#he dumps her right before. she decides she’s going to go anyway and wear a suit while she’s at it.

[joysmercer]

WHY DOES SHE KNOW WHO I AM WHY DOES SHE GIVE A DAMN ABOUT ME

[forthevillains]

Ok so here’s my idea… came from a video where a man hires a “wife” and pretends to have a loving family in order to get a promotion from his boss. The “wife” decides to play along and even refuses to get paid for it. The man falls in love with her eventually cause she’s so kind to him.

So i was thinking… what if Wesker had to hire someone to be his significant other to attend a big event/party held by Umbrella? Then he fell in love with her? Imagine he was forced to participate but didn’t expect to meet his love in a boring party 😭

This sounds crazy and kinda cringe but this got me so excited lol

I wanted to write something like that for so long so I feel u! I added a few things to make it work in my head so I hope you don’t mind🫶 (I wrote this while being sick so if anything doesn’t make sense, I apologize)

It was a very important evening to all workers of Umbrella. Everyone was invited and well, the more known they were, the more important their presence would be. Everyone was allowed and not just that - they were expected to bring their other halves, significant others. Wesker wouldn’t care at first. He didn’t want to come anyway, he thought of it as a waste of time, so why should he care? Though when he tried to talk to Spencer, to convince him that he could use that time to work on the research instead, it was to no avail. All Spencer did was tell him to bring some girl too.

Wesker’s annoyance and anger got the best of him. If people thought of him as grumpy before, he’s become an absolute Satan now. Especially when he got to know that he’s to take a woman to the party. Why would he do that anyway? He doesn’t have one, he doesn’t need one, it all sounded so stupid. Is he supposed to find a girlfriend that quick only to dump her as soon as it’s over? No that would be even more stupid.

Wesker knew he had to appear eventually and if he was to do so, he needed someone to act as his partner. An act is all it has to be…

Suddenly an idea popped into his mind. A genius one to be exact. He never thought that he’d come to do something like that, but the opportunity like this could not be wasted. If he didn’t have a spouse, he would simply hire one. And who would be better for the job than someone he already knows? Someone who’s worked for him for a while undercover, someone who always gets the job done - you.

"What the fuck did you just say?!” You nearly choked on your coffee when Wesker informed you about the situation through the phone.

"Just one night, you’re going to act like a girlfriend of mine, be nice to whoever talks to you and at least pretend to have manners. That shouldn’t be a problem, right?” He explains once more, his lips curving into a wicked smile at your reaction. You two weren’t on best terms exactly, but he was willing to pay how much you asked and you were willing to do any filthy job for him. You worked perfectly fine, however only as partners at work.

"I’m an agent, Wesker, not some of your whor-“

"How much do you want, dear?“ he interrupted you. He knew you couldn’t say no to such an easy job. All you wanted was money and he was willing to deliver. So you agreed, though you knew he wouldn’t make it easy for you.

You two made the deal and of course, he wouldn’t let you drown in your own questions about the evening, so you were properly informed, even gifted what you were to wear.

For the whole evening you tried not to leave Wesker’s side. As if he’d let you anyway. You knew what Umbrella was and if you felt anything apart from disgust as you entered, hand in hand with the head researcher, it was curiosity. You were nervous, yet made sure to be observant. It was your first time in there, although you’ve been working with Wesker for a while.

It didn’t take much time for people to notice you, their gazes not leaving you for even a second as realization of who you’re there with hit them. Some of them whispered to each other, some just stared in a surprise. It’s not like anyone would expect Albert Wesker himself to be close to someone, especially in a romantic kind of way. He was a loner, someone who didn’t trust anybody apart from himself, who only talked to two people more than was necessary.

Soon you met a few other scientists and you could feel how Albert was tense as he held you, his arm around your waist, gripping onto you tightly whenever someone was talking to you. You looked at him each time he did that only to find out that he was paying you no other attention. Or so you thought.

It was only about time you let loose finding out that there was no catch as you might’ve thought at first. You’ve began to seek fun instead of possible threats. Though when you were ready to leave Albert’s side he only tightened his grip on you, stopping you immediately.

"What do you want now?” You raised an eyebrow.

"You’re staying here with me like a good loving girlfriend would,” Wesker immediately replied.

"Oh right… I should’ve expected that if you had a girlfriend you’d treat her like a dog.” Your words were harsh and inappropriate, but that was the way you are - honest whenever you could. And since no one could hear the two of you as you kept the distance, you said what was on your mind.

"How I would treat a woman is none of your concerns. You’re staying here.” What you didn’t know is that he wanted you by his side to avoid any unnecessary interaction with others. There were too many people that despised him and it wouldn’t be far from truth that he felt the same way towards them, if not even worse. He needed you, you were the most comfort he could have there even if you were just an agent who happened to work for him.

"Albert! I-I mean we have been looking for you.” It’s no surprise that William with his wife appeared, but it almost made you jump, which made them turn towards you. "And who is this?”

Wesker let you introduce yourself on your own, to make it more difficult for you, grinning at you the whole time. It was quite entertaining seeing you struggle with saying out loud that you’re his girlfriend. You surely needed a shot after that. And this time, he even let you go. Which was probably not the best idea. You didn’t get too drunk, but enough to be a little tipsy.

You roamed around like a lost puppy, telling yourself that you were looking for toilets, but deep inside you knew you just grew more curious knowing this place is free for you to explore without any restraints. However Albert never really let you out of his sight. His shades were very good at hiding his eyes so that no one knew he wasn’t listening to them at all, that he didn’t even look them in the eyes as he shook their hands. You were his girlfriend for the day and he would not risk anything knowing how much you loved to play games with him. Even though he loved it too…

When you disappeared in the hallway, he was right behind you, immediately pinning you to the nearest wall. "Where do you think you’re going, dearheart?”

You gasped at the impact and looked up at him. "I needed to pee,” you said.

Wesker looked you up and down, thinking whether to trust you or not. But no matter how hard he tried to do just that, his eyes got stuck on how beautiful the dress made you look, especially in the cleavage area.

"My eyes are up here, Wesker,” you frowned. You maybe couldn’t see his eyes but you sure felt his burning gaze on your skin and the way his head was tilted downwards also hinted where he was really looking.

"Really?” Now he looked into your eyes and you wished nothing more than to see his own in that moment. Drunk or not, you’d always appreciate Wesker when he wasn’t acting like a grumpy old man.

He leaned forward, his nose brushing against your cheek lightly, before he whispered "I apologize, my dear, I didn’t know.” His words sent shivers down your spine and you tried to make a step back, even though you were so close to the wall it almost hurt your back. That made him smirk.

Wesker was never a touchy person, but right now, after he had few glasses of wine himself, he couldn’t resist the way you looked, not only talking about how good you smelled. And you were all his, for this night at least. Before you got the chance to ask him what the hell is he doing, he gently kissed your cheek, his lips slowly moving towards your jaw. He found it adorable when you threw your head back to give him more access, sliding a hand to your lower back to support your trembling body.

"This wasn’t part of the deal,” you choked out, trying your best to not let out any sound of pleasure.

"I feel like this is what couples do, though. Don’t you think so too?” His mouth moved even lower, his tongue caressing your skin before he nibbled at your neck lightly, drawing another gasp out of you. He felt unprofessional, he was suddenly nothing but a man in need. How the hell did you taste so sweet?

He began to kiss your neck, too caught up in the moment, in how good you tasted. His teeth kept grazing your skin, over and over again, teasing you, leaving you scared whether he would sink them into your neck like a vampire or not. You didn’t even want to think about it, because if you did - you’d probably come to conclusion that you like it.

Though, instead of sinking his teeth into you, he sucked in your delicate skin, forcing a moan out of you. It flattered him, it really did. The way you squirmed in his arms, the way your heartbeat quickened, breath ragged and pupils dilated… He was too caught up in all that, he got carried away (or maybe he did it on purpose).

Suddenly an echo of steps could be heard and he was forced to pull away from you, as a few of his co-workers walked by, already giving the two of you disgusted looks. Wesker only nodded at them to get going before turning back to you.

"That was a mistake.” He spoke, breathless, one of his palms already on your cheek, gently caressing it. And it meant one thing - he didn’t mean the words. All of his actions sold him out. No matter what he’d say, it wouldn’t save him now. No matter how calm he acted.

You were a totally different case though, your head was dizzy and you couldn’t tell if what just happened was real or a dream. You felt like you were floating, but still, you nodded. "We should… get back,” you then muttered and tried to make a step forward, but your knees failed you and you almost fell to the ground. If it wasn’t for your boyfriend for the night who quickly caught you. "Sorry.” You only added. He couldn’t comprehend whether it was the alcohol or his doings that got you like that, but he somehow found it cute. But you could never know, he was too good at hiding his own feelings.

When you got back, it was all the same, except for a few details that you probably wouldn’t even be able to catch. Wesker’s hold on you was firm, yet gentle, his gaze kept drifting towards you as he scanned your body language to know if you’re alright. He was trying to see if the moment the two of you had did leave a mark on you only physically or also mentally. He wanted to know how you felt. But he wouldn’t dare ask, not in front of all these people. So he just waited for the end of the night. Only taking in how beautiful you looked, how well you talked your way out of all the questions even with alcohol in your system. He truly admired your talents, how well you worked with people. Though what he enjoyed the most was your warmth. Something he hasn’t felt for a while as he was a workaholic, with no time for lovers, not even affairs. He thought he didn’t need physical touch, but your body next to his felt perhaps too good.

Finally, it was over. You were able to say goodbyes to the very few people that dared approach you, before the two of you finally left the building, both glad it was finally over. The silence between you was uncomfortable, tense and even though you wanted to speak up, you were afraid of making it all just worse. You might’ve talked your way out of discussions about opinions on animal or human testing, but for sure you couldn’t find one good word in a conversation with the man beside you.

Only when you two entered the car, Wesker in driver’s seat and you in passenger seat, then he sighed in relief as it was just the two of you. And that alone made you speak up.

"Don’t say anything, whatever it is, I don’t wanna talk about it, I’m too done for that,” you say before he has the chance to say anything and for once he gives up, knowing that it must’ve been draining for you. Especially knowing that you hate special occasions and tight dresses. But you still did it, for him. And also for money, but that didn’t really seem that important to you as you’ve actually quite enjoyed his company (you wouldn’t admit it though).

Wesker started the car and let you be without any other words. He wanted to give you space after what happened and so he did. You were quick to fall asleep in your seat, making it easier for him to look at you without being seen at all. His eyes kept drifting towards your neck the most and it took all his self control not to grin at the hickeys. God did he want to do it again.

His first intentions were to bring you to your house and drop you off in there, but as you slept in the seat next to him, he changed his mind. You were going home with him whether you liked it or not. He paid you for the whole night anyway, so you couldn’t say a word against it even if you were awake.

If you were still asleep when he got home, he’d carefully take you in his arms and carry you all the way to his bed. You might wake up alone the next day, but you’d surely know who was the one to take care of you. And even though he wouldn’t dare admit any feelings towards you just yet, he’s surely going to be way more gentle with you from now on…

[imraespace]

LIFE'S HARD WHEN YOU'RE INLOVE ─

─ WITH RIN ITOSHI !!

This morning made you completely forget about what happened. Tonight, you're in your bed thinking about it, repeating over and over in your mind.

Why you?

You curled up in a ball, turning to the side, and stared at your bedside table, where that book rests.

You're hurting, but you haven't let go of the feeling you have for him. He hurt you, he doesn't like you. So why are these feelings still here? Seems like he bewitched you.

Sometimes, you think of the days when you haven't read that book if you haven't stared at that boy in class that made your mind spiral down into this mess.

But sadly.. It's too late for that, everything has changed and soon, you might have to as well. It sucks yes, but if this is how you feel you might as well put in some effort into your feelings and those around you from now on.

So at 8:23 PM, you fell asleep with a new mindset, maybe Rin's harsh words opened your eyes to the harsh reality of changing.. and love?

Joy and pain wrapped up all in one package━ maybe that's what love is.

Such a new feeling to you.

"NOOO, PUT ME DOWNN!"

Well, you thought you were going to change..

"C'mon Y/N! It's just football!" Meguru exclaimed, pulling you off your bed.

Yet again, Meguru Bachira is in your room, pulling you out of bed at least this time you're wearing your glasses!

"HE BROKE MY HEART ON THE FIELD, I DON'T WANNA GO THERE!" You yelled out, at 8:09 AM.

Outside of the room, in the living room, stood Hyoma, Yoichi, and your two roommates.

"I've never heard her like this before.. weird." Reo muttered.

"Girls are weird." Seishiro followed up.

Hyoma stared at the duo with a blank look.

"No wonder they're single." He thought.

His judging thoughts were poofed away when his eyes landed on Meguru walking into the room with you over his shoulder, like a sack of potatoes.

"She needs to bathe, shove her in the bathroom," Reo ordered, pushing Yoichi towards Meguru and yourself.

"Wait what-"

"Alright!" Meguru replied, marching to the bathroom, with Yoichi running behind.

Here you are, dumped in the bathtub, followed by Yoichi throwing in some clothes for you as they both run out of the bathroom, making it known that they're present right outside of the door, waiting for you to finish.. Well, mostly Meguru demanding you to hurry.

You sighed at the predicament you've found yourself in.

Then Meguru said something.

"If we dragged you out, unwashed, what will Rin think if he sees.. or worse! Smells you!"

You blinked at his words and soon after, the boys outside the bathroom heard the sounds of a shower being turned on.

"No way that worked.." Yoichi mumbled.

"Of course it did!"

Well, at least Meguru came to the agreement that you like him. Now he's using it to his advantage it seems.

Your bath was quick, but efficient, scrubbing almost everywhere on your body, brushing your teeth like twice.. is that even healthy? Anyways, you wore the outfit Yoichi picked out for you and surprisingly, you like it!

Soon later, the boys from outside almost fell when you opened the door, steam from the shower hitting them in their face as you stood there, smelling the soap from a mile away.

"Dang.. At least you're clean.." Yoichi said, covering his face from the steam.

Finally! The um family of friends? Whatever, you all finally made it out of the house!

It was midday and the reason why Meguru decided to make you play football, was simply because it makes him happy, so it will make you happy!

Which is cute, but you swear if you step foot on a field you might get flashbacks of that day.

Maybe Seishiro noticed, or perhaps this is Seishiro being Seishiro. He tapped your shoulder a bit causing you to turn in his direction.

"Yes?"

He pointed in a direction, holding his phone in his other hand. Your eyes followed the direction and your eyes landed on an ice cream stand!

Your face lit up after seeing the sweet treats being sold and dragged Sei with you to get it. The others stopped in their tracks after noticing that the lazy duo had disappeared and saw you both running to the ice cream stand, well actually it's you dragging Seishiro to it but whatever!

They all caught up and now they're buying you ice cream like good friends!

You waited by yourself, staring at the busy street as people passed by, conversing with their peers or just enjoying the Sunday sun. It's a rare sight for you, but everytime you witness it, it lightens up your mood.

Enjoying the peace, your eyes then landed on familiar faces. Isn't that Aryu? And Yukimiya? And.. RIN? WAIT-

First, you were surprised that your eyes landed on him, then it turned into fear as you witnessed his almost death.

Rin, a normal teenager, was counting his money after existing a shop. Then suddenly a bill went flying into the street! Who wouldn't chase after their money?

Yet Rin failed to notice the incoming car, which collided with him, causing him to roll on the top of the car, and onto the road.

Nothing could beat the expression you had on your face right now!

Yet he got up like it was an everyday thing.. Hm, nonchalant and strong, that seems to be your type.

Your mixture of thoughts popped when his eyes landed on you.

His annoyance skyrocketed to the moon and back yet you ignored his expression.

"Um.. are you okay?"

He scoffed at your question and was about to lash out at you until Yoichi came up behind you with ice cream in his hand.

"Y/N- oh it's you."

Rin eyes landed on the boy behind you, then landed back on you.

His mind went back to those notes, was it some joke?

"What-"

"Calm down.. she didn't mean anything bad, and plus it's the weekend, Y/N can be outside if she wants to," Yoichi answered Rin's question for you.

He rolled his eyes and then walked away, continuing on with his day.

"Yo, I think I witnessed something crazy."

"Huh?"

"Nothing.. ice cream?"

"Here."

After that mini meet-up with the undead- Rin, Meguru began to lead you to the football field, the one they all practice at.

Finally, the main reason why they dragged you out of the house. A football field.

All ice creams were long eaten and Meguru grabbed a ball out from his bag.

He pulled on your arm and dragged you onto the grassy field, placing you on the opposite side while he ran away to the other.

He placed the ball on the grass and then simply kicked it towards you.

The ball rolled towards you, stopping at your feet as your eyes followed it.

"C'MON, KICK IT!" Meguru yelled from his side.

You stared at the ball for a while, then softly kicked it back at him.

Meguru was now grinning from ear to ear as it rolled back to him.

This time, he kicked with a bit more force, as the ball came towards you with a bit more speed.

"KICK IT A BIT HARDER NOW!"

You stared at the boy who yelled at you for a moment, then back at the ball.

What was the point of this?

You kicked the ball, with too much force this time, catching your friend off guard as he landed in his face.

"Oh oops.." You muttered, running towards him.

Your spectators laughed at the random turn of events, running up to Meguru as well.

"I'M SORRY!"

Yet he was laughing.

"It's okay, let's play more!" He laughed out, holding his nose.

For some reason, you felt relaxed. You don't have any interest in the sport, you don't know how to play the sport but seeing their happy faces as you enjoyed the hobby they love so dearly made you enjoy the silly moment you have here.

So that's how you, someone who sleeps in all day, found herself on the football field kicking a ball around with her friends, laughing all the worries away.

When your foot collides with the ball, watching it fly away into the goal, it reminds you of letting go of certain feelings and as it enters the goal, is when you feel happy with the results.

Maybe you should let go of the feeling of guilt you had for Rin. Apologize to him for the misunderstandings and confusion you caused him. The ball will enter the goal when you do just exactly that and maybe the guilt will go as well.

Maybe you're seeing football a bit differently from the others.

Hm, maybe if you have some worries, you will kick around a ball to let go of them.

━ 6:23 PM

Somehow, you all met up with not only the almost team, but others FROM the opposite team.

Twice, you got asked for your number.

One was from Otoya, you told him okay, but openly friendzoned him on accident.

The second was from the person you called old, Aiku or something.

"Do I know you?" You asked him.

"Well- No but I can change it for you."

You had no clue he was flirting with you.

Meguru, who is quite nosey, pointed out how they witnessed him and two girls arguing alone.

You gasped, then agreed to give him your number so he could give the details. I mean, who doesn't like gossip?

In the end, they both got turned down either way.

But you met new people and made friends with some of them, something you always wanted.

To your surprise, you got a tad closer to Barou, playing bowling with him while he was complaining about your every move, yet he didn't push you away.

Maybe he sees you as he sees his younger sisters?

Odd bond, but the others came and worsened his mood.

You gave him a small thumbs up as you walked away to sit down, watching the others join in his fun.

He raised his eyebrows at your gesture, gritting his teeth nevertheless.

You stared at those in front of you, realizing that they are going to be in your school year from now on.

SHOEI BAROU (18) :

He may appear a bit selfish and arrogant, to everyone, including yourself, but who said he won't lend an ear out to your weird teenage girl complaints?

11 // 13

note: i wish i had an older brother like barou.. mine has his attitude but hes just disgusting and plays league all day.. also yippee pink theme!

TAGLIST: @deezy12299 @kuroronana @khoiyyu @swagkittybear @shidousprincess @starbarfbunni @jealovsie @imtiredmf @hainge (OPEN)

! if you didn't get tag, that means your acc didn't show up :(

-`♥︎´- for this story, i'm trying a something new, which includes words/phrases, foods and hometowns from japan and germany. if there's any errors please point it out !

-`♥︎´- word count : 1.7K

[warping-realities]

Rich People Problems

This was my tribute to the works of the incredible @callmecallmecrazy (seriously, what are you doing that you haven't read the legend yet?) and the no less amazing dumb-and-jocked, if you're reading this bro know that we all miss you immensely!

Repost with new images and minimal changes to the story.

.....

Cris sighed for what felt like an eternity before stepping into the luxurious and refined ballroom of the Country Club. This was going to be a painful experience. An engagement party, out of the blue. His mother, Carol, had been widowed a few years back and since then had thrown herself into her work as a lawyer. She was a staunch defender of human rights, fighting hard in court for the less fortunate. Cris greatly admired his mom's work and never judged her for her absences; what she did changed lives, and from an early age, he understood the importance of her work. Even so, because of that, he had always been a lonely kid—absent father, distant mother, and a social awkwardness that kept him from making lasting friendships. Books were his greatest companions, ranging from children's classics to true masterpieces, and it was through reading complex political works that he decided to become a journalist to fight against the ills and injustices of the world, just like his mom.

So, you can imagine Cris's enormous surprise when he found out that his mother had decided to marry the notorious multimillionaire Archibald Sutterland III, a guy with a rep for being a hard-ass boss and totally averse to workers' rights. “The Third,” muttered Cris with disdain. Rich people and their pretentious names, he thought, rolling his eyes as he stepped into the room.

He walked through the place, crawling with pretentious people, all dressed to the nines, casting judgmental looks his way. But he didn’t let it get to him; this was, after all, his mom’s engagement, and he’d wear whatever the hell he wanted. Not that he had time to find “appropriate” clothes for the occasion. Having been snatched by a couple of giant security guards from his college dorm earlier that day, bundled into a private jet, and taken to a stately mansion, where a pompous outfit awaited him on the bed of a room bigger than his former home, he decided to ignore the getup despite the protests of his “guardians,” who, finally defeated, dumped him in a freaking limousine and dropped him off in a place that felt totally alien and hostile to him.

“How does crap like this even happen?” he muttered to himself as he searched for his mother, determined to confront her about this madness. Speaking of madness… he finally spotted her, standing by the bar, wearing a dress he could never have imagined, a goofy smile plastered on her face. Just one more piece of info for the list of absurdities of the day.

“Mom? What the hell is going on?” he asked irritably.

“Cristhian, my dear, I'm glad you made it in time! But what are you wearing? Archibald made it clear to the staff that you should be handled properly!”

“Handled? What the hell, Mom! I'm not some puppy to be 'led' around. And what the fuck is going on anyway? What ridiculous idea of marriage is this?”

“Just be quiet, please, Cristhian. Don't embarrass me in front of the society.”

“And since when do you care about ‘society?’” he said, emphasizing the word with obvious disdain. Forcing a smile in hopes no one noticed the altercation, his mother pulled him aside as she spoke.

“Calm down, let’s talk…”

….

Watching the scene from afar was Archibald Sutterland III, accompanied by his longtime partner and friend, Forrest Gordon-Lenox IV.

“You have to admit, the boy’s got some flair, Archie.” Forrest was one of the few allowed to use that nickname since they’d known each other since childhood, but only when they were alone.

“I should’ve seen it coming that the boy inherited some of his mother’s fire, but if I’ve molded her into an impeccable example of a woman, believe me, I’ll get the brat out of the way. In fact, I think this might be the perfect opportunity to test my own heir,” he said as he saw a handsome young man approaching.

“Good evening, Father. Good evening, Mr. Gordon-Lenox. Looks like Carol is having some issues with her son,” said the handsome muscular blond young man with a mischievous smile on his face.

“Good evening, Chadwick. Your father and I were just talking about your future brother’s peculiar ways.”

“Chadwick, the time has come. I could do it myself, but soon you’ll graduate, and you'll need to step up. I don’t care much for society gossip, but something like this could have negative repercussions on business. So I need you to take care of the kid.”

“Yes, Father, with the greatest pleasure,” replied the young man with a sneaky smile.

….

“Mom, it feels like I’ve walked into a bad adaptation of Stepford Wives! This makes no sense. How can you drop everything, years of career, to marry an old man and become a housewife?”

“If I were you, I’d be very careful with words spoken in such an environment, my friend,” said a sassy voice. Turning around, startled, Cris came face to face with a handsome young man in a light blue suit, matching his eyes, which were currently assessing him with a predatory look.

“Who the hell are you?”

“I’m Chadwick Sutterland.”

“So what…?”

“So what, friend, if we’re going to be brothers, we might as well agree on some things.”

“Brothers???”

“Chadwick is Archibald’s son, Cristhian, so after the wedding, he’ll be your brother.”

“How wonderful,” replied Cris, exasperated.

“Indeed, I think we’re going to get along just fine, Cristhian.”

“I wouldn’t bet on it!”

“Cristhian! Enough of that!” Carol whispered, anguished.

“Let me handle this, Carol. Your son and I just got off on the wrong foot, but let’s fix this together. Cristhian, can’t you at least try this for your mom?” Chadwick concluded in an accusatory tone. Seeing the anguish on the face of the most important woman in his life, Cris relented.

“Okay, since it looks like this craziness is going to happen anyway… but I’m not wearing that pompous crap.” He responded, disdainfully eyeing his future “brother’s” attire, not caring if it offended him.

“Apparently, someone always has to be on top. I think I’ll call you Topper, brother, and since we’re among bros, you can call me Chad.”

“You can call me whatever you want; this ‘brotherly’ relationship won’t last long. So come on, I need a drink.”

“Excellent, follow me, please. Carol, if you’ll excuse us!” Chadwick finished, dragging Cris with him across the hall.

….

“Drink this, bro,” said Chad, handing Cris a glass of bourbon. He had pulled him into a locker room near the Club’s gym. The pompous and polite demeanor faded, replaced by a relaxed attitude and carefree vocabulary, which made Cris’s initial dislike for the guy diminish considerably.

“What you need to understand, now that you’re joining our circle, is that appearances are everything—the way you talk, the way you carry yourself, the way you dress… so this behavior won't help you Topper!” He continued, using that stupid nickname, apparently a bond between brothers or something, and no matter how much Cris protested, Chadwick was Chad, and Cristhian was Topper. After some failed attempts, Cris finally stopped objecting; after all, he intended to have as little contact as possible with Chad after that night.

“I don’t give a crap about that, Chad. My mom can commit this madness if that’s what she wants, which I still have a hard time believing. But once tonight’s circus is over, I’m going back to college without looking back.”

“I understand your indignation; I was also blindsided by my dad’s decision. My mom passed away less than a year ago. So understand, you’re not the only one upset here, bro. But my father is used to getting what he wants, and he wants your mother. He met her a few months back in court, oddly enough. She argued her case against one of our companies with such ferocity that it warmed something in the old man’s icy heart. Since then, he’s been courting her relentlessly until she accepted the proposal last week. It might’ve seemed sudden, but as I told you, my dad gets what he wants, when he wants,” concluded the boy, bitterness creeping into his voice. This earned him a few more points with Cristhian. Maybe not everyone there was that awful. But still full of indignation he continued to complain.

“I don’t understand why my mom didn’t tell me anything; it’s not like her.”

“Bro, you know how women are; no one can predict their crap.”

To avoid an unwanted discussion with someone he was trying to create some kind of sympathy with, Cris let the sexist comment slide.

“Still, I don’t understand why I need to wear this!” he said, looking at a suit identical to his future “brother’s.”

“Appearances, brother. Coming here poorly dressed not only tarnishes you, but also your mom, my dad, and our family name. Come on, try it; I bet you’ll feel a lot better.”

With one last sigh, Cris began to undress. As he prepared to put on the pompous outfit he suddenly found himself very close to a grinning Chad, holding a bright red gem in his hand.

“Not yet, Topper; first, we need to make some changes.”

The stone began to emit an intense glow. Afraid of what he was seeing, Cristhian tried to escape. But suddenly, his legs went rigid and immobile, as if glued to the ground.

“What the hell is going on? What are you doing?”

“Silence, now is your time to listen. You will only speak when I say so.” Cris felt his lips tighten, not painfully, but still totally unable to form a sentence; his vocal cords incapacitated from producing any sound.

“I like you, Topper, really, you’ve got some guts. I think we could still be real brothers. But the way things are, it won't work. Do you know why? Because of what you are. Or what the people who matter think you are. And do you know what they think, Topper? I’m sure many in that hall looked at you and thought: a nobody. But what they haven’t thought of is what you really are—an opportunity.” Chad continued, grinning with a disturbing glint in his eyes, reflecting the gem strange glow.

“Have a seat,” he said, pointing to a bench. And Cris felt compelled to sit down, the movement returning to his legs. But when he tried to turn and run, he ended up sitting right where Chad instructed him.

“Such a good boy,” sneered Chad, the red gem held in his hand.

“You know what that is, Topper? That’s why your fierce mother became a trophy wife-to-be. And that’s also the key to the future—mine and yours, bro. So I guess I owe this version of you an explanation.

“This stone has been in my family for generations, passed down from father to son, ensuring our lineage, our money, and our name continue to live on. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the reason old Dorrance Sutterland, the founder of our line, got his passage on the Mayflower. But I confess, for some generations, the Sutterland men have used it for more… mundane purposes. When you have everything money can buy, it’s hard to find something that really needs the use of this little beauty.”

“I didn’t lie to you when I said my dad met your mom in court a few months ago; that’s the absolute truth. And I wasn’t lying when I said he tried to woo her either; he did… but was rebuffed, which only ignited the fury inside him even more. And the more the fire inside my father grew, the more the desire to dominate and extinguish his mother’s flame consumed him.”

“You see, this stone has power over reality itself; there’s nothing it can’t do, with few limitations. The curious thing is that my dad doesn’t know this; my grandfather never told him all its potential. To him, it’s only capable of influencing people’s minds, shaping their wills, and even redefining their personalities. But he never suspected it could do so much more.”

“It’s all because my dad has always been a huge jerk. With his stupid rules, his obsession with control, his insufferable rigidity—and the biggest problem of all, his boredom. My grandfather would’ve loved to use the stone on him, but that wasn’t possible; that’s one of the limitations of the stone’s power—it doesn’t work on men of our lineage. We’re the only ones who can use it, but never on ourselves, although there are some interesting ways to at least partially circumvent these rules. Furthermore, each Sutterland man can use it only once in his lifetime.”

“So, my grandfather was forced to live with his boring son, who, despite having a great knack for finances, always showed a total inability to enjoy the pleasures of our way of life. So, as a small form of revenge, he withheld essential info from my father but told me everything, as I was a much better heir to our legacy.”

“My father used his chance with the stone to turn your mother into his trophy wife, Topper. After all the speeches, all the scolding, all the talk of responsibility, he used the stone to win over a woman, just a few months after my mother died! How undignified is that? And when he refused to hand me the stone, he even had the audacity to repeat the usual litany.”

“The same litany that isolated me my whole life, that prevented me from having a true friendship, from living the life I’m entitled to. For my dad, everything I wanted was frivolous; everything was a waste. And everyone looked at me with pity, pity for the poor rich boy. Of course, my peers accepted me and never had the heart to do anything to me; I’m a Sutherland, and that name means a lot. But not even that name can create a real bond. Maybe if my dad had put me in a boarding school, things would’ve been different; maybe some real friendship could’ve been established. But no, I needed to be under his constant surveillance.”

“While my buddies are enjoying their holidays in Ibiza or the Alps, I’m stuck sitting next to him in a dusty office! Even my frat brothers, as much as they talk about the unbreakable bond that unites us, don’t really see me as one of the guys; they respect my name and my position, but it’s clear I’m among them because I’m a legacy. Can you imagine how it feels to see all your ‘brothers’ getting ready for Spring Break, knowing you won’t be able to make it? My dad denied me not only my grandfather’s name but also the opportunity to live my life the way it should be lived by our people—with respect for traditions, sure, but above all, with fun. Yes, with fun! What’s the point of having mountains of money if you can’t enjoy yourself? That’s all I want, Topper—fun!

“You don’t have the slightest idea how much I wanted to get my hands on the stone, but the old man took precautions to keep it away from me, as if I didn’t have my own means. And today, thanks to this outrageous engagement dinner, I finally managed to get my hands on it. And thanks to you, Topper, I’m finally going to find a way to enjoy my life the way I deserve!”

So, put a metaphorical smile on that face because you’ll be enjoying everything with me, bro!” he sighed, concluding his long villainous monologue with a maniacal grin.

Christian, motionless, lips sealed, listened to all that madness, unable to believe it. That was impossible. But so was his current situation. And the story, as absurd as it was, provided an explanation for his mother’s altered behavior. Still, that was all impossible, wasn’t it?

“My grandfather informed my father of specific rules and ways of speaking and ordering the stone, instilling a fear of what might happen if those safeguards were not used, in addition to the obvious omission of its full power. My grandfather was diligent in his revenge, Topper. Thanks to him, my dad lost his chance to achieve something truly extraordinary, but I won’t lose mine. The stone doesn’t need specific and detailed orders; those things only limit its functioning. It’s intimately connected to the deepest desires of its bearer, so just ask, and it will provide. Goodbye, Cristhian; welcome, Topper, bro!” he concluded.

The stone began to emit an intense red glow in great waves, which, in Cristhian’s vision, seemed to distort everything around him, with Chad’s hand becoming a blur.

“That shit was real,” was his last coherent thought before being enveloped by the red light.

…..

Memories came in waves—totally alien to his identity but intrusive, forcing their way in. Two blonde toddlers, so alike you’d think they were twins, in an elegant living room, arguing animatedly about whose father owned the bigger yacht, eliciting giggles from two pretty blonde women, their mothers.

“Yes, he and Chad knew each other from the cradle. No, no, what the hell was that?”

“Their mothers were best friends, college roommates, and in the same sorority, and their fathers had common business interests, so it was natural that the friendship extended to their kids.”

“No, his father had been a college professor, not a businessman, and his mother had never been in a sorority. And for God’s sake, what kind of spoiled brat talks like that?”

Seemingly the same kind of kid who spends their afternoons on the tennis courts at the Country Club while their parents excitedly discuss business. Occasionally pausing to flash an approving smile in his direction, in Cris’s… Topper’s case. Or a stern look in Chad’s.

“Uncle Archibald was always a pain in the ass, but spending time with Chad and Dad was awesome.” It was the thought that popped into Cris’s head while that memory solidified.

Thinking about his father brought up an old and painful memory of Cris, which was quickly overridden by the overwhelming power of the stone. The memory of a thin, brown-haired boy, on a cold winter afternoon, feeling lost and alone was replaced by that of a blonde boy, physically active but with the same feelings of sadness marking his face. But that gradually faded when he felt his best friend’s hand on his shoulder, a warm feeling spreading through his body, knowing he had someone with him.

Although that feeling was interrupted by a flash of irritation when he saw his “Uncle” Archibald whisper something in his mother’s ear. His father had just died, and there was ambitious old Archie harassing his widow, no doubt imagining a way to cash in.

Cris struggled with the conflicting and confused feelings inside him; he knew that none of that was real—not the anger at a man he didn’t know, not that great friendship, not that warmth. But at the same time, it would’ve been nice to have a friend by his side when his father passed away… it had been so nice…

After his father’s death, Cris became responsible, at least in name, for the family’s legacy. His mother, contrary to what one might think, was a true lioness; she took over her late husband’s business with great interest, expanding the family fortune and ensuring every wish of the heir was granted. But at the expense of the son’s loneliness. Christopher Lauder Hawthorne IV, Prince Topper, fourth of his name, heir to a fortune, surrounded by everything he could want... and alone. The exception was his friend Chadwick Sutherland, but even if the two wanted to spend all their time together, that wouldn’t be possible. But his mom made it happen! He didn’t know what kind of deal she made with Archibald, but sometime after his dad died, Christopher, along with Chadwick, was sent to a boarding school.

What would have been torment for other boys was liberating for both of them. Away from his father’s stern gaze, Chadwick enjoyed life for the first time, while Christopher found in his friend a true brother. There was nothing Topper wouldn’t do for him. The two formed a beautiful pair—handsome and charming—soon surrounded by a growing group of friends. Topper, with his outgoing ways and the certainties in life that only the very rich or the very foolish possess, and Chad, with a more cunning way of thinking, but still eager to have as much fun as possible. Leaders among their own.

But anyone who thought those boys were stupid was dead wrong; Chadwick could never let his grades slip, under penalty of losing the ironic freedom the school had granted him. As for Topper, well… he had Chad to help him with the complex stuff and a mom willing to overlook her precious son’s academic incompetence. Even more so when it became clear that the boy had a natural talent for sports when they joined the school’s lacrosse team, which soon morphed into a passion for all sports they could participate in. Topper’s tactical ability on the field and court demonstrated something his poor academic record failed to do: he was incredibly intelligent and capable when he wanted to be. The truth is, most of the time he just didn’t care. The exception was sports, which became a true obsession, which Chad shared to a slightly lesser extent.

As a result, the two muscular men who finished school barely resembled the two boys they once were. Topper cherished the photograph taken with his friend after their team winned the intramurals.

No, no, no! I’ve always been a good student; I have no idea what the rules of lacrosse are. I’ve never been to boarding school, and I’m certainly not some pretentious mountain of muscle who thinks he has the world at his feet," Cris thought.

"But I am," Topper replied, making Cris freak out, not knowing where the strange voice inside his head came from, while new memories flowed.

With the end of school and before college, which both boys would attend together, Archibald decided he wanted Chad by his side to instruct him in the truths of life or some such nonsense. As if Topper would let his brother be stuck in an office all summer. Negative. The two of them would have fun, even if he had to kidnap Chad to do so. Which wasn’t necessary, because once again, Carol Lauder Hawthorne used her magnificent powers of persuasion to ensure her beloved son had his best friend with him during those vacations, where they explored the Old Continent together, taking yacht trips through exclusive islands across the Mediterranean, a brief pause to ski in the Swiss Alps, and the cherry on top: the craziest sexual experiences in Eastern Europe.

“Ah man, the flexibility of that girl in Prague,” Topper reminisced fondly about that particular night.

“I’ve never been to Prague, or on a yacht, or in the Mediterranean, and I’d certainly break my legs if I tried skiing,” Cris argued.

“Nonsense, I’m a natural athlete,” Topper replied.

“But I’m not you,” Cris shot back, finally losing the ability to perceive the strangeness of the situation.

“Of course you are, you idiot. Who else would you be if not me? I’m such a dumbass!” Topper laughed inside Cris’s head, echoing:

“A dumbass, he he he.”

And suddenly, he also burst out laughing, their laughter mingling as if they were one.

After an unforgettable summer, college time finally arrived. Continuing the established partnership, the boys rented a luxurious apartment near the campus. Archibald had the nerve to try to send Chad to a shared dorm, as if Topper would allow it. He’d never agree to live in a dorm; he deserved the best, and the best was having Chad by his side. This time, Carol’s intervention wasn’t necessary; Archibald simply wasn’t informed of the arrangement, and what he didn’t know wouldn’t bother him. Of course, such an arrangement would be temporary. Both boys were legacies and would soon be inducted into their parents’ old fraternity.

Chad had no option but to choose business-oriented subjects to study, knowing ahead of time that his major would be in business. Topper briefly considered studying sports sciences due to his love of sports, but it wasn’t like he needed it, so why bother? He then decided to enroll in the same subjects as his friend without worrying much about it. After all, college was much more than listening to half a dozen stilted old-timers; it was about making contacts, having new experiences, and above all, having fun!

“But I’m a great student, and business? I’m going to be a writer, aren’t I?”

“Ha, I couldn’t even write the grocery list if I didn’t have someone to do the list and the shopping for me… and great student? I’m always great, even if the grades say otherwise. If I tried a little harder, I know they’d be a lot better, but it doesn’t make any difference in my life.”

“No, education is important!”

“Of course it is; that’s why I studied at the best schools and went to college. But those things only get you so far. When you want to go further, your name and your contacts do more for you than any major.”

Speaking of contacts, Chad and Topper were perfect fraternity material. The two made it through Hell Week unscathed, quickly rising within the organization.

Now, nearing the end of their junior year, the two held positions on the chapter’s board, strong competitors to assume the presidency.

“Not if I have anything to say about it.” Topper knew that one day he’d have to take responsibility for the family business, but he had no interest in taking on any real responsibility before it was necessary, and he wouldn’t let his best bro do it. Archibald would certainly put pressure on his son, having been president in his day, even if the sour old man never understood anything about what fraternal life really was. No, it was Topper’s duty to make sure his friend had some kind of fun. Helping organize the parties, managing the house, and guiding the newcomers, showing them the path to follow, was more than enough. Man, how he loved to see the terrified looks on the pledges when the blindfolds were taken off, and it was his face they saw first, not knowing they were looking at the guy who would make them men—the right kind of men. They were a family, after all, and he took great pride in being the cool big brother role model.

“It would’ve been nice to have so many friends, to feel part of something.”

“Yeah, man, I love this.”

However, not everything had been perfect; unexpectedly, the angel of death struck the pair of friends again. Sybil, Chad’s mother, died of a sudden illness. And suddenly, Topper found himself in the opposite position from so many years ago. Chad was a grown man and not a boy, yet Topper saw his long-ago image reflected in his friend’s sad eyes on the day of the funeral.

The funeral forced Chad to present himself in a way that his father found appropriate, making him say goodbye to the long hair and stubble he had developed in his time away from him. Topper, as a good friend, supported him, even though he didn't care in the slightest about the grumpy Archie's opinion. Knowing the power of a helping hand, he stayed by Chad’s side the entire time. This was a pain that could only be eased with time, so Topper decided to numb it the best way he knew how. That night, he took Chad to a bar with the intention of drinking him into a stupor.

“Thanks, bro. I don’t know what I’d do without you by my side… Oh god, I’m sounding like a crybaby.”

“Chad, your mom just passed away; today you have the right to look like a crybaby, dude. Which doesn’t justify you being one for all the years we’ve known each other, bro,” Topper replied with a smile.

“Asshole…” replied Chad with a sad smile.

“Speaking of assholes, how’s Uncle Archie doing?”

“Being himself, if you know what I mean? You’d think his wife’s death would soften the old man, but no, he didn’t even give me a hug…”

“I’d hug you, brother, if it put a real smile on your face. But I think I have a better solution.” Topper pointed to a pair of beautiful girls standing on the other side of the bar.

“Oh man, I don’t know…”

“They’re hot, bro. Look, your mom would want you to get on with your life, and right now you need a distraction, soooo… blond or brunette?”

“Both!” Chad replied with his first real smile in a while.

That was a wild night. To avoid unwanted attention from the parents, they took the two women to one of Topper’s apartments in the city, and there, washed down with a lot of alcohol and weed, the four of them ended up in bed in a foursome.

“That was freaking awesome.” Said Topper.

“Yeah, dude, freaking awesome.” Agreed Cris.

Chad spent the next few months in a mood that ranged from depressed to euphoric, usually with a little help from Topper, but gradually improving. Until a new blow hit the duo. On a sunny afternoon less than a week ago, during a college break, as the boys rode through the huge Hawthorne property, they were called by Carol for a chat.

“Boys, an announcement is coming soon, but both Archibald and I would like you to know in advance. This summer, he and I are getting married.”

“What the hell is this, Mom? Are you kidding?”

“Language, Christopher. And no, I’m not kidding. I’d like you to think of it as a… business arrangement—a very beneficial arrangement for both parties.”

“A beneficial arrangement? Mom, we have more than enough money.”

“Christopher, my dear, I raised you better than that; there’s no such thing as enough money.”

“And Aunt Sybil? Your best friend’s body has barely cooled down, and you’re ready to swoop in on her husband. Sorry, bro!” Topper concluded when he remembered who he was sitting next to. But the friend didn’t respond, preferring to direct his attention toward Carol.

“How long? How long have you two been planning this… arrangement, Carol?” The “aunt” was unceremoniously dismissed.

“Archibald and I have been discussing this for some time, and it’s going to be very profitable.”

“Profitable and convenient, isn’t it? You’re still a young woman—not even forty yet. And I must say you hid it wonderfully well, but now looking closely, I can’t help but notice the signs. When can Topper and I expect our brother or sister to be born?”

“Chadwick! How can you say…”

“Drop the act; only something like this would make sense!”

“Okay, I really am pregnant; I never imagined this could happen. Boys, you must understand, nothing happened between me and Archibald while Sybil was alive. Chad, his parents were my biggest source of support after Topper’s dad passed away. Sybil was truly my best friend, and when she left, I felt… empty. Imagine how you would feel without each other? Archibald may seem cold, but he also felt her loss, and in our grief, we ended up supporting each other. One thing led to another, and one night after a few glasses of wine, we ended up…”

“Fucking,” interrupted Topper!

“Christopher, that’s enough; I’m your mother, and I deserve respect.”

“Respect? How can you talk about respect after telling us this?”

“Topper, it’s okay; she’s right; there’s nothing more to be done. Getting rid of the baby isn’t an option; the scandal if this story leaks… I imagine the wedding will be soon, to allay suspicions, although it’ll probably still raise some eyebrows…”

“Yes, it’s the best arrangement we could come up with. Christopher, my dear, I’m really sorry, but it’s for the best. Besides, you always wanted a brother.”

“I already have a brother,” he replied, looking towards his friend.

“Yes, Christopher, and now you will indeed be brothers for real. Think about it. And you, Chad, Topper told me all about how you feel about Archibald, and I’m no idiot despite what anyone might think; I see the way he treats you. I can be a very powerful ally; never underestimate my powers of persuasion, especially when I’m carrying Archibald’s son. You may not believe it, but all his behavior comes from the hopes and expectations he has. It will be very good for you to have someone to share that weight with.”

“Just think about it, brother. We will be real brothers, on paper and in life, and with one more of us on the way. Doesn’t look so bad. Even more so if that way you can get your dad off your back,” Topper said, letting himself be carried away by his mother’s notorious power of persuasion without realizing it.

“Yeah, that wouldn’t be so bad, not really, brother,” Chad concluded, smiling back at his friend.

And so the two ended up at that event at the Country Club, where they had spent most of their lives, commemorating the future union of their parents, which would formalize their status as brothers. Topper arrived late, and accompanied by his friend, went to the locker room to put on appropriate clothes before heading to the ballroom. And now the two of them were there, face to face. Topper looking down at his friend’s distorted hand, the glowing red stone emanating constant waves.

“Quite a… quite a story… but… it’s not real… none of it is… real.” Cris reappeared, gathering what was left of his energy.

“Dude, of course, it’s real. If you want it, it’s real; I want it, and I’m you, so it’s real!”

“No… I’m not you… you’re an… invention, you’re nothing but… a rich asshole… who thinks he owns the world… who thinks… has… the world at his feet… your life is all about money… and… parties and…”

“And fun, and not worrying about tomorrow, and friends, real friends, and a mother who does whatever I want, and a brother—a real brother who was always there for me… how could that be something bad?”

“No… no… no… it wasn’t real… no… it couldn’t… be real…” Still, new memories rushed toward him, like a giant wave of red, flooding every inch of his consciousness until there was no empty space left.

Chad studied the face of the young man with glazed eyes and an empty expression sitting in front of him.

His hand burned with heat as he gripped the stone, and he couldn't help but think that maybe it was too much, that maybe he had messed up beautifully.

“It has to work, it has to work…” he muttered. Then the stone emitted its most wave, momentarily blinding him. Upon regaining his sight, he found himself in front of a completely different man. Sitting naked before him was an example of male perfection. A face that looked like it was carved from marble, golden hair in beautiful curls, with the broad, defined musculature of someone who could easily be a fitness model. For a moment terror dominated him, as it seemed that Christopher tried to resist the process with greater intensity, however it did not last more than an instant as another waves come and soon the gargantuan figure that replaced Cristian began to feel and test his gigantic muscles almost automatically with a distant and unfocused look, gradually being replaced by one of extreme confidence and arrogance. If Marvel ever decided to reboot Captain America, the man in front of him wouldn’t be a bad choice—except for the fact that he’d never put himself in that position… unless he thought he’d have fun with it.

And how did Chad know that? He knew this because he suddenly remembered a whole new life, which made his previous life look pale and gray—all thanks to the man in front of him, Topper, his best friend, his brother! And with a smile on his face, he woke him up to reality:

“Hey bro, you okay?”

“What? Chad, bro, sorry I kind of zoned out; damn jet lag. But it was worth it; you should’ve gone with me; Brazil is everything we were told.”

“Not everyone can afford to fly all the way to Rio and hook up with a supermodel whenever they want, bro.”

“True, but we can.”

“Speak, for you, brother.”

“I speak for both of us. If there's one good thing to come out of this whole situation, it's that my mom will get Archie off your back, and we'll finally be able to enjoy life the right way,” Topper concluded while opening a closet and pulling out some clothes. Putting on pristine white boxer briefs, more immaculate than a virgin's soul, but which ironically would make many virgins fall into sin just by looking at the man wearing them. Before putting the other garments he flexed both arms and admired himself in the mirror. “I’m so swole, man.”

“Something had to make up for the lack of brains, brother!”

“You only say that because you're jealous of me, tiny boy.”

"I wouldn't call anything about me tiny.”

“True, but nothing compares to my size, little brother!”

“Some of us prefer classic beauty, Topper.”

“And some of us decided to be real men, Chad.”

That was Topper's mocking response as he walked past his “brother" and gave him a playful pat in the groin.

“Dude, leave the gems alone!”

"Stop being a whiner, I wouldn't do anything to hurt my future nephews," Topper said as he admired himself... again. “Dude, I’m fucking hot!”

“I didn't know jt lag caused brain damage, bro. I thought we'd already been through this whole discussion about your ridiculous handsomeness. Be careful; you don’t have much brain in that head of yours to waste.”

"Asshole, your envy doesn't faze me, try as you might," he replied, finally putting on his suit, the same shade of blue as Chad's.

“So how are the lovebirds doing? I imagine the news about him having another boy to torment has given Archie a break from his usual boredom.”

“Incredibly, yes. Your mother really has a hold on my father; he pestered me a lot less than usual. Although I don't think he's very happy about your delay."

“I couldn't miss the chance to see Archie's eyes pop, especially since he knows he has no power over me. Soon, he won't have any power over you, and I promise you, he won't have any power over that baby either. When he’s born, you and I together are going to show the little one how to live. Now come here, brother; you may not be as handsome as I am, but we still make a great pair.”

….

The two returned to the hall together, always attracting attention from everyone around, but they were used to being the center of attention, and frankly, they deserved it!

They found their parents sitting together at a table, and to both their surprise, Archibald looked more relaxed than they had ever seen him, while Carol turned to both of them with a Cheshire smile.

“Hey boys, we have news. But since Christopher took up so much time, maybe we should save it for another moment…”

“Carol, boys will be boys, so let them be.” Archibald intervened, making the two boys look at each other in disbelief. His expression seemed softer and less predatory than usual.

“Anyway, what Carol was trying to say is we've decided to have the wedding in early summer in Malta, and the good news is you're going a few weeks in advance to get everything ready. We count on you—don’t hold back on effort or money,” Archibald concluded, not seeing the sly smile that Carol gave behind his back, which made the boys' jaws drop—metaphorically, of course, since neither of them would commit such an indignity in public.

….

And so it was that in early July, Chadwick Sutterland found himself enjoying the best that life had to offer on an exclusive Mediterranean island alongside his lifelong best friend, Christopher Hawthorne IV. Thinking about a red gem and gray fading memories of a reality that, for the world, had never existed. He had done really well, in his own opinion. His father was dominated, so much so that he didn't even bother with his son's behaviour in the last months. He had a fierce ally ahead of his family business, even more so now that she was expecting a Sutherland boy, who, when the moment came, he would deliver that stone to be used in a time of need. An unforeseen but very favorable outcome, the stone indeed acted in the best interest of the wielder if its power was allowed to act freely. And the greatest proof of that was his best friend, the brother he had gained, who was at his side talking to him at that very moment.

“Hey bro, what’s with the serious face? You should be enjoying your first real vacation paid for with your dad's money, dumbass,” Topper said with a smile.

“Fine, you asshole,” Chad replied, assuring himself the stone was safe and looking at his brother. “Let’s have some fun!

[fanficshiddles]

Hot Tub Fun, One Shot

Thank you for the prompt! Hope you like it. Changed the end a tiny bit, as figured Loki wouldn’t be bashful 😉 : crimson25 submitted: The reader of this story is a bit shy and has an unspoken crush on Loki, but he kind of knows. So Tony installs a really big indoor hot tub in the tower and everyone loves it. One day when the reader thinks everyone is gone out or on missions, she decides to partake in a dip...naked. while enjoying a most relaxing dip, she realizes she's not the only one in the tower. Loki strolls in wearing bathing suit shorts but when he sees she's not wearing anything, well now he's intrigued. His comes off. He swims over and starts off by teasing her. It slowly turns into him giving her a shoulder massage and then turns into her riding him under water. Then out of nowhere the team comes back and they have to finish silently....well as silent as they can be. Maybe they're not successful, you can decide.

-

You were glad of the peace when everyone went out on an important mission. You’d been desperate to have some alone time in the new hot tub since Tony had installed it a few weeks ago. The Avengers loved using it, especially after tough missions so you always had to share it with others.

Now, you were all alone and had it all to yourself.

You eyed up the hot bubbling water as you removed your clothes, revealing your bikini. Though as you glanced around, since there was no one about… you decided, why not go in the nude?

The tub was situated in a quiet chill out room where no SHIELD agents or the likes went anyway, it was just the heroes and yourself that used it. It was right next to a large glass window that overlooked the city.

So you took off your bikini and dumped it on top of your other clothes, then climbed into the tub. You let out a groan as you sank down into the hot water, relaxing your whole body. It felt so good.

You took a seat at the side by the window, it was nice to just soak there and look down at the bustling city.

‘This is the life.’ You moaned and shut your eyes for a bit, to enjoy the bubbling water.

You weren’t sure how long had passed, but you suddenly heard footsteps coming towards you. Your eyes shot open and your heart started racing, not only were you not alone now, but it was Loki. Out of everyone, it had to be Loki.

And he was naked, almost. He was just wearing shorts and had a towel draped over his shoulder. You did your best not to stare at his bare chest, though it was difficult. He was just so beautiful.

At first, he had a soft look on his face when he spotted you. Though as he got closer and your pile of clothes came into view, he noticed your bikini on top of the pile. His eyes turned mischievous and a smirk spread over his face.

‘Well, well, well. Skinny dipping, are we?’ He purred.

You sank further down into the water so just your head was poking out, your cheeks felt red hot, and that wasn’t just from the hot water.

‘I… uh… I thought I was alone, that you’d all gone on the mission.’ You admitted sheepishly.

Loki chuckled. ‘I decided to stay behind, they don’t need me for this mission… very glad I did. May I join you?’

You just nodded in response, you were struggling to keep your brain together. You were also a bit worried about your current situation, even though the bubbles and water hid everything, you still felt vulnerable.

Before Loki got in, he placed his towel down and then, to your surprise, he began removing his shorts. Your eyes widened and you quickly turned to the side so you didn’t see him.

‘May as well follow your no swim wear rules.’ Loki said cheekily as he got into the tub, as butt naked as you were.

He let out a sinful groan, that should definitely be an illegal sound, it made you squeeze your thighs together.

‘Why so shy, darling?’ Loki asked as he swam over to sit next to you, you kept yourself down in the water completely.

‘I… just wasn’t expecting company.’ You let out a nervous laugh.

‘You seem very tense… how about a shoulder massage to help you relax, hmm?’ Loki asked with a grin.

‘A… shoulder massage? Really?’ You squeaked.

The thought of having Loki’s hands on you was far too good to turn down, if he was serious. No matter how vulnerable and shy you felt, you couldn’t say no…

‘Really really.’ Loki nodded.

‘Ok.’ You nodded eagerly.

Loki twirled his finger in the air, motioning for you to turn around for him. You did turn, so you were sitting with your back to him.

‘Uh, darling. You’re going to need to sit up more so I can get at your shoulders.’ He chuckled.

You slowly sat up out of the water a bit, so the water was just below your collarbone.

‘Good girl.’ He purred against your ear, his warm breath against you made you tremble.

You trembled even more and melted completely when his large, strong hands landed on your shoulders and he began massaging you. You were surprised how good he was at it, hitting all the right spots and kneading out the knots. It was utter heaven.

‘Oh god.’ You groaned and let your head fall forwards as his hands continued to work their magic.

Loki chuckled cockily. ‘I am a god, yes.’

‘God of pleasure.’ Slipped from your lips, your eyes widened a little upon realising what you said.

Loki didn’t stop massaging you, he didn’t miss a beat. You felt his breath against the back of your neck as he whispered to you again.

‘I most certainly am. And this isn’t the only way I can pleasure you.’

You were complete putty in his hands, and he knew it. He’d known for a while now that you had a crush on him. He’d flirted with you before, quite a lot. Waiting to see if you’d make a move, but he knew that you were of the shy side, so he decided to take the lead now and see if you’d follow.

A brief moment of boldness hit you. ‘Maybe I can pleasure you, too… As a thanks for this massage.’

Loki grinned widely as he finished up your massage.

‘Have you ever had sex in a hot tub?’ He growled at you as he turned you around to face him.

You shook your head and bit your lower lip excitedly.

‘Well, let’s change that for the both of us, hmm?’ He cupped your chin and when you nodded in agreement, he leaned in and kissed you firmly on the lips.

It wasn’t long before his tongue delved into your mouth, moving dominantly yet gently against your own tongue. He had you moaning into him in seconds and you wrapped your arms around his neck as he grabbed at your ass and pulled you onto his lap, so you were straddling him.

You could feel his hardened cock pressing between you, against your stomach. He was turning you on something fiercely, though he had already worked you up with the massage.

He gripped your hips tightly and raised you up enough to position his cock at your entrance, then he slowly pulled you down onto him. You gasped into his mouth as his cock slowly spread you open, making your body accommodate him. The water was washing away your arousal so it was a little uncomfortable at first, but once he was fully in you, he let your body adjust for a moment.

‘Oh… my…’ You gasped out and buried your face into his neck.

He growled and slid his hands down to hold your ass, when he felt your body calm down with the squeezing, he began to lift you up and down on him, slowly at first.

‘Mmm darling, you feel far too good around my cock… So tight.’ He grunted out.

He was hitting all the right spots inside you, you started thrusting up and down on him, riding him as fast as you could.

‘Ohh yes.’ Loki groaned.

You froze completely though when you heard the door opening, and voices from the team echoed around the room.

Loki didn’t seem phased at all, he just smirked and took over with bouncing you up and down on his cock.

‘Loki…’ You whimpered quietly. ‘They’re… back.’

‘Oh well, let them see who you belong to now.’ He growled and gripped your chin with one hand so he could kiss you again, his other hand kept firmly on your ass to move you as he wanted.

You couldn’t stop whimpering against his mouth, even as the team started coming over.

There was nowhere to hide, they were coming directly for the tub and it would be obvious what you and Loki were doing, even if he wasn’t moving you up and down. He certainly didn’t seem to have any inclination to stop…

‘Hey guys… what are… oh no… no no no!’ Tony chanted when he realised what you were up to. ‘NOT IN MY TUB!’

‘Ewww, guys. We have to share that water.’ Natasha commented.

‘Oh god, hide your eyes.’ Bruce said as he covered Clint and Steve’s eyes, making them laugh.

‘Everyone out!’ Thor bellowed, not wanting to see his brother in that way, plus he wanted to give you both privacy.

They had to drag Tony out, as he wanted to strangle Loki for doing the dirty in the hot tub.

‘LOKI! YOU ARE DEAD FOR THIS! HOW DARE YOU DEFILE MY TUB!’

‘OHH YES!’ Loki cried out in pleasure as he came inside you, deliberately being a little louder than he needed to be, but it made you laugh like crazy as you collapsed in pleasure on Loki, an orgasm of your own tore through your body.

Loki remained lodged inside of you, you were too warm and felt too nice around him. He didn’t want to move just yet.

He buried his face into your neck to bite and suck on your skin, making sure to leave a mark.

‘I don’t think the others will be using the tub for a while.’ He chuckled darkly against your skin.

‘Does that mean that we can… stay in longer?’ You giggled and deliberately squeezed on his cock, making him groan.

‘I’d say it certainly does.’ He wrapped his arms around you tightly and thrust up sharply into you, as pay back, making you whimper.

[aechii]

₍⁠₍ OF LOVE AND FASHiON ₎⁠₎

A/N ?! last fic for the day booooo 😥 i dont know if i will be able to post any tmrrw, but i hope i can. anyways enjoy my lovelies

p.s. there's a little written part in this but it's abt 500-600 words

-

-

[y/n]'s heart's racing. every palpitation hammers against her chest with much force, so much so that her full-upon-entry water has decreased to less than half left in just 30 minutes. the heat still fused with the air, but as the sun begins to sleep, it loses its energy, leaving a cool undercurrent that presses into the skin of all the attendees. she's so glad about the cooler weather, finding it completely unfathomable how she would've coped if the heat joined tham at night as well.

but the man seated beside her crashes all of her composure, and her body begins to feel hot and strangled.

she hasn't seen such a visually blessed male specimen in all the years of her living, and the fact that his body was so close to hers because of the crammed seating made matters worse. she can't think, breathe or concentrate on the influx of dressed models that come and go non-stop.

"you look disgusted."

the voice comes from right beside her, and her head whips around, startled. the man that has enraptured her entire conscience smiles goofily at her, and her heart wavers.

"what? me?"

"yes," he chuckles softly, "you."

his eyes turn back to the show before them, yet he continues speaking before [y/n] can justify herself, "i don't blame you, though. some of the outfits are... questionable."

his facial expressions are priceless, and [y/n] falls into a bout of laughter, "you're sick!"

he looks on seriously, eyes flashing with extreme judgement, "i'm not lying! how does anyone find pairing a skirt and baggy trousers aesthetic?"

the combination, that [y/n] had, most likely, missed from being consumed by her thoughts, makes her grimace, "yeah, that wasn't a good look at all."

he turns back to face her and, god, he stares so intently that she has to look away.

"speaking of outfits, what brand you wearing? 'cause i know it's not lv for sure, i'm not seeing any," he thinks of the right words, "over exposure of the logo."

"that's one way to put it," [y/n] snickers, looking down at her outfit, "i made it all myself... apart from the shoes of course."

the boy is taken aback, mouth agape and eyes wide, "no way!"

she begins to feel flustered by his reaction and just smiles.

"that's so cool, honestly. i would take more pride in that than wearing a slutted out luxury brand."

"slutted out?" [y/n] can't believe her ears; he's going to kill her, she's sure.

"how the hell did you come up that?!"

the boy purses his lips, looking smug, "i'm just that amazing."

"you're delusional."

he pretends to think for a moment, "delusional enough to think i'd get your number?"

[y/n]'s eyebrows shot up, "you want... my number?"

he doesn't hesitate to nod, "i don't think i'll be leaving without it."

jobe, who had been painfully listening in on their conversation, decides to make himself apparent, "don't do it, you'll regret it."

she turns around, coming face to face with a younger boy who looks almost identical to the one she had been speaking with for the past 15 minutes.

"you two brothers?"

the older one responds, "yeah, he's a cockblock though, don't listen to him."

"cockblock? jude, i'm trying to save her life!"

ah, so that's his name.

"clear off, jobe," he rolls his eyes, turning back to the girl sitting beside him, "sorry about that- so, your number?"

"don't do it!"

and much to his dismay, she does.

-

y/n_l/n

liked by judebellingham and 23,899 others

y/n_l/n paris photo dump !! met some cool ass people there lowkey

view comments...

judebellingham was lovely meeting you, such a vibe 😆

y/n_l/n you too!! <3

yfn__ best time of my life honestly

y/n_l/n paris at night is a sight to see

user1 you look GORGEOUS

user2 i really missed pfw just a day after i left france </3

user3 JUDE????

user4 I'M ACTUALLY SO SHOCKED

user5 😮

user6 WE FOUND HERRRRR

user7 and jude beat me to it already 😐

-

-

-

judebellingham

liked by y/n_l/n and 899,231 others

judebellingham ❤🇫🇷

view comments...

y/n_l/n love the after party candid, send it to me plz xx + tell jobe i'm sorry but not sorry

judebellingham you look so pretty in it ofc + he'll see it anyways xx y/n_l/n @/judebellingham stop plz 😭🛑 jobebellingham @/y/n_l/n buy me croissaints and maybe i'll forgive you

jadonsancho freshh 🔥

user1 who's that girl in the last pic????

user2 someone who he met at the lv show, got her number and everthingggg 😭

user3 AND SHE KNOWS JOBE TOO? that's my chance stripped unrightfully away from me </3

user4 icel, she's gorgeous AAAAA

user5 this is my 13th reason

[canadianno]

ima need you to lore dump about your heritic au becaus i wAS LITTERALLY JUST THINKING ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THAT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

:3

The premise of the Heretic Leshy au is that instead of my normal lamb being the last one alive -> bearer of the red crown, it's Anoana, who is. Who is a 5 year old.

And one thing about my Leshy, is that he LOVES kids. So much. It's a little bit ridiculous and this whole au proves it.

Base premise is that after sacrificing the last lamb- which he was already pretty against in the first place seeing as she was 5- the bishops instruct Leshy to go bury the body

(Kinda like a- "you were being so annoying about not killing her, so now you gotta bury her, we're in darkwood anyway it's fine)

So. So. The 5 year old wakes up in his arms while he's in the graveyard. He nearly drops her. You know how it is.

Leshy can't bring himself to kill a child, even if that child is now wearing the red crown and a harbinger of a prophecy that will destroy his family. So he holds her close and takes her back to his temple. And he cries to his disciples about what the hell he's supposed to do.

If he let's her go, just releases her into the wild, she's going to have a very bad time because a 5 year old can't survive on their own, and even with the red crown she will still be traumatized as hell. He doesn't WANT that. He wants the child to be HAPPY. Because he loves them and thinks all children deserve to be happy. For the record he is correct.

Basically- Leshy keeps the lamb, hides her, and at one point gives up his crown to break his shackle on Narinder, but has to just keep pretending he's the god of chaos. Leshy discovers he can call on the crowns even without being the bearer of them- which yeah btw every time we defeat a bishop in this story Ana picks up their crown and the crowns IMMEDIATELY decide they wanna protect her. At the end of this story Ana has 5 crowns and like 12 parental figures.

Leshy is not the vessel of the red crown, but he is the one doing it's bidding. Heket is killed by accident in secret, Kallamar manages to send warning Shamuras' way before he dies, and Shamura is so so so angry. It's also worth noting that there's no Narinder fight, he just gives up his crown (he is NOT going to ask the 5 year old to be sacrificed for him, not when their parent who clawed their way out of heaven and into the gateway is sitting RIGHT THERE)

It's really fun, there's technically more to it but that's the basics :]

Take some doodle page for reading this much lmao

Fellas, does it make you a heretic by not wanting to kill a baby? No, but it does when you start killing your siblings about it

[yougavemeyourheartyouknow]

On thin ice (Hockey player! Miguel O’Hara x Figure skater! Fem! Reader)

Y’all… this word count… I’m was almost gonna slept it up but decided not too. Anyways hehe. Also the last chapter is gonna be posted on Halloween at the witching hour in PST, cause Halloween chapter! so I’m excited about that lol. The usual, not proofread, Miguel might be ooc.

(Y/F/N)- Your full name.

Not much Miguel and reader interaction but what is there is worth it. Me attempting to write about sports stuff I don’t know anything about even though I promise I did attempt research. Cursing (I think tbh I can’t even remember but probably), fluff (if you squint?????), I’m giving up on these tags lmao.

Word count: 2.8k

Series Masterlist

Chapter 14: Ever thought of callin’ when you’ve had a few? ‘Cause I always do.

—

It wasn’t entirely surprising how quickly you got everyone in your group to agree to go to the game later, although you were expecting Logan to be against the idea since he hates the sport, but apparently his want to see you and Miguel get together was stronger than his hate for hockey since he immediately agreed.

You were currently in your 4-way shared Airbnb getting ready for the hockey game, having already been kicked out of the dorms by the university despite there being a game tonight, which didn’t make sense in your opinion, but that’s neither here nor there. Usually you would usually travel back home during the breaks, but due to you and Logan participating in regionals this year, you had to stay in Nueva York, you had both decided to stay in one rather than a regular hotel since it would be cheaper, Kate and Xavier tagged along for emotional support.

“I’ve never actually attended a hockey game, what do you wear? Probably a crew neck or a hoodie right? It’s still an ice rink. Maybe I should wear school merch, ugh but the only school related jacket I have is our skating team varsity jackets.” Kate, Logan and Xavier just stayed silent as they watched you rambled on, their faces full of amusement (and from Logan just the slightest bit of annoyance) as they watched you freak out , glancing at you every once and a while as you kept pacing between the hallway bathroom and your room as you attempted to get ready for the game despite it not starting for another 3 and a half hours.

“You should have asked Miguel for one of his spare jerseys.” Logan teased as he wandered towards your doorframe and leaned against it as he watched you dump your suitcase over your bed. How the hell do you not have a red or blue jacket??

“Shut up Logan.”

“You’re overthinking this, you know.”

“What? No I’m not.” Oh, you totally overthinking this.

“He’s got you whipped.” Logan snickered, shaking his head as he crossed his arms over his chest. You in response threw a pillow in his direction, which he hit to dodge.

“You’re not funny Logan. Do you have a school sweatshirt I can borrow?” You said, releasing a deep exhale through your nose as you turn to look at him.

“I think I think I have a spear.” He replied as he picked up the pillow off the floor and tossed it on your bed. “I just don’t want Miguel trying to beat me up over you wearing my jacket.” He added as he walked over to where you were standing, stopping once he was right next to you.

“He wouldn’t, I promise. I won’t let him.”

—

“This is actually kinda fun to watch.” Xavier said to Kate, as she glanced over to you before back at the rink. The spiders were currently in the lead 2 to 1 and it was about to be the end of the first period, a little less than 6 minutes before the timer reaches zero.

“It’s totally scary though.” Kate said as she took a sip of her soda, you nodding in agreement.

“So glad I went into figure skating…” Logan muttered as his eyes widened, an almost horrified look spreading on his face, but he couldn’t look away. You would have giggled at his reaction if you didn’t feel the same way. Both sports are dangerous just in their own ways.

You turned your head as you saw Peter pass the punk to Miguel, who you believed was playing center, (you watched one of those 10 minute crash course videos on how hockey works before you came to the show because whether if you were aware of it or not, Logan was right about you being whipped already) as he was making his way closer to the goal, when one of the players on the opposite team came crashing into him back first. The other player’s elbow “accidentally” hit Miguel’s face, and Miguel was knocked back, landing against the wall as the player on the opposite side took the puck.

“What the fuck-.” You muttered under your breath in shock, cringing slightly as you watched Miguel’s hand going up to cover his mouth, his face wincing in pain, your hands going up to mirror his actions. As soon as Miguel’s hand made contact with his mouth, a timeout was called. The spider's couch went up to Miguel first, talked to him for a bit before walking over to where the referee was. You couldn’t hear anything from either interaction, so you just watched silently, ignoring your friends glances towards you, keeping your eyes on Miguel, worried written on your face. Miguel’s eyes shift around the arena, before finding yours, you can tell he’s trying not to cringe as much as soon as your eyes meet, as if he didn’t want you to see him in pain.

Once you two were looking at each other, you took your hand off your face and mouthed an “are you okay?” to which Miguel took his hand off his mouth and gave you a thumbs up and a smile, but his smile didn’t free you of your worries, in fact, it made it worse, before you could stop your body, you let out a gasp as your eyes widened. His mouth was bleeding, and it was bleeding a lot.

His expression seemed to falter a bit upon seeing your reaction, to what though you couldn’t really tell. Panic? Worry? You don’t know. Other then the initial pain he felt when the elbow made contact with his face, Miguel wasn’t really worried about his injury despite the metallic taste filling his mouth, he didn’t feel anything break or a tooth fall out, sure he’ll probably be sore from a few hours and will have to clean his mouth guard, maybe think about getting a cage instead (this wasn’t the first time someone has elbowed him in the face during a game) but he knows it’s a part of the sport, that’s what he signed up for when he started playing. So why was it that seeing the concern on your face made his chest tighten with guilt? Miguel didn’t have another time to dwell on his thoughts before his coach sent him to the locker room to clean up.

—

Miguel felt like he was going to go insane if he didn’t get the taste of blood out of his mouth. He’s already gone through 4 sticks of gum and had to refill his water bottle twice in an attempt to flesh out the coppery taste from his senses. He let out a frustrated huff of annoyance as he spat out another piece of gum and brought his water up to his mouth and took a big swig, gargling it a bit before spitting it out in a sink and finally started to make his way out, his bag with his gear slung over his shoulder as he exited the locker room. They had won the game luckily, but Miguel wasn’t as happy as he wanted to be about the victory, maybe it was because he was still mad about getting elbowed in the mouth, maybe it was because he had to be benched due to him getting injured so early in the game or maybe it’s because out of all the games he played this season, of course he got injured at the one you were attending.

Most of the team has gone home already, some stragglers were left, two of those being Miguel and Peter, and Miguel wouldn’t be surprised if you had left already, he probably would have if he was in your shoes. Maybe you got the ick from him now after watching him get hit in the face, and he would be back in square one all over again, the thought was more painful then the hit to his mouth. His mind was running a mile a minute as we made his way down the hall and towards the main exit to head to his car where Peter was most likely already waiting for him. As he walked, he was trying to keep his thoughts on his sore jaw and about the game, trying to to not think about how you saw him get hit, or how your face twisted in disgust at the sight of his bloody smile after you asked him if he alright, the embarrassment and angry he felt when after he came back from the locker room Coach Turner benched him, how-

Is that you talking to Peter in the parking lot???

“I should turn around and wait till she leaves…” he told himself under his breath, but his feet continued to move him closer to where both of you stood near Miguel’s car. Once he was a big closer Peter noticed him first, since your back was facing him, talking to him about something he couldn’t quite pick up on.

“Ah speak of the devil.” Peter said with a smirk, one you would haven’t thought much of, but Miguel knew that there was a smug undertone to it, as if he was right about something. “Sup Mig, we were just talking about you.” He continued as you turned to face him, your eyes widened for a split second as they scanned Miguel’s face, as if checking for more injuries, before you took a step closer to him, you hand instantly going to rest gently on his arm.

“Hey! Oh my god, are you okay? That hit looked brutal, god that jerk.” Miguel didn’t know if it was the way your tone and face went from concerned to annoyed as you spoke, or the way you hand went traveled from his arm to his chin, lightly gripping it and moving his face from side to side gently, mirroring his actions earlier in the day when he did the same to you after he bumped into you at lunch, but god did you make his heart burst with warmth.

“I’m okay ice princess, calm down.” Miguel assured you with a small smile, a chuckle escaping his swollen lips as he took your hand and brought it down away from his face, giving it a light squeeze as he did so. Neither of you have realized that Peter had slipped away into Miguel's car.

“Okay, okay good.” You sighed and nodded, glad to know he was relatively okay.

“Didn’t mean to get you all worried Princesa.”

You scoff, taking your hand away from him and lightly hit his chest.

“God, you always gonna say something stupid, huh?” You rolled your eyes, but your tone couldn’t hide the smile forming on your face.

“Of course I do, ice princess, how else am I supposed to annoy you?”

—

To say you were nervous was a complete understatement, you have never been more terrified for a skating performance in your life. It was your first time performing for regionals after all.

You had barely gotten a wink of sleep, a few hours at most, but you mostly spent the night twisting and turning, glancing at your phone to look at the time, before letting out a frustrated groan and pulling your sheets up a bit higher in an attempt to get yourself to finally sleep. But your attempts were mostly futile, finally throwing in the towel around 5:00 in the morning, deciding it would be better to spend your time Getting ready for the day you’ve been anticipating rather then attempting to get another hour of sleep you know you won’t get.

By the time the clock had struck 5:30, you'd already packed your equipment in your bag, and had loaded it in Logan’s car, not surprised when you saw his back already packed, before making your way to the kitchen to make yourself breakfast, something light but enough to keep you full till lunch.

“You couldn’t sleep either?” Logan asked when you saw him enter the kitchen, two Starbucks cups hand, passing you one as he took a sip of his, his voice low as to not wake up Kate or Xavier. You let out a hum and nodded your head as you took the one he handed you and took a sip, the caffeine making you wince as you feel it try to wake your body up a bit.

“We should hit the road soon, coach Kavinsky said we should be at the rink by 6 so we can make it in time for check in and make it for our off ice warm up.” You said as you stood up from your seat, putting your dishes in the sink.

—

“God, I didn't know our short program would take so long…” Logan huffed as you both threw your figure skating jackets over your performance outfits for the first half of the competition, as you both rushed down the arenas long hallway being careful to avoid running into some of the other pairs as you made your way back to the locker rooms to change.

“Did you see Kate and her boyfriend?”

“No. Did you see Miguel and his friend?”

“No. I didn’t get enough time to look around the seats to find them.”

“Same.”

You both dropped the conversation once you both reached your respective locker rooms. Quickly changing out of the first dress and slipped the second one on, it was a full black dress with long mesh sleeves and smoke black mesh on your sides, being sure to be careful with the gemstones that were placed around the waistline and the chest, and the black feathers that accented the back in order to look like a pair of small wings as you slip your jacket back on, before going to change your lip color and eye makeup.

You were stressing hard, hell, you were surprised you were able to apply your eyeliner with a steady hand. You didn’t need to rush, since you and Logan weren’t going back on the ice for a while since they still had a few short programs to go through before you were supposed to go back on, but you tended to rush when you were nervous. Once you finished fixing your makeup you went to touch up your hair, placing two feathered wing hair clips that pinned flat against your head to match the ones of your costume, one of each side of your head. As you were placing some more bobby pins in your hair to help keep the small wings in place you heard your phone ding next to where you had placed it next to all your supplies. Once placing the last bobby pin in your hair, you grabbed your phone to open it and look at the notification.

Hey, you did amazing, can’t wait to watch your other dance. -unknown number

Fuck how your heart skipped a beat.

You didn’t even need to ask who it was to know it was Miguel, although you never gave him your phone number, so you were a bit curious as to who he had asked for it, but for now you’d have to push that to the back of your mind and focus at the more important upcoming task at hand.

—

“Next skaters going for the free skate, (Y/F/N) and Logan Martinez.”

A pause as the two go into their starting positions before Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky begins to fill the arena, the two skaters cladded in black, the gemstones on their costumes, despite their small size, shimmered brightly from the lights. No sounds other than the music filling the rink and the occasional swish from the skates slashing the ice.

You might be representing the black swan but you’ve never looked more like an angel in Miguel’s eyes. Despite the tragic atmosphere that the performance was depicting, you looked absolutely heavenly to him, he shouldn’t be surprised, this is what you love to do, what you wanted to do for a living. But he’s never got the chance, no starch that, the privilege of watching you do a routine in all of your full glory. He’s caught glimpses of you and Logan doing both routines during practices, but that was different, you wouldn’t portraying the emotions like you were right now, you wouldn’t wear the performance outfit like you were now, and the energy you were putting into the routine was far more grand than when you would practice back on the uni’s arena. He could already see himself watching from home as you and Logan were representing the country in the Olympics, but then again, maybe it was just his heart talking,being overzealous. He didn’t know if it was the performance or just your presence that he couldn’t tear his gaze from, but he wasn’t even sure if he wanted to look away in the first place.

You and Logan were selected to advance to sectionals.

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Taglist: @tayleighuh @cowboylikeevie @coralineyouareinterribledanger @jukioku @loser-alert @miguel-ohara-eater @serpentstarr @littlexscarletxwitch @darksidescorner @sukioyakio @minimari415

[imtrashraccoon]

The final Dust chapter...we're halfway through folks! I'm really happy with this one and it fills me with many fuzzy feelings.

@owl-bones

First Day, Previous Day, & Next Day.

Bad Sansuary: Dust - Tears

Word Count: 2,235.

It was a good day.

You were packing for college and you'd soon be halfway across the country far away from your insufferable family. You'd promised you would call, but had added that you may be too busy to do so. Psychology was a complicated subject and you would likely be swamped with coursework afterall.

They didn't care and neither did you for that matter. You gladly welcomed the chance to have a fresh start and freedom to live life the way you'd always dreamed to. You would be your own person and not just the lesser copy of your elder sister.

"Hey! Are you deaf or something?"

Speak of the devil and she shall appear. You dropped a folded shirt onto your suitcase and turned to the doorway of your bedroom where your sister was standing impatiently. She was wearing a new dress and expensive shoes, again, and her face was practically caked with designer makeup.

"What do you want now?" you heard yourself grumble.

Your sister rolled her eyes. "I asked what do you think you're doing? Mom needs you to watch the house for the next week while they're away, you can't just leave!"

You frowned and crossed your arms. "We've been over this at least a dozen times. I'm leaving tomorrow morning to catch a plane so I'll have time to get settled in the dorms before the first semester starts. I can't just rebook the flight now as they won't refund me."

Her face contorted into a snarl and she crossed her arms. "Fine, go and abandon our parents for a stupid degree. You'll come to regret it one day!"

She turned to leave and as the clicking of her heels on the laminate flooring started to fade, you darted to the door to stop her. "Hold on! Why can't you watch the house? You're not going to college right away..."

Your sister scoffed and flipped her long hair behind her back as she turned around again. "Who needs college? All I gotta do is bag some rich idiot who'll bend over backwards for anything I want."

"Gross."

"And what, working every day for the rest of your life is somehow better?"

"At least I'll have something to fall back on while you'll be left high and dry when he dumps you." You crossed your arms and glared at her. "And you didn't answer my question, what are you doing that is keeping you so busy?"

"The girls and I are going on a trip to Vegas to celebrate graduating." She narrowed her eyes at you and poked your chest with one of her too long manicured nails. "And no, you're not invited, you fun sponge...."

"Double gross. I wouldn't be caught dead with your 'friends', not after all the crap they put me through." You made air quotes with your fingers to emphasize that word specifically.

"Ugh! Mom was right, you're way too sensitive."

You clenched your jaw and took a slow, deliberate breath. Once you had calmed down and weren't about to clock your own sister, you asked another question. "How are you even affording a trip after you were fired? Surely, mom and dad aren't bankrolling this too?"

She rolled her eyes, "Idiot, I'm temporarily borrowing from my inheritance that Grandma left. I have plenty of time to put it back if I actually decide to go to college anyways."

You frowned as she turned and left the house. Something about how she'd said that didn't sit right with you. Your grandmother had left both of you money for college and you had decided long ago to keep it just for that. Your sister was as careless as ever though, but what right did you have to judge her foolish spending habits? It would undoubtedly come back to bite her one day and by then you would be financially secure with an amazing career.

You also didn't like how your sister had seemingly ignored all the times you'd told your family your plans over the past few weeks. You weren't going to give them up now, not even if she begged you to.

If only it had been so simple...

"What do you mean the money's gone?! That was meant to be for my college!" you remembered shouting.

Your mother didn't even turn around and continued packing her suitcase. "Remember when your sister was in that car accident a year ago? We needed to get her corrective surgery and the money had to come from somewhere. It's just money and family is more important. Besides, it's not even like it was actually yours and we'd only briefly talked about it."

It's not fair...

You woke with a heavy heart. Why had your brain chosen that particular memory to fixate on? It had been years since you left home and cut contact with just about everyone you ever knew.

Sitting up in bed, you wrapped your blankets around your shoulders and took deep breaths to try and relax. No matter how much time passed, you couldn't seem to forget about them, even though you'd tried.

There was no way you could forget about the nightmare and go back to sleep now either. Your mind was simply too jumbled to rest and it felt like you were reliving the painful emotions you'd experienced back then all over again.

It was way too early in the morning to stay up though. Maybe a snack and a drink of water would help calm your frayed nerves? If not, there was always the option of binging some historical romance shows until you fell asleep on your own. With your mind made up, you steeled yourself for the trek to the kitchen.

You didn't get far though.

No sooner did you flip on the hall light, did your gaze settle on a familiar sight. Dust was hunched over in an almost fetal position on your couch with his hood covering his face. His skull was buried in his hands and from the way he was heavily breathing, you knew he'd been crying.

Your original mission forgotten, your heart immediately went out to him. Being careful not to startle him, you made your way over to the couch and sat down next to him.

The only acknowledgement he gave to signify that he was aware of your presence was a brief glance in your direction from beneath his hood.

"Is it one of those times again?" you asked softly.

He didn't answer.

"Can I give you a hug? You look like you could use one right now."

You waited a few seconds just in case, but when he didn't say no, you figured he at least wasn't opposed to the gesture. You wrapped your arms around him and sat there quietly, just holding him close for a while.

At some point, he shifted and tentatively wrapped his arms around you as well. He managed to give you a slight squeeze and murmured a very soft, "...thank you."

He seemed exhausted and in no mood to talk about whatever had bothered him to the point of tears. That was fine, you weren't exactly in the mood to dwell on whatever negative emotions your nightmare had dredged up either.

"Are you going to be alright now?" you asked.

He shrugged and you could feel his gloved phalanges mindlessly draw circles across your shirt. He didn't say anything for several seconds but you waited patiently in case he changed his mind.

"i'll be okay... just, i don't want to go back there right now..." he muttered.

"Well, I actually had a bad dream...and I really don't think I can go back to sleep anytime soon anyways." With a sigh, you loosened your hold on his body and asked, "Wanna just hang out with snacks and watch whatever trash happens to be on tv right now?"

"eh, beats being dead i guess..." he grunted and somewhat reluctantly let go of you.

You rolled your eyes at how snarky his tone of voice was. It seemed that his sass meter was always dialed up to eleven whenever he was exhausted, but you didn't mind in the slightest. His comments never came across as malicious anymore and you actually welcomed his often blunt jokes. It was better than when he used to ignore your questions at least.

You didn't have a whole lot of snack foods save for a bag of dill pickle chips and a pack of store bought chocolate chip cookies. Meh, they were still worthy choices in your opinion. Once you were both settled on the couch again with the snacks and some water, you flipped through the channels before settling on a rerun of an old western movie.

Only a few minutes into the film though, Dust decided to slink his arm around your shoulders and scooted closer until you might as well be cuddling. You didn't mind in the slightest and neither did you acknowledge that this was technically the most he'd willingly touched you before now.

"Can I ask you something, Dust?"

He hummed quietly and tilted his skull to look over at you.

"Is there a reason you wear gloves all the time?"

He glanced down at his left hand and tentatively flexed his phalanges in a thoughtful manner. "i just don't like getting my hands dirty...it's irritating..." he murmured.

"Ah, I wondered if that could be the reason."

"it's also good so i don't leave evidence laying around," he added with a dry chuckle.

You gave him a blank look but you couldn't tell if he was serious or not. "Now I know you're pulling my leg, skeletons don't have fingerprints..."

"...that you know of," he finished for you. There was a mischievous glint in his eyelights and you noticed his smile was slightly wider than usual.

"I...don't think I want to continue this conversation... I really don't need to know why someone like you worries about leaving evidence at crime scenes, okay?"

Dust chuckled quietly and squeezed your shoulder a little. "yeah, you already worry about enough as is, bean," he said.

"Huh... Why do you call me that anyways?" you asked. "It seems so random..."

A soft violet glow briefly flickered across his zygomatic bones and he glanced away from you. He made a sound of clearing his throat and tapped his phalanges nervously against the couch cushions.

"it's, uh... actually it's sort of a pun..." he muttered.

"Really?" You tilted your head thoughtfully as you tried to rack your brain for any kind of word it could be referring to. "I don't get it...?"

"well, it'll sound really lame if i explain it..."

"No, please tell me! I promise I won't laugh, okay?"

He chuckled and nodded, although you noticed his cheekbones were still that lovely shade of purple. "okay, okay... you're a...?"

"Woman?"

He shook his skull and vaguely gestured with his free hand. "a human...what?"

You narrowed your eyes in thought. "A human being..."

"now say it quickly and in an exaggerated voice."

"Human bein'...human bean..." You crossed your arms and fixed him with a "Really?" look.

Dust nearly dissolved into a fit of laughter, which made it really hard to keep a straight face but you had unfortunately promised not to laugh at him. Still, you were going to make it known how disappointed you were right now.

"i told you it was lame..." he finally managed to say once he'd calmed down again.

"you were right!" you grumbled and gave his knee a playful punch. "Axe was at least more creative that you."

"what, he didn't just pick something food related like, i dunno, pumpkin?"

You shook your head. "Nope, he calls me lil' chip. I actually never asked him why though..."

"huh... you're right, that is pretty creative," Dust muttered thoughtfully. "i still prefer bean though..."

You sighed and flopped your head against the back rest. "Suit yourself then..." you grumbled.

The movie turned out to be more boring than you'd thought it would be and you soon found yourself struggling to keep your eyes open. After you'd jolted yourself awake a couple of times when your head started to loll to one side, Dust seemed to get an idea.

"here..." He grabbed one of the throw pillows you had lying around and set it on his femurs. "if you're that tired, you should at least lay down so you don't hurt your neck or something.

You hesitated for a split second but realized that it couldn't hurt at least. So, you shifted your body until you could lay down comfortably with your head on the cushion in his lap. He spread a blanket over your body before flashing that more genuine smile of his at you.

"comfy?"

"Very..." you hummed in response.

Dust nodded and turned his attention back to the movie again. You tried to focus on it as well, especially when the more action packed scenes came on, but you couldn't seem to resist the pull of sleep any longer. It really didn't help when he started absentmindedly playing with your hair as well.

The next thing you knew, the sun was out and you were safely tucked back into your own bed. The only evidence that he'd been there at all was the couch pillows being slightly askew and the snacks being gone that you'd both consumed in the night.

[yournowheregirl]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers! Spread the self-love ❤️

emily my darling thank you so much for this ask 💖 (even though i'm like replying to it two weeks late) anyway!!! i love all my fics so much, so this was difficult but i picked out some of my absolute fave-faves!

a rare and gentle thing (southern & secret Dolly Parton fan Eddie Munson my beloved!! i loved writing this and seeing everyone's reactions with every chapter, it was so wholesome!)

Eddie misses Tennessee sometimes, though he doesn’t remember much. He misses the warmth of the people and the sunshine, he misses the cornbread his old neighbor Mrs. Carter used to make, but he mostly misses his mom. Misses her laugh and the way she tucked him into bed with a song every night, always with the same Dolly Parton song. Maybe that’s why he always reaches out to Dolly when he’s feeling down in the dumps. And all because of Steve motherfuckin’ Harrington.

2. andante, andante (my entry for lex' spicy six summer challenge 2023! it's gay, it's greek, it's all about summer and love and romance and i love my girls robin and nancy so much!!)

After four years of studying Linguistics, Robin is in desperate need of a break. With the money she saved up these last few months, Robin books a plane ticket to Paris and decides to go on a solo-trip through Europe. While Paris and Vienna are amazing, she longs for some peace and quiet, for endless oceans and cloudless skies. She ends up at the Greek island of Kalokairi, where she meets fellow graduate Nancy and together, they decide that the world is wide and they want to make some memories (and possibly fall in love in the process). OR: a Mamma Mia! inspired gay Greek summer romance extravaganza

3. wear me like a locket around your throat (one of two kinktober 2023 entries with my dear friend @sidekick-hero! i had so much fun writing this because we were on such a roll ping-ponging ideas back and forth and it's still one of the hottest things i've written imo)

There's a long silence in which they both stare at each other, unsure of what to say. Or maybe they know exactly what to say next, what to do next, they're just not sure who's going to be the one to actually bring it up. Eddie is the first to break the silence, he always is. "You want me to put it on for you?" Steve feels his dick twitch at the question, the for you ringing in his ears at the same time the mine, mine, mine mantra comes back with a vengeance. "Please."

4. need a hand? (baby's first stranger things smut! we always need more ronance smut and i'm happy to comply. i was so nervous while writing and posting but i'm so so proud of it!)

“Need a hand?” Those three simple words have Robin choking on air because- “What?” “I said-” Nancy says slowly, taking a step closer to Robin and lowering her voice. “-do you need a hand?” Her blue eyes stare right into Robin’s soul before her gaze temporarily lands on the bed behind Robin and- “Oh.” Or: Robin enjoys some well deserved me-time, until Nancy comes home early and offers to help her out instead.

5. in breakable heaven (i loved diving into the other characters and their reaction to steddie and i'm especially proud of max' character in this fic! it's just a fun and silly fic and i love it, simple as that)

"Dustin…” Nancy asks slowly. “Do they know we know?” “No?” Dustin tries, but the way his voice goes up an octave or two betrays him. “Dustin.” The girls say in unison. “Okay, yes, they know you know!” Dustin finally gives in, throwing his hands in the air in defeat. It’s been one long summer and he just wants this thing to be over with already. "Wait." Robin says. "They don't know that we know they know." OR: Steve and Eddie are trying to hide their budding relationship, but their friends keep finding out anyway. Things take a turn for the worse when their friends try to mess with them to get revenge (based on Friends s5ep14 The One Where Everyone Finds Out)

[dangermousie]

Ep 22 was brutal in general, but the acting was amazing. Also, the thing that struck me was that while LX doesn't regret blinding FZJ in one eye, I don't think he was really intending it per se - it could as easily have ended in a few bruises and cops dragging LX off with FZJ not particularly worse for wear.

I love love love that ZY saw LX at his lowest - man lost his mind and blinded someone in front of an audience and was acting like a wild animal during the whole thing and that was after he dumped her brutally - and she still wants to go to him. (Also, she clearly figured out why he dumped her but I am gonna talk about it more below anyway so...)

Her parents are the WORST! They shove her and slap her and eventually lock her up even though she is a legal adult and they have no right. The kid they hated so much never laid a finger in anger on her but here they are, parents of the year. The thing is - why on earth are they even doing this? What do they fear she will do? LX is locked up and is going to go to jail, how would their precious doll they want to control be damaged by seeing him? Is she gonna perform a jail marriage ceremony? Clearly not!

And that is the difference between ZY and her awful parents. They KNOW that LX went after FZJ to avenge his sister, they know FZJ is at fault in ZY's friend's suicide but they are still only concerned for FZJ because he's of their class the way working class LX will never ever be. He's a monster but he's their socially acceptable monster.

I fucking LOVE her!

And then those fuckers lock her up and take her phone even though she is a legal adult and that is literally kidnapping. I love the intercut of her helpless in the room, a prisoner of her parents, with him having his hair shaved off and still completely unrepentant but so very dead inside. Both of them dead inside.

The thing that I love is that it made sense for him to break it off with her to protect her - he got out in three for good behavior but he could have had a decade in - but the fact that all his acts of driving her away were to protect her is not some big secret that it takes her years to unravel. She obviously figured it all out but after a certain point, it does not matter - the events and her parents' psycho behavior have defeated her. She does not have depression and just decides to give up as a result, not caring about anything, because of LX. She does so because of LX coupled with her parents' behavior. She was alone at the lowest point of her life and they used it to wear her down back to obedient doll. Would anything have changed if she were able to see him right away after the assault and before he went in so he knew his ruse didn't work asap? Who knows. But it couldn't have been worse.

Also, her parents are very lucky ZY is who she is. In a lot of circumstances, this kind of behavior on their part would cause an irreconcilable rift. A woman may never see the boyfriend at issue again and get married and have three kids with someone else and still not forgive the parents because that behavior was horrifying and could not be justified by anything at all.

[warping-realities]

Rich People Problems

This is the longest story I've written so far. And once again a tribute to the wonderful work of CallmeCrazy, whose story An Old Fashioned became my all-time favorite and is the biggest source of inspiration for this work. I also have to mention the works of dumb-and-jocked that I admire a lot. And as I said in my first story, English is not my native language, which can bring some grammatical errors. Beyond that, this type of history involves a knowledge of typically American traditions and culture, so there may be other errors, due to lack of deeper knowledge about the topic. Finally, since everything I know about the subject came from the stories of both authors, it may be that mine has become too derivative of these works. Still, I really hope you like it!

Cris sighed for a long time before entering the luxurious and refined ballroom of the Country Club. This was going to be a painful experience. An engagement party, out of the blue. His mother Carol had been widowed a few years ago and since then had focused her life on work as a lawyer. She was a staunch defender of human rights, fighting hard in court for the less fortunate. Cris greatly admired his mother's work and never judged her by her absences, what she did was something that changed lives and from an early age he understood the importance of her work. Even though because of that he has always been a lonely boy, without a father, with an absent mother and a social inability that prevented him from making lasting friendships. He always had books as his greatest company, going from children's classics to true classics, and it was through reading complex political works that he decided to become a journalist to fight against the ills and injustices of the world, just like his mother.

So imagine Cris's enormous surprise when he found out that his mother had decided to marry the multimillionaire and notorious miser Archibald Sutterland III, with a reputation for being a demanding boss and averse to workers' rights.

“The Third” murmured Cris with disdain. Rich people and their pretentious names, he thought with a roll of his eyes, stepping into the room.

He walked through the place, infested with pretentious people, all pretentiously dressed, and looking his way with judgmental eyes. But he didn't let himself get angry, this was, after all, his mother's engagement, and he would dress however he saw fit. Not that he'd had the time to find “appropriate” clothes for the occasion. Having been abducted by a pair of giant security guards from his college dorm earlier that day, bundled into a private jet, taken to a stately mansion, where, in a room the size of his former home, a pompous outfit was waiting for him on the bed. He decided to ignore the garment, despite the protests of his “guardians” who, finally defeated, threw him into a fucking limousine and dumped him in that place that was totally alien and hostile to him.

“How does shit like that happen?” He muttered to himself, as he looked for his mother, determined to confront her about that insanity. Speaking of insanity…he finally spotted her, she was standing by the bar, wearing a dress he would never have imagined, with a goofy smile on her face. One more piece of information for the list of absurd things of the day.

"Mom? What the fuck is going on?” he asked irritably.

“Cristhian, my dear, I'm glad you made it in time! But what are you wearing? Archibald made it clear to the staff that you should be handled properly!”

"Handled? What the hell, mom! I'm not some puppy to be "led" across the country. And what the hell is going on anyway, what ridiculous idea of marriage is this?”

“Be quiet, please Cristhian, don't embarrass me in front of all of society.”

“And since when do you care about “society?” He said emphasizing the word with obvious disdain.

Forcing a smile in hope no one would notice the altercation, his mother pulled him aside as she spoke.

“Calm down, let’s talk…”

….

Watching the discussion from afar was Archibald Sutterland III, accompanied by his longtime partner and friend, Forrest Gordon-Lenox IV.

“You have to admit the boy has some panache, Archie.” Forrest was one of the few allowed to use that nickname, since both had known each other since childhood, even then only when they were alone.

“I should have anticipated that the boy would have some of his mother's old fire, but if I've made her an impeccable example of a woman, believe me I'll get the brat out of the way. In fact, I think it might be the perfect opportunity to test my own heir.” He said when he saw a handsome young man approaching.

“Good night Father, good night Mr Gordon-Lenox. It looks like Carol is having some issues with her son.” Said the boy with a mischievous smile on his face.

“Good night, Chadwick. Your father and I were just talking about your future brother’s peculiar ways.”

“Chadwick, the time has come. I could do it myself, but soon you'll graduate and you'll need to assume your responsibilities, you know I don't care much for gossip from society, but something like this could have negative repercussions on business. So I need you to take care of the lad.”

"Yes, father, with the greatest pleasure" replied the young man with a sneaky smile.

….

“Mom, looks like I got into a bad adaptation of Stepford Wives! This doesn't make any sense, how can you drop everything, years of career to marry an old man and become a housewife? “

“If I were you, I would be very careful with words spoken in such an environment, my dear.” Said a sassy voice. Turning around, scared, Cris came face to face with a handsome young man wearing a light blue suit, in tune with his eyes, which at that moment were analyzing him with a distinctive predatory look.

“Who the hell are you?”

“I am Chadwick Sutterland.”

"So what…?"

"So what, my dear, if we're going to be brothers we might as well agree on some things."

"Brothers???"

"Chadwick is Archibald's son Cristhian so after marriage he will be your brother"

"How wonderful" replied Cris exasperated.

"Indeed, I think we are going to get along wonderfully, Cristian.”

“I wouldn't bet on it!”

“Cristian! Enough of that!" Carol whispered, anguished.

“Let me handle this Carol, your son and I get off on the wrong foot, but let's fix this together. Cristhian, can’t you at least try this for your mom?" Concludes Chadwick in an accusatory tone.

Seeing the anguish on the face of the most important woman in his life Cris gave in.”

"Okay, since it looks like this craziness is going to happen anyway…. but I'm not going to wear that pompous shit." He responded by looking disdainfully at the attire of his future “brother” not caring if it offended him.

“Apparently someone always has to be on top. I think I'll call you Topper, brother, and since we're among bros, you can call me Chad.”

“You can call me whatever you want, this ‘fraternal’ relationship won't last long. So come on, I need a drink.”

“Excellent, follow me please. Carol if you'll excuse us!” Finishes Chadwick, dragging Cris with him across the hall.

….

“Drink this, Bro.” Said Chad reaching a glass of bourbon for Cris. He had dragged him to a locker room near the Club's gym. The pompous and polite demeanor disappearing along the way, replaced by a relaxed attitude and a care free vocabulary. Which made Cris's initial dislike for the other man to diminish considerably.

“What you need to understand, now that you're going to be part of our midst, is that appereances are everything, the way you talk, the way you carry yourself, the way you dress…so those costumes aren't going to work, Topper!” He continued, using that stupid nickname, apparently a bond between brother, or something like that, and as much as Cris protested Chadwick was Chad and Cristhian was Topper. After some failed attempts, Cris no longer objected, after all after that night he intended to have as little contact as possible with the other man.

“I don't give a shit about that shit, Chad. My mother can commit this madness if in fact that's what she wants, which I still have a hard time believing. But once tonight's circus is over, I'm going back to college without looking back.”

“I understand your indignation, I was also surprised by my father's decision. My mother passed away less than a year ago. So understand that you're not the only one upset here, bro. But my father is used to getting what he wants and he wants yourmother. He met her a few months ago, in court, oddly. She argued her case against one of our companies with such ferocity that it warmed something in the old man's icy heart. Since then he has been courting her, relentlessly, until she accepted the proposal last week, it may have seemed sudden, but as I told you, my father gets what he wants, when he wants.” Concludes the boy with a certain bitterness in his voice. Which earned him a few more points with Cristhian. Maybe not everyone there was that awful. But, sitill full of indignation Cris continued with his complaints.

"But I don't understand why my mother didn't tell me anything, it's not like her."

“Bro, you know how women are, nobody can predict their shit.”

To avoid an unwanted discussion with someone he was trying to create some kind of sympathy, Cris let the sexist comment pass.

“Still I don't understand why I need to use this!” He said looking at a twin suit to his future “brother.”

“Appearances, brother. Coming here poorly dressed not only tarnishes you, but also your mother, my father, and our family name. Come on, try it, I bet you'll feel a lot better.”

With a last breath Cris began to undress. But as he removed his jacket, he suddenly found himself very close to a smiling Chad, holding a bright red gem in his hand.

"Not yet, Topper, first we need to make some changes."

The stone began to emit an intense glow. Afraid of what he was seeing Cristhian tried to escape. But out of nowhere his legs went rigid and immobile. As if they were glued to the ground.

“What the fuck is going on? What are you doing?

“Silence, now is your time to listen. You will only speak when I say so.” Cris felt his lips touch, not hard, but still totally unable to form a sentence, his vocal chords incapacitated to do any vibration.

“I like you Topper, really, you got some balls. I think we could still be real brothers. But the way things are, it won't work. Do you know why? For what you are. Or what the people who matter think you are. And you know what they think, Topper? I'm sure that many in that hall looked at you and thought that: a nobody. But what they haven't thought of is what you really are, an opportunity.” Chad continued smiling.

“Have a seat,” he said, pointing to a bench. And Cris felt compelled to sit down, the movement returning to his legs. But when he tried to turn and run away, he ended up sitting right where Chad told him to.

“Such a good boy.” sneered Chad, the red gem held between his fingers.

“You know what that is, Topper? That's why your fierce mother became a trophy wife-to-be. And that is also the key to the future, mine and yours, bro. So I guess I owe this version of you an explanation.

“This little gem here has been in my family for generations, passed down from father to son and ensuring that our lineage, our money and our name continue to live on. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the reason old Dorrance Sutterland, the founder of our line, got his passage on the Mayflower. But I confess that for some generations the Sutterland men have used it for more… mundane ends. When you has everything money can buy, it's hard to find something that really needs the use of this little beauty here.”

“I didn't lie to you when I said that my father met your mother in court a few months ago, that's the absolute truth. And I wasn't lying when I said he tried to woo her either, he did… but was rebuffed, which only ignited the fury inside him even more. And the more the fire inside my father grew, the more the desire to dominate and extinguish his mother flame consumed him.”

“You see, this little stone here has a power over reality itself, there's nothing it can't do, with the exception of a few limitations, which I'll tell you in a moment. The curious thing is that my father doesn't know this, my grandfather never told him all of its potential, for him it is only capable of influencing people's minds, shaping their wills and even redefining their personalities. But he never suspected that it could do so much more.”

“It's all because my dad was always a big asshole. With his stupid rules, his obsession with control, his insufferable rigidity and the biggest problem of all, his avarice. My grandfather would have loved to use the stone on him, but that wasn't possible, that's one of the limitations of the stone's power, it doesn't work on men of our lineage. We are the only ones who can use it but never on ourselves, although there are some interesting ways to at least partially circumvent these rules. Furthermore, each Sutterland man can use it only once in his lifetime.”

“So my grandfather was forced to live with his boring son, who despite having a great ability for finances, always showed a total inability to enjoy the pleasures of our way of life. So, as a small form of revenge, he withheld essential information from my father, but told me everything, as I was a much better heir to our legacy.”

“My father used his chance with the stone to turn your mother into his little trophy wife, Topper. After all the speeches, all the scolding, all the talk of responsibility, he used the stone to win over a woman, just a few months after my mother died! How undignified is that? And when he refused to hand me the stone, he even had the audacity to repeat the usual litany.”

“The same litany that isolated me my whole life, that prevented me from having a true friendship, from living the life I am entitled to. For my father, everything I wanted was frivolous, everything was a waste. And everyone looked at me with pity, pity for the poor rich boy, of course my peers accepted me among them and never had the heart to do anything to me, I'm a Sutherland and that name means a lot. But not even that name can create a real bond, maybe if my dad had put me in a boarding school things would have been different, maybe some real friendship would have been established, but no, I needed to be under his constant surveillance.”

“While my colleagues are enjoying their holidays in Ibiza or the Swiss Alps I am forced to sit next to him in a dusty office! Even my frat brothers, as much as they talk about the unbreakable bond that unites us, they don't really see me as one of the guys, they respect my name and my position, but it's clear that I'm among them because I'm a legacy . Can you imagine how it feels to see all your “brothers” getting ready for Spring Break knowing you won't be able to make it? My father denied me not only the name of my grandfather, he also denied me the opportunity to live my life as it should be lived by our people, with respect for traditions yes, but above all with fun. Yes, with fun, what's the point of having mountains of money if you can't have fun? That's all I want Topper, have fun!

“You don't have the slightest idea how much I wanted to get my hands on the stone, but the old man took guarantees so that I wouldn't have access to it, as if I didn't have my own means and today thanks to this outrageous engagement dinner I finally managed to get my hands on it. And thanks to you, Topper, I'm finally going to have a way to enjoy my life the way I deserve it.”

So, put a smile on that face because you'll be enjoying everything it with me, bro!" Sighed the man, concluding his long villainous monologue, with a maniacal smile on his face.

Cristian, motionless, lips sealed, listened to all that madness, unable to believe it. That was impossible. But so was his current situation. And the story, absurd as it was, provided an explanation for his mother's altered behavior. Still, that was all impossible, wasn't it?

“My grandfather informed my father of specific rules and ways of speaking and ordering the stone, instilling in him a fear of what might happen if those safeguards were not used, in addition to the obvious omission of its full power. My grandfather was diligent in his revenge, Topper. Thanks to him my father lost his chance to achieve something really extraordinary, but I won't lose mine. The stone does not need specific and detailed orders, these things only limit the functioning of it, it is intimately connected to the deepest desires of his bearer, so just ask and it will provide. Goodbye, Cristhian, welcome Topper, bro!” he concluded.

The stone began to emit an intense red glow, in great waves, which in Cristhian's vision seemed to distort things around him, with Chad's hand becoming a blur.

"That shit was real" was his last coherent thought before being enveloped by the red light.

…..

The memories came in waves, totally alien to his identity but intrusive, forcing their way in.

Two blond toddlers, so alike you'd think they were twins, in an elegant living room, arguing animatedly about whose father owned the bigger yacht, eliciting giggles from two pretty blonde women, their mothers.

“Yes, he and Chad knew each other from the cradle. No, no, what the fuck was that?”

“Their mothers were best friends, college roommates and in the same sorority, and their fathers had common bussiness, it was natural that the friendship extended to their children.

“No, his father had been a college professor, not a businessman, and his mother had never been on a sorority. And what kind of spoiled brat has a conversation like that?

Seemingly the same kind of kid who spend their afternoons on the tennis courts at the Country Club. While their parents are excitedly discussing business. Occasionally pausing to flash an approving smile in his son's direction, in Cris's… Topper case. Or a stern look in Chad's case.

“Uncle Archibald was always a pain in the ass, but spending time with Chad and dad was awesome.” It was the thought that appeared in Cris' head, while that memory solidified.

Thinking about his father brought up an old and painful memory of Cris, which was quickly modified by the overwhelming power of the stone. The memory of a thin, brown-haired boy, on a cold winter afternoon, feeling lost and alone, was replaced by that of a blond boy, physically active, but with the same feelings marking his face full of sadness. But that gradually diminished from the moment he felt his best friend's hand on his shoulder, with a warm feeling spreading through his body, knowing that he had someone with him. Although that feeling was interrupted by a flash of irritation when seeing his “Uncle” Archibald whisper something in his mother's ears. His father had just died and there was ambitious old Archie harassing his widow, no doubt imagining a way to cash in.

Cris struggled with the conflicting and confused feelings inside him, he knew that none of that was real, not the anger for a man he didn't know, not that great friendship, not that feeling of warmth. But at the same time it would have been nice to have a friend by his side when his father passed away… it had been so nice…

After his father's death, Cris became responsible, at least in name, for the family's legacy. His mother, contrary to what one might think, was a true lioness, she took over her late husband's business with great interest, expanding the family fortune and ensuring that every wish of the heir was granted. But at the expense of the son's loneliness. Christopher Lauder Hawthorne IV, Prince Topper, fourth of his name, heir of a fortune, surrounded by everything he could want... and alone. The exception was his friend Chadwick Sutherland, but even if the two wanted to spend all their time together, that would not be possible. But his mom made it! He didn't know what kind of deal she made with Archibald, but some time after his father's death, Christopher along with Chadwick was sent to boarding school.

What would have been a torment for other boys was liberating for both of them. Away from his father's stern gaze, Chadwick was able to enjoy life for the first time, while Christopher found in his friend a true brother, there was nothing Topper wouldn't do for him. The two formed a beautiful pair, handsome and charming, soon they were surrounded by a group of friends, which grew more and more. Topper with his outgoing ways, with the certainties in life that only the very rich or the very idiots possess, and Chad, with a more cunning way of thinking, but still willing to have as much fun as he could get. Leaders among their own.

But anyone who thought that boys were stupid was very wrong, Chadwick could never have low grades, under the risk of losing the ironic freedom that the school had given him and Topper, well… Topper had Chad to help him with the most complex questions and a mother willing to overlook her precious son's academic incompetence. Even more so when it became clear that the boy had a natural talent for sports when the two joined the school's lacrosse team, which soon evolved into a passion for all sports they could participate in. Topper's tactical ability on the field and court demonstrated something his poor academic record had failed to do: he was extremely intelligent and capable when he wanted to be. The truth is, most of the time he just didn't care. The exception was precisely sports, which became a true obsession, which Chad shared to a slightly lesser extent. As a result, the two muscular men who finished school barely resembled the two boys they once were. Topper cherished the photograph taken with his friend in which the two wore a mixture of the uniforms of the different sports they practiced, while holding their equipment.

No, no, no! I've always been a good student, I have no idea what the rules of lacrosse are, I've never been to boarding school, and I'm certainly not some pretentious mountain of muscle who thinks he has the world at his feet." Chris thought.

"But I am." Topper replied. Making Cris scared, not knowing where the strange voice inside his head came from, while new memories flowed.

With the end of school and before the start of college, which both boys would go to together, Archibald decided he wanted Chad by his side with the intention of instructing him in the truths of life or any such nonsense. As if Topper was going to let his brother mold in an office all summer. Negative, the two of them would have fun, even if he had to kidnap Chad to do so. Which was not necessary, because once again Carol Lauder Hawthorne had used her magnificent powers of persuasion and ensured that her beloved son had the company of his best friend during those vacations, in which the two explored the Old Continent together, with yacht trips through exclusive islands across the Mediterranean, a brief pause to ski in the Swiss Alps, and the cherry on top: the craziest sex experiences in Eastern Europe.

“Ah Man, the elasticity of that girl in Prague” Topper recalled fondly of that particular night.

“I have never been to Prague, or on a yacht, or the Mediterranean and I would certainly break my legs if I tried to ski.” Cris argued.

“Nonsense, I am a natural athlete.” Topper replied.

"But I'm not you" replied Cris, finally losing the capacity to perceive the strangeness of the situation.

“Of course you are, you idiot. Who else would you be if not me? I’m such a dumbass!” laughed Topper inside Cris's head, which echoed:

"A dumbass, he he he"

And suddenly he also burst out laughing, their laughter mingling as if they were one.

After an unforgettable summer, college time has finally arrived. Continuing with the already established partnership, the boys rented a luxurious apartment close to the Campus. Archibald had the nerve to try to send Chad to a shared dorm, as if Topper would allow it, he would never have agreed to go to a dorm, he deserved and would always have the best and the best thing for him was to have Chad by his side. This time Carol's intervention wasn't necessary, Archibald simply wasn't informed of the arrangement, and what he didn't know wouldn't bother him. Of course, such an arrangement would be temporary. Both boys were legacies and would soon be inducted into their parents' old fraternity.

Chad had no option but to choose business-oriented subjects to study, having known before starting college that his major would be in business. Topper briefly considered studying sports sciences due to his love of sports, but it wasn't like he needed it, so why make the effort? He then decided to enroll in the same subjects as his friend without worrying much about. After all, college was much more than listening to half a dozen stilted old people, it was about making contacts, having new experiences and above all having fun!

“But I'm a great student and business? I'm going to be a writer, aren't I?"

“Ha, I couldn't even write the grocery list if I didn't have someone to do the list and the shopping for me… and great student? I'm always great, even if the grades say otherwise, if I tried a little harder I know they'd be a lot better, but it doesn't make any difference in my life.”

“No, education is important!”

“Of course it is, that's why I studied at the best schools and went to college, but those things only get you so far, when you want to go further your name and your contacts do more for you than any major. ”

Speaking of contacts, Chad and Topper were perfect fraternity material. The two made it through Hell Week and all the prank unscathed, quickly rising within the organization.

Now, about to end their Junior Year, the two held positions on the chapter's board, being strong competitors to assume the presidency.

“Not if I have anything to say about it.” Topper knew that one day he would have to assume responsibility for the family business, but he had no interest in taking on any real responsibility before it was necessary, and he wouldn't let his best bro do it, Archibald would certainly put pressure on his son, having been president in his day, even if the sour old man never understood anything about what fraternal life really was. No, it was Topper's duty to make sure his friend had some kind of fun. Helping in the organization of the parties, the routine of the house and guiding the newcomers, showing them the path to follow, was more than enough. Man, how he liked to see the frightened looks of the pledges when the blindfolds were taken off and it was his face the first thing that bunch of kids saw, not knowing they were looking at the guy who would make them men, the right kind of men. They were a family, after all, and he took great pride in being the cool big brother role model.

“It would have been nice to have so many friends, to feel part of something.”

“Yeah, man I love this.”

However, not everything had been perfect in the last year, unexpectedly the angel of death struck the pair of friends again. Sybil, Chad's mother, died of a sudden illness. And suddenly Topper found himself in the opposite position from so many years ago. Chad was a grown man and not a boy, yet Topper saw his long-ago image reflected in his friend's sad eyes on the day of the funeral.

Knowing the power of a helping hand, Topper stayed by Chad's side the entire time. This being a pain that could only be improved with time, Topper decided to anesthetize it the best way he knew how. That night he took Chad to a bar with the intention of drinking until put his friend into a drunken stupor.

"Thanks bro. I don't know what I'd do without you by my side.... Oh, god I'm sounding like a crybaby.”

“Chad, your mother just passed away, today you have the right to look like a crybaby, dude. Which doesn't justify you being one for all the years we've known each other, bro.” replied Topper smiling.

"Asshole…". Answered the friend with a sad smile.

“Speaking of asshole, how is Uncle Archie doing?”

“Being himself, if you know what I mean? You'd think his wife's death would soften the old man, but no, he didn't even give me a hug..."

"I would hug you brother if it put a real smile on your face, but I think I have a better solution." Said Topper pointing to a pair of beautiful girls standing on the other side of the bar.

“Oh man, I don’t know…”

“They are hot, brothers. Look, your mom would want you to get on with your life and right now you need a distraction, soooo…. blond or brunette?”

“Both!” Chad responded with his first real smile in a while.

That was a wild night, to avoid the unwanted attention of the parents, they took two women to one of the apartments that Topper had in the city and there, washed down with a lot of alcohol and a little cocaine, the four of them ended up in bed in a foursome.

“That was fucking awesome”

“Yeah, dude, fucking awesome”

Chad spent the next few months in a mood that ranged from depressed to euphoric, in the latter case usually with a little help from Topper, but with gradual improvement. Until a new blow hit the pair of friends. On a sunny afternoon less than a week ago, during a college recess, as the boys were riding through the huge Hawthorne property, they were called by Carol for a chat.

“Boys, an announcement will be made soon, but both Archibald and I would like you to know in advance. In the summer he and I are getting married.”

“What the fuck is this, Mom? Are you kidding?

“Language, Christopher. And no, I'm not kidding. I would like you to think of it as a… business arrangement, a very beneficial arrangement for both parties.”

“A benefical arrangement? Mom, we have more than enough money.”

"Cristopher, my dear, I raised you better than that, there's no such thing as enough money."

“And Aunt Sybil? Your best friend's body has barely cooled down and you're ready to snap up her husband. Sorry bro!” Concludes Topper when he remembers who he was sitting next to. But the friend did not answer him. Preferring to direct his attention toward Carol.

"How long? How long have you two been planning this…arrangement, Carol?” The “aunt” left unceremoniously aside.

"Archibald and I have been discussing this for some time, and it's really going to be very profitable."

“Profitable and convenient, isn’t it?” You stil are a young woman, not even forty years old yet. And I must say you hid it wonderfully well, but now looking closely I can't help but notice the signs. When can Topper and I expect our brother or sister to be born?”

“Chadwick! How can you say…”

“Drop the acting, only something like this would make sense!”

“Okay, I really am pregnant, I never imagined this could happen. Boys, you must understand, nothing happened between me and Archibald while Sybil was alive. Chad, his parents were my biggest source of support after Topper's dad passed away , Sybil was truly my best friend and when she left I felt… empty. Imagine how you would feel without each other? Archibald may seem cold but he also felt her loss and in our grief we ended up supporting each other and one thing led to another and one night after a few glasses of wine we ended up...

“Fucking.” Interrupted Topper!

“Cristopher, that’s enough, I am your mother and I deserve respect.”

"Respect? How can you speak of respect after telling us this?”

“Topper, it's okay, she's right, there's nothing more to be done, taking the baby out is not an option, the scandal if this story gets out… I imagine the wedding will be soon, to allay suspicions, although it still should raise some eyebrows...

“Yes, it's still the best arrangement we could come up with. Christopher my dear, I'm really sorry, but it's for the best. Besides, you always wanted a brother.”

“I already have a brother.” He replied looking towards his friend.

“Yes, Christopher, and now you will indeed be brothers for real. Think about it. And you Chad, Topper told me all about how you feel about Archibald and I'm no idiot despite what anyone might think, I see the way he treats you. I can be a very powerful ally, never underestimate my powers of persuasion, even more so when I carry Archibald's son with me. You may not believe it, but all his behavior comes from the hopes and expectations he has, it will be very good for you to have someone to share that weight with.”

“Just think about it brother, we will be real brothers, on paper and in life, and with one more of us on the way. Doesn't look so bad. Even more so if that way you can get your dad off your back.” Said Topper letting himself be carried away by his mother's notorious power of persuasion without realizing it.

"Yeah, that wouldn't be so bad, not really, brother." Concludes Chad smiling back at his friend.

And so the two ended up at that event at the Club where they had spent most of their lives. Commemorating the future union of the parents, which would formalize the status of the two as brothers. Topper arrived late, and accompanied by his friend, goes to the locker room to put on appropriate clothes before going to the ballroom. And now the two of them were there, face to face. Topper looking down at his friend's distorted hand, the glowing red stone emanating constant waves.

“quite a.... quite a story....but....it's not real.... none of it is....real.” Cris reappeared, gathering what was left of his energy.

“Dude, of course it's real. If you want it, it's real, I want it, and I'm you, so it's real!”

“No....I'm not you.....you're a.... invention, you're nothing but...a rich asshole....who thinks he owns the world...... who thinks… has… the world at his feet..... your life is all about money....and...parties and..."

“And fun, and not worrying about tomorrow, and friends, real friends, and a mother who does whatever I want and a brother, a real brother who was always there for me… how could that be? something bad?"

“No…no…no…it wasn't real…no…it could…be real…” still, new memories came streaming towards him, like a giant wave. red, flooding every inch of his consciousness until there was no empty space left.”

…

Chad studied the face of the young man with glazed eyes and a empty expression sitted in front of him.

His hand burned with heat as he gripped the stone and he couldn't help thinking that maybe it was too much, that maybe he had fucked up beautifully.

“It has to work, it has to work…” he muttered. Then the stone emitted its most intense glow, momentarily blinding him. Upon regaining his sight he found himself in front of a completely different man. Sitting naked before him was an example of male perfection. A face that looked like it was carved from marble, golden hair in beautifull curls, with the broad, defined musculature of someone who could easily be a fitness model. If at some point Marvel decided to reboot Captain America the man in front of him wouldn't be a bad choice, except for the fact that he would never put himself in that position… unless he thought he would have fun with it.

And how did Chad know that? He knew this because he suddenly remembered a whole new life, which made his previous life look pale and gray and all thanks to that man in front of him, Topper, his best friend, his brother! And with a smile on his face he woke him up to reality:

"Hey bro, are you okay?"

"What? Chad, bro, sorry I kind of zoned out, damn jet lag. But it was worth it, you should have gone with me, Brazil is everything we were told.”

“Not everyone can afford to fly all the way to Rio and hook up with a supermodel whenever they want, bro.”

“True, but we can”

“Speak, for you brother”

“I speak for both of us. If there's one good thing to come out of this whole situation, it's that my mom will get Archie off of you, and we'll finally be able to enjoy life the right way.”

Concluded Topper while opening a closet and taking out some clothes.

After putting on pristine white briefs, which barely contained the huge python he had in place of a penis, he flexed both arms and admired himself in the mirror:

“I’m so swole, man.”

“Something had to make up for the lack of brains, brother!”

“You only say that because you're jealous of me, tiny boy.”

"I wouldn't call anything about me tiny.”

“True, but nothing that compares to my size, little brother!”

“Some of us prefer a classic beauty, Topper.”

“And some of us decided to be real men, Chad.”

Was Topper's mocking response as he walked past his “brother" and patted him in his groin.

“Dude, leave the gems alone”

"Stop being a whiner, I wouldn't do anything to hurt my future nephews." Said Topper, as he finished buttoning a white shirt more immaculate than a virgin and admired himself - again - in the mirror.

“Dude, i’m so handsome”

I didn't know jet lag caused brain damage, bro. I thought we'd already gone through this discussion about all this handsomeness of yours. Be careful, you Don’t have much brain in your head to spend.”

"Asshole, your envy doesn't reach me, try as you might." He responded by finishing putting on his suit pants, the same shade of blue as Chad's.

“So how are the lovebirds doing? I imagine the news that he’s going to have another boy to torment has given Archie a break from his usual boredom.”

“Incredibly, yes. Your mother does have a hold on my father, he pestered me a lot less than usual.” Bold choice, brother.” Finished Chad upon seeing the extravagant gold detailing on Topper's jacket.”

“I couldn't miss the chance to see Archie's eyes explode, especially since he knows he has no power over me. Soon he won't have any power over you and I promise you, he won't have any power over that baby either. When he's born, you and I together are going to show the little one how to live. Now come here brother, you may not be as handsome as I am, but we still make a great pair.

….

The two returned to the hall together, as always attracting attention from everyone around, but both were used to being the center of attention, and frankly they deserved it! They found their parents sitting together at a table, and to both their surprise, Archibald looked more relaxed than they had ever seen him in their lives, while Carol turned to both of them with a Cheshire smile.

“Hey boys, we have news. But since Christopher took up so much time, maybe we should leave it for another moment…”

“Carol, boys will be boys, so let them be. By the way, I liked the suit, Topper, a bold choice.” Archibald intervened. Making the two boys look at each other in disbelief.

“Anyway, what Carol was trying to say is we've decided to have the wedding in early summer in Malta and the good news is you're going a few weeks in advance to get everything ready. We count on you, do not measure efforts, or money.” Conclude Archibalb, not seeing the sly smile that Carol gave behind his back and making the boys' jaws drop, metaphorically, of course, since neither of them would commit such an indignity in public.

….

And so it was that in early July, Chadwick Sutterland found himself enjoying the best that life had to offer on an exclusive Mediterranean island alongside his lifelong best friend, Christopher Hawthorne IV. Turning over a small red gem in his hand, thinking of gray and fading memories of a reality that for the world had never existed. He had done very well, in his own opinion. His father was dominated, so much so that he didn't even bother with his son's much longer hair. He have a fierce ally ahead of his family business, even more so now that she was expecting a Sutherland boy, who, when the moment came, he would deliver that stone to be used in a time of need. An unforeseen but very favorable outcome, the stone indeed acted in the best interest of the wielder if its power were allowed to act freely. And the greatest proof of that was his best friend, the brother he had gained, who was at his side beside talking to him at that very moment.

“Hey bro, what a serious face, you should be enjoying your first real vacation paid with your father’s money, dumbass.” Topper said with a smile.

“True, you asshole.” Chad answered, keeping the stone safe and looking at his brother.

“Let's have some fun!”

[magniloquent-raven]

hope yall are in the mood for some aro max because i wrote some aro max (and terrible-at-feelings-but-trying-to-help billy lmao)

posted on ao3

**

"Alright, shithead, spill." Billy lands heavy in the empty space next to Max, arms crossed. He's not looking at her, and his expression is his version of blank. A careful mask that doesn't keep the ghost of a scowl from pinches the corner of his mouth. 

It's not the worst way he's ever approached a conversation, and it's not like she was really watching whatever's on the TV, but irritation grips her insides tight anyways. 

Christ, he didn't even bother washing the engine grease off his face before ambushing her. His work clothes are streaked with grime where he's been wiping his hands all day. No doubt Steve's going to make him clean the cushions later. 

Which would be funny, except that might leave her without a bed for the night. 

She eyes the side of his head, annoyed at his dumb purple scrunchie and all the curls slipping out of it and the little blue crystal stud Steve bought him that he's been wearing ever since. She hates his whole face right now. Looking at him try to act like the big brother he never was makes her chest squeeze unpleasantly.

"Mind your own business." She crosses her arms. And then uncrosses them, shoving balled fists into her sweater pocket instead. 

"Fuck that, you made this my business when you decided to mope on my couch and eat all of my food for three fucking days." 

"Steve's couch," Max mutters. 

A muscle in Billy's jaw jumps. It's grimly satisfying to hit a nerve. Misery loves company and all that. Max doesn't even know the full extent of the issue, but she's heard enough snippets of arguments to know cohabitation isn't going as smoothly for them as Billy wants everyone to think. 

"Not the point."

Max scrapes her fingernail along the seam of her pocket, digging up lint and stale crumbs. This sweater needs to be washed. It was thrown over the back of her desk chair, and she didn't bother with the sniff test before she grabbed it on her way out the door. It wasn't until she'd fled half a block away that she noticed it reeked of stale sweat. And it's only gotten worse in the days she's spent here with no change of clothes.

He's still waiting for her to say something. Like it's that easy. He's a hypocrite if he expects her to spill her guts just like that. He's never made a single thing easy, he doesn't get to just…

But maybe he doesn't actually care, if flat out demanding answers was his game plan. Maybe it didn't matter that his approach was shitty. "If you wanted me out of the apartment, you could just say that." She's not sure she actually believes that, but it's the only thing willing to come out of her mouth. 

Billy turns to look at her, a crease between his eyebrows. She doesn't know if it's concern or confusion. Maybe both. Or neither. His face is hard to read sometimes, when he wants it to be. It unnerving. Not as scary as it used to be, but still. She liked it better when he was awkwardly avoiding eye contact.

"I would've just said that, if that's what I was getting at, dumbass." He stops. Sighs, short and sharp, and rubs his forehead. "Look, I heard Ellie's moving in with that girl she's been seeing…"

Max jolts. The reminder hits like a bucket of ice water dumped on her head, a sudden shock that lingers, unpleasantly trickling down her back and leaving her palms clammy. She grinds her teeth. Forces out, "Yeah, so?"

"So, I can put two and two together, alright."

"Well I hope so, seeing as you graduated high school and all."

"Ha ha. Hilarious. You know what I meant."

Of course she knows. He's jumped to the same conclusion everyone else has. What El thought when she broke the news, all big sad eyes and careful words, walking on egg shells. What Lucas thought when she went running to him in tears and a rank old hoodie. What Steve thought last night when he told her she could get whatever toppings she wanted on the pizza he was ordering. She's tired of pitying faces and sympathetic gestures, and she's tired of everyone's assumptions. 

"I'm not in love with her." 

"Oh come on, everyone knows you two had a thing—"

"Would you just fucking leave it?"

Her eyes start to burn. There's a weight in her chest she's been carrying for days—or maybe it's been there for months, years, and she's only just noticing it now—pressure on her lungs, iron fingers gripping her heart. It gets heavier the more she dwells on it, and Billy's prodding isn't helping.

"Max…"

"I wouldn't have crashed here if I knew you were going to hold it over my head like this."

"Bullshit, I know you didn't have anywhere else to go."

"Could've figured something out." She cringes internally at the lie. It's petulance alone that keeps her from admitting Billy's right.

Besides, even if all her friends hadn't been too busy, too preoccupied, too unavailable, even if she'd settled for a patch of floor in Lucas's dorm room—which definitely would've gotten him in trouble with his girlfriend again—it's not like they would've been any less nosy. In fact she might've had less time to herself before the interrogation started. 

Billy scoffs, "What, like running back to your mama and hoping she's sober enough to give a fuck about your teenage melodrama—"

"Fuck you!" Max snaps, bristling with anger too big to stay trapped in her ribcage. It burns in her veins, tension trembling down her arms, her hands, her fingers. She wants to hit something. Someone. It's making her palms sweat and her shoulders ache. Keeping still. Contained. He's trying to get a rise out of her, trying to get her to slip and say something, and she's not going to give him the satisfaction.

"You lived through actual monsters trying to kill your friends, and you're acting like a girl not liking you back is the end of the world." 

"That's not…" Max lets out a slow breath through her nose, jaw clenching shut. 

"Stop being a fucking pussy, Max." 

"Oh that is rich coming from you."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

"No, I don't think I did."

"Have you told Steve you hate the way he's always throwing his parents' money around?" Max sneers back at him. He withdraws all at once, mouth snapping shut, eyes going dark, seething. That muscle in his jaw is twitching again. "Yeah. Of course you haven't. You don't have a leg to stand on here."

He stares at her for a long time, not saying a word. It's worse than if he'd yelled or broken something or threatened her. It's uncertain, and tense, and she can't do anything but stew in her own impotent rage. There's a part of her that wants to jab at him more, cut deeper into that wound. There's so more she could say, but it gets lodged in her throat when she notices the way he keeps digging his fingernails into his forearm. 

She uncurls her fists in her pocket, and her knuckles protest after being clenched for so long. Flexing her fingers doesn't make it feel any better.

When Billy finally speaks he's so quiet she barely hears him over the canned laughter crackling through TV speakers. "At least I can admit I love him."

A dozen different impulses all crash into each other. Kick the coffee table. Punch him in the nose. Scream. Break something. Anything. Any goddamn thing. 

Max's whole body tenses, flinches, and a sound rips out of her, a scoff, a sob, a wet, mirthless laugh. And the dam breaks. She cracks. Crumbles. Angry tears burn her eyes. "I don't love her and I never did."

"Max—"

"You don't fucking get it, Billy, nobody gets it! Nobody listens!" She swipes at the wetness on her cheeks with the heel of her hand. "She was one of my best friends, so I thought maybe… Things never 'clicked' with Lucas, so I thought…" Words fail her again, petering off into a frustrated growl. 

El didn't understand when Max ended things. She didn't understand why. Max hardly understood at the time. But she's done a lot of thinking since then. About every bullshit excuse she'd ever used to break up with Lucas when they were kids, and how much of a relief it always was. The dread she buried whenever she took him back because she missed having him around. The same emptiness she pretended she didn't feel when she was trying to convince herself kissing girls instead was the answer. 

Being more sure of herself should've made it easier to say, but it hasn't. She takes a breath.  

"I've never felt that way about anyone. And I doubt I ever will."

Billy eyes her carefully. Neutrally. His silence makes her twitchy. 

"Okay," he says after far too long, then gestures vaguely at her, "What's all this about then."

"I…" Max blinks at him. He blurs. She blinks again. A whole spectrum of emotions swell up between her ribs, pressing out like a balloon about to burst and making her feel queasy. "That's it?"

"Did you want me to say something else."

When she told Lucas he said she must be a late bloomer. Not to worry, because he's sure she'll get there eventually. El took it personally. Yelled. Cried. Didn't talk to her for weeks afterwards. When she told Mike she was single by choice thank-you-very-much he laughed at her. Mocked her. Whenever she visits her mother there are a million and one questions about why she hasn't found a husband yet.

She didn't want her friends and family to say any of those things, but she expected them to. She didn't expect this.

"...No."

"Okay," he repeats, with just a hint of impatience. "So?"

"It's…" Her voice is unsteady, small and wavering. "I don't want to end up alone."

Billy sucks in a short, sharp, barely audible breath. 

Max curls her arms around herself, palms flat against her sides, tucking deeper into her sweater. "I'm glad El likes this girl, I'm, fucking. Happy for her. Or, I was, I guess. But she barely talks to me anymore, and now she's moving out of our place—Everyone just keeps fucking leaving. Because they've all got someone more important than…than the person who's only ever gonna be just a friend."

It feels so much more real now that she's said it out loud. The yawning abyss of her future threatens to swallow her whole, and all she can do is stare at its teeth. No shuddering gulp of air is enough to make her lungs stop burning, and she's given up trying to dry her eyes.

"I don't know what I'm gonna do if all I have isn't good enough." 

"Shit," Billy mutters. "Max, Jesus Christ, just. C'mere." He turns to face her, prodding gingerly at her elbow until she slumps against his shoulder. He stinks like sweat and motor oil and shitty cigarettes, and his embrace is awkward, hesitant, but she clings to him anyways. 

He lets her cry. Lets her gets tears and snot on his shirt. Doesn't say a word while she sobs her heart out. Eventually she goes quiet, half expecting him to pull away immediately, but he stays, arms loosely wrapped around her. 

Max snuffles, then wrinkles her nose. "You need to shower," she mumbles.

He snorts. "Yeah, whatever, Captain Snot. You're not exactly a basket of roses either."

She huffs quietly. 

"Listen…" Billy starts, and pauses. "I chose to be your brother. I decided to be. I didn't keep you around because my dad made me or because Steve likes you, I did it because you're important to me. And your shithead friends love you too, Max, they're just idiots. You have to tell them what's going on instead of hiding in my living room for the rest of your life."

Max sits up, wiping her face on her sleeve, and lets out a jittering sigh. He's right. She knows he's right, some distant part of her knows it, but it's buried too deep to feel like it's real. Maybe his words soften the earth packed around it, maybe hearing him admit he cares will make it easier to dig that part out, but she's too exhausted to pick up a shovel yet. 

She nods. It's all she can manage.

"Alright. Now help me flip these cushions before Steve gets home."

Max cracks a tiny smile. "You're terrible."

"Yeah, and you're stuck with me. Jokes on you."

"...I can live with that."

✨tag list✨

@spreckle @growup-thatbeautiful @prettyboy-like-you @suddenlyinlove

[larathia]

Series Review: 7th Time Loop

Okay, it's one of those series with a much longer title, but trust me, you just need "7th Time Loop" to find this one should you go looking. The rest of the title is broadly deceptive anyway.

This is another romance story. As before, I will state up front that I am basically aromantic and therefore I am not actually watching or reading this story for the romance part. I can comment on it, but ...yeah. It's not why I'm here.

There's a lot about this series that IS, though, and I wholly recommend it. Fans I have dealt with who aren't aro love this one so much they...kinda lose coherency, so I'm taking it on good faith that if you're one of those who WOULD be in this just for the romance, you won't be disappointed.

Now, on to my take.

Firstly, as even the shortened title suggests, this is a time travel romance. Rishe, Our Heroine, has lived seven lives so far.

Each time she dies, she goes back to the Worst Night Of Her Life - when the crown prince of Hermity, whom she'd spent her entire life up to that point being trained to serve as crown princess, decides to publicly dump her in front of half the nobles of the kingdom, in favor of declaring engagement to someone he likes better, while accusing her of a long laundry list of crimes she never committed. This leads to her being disowned by her family within about half an hour, going from 'duke's daughter' to 'only has the clothes she's wearing at the time' in the space of one night.

(Naturally, the first time this happens, she's shocked and devastated. By the seventh loop, she's much more 'I am SO GLAD I managed to skip being married to this bozo - seeya!' and I do like that very much.)

Once she's cast out, Rishe has to learn a trade to survive. And she does. Each lifetime she learns a different one, applying herself with all the intellect, curiosity, and perseverence she once applied to learning to be Crown Princess.

She learns to be a merchant, an apothecary, an alchemist, a lady's maid, a hunter/spy, and a knight, to be exact.

But before you go "holy crap that's way too OP" - she gets five years in each job. Five. That's it.

Because in each time loop, up to the seventh, when she's 20 she's killed. And in every time loop so far, what's killed her is a massive world war catching up to her. She's died trying to help the wounded, she's died trying to prepare wherever-she-is for the coming attack, and in the sixth time loop (when she's a knight, and arguably in her best position to defend herself) she is personally slaughtered by the guy behind the Great War, the instigator of all the violence.

Emperor Arnold Hein of Galkhein.

And this is where it gets really interesting.

From the sixth loop to the seventh, Rishe is cut down by Arnold and then, per the mechanic of the loop, dropped right back to that night when she's 15 and the prince of Hermity is casting her out. By this time, she's happy he does it and takes that part with grace. Her mind isn't even on the breakup event anymore, she's much more focused on "I have 30 minutes to get stuff out of my house before my parents disown me", and she's JUST looped so she's still mostly thinking like a knight. She books it through the palace, trying to take a shortcut.

Aaand basically slams into Crown Prince Arnold of Galkhein. Which gives her a minor heart attack, but doesn't stop her; she breaks off her high heels and leaps off a second floor balcony in full princess formal wear, forward roll into a run and off she goes to her family's house.

...She's caught his attention. By the end of the night, when the Prince of Hermity's and her family are done disowning her, the 'new career' is now being Crown Princess of Galkhein. Rishe is engaged to Arnold, the man who's responsible for her death six times over now.

Except...it's five years before that happens. He's not emperor yet. And...from what she can tell, he doesn't seem the type to want the sheer paperwork involved in ruling the world. He's buried under the work involved in managing Galkhein as it is.

This is the mystery behind the series, much more than 'why is Rishe looping in the first place'. Rishe wants, for the sake of her future survival, to figure out why this guy keeps instigating a world war so she can STOP it. But along the way, she's also finding out there were pieces she missed in her previous six loops that contributed to the future war and how it was conducted, so the story as a whole is this big tapestry of world events that in each loop she was both part of and partially ignorant of.

And all the while, the day of her wedding to Arnold gets a little closer. Along with the day Arnold murders his father, the Emperor, and takes the whole world to war.

Oh...and she's falling in love with him. It takes her five books to figure out that that's what's happening, so this is definitely a bit of a slow burn, but it's a pretty forgivable one in my view. Rishe is, quite reasonably, focused much more on "how can I prevent the great war and, incidentally, my own probable death" than she is on Arnold's basic hotness. (She's not BLIND to it, hence 'slow burn romance', but because it's not her main focus it takes her a bit to realize her heart's made up its mind.) And Arnold's upbringing has basically given him the emotional IQ of a chunk of slate, so while he's got a good start in "whatever my father would do with a bride, don't do that", he has a long way to go with actually processing the idea a human being would care about him.

The anime of this series is a pretty good introduction and takes you at least through book 1 (and maybe book 2), but I'd truly suggest getting into the light novel if you really want to know how far it's gotten.

[lavender-bundle-blithe]

Yes hello, I'm back to talk more about this again-

But it's some minor things with major lore(?) dumps. (I'm rambling again, aren't I)

Basically I kept on staring at the drawing, grumbling about the outline of the eyes being too light to differentiate with the hair, and said: "Screw it, I'm changing it" and did more than just change the color of the outline of the eye.

IT'S MINOR CHANGES, DON'T WORRY. AND—OH LOOK AT THAT, IT CAME WITH A LIST AND SOME LORE, LOOKIE-

(As mentioned before,) A slight change in the eye-outline color, changed the braid to have a hair cuff, pulled the wrap-around cloth to be longer (with a small accessory) and a pocket watch. It's a game of spot the difference, really.

Now, you might wondering, why did I add all these things?

(a-hem) Mori+Elise: Gold pocket watch and chain (reference??? kinda maybe-) Chuuya: Hair cuff (braid) Kouyou: Striped wrap-around "belt" Akutagawa: Vest suit Higuchi: White Tie Hirotsu: Gloves Gin: Slacks Tachihara: Silver dress shirt Q: Clip (on belt) Kajii: Shoes [Kyouka (whether or not I decide that she follows him back into the mafia): A brooch in a similar shape of her flower pins] — Whether or not they go out of their way and get these for him or just hint at it and he buys it later "at [name]'s recommendation", that's up for debate. (Angst idea: the day after the bounty drops, bright and early at 5 AM, Atsushi folds the clothes the agency gave him neatly next to his futon with the phone on top, once again wearing clothes he never thought he would wear again, and just... leaves.)

[Rambling time buckle in-] In my head, I think him doing on-field work is rare, even with his powerful ability (unless he's deliberately told to help Akutagawa with a mission which he does with a bit of salt and pain [cos- hah- he has to deal with Byakko without All Men Are Equal now]) and when the ADA are involved (which he actively avoids it like the plague, whether he's asked to go on-field or even plan the operation). He would plan and oversee operations/raids instead, take care of incoming supplies and make sure everything's there (there's a fancier word for it but right now I don't have the brain power) and the more illegal stuff that aren't usual missions. The boring stuff, basically! (cough, which is why he looks tired, cough). Anything that isn't fighting/being outside (mood). — Other than that, I think that while he sticks close to Chuuya, Hirotsu will begin caring for the boy and taking him under his wing (maybe?). A veteran of the Port Mafia who knows much when it comes to their statistics, things that Atsushi needs to learn and operate. That, and possibly a promise... Whether or not Atsushi would lay down his loyalty and dedication to the Mafia, I think they would decline at first and let him choose on his own (and not be forced right into joining the organization right off the bat). Basically 15!Dazai, where he's not an official member of the PM but is there.

( . . . ) Alright fine, I'mma make a fic. I'll struggle definitely but if I can make whatever the heck I did in this post, I think I can do it... maybe...

hhh- anyways-

[empyreanwritings]

Not Your Average Birthday

Pairing: Gojo Satoru x fem!Reader

Warnings: 18+ only - minors DNI, light smut, mentions of throat fucking/gagging, implied cheating (reader & her bf cheat on each other and they're fine with it), Gojo is a Cocky Asshole, pet names (princess, baby, etc), dirty talk

Word Count: 846

A/N: Shoutout to me for coming back to the writing world just to write something totally self-indulgent and horny. Love yall ❤️

"Happy Birthday, Princess!" Gojo sets a velvet box in your hands, and you can't help but smile.

Until you open it and see a small silver chain with a diamond studded 'S' dangling from it.

"Gojo-"

"Satoru," he corrects you.

You huff. "Satoru, you know I can't wear this. My boyfriend would flip."

Gojo sucks his teeth and gently pulls the necklace from the box. You don't fight him as he pushes your hair over one shoulder to hook the necklace around your neck. Both of you know, despite your protests, you would have worn it anyways.

"Your boyfriend knows I've been fucking you for the last year and doesn't say shit," he mumbles against the crook of your neck. "He cheats on you too, and he can't fucking take me in a fight, so wear it."

You twist the small charm between your fingers, smiling softly to yourself. "You claiming me right in front of him?"

"Baby, I'd fuck you right in front of him," he says and grabs your chin, forcing you to look away from the necklace and into his eyes. "I'd fuck you brainless, make you cry my name over and over again in front of him. Make it known that only I can make you feel that good."

"I'm surprised you even let him have me too," you whisper.

Gojo chuckles darkly. "Oh, princess, he doesn't have you. You go on dates, sure. He fucks you, occasionally. But you aren't his."

You don't know when he started backing you towards the bed, but your knees hit the edge and send you toppling backwards before you can comphrehend it. Gojo crawls on top of you, placing his hands on either of your head and knocking your knees apart so he can slide his against your core.

"You're mine," he reminds you with a cocky smile. "The second I tell you to dump that lame ass boyfriend, you will."

"Oh? You're so sure?"

His stupid smile doesn't falter as he tugs on the necklace. "I'm sure. In fact, I've decided you owe me a present. Dump him right now."

"But it's my birthday! You can't make demands on my birthday."

His knee shifts against you, and you choke back a moan. He doesn't like being told no, but he knows you aren't serious. If you were, why are you reaching for your phone?

"Princess, call him right now and dump him, and I promise I'll make this a birthday you'll never forget."

His fingers dip below your neckline, tracing along the lacy edge of your bra. He's not even touching them, but your nipples are already hard. You love how possessive you've made him just by implying he might share you with your boyfriend. It shouldn't make you wet, but it does.

You press the phone against your ear, and his smile grows. That little feral look in his eye makes your heart race, and it takes you a few seconds to greet your boyfriend when he answers.

"Is everything okay?" He asks when you don't say hello right away.

"Y-yeah," you manage to squeak out just as Gojo cups your breast. "I need to tell you something."

Gojo rolls his eyes. Why the hell were you drawing this out?

He snatches the phone from your hand and places it between his ear and his shoulder. He refuses to let go of your tit, and he needs to use his other hand to stuff two fingers into your mouth to keep you from protesting.

It works, too. The second his fingers hit your tongue, your lips wrap around them and greedily start sucking.

"So, I hate to break it to you, man, but she's gonna have to break up with you," Gojo taunts through the phone. "I don't like to share, and you're not even making her cum so what use are you?"

"What the fuck-"

"I know, I know, it must be hard finding out this way," Gojo stops and hisses when you bite down on his knuckle. "But I'll make you a promise, yeah?"

"The hell kind of promise are you going to make?"

"That I'll fuck her so dumb, she won't even remember who you are or that she was ever in a relationship with you." You moan against his fingers, and he smiles. "You have a good day now, bye bye."

He tosses your phone onto the nightstand amd forces his fingers down your throat until you gag. Tears blot at the corner of your eye, but he doesn't pull back. Only tells you to relax your throat for him.

"See, princess? You don't belong to anybody but me. Don't ever fucking think otherwise."

You nod the best you can. You're his. All his, you want to say.

He pumps his fingers in and out of your mouth sloppily, letting drool dribble down your chin and all over his hand.

"Now let me fuck this pretty throat of yours to show you what a good birthday girl you are, yeah?"