Hierarchy of Need [t.r]

Chapter Twenty Two

"I don't want you dead."

The words left his mouth before he could register them. Damn fire whiskey, usually he was able to handle his liquor better. So why was this time different? He didn't feel intoxicated, just slightly tipsy.

Delilah snorted and took another drink. "Yeah, okay."

He grabbed the glass from her and set it down, "that's enough." She went to reach for it again but he grabbed her arm, tugging her up none too gently. "Off to bed you go."

"I'm not a child." She huffed, shaking out of his grasp but ended up stumbling when she tried to walk.

"You're acting like one."

She glared at him but continued to sway in place, the room was tilting at odd angles.

He looked at the clock, it was fairly late and two drunk students wouldn't be too grand if caught, especially since he's head boy.

Tom looked over at Casey's door, she was probably asleep, he then looked towards his room. He knew it would be the proper thing to do to offer Delilah the bed. But if he did that, he wouldn't be able to sleep in it till he stripped the sheets. He didn't need a repeat of the Leaky Cauldron. His bed ended up smelling so strongly of Delilah he couldn't get any rest.

"You can sleep on the couch."

"Oh what a gentlemen," she slurred but made her way back to the couch, throwing her body on it. He didn't miss the way she eyed the fire whiskey, so before he left the room he strode over and snatched the bottle away.

"I'll fetch you a blanket and pillow, behave." He set her with his usual 'head boy bravado' and Delilah waved a hand at him in annoyance.

"Yeah okay, dad."

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he made a quick trip to his room and grabbed the spare blanket on his bed and a pillow from the cabinet.

Walking back into the common room, Delilah already looked passed out and he huffed slightly. Nearing Delilah, he knelt down and cupped the back of her head, lifting it up to slide the pillow underneath, her mess of curls felt soft on his palm.

He laid the blanket over Delilah halfheartedly, so it failed to cover her sufficiently. He was still crouched down as he watched her sleep for a moment, taking in the way her features fell naturally. She looked at peace for once.

"Tom?" She mumbled, her eyes still closed.

"Hm?"

"Xan and Katerina, d-did you do that do them?"

"Do you think I did?"

There was a beat of silence, he nearly thought she passed out, but she shrugged slightly.

"I hope not, because I won't know what to do if you did."

Then with a yawn she fell asleep.

His mind went back to their conversation. Each new fact he learned about her was like a small piece in an extremely complicated jigsaw puzzle that made up Delilah Pontmercy.

"Draco Malfoy?" He muttered, biting at his cheek. He'd have to ask Abraxas about this Draco boy, seeing as he's never mentioned him before.

And why did her family think she's dead? Tom was annoyed at himself for not getting that out of her.

He then thought about her leaving, leaving him, for good. He clenched his hands until his nails made bloody crescents appear in his palms.

She couldn't leave. He still hasn't figured her out yet. He needed more time.