•Damien's POV•

''Well I don't think it's a good idea to lie to him,'' Javier spoke, reaching his hand up to loosen the tie around his neck. ''He sees right through you, Damien.''

I scoffed, getting up from my seat and leaning against his desk.

I'm in Javier’s office. I stopped in to run a plan by him that I have. Lately, I've been thinking about when Cody said he's worried about me feeling lonely.

Cody, being a teenager, never really talks to me about deep shit. I mean that's fine with me. Although Javier thinks that we both should go see a therapist about our fucked up parents. But if I'm not about to force Cody to open up to me then I'm damn sure not going to force him to open up to some stranger.

I know how hard it is to talk about the past. And personally I just don't want to put my little brother through that. Besides, he knows he can always come talk to me if he needs to.

Anyway, him telling me he's worried about me is something I took to heart. I don't want him to ever have to worry about me, or anything at all.

But Javier didn't think my idea of faking a boyfriend was very good. I disagree, obviously.

I have many attractive gay and bisexual model friends who would jump at the opportunity to be my fake boyfriend. I'm not bragging or anything -I'm definitely bragging- but I'm sexy as hell.

I'm letting Cody have a party tonight even though it's Sunday. I know, I'm the coolest. The only reason I said yes to the party is because it would be the perfect time to slip my 'boyfriend' in and introduce him to Cody. He'll be so focused on the party and his friends that he won't have time to give the dude the third degree interrogation that I know he'll try.

''You're going to do it anyway, aren't you?'' He figured, laugh lines evident on his face as he eyed me with a knowing look.

''Of course I am.'' I said honestly. He freed the laugh from his lips, making me roll my eyes.

''Okay, so who have you picked to play the role of your boyfriend?'' Javier asked, putting air quotes around the word boyfriend. I swear he has no confidence in my plan and it's upsetting. 

He started typing something on his computer just as I went to respond. I reached forward turning his computer screen to face me so he couldn't continue. He looked up at me, throwing an innocent smile my way and making a gesture for me to proceed.

''Do you remember Otto?'' I asked him. Javier works with millions of models but he never lacks in the memory department. This man can meet you for the first time ever then a year later see you and still remember your name.

''Otto Seppalainen? The Finnish model?'' Javier asked, suddenly a lot more interested. I smirked. I knew it was a good plan, glad he's finally seeing it from my perspective.

''Yeah,'' I answered. A deep genuine laugh escaped his lips. Tears leaked from his eyes by the time he had finished laughing. I wore a look of confusion as I eyed him worriedly. ''What?" I asked. I'd love to get in on this joke.

''Otto isn't your type, Damien. Your brother is going to see straight through you just like I said. He knows you better than anyone else how can you possibly think he's going to fall for this?'' He asked, turning his computer screen back around.

''Trust me, I know what I'm doing,'' I assured him, earning another laugh. ''Anyway, that's all I stopped by for. Unless you want to go grab lunch or something. On me.'' I offered. I grabbed my jacket off the back of the chair I was previously in.

''No thanks son, I have a lot to get done before I can even head home. Tell Cody I said hi when you get home. Also don't forget you have that photo shoot in New York on Tuesday. I booked your flight for tomorrow afternoon.'' Javier said, his fingers tapping away at the keys of the computer.

I just stared at him silently, my eyes brimming with tears. This happens to me every time, I don't know why.

''What's wrong?'' He asked, noticing my composure. I shrugged, quickly wiping the tears away before they could leak from my eyes. I put my jacket on. Javier got up from his seat and walked over to me.

I looked into his eyes.

''Every time you call me son I literally have to stop myself from bawling like a baby. You've been such a great father to me, Javier.'' I whispered the last part, being pulled into a hug by him.

He gave me a light pat on my back before breaking the hug and cupping my face in his hands. ''It's always been my honor to call you and Cody my son.''

He walked back over to his desk and resumed the work he was doing before I barged into his office an hour ago. I ran one of my hands over my face.

''Yeah, so,'' I glanced at my watch to see it was thirty past four. ''I'll order you some lunch anyway and have your assistant pick it up. You can eat while you work.'' I exited his office, hearing a thank you come from him.

I climbed into the elevator, focusing on my phone as I ordered him steak, with mashed potatoes and string beans on the side. I sent an email to his assistant, Anna, to let her know to pick it up in about twenty minutes.

I left the elevator when the doors reopened, leaving the building and climbing into my car. I put my seat belt on, then start the engine.

I came to a halt at a stop sign. Pulling my phone out I quickly found Cody's number and dialed it, pressing the phone to my ear and keeping one hand on the steering wheel as I continued driving.

''Yo, big bro what's up?'' He answered.

''I'll be on my way home in a few, is there anything you need me to pick up for the party?'' I asked him.

''Nah, I just raided the pantry for snacks. Jason and Skyler were wondering if they can sleep over after the party.''

''Why not, more people to help you clean because I'm sure as hell not lifting a finger. You remember the rules right?''

''Yeah yeah. No drugs in the house, if any of my friends want to be intoxicated they have to do it before they step on your property, um....party ends at one and if any of the furniture gets fucked up my ass is grass.''

I smiled, silently laughing.

''Okay smart ass, watch your language. Javie says hi. I gotta go. I love you, I'll see you soon.''

''Okay, love you too.''

I tossed my phone onto the passengers seat. A couple of minutes later I was pulling up at Otto's apartment he uses when he has business down here.

He stayed in town an extra day just to do me this favor. I never made any close friends in this business, one because I don't usually let people in and two because everyone is barely in the same spot for more than a few days.

But Otto and I cross each others paths a lot so I guess we can call each other friends, even though I barely know how to pronounce the dudes last name.

I got out of my car heading for his front door. About a minute after I rang the doorbell he appeared, opening the door, greeting me and stepping aside to let me in.

I took my jacket off, resting it on his coat hanger.

''It's only five o'clock. I know teenage parties don't start this soon in America.'' Otto said, leading the way to his kitchen and getting us both a beer.

His accent wasn't as thick as you'd think it would be for a native born Finnish person. Although you could still notice it if you were talking to him for a while, but he could totally pass as an American if he wanted to.

''Of course not, America isn't a very punctual country,'' I joked, popping the cap off of my beer. ''But we can use this time to learn things about each other because my brother is going to bust your balls with questions.''

He laughed but he just didn't know how serious I was. I brought the beer bottle to my lips taking a sip, then nearly spitting horrible liquid out of my mouth.

''Ugh,'' I whined, barely managing to swallow the beer. I made a face of distaste, sticking my tongue out of my mouth, attempting to find some way to get the disgusting taste off of it.

''What the hell is this?'' I asked, finally analyzing the beer bottle. I couldn't read not a damn thing on it. I sat the bottle on the contour.

''It's Finnish beer.'' He responded taking a long swig from his bottle as if the contents tasted like heaven on earth. It taste more like shit on a shingle to me. I shook my head.

''I thought alcohol tasted the same everywhere. I'm never going to Finland.'' I announced, shaking my head again.

I would rather drink a bottle of cum than ever have the taste of that beer in my mouth again.

∆∆∆∆

Two hours later we were in my car headed back to my house. Thirty minutes of those two hours were filled with me scrubbing the hell out of my tongue with a spare toothbrush while Otto laughed his ass off behind me.

I didn't find it funny. It was disgusting and I thought I was going to puke.

''It really doesn't taste that bad once you get used to it,'' Otto spoke, noticing the reminiscent look of distaste on my face.

''Good thing I'll never have to get use to it, right?'' I said seriously.  Otto laughed.

''Well maybe when I get back to California next week, I can take you out on a date. And we'll have American alcohol, beer, whine, whatever you prefer.'' Otto offered.

I cringed.

Don't get me wrong. Otto is a very attractive man, he's a supermodel after all, but I was not interested in him in that way. Sure, if I wasn't so emotionally fucked up I might actually give Otto a chance. Even though the blonde haired blue eyed guys aren't exactly my...type. Fuck, Javier was right.

Anyway, I haven't been interested in anyone in a really long time.

I put so much emphasis on the words fake boyfriend and pretend that I thought for sure this wouldn't happen. I held my sigh in, looking at him once I made it to a red light.

''As nice as American alcohol is, I have to say no to that. I'm not interested in dating right now, that's kind of the whole reason I asked you to do this for me.'' I explained.

Even though I was sure that I had made it pretty clear from the start, I still felt kind of bad for turning him down.

''It's fine. I completely understand. I'm still happy to help.'' He replied. I gave a smile that was partially forced.

My foot pressed down on the gas petal a little harder, attempting to make it to my house before the silence became awkward.

I made it to my street. Cars flooded it entirely but as I drove closer to my house I noticed my driveway was kept clear.

I laughed.

That was a rule too. No one parks in my drive way or blocks it. The second party he had his friends thought I was joking when I said this, but five towed cars later I think they got the message.

I pulled in, shutting the car off and getting out.

''Oh, my birthday is on January the third and my favorite color is brown.'' I said, Otto beside me as we stepped into my house.

The music was loud of course and my house was close to reaching its maximum capacity. The lights were dimmed and there were a few disco balls hanging from the ceiling illuminating various colors into the large living room.

We squeezed our way through the crowd, making it to the kitchen. Otto leaned against the contour as I walked over to the fridge. I opened it, grabbing two beers, closing it back then tossing him one.

''It's so bland.'' He complained sipping from the glass bottle. I popped the cap off of mines, laughing while shaking my head at him. I took a seat on one of the island stools.

''It doesn't taste that bad once you get use to it,'' I mocked, sipping from my bottle. ''I still can't pronounce your last name. I honestly feel like it's one big typo.''

Otto laughed, setting his beer down on the island. He took a seat beside me. ''You're innocently candid,'' He said, ''Your last name, is it Italian?''

I nodded my head, sipping from the bottle again. ''Yeah,'' I answered.

''Isn't your first name supposed to end in a vowel too?'' He asked.

''Well, traditionally yeah but my Moth--'' I shook my head suddenly not being able to handle the horrid taste almost saying that word put in my mouth.

What mother?

I don't have a mother.

I sighed, shaking my head. ''I'll explain it to you, some other time.'' I lied, not feeling an ounce of guilt for my dishonesty. It's my business after all.

I glanced toward the corridor, seeing Scarlet running down the stairs in a haste. I moved from the stool, and managed to catch her just as she made it to the bottom of the stairs.

I was about to ask her where Cody was until I saw the tears streaming down her face. Her eyes were puffy, and she had a pink runny nose.

Her hand came up, quickly wiping the tears and snot from her face. I immediately pulled her into a hug. The look in her eyes were as if her world had just ended.

God, do I know that look.

She began mumbling something into my chest as I felt more of her tears staining my shirt. I couldn't hear her at all over the loud music in the living room. I guide her into the kitchen where the music isn't so noticeable.

I glance at Otto, gesturing towards the paper towels by the sink and he quickly hands me one. She takes the paper towel from me, cleaning her face again.

Her long blonde hair is a bit disarray, so I move it from her shoulders to her back as I place my hand gently on her shoulder. She looks up at me.

''What's wrong, Scarlet?'' I asked her. Her eyes glistened and she fell into another fit of tears. I looked over at Otto and he shrugged his shoulders, looking just as confused as I felt.

''Scarlet? Tell--''

''Scarlet!'' Cody's voice joined the conversation. I looked over to see him walking into the kitchen.

Scarlet turned to face him, her hand swiftly coming up and connecting with Cody’s' jaw. The sound could be heard well above the music in the background.

Cody took a step back, his hand now rubbing his bruising jaw. Scarlet stepped forward and shoved him roughly, not getting much affect from it.

''I never ever want to see you again. I can't believe you would do that to me, to us!'' She yelled, her voice trembling, tears still falling from her eyes.

Just as she ran from the kitchen, Skyler, her twin brother, came charging down the stairs yelling her name. He chased after her, out of the house.

I sighed shaking my head. This should be interesting.

I walked over to the fridge, opening the freezer and pulling out a frozen bag of peas. I closed it and walked over to Cody.

''Explain,'' I demanded, handing him the bag. He rolled his eyes, pressing the bag to his face. We both took a seat at the island.

Otto was standing across from us, occupying himself in his phone in order to exclude himself from the situation.

Wish I could do the same.

''I think she busted my lip,'' Cody complained, poking his lip from his mouth to reveal a small tooth sized gash leaking some blood. ''That girl has one hell of a right hook.''

''What happened?'' I asked him seriously. He looked at me. His eyes were conflicted. I saw worry but I also saw shame in them.

''I may or may not have been making out with Skyler when she walked into my room,'' Cody said, quietly. I raised a brow at him.

What the fuck? How could I miss this?

''Why didn't you tell me you were into guys? Wait, why didn't you tell me you were with Skyler too?'' I questioned.

I mean it may not have been any of my business, considering it's his personal life, but he's my baby brother so I'm making it my business today.

Cody shook his head.

''Because I'm not into guys, and I'm not with Skyler. It just kind of happened.'' He said. I could tell he was being honest.

I reached forward and touched his swelling lip. He winced.

''Well, you kind of deserve that,'' I said, referring to his injuries. I suppressed my laughter but I heard a snicker come from Otto.

''Who are you?'' Cody asked him, I guess finally noticing he was in the kitchen too. Before Otto could reply Cody looked at me and spoke. ''Who is he?'' He repeated.

I stood up from the stool and walked around the island until I was beside Otto. Wrapping my arm around his waist, I pulled him closer to my side.

''Cody meet my boyfriend Otto,'' I spoke. Cody made a face, eyeing Otto skeptically. ''Otto this is my little brother, Coden, but you can call him Cody.''

Otto reached his hand forward to shake Cody’s. My brother can be ruder than me when he wants to. If he doesn't like you he'll slip into this 'I don't give a fuck' attitude and everything that you say to him will go through one ear and out the other.

He develops even less of a filter than me and even I fear what may be freed from his lips next.

But to my surprise, he reached his arm forward, gripping Otto's hand in his own before releasing it.

''I've heard a lot about you,'' Otto attempted to break the ice.

''Probably all in a days conversation,'' Cody replied slickly. I chuckled. Here comes the attitude. ''I haven't heard a word about you.'' He continued.

''Some good things are kept a secret,'' Otto remarked.

Cody gave Otto a once-over, eyeing him from head to toe. He shrugged his shoulders, then looked him square in the eyes.

''You're not my brother's type.'' He stated bluntly. I choked on the air inside my lungs.

''I don't have a type!'' I butted in quickly, knowing damn well I was lying and that Otto was in fact, not my type.

''Yes you do, especially in men.'' Cody argued.

How would he even know? He's never seen me with a man before. No one has, not even Javier, so it boggles my mind how they immediately know I could never be into Otto.

''How long have you known my brother?" Cody asked Otto. And so the interrogation begins. People casually lounged into the kitchen on occasion but Cody ignored them and continued.

''About a year,''

''Hmm. How'd you meet?''

''Modeling.''

''Are you staging a relationship with him in order to exploit his fame?''

''Of course not. I'm a supermodel, I'm pretty famous on my own.''

''That's funny, I never knew you existed.'' Cody said. I wanted to laugh, but I knew that that was nowhere near appropriate to do at this very moment. This went on for about ten more minutes until his smart remarks started getting even more rude.

He told Otto that he looked like a ken doll Hitler would have wet dreams about.

''Okay, Cody. I think that's enough.'' I cut him off just as he was about to say something. I didn't think it was going to go this far.

''Just one more question,'' Cody said. I could tell Otto was getting annoyed and probably regretting his decision to help me in the first place. God forbid this had been a real boyfriend of mines.

''Family Guy or The Simpsons?" Cody asked seriously.

Otto rolled his eyes. ''Is this kid serious?'' He asked, rubbing his temples with tips of his fingers.

''Yes, I'm very fucking serious considering you've fucked up on half of the questions I've asked you,'' Cody yelled. He looked at me. ''What the hell Damien? Why're you trying to play me? I'm not a fucking idiot!''

Fuck me.

I turned to Otto, digging into my pants pocket and handing him my car keys. This was obviously turning into something more serious and personal.

''I'll come pick up my car.'' I told him. He took the keys and exited the kitchen without complaint.

''Cody, you need to calm down.'' I said, turning my attention back to him. He frowned at me. I didn't realize he would take this so personal. If anything I thought that if he had figured it out we would've all had a good laugh about it.

I was not trying to hurt him in anyway. Quite the opposite actually.

''No, I don't. Damien I wanted you to find happiness, not lie to me about finding it.'' Cody tossed the bag of peas on the island angrily.

''I just didn't want you to worry,'' I attempted to explain. ''You're my little brother. I should have to worry about you, not the other way around. I promised to take care of you.''

''But we also promised not to lie to each other,'' He reminded me. His anger had nearly vanished, I could see the sadness smothering his features.

I sighed, shaking my head. Yeah I fucked up, the kid is right.

I honestly just want to be a better parent figure to him than our actual parents ever were to either of us. Sometimes, such as this time, I go overboard. But I really am trying the best I can to save what's left of his childhood.

They fucked him up, the same way, hell maybe even worse than they did me.

They never paid any attention to us. Work was more important. So all we had was each other, and when they made me leave I literally left him alone.

I feel so guilty for that, even though leaving wasn't my choice I feel horrible. I'm just trying to redeem myself and give him this perfect worry free life that he damn sure deserves.

I walked over to him, wrapping him in my arms. He hugged me back, squeezing with more muscles than I knew he had.

I kissed the top of his head. ''I know bro, I'm sorry.'' I whispered to him.

I let him go, seeing the frozen peas still resting on the island.

''You know you can talk to me about the Skyler thing, right?'' I asked him. ''I'm here for you.''

He stared at the floor for a minute, not speaking. ''I know,'' He said, catching my eyes finally, ''Just not right now. If I need to, I'll talk to you.''

''Good,'' I gave him a pat on the shoulder. Bringing my wrist up, I glanced at my watch. ''Two hours and thirty minutes left. Go enjoy your party.'' I told him.

''Damien,'' I looked at Cody. He was silent for a long time before he actually spoke. His bright eyes stared cautiously into mines. ''Is the reason you haven't dated anyone in nearly seven years beca--because of...Steven?''

I didn't answer him.

I didn't move.

I didn't breath.

I didn't blink.

Cody sighed. ''I know it was a really long time ago, and I'm sorry for bringing it up,'' His voice seeped into my ears, ''But you should know I'm here for you too.''

I didn't even respond to him. I made my way out of the kitchen and up the stairs. Opening my bedroom door I walked in and locked it behind me. I felt frozen.

I stripped into my briefs and climbed into bed.

And I fucking cried.

∆A/N∆

Whew. I just want to give Damien a hug. Poor guy.

Um...Cody made out with his girlfriend's twin brother... thoughts on that?

The next chapter is the one you've ALL been waiting for.

So, who do you all think it's going to hurt/effect the most to finally see each other again after seven years? Damien or Steven?

Also, I'm in the process of rewriting and editing The Bro-Code, I was thinking about adding an extra chapter in full of fluff, how would you all feel about that?

Please leave a comment and tell me what you think of this story!

Please vote!

Posted: July 25, 2017.