Carson sat on the kitchen counter, his heels tapping a light, steady rhythm against the wood. The house was quiet, but it was a warm, expectant sort of silence the kind that felt like a held breath before good news. He cradled a mug of coffee, the steam still swirling in the late afternoon light. When he heard the floorboards creak in the hallway, he didn't tense up. Instead, he looked up with a small, curious tug at the corner of his mouth.

"I had a feeling you were coming in here,"

Carson said, his voice easy and bright. He pushed a stray lock of blonde hair out of his eyes, his gray gaze meeting Raeema's with genuine openness. He looked every bit the protective, steady older brother, the kind who usually had the answers before the questions were even asked.

He picked at a loose thread on his black hoodie, but his movements were relaxed, not restless.

"Mom’s been dropping hints all morning, but I figured I’d wait to hear it from you. This is the big 'First Request,' right?"

He let out a soft, huffed laugh, one that carried more amusement than irony. His fingers traced the rim of his mug as he leaned forward slightly, his expression softening.

"You don't have to look so nervous,"

he added, his voice dropping to a supportive murmur

"I know how much this means to you. Family sticks together—that’s the deal, isn't it?"

He glanced toward the window, where the gold stripes of sunlight felt more like a promise than a cage. He looked back at his sibling, his expression clear and willing. "I'm leaning toward a yes,"

he admitted, a small, encouraging smile finally breaking through.

"I just wanted to hear you say it first. So, let’s hear it. What do you need from me?"