AnonGuest: I'm glad you think so! I truly hated it and honestly at one point the chapter was literally only a line: Rina gave the middle finger to her father and disappeared into the bushes. That was it. She flipped him the bird and vanished. Was so tempted to keep it that way. Madison is a pain in the ass and it is addressed in this chapter.

Kawaii-Cherri: We do celebrate, ended up having a three day christmas on the trot. There is closure when it comes to Gideon, don't worry. And an amazing bitchy comment from Sebastian at the same time.

A/N: This chapter made me squeal. I'm not sure if i hate it or love it.

Chapter 38: The whole truth

'Problem?' Sidney said simply as he raised a brow. Rina had instantly started to ask questions but Sidney was used to tuning out the white noise that came from young adults. His own children had helped refine that particular skill.

Leon smiled weakly at Rina and closed the distance between himself and his business partner. 'We uh, we have the police at the door.'

'Oh, that,' Sidney said instantly relieved. 'Don't worry I'll deal with it,' he said simply. He gave a beaming expression to Rina and left her in the care of Leon. Who ignored every single thing that came out of her mouth and simply steered her out of Sebastian's office and towards his own which came with an on-suite bathroom featuring a shower.

He was busying himself in trying to find some clothing for her while she showered. 'There's a reason Sidney looked so happy,' he chatted to her idly as she complained about not knowing what was going on. 'Sidney loves to deal with the law, I have no doubt he's several sub clauses down in business contract of whatever, from year god knows something, that means he can legally tell the police and subsequently, your father, to piss off.'

Rina stuck her head out from behind the tinted shower glass door. 'My father won't give up that easily.'

Leon shrugged his shoulders. 'Honestly, I wouldn't worry. Sidney is a savant at this sort of thing. He'll be able to dig up a random bit of bylaw that means we can keep you here. If your father finds out that you're even here that is. Chances are, they're just searching all the large buildings. Trying to find someone who knows something.'

'What about Madison? There's no love lost there and I have no doubt that skank would love to shove a knife in my back after all that's happened,' Rina pointed out.

Sebastian's boss sighed and walked over to very literally shove her back into the shower with a hand to her face. 'Wash your hair, no doubt that stinks as well,' he said bluntly causing her to squeal and stumble back in or slip. 'Madison has been sorted. If she ever wants to hold down a job in this city and not be sued out the ass, she's gonna keep her mouth shut. Honestly, Rina, it's like you think we're nice businessmen or something.'

'Alright, alright,' Rina muttered as she tried to keep water out her eyes. 'Would I be able to call Sebastian after this? I… want to talk to him,' she said softly.

He sighs and leans against the glass of the shower. 'I'm sorry, Rina. I don't think that's a very good idea. I will give him a ring and let him know that you're safe but until this has all been sorted, I think calling him could end up implicating his involvement and strengthen your father's whole case. Until we find evidence that this is all… fabricated and fucked with, you're gonna have to keep your distance,' he explains.

Rina stopped trying to keep the water out her eyes and let it wash away the tears that fell onto her cheeks. 'Okay,' she said, her voice breaking as she tried hard to hold herself together.

Leon picked up on her tone and nodded sadly, 'I'll give you some time, sweetie. I'll be in the office,' he said quietly as he made his way out the bathroom.

-x-

'In light of new evidence-'

'Gideon Tyrell has been arrested-'

'An anonymous source has revealed that-'

'In the meantime, Ophelia Tyrell has been named successor-'

'-Recent scandal, in regards to the Tyrell family has revealed-'

'-A court date is to be set-'

'Associates of Gideon Tyrell, including but not limited to, Zachery Hackerly-'

Sebastian sat at his computer, different news websites all playing live video feeds. It had taken him almost two months to find what he needed, along with the months and months' worth of research he had started since before he even met Gideon Tyrell. He didn't care if he lost his job, that this would look bad on the town or even Mayor Lewis, as far as he was concerned, it needed to be done. Everything that he had discovered, the illegal software that was bugging her audio system, the fraudulent adjustment of her assessment, the bribery of the judge, it all condemned her father and proved his guilt.

Rina was free and Sebastian had no idea if she was going to hate him for what he had done. He knew that she was staying in the city with Leigh-Leigh and that her main point of contact happened to be his boss, Leon. They had called the moment they had been made aware to what he had done. Leon didn't let him speak to Rina, though he could hear her in the background, trying to get to the phone. Leon's reasoning being that it would be safer if they didn't talk until the police came to a legal conclusion about the accusations. It killed him inside but he understood what Mr Davies was trying to do to protect him.

Maru was sitting on his sofa and looks over to him, 'it seems like Gideon has truly been arrested,' she said as she too, browsed local news sites and verified everything. 'You did it,' she smiles. 'That slimeball, Zachery, too,' she adds with a smug tone.

'Yeah… but at what cost? I might have lost Pheebs, she might not want to ever talk to me again,' he sighs, leaning back. 'I've not been able to speak to her this whole time and the unknowing about this thing is killing me. I like to think I've done what she would have wanted or at least what she will understand, needed to be done, y'know?'

His sister nods sadly, 'you did what you had to do,' she says softly, 'I know Rina will appreciate it. I've just got to ask… did you really marry her just so that she would pass?' She asks, not wanting to be that person but her curiosity was killing her.

Sebastian pulls a face, 'in part,' he admits. 'She needed the points and… well… I love her, Maru. I really do. Yeah, perhaps things were sped up and I don't think she's ever realised that I am actually in love with her. Even still, is it a fake marriage if you're best friends? Shouldn't your spouse at first, be your best friend?' He taps his fingers on his desk as he admits it all. 'I told her that I love her so many times, so I feel that on one hand I've deceived her and on the other, I was honest. It's complicated,' he mutters.

'And you two… sleeping together?' She said, awkwardly.

'Maru,' he said, pulling a face, it wasn't really something that he wanted to talk about with his sister. The look she gave him in response clearly said that she didn't care about blood relation at this moment and just wanted the truth in regards to the situation. He sighs and begins to explain. 'It was her idea. I really stressed the fact that it could possibly lead to… romantic attachments but she said she was okay with that. It was all consensual and I certainly didn't expect it to happen just because we were married,' he says, subconsciously fiddling with his necklace that he hadn't taken off since the day they were wed.

Maru nods, made sense to her. 'Alright, well, it's done now. It's a Friday, it's getting on. Let's go to the Saloon and have a drink, try and celebrate what you have achieved, not what's not happened yet,' she says as she stands up, slipping her phone into her pocket. 'You've been cooped up in here for weeks and you need a shower, clean clothes and a shave, you hobo,' she teases, making him chuckle.

'Alright, okay, I agree,' he smirks. 'I feel that if I don't, you'll just set mum on my ass,' he jokes.

'Either that or Mochi. He's a right grumpy little shit at the moment,' she warns.

-x-

The Saloon was busy but Sebastian didn't mind as he stood at the bar-top waiting for Emily to be free and take his order. Alex, and Penny were at the pool table with Maru, waiting. He hums to himself, listening to the song that was playing over the jukebox as he idly tapped his fingers to the beat. Emily spun past him and then doubled back. 'Oh, Yoba, I'm so sorry, Seb. What would you like?' She asks as she listens intently.

He gives over his order and pays before waiting patiently for the drinks to be made. The atmosphere was bright and cheery and he could feel himself relax and some of the tension he had been holding seemed to dissipate. Unfortunately, it didn't last long as Abigail walked in. She had tried to talk to him over the last few months but Sebastian hadn't had it. He didn't care what she had to say to him. She didn't give him much of a choice as she spotted Sebastian and walked straight up to him. 'So,' she said simply. 'Just like I said. Here I am, having to pick up the pieces. It's been a week since you revealed her father's shit and where is she? Not here. That's for sure,' Abigail said bluntly as she looked at him.

Sebastian rolls his eyes and looks at the young woman. 'Go away, Abigail. I don't want to hear anything you have to say to me,' he said simply. This was one of the reasons he had avoided coming into town. He didn't want this type of attention.

'Only because I am the only one that will actually tell you the truth!' Abigail snapped loudly, wanting the attention of everyone present. 'All you've done since she arrived here is push everyone away and now, now she's gotten what she wanted and fucked off! Leaving you all on your own and discarded! She didn't ever care about you, Seb. She made you push me away.' A tear dropped down her cheek and Sebastian had to bite his tongue at the dramatics of it all.

Maru had wandered over, she had clearly wanted to talk to Sebastian but for the moment she stood to the side and gave him a look, wondering what she should do. She had her phone in her hand and had made a motion to that she wanted him to talk to him, more than likely in regards to the caller. He knew that the call could wait for a second, it was probably Sam or Leah. They had arranged a game night after this and both were trying to figure out what ones to bring.

Instead of ignoring her like Sebastian wanted, he knew that he was going to have to say something. 'Look, if you're suffering it's because of the choices you made. You decided to hide things, lie about plans, bully and belittle. You were the one responsible for being isolated out the group, the choices you made and the repercussions that came after were all caused by your own hand,' Sebastian said simply, not caring that people could hear. Robin and Demetrius were only a few tables back and were looking uncomfortable.

'She tore us apart, Seb! How can you be so blind to see that!?' Abigail was in full tears but nobody came to her rescue. In fact, most of the Saloon were just listening awkwardly, trying to pretend that nothing was going on. Maru was moving from foot to foot and speaking quietly to whomever was on the other end of the phone.

Sebastian had to count to ten before he replied. There was nothing but silence in the Saloon and Emily was whispering to Gus, asking if they should remove her from the premises. With a deep breath and a clenched jaw, he looks her in the eye. 'Alright, fine. You want to know the truth?' Sebastian says, wishing this whole thing was over. Abigail's lip wobbled as she stubbornly tried to keep eye contact. 'Here it is,' he said.

'Seb,' Maru said in warning, 'you don't have to-'

Sebastian shook his head, 'no, I do. I'm fed up of it all,' he says honestly. 'The honest to Yoba, truth? Here it is,' he said as he glared at Abigail. 'I love Ophelia Karrina Tyrell. I am so damn in love with her that it hurts,' his voice was low and it was clear that he was nervous about saying in front of so many people. 'The last few months where I've not been able to see her or hear her voice has been like poison slowly killing me. That I'm slowly losing my mind. I will do anything I can for her, simply because she asks it of me. It's toxic, for sure, but I don't care. I want her to be happy and free. All this shit could quite literally tear her from my grasp forever and I've had to make my peace with that. Those words that I said to her as my wedding vows were nothing but the truth. From the moment she smiled at me, I knew I was in trouble,' Sebastian breathes in deep and tries to refocus.

'Every day I woke up with her in my arms, I thought I had died in my sleep and had gone to heaven. She gave me a peace and comfort I didn't know existed. Sure, there were times I could literally strangle the woman; the number of times I would come home and find her complaining of a headache and she had been out in the sun for ten hours and having only drunk coffee. That I would get a phone call from where she had finally emerged from the mines but then was too tired to walk home and I would have to go get her. She was infuriating. For the love of Yoba there were times she pissed me off with all her faults, her stupid selflessness, her pride and fucking annoying habit of time blindness,' he ranted, not caring who heard. 'I wouldn't change a fucking thing about her, Abigail. Not a single fucking hair on her head,' he spat.

'I cut you out of my life, Abigail. I will do it again. The fact of the matter is: I don't care about you. I don't care what you think, what you want, or what you're going to do once you've left this bar. So there, that's the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I couldn't give a moment's thought about your presence in my life,' Sebastian said bluntly seeing her eyes fill up with fresh tears. 'You keep going on about picking up the pieces? The only thing you need to pick up is your sense of delusion and then throw it out the fucking window because I don't want you. I want Ophelia. I told her that I loved her every single day and I wish just once…' Sebastian's voice broke and he inhaled deeply, trying to hold back tears with his anger. 'I wish just once she realised how much I meant it. How I wish I could grab her by the shoulders, look her in the eye and tell her. Tell her that I am head over heels in love with her and I have been for years. That I lied about being her best friend just to keep her close. That I am the worst person in this town because I lied. Every day. I lied to myself and to the woman I love,' he said unable to stop the tear that dropped onto his cheek. With a heavy sniff he wiped it away and glared at Abigail. 'So next time you take it into your head to be whatever you're trying to be right now? Shut the fuck up and sit back down. I don't care what you think.'

Maru stares at him as Sebastian walks past before speaking into the phone and ending the call. Maru made eye contact with Emily who slides out from behind the bar and places her hands on the young woman's shoulders, steering her towards the door. Small hustle and bustle returned but everyone was surprised to hear Sebastian so vocal about his feelings. Normally he would be the last one that they would think would declare such a thing around so many people. Abigail was escorted home, Emily making sure that she was in her house before leaving. Sebastian sat down into one of the booth-like sofas and sighs, rubbing his eyes. Maru and Gus walked over with their drinks.

'You didn't need to say those things to her. Everyone in the bar heard,' Maru said quietly as she places the tray on the table.

'Yeah, man, even we heard,' Alex said, sharing a look with Penny.

'I'm fed up of repeating myself and having everyone doubt the sincerity of how I feel,' he says simply, running a hand over his face as he tried to pull himself together. 'The only person who needs to know, pretty much doesn't and knowing my luck, won't care when she does,' he mutters as he presses on his temple, and clears his throat.

Maru looks at her phone as it pings, 'hey, Leah has made it to Sam's but it's raining, so they're asking for a bit of help,' she says as she reads it out loud. 'Seb, want to come with me? Get some fresh air?'

'Besides, you're the only one with a hood,' Penny smirks, giving Alex a nudge in the ribs. 'We'll wait to start,' she adds. Sebastian chuckles lightly and thanks Yoba that his friends were the kind of people to just let real, embarrassing moments lie. Not another word was said about what happened at the bar and for that he was grateful. Sebastian took a moment to pull on his leather jacket and adjust his sleeves on the inside.

'Best to make sure that he doesn't bring Catan,' Alex pointed out. Maru wonders why and Alex replies, 'have you seen the number of hours he's clocked up on his computer? Playing Catan against Sam is no fun at all,' he said making the others laugh, 'he's all about min-maxing crap,' he adds.

Sebastian and Maru leave the others to it as they step out into the rain. It was the fine misty weather that would deceptively soak you within ten minutes of walking through it. Maru checks her phone once more and nods, 'are you feeling alright?' She asks quietly.

Her brother tilts his face upwards, allowing the spray to cover his face before replying. 'Yeah… I'll be fine. Just fed up with it all,' he admitted. Maru nudged him with her shoulder and made him smile lightly.

'I think… Rina would like to have heard all of that,' Maru said softly. 'I haven't been able to speak to her since this all happened but I never got the impression that she didn't care about you, Seb,' she spoke carefully, not wanting to upset him. 'I don't think you're a liar… or a bad person just because you're scared to tell her how you really feel.'

Sebastian nods and clears his throat again as he wipes his face. 'Hopefully… well… maybe she'll come back and I'll actually have the confidence to say all that shit to her,' he said with a small laugh. 'I should feel bad about shouting at Abigail but she really pissed me off,' he admitted.

Maru snorted and shook her head, 'honestly, if you were a girl, I would have expected to see nails and hair pulling so being shouted at was probably the best outcome of that attempted conversation,' she pointed out. 'Remember the fight that she got into with Rina? That had to hurt her ego, being beat up by some posh princess.' Sebastian let out a genuine laugh and shook his head, it was needed and he was thankful towards his sister at this moment. 'Okay, let's get going,' she says with a smile. Sebastian wonders what she's smiling about but perhaps she was just enjoying herself. Wouldn't be unheard of.

'So, how are things going with you and Dr Harvey?' Sebastian asked as he pulled up his hood and shoved his hands into his pockets.

'What?' Maru replies as she walks a slow pace, clearly not in any rush.

'Well, everyone has been talking about what's going on with me lately, it's honestly annoying and I was hoping that you were okay, last I heard, you and Dr Harvey had a… thing at the wedding,' he says with a smile, hoping he didn't come across as too judgemental.

'Oh that!' Maru said, her blush showing even in the low light of the lamps around them. It wasn't late but it was in the seasons and so it got dark relatively quickly. 'We're… in a good place. He's sweet and kind… sorta goofy, I don't know, I like him. Couldn't tell you why though,' she mumbles checking her phone once again.

He nods, 'I know what that's like. Especially in the beginning. You might be able to start narrowing it down after a while, though narrow is the wrong word. More like you could highlight but then you'd just cover the person in highlighter,' he jokes making her grin in reply. Maru pauses, standing in the rain as she checks her phone again, under the light of a lamppost for a moment before he starts to get antsy. 'Should we carry on?' He asked wanting to get out the rain.

'Waaaaait, just… ooooone minute,' Maru said as she looks up from her phone and past him.

Sebastian frowned and that's when he heard it. The sound of someone's shoes hitting the paving stones rapidly, the weighty and slightly unsteady pace because of the rain and uneven path. The sound of heavy breathing. Just as he turns to see who it is, they skid to a stop in front of him, panting, red-faced and with tears or rain pouring down her face. 'Pheebs?!' He says in total surprise.

'You!' Pheebs snapped, before pulling her hand back and slapping him across the face, firmly.