Scorpius's fingers fall away immediately at the jerk, but... Merlin if he doesn't know that tone of voice. That fight. Scorpius had spent the better part of his teens resisting temptations. Like trying to hold another boy's hand in first year. Trying to climb into a dorm-mate's bed the next. Then, kissing, hugging, anything he could get without ruining things, which was more than often the result.

He'd felt so alienated. And he got the unsettling feeling that James might understand.

"I won't stop you, but..." Scorpius drew a little closer tentatively. He was really pressing his luck tonight. "...are you sure?" He lifts the same wet hand that had tried to hold James back; this time, it touches James's jaw.