frenchroyalseb

[frenchroyalseb]

Sebastian shrugged at the friends with benefit comment, "hey, you said it, not me." As thought it hadn't been exactly what he had been suggesting. They were virtually the same height, so when Patrick stepped up to him they were at eye level and Sebastian's which meant he doubted the Duke would miss the quick flick of Sebastian's gaze to Patrick's lips, then back up again. He hadn't wanted to suggest anything overly planned to Patrick, but he certainly wasn't going to say no to the idea of his summer break maybe getting a little more interesting. "I was thinking of going to Thailand over the summer... maybe I'll text you the details and if you happen to show up, it wouldn't be the worst thing. Une heureuse coïncidence, non?"

The Wrong Date? || Sebtrick (September 2023)

[frenchroyalseb]

Sebastian hummed when Patrick mentioned the last time they were in a room like this. There was a sense of de ja vu, but a lot had changed since then. The last time they had been drunk, and it was heated, angry. There had still been an intense dislike between the two of them, whereas now Sebastian would dare to say they had become somewhat friends. "Mmm well. I suppose we definitely got some stress out that night doing other things, huh?" He sighed, pushing himself off from where he'd been sitting, "I would normally say fuck it, but I do actually care about the cause so we probably should."

He turned to walk to the door, then stopped, looking over at Patrick. "You know, if you did want to blow off some steam later... after we've successfully given your grandfather a heart attack with raising money for 'the gays'," he said with air quotes, rolling his eyes, "we could make hooking up a regular thing. Not like that," he said quickly. "But if we're in the same place and we're both horny," he shrugged, "at least I can trust you to be discrete and nothing will end up in the papers. And we know the sex is great, why deny it?"

The Wrong Date? || Sebtrick (September 2023)

[frenchroyalseb]

Sebastian didn't answer right away, instead he took in Patrick's mannerisms and how he set the bottle aside instead of taking a drink. "I don't think you're a coward, Patrick." He finally said, shrugging. "though I think you're well within your right to tell your grandfather to fuck off and to fuck and marry whoever you want, I also think you and I live lives the public will never understand, and that involves centuries of tradition and pressure. You think if my oldest brother was gay, my father would have been so accepting? Of course not. He's first in line for the throne, and he has to marry a good standing woman and create heirs. I'm the spare's spare so I think my father doesn't really care as much because by the time my oldest brother, and then my second oldest brother have kids I'll be like way down the heir chain." He reached over and grabbed the bottle, taking a swig before putting it aside again. "But I know that also means I am lucky to be the third born."

The Wrong Date? || Sebtrick (September 2023)

[frenchroyalseb]

Sebastian watched as Patrick stride across the room, his demeanour obvious, so he held the bottle out for him to take without a word, watching as he took a long drink. He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms as Patrick sat on top of the counter and shrugged. "I think it's going well. Honestly, I didn't really check but nobody seemed to be clutching their pearls too tightly. I don't really care what my Dad says about making it a show, not using crown money etc etc. If it doesn't do well I'll invest my own money into it, so it's happening regardless. Maybe we can offered your grandfather a tour after they're built - might be lucky enough to give him a heart attack." He paused, after he said that, "sorry - I suppose I shouldn't say that. He's still your grandfather but he really seems like a dick." He pushed himself off of the wall, walking over to Patrick and taking the bottle to have a drink, before passing it back to the other man.

The Wrong Date? || Sebtrick (September 2023)

[frenchroyalseb]

Sebastian took the champagne from Patrick and gave a soft hum at his words, "yeah - but they'd never let us use crown money for that. It's all about building an image of charity. Giving it away quietly and there's no big shiny ribbon to cut." He shrugged, then muttered, "toujours une performance à réaliser." They didn't get to elaborate on that though, since Patrick was effectively summoned to go speak to his grandfather, nodding in response to Patrick's shrug as he watched him leave.

He sipped on his drink, watching Patrick speak to his grandfather on the other side of the room, in a corner of course, not to be overhead, but still not completely hidden from the rest of the room. He doubted The Duke would want it to look like they had something to hide or give people a reason to talk. He had been so focused on watching Patrick, that he didn't even notice Jeff come up beside him. "Nice speech," Jeff said, causing Sebastian to jump and look at him, "I'm sure you had all these rich folks pulling out their wallets." "Some of them," Sebastian agreed mildly, "I'm sure the others were offended we'd even ask them to donate to such a cause and have already left." "Ah well. Good riddance."

Jeff followed Sebastian's gaze, just enough time to see Patrick's grandfather leaving Patrick there, and then Patrick storming off. "You're about to leave me here, again, aren't you." Sebastian looked at Jeff, having at least the grace to look a little guilty at that, "sorry? But yeah, I have to go check he's alright. You'll be okay, yeah?" "Yeah, yeah. I'll be fine. Go." "Thanks," Sebastian nodded, downing the rest of his champagne and setting the glass aside. When the bartender was looking the other way, he quickly swiped a bottle, and headed in the direction Patrick had left.

It took him a little bit to find him, glancing in the empty rooms until he found him. "Hey," he said, walking into the room and shutting the door behind him. He could see Patrick was pissed and it was probably 50/50 if the other man told him to effectively get the fuck out and leave him alone. "I stole some champagne if you want to drown whatever that conversation was away with alcohol - although is it still stealing if we paid for it to begin with?" There was already hits of de ja vu - of them in a room, sharing a bottle of champagne at a gala. He wondered if it would end the same way too (though he was sure this time it would be Patrick fucking him because of the two of them, he definitely needed the outlet).

The Wrong Date? || Sebtrick (September 2023)

[frenchroyalseb]

Sebastian listened to Patrick speak, but also monitored the crowd for their reactions. Even though he did believe society was changing, it was still difficult to imagine how those in the upper echelons would react to such a project. Their previous project had been focused on providing opportunities to lower income students in both Spain and France, though it was not demographic specific. Whilst this was, he hoped the support was still there.

When Patrick stepped aside he nodded, and stepped up to the microphone again to wrap it up. "All proceeds from tonight go towards bringing this project to light, including your entry tickets. There are also several donation points throughout the room where you can donate via your phone or a card, but here you can also find out more information on our proposed shelters, and the benefits they will bring to not only those residing in the shelters, but the local communities they exist in. We will also have an auction later in the evening as you all know. As Patrick said, we both ask for your help to make this project a reality. Thank you."

He looked at Patrick and then the two of them left the stage to mostly a smattering of applause, which he hoped was a good sign for the money they could raise tonight. "Do you think your grandfather survived that?" Sebastian asked Patrick in a low voice, so only he would hear him, as they exited the stage.

The Wrong Date? || Sebtrick (September 2023)

[frenchroyalseb]

Sebastian had to resist rolling his eyes at the hush that came over the room when their names were announced. He knew that these people would be the reason their project happened, that the money donated was needed to make sure the shelters would be able to exist. But he also knew they were here so they could say they met royalty, or for a tax write-off. Or both, probably.

He laughed when Patrick made a comment about it being a mouthful, then quipped "I can think of a mouthful I'd prefer," under his breath so only Patrick could hear him. He raised his hand, waving and sending poised smiles at the photographers because he wasn't about to let an unflattering photo of him end up online. He knew exactly how to walk, wave and talk in a way that resulted in good photos.

Sebastian resisted giving Patrick a look when he gestured him towards the microphone. Honestly, how did he manage to draw the short straw with Patrick greeting the guests, and him telling them about the project. Still, he stepped up the microphone, gracious and poised as always. "Merci, Patrick."

"As you know, our first project together brought opportunities to students across France and Spain, to travel and experience life in another country. Patrick and I love our countries and communities, something that might have been a point of animosity to each in our younger years." A soft chuckle rippled through the crowd. "We wanted others to experience them as well. Opportunities these students would likely not have had without your support, of which Patrick and I are very grateful for. The start of this second project will not impact those who will continue to benefit from that program.

"But there is another community that we both care deeply for," Sebastian continued, "and we hope that you too will support and care for this cause as you have our other. So tonight, Patrick and I are announcing the pilot program for LGBT shelters, helping those who are unable to stay safe at home due to their gender or sexual orientation. We will be opening up one location in France, and one in Spain, and working with the relevant experts in the fields to ensure the shelters are inclusive, safe and nurturing for those staying there." He looked at Patrick, for him to add more.

The Wrong Date? || Sebtrick (September 2023)

[frenchroyalseb]

Sebastian had never really thought about that - the pressure of being the only male heir in a family. He had two older brothers so he was often thought of as the spare to the spare - and he would only be pushed further down the line when his older brother had children. There had never been any pressure on him from family members to carry on the name or the genes - of course there was still some general disappointment when they'd found out he was gay, but it wasn't this potentially ending of a royal line type situation. "Surely they can't strip you of any titles while you're alive, no?" He thought about those who fathered children late in life and while he obviously didn't suspect Patrick to do that, the genetic possibility would remain.

He laughed when Patrick said they could rip off the bandage now, "you make it sound like what we're announcing is horrid. Comme une sorte de cauchemar. Kidnapping all the guests," he gave Patrick an amused look, then downed his drink in one, "but yes. I think if most of the guests are here we are best to announce it now so we can open the donations up and get the fundraising going. Since that's why we're here, right?"

The Wrong Date? || Sebtrick (September 2023)

[frenchroyalseb]

Uh-huh. We'll see ;)

Is that right? I'd put a line in calling you 'Your Royal Highness' though.

[frenchroyalseb]

Sebastian couldn't help but chuckle when Patrick said Jeff would maybe have his shot, then held up his hands in surrender when Jeff glared at him, "sorry. You're not completely hopeless but like, c'mon. She's a model. And you're..." "Rich and friends with princes?" Sebastian stared at Jeff then laughed, "fair enough, bonne chance." Jeff, seemingly satisfied with Sebastian's answer, turned back to Patrick, "Of course. I'm always discreet." Jeff looked over at Patrick's date, sipping his drink and Sebastian turned back to Patrick.

"Have you told your grandfather what we're even announcing tonight?" This time Sebastian spoke low, so only Patrick could hear him. Their first project had focused on under privileged youth, providing a scholarship for study across their two countries. But this next project was to provide shelters for LGBTQ youth, something they were announcing tonight. It wasn't public knowledge yet. "If he's making you bring a woman because he somehow wants to cover up the public fact you're gay... how is he going to react tonight to that news? Or are you going to get disowned?"

The Wrong Date? || Sebtrick (September 2023)

[frenchroyalseb]

Please, you'd like me pulling rank.

I'm offended by that. You know I always ask nice. Or are you going to pull rank on me because you're a crowned Prince?

[frenchroyalseb]

Sebastian's gaze followed where Patrick was pointing, raising his eyebrow when he saw who he was pointing at. Sebastian had been sure Patrick's date would be a man given that Patrick was, as far as Sebastian knew, gay. And he'd assumed that would mean Patrick would be off limits for a hook up in one of the empty rooms. Before he could ask Patrick the other man got in before he could. "C'est intéressant... did he not think that people would then speak and wonder why your date is a woman... you being gay is hardly a secret." Jeff was watching Patrick's date too, posing for the cameras, before he turned to both Sebastian and Patrick, "so... if you're gay and she's not really your date, is she single? Cause she's hot. And I'm already feeling like a third wheel." Sebastian rolled his eyes, giving Jeff's shoulder a shove.

The Wrong Date? || Sebtrick (September 2023)

[frenchroyalseb]

Depends on how nice you ask.

What that would get me anyway?

[frenchroyalseb]

Sebastian and Jeff made their way through the crowd of people, only getting stopped a couple of times. Sebastian made polite, but brief conversation, thanking them for coming, before moving on. "You think they'd wait until after I have a drink to talk to me," he muttered to Jeff so only he would hear him, "suck ups." As they got closed to the bar, he noticed Patrick there, leaning against it and looking unfairly attractive in his burgundy suit. He couldn't help but notice he appeared alone, and wondered where this so called date was. A cockblocker, whoever he was, if anybody was asking Sebastian's opinion on the matter.

Still, he couldn't help but return Patrick's easy smile when the other man saw him, rolling his eyes at his comment, "I think it would be a rather bad look if I didn't, hmm guapo?" He'd taken to calling Patrick that, knowing it annoyed the man to no end to hear him say it with his French accent. Jeff looked at Sebastian a raised grin as if to say 'why did you dislike him before?' and took Patrick's hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Jeff. Sebasian heard you had a date so he asked me to come so he didn't look so sad and alone." "Jeff! I ... did not. Espèce de salaud." He raised his hand, getting the bartender's attention, and he and Jeff ordered their drinks. "Where is this date of yours anyway? Hiding from all the cameras in the men's room?" He tsked.

The Wrong Date? || Sebtrick (September 2023)

[frenchroyalseb]

Only if you ask nicely ;)

Bite me.

[frenchroyalseb]

Sebastian and Jeff chatted in the limo on the way to the event, and Sebastian found he was glad he invited him. Obviously there wasn't anything between them, Jeff being straight (despite, as he would said, some youthful experimentation that never went beyond a couple of blowjobs) and Sebastian not actually being interested. But Jeff was a good friend, and an even better drinking buddy, so Sebastian was at least relieved he didn't have to put up a face with anybody, especially if he and Patrick couldn't make a strategic exit with the other man probably entertaining an actual date.

When they reached the venue, they got out, waving to the cameras, and answering a few questions from the reporters. Simple stuff, like how important this night was, who he brought, that kind of thing. He knew these events were important for raising money, but if Patrick and him weren't who they were, nobody would care. But at least they could use their positions for could and help some people along the way.

When they walked in and Sebastian saw the reaction, he had to stop himself from wincing or rolling his eyes, or both. Instead he just gave a polite wave and nod to the crowd, knowing there would be plenty of time later to make a speech and thank people, encourage them to donate or whatever else would be needed. "C'mon, let's get a drink. I need it to get through this." He muttered to Jeff, nodding over to the bar, knowing it would take them awhile to get over there with people stopping him along the way.

The Wrong Date? || Sebtrick (September 2023)

[frenchroyalseb]

And don't worry, I won't tell anybody how much you clearly need glasses.

Don't worry. I won't tell anyone you have the biggest puppy eyes ever known to man.