0
Hunter followed Sebastian's eyes and cursed immediately, berating himself for having been so careless. He had managed to keep the blazer on at all times, even during practice, but he stupidly did the one thing he was trying so hard to avoid. And he managed to it in front of the one person who shouldn't have seen it.
"I..."Sebastian started, his eyes locked on the fresh mark. "It...it really..."
Then Sebastian jerked forward as his hand flew to cover his mouth. He dry-heaved violently, feeling sick to the very last inch of his core. Hunter jumped at the sudden movement and instinctively placed a hand on the other teen's back.
"Sebastian," Hunter called out gently, having been trained to keep calm when others panicked. While how he behaved last night was a poor indication of such abilities, today was going to be different. He was so much better prepared. "Sebastian, it's OK. Breathe."
After another episode of dry-heaving that made Hunter wince, Sebastian began hyperventilating. And Hunter was sure that he was going to go into full-blown panic as well if he couldn't stop Sebastian. He racked his brain for standard procedure in dealing with the condition. Rule number one. Talk the person into calming down.
"Sebastian? Sebastian," Hunter called out gently yet firmly, cupping the other teen's cheeks tentatively and nudging them to face him. "Sebastian, I need you to relax for me," he continued, even running his thumbs softly against the ghostly pale cheeks for added measure. Sebastian's eyes were staring straight ahead, right through him.
"Sebastian, look at me," Hunter tried again, adding just a little more pressure to his thumbs. Sebastian seemed to respond to it, as his pupils becan focusing on his own. "Good, now breathe in slowly."
Much to Hunter's relief, Sebastian obliged, taking in shaky breathes and exhaling slowly. The captain of the Warblers slowed moved his hands down to rub soothing patterns on the other teen's arms, taking caution to avoid pressing on possible bruises or cuts.
"Just like that, keep breathing slowly. That's good..." Hunter cooed, noticing that the tension in the other Warbler's body was slowly dissipating. A few seconds later, Sebastian was back to breathing somewhat normally, his eyes blinking rapidly instead.
"What do you want from me..." Sebastian's voice came out as broken whispers. Hunter carefully removed his hands in confusion.
"What?"
"Is it money?"
"What are you-"
"I'm asking you what you want in return for keeping your mouth shut." While the words used were harsh, there was only weakness and defeat in the voice.
"Why would you think that I want something from you?" Hunter asked, trying to keep his voice levelled. He wasn't sure whether to be offended or puzzled at the accusation.
"Then why haven't you told anyone yet?"
Hunter could finally see what was going on in that head of the other Warbler, and he didn't like it one bit.
"Why would I?"
"Why wouldn't you?" Sebastian countered, his voice heavy. There was nothing in those green eyes for Hunter to go by.
"It's not my business to tell."
The other warbler let out a bitter laugh, and the hollow sound it made Hunter wince inwardly.
"That's funny...you've been making everything your business lately," Sebastian began, the corner of his lips turned into a sarcastic smile. "So what's stopping you from making it everyone else's?"
Hunter had to remind himself that Sebastian wasn't himself right now. He couldn't afford to get angry or even remotely annoyed. And it wasn't as if there wasn't any truth in the other teen's words. He had pried into Sebastian's life one way or another and got himself in this...situation. He was in no position to blame the other for being resentful.
"Don't do this."
"Or what, Clarington? Now you're going to control everything I say or do?"
"No, I'm not," Hunter replied firmly. "I know I told you I wouldn't ask questions, but...what's going on Sebastian?"
Sebastian flinched but still refused to make eye contact with the other Warbler.
"Just leave."
"Not this time. You don't even need to tell me the details. Fine, you don't even have to tell me what happened, but I can't just let this continue."
"What can you possibly do?" Sebastian let out another hollow chuckle. "What can you, Hunter Clarington, possibly do?"
"Whatever it takes."
Hunter hadn't realized the words had left his mouth until he saw Sebastian watching him with mouth agape. Where had that even come from? He was a man of his words. A Clarington never made empty promises or jumped to any conclusion before fully assessing the situation at hand. Yet, for some unknown, he was promising sebastian something when he had no idea what was even going on.
All he knew was that Sebastian was hurt and will continue to hurt, and he just couldn't stand by and watch it happen.
"Can't you just let this go?"
"I don't understand why you keep doing that," Hunter huffed, having lost control of his emotions for a split second. He cleared his throat and lowered his voice again. "At least let me try. Don't make me call the police or tell the teachers."
"You wouldn't..." Sebastian paled visibly at the statement. Hunter just hoped that it would hit home and make him change his mind.
"Then let me do something about it."
Sebastian bit his lower lip. Everything was a jumbled mess in his head. He wanted so badly to continue to push Hunter away until he got fed up and left. The very notion of anyone potentially finding out what he had been hiding made him sick. Yet, a very small but persistent part of him kept reminding him that he couldn't take anymore of this on his own. He was so damn tired of the hiding and pretending to be OK. And Hunter was quickly becoming that light far away when he had been running blind in the dark for so long. And his own desperation was proving to be very persuasive.
But then again, how well did he know Hunter Clarington? The guy never gave him a reason to trust him. If anything, Hunter had played a small part in making his life so miserable. He had never acted as if he gave a damn about his welfare. So why the sudden change in tune?
"Sebastian," Hunter began, pulling the other teen out of his internal turmoil. "Give me a chance. You can tell me on your own terms, and I get that. Just...don't go back home."
"Oh, why didn't I think of that? Thanks Clarington, now all my problems are solved. You may go now, have a good day."
Hunter refused to let the sarcastic remark get to him. At least now he knew that the problem was definitely related to Sebastian's home. Hunter moved closer to the other teen, trying to ignore the look of panic in Sebastian's eyes.
"Stay with me. With us."
"What?"
"With my family. I'll talk to my parents."
"And tell them what exactly?"
The captain didn't have much to say to that question. Even he didn't fully comprehend the situation. And he had gotten most of his personality from father. His father would want to know exactly what was going on.
"I'll just tell them your parents had to go abroad."
"And you don't think they're going to ask questions? Or perhaps want to talk to my parents? No one is going to just take another kid in, Clarington. Why are we even talking about this...I don't need your help. I'm fine."
"You're not fine," Hunter corrected, daring Sebastian to argue otherwise.
"What do you know," the other Warbler spat vehemently. Hunter didn't know anything about him, so how dare he sit there, judging him, telling him how he is. How dare he pretend to want to help, when he couldn't even see the tip of the iceberg?
"I don't need to know more than what I do. And I don't care what happened exactly, but whatever is happening isn't right. If you don't want help from me, ask someone else. Just say the word and I'll make all the goddamn phonecalls and whatever else that needs to be done. But don't ever say you're OK, 'cause you're not."
Hunter found himself breathing a lot heavier after that outburst. It was as if he was possessed by a string of emotions that continued to fuel the burning anger he felt. He hated the broken look in the fellow Warbler's eyes, the lifeless pale skin, the haggard dark circles indicating countless sleepless nights and the desperate undertone of his voice. He wanted to make it right, to see Sebastian laughing and smirking again. He wanted to hear the playful banter, listen to the confident steps and see Sebastian tearing it up on stage once again.
And Sebastian wasn't letting him.
"This is about doing the right thing. I'm not that much of an asshole that I can just stand around and watch you like this," Hunter continued, his voice strained from trying to hold back from yelling at the other teen. "So humor me, Sebastian."
"You don't know what you're dealing with," the former captain spoke barely above a whisper, but Hunter could hear everything clearly.
"No, I don't, and I don't care. All I know is that this," Hunter replied, pointing in the general direction of Sebastian with his hand, "needs to stop."
"No, you really don't understand what you're dealing with. Don't you get it? You can't do anything about it. There is nothing that can be done. I've tried! Of course I fucking tried! But nothing's changed and nothing will," Sebastian was on the brink of hysteria, his hands trembling again. He was so overcome with violent emotions that he couldn't stop the words from just spilling out out of his chest. "This isn't your problem, so don't make it one."
"I'm calling the cops." Hunter reached for the phone in his pocket. He wasn't about to make the actual call, and he knew it was a low blow, but he needed Sebastian to know that he was dead serious.
"What!? NO!" Sebastian lunged forward desperately, yanking at the ther teen's arm, but Hunter was much quicker. He pulled the phone out and held it at a safe distance away from the now frantic Sebastian.
"You told me you wouldn't." Sebastian voice was uncharacteristically pleading, and it made Hunter feel terribly guilty, but he had to keep his act up.
"I also told you I was ready to do whatever it takes," Hunter countered.
"Fine, what do you want."
"No, the question is what do you want? And save the whole I want you out of my life speech. I've heard more than enough. I'm going to be here, whether you like it or not, so get it through your head."
As soon as the words left Hunter's mouth, Sebastian did the one thing the other teen didn't expect to see in his lifetime.
Sebastian Smythe was crying.
His shoulders were shaking, tears running down his cheeks uncontrollably. Sebastian had never looked so broken as he did now, muffled sounds of utter desperation plaguing the silence that had otherwise befallen the room.
Sebastian didn't know why he was crying the way he did. He wasn't even sad or happy. There was no reason for the tears that continued to stain his skin. His chest ached with the pressure, his eyes burned, and he knew perfectly well that Hunter was still watching him, but he couldn't stop. And he didn't think he wanted to either.
Hunter had never really dealt with a crying person. Even as a kid he didn't have much sympathy for other children who did. Then he was quickly sent of to a military academy, where any sign of weakness was strongly looked down upon. So when Sebastian had begun to cry, he could only rely on his instincts to do the right thing. He did what came naturally to him.
Hunter slowly and carefully leaned forward and wrapped a strong arm around the other teen's shoulders and pulled him close, with more compassion and caution than he had shown anyone. Sebastian felt so fragile against his chest, every inch of his body trembling.
After what seemed like an eternity, Sebastian calmed down and stirred uncomfortably. Hunter let go, not sure if he was supposed to throw in a word of encouragement of tell him that everything will be alright. Yet, nothing seemed appropriate, so he settled for extending the silence.
"Hunter..." Sebastian began, residual tears still lingering in his voice. "You really don't understand..."
"I know. And I told you, I don't need to."
"Why are you doing this? I mean...we weren't even friends before and now you're just..."
"Does that really matter?" Hunter grimaced at Sebastian's reasoning. Apparently the former captain had a very difficult time seeing where he was coming from.
"I'm tired..." Sebastian mumbled, his eyelids heavy with fatigue.
"You should get some sleep," the captain of the Warblers offered as he pushed himself off the bed to allow Sebastian to settle in. He stalked over to the desk and pulled the empty chair next to the bed.
"What are you doing?" Sebastian quetioned warily.
"Don't mind me."
"You're joking, right?"
"Fine, I'll read something if it makes you more comfortable," Hunter muttered and pulled a random book out of he other teen's shelf to bring back to the chair.
"Are you seriously going to watch me sleep?"
"Don't flatter yourself, Smythe," Hunter replied playfully. "Just humor me, alright? Go to sleep."
"I don't get you," Sebastian muttered into his pillow, his eyelids already heavy with sleep. Hunter pretended to not notice the slightly upturned lips of the other Warbler as he opened the book now in his hands.
"Good night, Smythe."
"Mmm..."
In less than a minute, Sebastian had fallen sound asleep, and the other teen couldn't help but steal a quick glance. Sebastian's expression was the most peaceful he had see in weeks, and it wasn't until much later that Hunter realized that he had just been staring at his new friend.
0
The familiar sound of his alarm clock woke Sebastian up the next day. The only remaining evidence of last night was the empty chair that rested besides the bed. The Warbler didn't know what to feel. He was strangely...better, which in itself was already confusing, but at the same time, a part of him felt quite wary of the sudden turn of events. Hunter had managed to change so much in so little time.
Sebastian reached out to turn the alarm off when he saw a small note posted to the clock. He took it and squinted to adjust his eyes.
Hope you slept well.
Let me know if you need more sleep. I'll tell your teachers.
-H
The former captain of the Warblers smiled despite himself as he read the simple over a few more times. It was just so...Hunter. Simple, straight to the point, yet full of that subdued compassion that he was apparently very capable of.
Sebastian pushed himself off the bed and flung his legs around to the edge of the bed. His body did not appreciate the sudden movement, but he didn't care. He just wanted to get to class on time. After changing into his usual Dalton attire, Sebastian was back in the main building with appropriate books in hand. For the first time in days, he felt that he was ready for school.
Hunter was already settled in his seat when Sebastian entered the room. The captain of the Warblers gave him a curt nod of acknowledgement, but not much else. In other words, Hunter was just being his usual self, and the other teen found the notion strangely comforting.
By lunch, the Warblers were gathered around their usual table, chatting endlessly about their plans for the weekend. Needless to Sebastian, both Sebastian and Hunter were so preoccupied with pretending to not be paying attention to each other that they hardly registered the conversation. Hunter noticed with a grimace that Sebastian was barely eating. Again. And it was starting to show effect.
That was going to have to change.
Sebastian was basically forced to sit out on yet another Warbler practice, thanks to Hunter's strict orders to begin Monday. Luckily, Sebastian was able to watch the others, taking in the moves and even singing along. The captain of the Warblers noticed that the other teen did look much happier and livelier when he sang . There was even a hint of the old sparkle back in those eyes.
As soon as practice was over, Hunter requested (ordered) Sebastian to stay back for a talk. Nick and Jeff glanced at each other warily, as if expecting another fight, but let the two be. They would have to ask Sebastian later if anything had happened.
"Any plans this weekend?" Hunter asked once the doors were closed.
"No..." Sebastian answered carefully, frustrated that he couldn't read the other Warbler's expression. "Why?"
"Good, you're coming with me on Saturday. I'll drop by your room at 11 tomorrow."
"And why would I do that?"
"Oh, and dress casually."
"Why the hell?"
"Fine, dress in our uniform if you really want."
"No, not that! Where the hell are we going and why should I go anywhere with you?"
"Humor me."
"Is that going to be your explanation for everything?"
Hunter raised an eyebrow in response, drawing an annoyed groan from the other teen.
"Stop whining. Let's go get dinner." The captain walked off with a gentle clap on the other Warbler's shoulder. Sebastian shot him a quick glare, minus the usual malice, but got up anyway. The two made their way towards the dining hall, where the rest of the Warblers were already enjoying their meal. Hunter noticed again that Sebastian was hardly touching his food but didn't comment on it. He didn't think that the other Warbler would appreciate having the table's focus turned to him.
Hunter contemplated paying Sebastian a visit but decided against it. He figured that the other teen would need some alone time after the dramatic events of the past few days. Instead, he opted for sending the other a quick message before attempting to get some homework done.
Sebastian was finishing up his English essay when he heard his phone vibrate with a new message.
From: Hunter
Call me if you need anything
The Warbler tried to be annoyed but was having a very difficult time, if his grin was an indication. Hunter was such a nosy bastard, but touching in his strange little way. Sebastian pushed his phone aside and returned to his paper, a small smile tugging at his lips.
I'm honestly blown away by all the wonderful reviews left for me and deeply flattered by the compliments received both on here on my Tumblr. Thank you THANK YOU and I can just only hope that you will all continue to enjoy my stories. Please review and let me know your thoughts and questions, and check out my Tumblr at jkaso, where I've been uploading some prompt-based Kadam one-shots (for those interested) and will be adding some Huntbastian Valentine's day fluff (because...well, this has been so angsty so far. Teehee.)
Just a head's up, the angst won't be going away anytime soon...why? Because well, I feel like torturing Sebastian. Christ, I'm evil...
Oh, and while there have been guesses as to Sebastian's secret, no one's guessed it correctly! Care to take another shot? :) (You guys did come close though!)