-x-
"I'm sorry, Ephraim, I'm simply not strong enough for something like this."
Ephraim sighed, helping Lyon off the ground and picking up the lance.
"I guess it's kinda my fault," he said. "I heard your 'I wish I could use a weapon as well as you' as 'teach me the lance, Ephraim'. I shouldn't have pushed so hard."
"You were only trying to help...my weakness is what's to blame," Lyon said, brushing a stray lock of hair out of his face. "If only I were more like you..."
Ephraim put down the lance and wrapped his arm around Lyon.
"If you were more like me, I wouldn't want to be around you. You're Lyon, and you're great just the way you are. It's why I like you so much."
His words warmed the Grado prince's heart; Lyon smiled and leaned his cheek against Ephraim's shoulder.
"Thank you...your kindness is just one of the many reasons I admire you so."