Marius shoved his hands into the pockets of his trousers, a nervous gesture he'd had since he'd been old enough to wear trousers. He turned away as well, worrying his lip. What was one supposed to say upon meeting a beloved elder brother who had cast you aside? He was torn between anger and hurt, and joy at seeing him, and the two warred inside him until he didn't even know the right answer.
He felt so...young. Even though he was years older than Pollux as he was at the moment, he felt like a little boy seeking his brother's approval. He always had tried to be what they wanted him to be, he'd tried so hard to make anything magical happen, even though it had always been in vain.
"Ah, yes," he said finally, happy for something neutral to speak of. "Quite well. I've learned a great deal since arriving here that I will be glad to take home with me when I go. And you?"
The awkwardness was palpable, but at least they were speaking. It was something.