The Other Side (A Sebastian Stan Fanfiction Story)

That Side - Not Alone

"Sweetheart, talk to me."

Sebastian engulfed Charlie's hand in his as they walked to the back parking lot where his car was parked. "Let me know what's going on in that beautiful head of yours."

"Can we get inside?" Charlie asked, her voice small. Despite Sebastian's car being the only one left, he could tell she was wary about being accidentally overheard. He could tell that she was in the early stages of an anxiety attack and so he opened the door for her and he quickly made his way to the driver's side to get inside as well.

"Seb, I don't know what to do," Charlie spoke, her voice trembling as she did so. "Why can't I just work at Toro's, find a new apartment and be your girlfriend? I just want a normal life fitting for a 30 something in New York. Rachel, Jasper and Kevin are part of my past...why can't they just stay there and not bother me anymore?!"

"Oh sweetheart," Sebastian cooed and reached out to envelope her in a hug. His heart broke for her. Here she was, finally getting her second chance and then the skeletons of her past decided to come back and threaten to break her again. She had just fixed herself up, sewed herself back together again but it seemed like life wanted to tear her apart once more.

He let her cry in his arms for a few minutes. At first she was holding the waterworks off, but when he started stroking her back she just about lost it.

"You ok?" he asked when her sobs settled down to the occasional hiccup and sniffle. Charlie pulls away slowly from his grasp and nods feebly.

"Can I...can I stay with you for a few days? I don't want to be alone," Charlie asked, her hoarse voice sounding unsure. Sebastian nodded and planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Absolutely."

The pair dropped by Tom's place so that Charlie can get a few things like clothes and toiletries. Tom wasn't due to be back until after two days and so she had to leave a message to Margaret to pass on to him just in case she forgot to send him a text or give him a call.

"I'm so sorry to hear about what happened, darling. I'll be sure to advise Tom in a bit. And Sebastian?" Margaret switched her stern gaze to the brunette seated by the piano.

"Yes ma'am?" Sebastian stood, his back ramrod straight as he looked at the elder woman.

"You take care of our dear Charlotte here, alright?"

He nodded and saluted to her, causing Charlie to giggle a little. They were out of the house within the next ten minutes after a few more words of goodbye.

About half an hour later, Sebastian and Charlie were laying on the bed, his arms pulling her close as she rested her head over his chest. They both sighed as they relished in the comfort of being with each other.

"I'm sorry about what happened today, Charlie," Sebastian broke the silence and kissed her on the forehead.

"Why are you the one apologizing?"

"I don't know...I just feel like you don't deserve this shit happening to you again and I feel so goddamn helpless just watching it unfold."

"You are helping me, Sebastian. Don't even for a split second think you're not doing anything at all," Charlie responded, her voice just above a whisper but Sebastian could hear the determination in her. "This...you holding me, this is already more than the help I need. I'm almost sure Will won't stop until I file a lawsuit against my former partners and if I do, I need you there with me every step of the way."

"Well," Sebastian moved to take Charlie's other hand to rest over his chest as well. "For one thing, you're right, I am going to be there for you whenever you need me. This time, you're not gonna be alone to deal with all of this."