like father, like son (Pt. 6)

   I'm at some high-end restaurant to meet with my brother. 

I initially thought we were gonna talk at a random cafe. He didn't give me much time to prepare. I arrived at the restaurant wearing jeans and a white shirt and flannel-- the only thing I really ever wear. 

I feel so out of place here. As if I was a prehistoric homowhatever being sent to the 22nd century. But the guy who picked me up from my studio told me I look okay. I'm sure they're lying. 

I didn't have to wait long before the man in a stylish yet formal attire arrived and takes a seat across me. His dark, slickback hair mirrors that of his father. Or rather, our, father. 

We also have the same eyes. I guess it's a distinct characteristic for one who's born to this family. 

Despite this, his facial feature is unlike father. It's a lot more approachable, with a soft visible jawline. He takes all the best bits from his parents and wears it perfectly. 

"It's nice to have finally meet you, [redacted]." He said to me first, offering a handshake. 

"Likewise," I answered as I take his hand. 

We both chatted a bit whilst ordering. After the servant's left, we're left alone with the chattering of other customers and soft instrumentals playing in the background.

"I must say, I was very surprised when I heard the news that father has actually reached out to you, my half brother. I never knew. I mean, I know he and my mum aren't in a loving relationship at all. It's all just business. So him having an affair or two isn't too out of place." He starts. 

"I just didn't think that he would produce a child from it. He didn't, too. I heard he only knew about you like, half a year ago, and just now decided to reach out after talking to me and taking my feelings into consideration."

"Yeah... I'll just say this from the start, but I don't want to be perceived as a threat to you. I'm not in anyway interested to take your position, and um, father wouldn't let me anyway. Just incase you're worried about it at all." I added. 

He smiled, "Well, I'd be lying if I say I hadn't have thoughts about that. He did already tell me that he will never take anyone else as his successor. If there's one thing I know for sure about him, is that he always keeps his words. How did your meeting with dad goes anyway? What'd he say, if you don't mind me asking?"

Oh boy. 

"Ah, hm, it was alright. We talked a bit, about how I've been doing and what happened in the past that my mother decided to hide his pregnancy from him. He also offered to pay for my college tuition, to which I accept..." Should I tell him about my freakish arrangement? Eeh...

"Oh, I see. Yeah, that's the least he gotta do to try to mend the times that are lost."

"Aren't you like, sad or, jealous at all, that it might seem as if I'm getting all the attention from father?" I finally ask him. 

"Me? No. He's acting the way I expected him to be. Mind you I'm not saying he's a horrible parent but he's not great either. All he does is take care of my studies and financial support. Outside of that, he's cold as ice. And I'm used to it by now, don't worry."

Now I didn't expect that. Father acted different than how Raoul describes him. He was so warm, concerned, and caring towards me. Both when we met and on text. Perhaps it has to do with me being the child of his beloved. No, I'm sure that's why. 

The food finally came. We ate and talked a bit more before going our separate ways. 

He seems nice. I think we'll get along well.