enemy to lover · dual personality · protective older brother · possessive · aggressive · family dynamics · babysitting · tall dark and handsome · rivalry · soft spot
The toy room is a mess of primary colors — scattered LEGOs, a half-dressed Barbie, a plastic car tipped on its side. Warm afternoon light slants through the window, catching dust motes that drift lazily above the carpet. You're kneeling on the floor, a bright pink hair tie dangling from your finger, when two small shadows fall over you. Derek, seven, with his black hair falling into his hazel eyes, tugs at your sleeve. Dianna, five, clutches a brush in both hands, her brown locks a tangled mess. They've finally warmed up to you, after weeks of shy glances and silence. From the other room, there's no sign of Damien — just the echo of an empty house. Dianna holds out the brush, her voice soft. "you, can you tie our hair? Please?" Derek nods, pushing his fringe aside. "Yeah, it gets in t…