Mmkay, I just hope you guys are appreciating this, because people over at the OTH board are starting to resent me for neglecting them. Haha.
To y-x, who guessed more than you should've. Haha.
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Breaking the Broken
Eleven
Crash Into You
Well I can't regret
Can't you just forget it?
I started something I couldn't finish
If we go down, we go down together
…
You never knew, well, I never told you
Everything I know about breaking hearts, I learned from you
It's true!
I've never done it with the style and grace you have
But I've made loads of plans based on these mistakes
Taking Back Sunday
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Ding!
The gold plated elevator doors gleamed in the light as they slid closed, Sebastian and Kathryn inside. Glancing at her watch every few seconds, the brunette seemed to radiate impatience, and Sebastian squirmed with guilt, wondering if his stepsister could somehow know what had taken place in this very elevator earlier that morning. There was no conceivable way for her to have found out, but this was Kathryn. Kathryn had ways that no one could comprehend, least of all the people she used them against. Sebastian would always come pretty close, but on occasion even he was baffled by the emerald eyes that seemed to see all.
"Stop moving," she snapped. He quirked a golden eyebrow at her.
"I'm sorry Miss Merteuil, am I bothering you?"
"Yes, actually," Kathryn smirked, and Sebastian made a face in response. She carried on, her tone sickly sweet, but with a poisonous edge. "Don't do that, darling. We wouldn't want you to get stuck like that. After all, not even the tramps here in good old California would be up for a round in the elevator with that."
"So you do know about that…" he trailed off, looking down.
"Of course I know about that! Anybody in the entire fucking hotel could know about that! Maybe you've forgotten, but Sebastian Valmont supposedly died in New York almost two years ago. How would it look if he was fucking models in the elevator of a hotel on the opposite coast!"
"Probably similar to how it was when I was 'alive'," he quipped, but processed her words nonetheless. Kathryn was right, of course. They would have to keep a low profile until much later on, because as far as the public knew, the Valmont-Merteuil siblings were out of commission.
"Are you jealous?" Sebastian asked curiously, narrowed ice blue gaze focused intently upon his stepsister. He could see her black-ringed eyes widen at the question, but she made no move to look at him.
"Are you delusional?" she said bitingly. Sebastian refused to be stung by the blow.
"I think somebody's feeling a bit envious. Kat, if you're pissed that I was with that airhead bitch, then just say it. You know I don't care."
"Exactly Sebastian. Why would I say anything about anything you do? You don't care. You never care. You do your thing, I'll do mine, and we all know what you do best. If you need a reminder, why don't you go ask the toothpick you were with before? Or how about the hundreds of others back in New York, or any other place the family had ever vacationed, for that matter?"
"That's not what I meant," he said through gritted teeth. "I meant that I don't care about them. If you want me to stop, I will."
"You'll what?" Kathryn asked, startled. This was not how she had anticipated her morning going. She was supposed to give him the silent treatment, they were both supposed to be irritated, and it was supposed to casually blow over as all their other disputes had. A heart-to-heart wasn't on the agenda, but with a four foot squared elevator surrounding them, she didn't really have another alternative. Only nineteen more floors to go…
"I'll… stop, I guess," he shrugged. He hadn't thought about that before saying it, and was wishing that he had now. Yet Kathryn's response shocked him—hysterical laughter. Clutching the hand rail tightly, she was nearly hunched over in laughter, tears of mirth forming in her eyes. Sebastian took a moment to appreciate the sound of her true laughter—a light, golden, tinkly sound that always managed to make him smile, as opposed to her trademark cold laughter, which elicited a smirk—until he recalled that it was at his expense.
"Excuse me?"
Gasping her words out through hysterics, Kathryn managed to convey, "You… goin… to… gi…up… girls… fa... Hahahahahahhahahahahaa." Sebastian found this less funny than his stepsister seemed to.
"You don't think I could?" he frowned.
"Sebastian! Are you insane? You had twelve girls on prom night. One night! And you think you can give them up for the duration of the time you're with me? Sebastian, it could be years!"
"So? If it bothers you, I could try, I guess…" the slight frown lines in his forehead deepened.
"It doesn't 'bother me'," she sneered, crossing her arms defensively over her chest.
"Then what the fuck is your problem?" he shouted.
"I don't have a problem," she stated simply. Moments passed in silence, and Kathryn waited on edge for Sebastian's caustic reply. However, a more tender response awaited her when they reached the fifth floor.
"I know what you're trying to do, Kat, and it's not going to work. You can't push me away. Deny it all you want, we're best when we're together, and no amount of debutantes or toys are going to change that."
She said nothing, and he didn't push the matter any farther. Sebastian noted with slight satisfaction that exiting the elevator, she did link her fragile arm through his own.
A flash of blonde in the corner of the exquisite lobby caught Kathryn's eye. Sebastian didn't appear to notice it yet, but there was a tall, gorgeous woman in the corner waving him down. Part of her was tempted to point her out, just to see her stepbrother's internal struggle. The other part didn't want his eye straying at all. And so she kept quiet, giving the girl a sharp, evil look from the corner of her eye as they passed. Kathryn had to admit that she was surprised that the blonde didn't look away or flinch, but stared straight back at her with impossibly light gray eyes. There was something hauntingly familiar about that face…
But the revolving doors were spinning now, and it was time to go. Leaving thoughts of the mysterious girl in the back of her mind, Kathryn proceeded out into the warm California sunlight with Sebastian on her arm, and both of them on better terms than they'd been on in days.
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It was an entirely different blonde, but Kathryn Merteuil was running scared. She wasn't even positive if it was her, but she wasn't willing to take the chance. Heart pounding in her throat, her mind raced, trying to find a way to steer Sebastian in the other direction with utmost nonchalance. A vice-like grip with her claw-like red nails stopped him in his tracks, and he just managed to contain the yelp that threatened to escape.
"What the fuck!" he demanded, outraged. Then he took in her widened green irises. "What's up?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing. I'd just rather go this way," Kathryn said with unconvincing nonchalance.
"Well, if I recall correctly, the dorm is that way…"
"Well, you would know," she trilled pointedly, a dark look casting itself over her beautiful face. Sebastian rolled his eyes. This again…
"That wasn't in college," he answered sweetly.
"Ah yes, how could I forget? You know, I slipped up for a second there and forgot that it was my life's work to keep track of all of your different sexcapades and their date, time, and place."
"You said it, not me."
"You're such a child sometimes, Sebastian."
"Ouch. Kat's claws are coming out. Here kitty kitty… what's the problem? I thought that our conflict was resolved?"
"What conflict? I was just telling you to stop being such a fucking moron."
"I'll get right on that," he sneered, but bit his tongue on the insulting come back that came to mind. While their banter was usually something he enjoyed greatly, Kathryn didn't seem amused, and he wasn't about to push it. He was in deep shit as it was.
"So, where are we going now that we're heading in the complete opposite direction of our previous destination?"
"Well, I'm still going. I'm just taking the scenic route."
"Right, because those are your walking shoes."
"Maybe not, but the heels would be perfect for shoving my foot up your—"
"Sounds kinky," Sebastian mused.
"Pervert."
"You love it."
"You're delusional," she scoffed with laughter in her eyes.
"Perhaps. Kathryn, where the fuck are we?"
"This again? I can't bring you anywhere anymore! All you do is whine!"
"Maybe I wouldn't if you'd just tell me what the hell is going on!" he whined, sighing at her disbelieving glance. "I said maybe."
"Forgive me for not taking you at your word, but you aren't what we'd call an up-standing man."
"Yeah, I'm usually better when horizontal," he shrugged.
For the second time that day, Kathryn found herself doing something rare. A true, genuine laugh escaped her tightly-pursed lips, lighting up her face, and Sebastian bit his lower lip to keep his own smile inside.
"Okay, stop distracting me. I need to go see her," Kathryn said, shaking her head.
"I still don't understand why. What is so fucking important about this?"
"It's a… family issue."
"Yes, and as your stepbrother, I feel that I'm privy to such issues."
"Well, I'm sorry to hurt your feelings," she smirked. Glancing cautiously back towards the Tourvel building, Kathryn registered that the coast was now clear, but probably not for long. Now was the time to make her move. "Okay, well, our lovely stroll is over. Go… amuse yourself. Preferably not with any co-eds, but we'll see how long your new vow lasts. Try and keep a low profile. Head to the library or something. Nobody besides weirdos like you ever step foot in them."
"Real mature, Kat," he tossed over his shoulder, already on his way. Sebastian really wasn't in the mood for one of Kathryn's soliloquies, no matter how much she loved them. Walking casually along the cobblestone path, cigarette playing lazily across his pouty lips, his ice blue eyes took in the scene at Prestridge University. It wasn't anything special, he decided. If Manchester Prep had dorms, it would be Prestridge. Although, that was probably intentional. All of the upper-class was tied together with strings of conditions and webs of deceit. All the insipid wealthy assholes were the same, it would only make sense for their dwellings to be similar.
The sunlight glinted off the top of his blonde head, catching the eye of a girl three floors up. Her wide blue eyes widened in shock, blinking a few times to confirm what she was seeing. After the third blink, he was gone. Eyes narrowed in confusion, suspicious. With a sigh and a shake of her pretty blonde head, she determined that she was just seeing things again, that there were plenty of blonde boys in the world, but with that came the painful thought that none of them were him. The blaring stereo overhead was starting to give her a headache. Rock music was definitely not her thing, but she definitely didn't want to be starting any conflicts with her new neighbors. Closing the blinds as she shut out the sight, Annette Hargrove realized that California wasn't as far from New York as she thought.
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Smarting knuckles rapped repeatedly on the maple door, but the music blaring from the other side gave no signs of recognition to her presence. However, Kathryn persisted.
"GO AWAY! I DON'T WANT TO FUCK YOU!" Cassidy's voice screamed over the music. A wicked smile twisted her cousin's lips. Calmly removing the elaborate skeleton key from her Gucci purse, she daintily swung open the door.
"Well, that wasn't really the goal for this visit. Sorry cousin, but I draw the line at incest," Kathryn quipped, a real smile tugging at her lips now.
"Hmm… some might beg to differ. Speaking of, where is Sebastian on this fine day?" Cassidy countered, a spark igniting in her large, cold eyes. Kathryn's own eyes narrowed dangerously, but she opted not to take the bait.
"So, who could it be that you're avoiding?" Kathryn mused sardonically, a warning flashing in her bright eyes. They seemed a little brighter than usual, as was her usual when she had cruelty on her mind. Or when she was aroused. For Kathryn Merteuil, it was usually the same thing.
"I'm not avoiding anyone. Avoiding people is for cowards," Cassidy claimed, chin tilted defiantly to look Kathryn straight in the eye. Rising from her place on the large circular bed, her words oozed with malice. "Which probably explains your stint at Tromperie Manor."
"Ooh, somebody's clever today. Although you probably had to suck off the butler to get this so-called insider information. You should start doing more for your sources, Cassidy. Judging by last night, your snitch didn't clue you in as to the fact that I wasn't alone. For any portion of the trip, for that matter," Kathryn simpered, innuendo lacing the last few words. She enjoyed the cloud of envy that seemed to sweep over her cousin's pretty face.
"Well, you're never alone for too long, Kathryn. Except for your brief stint in rehab. From what I hear, you didn't have too many visitors there. Guess mommy and daddy couldn't be bothered with the trip," Cassidy shrugged. "Not even J—"
"Don't say it," Kathryn warned, the threat in her eyes all too real. Cassidy relented. Even as a Merteuil, there were lines that you did not cross. This was one of them.
"While you visiting did grandmére mention Bel—" Cassidy began to ask, courage and curiosity overwhelming caution and good-breeding.
"Good God no," Kathryn snorted. "Does anybody?"
"The tabloids," Cassidy sneered.
"Yes, and we all know how much this family loves negative publicity."
"Well, nobody knows that she's related anyway."
"Thank God for small favors," Kathryn sighed.
"Hm… seems to be a lot of religious mentioning going on. Still into your little habit?" Cassidy asked, pointing towards the large crucifix wound tightly around Kathryn's bony wrist. While around most people, she would curl her arm up instinctively, Kathryn let it hang down, examining the jewelry casually.
"Not so much. Sebastian's ridiculous about it. If he comes in when I'm trying, he suggests fun in… other ways…" Kathryn trailed off delicately, a mischievous smile contorting her face. Cassidy rolled her eyes, readjusting quickly to her cousin's constant hint-dropping. It had been a while since Kathryn had any ammunition against Cassidy, and she knew that she'd hold onto it for a while. Moments passed in a comfortable silence.
"So, you fucked Jason last night?" Kathryn asked casually, green eyes glinting.
"Yeah… alley behind the club," Cassidy sighed. Her eyes had gone wide with alarm at first, wondering how Kathryn could have possibly known that. Of course, going over that again, her answer had been painfully obvious—she knew because she was Kathryn. Kathryn just knew, it didn't matter how or why or if it was even possible.
"Ew," Kathryn wrinkled her pert little nose. "1-10?"
"Eight, maybe. Then again, I was drunk off my ass, so my judgment could be clouted."
"I don't know. Sebastian tells me that the only time I ever tell the truth is when I'm drunk."
"Yeah, because he's somebody who has the right to lecture others on honestly," Cassidy snorted. She kept her tone carefully light, but Kathryn noticed the cracks in her façade. The underlying pain shone through, and it took all her will-power not to exploit that.
Anyone onlookers would think that this was an innocent scene. Two girls, so alike and yet so different. Both with perfect complexions, shining intellects, sparkling personas carefully crafted for the public eye. Both so beautiful, and yet so damaged. So beautifully broken. Both sat straight up on the bed, years of immaculate posture drilled into their subconscious. They looked vaguely uncomfortable, but that was far from the truth, because with those years of good breeding came years of memories. While they certainly weren't all good ones, they came with a sense of familiarity that few could provide. They sat in comfort, exchanging quips and insults and anecdotes that someone managed to be left out before. The laughter was never hysterical, the talk never giddy. They were Merteuils, through and through, but deep down, they were a family too.
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Okay, I'm totally going to be late for my plans tonight, but I just had to post this before I went out. I hope you guys liked it. I got a little stuck after the first part, because I wasn't sure how much I wanted to reveal in this chapter, but it should be much smoother sailing from now on. Please review and let me know what you thought.
y-x: THANK YOU. This chapter is for you. You gave me an honest evaluation, and I appreciated that. You touched a little too close for comfort on some of the things I have coming up though, and I'm glad that that was a private e-mail lol. Hell yes, I'm hating on Matieu and Belinda, as is any self-respecting K/S-er.
J- Yay! You're back! I missed you! I adore your reviews.
Katie- Lol I think last chapter rubbed everybody the wrong way. Thanks for helping me out though…
Luvs-bitch01- Hehe, you didn't like that? Good. Hint hint. I'm glad you like this story though…
I'd love to respond more in depth, but I am so freaking late right now. Thanks for reading!
Xo Sam