Of Truth and Trust

Just a quick couple of notes. This fic was written as a one-on-one RP (role-play), so the focus of the POV changes for the characters being played. My cowriter and I based this off of the famous manga \"Kaze to Ki no Uta,\" though you don\'t need to know the story to follow this one.

// =thoughts
* =emphasis

Thanks for reading--I hope you enjoy.


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Of Truth and Trust
Chapter 11

Martin called them to the common room a day before the students were to move in, telling them only that there were two new students starting that they were to meet. It was suggested that Nathanial act as a sort of mentor for them, and he was perfectly willing to help out. He and the other students staying there waited patiently for Martin to arrive with the newcomers, and finally the elder boy entered.

The first boy that stepped in was tall, thin witde sde shoulders, and a serious face. His brown hair was long and pulled back in a tail at the nape of his neck. He nodded to them by way of greeting, and Martin introduced him as Charles Gray. The other boy was hidden behind the first’s taller form, and he came out only at the sound of his name.

Nathanial felt his breath catch slightly when he finally got a look at Collin Williams. The boy was small, with downy blond hair and wide, aqua blue eyes. His skin was almost unnaturally pale, and there was a sense of fragility about him that seemed to affect them all—he could see Walter out of the corner of his eye holding his breath as well, almost as if they were afraid the boy would break if they made any sudden move or noise.

Sebastian\'s eyes were wide on the pair as they both moved into view. His attention was solely for Collin--he was simply stunning, and with his skin so pale he might as well have been glowing. But there was something else that caught his eye...the way the boy stood, nearly hiding behind his taller companion...the downward shift of his eyes…. It sent something cold through him. It was almost apprehension, and it clashed with the boy\'s beauty, almost to the point of making Sebastian ill. But all the same he stepped forward and offered his hand, breaking the strange spell Collin had cast on the surrounding boys. \"Sebastian Gale,\" he introduced, for once his face and voice politely serious. \"Pleased to meet you.\"

Charles stepped forward and took the other\'s hand, though his expression was slightly wary. \"Pleased to meet you,\" he echoed in a deep voice. When he stepped back, his eyes fell on the other boy.

Taking Sebastian\'s hand, Collin shook it slowly, raising his gaze to the other boy’s briefly. “Pleased to meet you,” he murmured. Once he was free, he slipped back to the other boy’s side.

“We’ve grown up together,” Charles explained. “Our parents have been friends for ages and built their homes near each other, so we’ve been friends for some time.” Collin glanced up at that with a faint smile, and Charles set a hand briefly on his shoulder.

Nathanial got over his surprise and approached as well, shaking both their hands. “Well, you are both very welcome, and I’ll be happy to help you in any way. Though not mathematics,” he added with a quick glance at Sebastian. “I’m afraid that is my failing.”

“And that’s where I come in,” Sebastian added with a laugh, though he was much more subdued than usual. Collin…I’m very much interested in talking with you. He caught Charles’ eye. Though it looks like your bodyguard isn’t going to give me too much of a chance. “I’m Nathanial’s roommate, and you’re always welcome, for whatever you might need.”

Charles nodded. “We appreciate it,” he answered. “Nathanial, Sebastian—thank you.” He glanced over at his roommate, sharing a brief look. “We still have a lot of unpacking to do, but I suppose we’ll see you at dinner?”

“Of course,” Nathanial replied with a smile. “If you like, I can stop by your room and pick you up. Just to make sure you don’t get lost,” he added teasingly.

Charles expression relaxed somewhat. “Thank you, Nathanial. That would be great.” He touched Collin’s arm, and the pair turned to head out the door.

Sebastian watched them go with a careful eye, some of the humor draining from his face. Collin…this is the last place you should have come to. But…. Slowly, his grin returned. If I’m here, you’ll be all right. I’ll take good care of you. “They seem…like a decent pair,” he remarked, just to see how Nathanial might react.

Nathanial nodded, turning after the others were out of sight. “They do. Charles seems very nice, and Collin….” He…was beautiful. But he looks like he’d shatter if you raised your voice.

“He’s perfect,” a new voice filled in. Walter grinned, slipping up beside Sebastian and casually setting an arm around the smaller man’s shoulders. Martin gave him a glare that he easily returned, and the floor mentor left without a word. Walter smirked and looked down at the redhead. “I can see that someone is already half-way down his pants.”

Sebastian’s eyes thinned coldly, though the arrangement of his lips didn’t fade. He crossed his arms easily over his chest as if not noticing the weight against his shoulders. “Maybe. And I’ll kindly ask you not to lay a hand on that boy. Or let anyone else, for that matter.” He tilted his head up slightly, almost possessively.

Nathanial glanced at the two, a bit surprised by the other’s statement. What…are you thinking, Sebastian? He turned towards the couch to retrieve the book he’d brought, taking his time so he could hear what the boys would say—he hadn’t really seen much of Sebastian’s older lover lately….

Walter grinned when Nathanial turned away, tilting his head close to Sebastian’s ear. “Whatever you say,” he purred, fingers curling. “You’ve been avoiding me, Sebastian. Don’t I get to have at least a little fun on this vacation?”

“Hmm? It has been a while….” The truth was it hadn’t even crossed his mind lately, even if Nathanial still hadn’t offered him much more than that one night they’d slept in the same bed together. And…he had to admit that Walter’s hands on him weren’t exciting him as much as before. But better to grant him this than to risk the elder training his eye on their newest hall mate. “How about a little wager,” he suggested with a smirk. “You take Charles, and I’ll take Collin. If you win….” He turned in Walter’s arms and wriggled up against him. “Maybe…I’ll let you fuck me.”

Pausing, Nathanial’s fingers curled around his book. That’s…the way he is, he told himself. And besides, the semester will be starting in two days. It’s better that he go back with him. Feeling a bit more confident, he turned towards the door to heack tck to his room.

Yes, that’s right—he’s so much more than you can handle. Walter’s arms curled around the smaller boy’s waist, pulling him tightly against his hips. “I might just take you up on that.” He leaned close to lick at Sebastian’s ear. “But maybe…we should have a little fun now.”

Sebastian’s eyes danced briefly to Nathanial, andpullpulled a little tighter against the warm body at his chest. “All right. Your room—your bed.” He tugged Walter’s chin down to offer him brief kiss before slipping expertly out of his arms. He started off ahead of him.

Nathan…. Sebastian smothered a tiny frown as the pair made their way past Nathanial. You know this is me, don’t you? Wait…I shouldn’t even be worrying about this. He smirked slightly and ran a hand back through his hair. It’s just sex—it’s as simple as that.

Seeing Sebastian glance at him, Nathanial only smiled and continued down the hall. It’s for the best. We’ve had fun, and I appreciate what he’s done for me, but now it’s time to move on. He headed purposefully towards his room, intending to catch up on a few more chapters before dinner. This is best.

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Sebastian waited for the perfect opportunity through the first two weeks of the second semester to speak to Collin. As always he was careful—though he was certain Charles had noticed his attention to the boy by now Collin seemed oblivious, and thanks to a few deals none of the other students had bothered him, either. It had to be just right….

And he found his chance one afternoon in the study lounge—a rare time when they were the only ones present. Whatever errand Charles had run off on would probably conclude soon, so he would have to be quick and careful. With a friendly smile he cross the room to sit in the chair nearest his young company. “Collin. I was hoping to talk to you a bit—are your classes going well?”

Collin glanced up with surprised, wide eyes. “They are going very well,” he replied in his soft, breathy voice. He ran a hand briefly through his hair and shifted the notes in front of him. “The lessons are…a bit behind…the ones from my old school….” He trailed off as if he might have said too much.

Sebastian’s smile dimmed slightly. I wonder how much of that is you, Collin, and how much is what…was done to you…. There wasn’t any point in dancing around the subject, really—that wasn’t the way Sebastian worked. “Collin,” he said quietly, his voice taking on a serious tone he didn’t usually use. “Are you doing all right here?” He reached out—carefully, placing his hand palm up on the arm of Collin’s chair as if in invitation.

Blinking owlishly, Collin glanced at the offered hand curiously. “I am quite well,” he answered. “Nathanial has been…very helpful. Charlie and I are…very grateful for his assistance….” He considered the other’s hand another moment before glancing up at Sebastian. “Thank you for asking.”

He seems all right. “Nathan’s a good boy,” Sebastian replied with a nod. “I’m quite fond of him. In fact….” Nathan won’t mind if I tell him—not if everything I’ve taught him hasn’t gone to waste. “…we’ve shared some intimate times together.” His eyes gleamed meaningfully. “If you’ll forgive me for speaking boldly.”

Collin tilted his head a moment before understanding lit in his eyes. “Intimate…with Nathanial….” I never would have thought. He turned away from his books to watch Sebastian with more attention. “I see….”

Sebastian chuckled warmly. “I’m not sure he’ll like that I told you, but I know it’s hard for some of our new students to settle in, and…I like to make sure they know they’re not alone.” He curved an eyebrow upward, wondering if Collin would be bold enough to offer anything himself.

Then, he knows…. Collin sat up a bit straighter, eyes widening. “How…did you know?” he asked softly, hesitantly. “I mean…about me….” His gaze didn’t waver as he watched the other. “That…I was…like that….”

“I can tell,” Sebastian replied easily. He really does seem to be okay. Maybe…I misjudged him? That couldn’t be…. “I wouldn’t call it a gift, but I have a sense for it, being as…open as I am. Like I said, I just want all our students to feel welcome.” He curled and uncurled his fingers slightly. “Take my hand.”

Collin again looked to the offered hand. There…was no harm in it, really. His own hand rose and paused as if uncertain, and Collin took a long time to consider what he was doing. Does that mean…he wants to…? He set his fingers very lightly in the other boy’s, and his arm flinched just a bit at the feel of warm skin.

Sebastian nodded faintly in vague approval. Good. Though now he seems so timid—he’s proving to be harder to read than I thought. “Don’t worry,” he assured with a smile as he carefully tightened his fingers. “I’m not soliciting you or anything like that. I just want you to be comfortable here.” He decided to take a slight chance and added, “There are a few of the older students that look like they’re interested in you, after all.”

Collin blinked. “They…are…?” His eyes darted briefly to the door, almost as if expecting to see someone there already. He faced Sebastian again. I wonder then…if…. His fingers shifted faintly around the other’s curiously. “Does that mean…that you…?” He fixed the boy with an asking expression.

“That I…?” He couldn’t help but laugh again. Simply charming. Maybe I really was wrong—he seems to be able to handle himself. “That’s not why I came to see you, actually, but…I won’t say I’m not interested,” he teased warmly. “But I know it must be tough for you getting used to a new school and everything. Just….” He squeezed Collin’s hand lightly. “…keep it in mind.”

Collin nodded easily. “I will…Sebastian,” he murmured, still watching him with an almost unblinking gaze. “I am…grateful…for your concern.” He remained unmoving, as if expecting the other boy to do something more.

Sebastian wasn’t sure what else he could get away with—Collin seemed so small. He had done what he’d come to do, but…. “You’re welcome. And…you really are beautiful, you know.” He reached out with his other hand to slide his fingertips just barely over the boy’s cheek.

Collin’s eyes widened, though he didn’t move to reject the touch. “Thank you,” he nearly whispered. He was sitting very still, almost motionless, though his gaze was calm and almost expectant—

Charles entered the room, and his eyes narrowed at the sight before him. He cleared his throat loudly and marched purposefully forward. “Sebastian,” he said, nodding in greeting, though his tone was chilled. Collin turned to look up at him, and the taller boy set a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Sebastian glanced up, though he didn’t retrieve his hand right away. “Hey, Charlie,” he greeted. “Collin and I were just having a little chat. You have quite a charming roommate.” He tugged Collin’s hand up for a dainty kiss before pushing to his feet with a smirk. Mighty protective, aren’t we?CharCharles watched as the redhead left, fingers curling at Collin’s shoulder. He suddenly turned to his roommate. “I’ll be right back, okay Col?”

Collin nodded. “He didn’t do anything,” he murmured, hoping to calm the anger he could see in his friend’s eyes. “Really.”

“I know. I’ll just be a moment.” Playfully ruffling the other’s hair—Collin giggled—Charles followed Sebastian out into the hall.

“Sebastian.” He caught up quickly and faced the boy. His expression was stern, almost threatening. “Don’t play with him,” he said, low and blunt. “You understand? Keep him out of your ‘games’ and ‘affairs,’ because if you ever hurt him….”

“Hold on just a moment,” Sebastian interrupted, holding his hands up innocently. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding of some sort—I have no intention of ‘playing’ with anyone.” He was still smiling, though, and something cold slithered behind his eyes. “I was just extending a friendly courtesy. That’s all.”

Charles scowled. “I’m afraid your reputation precedes you, Sebastian. Don’t think I don’t know how everyone looks at him, what they say about him. Don’t think I haven’t seen you watching him.” He took a step closer, imposing with his greater height. “You leave him alone, or I will make you pay, understand?”

Sebastian’s face lost its humor, but he didn’t flinch or back down. “And don’t you think,” he returned in a threatening voice of his own, “that I don’t know exactly what he is. As for making me pay….” He snorted quietly. “We’ll just see who has the power at this school. You really should be thanking me, anyway.” A bitter smile curled the edge of his lip as he met Charles’ harsh glare. “I might just open him up for you.”

Charles’s hand snapped out, taking the boy by the collar and lifting him onto his toes so their faces were centimeters apart. “You keep the hell away from him,” he hissed. “You don’t know shit about him, you snotty little brat.” Charles lifted the other even higher. “I will make you pay, Sebastian, if you hurt him. So make sure you don’t.”

Sebastian managed to keep his face still despite his situation—he knew better than to think he could struggle against a boy as tall and strong as Charles. Secretly, he might have been intimidated, but it was only a fleeting concern. He’d taken out more impressive figures than this—had fucked a few. So he didn’t have a problem meeting Charles’s eyes. “All right,” he replied without conceding at all. “I’ll be careful.”

Eyes narrowing, Charles slowly let the other boy down. “I’ll be watching,” he countered in the same tone. “So you’d better be.” He gave Sebastian a small shove as he stepped back. With one last glare he returned to the study room and his roommate. I will be watching, Sebastian. I won’t let you hurt him.

Sebastian’s smile faded as soon as Charles was out of sight, and with a snort he turned to leave as well. Little brat. He has no idea what he’s dealing with—he has no right to lecture me. He passed his hand through his hair and let it fall, hoping to dispel some of his annoyance. By the time he made it back to his room his thoughts had shifted, though not to anything lighter. He was still wondering about Collin.

He seems all right, but I know my first instinct wasn’t wrong. Sebastian entered his room, barely noticing Nathanial seated at his desk as he removed his tie and vest. And judging from the way Charlie reacted, there has to be something. Maybe he’s hidden it so deep that…. He shook his head. I don’t like it. These…are always tough, but he’s worth it.

Nathanial watched his roommate curiously, growing solemn at the expression on his face. He seems upset—that’s rare. He glanced back at his book, considering, then turned in his chair to better see the other. “Sebastian? Is everything all right?”

“Hm?” He glanced up and chuckled at the sight of his roommate. “Oh, Nate. I didn’t notice you there—my apologies.” He flopped onto the bed with a sigh. Somehow, his smile came easily this time. “Everything’s fine. Though you could say I’ve been…reprimanded.” And he chuckled.

Nathanial raised an eyebrow at that. “Indeed.” He stood and moved to sit next to his roommate. “You do look a little flushed, but in well enough spirits.” Adjusting his glasses, he wondered if Sebastian would tell him what had happened, then decided that the boy wouldn’t—it wasn’t like him.

Sebastian’s grin softened. Well, thank God for you, Nathanial. I feel better already. He slung his arm around Nathanial’s shoulders, pulling him close. “You smell good,” he declared, pressing his nose into his roommate’s slicked hair. Why does he make me feel so calm?

Chuckling, Nathanial tilted his head against the other briefly. “And you are too smooth,” he replied, patting the other’s knee. “Though I’m glad your ‘reprimand’ was not so grievous as to keep you upset.” He ran a hand briefly through his hair and started to lean away.

But Sebastian tugged him back. No—just another moment. For a moment seriousness flashed in his eyes as he murmured, “You don’t need to leave so soon.” He reached his other hand across their bodies to rub lightly at the top of Nathanial’s thigh. “Just…stay with me for a while, okay?”

Nathanial calmly stopped the wandering hand, though he did shiver a bit at the touch. “I have more studying to do before tomorrow,” he said quietly. Don’t, Sebastian. I’ve already decided. He turned enough to press a brief, light kiss to the other’s temple before again trying to stand.

“Wait.” Sebastian pulled his hand back, but the one around Nathanial’s shoulders didn’t loosen. But he didn’t like the way his voice had sounded just then, and he frowned. Stop it. Don’t be foolish. With a quiet snort he dropped his arm and leaned away. “All right. Good luck with it, then.” He dropped onto his back against the mattress.

Sebastian? He started to turn, to reach for the other, but he kept himself still. It’s fine. I’ve already decided. Nathanial called up a smile and finally stood. “You should do the same,” he said as he returned to his desk. “You’ve been distracted lately.”

Sebastian sighed as he folded his arms behind his head. “It’s nothing,” he muttered, suddenly in a worse mood than before. Damnit, Nate. I…shouldn’t be mad at you. He closed his eyes. That Collin’s got me all wound up. Why should it bother me? I…. He scowled and pushed abruptly to his feet. “If you’re studying, I’m going to find Vincent. I can’t just sit here.” I’ll feel better with…some exercise.

Nathanial nodded vaguely as he flipped through a few pages. I’ve decided, and he can do what he wants. It’s better this way. “All right,” he replied. “Enjoy yourself, then.”

Sebastian paused at the door, glancing at his roommate moodily. Suddenly he didn’t feel like exerting the effort, and with another sigh he returned to his bed. “It’s not worth it.” Damnit, what’s wrong with me? I’m acting like a child. He stretched out on his side facing the wall. “I’m taking a nap,” he informed Nathanial deliberately. “Wake me up for dinner, all right?”

“I will,” he assured, though…he didn’t like that tone. He frowned. I…don’t like that. He shouldn’t sound like that. Sighing, he again abandoned his work to sit at his roommate’s side. “Sebastian.” Nathanial laid a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “What is bothering you?”

“Nothing,” he mumbled in reply. “I don’t get ‘bothered.’ I’m just tired.” I know what I have to do—what I do want to do—but I don’t want to even think about Collin right now. I don’t care what might have happened to him—I don’t care what Charlie or anyone else thinks of me. His fingers curled against the sheets. And I don’t care what Nathan thinks of me, either. “Go back to your work, Nathan. You shouldn’t worry about me.”

No, that’s not like you at all. He edged closer, trying to remain as calm and patient as he could. “Call it paybacks,” he murmured, then fell quiet. He’ll tell me, eventually. He’ll have to take his own advice—he knows how important it is. Come on, Sebastian.

Damn him. Sebastian rolled onto his back so he could meet the boy’s gaze. “It’s that boy,” he blurted out. There. Are you proud of yourself? You got me to talk. “Collin. His bodyguard told me to stay away from him—that oaf, of all people, has no right.” He muttered a curse under his breath as he glanced away. “He has no idea what he’s dealing with.”

Nathanial’s eyebrows rose at that. Sebastian…what now? You couldn’t really be going after him, could you? Collin seems so…. He set his hands in his lap. “Obviously, you think you do,” he said carefully. “But…don’t you think Charles is just trying to protect him? They are old friends, after all.”

“It has nothing to do with that,” Sebastian retorted, his gaze snapping back. “Charlie may try to protect him, but sheltering Collin isn’t going to help. He doesn’t understand what it was like for us to—”

Sebastian broke off abruptly when he realized what he was saying. Wait…what? His expression twisted in confusion. I’m not like Collin. I’m nothing like that pale, timid little thing. Something cold slid up his spine, settling in his gut when he looked at Nathanial again. Why is he looking at me like that? He doesn’t understand, either. No, there’s nothing to be understood—stop it. He had to escape Nathanial’s eyes again. “I’ve known boys like Collin before,” he tried to recover. “Charlie’s going about it the wrong way.”

Nathanial shook his head and leaned closer, putting a hand back on his roommate’s shoulder. “No, no you said ‘us.’ What happened to Collin?” Sebastian, what’s going on? What have you been hiding? “What happened to you?”

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