Rose couldn't remember the last time she'd been in a Muggle cab in London - or anywhere for that matter - and she could not remember the last time someone opened a car door for her, but of course Scorpius did. Scorpius in his bloody well-fitting tuxedo with a pocket square that matched his slate-grey eyes -
She took a deep breath as Scorpius opened the door to help her out of the cab, determined to not focus on his body, or his hand in hers, or his eyes, or his -
"Are those 'M's on your cufflinks?" She asked as she stood up next to him on the sidewalk.
"Ah," Scorpius scratched his chin, remembering that he had shaved that morning and there was very little beard for him to feel anymore.
"And you shaved?" Her eyes were drawn to his face and she smiled sweetly at him, "I rather liked your rugged beard."
"It was a bit too long for such an event," he inclined his head towards her. Scorpius thought he was going to combust with how hot he suddenly felt under her gaze and he made a mental note to let the beard grow back. "Let's get inside before it rains."
"The cufflinks, Scorpius," she said as she walked alongside him, her hand on his arm as she navigated the cobblestones with her heels.
"Mum got dad and I matching cufflinks," he managed after he cleared his throat. "There were Malfoy crest ones, heirlooms that were passed down from generation to generation, but dad, um," he faltered slightly and swallowed. "Destroyed all of the Malfoy heirlooms and belongings."
Rose squeezed his arm, "So now you have new heirlooms," she said gently. "And you each get your own." He nodded and she smiled up at him as they reached the stairs to the venue. "I think that's lovely."
He didn't get to thank her as they climbed the few stairs and reached the doors where a man with a clipboard smiled broadly at Scorpius, "Ah, Mr. Malfoy, lovely to see you, go right in."
"Thanks, Mark," Scorpius shook the man's hand. "Be sure to grab a drink when you're off duty, won't you?"
"Thanks, Mr. Malfoy," Mark smiled at Rose. "Coat check is to the right. Have a lovely evening."
"Thank you," Rose nodded and followed Scorpius inside.
"He's been handling the guest list and security for years," Scorpius inclined his head towards Rose. He nodded at the coat check window, "Let me take that," he stood behind her and helped her out of her coat before she could argue that she was fine, and took both of their coats over. "Fancy a drink?"
"Oh," Rose was startled. "I didn't want to drink too much," she admitted softly.
"It's easy to nurse a glass of champagne all night," he put a hand very close to her lower back to guide her into the very large ballroom and Rose found herself wishing he'd just bloody touch her instead of hovering his hand right there. "I've learned a very useful charm to keep it bubbly for hours." He guided her over to one of the bars and Rose looked around briefly, relieved that the room wasn't too crowded yet as it was still early and she assumed that Muggles liked to arrive fashionably late just as wizards and witches did.
"Rose, darling," a voice said from behind them as Scorpius asked the bartender for two flutes of champagne. "You look wonderful," Astoria air-kissed both of her cheeks and put her hand on Scorpius's arm. "Doesn't she look lovely, dear?" Astoria was smiling kindly at Rose and her embarrassment disappeared and instead she returned the smile. "That's such a beautiful gown."
"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy -"
"Astoria, please," she winked and took a flute from Scorpius. "Thank you, darling," and patted his arm as he rolled his eyes and ordered two more flutes.
"You look wonderful too," Rose continued, and she wasn't lying. Astoria was wearing a sleeveless navy gown so dark it looked nearly black, her honey-blonde hair in loose waves cascaded around her shoulders; she looked like she really truly belonged at such a fancy gala, whereas Rose felt -
"Thank you, dear, that is very kind," Astoria smiled at her. "Did Scorpius teach you the charm to keep your drink bubbly?"
"Not yet," Rose admitted.
"I was about to," Scorpius rolled his eyes at his mother as he held two more flutes of champagne and looked around briefly. "Where is -"
"Checking on the canapes," Astoria said in her musical lilt, her lips twitching. "You know how he gets."
"He's very particular about the food," Scorpius whispered from beside Rose and she pressed her lips together to keep from smiling too broadly.
"Bullo," Astoria held her wand so discreetly in her palm for only a moment before she placed it back in her bag. "It's very simple, will last for hours."
"Wonderful," Rose smiled at Astoria.
"Ah, Ms. Weasley," Draco was at her elbow and he bent his head in greeting at her. "Thank you for coming to our little event," he gestured around the huge ballroom. "You look wonderful," he accepted the flute of champagne from Scorpius. "Were you told the -"
"I just showed her," Astoria put her hand on Draco's shoulder and Rose was unable to look away from the very stylish and very comfortable-looking couple; they were impossibly glamorous.
"And the bet?" Draco asked Astoria and Scorpius, arching an eyebrow.
"A bet?" Rose's gaze flickered to Scorpius and she tilted her head slightly in question.
"She's here to learn, father, it's not fair for her to be part of the bet," Scorpius frowned at Draco. "She's never fundraised before."
"Let me hear what the bet is first," Rose narrowed her eyes slightly at Scorpius before turning her attention back to Draco and Astoria, missing the quick look they exchanged.
"Whoever raises the least amount of money has to make a toast at your family's Christmas party," Draco arched an eyebrow before taking a very small sip of champagne.
"And the winner gets to pick a phrase or word the loser has to use in the toast," Astoria finished with a small smile.
"These events can get a bit tiresome, you see," Draco explained in his rather posh voice that Rose was beginning to understand was an act. "And we need to entertain ourselves."
"Keep things fresh," Astoria agreed.
"They bet on everything," Scorpius retorted, his head inclined towards Rose again. Rose's lips twitched.
"Scorpius always loses," Draco smirked haughtily. "I always win."
"Of course you do, dear," Astoria patted his arm fondly before turning back to Rose. "Rose, darling, come with me for a little while, won't you? To greet some guests, be introduced," she saw Scorpius open his mouth but she grabbed Rose's elbow. "You have to see to the Barnes, darling. They've missed you terribly."
Rose saw Draco snort before composing himself and Scorpius's face fall, but she followed Astoria away from the bar, throwing Scorpius a quick smile to let him know she'd be fine.
"Don't stare too hard, son," Draco said kindly to Scorpius before he turned to walk off. "People will notice."
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The fake smile on Scorpius's face was painful to maintain as he found himself unable to pull himself away from the extremely elderly and extremely wealthy Mr. and Mrs. Barnes. They were friendly and gave so much money to the hospital, but they were excruciating to talk to because they were only ever interested in talking to Scorpius. For hours.
At least it felt like hours.
A few years back he had started to tell the Barneses plots to the James Bond and Mission Impossible films James and Fred were fond of as if they had happened to him. They thought he worked in British intelligence (as most of the Muggles he knew did which accounted for the secrecy), and thought action films from the past few decades were too pedestrian to enjoy, so instead they would sit there, riveted by stories of his "job". And generously open their checkbooks.
But as generous as Mr. and Mrs. Barnes were, it was never enough for Scorpius to beat his father at fundraising. The man was a bloody natural, was fundraising several times a year, and had years of experience on Scorpius .
But tonight. Tonight Scorpius was too preoccupied watching and longing for Rose, to tell Mr. and Mrs. Barnes the plot to a James Bond film. He tried to listen to them talk about their estate in the country, their grandchildren, their hope for great-grandchildren, but his gaze and mind was focused on Rose. Rose in that merlot dress that had nearly taken his breath away when he saw her in her flat; that off-shoulder dress that left her exquisite collarbone and shoulders bare but covered her arms in thin lace, the skirt that shimmered like an expensive, vintage wine under the lights of the ballroom, the skirt that had a slit that didn't go up very far at all but still -
"She is very beautiful," Mrs. Barnes broke into his thoughts and he tore his gaze away from Rose talking to Dr. Eze and an older gentleman he didn't recognize.
"Oh," Scorpius tapped his champagne flute, embarrassed at being caught. "Yes. She is."
"I saw her talking to your parents," Mrs. Barnes continued. "Is she a friend of yours?"
"We went to school together," Scorpius nodded, forcing a small smile on his face. "She was a doctor in Sweden, but came back to London recently to be closer to her family."
"Ah," Mrs. Barnes smiled knowingly. "You two were sweethearts at school."
It wasn't a question and Scorpius balked slightly. "No," he scratched his cheek, irritated he had shaved, especially since Rose had liked it. "No, just friends."
"Good luck with being just friends with her," Mr. Barnes chortled until Mrs. Barnes smacked his hand playfully.
"George," she hissed at him before turning back to Scorpius. "Could you introduce us, Scorpius? We'd love to meet her."
"Certainly," Scorpius said smoothly even though he was screaming internally. The last bloody thing he wanted to do was force the Barneses on an unsuspecting Rose.
He escorted Mrs. Barnes on his arm towards Rose, Dr. Eze, and the other gentleman, and extended his hand to Dr. Eze who took it warmly. "Ah, Mr. Malfoy," his smile was wide. "Your classmate, Dr. Weasley, is a wonder, learning the most intriguing practices in Stockholm."
"Yes," Scorpius agreed and flashed Rose a small smile. "We are very lucky to have her back here in London." He gestured to Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, "Dr. Eze, you remember the hospital's long-time and generous patrons, Mr. and Mrs. Barnes."
"Yes, of course," Dr. Eze shook Mr. Barnes hand and air-kissed Mrs. Barnes on the cheek. "George, Sylvia, how are you both? You know Walter Jameson, don't you?" Dr. Eze gestured to the man beside him. "His grandfather was on the board years ago -"
"Centuries ago," Walter interrupted with a crooked grin and Scorpius was surprised to hear he had an American accent.
"A bit of an exaggeration," Rose teased and Scorpius clenched his fingers into a fist momentarily.
"Mr. Jameson was in town for the weekend, lucky for us," Dr. Eze continued. "We're always hoping the Jameson family will come by for one of our fundraisers."
"Barbara's son?" Mrs. Barnes asked and shook his hand. "Are you still in New York?"
"For now," Walter added. "But there seems to be a lot of familial loose-ends to tie up here," he continued in an American accent that was starting to grate on Scorpius. "I'll need to spend some time here in jolly ol' England for some time, I think." Scorpius saw his beady eyes dart to Rose before he glanced at Scorpius.
"Ah, of course," Dr. Eze waved a hand. "This is Scorpius Malfoy -"
"Pleasure," Scorpius stuck his hand out and gripped Walter's firmly.
"His mother plans all of our fundraisers, we'd be utterly lost without her -"
"And without her husband and son," Mrs. Barnes said sweetly, putting a hand on Scorpius's arm. He chanced a glance at Rose and saw her press her lips together to keep from laughing.
"And, may I introduce Dr. Rose Weasley," Scorpius said to the Barneses with a tilt of his head to Rose. "This is Mr. and Mrs. Barnes."
"Lovely to meet you," Rose said kindly and shook their hands.
"Scorpius tells us you just returned to London," Mrs. Barnes continued. Scorpius was hoping to protect Rose from too much prying from Mrs. Barnes and intervene on her behalf, but Dr. Eze was pulling him into a conversation with the blasted Mr. Jameson and his attention was pulled from Mrs. Barnes and Rose for a moment longer than he'd like. He tried to pay attention to what Mrs. Barnes and Rose were saying, but he couldn't.
A few moments too long later, Mrs. Barnes patted his arm and said to the two men beside him, "We should let Dr. Weasley and Mr. Malfoy continue around the ballroom, shouldn't we?"
"Oh, of course," Dr. Eze grinned. "Dr. Weasley, you know how to reach me. I'm very excited to continue our conversation," he shook her hand.
"I am as well," Rose's smile was wide.
"Mr. Jameson, I hope you've agreed to donate some money to the hospital," Mrs. Barnes said, her eyes sparkling. "Your mother was so generous, you know." Scorpius bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at the woman's gall; who knew she bloody had it in her? "George and I give the same amount every year," she patted Scorpius's arm again. "You can write that down for us, can't you, Scorpius?"
"My pleasure, Mrs. Barnes," he agreed with a nod.
"Mr. Jameson?" Mrs. Barnes prodded again.
Mr. Jameson's mouth opened, "Oh, of course, of course, let me," he patted his jacket for his checkbook.
"George, darling, give him your pen, won't you?" Mrs. Barnes said and winked at Scorpius who covered his grin by taking a small sip of his champagne and chanced a glance at Rose who was doing the same.
"Here," Mr. Jameson said, his smile faltering slightly as he handed the folded check to Rose. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Dr. Weasley."
"You too," Rose agreed and shook his hand. "Thank you so much for your donation to the hospital."
"Thank you both," Mrs. Barnes winked at Scorpius. "Now off with you, let us old folks reminisce in private."
"Now," Dr. Eze laughed heartily. "Don't you group me in -" But Scorpius had put his hand on Rose's elbow and guided her away before Dr. Eze could finish.
"She is wicked," Rose whispered and Scorpius felt her breath on his neck. "That was genius," she glanced at Scorpius. "They seem to be very fond of you."
"They've taken a shining to me," Scorpius acquiesced and saw Rose press her lips together again to keep from laughing. "They're kind enough to always give me their donation."
"And it's not enough to win?"
"Oh, Merlin, no," Scorpius bit back a laugh and he let his hand finally fall away from her elbow as they passed a table of canapes and crudites. "Here," he grabbed a small plate and handed it to Rose. "Now is our chance to eat without anyone watching," he nodded at her plate. "Pile it on," he started adding one of everything on to his plate before picking up his champagne again.
Rose mimicked him, adding some food to her plate. "And where do we eat this without people seeing us?"
Scorpius tilted his head slightly to a windowed-door that had sheer curtains covering it. "My secret balcony," he said in a low, quiet voice very close to her ear, and Rose couldn't help the small shiver that ran down her spine. She followed him through the door out onto the balcony, surprised when the cold and rain didn't seem to hit them. "Charms," Scorpius shrugged as he set his champagne flute on the railing overlooking the canal. "I take breaks out here every year," he shrugged and popped something in his mouth.
"That's why you never win these bets," Rose teased, setting her own glass down and taking a small bite of something that was incredibly decadent and delicious.
Scorpius chuckled and arched an eyebrow, "You mean it's not just because I'm not a professional fundraiser?" Rose smirked at him but stayed quiet as she took another bite; Scorpius tore his gaze away from her lips. "I always need a break from the Barnes and from everyone," he said truthfully with a shrug.
"That's fair," Rose agreed in a soft voice. "It's a lot."
"You're okay, right? We can leave whenever you -"
"I'm fine, Scorpius," Rose put her hand on his and smiled at him. "I'm having a lovely time taking money from Muggles for a hospital." She looked out over the canal for a moment before raising her eyes to the city around them, "But a breather is nice too."
They were both silent for a long moment, leaning against the railing side-by-side and looking out across the skyline before Scorpius turned his head towards her and said softly, "You look beautiful, Rose."
"You said already," the corners of Rose's lips upturned and her heart beat faster as she felt Scorpius's gaze on her out of the corner of her eye.
"Bears repeating," Scorpius's voice betrayed his own smile but when Rose finally found the courage to look back at him he was looking out in front of them, taking a bite of another canape.
After another long pause Rose cleared her throat and said, "Oh, I meant to thank you earlier for Thomasin."
"Oh?" Scorpius scratched his cheek and Rose turned her head to look at him again. "Thomasin?"
Rose let out a small laugh escape her and turned her whole body towards him, leaning against the railing, "You referred her to my mum for a job at the Ministry."
"I don't know what -"
"My mum told me," Rose pushed his shoulder slightly and laughed again. "Thanks for doing that."
"You were right that she'd do well at the Ministry," Scorpius shrugged. "And we were all tired of her articles. It was on behalf of the entire Auror department."
"Scorpius," Rose sighed and shook her head, but she didn't continue to push him. "Thanks."
He swallowed and nodded at her, "Sure." He looked down at his Muggle watch and frowned, "We should go back in, I guess. Get some more money from Muggles."
"Oh," Rose stood up straighter, as though she had forgotten why they were together in fancy clothes in the first place. "Of course," she agreed and smiled as Scorpius took her plate and offered her his arm to walk her back inside. She shivered slightly when she slipped her arm through his and it had nothing to do with the cold.
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Scorpius kept Rose in his eyeline the rest of the evening even as they both moved around from group to group, table to table, talking with donors, doctors, and even his parents. He watched as Rose spoke to his father as though they were old friends, as she spoke to his mother as though they were more than new coworkers, and as she spoke animatedly to Dr. Morris, Dr. Eze, and the other doctors whose names he could not remember. He didn't mean to stare at her, but he couldn't help being drawn to her; it wasn't just that blasted dress she was wearing, or the occasional peek of leg, or the shimmering skin of her collarbone or shoulders, it was that it was her.
He was doomed.
But hadn't their relationship changed since she returned to England? Was it so wild to wish they could be more than friends? Was it so absurd to dream about kissing those damn kissable lips, kiss her neck, along her collarbone -
He blinked and turned his attention back to the conversation he was supposed to be having with Mr. Turner and his husband Mr. Smith-Turner about the new wine bar around the corner they were excited to try after the event. Scorpius smiled politely and nodded his head, taking a small sip of his champagne and letting his eyes drift casually back to Rose. Always back to Rose.
"Ah, Scorpius," a high, grating voice said walking up from behind Mr. Turner. "I was worried I wouldn't see you all evening," the blonde put a hand on his arm and pressed her lips to his cheek. It took everything in Scorpius not to squirm or pull his face away from her cold lips.
"Hullo, Poppy," Scorpius managed as kindly as he could. "How are you?"
"Better now that you're here," she practically purred and Scorpius wanted to retch.
"Mr. Turner, Mr. Smith-Turner, may I introduce Ms. Poppy Twelvetrees?" Scorpius gestured to the two men now behind Poppy.
"Of the Twelvetrees, I presume?" Mr. Turner raised a dark eyebrow and Scorpius's eyes widened slightly, silently thanking Mr. Turner. "What brings you to this event?"
Poppy's smirk did little to hide her satisfaction in someone knowing her family name. "Daddy loves a charity, you know, and we just adore Scorpius." Poppy squeezed his arm slightly and turned to him, "This tux, love, is absolutely gorgeous on you, is it designer?"
"No," Scorpius politely and gently pushed her hand off him and adjusted his sleeve and cufflinks. "Just well tailored."
"I'll say," she practically purred into his ear and Scorpius nearly gagged.
"Poppy," Mr. Smith-Turner cut in. "That's a, erm, lovely dress you're wearing. Where ever did you get it?" Mr. Turner hid his smile behind his tumbler of whisky and Scorpius bit his cheek to keep from laughing.
"Oh, thank you," Poppy's smile was wide, clearly having missed the not-very-well-hidden insult. "It's custom, if you can believe?"
"I can," Mr. Smith-Turner's voice was laced with sarcasm.
"Our dear friend, Rebecca Blaze, do you know her? She designed it," Poppy continued. "Well, that's her designer name," she was clearly leading up to a name drop, her eyes moving from Scorpius to the two Turners, ready to drop the name of some tabloid socialite, when another hand touched Scorpius's other arm and he turned, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Sorry to interrupt," Rose said in her smooth, low voice. "But I've got to steal Scorpius away -"
Poppy pouted exaggeratedly at him, "But I just said hullo to you, Scorpius."
"This is Dr. Rose Weasley," Scorpius said to the small group. "She's working with my mother on this fundraiser," he met Rose's eyes and mouthed 'thank you' to her.
"Mr. Malfoy sent me over, actually," Rose turned to the Turners and Poppy. "He's needed before the announcement," she continued with a smile. "I hate to interrupt but, duty calls."
Poppy, still pouting, glared daggers at Rose for a quick moment before saying coldly to Rose, "I've never seen you at these fundraisers before."
"I've just returned from Stockholm, actually," Rose said politely even as Scorpius tried to hide his anger.
"How do you know -"
"Scorpius and I went to school together," Rose smiled. "I'd love to stay and chat," she nodded at Poppy before turning to the Turners. "Mr. Turner, Mr. Smith-Turner, it was lovely to talk to you earlier."
"It was our pleasure, Dr. Weasley," Mr. Smith-Turner said. "Poppy, it looks like you need another drink, dear."
Poppy looked down at her empty wine glass before saying to Scorpius, "Find me before you leave, Scorpius!"
Scorpius was saved from having to respond because he and Rose had walked away and the Turners had walked away with Poppy.
"Merlin," Scorpius breathed. "Thank you, you have no idea -"
Rose's lips twitched, "I've some idea, I think. She a friend of yours?"
"No," Scorpius said emphatically. "She's horrid," Scorpius's voice was low in her ear as they walked away from the tables and groups of people. "Especially horrid when she comes to these alone," he grumbled. "How did you know I needed rescuing?"
"I think it would have been obvious to anyone," Rose shrugged slightly but Scorpius could tell she was lying slightly. "Your father may have suggested you weren't very skilled at politely extricating yourself from her grasp."
"She's persistent," Scorpius agreed, but didn't get to continue because they had reached the small table where Astoria and Draco were standing and chatting.
"Scorpius," Astoria's green eyes twinkled. "Cornered by Poppy again?" Scorpius groaned and Astoria let out a small chuckle as she patted his shoulder. "My poor baby," she teased and held out her hand. "Donations?" He took the folded checks from inside his jacket and handed them to his mother. "Rose, did you happen to get any checks?" Astoria smiled at her. "It's okay if you -"
"Here," Rose handed her several folded up checks and Scorpius wondered for a brief moment where she had been keeping them.
"Oh," Astoria's eyes widened slightly and she glanced at Draco. "This is impressive."
"Indeed," Draco arched an eyebrow and tilted his head slightly at Rose, a wide smirk stretched across his face. "We've got a natural, I see."
"Oh, I'm sure it's not much," Rose attempted to deflect, but Scorpius could tell she was thrilled with their reactions.
"We have a winner," Astoria grinned at Rose.
"Really?" Rose nearly squeaked in surprise.
"You beat Draco by two thousand pounds," Astoria let out a twinkling laugh. "And you've got donations from more people," she continued. "I've never seen some of these names before," she marveled.
"Well, we know who we're inviting to every fundraiser we throw from now on," Draco said smoothly and held out his hand for Rose to shake. "Well done, Dr. Weasley. You've learned everything there is to learn."
"Oh," Rose let out a surprised laugh. "Thanks," she shook his hand. "This was really fun," she smiled at Astoria. "If a little exhausting," she said truthfully.
"And now you're free to drink," Draco clapped his hands. "Go on," he waved his hands at Scorpius and Rose. "We're done with you."
"Thank you," Rose said again.
"Think of a fun phrase or word you want Scorpius to say at the Christmas party," Draco winked at her.
"And be ready for a bet at the fundraiser next week," Astoria grinned.
"Yes," Draco stood up straighter and pretended to look down his nose at Rose. "I won't let you win so easily next time."
Scorpius rolled his eyes at his parents and placed his hand gently on Rose's lower back to steer her away from his parents; he thought he could see her breath hitch, but he knew it was probably just his eyes playing tricks on him.
"Would you like a drink?" Scorpius leaned his head down to whisper.
"I'd love one," Rose agreed and turned her head slightly to smile up at him. "I'm exhausted but still excited," she shook her head. "I'm not sure how to describe it."
"I understand," Scorpius chuckled slightly. "A drink usually helps with that."
They had reached the bar and Rose lamented when Scorpius took his hand away from her back, "What would you like?" He leaned against the bar and asked Rose.
"Whisky," she replied, knowing full well the images that drinking a whisky with Scorpius would conjure up.
"Two Lagavulins, please," Scorpius said to the bartender before glancing at Rose, about to say something when his mother's voice sounded around the ballroom.
Scorpius didn't pay much attention to what his mother was saying until Rose put her hand on his arm and tilted her head to a corner high table that was empty of people and led him to it. "We raised 200,000 pounds this evening," his mother said to a round of applause.
"That's a lot," Rose whispered to him as they stood side-by-side at the table. He could only nod.
"And that will be matched by both HSBC and Barclays, bringing our total raised this quarter to 600,000 pounds for the East London Beckton Trust Hospital," Astoria smiled out at the crowd as the applause started out again.
Rose applauded enthusiastically from beside Scorpius, "That's brilliant," her dark blue eyes were shining with excitement. "That's absolutely brilliant," she repeated and grinned at Scorpius.
The applause died down and it was obvious that people were starting to leave the ballroom, "Want to go back outside?" Scorpius asked her. "Or we may be roped into a lot of awkward goodbyes."
Rose glanced around the ballroom and Scorpius saw her eyes narrow slightly before she turned back to him, "Yes, let's," she agreed. Scorpius put his hand back on her lower back - he never wanted to remove that hand - and guided her back out to his balcony.
"Finally," Scorpius sighed when they were outside and away from everyone again.
"You didn't have fun?" Rose teased.
Scorpius opened his mouth to tell her how tortured he felt at being unable to be near her all night, but instead he let out a small chuckle and said, "This was actually one of the more fundraisers I've been to."
"Really?" Rose laughed too. "They're not all like this?"
"Depends," Scorpius shrugged, leaning against the railing. "Depends on who's there," he met her eyes briefly before she tore them away from his intense gaze. He cleared his throat, "I mean," he trailed off, embarrassed. He hadn't meant to, but -
"I had a lot of fun," Rose said before he could continue. "I learned a lot too," she said quickly. "I'm glad you were here to help me," she met his gaze again.
"Of course," Scorpius nodded, his voice gruff. He took a long sip of his whisky. Bloody whisky. Did she know what that did to him?
"You do look very fit in your tuxedo," Rose's lips upturned slightly.
"Oh," Scorpius's cheeks felt warm.
"Poppy wasn't wrong," Rose continued and took a sip of her whisky.
"Thanks," Scorpius said politely.
They stood there in silence for a long moment before Scorpius blurted out, "I'm glad you came tonight, Rose. You being here well," he ran a hand through his hair nervously before meeting her eyes again. "It made the night more tolerable."
Rose didn't breath for a second before she burst out into her deep-throated laugh before she managed to gasp out, "Tolerable."
"I didn't mean," Scorpius shook his head, irritated with himself and embarrassed. "That's not what," he groaned.
She put a hand on his arm, still laughing, "I understand."
"I liked having you here," Scorpius sighed. "You're impossible."
"But I'm tolerable," Rose's lips twitched.
"Bloody 'ell," Scorpius sipped his whisky again.
"I'm sorry," Rose laughed again, putting her hand to her chest. "That was," she shook her head. "That was very funny."
Before Scorpius could stop himself, he growled out, "I couldn't take my bloody eyes off you all night," his voice was deep and low. When had he gotten so close to Rose? She was looking up at him, her dark blue eyes wide. "It took everything in me not to be by your side the whole night."
Before he could stop himself, he was dragging a finger lightly along her collarbone, his gaze dropping to watch the way her chest rose and fell with every shallow breath she took before his slate-grey eyes slowly drew their focus to her lips for a long moment before he met her eyes again.
"I've wanted to bloody kiss you for months, Petal," his voice was so low it was a surprise she could hear him, but he watched as her eyes darted to his lips before meeting his heated gaze again. "Tonight was bloody torture -"
But before he could finish his sentence, she placed her hands on his chest, whispered, "shut up" and pressed her lips firmly to his.
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A/N: :D Sorry to torture you, but my little babies finally kissed…! But that doesn't mean they're going to just start dating now, ya know? Our silly little Rose and Scorpius never do anything the easy way, do they? And this may not be the last we see of the terrible Poppy Twelvetrees...or it may, I'm not sure yet. ;)
The Malfoys, Rose, and several doctors were collecting donations in my mind, so it wasn't just the four of them raising 200,000 pounds.