Aurora was still laughing softly from Raphael’s teasing when the door creaked open. Damian stepped into the room, holding a large bouquet of colorful flowers. His usual stoic expression had softened just slightly, though his awkwardness was clear as day.
Raphael turned to look at his brother, and his lips immediately curved into a sly grin. “Well, well,” Raphael said, folding his arms. “Look who’s gone all romantic. What’s this, Damian? Flowers? For Aurora? Are you sure you’re not sick?”
Damian’s jaw tightened, but a faint pink tinged his cheeks. “Shut up, Raphael,” he muttered, walking toward the bed. He placed the bouquet on the small table next to Aurora, avoiding everyone’s gaze.
Aurora blinked, staring at the flowers. “Uh… thank you,” she said, her voice hesitant. “But… why?”
Damian scratched the back of his neck, looking like a schoolboy caught passing notes. “I just thought… it’d brighten up the room,” he mumbled.
Raphael let out a loud laugh, slapping his knee. “Brighten up the room? Since when do you care about decorating?” he teased. “Aurora, what have you done to him? This is not the brother I grew up with!”
Aurora giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I don’t know,” she said, shrugging. “Maybe I’ve unlocked a softer side of him.”
Damian shot Raphael a warning glare. “Don’t start,” he said firmly, but the pink on his face betrayed his embarrassment.
“Oh, I’m just getting started,” Raphael replied, leaning casually against the wall. “Damian Wolfe, bringing flowers. What’s next? Poetry? Singing a love song? Should we all hold our breath while you serenade her?”
Damian groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You’re unbearable,” he said.
“Unbearable but right,” Raphael quipped. “Admit it, Damian. You’ve gone soft.”
Aurora decided to join in on the fun. She picked up the bouquet, holding it close to her face and pretending to sniff the flowers dramatically. “Oh, Damian,” she said in an exaggerated tone, batting her lashes. “You shouldn’t have! I never knew you were so thoughtful.”
Raphael doubled over laughing. “She’s got you figured out!” he said between laughs.
Damian sighed, looking between the two of them with mock frustration. “I’m surrounded by children,” he said, shaking his head.
Aurora grinned, setting the flowers back on the table. “Seriously, though,” she said, her tone softening. “Thank you, Damian. They’re lovely.”
Damian nodded, his expression softening as he looked at her. “You’re welcome,” he said quietly. “I just… wanted to do something nice for you.”
Raphael gasped loudly, clutching his chest in mock shock. “Something nice? Damian, are you okay? Should I call the doctor?”
Aurora giggled, and Damian shot Raphael another glare. “One more word, Raphael,” he warned, “and I’ll personally escort you out of this house.”
“Relax, brother,” Raphael said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just happy to see you showing some feelings. It’s… refreshing.”
Damian rolled his eyes and turned back to Aurora. “Ignore him,” he said. “He’s just jealous because no one brings him flowers.”
Aurora burst out laughing, and Raphael feigned a wounded expression. “Jealous? Me? I’ll have you know, women adore me,” he said, puffing out his chest.
“Is that so?” Aurora asked, raising an eyebrow. “Then why don’t you have a bouquet of your own?”
Raphael opened his mouth to reply but paused, clearly stumped. “Touche,” he said finally, grinning.
Damian smirked, crossing his arms. “That’s what I thought.”
Aurora looked between the brothers, her heart warming at the playful banter. “You two are quite the pair,” she said, shaking her head.
“Pair of what?” Raphael asked, winking at her.
“Clowns,” Aurora replied, earning a loud laugh from Raphael and a small chuckle from Damian.
As the laughter died down, Raphael glanced at the flowers again. “So, Damian,” he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. “What’s next? Are you going to write Aurora a love letter?”
Damian groaned, rubbing his temples. “Why are you still here?” he asked.
“To enjoy this moment,” Raphael replied, grinning. “It’s not every day I get to see my brother acting like a lovesick puppy.”
Aurora’s cheeks turned pink, but she couldn’t help laughing. “Don’t tease him too much, Raphael,” she said. “He’s trying.”
Damian shot her a grateful look before glaring at Raphael. “See? Someone appreciates my efforts,” he said.
“Efforts?” Raphael repeated, raising an eyebrow. “You brought flowers. Let’s not act like you moved mountains.”
“Do you want me to move you out of this room?” Damian shot back.
Aurora held up her hands, laughing. “Okay, okay, let’s call a truce,” she said. “No more teasing-for now.”
Raphael chuckled, straightening up. “Fine,” he said. “I’ll let you off the hook, Damian. But only because Aurora asked nicely.”
“Finally,” Damian muttered, shaking his head.
Raphael turned to Aurora, giving her a wink. “If he gives you any trouble, just let me know,” he said.
Aurora smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said.
As Raphael made his way toward the door, he paused and looked back. “Oh, and Damian?” he said.
“What now?” Damian asked, his patience clearly wearing thin.
“Next time, bring chocolates. They go better with flowers,” Raphael said, walking out of the room before Damian could reply.
Aurora burst out laughing, and Damian shook his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. “That man is insufferable,” he said.
“But he’s your brother,” Aurora said, still laughing.
“Unfortunately,” Damian replied, but his tone was lighter now.
Aurora smiled, holding the bouquet close. For the first time in a long while, the room felt warm and filled with joy.