It was at times like this that Ritsuka wished he understood people better. Abstract concepts, philosophy, morals, mathematics - those were easy. He could read and understand, mull those things over in his head until they fit into the places they belonged and the world fell into order. But people? They were like water. The more you tried to grasp and force your understanding, the less you were able to hold on to until there was nothing but the memory of that fleeting weight leaving stains upon your palms.

He just didn't understand why Albedo and Nigredo were like this. He didn't know them well enough. He wasn't a brother to them and he would never be, meaning his existence would always be just outside the inner circle of their trust. He didn't know the whole truth - he likely never would - but that didn't stop his anger from breaking through again; especially as Nigredo tried to retreat.

"Do you think he'd be so upset if he didn't care?!" Turning toward Nigredo, he made a grab for the arm of the wheelchair. If the younger brother left now, things would fall apart worse than they already were. "Running away won't do anything but make him think he's right."

Ritsuka tugged on Albedo's hand, trying to get him to stand up and face his family - really see them. Nigredo apparently didn't show emotion like other people did, but that just meant Ritsuka understood him that much more. He understood, and that made the schism between the two poignantly painful.

"You're brothers! You don't know how lucky you are to have each other! Even if you're fighting or you don't see eye to eye all the time, that doesn't mean you stop being family."