Bonding

Josh latched onto her left breast with more confidence this time, his earlier hesitation melting away with each warm, sweet mouthful. He sucked in a steady rhythm, his eyes half-closed, his body relaxing against her side.

Ariana watched him, a soft smile playing on her lips. She stroked his hair slowly, almost maternally, her fingers threading through the messy brown strands.

"Oh yes," she murmured, her voice low and satisfied. "Brother-sister bonding. I love it." She gave a soft, teasing laugh. "I'm counting on this fulfilling the terms of our agreement, sweet little brother."

Josh pulled his mouth off her breast just long enough to murmur, "Mhmmm," before diving back in, his lips sealing around her nipple again.

She chuckled, the vibration humming through her chest. "Don't forget about the other one," she reminded him, tapping her right breast with her finger. "She gets jealous."

Josh reluctantly released her left breast, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. A thin string of milk stretched from his lower lip to her nipple before breaking. He looked up at her, his eyes earnest.

"I was s-so stupid," he admitted, his voice thick. "I should have... I mean, I c-could have done this s-so much earlier, but..."

Ariana tilted her head, her blue eyes searching his face. "But what?"

He looked down at his hands, then back at her. His cheeks flushed a deep pink. "I was afraid you'd th-think I was a... a pervert or something. I didn't know how to... how to even b-bring it up. Like, 'Hey, sis, nice weather, also can I drink milk from your boobs?'" He let out a nervous, self-deprecating laugh. "It's not exactly normal conversation."

Ariana's expression softened. The teasing edge in her eyes melted into something warmer, ****. She reached out and cupped his cheek, her palm warm against his skin.

"Oh, Josh," she said gently. "You're such a goof."

"I kn-know," he mumbled, leaning into her touch.

She brushed her thumb across his cheekbone. "Listen to me. You're not a pervert. You're not a weirdo. You're my little brother who was hungry, and I'm your big sister who has more than enough to share." She paused, her voice dropping to a sincere, almost tender register. "There's nothing wrong with needing something. And there's nothing wrong with asking for help. Even if the help looks... unconventional."

He swallowed hard, his throat tight with emotion he didn't quite understand.

"You really th-think so?"

"I know so." She leaned forward and pressed a soft, quick kiss to his forehead. "Family takes care of family. That's the rule. And I'll always take care of you. No matter what."

He blinked rapidly, his eyes stinging slightly. "I didn't know you could b-be like this," he whispered.

"Like what?" she asked, genuinely curious.

"Nice," he said simply. "Caring. You know... wholesome."

Ariana laughed, a real laugh, warm and unguarded. "Oh, you dumbass," she said, but there was nothing but affection in her voice. "I've always taken care of you. Just because I tease you doesn't mean I don't love you. Who do you think made sure you did your homework? Who do you think patched you up when you fell off your bike?"

"That was... different," he protested weakly.

"Was it?" She raised an eyebrow. "I'm still taking care of you. Just... differently now."

He had no answer to that.

"Now," she said, gesturing to her right breast with a flourish, "stop being dramatic and finish your meal. The other one is still waiting, and she's getting impatient."

"Thank you, Ari," he whispered.

"Anytime, baby brother," she replied, her voice tender.

He laughed, a real laugh, the tension finally breaking. He shook his head, then lowered his mouth to her right nipple, latching on with renewed confidence.

"That's my boy," she murmured, settling back against the pillows, her hand returning to his hair.

He sucked slowly, deliberately, the warm milk flooding his mouth, and for a long moment, there was no sound except his soft swallows and the quiet hum of the room.