Chapter 5

"Let go. It's none of your business." Leo said coldly.

"Not until you answer me. Are you injured?" Liam insisted.

"Hmph. What if I told you I got bit?"

Liam rolled Leo's sleeve up to see if he had been bitten. There was no bite mark.

"There doesn't seem to be any injuries." Liam exhaled in relief.

"It was a joke." Leo pulled his wrist away. "You think I'm stupid enough to get myself wounded?"

"Then where did the blood come from?"

"None of your concern. Or can you not even afford to put a little trust in me?"

"I'm just worried. Of course I believe you..."

"Then that case is solved. Anyway, are those bandages just for show?"

"I mean, it's a bit painful now that you mention it."

"Only, 'A bit'?"

'Stop being so snide.' Liam thought. 'I cut myself to save you. The very least you can do is be appreciated.'

Leo tilted his head to the side.

"Why did you do that? Why did you bother saving me? That's unlike you."

"What do you mean 'Why'? Others would've done the same thing in that situation- "

"You should be the last person to believe in that bullshit."

"Leo your still my son- "

"You are gravely mistaken. I am NOT your son. You always made me remember that, didn't you?"

*FLASHBACK*

"Father- "

(SLAP)

"Don't...Don't touch me...Your not even my son."

*END OF FLASHBACK*

"Leo, your still my family."

"Pfft. Says the one who cold-heartedly pushed his brother to death. You hate him. I reckon you hate me just as much as you hate him. Becuase I am his child."

REBIRTHED AGAIN

Young Leo was watching baby Isaac take his nap. Leo had ran over there after a small incident with his father, Liam.

"What's the difference between you and me?" Young Leo asked. "Is it because you have mother's blonde hair? Her blue eyes? That's it? But they all say I have father's looks. They all said I look just like him."

Leo suddenly remembered the incident with Liam. Liam had told him not to call him 'Father.'

"Ah, right. He'd be mad if he heard me call him that."

Leo had overheard two maids from outside the room. He eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Did you know that the master and mistress had another argument?" One said.

"They had another fight? Didn't they just have one right before Master Isaac was born? Is it the same subject?" The other said.

"Yeah. The whole thing about master Leo not being master Liam's son."

"Oh my god?! Is that true? That explains a lot."

"It's hard to believe but master Liam's attitude said it all. There's a reason they don't share a bedroom anymore."

"Oh, dear! Then who is Young master Leo's real father? Is young master Isaac even his real brother...?

"It's just a rumor but...ah, forget it. We could get in big trouble if we get caught talking a put this."

The two maids walked off to finish a few tasks. Leo gripped the handle of the crib. He grit his teeth as they left.

Paige and Liam were in Liam's office. Liam was filling out Isaac's birth certificate.

"Dear- "

"How's Isaac?" Liam interrupted Paige.

"Oh, I just fed him. He should be asleep right now."

"Despite everything, I want my child to grow up with his mother. I'm not going to divorce. And it won't do me any good if the company found out about this mess."

"Yes, of course. Uhm, and what about Leo...?"

"...Paige...He's YOUR son."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I-Im sorry about your real father." Liam said.

"Are you being serious?" Leo asked. "Or is that supposed to be a bad joke? I could care less about what happens to that man. Besides, 'real 'father?' I'm surprised you were able to spit those two words out. Aren't you disgusted?"

'I figured as much...' Liam thought. 'But to hear him talk about his biological father in such a cold manner like that.'

"You still haven't answered me yet?" Leo continued. "Why bother saving me? It almost cost you your life. Or are you just trying to avoid my question, again?"

"Leo," Liam started. "Just because you are not my son, your still my nephew, my family."

"Oh?" Leo crossed his arms. "And since when did family matter to you? I matter to you?"

"Leo, just listen to me for once! Was it so bad that I tried to save you?! You'rer still important to me! Is that so hard to believe?!"

"...Shut the fuck up. Listen here. Don't think you can just play nice whenever you want to. And then expect me to accept you with open arms. It's a bit late for that. I take that this earring is also another one of your tricks. Do you think that putting it on me without my knowledge means I accepted your stupid gift? Do you think that's all it takes to win me over? You can have it back for all I care."

Leo tugged on the earring. Liam stopped him.

"Stop!"

Leo glared at Liam, telling him to back off.

"...Sorry. That's not it. The earring is useful. You saw what I could do, right? This might be a lot to take in right now. But your earring also has a special power. I'm sorry for putting it on you without asking. But could you trust me this once?"

"Trust you? Based on what? I don't feel like trusting someone that keeps secrets from me."

"There's absolutely no reason for me to lie to you. And..."

'Is it fine to tell him?' Liam thought. 'I never intended to keep it a secret. But I also never intended to tell anyone about it. After all, it sounds impossible. But if I tell Leo, then he might trust me a little more.'

"Neo, I- "

'Came from the future!'

'I can't say the words!' Liam thought. "The words won't come out!"

"I- I won't hurt you anymore..."

Liam's choker started beeping yellow. He covered the light.

"I know my words don't mean anything to you. But give me one more chance. I'm not your enemy, Leo. You don't have to trust me right away, but at least allow me to prove it."

"Oh? Is your guilt starting to eat away at you now? That's strange. You've even been avoiding Isaac in favor of me. Did YOUR SON do something wrong?"

"I wasn't avoiding him..."

"Say that to someone who actually buys your words. You are a terrible liar. Always have been."

Leo started to walk away. Liam stopped Leo to continue talking.

"Leo, wait!"

Leo stopped and turned around. When he turned, Liam saw a person. The stranger was surrounded by golden butterflies. Liam's eyes widened at the sight. The stranger put his finger to his lips and disappeared.

"Ah- " Liam exclaimed.

"What?" Leo asked.

"Oh, sorry. It was nothing. Have a good night..."

'Was that just my imagination?'