Note: This takes place a few months after Born to Live a Legacy in early March.

TWs: Tension, homophobia (maybe slight transphobia), arguing, insults, implied past manipulation/gaslighting, spying/eavesdropping, alcoholism, suggestive innuendo, and threatening with guns. Stay safe :)

Matt sighed as he got his mail from his box in the hall. He had a few notices, a fashion monthly magazine, and a letter from his father.

He hummed, wondering why Arthur didn't call him instead. Shrugging, he closed his mailbox, making sure to lock it.

"Bonjour, Matt!" The landlady spoke from the counter.

"Oh, bonjour, Eos!" Matt perked up as he walked by, "How's Kali?"

"They're great! Babysitting as usual, y'know."

"Ah, gotcha, gotcha." The ginger nodded, "Tell them I said hi!"

"Will do!" The light brunette beamed. Matt took the lift up to his floor, humming a tune under his breath that's been on repeat in his head all week.

"...Oh, "Dear Diary," I met a boy." Matt placed the mail on his table as he got his mail opener.

"He made my doll heart light up with joy..." He trailed off as he focused on the task of cutting the envelope open, nearly clipping himself as he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. The ginger put the envelope and mail opener down on the table, getting his phone out.

'Oh, breakfast is ready.' Matt peered down at the letter still in the envelope. He scooped it up and pocketed it, opting to read it after breakfast, 'It can wait.'

Taking the short walk to Edd's flat, he let himself inside, having a spare key to the door, "Hey, Edd!"

"Your breakfast is already on the table, Matt." Edd droned, knowing Matt was going to be the first one to arrive.

"Thank you kindly."

As Edd placed his and Tord's plate on the table, the apartment door opened, and the Norsk walked inside.

"A lot of bacon, just how you like it." The taller spoke.

"You know me so well..." Tord placed a kiss on his cheek.

"I would hope so." Edd rolled his eyes before kissing his lips, "We are dating."

"Get a room," Matt spoke, cutting delicately through his omelet.

"Like you and Jehovah aren't attached 24/7." Tord practically huffed.

Matt took a minuscule bite of his food, lightly glaring at the other. He perked up upon sensing Tom lingering outside the flat.

There was a muffled groan as the bassist opened the door to the flat and slammed it as gently as possible, muttering to himself as he walked to the table. No one said anything as Edd placed the plate of food before him, Tom grumbling out a thanks.

"What bit you in the ass, Jehovah?" Tord asked, earning a light pull on his hair from Edd.

"None of your business, commie," Tom growled, his nails cutting into the table like a knife.

Matt reached forward, placing his hand on the other's, and gave him a small smile, "Tommy...?"

Tom glanced down at their hand placements, the corner of his mouth twitching as he averted his gaze to the table, "It's nothing, honestly... just my stupid aunt and uncle."

Edd made a noise as he grimaced before sitting at the table, "Let me guess; they wanted to contact you again?"

"Yep." Tom frowned, his hand starting to fidget with Matt's, spreading them apart and inspecting the other's nail polish. Matt allowed him to do so, gazing at him softly.

"I don't get why they still try." Edd placed a piece of bacon in his mouth, "I mean, after everything they did."

Matt pulled his plate away, trying to shield his food from the bacon crumbs.

"Right." Tom bit a piece of his toast.

"Mrow...!" A grey tabby padded across the kitchen floor, going underneath the table until she was peering up at Tom with beady eyes. The bassist leaned down, his hand reaching out to pet her.

"Don't give her bacon," Edd warned.

"I would never." Tom spoke, "Unlike Tord."

"Ugh, that was one time!" Tord glared.

"One time too many." The oldest frowned.

Matt shifted in his seat, taking out his phone from his hoodie pockets, not realizing the letter from his father had slipped out.

Tom blinked as the letter landed on Ringo, spooking her and prompting her to skitter away. He hummed, grabbing it, "You dropped something, Matt."

"Huh? Oh." Matt took the paper as he pushed his plate away, "It's just mail from my dad."

"He didn't send a voice memo?" Edd asked, "Or call you?"

"Uh, nope." Matt opened the envelope, taking the piece of paper out, "But I doubt it's important."

The ginger cleared his throat, starting to read the words.

"You are cordially invited to the Hathaway Faaaa... what!?" Matt's eyes went wide as he stood up, nearly knocking the chair over, "No, no, no- this can't be true!"

"Matt!?" Tom was at his side in an instant, grabbing hold of his boyfriend's arm as the shorter tried to see what was on the paper.

"What is it!?" Tord yelled, coming to his friend's side.

"What's wrong?" Edd questioned, standing to peer over the ginger's shoulder at the paper.

Matt gulped as he spoke, his voice wavering, "You are cordially invited to the Hathaway Family Reunion. Only family and trusted individuals may come... we welcome you to join us tomorrow at noon at the Hathaway Estate. Thank you."

The room was quiet as everyone took in the words.

"The last family reunion we had was when I was ten." Matt uttered to himself as he re-read the writing, "Why now of all times?"

As Matt wandered to the other room, deep in thought, the other three looked at each other, all thinking the same thing. Tom stepped into the living room, finding Matt near the front door.

"Leaving so soon? We didn't even finish breakfast." Tom spoke, walking up to him.

"Ah, sorry- I just have lots to think about." Matt turned to face him, folding the letter and placing it in his pocket.

"Surprising."

Matt pouted and crossed his arms, "Tom."

"Okay, okay." Tom raised his hands in surrender, "Say, does it say only blood relatives can go?"

"It doesn't say anything about blood." Matt's eyes glinted red at the word.

"So, hypothetically, you could take someone completely unrelated to you as long as you consider them family?"

Matt's brain processed the information, trying to take in what Tom said. He averted his gaze as he made a face.

Tom took his hands, holding them softly as he rubbed circles on them.

Matt flushed, his eyes finding solace in the other's voids, "I mean, yeah- I think so. Why do you ask?"

Tom stared blankly at his boyfriend, peering at the other two who hid behind the corner staring at them.

It took more than a minute for Matt to process what Tom was silently asking, his body going rigid, "Oh! Really...?"

"Of course, idiot." Tom smiled, squeezing his hands as he gazed at him.

Matt laughed weakly, "You guys want to join me? It won't be like our... other adventures."

"We've had worse," Edd spoke, finally entering the room.

"And more traumatic." Tord popped up next to them, prompting Matt to yelp as he pounced on Tom, the two falling to the ground in a pile of limbs. Tord chuckled, Edd elbowing him in the side, causing him to choke.

"Anyway, Matt, does it say what kind of clothes we have to wear?"

"Ugh, no- but I would assume formal... the Hathaways are known to look their best at all times." Matt rolled his eyes, crossing his legs from where he sat on the floor, "Even me."

He said it in such a way that it sounded almost forlorn, his eyes averting to where his hands sat in his lap, fidgeting. Tom frowned, placing his head on the other's shoulder while Matt placed his chin on top of Tom's.

It had been a long while since there was a Hathaway family reunion, the last time being when Matt was ten. It had gone wrong, ending with his mother practically banning her sisters from the mansion altogether. After that, she focused more on her work than her son. Matt never understood why, he was just a stupid and naive kid, after all.

Even now, Matt felt uneasy about it all; his mother's sisters- his aunts- suddenly returning out of nowhere? As a kid, the ginger didn't like them much as they always saw faults in his appearance and demeanor.

"Can't you act more mature?" Katherine had asked. He was seven years old at the time.

"Your eyes are distracting... perhaps we can order some colored contacts?" Chastity smiled, pulling her phone out. He was nine and a half.

Even his grandmother was strict- always telling him what to do until his mother found a retirement home suitable for her.

"Matt? Everything okay?" Tom pulled away, noticing Matt fidgeting with his hoodie string.

"Hm? Yeah, I'm fine." Matt spoke, "Just thinking."

Tom didn't say anything as he pulled the ginger closer, bumping his forehead into his as a means of affection. The bassist did it so often, yet he was so tender every time, his dark-toned hands pressing against lavender fabric. His sweet pineapple scent would fill Matt's lungs, making him swoon all over again. If he were still alive, his heart would be going wild.

"Ew, gay people." Tord gagged, deciding to interrupt them by stepping over their limbs on the way to the couch.

Tom grunted as he felt the Norsk step on his leg. He silently growled under his breath as he glared daggers at the other, "Watch it, commie!"

"We're literally dating, Tord," Edd spoke and instead went around the two on the floor.

Tord said something else, but Matt wasn't paying attention to the rest of the conversation.

Something was off, otherwise, why would there be a family reunion? His aunts wanted something.

'But what?'


Tom glanced at the clock on the lobby wall for the fifteenth time within thirty minutes. His hands fiddled with his sleeves and he adjusted his navy blue tie, nearly choking himself.

"Calm down, Tom- I'm sure he's just making sure he looks perfect." Edd squeezed his friend on the shoulder.

Tord grunted, foot tapping on the floor impatiently, "By the time he's ready, it'll be the afternoon."

Tom sighed, turning on his heel as he headed toward the lift, "I'm going to check on him."

"Don't get distracted," Edd called out, the shorter rolling his voids as the doors closed.

'He better not be overthinking too much...' Tom huffed, watching the numbers change as the lift stopped at the correct level. He stepped out, walking down the hall and to Matt's apartment. He promptly knocked on the door, twisting the doorknob, "Matt...?"

Inside the flat, Matt was peering into the body mirror, ensuring that he looked perfect and that nothing was out of place.

Well, aside from the fact he was wearing a royal purple dress. He was pretty sure his aunts were going to freak out once they saw him.

Matt smirked to himself. That was the plan, after all.

"Matt, where-?" The door to Matt's room opened, and standing in the doorframe was Tom, eyes wide and words dying on his tongue.

"Tom!" Matt perked up, turning towards him, "I thought we all agreed to meet downstairs?"

"Uh-huh..." Tom nodded, swallowing hard as his gaze wandered every inch of his boyfriend's body, "I just came to check on you since... you were taking a while."

"Oh?" Matt glanced at his digital clock, "Oh! You could've called me, y'know."

Tom didn't respond, his face holding the softest expression Matt had ever seen.

"What is it?"

"Your eyes are beautiful."

Matt froze, his insides feeling a sense of warmth despite him being a vampire. He averted his heterochromatic eyes. He stepped forward, taking the other by the hands. He grinned cheekily, winking, "You're quite handsome yourself."

Tom flushed, red markings against his sepia skin as he chuckled. He squeezed his hands, brushing his thumbs over Matt's freckled skin, "Are you ready?"

Matt tilted his head down, gazing at their intertwined hands. He smiled, letting out a breath as he peered into Tom's voids, "Ready as I'll ever be."


"Ooh, this place is lit up nicely." Edd noticed, diverting his juniper eyes toward the building as he pulled the key out of the ignition.

"I wonder how Dad prepared this all in such a short amount of time," Matt uttered, looking at the fairy lights strung from each lamppost and the stone fountain running with streams of water spouting from the top. The ginger couldn't remember the last time the fountain was on.

"He's blind, not helpless," Tord spoke, getting out of the car.

Matt scoffed, also stepping out, "I know that."

The four walked up the front stairs, Matt taking the lead as he took a small intake of breath. He felt Tom gently touch his arm for reassurance.

The ginger put on his award-winning smile, raising a hand to ring the doorbell.

The faint chatter from inside fell short as there was a prompt yell, "No, I'll get it-!"

There was a pause as Matt adjusted his footing, watching the door finally open.

"Oh, thank goodness, you're the one who answered." Matt sighed, stepping forward for a hug, "Hello, Dad."

"Matthew! Where have you been? You're fifteen minutes late." Arthur stressed, yet returned the hug, "Even your uncle arrived on time."

"Wha- Uncle Bing is here?" Matt pulled away, his eyes widened, "He hasn't been to a reunion since I was three."

"So I've heard..." Arthur quirked an eyebrow, his eyes twitching under his sunglasses, "Are you wearing a dress?"

"Maybe...?"

The older was silent momentarily, his hand patting his son's chest, "Your mother's design."

"You can tell?"

"Of course." Arthur moved aside, letting the four inside, "I can only imagine how it looks on you."

"I can confirm that he looks amazing." Tom nodded. Matt perked up, the smile on his face rivaling the sun's.

"You're just saying that." The ginger laughed, pecking his boyfriend on the cheek.

Arthur cleared his throat, "Everyone should be in the living room or the studio, except for Bing- he's cooped up in the bathroom."

"What? Why?" Matt furrowed his eyebrows in concern.

"I'm guessing Katherine wanted to talk to him, so he's just staying there until someone eventually has to use it." The older adjusted his cane, fiddling with the citrine stone, "I can try to convince him to come out, but it might take some time."

Matt nodded, "I guess I'll introduce them to... them."

"Good luck." Arthur winced, "You'll need it."

Arthur limped toward the bathroom while Matt guided his boyfriend and friends to the living room. He halted in the entryway, his heart pounding in his chest as he felt various emotions rising upon seeing his family again.

The oldest, Katherine, and her husband, Eric. His mother's twin, Chastity. Katherine's children dubbed 'The Twins', Maurice and Marianne. Chastity's children from oldest to youngest; Cyril, Andrea, and... Matt didn't know who the other with them was.

"So, who first?" Edd spoke up, his eyes tracing the amount of people crowding the room.

"Anybody, except-"

"Matthew!?"

Matt winced as he turned his head slowly, "Her..."

Katherine came strutting towards them, her brunette curls sashaying as she moved quickly through the crowd. She wore a mahogany red draping-sleeved dress that fit her frame loosely, allowing her limbs to move openly. She held a beige folding fan between her fingers.

The older woman came to a stop before them, "My, my- it really is you, Matthew! I haven't seen you in years."

Matt kept a smile on his face, "Nice to see you too, Katherine."

Katherine looked surprised, her eyes widening just a little. She examined him further, her judging green stare penetrating him, "You're... wearing a dress."

Matt broke his smile, finally frowning, "Yes-"

"Got a problem with it?" Tord spoke up, glaring at her.

Katherine looked spooked, having not noticed the strangers with her nephew until that moment. She eyed Tord a few seconds longer, looking at the scars on his face, her eyes holding a look of disgust. She blinked back at her nephew.

"Matt, this is a family reunion, not a slumber party. What are... these people doing here?"

"You have a family." Matt crossed his arms, "I have mine."

Katherine furrowed her eyebrows, placing the folded fan near her left ear, "After all these years, you're still the same."

Matt froze, watching his aunt walk away, her cherry-red heels clicking against the floor.

"What was that about?" Tom questioned, glancing up at Matt's expression, "Matt?"

"Nothing." Matt's expression dropped as his voice lowered, "Absolutely nothing."

Tom and the others watched as the ginger stepped further into the room, his movements cautious.

"Anybody else worried?" Tom frowned.

"Yep."
"Definitely."

"Glass of wine, young heir?" A voice spoke.

"Oh, no, I don't-" Matt turned his head, his eyes widening at a familiar face, "Karson?"

The butler nodded and smiled, "It's good to see you."

"Why- how-?" Matt lost his ability to speak, his gaze frantically eyeing his old housekeeper.

"Your father asked a favor of me, so I delivered."

"Who's this, Matt?" Edd spoke, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Matt glanced at Tord, gesturing, "Hey, Tord- you remember my old butler, Karson, right?"

Tord examined the gentleman's face momentarily, "Mmh... holy shit-! You're still alive!?"

"Young Larseing-"

"It's Valen, actually-"

"...Young Valen, nice to see karma has caught up to you," Karson spoke.

"Well, that was uncalled for." Tord droned.

"Have a nice night. Stay out of trouble," The white-haired man said, mostly eying Tord, "And if you need anything, just tell me."

Karson walked away, the trey of wine glasses balancing perfectly on top as he moved.

Tom grabbed Matt's wrist, peering up into his heterochromatic eyes, "Do you think they have anything stronger?"

It took a few seconds for the ginger to understand what the shorter meant. He rolled his eyes lightly, "Do you really need alcohol right now? It's not even dinner time yet."

Tom huffed, "At least let me look at what they're serving."

"Fine- you have five minutes."

"You're the best."

"I know I am."

Matt watched his boyfriend exit the room just before his father and uncle entered. Arthur stopped to talk to Chastity, who was lounging on the couch drinking wine glass after wine glass. She seemed annoyed by the disturbance as she stared blankly at the mantle.

"Uncle!" Matt stepped forward, hugging his favorite relative.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite nephew! Don't you look amazing as ever?" Bing returned the hug, smiling from ear to ear at the sight of the younger.

Matt chuckled at the words, "Oh, stop it! You look good too! I didn't know you cleaned up so nicely."

Bing frowned, pulling away, "Hey, my wardrobe isn't that bad!"

Matt gave him a look, his gaze penetrating through the other.

"...Okay, you're right. Larry helped plan my outfit."

"Mhm." Matt nodded, now satisfied, "By the way, where is Larry? I thought you would've brought him with you."

Bing snatched a glass of wine off Karson's tray while he was turned the other way. He cupped it in his hand, turning to look at his nephew with a raised brow, "What do you mean?"

"Well, aren't you guys dating?"

"Pfft-" Bing choked on the wine, his face ablaze as he gulped the rest down, coughing for a few more moments. Matt backed away, startled.

"D-Dating!? Me and-!? Hah, no, of course not!" Bing shook his head, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief he pulled from his jacket, "Where on Earth did you get that idea..." He placed his glass on a side table, fidgeting with his hands as he wiped them off. He paused briefly as he looked at Matt, "U-Unless Larry said something...?"

"He didn't. I just assumed..." Matt trailed off.

"Ah." Bing's eye twitched, "Well, no- we're just co-workers, nothing more. Ahem, anyway... I have to talk to Arthur about something important-"

"It's the monkeys again, isn't it?"

"...No, definitely not." Bing averted his gaze, rushing past his nephew, "If you'll excuse me."

'So, it is the monkeys...' Matt affirmed.

"Your cousins are weird," Edd spoke.

"Which ones?" The ginger glanced over.

"Uh- those two." The brunette gestured to the twins, "They've been staring at us this whole time."

Matt noticed Maurice and Marianne, also known as The Twins. They were practically the same age as Matt, just older by nine months.

"Oh, those two..." Matt frowned, crossing his arms, "Just ignore them- they're always up to no good."

Plus, Matt still held a grudge against the duo for what they did to him when all three of them were younger.

Edd and Matt drifted into a conversation about the latest cinematic masterpiece. Tord, on the other hand, glared at the two in the corner.

They were planning something, he could tell by the look in their eyes. It was all too reminiscent of how he used to be.

"Tom!" Matt smiled upon spotting his boyfriend strolling towards them, "Find anything interesting?"

"Eh, nothing much, just a load of fancy shi-"

"Ahem." Matt elbowed the shorter in the side, "Tom."

"Right." Tom huffed.

"For the last time Chris, I will not fund your sequel." Arthur sighed, brushing his shoulder against Matt's, "Oop- sorry, thought you were further."

"All good." Matt smiled, taking hold of his arm.

Cling! Cling! Cling! Cling!

Everyone's attention was diverted to the northern part of the room where the piano was. Katherine held a wine glass, tapping a spoon against the rim.

"Attention, everyone! May I have everyone's attention, please?" She spoke, a smile on her face, "I have an announcement to make."

"This oughtta be good..." Arthur mumbled, his cane tapping against the floor.

"Now, you all may be wondering why we're gathered here tonight."

'At my house, of all places...'

"Well, I've recently come into contact with an old friend." Katherine continued, "They happened to have a specific tape... does anyone know what that tape could be?"

"I have a few ideas..." Tord muttered, a smirk rising on his face.

"Tord." Edd glared, yet a smile pulled at his lips.

"No one, hm? Well, that tape consists of the Will belonging to our dear Cynthia." Katherine spoke.

Matt and Bing's eyes went wide.

"Someone had tried to hide it from us, her family."

Heterochromia eyes glanced into emerald ones.

"Sadly, I didn't get the name of the person who purposefully hid it, but I have a strong feeling he's in this room... isn't that right, Arthur?"

Matt could feel his father shifting in his hold as he let out a scoff, "Pardon?"

"Oh, don't give me that, Arthur- we all know how greedy you are." Katherine crossed her arms, "For all we know, you only married Cynthia for the money and now that she's no longer here, you can do whatever you want with it."

Arthur blinked, "You can't be serious."

"You didn't want us to get our share of the Will- it's a perfect explanation for me unless you think someone else did it?"

"Well, someone else did it- I have no idea what you're bloody talking about!" Arthur scowled.

As Katherine opened her mouth to retort, Matt's voice drowned her out, "Hey! Dinner should be ready soon- how about we all get seated in the dining room?"

Bing nodded, "Good idea, Matthew! Let's all go..."

Most of the family members looked at them weirdly. Katherine sighed, "Fine, let's settle in the dining room then."

Bing grabbed Matt's arm before he could walk off, "Matthew."

Matt squeaked, looking at his uncle with a small smile, "Yes, Uncle Bing?"

"You did it, didn't you?"

"Did what...?"

Bing raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms.

Matt deflated, "Okay, yes- I did hide the Will from everyone."

"Why?" Bing exasperated.

"Because- you heard what's on that tape. If any of them find out, I'm dead!"

"You're already dead."

"...You know what I mean!" Matt huffed.

"Matt, I know Cynthia said... y'know."

"Yep. I'm still adjusting to it. It's not every day where you have to constantly make big decisions that'll decide the future of fashion as we know it."

"Cut yourself some slack. I think you're doing a good job." Bing smiled.

"Thanks." Matt grinned half-heartedly.


The dinner table was silent with everyone glaring at each other. Tension filled the air as it felt suffocating.

Matt was assigned to sit on one end of the dining table, his father and uncle filling the seats next to him as it went down the line. Katherine sat on the other end with her husband and Chastity beside her.

Tom, Tord, and Edd weren't allowed in the dining room because it was a 'Family' Reunion, so Karson let them into the kitchen next door so they could eavesdrop.

Matt waved at Tom's face peering through the door's circular window.

"Ahem."

Matt turned his head, his hands shoveling food onto his plate. He would end up giving most of it to Tom.

"So, Matthew..." Katherine started, "What have you been doing for the past nineteen years?"

"What have I been doing...?" Matt mumbled, one of his fingers dragging along the tablecloth as he thought. He averted his gaze, shrugging lightly, "Nothing much, y'know?"

Arthur raised an eyebrow, turning his head towards him. Matt tapped a rhythm on the cloth.

-.. - -. .-. - / - . .-.. .-..

'Don't tell'

Arthur didn't say anything, turning to look somewhere else.

"Nothing much? It's been years since the last family reunion, you have to have something new happening, right? Perhaps overly ambitious goals that you've yet to fulfill, or maybe... a lady friend?"

Matt dropped his spoon abruptly, letting it fall into his bowl of soup as the liquid splattered on the tablecloth.

"Oh, oops- I'm so clumsy." The ginger grabbed a bunch of napkins and patted the cloth down, "Sorry, what were you saying?"

"I was asking if you were-"

"H-Hey, Aunt Chastity!" Matt interrupted her, "Did you ever finish that series of yours?"

"Mmh...?" Chastity lifted her head from the glass of wine in her hand, "Ah, yes... I was painting the entire solar system, wasn't I? I did finish it, over ten paintings portraying nothing except the planets, stars, and the empty black void of space..."

Matt smiled awkwardly, "That's- nice."

"It is, isn't it? Isolating myself from the rest of the world to paint them, never knowing what was going on on the outside-"

"Mum, I think they get it." Her eldest son, Cyril, spoke.

Matt averted his gaze, his eyes meeting hazel and olive green eyes. Chastity's youngest child was staring at him. Matt couldn't recall if he met him before as the boy looked to be in his teens.

The ginger smiled at him. The boy seemed startled and averted his gaze the other way, making Matt frown, 'Weird...'

"Well, as delicious as this was, we should move on to the tape now," Katherine spoke after a few minutes, setting her utensils down and wiping at the corner of her mouth with a napkin.

Matt shared a look with Bing before looking back at his aunt. He gave a shaky smile as he nodded, "Right..."

"You wouldn't happen to have a cassette player, would you?" Katherine asked, pulling a black tape from her purse.

"Of course, I'll-"

"I'll get it." Matt stood up before his father had the chance, "You stay here."

"Alright." Arthur frowned, sitting back in his chair.

Matt exited the dining room, opening the door to the basement by the base of the stairs. His ear flickered as he heard movement behind him.

"Need some help?" Tom asked.

"Tom!" Matt turned his head, "You're supposed to be in the kitchen."

"And? I was bored." Tom picked at his hands, "And I missed you..."

The ginger smiled, his eyes looking elsewhere, "It's barely been an hour."

"I know, but," Tom spoke, taking his boyfriend's arm, "Now that we're alone..."

"Mmh, not quite yet." Matt chuckled, pulling away slightly, "I still have to find that cassette thingy."

Tom pouted before speaking again, "We can find it much faster if we look together."

Matt raised an eyebrow, leaning down, "Don't think I don't know what you're getting at."

Tom smirked, holding the basement door open, "Well then, shall we?"


"Sorry for the wait." Matt rushed back into the dining room, out of breath, "Took a while to find it."

Bing squinted his eyes at Matt, finding his nephew's hair mussed up and his face flushed. His face perked up when Tom passed by the table and through the kitchen doors. Emerald eyes glanced around, slowly making a connection.

"It's fine." Katherine said, "Samuel, please hand this to your cousin."

The youngest in the room timidly stood up and walked over. Katherine passed the teen the tape containing Cynthia's Will. Samuel steadily walked across the room to the other side.

Matt reached out to take it and as he did, the boy spoke barely above a whisper, "Your eyes are like mine."

Sky and emerald met hazel and olive eyes; two vastly different colors, yet they were similar.

"I suppose so." Matt smiled.

"You're my cousin then...?" Samuel looked at the older in awe.

Matt nodded, "Call me Matt."

"Sam." He handed the tape to him before averting his gaze, "Thank you."

The younger walked away, going back to his seat awkwardly.

'For what?' Matt frowned, raising an eyebrow.

"Well? Hurry up and put the tape in." Katherine snapped, startling the ginger.

"Fine, fine..." Matt sighed, turning the cassette stereo around and inserting the tape. He rewinded it before pressing the play button.

"Presenting Miss Cynthia Hathaway's Will," A male voice spoke, "Recording is now in session."

A cough was heard in the background audio.

"You may start anytime, Miss Hathaway."

"Ahem," A throat was cleared, "Ah, alright. Give me a second."

Hearing her voice again made Matt's throat swell up. He subconsciously reached out to hold his father's hand, who squeezed back gently.

"Yes, my name is Cynthia Hathaway of the Hathaway Estate. My birthday is October 10th, 1970. I am currently 44 years old. The date is April 25th, 2014." She spoke eloquently and precisely without skipping a beat, "I work in the fashion industry and am somewhat of a 'fashion mogul,' as they say."

"I have a question if you don't mind, Miss Hathaway." A female voice spoke.

"Go ahead, darling."

"Why did you want to make a testament today? You seem perfectly healthy."

"Oh, y'know..." Cynthia trailed off, "Cause why not? Might as well get it out of the way, right?"

Arthur perked his head at her tone of voice. It was an octave higher than she normally spoke.

"Right. Carry on then."

"Can we go ahead and strike some people from the will?"

Matt and Bing glanced at each other, preparing for the worst.

"Sure, who'd you want out of the will?"

There was a slight hesitance from Cynthia, "...My sisters, Katherine and Chastity."

"What!?" Katherine shouted at the top of her lungs, "Pause it!"

Matt did as he was told, eyes wide as he looked at her.

"Anything wrong, Katherine?" Arthur looked her way, raising an eyebrow.

Katherine made a few noises, opening and closing her mouth.

"No? That's what I thought," He seemingly shook his head, "Keep playing it."

Matt pressed play.

"They've caused me nothing but pain, made me believe I wasn't good enough... they tried projecting their image of perfection onto me and my son." Cynthia spoke, "And the worst part about it is I did everything they told me to do- no questions asked! I'm ashamed as a person and as a mother."

Matt felt the tears welling up in his eyes. It didn't get easier listening to the tape a second time.

He peered over to where the others were sitting. He smiled awkwardly as mostly everyone was glaring at him. The only person who wasn't was Sam, who sat low in his seat to avoid the tension.

"Sorry, this isn't appropriate, I know." Cynthia chuckled, "I want them out of the will for real though."

There was an awkward cough, "Is that everyone you want out of the will?"

"I believe so." Cynthia spoke, "That leaves a few people..."

Matt and Bing smiled while Arthur leaned back in his chair.

"For my dear brother, Christopher... a new and improved film studio and an inheritance of eight-hundred-thousand pounds to help him settle."

Katherine's eye twitched.

"And for my dear son, Matthew..." Cynthia trailed off.

Tears fell without warning as Matt raised a hand to cover his face. A watery smile rose on his lips as he listened to his mother continue.

"My whole estate, business and all."


"I can't believe this... her whole estate and fortune, the family legacy- and she left it in the hands of a child!" Katherine got out of her chair.

Matt frowned, "Excuse me? I'm 30 years old."

"Oh, please. An adult man wouldn't wear something like that." Katherine rolled her eyes.

"You mean clothes...?" Matt crossed his arms.

"We might know why our dear cousin is wearing that," Maurice spoke.

Matt blinked, "Oh, really? Does there even have to be a reason other than I find it comfortable? I just like wearing it."

"What are you saying, Maurice?" Katherine asked her child.

"Matthew swings the wrong way." Marianne finished, prompting Matt to stand abruptly.

"Wha-"

"You were spying on me!?" Matt shouted.

"You're such an easy target." The twins spoke at the same time, laughing in synch.

'Damn,' Matt cursed, 'I was too focused on Tom to realize something was up.'

"Wait, you're like- gay?" Andrea questioned, looking up from her phone. She hadn't spoken all evening, only glancing up every once in a while.

"Pardon me?" Katherine's eyes widened as she reeled back in shock.

"Uh- the correct term is Pansexual, but yes, you could say I'm into guys." Matt nodded.

"Cynthia would not approve of this." Katherine huffed.

Arthur nearly laughed, knowing full well that Cynthia had more than her fair share of girl crushes back in high school. Even when they got together, her eyes had drifted more than a few times. Sometimes he wondered why she stayed with him.

"My mum is... no longer here." Matt spoke, "Even so, she was still my biggest supporter. She would support me no matter what."

"Oh, come on-"

"Katherine," Arthur spoke, standing up, "I think it's about time you all leave."

"What? But your son-"

"My son has nothing wrong with him." Arthur furrowed his eyebrows, keeping his composure as he lifted a hand to his temple, "Activate security protocol."

WHIIIRRRR

Tiles from the ceiling lifted, revealing hidden guns within the walls.

Everyone went into a frenzy upon seeing the red lines pointing at them.

"Are you insane!?" Katherine shrieked.

Chastity couldn't help but laugh, her body swaying as she leaned on her eldest child, "Wow, this is a bit much..."

"Well, I did tell you to leave my home." Arthur bit his lip, "And then you go about insulting my son as if I'd let that slide."

"So you just pull a dozen guns on us!?" Katherine scowled, "What I said barely passes as an insult- it's just a fact."

"You are currently trespassing on private property." Arthur spoke, "I'd hate to call someone."

The older scoffed, "Who're you going to call? The police?"

"Not quite." Arthur snapped his fingers.

"Come with me, Mrs. Hathaway." Karson appeared beside her.

"You're kidding, right? You're just a butler, what are you going to-" Without warning, Karson grabbed her by her arms, "Hey! Let go of me!"

"I'm afraid I cannot do that." Karson forced her out of the room, her husband and children rushing after him.

"We should... also go," Cyril spoke upon seeing the rest of the staff.

"Tell me about it." Andrea sashayed out of the room with her brother. Sam hung back, his eyes drifting to Matt.

"Uhm, thanks for the meal." He spoke before heading out.


"You just had to bring out the guns, didn't you?" Matt sat beside his father on the couch, "Now they won't ever come here again."

"Good riddance," Bing muttered, flipping through a random book.

"I couldn't help it." Arthur shrugged, "I told them to leave, they didn't... therefore, guns."

Matt rolled his eyes just as his phone vibrated in his pocket. He hummed, pulling it out.

Tommy: meet me outside ❤

Matt smiled, curiosity flowing through him as he made his way to the garden. He saw Tom standing by the Gazebo.

"This is a bit ominous, Tommy." Matt chuckled.

"Is it?" Tom pressed a button on a controller.

Matt stared in awe at the Gazebo as fairy lights lit up the scene. Blooming, colorful flowers adorned from the vines twisted around the wooden pillars and arches. Matt could name them all if he wanted to, yet he found himself not being able to speak at that moment as he stared at his boyfriend.

Tom's sepia skin seemed to glow in the light, his void and dead eyes reflecting diamonds within them.

And the look he had on his face-

Matt couldn't help but smile, "What is all this?"

Tom met his gaze, "A little something extra."

"Well, aren't you sweet?" The ginger grinned, stepping forward to cup Tom's face, "I love it, mon amour..."

"And I love you." Tom leaned into the taller.

Matt made a high-pitched noise as he allowed himself to fall into Tom's arms, kissing him.

Tom smiled into the kiss, silently thanking Arthur for the idea and giving him the controller.

"Ew, gay people," Tord spoke from the pool as he dipped his feet into it.

Edd huffed, rolling his eyes. He perked up as he got an idea, "Hey, Tord?"

"Uh-huh?"

"There's something on your back, let me get it- oh, whoops!" Edd's arms pushed forward.

SPLASH

Matt and Tom departed from their kiss, peering over at the others.

"Seriously? We're trying to have a moment here." Tom said.

"Sorry, sorry!" Edd laughed, looking at Tord's deadpan face in the water.

"Okay, you got me- I admit it." Tord rolled his eyes, "Now pull me out."

Edd was recovering from his laughing high, putting a hand out to him, "Alright."

Tord grabbed his hand, but before Edd could use his strength to pull him out, the Norsk smirked and yanked his arm back.

"Woah-!" Edd yelped as he was launched into the pool with Tord. He gasped and looked at Tord in shock, "How'd you-?"

"I upgraded my arm- let's just say it's as strong as you are now." Tord wiggled his eyebrows as he wrapped his arms around Edd's neck.

"Ew, gay people!" Tom enunciated.

"Fuck off, Jehovah!" Tord flipped him off.

"Fuck you, too, commie!" Tom also flipped him off.

"Tord."
"Tom, please..."

Matt pulled him away from the display, guiding them under the Gazebo's awning. He smiled at the vines entwining through the small structure, reaching a hand out and touching one of the flowers; a zinnia.

"Crazy night, am I right?" Tom leaned on the railing.

Matt chuckled, leaning his head on top of the bassist's, "Yep."

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧NOTE✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

This has been in my drafts since November 17th, 2023... this chapter is 6,524 words and 27 pages long in Google Docs. This is the longest side story...

Also, I did draw Matt in the exact dress he's wearing in this chapter (I posted it on my Instagram and Tumblr a while ago). You can guess what color it is (hint- it's a shade of purple).

I also have a new hyperfixation, an edutainment channel called SolarBalls- I've created multiple playlists for it (only one being public at this moment). As you can guess, I do have a story idea for that fandom, so... coming soon, I guess.

With that being said, Comments are appreciated 3