(New York, 196*)
Aaron POV
Aaron woke up in a cramped, dimly lit apartment, his head pounding as if his brain were trying to make sense of something impossible. A wave of clarity struck, bringing with it vivid memories that didn't belong to this seven-year-old body. A voice echoed in his mind—a message from some cosmic being.
He wasn't just Aaron Buffay. He was reincarnated into this life, given only two gifts: a photographic memory and an IQ of 150. It wasn't much compared to the overpowered protagonists he had read about, but he understood why. This wasn't about superhuman abilities. It was about choices and the chance to create a meaningful life.
As his mind settled, Aaron glanced at the small form curled up beside him in the shared bed. Blonde hair splayed over the pillow—Ursula, his younger sister by a year. He remembered now. Phoebe was likely still asleep in the next room. Phoebe Buffay, one of his favorite fictional characters, now his little sister.
He sat up carefully, his mind racing. This was his chance. A chance to rewrite the tragic parts of Phoebe's story, to protect her from the pain he knew was coming. He also thought of Rachel, Monica, Ross, Chandler, and Joey—characters he adored from his previous life. They were real people now, and somewhere in this world, their journeys were unfolding.
Aaron climbed out of bed, his small feet padding across the worn linoleum floor to the kitchen. Parker, the woman who had taken him and his sisters in and a runaway biological father, was already there, her back turned as she prepared breakfast.
"Good morning, Mom," Aaron said, the word slipping out naturally. Though she wasn't his biological mother, he already admired her strength. "Let me help you with breakfast."
Parker turned, surprised but touched by his offer. "Sure, sweetie. Thank you."
As they worked side by side, she spoke about the usual struggles—making ends meet, food stamps, and her ongoing job search. Aaron nodded thoughtfully. This wasn't just his life now; it was his responsibility. He vowed to ease Parker's burden in any way he could, whether by running errands, saving money, or finding creative ways to help.
In the back of his mind, he couldn't help but think about the future. There were still 20 years before the events of Friends would begin. Plenty of time to prepare for what was to come. He would be there for Phoebe, shielding her from heartbreak and giving her the love she deserved. He'd guide Ursula too, if she'd let him.
And Rachel. He smiled faintly at the thought of meeting her one day.
For now, his focus was on building a better foundation for his new family. With his sharp mind and determination, Aaron was confident he could turn their struggling lives into something better.