Guest: thank you for your review! i love Pheebs and Bastian so much, they're like my feel good OTP. Just so comforting. Though, they're not perfect as coming chapters will come to show. They're flawed AF.

A/N: Apologies for the late update time, my laptop decided to leave this life and took me a while to get a new one and redownload chapters from my cloud etc, turns out, only half my chapters had been saved! Or in some cases, incomplete works! Then, as if i didn't have enough to do, I came down with pnemonia for the second time in six months! It's been a rollercoaster.

These next few chapters have had to be re-written so i apologise if they don't flow like the others!

Chapter Ten - Past consequences

It had started to snow and so the pair had to drag everything back inside. It was fine as it was getting late and they should probably consider going to bed. Sebastian forced Rina to hydrate before she went to shoo Mochi off the quilt into his basket. They were used to sleeping next to one another, it had become second nature. Sebastian arranged the pillows while Rina did a last-minute check on her farm security systems before getting into bed with him. She yawned and rubbed her eye. 'Sorry I wasn't much help earlier when you told me about Demetrius, I did think about it and honestly, I feel that some of it is your fault,' she mumbled.

'What? Really?' Sebastian said in surprise. 'Alright… I'm sure you have your reasons,' he added as she laid down on her side facing him. He shimmied down and gently placed an arm over her waist, his arm under her pillow.

Rina had closed her eyes, 'you said that your father died when you were young,' she whispered, not wanting to upset him. 'That it was about two years later that your mum married Demetrius?'

'Yeah,' he replied gently moving his fingers in a circle on her back.

'Well, it seems to be that your perception regarding Demetrius is that of the young child you were when he came into your life. You resent him because you think that he was trying to replace your father. In reality he just fell in love with your mother and took you into his life. I'm not saying he's perfect by any means but every time he attempts to have a conversation with you, he's already met with hostility and barricades,' she inhaled and stifled a yawn. 'You need to kinda grow up about it, Bastian. You might feel like he's trying to be your parent but you forget that he literally is a parent, to your own sister, half sibling, doesn't matter. He's a dad and he's doing the best he can to try and help you become the best version of yourself because that's what parents do. Now, he can be an ass at times and he's definitely got things to learn when it just comes to treating you like an adult but you're not helping. Think of it this way, you'll always have your father, no-one can replace him… but if you allow Demetrius in, you'll have a dad too,' she said sleepily. 'Just… food for thought… though I could be speaking utter shit.'

Sebastian couldn't help but lie there in wonder. No one had really ever put it that way and the more he thought about it, the more annoyed he was that it was true. It hadn't ever felt like his relationship with his mum's husband had improved and he had mentioned in the past that he felt Maru received more… favourable treatment. He opened his eyes to talk a little more and found that Rina had completely dropped off. 'Why is it you're able to do things like that?' He whispered as he brushed her hair from her face. It wasn't long after that he too, dropped off.

-x-

A couple of days had passed and it was a particular morning where Rina and Sebastian had arranged to meet. Rina was nervous, it was going to be her first time in the city since she had moved to Pelican town. There was a particular reason as to why she needed to go into the city but it didn't stop the anxiety from rolling in her stomach. She was pacing around her front room, waiting on Sebastian to arrive. He didn't want her wasting money on a train and had offered to drive her there on his bike. It had been a little bit of a revelation to discover that Rina couldn't actually drive, plenty of teasing had commenced until she shot it down with a simple look.

Rina huffs and finally tunes into her surroundings as a high-pitched mewling came into focus. 'Oh, Mochi, I'm sorry,' she moans as she discovers the little cat winding around her legs. 'I swear I fed you about an hour ago,' she admits as she gingerly unwinds herself from him and walks towards the kitchen. There was only the usual evidence of food in his bowl and so she simply refilled it, instead of trying to remember whether she had actually fed him or not. He happily began to eat and her mind began to wander again, the anxiety crashing back over her; the distraction of dinner time had been a minor reprieve.

Finally, she heard the sound of Sebastian's motorbike. She picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder as she left to meet him. 'You took your time,' Rina said, playfully but also a little frustrated.

He pulls off his helmet and gives her a look, 'excuse you, miss Dolittle,' he said in a patronizingly upper-class voice, 'but I think my lady will find that I'm actually fifteen minutes early,' he said matter-of-factly.

Rina checked her watch and huffed before giving him an apologetic look, 'sorry, Bastian. I didn't mean to be rude, I'm just…-'

'Stressed,' he says simply as he ruffled his hair into a more comfortable place and she spotted his earrings flashing through his dark locks. Sebastian had several in each ear, randomly placed through his cartilage and lobe. He didn't wear them often; having pierced them when he was a teenager and he joked that his ears got too cold when the weather was chill. Rina liked them a lot and thought that they suited him. She hadn't made the connection that since she had told him that she liked them, he had been wearing them more. If anyone had asked Sebastian about it, it would be clear that he didn't realise that he had been doing such a thing.

'I just… this is a big thing-'

'Pheebs, you didn't feel comfortable talking about it the first time it came up. You don't have to force yourself to tell me now, just because it's day of,' he said softly as he put down the kickstand. He pulled around his backpack as he looked her up and down, 'good, you're wearing your boots. Here, put on these leathers,' he said as he pulled out some large, thick clothing.

Pheebs snorted and looked at the jacket and trousers he was holding. 'Bastian, they're huge,' she laughs but drops her bag so he can help her into the leather jacket.

'They're my spares and yeah, they'll drown you a little but I need you to be safe. If you come off for some reason, I need you to be protected. You can't go riding a motorbike in just a skirt and your long pretty hair flowing in the wind,' he teases lightly. Rina sticks out her tongue at him and awkwardly pulls on the trousers, tucking her skirt into each leg; it was a little uncomfortable but her own fault for not thinking ahead. Sebastian put her bag into the storage compartment under his seat and pulled out the spare helmet. 'There's a headset in this, you can talk to me through it. Either hold onto my waist or the back bars, and last but not least, gloves,' he said as he helped her get ready.

Rina was thankful that her visor was tinted as he pulled it down on her head, it hid the blush that crossed her cheeks as she felt him gently twist her hair into her jacket and down her back. He was very close as he adjusted straps and tightened buckles so that the leathers wouldn't move, despite being too big. 'Can you hear me?' Rina said as he pulled on his helmet.

'I can, am I clear enough?' He said as he playfully tapped her on the head. Rina gave him the finger and she heard him chuckle as he swung his leg over the bike. 'Alright, ready when you are,' he said as he looked at her. Sebastian had to hold in a laugh, she looked so cute, dressed in her oversized leathers and standing awkwardly. 'Come on, Pheeby-Beeby,' he teases, hearing her annoyed huff down the microphone. It seemed to give her the kick in the backside she needed and she determinedly walked over and swung her leg over, taking a seat. There was a pause as she decided which was going to be the easiest way to hold on; eventually settling on the back bars.

It was a decision she instantly regretted as the motorbike jolted forward. It wasn't long before she changed her mind and leaned forward wrapping her arms around his waist and holding on tightly. Hope I'm not giving him a Heimlich, she thought honestly as she rested her head on his back, looking sideways as she watches the world pass them. The journey was pleasant and although she was hot and a little uncomfortable, she was enjoying herself. It was the first time that she had been on his bike and it was an experience she would happily repeat. Sebastian cleared his throat and spoke, 'you alright back there?' He asks.

'Yeah, I'm good,' she replies.

'We'll be coming into the city in a minute, I'll be slowing down and taking turns. Don't try to lean with me, just keep your weight where it is at the moment,' he explains. Rina nods and then realises that he wouldn't have seen it and confirms it verbally. The traffic became heavier and she was impressed with the way that Sebastian handled it, personally she was pretty sure that she would be panicking and terrified of the close proximity of the other vehicles.

Not before too long, they had parked up and he had helped her out of her riding leathers. Rina took out a small mirror to see what she looked like while Sebastian packed up things into his bike. Rina dusted down her skirt and cardigan, fluffing out her hair and trying to look like she hadn't spent the last forty minutes on a motorbike. 'Do I look okay?' She asked, giving him a worried look.

He rolls his eyes and spins his finger, referring to the first time that she had asked him that question. Rina giggles and gives him an obligatory spin. 'Yeah, Pheebs, you look great,' he said as he shook out his own hair and pulled out a packet of cigarettes. 'I'm just going to wander around, maybe look for a few places to rent while you do your thing. Just hit me up when you're finished,' he said.

Rina felt a jolt of panic and she looked at the direction that she would be walking in. The café that she was going to was only about five minutes' walk away. 'Come with me,' Rina said in a rush. Sebastian lifted a brow as he looked at her quizzically.

He had inhaled on his cigarette and exhales when he speaks, 'really?'

Her heart was beating hard in her chest and she stepped forward to grab his hand, 'please, I can't… I can't do this on my own. I thought I can but I can't. I need you to help me. Please, I know I'm asking for so much, you've already given me a lift here and you're willing to wait around-'

'Pheebs, chill. It's fine. I don't mind. Besides, resolves all the secrecy and mystery,' he said giving her fingers a squeeze. 'Lead the way,' he said softly as he continues to smoke. Rina loops her arm through his and smiles at him gratefully. While they walked, she made sure to tell him that he looked good. Dressed in dark jeans and matching shirt, he embodied his personal style perfectly. His hair had gotten longer in the cold months and she spotted all the glances other women were sending his way. Something she teased him about in order to distract herself from the ever-approaching destination.

Rina squeezed his arm anxiously as they stood before the café. It was a high-class place and Sebastian wore an expression of doubt as he looked at his reflection and then down at Rina. 'Yoba, I feel sick to my stomach,' Rina whispers, holding onto him for dear life.

'I don't really think I fit in here,' Sebastian jokes, making a smile appear weakly on her face.

'You look amazing and I'll fight anyone who says otherwise,' Rina said in a pout. 'Come on, otherwise I won't go in,' she mumbles as she steers him towards the door. They walk in and Sebastian has to take initiative to choose a table as Rina becomes a little stiff and reluctant to move. He manages to stiffly wrangle her towards a private table and shove her into the booth.

Sebastian brushes his hair from his eyes as the colour drains from Rina's face, 'I'm going to get you a coffee,' he says softly. Rina bites her lip and nods, staring at the door. 'And perhaps something to eat,' Sebastian adds to himself. He didn't bother looking at the prices and simply bought what he knew she liked, picking up a coffee in a to-go cup for himself. Sebastian took the muffin and drinks to Rina and placed it in front of her; he shimmies into the booth next to her, making her jump.

'Sorry,' she mumbles as she wraps her hands around the mug.

'This has really shaken you, Pheebs. What's going on?' Sebastian asked before nudging her with his shoulder.

Rina inhales deeply and then sighs, she avoids looking at him as she speaks. 'When I left… my father… and that life… I…' she pauses and her voice becomes shaky. 'I… hurt someone.'