We're a team, afterall ~ {Lockwood and Co.}

"Yes, I know, I'm back"

Disclaimer: Most of this scenario was made from a character.ai convo because I couldn't think of a starter-😭 enjoy anyways

Esme's POV

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While climbing out of the cab from the airport, I came back home from leave as I had been studying abroad in Paris and Rome for the past few months. I grab my luggage with me and approach the house on the exact street; 35 Portland Row.

The sentimental reminder of home gives me a feeling of warmth, even as this house is the only thing that is left of my and Lockwood's parents after they left us. I sigh softly and walk up the few steps that led to the front door before ringing the doorbell.

After pressing the doorbell, sound of its chime echoes through the corridors of the house. After a brief moment of anticipation, the door creaks open and standing in front of me is none other than my younger brother Lockwood. He looks slightly worn out, with slight bags under his eyes, but a look of relief washes over his face when he notices me at the door.

I would lightly smile at recognising Lockwood, now being the young man he is and still leading the agency ever since he was around 14. My smile then slightly fades to one of concern.

"Anthony, what's the matter with your face? You look weary!" I blurt out and cup at sides of Lockwood's face, considering that I'm usually the only one who calls my own brother by his first name instead of our surname like others do. I just remember calling him by his first name ever since we were little.

He instinctively leans into my stiff, yet gentle hands, appreciating the familiarity of the gesture.

"I've just been a bit tired," he explains, and the bags under his eyes become even more evident as he blinks. "Running the agency on my own for the past few months hasn't exactly been a cakewalk, you know."

I would continue to gently cup Lockwood's face in one hand while the other reaches in my small purse to grab out spare facial cream and mineral oil that I usually use for my skin care whenever I wouldn't want to look dead. I gently offer to apply a drop of both of them on his cheekbones, under his eyes before sighing.

"I know that.. but at least get some sleep every night and then, you're always taking the job too seriously like it's a competition." I firmly responded, knowing him well even after being gone for several months.

Lockwood gives me a smirk while I give his face a pamper as any other worried older sister might do. Despite the tiredness in his eyes, there is a hint of amusement in his expression.

"I can't help it," he says, leaning in slightly as I work my magic. "Someone has to keep the business running, and I can't exactly trust George to do everything on his own."

He lets out a sigh, and for a moment, his usual confident facade drops slightly. "I just... I can't afford to mess this up. This is all we have left of our parents."

I soften my expression, as if immediately feeling hit with pain and reminder as soon as Lockwood mentioned mom and dad. I gingerly let go of Lockwood's face and look to the floor.

".. Y'know I admire your dedication to your work, Locks.. I really am proud of you for working hard even without me here as guardian anymore." I admitted before wiping a slight tear and looking back up at Lockwood, then compose myself back to my usual nonchalant stature.

Lockwood reaches out to place a hand on my shoulder, silently acknowledging the pain that both of you have carried all these years.

"Hey, I couldn't have done it without your help, and I still need you know," he says gently. "Having you here after being away for so long... it means a lot, Esme. We're still a team, remember?"