First Kiss?

A silent knock resonated around the little house.

Oliver and James lounged, the subdued flicker of the candle throwing deep shadows on the floor. Opening the door only a crack, Oliver walked to it and stopped. Oliver's face grew grim as a hooded figure mumbled something in his ear.

He said Yeah. "Alright." I will arrive presently.

James turned back to him and apologized with a grin. "Something has come up. Could you look after Sebastian for the day?"

James stood, brushing off his cloak with a little smile. "Of course. I am glad to."

Oliver snatched his cloak off the wall and vanished into the darkness with the stranger. James silently closed the door behind them before heading to Sebastian's room.

Leaning against the doorway, he sighed. "Guess I'm here tonight..."

Something was wrong when he got near the bed. Sebastian stirred anxiously, perspiration glistening on his forehead, his breath shallow and erratic.

"Sebastian?" James asked, approaching further.

The lad gave no replies. Distress caused his eyebrows to wrinkle; the necklace he wore, intended to assist in regulating his magic, was shimmering faintly, its color changing.

James knelt at the bedside and softly raised Sebastian's head onto his legs. Trying to soothe him, he stroked his hand over Sebastian's brow.

He muttered, "It's okay, I'm here."

But Sebastian stiffened and gasped in agony. Whispers, half-formed words from a dream, followed.

"No… wait… please, Mother… Father…"

James gasped. He said gently, "Sebastian, you are dreaming. Come again."

Sebastian flinched under the sheets and twisted. The crimson glow from his chest brightened, dark magic throbbing just beneath his skin. He was being overcome.

James wavered, then decided. He tilted down and softly brushed his lips against Sebastian's, breathing his calming light into him.

Sebastian's body froze.

His eyes opened red and red with uncertainty after a brief moment. He shot straight, heart pounding, and looked at James with doubt.

Stammering, face red, "What...what are you doing here?"

James stepped back and raised his hands in a playful surrender. "Relax. You had a nightmare. I was merely attempting to be of assistance.

Flustered, Sebastian looked away quickly; James chuckled under his breath and seated himself close to the bed, his voice milder now.

"You scared me, you know."