[Francis] really did hate doing thi...

is ready. Beyond ready in his uniform, sword at his side. grinning when _

he spots Ludwig, he clasps a hand down on his shoulder. "Ready for your big day?"

returning the smile with less intensity but the feeling was certainly there. "I've been ready for a long time Gilbert." He replies as he brings a hand to the hilt of his sword. "Shall we?"

can't believe how big Ludwig looks, all dressed up and ready for battle. "We shall. The horses are ready, everything is set." he slings an arm around his_

_shoulders, tugging him close as they walk. "Vati would be proud. I'm proud."

flushes when he's pulled close and he smiles at the mention of their father. "Say that only after we come back." He smiles softly because the excitement was a little overwhelming. They make it to the horses and

pulls away from Gilbert as he mounts his own. "How long do you think we'll be gone?"

hums. "A few hours, maybe half the day. Just for your first outing, an excuse to go out. When I have real work to do I'll take you with me for longer. A week, maybe."

(horses are not easy on the ass, poor Ludwig)

tries not to show the disappointment. Again...Gilbert didn't think he could handle it. He doesn't vocally answer but he does nod. When he gets on the horse he winces slightly but he finds something

or rather a comfortable position. "Lets go then..." His voice sounded slightly strained as if he were trying to hide the fact that Gilbert's distrust in his ability had hurt him...again.

knows his brother. "Ludwig, tell me what's wrong. Or we're going to stay right here until you do." he was upset. Why was he upset?

sighs softly before quirking a brow. "Nothing's wrong. Just a little distracted that's all." He lies.

can tell he's lying. "Ludwig." he's not budging on this.

is almost tempted not to budge either on the subject but he has a hard time lying to Gilbert anyway. "I just...an excuse to go out...

so there was no real need then...to do all this. What's the point of pretending?"

doesn't really think it's pretending. "We're going out to make sure everything is doing well, and to find out if there's been any talk of uprisings.

We need to collect information first, then run into battle. You should learn all sides of this."

why Gilbert didn't just say that to begin with instead of an 'excuse' to go out. Ludwig nods as he straightens on his horse. "Can we go then?" He asks softly.

is pretty sure Ludwig bought the excuse .. "We can. Excited?" he heads off down the pathway anyways, glancing back at Ludwig.

hasn't completely but will let Gilbert believe he has. Ludwig follows after Gilbert and when they exit the palace grounds he's actually smiling.