word count: 675
Albus finds Scorpius in their usual little spot. No one ever goes to the pumpkin patch; really, Albus isn't sure that most of the other students even know that it exists. It isn't some spectacular spot that draws all the kids in.
"How do you think they make these things grow so big?" Scorpius mutters, jabbing a slender finger against the shell of a pumpkin that nearly reaches his knees. "I mean… They're huge!"
Albus watches for a moment, lips curling into an amused smile. He loves how easy it is to entertain Scorpius, how even the smallest things can hold a wealth of wonder. His eyes drop to the silver and emerald tie around Scorpius' neck. So many people see that tie and assume it means Scorpius is some unpleasant git. Some are lucky enough to see beneath it. And then there are those like Albus who get to truly know him.
"Uh oh," Scorpius says, brows raising. "You've got that look."
"What look?"
Scorpius gestures vaguely, a funny movement of his hands that Albus doesn't understand. "Just… That look, okay? Trust me. I look at your face a lot. I know the look when I see it."
"Uh huh…" Albus shakes his head, unable to resist a grin. He stuffs his hands into his pockets and looks up at the sky. The sun is obscured by white and grey clouds. It doesn't feel like rain yet, but Albus supposes it's only a matter of time.
"Al? Oi! Al!"
Albus blinks rapidly and clears his throat. A soft heat stains his cheeks, and he offers Scorpius a small smile. "Sorry."
"What is it with you? You seem really out of it today."
Albus sighs. He doesn't really know how to put it into words. His head is a mess of thoughts, and he can't seem to latch onto one tangible thread. Everything is so jumbled together, little more than nonsensical fragments.
"Is this… Is this real?" he asks at last, his eyes meeting Scorpius'.
There it is. There's that doubt and uncertainty, that insecurity that screams that he is just a nobody. Why would Scorpius ever really care for him? What's so special about Albus Potter? Once you look past who his father is, Albus is horribly unimpressive.
It's just silly that Scorpius would truly want to be with him. If Scorpius was the cruel type, Albus might think that this is some horrible joke where his heartbreak will be the punchline. As it happens, Scorpius Malfoy is a good bloke with a heart of gold, so maybe he's just confused.
"Us," Albus adds, cheeks burning until he's afraid his head might combust. "Are… I… Do you really…" The words tangle in his mouth, and he doesn't seem to know how to make them make sense.
But Scopius seems to understand. There's something in the way his eyes widen and his expression softens. He takes Albus by the hand, squeezing gently. "Of course it's real. How could it not be?"
Of course Albus can think of countless reasons and ways it wouldn't be real. How can Scorpius not see it?
"You don't think you'd be happier with Rose or someone?" Albus whispers.
"Rose?" Scorpius snorts. "Rose is a great girl. She's one of my best friends, but… That's just it. She's a friend. Besides, she isn't you."
Albus feels himself melt at his words. He feels ridiculous. Why does he have to be so insecure? James and Lily go through life so confident and certain, and Albus wishes he could be like them. They wouldn't need reassurance like he does now.
Scorpius pulls him closer, wrapping his arms around Albus and pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "I love you, you idiot."
And maybe there's a part of him that will never quite believe, a part that will only ever see all the ugly parts of himself, a part that will always name himself unlovable. But when Scorpius holds him like this, he feels like maybe, just maybe, he can be okay someday.
