There are two types of people: those who would kill for love and those who would die for it. And they usually end up attracted to each other. • {slow burn friends to lovers, arranged marriage, morally grey characters, fluff and angst, happy ending}
...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Psst! Over here!"
A familiar whisper called us from the bushes once Ominis and I reached the street corner.
Sebastian uncast the disillusionment spell, immediately grabbing me by my arms and running his hands up and down. "Are you alright?? You were there for so long! I was beginning to worry..."
"It went better than expected," I replied reassuringly, watching his knitted eyebrows gradually relax. "Guinevere Gaunt believes that Ominis and I will give a chance to the courtship... This should guarantee that we are safe for now, at least until the school year is over."
He nodded slowly but his eyes were restless, processing the information.
Then, Sebastian stepped back and finally acknowledged Ominis. They stood before one another for what felt like an eternity. Shoulders moved up and down and eyelids blinked, while the only sound to be heard was the faint rustling of leaves of the trees down the street.
In a sudden movement, Sebastian pulled Ominis into his arms tightly.
No words were exchanged at first - they didn't need to. Through silence, they confirmed the bond of their friendship before they could even trade apologies.
My heart overflowed with joy. That had to be the biggest accomplishment we've had ever since I took the potion for the first time - all the pain and heartbreak was not only mine but also theirs, almost a death sentence to their friendship. I wished I could have that image of my boys reconciling seared in the back of my mind forever. I loved them more than anything in my life.
Sebastian released Ominis from his arms and wiped his wet face and runny nose with his cloak sleeve. Pressing his hands down Ominis shoulders, he finally let out in a trembling voice, "Anne. You... You saved Anne."
Ominis was utterly shocked, with his jaw down and his sightless eyes widened, clearly not expecting Sebastian's gratitude. "How do you know that????"
"You don't remember but, you've visited her multiple times for help. She told us everything. Ominis, I... I can't believe you. You did it. Thank you. I am forever grateful."
"That's... That's what friends are for... We promised to look after one another, a long, long time ago. And I'll stand by it until the day I die. Always."
"Always." Sebastian sniffed, then continued. "And I'm... I'm so, so sorry, Ominis. I've been working so hard to deal with my... anger issues. The way I lashed out at you that day... That can't happen again. That's not the kind of man I want to be." He finished the sentence by glancing at me, extending his promise.
Ominis nodded, pinching the bridge of his nose with a sigh. "And I hope you understand now, Sebastian... The cruel things I said... Yes, we've been through a lot since our 5th year, and-"
"I know... Yes, I did 'ruin your life', and Anne's, and Carolyn's when I pursued the dark arts. The only reason why those words hurt was because... you were right." He shuddered, threatening to break down in tears again.
