It was true, of course. Other than some pranks at the first institute, Albedo could not recall lying to Nigredo. And anything the boy had said, he had held to. It wasn't about honor or anything archaic and useless like that. It was only a kind of permanence that he could choose, instead of something forced. It was his own fate, in the end. His own choices and decisions. Nigredo, of all people, was a direct outcome and perfect example of that.

Both flirtation and insecurity faded, and Albedo only leaned against his brother's side, head against his shoulder. "It's the same, you know," he said, almost inaudibly. "I only trust you." There was Ritsuka, and Albedo trusted him in certain things, but Nigredo Albedo would trust to move and react in the ways best. Now, yes. Now, Albedo would trust Nigredo not to break his heart.