"Have you seen it?!"
The deacon exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief, as if he had stumbled upon a ghost in the sacred halls.
"You've seen it too, right?!"
"Right?!"
He bombarded him with questions, still unable to believe what they had seen inside the temple.
Who could ever blame them for their exaggerated reaction when what they witnessed within the temple's hallowed walls was Sebastian praying earnestly with trembling hands—the very man who had long scorned the sanctity of the temple and the existence of God, who knows nothing but to shed blood in the battles with his very own hands.
"Quite shocking, isn't it…?"
A whisper floated through the air as they made their way down the temple's ornate hall.
The man scoffed before unleashing a torrent of words, his lips curling with mockery.
"I thought I had stepped into the depths of hell for a moment pfft!-"
"Hush! Someone might hear you!"
The deacon rolled his eyes.
"But seriously, seeing the young duke frequently attend the morning mass is truly a SIGHT!"
He added, trying to keep his voice as low as possible, but it still roared through the halls that Julianne, who was ten feet away from them, walking in the opposite direction, still heard every words they had just stated loud and clear.
"I told you, even demons believe in God!"
A playful chuckle then escaped their lips when a familiar figure suddenly blocked their path.
"You know, you could have your head flying off by now if it was the young duke who heard you."
Julianne affirmed with a sinister smile playing on his lips. Their feet immediately glued to the ground, as they feel a frigid air settle on them, unable to meet his gaze.
"Ummm…"
They gulped nervously before clicking their tongues, as one of them dared to utter a word, unable to read the room.
"But I truly think he was possessed!"
He insisted.
"His complexion earlier was ghastly!"
He even mimicked Sebastian's posture with exaggerated movements, as if trying to capture the essence of the young duke's unsettling presence.
"Even I thought he was a reaper."
They exchanged glances, nodding as a silent agreement passed between them, when suddenly Julianne placed a hand on each of their shoulders, stepping between them.
"He could be one…"
Julianne whispered, his voice eerie as it slithered into their ears like a chilling breeze.
*GULP!*
Their mouths quavered, eyes blinking rapidly as they caught sight of a familiar figure. It was Sebastian, standing behind Julianne with a petrifying icy gaze that seemed to freeze the very air around him. Seeing him, the deacons instantly zipped their mouths shut and fled the scene in terror.
There isn't a single day that I don't hear a rumor about him.
Julianne sighed deeply, anxiously gripping the robe in his hands as he watched them stumble over their feet.
"Those little—Ha!"
His eyes squinted as he shook his head in disappointment, while his thoughts filled with worry for Sebastian, even though he knew that his reputation had already hit rock bottom from the start.
Is there no way to stop it?
Julianne bit his lip.
Will he be fine?
As he was about to take a step inside the temple, someone suddenly tugged at him, pulling him into the corner. Though he didn't panic, Julianne knew that the warm, intoxicating woody scent of sandalwood enveloping the air was Sebastian. His head was buried in Julianne's neck, feeling the heat of his breath as he hugged him from behind.
Julianne broke into a faint smile, his fingers gently brushing through Sebastian's hair.
"Are you okay?"
He asked, fully aware that Sebastian must have heard all the acidic words from the deacons.
Although Sebastian didn't answer, the way his arms tightened around his waist revealed just how deep those words had scarred him.
"You don't have to listen to every word they say…"
Julianne whispered, his dulcet voice caressing Sebastian's ears, bringing him a sense of comfort and peace.
"You don't even have to explain yourself for them to understand."
Sebastian then took Julianne's hand from his head. He flinched as he felt Sebastian's breath grow warmer the moment he pressed his lips softly against his palm.
"If…"
Sebastian paused hesitant to speak.
"...If I'm not the great man you think I am…"
Julianne felt his voice tremble, as if Sebastian was fretting to hear the answer from him.
"...would your heart still beat for mine?"
A moment of silence enveloped them before Julianne's eyes held a soft warmth, reassuring Sebastian.
"You are everything I ever wished for."
He then rested his head against him.
"Is there a way for me to prove it?"
He playfully asked, sensing Sebastian shake his head.
"I trust you..."
Julianne then turned to face him, gently cupping his face as if he were caressing a fragile dandelion puff, feeling his own body shrink at the sight of Sebastian as he make a face only he could see. Just then, Sebastian took both of Julianne's hands, burying his face against them, his eyes brimming with tears as he attempted a smile that didn't even reach his eyes.
"..."
As Sebastian leaned closer, staring at Julianne's lips, a vision of crimson red lips flashed in his mind. He froze, struggling to breathe as if the air itself were choking him. Julianne's brow wrinkled in confusion as he repeatedly called his name.
"Sebastian?"
"Se-Sebastian!"
Julianne called out, his voice tinged with concern.
When Sebastian's foggy eyes cleared, he instantly hugged Julianne tightly—so tight that it felt as if he never wanted to let go. His hands trembling as they wrapped around Julianne's head and waist. Julianne, on the other hand, could even feel him sniffle, prompting him to return the embrace, wrinkling the fabric of his suit as Sebastian placed a kiss on his head.
"Would the grand duke go wild if he couldn't find you at home?"
Julianne asked as they shared each other's warmth.
"I already found it…"
"Hmmmmm…?"
"Home. I'm already home…"
Sebastian whispered softly as he buried himself deeper in Julianne's arms.
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