"Okay, I have a question," Rose said, breaking the comfortable lull that had fallen.

Empty takeout containers littered the coffee table before them, and the daylight sensor lights had turned themselves on a while back. The conversation had meandered from schooling to family, the latter a topic where Sebastian had much more to offer.

"Ask away." Sebastian had run off earlier to get blankets for them both to snuggle into. Separate, of course. They both now sat all cozied up on the sofa, filling the room with words.

"How have I not seen anyone else here?"

"Like, my family?" Sebastian asked. "They all live in different places, but we can go meet them if you want."

"No, no, that's not what I meant. I was just wondering... well. You were cooking breakfast yourself, and nobody came to turn down the bed, or anything. Do you not have..." she trailed off, trying not to sound too privileged and pampered, but failing.

Sebastian chuckled. "No. No ladies in waiting will be found here," he said, promptly making Rose flush an embarrassed shade of red. "My grandparents came from very humble beginnings, and my grandma always taught me to rely on myself as much as I can. In the workplace, or even in the outside world, there's a certain look I have to maintain. But in here, I like being able to do things myself. It's freeing, and keeps me close to my roots, which I like."

"Oh," was all Rose could say.

"I don't mean to offend you, of course. We grew up differently. The Beaumonts have been around forever, so of course you're used to certain luxuries. I'll get some help for you as soon as possible–"

"No," Rose cut him off. "I... I think I want to try it your way. I don't think I've ever even tried to be independent. I've always known that my parents have money, so I could always–"

"Fall back on it?"

"Yeah. Exactly."

"I know. Don't get me wrong, none of this comes from me. I remember this one time, back in sixth grade, I think? I was obsessed with this band, and I cried and cried until my dad pulled some strings, and paid a fortune, I'd imagine, to get them to play me a private show." Sebastian chuckled. "I was an extremely spoilt kid. But then, my grandma heard. And she refused to speak to me for a week."

"Ouch."

"Yeah, ouch is right. This other time, I got a platinum necklace as a gift, and I didn't like it, so I threw it away."

"You're painting quite the picture of your childhood."

Sebastian laughed. "Yeah. I wasn't the best. Around seventh grade, I think, my Gran intervened. Told my parents that this was no way to raise a kid, and whisked me away to live with her and Gramps on their farm. Most people didn't know me there, and I finally got to live like a real kid, you know? I'd go fishing with the local boys in the evening, or cycle down to the apple orchards to pick fruit that Gran would later make pies out of. I even occasionally stole eggs from our neighbour's coop. Gran taught me how to cook, and made me clean, and sometimes even help out in the fields."

"That sounds like a cottagecore dream," Rose breathed, trying to picture it.

"On paper, yes. But it was hard, too. I remember, that first week back, I almost ran away because Gramps made me muck the stables. It was atrocious," he pulled a face, making Rose laugh. "But it was nice, too. I made so many friends, and I did enjoy doing a lot of the chores. But most of all, I loved that I could spend time with Gran. She was real, you know? There was no pretending with her, nothing fake. I hadn't even realised just how much I had to constantly act, how much I had to maintain a facade, before I went to live with her."

Rose wasn't sure what to say. So she did the one thing that she could think of – she reached out and gently squeezed his hand. "That sounds beautiful, Sebastian," she said quietly.

Sebastian nodded. "Everything about her was. She was a beautiful person." He looked down, hair falling over his forehead and covering his eyes. "I miss her all the time."

"I'm so sorry," Rose whispered, unsure of what to say.

Sebastian shrugged, his eyes cast downward. "I guess I just try everyday to uphold her values," he said, looking back up, his smile a little wobbly.

"I wish I could've met her. She sounds like a wonderful person," Rose said, and Sebastian nodded.

"You would've loved her. Most people did. I could take you to visit the farm sometime, though. I go there pretty frequently, make sure everything is in order."

"Your Grandad..?"

"He passed away too, just a week after Gran."

"Oh, God, I'm so sorry–"

"No, no. Don't be. It was fitting, really. They both lived a full life, and I don't think Gramps could imagine a world without her. I have never seen a man so besotted. They've always set the bar for me, you know? When it comes to love. I've grown up wanting a love story like theirs."

Rose's face scrunched up a little. "Guess I've ruined that for you."

"Oh, don't worry. The moment I fall in love with someone, I'll divorce you so quick," he said with a laugh, making Rose grin too.

"So reassuring, thanks."

"What can I say, I'm nothing if not a romantic."

-🥀-

A/N: How were your weekends? I spent mine mostly wrapped up in blankets. Much like Rose, I do NOT enjoy the cold.

Hope you liked this chapter! Drop your comments, and do vote if you enjoyed it! Next chapter will be out this Friday.

Have a great holiday season, and stay warm <3

Much love,
Mimia