Scorpius leans across the back of the bench casually, and Albus can't help but study him carefully. His eyes sweep over the other boy, taking in the minute details that slip past the casual observer-the slightly bluish flecks in his eyes, the small scar on his left cheek, the way he blinks, his long pale-golden eyelashes catching the light-the features that, in Albus' opinion, made up the best in Scorpius. As though drawn by his gaze, the slim Slytherin boy glances up quickly and catches his eyes.
A quick smirk, and a wink, and Albus blushes a flaming red. Was his attraction to the Slytherin Prince that obvious? He hopes not, but as Scorpius rises from his seat and slips among the towering shelves of the Hogwarts library, he doesn't resist the temptation, and follows.
He treads carefully on the worn carpet, looking for any sign of the Slytherin Prince. His Slytherin Prince.
"Boo." Albus nearly shrieks aloud in fear as Scorpius creeps up behind him. Being in such a close proximity to him makes Albus slightly light-headed.
"Scorpius..."
"Hush." The Slytherin boy smiles slowly, then closes the distance, pinning Albus against the shelf.
Albus can't help himself; he leans forward hungrily, pulling the taller boy down, towards him.
Their lips meet.
It started slow and sweet, before turning into a desperate dance for control. Albus closes his eyes, willing the moment to last, willing the kiss to never end. He relishes the taste of Scorpius' lips, sweet, like-chocolate.
They pull apart only when they're in danger of passing out.
Then Scorpius leans in again.
"Wait," Albus mutters, trying to straighten his thoughts.
"We can't. It'd be...wrong."
"Why?" The words slip out, like smooth velvet. Albus almost succumbs.
"You're...the Slytherin Prince. I'm a Gryffindor. We can't...tradition states that we must hate each other."
"To the hell with tradition, then." Scorpius leans forward again.
"And...we're both boys...people will think-"
"I don't care what people think, Al, and I don't really want to, either. Don't you get it? I've always wanted you, and you alone."
Albus smiles as Scorpius kisses him again, then he remembers something and pulls back.
"Not now, Scor. We're in the library." It takes him every last bit of his willpower to say no.
"Alright then, tonight. I'll see you tonight, in the Room of Requirement." Scorpius says determinedly, before leaving as silently as he had appeared.
The only thing that Albus would be able to think about for the rest of the day, is his Slytherin Prince with the chocolate-sweet lips.
***