His vibrant green eyes scan the crowd as he settles behind the podium, organizing his note cards. And then they land on me. The cocky, confident Sebastian is there in full force as he winks at me before he opens his mouth to speak.

Instinctively I reach for Blaine's hand as we both wait for Sebastian's valedictorian speech to begin. I have no clue what he is going to say, I'm nervous and slightly apprehensive about it to be honest.

"Distinguished alumni, faculty, friends, families, classmates and fellow graduates, I am honored to stand here today to represent Dalton's senior class this year. For many of us, Dalton Academy has become our safe haven. A refuge from the hardships and persecution that we may have faced in our previous scholastic environments. But it is also a place that has allowed us to grow, experience things that we never would have been able to do in our respective hometowns. Be that learning new languages, discovering a love of literature, a fondness for scientific experimentation or embracing a wide variety artistic talents. Within the walls of Dalton, we are able to grow into the young men that we are destined to become."

He pauses, eyes meeting mine once more. When he picks up with his speech again his words and tone are more sincere.

"But for us, Dalton isn't just a school. Its like our own little world. I cannot speak for everyone in my class, but personally being here has changed my life in so many ways. Like classwork has grown our minds, sports have strengthened our bodies. And Dalton's prolific arts programs have enriched our souls. We have made friends here that will last a lifetime. Found ourselves, who we really are, who we want to be. Found love. Through it all, we have stood beside each other, as the boys of Dalton. One of the beauties of attending a boarding school I suppose is that you are essentially never alone even when it feels like you would prefer to be. There is always someone there to support you, cheer you on, help you out. Someone there to pick you up when you are down or to keep you humble when you desperately need it."

Blaine whispers to me as Sebastian flips to yet another note card, "Belle, he is amazing. Absolutely amazing."

I know...

"As we prepare to journey to parts unknown, embark on the next stage of our lives, lets us all remember where we came from and what helped us to become who we are. We have a saying with the Warblers, that is 'Once a Warbler, Always a Warbler'. Even if a member is only with us for a short period of time, if they leave for another school or for any other reason, they are still one of us. Forever. I would like to amend that motto today, expand it for my entire graduating class. Boys, always remember, 'Once a Dalton Boy, Always a Dalton Boy'. May we all find what we seek for our future, for our lives. Thank you."

Sebastian gathers up his notecards and leaves the stage to a round of applause. On his way back to his seat I actually catch him lifting his hand slightly and sending a small wave to me. I lift my free hand from my lap and blow him a quick kiss. My other hand is still being held securely by my cousin. The Dean of Students comes back to the stage as Blaine whispers to me again. "Shanny-pie, you really love him don't you?" I can't help the blush forming on my cheeks as I nod, whispering back. "More than anything."

I know my response may sound odd, especially given my relationship with Hunter. But Sebastian will always have my heart, regardless of where life takes me. And I am confident on just one thing, that in the future, be it tomorrow or ten years from now.  In the future I will marry that man. I know it, I can feel it deep down in my soul.

While I am lost in my own thoughts again the Dean has started calling out the names of the graduates, they are filing across the stage to accept their diplomas. Big smiles. Well mannered rich boys. Whose families are eagerly watching them. I listen and cheer on my friends, so proud of their achievements. Their accomplishments.

Although it does make me sad, because I know this marks the beginning of the end. Nothing will ever be the same after this. We will all be scattered about like petals on the wind.

But still I listen and watch. Taking a few photos for later as well. Paying attention for the name of the boys that I know.

Hunter James Clarington

Nicholas Jackson Duval

Thaddeus Alexander Harwood

Wesley John Montgomery

Trenton Anthony Nixon

Sebastian Axle Smythe

Blaine's voice whispers into my ear, voice laced with amusement, "Did you know his middle name was Axle??" I nod in response, small smile on my face, eyes never leaving the boys on stage. Trying to pay attention to them.

Jeffrey Xavier Sterling

David Michael Thompson

My eyes follow both Sebastian and Hunter from their seats to the stage and back. Heart swelling as I see how proud they both are right now. We did it, we are all officially high school graduates. But now our lives are due to get so much more complicated because of our rather interesting romantic entanglements.

"Congratulations gentlemen. I present to all of you this year's graduating class of Dalton Academy."

The boys erupt in jubilant cheers as those in the crowd applaud.  Everyone is dismissed and Blaine pulls me back to my feet.  We left my bag in the car, I had planned on getting it later.  I'm pretty sure Blaine might be crashing in Trent's room or something so it's not like he is leaving me any time soon.

Hand in hand we begin to approach some of our friends but they all seem to be wrapped up with their families.  Nick spots us first.  Waving us over to where he is standing with Jeff and both of their families.  A cheery faced older brunette woman turns to us with a smile.  Her voice has a lovely southern Texas lilt to it when she speaks.  "Well as I live and breathe, is that you, Blaine Anderson?"

Blaine pulls me closer to the group, "Hello again Mrs Duval, Mrs Sterling.  How have you both been?  I'm sorry I couldn't graduate with these boys.  But we figured we would come see both of them since they were kind enough to journey to Lima to watch our ceremony yesterday."

The blond woman who could only be Jeff's mother turns to Nick's mother, gesturing to us. "Gretchen, could this lovely girl be our darling Blaine's girlfriend?" Blaine and Nick give off little laughs at that, I just cock my head to the side, somewhat confused. Jeff comes to his mother's rescue, gently correcting her faux pas. "Mom we discussed this with you before. This is Blaine's cousin, the one that moved from Pittsburgh." Recollection crosses her face, "Oh yes, now I remember. Shannon, right?"

I nod, mumbling back a soft yes ma'am.

Nicky's mother pulls me in for a hug, holding me at arms length afterwards. "My Darling Nicky, you were right. She is absolutely gorgeous. Dear, don't you look so cute in your little navy dress. Matching our boys, how precious is that...  And my goodness, Penny would you look at that ring!!" Jeff's mother comes closer to examine my engagement ring, pale blue eyes glittering when she looks up at me again. "That is most definitely a beautiful ring young lady. Who is the lucky guy?"

Before I can respond a male voice answers from behind me.  "That would be me.  She IS right though, I am a very lucky guy to have you, Pretty Girl."

I blush as Sebastian comes up behind Blaine and I, wrapping his arms around my waist. "It's lovely seeing you both again Penelope and Gretchen."  Sebastian is so suave and debonair.  Both Nick and Jeff's mothers blush, giggling under his attention.  It is Nick's mother who responds though.  "Congratulations to you, Sebastian dear.  Your valedictorian speech was absolutely magnificent."

"Thank you.  I am so honored.  But if you would excuse me, I need to steal this beauty away.  Love, my parents are dying to see you again."

I nod and murmur my goodbyes to the group in front of me.  Sebastian releases his grip on my waist, instead taking my hand.  He extends his other hand and kisses the hands of both Nick and Jeff's mother in a goodbye. Once again it is Nicky's mother who responds. "Mr Smythe, your parents should be pleased with your manners. You treat that young lady right Sebastian. She is so adorable that there must be men lined up to be with her."

Sebastian chuckles as we turn to walk away. "Don't I know it ladies. It was a pleasure as always. And boys, we'll see you later." With that he moves us away from the group. But not before I hear Jeff murmuring to Nick as their mothers start talking to each other again.

If all of this falls through with Sebastian and Hunter, we can volunteer as tribute. Get back our Mrs Sterling-Duval again.

Before I can hear Nick's response we are already out of earshot.

Sebastian is gently steering me through the crowd and soon we are standing behind a very familiar looking couple. His eyes flicker to mine quickly before he addresses them.  "Father, Maman, we are back."  Sebastian's parents turn around to face us.  His father with a small smile on his face, still looking quite stern though.  But his mother, she is very much like him when she smiles.  Her whole face lights up.  Green eyes twinkling playfully.

"Sebastián, mon bébé chéri. Bonjour, ma belle fille. Je suis fier de vous tous les deux."

Sebastian smiles so wide as he answers his mother in French.  "Merci maman. Je suis d'accord, elle est magnifique. Juste magnifique."

My brow is furrowed as I try to translate their interaction in my head.  I think I have it but I'm not certain, so my voice comes out in a questioning tone.  "You guys are proud of us?"

"Oui ma chérie."

Sebastian chuckles as he kisses my temple.  "I am immensely proud of her as well.  She graduated third in her class yesterday.  And got accepted into a prestigious theatre arts program at UCLA."  His father screws up his face at that, looking slightly impressed.  "UCLA, aye.  Son they have a fantastic law school.  I'm surprised you didn't choose there over Columbia.  But well done child, well done."  I'm blushing at this unexpected praise.  Lowering my gaze, I peer through my lashes as I whisper forth a soft thank you.

Sebastian mother reaches forward to grab my hands as he moves behind me, wrapping his arms protectively around my waist again.  Her voice has that wonderful French accent as she begins to speak to us again, in English this time.  "Shannon, darling, we were saddened that you would not be in New York with Sebastián. But he is helping you get to California, no?"  I nod and smile, sneaking a quick glance up at Sebastian.  He winks at me before turning his own gaze back to his parents.  "It was a very difficult decision to make in all honesty.  The offer from UCLA just ended up being too good to pass up.  But yes, Mrs Smythe, Maddie, Sebby is driving out with me.  Although I'm not sure I'm going to be able to let him leave at the end of summer."

Sebastian chuckles as he squeezes me gently around my waist.  His father even looks pleased at seeing how we are reacting.  His mother pats my hand and releases her grip on them as he responds.  "I plan on trying to renegotiate her stay in California.  Because there is no way I can be away from her for that long."  Mr Smythe looks contemplative for a bit and then finally I see a smile grace his features, so much like the look Sebastian gets when he is up to something.  "Son, if need be I can help you arrange something."

I'm just floored.  These Smythes, man....

But then the spell is broken.  His dad checks his watch and that smiles becomes a frown again.  "Unfortunately we must go.  I've got some pressing things to attend to with a case, a client was expecting a call from me."  Sebastian just murmurs a small sound of agreement as his mother rushes forward, pulling us both into hugs, kissing each of our cheeks.  "Bastián, please bring Shannon around for dinner soon.  Take care mes bébés, we are so proud of you both."

And then they are gone, walking back through the crowds.  Sebastian spins me around in his arms, lifting my own arms up so they drape around his neck.  His voice is low, sensual, "So we are alone again Princess.  What do you say we get away from everyone and celebrate on our own in my dorm room.  Get a few more rounds of fun in there while we can.  Before people start looking for us..."

No words can describe how I want to respond, so instead I pop up on my toes and capture his lips with my own.  I only intend for the kiss to be quick but Sebastian moves one of his hands from my back, up my waist to cradle the back of my head, quickly deepening our kiss.  I can hear the whispers from students and adults alike as we stand here kissing.  Reluctantly I pull back, dropping my feet fully back to the ground.

Sebastian gives off the cutest little whine, pout on his face.  His green eyes, deliciously dark now, widen in a hurt expression.  "Love, why did you stop??"  I motion subtly around, "Seb, everyone is watching."  Immediately his hands reach up and unwind my arms from around his neck, reaching for my hand instead.  "Right, we wouldn't want to make anyone jealous.  So to my room??"  I just shake my head, trying to suppress a giggle.  "I suppose, but we need to get my bag from the car first."  He nods and we walk hand in hand to the parking lot.

Before I know it we are at my car, Sebastian lifting my bag out of the car without me even asking him to.  We are walking together back towards the building when a voice reaches my ears, sounding completely out of breath.

"Angel!!!!!!!"

Hunter appears out of no where, having raced out of the gates towards the parked cars.  Sebastian gives off a groan of displeasure, turning to look at him.  I can hear the irritation in his voice as he speaks.  "Clarington, what do you want now?! Can't you see she's busy??"

Bas...

Sebastian turns to me, rolling his eyes.  "You cannot be serious right now Shannon."  I shake my head, pulling my hand out of his grasp.  I place it gently on his arm instead.  His gaze softens some, but he still puts on a rather large pout.  "Sebby, its okay.  Let me just see what he wants.  I'll be quick, I promise.  Then I'm all yours."  He emits another sigh.

Fine.  But I don't like this at all.

I kiss him quickly on the cheek and then take a few steps away, walking closer to Hunter.  He is smiling broadly, "Angel, come on.  I wanted you to meet a few people."  I glance over my shoulder, Sebastian is still standing there with my bag over his shoulder, frown on his face.  I give him a small wave and he smiles back, a small wary smile.  I mouth to him I'll meet you at your room.  Promise.   He nods at me, and then walks towards the building.

Hunter comes beside me, placing a hand on the small of my back, ushering me in the direction he wanted me to go in.  We walk past where Jeff and Nick still are, with their mothers and Blaine.  I can feel their confused eyes on me already as we pass by.  Hunter seems to be steering me back to where the seats were set up on the lawn.

And sure enough, seated in two of the chairs are the couple I spotted earlier.  The blonde woman and the man in the military uniform.  Hunter pauses once we reach them, turning two of the chairs around so that we can sit facing them.  He gestures for me to sit in the first chair and then comes to sit down next to me in the other one.

Reaching forth he turns his hand up to mine and I slip mine into his.  Interlacing our fingers.

Our eyes meet in that split second, he smiles sweetly before turning to his parents.  "Mother, General, this is the girl I told you about.  This is my Shannon, who is coming with me to California."

(A/N:  And that my children is the end of my tale.  I love you all.  And I'm sorry.  ❤️ Shannon)