The next day at lunch, I sat by Sebastian as I promised that I would. However, I was well aware of the bruise starting to form on my face. I knew he was going to say something, and I knew I wouldn't be able to answer. I must have looked upset, because Sebastian frowned and slid a small container of food over to me.
"Does it look as bad as it hurts?" I whispered, looking at the other boy dully. Sebastian reached across the table and cupped my cheek gently with a hand. He gently stroked his thumb over my pale skin, delicately touching the bruise. I only winced slightly, but narrowed my eyes. "Stop that," I growled, swiping his hand away, "I don't like that..."
"It was supposed to be comforting," he paused, "Someone hit you."
"No, no one hit me I just-"
"My mother is a nurse. I know what bruises look like. Someone hit you, and don't you even try to lie to me, Ciel," Sebastian narrowed his eyes, and I could see just how crimson his iris's were. Gorgeous. Wait, did I really just think that? There was nothing wrong with appreciating beauty. Red was such an extremely uncommon eye color... He probably thought I was staring at him. Fuck, I'm so awful.
"I-I like your eyes," I blurted out, unsure of what to say and wanting to change the conversation from who assaulted me to something less... awkward.
"Thank you. I'd like to see what's behind that eye patch. Did whoever hit you destroy your eye, too?" Sebastian's voice was deadly serious and I was getting a bit frustrated. He had no right to pry into my life, I'd only known him for a day.
"Look, stay out of my family life. Seriously. Stop asking about this. You don't need to know. It doesn't concern you," I hissed, looking away from the older boy.
"Are your foster parents hurting you?"
"Leave me the fuck alone, Sebastian! What do I have to do for you to stop asking? I'm not even your friend! Jesus Christ!" I all but screamed at him. He had tried to say something to stop me from leaving, but it was too late and I stood up. I about punched him when I felt him grab my wrist.
"I'm sorry. I went too far, I'm sorry... Please, sit down..." He whispered. I stared at him, unsure of what to say. I eventually began to slowly sit down, crossing my arms over my chest and glaring at him. "When I was little, my father abused my mother... He's gone now, and she's fine, but still... It bothers me... I didn't mean to upset you," Sebastian added. I still glared at the raven haired boy, unable to speak.
"My parents are dead." I said suddenly, laughing quietly, "Gone. Dead. They're dead. Isn't that just great?"
"Ciel, I-"
"Sorry? You're sorry? Is that all anyone can ever say? Look, you're trying really hard to be friends with me, and it's not working out. Give up already. I'm too difficult to get along with," I growled, waving my hand dismissively at him and turning away with a grunt.
"I'm not going to give up on you," Sebastian replied, "Look, it's Friday. Give yourself a break from your family life and come over to my house. My mother is going on a date tonight, it'll just be us. I'm not going to ask you about anything, just come over after school today... Alright?"
"Fine," I replied, sitting as still as I possibly could. Why would he do this? Wasn't it easier for him to just read his books and watch me struggle from afar? Wouldn't it be easier for him to just live his own life? I'm a fucking mess, he can't actually want to put up with me.
"Good! You can spend the night if you want. I don't know, I've never really had anyone over at my house before," Sebastian looked too pleased. I could throw up. I picked at the food that the raven haired boy gave me, sighing uncomfortably. He must have noted my discomfort, because he became very quiet. I rolled my eyes at him and lightly hit his arm.
"Cheer up, fuckboy. Just because I'm an asshole doesn't mean that I don't want to be around you. Now, I'll see you in math. You're walking me home," I replied, standing up dramatically, "You better get me home tomorrow before dinner. Also, inform your mother that her sushi is perfection." I turned on my heel, walking back to class and leaving Sebastian to sit alone. Eventually he would grow tired of my relentless nagging and incessant need for attention and give up on me. It was inevitable.
The entire day went by pretty fast from there and before I knew it, I was walking to my home beside the red eyed male. I made him wait outside while I grabbed a bag of clothes and such. I ran out of the house and met him at the end of the driveway, allowing him to lead me to his home.
"So who is this mysterious mom character?" I asked with a small smile.
"She's a crazy amazing woman. She had me when she was sixteen, finished high school, went to nursing school, kicked my abusive father out, and raised me all on her own. She is the most amazing woman I have ever met in my entire life. She's going to love you. She's going to treat you like you're her own son. I'm sure you'll love her," Sebastian answered, smiling and walking up his driveway. His house was two stories, but a bit smaller than mine. It looked like more of a home, and it was strangely comforting.
"I'd like to think that my mother would have treated you the same. My parents were… They were great, they really were…" I trailed off, fondly remembering my family. That was gone now. I had to find a way to cope and move on. I had to accept that my parents were dead and that I could never change that. Sebastian glanced at me, but said nothing. He opened the door for me, allowing me to go inside.
Blaring Fall Out Boy music came from the kitchen, and a woman in her early thirties greeted me. She had Sebastian's beautiful raven hair but her eyes were icy blue. She grinned and laughed. "Sebastian! You didn't tell me you were bringing a boy home!" she called out, gently hugging me. It was a warm hug, something I hadn't experienced in a long time.
"It's not like that mom… This is Ciel. He's my friend from school," Sebastian replied, instantly embarrassed.
"No shit! So you're the boy Sebastian's told me all about, huh? Nice to meet you, Ciel," the woman replied with a giggle, "I'm cooking dinner, you two just chill out, do whatever. I'm leaving tonight at six on a date. Ciel, you're welcome to stay as long as you'd like. Just, ah, be safe and have fun."
"Thank you, Mrs. Michaelis," I replied quietly. She was gorgeous, and so kind. She returned back into the kitchen, continuing her cooking and singing along to her music. "Your mother is wonderful… Wow… She's so… Supportive."
"She is. I was so worried about coming out to her, but she already knew that I was gay and she was so loving… I heard horror stories of parents kicking out their kids out for being gay, but my mother was amazing. She still loved me, even though I had just told her something life changing. She's a total LGBT activist. She won't date guys that aren't willing to accept a gay kid. She does a lot for me, my mom. She's truly amazing," Sebastian looked down at the floor and smiled, glancing at Ciel briefly.
"My foster parents probably would have killed me," I whispered, "They already don't like me. They hate me. It's dumb, I'm just scared to go home."
"Then stay with me."
"I can't do that, Sebastian… You know that…" I sighed, "Just… don't worry… Let's just… do whatever you do." I smiled weakly, nudging Sebastian's arm.
We ended up watching a few movies, and Sebastian's mom served us some delicious fettuccini with creamy mushrooms. She sat with us on the leather couch and watched a movie with us, occasionally asking me questions about school. She was so kind, so loving. And she had only known me for a few hours. Her boyfriend came for her around six. She was dressed up in a red miniskirt, and a black blazer that matched her hair perfectly. "How do I look, boys?" she asked with a chuckle, "If you're going to drink, do it in the house. Try not to get drunk. Beer is in the fridge, there's an open bottle of wine on the counter."
"Mom, I don't drink," Sebastian groaned, rolling his eyes.
"Well if you ever decide to start, I'm just telling you to be safe! Condoms are in the closet, there's desert in the fridge, and you can have ramen noodles whenever, just don't use the big pot. Sebastian, I love you. I'll be home late, boys, do whatever you'd like~!" she quickly hugged her son before strutting away in her stilettos.
"Bye mom," Sebastian groaned, waiting until his mother was out of the house to roll his eyes, "She gives me entirely too much freedom."
"She told you where the condoms are. Just what does she think is going on between us?" I growled.
"I've never had any friends over before. She assumes that we've got something going on between us. She means the best… She's just, ah, new to this..."
"That's amusing. I wish my foster parents were more like your mother," I paused, smirking, "Let's watch a horror movie! I want to see you scared shitless, Sebastian."
"I think you're the one who's going to be scared, so don't come snuggling up to me when you're terrified," the raven haired boy smirked right back.
"How about the first one to get frightened has to make the ramen. And has to sleep on the floor!"
"Deal. However, you're making the biggest mistake of your life," Sebastian purred as he started the movie.
It wasn't even thirty minutes into the movie and I was a screaming mess. I didn't even care that I had lost at this point. I was clinging onto the raven haired man, pressing onto his chest and almost unable to watch the screen. I calmed down a bit when I felt Sebastian's arms around me. It was comforting, and I stayed as close as possible to the older male throughout the whole movie. When the terrifying movie was over, I still remained close to the other boy.
"Are you alright?" Sebastian was gentle, rubbing soft circles onto my back to relax me. I nodded, pushing off of the other male and sitting up. "You've lost. Looks like you're the one making ramen tonight."
"What time is it?" I asked, feeling overly tired.
"It's late. Tired? I won't make you sleep on the floor." Sebastian gently nudged me and then led me to his room. His walls were cluttered with band posters and he had a large bed. It looked loads more comfortable than my own. "We can sleep in the same bed."
"Alright," I replied, grabbing my small bag of clothes. Sebastian began changing into more comfortable clothing, directly in front of me. He had absolutely no shame at all. He laid on the bed and I began to change, trying not to get his attention. Sebastian saw the bruises and didn't say anything, I could tell that he was thinking about them though. I laid down beside him with a soft grunt.
"I'm really tired… Can we sleep?" I whispered, unconsciously nuzzling his arm.
"Yes, yes, of course," Sebastian whispered, "You need your sleep. I'll be here. You're safe, you can sleep. I'm here for you." I was asleep in a matter of seconds, cuddled up on the older boy's chest. It was relaxing. I felt safe for once. I was warm. And Sebastian wasn't going to hurt me.