to love is to destroy.

Sometimes I forget the difference. Well you didn’t have to make them swallow… No, not worried, Sam. It’s because I think gossip can be harmful and I don’t want to have rumours around the institute that might hurt my training with Amelia. It’s not so hard to figure out, sis. It does count, you’re ridiculous.

You’re actually right. I could’ve been a super fierce playground bully if my own kindness and compassion weren’t holding me back. Neglected and pent up feelings can be harmful too, Ivan. You sound awfully worried about your sessions being jeopardized. Have you ever considered skipping one? Come grab lunch with Caila and I instead? If there’s nothing there, I’m sure neither of you guys’ll mind.

You love me too dearly and could never be as close with anyone else. It’s pretty simple, S. I was cooking for myself in secret purely for this reason… Maybe next time, but for now I’m looking forward to the burnt toast. 

Damn, you got me there. I do love you dearly. No! You love cooking food and making me — one half of the best parabatai in the world — happy. You got it, one very Nutella-y burnt slice of toast coming up.

You easily could have made them eat sand, you were definitely tenacious enough. By the angel, Sam, will you quit it? Someone might hear you. What about when you told me what I was getting for my birthday as soon as you came back to the institute from getting it? Or when you told Caila about that dream I had?

Tenacious, maybe. Not cruel, though. The mundane kids wouldn’t have been able to eat sand. Worried, are you? Well, riddle me this, Ivan. Why’re you concerned about someone hearing you if you don’t even have a crush? Hmm? The first one was fine, I couldn’t hold it in. It was too good of a present. And I tell Caila everything, that doesn’t count.

And you’re stuck with me forever, so keep the compliments coming. I’ll take what I can get, as long as I’m not cooking another omelet, I’ve cooked one every day this week.

Remind me why I took this whole parabatai oath in the first place, C? You were cooking omelets? Aw man, I didn’t even know. What’s it gonna take for you to make another one for me, your absolute fave?

That doesn’t take away from the fact that you did it, at all. Actually I think it makes it worse. Not really. There’s nothing to cotton on to… I think she has great potential, I get a bit of enjoyment out of teaching, that’s it. You’re the worst secret keeper in the world. 

It was a double-dog dare, Ivan. What was I supposed to do? Stand there and let my pride get destroyed? Sure, sure. How sweet, is that going to be part of your wedding vows? Shut up, ask anyone. Oh wait — you can’t. Because you don’t know whose secrets I’m keeping. Because I’m such a great secret keeper. Check and mate.

No, no, I totally whooped your ass. Stop denying it. I won, and you owe me like… A massage or something. What was the bet again?

Ugh, fine. You’re the worst, the actual worst. Yeah, it was a massage. And I have make you breakfast tomorrow. So get excited, you’re feasting on burnt toast slathered in Nutella, because that's the only thing I can cook.

I’m a mature ten year old. You’re the one still eating sand. You’re my only sister, so that really doesn’t mean much… Regardless, if I did like her, you’re the only confidant I’ve ever had and simultaneously a blabber mouth. You’re lucky I tell you anything. And I don’t like her. Just in case that wasn’t clear.

I only ate sand once when we were ten and that’s because someone dared me to. Only sister, favourite sister, same thing, Ivan. C’mon, I wouldn’t tell a soul. Besides, I only give it so much time until other people start cottoning on. I’m the best secret keeper there is, don’t minimize my talents. Uh-huh, sure you don’t.

So I can’t compliment someone without liking them? How old are you, ten? Please don’t go around spreading shit like that about either of us, you always make something out of nothing. 

If I’m ten, you’re ten, so watch it. Only in this particular case. But I’m beginning to have my doubts, when you won’t even admit to your favourite sister that you’re harbouring a little affection for Amelia. And I never do that, excuse you. 

What the hell are you talking about, Sam? I’m training a new nephilim, not living a romance novel. Amelia is just a quick learner… It’s impressive. 

Don’t fight it. I think it’s sweet that you’re crushing on your trainee. Very cliché, but still sweet. It’s alright — I won’t tell her. Though I wouldn’t be surprised if your little crush was reciprocated.