Chapter Text
“You need a boyfriend.”
Matt glared at Nick and frowned. They were in a meeting with their manager, Laura, and it was not going well. Matt had recently come out online as bisexual, something he didn’t think would cause such an uproar—especially given that his twin brother, Nick, had come out as gay four years prior. No one seemed to have an issue with Nick being gay, but the second Matt told the world he was bisexual, all hell broke loose.
No one wanted to believe he was bisexual, and people kept insisting he was straight. He figured it was probably because many of his fans were girls who thought they had a chance of dating him. Not that he was opposed to dating a fan, but it’s not like he could date the millions of girls that followed him. Besides, he might have feelings for a boy and date him instead. But apparently, no one seemed to respect that.
He and Nick were famous actors who had grown into their fame together. Initially, they were cast in movies and TV shows together when something called for twins. But as their fame grew, they started acting in separate movies. Not that they minded. It was nice to keep doing the work they loved, even if they weren’t always in the same films.
Nick had discovered a passion for starring in small indie films. He loved the intimacy of the smaller sets and the close relationships he formed with cast and crew members. Matt, on the other hand, was a big deal in Hollywood. Some critics even called him the next Leo DiCaprio or Timothée Chalamet. He wasn’t sure about all that, but he did enjoy the big movie sets and everything that came with working in Hollywood.
Nick didn’t care that Matt was more popular; in fact, he enjoyed it. He loved his own work and was proud of Matt for making it big. When they first started acting, that had been both of their dreams. But once Nick stepped onto an indie film set, he knew it was where he belonged.
Even so, Nick still got to enjoy the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Matt often brought him to award shows and talk shows. While Nick didn’t participate in the interviews, he was always backstage, watching from the green room. Matt struggled with anxiety and often felt overwhelmed during interviews and press junkets, so having Nick there to keep him grounded was crucial.
It was a given by now—wherever Matt was, Nick wasn’t far behind. This close relationship even helped boost the indie films Nick starred in, as many of Matt’s fans flocked to Nick as well. Together, they were known as the Darling Twins of Hollywood: clean-cut, drama-free, and picture-perfect in every aspect of their lives. But Matt’s coming out had thrown a wrench into that image.
When the backlash began after Matt’s announcement, both he and Nick were quickly herded into a meeting with Laura to figure out how to handle it. It wasn’t going well. Matt just wanted to ignore it and keep doing what he loved, but the others in the room didn’t agree—hence Nick’s bright suggestion that Matt get a boyfriend.
“I don’t want a boyfriend,” Matt said flatly, still glaring at Nick.
Nick sighed, running his fingers through his messy hair. “Matt, everyone is saying you came out as some kind of stunt to gain more followers. The logical thing would be to get a boyfriend,” Nick said moodily.
Matt glared harder. “I don’t give a fuck. They can think what they want. If the time is right and I find a boy I like, then they’ll see I wasn’t lying, and they can leave me alone,” Matt argued.
The twins bickered for several minutes before Laura finally had enough.
“All right, both of you, shut up,” she snapped, rolling her eyes as they gave each other one final punch. “Matt, I think Nick is right. We could find a boy for you to date for a few months, just until everything has cooled down. Then you can have a mutual breakup and move on,” she said calmly.
Matt turned his glare to her. “What part of ‘I don’t want a boyfriend’ do you two not understand?” he snapped.
Laura gave him a piercing look. “Matt, the entire world thinks you’re lying about being bisexual to gain support from the LGBTQ community and to land more acting roles.”
Matt threw his hands up. “Well, let them think that then! It’s not true, and I don’t care if they don’t believe me. Besides, gain support from the LGBTQ community? I go to Pride with Nick every year and frequently advocate for LGBTQ rights. How dumb are these people?” he grumbled.
Nick rolled his eyes. “Matt, this is serious. People are trying to cancel you. You could get blacklisted and not land any more acting jobs,” he said seriously.
Matt glared even harder. “Let them cancel me, then. I’ll just say they’re being homophobic,” he said sassily.
Nick smacked him across the chest. “Matt, think it through. None of them even believe you’re bisexual. Calling them homophobic would just add fuel to the fire,” he snapped sternly.
Matt huffed, jumped up from the table, and smacked Nick on the head as he passed.
“I have thought this through. It’s you two who haven’t. How is it going to look if I come out as bisexual and two days later I’m suddenly dating some guy no one has ever seen before? If people didn’t believe me before, they definitely won’t after that PR stunt!” he yelled, pacing the room angrily.
“You’re a fucking idiot. We wouldn’t just throw you into a relationship like that. We’d take it slow—make it believable,” Nick replied with a glare.
Matt swung to punch him again, but Nick quickly dodged.
“I’m so glad you two have mapped out my entire dating life,” Matt whined flatly, “but sadly, I will not be partaking in your schemes.”
Laura sighed heavily. “Matt, this really is the best option. Ignoring it will only make things worse,” she said truthfully.
Meanwhile, Matt continued glaring. “I don’t want to date anyone right now.”
Nick rolled his eyes. “Who said you actually have to date them? This would be a fake relationship, beneficial for both parties,” he said humorlessly.
Matt glared again. “Nick, I act for work. I don’t want to act like I’m in a relationship off-camera too.”
Nick smirked. “Then date them for real. I don’t care. The point is, you’re getting a boyfriend, and that’s that.”
“I fucking hate you,” Matt seethed.
Nick shrugged indifferently.
Laura sighed and rolled her eyes before pulling out a folder with three files. “I’ve already got some boys here who are willing to be your partner throughout the course of this stunt,” she said, sliding the papers across the table.
Matt barked out a humorless laugh. “This is ridiculous. How do you think people are going to react when they know it’s a stunt? If they’re trying to cancel me now, my career will be over when they find out,” he said, making a point of not looking at the papers on the table.
Nick, skimming through the files, rolled his eyes. “Make it believable, and no one will find out,” he said, smirking. “You’re a good actor, Matt. A few fake dates here and there—you can manage that.”
Matt smacked him on the head.
“Ooh, I know him! Didn’t think he’d be into this type of thing, though. Isn’t he straight?” Nick asked excitedly as he skimmed over one of the files.
Laura leaned over to look at the file and hummed. “He doesn’t like labels, apparently. He’s got an album coming out in a few months, and his record company suggested the idea to him. The publicity this would generate would be huge for both of you. They think it will boost his album sales,” she informed them, scrolling on her phone, likely checking emails.
Nick smirked and nodded. “He’s cute for Matt. I think we should go with him,” he said smugly, noticing that Matt was still making a point of not looking at the files.
Laura put her phone down and nodded. “Yeah, I agree. He was my first pick, too. He’s performing at the BAFTAs next week, and from what I know, he’s presenting an award Matt’s nominated for. If Matt wins, this would be the perfect little meet-cute. Even if he doesn’t win, they’ll both be in the same venue. We can get Matt into a photo or two with him—that’ll be enough to get the ball rolling. After that, we plan a few dates here and there, and the rest is child’s play,” she strategized.
Matt gaped at them while Nick smirked and nodded along. “Oh, we’re definitely going with him, then. The BAFTAs are in London too—they should totally go out for lunch or dinner before flying back to LA. A cute little date in London sounds like a Taylor Swift song,” he said smugly, ignoring Matt’s obvious anger.
Laura, also ignoring Matt, nodded. “I like that idea. You’re both in London for a few extra days after the show. We can plan a date two days later and make sure the paparazzi are there. I have contacts in London who can handle it—we’ll just need to give them a heads-up,” she said, her manager instincts in full swing.
Matt glared at both of them and huffed. “Do I even get a say in this?” he asked angrily.
Nick grinned maniacally. “Of course you do. What restaurant do you want to go to?” he asked cockily.
Matt smacked him upside the head. “I hate you both. Laura, you’re fired.”
Laura just smirked. “Okay. Don’t forget your nail artist is coming by your house on Wednesday at 4. Please don’t ruin your nails before the show—I don’t have a manicurist in London on standby,” she said seriously, as though he hadn’t just told her she was fired.
She was used to their tantrums by now. She’d been their manager since they were twelve, and at twenty-one, being “fired” was a weekly occurrence.
“Thank you,” Matt mumbled quietly, looking down at his chipped nail polish, which was in desperate need of fixing.
She smirked and nodded. “You’re welcome. Your flight is at 9 a.m. on Thursday. Robbie will drive you to the airport, and Carl will escort you through.”
Matt sighed and nodded.
“And please don’t dress homeless like you normally do. The media will be all over you, and the last thing I need is for you to make the front page looking scruffy,” Laura continued.
Matt shot her an annoyed look, but she interrupted before he could speak. “Dark jeans and a hoodie. Proper shoes, please—no slippers this time. You can wear a hat and sunglasses if you want,” she said, sounding like an overbearing mother. Matt supposed she kind of was, considering everything.
“It’s a ten-hour flight, and you want me to wear jeans?” he whined unhappily.
Nick smirked. “Ten and a half, actually,” he said, dodging when Matt swung at him.
Laura shot Matt a hard look. “I want you to look presentable. You’re the hot topic right now, Matthew, whether you like it or not. I will not let you walk around looking like a slob when everyone is watching.”
Matt rolled his eyes but nodded. “Fine. But you’re buying my coffee at the airport,” he said sassily.
Laura smirked. “Fine. I manage your bank account, movie star. My money is just your money.”
Matt flipped her off. “I mean it—you’re fired,” he snapped.
Laura laughed him off. “Sure I am. I’ll see you on Thursday. Oh, and Matt—look over his file, will you? I might be able to orchestrate all of this, but your acting skills are what will sell it,” she said, handing the file over smugly.
He glared at her but snatched the file out of her hand. “I still hate you both,” he muttered unhappily.
Nick smirked as he stood up. “Of course you do. We’re horrible for wanting to protect your career,” he quipped cockily, following Matt out of the room and yelling a quick goodbye to Laura before Matt dragged him into the elevator.
Matt angrily crossed his arms and huffed as the elevator slowly descended to the parking garage.
“This is such fucking bullshit,” he snapped.
Nick smirked. “C’mon, Matt, it won’t be that bad. It’s just for a few months to get people off your back.”
Matt looked at him with an annoyed and slightly upset expression. “I don’t understand why me being bisexual is such an issue. No one called you a liar when you came out as gay,” he said sadly.
Nick looked at him sympathetically. “I know—it’s fucked up. I’m sorry your coming out wasn’t as easy as mine. That’s not fair. But ‘date’ this guy for a few months, and it’ll all blow over. Then you can date whoever you want,” he said, reaching over to rub Matt’s shoulder comfortingly.
Matt rolled his eyes and huffed. “He better not be ugly,” he scoffed unhappily.
“You could have looked through the files yourself if you were that concerned,” Nick smirked.
Matt punched him in the chest as he sauntered out of the elevator and over to his car, angrily slamming the door and starting the engine.
Nick laughed maniacally and sprinted over to get in before Matt drove off without him. It wouldn’t be the first time. He climbed into the passenger seat just in time, looking over at Matt as he angrily threw his visor down and jammed his sunglasses onto his face before pulling out into the bright LA sun.
“Just think of it as a new role,” Nick encouraged gently. “Your job is to make the public believe that you and this guy are interested in each other, and that blossoms into a sweet relationship. The paparazzi are your film camera, and the public is your set. Have some fun with it.”
Sighing, Matt looked over at Nick briefly and rolled his eyes. “Fine. But this is the least interesting role I’ve ever been given. And that includes when we were extras with no lines.”
Nick smirked. “Oh, of course. This role isn’t good enough for Mr. Movie Star over here.”
Matt glared at him. “I will crash this car in a minute,” he snapped.
Nick burst into giggles, leaning back in his seat as Matt muttered curses under his breath, gripping the steering wheel tightly.
“Yo, Chris! Step out for a minute, I need to talk to you,” Chris’s manager, Harry, called out to him from behind the glass in the recording studio. Chris looked over to his producer, Mitch, with a quizzical expression, but Mitch just shrugged. Sighing, Chris took off his guitar and stepped out of the studio.
“Harry, what’s up?” he asked kindly, giving him a quick dap before walking over to the small couch behind the sound booth and grabbing a water bottle from the table.
“I just got a call from Laura Flipowicz,” Harry said excitedly, holding his phone up as if to emphasize his point. Chris scrunched up his face slightly and gave Harry a confused look.
“Who?” he asked bluntly.
Harry rolled his eyes but grinned widely. “Matthew Sturniolo’s manager. It’s on,” he said happily, though Chris still looked confused. Harry rolled his eyes again. “The fake dating? It’s on. You’ve got a date in London next week after the BAFTAs,” he informed him gleefully.
“Fake dating? Fuck, how high was I when I agreed to that?” Chris asked awkwardly. Harry threw a bagel at him—one Mitch had been munching on.
“You were stone-cold sober, and you know it,” Harry replied with a glare.
Chris sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “An actor? A Hollywood actor at that? I don’t know, man. I’m not sure I’m comfortable fake dating someone,” he said uncomfortably, beginning to eat the bagel that had been thrown at him.
Harry glared harder. “Chris, c’mon. This would be so good for the album. Matt’s a huge star, and he just came out as bisexual. The internet is eating him alive because they think he’s lying about it. This is the perfect opportunity for you to gain new fans,” he said seriously.
Chris frowned. “They think he’s lying about it?” he asked incredulously.
Harry raised his eyebrows and nodded. “Yeah. People think that because his twin is gay, there’s no way he can be bisexual. They also think he’s just doing it to gain more popularity within the LGBTQ community,” he explained honestly
Chris frowned harder. “That’s fucked up,” he said seriously, looking completely displeased.
Harry nodded again. “I know it is, poor kid. But think about it. Matt needs to prove he’s bisexual, and you need more traction on your music. This is a win-win situation for both of you,” he said excitedly.
Chris glared at him. “He doesn’t need to prove his sexuality to anyone. If the kid says he’s bisexual, that should be enough. Fuck what the media says about it,” he said, unimpressed.
Harry rolled his eyes and sighed. “Chris, I’m on your side. I’m just telling you that the opportunity has presented itself, and you’d be an idiot not to take it. Matt’s one of the biggest stars in Hollywood right now. If you’re seen even interacting with him, it’ll up your status majorly. Now, if you’re dating him, your sales will go through the roof,” he said seriously.
Chris scoffed and rolled his eyes. “He can’t be that good,” he said, agitated.
Sighing deeply again, Harry reached over and rubbed his face tiredly. “Chris, he’s an A-list celebrity. Directors love him. He doesn’t even have to audition for movie roles anymore—they just offer them to him,” he said with a glare.
Chris frowned. “So he doesn’t even work for what he’s got? Sounds like an asshole,” he replied unhappily.
Harry glared harder. “Have you ever seen one of his movies?” he asked, almost desperately.
Chris grimaced and shook his head. “No, I don’t like that Hollywood shit. I saw a movie his brother was in, though. What’s his name? Nate?” he asked, sounding unbothered.
Harry seethed, speaking through his teeth. “Nick,” he said angrily.
Chris nodded in recognition. “Yeah, Nick. He was alright. I liked him,” he said with a cocky smirk, while Harry mimed strangling him.
“I’m gonna kill you,” Harry seethed.
“My girlfriend and I watched one of Matt’s movies the other night. It was actually pretty good. I get why Hollywood likes him so much,” Mitch jumped in happily.
Chris looked at him like he’d been betrayed. “Shut the fuck up, Mitch. I don’t wanna date Mr. Hollywood,” Chris snapped, annoyed.
Harry glared at him again. “It’s fake dating, and I don’t really care. You have a date with him on Sunday in Soho, London,” he said pointedly.
Chris gaped. “Do I even get a say in this?” he asked, agitated.
Harry quickly shook his head. “No. You need this, and I’m not going to let you make a stupid decision and decline this offer,” he said sternly.
Chris rolled his eyes and huffed. “Can you stop making it out like I’m a failing artist, desperate for Mr. Hollywood to save my career? I don’t need him,” he said with a glare.
Harry matched his glare and continued, “Chris, no one is denying that you’re doing great things with your music. You frequently top the charts, and you have a large, devoted fanbase. But you can always aim bigger. Matt can help you grow into the star you’re meant to be. So, you’re going to go on this date, you’re going to be the perfect gentleman, and you’re going to have a fucking good time. The internet might be against him right now, but if you do anything that looks like it upsets him, you’re done. No one will want anything to do with you if you offend Matthew Sturniolo,” he informed him sternly, fixing him with a hard look.
Chris threw his hands out in front of him in frustration. “So not only do I have to fake date this asshole, but I also have to suck up to him to keep myself from being canceled? Why the fuck would I agree to that?” he practically yelled.
Harry ignored him. “That reminds me, you’re actually presenting an award he’s nominated for. If he wins, you need to make yourself look interested in him. It’s the perfect opportunity for a meet-cute. Don’t worry, though—if he doesn’t win, you’re still both at the same venue. Laura has organized for you two to get a photo together at some point to start the rumors that you’re in the same circle,” he informed him in his manager tone, which Chris hated.
“This is complete and utter bullshit. I do not want to be seen associating with Mr. Hollywood. It’s not even on brand for me. Everyone is going to know this is staged,” Chris snapped unhappily.
Mitch and Harry made eye contact before both rolled their eyes. “That’s why you have to sell it. Just think about it as if you’re acting in one of your lusty music videos. As for it not being ‘on brand’ for you, that’s why first impressions count. If he wins that award, you need to look smitten with him—like he’s a breath of fresh air in your weed-cloud life. They say opposites attract, so make it look real, and no one will think twice about it,” Harry told him sternly.
Chris glared and shook his head. “No one is going to believe this,” he said flatly.
Harry rolled his eyes again and sighed. “Look, his brother—the one you like—is going to be there too. I’ll arrange with Laura to have Nick be the one to get the three of you together for a meeting. That’ll look natural. Your fans know you’re into that indie shit, and Nick is, like, the leading man in indie films. You being a fan of him is believable because you are a fan of him. You meet him, he introduces you to his brother—bingo, bango, bongo—you’re smitten with his brother, and you take him out for a date in Soho. How romantic,” Harry explained, giving him the play-by-play sternly.
Chris thought it over for a moment before eventually rolling his eyes and nodding. “Fine. I’ll do your stupid fake dating idea. Only because I’m actually excited to meet Nick. He seems cool. Sure it’s not him that needs a boyfriend?” he asked Harry with a smirk, which grew even wider when Harry visibly shook with anger.
“Don’t you fucking dare. I will seriously kill you,” Harry seethed.
Chris chuckled and shook his head. “Relax. He’s not my type,” he said truthfully.
Harry breathed heavily through his nose. “Exactly right. Because for the next few months, your type is his brother. I swear to god, Chris, you better swoon him like you’ve never swooned anyone in your entire life. I want to believe the love between you is real, and I know it’s fake. Don’t let me down—this is huge for you,” he said seriously.
Chris threw his head back and sighed. “Fine. But if he’s an asshole, I’m not doing this,” he said through gritted teeth.
“He’s meant to be really sweet, to be honest. My girlfriend is obsessed with him. She’s always watching the interviews he does. He’s my biggest competition,” Mitch jumped in with a smirk, cackling when Chris threw his water bottle at him.
Harry’s eyebrows raised. “Hey, that’s a good idea. Go home and watch some of his interviews. Get a feel for him. Maybe watch a movie of his too. That way, you can actually talk to him about something,” Harry practically ordered.
Chris frowned. “I’m literally in the middle of a session,” he said moodily.
Harry shook his head. “No, you’re not. Go home and do some research. He’s been given your file—the least you can do is repay the favor,” he said sternly.
Chris huffed but stood up angrily and started packing his things away. Harry watched him with a small smirk. “Your flight is at 3 p.m. on Thursday. You don’t need to dress up too much, but please make yourself look presentable. If this goes well, people will be scouring the internet for every picture of you they can find, and you and I both know there are enough unflattering images of you circulating already. Just dress smart-casual, and it’ll be fine. Steve is going to drive you to the airport, and I’ll meet you inside,” he informed him.
Chris glared at him again. “I haven’t even met this asshole, and you’re making me dress up. This is such bullshit,” he snapped.
Harry wasn’t fazed. “Stop calling him an asshole—you don’t know anything about him. Also, I’ve been telling you for years to look presentable when you go out in public. You never know where the paparazzi are hiding,” he said sternly.
Chris raised his eyebrows. “No, but you do. Your knowledge of the hot paparazzi hangouts will finally come in useful. I can’t wait,” he said sarcastically before storming off.
Mitch and Harry shared a look. “You think this is going to work?” Mitch asked nervously.
Harry shrugged and sighed. “I hope it does. Him dating Matt Sturniolo would gain so much traction,” he said hopefully.
Mitch nodded. “Yeah, it would. The kid’s one of the biggest names in Hollywood today,” he said plainly.
Harry hummed in agreement. “Exactly. Sorry to cut your session short today, but this is too important for him to fuck up,” he apologized sincerely.
Mitch shrugged and shook his head. “Nah, don’t worry about it. If Chris pulls this off, it’ll be worth a sesh being cut short,” he said calmly.
Harry hummed again, quickly dabbing him up before leaving.
In the car, Chris was livid. He had no interest in dating “Mr. Hollywood.” Sure, he could see the benefits of the situation, but that didn’t mean he wanted to do it. Matt wasn’t exactly what Chris had in mind when he agreed to the whole fake dating thing. He had assumed it would be some small musician or model trying to build themselves up—not an A-list celebrity who needed to defend his sexuality to haters on the internet.
Sighing, he began the drive home, stewing the entire ride. The thought of having to do research when he got there was enough to make him want to veer into oncoming traffic. All he wanted was to roll a joint and have a laid-back night at home before getting ready to leave for London. Now those plans were scrapped, and he had some serious work to do—work he didn’t even want to think about.