Hello, everyone. Welcome to Miranda and Megan: Aftermath.

This is a spin off of my other story Miranda Parker. Please read that first.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Miranda walked into the bedroom she shared with Megan, and as she was preparing to pick up a book and start reading until she had to cook dinner, she spotted Megan.

Her little sister was lying on her bed. Megan had her head resting against the pillows and her hands resting on her chest, which rose and fell gently. Her eyes were fixed on the ceiling, and her lips were turned into a delicate frown, complete with her doleful eyes. She didn't even seem to notice Miranda enter the room.

Miranda liked to think that she knew her little siblings better than anyone, even themselves, and that's how she knew Megan was sad and how to comfort her.

Miranda withdrew her hand from the bookshelf she'd been reaching towards and crossed the room until she stood beside Megan's bed.

She playfully swatted Megan's leg. "Scoot over."

Megan frowned. "Why?"

"Because I want to build a robot army and take over the world," Miranda said, sarcastically, before laughing. "You look sad, and I want to be there for you."

Looking surprised at Miranda's words, Megan scooted over to make room for Miranda, and her older sister crawled onto the bed beside her.

For several moments, neither girl moved or spoke.

But then, Miranda wrapped her arms around Megan and lightly kissed her forehead. Megan stiffened; she couldn't remember the last time Miranda cuddled with her.

"Geesh, Megan, relax," Miranda laughed. "I'm not going to pick pocket you or something."

Megan giggled before trying to do as Miranda told her to do.

"So what's bugging you?" Miranda asked.

Megan sighed, pursing her lips, and she didn't respond.

Miranda smiled. "You don't want to tell me. That's okay. You can tell me when you're ready. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Megan didn't reply.

Miranda curled up closer to her little sister, cuddling her even more, and Megan took a deep breath. She could feel the body heat radiating off of Miranda, warming Megan's entire body, and it comforted Megan in a way she couldn't describe. Miranda wasn't saying anything, but her mere presence spoke more comforting words than her lips ever could. For a single moment, Megan felt like Miranda loved her, and even if that feeling wouldn't last (Miranda would scold her or yell at her or punish her eventually, and Megan would be left wondering if her sister even cared about her at all), it was great while it lasted.

"You're cuddling with me," Megan stated.

Great job, Megan, state the obvious much? Megan thought, sarcastically.

Miranda nodded.

"I can't remember the last time you did that."

Miranda shrugged. "Neither can I."

The girls sat in silence for several long seconds before Megan spoke again.

"Don't stop," she whispered, referring to Miranda cuddling with her.

Miranda smiled. "I won't."

Miranda Parker speaking. No matter what Megan may think, I love her more than words can even express. I would put my life on the line if it meant saving her.

I remember holding Megan at the hospital when she was born, and I also remember promising to always protect her, to make sure she was safe and had a good life. That's why I was always so hard on her. When Megan was younger, I was more lenient; I chose to use a more emotional type of discipline with Megan, but I can't stop thinking of that day when she was two. I told her not to climb on the counters; I explained how she could get hurt, and I thought I got through to her, but I turned my back for one second, and I heard a wail. I spun around and saw Megan lying on the floor, her head bleeding and tears running down her face, having tumbled off of the counter top she'd climbed onto.

She had to get stitches that day, and that's when I realized that I couldn't use emotional discipline with Megan. I hated punishing her, yelling at her, and I especially hated her sad expression after I was done, but it was necessary. Discipline is what keeps kids safe, keeps them from doing risky acts that could land them in a hospital or worse.

I hate punishing Megan. I hate being so rough on her, but I hate the thought of her getting hurt even more. When I think of it like that, I realize that using physical discipline would be worth it if it meant Megan stayed safe and sound.

Even if I'm on hard on her, though, she's my baby sister and I love her, and I'll be there for her when she needs me. I will make sure that Megan knows that because I love her and while keeping her safe, I don't want to allow her to think I don't love her.

She's actually my favorite little sibling… But don't tell Drake and Josh I said that.

Thanks for reading! Please leave a review, and I will be back soon with the next chapter! Bye, everyone!