It’s a cold day, with a brisk breeze blowing steadily outside the Storm home. Inside the spacious estate, the warmth of the fireplace fills the large living room where Faith and her three brothers --Dorian, Demetri, and Isiah-- sit together..

Faith sits properly on the edge of a pristine, white, leather couch, her posture straight and composed. On the opposite end, her brother Isiah lounges in sharp contrast.. Dressed in a black hoodie, sweatpants to match, and white sneakers; He sits with his legs spread wide, an arm draped over the top of the couch with the faint smell of cigarettes lingering around him.

Across from them, Demetri reclines comfortably on the family’s second white couch, wearing a checkered hazel-brown button up fleece with light brown slacks. Finally, Dorian, still in his office attire sports a white-button up, under a wide-open navy blazer, the absence of a tie giving him a slightly disheveled but deliberate look. He leans forward, elbows on his knees, hands clasped loosely together..

“So how is the job?” Faith asks, her eyes locked on Dorian.

“You know, it’s a job.” Dorian replies quickly, leaning back with a half-smirk.

“What type of answer is that? Didn’t you recently get a promotion?” Faith presses, raising an eyebrow.

“I mean, yeah. It was great, don't get me wrong.” Dorian says, rubbing his palms together slowly. “But, I don’t know… it sort of lost its luster after a few months.”

“Sounds like you might be approaching burnout.” Demetri questions, glancing at Dorian with mild concern.

“Maybe,” Dorian admits, his gaze shifting to his hands. “Doesn’t matter, though. I’ve got bills to pay. With this promotion, I can finally live comfortably and not stress over my bills as much. That alone is a blessing.”

He lets out a quiet sigh and looks up at his siblings. “Anyway, how have you three been? Tell me everything.”

“Well, I may have finally found a college that has everything I’m looking for.” Demetri announces, leaning forward slightly. “Plus, its in the city, so I can stay close to you guys.”

“I almost wish you’d picked something outside of the city.” Dorian replies, tilting his head with a thoughtful look.

“Geez, thanks, Mr. Buzzkill.” Demetri shoots back, narrowing his eyes.

“That’s not what I mean,” Dorain says, raising his hands in defense. “It’s just with your grades, you have the chance to go anywhere. You could even study abroad if you wanted to.”

“I don’t want to study abroad. I want to stay close to my family.” Demetri states firmly..

“What a waste.” Isiah mutters, loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Come again?” Demetri says, his eyes shifting toward Isaih. “Speak up.”

“You’ve got a free ticket out of here, and you’re wasting it.” Isiah says, his gaze sharp and unwavering. He leans forward, tapping his finger on his knee. “You know what I would give to have that same opportunity?”

“You could have had the same opportunity Isiah, but you wasted your potential a long time ago. So don’t blame me for your own mistakes.” Demetri fires back, his voice sharper than before.

“Guys, come on,” Faith says, glancing between them. “It’s not every day we get to all sit together like this. Let’s not waste it fighting.”

“Listen to your sister.” Dorain adds, rubbing the back of his neck. “Besides , Mom’s not here, so we’ve got a small window of peace.” Dorina says.

“Where is mom, anyway?” Demetri asks, Looking toward the kitchen doorway is if expecting her to walk in.

“Who knows these days?” Isiah sighs, leaning back into the couch. “She’s probably at the bar looking for another husband or blowing whatever is left of her money at the gambling ring,.”

“That woman never changes.” Dorian mutters, raising his palm to his forehead, to rub his temples.

Hearing her brothers talk like this makes Faith shift uncomfortably, her gaze dropping to the floor. Dorian notices.

“Enough about her,” Dorian states firmly, his tone softening as he turns to Faith. “How have things been with you?”

“Oh well… same old, same old,” Faith replies, lifting her head just enough to meet his eyes..

“Really?” Dorian asks with a tone that Faith knows all too well. It’s the tone he takes when he’s feeling fatherly or protective of his siblings.

“Well,” she sighs, relieved the tension is somewhat relieved in the room. “I made some new friends. Their names are Nora and Javier… I’ve actually been playing this game with them after school.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Demetri says, his face lighting up with surprise. "You‘ve been playing games again?! I thought Mom scared you away from games a long time ago.”

“She did---for a while,” Faith admits, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. “But hanging out with Nora and Javier reminded me how fun games are. Plus it's way more fun with them around.” Faith admits.

“Well how did you meet them?” Dorian asks, leaning forward with interest.

Faith’s cheeks flush slightly, but she still explains (how she met Nora and how that rocky start eventually led to them meeting Javier. Her brothers listen quietly, though Isiah’s grin slowly widens)(to her brothers what happened between her and Nora. Then how that led into them meeting Javier.)

“Hang on,” Isiah says. “Would this girl, Nora, be the one you told me about? The one you screwed over?” Isiah asks.

“Yeah, that’s the one,” Faith admits, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “We had a rough start, but I’m glad that we were able to get past it and become friends.”

“Looks like I missed quite a bit,” Dorian says, sitting back with a small smile. “I’m glad she was able to look past it”

“Don’t know if I could forgive someone that did that to me.” Demetri says, shaking his head.

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“Yeah, same” Isiah agrees. “You’re lucky she’s more patient than me.

“Speaking of,” Dorain says, shifting his attention to Isiah, “what about you, little brother? Last I heard, you were talking about moving out.”

“Yeah, I did it,” Isiah says with a grin that’s equal parts pride and defiance. “Got myself an apartment in the MET Borough. It’s not the best, but it’s got everything I need.”

“What did mom think about that?” Dorian asks cautiously.

“Who cares?” Isiah snorts, his grin fading. “She hasn’t even tried to reach out. Not a call. Not a text. Nothing.” He leans back, eyes narrowed in thought. “Even if she did, I doubt I’d answer.”

“If she does reach out, that would be a big step for her,” Dorian says carefully. “if that happens, at least hear het out. Just… have a conversation with her.”

Isiah scoffs but doesn’t respond right away. His eyes shift toward the window, following the distant sway of the tree branches. “We’ll see,” He says at last. “But she’s gotta reach out first for that to happen.”

“I get it.” Dorian sighs, nodding.

Isiah glances at his older brother, watching his body language closely. Dorian’s calm, steady demeanor doesn’t change, but something about it makes Isiah sit up a little straighter. “What’s on your mind?” Isiah asks, glancing at Dorian.

“A lot of things, to be honest. But first and foremost—it’s all three of you.” Dorian admits, leaning forward and rubbing his hands together.

“You’re doing that dad thing again,” Faith teases, tilting her head with a playful smile.

“I can’t help it. It's older brother syndrome.” Dorian replies with a chuckle. “Truth is, I’ve been thinking about you guys all week, and that’s why I came around today.”

“You okay, Dorian?” Demetri asks, his tone laced with concern.

“Yeah. I just want you to know I don’t fault you for not leaving this city behind, Demetri. Honestly, it makes me happy. Knowing that my family means that much to you… it means the world to me,” Dorian says, his eyes meeting each of his siblings one by one.. “You three, mean the world to me. Whether Mom wants to be a part of that or not, that’s up to her. That being said…” Dorian shifts his attention to Demetri. “If you need a place to stay while you’re in college, you can stay with me.”

“Yeah? You think we can all fit in your studio apartment?” Demetri says, his grin sharp.

“Actually, smart guy, I’ve been saving up for a house,” Dorian shoots back, his smirk growing wider. “I finally got approved for a loan--- A four-bedroom, three bathroom spot located in Uptown NEEQS.”

“Four bedrooms?” Faith asks, her eyes widening.

“That’s right,” Dorian nods, leaning back with a sense of pride. “And you’re all welcome to move in. If you want, that is.”

“That must’ve cost a fortune.” Isiah says, raising an eyebrow.

“It wasn’t cheap, but it’s an investment I’m willing to make,” Dorian replies, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve. “This way, Demetri doesn’t have to pay for a dorm room.” He shifts his gaze toward Demetri.

“Wow, that’s… I don’t know. I wasn’t expecting that.” Demetri admits, scratching the back of his head.

“That’s okay, take you time,” Dorian says, with a nod.

“No offense, bro, but I want to see what its like on my own feels like on my own before I start living under someone else’s roof,” Isiah says, crossing his arms.

“That’s fine, Isiah,” Dorian replies calmly. “Just know that you’ll always have a place to stay if you need it. Same, goes for you, Faith. Once you finish high school, you’re free to move in too.”

“Why do I have to wait until I graduate? Isiah already moved out, and he’s not that older than me.” Faith protests, leaning forward.

“Isiah’s case is a little different,” Dorian replies, his voice taking on a more serious tone.

“Yeah,” Isiah adds, his voice colder than before. “If I’d stayed Mom’s roof any longer, we both know how that would’ve ended. She would’ve kicked me out eventually.”

“I can see that happening.” Demetri says, glancing at Isiah with a nod.

“Yeah? Sounds like you got something to get off your chest,” Isiah says, tilting his head toward Demetri.

“You just catching on now?” Demetri replies, leaning back with a smirk. “You may be smoking too much.”

“There it is,” Isiah says. His tone is sharp and cutting. “You can’t get off that high horse, huh? Always looking down on me like I’m not your brother.”

“You are my brother,” Demetri shoots back, eyes narrowed. “But I can still call you out when you’re doing something stupid or throwing your life away.”

“Guess squandering opportunities run in the family.” Isiah says coolly, his eyes narrowing as his gaze locks with Demetri’s.

“Enough!” Dorian’s voice cuts through the air like a sharp clap. He rises to his feet, his eyes hard as stone. “I don’t care what happened in the past. We’re moving past it. Got it?”

“Yeah, come on guys,” What’s it going to take for you two to get over it?”

Isiah and Demetri exchange glances, neither one backing down. Slowly, they both their heads in opposite directions, refusing to look at each other..

Dorian glances at his watch, his eyes widening slightly. “I gotta pick up some food before my favorite restaurant closes.” He stands up, stretching his back. “We’re not done talking about this but think about what I said. I won’t be mad if you don’t decide to live with me. I just like the idea of all of us being together again.”

He walks over, hugging each of his siblings in turn before heading for the door, “Later, guys.”

A few seconds of quiet comes and goes before…

“I think it’s time for me to head out too,” Demetri says, Glancing at Faith. “Love you sis. I’ll text you.”

He gives her a quick hug and heads for the door, the click of the lock echoing as he leaves.

Faith turns to Isiah, noticing his eyes fixed on the fireplace. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other.

“Sorry about that.” Faith says softly, her eyes lowering.

“Why are you apologizing? You didn’t do anything wrong.” Isiah replies, still staring into the fire.

“I know, but still. I hate seeing you two fight.” Faith admits.

“We’re siblings. We fight. That’s just how it is.” Isiah says bluntly . “Demetri just needs to get off his throne. He looks down on people for making choices he wouldn’t. Pretty sure he got that from mom.”

“Maybe.” Faith says quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Despite that.” Isiah says, turning to look at her, “I’m glad to see you doing better.”

“Me?” Faith says, pointing to herself with mild surprise.

“Yeah you,” Isiah replies, tapping his own cheek, “You smile easier now. For a while, it looked forced.=

“I didn’t change that much, did I?” she asks, tilting her head in confusion.

“It’s in your face,” Isiah replies, tapping his own cheek “You smile easier now. For a while it looked forced.” Isiah reveals.

“Guess I can’t hide anything from you,” Faith says, a soft smile breaking through.

“Nope. Just one of the perks of not being the youngest sibling anymore,” Isiah says, leaning back with a grin.

“You all say the same thing,” Faith sighs, rolling her eyes.

“Because we’ve all had our turns being the youngest sibling.” Isiah says, grinning wider,.

“Well, I don’t like it,” She mutters, arms crossed.

“None of us did,” Isiah says, pulling a cigarette from his hoodie.. “Hell, I still feel like they treat me like a baby sometimes.”

“It’s because you act like it,” Faith teases with a smirk.

“Funny,” Isiah mutters, placing the cigarette between his lips. He pauses, glancing at her before sighing. “Anyway, its about time I head out too.

“Isiah,” Faith calls out before he leaves.

“Yeah?” he says, turning to face her.

“Thanks for coming. I know it can be hard sometimes,” She says, her tone sincere.

“… It’s not that hard.” Isiah replies after a paus, glancing at her with softened eyes. “Love you, sis.”

“Love you.” Faith replies, her voice warm.

Isiah walks out, leaving the faint smell of smoke in his trail.