Slow Dancing In The Dark by Joji
In the dimly lit Undercroft, away from the vibrant atmosphere of the ball, Sebastian finally released his grip on my hand. He seemed flustered and unsure, his gaze avoiding mine.
"I'm sorry for dragging you away like this," he mumbled, finally meeting my eyes. "I just needed to talk to you in private."
I crossed my arms, still feeling a mix of irritation and curiosity. "Well, you've got my attention now. What do you want to talk about?"
Sebastian took a deep breath, as if gathering his thoughts. "I wanted to ask YOU to the ball, Yvaine. I thought about it for days, but every time I saw you with Ominis, I convinced myself it was too late."
My heart skipped a beat, "But why didn't you ask me before?"
He looked down, seemingly embarrassed. "I was afraid you'd say no, or worse, laugh at me. And then Imelda asked me, and I thought maybe going with her was the safer option."
As we continued to talk, I noticed his fingers fidgeting, his body language betraying his inner turmoil. It was clear that he cared about me, even if he tried to hide it. My heart couldn't help but flutter at the thought. My human emotions will be the death of me. They bring about more harm and detriment to myself and those I care about.
"You know, Yvaine, you looked stunning tonight," he said, his tone softening as he looked at me intently.
I couldn't deny the possessive thrill I felt at his gaze, and a hint of a smile played at the corner of my lips. "Thank you, Sebastian. You don't look too bad yourself," I mumbled trying to lighten the mood.
"You should be going to the ball with me, Yvaine," he declared, his voice low and intense. "I can take care of you, protect you in ways Ominis never could."
I shot him a questioning glance, her expression caught between curiosity and concern. "Sebastian, why exactly are you telling me?"
Does he like me in that way?
He sighed, trying to find the right words to express his feelings. "Because I can't stand seeing you with someone else. Every time I saw you with Ominis, it drove me crazy. I wanted to be the one dancing with you, holding you close."
I looked taken aback, with mix of emotions in my eyes. "Seb, I didn't know you felt this way..... I always thought you'd see me as that annoying fifth year that got you into and saved you from trouble" I joked.
He half-laughed and shrugged, feeling vulnerable and exposed. "I didn't want to admit it to myself, let alone to you. But I can't keep it inside any longer apparently."
"Is that why you've been so short with me lately?" I looked at him with concern. "I thought maybe I ruined our friendship somehow.." I remember discussing the concern with Poppy one night and even tearing up.
"No of course not! If we've learned anything, I'm the one with the impulse control issues or let my emotions get the best of me. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve..." He said this as he slowly approached and reached for my hand.
"I appreciate your honesty, Sebastian," I replied, trying to maintain my composure. "But Ominis has been a true friend to me. He understands me in ways you don't....". I attempted to pull my hand away but he gripped at my finger tips, pulling it back.
Sebastian's jaw clenched, his possessive nature becoming even more evident. "I understand you better than anyone," he shot back, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "I know what you need, what you want. I can be everything you've been looking for, everything you never knew you needed."
"I... I don't know Seb.. I can't.." I attempted to walk away but his hand griped mine.
Sebastian's grip on my hand tightened, his desperation becoming more evident. "I don't want to lose you, Yvaine," he confessed, his voice raw with emotion. "I can't stand the thought of you being with someone else, of you slipping away from me. You and Ominis slipping away..."
His vulnerability took me by surprise, and for a moment, I saw past the possessiveness to the depth of his feelings. He was afraid of losing us, just like he had lost most of the important people in his life.
"I don't want to lose you either," I admitted, my heart pounding in my chest. I pulled him into a soft comforting embrace. I felt a delay trickle of tears as I looked up at him and wiped them away.
Sebastian's gaze softened, and he took a step closer, his desperation turning into determination. "Then let me show you," he said, his voice low and intense. "Give me a chance."
Before I could respond, he leaned in and pressed his lips against mine in a desperate, passionate kiss.
As Sebastian's lips met mine in a desperate kiss, a rush of longing surged through me. His kiss was filled with a mix of desperation and passion, like he was trying to convey all his feelings in that single moment. His hands cupped my cheeks, holding me close, as if afraid I might fade away. My heart pounded in my chest, torn between the intensity of the kiss and the loyalty I felt to Ominis. It would alter the friendship the three of us had built.
His lips moved against mine with a tender urgency, and I couldn't help but respond, my fingers instinctively tangling in his hair. It was as if a dam had burst, and all the emotions we had been holding back came flooding to the surface. The taste of him was intoxicating, and I found myself lost in the sensation, forgetting everything else around us.
Time seemed to stand still as we kissed, our bodies pressed close together. It was a kiss that spoke of longing and desire, of unspoken words and unfulfilled promises. In that moment, I could feel the depth of his feelings for me, the years of suppressed emotions now laid bare.
But as the kiss continued, a wave of guilt washed over me, guilt and another unknown surge of energy I did not recognize. Ominis had been there for me, a steady presence in my life, and I couldn't simply change everything for a kiss. I couldn't risk our friendship. We all needed each other.
I suddenly pulled away, my breath ragged, and pushed Sebastian back.
A faint purple glow outlined his eyes, and he seemed disoriented for a moment.
"Yvaine? What... Why are we in the Undercroft?"
My heart ached at a sudden realization.
"Ummm... last-minute dance practice... we were just headed up to meet Ominis and Imelda, remember?" I said hesitantly, trying to cover up my mistake. I hadn't meant to use my magic on him, but in the heat of the moment, I had acted without thinking.
Sebastian frowned, looking confused for a moment, but then his expression cleared, and he nodded. "Right, of course. Dance practice," he said, though there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
I let out a sigh of relief, grateful that he seemed to accept my explanation. But as I looked into his eyes, I couldn't help but feel torn. My heart was still racing from the intensity of our kiss, and a part of me wanted to give in to the feelings I had for him.
"We should go," I said softly, taking a step back from him towards the exit.
He nodded in agreement, his expression a mix of confusion and sadness. "Thank you for all the extra practice," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
He gave me a small, pained smile. "Always happy to help a lady in distress," he replied, and with that, we turned and walked back to the Great Hall, leaving me feeling a whirlwind of emotions.
As we made our way back, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just made a huge mistake. An accident, but a mistake nonetheless. But I knew I couldn't let my feelings for Sebastian cloud my judgment.
Even if we were honest, I was betrothed to Alaric....a commitment I simply couldn't ignore. I needed to be honest with myself and with Ominis, even if it meant facing the difficult choices ahead.
I had to keep reminding myself that my human form intensified and distorted my emotions, making them all the more complicated.
The Yule Ball was supposed to be a night of celebration and magic, but for me, it had become a night of uncertainty and heartache.