Not My Body...

Here is the link to my buy me a coffee page. I will be posting the next parts to the "Last to Drink" series this week. Hopefully the next part as early as tomorrow morning.

Again, anything helps! I appreciate any assistance!

While the experience of astral projection is quite thrilling, the one thing every Projector must learn is paramount. Never Project too long, the spirit can only sustain itself for so long without a vessel. A vessel of course, being a living body - and must be human. A human soul is too potent for any other beast on Earth to contain.

These thoughts always rush to the forefront of Ethan's mind when he and his friends get together for a night of Projecting. It was a skill taught by their enigmatic friend and guide into this strange, supernatural world. Vance had appeared to Ethan and Mark like a Moon suddenly peering through a cloudy night.

Once he was there, he was bright and mysterious. But at times he would vanish, and we could only hope he'd return.

Mark and Ethan were best friends, seniors in college, and woefully dorky. They were both STEM majors, so the prospect of astral projection had come as a highly doubtful, extremely silly idea too them. But when Vance convinced them to try, and they first floated up and out of their still forms, there was no doubt.

Ethan watched Mark as he prepared himself as he always did in advance of a night of Projection. He drank a peppermint tea, and put on thick, wool socks. He always complained his extremities got cold when he returned to his body. When Ethan came back, the sensation he typically felt was a stiffness, like his joints needed to remember how to twist or turn properly. Ethan and Mark never knew what Vance felt, he was always so guarded.

Vance returned from the restroom, right as Mark downed the last of his tea.

"Are we ready, then?" Vance breathed. He was dressed the same as he always was. Dark jeans, black boots, a grey tee tucked in, a braided black belt, and a black overcoat. His eyes were an icy blue, but surprisingly his hair was a bright blond color, looking quite handsome and becoming for someone who was wont to dress like a kid who never grew out of his goth phase.

"We are." Mark said, seriously. He always became so intense before a Projection. He was eager, no doubt. Yet, Ethan believes his mind focuses on the process of the Projecting so as to easily transition from the material world to the astral plane.

"Then let us begin. As always, I begin with the guiding words. All around us, in us, and beyond lies the astral plane. A world between worlds and without them. We seek to ease our spirits out of their material bodies, and slip into the astral ephemera. Our spirits dwell for a time in the astral world, but we are bound inexorably to our mortal shells. But tonight - tonight, we temporarily venture beyond the mortal vessel." Vance chants, his voice soothing and encouraging.

By this point we have all laid down, Ethan on the couch, and the others on the floor. Our eyes flutter shut, and on the last word spoken each of us enters the trance. As always, the sensation overcomes Ethan, a feeling like sliding, only against gravity. Looking down, Ethan can see his body below, looking tranquil in its repose. When the last of his spirit form is removed from the body, the sliding sensation ceases, and the bliss of weightless astral energy courses through him.

Vance had long ago warned the two of indulging too deeply in the euphoric qualities of the astral plane. Mostly because it could deaden our attention to the time spent out of body. The lesser reason because we'd ignore the other fun to be had when incorporeal and invisible. Mainly, we could fly and pass through walls... and spy on others. It was perhaps a bit perverse, but when you can seamlessly and safely observe literally anything, it only becomes natural to partake.

Vance and Mark floated over their bodies much like Ethan. Vance spoke, and his voice carried the strange lilting quality that all voices took when Projecting. "Tonight I entrust the two of you to ensure your own return. The safety of your spirits is yours. I must seek the truth of something that is for me, and me alone. Be well, and be safe."

Mark and Ethan watched as Vance floated up, and through the ceiling into the night. Exchanging looks, Mark and Ethan then grinned. There was but one thing that the two had experienced once, briefly, that they longed to try once more.

While in their corporeal bodies, they were far too shy and too guarded to admit the attraction they shared for one another. But, somehow in the astral plane they felt no such burdens. They drifted to one another, and sunk their astral arms into one another. The sensation was intoxicating. Together they swirled around, letting the exquisite ecstasy of the impossible sexual encounter overwhelm their senses. They had no idea that Vance would give them this opportunity to indulge, but unbound by bodies or judgement, they overlapped their forms - their very souls, and found the most profound and visceral pleasure. Mark would never admit to Ethan that part of his pleasure was more than just a shy attraction, but genuine love he'd come to have for his friend over their years of knowing one another.

Likewise, Ethan was too ashamed of what he thought others would think of him to admit his deep infatuation with Mark. He had no reason to imagine Vance would judge them, but his fears lay with his parents. Would they ever accept him were he to be honest with his feelings? What would happen if they ever stepped this kind of union into their corporeal lives?

Those thoughts harried his pleasure, and Mark slowly separated himself. "What is wrong, Ethan?"

"Oh, I didn't realize you would notice..." Ethan admitted. He should have though, considering their current forms were essentially their minds and souls stripped of flesh and bone, their very being consisting of their current thoughts and feelings.

"I sensed a great deal of shame, doubt... and longing?" Mark asked.

"I can't hide it, I suppose." Ethan shrugged. "I know we've fooled around like this a little bit before, but it isn't just in this world that I think I have fallen for you."

If the spirit form could blush, then Mark would be blazing red. "Are you saying you like me?"

"Like seems to be an understatement. I could drink you in body and soul anytime. Literally, in corporeal or spirit form." Ethan smiled, an uncertain crooked smile.

"Then have me fully!" Mark said, surging forward and plunging into Ethan's spirit form. "I have wanted nothing more for a while now."

"Y-you have?" Ethan said, incredulous.

"If you don't believe me, then listen to the sound of my soul. Feel it in you." Mark replied. He guided Ethan to reach a spectral hand into his own chest, and let the pulsations of love and carnal attraction emanate from within, and down into Ethan's own form.

"I wish I was as brave as you." Ethan admitted. "I don't think I can come out, or anything."

"Who says you must? And anyways, we can take it slow. I have been dying to know what your corporeal body feels like... and tastes like." Mark assured.

To this, Ethan could only blush - well, he assumed it was a blush. But without anymore words he merged his spirit once more with Mark.

For hours, they hovered and drifted, until a dinging noise sounded from beneath them. Their 15 minute warning had come, and they groaned in sync as they must return to their forms. They were quite close to Ethan's body, when a strange sensation overcame Mark.

"What is this feeling?" Mark asked.

"What do you mean?" Ethan returned. "I don't feel anything."

"Come here." Mark said, flying to his body, but not touching it. Ethan followed suit, and was then struck with an odd sensation as well.

The two felt a strange tugging towards their friends (boyfriends?) bodies. Mark looked perplexed, but then a mischievous smile spread across his face. "I have an idea..."

Before Ethan could do anything or move, Mark dove into Ethan's unconscious form. Miraculously, he merged and Ethan watched in awe as Mark sat up, only - he was wearing Ethan's body. Ethan looked down at Marks handsome face, his ginger hair a little rumpled from lying on the floor. He gently eased himself down, and when he made contact, the rest of him flowed in like water to a teapot.

"This is wild." Mark breathed, already at Ethan's side, and feeling his former bodies arms and face. Ethan didn't mind, so much. He may be looking back at his own body, but the attraction was still palpable. He made a risky wager, and leaned up to place a gentle kiss on his own lips.

Hungrily, Mark devoured more, his lips and tongue moving across Ethan, and down his neck with a lust and passion. For a while, the two lost themselves in each other, until the last ring of the phone alarm sounded. They looked over, and both blanched when they realized the horrible truth.

Vance hadn't returned. His body was still prone, and the time had run out. His spirit was potentially lost forever, as the body would start to die in the coming hours.

Hello all, part 2 of my Fountain of "You-th" series is live on my buymeacoffee. Only supporters can view. Supporters get access to some good perks, if you want more swapping fun please go check it out!

When making a pact with a demon, one must remember that there is always a cost. Something that at the time may seem trivial, but in time reveals itself as far more precious than one could conceive. However, to those canny and prepared Diabolists, who would wield magick most foul, there are ways to circumvent the most dire of costs. The method, of course, is ever so more profane.

Aaron had prepared for this night these past 6 months. It was a meticulously crafted plan. Aaron was dabbling in forces so foul that to make an error would most certainly lead to his own demise, or worse. He had long been an amateur enthusiast in the Profane Arts. Yet, it was only when the bullying he experienced at school became so intolerable that he intensified his interest. While his bully, Travis, was cruel and hateful towards Aaron and his sexuality, the Black Magicks and their Diabolic host was welcoming, accepting even.

And so Aaron stood, in the garage of his parents house. They were already asleep, tucked in and warm as they slept on Christmas Eve, waiting for the holiest of days, and all the fun and family time that was sure to come in the morning. Except Aaron knew, if all went to plan, he’d never see them again. If it failed, it would also mean he wouldn’t - but he dared not dwell on the prospect of failure.

The garage was ready for the scheme. He had pre-drawn the pentagram, arranged the blood tallow candles, and had extras in case any got damaged when he brought his victim here. The tome of spells was tucked away for him to grab when ready. All he had to do now, was capture his prey. His new vessel.

Aaron departed, leaving the door unlocked for his return. Under the light of the moon, the sky clear and starry, not a cloud to be seen - Aaron moved quickly. He got into the car and pulled out. He normally would be concerned with the sound waking his parents, but they surely wouldn’t wake considering the dose of sleeping potion he’d slipped into their nightly glass of wine. He thought about his plan, and the target, all the while he drove towards the center of town.

A tradition held by teenagers in his hometown of Elmhurst was the Christmas Eve party, a rager sure to be loaded with drinks and irresponsible kids. Normally, this would never be a place you’d find Aaron. Tonight, however, was where he would certainly find Travis. He could already hear the music as he approached the old camping grounds that were too cold for campers to visit this time of year. But the kids had trampled the snow down and lit a massive bonfire that warmed the scene, and illuminated the dancing teens.

Aaron parked as close as he could in a place that was as shadowy and inconspicuous as possible. He sat for a moment, and felt for his inner jacket pocket, feeling the small bottle of liquid he had placed there that morning. Unlike the sleeping potion he’d given to his parents, this potion was meant to raise suggestibility. He would lower Travis’ defenses, encourage to come home with him, and perform the ritual.

When he swallowed his fear, finally, he got out of the car and traipsed towards the party. If people were surprised to see him, he paid them no mind. Something he had thought about a lot, was how to slip Travis the potion. He passed a table with liquor and beer openly available, and made a quick drink. Quickly, he poured the potion into the cup, and once again moved towards the bulk of the party.

It didn’t take long to find Travis. He was such a loud and obnoxious person, he was almost always heard well before he was seen. This would pay off for Aaron, as he wanted to do this fast. There was a particular window of time he needed to execute the plan, anyways.

Approaching Travis, Aaron made himself ever so more noticeable. He needed Travis to take the bait. And like a mouse to cheese, the bully fell for it. Striding aggressively towards Aaron, all 6 feet of his muscular body was on show beneath his tight jeans, and the letterman jacket he was wearing, despite the cold. He was a braggart, a show-off, and extremely self-assured. 

“Well, I’ll be damned. Little Aaron gay-boy came out to the party. What’s this?” Travis grabbed Aaron’s drink. “This looks good, you don’t mind if I have it, do ya?”

Aaron watched as Travis yanked the cup from him, a little too easily, and tossed the entire drink back. He smacked his lips in a mocking way, and pushed Aaron to the ground, hard. Aaron felt the cold of the snow seeping into his pants, and quickly stood to swipe it off. Travis laughed, while Aaron grimaced, but he backed away and let Travis digest the potion.

Aaron watched, as he skirted the party until about 5 minutes passed. He approached, and sure enough the tone Travis was speaking in now seemed so calm, passive even. Feeling more confident, Aaron approached, and tapped Travis’ shoulder.

“What?” He said, looking down at Aaron with annoyance.

“I need you to come with me.” Aaron commanded. Travis took on a strange look, like he meant to say something rude, but then he simply smiled and nodded.

“Good, let’s go to my car.” Aaron said. Travis simply followed, and the chaos of the party thankfully acted as a good cover for him to bring Travis to his certain doom. Once back at the car, he commanded Travis to sit in the passenger's seat. He then got in the driver's seat and was about to pull out of the party grounds when a thought struck him.

“Travis, you should kiss me. Right now. With passion.” Aaron commanded. Travis again looked as if he was going to be angry, but then turned to Aaron, and placed his hand at the back of Aaron’s neck, and the other gently gripping the front of Aaron’s coat. Guiding Aaron’s face to his with tenderness, they made out. Aaron was so turned on. He’d always hated Travis, but what he hated even more was how hot he found Travis to be.

After he was satisfied, he commanded Travis to stop and calm down, and then pulled them out of the campgrounds. It was a short ride back to his house, and he pulled in confidently. The potion made it easy to get Travin in, and to position him where he wanted. He had Travis enter the garage, and stand dead center of the pentagram. Aaron walked around and lit each candle.

After the last candle was lit, he pulled out the hidden tome. Opening it to a tabbed spot, he began to read the passage. Silently at first, saying the words only in his mind. And then, he began the chant. The rite that would grant him his twisted dream.

Ab uno corpore in aliud, animae eorum mutabuntur.

He repeated the incantation a few more times, walking around the pentagram, until finally he returned to his starting position. If Travis was much aware of what was happening, he’d be terrified of the voice that came next.

As if from everywhere and nowhere, a voice slick with vile intentions and guttural like a burned victim rang out. 

“Thou hast summoned me, Mortal. Speak thy intention.” 

“I have two souls in payment, on condition of the spell being cast. Your Demonick magicks, for the souls of my parents.” Aaron said, a sterner voice than usual emitting from his throat.

“Despicable, devious… damnable. I am pleased to accept these souls. The conditions are acceptable, Mortal. I will take their souls, and perform this spell for thee. Once it is done, there is no return. The souls are mine, and your desired effect is permanent.” The demon explained.

“I too accept these conditions. I have drawn the sigil of claiming under their bed. Receive them now, their souls and return to Hell on delivery of my demand. Take these bodies, and swap their souls!” Aaron cried out. A crescendo of heat and foul energies overcame the room. 

Up in the master bedroom, an eerie red glow shone from under the bed. Aaron’s parents never stirred, even as the demon ripped their eternal souls from their bodies, and dragged them to hell. The sigil of claiming having been used to pay two souls for the spell, instead of Aaron’s one soul. 

The voice, the smells, and the energies receded. The room became calm. And as Aaron began to wonder if he had failed, he fell down. He felt vertigo like he’d never experienced before. Nausea so great he was about to puke. But it ended within a moment. He gathered his strength and stood. Only, when he noticed his arms and hands, did he realize that he was standing - but not in his body. Looking around, he saw another individual standing and looking shaken up. Quickly, Aaron found the secreted bottle of antidote for the potion he had slipped Travis. He was still a little buzzed from the alcohol, but now he couldn’t be compelled to behave or act on Travis’ commands.

“What the fuck just happened? Am I high? Or dead?” Aaron’s old body said, rubbing at his eyes, and feeling the longer, greasier strands of hair that most definitely did not belong to Travis. Aaron was already taking stock of his new body, standing in front of an old full-length mirror on the wall.

“I got my revenge, is what happened.” Aaron said. He deeply enjoyed the lower bass of Travis’ - or rather, his voice.

“Wha-what is happening? Why am I standing over there? What is going on, I look like Aaron? Where is he?!” Travis said, starting to sound panicky.

“Here’s the new reality, bitch. I’m Travis now, and you're pathetic little Aaron. You just killed your parents to make a pact with a demon for a spell only a demon could cast. He claimed their souls, and now their withered bodies are upstairs already beginning to molder.” Aaron said, smugly. “If you try and convince people we switched bodies, you might get away with the murder by means of insanity… or you could just accept whatever the law decides to punish you with.”

“I didn’t kill anyone!” Travis said, pleadingly.

“But that’s not what it’s going to look like. They’ll find out your parents are dead soon. They’ll have enough evidence on you to make it appear as though you did it. I’m Travis now, I just was a jerk to you in school. But I guess we won’t have any more issues, considering you’re likely to end up incarcerated somewhere, very soon.” Aaron said, gleefully.

“B-but I don’t deserve any of this…” Travis said, tears forming at the corners of his eyes. 

“Aww, poor nerd. Here, I’ll leave you with this as a parting thought.” Aaron said, and walked over to place a big, wet kiss on Travis’ new, thinner lips.

“Yuck! Why did you do that?” Travis demanded.

“Because, I always wanted to kiss you when I was in that body. I consider this a particularly fun way to end our interactions forever. You’ll be dreaming of that kiss all the while you rot in a jail cell… or padded room. Whichever.” Aaron cackled, as he got more comfortable in this new body and like he’d pulled off the greatest heist ever. He left, walking down the dark road. He knew Travis didn’t live too far, so he was content to walk away from his old life.

To any outsider, the classroom would appear fairly inconspicuous. There were 7 boys and 1 teacher within, speaking quietly. They could be discussing classwork, or being tutored for all an outside observer might know.

What the assembled group actually discussed was very much out of the understanding of most people. The very idea that magic could exist was not a common belief among the students and staff of the school. That these folks in the classroom were all very much aware of the existence of magic, and victims of said magic, would be even more far-fetched.

Thankfully, the group of switched-up individuals were safely undisturbed by passerby, the last bell of the day having rung - signalling that the weekend had begun. The discussion was a mix of different emotions. Some were calm, like Jordan and Lance. They both were comfortable in their own bodies, even if Lance wanted to bag some girls while he possessed essentially the lamborghini equivalent of bodies at their school. Jordan was keen on getting back, he had a swim meet coming up and wasn't sure he could trust Lance to win it for him.

Kyle and Bobby were opposite in their feelings. Kyle was fine with being in a different body. He learned a few things about himself while chilling in Bobby's goodie-two-shoe body. For one, he discovered he was Bisexual, or Pansexual. He never had an issue with LGBTQ+ folk, he was pretty progressive - being a stoner and all. But when he saw all of Bobby, and he truly meant ALL, he was turned on. He was not afraid to return to being Kyle in body and name, but was wondering if he'd have better odds in Bobby's golden boy form.

Bobby on the other hand was ready to "go home" as it were. He was disgusted daily by his body, by the general lack of care that Kyle had, and mostly that he missed his family and feeling safe in his faith and home. He was antsy to swap back.

Cole and Mr. Laskey also felt at odds, unknowingly, with their swapping back. Cole was feeling much out of place having to pantomime an adult life, one that was already established and frankly a bit sad. With no wife or partner to speak of, and an empty house only populated by the trappings of a boring teacher... he had been miserably lonely. He also was a teenager inside, and having to face the troubles of a middle-aged man was too much, too fast. He wanted to make it there on his own, in his own body. Not shunted in dramatically and assuming someone else's mid-life crisis.

But then, Mr. Laskey was of course delighted to have youth once more. Even if Cole was no athlete like Jordan or Lance, he was still mostly a blank slate that - in the absence of much life experience - he could mold to suit his dreams and desires. The only issue that tickled at the back of his mind was an annoying little thing called a conscience. He knew that morally, this was a terrible thing to keep from a child on the precipice of ascending to their own young adulthood. That he'd be robbing some of the best years of Cole's life, and worse yet - dropping him into the self-made loneliness he had for his own life. If there was an idea to keep this body, it was challenged strongly by his moral compass. But it still left him feeling uncertain.

Lastly, Brent and Jasper had their own opinions about the swap back. Jasper was conflicted, mostly because he sympathized with Brent's situation. The longer he had endured Brent's lackluster parents, the more he became convinced that Brent would not have the courage to stand up for himself and come out, proudly. But... he did have that courage. That bravado that a highly proud, self-confident gay man was often stereotyped to have. He may have lost his magnificent cheekbones and carefully conditioned hair, the effete and smooth body that he was meticulously preparing for all his future encounters... he was actually tempted to keep Brent's life. Brent was no athlete, but he had broader shoulders, and was clearly destined to be taller than Jasper would ever be, should he return to his own body. This body, with some work, could be something to show off. Stripping away the bland, safe persona, he could be a hot twunk, ready to explode onto the scene in college. Oh, and college was a very exciting and enticing prospect. He'd have to wait 3 more years as Jasper. But Brent? He was already accepted and lined up for his post-high school education.

Brent would be surprised if he knew how much Jasper actually wanted to keep their bodies as they were. Brent had successfully enjoyed his time in Jasper's cute body. He felt like was what he had always wanted. An object of desire for the men he wanted to court, and able to enjoy the passions that he was always disallowed from. Theater was a revelation, he had fallen in love with acting... and Jasper could sing. Truly, marvelously, he could sing with a beautiful tenor voice. While there were stumbles as he acclimated to the body and experiences, the improvements in less than a week of effort were dramatic, and friends of Jasper took notice. The compliments rolled in, and made Brent feel all the better about being in this smaller body.

As each member of the group considered their feelings and desires, Mr. Laskey's body, with Cole's mind in control, spoke up.

"I need to swap back. I can't handle being an adult, you guys. I'm going to re-" Cole started before getting cut off. Lance in Jordan's body hit him with his elbow in the ribs.

"We all want to swap back, Cole! We just need to figure out how." Lance said, giving a piercing look to Cole. Lance figured they'd have a lot of shit to deal with if they were found out about having caused the body swap intentionally.

"I need to go back, too. I feel so gross all the time." Bobby said, grimacing with Kyle's face. "But... what were you going to say, Cole?"

"Oh, uh - nothing!" Cole sputtered.

"I don't think it's nothing." Mr. Laskey said, from Cole's body, a half smile creeping across his face. It was apparent he connected some dots, but the original 4 boys didn't pick up on it.

"No, I assure you. It's nothing..." Cole said, shrugging.

"So how did you do it?" Mr. Laskey asked. "It clearly was something to do with the dance. What caused it?"

Brent, Cole, Lance, and Kyle all went wide-eyed. Blood drained from their borrowed faces.

"Wait a minute. Are you suggesting they caused this?!" Bobby asked.

"Motherfuckers!" Jordan erupted. He wasn't one to anger, but this situation warranted it. "You sick fucks stole our bodies, on purpose?!"

"Hey, it wasn't like we targeted you intentionally!" Brent said, throwing his hands up defensively.

"Then why are we the lucky ones swapped around?" Jasper asked, finally speaking up despite a deluge of feelings.

"We did a little experiment, a harmless prank!" Cole explained, starting to perspire.

"Well, enlighten us then. How did you do this?" Mr. Laskey asked again, sounding venomous.

"It's this potion I found. When you drink it, whoever drinks it next switches with you!" Cole answered, sounding terrified. He wasn't one to do well under pressure.

"So you spiked the punch, I'm guessing?" Mr. Laskey deduced.

"That's right. I know it wasn't cool, but we were always going to switch back." Brent said, earnestly.

"I'll believe it when I see it." Bobby said, still looking disgusted with himself.

"Ok, I have the potion right here. Who is first?" Cole said, slipping the bottle out of his pocket. It was half-full.

"I need to go first, don't make us wait." Bobby demanded, striding confidently forward, grabbing Kyle's arm on the way. They both took a carefully poured sip, and in a moment a familiar look came upon them. Bobby looked down at his torso, and held his hands in front of him.

"Thank you, Jesus. I am back." Bobby said, relieved. "I never want to talk to any of you again, you assholes!"

Bobby threw the door open and dashed out, leaving the other 7 looking bemused. Lance felt Jordan push past him. "I'm next. Get over here, Lance."

Lance sheepishly approached the bottle, and the two of them repeated the same action. And once again, when Jordan was restored to his body, he exited quickly, a glare tossed towards them as he pushed the door open.

"Geez. We really fucked up, didn't we?" Lance said. He was looking the most guilty. Kyle seemed utterly unfazed. Cole and Brent were still in their wrong bodies.

"Mr. Laskey, let's get this over with. Then Jasper and Brent can." Cole said, approaching his true body.

"Sounds good..." Mr. Laskey said. Everything looked kosher, he stood and outstretched his hand to take the bottle. But once it was firmly in his hand, he twisted his body and wound up - throwing the bottle with all his force at the painted cinder block wall.

"Nooooo!" Cole shouted. "Why did you do that?!"

"I'm a kid again, that's why. I can't go back." Mr. Laskey explained. A gnawing feeling radiated from the back of his mind, telling him he did something terrible. And yet, another part was giddy. He was young again, and blessed with another chance.

Jasper and Brent could only stare. They felt their hearts falling into the pit of their stomach. The potion was seeping down the wall, pooling around the shattered glass remnants of the bottle. After what felt like ages, they turned and looked at each other.

"Should we... lick it off the wall? The floor?" Jasper asked, his voice shaking a bit.

"That could be dangerous..." Brent said, crossing his arms and squeezing his - Jaspers - upper arms, feeling how thin they were.

"We could stay like this?" Jasper breathed. Brent felt his lungs catching.

"You wouldn't mind?" Brent asked back. The question caused Jasper to raise an eyebrow. Clearly intuiting that Brent wanted this, he nodded. He reached over and grabbed his old hand and squeezed. "I guess this means you're Jasper now. And I'm Brent."

Brent felt his cheeks warming, and a glowing sensation that he could only ascribe to as peace settled through him. He was going to be ok, being out and able to experience his life in high school all over again. He wasn't going to miss out on the chances he never took before. He squeezed Jaspers - or should we call him Brent now - hand back.

"What the fuck. What are we going to do? Get over here and lick this shit up with me!" Cole barked at Mr. Laskey, who sneered back at him.

"No. I'm not going to do that. Instead, I'm going to go home to MY house. I am Cole now. Forever and always. And you are a sad, tired old teacher who has no one and nothing. And deep down, you'll always know you did this to yourself." Mr. Laskey said, sounding malevolent.

Jasper and Brent turned their attention back to the other two. The new Brent asked: "Are you seriously going to leave him like that?"

Mr. Laskey turned, a sinister smile on his face. He simply nodded, before striding out of the classroom. The last of the group still standing there, looked at Cole, now seemingly permanently trapped in Mr. Laskeys body. Expressions of horror and shock were painted on every face. Even Kyle had nothing funny to say.

Brent found himself thinking about the moment he swapped into Jasper's body. He was currently laying in Jasper's bed, the unfamiliar house silent as everyone else slept. The only light coming from the small fairy lights that encircled the room, high up on the walls.

When he had come to, after the body swap potion went into effect, he was prepared for the sensation of moving from one body to another, but the realization of who he had switched with was another experience entirely. He had spent some time in his friends body, before. But it was unique when it was someone you only knew by reputation. Mostly...

Everyone at school knew Jasper was gay. It wasn't really a taboo thing among his generation, anyways. Yet, Brent was keenly aware of how taboo it remained with his family. He was always monitoring his behavior and personality so as not to reveal his sexuality to his parents. It was a frustrating and lonely existence, living with a family that should love you - but knowing if they knew the truth, they'd probably disown you.

He had kept it a secret from his friends too. He partly understood it as yet another layer of protecting his secret from his parents, but also because he was not sure if it would affect the dynamics of the friend group. Luckily, he never had a crush on any of his close friends. There were guys at school he had thought would be so cute and nice to get to know, but he was too afraid to act on it.

Which made the entire situation he was in now so bizarre. With Jasper's body, his free and out identity, he could potentially indulge in the kind of activities he never got to before. Yet, the other issue was his friends knew he was Brent inside this body, behind this cute and well-moisturized face. They'd still be shocked if he actually did anything that could be perceived as gay. Was it an opportunity to come out to them? Or would he suppress himself even further.

Feeling restless, he threw the covers of the bed back and shuffled over to the mirror on the back of the room door. It was dark, but he could still see himself well enough. Jasper's body stood, looking uncertain in the mirror as Brent tentatively felt his arms, his chest, and then his face. The pajamas were a silk button up set, something so "Jasper" that it was almost humorous. Even his sleepwear was ostentatious and loud. It was comfortable, though. He also had the softest skin he had ever felt.

Jasper's hair, a chestnut brown was split in a middle part, that hung delicately on both sides of his face, framing the soft, unblemished face of Jasper. He was cute, it was something Brent had always known. He wasn't his type, he liked someone more like Jordan, or some of the tall boys on the basketball team. He had always wanted to be cradled and held by someone stronger, larger, and feel protected. Something he reckoned had much to do with always protecting himself. Having to hide, and guard his heart... he was desperate for someone who could do that for him.

Admittedly, he was not as disturbed at being in this body than he had let on to his friends. They thought he would be devastated, humiliated even. Yet, he felt like there was opportunity here. Even if it meant having to return to Freshman year and re-do a few years of high school. At least he could coast easily on content he already passed. This all was assuming he would not be able to go back to being Brent. There was a part of him that wanted that. But as he traced his baby-soft hands over the fabric of his pajama shirt, he was more convinced he wanted to remain than return. How could he make certain it happened?

Meanwhile, Jasper sat on the edge of Brent's bed feeling restless. He was scared, to put it simply. He was in a completely new, strange, and unwanted environment in a body that felt wrong. He was too plain, he thought. And his family was tightly wound. His parents would never stifle his expression, his personality, or even just his sexuality. But Brent had given a warning, and it was useful - already he got the sense this home was cold, quiet, and altogether lacking in love.

He found his way to Brent's room and just hid in there for the whole evening. It seems they expect that because his parents didn't bother Jasper at all. The room was hardly better, with barely any personality in the decor. The only thing he found some solace in was the laptop, where he could at least watch videos or scroll through social media.

He had found one juicy morsel, though. Clicking through the computer, he found that plain, white bread Brent had some undeleted searches. Gay content, from coming out videos, to dating advice, to porn. He was questioning, if not secretly gay. Jasper wasn't judging, though. Before he came out, he was doing much the same thing. It was just more clear to him that his parents would be supportive - also they already knew. He wasn't the most discreet individual.

Looking at himself, he was clad in a simple white tee and gray sleep shorts. He felt like some part of him was muffled, suppressed. He was the proud and joyful kid who had a dozen friends and was always involved with theater. But now, he felt like he was an extra in a paper ad. He had to spice up Brent's life. Find ways, subtle or not, to rebel against this constrained existence.

He had to be himself, even if he literally was not himself.

Lance had known he hit the jackpot before he even consummated the swap by drinking his dose of the potion. Seeing Jordan sip from the spiked punch was incredible. He had long felt that Jordan had it all. In high school, like many places, perception was reality. And what many students perceived of Jordan was the image of perfection.

Jordan was tall, lean, muscular, and hot. He was undeniably one of the most attractive people at the school, and even the straight boys and gay girls would agree with that. Lance was envious, and he knew he wasn't alone. He supposed on some level it was funny for a football jock to care about a swimmer. Yet, Lance was never content with his body. He had been molded into a football player from his childhood by his father. There was never a question of what sport Lance would play, for his father had already decided.

Lance didn't necessarily hate football. But he had unconsciously begun to associate it with a lack of control. He felt like his father pushed him into making his entire life football. He was interested in other things, like music, video games, girls... all that stuff and more. But when your father is a failed semi-pro athlete with an ax to grind, well - you sort of become a blank slate for them to make quite the impression on.

When Lance woke up that next day, he found some relief in knowing that he wasn't going to have his father barking at him to get up and start conditioning. What he wasn't expecting when his alarm went off was the phone alert saying it was time for morning practice. He hadn't been aware how early Jordan was up for his swim practices. Thankfully, the group of body-swapped people had had the foresight to create detailed instructions for each other to navigate their lives.

Lance set about gathering his - Jordan's - gear. And before he knew it was driving to the school to practice in the on site pool. As he drove, Lance started to wonder if he had traded one hell for another.

He would ruminate on this until he entered the locker room. What broke him from that pernicious thought, however, was when he saw his reflection in the wide bank of mirrors on the wall. He had just stripped down and tugged on the speedo when he got a good look at his new form. The other guys on the team paid little attention, but if they had they might have noticed Jordan ogling himself.

Lance was awed by his appearance. For one, there is something unique about seeing your reflection that other folks can't really understand. It's an image that is bound to you, no matter where you go or what you do, every mirror or reflective surface shows you as you physically are. And yet, for the first time in his life - the mirror showed not his familiar meathead face, but the chiseled face of a teenage god who could render an entire team of cheerleaders naked should he deign to give them his attention.

Perhaps he would have to deal with the swimming practices, the meets, and the tedium of yet another sport... but if the trade off was getting to see such a marvelous face in the mirror constantly... well, he might just be ok with that.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the town, Jordan was huffing as he ran in Lance's body. Lance's father had woken him up with a sudden and loud outburst that morning, yelling for him to get up and start with a 5 mile run.

Lance was fit, but in a way that carried the weight and strength that Jordan was used to in a much different way. For one, he was much heavier, and had shorter legs. His running was altogether a different cadence that made him feel almost like he was loping instead of doing a true jog. What's more, he was so much hairier, sweatier, and honestly - smellier. He had traded his sculpted and well-manicured body for what could only be a modern caveman's corpus.

All of these physical factors were uncomfortably and repeatedly hammered into Jordan's attention. The smell of his own body odor was repulsive, like stale fritos and something musky he would expect from a dying animal. The front of his torso was a little flabby too, the apron belly kept slamming into his body, which was a distracting and uncomfortable sensation. He wasn't even pushing himself half as hard as he would in his real body, and yet he was sweating buckets. The stained grey tee shirt he had found was already soaked through the fabric completely.

It was a nightmare, to be certain. He had hoped that waking up this morning he'd find himself back in his perfect, non-sweaty body that would court any girl in the school - teachers included. When he got back, he'd have to have a hook up that night just to remind himself of what he was missing out being trapped in this stinky, pudgy sweat-monster.

Hello all, I am posting a snippet from my latest story series that will be exclusive to my buymeacoffee page. The series follows a reporter who is documenting and interviewing multiple victims of a shadowy company that facilitated the theft of many young bodies.

The Fountain of You-th, pt 1:

“Good evening and thank you for tuning in. My name is Elaine Bower reporting on possibly the world's largest scandal in over 50 years. I am of course referring to the recent revelation that a shadowy biotech company by the name of ‘Fountain of You-th’ was operating an illicit side operation involving the development and usage of technology experts dub ‘Neural Engram Transferral Systems’ or NETS. The nickname among the public has referred to these machines as body-swappers.” 

The woman speaking sits in a leather chair in a darkened room. As she finishes her last line, the camera zooms out revealing another leather chair with an elderly man sitting across from her. He looks morose, anxious, and exhausted. He is clad in a thick sweater and brown slacks. Elaine herself is wearing a smart suit, her hair tied back in a tight bun.

“With me today to open the series of interviews I am conducting is a young man by the name of Robbie Fairfield. While Robbie here appears to be an elderly man, he is but one victim of the Fountain of You-th and their use of NETS. Robbie, thank you for agreeing to meet and speak with me.” Elaine says, turning to Robbie.

“Of course, I am happy to be here. I think it is important to talk about, to expose these criminals for what they’ve done to me and so many others.” Robbie said, his voice scratchy and gruff, like an old mans, but his words and affect appear to be that of a far younger individual.

“First, Robbie, how old are you?” Elaine asks.

“I am 22 years old. At least, I should be.” Robbie answers.

(Read the rest on my buy me a coffee page, only need to be a supporter, not a member!)

Hello, I am pleased to announce I have upgraded my buymeacoffee site to include new opportunities for membership.

Here are some benefits -

You get access to exclusive stories I will post only to that page.

Ability to participate in polls, where members can vote for story ideas I have that you'd like to see me pursue.

Priority queue for commission requests. Non-subscribed commissions will be lowest priority beneath bronze, bronze lower than silver, and gold subscribers will get top priority - meaning no matter the number of requests I have, you'll always be my focus before any silver, bronze, or other non-gold commissions.

I typically respond within 24 hours. I will be transparent when I'm traveling and have to pause writing work.

In general, helping me out means I have more time and energy to write. That means more writing in general!

Also, that's right - commissions are open! Please make sure to read my commission rules on my buymeacoffee page. A reminder, you don't have to be subscribed to make a request - but you might want to hop the queue!

A tease for a series that will be subscriber only... Imagine a world where the young, virile, and beautiful people begin to go missing, only for them to show up later acting completely different. Then, the case gets blown wide-open! Told interview-style, the stories will feature a conversation between a journalist and a victim of the scandalous "Fountain of You-th" company. A shadowy tech company that kidnapped the healthy young and swapped the wealthy old into their bodies! Read the captivating personal accounts of victims - some who returned to their body, and others doomed to their fate or even swapped into a donor body.

Bobby Boyle had a good life. Good in more than one way. Sure, his family was moderately wealthy, lived in a nice big house in town, and was well-known in the community.

No, Kyle thought. He was good in another sense. A moral and spiritual sense. And this was a life he could enjoy introducing to some mischief. That mischief would likely take the form of substances. Beer, weed, and if really lucky maybe something a bit trippier...

But for now, Kyle was content to enjoy the parts of Bobby's life that were good without need to alter his mental state. Things like a room so big he could fit his entire room and a half in it - well, his true body's room. Everything was so clean, too. Somehow Bobby had defied the odds of being a teenage boy and was immaculate. The covers on the bed were neatly made, the clothes all folded and in their drawers, or hung up in the closet. The desk was set and ready for homework or perhaps a bit of Bible reading.

And Lord, was there plenty of Biblical imagery in the house. Kyle could hardly turn before he was face to face with yet another crucifix, portrait of Jesus, or quotes of scripture. Kyle hadn't been to church in year, his grandma was the only religious person in the family and she'd take him when he was young. Now, his family were content just living the godless life and making it through. Kyle would also note that his family was far, far less wealthy.

Aside from the house and the bedroom, Kyle was interested in checking out one more thing. His new body, of course. When he was alone that first night, and certain everyone was asleep, he peeled off the dorky pajamas that he found and stood naked in front of the full-length mirror. Lance may have gotten lucky with his swap, landing in an athletes body that - for a highschooler - was as close to godly as possible. But for Kyle, he was surprised to find Bobby was hiding a bit of definition beneath his pressed shirts and starched khakis. Kyle wasn't aware of any teams that Bobby would be a part of, but when rummaging through the room he discovered that Bobby was part of a youth basketball league through the church.

Bobby had jump game AND a nice toned bod? Kyle was finding the deal just kept getting sweeter. It didn't hurt that he was endowed well in yet another area... What did throw Kyle for another unexpected loop was when he realized he was getting turned on. Was this his mind? Or Bobby's body? It was strange, but he wasn't too scared to indulge.

On the far side of town in a decidedly messier, smellier, and generally more horrible room, stood Bobby in Kyle's body. The first reaction to the situation, once alone, was to sob. He wept. Truly, he cried for a solid half hour. He knew he suppressed some sins in his body, his real body. But was this a punishment from God? His Father always said that sinners will be punished, and this felt like an agonizing form of torture.

After he had collected himself and stopped crying, he went about finding a way to purify and cleanse himself. Not in a spiritual way, but he might try that at some later time. Instead, he went about it in a much more literal sense. He shucked off the clothes from the dance, and grabbed the cleanest looking clothes from the drawers of a rickety dresser. He crept through the darkened hallways of the house and found a bathroom.

Therein, he began the process of scouring this wretched body. The shower was steaming hot, the room filled with coiling vapor. In the narrow standing-room only shower, he scrubbed and lathered and repeated at least three times. Only after that did he relent. It was humiliating, too. He was keenly aware of the flesh and bits he was scrubbing around. He reasoned with himself that if he was temporarily or permanently burdened with this vessel, it still could be refreshed and made more tolerable.

When he shut the shower off and stepped in front of the sink, with the mirror looming over it threatening to reveal to Bobby the face of his flesh-prison... he balked. But he resolved to witness his body, and to confront his challenge. Perhaps this was a test from God. Something to overcome, and maybe even bring a lost soul to the flock.

Wiping away the steam, he saw in clarity his face and body. A towel wrapped around his waist, Bobby peered at Kyle's body. He was lean, but not in a healthy looking way. His pale flesh looked a bit undernourished. What's more is it seemed he had a few burn scars, likely from putting cigarettes out on his own skin. A repulsive act for a repulsive individual. Bobby looked then to his new face.

Looking gaunt and sallow, the face of a boy nearly permanently stoned gazed back at him. He wondered if there was still some trace of a recent smoke session in him. But Bobby was resolved to avoid any drugs, any alcohol, and any temptation he could. He saw the sad brown eyes of a boy, and he considered for a while if Kyle self-medicated for fun, or out of a need to suppress some feelings.

Certainly the house indicated some hardship for the family. And calling it a family was generous when it was just Kyle and his single mother. Maybe something he could do would be to try and make a positive impact on Kyle's life and his mother. Maybe he could perform some acts of service for Kyle.

He recalled a bit of scripture that came to mind.

"But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8)

What if God was tasking him with showing Kyle how to care for himself and his mother? It was something to ponder. And ponder he did, because he did not get much sleep that night. Between the bizarre situation and his disgust at the bedroom, he spent most of the night cleaning.

Come morning, the room would be unrecognizable. And he would have a clean conscience to start work on cleaning up Kyle's life.

Hi all, I realize this sounds like a story title, but it sadly is not for fans of my work.

However, what I've been wanting to do for a while is to find ways to bolster my personal situation while offering fans the chance to make requests for specific scenarios, and other creative liberties.

This is why I have created a "Buy Me a Coffee" account. I would truly appreciate it if you were inclined to make a donation regardless of personal stories commissioned. I AM planning on opening commissions. I just want to see how the site works for a while before I make any promises.

About me: Here I want to share a little about myself because I don't think it always feels good to donate to an anonymous person. For obvious reasons, I am not revealing personal details like name and location etc.

However, some things I feel comfortable sharing might color in context. Right now I am in the middle of completing my Masters degree. I started last year and have an expected end date of next May. Although I do work full-time, the balance is tricky and despite that I have been able to rekindle my love of writing.

During this time though, finances have been stretched thin! Tuition and other fees, on top of some medical bills, have made it challenging. I'm not starving, but it could be better. Much better, if I'm being honest.

I guarantee that there will continue to be stories posted that are free. I intend to finish my "Last to Drink" series on this site. When I open commissions I'll figure out the best manner to send those to whoever requested it.

Apologies if it's annoying to see another writing asking for support, but I promise it will be worth it for those who want to commission, and those who can't will still get to see free stories - rest assured.

A "Last to Drink" spin-off

Toby Laskey had never thought he'd return to high school twice. It was an altogether different experience from when he graduated college some 20 years or so ago, and took a job teaching at the local high school. Even then he was unhappy about the arrangement. Sure, he had studied secondary education in college, but if he was honest he only did it because it was safe - and his parents were teachers. It seemed like the least risky and most familiar path to take.

Now, in his late forties, Toby resented his life. He was always a nerdy guy, thin and unable to keep up athletically. But he also wasn't the brightest. Sure, he could pass a test or write a decent essay, but nothing that truly would set him apart from the rest of the herd.

And then he was transformed into a kid. Well, he swapped bodies with a kid. A senior at the very high school he himself taught at. He had no idea what the other 7 victims involved may believe, but in his heart Toby was certain this was a gift. He may be a new generation of nerd in Cole's body, but there was something to be said about wiping away 20+ years of aging and all the baggage that came with it. He also knew Cole was certain to be off to college, so if the swap was not resolved, he was going to get a brand new start to another chance at college!

So, despite the prospect of returning to high school - this time as a student. Somehow - a second time - mind you... he was going to make the most of it. Even though he felt he should be uncomfortable with piloting a 17 year old boys body, through the routines that he had to for obvious reasons, he wasn't actually perturbed. It was strange, changing clothes, using the bathroom, showering, and all that. But in his mind he was remarkably adaptive to the situation. He could clutch his imaginary pearls and blush at it all, or he could embrace it.

After all, for all he knew this might be permanent.

Elsewhere in town, Cole was having the reverse experience. He stood before the mirror in his, or rather, Mr. Laskey's bedroom and stared at his unfortunate new vessel. He was still in pajamas, a white tee shirt and plaid bottoms. He felt his bones creaking in a way he shouldn't understand for at least twenty years in his own body. Probably closer to his fifties.

He was constantly patting and rubbing his bald head. Flicking his tongue across his teeth and trying to stifle the aches in his back. Was this what it was like to be an adult? Or is this just the miserable life that Mr. Laskey led? Cole admitted to himself he had absolutely no frame of reference, but the whole ordeal was unsettling.

Luckily, he was comforted by one thought - the potion was safe with him in Mr. Laskey's house. He indeed did live alone, no wife or children to be found. It made his life seem ever more lonely. He did have one cat, a fluffy thing named Dotty. She was very affectionate and seemed to perceive no difference. She admittedly seemed a little dopey, but it was a welcome respite from waking up alone in Laskey's bed and body. The house was silent, which was different than Cole's home, where his parents were often talking or the TV was left on for the background noise.

He contented himself with knowing if he really started to panic or need an out, he had full control over the potion and it's usage. He could in theory undo the swap between him and Laskey immediately. But he was intent on not ruining this for his friends. There was some fun to be had. Even if he'd have to be a school teacher for at least a week.

At school Cole and Mr. Laskey found each other, as planned. To aid in their deception, Mr. Laskey had whisked up some pre-planned classwork that would be simple for Cole to distribute and oversee without having to task himself too heavily with teaching. Mr. Laskey in turn received Cole's full schedule and some helpful ideas on how to blend in. Unfortunately the parts concerning pop culture went well over Mr. Laskey's head.

"That's my favorite vest. You did a good job with putting together an outfit, Cole." Mr. Laskey said. Cole had worn a dark red vest over a light yellow button down and brown slacks. He looked incredibly dorky in combination with his bald head.

"Somehow you managed an outfit I'd actually wear too..." Cole said, a little more dour than Laskey was coming off. Mr. Laskey had opted for a Green Lantern tee shirt, under an unbuttoned plaid button down and jeans. The only thing out of place was a decidedly more combed and tamed hairstyle. "What did you do to my hair, though?"

"I apologize. I admit I got excited at the prospect of having enough hair to brush again, that I set about cleaning your wild hair a bit." Laskey shrugged.

"Ugh, well don't look too clean. I don't know if people will buy it from me for too long." Cole said, rolling his eyes.

"I won't make the mistake again." Laskey said, thinking to himself he'd actually be experimenting with all sorts of looks when he had more time. "Anyways, I see 'Brent' so I should go."

"Oh, Jasper... ok then. Good luck." Cole said. He disappeared into the classroom that Mr. Laskey had for all his math classes.

Toby Laskey strutted down the hall towards the Brent that he knew was actually Jasper on the inside. They had all decided that the four friends would continue to meet up and hang out, even if each of those friends were in possession of completely random and unrelated souls. So Fake Brent, Fake Kyle, Fake Lance, and Fake Cole (Laskey), were set the task of associating and keeping up appearances.

As Toby approached his "friend" he noticed a tiny form zipping around a corner further down the hall. It was Jasper's body. It seems those two had just wrapped up their own pep talk before starting the school day. "Hey!"

The fake Brent looked up and smiled.

The energy between the friends was palpable. They had long since swapped back to their original bodies, although Kyle had been quite excited at the prospect of getting Brent's body high. Now they stood huddled at the edge of the gymnasium floor. Currently it was dark, lit by magenta lights and a disco ball hanging above. It was a school dance that the friends had previously decided to avoid... but now had come to be too juicy of an opportunity.

The plan Kyle proposed was risky, but it afforded the best chance to spring swaps on unsuspecting classmates. Cole carried the bottle, hidden in his hoodie as he carefully avoided the gaze of the teacher chaperones. Soon, he'd sneak over to the punch bowl and pour a generous amount of the liquid in.

The second part was each of the friends would take a swig in turns. When one friend swapped, the next friend would take their own sip, and wait for the swap. They fully recognized how random this could be. Thankfully, they figured that each swap only worked with the immediate next drinker. So as long as they spilled the punch "by accident" after the last swap, they were unlikely to cause a rash of random body swaps.

Lance was going last, so he could monitor the bowl and then give the others a chance to prepare their new bodies and contain the chaos that was sure to ensue. The moment came when the friends felt secure in making their move, and cole tipped the bottle over the bowl, letting the green liquid cascade into the red punch. It discolored the punch, but under the lights of the dance it was hardly noticeable.

Kyle was impatient, so he was the first to go. Brent, Kyle, and Cole went back to their side-of-the-gym lurking place. Kyle took a tiny sip, and the three friends waited in tense excitement. Lance was the eyes on the bowl who saw the first victim. He grinned, when he saw who it was knowing it was about to be Kyle who swapped with him.

Bobby Boyle was the first one to take a cup of punch, taking a small sip to taste it. He recoiled a bit, the liquid having mixed with the punch and given it a strange taste. The thing about Bobby, Lance noted in his mind, was he was the absolute straightest-shooting arrow in the school. A junior who was well known for being a devout Christian, always wearing neatly pressed shirts and abstaining from the raunchier and rowdier aspects of high school life. He was also stereotypically white - blond hair, blue eyes, strangely white teeth. He was in fine shape, but considering he was absolutely opposite to Kyle's whole vibe, was going to be a hilarious situation.

Sure enough, a moment after the face Bobby made, another look crossed over him. Suddenly Bobby looked straight at Lance and grinned a smile only Kyle could make. He looked down at himself, and then pulled his - Bobby's phone to inspect his new face. He smirked when he realized who he was. Nodding to Lance, he melted into the crowd, presumably heading to the rest of their friends.

Brent was next, and Lance was curious about who Brent would end up as. He wasn't exactly the most outgoing or stand-out guy. He seemed quite average, if a bit on the preppy side. His parents were strict, that's all Lance knew. But when Jasper Locke stepped up to the bowl, he could only stare with intense curiosity. Jasper was a tiny freshman, in the drama club, and extremely gay. He had perfectly combed and gelled hair, and a velvet green suit jacket over a mint green shirt and black bowtie. He similarly scrunched his face up at the taste of the punch. It lasted a moment though because he too had a sudden change, and Brent's mind relocated to Jasper's body.

He looked down, brushing his hands down the velvet jacket and looked stunned. He was acutely aware of his small body. Looking around, he spotted Lance and grimaced. Lance tossed up a shrug and thumbs up. Brent knew as well as everyone else what the odds were, and he should be glad he didn't end up as a girl.

After Brent shuffled away, looking uncomfortable, the next victim stepped forward. Lance felt his heart drop. Fuck. This was no student. It was Mr. Laskey, a math teacher and chaperone for the dance. He was in his late forties or fifties, and his standard outfit consisted of plain shirts and sweater vests, corduroys or slacks. He was bald, with the remnants of his hair circling his head in typical male-pattern baldness. Lance had half a mind to drink his own dose of the potion to rescue Cole from that fate, but it was too late.

Mr. Laskey drank the punch and was swapped with Cole before Lance could do anything. Cole was much more mortified than Brent had been. He felt his sweater vest and looked devastated. Finding Lance, he tilted his head and took on a sad puppy look. But the final part of the plan was here, and they had to execute it or risk a bunch of random swaps. Cole left to join their friends as Lance approached the bowl, but stood enough away to not impede anyone from coming. Approaching the bowl was the final victim. Jordan Strong. Lance smirked to himself, he got lucky.

Jordan was tall and lithe, but strong and muscular in a way only a swimmer could be. He was the top athlete on their swim team, and he was a very handsome guy. Every girl wanted to date him, and every guy wanted to be him. Sure, Lance was a built football player. But he was a husky kind of strong, not the lean, aesthetically pleasing build that Jordan possessed. Lance watched Jordan take his sip, and then he sprung into action. Once the liquid had been swallowed, he lunged forward in an awkward pantomime of a trip. Landing with his right hand on the edge of the bowl, it flipped and splashed all the punch on the floor. On the ground, he subtly drank his potion, and soon enough was off the ground.

He hadn't stood himself up, though. Instead, he was now looking down at his prone body. Peering down at his chest, he was delighted to see the nice outfit that Jordan had worn. He felt powerful and desirable. He helped himself up, partly to help out, but mostly to try and contain the likely ensuing panic.

Lance wasn't alone in that. Across the gym, 6 other individuals were deep in frantic conversation. The gambit that the boys all planned on making was in convincing their victims that they too were also as confused and perplexed as them. Jordan stared into Lance's face, the face Jordan was used to seeing in the mirror every day.

"Wha-what the?" Jordan said, blanching. Lance pulled Jordan to his feet and steadied him.

"I am just as confused, man. Let's go talk about this, somewhere not in the middle of the dance?" Lance asked. He hoped his voice didn't carry some hint that he knew what was actually going on.

Elsewhere, the friends were also conversing with their former bodies, now occupied by their victims.

"Like... what the fuck?" Brent's face said, sounding very unlike his normal self. Brent did a decent job acting, considering he was actually in a actors body.

"Jasper, why are you in my body?" Brent asked, doing his best approximation of a confused victim of a supernatural incident. He traced his new delicate fingers along his younger face.

Bobby was lecturing Kyle, which looked hilarious considering he was in the boy's perpetually stoned looking body. He kept running his hands through his new, greasy hair. Despite seeming revolted at being in a known slacker and troublemakers body, he looked supremely uncomfortable.

Kyle for his part was looking quite relaxed. He was in a body he found amusing. He wanted to know what trouble he could get in looking like the town's golden boy. He kept faking poses that just pissed off the real Bobby.

Cole looked morose. He was standing quite uncomfortably in Mr. Laskey's body. He was tall, narrow, and slouched. He wanted to undo this whole plan, switch back to being a high school kid. The others were likely to reject that, since swapping them back would likely unravel the whole scheme.

Lance led Jordan over to the group, and made a show of stumbling upon other victims of the body swap. The four friends put on quite a show of being confused and scared. The victims seemed to take the bait. Eventually the teacher, Mr. Laskey, in Cole's body led them out of the gym and into a nearby classroom. The calmer environment was a better place to make a plan of sorts.

"So, what do we do?" Jasper asked, from Brent's senior body.

"I think we have to ride it out. There doesn't seem to have been any particular trigger." Jordan said, from Lance's beefier body.

"I don't like this, I can't live in this body. I don't know when the last time it was in a church, or a shower!" Bobby cried, looking like he was just disgusted by the feel of his skin. "You're so oily!"

"Hey, chill, man. Maybe you and I can go smoke up to calm down?" Kyle said. His friends sensed that his joke may be dangerously close to exposing the whole plot. Being too calm seemed tonally incorrect.

"Well, I certainly do not want to be a freshman again." Brent stated, matter-of-factly. He wrenched the conversation back on track, hoping to make the victims feel like the situation was quite serious.

"And I didn't want to be a middle aged man." Cole said. Even his friends could see that it was absolutely true, not just acting on his part.

As the group of 8 individuals looked around, spoke their piece, and made arrangements to keep a low profile, the mood shifted. It seemed their plan was working, and the four friends were going to get away with staging a mysterious body swap. After a while longer of deliberation, they all returned to the dance in an effort to raise no suspicions. Especially since Cole was now a teacher.

It was after the dance ended that the four friends found a means to meet once more. Without their victims in the room this time, they could discuss the plan in open.

"So, how long do we keep this going?" Cole asked, clearly uncomfortable in his adult body.

"At least a week, right?" Lance asked, looking far more hopeful.

"Easy for you to say, man." Brent said from the lispy voice of Jasper's younger body. "I'm basically a kid again. I'm a freshman, and I don't know if he can handle my classes or routine."

"That's fair, but I think we all need to be relaxed. We can take it easy and see how these next few days play out. No need to end it before we've had any fun." Kyle said, smirking in Bobby's body. It looked devilish, certainly an expression Bobby would never make.

"Besides, you being Mr. Laskey is actually kinda good." Brent said.

"How so?" Cole inquired, doubting him.

"Because you have a house now. I think he's single, no kids or roommate. So we can hang out there while our old bodies are stuck in our usual places." Brent explained.

"I guess... but wouldn't it look weird that I was hosting a bunch of high school boys?" Cole asked.

"We'll just be careful. I think we can do this." Kyle said, still seeming to be the driving force to keep in the game.

"I'm down for it too." Lance agreed. He was still surreptitiously feeling up his body.

The four friends looked around each other, seeing the faces of students and a teacher they'd never have dreamed they'd become. They reached into the middle and fist-bumped collectively.

TBC

"There is absolutely no way this could be true. I'm betting it was just some scam site like that time you bought a spellbook from that shady ebay 'witch.'" Kyle said.

The garage of Brent's home was set up much like it had been for the last 10 or so years. As seniors in high school, the four friends sitting in their familiar spots had changed little - same as the hangout. In the big squashed bean bag chair sat Kyle, the goofy friend with a preference for baggy clothes and getting high as often as he could.

To his right, Brent, with his short red hair and neat appearance sat on a faded leather recliner, the chair permanently stuck in a reclined position. He wore an outfit of polo and khaki shorts.

To his right, Lance, a broad-shouldered boy with buzzed black hair sat at one end of a long, rickety couch. His arms and chest almost seemed to burst out from his tight athletic shirt, years of working out and playing football proved by the definition peeking through the fabric.

On the other end of the couch and to Lance's right, sat Cole. He was short, bespectacled, and with shiny braces. He was the nerdy guy, dressed in a superhero shirt almost every day, but stricken with asthma and poor eyesight he was not really gifted with the ability to emulate his favorite characters.

The four were discussing Cole's recent purchase online. He had ordered a potion he found deep on the darkweb that purported to have magical qualities. The exact effect was known only to Cole, but he seemed to be keeping that to himself, despite wanting them all to try it.

"Come on, guys! It will be fun. I also have a feeling it will work. Trust me." Cole egged them on.

"What if it's actually dangerous? I don't know what is in that. And aren't you allergic to like, everything?" Lance asked.

"Not everything... Just like, most things..." Cole chuckled.

"Why don't you drink first and we'll consider it." Brent said, acquiescing a little.

"That works for me!" Cole said. He pulled the large bottle of liquid to his lips. "You only need a tiny sip for it to work, by the way."

The friends watched as Cole took the smallest sip of the dark green liquid. Nothing immediately happened. He looked fine, but puckered at the taste a little.

"It's a little sour. Like a warhead." Cole said, shrugging. "Oh, and it needs someone else to drink for it to work."

The others looked around and seemed to be waiting for someone else to take the plunge. Finally Lance groaned and reached for the bottle.

"We better not turn into frogs or something." Lance warned. He took a similar tiny sip.

The four waited for a puff of smoke or some grand event to take place. But Brent and Kyle sat back and felt disappointed at the unexciting results. Lance and Cole on the other hand felt a shiver run down their spines. Something was tingling, not quite in any particular place or part of their body... but everywhere and outside their body too.

They started to see double, and as their friends sat back and sighed, they blinked, their vision of the room shifting. It was confusing, as if they each kept shifting perspectives between blinks. Finally, the sensation ended, and Lance felt he was confident his perspective was set again. Only, he realized that his view was off from when he drank the potion. It was like the world had rotated. Not the world... him.

Cole was having a similar sensation. As he settled, he scratched an itch on his broad shoulder... broad shoulder? Cole always had the scrawniest features. He should have felt bone under the skin, not a plateau of steel-like muscle.

Brent watched as Cole and Lance turned to each other and stared. Lance jumped up and yelped out. "Fuck! It worked!"

Cole stood and was frantically feeling his body. He was unabashed about it too, even reaching down his small jeans to fondle his own junk. "We switched bodies?"

Brent and Kyle exchanged a look. They stood up, and Kyle reached for the bottle while Brent approached Lance.

"What is going on?" Brent asked his muscular friend.

"It fucking worked is what's going on!" Lance cheered. He slapped Brent on the back, nearly tossing his lean friend.

"What worked? What happened?" Brent asked, sputtering and still as confused.

Cole answered, or the person Brent believed was Cole. "That potion swapped Cole and I! I'm actually Lance in here!"

The scrawny, nerdy friend of theirs gestured at his own narrow chest. Brent looked doubtful, but hardly had time to ask a further question when he felt a sudden pressure on his lips and a strong grip on the back of his neck. Kyle had ambushed him, and was tilting the potion into his mouth. Even as he fought a tiny amount got in, and before he could spit he automatically swallowed it.

"Kyle, what the fuck!" Brent yelled. The two didn't have much time before the effects kicked in for them as well. They similarly felt the sensations as their friends did before, and when they settled were in one anothers body.

Brent felt gross. He didn't trust that Kyle had taken a shower in a day or two. His hair was greasy and his teeth reeked with soda and weed. He felt gross, but also perversely amused.

Kyle likewise felt strangely clean and neutral. He was comfortable, without feeling like he needed to smoke something immediately. He plucked at his shirt, and realized he could smell a pleasant odor. Soap? Brent actually uses soap on his chest? Not just a quick swirl between the legs and the pits? Crazy.

The four friends erupted in a feverish bout of rubbing and touching their new bodies. Hands were snaked into clothing in ways that would have been awkward even for a group of teenage boys trying to shock and humor their friends. Eventually they all settled down, peering about as they resumed sitting, only finding that they sat in their typical spots, and realizing they were wearing bodies that never sat there.

"This is unreal." Brent said. He was still a little grossed out in Kyle's body, but he wasn't one to run from a unique situation, and being around friends made him feel safe.

"I know, right?" Kyle said, running his hand through Brent's clean and coiffed hair.

"I was a little worried it wouldn't work. And more worried you all would hate it, and freak out." Cole admitted. He gesticulated in a way that Lance wouldn't, which made it amusing for them since his arms were vastly larger than Cole's own noodle-arms.

"So, what do we do now?" Lance asked. He was looking about, one hand still feeling his newly pathetic biceps.

"Do we just swap back? Or do we hang out like this?" Cole probed. He seemed to be interested in the latter option.

"Duuuude, I'd love to get high in this body. I haven't been a virgin to weed in forever. And fuck, I haven't been a virgin-virgin in a long time either!" Kyle guffawed, twisting Brent's face into a facsimile of his own usual rowdy laughing face.

"I've had sex!" Brent barked back. "And don't get my body high, my parents would kill me."

"I like the idea of exploring this more." Lance said, simply. The other boys looked at him in surprise. He sat there, shrugging Cole's wimpier shoulders.

"You would? But how would we even pull it off? And no offense but it feels a little weird being one of you guys." Brent said.

"How so?" Cole asked.

"Because we've known each other forever. It feels like switching bodies with my little brother. It's too personal." Brent explained.

"You just don't want me playing with your little thingy, huh?" Kyle snickered.

"Be serious, Kyle." Lance commanded. "I think I agree with Brent though. I want to do something with this, but I don't know if I want to live as Cole... or anyone of you for that matter."

"Actually..." Cole started. Then he stopped, looking a bit nervous.

"Go on." Lance gently nudged.

"That isn't a bad idea. What Lance was saying. We could try this body-swapping stuff but on different random people." Cole said.

"Random? How random are we talking?" Brent asked, cocking an eyebrow on Kyles face.

"We could take it to school. Figure some way out of getting other students to take a sip. We'd have one of us take a drink first and then the moment someone took the next sip, unknowingly, they'd swap with whichever one of us." Cole said.

"So, like spike a drink and lay in wait for a swap to happen?" Kyle asked. He started to smirk.

"Exactly!" Cole chirped.

"I think I know exactly where and when to do this..." Kyle trailed off. The four friends leaned in while Kyle explained his idea, and they all assisted in figuring out how to pull it off.

The buzzer screeched, the sound ringing through the entire gymnasium, but Nash was already in the air. The ball, thrown with skill and dexterity soared through the open air, up over the rim of the basket... and teetered in, clinching the victory. The crowds erupted, the game-winning hail mary shot was legendary, but Nash Marks was already a legend to his school. He landed on his feet, and immediately was being swarmed by teammates and fans, his family mixed in the crowd somewhere.

Notably, one teammate stood off to the side, not joining in on the revelry. Todd Glick, faked rubbing sweat off his face, was hunched and leaning on his knees. The reality beneath the facade of exhaustion and heat was that of steep jealousy. He loved and loathed his friend, and tonight was the last straw. Ostensibly, he was Nash's best friend. They grew up together. But that changed when Nash grew and developed into the most shrewd and composed point guard ever seen in Valley River.

And Todd was ready to explore his options. He didn't want to stand in Nash's shadow anymore.

Later, at home, Todd was freshly showered and coming down for a late snack before bed. He was not surprised to see his younger brother, 16, sitting at the counter working on some homework. He had a glass of milk, and the napkin by the glass was covered in crumbs, most likely cookies.

"Still working, Seth?" Todd asked. Seth looked up, his gray eyes comically large from behind his coke bottle glasses.

He nodded, and shoved the homework across the counter. "I have a love-hate relationship with calculus."

"Oof, I know the feeling. I took this last year. Would you like some help?" Todd inquired. The two began to review the homework. Todd and Seth may have been very different brothers, personality-wise, they did get along like many teenage brothers simply don't. They never fought, they helped each other, and they always had each others back when one of them goofed off or broke a rule.

Secretly, their parents were proud of that. However, it made it very hard to hold them accountable when they were as thick as thieves, and literally helping each other steal or sneak out. Nothing too serious, mind you. Just enough to remind their parents of their own hijinks from that age - and make them wish their siblings had been as cooperative.

After a while of working on the homework, Seth was flying through the rest of the assignment. Todd and Seth were both clever boys. Todd just leaned towards the athletic side of life, whereas Seth enjoyed theater and creative outlets. He was often trying out for different roles, but the biggest hurdle for him was his serious ocular deficiency. While Todd had been blessed with a physically fit and capable body, Seth was diagnosed early on with extremely poor eyesight. Testing showed his sight even with the glasses still fell short of the 20/200 minimum.

Seth had often been emotional about the situation. He hated that so many things he wanted to do were limited just by a fluke of genetics. And it killed Todd, too. He was always protecting him, helping him walk and navigate, driving him around. He didn't mind it, not even one bit. He just wished there was a way to give him the life he imagined his brother deserved.

And it was there, at the countertop, that the idea struck Todd. There was a way to help both himself, AND Seth. And what's more? To knock Nash off his pedestal. Better yet, to steal his spot on that pedestal.

Before he roped in Seth, he needed to gather materials and find out exactly how to make this plan a reality...

The materials ready, the plan in place, Todd first had to make sure Seth was game for his gambit. It was late at night again, but Todd found Seth in his room. He was sitting up on his bed, headphones on. When he approached he could hear the soundtrack of Sweeney Todd playing.

Tapping his brothers shoulder, Seth jolted and looked to see it was Todd. "What's up?"

"I wanted to talk to you about something. A proposal..." Todd said, struggling not to sound too ominous.

"Sounds like this isn't our usual bait-and-switch with Mom. Are you sneaking out?" Seth asked, grinning.

"Actually, it's more like the bait-and-switch. Maybe not in the way you think though. I want to ask you something, and I swear, on God and my life, that what it is I am 100% serious about." Todd put his hand on Seth's knee. Seth looked down, and knew that this was Todd's gentle, but obvious signal he was being dead-serious.

"Ok, I'm all ears." Seth turned the music off and tucked the headphones and his phone to the side.

"Have you- have you ever wondered what it would be like, to be me?" Todd asked. Seth narrowed his eyes, which looked a little funny since he wasn't wearing his glasses. He was very used to seeing the world as blobs and blurred colors, but he knew his brothers blob very well.

"I can't lie. I have. Not in a creepy way. I guess I have wondered what it would be like to play basketball or drive." Seth admitted.

"What if I told you I had a way to switch us?" Todd explained. "Like, you would become me, and I would become you."

"Honestly, probably I would think you were a bit crazy. Well-intentioned, but crazy." Seth cracked a smile.

"Oh, I bet. But I can assure you, this is definitely real." Todd said, a definitive tone to his voice.

"Ok, then. I will trust you on account of our honesty-among-thieves policy." Seth said, crossing over his heart their sign of infinite brotherly trust.

"If I do this, though, I need your help in a scheme. Possibly the biggest scheme we've ever done. And I 1000% won't go through with it if you aren't totally on-board." Todd said.

"Well, now you've got me absolutely intrigued." Seth said, leaning forward to see Todd's face a bit more clearly, as little as it actually helped.

"I mean no offense when I say I don't want your body, little brother. But I do want to give you mine." Todd said.

"So, if this is a body swap, as I'm understanding it, then how would that work? If we switch, you'd be in my body, right?" Seth asked, looking a bit confused.

"Yes, that's right. But I don't want to keep your body. This is why I need your full cooperation. If you agree, it likely means never going back." Todd explained.

"Wow... so you want to permanently give your body to me? I know we're tight, but I didn't think you'd be so selfless." Seth smiled.

"Here's the thing, I want to give someone your body. Actually... it's more like trap them in your body." Todd said, the blood draining from his face as he approached the climax of the revelation.

"Hot damn!" Seth said, a bit too loudly. They both craned their necks and tried to listen for any sign their parents were going to investigate. When it seemed all clear, Seth leaned forward. "You want to force someone else to be me?"

"Yes, exactly. And I know who it would be. The problem, it would mean you'd be me forever." Todd said, looking a little grim. He was scared partly because he thought Seth might reject it. But a little part of him was getting nervous about actually doing this.

"Wooooow. Wow. Wait... Before I say yes or no, I need to know who you are targeting." Seth said.

"It's Nash." Todd said, a bit too quickly, a bit too stiffly.

"I knew it." Seth said. Todd whipped his head around to stare into Seth's eyes.

"You did?" Todd asked, surprised.

"Oh come on, I may be blind but I'm not deaf. I've noticed since you were like 13 or 14 that you seem to talk about him a lot differently than when you were younger. I could tell you were jealous of him, maybe even a little angry." Seth explained.

"Does that mean you won't do it?" Todd inquired.

"Fuck no. Let's knock him down a peg or ten." Seth smiled, evilly. "Just one more question... what does it mean for us after you swap with him? Are you going to take over Nash's life?"

"Yes. This is why I need you. I can pull off living as you or as Nash, I've lived long enough around the both of you to know most of everything about your lives. But I need you, with your acting skills, your brains, and what you know about me to play the part of 'Todd.'" Todd said. He was gesturing a little more excitedly now, which Seth could only interpret as rapidly moving blurs.

"I just don't want to lose you. It's going to be weird, living with Nash trapped in this body, but you living across the neighborhood." Seth said, a little solemnly.

"I know, little bro. But there's a silver-lining. College." Todd breathed.

Seth's eyes lit up like headlights. "Oh my fucking god... I totally forgot."

"That's right. Nash and I both got into our dream school together. He was already recruited for the team. I wasn't drafted, but encouraged to try out when I started there next year." Todd was happily explaining. "What that means - is you can decide to try basketball out with my body, or just be a college kid. Or better yet, try out for the drama club!"

Tears, actual tears started leaking from Seth's eyes. He suddenly thrust forward, throwing his arms around Todd. He sobbed into his shoulder. "This is so evil, but you are my actual fucking hero."

Todd felt a little shift in his soul. He realized he could balance this evil act of stealing Nash's body and life, by finally giving Seth the opportunity to pursue one of his dreams.

With the decision made, the two brothers would spend a long time sitting there and planning just how to do it. As a sign of good faith, Todd even swapped their bodies right then and there. It was a strange feeling that night, falling asleep in his younger brothers body. But he knew it was all worth it for the end goal.

Two nights later, the last game of the season was up. They were up for the championship, and the two brothers had planned it perfectly. The perfect heist, as the two described it.

First, the two had to split up. Todd and Seth knew that Seth wouldn't be able to play the game nearly as well as Todd would, but they weren't worried about that. Todd manufactured a reason for "Todd" or his body anyway, to be benched. This was a bummer to their parents who sat in the audience, but they were still supportive. "Seth" was sitting up there with the two. In the excitement of the game, however, they would not pay much attention to Seth slipping away in the crowd and down into the locker room.

Todd had made sure to practice with Seth a lot to pull off maneuvering around in his form, with his limited eyesight. It paid off, when he was able to make it to the locker room right as the halftime break came. He sat with "Todd" which didn't look odd to the team at all, because they often enjoyed Seth's nerdy presence since he was so supportive of the team and over the years had sort of adopted Seth as their unofficial team manager.

As the time was running down, and the players were done freshening up and heading out, "Seth" stopped Nash and said he wanted to give him something, a good luck charm to clinch the win for Valley River. Of course, Valley River was already ahead 20 points, but Nash was too kind to Seth to say no.

Nash's kindness and naivety would prove to be his downfall. He was blindsided - literally - when the charm handed to him by "Seth" spread a strange cold feeling through his body. He would feel a similar sensation to Seth and Todd when they first swapped bodies two days before. A spinning feeling, with a cold sweat overtaking the body, before it settled and they came out of the trance in their new bodies.

Todd opened his eyes, and knew he had completed the plan when he saw with crystal clarity. He felt the sweaty uniform clinging to his - Nash's - skin. He felt the power of a body that reminded him of his own. Powerful from years of training and exercise. He beamed, and looked at "Todd" who was also grinning.

"Nash, it's time to go win a championship." Seth said, from out of Todd's mouth.

"I think you're right, Todd!" Todd said, enjoying the sound of Nash's voice, flicking his tongue over Nash's perfectly straight, white teeth. It was a component of his jealousy, that Nash was insufferably attractive. And now it was his.

"Wait!" Seth's scrawny, bespectacled body snapped. "What the fuck is happening? What is this?"

Seth's body was frantically feeling his chest, arms, and face. He hovered over the glasses, pulling them away and seeing just how blind he was now.

"Nash, or should I say 'Seth' we have a game to go win. Go find your parents and enjoy the rest of the game." Todd sneered, from his new body. Todd and Seth left to return to the court before Nash could say anything else.

The rest of the game went well. Todd seemed to adapt to Nash's body quickly. Score after score added up, and the lead only grew. Seth was enjoying watching the game from the bench. And he truly was enjoying the watching. He had never seen with such clarity his entire life. The past two days living as his older brother was an adjustment, but one he enjoyed every second of. And with his penchant for acting, he had pulled off the greatest role of all time. No one suspected that Todd was really his younger, dweeby brother.

In the end, the game was a lock. The boys cheered as the team and fans flooded the court again, to raise Nash up and celebrate their amazing, one-of-a-kind athlete. No one even noticed the nerdy looking boy feeling his way along the side of the gymnasium desperately trying to find his way back to his body.

Months later, Nash and Todd were moving in to college together. They had gotten to the point where they fully adopted the name of their body, and referred to each other in the same manner. Todd, the former Seth, had done a masterful job dealing with the new Seth.

For months, the deposed king athlete was desperate to prove he was body swapped and needed to be swapped back. Todd and Seth's parents were perplexed, but Todd had convinced them that this was a new role that Seth was exploring, for a play he was writing. Some idea about two brothers switching bodies.

In the end, new Seth gave up. He was still bitter and resentful, never recovering the zeal for life and athleticism he once had as Nash. He couldn't even stabilize into an approximation of Seth's former life. Instead he fell into a depression, and slacked off a lot in school. He'd eventually find a way to cope with being Seth, but everyone was worried about Seth for years to come.

Todd and Nash on the other hand completely bloomed. It seemed that Nash's body was a complete level-up for the original Todd. He was stoked to learn that he was as competent or more of a player, it was just that his former body wasn't as dextrous or agile. Whatever the case, he quickly grew to become an all-star, and MVP of the college team.

Todd, the former Seth, also found his dreams materializing. Early on, he decided not to pursue basketball, which shocked his parents a bit. However, when he joined the drama club and started acting, he was quickly a darling star of the stage. Years of perfecting diction, singing, and various accents when he couldn't properly act on stage was a hidden superpower of his. And Todd's physically adept body and good looks made him into the ultimate acting weapon. He aggressively practiced dance as well, to become an honest-to-goodness triple threat.

Somehow even more surprising was when Todd came out as gay. Nash was so supportive of it, and his parents as well. Seth notably threw a tantrum, but everyone else seemed to respond positively.

"So, this kinda fucking sucks." Ralphie said. At first sight you might think he was a beautiful Adonis of an athlete in his prime, a Junior in college. Tall, with golden-brown hued skin from countless days spent under the sun in practices and games. Hair like gold silk that falls into a perfect middle part and draws out the blue in the perfect eyes.

But, the forlorn looking college boy with the beautiful features was experiencing a distinct out-of-body situation. Not even metaphorically, because the other lad in the room just happened to possess his true body.

"I couldn't agree more." The nasally voice of a much different looking boy said. This college Sophomore was short, with pale skin mottled with acne and freckles. His hair, oily, was brown and raked into a neat side part. Brown, muddy colored irises peered out from behind smudged, round glasses. His lips were chapped and chewed, and the mouth curled into a grimace. This was Trevor, and he was also looking at the body he should rightfully occupy, across the room from him.

"Do we have any idea when she'll wake up?" Ralphie asked, slumping and looking pathetic, which was quite a feat in such an impressive body.

"Last I heard it could be two weeks... if she ever wakes at all." Trevor said, darkly.

The two were conversing about the source of their current predicament. Both could hardly stop the memory of the previous days events from replaying over and over in the back of their minds.

After waking from a strangely deep slumber, both young men had come to realize their worst nightmare - they had swapped bodies! After spending some time freaking out, as one might after waking in another person's body, they rushed to meet up and look for the one who had placed them in this bizarre, magical, and cliched situation.

Belinda, a strange girl on campus that often moved about as if gliding, but her body was always clad in dresses and skirts and shawls that hid her form from proper view. She was known to be eccentric and potentially a wiccan. But Ralphie and Trevor learned just how eccentric she could be when after a shouting match erupted between them. Ralphie was trying to tutor Trevor, but Trevor was distracted and wanted to keep swiping on hot chicks in his dating apps. Frustrated, they began yelling and attracted the attention of many library visitors, and before the hawkish librarian could shush them, Belinda had appeared looking mirthful and conniving.

What the two boys had not expected was the babbling she had spewed actually was a curse. A spell that over the night had swapped their bodies. It didn't take too long for the two to figure it out, and together had sought to chase her down.

And that's when the nightmare darkened ever more so. They spotted Belinda crossing a street, and yelled at her as they rushed to speak. Despite her strange powers, she was not prescient enough to see the speeding car take the corner hard and ram her. She was flipped up, rolled over the windshield and roof of the car, and deposited roughly on the asphalt. The car drove off even faster now, having potentially killed a student. The boys approached in terror, and saw blood oozing from her forehead.

Belinda now lies in a coma in the local hospital, where the doctors are desperately trying to stabilize and eventually revive her. This leads us back to our troubled protagonists.

"If she isn't able to undo this, I don't think I can do this..." Ralphie said, solemnly.

"What choice do we have?" Trevor said, briskly. "You can't just fall apart. Not even just because that's my life you'd be giving up on. But because we need to stay positive. Even if she takes a week or two to awaken, we might find some other way to reverse this."

"I appreciate the optimism, Trevor. However, I feel like our lives are so different that assimilating is going to be nigh on impossible." Ralphie said. Trevor had to admit it was a little humorous to see his body talking like that.

"So we help each other. We don't have to face this alone." Trevor said, bravery emerging from the clouding fear.

"Really?" Ralphie asked. He was still so distrusting. Years of resentment and ostracism made him wary of promises from a jock.

"Absolutely. Look, I have as much of a stake in this as you do. I'm not an ass, I know you have things you want to do and be. We have to work together, so that when we get swapped back we have lives worth returning to." Trevor said, confidently.

Ralphie started to smile. His new broad shoulders no longer slumped, and he sat up straight. "Ok then. So, tell me how to be a jock."

"Well, it's a lot more than just a pep-talk." Trevor snorted.

"How so? This can't be too hard, can it?" Ralphie asked, serious.

"Tell me, do you know the rules of football? Do you know the maneuvers I've practiced for years with the team here?" Trevor asked in turn.

"Ohhh..." Ralphie understood. "Ok, so you'll teach me to be a football player. I can manage the academic stuff. You'll probably get really good grades for a while, at the least."

"But there's more." Trevor said, a slightly grim tone coming through.

"What?" Ralphie looked uncomfortable again.

"Our families. Our friends. Our personal lives." Trevor stated. Each point jolting Ralphie a little bit.

"Fuuuuuck. I didn't even think about that." Ralphie admitted. He hung his head, eyes staring straight down at the messy floor of Trevors dorm room.

"We know it's going to be hard. But I still think we can do this. I didn't ask to be you, and you didn't ask to be me. But together we might just make this work." Trevor assured.

"You know, I have to say you actually aren't anything like I thought." Ralphie admitted.

"What do you mean?" Trevor asked.

"Well, it's kinda rude but I always thought you were a typical fuckboy jock guy." Ralphie said, shrugging uncomfortably.

"Well... partially true." Trevor grinned. He was pretty horny all the time.

"But you are taking this all in stride. I never knew someone could be so confident and optimistic." Ralphie explained.

"Don't count yourself out until it's over." Trevor said. "That's what my Dad always said before he passed."

Ralphie felt the blood drain from his face. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"It's all good, man. We have a lot to learn about each other. But we'll sort it out, get to know each other well, and maybe we can look at this all with a laugh when we switch back." Trevor smiled.

"Well, I should probably tell you something about myself first." Ralphie said, ominously.

"Oh, ok. What is it?" Trevor asked.

"I'm gay. I've hooked up with a few guys on campus already. Usually on the hush because they are DL or closeted." Ralphie admitted.

Trevor finally looked a bit shocked. "Uhh... so how do we navigate that?"

"I don't know. I think I'm still gay in this body, though." Ralphie said.

"Ummm... I was wondering something though." Trevor said, standing up from the bed. Unfortunately, he still wasn't used to his height difference, and tripped. He fell forward into Ralphie -his- strong arms, which stabilized him. Ralphie didn't release him, though.

"What were you wondering?" Ralphie asked, looking down into the face that he used to see in a mirror, but the mind of the jock was now peering out from.

"Err..." Trevor balked. He couldn't help himself. He leaned his face upward, and with eyes closed pressed his new chapped lips against his former bodies lips.

Ralphie's eyes widened in shock. But he didn't stop. Something strange was happening, like his body was racked with a glow that made him want to stay like this, lips locked with Trevor, forever. Finally, Trevor pulled back, looking up into Ralphie's eyes, looking like a puppy.

"I didn't know how to say it. But the entire time I was sitting there, I just wanted to feel your - my - lips." Trevor said, cheeks warming as they flushed.

"I never would have guessed, honestly. But somehow I find you irresistible like that, too." Ralphie replied. "Is this a side-effect of the spell?"

"I think so. But I don't really mind. I just want to feel you." Trevor admitted. Ralphie pulled his smaller, original body close. The two embraced.

"Do you think we'll still feel like this when we swap back?" Ralphie asked, as he held on to Trevor.

"I don't know. But I kinda hope so." Trevor said, softly.