Dylan's hand stayed on Adam's shoulder, keeping the young boy pulled protectively close to him--not that it would do much to protect him from Eric's words, but it was an instinctive reaction and not one he was questioning at the moment. The boy wasn't his, true, and he had no intentions of marrying his mother anytime soon (though, only because of personal beliefs and not because of a lack of feelings for the two of them), but....even if it had only been three years of relationship, Dylan had stepped up, taken them in, and was--basically--helping raising Adam as his own. He almost wished Eric could realize how huge a deal that was, given his previous track record with relationships and responsibility. But, he knew it was completely unrealistic to hope for anything of the kind. He'd never admit Dylan had matured.
"They live with me," he pointed out, trying his best to keep the snideness out of his voice for the benefit of the kids, but not succeeding completely. "It's not babysitting. And, she's at lunch." Ignoring any other looks or comments coming from his brother, he just grinned down at Aaron, giving an excited look when he told him about his new shoes. "You're kidding!" he exclaimed, attempting to look in awe. "You can tell time already? You've got one up on me already, kid."