Kawaii-Charry: Uh... I know what you mean and you're not going to like this chapter! I mean, you might but i doubt it. All the fun times are going to be had.
AnonGuest: I'm glad you did, I hope you enjoy this one too!
A/N: I apologise for the awful spelling in the last chapter, i have checked this one but I'm only human.
Chapter 23: What a twist!
Sebastian stretched at his desk. He had moved to the city a couple of months ago and things were going well… it wasn't as if he couldn't succeed at his job and the place he had found for rent; it had a couple of faults but nothing horrendous. He had just found that although things were going well, it wasn't satisfying and he found himself in longing. Personally, he hoped that the intense feelings he felt towards Rina would lessen with distance. Though the phrase "absence makes the heart grow fonder", was unfortunately applicable here. He spoke to Rina almost every night and they made sure that they used video call often. Maru had joked recently that they were already in a long-term relationship, albeit with denial.
Treacherously, just because he had thought about her in passing, his mind wandered to the recent flower festival. There was something about that afternoon. The surprise on her features when he asked her to dance, followed by her smile of joy. His heart warmed with delight as she followed his lead, lining up opposite him. In truth it was the most enjoyable time he had ever had at the festival and not just because he didn't have to wear the terrible suit. Watching her laugh in happiness, the way she trusted him completely when it came to the spins and lifts, holding her weight in his arms… it was intoxicating. Going home afterwards, parting ways so that he could collect Mochi and other things was a reality check he needed. He had almost buckled that day. With a sigh, Sebastian leaned back in his chair and rubbed his face to remove his train of thought around his best friend.
Leaving for the city had been hard, there were tears… he had shed his privately behind his helmet as he drove away. Rina hadn't held back but made sure that he knew they weren't to guilt him, they were simply what they were; that she would miss her best friend. The start-up that he was working with had a very impressive business model and was said to be the next big thing in social media. The coding felt basic at times but he had to make sure that the basics were fundamentally sound otherwise it would all crash and glitch. There would be time to work up to more complex programming. To fit in at the offices, Sebastian made sure that he dressed smartly and looked professional. He glanced at the time; it was almost one in the afternoon. Rolling his shoulders, he began to finish up his line of code before saving, logging off and making sure everything was secure for his break.
He opened his office door and came face to face with Rina who wore a massive grin. 'Pheebs?!' He said in surprise and immense shock.
'Bastian!' She squealed in happiness and threw her arms around his neck, almost knocking him back with her sudden wight and massive bag that hung from her shoulder. 'Oh Yoba, I've missed youuuu!' She squealed once more. He hugged her in reflex and chuckled before untangling himself. It was the first time he had seen her since he left, the time taken to settle in and Rina's harvest had delayed things when it came to meeting up.
'Pheebs? What are you doing here? Not that I'm not happy to see you,' he added honestly.
She grinned and pulled her large shoulder bag up a little more. 'I've been invited to a magazine interview; they're doing a piece on local farmers and I just won an award for my honey!' She revealed as she pulled out a jar to show him but put it back before he could see the label. 'I've been working really hard on the cultivation so I'm very excited,' she explained. 'I thought I would surprise you before I go to the office to have the meeting. Do I look okay? Everyone here is so professional, I feel like I'm dressed like a hillbilly,' she mused as she looked down at her clothing. A pair of black work boots, shorts and a gingham shirt. Sebastian couldn't help his smile as he recognised the blue checkered print, one of the pieces of clothing that his mother had stolen from his wardrobe moments before Rina came into his life.
'I think you look lovely… but my boss is on his way over sooo,' he said as he caught sight of his employer and quickly moved her into his office. 'I have no idea if you're allowed up here and I don't want to get into trouble-' he said as he shut the door quickly. Rina winced and began to look around and caught sight of herself in reflective window.
She bites her lip and shakes her head, 'I hope I won't get you in trouble,' she said honestly. 'They just asked for me to sign in at the desk, they didn't ask if I was allowed or anything. I just said I was here to see you.'
Sebastian tilted his head as he tried to peek out his door, 'uh, I doubt I'll get in trouble but if they do find you… let's just try and keep it short and simple. They're very curious about me and I hate the small talk and questions,' he sighs. 'I'm basically the I.T department, hence the office space-'
Rina snorts as she looks at him, 'there's no doubt you're an anti-social little shit,' she teases as she walks over to his desk. Rina began to look around in his drawers and found some spare black shirts, she knew that Sebastian would be prepared. 'Is it okay if I borrow a shirt?' She asked as she began to take her own off without waiting for his answer.
'Wha-? Pheebs!' He said as he began to turn around and then whipped back to face the door as she was half undressed. 'What are you doing?!'
'Making myself look a little more city fashion,' she said simply as she pulled on the shirt that came down past her thighs. 'This way if they do see me, it won't be so embarrassing for you,' she added. Rina folded and shoved her other shirt into the drawer, she'd come and collect it later.
'You couldn't embarrass me, regardless of what you're wearing,' Sebastian said as he looked at the back of the door with serious concentration. He heard her snort once more and chose to pretend that he didn't hear.
Rina pulled out her belt from her shorts and tied it around her waist. Her hair was removed from its ponytail and she pulled it all to one side, over her shoulder. Sebastian could do nothing until she told him it was okay to turn around once more. He did so and had to stiffen his facial expression, his rection wouldn't exactly be appropriate. 'Do I look okay?' She asked softly as she leaned lightly against his desk.
He cleared his throat and nodded, she looked beautiful and very effortlessly high fashion. 'You look great, they'll want to take your picture for sure at the magazine,' he said honestly. 'You didn't need to change, you looked perfect the way you were,' he adds. 'Do you feel better now though?'
She's a little embarrassed but nods. Rina didn't want to cause issues for him in his workplace, this made her feel a little more secure. There was a knock at Sebastian's door and they both froze, 'shit,' she whispered but neither of them was able to stop the door from opening. Sebastian's boss walked in with a smile. Sebastian had almost leapt over to Rina's side, and looked at little flushed around the collar, his hair now scruffy with the movement.
'Mr Vance! How is the work going-? Oh, I'm sorry I didn't realise that you had a visitor,' he said with a tilted head. Rina looked him over, he was handsome, someone you would expect to be the face of a business in a well-tailored suit, fashionable shoes, and slicked back hair.
Rina smiled a little and then died inside a bit more when his business partner walked in as well. This man was smaller than both Sebastian and his partner and had a receding hairline but a kind smile. 'Ah, Sebastian, we were hoping we could talk to you- Oh!' He said as he spotted Rina who looked like she had been caught with her hand in the biscuit pot. 'Oh! Welcome young lady, are you a new employee? I've not seen you before,' he said conversationally. 'Showing her the ropes are you, Sebastian?' He grins.
Mr Davies covers his mouth with his hand to hide the smirk that had appeared, 'it's not like that,' he said in an amused sing song voice, 'they would be quite some ropes as well,' he said quietly and then winked, catching the blush that erupted on Rina's cheeks. At this point Sebastian had almost stopped breathing.
Sebastian cleared his throat, 'Mr Davies, and uh, Mr Elijhan,' he said nodding to each in turn. 'This is Rina, she came to visit me from home,' he babbles, 'she's my-'
Mr Elijhan interrupted, 'oh! Is this your wife?' He smiled at them both and Rina's expression froze in panic, both stood like a deer in headlights.
'His wife?' Rina said in shock, but Mr Elijhan took it as more of a confirmation than a question due to her confused but polite tone. They take one look and me and think I'm his wife? Okay… that's adorable and also… a very bad thing… Rina thought, not wanting to listen to herself.
'Sebastian has always said that he had someone he cares about back at home. He goes on and on about this mystery person, it's quite endearing. It's really the only time he'll hold a conversation outside of a work topic,' Mr Elijhan adds clearly not picking up on Sebastian's face of pain.
Rina can't help herself, 'aww,' she said with a mewling noise which Sebastian ignored desperately, refusing to look at her.
Mr Davies grins, 'ah, yes, I see it, she's even wearing one of his shirts,' he said as he smiles at his business partner.
'How did you-?' Rina began as she looks down at herself. What in the living land of fuck is going on? She mentally screamed. Her best friend looked like he was about to collapse and she could honestly feel panic drowning her. What were they supposed to do? For fucks sake, even the other shirt I was wearing was Bastian's! I seriously need to stop stealing his clothing and update my wardrobe.
'The buttons are on the wrong side for a woman's blouse, my dear,' he said over her. 'My, isn't this lovely,' he said as he looked at Sebastian who was as stiff as a board and had a lot of colour in his normally pale face.
'Yes, yes, you know I've been reading up on Sebastian's home town and the quaint little practices that they have there,' Mr Elijhan said conversationally, seemingly oblivious to the way Rina and Sebastian were acting and apparently just happy to chat. 'Did you know that they ask someone to date by using a special bouquet? Isn't that sweet?'
'The sweetest,' Mr Davies replied, enjoying the obvious awkward tension in the room. His smile confirmed it. Rina just wanted to die, but she didn't want to get Sebastian in trouble and have more questions asked about what was going on.
'And when they wish to marry, they use a necklace, instead of a ring,' he said as he pointed to Rina's chain that hung out her shirt collar. 'It's so unique! I have a lot of questions about it though I'm aware that Sebastian is a little reluctant to talk about himself.'
Mr Davies cups his elbow with his other hand and smiles at Rina and Sebastian. 'It's the little traditions and things that excite Mr Elijhan,' he said in almost a tease. 'I've seen Sebastian's dangle when he makes coffee in the kitchen,' he adds, 'Sebastian's piercings and things change on his mood, but he doesn't ever take off his necklace,' Mr Davies smiles broadly. Rina knew for a fact that Mr Davies was taking pleasure in this whole thing and either didn't think that they were married or simply enjoying the escalation of the situation.
'I've always wanted to ask what it was and so I did some research,' Mr Elijhan grinned, oblivious to everything but his own voice. 'I think it's lovely that your wife came to see you here, it's not often that the spouse takes an interest,' he said as he holds out his hand for her in greeting.
Well, I guess this is happening, she thought simply. Telling them otherwise right now would just add more questions and I doubt they'd believe us anyway if we tried to refute it, they've assumed and changing their mind looks impossible without complications. Rina smiles weakly and took his hand in a shake before also shaking Mr Davies' hand. 'Pleasure to meet you,' she said with a nod. 'It's great to finally meet you both, Sebastian has said nothing but praise, right, Bastian?' Rina said pointedly at her "husband", whose brain cells finally kicked into gear and he nodded.
He gave her a quick look and the smile she sent back was nothing but assuring. With a deep breath he cleared his throat and nodded, 'uh, yes, yes, she runs a farm back in our home town,' he supplied. 'She has an interview for her award-winning honey,' he added proudly. Rina blushed as the men looked at her in admiration.
'Congratulations, Mrs Vance,' Mr Davies said with a smile, his amused expression worried Rina but he managed to distract them with a subject change. 'Ah, Sebastian the reason I came to find you is that Mr Yogima is here, he's a potential investor but he wishes to talk about some of your future plans for the programs,' he said honestly. 'To be honest, we're not really getting anywhere, we're hoping that you'll be able to sway him with some charm,' he sighed.
'He wasn't particularly happy about our projections and he wishes to speak to someone that is actively involved with the creationary aspect of the program,' Mr Elijhan explained. 'We're sorry, we know that initially we said you'd have no investor interaction, but he's very stubborn and we don't want to insult him. We're not on good footing as it is as he seemed to expect something from us and we've failed,' he sighs.
Rina tilted her head, 'Mr Yogima? As in, Mr Hiro Yogima?' She blurts, unable to stop herself.
'Ah, no, that would be his son. This is Mr Yoshimoto Yogima. Apparently, his son has been choosing some bad investments lately and so he's here instead,' Mr Elijhan explained. 'Do you know Mr Yogima?'
'I uh, I used to run in the same… uh, social circles,' Rina admitted, she picked up her bag and smiled awkwardly, 'I'm sorry, it's clear you're all quite busy. I'll make sure that if I come again it won't be a hinderance.'
'Nonsense!' Mr Elijhan said as she moved towards the door, 'you'll do wonders for Sebastian's moral with your presence,' he chuckles as he leads her out the office. Mr Davies gave Sebastian a look and wore a smile of amusement. He could only find it funny that the shy, withdrawn young man was so different with his paramour around.
'I should be going,' Rina said as her hand was shaken with enthusiasm by Mr Elijhan. 'It was lovely meeting you,' she adds trying to escape.
Sebastian walked over to her quickly, 'I'll walk you out,' he said as he placed a hand on her shoulder. Unfortunately, Sebastian's bosses followed them down the corridor and so when it came for Rina to say her goodbye, she mentally panicked. What do I do?! Mr Davies and Mr Elijhan were waiting while they dawdled and she couldn't help but feel really rude at what was going on.
Mr Davies chuckles at the situation and pats Mr Elijhan on the shoulder, 'let's give them a moment. From what I can remember Mr Vance lives in the city now. It may have been a while since they've seen each other,' he points out and steps away. Mr Elijhan's eyes widen as he realises and smiles before walking away.
Rina waited until they were alone in the hall and she was sure no-one was around. 'What are we doing?! Your bosses now think that I'm your wife?!' She hisses at him. 'This could go so badly!'
Sebastian sighs and rubbed the back of his head, 'Pheebs, I'm so sorry, I couldn't even think properly and then I panicked and you didn't disagree and you went along with it,' he said honestly. Deep down he refused to enjoy the small flame of happiness that flared at the thought of her being his wife. 'I'm so sorry,' he said apologetically. 'I just froze up; he was going on about the town's traditions and things…'
'It's fine. It is. It's not the end of the world, it's not like I found a moment to tell them otherwise,' she said after taking a deep breath and forcing herself to calm down. This was Sebastian, it wasn't done maliciously or manipulatively, it was just circumstance. That is what she repeated to herself for a full minute before she looked up at him. 'Though it might stall your dating attempts here in the city,' she said in a half-hearted way to liven things.
'You know that I'm not looking for that sort of thing,' he said before she shrugged a shoulder. 'I'll make this up to you, I swear,' he said pulling her into a hug and she reciprocated happily. 'Besides, if I meet anyone, I'll just divorce you. Though, that's going to be a tall order as they'd have to be better than you.'
Rina scowled at him playfully and swore in another tongue that she had been teaching him, making him smirk. 'Alright, fine,' she said making him give her a squeeze and Rina rolled her eyes. She caught sight of his bosses lurking out of earshot. 'We're going to have to sell this,' she whispers under her breath, pretending that she hadn't seen them. 'You comfortable kissing me?' She asks without moving her lips and wearing a "genuine" smile as she looked at Sebastian with a "loving" expression.
'Are you?' He jokes, his nerves showing.
'Kiss me,' she said pointedly, knowing it was cruel to herself. Sebastian nods imperceptibly and leans down, catching her lips in a soft, sweet embrace. It was nothing scandalous and she was sure that it would be seen as an appropriate goodbye between spouses. She smiles with pretence of happiness and hates herself with inner annoyance before stepping into the lift. 'Have a good day!' Rina said in a high pitch. 'Love you!' She blurts out without thinking.
Sebastian froze with his hand up for a brief second before forcing himself to act. 'I love you too,' he called back to her before the doors shut.