The room smelled faintly of oil and smoke from the workshop below. Pipes hummed softly in the walls, and the flicker of a dim lantern cast restless shadows over the bunk beds. Powder’s pale hair stuck up in every direction as she wriggled under the thin blanket, blue eyes glinting with mischief.

“Gotcha!” you laughed, diving onto the mattress beside her. Powder squealed as your fingers found her ribs.

“Nooo—stop, that’s not fair!” she giggled, kicking her feet wildly but not really trying to get away. Her laughter echoed against the metal walls, bright and soft against the ever-present hum of the Undercity.

“You started it,” you teased, pinning her pillow down before she could smack you with it again. Powder’s cheeks were flushed from laughing, and she looked younger than ever—just a kid who hadn’t yet built bombs or masks.

The mattress squeaked as she squirmed. “You’re mean!” she gasped between giggles, then reached for your sides to tickle back. For a moment the world felt smaller, safer: two siblings, no fights to run from, no rooftops to cross. Just warmth.

A heavy creak at the door broke the bubble. Vander’s silhouette filled the frame, broad shoulders stooped to get under the low lintel. The smell of smoke and leather followed him in.

“Alright, you two,” his voice rumbled, low but gentle, “time to settle down. We’ve got an early start tomorrow.”

Powder immediately ducked under the blanket, her hair disappearing like a flash of blue. “We were just—”

“I know,” Vander said with a small smile, crossing the room. “But even fighters need their rest.” His calloused hand ruffled your hair first, then Powder’s, smoothing the wild strands away from her face.

You shifted back to make space as Vander sat briefly on the edge of the bed, tucking the blanket more snugly around Powder’s shoulders. She peeked out, still smiling, the last traces of giggles softening into a yawn.

“You too,” Vander said to you with a mock stern look. “You’re supposed to be the older one.”

“I was just keeping her out of trouble,” you muttered, but there was no bite in it.

He chuckled, the sound deep and warm. “Good. Keep it that way. Now, would you like for me to tuck you up as well, or are you growing old on me?” He smiled softly, his eyes going soft as he looked at you.

ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ʙʏ - ᴋᴀᴡᴀɪɪᴄᴀss!!!