Miklotov: *He wanted VERY much to be happy for the new promotion of his friend, but couldn't quite bring himself to be. The reason was pretty simple. Camus, at the age of 25, had become the youngest Knight Captain, EVER. This was a feat that Miklotov himself had wanted badly too accomplish, but knew that despite being 24, his promotions would come too slow to even tie Camus. He could only grit his teeth even thinking about it as he looked out the window of his room.*

Camus: *He knocked on the door quietly, hoping that Miklotov was inside. He had been promoted earlier today, and right now he simply had to escape from all the Red Knights who wanted to congratulate their new leader, even for a few minutes.* Miklotov?

Miklotov: *He closed his eyes, groaning that he now has to deal with the newly anointed Captain. Now, he was suddenly reminded that Camus would be a higher rank and he grit his teeth even more. But, he forced himself to be happy for his friend and lover as he said,* Enter...

Camus: *He glanced around in the corridor before entering. //This feels kinda stupid... I'm running from my own knights... heh.// He stopped by the door, closed it behind him and looked at his friend.* Mik?

Miklotov: *He turned away from the window to look at his friend. Camus didn't look much different, except that his Red jacket had more buckles, straps and a purple cape that hung over his left shoulder. Indeed, the new Red Knight captain looked handsome, but that didn't mean too much to Miklotov now as it only made him inwardly burn even more. He didn't say anything.*

Camus: Miklotov? *He smiled to his friend and stepped closer.* We haven't had the chance to talk all day... Well, I have bunch of people following me everywhere and more waiting to see me, so no wonder. Just had to get away for a while...

Miklotov: *He sighed in response, that tense, burning feeling still in him.* Why would people want to see you?

Camus: *He shrugged.* Just some Red Knights; they want to congratulate their new captain. Why? *His eyes studied the other man. //That was an odd question, considering the circumstances. What's wrongs, Mik?//*

Miklotov: *Camus' reply accentuated Miklotov's reminder that his friend is captain and he is not. Furthermore, that Camus made history as the youngest one ever and he did not. The Blue Knight knew that he worked VERY hard for what he wanted and now he felt that it was for nothing. Sure, he was 24, but given the way the superiors seemed to drag their feet with him while giving fast promotions to Camus, he knew that he would never even tie his friend, much less surpass him. His ambitions simply crumbled.*

Camus: *Still wondering about his friend's question, he walked next to the Blue Knight and looked out from the window.* Nice weather for practicing... The Red Knights aren't going to have much of that for today, though. How about you? Have something today?

Miklotov: *He felt his heart sink at his lover's friendliness. He had no doubt that Camus was oblivious to how he felt inside.* No.

Camus: *He turned to look at his friend, smiling.* No? Since I have nothing either... Want to do something? I don't really care for going there to be eaten alive by my knights, so...

Miklotov: *He blurted out,* I don't think I want to do anything with you...

Camus: *He gave the Blue Knight a bit surprised look. //Hmm? So, I was right... What is going on?//* What do you mean by that, Mik?

Miklotov: *He felt his stomach drop at his friend's shocked reply, but that burning feeling of his remained. He honestly felt that he couldn't help it.* I don't know what I mean... all I know is that you have what I want...

Camus: Miklotov... *He fell silent, not knowing what to say. //I think I get it now... You... are jealous because I got promoted? Gods, I never thought it that way...// He studied his lover's face, trying to find some sign of... he didn't know what. //They say I'm the best swordsman in Matilda. My promotion wasn't a surprise to anyone... But...//*

Miklotov: *He looked at Camus,* It wasn't enough for you to defeat me all those years ago, was it? You had to defeat me in this! It was my dream to be the youngest captain and now I shall not have it!

Camus: I knew that... *He said quietly, mostly to himself. He looked down and shook his head. //What do you expect me to do, go tell Lord Gorudo I'm not interested in this promotion?// He raised his face again, looking calmly at his friend.* Is it my fault that I got promoted first, Mik? It was never a... competition for me! We are both good knights, and we've both always worked hard...

Miklotov: I know what we have done! But, my gods! WE DID the same thing! I have ALWAYS worked harder than you have! I know it! YOU know it! And yet somehow, you've always remained one step ahead of me. *Speaking of steps, he took one so that he was close to Camus.* Why? What makes you better than I am!?

Camus: *He shook his head again.* I don't know. I don't think I'm 'better' than you. And yes, I know you work hard. I do so, too. I just don't understand... Are you angry with me or something?

Miklotov: *He sighed.* That should be obvious...

Camus: *He hesitated for a while, then put his hands on the Blue Knight's shoulders and looked him in the eyes.* Mik, I'm sorry. I didn't know... I had no idea that my promotion would... hurt you. In my opinion, you're one of the best knights in Matilda...

Miklotov: *He pushed Camus away.* Don't give me that! I know you don't mean it! All I'd like to know is how could you have been promoted so quickly? It seems to me that every promotion I get, you get double! WHY!?

Camus: *He took a step back, still looking at his friend.* What do you want me to say? Mik, you deserve every promotion you get. Please, calm down. I wish I knew why. For my knowledge, I don't do anything special... I'm just the best of the Red Knights. Just like you are the best of the Blue Knights...

Miklotov: *He shook his head, not pacified by Camus' compliments.* I would have been a Captain by now if I were the best... I would have been the one to set the record... not you...

Camus: *Again, he was having hard time to think about what to say. //Oh gods, I don't need this... Especially from you, Mik. Not from my best friend and my... lover.//* Miklotov, please...

Miklotov: *He grit his teeth, turning away, knowing that the very sight of his newly promoted friend would have caused his body to quake.* I worked harder than you! I know I have! *Jealousy eliminated any rational thought Miklotov had as he blurted out,* You could not have done this on your own!

Camus: *He was just about to give an opinion about Miklotov's great merits, but he was silenced by that comment. He stared at his friend for a while before he could say anything.* What...? What do you mean by that? Not on my own?

Miklotov: *He narrowed his eyes.* You probably had help from your family, yes? You had the connections! I wonder how far they went!?

Camus: *He crossed his arms.* What? I have had no help from my family. I get a letter every second month, I send them a letter, and that's it. You know all the details! You even helped me write them once when I hurt my hand... I'm on my own here. You're the only one who's ever helped me...

Miklotov: *He knew that was true, but he couldn't help but continue to feel as if he had been shortchanged for all his hard work. Since Camus felt sooo happy about his promotion, Miklotov decided to "rain on his parade" so to speak.* Pah! You lie! You're not a good enough knight to be able to achieve all this on your own. Don't flatter me into saying that I had help! Let us also not assume that you received no help from Gorudo! Who knows? You could have anyone you want! Perhaps you literally enlisted his help behind my back!

Camus: *The mild anger that had been slowly building up inside him since the Blue Knight had started accusing him of getting help was turning into a strong one. //How dares he accuse me of getting help from anyone...!// His light-amber eyes turned dark.* What are you trying to say?! That Lord Gorudo helped me? 'Literally enlisted his help...' *He glared at the other man.* Damn it, Miklotov, I don't need to listen to insults like this!

Miklotov: *Glee filled him when he saw the anger in his friend's eyes. He decided to push the Red Knight even further.* HA! I struck a nerve, didn't I!?

Camus: *He gave the younger man another angry glare.* You could say that...! I don't your little hints. Are you so jealous of my promotion that you need to start accusing me of bribing Gorudo or something? Hmm?!

Miklotov: *That struck a nerve for Miklotov and it served to make him every angrier.* I'd say it's much more than bribing! After all, you can have anyone you want and that's how you get what you want!

Camus: *He was gritting his teeth, trying to calm down, but the last comment was too much. Without thinking, he grabbed the Blue Knight by collar and pushed him against the wall.* WHAT did you just say? *He stared straight into the other knight's brown eyes, looking very angry.* Want to say that again, huh?!?

Miklotov: *He was stunned, but still wanting to push his friend further, despite another part of himself telling him to stop. It was the least he could do to ruin Camus' precious day.* The truth hurts, doesn't it?

Camus: The hell it does! *He hissed, tightening his grip.* That's a lie, and we both know it! Grow up, Miklotov! See, there's the reason why I get promoted and you don't - you can't be trusted at all! I thought you were my friend, but I guess I was wrong...

Miklotov: *He grunted as he felt Camus' gloved fingers bite into him, but that didn't compare to the other man's stinging words. His anger slowly dissipated and that's when he had realized what he had said. He lowered his head, not bearing to look into Camus' dark eyes.*

Camus: You... *He let go off his friend and looked out from the window.* Pathetic. That's what you are... *He shook his head and walked to the door. He opened it, but didn't step out yet.* You know where to find me... Not that it mattered. To you, anyway...

Miklotov: *He felt his heart drop; now he was truly sorry.* Forgive me...

Camus: *He didn't turn around; instead, he sighed and stared at the doorstep for a while.* Mik... Maybe later. Right now... It's better if we avoid each other for a few days...

Miklotov: *He closed his eyes, propping his knees against his chin. He didn't say anything as he knew that Camus was right.*

Camus: *He stepped outside, but then hesitated. He turned around slowly and looked at the other knight.* Mik, I... Damn, I should know better! I know you didn't mean it... that way. You're just... too passionate sometimes, and say things you later regret. So... *He sighed.* Apology accepted. Well, I... I'll be going now. I can't hide from my knights forever, so...

Miklotov: *He looked up.* Camus, wait! Please... don't hate me... you have to understand that I only wish to be the best I could be...

Camus: Mik... *He stood there for a moment, looking at his friend.* You know I could never hate you. Well. Try to rest or something... Honestly, I think you should try to clear your head a bit. *He looked down, feeling a bit guilty.* I've got to go... will you be all right?

Miklotov: *He looked up at Camus.* Yes, of course... *He sighed.* I should accept that there is always someone out there better than I am...

Camus: You know... *He smiled to his friend.* In the end, there is something you are best at. If not anything else... Well, there's one thing, but I think I won't tell you what it is. I'll just leave you guessing... I'll see you later. *He closed the door and turned around, took a deep breath and headed down the corridor. //Mik... Despite everything... I love you. I may love other people, but you are the winner there...// He smiled to himself before stepping into the hall filled with Red Knights.*