Of Truth and Trust

Title: Of Truth and Trust
Author: Shuukitty
Summary: Nathanial is starting in a new boys school where he must deal with difficult classes, suspicious students, and his sensual roommate who\'s determined to seduce him.
Rating: NC17
Pairing(s): It’s a surprise!
Feedback: Desired and appreciated
Characters: All original characters.
Betas: “Shuukitty” is the combined efforts of Tanithkitty and Croik, co-writers.
Author’s notes: This fic was written as a one-on-one RolePlay, so the POV switches just about every paragraph. Please be considerate and do not borrow original characters or situations without permission. 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.
// =thoughts
* =emphasis
Thanks for reading and please enjoy!
Disclaimer: My characters! But I’m not making any money off this fic.


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Chapter 1


Nathanial paused outside the door of his new dorm room—third floor, west wing, last door on the left. It was nearly five o’clock and already the halls were full of laughing, shouting teens that had finished moving their things into their rooms. He had arrived on a late train, and facing the closed door his heart beat quick and light against his ribs. //My new room. My new roommate, for the whole year. I…hope he’s nice.//

Straightening his glasses, Nathanial set down one of his suitcases to open the door, peering inside. There was a figure seated in the left bed, reading a book by the light of a small lamp. The boy looked a bit rumpled—his flashing read hair was left loose, shirt unbuttoned halfway down—but he had a pleasant enough face. Nathanial bravely opened the door the rest of the way and began to lug is baggage inside. “Hello,” he greeted with a smile. “I’m Nathanial Emerson.”

Sebastian glanced up from his book, taking in the boy’s appearance with one sweep of his eyes. //Type B.// A smile graced his lips as he set the book aside and leapt to his feet. “Sebastian Gale,” he introduced grandly, moving immediately to take one of his bags. “Let me help you with that.” With a laugh he hefted the suitcase and carried it to the foot of the extra bed. “Am I right in assuming you’re my new roommate?”

“You are,” Nathanial replied with some relief. //He seems friendly enough. Thank goodness.// He nodded as the other set his bag down. “Thank you. It’s rather troublesome, being on such a high floor, isn’t it?” He placed his other two bags beside the first before turning and offering his hand for a proper handshake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Pleasure’s all mine, I assure you,” Sebastian greeted in kind, giving the boy a firm handshake. “I was wondering when you’d show up. Most everyone’s here by now.” He took a step back to his desk, retrieving and offering a polished apple. “I saved some, since the cafeteria won’t be opening until tomorrow, and you’re probably famished.”

Nathanial gratefully took the offered fruit. “Thank you, I am.” He sat down on the small space left on his bed, taking a bite with a smile. “Unfortunately, my train was late in arriving, and then was delayed. Frankly, I’m relieved to have made it here today at all.” //He’s very pleasant. Perhaps this place will not be as difficult as I imagined.//

Sebastian took a seat of his own beside the boy, still smiling. //He has a young face. But he has beautiful skin.// His eyebrow quirked. //Like a doll.// “You’re here now,” he pointed out, bending one knee up on the bed so he could face his new roommate properly. “Saint James isn’t so bad. Though some of the kids here are really shy—don’t worry, I’ll introduce you around. I know everyone.” He winked, even knowing Nathanial wouldn’t understand the gesture until later. “Even the teachers.”

“I would appreciate it.” He took another bite, chewing thoughtfully. “What about the classes?” he asked suddenly. “Are they very difficult? I’m afraid I’m rather poor when it comes to mathematics.”

//Perfect.// “Mathematics is my best subject, if you don’t think me too bold to say so,” Sebastian said, running a hand back through his curly red hair. “I’d be happy to help you out, if I could convince you to offer a few suggestions when it comes to literature. I’m afraid I’m not too good with the classics.” He paused, allowing his smile to broaden. “You must be from up the coast, with an accent like that.”

Nathanial nodded, taking a moment to swallow his mouthful of apple. “I am. And I would not mind in the least to assist you in exchange for some help.” //For once, my luck is rather good.// He happily finished the small apple, standing to toss the core away. “The floor monitor said we have a meeting tonight, correct? Perhaps I should at least try to make my half of the room presentable.” Smiling, he tugged one of his suitcases forward and opened it, revealing his sets of pressed school uniforms.

Sebastian peered at the meticulously packed clothing with a chuckle. “Well, I have to say you’ll fit in here.” He slid off the bed and stepped back a moment. “I’ll give you a hand,” he decided. “Then we can go down to the meeting together, and I’ll introduce you around. We’ve got some good guys on this floor—they’ll like you.” He laughed as he moved to open the other suitcase. “I already do.”

“That would be brilliant.” Nathanial happily directed the other on the placement of his clothing and the few personal items he had—a few books, a small statue of a German Shepard, and a desk set of pens, ink, rulers, and a portable board for writing. He set everything on his desk save the statue—that got a place of honor on the small table near his bed. “There,” he said grandly, smiling happily now that everything was safely tucked away. “How much time do we have before the meeting?”

“A little.” Sebastian flopped on his back on the other’s bed, folding his arms behind his head. He was feeling inexplicably proud of himself. “So why don’t you tell me about this statue,” he suggested, nodding towards the table. He patted the space next to him for Nathanial to sit.

Nathanial dropped down—his feet were tired after the long day. “My father always had a lot of dogs on his estate,” he explained, smiling at the statue fondly. “For breeding, mostly. I spent a lot of time with them, being an only child.” //They were my best friends, really. It’s…going to be strange, not having them here.// He glanced over his shoulder at his roommate. “They’re really wonderful animals. Have you ever had any pets?”

“I guess you could say that.” The words came too easily, and he chuckled. //Many, many pets. If only you knew….// “Nothing I was particularly fond of, I must admit. My younger brother was partial to rodents.” He rolled his upper lip up and chattered for emphasis.

Nathanial covered his mouth with the back of his hand as he chuckled. “My stepmother hated all sorts of tiny animals,” he admitted, turning slightly so he could better see the other. “I got such a horrible scolding for bringing in a wild rabbit kitten when I was young.” His smile turned a bit wistful. “It must be nice, having a sibling….”

Sebastian blinked slowly as his grin softened. “Some times are better than others,” he replied evasively. There would be time for such talk later. He glanced to the side, catching a glimpse of the corner-mounted grandfather clock. “And speaking of time, we’d best get to the meeting—I’m sure old Martin will have plenty to say. Come on!” With an excited laugh he vaulted to his feet, snatching Nathanial’s hand in the process and tugging him along. “Come on—everyone will be gathering, I’ll make sure they all know you.” Still laughing he started to pull his new roommate toward the door.

Stumbling along, Nathanial allowed the other boy to drag him out into the hall. Seeing other boys already gathering, he carefully retrieved his hand and nervously straightened his hair and glasses. //I…hope they will like me. I’ve missed the freshman year, so they are all most likely settled in their friends.// A glance at his roommate helped to calm some of his fears. //At least he will make an effort for my sake.//

“Rupert! Harrison! Frankie!” Sebastian gave a mighty laugh as he plunged into the group of gathered boys, slinging his arms over the closest two. Even though they had to have heard him coming they still yelped in surprise. “You little rascals, you’ve lost weight,” the red-head announced, poking them in the ribs. He then moved on to another pair, unable to help a gleeful chuckle at their confused, embarrassed faces. “Don’t look so down, boys, it’s a new year. A fresh start, for everyone!”

Christopher Drake watched the boy’s antics with quiet, attentive eyes. //Of course he’d be back. And…he hasn’t changed at all.// His lips were curled grimly as he forced his heart to slow. //And that…must be the lucky new roommate.// Fortunately for him Sebastian hadn’t noticed him yet, and he took the opportunity to approach the newcomer. “Hello there,” he greeted pleasantly, offering his hand. “I’m Christopher Drake—a junior. You must be Sebastian’s new roommate.”

//Thank goodness. For a moment I got worried—I didn’t think he was so loud….// He quickly took the other’s hand with a pleasant smile. “I am. My name’s Nathanial Emerson, and I’m a sophomore. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Another shout from his roommate made him pause and glance over. //He…really does seem to know everyone.// He quickly returned his attention to the other boy. “It would appear that I’m in for an interesting year,” he commented lightly.

“I’m sure Sebastian will see to that,” Christopher replied, though his voice had lowered a pitch just then. He turned slightly so that a shadow from the hall fell over his face, disguising a bit of color in his cheeks. “He’s…a pretty lively sort. You’ll discover that for yourself before long, warrwarrant.”

He caught Sebastian’s eye suddenly from across the room, and a chill went through him. His lips parted a moment before he could supply them with words. “You’ll be fine, with him,” he assured. “But he’s a lot to handle, and if you ever feel the need to…escape his enthusiasm for a while, my room is just down that way, number 27.” He indicated the far end of the hall. “You’re always welcome.”

Though he was a little puzzled by the boy’s words, he was grateful for the offer all the same. “Thank you, Christopher. I appreciate that, and I will definitely keep it in mind.” //Well, I can see how excited he gets. Perhaps I’m just being jumpy.// The floor leader came in then and called for quiet. Nathanial followed Christopher to a seat near the fireplace. He listened dutifully to all the announcements and rules regarding the dorm, afterwards suffering some embarrassment as he was asked to stand and introduce himself along with two unfortunate freshmen. He retook his seat with darkened cheeks and was glad for the sympathetic look Christopher gave him. Once the meeting was over, the room seemed to fill with chattering, excited voices, and Nathanial stood, feeling a bit unsure what to do next.

Sebastian was content to watch a moment, his eyes narrowed and gleaming in the firelight. //So Christopher’s gotten to him already. I should have known he’d say something—but that’s as far as he’ll go. He’s only Type B, after all.// He jumped abruptly to his feet and skipped over to the pair, giving Christopher a playful shove. “There you are, you little fiend,” he teased. He offered his hand. “It’s been a long summer without you, chap.”

Christopher regarded the offer warily a moment, but complied, trying to hide another quiver in his flesh at the touch of warm skin. He withdrew his hand carefully. “It has been. I…was just introducing myself to your roommate. He’s a fine fellow.”

“Isn’t he? But then, one can’t help but love a man whose best friend is man’s best friend, wouldn’t you say?” Chuckling, he took Nathanial by the hand and began to lead him away. “But if you’ll excuse us, there are other introductions to be made.”

Nathanial offered a shrug and a wave to the other boy. “Thank you, Christopher. I’m sure I’ll see you later.” //I’ve made one friend, at least, though…why does he have that look?// He pushed the thoughts aside quickly as his eager roommate introduced him to more people than he could ever hope to remember in one night. He noticed that about a third of them gave Sebastian the same odd, half-wary look that Christopher had. //Probably because he’s so loud, he reasoned. I’m not surprised—he is a bit much.// All the same, he couldn’t really say he minded; at least he was meeting his fellows.

Once Sebastian was satisfied that he’d introduced his new roommate to everyone he needed to know he flipped his hair and declared it was time to retire. “I’d like to finish my book before classes start tomorrow, siit’lit’ll be the last free time I’ll have,” he said with a laugh. “I should lend it to you over the holiday—I guarantee you’ve never read anything like it.” He waved goodnight to his peers, giving Christopher a smart wink as he started back toward the room. “Are you coming, Nathanial? You must be tired after everything.”

//After all that, definitely.// Nathanial politely excused himself from the small group he’d been talking to, offered Christopher another wave, and followed his roommate out the door. “Everyone seems really nice,” he commented as they made r war way to the end of the hall—he took note of which room was Christopher’s as they passed. “You certainly weren’t fibbing when you said you knew everyone.”

“They’re a shy lot, aren’t they? I’m convinced they wouldn’t even know their own names, if I didn’t do so many introductions.” He was still on the verge of laughing out loud, filled with excitement after seeing so many familiar faces. They were all as bright, young, and timid as he remembered. And the freshmen were certainly a promising lot—all eager, if not a bit crass. //C’s, most of them. It should be an interesting year.// He opened the door with a flourish, shedding his vest and necktie as he retreated to his bed. “I hope you don’t mind if I keep the lamp lit a while longer,” he said cheerily. “I’ve only three chapters left.”

“It’s fine,” he quickly assured. Closing the door, he paused a moment when reaching for his own vest. //We’re sharing a room together now. This sort of thing is normal.// Nathanial opened the doors of the tall wardrobe, slipping out of both vest and shirt. He reached f lon long nightgown, putting that on before removing his pants with only a bit of embarrassment. //It will take some getting used to, I suppose, but it’s not so bad.// He took up a book for himself before crawling into his small bed. “I like to read,” he admitted, carefully finding his bookmark as he lay back into the thick pillow. “So I don’t mind staying up a bit to do so.”

“That’s good to hear; I’m something of a night owl.” Sebastian smirked to himself and buried the expression behind his book. //He’s a skinny little thing.// And just because he was feeling daring—it was the last night before school—he teased, “We’re going to have to fatten you up on cafeteria food this semester—just because you have ribs doesn’t mean you should show them all.”

Nathanial coughed into his own book, flushing. “I’ve always been thin,” he tried to defend himself, glancing at the other boy. “My father is a very slim man, and so was my mother.” //What a thing to say! I can see what Christopher was talking about now.// He pulled his book close, nose almost touching the pages.

Sebastian laughed. //I’m going to enjoy this year a great deal. I think I’ll…take my time with him.// “Don’t be embarrassed—we’re both guys, after all.” //Let him think on that one.// “I can’t help but notice things like that. I used to be pretty stringy myself.” Still hiding a snicker he turned the page, in the process pulling his socks off with his toes.

“Stringy indeed,” he muttered with mock indignation. //He’s teasing me. What a strange thing….// But he couldn’t help smiling all the same. //It’s nice, having someone to talk to like this. I thought I would miss out, coming from a different school. It’s quite a relief.// “If the food here is anything like that of my old school, I shall probably just keep losing from lack of nutrition.”

“Amen.” Sebastian made it about halfway down the page before closing the book abruptly with a snap. He crawled to the edge of the bed so he could reach his dresser and remove his own nightshirt. “So, what did you think of Christopher?” he asked as he changed.

Seeing that the other had obviously finished his reading, Nathanial set his own book aside. “He seems very pleasant,” he replied eagerly. “Most of the upperclassmen at my previous school would not bother to talk with the younger students, so already I am impressed. I am starting to not regret my father’s decision to send me here.” //And how relieved I am for tha

“Oh? I think you’ll find there isn’t as much of a ‘class separation’ here as in other schools, no pun intended.” He finished changing and combed his fingers through his hair as he returned to his pillow. Lying on his stomach, he tugged the blankets over him and faced his companion. “Chris is a nice fellow,” he went on in a slightly quieter tone. “All upstanding and what have you. But sometimes he….” He trailed off and shook his head. “Oh, never mind. It’s probably just me, and I wouldn’t want to put a bias on him unfairly.”

Frowning, Nathanial rolled onto his side, blankets up to his ears. //What could be wrong with Christopher?// “He seemed nice enough to me,” he offered, wondering if the other would explain without him having to ask—that would be too rude. He watched the other boy with interest, silently marveling at the lightness in Sebastian’s bright hair.

“Well….” Sebastian lifted himself up on his elbows. “I really shouldn’t say anything, because it’s probably just my imagination, but….” He pursed his lips secretively. “There are times when he seems a little paranoid,” he said quietly. “I don’t think he likes me that much, maybe because I’m so open, and…I’d hate to think he’s hiding something, so usually I leave him alone.” He shrugged. “But like I said, I’m probably imagining it. All the people here are pretty shy, after all….” He shrugged again.

Nathanial regained his smile again, rolling onto his back. “Not that I know either of you,” he started softly, “but I’m sure it’s not all that bad. Everyone has something they do not let on to their general acquaintance, after all.” He closed his eyes a moment, then turned again to reach for the lamp. “I’m turning this off.”

“Sure.” //General acquaintances, indeed.// Sebastian smiled as he lowered himself back down. “You’re probably right, after all.” And suddenly he added, “You know what? I’m glad you’re my roommate.” With that he snuggled down in the blankets and pressed his face into a warm pillow. “Goodnight, Nate.”

He blinked. //Nate?// But…he didn’t mind; not really. So he turned off the light, removing his glasses and setting on the side table with a sigh. //But…he’s glad. I suppose I am, too. Whatever Christopher meant, I’m certain I shall be able to handle it.// “Goodnight, Sebastian,” he returned, curling up on his side, facing the wall.

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It was past midnight when Sebastian returned to his room, his shirt untucked, vest slung lazily over his arm, hair ruffled. He was smiling and in a good mood. He’d been able to start early this year—only two weeks into the semester, and he had already found a particular source of amusement. Oneldn’ldn’t spend their entire time pouring over dusty textbooks, after all, and he chuckled to himself as he fumbled at the lock and let himself inside. Nathanial looked asleep. “Ah, little sleeping prince,” he murmured as he ventured further inside, tossing his vest carelessly over the back of his chair. He toed easily out of his shoes and socks and dug out an orange he’d saved from the cafeteria earlier. //Wears you out, after all.// Still grinning he relaxed back on his bed with a quiet sigh.

Nathanial had blinked himself awake at the first sounds of a door opening, still not quite used to having another person making noise in the room. He rolled over when he heard the other sit down. //What could he possibly have been doing? To be out so late….// “Is everything okay?” he asked softly, not wanting to sound too nosy.

“Everything is marvelous,” Sebastian declared, tossing the orange peel skillfully into the far wastebasket. “A little tiring, but exactly what I needed, all the same.” He sucked on the end of an orange slice for a moment, just to get the flavor. “Do you want some? They always taste better at this hour.”

Thoroughly puzzled, Nathanial shook his head. “No, thank you.” //Just what he…needed?// Deciding the matter was none of his business, he rolled back onto his other side. “Well, if everything is ‘marvelous,’ then I am going to get back to sleep.”

Sebastian watched him a moment before deciding he was feeling far too playful to let things pass like that. He slid to his feet and padded quietly across the wooden floor, seating himself on the bed edge by Nathanial’s waist. “Oh come now, aren’t you curious?” He plucked out anther slice of orange to offer, leaning slightly against the boy’s turned back so he could fix a pair of gleaming green eyes on him. “And it’s really quite sweet.”

Nathanial shifted at the sudden weight against him. “No, thank you,” he repeated. He turned his head enough to see the other, regarding his bright eyes in the faint light from the moon. “I am curious,” he admitted honestly at last, “but I suspect it is none of my business. Just please let it not happen too often—Mr. Abraham is giving us a quiz tomorrow.”

“I’ll be quieter next time,” he promised, pausing to eat one of the slices. He licked at some of the juice that slid out the corners of his mouth. “Anyway, if you’re curious you can always ask. I’m very open, you know.” His lip curled mischievously. “I met someone for a little stroll around the gardens. Most exhilarating.”

//An ‘exhilarating’ stroll? That does not make much sense.// Nathanial tried not to let his puzzlement show. “It must bee been, to keep you out until such an hour.” He wasn’t sure what else he could say—what Sebastian seemed to be expecting him to say. “I don’t suppose it was anyone I know?” he asked lightly.

Sebastian laughed, high and good-spirited. “If I told you that, it would spoil the mystery for later,” he said secretively. “I said you could ask, but I didn’t say I’d answer. Now come on—I won’t be satisfied until you have at least one piece,” he insisted, offering again. //It’s a good thing I have such restraint, Nate.//

He frowned again. “Thank you, but I am not hungry.” //Why is he being so persistent?// “I don’t like to eat so late.” Nathanial tried to settle himself, almost as if he could ignore the other leaning against him.

Sebastian pouted, and in retaliation dug his fingers playfully into the boy’s unprotected sides. “How else am I going to fatten you up, huh?” he laughed, teasing the lines of his ribs.

“Ah—don’t!” he quickly protested, fighting to keep from laughing. When the attack persisted, he immediately squirmed away in an attempt to escape. “Se—Sebastian! Stop it! Aha! I—I mean it!”

Sebastian continued to laugh, torturing compcompanion a moment longer before at last recoiling. “You need to loosen your spirits a little, Nate,” he chided gently, running his hand down the length of Nathanial’s side to his hip as he stood away from the bed. “We’re still children, after all. We should be having fun.” And with thatflopflopped again to his bed, tog thg the rest of the half-eaten fruit away. He began to strip out of his clothes. //I think I’ll sleep normally tonight.//

Curled up in a ball, Nathanial glanced over his shoulder to make sure the attack wouldn’t continue before relaxing. It took him another moment to get his breath back. “That was hardly fair,” he accused lightly, tugging his blankets higher. Seeing that the other was about to change, he turned away once more. “But I am having fun, if you must knowe ade added. “Christopher and a few others met in the common room, and we had a nice talk while we studied.”

Sebastian was almost about to crack up laughing, but he managed to quiet himself. “Is that so? I’m sure it was thrilling.” He tossed his shirt into a pile at the foot of the bed and started on his pants, removing them more slowly than was really necessary. “But if you’re really worried about it being unfair, you can come back over here and get some revenge,” he invited.

He pouted, pulling the blankets tighter around his shoulders. “No, thank you. Perhaps another time.” //If at all. He’s being awful ridiculous tonight.// Nathanial closed his eyes resolutely. “If you don’t mind, I would like to have some sleep tonight to be ready for tomorrow’s quiz.”

“Fine, fine, I won’t tease you anymore.” He slid beneath the sheets, sighing quietly at the delicious feel of cool, clean fabric against his naked flesh. He wriggled about some before falling into a comfortable position. “Goodnight, Nate.” //You poor little thing. You really have no idea.//

“Good night, Sebastian,” he replied in turn, grateful to finally be able to focus on sleeping.

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