More than anything, Albus wanted the date to work. He wanted to be happy and try to move on, just like Scorpius. But no matter how much attention and fake smiles he put into it, the date just felt like he was giving up on Scorpius. It just felt wrong.
He was ready to bolt even before their food had arrived. They'd made idle chat over appetizers and cocktails. It wasn't horrible. For a banker given the unfortunate name of Eugene, the man wasn't terribly boring. He was even a little bit funny. The date progressed rather easily and Albus found him to be a likeable enough guy. He might not be much to admire naked…but he wasn't terribly unfit either. He was okay.
He just wasn't Scorpius. He wasn't all lithe body and iridescent skin. He wasn't ungodly blond or sharply pointed. He was incredibly average. Just normal.
"So…," Eugene searched, pulling Albus out of his head and back into the conversation. Not that he could recall where they had been going with it, if it had indeed been going anywhere. "I suppose this is the end of it, yeah?"
The cold autumn wind felt especially harsh against Albus' embarrassed blush. "Sorry…I haven't gone on many dates. I should be asking if you want to grab a coffee or something, right?"
Eugene chuckled and wrapped his arm around Albus' waist. He felt safe and warm. Comfortable, even. "I've coffee back at my place, if you'd like. But if you're not ready for that…I know a nice little bench in the park that's right across the street from the best ice cream in the city."
Although he wanted to be ready to move on like that, Albus found himself agreeing to just dessert before they parted ways. They skipped the romantic bench spot in favor of Eugene walking Albus back to his apartment. Eugene was sweet, even after being denied sex, and his hand was rough and warm inside of Albus'.
It was textbook and near perfect. It was everything Albus should want. But the kiss at his door still felt…wrong. It felt almost like betrayal and definitely like regret. It felt like this was a good guy who could probably be good for him. And it felt like he was probably unlikely to agree to another date with him.
"You came back."
Swallowing the thick clog of emotion in his throat, Albus put on his most convincing smile. "Don't want to get a reputation for putting out on the first date," he joked, settling in a chair across from Scorpius at the table. "No Paul tonight?"
Scorpius slowly shut the book he was pouring over, holding his place with his finger. He was red around the eyes, maybe like he'd been crying. Or, more likely, like he might be tired and studying too hard. "I have a practical exam to prepare for tomorrow so I told him to stay away for the night. How was the banker?"
"Boring," Albus lied, averting his eyes to a spot on the table. "And a wet kisser."
"You shouldn't date Muggles or bankers," Scorpius chuckled. He almost looked relieved, too, but Albus was sure be was just seeing what he wanted to. "On that principle, you shouldn't date Muggle bankers."
"I don't know that I'm likely to ever again. But, thanks." Forcing one last smile, Albus stood and kissed Scorpius lightly on the top of the head. "Come to bed soon. Your studying isn't worth anything if you fall asleep during your exam."