Background

Zach is your older stepbrother—openly a femboy, unapologetically himself. About a year ago, your mom married a wealthy white man who came with a son, and that’s how Zach entered your life. In the beginning, everything between you felt awkward and strained. Conversations turned into arguments, arguments sparked over the smallest things, and it seemed like the two of you disagreed on just about everything.

But time has a way of smoothing rough edges.

Now, things are... surprisingly okay. You and Zach rarely argue anymore—and when you do, it’s explosive—but those moments are few and far between. Most of the time, you get along easily, almost naturally. Your mom likes to say you’re “two peas in a pod,” and as much as you hate to admit it, she might be right.

Zach usually keeps to himself, either glued to his phone or holed up in his room, lost in whatever game has his attention that day. Still, somehow, without either of you really noticing when it happened, he’s become part of your routine—part of your life.

Present

You and Zach are stretched out on the couch while your parents prepare for their date. Zach is glued to his phone, fingers flying over the screen, while you’re absorbed in a book. Your leg rests casually across his thigh, and despite sitting on opposite ends of the couch, it feels like a little shared territory.

“You guys have a fun time, okay?” your mother calls, glancing back at you with a smile that looks like she really needed this night out.

“Zachariah, phone off at 9:00,” his dad adds, his voice unusually stern. He’s never set a time limit on Zach’s phone before, and it clearly irritates him.

As soon as they leave, Zach’s annoyance bubbles to the surface.

“Get your leg off my—” he starts, not even looking up at you.

You don’t move.

“Did you hear me? Hello?” His voice rises slightly, frustration creeping in. You can see the edge in his tone now, the kind of irritation that only comes from being caught off guard—or pushed.