CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE: SINS CORRECTED.

Being sat opposite him still felt like a dream. I couldn't help but study the man who sat before me; broad shoulders, defined jaw and facial features to kill. He was smaller, but his eyes still smiled the same. His left leg crossed over the other, mirroring my own. I smile at the memory of him teaching me etiquette and polite business-like mannerisms. Linen suits tailored to perfectly frame his body, sunlit blonde hair neatly combed back further emphasising his features. The absolute vision of the old man when he was younger. There's no mistaking it. This man was my brother. Our eyes meet and he smiles brightly at me, and seemingly sensing my conclusion he relaxes into his seat.

"So, this silence is a tad bit awkward..." He grins shyly as my stare fixes on him again.

"Welcome home." As the words left my lips his eyes widened in shock before relaxing, his lips curling once again into a beautiful smile.

"It's good to be back." He replies, nodding his head.

"Is it really? The old man's going to kill you, you know."

"Oh, he'll probably try." He chuckles but as I raise my brow, he visibly becomes nervous and I sigh inwardly.

"Thank you."

"For?"

"Correcting my misunderstanding. All this time I... He said you hated me. Didn't wish to see me... yet, all this time..." Huh? Before I could even bring myself to understand what was happening, I was in his arms, tears free falling from my eyes as though it was monsoon season.

"Oh, Nolz. How could I ever hate you..." his voice trembles, and I could feel his tears flow through my thin shirt; the tick of the clock on the wall fades to black. His scent washes over me and I could feel myself relax and as he pats my comfortingly. Memories of my episode with Yu flashes through my mind and I remember the calm sensation I felt with him. This was nothing compared to his warmth. I missed him. Needed him. But I think I understand why he left. Besides the shares and helping me get the upper hand, this was about me. Me without this game. Me without father holding me back. Just, me. Power to my singularity. Smiling, I nuzzle into him more and his arms tighten around me.

"When's the last time we hugged like this?"

"Like this... the day before my surgery. I thought I was going to meet mom and you tried to convince me otherwise." He exhales sharply, his sigh tickling the nape of my neck.

"That long huh?"

"That long." A dejected silence falls between us again, all tension and awkwardness falling away. We were together again. This was no longer simply my fight, but ours.

"Accompany me tomorrow."

"Where?"

"To see mother." His hug tightens and he kisses my cheek.

"How long has it been since you last went?"

"Six years."

"Then, let's make up for lost time shall we?" Smiling, I nod my response and he rubs my back before pulling away, locking his stern gaze onto me.

"Now. Jason Fairchild. Explanation?"

"Huh...?"

"Don't 'huh' me missy. Explanation. Now." He pinches my cheeks and I try to squirm out of his grip to no avail,

"Explain why that man claims you?! He's eight years older... did he force you... did he touch you..." I flush and he gasps dramatically pressing his hand over his heart. Rolling my eyes, I bat his hand from my shoulder.

"I... I love him..." he studies me before a smile forms across his mouth.

"You two really are meant for each other." He chuckles, shaking his head sitting on the floor before me.

"Why do you say that?"

"Hmm... the way his eyes lit up when he talked about you. I'm super pissed though! How dare he, an outsider, know more about my baby sister than I do?!" I can't help the fit of giggles that escape me at his cute pouting face. But at the word outside my insides burn and I shallow hard as my chest begins to burn. I really fucked up back then didn't I?

"You guys must've talked about a lot huh?" I say softly, unable to meet his eyes.

"We did... mainly about you... I think leaving you was probably the hardest thing he'd ever had to do in his life. But I can't help but respect him for what he's done. Because of that, I can be with you again." He says softly resting his head on my knee.

"Yeah." Silence falls between us again and I avoid his penetrating gaze by playing with the ring on my finger.

"Ring on your left ring finger. I'm guessing he did that." Nodding, I feel the smile form along my lips, and I turn to avoid August start as I blush.

"I really wish he was here."

"I'm sure he wishes the same." Silence falls between us again and we sit in the calm of the office.

"Have you spoken to Martin?" He runs his hand through his hair, a nervous laugh escaping his lips.

"Not yet..." Getting up, I walk over to my jacket removing my keys and handing them to him.

"Here. My apartment. Hurry home before he hears from someone else." His eyes widen in shock and I kneel before him taking his face into my palm.

"He's been waiting for you, August. Don't you think enough time has passed? I'm staying at Yuzuki's place so don't worry about any interruptions." I say winking and he smiles sheepishly before taking my outstretched hand. Getting up from the floor he kisses my forehead before heading to the door.

"You should call him before it's too late as well."

"I will." Smiling, I wave him goodbye as he runs out the door. I guess I'm spending the next few days at Yuzuki's then. Laughing to myself, I bury myself in my work, unlike some lucky fuckers I've still got work to do. Looking at the time I sigh. There aren't enough hours in the day.