Masquerade Sebastian X Reader Part 3

        “My lady, where are you going at this hour, and in your night dress no less?” Your maid, who had grown accustomed to you sneaking out and getting yourself into trouble was still more than a little surprised to see you with your hand on the cold brass knob of the front door. “It's too cold for you to go out there like that.” She no longer tried to stop your wrongdoings. Knowing you wouldn't listen anyway, the heavyset, gray haired,  motherly figure rushed over to the closet and pulled out a warm coat. “At least wear this. I can't have you catching cold.”

You accepted the coat, albeit somewhat sheepishly. “Thank you.” Suddenly worried your plan might be ruined by her knowing, you clasped the woman’s soft, puffy hands in yours and looked at her with pleading eyes. “You won't be telling my father I'm gone will you?

She gently shook her head, a kind smile on her face. “No, it's not my place dear. Besides, I was young once. Just promise me you'll be careful.”

“I promise, thank you again.” Not wanting to waste any more time, you pulled the heavy coat on and stepped out into the cold darkness. Even with the thick layers of fabric surrounding your body, you couldn't keep yourself from shivering. The thin, satin slippers you wore did nothing at all to shield your feet from the icy terrain, nor did they keep your feet from aching each time you stepped on an out of placed pebble or twig. “This was an absolutely horrid idea.” You cursed yourself. “What was I thinking, sneaking out in the middle of the night. I don't even know how to get there.”

A sudden voice halted your thoughts and brought your walking to an immediate halt. “What's this now? Such a lovely young lady shouldn't be walking the streets alone at night.” Too dark to see where the voice was coming from, you stood frozen in the dim light of a flickering streetlamp. “Come now young miss, don't tell me you've yet to memorize my voice.”

The voice was familiar and somehow soothing. However, as tired as you were, you couldn't be sure.  “S-Sebastian?”

“Ah, so you do recognize my voice. That is good to know.” Sebastian stepped into the light and smiled. “Now, what are you doing out so very late? Do you know the reputation you're building for yourself, out here in a nightdress, talking to a man who is not your suitor or husband? And in the direct light of the streetlamps no less. ” He sighed and rubbed the space between his brows in feigned frustration. “It's no wonder your maids have washed their hands of you.”

“Come now Sebastian, am I truly so incorrigible?” You brought yourself closer to him, both to tease him, and to help keep yourself warm. “Perhaps all I need is a bit of firmness.” Snuggling yourself into his chest, you stood on your tiptoes and placed a kiss on his cheek. “In all honesty, there hasn't been much structure in my upbringing.”

Sebastian's grin became crooked. “My dearest, I doubt what you need is firmness. A ball an chain would be better suited.” Taking your hand, Sebastian began leading you back in the direction of your home. “Now come along, we must get you back home.”

Your heart sunk at his words. “B-but what ever for? I went to great lengths to sneak out tonight.”

“Yes, I would imagine so. Was it more difficult than the last couple of times you've snuck out alone?” Sebastian looked less than pleased at your new habit. “I should think the darkness provided you an advantage this time.” You didn't answer. Really, there was nothing you could say. “Don't make that face. You know as well as I that we can't be out walking the streets in the middle of the night. If I condoned such behavior, your father would never approve of me.”

It was true, your father was a hard man to please. Sebastian was going to have a hard enough time with him simply because he was nothing more than a butler, not a lord, duke, or count. “I'm sorry. I'm making things difficult on you, aren't I?”

Sebastian chuckled quietly. “You certainty aren't making things easy.” Suddenly stopping, Sebastian's smile faded. “There are lights on in your home. Were there others still awake?”

Your house was shining like a beacon. Every candle you owned must be lit. “Only my handmaid, and she promised not to tell.”

Silently nodding, Sebastian took your hand in his and walked you all the way to your front door. With a stern expression, he loudly rapped against the door with his knuckles. “Stay quiet and allow me to handle this. I beg of you.” The door swung open in an instant. Standing there was your father, looking frantic.

“Where have you been girl?” He grasped your wrist and pulled you into the house. “I was about to phone the yard.”

“My lord , I don't mean to intrude, but if I might have a word?” Your father eyed Sebastian suspiciously, but finally agreed. After making sure you were in someones care, he joined Sebastian outside and slammed the door behind him.

“I've done it now. Father's going to keep me under lock and key.” Groaning, you fell into the forgiving cushions of the couch. Time had never gone by so slowly in your life. The quiet ticking of the clock became so loud it was almost torturous. Just when you thought you couldn't take another second, the door opened. Your father stepped in, no longer looking angry, but worried.

“I apologize my dearest daughter, I had no idea you were ill.” His words confused you, but you did your best not to show it. “If this fine young gentleman hadn't found you, who knows what tragedy could have befallen you.”

With your confusion growing, you looked to Sebastian for answers. “I explained to your father that this was the third time this month I've found you sleepwalking in the streets.”

“It's a special kind of man who can find a lovely young lady walking aimlessly at night and bring her home unscathed.”He gave you a stern look. “Especially when that young lady is so indecently dressed.” Your fathers look softened slightly as he took several puffs from his pipe. “I've also been informed that you danced with this young man during the Masquerade. He's taken quite a liking to you since then. I know he's not what you deserve, stature wise, but with your new found ailment...” He paused, swallowing hard. “Sebastian is a good man. He may not be what I thought I wanted for you, but I believe he's what you need. I would like you to consider a courtship.” Though you wanted to agree immediately, Sebastian signaled you to stay quiet. “You don't have to make any decisions tonight.. You must be tired, get some rest and we'll talk more in the morning.”

A swarm of maids appeared, quickly taking you to your room and helping you back in bed. They slowly began leaving the room, each one unsure if you should really be left alone. Once they were gone, you lay in your bed, eyes wide open and far too excited to fall asleep. “He's a genius, a complete genius.”

“Why thank you, you're too kind.” Making his way through your window, Sebastian did his best to be silent. “I needed to speak with you before the morning, but your father wouldn't allow us to be alone.” He smiled and stood by your bed. “If this is going to work, you're going to have to follow my lead. If it was discovered that I lied to your father, the consequences would be grim.”

You nodded. “I understand. I still can't believe how very cunning you were. It's quite impressive.”

“We shall need to be much more cunning than I have been.” He rubbed his brow. “You mustn’t change what you've been doing. If your illness suddenly goes away, your father will know it was nothing more than a fabrication.”

“So, keep sleepwalking?” You chuckled, sat up on your knees and wrapped your arms lovingly around his waist. “I think I can do that.”

Sebastian smiled weakly, lifted your chin and kissed you gently on the lips. “Let us hope so my dear. Now sleep. You have much to discuss with your father when morning comes.” After kissing you again, Sebastian walked towards the window and readied to leave.

Before he could disappear, you quietly called his name. “Sebastian, do you think I could sleepwalk tomorrow night too?”

He chuckled. “I have indeed heard sleepwalking is affected by stress.” Swinging his legs over your windowsill, Sebastian dropped down so that only his smiling face was showing. “Given the current circumstances, I would be surprised if you didn't. Now go to sleep, or you won't be able to sleepwalk.”