Rory snorted, shook his head, then got to his feet. He was still wearing his uniform, but had loosened his tie, and untucked his shirt.

Sebastian tugged him close and kissed his cheek.

“Did I worry you again?” Rory mumbled at his collarbone.

“I knew where you’d be. I like the flowers.”

Rory glanced back at them and nodded. He knew Erica would’ve approved.

“Ready to go?”

“Yeah.”

Sebastian led him away from the tombstone, towards the gate that led to the cemetery.

“Home,” he murmured.

Rory repeated the word back, then smiled softy. Sebastian gestured to the car, and Rory got inside. He clung to the seat, and when Sebastian noticed, he tutted.

“You don’t have to do that anymore…”

“I still haven’t gotten over the first time I let you drive.”

“It had been sixteen years … I was a little rusty.”

“A little...”

Sebastian narrowed his eyes and started the car. Rory undid his tie, then shoved it in his pocket. His hand brushed something hard, and he pulled out his police ID badge.

He didn’t think he’d go back, but Sebastian encouraged him to try before making any rash decisions. The first few weeks, he forced himself to go to work, then he did it for routine, then for purpose, before finally enjoying being a police officer. He had a team he got on with, and a boss worthy of his respect.

Some days were boring, some were funny, some scary, and others draining. Rory had just had a draining day, and he went to speak to Erica to clear his head.

“Long day?”

Rory hummed. “Yeah. I was called to a traffic collision”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. “Everyone okay?”

“There were injuries, but they should all be okay.”

“Good.”

“What about you?” Rory asked.

“I’m finalizing plans for the Jameson’s farm plot. Think of it—houses, flats, small shops.”

“You go from conning men, to a legitimate property developer…”

“For now.”

Rory raised his eyebrow. “What do you mean for now?”

“Who knows what the future will bring.”

“Don’t you ever worry about the people you’ve conned finding you…”

Sebastian flashed him a look. “No, do you?”

Rory bit his lip. “Yes. I can’t lose you.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“But—”

“No buts Rory. I’m not going anywhere. No one’s going to take me from you, and no one’s gonna take you from me, they wouldn’t dare. Don’t worry yourself with that, worry about how close I’ll build a Foodles to our new house.”

“Oodles,” Rory corrected.

“Yeah, one of them, too…”

He knew Sebastian was trying to make him smile and hated that it worked.

“What about Hamish?”