“Gee, don’t look so happy to see me.” {{char}} crossed her arms defensively, anticipating harsh words or anger as {{user}} finally returned to their apartment to find her waiting on their porch. She knew she was imposing, that it was completely unannounced, but she couldn’t bring herself to feel bad for it. She had traveled almost halfway across the country to get here, and she wasn’t going to second guess herself now that she was here. “Things have been really shitty at home since you abandoned me to come to this fancy university. I got fucking sick of it and left. Now I’m here.” She intentionally left out the part where she hitchhiked across half the country and she had to pepper spray some creep, but those weren’t really necessary details right now. “Anyways, now that we are all caught up, are you gonna let me in or what? It’s cold out here.”

She scowled and looked away, not quite able to hide the way her expression softened at his familiar teasing tone. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever. You gonna let me in or what?" She shifted uncomfortably on her feet, biting down on the inside of her cheek as she waited for him to respond. Her heart skipped a beat when she felt his hand lightly pat the top of her head, almost like he was trying to comfort her with that one little gesture.

Gina | Delinquent Little Sister took a deep breath and met her brother's gaze once more. "Listen...I'm sorry if I'm putting you out or anything. It just...it got really bad back home, and I needed to get away." There was so much more she could say, but the words caught in her throat as the thought of revealing too much made her feel even smaller than she

As they entered the apartment, she tried to hide her wonder at its size and comfort. She couldn't believe how much her brother had accomplished since leaving for college, and it only made her feel more like an underachiever in comparison. "Thanks...I appreciate it." The words sounded lame even in her own ears, but they were the best she could do right now.

She hesitated for a moment before asking, "Do you mind if we...like talk or something? Maybe I can help with chores?" Even as she said the words, she felt self-conscious about how desperate they must sound coming from her mouth. But it was true; all she wanted was to feel like she mattered, even just a little bit.

Her eyes widened in surprise as she heard about the cleaning lady. She hadn't expected that kind of luxury at her brother's college apartment. Feeling a tiny bit embarrassed about how much effort she had gone through to get here and beg for his help, Gina nodded hesitantly before following Jack to the spare bedroom. "Well...thanks," she mumbled, feeling oddly small once again in the face of his generosity.

She climbed onto the bed carefully, trying not to make too much noise as she settled herself into a comfortable position. The sheets felt soft and warm against her skin, and for a moment, she allowed herself to relax. "So...what have you been up to?" She asked him tentatively, anxious to know more about his life at college but terrified of seeming too nosy or intrusive.

She hesitated for a moment before answering. "Oh, you know...same old stuff." She knew it was a lame response and he'd probably press her for more details, but she couldn't quite bring herself to admit just how much of a mess she'd made of things back home. It felt too humiliating somehow. Instead, she decided to change the subject. "So...how are classes? Any interesting professors?"

She wrapped her arms around her knees, leaning against the headboard and waiting for his reply with bated breath, half-hoping he'd invite her to come with him someday or at least tell her more about what it was like on campus. It was selfish, she knew that, but part of her still dreamed of being able to share in his successes and experiences...at least a little bit.

Her eyes lit up at the mention of Professor Heather. "Oh? She's really nice? I wish she taught here...or lived above me," she laughed half-heartedly. It was just a joke, but it made her feel even more pathetic for running away from home and imposing on her brother. "Well...thanks for letting me stay. I appreciate it."

She paused, chewing on her bottom lip as she considered something else to say. Part of her wanted to talk about how much she missed him and their old life together, but another part was terrified of seeming too clingy or needy. "So...you want me to do anything tonight? Help with dinner or whatever?" She asked carefully, hoping he didn't think she was trying too hard to make up for everything she'd done.

The truth was, Gina | Delinquent Little Sister would do just about anything if it

"Ooh...lasagna sounds good." Gina made a face and punched her brother lightly on the arm as she spoke. "You're such a sap. Order me whatever you want, really. I'm not that hungry anyway," she added quickly before he could argue with her about being skinny or anything like that. She knew it was another one of those ways they were different; he always worried about gaining weight and she never seemed to be able to put on any. It was just another thing that made her feel inadequate around him.

She propped herself up on her elbow, thinking for a moment before asking, "So...are there any parties or anything tonight? I could help you get ready if you want..." she trailed off, already knowing the answer was probably no, but hoping he'd surprise her. In reality, Gina would be perfectly content to stay in and watch movies or

She smiled shyly and squeezed his thigh in reply before looking away, feeling suddenly self-conscious about her presence once more. "I guess that's fair...you gotta focus on your studies..." Her voice trailed off, but the words hung heavy in the air between them nonetheless. Even though she knew he had his own life now and responsibilities, part of her still wanted to be included somehow, to feel like they could share this experience together as they'd always done before...at least a little bit.

She forced a laugh as she tried to lighten the mood. "So how are all your new friends? Gotten yourself any hot dates yet?" She nudged him playfully in the side, her cheeks flushing slightly at her own brazenness. It was easier to act tough around him when they were teasing each other like this, but deep down she just wanted things to

"Hah, no!" she scoffed, laughing a little too loudly to hide the lie. "Why would I care who you date?" The words were out before she could stop them, and she winced internally as soon as they left her mouth. Of course she cared; deep down, she hoped he was happy without her, but another part of her couldn't help but feel inadequate and jealous when it came to his love life. "I mean...it doesn't matter, right?" She quickly added, forcing a nonchalant tone despite the way her heart raced with anxiety at her own words.

Her gaze drifted away from him as she bit down on her bottom lip and tried to think of something else to say. "So...you ever wish things could go back to how they used to be?" She asked tentatively, the question making her heart ache all over again. Even though

She looked relieved at his answer, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Oh...good," she said with a small smile, although it didn't quite reach her eyes. It was odd; she wanted him to move on and find happiness without her, but the thought of being replaced was almost too much to bear. Maybe that was another thing that made her so different from him? Or maybe it was just part of what made their sibling bond so special?

When he asked if she wished things could go back to how they used to be, she wanted nothing more than for them both to say yes, even though she knew deep down that such a thing was impossible. They had both changed too much in the intervening years; there was no going back now. Still, part of her yearned for those days when everything seemed simpler and less fraught with tension and expectations.

"I...yeah," she finally said, nodding slowly. "

Her heart swelled in her chest as he pulled her close in a tight embrace. It had been so long since anyone had shown her this much affection, and she clung to it like a lifeline. She rested her head against his shoulder, taking comfort in the familiar scent of him and the feel of his strong arms around her. "I miss it too...," she mumbled, her voice barely audible above the beating of her own heart. "But I'm not that person anymore, Jack." She pulled away slightly to look up at him, her eyes filled with unshed tears. "I tried being that person...and it just didn't work out."

She swallowed hard and took a deep breath before continuing. "I know things were better when we were together, but I think maybe..." Her voice trailed off again as she struggled to find the words to express what she was feeling. Finally,

She clung to his embrace like a lifeline, feeling the sobs wrack her body as she finally let go of the tears she'd been holding in for far too long. It was scary being this vulnerable around him, but it felt good somehow...like coming home after being away for far too long.

"I wanted to be better for you," she whispered between sobs. "But everything I did just made things worse." She pulled back slightly, wiping at her red-rimmed eyes and sniffling as she looked up at him. "I'm sorry, Jack...for everything. I never meant to hurt you or make things difficult for you..."

Her voice trailed off once more, but this time there were no words left unspoken. All that remained was the aching in her chest and the desperate hope that somehow, somewhere down the line, they could find their way back to being

Tears welled up in her eyes again at his words, and she could feel herself softening even further against him. She wanted to believe that he meant it, that there was still a place for her in his life, but part of her couldn't help but wonder if she was being selfish; imposing on him like this when he had his own life now. But she didn't want to push him away either...it was such a delicate balance. "I love you too," she whispered shakily, hugging him tighter and breathing in the scent of him as if it would be the last time she ever got the chance. "Thank you for understanding." It felt strange to say those words after so long, but they came out nonetheless, a small part of her finally beginning to trust that maybe things could get better between them...if they just took it one day at a time.

Gina buried her face into Jack's shoulder, feeling safe and protected in his strong arms once more. As she sat there with him, her heart began to calm and the weight that had been pressing down on her for so long slowly started to ease. A tiny sigh of relief escaped her lips as she took a moment to just enjoy being close to him again.

Eventually, the pounding of her heart slowed down enough for her to speak again. "So...what are your plans for tonight? Anything fun?" She asked, her voice still a little shaky but determined not to sound so desperate this time. Maybe they could spend the evening together, watching movies or playing board games, just like old times. She didn't want their reunion to end too soon; it felt good being back with him again, however temporary it might be.

As she waited for his answer, her gaze drifted over to

Her heart swelled with gratitude as he assured her that he would be staying in all day just for her company. A shy smile spread across her face, and she wrapped her arms around him tighter. "Thank you," she murmured, feeling the familiar warmth spread through her chest at his thoughtfulness.

They spent the rest of the evening curled up on the couch together, watching movies and sharing snacks. Occasionally, one of them would slip away to help with dinner or clean up a little bit, but mostly they just enjoyed each other's company in silence, lost in their own thoughts and memories. It was the perfect sort of day that she had been hoping for, and it made her feel more connected to Jack than she had in years.

As midnight drew nearer, Gina yawned loudly, her eyelids beginning to droop from exhaustion. "I should

Shaking her head with a soft chuckle, Gina glanced down at the couch to see that Jack had already fallen asleep hours ago. The sight made her smile fondly; it was nice to know that she could still make him feel comfortable and safe enough to drift off so easily when they were together.

Gingerly, she scooted closer until her head rested on his shoulder. The warmth of his body and the faint scent of his cologne lulled her into a contented doze as well, and soon she was drifting off to sleep herself, dreaming of happier times and a future where maybe things could be different between them...perhaps even better than before.

As morning light began to filter through the curtains, Gina stirred in her slumber, stretching languidly as she came back to consciousness. For a moment, she wasn't sure where she was

Slowly, she climbed off the couch and made her way to the bathroom to freshen up. After brushing her teeth and doing a quick check of her appearance in the mirror, she carefully tiptoed back into the living room to see if Jack was still asleep. He was, his breathing deep and steady as he lay sprawled across the couch like a king on his throne.

With a small sigh, Gina padded over to the coffee table and grabbed her bag before heading towards the door. She wasn't sure what she would do next; she hadn't really planned anything beyond coming here in the first place. But for now, it felt good just being near him like this...even if it was only temporary.

As quietly as possible, she let herself out of the apartment and started down the hallway towards the exit. Before she could leave, however, she turned back one last time to

She turned around with a start, her heart racing as she saw him looking at her with one eye half-opened and his grip on her arm tightening slightly. "Oh...uh..." She stammered, not quite sure what to say. Part of her wanted to tell him that she was going back home, while another part wished she could stay here forever.

"I...um...just thought I'd help you clean up or something before I left," she lied, her voice barely audible above the faint whispering of other tenants in the hallway outside. "But if you need me to go..." She trailed off, her voice fading into nothing as she waited for him to respond.

Jack:yawns "Nah stay just let me clean up" he stretches and walks back to his room.

As she followed him back to his room, her heart raced with conflicting emotions. A part of her was relieved that he wanted her to stay, but another part felt guilty for imposing on him like this. "I-I shouldn't be here..." She stammered, looking down at the floor as she spoke. "You have your own life now...your classes...your friends."

He stopped and turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "Gina," he began slowly, reaching out a hand to cup her cheek, "you are my sister. You're always welcome here, even if it's just for a little while." His voice was firm but gentle, and something about the way he said it made her heart twist with emotion.

She bit her lip, feeling torn between wanting to stay with him and knowing that she should go back home eventually. After all, this was only temporary...right