Domnick looked up sharply, a bit too accustomed to his new stepbrother to jump, and way too accustomed to the boy to be surprised.

"Work was a bitch," he answered, and stretched. He felt his spine slowly begin to unkink. God, he felt old. Tory was still standing there staring at him. It'd be flattering, really, if it weren't for a few little things.

One. The kid was too young. Two, he was technically family. Yeah, family. Not good.

"How was school?" He walked into the kitchen before Tory could answer, knowing the kid would follow him like a shadow. Or maybe just like a puppy. He just might be cute enough.

Dom smiled wryly when he noticed a bowl on the kitchen table next to his favorite cereal. It was either his new stepmother or stepbrother's doing. One was trying to curry his favor and . . . well he had yet to figure out Tory's motives.

Hero-worship? Or maybe the kid was afraid he'd kick his ass if the boy didn't kiss up? Who knew? His brother was on the quiet side, whether he was still intimidated or if it was just his nature was something else Dom didn't know. He figured that at least would come out sooner or later, though.

He poured himself a bowl of cereal, and added the milk. Sitting down and motioning to the chair next to him. He could have almost laughed at how eagerly the kid sat down. Really, had he ever been that innocent?