Getting through the night [Lana tries to write]

A little something about Minz's and Wolf's teen years. For context: "Al" is Minz, his legal name is very different (and very archaic, because family's obsession with cultural preservation in the cyberpunk age).

"Seems like you won!"

Wolf didn't hear that. The noise from the kitchen, which included broken glass, swearing, and drunken laughter, distracted him. Despite Al's best efforts to keep his younger brother engaged and focused, Wolf struggled to concentrate on the game.

Al gathered the cards and placed them in a box. He has heard the noise too, and he knows what it means. When Wolf was a child, it was easier to have his full and undivided attention. He didn't worry about drunk father and his shenanigans. And, to be fair, Dad wasn't interested much in hurting Wolf either. But things have changed.

Hitting the gym and getting into martial arts was difficult, yet rewarding. Al knew why he needed to do it. He had to protect Wolle, no matter the cost. And as time went on, he became more and more confident in the fights with his father. Now he was strong enough to keep the bastard at bay. Oh, how wonderful it was to send him flying across the hall! Al was so proud of himself!

But he never forgot that Siegbert doesn't take defeats easily. And he will always seek revenge. Being a winner is set in his name.

"You remember what you have to do if… when things escalate, don't you?"

Wolf nodded, "Hide in the closet. Be quiet. Do not try to help you."

"And when I am down?"

"You mean…"

Yes, Al meant it. He knew he might end up dead because fights became more and more brutal. He already had a few serious injuries, but Max was helping to treat them. Well, if not for Max, things would get much, much worse. He even tried to contact authorities regarding the situation, but let's be real: nobody cares. Al was a fast learner, and it didn't take long for him to understand that he only had himself. If anyone could protect Wolf, it was him. He was willing to risk his life to ensure Wolf's safety.

"Yes. If Siegbert kills me."

"I… I have to leave the house as soon as possible and get to uncle Max. He will help me."

"Good."

Swearing and unsteady steps were closer now. Al checked the door; it was closed and reinforced with the chair. It will not stop Siegbert if he wants to get inside, but it's still better than nothing.

BANG! BANG!

And it starts. Al watched Wolf hide in the closet and walked to the door.

"You whoreson, open the fucking door!"

"It's 2 AM, you drunken pig! Leave me alone!"

The banging and swearing continued. Al crossed his arms on the chest, looking at the shaking door. It's sturdy. It should be fine.

"Let me in, you shitbag! Why are you staying up so late at night? What are you doing there?"

"How am I supposed to sleep with you screeching at my door, you moron?! Leave. Me. Alone!"

Banging became much less energetic. If Al withstands a bit more, Siegbert will fall asleep, and they will be safe during the night.

Just a little bit longer.

"I… I will beat the living shit out of you. How dare you dismiss me like that? How dare you talk to me like that?"

SLAM!

Now this was bad. The door cracked. A few more slams and it will be done. The last line of defense will be destroyed. Al weighed his options and decided to open the door. They still need it.

There will be no talking when he opens, though. And he must be ready to strike first. He has a long list of advantages; now he only needs to use them right.

Little did Al know that now it's not about a fist-to-fist fight. Siegbert had a knife. And what's worse—he had an intention.