A/N: HELLO EVERYONE! Thank you so much for the wait! I know I'm a horrible person :(
First off, I want to say, OVER 400 REVIEWS? Thank you SO SO SO much! I'm so humbled and flattered...I never expected the story to become so big when I wrote the first chapter..but can I just say...Holy crap, I'm blown away, thank you so much and I sincerely hope that you guys continue to enjoy till the very end! The story is coming to a conclusion (sort of), but there will still be a few more chapters to go!
How are you and dad? It's finally getting warm here and Sebastian and I are spending a lot more time outside. I think he's doing better so hopefully we'll be able to return home soon. I know I made you worry a lot and I just wanted to say I'm sorry. Hope all is well.
-Hunter
0
It was subtle. So very subtle.
Yet Hunter didn't miss the way Sebastian's lips stretched a bit wider, how his eyes twinkled a bit brighter. Sebastian would spend less time staring out the window or lying in bed. He now made efforts to talk to Hunter, even cracking a joke every once in a while. But most importantly, Sebastian was eating again. Sebastian was still thin, still so painfully frail, but there was a spark of energy in him again. Hunter could see it in the other's demeanor. Hear it in his voice. Feel is against his skin. Sebastian was finally recovering.
They made a habit of venturing into the local market. The two boys became quite close to who Sebastian dubbed as "the villagers" and now exchanged friendly greetings and even a quick chat. It was a small town, so it didn't take them long to be acquainted with the market people.
They were still horrible cooks, but Hunter was fairly sure that they were improving. Sebastian did a great job of mocking Hunter, but he was fine with that. Their cooking sessions were starting to look more like scientific experiments than anything else, but they were fine with that too. The food didn't have to be great, because their conversations and each others' company made up for what lacked in culinary skills.
They were at the market yet again, browsing through a selection of fresh fruits. Sebastian was being picky as usual, which had Hunter's eyes roaming around the fruit stand in search of something at least mildly interesting. Then a flyer stuck on a wooden pillar caught his attention. It was badly designed, with big bold letters that read "Announcing the Annual Ball" with a date and time written beneath.
"You lads interested?" asked the "fruit man" (also dubbed by Sebastian) with a good-natured smile. He was a generous middle-aged man who always gave them free fruits every time they came shopping. He had a round face, a scruffy mustache that surprisingly made him seem almost adorable, with deep, gentle green eyes.
Sebastian looked up from the apple he was scrutinizing and turned his attention towards the flyer.
"Um...I'm not sure. What is it?" Hunter replied slowly, ignoring the pointed look Sebastian was giving him. "Is it like a formal dance?"
To that, the man let out a short bark of laughter. "Formal? Just the lot of us dancin' and getting drunk, that's what!"
Hunter nodded and took a mental note of the date and time.
0
I'm glad to hear that you boys are doing well. Don't worry about our dad and me and you just focus on Sebastian getting better. Things are looking up here. Aaron is working very hard and hopefully, we will have good news soon. Send Sebastian my regards. Even if the weather's getting nice, don't forget to stay warm and I hope you two are eating healthy.
-Mom
0
Hey Hunter,
Im not sure if ur going to read this, considering u sort of went off the grid and u ignored all my other messages. We've been trying to get in contact with both u and Sebastian, but it seems impossible. I know u guys probably dont want to talk to anyone, but can u at least let us know ur alive? Ppl r sayin some weird shit, and we all just want to see u guys to see that u guys r OK. Just send some kind of reply? Please? Don't be a dick and make me hunt you guys down.
-Nick
0
"I always thought I liked the city," Sebastian mumbled softly as he stared out the window, a cup of tea in hand. Hunter looked up from the book be was vaguely reading through.
"I always wanted to live in New York," Sebastian continued. "But not anymore."
"Yeah? Then where?" Hunter asked as he pushed himself off the couch and walked towards the other.
"Somewhere quiet. Maybe here. I don't know. Just...somewhere quiet."
Sebastian had dreamt of a successful life and living in seclusion in some penthouse of a tall building overlooking the New York cityscape. He wanted to be a powerful man. He wanted to be untouchable, and he had always believed that such power can only be obtained through money. But now, he wasn't so sure. He liked the peace of this small town. He liked knowing that Hunter was always by his side. He hadn't felt such security and comfort for a very long time.
But a part of him also knew that this was the easy way out. Life was still waiting for him, lurking right outside the door. Sebastian knew that he was only running away and hiding by choosing to stay. But he wasn't ready to go. Not yet. He knew the video was out there somewhere. Perhaps it had gotten around by now. Maybe everyone at Dalton had seen it by now. Perhaps everyone that he knew now saw him as the uncontrollable monster of a teenager the news had done such a good job of depicting him as.
Sebastian shivered at the thought and suppressed the urge to vomit.
He felt Hunter's hand on his shoulder. He turned around slowly to face the other boy.
"Stop," Hunter began gently, yet firmly. "Stop thinking, alright? It's time for us to get ready anyway."
"...for what?" Sebastian asked suspiciously, his brows furrowed.
"For the ball."
"What ball."
"The annual ball. Remember?"
"Oh, no. There's no way I-"
"Come on, it's gonna be fun," Hunter interrupted as he glanced at his reflection in the mirror. He had stopped styling his hair with copious amount of gel since leaving Dalton and was now lying in a ruffled, almost messy mop above his head. Sebastian had to admit, it actually looked quite good on the other teen.
"No."
"What else are you going to do."
"Not go to that...thing," Sebastian countered with a scowl.
"It's just a dance."
"Ha, no."
"We'll go and then leave if you don't like it. Promise."
"I don't dance to fiddle tunes."
"You can dance to everything."
"Not to fiddles and banjos."
"That's discrimination."
"No, it's called preference."
"And really? Fiddles? Really?"
"I wouldn't be so sure, Clarington."
"You won't be dancing to fiddles. Now, grab your coat, we're going," Hunter continued with a smirk, wrapping his fingers around Sebastian's wrist. He tugged gently and pulled Sebastian towards him, his smirk turning that into of a warm smile. "Come on, we'll have fun," Hunter spoke softly as he wrapped his arms around the other boy's waist.
Sebastian sighed loudly, trying his best to look annoyed. The thing is, it wasn't that he was feeling too lazy to go or found the idea lame. He was afraid to mingle with the people. Visiting the market was already taking a huge leap for him. He spent the first few times there in fear of being recognized, so the idea of spending time with everyone from town was not an appealing idea. At all.
But damn Hunter and his eyes and that ridiculously persuasive grin.
"I think some dancing will do us good." Hunter leaned in closer, planting a quick kiss on Sebastian's temple before going to fetch their coats.
"Fine, but we're leaving if I don't like it."
"As you wish, princess," Hunter replied cheekily. Today was going to be a good day.
0
The place was crowded.
They were standing in front of the town square, a cozy patch of land now brightly lit with old-fashioned lanterns and candles. There were colorful banners hanging on each post, with what seemed like home-made crafts adorning every corner. A row of tables were placed to one side, with pitchers of beer, juice and water placed across them. Large plates of food were left out as well, and there were already drunk people chatting amongst themselves.
Both Hunter and Sebastian didn't miss the sound of three fiddlers playing a lively tune for the people. Many were already dancing, feet busy and mouths open wide in mirth. Couples of all age were dancing side by side, greeting others and switching partners. It was easy to see that the people of this town all knew each other.
"What were you saying about no fiddles?" Sebastian shot Hunter a pointed look.
"Well, shit. Wow, actual fiddlers."
There were children running around, adorable little boys asking little girls for a dance like grown-up gentlemen. Despite his nervousness, Sebastian couldn't help but smile at the children. He looked around to see a couple of young teens doing their best to sneak a drink or two when the grown-ups weren't watching.
All in all, it was loud. It was rowdy. But it was strangely touching and heart-warming.
Sebastian watched the interactions in a state of awe. It all seemed so surreal. These people were so happy. Not a hint of inhibition in their sparkling eyes. He had never witnessed such a collection of genuine emotions. It made Sebastian wonder just how blind he had been all this time. His life was always so controlled, monitored and intricately manipulated that even he himself wasn't sure if he was capable of expressing such level of happiness and excitement.
He glanced at Hunter, who was laughing at a silly, drunk dance that was gaining quite a bit of attention. Sebastian pursed his lips. Hunter was so much more livelier than he was. He was so real. He wasn't afraid to ask for what he wants, to show the world what made him happy, what made him angry. They were both outspoken, but in a different way. Sebastian was outspoken to be insulting and defensive, but Hunter was outspoken because he just said what was on his mind.
"Care for a dance?" Hunter asked with his trademark grin, a hand held out. Sebastian rolled his eyes but complied. Hand in hand, they meandered into the dancing crowd. A few of them even recognized them and pat them on their back with a warm welcome.
"Show me what you got, Smythe!" Hunter twirled Sebastian around and laughed, thoroughly enjoying the look on the other boy's face.
Before Sebastian knew it, they were moving to the music, letting the vibrant tune of the fiddles move their bodies. It was like being back in the Dalton common room doing what they did best. They were light on their feet, so in sync. They didn't even notice that many around them have stopped to watch in awe.
Sebastian was laughing as he twisted and turned, and Hunter was right by him.
For the first time in a long time, he felt the familiar surge of energy coursing through him. He felt alive. Like an actual being that had a purpose in life.
When they stopped, their noses were touching, their breath heavy against each others'. Hunter could feel Sebastian's pounding heart against his own, and he was overcome with the urge to just kiss the other boy. Hard and long, until his desire was satiated, but he had to pull himself back. Not now. Not yet.
"Not bad, princess," Hunter joked instead, taking a step back but keeping a hand on Sebastian's waist.
"You're not so bad yourself," Sebastian countered playfully and then realized that a few people were clapping and cheering. A few young children were watching them in awe, their mouths agape. Two small girls approached them, their hair braided and cheeks flushed pink. They stared at the two, their feet digging shyly into the ground beneath them.
"I think it's only proper for us to ask these ladies for a dance," Hunter begin in a mock British accent. The girls' eyes twinkled at the statement.
"May I have the honor?" Hunter asked as he bowed down and offered one of the girls a hand. She squealed excitedly before taking it, flashing a toothy smile at her friend. Hunter begin dancing with the girl, not forgetting to send Sebastian a wink.
"If it pleases the lady?" Sebastian followed suit and stifled a laughter at the returning curtsy. The four of them danced, doing their best to keep a good pace for the girls to follow. Hunter and Sebastian exchanged grins every time their eyes met. When their dance was over, both boys kissed the girls' hands like true gentlemen, sending the girls giggling away.
"You heartbreaker you," Hunter joked as he watched the girls disappear into the crowd.
"Can't be helped," Sebastian replied with mock smugness.
"Yeah well, I'm going to grab some food and you're coming with me," Hunter began as he draped an arm around the other teen. "Promise I won't drink, honey."
"Ha ha," Sebastian laughed dryly, rolling his eyes. The two headed towards the tables, which were partially occupied. The food looked great. Much better than what they were capable of cooking up. They dug in, even conversing with the locals. Everyone seemed so friendly and welcoming, not an ounce of suspicion in their bones. They asked where the teens were from, but didn't try to pry any information.
"I'm just gonna get some fresh air," Sebastian shouted into Hunter's ear over the noise.
"But we're outside!"
"You know what I mean. I'll just be right over there," Sebastian added, pointing at the tree a small distance away from the town square. Hunter looked concerned but nodded anyway.
Sebastian made his way towards the tree, away from the crowd. He looked up into the sky and saw a pool of stars that was both breathtaking and intimidating.
"Oi, oi! I see that you lads made it alright!"
It was the fruit man, holding a glass of beer in hand.
"Yeah. Hunter dragged me," Sebastian replied with a soft smile.
"See you lads are enjoyin' yerselves," the man continued with a toothy grin. "Finally seein' a real smile on ya."
Sebastian stilled and stared at the older man. In that very moment, the man's expression turned that of a sage, his usually playful eyes filled with sincerity and wisdom that can only be obtained with age.
"What do you mean?" Sebastian ventured carefully, trying to not let the defensiveness show in his voice.
"Come on lad, I know somethin's troublin ya. Not about to ask but I can listen, and if you want, we can both talk and forget over this beer. But yer young and that's no way fer a lad yer age to be now is it? There's many bad people, but not everyone's as bad as you think, son. There'll always be people on yer side. Especially fer someone like you," the man drawled, taking a sip of his beer. "You got that other fine lad too don't ya," he added with a bark of laughter.
Sebastian stared at his own shoes, unsure of what to say.
"Whatever yer runnin' from, you should go run right to it," the man began again sagely, his expression serious.
"...What?"
"Yer not here for a holiday, even an old bat like me can see that. Maybe the next time yer here, hopefully you'll be all smiles, and we can grab a pint together then!" The man placed a gentle hand on Sebastian's shoulder. "I've been talkin' too much. You go and enjoy another dance with yer lad!"
The man wandered back to the town square, leaving Sebastian flabbergasted. Was he that easy to read? He felt invaded, violated even, but the sensation was quickly replaced by a strong wave of acceptance and caring. People seemed to like him here, but why? They didn't care that he was from a rich family. They made fun of his accent, but all for fun. They talked to him, listened to him, gave him free food and smiled at him.
Sebastian returned to the tables. He watched those around him. Watched the way people's features became animated with each syllable, each emotion. He took in the wrinkles of the old, the pink cheeks of the drunk and the toothy smiles of the young. He listened to their tales, took in the stories, both extraordinary and ordinary.
A couple of hours later, when many were becoming to drunk to function, Sebastian and Hunter decided to head back home. Once home, both boys flopped onto the couch, thoroughly drained, but a swelling sense of happiness in their hearts.
"That wasn't so bad now, was it?" Hunter asked, rolling onto his back.
"It was tolerable."
"Nice try. You liked it." Hunter crawled towards Sebastian so that their heads were now touching.
"Thanks...I guess," Sebastian whispered, his eyes closed. It wasn't until the next morning that he realized that the two of them had fallen asleep on the couch. And when he did open his eyes again, he was a bit sore and his neck hurt. But he felt good. Really good.
Some within him had changed over the course of the night. He felt like a different person. Something inside him was stirring awake from a deep slumber, stretching its limbs and getting ready to face the world. Perhaps it was a false sense of courage, perhaps it was the residual excitement from last night. Whatever it was, Sebastian just knew that he had to do it.
He waited, unmoving, facing the ceiling.
And when Hunter stirred awake, the first thing that came out of Sebastian's mouth was,
"Let's go home."