Me: Lee?!

I watched him walk in casually. My sister didn't bother helping me.

Me: What are you doing here? I thought you had a business trip for the week!

Lee: And I didn't see you at home. What happened?

Me: Nothing. My sister needed help, and I came to-

Elena: I never asked. I guess she missed me and wanted to ditch home.

Me: You are never getting help from me Elena, never ever.

Elena: In fact, I was leaving.

Me: (shocked) Leaving to where?! You just arrived today-

Elena: Ace must be worried about my whereabouts-

Ace: Right about that.

I looked at the man in front of the door, crowding the passage. Ace had a serious expression on his face like Lee. No wonder they are friends - they have the same expressions. Poor sisters, how did we end up with them in this situation!?

Me: But-

Elena: It was nice seeing you Liana! Let's meet up next time.

There was glint in her eye that couldn't fool me. She seemed fearful. I looked at Ace again, walking up to him.

Me: You better treat my sister well. Just because we have no parents, doesn't mean we don't have feelings.

Ace: ...?

Me: Coming from a big sister.

Ace: (curt nod) I will. I promise.

I nodded, then gave Elena a smile. I watched her get in the car with Ace and drive off, leaving me with my own mess to deal with.

Me: Explain yourself Lee. What brings you here?

Lee: I know my family is annoying. And I am sorry for that.

Me: (taken aback) Um, okay?

Lee: Liana, I don't want you pretending you are fine. I want you to be part of the family.

Me: Lee, you know our marriage isn't real. I can't be part of a family that I won't be in forever.

Lee: Says who?

Me: You, sir.

Lee: Makes sense.

For some reason, that ached my heart more than it should. I should be happy, right? 

Me: I will stay here for some days.

Lee: If that's the case, I will stay here with you.

Me: No.

Liam: Yes.

Me: No.

Lee: Yes.

I was about to sigh when Lee continued.

Lee: Unless you come with me to the business trip.

Me: I know nothing about it. Besides, I don't do big talk.

Lee: You won't have to do such.

Me: ... Fine. I will let you two stay.

Lee: Okay. Let me reschedule-

Me: What for? Why don't you go there?

Lee: So you accept coming?

I pinched the bridge of my nose. Winning against these two was mission impossible.

Me: (sighing) Fine! Fine! You win. I will come.

Lee: The klutz, 0. The rich kid, 1.

Me: Let's just go.

I was about to walk out when Lee took my wrist, stopping me.

Lee: Like that?

I looked at my outfit.

Me: Lee, I don't have formal outfits everywhere I go. I-

Lee: I have been meaning to change into something casual.

I looked at him in shock. Lee Romano... casual?!

Me: You and casual don't match.

Lee: Likewise.

Me: (smirk) You don't even know me.

Lee: (smirk) You might be surprised.

Liam: I have asked one of the staff to bring in some clothes. Casual wear, right?

Me: When did you-

Liam: Smartphone.

I nodded.

Me: Who said you're coming?

Liam: Myself. Besides, I want to know more about my Aunt, whose marriage to my uncle isn't real...

Me: I am boring, introvert and no intention of marriage until your uncle showed up?

Liam: Sounds more of a past than a present. I mean, don't get me wrong, I have never seen Lee like this before. You make him happy Liana.

Me: In your dreams-

Lee: Even Liam realizes it.

I eyed Lee and Liam.

Me: Your persuasive words aren't doing a thing for me.

A few minutes passed, and one of the staff brought some of our clothes. I looked at Lee, who accepted and Liam who thanked them. Comparing them both, they looked like the splitting image of each other. Like Liam was Lee when he was young.

Lee: You find me interesting?

Me: You both look the same! It's crazy.

Liam: Well, the Romano genes are strong.

Me: Look at who's speaking! You were glaring at me before I got married to your uncle.

Liam: Changes, Liana. It's called changes.

* * *

When I accepted this trip, I didn't think I would be in the middle of these two. Liam was asleep close to the window, his head resting on my lap, and Lee on his tablet, working. Everyone was impressed at how the Romanos (Lee and Liam) were on an airplane with the public. 

Lee: Don't exclude yourself.

I looked at Lee.

Me: Sorry, what?

Lee: Don't exclude yourself. They are happy to see you just as much as us.

Me: ...

Lee: You are part of the family.

With that, Lee switched his tablet, packing it in Liam's bag and grabbed my hand, lacing it together with mine.

Lee: Never doubt that.

I shook my head.

Me: You can be romantic when you want to, huh?

Lee: (smirks) Is that a compliment?

Me: (smirks) I don't know.

2 HOURS LATER

NORTH CYBRIC

Liam was still asleep when we landed, so I picked him as we went out. Surprisingly, the people let us pass (talk about privilege, it wouldn't have happened to me if I was alone) and I followed Lee. I looked at the airport. It was more developed compared to the last time I was here - back when I swore I would never come back at 18.

I nearly bumped into Lee, whose eyes were locked on mine.

Lee: Sorry. Did I remind you of some memories?

Me: No. I don't even recall.

Lee: ... Liar.

Me: Maybe a little bit. But it doesn't matter. The past is in the past.

Lee: If you feel-

This time I took his hand, silencing him.

Me: I said I'm fine. Really. I am good.

He nodded and we continued. We fully got into the North after a number of search stops. I was deadbeat when we got in the car, all I remember before falling asleep was Lee's hand placing my head on his shoulder, which felt oddly comfortable and warm.

I woke up to absent Lee, a note on the bedside table and Liam hugging me in his sleep. I looked around and found myself (and Liam) in a beautiful hotel, one where we had the ocean view on our balcony. Liam was so going to love this. Maybe he has been to the beach multiple times so I don't know.

Randomly, Liam's words came back to mind.

" I have never seen Lee like this before. You make him happy Liana."

Then Lee's words,

"You are part of the family. Never doubt that."

This family... is weird.