Forever

Chapter 4: Explanations, Part 1

(*Warning: Swear words!! That's about it, enjoy!)

As the panel came to an end, your anxiety began to eat away at you, making you fidgety and afraid to return to your dressing room, but you knew you had to confront Sebastian before you could let this whole situation go, finally. As everyone exited the stage, Anthony grabs your hand and pulls you from the stairwell into the adjacent hallway.

"What's up, Mackie?"

"I saw you talking to Sebastian earlier – what happened?"

You remember that Chris had told you he and Anthony both thought it was better for you if you just didn't speak to Sebastian during the press tour, so of course Anthony was concerned when he saw you ignoring his advice.

"Don't worry about it, Mack. This whole thing is going to resolve itself today – it's the only way for me to move on, you know? I need an explanation; I hate not being able to understand what I did to make someone leave me like he did."

Anthony sighs as he nods in understanding.

"It makes sense – just know, I don't think any of this was your fault. You didn't intentionally do something to Sebastian, but I guess he'll do better at explaining it than me. Good luck, (Y/N)."

As he leaves you in the hall, you think over what he just said and realize, did Anthony already know why Sebastian was treating me like this, or did Sebastian tell him before telling me?

You walk out to the stairwell, making your way back to your room slowly, hoping Sebastian wasn't already there so you could calm down and think about what you wanted to say. You reach your door and as you notice the light is on, you start feeling anxious all over again. But, when you open the door, you realize Chad had stopped by to leave you some roses and a note before going to his next interview. You close the door behind you, and head to the mirror to make sure you don't look like an anxious mess. You grab Chad's card off the table next to you, smiling as you read it –

Hey girl,

How's your morning going? My interview finished earlier than expected, so I decided I'd spruce up your room with some fresh décor before going to my next one – I hope you like them, they're kind of a relationship cliché, but what can I say? I know clichés make you laugh! I know you're killing it in your panels, so have fun and I'll see you later tonight – love you.

xx, Chad

As you close the card and slip into your purse on the couch, you hear a knock on the door.

"Yes?"

"It's your father, young lady!"

You laugh to yourself as you open the door to see Tony Stark – oops, RDJ – leaning against the wall across from your dressing room. He peers over his glasses, narrowing his eyes as he moves his index finger from side to side, letting you know he's upset you didn't move faster. He strolls into the room, sits on your couch, legs extended onto the seat next to him. You shut the door, and roll your eyes as you lean against the vanity across from RDJ.

"What's up, Dad?"

"Nothing kiddo, what's up with you? I've been hearing some gossip lately, and I just had to come to the source," Downey pulls his glasses down some more to look at you, and you can't help but laugh at how hard he's trying to be the 'cool' dad. "So, spill the details before I force 'em out of you."

You sigh, crossing your arms across your chest, staring as you shifted your feet on the floor.

"I haven't got all day, (Y/L/N). and I doubt you have all the time in the world right now, either. So let it out,"

"Okay, okay. Well, you're right, I don't have much time because Sebastian is supposed to be here any minute to explain himself."

"Explain himself? For not talking or wanting to see you for the past 5 months? Are you sure that's why he's coming over here?"

"Wait, what? Why else would he want to talk to me? He hasn't for 5 months and as soon as press tour starts, we're suddenly all buddy buddy again. I don't deserve to be treated like this, at all."

"Damn right you don't. But, I just wanted to give you some fatherly advice – your favorite kind! Hey, don't roll your eyes at me, I'm being serious here, (Y/N),"

RDJ lifts your chin up as you grip the edge of the vanity, your knuckles turning white. You sigh as you look up at him, awaiting his advice.

"I know the kid's your best friend – or was, I don't know – and I know it's some sacred rule amongst youngsters that friends come before anyone you're in a relationship with, but just remember this if and when he asks you to let him back into your life – don't forget who was there when he broke your heart and hurt you every day he didn't speak to you. Those are the people who would do it all over again if it meant you'd learn to see who truly wants to be a part of your life."

Downey pulls you into an embrace, kissing the top of your head as he pulls away, like he always did with you and Tom, his "children". As he lets go, a knock sounds twice on your door. Downey flashes you a quick, small smile before turning to open the door slightly.

"Oh, Mr. Stan, what a surprise seeing you here. I was just on my way out so if you'll excuse me – see you later, (Y/L/N), and don't forget what I said! I won't forgive you if you don't bring my favorite candy to the next interview!"

Downey steps out, and Sebastian pokes his head through the open space, his eyes meeting yours before you turn away to sit down on the couch. He walks in, closing the door behind him. You watch as he tucks his hair behind both ears, left hand tucked inside his pants pocket. He leans on the wall next to the door, staring down at his shoes. You pull off your heels, tossing them under the vanity across from you, startling Sebastian. He looks over at you, his sad eyes betraying the cold exterior he was putting on for show.

"Just say it, (Y/N)."

"Say what, exactly?"

"How much you despise me? That I'm a terrible person? Or how about how much everyone else hates me because of what I put you through these last few months?"

"Sebastian, I don't hate you, and everyone else certainly does not hate you, mostly because not everyone knows what's happened between us."

Sebastian looks at you in shock, his hand running through his hair as he tries to calm himself. You stare at him, annoyed.

"What, were you expecting me to run off and talk shit about you after you stopped talking to me? We're not in high school, for fuck's sake."

"Well, what was I supposed to expect? You're so trusting of everyone, I just expected you would've mentioned it accidentally to everyone at some point. Who exactly does know, then?"

"Chad, Chris, Anthony, Paul, RDJ, and I think Tom might know too."

"Well, fuck. You've got an army with you, (Y/N). Do I at least get a chance to explain myself before you let them loose on me?"

"They're not animals, Sebastian. And yes, you do. I won't interrupt you, so please, take your time in explaining why you abandoned your supposed best friend."

You gesture to the open armchair next to the couch, inviting Sebastian to sit down and relax. He shuffles over and sits down, head in his hands. He tucks his hair behind his ears as he looks up at you. Biting his lip, he looks down at his shoes as he says,

"If I'm remembering correctly, it all started the day you told me about you and Chad..."