Chapter 5 Sebastian
Chapter five
Sebastian
My first working day was perfect. I saw Daddy Ezrah six times throughout the night, and I hope I'd see him even more the next night.
If not, I'd be having a little chat with Ethan.
He shouldn't keep my Daddy away from me.
That would make me one very unhappy boy.
And an unhappy boy? That leads to murderous times.
I giggle as I cuddle Mr. BoBunny. He's a brown bunny with a pink nose, and my most loyal companion. He's nearly fallen apart a few times, but each time I performed a flawless surgery, stitching him back together until he was as good as new.
"Mr. BoBunny, can you believe it? I saw Daddy, hugged him even, and he checked out my ass!"
Mr. BoBunny flops his ears in excitement. He's happy for me. Of course he is. Daddy Ezrah is special to him too.
My good mood soars.
It's morning, which means I have one hour before Daddy's day begins. He goes to the gym near his place every morning. And obviously, I can't leave him alone there. Who knows how many boys might try to snatch him away?
I need to be there. Watching. Guarding. Keeping others away.
From a distance, of course, because if my Daddy spotted me, I'd have to pretend to work out too, and nope.
Absolutely not. I love working out, but on my own.
The thought of being surrounded by all those sweaty strangers makes me shudder.
Mr. BoBunny shudders with me, bless him.
"Our life is so much better now, don't you think?"
Mr.BoBunny nods excitedly, and I giggle at how cute he is.
It's been a month since I came back, and the first thing I did?
Stalked Daddy, obviously.
I just need to take a shower and I'll be on time for his training session. But my phone rings and I throw an annoyed glance at it.
My Mom's name flashes on the screen and I debate ignoring her, but ultimately I pick up.
I have… a complicated relationship with that woman.
"Sebastian, how are you, dear?" she greets me, her voice sweet.
And just like that, with one sentence, she pulls me out of my little side. The playful boy vanishes, hidden deep inside, and the adult me surfaces.
"Hello, Mother. I'm good. How are you?"
"I'll be perfect very soon."
I don't want to know. But I ask anyway, "Oh?"
"You've been back from England, but you haven't visited. I hope you'll come to lunch today. Your mother misses her boys, and I'm getting old."
Here we go again. Emotional manipulation at its finest.
I've brushed off her invitations for weeks, but if I keep dodging, she might eventually show up here. Not that she knows my address, but with her police connections, she could find out.
"Okay, yeah. I can drop by."
"Perfect! Your brother can't wait to see you."
"Aziel will be there?"
"Of course."
I close my eyes and inhale deeply. Mom is one thing. Mom and Aziel together? That's another.
I haven't spoken to him since that night, two years ago.
"You'll seriously take his side?" Aziel screams in my face.
"Yes."
"Yes!? Yes!? Are you fucking kidding me? My own brother!"
"You cheated on him. You shouldn't have done that," I reply calmly.
"I didn't cheat!" he roars. "I didn't fucking cheat, but no one believes me. You're my brother, and you seriously choose the man who chose to believe a stranger over his husband?"
"There was evidence," I say, unflinching.
"It must be fabricated! Please, Sebastian. I need you to believe me." His voice cracks with desperation.
I shake my head and watch as my brother's eyes harden, as he puts his walls up.
"Get out. I don't want to see you ever again. You're no longer my brother. Go to my ex and play brother with him."
It's not brother I'll be playing, but I don't say it out loud.
I just turn and leave.
I wonder how today's encounter will go. He'll probably act properly in front of Mom. But I know better.
For the past two years, he's thrown himself into work and into anyone willing to open their legs at the club. From the outside, it looks like he's living the life. The reality? Honestly, I don't give two fucks.
I'm annoyed my plans are being interrupted. I'm sure my Daddy will miss me. Even if he doesn't know that I'm always there.
I shower and dress in dark clothes, a plain shirt, and trousers. Nothing flashy. nothing revealing.
I wish I could bring Mr. BoBunny, but I'd rather slice my own hands than subject him to my childhood house. He'll protect me from afar.
I kiss his nose, hug him tight, position him on my bed, straighten my shoulders, and leave.
The familiar streets of my childhood neighborhood make bile rise in my throat. I hate this place. I hate it.
Why am I doing this again?
Oh, right. To play pretend. To be the good, awkward boy they still think I am.
I park in the driveway and spot Aziel's car. Of course, he's here already. The two-story house looks frozen in time. Nothing has changed.
The front door swings open. Mom steps out, smiling brightly.
Are you really happy to see me, or is this another performance?
Either way, I plaster on an easygoing smile as I step out of the car. Mom's slim frame reminds me of my own.
"I'm so happy to see you, Sebastian," she says, hugging me tightly.
My skin itches. I want to shove her away. I hate being touched. I fucking hate it.
"I'm so happy to see you too, Mom."
I step back, hoping one hug is enough. She smiles and ushers me inside.
The interior hasn't changed either.
A movement to my left catches my attention. Aziel stands with his hands in his pockets, looking at me with a guarded expression. He hides it well, but I see it… the hate in his eyes. The judgment, the pain. It's all in his eyes.
"Hello, Sebastian," he says.
"Hello, Aziel."
This is the most awkward greeting of my life.
"Aww, finally my boys are back together," Mom gushes. "Let's sit down. The food's ready."
I follow them to the kitchen. The same oval table sits there like it was just yesterday when I ate cereals on it. I sit down and busy myself with the food. If my mouth is full, I don't have to talk.
"So, how was life in England?" Aziel asks, surprising me.
"It was good," I say after swallowing.
"That's all you've got? Did you meet new people? Did you betray them too?"
"Boys," Mom warns.
I lift a brow and throw daggers with my eyes.
"You're the master of betrayals. Why don't you tell me how it's been for you?" I challenge.
His nostrils flare. He seems seconds from flipping the table and attacking me. I would welcome it.
"Do you still keep in touch with my ex?" he bites out.
I don't expect this question, but I answer calmly. "It's none of your business."
His fist slams against the table, making Mom jump. "I can't believe this! Are you fucking kidding with me? I thought after all this time you would have grown and realized what you did."
"I haven't done anything. You're the one who cheated."
He shoots to his feet. I rise too. If he thinks I'm some defenseless twink, he's dead wrong.
"Boys, please. Calm down."
"I should've known better," Aziel spits. "You're nothing more than a bastard."
The word doesn't lands like he wants it to. I know he's just twisting the knife, trying to make me react. Not happening. Especially when there's no knife to twist.
"Aziel!" Mom's voice pitches higher.
I tune her out. There's nothing she can say that I'm interested in hearing.
"Well, this lunch was interesting, but I have things to do. If you'll excuse me," I say and head to the door.
"Wait, Sebastian, don't go," Mom pleads.
I glance at her.
"Your brother didn't cheat," she says firmly. "I know my sons. I know you both. Please don't fight because of this. You're brothers. It's all this bastard's fault for not believing your brother."
I don't bother answering. I just stormed out.
Something at home is waiting for me. I can feel it creeping under my skin as I drive.
My mom is right about one thing. And wrong about another.
She doesn't know her sons. She doesn't know anything about me.
But she's right… my brother didn't cheat.
I was the one who orchestrated everything.