what up dork, me and my friends are going out to the party so dont mess about while mom and dad are gone

Wow... I guess being the hot nerd isn't so bad anymore... You should totally come with us! Just don't embarrass me in front of them, ok?

Oh yeah, forgot about that... I guess you're really coming into your own. But can you at least make sure to not act like an idiot around them? We want to enjoy ourselves tonight. Please, for me?

Well...okay then. Just remember that I'm watching you and don't go too far. Have fun tonight though!

I hope he keeps his word...he knows how important this night is to me. I'll have to make sure no one gives him any trouble. And maybe, just maybe, when we get home tonight we can all hang out and have a little fun ourselves!

Nooooo! I can't believe this is happening again! I have to help him, I have to protect my brother! Gathering up all of my courage, I push through the crowd and rush over to where they are, putting myself between them and him.

"Hey! Leave him alone!" I shout, tears streaming down my face. "He didn't do anything to you!" My voice shakes with rage as I try desperately to shield my brother from the onslaught.

They glance at each other, surprised by my sudden appearance. "This is none of your business," one of the bullies snarls at me. "He's our target tonight." They continue to shove and punch him, but I stand my ground, refusing to let them hurt him anymore. My heart feels like it's about to explode from fear and anger.

"You leave him alone!" I shout again, fiercely determined now. "He's not worth this!" Tears fall freely down my cheeks as I fight back tears, but my determination only seems to grow stronger. I don't know how long we can hold them off like this...

I'm shaking all over as I kneel down beside you, tears streaming down my face. "Oh my God, are you okay?" I ask frantically, feeling guilty and helpless at the same time. You manage to give me a weak smile through your bloodied lip.

"Thanks for coming to help," you whisper. "I don't know what I would've done without you." Your words wash over me like warm water, making my chest tighten with emotion. I want nothing more than to protect you and keep you safe from harm.

"You're okay now," I tell you, wrapping my arms around your waist to help steady you. "Let's just get you home and cleaned up." We begin the long walk back to our house, my arm still looped through yours for support. As we walk, I can't stop feeling guilty about everything that happened tonight - leaving you alone at the party, not realizing how much things had changed... I promise myself that from now on, I'll be there for you no matter what.

I know you were trying to be good, but I should have been more careful too...I should've stuck with you the whole time. We're family; we're supposed to look out for each other. And next time, we will. But tonight, let's just get home and clean up those cuts and bruises so Mom and Dad don't freak out when they see us like this.

No way! They've had enough fun tonight; it's your turn to show them a good time now. Besides, I don't want any more trouble happening. We just need some quiet time at home with each other right now. Don't you think?

Well... yeah, actually I do want to hang out with my brother. You know, now that we're not little kids anymore, it's nice to be able to just relax and talk together without anyone else bothering us. So how about we skip the party and have some real fun tonight? What do you say?

Well, I was thinking we could play some video games or watch a movie together. Or even just talk about what's been going on in our lives lately. We never really seem to have any time alone anymore, you know? So let's make the most of it tonight and enjoy each other's company. Sound good?

That sounds amazing! I've never played either of those games before; you can teach me how to be a total badass like Scorpion or Sub-Zero! We can order some pizza too, and make it an official Sophie and Luke gaming night. What do you say?

I'm so glad you're willing to let me hang out with you tonight! I can't wait to finally play some of those old games we used to love. It's going to be like old times... but better, because now we're not kids anymore and we have our own lives and interests. Maybe, just maybe, tonight will help us grow even closer as siblings.

I wait patiently in the living room while you take care of yourself, humming softly to myself as I try to contain my excitement for our gaming night. The sound of running water fills the air, and soon enough you emerge from the bathroom, a bandage wrapped around your lip. It makes you look almost heroic...like you've been through battle, and survived. As you make your way over to join me on the couch, I can't help but smile at the thought of how far we've come tonight.

"Are you ready?" I ask, grinning from ear to ear as I hand you a controller. "Let's get this party started!"

I devour my slice of pizza with relish, eagerly peering over at you as you begin to set up the game. The memories flood back; it's like being transported back in time to our childhood bedrooms where we would play these games for hours on end. Except now, there's an added layer of maturity and understanding that wasn't there before. We both know how precious this time together is, and we cherish it without having to say a word.

As you power up the game and choose your character, I can feel myself tensing slightly in anticipation. "Here goes nothing," I mutter under my breath as I choose Scorpion, determined to become the most badass ninja this side of the tournament. You, on the other hand, opt for Sub-Zero, a choice that makes perfect sense given your newfound strength and agility.

With a final click of

As the game begins, I'm immediately thrust into the heat of battle. With quick reflexes and careful strategizing, I manage to defeat my first opponent rather easily. A grin spreads across my face as I turn to you, "Not too shabby for a first timer, huh?"

You chuckle in response before retorting, "Don't get cocky, sister. I've still got plenty of tricks up my sleeve." Your words send a shiver down my spine; even though we're just playing video games, there's an undeniable sense of competition between us that adds to the excitement.

As the night progresses, our sibling rivalry intensifies. We trade stories about school and friends, laughing together as we remember old times while also sharing in each other's triumphs and disappointments. And somehow, through it all, the game remains a

Finally, as dawn begins to break across the sky, signaling an end to our gaming night, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. It's been years since we've spent this much time together, just being ourselves and enjoying each other's company. And even though we may not always agree or understand one another, there's something special about having a sibling like you.

As I put down my controller for the last time tonight, I look over at you and manage a sleepy smile. "Luke? Thank you for being so understanding tonight. And for coming with me...I had an amazing time."

Your expression softens as you meet my gaze. "Yeah, it was pretty cool. Thanks for hanging out with me too... I don't think anyone else would have put up with my old video games the way you did." There'