Hero's Dead Brother

27. Time

My parents called me for a family dinner and everyone was there. Because of work, I spent very little time with them lately so they were worried.

"Ami, how's you work?" My father finally spoke. I felt that he wanted to say something from the beginning.

"Great, every thing is fine. I had no complications for a while now." 'Except for the old lady that complained about the new kids playing with her cats all the time'.

"Sweetheart, you work so hard and you father and I are very proud of you but we're worried that you're overwhelmed."

"We decided it would be good if we hired someone to help you in your office. The lands you take care of are big enough for at least eight landlords."

"I... I have nothing to do so it's really not a bother. Really."

"You should go to the city. You spent way too much time in the countryside or in your office."

"Yes, take a vacation to go to the city. Shop, meet new people..."

"Maybe you'll meet someone? Your brother is getting married soon. He met the Crown Princess at your age."

"Yes, many noble ladies would like to meet you but you never go to social events, son."

...

"We don't want to pressure you, son."

"I... I know, thank you. I'll do as you said."

'I will never be with someone. I have no right to be with someone who doesn't know... it will be unfair if they think I'm what I seem to be. I'll never tell anyone so it's never gonna happen.'

'And I'm fine with it. My only problem is you being worried. Don't worry about it, please. But knowing you, it will bother you more and more.'

'I'm still young and you worry already. So what will happen in a few years?'

'I have to find an excuse to give them. Since they only know this happy life I had they won't understand why I feel this way...'

'Even this new body remembers...'

I was in my office when the 'Musketeers' entered and dragged me out. It was the annual festival again and they knew how much I loved it.

But I have a lot of work to do! "I have no time, guys! Go without m..."

"Where do you want us to go without you, dummy?" My brother picked me up and on his shoulder like a bag of rice.

"Greg!"

"What are you even eating to be so light hm?"

Oh come on, I'm not light, you're a walking Spartan.

After having a lot of fun and watching Mika getting so drunk that Joy and Greg had to carry him, we headed to my parents' place.

As they took him to a room while he was drunk-fighting to go back to the guy who tricked him in a bet and teach him a lesson, me and Caleb were left alone.

"... Well, I'll go to my office. Good night!"

"Can I help? We dragged you there and now you have to work in the middle of the night."

"No! No need! I often work at night so it's fine!"

"Don't lie, Swingler would never let you."

"He... hehe. Let's go"

10 minutes later...

'Caleb is terrible at this! How is she even gonna be the head of her family?'

'I need to teach her paper work. This is a good opportunity'.

I spent more time explaining her how to do my work than actually finishing my work. But she's a fast learner so I'm sure she'll remember everything.

When we were done, we sat there and spoke. We both had decided to spend a sleepless night. We took a few drinks and chilled in the room.

Then she stopped talking and just looked at me. She had nice eyes. I had some alcohol in my blood too so I was starting boldly.

"You have beautiful eyes, Caleb."

Her face was red now.

"Ami, you... do you have someone?"

"...Have someone? You mean if I'm seeing someone? Hahaha of course not!"

"Good..."

"Why?"

I wasn't expecting her lips against mine as an answer. What is she doing? Is she messing around?

"Haha, Caleb you're drunk!"

"I know..." it happened again and this time her hands were around my back. I didn't realize what was happening until it hit me.

'No!'

I wanted to stop her and explain that it could never happen. Not with me.

Not with me because... because...

I know the reason... I just forgot. It's somewhere in Noah's memories. I don't want to remember but if I don't, I can't know why...

As her body was getting closer and closer, the blurry Noah got clearer and clearer...

"I can't because... It's unfair to you!"

Caleb stopped, surprised.

"What?"

"I'm dirty, so it's unfair if I trick you with this new body... I'm not worth it".

"Haha what are you talking about?"

She locked me in her gaze

"What are you saying? You drank too much..."

She kissed me again.

Can I... maybe... maybe I can just... just this once...

'You can't!'

Noah was standing behind Caleb and looking at me with his bruised eyes. He had that scar on his cheek I forgot... I had.

'Why?'

'Because you're disgusting. It's not fair if we trick her. It's not fair if she doesn't know 'cause if she knew...' he was getting closer 'if she knew just how disgusting we are she wouldn't even look at us'

'No, Caleb would never... she... she likes me a lot'

'Are you sure?' Noah got closer and touched Caleb's back. 'Is it ok if I touch her?'

'Get... get your dirty hands off her!'

'Ha! Do you need a reminder of how dirty we are? Don't forget, Noah, you're me and I'm you'.

'Don't call me by that name!'

'Why?'

'It all happened to you! Not me! You! I'm a new person now!'

'No, Noah. It happened to us. And I'll remind you so that you will never forget again'

His hand slid on Caleb's back while she was kissing me and got closer to me. It covered my eyes and everything turned black...

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