A/N: This is a fanfic based on the characters in the CW series Reign.. but this fic is based in the modern day U.S. and my characters are not royalty. Reign is very much worth watching if you love angsty romance, with a twist of royalty and the power struggles in the French court, and while it isn't historically accurate it's still good stuff. (Must be right? because it inspired me to leave my Twilight safe zone and start writing another story?)

Disclaimer: I have no ownership over anything Reign-affiliated.

Mary's P.O.V.

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Breathe in, breathe out. Don't panic. It's just parents. How deadly can parents be?

"Mary! Come on, I can't wait for you to meet them!" Francis was questioning her pause at the doorway of his obnoxiously large house. His blue eyes were smiling and he ran a hand through his blonde curls while a thought flashed over his face. "Relax love, you do not have to worry."

Mary Stuart knew better. She had heard stories of how intimidating his mother was. She was not Francis' first love and she had heard the stories about the other young girls who had tried and failed at winning the approval of the infamous Catherine. The gossipy halls of her private school were full of the tales.

Catherine DeMedici was known as being cold but cordial, familiar but unfriendly. She was a politician's wife, but in actuality she was the whispering influence behind many of the decisions he made. She did more than support him as a lovely wife; she was an advisor and a lobbyist. Some wondered if Senator Henry DeMedici trusted his wife too much. She was rumored to be very scattered with her loyalty.

"I'm just nervous Francis, and you can't very well blame me." She hated how her voice cracked as she defended herself. She caught her breath and was about to continue that train of thought when he grabbed her hand and pulled her over the threshold before she could resist further.

"They will adore you. And even if they didn't, it wouldn't change anything. I'm yours." Francis leaned in as if to kiss her and she quickly ducked away, mortified when she thought of being found in that position by his parents.

"Hello!" rang a voice from another room somewhere. "Francis is that you?"

She doesn't sound unfriendly. She sounds.. well she sounds like a mother.

As they made their way into what could only be described as an old fashioned parlor, Mary was struck by the thought that she was basically visiting local royalty. It was intimidating to say the least.

"Mother, this is Mary Stuart, the girl I've been telling you about." Francis was smiling and it was contagious to his mother. "Mary, this is my mom."

"Pleased to meet you Mrs. DeMedici." Mary shook her hand as firmly as she could muster and tried to look the woman in the eye. A seventeen year old girl tends to lack the boldness that a middle aged woman of powerful position does though, and the elder waited a moment for her visitor's nervousness to peak before replying.

"The pleasure is all mine dear, I've heard so much about you. Francis seems quite taken up." She squeezed her hand a bit tighter. "But please, call me Catherine."

She gestured to the sofa and they both sat. "My husband should be joining us shortly. I'm sure he'll appreciate the chance to become acquainted to one of Francis's friends."

Her choice of wording was not lost on Mary, but she knew that she was currently the only love interest in Francis' life so she wasn't worried. They had been inseparable as of late, much to the disappointment of the other girls at school.

"I'm honored to meet Senator DeMedici. I know my parents were avid supporters in his last campaign, and they were very impressed with his character." She tried to steady herself. It wasn't Mary's first encounter with important people. Her parents were, after all, running in similar treacherous social circles themselves.

As if on key, the senator presented himself from what appeared to be a kitchen, while still on his cell phone as he gestured for Mary to hold on for a moment, as if she had intended to go anywhere at all.

He murmured a few more sentiments into the phone and hung up.

"Mary Stuart, is it? Your father is James?" He stretched towards her in a way that was not unfriendly, but very impersonal to shake her hand. "I'm Henry, I've known, or at the very least been acquainted with your parents for quite some time. Impressive work they've been doing in the way of philanthropy as of late."

The senator was definitely stiff, but she didn't dislike him. Her parents honestly had seemed impressed but then again, what did their opinion truly matter? They were hardly present in Mary's life so it was a mere formality to place value on their thoughts.

Before Mary could say much of anything in reply, Henry had released her hand and was turning to his wife where Francis stood behind her. "That was Sebastian. He'll be here over the weekend as his semester is ending. Of course we'll have to have a dinner in celebration. Clear your schedules?"

He said it with command but Mary somehow knew that if Catherine did oblige him, it wouldn't be because of his authority.

"Of course." His wife echoed. "Sebastian is the Senator's other son. He is in college now, but visits on occasion. We'd be happy to have you join us Saturday for dinner Mary?" She stood as she conveyed that their visit was over.

Mary nodded and replied "I'd like that." grateful that an end to this introduction was in sight.

She said her goodbyes and lunged for the door just as Francis wrapped an arm around her waist to unnecessarily guide her out. Standing on the grand front porch he quickly used that arm to pull her close. With the look of a romantic seventeen-year old he whispered to her while holding her there. "I told you it would be fine."

"They don't like me." She tried to focus. She could barely handle her own hormones, let alone throwing his into the mix.

"They don't like anyone. But they definitely hate you less than any others." He was smirking and his thumb was rubbing circles into her back. "Just think, you're going to come to family dinner with my illegitimate brother this weekend. She can't possibly hate you; she'll be too busy hating him."

They had spoken about Sebastian before, how he was the product of an earlier relationship but that the Senator favored him in spite of Catherine's complaints. Francis loved his half brother and they got along quite well. Mary had yet to meet him but from what Francis had told her, Bash as he was called, was one family member that Mary did not fear.

"I have to go." She said, smiling a little at him. "You know that I'm not going to just make out with you on a front porch for all to see."

He smirked and pulled her body tight against his. "Well you know that I'd at least give it a good try."

She kissed him lightly on the cheek and slipped away, with her cheeks blushing pinkly. "Goodbye Francis. I'll see you tomorrow."

She walked evenly paced down the sidewalk where her car and driver were waiting.

A few days later she found herself again, standing on the porch of Francis's home only this time she hadn't even rang the bell when she lost her nerve.

Good grief, this is pathetic. How can you date the boy if you can't even look his mother in the eye without fearing that she's going to..

The door swung open out of nowhere. A tall, broad shouldered young man looked at her with intense blue eyes that seemed to pierce through her core. "I saw you through the window. Were you just going to hover here, or were you considering joining us inside the house?" A smile formed at his lips as he seemed to realize her state of nerves. "Or shall we bring dinner outside and join you on the porch if you'd rather?"

Part of Mary wanted to dig a hole somewhere and never come out of it. She was so embarrassed at being found on the porch in such a fashion. The feistier part of her wanted to slap him for his teasing.

"I'm just enjoying the nice day before coming in to whatever this dinner may hold for me." She retorted.

His smile turned into a grin. "And here I thought my baby brother's girlfriend would be excited to meet me, and instead she's dreading it? Who wouldn't want to come to dinner at a senator's mansion? It's gourmet food and lovely company."

He seemed to remember his manners suddenly. "I'm Bash by the way." He extended his hand to take hers and she did likewise.

"And I am Mary." She looked at him and thought to herself that while Francis had described Bash as being in good fortune when it came to the dating scene, he had not given proper detail to him. Everything else seemed to fall away when she looked at him and he didn't seem to mind.

As if he had just been waiting for her to complete her thought, he finally gave her hand, that she had left in his for much longer than she had ever intended, a slight squeeze. "Will you come in Mary?"

She nodded. She felt flushed all of a sudden but his presence calmed her, and she couldn't help compare the rush that Francis had exhibited over her hesitations during the first visit compared to the patient if awkward hand holding that Bash had just tolerated. It was as if he knew to let her work her fears out before pressing her on.

"They are all on the back deck. It's this way." She felt his hand lightly on her elbow when she tried to turn into the wrong hallway. "I know, it's ridiculous to try and navigate this place." He explained in an apologetic tone.

All of a sudden standing there in the living room she could see out through the glass doors to where Henry, Catherine, and Francis were gathered, along with a few other dinner guests and she started to feel queasy.

"I need to.. can I.." She couldn't come up with words but she was trying to ask if she could just disappear to another planet.

"Oh of course. It's this way." Bash once again took led her back to a hallway, which she followed bewildered. "That's what you were going to ask right? Where the bathroom is?" His eyes seemed to understand so she just nodded.

After splashing some cool water on her face and giving herself a pep talk in the mirror she straightened her mid length blue dress and came back out into the hall but stopped short when she realized he had waited there for her. Her breath caught and she spent a second trying to decide if he just didn't trust her not to run away.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to be a nuisance, I just wanted to make sure you were okay." He stepped forward from where he had been leaning against the wall. "You are not alone here you know? I understand what it feels like. I'm not always here, but.. well you are not alone." And with that they walked out onto the patio as if she had just arrived.

It was fascinating to watch Francis and Bash interact. The elder boy was twenty years old and he clearly had a soft spot for his less mature brother. He teased him a bit about Mary, as brothers do, but he was very respectful. Francis was just so thrilled to introduce Mary to Bash that it was impossible for her not to be excited as well. His parents joined in the conversation over dinner but most of it was just small talk and very little was directed towards Mary besides a few inquiries as to how Mary's parents were doing.

When the meal was complete and the caterers had cleared the table the adults sat with their wine and discussed things like budgets and appeals. It seemed to Francis like the perfect opportunity to slip away, so he excused the two of them and they wandered off through the flower gardens under a shining moon. It was like something from a fairy tale.

Holding hands they talked about their families and their friends. Stopping under a gazebo Francis smiled at her. "Mary, you survived dinner. And you survived Bash, which is not always easy."

"He seems very nice." She replied. "Why wouldn't I have survived him?"

Francis laughed a bit and explained that Sebastian had a habit of being broody and that girls seemed to either love or hate him. Mary leaned back against a gazebo pole and listened to Francis tell stories of how even as children, he and Bash were friends. Catherine never welcomed Bash, but it didn't seem to matter. Henry and Francis had loved him.

"If you could have had him as a big brother, you would have considered yourself fortunate on so many levels." Francis had leaned in at this point, with his hand on the post above Mary's head. "He is a truly good person, which is amazing considering this family. But enough about how great Bash is, let's talk about how amazing you look in this dress."

"Oh Francis. I just survived what I feared would be a traumatic experience, and you're being fresh." Mary scolded him, but it was weak at best. "But thank you. I struggled over what to wear. I'm glad for your approval." She smiled, her eyelashes batting over her big brown eyes.

"Oh I definitely approve. But you're beautiful, so I don't see how I would ever disapprove of anything you wear." Francis had a smile that was irresistible. He leaned in and his lips brushed over hers, ever so gently. "I'm so grateful to have met you. You've changed me Mary. Be my girlfriend?"

She flushed with warmth as she looked into his crystal blue eyes. "I feel the same Francis." With that she lifted her chin and kissed the first boy she had ever loved.

The next day Francis phoned and said that Bash had offered to drive down to the shore, which wasn't a huge treat since it truly was only a short trip, but the idea of being without their chauffeurs was certainly appealing. Mary quickly packed a bag with beach gear and left word with the staff that she would be gone for the day.

The car that pulled into the drive was a beautiful baby blue convertible which she could only guess was restored to the beauty it had originally had fifty years prior. She couldn't help but notice that it matched Bash's eye color perfectly. After he parked, both boys came to the door, although Sebastian hung back a step.

"Hello Francis! Hello Bash!" her laughter was musical as Francis swung her around in an embrace.

"Good Morning Mary, is this your bag?" Bash was reaching for the beach tote that she had set in the foyer. She nodded. "Well then let me get that for you." He said with a smile and a wink.

She and Francis followed him out and she was surprised when Francis climbed in the back seat of the convertible next to her, leaving the passenger seat empty in the front. Her raised eyebrows caught Bash's eye in the rearview mirror and she gasped out loud when he said "Well, you know I'm just the bastard son right? So it's just easier if Francis pretends I'm the driver rather than be seen with me." Her head swiveled to look at Francis who was busy fidgeting with his cell phone. When her eyes drifted back to Bash's mirror his eyes were smiling and he winked at her.

"Loverboy just wanted to sit with you. Don't worry, I have no intentions of being lonely. I'm picking up a friend in a moment."

Mary glared at him, trying very hard to be stern. "Ha. Ha. Aren't you hilarious?"

"Well I do have my moments, but the bastard jokes never get old." Bash was laughing as he pulled into a driveway just a few miles from her house. "This is my friend Sarah's house."

Sarah was a red head, with a sparkling smile and a curvy body. Mary learned that Sarah was also home from college on break and she and Bash were old acquaintances. She didn't dare to inquire of the nature of their relationship but her imagination ran wild. Sarah seemed like the kind of girl who could tame Sebastian DeMedici.

The drive to the shore was a beautiful one. It was a warm day, even for the end of May, and the sun was shining. With Francis' hand in hers and the wind in her hair Mary felt like a typical teenager as opposed to the constantly babysat child of celebrities.

The beach was fairly quiet for a Sunday so they were able to find a great spot to lay out blankets and coolers. Francis immediately headed out to catch some waves. Sarah wasted no time stripping off her clothes and the bikini she wore underneath left little to the imagination.

Mary blushed on her behalf. She couldn't help but feel the difference between her own girlish figure and the woman that stood before her. It almost made her wish she hadn't come, but she was grateful that Francis barely gave Sarah a second look before heading to the water.

Sebastian on the other hand, was enjoying the show. By the time he pulled his eyes away from her she was dipping her toes in the water, and bending over to pick up a shell so that she could be sure he hadn't missed exactly how well her bikini bottom fit her.

Mary hadn't realized that her jaw was dropped until Bash looked at her and chuckled, saying "I like her for her brains."

Mary was suddenly embarrassed and retorted "Well I surely can't follow that performance." She flopped down on her towel.

Bash frowned a little, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I'm just saying that I can't compete with those curves." She was flustered and she couldn't believe that she was saying these things out loud, and for no good reason.

He sat down on the towel next to hers and they watched the surfer and the shell collector together for a few minutes in silence. Finally he turned to look at her.

"It's not a competition you know? So does this mean you're not going to put a bathing suit on just because there's a less modest girl here today? Because you're going to end up with some pretty strange tan lines soon." He was smiling but not in a mean way.

"No." she moped. "But not while you're watching."

He laughed out loud. "You realize that the only thing Sarah has on you is age right?"

She huffed. "She's got a few other things too."

"Like me?" He smirked. "And here I thought you were self-conscious. You're just wishing you had ended up with the other brother right?" He teased her, flexing his bicep.

She narrowed her eyes at him. "That's definitely not it! I am VERY content with Francis! I just.. I don't know. Nevermind."

She pulled her sundress up over her head in one swift motion and tossed her hair back into shape as if she hadn't given it a second thought. She felt his eyes on her but she put her sunglasses on and turned her chin up to the sun in defiance. She was wondering if she imagined it but she could swear she felt heat over every inch of her body as he appraised her. When he leaned toward her she started to panic a bit.

"Francis is a lucky guy. And Sarah isn't the only girl on the beach today who commands attention. You have no need to doubt yourself." He paused. "Considering how red your face is, I'm guessing I'm making you uncomfortable so I'm going to join my brother." With that he jumped up, peeled his t-shirt off and jogged down towards the water. She couldn't help but notice how sculpted he was. Not in a body builder way, but athletic for sure. She shook her gaze away from him.

Mary lay back on the blanket and closed her eyes. She had fleeting thoughts of Francis and wondered if Bash was right, and if Francis would notice her the way men noticed Sarah. He was so much more experienced than she was so the idea that she could excite him still was very novel to her.

As if on cue, she felt a hand on her leg. "So you think you can just lie here, and expect me not to be tempted?" Francis drawled, his fingers drawing patterns on her thigh.

Her breath caught as he drew circles higher and higher on her, drifting towards the little skirt bottoms that she wore. In broad daylight, it was a little distracting. She shifted a little when she couldn't handle the heat any longer, but it didn't deter him.

He leaned in and closed his mouth around hers, which had been open and prepared to protest. His tongue danced around on her lips and before she realized it she was arching her back and had completely forgotten about the fact that they were on a public beach with people around. Ironically this is the most privacy they'd ever had, and he was obviously cashing in on that.

All of a sudden someone cleared their throat and she heard Bash smile and say "Take it easy brother; this is a family establishment, not a place to start a family."

When she looked up he had a big smirk and his arm around Sarah's waist. Mary was mortified but a little smug at the same time. As they untangled themselves and everyone settled onto their prospective towels she turned towards Bash and whispered "What's the matter? Wishing I had ended up with the other brother?"

The surprise on his face was priceless and he laughed out loud while Sarah looked at him in confusion. "Francis, I like your girlfriend. I think we're going to be great friends." And with that he put his hands behind his head and looked up at the sky with a smile on his face.

The rest of that summer was a blur. There were a lot of double dates, but not always with Sarah. It turned out that Sebastian had quite the rotating selection of dates at his fingertips.

Mary was falling fast in love with Francis and their young romance was actually pleasing the Senator and his wife. Surprisingly, they thought Mary was a great match for their son, even though Mary always felt like there was something they just weren't being honest about. Whenever she called the house, Francis' mother would be cordial but she was anything but warm.

Now when Bash would answer, it was clearly the opposite. He became a good friend to Mary and occasionally she would call the house even when she knew that Francis wasn't home. They would talk for a while on those days. It was nice to talk to someone who was outside the bubble of a rich kid's life. Bash was older, and more settled than Francis. Even though he sometimes flirted with Mary she never doubted his loyalty to his brother. They mostly discussed college life and the interesting experiences he'd had.

The end of the summer neared and Mary realized that Bash was going to leave soon. There was a little panic in her stomach about that. She didn't have many friends, and Francis was too clouded by hormones and romance to be much of a friend. She appreciated Francis' desires, and the lust was mutual, but she was delaying any real intimacy with him and he was frustrated with her. She simply wasn't ready.

The day before Bash went back to school he showed up at her house. The housekeeper let him in and when Mary came running down the stairs she was shocked to see that it was him waiting there for her.

"I just wanted to come and say goodbye." Bash ran his hand through his shaggy hair. He looked nervous but he smiled a little.

"Oh! I planned on coming over tomorrow to see you off." Mary exclaimed.

"I'm sorry.. perhaps I shouldn't have come. I just wanted to.." Bash trailed off turning a little as if to leave.

"I didn't mean that! I just meant that I hoped you'd know that I certainly wouldn't let you leave without saying goodbye." Mary reached out and touched his arm. "Stay, please."

She led him to the sitting room and offered him something to drink which he refused. There was something in Bash that was clearly more man than boy but right now the timidity of his eyes puzzled her. They sat in silence for a moment, and then small talked about what time he was leaving, and the classes he'd be taking this semester.

"I came by because I wanted to tell you that it's been really great getting to know you Mary. I consider you a friend, and having a friend here at home has been an improvement. I.. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'd like to stay in touch while I'm at school if that's alright?" Bash looked at her, scanning her face for reaction.

"Of course that's alright. You're my friend too Bash, you're practically family." She then reached for her phone and handed it to him, so he could program his contact information, and she didn't see his slight wince at the word family. "Do you know when you'll be coming home again?"

He looked down at the phone while he answered. "I usually spend most of my breaks throughout the year at my mother's. She lives closer to the campus and it's simpler. I don't often come here outside of Christmas and summer breaks."

This disappointed her but she nodded in understanding. She silently wondered how Francis could go so long without seeing his brother since they were so close. Mary didn't have siblings but she felt like it would have been lonely to be apart for months on end.

"I put my cell number, and my email address in." Bash said as he handed it back to her. "Please don't take this the wrong way but Catherine is very territorial when it comes to what belongs to Francis so I would rather that she not know we are in contact. I would never ask you to lie to Francis, but if you have the choice I'd rather we were discreet about our friendship." He looked ashamed to even say it and for a brief moment Mary wondered if they had crossed a line that she had never knew existed. She decided immediately that it didn't matter to her. Catherine DeMedici controlled a lot of people, but she wasn't about to add herself to that list.

"Of course. I would hate to make your family life any more uncomfortable for you." She watched as he stood and fidgeted a bit. She stood up, sensing that this was goodbye. "I.. I'm going to be honest Bash, I will miss you."

"And I you. Take care of yourself, and of my brother of course." He smiled at her, in a strained way. "Can I have a hug goodbye?"

She didn't answer besides to rush at him. They hadn't ever really touched before and while there was nothing inappropriate about this hug goodbye it created a tiny feeling of guilt, in spite of her wanting it to last forever. She buried her face into his chest, and held tight for a minute. It was nice to feel a hug from someone who wasn't pressuring her to be more intimate. It helped immensely that he smelled like a combination of outdoors and soap, unlike the expensive cologne that Francis was always wearing. It felt comfortable, not like a date or anything that would happen on one. His arms were wrapped around her tightly without any roaming hands or wandering mouth. This must be what family feels like. Real family.

He cleared his throat and began to pull away and she let out a sigh of complaint, but he didn't seem to notice. The look on his face was a hazy one, one that she couldn't quite read. It was almost sad and pained. He turned to leave, promising that he'd be in touch but heading for the door as if he didn't know if he had made or a mistake or not.

Mary spent the rest of the day school shopping with her guardian, a lady named Hannah who was a nice enough woman but not anyone that Mary would confide in. They went from store to store and bought the most expensive outfits on the rack, by order of Mrs. Stuart. Mary's mother Marie was anything but thrifty, and she insisted on the newest and trendiest clothing for her daughter.

The shopping was tolerable and she and Hannah had dinner together at the food court, which was a treat in a funny way. Mary sat at the tables and watched the teenagers wander by while Hannah talked on the phone to her sister in St. Louis. It was fun to people watch and to eavesdrop on the conversations at the tables around them. For a moment Mary pretended she was just like those kids, that she had their freedoms and their worries. None of them had a family reputation to watch after, or a fortune causing them to wonder if boys liked them for just their money. They didn't have to have every friend and boyfriend approved by their parents. They seemed care-free. They seemed young.

The next day she went to the DeMedici house for the goodbye. Catherine sat on the front veranda, watching the staff carry bags to Bash's car. She did stand to wish him well for his semester. The Senator hugged his son and promised that he would swing by the campus during his campaigning for a visit. Francis wrestled around with Sebastian for a bit and then said goodbye with a hug. Finally it was Mary's turn.

Expecting a hug like the previous day, she stepped forward slightly but she was left confused by his pat on the arm and a "Mary, it's been a good summer! Hope Francis keeps you around so I can see you at Christmas!" With a wink he was jumping into the convertible and waving goodbye as he pulled out of the drive.

She was left confused. She was blinking back a tear when she felt Francis' breath on her shoulder quietly kissing her neck. She spun around and realized that his parents had gone back inside and that they were as alone as two people could be on their front lawn. She was so emotional that she went ahead and let him kiss her in that intimate way, until eventually her body reacted even if her mind was somewhere else.

She could barely hear him when he murmured something about needing to go inside where they could be out of sight. He was taking her by the hand and going inside through the side door and into the basement family room area. At the bottom of the stairs he spun her around and kissed her deeply while they slowly made their way to the couch.

She felt his hand slide up under her sundress and up the inside of her thigh and her whole body shook as she looked into those crystal blue eyes. He was whispering to her, asking her permission to go farther. She wasn't thinking clearly but he was right, her body wanted this.

All of a sudden they could hear voices upstairs, which meant that his parents couldn't have been far from the stairs. Mary jumped and Francis groaned, reaching for a tv remote and starting to flip through the channels as if they had been watching tv the whole time. After about a half hour the conversation dwindled upstairs and Mary asked Francis to see her home.

Late that night Mary couldn't get to sleep, and she finally started fidgeting with her phone. She found herself sending Sebastian a text, but she wasn't even sure what to write. Finally she settled on a simple message. "Hi Bash, it's Mary! I just realized you don't have my number, so here it is. Use it."

She had just rolled over to try to get to sleep when her phone vibrated and a message popped up. "Aren't you up past your bedtime little one?"

She laughed indignantly. "I could ask the same of you old man, late game of bingo tonight?"

"Watch your mouth young lady, I'm not old just experienced."

His flirting was not lost on her.

"Well, much to your brother's dismay, I am not." She regretted it as soon as she had sent the message.

"What are you saying?" And now he was going to ask questions, of course. She should have kept her mouth shut. I mean, what guy wants to hear about his brother's sexual desires? She really needed to find some girl friends to confide in.

"Nothing, forget it. I was just venting."

Regret, completely. He was just so easy to talk to.

All of a sudden her phone vibrated to show a call coming through and she panicked, shoving it under a pillow. Good grief Mary, it's not like anyone could hear it or would care in this huge house. Just answer it.

"Hello?"

"I'm not going to text about you having sex with my brother." Bash's voice was a bit annoyed, and a bit concerned. "In fact I'd rather not know what's going on between you, but honestly there shouldn't be any sex going on at all."

"I never said there was!" Mary protested "What I said was that I wasn't experienced, meaning he would like me to GET some more experience. With him. I never said that we had done it."

There was laughter on the other end.

"I'm glad that my being a virgin amuses you." Her bruised ego was loud in her voice. "You know what, I really shouldn't have brought it up it's just that HE keeps bringing it up and it's really hard for me because I don't have anyone to talk to." She paused to take a breath.

"Mary?" he asked quietly.

She sighed loudly. "Bash?"

"Do not let him pressure you. I love my brother but he should not be the reason you rush into anything at all. You have my endorsement to remain a virgin until you're married. Virtue is nothing to be shunned." Bash sounded so serious that she felt a little ashamed of herself for even thinking about having sex with Francis. That feeling quickly shifted to offense.

"Well from what I heard it's not in YOUR nature to wait for sex either!" Mary immediately felt so immature for even saying such a thing.

Laughter came from the other end of the line and finally Sebastian conceded. "I may have a history, but I'm telling you, have sex when you're ready and only then. You're worth more than that Mary and if Francis can't see that then he needs to be set straight."

"I'm sorry Bash, I guess I'm just frustrated." She became quiet. "So I really won't see you until Christmas?"

He grumbled and it sounded like he rolled over on his pillow. "That's the way it looks. I'm a few hours away, I can't just drop everything and come home. Besides I'm afraid I would wear out my welcome with Catherine."

"I don't really like that." The teenager in her was coming out in the form of a pouty attitude. "Life is just.. well it's better when you're here."

"You only have one more year at home yourself you know. And then college, I'm assuming, will remove you from that big empty house." He sounded hopeful. "I would try to talk you into coming to my alma mater, but unfortunately this is my senior year as well so you enrolling here would be of no benefit to me as I wouldn't be here to keep an eye on you. But there are countless great schools here in New England.. or do you plan on running farther away?"

"I shall probably stay on this side of the world. My only friends are here, and although they aren't many, they are true." Mary answered honestly. "I suppose it will depend upon where your brother goes as well.

"Is it already so serious?" he asked with a bit of surprise in his voice.

"It's serious enough for me to consider him and his plans, yes. And our parents are encouraging it." She answered. "I'm not entirely naïve though, I am aware that Catherine only approves of me because I will be entitled to a fortune when I'm eighteen. My parents are not the only ones who inherited a large sum from my grandparents. The majority of the estate was left to me."

"Well, my little rich girl that would certainly be enough to turn Catherine's head."

"I'm afraid it's more of a noose over mine." She snorted a little as she said it. Millions of dollars are what was causing her to miss out on a typical childhood and all the normal teenage years. What a strange problem to have.

She went on. "My parents are supportive of me marrying a DeMedici, they feel it would be a reliable union and one that will make my money safe. Equally yoked is the phrase that they use to describe Francis and I. Your father seems to have much in common with my own."

"A DeMedici? They didn't specify which one? Well then by all means add my name onto the list of potentials to manage your fortune with you." He was back to his flirtatious self again. "I promise ma'am, I will make every effort to satisfy your every whim as a wife."

"Bash!" Mary heard herself scold him but she couldn't help but be flattered by the older boy. "How are we supposed to maintain a friendship if you carry on like this? It's distracting at the least."

"Is a distraction really that bad?" He was grinning and she could hear it. "I'm sorry Mary, really I am. I shouldn't flirt. It just comes naturally I suppose. Please know that our friendship is priority, and that my flirting is just a slip that I will try to work on.

"Please do. I have enough confusing things to sort out with Francis." She grew quiet. "I appreciate the flattery, but we need to keep boundaries. For the sake of both of us."

Mary's senior year of high school was a blur. The fall semester passed quickly. She spent her afternoons studying, with a few dates peppered in throughout the week. She didn't study with Francis because their physical attraction was just too much for either of them to keep in check. They would have failed every test for lack of preparation, but their kissing skills could have earned them an A. She was crazy about Francis but her parents really only wanted them to see each other a few times a week, so she obliged.

Two nights each week she would talk to Sebastian on the phone. It was usually just small talk but occasionally they'd actually ask each other for advice, or he would help her with some homework. As the weeks passed they grew into a rhythm, and they settled on Sunday and Wednesday evenings as their nights to chat. It worked well that way because it left their weekends free to date and then share stories on Sunday evening. Bash had quite the fascinating stories to recount from his dates. Mary had mostly boring dates in comparison but he listened to her anyway.

Thanksgiving was a strange time for Mary. Sebastian was spending the week at his mother's house for the holiday so he didn't have any witness to it. Her parents were home from their traveling and James and Marie Stuart were insistent upon having dinner with the DeMedici family. Mary tried to talk her mother out of it, but there was no dissuading them.

Francis had shown up at the door with flowers and a gift of very expensive wine. His parents had made sure he came prepared for meeting the Stuarts. Catherine herself was in rare form, with her political voice thick and practiced. The Senator seemed to enjoy Mary's father's company and for that she was grateful. At least they all seemed like they were having fun even if Mary felt entirely awkward.

Francis stroked her hand under the table as they sat having dessert and coffee. It did calm her. Maybe this is what family will look like for me. Maybe I need to embrace interactions like this. Maybe I.. Her thought process was interrupted by him shifting from her hand to her leg, toying with her right in front of her family, and his!

There was no easy way to get him to stop without making a scene and he seemed to know that. The table blocked most of the view but she was silently wishing she had opted for pants instead of a dress. His hand went higher and higher and was rubbing softly against her panties, all while the adults spoke of charity work and politics. She sat there and found herself getting wet, which only encouraged him more. She pleaded with him with her eyes, which he seemed to take as only her wanting for him. She had to do something.

Abruptly she pulled down her dress and stood in one motion, pushing his hand out of the way. "May I be excused? I was thinking of taking a walk and burning off some of those delicious dessert calories." Her parents looked shocked that she had even asked but gave the nod.

She rushed to the door, with Francis trying to mask his smirk. He followed her out onto the back patio where the sun had almost set and provided a beautiful view. It was unseasonably warm for Thanksgiving. She stepped out of her heels and left them by the pool so that she could walk more comfortably and headed out through the yard into the trees.

When they were sufficiently out of range she spun on him, anger flashing in her eyes. "How dare you?!" She roared. "Right at the table with our parents? What would make you think that was a good idea?"

Francis had a sarcastic look in his sparkling blue eyes as they narrowed. "Oh, I'm sorry I thought that it was never a good idea for you when we're alone so I was trying something different."

"That's what that was? A punishment for me not being ready? I want my first time to be amazing and special so you try to take advantage of me with my parents in the room?" Her blood grew cold. "I thought you at least respected my desire to wait, even if you don't share that desire."

Francis sunk down next to a tree and put his head in his hands in frustration, finally looking up at her. "Mary, I'm not trying to punish you and I certainly didn't mean to take advantage of you. I just made a mistake, thinking that you might like it. I just want you. I want you to be mine, your heart and your body. I look at you and I feel like I'm going to boil over. I can wait, I really can. I'm sorry I did that tonight, it was wrong and disrespectful. I'm ashamed of my behavior. I'll leave if you want me to."

She knew that she forgave him for his awful behavior immediately, but she wanted to be clear. "I am not ready to have sex Francis. I know that is hard to understand, and I know I give you mixed signals. It's because I do want you too, and you do make me feel good. I just can't let it go that far yet."

She sat down in front of him. "Honestly I'm a little scared that if I go any farther that my boundaries will blur and I won't know when to stop."

He had a sweet look and pulled her close. "Mary, I would go so slow that you would be very clear when to stop, and you can trust me that I would stop for you even if you didn't. We don't have to go all the way in order to make each other feel good."

She smiled at his honesty and realized that they had never talked like this. She leaned in and kissed his neck, which made him breathe raggedly. The idea that she was pleasing him on purpose rather than him initiating was exciting to her. She kept going, kissing lightly back up his neck, pausing to bite his lip lightly and then kiss him deeper, her hands raking through his hair.

"Can I touch you? Just touch?" His eyes pleaded with her to say yes, and she wanted to.

"Go slow?" was her answer and he nodded when words didn't come, sliding her up onto his lap and leaning back against the tree. His hand massaged slowly up her thigh and stroked over her panties before pulling them aside and the feel of his hand between her spread legs was enough to make her gasp and briefly pull away. He was slow, and began rubbing in patterns until she found herself pushing back against his fingers, his thumb on the most amazing sensitive spot and his fingers curling up underneath her. Before she realized what she was doing she was bearing down harder on him, holding on to him for dear life while she rocked back and forth and her body shook against his as he whispered "I love you."

Thanksgiving had been the beginning of something amazing. Mary had tried not to let on to Bash that things were different. At first she told herself that it was just because she didn't want to describe things like that to him, particularly about his own brother. Then she realized that she just didn't want to change in his eyes. She could tell that he knew something though.

One night a few weeks later they came upon a dead silence in their Wednesday conversation and she realized it wasn't the comfortable kind. She drew a deep breath.

"Bash, is something wrong?" She waited, hoping that he would just say he was tired.

"I just want to be honest with you. I'm not being honest with Francis, I at least should be honest with someone right?" He blurted it out, in a frustrated tone.

"I don't understand? Honest about what?" Mary became nervous.

"Francis and I talked today and he mentioned in conversation the way the two of you have been progressing physically." He said it matter-of-factly but it still made her terribly uncomfortable.

"WHAT?" She couldn't breathe. It felt like there was a wild animal in her stomach trying to tear its way out. "Oh Bash, I'm so sorry. I didn't.. I should have told you I guess, it just seemed.. well it just seemed like you wouldn't want to know."

"Oh trust me I didn't want to hear it from him either, although I imagine your version wouldn't be quite so colorful. The kid has a way with words, that's for sure. I feel like I might as well have watched your first orgasm with my own eyes, and although the idea of such things would typically be an appetizing one I did not want to have to see it through my brother's memories." There was bitterness there that Mary didn't quite understand and she wasn't sure how to reply.

"Bash, you tell me about your dates all the time. It's not like we don't share things that are on a pretty personal level." Mary was feeling insulted. "I really am sorry that Francis did that but even if I had shared the news myself, I wouldn't have expected a reaction quite like this." She was quiet and feeling helpless and all she received was silence.

She could hear his tv in the background otherwise she would have wondered if he had hung up on her. Finally he cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry. I know, this is stupid. I think I'm just having a bad day. It was just the way he told the story, about what happened at dinner and then what followed.. I just.. I wanted to drive down there and literally hurt him. It was just a bad day. I'm over it. Let's start over, can we please?" His voice was pleading and there was a tremendous sadness to it.

"Yes." Mary whispered. She didn't even know how to do that though. He, fortunately made the effort and small talk resumed. He told her when he planned on arriving for Christmas break, which wasn't until Christmas Eve night, after he'd already celebrated with his mother. They talked about school, and when he hung up the phone he prefaced his goodbye with a single statement.

"I miss you."

The Sunday that followed that awkward conversation was a snowy one. The New England winter was finally kicking in and Francis came over to watch football during the day but headed home when the snow was starting to get heavy. After dinner Mary retreated to her room to call Bash. She knew it was a little early but she didn't want to wait. She had been writing a presentation and she wanted to practice giving it to him so he could critique it. His cell phone went to voicemail. She left him a message and then just waited for him to call back. Hours passed and she finally texted him a hello message. Finally at almost 11pm, she received a simple text. "I put in a long day. I'll get at you later in the week. –Sebastian."

Something cracked apart inside her when she read the cold message, and using his full name of all things. She knew immediately what this was. He was pulling away. She had lost the big brother that she never really had, all because he had heard too much. She should have known better. Family is, after all, just a title for someone who cares from a distance. She had put Bash up front and center. She had pushed him away.

She lay in bed and cried herself to sleep.

School happened. Francis happened. Life went on. And Wednesday came.

She tried to call him again, and again no answer. At first she left no message but she called back an hour later and when his voicemail picked up she choked out some words. "Bash, please call me. I don't understand how to fix this, but I want it fixed. I need it fixed. Please. Just call."

She didn't hear from him again and again on Sunday night she cried herself to sleep. She didn't expect a call and she didn't call him. Every Wednesday and Sunday passed similarly. Finally at the end of December she realized that it had been almost a month since she had heard his voice. She fell asleep that night aching. When she woke up fully clothed, laying across her bed in the middle of the night there were texts on her phone.

"Are you awake?" and "I didn't expect you to be. Please don't be mad. I just need some space. I'll see you Tuesday"

Christmas eve. She had forgotten about Christmas Eve at the DeMedici house.

When Tuesday rolled around Mary didn't really know how to plan. She didn't even really understand what had gone on between she and Bash but she knew she wanted to fix it. He was family.

She was dropped off at the mansion by her driver, and after he carried in her gifts he left to spend Christmas with his own family. She took a deep breath and smoothed her skirt before stepping inside herself. A man who appeared to be some sort of security stood at post by the door. The staff was bustling about and the Senator himself approached her in the foyer.

"Merry Christmas Mary! Welcome! The family is gathered in the great room. Join us?" He offered his arm, and noticed her inquisitive look at the gentleman in the dark suit. "Don't mind Mr. Gallagher, we just have some added security for the holidays. There have been some threats that seemed more legitimate than normal."

"Oh! I guess I just hadn't ever considered.." Mary stammered for words that didn't sound naïve as she slipped her hand through his waiting arm. "I understand."

"No bother, I am not taking them too seriously. These gentlemen however, are doing a good enough job at that." He nodded at them and led the way into the west end of the house.

"Mary!" Francis flashed a huge smile at her as he spotted her from across the room. "You're here!"

She smiled at the Senator, truly grateful for his escort, and went to meet Francis as he walked towards her. Before she could even turn her cheek he met her lips with a gentle kiss. Her cheeks burned hotly as she remembered that there were actually quite a few other people in the room.

Behind her someone cleared their throat and she quickly collected herself as she turned to meet the gaze of Catherine. "Well my dear, I won't greet you quite like that, but welcome just the same!" There was a smirk in her eye as she squeezed the hand of her guest.

Mary was shocked by the warm gesture. She wondered if Catherine had been taken up with the Christmas spirit. She accepted it though; she was just thankful that it would appear she wouldn't have to worry about the senator's wife that night.

Catherine introduced her to the extended family that was spending the holidays with them and Mary met them graciously. Aunts and uncles, cousins and a few political acquaintances were in the mix. After the obligatory mingling she turned back towards Francis. She stopped and caught her breath when she saw him talking with Bash. They were having what appeared to be a friendly conversation with a cousin, but Bash wasn't paying attention to whatever was being said because his eyes had momentarily caught Mary's.

She wished she could tell what he was thinking, to telepathically let him know how sorry she was for ruining the friendship they had shared. She drew in a deep breath and walked to a nearby table of refreshments. She felt him at her side.

"Mary, it's good to see you!" His voice was slightly elevated and she could tell that it was merely a formality but it warmed her heart just the same. She turned and taking advantage of their public location she extended her arms to give him a sisterly hug, loose but a hug just the same.

"Hello Bash." Her smile was genuine and when that registered to him he returned it.

"Are you well?" Bash's eyes seemed to have so many questions. "Don't get me wrong, you look lovely as always but you appear troubled."

"I'm doing alright. I have had some losses in the area of friendship as of late and it has brought me some sleeplessness." She answered him pointedly, because she was slightly resentful of the questions. "Someone I cared deeply for has withdrawn from me and while I respect it, I'm sad for it."

He leaned in slightly and lowered his voice. "Mary, I never meant to hurt you. You realize that? I hope you understand. I just realized that I cannot be so close with you without also being protective of you. And you deserve to live without that. To be a normal teenager."

She was trying not to become emotional and she was opening her mouth to protest when Francis came over and interrupted.

"Watch out for this one Mary, he's been in the punch already tonight. Must be nice to be treated as an adult." Francis quipped as he punched his brother in the arm.

"Correction brother, I AM an adult, which is why I'm treated as such. As of last week I am of age to drink as I see fit." Bash grinned at Francis. "It's not my fault I'm the elder, more handsome brother." And with that he poured himself another glass of punch and headed off to mingle with the cousins.

Francis shook his head in disgust and turned his attention to Mary. "I truly don't need alcohol when I have the intoxicating taste of you at my side." His handsomeness and charm was at an all time high. "But I do have a bottle stashed if you feel like you'd like a drink." He said and winked at her.

That would explain your brazen attitude. She had thoughts that ranged from humorous to disgust at it. She couldn't help but be taken up with the smile he flashed at her. All of a sudden she wondered at why she should be tied up in whatever Bash was feeling when she had such happiness with her boyfriend. "Can we go somewhere else for a bit?" She asked Francis with a slight smile.

As he was leading her out of the room discreetly she saw that their exit did not escape Sebastian's eye. She felt a ping of guilt and unresolved issues. By the time they reached the door of Francis' room though, all thoughts of anything but romance were discarded.

She kissed him deeply, affirming the attraction she felt towards him. He moved them into his room while shutting and locking the door behind them. She looked around in between kisses. "So this is your room? "

"Mmhmmm." He was kissing the front of her throat while she looked around and she felt his king size bed as he backed her into it and she let herself lie back against it. His kisses worked down into the valley of her v-neck blouse.

"Can I?" he motioned to the buttons. She paused for a moment. In the meantime he pulled a bottle of some sort of liquor out of his side table and offered it to her. She took a swallow and felt it burn down through her throat. It was the first time she'd had hard liquor and immediately she felt flushed. She took another swallow and handed it back to him.

While he drank she started to unbutton her top and his eyes smiled at her. By the time he had set the bottle down she had her blouse completely unbuttoned and the white lace of her bra was displayed openly. He slipped her shirt off her shoulders and his fingers traced her cleavage lightly before his mouth continued kissing her, just at the top of the lace.

He climbed up so he was over her and with one hand slipping one strap down and reaching behind her back he deftly unhooked her bra. She would have marveled over his skill and speed had she not been so instantly nervous about being exposed in such a new way.

Becoming mutually topless in front of her, he must have decided to even the score because he pulled his sweater over his head with a quick motion. He lay down next to her, turning her body so they were facing each other again. She watched as he ran his hands softly over the roundness of her breasts, dragging his thumbs over her nipples and before she even knew it she was moaning softly.

He started moving his fingers with more intent purpose and electricity shot through her body, with her middle on fire in response. Without intent she had pressed her body against his and her eyes shot open when she realized she could feel him hard.

He met her eye and took her hand, placing it under his newly unzipped pants. It was long and firm and she had no idea what to do with it but he guided her up and down and as if sensing that she was hesitant he leaned in and kissed her.

"You don't have to touch me.. but it feels amazing. You are so good at this." His voice was raspy and he wrapped her fingers around him, moving her hand slowly but firmly.

His mouth drifted down, where he found her nipples still hard and without warning he kissed one, lightly at first and then deeper. She involuntarily took over the repetitive motion her hand was making and when he realized his own hand was no longer necessary he busied it elsewhere, sliding it up her skirt and inside her panties.

The stimulation was altogether building and he began sucking her nipple in with more intensity, rubbing her clit with determination and she rocked him, until he felt her clenching up inside and trembling.. and as if sensing his cue he released and she felt the wet warmth of his orgasm all over her hand.

Still coming down from her own high, her eyes went wide.

"Did I do that? Did you do that?" She could barely form the words.

He laughed out loud. "I think we both did that sweetheart." He leaned in and kissed her before standing up and stripping off his pants. "Looks like I'll be needing a change of clothes."

As he went into his bathroom to clean up a bit she gathered her clothes. He returned looking refreshed and a bit more at ease. "Your turn.. unless you think we should share a shower to make sure we're really clean?" He winked but the shock value was not lost on her.

"I'm sure we'll be fine as is." She narrowed her eyes at him. "I may have enjoyed this, but let's not push our luck."

After dressing and making sure they both looked neat and tidy they wandered back to the party as if everything was typical. In her head she couldn't stop thinking about how things were definitely different between them though. She truly felt like she belonged to him, that she knew him just a little bit better. That she had satisfied him in some way that she hadn't before.

Dinner went off without a hitch, they held hands like two young lovers should. Unfortunately sitting next to Francis left her facing Bash across the table but he seemed to be feeling quite festive. She first attributed it to the punch but then she noticed he wasn't drinking much at all. It was nice to have him joking and laughing with her.

Francis on the other hand was drinking quite heavily. Nobody seemed to disapprove much and it was generally a jovial time as they gathered afterwards to exchange gifts. Mary had purchased first edition prints of Henry and Catherine's favorite books. They were not easy to find but she was grateful for the inside knowledge that Francis had provided. They seemed to approve of them. In return they had given her hair clips that had small diamonds in floral patterns. They were beautiful.

For Francis she had struggled for a gift that was meaningful. He did have everything. She had finally settled on tickets for a concert. It was for one of his favorite bands, a group that her mother's company managed. She packaged the tickets with one of the band's t-shirts in a clothing box. It was well received. Francis had given her a beautiful purse that must have cost a fortune considering the designer.

Turning her attention to Bash she handed him his gift, nervously. She didn't know if she had done well with it because she had tried not to get overly personal but she hoped he would like it. He pulled off the paper and underneath was a set of miniature Lincoln log building blocks, like a child would play with. Inside the card she had written "To my favorite architecture student: For all the grand adventures in the world are nothing if you haven't built a home to return to. I hope you build the life you deserve. -M"

He looked at it said thank you, the smile coming through in his eyes but something still sad to it.

"Aw, look Bash, it's like the set you used to have. Perhaps a bit smaller. Can I play with it?" Francis was slurring and he couldn't get the logs to link together like they were meant to.

Sebastian handed Mary a gift and when she opened it she laughed to find a sweatshirt with his college's logo.

"Sorry, I didn't get a chance to shop beyond the campus gift shop." He grinned at her. Catherine let out a tsk sound and it was obvious she did not appreciate his humor.

A few hours later Francis was snoring on the sofa when Bash stood an announced that he was going to visit some friends before it was any later. "Bash, could you give Mary a ride home? It will save the staff from having to make the trip and obviously your brother isn't safe to drive." The senator looked at him lazily.

"Of course. Are you ready my lady?" He bowed slightly.

"I am. Thank you so much for your hospitality, and for my gifts. I appreciate them greatly. My Christmas would have been dismal without them." She smiled at Catherine warmly. She meant the words. "Good night and Merry Christmas!"

Bash was already in the hall, holding her coat for her to slip into. "Your chariot awaits." He took her gifts and carried them for her.

He opened the car door for her and apologized for it not being quite warm yet. She watched him walk around to his side of the car and thought about how much she had missed him.

"So was this Christmas celebration all you expected?" He asked without looking at her as he pulled out of the driveway.

"Better actually." She sighed happily.

That got his attention and he glanced at her inquisitively.

"I'm happy to see you Bash. I feel better when you're around, even when you're mad at me." She looked directly at him.

He slowed the car and pulled into an empty parking lot. "I'm not mad at you Mary, I never was. I just need to keep boundaries and I obviously did a poor job at that or I wouldn't have been so upset about your intimacy with Francis."

He reached into his coat and pulled out a little package, handing it to her.

"What's this?" she asked.

"It's your Christmas gift." He smiled. "You didn't really think the sweatshirt was it did you?"

She laughed but protested. "I truly liked the shirt! It reminded me of you and where I could find you."

She lifted the lid off the little box and inside was a silver bracelet with two bands, one was an arrow that looped around and the other had a sparrow stretched out and flying. It was delicate and beautiful. The slip of paper in the box read:

Sparrows fly 'round but home they will return. An arrow's path is straight but eventually will fall. It's a choice we all must make, lest life make it for us all. Merry Christmas, with love, Bash.

She slipped it on her wrist and she looked at him, her eyes welling. Before she could say anything she felt his fingers entwine with hers.

"It's a gesture to remind you that I'm more like the sparrow. I might be missing for a bit but I will never leave. Never. Please remember that. I'll always be back." He searched her face for confirmation and she nodded. She leaned over and laid her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you." She whispered.

They stayed like that for several minutes until he finally put the car back in gear and delivered her to her door. She hugged him goodbye and resisted the urge to ask him to stay because she knew he couldn't.

But she knew he'd be back.

A/N: I know that's a really long chapter, but it seemed necessary to be all inclusive as a history. I hope you liked it! Reviews are appreciated!