Black Butler: The Stellar Dove

16.3

  "You act if I'm going to hurt you," he said with a joking tone, though his face said otherwise.

"It's a reasonable concern to have, isn't it?" I asked softly.

His amusement was faded completely. "No, I believe I didn't clarify that. I would never harm you."

A silence came between us, but it was quickly broken by my curiosity.

"What is it that you said you wanted to tell me that night before... he came?"

"Estella," Sebastian began with a sigh. "I denied this at first because I thought it would be impossible for one of my kind. Then, when I finally came to terms with my emotions, and my master gave me permission to express them, I couldn't say it. But now I'm afraid that if I don't speak this, it's going to tear me apart from the inside." He turned his head up to me, his bright red eyes sparkling. "But, before I speak it, I must know... Is there any fiber of your being that still trusts me?"

I looked down, cringing. Trusting a demon? It was obviously the most foolish thing anyone could ever agree to. But then again I thought... "You haven't changed." The words surprised him at first, as they did me that I spoke them aloud. "That night you carried me home, when you took care of me, when seeing your smile would cause my heart to race... you're the same as you are now. And I don't know why I didn't come to that conclusion sooner." I watched before me as the two images of him slowly harmonized into a less mysterious person, and someone who I became at ease with once again. "So, yes," I finally spoke, smiling. "I believe there is, as there always has been."

"Estella," He suddenly, softly took my hands into his. "I love you."

My eyes widened, my mouth hanging slightly open in shock. "I... I love you, too." I had to look down to collect my thoughts, still smiling like a fool. "But I don't understand! I thought... I thought you..."

"I apologize for all this," he smiled back, putting an arm around my waist. "I'm afraid I'm just as baffled as you are. I'm not supposed to feel this way, and I never have before, but, yet... it's wonderful."

Suddenly, I was pulled into him and Sebastian's lips met my own. For a moment, I was too dazed to react, but I soon wrapped my arms around his shoulder and pulled him closer to me. I was kissing him back.

"Sebastian..." I nearly gasped when he finally pulled away. Breaking down, I hugged him tightly. "I'm so sorry for the way I... I ran. I was a coward. Can you forgive me?"

"You do not have to ask for my forgiveness," he replied. "When I'm the one who foolishly tried to hide it from you in fear of you hating me."

"I never hated you—not for a single moment. I hated that you scared me, but... that's all over now."

Sebastian's hold on me loosened as he gazed up at the stars. "The raven and the dove—such an unfortunate pair, with a twisted fate awaiting them."

"Who says we cannot defy fate?" I smirked a bit.

He chuckled, pulling me in for another kiss. "I'm not one to disagree."

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