“What do you mean?”
Sebastian made his way to Kieran’s side, leaning forward on the banister.He stared out at the lake, dark eyes flickering in the moonlight.“It’s all scripted, trust me.I use the same couple of lines, smile at them, nod when they’re speaking, make eye contact—it’s just going through the motions so people see what they want.Left to my own devices, I fear I can be quite…awkward.In social situations.”
Kieran sputtered a laugh.Immediately, he thought of their first interaction on the ship when Sebastian had mistaken Kieran’s trying to get to know him for a job interview.Sure, the other boy was a bit stiff and overly formal when he didn’t know what to say, but Kieran found it charming in a strange way.
“Well, you did an excellent job of faking it this evening.In myopinion.”A little prickle in Kieran’s chest made his pulse begin to race faster.As casually as he could, he asked, “So I guess…you don’t actually fancy women, then?”
“I do,” Sebastian said.For a moment, Kieran’s heart dropped before the other boy added, “Occasionally.Not as much as the alternatives, however.”Kieran wasn’t sure, but he could have sworn he saw him lick his lips.Sebastian added, eyes still trained straight ahead toward the lake, “What about you?You didn’t seem particularly enthused by Deena.”
Kieran had to stop himself from snorting—he’d always figured it was obvious, but maybe not.“Oh, no, I don’t like women.”When Sebastian cocked an eyebrow at him, he quickly corrected, “I mean—of course Ilikewomen—as friends!Just not, um…” He searched for the right word.“…carnally?”
Sebastian sputtered a laugh while Kieran turned beet-red.He covered his face with his hands.“I should stop speaking, shouldn’t I?”
“Carnally,”Sebastian repeated under his breath, biting back his smile.“Eloquently put.”
Kieran moaned, hair falling into his eyes as his head slumped.“Sorry—words and I aren’t exactly on the best of terms.”
“Oh?”Sebastian turned and leaned his back against the banister so he could get a better look at Kieran.At the feeling of Sebastian’s dark eyes on him, Kieran immediately felt heat begin to climb up his neck.“Why do you say that?”
Kieran opened his mouth, then paused.He’d only known Sebastian for a few days.If he had any sense at all, he wouldn’t go spilling his secrets to the first person who’d made him feel decentabout himself since his series of unfortunate, self-inflicted events.Plus, there was Sebastian’s curse to worry about—clearly, he was keeping that secret.Not that Kieran blamed him—even now, he hated talking about his own former curse—but it did raise a flag.Still, there was something about him that made Kieran feel like the two of them could be something more than just colleagues on this quest.Perhaps…confidants.
Especially since he really, genuinely seemed to have faith in Kieran.Even if it is misplaced.
“Because,” Kieran explained, “the whole reason I’m here is I wrote a stupid poem that accidentally put a curse on my boyfriend.”
For the first time since Kieran had met him, Sebastian looked genuinely surprised.He studied Kieran’s face for a moment as he considered what he’d said.His lips parted, then closed again.His arms crossed over his chest as his eyebrows settled halfway to his hairline.
Finally, he met Kieran’s gaze again and settled on “Care to elaborate?”
Before Kieran knew it, he had fallen into an in-depth recollection of the last week of his life, including every detail he could think of from the almost-breakup to the mugging and his realization that he’d cast the curse.The entire time, Sebastian just watched him, barely seeming to react.His dark eyes seemed to almost stare through him, reflecting the silvery moonlight.Kieran found himself trying not to make eye contact—half because of his embarrassment over the situation and half because Sebastian’s stare was so unflinching.
Kieran concluded, “So…yeah.If you want to run for the hills now, I’d understand.”
Finally, after being entirely silent through the whole explanation, Sebastian said, “I appreciate your telling me.Most people I know wouldn’t have the courage to own up to a mistake like that.”
Kieran shrugged.“It’s the least I can do, after everything.”
Sebastian tilted his chin to get a better look at Kieran’s expression, and Kieran took that moment to once again get a good look at him: skin moon-pale and smooth, a sharp contrast from his black hair and eyes—the concept of chiaroscuro made flesh.He was, genuinely, breathtaking.
“Could I speak plainly for a moment?”
Kieran’s heart thumped.“Sure.”
“I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my time,” Sebastian admitted.His gaze fell.“Far be it from me to judge you for yours.But—and I don’t say this to try to discount your guilt, but…cursing Ash to not be able to perceive you isn’tthatbad.”
Kieran choked.“I—What?Not that bad?”
“As far as curses go, yes.”Sebastian shrugged.“It’s not like he’s rotting from the inside out or turning everyone he touches to dust.Obviously, any curse is less than ideal, but it’s not like you intentionally hurt him.I’m just saying…perhaps you deserve a bit more grace.”
“Now,that’sa new one,” Kieran muttered.“You do realize cursewriting is illegal, right?I committed a crime.”
“Ah, of course.And such a dangerous one, at that.How will I ever survive an encounter with this dangerous witch and his wicked rhyme schemes?”
Kieran rolled his eyes, knocking his elbow against Sebastian’s.“Since when do you tell jokes?”
“I’m just saying, it could bemuchworse.”The faint smile that had warmed Sebastian’s face faded, and for a moment, a shadow passed over his eyes.“Trust me.”
Kieran studied him.Was this a reasonable moment to ask about his curse?It was taboo, sure, but maybe Sebastian wanted to talk about it—
