August sat on the couch, tears streaming down her cheeks. When she heard the living room door close she turned her head away, to hide her face. Sterling knew something was wrong. August was always happy to see him or Akari come home. He walked over and sat beside her, seeing her tear streaked face. August tried to get up and walk away but a sturdy hand on her shoulder kept her in place. Sterling turned her around to face him gently and pushed her hair out of her eyes. "What's wrong?" He asked, his faced contorted with worry. She looked down, "I-I was talking to Raiden today...He was talking about how much fun he was having in ROTC and how he was so important...While I-I..." She sighed another tear rolling down her cheek "...have always been so unwanted...even bullied...All I ever wanted was to be loved....to be important...". Sterling squeezed her shoulder gently "You are important and you are loved. Akari loves you, Your parents love you, Your brother loves you,...I love you. Your important to all of us." Tears welled up in his eyes slightly and August's eyes opened a little wider, Sterling never cried, he hardly ever even smiled except around her and Akari. He pulled her into a tight hug "Your perfect, just the way you are. Don't let anyone tell you differently! Anyone who would say that to you or make you feel that way isn't worthy of you." He said, slightly angry and over protectively as he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, still not letting her go. August managed a small smile and slowly fell asleep on his shoulder...