Whispers of Mischief | Sebastian Sallow

Breathe, open your mouth, and breathe

To your surprise, Sebastian kept his gaze locked on yours, not daring to let his eyes wander below your neck. Both of you waited patiently, the desperate need for air growing with each passing second. You looked upwards, yearning for a breath of fresh air, the ache in your lungs becoming more pronounced. Detention seemed like a trivial consequence in comparison; all you craved now was the simple act of breathing some air.

Sebastian sensed the desperation in your eyes, acting swiftly as he tightly grabbed your waist, pulling your bare body against his warm own. Your instinct was to break free and swim to the surface, but his grip remained determined. In that moment, your body had resentment towards him, desperately longing for air. Yet, your mind silently thanked him, realizing that facing detention or being caught in this compromising position would be far worse.

Struggling once again to free yourself from Sebastian's firm embrace, you found yourself unable to escape his unwavering hold. Turning to face him, you attempted to show your urgent need for air, and though he seemed to comprehend, he shook his head, denying your plea. Desperation etched across your body, you gazed at him with pleading eyes. You needed air now!

Peeves' voice echoed in the background, his curses suggesting he was certain someone was present. However, the sound became distant, fading into oblivion as your vision gradually blurred, your body deprived of oxygen. In the midst of this daze, Sebastian's face drew impossibly close, his lips inching towards yours. Your heart raced, torn between panic and curiosity. Was he attempting to share his air? But wouldn't that be considered a kiss? Panic coursed through you, but your weakened body was powerless against his grasp.

A split second before your lips could touch, Sebastian abruptly stopped, his gaze shifting upward. Seconds later he was pushing himself from the floor, while he pulled you upward with him. It seemed that Peeves had finally left. Sebastian held you over the water, his voice calm as he instructed, "Breathe, open your mouth, and breathe." He said while coughing slightly, drawing in as much air as possible. Out of reflex, you gasped for air, clinging to his arm around your waist for support. Your heart was still racing, but gradually, your vision cleared, and your senses returned.

Coughing a few times, you focused on taking deep breaths. He nodded, inhaling deeply himself. Swimming towards the edge of the pool, he gently dragged you along. You remained focused on regulating your breathing, and finally, all your senses fully returned. You felt the reassuring presence of Sebastian's warm arm, holding you upright so you could fully focus on breathing. His strength also provided comfort as you slowly regained your composure.

After a while, Sebastian broke the silence, his voice laced with a mix of disbelief and humor. "I can't believe we almost drowned in a simple pool. I mean, we've fought trolls and dark wizards. It would've been super embarrassing to die like this," he chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood. You managed a smile, nodding weakly in agreement.

"I'm sorry I held you down like this. I truly am sorry," he confessed, a tinge of guilt evident in his tone. Taking a moment to recover, you replied with a few intermittent coughs, "It's alright, actually. I'm glad you did. We would've gotten into far more trouble otherwise."

You both took a moment to collect yourselves, breathing slowly in the relief of having avoided a dire situation. The pool's waters remained still, their surface reflecting the dim light, as you silently acknowledged the stronger bond that had formed between you

Who would've thought that this little excursion to a silly pool could've ended badly.