Getting To Know Each Other

"He must have been a really nice person," she remarked softly. The statement brought a melancholic smile to his lips.

"He was," he agreed. His eyes gleaming with nostalgia as if he was reminiscing his good old days with his brother.

"He was the best big brother one could have. An idol son and a caring friend. He was an inspiration," he praised his late brother with unrestrained reverence. Serena could tell he held his brother in the highest regard.

"You look up to him, don't you? I can tell you are very much like him" she noted, smiling. He turned his face towards her and met her gaze with his sad, desolated eyes.

"I can't be like him even if I want to, Pumpkin. He was an angel whereas I am a.....I am not even worth the dirt under his shoes. Please don't insult him by comparing him to me. He doesn't deserve it," a heavy storm of guilt burst forth in his eyes as he implored her earnestly. Serena sensed a deep sadness in his tone. How long has he been beating himself up?

Her hear