“I thought you were getting your own place not moving into ours.” Alex stood at the front door holding it open for Brayden’s first trip of boxes.

“You know instead of being a smartass you could just go get some of the boxes.” Lillian snipped behind an oversized box.

Brayden grinned between the two siblings. Somehow these kids always made him feel like he never had siblings before, and then made him feel like he was one of them.

“Wanna stop looking at me like that? You’re freaking me out.” Alex shuddered away from him. “Or are you falling for me?” Alex wiggled his eyebrow suggestively.

“You’ve seen through my ruse; I’ve actually been coming here to see you.” Brayden mock sighed.

“Of course you have, it’s the downfall of everyone who comes here. I’m irresistible.” Alex shrugged and jumped down the front steps.

“You’re both annoying.” Lillian called from inside.

Alex winked at Brayden before trotting off to the truck to grab his own share of boxes. Brayden laughed deeply. As much as he loved Lillian, the thing that stumped him the most about her relationship with James was this. How could James ever risk losing this family? Brayden was inclined to start calling Alex and Liam his own brothers. He glanced around the house quickly, setting his boxes down. A cat walked across the pony-wall between the kitchen and the sunken in dinning room, greeting him with a call. He butted heads with the cat, petting down her spine.

“Nice to see you too Coffee.” He whispered to the cat.

Coffee purred and meowed back him again before hoping off the wall and disappearing down the hall.

A screaming meow came next, as another cat grappled for attention.

“Hello Kit.” Brayden smiled as the cat immediately flopped on the floor and purred waiting for her pets.

“Are you seriously letting us grab all your shit while you try and rizz up the cats?” Alex grumbled over a stack of boxes that were rattling ominously.

“Sorry.” Brayden grinned back disappearing back out the door.

A wall of boxes sat against the wall in the dining room. The three of them stood in front of it, arms crossed.

“Do you even have any more shit left?” Alex asked, eyeing the wall.

“I didn’t think it was that much, but I was packing in such a daze last night that I’m not sure.” Brayden swallowed.

“Did you label any of them?” Lillian asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

“No.” He looked away ashamed.

“So, you have no idea what’s in a single one of these boxes?” Alex gapped.

“No.” He felt heat rising lightly in his face. “I’m sure related items are with related items. So, when I open them, I should be able to tell what it is.” Brayden tried to save.

“Right.” The siblings nodded simultaneously.

“I’ve seen worse.” Alex added.

“Me too, this is fine.” Lillian reasoned.

“Remember moving Kat? This is fine.” Alex waved his hand.

“Yeah no, you’re right.” Nodding back at her brother.

“Why do I feel so put on trial about some boxes?” Brayden pleaded.

“We didn’t say anything did we?” Lillian cooed, patting his arm.

“No, but I can feel it. I’m ashamed, over boxes.”

“Awe baby, don’t worry about it, your boxes are fine.” She smiled, leaning against his arm.

Brayden hummed, unconvinced. They may not have said anything but the way they both glanced at the wall again, made his face heat.

“Okay we’re done with the boxes, let’s go.” He said sweeping them out of the room.

“Are you herding us out of our own dinning room?” Alex said over his shoulder as he was ushered up the step into the kitchen.

“Yes.” Brayden said flatly.

“Hmm.” Alex hummed, like he was intrigued by the notion.

Brayden ushered them both down the stairs into the basement where they quickly found spots on the couch. Lillian beckoned him over to sit with her. Letting the boxes go he joined them on the couch, letting her curl into his side. Even though the conversation was inane and the show they put on was talked over with rapid speed Brayden still felt comfortable. The constant buzz of noise in their house made him feel like he was in a home. He laughed at something one of them said and added his own retort. Why would James ever risk this? He wondered to himself, one hand playing absently with Lillian’s hair the other matching Alex’s flurry of hands while he talked. He felt unfiltered joy as Lillian explained the apartments they went to today in detail to her little brother.

“So, you’re going to get that last one, right?” Alex asked him directly.

“Oh yeah, I think it’s the one.” Brayden nodded, teasingly poking Lillian.

“I mean what are the odds you find something better in a better location.” Alex continued.

“That’s what I’m trying to tell her, but she won’t listen, she thinks I’m being hasty.” Brayden grinned poking her again when she batted his hand away.

“Aren’t you? Being a little hasty.” Lillian flushed.

“Hardly, it’s an apartment, that I’m renting, not a house I’m buying. Trust me when I say I’m moving into that apartment whether you like it or not at this point.”

“He’s right.” Alex nodded feigning wisdom.

“Fine, fine I give in, get the apartment.” She sighed.

“Great so we can actually go furniture shopping instead of looking at the other places tomorrow.” Brayden added casually.

It was hard to ignore the sparkle in her eye when he mentioned furniture shopping. She was so obviously intrigued by the prospect Brayden’s own heart ached. The idea of shopping for furniture with her, that he would inevitably put in the house he would of course buy her one day, was exciting for reasons she couldn’t even fathom.

“That look is telling me yes.” Brayden laughed, poking her a final time before she grabbed his hand and held it hostage.

“You two are disgusting.” Alex groaned covering his eyes.

Lillian stuck her tongue out at Alex, which Brayden mimicked. Though he quickly flicked his tongue across her cheek before Lillian could react. She squealed, wiping her face using his sleeve.

“Gross Ben.” She scolded.

Brayden just laughed again, savouring the taste of her on his tongue. He thought she tasted a bit like make-up, but her skin still had the sweet taste he had come to crave. Brayden’s pupils dilated at the thought and his cock twitched slightly. He was being ridiculous, but he couldn’t help the fantasies of running his tongue over her bare torso, her ribs, before flicking it across her nipples while she squirmed under him. He looked away quickly hoping neither of them noticed the way he now felt uncomfortable in his clothes, like they were too tight and too hot. He swallowed hard and continued.

“Where do you think we’ll go tomorrow? Maybe The Brick or The Bay? We could also get some odds and ends from HomeSense or something if we have the time.”

Lillian’s eyes flared eagerly at the mention of HomeSense, and she squirmed excitedly.

“You’ve convinced me.” Failing a disinterested wave of her hand.

“I’m so glad I’ve broken through that iron will of yours.” Rolling his eyes in response.

Brayden tucked his arm behind his head casually as he lounged in Lillian’s bed. He stared at her ceiling and marked the shapes the shadows cast in the popcorn finish. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt so at peace with the way his life was going. He reminisced silently. Somehow, he came out on top in the war he’d started with James. Brayden played that day over in his head a lot in the weeks James kept Lillian away. He’d thought he’d lost before it had even started. Yet she was in his living room glowing from all her time in the sun, and he knew he was going to do whatever it took to win her over. He glanced over at her sitting at her desk, writing furiously. He smiled to himself and preened. He swore he felt his own ego inflate. He had somehow landed this beautiful genius, and now he was one of the privileged few who got to live within her world.

How had he managed it? If he’d been interested in her any sooner, he doubted it would have gone this well, if her relationship hadn’t been falling apart behind the scenes, he might not have even stood a chance. He frowned.

Why hadn’t he noticed her sooner? She’d been floating in his circle for years. He recalled the quiet, shy girl he’d met all those years ago, and glanced over to the girl on his right. She looked the same, for the most part, her skin still held its summer colour, her summer freckles long since faded. The girl he met 5 years ago hadn’t been nearly as tan. She wore large, boring clothes, he supposed. He furrowed his brow, thinking about it he hadn’t seen her in a skirt or a dress until this year. He glanced over at her closet and only noted a few sweaters hung there, not nearly as many as he remembered her wearing. A wardrobe change? That couldn’t be all of it, he knew she had grown more confidant, but why?

He studied her hair and skin, trying to see if there were any discrepancies. Her hair might have been wilder back then, more frizz and rarely styled beyond the braids she wore when her hair was wet, and the waves that came from it. He guessed it was shinier, and it looked smooth right now. Her skin didn’t look that much different, maybe some of her acne scars from her teens had faded more.

He studied her further. He saw the girl she was when he met her, but a woman had taken her place. She wasn’t just more confident, she was grown. Brayden supposed that could have been it. He’d always seen her as just another girl, and before his eyes she’d turned in a woman, and one he wanted, badly.

“Are you going to keep staring at me?” Quirking an eyebrow at him, looking up from her work.

“Yes, probably for the rest of your life.” Brayden replied casually, meeting her eyes boldly.

Lillian just rolled her eyes back and smiled to herself, turning back to her desk.

Of course that was it. Somewhere along the way they’d both grown up. Brayden was sure it was loving her that had him growing. He was just a whorish guy in his 20’s last year. Finding her and working for every inch he got with her pushed him to grow. He wasn’t as sharp, most of the time. He wasn’t nearly as hard on himself either. The thought of sleeping with someone new every couple of weeks had his stomach turning. This woman had locked him in, and he hadn’t even slept with her.

He turned his gaze back to the ceiling. The thought of just sleeping in the same bed as her tonight made him smile. He would get to feel her warmth and steady breaths in his arms.

“You almost done?” Turning to ask her.

“Yes, I’m almost done this question, then I can get ready for bed.” She replied not looking up.

“And getting ready for bed…that’ll take another what? 30 minutes? Knowing all those freaking vials you keep in that bathroom of yours.” Teasing her with a smirk.

“At least.” She said sarcastically back.

Brayden just nodded wisely and returned to his ceiling. He huffed a laugh to himself. A year and a half ago he would be laughing at himself for being excited just to sleep in the same bed as a girl. He shook his head and smiled. She was turning him soft, and he loved every second of it.

“If you’re done amusing yourself over there, I’m done this. If you wanna get comfortable and maybe find a show or something we could watch?” Lillian teased back at him.

“Yep.” Grinning at her. “But what about my bedtime routine?” Jutting his bottom lip out jokingly.

“You just want to use my expensive moisturizer.” Eyeing him sidelong.

“It’s your fault.” Brayden countered.

“Okay c’mon.” Rolling her eyes and gesturing for him to follow as she floated to the bathroom.

Brayden watched her walk away for a moment before jumping up to follow her. Somethings don’t change, he supposed, grinning ear to ear.

“So, what did you want to look at today?” Lillian asked, opening the notes on her phone.

Brayden knew he had signed himself up for an experience today. The handful of errands he’d invited himself to in the weeks leading up to her birthday had always been more like excursions.

“Well, I’m hoping to do some getting not looking, for the most part.” Side-eyeing her from the driver seat.

“You’re always so hasty.” Frowning at him.

“I’m just decisive. Anyway, I’m looking for: a couch, a small dining set, and I know you hate my coffee table so one of those. I’m also thinking new sheets, and maybe even towels, oh right I need like kitchen towels for sure. I also know the single hand towel I have to my name will not suffice, so definitely towels actually. I also only have cups shaped like footballs I guess, and James had all the good pots and pans. I could probably use a rug or two. Oh blankets! I only have dingy ones from my childhood.”

“There is nothing wrong with childhood blankets. And I don’t hate your coffee table.” Scolding him.

“Sorry? I think I heard you refer to it as a “frat boy sin” once. Also, there is a problem with childhood blankets when I’m about two feet too tall to use them efficiently.”

“Well, it is a frat boy sin, but I never said I hated it.” She leveled back at him.

“Of course, my bad.” He smiled amusedly back at her. “I’ll also need more than the 2 pillow I have, honestly I should just replace them, they’re also from childhood.” Grinning across at her.

Lillian exasperatedly mumbled something about boys and typed away on her phone.

“How much of this are you planning on getting today?” Looking up at him.

“I wasn’t done. The rugs can probably wait until I can actually see what size we want in the apartment. And unfortunately, we should probably pick some couch options out but wait until I live there to see what will work best. Everything else I’d like to secure beforehand.”

“What do you mean you’re “not done”?” Looking at him in shock.

“Well, I want you to start picking out some décor and art, and I need lamps. I have one, apparently.” Brayden shrugged.

“I think you might be actually insane.” Mumbling under her breath.

Brayden just huffed a laugh and turned into the parking lot of the mall.

“You can’t make me pick everything!” She whisper yelled at him.

“I’m not! I picked that one blanket, and I chose the pillows. Oh! Throw pillows, we’ll need those too.” Grabbing the curtain rod out of her hand and adding it to the cart, pushing it down the aisle.

“Brayden!” She squeaked.

“Lily!” He mimicked back.

She just stared at him exasperated.

“I love you; I really do love you, but if I can avoid shopping, I will. So, we will get 90% of this stuff today so that the next time we do this it will be quick.” Begging her.

“But…”

“But nothing.” Gently covering her mouth and pulling her close enough to kiss the top if her head.

Lillian unwillingly submitted, folding her arms in front of her.

“Pouting won’t save you.” Brayden teased, pecking her lips quickly before ushering her into the next aisle.

“Now we’ve secured the cups, plus new plates and bowls, very cute pick by the way. I now have two adult blankets, and 4 adult pillows. 2 curtain rods, in need of curtains, because you’re right there was nothing covering the windows in the bedroom and office. I hope the curtains that were in the living room in the viewing are still there when I move in, however I agree, we can wait and see. I’ve also ceded the lamps to see what that situation looks like. I will not cede the throw pillow however because I want to go touch all the different kinds and if I’m over there we’re buying some. We browsed rugs and have pictures of our favourites. I need towels, sheets, and pots and pans. Then we can go look at cutesy shit before we move onto big ticket items like the coffee table, dinning set, and the couch.” Listing things off with his fingers.

“So, curtains, towels, sheets, throw pillows, pots and pans, and cutesy shit?” Shortening his list.

He nodded assertively, moving them onto the next item accordingly.

After another hour of warring with Lillian to pick the damn pillows, he had finally secured all the smaller things on his list.

“Okay we’ll go back into The Bay after we dump all of this stuff in the truck.” Brayden huffed, carrying most of the bags.

A muffled sound of confirmation came from Lillian who was gripping his bed pillows tightly, covering her face.

A light dusting of snow fell from the sky, covering the muddy parking lot in a new sheet of white. He grinned at Lillian, watching her struggle to open the truck door before she finally got it open.

“Now for the fun part.” Winking at her after unloading his goods in the back seat.

“If that’s what you want to call it.” Lillian huffed indignantly.

“Of course that’s what I’d call it. Watching you get flustered is most of my fun anyway.” Gently gripping her waist.

His heart fluttered like some kind of girl when he leaned down and kissed her sweetly. Lillian’s answering sound of encouragement sent his heart racing. He forced himself to break away before he could unwittingly use his tongue to earn more sounds from her. Her cheeks and the tip of her nose were flushed with cold, and maybe a little eagerness.

“Are you really not having fun?” He asked seriously.

She sighed and smiled up at him under snow flecked eyelashes.

“Of course I’m having fun. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry, I was going to make you help me anyway. I’m just checking in.” Winking, lacing her cold fingertips with his.

“Haha.” She mocked and squeezed his hand affectionately.

“C’mon.” Pulling her along.