[Mid-day - Training Grounds]

Roman: Why do you ask me this?

Alex: n-No reason. I simply wished to know if you did

A simple answer he then gave; all emotion lacking

Roman: Yes

It was the prime moment of the day when the heat often became unbearable; even Roman had to admit to himself that he required a short break. And therefore, he found himself sitting with his brother in the cool, sipping on water and sharing, once again, in meaningful conversations.

Alex: Oh okay. And…do you, - do you blame me for what… ?

Roman: …

Alex: -sigh- I understand. I would blame me as well. I already do. Despite, mother and brother telling me otherwise. Father is right. He always is…

Roman: … 

Standing suddenly, Roman stated

Roman: Alright, that is enough of that. It’s been a long enough rest. Let’s get back to it

Alex: Huh, what? But it’s only been about five minutes-

Upon recognising the familiar irritated glare of his brother, he cut short his complaint and reluctantly picked up his sword and stood

Alex: Fine. ..sorry

Roman: Do you really mean it? Or is it something you simply say?

Unsure of how to reply, Alex stayed silent. However, when he beheld the intensified irritated expression of his eldest brother, he then cautiously and quietly stated

Alex: I-I won’t ever do it again, brother

Roman: And yet, I am quite certain that you will 

**

**

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11th August 18xx

3rd day of Training

He asked me if I had visited mother since the accident and I lied. I do not wish to see her in her current state. He also asked me if I blamed him for what had transpired. 

This growing familiarity with my brother feels somewhat disconcerting. Our mid-day breaks have suddenly turned into moments when he would share what is on his mind and I, in turn, would do the same. I am not certain if I find this agreeable.

Alexander blames himself and I would think that he rightly should; I wanted to state this to him - but instead I gave no reply. He then seemed to have misinterpreted my silence. 

While he is indeed to blame, he is only half of the total. Father though, has unfairly laid it all on his shoulders.

It is an opinion that I will of course keep known to myself.

-----

[Next Day - Mid-day - along one of the Castle’s many hallways]

Alex: Damian. Damian! Wait for me!

Damian: Why are you running in the hallway? You know that father dislikes it

Alex: I didn’t mean to. It’s just that I’ve been looking for you. I wanted to see you- Where are you going?

Damian, barely acknowledging Alex’s calls, turned away and continued walking. Alex, though, discerned that his brother did not quite seem himself

Damian: To train with Peter

Alex: I feel as though I haven’t seen you for so long

Damian: It’s only been a few days, Alex

Hesitantly, Alex then asked 

Alex: Damian…are you angry with me? You sound…annoyed

Damian: No, I’m not

Alex: …Then why have you been avoiding me? You always say to never break promises. Mother says so too. And you promised that you would come by to watch me spar with brother… but you never did.

Damian: Yeah, well…I was busy

Alex: Busy doing what?

Damian: -sigh- Look! I was warned not to interfere with your training okay?! 

Alex: Warned? Did- Did brother threaten you?

Damian: It’s what he does best - along with everything else! 

It was a look that Alex could not recall his brother ever shooting in his direction but Damian was now darkly glaring at him. He felt uneasy and looked away. 

Suddenly, Damian, eyebrow raised, harshly demanded of Alex

Damian: Why aren’t you training now?!

Alex: b-Brother ended it early. He said that he had other things to tend to…

His voice trailed off and stopped. When he resumed, his voice sounded small and hurt

Alex: -sniff- I’m sorry…that I got you into trouble with brother

Damian: What?!.. 

Head bowed, as he walked alongside him, Alex was now crying. Noticing this, Damian stopped, shook his head and replied with a pained expression

Damian: No, you didn’t. -sigh- You’re always so quick to apologise…and to blame yourself and…to cry. I wish you would stop doing that

Alex wiped his face with the back of his hand and in a small voice said

Alex: sorry

Damian smiled and said, patting his brother's frizzy head of hair

Damian: Hey. Cheer up. Since you have the rest of the day off - How about you come spar with me instead…okay?

Alex: Okay

Damian: Good. And now that you’re better than I am,  know that I won’t be going easy on you

With his finger, he jabbed Alex in the chest, grinning all the while and then walked off

Alex: Wait, what? Who said that I was better than you?

➵