When the Stars Fall
Beach Stars
Sebastian felt numb, a feeling which was really not anything new.
At that moment, sitting there waiting for Demetrius to show up, Sebastian found himself wanting to feel anything rather than have his mind stuck on repeating what happened in the interrogation room over and over in his head. His fingers tightened around the knees of his pants, one of his fingers picking at the fraying at one of the knees while he looked ahead.
The police station was a cacophony of noise as they waited out in the lobby, but every so often a noise would occur that made Sebastian's head turn and Demetrius relative to speak in a soft manner, telling him not to worry about such things, yet Sebastian couldn't help but worry about such things when he almost ended up in a jail cell. Somehow, he knew that was the end goal rather than finding the person who took Maru away.
"You should say something to him. He might be a stranger, but Demetrius sent him and he's related to Demetrius and thus also related to Maru." That particular thought made Sebastian open his mouth a few times, trying to think of something to say to the man, but he couldn't think of anything.
"Ambrose by the way."
"Uh..." Sebastian's eyes blinked, looking at the man carefully.
"I'm your uncle, but also named after an uncle," the man said, but watching Ambrose Sebastian thought he was watching him carefully.
"Demetrius isn't..." Sebastian stopped. "Don't you have a problem with that?"
"With what?"
Sebastian's mouth shut and he looked at his hands, one of which yet again picked at the frayed jeans right at the knee.
"Family is family," the man finally said.
"I've not met you, any of you."
The man frowned. "To be honest, I really didn't know why that was."
"You still don't."
"When Demetrius called telling me about your situation, he was upfront about the fact you're autistic, but watching you here in the station as we wait, it doesn't seem like you're fond of loud noises."
"Not really."
"We're a really loud family, Sebastian, but that doesn't mean we aren't there for you. Mind you, there are some who will consider you a stranger until you get to know them, but you are Demetrius kid."
"I have a dad."
"Who says you're not allowed to have more than one? As one of Demetrius' family members who has met your dad, he wouldn't care about that, but I think you know that as well. This is your family, but you're allowed to call Demetrius your dad. That's your choice and not the choice of anybody else. Not even Demetrius can make you."
"Does he want me to?" Sebastian swallowed. "Or is it only because..."
"Ask him," Ambrose nodded his head. "He's here by the way."
Sebastian looked up, then stood up, his mouth opening to say something, possibly aiming at asking the question. The words didn't come out before Demetrius pulled him into a hug, whispering into his ear. "We're going home."
"Call me if the police decide to bother him again. Actually, don't hesitate to call even if they don't, but pay us a visit. All of you would be welcome with open arms."
"I guess," Sebastian muttered, feeling Demetrius' hand on the middle of his back before they stepped out, the hot heat beating down on him, making his eyes squint shut. His mind kept playing the events over and over in his head until they arrived home and he was able to retreat into his basement bedroom. He let out a sigh, burying his head and letting the bedding cool his overly warm skin.
He stayed there, only leaving to use the restroom and shower, not liking to feel sticky from sweat. He ate what Demetrius brought him, his way of being obedient and good, only for Demetrius' voice the fact he found his lack of rebellious attitude alarming given the fact Sebastian was typically far more careful letting down his guard with people, meaning, according to Demetrius, that the police had a bad effect on him.
"Hey. I came for a visit."
Sebastian's eyes blinked, but then he slowly pushed himself up so that he looked at the person standing in the doorway. "Ardyce. Hi. Sorry about..." He glanced away, trying to think of what he needed to say. Sebastian turned his head back and said, "Sorry about what happened the other day?"
"What do you mean by that?"
Sebastian looked at Ardyce, unsure of what to say. "What do you mean what do I mean by that?"
"For Abigail? Because that's not your fault and you shouldn't be apologizing. For the police taking you in? That's also something you shouldn't apologize for."
"Oh? Do I still need to take care of the internet?"
"That's taken care of. Pierre and Caroline moved the modem from Abigail's room."
"Okay." Sebastian's mouth twisted, his hands clenching the bedding he sat on, unsure of why she was here.
"Care to come to the beach with me?"
"Uh..." His head shot up, finding himself slightly confused.
She smiled at him and he felt his cheeks heat up. "On a date?" His eyes blinked some more, thinking it too good to be true, but still concerned because she was Maru's friend. "It's actually evening now, so it's not hot out, but I'd like to talk."
"Oh. Okay." Sebastian didn't hesitate in getting up out of the bed, thinking it made more sense for them to be having a talk, likely about what happened to Maru, rather than actually going on a date. He didn't hesitate, yet when he passed by his mother, he couldn't help but feel she was pleased as punch regarding what was going on. He shook his head, frowning at her. "Shouldn't she be more concerned about Maru not being around anymore?"
Stepping outside, his eyes squinted, not liking how the evening was still quite warm, warmer than he would have liked. He watched Ardyce tilt her head, smiling at him. "So, how are you feeling."
"It's a bit warm." He then said. "I lost the water bottle you gave me."
"That's okay."
"No, it's not."
"That isn't your fault."
They continued walking in silence until they reached the beach and Sebastian felt a nice cool ocean breeze touching his skin. He sucked in his breath, before sitting down on the ground watching the stars, letting his fingers twist in the nice cool sand while Ardyce sat down next to him. Every so often he closed his eyes, relaxing as he did so, waiting for Ardyce to start the conversation.
Except, she didn't say anything.
"I thought we were going to talk."
"Well, yes, but it's also a date so we should enjoy ourselves."
Sebastian turned his head. "You were serious."
She looked him in the eye. "You didn't think I was?"
"Well..." He turned his head to look at the stars. "Me?" He then muttered. "This isn't about Mary and finding her?"
"That is the reason I came here, and I did plan on asking you to help me find out what happened to her. We both need closure on that, don't we?" Ardyce looked up at the sky. "I already told you that you weren't what I expected."
"You said something about that not being a bad thing."
"Your friend Sam was quite blunt."
"Yes, but you're also my sister's best friend, so wouldn't that make it weird. Particularly after she..."
"I guess it might, and it might not work out. But, I think Maru would want this, but if she introduced us I know I'd be interested." What Ardyce said made sense to Sebastian, yet he didn't respond, wrapping his arms around his knees and watching her carefully. "Think of it. In another world, we might have met differently, and she might have become my sister-in-law, or we might have just ended up being friends when everything is said and done."
Sebastian looked at the waves which washed up onto the beach under the starlight. "Regarding Abigail and eye."
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
"It never got beyond kissing and her being..." Sebastian frowned. "I honestly don't have the word for it. I'm still..." He took a deep breath, shaking his head. "Just never got into the relationship thing as I'm not good at any kind of relationship."
"Which is why I almost hesitated. I didn't want to rush into anything. I'm not by the way, but it's been quite a while since I've dated. As I said though, I didn't want to rush anything, but I also realized I didn't want the chance to pass me up. To get to know you better, to start something with you. I don't know what I'm going to do when we learn what happened to Maru, but I am willing to try on figuring out something if that's okay with you."
"Okay with me?" Sebastian shook his head. "What about what's okay with you?"
Ardyce looked at him, her mouth pushing together. "Why can't it be about what's okay with you? Your someone I know will respect my boundaries, but I've got to do the same in return, right?"
"I... yes." Sebastian frowned. "The thing is, I don't know where to even begin."
Ardyce lay back, looking up at the stars. "We start by this date where we lie on the beach, enjoying the stars, but if you want, you can take my hand. We can also discuss what we plan on doing to find out what happened to Maru, but it's not the main focus tonight. Tonight, is about getting you to relax, particularly after being hauled in like that. And..." Ardyce swallowed. "I hated that. What they did to you."
Sebastian glanced up at the sky, then lay down looking up at the sky. He at first tucked both hands behind his head while his knees were up and Ardyce's legs spread out. He didn't expect that he would reach out with one of his hands to hold onto hers, but eventually, he did but feeling her fingers entwine with his felt good.
