The Other Side (A Sebastian Stan Fanfiction Story)

This Side - Old Wounds

Charlie's hands trembled as she put the last of the notes she had in her plastic folder. She, Sebastian and their lawyers were traveling to Los Angeles the next day, a day ahead of the court date set for the grand theft lawsuit she'd filed against Rachel and Jasper. A lone tear escapes her eye and she immediately swats it away, willing herself to not feel anything else but determination and confidence that she was doing the right thing for herself for once. She doesn't notice Sebastian come inside until the bed dips slightly as he takes a seat beside her.

"Where's your head at right now?" Sebastian asks softly as he takes her hand, his thumb stroking her palm.

Charlie sighs deeply, pushing the folder to the other side of the bed to be able to scoot closer to Sebastian. "Imagining the day this will all be over. I'm scared, Seb. I haven't seen both of them in a year. What if Kevin also shows up?" She rests her head on his shoulder.

"Then he's there. It doesn't matter because I'm there, okay? Anytime you feel scared or anything, just look at me," he replies confidently. "I got you, alright?"

"You promise?" She looks up at him. Sebastian nods and kisses her forehead.

***

"I kind of feel bad I have to take time off from Toro so soon," Charlie says to Sebastian. They were currently in a town car that was to take them to the airport for their flight to LA.

Sebastian gently squeezes her hand. "Don't be. Remember it was Will who insisted you push through with the suit right?"

"Yeah I know, it's just..."

"Hey, listen to me."

Charlie met Sebastian's gaze. He could see the fear and insecurity in her eyes and it still makes him mad sometimes that the people she previously trusted the most did this to her. It was all the more reason that she needed to do this to get past the hump once and for all. He was hoping that seeing them get what they deserve for what they've done to her would help her gain more of her old self back.

"I don't want you to worry about everything else, okay? I know deep down, you know you have to do this. I can see it in your eyes, sweetheart. Don't fight it. What you need to fight for is your hardwork that they stole from you. I realize it's easier said and done, but I'm going to help you fight, if it's the last thing I do."

Sebastian could feel Charlie's body tense up beside him as soon as they got out of the plane. She gripped his hand tightly and hung her head low as much as possible until they were in another car that took them to their hotel. He decided not to say anything about it to her until they've situated themselves. As soon as they got inside their ride, he enveloped her in his arms until he felt her relax into his embrace.

"Thanks man," Sebastian said to the bell boy as he handed him a generous tip. He knew Will had made the arrangements for their stay to be as quiet as possible, but he still felt the need to ensure he did whatever he could so that word wouldn't get out that he was in LA. He'd sold his house there quite a number of years back because of what happened with his last relationship and the last thing he and Charlie needed were the media hounding him. As far as work related stuff is concerned, he didn't need his own place, he had friends that would let him stay for days at a time instead.

He closed the door behind him and followed Charlie inside the huge suite. They'd be staying for two weeks, just in case the court needs them for other days apart from the scheduled one tomorrow. He found Charlie out in the balcony, staring far out into the distance. He followed her there and put his hands on her shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. She reaches out for his hand and grazes her lips over his knuckles.