Hi all !

I am (finally and hopefully for good) back with a bunch of fresh new chapters. I haven't been updating Catching up for what seems like ages and I feel terrible about it. I never really stopped writing though, I just didn't take the time to come here and post the chapters. The truth is I have this small issue with perfection: I am almost never satisfied with what I write. Which means that I read over every chapter about a thousand times lol. But here I am anyway and I really hope you will enjoy the rest of the story!

I would like to send all my love to every single person who's reviewed, added my story to favorite/alert or just simply read it. You guys are plain awesome and what keeps me writing! Thank you so so so much! :)

xx

Chapter 10

"You know what? Nevermind. If you don't want to talk about it I am not going to pull it out of you so we might as well call it a night."

Xiaoyu made a move to storm out of the room but Jin quickly grabbed her arm.

"Xiao, wait."

She ignored the butterflies that had instatly started to flutter in her stomach at his touch and did her best to throw him what she thought was her angriest glare. He sighed sadly and she felt a pang of guilt.

"I was in Australia."

He paused and Xiaoyu momentarily forgot she was angry. What was he talking about? She knew about Australia. This whole argument wasn't about that. Or was it?...

"I know that." She finally said softly after a moment.

"I haven't told you why yet."

He paused again and this time she remained silent.

"It was…necessary. With everything that happened in my family and after Heihachi died I didn't really know where I stood anymore. I needed to go away for a while and forget all about it. I went there because my mom used to tell me about Australia all the time, saying that she'd take me one day."

As he spoke she recalled the time her own grandfather had told her Jin's mom had committed suicide because of her husband Kazuya, who had disappeared right after. Afterwards, living with Heihachi didn't make it any easier for Jin as he discovered his grandfather was as evil as his dad, if not more. Even though they were living together at the time Jin had never told Xioayu the whole story, he would only let small bits out when he was mad. But what she had collected about the Mishima family was frightening enough to prevent her from wanting to know more.
Jin's voice snapped her out of her reverie. She noticed he had released her arm and was now facing the window.

"I know it wasn't fair to you, leaving without a word. You've always been there for me, supporting me even though I never did anything to deserve it. But…I think I didn't know what to say. I've never truly been close to anyone so I couldn't find the right words and I just left. I guess I selfishly assumed that you'd understand." He finally added.

So lost in the moment Xiaoyu almost jumped when his eyes met hers as he turned to her. She stopped breathing.

"I'm so sorry Xiao. I realize only now how much it must have hurt you. It's funny because all I wanted was in fact to protect you from being sad."

Xiaoyu's mouth felt dry and she blinked several times.

"I…I do understand Jin." She ventured. "I've never really been mad at you. I figured something was up, that you had a good reason. I suppose I was simply mad at myself for realizing too late I didn't mean that much to you."

She noticed Jin was about to say something so she raised her hand to stop him.

"No it's okay. I know it's not like that. It's just how it felt like. But I'm so glad you're telling me this now, thank you."

She smiled full-heartedly and his mouth twitched upwards shyly.

They fell silent for a moment simply enjoying the moment. But soon the memories of the incident earlier began to crawl back in their mind. Xiaoyu's cheeks started to heat up.

"So.." She started.

"Maybe you should call the redhead, see if he hasn't hung himself or whatever."

"Again? Wait, you mean you care?" She teased.

"I mean I just want to avoid him rushing back here anytime soon. Cause I like him so much." Jin teased back.

Xiaoyu giggled. "Ok fine you're probably right anyway. I'll go check on him."

"Good."

Jin was feeling like a big weight had been taken off his shoulders. He felt somewhat relieved and something else he couldn't quite put his finger on yet. So this time, he let her leave the room.

TBC...