Lucas lounged on his couch, idly flipping through channels on his massive TV. He chuckled to himself, thinking about how his fame had turned even a simple trip to the grocery store into a major production. Those weird stalkers following him around lately certainly didn't help matters.
He glanced at his laptop, where he'd been reviewing updates on his Netflix projects. Just as he was about to dive back into the reports, his phone buzzed with an unknown number.
Frowning slightly, he answered, "Hello?"
"Hehe, you really forgotten about us, huh?" a familiar male voice chuckled on the other end.
Lucas's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait a sec... Melvin? Is that you?"
"How you doing, little brother?" Melvin's warm laugh filled the line.
Lucas's mind raced, a mix of emotions washing over him. It had been years since he'd spoken to his half-brother. Why was he calling now, after all this time?
"I'm... I'm good," Lucas managed, still processing the unexpected call. "It's been a while. What's up?"
Melvin's voice softened with nostalgia. "Man, it's been ages since we've seen each other. I still remember when I first started acting - you were just a scrawny seventeen-year-old kid. And now look at you, Mr. Hollywood Bigshot. Time sure flies, huh?"
Lucas chuckled, a hint of irony in his voice. "Yeah, well, fame's got its downsides. These days I've got stalkers following me around. Can't even grab a coffee without making it a whole production."
Melvin laughed sympathetically. "Sounds rough, little bro."
There was a brief pause before Lucas spoke again, his tone turning curious. "So, what's the real reason for this blast from the past? I'm guessing you didn't call just to reminisce."
"Sharp as ever," Melvin replied, a smile evident in his voice. "You're right. I actually called to invite you to my wedding."
Lucas sat up straight, surprise coloring his voice. "Wedding? Wow, congrats man! Who's the lucky lady? Anyone I might know from the industry?"
"Nah, she's not in the biz," Melvin said, warmth filling his words. "Just a regular civilian I met a few years back. She's amazing, Lucas. I really hope you can make it to the wedding."
Lucas felt a genuine surge of happiness for his brother, but it was quickly tempered by the realization that attending the wedding meant facing his half-siblings, father, and step-mother. His stomach tightened at the thought.
"You're inviting me to your wedding?" Lucas asked, hesitation clear in his voice. "You do know I have a pretty rocky relationship with the family, right?"
Melvin's voice softened, reassuring. "Don't worry, Lucas. I've specifically told them not to give you any trouble. They won't ruin my wedding. You can attend without any worries."
Lucas sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Well, I guess I'll come. But don't blame me if your mother, Myla, starts making a scene because I'm there."
Melvin laughed, his tone confident. "Don't worry about it. I've made it clear to her - if she starts anything, I'll cut ties with her. She knows I'm serious, so she'll behave."
"When's the wedding?" Lucas asked, already mentally rearranging his schedule.
"It'll be next week," Melvin replied. "See you soon, little bro."
"Alright," Lucas said, a mix of anticipation and apprehension in his voice. "See you then."
After chatting for a few more minutes, catching up on lost time, Lucas ended the call. He sat there for a moment, staring at his phone, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending family reunion. It was going to be an interesting week, that was for sure.
The next day, Lucas was lounging on his couch when Neil arrived, nodding a quick greeting to Jack and Simon who were engrossed in a TV show.
Neil plopped down next to Lucas, exhaling dramatically. "I've been run ragged these days, man. Projects are pouring in left and right for you."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh yeah? What's on the table?"
"Well," Neil started, a hint of excitement in his voice, "Disney's offered you a gig as a voice actor for an animated film."
Lucas nodded, mildly interested. But Neil wasn't done.
"And get this," Neil leaned in, his eyes gleaming, "they're also offering you a role in their Marvel universe."
Lucas couldn't help but chuckle at Neil's enthusiasm. "Seriously, Neil? Why are you so thrilled about superhero films? I'm still young and at the peak of my career. I'm not like other actors out there who need to jump on the superhero bandwagon to save their careers."
Neil's smile didn't falter. "Lucas, it's because you're at the peak of your career that we should consider these superhero movies. They're offering a significant amount for you to be in their films, you know."
Lucas laughed, shaking his head. "Did you forget I'm technically a millionaire with my business ventures?"
Neil shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "An extra thirty million wouldn't hurt. And also..." he paused for effect, "your dear manager wouldn't mind a slice of that superhero pie, if you know what I mean."
Lucas rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Of course, it always comes back to your cut, doesn't it?"
They shared a laugh as Neil shrugged exasperatedly. "I've got to live, man. Bills to pay, you know? And my girlfriend's been hinting at those designer bags and fancy clothes."
Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. "So while you're showering her with luxury, you're living like a beggar? Seriously, Neil. You need to consider yourself too. There are plenty of fish in the sea, you know."
Neil sighed heavily. "I can't help it. I just love her."
"You're hopeless," Lucas said, his tone a mix of amusement and concern.
"Yeah, yeah. Not everyone can be perfect like you, Mr. 'I-can-get-any-girl-I-want.' We can't all have a Jennifer Lawrence," Neil retorted, a hint of envy in his voice.
Lucas's smile faltered slightly. "You know my relationship isn't all sunshine and rainbows, right?"
Neil's expression changed, realizing he'd hit a sore spot. "Oh man, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
Lucas waved it off, but there was a sadness in his eyes. "It's fine. Just... relationships are complicated, no matter who you are."
An awkward silence fell between them for a moment before Neil cleared his throat. "So, uh, about those movie offers..."
Lucas nodded, grateful for the change of subject. He leaned back, curiosity piqued. "Alright, what projects does Disney have in mind?"
Neil's eyes lit up as he leaned in conspiratorially. "Well, there's this one project they're keeping under wraps. Codename 'Motormouth'. It's about a wise-cracking, fourth-wall-breaking antihero with accelerated healing powers. They're aiming for an R-rated superhero comedy, which is pretty bold for Disney."
Lucas listened intently, his mind racing back to his previous life's memories. The description immediately brought Deadpool to mind. He nodded slowly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Alright, I'll consider the offer, Neil."
Neil's jaw dropped. "Really?!"
Lucas chuckled, playfully punching Neil's shoulder. "Just for you, man. Gotta make sure the people under me can eat, right?"
Neil laughed, relief and excitement evident in his voice as he patted Lucas's shoulder. "Thanks, man. And yeah, you should definitely take this. Your agency and PR team - you know, the ones you haven't even met yet - they're all counting on you to bring home the bacon."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh, so now I'm responsible for feeding an entire team I've never met? The burdens of fame, I tell you."
Neil grinned, "Hey, that's showbiz. But seriously, this could be huge for you. It's not just another role - it's a potential franchise."
Lucas nodded thoughtfully. He knew the impact Deadpool had made in his previous life, and the potential it held. It was an intriguing opportunity, to say the least.
"Alright, set up a meeting with Disney."
Neil beamed, already reaching for his phone.
"But Neil," Lucas added, his tone turning serious, "make sure we don't fall into any of those contract traps, okay? You know how studios can be, trying to sweet-talk actors into projects that sound great on paper but turn out to be duds. It's especially common with these big-budget superhero projects."
Neil's expression sobered. "Got it. Don't worry, that's why we have the legal team, remember? They'll go over every clause with a fine-tooth comb."
Lucas nodded, satisfied. "Good. Oh, and one more thing. Next week, I'll be attending my brother's wedding. So make sure we don't have any conflicting work scheduled."
Neil's jaw dropped, shock evident in his eyes. "You're attending your... your brother's wedding?"
Lucas nodded with a small smile.
"Wait a second," Neil said, confusion creeping into his voice. "I thought you had some bad blood with your family?"
Lucas shrugged. "Not with my brother, Melvin. Even though we haven't talked in years, he's the only one in the family I don't have issues with."
Neil looked at Lucas, a mix of surprise and concern on his face. "Are you sure about this? Family stuff can get... complicated."
Lucas chuckled, a wry smile on his face. "Yeah, I know it'll be complicated as hell. But it's my brother's big day, you know? My being there will mean a lot to him."
Neil nodded slowly, concern etched on his features. "I get it, I do. It's just... I can't shake this bad feeling about those two - Vince and Myla. Your parents," he added unnecessarily. "They've always rubbed me the wrong way."
Lucas nodded, his expression turning somber. "You and me both," he agreed, his mind drifting to memories of his mother. He remembered her stories about running off with his father, her influential family's vehement disapproval of their relationship. Now that she was gone, Lucas felt a bitter certainty settling in his gut. Her family had been right about his old man all along.
Though Lucas still had no clear picture of his mother's family or their background, he didn't dwell on it much. It seemed they were still bitter about his mother's decisions, so much so that they hadn't even reached out to him, despite being blood relatives.