"Yukio."

"Yes Niisan?" Yukio said softly, a little surprised by his brother. They had been close as small children, but just before he began his training as an exorcist, Rin began to grow a bit distant. Something that only grew more when Yukio began his training. It was Shiro who usually has them together for family fun and bonding.

Not that either disliked hanging out with one another, they were just so darn busy, they had to be brought together to play. Yukio couldn't remember the last time that Rin had said his name without injury or Shiro or a meal.

"You know... You know I..."

"Niisan?" Yukio asked now a little concerned. Rin never stumbled over his words. Rin's averted eyes met Yukio's as Yukio realized there were unshed tears in his eyes.

"Yukio I love you," Rin said with melancholy, his hand holding his wrist gently. Yukio noticed this and gently pulled Rin's arm from his hand. He looked it over but found no injuries.

"Is everything alright Niisan?" Yukio asked nervously.

"As fine as can be," Rin said with confidence. Yukio kept a nervous eye on Rin. He threw his arms around his brother's waist and held him closely.

"Easy there Yukio," Rin chuckled while returning the hug.

"Aw, isn't that sweet."

"Dad!" Rin moaned slightly embarrassed. Shiro laughed and threw his arms around both Rin and Yukio making Rin laugh.

Things didn't get any easier for Yukio to understand as Rin had taken to carrying around a small pocket knife that came from who knew where. He carried it religiously. Even when they were praying in the chapel.

He had largely been unchanged otherwise. But it had all started with him saying 'I love you'.

Yukio had begun training harder, in fear that his new behavior could somehow be caused by a demon in human skin.

He wouldn't get let them get to him. Not his older brother.

Rin had been scared after running into Valoc and Samuel. So scared he told his brother something he never really thought he'd have to say, something he was sure Yukio knew.

It had been the same day Michael had handed him a blade after so long with a wooden sword.

Excalibur. The one from British stories the Angels sometimes told.

Beautifully Royal and dangerous. A holy blade to counter demon blades.

His first weapon to protect himself from more Malevolent demons and help ward off the occasional fallen angel. The blade or all blades.

"It's not so bad," Rin told Metatron, "I'm just glad I can now start protecting myself."

"And you fighting the bullies isn't protecting yourself?"

"They're hardly demons."

"Fair enough I suppose. But stick to defensive. Not all demons are in fact evil. Some are just easily spooked."

"I know. You've said so," Rin commented as he pulled Excalibur out of his pocket. He flicked the blade out showing a small, common pocketknife. Ancient Latin symbols glowed on the blade, elongating it into a fierce broad sword. The blade softly glowing with holy energy. It pricked lightly at his skin, interacting with his demon blood not yet awakened.

It didn't hurt. It was more of a warning of loyalty.

"Put the blade away Rin. We don't want people noticing the blade."

"It's not like they can see it."

"Yes, but it could get you sent to a psych ward or influence a Temptaint."

"Alright," Rin pouted as he pulled the blade back into its sheath.

"Good boy," Metatron chuckled as he ruffled Rin's hair. Rin complained and batted away the hand half heartedly, "My pure little boy," Metatron continued on, wrapping his arm over Rin's shoulder, "My book challenged little angel-"

"Not my fault I'm not so good with books," Rin complained.

"That's why I'm going to start tutoring you."

"What?"

"Yep. Starting tomorrow we will be hitting the books."

"Oh that's lame!"

"Archangel of education kiddo."

"Archangel of education?" Rin asked skeptically.

"Education, unity and truth. What? You didn't think archangels were just more battle ready did you?"

"I thought you were just stronger."

"Nah. Every archangel stands for something. Heck, you know what Sandalphon stands for?"

"What?"

"He's a delivery boy."

"What?"

"It's true. He helps deliver prayers to God. Have you ever noticed that he carries a note book and pen everywhere?"

"I'll take that as a no," Metatron sighed.

"It's not like I'm near Sandalphon a lot. When I am, I'm focusing on my brother."

"As you should be. But we'll need to work on your awareness," Metatron trailed off, making plans to tell Michael what Rin needed to work on.

"But I always know when you're around."

Rin, there is something you need to know about archangels."

"What's that?"

"Whilst we are strong beyond common measure, stealthy we are not."

"I can't be the only one seeing this."

"I can't believe it."

"You think our prayers have been answered?"

"You think it's a demon?"

"What are you all standing around for?" Shiro asked the priests in confusion. The priests jumped but none could utter a word. Instead, they pointed through the doorway. Shiro's expression changed from mildly amused to confused as he looked through the doorway only to be dumbfounded.

There at the table was Rin sitting, his hair pulled back by one of his cooking bandanas, trying to study.

Shiro watched as Rin grumbled about studying as he practiced some math problems. His pencil and eraser working hard to figure out the problems.

"Dad?" Yukio interrupted the befuddlement.

"Ah, yes Yukio?"

"Have you seen Rin?

Shiro blinked, then lifted his hand slowly to point into the room. Yukio walked to the door and froze, watching his brother actually try to study.

"Niisan?"

Rin jumped and whipped his head around. His face erupted red in embarrassment when he realized everyone was staring at him.

"What are you all staring at me for?" Rin grumbled. Shiro couldn't help but laugh.

"What's so funny old man?!"

"I don't think I've ever seen you study willingly before Rin. But good to know you're still you."

"Oy! Who else would I be?"

And that's that. For now. Didn't know exactly how I wanted to to this chapter but apparently this is thee do result.