The sunlight filtered weakly through the curtains, brushing across Lily's face. She stirred faintly but didn't wake, still tucked into the warmth beside her. Her cheek rested against Luca's chest, her small hand clutching the edge of his shirt. Luca had, at some point during the night, pulled her gently toward him-and never let go.
Xander, who had woken first, sat at the foot of the bed with his usual smugness replaced by a tight frown. His sharp eyes lingered on Lily nestled against Luca, a single brow twitching in irritation.
"Unbelievable," he muttered under his breath, watching as Luca shifted.
Moments later, Luca's lashes fluttered. His gaze landed immediately on the girl sprawled against him. Drool dampened the fabric at his chest, but instead of grimacing, his lips curved into a rare, soft smile.
"She drools," he whispered, oddly delighted.
Xander's mouth twitched. "Rare smile, huh?" His voice laced with mockery. "Guess miracles happen when she treats you like a pillow."
Luca snapped his head toward him, glare sharp enough to cut steel. "Shut up before I shut you up. She's sleeping."
Xander raised his hands in mock surrender, grin widening. "Careful. You're starting to sound like Alex."
Before Luca could retort, a sharp knock sounded against the door. Both boys froze. The knock came again, harder this time, followed by a stern voice.
"What are you two doing in there?" Ethan's tone was clipped, laced with suspicion.
Xander leapt to his feet, swinging the door open with exaggerated flair. "Relax, Mother Hen. We're just watching a movie with my sister." He gestured toward the bed.
Ethan's gaze darkened as it landed on the sight: Lily fast asleep, curled into Luca's hold, the blankets tangled messily around the three of them. His brow furrowed. "All night?"
Xander grinned. "Cool, cool. Don't look at me-I was the gentleman. She fell asleep on my shoulder first."
Luca sat up slightly, not releasing Lily. His voice was low but firm. "Yes, but she cuddled with me."
Ethan's head snapped between them. "What the hell is going on?"
Xander chuckled, eyes gleaming. "Oh, don't ask me. Someone must've pulled her closer."
Luca's jaw clenched. "Say another word, and I'll break your mouth."
"Fine, fine." Xander leaned back with hands raised again in mock surrender, smirk unbothered.
Ethan exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Let her sleep a little longer. She has plans this afternoon. She's going shopping-with me and Alex."
Xander's smirk faltered. "Then I'm coming too."
Luca bristled. "Me as well."
But Ethan's lips curved, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner. "Oh, but no. Not this time."
Xander blinked. "Why not?"
"Because," Ethan's voice was even, controlled, "Alex and I barely get time with her. Work keeps us away more than we'd like. Let us spend this day with her."
Luca growled under his breath. "No way. What if something happens?"
Ethan's expression didn't waver. "Nothing will. She'll be with us."
The tension spiked, voices overlapping, argument simmering like a storm waiting to break.
From the bed, a groggy groan cut through the noise. "...Let me sleep..."
All three froze. Lily shifted restlessly, pulling the blanket over her head. The brothers fell silent instantly.
Xander shot Luca a sideways glance. Luca glared. Ethan folded his arms, unimpressed.
A beat of silence stretched, until Ethan exhaled. "Out. Both of you. Now."
Reluctantly, Xander slipped toward the door, muttering under his breath, "Still voting I come."
Luca adjusted the blanket over Lily, lingering a second longer before following, his scowl never softening.
The room quieted again, save for Lily's steady breathing.
_____________________
The dining hall was unusually quiet that morning. Lily rubbed her eyes, still a little drowsy, as she sat at the long table. The others had already gathered, the air heavy with the faint aroma of coffee and toast.
Alex's deep voice broke the silence. "Today, you're going shopping with me and Ethan."
Lily blinked, a piece of bread halfway to her mouth. "...What? No. I don't want to go with you."
His gaze pinned her instantly, cold and immovable. "You don't have a choice."
She sighed, shoulders slumping. "You always say that."
Alex didn't bother replying, his expression unreadable. But Ethan, sitting beside her, offered a gentler smile, his tone coaxing. "It won't be that bad, Lily. Just a few hours. We'll be with you the whole time."
Grumbling under her breath, she finally gave in. "Fine..."
The car rolled to a stop in front of the city mall. Lily blinked at the eerily quiet parking lot. Not a single car except theirs.
"This... is weird," she muttered, climbing out.
Alex stepped to her side, his hand resting lightly at her back as if to steer her. "Move."
Inside, the vast mall was silent. No chatter, no footsteps, no crowd. Every shop stood open, but empty.
Her eyes widened. "Where is everyone?"
Ethan was already holding a shopping bag, his voice soft, casual. "It's early. People are busy."
She narrowed her gaze at him, suspicion flickering. "Busy... all of them?"
Ethan only smiled, brushing it off. "Don't think too much about it, princess. Focus on what you want."
Alex's lips curved into the faintest smirk, though he said nothing.
The first shop was filled with racks of elegant dresses. Lily wandered aimlessly, her fingers brushing over fabrics. She paused a little too long on a soft blue gown.
Before she could turn away, Ethan signaled to the clerk. The dress was bagged instantly.
"Wait-what are you doing?" she asked, startled.
"You looked at it," Ethan replied calmly.
"I just looked!" she protested.
"You don't need to ask," Ethan said warmly. "Whatever catches your eye, we'll buy. Always. We will buy before you ask anything"
"But... if I ever really want something, I'll never ask you. Never." she said
Alex's voice cut in, hard and cold. "Don't say things like that. And don't make me repeat myself."
The command in his tone silenced her instantly. She pressed her lips together, gaze dropping to the floor.
Hours passed. Dresses, shoes, coats-anything she so much as glanced more than 3 second was bought. She trailed behind them, arms aching though Ethan carried most of the bags.
At one shop, she stumbled slightly on the step, almost colliding with a mannequin. Ethan's arm shot out immediately, steadying her by the elbow.
"Careful," he murmured.
"I'm fine," she said quickly, embarrassed.
Alex, who had seen the whole thing, gave her a sharp look. "Watch where you're going. You'll hurt yourself."
Her cheeks burned. "I said I'm fine."
But Ethan only adjusted the scarf around her neck, brushing off invisible lint. "She's fine, but tired," he said softly.
Finally, after yet another boutique, Lily groaned. "Please... enough. I'm tired. These things are enough for me for five years."
Ethan chuckled quietly, amused by her dramatics. "Five years? You underestimate us, princess. By tomorrow, half these clothes will still have tags."
Alex's lips twitched-just barely. "Stop whining. We're leaving."
Relief flooded her, though she rolled her eyes when Ethan guided her toward the car as if she couldn't walk on her own. Still, she didn't shake him off.
Behind them, Alex walked in silence, gaze sharp and ever-watchful. Ethan carried the weight of the bags, calm and steady at her side.
Between their smothering care, Lily exhaled slowly. Protective. Overwhelming. Unstoppable.
And yet, in their own ways, they never let her fall.
**************************************
Words: 1246
Write a comment ...