Taming

Scorpius didn’t have a morning class on Fridays, so when Rose got up for Ancient Runes, he laid in bed long after she was gone, dreading that afternoon. He had Charms. With Albus. Their lone class together, and the one outside which they’d met.

There were so many memories in that room, and Scorpius didn’t know if he could face them. He was very tempted to skive off, but he wanted to try talking to Albus again.

He took a long shower and dressed carefully, making sure his uniform was perfectly crisp and neat. His stomach was tied in knots, so he didn’t bother going down for lunch. He sat on the bed, trying to read a book, but mostly staring into space.

Rose showed up just before he had to leave. She’d brought him a sandwich wrapped in a napkin. “I didn’t think you’d feel like coming down, but I thought you might need a little something.”

He smiled gratefully at her. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”

“Not since last night at least,” she replied with a grin.

“Well, I do.”

“I know. Now, just stay calm like last time and maybe he’ll say something more.”

“I hope so. I’ve enjoyed my stay at the Weasley Bed and Breakfast, but…”

“You miss him. I know. And you can stay here as long as you need to. In fact, when you two work things out, I’m going to miss having you here. It’s nice to have someone to snuggle with at night.”

“Well, you’ll have to find another bloke to replace me.”

She looked at him, her eyes soft. “I doubt that’s possible.”

Finishing his sandwich, he stood up and wrapped her in a tight hug. “Thanks.”

“Good luck, Sweetie.”

“I need it.”

***********************

Scorpius got to Charms before Albus and sat at their usual table in the back. Albus walked in a short time later and walked past Scorpius without looking at him. He sat at Scorpius’s old table near the front with that annoying girl who always shushed people.

Scorpius hadn’t really been expecting Albus to sit with him, so he wasn’t too disheartened. He didn’t hear a word of the entire lecture, since he was too busy thinking of what he planned to say.

After the lesson, everyone began filing out, but Albus was taking an eternity putting his books and notes away. He was obviously hoping that Scorpius would be gone before he left.

So Scorpius left the classroom and waited approximately one inch outside the door. When Albus finally emerged, he nearly ran Scorpius down. His eyes blazed.

“What do you want?” Albus demanded.

“I had such a nice time during our last conversation that I wanted to speak with you again.”

Albus rolled his eyes.

“So,” Scorpius started conversationally, “I got a letter from my parents today. My mother sends you her love.”

Albus eyes reflected pain for a moment, before they hardened again. “You ought to tell them that we broke up.”

“It would kill my mother.” That pain flashed in his eyes again. “I’m waiting until I absolutely have to. Why, have you told your parents?”

“Of course I have,” Albus snapped. But he was lying. Scorpius saw it clearly in his eyes. That gave Scorpius some measure of hope.

“So, are you ready to tell me what happened yet?” he asked Albus conversationally.

“Stop talking to me like I’m a child!”

“Stop acting like one, then!”

“Fuck you!”

“You’re not being fair, Albus,” he said, speaking his name out loud for the first time in days.

“Life isn’t fair. You weren’t fair to me.”

“How so? I never lied to you.”

“You didn’t lie to me?” Albus’s voice rose to a near-hysterical pitch. “All you told were lies!”

“I never lied to you,” Scorpius repeated.

“You’re lying right now! What lies you tell, and so easily!”

“Everything was easy with you. That’s why I love you so much. And I never lied to you.” He finally gave into the impulse and grabbed Albus’s shoulders, shaking him. “Do you hear me? I never lied to you!”

There was uncertainty in Albus’s eyes now, and Scorpius seized on it like a dog on a rabbit. Before he knew what he was doing, he pushed Albus up against the wall and brought his mouth down on Albus’s, hard and fierce.

Albus sagged against him trustingly. And kissed him back. Their mouths gnashed together, more of a battle than a kiss, really. It was all teeth and tongue and nipping and vying for dominance, and they were both hard almost instantly, hips grinding together.
Suddenly Albus pushed him away, panting. “What the fuck are you doing?”

“I would think that would be clear. I was snogging you. And you were enjoying it. A lot.”

Albus wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “What makes you think you can do that?”

“Because I’m in love with you. And you’re still in love with me. But you’re being a prat. You’re taking some cock and bull story that some jealous piece of shite fed to you and you’re clutching it to your chest, playing the victim with the same zeal with which you played the boyfriend and the fiancé. Only it’s time to stop playing, Albus. The boyfriend and the fiancé were real. You’re not really a victim.

I never did anything but love you and offer you the world on a silver platter. And you know that, or you wouldn’t have melted against me like that the minute our lips touched. I don’t see why you want to keep playing these kids’ games. We’re men, Albus. When you realize that, I’ll be waiting for you. I’m not giving up on you, despite the fact that you deserve it.”

Before Albus could respond, Scorpius turned on his heel and walked away, not letting him have the last word.

Feeling inordinately pleased with himself, Scorpius rounded a corner and nearly ran into Mirabella Zabini.

“Sorry, Mira,” he said distractedly, continuing on his way.

“Scorpius! Wait a second, love,” she called to him.

He sighed. He wanted to get back to Rose and discuss the events with Albus, but he dutifully turned around. “How have you been, Mira? It’s been a while.”

“Better than you’ve been, poor lamb,” she said sweetly, patting him on the arm. “I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about you and dear Albus breaking up. It seemed like you were so in love.”

He grated under her obvious mock-sympathy. Mirabella was the most selfish person he’d ever had the misfortune to know, and it had amused him back in the day, but now she made his skin crawl. “Don’t be sorry, Mira. We’ve hit a rough patch, but we still love each other very much. We’ll work it out.”

Her face remained impassive, but he knew her well enough that he noticed the subtle widening of her eyes, indicating that she was surprised by this news. He wondered if she’d ever been happy for anyone but herself in her life. He doubted it. Her smile widened.

“That’s wonderful, darling! I hope you two work it out. I’ve been seeing someone lately myself, and I do so want everyone to be as happy as I am.”

“That’s nice, Mira. Glad to hear it. Now I’d better run. I’m meeting Rose.” He let her give him a brief hug and then he waved and walked away, eager to get to Rose.