Feeling.

Rainfall

"I think you missed a spot," Bright calls out to his sister, who has been wiping down the table for far too long for it to be even remotely normal. She turns around and shoots him daggers. "Pups, the place looks great. Food smells perfect. It's going to be okay."

Rachel smiles at her brother. "Thanks. Would you mind setting the table then?"

He shrugs and goes to the silverware drawer, grabbing the appropriate amount and then going to work at the dining room table.

"So," Rachel calls out as she walks into the family room to tidy up anything she may have missed.

Nanon took the kids to the store for last minute purchases, like Rachel wrap and extra napkins. She volunteered Bright to come over and help her clean.

"What?" Bright asks flatly. He can tell by the tone of her voice she's thinking hard.

"You and Win seem to be warming up to each other," she says, her voice closer now. Bright looks up to see her leaning against the doorway to the dining room, warm smile on her face.

"He's a good friend," he says evenly, looking back down at the table.

"He's the best friend, actually, but you know that's not what I'm getting at."

"Huh."

She groans. "Bright, I see the way you look at him, and more importantly, the way he looks at you. Make that boy yours."

He doesn't have a response to this. Instead, he just fidgets with the plates and waits for her to walk away. Because, yeah, he's thought about it. A lot. But he can't push Win. He knows better. Hell, Win freaked out after just opening up to him slightly. Win's not ready for a relationship, and he's okay with that. He can be Win's friend, as long as they stay on the same page.

He hears Nanon enter, Noel and Nara cheering loudly when they see their uncle.

"Hey Uncle Bright! This is my birthdayy!" Noel shouts as he sets the grocery bag careless on the floor. Bright laughs, leaning down and putting it on the counter.

"You excited?"

Noel beams. "Duh!"

Bright laughs, watching as Noel heads over and starts talking to his mom.

"You gonna hug me or what Baby?" Bright asks, staring at his niece who is trying (and failing) to reach for the cookies that were on top of the stove.

Nara giggles, running over and barreling her uncle in a hug. "I was trying to steal a cookie!" she whispers dramatically when she pulls away from him.

"I noticed," Bright says on a laugh.

He winks at her and leans over, handing her a warm cookie. She giggles and eats the thing in two bites. "Thanks!"

"You excited for your birthday?" Bright asks, crouching down so he is at eye level with the little brunette.

She looks around and then stares at Bright conspiratorily. "I know," she whispers.

"You know what?" Bright plays along.

"I found out that birthday is…" she sighs deeply, as if these words bring her physical pain to speak. "Something bring you closers to death."

Bright gasps. She rolls her eyes.

"Don't pretend with me. I told mom I know. I'm just pretending because Noel is happy with this!"

"Oh okay. How'd you find out?"

She rolls her eyes again, her hand on her hip. The sassiest ten-year-old he's ever met.