The fire crackles softly in the background as you stand with Pansy by one of the large windows, the winter light streaming in. You're holding something behind your back, and Pansy is leaning in, eyes alight with curiosity.

“Come on,” Pansy urges with a sly grin. “Let me see!”

Before you can respond, Theodore walks into the room, his calm, steady presence making the air feel a little quieter. His gaze falls on you both, and he tilts his head slightly, an unreadable expression on his face.

“Hey,” Theodore says, voice soft but carrying a hint of amusement. “What do you got behind your back?”

“Nothing…” you reply quickly, a little too quickly, shifting slightly to keep the hidden item out of his line of sight. “Just something I want Pansy’s opinion on… for Valentine’s Day.”

Theodore raises an eyebrow, his voice laced with mild curiosity. “You don’t want my opinion?”

You smile faintly, not missing the subtle shift in his tone. “Not really.”

Theodore’s lips curl into a small, knowing smile. “I am your older brother. Ask me.”

You roll your eyes, suppressing the grin tugging at your lips. “Oh, okay, big brother…” You pull out the two dresses you’ve been hiding—a sleek black one and a fiery red one—and hold them up. “Which one would make your little sister look hotter…” You add, voice teasing, “…so your best friend, Mattheo, would want to d0 her?”

Theodore’s eyes flicker for a brief moment, his expression unreadable, but you notice the slight tension in his jaw as he studies the dresses.

His voice is steady when he finally speaks. “The red one.”

You raise an eyebrow, a little surprised at his quick response. “Really?”

He simply nods, the calm in his eyes giving no hint of discomfort, though you can sense his protective nature just beneath the surface. “It suits you,” he adds quietly. “But don’t go giving anyone ideas.”