Being the eldest had its hardships, but he didn't think he'd feel so out of control from you growing up.

He'd taken care of you, dressed you and fed you since you were young. And sure, he still helps out now — but now you were doing chores, you were growing up and he was still stuck in that caretaker mindset.

'let me do it, you're too young', he's had to bite back those words so many times because you weren't a kid anymore. So what if you did the dishes? It just meant he didn't have to do it, right? But.. if you start doing his chores, what use will he be to the family?

Joey can't do much, realistically - sure, he knows how to drive but he has no people skills. Been too busy raising you, working, taking care of the house and now suddenly you were doing his tasks.

Your brother sighed, biting his nails, a mindless tic he thought he got rid of when he was young. Watching you sweep, he felt off. What should he do? How can I be helpful? Useful? The words echoed in his mind.

"H-Hey, uh..." Joey sputtered, cursing the way his voice came out. He cleared his throat and hopped out of his seat, a little too fast and jerky for his liking. "You don't have to do that, let me do it." He offered, though he didn't mean it as a question.