Alyxander nodded understandingly and smiled back. He wrapped his arms gently around Kate as she hugged him, smiling a bit more at her light kiss; he enjoyed her company more than anything. But at the moment, Reika needed him to prove he hadn't forgotten her. Reika watched from where she stood, barely a step apart from the two. It wasn't that she was jealous really... or maybe it was, she didn't know. She just felt left out, as if after all this time waiting and hoping she'd see Alyxander again he had moved on completely. It was hard to imagine, and even more so to accept. The girl was snapped out of her thoughts as she felt Kate's hand gently pat her back, and smiled.<span style="font-style: italic">"Keep him company. I am sorry. I am going have to go to bed as soon as supper is over. I hope I don't fall asleep in my dinner.</span><br/><br/>Reika nodded. "May a peaceful sleep come to you tonight." She answered. "But do try not to fall asleep too early. Surely your father would not be so pleased." Alyx smiled, glad that Reika was still acting kindly towards Kate... not that he'd thought she wouldn't. He'd been concerned that after the incident earlier Reika wouldn't want to be around Kate for a bit. But she was a forgiving soul, she had learned to forget mistakes quickly and push aside the wrongs that have been done; otherwise, your friends might be long gone by the time you accept their apology.<br/><br/>After Kate had left, the two were left in the bedroom. They waited for dinner, not really speaking a word. They didn't know what to say. Dinner came, and they ate in silence too. Only after they were done did either of them bring up the courage to speak; it was Alyxander. "Are you still upset?" "Not upset, truly... just... I do not know." Alyx pushed their plates aside and gently sat in front of Reika. "I promised you I would never forget." He whispered softly. "And I haven't. Do not think I am abandoning you, being around Kate." He stopped as Reika winced and glanced away. A soft sigh slipped from his lips, and he tilted her face back up to meet his gaze. "You were, and still are, my closest companion and friend, Reika. Nothing will break that." "Not even your love for Kate?"<br/><br/>The boy was slightly caught off guard, not knowing how to answer. Did he love Kate? Yes, he thought he did. But would it upset Reika to admit that? "Not even then would I forget." Reika smiled and gently leaned forward, hugging him lightly and laying her head on his shoulder. " 'Tis growing later and later. High time I go to bed." She whispered after a few moments of them remaining in that embrace. Reika pulled back, smiled at Alyx and got to her feet before helping him up as well. "May sweet dreams remain." "I wish the same for you." Alyx whispered, smiling gently. "And thank you, for understanding about all of this."<br/><br/>The two parted, Reika going off to her own room and closing the door behind her. Alyxander laid down on his bed, about the turn out the lights before he realized the dinner plates were still in his room. Getting back to his feet and picking the dishes up, he decided he might as well save Ann some work by bringing them down to the kitchen himself. It was late, everyone else in the manor was surely asleep. The boy snuck out of his room, careful not to make too much noise, and followed the staircase down. He continued to the kitchen placing the dirty dishes on the counter near the sink before turning around. Little did he know, a shadow was following his every move; obviously someone wasn't asleep after all.