Brothers Best Friend [Vinnie Hacker]

Chapter 18

Edited 08/05/2025

A/N TW!! overdose, ambulance, puke, needles, alcohol, hospital.

This chapter physically and mentally hurt me to write, so if you're sensitive, please take care..

not for sensitive people or children, if any of this triggers you anyway my dms are always open<3

"Where have you been?" Ryland's voice cuts through the room like a knife. His face is tight with worry.

"With Chase. Or... Cole, technically," I mumble, stepping inside.

Before I can say anything else, he shoves me. Hard.

I stumble backward, falling flat onto the floor with a shocked grunt.

"What the hell, Ryland?" I yell, rubbing my elbow.

"Got you sis, did you think I was mad?" Rylands face cracks into the biggest grin

Vinnie stirs on the floor, blinking up at me.

"Babe? Why are you on the ground?" I ask, joining him.

"I was scrolling on TikTok and just... fell asleep, I guess." He yawns, making me laugh despite myself.

I get up and head to the kitchen, needing water. Vinnie follows me like a sleepy puppy.

"Baby," he says suddenly, catching my attention.

"Yeah?"

"You know who nmillz is? Like, nmillz1? The Nicki Minaj and Doja stan?"

"Yeah, I love him. Why?"

"No reason. Just making sure." He smirks.

"Wait... did you post a TikTok?"

He shrugs. "Maybe."

His expression suddenly changes. "Riley... what's on my face?"

I burst out laughing.

"Did I seriously film with this crap on my forehead?" He rushes to the mirror. "Who did this?"

"Stormi," I say innocently, handing him a marker when he asks.

He dashes off. Moments later, I hear screaming and chaotic laughter downstairs.

Curious, I find Vinnie sitting on Ryland's chest, drawing all over his face.

"Could I maybe get some help?" Ryland pleads.

"Nope," I grin.

After the chaos dies down, we eventually all head to bed.

The next morning

Sunlight filters into my room. I roll over, eyes puffy and brain fuzzy. Suspension life has no rhythm. I scroll through my phone before pulling on a hoodie and sweats. I film a couple of TikToks, but something feels off.

A message from Josh stops my heart:

"Riley, something's wrong with Jaden. He's not okay."

Without thinking, I grab Ryland's car keys and fly out the door, texting the boys that I'm on my way.

When I arrive at Sway House, the kitchen is warm and loud with morning energy—but Jaden's missing.

"Where's Jaden?" I ask, tension creeping into my voice.

"He's upstairs," Bryce says casually, handing me a donut.

I take it, but my feet are already moving. As I reach the top floor, a wave of something foul and sharp—alcohol, weed, something else—hits me.