•strictly platonic• boy x boy •

•four•

Robyn Hook

When we reached Emerson's home, it was about half past ten, so Emily should've been long asleep by now. I was surprised when she attacked me as soon as I entered through the door. Naturally, I returned the hug and hoisted her up in my arms.

"Birdie!"

"Hey, Emmie. Shouldn't you be asleep?" She giggled and shook her head.

"I'm not tired!"

I glanced over at Emerson who appeared mortally wounded. "You went straight to Robyn and completely ignored me? Your blood-brother?!" He feigned being aggrieved as he dramatically collapsed on the floor. "You hurt me, Emily." She continued to giggle and tucked her head under my chin and on top of my chest.

"Wow, aren't you growing, Emily? You're getting heavier. I remember when you were a little baby." I pinched her cheeks, but she swatted my hand away with a cute wrinkle on her nose. Like brother like sister.

Emerson got up and laughed. "She's growing alright, but maybe you're just weak. How are you a basketball player with those lanky arms?"

Emily crossed her arms. "I'm not heavy 'cause I am not fat. Maybe Emmie is right."

"Oh, the betrayal."

I set Emily down as Diana walked into the kitchen with some purple striped pajamas. "I was wondering what all the commotion was about. Emily, what did I say about your bedtime? You were supposed to be asleep hours ago! Go to your room young lady, before I take away your dolls." Her tone wasn't malicious whatsoever. Almost bored. She had her hand on her hip, impatiently waiting for Emily to leave.

Emily pouted and looked at her own feet. "I just wanted to see Robyn again."

"Oh please, he practically lives here, honey. Kiss them goodnight and and come over to mama so I can smell your breath."

Emily frowned but smiled when she turned to me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "G'night, Birdie!" She then ran over and hugged Emerson, arms around his neck. "Goodnight, Emmie. You two have a nice sleep together." Ah, childhood innocence. An interesting choice of words. I didn't know how to interpret Diana's wink when I chanced a glance at her.

"Now open wide with that blabbering mouth of yours," Diana instructed. Making an 'ahh sound', Emily rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet as she blew her breath into her mom's face. "Good job, baby. Now let's get you tucked into bed." Before she fully exited with Emily, she mouthed 'goodnight', which I returned with a smile.

Emerson took off my leather jacket and hung it on the rack. He appeared drowsy. I don't blame him after the way that party went. "Speaking of bed, I'm ready to hit the hay."

"Me too."

~~~

Not long after Emerson fell asleep, his phone rang quietly with a notification as it sat on the nightstand. I frowned and reached out to silence his ringer when I read Andrej's name.

Andrej
Hello there. I missed you at the party.
I guessed you left early. I regret that I didn't receive the opportunity to say goodbye.
Nevertheless, I hope you have a good night. :)

What kind of highschooler texts with proper punctuation? At least he had the audacity to put an emoticon. Not long after I settled down next to Em, my own phone buzzed with a text message from my aunt. I sighed and begrudgingly read the leech's message. Just when I got comfortable.

Aunt Elsa 👿
Get ur ass back home
The dishes are piled up and laundry needs to be done
Make sure to grab some of ur mothers medication in the morning
Answer me now, brat
Do you even love your mother