AnonGuest: Her father interfering would be quite a twist but also a predictable one in my mind. I like to think that I'm not that predictable. Although I definitely have my moments.

Kawaii-Cherri: Yeah… it's not going to get much better for a while. You would think that I'm coming to the end of the story… but i'm not. There's so much more annoyance to come -winky face- I may actually turn you insane by the end of this.

Chapter 28: Lay it on the line.

There wasn't much time between him telling her to relax to when he leaned down and kissed her. It was soft and gentle, he held her close but with enough space so that she didn't feel imposed upon. Her body relaxed and she reciprocated within a couple of seconds, feeling a warmth flood through her as the moment between them overrode everything else. Sebastian broke the embrace softly and pressed his forehead against hers. Rina breathed heavily and kept her eyes closed as her fingers gripped his shirt tightly, 'what… what was that for?' She whispered.

'You were worried about being intimate,' he explained, 'I think we trust each other enough that it won't become… weird,' Sebastian said. It wasn't a selfish notion at all, he mentally kept repeating, even though it was. 'Next time though, I'll ask. Sorry,' he added as he stepped back. Rina blushed and shook her head, dismissing his apology. 'We won't always have to kiss and things, people will understand,' he said, 'not all couples show affection in public,' he adds not wanting her to feel obligated to keep up the farce by using affection.

'So… we'll just do what feels… the least weird and most natural?' Rina said. A thought hits her and she sighs, looking at the floor. 'Bastian… it should feel weird to be comfortable kissing your best friend,' she whispers.

He froze and then sighs as well. If he was going to be honest about it all, now was the time. 'I…' he began before she looked up at him and he felt his courage falter, he couldn't do it. She wore such trust and intent listening. 'I… can't explain it, Pheebs. I'm…' Totally in love with you, he thought. Just fucking tell her! He cleared his throat and gave into his inner fear. 'I'm just… comfortable with you, Pheebs. Yeah, kissing is intimate but it's not like you've ever asked more of me and it is what it is,' he finished lamely, avoiding her gaze. Coward, he scolded himself.

As he was looking at the floor he didn't see the expression of longing and pain on her face. Rina nodded, biting her lip as she walks over to her wardrobe. 'Yeah, that's true,' she replied, feeling her heart clench in pain. 'It is what it is,' she whispered to herself. It was cruel of her to think that Sebastian was going to go through all this for something other than just being a good friend. Rina knew that she was the first person other than Sam that Sebastian trusted and allowed himself to be vulnerable to, to expect more was selfish. 'I can't get 'engaged' looking like this,' she explains without him asking and begins to pull through her dresses.

The annoyance at his own reaction to her statement was eating Sebastian up inside. He had the perfect chance to lay it all on the line. To tell her everything and he blew it. He was too scared of the rejection and anger from his deception. Sebastian rubbed his eyes, I'm a piece of shit, he thought bitterly to himself. Gideon had a point. Her father may have done many unforgivable things to Rina but he hadn't lied to her. Hadn't manipulated her feelings and vulnerability for his own gain. 'Pheebs,' he said softly as he looked over at her.

'Hmm?' She replied as she held up a dress. 'Ugh, no the hem is all torn,' she muttered to herself as she put it back. When silence returned she paused and turned to face him, another hanger in her hand. 'Bastian? What's the matter?' She asked, clearly worried. He took her in, her hair was half up, loose and scruffy in its bun while the rest lazily swayed as she moved. Sebastian caught sight of the scars that ran over the tops of her arms, the glimpse of one of her larger ones on her back from her cropped tank top. She stood at ease, one leg behind the other, her head tilted. There was something about the graceful way she moved, her body lithe with her height but strong and curved. The low light cast reds and oranges across her skin and dark hair, a fiery aura surrounding her. Sebastian knew the weight of her, every way her muscles firmed as she held him; the way her fingers would gently curl into his hair and stroke his skin with only the intent to soothe.

'I…' he said as he moved towards her. 'Pheebs…'

She wore a confused expression and her stomach dropped. 'Bastian if… if you're suddenly regretting this, it's okay. We don't have to do it; we can make up another reason for calling everyone over. It's okay. It's okay not to be sure about this, I mean, it's crazy,' she said forcing herself to laugh as the expression on his face was worrying.

Sebastian gently took the hanger out her hands and tossed it onto the bed as he picked her up, causing a small squeak to leave her lips in surprise. He held her close, burying his head into her shoulder. 'Pheebs, I love you,' he whispers. 'I want to do this. I want to keep you safe…'

Rina felt her eyes well up and she was thankful that he had hidden his face so he couldn't see her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and nods, exhaling heavily. 'You know I love you too, Bastian,' she said quietly. Just… in a different way. You're the best friend I don't deserve, she thought to herself. She felt him let out a shuddering breath for a reason she couldn't decipher. It was only a moment or two later when he put her down gently.

'I should let you get ready, huh,' he said in a jokey way.

Rina smiles bitterly at him and forces her smile to become more natural and genuine. 'Well, yeah, can't get engaged in my slobs,' she teases, breaking the clear tension that was between them. What was that? Rina thought to herself. 'Though I could use some help,' she added. 'Also, there's some of your work type shirts in here,' she said as she delved back into her wardrobe. 'In case you were worried I was going to be overdressed.'

Sebastian catches the shirt that Rina throws over her shoulder and then fields the second and third that follow. 'Alright, I've got it,' he laughs. Deep inside he was hating himself, his confession hadn't exactly translated properly. Clearly it was misconstrued and he was in too much pain to try and clarify what he meant. This was just going to have to be something he came back to, later. He began to pull his t-shirt over his head.

'What about this?' Rina asks.

He shakes his head when she shows him the dress, Rina puts it back and picks out another, looking for his opinion. 'You look lovely already,' he said, amused at her antics. 'Also, I'm thinking I would just… act like you're my girlfriend?' Sebastian blushes heavily and nods at a dress that she shows him. 'Um, meaning like, how I would hold you and things,' he clarifies. 'Seeing as we're going to be married, it would make sense, right?'

Rina laughs and pulls her top over her head, causing Sebastian to look away as she slipped on the dress he had chosen. 'What a roundabout way of asking me to be your girlfriend, Bastian,' she teases, not noticing that his face erupts in a bright red. She was too busy focusing on her hair which she decided to braid over her shoulder. The dress matched the season and was a dark purple, a sweetheart neckline and waterfall skirt. A little flashy but matched the celebration. 'Instead, you've skipped right over to asking me to marry you,' she smirks as she looks at him through the mirror.

Her heart skipped when she saw him pick up one of the shirts that was almost a perfect colour match to her dress. Then she became distracted by the tattoo along his shoulders as per usual. Yoba, she thought. I need to have a cold shower.

Once he had done up his buttons and straightened his collar, he replied. 'Ha ha, very funny. Want me to take it all back?' He said with a grin and laughed as she ran over to him, intent on punishment. He playfully grabs her hands and she struggles, cursing him to the moon. The tension rose between them and he pulled her closer, causing her weight to fall into him. They looked into one another's eyes and Rina stood on her tiptoes. 'Pheebs,' he began, encouraged by her close presence. 'What I meant earlier… I-'

'Yes?' Rina whispered, feeling his hand slide up her back, somehow pulling her closer.

'I didn't mean-'

There was a loud banging on Rina's front door, followed by the doorbell being pressed multiple times. 'Shit!' Rina yelped as they both jolted, the moment gone. 'They're here already?!'

'Are you joking? My mum has probably been waiting for that phone call for the last year,' he chuckles as he steadies her until she finds her feet once more. Together they walked to the front door and opened it wide. 'Mum!' Sebastian said as she gave him a tight hug, 'Demetrius, Maru,' he added as they walked in after Robin. Your sense of timing sucks, he thought with frustration. They greet Rina and express their wonder as to why they were there but Rina just smiled and offered them some drinks.

'Hold the door!' Came Emily's voice. Sebastian did as she asked and the rest of their friends arrived. Sam, Penny, Emily, Alex, Leah and even Abigail; who was surprising, she must have been with Sam when he got the call seeing as neither Sebastian nor Rina had contacted her. He didn't mind, he just hoped that she didn't cause a scene. 'Hey buddy!' Emily said as she gave him a random hug. 'What's with the whole get together?' She asked.

Sebastian chuckled and smiled at her weakly, 'it'll make sense in a few minutes,' he promises. Rina had led his family into her back room which was currently set up as a home bar with entertainment system, complete with large seating and a projector for movie nights. She was behind the bar and pouring people drinks, she smiled at Sebastian as he entered with their friends and her expression froze for a moment when she spotted Abigail.

To her credit, it only lasted a second. 'Abi! Hey! What's your poison?' Rina asked as she passed Maru her shandy; it was a work night and Maru didn't want anything too heavy. 'I've pretty much got everything,' Rina muses as she looks over the bottles.

'Uh, just a rum and coke, if you have it,' Abigail said as she got close to the bar. She didn't seem very comfortable to be in Rina's house but no-one was forcing her to be there. She was free to leave when she wanted.

Sebastian walked over to Sam and gently pulled him to the side, 'you brought Abi?' He said quietly. It wasn't that things had ended badly between them, it was more of a, "don't ask, don't say", sort of situation. Abigail hadn't ever apologised for her behaviour and Sebastian didn't get a straight answer for why she acted like she did. He was worried that Abigail would act out when the news was revealed and even if this was to be a "fake" marriage, he didn't want Rina to be upset. Sam looked over to where Rina was passing Abigail a drink and nodded.

'We were at the Saloon, all of us, Penny, Emily, Alex, Leah… We couldn't just up and leave her. She asked what we were doing and I didn't want to lie,' he explained.

Sebastian couldn't blame him, 'yeah, okay, sure. Sorry, man, it's just been… I don't want any drama after this week,' he confesses.

'So, we're good?' Sam worries.

'Yeah, man, we're all good,' Sebastian assures. 'Hey, listen, tonight is… a big night, I would have told you before but it all kinda happened fast,' he said in a whisper.

Sam grins and gives him a wink, 'can't wait,' he teases before he takes a sip of his beer. 'Looks like Rina is done serving people, might be the moment,' he nods to her, getting a smile in return. People started to take seats and sip their drinks while Rina walks over to Sebastian. Just have to act… like we're dating, she thought to herself as she brightly grins at him. Just act like you're in love… which should be easy because I totally am, she said to herself, sarcastically and refrained from rolling her eyes. Sebastian wraps his arm around her shoulders and thanks her for the drink that she brought over for him. Everyone looked at them expectantly and Rina avoided looking at Penny who wore a smirk.

'Uh, so, you're probably wondering why Bastian and I, uh, asked you to be here,' Rina stuttered out nervously and she felt Sebastian's fingers tighten on her shoulder in comfort. Breathing in deeply, she caught his cologne and the hint of his leathers that lingered on his skin. 'Well, we uh, this… oh Yoba,' she swore, feeling anxiousness in her stomach. As much public speaking as she had done in the past, this was whole new territory. Everyone here was someone she cared about, one way or another.

Sebastian pulled her closer, pressing his cheek against her temple, making Robin smile as she gave Demetrius a knowing look. 'Want me to take over?' He whispers to Rina. She nods and he gives her another squeeze. Clearing his throat, he looks at his family and friends, 'so… some of you might know, Phe- Rina and I have always been close,' he said, feeling embarrassed at their grins. 'Well, uh, lately, we've come to admit… that there are feelings,' Sebastian had no idea what he was saying and going by Rina's blush, she was wondering where he was going with it as well.

Maru jumped up out her seat. 'I knew it!' She shouted in happiness, 'I fucking called that shit!' She celebrated with arm pumps, making Sebastian and Rina laugh, along with their friends. Robin grabs Maru by the arm and drags her back into her seat, scolding her language but unable to hide her joyous smile.

'Um, long story short,' he said before smiling at Rina, which she returns. 'I asked her to marry me,' he reveals, causing everyone to still. Robin gasped along with Maru and Penny. Sam, Emily, Alex and Demetrius simply gaped at them.

Abigail stared, 'what?!' She exclaimed, though Rina wasn't sure if it was out of shock or anger.

Penny decided to distract everyone by asking an obvious question, 'and? What did you say?' She asked Rina, whose blush could ignite a forest fire.

'I said, yes,' she smiles, grateful for Penny asking, it took people's attention off of Abigail; who did not look happy and was just staring into her drink. Robin and Maru jumped up out their seats and ran over to congratulate them both. Demetrius and the other guys walked over to Sebastian, shaking his hand and grinning with approval.

'You're going straight to marriage? You're not even going to date?' Leah asked. Her tone of voice made it clear that she was swept up in the romanticism of it all and it wasn't accusatory or judgemental. Rina caught Abigail slipping out the room with the corner of her eye and she knew it was going to have to be something that she dealt with later. Not tonight.

'Uh,' Rina began, her mind trying to come up with a reason as to why. 'You lot have always joked that we were secretly dating,' she said helplessly. 'I mean, when you know, you know, right?' She said in what was hopefully a convincing tone of voice.

Leah hugged her tightly and sighed happily. 'Oh, Rina, I'm so glad you two finally admitted it to yourselves,' she says honestly.

Rina nods, 'uh huh,' she murmurs. Her mind began to spiral with what Leah could possibly mean by her statement. Her concentration returned when Robin who was babbling in joy pulled her aside from Leah. Rina only just caught the end of the question. 'I know, it's a surprise but it feels right,' Rina said, trying not to lay it on too thick and make people suspicious.

'Oh, my darling, this is wonderful! I'm going to have a daughter in law and my Sebby is going to have a wife!' Robin squealed in happiness, 'a proper little family! Oh, are you going to have children? This room would be perfect for that! I even have a crib at home that you can have-'

Rina's face paled and Maru stepped in, 'Mum! Stop it! They've only just gotten engaged, let alone thinking about kids,' she said as she peeled her mother off of Rina's arm. 'Daaad,' Maru called lightly, steering her mother, who was crying in delight, into his arms. Rina had to leave Sebastian to the mercy of his mother while Maru spoke to her. 'This is great! We're going to be sisters!' Maru said happily as she gave her a hug. 'So, when did you realise that you liked him?'

Penny passed Rina a drink and whispered in her ear that she was going to check on Abigail, it soothed the worry. Rina smiled at her and then returned to the conversation at hand, for some reason she wasn't expecting all these sorts of questions but she should have. Of course, people were going to be curious about what was going on between them. 'Uh… I would have to say… um, my birthday?' She said quietly, but honestly.

'You're saying that the mistletoe actually worked?' Maru brightened up and grinned.

'It didn't hurt,' Rina said, feeling awkward. Sebastian managed to pull himself free from Alex who was asking rather… personal inquiries and grabs Rina as a shield, disguising it as a side hug. 'Hey,' she smiles at him, her eyes screaming for some sort of saviour.

'Pheebs and I… we were thinking that… we would get married on Sunday,' Sebastian said to the group. Robin almost collapsed as she sank into her husband's arms.

'Soon!' Emily squealed in glee, grabbing Leah's hands and bouncing. 'We're going to have to do your dress tomorrow, Rina!' She babbled as Leah laughed in happiness; Emily's enthusiasm was infectious. 'Oh, I'm so excited!'

Rina shook her head, 'it doesn't have to be much! I have dresses here we could alter; I know it's fast but things are in this town, aren't they?' She said in desperation.

Sam moved towards Rina, 'congratulations,' he said genuinely. 'I'm so happy for you both,' he smiles. 'Mind if I bring a date?' He teases as he catches Penny's eye as she walks back into the room. Penny blushes and looks away from Rina's shit eating grin and amused facial expression. Now there was something Rina could use as payback when there was no doubt teasing about this. Sebastian nodded and pulled Sam aside so that he could ask him to be his best man and Rina walked over to Penny and poked her in the side.

'You haven't mentioned Sam-'

'Rina, do you think this is a good idea?' Penny whispers.

'What do you mean?' Rina replies, worry clear on her features.

'Is this like, real? Does Sebastian actually want to marry you or is this because of the whole will thing?' She whispers, carefully because she didn't want anyone else to hear. 'We both know he would do anything to help you.' Rina cursed her lack of foresight; she had told Penny everything the night before.

Rina swallows her fear, 'it's okay,' she said placing her hand on Penny's arm. 'Bastian loves me, for real,' she said. The lie felt like acid on her tongue but she said it with a conviction that no jury could deny. Penny grinned and gave her a hug, for which Rina was grateful because she felt like she was going to cry.

I'm so excited for the next few chapters!