Archive of Our Own

Writer's block. The most loathsome enemy that was always around during this time of the year, was back to taunt Sebastian.

He stared at the blank paper sitting on the typewriter in front of him, letting out a sigh of frustration. The cold rainy seasons were always so dull that they threatened to take away all the creativity from him. Sebastian hadn’t had a good idea for weeks. He glanced over the countless books in the shelves of his study, finding no appeal in taking inspiration from any of them. His own previous unpublished books served nothing more than a reminder of what he couldn’t do.

Perhaps he needed a change of scenery. London might not have been the best place for a writer who seeks constant inspiration in the sunlight to live. However, Sebastian had settled in enough. There was a love & hate relationship with the city. Mostly hatred coming from the English people since he was German. Sebastian didn't blame them. He didn't want anything to do with the great war, not having served himself. Nevertheless, in return, Sebastian had become a recluse. He didn't have friends or anyone close in particular in the country. It was better to be alone when the sparkling fire of hatred still burned bright. Maybe in some years it will change. Sebastian hoped so, at least.

Change of scenery . Sebastian liked his home and was very fond of every inch of it. However, he was not finding inspiration in it at the moment. It was typically cold that day and rain was present outside, yet it did not stop Sebastian from deciding to take a stroll in the city. The rain could be useful sometimes, especially to clear a troubled mind.

He didn't bother to take an umbrella with him, the light rain wasn't an issue anymore. Sebastian was used to the tiny cold drops that reached his body. He never got used to how easily he can lose himself in space and time, though. Sebastian sometimes walked for hours straight without realising, having to find a cab back home when he noticed just how far he had wandered. That day it was no different.

Sebastian found himself walking through empty dark streets in a neighbourhood he didn't quite recognize. It wasn't the safest route he had taken, yet he didn't bring anything important that a petty thief could pickpocket. The rain had stopped by then, leaving only the petrichor behind and the soaked streets. 

Perhaps the lack of creativity caused by the grey weather could be a fountain of inspiration itself.

Sebastian's train of thoughts were distracted when he heard a commotion nearby. He was aware he should leave it be, but his curiosity was one of his greatest flaws. Besides, it sounded like someone might need help. Sebastian made his way to the alley the noises were coming from and was shocked at the sight of two teenagers taunting a man.

"Pretty boy, what are you even doing here?" One of the teens said,"we don't need more of your kind."

Sebastian frowned, watching the scene for a moment as he tried to understand what was happening.

"Yeah, Frenchie. A bloody degenerate like you should be working down at Pete's cabaret," the other one laughed mockingly.

Sebastian had heard enough to know who was the one needing help in that situation.

"Hey! Piss off!" Sebastian intervened, earning the attention of the boys and the man to him as he made himself known. "Damn kids, isn't it past your bedtime?"

"Oh, look. It's the fucking jerry," one of the teens said with disgust. "No surprise the weirdo is a degenerate too."

The other boy laughed. "How did you even get into the country?"

Sebastian already lived in England for years before the war even came but he didn't need to explain himself. Instead, he grabbed a couple of rocks nearby and started throwing at the pestering kids. It wasn't anything heavy or violent, just to scare the kids into running away. Thankfully, it worked. They cursed and threw meaningless threats towards Sebastian on their way, but it was nothing more than empty words.

The man who had been the target of the teens was still silent. He looked at Sebastian reclusively, as if assessing if Sebastian was also a threat. Sebastian moved closer to him, wanting to see if he was hurt, but the man backed away against the wall of the alley instinctively.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you." Sebastian said as he backed off, "I just want to know if you're hurt."

"...I'm okay."

Sebastian smiled, "good. I'll leave you be then."

He was about to turn around when the man suddenly spoke again.

"Thank you!"

The man didn't seem that scared or defensive anymore. Sebastian took the time to observe him briefly, noticing his ragged clothes and the bruises on his face and arms. Life hasn't been easy for that guy.

"Anytime. Why were they picking on you, though?"

The man shifted uncomfortably.

"Ugh, how can I say… I'm not very liked around here."

Sebastian frowned, "and why is that?"

"Well, mainly because of my accent. But also because uhm… A lot of people say I'm too 'pretty' to be a real man."

Sebastian could relate to the first part. The second was just this society's typical stupidity on masculinity and everything to do with it. He even wrote about it once, never published, of course. Sebastian didn't want to be even more disliked.

"Your accent?"

"Yeah, since I speak French they assume I'm French. They don't like the French here. I'm Monegasque, though."

Sebastian chuckled in sympathy.

"I'm German so I know the feeling. Not very welcome here either."

The man finally smiled, laughed even. It was an odd thing to relate to, but times were dark.

"I'm Sebastian, by the way."

"I'm Charles. And uhm, thanks again."

Sebastian smiled to himself. Charles was a good name. The man who it belonged to seemed perfect for it. He had dark brown hair, a milky skin and hazel eyes. Indeed very good looking. In fact, his face looked very familiar to him somehow. Yet Sebastian was sure he never met him before.

It was only when the cold breeze hit that made them shiver that Sebastian came back to the present.

"Where do you live, Charles?"

Charles chuckled and shrugged. "Where do you think?"

It was what Sebastian feared. How can someone so young have their life’s progress taken away from their hands? The unfairness of the world shouldn't amaze Sebastian after all he had seen, but it did.

"It's too cold to be outside," Sebastian said, the tone of his voice sad and sympathising.

“I can't really do anything about it. I mean, I do when I can but…" Charles shrugged again.

Sebastian wondered what kind of jobs and 'favours' Charles has done to be able to get by in the streets. His heart clenched from the thought alone. Maybe that's one of the reasons the kids were calling him a degenerate.

"Charles, would you like to come to my house with me?"

His gasp of surprise only made Sebastian want to help even more.

~

Sebastian found a cab once Charles agreed to his offer and took him home. He hadn't planned anything through, he just wanted Charles off the cold streets at least for the night. They were silent during the entirety of the ride, no one daring to talk. It was only when Sebastian guided Charles to his house that he decided to talk again.

“Make yourself comfortable. I’ll try finding a change of clothes for you.”

Charles nodded nervously, standing awkwardly by the entrance. Naturally, Sebastian noticed the odd behaviour.

“You can come in, Charles. Like I said, make yourself comfortable.”

“Uhm, where… W-Where is it that you want to do? And… What do you want me to do exactly?”

Sebastian blinked a few times, staring at the shivering man in confusion until it finally clicked. Charles must have thought that he brought him home for secondary reasons.

“Mein Gott, Charles! I don’t want– That’s not why–”

He needed a moment to take a deep breath. Charles shifted uncomfortably, surprised and confused.

“Charles. I did not bring you with me to do that sort of thing. It was very cold outside, I simply do not want you sleeping in the rain.”

Charles widened his eyes in disbelief.

“O-Oh, I thought…”

“Why would you have said yes if you thought those were my intentions? You shouldn’t do that with anyone you don’t love or–”

He cut himself off. Sebastian didn’t mean to scold, but he hated the thought of Charles giving himself to a stranger like that.

“It’s cold and I don’t want to stay outside! I didn’t know what else to do, I thought at least that way I would be…”

As Charles defended himself, Sebastian’s heart pained in his chest. The fact that he needed to resort to that just to get out of the cold.

“I’m… I’m sorry, Charles.” Sebastian honestly said, “I can assure you that is not why I brought you here, okay? Nor for any other reason. I just want to help.”

Charles stared at him in awe, as if assessing if what he was hearing was the truth. It seemed too good to be true and Sebastian didn’t blame him.

“...Anyway, I’ll get you some clothes and you can wash yourself in the bathroom if you want.”

Sebastian then gave Charles a quick tour of his home, briefly explaining where everything was. When Sebastian brought Charles some spare clothes, the brunet still seemed hesitant about something.

“But why?” Charles asked thoughtfully.

Sebastian looked at him, his turn to be confused. “Why what?”

“Why did you decide to invite a random stranger to your home if not for that?! That’s dangerous! What if I were to rob you or something?!”

It seemed only fitting that it was Sebastian’s turn to be scolded by his erratic and thoughtless behaviour. He couldn’t help laughing.

“Fair enough, you’re right. I suppose I was also reckless.” He answered with a smile, “but you’re not a ‘random stranger’. You’re Charles.”

Charles smiled at that. He giggled happily as he accepted the change of clothes Sebastian had brought him.

“Go wash up,” Sebastian said, “I’ll find you a place to sleep.”

~

It was supposed to have been just one night of giving his guest room. However, Sebastian couldn’t find it in him to tell Charles to leave. That boy was a blessing. He was nice and polite and didn’t mind talking to Sebastian all day long. Moreover, ever since Charles arrived, Sebastian was back to writing vividly, the ideas flowing through his fingertips into the typewriter freely. Charles had even started helping with the house chores, cleaning the rooms and doing the dishes even though Sebastian never asked him any of that in return for his stay. Regardless, Charles clearly felt guilty being there without giving anything in return. Therefore, he tried his best doing anything that would please or help Sebastian. Even cooking and making tea. Charles was terrible at it, but Sebastian didn’t mind. The taste of his good intentions were enough to override his bad cooking.

Sebastian was lost in his writing when Charles served him tea that day. He thanked the brunet and sipped on the watery liquid. It tasted awful.

“Is it good?” Charles asked hopefully.

“Mhm, yes. Thank you.” Sebastian smiled, hiding the cringe caused by the taste, “it helps me write.”

Charles smiled happily, proud of himself for helping. Sebastian couldn’t help feeling fuzzy at the sight of Charles’ joy.

“What are you writing about?”

Sebastian was caught off guard by the question. They never talked about his activities before. In fact, Charles rarely ever asked anything about Sebastian, same the other way around. Talking about oneself can be difficult when they are often mistreated for little reason. There was a mutual understanding there, both having a troubled past. However, Charles was also someone curious by nature, Sebastian came to realise. Thus, he couldn’t help prying into Sebastian’s writing.

“Oh, I’m not sure,” Sebastian answered truthfully, observing how Charles tried looking at the papers on his desk. “I haven’t decided a purpose for this one yet.”

Charles hummed, looking around the study curiously.

“So, are you a writer?”

“Of sorts,” Sebastian chuckled, “I try to be.”

Charles started fiddling with the books on the shelves and Sebastian couldn’t draw his eyes away from him. He looked so pure observing the pages. Sebastian briefly wondered if he knew how to read.

“What do you usually write about?”

“Sometimes stories, other times about things I like,” Sebastian explained, “mostly about the world and the society we live in.”

“Sounds complicated,” Charles chuckled, “are your works successful?”

“Oh, I haven’t really published much.”

Charles looked at him in confusion. “Why not?”

“Like you said, what I write is a bit complicated,” Sebastian scratched the back of his neck uncomfortably, “people aren’t ready for this sort of thing yet. In fact, I left Germany because I published something I shouldn’t have.”

Charles’ curiosity peaked. He moved towards Sebastian on the desk again, sitting on the edge as he paid careful attention to what he was saying. Sebastian didn’t have much of a choice but to continue further.

“You see, I criticise a lot of concepts and not everyone is open-minded.”

“What could you possibly have written about that people hated so much that it made you leave and never publish again?”

Sebastian sighed.

“I wrote about people who experience same-sex attraction,” he finally confessed, “and defended them.”

Charles widened his eyes in surprise. “Oh.”

Sebastian didn’t want to continue talking about the subject so he changed immediately.

“Do you know how to read and write?”

“Oh, yeah I do. In French I find it easier, though.”

Sebastian frowned curiously, “really? Where did you learn?”

It was Charles’ turn to become dismissive of the subject.

“It’s a long story, and boring.”

He was hiding something, but Sebastian couldn’t possibly blame him for that. If he wasn’t ready to talk about something, then Sebastian could wait.

There was a moment of silence between them, both men looking at each other with no words to say for what felt like an eternity to Sebastian but must have been only a couple of seconds.

“Seb, I–” Charles broke the silence, “oh, can I call you ‘Seb’?”

Sebastian nodded with a smile.

“Okay, so. Seb. I know that it might be overbearing to have someone else around for nothing, so I want to tell you that I understand if you want me to go,” Charles trailed off, his accent becoming heavier on his tongue. “I’m already very grateful for what you did for me and I don’t know how to repay you. S-So, if you want me to go you can just say so. You don’t have to worry about me or–”

“Wait, wait. Slow down, Charles,” Sebastian interrupted as he got up and moved closer to the younger man. “What are you talking about?”

Charles also stood straight, leaning away from the desk he was using as support.

“I’m just saying, you offered me a place to stay for a while. I think it’s time I should go?”

Sebastian internally panicked and he didn’t even know why.

“Go where?”

Charles averted his gaze, “I-I don’t know. Go back. It’s not even that cold outside anymore, I think…”

“Nonsense!”

Sebastian’s own firm voice surprised him, needless to say it also startled Charles.

“You… you don’t want me to go?”

What did I get myself into?

Of course he didn’t want Charles to go. Sebastian was back to writing because of him and he didn’t feel lonely anymore. He was probably the only person who didn’t despise him for being German.

“No, I don’t want you to go.”

Charles’ expression changed completely in a matter of a millisecond. He beamed happily as he looked at Sebastian expectantly.

“Really?! You do know I don’t have any money to pay you, right? But I’ll help around as much as I can! I can cook for you every day! Oh, I’ll clean the house too and anything else you want!”

Sebastian couldn’t help chuckling fondly. “Suit yourself.”

Charles suddenly hugged Sebastian and the older man’s mind simply short-circuited. Only then he realised how long it had been since he last received a hug. He answered the embrace, enjoying how Charles tightened it briefly.

Sebastian’s intuition was screaming that this was the start of something wonderful.

~

The garage was a sacred place to Sebastian. He loved to spend time there simply admiring the beauty of his motorcar, sometimes polishing or just fiddling with it, studying every part. Maybe it was an obsession, but Sebastian couldn’t put to words how much he loved his automobile. Charles hadn’t been there before, so Sebastian decided to show him his precious love.

“Look at her. Isn’t she beautiful?” Sebastian asked with fondness as he showed his Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost to Charles. A common type but his baby nonetheless.

Charles’ eyes were almost as bright as Sebastian’s as he studied the motorcar. He observed every inch of it with a smile.

“Do you know how to drive?” Sebastian curiously asked.

Charles shook his head, slightly embarrassed at the fact. “I wish.”

“I could teach you,” Sebastian said, thoughtlessly. 

“Really?” Charles smiled, “isn’t it too difficult?”

Sebastian chuckled, “it’s not difficult at all once you get the hang of it. Quite the contrary, it’s one of the best things in the world.”

“You really enjoy it, don’t you?” Charles commented, observing how happy Sebastian was just from talking about it.

“Absolutely. Back in Germany, before I left, I wanted to get into motor racing,” Sebastian confessed brightly, “a stupid dream, but maybe someday I still get the chance. When things are better.”

“It’s not stupid at all,” Charles honestly said, “sounds exciting, if not dangerous. These things go a bit too fast.”

“Not fast enough,” Sebastian laughed. “Although, there are some cars being manufactured overseas that go up to 190 kilometres per hour! Can you believe it?”

“I’ve no idea how fast that is but it sounds very fast.”

“Not fast enough,” Sebastian grinned as he repeated.

Charles couldn’t help giggling at his obsession with speed. Sebastian never talked about it with anyone else. He was glad that Charles happily listened to him and even seemed very interested in the subject himself.

“Come on, let me show you.”

Sebastian hadn’t planned spending his afternoon driving around the city with Charles, but that became quite the wonderful activity. Charles was so excited that he kept asking questions about every part of the car and their purposes, and Sebastian gladly explained everything to him. He even allowed Charles to mess with the steering wheel and stick shift once they were stopped, letting the younger man have an idea of how it felt. Sebastian hadn’t accounted for how closer their bodies would get, nor the fact that their hands occasionally brushed against each other. He could feel the softness of Charles’ skin and the irradiating warmth of his body that seemed so inviting.

Sebastian didn’t want to think about why every touch made his heart beat so fast.

~

The driving lessons Sebastian started giving Charles was a nice change. Charles was talented or simply very interested in learning about motorcars because he was a fast learner. Sebastian would take him to remote roads where he knew no one frequented and patiently teach Charles how to conduct the automobile.

However, it wasn’t always that Charles paid good attention to his surroundings as he was a bit of an airhead sometimes. That day had been one of those. They were in a distant road, by the extense grassed fields that lead further away from the city. It was one of the safest places to practise without an audience. Sebastian tried to warn Charles to go slower as the Monegasque was too focused on the shifting to pay attention to the direction he was driving. 

Yet it did not stop Charles from almost running into scattered debris by the side of the road on the path of dirt.

“Whoa. Are you okay?” Sebastian asked as he noticed the shock on Charles’ face when he suddenly stopped the motorcar in panic. It was a close call with the nearby tree as well.

“Y-Yeah, I’m… I’m sorry.”

Sebastian realised how Charles was staring at the side of the automobile in fear. That’s when he noticed how dirty the vehicle had become. Moreover, how it had been scratched. Sebastian jumped out of the car and quickly went to look at the damage. Charles followed sheepishly, face going red as he observed Sebastian’s mild panic. He had just hurt his precious motorcar and got it all dirty.

“I’m-I’m really sorry, Seb.” Charles said, “I didn’t mean to– Ugh, it was really stupid of me. I know how much she means to you, I–”

Sebastian sighed as he observed the scratch, then he turned to face the panicky brunet who looked so scared and disappointed in himself.

“It’s just a scratch. Doesn’t make her any less perfect,” Sebastian smiled before softly petting Charles’ hair to comfort him and let him know that he wasn’t mad at him. “And it happens, you’re still learning. Don’t put yourself down because of it.”

Charles’ eyes seemed to water in relief for a moment, and Sebastian wasn’t sure if it was because of the words of comfort or the petting.

“I promise I’ll clean it and try to take better care,” Charles stated as he pulled Sebastian into another surprise hug filled with emotions that he could not describe.

Sebastian was once again caught off guard, but it was a pleasant surprise. He answered the embrace, continuing to caress Charles’ soft brown hair.

“I’m just glad you’re okay,” he said.

Thankfully, when they parted from the hug, Charles was back to smiling again. Compared to Charles’ bright smile and giggles, it didn’t matter if his motorcar exploded, his happiness was far more precious.

As Sebastian was distracted in his thoughts, he barely noticed Charles taking something from the ground next to the tree. It was only when Charles returned to him with a flower in his hand that he came back to the moment.

“Here. An apology,” Charles said, offering the flower to the older man. “I know it’s not enough but it’s something.”

Sebastian stared at the flower in awe. That was so idiotically sweet that he didn’t know how to react. He took the yellow flower in his hand and observed it for a second. Sebastian didn’t know much about flowers, but it looked very beautiful and peaceful. He smiled to himself before guiding the flower back to Charles who wasn’t expecting it. The older man placed the flower behind the brunet’s ear, creating a portrait that belonged to heaven.

“It is enough,” Sebastian affirmed as he fondly stared at the image. Charles managed to look even sweeter with a flower on him.

Charles blushed and averted his gaze before giggling nervously.

“If you say so.”

~

It was a rainy dark night like any other, thunder breaking in the distance that seemed to shake the entire city. Sebastian was fast asleep with the sounds of the droplets falling on the roof above his bedroom, dreaming about cars and open roads. He wasn’t certain at what point in the night he heard the door opening and anxious footsteps approaching his bed.

“Charles?” Sebastian grunted sleepily, turning on the bedside lamp to take a proper look at the brunet. His eyes adjusted slowly, revealing Charles’ concerned expressions. “What’s wrong?”

“I-I can’t sleep,” Charles sheepishly confessed with a soft broken voice. “A-And I needed to see if you’re okay.”

“Did you have a nightmare?”

Charles nodded slowly, looking away.

Sebastian sighed but didn’t hesitate in making space for the younger man in his bed. He wasn’t certain if that was what Charles wanted from him, but that was the best he could offer at the moment. His brain was still clouded with sleep after being woken up so suddenly.

Charles climbed on the bed and Sebastian helped tuck him in.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Charles gulped, avoiding eye contact entirely. They were both facing each other on the bed. It was a considerably large mattress, so they had enough space to be comfortable.

“It’s stupid…”

Sebastian shook his head, “it’s not stupid if it got you like this.”

Charles took a deep breath before finally starting to explain, “a lot happened in it, actually. T-Then you kind of got hurt and it felt so real, I was really scared that it could be real.”

“Don’t worry, Charles,” Sebastian comforted as he caressed his soft hair, “it was just a dream. Nothing will happen to me or you, okay?”

Charles nodded, biting his lower lip thoughtfully. “Can we leave the lamp on?”

“Of course. Anything else?”

“Hold me?”

Sebastian couldn’t possibly deny Charles’ request. He moved closer to the younger man on the bed and allowed Charles to quickly hug him, burying his face on the crook of his neck. Sebastian wrapped his arms around him, holding the brunet closely and safely in his warmth.

It wasn’t long until Charles calmly drifted into slumber again, finally giving Sebastian the relief to fall asleep as well.

~

Sebastian couldn’t remember the last time that he slept so soundly. The rain was light outside and the cold diminished through the night. The warmth of the blankets combined with Charles’ body was enough to make Sebastian feel oddly cosy. They were still tangled together, but Charles was already awake, unwilling to move away from Sebastian’s own comfortable warmth. Sebastian turned to look at him and was greeted with a warm sleepy morning smile. 

“Good morning, Charles,” Sebastian softly spoke, “did you manage to sleep well?”

Charles nodded positively, “I did. Thank you, Seb. I’ve never slept so well in my life.” He finished with a chuckle.

Sebastian couldn’t help joining his happy smile, “I’m glad you did.”

Without a single thought, Sebastian considered making this a thing. It seemed to be mutually beneficial, after all. Charles slept better with Sebastian and so was the other way around. They shouldn’t need to sleep alone in separate rooms, their lives had been lonely enough.

That’s when he started to realise how much his life and humour had changed ever since he brought Charles home with him. It had been a most delightful coincidence that they would fit so well and become close in little time, as if they had known each other for years.

Not only were they emotionally close, but also physically as Sebastian noticed their proximity on the bed. It wasn’t strange, quite the contrary. He could see clearly the colour of Charles’ eyes, the softness of his skin and even every little mole.

Familiar . His face was oddly familiar. As Sebastian studied his face more by the second, his curiosity started getting the best of him. He could have sworn that he saw Charles’ face before. However, Sebastian was also certain that they had never met.

“What are you thinking about?” Charles softly asked as he realised Sebastian’s pensive frown.

“You.” Sebastian answered truthfully, “I’m thinking about where I saw you before.”

Charles’ eyes widened at that, gulping nervously as he slightly backed away from Sebastian but not enough to leave the embrace. He couldn’t do it even then. He was too soft of a person with so much affection to give and little opportunity to do so in his life. Sebastian could relate completely. The difference is that Sebastian couldn’t understand how such a prince-looking and warm person was left stranded in the streets.

Prince-looking.

That’s when it finally clicked. He saw that face before in the papers.

“Mein Gott, Charles! You are the young prince who went missing in Monaco!”

“N-No!” Charles sat up on the bed in a rush, panicking. “I-I mean yes, I am. But–”

Sebastian couldn’t help sitting up as well, staring at Charles in immense awe. He remembered the story of how one of the sons from the royalty of Monaco went missing or supposedly ran away a few years ago.

“Please don’t tell anyone!” Charles said, “I-I don’t want to go back there and… And I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you.”

Sebastian couldn’t get rid of his surprised face. That was quite the turn of events for his mind to gather.

“Who would I tell?” he finally said, shaking his head in disbelief. “Who would even believe?”

Charles unconsciously started hugging a pillow, looking at the older man with nervous eyes. 

“...So you don’t hate me for that?”

“Of course not, why would I?” Sebastian scoffed, “but why did you run away?”

Charles bit his lower lip, trying to come up with an answer to his behaviour.

“I was scared. I hated it there,” he confessed with a heavy voice that symbolised his heavy heart, “I didn’t really think it through, I just didn’t want to be there anymore. So one night, when I couldn’t stand it anymore, I ran away. It’s too much responsibility, Seb. And you always have to act like everyone wants you to, it feels like a prison! I just wanted to have a normal life…”

Sebastian’s heart became heavy upon hearing those words. He never thought about it that way and it didn’t occur to him that Charles was having such an unhappy luxurious life that he preferred being a nobody in the streets.

He took Charles’ pillow away from his arms before pulling him into a soft hug. Charles absolutely melted into it, taking a deep breath of relief as the truth was finally out.

“You don’t have to hide anything from me, okay? Your secret is safe with me.”

Charles tightened the embrace in reply, and Sebastian could faintly hear him cry into his shoulder.

~

In the next few days, Charles seemed happier than ever. They decided to share the bed every night, causing their sleep to become a hundred times better than before. Charles’ private driving lessons were also proving to be great because he was almost an expert at it already. Sebastian felt like he was in heaven. 

However, Sebastian hadn't taken something into account when he decided to share the bed every night. Charles was young.

Therefore, he shouldn't be that surprised when on a faithful morning he woke up to find his hip pressed against something hard.

Charles was still asleep, hugging Sebastian as usual except with that detail of difference. Sebastian shifted uncomfortably, trying to come up with a solution to the awkward situation.

However, before he could solve the issue, Charles woke up. He sleepily rubbed his eyes before opening them as he slowly regained consciousness. Sebastian cleared his throat nervously when Charles quickly realised his condition. His face went completely red as he gasped looking at Sebastian with wide eyes. He then immediately moved away and turned around on the bed to face the opposite side.

"Ugh. Sorry."

Sebastian's breath was shaky, "it's okay. It happens, you're young."

Charles didn't move, continued staring into the nothingness as if that would make the situation go away. Sebastian hesitantly moved closer to the brunet, trying to take a look at how bad the problem was.

"...Do you want me to help?" 

Charles' face was a deep shade of red when he slowly nodded, still refusing to meet Sebastian's eyes.

Sebastian took a deep breath before softly pulling Charles closer to him on the bed again. He then carefully guided his arm to the front of Charles' body and gripped his hard member through the fabric.

Charles whimpered and twitched, and those reactions went straight to Sebastian's own dick. He freed Charles' erection from his underwear before starting to slowly rub his shaft up and down. Charles unconsciously pressed back against Sebastian, moaning as the hand picked up the pace.

Sebastian held Charles as close as possible as he continued his ministrations, working on Charles' cock with intent. At some point, when Sebastian sped up his movements, Charles became a desperate moaning mess. He reached his hand behind to grab at Sebastian's hair as the other one held onto the sheets. It was with a flick of a wrist that Charles came, arching his back as he made a mess on himself and Sebastian's hand.

Charles' breathing was heavy as he came down from his high, still refusing to look at Sebastian.

"...Sorry for the mess."

He did come a lot.

Sebastian told him to go get himself cleaned up and tried his best not to think about his own unplanned erection.

~

Music was perhaps one of Sebastian’s favourite sources of inspiration. He listened attentively to the sound emitted through the gramophone in the living room, a piece by Chopin. Sebastian couldn’t deny that he had a soft spot for the classics and didn’t keep up with the newest types of rhythm that were appearing.

Charles was sitting on the sofa, next to Sebastian’s armchair. He seemed lost in thoughts, perhaps as much as Sebastian but for different reasons. Sebastian was trying to come up with ideas to implement on his current work of writing as he felt slightly blocked.

“Do you enjoy music?” Sebastian asked curiously, pulling Charles out of his daydream.

Charles shrugged, “I don’t know. This was the sort of music that my family played back in Monaco. I think the memories ruined the experience for me.”

“You should create new memories for these pieces then.”

Charles looked at him perplexed. “How?”

Sebastian smiled to himself as he thought of a way to make Charles enjoy the beauty of classical music.

“Would you care to dance? I’m sure that a prince must know better than anyone.”

Charles blushed slightly, being caught off guard by the question.

“O-Oh, I’ve always shirked those events.”

Sebastian chuckled, shaking his head.

He got up from his armchair and walked towards Charles, extending his hand for the brunet to take it. Charles widened his eyes at the invitation, shivering lightly when he finally accepted the hand.

“I-I really don’t know how to–”

“Relax. Just enjoy yourself, this isn’t a royal ball.”

Charles was trying his best to follow Sebastian’s guidance, but it was difficult since his nervous limbs were quite disastrous. Sebastian grabbed his hip with one hand as the other went to Charles’ hand, noticing how the younger man tensed even more at the action. However, Charles was not someone to back down so easily from uncharted lands. He put his free hand on Sebastian’s shoulder and soon relaxed into the rhythm, allowing the older man to guide them through it.

It was sloppy and definitely not on royalty standards, but they were enjoying the mess of it nonetheless. Charles laughed and Sebastian couldn’t help joining him as the situation was quite unexpected. It was only when Sebastian unconsciously grabbed firmer onto Charles’ hip that the brunet stopped smiling, momentarily freezing in place.

That’s when Sebastian realised how beautiful his lips were. They looked unbearably soft. He could even dare to say that those lips begged for attention.

He cleared his throat nervously as he pulled away from Charles, ending their dancing session before he could do anything stupid.

Sebastian realised then that he was suddenly struck with a train of inspiration.

~

Sebastian was writing in his study when Charles came into the room with a curious look on his face.

"You've got a letter," he presented to him. "Who is Mick?"

Sebastian couldn't help smiling. It was always good to receive news from Mick.

"He's a friend from Germany. Our families were close back there."

Charles hummed dryly, staring at the letter that Sebastian was excited to open. He started reading in his mind, but it didn't matter because Charles was right behind him nosing into it.

As Sebastian finished reading, he was glad to know that his father was doing better even though the situation wasn't perfect. His father used to be his professor back in Germany and became quite the role model for Sebastian back in the days, now he was quite ill.

"You seem very close to him," Charles commented as he presumably also finished reading the letter.

"Yeah, we write to each other frequently. I'm happy to keep up with his life," Sebastian confessed before putting the letter away. "In fact, I was thinking of inviting him to spend some time with us here. I think you would get along with him, he's about your age too."

Charles frowned and there was a look on his face that Sebastian had never seen before. Annoyance?

"It's your house, do as you wish."

Then he walked out.

Sebastian was discombobulated to say the least.

He didn’t understand Charles’ reaction, but wasn’t certain if he should address the issue. However, Sebastian’s instinct was always to inspect the situation and the matters at hand. He followed Charles out of the study and found him slumped on the living room sofa.

Sebastian slowly sat next to him, on the little space he had left by Charles’ feet.

“Charles, is there something wrong?” he asked softly, trying not to sound demanding. “Is it because you wouldn’t like to have Mick here?”

Charles sighed in frustration. Whether he was upset with Seb or himself, the former could not tell.

“I’ve… I’ve just been thinking…” Charles started, refusing to look at Sebastian. He soon gave up and shook his head instead. “It’s nothing. It’s stupid. I don’t understand it either.”

“Understand what?”

Charles grunted in annoyance this time, sitting up on the sofa before getting up completely.

“I told you it’s nothing!”

Again, the Monegasque disappeared. This time Sebastian did not follow, as it was clear to him that Charles wanted to be left alone. Regardless, he couldn’t help feeling lost and confused, and upsetting Charles was probably Sebastian’s least favourite thing on earth.

~

It only went downhill from there.

A couple of days later, when Sebastian had finished writing the letter that he planned on sending back to Mick, Charles was acting even weirder.

Sebastian was resting on his armchair in the living room when Charles appeared with a perplexed expression. He was holding the letter in his hand, and Sebastian didn’t think much of it since he had nothing to hide and never told Charles to keep out of his stuff.

Charles stopped in front of him, looking at the older man with an incredibly troubled gaze. Sebastian’s curiosity peaked, looking at the brunet with slight worry.

"What am I to you?” Charles asked, voice so low that Sebastian wasn’t sure if he heard right at first.

“What? What do you–”

“What am I to you?!”

This time Charles’ voice was firmer, but it faltered at the end.

“What are you talking about?”

“In the letter, when you talk about me to this Mick,” Charles’ tone was a mix of anger and hurt that broke Sebastian’s heart and mind at once, “you just say that I was a lost boy that you rescued from the streets!”

Sebastian got up from his armchair, moving closer to Charles as he tried his hardest to understand what was happening.

“Charles–”

“Is that all that I am to you? A rescued puppy?! Charity work because you feel pity for me?”

He threw the letter on Sebastian, nerves getting the best of him.

“Mein Gott, Charles, I didn’t– That’s not what I meant–”

“Then what am I to you?”

Charles asked again, this time his frown was deeper and his face reddened as his eyes watered.

Sebastian was at a loss for words. What was Charles to him? He had no idea how to answer that. All that he knew was how much his heart was aching with the discussion.

“I… You’re my best friend, Charles. My companion.”

Charles didn’t seem happy with the answer. His lips trembled as his troubled teary eyes tried to make sense of the situation that he had put himself in. Even Charles didn’t understand what was happening anymore.

“I’m leaving,” he finally said with a sniff, “thank you for everything.”

Then Charles was gone.

Sebastian collapsed onto his armchair in astonishment, feeling his heart breaking with an immeasurable amount of pain.

What was Charles to him?

He then realised the obvious answer. Charles was everything to him.

~

It had been an entire day. Sebastian couldn’t stop pacing around his home in agony and concern. He was waiting for Charles to come back but it didn’t seem to be happening. Panic flowed through his every limb at the thought of Charles truly leaving him. It was raining, usually Sebastian would find solace in it, but it only made him worry more with Charles out there somewhere.

Sebastian felt completely responsible for his running away and he wanted to make it up to Charles. However, he couldn’t do it if Charles didn’t give him a chance and that terrified him. Charles had such a positive impact on his life that the thought of him being gone because of his own stupidity only pained him further. The worst part is that he was aware of how Charles was capable of simply running away from town and never returning again– He even ran away from his family in Monaco before.

With no patience left, nerves getting the best of him, Sebastian decided to go search for Charles in the streets even if that meant he needed to check every corner of the country. This time he brought an umbrella with him. Sebastian didn’t usually mind being soaked in rain, even if that would make him catch a cold, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Charles. If he was out there then he must be freezing.

Sebastian searched all the surrounding areas of his home first, and then began moving towards the other districts. It was almost dark, but he refused to stop looking for Charles. Nevertheless, the lack of clues to where he might have gone left Sebastian starting to feel hopeless.

Then he recalled where they first met. Perhaps if Charles was wandering around in the streets, it would be where he was before Sebastian took him in. He didn’t waste any second as he went towards the place that he thought he would never return to. Sebastian tried to recall what exact street he was when he heard the commotion that led him to meeting Charles, and it wasn’t long until he found it. Sebastian had a good memory, thankfully.

There were no words to describe what Sebastian was feeling when he saw someone sitting in the corner of the exact alley where they had met. He wasn’t certain if it was instinct, but he simply knew he had found him before he even approached the brunet.

As expected, Charles was soaked and cold. He was sitting against the wall hugging his own legs, burying his face in his lap. The sight broke Sebastian beyond repair. He quickly brought the umbrella up to protect Charles from the cold drops as he knelt in front of him.

When Charles finally noticed his presence he looked up. His eyes were red and baggy as he clearly had been crying– Sebastian couldn’t tell what was rain or tear on his face.

“S-Seb…” He wiped some of the tears from the corner of his eyes, “I thought you wouldn’t come.”

“Of course that I would,” Sebastian said, “how could I ever let you go like that?”

Charles hugged Sebastian on a whim, and only then the German could tell how cold his body temperature was.

“Let’s go home, Charles.”

He nodded, and Sebastian couldn’t help also giving his own jacket to shield him from the cold.

~

As soon as they arrived home, Sebastian pulled a chair next to the fireplace and guided Charles to sit on it. He dried the brunet the best he could, noticing how his shivering diminished considerably being next to the fire and under his care. Sebastian gave him a blanket to curl into as he dried his hair. He would need to take a bath later but for now this was enough.

“Why did you leave?” Sebastian finally asked, not scolding or imposing. “I was really worried.”

Charles looked at him with apologetic eyes before looking away.

“I’m sorry… I wasn’t thinking.”

Sebastian sighed then knelt to be on eye level with the younger man.

“I’m sorry too. I suppose I haven’t been completely honest with you. I don’t want you to be unhappy here.”

“No, it’s– It’s not you! I’m the one who’s– I’m weird.” Charles trailed off, “I don’t understand why I feel the way that I do. I’ve never felt this way before but it hurts so much. I want to be with you all the time but if you don’t want that then it’s just…”

Sebastian observed him with a fond stare, “you are not weird, Charles. I feel the same way.”

Charles widened his eyes, looking at Sebastian with a confused yet hopeful look.

As the sounds of the rain outside and the crackling fireplace filled the room, Sebastian realised there was no point in lying to himself or Charles anymore. He softly held Charles’ face, caressing his soft and damp skin with a thumb. Charles waited impatiently for Sebastian to break the remaining distance between their faces, soothing and warmly connecting their lips for a loving kiss. Despite the years of writing Sebastian had on his back, he wouldn’t be able to describe the emotion that filled his body upon feeling Charles’ lips against his. His racing heart made him remember how alive he was and how he wished to continue to be so as long as Charles was there with him.

Charles giggled happily when they broke the kiss, face flushing as he finally understood what was happening between them. Redamancy was truly a blessing.

“Come on, I’ll prepare you a bath,” Sebastian softly said, remembering Charles’ dire state. 

Charles nodded and followed Sebastian, also anxious to finally have a change of warm clothes. Sebastian prepared his bath and got him some new clothes then waited patiently for Charles in their room.

When Charles was done, feeling warm and dry, he joined Sebastian in bed. He immediately hugged the older man, nuzzling into him as Sebastian wrapped his arms around him. They stayed like that, cuddling for what felt like an eternity but not enough. Sebastian pressed random kisses to Charles’ skin, wanting to show how much he loved that man and how Charles shouldn’t ever doubt it again.

“Seb, I think I understand now.” Charles softly spoke, caressing Sebastian’s curls, “I-I think I’m in love with you.”

Sebastian couldn’t help immediately pulling the boy in for a kiss, feeling his heart warming beyond human comprehension. He might have a heart attack because of how adorable Charles managed to be.

In the back of his mind, Sebastian remembered how Charles had asked him what he was writing about back when they met. Sebastian didn’t know then, the source of his inspiration being none other than Charles himself. Now he realised he had been writing about love.

He deepened the kiss as Charles’ allowed it, invading his mouth with his tongue and dancing them around in their shared warmth. Sebastian hadn’t realised how desperate he had been for this, all the wait and tension that had been building between them seemed to boil at that very moment.

“I love you so much, Charles,” Sebastian confessed breathlessly when he broke the kiss.

“T-Then show me how much,” he whispered in return.

Sebastian didn’t need to be asked for it twice.

He resumed the kiss and pressed their bodies together as close as they could get. Charles whimpered into the kiss, his own desperation spilling into it. Sebastian trailed his hands all over Charles’ upper body as he deepened the kiss once more, dancing their tongues together and swallowing the small sounds that Charles let escape his lips. He moved from his mouth and began pressing kisses to his face before moving to his ear to lightly suck and lick then doing the same down his neck.

Charles allowed it and started holding onto Sebastian as he let the older man take control of orchestrating this moment. Sebastian proceeded to remove Charles’ shirt and discarded it elsewhere before returning to kiss Charles’ mouth more fiercely. 

He broke the kiss to remove his own shirt and also threw it aside as Charles watched him. Charles shyly trailed his hands over Sebastian’s chest and abdomen, feeling the skin beneath his fingertips. Sebastian let him appreciate it for a bit then leaned down to press kisses down his neck again, this time his mouth travelling further below and reaching his chest. He licked over his left nipple before lightly sucking it, earning a beautiful gasp from Charles. Sebastian brought his fingers to tug on the right bud as he kept teasing the left one with his tongue, swirling around it and sucking to hear how Charles whimpered and began breathing heavily, chest heaving. He proceeded to tease his right nipple with his tongue for a while before backing away and relishing to notice how hard Charles already was.

Their eyes met again and Charles was looking up at him with glossy eyes, cheeks lightly flushing as he felt suddenly shy beneath Sebastian’s intense gaze that treated him like a precious gem. Without breaking eye contact, Sebastian began slowly removing Charles' trousers and underwear, noticing how embarrassed the brunet got for being on full display. He discarded his remaining clothes where their shirts were thrown on the floor and took a good look at how beautiful Charles looked.

Sebastian leaned down to kiss him again, and Charles answered the kiss a bit more desperately this time, everything clearly getting to him just as much. Charles brought his slightly shaky hands to the hem of Sebastian’s pants and tugged on it as he broke the kiss, his eyes telling Sebastian what he wanted. Sebastian proceeded to remove his own pants and underwear since that was what Charles was asking for, revealing his own erection to his curious eyes. Sebastian was also just as hard, and he could see the glimpse of excitement in Charles upon the reveal. 

Charles opened his legs as he bit his lower lip nervously, letting Sebastian settle himself between them. He trailed his hands over the back of Charles’ trembling thighs that was on his each side before going down to kiss his chest and lick his stomach, then went further below to reach for his cock. 

Sebastian took him into his mouth and felt how Charles shuddered at the feeling as another beautiful gasp escaped his lips, moving his hands to clutch tightly onto the bed sheets. He gave his cock a hard suck and wrapped his mouth around his shaft entirely, this time causing Charles to whimper at the feeling. Sebastian bobbed his head on his member a couple of times as he appreciated how Charles hummed and moaned, then backed away and went below his balls to reach for his hole. 

Before Charles could even process it, he gave his entrance a teasing lick as he spread it with his hands for easier access. Sebastian licked around his hole and inserted his hot tongue inside, taking care and playing with Charles intensely. Charles moaned and his cock twitched upon the sensation, his thighs spasming as he took in the sensation, loving how Sebastian was treating him. Sebastian slightly moved away and teasingly circled his entrance with his index finger. He did his best to coat and wetten Charles’ entrance with saliva and spit patiently, until it was good enough not to hurt because that was the last thing Seb wanted to do. 

Charles continued holding tightly onto the bedsheets as he observed what Sebastian was about to do, looking at him with half-lidded eyes filled with want. Sebastian approached his index finger to his hole again, and the moment he began inserting it inside, he took Charles’ cock into his mouth at the same time. Charles moaned louder, both the intrusion and the feeling of having Sebastian’s mouth around him making his head spin. Sebastian moved on his cock in time with his finger inside his hole, the movement slow and careful at first. He increased the pace of his thrust as he sucked harshly around his member before inserting another finger to his entrance, the stretch certainly bigger so he slowed down a bit to get Charles used to the feeling. Sebastian scissored his hole wide for the added stretch, preparing him for something bigger as he kept teasing his cock to distract him from the initial discomfort. When he realised that Charles grew used to the feeling, he started to thrust his fingers quicker, reaching deeper and deeper inside his hole as he worked on his dick in time. 

Sebastian looked up at Charles to see how the man was squirming and moaning upon the sensation, his mind clearly getting hazy with the feeling of having Sebastian there teasing both his hole and cock at the same time. He noticed how Charles’ moans were growing and becoming a bit whiny, therefore he stopped his movements on his cock so the brunet wouldn’t come too soon but continued fingering him.

Charles whined at the loss of having Sebastian’s mouth around his dick and began unconsciously moving his hips against his fingers to compensate for the loss, trying to get them a bit deeper and faster inside him as he was growing desperate. Sebastian stilled his own movements just to watch how Charles kept going, moving his ass back to his fingers to keep it going as he practically was fucking himself against them. Charles didn’t even realise how his actions were shameless as his mind was somewhere else already, and Sebastian could feel his own cock twitch upon the unexpected sight.

There was quite a lot of precum escaping Charles, so Sebastian decided that he had enough of that. He stopped Charles’ movements by holding his hips and then suddenly curled his fingers to find that spot that felt incredibly good, causing Charles to moan and gasp breathlessly as his dick twitched and more precum escaped his tip. Sebastian retracted his fingers to let the younger man catch his breath then went up to press a kiss to his reddened lips, observing how his entire face was flushed red and his eyes had been shut tight.

Sebastian pressed a comforting kiss on Charles’ lips before settling himself between his legs. He looked at the younger man with soft eyes, asking if he was certain that he wanted to follow it through. Charles nodded, smiling softly as Sebastian cared for him. Sebastian lined his cock to his entrance holding eye contact, cherishing how Charles met his gaze. Sebastian never looked away as he began slowly pushing his member inside his hole, carefully guiding every inch into his warmth. He moaned deeply at the feeling and Charles whimpered, his face contorting with the initial discomfort that would soon fade away. Sebastian slowly pulled back before gently thrusting inside again, trying to go a bit deeper as Charles’ hole began to loosen around the intrusion. Charles began biting on his lips at the sensation, whimpering as he tried his best to keep looking at Sebastian and to not close his eyes. However, the moment Sebastian started to shallowly thrust inside him, he couldn’t keep his eyes focused on anything anymore.

Sebastian kept going with his shallow and slow thrusts at first, feeling how Charles was taking him better, his face starting to contort in pleasure now as beautiful small moans and whimpers escaped his lips. He managed to reach deeper and deeper inside him, getting himself lost in the feeling just as much, grunting and moaning as he increased the pace. Sebastian hugged him, holding him impossibly close so that Charles wouldn’t feel alone even for a second. He placed his hands on Charles’, holding them and tangling their fingers together before connecting their mouths for a loving kiss. The kiss was sloppy and wet as both men were lost in the feeling, breaking it to moan in unison to each other’s lips as Sebastian kept going with his deep thrusts.

Charles started holding onto the older man for dear life as he continued moaning, taking Sebastian’s hard work to make him feel good as the blond pressed kisses on his shoulder and neck while still holding his hands. Sebastian gently pulled Charles’ hair to tilt his head towards him, reconnecting their eyes. He really wanted to keep looking at Charles through it, and judging by Charles’ eyes that seemed to appreciate him just as much, so did he. 

Sebastian pushed his cock inside him again, this time the breach sliding much easier as he began moving, everything feeling wonderful for both as Sebastian started hitting Charles’s sweet spot. Their bodies sweated together, and Sebastian frowned and grunted as he worked really hard to pleasure Charles and make him feel as good as he was feeling, wanting to make this a wonderful experience for the man and show him how much he meant to him. Charles reached his arms to hold onto his back, bringing Sebastian even closer with his embrace as he kept moaning and whimpering into his ear. Sebastian pressed small kisses to his neck and ear, sometimes bringing their mouths together for a sloppy kiss as they moaned hotly into it. He started to whisper sweet nothings that meant everything to him into Charles’ ear as the latter whimpered into his, telling Charles how beautiful and precious he was as he felt himself approaching his peak.

He was about to tell Charles to start touching himself, but apparently there was no need for that. Charles’ grip on his back tightened and he arched his back off the bed, his hole clenching tightly around Sebastian’s cock, whining loudly as he moaned his name repeatedly as if he simply couldn’t help it. Sebastian’s deep moans and grunts had also become louder and so did his grip on Charles tighten, feeling his own cock twitching as the warm substance began leaking. They reached their high at the same time, their cocks spurting and making a mess on the brunet. 

For a moment their brains stopped working, the only thing they could register was the hot mess they had made and the suffocating sounds that had spurred them on. Their minds then cleared as their chests moved erratically with their heavy breathing, suddenly feeling like they’ve just run a marathon but with an added sensation of bliss to it. 

Sebastian couldn’t help but smile weakly as they continued hugging, taking in the moment to appreciate how everything came to this. Charles’ hair was a mess, his face flushed with a relaxed expression sprawled on it and his body went completely mushy, turning into a wet noodle considering how he couldn’t even answer the hug properly, his limbs too lazy to have any strength. Sebastian didn’t look that great either, his body also felt extremely relaxed and his own face was slightly flushed as well. 

They lingered in that moment in silence for a while, both only regaining their breaths plus calm in the aftermath. Sebastian moved away from their embrace and realised how dirty they were, and Charles whined upon the loss of contact, frowning as Sebastian parted from the hug.

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” he softly comforted the younger man, “I’ll be right back.”

Sebastian got up and went towards the bathroom to fetch a damp warm cloth, cleaning himself before returning to Charles and also cleaning him. Charles hummed softly upon the sensation, enjoying being taken care of Sebastian even then. Once they were both clean, Sebastian joined Charles back in bed, holding him dearly in silence.

However, Charles didn’t handle silence well. He was never quiet for long, unlike Sebastian.

“Did we… Did we just make love?”

Sebastian couldn’t help laughing breathlessly.

“We did. I told you this is something you should do only with someone you love.”

Charles smiled happily, looking as if he had found out the answer for the meaning of life just then.

“I won’t ever run away again or make you worry,” he said seriously, “I promise.”

Sebastian sighed softly, feeling relief wash over his heart upon that statement.

“I’m glad.”

“Can you promise you won’t leave me too?”

Sebastian pressed a soft kiss to Charles’ head before honestly answering.

“I promise.”

~

On the following morning, Sebastian was the first to wake up. He carefully untangled his body from Charles, without waking him up, then got up silently. Sebastian prepared his best breakfast in the kitchen then brought it up to Charles on the bed. He softly woke him up with a kiss to his cheek, smiling at how Charles mumbled sleepily and rubbed his tired eyes.

Charles then noticed the tray next to him, giggling dumbly to himself as he realised what Sebastian was doing.

“Now you’re just spoiling me,”

Sebastian grinned, “can’t I?”

Charles laughed before pulling Sebastian in for a kiss. He thanked him and they ended up having their breakfast together in bed, just a preview of how much Sebastian was willing to spoil his lover.

They spent the rest of their morning cuddling by the fire, talking about random topics as they simply enjoyed life as it was. Charles wanted to go driving that afternoon to practice more and Sebastian happily agreed to spending time with both things that he appreciates the most in the world.

Then he recalled the letter that he was supposed to send back in answer to Mick that day, the summit of their past troubles.

“I’ll rewrite the letter,” Sebastian mentioned, still holding Charles in his arms, “I’m going to be honest this time and let him know.”

Charles was surprised at the sudden topic, but he looked at Sebastian with a fulfilled and proud smile. He nodded gladly and Sebastian realised how important that was to him.

“I don’t mind you inviting your friend over, by the way.” Charles said, “Now that I know the truth too.”

It was Sebastian’s turn to smile happily. He was glad that that had been settled between them and that there was no further misunderstanding in their way.

Sebastian hadn’t been aware of how important this home had become to him, even though he was an outcast in the city. A place of comfort and love, away from all the troubles that could meet him outside the front door. The latibule would be intact as long as Charles was there with him.

After all, home is where the heart is.

★★★

Bonus, sort of haha