567 Desperately* (2/2)

When Zeres just calmly drunk his alcohol, Alex glanced heavenward.

”Say something,” he told his old friend. Alex was on the verge of challenging him in a fight, but at the very last second, Zeke's voice, telling him that pregnant women were sensitive, echoed in Alex's head, and it miraculously killed all the thrill that just awakened inside him.

Gladly, Zeres finally reacted. He let out a sigh and looked at Alex. ”I learned it from you, Alexander. Did you forget you used to ignore me back then?”

”Well, that's because you were an annoying brat back then.”

”You're the one acting like a brat now, Alexander.”

”I'm just concerned about my melancholic younger brother.”

Zeres choked. He glared at the smirking Alex as he coughed.

”What. I am telling the truth. As I said, I am thousands of years older than you now, Zeres. Ah, don't even argue that we're the same age. The times of your slumber doesn't count.” Alex was flashing a smug smile, looking so proud of himself that Zeres could only shake his head.

”It seemed, living for so many years turned you into an annoying and arrogant creature, Alexander.”

”Thanks. I don't mind being annoying and arrogant. My wife loves me anyway.”

Zeres shook his head again, speechless. And silence reigned between them again until Alex burst.

”What. Bloody hell Zeres, when did you catch Zeke's boring virus? Sigh, listen to your old man Zeres, one day –”

”Enough, Alexander.” Zeres pinched the skin between his brows. ”I don't want to listen to an arrogant old man right now.” He threw his head back and finished his drink.

But Alex chuckled. His eyes glinted in amusement, looking very satisfied to have unsettled Zeres' composure finally. He then nodded like an old man as he muttered. ”You and Zeke are desperately in need of someone who will breathe sense in your hearts. This old man is worried about this world's future if that won't happen anytime soon.”

Zeres gaped at him, entirely at a loss for words.