Out of the Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

Chapter Sixty-Four

My dirty, crusty eyes pulled themselves open to a warm, breathing chest that my face was smashed into. I was warm. Sweaty. Stinky. Ugh. I fell asleep with Sebastian. This was going to be a huge mistake... I sighed.

"Morning." He said gruffly.

I leaned my face up slightly to meet his warm eyes staring at me. "Morning." My dry voice cracked out.

"How are you feeling?" He asked timidly, his arms still tight around me.

"Um... ok, I think." His brows furrowed.

"I know, I smell." I chuckled a little at my embarrassment.

"I don't care. I've just been worried about you." He said simply.

"You have?" I said in surprise.

"Of course. You disappeared for two days and then you return covered in blood, having a meltdown. You shook all night. No matter how warm I got you, you still shook. Even in your sleep." He said it all softly and with so much.... Love. It made my heart ache.

"I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you... or burden you with all this. It's just... it's Will. He's my family. My brother. And he's... really hurt." I said just as softly.

"What happened?" He asked, only curiosity in his voice.

"Um... I don't know if I can talk about it. It was a troll. And he almost died. He could still..." I choked up again, tears welling once more.

"It's ok." He squeezed me to his chest again. "You don't have to tell me. Just try to calm yourself." He continued running his hands over my back. "Do you want to try to sleep some more? It's still quite early...."

"No. I need to bathe. Badly. And probably eat something. Go back to the hospital. Will needs me." I said firmly. I started to scoot away and he released me without another thought.

We both sat up a little awkwardly on the couch, getting our bearings.

"Thank you. For being there for me. Last night. I really appreciate it."

"Of course, Rach. Always." He said naturally but I could feel his emotions underneath. "Do you want me to wait and we can go get breakfast once you're cleaned up?"

"No. Thank you. I'm just going to go to the kitchens and have Pinky pack me something. I can't do the Great Hall right now..."

"Oh. Pinky's here?"

"Oh. Yes. She is the Avery's house elf. She goes where Will goes."

"Oh." He replied, simply. "Well..." He cleared his throat awkwardly. "I'm here. If... if you need anything." He reached out to grasp my hand. It was still warm and soft. "Seriously. I promise. I'm still here for you even if we... aren't..."

"I know." I gave him a soft smile. "Please thank Ominis for me too. I can't imagine what he was thinking when I came across him last night... the state I was in..."

"He understands. He loves you, too. We're ... both here for you." He released my hand and put it back in his lap.

"Thank you. I... I should go." Our eyes met for several seconds, nothing more to say but our eyes were saying so much.

I slowly got up and walked to my room. My entire body was screaming and aching. The girls in the dorm were still asleep. I scrawled a quick note to them, telling them Will had been injured and was in the hospital and that's where I'd be until further notice. Then I grabbed fresh clothes and my washroom bag.

The bath felt so good. I even drained it of the dirty water after I scrubbed myself raw and refilled it again so I could soak and recharge my muscles. I was breathing heavily, trying to release the stress. Slowly and deeply in and out, watching the steam of the hot water rise over the rim of the tub. I rested my head back on the rim.