#sebastianthesinner

[charlesthepainter]

Is that a bet?

     †     ——      The grin that had been on Sebastian’s face briefly faded and instead he eyed Charles uncertainly.

     ”Prove you don’t care what people think?” he questioned. “Or perhaps something else?”

Charles didn't even know what that was supposed to mean. He had had only a few glasses of wine, but the intoxication felt delightful. He was sober enough to think and drunk enough for everything he felt to feel that bit better. And, of course, he was more daring...

He took a slightly firmer hold around his best friend's neck and tilted his head to the side a little. They had kissed before, but it had been spontaneous, not thought out... This was... planned. And so when he leaned in, he closed his eyes on time and pursed his lips just enough, until finally their lips met one another and his stomach turned immediately. He was supposed to be doing this.

[charlesthepainter]

★

 “Is that a bet?”

[charlesthepainter]

Thunderstorm

     †     ——     Sebastian made no indication that he was about to get out of the water and his eyes were turned to the heavens, although narrowed to avoid the falling water.

     ”We’ve not had a storm all summer, Charles…”

Charles swam closer to Sebastian and moved his hand to his nude friend's shoulder. "It is quite beautiful, Sebastian, but if it comes any nearer, we'll be risking death by electrocution," he spoke, hand moving to the nape of Sebastian's neck.

"Come, we can get a fire going in the gardenhouse and watch it from there."

[charlesthepainter]

☁

☁- Our muses in a thunderstorm.

"Oh damn!" Charles shouted when the light drizzle turned into buckets of water falling from the sky. It would have been disastrous if they weren’t already in the water, swimming, but it certainly made it more unpleasant.

Charles swam towards Sebastian in the fountain, before the sky roared and in the distance lightning struck. “Sebastian. Come, we must get out, before it comes this way,” he said, looking at the dark, grey sky.

[charlesthepainter]

Lost and Found

It was rare to not find Sebastian waiting for him at their usual spot at the afternoon free period. They'd always take their bikes to go for a picnic in one of the parks, but he wasn't there, not today. He wondered whether Sebastian was late, or perhaps had fallen ill during the morning, but it was so very unlike him to not get someone to give word to Charles about it immediately. Perhaps he had already set off.

He waited another few minutes before taking his own bike and setting off for their usual spot by the lake. There was a small pier there they loved sitting on after their lunch, enjoying their wine. When he arrived, Sebastian was already sitting there. There were two glasses, but not for the two of them. It was Aloysius', it had to be, as it was sat beside the big bear and Sebastian seemed to be arguing with him.

It was peculiar, but he asked anyway, when he approached: "What is going on here?"

[liamttaylor-blog]

Every Good Boy Deserves a Favour

     ♡     ——     Timeless was a word that would fit Liam Taylor if one was told to describe him in one. Timeless in the way that in none he seemed to fit. He was alien to every era and every person who's eyes fell on him. Why? A look in his eyes -- yet it was those eyes exactly that made one look away once more, as if they'd never seen anything out of the ordinary.

He felt something. A saddened longing, deprivation, addiction. "Can I help you?" he asked carefully while turning towards the sulking boy. He couldn't be any younger than eighteen, but there was something within him that was a lot younger. The bear said enough.

[charlesthepainter]

8pm, 11th of March, somewhere in Belgium Dear Sebastian, I am writing this on the train to Berlin, so I apologise if my hand writing is perhaps a little shaky. As I look out of the window, I can see the countryside passing by. The sun set about an hour ago. I have a small glass of brandy. There is nobody sitting beside me. I like travelling alone, although it makes me miss your company so terribly. I can't help but imagine the fun you and I could be having if you were seated beside me with Aloysius and a glass of wine for yourself. I do hope you are well and that Lady Marchmain isn't too persistent on you staying at Brideshead. I know how much you like driving around and like you said, Brideshead is no fun without someone special to share it with. When I return from Berlin in a week's time, I will visit immediately, if your mother allows it and if not I will send you a few bottles of wine instead, disguised as something inconspicuous like a box of books or perhaps a suit, although I'm not so sure how convincing that would be! I wonder what you are doing right now. I often do. I also wonder often about whether you're sad. It's a sad thought in itself, but you often look so terribly upset, I can't help thinking about it. I wish there were things I could do for you. I know how hard living with the Lady Marchmain can be, will all due respect for your mother, she can be too restricting to you, I find. Now, let me talk on a brighter note, shall I? I am greatly looking forward to tasting German wine -- I will be sure to bring back a bottle or two for you! -- and walking the streets of Berlin. I have never been to Germany before and the friend I am meeting there has a similar taste in art as I do. I am very curious to see where he's going to take me. I am hoping to paint a lot when I arrive, although my friend is a photographer and, like your friends said, think painting is outdated. I see it as a challenge, to be very frank. Wouldn't you? 11pm I got involved in a conversation with the woman sitting on the other side of the isle. She had been watching me draw -- I'll send you the drawing with this letter -- and told me about how she found it impressive how people could draw. I drew her a small picture of the flowers she wore on her hat. She put it in her purse, I assume that means she cherishes it. 2am, 12th of March I just awoke from the most peculiar dream! You and I were in London together, where we were on a mission to find Aloysius the best tophat for Bridey's wedding. (I wonder if this is some kind of a premonition!) You and I were dressed in our wedding suits and you kept explaining how upset Aloysius was about not having his own suit. We went into every hat shop to find one small enough to fit him, which was of course an impossible expectation, until we found a little underground tailor that made suits and hats especially for bears! I wonder whether you are dreaming too. I will attempt sleep again. Goodnight! 5.30am I am sitting on a small bench at the station in Berlin. My friend will be here in his car at any moment, thank goodness! It's freezing! 11am I had my first short walk around the city. It is quite beautiful. I would be curious to know what you think of it. The language is very peculiar and there aren't many English speakers. I'm glad I have my friend as a guide. He took a few photographs. I made a few sketches. I had a traditional German breakfast, which is quite like lunch in England. Pieces of bread with cheese, ham, tomatoes and home made jams. It is a little peculiar, as is the tea! I wonder whether you are still asleep. 9pm My, have I done a lot of walking today. I'm lying down on an improvised bed made out of settee pillows! It is slightly hard, but comfortable enough. I long for your company and warmth. This room is awfully cold. I wonder how you are and how your day has been. I realise my tiredness is making me sentimental and slightly homesick. I feel sorry that I am not able to be with you while I know you are locked up by your mother. Perhaps this letter will give you some relief. I hope Aloysius is being kind to you. I'm going to put the candle out now. Goodnight, Sebastian. 1am, 13th of March I awoke from the sound of footsteps in the apartment above. People are coming home later. Perhaps from a party. I wonder what German parties are like. My eyes are heavy now. I will write you a new letter when I wake up in the morning. Forever yours, Charles Ryder

[charlesthepainter]

Sebastian has been seen with some very odd types, but this time they don't look remotely harmless. There were only few that had managed to take a glimpse, before losing sight of him, but everyone seems to agree that there's no way of finding Sebastian. Not in time, at least.

Charles wasn't sure what was going on, but it was clear that Sebastian Flyte wasn't here anymore and that he wasn't going to come back. He could hear it in the whispers and he could feel it in the way that Sebastian's room hadn't been tidied, as if he wasn't going to come back to it. His eyes then fell on Aloysius who was seated on the bed, which was simply the last proof he needed to realise that Sebastian had gone without any plan of ever returning. In fact, it was in his plan to never return, to leave everything behind.

So that was it, then. He had lost Sebastian Flyte, his best friend, the closest thing he had to a lover. He had lost the person he cared about the most...

Charles took Aloysius and made his way to his bedroom. Would there, could there be a note...? Some kind of clue to show where Sebastian had disappeared to? He hoped so.