My Blood

Chapter 11- Ancient Tree - Part II

(Lauren Aquilina - Fools (Lyrics) - quilanora) - This song is a good representaion of Phee's inner struggles, hope you enjoy it! :)

As Sebastian held my hand, the world around us seemed to still, the only sounds being the gentle rustle of leaves and our quiet breaths. His gaze lingered on mine, filled with a warmth that made my heart flutter unexpectedly.

"You know," he began, his voice a soft murmur, "spending this time with you, it's more than I had hoped for." His thumb gently caressed the back of my hand, sending ripples of warmth up my arm.

I smiled, feeling a mix of happiness and nervousness. "I'm glad," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "I've enjoyed these moments too. It's... it's nice to feel this close to someone."

Sebastian's smile grew. "You're easy to be close to, Seraphina. It's like you fit into my world perfectly, even if you think you're just passing through it." His words were careful, as if he was navigating through his thoughts as he spoke.

I couldn't help but laugh softly, the sound mixing with the breeze. "I'm not just passing through, am I?" I teased, trying to lighten the moment while my heart raced with the implications of his words.

"No, I don't think you are," he said earnestly, leaning in so close that I could feel his breath on my face. "I think you're becoming a very important part of it."

The air between us charged with a gentle tension, our faces mere seconds apart. I could see the freckles around his face, the slight wrinkles around his eyes, the specks of gold in his warm brown eyes shimmering with sincerity and something else-perhaps hope. "Sebastian," I started, my voice faltering, unsure of what to say but wanting to say something that would capture the rush of feelings he was stirring within me.

My heart ached inexplicably; I don't know why my heart was hurting. We've been this close before; he is just teasing me, it's his way of being. But I-I can't ignore what he said, right? We are great friends, perhaps one day we can be best friends. I need him; I don't want to lose him. I can't lose him; I won't lose him, no matter what or how much it may hurt. I won't let my feelings get in the way of our friendship. A single tear slid down my cheek.

Sebastian's expression softened further as he noticed the tear. Gently, he reached and brushed it away with the pad of his thumb, his touch tender. "Hey," he whispered, his voice full of concern and an aching sweetness that only deepened the turmoil inside me. "Whatever happens, you won't lose me. I promise."

In that moment, the beauty of his promise was overshadowed by the bittersweet realization that my feelings for him were deeper than I had admitted even to myself. And yet, fearing the risk of losing what we had, I remained silent about the true depth of my affection, letting the moment linger in a sweet, poignant silence that spoke volumes more than words ever could.

Sebastian's reassuring words hung in the air between us, a tender promise that both soothed and tormented my conflicted heart. His thumb lingered on my cheek, a silent testament to the closeness we shared. The warmth of his touch felt like a balm, yet it stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me, making it increasingly difficult to mask my true feelings.

"You're very important to me, Seraphina," he continued, his voice a gentle whisper that seemed to echo in the quiet surrounding us. "More than just a friend." His gaze was earnest, searching mine for a reaction, his eyes reflecting a mix of vulnerability and hope.

I felt my breath catch in my throat. His admission was the one thing I had both longed for and feared. The simplicity and honesty in his confession were disarming, and for a moment, I allowed myself to truly look at him-not just as a friend, but as someone I could love deeply and irrevocably.