Valentine's Day PV Sebastian Drake Finished

On friday, the day of valentines day, Sebastian spent all afternoon doing the finishing touches for his party that evening--- Because only getting owl love letters were simply not enough to celebrate. Most of them had arrived at breakfast; Several owls had visited him at the gryffindor table that morning, leaving sweetly written love letters from both secret admirers, not-so-secret admirers, and friends that just wanted to send as many letters out as possible.

Thinking that was all of it, Seb was taken by surprise that when another owl ambushed him on his way from the greenhouses. This time it was accompanied by a smaller parcel. Bewildered, but a bit excited of course, Sebastian accepted it and gave the owl a little treat. His poor fingers had quickly learned the hard way that some of them bite if they didn't get something in return for their service.

Rooted in spot and not bothering to bring it back to his dorm before opening, he ripped the letter open and read the neat writing. It was from Eldred Grayswell. From the herbology class at the beginning of the school year that had gotten a bit messy. Of course he remembered him, and not only because they were in the same year and house. Still, he was surprised that he thought of Sebastian after all this time--- and especially today. Aww... that's cute. And he did an 'aww' again when he opened the parcel to find a little cute owl pot with a succulent inside.

It wasn't peonies, but then again, he couldn't remember telling him what plants were his favorite, but it was still a really nice gift. The letter in itself had caused a grin to spread on his face, as well as a pleasant flush. Did he really expect Sebastian to not mention it next time they saw each other? Well, he couldn't promise anything.

Inevitably, he wondered what the real meaning behind all this was. Simply because he hadn't laughed? Or did he actually fancy him now, despite being terribly embarrassed at the suggestion at the time? Yes, it had to be.

Either way, Sebastian decided to actually send a response back. It felt like he had to at this point. Not sending anything would be rude, but he also felt like he had to attach some kind of gift as well. Contemplating what to gift him, he walked back to the gryffindor tower with a hum, tapping the letter on his lips that were still curled into a secretive smile. Maybe a flower that Sebastian really liked? But he'd made it pretty clear that he wasn't that interested in plants.

By the time he got back to his dorm, he thought he'd figured it out. 'Borrowing' some paper from one of his dorm mates, doubtful that they would miss one paper, Sebastian laid down onto his bed to write out the response, kicking his feet a bit behind him. It must have looked like a scene out of a romance movie. That's how it felt when he laid there, giggling like some girl and writing love letters! He tried to think of something genuine to say but still keep a bit of a teasing tone that would make the other blush crimson again, even when he wasn't there to see it.

Dear Eldred,

Who knew you could be a charmer! Thank you for you gift and letter, it was a nice surprise. I'll ignore the threat and just say that I'm flattered that you've been thinking about my face all this time. ˙ᵕ˙

I'm hosting a Valentines day party tonight in the rehearsal room, if you're interested! There will be kissing... if you really want to wish me a happy valentines. Don't worry about this letter though, it will be our secret.

PS. I hope you'll like the flower I sent you. Peonies are my faves. Just water once in a while and put it in the window.

✗♡✗♡ Sebastian Drake

There was no way in hell he expected Eldred to show up at his party, knowing what the plans were. That boy was much too prudent to ever show up for that! Even if he was welcome. The simple mental image of the boy dying of embarrassment just reading it, made him laugh to himself. It would have been priceless to see.

He wrapped a little bouqet with peonies in the same parcel his own gift had arrived in, using reparo to make the box whole again. Finally some of his classes came to use! Then he went all the down the tower stairs again--- that was more cardio than he'd done in fuck know how long--- back to the owlery to send his letter and gift, grinning to himself imagining his reaction.

@Eldred Grayswell

Eldred had never felt as stupid as he did after sending that package off. He wondered if it was the right decision. Who knows how Sebastian Drake would interpret the whole thing!
Frowning, he walked aimlessly around, until after several shortcuts and detours, he had a package and letter almost thrown on his head! He gasped in surprise and caught them just before they hit him.

Receiving mail like this was new to him. Frowning, he looked up and watched the rushing owl. Was it annoyed by all the flying around?
Eldred could imagine how busy the animals must have been that day.
It was only after he had watched the owl fly away completely, that his brain returned to the present.

He sucked in a breath in surprise and stared at his hands, where the package and letter lay.
From who—wait… this is my package pap-... Sebastian Drake!!
Eldred looked at it almost in shock. Was it a return? He imagined how Mr. Popular would see it is from Eldred and just close it up and have it returned.
The thought stung him, even though he didn’t know if it was true and he somehow couldn‘t believe Sebastian was that sort of person.
Eldred awkwardly pressed the package and letter against his body and walked towards his dormitory. He was incredibly relieved he didn’t encounter Sebastian on the way. Then again, he had peeked around the corners before turning down the hallways in order to avoid him.

Finally there, the boy with brown hair sat on the edge of his bed. Carefully, he set the package aside and opened the letter. At the first he read Dear Eldred and a weight lifted from his chest.
So, it wasn’t a return!

This knowledge relieved him, but replaced the tension with an uncomfortable nervousness he just couldn’t stand. Eldred read the letter. Once, then twice. Of course, Sebastian was hosting a Valentine’s party with kisses! The boy made a small annoyed sound, then his gaze moved to the last part and the lines in between, about keeping a secret and the implication, that this could mean Eldred might have to kiss Sebastian - if he was to come.
The XoXo at the end sealed it for Eldred.

His ears and cheeks turned red. The eyes were squinted, and an annoyed hum came from his throat. Certainly, Eldred wouldn’t go there! No way! It didn’t even sound allowed. Surely, it was forbidden, and if not forbidden, the image of Sebastian’s lips on his was something Eldred didn’t want in his mind. It felt just as forbidden.

He set the letter aside and looked at the package instead. Maybe the flower would distract him. ‚Peony‘ had said Sebastian. In fact, Eldred didn’t even know what it would look like. Maybe he had seen one here and there, but with the name itself, he didn’t associate anything just yet.
The boy still pressed his lips together tensely and opened the package. The flower was lifted out of the paper, and its appearance accomplished the impossible.
Eldred looked at it entranced.
It was pretty. He briefly compared it to a rose and decided it was better than the typical Valentine’s flower was. Roses were less unique.

“Water once in a while” he repeated softly to himself, what he had learned from the letter. Eldred had to smile a little and placed the flower on the end table next to his bed.
“I don’t like flowers normally, but… you’re an exception” he whispered quietly and took a deep breath to shake off the remaining redness from his face.

Let him kiss tons of girls!, he still thought, a little annoyed from the back of his head.Not because he was jealous, but because he didn’t like the idea of people thinking they were close to Sebastian just because they liked his face. Did they even know he liked flowers? What a shallow bunch. Sadness swept a little along.