Captives

EIGHT

Sebastian's POV

(Pre-Cellar)

My fist curls around my apron as I snatch it from the passenger seat.

Another day.

Because Rin wants me to take it a day at a time. To find pleasure in the little things. Fuck the little things. It'd take something substantial, downright magical to make me want to stay here.

Who does he think he is? Toying with someone's life like that. I was prepared to end it. I tried to end it.

He thinks he saved me.

He damned me.

Now it's known that I am 'a danger to myself.' That I'm not 'mentally stable'. I was forced to seek psychiatric help even though I don't want help! I want to leave this place. Maybe find some semblance of peace after death. But simply being done with this life -the life I've hated for as long as I can remember, the life that's made sure to show me at every turn that I am an unlovable burden- that would be peace enough.

Just for it all to be over.

Reluctantly, I get out of this crap car to start another day at this crap job.

I slam the door, crossing the street and putting my apron on. As I'm tying it in the back, a warm aura of light draws my attention. I notice immediately, because usually everything is dull and gray. I secure the knot in my apron as I turn my head.

What I see is... purpose.

She's substantial.

Magical.

My breath literally catches in my lungs, and I stall my pace. But I pick right back up so I don't lose her.

I can't lose her.

She's perfect.

Her caramel colored skin, soft freckles dusted across her nose, dark curly hair reaching slightly past the middle of her back.

She's natural, raw, real.

I need her.

She's right here. Walking next to me. But she doesn't notice me. She doesn't notice anything. The world around her isn't something that interests her. She doesn't want to be here.

We're the same.

Time slows down, my heart slamming in my chest, blood rushing in my ears.

I would be content watching her forever.

Does she not know how incredible she is? How breathtaking, how special.

I'll change that.

I'll show her.

"Sebastian!"

I don't want to look away from this marvel of a woman. But the second time my name is called, I turn my head towards the café. My boss is waving me down, leaning out of the door.

"Lost?" He jokes, trying too hard to be friendly after news of my attempt.

I hadn't realized I'd passed it. But the world could have been burning down around me and I wouldn't have noticed anything but her. I try to find her again, my eyes zooming frantically through the people walking around. That warmth flickers in my vision again and I hone in on it. Seeing the most gorgeous woman in existence walking into the bakery down the street.