Chapter Text
Scorpius walks down the illuminated side streets of London’s Muggle Party District. It’s the end of summer, and the days are getting shorter. The chilly breeze makes him shiver. He puts his hands in the pockets. Things are going pretty well lately. At least, he can’t complain about the current development of the evening. He agreed on a spontaneous date with a handsome Muggle-guy, who asked him out a few hours ago. His date is an art student and probably older. Scorpius frequently goes on dates. Accordingly, the date itself isn’t quiet a big deal, though it’s totally out of his comfort zone: The Muggle-world often doesn’t make sense to him, so he rather avoids it. To his surprise, the evening is going better than expected. Not great, or fantastic, but well. For him, great and fantastic aren’t in store. Not anymore. Not since his relationship with him. So, ‘well’ is all he can afford. Every day, he tries his best to be ok with it. He tried for quiet a while now… to be exact for the last five years.
“Hey, ‘r you listening?” The guy asks amused, and Scorpius looks up caught. “You seem totally lost in your thoughts. Wanna share what’s on your mind?”
His date is sincerely interested in him, and Scorpius is starting to feel bad for acting damn distant. Over the years, he has perfected the game of counterquestions. Despite being together for hours, the other guy basically knows nothing about him. “I was just wondering where you’re taking me. Should I be worried?” he asks playful. Maybe he should put more effort in the conversation, but secretly Scorpius is totally fine with playing the shy guy. Why should he even bother?! Like most of the time, tonight will lead to sex and that will be it, which isn’t a bad thing, but he’s just not expecting to find real love (again).
“You’re just 23. You’re too young to be hurt like that.” He hears his father’s words from a conversation a few weeks ago echoing in his mind.
It’s Friday night, and the streets are crowded as ever. They have been to a pretty good restaurant and now they’re heading into the heart of London’s night life. His date holds out a hand and grins mischievous. “I was just about to show you London’s best bar. It’s an insider tip.” Immediately Scorpius is reminded of a certain someone, he actually wants to forget. He smiles dumb and takes his hand. He sighs soundless. He has a certain type, and he definitely doesn’t need any therapist to tell him why: messy dark hair, bold, determined and not to forget: that special grin… He bites his lip. Now’s not the time to over-analyse his relationship-issues. For Dumbledore’s sake, why can’t he just have fun?!
He's dragged into a barely illuminated backyard. Music is buzzing out of building. The whole place looks quite decayed. Scorpius frowns. Not his taste.
“Don’t worry. You’ll like it.” The other replies confident. Obviously, the answer to Scorpius non-verbal reaction.
Scorpius blushes. Merlin, he’s such a spoiled kid. Thanks, dad. He sighs even deeper.
They enter. Scorpius mouth drops open. Insider tip?! As if. The place is stuffed with people. Mostly mid 20ies as it seems, and everyone has an eye-catchingly different appearance. There’s no special type of people, but all are clearly enjoying the diversity. No question: It’s the place to be. They have quiet some difficulties to push their way through. This place makes Scorpius feel excitement. A feeling he had quiet missed. Never would he have guessed that the atmosphere inside would be this intense. It’s not comparable to any party location he visited so far. People are chatting, smoking, drinking, dancing, or making out.
His date somehow gets a hold of a small table at the corner of the room. He organizes them two Cocktails at the counter and Scorpius must admit: these are the world best Cocktails.
“What is this place?” Scorpius asks.
“Haa, I knew you like it! It’s my favourite place. But pretty much everyone in here will tell you the same. No brash guys and it’s definitely never boring. You should be here on Saturdays! Can’t remember a single night that ended without drama.” He laughs and tells some stories. And fuck, yes, Scorpius is starting to like that guy. They sink their drinks and laugh and for once, Scorpius forgets that he doesn’t believe in falling in love.
The later the night, the better the atmosphere. They’re connecting and Scorpius is glad he agreed on the date. The guy returns from the counter once again: “here” he places several shots in front of Scorpius. “Yooouuu…” he points his finger at the blonde. “….know half my life. I practically know nothing about you.” Scorpius opens his mouth but is interrupted before he gets a chance to defend himself. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed! So, I’m gonna tell you, how it works: I’m asking you a question and you answer. Just as if we were on a real date.” He smirks provocatively. “If you don’t want to answer, it’s totally fine… but then you drink.”
“I guess you have a point.” Scorpius raises an eyebrow. “I’m in.”
“Hopefully that will help you opening-up a bit.” He suddenly adds sheepish.
For the next two hours, they talk and drink.
“All right. First question… ready?”
“Not at all.” Scorpius admits.
“Is your hair dyed?”
“Haha. No. My hair is just like my dad’s.”
“Are you in good terms with your dad?”
“Totally. We meet every Sunday for lunch. He’s the best.”
Next follow several standard questions about his childhood, growing up, school and so on. Scorpius answers honestly (well, as honest as he can, cause he can’t simply mention any magical related stuff - which pretty much concerns his whole life), but he has always been good with words. It’s probably his superpower, so he manages to give the other a pretty clear picture of his life so far. The other is glued to his lips, but the later the evening, the more intimate the questions:
“How was your first kiss?”
Sixth Year. Train ride home for Christmas. Compartment of the Hogwarts Express:
Scorpius doesn’t dare to move. Not one inch. He won’t risk that anything interrupts this moment. He wants it to last forever. And anyway, he’s too focused on Albus’ lips pressed on his own. It’s almost too much: this feeling of pure happiness mixed with excitement.
The first time’s spark.
Albus tongue is in his mouth, and he somehow responds, not knowing what he’s actually doing, but they match. He’s convinced they belong together – actually always have. This moment is the proof. Albus tastes like the mint chocolate they ate a minute ago. He wanted that change in their relationship for such a long time, and he can’t believe it is actually happening. He’s glad Albus made the first move.
When they part, Albus eyes glow. But there’s uncertainty, too: “Are you mad?”
“Mad?! ‘Course not!” He grins, face flushed, adrenaline rushing through his ears.
“Oh good.”
Scorpius hears there’s more to it. “What is it?”
“Ehhmnn… I … “ Albus pulls on the sleeve of his green hoodie, the one he owns since forever. It’s a bad habit he never quit. He can’t hide that he’s nervous like hell.
“You can tell me everything, you know that!” encourages him.
“I’m in love with you.” He responds at once. ..for a while now and I …I was wondering if you wanna be together?”
Even now, if he thinks back, he can’t put that feeling into words. His love was required. He was loved back – from the one person he loved most.
He had such ridiculously high expectations.
He drinks.
“What’s your biggest ‘what if’?”
“No. don’t do this! We can fix it. Scorp, please! I know I messed up, but I can make it right. I can change.” Albus sobs cut through him like a knife.
“I can’t keep doing this. Albus, you need help.”
“Come on! Don’t throw away what we have.” He cries.
“I already signed the contract for the internship. THIS TIME you won’t hold me back. It’s over!”
It’s indeed a question that haunt him up ever since: What if he didn’t end it back then?
He drinks.
“Who was your first crush?”
“She’s totally in love with you. It’s an open secret. The whole fucking school knows it. Be honest: do you still have a crush on Rose?!”
“We’re friends. That’s all. I told you a hundred times, there’s nothing more to it.” Scorpius responds annoyed.
“Come on, you stuck together 24/7.”
“In opposite to you, WE intend to pass N.E.W.T.s. And by the way, exams are just around the corner… in case you forgot.”
“I don’t give a fuck about N.E.W.T.s.” he pauses, hesitated but asks anyway: “Tell me the truth: are you missing anything in our relationship, I can’t give you?”
“Seriously?! Only because I’m bisexual doesn’t mean I miss anything. I’m – not – in love with her.”
“I don’t believe you. You’re the worst liar, you know that, right?!”
“Believe what you want. I won’t end our friendship only because you’re not ok with the fact that I’ve female friends.”
He drinks.
“Do you regret anything in your life?”
“You just broke up with Albus. This is your last night in London. Seriously, this is NO good idea.”
“Haven’t you just confessed you’re in love with me?”
“Merlin, yes. I dunno why I said it the night you leave. I guess I just wanted to get rid of it once and for all. Hogwarts is long over, and I want a new life.”
Scorpius kisses Rose gently.
“Hey!” She pushes him back. “We can’t do this!”
“Why?”
“He’s my cousin. We’re family.”
“You don’t even get along.”
“It was damn serious between you two.”
“I ended it. It was my decision. It’s over.”
“You’re hurt. Don’t do anything stupid, you’ll regret later.”
“Stupid as kissing you?” He kisses her again. This time she lets him. Soon the kisses get more intense, and they end up in bed.
He drinks.
“Come on, tell me anything about your former ex-boyfriends… or girlfriends?!” he almost begs.
“You owled my dad?!”
“Albus, I don’t know what to do anymore.”
“Of all people, you owled my DAD?”
“You’re skipping whenever you can. You’re hiding from me. I can’t remember the last time you were in a good mood. Plus, you’re barely sober lately. I don’t know you anymore.”
“I just needed to figure some things out.”
“You missed the preparation exams. You didn’t even study for any of them.”
“I couldn’t care less about the exams. I’m breaking up anyway. Fuck Hogwarts.”
“And then what?”
“I don’t need a graduation. Just be honest, I only came this far cause dad made it possible for me to stay. My marks are below minimum requirements. I didn’t even pass my O.W.L.s. I’m so sick of relying to my dad’s reputation.” He stuffs some clothes into a bag.
“You can’t be serious. Your dad is on his way. At least talk to him first. You’re not reasonable.”
“I’ll make my way. I don’t want dad’s help!”
“And what does that mean for us?!”
“Sooner or later, I would’ve left either way. You just speeded it up by involving dad.” He grits his teeth while packing his bag.
“And when did you plan to inform me about your future plans? I thought we wanted to move together after Hogwarts!” Scorpius panics.
Albus bites his lip. “I’ll owl you.” He grabs his stuff and runs out of their dorm.
“Albus, wait!”
He drinks.
“All right. I get it. Something easy: Where did you meet your best friend?”
With that Scorpius empties his last shot. He has tried his best to answer honestly so far, but he’s convinced that every question concerning his former love life is better be drowned in alcohol.
The other sighs frustrated. “I guess these were my rules after all, but I’m not giving up yet. Wanna have another round?”
“Sure. I still can take some more.” He can’t but using alcohol as preferred method to deal with his regrets is tempting. Fuck, he really did burry his demons deep down. Why do they have to brought to the surface tonight? He doesn’t want to think about his deadweight or the past. Not now. But no matter how hard he tries, he can’t fight it: His head decides to torture him with memories of Albus like it was just yesterday. “This time I’ll get the drinks.” He needs a moment for himself.
He gets up but suddenly is held back on his hand. Both look at each other and something passes between them. They lean forward, and kiss. It’s better than he expected. Scorpius actually feels something apart from only physical attraction, so he leans in further.
When they part, the other says: “Listen, I like you. A lot. I want that night to be our first date.
Scorpius doesn’t see that coming: So, this is not about sex?
“Wanna go on a second date with me?”
He clears his throat. “I … I dunno. I wasn’t expecting that.” He admits.
“I’m a patient man. Just take your time.”
Scorpius hesitates. Rationally, he’d be stupid saying no. He should listen to his dad’s advice and at least try to give it a chance – even if he highly doubts that any future love is comparable to the feeling, he experienced with Albus. Maybe he should just stop comparing. It’s probably the worst he can do. He shakes his head. “I’d love to go on another date with you.” He responds determined.
“Awesome!” The other guy smiles radiant. He doesn’t hide his feelings and there is no reservation. He fiercely kisses him, and Scorpius is surprised that he’s actually happy about the other man’s reaction. He smiles into the kiss.
“But that doesn’t mean the night is over, right?!”
“Haha. Don’t worry. It’s not even two. Let’s have another round.”
“I guess I own you some answers.” He’ll dare to open-up a bit more. It won’t forcefully cause a catastrophe with irreparable damage…
“You’ve no idea how curios you’ve made me.” There’s almost a dark fascination in his eyes and Scorpius is indeed proud that he has such an effect on him. He’s ready to give him some little truths as soon as he returns.
Scorpius makes his way to the counter. He’s pretty drunk by now. Usually, he has a sober-up-potion in his pocket for nights like these, but the night wasn’t planned, so he has no choice but deal with his current state. He silently curses that he can’t take much. He fights his way through the crowd to the counter. It’s almost impossible to reach his aim. Several guys address him, but he signalizes them, he’s taken (at least for the night). Scorpius has often been told that he’s handsome and hot, but he’ll probably never get used to it. He leans against the counter and turns his head toward his date, who’s protecting their table with his life. Maybe it’s a new start. Something feels different about him and that night. Actually, he’s the perfect match: he’s intelligent, an open-minded artist, loves books and he’s handsome, …
“…naa, sorry, just Tequila-based, but I can mix you something special with Vodka.”
Scorpius whole body goes numb. That voice is unmistakably… No! This is impossible. He turns toward the counter in slow motion. What, or rather whom he spots makes him feel dizzy and he leans his full weight on the counter. There is Albus. Well, an older version of his Albus. Almost five years have passed since he last saw him. He looks too good to be true. His thick dark curls are combed to one side. His body is fit and damn, he knows what he’s doing: he mixes those drinks like it’s some kind of art. He wears an over-sized black tang top. His fingernails are painted black. He still wears the ring, Scorpius once brought for his birthday. His heart beats so hard against his chest that it’s surely going to explode any second. The oxygen is suddenly getting thinner. He’s paralysed. He should leave before Albus spots him. The last time they saw each other didn’t end well. In fact, it ended in a catastrophe.
Ever since he broke up with Albus, he wasn’t capable of having a healthy or serious relationship. He loved Albus in a way that fully consumed him: his heart, his mind and his body - every fibre of his existence was on fire. They knew each other better then they knew themselves. They gave each other everything. It was them against the world. The good times were overwhelming. He still has no words to describe how Albus made him feel. Whenever they had been apart, he had the feeling, he suffocated. It was the happiest time of his life. Never again, Scorpius experienced a comparable feeling. But at a certain point in their relationship, he didn’t have any other choice: a clear cut was inevitable. If he had stayed, it pretty sure destroyed him, he reminds himself. Still, he wondered ever since, what happened to his ex-boyfriend. How does his life look now? Is he happy? Did he find love again? The inexorable flood of questions washes over him. He must leave - for his own sake. He instructs his body to move, but nothing happens. He just can’t take his eyes off Albus, he’s glued to his lips and his perfect smile while he mixes one cocktail after another. He laughs about anything a guest tells him, anything Scorpius can’t hear, he shakes his head, and forms a playful ‘sorry’ with his lips. Run! Scorpius mind screams.
But deep deep down, he wants them to meet again. He yearns for a reunion.
And then, the inevitable happens: Albus turns around, still laughing, half stuck in a conversation with that one guest, before he fully pays his attention to the other side of the counter, where Scorpius waits. The moment their eyes meet, Albus freezes as well. He immediately drops the glass in his hand. It shatters into thousand pieces. He visibly holds his breath. There is hurt written all over Albus’ face. His dark green eyes tell him everything he needs to know: he’s not over him. Albus shortly looks at his side, probably also contemplating to bolt, but instead, he inhales deeply and slowly walks over. His face is made of stone. His whole body stiffens, and his smile is fully vanished by the time he stands right in front of him.
“Hi.” His voice is low and serious. “What do you want?” He tries to sound as emotionless as possible, but he can’t suppress his vulnerability. It’s a side only Scorpius senses. It breaks his heart. Something hot burns inside Scorpius’ chest and throat. He opens his mouth, but the words are stuck. Albus looks around and back at his ex-boyfriend. He leans forward as if Scorpius didn’t hear him the first time: “What – do – you – want?”
Scorpius just notices that that there’s written the name ‘Al’ on his name tag, which quiet irritates him. He frowns. The blonde swallows hard. “Hi. I’m just…” He presses out. “…I didn’t know you’re working here. I just came by accidentally. I mean I just notice that I don’t even have Muggle money and I…” Merlin, what was wrong with him?! He feels like a stupid teenage boy. He isn’t even in a state of having a senseful conversation.
“What do you want to order?” Albus clarifies his question.
“Oh.” Scorpius heart drops. “Two Sunrise.” He answers perplex, without thinking. He instantly regrets the indirect revelation. He wants to take it back, but it’s too late.
“Sure.” Albus grits his teeth.
Fuck! He totally messed it up. Of course, Albus will get that he’s on a date. Why else would he be here?
Albus quickly mixes some liquids half-hearted, right in front of him. Scorpius notices Albus’ hands are suddenly shaking. His confidence from a minute ago is gone. The alcohol splashes all over the counter.
“How are you doing?” Scorpius askes.
“Great.”
“No, seriously.” He puts all his emotion in these words. “Albus. How are you?” Scorpius must see a spark of affection in his eyes. Seeing him act cold like that, kills him.
He holds the view, and they stare at each other for a heartbeat. Then Albus bites his lip. “I’m good.” He shrugs his shoulders. “I helped building that place and I’m practically running it now and well…” he pauses “… it’s finally the place where I belong.”
He skipped the small talk pretty quickly: A place where he belongs, was all Albus ever wanted. Scorpius smiles softly. “I’m really glad, you found it.”
Albus stares at him torn, obviously fighting an inner conflict of how much he’s supposed to reveal. “What about you? How are you doing?” He swabs away the mess he made.
“I’m good. Well… ehmmmn… much has happened. I mean it’s been a while.”
Albus raises both eyebrows.
Scorpius rubs his eyes. “Sorry. I’m pretty drunk.”
“Yeah, I clearly see that.” Albus responds amused.
“I guess I dunno where I’m supposed to start.”
“Don’t you have sober-up-potion?”
“Nope. It’s at home. Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten it and now I pay the price.” he sighs.
“That’s pretty unusual for you.”
Scorpius bites his bottom lip. Yep, Albus knows he hates to be unprepared. Even more he hates to lose control over a situation. “Tell me something else about your life.” Scorpius puts his head aside to abstract from the emotional chaos that slowly start raging inside of him.
Albus doesn’t seem too happy about the question but answers: “Most of the time I’m working. I have a side job on top.”
“You’re managing two jobs?!” There is concern in Scorpius voice he’d rather suppress. If he wasn’t so damn drunk he’d have himself under control.
Albus presses his lips together. “I – am – stable…if that’s what you mean.” He says bitter and makes sure only Scorpius hears him.
“No that’s…”
Albus gives him a look that immediately shuts him up. He always knows when he’s lying.
“Can’t blame you for asking, I guess…” he sighs, his voice is softer now. “Listen, I’m fine, I’ve been…”
Before Scorpius gets to set things right, his date appears right behind him and puts an arm around his shoulder. “What’s taking you so long? Need help with the drinks?”
Then everything happens way too fast. Albus shakes his head, slams the drinks right in front of him with a short: “on the house”, turns around, tells the other bar tenders some instructions before he bolts.
“Whoa, what was that?”
All colour drained from Scorpius face. Suddenly his whole surrounding becomes a blur.
“I tell you, almost all of my friends have a crush on that guy.” His date laughs.
“Do you know anything about him?” Scorpius directly asks.
“You mean Al? He frowns. “Not much. Rumour is, he only takes tourists home, so he makes sure, he won’t meet them again. Guess he’s pretty messed up. Or maybe my friends just made it up, cause they’re pissed for getting the mitten.”
“Could you give me a moment. I need fresh air.” Scorpius’s heart races.
“You ok? Do you want me to accompany you outside?”
“No! I’m fine, I can handle it, I just need…” Scorpius tries to collect his thoughts. “… please just give me 10 minutes. I’ll be right back.” With that he hands him his drink and rushes outside. He looks around but Albus is nowhere to be found. Fuck! He walks back inside and passes a door with white letters: Staff only. Scorpius pushes but it’s locked. He makes sure no one is watching: “Alohomora” he whispers and enters without hesitation. He runs down a corridor. Another door leads outside as well. With way too much strength he pushes the door open.
Albus winces. “Merlin! What has gotten into you? You almost gave me a heart attack.” He asks and takes another deep drag of his cigarette. “That’s why I hate magic. You’re not supposed to be here.”
“You mean outside here with you, or at that bar tonight?”
“None of it.”
It’s quiet outside and the sudden silence is almost awkward.
“Lately I’ve been thinking about you and all that happened between us. To be honest, I’ve been thinking about it a lot.” Scorpius bust out. He didn’t even intend to say something like that. The moment the words leave his lips, he first realises how awfully true it is.
Albus looks slightly shocked at him, his mouth drops open. For a moment no one says anything. Then Albus makes a step back and turns away. “You’re drunk, Scorp. You really should head back to your boyfriend.”
“He isn’t my boyfriend.” He gets it clear at once. “It’s our first date. It wasn’t even planned. I met him a few hours ago. And anyway, turned out I’m not capable of falling in love anymore, much less having a healthy relationship. He’s great but I don’t think I’m gonna see ‘m again.” The words fall from his mouth uncontrolled and he’s more than surprised about his self-revelation. Yes, he had been thinking about Albus but til that very night he wasn’t aware of how bad he wants to reconnect with him. How bad he actually needs Albus back in his life.
“Scorpius, stop!” Albus turns around with tears in his eyes. “Don’t you think I haven’t been thinking about you?! Uncountable times I’ve imagined, how you’re walking through that door to find me. I’ve played the scenario over and over in my head and always wondered what I’m supposed to tell you.”
Now Scorpius feels hot tears swelling in his eyes as well. He swallows dry.
“Why do you think I have two jobs?! I need to keep myself busy from thinking about you, or rather about us and what could have been if I didn’t mess it up.” He shakes his head and quickly wipes the tears away.
“What did you want to tell me?” Scorpius doesn’t recognize his own voice. It’s raspy and thin.
Albus makes a half chucking, half coughing noise as if this question was a joke. Then he gets a hold of himself. “First of all…” he inhales deeply. “… that I’m sorry. I never apologized for ruining your life.” he pauses. “You’ve had the most potential of all students, but I always held you back. And on top, you lost the scholarship because of me. I just can’t forgive myself for it. I’m so so sorry.” His words are full of regret. He buries his hands in his hair. “There’s so much more… Fuck, I can’t do this …”
Scorpius walks over and rests his hand on his ex-boyfriend’s arm. Albus flinches. He looks at him questioning. They’re real close now. “Albus, listen. I admit, there was a time I did hate you for your actions. But in the end, things fell into place for me, too. At least concerning my work. Turned out I would have been an awful medic. The internship totally stressed me out. I detested pretty much everything about it. But I found my way. I’m brewing medical potions now. My team is brilliant.”
Albus looks like the weight he carried for years was taken off his shoulders. “Are you happy?”
Is he happy? “Well,…I love job.” He pauses. “It’s difficult to answer. I guess it’s complicated.” He lowers his hand again, cause the body contact freaks him out. He can’t think straight.
Albus rubs his arms, maybe to warm up a bit. It’s gotten pretty cold. Scorpius hands him his cardigan.
“Thanks…” Albus whispers and accept it. Scorpius heart skips a beat.
“What about you? Is there anyone special in your life?” That question eats Scorpius up since he saw him at the bar.
Albus shakes his head, wordless, and Scorpius can’t deny that he’s relieved to hear that. “Scorp, listen. You said you can’t have a healthy relationship. But we neither had one.” Albus now leans against the brick wall and lights another cigarette.
“I’m aware.” He inhales deeply. “But there was a time when we were really happy.”
“Yea.” Albus smiles. He seems lost in his thoughts, like he just remembered anything good.
“And Merlin, we were kids. Most of the time we had no clue what we were doing.”
Albus chuckles.
“Plus, you were ill. A long time I didn’t understand what that meant for you, or for us, but I’m older now and I’ve studied quiet a bit since I left Hogwarts.”
Albus is dead serious now. “It’s not that easy… it’s no excuse for all the hurt I caused you. If anything, it’s an explanation.”
“Hmmnn I’ve never seen it that way,… but I’ve been…”
“HEY! Al, we need you in here…” A guy calls from an open window several meters away.
“10 minutes!”
“We’ve a stag night. 15 people. Get going.”
“You own me!” Albus leaves no room for discussion.
“Aaarrg…make it 5!” with that he’s gone again.
“Ehmm… I really should head back inside. Stag nights are the worst.” Albus takes off the warm cardigan and hands it back. “It was good seeing you again.” He is about to get back inside.
“Albus, wait!” Scorpius takes his hand. “That was it?”
Albus looks irritated at their tangled hands.
“I mean we have found each other again after years. So, this must mean something, right?! You know, I don’t believe in coincident.”
Albus quickly pulls away. “Scorp, listen. It took me years to get over you… and maybe I never did, but at least I manage to continue. You can’t just show up and pretend like nothing much happened. Because we have dinosaur big issues we never worked out. You made a clear cut, and by now I get why. It probably was the best decision you could have made for the both of us, but it almost destroyed me when you ended it. I’m not even sure if you’re acting like yourself right now or if you’re just carried away cause you’re fucking drunk.”
Scorpius must admit, Albus really had grown. All he knows in that very moment, is that he needs Albus. “I am serious.”
“AL! Get your ass back here!!” Another man calls. He seems to be in panic mode.
“I’m on my way!!” Albus yells back.
“Ok, you’re right. Let’s talk when I’m sober.” Scorpius proposed.
Albus looks at him like he’s forbidden candy. He presses his lips together and slowly shakes his head.
“Come on. Let’s just talk. Nothing more, nothing less. No pressure. No expectation.” Scorpius hates how needy he sounds. “When do you finish work?”
Albus is torn, Scorpius can clearly see that he’s fighting an inner conflict. “No, Scorpius.” It takes all of him. “It won’t end well. It didn’t last time, it wouldn’t this time.”
“You can’t know this for sure. So much has changed. We have changed.” His voice cracks.
“Yea…right, I have changed. I’m not the lost boy I used to be back then. I’ve worked too hard to lose it all again. I don’t want to take the risk.” Albus is a brilliant liar. Scorpius can’t tell anymore if he means it or not. “No, luck, or love for me… remember?!” Albus cracks a sad smile. “Fare well, Scorpius.” With that he vanishes into the dark corridor.
“Albus! Wait!” He calls out, but Albus doesn’t turn back around.
The heavy metal door slams close, and Scorpius stands there in freeze mode. He was convinced, Albus would give him a second chance, but he knows Albus well enough: he always lives with the consequences of his decisions. He’s the most determined person he ever met. There’s hardly a chance he’s going to change his mind. His heart clench. He sinks down and leans against the wall. Actually, Albus is right with way too many things he brought up – even if he hates to admit it. He seems to have gotten his shit together... unlike Scorpius. He grits his teeth, but the tears already stream down his face. It feels like his heart is torn into shreds. His chest aches, so bad, it’s not bearable.
It takes an eternity until he finally gets a hold of himself and gets up. Every cell in his body aches. All he wants is to apparate home, but he’s even too drunk for that. His date is still waiting for him to return. If he’s still inside, he at least owns him an apology. He walks back in. The place is even more crowded, the music buzzes through his whole body. It’s extremely hot and he’s suddenly starting to feel sick. He’d sworn himself not to, but his eyes are already searching for Albus at the bar. He’s back at business. Scorpius just stares. To his dismay, he isn’t the only one. Several people try to catch Albus attention. No question, he’s the most popular bar tender. They yearn for him. Everyone wants a piece of his time, obviously hoping for more. Scorpius suddenly feels low. All he wants is to leave this place.
“Here you are. I’ve been searching for you. You’ve been gone for quiet a while …”
Scorpius flinches. “About that… Sorry, for keeping you waiting. It took me forever. It wasn’t planned, but it was something I needed to do.”
“You don’t look too well. Still hot, but not happy.” The other guy smirked.
Scorpius cracked a smile.
“Let’s get you out of here.” He puts an arm around him and leads him through the drunk crowd.
Outside Scorpius just noticed he held his breath. He inhales deeply. “I’m sorry the night turned out like this. I didn’t mean to ruin our date. I think I should better leave.”
“Does it have anything to do with that mysterious bar tender? Do you need me to punch anyone?”
“No, please don’t.” Scorpius is glad he isn’t mad.
“Thank God. Cause I never punched anyone in my life.”
Scorpius chuckles and his mood is lifted a tiny little bit.
“You know, sometimes unplanned things happen. This location is predestinated for such incidents.”
“Right… you mentioned that before.”
“How about we end the date for tonight, and you tell me the story about you and that guy? I know a place to sober up. I swear they’ve the best coffee and breakfast in town.”
Scorpius bits his lip. He can’t really say no to this offer.