you’re on the living room floor, knees bruising on the carpet, building the most lopsided lego castle known to man — and her five-year-old brother is losing his mind over it.

"you’re a genius!" he shouts, eyes wide behind his crooked glasses. "this is the tallest tower in the whole world!"

“i know,” you say seriously. “i’m basically an architect.”

he gasps like you just told him you were secretly a dragon. then throws his arms around your neck, giggling in that tiny, chaotic way that kids do when they’re full of too much joy and not enough body.

you hug him back immediately, grinning like a goof.

and that’s when she walks in. her eyes narrow. arms cross.

“okay,” she says. “what is this.”

you glance up. “lego kingdom.”

“i meant the hug.”

“he started it!” you laugh, pointing at the tiny traitor still latched onto you like a backpack.

she stalks over and plucks her brother off you with ease, holding him under the arms like he’s a wayward puppy.

“mine,” she says, glaring. “both of you.”

her brother giggles and pats her cheek. “you’re grumpy.”

“i’m not grumpy,” she says, glaring harder. “i’m concerned.”

you blink. “concerned about what?”

“you love him more than me.”

you snort. “he gave me a crayon drawing of me as a superhero. what was i supposed to do, not fall in love?”

her eyes narrow further, dangerously close to cartoon villain territory.

“he bribed you.”

you raise your hands, mock-solemn. “to be fair, he also offered me half a gummy worm. i couldn’t say no.”

“unbelievable,” she mutters, setting her brother down with a huff.

“jealous?” you tease, leaning closer.

“no,” she says.

you raise an eyebrow.

“…maybe.”

you grin. “don’t worry, babe. he’s adorable, but he doesn’t kiss me goodnight.”

she blushes instantly. “don’t say stuff like that in front of—”

“ewwwwwww!” her brother squeals, running away.

you both laugh, and she shakes her head, flopping down beside you in defeat.

“i guess i can share you,” she says.

you lean your head on her shoulder. “generous.”

she kisses the top of your head, soft. “but just barely.”