#(and to share our own love for it) | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

writingsoftarnishedsilver · 5 months ago

Text

Sleep Aid | Sebastian Sallow x OC #35

Summary: The classic I-had-a-nightmare-sleep-with-me trope except its Evangeline and Sebastian :)

Words: ~4,600

Tags: Sharing a Bed, Fluff, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Mutual Pining, Friends To Lovers, Slow Burn, Longing, Unspoken Feelings, Fluff Again, Romance, Trope-y, Idiots in Love, Soft Moments

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

Read on AO3

The quiet in the cottage was different now. It was the sort of stillness that made the rooms feel bigger, the silence heavier. Anne and Ominis had left for London just the day before, their trunks rattling behind them as they departed for the city to celebrate New Year’s. Sebastian had stood beside Evie in the doorway of the cottage, watching them go, waving until they were out of sight.

It wasn’t like he hadn’t known they’d be leaving. He’d been prepared for it. Yet, it still stung.

His thoughts lingered on the few days they’d all spent together over Christmas. He hadn’t expected the warmth, the ease with which everything had fallen into place. Anne, laughing in his living room again. Ominis, looking so damn pleased with himself every time their hands brushed. Evangeline, sitting across from him during meals, her hazel eyes alight with mischief as she teased him mercilessly.

It had been perfect. And painfully fleeting.

Sebastian turned onto his side, pressing his fist against his forehead as his sister's words from that quiet moment by the fire came rushing back.

“Sebastian.” Her voice had been soft, but there was a note of insistence in it that cut through the hum of conversation around them. Ominis and Evangeline were busy bickering good-naturedly over the arrangement of ornaments on the tree, their laughter filling the room.

He looked at her, his brow furrowing slightly. “What is it?”

She didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she reached out, placing her hand over his where it rested on his knee. Her touch was gentle, but firm enough to draw his full attention.

“I have a question,” she said quietly, her brown eyes searching his face. “You have to be honest with me.”

Sebastian shifted uncomfortably, sensing the weight of her words before she even spoke them. “Alright,” he said cautiously. “What’s on your mind?”

Anne glanced toward the tree, where Evangeline’s laughter rose above Ominis’s exasperated protests. A small smile tugged at her lips before she turned back to her brother, her expression turning serious.

“You love her, don’t you?”

Sebastian blinked, his mouth opening slightly in surprise. “What?”

“Evangeline,” Anne clarified, her gaze steady. “You love her. I suppose it’s not really a question, I can see it all over your face."

Sebastian felt his stomach twist, heat rising to his cheeks as he glanced quickly toward the others, half-expecting them to have overheard. But they were too caught up in their decorating to notice the conversation happening by the fire. Evangeline was perched on a chair, carefully reaching for the higher branches of the tree, while Ominis stood below, offering directions.

“Anne, I—” he started, his voice defensive, only to be cut off.

“You’ve been in love with her for ages, clearly,” Anne said, her tone matter-of-fact. Her lips curved into a knowing smile, though her eyes softened with something warmer, gentler. “It’s so obvious, it hurts. How she hasn’t realized it yet is beyond me.”

Sebastian let out a soft, frustrated huff. "You come back for two days and you're already the expert on my love life?”

Anne’s lips quirked into a smirk, but her gaze remained steady. “Oh, please. We’re twins. And you’re not exactly subtle, you know. The way you look at her? It’s like… watching some tragic romance novel play out.”

Sebastian groaned, leaning back against the armchair and glaring up at the ceiling as if it might offer some kind of escape. “You’re exaggerating.”

“I’m not,” Anne said firmly. She leaned forward, her expression softening as she reached out to touch his arm. “Sebastian, listen to me. Don’t let fear keep you from something that could make you happy.”

Her words played over in his mind endlessly, circling like a bird trapped in a cage. Don’t let fear keep you from something that could make you happy. Easier said than done. What if he told Evangeline and ruined everything? What if she didn’t feel the same? Or what if she did, but it didn’t last? He wasn’t sure he could survive losing her—not after everything else.

Sebastian sighed heavily, the weight in his chest refusing to lift as he closed his eyes, willing sleep to come.

But it didn’t.

Instead, the stillness was shattered by a sharp, muffled scream from down the hall.

Sebastian bolted upright, his heart leaping into his throat. Without thinking, he threw off the covers and leapt out of bed, his feet hitting the cold wooden floor with a dull thud. His mind raced with possibilities, each worse than the last, as he reached her door and pushed it open without hesitation.

The sight that greeted him made his heart clench.

Evangeline was sitting up in bed, her knees drawn to her chest and her hands gripping the tangled sheets tightly. Her hair was damp with sweat, sticking to her pale forehead, and her wide, tear-filled eyes darted to him the moment he entered.

“Sebastian?” she croaked, her voice trembling and hoarse.

He was at her side in an instant, crouching by the bed so they were eye level. His hands hovered just above her arms, unsure if she wanted to be touched. “Evie, what happened?” he asked, his voice low but urgent. “Are you alright?”

She shook her head quickly, her breaths coming in shallow gasps. “I’m fine,” she stammered, though her trembling hands and tear-streaked face told a different story. “It’s nothing. Just... a nightmare.”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, his chest tightening with a mix of worry and frustration. “That didn’t sound like nothing,” he said gently, his dark eyes searching hers.

Evangeline hesitated. “It doesn’t matter,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “I forgot to… I’ll cast a silencing charm next time. I’m sorry I woke you.”

Sebastian’s frown deepened. “A silencing charm?” he echoed, his voice tight. “And don’t—don't apologize. That’s not what this is about.”

Evangeline’s eyes flickered back to him, her gaze clouded with guilt. “I’ve been managing it,” she insisted weakly. “You don’t need to worry—”

“I do need to worry,” Sebastian cut in. “Evie, you’ve been having these nightmares for how long? Months? And you didn’t think to tell me or Ominis that they hadn't gotten better?!”

Her lips pressed into a thin line, her shoulders hunching as she looked away. “I didn’t want to bother you,” she admitted, her voice barely audible.

Sebastian let out a quiet sigh. “Evie,” he murmured, his tone gentler now. “You’re not a bother. You know that by now, don’t you?”

She didn’t answer right away, her fingers twisting the edge of the sheet in her lap. After a long moment, she said, “They’ve been worse since… since the boggart.”

Sebastian’s heart sank. He'd known the memory of the boggart had shaken her—how could it not? Seeing herself as a vessel of destruction, twisted by the power of the repository, had left an invisible mark on her. But he should’ve realized that something like this wouldn’t simply fade away.

“I should never have pushed for us to go in there." He muttered.

Evangeline’s head snapped up at that, her tear-filled eyes narrowing slightly. “Don’t,” she said, her voice firmer than he expected, though it still trembled. “Don’t blame yourself for that, Sebastian. I went in there with you. I chose to.”

Sebastian looked at her, his brow furrowed, the guilt in his eyes plain as day. “But I should have listened,” he countered softly. “You and Ominis both told me not to. I was too damn curious, and now—now your nightmares are even worse.”

Evangeline shook her head, her grip on the sheets loosening slightly. “It’s not your fault,” she said quietly. "Seriously, I'm fine. You don’t need to add my nightmares to the list of things you worry about.”

Sebastian let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “Evie, you’re on the top of that list whether you like it or not.”

Her lips parted slightly, surprise flickering across her face, but she didn’t respond. The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of their breathing and the faint crackle of the fire down the hall.

Sebastian leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he met her gaze. "Have you been trying anything to... make them go away?"

Evangeline hesitated, her fingers still twisting the edge of the sheet. “I’ve tried a few things,” she admitted softly. “Dreamless Sleep Potions worked for a while, but I didn’t want to rely on them too much. And… sometimes I read before bed, or practice some of the mindfulness spells Professor Weasley suggested.”

Sebastian frowned, his expression softening as he listened. “And none of it helps?”

“Not really,” she murmured. “The potions made me feel groggy the next day, and the spells…” She trailed off, shaking her head. “They help a little, I suppose, but not enough. It’s like my mind keeps finding its way back there, no matter what I do.”

Sebastian’s chest tightened. He hated this—hated that she’d been suffering in silence, trying to handle it on her own while he and Ominis had been completely oblivious.

“Anything else?” he asked after a beat, his voice gentle but laced with a desperation to help, to understand. He couldn’t imagine how exhausted she must be—physically, emotionally—trying to fight her own thoughts night after night.

"Ominis suggested changing my sleeping environment, but that hasn’t helped, obviously," she said with a small shrug, her voice tinged with defeat.

Sebastian frowned, her words sparking something in his memory. "What about... having company? What if I stayed?”

Her brows knit in confusion, a flicker of surprise in her hazel eyes. “Stayed?”

“Yeah,” he said, nodding slowly. “Here. With you.”

Evangeline blinked, her mouth opening slightly as if to protest, but no words came out. Instead, her gaze searched his, hesitant and unsure.

“I mean it,” Sebastian added, his voice firmer now. “Ominis suggested it ages ago—changing the company you keep before bed. Maybe… maybe it'll help?"

“You don’t have to,” she said quickly, shaking her head. “You need your sleep too, Sebastian.”

“I’m not going to get much sleep knowing you’re in here suffering alone,” he countered gently.

Evangeline’s lips parted, but she didn’t respond immediately. Her fingers twisted in the sheets again, her hazel eyes darting to his as if searching for any hint of insincerity. When she found none, she let out a soft sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly.

“Alright,” she whispered. “But only until I fall asleep.”

Sebastian gave her a small, reassuring smile. “Sure.”

He stood, brushing off his hands nervously as he glanced around her room. The bed wasn’t particularly large, but it would fit the two of them well enough if they kept to their own sides. He hesitated for a brief moment before moving toward the far side and sitting down, keeping a respectful distance between them.

Evangeline shifted slightly to give him more space, pulling the blanket back up to her chin. She looked smaller somehow, bundled in the covers, her hair still damp with sweat and her expression clouded with residual fear. Sebastian felt his chest tighten again at the sight.

“You don’t have to do this,” she murmured, her voice barely audible.

“Evie,” he said softly, his tone firm but kind. “Stop trying to convince me. I want to help you.”

Her cheeks flushed faintly, but she nodded, turning her head away slightly. Meanwhile, Sebastian leaned his head against the headboard, his legs stretched out in front of him, and crossed his arms loosely over his chest. He didn’t know if his presence would actually help her, but if it gave her even a shred of peace, it was worth it.

After a moment, quiet sigh escaped Evangeline’s lips, breaking the stillness. “Sebastian?”

“Yeah?”

There was a long pause, the kind that made his stomach twist with anticipation. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m... I’m afraid to go back to sleep.”

Sebastian’s chest tightened as he turned his head slightly to look at her. “Evie,” he said gently, “I’m here. Nothing’s going to happen to you.”

“I know,” she murmured, her voice tinged with frustration. “It’s just... every time I close my eyes, it’s there again. The repository. Like it’s waiting for me.”

Sebastian’s jaw clenched, a surge of anger bubbling up—not at her, but at whatever remnants of that cursed place still haunted her. He hated that she had to carry this weight, that it followed her even in her dreams.

He exhaled slowly, forcing himself to keep his tone light. “You know, when we were kids, Ominis told me once that the best way to banish bad dreams is to think about something ridiculous before bed. Something so absurd your brain can’t help but latch onto it.”

Evangeline let out a soft, reluctant laugh. “Like what?”

“Like...” He tapped his chin, “Like Professor Sharp trying to bake a soufflé. He’s got the apron on, the whole deal. Or how about this: Professor Weasley choreographing a synchronized dance routine for the house elves. Complete with costumes.”

Evangeline snorted softly, and the sound sent a rush of warmth through Sebastian’s chest. “Now that’s something I’d pay to see.”

“See? Ridiculous works.” He leaned his head back against the headboard again, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. “Think about it enough, and maybe it’ll sneak into your dreams instead of... other things.”

She didn’t respond, but her shoulders seemed to relax slightly beneath the blanket. Sebastian thought that might be the end of it, that she might be reassured enough to let herself drift off, but then she turned toward him.

“You’re being too stiff,” she said simply.

Sebastian blinked, caught off guard. “Too stiff?”

She nodded. “You’re sitting there like you’re afraid the bed’s going to bite you. Relax.”

“I’m relaxed,” he said, though his posture completely gave him away.

Evangeline raised an eyebrow. “Sebastian, you’re the least relaxed person I’ve ever seen right now. Just... lie down. You’re making me nervous.”

This was dangerous. Sebastian knew that. Sharing a bed with Evangeline, lying next to her in the quiet intimacy of the night, was something he wanted more than anything. And that was precisely the problem. He wanted it too much. Wanted her too much. But the look she gave him—the quiet insistence, the softness in her gaze—was undeniable. So, Sebastian slid down from his sitting position, stretching out beside her.

“There,” he said as folded his arms behind his head. “Satisfied?”

“No,” she said, narrowing her eyes at him with the kind of exasperation that only Evangeline could muster in the dead of night. “You’re going to get cold.”

Sebastian blinked, his pulse stuttering in his chest. “I’m fine,” he said quickly, his voice tight.

She sighed, lifting the edge of the blanket in silent invitation, and he hesitated, his body taut with indecision. The logical part of his brain screamed at him to stay where he was, to maintain the already precarious boundary between them. But then his gaze met hers and he knew he was done for.

He relented, sliding beneath the blanket beside her. The warmth enveloped him instantly, and he was acutely aware of how close they were now, the faint scent of his laundry and something distinctly Evangeline filling the small space between them.

“Better?” he asked again, his voice coming out lower than he intended.

“Much,” she said softly, her lips curving into a faint smile. She shifted slightly, her movements careful as if trying not to disturb him, and then settled back into her pillow. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

Sebastian huffed a quiet laugh, though his heart was pounding in his chest. “You really know how to boss me around, don’t you?”

“It’s a skill,” she murmured, her tone laced with amusement. But as the quiet stretched between them, her voice softened. “Thank you. For staying.”

“You don’t have to thank me,” he said quietly, turning his head to look at her. “I’ll always be here for you, Evie."

“I know,” she said, sounding so resolute even though her voice was barely above a whisper. “That’s why I’m not afraid now.”

Sebastian swallowed hard, forcing himself to look away. “Now try to get some sleep,” he said, his voice quieter now, almost hoarse. “I’ll be here.”

She nodded, keeping eyes on him, studying him. Then, to his surprise, she shifted closer. Her hand, small and hesitant, reached out from beneath the blanket to rest lightly on his forearm, the warmth of her touch sinking through his skin like a brand.

“Goodnight, Sebastian,” she murmured, giving his arm a gentle squeeze before withdrawing and tucking her hand back beneath the blanket. Her eyes fluttered closed, and the corners of her lips curved faintly into what could only be described as a contented smile.

When Sebastian woke the next morning, it wasn’t to the usual pale gray light filtering through the window or the soft crackle of the fire in the hearth. Instead, it was to an unfamiliar warmth pressed against him, the faint, steady rhythm of breaths that weren’t his own.

He blinked groggily, the fog of sleep still clinging to his mind as he tried to piece together why he felt so utterly comfortable. Then the memories of the night before came rushing back: Evangeline’s scream, her trembling form in the bed, her whispered admission that the nightmares hadn’t stopped.

His heart skipped as he realized what the warmth against him was—who it was.

Evangeline.

And for once, she wasn’t awake before him.

He blinked slowly, the realization settling in as he tilted his head to glance at her.

At some point during the night, the careful space he’d tried to maintain between them had disappeared entirely. Her head was resting against his chest, her soft, steady breaths warming the fabric of his shirt. One of her hands was fisted loosely against his chest, her other arm draped across his stomach as if it belonged there. And his own arm—Merlin, when had he done that?—was wrapped securely around her shoulders, holding her to him as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

His gaze flicked to the faint light filtering through the window, then back to her, and another realization struck him: she must have slept through the night. He hadn’t woken to her tossing or turning, no muffled cries or sudden gasps. Just peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.

Apparently, a change in company had worked after all.

Evangeline shifted slightly against him then, nuzzling her cheek against his chest in her sleep. Sebastian froze, his entire body going rigid. His heart was pounding so loudly he was certain it would wake her, but she remained blissfully unaware, her breathing deep and even.

He should move. He should. But he couldn’t bring himself to. The thought of pulling away, of leaving the comfort of this moment, felt impossible. Instead, he let his head fall back against the pillow, his eyes drifting to the ceiling, willing his heart to slow down.

You love her. Don’t let fear keep you from something that could make you happy.

He closed his eyes briefly, the words cutting through the haze of warmth and contentment. Of course he loved her. He’d known that forever. But what, exactly, should he do about it?

Then Evangeline stirred, her fingers curling slightly against his chest, and every coherent thought evacuated his mind.

“Sebastian...?"

His eyes snapped open, and he tilted his head to look at her. "Mhm?"

Evangeline's eyes fluttered open, her gaze bleary with sleep and still soft around the edges. For a moment, she didn’t seem to realize where she was—or more importantly, where he was.

“What time is it?” she murmured, her voice hoarse with sleep.

“Too early,” Sebastian said quietly, tilting his head toward the window. “You should go back to sleep.”

Evangeline blinked at him, her gaze finally focusing as the haze of sleep began to lift. Then her eyes widened slightly, and she shifted, her cheeks flushing pink as she seemed to fully register their position.

“Oh.”

The single syllable came out in a small, breathless sound, and Sebastian felt his pulse quicken. She didn’t pull away, though; instead, she stared at him, her expression flickering between embarrassment and something he couldn’t quite place.

“You slept,” he said softly, his tone careful, almost cautious. “Through the whole night.”

Evangeline blinked again, her hand still fisted loosely in his shirt. “I did?” she asked, as if she actually needed his confirmation and couldn't put it together herself.

Sebastian nodded, his chest tightening at the way her lips parted in surprise, her brow furrowing as though she were trying to make sense of it. “No tossing or turning,” he added, his voice a little steadier now.

Evangeline’s brows knit together. “I don’t even remember falling asleep,” she murmured, almost to herself.

Sebastian smirked slightly, though the warmth in his gaze softened the teasing edge. “That’s usually how it works.”

Her lips twitched, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. But the moment was fleeting, and her expression shifted, her eyes growing serious as she looked up at him. “Sebastian... thank you.”

“For what?” he asked softly, his brow furrowing.

“For staying,” she said simply, her voice quiet but resolute. “I haven’t gotten so much sleep in…” She furrowed her brow, her lips pressing together as if she were genuinely doing the math. Finally, she exhaled softly, shaking her head. “In months, maybe."

“You’re acting like I’ve made such a sacrifice,” Sebastian teased, his voice light, though it didn’t quite mask the way his chest tightened at her admission. A lopsided grin tugging at his lips. “All I did was sleep.”

Evangeline gave him a look, her brows lifting slightly as if to say don’t downplay this.

In response, he let out a soft chuckle, shrugging one shoulder. “Okay well, I guess that makes me your new dreamless sleep potion, then. Much less groggy in the morning, too.”

Evangeline gave him a pointed look. “Yeah, well. One problem with potions is I try not to be reliant on them.”

Sebastian tilted his head. “Potions? Or me?”

“Both,” she said lightly, though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her. “I mean, what am I supposed to do? Just expect you to sleep with me every night?”

He shrugged, his grin easy despite the tightening in his chest. “Why not? Seems like a foolproof solution to me.”

Evangeline rolled her eyes, though her smile lingered. “Sebastian, we’re in two different houses. Even if you wanted to—”

“I do.”

She blinked, startled by the directness of his interruption. Her voice grew a little firmer as she pressed on. “Well you can’t exactly waltz into the Gryffindor common room and get to my dorm, now can you?”

Sebastian waved her concerns away, his grin sharpening with a mischievous glint. “That’s what the Undercroft is for.”

Evangeline’s lips parted in surprise before she let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “Sebastian, the Undercroft doesn’t have a bed.”

“Not yet,” he countered with a smirk, straightening as though the problem were already solved. “Give me an hour. Two, tops. I’ll have it sorted.”

She stared at him, her expression hovering between amusement and disbelief. “You’re not serious.”

“Oh, I’m completely serious,” he said, though his tone didn’t quite mask the faint tremor beneath his words. Logically, he knew this was a terrible idea. Sleeping next to her every night would be practically masochistic—prolonging the ache of wanting something he couldn’t have. But logic held no weight against the thought of her waking up rested, the shadows under her eyes fading, the tension in her shoulders easing.

He couldn’t stop himself. Not when it came to her.

Evangeline shook her head, letting out an exasperated laugh. “Sebastian, you can’t just transfigure a bed into the Undercroft.”

“Why not?” he shot back, his smirk widening. “It’s our space. No rules against redecorating.”

“Except the rules of common sense,” she said, crossing her arms with a raised brow.

Sebastian leaned closer, his grin softening into something warmer, more sincere. “Evie, if it helps you sleep, I’ll do whatever it takes. Bed in the Undercroft? Consider it done.”

Her smile faltered slightly at his words, her hazel eyes flickering with something he couldn’t quite place. After a beat, she sighed, shaking her head again. "Merlin, help me. Fine. I can see this isn't an argument I'm going to win.” Her smile returned, a little softer this time, her eyes filled with warmth. “But we only have a sample size of... one to prove you're an effective sleep aid. So... No promises you’ll be able to get any sleep.”

Sebastian’s mind immediately went blank. No promises you’ll be able to get any sleep—the words hung in the air between them like a soft, suggestive challenge, even though she didn't mean it that way.

It made the room feel too warm, and his thoughts too scattered. He couldn’t stop the image from flashing in his head: him, hovering over top of her in the dim light, leaning down just inches from her face, the soft weight of her breath mixing with his. He could imagine the proximity, imagine her completely bare and completely his as he pressed his lips to the sensitive skin of her neck—

“Sebastian?”

The sound of her voice snapped him out of the daydream, and he blinked rapidly. "Yeah?" he managed to croak, willing his body to stop reacting so intensely.

Evangeline was looking at him with an unreadable expression, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “You alright?”

He cleared his throat, trying to steady himself. "Yeah, just—just thinking," he said quickly. "You know, trying to decide what color sheets to get for our— the bed. In the Undercroft."

Evangeline raised an eyebrow, her expression slipping into one of bemusement. "Our bed? I’m pretty sure you haven’t even gotten past the 'preliminary planning' stage of that idea."

"Right, right," he muttered, trying to laugh it off. "One thing at a time. I’ll start with, you know, practicing the transfiguration first."

"Good idea," Evangeline said, her tone light. "Now," she rolled away from him, swinging her legs off the bed with a soft creak of the floorboards, "I think the first order of business is getting some tea in my system before I do anything else."

She stood, stretching her arms over her head, her shirt riding up just slightly to reveal a sliver of skin at the small of her back. Sebastian immediately looked away, though not fast enough to stop the heat that crept up his neck. Damn it.

"Tea sounds good," he agreed, though his voice was a little less steady than he'd intended, because she was doing it again—the thing she always did, making him feel something even when she was doing something mundane.

When her heard her puttering about in the kitchen, he let out a long, exasperated sigh, collapsing back into the sheets that still smelled far too much like her. With a frustrated groan, he threw an arm over his face.

Sebastian Sallow was completely, utterly, and irrevocably doomed.

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline Read on AO3

Gryffindor Divider Credit Support Divider Credit

36 notes · View notes