- December 31st was a bad day (1)

To explain why December 31st was a bad day, we have to start a few hours before it starts.

•••

The year is finally coming to an end, and although some have their feathers ruffled, there are also some just as excited to pop open bottles as cops are to open unsolved cases. Downtowners were throwing parties on every street, and the one Matthew attended was not any less enthusiastic.

As a quiet fellow with very few friends, it's only partly strange he made it. On the other hand, what was the point of his job if he didn't know everything happening everywhere?

He knew about every party in the downtown area, from the ones held by popular figures, to the ones you couldn't even consider a party, as they were just a group of people sharing a bottle of something alcoholic they stole, after ransacking someone's newly bought house and getting away with it, by a bus stop.

Still, Matthew wasn't invited to this particular party, even with his knowledge of it. While anything downtown called 'exclusive' probably contained many things you aren't supposed to witness, it was also true the exclusive parties were a thousand times better.

The most danger was in the parties further downtown, where every citizen, local police included, have venom in their blood.

Being around them was just begging to live a sorry, starving, desperate for a vile of some kind antidote, life, only to never receive such mercy. At the same time, you would not likely ever be confronted by any kind of authority and would be given the addictive venom to relieve your thirst every once in a while.

Well, that was before. Things aren't truly as certain now. Things are changing in Uptown, Downtown will be affected.

This party was not "exclusive", nor was it innately suspicious. It was held in the house of a man whose family stayed in this city much longer than most, giving him the perfect house, worth almost a million dollars for just a few thousand. To add to that, he supported the new mayor in his campaign. Unsurprisingly, the uptowners have a good opinion of him too.

Since his new year's party wasn't meant for a select bunch, those with invitations could invite one extra person. As stated before, Matthew has few "friends". Mostly, they're just associates, of which he has many. One of those friends, who is as elusive in person as a snow leopard, yet as active in social scenes as an influencer is online, invited him.

It was a surprise to meet up with them after nearly a month— who would've thought it'd be at some loud obnoxious party? Although Matthew wanted to decline, he nonetheless went.

From what this friend said, a few others in their 'circle', would be there. He didn't mind meeting up with people he already knew.

So, a few hours into the night, with the sky dark and stars invisible due to too many streetlights making it impossible to see them, Matthew was already inside and waiting.

It was barely past eight and the music was loud, he could hear the walls complaining. Inside the two-story house, only the first-floor visitors were allowed access. Then, the door to the basement would be opened later.

Given those two spaces, loudspeakers, and old Christmas lights that were waiting to be thrown away, the visitors made themselves very at home. So many bright lights and they were constantly flickering, swaying, or simply exploding. He could only solve his irritation by closing his eyes.

Most people were only warming up, which was reinforced by the 'ARE YOU READY!?!', 'YES!!', shouts every five minutes. Things couldn't get started until the host himself arrived.

With a deep sigh, Matthew opened a bottle of pito and poured two cups. He picked up both and handed one to the man sitting beside him. He was dressed extremely casually, in a dark-colored pair of pants and a balanced bright-colored sleeveless shirt. His choice of colors added a weightless air to him, and coupled with his pale tan, narrow green eyes, shaggy lob, and small, innocent smile as he accepts the drink, he looked like a handsome bastard.

"Where's Nel?" Matthew asked the other.

Although they were facing opposite directions, the other facing the crowd while Matthew faces away, a conversation could easily be carried on.

The man, Josh, lazily shrugged. "In their text, they said they'd be here.. 20 minutes ago." He moved to glance at their text conversation, mostly just him one-sidedly asking where the other is for an hour.

"Have you tried calling?" To which Josh responded with brief laughter.

Then, he shook his head and replied. "No. They rarely text back, I don't expect them to pick up." His voice pleasantly carried the words to Matthew's ears in his soft, airy tone. It completely contrasted his own rough, slow tone, which occasionally made him sound either dismissive or angry.

Before he could insist Josh call, a text from Nel showed up on the screen, 'We've entered! And, don't be mad, I got distracted >^<' A second later, someone started focusing a small spotlight—which must've been just set up?—on the two bodies that came from upstairs.

Nel and the host of this party, "Teddy". He doesn't tell anyone his real name, or at least, Matthew hears Teddy isn't his real name often but has never heard of any other name. If anything, it was near impossible to live in this city without one or two aliases, even if only online.

Especially Downtown, but Matthew was one of the few out of millions who used his legal name. Although the legalities of it could be debated.

Teddy, for one, is an active man. In an open-collar white shirt with a black blazer over it, none of his skin or muscle was showing, yet his bulging forearms suggested just how much of his time was spent lifting weights.

In addition, he came down wearing walking shorts. It looked like his top half wanted to come out dressed with style and charm, while his bottom half said "forget it, this is my house" and lost a bit of decency. However, you'd never guess any indecision from the playful smirk placed on his lips.

Nel, on the other hand, looked dainty in comparison. Although not muscleless or scrawny, they were undoubtedly smaller, thinner, and shorter than Teddy. Their taste in clothing was similar to Teddy's top half.

They wore a black wool dress, which complemented their dark brown skin. It had a dip in the back just above their tail bone and was worn with a long white and sleeveless transparent shrug hung down one shoulder, not across the neck on both.

They looked both attractive and charming as their shaggy lop and green eyes, identical to Josh's, swayed and curled, pouting at Teddy.

Simultaneous with the spotlight, Teddy had stolen the phone from Nel's callus hands. He held it just out of reach due to the height difference and had an extremely teasing expression. Enough from Nel's exasperated and unwilling expression, this wasn't their first time playing this 'game' tonight.

However, once the attention of everyone was put on them, playtime was put off. Unconcerned with how his hairy legs were perceived, Teddy handed the phone back and continued down the stairs. As he did, he cleared his throat to announce some things.

At this point, Matthew wasn't completely listening. Most noises had gone quiet: the booming music, the constant stomping of heavy-footed people, the doors to the basement, bathrooms, or wherever else stopped opening, closing, then opening three seconds later to repeat, and overly talkative people making conversations, arguments, and debates to only then walk or storm off for a new face to converse, argue, or debate with. There was still the sound of bad Christmas lights popping and mutters here and there, but this was as peaceful of a party as this would become.

While he was given the chance, Matthew wanted to savor it. He swirled the spit-bit left in his cup, listening to the gentle swooshing noises. Then, he refilled it.

Josh still cautiously sipped his drink but commented on Teddy's words. "He's so right, Mayor Halberg will be three times better than Audrey Way could hope. Do you remember her campaign slogan this summer? "Vote for me to vote for more cells"? What a nice way to root out all of the cruel-hearted uptowners!"

His agreement and mockery were heard by others. From nearby, a voice muffled back their comments. They agreed as well, though, without any given reason, they were a simple 'men should be leader' kind of person. Other voices chimed in.

Like Matthew was relaxing in the absence, a conversation was started.

Teddy was a big reason why the current mayor won in the first place. He had a nice guy's influence in these parts and a good guy's influence uptown.

Some people were willing to agree with what he said, even if he didn't have proof. The beauty of it was he knew this fact best, yet still provided information for people to search online for themselves.

Those who did want to make conclusions of their own were grateful for this. Downtowners aren't allowed to access many things, including legitimate political websites.

Without knowing anything about anything, they would have to vote blind every new term. Therefore, many people were grateful for his extra efforts.

Bringing up a common opinion at a social party meant you'd easily find someone to chitchat with. Whether they agreed with all of your points or not, you'd still learn everything you need to know.

If they did disagree, like another person who stood in front of Josh started doing, a debate could relieve stress.

This person felt Mayor Halberg was unrealistic and his motives weren't what he said. While, at the very least, Audrey Way made it painfully clear how she would treat citizens.

Her reasoning was so emotional, that it was hard to say she wasn't honest. They said, "honesty is better than sugar-coated lies."

Josh simply shrugged, acknowledging the fair point, then replied with counterpoints.

Mayor Halberg grew up in a different country, while Audrey Way has lived in this very city, uptown, for as long as anyone can remember. She's incredibly short-sighted and only knows what 'her people' have endured.

Mayor Halberg doesn't say everything on his face, because his words are more powerful. Would you rather want opinionated honesty with no awareness, or experience and positive intentions?

The two could politely acknowledge but deflect each other's view all night. Matthew, however, doesn't care.

He didn't vote, as he had no opinion. Even now, whether it was some old man or some old woman, he just wanted everyone to agree one was better than the other, away from him.

When he was about to voice this, Teddy passed the microphone to Nel. Nel tapped it a few times, disturbing any conversations rudely taking place, such as Josh's. They started in an eager voice.

"Alright, everybody, I want your attention! A new year is about to start, so before you run off to your families, take some time from work, or decide to work overtime tomorrow, you need to have some fun!!"

The microphone slid from one slender hand to the other as Teddy pulled them and started walking them across the room.

"I don't care what you've gone through this year, or what you fear for next. If you're here for the night, I want to see you having fun! Are we ready!?" Having been ready for quite some time now, everyone shouted several times louder than before. "YES!!"

Matthew covered his ears and hung his head, once again unsure if coming was the best idea. Josh, probably sensing his increasing doubt, tapped his shoulder. His eyes faintly glowed, then something small and transparent formed in his hands. He handed them to Matthew.

"Wear them, you won't hear any loud noises." He stated, and Matthew did so. He felt the circular earbuds between his fingers, then put them in.

Once he put them in, everything became quieter. He could no longer hear the loud music or people yelling. The party around him seemed to go near-mute. He could still hear some things, but the volume was thankfully lower.

"Thanks, I didn't think it'd be so loud this early." He admitted tiredly.

"Really? Didn't Nel themself invite you? Pretty obvious it'd be loud off the bat." Josh laughed, though he wasn't wrong.

Over the years, Nel certainly attracted noise. Matthew must've been missing them too much, he completely forgot his aversion.

"Ugh..." He grumbled. Josh turned around, now facing away from the crowd too. His conversation partner went off to those they arrived with now that the party could get serious. He found this to be a good time to chitchat with Matthew, who'd barely spoken a word.

"It's been a while, right? I think you've grown." He joked, motioning with his hand a few inches of growth.

Matthew smiled and replied. "It has been a while, but stop mentioning it. I feel old every time."

He would see Josh just as rarely as Nel, but it's not like they didn't speak every day or two by phone. Yet, Josh acts like there are years between each face-to-face encounter.

"Hah!" That amused Josh, who held out his cup for more.

He took a sip, then exaggeratedly exhaled and gave Matthew a look of pity. "If you haven't realized it yet, I'll tell you. Matthew, buddy, you aged badly. You look older than I am, and you're supposed to be my baby brother!"

He gave him a dejected pat on the shoulder, as Matthew grumbled and frowned, not denying it. "You just look young, you and Nel. It's unfair."

Josh chuckled. "You know, I hear some girls like that 'mature' look." He threw a bit of hope to his good buddy, then smirked sarcastically with his next comment. "A few more wrinkles and middle-aged windows will love you, I'm sure."

Matthew grimaced, and decided not to mention that he'd been asked out by a 52-year-old widowed stepmother earlier this week. Then again, she recognized him as younger. Either way, Josh would probably razz him more.

It's not like he had the same genes as them, who managed to look like they were in their early or mid-twenties, which they most definitely aren't. He looked to be in his mid-forties, at best, but he's years younger.

"You're not getting any more of my drink, bastard." He grumbled as he snatched Josh's cup from his hands.

He showed shock at the sudden action but shrugged and smiled. "Fine, fine. There are plenty of drinks here, anyways. You should try some." It only made sense to try what was here, but that didn't mean Matthew would do it.

Eventually, Matthew heard who they'd been waiting for, Nel. He turned around to see his friend walking over brightly.

From a glance, Nel looked like a gorgeous woman with short hair. The closer you get to them, the more masculine they started looking. Similar to a gorgeous man with long hair, rocking their dress.

If the party's host wasn't glued to their hip, glaring at anyone too close, multiple guests would have asked them out already.

Teddy led Nel through the house and finally made it to where Josh and Matthew sat.

As soon as they come close enough, Nel jumped onto Josh and squeezed him from behind. "I haven't seen you in forever! How many months this time?"

Although struggling a bit from the tight hold around his throat, Josh grumbled. "It's been 5 months since we've talked, you ghosted me. I hope you're here to apologize."

Nel loosen their arms but didn't let go. They bent down and laid their head on Josh's shoulder, then turned to look up at him. With a soft, compliant voice, they admitted their wrongs. "Yes, yes, I'm very sorry. I've been so busy J, but I promise to talk to you more. Hm? Can I be forgiven?"

He pretended to think about it, but never planned to hold it against Nel. They were the busiest of the three of them, but at least they spoke to Matthew. That was good enough for Josh. "Fine. Contact me more next time"

"Thanks! And, I'll try to." Nel hopped off of Josh, giving his back some relief. No matter how slender, they're a grown person above average height, their weight wasn't small.

Before Nel could get the chance to jump on Matthew, he turned around and opened his arms, welcoming a hug. They dove into his arms.

"Ahh, M, you look so good tonight! I love the scarf!" They squeezed him tightly as they complimented Matthew's mix of a dark and light green scarf. He wasn't as easy to squeeze due to being thicker than Josh, but they tried.

He smiled, clearly having appreciated the compliment. It wasn't often Matthew tried to look attractive, like he did tonight. He came wearing his warmest and most comfortable winter scarf.

Josh looked behind Nel, to Teddy, curiously. Teddy's eyes were focused on Nel, letting them get their hellos in, then he pulled them closer to himself when the hugs were over. There was a mocking yet satisfied glint in Nel's eyes before they began to introduce themselves.

"I'm sure you both already who this is—Teddy, the host of this party. Teddy, this is my brother, Joshua, and our friend, Matthew." They used their hands to point between the three.

Both Josh and Matthew stood up and held their hand out for a handshake. "Call me Josh," Josh said first, followed by Matthew. "Matthew works for me." Teddy nodded, shaking their hands amicably.

"Nel has told me a lot about you both." He smiled toothily, his golden eyes looked at Josh, a slight glance up and down. "Are you sure you're twins? You don't look very similar." He wondered.

Josh shrugged. "We were born on different days. Maybe that's why?" He hummed, stealing back his unfinished pito.

Nel rolled their eyes. "It has nothing to do with that; you're pale." They turned to Teddy. "When we were younger, it was impossible to tell us apart!" They paused for a secobd before adding, "We'll show you pictures later."

They all wordlessly accepted these plans for another day. Matthew didn't need to see pictures, having known the twins at a time they still closely resembled each other. The resemblance was uncanny, so he wondered if Teddy could point out a difference.

Teddy's gaze went to Matthew next, smiling a little less than before. "From what I hear, you were a cute kid. If a little... freaky."

Josh corrected, "Not freaky, scary. He was avoided like the fricking plague, despite how adorable he was." He laughed as he gave Matthew a sympathetic back pat, though it felt more teasing.

Nel's smile was wiped off their face, replaced by a scowl at both men. They stepped on Teddy's foot, earning an "ow", and glared at Josh. "Don't pick on him."

Matthew sighed and covered his face, covering his embarrassment. Nel meant to stick up for him, in a way. But, he isn't a child, no matter how much they see him as one. This topic was brought up weekly by strangers at his shop, he understood the.. curiosity.

"It's fine, Nel. Superpowers like mine were uncommon back then, so people reacted badly." He explained to Teddy, who didn't look concerned but kept staring.

It wasn't a topic he liked to talk about if he were honest. He hardly had the choice, unlike Josh, Nel, and most others. He had gotten many eyes when he first entered, but, as he said, superpowers like his were more common now, so most people wouldn't stare.

It wasn't like this thirty years ago. Back then, in his 'home', his superpower was quite the terrifying thing. In turn, he was a terrifying child.

Josh already knows what it was like for Matthew, which is why Matthew felt he wasn't at all sincere. He'd always been somewhat insensitive, any friend of Josh's would be used to it.

Teddy followed up with another question, this time looking curious. He pointed to Matthew's head, or, hair. "So, if you don't mind me asking, how do you handle.. them?"

Nel looked ready to kick him again, but Matthew answered anyways. "Strong sleeping drugs. Safe and legal."

Teddy chuckled. "Don't worry, I wouldn't care if they're illegal. Hell, prescribed drugs will probably be illegal in a few years."

Josh scrunched his brows when he heard that. "Just downtown?" He asked, and already determined the answer when he saw Teddy's unreadable smile. Of course, just downtown, where substance abuse is common.

He sighed despondently, reasonably bummed out by the idea. However, Nel didn't let him be for too long. They clapped their hands together, recollecting their smile and their attention.

"Alright, come on, I want to show you what I've done downstairs. Trust me, J, you'll love it. And M, you don't have a choice, okay? No brooding up here." They commented, earning Matthew's frown.

Nel reached out for Matthew but was pulled back instead. Teddy pulled their arms back to their sides, his own around their thin waist. Showing what Matthew felt, Josh rolled his eyes. Teddy didn't seem to notice though, as he started guiding Nel and them.

As they walked through the crowd, Matthew spoke up first. "Nel, where are the others? You said Felise and Logan were coming."

He only came because people he knew would be present, having only Josh and Nel wasn't good enough. Both of them were social butterflies, able to talk it up with any generation. If he looked away for a second, both would surely be off talking, leaving him alone.

At the very least, Logan would probably stick with him.

Nel thought about it, then replied. "Felise came as someone's plus one earlier. She's keeping an eye on my things downstairs. Logan... I don't believe I've seen Logan yet, maybe he isn't coming?"

Of course, Matthew thought. He hid his disappointment. Although he worked closely with Felise, she talked too much for her good.

"Ooh, do you know who brought her?" Josh asked from behind. Matthew glanced back at him, only to find him with two new drinks in hand. He could hold his alcohol better than Matthew, but it's ridiculous how quickly he drank them.

"Hmm," they drew out the thought, then looked up to Teddy, "what was his name?"

"Griffin Jay, I think." He replied. Matthew recognized the name and smiled slightly.

"Oh. Do you know that graffitied diner on my street? He's the owner. Nice guy." He said.

Josh looked surprised, then asked. "Is his business getting better? Felise wouldn't be with him if it was still crap."

Matthew shrugged. He was the only one in the group who would know but didn't have a good idea. Only recently did he notice the neighboring diner was still getting customers, his shop being nearby was probably helping.

Though, Josh was right. Felise had always been the kind of girl looking for successful men. Too bad the truly successful men downtown wouldn't pay her any mind.

••

The whole house was originally shrouded in darkness. On the first floor, Christmas lights and the lights on the DJ's booth lit up everything, barely allowing people to see five steps in front of them. Matthew didn't have an issue seeing in darkness, but he'd seen a few people trip.

In the basement, there were also a few lights, but they were lights: LED light strips were stuck on every edge, alternating between colors. There was also a disco ball, reflecting all of that light for an extravagant and eye-scarring effect. The place closely resembled a club.

"What do you guys think?" Nel asked, probably wondering if they liked the decoration. Before Matthew could answer, Josh whistled joyfully.

"My god, Nel. Is that a performance stage?" He gasped. Matthew followed his eyes and yes, there was an elevated stage with steps, speakers, a curtain, everything. What caught his eyes was the stripper poles up there too.

Nel stopped walking and turned around to narrowly looked at them. "I bet neither of you has practiced poling, have you?" That question caused Josh to choke on the last of his second drink. Matthew didn't have a drink to choke on, so he choked on his spit instead, prompting a laugh out of Teddy.