Come As You Are (An Anne With An E/Sebastian 'Bash' Lacroix Fanfic)

10. Talks

After eating and finishing my chores, I sat outside with a shawl on. The chilly air blew past and blew my hair around. The air was crisp and clean. It felt nice to breathe it in.

The door creaked open and steps came toward me. Someone sat beside me and took my hand.

"Hey," Bash greeted. "Gilbert talked to me about what you said about marriage."

I took Bash's hand. "I want to get married to you. Just not now. I want to wait and know you more. It seems rather quickly to do it and I don't want to be rushed into things."

"I didn't mean to rush you into things," Bash said. "I love you a lot and I want to be with you for a long time."

"I can't promise anything but I do want to do the same," I replied. "You're the only person I've ever thought I'd spend my life with and the one person who accepted my disability. If you are going to do it, I want to help plan it. I don't want you to do all of it."

Bash brushed some hair out of my face. "I'll love your ideas."

I moved my head away. "Thanks. By the way, I don't like people touching me. I can't see what people are doing. I don't know what's coming."

"Yes, ma'am," Bash said. "I do have a few questions about the wedding. It's nothing too big."

"Yes?"

"What season do you want it in?"

"Summer," I answered.

"What day?" Bash asked.

"Friday or Saturday."

"Aren't people going to be busy with work or farms?" Bash asked.

I shrugged. "Maybe but it's a wedding. People can make time for that. Besides if it's later in the evening, people can make it."

"Okay," Bash said. "Do you want to go to town with me? I have to pick up some stuff."

I nodded. "Okay. Let's go."

Bash took my hand and got up. We started for town, getting there an hour later. We walked through the town, arm in arm. We chatted while we did, laughing at jokes and witty remarks.

"People are looking at us strangely," Bash murmured in my ear.

"Then let them look," I replied. "We're a cute couple, I'm sure."

"I'm not sure that's the reason and you know it."

I shrugged. "They need to learn how to accept us for who we are. I'm not going to let them dictate our lives because of who we were born as. I am who I am and that's what I stand by. What do you say?"

"That you have the confidence of a goddess."

I laughed. "It comes with being who I am. Where are we heading?"

"The general store," Bash replied. "We have some supplies we need to get."

"Sounds great," I said. "I'll help as best as I can."

We entered the store and started getting stuff. Bash went to the counter as I stood a few feet away.

"I can't help you," the store clerk said.

"Why not?" Bash asked.

"I don't have money to give you back," the clerk said.

"I see the money right there," Bash argued.

I jumped in, walking over. "What's the problem here?"

"This man is trying to take the money," the clerk answered.

When Bash started to complain, I rested my hand in his shoulder. "No, he isn't. Don't try to come at me with that. Sebastian is one of the nicest people I know. You're going to let him buy the stuff he wants and we'll be on our way."

"Yes, ma'am," the clerk said.

"And next time we come back," I shot, "you're going to treat Sebastian with the respect he deserves, alright?"

"Of course, ma'am," the clerk said. "I apologize, sir."

Bash grumbled beige saying. "Aria, help me carry these bags. It's a long walk home."

I grabbed what I could and stumbled across the store. We carried it all the way home and when we got there, Gilbert called out to us. He took the stuff from my hands, turning away. I fumbled for the door, opening it clumsily. I held it open for Gilbert and Bash until they stepped in.

I helped put the stuff away. It wasn't too long before we went separate ways for the afternoon. I read for a little bit before going to find Gilbert. He answered my calls. He was in his bedroom.

When I got there, I looked over at his bed. "Gilbert?"

"I'm at my desk," he replied. "Is there anything you need?"

"I just got bored," I replied. "What are you doing?"

"Homework," Gilbert said. "The new teacher is amazing. You should meet one day. I'm sure she will be very accommodating of your needs."

"She's nothing like the ass of a teacher before?" I asked.

"Aria, clean that potty mouth!" Gilbert exclaimed, his teasing tone very evident. "She'll love you. I can ask her tomorrow if you can come and if she says yes, I'll walk you there. You get to see Anne too."

I sat on the bed. "What do you think of Anne?"

"She's pretty. She's got fire red hair and a fiery temper to match it," Gilbert responded. "She's smart. Smarter than I am. She's clever too. I can see why you like her. You two are very similar."

"I know," I said. "Do you like her?"

"No," Gilbert denied. "She's not - no. I don't like her."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, sure you don't. It definitely didn't sound it. If you end up getting together, you own me ten dollars and three new books."

"Yes, ma'am. It won't happen though."

I leaned forward a little. "I always win bets, Gilbert. I don't plan on losing."

The chair scraped across the floor and Gilbert kissed my forehead. "I'm going to start making dinner with Bash. I'll come get you when it's done, alright?"

I nodded and sat on Gilbert's bed for a little bit before getting up to go to my room. I laid down to rest, sighing heavily. My head was starting to hurt pretty badly. I closed my eyes, hoping my headache would stop soon.

I was woken up by Gilbert shaking me. I sat up, my head still hurting. Rubbing it, I got up and followed Gilbert downstairs. Sitting down next to Bash, I tried not to let the pain bother me too badly.

I ate quietly, only talking when it didn't hurt too badly. I pressed my hand against my forehead, sighing at how loud the utensils were being.

"What is it, Aria?" Bash asked. "Are you feeling alright?"

I rubbed my forehead. "My head really hurts. I think I have a migraine. It's getting worse."

"Do you want to go to bed early?" Gilbert asked.

I nodded, getting up to my spot, murmuring, "I'm going up to my room. I won't be down for the rest of the night."

"I hope you feel better," Bash said as I left.

I went to my room. My lights were almost always off and were only on when someone else was in the room. I took my clothes off, barely able to focus on what I was doing. I got into bed, ass naked, and closed my eyes.