This is a chapter from my ongoing book, Balls of Fire: Passion Sparks an Inferno. It’s free to read, and I’d love your feedback.Whether you’re here for the queer romance, the satire, the espionage, or just a taste of something different, you’re in the right pce. Every section stands on its own—but together they tell a wild, dangerous, deeply personal story.Let me know what strikes you, what confuses you, what makes you ugh—or ache.

  Leandro stepped in slowly. No threat, just... presence. "I'm not here to out you or writesome exposé," he said, voice dipping. "I'm just trying to understand why anyone volunteersto live underground with their finger on the end of the world."Dani didn't answer right away. His eyes stayed down. The pencil was still in hand, but ithadn't moved in minutes.Leandro waited. Quiet. Patient."You want to know?" Dani finally asked.Leandro nodded once. "Yeah."Dani looked up. Their eyes met—and held.There was weight in Dani's gaze. The kind that comes from years of holding things in. Buthe let the words go anyway."There's something comforting about being the st line," Dani said. "If everything goesto hell, I'm the one who makes sure it ends clean."Leandro exhaled slowly. "That's not comfort. That's punishment."Dani's jaw tightened. Barely. "Maybe I deserve it."Leandro stepped close enough for Dani to feel the warmth of their touch."You don't," Leandro said quietly. "But I get it."Dani didn't move. But something shifted in his eyes. Not quite permission. Not yet. Butsomething gave.Leandro held the moment a little longer. Then stepped back."See you around, Dani," he said, letting the name linger like a fingerprint. Then heturned and left without looking back.Dani didn't return to the schematic. The pencil sat loose in his grip. His heart poundedlike someone had finally said his name after a long, long silence.He'd given up on love a long time ago.Tried. Fell. Too fast. Too hard.Some men broke promises when secrecy became too heavy. Others just got tired of waitingfor Dani to open up. A few used him—chasing the paycheck, the uniform, the body. One stolehis dog.That was the st time Dani believed in anything resembling love.And yet... Leandro.There was something about him. Familiar. Like a name he once knew, like déjà vu in someoneelse's skin.

  SILENT SENTINEL: TRIAL BY FIRE

  Leandro didn't knock down walls. He just... walked through them.Leandro was a lion among men. Dark curls. Sharp cheekbones. A Hemingway beard. He movedwith instinct—coiled, precise, always ready. Built for trouble. But his eyes—silver-blueand still—took everything in.His life had been war. Blood. Rebellion. His mother died, giving birth to him and histwin. His father couldn't handle it. Leandro was given away.But he wasn't lost.Resistance fighters in Argentina raised him. Grew up on whispers and warnings. He learnedearly that the truth comes at a cost. And by forty, he'd seen more death than mostsoldiers. The Pulitzer didn't change that—it only made the ghosts heavier.His lovers didn't st. His life didn't allow for permanence.Until now. Until Dani.Fireflies and False Fronts"You're not as simple as you pretend to be," Leandro said one evening beside the canal.The sky had gone violet. Fireflies drifted through the warm air like sparks that refusedto die.Dani skipped a stone. His hand lingered on the next one, knuckles pale, forearm tensebeneath sun-warmed skin."And you pretend to be reckless," Dani replied. "But I see the control. If you're wingingit, I'll eat my boots."Neither moved. Their shoulders were too close. Knees nearly touching.Stillness had always been Dani's armor. But tonight, it started to crack.Leandro didn't push. But his presence filled every space Dani tried to leave empty.Moonlight ConfessionsAnother night. Same canal. Cicadas buzzed in the trees. The moon silvered Leandro's curls.Dani felt the weight of Leandro's gaze—not hungry, not aggressive. Certain. It was as ifhe'd already made up his mind and was waiting for Dani to stop pretending he hadn't feltit."You've been here a while," Leandro said.Dani kept his eyes on the water. "It's quiet."Leandro's voice gentled. "I think you like hiding."Dani clenched his jaw. That heat again—not from the air. From him.He didn't answer because Leandro wasn't wrong. And because the worst part of not beingseen... was wanting to be.

  For the first time in years, Dani didn't know if he wanted to keep running.First EditionCopyright ? 2025Raging SkiesNo one ever told him the hottest heat wouldn't come from a desert or a bomb bst—it wouldcome from sitting next to a man you've wanted for weeks, trying not to hump the air.That was Dani's reality now.Leandro's voice was in his bones. His presence never left the room. Every time theirshoulders brushed, every time their knees almost touched in the silo, Dani felt somethingin him grit—and not in the noble, stoic soldier way. No. This was a brick-up, cheeks-clenched, cock-eyed obsession.Weeks had passed. They were already impossibly hard. They only got more challenging. Theirboners had a pulse and no chill.They talked. They ughed. They sat in silence. Both knew what the other wanted. Thequestion was timing.In between silo shifts and cafeteria coffees, Dani started giving away pieces of himself,not on purpose. He just– dripped. Pre-cum turned into a whole personality. It hadthoughts. It had goals. There were moments when Dani had to sit still and pretend the leakwasn't happening.But they held out. Barely.Leandro was too easy to fall toward. Gravity pulled Dani forward like a thirst trap incombat boots. And Leandro? He didn't want to suck gravity. He wanted to rail him likeAmtrak with no brakes.One night, a storm hit hard. The kind that made the silo groan like it knew what wascoming. Thunder cracked. Rain hammered the silo doors. The lights flickered like they werehorny too.Neither of them left.They sat in the control room. Just them. Just silence. Just pressure.Dani leaned forward, elbows on his knees, voice low and tight. "Why do you keep moving?"Leandro looked at him. Quiet for a beat. "Looking for something," he said. "Maybe afamily. A pce that'll still be there in the morning.""Have you ever had one?"Leandro's eyes darkened. "No. My mom died giving birth. My dad– disappeared. Left me inthe system."He ran a hand through his curls. "I had a twin. Tavio. We were born at Good Samaritan. Itried to find him—nothing. It's as if they both vanished.

  Dani didn't speak. I didn't need to.Leandro gave a short, bitter ugh. "I don't even know why I'm telling you this."Dani met his eyes. "Because you want to."It wasn't just truth—it was surrender. Quiet, shared, and undeniable."Is Soros your real name?" Dani asked, softer now."No. Stepdad's."Leandro's gaze searched his. "I've always said I was chasing the truth. Stories. Butmaybe– I've just been waiting for someone who makes me want to stop running."Dani looked down.His pants were tight. His cock was fully bricked and begging for parole. It throbbedagainst the zipper like it had something to say.Leandro noticed. His gaze dropped, then lifted—slowly and deliberately. "I need to tellyou something," Leandro said.Dani didn't blink."I'm gay."It came out soft but solid. Not a confession. A decration of dick avaibility." Ididn't say it sooner because I didn't want Leandro to raise a brow. "Worse?" His cock waspitching a full-on trouser tent—veiny, volcanic, and mean-mugging his jeans like it had avendetta. This wasn't a garden-variety boner. Leandro was sporting a certified GorilGrip grudge rod—it thudded like a war drum every time he shifted. Dani gnced down at hisraging situation. "You want me, don't you?"Leandro didn't answer. He grabbed Dani's belt as if on a mission. Yanked him forward.Cocks collided. Sparks flew. Any longer, and the two would have been dry humping. That wasa sport that would wait for ter.Leandro growled. "I've wanted you since you strutted into this silo like discipline was akink. Dani half-ughed, half-moaned. "Fuck. We're doing this?" Leandro didn't answer. Hisfingers worked fast. Belt undone. He dragged his zipper down slowly. Dani's cock poppedfree—red, leaking, and angry for attention.Leandro dropped to his knees without hesitation. Dani gasped. "Jesus." "Not quite,"Leandro quipped. "But I do work miracles. He yanked down Dani's boxers. Dani's dick sprangout like it was te to brunch. Primo, Glorious. Dripping pre-cum. Exactly the meaty mealLeandro wanted.Leandro looked up at him with that grin, mischievous and reverent. "You're fuckingperfect," he excimed. Then his mouth was on Dani's shaft. Hot. Wet. A greedy person islike a man who has missed breakfast and lunch. Leandro swallowed Dani's manhood deepthroat.Dani moaned loudly. One hand clutched the edge of the console. The other was buried inLeandro's curls. "Shit, that mouth—fuck—"

  Leandro moaned around him. Dani's hips jerked—suddenly, involuntarily. It wasn't atremble. It wasn't some pretty rush of sensation. It hit low. Dark. Right where he ached.There was no buildup—just craving, sharpened to a bde cutting through him. He thrustforward on instinct.Leandro did not stop. He deep-throated Dani's dick like a certified throat goat. Took himdeeper. And deeper. Dani didn't know if he was breathing. He didn't care. Leandro pulledoff, cum all over his face, wrecked."Turn around. "Dani didn't argue. He braced himself against the console. Leandro spreadthose cheeks like gospel. Spit. Fingers. Two. Three. Dani bucked back—hungry, desperate,like his cherry pit had been waiting its whole life to be split wide and cimed."You're ready," Leandro Questioned. "Do it," Dani hissed. "Don't make me beg." "Oh, you'llbeg," Leandro said—and shoved in. Thick. Deep. Slow. Dani screamed. Half pain. All need."You good?" Leandro asked.Dani turned his head. "If you don't start plowing me like a cornfield in Iowa, I swear togod—"That was all he needed. Leandro smmed in. Rhythm found. Pace brutal. Skin spped.The console rattled. Dani cwed at the controls as if he were rebooting the mainframewith his moans. "You feel so fucking good,"Leandro growled, thrusting harder. He spped Dani's butt cheeks. Dani cursed. Pushedback. Soul exiting his body. His cock rubbed raw against the panel. He was so close ithurt."You going to cum for me?" Leandro asked, commanding, wrecked, and ready to wreck more."Touch me. Please—fuck—touch me—" Dani pleaded. Leandro reached around, fist closingtightly. "Fuck my fist, fuck it fast and hard."Dani came as if his body had given up. Loud. Hard. Cum exploded across the console—hot,thick, relentless. It hit the panel with wet spts like paintball fire, streakingbuttons, and dripping down dials. His whole body convulsed—thighs trembling, ass clenched.His toes bent in his boots like they were trying to grip the floor for dear life.He saw stars. Actual fucking stars. It was like a government bckout had hit his brainand rebooted his entire system. Every nerve in him detonated at once.Leandro didn't stop. Fucked him eagerly the more Dani shot his load. Then came with agroan, Leandro spilling seed inside his man and making a promise. They colpsed. Sweaty.Shaking and dripping in creamy sweat. Neither spoke. Not yet. Eventually, Dani panted,"That's one way to defuse a nuclear situation." Leandro ughed into his shoulder. "You'resuch a nerd." This was full-body, cherry-pit-split cheeks, eternal fire. And neither ofthem was running anymore.ONE STEP AWAY FROM ETERNITY"Leandro's assignment was ending. The countdown was now. He and Dani had grown too close,closer than anyone else on base, perhaps too close. On his st day, Leandro found him bythe silo entrance, staring into the fog like he was waiting for it to give him a reasonnot to break.

  "I leave tomorrow," Leandro said.Dani didn't look at him. "Yeah. I figured."Leandro stepped closer. "Please. Look at me."Dani didn't move. He kept facing the other way, as if turning around would causeeverything to spill out."What do you want me to say, Leandro?" he asked. "That I've been walking around with apermanent chub for weeks? That every time you're near me, my dick does a push-up?"Leandro scowled. "Dani, that's not funny." His voice fractured a little. "What do you wantto say?"Dani turned. Grabbed Leandro by the colr and kissed him—fast, rough, nothing sweet aboutit. This wasn't romance.Their cocks ground together—both hard, both angry. Dani's pressed into Leandro's thigh,thick and pissed like it had a point to prove.When they pulled apart, Dani did not hesitate."Stay," he said.Leandro made a sound—not quite a word, more like a sigh of surrender.He kissed Dani again. Slower this time, but not softer. Dani shoved him back against thewall, hand already on his belt. "You're not leaving without fucking me."Leandro grinned. "Then turn around and brace for impact."No more pretending. No more slow burn.But before tipping over the edge, Leandro paused. "Dani– this isn't just about bodies. Orgetting split open in a missile silo while the world's losing its mind.""I know," Dani said. "But I can't ask you to choose me over your career. That wouldn't befair."Leandro's eyes locked on his. "Yes." His voice broke. "Yes, you can. What do you want meto say?" Leandro asked. "That I can't imagine my life without you? That, do I don't wantto?Dani held his gaze. "Only if it's true."Leandro didn't answer. He didn't need to. He pulled Dani into his arms and held him."Stay," Dani said again.Leandro pressed his forehead to Dani's. "I will. I'm not leaving you. I don't care what itmeans—we'll grow. We'll adapt."That night, twilight wrapped around them like a secret. One they weren't going to keepmuch longer.

  Leandro Did Not LeaveThe missile silo still stood in the distance, a monument to war and duty.Months ter, his photographs of the base were celebrated nationwide, praised for theirstark honesty. For Leandro, his true masterpiece wasn't his work. It was the life Leandroand Dani built together.The two made a home just beyond the reach of the base, snuggled between the dense Floridawoodnds and the vast, open sky. The nights were sultry. The cicadas hummed. The aroma ofpine and rain in the distance wrapped around.Just past the trees, the missile silo stood imposing and unshaken by time.Dani still rose before dawn, disciplined as ever, running the back roads that stretchedtoward the base, past the towering steel monument, a relic of war that stood steadfastagainst the horizon. Dani never broke stride. He never looked back.Leandro, on the other hand, took his time waking. He stretched across the bed, waiting forDani's return. And when he heard the door open, he'd roll onto his side, watching Danipeel off his T-shirt. He was sweat-damp and all coiled strength."Miss me?" Dani would ask, his tone dry, the way he always did.Leandro would let his eyes rake over him, slowly, deliberately. "Not nearly as much as I'mabout to."Dani never stood a chance.Some mornings, they didn't even get as far as the shower. Leandro would press Dani backagainst the nearest wall. Leandro's fingers found the waistband of Dani's shorts.Leandro's mouth lingered along Dani's pulse point. Dani could stare down a gun barrelwithout a flinch. But when Leandro touched him. Then Dani invariably melted. A cherishedprize, Leandro made Dani feel like he was the most precious gift Leandro had everunwrapped.The base boomed in the distance. The missile silo stood as a reminder of duty, ofrestraint, of men built to hold the line.Outside, their lives remained measured. Their circle was small, bound by the silentunderstanding of military men and intelligence contacts who also lived in the shadows.They met in pces where nothing was spoken, words were guarded, and trust was earned inways no civilian would ever understand.But inside their home, they left nothing unsaid. However, Dani didn't have to hold backanything inside the walls of their home. Here, his hands clutched at Leandro's. Danirejoiced and cursed every time Leandro made him forget everything but this.Leandro would watch Dani move through the kitchen with precise efficiency. Dani was alwaysmethodical, always composed. Leandro couldn't resist horsepy at such moments, teasingDani. Leandro would slide up behind Dani, embrace him, and whisper, teasingly: "You cooklike you fight." Leandro would then coax: "Controlled, disciplined, devastatinglyseductive."

  Dani sighed, unmoved. You are so lucky that I don't believe in violence before coffee.Evenings were slow but charged. They drank homemade hooch on their porch. Their bare feettangled together. The air clung to the skin sultrily, humid, and hot. A feeling that neverreally faded between them."Think we should get a dog?" Leandro asked one night, zily swirling the st of hisdrink.Dani took a measured sip of his own. Do you want something else shedding all over thehouse?Leandro chuckles. "Something big. Strong. Intimidating."Dani shot him a look. "You locked yourself in the car over a possum."Leandro pced a hand over his heart. "Dani, that possum had murder in its eyes. Thatthing lunged at me. I saw my life fsh before my eyes."Dani snorted. But the slight quirk of his lips was victory enough. Leandro stole a kiss,deep and deliberate. Dani momentarily forgot the gss in his hand and let it slip fromhis grasp. Leandro ughed, anticipating Dani's tendency to react compulsively. "Justleave the mess, dearest. I'll clean it up in a while." Leandro stole another kiss. Theonly thing left was the unspoken understanding that neither was going anywhere.Dani had already surrendered to Leandro's embrace, to his passionate kisses. No rulebookcould ever dictate how their bodies fit together.The missile silo still stood ever-vigint. A symbol of unimaginable power, ultimateforce, and men built to stand tall against all odds.The world saw the silo as a monument to war.But for Leandro and Dani, it was just another reminder of everything they had builttogether. Of what it meant to hold one another firm, to stand tall and proud, never tofall. This is a reminder that love can be found and flourish even in the most unexpectedpces.DANI'S RELUCTANCE TO SOCIALIZEThe house outside the base was calm, and the perfect evening stretched ahead. It was fullof Dani's favorite activity: not talking to people. He was sprawled on the couch insweatpants, flipping through a magazine he had no real intention of reading. It was justsomething to hold while he enjoyed doing absolutely nothing.However, Leandro was in thinking mode, and Dani's peace was at risk when Leandro was inthinking mode.From his spot near the kitchen counter, arms crossed, Leandro took a breath, as if a manabout to say something deeply unsettling.Dani didn't even look up.Dani: (ftly) "You're about to say some unhinged shit, aren't you?"

  Leandro: (serious as a heart attack) "Have you noticed how often uncanny moments betweenus py out exactly as we imagined them?"Dani turned a page, unimpressed.Dani: "Babe, I have no idea what that means, and frankly, I'm afraid of learning."Leandro started pacing—never a good sign.Leandro: "I mean, every time I get a feeling about something, I'm usually right." Everytime we need something, it seems to appear. It's as if we're being guided.Dani sighed, tossing the magazine aside.Dani: "All right. Fine. You're on a roll. Let's hear it. Is this a government experiment?Mind control? Aliens? Scratch that—if it's aliens, I'll hear them out."Leandro: (dead serious) "I think we're in a book."Dani stared at him for a long moment. Then, he took an agonizingly slow sip of his coffee.Dani: (after a beat, deadpan) "Okay. First, I demand a bigger paycheck if I were afictional character.Leandro sighed, already regretting this conversation.Leandro: "Dani—"Dani: (ignoring him, now on a roll) "No, no, let's think bigger. If we're writing, where'smy mansion? Why don't I own a yacht? Why am I still waiting for my car insurance cim togo through? Who writes a character like me and doesn't at least give me a private jet?"Leandro closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and counted to ten.Leandro: "You're missing the point."Dani: (mock thoughtful, stroking his chin) "Oh! And if we're in a book, who's writing it?And are they hot?"Leandro blinked at him.Leandro: "That's your concern?"Dani: (shrugging) "Look, if I've got to live under someone's creative control, I just wantto know if I can respect their choices."Leandro shook his head, moving on for his sanity.Leandro: "You don't find it weird that everything in our lives just happens to line upperfectly?"Dani: (smiling, stretching out on the couch smugly) "Nope. I just assumed I was lucky andhot."

  Leandro: "I should've had this conversation with anyone else."Dani: (grinning) "Yeah, but then it wouldn't be fun."Leandro gave up.Leandro: "Fine. Forget I said anything."Dani beamed, victorious. He reached for his coffee, ready to settle back into hispeaceful, socialization-free evening—Until Leandro casually mentioned, "We should get going soon. We're having dinner with Paund Ethan."Dani froze mid-sip.His smile vanished.Slowly, he lowered the mug as if trying to grasp the horror of what had just been said.Dani: (horrified whisper) "–Why?"Leandro smiled, enjoying this more than he should.Leandro: "Because if we are in a book, Paul and Ethan know and didn't tell us."Dani groaned, flopping dramatically back onto the couch.Dani: (muffled into a pillow) "Ughhh. You see? This is exactly the kind of main characterenergy that gets people killed in stories. I bet Ethan's going to be all smug about it,too. God, I hate it already."Leandro grabbed his keys, showing no sign of being unfazed.Leandro: "Come on. The sooner we arrive, the sooner you can stop socializing for themonth."Dani didn't move.Dani: (muffled, full tantrum mode) "I socialize plenty! I see people! I am going to work!I exist in society! That's enough! Why do we have to add dinner?""Come on, Dani," Leandro said, buttoning his shirt and checking his reflection. "It's onenight. You'll survive socializing.""I socialize plenty," Dani called from the other room, his voice oozing with sarcasm."Just this morning, I spoke with Johnson during a safety drill." That counts.""What exactly did you say?"Dani strolled into the room and deadpanned, "?Watch your step.'"And he said?"

  "?Yes, sir.'" Dani crossed his arms. "Boom. Instant connection.""Jesus. That's not socializing, that's giving instructions."Dani shrugged. "Same thing.""It's not.""Look, I don't need new friends. I have you."Leandro folded his arms. "Yeah, and I'm forcing you to leave the house."Dani groaned dramatically like he was being asked to donate a kidney. "Why do you hate me?Leandro grabbed his keys. "Paul and Ethan are hirious. You'll like them.""Doubtful.""They're bringing homemade margaritas."Dani's eyes narrowed. "–How homemade?""They're bringing a blender."Dani sat up slightly. "Fresh lime juice or that radioactive green mix?""Fresh. Hand-squeezed.""Tequi brand?""Something top shelf."Dani stood, grabbing his jacket. "Fine. But if they start talking about politics,astrology, or — God forbid — their favorite Marvel movies, I'm out."Deal. Now move before you overthink this."Dani sighed. "I already regret this."Leandro grinned. "Yeah, yeah. You can gre at me over a margarita."Dani muttered something under his breath as they walked out the door. Leandro caughtenough of it to know it was mostly profanity.Leandro ughed as he locked up behind them.ONCE LIT, A FLAME THAT NEVER DIESThe heart's a lonely hunter, especially when your sexual orientation conflicts with whatyour society expects.Between two men, love ignites like a spark in the dark. Fierce and undeniable. Between twomen, it's passion set free. A longing gnce that sparks before a word is spoken.Fingertips trace jawline. Voracious lips meeting. Bodies pressed closely against bareskin—quiet moments of tenderness.

  One man's heart yearns for another's. More so when the world tells him that such desire iswrong. But love refuses to be caged. It blossoms in stolen moments, in the thrill ofsurrendering to what feels right. All doubt dispelled, only the unshaken truth withstandsspace and time.Both wildfire and gravity, love between men's passion and devotion, are intertwined. It'sthe slow unraveling of control as hands and hearts open. It's the ache of separation, theunbearable need to close the distance, the sweet release of reunion.For some men, love is destiny. For other men, it's a furtive and hidden affair. For othermen, it's a proud choice that has been built over time. Either way, homoerotic love hasthe power to transform -- to break, to heal, to elevate. It's the most human thing of all.For some men, love strikes like lightning. For others, it builds like a slow, smolderingfme. Either way, it changes -- it consumes, grows, heals, and binds the souls of mentogether. Love becomes the most potent force when two men truly surrender to theiremotions—ideally, love blooms.Love between men is a profound, multifaceted emotion that defies simple definition. It canbe passionate, tender, fierce, or even painful. At its core, homoerotic love is aconnection -- whether momentary or forever, ptonic, stoic, romantic -- that binds menthrough erotic desire, understanding, empathy, and care.For some, love is destiny. For others, it's a choice that has been built over time. Eitherway, love can transform, elevate, break, and heal. It is the most human thing of all.LEANDRO'S REAL-LIFE CRISIS: DANIThe house outside the base was calm, and the perfect evening stretched ahead. It was fullof Dani's favorite activity: not talking to people. He was sprawled on the couch insweatpants, flipping through a magazine he had no real intention of reading. It was justsomething to hold while he enjoyed doing absolutely nothing.However, Leandro was in thinking mode, and Dani's peace was at risk when Leandro was inthinking mode.From his spot near the kitchen counter, arms crossed, Leandro took a breath, as if a manabout to say something deeply unsettling.Dani didn't even look up.Dani: (ftly) "You're about to say some unhinged shit, aren't you?"Leandro: (serious as a heart attack) "Have you noticed how often uncanny moments betweenus py out exactly as we imagined them?"Dani turned a page, unimpressed.Dani: "Babe, I have no idea what that means, and frankly, I'm afraid of learning."Leandro started pacing—never a good sign.Leandro: "I mean, every time I get a feeling about something, I'm usually right." Everytime we need something, it seems to appear conveniently. It's as if we're being guided.

  Dani sighed, tossing the magazine aside.Dani: "All right. Fine. You're on a roll. Let's hear it. Is this a government experiment?Mind control? Aliens? Scratch that—if it's aliens, I'll hear them out."Leandro: (dead serious) "I think we're in a book."Dani stared at him for a long moment. Then, he took an agonizingly slow sip of his coffee.Dani: (after a beat, deadpan) "Okay. First, I demand a bigger paycheck if I were afictional character.Leandro sighed, already regretting this conversation.Leandro: "Dani—"Dani: (ignoring him, now on a roll) "No, no, let's think bigger. If we're writing, where'smy mansion? Why don't I own a yacht? Why am I still waiting for my car insurance cim togo through? Who writes a character like me and doesn't at least give me a private jet?"Leandro closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and counted to ten.Leandro: "You're missing the point."Dani: (mock thoughtful, stroking his chin) "Oh! And if we're in a book, who's writing it?And are they hot?"Leandro blinked at him.Leandro: "That's your concern?"Dani: (shrugging) "Look, if I've got to live under someone's creative control, I just wantto know if I can respect their choices."Leandro shook his head, moving on for his sanity.Leandro: "You don't find it weird that everything in our lives just happens to line upperfectly?"Dani: (smiling, stretching out on the couch smugly) "Nope. I just assumed I was lucky andhot."Leandro: "I should've had this conversation with literally anyone else."Dani: (grinning) "Yeah, but then it wouldn't be fun."Leandro gave up.Leandro: "Fine. Forget I said anything."Dani beamed, victorious. He reached for his coffee, ready to settle back into hispeaceful, socialization-free evening—Until Leandro casually mentioned, "We should get going soon. We're having dinner with Paund Ethan."

  Dani froze mid-sip.His smile vanished.Slowly, he lowered the mug, as if trying to grasp the horror of what had just been said.Dani: (horrified whisper) "–Why?"Leandro smiled, enjoying this more than he should.Leandro: "Because if we are in a book, Paul and Ethan know and didn't tell us."Dani groaned, flopping dramatically back onto the couch.Dani: (muffled into a pillow) "Ughhh. You see? This is exactly the kind of main characterenergy that gets people killed in stories. I bet Ethan's going to be all smug about it,too. God, I hate it already."Leandro grabbed his keys, entirely showing no sign of being unfazed.Leandro: "Come on. The sooner we arrive, the sooner you can stop socializing for themonth."Dani didn't move.Dani: (muffled, full tantrum mode) "I socialize plenty! I see people! I am going to work!I exist in society! That's enough! Why do we have to add dinner?!""Come on, Dani," Leandro said, buttoning his shirt and checking his reflection. "It's onenight. You'll survive socializing.""I socialize plenty," Dani called from the other room, his voice oozing with sarcasm."Just this morning, I spoke with Johnson during a safety drill. That counts.""What exactly did you say?"Dani strolled into the room and deadpanned, "?Watch your step.'"And he said?""?Yes, sir.'" Dani crossed his arms. "Boom. Instant connection.""Jesus. That's not socializing, that's giving instructions."Dani shrugged. "Same thing.""It's not.""Look, I don't need new friends. I have you."Leandro folded his arms. "Yeah, and I'm forcing you to leave the house."Dani groaned dramatically, like he was being asked to donate a kidney. "Why do you hateme?

  Leandro grabbed his keys. "Paul and Ethan are hirious. You'll like them.""Doubtful.""They're bringing homemade margaritas."Dani's eyes narrowed. "–How homemade?""They're bringing a blender."Dani sat up slightly. "Fresh lime juice or that radioactive green mix?""Fresh. Hand-squeezed.""Tequi brand?""Something top shelf."Dani stood, grabbing his jacket. "Fine. But if they start talking about politics,astrology, or — God forbid — their favorite Marvel movies, I'm out."Deal. Now move before you overthink this."Dani sighed. "I already regret this."Leandro grinned. "Yeah, yeah. You can gre at me over a margarita."Dani muttered something under his breath as they walked out the door. Leandro caughtenough of it to know it was mostly profanity.Leandro ughed as he locked up behind them.LA COSA LOBSTRA: CHAOS à LA CARTE"Before the bullets fly and the bodies fall, dinner is served."Across the table, Paul Adler and Ethan Archer exchanged a look over their martinis."Kids these days," Paul drawled, nudging Ethan's foot.Ethan hummed. "So young. So, I'm in love. So unaware we're watching."Dani shot them both a look. "I can hear you."Paul sipped his drink, unbothered. "And?"Leandro wiped his mouth with his hand, barely suppressing a grin. "We've been around eachother, but I don't think we've officially met." He motioned between them. "Leandro Soros."Ethan waved a hand. "Oh, we know who you are—world-famous photojournalist, globe-trotting,Pulitzer-chasing, dictator-pissing-off extraordinaire. Soros, I remember. But this guy?"He nodded at Dani. "I just know him as the tech who shit done."Dani chuckled. "Dani Stryker. Air Force. ICBM maintenance." He clinked his gss againstthe table. "I keep the silo running and the nukes right where they belong -- deepunderground and not airborne."

  Paul nodded approvingly. "See that? That makes me like you.""And you two?" Leandro asked, leaning back.Paul and Ethan exchanged gnces, as if they'd forgotten that introductions were evennecessary."Paul Adler, Navy. Nuclear technician," Paul said, setting his drink down. "Ethan and Iare on a temporary assignment. That's code for ?the Navy sent us here for six months, andthat was three years ago.'"Ethan eborated dramatically. We inspect nuclear safety, ensuring nothing "oopses" intoWorld War III. We drink heavily because this job never ends."Leandro chuckled. "So– nuclear babysitters?"Paul grinned. "We prefer highly trained nuclear custodians. But sure."Dani shook his head. "You two sound like an old married couple."Ethan grinned. "That's because we are. Secretly, we were married in a holy union, probablybefore either of you reached puberty."Damn! Do you think we're that young? Leandro responded. "And here I thought we werespecial." Dani smiled.Paul waved a hand. "Oh, you two lovebirds are adorable. But call me when you've spent adecade together, and your biggest argument is whose turn it is to update reactor logs."Dani groaned. "Why do I feel like you two will haunt me forever?"Ethan winked. "Because we are, darling. Ethan clinked his fork against his gss. "You dorealize, lovebirds, that Paul and I will haunt you forever?"Leandro took a sip of wine. "Is that a threat or a promise?""Both," Paul said, stabbing at his sad like it had personally wronged him. "You two arestuck with us. For better or worse."Dani twirled his fork. "Sounds like you're renewing vows.""Why stop at vows?" Ethan smiled. "We'll draft a whole contract. Haunting rights,visitation schedules, scheduled interruptions for unsolicited wisdom."Leandro exhaled. Do you ever get the feeling that things happen a little too conveniently?Paul pointed at him with his fork. "Go on."Leandro gestured. "Like, no matter what we do, things always nd in a way that's eitherdramatic, hirious, or ridiculously well-timed."Dani frowned. "You say that like it's a bad thing."Ethan gasped. "Oh my God. We're in a book."

  Paul chewed thoughtfully. "That expins so much. The perfect timing. The banter. The factthat I can make eating a sad seem interesting."Ethan snapped his fingers. "The way we always have the exact right comeback, no matter howabsurd the situation."Paul nodded. "The way we recover from life-threatening events is with a quip instead oftherapy."Dani groaned. "Okay, but what do we do about it?"Paul shrugged. "Enjoy it? We're in a well-written book."Ethan cpped his hands. "Oh. The pacing? Impeccable. The humor? Sharp. The sexualtension? THROUGH THE ROOF."Dani squinted. "And if we're in a book, the author has a type."Leandro sighed. "Fine. If this is a book, how do we prove it?"Ethan grinned. "Easy. Say something completely mundane and see if we all immediately checkout."Paul turned to Dani. "Hey. How's your sad?"Dani poked at his pte. "It's– fresh?" He frowned. "Crisp? Well-banced?" He dropped hisfork. "Oh my God. I just described a sad like a food critic."Ethan pointed. "SEE?! NORMAL PEOPLE DON'T DO THAT!"Leandro groaned. "Okay, so we're in a book. Does that mean we have no free will?"Paul took a sip of wine. "Nah. We're part of a well-crafted narrative, but we can stillmake choices. He reached for the breadbasket. "Like, I'm eating three rolls in a row."Ethan nodded. "And I'm choosing to flirt outrageously with my husband." He moved towardPaul. "Hey, sailor. Come here often?"Paul smiled. "Only in every chapter we're in, babe."Dani threw up his hands. "All right, fine. We're characters in a book. So, what do we dowith this information?"Leandro took a deep breath, raised his gss, and clinked it against the others. "We makesure we steal the show."Ethan grinned. "Oh, sweetheart. That was never in question."THE NEXT SET OF MALE STRIPPERS TOOK THE STAGE AT LA COSA LOBSTRA. THE CONVERSATION DRIFTEDOFF. BECAUSE WORK WAS WORK -- BUT NIGHTS LIKE THIS? NIGHTS LIKE THIS KEPT THEM SANE.BETTING BIG, BRACING FOR IMPACTChef's kiss. The night clerk inside looked like he'd seen things, and at this point, hewas counting down the days until the heat death of the universe.