Disclaimer: You know it, I don't own it.

This is dedicated to the lovely Princess Pearl, who came to my inspiration-but-no-plotbunnies rescue by giving me a list of pairings and some prompts. I chose Scorpius/Dominique and the prompts ribbon and stars. Thanks so much, Pearl!

A/N: Next Gen's not my usual playground, but I've got an odd fondness for this pairing, and once I'd relaxed into it and started thinking about the prompts properly, this fic popped into my head almost immediately. My muse is on an angst kick alright, and I've been thinking about this facet of language for a while now. (Yes, I am that weird.)

If you read it, please review it.~


Never start with a metaphor, Scorpius.

Similes are fine. If you want to say it's like you've been struck by lightning, that's fine. This is just as painful, just as consuming - so that would be a fair simile. But she's not light. She doesn't devastate. She's nothing you're going to run away or try to hide from.

Okay?

And if you want to say it's like she's got you wrapped around her finger as casually as that ribbon's wrapped around her hair - go for it. It's only a simile. It's not as if it's true.

But just - whatever you do, Scorpius, don't start with a metaphor.

Because there's no need to get all metaphorical and compare this twisting and churning of your red-hot insides, this longing, aching torment inside your head, this stars-in-your-eyes feeling at even her briefest, just-friends smile... oh, well. There's no need to label this love.

Because this is just a like.

Okay?

This is just an as if.