Soft Men Factory

You settled on the couch with a bag of chips and turned on Youtube on your TV. You searched for BlueBook and started their livestream.

After you left Nathan you blocked him everywhere, but today is the day he will finally reveal his secret project that he worked on for so long and what eventually ended your marriage. It was only natural you were curious, right?

As the countdown on the screen started to get closer to zero, you tried to not think about all the pain this project caused you. 

The divorce happened almost a year ago and as much as you tried to forget Nathan, it was literally impossible.

It was one thing that you blocked him everywhere, but he was a famous person so you saw his face almost everyday in the news, articles, videos, even in form of gifs and fucking memes.

And because he was famous, you became famous too. When you started appearing next to him at events and he was seen with you holding hands on the street of course the internet went wild, especially when people realized that you weren't just a common fling, but his first longtime partner. And when they spotted a ring on your finger they became obsessed.

And of course, after the divorce everyone accused you online for only being after his money and when news emerged that you left with nothing, people started making fun of you, especially the incels.

Even Andrew Tate made a post about it.

Some people were on your side though, and even an article appeared where an “inside person” revealed that it was actually you who gave up everything just to speed up the divorce process.

Those were hard times, but fortunately other famous people’s drama overtook yours and it was barely spoken about now.

The livestream started and an attractive woman and man started the show. They talked about BlueBook’s history and success and of course Nathan who built the company and made it so successful.

You sighed as you reached for another chip.

“Maybe if people weren’t kissing his ass left and right he wouldn’t be such an egoistic asshole.”

Then the man himself entered the stage and the crowd in the building welcomed him with thunderous clapping and deafening screaming and roaring.

He lifted his hand as a gesture of thank you as he walked to the middle of the stage and waited for the crowd to quiet down.

He didn't look that happy. 

Wasn’t this the day he waited for almost two years? 

And he looked sick. Pale and he lost a bit of weight. Not a worrying amount, but it was noticeable. His tanned skin looked paler and the glasses barely hid the dark circles under his eyes.

He still looked attractive somehow. Some people just won the genetic lottery.

You wondered if this project was worth risking his health.

Then you frowned a bit.

You remember him still working out even when he worked almost non stop, so why did he lose weight?

Maybe his body couldn't keep up with his work-centric lifestyle anymore.

Your eyes moved to the comments that were coming in and you froze when you saw what almost all of them were about.

‘Seems like the divorce hit him harder than it did the missus.’

‘Wow, he looks TIRED tired.’

‘The wife left and took all the happiness with her, huh?’

‘Bro looks like he misses the homemade meal lol’

‘He kept the money but at what cost’

‘I just checked his exwife’s IG, she’s doing waaay better than him lol’

You closed your eyes and sighed. 

Yeah, Nathan was an ass, but people can be cruel.

You focused back on what he was saying and after he briefly summarized the last two years (only from the professional side) he knew people were going mad trying to figure out what he came up with next so he quickly got to the point.

And nothing in life could’ve prepared you for what you saw next.

First, the gigantic LED panels behind him showed the plans, then the progress of his vision, and the whole crowd watched in silence, captivated.

Androids. 

He was making human sized androids. 

Fully functioning, AI, self aware, Jarvis turned Vision level androids.

Then when he was done summarizing his plan, he pointed towards the side of the stage and two of them walked in.

While Elon Musk’s androids were barely able to walk, unable to perfectly sync the movements of their legs with their hands and losing balance out of nowhere and tripping left and right, these completely moved like humans. 

Elegant and effortless and scarily accurate and you just sat there fucking speechless.

Then after a very long explanation on how they work, he pointed to the stage after he said the next step was making them look human.

Two people walked in.

Are they going to be the models for the future andro…

No.

They were the human looking androids.

What the fuck.

Everybody was so shocked.

The comment section was blowing up. 

‘He is who Elon pretends to be.’

‘Ngl, this is scary.’

‘Wow, so Terminator WAS a documentary…’

‘This man is a genius.’

‘He’s crazy.’

‘This is the beginning of the end of the world everyone.’

‘Just because you could, doesn't mean you should.’

‘Bro is the modern Frankenstein.’

You turned off the TV.

This was too much. You knew Nathan wanted to make these, but you thought it was gonna be a possibility only years from now.

So this is why he was so adamant on working non-stop. His technology could make it possible and he was afraid other companies would catch up. There were times where he seemed completely paranoid and maybe he feared someone would steal his progress and sell it to other companies. Usually those were the times when he was so snappy and cruel with you.

There could be two reasons why he didn't tell you what he was working on: he either was afraid you’ll steal his work yourself or because you were always against this kind of technology. Too advanced.

Well, maybe a person like you really shouldn't have married a person like him. He was pro technology and you valued real life over it.

-----

Weeks passed and people were divided, some said this is the way where humanity should be heading and others were like you, worried about how this will affect people’s life.

To this day, some paparazzi and journalists still tried to interview you when you were walking on the street, and after Nathan’s big show, more of them circled you.

“How do you feel about Bateman’s androids?”

Sometimes you answered, because that way they calmed down a little and stopped harassing you for a while.

“If someone was ever able to make them, it was him.” - you gave a neutral answer.

“Was this the reason you two broke up?”

This hit you right in the heart. Nathan and you never announced publicly why you had a divorce, and people were making up all kinds of stories, some of them were pretty normal reasons, but some of them were actually insane.

You stopped walking and looked at the woman.

“He was working non-stop, and he didn't have time for me. I had enough so I left.”

“Do you think you are more important than humanity’s most incredible invention?”

Wow, fuck this bitch.

“I should’ve been.” - you said and started walking again, ignoring further questions.

-----

While you were with Nathan you involuntarily became an influencer. You gained tens of thousands of followers on Instagram when you got engaged and even more after you got married. Naturally, you were the first one who could try BlueBook’s new products so when you made a post for your friends and family - after Nathan - the whole world started watching you. 

You were okay with that, the comments were mostly nice and you didn't make a big deal out of becoming famous, so people thought you were cool. You still went to work, and made posts about everyday life, like when you accidentally killed a house plant or when the stray cats you fed hit cute poses.

Sometimes people still asked you about Nathan in the comments and you just sighed, trying to ignore the pain in your chest.

It should be easier now. It shouldn’t hurt this much now, but it still did.

After you got engaged, you really thought you’re gonna grow old with him. After you learned how serious he was with you, you really believed that he was your endgame too.

You wondered if he was still thinking about you too, but seeing the whole android reveal, you doubted it. Even when you were with him he didn't think about you, he was too invested in his stupid androids.

You wiped the tears from your eyes when you got a notification of an incoming e-mail and opened it.

It was from Leto. 

Leto Atreides. One of Nathan’s business partners and closest friends.

You met him numerous times and he was a complete gentleman. He was smart and kind, and you always wondered how Nathan and him could become friends. Opposites do attract it seemed.

He wrote to you because he and his wife, Jessica, were hosting a charity gala and they invited you. You always liked both of them, they were like a couple from a romantic fairy tale and they supported several organizations that helped all kinds of people.

But you really didn't want to go. Nathan will be there 100% and he is the last person you wanted to see.

Still, this was an event that helped disabled people, and you should show up, and support.

You could even make a post about it on your insta and hopefully more people will donate.

-----

Jessica was the first person to greet you. You were still married to Nathan the last time you saw her, but it was during the time things turned bad in your marriage. She knew about your struggles, but even her experience and wisdom couldn't save your relationship with Nathan.

Still, it was nice to meet her again and after a long talk, she gave you to Leto when he left a group of men and she went to greet other newcomers.

“You look absolutely beautiful tonight.” - Leto greeted you with a warm smile and a kiss on your cheek.

“Thank you. I love your tux.” 

“Jessica chose it for me.”

“Well, it was always obvious that she has good taste.” - you smiled at him playfully, but you quickly looked around and checked the room.

Nathan was usually somewhere around Leto during these events.

“He’s not here.”

“Who?”

Leto looked at you knowingly with a sad smile.

“He doesn't show up anymore. He’s not the person he used to be.”

“An asshole?”

“Trust me, ever since the divorce, he’s even more insufferable.”

“Not my problem anymore."

“You should talk to him.”

You almost choked on the champagne.

“What?!”

“Look, I know he didn't treat you right…”

You snorted humorlessly.

“... but he’s in a bad place. Mentally.”

“I said it's not my problem anymore.”

“I’m not saying it should be. But… you were the only one he ever really listened to.”

“The reason I left him is because he didn't listen to me.”

“You gave upon him too easily.”

You looked at Leto like he was crazy.

“Leto, with all due respect: are you clinically insane?! He treated me like shit for a whole year, I repeat: a WHOLE YEAR, before I said that’s enough.”

“That’s because you let him treat you like that. You got used to him carrying you around in his palm and when work took him from you, you just let it happen.”

Your jaw dropped. The audacity of…!

“Listen. Even a blind person could see that you two are made for each other. Just like Jessica and me. When my head is in my ass, she makes sure I pull it back out. She reminds me that I am here because she is next to me. Sometimes I talk to Nathan. He’s literally one glass a day away from being a complete alcoholic. He forgot that success is nothing when you don’t have anyone to share it with, and after you left him, he was reminded of that in the most brutal way. I never saw him like this. Not even before you.”

You were one sentence away from punching Leto, but fortunately for him, he shut up.

You took a deep breath to calm down.

“Look, Leto. I know you are his friend and that you’re worried about him. But the last thing he said to me when I told him that I want to spend more time with him was that if I don’t like the way things are I can fucking leave. This is literally what he said to me. So I did. And no one can tell me it wasn’t the right choice. Not even you. Was that a wake up call for him? Well, good. He was insufferable and he hurt me. I went to bed crying almost daily. So don’t tell me I should talk to him. I did try and he didn't listen. If he didn't wanna listen to me then, he doesn't deserve to listen to me now.” - you finished your champagne aggressively.

Leto nodded, apologetically.

“You’re right. I shouldn't have asked you. You didn't deserve what he did to you and nothing can justify it. I am just worried. Jessica and I tried everything, but he doesn't listen. He needs therapy and rehab, but he’s just at home sulking and destroying himself.”

“And still, he created humanity’s most important technology.”

“Yeah, well, he may be at rock bottom, but he is also a genius.”

After a beat of silence Leto looked at you. His eyes scanned you from head to toe, slowly. He still thought Nathan was an idiot for losing you. You were literally Nathan’s dream girl and he didn't know how it was possible that he just let you walk away. He knew his invention was important, but how could he treat you so badly that you left?

“Can I ask you something?”

You nodded.

“Do you miss him?”

You closed your eyes and sighed.

“I miss the version of him I fall in love with.”

Leto smiled, understanding.

“I know this is not what you want to hear.” - he started. - “But you’re the only person who can bring that version back.” - he leaned close to kiss your cheek and walked to a group of newcomers.

-----

You hated Leto. 

You hated him.

Ever since you talked to him, you were thinking about Nathan.

You were thinking about Nathan before that too, way too much, but now you were thinking about him non stop.

You hated Nathan too.

Ugh.

You missed him.

But you were not crazy, so there’s no way you’re gonna talk to him.

He doesn't deserve you. He doesn't deserve you. He doesn't deserve you.

Yeah.

That's right. He is an asshole and he deserves the suffering.

Karma is a bitch and all that jazz.

But… he drinks heavily and you saw how bad he looked. Maybe he suffered too much.

No!

You’re not gonna feel sorry for him. Nope.

You need to get out of here. Maybe you should go on a vacation. Yeah. A vacation sounds nice. Fresh air and strong winds to blow the thoughts of him away.

Your destination shouldn't be Italy, since you always asked Nathan to go to the cottage when you wanted to disappear to a quiet place. But you loved that country too much and the people there were always so joyful and friendly. 

After a few seconds of searching for a hotel, you stopped. 

You opened your contacts and messaged Leto. What’s the point of having billionaire friends if you don’t take advantage of their money?

‘Do you own any houses in Italy?’

His response was almost immediate.

‘Yes. Why?’

‘You know I always thought you were handsome?’

‘Which one do you want?’

-----

Wow. Leto didn't only let you use one of his houses for as long as you wanted, he let you use his private jet and a driver was waiting for you at the airport after landing to take you to the house.

Maybe you married the wrong billionaire.

The thought made you sad. Nathan used to be this thoughtful and caring. Only with you. Leto was like this with everyone he considered his friend. It was funny how for someone it was a basic way to treat people and for someone else it was a form of extreme chivalry.

But Nathan always was a lone wolf. He didn't have anyone to count on and everything he received, he worked hard for alone.

He was one of the very few rich people who didn't inherit their wealth, but created it.

And suddenly, people started to circle him. Business partners, so called friends and many attractive women. 

You remembered him dating a few models and actresses after BlueBook became the tech giant it is today, but those relationships were always short lived and ended on bad terms.

Just like with you.

Even you couldn't convince him that you wanted him and not his money or power.

Maybe that’s why he is best friends with Leto. Leto was already rich when Nathan got on the map and Nathan knew if Leto wanted to be friends with him it wasn't because of some ulterior motive.

As you walked on the streets of Florence, and you thought more and more about Nathan, you started to understand him more, but you still couldn't figure out why he wanted to marry you, if he always thought that you were after his money like his previous girlfriends.

Maybe as he was getting older he thought that it was time to settle down. 

You got on a bus that went to the small village where the old cottage was. You didn't know why. You came here to distract yourself, but all you’re doing is thinking about Nathan. You used to walk a lot around Florence and try restaurants and ice creams, and you thought he was happy then.

Maybe you should’ve picked a different country after all.

As you walked to the cottage on the small, quiet streets, you wondered if Nathan still owned it.

He wanted to give it to you during the divorce, but maybe his lawyers told him to give you something so you won’t ask for more.

Maybe he sold it. He only bought it for you and you were sure he didn't wanna step foot in it after the divorce. You spent a lot of weekends here and even more times during summer. 

Nathan always teased you that you could go anywhere in the world, but you always wanted to come here. Sometimes you went to some luxury vacation spots because Nathan wanted something different, but this place held an important place in your heart. 

Maybe because this was the only place where you felt like you were living a normal life. Nathan was always more relaxed here too. He wasn't surrounded by high tech and modern stuff, so he wasn't stressing about work that much.

It was just an old little house with a little terrace and wildflowers in the garden. You changed the furniture to more authentic ones, and it was like a little time capsule.

As you approached it, you spotted the small wooden fence. It used to be red, but you always told Nathan you wanted to paint it a different colour, you could just never decide what so it remained red.

Now it was light blue.

So he really did sell it.

You liked the color the new owner picked, it made the cottage even cuter.

As you stopped in front of it, you saw that the front lawn was tended to. The grass was freshly cut, but there were several small flowerbeds with small little colorful flowers in each of them. 

It was still afternoon so there weren’t any lights coming from inside the house. You spotted a brown, old school car a little down the street. Maybe it was the owner’s, since the nearest house was much further away.

You didn't wanna look like a stalker, but you still stood there for several minutes to take in the house to bask in the memories.

Suddenly you heard meowing, and your face lit up. The cats you used to feed gathered at the front door and started scratching at it. You hoped the owner fed them.

After a few seconds the door opened and a man stood there with two bowls.

“Okay, okay, you little shits, food is here.”

No. Fucking. Way.

You never felt this paralyzed in your life. Even the breath you took stopped halfway down your windpipe. 

Your mind was trying to catch up with what it was seeing.

He leaned down and put the bowls down and the four cats immediately started eating. He crouched down and petted all of them and next to the chewing you could now hear loud purring too.

The man looked around and as his eyes scanned the fence and spotted you, it felt like he suddenly saw a ghost.

When his eyes locked onto yours, you finally snapped out of the shock and stepped back a little, like your consciousness was pushed back into you physically.

He stood up suddenly and stepped around the cats to hurry over to you.

You wanted to run, but you imagined how fucking awkward that would be, so you just cleared your throat and waited for the inevitable.

Hearing your name from his lips felt like stepping into a cool pool after a miserable day in the scorching sun. 

“Hello, Nathan.” - you greeted him back, looking anywhere just to avoid his gaze. 

That’s when your eyes landed on the old school car you only spared a small glance before, and you realized the brand. It was a fucking Lamborghini. 

“What are you doing here?”

The way he asked it made you look at him again. He sounded relieved and hopeful at the same time.

You shrugged awkwardly.

“I was just in town and I thought I’d check out the cottage. I thought you sold it.”

Nathan’s face fell a little. He still looked a bit paler than he used to and even though he lost a bit of weight his physique still made you dizzy. 

He still had the buzzcut and the beard, but there were some silver hairs in it. You wanted to roll your eyes when your first thought was how much you liked it.

“Why would I want to sell it?”

Now you did roll your eyes.

“I don’t know, Nathan. Maybe because you didn't want it in the first place?”

Now he looked hurt.

“Of course I wanted it. I bought it for you.”

“Then we got divorced and I thought you sold it.”

“It can never be anyone else’s but yours.”

You felt your heart jump in your chest. Still, old wounds opened up in his presence.

“I told you I don’t want it.”

“Why are you here then?”

“It’s a free country, I can go wherever I want.”

He smiled at your stubbornness. 

“You can come in, if you wanna.”

“I’d rather burn in hell.”

“Ouch.”

“It was nice seeing you.” - you forced a smile and pulled down the sunglasses from the top of your head to your eyes.

“Wait! You really don't wanna come in? I haven’t seen you in ages.”

You looked at him incredulously.

“Isn’t that what you wanted? To not see me?” - you snapped.

Nathan opened his mouth, then closed it. It felt like the hole in his chest just got deeper when he was reminded why you were not part of his life anymore.

“We never…” - he started and put his hands awkwardly on his hips, then when he didn’t find the right words, he rubbed his head and face frustrated, then sighed. - “We never got to talk about it.”

“About what?”

“The divorce. You just… left and all I got was a fucking letter.”

“Did you lose your memory or something? Nathan! I tried to talk to you for a year! And you didn't give a shit! And you’re blaming me…?!”

Nathan opened the fence and quickly reached for your arms when he saw you become upset and you started wildly gesturing with your hands.

“I’m not! I’m not!” - he felt you try to pull yourself away, but the more his grip tightened, the less you fought. - “God, I’m not! I was an asshole. I deserve everything that I got.” 

Suddenly he saw tears sliding down from under your sunglasses.

“But I didn't!” - you sobbed. - “I didn't deserve the way you treated me! You hurt me! You hurt me and I didn't deserve it!”

Nathan felt his own throat close up and this time he didn't try to stop the tears that threatened to escape.

He pulled you to him and wrapped his arms tightly around you. He felt that you tried to push him away again, but all of them were weak attempts. You didn't really want to push him away. You needed to be held and you didn't have anyone to do that. But now he was here. This time you can count on him.

“You didn't. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.” - he held you strongly and let you cry. He repeated his apologies countless times while he caressed your head and felt you lean into him more and more.

When he kissed the side of your head, you leaned back to look at him. 

You never saw him cry. Never. 

But this time his eyes were red, his long, beautiful lashes were wet and the tears ran down his cheeks freely.

“Then why? Why did you push me away?” - you asked.

Nathan gently pulled your sunglasses down to see your eyes as he sniffled. He cupped your face and just looked at you, while he was slowly shaking his head.

“I don’t know. I… I guess I… I was just… so invested in my work and… and then you wanted to spend more time with me while you knew how important it was for me… and I didn't understand why… and I thought you didn't care about my work and that you didn't care about me and…”

“Nathan.” - you cupped his face too. - “You don't make any fucking sense.”

He laughed a little and sniffled again and his eyes were moving all over your face to take in every detail. He missed you so much.

“I didn't understand that you could truly love me. No one else ever did. And I… I guess I didn't know what to do with it. Others were with me for my money. And they were okay when I wasn't there. And then you wanted more of me and I thought you would stay even if I said no. That’s what I was used to.”

You nodded, understanding.

“It still doesn't justify how I spoke to you. How I neglected you… I wish I could take it all back. I miss you.”

You slowly let your hands slip from his body and he reluctantly let you take a step back.

You wiped your eyes and cleared your throat.

“Don’t say that. You cannot say that to me.”

“But I do. Baby, ever since you left, I’ve been through hell.”

“Why did you let me go then? Why didn't you fight for me?”

His shoulders sank.

“When I got the divorce papers I called you. A hundred times at least. And when you didn't pick up I got angry. In my mind it just confirmed what I was afraid of. That you just wanted the money.”

Your heart sank in your chest, and fresh tears welled up in your eyes.

“But Nathan I didn't…”

“I know that. I fucking know that.” - he said defeated.

“No! You don't know! We were together for years! Don't tell me I haven't shown you that I love you! Don't tell me I haven't shown every single day!”

“You did. I was just… too stupid to understand.”

You both stood there for what felt like hours. You hugged yourself and didn't know where to look so your eyes landed on the fence.

“I painted it.”

“I noticed.”

“Do you like it?”

“No.” - you lied.

“You can choose a different colour. I paint it.”

You looked back up at Nathan with a frown.

“What are you doing?”

“Come inside. I’ll show you what else changed, and if you don’t like it, you can…”

“Nathan.”

At the firm sound of his name, he stopped. He held your gaze, and he looked hopeful again when he spoke.

“Come back to me.”

You almost lost your balance even though you were standing still. You’d be lying if you said these were not the words you wanted to hear from him. But there was a reason why he was your ex.

“This is not how this works.” - you told him.

He closed the distance between you two again, but you took a small step back, so he didn't touch you.

“Tell me how it works then. Tell me what you want. Tell me your conditions. I’ll do everything.”

You never saw him this desperate. It was like seeing a whole different side of him. Maybe the divorce really was hard on him.

“I spoke with Leto. He told me what you’re doing in your… free time. Do you think I deserve someone who struggles with that?”

He let his head hang ashamed and he shook it.

“No.”

“Sober you was an asshole to me, I don’t know what makes you think I want to spend a second in your presence when you’re drunk.”

“I’ll quit. Baby, if you’re here then I won’t need anything else.”

“This is not something you can just quit.”

“But it is. Everytime I drank it’s because I was trying to forget. With you next to me I want to be present. I want to remember.”

“What about another project you want to focus on?”

“This was my last. There’s no topping this.”

You huffed and looked towards the cottage.

“You always come up with something else.”

Nathan smiled.

“Not anymore. You’re my new project.”

You wanted to believe him. He was here, in the cottage he bought for you, tending to the garden, renovating the building, feeding the cats. Why else would he be here if not because he missed you?

“I still don’t think it’s a good idea if I come inside.” 

Nathan felt a pressure inside his chest that kept squeezing.

“But…” - you put the sunglasses over your eyes again. - “There’s a Henri Biva exhibition in town. I’m gonna be there at nine in the morning.” - you said as you turned around and started walking.

Nathan smiled as he watched you walk away. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and made a call.

-----

The next morning when you arrived at the art gallery, you saw that it was closed. The banners were being removed of the event.

“I’m sorry, but wasn't the exhibition supposed to last another week?” - you asked one of the workers.

“It was, but the paintings were moved to another location.”

You looked at him weirdly.

“Where?”

The sound of a loud engine made you turn around and you looked to the street. An old school brown Lamborghini rolled down the road, gaining everyone’s attention and stopped in front of you.

Nathan climbed out from the drivers side and he pulled out a huge bouquet of red roses.

He was wearing a black suit with a white shirt. 

You felt your heart skip a beat thinking how handsome he looked as he walked over to you.

“Good morning.” - he smiled as he leaned close and kissed your cheek tenderly. He offered you the flowers and you took them.

“Uhm, thank you.” - you smelled them with a smile. - “The gallery is closed, though.”

“Oh?” - he asked surprised, but it seemed fake. - “How come?”

“They said the paintings were moved somewhere else.”

“Hmmm. Do you think it would be romantic if someone with a lot of money bought all of them and moved them to a location where only his wife could see them?”

Your eyes widened.

“What?!”

Nathan grinned wider.

“I think it would be.” - he said slyly.

Nathan basked in the way you were beaming at him. Then you licked your lips and you tried to look annoyed.

“Didn't know you remarried.”

“Well, I didn't. Not yet at least.”

You bit your lower lip, but tried to not get too giddy.

“Other people wanted to see those paintings, you know.” 

“They can. After the wife had the chance to see them in private.”

“Where are they?”

“In her cottage.”

You looked at Nathan again, shocked. He saw your eyes well up with tears. He smiled softer, and cupped your face with one hand while his other sneaked around your waist.

“What? I had to lure you back in there somehow.”

You laughed and couldn't stop yourself from kissing him. You felt him melt under your touch and he pulled you closer. When you pulled away, you avoided his gaze just like after the very first time you kissed him all those years ago.

He put his finger under your chin and lifted it up to meet your gaze.

“I’m not letting you go this time.”

-----

-----

Bonus:

1972 Lamborghini Miura:

Some of Henri Biva's paintings: