Finished with his albeit short bedtime routine, Aleksandr steps back into his room in the dorm - a room he shares with his brother Vladimir, or Volodya as he prefers, along with their now close friend Boris.

Only Volodya is also in the room. He paces around and around the floor, rapid footsteps muted by the carpet, head slumped down and buried in his hands.

If there's any state Aleksandr wants to see Volodya in, it's not this.

The moment Volodya comes close enough, Aleksandr gently taps his shoulder with practically a whisper of, "Volodya, what's wrong?"

Volodya lets his arms return to his sides as he looks at his brother. It's as though he can recognize his voice from anywhere, always certain he's there for him.

"I'm starting a new internship tomorrow," explains Volodya. "The company it's with is quite well known."

It seems as though that would be exciting for most, Aleksandr would think. "What's making you so nervous about it?" he finds himself asking, in a caring tone he speaks so often with, as though to say, you can just share whatever you'd like, I'm listening.

Volodya heaves out a sigh. "I'm not sure exactly what it is. Maybe it's because they might expect a lot out of me right off the bat, maybe the company has something to do with it... or maybe I can't help but think I'll mess something important up. Of course, some of it's just the nerves you get on the first day of anything, but this one is... getting to me a lot more."

Aleksandr knows that feeling, that nervousness that builds up so much without much of a concrete reason. It's happened to him, he's seen it happen to Volodya numerous times. He knows his brother can be something of a worrier, but also very capable of using his skills and his mind for good.

For Volodya, Aleksandr understands very well, it's only a matter of finding the courage to do so.

That's what Volodya needs right now. A sense of courage, of confidence.

So Aleksandr does what he can to bring that about. He reminds Volodya of what he's accomplished before, with other projects and past internships, and how this one doesn't have to be any different if he doesn't let it be. And of course, of how intelligent, interesting, thoughtful he is, because certainly those around him appreciate him so much for it.

As Volodya listens, taking in his brother's words, a soft smile appears on his face. "I think I... really needed to hear that, Sanya," he murmurs with a sniffle.

Aleksandr smiles back. He's always happy to reassure him.

A wave of sleepiness begins to overtake them both, Volodya knowing well that a good night's sleep will help combat the stress about tomorrow. He doesn't seem as stressed as moments before, but Aleksandr can sense a bout of worry still lingering in Volodya, who eyes his bed as something in his breath hitches.

Aleksandr pulls a corner of the covers off the bed, coaxing Volodya to lie down. What Aleksandr does next, he has done on many nights over the years - he practically tucks Volodya into bed, pulling the covers snugly over him.

Volodya once again smiles, though this one bears something uneasy to it. But not as though he's scared. It must go back to those little nerves.

"Sanya, can you sing to me?" asks Volodya.

Crouching down to meet Volodya's eyes, Aleksandr is quick to reply, "Sure."

How he loves to sing to his little brother, especially while helping him go to bed.

Aleksandr then begins his song, a happy tune he and Volodya both know from years past. Volodya is soothed by Aleksandr's voice, it's soft and tender with something so sweet to it.

The song carries on for another minute, such a pleasant, carefree minute at that, before it finishes, all too soon. Volodya's eyes grow heavy, his happy smile still right where it is.

"Things will go just fine, Volodya," Aleksandr reminds him again.

Volodya simply nods as he lets his eyes slide shut. "Thank you so much, Sanya. I love you, and good night."

I love you, and good night. Another little memory of theirs from years past. Most every night they would say it to each other before going to bed. And to both of them, tonight's means a little more. Even a lot more.

"I love you, and good night," echoes Aleksandr, taking one last good look at Volodya before getting up to retreat under the covers of his own bed.