Living it up in New York

The name's Sebastian, Sebastian Smythe. I'm a third-year Journalism major at NYU, studying towards my BA, 21 years old, and I'll be graduating a year early, in Spring of 2014. I'm an intern at the New York Times, currently living in Manhattan. Every so often I model for my dad's fashion agency. Taken by Julian Larson :)

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Larythe: Let Me Love You

[cali-julianlarson]

Julian thought nothing of the fact that Sebastian was hiding his hands behind his back, the smile never leaving his face as he nodded and murmured an, “Okay,” before ducking back into the bathroom to fix up his hair.  Nearly an hour later, he was ready, opening the bedroom door once again.  His hair was perfectly coiffed into place, his clothing sharp as he walked over to his husband, a sheepish smile on his face.  “Finally ready,” he said with a chuckle, bending down to pat Cedric for a moment.  “I already put food in his bowl and cleaned his litter box, so he should be good until tonight, if you’re ready to go now.”  Julian couldn’t wait to finally get to have some time to spend with Sebastian again.  The past month had been long, and he was ready for a break, even if it was only for a couple of hours.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Sebastian sat in the living room, watching tv with Cedric on his lap as he waited for Julian. As he heard the door open, he quickly grabbed the bouquet of flowers to hide them behind his back again, causing Cedric to jump down and saunter over to Julian. "You look perfect," Sebastian smiled, standing up as Julian walked up to him, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "And these are for you," he added, finally offering out the bouquet, already having set up a vase with water in the dining room so Julian wouldn't have to go searching for one. "Great, yeah, I'm ready if you are," he said, grabbing his jacket off the sofa where he had laid it, pulling it on. "I hope you're hungry."

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Larythe: Let Me Love You

[cali-julianlarson]

As soon as Julian had awoken and seen the note Sebastian left him, he’d broken out into a huge smile.  Since Sebastian had gotten better, Julian had been working himself to the bone to make up all the filming time he’d missed, and this was the first time he’d had off in over two weeks.  He made his way to the bathroom to get a shower, figuring that he had plenty of time until his husband returned.  He had just gotten out and put on a pair of boxers when he heard the door open.  Poking his head through the bedroom door, he grinned again when he saw Sebastian.  ”Hey baby,” he murmured.  ”I probably need another half hour to get dressed and do my hair and everything.”  Of course, that would probably turn into at least 45 minutes, if not longer, but Sebastian already knew that.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Sebastian hid the bouquet of flowers behind his back as he heard the bedroom door open, and gave Julian a bright smile as his husband's head peeked out. "Hey cutie," he grinned, seeing that Julian was in nothing but boxers. "Oh, go ahead, take your time," he said amiably. Of course, he'd think that Julian looked absolutely perfect no matter how he was dressed, but he loved that Julian always spent so much time looking good for him. "I'll be in the living room if you need me, okay?" he smiled, continuing to hide the flowers behind his back as he crossed the room, deciding to search for Cedric to bide his time while he waited for Julian to get ready. He was pretty excited for tonight, to finally have time to spend with Julian since his husband had been so busy with filming.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Larythe: Let Me Love You

Sebastian was dressed well, out buying flowers for his surprise-date with Julian to come as soon as Julian awoke and saw the note he had left for him. Sebastian was more than happy to be up and walking again, since he had needed to rest so much when he had been healing from his injuries. His hair was starting to grow back, too, after having shaved it upon returning home from the hospital. It was incredibly short, still, but honestly didn't look that bad- Sebastian kind of liked it, but he lamented over the fact that there was nothing for Julian to really hold onto. A lovely bouquet in hand, Sebastian walked back to the apartment, hoping Julian had already awoken as he put his key in the lock and entered, excited at the prospect of getting to spoil his husband for the night.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

[cali-julianlarson]

"Of course I am.  You deserve it," Julian said quietly, still looking lovingly at his husband.  He didn’t care at all that he was going to have to spend the next few weeks taking care of Sebastian, or that he was going to have to delay filming his movie.  All that he wanted was to know that Sebastian was going to be okay, and he wouldn’t feel comfortable having anyone else look after him.  

"No, don’t you dare apologize," Julian breathed.  "You didn’t do anything wrong," he whispered, smiling softly as he felt his husband’s fingers in his hair.  He knew that Sebastian wanted more from the kiss, but he wasn’t willing to put him in any more pain than he was already in.  "It’s okay baby.  I’m just glad that you’re safe, alright?  Please don’t apologize anymore," he said softly, turning and kissing the thumb that was stroking along his cheek.  Sebastian didn’t look like he was going to be awake for much longer, and Julian decided to wait until his husband fell asleep first before he would follow suit.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

"I hate to make you worry, I hate it. If this happened to you I would have been freaking out," Sebastian whimpered, blinking out the tears that gathered in his eyes. "I h-hate- I hate crying. I hate that this happened. I shouldn't have gone to that stupid party. I should have just stayed home with you." Sebastian lightly rubbed the back of Julian's head with the pads of his fingers, letting his eyes flutter shut for a long moment. As he moved his hand to stroke Julian's cheek, his lips tuned up in a tiny smile as Julian kissed his thumb. "I love you. I love you so much, Julian," he breathed out tiredly, trying to shift closer to his husband despite his whole body aching in protest. The steady sound of the heart monitor behind him picked up a bit, heart beating loud and slightly faster for the both of them to hear at Julian's loving actions. "I'll be okay. This'll all be okay..." Sebastian's words grew more into a slurred mumble as he blinked languidly, sleep threatening to overtake him. "So lucky to have you... so lucky," he whispered, eyes finally closing for good as he sunk into unconsciousness, hand having fallen to rest atop Julian's chest.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

(Laid out on Sebastian's pillow is a neatly handwritten letter, carefully placed beside Julian's sleeping form.)

My beautiful Kitten,

It's been just over two months since I was hospitalized, and I can never thank you enough, no matter how many times you tell me it's not necessary. You took care of me and cancelled filming so you could stay by my side. I was angry and upset at what happened, and I know you were too.. we both were. We still are. But you made it better, and made the pain lessen. I've been completely healed for a couple weeks now, and every time I stare at the calendar, my head spins. I graduate in a month. Can you believe it? Somehow I managed to keep up with my schoolwork, thankfully all my classes are online this semester. I've missed choir, but that's okay. If I catch you in a good enough mood, I can always persuade you into a duet, and that's more than perfect in my book.

I can't wait for our big, fake wedding. It'll be grand, and it'll be luxurious, and it'll be a load of bullshit, and I look forward to it more and more everyday. Just because we're putting on a show, lying to the world that we aren't already married, doesn't mean I'm not excited to exchange vows and I do's and show everyone just how much I love you. I love you so much, I'm marrying you twice. Julian Larson-Smythe, I want to marry you again and again, and feel as happy as I did almost 5 months ago every day. With you around, I am that happy. Time really has flown by, hasn't it? But I love you more and more each day, and I know in my heart that running off to Paris and eloping was the best damn idea we ever had. You're my husband, and I could not be prouder. 

Easter with Reggie was nerve wracking, I'll admit. But I told you he'd understand. I knew he'd see that we were meant to be together, and that the two of us getting married is what's right for us. Mom and Papa didn't tell him yet, and they didn't tell Alfie, and it was that much more special to get his approval. Reggie's going to be my best man at our wedding for show. You took such good care of me, how could he not have seen it otherwise?

I digress. Love, you've seen me at my best, and I damn well know you've seen me at my worst. We've been through so many tough times, but even more amazing ones. You've been so patient with me through all of this, and the lack of excitement must be driving you up the wall. But I'm all caught up in class, I'm all caught up at work, and we've got nothing planned for tonight.

So here's a little proposition. 

Let's go out tonight. Let's have fun being young and in love, and let me spoil you senseless. It's been far too long since I took you on a proper date, and I'm dying to treat you to something nice. Dress well when you wake up from your cat nap, gorgeous. I've gone out for some fresh air and a good stretch, and I'll be back soon. We already have a reservation for that French restaurant you love. And don't worry- of course, I made it for that secluded little booth in the back we always get. 

I love you more than words, baby. I always have and I always will. You were so incredible taking care of me these past two months. Now it's my turn to take care of you tonight. 

Yours, forever and always,

Sebastian

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

[cali-julianlarson]

"That’s okay," Julian murmured in response.  "I’d rather you got rest anyway.  You know I’ll go and get you anything you need if you don’t want to leave," he breathed.  That was going to be a lot of fun once the press got wind of this, but Julian would brave the paparazzi any day for Sebastian.  

"Baby," Julian whispered again.  He hated seeing Sebastian like this.  It was so few and far between that he broke down like this that Julian was always hit way harder than he would have otherwise been.  Seeing Sebastian cry was one of his least favorite sights.  He continued to kiss Sebastian back, even though he wasn’t stupid and he knew that it was probably hurting him.  When his husband pulled away, Julian gently wiped away his tears.  ”I love you too Sebastian.  Always,” Julian promised, pressing one last kiss to his lips.  ”Sleep?” he asked.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Sebastian nodded, feeling incredibly pathetic at the moment. "So good to me," he murmured, wishing he could thank Julian properly but much too exhausted and out of it to do so. Sebastian knew that, over the next few weeks, he'd be extremely dependent on his husband, taking up much of his time when Sebastian needed help with things he wouldn't be able to do for himself. Well.. Julian would at least need to help bathe him a little. That could be fun. Otherwise, he felt guilty for knowing what a nuisance his injuries were going to be to Julian, especially since his husband was in the middle of filming.

"Sorry, I'm- I'm sorry," Sebastian said shakily, trying to stop the tears from falling. His fingers raked through Julian's hair again and again, movements weak but perhaps trying to ground himself in the familiarity of it all. He sniffed, letting Julian wipe his tears away as he tried to control himself. He pressed into the last kiss, wanting to draw it out, but gave up attempting to make more of it when Julian broke away. "Yeah. Sleep. I'm sorry, you must be so exhausted too," he whispered, hand moving to stroke his thumb along Julian's cheek. Sebastian was within minutes of passing out, drowsy still from his medications and growing lulled by his husband's comfort.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

[cali-julianlarson]

Julian had to bite his lip hard to stop himself from laughing at Sebastian’s statement.  It wasn’t funny, he had to remind himself, but his husband’s extreme overreaction was so typically him that Julian couldn’t help but smile a bit.  It reminded him that Sebastian was still here with him, and that even though the people who had beat him up had taken his looks for the time being, he still had the same husband he had fallen in love with sitting here beside him.  ”You wouldn’t throw up, but you’re right, I don’t think you should see yourself right now.  You’re just going to have to trust me that I still think you’re incredibly attractive,” Julian murmured.

"Baby," Julian breathed back, feeling horrible as he saw Sebastian’s eyes watering again.  He was torn between wanting to give Sebastian what he wanted and not wanting to hurt him, but he’d never been able to say no to the other man, so he cupped his cheek as lightly as he could, pressing their lips back together.  Wanting to minimize hurting his husband as best as he could, he kept the kiss gentle.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

It was a good thing Sebastian was to distressed to notice the fact that Julian was fighting back laughter, because if he had seen, he probably would have been pretty mad. He sniffled, not entirely convinced but somewhat at ease that Julian was being so adamant on this. "Won't leave the house for a while... don't want to be seen until I'm presentable," Sebastian finally mumbled, holding back a pout lest it hurt his lip. While Sebastian always wanted to look good for his husband, he also wanted to look good for the general public. 

Sebastian blinked at him, hot tears sliding down his cheeks. He hadn't wanted to cry, he really hadn't, but right now he honestly couldn't help himself. His good hand threaded into Julian's hair for something to grip, letting out a slight whimper of pain as he kissed back. He stayed quiet, otherwise, knowing that if he let it known how much kissing hurt, Julian would stop immediately, and Sebastian didn't want that right now. He was needy, desperate for affection and love from his husband, and he couldn't allow a few stupid injuries to stop him from doing as he pleased. "I love you so much," he whispered as he pulled back just barely, tears still running down his face against his will. 

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

[cali-julianlarson]

A happy smile came to Julian’s face as the compliments poured from Sebastian’s lips.  The assholes who had done this to him could take his pride, could hurt him badly, but they could never take away the love that the two men had for each other.  ”It was the best day of my life too,” Julian murmured, biting his lip lightly as his eyes got a bit teary. 

"Yes, I’m sure," Julian whispered back, really not wanting for Sebastian to start crying again.  "You’ll always be beautiful to me, and that’s not why I married you anyway," he murmured, trying his best to soothe his panicking husband.  "I love you so much Seb.  You’re so strong, and I know you’re going to get through this, okay?"  He was surprised when Sebastian pressed harder against his lips, assuming that it probably had to be hurting him pretty badly.  He continued to kiss the other boy for another moment before pulling back, whispering, "I don’t want to hurt you baby."

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Thank god Sebastian was taking online classes this semester, because with the extent of his injuries, there was no way he'd allow himself out in public until he looked flawless again. The only thing he had to be on campus for was choir, but it would prove to be impossible trying to sing and dance in the state he was in. Shame, too, because they had a concert coming up. The second-to-last one of his college career. And work... well, he doubted there`d be any problems with asking for a leave of absence. "I can't.. I can't believe this actually happened. I haven't.. I don't even wanna look in the mirror. I bet if I saw what I look like right now I'd probably throw up," he said miserably. He just wanted to look pretty. Julian looked incredible 24/7, and now Sebastian would surely look hideous in comparison. He wasn't much more than a pretty face with a bad attitude. Without his good looks, he'd just be an ugly guy with a shitty perspective on life. "Please," Sebastian breathed out once Julian pulled back, sounding pretty pathetic and desperate. "Please, I don't care that it hurts, I need you- They can't- they've done so much already, I won't let them take away us being able to kiss... they can't get away with that too. You're my husband. I should be able to kiss my husband," he stated, upset tone leading to tears welling up in his eyes and his bottom lip quivering.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

[cali-julianlarson]

"You tell me every day," Julian said lovingly, staring back at Sebastian.  He really did have the best husband in the world.  Julian was used to being complimented on a regular basis, but it always meant so much more coming from Sebastian, who never forgot to tell Julian how beautiful he was and how much he was loved.  "You’re sweet," he murmured.  "I love you so much Sebastian."  

“Sebastian,” Julian breathed, eyes widening in alarm at how loud his husband was being.  ”You’re making a scene baby.  Your hair does not look as bad as you think it does.  It’s not going to look bad.  You can be completely bruised up and shave your head, and I’m still going to think you’re beautiful.  Promise,” he whispered, pressing forward as gently as he could and barely brushing his lips against his husband’s.  

[newyorkwordsmythe]

"Good," Sebastian murmured, "because.. that's what you deserve." He smiled gently at him, still sometimes unable to believe how lucky he had gotten with Julian. Julian meant the world to him, and he didn't know what he would've done without Julian here tonight. "I love you too, Jules. I love you more than anything. You're so good to me... marrying you was the best day of my life." He couldn't help but be sappy and emotional right now- he could've died, for crying out loud.

Julian was right, Sebastian was making too much of a fuss, and he tried to calm himself down. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." His voice broke, and Sebastian looked like he was seconds from crying. He was so tired, upset, and angry, and he couldn't believe something like this had actually happened to him. "You're sure?" he whispered, feeling rather unattractive at the moment, especially dressed in a stupid hospital gown and hooked up to a ton of tubes and wires. As Julian brushed his lips against his, Sebastian couldn't stand it any longer, taking the initiative to press his lips more firmly to Julian's. He needed this, needed the kiss, and even though it hurt to the point his brows knotted together from the pain, his hand moved to Julian's hair to hold him there as Sebastian kissed him.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

[cali-julianlarson]

Julian smiled gently as he felt Sebastian’s thumb running along his lower lip.  He wished that they could kiss too, that they could be curled around each other and just relaxing, but right now, he was just glad that Sebastian was still alive and that he was getting to touch him at all.  When Sebastian healed, they would be able to touch more again, and he was so thankful he would still get that chance, because he knew that many victims of hate crimes weren’t as lucky.

This had been exactly why Julian hadn’t wanted to tell him.  He looked devastated, and he was quickly working himself up.  ”Seb…Sebastian,” Julian said calmly, eyes searching his husbands face.  ”It’ll grow back.  In the meantime, have you ever realized how gorgeous of a face you’ve got?  You’ll still be drop dead gorgeous with shorter hair.”  He brought a hand up to take Sebastian’s hand that was wildly trying to find his bald spot.  ”You’ve got to calm down baby.  Your body is trying to heal, and panicking like this is just going to hinder that.”

[newyorkwordsmythe]

"Have I told you how beautiful you are recently?" Sebastian murmured, unable to tear his gaze away from his husband. "Because you are. So incredibly beautiful." His fingers trailed from Julian's lips to his cheekbones, then down to his jawline. Julian looked so tired, too, put together haphazardly, and even still he looked flawless to Sebastian. "Of all the gorgeous guys in the world... and I hit the jackpot. I married the most amazing guy in the world." He smiled softly, feeling a strong surge of love for Julian in that moment.

When it came to his hair, Sebastian really prided himself on it. It may just be hair, but Sebastian spent a lot of time and effort looking good, and that included dealing with his hair. "My face that's broken and bruised!" he wailed, "I'll look stupid and ugly!" Sebastian could cry if he could muster up the energy to, but all he could do for now was complain, sulk, and accept the inevitable. His hand clasped to Julian's as it was taken, just after he felt the edge of the shaven spot. "My hair," he whimpered, "I can't believe they fucked me up so bad and even managed to ruin my hair."

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

[cali-julianlarson]

"I love you too baby," Julian whispered back.  "I’m just so glad you’re alright.  You know that I’ll always be here for you anytime you need me, right?" he breathed, smiling softly as his cheek was cupped.  Sebastian always had a way of making Julian feel really good about himself, even when it was Julian who needed to be reassuring Sebastian right now. 

Sighing again, Julian bit his lip.  “It’s really not a big deal,” he said hesitantly.  He knew that he needed to just tell him quickly, like pulling off a bandaid, but he was having trouble forming the words.  “They had to shave a little patch of your hair to stitch up your head,” he finally said.  “You’re probably going to have to shave the rest of it to make it look better.  But it’ll grow back.  Your hair really goes quickly.  You know I’m always telling you it’s time for a haircut because it’s getting out of hand,” Julian said quickly, already trying to remedy the damage.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

"I know.. you're so good to me, Jules," Sebastian breathed out, thumb slipping down to trace along the outline of Julian's bottom lip. Fuck, he just really wanted to kiss Julian right now, but he knew he couldn't. So much of their relationship depended on the physical and sexual aspects of it all, and now he'd be deprived of that for who knows how long? It wasn't fair. Sure, there was probably some stuff they could still do, but very, very carefully. Which wasn't as fun.

Sebastian listened to Julian's explanation, eyes going wide and looking rather like a wounded puppy when he was done talking. "My hair?" he asked in a horrified voice, "all of it? I haven't- I haven't had my hair short like that since... since... ever!" Sebastian was getting worked up fast, possibly from the pain medications coursing through his veins. Oh god, his hair, his perfect hair, it was ruined and soon enough he wouldn't have any of it. "No," he whimpered, hand moving from Julian's face to his own head, searching for the spot Julian had spoken of, "no no no, not my hair, please no."

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

[cali-julianlarson]

Julian scooted a bit closer to Sebastian as he felt his husband pulling on him, but he wanted to be careful and make sure he didn’t hurt him any more.  “I don’t want to get too close baby.  You broke some ribs,” he reminded him gently, pressing a barely-there kiss to his forehead.  “I do love you though, and I love being close to you,” he murmured.  He would probably be chastised for sleeping in the bed with Sebastian when the nurses came by to wake him every few hours, but Julian also knew that he could get away with it, being who he was.

He sighed softly as Sebastian wouldn’t let the hair topic go.  It shouldn’t surprise him that Sebastian wasn’t so easy to distract, but it still sucked.  “Nothing baby, let’s go to sleep,” Julian said, trying to distract so that they could get some much needed rest.  If he upset Sebastian, it would be that much harder for the other man to get some sleep.  “I know you’ve got to be exhausted,” he pointed out, still trying his best to distract.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Sebastian didn't want to argue. He just wanted Julian as close to him as possible, both for comfort and so he could actually try and sleep. He let out a whine in complaint, but knew Julian was right. "I know... I love you, J, I'm so glad you're here," he murmured, good hand now rubbing at Julian's chest. "So lucky to have you," he whispered, heavy-lidded eyes glued to his husband, "so, so lucky." He trailed his hand up, cupping Julian's cheek. "I hate that I can't kiss you right now."

Sebastian certainly wasn't buying it, and it was obvious now that something was wrong, especially by the way Julian sighed. "No," he demanded weakly, "not until you tell me what's wrong." It was actually kind of scaring him a bit, that something was bad enough that Julian wouldn't tell him what was wrong. Something about his hair, but he was so tired right now he couldn't really piece everything together. 

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

[cali-julianlarson]

Julian held in a laugh as Sebastian obviously dismissed his parents.  He was glad that Sebastian had done the dirty work, because he knew that if Sebastian hadn’t spoken up soon, he was going to have to.  Thankfully, they got it, and he smiled, hugging Mrs. Smythe back.  All he wanted now was to go to sleep with his husband.  They could deal with everything else tomorrow, which he hoped included catching the motherfuckers responsible for this.  

His eyes widened in alarm as his mother in law pointed out that Sebastian was going to have to shave his head.  Why did she have to say something?  Obviously they were going to have to shave it, but Sebastian was upset enough, and when he figured out that they were going to have to shave his head, he was going to be even more upset.  Sebastian loved his hair, and Julian didn’t want to upset him tonight any more than necessary.  He waited until the two had left before gently climbing in the bed beside Sebastian.  ”Hey sweetie,” he whispered, turning slightly to look at his husband.  ”You need to sleep.”

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Sebastian could see how that amused Julian, and if he had the energy he would have rolled his eyes fondly. Leave it to Julian to, well, leave it to Sebastian. But he honestly didn't care at this point, having to kick his parents out. In any case, they were much less likely to be offended by him than they could be by Julian. He was kind of in a position of power right now, in a way. He could probably say anything to his parents and get away with it. Not that he actually had anything he wanted to say, nor the motivation to really care that he was about to be spoiled rotten for the next month or so of his healing process.

Sebastian mumbled goodbyes to his parents, eyes on Julian the whole while. He saw the way Julian's eyes widened, and he felt uneasy. Something was definitely wrong, then. As Julian climbed into bed, his good hand weakly fisted in Julian's shirt to show Julian he wanted him closer. "I know," he murmured, but he wasn't going to get distracted. "But. Julian. Why would she say that? What's wrong with my hair?" he asked, still completely oblivious to the shaved spot at the back of his head.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

[cali-julianlarson]

Julian heard Sebastian’s little breath he let out, eyes immediately on the other man, full of concern.  As interested as he was in what Mrs. Smythe had to say, he was much more concerned with making sure that Sebastian was alright.  He knew that he was going to be over-worried for a long time now, and while that was probably going to drive Sebastian insane, it wasn’t as though he could help it.  When Sebastian said he was tired, Julian brought their intertwined hands gently to his mouth, kissing his knuckles.  “You need to get some sleep baby,” he whispered.  As much as he loved that he was finally able to talk to his husband, he would be even more glad when the other boy was back asleep.  He had to be in a lot of pain right now, and Julian hated seeing that.

He let out a little sigh of relief at Mrs. Smythe’s words, nodding along with her.  She made a sound, and Julian thought that she was about to start bitching again.  He was about to get protective over his husband and tell her off himself, but suddenly he was being pulled away from Sebastian and enveloped in a hug.  He laughed softly, hugging his mother-in-law back.  This was the best reaction he could have ever hoped for after how much she had disliked him a few months back. 

[newyorkwordsmythe]

It pained Sebastian to see just how worried Julian was about him. He should never have to be this concerned, and Sebastian felt pretty damn guilty that Julian had to go through all of this too. Sebastian smiled weakly up at Julian as his husband kissed his knuckles, still incredibly woozy but not ready to sleep yet. Not until Julian was in the damn bed with him. "I know," he murmured back. Once they were alone he could sleep, and it was starting to look like  he'd have to be the one to kick his parents out. "I really am tired... It was nice of you guys to come see me but I just want to sleep now. Um.. alone, with Julian, if you don't mind." He looked to his parents, who seemed to understand.

Mrs. Smythe gave Julian a tight squeeze. "Yes, it's late, you need your rest, sweetie," she said as she finally released her son-in-law, returning to the side of the bed to brush a hand through Sebastian's hair. She tsked sadly, noting the spot in the back. "We're going to have to shave this," she said, petting his hair back once more before leaning down to kiss his forehead. Sebastian's looked concerned, maybe not understanding why, looking to Julian with confusion and maybe a bit of alarm. "Well, thank you for letting us know, Julian... Sebastian, darling, I hope you feel better. We'll see you tomorrow, most likely." She motioned for her husband to stand, Sebastian just giving a small hum in response.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

[cali-julianlarson]

"Love you too," Julian whispered back, taking another good look at his husband.  He was still angry, and he still wanted to destroy whoever had done this to Sebastian, but he was trying to be positive.  Talking about how much he wanted to kill those guys wasn’t going to help, and if anyone actually heard him talking like that and it got out, it would be a public relations nightmare for Carmen to try and fix.  He was just going to have to wait until Sebastian was able to identify who had done this, and then he wasn’t going to rest until they got the maximum sentence they were capable of getting.

When Sebastian spoke, Julian’s eyes stayed fixed on him.  He was almost surprised that his husband had had that much energy to be able to get all that out, and he squeezed his hand gently before looking back at the Smythes.  Thankfully, Mrs. Smythe had finally started to calm down, and Julian breathed a silent sigh of relief.  He’d thought that she might be upset by the way Sebastian’s voice had turned a bit sharp at the end of his rant, but then she was apologizing as she dabbed at her eyes, and Julian finally dared to speak.  “We didn’t mean to hurt you,” he said softly, “and we certainly didn’t mean for you to find out like this.  We were going to tell you.  There was just never really a good time.”  Running his free hand through his hair, he met his mother-in-laws eyes.  “I love Sebastian more than anything, and I’m so glad that he’s got such great parents who love him enough to drop everything and come wait with me in the hospital so late at night.  I’m sorry we hurt you by not telling you about the marriage, and I hope you can forgive us.”  He still wanted to have a good relationship with his in-laws, and he didn’t want this to ruin things again.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Sebastian looked a little winded after his rant, just squeezing Julian's hand back and letting out a soft breath. It had been a risk, talking to his mother like that, but he had figured that the one being inconsiderate at the moment was Mrs. Smythe, not himself. He was hurt and tired, dammit, he didn't have time to watch his mom blubber over the fact the he was grown up and moving forward with his life. Mr. Smythe noticed the small breath Sebastian gave, looking to him with one arm still around his wife. "Fatigué, mon garçon?" he asked, and Sebastian shut his eyes briefly. "Oui, Papa," he answered after a pause, voice a mumble. "Extrêmement sorte." Mr. Smythe just nodded sympathetically, rubbing his wife's back to try and keep her calm.

Mrs. Smythe was quiet as Julian spoke, save sniffling every few seconds and looking rather guilty. "Oh, I know you didn't, dear. You two have had your rough patches but I know in my heart that you belong with one another. As a mother I just wish I had been there to see it." She wiped at her eyes once more, then made a sound as if about to proclaim loud lamentations, but instead was smiling as she said, "Oh! Oh, I have a son-in-law now, Frederick, we have another addition to the family!" And suddenly she broke away from her husband and was hugging Julian tightly, looking like she was about to cry again, though this time with tears of happiness. 

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

[cali-julianlarson]

Julian bit his lip lightly, chuckling at Sebastian’s pout, which was completely adorable even through all of the bruises.  ”Soon,” he whispered, stroking Sebastian’s cheek lightly with his thumb.  If there were any way to take away all of his husband’s pain, he would gladly do it.  He hated seeing him like this, and he was glad that he would at least be able to make him feel a little better by cuddling with him later.  

As Mrs. Smythe continued to sob, Julian felt even guiltier.  She may have upset him last month, but he’d never wanted to hurt her like this.  Since the two of them had gotten married, Julian had been happier than ever, and there was absolutely no way that he would take back the eloping, but he still felt bad about how upset Mrs. Smythe was.  He knew that he’d hurt other people by doing this too, but that wasn’t his fault.  If there was one thing he got to be selfish about, it was this.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Sebastian gave a small hum, not wanting to nod his head (he was supposed to avoid sudden movements, anyways). "'Kay," he answered quietly, "love you." Part of him was thankful Julian was being so good about this; Sebastian hadn't seen what he looked like yet, but after hearing all of his ailments it was easy to assume he didn't look too pretty. It was nice to know Julian loved him and wanted to be with him even when he didn't look his best. He certainly looked his worst right now, actually, and while he was incredibly unhappy about it, Julian was treating him no differently.

"Mama. Stop," Sebastian finally said, sounding exasperated. "I could have died tonight and you're upset you weren't invited to my elopement. Julian and I got married at a time when you weren't supportive of us, and he's your son-in-law now. Can't you at least be happy for us? I'm sorry we didn't tell you but we were keeping it a secret from everyone. You weren't the only one excluded. We thought it was best that way, so that no one knew, and I'm sorry your feelings are hurt but I don't regret it. Please stop. You're making a scene and it's embarrassing. I've had a bad enough night as it is and you're only making it worse." Sebastian's tone turned condescending at the end, growing rather annoyed by his mother's antics.

His rant worked, though, and Mrs. Smythe quieted immediately. "You're right, you're right. I'm sorry, I just.. to me you're still my little boy. I just can't believe it." She sniffed, disentangling herself from her husband. "Of course I'm happy for you two. It's been a rather emotional night." Mr. Smythe procured a handkerchief from somewhere, offering it out to his wife, who dabbed at her eyes. 

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

[cali-julianlarson]

Julian bit his lip against a laugh as Sebastian continued to tug on his hand.  He knew that his husband wanted him in the bed with him, but that wasn’t possible right now with Sebastian’s parents still in the room.  He shot him a look that he hoped conveyed that he needed to be patient, though he really hoped that he wouldn’t need to be too patient.  It was late, and Julian really needed to get some sleep soon, and if that was in Sebastian’s bed with him, then so be it.

Though he’d known that they’d always run this risk, Julian hadn’t expected it to blow up in their faces so fast.  He’d only been trying to do a good thing by calling the Smythes to let them know Sebastian was in the hospital, and now he was getting into trouble for it.  As soon as Mrs. Smythe started crying, Julian tugged a hand through his hair nervously, having absolutely no idea what to say.  Nothing he could say would make it better, and he didn’t want to run the risk of making anything worse, so instead he stared at the ground as Mr. Smythe attempted to lead his wife away.

[newyorkwordsmythe]

Sebastian just pouted up at him. He needed Julian closer, dammit, and he was probably going to be sex-free and kiss-free for quite a while until he healed up; the least they could do was cuddle, and thanks to his parents Sebastian would even have to wait for that. Sebastian pulled on Julian's hand, moving it to have it rest against the good side of his face. He smiled softly, holding Julian's hand there and nuzzling his cheek against it. If he couldn't have cuddles, he was at least going to enjoy the soothing touch of his husband's hand.

Sebastian frowned as his mother began to cry. "Mama... I'm sorry. We eloped, no one else got to see it. There was hardly even a ceremony. We're still going to have a celebration after I graduate... a wedding for show. Mama, please." Mrs. Smythe continued to sob, either ignoring Sebastian's words or thinking even worse of them. Mr. Smythe just patted her back, murmuring something in French to try and soothe her. Sebastian felt guilty, yes, but he wouldn't take back their wedding even if he could. He was proud of what they had done and being married was wonderful.