No One Else

Chapter Two

The next day Albus woke up drowning in the warmth of Scorpius' sweater, and Scorpius woke vaguely confused as to why he was fully dressed. The two continued to replay the previous night in their heads, reluctant to leave their beds as if everything that had happened was a spell, and any contact between them would break it. Everything felt safe to Albus for the first time in a long time, No pressure form anyone to do anything- that is until he begins overthinking it all.

What if he regrets it ? What if he acted on impulse ? What if he was just being nice ? I can't feel like this about him, no, I can't lose the only friend I've made here, the only person that I care about. Why do I have to feel this away about him of all people ?

Now, full of doubt, Albus pulls Scorpius' sweater to his face, and shuts his eyes, breathing deeply, trying to take in everything that had happened, convinced that Scorpius would never speak to him again. He felt stupid to think that Scorpius, or anyone for that matter, could actually like him. What was he thinking ? That is, until Albus hears a voice from the bed next to his.

    "Can I come through ?" a groggy rendition of Scorpius' voice asked. Albus took a deep breath, preparing himself for a grave face and rejection, disappointment,

    "Yes,"

    Scorpius came through the curtains, a small, sleepy grin across his face, his hair wild and unkempt, glasses balancing crookedly on his face.

    "Missed you this morning," he says,

    "What ?''

    "You seem to have found a good place to keep your socks, you weren't looking for them this morning," Scorpius yawned.

    "Oh," Albus smiled faintly, "I thought you thought that was weird,"

    "Nah, it's nice, to see something as lovely as you the minute I wake up. It's cute. Kind of like how apparently I'm cute when I sleep," His lips curled now into a devious smile as Albus turned crimson remembering his words. Scorpius laughs at the boy, and Albus remembers he still has the sweater, but besides to stall returning it as long as possible.

    "Also, about last night, what happened to not doing the hug thing ?" Albus mumbles.

Scorpius looks flustered for the first time, but it's only momentarily, then quickly replies,

    "You were freezing and I was emotionally unstable. What else could I have done to better both of our situations ?"

    "In my defense, you'd already given me your sweater," realizing he'd acknowledged that he had it, he decided to give in, pulling the sweater off and handing it to Scorpius, "And I'm guessing you want it back,"

    Scorpius pushed it back, arguing that Albus was always cold anyways and might as well keep it. This turned into the two battling it out over who should keep the sweater on Albus' bed.

    "Look," Scorpius protested, grabbing Albus' hands.

    "See, cold. Keep the goddamn sweater,"

    "No please it's okay it's your's," Albus pleaded.

In the end, Scorpius won because of his height advantage. Secretly overjoyed at his defeat, Albus slipped the sweater back over his head, unable to hide his smile, eyes locked on Scorpius.

    "You're so lame," Scorpius mutters as he looks back at Albus, trying to play it off as if the fluttering in his chest had no effect on him. But Albus could see right through it, and his doubts from earlier were gone, even if only for the time being. Scorpius' eyes glinted a pale steel blue, and the way the sun hit him stunned Albus beyond words. He was beautiful. This was the most serenity he'd felt ever.

    The rest of the day was spent around the common room, back to the couch, the only sounds being Scorpius' quill rapidly scratching in his notebook and Albus flicking through his book. An hour or so in, there's rustling at the door. Assuming that it's just a few Slytherins coming back early, the boys aren't concerned.

    "Albus !"

    Now, the two look up and are greeted by the sight of Rose, hair bouncing wildly at her shoulders, running through the dungeon, looking determined.

    "You're in Gryffindor ! How did you-" Scorpius begins,

    "Can it, Breadhead," she snaps at him, "Anyways, I-"

    Then, she takes in the two boys, Albus' head in Scorpius' lap, the sweater, and an amused smile crept across her face.

    "What is it, Rose ?" Albus asked, thoroughly annoyed.

    "I knew it," she laughed, "I knew it,"

    "Knew what ? And why are you in here, did something happen?"

    But Rose simply continues to laugh, and begins backing out of the dungeon, and right as she comes to the doors, whispers,

    "Gay," and with that, she leaves.

    Albus takes moment to think about what just happened. Scorpius, on the other hand, is unfazed, and doesn't miss a beat.

    "So.. After that, would it be weird if I tried to hold your hand like I was about to?" he asks.

    Albus pretends to think about this question for a moment, as to not seem too enthusiastic, then replies with a small no.

    Scorpius nods, and takes the boy's hand in his free one. This felt safe.

   

    ****

*Heyy !! I know this chapter was p lame and short, but I have a ton of ideas for the next one, which'll come next Sunday. Thank you so much for all the positive feedback, it means a lot, and please do not be afraid to point out any errors in this !! While I write this I am in a bit of a fog mentally, and though I hope I caught all errors, I could've missed some.

Hope you're all well !

Megan xxx