Close Second
Scorpius didn’t want to talk. Scorpius didn’t want to cry. Scorpius didn’t want to sleep. Scorpius didn’t want to eat. Scorpius didn’t want anything.
And it was painful to see because obviously he wanted things but he wouldn’t say anything because… Well, Albus didn’t know why.
He went over to the Malfoy Manor more days than not to give Scorpius company. He got there after lunch and left before dinner. His parents said it was better that way, so that Mr Malfoy didn’t have to worry about feeding two children instead of one. Those hours in between were filled with silence. Or mostly Albus talking to fill the silence, which was weird because it was usually the other way around and it pained Albus tremendously seeing his friend like that.
His dad had told him Scorpius was probably drained. Which, obviously he was, but then he didn’t say anything about what to do about that. He just said he needed to be attentive to his friend because there was a chance he needed to get his needs met, but just wasn’t able to communicate that and simply needed some help. Well maybe his dad did say something about what to do with that.
So the next time he went over, he found Scorpius sitting in his bed staring through his window to nothing in particular. He sat down next to him and he decided to ask.
“Can I do anything to make any of this less shit to you?” Scorpius turned around to face him and blinked, his eyes that looked noticeably dry hydrating thanks to his eyelid. Albus wondered how much had been since the last time he actually blinked.
Scorpius parted his lips, only to press them into a thin line.
“It’s just…” he started. He shook his head, took a short breath and then, with his eyes tightly closed he said; “Can you hold me?”
Al looked at his friend, not knowing what to say, until he continued speaking.
“It’s just… she used to hold me. Like, my head against her chest or her neck, and then she’d uh… read or sing, or like… I don’t know. If it’s too much just forget it, I just...” The taller one said. The other one shook his head.
“It’s fine with me if it’s fine with you.” At that, Scorpius smiled, and Albus was glad he had come over because it was the first time Scorpius smiled genuinely in way too long.
Without many words, Albus placed himself against the headboard, partially laying down. His legs were separated enough so that his knees didn’t bump against Scorpius’ column. His friend placed himself between them, his head laying in Albus’ chest.
“Is this okay?” The brunette whispered.
“Yeah. I mean, it’s not quite the same as her. It doesn’t need to be. It’s just… nice. To have something,” Scorp said, his eyelids suddenly heavy.
“That’s good…” Albus said, lacking any other words.
“You know. She was my favorite person. She still is. I don’t think anybody can top her.”
“Well, obviously. She’s your mother Scorp. It’s alright if you-”
“But you are a close second.” The paler boy finished softly. He opened his eyes so that they could meet Al’s, so that he could show he was sincere, even when Albus knew you had to be crazy to doubt Socprius’ sincerity.
Al’s head was spinning a little, his thoughts running all over the place since the weight and warmth of Scorpius made him feel sleepy. He then remembered something about ‘singing’ so then he started doing it and when he woke up, the sun was setting down. Scorpius sleep looked incredibly light, his mouth almost smile-shaped.
Albus sucked at feelings but he would do everything in his power to make sure Scorpius felt alright. That he swore that to himself that day.