Is That How a Big Brother Is?

Luke: Hey Hubert, do you like the Abyss Rangers? Guy was telling me about it.

Hubert: Guy, you can’t just—! ...Ahem. I suppose I’ve picked up some knowledge on it here and there. But I never spoke a word about liking Abyss Red—

Luke: Ranger Red? What the heck? I’d say you know plenty about it, Hubert. Considering I only mentioned the Abyss Rangers.

Hubert: ...! You’ve caught me red-handed, Luke.

Luke: Whoa, what’s with the scary face?! I didn’t mean anything by it, I swear! I’m sorry I offended you, seriously.

Hubert: ...No, I apologize for getting so worked up over it. But if word like this gets out, my brother and the others may hear of it, and I really don’t want that...

Luke: Does Asbel not like superheroes or something?

Hubert: It’s not that he doesn’t like them, I don’t believe. Rather, I don’t like when people treat me like a child just because I have an interest in superheroes.

Luke: Ohhh, I think I get what you mean. I’m the same.

Hubert: You hate being treated like a child, too?

Luke: Sure do. I don’t know how to put it really, but all those guys who act kinda big brother-ish like to treat anyone younger than them like a kid.

Hubert: Luke... I suppose we can understand each other. But who is the “big brother-ish” person in your life?

Luke: Oh, Guy used to be super annoying about it, but lately it’s been Asch... Maybe it’s ‘cause we were pretending to be twins for a while, I dunno.

He tells me off for every last little thing. It’s pissing me off that he’s starting to sound more and more like my big brother—or really, more like my dad. But, well...

Hubert: ...It’s not all that bad?

Luke: Exactly! You took the words right out of my mouth! I guess we can bond over being little brothers!

Hubert: ...I understand. No matter how old we get or where we go in the world, we will always be someone’s younger brother.

...By the way, Luke. Have you ever cosplayed as an Abyss Ranger?

Luke: Oh, yeah! I was Abyss Red. Guy did Abyss Orange, and Asch was obviously Abyss Sil—^[1]

Asch: —Here I was wondering where the hell you wandered off to, and now I find you’re wasting perfectly good air over here.

Luke: Why’d you have to say it like that?! Actually, I guess that saying’s true: speak of the devil. I was just talking about you. You need something?

Asch: Is your head filled with sawdust or something? You’re supposed to be out shopping today. How about you stop being such a burden on Guy for once?!

Luke: Oh, crap! You’re right! Thanks for coming to get me. I’ll go right now.

Asch: Obviously. If you’re late, it becomes a problem for whoever’s cooking. Try using your head before you do stuff!

Hubert: ...Luke was absolutely right.

Luke: Hehe, you see?

Asch: ...What are you talking about.

Luke: Oh, nothing. All right, I’m headed out!

Asch: Fine. Remember, no detours, and come right home. And no snacking, either! Got it?!

Hubert: ...Haha. Take care, Luke.