Summary: "It shines brightly. It's sweeter than all the cakes in the world. It soothes the mind. This feeling is all I know. How can I possibly describe it in words?"

Tom Riddle did not know what love was. He did not know what shape it took, what it felt like, what it's taste was. His parents were no help in figuring this out, their love warped and twisted, so he set out to find it for himself. He had searched long and hard but could not find it, always feeling more empty and bitter with each failed relationship. He was certain that he would be this way forever, playing an elaborate game of pretend until he died.

But now, he has found his love. It takes the shape of dark messy hair and large green eyes, feeling like warm hugs and soft kisses, tasting like spoonfuls of sugars so sweet Tom was sure he was going to choke. His love, unconventional and pure and sweet. Tom was never going to let this feeling go or let anyone try to take it from him.

He would do anything to protect his happy sugar life.

Tom Riddle was easy.

However true that might be, that didn't mean Abraxas wanted to hear about it while he waited for Tom outside of the school gates. He wondered why Tom was always the one that the gossip mill seemed to focus on, but it was not really that surprising.

Tom was handsome, even at the tender age of fifteen. Tall for his age, though not unreasonably so, with soft and curled brown hair and dark eyes; he was still young after all, his limbs a bit coltish and long, but he was quickly adjusting to it all. With sharp cheekbones, hidden slightly by soft cheeks, and light pink lips, Tom was undoubtedly the most visually pleasing person at school, as much as it was a blow to Abraxas's own ego.

He would undoubtedly grow up to be an even better-looking adult and jealousy was an ugly thing, Abraxas supposed.

There were some rumors about Abraxas as well, along the same lines as Tom, but not nearly as severe. He didn't care much for them, seeing as those who were spreading them were only trying and failing to make him look bad. He would actually have to care about what they thought for their opinions to hurt. Tom didn't seem to care about them either.

He perked up when he saw Tom finally exit the school and make his way down the stone steps towards Abraxas. Hogwarts was not a large school, so it wasn't long before Tom had crossed the grassy yard and was before him.

"Sorry. It took longer to get my stuff than I thought," Tom said, smiling apologetically at him when he got close enough. "People just don't understand the meaning of the word 'move' anymore."

"It's fine. I didn't wait long," he replied, falling into step beside Tom as they made their way off of school grounds and onto the sidewalk.

While he was unsure why Tom chose to walk home from school, he was grateful for the company. His own family forced him to walk most days— it would help keep him in shape, they had said with smiles far too kind for his liking, as though his strict diet and weekly exercise wasn't enough to do that. He had no choice but to listen, they were his parents after all and there wasn't much he could do to stop, at least not at his age. He couldn't wait until he reached his majority and was finally free of their control, though he doubted it would be that easy.

They made their way out of the school gates and onto the busy sidewalk, where several other students were waiting to be picked up. Only a few were walking like they were, living less than a mile from the school if that. It wasn't a problem for students to walk home, Hogwarts being right beside a well-off neighborhood on the outskirts of town, meaning for this time of day there was less traffic and a small walk for most students.

Abraxas, however, lived a good forty-five minutes from the school on foot. Tom lived closer, but not much. It was a lengthy walk, good exercise he supposed, not that he felt that he needed it anymore. Tom certainly didn't.

The silence between them as they walked was very comfortable. Tom wasn't usually very talkative, instead preferring to listen to Abraxas as he rambled about one thing or another, occasionally adding his own input. However, it was unusual for him to be staring so intensely at his phone, a happy smile making its way onto his face.

"So, did you meet a new girl? You seemed awfully happy the past few days." Abraxas asked as they approached the crosswalk, standing patiently amongst the student's already gathered. The light had just turned red, meaning they were going to be standing there for a while, and Tom was back to looking at his phone.

"Hm? Yeah, I met someone." Tom said, a smile making its way onto his face, so happy and lovely that it physically hurt Abraxas to see. "We've already moved in together too. Well, they've moved in with me, but details, details."

Moving in with someone wasn't very serious. He could remember a few months ago when Tom had lived with his then-boyfriend, an intimidating Durmstrang student who was at least double Tom's size and far too old to be dating him. It was safe to say, at least for Tom, that it wasn't too serious of a thing. He wondered how long this one was going to stay. The longest had just made it past a week.

Annoyed that Tom was still focusing on his phone, Abraxas wrapped his arms around Tom's waist, resting his head on Tom's shoulder and pressing their cheeks together. "So, when are you gonna dump this one and we can go out again? There's a new club in Knockturn I would love to check out and I really don't want to go alone. They'll be plenty of attractive women and men hanging around and willing to buy anyone drinks."

There was a moment of silence. Then Tom's head whipped around to stare into his eyes before he reached up, tugging on a strand of Abraxas's blond hair harshly.

"You should really cut your hair. You don't want people to mistake you for a girl." Tom said, tugging once more and earning a cry of pain. Abraxas pulled away and glared at Tom, smoothing down the spot Tom had pulled. He didn't think his hair was too long, just coming to his shoulders. His cousin Lucius's hair was much longer.

"Besides, I'm done with all of that," Tom said moving with the crowd as the light turned green, leaving Abraxas to follow. "I just told you, I've found someone for myself and I wouldn't betray them by cheating on them. Breaking up with them it out of the question, too."

"Really?" Abraxas asked, easily catching up to Tom and raising an eyebrow. "She must be very beautiful then. When will I get to meet her?"

They turned left and made their way into a more residential area, with expensive houses on both sides of the road and lampposts lining the roadside.

"Never. You would probably scare him away," Tom said cheerfully, earning an eye roll. Abraxas was the opposite of intimidating, at least in stature and looks. "But maybe done day I'll introduce you to him. He's very sweet."

Abraxas felt his eyebrow join the other. Him. So Tom was seeing a boy, perhaps older given how secretive he was being. Abraxas was not one to judge on that matter, seeing as he had been with more than a few men himself, and definitely people far older than he should be going after. Though, he wondered how Tom's parents were reacting to the news.

"I guess you're pretty serious then if you're already living together," Abraxas commented idly. "How did you ever get your parents to approve of him living with you?"

"What they don't know won't hurt them," Tom said, smiling so wide that it made Abraxas' chest hurt a bit. "Father is off on a business trip and mother is preoccupied. They won't notice a thing."

Abraxas hummed, turning back to the road ahead and effectively ending the conversation. That was good since they were near his road. Of course, it wasn't his road exactly, just a four-way intersection where he and Tom always parted ways, Abraxas veering left while Tom continued on. It had no stop sign, only a small bench, and another lamppost.

"Hey, look at that," Tom said, pointing out something on the post.

There was a sign. It wasn't unusual to see one, advertising services or jobs that seemed a bit too good to be true, but this one wasn't doing that. It was a missing poster, with a child staring back at them. Above, the name Harry Potter was typed in bold letters, and below it announcing that he was missing, what he was last seen wearing—a large gray shirt and shorts— along with his birthday and height, and a phone number to contact if anyone saw him.

Abraxas frowned at the date on the poster. Missing since March 17th. That was over a month ago and he was sure this poster was fairly new, seeing as it wasn't as weather-worn as the others. The kid was young too, his birthday placing him around seven or so. If someone had a kid that young that went missing, shouldn't they have put up a sign much sooner, possibly even the next day?

Tom was also staring at the poster, his head tilted and an odd look on his face. His lips were pressed into a tight line and he was glaring at the paper, as though it had personally offended him. It was unnerving to see the amount of anger in his eyes, and Abraxas quickly thought of something to distract him.

"He's been missing for a while, hasn't he?" Abraxas said, pointing to the date. "It's a shame they haven't found him yet, he's a cute kid. Kinda sad looking, but in a cute way. No wonder someone snatched him up."

He had muttered the last part to himself, not missing the sharp look Tom gave him. It faded into a playful grin as he moved closer to Abraxas, his arms wrapping around Abraxas' waist, uncomfortably in his personal space.

"Confessing something?" Tom asked, his accusatorial tone not matching the smile on his face, and Abraxas balked.

"Of course not! Why would I kidnap a kid? I'm not some sick pervert." Abraxas huffed, trying to shift away from Tom and failing. "Plus, where would I even keep him? In my house, with my parents watching my every move?"

"Maybe you killed him and threw him in a ravine," Tom teased, the grin on his face fading into mock-pity. "How heartless of you, tossing aside a child like he's trash. You should be ashamed of yourself."

"Oh, shut it, Riddle. I would never kill a living creature. Unlike some people, I have a heart."

"I object to that," Tom said, laughing lightly. Abraxas found himself laughing as well. "I would at least keep him alive. He could be my little maid. Look at that little face, he would look good in a maid costume."

"You're awful."

Abruptly, he realized just how close they had gotten to one another, Tom's face uncomfortably close to his own and his body pressed tightly against Abraxas. He felt his face heat up and he cleared his throat, bringing his hand up to gently push Tom away.

"Well, I'm going now. Bye!" Abraxas said, a little too loud. He quickly walked towards his street, pausing to look back at Tom. He was still standing by the post. He smiled at Abraxas, waving him goodbye.

"See you tomorrow," Abraxas called, giving Tom a small wave as he turned, fishing his airpods out of his pocket. He still had another thirty minutes of walking ahead of him—uphill halfway there, much to his displeasure—and he would rather not do it in silence.

French Vanilla Mousse

Tom watched as Abraxas turned the corner before he turned back to the paper on the post. The child was cute, there was no denying that. Large green eyes, hidden behind wire-framed glasses, and soft-looking black hair. Abraxas was right; he did look sad, staring at the camera with a blank and almost forlorn expression.

He was a very cute child, and the more Tom stared, the more he felt something crawling up his throat, as sweet as the picture on the post. Like Abraxas said, it was no wonder someone snatched him right up. He was adorable.

Tom glanced around, making sure there was no one around, before ripping the paper from the post and shoving it into his bag. He wondered down each post on the street, snatching the signs off of each that he came to, going as far as crossing the street and taking those posters down as well.

Once he was sure he had gathered them all, he threw them into a neighbor's trash bin as he passed, humming to himself. His own home was a street over and he made sure to rip down each poster he came to, a bit frustrated that there were so many of them. Someone must have spent a lot of money printing them, seeing as they had put them up on each post on Tom's street.

It was the oldest one on the street, a two-story house made of brick and surrounded by a tall stone fence. It was strange how big Tom's father had been on privacy, especially after the divorce with his wife, but Tom was a bit grateful for it. It made things easier for Tom.

He took the steps two at a time and unlocked the door, letting himself into the house.

"I'm home," Tom called as he entered the house, shutting the door and beginning to remove his shoes. He could hear the sound of feet hitting wood rapidly and he braced himself, letting off a small oof when he found himself tackled.

"Welcome back!" Harry said, his arms squeezing tightly around Tom's waist and burying his face in Tom's tummy. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," Tom said, running his finger through Harry's hair. It was much softer and cleaner than it had been a few days ago, with far fewer knots now that it was being properly taken care of. "Where were you just now? Normally, you wait for me by the stairs."

Harry pulled away then and held his arms up. Tom was all too happy to scoop Harry into his arms, cradling the smaller boy close and petting his hair. Harry was very light and almost bone-thin, which worried Tom a bit. He was sure he would have Harry back to a healthy weight in no time.

"I was cooking dinner for you," Harry said, wrapping his arms around Tom's neck and nuzzling against him. "It's almost done. I made soup!"

"I told you that you don't have to cook anymore. I can take care of all that." Tom sighed, making his way towards the kitchen. "You might hurt yourself and I don't want that to happen."

Harry Potter. His sweet little prince, the bright ray of sunshine that was the center of Tom's universe, the sweetest boy Tom had ever met. There was something about Harry that set him at ease, the sight of him making a strange calmness overtake Tom and sweetness fill his mouth like no other.

No one had ever made him feel this way, ever caused such warmth and happiness within him, and he was never going to let Harry go.

"I know!" Harry objected, pouting a little. "I just wanted to make something for you since you always have to cook and I wanted you to relax today. You need a break too."

Tom was going to melt. Melt right into the floor like a pile of caramelized sugar if Harry kept being so sweet to him.

"Well, I'm very happy that you thought of me then. Why don't we eat dinner and then you can watch TV while I do my homework?" Tom said as they entered the kitchen. Harry nodded eagerly.

Tom smiled at him as he sat him down on a stool, turning to the soup on the burner. It did look good, a mix of meat and vegetables, and Tom licked his lips. Harry was an excellent cook.

"I saw a really cool show today!" Harry began as Tom got down two bowls for them. "It was about a sponge and he worked in a restaurant under the sea. Did you know sponges could talk? And he looked so silly too!"

Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake

Harry was humming softly, preoccupied with the rubber ducks floating in front of him as Tom worked the two-in-one shampoo into his hair, taking care not to accidentally get any in Harry's eyes. It was easy with how still Harry was sitting, aside from his arms splashing the ducks around. For his own amusement, he swirled two little buns on the side of Harry's head, laughing at the sight of them. They were too little to be actual buns and hair kept flying free from them, only making it more amusing to him.

"What's so funny?" Harry asked, tilting his head to look at him and Tom laughed again.

"Nothing. Ready to dunk?" Tom asked and Harry nodded, his hand coming up to pinch his nose, his cheeks puffing out as he took a deep breath. Tom let out a small laugh at the sight and gently laid his hand on Harry's back. Harry slid down and underneath the water, Tom's free hand coming up to shake the shampoo from Harry's hair.

He lifted Harry up a moment later, inspecting his hair to makes sure he had gotten all of the suds out of it. Harry turned around, splashing water over the edge of the tub, and smiled at Tom. Water and suds dripping down his face from his hair and Tom tutted, reaching beside him to grab a dry washcloth.

"All good?" Harry asked, allowing Tom to rub the water from his face.

"All good."

Harry nodded, a mischievous smile making its way onto his face. Before Tom could react, he received a face full of water, making him sputter. He wiped the water from his face, glaring at Harry as he laughed.

Harry let out a small scream when Tom splashed him, laughing and splashing Tom back. There was going to be a huge water mess that Tom would have to clean up, but it was worth it to see Harry smiling and laughing so brightly. The sweetness of it was going to choke him, he was sure.

"Look! I'm all wrinkly!" Harry said, holding his hands up to Tom's face. The pads of his fingers were wrinkled as was his palm. "Why do our hands get like that when we bathe?"

"The water is taking all the oil out of our skin and it makes all wrinkly. It's happened to me too. See?" Tom held up hand up for Harry, showing him that his hand was just as wrinkled.

Harry gasped, grabbing Tom's hand and pulling it closer to inspect it. "No! Tom, your hands! And they were so nice too…"

"It'll go back when we get out and dry off," Tom said, smiling when Harry gasped.

"Really?" he asked, looking so amazed at the thought that Tom couldn't help but laugh again. It was cute how the smallest of things seemed to amaze him.

"Really. The wrinkles also let you know when it's time to get out of the bath, like a little timer." Tom said. "Since we're all wrinkly, it means it's time to get out. You can watch TV while I do my homework, okay?"

The water was getting cold anyway.

Crème Brûlée

Once dressed—Harry in an old shirt of Tom's and him in a pair of sweats—they exited the bathroom and stood at the top of the stairs, in front of a large window. Tom pulled the curtain back as Harry ran to the supply closet, grabbing a thin sheet from within.

It was dark and the neighbor's lights were all out, so Tom could pull the curtains back without fear of anyone seeing Harry. The moon was in the perfect position, rising above the other houses and spilling moonlight into the room. The scene could not have been more perfect. Tom smiled.

"You start tonight, Harry," Tom said, kneeling down as Harry came running back with the sheet.

"Alright," Harry said, wrapping the thin sheet over Tom's head, an imitation of a veil. His smile faded to a more serious look as he spoke. "This I vow, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part, I will always love you."

Harry smiled at him and leaned forward, placing a kiss on Tom's forehead. Tom nearly melted and let out a small laugh, wrapping his arms around Harry's waist and dragging him into a hug. Harry let out a laugh of his own and hugged Tom back, pressing Tom's face against his chest. Tom nuzzled into him and Harry let out a light laugh, trying to squirm away.

"No, Tom, stop! That tickles!" Harry laughed, lightly pushing on Tom's shoulders and bent over a bit, making Tom laugh lightly.

"Oh, it tickles?" Tom asked, a smirk on his face. "So does it tickle when I do…this?"

He fingers skittered over Harry's sides, a squeal and more laughter, Harry's legs kicking out a bit. Tom ignored them and continued to tickle him, making Harry lose his footing and fall to the floor. Tom was worried for a moment that he had gotten hurt, only to quickly grab Harry when he tried to wiggle away.

"No, Tom! Please stop!" Harry let out another squeal when Tom tickled his tummy and sides, twisting and laughing hysterically. He kicked out again, making contact with Tom's tummy. Tom finally released him with a huff, doubling over in slight pain.

"Tom!" Harry gasped, sitting up and leaning closer to Tom. "Are you alright?"

Tom took this moment to wrap his arms around Harry and squeeze him close, peppering Harry's face with kisses. Harry let out another squeal and launched himself back, causing Tom to topple back with him.

They landed in a pile on the floor, Harry still in Tom's arms, both laughing and panting. Tom smiled at Harry and Harry smiled in return, making Tom's heart soar and sweetness crawl up the back of his throat.

"Hey, let's go to bed. It's a bit late for you to be up." Tom said, sitting up and holding his hand out for Harry. Harry nodded eagerly and took the offered appendage, allowing Tom to pull him to his feet.

Tom stood as well and they made their way to Tom's room, the first door on the right. There were only four up there: Tom's room, the bathroom, a storage closet, and his father's room. He didn't go into his father's room often, and with him currently preoccupied, it was the most unused room in the house.

His room was very impersonal, or so he had once been told. He thought of it as practical and neat, if a bit empty. Despite his mother's best attempts to get him to decorate in his early years, his walls were still bare and his floor spotless. It only had a few things in it—a desk with a chair and laptop, a few shelves on the wall, and a bed in the corner with a green duvet. The most notable thing was the large terrarium along the side wall, housing a snake longer than he was tall; his precious Nagini, the only other thing he had cared for until he had met Harry.

"Night, Nagini!" Harry said as he passed her cage, pressing a kiss on the glass where her face was. Tom almost melted again. Thankfully, Harry had not been afraid of her when Tom had introduced them and Nagini seemed to like him as well.

Once Harry had made it to Tom's bed, he crawled in and slid over, patting beside him for Tom to join him. Tom smiled and made sure to sit down a bit harder than he should and bounce Harry. Harry gave him a little glare and Tom smirked, making himself comfortable and ignoring the look. It was a small double bed with plenty of room for both of them to lay comfortably, but Harry snuggled close to Tom. Tom did not object, wrapping his arms around Harry and pulling him closer.

"Night, Tom. Love you!" Harry said, giving Tom's cheek a kiss.

"Good night. I love you too," Tom said, kissing Harry's forehead and nuzzling his hair. He gently rubbed Harry's back, smiling when Harry sighed in delight and drifted off to sleep together, content with their happy sugar life.