Devon listened intently. She had always loved it when people played live music, and acoustic was even better.
Sebastian's playing was beautiful, she thought. She loved the way he seemed to connect with his instrument and know which strings to pluck and when, making the perfect sound at the perfect time.
Sebastian closed his eyes, let his fingers drift over the strings as the familiar melody washed over him. He knew this. This was familiar territory.
His lips parted to let through a line of song, wistful and a little sad.
Devon watched him as he sang, her gaze thoughtful. He had an amazing voice, which she ready knew from his little serenade to Layla. What she hadn't been able to tell before, though, was just how good of a voice he had….
(Our other o/o?)
(I know, I know, I’m trying to update the rps at the top of my unread while looking at the 16 other ones I’ve neglected since before dance I’m sorry I’m getting to it)
It was the first time he’d sung to only one person in a long time, and he’d missed the intimacy. He just let his voice flow through him, his fingers dance over strings, and when he was done, his cheeks were pink.
(Oh, oof. Lol. That's okay, sorry. I was just making sure. :)
Devon grinned at him gently and gave a soft round of applause for him. "That was amazing, Sebastian. You did very well. I really liked it."
(Dw about it)
Sebastian’s blush only deepened at her words as his mind came back into focus. He realized then how hard his heart was beating, how out of breath he was, and the fact that he’d actually sounded… well, good. “Thank you.. Thanks. So you liked it?”
"Oh, yes. Definitely. And very much so," Devon assured him, still grinning. "Thank you for playing for me."
Sebastian’s grin was the dorkiest, shyest thing he had ever accomplished. He began to pack his instrument away, a bubbly warm feeling spreading in his chest. “You’re very welcome.”
"Anytime…" Devon said softly as she watched him put the guitar away. "So, you said you might have a show booked, right?"
“Maybe. If I can get the bar to take me.” Sebastian shrugged loosely, though the bubbly feeling did not wear off. “Anyways, we should probably get back to Layla.”
Devon nodded slowly and turned to the door. "Would you mind if I came if you get it?" she asked softly as she cast a quick glance back at him.
Sebastian paused with his guitar case a few inches off the chair. “I mean— I wouldn’t mind, but it’s a bar. At night. Should be lots of drunks. I don’t want you to be unsafe.”
Devon stopped and closed her eyes, realizing that he was probably right… But maybe, just maybe, she could handle it?
"Well… Okay. But I might be fine… I could try it," she said with an outwardly-loose shrug.
“If you think you’ll be okay, then I trust you,” he told her quietly, opening the door and holding it for her. “But I don’t know how long I’ll be there for— if it even happens— so feel free to leave whenever.”
(I kinda want to have her break down there while he's on stage…)
"Okay… Sure. I'll think about it, then. Let me know if you get the job?" Devon asked softly.
(Poor Devon…. My heart says no but my evil writer brain says yes)
“Definitely,” Sebastian assured her as they made their way back to Layla, surprised at how easily she’d adapted to his cramped living space, as well as how comfortable he was with her in it.
(Lol. Same, tbh. So that's a plan, then?)
Layla looked up at the adults and grinned. "Pretty!" she declared, sitting in the middle of a red and purple mess of mashed berries.
Devon groaned at the sight and put her head in her hands. "I'm so sorry… Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to leave her alone…"
(Sure!
sobs)
Sebastian burst out laughing, crouching down next to the toddler. “Layla!” Shaking his head in amusement, he looked up to Devon. “Suddenly, I’m glad I don’t have a carpet.”
Devon groaned again and peeked out at him. "I knew I shouldn't have just left her alone here… I'm so sorry about the mess. I'll clean it up for you."
Sebastian held up a hand. “Don’t even think about it,” he objected firmly, scooping the little girl up from the mess and holding her out to her mother. “You just worry about Layla. If you need to use the sink to wash her face, go ahead, I’ll clean up here.”
"But… I should really help," Devon protested, her eyes still apologetic as she took her messy daughter.
“You’re my guest, it’s my job to clean. Honestly, it’s fine,” he argued gently, moving to look for a washcloth or sponge.
(My stepdad is up… I'm probably going to disappear soon. I should really be getting to sleep, anyway, so g'night!)
Devon sighed, giving in. "All right… If you're sure. Do you have a rag I could borrow, then?" she asked as she carefully made her way to the sink.
(Gnight!)
“Yeah, right here.” He tossed one to her and took the other back to the mess Layla had made. “Better to use the kitchen sink, the water in the bathroom is weird, it changes temperature at random, could burn her.
“Oh, thanks. I will definitely do that, then,” Devon said, giving him a small smile as she walked to the kitchen sink. She set Layla on the counter and wetted the rag before beginning to wipe the little girl down.