ᴀᴍɪᴅꜱᴛ 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓸𝓼

          for  being  brothers,  hudson  and  nate  truly  had  very  different  upbringings.  hudson  had  always  been  fairly  close  with  his  parents,  he  could  laugh  and  enjoy  an  evening  with  them,  and  he’d  missed  them  every  time  he  left  for  college.  however,  it  was  almost  the  polar  opposite  for  nate  —  although  hudson  couldn’t  exactly  blame  him,  especially  now.  “ yeah  …  i  guess, ”  hudson  said  hesitantly,  feeling  uneasy  about  nate’s  flippant  tone.  it  didn’t  feel  like  whatever  to  hudson,  and  he  was  sure  it  didn’t  to  nate  either,  but  he  couldn’t  really  expect  his  brother  to  suddenly  open  the  flood  gates  now.  how  many  other  arguments  between  nate  and  their  parents  had  hudson  just  shut  out ?  hidden  in  his  room  or  left  for  work  without  a  word.  his  jaw  was  clenched,  but  the  sound  of  nate’s  chuckle  broke  his  stern  expression  and  he  shook  his  head  with  a  small  smile.  “ yeah,  like  you  can  talk,  nathan  sinclair, ”  he  joked  back, copying nate’s tone.  the  tension  was  thick  between  them,  but  hudson  was  grateful  for  the  sliver  of  hope  he  felt  at  the  humour  in  his  brother’s  voice.  and  that  sliver  grew  at  his  hesitation  and  his  staggered  response.  “ you  don’t  have  to  like  me, ”  he  offered  with  a  shrug,  just  as  he  heard  the  sound  of  a  car  door  slamming  outside,  which  was  soon  followed  by  an  engine  roaring  to  life.  joining  nate  at  the  wind,  hudson  peeked  through  the  blinds  and  saw  their  parents’  car  backing  out  of  the  driveway.  “ they  mentioned  going  to  some  dinner  at  their  friends’, ”  hudson  explained,  watching  the  car  disappear  down  the  street.  “ want  to  order  some  pizza ? ”  he  looked  at  his  brother  with  an  innocent  shrug.  they  didn’t  have  to  have  fun,  they  didn’t  even  have  to  get  along  —  hudson  just  couldn’t  find  it  in  himself  to  turn  his  back  on  nate  tonight.

“i know,” she reassured the other, “it’s just one big mess. you even told me after the last party that you wanted a relationship with him, that you wanted to try. which i even told him,” her high already getting to her head and causing some word vomit. “i told him that you wanted something and he didn’t believe me, but it’s like, why would i lie? i thought you two were gonna be together, but then rion comes with all of these stories too, just seems fake.” sofia didn’t understand any of what was happening, but if nate was going to be this sad and hurt, it wasn’t worth it. “you deserve to be in a relationship with someone that won’t drag you along…” though she knew milo was thinking the same thing about nate. at least nate had tried, at least from what sofia could see. a roar of laughter came from her, “are you serious? you honestly think i couldn’t handle you?” taking another hit before blowing it out in the direction of the window, she tried to suppress her laughter. “i don’t think that’s why we’ve never hooked up, but i’ll prepare myself.” with a shrug as he began to question her mere thought, “yeah, why not? it’d help with money and i obviously need it right now, i don’t want to live in your house forever.”

embry raised her eyebrows at nate before giving him a slight nudge on the shoulder, “that’s rude, you’re meant to tell me you adored me in high school. thought i was the most beautiful girl you’d ever seen in that detention room, but never had the courage to tell me how your poor little adolescent heart felt.” she teased, setting down the incense she’d brought over for him before pulling another one from behind the counter, along with a lighter. “you live your life with intention.” she said, knowing her words weren’t helpful, “listen.” she let out a breath as she stuck the piece of incense into a holder and blinked up at him, “if magick was easy and without effort, everyone would do it. if you really want help from outside forces, then yes, you’ll need to put a little effort in. i mean, it’s the sacrifice you’re providing to reap your rewards. time is a hell of a lot more valuable than money, after all.” she hummed, holding the lighter out to him. “here, try on this one so that I know you’re not going to end up accidentally burning your house down.”

╯ “ 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭, but it’s all due to maia’s hard work, really. i think it’s missing a pet, i just wish i had the time. ” she calls out, a genuine smile at nate’s words, even if he can’t see it. soon, she slides into the living room, some shorts peaking out from beneath her t-shirt, something that fits her more like an over-sized tent, or dress. her hands are kept over her face, specifically covering her eyes, as if there was some surprise awaiting her. “ d’you remember what i look like without eye makeup ? ” she questions with a giggle, slowly retrieving her hands to her sides; her resistance to the strong urge to glance away creates a warm flush that covers her cheeks. although initially shy, she reckons she looks much better than before, when her eyeliner and eye shadow were smudged beneath her eyes after such a grueling night. that being said, she soon tosses those feelings aside, making her way into the kitchen. “ about the movie list, i think i’ve made up my mind, but before that, are you hungry ? i could make us some ramen, or we could go straight to popcorn. it’s up to you. ” getting on her toes to reach the cupboard, she peaks inside. “ you like sweet popcorn, right ? that’s all i’ve got, something about salty popcorn just doesn’t sit right with me. ” reaching in, she takes out two bags of microwave popcorn. “ we can always salt them, though. ” she adds, now setting two glass bowls aside.  resting her elbows on the counter, her face is cradled in her hands as she turns to nate.  “ so, here it goes. i’m thinking we could do ‘it’, either part one or two, or jordan peele’s ‘us’, or something dumb, like ‘the nun’. — what do you think ? ”

“like, i love you, you know that, but we both know you’d crack the second someone started critiquing you. even being like, he was hot, but that third nipple, i don’t know man,” she joked, a smile beaming on her face. just like he could do with her, sofia knew she mess around and it wouldn’t make the least amount of difference. sure, maybe if she was upset it’d be a different story, but these were the moments she lived for. “woah,” slowing down as he began to spiral, placing her hand on his knee out of comfort. “hey, he’s a dumbass. i didn’t mean to make you think about it or whatever, but he’s a fucking idiot and we both know you’re better away from all of that drama.” she could really go on and on about it, the fact that he basically cornered the girl to cry and ask for advice when it was just meant to attack her was enough to write him off in her opinion. plus, the whole fucking with her friends thing. “it’s not me, shut up,” her hand pushing his knee, “but we both know if you have me too long in your bed after getting me high as fuck things’ll happen.” sure, they usually just cuddled and watched a movie before passing out, but now that he brought up the proposition and it was lodged in her brain? things would probably take a turn. “why would things get awkward after? you’re acting like i’m some gullible and shy little girl who can’t handle anything, it’s like you’ve never met me.” her jaw dropping his amazement, but also a bit of annoyance at the same time, “fuck you. you just had the chance to get me in the palm of your hand, but fuck that. and shut up, it’s safer than actually escorting or something. though, i have considered applying for the strip club,” holding up her hand before he could protest, “considered.”

looking around the packed pub once more, reverie sighed. definitely no sign of her brother. it seemed her and nate had settled into the routine of this now, the event occurring at least once a week. she took a swig of her own drink, at least if carson was having the time of his life getting drunk wherever he was, she figured she could do the same. “anything you wanna talk about?” she nodded at his suggestion, smirking softly. “i mean, never been there before but, first time for everything, huh?” 

          hudson  stayed  in  the  doorway,  eyes  on  his  younger  brother  where  he  sat  on  his  bed.  at  nate’s  first  response  to  hudson’s  presence,  he  felt  his  jaw  tighten.  this  was  a  mistake  —  what  had  he  expected ?  a  good  ol’  brotherly  heart - to - heart ?  he  could  almost  laugh  at  himself.  he  and  nate  weren’t  like  that,  they  were  never  like  that.  he  was  about  to  just  shrug  and  leave  nate  on  his  own  to  pout,  but  his  brother  surprised  him  by  speaking again.  the  edge  in  nate’s  voice  made  hudson’s  heart  clench.  yes,  the  two  brothers  fought  like  cats  and  dogs  and  hudson  wanted  to  believe  they  were  better  off  just  avoiding  each  other,  but  he  couldn’t  find  any  possible  reason  that  put  their  parents  in  the  right.  hudson  believed  in  karma  and  he’d  honestly  been  waiting  for  nate’s  own  karma  to  catch  up  to  him,  but  this  was  far  from  fair.  with  a  sigh,  hudson  stepped  further  into  nate’s  bedroom.  “ i  didn’t  come  in  here  to  make  fun  of  you, ”  hudson  said,  hating  the  distance,  both  physical  and  emotional,  that  existed  between  the  two  brothers.  “ i  just  —  i  really  just  wanted  to  see  how  you  were.  dad  mentioned  being  tight  on  money  but  i— ”  hudson  raked  his  fingers  through  his  hair.  “ i  didn’t  think  they’d  actually  do  that.  i  wish  i  could’ve… ”  his  voice  faltered.  he  wished  he  could’ve  what ?  stopped  his  dad ?  talked  them  out  of  it ?  hudson  knew  he  had  the  reputation  as  the  golden  child,  the  favourite  sinclair,  but  he  also  knew  that  once  his  parents  had  their  sights  set  on  something,  there  wasn’t  much  that  could  budge  them.  he  probably  couldn’t  have  changed  their  minds  even  if  he’d  tried.  but  suddenly,  the  fact  that  he  hadn’t  tried  hit  him  like  a  punch  to  the  gut.  “ i’m  sorry,  nate.  it’s  bullshit  and  you  have  every  right  to  be  angry. ”  he  sighed  and  scratched  the  back  of  his  head,  feeling  very  out  of  place  in  trying  to  be  a  good  older  brother.  “ if  you  want  me  to  leave  you  alone,  i  will, ”  he  said  to  nate’s  back.  “ i  just  didn’t  want  you  to  feel  like  you’re  alone.  not  right  now. ”

embry let out a light laugh at nate’s rant on teenagers. her nose crinkled as he spoke, the grin never leaving your face. “you hated me in high school?” she mocked, resting her elbows against the counter and blinking up at him. her eyes brightened slightly when he expressed his curiosity about the stones and other peculiar things around them. “well you’ve got to open yourself up to it. the universe can only give you the things you ask for, nate. if you’re not open to receiving love, you won’t be able to, no matter how much those around you try to give it to you” she mused, walking to the wall of incense and considering each carefully before picking one up and walking back towards him, “apart from opening yourself up, you can cleanse it by burning this— remember to pay special attention to the smoke. when it begins to rise in a clean line, your stone is cleansed.” she said, holding it out to him, “oh, and during the full moon, put it somewhere the light of the moon will reach it. it’ll help charge the stone, so that it’s more effective. and a more effective stone will help you learn to open yourself up to receiving its benefits which means.. well receiving love.” she explained, leaning against the counter once more.

     “ they do ? well, i’m not surprised, you’ve got a way with people. dicaprio, depp, hudson, you’re all heartthrobs; it’s a compliment. ” her lips stretched into a soft smile, hushing her next few words, as if it was a secret. “ duh, i don’t think we’re supposed to, but i always do. ” chai admits, returning to her playful demeanor. “ you’re just making me want to put on It, part two. so many jump scares, i loved it. ” the chill down her spine, the anticipation of waiting to be scared knowing the jump is coming any second now, chai lived for it. unlocking the small metal gate, chai paced up the few couple of steps at the entry of her house, fiddling with the many keys until she found the right one. “ not many jump scares, recent … hm, i’ll think of three movies and then let you choose. ” with that, she unlocks the door, leaving it open for nate to come inside. like her mother always taught her, the first thing she does is leave her shoes by the door, walking in with her mismatched spotted socks. despite being small, the apartment was pristine and organized, all due to maia being the perfect roommate. it had an open floor plan, the kitchen being connected to the living room, and you could definitely spot bits and bobs belonging to each of the girls. “ make yourself at home. ” she spreads her arms with a grin, relief washing over her, soon gesturing for nate to sit on the couch. “ i’m just going to, uh, change into something else. i’m pretty sure it’s past midnight. ” slowly, her gaze falls upon her cinderella costume, lightly shaking her head both at her outfit, and her joke. “ one second. ”

After an eventful camping trip, word got around quickly about… well, everything. Small towns talked, and Crawford was no exception. The hubbub was just about the only thing going on in a town full of degenerates and bums, so everyone seemed to be invested in what everyone else got up to. Happily agreeing to meet Nate at the local pub, he turned around at the familiar voice, chuckling to himself. “You definitely owe me a drink.” He hummed, nodding in agreement as he smirked. “However, there are more than one ways I can remind you how much you miss bottoming.” Tanner reminded him flirtatiously, drumming his fingers along the table. “Double whiskey and coke, please. And tequila shots for making me wait for your tipsy ass.” He teased.

      “ you’re balding ?! ” in an attempt to contain her laughter, she snorted, peaking up at his mob of hair, exaggerating a sigh of relief. “ well, luckily, it’s not that bad. i mean, what would crawford do without its favorite heartthrob ? ” chai matched his dramatics, before cracking into a grin. “ yeah, it could be fun. i can show you the ropes, if it comes down to it. sometimes you have to get creative when the equipment is older than you. ” she admits, recalling her first few weeks at work, a list of things to do, yet not really much explanation on how to do it. thank god for the internet. " no, no, oh my god, i meant people that drink milk with burgers and spaghetti, that sounds like something michael myers would do. i think if you had to be a horror guy, i’d say maybe ghostface, he’s the most likable out of them all. ” as chai’s house comes into her line of sight, her hand digs into her pants’ pockets, retrieving her keys. “ how’d you know you won’t hide behind me ? ” she raises an eyebrow at nate, the corners of her lips lifting up at his proposition. “ and yeah, of course ! have you watched any of the new horrors ? like midsommar ? we can’t get high if we watch that one, speaking from experience. or we can go with a classic, i’m always up for those. ” 

with a groan escaping her lips, trying her hardest not to smile, “i hate your guts.” as they sat on her new bed for the next couple weeks, she made herself comfortable, leaning back against the wall. “now i know you couldn’t handle that, people giving you tips and shit. nate, you’d get so self conscious and we both know it. tell me though, before i inevitably decide to suck your dick or something, what’s your average score? besides you making boys cry,” she joked, trying her hardest not to laugh at her own joke. shit, too soon? though she had been laughing over the fact since he confided in her about it, it was never going to get old. once he opened the window, sofia opened up her makeup bag to find everything that they would need before beginning to pack a bowl. “oh shut up, you know i would fuck you,” it wasn’t like she was actually taken. “you’ve had every opportunity over the years..” informing him with a shrug. and with one swift movement, sofia was lighting the bowl and taking a hit. she handed the piece over to him before blowing out the smoke slowly in the direction of the open window. “seriously, is that why you hate my job? cause you’ve been wanting to fool around instead of me doing it online?”

rion: i put brakes on it at the camping trip

rion: but i'm not cutting him out completely

nate: okay yea makes sense

nate: oh

          hudson  returned  home  from  work  just  in  time  to  hear  the  door  slamming  upstairs,  the  sudden  noise  causing  him  to  jump  slightly  in  surprise.  his  brow  furrowed,  instantly  wondering  just  what  was  transpiring  between  nate  and  their  parents  now  —  until  he  overheard  his  parents’  hushed  voices  in  the  kitchen.  he  caught  the  words  “ savings ”  and  “ repairs ”  and  it  clicked.  they  did  it,  they  really  did  it.  hudson  remembered  his  dad  mentioning  that  money  was  growing  tighter  and  tighter  with  the  repairs  that  never  seemed  to  cease  following  the  storm.  “ your  brother  has  quite  a  bit  saved  up,  doesn’t  he ? ”  he’d  asked,  although  hudson  knew  he  already  knew  the  answer.  hudson’s  jaw  clenched.  sure,  he  had  his  own  qualms  with  his  brother,  his  most  recent  one  still  bubbling  in  his  chest,  but  taking  his  savings ?  it  didn’t  sit  right  with  hudson.  their  parents  were  so  insistent  on  nate  doing  something  with  his  life,  they  wanted  him  to  go  to  college  and  turn  his  life  around,  but  then  they  go  and  take  his  only  means  to  do  so,  because  it  wasn’t  like  they  were  offering  them  any  help.  hudson  sighed  and  crept  down  the  hallway  to  the  stairs,  not  wanting  to  face  his  parents  right  now.  he  was  going  to  just  go  to  his  room  and  lock  the  door  behind  him,  but  his  gaze  caught  nate’s  closed  door  and  his  lips  pursed.  the  last  time  he’d  come  knocking  on  nate’s  door  had  not  gone  exactly  to  plan,  but  hudson  wasn’t  sure  how  much  worse  it  could  get.  famous  last  words,  a  voice  whispered  in  his  mind  as  he  raised  a  fist  to  knock  gently  on  his  brother’s  door.  “ nate ? ”  hudson  called,  opening  the  door  a  crack  to  peer  inside.  “ are  you  — ”  his  voice  caught  and  he  cleared  his  throat.  “ everything  okay ? ”

rion: i'm sorry. if you want to talk, drink, smoke, cry, ANYTHIng the door is open.

rion: i got your back.

nate: that's nice, thanks rion

“oh wow, seriously? you only brought me here and begged for me to be in your room so you can avoid your family?” she couldn’t help but make it even more dramatic as per usual. “wow, yeah, i’m going to go test my safety at the motel. rather deal with the creepy dude than you,” she joked, ready to grab her backpack and pretend to leave just to fuck with him. sofia couldn’t help but roll her eyes as he promised they’d be quiet, was this really how he was trying to get into her pants? in all honesty, with everything everyone was making her quesiton, sofia just wanted, or needed, to feel wanted. she just needed someone to actually give her attention, someone in person, to be there fully for her, even if only for an hour. his offer was tempting, it wasn’t like she never thought about it before, they had been practically attached at the hip since he moved there. if they actually did, would it actually make his brother realize he had to be an adult and choose her? probably not. laughter finally escaped from her lips as he passed her to go back to the bed, “i’m so glad you basically have a yelp for your sex life.” following him back to the bed, she told him honestly, “can we just get high as fuck right now and forget everything happening? whatever happens, happens?”