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Elliot for sure did not want to be here. As much as he loved his dad and how passionate he was in running his company, Elliot hated the dinner parties that were thrown. He was an eleven year old boy. Elliot wanted to go play outside the mansion or at least watch cartoons in his room. The dress shirt he wore was stiff. Definitely too much starch. Not to mention there weren't any other kids there. There was Mia, but she was only four years old and being carried around by their dad as he talked with other people. Elliot watched as she smiled throughout the many praises telling her she looked as pretty as her mother.
Elliot was practically bored out of his mind when he saw a man enter with two kids. Elliot’s dad called out to the man before walking over to greet them. The man himself looked to be like anyone else here. From his freshly pressed looking suit to cufflinks and lapel pins that shone brightly in the light. Elliot’s eyes moved to the kids. One a boy and the other a girl. The boy wore a suit similar to his dad, though it lacked the similar embellishments. The only thing making the boy stand out as not a copy of his father was his hair. It looked like water ripples whereas his dad had a freshly shaved head. The girl standing beside him wore a tulle gown. Similar to the one Mia wore. Her hair was done in multiple smaller braids with beads at the end of each one.
“Hey Elliot!” His father called, pulling him away from his observations. He made his way to the side of his father looking up at the grown man. “This here is my son, Elliot. If I remember from our previous conversations, your kids should be around his age. Eleven, correct?” Elliot felt a bit of hope as his dad asked the question. If the two were his age, maybe they could have some fun. Though with how their father looked, Elliot wondered if they were more serious like his classmates were at his private school. Always picking school studies over games.
The man his dad was talking to nodded. “Yes, they are.” The man looked down to Elliot. “Good evening, Elliot. These are my children, Lance and Charlotte.” The two waved at Elliot through small waves. Elliot himself felt the spotlight on him as he shyly waved at the two.
Elliot’s dad tapped his shoulder. “How about you three go play in your room? I'll call you back to the dining room when it’s time for dinner.” His dad gave a wink, giving Elliot exactly what he wanted. An escape from this dinner party.
He wasted no time in plastering a smile on his face. “Yeah, I can take you to my room. I have plenty of things to keep us busy!” Elliot started leading them out of the main foyer and up the stairs. The two remained quiet and poised with how they moved about. He was starting to think they were going to be boring and care more about proving something. Still, he couldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Once in front of his door, he opened before stepping out of the doorway. “Here’s my room!” He declared cheerfully. The two nodded before entering. Feeling a bit dejected Elliot followed, closing the door behind them.
Once the door was shut two loud groans echoed in the space. “Finally, we’re away from Dad.” Lance spoke, taking his jacket off and dropping it on the nearby chair. Charlotte didn’t speak as she pulled her dress off causing Elliot to panic slightly before seeing she had on a tanktop and shorts underneath. The dress unceremoniously tossed onto Lance’s jacket.
Charlotte was gathering her hair to tie back as she complained. “I hate that stupid dress. It’s so scratchy and itchy. He has to hate me for telling me to wear it specifically.”
Lance was already making himself at home falling backwards onto one of the bean bag chairs. “Well, it’s kind of your only dress. If you actually go dress shopping with him, he wouldn’t have to pick a dress you hate.”
“I hate all of them. I’d rather wear a suit.” Charlotte said, laying on the floor. Elliot was flabbergasted to say the least. He’d just thought of these two as being very prim and proper to suddenly seeing them drop the apparent act.
“You know dad’s not getting you a suit. Just go with him and you can at least get something that’ll feel better.” Charlotte groaned at Lance’s comment. Lance looked away from his sister to Elliot. “Hey, dude. Hopefully you're cool with us dressing down a bit. We don’t really like the whole fancy stuff.”
Elliot perked up. “I don’t mind.” He started. “Truth be told, I don't like the fancy dinner parties either. I’d rather be playing outside or something rather than standing around while adults talk.”
Charlotte propped herself up off the ground. “Finally, someone not all stuffy. So what you got for us to do?”
Elliot thought for a second before deciding to open the drawer under his TV. Inside was a game console he got for his last birthday. He played on it a few times, but a few of the games were made for multiplayer, and Mia wasn’t mature enough or really interested enough to play them with him. Though by how the two perked up when Elliot pulled out a team zombie shooter game, he knew this was going to be a fun gaming session.
While the game was a bit harder to see with the screen split three ways, the three were having a good time clearing waves of zombies and getting better gears for the next ones. While they spoke bits and pieces about the game, Elliot was actually really curious about them. “How come you two never came to one of these dinner parties before?” Elliot would have had more fun and be more excited for them had he known kids his own age that actually liked being kids were coming over every time.
Charlotte was the first to respond. “Just moved here recently. Dad bought a casino in the nearby city and heard of the dinner party. He’s looking to invest so he can grow his money in different ventures.” If there ever was a time and place to do it, it would be Elliot’s dad’s dinner parties. It’s hosted just so he can network and build relations or so his dad says. “We weren’t supposed to actually come along, but our dad wants to get in good graces with your dad so he can invest in some of the shares, and learned he had a son. That’s where we come in.” Elliot furrowed his brow at the statement. It didn’t feel right to use kids as a bargaining chip when it came to discussing matters. Then again, his dad loved showing off his kids and their achievements.
Lance adjusted himself in the beanbag chair in order to send a look towards Charlotte. “Char, Dad isn’t going to be happy if you’re giving his plan out like that.”
Charlotte dismissed him with a handwave. “If you’re not a snitch, he won’t find out. Plus, I looked at Mr. Builder’s investors list, Dad at most is only going to get about two hundred shares. Enough for some monetary growth, but no chance with swaying company decisions.”
Elliot had heard similar words from his dad, but didn’t know what any of them meant. “Uh… what?” He said, cocking his head.
Lance sighed, cutting Charlotte off before she could start explaining. “Don’t mind her. She actually likes the idea of running a massive business one day so she goes through our dad’s paperwork to try and learn the ropes.” So Charlotte was someone who wished to be in a position like her father. Though she also seemed to enjoy having fun with video games as well. Elliot wondered if Charlotte would actually want to be proper friends. He knew his dad always emphasized friendships and getting connected with people. Elliot could make his first potentially business connection today with someone nice.
“Yeah, and no matter how much I learn, he still wants to give it all to you.” Charlotte rolled her eyes as she spoke to Lance, clearly annoyed with the truth of the statement.
Lance shrugged while leaning backwards into the bean bag chair. “If he doesn't, I’ll just give it to you afterwards. I hate all that business crap anyways.”
“Please do. I’ll make sure you get a cut of the profits if you do.” Charlotte said.
Elliot was confused. Surely you’d let the one child who wants to run the business, do it. Unless Lance was what he heard some grown ups would label as very lazy and is doing it to teach a lesson. “Why doesn’t your dad want to give it to you if you’re the one interested in it?”
“Because I’m a girl and dad says girls are to serve their husbands.” She made a face as she spoke. That was a very old mindset that Elliot heard at some dinner parties where the topic of which child would get his dad’s pizza business. Some men would scoff when his dad said that Mia and him would both get a say until his dad threatened to close off investment opportunities for such old ways of thinking. Charlotte groaned in annoyance as she spoke more about the matter. “I mean, I spend day after day reading those business reports to try and understand this stuff. I’m even the older one here.”
“By like fifteen minutes.” Lance interjected.
“Fifteen minutes?” Elliot questioned.
“We’re twins.” Lance explained. “Not identical since we’re different genders, but still twins.” It made sense then as to why they were both the same age. Though, Elliot really only encountered identical twins so this experience was new.
Charlotte puffed her chest out with her fist on her hips in pride. “I was still born first which makes me the eldest.”
“I’d ask if you want a medal, but of course you would.” Lance said, rolling his eyes. Elliot found the two bickering funny and refreshing. If there was something he wanted more, it was to actually have friends that acted like kids. Even if their dad used them to try and get closer to his dad, he hoped that it worked out so he could hang out with the two more.
They went through a few more waves before there was a knock at the door. As Elliot was about to answer it, Charlotte grabbed his arm, shaking her head. She quickly grabbed her dress and put it on over her clothes and grabbed a book off of Elliot’s bookcase before signaling Elliot to continue. Lance seemed to have unplugged Charlotte’s controller causing the game to switch into two player mode. He was very confused, but played along and opened the door. His dad along with Lance and Charlotte’s dad was standing there. “Hey Elliot. Dinner is about to be served.” His dad said.
Lance and Charlotte’s dad looked in the room seeing Charlotte sitting on the ground reading while Lance was holding one of the game controllers. “Charlotte, get off the ground. You don’t want to dirty your dress. Lance, put your jacket back on.” The words were firm and just enough for the two to fall back in line. Like a switch they were back to the stoic and proper versions of themselves. They nodded to Elliot as they passed him to follow their dad.
Elliot’s dad took notice of the twins and Elliot’s expression. “You were having fun with them before I knocked on the door, weren’t you?” His dad asked. Elliot gave a nod earning a comforting touch on his shoulder. “I’m sorry for interrupting you three. I guess their dad is strict though. We can always see if it’s possible for you guys to hang out again.”
Elliot wished they could hang out again. It was fun for the little bit they did. As the dinner portion of the night started and went on, Elliot saw Charlotte and Lance by their dad on the other side of the table. The two looked like porcelain dolls with how unmoving they were when they weren’t eating. It was actually very unnerving to Elliot.
By the end of the dinner, people were saying their final goodbyes in the foyer. Elliot stood with Mia next to their dad waving at the people as they left. When Elliot saw Charlotte and Lance approach, with their dad, he felt a bit nervous. His dad shook their dad’s hand while the two approached Elliot.
Charlotte gave a curtsy before handing over a slip of paper. Lance reached out his hand signaling Elliot to shake it. As he did, he felt another note in his palm. Elliot put the two in his pocket as the three exited the mansion.
Once everyone filed out Elliot decided to look at the notes. The first one he opened was from Charlotte as hers looked more formal as it was a folded sheet of paper.
‘My Dearest Elliot,
I had a splendid evening and would love to spend a more personal evening with you with both of our fathers. My father’s number is XXX-XXX-XXXX. We shall await your answer, though I do wish for another chance to make your acquaintance.
With Sincerity,
Charlotte’
Elliot felt off about the letter. It was giving a tone that he wasn’t sure he liked. A thought of what Lance was talking about with them being used to get closer to Elliot, therefore closer to his dad replayed in his mind. He took out Lance’s note which was scrawled out on a napkin.
‘Dad is using Charlotte to get closer to your dad by setting you two up. Don’t agree to the note she gives you. I have a phone. XXX-XXX-XXXX. If you actually want to talk with us more, use that. -Lance’
Elliot now felt really off and decided he had to show his dad. He waited outside of Mia’s room while his dad was putting Mia to bed. Once his dad exited the room, Elliot presented both of the notes. His father read both with a displeased look. Elliot was led to his room to where his dad explained how something like business should not involve children in this way. That when kids were invited to these types of dinners, it was so they could get used to large social gatherings and gain networking skills for when they were older. Not to be used as bargaining chips and offered in an inappropriate manner.
Elliot felt bad thinking about how this could affect the twins as it seemed whatever good faith was built during the dinner was shattered with the note. “It’s not your fault Elliot.” His dad explained. “It does seem like the two do want to be friends with you. If you want, you can message them, but I will be speaking with their father. I just want to let you know that there is a possibility you aren’t going to be able to see them again for a long while until they’re old enough to go out on their own.”
“You’re not going to tell him what Lance wrote right?” Elliot really didn’t want the two to get in any sort of trouble over this. Especially if something like Charlotte sitting on the ground or Lance not having his jacket on was enough to get a stern reaction.
His dad ruffled his hair a bit. “I won’t, son. There’s plenty of things I can say to make it seem like the decision was completely on me and that the kids had nothing to do with it. Now, get ready for bed. It’s my job to handle all the worrying here.”
With that, Elliot was left in his room to prepare for bed. His thoughts went to how Charlotte and Lance were doing. He could only hope that whatever his dad says doesn’t get the two in trouble. He decided that he was going to message them in the morning and started changing into his pajamas.
Elliot of course didn’t see them again when his dad cut off the investment opportunities with their dad. He only ever texted the two over the phone and if he was lucky, they would be able to talk late at night. Apparently, the phone they had was one their dad didn’t know about. Lance would use his allowance to pay for a cheap monthly phone plan and the two would share the phone. While Lance had a phone from their dad, they couldn’t message on it as it was closely monitored. Charlotte herself was never allowed a phone as that was apparently a gateway to depravity or something. Over the next few years there were times a lull in the messages would occur until a new number would message Elliot. Lance or Charlotte would start the message stating that the old phone was found and confiscated. Elliot would always panic because his number was on it, but the two apparently made sure to keep things encrypted and always assured Elliot that their dad was too lazy to check.
The last message Elliot got from them was from Lance who told Elliot that Charlotte had gotten in major trouble for something and was being sent to an all girls boarding school. Lance himself was being shipped to a boarding school overseas to broaden his views of the world so he’d actually take an interest in the business. Elliot was assured that when they could, they both would try to get in contact with him. Elliot had hoped that time would be soon, but that last message was when he was fifteen. He was eighteen when he didn’t even know he had given up on them ever contacting him again.
```
The local bar held a nice ambience. Wooden tables, seating, and bartops. It emulated a log cabin feeling making it feel cozy. His favorite spot had to be near the fireplace. While it was a screen with heated air blowing around it, he did still like the thought of having a drink near the fake fire. His week was busy, but not too stressful. Working at one of his father’s pizzerias was some nice experience for when he’d eventually gain ownership of the whole business. Learn what the people at the bottom do to keep things running smoothly. Though Elliot found it fun to work and quickly made himself the top employee.
As much as he liked his job, he still needed time to himself. The bar gave it that nice middle ground. Some of the people recognized Elliot and would talk with him while others let him have his time alone. He really couldn’t complain. When he went back to the bar to order a drink, the bartender was already presenting one to him. One that was normally not what he’d order. “Person at the end of the bar ordered it for you.” They said motioning to the lone person. “I haven’t seen them around here so be careful and call out to me if you need help. Got it Elliot?”
Elliot gave a nod before making his way to the seat next to the person. He’d had people buy him drinks a few times. Normally trying to see if he was available that night for some quick fun so Elliot was preparing to let the person down gently. The guy wore a suit and sunglasses. It was quite the outfit to wear inside of a bar like this. He was clearly overdressed. Probably someone from the city in the neighborhood after a meeting or something. “Well hello there handsome. Seems you got the drink.” He said as Elliot sat next to them.
Elliot cleared his throat before responding. “Yes, I did. Thank you. Not something I normally drink, but I’ll still drink it.” The man grimaced at the comment of the drink and quickly waved down the bartender.
“I can order you something you’ll actually enjoy.” He said.
Elliot shook his head and waved at the bartender to stay away. “I’m good. It’s not like I’m stubborn about what I’ll drink. Though I appreciate the thought. Who are you anyways. Definitely don’t look like you’re from around here.” Elliot wasn’t going to lie. Out of the many people who had bought him drinks, this person was actually quite handsome. Mixed with the clean suit, the man’s hair was in locs that looked very well taken care of. The scruff on the man’s face was also doing something for Elliot.
The man laughed a bit before speaking. “Oh, you don’t recognize me at all. Not surprising though. It’s been a very long time, Elliot.” Hearing his own name started the gears turning in his head. Could this’ve been an old classmate or something. Elliot could maybe see something but ultimately, he wasn’t landing on anything. “I’ll give you a hint. We only met once in person at your dad’s dinner party and then we only texted afterwards.”
It didn’t leave that big of a list and in fact Elliot picked up on who it was immediately. “Holy crap. Lance and Charlotte.” While Elliot didn’t want to point it out since it would be rude, but the man in front of him also shared the same skin tone and hair texture as the twins. There weren't really many black people that attended the dinner parties and any that did normally never brought their kids. There was only one who ever did.
“Bingo!” Lance chimed smacking a hand on the bar. “Got sent away and we couldn’t contact you anymore. We didn’t have access to phones until we finally graduated, but I think it was too long. We kind of forgot about you.” Elliot felt that all too well. He couldn’t even remember the last time he thought of the twins. Meeting once and then only talking through the phone didn’t really make for lasting impressions. “Only recently did I remember our nightly talks and wondered what you were up to. Called your old man after going through company records and he said you frequent this bar on Friday nights. Decided to try my luck.”
“Lucky you, then.” Elliot laughed. Thinking about it, if Lance was going through company files, then that must mean something happened with the ownership. “Did you guys take over your dad’s company?”
Lance shot Elliot a grin. “Old man croaked a bit too soon. Inherited a crock of shit, but we managed to actually get it back off the ground and prosperous again.” That sounded good. If Elliot remembered, Lance didn’t want to run the company. So hearing him running it with his sister made Elliot feel better. Lance learned to run a business and Charlotte got what she wanted by running it. It was a shame though it took their dad dying for that to happen.
“My condolences.” Elliot said on instinct.
Lance shook his head. “Man was a crook. Didn’t treat us right either. Good riddance I say.” An awkward silence fell between the two of them. One that Elliot could tell was affecting Lance. “I was told if I did find you, I should ask you to come to our casino. So we can all meet up.”
Elliot didn’t even hesitate. “Sure, I always wondered when we’d get the chance to meet again. It was fun when we played that day. I missed you and Charlotte.” Lance looked away as he cleared his throat.
“Yeah… she’s working tonight. I can give you a ride. We have a chauffeur.” Lance suggested. It sounded like a good idea. It would give them all time to catch up. He looked down at his drink that wasn’t even touched and steeled himself for what he was about to do. Opening his throat, he tilted his head back, letting the drink go straight for his stomach.”Holy shit, Elliot.” Lance commented as the empty glass was set back on the counter.
Elliot coughed a bit at the burn before looking at Lance. “I’m all set.” A tear stung his eye a bit as he stood up. It was definitely a bit stronger than what he normally drank, but nothing beat the trick of just pouring it straight down the throat. Lance at a loss for words signalled to the bartender to pay his tab. When it came to Elliot to close his, Lance told the bartender to charge it to his card too. Elliot was about to protest but Lance was already turning to head out the door. Elliot quickly followed. The cool air felt lovely on Elliot’s skin as he entered the parking lot area.
They approached a car that had someone having a cigarette outside of it. Lance waved to them, before opening a back door for Elliot to get in. Once in, he leaned back feeling the comfortable seating. Lance got in on the other side after what looked like a short talk with the driver. “How’s that seating, huh?” Lance asked, noticing Elliot sinking into the leather seating.
Elliot looked to Lance seeing how the lighting around caught parts of his face. “You greeted me by calling me handsome, but you could be a model with your looks.” Elliot said, earning a sheepish grin from Lance.
“Sorry, I’m not one to take compliments really. I dish ‘em out, but taking them is another story.” Lance definitely had a nervous tone about him. It made Elliot laugh. Surely other people had to notice his good looks.
He wasn’t sure if it was the few drinks in him already before meeting Lance, or just the fact he was with an old friend he used to talk to a lot that let him speak his mind more freely, but his mouth opened before his brain could catch up. “I mean it. You’re pretty handsome. If we weren’t a couple of friends having an impromptu reunion, I probably would’ve still agreed to go with you. To put that into perspective, I don’t leave the bar with anyone. I normally reject them gently before continuing with my night.” Despite the dim light in the back of the car, Elliot could swear a faint grin started to appear on Lance’s lips.
As Elliot was having fun flustering Lance, he did wonder what Charlotte looked like now. She probably was wearing a perfectly tailored suit. With how much she mentioned wanting to dress more masculine over texts and waiting for the day she could burn all her dresses, it was probably going to be a knock out. Lance looked at Elliot with an indignant look after the seventh comment on his looks, probably thankful he wore sunglasses. “You’re a little shit.” He commented. “Do my reactions entertain you that much or are you actually trying to flirt with me?”
Elliot leaned back in the seat with pride. “A bit of both. I can stop though if it’s making you uncomfortable.” He might’ve gone a bit overboard. It only occurred to him now that Lance might not like guys in that way and only called him handsome in the bar as sort of an ice breaker.
Lance shook his head before looking out his window. “It’s just I’m really not used to getting compliments or flirted with. Again, I can dish it, but I can’t take it.” As Elliot was about to say something, Lance’s cell phone rang. “Hello?” Lance Answered. “Oh! Yeah, I found him.” Elliot perked up hearing that. It meant Lance was probably talking with Charlotte. “He’s actually with me right now heading to the casino to see you.” He couldn’t help the bubbling joy in him now that he’s about to be reunited with two friends he had lost touch with. “I actually see us pulling into the parking lot right now so we’ll see you soon.” Elliot hadn’t really been paying attention to the drive, but it was definitely a large casino in front of them now. They were pulling around the back, which made sense for the owners. “Yup, Buh-bye.” The car pulled up near a back door so that the two could exit. Lance thanked the driver before they drove off to park.
Elliot took in the view of the back of the casino and saw the many cars from what would have to be the employees. When Lance walked up to Elliot, Elliot couldn’t contain his joy anymore. “I can’t wait to see and catch up with Charlotte.”
Lance gave a face that Elliot couldn’t pinpoint. “Yeah about that. Elliot, I really need to tell you something first.”
It seemed urgent as Lance was fiddling with his cufflinks. “Oh yeah? What is it?” Elliot asked.
Lance swallowed before talking a deep breath. Whatever was bothering him must’ve been serious. He started to shift on his feet while rubbing his neck. “I really don’t know how to say it, so I’ll just say it. I’m-”
“Elliot!” A voice shouted out, pulling both Lace and Elliot’s attention. As the owner of the voice grew closer, Elliot recoiled in shock a bit. “Dude, it’s been so long, you really grew up.”
“Huh!? What!?” Elliot could swear he was seeing double now. This person looked like Lance in the face. While obscured by a different pair of sunglasses and wearing a brown leather coat, the hair styles, nose and lips were similar.
This mysterious person laughed before slapping a hand on Elliot’s shoulder. “I know we look different, but you gotta at least recognize me. Lance? Twins with Chance. We look so much more alike now don’t we, right?” Elliot looked to who he thought was Lance this whole time to see them looking away in embarrassment.
“Chance!?” Elliot called out in both surprise and confusion. The person now known to Elliot as Chance looked over to him and gave a very sheepish wave before looking away again.
The mysterious person who actually was Lance looked at the two with confusion before grabbing Chance’s shoulder. “Wait a minute. Dude? Did you not tell him?”
“I was about to!” Chance blurted out. Elliot’s confusion was fully shown on his face as Chance turned to Elliot. “Elliot, you’re not going to meet Charlotte tonight, because you already did.” Chance stopped talking as if trying to gauge Elliot’s reaction. When Elliot continued to show his confusion, Chance took another deep breath. “I go by Chance now, but when I was younger I was Charlotte.” It started clicking in Elliot’s brain now, but before he could say anything, Chance continued. “I transitioned from being a girl. I’m sorta non-binary now. Sorry for making you think I was Lance for that short bit.”
Lance sputtered a bit hearing the last sentence. “You made him think you were me?”
“He assumed I was you!” Chance explained. “I wouldn’t blame him though, I don’t exactly look like a woman now, do I? I was gonna do it in the car, but Elliot was teasing me and it totally slipped my mind.” Elliot was now thinking back in the car. He wasn’t flirting with Lance at all, but Chance. Especially as he was wondering what Charlotte or he guessed Chance was going to look like not realizing he was already talking to them. “How about we go to our lounge and discuss it there and not in the parking lot?”
The three all silently agreed and made their way inside. Elliot followed behind making comparisons between the two. Chance wore a really nice looking suit that was most definitely tailored to fit them. Lance, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy more casual wear. His brown leather coat and worn blue jeans wouldn’t look out of place at the bar. They all got into an elevator and each leaned against a wall. From the fronts, Elliot made more distinctions. Chance’s sunglasses were rectangular and tinted just black while Lance’s were aviator styled and mirrored. Facial hair wise, Chance kept theirs cleaner while Lance was a bit more on the shaggy end. A big thing though was Lance had a scar on his face. Elliot wondered what happened to him to cause something like that. Though, looking at the two, they no longer looked like they could be fraternal twins. They definitely looked identical now.
Elliot couldn’t lie that he was getting a tad flustered himself. The two were absolutely handsome and there was no denying it. He could feel the alcohol he had earlier really taking effect on him as his mind wandered. He had to bite the inside of his cheek to remind himself that these were his friends and that they didn’t invite him here for anything other than to catch up so he had to get his mind out of the gutter. Once the elevator stopped, the two escorted Elliot to a room which contained a couch with various other chairs surrounding a coffee table. A bar was tucked in the back and the main part of the room was the large flat screen TV. Elliot positioned himself on one end of the couch while Chance sat on the other end with Lance picking one of the reclining chairs.
Lance was the first to break the silence. “So should I tell the story or do you want to?” Chance bit their lip, seeming to mull it over a bit.
“I’ll tell it.” Chance answered before turning to face Elliot. “So you remember that one day Lance messaged you saying I was in big trouble with our dad and was being sent away?” It was one of the last messages Elliot read from them before the years that passed so he could never forget it. He nodded silently. “Okay, so the thing I got in trouble for was coming out to Dad as non-binary.” It would explain why they were sent off to an all girls school. Force them to conform. “I never felt right and as I developed, I started hating the way I looked in the mirror. At first I thought I wanted to be a man and Lance decided to humor me. While it felt a bit more freeing than being referred to as a girl, it still really didn’t feel like me. Then I came across the term non-binary and that just felt right. And it didn’t matter how I looked. I always liked the idea of being more masculine so I had Lance try out the pronouns for me while I started to bind my chest. It just felt right. I was so happy realizing it I totally forgot what Dad was like.” Elliot cringed immediately thinking about how even for the shortest amount of time he’d seen their dad, he wasn’t exactly the most pleasant to be around. “I tried telling him that since I wasn’t a girl I could take over the company. I would accept it if he called me his son even if I didn’t feel much like a boy either.” Chance had wrapped their arms around themselves. “You can guess how that turned out”
Lance scooted to the end of his chair. “Chance won’t say it, but Dad wasn’t just strict. If we stepped out of line he would sometimes get physical.” Elliot’s eyes widened in horror hearing that. “I had to pull Dad off of Chance and in turn got my ass beat as well. Chance got sent away to learn how to be a girl and I was sent away since I was apparently being corrupted by Chance’s lifestyle.” Elliot turned to Chance who wasn’t even looking at Elliot and instead the ground.
“That’s just horrible.” Elliot stated. “I knew he was scummy, but that’s just downright awful.” He looked to Chance who was still looking at the floor. He was unsure if he should move down the couch to try and comfort them, but as he was about to Chance sprung right back up to look at Elliot.
“He died shortly after we graduated.” Chance started. “It was probably one of the best days in my life.” While Elliot could believe it, the tone of Chance’s voice sounded like they were trying to hide a sort of vulnerability. “Lance got the business just as Dad said he would. Though, there’s a stipulation to how he got it. He had to run the business for five years before signing ownership to anyone else if he wanted to take it on. Otherwise, it would all liquidate. One last dig at me I guess.” Elliot couldn’t even imagine how a father could dislike their child so much that even after death, he was still trying to screw over Chance. “But that didn't stop me from acting as the owner. Lance just let me make the decisions and I pulled this shithole out of the depths of bankruptcy. I was taking T and making green at the same time! Had top surgery almost as a celebration when the bottom line finally got out of the red.” Those last few sentences made Elliot laugh as Chance seemed so proud of themselves. Which it is an accomplishment being able to fully put one over on their dad after what had to have been years of torment.
Lance crossed one leg over the other as he decided to take over speaking for a second. “No one even remembers Charlotte. If they do, it’s only because they knew Chance before they started transitioning. Business investors and partners only know of Chance and Lance, the brothers who saved a failing trainwreck. We basically buried Charlotte the same day we did Dad.”
“And I’m sorry for not telling you much sooner, Elliot.” Chance spoke up. “I just never really had to come out to anyone really. It was literally the day after Dad’s funeral and I just went by Chance from then on. He didn’t really talk about me to anyone else so me being gone all those years made it so much easier to just say I was his disgraced son who he didn’t like. Especially since it’s easy to change all your documents when you have money.” Realistically it would mean Chance came out to at most three people. Lance, their dad, and then Elliot. It’s no wonder that there was a bit of hesitation in wanting to come out. From their experience it was fifty-fifty if Elliot would be accepting or not. “But no, when you said my old name and assumed I was Lance, I kinda froze a bit. Really put into perspective that I was going to have to come out to you and I didn’t know how to act. Then you started flirting with me, thinking I was Lance and that’s when I really didn’t know what to do.”
“You were flirting with Chance?” Lance questioned, whipping his head at Elliot.
“Chance flirted first!” Elliot defended himself. Though probably too quickly as a smirk crossed Lance’s face. Elliot wanted to hide so badly. He wasn’t that good with emotions. “Besides, they’re really handsome. You both are actually. The two of you look identical now.” He hoped that by spreading the compliments between the two, that it would ease the humiliation a bit, but he still felt himself flushing.
Chance could only sigh. “The thing is though, I was supposed to tell you sooner. Not let you believe I was Lance. Probably disappointed since you sounded so happy to see Charlotte again.” From where Elliot sat he could see a slight frown.
Whatever embarrassment he was feeling in the moment got quickly overshadowed by his want to dispel whatever Chance was thinking. “Wait! I’m not disappointed. I wanted to see both of you. Had you said you were Chance sooner, I would’ve said I couldn’t wait to see Lance again. It doesn’t matter if you go by Chance now. I missed both of you.” That frown Elliot saw earlier seemed to shift a bit more upward. “You did finally get your suit.” He was hoping a change in the subject could help steer this reunion into a more lighthearted mood.
Chance seemed to really perk up at the mention of their suit and ran their thumbs down their lapels. “That I did and more. All designer brands and custom tailored just for me. I wear each one knowing that asshole is just constantly rolling in his grave. Could probably generate electricity if you hooked him up to a generator.” The room filled with laughter as everyone imagined it.
Elliot couldn’t help but imagine what other styles and colors of suits and that Chance had made for them. His mind began to wander at the thought until an image of Chance in a corset vest with their sleeves rolled up. “You’ll have to show me your other suits. You look so good in this one. I can only imagine how hot you’d look in the others.” Elliot could practically slap himself for what he just said. Was he under the influence to the point he couldn’t keep his inner thoughts to himself? Chance was his friend. While they flirted a bit earlier, it was all in good fun. “I’m sorry! That just slipped out!”
“Have a thing for guys in suits Elliot?” Lance seemed to egg on in a teasing way.
Elliot couldn’t help how much a mess he was being. “I mean, you’re attractive too, Lance! It’s just an observation.” An observation it was. While he was sitting in a room with two of the most attractive people he’s met.
Chance gave a laugh before leaning more into Lance’s direction. “Elliot said that even if this wasn’t a reunion of friends, he’d still leave the bar with me.” Lance seemed to find some amusement in that and joined in on the laughing.
Elliot was mortified and wanted to shrink into the couch. “You know what. I’m blaming the alcohol.” He said to his defense. As flimsy as it was, it was the safest excuse to deflect to. Even if Elliot himself truly did think the two were insanely attractive.
Chance leaned in Elliot’s direction. “Aww, don't want to go on a date with me?” Chance lowered their sunglasses showing off their eyes as they fluttered them in Elliot’s direction.
Elliot could feel his breath hitch in his throat upon seeing Chance’s eyes. With how they were wearing them all night, it was almost like being flashed. Elliot could only curse himself for acting like an old timely western man whistling at a woman’s ankle. “Shut up!” He cried out placing a hand over his face to hide the very noticeable blush on it.The palm of his hand started heating up at the slightest touch to his cheek.
Lance, seemingly having had his fun, reached over and tapped Chance’s knee. “Chance, ease up on the man.”
Chance, fully enjoying their time, gave a smug grin to Lance. “Come on, any compliments given to me on my looks is also a compliment to you. Could get you into a suit as well.” Elliot did not need that mental image in his head, but man was it already invading his brain.
Lance cocked his eyebrows as Chance. “While it’s always appreciated, you also know I don’t swing that way, so it’s not going to fluster me like it has you. Your sunglasses hide your eyes, but not the little mannerisms you do. Playing with your cufflink and tapping your foot.”
With a quick look, Elliot could see the telltale signs. Chance looked in surprise from Lance to Elliot then back to Lance. “I… Shut up!” It was that defensive tone that matched Elliot’s earlier defensive tone that brought Elliot back from the pit of humiliation slightly and made him find it almost amusing.
“How ironic, Dad tried setting you up with Elliot and now here you two are acting like a couple of high schoolers with crushes. If he didn’t interfere, you two might’ve gotten together.” Chance’s jaw dropped as they quickly stood picking the decorative pillows on the couch and launching them directly at Lance who shielded himself with his arms. “Don’t hate because I’m right. You think I’ll take your side just because we’re related? How about that crush you had on him when we were teenagers.”
Elliot perked up hearing that. “What?” He asked confusedly. Chance looked like they were betrayed as their shoulders slumped.
“I’m gonna kill you!” Chance screamed lunging for Lance who got out of the chair taking a pillow for defense.
“You had a crush on me?” Elliot asked stopping Chance in their tracks as they were about to chase after Lance.
Chance stood straight and avoided any sort of eye contact. Their hands fiddled with their cufflinks as they spoke. “It was stupid. We only met one time and really only texted and talked over the phone. You were nice and in my life back then, it was enough for me.”
Taking what Chance said to heart and wanting to ease the tension just slightly, Elliot decided to admit something himself. “Well… I kind of had one on you as well.” What could Elliot say? He had a crush on both of them. While they only saw each other in person once. They texted pretty often and talked late at night other times. It did include selfies of each other so it wasn’t as if Elliot didn’t know what they looked like. Plus, they were teenagers later into their friendship. Hormones were wacky.
“Oh shit.” Lance said, surprised. He looked between the two before setting the pillows he held on the floor. “As much as this was supposed to be a reunion, I think I’ll just leave so you two can unpack that can of worms. Chance knows my number. We’ll talk later.” He started making his way to the door to which Chance started to chase him.
“Don’t you dare leave!” As much as the demand held a threat behind it, Lance was still able to make it out the door and slam it shut before Chance could make it. They hit the door with the butt of their hand to showcase their annoyance at their brother who was probably already down the hallway. “Asshole.” They spoke under their breath turning back to Elliot. “I’m going to kill him someday.” Chance spoke walking back to their spot on the couch.
There was definitely an awkward air between the two. Flustering each other earlier in the day to know learning they both had mutual crushes on each other didn’t help make it better. Elliot was figuring if the alcohol in his system was letting his inner thoughts out, then why not just say something and blame it on the alcohol if it all goes south. He already used alcohol as an excuse earlier. “You free tomorrow night?” He asked.
Chance just looked at Elliot with a tense look on their face. “What?”
Elliot took a breath before asking the question in a different, more direct way. “Are you free for a date tomorrow night?” He could feel his heart in his throat as he talked. Panic quickly hit him as he started back tracking. “You don’t have to. If you want, we can just pretend I didn’t say anything.” Why was he such a mess with his own emotions? He wanted to shake himself for acting this way.
Chance was tapping their foot while the cufflink they were playing with came undone in their hand so they were just rolling it between their fingers. “I don’t see the harm. That sounds nice. I mean, get to know each other better. You are handsome yourself, I won’t lie.” Elliot could see Chance’s leg really bouncing as they too stumbled with their words.
In an attempt to help ease the tension more Elliot moved closer to Chance. “Yeah, it doesn’t have to be serious. Test the waters. Maybe teenage us were just too hooked on our looks and personalities at the time.” Elliot stopped short just barely touching his shoulder to Chance’s.
Chance still refused eye contact. Though from the angle Elliot was at, he could see Chance's eyes darting between points on the ground. “Past Lance, you were the only other nice person in my life. I latched onto it and practically mourned it when I was sent away.”
Elliot couldn’t fathom the idea of no one being nice to Chance. Not over the course of that many years. Even Elliot had some conversations with classmates he’d forget by the next year and it was always pleasant. “Was there no one at the school you went to?”
The question seemed to hit something deep in Chance as Elliot saw their eyes dart to look at him. “Fuck no.” It was blunt and held a hearty amount of cynicism to it. “You’d think I would’ve made one friend, but that school wasn’t a good one. Past the basic education, it was preparing girls to be doting wives. Word got out that the new transfer thought they weren’t a girl so come the first day, I was already an outcast.” A snarl showed on Chance’s face, one mixed with their eyes that told the whole story of someone who was virtually alone in life. “Uniforms sucked too. Or at least for me they sucked. Normally skirts had to be knee length, but dad apparently spent a bit more to try and force me into really accepting myself. My special dress code involved mid thigh skirts. I’d get a lecture for my skirt length in front of the class by subs until it was read out in my chart that it was a requirement. I was stopped by the headmaster one day for having too long of a skirt!” Elliot couldn’t believe it. A father truly despising what their child was so much that they forced such humiliating tactics upon them. And a school system that allowed it as long as they had their bribe money. It was sickening. “I wasn’t allowed leggings either during the winter. Too much like pants. I got safety shorts and that was it. I had to accept my womanhood.” Elliot noticed Chance’s hand shaking badly as they were rolling the cufflink so he reached out putting a hand over theirs. The moment he did, Chance leaned into Elliot, bumping their shoulders together. “God, how I wish I was the one to kill that fucker.”
“Your dad was killed?” He did wonder what happened to their father as he didn’t look any older than his dad at the dinner party, so he could only assume it was something like an illness that did him in.
“Remember the debt I mentioned I had to pull this place out of?” Chance looked over to Elliot to which he gave a nod. “He got in deep with the mafia with loans. Didn’t pay them back in time and was found dumped in the employee parking lot mangled and cold.” Elliot’s eyes widened. As much as the man sounded like utter garbage, he couldn’t imagine he went peacefully if it was at the hands of the mafia. “They didn’t stop there. After the funeral, they approached Lance since he was named on the will and demanded to let the casino go to liquidation. If he took it on, the debt would transfer and he’d have to pay it back himself.”
Elliot realized in that moment what it meant then. “So that meant-” Elliot couldn’t finish his question he was in too much shock.
Chance nodded their head understanding the unspoken question. “Lance took a damned huge risk in taking ownership and having me run the place, but he trusted me. I couldn’t make a single mistake or that could be the end of his life. After all the years of being separated, he still trusted me to run the place.” Chance rubbed their face seemingly thinking about the consequences that could’ve happened. “Fuck, I could kill him for the amount of times he’s unnecessarily stuck his neck out for me.”
Elliot felt proud of Lance. Hearing what he’s done for Chance, it sounded exactly like something he’d do for Mia. “More of a man your dad ever was.” Elliot commented.
“Exactly!” Chance shouted before slouching against the back of the couch. “Even though we’re twins and he's technically younger than me, he’s been the most stable male role model I’ve had.” Chance turned their head to look at Elliot. Their hands slowly moved to interlock their fingers letting Chance give a gentle squeeze. “I did miss talking with you. Stealing that cell phone every once in a while so we could chat about the dumbest shit was one of the highlights of my childhood.”
Elliot remembered those nights. Chance would always speak so softly to the point he had to ask a few times what was going on. “So Lance wasn’t sick those times it was just you on the phone?”
Chance could only laugh in reply. “No, I took it and locked myself in a broom closet so he couldn’t find me. He couldn’t exactly tell dad that I took it. No matter how many times Lance said he’d let me talk with you alone, I still did it. I would steal the phone. I guess I was… I dunno.” Chance looked away with a slight smile making Elliot think they absolutely knew the reason for why they were sneaking off with the phone.
“Being boy crazy?” Elliot suggested.
Chance sat up in a huff as if to right a wrong. “Not boy crazy. I was crazy for you!” Chance realized what they said and leaned back against the couch, refusing to make eye contact. “Well, there goes my mouth running off.”
Elliot noticed their hands were still together and gave a squeeze. Even if Chance was flustered, they responded back with a gentle squeeze of their own. “Why did you try contacting me, Chance?” It was a question Elliot had been wondering since the bar.
Chance was silent as if he didn’t want to answer, but quickly gave in. “Because I finally got the courage to try and find you.” They sat up taking their sunglasses off so they could look Elliot in the eyes. “I wanted to try and contact you after the funeral, but with Lance taking on the mafia and me having to make ends meet, I had no time. Once things got off the ground, I felt too much time had passed. I was already Chance so I wouldn’t even look like the person you were expecting.”
“So what finally made you bite the bullet?” Elliot asked. He was starting to feel himself get lost in Chance’s eyes. Watching as they flicked every once in a while around the room before meeting back with his.
“I saw you. Last week.” Chance admitted. “You don’t remember me. You probably have so many customers coming in throughout the day, but I went into a Builder Brothers Pizza and you were working the counter.”
There were only two days last week he worked the counter, but he hardly remembered those days. He barely remembers the work day when he gets home so a week was sure to wipe any experiences from his mind. “You’re right. I wouldn’t have remembered you. So many people come to that place that it’s all just blurred faces.”
Chance sighed. “Yeah, well, I saw you. You were so nice to everyone and had this smile that just seemed to light up the room. I remember the customer who was in front of me. A mother and two of her kids. One was a baby in her arms, and as she was ordering, the baby started to cry.” Trying to remember, there was a moment where there was a crying baby. “That little one had a set of lungs. The mother couldn’t get them to settle at all. Then you walked around the counter and put on this stupid face and made these stupid noises. They stopped crying and started to laugh.” Elliot remembered now. That little baby was laughing up a storm afterwards and the mother was so thankful. “The mom’s older kid made a huff wanting a funny face too and you gave it to them. At that point I started laughing and then you looked at me with that same stupid look.” Elliot remembered now. That was Chance who he saw. He was so close to a past friend at that moment and he didn’t even realize it. “I hate to say it, but that crush I had on you when we were younger flared back up. I had to try and reconnect with you again. I did initially convince myself it was so we could be friends again, but I can’t kid myself. It was also to see if you would even be interested in someone like me.”
Elliot noticed the slight frown. “I mean, I don’t mind gender.” He’d never really shown any preference between men or women. Both had their qualities that attracted him to them. He most certainly had crushes on so many people in his life and that was probably one of the reasons he was so bad with his feelings. “I dunno, when I came out to Dad, he described me as being so happy and loving that it wasn’t possible for me to lock it behind something as arbitrary as gender.”
Chance gave a small chuckle. “Say stuff like that and you’re going to get my hopes up.” They were looking down at their hands that were still holding each other.
Elliot squeezed their hand again to try and lighten the mood. “Hey, we have a date tomorrow. Besides, you already have a few things in your corner that make me think positively of you.”
Chance perked up and looked Elliot back in the eyes. “Oh yeah?”
Feeling confident Elliot gleefully spoke with a smile. “Yeah! I mean, you didn’t let how you were raised steer yourself away from yourself. You transitioned and even took over your dad’s business. You could’ve just let your dad’s worldview keep you as a woman and marry yourself off to some rich man who probably wouldn’t care about you.” Elliot could tell from some family dinners his dad hosted where someone brought along their kid and it was more like they were training a dog than raising a kid. “You also have some strong perseverance. Taking a business on the brink of bankruptcy with the mafia breathing down you and your brother’s neck and actually turning a profit with it. That takes a strong person to do it.” Elliot picked up Chance’s hand and wrapped his other hand around it as well. “I wouldn’t mind giving it a shot with someone like that.”
Chance’s mouth was open as if stunned by Elliot’s words. They quickly looked to the side trying to hide their face with their free hand. “Saying stuff like that is going to make me really want to kiss you.”
“Well, then kiss me.” Elliot said without hesitation. He didn’t even realize what he was suggesting until he said it. Chance whipped their head around, staring at him in shock. The two stared at each other as if wondering what would give first. Elliot took the lead taking one hand off of Chance’s and reaching up to cup the side of their face. He went still, awaiting a response that came with Chance slowly starting to lean forward towards Elliot. When there were mere inches between their lips, Elliot closed the distance. Their lips danced across each other as they relished in the moment. Elliot could feel his heart sky rocketing out of his body as Chance gripped his waist to pull him in closer. Mouths opened wider to allow tongues to freely explore each other as moans of pleasure mixed with the smacking of lips. Once they pulled away from each other a sweet taste was left on Elliot’s lips. “Is that a cherry cola lip balm?” If this was an indicator of how Chance hoped the night would end up then Elliot found it rather charming.
“Shut up.” Chance said, playfully pushing Elliot. “You could use some.” They retorted. They weren’t wrong as Elliot had been needing something for his cracking lips. The grease from the pizza he ate didn’t help that much and in fact made it worse. “We should meet up with Lance. I wanted to show you around the casino if you haven’t been here before. We still have some catching up to do.”
“Well, I haven’t actually been to any casinos so yours is the first.” Elliot said standing up pulling Chance with him. Their hands were still held together, but neither of them felt like pulling away.
Chance led pulling Elliot to the door. “Well then, I hope my casino sets the highest standards that’ll never be beaten by any other.” Chance grinned, heading out into the hallway with Elliot. The two immediately spotted Lance standing against the wall near the door. “Did you listen in on us? I thought you ran off!” Chance yelled, punching Lance in the arm.
“Damn, I stayed behind just in case.” He said rubbing his arm where Chance hit him. “I can’t honestly leave you alone with a man who was giving you eyes the whole night. Even if it’s someone we’ve met before, we haven’t seen Elliot in many years. He could’ve changed.”
“I’ll have you know I’m perfectly capable of handling myself!” Chance protested. “Plus, he’s still as sweet as when we were kids.”
Lance pointed out how Elliot and Chance were still holding hands. “I see you two have already started something. Maybe you should thank your younger brother for giving you the space to get things in motion.” His smug grin seemed to annoy Chance even more.
“Oh fuck you, Lance.” Chance jokingly said, pushing him down the hallway and pulling Elliot along. “We’re giving Elliot a tour of the casino so put some pep in your step.”
The trio spent a good couple of hours going between major areas of the casino. The machines, to the card tables, and even the bar and diner area. Chance treated Elliot to a burger since he started to feel a bit hungry since he didn’t get a chance to buy something to eat at the bar. While they all sat and ate, they each talked about their experiences growing up. Lance talked about the country he was sent to for boarding school and how they had a hunting club that he participated in, ultimately discovering his love for target shooting and hunting large game. Elliot talked about how after high school, he started working one of the pizzerias while doing university so he’d get to experience what an average employee would experience so when he inevitably took over, he would understand how to properly treat them. Chance didn’t say anything really new other than the fact that they seemed to have a gambling habit they partook in quite frequently. First it was to learn the games, but the rush of if you would win or lose was something that got Chance going. Lance commented that during Chance’s downtime, you would always find them somewhere by the slot machines or blackjack tables.
When they were done eating and the tour concluded, they made sure to exchange numbers before Chance decided to forgo a driver and take Elliot home themselves. When they pulled into Elliot’s driveway Chance spotted the red motorcycle Elliot drove. “That is beautiful. You should take me for a ride on it sometimes.” Chance suggested.
“Could take you for a spin on it tomorrow night. You just have to get a helmet.” Elliot said, looking at Chance.
“Will do. Your house also looks very humble. When you said you wanted to experience the life of the average worker at your job, you weren’t kidding.” Chance commented. Elliot was happy about the house he had. It was within walking distance to the bar he went to after work and only a short drive from work. Only real distance is if he ever wanted to go see his dad or Mia.
Elliot being cheeky flashed a smug smirk at Chance. “Can get the chance to see the inside of my house tomorrow if you’re lucky.”
Chance made an indignant noise before slapping Elliot’s shoulder. “Pervert!” Elliot let out a laugh and was about to tell Chance he was only joking when Chance leaned down and pulled Elliot into a kiss. The surprise was welcomed as he shut his eyes to enjoy the feeling. When they separated Chance spoke in a whisper. “I guess I’ll have to wear my lucky underwear just in case then, huh?”
It caught Elliot off guard as he was stammering from the implication. “Uh, y-yeah.” It was Chance’s turn to laugh at Elliot’s demeanor as they placed a kiss on Elliot’s cheek.
“I’ll text you when I get home. It was very nice meeting you again, Elliot. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.” Chance’s voice was soft. Elliot could only feel his heart beating harder and harder in his chest.
Elliot opened the door before replying. “I can’t wait either. Drive safe okay?” Elliot leaned in and gave Chance one last kiss before getting out of the car and shutting the door. They waved to each other before going their separate ways. When Elliot got back into the house, he put his back to his front door and let out a huge sigh of relief. He was so happy to reconnect with his friends and potentially get himself a romantic partner in the process. Thankfully he was off for the weekend so he didn’t have to be thinking about this whole thing during work, but he was still sure he was gonna be up all night thinking what suit Chance was going to wear for their date. Whichever they picked, they sure were going to look good no matter what. Elliot truly couldn’t wait.