[Itachi listens silently. He has a way of being still and completely focused that is almost like an aura--non-motion and measured control almost radiate from him. He exists in his own private world, detached from everything, and it is more apparent than usual right now. It's almost creepy, because it is an ever present distance, a sort of background that's always there, but right now it's in the foreground.]

I was raised to be polite and soft-spoke, Alphonse-kun. I find you being nice to me insulting, when I know there is more there. I could not care less how you interact with others.

I understand the dynamics of a partnership. I have a partner back in my world who customarily handled the social interactions we encountered--I had grown used to letting him be the speaker. As he is much more eye-catching and willing to be social than I, I was content to remain background to him. I would be content to return to that if he ever appeared--but just as you and your brother are, I am more than capable of independence without him.

And we are certainly not two halves. Not any more than Sasuke and I are. Such a deep connection to another person seems a weakness, waiting to be exploited.

It only took a handful of words to cause both you and Edward-kun pain, Alphonse-kun. How much more vivid the agony if someone who truly means you harm tries it, or something more physical?

If it is a habit than keep it if you must, but I will not promise to be nice back.