Trinity~A Raven and Snakes story

Summer Rain

The palpable tension when she walked into the Undercroft alongside Ominis was suffocating. Everything in her body was telling her to turn away. Her nature would not let her, the need to help them was stronger than any internal warning. She knew deep down that she had a lack of self protectiveness, similar to Sebastian, she always put others before herself. Her heart was beginning to race and she was not sure what to expect at all.

Sebastian wasn't pacing, he wasn't animated, didn't look like he was ready to pick a fight. He had his hands in his hands, he didn't look up when they approached. Ominis went and put his hand on his shoulder. She saw Sebastian looking up at him with the saddest look she has seen in his face since his Uncle. Her heart stopped. Ominis leaned down and gave him a kiss on his forehead.

Sebastian turned his attention towards her and forced a small smile. "Hey Iris", he greeted.

Uh oh......he had never, ever called her by her first name. Were they going to tell her they couldn't be friends with her? Did someone get hurt? Him calling her Iris felt more intimate somehow.

"Sebastian, let me help, I don't know what's going on but I am here for you". She reached up and grabbed Ominis' hand, "for both of you", she said.

He smiled more genuinely this time. He sat back and faced her and so she mirrored his position. Ominis started to walk away, as if he was going to leave. Sebastian looked up, "please don't leave....I know it's shitty, but I need you to know everything that happens so you don't feel left out". Ominis nodded, he still looked somber, but she could tell what he said meant a lot to him. He settled on the farthest arm of the sofa.

"Iris, you are amazing. You are our best friend, you help take care of Anne. You have yet to fail or even struggle in any subject. If you weren't the kindest person we know, I would find you insufferable". Iris tensed. She didn't handle compliments well, and when Amit had started the conversation this way, he broke up with her. She was sensing a rather large "but" coming. She waited for him to continue, but he didn't. His breaths were coming out ragged, his fists clenched. Almost like he was getting ready to have a panic attack.

"Fuck, I am so pathetic. I have no idea how I can do this. Ominis, I think this was the wrong move". His voice sounded defeated and scared. Sebastian was never scared. Her eyes bugged and she felt as if maybe she was going to start panicking too. Whatever this was, it was huge.

Ominis stood, squared his shoulders, and walked over with determination. "Both of you look at me, now". He commanded, he was in control, and they both desperately needed it. "We can do this".

" Iris, breath. We aren't rejecting you, that's always your first thought. We could never. This was my idea, so I guess I might as well explain". He pulled a small stool over to sit in between them on the couch.

"Our dear Sebastian is conflicted. He has been open and honest, however we are at a crossroads. The situation explained in the simplest way, is that he has feelings for you. I believe he owes it to himself, and even me to explore this. This is all dependent on your comfort level though, of course".

Iris had stopped breathing and couldn't believe what she was hearing. This is the last thing she had been expecting. He was in love with Ominis. She had done everything she could to move past her feelings for Sebastian. Part of her, a part she was so ashamed of, was elated. She was logical and so was Ominis, so she felt she owed it to him to listen. She kept her face as collected as possible and masked her emotions bubbling under the surface.

"I don't know what to say....I am very flattered. I am confused though. Ominis, what's your suggestion?".

This time Sebastian spoke, as he looked into her eyes. "That I ask you to let me kiss you, to see how it feels, to see how real these thoughts are". He was visibly holding his breath when he finished.