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„So, will you be there?“
„What kind of question is that, Gaspen?! I flew to Khura'in to see you leave prison - not just that, I flew for prison visits! So tell me - why in the world wouldn't I come to see you at the airport when you get back to Japanifornia!?“
Finally, the day had come.
Gaspen Payne had been out of prison for a while, and finally, he had worked everything out.
The house in Khura'in had been sold, the old one in Japanifornia was ready, and he could finally go back.
Back home.
Winston promised that he'll come and see him at the airport once he gets back.
„I was just wondering whether something couldn't have come up.“
Winston let out a self-satisfied chuckle and said:
„I wouldn't let just something come in my way of seeing my BROTHER come back home! If I fell seriously ill, then perhaps I wouldn't come, but I'm letting no triviality stop me!“
Gaspen couldn't help but smile. It felt ridiculous, in a way, just how insistent Winston was.
He'd expect all that he had done in Khura'in would destroy their relationship. But that didn't happen at all, the only difference is that they will have a lot to catch up on once he's back, but that's it.
„Okay, just making sure. I'll let you know if there are any delays.“
„Thanks. As much as I wish to see you once you come back, I don't want to sit there for two hours more than I need, or anything-“ As Winston spoke, he heard the door slam.
„Uhm, what's happening there?“
„What would be? I'm leaving the house.“
„Oh. Should I hang up? Are you driving?“ Winston asked.
Gaspen laughed:
„We don't have a car. We sold all of our vehicles by now. I'm taking a taxi.“
„… Only you? ...What about Arthur?“
„He'll meet me at the airport. He has stuff to take care of before we leave.“
Gaspen heard Winston groan.
„I should've thought of that…“
Gaspen laughed.
„Well, did you want to tell me anything else?“
„I just wanted to ask whether you're looking forward to going back home.“
„Well, let me quote you on that - 'What kind of a question is that?!' Of COURSE I am. Listen, Khura'in is a good holiday destination. Totally. Interesting country, architecture, culture, and all. Would recommend. But for living - not a chance. Khura'inism is the main religion here, but it's so weird. Some of the prayer times are insane! The mantras are kind of good for grounding yourself and stuff, but-“ then, silence was on the phone line for a second, before a: „Ah, right on time.“
„… Your taxi arrived?“
„Precisely, Winnie.“
While Winston rolled his eyes at the nickname, which Gaspen was well-aware he was doing (that was his goal, after all), he stepped into the car.
„-Well, what I was saying-“
„… You were complaining about Khura'inism. Your taxi driver is probably a Khura'inist, so, maybe, you shouldn't continue that.“
„Why?“
„Politeness-“
„You know I'm not polite.“
And while Winston sighed into the phone, Gaspen continued:
„Freedom of speech is respected here. Now, what did I want - yeah, remember how I told you Khura'in is a good place for a vacation? Scratch that. Not for you. For some reason, they weirdly dislike people with glasses here. And since you're basically blind without them…“
„Why would they dislike people for wearing glasses?“ Winston sounded completely dumbfounded, and Gaspen understood.
„Something to do with the Holy Mother blinding people as punishment for their sins, I think? Also, people here seem to think prayer can improve your eyesight?“
„What.“
„Yeah, I'd like to see that scientifically studied, and - oh, you'll hate this one - you're automatically judged for your ancestors' sins according to Khura'inism-“
„I see. Kazuma Asougi was a Khura'inist. It all makes sense now,“ Winston replied, sarcasm obvious in his tone.
Gaspen chuckled.
„I knew you'd say something like that. So… Yeah. I'm really looking forward to Japanifornia. That's my home. And… I miss you. And your whole family. It was weird, suddenly… Not being around.“
„I know, right?!“ Winston then chuckled, „It felt a bit weird when suddenly, no one was ringing my doorbell at least once a week because he's invited himself over for a visit!“
Gaspen laughed.
„Well, I hope you didn't get too used to your peace.“
„I did, actually. … But I'll be happy to forget it once again.“
Gaspen sighed. Even after what he's done, after he's been in prison, his brother was still here.
Like a flash, he remembered all the people in the prison he's spent the last few years of his life in, and the ton of people who were forsaken by their families for lesser crimes than what he's done.
When he thought about that, he felt blessed. Blessed that everyone was still here with him. Not just Winston, everyone stood by him, even through his mistakes.
„… And to think I left all of you for a career that only made me worse…“ he sighed.
On the other hand, Winston smiled:
„At least you've learned from it, I guess?“
„That for sure. I'm never going inside of a courtroom again, unless I have to.“
„So, back to statistics?“
„If they accept me anywhere after all this… That's the plan.“
„You might be a corrupt lawyer, but you have been a great, trustworthy statistician for decades - they'd be plain wrong to judge you about something that happened in a different career line, under different circumstances-“
„I hope you're right, but - I'll have to hang up now. I'm already seeing the airport.“
„-Oh. Have a good flight, then. I'll see you tomorrow.“
„It's a promise.“
When Gaspen left the taxin and entered the airport area, it truly hit him.
He was really leaving.
He didn't regret coming to Khura'in - he regretted the reason why, but - it was an experience. In his fifties, he just packed his bags with his husband and flew to a completely different country. Even if he was a wild teen and young adult, nothing he did back then compared to selling his everything, except the house itself, and going to a brand new country.
Only if it wasn't for his arrogance.
But that doesn't mean it wasn't quite the adventure.
But it was one he was ready to end. He wasn't the youngest anymore, and just wanted to return back to normal, and finally return back to all the family and friends he had abandoned, but who refused to abandon him.
Ready to go back home.