Unspoken Love

34: THE LAST RIDE

AUGUST 29TH - 3 DAYS BEFORE SCHOOL

"Come on, I told Albus we would meet him at the shop." Scorpius said, grabbing Rose's hand to guide her through the bustling streets of Diagon Alley. The three of them were going to shop for their last year at Hogwarts today as they'd received their supplies list just the week before. In Scorpius's letter he'd also been given a badge reading: Slytherin Quidditch Captain, a title that he had expected but nevertheless, felt proud and excited by.

"Here it is." Rose said breathlessly as the two found themselves in front of the large storefront where they had received their own tattoos and Albus's current workplace. Above the door was a sign that read: Alley Tattoos. Through the window they could see Jay busying himself at the front desk but they presumed that Albus was near the back of the shop as he wasn't visible to them from outside.

     The two entered the tattoo parlor, Scorpius clasped hands with Jay upon arrival and followed him to the rear of the shop where Albus's station was, "Oi, another?" Scorpius said as Albus came into view.

     Another employee at the shop, a piercer named Octavia, was grinning as she stuck a needle cleanly through Albus's helix. The brunette had racked up a couple of ear piercings since he'd started working at the shop including his industrial on his left ear, regular ear piercings on both earlobes and now his helix on his right ear. Fresh blood dripped down his flesh as he giggled up at his boyfriend. He was starting to look quite punk with his nose, ear piercings and tattoos, but it felt right. He felt like himself, he was simply doing whatever he wanted and that was an empowering feeling.

"You'd better stop him before he puts too many holes in his head." Rose joked to Scorpius, Octavia the piercer who had more than 20 piercings on her body, 10 of those being in her face and ears, looked up at her with a contemptuous look. Rose's face turned red as she avoided any further eye contact.

"I think this might be my last ear piercing anyways." Albus said, waving his hands reassuringly. He blinked back the tears that had formed in his eyes from the pinch of the needle and slid off the tattoo table to examine his ear in the mirror.

"I'll help you clean it tomorrow, and don't you dare even think about changing the jewelry without my help." Octavia joked, clapping Albus on the shoulder as she passed on her way back to her station. Albus grinned as he turned to gather his things. He'd already tidied up his station for the day so he was ready to go when his fiance and best friend arrived to go shopping.

"You know, you look so different since the time I met you." Scorpius remarked, staring at Albus as they followed him out of the shop. Of course, Albus had been 11 when they met but he had changed tremendously even in just the past two years. At 14 years old Scorpius never could have imagined the Albus that stood before him with his septum pierced, multiple ear piercings, tattoos covering his fingers and forearm. Scorpius had no complaints, however.

"So do you!" Albus said back, walking with a confidence into the streets of Diagon Alley. He was wearing comfortable tan cargo pants and a t-shirt that his painter friend had custom made for him, he was surrounded by creatives and it was liberating to finally feel like himself. Of course, being around Scorpius and Rose was an unmatched feeling of comfort and he threw his arms around them at this thought as they set off towards Quality Quidditch Supplies first.

"Let me," Albus said, handing the cashier some coins to pay for Scorpius's new quidditch gloves and boots, "A present to congratulate you on making captain." he winked as Scorpius blushed at the brunette's generosity.

"But it's your money that you earned-" Scorpius protested slightly.

"Our money. It's our money." Albus said firmly. They were going to be married soon after all and they would have to be financially conscious together. Scorpius wrapped his arms around Albus's waist and squeezed as he planted a grateful kiss on his cheek.