Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"I'll go and get the kids,"
Lev leans back and looks around while she's gone. The apartment is lived-in but organised, nothing flashy or cluttered. He's been wrong more than once about how Alex lives.
His eyes catch on two framed photos on a shelf. It's Alex, younger. Definitely a year or two ago, maybe 3. Same face but softer, less sharp. In one she's soaked, hair wet, clothes clinging to her like she lost a fight with water.
In the other, it looks like it's her birthday, she's smiling wide with frosting all over her face, missing the edge of confidence she has now. She looks ridiculous. And lighter.
He looks a second longer than necessary, then looks away.
The door opens and the volume jumps. Sasha comes in first like he owns the place, they dap and Sasha decides to test the waters and give his brother a head kiss, Lev contemplates whether to resort to violence or stay quiet. He goes for the latter.
Siena limps in, throws a quick nod her brother's way then drops onto the couch with a sigh.
Aleyna follows, wraps her arms around his waist and groans into his stomach, then lingers when Naomi appears behind the wall, half-hidden, eyes wide, clearly overwhelmed.
She makes her way behind Alex and stays behind her clutching Alex's shirt, taking everything in. Aleyna looks at her, gives a small wave. Naomi hesitates, then waves back. And that's the start of an adorable friendship. Alex watches it all with this quiet smile then claps once.
"Okay, kids. Shoes off and wash your hands while I make breakfast." They listen cause duh big Alex just spoke. She moves around the kitchen fast and comfortable, talking while she cooks. Asking how they slept, if Siena's shoulder hurts today, whether Aleyna wants eggs or cereal, whether Naomi eats fruit in the morning. Everything's casual and familiar.
"Can we watch The Lion King?" Siena asks.
"We can," Alex says. "But if you cry, you still eat."
"That's unfair," Sasha says.
"You're still gonna watch tho," Alex replies without missing a beat. They eat on the floor by the coffee table with pillows everywhere. The Lion King plays quietly in the background. Naomi sits closest to the couch, knees tucked in. Aleyna inches closer bit by bit. Siena leans against Lev's leg like it's the most natural thing in the world.
"This part's sad," Aleyna says.
"But it gets better," Naomi adds softly. Sasha snorts.
"That's debatable."
"Eat your toast," Alex says in a way that says don't ruin their bonding. Lev eats too but he's exhausted in a way that isn't physical anymore. His body feels heavy, his brain feels loud and bored at the same time, and he absolutely hates the feeling.
