Out of the Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

*Warning: This chapter contains scenes with heavy emotions during trauma recovery.*

The morning glow in this room was so soothing. I don't know how Sebastian had picked the perfect house, but his northeast window had the softest glow of yellow sunrise that would slowly fill the room and put dust motes in the air making it look like a fairy dream.

It was impossible to wake up stressed. I lay there facing the window, watching the sun slowly spill in, making patterns on the floor and walls, while he slept on with his nose pressed into my neck and his arms around my middle. His soft breath on my back sending tingles every now and then.

I can't forget that I just got out of Azkaban mere days ago. I could never forget. I would never forget. It would always be there like a ghost haunting me for the rest of my days. I knew that. I would have to find ways to cope.

But here, in his arms, watching the sun gently creep in, was a good way to start the day. I couldn't think of any better way in fact.

And I had slept. Apparently a lot because I remember it was sunrise the last time I was awake. I must have needed it.

"Mmm." He made a sound into my neck. He was stirring. I sighed. Not wanting this perfect morning bubble to pop just yet.

"Don't move, please. Don't make me move, yet. Just... stay. Watch the sunrise with me. Please." I whispered delicately, hoping he could hear me.

"I'll never move again." I could hear mirth in his voice and feel his lips widening in a smile on the back of my neck. He laid a gentle kiss there and snuggled in on my shoulder to watch with me.

"It's beautiful." I whispered. I hadn't seen the sun in so long. Or a window. Or slept in a bed. Or been touched, hugged, kissed. It was a bit overwhelming. I tried to stamp down that growing anxiety that had me wanting to succumb to finding a corner to curl up in.

"You're more beautiful." He said.

"Smooth, Sallow. Very smooth." I smiled.

"I try."

Our banter was so natural. At least some things hadn't changed.

I could do this. I could do this every day for the rest of my life. If I could get rid of the ghosts haunting me. I huffed out a frustrated sigh. I will have to work on that.

"Everything ok?" He was responding to my sigh, I think.

"Yes. Just ... reacclimating. This is going to take work."

"I know."

"I'm scared."

"Me too."

We lay there, holding on to our little morning bubble until the sun was up properly and not throwing rays in through the window anymore.

I turned my head slightly toward his face and met his soul-searching chocolatey eyes.

"I still love you, you know." I said to him.

"And I still love you. Nothing could ever change that."

"Good." I said firmly. Sealing it like an envelope. I hoped it was all true.

"Are you ready to get up yet? Or would you like another day in bed to relax and heal? Whatever you want, darling. I would give you the world..."

I interrupted him. He was trying so hard... it was too much pressure. "No. I think I need fresh air. Is there a plan for today?"

His face lit up slightly. "Well, the Hogsmeade Summer Festival starts tonight. I don't want you to feel pressured into a big event like that or anything but maybe just a gentle nudge into it. Like taking a walk through vendors. Would you like to take a walk?"