Me and the Devil: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter THIRTY - Toast with Honey

Ominis sat with us for another hour or two after that. We didn't do much in the way of reading but instead took comfort in each other's company. 

Sebastian's mood had significantly perked up after Ominis had agreed to take us to the Scriptorium and was currently laying on his back, hands behind his head and rambling out all his ridiculous internal thoughts and questions.

"If you had to choose one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?"

"Pancakes." I smiled into the air, currently sitting with my back against one of the pillars and arms wrapped around one of my knees.

"What kind of question is that?" Ominis wasn't as interested in entertaining Sebastian's game.

"I think mine would be pears." Sebastian was fiddling with a string from his shirt, winding it around his finger over and over again.

I crinkled my nose.

What a flirt.

"You hate pears." Ominis twirled his wand in his fingers.

"Not anymore."

"That's ridiculous. Choose something else."

I cackled.

"Oh so now you're interested? What's yours then?"

Ominis was silent for a moment and I was sure he was going to give Sebastian the silent treatment for the rest of the night when he surprised us both. "Toast with honey."

My stomach grumbled.

Sebastian turned his head and smiled at me, clearly excited at Ominis' participation. "Between the three of us, who do you reckon is the funniest?"

"If you wanted a compliment Sebastian, you could have just asked for it. Not that I would have given it to you."

"So you do think I'm the funniest. Thank you Ominis!"

Ominis grumbled and stacked a few pillows behind his back so that he could recline.

"I agree. Probably Sebastian."

"I too, would agree with that statement." He patted his chest proudly.

"How about the smartest?"

"My money is on Ominis." I rested my chin on my knee.

"Thank you darling. Although I hear you are quite the bright witch yourself. A natural at just about everything if the rumors are true."

"Ya ya you both are top of the class. How wonderful-  Something that disgusts you?"

"This game." 

Sebastian turned onto his stomach and stuck his tongue out at Ominis.

I racked my brain but could only come up with "Black licorice?" 

"How dare you." Ominis crossed his arms. "I've decided I like you a little less."

Sebastian snorted. "You would like black licorice..."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing."

The game went on for far too long until Sebastian started asking things like, "If I were a worm, would we still be friends?" and Ominis gave up completely.

"I'm going to bed. I will meet up with you both tomorrow. Midnight, just outside the Slytherin common room."

As the gate closed behind him, a blanket of silence draped over Sebastian and me. I knew I too should head back to my room, but neither of us moved. Not wanting to leave the other.

The candles were burning low and a few of them had flickered out, reaching the end of their wicks. The smell of smoke and book pages settled in around us and the air felt thick. I wanted so desperately to talk to him, to ask him how he was doing after seeing the boggart. But no words felt worthy of such a conversation.

I had felt the hope in his soul just moments ago but it wasn't enough to cast the demons out completely. He continued to run his hand over his wrist and I worried he would rub it raw. Every now and then, the constant rise and fall of his chest would stutter and he would need to swallow deeply to get it back on track.

It seemed the only comfort I could give him right now was my presence and Merlin knew I would stay as long as he needed.

I felt his breath shift next to me and his voice wavered. He stopped, cleared his throat and tried again.

"Atley..." 

Timid. His voice was so quiet, so distant yet so close to my heart.

"Sebastian."

He was sitting up now, head hung low and thumb shaking against his wrist.

"Would you- c-could you hug me?" His nostrils flared and the last word was clipped as he snapped his mouth shut.

I stood and held my arms out to him, no words spoken but our hearts deep in conversation.

He rose and leaned in quickly as if I would take back the offer upon any hesitation. His warm shoulders pressed into mine and his breath was warm on my neck. My soul felt desperate and I held him as tight as I could. He was stiff at first, breathing rapid and uneven but as I ran a comforting hand over his back, I felt his body soften into my touch.

I felt his breath, shallow and short against by back and his shoulders shook once.

Twice.

Deep breath.

Another shake.

Sebastian was crying but desperately trying not to.

My heart was shattering with every tremble.

His arms wrapped around my shoulders, he buried his soul into mine.

"Sebastian..."

He leaned just slightly back after a moment, the tip of his nose red and cheeks puffy. 

And his eyes traced over my lips, over every word I'd ever spoken, over every breath I'd ever taken.

He kept his forehead inches from mine, 

lips close enough to swallow his words.

"Atley..."

I tried to smile, tried to breath but it was just so heavy. Everything was just so fucking heavy.

"I-I'm so sorry. I can't- won't-." 

His breath shook. 

My heart pounded.

I placed my palm to the side of his cheek and traced my thumb across his lips to quiet his words, quiet his mind.

And our moment of eternity was back. 

Eyes heavy, 

hearts drowning.

And then he took a step back 

away

And the moment was over

my fingers fell to my sides and his voice was a whisper

"I'm sorry. 

Thank you. 

I should go to my room."

I nodded, air still choking my breath.

His lips pressed into a gentle smile and then he turned and left.