The fighting lasted for years. Then came middle school. He still teased her and she still sabotaged him until the day came that he found her crying behind the gym, suffering a broken heart from a boy who dated her just for a laugh.

"Who is he," he asked, pulling her close as she cried into his shoulder. "I'll ruin him."

He did just that. The following day at lunch with her standing a few feet behind he marched up to the boy, breaking his nose with a well-aimed punch and no forewarning.

"If you ever hurt her again, I'll give you more than just a broken nose. No one is allowed to mess with her except me."

He didn't wait for the aid to send him to the principal's office. Instead, he marched off toward it himself, slowing only when she grabbed his arm to mutter, "thank you."