Jay's POV
Keifer might've healed, but my revenge? Not even close.
Section E thought it was over just because he was back on his feet — laughing, flirting, pretending he hadn't scared the life out of me when he got hurt. But no. Jasper Jean Mariano doesn't forget. Keifer's at home with section e I told him that I was visiting my family and left.
"Okay, tell me again why we're doing this?" Andrew called from the backseat between mouthfuls of chips.
"Because," I said, eyes steady on the road, "if we're going to handle what's coming, we need to learn how to use it properly."
"You mean—" Mia lowered her sunglasses like some crime-drama actress. "Guns?"
Drake grinned. "Relax. Angelo knows what he's doing."
"Yeah," Andrew muttered. "Super comforting."
The gravel road curled up ahead like a memory I wasn't ready for. Angelo's house looked exactly the same—worn stone steps, old wind chimes, the flicker of a porch light that never quite died. My chest tightened. It had been two years, and every inch of this place still felt like him.
Before I could even switch off the engine, the door opened.
"Jay." His voice was quiet, almost disbelieving.
I didn't think—I just ran. He caught me halfway up the path, his arms locking around me, lifting me off the ground the way he used to when life was simpler.
"Miss me?" I managed between a laugh and a sniff.
"Always," he said, setting me down, voice rough around the edges.
Then I saw movement behind him. Aries.
He froze like he'd seen a ghost, all sharp lines and hollow eyes. I hadn't realized until now how much older he looked—like life had taken too much too fast.
"Jay…" His voice cracked.
"Aries."
He didn't even hesitate after that—just closed the space between us and pulled me into a hug so tight it burned. "I'm so sorry," he said, tears hot against my shoulder. "For everything."
He whispered "You scared me, Jay"
The lump in my throat made it hard to speak but I let out a shaky laugh "Guess we're even."
Dinner felt heavier than I expected. Angelo set down dishes like he was distracting himself—lechon, garlicky sausage, bacon crisp enough to shatter, rice steaming under soft yellow light. The others devoured everything, chatting like it was a normal night. But I couldn't shake the feeling of time folding back on itself.
When the plates were cleared and everyone drifted off to rest, I found Angelo out on the porch. The air was cool, thick with the sound of crickets and old memories.
He didn't look at me when he spoke. "You want me to teach you how to handle a gun."
I folded my arms. "You already know I do."
"I told myself I was done with that life," he murmured. "Too many ghosts follow the sound of a trigger."
"I'm not you, Angelo. I'm not doing this to fight ghosts."
He finally looked over, eyes sharp under the porch light. "Then why?"
"Because I need to protect the people who can't protect themselves," I said simply. "If you can't help me… I'll find someone who will."
That got him. His jaw flexed; he sighed through his nose, rubbing a hand over his face.
"You never did learn how to back down," he said. "Fine. Tomorrow. Early. But you listen. You follow my rules. No stunts."
I smiled faintly. "Wouldn't dream of it."
"Liar."
Later that night, the house finally quieted. I was halfway between waking and sleep when the floorboards creaked. Aries stood in the doorway, lit by the dim kitchen light.
"Couldn't sleep?" I asked softly.
He shook his head. "Didn't want to. Not before I said this."
He sat at the edge of the couch, fingers twisting together. "Jay, I did a lot of things wrong. I hurt you when I should've protected you. I thought keeping distance would make you stronger, but it just made both of us alone."
My heart ached at the honesty in his voice.
"I missed you," I whispered.
"More than I can say," he said, voice breaking. "I thought I didn't deserve to call myself your brother anymore."
I reached over, resting my hand over his. "You still are. You always will be."
He nodded, eyes glassy, a shaky breath leaving his chest. "Thank you."
We didn't say anything after that. He just leaned his head against my shoulder, and we both sat there—two quiet silhouettes finally learning how to forgive.
For the first time in a long while, I closed my eyes and actually felt safe.
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💫 (Aww, my loves — what did you think of this chapter? 🥺💖
It was a heavy one, huh? So many emotions — forgiveness, healing, family, and a little bit of that signature Jayfire spark 🔥✨ I really wanted you to feel everything Jay and Aries went through — the pain, the apology, and that warmth at the end.
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— your girl Ishita 💕👋