Chapter Fifty-two: Love Day Part One

Chapter 52

Love Day Part One

The following day was the release of Sex Beest’s debut album. The album would be available on vinyl, compact discs, and cassette tapes and sold in music stores and big box stores across the nation. The album cover had Maxx lying on his bed with his arms behind his head, making a pouty face. The only clothing item he wore was his leopard print g-string and pointy pink cowboy boots. Over his crotch was a “Parental Advisory” sticker. The “Sex Bees” logo was on the upper right-hand corner with a white “t” scrawled by the logo.

Inside the album’s leaflet were various pin-ups of Maxx besides his tracks and the lyrics. There was a picture of Maxx holding up a pole with a huge pair of underwear—large enough to be a flag—next to his song, “Fatley’s XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXL Underwear.”

The back of the album had the tracklist:

1. I’m a Sex Beest, Baby!

2. The only way to Rock ‘n Roll is on Maxxy’s Massive Dick

3. Izzy-babe got Big Jugs

4. Filly-babe’s Pie

5. Fatley’s Gender is Fat

6. Fatley is a Fat Traitor

7. Maxxy’s Dick + Izzy-babe’s Melons

8. Fatley’s XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXL Underwear

9. Fatley uses da Freeway for da Waterslide

10. Maxxy Filled Filly-babe’s Vag

11. Fatley’s Ass is Fat

12. School Sucks, but Baking and Cats Suck More

13. Rock my Cock, Pink Top

14. Maxxy Got Da Lady Babes and Fatley Don’t

15. F.U.C.K. Machine

Maxx instructed that posters of him be given only to lady babes who buy his album; however, stores and music stores ignored this. They don’t want to be stuck with a ton of Maxx posters no one wants, so everyone gets a poster, regardless of whether they buy the album or not.

There were variations of posters: Maxx singing in the shower with his back turned and bare ass exposed, Maxx laying in front of his mobile home wearing his mankini with the Keke doppelganger lying on his back sleeping, Maxx in a kiddie pool sipping on a sack of goon with his star-shaped sunglasses on and cat poop in the pool, and Maxx with his hands behind his head wearing a g-string and a picture of Ashley with “Hot” above Maxx and “Fat and Gross” above Ashley.

Deimos was at the Pink Flamingo Mall in Cam the Record Man. He wore a t-shirt with the grim reaper giving the finger, torn jeans, a leather jacket, and cowboy boots. He saw a cardboard stand-up of Maxx in a zebra print catsuit zipped below his navel with a microphone to his crotch and making his trademark pouty face. Deimos blinked and rolled his eyes, but his interests were piqued.

He strolled to the CD section. He groaned at the album cover and took it to the cashier. The cashier heaved a deep sigh and muttered about this, selling well to people laughing at him. He handed Deimos a poster. It was Maxx in a kiddie pool sipping on a sack of goon with cat poop floating in the pool. Deimos twisted his mouth and gave an annoyed look to the cashier.

Cashier: “Every album sold gets you a poster. I dunno what to tell you, man.”

He shrugged. Deimos took a breath, paid for it, took the poster and bag, and left.

The mall was decorated with Love Day decorations, billboards with sales and specials, couples coupons, and more. Deimos gazed at the escalator and shook his head. Not yet, he thought quickly.

He swung his gaze to The Chocolate Shoppe. He saw the board standing up had a special on for chocolate-covered strawberries, but he knew Tristan couldn’t eat more than two or he would become nauseated. He entered the store and saw the hollow chocolate hearts. Deimos cleared his throat to grab the attention of the girl working behind the counter.

Deimos: “Excuse me, miss? May I have a chocolate heart with ‘Deimos x Tristan’ put on it? If possible, could my name be written in purple frosting and his in blue? Had my name in big, bold letters and his in cursive writing.”

He asked and smiled a bit. She nodded and smiled at him as she squeezed the tube to write their names. Deimos watched her carefully and marveled at what he saw.

She put the heart in a small box and fastened it with a red bow. Deimos had butterflies in his stomach and paid for it.

As Deimos left the store, he took a deep breath as he gazed at the escalator. His anxiety soared, but he took steps and went up the escalator. Deimos’ heart was pounding as the escalator brought him up. He almost tripped and fell because he was lost in his thoughts. So many thoughts ran through his mind. He stood in front of Cherry Bomb! The color drained from his face as his anxiety overtook him. No, I have to do this, he thought.

He tightly pursed his lips and entered the store. He darted to the BDSM and tickle toys section. He eyed the feather ticklers, cat massagers, electric toothbrushes, Wartenberg Wheels, and brushes. He saw the restraints and blindfolds. Deimos put the bag from Cam the Record Man in front of his crotch. God, tying Tristan to my bed and putting a blindfold on him while tickling him, he thought and bit his bottom lip.

Neighboring the BDSM section were anal lubricants, silicone, water, and stimulation. Deimos’ face turned beet red, and he felt his body temperature rise. Amplifying the tickling with Tristan made him horny, but thinking of making love to him… Tristan blowing him, and Deimos putting his member inside his anus. These thoughts ran through his mind. Deimos gulped and felt himself harden.

Deimos picked an ostrich feather duster, a Wartenberg wheel with three rows, an electric toothbrush, a cat massager, purple BDSM tape, and a blindfold. As he was taking this up to the counter, he noticed sheer men’s briefs, and his jaw hung open. No, one thing at a time, he thought. I want to see Tristan in those so badly, he thought.

He froze when he saw a woman behind the cash register and wished these places had self-serve checkouts as they do in dollar stores and grocery stores. His face was beet red as he laid his items on the counter. The lady noticed Deimos’ embarrassment and rang them up. She told him the price. Deimos withdrew his wallet and paid her for them, smiling a bit and looking away.

She put his purchases in the bag and wished him a good day. Deimos took the bag, moved quickly, and rammed into someone.

Deimos: “Oh, I am so sorry!”

He said tersely as his face was crimson red.

Jaxon: “HEY! Watch it—”

He fired back at him. His demeanor shifted when he gazed at Deimos’ face.

Jaxon: “Heyyyy, watch where you’re going, hot stuff.”

He purred, giving him a half-lidded stare. Deimos glared at him.

Deimos: “What do you want?”

He folded his arms over his chest. Jaxon’s eyes darted to the bag in his hand.

Jaxon: “The same thing is you, I see.”

He teased, taking his bag and looking through it. Deimos saw red and snatched his bag from his hand.

Deimos: “HEY!”

He snapped. Jaxon chuckled.

Jaxon: “Aww, shy are we? I can fix that and show you a good time with that toothbrush!”

He teased. Deimos’ vein popped on his forehead.

Deimos: “...Did you give that same line to my partner when you harassed him?”

He growled. Jaxon arched an eyebrow at him.

Jaxon: “Partner? I didn’t know you had a partner, and why does that matter? I don’t even know your name.”

He scoffed.

Deimos: “Who else would this be for? My name is Deimos.”

He hissed. Jaxon blinked mutely at him.

Jaxon: “...Deimos? Pfft, very funny, smart ass.”

He huffed, folding his arms across his chest.

Deimos: “It is. I was in Nuklear Intoxikation until Craig put Fabien ahead of everything. You harassed Tristan in The Noble Monarch Hotel.”

He braced his feet apart. Jaxon’s head spun with confusion.

Jaxon: “Nuklear Intoxikation?”

He twisted his mouth.

Jaxon: “Craig and Fabien?”

He frowned, thinking Craig shoving him out that window over some guy who wouldn’t put out for him.

Jaxon: “I didn’t harass Tristan. He threw away a night with me over that fat old geezer, Deimos! So, I know YOU’RE not Deimos, so tell me your real name.”

He huffed.

Deimos: “It’s Deimos Katsaros. Okay, that was one of his clients. He’s a lawyer. Tristan was fucking with your head to expose you, and he did. I’m putting a stop to that now.”

He reiterated firmly. Jaxon’s head spun with confusion.

Jaxon: “...What? What are you talking about?”

He pressed him.

Deimos cleared his throat.

Deimos: “Tristan is a lawyer here, and he was meeting with a client named Jasper Henderson. When you went down to scream at him, Tristan decided to fuck with your head to expose your true colors. I thought you would have figured that out by now, but I guess I’m giving you too much credit.”

He explained clearly.

Jaxon: “WHAT?!”

He rasped.

Jaxon: “He was fucking with me the whole time?!”

His ire soared.

Deimos: “Yeah, genius.”

He said dryly.

Jaxon: “I should have fucking known. No hottie would blow me off for a fat old geezer.”

He huffed. Deimos gaped mutely at him.

Deimos: “That’s all you got from this, and not that you’re close to becoming the next laughing stock like your ex-best friend?”

He challenged.

They heard someone clear their throat. They turned to see Tristan. He wore a black Italian-cut suit, lilac pressed shirt, and black wingtip Oxfords. He had a long black trench coat over it.

Tristan: “Jaxon? What are you doing here? You’re at large.”

He quipped and stood next to Deimos. He and Deimos kissed, and Deimos rested his hand on the small of his back. Jaxon gaped at them both, too stunned to speak.

Jaxon: “...Y-YOU! You destroyed my reputation and made me look like a fool!”

He flared at Tristan. Tristan cupped his mouth and laughed.

Tristan: “Well, partially, but please don’t give me credit for your work, Jaxon… You came down to berate me for declining your offer to sleep with you. If you had deflated your ego, none of this would have happened.”

He said firmly.

Jaxon: “You messed with me and made me look stupid!”

Deimos: “You sound like Maxx with how he blames Ashley for why he’s a loser. Grow up.”

He sneered at him.

Jaxon: “How’s this anything like Maxx and his ex-girlfriend?!”

Deimos: “Because he blames them for why people laugh at him?”

He said archly.

Tristan: “Me not wanting to sleep with you wasn’t personal… I don’t sleep with people on a whim. In fact, I never dated anyone until Deimos.”

He admitted. Deimos looked up at him. Jaxon gaped at him.

Jaxon: “You’re kidding me?!”

He laughed. Tristan shook his head.

Tristan: “No. I had many offers from men and women… and turned them all down until Deimos and I got closer.”

He smiled down at him. Jaxon shook his head.

Jaxon: “Man, you’re missing out.”

He laughed.

Tristan: “I disagree. I have a wonderful man whom I connect with on many levels.”

He said softly.

Tristan: “In any case, I came here to get an unagi bento box for lunch.”

Deimos: “I got this, Tristan.”

He locked his gaze on him.

Tristan: “I know, Deimos.”

They kissed and he left to go to the food court. Deimos left Jaxon and went by Tristan to the bento stand to pay for his eel bento box. Jaxon stomped off in a huff, cursing them.

~

At the Donati manor, Blair, Vanessa, and Ashley stared at the CD Maxx’s as well as the poster where Maxx insults Ashley.

Ashley: “XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXL underwear? That’s so not true and totally a lie! It's only XXL!”

They exclaimed.

Blair: “Every song in this album is insulting you.”

He said and knit his eyebrows.

Ashley: “The only way to Rock ‘n Roll is on Maxxy’s Massive Dick?”

They scratched their head, not seeing how that was insulting them.

Blair: “I meant ‘Fatley’s gender is fat,’ ‘Fatley is a fat traitor’, Fatley uses the freeway for a waterslide’ and so on.”

He waved his hand and sighed as he relayed the titles.

Ashley: “OH! Fatley is supposed to be me?! Oh, I get it, Fatley, Ashley! Uhh, fat isn’t a gender and why would I use a freeway for a waterslide? Wouldn’t it be too flat for it to be a slide?”

They tilted their head and laughed.

Vanessa: “Why do you do that?”

She asked.

Ashley: “...Do what?”

Vanessa: “Act like this doesn’t hurt you and talk about stuff people know isn’t true. Why do you do that?”

She asked.

Blair: “I noticed this myself.”

He knit his eyebrows. Ashley tilted their head at them.

Ashley: “What do you mean stuff that isn’t true? What Maxx says isn’t true. He’s a total liar.”

They asked.

Blair: “You did this with the Fat Cats in Party Hats book, too.”

He sighed.

Ashley: “Oh, that book was just saying stuff everyone already knows! I already know I’m a fat cat, and I’m cool with that!”

They declared.

Blair: “Ashley, your former best friend just made an album mocking you. Anyone would be very hurt about this.”

He sighed and knit his eyebrows.

Vanessa: “I agree!”

Ashley: “...Why should I be upset? Isn’t that what he wants? He wants to kill my vibes, and I’m not going to let him!”

Their tone shifted.

Blair: “Maxx isn’t thinking that deep. Someone who makes crap like this isn’t! It’s okay to feel hurt, Ashley. You and brother both do this where you act like the stuff that bothers you doesn’t!”

He threw his arms up.

Ashley: “Why do I need to focus on the stuff that bothers me when I can focus on the stuff that makes me happy instead, like cats and cupcakes, and tea? Ooh! I’ll go put the kettle on! Let’s have some tea!”

They forced a smile and skipped over to the stove, putting the kettle on.

Vanessa: “Maybe Tristan can tell us why! He’s into psychology or Andreas can with his cards!”

Blair huffed and folded his arms over.

Blair: “I’d rather neither to be honest.”

Ashley brewed some tea for them all in their cat-shaped teapot.

Ashley: “Haha, donut worry, I’m fine! Who wants cookies?!”

They forced a smile and clasped their hands together. Blair felt his aggravation soar.

Blair: “Ashley, can you stop this?! This isn’t normal! Stop shoving stuff under the rug! Your former best friend just made an album ridiculing you, and you’re acting like it’s okay?! It’s not okay!”

He said as his voice rose. Ashley froze.

Ashley: “I don’t understand any of this. I’m totally done with Maxx, so why did he make this about me?! What did I do to make him so mad at me? Was I a bad friend?!”

They sighed. Blair relaxed his expression and put his hand on Ashley’s shoulder.

Blair: “You said Maxx wasn’t always like this. Sometimes, people change… and not for the better. I don’t think it’s anything you did.”

He said gently.

Ashley: “...I think that giant cockroach did something to his brain.”

They frowned.

Blair: “I doubt it. Xuprans just eat garbage, but they don’t kill people or hurt them too much. Sometimes… people change, and nothing triggers it. It just… happens.”

He sighed.

Ashley: “Well, Maxx always ate garbage. He ate the worst chicken nuggets ever! They were like frozen pieces of cardboard! Frozen box food is the worst!”

They groused.

Vanessa: “It could also be you didn’t know how much Maxx sucked until you got better friends!”

She smiled. Blair nodded. Ashley smiled.

Ashley: “Maybe it could be that! Sometimes I wonder if Maxx was always like this or if it had anything to do with that cockroach, ‘cause I dunno… things changed since then, and he started being mean to me and… really stupid! But maybe it’s just that I met you guys!”

They pondered.

Shauna came in, and Monica followed her.

Shauna: “Hello, Ashley. Monica is here to deliver something to you.”

Monica: “Greetings, Madame. From Young Master Lazaros Katsaros.”

She handed them an envelope with a heart sticker on the lip and Ashley’s name written on it. Ashley’s eyes sparkled, and they brightened at the envelope.

Ashley: “O-Oh, wow! For me?!”

They beamed and carefully opened up the envelope and pulled out the letter to read it. It read, “My Dearest Ashley, Please meet me at my house at five o’clock this evening for a special Love Day dinner, music, dessert, and a special gift. Love, Lazaros.” with a winking face drawn by his name. Ashley squealed and melted in their seat, blushing all over.

Ashley: “Oh, my stars!”

They fanned their face with glee. Blair pouted and folded his arms over his chest.

Vanessa: “I guess we’re gonna be alone.”

She pouted and looked away. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “Don’t be sad! You just need to get out there! Your Love Day lover is out there somewhere!”

They assured them. Blair smiled a bit.

~

At the Katsaros hacienda, Deimos and Makayla were in the backyard. Deimos was telling her about the logo Ivy designed for their band.

Deimos: “The logo should be ready tomorrow or the following day. I have music written up, and we can rehearse tomorrow. I have a date with Tristan tonight and will be spending Love Day with him.”

He explained. Makayla sighed sadly, wishing she could be with Ashley for Love Day.

Lazaros came out onto the patio in his chef’s uniform. Makayla glared at Lazaros's grinning face, wanting to punch it.

Lazaros: “Hello, Deimos, sorry for putting you on short notice, but I need your piano playing for this evening.”

Deimos gave Lazaros a death glare.

Deimos: “No. I have plans.”

He growled.

Lazaros: “Whatever you have with Tristan can wait. This is important!”

He snapped. Deimos pounded the table with force.

Deimos: “NO! It’s NOT going to wait! I am NOT playing anything for you! I have plans!”

He barked. Lazaros hung his head and bit his bottom lip.

Lazaros: “After everything I do for you…”

He whimpered. Makayla rolled her eyes at Lazaros.

Deimos: “I have plans, Lazaros. I am not the only piano player. You’re doing this bullshit to throw a wrench in my plans for Tristan! I am not interfering with you getting off to Ashley’s eating. Do not interfere with Tristan and me.”

He said firmly. What Deimos said reverberated in his head, and he blushed.

Lazaros: “I don’t ‘get off’ to Ashley eating!”

He blurted. Deimos rolled his eyes and waved his hand. Makayla gaped at Lazaros.

Makayla: “Fabien was right, you are a chubby chaser! That's the only reason you got with me!”

Lazaros: “So why do you all keep saying I’m obsessed with Tristan, who is thin as a rail?”

He challenged.

Deimos drew a breath and relaxed his expression.

Deimos: “Whatever. Look, Ashley’s friend, Blair, plays the piano. If you want to get into Ashley’s better graces, why not involve their friends?”

He offered. Lazaros paused and cupped his mouth.

Lazaros: “Not a bad idea, Deimos…”

He said under his breath. Makayla rolled her eyes.

Makayla: “Don't even think about asking for a guitar player.”

She huffed.

Lazaros: “I wasn’t going to, Makayla. Have fun doing whatever on Love Day. Ashley is going to have an evening with me.”

He said loftily, flipped his hair, and left. Deimos heaved a deep sigh. Makayla huffed and stewed.

Deimos turned to Makayla.

Deimos: “Please don’t interfere, Makayla. Tristan advised you to let Ashley learn the hard way. I can lend you my video rental card if you want to watch movies or you can go to a nightclub or something. Just… let Ashley learn the hard way.”

He said beseechingly. Makayla knit her eyebrows.

Makayla: “What, and leave them to Lazaros to stuff them his stupid food and use them to spite us? You'll be off with Tristan, and I'll be… alone.”

She frowned. Deimos sighed and hung his head.

Deimos: “I am sorry…”

He turned to see Celeste there in a leopard print blouse, a jean skirt, ankle strap boots, and a leather jacket. She had a purple wizard hat with gold stars on it.

Deimos: “Oh, good, Celeste, you can keep Makayla out of trouble.”

He smiled tightly and put his hands on her shoulders.

Makayla: “I don't need a babysitter!”

She laughed.

Deimos: “Yes, you do. I don’t need Lazaros breathing down my neck.”

He said evenly. Makayla pouted. I had plans to tickle Victor’s feet, Celeste thought and pouted.

Deimos: “If Makayla interrupts their date, Blair will be coming over often.”

He sighed. Celeste’s eyes grew large.

Celeste: “Okay, I’ll stay!”

She said quickly. Deimos gave Celeste his video rental card.

Deimos: “Have fun.”

He smiled and petted her head, leaving.

She flopped on the swinging bench and noticed a fifty-ounce bottle of Grey Goose vodka on the pool bar.

Celeste: “What a pretty bottle.”

She ran her fingers over the frosted glass. Makayla flicked her gaze over at Celeste.

Makayla: “Oh…uhm, thanks?”

She smiled.

Celeste: “Oh, this is yours?”

She asked her.

Makayla: “Yeah, want some?”

She offered. She shook her head.

Celeste: “I don’t drink much; it breaks your concentration should anything happen, and it’s good to be on guard.”

She said coolly. Makayla gave her a quizzical look.

Makayla: “Anything happens like what?”

She laughed.

Celeste: “Someone sneaks up on you, attacks you, or whatever.”

She said evenly.

Makayla: “Wow… what kind of enemies do you have?”

She gaped at her.

Celeste: “I don’t know yet, but I don’t want them to get the upper hand. Besides, it’s just an uncomfortable feeling being drunk, and most liquor doesn’t taste good, so I won’t steal that!”

She put her hands up. Makayla shrugged.

Makayla: “Ah, a snack she won’t steal. Fair enough. More of me.”

She chuckled and took a swig of it. Celeste’s eyes grew large when she saw her drink directly from the bottle.

~

A taxi pulled up to the Pink Flamingo Mall. Vanessa stepped out. She wore a pink floral sundress, wedge sandals fastened with light pink ribbons, a light pink ribbon choker, and a white hat with a wide brim and a light pink ribbon tied around the brim. She had a pink purse over her shoulder and entered the mall.

She glazed in West Side Marlo’s restaurant and saw a big screen TV at the bar. The Much More Music announced that Sex Beest has sold more albums than Steel Axe in a day. She strolled to the wishing fountain and stared at her reflection in the water. She saw a man appear behind her in the water’s reflection. Vanessa gasped and cupped her mouth. Is that?! She thought.

Jaxon: “Hey, hot stuff, checking me out, huh?”

He grinned at her.

Vanessa: “Oh! Hahahahaha, now, I am!”

She giggled. Jaxon smiled tightly at her.

Jaxon: “I’m sure I need no introduction.”

He said smugly.

Jaxon: “And you are?”

He locked his gaze on her.

Vanessa: “Yup! I know you! You’re ‘Axion Jaxon’ from Steel Axe!”

She clasped her hands together. A rockstar is talking to ME?! She thought giddily.

Vanessa: “Vanessa Vitali! I came from Apple City! My stepmom hates me, and my dad kicked me out, so I live here now with my uncle and cousin!”

She explained and brushed her hair behind her ear.

Jaxon: “Vanessa Vitali, huh? Is that a stage name?”

He asked. She shook her head and giggled all over. Does he think I’m a movie star?! She thought and clasped her cheeks.

Vanessa: “No! It’s my real name!”

She beamed and clasped her hands together.

Jaxon: “Wow! Ain’t that something.”

He smiled.

Jaxon: “Say, Vanessa, how would you like to come on tour with a rockstar?”

He purred. Vanessa gasped and looked at him with stars in her eyes.

Vanessa: “Are you asking ME to come with you?!”

She said giddily and stomped her feet. Jaxon looked around them.

Jaxon: “Who else would I be asking? It’s just you and me around.”

He teased. She giggled.

Vanessa: “Yes! I would LOVE to come with you!”

She said and swooned. Jaxon grinned widely. Finally, he thought.

Jaxon: “That’s super.”

He rubbed his hands together. She took his arm and blushed as she leaned into it.

~

Jaxon arrived at The Noble Monarch Hotel in his car and parked it at the entrance. He and Vanessa got out, and Jaxon tossed a coin to the valet driver, who glared at him.

As the two made their way up to his room, he was stopped in the entryway of his room by a white man of average height. He was bald with a dark goatee. He wore a black sports coat over a black t-shirt, jeans, and black sneakers.

Jaxon: “What now, Rufus? Can’t you see I’m busy?”

Rufus: “No, Jiro. We’re in dire straits.”

He turned to Vanessa.

Rufus: “Excuse us, Miss.”

He said genially and led Jaxon to the living room of the suite. Vanessa smiled and waited in the bedroom. Jaxon begrudgingly dragged his feet and huffed.

Rufus: “Sex Beest has sold more albums than Steel Axe.”

He turned on the TV to show Much More Music, saying Sex Beest has sold sixty thousand copies so far. Jaxon gaped at what he saw.

Jaxon: “...Is this some kind of joke?!”

He spat.

Rufus: “No, Jiro, it’s not! And my assistant got back to me that you were harassing that lawyer again! Jiro, do you know how much trouble this could mean for the band?!”

He asked sharply and knit his eyebrows.

Rufus: “I don’t know what to do to save this, but I think whoever saw you harassing that French lawyer is going to sell it to the tabloids.”

He said as he paced around the room.

Jaxon threw his head back and flopped on the couch.

Jaxon: “It’s Jaxon. Not Jiro. And I wasn’t harassing him! He played a dirty trick on me to make me look bad!”

He huffed.

Rufus: “Jaxon, look… The man told you he wasn’t interested at first… Why didn’t you leave it at that?”

He asked and planted his hands firmly on his hips.

Rufus: “And I received a bill from a Blake Sabatini for you wrecking his car. Explain that.”

He tossed the bill on him. Jaxon glowered at the bill.

Jaxon: “He’s the one responsible for ‘Mummy Metal,’ so he owes me!”

He countered.

Rufus: “What are we going to do when Vivienne has enough of your antics and drops us?”

He challenged. Jaxon scoffed.

Jaxon: “That’s not going to happen.”

Rufus: “What makes you so sure? Do you have a backup plan?”

He locked his gaze on him.

Jaxon: “Because we’re Steel Axe!”

He spread his arms out on the couch and grinned.

Rufus rubbed his eyes and sighed.

Rufus: “Okay, look, I will pay this bill and try to diffuse the situation. Just stay out of drama, and if someone tells you no, leave it at that, and this will be a forgotten memory.”

He suggested. He folded his hands up to his face and exhaled sharply.

Jaxon: “You’re the man, Rufus!”

He saluted him. Rufus flashed him a tired smile and nodded.

Rufus: “I will leave you two be, and let me handle the rest.”

He said wearily and left the room.

Jaxon turned to Vanessa, who was standing in the doorway.

Jaxon: “Now, where were we?”

He patted the couch next to him for her to sit down. She smiled and walked over, sitting next to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder. He draped his arm around her. Is this love? She wondered as she looked up at him.

Vanessa: “Are you okay, Jaxon?”

She asked and gazed up at him with her dewy eyes. Jaxon looked down at her and smiled.

Jaxon: “I am now that you’re here!”

He placed his hand on her leg. She shivered and blushed.

Vanessa: “Oh, is this too soon?”

She asked and shifted her eyes.

Jaxon: “Live in the now, baby. Do what feels right for you now!”

She nodded and smiled.

Vanessa: “Are you hurt because your manager is mad at you for Sex Beest selling more records?”

She knit her eyebrows. Jaxon frowned.

Jaxon: “Uhh, no? I don’t want to talk about that, baby… I want to talk about you!”

He stammered and shifted his gaze to her, placing his hand over her bottom lip. Vanessa’s blue eyes sparkled.

Vanessa: “M-Me?”

She said breathlessly.

Jaxon: “Yes, tell me about you!”

He nodded.

Vanessa: “I moved here from Apple City because my stepmom hates me… I love writing poetry. I have a black bunny named ‘Bonnie.’ I had a crush on someone who lives in my house, but they wanted to be with a snob. They told me to find that special someone… and I did.”

She said with butterflies in her stomach, and the most feminine part of her quivered. Jaxon’s bored expression shifted as soon as she added that last part.

Jaxon: “Ohh, really now, who is that? Is he more handsome than me?”

He teased.

Vanessa: “The special someone is… you…”

She bit her bottom lip. Jaxon feigned shock.

Jaxon: “...Me?”

He pointed to himself. Vanessa blushed and covered her face. She nodded and peeked through her fingers. Jaxon smiled tightly.

Jaxon: “Wow. Aren’t I lucky? What a coincidence. I met a special girl today, too!”

He smiled at her. Vanessa giggled and smiled widely. She wished Ashley had spoken this way to her, but she finally met someone who loved her and appreciated her.

Vanessa: “Do you believe in fate, Jaxon?”

She put her hands on his. Jaxon grinned at her hand.

Jaxon: “Yes, it was your fate you would meet me today!”

He placed his hand on her lap and stroked it. Vanessa shivered.

Vanessa: “I… I never thought someone like you would ever notice me! I’ve always been overlooked my whole life!”

She said as she clutched her chest, feeling euphoric. Jaxon grinned at her.

Jaxon: “Hey, can’t overlook a beauty like you.”

He purred, stroking his finger down her chest.

Vanessa gasped, and the nipples of her large breasts pushed against the thin cotton dress.

Jaxon: “...Wanna fuck?”

He bit his bottom lip, tugging at her bra. Vanessa’s heart hammered in her chest. She brushed her hair behind her ear.

Vanessa: “Do you… think it’s too soon for that?”

She asked and batted her eyelashes at him.

Jaxon: “According to who? Do you think it’s too soon?”

He asked her.

Vanessa: “Do you… really love me?”

She asked as her eyes grew large, and she gazed at him.

Jaxon: “Sure, I do!”

He cooed. Vanessa wrapped her arms around him and hugged him, crying.

Vanessa: “I always wanted someone to tell me that…”

She said happily, crying tears of joy. Jaxon rolled his eyes over her shoulder.

Jaxon: “Woah, why are you crying? Do you want this or not?”

He forced a smile, trying to hide his irritation.

Vanessa: “I do, Jaxon, I really do! I’m just…”

She clutched her chest to contain herself.

Vanessa: “I just never had someone tell me this before.”

She drew a breath and wiped her eyes.

Jaxon: “Wait, you mean to tell me you’re a virgin?!”

He held his hands up. She smiled, bit her lip, and nodded.

Vanessa: “Yes, I am.”

She said softly and put her arm around him.

Jaxon: “So, I’m your first, huh? Well, Vanessa, if you really, really, REALLY want to fuck me, I’ll have you right here and right now, but I won’t pressure you. The choice is yours.”

He smiled. Vanessa caressed his face.

Vanessa: “I think… I want to meet your father first.”

She said breathlessly. Jaxon froze.

Jaxon: “...What?!”

Vanessa: “You’re cute, but I want the love of an older man.”

She purred.

Jaxon: “Okaaay, then go fuck an old guy then. Why are you here, wasting my time?!”

He shrugged.

Vanessa: “Because… I want your dad.”

She said slowly. Jaxon recoiled with disgust.

Jaxon: “WHAT?!”

Vanessa: “When I watch his political speeches, he’s a man who knows how to dominate, and your dad is that. I bet he was an amazing father to you.”

She clasped her hands over his chest. Jaxon yanked away from her.

Jaxon: “EWW! NO! Get away from me!”

He groused.

Vanessa: “I will stay with you until you get your father here.”

She rose and went to the other bedroom.

Jaxon: “HELL NO! GET OUT!”

He snapped at her, pointing to the door.

Vanessa: “Good night, Jaxon! Can’t wait to meet Mr. Tachibana!”

She slammed the door.