Author's Note: I wanted to take a chance to thank all of you for reading up until this point, I know a lot of you have been dying to see what's coming and I'm honestly honored that you guys enjoy this work. I hope you like this chapter and as always those of you who reviewed without accounts, your reply is at the end.
Chapter 51: Hope in the Darkness
Coffee, sunlight and woods were the main elements of William and Ronald's apartment. Sebastian slowly slipped out of bed, their home was very different from Claude's, theirs was clean but filled with warm woods, and elements, which clearly had come from every part of the United States, mainly New York, California and Washington State. The raven haired Patissier slowly rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands and looked around the guest room that he had fallen asleep in the night before. The room consisted of cool blues and soft tans which made the room more soothing than anything else, it was calm, peaceful and Sebastian could go as far as to use the word tranquil to describe it.
Everything with Ronald and William was different, they moved at their own pace, and he could tell William would do anything to protect the Head Waiter. A familiar ache formed in Sebastian's chest, he had that with Claude before the incident, they lived in pure bliss, despite the world's prying eyes. Before he could process what was going on the bedroom door was thrown open and standing in it was a rather ruffled Ronald Knox, he was wearing contacts and grinning brightly, emanating this aura of light and warmth which clearly he had brought to the flat. "Enough moping, it's time to join the rest of the human race," he stated as he glared at Sebastian.
The Patissier moaned and watched nervously as the young blonde walked toward the bed. "Look we won't be able to get him back if you just sit here, as much as you love him and need him, he needs you," Ronald stated as he crossed his arms, he was now standing at the foot of the massive guest bed. Sebastian shook his head and ran his hand through his tangled hair, his head was a mess. Claude had forgotten him and yet here was a young man saying it was possible to get him back. "My Claude is gone," mumbled Sebastian as he looked at the blanket in his lap. He felt the bed shift as the blonde settled on the edge of it, "Maybe not," commented Ronald slowly. His tone was soft and Sebastian could tell there was a hint of caution in it.
"Sebastian, do you love him?" asked Ronald softly, his voice was so low that it was practically as whisper, obviously he was trying to give him a sense of privacy. Sebastian's ruby red eyes lifted from the bedding and he looking into a pair of bright green ones, "Yes, with all my heart and soul," he replied softly. Ronald's stern expression turned into a softer one, gentle and tender as though he were looking at an injured child rather than a chef.
The Head Waiter sighed softly and whispered, "Did you know there was a point where William forgot who I was?" Sebastian paused, there was no way anyone could forget the youthful waiter, he was the kind of guy that everyone always remembered, playful, warm and dependable. He looked up and noticed a rather sad look sweep across the usually happy Head Waiter. "How could anyone forget you?" asked Sebastian slowly. A minute sad smile swept across the Head Waiters lips as he turned to face Sebastian, folding his legs under him as he did so. He looked more like a teenager than an adult as he did this, which only made the Patissier realize how small Ronald actually was.
"William and I have a very long story as to how we got together, one I'll tell you another time," Ronald began, it was clear at that moment that he meant every word he said. "William was in New York at the time, selecting wines for a blind tasting he had been planning. He was driving back from a winery in the Finger Lakes, which is where a majority of them are in New York, and it was raining. The drive was long and he was tired, yet he drove," Ronald said softly, his brows knit together as though he were mentally scolding the Sommelier, "He was going down 44, it was dark and the roads were slick thanks to all the rain."
Ronald paused and looked down at his hands, he was wringing them and Sebastian could tell this was painful for him to tell, "A truck driver who had been drinking was on the road as well, William was driving a black BMW, a signifigantly smaller car. The truck driver wasn't paying attention and went to pull into the other lane, only for the trailer to slam into William's car," he whispered, his eyes closed as he grit his teeth. Sebastian's eyes widened with horror as he looked at the blonde, his life may have been a nightmare but an accident like that would terrify anyone. "William did what he could to get out of the trailer's way, but it was impossible and the back corner of the driver's side on the trailer smashed into the Passengers side, sending the car off the road. He fought the car, praying that he would be able to pull through, only the hill was slick and the tires couldn't get traction in it. The BMW slid down the hill and before William could realize it the Driver's side slammed into a tree," Ronald said slowly as his hands stilled. Green eyes lifted from his hands and fell on the wall, he stared into the distance as though he could still see the car.
"He was unconscious for several hours and it took the emergency crew an hour in a half to get there and get him out of the car, he was declared dead on the scene," Ronald continued, his voice was dead and his gaze blank. Sebastian felt an over whelming urge to hug the other man, the ending may have been a happy one, and it may have been in the past but he could tell the accident was a very sensitive issue for him. "I ran to the hospital, praying he was okay, we had met and he had told me about the other wineries he was visiting, he offered to take me with him, but I refused. When I got there he was in surgery, with a lot of damage, I waited, and waited and waited just to see the surgeon step out of that room, for news of his status.
"After four hours, Will was finally stable, and moved into a privet room. They allowed me to see him and I was told he wouldn't wake for a while since he had been found unconscious. He was nothing like the man I had met in the field, he was small, vulnerable and battered. He had lost a great deal of blood, making him look sickly pale. I sat at his bed side and refused to leave it, I couldn't leave him alone he had no one state side. Once the nurses were told that, they allowed me to stay.
"Several days had past and when it felt like I had lost all hope, he opened his eyes. I was over joyed to see him awake, that I missed the confused glance he threw my way. It wasn't until he asked a nurse who I was as well as the surgeon that I realized he didn't remember me," Ronald finished, tears slipping from the corners of his eyes as he remembered that moment. Sebastian slowly wrapped an arm around the other man as his own tears fell, that was why Ronald was so welcoming and comforting, he had been in the same position as he had.
"You know, I'm the one who is supposed to be comforting you," he commented with a laugh. Sebastian hummed and asked, "What happened? How did you get him back?" Ronald hummed and looked at Sebastian, his green eyes were glossy from his tears before he replied, "He never told me, all he did was run through the field and wrap his arms around me, clinging to me as though I was his life line and whispered, 'I remember, and I'm sorry I was gone so long.'" There was silence as Sebastian looked at the now smiling Head Waiter, "To this day I don't know just what made him come flying back to me, but all that matters is that he did," Ronald commented.
Sebastian watched as Ronald dried his eyes with the tips of his fingers and smiled softly, "It hurts. I know it does. We can get through it, if William can remember than so can Claude," he said, his voice was harsh on Sebastian's ears as a result of all the tears he had shed. His eyes were now a little irritated but the smile that curved the young man's lips was genuine. The Head Waiter placed a hand on Sebastian's back and slowly rubbed soothing circles into it. Tears which had fallen from his eyes unbidden dried on his cheeks as he nodded. He had to be strong and be there for Claude, even if the man didn't remember, he was after all one of the few people who knew him best. "Ronald, what if we spoke to Ash, he might be able to help as well. If he doesn't remember me but remembers you and Will, then he probably remembers him too," commented Sebastian after a moment.
Ronald paused, he looked pensive for a moment as Sebastian felt hope bubble in his chest, even if Ash was an old lover, perhaps he could convince Claude to look at him as more than just a colleague and friend. "We could try it," said Ronald hesitantly before he called, "Will, could you come here a sec?"
In moments the familiar Sommelier was standing in the doorway of the guest room, only this time his hair was messy, he was wearing a tee shirt and a pair of jeans. His glasses were gone allowing for his eyes to show more prominently, "Yes?" he asked curiously as he tipped his head slightly, it was a habit that Sebastian had noticed from the few times he had dealt with the Sommelier. Very few ever noticed that when he was unsure of what was going on he would tip his head slightly to the side, it was honestly the only hint a person had that William was puzzled or curious.
"Sebastian suggested telling Ash what happened and have him come in to assist in him regaining his memories, what do you think?" asked Ronald after a moment as he looked at the dark haired man. William crossed his arms and leaned on the doorframe, he looked far more relaxed in this environment and it occurred to Sebastian that he didn't really know the man at all. William was quiet for a moment before he finally said, "It may work, however, there is also the risk of Claude falling for Ash again. He feels familiar and Claude probably remembers him, while you are a ghost, this is really risky."
Sebastian drew a deep breathe, there was always a risk of Claude vanishing from him, after all the man had forgotten him, however he wasn't about to accept that as an ending. Ash may have been his first love but he knew that Claude loved him, the man he fell for was in there somewhere, he just had to remind the Head Chef of who he was. "I know, I want to talk to Ash, even if he says no he might be willing to help in another way," he stated. William simply nodded and reached into his pocket to pull out his mobile. "Here, I have his number, we may not get along but I still do a pairing for him once in a blue moon," he stated.
Sebastian nodded as he collected the thin mobile and opened the contact, he knew Ash was probably baking and he could call the business number but this kind of call was better made to a mobile. Sebastian pressed call and held the mobile to his ear, he listened to it ring for a while before the person on the other end finally answered, "Will, you better have a damn good reason to phone me while in the middle of preparing for the rest of the day."
Sebastian was quiet for a moment, before he said softly, "Ash, it's Sebastian," instantly regretting his tone of voice, it sounded fragile and child-like compared to the firm one he had intended to use. Instantly the other Patissier changed gears, "Sebastian, what's wrong, why are you on Will's line?" he asked rapidly, concern etched into his voice. Obviously all animosity they had felt toward one another had vanished, and Ash knew instantly something was wrong. He was quiet as he attempted to figure out how to phrase it. "Sebastian, it's okay you can tell me," Ash said softly, it was as if he knew that yelling or pushing him wouldn't get him any closer to an answer.
"Claude was assaulted two nights ago," Sebastian stated tentatively, he heard a growl on the other end from the other Patissier. "What? Who? Is he alright? Sebastian were you hurt? Where are you now?" he fired off rapidly, in the background he could hear Ash shouting at the assistant Chef to take over as he walked into his office. "Sebastian tell me where you are and I'll come get you," he said quickly. Sebastian's eyes widened in confusion before he responded, "Ash, I'm fine I'm with William and Ronald. I don't know who but he was hit over the head with a bottle of wine."
There was another pause and he listened to ash breathe a sigh of relief. Sebastian tensed he knew once he told Ash that Claude didn't remember him or anything about even being in Paris the conversation would turn dark rapidly. "Sebastian, more happened than just him getting some broken bones and stitches didn't it?" asked Ash softly, his voice was filled with a tenderness that only Claude and Lucius seemed to use. Tears pricked his eyes again as he nodded, forgetting that Ash couldn't see him. "Yes, he… he doesn't remember me," he whispered softly.
It was silent on the other end, so much so that he swore he could hear a pin drop. "Ash, I've been forgotten," he whimpered before one of his hands clutched his chest, as though it would allow him to keep himself together just long enough to finish the call. "Sebastian…" his voice trailed off, from the sound of it he was unsure of what to do or say. "What can I do to help?" he asked after a moment. Sebastian felt a warm hand on his shoulder and he looked over at Ronald who was giving him an encouraging look. "I need you to help me remind him of who he is, I know you loved him at one point but," he paused as he looked at his hands.
"Sebastian, Claude and I ended it years ago and only reiterated it when you were kidnapped by my bat shit crazy sister," he stated. Sebastian sat there in shock for a moment, his eyes widened and he scrunched his nose, "Wait, she was your sister? Oh my god I killed, I'm sorry!" he panicked. His head was spinning and his heart was pounding, he should have known that even in death she would cause him pain. Now Ash had no reason to assist him, he had killed a member of the man's family "Sebastian, stop panicking, it's alright," Ash called, summoning Sebastian's rational mind back.
"No it's not I killed her," he whimpered and hung his head. Ash groaned and he could hear the chair in the background creak. "Sebastian, if I knew what she was doing I would have turned her in, I had been dropping hints to Vincent for a while but if I knew she was the reason you were in pain, I would have handed her over to the yard directly," Ash stated firmly, his voice held a hint of fire and sincerity which put his mind at ease.
"Okay, back to Claude, what year does he think it is?" asked Ash after a moment, clearly the man was turning back time in his head and searching for events which he had shared with Claude. "2003, he said he wasn't attending the CIA but I know he did," replied Sebastian slowly. He was honestly confused, he knew Claude didn't lie to him, after all he had gone to the CIA before attending Le Cordon Bleu. "Was Lucius in the room?" asked Ash after a moment. Sebastian hummed and replied curiously, "Yes, why?"
Ash chuckled, "Easy, he doesn't want his father to find out. You are right he did attend the CIA, let's just say Lucius wasn't always supportive of his son," he explained. Sebastian was about to ask another question when he heard Ash open the door of his office. "Sebastian this conversation is better had in person, how about you swing by my shop in half an hour and we'll chat. I'll even feed you," he teased. Sebastian glanced over to William and then to Ronald, he wasn't sure what to say, "Sebastian, look I've been friends with Claude forever, and to be honest I want to be a friend of yours as well. Don't worry you can bring the love birds too," he commented.
Sebastian chuckled as Ronald made a sour face and hissed, "We are not love birds!" Ash chuckled on the other end and scoffed, "Right, so all those times I have seen you two snogging in the back and feeling each other up was just a greeting." Ronald blushed brightly making William grin with pride, "He got quiet, look swing by in half an hour, the rest of the prep should be done and we can talk properly," said Ash quickly. Sebastian heard the familiar clamor of a kitchen in the background and could tell something had gone wrong. "Sure, see you then," he replied before hanging up and handing the phone back to William.
Ronald slipped off the bed and commented, "Well looks like I have to dress a little more presentably," as he sauntered out of the room. William was about to leave when Sebastian asked, "William, why do you kiss and touch Ronald frequently?" The sommelier pivoted and grinned, his eyes danced as he ran his fingers through his hair and leaned on the doorframe. "Easy, he's mine and I want everyone to know it," he replied as he flashed a devious grin.
Sebastian's mouth popped open, "What kind of lover would I be if I didn't keep the pests away?" he asked before slipping out of the room. He shook his head and grinned to himself, he thought only Claude was like that, clearly he was wrong. The raven wrapped his arms around himself slowly, and closed his eyes, he missed being in Claude's arms. They always seemed to take the pain and fear away, he drew a deep breath again before getting out of bed and walking over to the end of the bed, to see some clothing William had loaned him. He hadn't made it to Claude's apartment that night, it felt wrong to be there when his lover wasn't.
Resting on top of the pile was a familiar plum scarf, Claude's scarf. He smiled as he picked it up and sniffed it, it still smelled of Claude. The scent of wood, spices, and lemons, Claude's scent. He quickly got dressed and draped the scarf over his shoulders before slipping out of the room. He decided to go to Claude's flat later that day to pick up some personal items, he knew Claude couldn't leave the hospital yet.
~~xXx~~
The sun was high in the sky and the light shined through the clouds, casting a beautiful golden glow on the earth it touched. The air smelled of dirt and grapes, it was a familiar scent for a Sommelier but for this grower it was something enchanting. Large hazel eyes looked out over the rows and rows of vines, blonde hair was ruffled in the wind as it caressed the hills and the brim of the young man's straw hat flapped in the wind. "Whoa, now I understand why the note said not to feel intimidated," commented Finnian as he straightened his red, black and white flannel shirt. The flight from London to New York had been long, but his from London to LAX was even worse. He had heard that Mei-Rin was currently in New York, but he was here looking for something else.
The familiar sheet of paper crinkled in his fingers as he began walking down the road, immediately regretting letting the taxi drop him off at the gate. The soil was parched and he looked around at the dry dirt as the wind carried it. Napa Valley was one of the most famous wine making regions in the world, but part of him was confused as to why he was there in the first place. He continued plodding down the gravel road, he knew Ronald was from New York, and thought he would be going there, yet there he was in one of the world's most famous wine making regions. It baffled him how dry the place was and yet some of the most revered wines were made in the region.
There was a dull roar behind him, it grew louder as it got closer and suddenly the thundering bass was given an accompaniment. Finnian noticed a cloud of dust following the truck, it was covered in the familiar golden earth which was beneath his shoes, at one point the truck had been green but now it looked orange. He jumped out of the way as the truck roared up the road, as it drew nearer he heard the familiar lyrics of "Magic Carpet Ride," blaring through the speakers of the truck. It roared past him and he looked in the cab curiously to see a rather tall man with a Mohawk and rose tinted glasses on his nose.
He held up his hand and shouted, "WAIT!" only for his voice to be drowned out by the music. The truck stopped abruptly and the driver slammed it into reverse before coming back. Finnian breathed a sigh of relief as the truck came back stared at the young man who was sitting in the cab, the passengers window was rolled down and the man sighed. "What the hell are you doing kid, this is privet property," he stated harshly, his voice was deep and seemed to call Finnian to attention.
"I'm not a kid, and I know. I'm here to speak to an Eric Slingby," he said quickly, "He was working with Interpol a few months ago but I was told he would be here." The driver's glare was harsh as his eyes narrowed behind the rose tinted lenses, "I don't know anyone by that name, who sent you?" he asked. Finnian fished out the white business card with the letters VP on the front and the driver growled, "Shit," he tapped his thumb on the steering wheel and glanced from the road to the card. After a moment he groaned and rolled his eyes, "What the fuck am I getting myself into," he mumbled before scratching his head. "Get in," he stated briskly. Finnian stared at the man openly, he had been expected to be turned away.
"Kid, come on, before I change my mind, I'll take you to the house so you can call him, cell service out here sucks," he commented. FInnian tossed his bag into the bed and jumped into the truck. Once the door was closed the driver went speeding down the road. Other than the radio which was blaring, no one spoke. Finnian was about to turn it off when he heard a different language scream through it and something sounding far more tribal filter through the speakers. "African?" asked Finnian in confusion as he looked at the man beside him. The driver made no sign that he had even heard him and Finnian sighed, no matter where he went he would always be considered a child.
The truck slowed to a crawl before a massive Chateaux, his mouth popped open once again as he looked at the ivy covered building. "Welcome to Stag's Pride," he stated as he twisted the key in the ignition, silencing the great beast and slipping out of it. "I would suggest closing your trap kid, you'll catch flies," he stated simply. Finnian jumped out of the truck and scrambled after the man, he watched as he slipped into the house.
He slowly pushed open the doors and was greeted by a gust of cool air, he looked around curiously and stared at the mixture of world art in the foyer alone. He noticed elements from France, and Africa as well as part of Asia and even pieces from tropics. He looked around eagerly at the tapestries, masks, and sculptures. "Now tell me what you want with Mister Slingby?" he asked.
Finnian stared at the man who towered over him in confusion, "I thought you said you didn't know anyone named Eric Slingby," he commented as his eyes narrowed. Before he could say anything a far too familiar voice chirped, "Eric, I'm having the boys rack the wine again, the chardonnay is still cloudy, and the merlot is missing it's signature blood red color." Finnian froze, he would know that voice from anywhere. He turned so rapidly that he thought for a moment he had managed to give himself whiplash. Standing in a pair of very short jean shorts with a white tee shirt on, with a pair of sunglasses on her head, cowboy boots on and a baseball cap in hand was an all too familiar blonde. "Lizzie?" asked Finnian in shock as he stared at a pair of familiar green eyes looking back at him and her sun kissed skin.
"Fin?" she asked in confusion and looked at Eric, "What's he doing here?" Finnian looked at the man now identified as Eric and smacked himself in the forehead, it was obvious, "You don't know an Eric Slingby you are Eric Slingby," commented Finnian as he berated himself for his blunder. Eric sighed and nodded before looking at Lizzie, "Having fun torturing the hands, you know they hate it when you tell them to rack the wine again," he stated as he crossed his arms. Lizzie stuck out her tongue in a very un-lady like fashion and said, "Fuck you, you brought me here to make a superior wine, not play babysitter."
Finnian's eyes widened he had never heard her sound like that, she was always proper and spoke elegantly, now to hear her curse was a shock. "Who are you and what have you done with Lizzie?" asked Finnian jokingly as he looked at the smiling blonde. She shrugged and looked at the stout grower, "Oh believe me, there's a lot you don't know about me. Seriously though, why are you here and looking for Eric?" she asked as she walked over and leaned her arm on Eric's shoulder.
Finnian managed to collect his thoughts after a moment and pulled out the business card, "What's that?" she asked curiously as she took it from his fingers. Eric shook his head and huffed, "Trouble," he stated before glancing to Finnian. She didn't seem convinced and turned the card over in her hands before looking at him and asking, "Want a coke? It's so dry here, you're probably parched." Finnian smiled and replied, "That's be real nice miss."
She shook her head and chuckled, "Finnian, call me Lizzie, here I'm just another worker," she stated before bouncing off to the kitchen. "Yeah another worker with legs that go on for miles and a mean left hook," he remarked as he smiled a little. Finnian looked around the foyer curiously and Eric slowly lead him into the living room, "You are correct that I worked for Interpol, I dealt with cases in French speaking nations," he replied as he leaned back on the sofa and gestured for Finnian to sit across from him.
"So all this stuff is from the places you have been?" asked Finnian curiously. Eric rubbed his chin and relied, "Yeah pretty much, I did a lot in France and Africa, mainly Marco and South Africa, I also did some a case in Mali," he replied. Finnain stared at Eric, he had seen globe trotters before and dealt with Vincent Phantomhive who tended to jet off to other nations at a moment's notice but never anyone like him. "I was told to give this to you," he said quickly as Lizzie returned with three bottles of Coke. He slowly twisted the cap off and took a sip, she was right about him being parched, he felt as though he had stuffed a ton of cotton balls in his mouth.
Once he had done so he handed the manila envelope to Eric. His brows lifted as he looked at the lip of the envelope, "It's still sealed, you didn't open it?" he asked. Finnian sighed and replied, "No, I was instructed not to, and to do anything you asked." Eric hummed as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a rather large pocket knife, in a moment he had the envelope open and was over looking the documents enclosed. His eyes moved rapidly as he flickered through the pages at a pace Finnian didn't think possible.
"Lizzie, show him to the guest room, he's going to be here a while," he commented as he pulled out a pen and began to annotate the packet. Lizzie nodded and quickly showed him to the stairs, "What was that?" asked Finnian in confusion as he followed her up the stairs. She shrugged and looked over her shoulder at him, "No clue," she replied simply.
~~xXx~~
Time always fly when there is a great deal of work to be done. In the case of Ash Landers, this was no exception. Sebastian's call startled him, he hadn't expected to hear from the Patissier, in all honesty he thought that it had all ended after the competition and rescue. Part of him was glad that the other Patissier had even thought to call him, however he just wished it was on better terms. Ash continued to clean the counter and checked the scones he was making again to see if they had turned the beautiful golden color they should.
He sighed before leaning on the counter and bowing his head, after his sister had been thrown out of the picture they were supposed to be happy. There wasn't supposed to be anymore complications or drama, it was all supposed to finally come to an end. The day he had heard the news blasting the couple for their orientation he was upset but had a feeling it would die down after a while. He never would have thought it would have escalated to the point that one of them was actually injured because of it. It was far too surreal.
Ash shuddered at the thought of being attacked simply because he preferred men to women, it was absurd with how large the lesbian, gay and bi community was in England. Yet it still happened, "What is the world coming to, if they can't see that they love each other," he commented, "Clearly they are blind." Ash ran a hand through his white hair, he had cut it since the events, it was shorter now and looked far more professional than his once long white hair. It was a fresh start and his business reflected his creativity. Oddly he thought it would die out after Sebastian had won, yet, it only roared back to life.
Ash smiled to himself as he thought about thanking Sebastian for saving his business, he had a feeling that the chef probably didn't even realize that he had saved Ash so many ways. It was that reason he was more than willing to aid the chef in reaching his happy ending. Someone as wonderful and talented as Sebastian, with a past as dark as his deserved happiness, not this. This was cruel, cold and heart breaking to see, fate truly was a cruel woman.
The front bells rang as the door was open and he quickly walked out of the kitchen to see the trio waiting for him. He smiled a little as he stepped out from behind the counter and stood before Sebastian. The Patissier looked as though he were hanging on by a thread and he knew then and there, there was no way he could turn the other chef away, not after what he had done for him. Sebastian's eyes were bloodshot and drooped a touch, he looked pale and had his arms wrapped around himself, it was as though they were the only things holding him together. His gaze softened significantly as he slowly placed a hand on the other man's shoulder.
"Come into the back, away from prying eyes," whispered Ash as he gently guided Sebastian into the kitchen. He also had a feeling the other chef would feel more comfortable there, after all for a chef it was just another form of home. He watched as Sebastian slowly took a seat on one of the stools he had put in for them to use. He looked fragile and honestly ready to break then and there. "Hungry?" Ash asked softly, shocked by his own voice, he hadn't spoken in such a tone since Angela had gotten scared during a thunderstorm and ran to him.
Sebastian shook his head and looked up at him curiously. Ash sighed, clearly Sebastian wasn't in the right state to eat, "Sebastian, please you need to eat something, even nibbling will help," Ash goaded and noticed William nodding with approval. Red eyes glanced over at the tray of cooling scones and he wrinkled his nose before taking one. Usually Ash would have seen this as an insult, however, from how pale Sebastian looked and how fast he declined the offer of food, he could tell the man hadn't eaten.
He watched the Patissier nibble on the edge and smiled a little as Ronald grabbed one, "How much do you know about Claude and Lucius' relationship?" asked Ash after a moment. Sebastian paused and looked at him, he slowly lowered the triangular scone and replied, "A little, I know it wasn't that great until recently and that his father never wanted him to be a chef, he never explained why though." Ash hung his head and closed his eyes, of course he wouldn't because that story in it's self was still very fresh. The wounds had only just begun to scab over and now it was as though he were about to take a knife and rip them all open again.
"Lucius wasn't always a wealthy man, he suffered a great deal as a child after his mother died, he had been abandoned and didn't want Claude to ever feel hunger," Ash began slowly, he knew he was paraphrasing but he had a feeling there was a reason why Claude hadn't told him, and to be honest it was Claude's tale to tell. He was only going to tell Sebastian just what he needed to for the young chef to understand.
"When Claude said he wanted to be a chef, Lucius went lateral, chef's didn't make a lot of money, and weren't prestigious in nature. He felt as though Claude were throwing everything away," Ash explained, "As a result Claude worked on getting an MBA during the day and at night took cooking classes under his mother's maiden name. I met him during an exercise, involving both the standard chefs and the patissiers." He paused and watched as Sebastian took another bite.
"We hit it off and decided to see one another, it wasn't until later that Claude realized he was being followed by a Privet Investigator, who was reporting to his father," Ash explained, he could still remember the look of dread on Claude's face, "That night he was yelled at for hours, and told that he was honestly useless and was wasting everything away over a skillet." He could remember the phone call he had gotten and the rough sex which followed it. It was the first and last time Claude had ever treated him like that, he remembered the pain of his lover being rough with him in a dingy motel room. Only for Claude to wake up in the morning and begin a session of berating himself.
"Claude wanted to cook, he loved throwing flavors together and the freedom which came with being a chef. So he came up with an idea, he would aid in negotiate a contract in Paris, and during his down time attend Le Cordon Bleu using his mother's maiden name, much like he had when he attended the CIA," Ash explained. He ran his hand through his hair and looked across the kitchen, "Lucius was furious when he learned of what Claude had done, and cut his ties, the only thing that remained was his name. It wasn't until recently that he decided to mend that bond," Ash said softly. He knew he sugarcoated it, but to be honest Sebastian was in no shape to learn of Claude's pain as a child and loneliness.
"It wasn't until later I learned his name wasn't Fairchild but Faustus, we parted ways when he ran to Paris," he explained. Sebastian was quiet for a while, "So he lied because his father originally disapproved of him being a chef?" he asked. Ash nodded, "He was adamant that Claude would become the next CEO of Faust Enterprises and Holdings," he replied.
Sebastian looked at Ash and then at his hands, he could tell Sebastian never knew this, he had heard that Claude's father didn't want him to be a chef but he didn't know it was because of the life Lucius had led as a child or the fact that Claude had to trick his father just to get to Paris. He always thought it was Claude's bold decision to rebel. "I hope this doesn't change your views of him, he is a wonderful man, his father was very different when he was younger. Colder and less tolerant, he seems to have mellowed out and warmed with age," Ash said slowly.
"Ash, I just want him back, will you help me?" he asked softly.
"Yes."
~~xXx~~
Silk sheets, soft warm bodies, and a rhythmic series of breathing filled the room. Vincent slowly pushed the foggy edges of sleep from his head and slowly untangled himself from the arms of his lover and his wife. He sat up in the bed and looked at the pair with a warm smile on his face. It was a beautiful morning, part of him wondered why he hadn't confessed years ago, then again Rachel would have probably not been accepting years ago. He gently kissed her head and ran his hand down Diederich's face. He felt whole again, and that in it's self was a mirical.
There was a soft knock on his door, calling his attention and he called softly, "Enter," as he made sure the sheets were wrapped securely around the three of them. The door swung open and allowed the familiar butler Tanaka to enter. "Good Morning sir, I hate to interrupt but there is a furious Lucius Faustus in your study, he was rather adamant about seeing you," he stated with a hint of nervousness in his voice.
Vincent hummed as he slowly slipped out of bed and put on a pair of loungers, before slipping into his robe. "Thank you Tanaka, please have tea delivered to both the study and here for them when they wake, and once Diederich is up send him in. I have a feeling I'm going to need him" he stated. Tanaka nodded as the young Lord slipped past him and began his usual path to his study, his hair was a mess and at the moment he didn't care, he was irritated that Lucius had the gall to visit him at half past five in the morning. Most of London was still asleep, unless you happened to be a baker or Patissier.
He shoved the doors open and stared at the sight before him, standing in his study was an exhausted Lucius Faustus, his eyes had dark cricles under them, his hair was unkempt and he looked dead on his feet. "Lucius?" asked Vincent quickly as he rushed to the man's side as Lucius began to waver. His eyes widened as he watched the CEO's knees buckle, "Fuck, Tanaka get Dee and Red!" he shouted. There was a rush as he attempted to hold Lucius up, he was strong for his size, but was not match for all 6"3' and roughly 330 pounds of Lucius. There was a storm of feet and the doors of his study were ripped open, standing behind a partially dressed Diederich was Madame Red.
In seconds the German was across the room and aiding Vincent, "Put him on the couch," instructed Madame Red. The pair obeyed as Vincent looked the man over, he had never seen Lucius in a state like this, even during the competitions or when his son had gone after Sebastian alone. There was something very wrong, it took a lot to break the steel like resolve of him and he had a feeling he wouldn't like to know what it was. Madame Red was taking his vitals in seconds as Diederich did as she instructed. Vincent watched keenly as she slowly rose from the floor, "He's exhausted, from the looks of him he crashed from stress and lack of nourishment, I don't think he's eaten in 72 hours," she remarked.
Vincent ran a hand through his hair and looked at him, "I guess we should leave him here till he comes to. Dee do you have any idea why he would be here?" asked Vincent slowly as Madame Red left the room, he heard her say something about an IV to help him along. Vincent shrugged and was about to respond when a gruff voice from the door replied, "I do, Claude was assaulted last night."
The room went still as Vincent's eyes narrowed, "What?" he asked dangerously, "Why wasn't I called sooner?" Bald-Roy pulled back and held his hands up, Vincent was furious, he didn't like being the last person to know about an employee hurt, especially when it involved assault. "I thought Diederich knew," he said slowly. Vincent grumbled and realized a majority of this was because he had slept with the three of them. "Never mind, why are you here?" he demanded. Bald-Roy was never in his home. He wasn't really useful since Diederich handled a bulk of security issues.
He held up a white card with the letters VP on it and Vincent groaned, it wasn't his, and honestly he thought he had seen the last of them. "I was instructed to tell you I was going to head the investigation, according to the police report Ronald and William caught the asailent, I'm going to talk to them," he stated. Vincent sighed and nodded, "Go, and if you need help call Phipps. Is Sebastian safe?" he asked.
Bald-Roy paused, "YOU DON'T KNOW?" shouted Vincent harshly, no longer caring that Lucius was unconscious on his couch. "PLEASE TELL ME YOU DIDN'T LET HIM GET KIDNAPPED AGAIN!" he roared. He felt Diederich put a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to calm him. He was honestly beyond the point of angry, he was furious. He had instructed his security to insure that both chefs were safe and now he finds out the failed. With the press attention, it was a nightmare and they couldn't keep two people safe. "He's fine, I think," replied Bald-Roy.
Vincent took step forward, his eyes narrowed dangerously and he hissed, "Think or know?"
"Vincent, Sebastian is safe, he's with Ronald and William," replied a voice from the sofa. Brown eyes fell on the exhasued from of Lucius as he slowly sat up and gently pushed Madame Red's hands away, she had entered the room at some point but he honestly hadn't noticed. "You, go to work," said Lucius cooly, and Vincent watched Bald-Roy run for the hills.
"Claude was assaulted and you dismiss my staff," Vincent seethed. Madame Red's head shot up and she hissed, "Vincent," in a warning tone. He ignored this and strode toward the sofa. "Yelling won't get anything done and you know that. Besides we have a bigger problem," he stated softly as he clutched the arm of the sofa.
"What?" snapped Vincent impatiently.
"Claude doesn't remember anything," Lucius replied. The room stilled as Madame Red looked at him and Vincent suddenly felt horrible. "What?" asked Vincent as he sank into a chair across from him. "He doesn't remember a thing, he thinks its 2003," stated Lucius.
Review Replies:
Bittersweetness: Thank you for reviewing, I'm glad you like the way they are together, I know its unconventional to say the least but I happen to see them that way. Don't worry he will remember, the question is when and will it be in time?
Courtney: Got to love a big yellow sledge hammer, hey every girl needs one right? Thanks for reviewing and I'm glad you liked my interpolation of Mei-Rin. Ronald and William are fun to write, I really love them and I'm glad you like them too. Claude and Sebastian will have their moment, just wait.
Anonymous: Thanks for your review, I giggled when I read the first part. Will is going to try, believe me he's going to try and you'll be shocked who else is going to help. Lots of little pieces all coming together, it's going to really be something in the end. Oh believe me you're going to be on pins and needles when he figures it out. Mei-Rin, let's be honest she isn't your typical girl and I don't like how many portray her. I see her as a strong character, and honestly she should be portrayed as one. Besides who doesn't love knocking down a wall?
Victoria: Hang in there, I know it's going to hurt but the ending is well worth it. I'm glad you are willing to continue, I was scared I would lose readers with that decision.
Mew: Thank you for taking the time to review, I'm glad you enjoyed it, even if it made you cry. I won't lie I cried that section too, just wait till you read Ronald's little piece. As for the space Mei-Rin is renovating… SPOILERS. Sorry sweetie.
Audry: I'm glad you understand my decision, and thanks for reviewing, I know I do strange things in this series, oh believe me I know. I'm glad you liked Sebastian's reaction, and Claude will get it back, it's just all in the timing.
Glasses: Honestly I thought you would learn by now? Don't worry the ending is a happy one, well for the most part. Thank you for reviewing, I think I should start investing in Kleenex sock, who knows I might get rich off it with the number of readers I have made cry.
A Taste of Heaven in Hell: Part II: 14
