dinner parties | scorbus

CH27: split-second decision

CH27: split-second decision (5571 words)

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'Dear Scorp,

It's been a while since we've talked. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. I know you've probably been studying hard for our finals, which I don't blame you for. I've been doing my best — but I've really been only able to manage four hours a day. Maybe you could offer me some tips?

Don't overwork yourself. Make sure you take breaks if you need, and you can call me at anytime. Look after yourself, please.

All my love,
Albus.'

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'Hey Albus!

Studying for finals has me going slightly mad, but I really miss you. I appreciated your letter; it's nice to know someone was thinking of me. I hope you're doing well. I was wondering if we could meet up at some point? I'll let you give me a call to let me know, you know what time is best for me. I've got lots of tips for your studying as well, I understand how dreadful it is to sit for hours a day doing seemingly boring stuff.

I want to hug you so badly that I'm scared I'll knock you over, it's been rough.

My best,
Scorpius x'

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A knock on Albus' bedroom door alerted him to the presence of an unwanted intruder. He glanced up from his homework and his eyes trained on the door. "Who's there?"

"It's your father," a masculine voice said. "Can I come in?"

Albus closed his work in the textbook and fixed up his pencils, which had been strewn over the surface of the desk. He called for his father to come inside, rising from his chair to give his father proper attention. His father had been overly supportive in the past few weeks, Albus had done his best to honour that. Despite embarrassing questions (which were often constant and stressful, like an interrogation), Albus rather liked helping his father learn about people in other communities. He struggled sometimes, as his limited knowledge prevented him from answering everything he wanted to. He could research it himself, and Albus knew that. He thought it was sweet that his father wished to ask.

"Hi, dad," Albus said, pulling in the door. "I was doing homework."

The taller man grinned brightly. He held up his hands. "Oh, sorry!"

Albus couldn't help but smile. "That's okay. Come in."

Earlier in his life; even a month previous, Albus would have been infuriated with his father's constant attempt at company and quality conversation. He likely would have cussed out his father and begged to be left alone, which only caused him guilt currently. Albus knew that he had to acknowledge that he'd been awful to his father to improve the relationship. He wished to be better, and his father's constant support lessened the grief that plagued him each time he glanced at his father. He tried to tell himself that things had changed — that they would continue to. He and his father could build a relationship if they wanted. For the first time, the duo acted as equal participants willing to put in the effort.

Really, Albus sensed that his father wanted to be best friends.

"Did you think of another question?" Albus asked gently. He sat on his couch, to which his father settled beside him.