“You’re only saying it because you feel guilty, and even after you’ve told me all this, I still feel like I betrayed you. I still feel guilty. I fell for you, and I continued ratting you out to Hamish.”

“I fell for you, and I continued to lie to your face. We’re both as guilty as each other. Look… Do you still want me?”

Rory snorted. “I thought you were gonna kill me today.”

“But do you still want me?”

Rory raised his head and pressed his palm over his heart. It wasn’t an empty hole, it hurt, and ached, but his heart was still there. It was thumping beneath his ribs, an excited hopeful beat that was the only answer he needed. “Yes.”

“And I want you, Rory.”

Sebastian took his hand and slotted their fingers together. He squeezed, and Rory squeezed back. “I love you, and I fucking hate William Hamish.”

“What are you gonna do?”

“Celebrate my freedom with a big bang, just like I told you…”

****

When Sebastian asked him to drive to Jameson’s farm, Rory gave him a long stare, then programmed the address into the car. They sat in silence, like they had on the beach, and drove the two-hour route. The revelation spun in Rory’s head, gaining momentum until he feared it would destroy him, then he heard Sebastian’s voice saying he loved him, and it was enough to slow the spinning, but not stop it completely.

The sky grew dark, and the houses fewer, until Rory squinted and spotted the shabby looking farmhouse in the distance.

“Jameson’s farm.” Sebastian sighed.

“I still don’t understand.” Rory murmured.

“You will.”

Rory pulled up alongside the other cars and peered through the windscreen. He could see a group of people.

“Friends of mine, eager to welcome me back.” Sebastian explained.

Rory forced a swallow, then nodded.

Sebastian squeezed his knee. “Relax, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Rory spotted Hamish amongst the crowd, and his heart accelerated.

“What’s going on?” He asked.

“Looks like Hamish is trespassing on my land.”

“Your land?”

Sebastian snorted, then yanked on the handle. Rory followed him out of the car, but kept a few meters’ distance between them as they approached the group. He stayed in the shadows and leaned against the farmhouse.

“Problem?” Sebastian mumbled, shoving his hands in his pockets. The group dispersed, then surrounded Hamish and Sebastian.

Hamish shook a piece of paper in his hand. “This is my land.”

“Your land?”

“Yes, you are trespassing, and I’ll call the police.”

“Let them come. They’ll see that you’re the one in the wrong.”

“I bought this farm.”

Sebastian whistled. “Yeah? How much for?”

“A lot.”

“The whole farm?”

“Yes.”

Sebastian shook his head. “Nope. You really should read the small print before you sign, and part with your money.”

Hamish took an unsteady step back. “What?”