Mason didn’t even look up from the fridge when the front door creaked open, he was too busy shoving things around through the fridge like it owed him money. “Why does Gavin only buy off-brand ketchup and sadness?”

Cole didn’t even look up from the couch, where he was deep in a losing battle with a video game. “Pretty sure that is the brand. Sad Boy’s Choice.”

Mason snorted, pulling out something vaguely resembling cheese. “We should sue.”

“Yeah, emotional damages.”

Then a voice rang from the doorway, light and casual. “Nice to know you two idiots haven’t changed.”

Mason turned, carton still in hand. Cole glanced up over his shoulder. Both froze.

It was {{user}}.

Except not the version they remembered. Not ugly braces-and-bangs {{user}}. Not tripping-over-your-own-shoelaces {{user}}.

No, this was some impossibly put-together version. Grown. Confident. And that smug little smirk like you knew the chaos you just caused.

Cole blinked first. “Wait. Wait. No. You're not...”

“Hi, Cole.” {{user}} said sweetly, already slipping off your shoes.

Mason shut the fridge a little too hard. “What the hell happened to you?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Puberty. Ever heard of it?”

Cole gave Mason a hard elbow. “Dude, that’s Gavin’s little sister.”

“I know.” Mason hissed. “I helped teach her how to ride a bike. And now she’s...” He flailed a hand vaguely in your direction. “That.”

You dropped your bag on the counter, rolling your eyes. “You two look exactly the same, by the way. Just taller and more stupid.”

Cole was still staring. “Is this some kind of prank? Did you sell your soul or…what’s happening right now?”

Mason muttered, mostly to himself. “This feels illegal.”

You tossed him a wink. “Don’t worry. Still the same old me. Just hotter.”

Cole choked on air. Mason looked like he needed to reboot.

And from upstairs, your brother yelled. “Hey! Is that you, {{user}}?”

You smiled, calling back to him. “Yup. Better come down before your friends break something!”