Forbidden Flower of Moriarty || Moriarty the Patriot Fanfiction ||

Chapter 42: Reunion

When both Albert and William arrived to where the current MI6 resides, Louis and Elise were there waiting for them.

The older blond could see the air around the two youngest seemed to have changed since the last time he saw them. Louis looked even more confident than before, and he was no longer hiding the scar on his cheek.

William's ruby red eyes fell the young woman beside his brother. Looking at her, he could feel his heart ache, yearning for the warmth he had missed during those three years. Elise shared eye contact with him and the kind smile she has was exactly the same as he remembered.

Even the hair ornament he had given her... It was still attached to her hair.

His hand subconsciously went to his chest, where he had kept the single petal he tore three years back.

"Louis..." Albert began as he stepped forward. "These past three years... I am truly sorry."

The two youngest shared a look before Louis made a small smile in assurance.

"There's no need to apologize, Albert-nii-san." He tells him. "It was my own wish to atone in this manner. This... This was something Elise and I have agreed upon."

"...You've become strong." Albert smiled at him proudly. "And... Elise..."

William silently watched as the oldest Moriarty turned his attention to his little sister. He could see the older man hesitate for a bit, but seeing their youngest patiently waiting for him to continue... He knew that Albert didn't want to look away again now that he has the courage to face his sister.

"Elise..."The brunet says. "I... I'm truly sorry as well.... For not relying on you more and for almost letting William get killed... My selfishness to make you happy has cost us greatly." He took a deep breath and slightly lowered his head in apology. "I'm sorry for being an incompetent older brother. And... For not replying in your letters... I'm sorry, my dearest sister."

Elise looked at her brother for a few seconds before embracing the older man in a tight hug. The action surprised Albert at first before he hesitantly reciprocated it by wrapping his arms around her as well.

"You were never incompetent, Albert-nii-sama." She softly tells him. "From the start, you would always protect me and would do everything just for my sake... How could you call yourself incompetent when you would do such things? During those times in the mansion, you're the only one who truly cared for my wellbeing. That is why... Please don't apologize."

She released her hold on him before slightly looking down.

"Rather... I was the one who was in the wrong..." She says as she made a fist. "I... I was somewhat aware that William would have changes in his final plan... Yet I didn't tell anyone. I... I made a plan to make sure he will not die but... I wasn't able to tell you and Moran-san. Because of that... The both of you were tormented with guilt for his death. For three years... You felt that way, because of my silence."

"Elise..."

"Albert-nii-sama isn't one to apologize... It is me who should apologize." Elise's shoulders were trembling as she was holding back her tears. "I should've tried to stop William since I knew he would never drag us to our deaths. But I didn't. Because I thought I couldn't stop him no matter how hard I tried to convince him. But what if I was just assuming? I was too scared to try and I feared I couldn't read him if he were to guard his self even more. I-"

The older man stopped her from rambling by placing a finger on her lips.

"I know."

"...Eh?"