Loving Someone Else

[rododoro3]

This story, unlike most of the content I've posted here, is a one-shot.

This took me quite a while to write. I've never felt this connected to one of my stories before, and I sincerely hope you'll enjoy it.
I know I did.





Prologue

You were the one who showed me the sky
-The Jezabels



I don't remember much of that day. Vague recollections of sunlight, swings, a playground... Mud, tears, stained clothes. Most things are a blur, but some... some aren't.
He isn't a blur.
He's just as real as you, or me, or anybody else on the face of this Earth. And what he did... It was real too.
"Leave me alone!" I yelled at him, but he shook his head stubbornly.
"Come to Margie."
"Who is Margie? Why? Just... Just leave me alone!"
He went away, but came back with an older girl. Back then, I thought she was a grown up. Now I know she was 15 at the time. For 9 year old me, that wasn't much of a difference, but now, the age gap seems considerably smaller. "What's wrong?" she asked, and the only things I can remember after that are a phone, a whispered conversation, an ambulance, a fragment of a sentence, "If it's...", flashing lights... And his eyes. Those green eyes, staring at me, begging me to reply.






Chapter I, the part with Theo

I'm not the same kid from your memory
-Paramore



I slip my glasses on. I can't see well without them, and I've never even considered contact lenses. Getting one stuck in an uncomfortable position in my eye is just too probable to ignore. But let me backtrack a bit. My name is Theo. I am a nerd. I am 23 years old, and I read way too many books- oh wait, this isn't a book lovers anonymous meeting? Moving on.
It's always liberating to be free of the mantle of responsibility for a while. I sped through my Bachelor's quickly enough to be able to take a short rest, and I recently received a job offer I couldn't resist in Chicago. There's only one downside.
My roommate, Scott, is in the kitchen making breakfast. "Good morning Theo," he smiles, and slides a plate heaped with pancakes towards me. I take a seat and break in the chocolate syrup.
Scott and I share two things in common. One, we both have a great love of reading. Scott prefers nonfiction, biographies and historical accounts (although he has a weakness for historical romance), while I tend more towards the fantastical, but our general appreciation of books drew us together. Two... We share an attraction towards both genders. Scott's spoken about it before, with studies to back his words up, trying to prove that you can't be attracted to both men and women, but I firmly believe that it's both possible and desirable to do so. Why else do men appreciate, not only the company of women, but the company of other men? Why do women go shopping with their girlfriends instead of their boyfriends?
As we sit in a companionable silence, I remember something. "Scott, do you remember the address of the restaurant we booked a table in?"
His brow furrows. "Something like 645 Figueroa St, why?"

***

A few hours later, and I arrive at 644 Figueroa St. Scott's already here, looking dapper with his tuxedo, and I'm pleased that I've lost enough weight to fit back into my old three-piece. The waiter shows us to the back, to a private table, and I order for us both.
When we finish our meals, I lean back and relax, contemplating the future.
Someone catches my eye, and winks.
It's Prosper.
No, nonono. This is the last time I see Scott before he leaves, and I'm not going to let some cocky football bully wreck it for me.
He's smiling, but this time it's without the hint of malice that has followed me throughout the years. As if having him in my class wasn't enough, he just had to take a special "liking" to me, making snide remarks about my sexual conquests, or lack of, criticizing my fitness, snorting when I presented my projects to the class, and winking lasciviously at me whenever I get annoyed with him... Like he's doing now.
Back at the beginning of my studies, he somehow got wind of my different preferences, and managed to find one of my male magazines. I kept expecting him to use it to blackmail me, but he never did.
"Earth to Theo." Scott's voice shakes me out of my reverie.
"I'm sorry. I got a bit carried away remembering the past four years."
His mouth quirks. "Someone sounds upset. Didn't you come to terms with it when we realized our different jobs were going to split us apart?"
I sigh. "I'm sorry, Scott. I should be happy for both of us. We're both moving ahead in life, with grand prospects ahead, and I still feel sad because it didn't work out."
"Hey."
When I don't look up from my brown study, he tilts my face towards his.
"I know you've had a thing for me. I have a thing for you too, but it wasn't going to work out. Not now, with our studies. But let me tell you something my Dad always told me when I was a kid, and wanted to learn to be a vet. 'If it's meant to be, it'll happen.' Now I've got a plane to catch."
He winks and drops a $100 dollar note, and leaves with his cryptic remark hovering in my mind.

***

I open my eyes.
Pale moonlight floods the room, from a single, cracked window. I don't recognize the room, and when I try to move, I realize my head and limbs are restrained. Stroking the material, I deduce that it's some sort of chain, but the links seem to have worn away, with evident chips and scratches.
I open my mouth to scream. Silence fills the room. With a start, I realize that although my throat doesn't appear to have been damaged in any way, I can't make a single sound.
Footsteps behind me signify the arrival of another person. They make their way around the room, floorboards groaning under the weight of their tread, stopping in front of me, bathed in shadow. They're apparently apathetic towards my predicament, and though I struggle, they make not one move to help me.
"Everything seems to be in order." says the figure, and I realize with a start I know his voice.
He leans forward, and the moonlight illuminates his dark brown hair, his ruddy skin.
It's Prosper.
What do you want? I try to say.
"You're probably wondering why I've brought you here. You're probably thinking, 'This guy has been bullying me for the past few years, he's obviously going to do something nefarious, like chop off three of my fingers or whatever."
He squats in front of me, his eyes never leaving my own, sharing the same color as mine but displaying completely different emotions.
"I'm here to do three things."
He ticks them off on his fingers.
"One. Apologize to you for years of being a complete arsehole towards you. Two. To tell you why I was a complete arsehole towards you. And three... To try to convince you to agree to a deal which I think you'll like."
Agree to a deal? With him? Why would a handsome stud like Prosper even bother with an average Joe like me? And what's this about apologizing? He's completely out of character, and I don't like it. I don't like being in unpredictable situations, and I don't like this situation at all.
Prosper straightens up with a groan.
"The reason I was a dick to you was... Well..."
He twiddles his thumbs.
"From the moment I heard of your relationship with Scott, I envied you. I envied the freedom your family allowed you, the happiness you found with your friend, and the acceptance you received from the general community. Just a while before I met you, I realized I was gay myself, and was still in denial."
Prosper? Gay? What the fuck? Am I on drugs? What's happening here?
"Back at home, my father, a religious man, would've promptly disowned me if I told him I was gay. When I was young, I thought I was straight, and was disgusted by the idea, but as soon as I realized the truth about myself I went to my mom."
He swallows.
"I was expecting a reprimand, a punishment, but she knew all along. She told me that my father loved me, and that if I were to come out he would learn to accept it. But then, she told me something else, something which changed my life. She said, 'Honey, your father only has 5 years left to live. If you tell him now, he may learn to accept you... And he might not.'
"It turns out my mother was a descendant of an ancient Gypsy tribe. That's why she knew when my dad would die, that's why she knew my secret. She gave me a talisman, and told me, 'When your father dies, you can use this to change your life to one you want to have.'"
My mind is reeling from all these revelations.
Magic? Hogwash. The main, rational part of my brain was screaming, 'Danger, danger!' But a smaller part, the more logical one, observed my surroundings and quietly remarked, 'You know, that would explain a lot of things.'
Like how Prosper knew about my gay magazines, and about my relationship with Scott (I had no other friends to tell, and Scott and I were generally private people. If he'd tell anyone, he'd make sure I knew).
And, of course, why I can't speak even though I'm feeling perfectly fine. Well, as fine as anyone can feel after waking up tied to a bed and at the mercy of a longtime bully who seems to be a few neurons short of a brain.
Prosper hesitates.
"Here's objective three. I'd like to have yours."
I gasp mutely, and gesture at my throat.
"Oh, what?"
He smacks himself on the forehead.
"My mom always says I don't properly reverse spells. I muted you so you wouldn't make a sound when I brought you here. You can speak now."
He snaps his fingers, and I can hear myself again.
"WHAT. THE. FUCK." I scream at him.
"You drag me here, to this hellhole, chain me to a bed, use some sort of magic to mute my voice, give me a pathetic excuse for bullying me for FOUR YEARS and then expect me to blindly go along with some hocus locus talisman your mom gave you?"
He grimaces.
"I guess I deserved that. But listen, Theo-"
"I don't want to listen! All you want is to get away from your dad, and take my body so you can be gay in public."
He shakes his head, somber.
"No, Theo. Like I told you, my mother told me to use this... When my dad died."
Shit.
I feel like a total douchebag right now.
"This still doesn't make any sense. Why do you want my body? You're the star athlete, with good job prospects and incredible fitness, and I'm just... Me."
Prosper grins.
"You're everything I ever wanted to be. My dad was the one who urged me to start football and weightlifting. My dad was the one who chose my classes. The only one I could choose was physiotherapy, which I've always loved. You're the one with the job in Philly. You're the one with magnificent prospects. All I have in this body is a sense of failure, for not being good enough for my dad and being unable to be myself."
I close my eyes.
I won't lie to myself. Not anymore.
I want to be Prosper. I've wanted to be him from the moment I saw him. Every cocky smirk, every flex, every leer, every wink, just made me want to be him more. And now I have the opportunity to be him. The body I always wanted, playing the sport I always loved watching. Him being willing to be me is too good to be true. This has to be a dream.
And what if it isn't a dream? What have I got to lose from becoming the man of my desires?
Scott. When I think of Scott my face heats up and my brain slows down, but his comment seems oddly, eerily appropriate. His voice still echoes in my head. 'If it's meant to be, it'll happen.'
"Okay." I say.
Prosper's face lights up.
"Theo. You don't understand what you've given me. You've given me another chance, a different life, the job I always wanted. I can't thank you enough."
I snort.
"Prove this works, and I'll thank you right back."
Prosper grins, and by way of reply spreads his hands.
I can't help but admire his peaked biceps, the bronzed skin stretched tightly over every fiber, every striation of his muscles.
"Mira pesha chorav..." he intones.
The chains binding me light up, and I realized what I originally mistook for scratches were in fact symbols, words made of English letters. I try to read them, but they don't make sense to me.
"Les me c'or!"
The world spins around me, and as the moon dims, Scott's words resound one more time,
'If it's meant to be... It'll happen.'





Chapter II, the part with Prosper

When there's nothing left to say,
I hear that life moves on
-Holly Conlan



The room is suddenly illuminated with bright sunlight.
"Ugh." I hear a raspy voice choke out.
It takes me a moment to process why I can't move, what I'm doing in a bedroom which isn't mine and who the owner of the voice actually is.
"Yo, Theo, are you awake yet?"
The voice sends cold shivers down my spine. It's my voice... But I'm not saying anything.
It worked.
The dread I feel cuts through my excitement.
What have I gotten myself into? I threw away my life and my relationship with Scott when I agreed to become Prosper.
What am I going to do now?
"Yeah," I groan.
"Great." Prosper moves forward, squinting in the glare.
"I forgot to tell you yesterday. I'd gotten a letter from a football club. They asked me if I wanted to play for them." he coughs. "I said yes."
I bite down my irritation. This is more like the Prosper I know. Not a care for anyone beside himself.
"Where exactly?"
"Chicago, Windy City."
Prosper snaps his fingers, and the chains binding me crumble into dust.
He throws a key at my feet. "You'll retain most of my memories. You'll instinctively know what I know, names of people, maneuvers in football, yadda yadda. I need to call my mom up. She told me to do it as soon as I swap bodies. I guess this is goodbye for now."
With a crooked grin, he adds, "Since you know my phone and my mom's phone, if you have a problem, don't hesitate to call. I can't repay you for what you did."
Prosper exits the room, leaving me alone, lying on a bed, desperately trying to re-evaluate my opinion of him and sort through the fragments of memory I've inherited.

Clothes. Clothes are the reason I get up, dust myself off and go to Prosper's dorm.
I'm itching to explore my body, my fingers trembling, aroused by the brief strokes of lean muscle I sneaked when getting up... But I resist. I want to make this experience memorable.
I instinctively walk up to a door no different from the other doors, and unlock it. It swings open, into a dark room, with a few sets of clothes laid out on the bed in preparation for my flight to the other side of the country.
I fumble for the switch, and the room lights up, illuminating the full body mirror Prosper's set in front of the door.

It's Prosper.
I almost step back, surprised, out of reflex, but then realization kicks in and I stare at my new body.
Prosper's hard earned muscles... His flawless skin, his tan, his glossy hair... They're mine.
I walk closer, staring into my eyes, just as gray as the ones I had before.
The similarities end there.
I never had defined muscle. I didn't have pecs which pushed out the front of my shirt. I didn't have biceps which split into peaks.
I grope, grab, run my fingers over every crevice, every sinew in my new body. It's hard, warm, and it's pulsing with a steady beat, the beat pounding in my ears, the beat of my heart, pumping blood to muscles I never knew existed.
I shiver from pure ecstasy. My skin is ridiculously sensitive. I can feel the shirt draped over me, the cloth caressing my muscles, and my hard, aching, throbbing penis, confined in my boxers.
I gasp, overcome by lust and, with strength I could never have, rip my clothes off.
The naked flesh underneath, glowing with health, gleaming with sweat, is so tempting I immediately grasp my penis and begin a rhythmic motion, up, down, up down.
The feeling is too much. It's larger than my own dick, but I never knew size could make so extremely pleasurable, so much more satisfying.
I groan, the sexy baritone octaves away from my tenor, and redouble my efforts, stroking as my bronzed skin flushes pink, my beautiful face contorts, my muscles flex, immediately aware of every single part of my body, every single sensation.
I jerk involuntarily as I erupt, streams of cum flying from my penis, splashing onto the floor, onto my legs, onto my feet, overcome by pleasure.
When I can stand again, I cough.
"Oh, wow."

***

It takes me a while to realize the sign with "Prosper" written on it is for me and not for someone else.
I pick up bags that would've been impossible for me to lift only two days ago, and jog to the waiting escort, savoring the feel of the air against my face, my clothes rubbing against my skin. Prosper can afford to buy smooth, high quality materials, and if the sensations I'm feeling are anything to go for, it's the reason why he picks boxer briefs that can conceal his, now my, significant package.
"Ah, there you are."
The guy's kinda cute, in a surfer kind of way. You rarely see shoulder-length blond hair outside of Cali, and he's got a twinkle in his eyes.
I'll keep him in mind.
"We were getting worried. The other guy got here almost fifteen minutes ago, and we've been waiting ever since. He's just gone to the bathroom right now, so I'm afraid we'll have to wait a while more. I'm Jack, by the way."
I smile sheepishly. I can't really tell him I fought to bring my erection under control, jerking off frantically so I can pay attention to my surroundings instead of my industrial-sized throbbing penis, so I settle for "It took me a while to find my bags."
He nods, clearly unconvinced, but drops the matter.
We stand around in silence until Jack locates someone in the crowd.
"Over here!" he cries, and I follow his gaze until I make eye contact with the other lodger at the apartment.
He drops his gaze, but I recognize him. How couldn't I recognize him?
I'll get you for this, Prosper. I vow silently. Someday, somehow, I'll make you pay...
Pay for what? Asks the more rational side of my mind. He's set you up here. He only has your best interests at heart.
Well, he could at least warn me, I grumble, but I have no time for fruitless debate because Scott, for it is Scott, is making his way near.
"Hey Prosper." he says, slightly sarcastically.
"Hey!"
He blinks, stares at me for a moment, then flushes, taken aback by my cheerful response and probably feeling rude for his own greeting.
"Shall we get going?" says Jack, who seems unaware of the tension in the air.
"Sure." I say. "Lead the way."
I sneak glances at his bubble butt every now and then, but for most of the way to the bus, my gaze is on Scott, who stares resolutely ahead, refusing to look at me.

When we get to the building, Jack greets the porter, and she gives Scott and I a set of keys each.
"You only get one of these, so duplicate it if you plan on letting anyone else come to your apartment by their own volition or if you just want back ups." she warns.
Jack's on the fourth floor, so he bids us farewell at the elevator, preferring to take the stairs.
Scott and I ascend in silence, getting out when we reach the tenth floor.
We walk out, and he turns to me.
"Look. I don't know what you might think of me, and I don't know what you think you're doing, acting nice to me. I know how you've treated Theo, and I'm telling you right now, I'm not going to act nice if you don't. Just so-"
I stare at him until he finishes.
I offer an easy grin. "Isn't it polite to let someone react before you move on to the next contention?"
He splutters, and I raise my hands in mock surrender, chuckling.
"I'm kidding. I just wanted to let you know that I talked to Theo before I left."
Scott's eyebrows go up.
"Oh? And what, pray, did he say?"
It's taking all my self control not to lean forward and kiss him on the mouth. Even in my normal body, the urge to kiss those perfect lips, to gaze in those thoughtful eyes, would be hard to ignore, and with my amped up sex drive, I'm feeling the beginnings of a major boner.
"He accepted my apology."
If Scott's eyebrows rise just a bit more, they'll disappear into his hairline.
"Somehow, I doubt that."
I shrug. "Ring him up and verify it if you don't believe me."
He sighs. "Look. If you're joshing me, you'll regret it. But if it's true... I'm sorry. Let's start this out on neutral ground. I'm Scott. You're obviously Prosper. Nice to meet you, floor mate."
I bow deeply, just like one of the characters in the romantic books he loves so much, and I'm gratified to see his cheeks turn pink.
"It's my pleasure to meet you, good sir."
"We'll see about that."
I know him well enough to spot his hidden smile.

I set down the phone.
That son of a gun.
Prosper had his mother pull some strings to make sure Scott and I lived in the same apartment floor, and was chuffed as nuts to hear we hit it off. He'd already been rung up by Scott, and allayed his doubts by weaving an elaborate spiel of a heartbreaking coming out by me and an emotional apology and final farewell.
He begged me for details, but I told him I had none to give, which was true, but didn't satisfy him.
I eventually promised him I'll tell him about my first date with Scott, and in return, he gave me the address of a local gym.
"A vacancy for a personal trainer has opened up, and I think you'll meet the criteria quite nicely." he snickers. "It's lucky that no other jocks live in the surrounding area, or the job would be quite heavily contested. This way, you're almost sure of getting it."
I'm pondering how difficult or easy (depends on how you look at it) Prosper's life is when I'm struck with an idea.
Before I try it out, I make a few phone calls, first to the gym to ask for an interview, which they gladly acquiesce to, and then to a local pizza place I find using Google.
It's a good thing Prosper has albums from Scott's favorite band.

He knocks halfway through Sweet Lady.
I open the door with a smile.
"Hullo neighbor, do you need something?"
"Yes. I need to ask you a question."
I move my bulk to the side, and motion for him to get in, but he stays outside.
I sigh. "Go ahead."
"Did you happen to discuss anything with Theo before you left?"
Shoot. I wasn't prepared for that question.
"Not in particular, no. I asked him a few questions about his career, stuff like that."
"So you're telling me that you like turning up the old hits and eat pepperoni pizza? I saw the delivery, don't bother denying it."
I shrug. "Mind if I answer over a slice of the same pizza you mention."
He frowns, thinking about it.
If I know him, he's probably struggling with the idea of Prosper being a decent guy. I know I did. I still do. But then again, since it's Scott, his earlier declaration of starting afresh will remind him that he isn't supposed to harbor any ill feelings towards me. Plus. I can smell the pepperoni from here, and he's a sucker for it.
It's his turn to sigh.
"Why not?"

I stir in half a teaspoon of sugar, the way he likes it, and hand him his coffee.
"Now where's the double meaning?" he quotes, and lifts it his mouth.
"It might not be big enough, but I've got something that's long enough."
He sprays it halfway across the table.
I grin. I can play that game too.
"When exactly did you become so well-versed in literature?" he asks me as we mop up the mess.
I drag out the wastebasket.
"I don't know. Maybe I've always been, and you've just never asked."
When we eat our slices, the silence is more companionable than the one at the airport, but there's still something on Scott's mind.
I hope I made him interested enough to want to get to know me better.
"Don't fool with fools, keep good company." comes the cliche musical hint, and Scott clears his throat.
"I know I said something that was completely opposite earlier, but... Would you..." he's slowly turning red.
I smile. "Do go on."
"Would you like to go on a date with me?"
In my mind, I just won the jackpot.
"As a wise man once said, 'Why not?' How about... This evening?"
He smiles sardonically. "I know it was my idea, but don't you think you're moving a little too fast?"
I shrug. "The only way to be sure is to find out."
This time he smiles outright, and I'm caught unprepared. Scott's got the sexiest grin. His eyes crinkle up and his dimples show, and it cheers me up every time I see it. My dick rises to full mast.
In my old body, I would self consciously adjust my package, but I've gotten used to being Prosper. I grin right back, the way Prosper grins, when the corners of his mouth turn way up and he narrows his eyes.
"I'll pick you up at 8, formal clothing?" he asks expectantly.
I nod my agreement, and I see his eyes glaze over for a moment as he imagines my striated muscle crammed into a suit.

He's in a different suit from the time I last dined with him. That's not the only difference. Last time, he was chatty, sure of himself, grinning from ear to ear. Now he's slightly flushed, confused, wanting to inquire more about why I'm suddenly a nice guy but not wanting to appear rude.
What a difference a new body makes!
I made sure to get my suit custom tailored, and sent my bill to my previous bank account. If Prosper wants me to give him all the details, he should be prepared to bear some of the costs of my date.
Since we don't know the area, we just walk around.
"Hey, check that place out."
Scott points out a small Mexican restaurant. It doesn't seem any different from any of the other restaurants in the area, but as I draw closer, I see the place is packed almost to bursting.
I offer Scott my hand, doffing an imaginary hat, and he accept, linking his arm with mine.
"Table for two?" asks the redhead manning the front counter.
"Slightly private, if you can." I try to keep a straight face as I see Scott blink in surprise out of the corner of my eye.
She glances from me to Scott with a knowing grin.
"There was a reservation placed a few days ago, but I'm sure they won't minding eating closer to the fireplace on a cold day like this."
When the waiter arrives to escort us to the table, she pulls me aside for a moment, motioning Scott to go on ahead.
"It seems like you're taken already, so I won't bother asking you out, but I'm on the floor below you, room 17, and I know what's it's like to be new to the area. If you want some tips, don't hesitate to come a-knocking. The name's Jeanna, by the way."
The kindness of strangers always surprises me.
"Sure thing. Prosper here."
She grins, and I grin back.

When I relay my encounter to Scott, he snorts.
"It's not that strangers are kind, it's that you're hot enough to merit special treatment."
Realizing what he said, he almost immediately tries to take it back. "Not that being hot is the only charming thing about you-"
I shake my head.
"You should close your mouth before it gets you into more trouble."
He bows his head in time to miss my grin.
I inspect the menu.
I instinctively know my new body is allergic to mushrooms, but there are plenty of menu items without them, and Scott and I eventually decide to buy three main meals and split them between the two of us.

When Jeanna returns with our order, Scott leans forward.
"So Prosper. Who's your favorite author?"
I know Prosper has no favorite author, so I decide to play it safe. "I love so many it's hard to choose a particular favorite. Don't you feel that way as well?"
Scott actually gave me the same response the first time I asked about his favorite author as Theo. I wonder how he'll react.
He stares at me for a while, and just when I begin feeling uncomfortable he smiles and offers me a share from the dish in front of him.




Chapter III, the part with Scott

And sometimes I wonder if love is worth fighting for,
Then I remember your face and I'm ready for war
-Unknown



Jeanna and I part at the ninth floor, but she holds the elevator doors open.
"I saw how Scott looked at you yesterday. If you two are in a rough spot, I'm pretty good at making hot chocolate."
I smile weakly.
"As if ferrying me around town, to the gym and back, while showing me the best places to eat wasn't enough. Then I truly wouldn't ever be able to repay you."
She grins back, but her eyes are tender.
"I've been in bad relationships before. And don't think I'm offering simply because you're hot."
She winks and flounces away, leaving me alone in the ascending elevator, contemplating how I'm going to deal with Scott.
This entire thing went too far.
I realized it when I got home, looked in the mirror, and didn't recognize myself for a moment.
I'm not Theo anymore. I'm Prosper to Scott, and since he knows I can contact 'Theo' at any time, he's probably really suspicious by now.
Last night was a mistake. I was drunk on the eroticism of being someone else, the pleasures of donning someone else's life. But if I want to actually date him, I need to make sure that it doesn't seem like I'm too perfect to be true.
The doors open, and the moment I step out, I choke down a groan.
Scott's waiting for me.
"We need to talk."
I nod. "That we do. Do you mind if we do it in my apartment?"
He's about to protest, then hesitates and thinks better of it.
"No, I don't mind. Go ahead."
I unlock the door and usher him in, my mind thrumming with questions.
How am I going to keep this relationship going? Will I able to tell him what happened between me and the real Prosper, why I'm suddenly the man of his dreams, with no trace of the antagonistic bully he's accustomed to?
Will I have to take Jeanna up on her offer?
I sit down on one of the small living room chairs, and Scott sits down opposite me.
"Look... Prosper."
He sighs. "I... I don't think this will work."
"Why?!" I accost him. I didn't think it would come so soon.
"Because you're quite obviously not who you're trying to convince me you are. I know you. You were the guy who made fun of Theo, who belittled him and dashed what little self confidence he had to the ground, the guy who used his sex appeal to make him feel ashamed of being gay, the guy who was spread the rumors behind his back."
He's obviously thought this through.
"I've changed." My words ring hollow, but something's weird. "And besides, what rumors?"
He glares at me.
"And now you pretend that you don't know? That Theo has an STI, and that I'm only his friend out of pity, the rumor that prevented anyone from actually forming a friendship with him, believing he was 'tainted'?"
The accusation hits me like a sledgehammer. What the actual fuck. I've never heard of that rumor.
Prosper has, though, and he knows exactly who started it,
"That wasn't me." I stare him down, matching his emerald eyes in intensity. "It was James, from Delta. He made rumors like that about everyone, and Theo was the only one who stuck. And besides, the reason Theo never had any friends was because he was decided,y unfriendly. All he'd do is cower behind you, withdrawing from social life, preferring to stay with you. I was attempting to bring him out of his shell a bit."
Scott's a flaming shade of red. "Well, you know what, Mr I didn't do it? Your attempts FAILED. Your "attempts" were the reason why Theo stayed with me in the first place. He was afraid of being ridiculed further. That was the only reason the rumor stuck. He was just withdrawn enough for it to seem feasible."
Scott's words ring true, but he's mistaken.
"That's not the real reason."
"Then what IS the real reason, pray?"
"Have you ever considered something? Theo loved you. The reason he wasn't more social was because he found a friend who could be unmatched... In you."
Scott slaps me.
"Don't you dare put words in his mouth! You don't even know him as anything beyond your victim!"
Now I'm angry. "Oh yes, I do. Have you ever wondered why, ever since yesterday, I seemed to be tuned in to your every desire, your ideal guy, the perfect representation of your fantasy?"
He gasps. "I knew it! He told-"
"He told me nothing!" I snarl. "I knew it all already, because I'm Theo, for fuck's sake!"
He stares at me, and then his eyes harden.
"I should've known!" he yells back, his voice wobbling.
"I was suspicious the moment you began acting nice, but it's obvious! You've been faking it all this time, leading me astray, and I went along with it like an idiot! And this is your excuse? Only someone with a brainpower as meager as yours could come up with 'I'm Theo'!"
He wipes his eyes, and I realize he's crying.
Something cracks inside me.
"Scott." I whisper.
He senses the change, but turns his head away.
"Look into my eyes."
He doesn't move.
"Look into my eyes." I plead, and his breath hitches, and I'm met with a defiant scowl, his vivid green eyes boring into mine, so furious yet somehow begging a reply.
I can't breathe.
It's him. It was him all along, and now I know how to convince him.
"14 years ago."
He's about to look away, finally giving up on me, but his brow furrows.
"What...?"
"14 years ago. My parents got into a fight. My dad. He... He stabbed my mom through her heart, and then himself, while I watched in the corner. I ran outside, and... And I met you, and Margie."
He's shaking his head.
"How do you- Theo never..."
He looks into my eyes again.
They're the exact same shade of gray as Theo's eyes. The only similarity between me and Prosper.
While Prosper always has a malicious glint in them, Scott always told me mine shine when I'm getting emotional. I'm pretty damn emotional right now.
"Mother of god."
He backs away, but then moves closer, reaching out his arm to caress my face, my wide jaw, my dark hair.
"How did it happen, Theo?"
I shrug my broader shoulders.
"I agreed."
Scott's staring, but then a wicked smile spreads across his face.
"You'll have to prove it."
"Huh?"
"The Theo I know knows exactly how I like to have sex. If you're really him... You'll know as well."
It takes me a moment to realize the implications, but when I do, he's in my arms and I'm sprinting to the bedroom.

***

I'm nearly asleep, hugging Scott to me, his delicate skin caressing mine, when he whispers "If it's meant to be..."
It's strangely apt in this circumstance.
"It'll happen." I reply, and kiss him again.

[Fylena]

I wasn't expecting much when I read this, but it blew me away. I love Theo and his newfound confidence, Jeanna with her empathy and even Prosper for letting Theo live out the life of his dreams.
Is there any room for a sequel? Because I want to see more of Scott. He's my new favorite character <3
Give me more!

[rododoro3]

Originally Posted by Fylena

I wasn't expecting much when I read this, but it blew me away. I love Theo and his newfound confidence, Jeanna with her empathy and even Prosper for letting Theo live out the life of his dreams.
Is there any room for a sequel? Because I want to see more of Scott. He's my new favorite character <3
Give me more!

Thank you so much!
It's really nice to know someone likes my characters, especially since... I kinda based them all off me.
I don't really like Prosper myself. I've tried to write him as an untrustworthy person. I mean, seriously. Who in their right mind is going to trust someone after he's bullied them for years, knocked them out, then chained them to a bed? And yeah, Theo isn't in his right mind.
The main reason why I don't think I'll write a sequel is because I can't develop the plot in any significant way.
I've had an idea involving Jeanna and Prosper's mother, and I may write it if and when inspiration strikes.
Again, thank you for enjoying my story

[tattcub]

Aww,

Thanks Rodo,

Really nice story with heart too.

I really like your work.

I am working on an idea at the moment semi inspired by one of your other characters...Well trying to....Writers block can be a bitch.


Thanks again

TC

[GodlyFratboy]

You did a great job with the wordsmithing in there, but we here in the good ole US of A don't use arse we use ass. Otherwise good job

[rododoro3]

Originally Posted by tattcub

Aww,

Thanks Rodo,

Really nice story with heart too.

I really like your work.

I am working on an idea at the moment semi inspired by one of your other characters...Well trying to....Writers block can be a bitch.


Thanks again

TC

Whee, you've commented!
I really like you really liking my work. It's great to see someone stick around to remember some of my other stories.
Writing a story inspired by one of my characters... Wow. I'm honored.
Now the question: Which one? (Was it a main character like Jeannie or a background character)
And yeah. Writers block is a bitch. It's the only reason why I haven't published anything yet. I have good ideas but can't develop and write them, the story of every amateur writer ever.

Originally Posted by GodlyFratboy

You did a great job with the wordsmithing in there, but we here in the good ole US of A don't use arse we use ass. Otherwise good job

Thank you for the praise.
I've lived in America, but years of speaking the language with foreigner friends (plus moving to Australia) has influenced my writing and speaking.
So I say toe-may-toe instead of toe-mah-toe, but arse instead of ass. And since my characters tend to be reflections of me, my quirks pass on to them.
Plus, for the sake of continuity, I could successfully argue that, as the characters are well-read, they use arse and ass interchangeably.
This is a kinda but not really rant, so sorry for that. I really appreciate you bringing it to my attention, so thanks again

[nnnrg]

This is really a pretty cool story. Wondering what's up with Prosper in the other body, though - is he doing as well? Is he finding it what he wanted, or is he now finding himself forced to improve that body to get it to something that fits his spirit better? Does he actually like being the non-jock?

[rododoro3]

Originally Posted by nnnrg

This is really a pretty cool story. Wondering what's up with Prosper in the other body, though - is he doing as well? Is he finding it what he wanted, or is he now finding himself forced to improve that body to get it to something that fits his spirit better? Does he actually like being the non-jock?

You picked up on that! Good job.
I'm an avid reader of TvTropes, and I tend to lampshade and subvert when I'm bored, and I consciously decided to put in a Sequel Hook there.
I purposely left a few plot points unsolved. For example; What role does Jeanna play in Scott and Theo's relationship? How does the gym job work for Theo? Where does Prosper's mother fit into all this? (And for that matter, is there a secret community of mages? How do they influence day-to-day life? Are they living under the radar/kept secret by the government/operating under a front?)
While I may say that it's a one-shot, and act like it's a one-shot, my stories never properly end, since I contemplate them almost constantly.
For that matter, I don't think any story ends properly. There's always room for a sequel (or, something Hollywood is renowned for exploiting, a prequel). The question is, will the sequel satisfy the viewers or readers, or just be an unoriginal spin off of the first story?

Hopefully, I'll be able to continue this sometime. Just not now

[nnnrg]

Any story where there is actually depth beyond the growth and spooge deserves some contemplation and analysis, and so far, all your stories have that.

(Not that there's necessarily anything wrong with stories with mostly growth and spooge, this is a fetish after all.)

So yes, I actually think about consequences and interactions. It's kind of part of what I do for a living (software design, test, and automation) and what I try to include when I write, so when I find a story that leaves the necessary loose ends, it's hard not to contemplate them.

The best part of this story is that Jeannie's interaction is invisible - she might as well just be a friend rather than an agent of change.

Incidentally, the acronym STI - sexually transmitted infection? It's more common to use "STD" for that, at least in America, and I was confused by it, but I'm not sure that's a problem. If you ever choose to go back and edit or re-use parts of this for anything, you might consider if it would help to put a bit more subtle explanatory context, like maybe having Theo/Prosper ask what kind of infection he was supposed to be having.
Acronyms and abbreviations, in technical writing, are supposed to be given in full once, to clarify them, but that's clumsy in prose and storytelling.