“Mornin, lil bro.”

Brian had walked out of his room and into the dimly lit, but tropical wallpapered kitchen with Usui.
“Morning, Tommy.”

His older brother gave him a warm smile.
“And good morning to you too, Usui. Nice to see you!”

“As always, my dear feline friend. Where’s everyone else at?”

“Nova’s doing her hair right now so she’ll be out soon. Lilly, Jay and Splash are off doing their own thing, as usual.”

“Really seems like the norm for our family, doesn’t it?”
Brian would say, chuckling as this was exactly what he expected. He’d sit down at the table next to his brother.

“Can I..talk to you about something really quick? Usui’s already heard this from me.”

Tommy would tilt his head, a little concerned.

“Sure. What’s up?”

“Well..long story short. School summer program, trip to the neighboring islands for about a week or two. I want to go but I’m very unsure.”

“Hm. I’d say to follow your heart on this. This isn’t really something I can decide for you.”

Usui sat down, too, but on the chair on the opposite side of Brian.

“Same thing I told him, pretty much. It would be such a great experience.”

Brian sighed.

“My heart and adventurous spirit says yes. But my mind is thinking of the worst case scenarios.”

Tommy ruffled his hair a little. 

“You’ll be okay, little bro. I’m sure of it. Besides, you're going to be a College Freshman come September, and when are you going to get another opportunity like this?”

“Yeah..that’s true.”

“I’m sure Mom and Dad would say the same thing if you talked to them about it, honestly. So with that being said, absolutely go for it.”

“And I think you should go for it, too.”

Brian turned around at the sound of the random but familiar voice, only to see his sister standing in the doorway with her arms crossed.

“Nova!”

“..How long have you been standing there?”

She chuckled.

“Long enough to practically hear everything. Tommy does have a point though, it’s very rare to get an opportunity to do this. Ever heard the quote, ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take?’ That’s pretty much what we’re trying to say.”

“Lady cat’s right.”

“Lady cat?? I have a name, Usui.”

The dragon laughed. “Yes yes, I know.” 

Tommy glanced over to his sister.

“Though I’ll admit, We’re both gonna miss our baby brother while he’s gone, no?”

Nova gave him a smirk.

“Oh yeah. We won’t have anyone else to pick on!”

They’d both hug him and ruffle at his hair.

Brian smiled, shaking his head about.

“Pfft, you guys.”

His tail would wag a little bit at the reassurance from both his siblings and his friend; He confidently nodded his head.

“Alright, I guess that seals the deal. I’m gonna do it.”