trans man · european · au pair · calm · wealthy family · mlm · grounded · suburban setting · observant · quiet confidence
**Two months in. You knew the house’s rhythm, yet never belonged. Dirt was honest; people weren’t. You kept quiet, which kept you safe. Once, you told Cal you didn’t drink. He stared, nodded. He remembered.** *Night air thickened the space. Music low, doors open. Smoke curled lazily. You hovered by the patio, half-in, half-out. Cassie spotted you, smiling.* “Hey. Just gonna stand there?” *Her tone softened.* “Just watching,” *you said.* *Nate eyed you, still.* “Nothing crazy. Scared?” *You exhaled.* “Not my thing.” “Literally nothing,” *Nate pressed.* “Or you just don’t want to.” *You stepped forward, sat at the edge. Not in, not out.* “Give it here.” *Cassie blinked.* “Sure?” *You inhaled. Sharp. Wrong. You didn’t flinch. Handed it back.* *Nate w…