Sebastian got home late that night, heart a little heavy but still overall much more relieved, and it did feel like a bit of weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. Vienne knew now, and she didn't hate him for his past. That was the biggest relief. And now that that was out of the way, he could focus on other things with her.
He entered the home quietly, attempting not to wake Ominis, even though he was on a completely different floorâhe had amazing hearing.
The house was so big for just the two of them, and Sebastian didn't understand how Ominis coped with being all alone in this place for almost eight years. Did Vienne's frequent visits help?
He made his way to the main parlor, knowing he wouldn't be able to sleep anytime soon. The fire in the fireplace was still strong, illuminating the front part of the room. He sat down with a deep sigh, leaning against the plush couch cushions.
"So, I can safely assume you were with Vienne?" A voice suddenly came from behind him, snapping him straight out of his thoughts and straight out of his seat.
He whipped around to see Ominis, his heart practically leaping out of his chest. "Oh, what was that all about? You scared the devil out of me!" He exclaimed.
"Oh, thank goodness." Ominis replied sarcastically. "And what was what all about? Asking you a question?"
"No, sneaking up on me like that!" Sebastian scoffed. "It's well past midnight! I thought you were still asleep." His heart was still pounding from the scare, but he was calming down.
"You are correct. Which is why I'm wondering why on earth you were sneaking around outside so late." Ominis spoke. "And as I said earlier, with Vienne, I presume?"
Sebastian paused for a moment, unsure of how to answer. Would Ominis get the wrong idea if he said yes? Well, he would surely hope not. "Does it really matter who I was with?" He asked instead, raising a brow at his best friend.
"You're only saying that because I know I'm right, Sebastian. I know you." Ominis replied, crossing his arms. He wasn't going to play along with Sebastian's antics this late at night, especially knowing he could've been out there with Vienne.
Sebastian let out a sharp sigh. "Okay, fine, I was. We were only talking with each other, nothing else. So don't get the wrong idea." He huffed.
He turned around and plopped down onto the couch again, letting his head fall against it. Ominis slowly made his way to another seat, sitting down silently. The room was quiet for a little while; the only sound was the cracking of the fire that illuminated their faces.
"You like her, don't you?" Ominis suddenly asked.
"Will you kill me if I say yes?" Sebastian asked, looking over at him, to which Ominis just gave a little shrug. He sighed, letting his head fall into his hands. "Of course I like her, Ominis. How could I not? She's beautiful, she's sweet, she's funâeverything I could ever want in a woman. It's a pretty sick joke that nothing will ever happen between us, but I can't just sit here and deny my feelings for her when I know I have them."
"But do you love her?" Ominis asked.
"Of course I love her!" Sebastian exclaimed, almost immediately after. "It's not some stupid school crush, Ominis. I'm in love with her, deeply. And I'd much rather not think about it knowing that I'll never be able to be with her."
Sebastian let out a shaky exhale, attempting to calm himself down. He didn't want to lash out over something like this, as Ominis was just concerned and wanted to know things. He supposed he was just so overwhelmed by everything that had happened that night that he was not in his right mind at the moment.
Some moments of silence passed between the two of them before Ominis spoke up again. "You don't know that nothing will come of it." He spoke.
This caused Sebastian to look up at him confused, brow raised. Clearly, Claudine was far too controlling to ever let that happen. Not to mention Sebastian hadn't even confessed to Vienne his feelings for her.
Sebastian took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "What do you mean I don't know that nothing will ever come of it? Have you met her mother?" He asked, his tone slightly sarcastic.
"Actually, I have. And if I recall correctly, you haven't." Ominis replied in a matter-of-fact tone. "I know that woman very well, and I know how controlling she is. But Vienne is an adult; she is absolutely allowed to make her own decisions. Now, I can't promise there won't be consequences to whatever actions are made, whether right or wrong. But she does have a choice."
Well, Sebastian couldn't disagree; after all, he was yet to meet Claudine, thank goodness. But from what he had heard from Vienne, she was a total stick in the mud. And with how she kept pushing things between Edward and Vienne, it really felt like there was no possible way for those two to not happen. Even if it was unfortunately against Vienne's will.
"And I'm not upset; I hope you know that." Ominis added. "I'm just looking out for Vienneâand you. I care for her a lot, and I want nothing but the best for her, always. I know I can trust you, so just don't give me a reason to not trust you."
"I love her, Ominis. I'd never mistreat her." Sebastian replied quickly. "I want nothing but the absolute best for her in every way. I've never felt the way I do about her."
Not that he had much time to fall in love with anybodyâafter all, he had still been in Azkaban for ten years. But something was different about Vienne, about the way he felt for her, and he could tell. So, of course, deep down, Sebastian hoped that maybe one day they could be together. But the harsh reality of just how controlling her mother was made that outlook seem pretty grim.
"But you know her mother, Ominis. If she ever found out about us, she'd freak out. She'd probably get Vienne into trouble and kick me out of this place somehow." Sebastian spoke, his voice full of frustration. "Half of the people are already on her sideâit's almost like they truly believe Vienne has no choice in the matter. Or that she's somehow completely agreeing with her mother on all of this."
"Who says she has to know?" Ominis asked casually.
Sebastian quirked a brow, clearly confused. "Are you, Ominis Gaunt, implying that I should break rules and go behind someone's back to get what I want?" He asked.
"Well... Sometimes it's okay to bend the rules a little." Ominis answered. He paused for a moment before sighing. "Look, I know Vienne is happy when she's around you... I can hear it in her voice, and all I want for her is to just be happy. That's all I want for her, that's all I want for you, and if that means the two of you being together, then I won't protest."
"She's always been so kind to me, always been there for me when nobody else was or could be, and for that, I want to give her the world, to make sure that whoever has her, that they make her the happiest woman in the world."
"So, just promise me that if you go forward with this, that you will give her the world. That you won't bring her the same sadness she feels from the people who are supposed to be her beloveds." Ominis spoke, his breath a little shaky. He didn't know why he was getting emotional over thisâperhaps it was him reflecting on the past and his experiences with Vienne and how she had truly helped him in some of the darkest times of his life.
Sebastian's face was set firm as he listened to Ominis speak. It was just now dawning on him just how involved Vienne was in Ominis' life in those ten years. While he was locked up and with Anne's passing, Ominis was left alone until Vienne came alone. She was important to him too.
"I promise, Ominis. I want to give her everything: the world, my love, my heart. I swear to you that I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe and happy." Sebastian replied, determined in his voice, further confirming his words.
"I'll keep you to that." Ominis said, his voice firm. "You're my best friend, and I love you. But I will always make sure she's okay."
"I understand," Sebastian spoke with a nod. He took Ominis' words to heart, knowing that he would always cherish Vienne if she'd have him.
With a deep breath, Ominis stood, patting Sebastian's shoulderâwhich meant their conversation was over. He had said what he wanted to say and wanted to let Sebastian dwell on his words for a while. "Goodnight, Sebastian, get some rest." He said before exiting the room.
***
That night, Sebastian lay tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep. A newfound sense of hope but also determination in his heart now knowing that Ominis was on his side regarding Vienne. He could only hope that it wasn't too late and that somehow, the two of them would still have a chance.
He had never personally met Claudine or Edward, but from what he just heard from Vienne, he could tell that they weren't the brightest or nicest people. He had heard of Edward before, however, and it made him worry for Vienne's well-being.
Edward was seemingly some sort of ladies man but kept his relationships under wraps to keep up with the gentlemanly persona he had going on. He was seemingly saving himself for the right personâhis future wifeâbut the women he was with could definitely say otherwise.
The problem? They never did.
In fact, nobody had ever verbally confirmed that Edward had ever been in a public relationship or any sort. He had been seen speaking with countless womenâwho were obviously very interested in himâbut that was just about it. But the truth was, he had been in countless flings and relationships with countless women.
But in order for them to not thwart his persona that had the whole town in the palm of his hand, he'd pay them off or threaten them to keep things quiet.
On the outside, he seemed like the most perfect man, but on the inside, Edward Carter was not a good man.
And he had no plans of changing that anytime soon. He has his eyes set on Vienne Austen, and he always got what he wanted, no matter what. No matter how many people he needed to manipulate or get out of the way. He would do what was necessary to accomplish it.
And that's what scared Sebastian. Ominis nor Vienne had fallen for Carter's stupid schemes, and it was obvious what he was doing. So from them, Sebastian had heard everything he needed to know, and it scared him.
What if he did manage to get Vienne? Sebastian knew Vienne would never willingly enter a relationship with him, so he knew Edward would have to get some sort of outside interference, like her mother or brother. And knowing Claudine, she'd happily help in a heartbeat.
Sebastian sighed, turning over in his bed, his thoughts overwhelming him. Just a year ago, he was locked in a cold cell, alone, and he hadn't expected to fall in love when he got out. He was shocked that he even got back on his feet this quickly, no doubt because of Ominis and his help.
But Vienne knew of his troubles, his past, and yet she still cared for him. That was the kind of love he was looking for, and he was finding it in her.
He could only hope that it wasn't too late and that maybe one day, he and Vienne could be together without a single care in the world.
Maybe one day.
A/n: Apologies for another late update, I have been swamped recently by my irl life. Note that this chapter will be updated later with a header image! I just forgot to take one for this chapter.