Tom; alone. ”More than deserving. Should have hurt that kid when I had the chance,” Cali said under her breathe.

Their kiss was one of dreams; of fantasies. Everything else paled in comparison. And, sadly, it was broken too soon with Tom pulling away. She hadn’t realized she was breathing so hard. But, so was Tom. Cali’s heart was racing, which always seemed to happen as soon as Tom even walked into the room. It was a great feeling. Something she hadn't realized was missing until earlier that day. The laugh that came from Cali was low, almost seductive, and completely unintentional; not that it mattered if it was or not. ”I’m sure between the two of us, we have all the prefects wrapped around our fingers but, you’re right. And, of course, being the tiny, young woman that I am, an escort would be a marvelous idea. As long as said escort stays with me tonight. You never know who may attempt to take me from my bed in the early hours.”

Cali didn’t want to make the first moves to actually getting off the counter, but it had to be done. And, unless Tom was going to carry her back to her room, she’d have to move eventually.

[reese]

"Hey, without that ego I wouldn't have had the confidence to approach such a pretty girl in the Three Broomsticks. I would have found you much too intimidating with your designer clothes and alluring smile." Tom let every word hang for a moment as he described the Cali that he first set eyes upon. Then he was too blinded by alcohol to initially appreciate her beauty, although without the fire whiskey goggles on he would have admitted that she was a very attractive girl.

Thinking on his first impression of Cali, Tom had a new emotion come into play, jealousy. Were all the guys looking at her the way he did? He couldn't help but feel annoyed that just anyone could ogle her, and probably did so. At least he didn't hang around enough men to get an idea of what they would say about her, he didn't know if he could stomach other guys sharing their ideas on what to do with Cali. Tom got the sudden urge to ask Cali about her past relationships, feeling rather insecure with his standing with her. Was he her ideal or if something more her type came along would he be doomed?

But Tom didn't have any place to ask her. He had been momentarily stolen away by something he though was more right for him, if she did the same it was only fair. Tom wouldn't let that happen, one ill-intentioned gaze from a male student and he wouldn't be able to look at anything again. He wanted Cali to be like a work of art in his house, there for him alone to look at and others to be jealous knowing that he had it. At the touch of her lips to his cheek, Tom smirked, letting some of his thoughts slip out of his mouth. "So how many strapping young Gryffindor lads are going to hunt me down in jealousy over stealing you from them? Should I expect a bludger to find its way to me when I go to watch your quidditch matches?"

At her sensual laugh, Tom raised a brow at her, not in disbelief, more in curiosity. "You wouldn't have to try hard. You're pretty much my ideal incarnate. But I can think of a few scenarios I wouldn't mind played out. You provide the boots, I'll bring the candle wax." His ridiculous idea was not made as an obvious joke, his eyes drifted from her face to the legs that were in his lap. His slid his hand from her thigh down the length of her leg, his eyes following. Tom sighed in ecstasy at feeling her smooth skin, and at that moment, it was only his to appreciate.

Still running his hand up and down her leg, Tom looked up as she spoke on their earlier encounter with that freak show Lucas. His brow furrowed as he recalled the painful lacerations that Cali had to heal. "If you hadn't been busy saving my ass maybe you would have got him then. But no matter, he won't be able to walk in on us again." Tom's eyes went dark, but his smirk only grew. The thought of feeling the boy's pulse slip away was all too satisfying for his sadistic side. It wasn't just Lucas that he wanted to die at his hands. His mother and father were both tied for the second spot on his "to do" list.

He was brought back to the light by Cali's words, his heart nearly leaping from his chest at the mention of staying the night. "Ah, staying the night. I think I can manage that... But you should know I can't let anything happen." Tom smirked, an anxious look in his eyes as he mocked her own words from the Astronomy tower. He would not force her into anything, but if she wanted to progress things, he would be in no position to refuse.

Tom put his are under her legs and wrapped his other around her so he was gripping her hip on the side opposite him. "Let's not delay any longer, I think i'll explode if I don't see the inside of your dorm room tonight." He whispered into her ear, even if no one could hear him he couldn't sell the whole seduction thing as well at full voice. Tom bit her ear lobe his tongue darting the surface as he held it between his teeth. At that Tom pulled her into him and tensed his arm muscles, sliding off the edge of teh counter with her in his arms.