Chapter Ninety-Four: Creepy Full House

Chapter 94

Creepy Full House

Tristan drove to Trémaux Law Office that morning. He wore a dark red three-piece suit, black pressed shirt, black tie, and black wingtip Oxfords. Oliver sat in the passenger’s seat. He turned to the parking lot and parked his car in his designated spot. He climbed out with his briefcase in his hand and Oliver in his other arm.

He entered his office to see Rosemary appear frantic at her desk. Tristan eyed her with concern.

Tristan: “Good morning, Rosemary. Is everything okay?”

Rosemary: “No, Tristan! My daughter’s boyfriend is missing!”

Tristan felt his concern immediately dissipate.

Tristan: “Oh, I saw Blair yesterday. He gave my boyfriend and our friends an earful about nothing in particular. Blair should return from wherever he went to escape Ivy in fifteen minutes.”

He said dryly.

Rosemary: “No, I mean Lily’s boyfriend! Borko is missing!”

She cried. Tristan gaped at her. And why should I care? He wondered.

Rosemary: “We last saw him at Ivy and Blair’s engagement party! He told us he had to run some errands and would pick Lily up the next morning to take her to his house to spend the weekend there. He hasn’t shown up. I drove her to his place, and his car isn’t there.”

She clasped her hand over her forehead.

Tristan shifted his eyes, thinking of that weird old man who resembled Captain Samson with Lily. He met him a few times at events Rosemary invited him to and found him absolutely dreadful to be around.

Tristan: “Ah, perhaps something came up in his family, or he had something urgent to take care of.”

He offered. Not my strongest suggestion, but I couldn’t care less about this old kook, he thought.

Rosemary: “No, his daughter hasn’t seen him. Oh, Tristan, Lily is devastated that her boyfriend is missing! Do you think something happened to him?!”

She looked at him with beseeching eyes. Tristan shifted his eyes.

Tristan: “...Maybe he will turn up. I have work to do.”

He said noncommittally as he went upstairs to his office.

I don’t know, Rosemary, the man is a con artist and he likely crossed the wrong person, he thought. He didn’t want to say this aloud because it would mean Rosemary would guilt him into investigating this and he couldn’t care less about the welfare of a sleazy, bigoted snake oil salesman.

~

Lazaros sat with Ashley at the kitchen island.

Lazaros: “So… you called me your partner yesterday when Ivy and Blair started their usual nonsense? Did you say that to spite Blair or did you mean it?”

He asked them. Ashley paused and reddened when they realized.

Ashley: “I-I did? I’m sorry, Laz! It just came out ‘cause… that’s how I feel about you…”

They cupped their mouth. Lazaros’ jaw dropped.

Ashley: “I don’t want to push you if you’re not ready, though!”

They added, waving their hands around. Lazaros cupped his mouth.

Lazaros: “I do want this, but… I’m… scared.”

He confessed. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “Aww, I’m not scary… am I?!”

They gasped. Lazaros shook his head.

Lazaros: “Not at all. That’s not it. I’m scared… that I will hurt you.”

He sighed and bowed his head.

Ashley: “Aww, but you’re so sweet! Why do you think you will hurt me?”

They asked him.

Lazaros: “I was never in a relationship before… Jaclyn and I were in one but I think she hypnotized me or something…”

He hung his head. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “...That’s not a relationship.”

Lazaros: “So people like… us have these powers… I wear my gloves so I don’t break others’ bones. You will never be able to touch my hands.”

He sighed sadly. Ashley looked sad.

Ashley: “So, you’ll never be able to touch me with your bare hands?”

He shook his head.

Lazaros: “No.”

Lazaros: “Celeste is super strong. Deimos heals. Tristan can use ice powers, and Jaxon is also a healer. We think Jaclyn hypnotized me, and I don’t remember much of what happened.”

He admitted plaintively. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “Wow, were you all blessed with the sun goddess?”

Lazaros laughed.

Lazaros: “No, we were injected with a serum.”

Ashley put their arm around him.

Ashley: “...I’m so sorry, Lazaros.”

They said softly. Lazaros hugged them back.

Lazaros: “I want this, but if I do anything to hurt you, tell me. If I’m too much and it’s beyond repair, I won’t hate you if you leave. I don’t want to be like Blair.”

He drew a long breath.

Ashley: “Y-You do?! You’re not too much for me! How could I ever hate you?! You’re not like Blair!”

They assured him. Lazaros smiled.

Lazaros: “Well, if you ever feel like… sharing a bed, let me know and you can move from that room into mine.”

He nodded. Ashley gasped, and their eyes sparkled.

Ashley: “I-I’d love that!”

They said softly. Lazaros took their hands.

Lazaros: “Me too!”

He nodded and leaned over closer to them. Ashley shivered and reddened to his touch and gazed into his violet eyes. Lazaros leaned and kissed them on their lips. Ashley melted to his tender kiss, gently kissing him back. Lazaros drew back and ran his fingers through their hair. Ashley shivered all over and lay on his chest.

Lazaros: “My parents are coming over for Easter weekend. I want you to meet them. I’m making the feast.”

He whispered.

Ashley: “R-Really?! I’d love to meet your parents and enjoy your feast!”

They beamed, clasping their hands together.

Lazaros: “And I’d love that… Dress nicely. Remember that paisley suit I got you for your birthday?”

He winked. Ashley reddened and nodded.

Ashley: “Mhmm.”

They hummed.

Lazaros: “Wear that.”

He patted their head. They purred to his touch.

Ashley: “I’d love to!”

The two kissed each other.

~

When Tristan arrived home from work, he was in his bedroom on his couch, his tie loosened, his buttons undone to expose a bit of his chest, and his sports jacket off. He had his sheer black socks off while Deimos massaged his feet deeply. Tristan melted to his touch. He fanned his toes and scrunched them.

Tristan: “I needed this, mon chéri.”

He purred. Deimos smirked at him and kissed each of his toes.

Tristan: “I know Papa needed this, but… I miss him.”

He sighed. Deimos nodded.

Deimos: “I hope he comes back and is not obsessing over Celeste and Jaxon.”

Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “Goddamn that Ivy for getting invovled with him. She lives up to her name.”

He said bitterly. Deimos grimaced.

Deimos: “I know. The bitch caused some issues for Celeste and Jax.”

He grumbled.

Tristan: “They’re resolved, Deimos. Love shines through.”

He smiled.

Deimos felt himself harden when he saw his smile. He put his pillow on his lap and massaged his slender soles.

Tristan: “Rosemary is worried about that Borko thing Lily is dating. He has been missing since Ivy’s engagement party.”

He stated, and his breathing hitched at Deimos’ thumbs working into his soles. Deimos wagged his head.

Deimos: “He’s a snake oil salesman. Maybe he pissed off the wrong client. It was bound to happen.”

He suggested. Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “My thoughts exactly. I didn’t tell Rosemary this because I didn’t want to debate it or for her to ask me to investigate. It’s not my problem.”

He said earnestly and wiggled his toes.

Deimos: “She can file a report with the police. They will slap some half-assed missing picture on a milk carton and do jack fucking shit. So the other option is a private investigator.”

He shrugged.

He then licked Tristan’s foot. Tristan let out a peal of giggles.

Tristan: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

He laughed and waved his hand.

Tristan: “That tickles!”

Deimos smirked and scribbled his fingers all over his soles.

Tristan: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! D-DEIMOS!”

He laughed and squirmed as Deimos strummed his soles as if he were strumming a bass guitar. Tristan threw his head back and howled with laughter.

Tristan: “HEHEHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!”

Deimos smirked and stopped tickling him.

Tristan panted and removed his glasses to clean them.

Deimos: “My parents are coming over for Easter. Lazaros is cooking. Do you want to join us?”

He asked him. Tristan bobbed his head.

Tristan: “Sure, I don’t believe my step-brother and his family are coming. My grandparents do their thing, and with Papa being gone, I will be lonely. I know he annoyed me with his Celeste obsession, but I miss him terribly.”

He sighed sadly. Deimos nodded and scooted over to wrap his arms around his lover.

Deimos: “I understand. I hope this trip gives him the answers he’s seeking.”

He caressed his hair. Tristan closed his eyes, loving the feeling of being in Deimos’ embrace.

Deimos and Tristan locked their gaze into each other’s eyes. The two kissed deeply. Tristan raked his fingers through Deimos’ onyx tresses. He moaned into his mouth. When the two broke the kiss, they kissed each other softly.

Deimos: “I love you.”

He whispered.

Tristan: “I love you, too, mon chéri…”

He whispered back.

~

Celeste was watching Jaxon play video games. Someone knocked on the door. Noah went to answer, and someone barged in. Noah was taken aback. It was a short, fat Latina woman with a dark brown complexion, large purple eyes, and she wore her green hair in a beehive. Pink cat eye glasses hung over her nose, and she wore a neon pink shirt, dark pink pedal pushers, and pink flats.

Woman: “MI SOBRINA!”

She loudly exclaimed. Celeste froze when she saw her aunt, Gloria Gómez, standing there.

Celeste: “The fuck are you doin’ here?”

Gloria: “Is this your handsome boyfriend Papito told me about?! Would you mind scooting over, handsome?”

She plopped her big ass down next to Jaxon, knocking over a maneki-neko statue, and breaking it.

Gloria: “Ooopsie! Silly me!”

Jaxon gaped at her.

Jaxon: “Great. Now we’re gonna have bad luck thanks to your fat ass!”

He pouted, folding his arms across his chest.

Jaxon: “Who is this, and why is she in our house?”

He huffed.

Gloria: “OH, Celeste! He’s a firecracker, this one! I bet he’s amazing in bed!”

She cackled and slapped his back. Celeste reddened. Jaxon glared at her.

Celeste: “What do you want, Gloria?”

She huffed.

Gloria: “I came to meet your very sexy boyfriend, Celeste! Look at him! Ay dios mio!”

She fanned her face and placed her hand on his thigh. Jaxon pulled away from her and glared at her.

Jaxon: “I know I’m handsome! Only SHE can touch me there!”

He huffed, pointing to Celeste.

Gloria: “Oh, I bet she does! I never thought Celeste would ever get someone but she did, and he’s handsome!”

She kissed his cheek and rose from the couch. Jaxon shuddered and rushed over to the sink to clean his cheek.

Jaxon: “Eww! Yeah, well, she was too good for anyone else!”

Celeste gaped at her, reddening all over.

Celeste: “Wh-where are you going?!”

She snapped at Gloria. Gloria rummaged through their laundry basket and picked up Jaxon’s boxer briefs.

Jaxon: “HEY! Those are MINE!”

He hissed at her, yanking them from her.

Gloria: “Oh, I wanted to smell them to see how good you are in bed! I bet you are amazing!”

She slapped his ass. Jaxon glared at her and pulled back.

Jaxon: “I AM, but only with her!”

He hissed, putting his arm around Celeste.

Jaxon: “Why the fuck are your family all creepy weirdos, babe?!”

He groaned to Celeste. Celeste groaned and clung to Jaxon.

Celeste: “I don’t know, babe!”

Suddenly, another hand slapped Jaxon’s ass. Alfonso was there and held up a “Clone-a-Willy” kit!

Alfonso: “Hey, sexy! Use this to make a mold of your cock or ass or both!”

He drooled. Jaxon glared at him. Celeste took it and smacked him over the head.

Gloria: “So, Celeste, I was thinking of bringing your cousins here—”

Celeste: “NO!”

She screamed.

Jaxon: “HELL NO! THIS ISN’T CREEPY FULL HOUSE!”

He barked.

Gloria: “Papito suggests we all have Easter dinner at Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano! It’s our treat!”

She smiled.

Jaxon: “Treat? More like torment.”

He huffed.

Celeste: “If you go away and never come back, we’ll stomach it.”

She growled and pouted.

Gloria: “I watched his videos on Fu’s Feet Links… Your boyfriend turns me on, Celeste.”

She purred. Celeste gaped at her with disgust. Jaxon glared at her.

Jaxon: “What the FUCK?!”

Celeste: “You don’t say that to your niece!”

Gloria: “Don’t be a stick in the mud, niña! Your boyfriend is sexy! And we know it!”

She slapped Jaxon’s ass.

Alfonso: “Yeah!”

He slapped his ass.

Jaxon: “STOP THAT! GET THE FUCK OFF ME!”

He snapped and ran away from them, leaning up against the wall.

Celeste: “I said we would go, so get the fuck out!”

She hissed.

Jaxon: “If we do this stupid dinner, will you fuck off?”

He huffed.

Gloria: “The kids have to be back at school, and I do live in another state.”

She sighed.

Celeste: “We’ll go!”

She waved her hand at them. She saw Alfonso dry humping Jaxon’s leg. Jaxon glared at Alfonso, trying to get him off. Celeste grabbed him and threw him on the floor.

Jaxon: “Kill me.”

~

Jaxon and Celeste arrived at Javier’s in his car. Jaxon wore a black sports jacket with shiny peaked lapels, a black silk dress shirt with the buttons undone to expose his dragon tattoo, black trousers, and black Chelsea boots. He had his Ray-Bans resting on top of his head. Celeste wore an off-shoulder black dress that came to a little below her crotch, lacy angel sleeves, a lace choker, and strappy black sandal heels.

It was a brick building with large windows and flower boxes in each window. Above the entrance was a green roof canopy with “Javier’s” inscribed in white cursive letters. There was an outdoor patio for dining with umbrellas on the tables.

Celeste took a deep breath as they climbed out of the car. She held onto his arm and leaned on it as they entered, wishing it were just the two of them. Maybe if they bail or something happens, it can be, she thought.

They entered a sprawling dining room with clay tiles and dark olive walls. Plants and chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The tables had dark green tablecloths, wicker throne chairs, and silverware placed. Celeste looked up at Jaxon, hoping it would be just them. Her smile faded when she heard screaming kids and that obnoxious laugh. Her blood ran cold when she saw Gloria at a long table with her grandfather and four screaming kids. The two older ones were boys, ages ten and eight, and the two younger girls, ages four and two.

Jaxon looked like he would rather be anywhere else, but he stayed close to Celeste and stayed by her side. They had faced worse adversaries than this, and he could handle anything for her.

Jaxon: “Is it too late to run?”

He said to Celeste. Gloria smiled and waved at them.

Gloria: “THERE HE IS! THERE’S THE HANDSOME MAN MY NIECE IS BOINKING!”

She shouted for the entire restaurant to hear. Celeste was embarrassed and mortified. She ran to them and shoved them to the table, slapping Jaxon’s ass. Celeste felt her anger start to rise. Jaxon fumed and pushed her off him.

Jaxon: “Get OFF ME!”

The eight-year-old started to cry because he wanted pizza, his loud mouth showing his baby fangs. The oldest boy took the pacifier from his baby sister, and she started crying loudly.

Celeste sat there as this was pounding her head, making her recall the days of being in the facility. Jaxon put his arm around her.

Jaxon: “Let’s just order our meals and get out.”

He said to her. Celeste panted like an angry, overwhelmed cat. She wrapped her arms around him to cool herself down and to prevent going feral on everyone.

Someone cleared their throat. Celeste and Jaxon saw Professor Stewart Murphy with his hat in his hands.

Stewart: “Would you two kindly join me for dinner in the Pink Top Tower?”

Celeste: “YES!”

She exclaimed. Jaxon sighed with relief.

Jaxon: “Oh, god YES!”

Gloria: “Celeste, where are you going?!”

Celeste: “Outta here and away from you!”

She snapped, taking Jaxon’s arm.

Alfonso: “DON’T LEAVE ME WITH HER! I WANT HIS ASS!”

He reached out to grab Jaxon’s ass and Celeste belted him with her purse.

Jaxon: “ENOUGH! I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU PEOPLE AGAIN! STAY AWAY FROM ME!”

He snapped, kicking Alfonso onto the table. Alfonos faceplanted into his tequila.

~

They went up the Pink Tower to the Sky Lounge Restaurant. There were windows with a view of the city at night, tables with fine white linen cloths and delicate silver cutlery. Stewart told the host he wanted a table for three. The host led them to a table. Stewart reddened and pulled out a chair for Jaxon. Celeste snorted.

Jaxon: “Thanks!”

He said and sat down at the table. Celeste sat next to Jaxon.

Celeste: “What am I, purple?”

She teased.

Jaxon: “You're Green.”

He teased. Celeste laughed a bit. Stewart reddened.

Stewart: “Well, you two looked like you needed it and… I wanted to dine with a handsome man in a nice restaurant.”

He said meekly.

Celeste: “I’m a third wheel.”

She laughed a bit in a teasing way. Stewart reddened.

Jaxon: “Nah, you're MY wheel!”

He said, wrapping his arm around her. Celeste smiled and leaned into his embrace.

Celeste: “Seriously, thanks, Murph.”

She nodded.

Jaxon: “Thanks for saving us from hell.”

He said earnestly.

Stewart: “Pleasure is mine! I do have a mission for you both!”

Jaxon grinned widely.

Jaxon: “Ooh, a mission?!”

Stewart brightened at Jaxon’s enthusiasm.

Stewart: “Yes, there is an abandoned mental asylum about fifty miles outside of Pink Top City. There are some case files you need to retrieve, and the place has been rumored to host some of these creatures.”

He folded his hands and gazed at the two.

Jaxon: “Creatures, huh? As long as they aren't big fat whale creatures.”

He shuddered thinking of Dougal. Stewart raised his eyebrows.

Stewart: “No, I don’t believe so. They would be like the wolf creature that you two fought at that nightclub.”

He stated. Celeste placed her hand on Jaxon’s and kissed him. Jaxon kissed her back.

Stewart: “I believe this calls for some celebratory champagne!”

He nodded to Celeste.

Stewart: “And a sparkling cider for the lady!”

Celeste smiled.

Jaxon: “Just get me a Jack and Coke… without the Jack.”

He said, looking over at her.

Celeste: “It’s okay, Jax! You’re not drinking away your problems now.”

She smiled and patted his hand, nodding. Jaxon smiled at her.

Stewart: “Oh, I was going to get us some Brunée champagne.”

He chuckled.

Celeste: “Isn’t that stuff super expensive?”

Stewart nodded.

Stewart: “It is, but this is a special evening!”

He reddened.

Celeste: “I think if Tristan joined us, it would be more special, right, Murph?”

She smirked, and Stewart reddened.

Jaxon: “Why is it a special evening and more special with Tristan here?”

He asked.

Celeste: “Oh, I think he has a crush on you, Jax.”

She winked. Stewart’s face was beet red.

Jaxon: “Oh? Well, of course he does. I’m sexy.”

He gloated.

Jaxon: “Just don’t grab my ass or ever insult my Green Queen and we’ll be fine!”

He stated. Stewart raised his eyebrows.

Stewart: “Why would I do those? I am not a barbarian!”

He laughed awkwardly.

Stewart: “I respect Celeste, and I would never crudely touch a gentleman.”

He said gently.

Jaxon: “Good!”

He nodded and grinned.

Stewart: “In any case, I’d like for you two to go to the mental asylum tomorrow.”

He nodded.

Celeste: “Okay, we’re on it!”

Jaxon nodded and put his arm around her. Celeste smiled up at him.

Jaxon: “We’re in!”

~

Ashley was in the greenhouse tending to some herbs they were growing for Lazaros’ cooking. Tristan stood in the doorway and tapped on it.

Tristan: “Are you busy, Ashley?”

He smiled. Ashley greeted him with a smile.

Ashley: “Hey, Tristan! What can I do for you?”

They beamed.

Tristan: “I’d love a batch of your blueberry muffins.”

He said gently. Ashley’s eyes lit up.

Ashley: “Ooh, of course! They’re my fave, too!”

They beamed.

He heard someone approaching them and saw Vanessa walking down the street, embracing herself and crying. Vanessa went to the greenhouse, and Tristan stepped aside.

Vanessa: “ASHLEY!”

She bawled and wrapped her arms around them.

Vanessa: “Something bad just happened! I don’t know what to do!”

Tristan quirked an eyebrow. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “O-Oh no! What happened?!”

They hugged her back.

Vanessa: “I don’t want to get rid of Hiroto’s and my baby, Ashley!”

She sobbed on them. Tristan looked away and rolled his eyes, so they couldn’t see him.

Ashley: “And that’s your choice.”

They sighed and comforted her.

Vanessa: “I-I know, but his wife came up to me and said I had to abort or give them up for adoption and offered me money! I don’t want to take it or do it! I want to keep our baby!”

She sobbed on Ashley’s chest. Ashley’s eyes widened, and they comforted her. Tristan cupped his mouth. I reckon this worked in the past when Hiroto had girls less wealthy than he, but now he met his match…, he thought.

Ashley: “Oh dear… what does Hiroto say?”

Vanessa: “I don’t know, Ashley! He isn’t returning my calls or seeing me!”

She cried. Gee, I wonder why, Tristan thought. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “Oh dear…”

It sounds like he’s running away, they thought.

Vanessa: “Uncle Demetrio knows and is looking into a lawyer so I can keep our baby.”

She looked up at Tristan.

Tristan: “Don’t look at me. First of all, I don’t deal with family law. Secondly, you ruined Jaxon’s reputation. Jaxon is my friend and client. Even if I dealt with family law, this is a conflict of interest, so no. You want my advice? Get an abortion. This baby is causing more harm than good. Hiroto doesn’t want it. Jaxon wants nothing to do with it, and it seems like you’re doubling down on this to prove some point to your naysayers. Guess what? It’s proving you’re a fool.”

He said firmly. Vanessa cried on Ashley.

Tristan: “Look, it’s your choice, Vanessa. I am not going to force you to do something you don’t want, but please try to think logically about this. Who would this benefit? Ashley is too kind to say it aloud, so I will.”

He reiterated firmly and bowed his head. Ashley bowed their head and subtly nodded.

Tristan: “Do you want to bring this child into this world? Wouldn’t that be a cruel and unusual punishment? What kind of life are you bringing this child into around people who don’t want them? And you’re unfit to be a mother, let alone a single mother.”

He added.

Tristan: “Hiroto is ignoring you now. Do you think he will help raise this child?”

He challenged.

Vanessa: “GO AWAY, TRISTAN! YOU WERE MEAN TO BLAIR IN HIGH SCHOOL! AND YOU’RE MEAN TO ME NOW!”

She cried. Tristan shrugged. Ashley sighed.

Tristan: “Well, don’t come crying when it all blows up in your face, and you eventually turn to hate your own child because of your poor life choices.”

He hissed. Ashley embraced themself, thinking of what kind of life that poor child would have.

Tristan: “Ashley can only do so much, but they cannot be your savior. You have to save yourself.”

He sighed. Ashley pursed their lips and nodded.

Tristan: “You ruined Jaxon’s reputation, Vanessa. You worked with an evil woman to do so. To me, this is your karma for your wrong deeds. I would absolutely relish in this, but that you want to bring a child who never asked to be brought into this world is a cruel fate.”

He said coldly. Vanessa cried and rose.

Vanessa: “I came here to get comforted by Ashley, and you’re just MEAN, Tristan! You and Deimos are MEAN! So is Jiro!”

She snapped and stormed off. Ashley drew a long breath.

Tristan sighed and turned to Ashley.

Tristan: “Ashley, I know you don’t have a mean bone in your body. I commend that. But she had to be told this. I’m sorry you had to witness that.”

Ashley: “...I know.”

They said in a small voice. Tristan raised his eyebrows.

Ashley: “Don’t be sorry…I worry about the life that child will have being around people who don’t want them. They could grow up to really sad… or become a monster.”

Tristan: “I don’t think it will last, Ashley. I have a bad feeling something is going to happen.”

He said gravely. Ashley frowned and bowed their head.

Ashley: “Bad vibes are already happening all around us with this baby, Tristan…”

They sighed.