Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

My name is Christopher Evans, but most of my friends just call me Topher.
Well, no one does - except my stupid brother - but if I had friends they would.

I gotten up like I'd usually do. It was just a normal Tuesday, or so I thought.
I put on my usual outfit: a baggy, grey hoody, my black jeans and my favorite pair of converse.

I looked in the mirror, where my deep ocean-colored orbs stared back at me. Beneath them big, dark eye bags. They were probably from me playing Red Dead Redemption 2 until late into the night.
Yeah, that is right, I am a gamer. I even started to create some of my own games. I know, I’m just quirky like that.

I put my bald head in a messy bun and fluffed my beard. I was almost ready to go. And no, I don’t wear make-up. I don’t think even make-up could turn ugly ol’ me pretty. Also, make-up is a big corporate scheme anyways.

Suddendly a voice calls from downstairs.

“Hey Topher, can you come down here for a sec!”

Ugh. My brother. I told him he isn’t allowed to call me that!
Also, what is he doing in my house? How did he even get in here. I safely hid the spare key under the doormat. I hope he didn’t damage any of my windows.
What a dick.

I looked into the mirror for one last look over and headed down the stairs to tell my brother to leave me alone.

When I arrived downstairs, my bald head even messier than before, my brother was standing next to a man I have never seen before.

“What is going on here?”

“I’m glad you’ve asked. You know how I lately had monetary problems? Well, I found an interesting reddit post and I sold you to Ryan here. Maybe you can actually make something out of yourself, instead of gaming all day.”

SOLD ME?! What? How could he? I knew he didn’t like me but that he would sell me to the first reddit ad he finds. I couldn’t believe my ears.
I still didn’t know who this dude was.
Could he at least sell me to a famous boy band, who are secretly vampires or something. Ryan looked nothing like a vampire. I bet his skin doesn’t even sparkle in the sun. Not that I want to get sold or anything. That would be weird.

“Why should I leave with this stranger. Not my problem that you made bad monetary decisions.”

“Oh, Topher”

That name again.

“You don’t really have a choice in the matter. I’m not going to explain the whys to you, because you won’t understand them anyways.”

I wanted to run back up to my room and lock my door. But this was final. I had absolutely no autonomy.
I looked at Ryan, who gave me a little smirk. Ugh, I can’t stand him already and now I have to live with him?

“Ugh. Fine”

I ran up the stairs to get my belongings. I never hated my brother more. Stupid Brendan. Stupid Ryan.

After I packed all my belongings – mainly my computer – I sat into the car that belonged to Ryan and we drove off.

Chapter Text

We drove for what felt like hours. The scenery around us changing from one suburb to another. All while not exchanging a single word.
Not that I had any interest in talking to Ryan anyways, but he was also the type of person who didn’t put on any music while driving.

The only source of sound was our breathing, the sound of his old, run down sports car and my thoughts, desperately thinking about something else than my future to come.

This was just another great addition to a great year. I know I wasn’t the best husband, but that’s no reason to just get a divorce. Is it?
I wondered if her being there would have changed the outcome of this situation. Something in me tells me it wouldn’t.

Ryan finally drove onto a driveway and there I see it, a gigantic mansion. I didn’t even know this neighborhood had them.
And well… it didn’t. because it was sadly just another suburban house. Which is still impressive to be honest.
The only reason I could afford mine was thanks to my ex-wife and the fact I got to at least keep it after the divorce.

Does Ryan live with someone else? A roommate, partner? I caught myself hoping he didn’t.
That would be so strange to explain, why a stranger is suddenly moving in. Or maybe they discussed it beforehand?

I was ripped out of the rabbit hole of thoughts I was about to fall into, when Ryan closed the door to the driver’s seat, with a force I only knew from when I was pissed at my ex.
I got out of the car and followed him to the house; I will have to call my own for the next- How long am I even staying here?

The inside was clean, but it wouldn’t hurt to open the windows for once.
Most of his interior looks quite generic, the kitchen space is kept to a minimum. All except for his office. I thought I had a great set up, but mine could be sold to children in comparison to his.
Reluctantly I had to admire Ryan. Great, the person, who bought you on a reddit post is into computers. Get some standards, Topher.

During the house tour I’ve realized that there is no guest room. Where would I sleep? He doesn’t expect me to share a room with him, does he? I stared at him for what was probably the first time since I got out of the car, since I tried to avoid his gaze as much as possible.

“Uhm… Where is my room?”

He looked at me as if I just told him the earth was flat. He pointed into the middle of the living room.

“On the couch of course. And if you’re a good boy, I might reconsider emptying out a space in the basement or closet.”

Good what?

I just nodded and put my stuff on the couch. I didn’t want to strain my welcome by asking if I could get a little set-up space in his computer room. That would be a conversation for another day.

The sun outside had already taken to be a dark red and Ryan left to do whatever the fuck he does. Luckily the couch was a pull-out one, so I had at least a little bit of space. I already have blood circulation issues and I didn’t want to add a bad back to it.

I wish I could talk about how badly I slept and how his one comment didn't leave my brain, but yeah, I passed out pretty quickly .

I didn’t dream that night.

Chapter Text

I woke up with the sun in my face. The couch had completely eaten me during the night, and I crawled out of bed with the grace of a cat seeing a cucumber.

I stared into the tiny mirror after dragging myself into the bathroom and I had to admit that I looked just as shitty as usual. My bald head was all over the place but that was nothing new. Why couldn’t I have looked awful. Maybe it would have given me a reason to get Ryan to release me or something.

Thinking about this again, my sleepy brain is definitely making no sense. Well, whatever. I spray my face with cold water and put my bald head up like I always do. Next stop; breakfast.

On my way to the kitchen, I quickly put on my hoodie. I don’t have the confidence to show up topless. Who would even want to see that?

The smell of coffee was coming from the kitchen and to my misfortune, Ryan was already there drinking it. He was wearing a white tank top that left almost nothing to imagination and I pondered going back to my couch, but I would have to face him at one point and my stomach was urging me to feed it.

“Oh, you’re awake. Did you slee-“

Ryan’s eyes looked at me and traced down my hoodie to my- Fuck!
There I was standing in my definitely not large enough hoodie and boxers, that were suddenly not covering enough.

The room was silent for just a second, which felt like it would never end. Ryan just raised one eyebrow and I could swear there was a tiny smirk, while I was turning into a tomato.

Gosh, I’m so stupid!

“Seems like someone feels at home.
Whatever. Are you gonna sit down or?”

This is my end. I want to disappear. Someone just shoot me.

I joined Ryan at the table that was barely meant for two. I grabbed the mug that he must have put there for me and filled it to the brim. Only caffeine can save me and I need to wake up from this nightmare as soon as possible.

“Your brother mentioned your good with computer.”

Not expecting him to start a conversation, I burn my tongue and try not to spill coffee all over me. Why am I always so clumsy?

“Yeah… yeah, I guess you could say that.”

Good with computers. I’m fucking great with them. Brendan has no clue. I’m already mad again. What a great start into my new kidnapped lifestyle.

“Good. From now on you're working for me.”

Huh? The fuck you mean? How about asking nicely first? Who does he think he is? This fucking doucheba-

“Oh, I guess I could… do that. What kind of work do you do?”

“You could say... I run a 'gaming company'.”

The smirk again. Ryan is definitely trying too hard to be dark and mysterious. It only makes you look stupid. At least I wish it did.

“Okay… and I would like… program your games?

Pause.

“You could say that.”

Pause.

Suddenly Ryan stood up and if I hadn’t given up on drinking my coffee, I would have definitely spilled it all over me this time.
He clapped his hands together.

“Lets see if your brother was exaggerating or not. Follow me!

The last sentence rushed through my body like electricity, and I move without thinking. Guess my coffee will have to wait.

Chapter Text

My mother pulled back the curtains of the basement window letting the bright sun pool in. I hid my eyes behind my arm and desperately tried to pause my game before I would lose all my progress.

“Get up!”

She looked pissed. Lately she always was.

“And open the windows, it smells like something died in here.”

I just sat there, quiet and she took it upon herself to open it.

“You are just sitting around all day doing nothing. I thought letting you take a year off from school might encourage you to figure out your future. But you haven’t even been able to get a part-time job. Did you even try?”

I wanted to protest. I did try. And then I gave up. Nothing seemed to work out.
I tried to convey this to her, but she just interrupted me.

“I don’t even want to hear your excuses.”

“Those aren-“

“Toph, I’m just… worried. You understand. I'm thinking about your future”

She looked at me with such pity and it made me feel worthless.

“Why can’t you just be like your brothers?”

PENG! It felt like I was shot.
I knew it would go in this direction, but it never ceases to hurt. As if I didn’t compare myself with them enough. They had plans… ideas… and I… I was lost.

“You don’t have to get a degree in marketing. You don’t even have to go to college. Just do SOMETHING! You have to find a way to survive on your own.”

That is easier said then done. There is nothing that seemed to catch my interest, except-

“And don’t even think about your ‘art’, you know exactly you won’t be able to live on that.”

I felt my eyes burn but I couldn’t give her the satisfaction of getting through to me. Why wouldn’t she understand?"

She took a deep breath.

“I talked to your uncle, and he said you could help in his workshop. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

She looked at me expectantly.
Quiet.

I looked at the screen, avoiding her eyes at all costs.

“TALK TO ME GODAMMIT! CAN’T YOU SEE THAT I’M DOING MY BEST?”

My eyes were still burning, and I tried to hold the tears back... but the dam was already broken.

“I’M TRYING, OK MOM! I’m trying...”

Tears were now rolling down my face.

“I’m sorry that I’m such a disappointment, ok.”

I didn’t dare look at her.

“I’m sorry that I am not Donny or Brendan. I’m sorry that I have no idea what I should do with my life. I’m sorry that I’m only good at creating art. I’m sorry that you have to raise a son like me. I’m sorry…”

My throat felt dry and my eyes were red. I was breathing heavy.
After a minute or so I finally dared to look at my mom and she was just…
standing there looking at an old bookshelf. She turned around and…
She smiled.

“Do give your uncle a call ok Toph? And maybe take a shower every once in a while.”

I felt like crying again. Did she not listen to a single thing I just said? Did she just not care? I could never be enough for her.
I wiped the remaining tears off my face and put on the best smile I could in that moment.

“Ok”

I called my uncle the same day.