<span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><span style="font-size: 15px">Sebastian felt Ayaan freeze against him and for a lingering moment neither of them moved. Sebastian's mind was oddly still. He'd already gone through all of Ayaan's possible reactions. Now all there was left to do was wait to see which one he picked. Sebastian prayed to any of the gods that might be listening that the boy didn't chose to run, that he would pick a more...mutually beneficial path for the both of them. <br/>
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Unfortunately, Sebastian could feel Ayaan beginning to slip away. But he was slow about it, hesitant, like he might not want to go. But then why think of going at all? Sebastian couldn't fathom it. Wasn't he giving off all the signs that he wanted this, that he was interested? Wasn't he being encouraging. True, Sebastian had never been good with emotions, but he could be this inept...could he? And then Sebastian thought back to his interactions with Lydia, and their relationship. <br/>
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Ayaan was probably a valuable resource to Lydia. Ayaan made her more powerful, gave her the energy to use magic that wouldn't otherwise be afforded to her. She likely coveted him and rarely loaned him out to guests, unless she really needed to impress them like she needed to impress Sebastian. Ayaan was well trained and clearly well trained with Lydia's only tool in her arsenal: fear. Ayaan was likely afraid of what Lydia would do to him if she found out about what they were doing here. If Sebastian were to respond negatively or tattle on Ayaan to Lydia, then the gods only knew what she would do to him. <br/>
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Sebastian had to act quickly to assure him that whatever happened here would be strictly between the two of them. So, he reached up and gently caught both of Ayaan's wrists, holding the boy against him. He sat up just a little, twisting so that he could look at Ayaan's face better. He maintained eye contact with him as he spoke, hoping to convey sincerity. "Ayaan, it's all right. Only what you want to happen will occur here tonight. And whatever happens, I will want it. I won't tell Lydia. This moment is for us, no one else." Sebastian hoped his tone was soothing and reassuring, but again...he wasn't the best with emotions. His or anyone else's. </span></span>