Scorpius' head lay on Albus' lap as the Potter read a book about dragon breeding. Albus had decided that he wanted to expertise in breeding rather than being a ranger. Scorpius studied Albus' face and smiled. He was happy that Albus was back from work. He was bored when Albus was not around. Even when he was working at the bookshop, he was bored. He was only half distracted when he was painting. Albus was his only happiness at the moment.
If he was honest, Scorpius couldn't wait to go to New York. He had applied to a muggle university for art and he wanted to start his own career properly. He was happy to be with Albus, but it wasn't exciting enough for Scorpius. He longed for a bustling city and energy. He liked everyone here, but it wasn't what Scorpius wanted at this time in his life.
"Albus… I'm bored. Let's fuck on the couch," Scorpius whispered with a smirk.
"I'm reading this, Scor. In like half an hour."
Scorpius felt a wave of disappointment. Albus was so focussed on the reserve. He was happy for Albus that he was following his dream, but it was frustrating for Scorpius sometimes. He was used to being the centre of Albus' universe. Sometimes he missed the way Albus looked at him back when they first met. He has been so in awe with Scorpius and Scorpius in awe of him. Sometimes, Scorpius didn't feel that it was reciprocated anymore.
"Can I talk to you about something?" Albus suddenly said.
"Of course."
Albus stroked Scorpius' hair as he spoke, "I wanted to tell you first. But I think I want to stay here and take the dragon breeding course instead of going to New York…"
Scorpius shot into an upright position, wide eyed, "What?"
"I just… I want to stay here. I really like it here… and I just don't want to leave," Albus held Scorpius' face in his hands, "I just thought… that maybe we could stay even after this year. You could keep painting and I'll do the course here."
"What about New York…?" Scorpius muttered.
"I don't know about New York anymore, Scor. I mean it's so nice here. It's like a little community. If we went to New York it wouldn't be like that."
Scorpius' being was taken by anger. He surged up off the bed, "It may be like that for you, Albus, because you're part of the reserve. I'm not. I'm the outsider here. I have no one but you and my dad here. You don't know what that's like."
Albus looked confused and he stood up, following Scorpius into the living room when he stormed out of their bedroom, "Where is this coming from?"
"I want to go to New York, Albus! I was excited to go to New York!" Scorpius yelled, "This might be your sort of thing, this quiet life, but it's not what I want to do at this age! I was so excited to go to New York and now you're loading this shit on me!"
"I didn't know you felt this way!"
"Well perhaps you don't know me at all, Albus," Scorpius put his shoes on in a fury and grabbed his coat, "The only reason I moved here was for you and you can't even pick up that I hate it here!"
"S-Scor…" Albus looked at his boyfriend desperately, "I'm sorry. I just didn't realise you felt so strongly about New York."
Scorpius flung open the door, "Stay here, Al. Do what you want. But it will be without me," Albus appeared as if he were about to cry to Scorpius' anger overpowered any sympathy towards his boyfriend, "I'm going to my father's. Just leave me alone for a while."
Draco sat at his table, reading a book when he heard a knock on the door. He looked up, anticipation bubbling up inside him.
Draco hadn't seen Charlie for two whole weeks. He had avoided him and he was pretty sure that Charlie was avoiding him in return. He had to admit, he missed the older man. He missed being around Charlie. He had a certain presence that comforted and excited Draco at the same time. And now he felt as if there was something missing in his life.
He felt bad for the way he had ran away from Charlie. But he had panicked. It scared the hell out of him. But it had been the most passionate experience of his life. He had never felt like this for someone before. Draco had finally decided that perhaps it was time to accept himself. He wanted to feel like that again. And with Charlie, not anyone else. He just wanted some time to mull it all over and work up the courage to ask Charlie out. Exclusively, like Draco wanted.
He thought about Astoria a lot recently. He knew Astoria would be happy for him. She said so many times she wanted him to find someone that made him happy. Neither of them were in love. Draco thought that Astoria probably knew he was gay. Perhaps she was right. He should move on. And Charlie might be the way to do that. Maybe even the only way.
Draco stood up, taking a deep breath. He expected it to be Charlie. He hoped it was Charlie at least.
He swung open the door and Draco saw Scorpius standing there, teary eyed.
"Scorpius, is everything alright?"
Scorpius gradually came forward and hugged his father. Draco could feel Scorpius sobbing into his shoulder. Draco pulled his son in closer and squeezed him.
They went and sat in the living room and Scorpius continued to cry on his shoulder. Scorpius hadn't cried like this since his mother died. Draco felt himself well up, seeing his son like this again. He hated it.
When Scorpius' sobs had died down, Draco finally asked, "What's going on Scorpius?"
"I-I… I'm just not happy here, Dad," Draco was startled, Scorpius hardly ever called him dad, it was always father, "And I just snapped at Albus. He said he wants to stay here and study here instead of New York. But I want to go to New York. And Albus… He just doesn't seem to care about me at the moment. It's all about bloody dragons and work… I want to be happy that he's so happy. But… I'm not."
"Are you worried you'll lose Albus? Is that why you're so upset?"
"Yes… of course."
"Scorpius, I don't think you realise sometimes that it's okay to be upset about your mother… and I think your worries about losing Albus is stemmed to your mum. You lost her… And Albus came into your life at around that time. You think you're going to lose him as well. Sorry… I'm not very good at this."
Scorpius smiled ever so slightly, "You're better than you think."
"But you're not going to lose Albus. He loves you. Adores you. But… he has to do what he wants to do, the same way you do."
"You're saying that I should go to New York even if he stays here…"
"Of course," Draco reached out and took his son's hand, "You have to go. It will be an amazing opportunity. This place… it's not you. Not yet."
"But what about Albus? I mean… I couldn't just break up with him. I couldn't ever break up with him. And long distance never works… it's just a rule," Scorpius sighed and squeezed his father's hand.
"You two have defeated the odds already," Draco smirked, "A Malfoy and a Potter not only getting along, but actually in a relationship."
Scorpius chuckled and wiped his eyes, "Thanks Dad."
Scorpius fell asleep with his head on Draco's lap not too long later. Draco ran his fingers through Scorpius' hair. He missed this. Having Scorpius around. Scorpius depending on him. It had been such a long time since Scorpius had needed him. Even when his mother was sick, Scorpius was just as independent as ever. Draco knew his son. He was strong, but everybody snapped at one point. Draco was just happy that Scorpius felt like he could come to him when he was overwhelmed.
There was another knock on the door and Draco carefully manoeuvred Scorpius' head onto a cushion. He stirred ever so slightly until he finally settled.
Draco expected it to be Albus looking for Scorpius, but when he opened the door he was greeted by the sight of Charlie there, with a half smile gracing his face.
"Hi," Draco blurted out.
"Hi," Charlie replied, scratching the back of his head, "Albus said he and Scorpius had an argument. Apparently Scorpius said he didn't want to see Albus so he sent me…"
Draco smiled, "Come in. Scorpius is sleeping though."
They went into the kitchen and sat at the table. They spent a moment in an awkward silence. They suddenly both spoke at exactly the same time. They both laughed lightly, dipping their heads.
"Is Scorpius okay?"
"He's fine," Draco nodded, "I think he has a lot of pent up emotions from his mother… and I don't think this place is good for him."
"I don't know how he stays so strong really," Charlie muttered, "Albus is really worried."
"It sounds like they want different things… they're great together though. I hope… this is just a little spat."
"I think they will," Charlie caught Draco's eye, "They're meant to be."
Draco smiled fondly and they fell into silence again.
"I'm sorry about what happened," Charlie said, twiddling his thumbs, "I shouldn't have.. I should have made sure you were comfortable, you obviously weren't."
"No Charlie it wasn't that," Draco blurted out. He took a deep breath and composed himself, "I should be the one apologising. I-I shouldn't have run out on you like that. I should have just explained. I was confused."
"It sounds like you have a lot to figure out," Charlie smiled wickedly and leaned closer across the table, "We could figure it out together…"
Draco couldn't help but laugh, "Perhaps. But I don't know if I can. I don't want to just be another one of your fuck buddies Charlie. I can't deal with that now. That's not what I need."
"Wait, you really think all I want from you is to fuck you?" Charlie said with furrowed eyebrows, "Draco, I like you. I like you a lot. Do you think I would be constantly going out for drinks with you, hanging around with you and friends, coming to your laboratory all the time, if I just wanted to fuck you?"
Draco's eyes widened and he felt his chest tighten, "I-I… I just didn't think you…"
"Is that all you think of me?" Charlie reached forward and linked his fingers with Draco, "I hate to think that."
"No, it's not. Charlie… I have feelings for you. I didn't think you felt the same…"
Charlie grinned widely, "You don't realise how cute you can be," Draco gave him a look and Charlie laughed, "Okay, how about this. We go on a date. A proper date and then we take things slow."
Draco nodded, smiling softly, "That sounds good."
~x~
Thank you (as usual) GingerHannah and JDTEA for reviewing!
So I have two chapters left of this story! So sad it's coming to an end! Soo, I have a few ideas about what I could do for another story, I don't know if it will definitely happen. I might leave the stories as they are but I'm not sure. I've always liked writing Louis Weasley as a character, so that's another possible story. Or, I was thinking about carrying on with one of these two couples. I would love to hear your opinions!
Also, I forgot to ask if any of you got tickets to see the Cursed Child! (How did I forgot?!) I'm so excited to see what JK Rowling does with the character of Albus, I've been doing stories with Albus for quite a few years now, so it'll be very interesting. I think it will give a lot of new ideas for fanfiction as well, so I can't wait to read everyone's stories!