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maderrThe damage is undone, and I've gone over these two chapters as much as I possibly can. They still need to be submitted to my beta, but I figure posting them on my lj is permissable. I'll update the site when I have more to contribute - I prefer to do the site en masse.
I'll post rainbow here, and then do another one for treasure. I hope you enjoy
Klause yawned, "I can't believe I'm awake this early on the first official day of summer vacation. Have I mentioned lately how much I hate you?"
Beside him Leo laughed, "Not lately, no. Last time you said it was about fifteen minutes ago."
"Well, I do. You could have at least stopped for coffee."
"That's your fault, kid. If you had shown up at seven like I said, we would have. As it is, we're almost late. I said we'd be there at eight, so eight it will be."
Klause made a face and turned to glare out at the forest through the dirty window of the pickup truck. His face twisted into a grimace as the house came into view. Man, it gets uglier every damned time I look at it. I'm going to be ill by the end of the week. "Ugh, I really hate this time of day."
"So you've said. Now quite your griping and ring that bell."
"Yeah, yeah." Klause trudged up the steps toward the door, idly recalling the last time he'd done so. "What are you doing here?" That's what he said; he sounded so offended that I was standing on his doorstep. Ha, I wonder what he'll say this time. Probably just ignore me again, the brat.
Bracing himself for an encounter with the grumpy Sebastion, Klause was both relieved and disappointed when the door was answered by a much more friendly face, "Ah…good morning, Ms…er…Benny?"
"Klause, isn't it? What are you doing here? Don't tell me you got stuck working on this place?" Benny laughed, her smile bright despite the early hour. "And Benny is fine, I hate formality. Ah, good morning there. You must be Leonardo Wells"
Leo touched the edge of his scuffed baseball cap, "Leo is fine, Miss. Good morning to you."
"Please, call me Benny. Would you gentlemen like some coffee? It's fresh made, as I don't last very long myself without several cups. Please, come on in."
"We'd love some, Benny." Klause smiled gratefully.
She led them to the kitchen, chatting lightly about the weather, and what work they would be doing today.
Klause looked around the kitchen, noticing the things he hadn't the last time he'd been here. He hadn't recalled it being so large, for one thing. It was also well made; the countertops and island in the center were slate. There was a general them of 'blue,' but that was about it. Food seemed to be almost everywhere, and where food was absent there was instead an implement for making food. A kitchen for someone who cooks well and often, I bet. Not like mom and me, trying to burn the house down every other day or so.
Benny caught his eyes, still smiling as she handed him a steaming mug. "Bastion should be up in bit, I'm sure he'll be happy to see you. Here, have a seat. There's no rush to get started, and I wanted to go over some of the plans anyway." This last sentence was spoken to Leo.
Happy to see me? Is she crazy? Klause just blinked, and took the same seat he'd used only a few days ago.
Leo and Benny had fallen into a discussion over plans for the pool. Klause half listened to them as he sipped his coffee.
"Mr. Lane requested that we drain the pool before setting to work on it, but honestly…"
"Drain it? Oh, for heaven's sake. I don't think that's necessary. Surely there are easier ways to--"
The sound of the phone interrupted Benny's sentence, and she turned to look at it. "Who in the world would be calling at this hour?" She crossed the kitchen to snatch up the portable phone, eyes widening as she read the name on the caller id. She hit the receive button, "Good Morning, Ma'am. How are you doing? No ma'am, he's not awake - would you like me to rouse him? Yes ma'am, just one moment." She covered the mouthpiece, "Give me just one moment to go and wake Bastion." Turning, she left the kitchen. The men could hear her soft footsteps on the stairs.
A few minutes later Benny returned, smiling again. "Sorry about that, now where were we? Would you like some more coffee?" She and Leo resumed their discussion. Klause let his mind wander, bored. I'm just here to do what I'm told, let them work out the details of what to tell me. Mmm, coffee…the sound of a familiar voice caught his attention, and Klause strained to listen to what it was saying.
He didn't have to try hard, as the voice gradually grew louder in volume, as well as closer to the kitchen.
"No, no, no! I don't want them coming! Forget it! It's my birthday! I won't apologize." The kitchen fell silent, as Sebastion's voice grew louder, more heated.
"I'll rot here the rest of my life before I apologize to Mooreland. Mother, I'm not doing it. Not ever! Fine, then you can say you're sorry I did it. Because I'm not sorry. He's lucky that's all I did to him! Yeah? Why doesn't he have to apologize to me? Why doesn't he have to apologize to Regan? I wouldn't apologize then, and I won't apologize now! I don't want them coming here! It's not fair! Terrible? Terrible?"
Sebastion was shouting, his arm occasionally flashing into view as he waved it about in anger. "What I did wasn't terrible! I could've done a lot worse! Yes, I would have. Fine, I don't care. Bring them. But bring Regan too. Why not? So you'll bring that asshole and his asshole family but you won't let me see my best friend? That's. Not. Fair. I hate you, I absolutely hate you all."
The sound of the phone being turned off was promptly followed by the appearance of Sebastion as he finished making his way toward the kitchen - and stopped.
Klause spoke before Sebastion could say anything, "I know, I know - what am I doing here. I came to fix your yard and house." He looks miserable, almost like he's going to cry. Who the hell talks to their mother like that? At seven thirty in the morning, to boot. I'd be dead right now if I'd tried that.
Sebastion looked wretched, eyes wide and bright. He didn't even respond to Klause's comment, simply going to and collapsing at the counter. Benny set a mug in front of him, squeezing his shoulder lightly before moving toward the stove. She began taking out pans and other utensils.
Klause watched the other boy thoughtfully. This is awkward, just a bit. I bet he's really going to ignore me now.
"Benny…" Sebastion's voice was low, flat.
The woman looked up from the stove, her expression concerned. "What's up?"
"The Moorelands are coming with the family for my birthday."
Benny looked unhappy, "So I gathered." She sighed, "That's four additional people, I guess I'll have to open up all the rooms then. You can help me with that today."
"Yeah," Sebastion went back to his coffee and unhappy silence.
Leo spoke, "I guess we'll go ahead and get started. Thank you for the coffee, Mi-- Benny."
"Nonsense, I've just started fixing breakfast. You'll stay right where you are. Bastion, get the plates and all out. What do you boys like in your omelets?"
"You really don't have to feed us, we don't want to impose."
Klause smiled over his coffee, "I want to impose. Can I just say 'everything' for my omelet?"
Benny laughed, "Everything is fine, that's what Bastion likes. Let's see, ham, mushrooms, green peppers…I refuse to put onions in a good omelet…" She muttered cheerfully as she rifled through the fridge, pulling out various ingredients. Piling everything on the island, opposite from where the men sat, she turned back to the fridge. "Bastion, catch."
Sebastion looked up just in time to catch the three grapefruit Benny tossed at him. "Hey!"
"Cut those up. I'll force you to eat healthy if it kills me."
Sebastion settled for rolling his eyes as he moved to obey. "Yeah, yeah."
Benny waited until Sebastion's back was turned, then looked at Klause and winked. Klause only blinked. What the hell? Am I supposed to be in on some joke? He looked over at Sebastion, who was grumbling while he fought with the grapefruit. Oh, I see. He's not close to tears anymore. I still don't get why I should care though.
The smell of omelets wafted through the kitchen as Benny fixed the three men breakfast. She and Leo resumed their conversation, and Klause's boredom returned. He looked at Sebastion in desperation, "So what are your plans for the summer?"
"Nothing."
Klause's brows furrowed, and he ran a hand through his rainbow hair. "As friendly as ever I see. Sorry for asking."
The other boy fiddled with the grapefruits, finally looking up, "I just meant, I have no plans." He looked back down, arranging the halves on a platter that he then set in the middle of the island. He got up to refill his coffee, bringing the pot over to refill the other mugs at the table as well.
"Thanks." Klause said. Too early in the morning to deal with his permanent grumpiness, but at least that weird phone call seems to be fading. Speaking of trouble, where's Lucifer? "Benny…won't you and Sebastion get in trouble having us here again?"
"Why would they be in trouble?" Leo looked confused.
Benny laughed slightly, "No, don't worry about Nathan. He was called back home again on Friday. I'm afraid Mr. L-ah, the boss keeps him busy. It confounds me sometimes why they bothered to put us both out here if they're just going to keep summoning Nathan home."
What the hell? There they go being all weird about Sebastion's family again. What is he, the bastard child of some emperor? That'd be funny. "Sebastion said you and Nathan were engaged?"
The woman's face lost any sign of unhappiness. "He proposed two months ago! We're thinking of a summer wedding sometime next year, but it's still hesitant." She reached under her t-shirt to pull out a gold chain, unclasping it to show the two men what hung from the end of it. "Here's the ring, isn't it beautiful?" A large, princess cut stone glinted in the overhead light; the matching emeralds flanking the diamond had a darker shine. "I keep it on a chain so it doesn't get messed up while I cook and clean and all."
That thing looks like it could pay my college tuition someday. Who the hell are these people? "That's quite the rock. Who'd he kill to get it?" Klause grinned.
Benny laughed, "No one to the best of my knowledge. I think his little helper might have been the reason he didn't sacrifice a limb or three." She snickered at the figure across the island as she went to work serving the first omelet and making the second.
Klause swiveled his head to look at Sebastion, who had ducked his head slightly in embarrassment. "All I did was help him pick out it out. Nathan couldn't decide on a ring to save his life." His lips formed a small smile.
Klause froze with his fork in the air. Oh damn. I wish he hadn't done that. He slowly remembered he was eating, and moved the fork to his mouth. I didn't realize perpetual grumpiness could be that cute when it smiled. "Funny, he didn't strike me as the indecisive type." He directed the comment mostly to Benny, but it was Sebastion that answered him.
"He's not, except when it comes to Benny." The small smile lingered. Guess he has a soft spot for his caretakers or servants or whatever they are. "Thanks, Benny." Sebastion dug into his own omelet.
Silence reigned for several minutes as the group ate, except for Benny's orders for everyone to eat at least one grapefruit half. Finished, they helped her clean up the kitchen.
"Alright, we really should be getting to work now. Benny, thank you for the meal." Leo grinned.
"My pleasure, I enjoy cooking. Come this early tomorrow and I'll make pancakes."
"Really? What kind?" Klause's eyes lit up.
Benny tilted her head, smiling. "Whatever you like. Myself, I go for chocolate chip. Sebastion prefers blueberry, but Nathan likes apple cinnamon. I used to fix peach a lot when Regan…well, I can fix any kind. Just say the word."
Klause cheered, "Forget money - you can pay me in meals. My mom and I can barely boil water, so I'm always up for good food. Hey, if Sebastion ever gets too grumpy for you, my mom and I would always welcome you."
Benny started laughing, Leo just shook his head.
"Grumpy?" Sebastion was back to frowning, but Klause noticed it didn't look quite as severe as before.
"Yes, grumpy. You need to cheer up, library boy."
"Library boy? That's almost as bad as 'Rainbow,'" Benny shook her head in amusement.
"Rainbow?" Klause was curious.
"It's nothing. I'm going to go clean my room before we start opening up the others. Thanks for breakfast, Benny." Sebastion turned on his hell and left.
Frowning, Klause looked at Benny. "What did I do this time? Is he related to Nathan?"
Benny heaved an aggravated sigh, "The mood swings, you mean? One would almost think so, but no. Sebastion…I just get carried away when I'm talking and forget there are things he doesn't like mentioned. Come on, I'll show you the backyard and pool."
Why can't I work for a normal family? I feel like I got lost in a movie or something. "Just remember - you need the money," he muttered under his breath as he followed Benny and Leo outside.
"Sebastion Bartholomew Lord! I want an explanation for your behavior." Benny glared at her charge as she closed his bedroom door behind her.
Sebastion didn't look up from where he was making his bed, "What behavior?"
"Don't take that tone with me. Why are you continually rude to that boy? He's trying to be friendly, in case you were too busy moping to notice." She stood with hands on her hips, threatening even in jeans and t-shirt.
"Bah, he's like that with everyone and everything." Still he didn't look up.
His voice was stiff, and Benny narrowed her eyes. Briskly crossing the room, she grabbed his shoulder and forced him to look at her. He was crying. "Aw, Bastion. Did your mother really upset you that much? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make it worse." Benny pulled the boy close, wrapping her arms around his waist as he twined his own around her neck, burying his head in her shoulder.
"I'm…tired of it, Benny. I…wanted…out, but…not this." He tried to say more, but gave up after a couple of tries.
Minutes passed, but gradually Sebastion seemed to feel somewhat better. He looked sheepish, "Sorry, Benny. I guess mother upset me more than I realized."
Benny stroked his hair, "No worries, Bastion. Tell me what she said - I got the gist of the conversation, but not the details."
"Bah, nothing interesting. She started out just talking about plans for my birthday. She'd wanted to bring her cook out here, but I won that argument. Then she was talking about my taking a trip to Japan for a couple of weeks later this summer, as a birthday present. That's when I knew something was up."
"Yeah, your mother doesn't hand out gifts like that just to make someone happy. I can't believe she wanted to bring Pierre to cook." Benny fumed silently a few seconds. "Anyway, is that when she sprung the Moorelands on you?"
"Pretty much. She said that 'as it was clear I was behaving, learning my lesson, etc. etc., she felt I should take one last step before they rescinded my "banishment."' I asked what that was supposed to mean."
"I've invited the Mooreland family along on our visit. I thought a nice apology from you at your own birthday party would be an ideal way to finally clear the air. Do you know how difficult things have been for your father and I since you…you…pulled that ridiculous stunt at the academy banquet?" The woman's voice was cool, authoritative. She didn't like to be questioned.
"No, no, no! I don't want them coming!"
"Then it's just as well that I didn't ask what you wanted, isn't it? You'll do as I tell you."
"Forget it! It's my birthday! I won't apologize."
"You will if you ever want to come home again."
"I'll rot here the rest of my life before I apologize to Mooreland. Mother, I'm not doing it. Not ever!
"You know very well that an apology is in order, young man." Her voice grew colder.
"Fine, then you can say you're sorry I did it. Because I'm not sorry."
"Sebastion! What you did to that boy was beyond the pale."
" He's lucky that's all I did to him!"
"That is not what I want to hear. You owe Christopher Mooreland an apology for everything you did to him, and you owe his family one as well."
"Yeah? Why doesn't he have to apologize to me? Why doesn't he have to apologize to Regan? I wouldn't apologize then, and I won't apologize now! I don't want them coming here! It's not fair!"
"You and that friend of yours instigated every single fight, so you do not warrant an apology. I don't want to hear excuses for your terrible behavior."
"Terrible? Terrible? What I did wasn't terrible! I could've done a lot worse!"
"You would not have dared." Her tone never changed, but it grew hard.
"Yes, I would have." Sebastion sneered into the phone.
"Young man, this discussion is over. The Moorelands are coming, and you will apologize for humiliating Christopher or you will be sorry."
"Fine, I don't care. Bring them. But bring Regan too."
"I don't think so."
"Why not?" Sebastion resisted the urge to scream mindlessly into the phone.
"Regan did nothing but get you into trouble right alongside him. More importantly, it would upset the Moorelands to see him there."
"So you'll bring that asshole and his asshole family but you won't let me see my best friend? That's. Not. Fair."
"I don't recall fair being an issue. You are the one that messed up, Sebastion. Don't think you're entitled to more than your father and I are willing to give you." Her tone brooked no argument.
Sebastion gave up, "I hate you. I absolutely hate you all."
"Well, your mother certainly hasn't changed in the year we've been out here. I guess that's sort of a good thing, right? No new tricks or anything." The two were perched on the floor in front of his waterbed. Benny's legs were stretched out in front of her.
Sebastion's legs were loosely bent; his arms wrapped each hooked around one knee. "Bah. I'm tired of it all. I wish I'd never pulled that stupid stunt. All I wanted was to study abroad and not at that stupid academy."
"Well you've made the best of it so far, all things considered. But I think you could do better by trying to be friendly toward Klause."
Sebastion shrugged, "What's the point? Even if I wanted a friend, it would be impossible with the thousands of restrictions hanging over my head. Besides, once I apologize I'll be dragged back home. There's no point in making friends now."
"And he reminds you of Regan."
He glared over at her, silent.
Benny looked knowingly back.
Turning away, Sebastion grumbled, "…and he reminds me of Regan."
The housekeeper looked thoughtful, "Actually, I'm surprised you haven't gotten to know him. You always mentioned him offhandedly when you were talking about Chloe - I know you thought about finding a girlfriend here just to soothe your parents on that point. Whatever happened to that plan? Not that I mind, I always thought it was a bad idea."
"I dunno…I just didn't want to do it in the end. It wouldn't have worked anyway - again the restrictions. You can't do much dating in a high school library."
"Oh, I don't know about that." Benny smirked. "I had a boyfriend once…"
"Ugh, Benny. I don't want to know!"
Benny laughed, "Well, I'm glad you gave that plan up. It was stupid. Now, you seem to be feeling better, so why don't you start with that pink room at the end of the far hall?"
"Do I have to? I swear I start turning into a girl every time I so much as look into that room. It's absolutely vile." Sebastion grimaced.
Benny swatted his head, "Well, you're pretty enough that being a girl wouldn't prove too startling a change for you."
"What!"
Laughing, Benny rose up from the floor. She walked toward the door as Sebastion sputtered and called threats. "Hop to it, I want that room dust free by lunch. Bring the sheets and curtains and all down to the laundry room, set the pillows and rugs outside to air - hang them from that line in the yard beside the pool."
"Yes, slave driver." Sebastion rose to follow her out.
I'll post rainbow here, and then do another one for treasure. I hope you enjoy
Klause yawned, "I can't believe I'm awake this early on the first official day of summer vacation. Have I mentioned lately how much I hate you?"
Beside him Leo laughed, "Not lately, no. Last time you said it was about fifteen minutes ago."
"Well, I do. You could have at least stopped for coffee."
"That's your fault, kid. If you had shown up at seven like I said, we would have. As it is, we're almost late. I said we'd be there at eight, so eight it will be."
Klause made a face and turned to glare out at the forest through the dirty window of the pickup truck. His face twisted into a grimace as the house came into view. Man, it gets uglier every damned time I look at it. I'm going to be ill by the end of the week. "Ugh, I really hate this time of day."
"So you've said. Now quite your griping and ring that bell."
"Yeah, yeah." Klause trudged up the steps toward the door, idly recalling the last time he'd done so. "What are you doing here?" That's what he said; he sounded so offended that I was standing on his doorstep. Ha, I wonder what he'll say this time. Probably just ignore me again, the brat.
Bracing himself for an encounter with the grumpy Sebastion, Klause was both relieved and disappointed when the door was answered by a much more friendly face, "Ah…good morning, Ms…er…Benny?"
"Klause, isn't it? What are you doing here? Don't tell me you got stuck working on this place?" Benny laughed, her smile bright despite the early hour. "And Benny is fine, I hate formality. Ah, good morning there. You must be Leonardo Wells"
Leo touched the edge of his scuffed baseball cap, "Leo is fine, Miss. Good morning to you."
"Please, call me Benny. Would you gentlemen like some coffee? It's fresh made, as I don't last very long myself without several cups. Please, come on in."
"We'd love some, Benny." Klause smiled gratefully.
She led them to the kitchen, chatting lightly about the weather, and what work they would be doing today.
Klause looked around the kitchen, noticing the things he hadn't the last time he'd been here. He hadn't recalled it being so large, for one thing. It was also well made; the countertops and island in the center were slate. There was a general them of 'blue,' but that was about it. Food seemed to be almost everywhere, and where food was absent there was instead an implement for making food. A kitchen for someone who cooks well and often, I bet. Not like mom and me, trying to burn the house down every other day or so.
Benny caught his eyes, still smiling as she handed him a steaming mug. "Bastion should be up in bit, I'm sure he'll be happy to see you. Here, have a seat. There's no rush to get started, and I wanted to go over some of the plans anyway." This last sentence was spoken to Leo.
Happy to see me? Is she crazy? Klause just blinked, and took the same seat he'd used only a few days ago.
Leo and Benny had fallen into a discussion over plans for the pool. Klause half listened to them as he sipped his coffee.
"Mr. Lane requested that we drain the pool before setting to work on it, but honestly…"
"Drain it? Oh, for heaven's sake. I don't think that's necessary. Surely there are easier ways to--"
The sound of the phone interrupted Benny's sentence, and she turned to look at it. "Who in the world would be calling at this hour?" She crossed the kitchen to snatch up the portable phone, eyes widening as she read the name on the caller id. She hit the receive button, "Good Morning, Ma'am. How are you doing? No ma'am, he's not awake - would you like me to rouse him? Yes ma'am, just one moment." She covered the mouthpiece, "Give me just one moment to go and wake Bastion." Turning, she left the kitchen. The men could hear her soft footsteps on the stairs.
A few minutes later Benny returned, smiling again. "Sorry about that, now where were we? Would you like some more coffee?" She and Leo resumed their discussion. Klause let his mind wander, bored. I'm just here to do what I'm told, let them work out the details of what to tell me. Mmm, coffee…the sound of a familiar voice caught his attention, and Klause strained to listen to what it was saying.
He didn't have to try hard, as the voice gradually grew louder in volume, as well as closer to the kitchen.
"No, no, no! I don't want them coming! Forget it! It's my birthday! I won't apologize." The kitchen fell silent, as Sebastion's voice grew louder, more heated.
"I'll rot here the rest of my life before I apologize to Mooreland. Mother, I'm not doing it. Not ever! Fine, then you can say you're sorry I did it. Because I'm not sorry. He's lucky that's all I did to him! Yeah? Why doesn't he have to apologize to me? Why doesn't he have to apologize to Regan? I wouldn't apologize then, and I won't apologize now! I don't want them coming here! It's not fair! Terrible? Terrible?"
Sebastion was shouting, his arm occasionally flashing into view as he waved it about in anger. "What I did wasn't terrible! I could've done a lot worse! Yes, I would have. Fine, I don't care. Bring them. But bring Regan too. Why not? So you'll bring that asshole and his asshole family but you won't let me see my best friend? That's. Not. Fair. I hate you, I absolutely hate you all."
The sound of the phone being turned off was promptly followed by the appearance of Sebastion as he finished making his way toward the kitchen - and stopped.
Klause spoke before Sebastion could say anything, "I know, I know - what am I doing here. I came to fix your yard and house." He looks miserable, almost like he's going to cry. Who the hell talks to their mother like that? At seven thirty in the morning, to boot. I'd be dead right now if I'd tried that.
Sebastion looked wretched, eyes wide and bright. He didn't even respond to Klause's comment, simply going to and collapsing at the counter. Benny set a mug in front of him, squeezing his shoulder lightly before moving toward the stove. She began taking out pans and other utensils.
Klause watched the other boy thoughtfully. This is awkward, just a bit. I bet he's really going to ignore me now.
"Benny…" Sebastion's voice was low, flat.
The woman looked up from the stove, her expression concerned. "What's up?"
"The Moorelands are coming with the family for my birthday."
Benny looked unhappy, "So I gathered." She sighed, "That's four additional people, I guess I'll have to open up all the rooms then. You can help me with that today."
"Yeah," Sebastion went back to his coffee and unhappy silence.
Leo spoke, "I guess we'll go ahead and get started. Thank you for the coffee, Mi-- Benny."
"Nonsense, I've just started fixing breakfast. You'll stay right where you are. Bastion, get the plates and all out. What do you boys like in your omelets?"
"You really don't have to feed us, we don't want to impose."
Klause smiled over his coffee, "I want to impose. Can I just say 'everything' for my omelet?"
Benny laughed, "Everything is fine, that's what Bastion likes. Let's see, ham, mushrooms, green peppers…I refuse to put onions in a good omelet…" She muttered cheerfully as she rifled through the fridge, pulling out various ingredients. Piling everything on the island, opposite from where the men sat, she turned back to the fridge. "Bastion, catch."
Sebastion looked up just in time to catch the three grapefruit Benny tossed at him. "Hey!"
"Cut those up. I'll force you to eat healthy if it kills me."
Sebastion settled for rolling his eyes as he moved to obey. "Yeah, yeah."
Benny waited until Sebastion's back was turned, then looked at Klause and winked. Klause only blinked. What the hell? Am I supposed to be in on some joke? He looked over at Sebastion, who was grumbling while he fought with the grapefruit. Oh, I see. He's not close to tears anymore. I still don't get why I should care though.
The smell of omelets wafted through the kitchen as Benny fixed the three men breakfast. She and Leo resumed their conversation, and Klause's boredom returned. He looked at Sebastion in desperation, "So what are your plans for the summer?"
"Nothing."
Klause's brows furrowed, and he ran a hand through his rainbow hair. "As friendly as ever I see. Sorry for asking."
The other boy fiddled with the grapefruits, finally looking up, "I just meant, I have no plans." He looked back down, arranging the halves on a platter that he then set in the middle of the island. He got up to refill his coffee, bringing the pot over to refill the other mugs at the table as well.
"Thanks." Klause said. Too early in the morning to deal with his permanent grumpiness, but at least that weird phone call seems to be fading. Speaking of trouble, where's Lucifer? "Benny…won't you and Sebastion get in trouble having us here again?"
"Why would they be in trouble?" Leo looked confused.
Benny laughed slightly, "No, don't worry about Nathan. He was called back home again on Friday. I'm afraid Mr. L-ah, the boss keeps him busy. It confounds me sometimes why they bothered to put us both out here if they're just going to keep summoning Nathan home."
What the hell? There they go being all weird about Sebastion's family again. What is he, the bastard child of some emperor? That'd be funny. "Sebastion said you and Nathan were engaged?"
The woman's face lost any sign of unhappiness. "He proposed two months ago! We're thinking of a summer wedding sometime next year, but it's still hesitant." She reached under her t-shirt to pull out a gold chain, unclasping it to show the two men what hung from the end of it. "Here's the ring, isn't it beautiful?" A large, princess cut stone glinted in the overhead light; the matching emeralds flanking the diamond had a darker shine. "I keep it on a chain so it doesn't get messed up while I cook and clean and all."
That thing looks like it could pay my college tuition someday. Who the hell are these people? "That's quite the rock. Who'd he kill to get it?" Klause grinned.
Benny laughed, "No one to the best of my knowledge. I think his little helper might have been the reason he didn't sacrifice a limb or three." She snickered at the figure across the island as she went to work serving the first omelet and making the second.
Klause swiveled his head to look at Sebastion, who had ducked his head slightly in embarrassment. "All I did was help him pick out it out. Nathan couldn't decide on a ring to save his life." His lips formed a small smile.
Klause froze with his fork in the air. Oh damn. I wish he hadn't done that. He slowly remembered he was eating, and moved the fork to his mouth. I didn't realize perpetual grumpiness could be that cute when it smiled. "Funny, he didn't strike me as the indecisive type." He directed the comment mostly to Benny, but it was Sebastion that answered him.
"He's not, except when it comes to Benny." The small smile lingered. Guess he has a soft spot for his caretakers or servants or whatever they are. "Thanks, Benny." Sebastion dug into his own omelet.
Silence reigned for several minutes as the group ate, except for Benny's orders for everyone to eat at least one grapefruit half. Finished, they helped her clean up the kitchen.
"Alright, we really should be getting to work now. Benny, thank you for the meal." Leo grinned.
"My pleasure, I enjoy cooking. Come this early tomorrow and I'll make pancakes."
"Really? What kind?" Klause's eyes lit up.
Benny tilted her head, smiling. "Whatever you like. Myself, I go for chocolate chip. Sebastion prefers blueberry, but Nathan likes apple cinnamon. I used to fix peach a lot when Regan…well, I can fix any kind. Just say the word."
Klause cheered, "Forget money - you can pay me in meals. My mom and I can barely boil water, so I'm always up for good food. Hey, if Sebastion ever gets too grumpy for you, my mom and I would always welcome you."
Benny started laughing, Leo just shook his head.
"Grumpy?" Sebastion was back to frowning, but Klause noticed it didn't look quite as severe as before.
"Yes, grumpy. You need to cheer up, library boy."
"Library boy? That's almost as bad as 'Rainbow,'" Benny shook her head in amusement.
"Rainbow?" Klause was curious.
"It's nothing. I'm going to go clean my room before we start opening up the others. Thanks for breakfast, Benny." Sebastion turned on his hell and left.
Frowning, Klause looked at Benny. "What did I do this time? Is he related to Nathan?"
Benny heaved an aggravated sigh, "The mood swings, you mean? One would almost think so, but no. Sebastion…I just get carried away when I'm talking and forget there are things he doesn't like mentioned. Come on, I'll show you the backyard and pool."
Why can't I work for a normal family? I feel like I got lost in a movie or something. "Just remember - you need the money," he muttered under his breath as he followed Benny and Leo outside.
"Sebastion Bartholomew Lord! I want an explanation for your behavior." Benny glared at her charge as she closed his bedroom door behind her.
Sebastion didn't look up from where he was making his bed, "What behavior?"
"Don't take that tone with me. Why are you continually rude to that boy? He's trying to be friendly, in case you were too busy moping to notice." She stood with hands on her hips, threatening even in jeans and t-shirt.
"Bah, he's like that with everyone and everything." Still he didn't look up.
His voice was stiff, and Benny narrowed her eyes. Briskly crossing the room, she grabbed his shoulder and forced him to look at her. He was crying. "Aw, Bastion. Did your mother really upset you that much? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make it worse." Benny pulled the boy close, wrapping her arms around his waist as he twined his own around her neck, burying his head in her shoulder.
"I'm…tired of it, Benny. I…wanted…out, but…not this." He tried to say more, but gave up after a couple of tries.
Minutes passed, but gradually Sebastion seemed to feel somewhat better. He looked sheepish, "Sorry, Benny. I guess mother upset me more than I realized."
Benny stroked his hair, "No worries, Bastion. Tell me what she said - I got the gist of the conversation, but not the details."
"Bah, nothing interesting. She started out just talking about plans for my birthday. She'd wanted to bring her cook out here, but I won that argument. Then she was talking about my taking a trip to Japan for a couple of weeks later this summer, as a birthday present. That's when I knew something was up."
"Yeah, your mother doesn't hand out gifts like that just to make someone happy. I can't believe she wanted to bring Pierre to cook." Benny fumed silently a few seconds. "Anyway, is that when she sprung the Moorelands on you?"
"Pretty much. She said that 'as it was clear I was behaving, learning my lesson, etc. etc., she felt I should take one last step before they rescinded my "banishment."' I asked what that was supposed to mean."
"I've invited the Mooreland family along on our visit. I thought a nice apology from you at your own birthday party would be an ideal way to finally clear the air. Do you know how difficult things have been for your father and I since you…you…pulled that ridiculous stunt at the academy banquet?" The woman's voice was cool, authoritative. She didn't like to be questioned.
"No, no, no! I don't want them coming!"
"Then it's just as well that I didn't ask what you wanted, isn't it? You'll do as I tell you."
"Forget it! It's my birthday! I won't apologize."
"You will if you ever want to come home again."
"I'll rot here the rest of my life before I apologize to Mooreland. Mother, I'm not doing it. Not ever!
"You know very well that an apology is in order, young man." Her voice grew colder.
"Fine, then you can say you're sorry I did it. Because I'm not sorry."
"Sebastion! What you did to that boy was beyond the pale."
" He's lucky that's all I did to him!"
"That is not what I want to hear. You owe Christopher Mooreland an apology for everything you did to him, and you owe his family one as well."
"Yeah? Why doesn't he have to apologize to me? Why doesn't he have to apologize to Regan? I wouldn't apologize then, and I won't apologize now! I don't want them coming here! It's not fair!"
"You and that friend of yours instigated every single fight, so you do not warrant an apology. I don't want to hear excuses for your terrible behavior."
"Terrible? Terrible? What I did wasn't terrible! I could've done a lot worse!"
"You would not have dared." Her tone never changed, but it grew hard.
"Yes, I would have." Sebastion sneered into the phone.
"Young man, this discussion is over. The Moorelands are coming, and you will apologize for humiliating Christopher or you will be sorry."
"Fine, I don't care. Bring them. But bring Regan too."
"I don't think so."
"Why not?" Sebastion resisted the urge to scream mindlessly into the phone.
"Regan did nothing but get you into trouble right alongside him. More importantly, it would upset the Moorelands to see him there."
"So you'll bring that asshole and his asshole family but you won't let me see my best friend? That's. Not. Fair."
"I don't recall fair being an issue. You are the one that messed up, Sebastion. Don't think you're entitled to more than your father and I are willing to give you." Her tone brooked no argument.
Sebastion gave up, "I hate you. I absolutely hate you all."
"Well, your mother certainly hasn't changed in the year we've been out here. I guess that's sort of a good thing, right? No new tricks or anything." The two were perched on the floor in front of his waterbed. Benny's legs were stretched out in front of her.
Sebastion's legs were loosely bent; his arms wrapped each hooked around one knee. "Bah. I'm tired of it all. I wish I'd never pulled that stupid stunt. All I wanted was to study abroad and not at that stupid academy."
"Well you've made the best of it so far, all things considered. But I think you could do better by trying to be friendly toward Klause."
Sebastion shrugged, "What's the point? Even if I wanted a friend, it would be impossible with the thousands of restrictions hanging over my head. Besides, once I apologize I'll be dragged back home. There's no point in making friends now."
"And he reminds you of Regan."
He glared over at her, silent.
Benny looked knowingly back.
Turning away, Sebastion grumbled, "…and he reminds me of Regan."
The housekeeper looked thoughtful, "Actually, I'm surprised you haven't gotten to know him. You always mentioned him offhandedly when you were talking about Chloe - I know you thought about finding a girlfriend here just to soothe your parents on that point. Whatever happened to that plan? Not that I mind, I always thought it was a bad idea."
"I dunno…I just didn't want to do it in the end. It wouldn't have worked anyway - again the restrictions. You can't do much dating in a high school library."
"Oh, I don't know about that." Benny smirked. "I had a boyfriend once…"
"Ugh, Benny. I don't want to know!"
Benny laughed, "Well, I'm glad you gave that plan up. It was stupid. Now, you seem to be feeling better, so why don't you start with that pink room at the end of the far hall?"
"Do I have to? I swear I start turning into a girl every time I so much as look into that room. It's absolutely vile." Sebastion grimaced.
Benny swatted his head, "Well, you're pretty enough that being a girl wouldn't prove too startling a change for you."
"What!"
Laughing, Benny rose up from the floor. She walked toward the door as Sebastion sputtered and called threats. "Hop to it, I want that room dust free by lunch. Bring the sheets and curtains and all down to the laundry room, set the pillows and rugs outside to air - hang them from that line in the yard beside the pool."
"Yes, slave driver." Sebastion rose to follow her out.
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Date: 2003-09-27 02:11 am (UTC)And I'm damn near giddy that everyone is so interested in Regan, I honestly wasn't sure if anyone cared.
I really hope the hype is worth the outcome...