𝙰𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 ~ 𝙴𝚟𝚊𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗

Twenty one

There are times where emotions can feel like a bruise for Chris, the same way as with a physical bruise. It takes time for it to come up and show themselves. But this time, sitting on his bed, staring at the bare walls, the bruises appear in a matter of seconds. Aching, painful, the tears a never ending cycle that it began to feel normal.

All night, had Chris been seated here. Tired as he was, Chris couldn't sleep. He couldn't at knowing what he had done, what he had said, how much he and Sebastian had hurt one another. It was clear to the human eye that through their love and happiness, and time apart, has left room for pain and despair. Has left room for pent up anger, anxiety and wrong wording of sentences. Has left room to hurt one another.

Chris could barely even speak to his parents, let alone tell them what had happened. He knew Lisa and Georgeta had been on the phone most of the night, discussing what had taken place, how much pain both boys were in. And yet, Chris was still seated in the exact same spot, left to himself. Not even Ellie or Scott had disturbed him.

It takes a large amount of strength for Chris to get up from his seat and walk up the stairs, legs heavy, aching. His parents are seemingly waiting for him at the dining table, nodding for him to take a seat.

"Hey, love." Says Lisa, smiling small, taking Chris's hand in her own and squeezing. "How are you?"

Shrugging, Chris can't seem to put his feelings into words. "I.. I don't know."

Clearing his throat, Robert shuffles in his seat. "Chris, we know Sebastian and you have had a large fight, one of your first big fights." He says carefully, catching gazes with Lisa. "But that doesn't mean things can't be resolved."

Chris shakes his head. "I don't think it can be." He whispers. "I.. I brought up Sebastian's past, told him that just because he once suffered abuse that not everyone was out to get him and to basically get over himself."

Gasps of pure horror and shock leave his parents lips, and Chris bows his head, disgusted in himself. "Chris.."

"I don't know what happened," Explains Chris. "We were arguing so loud I couldn't seem to control myself. That doesn't excuse what I said, I know, but I.. I still can't believe I said that. What kind of person am I to say that to someone I love? Better yet someone who has suffered through years of abuse and trusted me?"

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Lisa sighs shakily. "I'm glad that you are being honest and know that what you said was unacceptable. I'm sure you both said some pretty horrible things, after everything that happened yesterday and being so far from one another.."

Chris nods. "I.. I don't think Sebastian's going to ever forgive me. Why should he?"

His parents don't have an answer, and Chris doesn't ask for one. He did not want to hear what they thought of him when he was already disgusted enough in himself.

******

Within the depths of depression, there is a floor, a rock bottom which in finding it can be a blessing. When you hit it, when it feels as though all you can do is stay down, you find a reason to get up. You always do. Whether its for your family, your friends, your pets, you always seem to find a way to get back up. At least that's what Sebastian used to be able to do. Laying in bed, hugging the covers tightly to his body, Sebastian can't think of anything worse other than to get up from his bed and walk around.

No strength could be found in his body, only pain and weakness. No tears were left for him to cry, no matter how badly he wanted to continue sobbing into his pillow, there was nothing left. All of last night had happened so fast. From arguing with Chris, to telling Georgeta and Nathan what happened, Sebastian was exhausted.

The next thing he knew, however, was that the police were in his living room, awaiting him to make a statement about what Emily did to him. Wrapped in a blanket, Sebastian allowed it all to spill out. From the alleyway, the threats, the tormenting and the attack in the park earlier, Sebastian was given the choice to allow everything to slide or to file a restraining order.

Restraining order. That was a huge deal in Sebastian's eyes. If he said yes, Emily and Wyatt wouldn't be able to go anywhere near him without getting into huge trouble with the police. If he said no, things would stay the same and they would be able to go in Sebastian's space.

"Hey, baby." Calls Georgeta from the doorway of Sebastian's room. "Can I come in?"

Coughing, Sebastian croaks out a 'yes', sitting himself up and rubbing at his sore eyes.

Georgeta takes a seat beside him, brushing the hair from his eyes, long enough now to be pulled into a messy bun. "Last night was a lot, hey?"

Sebastian gives a small nod.

"I know, and I don't mean to rush you or put you in a position where you feel like you need an answer right now, but the police want to know what you want to do."

Sighing shakily, Sebastian leans against his mothers shoulder. "I.. I want to file a restraining order." He whispers, the relief of the words lifting a weight from his shoulders. "I don't want them anywhere near me."

"Okay, honey."

In mere minutes, the two of them were clambering inside of the car and driving to the station where Sebastian fills out the sheet, asking to not have Emily and Wyatt anywhere near him when it is explained to them what was happening. And when it is all over, Sebastian falls into his mothers arms with a deep sigh, holding onto her tightly.

As a distraction from all that had happened, Nathan and Georgeta get Sebastian to help them in planning their wedding. From who they were to invite, the flower children or dog, the ring beerier, the decorations, the dress and suit. It all happens so fast, that Sebastian has little time to think about Emily or Chris and their argument. All his head being filled with was wedding preparations.

They had already planned to go dress shopping in the morning, and to choose the flowers to be used as center pieces on the tables. And once they are done, Sebastian can't seem to stop himself from bringing out what he had been wanting to give to Nathan for months now.

"I've thought a lot about this," Explains Sebastian, holding the sheet of paper with shaking hands. "You don't have to agree but.. you have been more of a dad than that man ever was, and I would like nothing more than to have you be my dad."

Handing it over, Nathan takes it with tear filled eyes, cupping a hand over his mouth at the sight. "You.. you want me to adopt you?" He whispers, the tears falling at a fast pace.

Sebastian nods, holding back his own tears. "Of course I do.. you make me feel safe and loved. You understand boundaries and you treat my mother with respect. Do.. do you want to adopt me?"

Sobbing quietly, Nathan nods, rising to his feet and throwing his arms around Sebastian. "I would like nothing more than to have you as my kid, Seb."

Wrapping his arms around Nathan, Sebastian nuzzles his face into his shoulder. "Thank you.. dad."