Blood Brothers 🩸

Home Turf

Back at the Mercer household, the living room was a chaotic blend of laughter and competitive banter. Bobby and Jack were sprawled out on the worn-out couch, their eyes glued to the flickering screen of their old-school console. The sound of pixelated explosions filled the air while they battled it out in a game of "Street Fighter II," a classic that had become a staple in their after-school routine.

"Yo, you think you can handle this?" Bobby taunted, his fingers mashing the buttons as his character delivered a flurry of punches. "I'm about to school you, son!"

"Please," Jack shot back, rolling his eyes. "You ain't nothin' but a button-masher. Watch me throw down some real moves." He leaned forward, focused, and countered with a spinning kick that sent Bobby's character flying off the screen.

"Aw, man! You just got lucky!" Bobby exclaimed, throwing his controller down dramatically. "You know I was just playin' with you. I let you win so you wouldn't cry!"

"Yeah, right! You just mad 'cause I'm the champ!" Jack laughed, slapping Bobby on the shoulder. "You should've seen your face! Pure defeat!"

They continued to trade barbs, the kind of playful jabs that only brothers could share. The room felt warm and familiar, filled with the scent of pizza from earlier and the echoes of their childhood.

"Speaking of defeat, did you remember that Frances' birthday is next week?" Jack asked, pausing the game and leaning back against the couch. "What you think we should get him?"

Bobby scratched his head, a smirk creeping onto his face. "I dunno, man. How about a subscription to a dating site? That boy needs all the help he can get. Ain't nobody tryna slide into his DMs!"

Jack burst out laughing. "For real! We could get him a how-to book on pickin' up girls. Or maybe a mirror so he can see what he's workin' with!"

"Or better yet," Bobby added, grinning wickedly, "how about we just tell him to stop bein' an undercover gay dude? I swear, every time I see him, he's just chillin' with those dudes from the art club. Like, what's up with that?"

"Right? I'm startin' to think he's got a secret life we don't know about!" Jack chuckled, shaking his head. "But for real, he's gotta step it up. We can't have him still playin' video games while us real players out here tryna get our game on!"

Just then, Jack's expression shifted, a more serious tone creeping into their conversation. "Yo, speaking of game, what was up with you and Daniella earlier? I saw you two talkin' by the lockers. You were lookin' all cozy and stuff."

Bobby's heart raced at the mention of Daniella. "Man, we were just vibin'. She's cool, you know? But her brother's rollin' with the Eastside Knights, and that's our block's opps. It's complicated."

"Complicated, huh?" Jack raised an eyebrow, smirking. "You sure it's just complicated? You ain't fallin' for her, are you?"

Bobby shrugged, trying to play it cool, but he couldn't help the smile spreading across his face. "I mean, she's cute and smart. Plus, she gets my jokes. But with her brother in that gang, I gotta tread carefully."

"Yeah, you better watch it, man. You start catchin' feelings for her, and next thing you know, you'll be in deep trouble," Jack warned, shaking his head. "I don't want to be bailing you out of no beef, you feel me?"

"Trust me, I get it," Bobby replied, leaning back in his seat. "But I can't help it. She's got this vibe, ya know? It's like when she smiles, the whole world lights up."

"Dude, you're whipped already!" Jack laughed, shaking his head. "Just don't forget about us when you're all lovey-dovey, alright?"

Bobby grinned, playfully nudging Jack. "Please, I'll always have time for my brothers. But if you catch me slippin', just remind me I'm still the king of these streets, even if I'm tryin' to be smooth with Daniella."

With that, they resumed their game, the camaraderie between them as strong as ever. As Bobby focused on the screen, he couldn't shake the feeling that navigating love and loyalty would be a challenge, but he was ready to face whatever came his way, especially if it meant winning Daniella's heart.