Erin came in at one that night. Not too late for her, but not too early, either. She was dressed up a little, wearing pretty shoes and red in the face. She chuckled to herself, recounting the evening in her head. She hung her coat on the rack by the door and headed straight for the stairs, seeing the light on in the bedroom. Pushing through the door, Erin turned to hang up her messenger bag, rumaging through it to pull out her journal and the other notebook she had been working in. Both and her glasses were put on the writing table. She peeked around the room, looking for Sebastian. Some days were just meant to be shared...

He was over in the far corner of the room, not visable from the door, sprawled out over a setting chair while he chewed on a pencil. He had a vast amount of paper surrounding him, both on the floor around the chair and covering his lap. If Erin were to look close, she'd see they were covered in staff lines, musical notes, Coda's, and Clef's. He was shirtless and in a pair of forest green sweatpants. His body was illuminated by a standing lamp that he'd bent low and close to his papers.

The sound of Erin wasn't heard until she was actually in the room and the pencil dropped from his mouth onto his chest, rolling then into his lap. Babe?

Right here. Said as she finished organizing the stuff from her day. You're up here, huh? A bit of a smile when she turned to look at him, laughing at his outfit. Really... he just seemed silly in sweat pants! A moment spent examining the mess of paper. Is that a song or a concerto? A brow rose as she kicked off her shoes, the stockings coming next.

His eyebrows rose, seemingly delighted that she'd asked and annoyed all at the same time. Not at her, mind you, but he seemed slightly frustrated. Well,actually...this right here is the operatic score. He waved 7 sheets of music in the air. And then everything on the floor is the beginnings of an opera that I'm trying to write. He sighed. And what I'm working on now is the spoken libretto and I can't get it. He threw the pencil onto the floor. I think I'm just trying too hard. I think I need to put this away again for a few weeks and try again later.

He rubbed his hands over his face and stretched, his muscles actually rippling faintly beneath his skin. It was true, the dock work was actually beefing him up. Home kinda early, sweets...

Night was.... a mess. I just couldn't take the place anymore. Said with a shake of her head, she makes her way over to the mess on the floor, picking up a sheet. You want a hand here? I can write allright... and maybe you just need a fresh perspective. She sat, peering at a few more pages. I mean.. if you want. She smiled up at him, her brows raising at the rippling. A secret prayer he'd always be at least a little bit lanky...

She'd definitely have to clue him in to this secret prayer, because Sebastian was under the impression that he was too skinny for his own good. Truthfully, he'd never fill out completely, but he'd continue to allow himself to work extra hard if it meant adding a bit more muscle to his weight.

Sebastian's heart rose into his throat and he reached for the sheet music she held in her hands. He had never let anyone see this before, ever. It wasn't that he didn't want her help, he was just self-conscious about his abilities as a music writer...and even more so of his lyrical work. He cleared his throat. No, that's alright. I've got it. It'll come to me in time. He swung his bare feet down onto the floor and began to pick up the mess. He didn't care about page order right now...he just wanted to get it out of sight.

So what was so 'messy' about this meeting of yours?

She frowned as he snatched the papers back from her, but didn't say anything about it. Not yet. She just forced out a smile as she watched him clean up. If you say so... but if you want to throw some ideas around... I mean... an opera! She was excited and jealous at once... that he would be ambitous enough to try and that he had the nerve enough to actually sit and write.

Erin shook her head and looked at him for a second after his question. Where to start with that? Well... for starters Tara's in charge. So it didn't get started until almost midnight.. and then when it did, no one was paying attention at all. The place was packed and just....total chaos. Somehow Jewell ended up crying and Tara yelling about selling her... A shake of her head. Really, it was a major headache, I should have stayed here.

Sebastian paused amidst his tidying and looked up at Erin. A frown creased his features. Tara was a nut, but he loved her. However, this nonsense of Jewell crying and then Tara threatening to sell her...well, it didn't settle well with Bastian. He and his 'Aunt' may not have gotten off to a good start when they first met, but in some weird, twisted way, Jewell was still family and he was a very loyal person.

He stood up, papers in hand, and crossed over to the book case where he had his Baroque violin setting and placed the papers beside it. Is Jewell alright? He turned to her, one hand still on the dresser, the other idly scratching at his abdomen.

I think so. Tass went out after her, and the yelling stopped. It was just stupid stuff.. I'm sure they'll make up in no time. It was nice to see Amthy though. That last part added almost as an afterthought. She stood, the papers she had been looking at now gone, and went back to undressing. Sweater pulled off and then she turned her back to him. Unzip? A pause as she waited. So, how long have you been working on that opera? And...well... why haven't I heard about it? The last question added softly. Timidly.

Tass. Hmm...not someone he met. Nor this Amthy person. Perhaps he should be more involved in Erin's friendships, but that would mean having to leave the solace of his comfort zone - not something he was particularly ready to do just yet. He pushed away from the dresser and crossed over to her, still mulling over these people in his head and mechanically unzipped her. He didn't really start paying attention until he realized she was asking him about his Opera. He gulped, hoping that she hadn't said anything before that.

Uhm, Sebastian kind of hemmed and hawed, then bent to kiss the back of her neck before he padded over to the bed and sat on its edge. I...I've been writing it since I was 19. I had to put it on hold for a while... he looked away. And then I picked it back up about 5 months ago. He was wringing his hands, the poor boy. There's obviously some kind of reason for it.

Erin wiggled out of the dress and into a nightgown with ease. It wasn't a big deal to be changing in front of him anymore. Things had become normal. She liked that. Why the pause? She turned to face him, now in a pink and white polkadotted cotton night gown. She was taking her head out of its pigtails as she looked at him. A lean by the dresser and she reached for the brush turning to face the mirror that was no longer there. A touch of a sigh. The liberetto giving you that much trouble?

He hesitated. No... he drew the word out, speaking slowly and cautiously. I had started writing it for Truly because she loved the theatre and going to opera's with me. She'd always talked about wanting one of her own...so I began to write one. He flopped onto his back on the bed, arms outstretched, staring at the ceiling. I showed it to her one day without telling her that I was the composer...and she ripped it to shreds. Not literally, but verbally. She told me it was horrible. Sebastian really did not want to be telling her this. And so I tucked it away, hiding a passion and present that I loved so much. I never did tell her who it was for.

He took a deep breath and glanced over at her. I started writing it again when I met you..and I had a lot to change because I wanted it to be special and perfect. A pause. I didn't tell you about it because I wasn't sure you'd like it. I guess you could say that I'm a little insecure when it comes to my compositions.

Erin turned away from the nonexistant mirror she had been facing, her face almost melted and then turned into a wide smile. Oh, Sebastian.... I'll love it. Not matter what it is, becuase you made it. She put the brush on the dresser and started for the bed. And I'd only tell you if I saw flaws if you wanted me to... I know no one is perfect. And nothing is perfect. But I love you and the things you make despite the flaws, becuase of the flaws. She climbed onto the bed next to him, resting her head on his chest. I didn't know you could compose... more than one instrument.. on paper like this. It's...magical. What else do you have hidden from me? Her voice was soft and caring, and she stared at the ceiling as well. If only they were outside or something.

Sebastian's eyes closed at her question of what he kept hidden. Lots of things, he mused silently. He reached up to play with her hair and gave a helpless shrug. I didn't have anything else to do when I was younger. I can play most instruments, not very well, but enough to know what I want things to sound like. I'm excellent with the Violin and piano. I've just always loved music and the way I can express myself with the sound...or the lyrics. He paused briefly, ready to divulge a secret he'd only shared with Illiana so far. I write poetry, too.

I play the piano. Added lamely. And then she blinked a few times turning to prop herself up on her elbows and look at him. You do? A broad smile, dimples showing. That's lovely! You need to meet my friend Everett.. I think you'd like him. She was excited now, such a thing in common between her dear friend and her dearest. Are you going to keep it hidden? The poetry? The fingers on her right hand tracing a path on his chest. Or, do you think, I could see some of it? I do love a good poem... Her excitement would probably only scare him stiff, but it was sincere.

His heart leapt into his throat again, but this time it was a mixture of excitement and terror. This Everett person must be a poet...a real poet. Already Sebastian began setting the man on a pedestal and felt unworthy. And yes, her enthusiasm only served to embarrass him further. I...I don't know. He shrugged helplessly again. I haven't even shown it to Illy yet. I was supposed to go to dinner with her and let her read my compositions, but I've been procrastinating. He made a face. However... he hesitated. I did write...one..uh, for you.

This really was more of a big deal than Erin knew. Since the mishap with Truly, Sebastian had kept his passions hidden deep within himself and in the confines of his music room. Had Erin ever even been down there since he turned it into his own. He'd have to show her, then, if she hadn't. Oddly enough, he was rather excited at the prospect of sharing this portion of his life with her. It wasn't made to be tucked away.

Other than the one you said to me at the theater? She was almost bouncing in her skin, smiling up at him. That silly dinner thing with Illy was all but forgotten, and she felt stupid on the inside that it was something like this.... I'd love to see it. If you'd let me. She was still looking up at him with wide eyes. He had spent so much time getting her to open up that she hadn't realized she never got him to open up... She felt woefully unobservant and like a bad friend. She shook that off as she continued to look at him with a renewed wonder. She should have gone into the basement. Asked after his hobbies... What better time than now? I bet you're a wonderful writer. You have that air about you. Serious and observant. Well read and passionate... All the things Erin had hated herself for lacking.

Sebastian gave a weak smile, trying to work up the courage to just recite it for her. One deep breath later, he was diving headlong into a poem he hoped she'd love. It's called Simple Existence.

He went on to recite it for her and when he had finished, Sebastian held his breath, his hand that had been playing with her hair went still and it seemed like time itself had stopped. His heart, however, was thundering in his chest. Why was this such a big deal? Deep inside, he was praying to God Almighty that she'd love it.

Erin was quiet for a long moment. Thinking. each word turned over in her head. Finally she nodded slowly, the corner of her mouth tugging up. It's somewhat dismal... but full of hope... I... I really like it. She nodded, just a bit quieter now than she had been. Still tearing through the imagry in her mind. I like that you think of me like that... I like that you have the words to say it. She pressed a kiss to his chest. Thank you. For sharing. Somehow she knew it was really hard for him....

His breath was expelled in one long rush, his chest caving and then inflating as he took another unsteady breath. It hadn't been the reply he was expecting. In fact, it was better. She'd been able to observe constructive criticism - but he could still tell that she liked it.

He slung his arm overtop of her and grinned at her, propping his head up with his other arm. Thanks. That...really means a lot to me. Did he sound relieved? Probably.

Of course. It was barely a whisper as she was getting tired. He was comfortable and the conversation was nice. It was as if this sharing wasn't forced for once. it was coming with a semblence of ease. Something new. Something coveted. She put an arm over his, giving a little squeeze.You should share more, Bastian. I like hearing your insides. Sleepy words, softly said, but truth in them. Were the pair really engaging in pillow talk? It seemed progress did happen!

Sebastian smiled softly, lifting his hand to caress her cheek. They were both tired, but Sebastian would have asked God to stop the moon if it meant this night could go on forever. Things seemed to be going a lot better these days and Sebastian loved it. Sit up, babe, he whispered. Once she had done so, he sat up as well and proceeded to turn off the lamp in the far corner. The only light in the room was that of the illuminating moonlight streaming in through the window.

Crawling back into bed, he turned down the covers and beckoned Erin to come cuddle with him. She was mere minutes away from the dream world, but Sebastian wanted to be able to watch her drift off to sleep. I'll share more, love. He whispered in the darkness to her. But in the morning, when you can actually remember what I say. He smiled, slightly amused, and pulled her body close to his. They were touching foreheads and rubbing noses, his fingers running up and down her back in feather light grace. Tell me you love me, he breathed against her lips, purposely not allowing her to claim the kiss until she said the words.

Of course I love you. She seemed amused at something that wasn't in the room, smiling against his lips as she pushed forward to claim her prize. Her brain was swimming in sleepy and the moonlight was lulling her. So rare, for the girl to be tired. So rare, for her to be asleep. But it had been days since she had slept a night or at all. Days since she had felt the pull of hope that was appearing in all aspects of her life. Things were far from good, but they were returning from bad. And Sebastian was there for her, something she hadn't fully come to accept until then. Another snuggle in and her eyes closed. She wouldn't have to pretend to sleep tonight.

That was one thing no husband could ever possibly get tired of hearing: that their wife loved them with all their heart. It was something Sebastian hadn't fully believed until right now. Unbeknownst to them, this quiet, seemingly normal moment had changed their lives; unlocked a door to a room they were eager to explore together. He waited until her eyes were closed to stop rubbing her back and only when he heard the rhythmic in and out of her breathing did he allow his own eyelids to lower. Matching his breathing with her own, Sebastian soon joined Erin in the dream world, for once not worried about a damn thing.