Valeria and her mother were among giants. The men of the house were tall, looming above with their heads in the clouds compared to the matriarch and her daughter. It was only fitting she had gotten many of her looks from Miranda, the medium stature and inherited size of chest just being a couple of selective traits. But where she varied in some appearance, her brother was somewhat of a splitting image to their father.<br/><br/>Stretched out, thin and lanky as he approached with the patriarch’s signature grin plastered over his lips. At full height she leveled off at around his chin, and despite Valeria never having found it imposing, apprehension made itself known within the depths of her ribs. Cayn had always been tall, but now she recognized the apparent advantage he held over her. It was in her best interests she tried not to flinch as he flourished long arms in gesticulation.<br/><br/>“Haven’t been feeling too well today.” The lie came easy to her tongue. If her brother could act with a professional smile, so could she. It was just a little difficult with the dull ache puncturing every second of her awareness. “It’ll pass soon…” Like they were playing a game with each other, Valeria was careful in the words she choose, which sentences to form. Her dark eyes kept Cayn’s form warily in sight, refusing to completely budge even when she took her place at the table and tolerated him toying with the long strands of wet hair. Father’s comment was merely a stab to the heart, bringing up childhood memories that had all been stained by passionate corruption.<br/><br/>Make-believe games had always been her favorite. There was just something about stepping into a role that was not entirely one’s own, and as a young child, it was practically real. Being a princess had been like some dosage of royalty, her brother, the prince, a priceless companion to protect from the dragons; the evil shades that threatened peace within the makeshift kingdom. They were too old for that now, and yet, father continued to bring it up. Perhaps they still thought it was cute despite daughter and son being of mature age.<br/><br/>When food finally arrived and plates were being served, Valeria protested against Cayn’s sacrifice in granting her the right to eat first. She had very little appetite after what violations had occurred, but the sounds of objection were quick to fade from her lips. They would fall on deaf ears anyway, that fact hinging more around their parents preoccupation in the background - conversation a murmur. Diverting their attention so they would be unable to notice.<br/><br/>He continued to be cryptic in that tongue of his, whispering double entendres she immediately knew only half the answer to. Valeria was unsure of what he specifically meant, but the lips pressed quickly to her cheek were distracting in the way affection usually was. Cayn, with all the madness he had previously displayed, could act so gentle and caring she did not know which one was real anymore. Or, perhaps, he’d always been like this and it was now starting to emerge.<br/><br/>She was quiet as father suddenly suggested ideas, continuing to dig a grave for Valeria’s coffin in the attempt of getting son and daughter to spend some time together. He must have caught on to Cayn’s words of her ‘being cooped up’ for too long. Ah, loving patriarch as he was, making sure his children had plenty of opportunity to enjoy themselves.<br/><br/>“I think that would be nice for you two.” Miranda spoke up shortly after, nudged to action by John’s broad shoulder. Though her eyes were always tired she never failed to bear a sweet and thoughtful smile. “The summer months as they are now, it’s beautiful in the evening. Though I would definitely watch out for too much sun.” Mother’s eyebrows pinched together as if recalling some distasteful memory. “If you do go, make sure to bring sunblock. Whether you’ll be staying for a few hours, or even a night or two, I wouldn’t want you kids catching sunburn.” Like a protective matriarch, constantly watching out for her two children. She’d a motherly personality since day one.<br/><br/>On the other hand, Valeria was on the border of moaning in agony or pure resentment. It seemed the universe, cruel and wicked reality, was throwing her and Cayn together at any turn possible. How twisted. Her head turned to glance over at the younger male of the house, spurred on by the warm palm pressing into her leg; the tilt of his gaze like a dog seeking approval. He was so eager.... Even with a nervous apprehension, Valeria was unable to wholly deny the option of visiting the local park. Her brother’s excited yet sweet expression had always been a weakness in the past and continued to be in the present. She fell for it as a young child, and probably would do so as long as they lived under the same roof together.<br/><br/>She could not help the quiet sigh slithering past her lips. “Sure, why not? It may be fun to get out and go swimming again.” They were old enough to be let off the leash, and as long as dear older brother was around, mother and father had very few qualms. If only they knew the half of it.