Author: Kerimack
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters from Cruel Intentions, I just borrow and manipulate them.
Summary: Kathryn and Sebastian meet as children and their relationship evolves through the years from friends, to rivals to something more. Please R&R
Authors Note: This story idea seemed to get the most votes from my poll so here it is. Keep in mind this is an alternate universe fic meaning it doesn't have the same plot points as the film. Not even Annette.
Chapter 1: At First Sight
"Kathryn stop squirming. Is that the proper way a young lady behaves?" Tiffani Merteuil's emerald eyes narrowed dangerously at her only child who continued to squirm ever so slightly against the leather seat of the limo. When she was met with no reply she demanded "well?"
Eight year old Kathryn looked from her mother to her father who was busying himself with the latest issue of the Wall street Journal. She was hoping he would pay attention to her and perhaps tell her mother to leave her alone. But, like always, he didn't notice her. With a sigh she sat still and muttered "no mother."
Tiffani nodded at her "good. I don't need you acting up today. This visit to Mrs. Rosemond's is very important. It could mean the difference between..."
As her mother rattled on Kathryn tuned her out and instead looked out the window as they passed the vacant landscape. Ugh how she hated the country. Kathryn much rather be in the city with the people, the noise, and all the stores. There was nothing to do in the country besides sit around and watch as the grownups sip tea and talk. She couldn't understand why her mother was so insistent that she come along. Then again she couldn't understand half the things her mother did.
Tiffani was a gorgeous women, with the grace and finesse most women would kill for. However she was also very cold and unfeeling. It seemed to Kathryn that all she ever cared about was appearances and her reputation. She was always nagging her daughter about this or that, nothing was ever good enough for her.
Victor Merteuil on the other hand was another story entirely. To Kathryn the man always seemed very mysterious, perhaps because she never saw him that much. In the little time they did spend together she had been completely charmed by him. Kathryn was always hoping to spend more time with him and less with her mother. If it was up to her she would make her mother go to work every day and night so she could stay home and play with her daddy. Surely he wouldn't bug her constantly to act more like a lady.
As the limo came to a stop outside a set of large, iron gates Tiffani stopped babbling and turned to her daughter. "Let me look at you. Did you rumple your dress? I told you not to Kathryn."
"Tiffani" her husband acknowledged her for the first time that afternoon "she looks beautiful leave her be."
Victor reached out and touched Kathryn's dark hair as she looked up at him adoringly "thank you daddy."
"Well no one has to worry about my girl not looking anything but beautiful. Kathryn is the prettiest girl in all of New York and she knows it don't you honey?"
Beaming proudly she nodded "that's right daddy."
Victor wasn't just being bias. With her silky dark hair, big green eyes, and china doll face Kathryn was a very beautiful child and she knew it. Since as far back as she could remember people were always complimenting her on her beauty. It was not a fact that went unnoticed by her mother.
Her face hard and cold Tiffani demanded "stop doting over her. She doesn't need that ego of hers getting even bigger than it already is."
"Nonsense" Victor argued good naturally "she's a Merteuil and she should be proud."
"Whatever you say dear" Tiffani replied icily as she glared over at her daughter.
The limo came to a stop in front of a large estate that had many steps leading to the front door. Kathryn followed her parents out of the limo and started for the house when her mother pulled her back. She began straightening Kathryn's white dress and ordering her "be quiet, don't talk out of turn and don't embarrass me."
Finally they headed into the house and were greeted by a maid you escorted them to the parlor room. The house was big and seemed very old to Kathryn. The furniture in her own house seemed old too but shiny somehow. Taking a seat on one of the hard couch's Kathryn watched as her father poured a drink and her mother examined the crystal vase sitting on a table. Already she was incredibly bored and wished something would happen soon.
Just then the doors opened and an older gentleman walked in. He was handsome with light blond hair and a comfortable, relaxed smile. He seemed younger than her father and a lot more happy. "Well hello you must be the Merteuil's. I'm Edward Valmont, Helen's brother."
Kathryn watched as her parents shook his hand and greeted him. She noticed the strange way her mother looked at Mr. Valmont. It was the same look she gave their gardener and daddy's friend John who sometimes came over to see her mother. Edward turned his attention to Kathryn and with a charming smile asked "and who is this lovely young women?"
"Edward this is our daughter Kathryn" Tiffani said as if presenting a new car on a game show.
Mr. Valmont kneeled down to Kathryn's height "well it's a pleasure to meet you Kathryn."
With her best smile she gave a little curtsy and replied "the pleasure is all mine Mr. Valmont."
Edward grinned at her "aren't you the sweetest thing not to mention the prettiest." Standing up he told her parents "she is an absolute beauty, you must be very proud."
"Yes" her mother responded with a tight smile that masked her annoyance. "So are you married Edward?"
"No not any more"
"I'm sorry to hear that. Do you have children?"
Edward brightened "yes a son, Sebastian. He usually lives with his mother but I have him for the summer. He should be around here somewhere." With a chuckle he said "actually he's probably off terrorizing the staff. Unfortunately he's not quite as well behaved as young Kathryn here."
As Kathryn heard this she was both excited and a little mad. Maybe if there was someone around to play with she wouldn't be so bored but at the same time she didn't really like the idea of some other kid taking the attention away from her.
For a little while Kathryn just sat as the adults talked for a long time about nothing that was of interest to her. Edward's sister Helen, who owned the house, joined them. Once again her mother paraded her in front so everyone could ohh and aww over how sweet she was.
When the conversation started up again Kathryn amused herself by looking out the large picture window. Soon after something caught her attention. An overweight maid and an older man in a uniform were walking around the yard muttering something to each other. They looked very flustered and annoyed as they called out something Kathryn couldn't hear. When their backs were turned from the large oak tree behind them a young boy appeared suddenly and threw water balloons at them. They were filled with water and some sort of brown substance. The servants yelped as they were hit and immediately started chasing after the little boy who ran away into the house.
Sitting up on the couch expectantly Kathryn waited to see what would happen next. She watched as the boy ran past the doors of the parlor room and stopped to catch his breath. When he looked up he peaked through the door and his eyes fell on Kathryn. She blinked in surprise as he stared at her curiously. This was the first good look she got at the boy and she very much liked what she saw. He had curly blond hair, blue eyes and a nice face. Slowly a smile formed on his face but as quickly as it appeared it soon disappeared when a boisterous voice called out "Master Valmont that was not funny!"
Immediately he took off running again as the fat women chased after him. Suddenly the sound of screaming and something breaking could be heard. All the adults stopped talking and looked towards the doors wondering what was causing all the commotion. "I think I have an idea" Edward sighed.
Moments later the boy came bursting in through the parlor room doors with the maid calling after him "come back here you evil little bastard!"
Mrs. Rosemond calmly got to her feet as she put an arm around her nephew. "It's all right Stella" she told the flustered and embarrassed maid. "I'll take it from here." Looking down at the young boy she scolded him almost playfully "are you causing mischief again Sebastian?"
Kathryn was in shock. If she ever acted like that when company was around her mother would probably beat her not laugh and find it funny like Mrs. Rosemond and Edward did.
"Son these are the Merteuils" Mr. Valmont explained as he gestured towards their guests. "This is Edward and Tiffani." Sebastian said nothing only scowled at them in disdain. "And this is their daughter Kathryn. She's about your age Sebastian."
Pulling away from his aunt Sebastian stared at Kathryn suspiciously before demanding "how old are you?"
In an uppity tone she declared "eight."
He smiled smugly "I'm nine." Turning to his father he asked "can I leave now?"
"Sure but how about you take Kathryn with you and show her around the house?"
Sebastian groaned "but dad she's a girl!"
Everyone in the room laughed at this except for Kathryn who scowled. She didn't like being laughed at and right away she decided she hated this boy Sebastian.
"Sebastian" Edward said in a tone filled with warning.
"Fine" he huffed. Glancing in Kathryn's direction he made a moving motion and ordered "come on lets go."
Although she didn't like one thing about this boy, Kathryn much rather go on a tour with him rather than sit for one more minute listening to boring adult conversation. She followed him into the hallway and he began to walk real fast down different corridors. When she had to run to catch up she ordered him "stop! Stop walking so fast."
"You better catch up Caitlin. I'm not waiting all day for some girl" he called over his shoulder.
"My name is Kathryn and so what if I'm a girl?"
Sebastian stopped abruptly and turned to face her "well everyone knows girls aren't as good as boys. They aren't as fast or as smart or as cool."
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard" she exclaimed exasperated.
He laughed "well I'm a lot faster than you."
"Only because you're older"
"And I'm smarter"
"I get all A's on all my school work."
Sebastian snorted "yeah probably because you kiss up to the teachers."
Although that was partially true Kathryn continued "well I play the piano and the violin and I speak French."
"So do I" he replied smugly "and I speak Italian."
Kathryn only spoke one language making her feel like a complete idiot. Looking towards the ground she was trying to think of another retort but the only thing she could think to say was "well I'm much cooler than you!"
"Yeah right" he huffed as he left her and walked out side.
Following him Kathryn told him "we're not suppose to be out side. You're suppose to give me a tour of the house."
"Well I'm not so what are you going to do about it cool girl?"
Once again he was laughing at her and once again it was making her angry. Glaring at him she stepped forward and then pushed him with all her might, sending Sebastian toppling back onto the hard cement. Pulling himself up on his elbows he looked up at her in astonishment. It was the first time in Sebastian's young life that someone dared to stand up to him. It was in that moment that he fell in love with Kathryn Merteuil.
Kathryn herself was pretty surprised at herself but at the same time quite proud. Holding her head up she marched away from him and walked out onto the lawn. Sebastian got to his feet and called after her "wait! Wait, where are you going?!"
She didn't bother to slow down but charged ahead. When he caught up to her she explained "I want to go riding so that's what I'm going to do."
"Are you allowed to go by yourself?"
"No" Kathryn shrugged as she spotted what looked like stables in the distance.
Sebastian was very impressed by this but tried to hide it by playing cool. "Well I'm coming too."
"Fine" she shrugged even though she was happy he was. "But if we get in trouble I'm telling them it was your idea."
He laughed "I don't care my father lets me do whatever I want."
"Why?
"My mom says because he feels guilty about screwing his secretary and having me walk in on it."
"Oh" Kathryn replied a little confused. "Well my mother thinks my father is screwing the maid."
Sebastian sighed "yeah fathers do that."
Kathryn was going to ask him what that meant when he announced "we're here. They're not just going to let us take the horses you know."
Ignoring him she walked into the smelly barn and looked around for an adult. A tall man with a beard soon approached them "can I help you children?"
"Yes we want to go riding" Kathryn explaining curtly.
The older man studied the two children a minute before telling him "I don't think that's a good idea. Not until you have an adult with you."
Giving the man her best smile she pleaded "please? We really want to go and I am a very good rider sir."
"I'm sorry but no" he said firmly then turned back around.
Sebastian shrugged and turned to leave when Kathryn called out in a voice so full of malice no one in there right mind would ever think it belonged to an eight year old. "If you don't let us go ridding I'll tell my mother you called us a bunch of bad words and tried to touch me."
It was hard to say who was more shocked by this the stable hand or Sebastian. Both gawked at her in shock but Kathryn only crossed her arms firmly over her chest. "You..." The stable hand muttered.
"Get us our horses" Kathryn demanded.
The stable hand was smart enough to know that the word of a child, especially a rich child, could be a dangerous thing. God knows what this little girl was capable of so with a heavy sigh the man turned and gathered two horses for the children.
Kathryn smiled triumphantly as Sebastian walked up beside her stunned. "See I'm much cooler than you" she told him as she walked up to a large black stallion. The man helped her get on the horse and then Sebastian who threw the helmet he gave him to the floor. "I'm not wearing a helmet."
"Me neither it will mess up my hair" Kathryn told him.
Seeing that Kathryn was distracted with getting her feet in the stirrups Sebastian grinned and kicked his horse who immediately galloped out of the barn. Scowling Kathryn didn't want to be left behind so she started her horse and chased after him. Even though they were young both were pretty experienced riders. They spent the whole afternoon racing and galloping through woods and brush. They were both having so much fun they completely forgot about there parents and the fact that it was getting dark out.
Finally though Kathryn noticed that the sun had been replaced by the moon and she stopped her horse. "We should get back before they come looking for us."
"Ok" Sebastian agreed disappointed that their fun had to end.
"How do we get back?"
Looking around Sebastian realized he didn't know where he was. If it was light out he might but he had never really been out on the property at night. "Uh...I'm not sure."
"What?! You mean we're lost?"
"Calm down, don't be such a baby"
"I'm not a baby."
"Yeah you are" he mocked "you're probably afraid of the dark!"
Scowling Kathryn hissed "shut up idiot! I'm going to find my own way back."
"Sure you will" he laughed as Kathryn started to gallop away from him.
After awhile he couldn't see her horse anymore and Sebastian began to get a tad nervous. He wasn't too terribly found of the dark himself plus he knew Kathryn didn't know how to get home by herself so he was a little worried.
Then suddenly he heard a loud shriek followed by a horses nay. Galloping in the direction Sebastian soon came upon Kathryn kneeling on the ground minus her horse. Getting off his horse he kneeled down beside her "are you ok?"
Kathryn nodded "yes the horse saw something and jumped. I fell and he ran away."
"Well it's ok maybe we can-" Sebastian was interrupted when his own horse suddenly took off in the other direction. "Aww man!"
"Now what are we going to do?" She asked in a soft voice.
Normally Sebastian would scream at her and blame her for all of this but this time he didn't. Instead he gave her a half smile and told her "it will be ok we'll find a way home."
"Ok" Kathryn replied as he helped her to her feet. Her pretty white dressed was now covered in mud stains and if she did ever manage to get home her mother would surely kill her. "My dress is all dirty" she sighed.
"So? We have bigger problems right now Kathryn"
"You don't understand" she explained "when my mother sees this she'll throw a fit. She'll never let me go riding again."
"Just give her a phony apology. Works on my parents every time."
"My parents are different than yours. All they care about is what other people think" she sighed.
Sebastian nodded in understanding "yeah your mother kind of looks like a bitch."
"Hey!" Kathryn said defensively but then began to laugh "actually you're right. She is kind of a bitch!"
He smiled when she laughed and told her "you know you're all right for a girl."
"I know" she told him arrogantly.
Both children laughed when all of a sudden a land rover pulled up beside them and there parents hopped out. "Oh my god!" Tiffani exclaimed looking more angry then relieved. "Where have you been?" Before Kathryn could reply her mother looked her over in disdain and hissed "what did you do to your new dress?"
Edward meanwhile ran up to his son and embraced him "we were so worried about you son."
"Dad" Sebastian sighed embarrassed "I'm fine."
"Come here you" his aunt Helen laughed as she pulled him into a hug. "Don't ever scare us like that again, ok?"
As her own mother and father scolded her Kathryn looked over at Sebastian and envied him slightly. "Are you listening to me young lady?"
Kathryn blinked up at her mother "yes I'm sorry but we-"
"There will be plenty of time to explain in the car on the way home. Lets get going" grabbing Kathryn by the arm Tiffani led her to the limo where her father was already waiting. She continued to lecture her daughter but Kathryn wasn't paying any attention. Instead she looked over her shoulder at Sebastian. He grinned at her and she smiled back. From that moment on they would be forever linked.
- to be continued (Please Review)