Summary: It's Halloween and no one seems to be having a good night, especially Kathryn.
Chapter 7: Trick or Treat
Mischief was in the air. All throughout Manchester prep pranks were being pulled on unsuspecting teachers, normally bubbly cheerleaders were spray painting their blond hair blue and purple, candy and silly string was being thrown carelessly around the lunchroom and in just about every closet you could find various couples using the rampant chaos as an opportunity to screw around. On any other day this type of behavior would be seen as ludicrous and would not be tolerated. However when October 31st rolled around exceptions were usually made. No one could blame the student body for coming down with a case of Halloween fever.
Although Headmaster Hardgrove was allowing most of the fun and games go without mention there was one individual who went too far. Instead of attending the annual faculty Halloween brunch the headmaster was forced to skip it in order to deal with the school's latest trouble maker.This understandably made him quite annoyed.
Sebastian sat slumped in his chair, fiddling with the stethoscope around his neck as a bored expression played out over his face. The headmaster meanwhile just leaned against the desk, staring over at the student dressed in a white doctors coat, completely dumbfounded at his latest stunt. Shaking his head he sighed exasperated, "I don't even know where to start."
"Well if you'd like I could leave while you think it over" Sebastian suggested as he started to stand up.
"You're not going anywhere Sebastian" Hardgrove told him, shoving him back in his chair. "Or should I call you Dr. Cuminme." Once he spelled it out he rolled his eyes and moaned "oh lord."
"Doctors just fine"
"Can I ask you what you thought you were doing impersonating a physician? Do you have any idea how much trouble you're in?"
Straightening himself out he replied "well sir in all honesty it was just a harmless little prank. Everyone else was doing them so I didn't see the harm-"
"The harm?" Hardgrove repeated incredulously. "Sebastian you pretended to be a school doctor, had the nurse send down several of the female students so you could make them strip and...examine them? My god we'll be lucky if we don't get sued by every parent with a child in this school."
"In all honestly sir I don't think that will be a problem. All of the girls seemed very pleased with their examination. Mrs. Patterson in particular said I was the best-"
"Wait a minute" he interrupted again. "Mrs. Patterson? You examined the school nurse!?"
Unable to hold back his smirk Sebastian replied "uh huh."
He really didn't see what the big deal was. Everyone else in this school was acting like there was a full moon so why shouldn't he use the situation to his advantage? Still Sebastian had to admit this was one of his better stunts. Surprisingly it hadn't been difficult to convince the nurse that he was a physician (who knew all those ER reruns would come in handy?) and even less difficult to have his way with the females. Most of the girls when they spotted him in the examination room knew what was going on and they happily played along with it. The few unsuspecting students were in for...well a surprise but no one had left unhappy. Including Mrs. Patterson. If it wasn't for that faggot football player who freaked when he found his girlfriend with Dr. Cuminme Sebastian would have been home free.
Then again half the fun was getting caught.
Holding his head in his hands Hardgrove groaned "what am I going to do with you?"
Before Sebastian could come up with a suggestion the intercom buzzed and the sound of the elderly secretary's voice filtered into the room. "Sir Ms. Merteuil is here, she says she has to speak with you right away."
"All right" he sighed. "I'll be right out." Rising to his seat he fixed Sebastian with a hard glare, "don't even think about moving from that seat."
Sebastian just smirked as the older man left the room. Briefly he flirted with the idea of escaping out the window but he thought better of it. It hadn't surprised him that Kathryn had showed up but he was curious what her reasons were. Undoubtedly she was up to something, when was she not? It was his curiosity that held him in his seat.
No less than ten minutes after Hardgrove had left the heavy door once again opened but it wasn't the headmasters heavy strides Sebastian heard. Instead came the soft delicate sound of leather loafers against shiny hard wood floor and French perfume that only one person he knew wore. Sebastian didn't look up but continued to stare straight ahead out the window, a smug expression covering his handsome face. "Don't tell me the student body president got called to the headmasters office. Must have broken old Rogers heart."
Sitting gracefully down in the seat beside him Kathryn crossed her legs and folded her hands on her lap as she stared out the same window as Sebastian. "Don't be ridiculous" she sighed "only degenerates get sent down here, especially on Halloween."
Letting the dig slide he explained "just having a little harmless fun. By the way don't think I didn't notice you ignored Dr. Cuminme's request that you go to the nurses office."
A smirk seemed to be trying to escape out of from under her aloof expression but Kathryn wouldn't allow it. The two continued to stare out the window at the football field, not making any eye contact as they spoke in quick rapid dialogue. "Everybody knew what you were up to. I wasn't about to play along with your little stunt. Unlike you I have a reputation to remain."
"Yes playing the frostiest bitch in the land must be important work and just for your information I too have a rep to maintain."
"Right, Manchester's own male slut"
"Jealous?"
"Dellusional?"
"Horny?"
"Not interested"
At last Sebastian broke his gaze from the window and let his eyes drop down to her bare thighs. Reaching out he rested his right hand casually on her leg. "That's not what you said last night."
Kathryn flinched when she felt his warm palm on her thigh, his fingers gently caressing her skin. The memory of their previous night together and the nights before that brought a shiver throughout her body that she tried hard to quell. Turning to him she advised "there is a time and a place for everything Valmont."
When she returned her stare back to the window he did as well but continued to let his hand linger on her thigh. "Why are you here?"
Before Kathryn could reply the door once again opened and Hardgrove sounding much more chipper then before announced "well Sebastian I think I've figured out what to do with you after all."
"What's that sir?" As the headmaster fiddled with the file cabinet behind them Sebastian kept his hand on Kathryn leg who was trying unsuccessfully to remove it. When at last Hardgrove turned and returned to his seat he pulled away from her quickly.
"To be perfectly frank with you son I was considering expelling you. After the stunt you pulled the school board would have demanded it. However Ms. Merteuil has come to me on your behalf and offered an alternate solution."
Oh fuck, Sebastian thought to himself, that couldn't be good. Glancing over at her, his smile tightening he asked "oh? What's that?"
Hardgrove smiled obviously pleased as punch about this idea. "I doubt you are aware of this, but Kathryn is the head of a new school program where volunteer students help out at various homeless shelters in the city. It's a very worthwhile project and she has graciously agreed to allow you to join it." He waited a beat before finishing "for the next fourth months."
Feeling as though he had been sucker punched Sebastian stared dumbfounded, "w-what?"
"Yes you should thank Kathryn for such an opportunity."
Staring over at the brunette beside him who was beaming proudly he spat sarcastically "thanks a lot."
Ignoring his obvious disdain she nodded happily "oh it was my pleasure Sebastian. I would hate for Manchester to loose one of it's brightest students and this way everyone wins!"
"Oh goody"
"Sebastian I hope you realize what a good opportunity this is for you" the headmaster chided. "Perhaps you can live up to that fresh start that you talked so much about when you first arrived, hmm?"
The prospect of spending his afternoons doing charity for a bunch of winos and poor losers was not exactly appealing to Sebastian by any stretch of the imagination. In fact his skin crawled at the very idea. He wanted very much to tell Hardgrove what he could do with his 'good opportunity' but he held his tongue. "When do I start?" he grumbled through clenched teeth.
"Today at five, Kathryn will tell you where to go."
"Great, can I go now?"
"Yes" Hardgrove nodded. "Just try to stay out of trouble for the rest of the day."
Sebastian nodded at him and turned to leave but not before glancing once more at Kathryn who was now looking up at him with a triumphant grin. As he left the room and stormed off down the empty school corridors he wondered not for the first time why he continued seeing her. It was twisted really, night after night he found himself ending up in her bed where they engaged in long sweaty fuck feasts that left them both sore and aching for more. Then at school she would treat him like shit, deny him any attention and dream up new ways of torturing him. Sebastian didn't know why he continued on with it, he told himself no more but then she would show up at his door dressed in some small sexy slip of a thing, asking to be let in. He always let her in.
It didn't take a rocket scientist to see why he didn't end things with her. Sebastian had always been led by his dick but with Kathryn it was even worse. It was more than just physical, he was starting to get...attached and that wouldn't do anyone any good. After all Kathryn claimed that she was in love with that Joshua guy even though they rarely discussed him. On the occasions Sebastian brought him up he was quickly shut down and Kathryn would in turn use it as an excuse to leave. She loved Joshua and he was just acting as her designated fuck at the moment. That's all there was to it.
"Who cares?" Sebastian grumbled to himself as he headed out to the parking lot. Christ, now she had him talking to himself? This wasn't good, he needed to get away from her.
However as he was fumbling to get his keys out of his pocket a warm hand slid into the opposite pocket and pulled them out. Sebastian looked up to find Kathryn, who leaned against his jag holding up the shiny metal. "When are you going to let me drive this thing?"
"When hell freezes over or you grow a soul" he snapped grabbing the keys from her. "Which ever comes first."
"Touchy, touchy" she giggled like a mischievous little girl. "Such hostility even after I saved your ass."
"Saved my ass? Try screwing me over royally." Shaking his head bitterly he snarled "I hate doing fucking charity."
"Who does?"
Sebastian started to move to the other side of the car but then stopped in his tracks. Walking back to her he demanded "why did you feel the need to intervene?"
Raising a perfect shaped eyebrow she replied "and here I thought I was doing you a favor. Would you have rather had Hardgrove expel you so your daddy can ship you off to that military school in Vermont?"
"How did you...never mind, I don't want to know."
Grinning coyly she reached out and gently caressed his groin. "A simple thank you Kathryn, will suffice."
Pushing back the groan that tried to escape when she touched him Sebastian stepped closer to her and whispered "screw you Kathryn."
She pulled her hand away and tapped his face, "that's my boy."
Shaking her head in amusement Kathryn started to moved past him to leave but he wasn't about to allow that. Grabbing her roughly by the arm he thrust her back against the car door then maneuvered himself over her. Sebastian moved in for a kiss but was rebuffed when Kathryn pulled her head back, a teasing grin on her lips. He was about to snarl at her once again when she tongue popped out between her cheery lips and began to slowly trace his lips.
Sebastian held still as she did, his pants getting tighter in the crotch area. It always amazed him that after everything they had done to each others bodies that such a simple act could have such an affect of him. She was barely touching him and already he was ready to cum.
When she pulled away from him with a childlike smirk on her face his resolve to forget about her melted. Sliding his hands around her waist he asked "so what time should I expect you tonight?"
Her confident veneer wavered for just a moment as she said "I can't."
"Why?"
"The tribunals Halloween party is tonight."
He shrugged "skip it."
"I can't" she sighed "I'm the leader. Besides I want to go."
"Fine then I'll go with you" it came out more as a statement then a question.
"No you won't" she explained flatly. "You're not a member-"
"Oh you got to be kidding me!" Sebastian explained falling against the jag dramatically. "You're the leader, it's not like any of those sheep will challenge you."
"Rules are rules, now if you decided to join..."
"That's not going to happen" came his quick reply. Running a hand through his blond curls he sighed "all right then get in. We can go back to my place and I can give you that physical you were denied earlier."
Kathryn moved away from him, a somewhat amused expression on her face as she shook her head no. Sebastian face suddenly went hard again. Grabbing his sun glasses he slipped them on wanting to hide how disappointed he was with yet another one of her rejections. "Fuck this" he grumbled storming over to the other side of the car and getting in. "Have fun at your party."
As he started up the car Kathryn rested her hand on the passenger side door and leaned in, "don't pout Valmont, it's just the way things are."
"Whatever" he snarled as the engine revved and he slammed on the gas. As the car charged forward out of the parking lot Sebastian glanced briefly in the rear view mirror. He was surprised when he looked back and saw Kathryn staring after him. Gone was her confident smile and in it's place was remorse.
* * * * * *
"Who the fuck gives a shit if the old hag is around anyway" Kathryn spat nastily while her manicured nails scratched anxiously at the fabric of the chair. "By Monday Manchester with have a new student adviser and that's all there is to it. Next."
The group of tribunal members who were scattered around the living room of Jonathan Buchanan's palatial estate, regarded their leader with hesitation and fear. On most days Kathryn wasn't pleasant to deal with but today she was behaving more nasty than normal. Ever since the meeting began she snarled and snapped at anyone that suggested something. When Milly Anderson brought up that perhaps having the student adviser fired so soon after getting the job might be a little hasty, Kathryn bit her head off causing the girl to run from the room in tears.
Letting her eyes sweep over the crowd Kathryn rolled her eyes when no one said anything. "Is everything set for the party tonight?"
After a few seconds of silence Jennifer who was sitting close by with a clipboard in hand replied "yes Kathryn. The ballroom is all ready set up, the west wing pool has been filled, the caterer's are..."
As she droned on Kathryn's mind began to wander to what was really bothering her. She shouldn't be here, she thought to herself, she should be home in bed with Sebastian moving between her thighs. Well maybe that wasn't what she should be doing but that was what she wanted to be doing. Thinking back to a few hours earlier she scowled at the memory of how Sebastian reacted when she told him she couldn't go with him. He was pissed and he would probably stay pissed until she figured out a way to change his mood. That too could be entertaining.
Jennifer was still babbling on and Kathryn was still pretending to be listening when the back doors suddenly flew open and Marcus strode into the room. Everyone turned around to look at him including Kathryn. Judging by his hard eyes and clenched jaw she guessed he was angry and she had a pretty good idea about what. It had been well over two weeks since she played her little game with Annette. During that time Marcus had been avoiding tribunal meetings and Kathryn in particular. She had figured Annette had gone whining to him about what she'd done so she hadn't pushed him but after her spat with Sebastian Kathryn had been pissed. She called up Marcus and left a nasty message on his machine ordering him to show up or else. Fuck if she had to go, everyone did.
"We need to talk" Marcus called out as he stood in the center of the room.
Sitting up in her seat Kathryn arched an elegant eyebrow, "excuse me? We're in the middle of a meeting."
"Get your ass in the other room NOW or so help me I'll drag you in there myself" he hollered.
Although she was shocked and angry at being addressed in such away Kathryn was in no way ready to see if he would follow through on his threat. Attempting to save face the best she could she held her head high in the air, rose to her feat and said "fine, let's go but make it quick."
Kathryn pushed her way past the crowd knowing damn well every eye was on her and followed Marcus out of the room and across the hall to the study. Once the heavy door was closed behind them she hissed "what the hell do you think you are doing talking to me like that? So help me if we weren't friends Marcus I would-"
"Friends?" he interrupted her. "You think we're friends after what you did?"
"What I did?"
He shook his head at her as he slammed his fist down onto the mahogany desk. "You know damn well what I'm talking about! I know all about what you tried to do to Annette. Did you think I wouldn't find out?" Before she could reply he answered his own question. "No of course you did, that's probably why you did it. Was it suppose to be some sort of warning? You didn't like what was going on between Annette and I so you decided to hurt her for it. Having us followed and photographed in BED wasn't enough for you was it? God damn you are a lot sicker than even I knew."
"If you'd shut the fuck up I'll explain" Kathryn spat.
Stopping suddenly Marcus let out a cold laugh, "oh I'm sure you will. You'll spout a bunch of bullshit that you'll expect me to buy but remember Kathryn I'm not one of THEM." Stepping closer to her his dark brown eyes locked on her as he whispered "I'm just as good if not better at this game then you are."
Taking a step back from him Kathryn held her head up as she tried to hide how uneasy he was making her. He was right, Marcus could be just as dangerous as herself when crossed. "This is your own doing you know."
"What?"
"I gave you a simple assignment" she snarled at him, fists clenched firmly at her side. "All you had to do was make nice with the Nancy Drew wannabe but no you had to go and fall for her. How fucking clique!"
"That's priceless coming from you" he laughed. "Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't you the one who used Joshua to get to the leader position only you fell in love with him?"
"Shut up! Leave him out of this. You're just pissed because you know you're the one who screwed up. Do you have any idea how stupid it is getting involved with the god damn headmasters daughter? She's trying to destroy us and instead of helping me take her down you're deafening her!"
"Annette is not a threat" he replied confidently. "Now your lovers on the other hand..."
Kathryn flinched "what the hell are you talking about?"
Marcus started to circled her as he called out loudly "I'm talking about you fucking Sebastian!"
She was surprised at him knowing this until she recalled Sebastian telling her he accidentally let it slip. At the time it hadn't bothered her that much but now with Marcus in the mood he was in the information could potentially hurt her. Looking past him to the closed door she hissed "keep your voice down."
"Why should I? It's only a matter of time before everyone knows. You two aren't exactly being discreet." Marcus shook his head in disgust "you're such a little hypocrite, going after Annette when you're screwing around with the tribunals real enemy. Sebastian's been trying to destroy us ever since he arrived here and we both know he's the one who got Annette that info for her article in the first place."
"I can control Valmont" Kathryn explained confidently. "He's no longer a problem."
"You aren't that good in bed" he snickered.
Kathryn's eyes went wide "who the hell do you think you are to talk to me like that? Is this that little bitches influence?"
"Shut up Kathryn!"
"Oh have I hit a nerve?" She prodded, stepping closer to him, her voice filled with malevolence. "That stupid, piece of trailer trash has really done a number on you. Well if I were you I wouldn't get too attached. She's just a common whore and it's only a matter of time before-"
Kathryn's bitter diatribe was suddenly interrupted by a hard smack to the face that sent her reeling backwards. She stumbled briefly before steadying herself on a chair. The hit hurt but it shocked her more than anything. Rubbing her cheek she looked back at Marcus who's eyes were already filling with regret, and breathed "you fucking bastard."
"Kathryn you-"
Pulling her clenched fist back suddenly she punched him hard in the jaw sending Marcus tumbling backwards against the desk. With her cheek and now her hand throbbing Kathryn watched him collect his barings and get back on his feet. "You touch me again like that and I swear to god I'll personally have your testicles removed from your body."
Marcus rubbed his jaw with one hand and held the other one up in a show of surrender. As they both caught their breath she told him "if you want out of the tribunal I'll arrange it."
"I'm not going anywhere" he told her coldly.
"Well I'm certainly not if that's what you're after" she spat back. "Just remember I'm the leader and if you're going to belong you're going to obey me."
When Marcus sat back on the desk and regarded her with cold indifference she rolled her eyes at him and stormed out. Her cheek was throbbing and she was in dire need of some ice. Kathryn was in such a hurry however she didn't catch Marcus's last comment to her. As he rubbed a hand over his quickly bruising jaw, her last comment played over in his head. Staring after her as she left he muttered "we'll see about that."
* * * * * *
An old man with greasy gray hair and a worn army jacket stood before Annette with a plastic soup bowl in his hand. Smiling kindly at him she dipped the metal ladle into the batch of steaming cream of chowder soup and filled it for him. "There you go" she said pleasantly "you can get some bread to go with that at the end of the line, enjoy."
"God bless you" he nodded before moving on down the line.
Annette looked up to see no more takers in front of her. Realizing she had no body else to feed for the time being she stepped away from the food and started to removed the hair net holding up her soft blond hair. "I think we're done Ruby" she told the small oriental girl on her left. "We can start cleaning up now and then you can take off."
"Okay" she replied as she began gathering up utensils to bring back to the kitchen.
Although volunteering at a soup kitchen wasn't exactly her idea of how to spend her Halloween, Annette none the less enjoyed the way helping others made her feel. Still she had wished Marcus would have volunteered along with her. When she brought it up he made it very clear that soup kitchens weren't his thing. Annette hadn't pushed him, that was just who he was and she wouldn't change him for anything.
As she began gathering the pots and cleaning up the table Annette wondered if perhaps the real reason he didn't want to join her was because the volunteer program was being led by Kathryn. Ever since she told him about the incident in the watchtower Marcus had been on the war path concerning Kathryn. She told him to let it go but he swore to her he was going to pay her back for this. Annette was starting to regret telling him in the first place.
Just as she expected though Kathryn hadn't showed up to volunteer which in a way was a relief to her. Annette really was in no mood to have to take orders from Kathryn and pretend her insults didn't bother her. In fact she'd be happy if she didn't have to hear the name Kathryn Merteuil ever again.
"Hey our other volunteer finally showed up" Ruby said as she pulled off the white cotton apron from around her neck. Annette began to tense when she thought the enemy possibly showed up after all. "And he's a cutie."
Letting out a sigh of relief Annette laughed, "okay. Well you go ahead and take off. Me and the cutie will finish up."
"Bye"
Picking up the heavy pot of soup Annette pushed through the swinging door to the kitchen. When she spotted the other volunteer leaning against the cabinet smoking a cigarette, she nearly dropped the soup. "Sebastian?" she remarked in surprise.
"Hey" he greeted her the boredom evident in his voice.
After resting the heavy pan on the stove with a loud thud she turned to him and exclaimed "you're volunteering?"
"I believe your father likes to call it forcible rehabilitation" he remarked with scorn.
Annette couldn't help but smirk, "I see. This wouldn't have anything to do with you playing doctor with half the female student body would it?"
A smirk spread across his face, "you heard about that?"
"Yeah I think everyone did. You're lucky my father didn't expel you for that stunt." Washing her hands in the sink she advised "perhaps you should consider acting your age for once, before it gets you in some real trouble."
After taking one last drag off his cigarette he tossed it to the ground in disdain. "You sound like Kathryn" he grumbled.
Annette turned the water off and flicked her wet hands in Sebastian's direction. "Was that a dig?"
"I suppose it can be seen that way" he replied with a short laugh as he rubbed the wet droplets of water from his jacket. Looking up his blue eyes met hers as they did his face became serious. "Look about what happened that day in the watch tower. I...um...it shouldn't of happened."
Annette, remembering Sebastian thing about apologizing, knew this was as close to one as she was going to get with him so she smiled and nodded. "It's okay, it wasn't your fault anyway."
He nodded "yeah well for what it's worth I don't think Kathryn would have gone through with it anyway."
"I'm just glad I didn't have to find out" she sighed. As she resumed stacking dishes and cups Annette's gaze fell on Sebastian who was staring off into space, deep in thought. Over come with sudden curiosity she asked him "can I ask you a question?"
"Could I stop you?"
"Why do you like her?"
Blinking in surprise he shifted back against the wall uncomfortably and explained "I don't. It's just sex, that's all."
Annette laughed seeing the usually self assured Valmont falter and stumble. "No it's not" she told him. "If that's all it was you wouldn't be so quick to jump to her defense. You like her and I'm just curious what the attraction is." Sebastian smirked and opened his mouth to speak but she stopped him, sure he was about to go on about the greatness of her tits and ass. "I know she's beautiful and sexy and whatever, I'm asking what's her appeal outside of the physical realm."
Sebastian seemed to think about this a moment and as he did it occurred to Annette this might be the first time he ever gave his feelings towards Kathryn any real thought. When he didn't answer her right away she began to wonder if perhaps she was off when she suggested he liked her but then...
"She's different than she seems" he replied quietly.
"Oh you mean she's not evil?" Annette quipped. When Sebastian only glared at her she said "sorry, go on."
"Look I know she's not a good person or even a halfway decent one, I'll give you that but she not the antichrist either. She has to be cold and mean because, well she enjoys it, and because that's the only way she knows to survive. Kathryn has feeling and is capable of being vulnerable she just doesn't show it like everyone else. I mean look at her and Joshua. She loves him" he said with surprising bitterness.
"And you hate that" Annette observed.
"I don't like being second best" Sebastian sneered his eyes looking at her intently. "That's all I'd ever be to her so long as he's in the picture."
"I see" she said walking over to his side of the table. "Sebastian you're missing one crucial element."
"What's that?"
"Joshua isn't here, he's hundreds of miles away. Who knows if and when he's ever coming back. If I were you I'd use those powers of persuasion you're so famous for and make Kathryn forget there ever was a Joshua."
A look of realization passed through Sebastian's face as he grinned at the idea. Running a hand across his lips he remarked "I could do that."
"Yes I imagine you could after all you almost had be believing I was in love with you."
"That's true" he snickered.
Annette rolled her eyes as she turned away from him. "Feel free to leave now Sebastian."
"Yeah thanks" he said hurriedly as he started to leave. Stopping in his tracks he turned back to her and asked "wait a minute the tribunal is having a party tonight aren't they?"
"Yes" she sighed "but it's for members only."
"We'll see" Sebastian scoffed. "You wouldn't happen to know where it's being held would you?"
* * * * * *
Kathryn was really starting to detest Halloween. Perhaps it was just the fucking lousy day she had been having so far that had put her in such a foul mood but she certainly wasn't feeling festive. Leaning against the staircase she gazed out at the fifty or so partiers gathered around the ballroom who were grinding to the music, drinking and an assortment of other naughty things. Everyone was dressed in costumes, some the typical devil, witch,, princess and other somewhat more creative like a slutty strawberry shortcake and Caligula walking around with two naked guys of a leash.
For her part Kathryn too had come in costume even though she hadn't felt like it. Deciding to go as Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction she wore a short black wig that fell not quite to her shoulders, a tight white button down dress shirt, three-quarter black pants, a pair of black flats, blood red lipstick and a matching manicure. The topper of course was the added accessory, the cocaine tucked in her bra. Kathryn was most definitely going to be using that later.
Lighting up a cigarette she puffed on it glumly as 'Time Warp' from Rocky Horror throbbed in her head. Feeling bored she wondered if perhaps she should just take off and go to Sebastian's. After all no one would really notice if she left and Kathryn had a strange need to see him once again...but no she couldn't. She was already spending far too much time with him as it was. Practically every night she was in his bed or he was in hers. It was only a matter of time before Joshua came back home and then she would have to give up Sebastian all together. The thought left her with a sudden pang in her stomach.
Suddenly out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of Marcus hovering by the opposite wall. He was chatting up some guy dressed as Zorro and the anger that was so evident on his face earlier was replaced with his typical charming smile. He was dressed as a boxer in a pair of shorts, a towel slung around his neck and a fresh bruise of his cheek that Kathryn knew was all too real.
Watching him she realized she was going to have to try and make up with him. Besides the fact that he was one of the few real friends she had, Marcus could be quite devious if he wanted to and if he wanted revenge on her it wouldn't be pretty. So with a confident smirk Kathryn strut up to him and said "hey daddy O, who gave you the shiner?"
When Zorro took off Marcus smile fell as he stared at her coldly and grumbled "who do you think?"
Reaching out she gently touched the bruise and asked "does it hurt?"
"Don't" he warned pulling her hand away.
"Quit being a dick, my face is still hurting from earlier you know. I had to wear a pound of make up just to cover it up" she explained touching her own cheek.
Sipping his bourbon he snarled "what do you want an apology? Fine, I shouldn't have hit you."
"No you shouldn't but I forgive you" she told him with a bright smile. Grabbing his arm Kathryn said "come on, dance with me."
Marcus didn't budge, he only stared at her blankly and said "no. You can't charm your way out of this one Kathryn, you went too far this time. I'm not just going to forget about what you did to Annette."
Annette, god if she had to hear that name just one more time she really would loose it. Unable to contain her annoyance she hissed at him "does everything have to come back to her? God I'm so sick of that-"
"I love her Kathryn" he interrupted suddenly.
The thought that her darling Marcus, a guy who use to pride himself on his cunning ability to deceive the opposite sex so well had actually fallen for that Kansas hillbilly was enough to make her scream. Shaking her head she told him "it won't last. She'll be out of your system soon enough and then maybe we can be friends again."
Kathryn had been staring at him so intently she didn't realize she was clutching his arm until he pulled away from her. With an expression that was more pity than anger Marcus told her "it doesn't work like that."
Walking pass her he disappeared into the crowd leaving Kathryn to stare blindly into space. In that moment everything was just a little too real. Marcus's anger towards her, her desire for Sebastian and her longing to see Joshua again, it was all there in that moment and it was just so...painful. It hurt so badly she wanted to scream and claw at her chest until there was nothing left.
Reaching up to her chest, her nails began to dig in when she felt a soft pouch against her breast. Sliding her hand into her shirt she pulled out the small white baggy filled with high priced cocaine. Staring at it blankly for a moment a smile eventually crept on her face. It wouldn't solve things but it would sure as hell make her feel better. Disco.
* * * * * *
Come three a.m. everything was dead. As Kathryn wandered out of the large bedroom she had been occupying for most of the night she stepped into the hallway to find the noise from earlier that evening was gone. In it's place though she could hear sporadic grunts and moans coming from the various bedrooms. Well at least someone was having fun.
Kathryn's fun hadn't lasted long. Shortly after snorting most of her cocaine her nose started to bleed and her high hadn't lasted long. Now cleaned up somewhat she traveled downstairs to find only a few people milling about. A couple ran across the ball room hand in hand giggling. Watching them Kathryn nearly smiled as she continued on her way to nowhere in particular.
As she headed down another hall she noticed for the first time the music that was coming out of one of the speakers. It was a haunting Tori Amos song that for some reason or another reminded her of Sebastian. Actually it was the lyrics that made her think of him, or rather her feeling for him.
I'm not in love, so don't forget it
It's just a silly phase I'm going through
And just because I call you up
Don't get me wrong, don't think you've got it made
As the words played over in her head she began to consider the song more carefully. Wait, wasn't that about someone who was in love? That reminded her she had to call Joshua.
Eventually she got to the end of the hallway and ended up in the room with the indoor pool. Currently it was empty of people but it was overrunning with frothy bubbles. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out her tiny cell phone and started to dial Joshua's number. As she listened to it ring intently she wondered if he could be sleeping or more likely out with someone. So caught up in her phone call Kathryn hadn't heard the foot steps behind her.
"Trick or treat"
The voice in her ear startled her so she shrieked and dropped her phone. Spinning around she came face to face with Sebastian's amused grin. "What the fuck!?" she yelled slapping his arm. "You scared the living hell out of me!"
"I can see that" he chuckled.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded looking around as if thinking someone would jump out and catch them. "I told you this party is for tribunal members only."
Sebastian nodded completely unfazed by her nasty temper. "Yes I know but it doesn't look like anyone's around any way so who cares?"
"I care" Kathryn spat as she grabbed his arm and started to pull him towards the door. "You're leaving NOW."
Pulling easily out of her grip he didn't budge but he did look her over as if noticing for the first time that she was in costume. Licking his lips lasciviously he remarked "you make one hell of a sexy Uma Thurman baby."
"I know"
He smirked at her confidence, "who were you calling?"
Forgetting for a moment her willingness to throw him out Kathryn walked over to her cell phone now resting on the floor and picked it up. "Joshua" she answered him glumly.
"Don't tell me, no answer?" Sebastian said in her ear as he pressed himself against her back. "Don't worry Kathryn I'm sure the girl he's out with is nowhere near as pretty as you. Probably."
Kathryn slammed her elbow back into his rib "shut up before I have security throw you out."
Clutching his rib he laughed "you haven't so far, I think I'm home free." Reaching out he touched her cheek that was hit earlier. "Who gave you that?"
"Marcus"
Sebastian laughed "what did you do this time?"
Kathryn scowled at him "he found out about Annette and the pictures. Thanks for your show of concern."
"Well something tells me you hit him back just as good" he replied with an affectionate smile.
As he gently caressed her cheek Kathryn felt herself soften towards him. "I thought you were mad at me?"
"Would you rather I was?" Sebastian asked knowing it put her in a tight situation. If she replied no she would admit feelings towards him and he knew she hated doing that. He all but had to twist her arm just for her to grudgingly admit she liked him.
Attempting to act aloof Kathryn replied "I don't care."
"Liar" Sebastian whispered in her ear before brushing past her.
Turning around she watched as he started taking his shirt and pants off. Crossing her arms to her chest she demanded "what are you doing?"
"I'm going to take a bubble bath what does it look like" he said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Getting momentarily distracted by the sight of his naked form she looked away from sex and back to his face. "Well I'm not going to."
"Yes you are" he told her before diving into the bubbles. As he rose to the surface he tossed his head back and ran a hand through his damp hair. "You better get your ass in here."
"And if I don't?"
Sebastian laughed "then I'm not coming out. It might be a tad difficult to explain to the tribunal sheep why you let a non member into the party."
Even though it was a lame threat Kathryn played along and grumbled "fine." Taking her time she unbuttoned her white shirt an then slowly slid out of her pants. As she did she couldn't help but enjoy the way Sebastian's eyes swept over her body and he smiled like a little boy at Christmas. He always acted like it was the first time he was seeing her naked.
Keeping her bra and panties on, if only to torture him some more, Kathryn dove gracefully into the pool. When she popped up a few feet from Sebastian she ran a hand over her hair, surprised the wig had stayed on. "There, happy?"
"I'll be a lot happier when you get the rest of it off."
"Tough shit" she snickered. "If you want it off you're going to have to do it yourself."
Laughing at this challenge Sebastian told her "not a problem."
He dove back under the water and a moment later Kathryn felt his hands tug at her panties. She squealed and kicked him as she attempted to swim away. Sebastian grabbed her by the leg though and pulled her into his arms. As he held her in one arm and used the other hand to pull the flimsy fabric from her body Kathryn found herself laughing. "Stop it! Sebastian stop!"
"Wait, I almost got it" he grinned clutching the elastic. Pulling it down he soon managed to slide her panties down her legs. Holding them up triumphantly Sebastian laughed "one down, one to go."
"No!" Kathryn exclaimed with a playful grin. Once again she tried to swim away but Sebastian grabbed her from around the waist, pulling her back to him. His hands moved up her stomach and started yanking at the straps of her bra. As he did this his fingers rubbed against her stomach causing her to giggle almost uncontrollably.
"Oh my god" Sebastian remarked in amazement. "How did I miss this before? You're ticklish!"
"No, no I'm not!" she argued through shrieks. "Knock it off!"
"Why?" he laughed "you seem to be enjoying it."
"Stop" she laughed, "it's not funny! Stop"
Sebastian kept it up however obviously enjoying his new power over her. Desperate to make it stop Kathryn turned her head around and quickly pressed her lips hard against his. Sebastian's movements stopped then as his hands fell around her waist and she turned her body around. While her tongue slid inside his mouth Kathryn's legs wrapped around his waist and she smashed her pelvis against his groin. The sensation caused Sebastian to groan into her mouth and grip her backside ever harder.
Breaking from the kiss, still a little breathless Kathryn asked "still think you can get that bra off?"
* * * * * *
As Kathryn bobbed under the water and Sebastian followed after her they laughed playfully completely unaware that they were being watched. On the third floor of the Buchanan mansion, Marcus sat in the office that acted as a security room. In sporadic places around the house were cameras, one of which was located in the pool room, that recorded everything. As he stared up at the large monitor that currently showed the happy couple frolicking in the pool of bubbles, Marcus scowled.
It was strange that up until now he hadn't noticed it. He just assumed what was going on between Kathryn and Sebastian was pure and simple lust. But now as he watched them laughing and acting like intimate lovers he realized a starting truth. Kathryn liked him. Maybe even more than liked.
The fact that she was cheating on her boyfriend didn't really bother Marcus. Truth be told Joshua had never exactly been one of his close friends, so his feelings weren't a concern. What did bother him though was Kathryn's blatant hypocrisy. She was trying to destroy his relationship with Annette all for the supposed good of the tribunal. Now here she was screwing around with one of it's biggest rivals at a PRIVATE party for Christ's sake. It wasn't right.
He came to the conclusion then if Kathryn could screw with his relationship he could very well return the favor. Reaching into his coat pocket Marcus pulled out his cell phone, his eyes still locked on the monitor. He dialed and waited for the familiar voice to greet him. Just as Sebastian and Kathryn began kissing once again, Joshua's picked up "hello?"
"Hey it's Marcus, we have a problem regarding Kathryn." Staring at the couple intently he explained "you have to come home right away."
- to be continued (Please Review)