Chapter One-hundred Fifty-One: Birthday Ice Prince

Chapter 151

Birthday Ice Prince

It was July twenty-third.

Tristan exited his bedroom after taking a shower and freshening up. He wore a dark blue, three-piece Italian-cut suit, a white, pressed shirt, a blue silk tie with gold paisley patterns, and black sheer socks. He carried a black attaché case in his hand and went downstairs, with Oliver following him. He went through the living room, and his father, Victor, greeted him while making breakfast. He wore a cream shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, a brown waistcoat, bell-bottom jeans, and brown flip-flops. He brightened when he saw Tristan.

Tristan: “Morning, Papa.”

He nodded and sat at the island.

Victor: “Joyeux anniversaire, mon beau fils!”

He kissed his head, hugged him, and went to the counter to bring him several blue, green, red, and purple pancakes in the shapes of cats with a dollop of whipped cream and syrup. Tristan beamed when he saw the presentation. Victor poured him a cup of vanilla rose tea and handed him a plate with bacon.

Tristan: “Oh, Papa, you’re spoiling me!”

He chuckled. Oliver pawed at Tristan’s leg, looking up at him with his bright eyes. Tristan smiled and handed him a piece of bacon. Oliver took it in his mouth and chomped on it. Tristan cut the pancakes with his fork and ate them in small, delicate bites.

Tristan placed down a slice of bacon for Francis, who joined Oliver. Oliver hissed at him and swatted at him, running away with the bacon in his mouth.

After Tristan finished eating, he wiped his mouth with his napkin, drained his tea, and rose. Deimos entered through the mudroom carrying a bouquet of red roses. He wore a Black Sabbath tank top, torn jeans, and cowboy boots. Tristan’s green eyes sparkled when he saw Deimos with the roses. Deimos smiled.

Deimos: “These roses have nothing on your beauty… Happy birthday, my gorgeous prince…”

He said softly and pulled Tristan in for a deep kiss. Tristan closed his eyes, wrestling his tongue with his, and wrapped his arms around him.

Tristan: “Thanks, Deimos…”

He said softly, inhaling the scent of the roses. Deimos smiled at him and rested his hand on the small of his back.

~

Ivy was in the living room watching the Hallmark channel and the movie “Wok into His Heart.” The premise was Lin Feng, a young, green-haired Chinese woman who was slender yet curvaceous, with her sights set on the French attorney, Gaston Guilloux. He had wavy, white hair, green eyes, and wore glasses; he always dressed in a suit. Lin tried everything she could to win his heart, until her grandmother said the fastest way to his heart was through traditional Chinese cooking. She made nung jia xiao chao rou, chicken chow mein, mushroom fried rice, dim sum, baozi, Peking Duck, Hongshao Rou, and wonton soup. When Lin served Gaston these delicious dishes, he immediately fell in love with her, and they got married.

Ivy’s chocolate eyes lit up. That’s what I have to do to win Tristan’s heart, she thought, and rose to go to the kitchen.

~

Ivy wore a black cheongsam with gold peacocks, a white apron with ruffles over it, a frilly hairband, and black flats. She placed the dishes into a basket and tied it up with a blanket. She picked Samson up, laid him in the stroller, and strapped him in. She then strolled out of there with the stroller and the food.

~

Tristan drove his car into the parking lot of his office and parked in his designated spot. He climbed out with Oliver and his attaché case in hand and strolled to his office. Tristan opened his office and saw blue and white streamers and balloons around his office. Blue and white confetti dropped on him. Tristan winced and brushed the confetti off. Oliver shook his head. Rosemary rose from her desk.

Rosemary: “Surprise, Tristan! Happy birthday!”

She cheered. Tristan reddened, but he felt this was a bit much; however, he smiled and appreciated her gesture. She rose and hugged him. She presented a basket on the desk filled with various fresh fruit, such as apples, cherries, bananas, grapes, and pears.

Rosemary: “Here you are.”

Tristan laughed awkwardly.

Tristan: “Oh, thank you! You’re too kind!”

He forced a smile.

Tristan: “I’ll be in my office if you need me.”

He said tersely and went upstairs.

When Tristan got into his office, he set Oliver down, dusted himself off, and placed the basket on his desk.

Tristan: “Some people are a bit excessive…”

He muttered and rolled his eyes, pulling confetti out of his hair. She saw it in some Hallmark movie, he thought. He sat at his desk and set his attaché case on it. He surveyed the basket of fruit and smiled. This basket is lovely, though, he thought with a smile.

~

Ivy strolled into Tristan’s office and looked around at the streamers, balloons, and confetti.

Ivy: “Oh, just like ‘His Bashful Birthday’ when Leah surprises her lover, Jesse, for his birthday at work.”

She smiled tightly.

Rosemary: “That was a great movie, Ivy! Are you here to give Tristan something?”

Ivy: “Yes, Mum! I made Tristan a feast to remember me by.”

She smiled and pushed the stroller up the stairs.

Ivy entered Tristan’s office.

Ivy: “Shēngrì kuàilè, airen!”

Tristan raised his head from working on a critical case and beamed when he saw Ivy.

Tristan: “And what is all this?”

Ivy untied the cloth, revealing several delectable traditional Chinese dishes. Tristan smiled, and his green eyes sparkled.

Tristan: “You spent hours making all this food for me?!”

He gasped.

Ivy: “Yes, Tristan, I did! I want to wok into your heart, airen!”

She purred.

Tristan: “No one has ever spent hours cooking traditional Chinese food for me! Is that… Hongshao Rou?! You made that for me?! Only you could make that so delicious!”

Ivy blushed.

Ivy: “I made this with love, Tristan! Say ahhh!”

She picked up a cube of meat with chopsticks, and he opened his mouth.

Ivy snapped out of her daze and reddened. She knocked on his door and bit her bottom lip.

Tristan: “Come in, please.”

Ivy opened the door.

Ivy: “Shēngrì kuàilè, airen!”

She cheered. Tristan darkened when he saw her.

Tristan: “Get the Hell out of my sight!”

He rasped through clenched teeth. Ivy froze. That’s not what happened in the movie, she thought. Ivy untied the cloth to reveal several Chinese dishes on silver platters, each with a glass dome over it. Samson vigorously sniffed the air. Tristan scowled at them.

Tristan: “What is this?! Is this something you saw in your stupid Hallmark movies?! Well, it’s not going to work! NOTHING WILL! After the BULLSHIT you pulled, you can go straight to HELL!”

He barked. Ivy drew back.

Ivy: “Tristan…, I spent hours making this for you… I made Hongshao Rou for you…”

She sniffled. Tristan rolled his eyes.

Tristan: “So what? As if making food for me will erase what you put me through? What you put my friends through? What you did to my Papa? And Chelsea, who is dead?”

He hissed. Samson sniffed the air and struggled to break out of his straps. Ivy broke down crying.

Ivy: “How could you be so cruel to me?!”

She cried. Tristan blinked.

Tristan: “Yes, Ivy, make this all about you. I told you we’re through. Take your food and shove it up your ass.”

He glared hatefully at her. Ivy shrank and felt as if her heart ripped out of her chest and exploded from extreme heartbreak.

Samson broke free from his straps and removed the lid from the platter with the braised pork belly, then began devouring it. Ivy shrieked.

Ivy: “NO, SAMSON! I MADE THAT FOR TRISTAN!”

She cried and tried to grab him. He zoomed to the next platter, removed the lid, and slammed his face into the chicken chow mein. Oliver had a baozi in his mouth and began chewing it.

Ivy: “NOOOOOOO! NOOOOOO!! NOOOOOO!!!”

She sank to the floor and bawled her eyes out as the cats ate the food she prepared for Tristan.

Tristan: “Take your food, your cat, and show yourself out.”

He glared at her with cold hatred. Ivy inhaled sharply and rocked back and forth, wailing loudly.

~

Tristan drove home, feeling sorry for the cleaning lady to clean up the mess that both Ivy and Rosemary had made. He drove his car into the garage and parked it. He stepped out with his attaché case and Oliver in his arms.

He entered through the mudroom, setting them down and untying his black wingtip Oxfords. He slid his feet out of those, revealing his sheer black socks, and entered the kitchen to see Lazaros wringing his hands. He wore a purple sequin suit, black pressed shirt, light purple tie, and white loafers. Deimos sat on the island and rolled his eyes. Ashley greeted Tristan with a warm smile and a box adorned with a bow. They were dressed in a paisley orange suit and wore sandals on their feet, accompanied by bell anklets.

Ashley: “Happy birthday, Tristan!”

They chirped, presenting him with the sparkly blue box wrapped in a blue ribbon. Tristan smiled and graciously accepted their gift. He untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside were freshly baked Oreo cupcakes resembling Oliver. Tristan raised his eyebrows and smiled at them.

Ashley: “I made you some Oreo Ollie cakes!”

They beamed.

Tristan: “Thank you, Ashley! They are lovely! I will get these in the fridge before they melt!”

He said and placed the cupcakes in the fridge.

Ashley: “I also made a matching wreath for you, too!”

They beamed, presenting him with a handmade wreath crafted from various branches, adorned with turquoise gemstones and accompanied by little snowflakes. Tristan’s eyes lit up as he took the wreath.

Tristan: “My goodness, this is beautiful, Ashley! Thank you so, so much!”

He said eagerly. Ashley smiled widely and clasped their hands together.

Ashley: “Yay! You’re meowst welcome!”

Lazaros: “And here is my gift for you!”

He handed him an envelope. Deimos narrowed his eyes on Lazaros. Tristan gingerly opened the envelope and pulled out a coupon book. It had a purple cover with moons on it. It said “The ULTIMATE Coupon Book.” Dare I look in? Tristan wondered and opened it. He blinked.

Tristan: “This coupon is good for watching Ashley eat breakfast.”

He said as he read it off. He flipped through.

Tristan: “This coupon is good for watching Ashley eat a four-course meal…”

He pursed his lips. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “Uhh, Lazaros, why does he need a coupon for something he can always watch for free anyway?”

They laughed and tilted their head.

Tristan: “This coupon is good for one tummy rub for Ashley.”

He said awkwardly. Lazaros clasped his hands as his eyes sparkled. Ashley reddened and flicked their gaze up at Lazaros.

Lazaros: “I thought this would be the perfect gift for you, Tristan!”

Ashley: “B-But I only want you to rub my tummy, Lazaros!”

They pouted.

Lazaros: “Of course, Ashley, but it’s Tristan’s birthday and he has one coupon for it!”

He beamed. Deimos growled. Tristan forced a smile.

Tristan: “Ah, thank you, Lazaros.”

Deimos snatched the coupon book from Tristan and tore it up.

Deimos: “No, he’s NOT indulging in your stupid feeder fetish CRAP, Lazaros! This is supposed to be about him, and you made it about yourself!”

He snapped. Lazaros’ bottom lip trembled.

Lazaros: “But who doesn’t love watching Ashley eat or giving them tummy rubs?! It’s NOT a fetish, Deimos!”

He cried. Ashley reddened and shifted their eyes with a nervous laugh.

Ashley: “How about you give him a coupon for Deimos to tickle his feet, Laz?”

They gently suggested, placing their hand on Lazaros’ shoulder.

Lazaros: “Why would I do that, Ashley?! Watching you eat is so much more pleasurable!”

He whined. Ashley blushed at him.

Deimos: “Yes, Lazaros, it’s always about YOU! No one wants to indulge in your shit, except Ashley!”

He snapped. Lazaros stomped his feet. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Lazaros: “STOP HURTING THEIR FEELINGS!”

He sobbed. Ashley wrapped their arms around Lazaros.

Ashley: “My feelings aren’t hurt, Laz.”

They assured him.

Lazaros: “I PUT A LOT OF LOVE INTO THOSE COUPONS! WHO WOULDN’T WANT THAT?!”

He bawled and fell onto the floor, sobbing into his hands. Tristan shifted his eyes awkwardly. Deimos growled at him.

Ashley: “Uhh, Deimos and Tristan.”

They said gently and stroked his head.

Ashley: “Why don’t you spend the coupons yourself and cook a nice meal instead?”

They offered gingerly stroking him in their embrace. Lazaros whimpered and sighed.

Deimos: “Just get out of here, Lazaros.”

He hissed and turned around. Ashley took Lazaros’ hand.

Lazaros: “No one loves me but you, Ashley! It’s NOT FAIR!”

He rose with tears in his eyes and ran out sobbing. Ashley sighed and bowed their head.

Ashley: “I’m sorry, guys, I think something is bothering him deep down in his heart chakra.”

They knit their eyebrows. Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “I see. Well, take care, Ashley, and thank you for the gifts.”

He waved his hand. Ashley flashed them a smile and went after Lazaros.

Tristan turned to Deimos.

Tristan: “Do you ever think there is a reason your brother has these extreme tantrums?”

He asked Deimos gently.

Deimos: “Maybe? Look, today is your day, and you’re going to get spoiled. You don’t need to be his psychologist.”

He smiled and held him in his arms.

Tristan: “You don’t think there is a deeper reason for his behavior? Or for his gifts? You don’t find them bizarre?”

He asked.

Deimos: “It doesn’t matter. Today is about you.”

He smiled. Why is Deimos avoiding this? Tristan wondered.

~

That afternoon, Jaxon and Celeste arrived with their gifts. Jaxon wore a white silk button-up shirt with roses and thorns on the left side, black jeans, and Chelsea boots. Celeste wore a black leather bustier, a spiked choker, black fishnet gloves, Daisy Dukes with several silver studs, black fishnets, and black ankle-strap boots.

Celeste gave Tristan a wooden cat pencil and pen holder that she painted to look like Oliver. Tristan smiled at it as he scrutinized it.

Tristan: “This is fine craftsmanship, Celeste! This will be ideal for my desk to store my many pens!”

He laughed.

Tristan: “Thank you!”

He said earnestly. Celeste grinned like the Cheshire Cat.

Celeste: “You’re welcome!”

Jaxon handed Tristan a book titled “A Gray Area.” The book had a picture of a brain colored in gray.

Jaxon: “It’s a philosophy book that covers gray areas, and not everything is in black and white.”

He elaborated. Tristan pursed his lips and nodded.

Tristan: “Thank you, Jaxon. This is something we see eye-to-eye on.”

Jaxon raised his eyebrows.

Jaxon: “No problem, but I thought we agreed on many things.”

Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “We do, but this is something where Deimos falls flat.”

He sighed. Jaxon folded his arms and sat back.

Jaxon: “Did you tell him about my father kidnapping me?”

Celeste glanced at Jaxon. Tristan bowed his head and shook it.

Tristan: “No, I haven’t.”

He declared. Jaxon nodded, understanding why.

Tristan: “So…”

He began.

Tristan: “Lazaros gifted me a coupon booklet where I peel out coupons to watch Ashley eat or rub their tummy. The gift itself was… awkward.”

He explained as he shifted in his seat. Jaxon glanced at him, feeling secondhand embarrassment.

Celeste: “Watching Ashley eat is boring. I want to eat, too.”

She pouted.

Tristan: “Anyway, Deimos tears up the book and Lazaros throws a huge tantrum.”

Jaxon clicked his tongue, as if to say he knew that would happen.

Tristan: “I asked Deimos why he would give me such a gift and why he throws huge tantrums, and Deimos wanted to switch the topic.”

He added. Jaxon nodded.

Jaxon: “Because I don’t think he’s ready to face it. Deimos also has the same outbursts… but in anger. This is why neither of us told him about what my father did to me. We know what will follow. Lazaros does the same thing, but it’s not in anger. I am sure there are things Ashley doesn’t bring up to him in case he throws a shitfit.”

He drawled.

Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “I think both of those boys are traumatized… and neither wants to face what caused this, so they ignore it, and when things don’t go as they hoped, they lose it.”

He explained.

Jaxon: “Yeah, I’ve been there. But I faced my demons. My family sucks, and the only family member who cared is dead.”

He sighed. Celeste rested her head on his shoulder. Jaxon kissed her head.

Jaxon: “So I think as long as Deimos and Lazaros run from this, this will resume.”

Tristan nodded soberly.

Tristan: “Then why do you think Lazaros would give me a coupon book?”

Jaxon heaved a deep sigh.

Jaxon: “One of two things: he forgot and slapped this together at the last moment or he worships Ashley and feels everyone else should worship her as well, and also loves watching her eat.”

He explained. Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “My money is the latter, but it could also be a bit of the former. A coupon book always felt so tacky to me.”

He winced.

Celeste: “That reminds me of how Trevor went to Larry’s birthday for the food and gave him coupons he got from his grocery store. One was fifty cents off Shake ‘n Bake.”

She laughed a bit. Jaxon cupped his mouth and laughed. Tristan sighed.

Tristan: “How typical of Trevor, but Larry had it coming, so everyone is the loser.”

He shrugged.

Celeste: “It also reminds me that on Ivy’s birthday, Konstantina said I had to do something nice for Ivy. I got her a black cat-shaped bottle, thinking it was bubble bath. It turned out to be wine, and she screamed at me for it.”

She stated. Tristan and Jaxon gaped at her.

Tristan: “How does this correlate, Celeste? I am discussing Lazaros gifting me a coupon book that had nothing to do with me, and you gifted something to Ivy that you genuinely thought she would love, but she hated it. You can’t please Ivy. I should know.”

He sighed bitterly.

Jaxon: “I would have loved that, babe.”

He rubbed her thigh. She grinned.

Celeste: “I don’t know, I guess because Lazaros thinks you would love that coupon book. He thinks we all love to watch Ashley eat and doesn’t get that no one really does.”

She shrugged.

Tristan: “I thanked him for it and had no intention to ‘redeem’ any of those. Deimos tore it up and gave him the third degree.”

He stated.

Tristan: “He’s angry with Lazaros, and this added fuel to the fire. I believe he’s angry with Lazaros for not standing up for him to their father, and he feels his actions are selfish.”

He added.

Tristan: “I have to agree. They are selfish, even if the intentions have no malice to them.”

He said as his voice trailed off.

Jaxon: “As I said, Deimos and Lazaros aren’t facing that their parents suck. They still have that nursery for their dead sister in that house. That has to be taking a toll on them, knowing their parents put their dead sibling ahead of them.”

He rolled his eyes.

~

Tristan was in the living room, reading the book Jaxon had given to him. He paused and glanced at his pocket watch. It’s almost time for Deimos to pick me up, he thought. Piper entered the room and cleared her throat.

Piper: “Tristan, a young man is here to see you.”

Young man? He wondered. So it’s someone she doesn’t know, he thought, and rose from the couch.

He went out to his lawn, and his eyes widened at the number of bouquets of roses. There had to be at least two hundred bouquets placed neatly before his garden. Vasilos stepped out, wearing a sequin gold double-breasted tuxedo jacket, white pressed shirt, a sequin gold bowtie, white pants with a gold stripe on the sides, and white Oxfords. He carried a single rose and handed it to Tristan.

Vasilos: “Happy birthday to the most gorgeous, sexy man in the world!”

He winked. Tristan rolled his eyes and threw his hands up.

Tristan: “What is the meaning of this? I never asked for this!”

He huffed. Vasilos grinned.

Vasilos: “Ya didn’t have to! I did it because you’re mine and this is how I show it!”

He snaked his arm around Tristan. Tristan yanked himself away. Vasilos grimaced.

Tristan: “I am NOT yours, Vasilos! I don’t belong to anyone! I’m not a trophy!”

He snapped.

Vasilos sighed and folded his arms.

Vasilos: “What, over two hundred roses isn’t enough?”

Tristan rolled his eyes and rubbed his temples.

Tristan: “I never said that, but we’re not together, and I told you no! Buying me two hundred roses or two roses will not change my mind! I am in love with Deimos!”

He said doggedly. Vasilos glared when he mentioned Deimos.

Vasilos: “What does that loser have that I don’t?!”

He stomped his foot and pointed to himself with his thumb. Tristan clicked his tongue.

Tristan: “Everything! Deimos loves and cares for me, and treats me like a human being, not a trophy to be won, would be one!”

He flared hotly.

Vasilos bared his teeth.

Vasilos: “He doesn’t even have a job! Playing his little guitar with his hot little Japanese friend is not work! It’s him being an idiot!”

He snapped.

Tristan: “So people are just reduced to their occupations and what money they earn to you?”

He challenged.

Tristan: “If that’s the case, what is your job?”

He cross-examined. Vasilos froze and stomped his feet.

Vasilos: “I don’t need one! My father gives me whatever I want!”

He snapped. Tristan cleared his throat.

Tristan: “So, by your definition, you’re a loser, as you eloquently put it.”

He said coolly. Vasilos bared his teeth.

Vasilos: “It’s NOT the same thing!”

He rasped. Tristan rolled his eyes.

Tristan: “Ah, yes, the ‘rule for thee but not for me’ mentality.”

He said dryly.

Vasilos grabbed Tristan’s hand.

Vasilos: “Come on, what you need is a spin around town with me!”

Tristan wrenched his hand away.

Tristan: “You don’t speak for me. What I need is for you to leave immediately!”

He hissed. Vasilos’ right eye twitched.

Vasilos: “What the fuck for?!”

He snapped.

Tristan: “Do I need to spell it out for you?! I told you I am not interested, and that should be the end of the conversation!”

He fired back.

Vasilos grabbed Tristan’s arm and yanked him toward him.

Tristan: “You’re hurting me! Let me go!”

He snapped as ice started to form over Vasilos’ hand. Vasilos pulled his hand away and was then struck hard in the face. The impact of the blow sent him crashing onto the lawn, staining his white pants. Vasilos’ cheek was red and throbbing with pain as he raised his head to lock his glare on Deimos, who stood over him. Deimos wore a black Italian-cut suit, a purple pressed shirt with the buttons undone to expose his platinum chain, and black cap-toe Oxfords. He braced his legs apart and put his hands up.

Deimos: “Get the FUCK away from him, Vasilos!”

He growled. Vasilos scrambled to his feet.

Vasilos: “I am going to see my lawyer about this!”

He bellowed.

Tristan: “About what?! You came onto MY property, grabbed me and hurt me, and refused to leave after I requested you vacate my premises! No lawyer worth their salt would take on a ludicrous case!”

He snapped.

Vasilos dusted himself off and straightened his jacket.

Vasilos: “You don’t deserve a beauty like him, Deimos! Do you know what you deserve? A fatass pig like what your brother has!”

He snapped.

Deimos: “And you deserve even less. Andrew left you.”

He countered icily. Vasilos’ fury soared. He lunged at Deimos to deliver a punch. Deimos shifted out of the way, grabbed his arm, and delivered a powerful karate chop to the back of his neck, knowing the wind out of Vasilos. Vasilos crashed face-first on the ground and passed out.

Deimos turned to Tristan with a smile. Tristan reddened.

Tristan: “Thank you for saving me, Deimos.”

Deimos beamed at the compliment and pulled him into a kiss. He raked his fingers through Tristan’s snow white hair.

~

Tristan and Deimos arrived at a charming outdoor dining area. Tristan wore a black Italian-cut suit with a double-breasted suit jacket, a blue pressed shirt, a dark blue tie, and black wingtip Oxfords.

The space was covered by a transparent canopy, from which numerous small, warm-toned string lights were suspended, creating a dazzling, starry-night effect. A more elaborate chandelier with multiple arms and lights hung from the center of the canopy.

There were several round tables, each draped with white tablecloths. Each table was adorned with a candle, casting a soft glow. Wooden chairs with simple designs were placed around the tables.

The overall ambiance was intimate and romantic, enhanced by the soft lighting and the surrounding greenery, which was subtly illuminated. White drapes were pulled back at the sides of the canopy, adding a touch of elegance. The restaurant evoked a sense of a special occasion and cozy sophistication.

Tristan was mesmerized by his surroundings. Deimos admired Tristan and pulled out a chair for him. Tristan chuckled, reddened, and sat down. Deimos sat across from him.

Deimos: “If you notice, we’re the only ones here.”

He grinned. Tristan surveyed the area.

Tristan: “Oh, I noticed it now!”

Deimos: “I rented it out just for you and me.”

He reached out, taking Tristan’s soft, slender hand in his darker, muscular hand. Tristan melted to his touch.

Tristan: “Oh, Deimos, you didn’t have to go through all this trouble for me.”

He blushed. Deimos smiled tightly.

Deimos: “You’re worth it.”

He kissed his hand. Tristan’s heart hammered in his chest, and he felt the heat rise to his face.

Deimos: “Listen.”

He whispered.

A song played on the speakers. It began with a slow and ethereal synth tone, followed by a slow-paced drum and bass line. Deimos’ gentle vocals hummed in a rhythmic flow like the wind on an ocean breeze. He sang about driving into the night along the beachside and sharing special moments with Tristan in the sunlight.

Tristan gasped and put his hands over his mouth, tears filling his eyes.

Tristan: “Deimos, this is beautiful!”

He said in a breathy tone.

Deimos rose and extended his hand out to Tristan.

Deimos: “May I have this dance?”

Tristan giggled and took his hand.

Tristan: “As you wish.”

He whispered and rose as he and Deimos swayed in rhythm to the melody. They gazed into each other’s eyes. Deimos rubbed the small of Tristan’s back as Tristan felt the two were drifting away, and on the beach. Tristan never wanted this moment to end. He held onto Deimos close and closed his eyes.

~

After the two men ate, the server brought out a beautifully decorated cake with an ice theme. The cake itself was round and had a smooth, matte finish in an elegant shade of ice blue.

It was elaborately adorned with various white and silver edible decorations, giving it a frosty, magical appearance. Large, intricate white snowflakes were prominently featured on the sides and top of the cake. Several glittering white and silver baubles and candles were also placed on top of the cake.

Clusters of small white and silver edible pearls cascaded down the sides of the cake, resembling falling snow. A delicate border of white pearls also encircled the base of the cake. There were also white, stylized sprigs, and a delicate white rose on the top, adding to the intricate design.

The cake sat on a white cake stand, which had a thin dark blue ribbon tied around its base, subtly complementing the cake’s color. Tristan’s emerald eyes sparkled, and he clasped his hands over his mouth as he gazed at the cake.

Tristan: “Oh, Deimos!”

He said breathlessly.

Deimos: “Make a wish, my prince.”

He whispered in his ear. Tristan giggled.

Tristan: “I don’t know what to wish for. I have everything I ever wanted.”

He whispered back, and the two kissed. Tristan turned the cake and blew out the candles.

Deimos: “Happy birthday, my beloved Tristan…”

He whispered, and the two kissed again. He handed Tristan a knife to cut the cake. Tristan took it and cut in, and Deimos took over to slice some for the two of them.

~

Deimos drove Tristan home and carried him into his house. Deimos kicked off his shoes, revealing his black socks. The two kissed as Deimos carried him upstairs, across the pedway, and into his bedroom, where he gently lay Tristan in bed.

He shrugged out of his suit jacket, tossed it onto the floor, and unbuttoned his shirt, pushing it past his shoulders to reveal his muscular physique. Tristan sat up and ran his hands down Deimos’ torso and over his chest as he pressed his soft lips to his chest, and his supple fingers traced over his abs. Deimos shivered at his delicate touch.

Deimos ran his hands down Tristan’s thighs to his shins and his feet. He removed his shoes and pulled off his sheer black socks. Tristan fanned his toes and giggled. Deimos smirked and tickled his feet. Tristan burst out laughing and yanked his feet away.

Tristan: “AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA!! DEIMOHOHOHOHOHOS!”

He laughed and fell back onto the bed.

Deimos hovered over him and kissed him deeply. He slowly unbuttoned Tristan’s suit jacket. Tristan moaned into his mouth. Deimos brushed the jacket past his shoulders and slid it off him. Tristan chuckled and loosened his tie. He slowly began unsnapping the buttons on his shirt, gracing Deimos with a come-hither look.

He reached out and rested his hand on the nape of Deimos’ neck. He saw a dark figure looming behind Deimos. It resembled a whale. Tristan’s eyes widened. Deimos swung around and delivered a hard punch. It felt as if he punched a brick with sharp, excruciating pain, and he heard a sickening pop from his bones fracturing. Deimos gnashed his teeth as intense, throbbing pain coursed through his body. A purple glow surrounded him as he healed himself.

That was when they saw Dougal. He wore a full-body, somewhat bulky, robotic gold suit. The chest piece was prominent and angular, with various buttons. There was a distinct, large, oval-shaped gold buckle on his waist with a turquoise gem in its center. Oversized, rounded gauntlets covered his arms, and he wore black gloves on his hands. His legs were also covered by form-fitting gold leggings, leading down to large, sturdy, bulbous boots.

Dougal: “Say hello to ‘The Gold Todger’, love! Bugger off now! I’ll take it from here!”

Tristan’s heart hammered in his chest when he saw the looming, obese gold whale before him, spreading his smile to show his creepy, spaced-out brownish-yellow teeth.

Dougal: “Happy birthday, love! Now I will take your virginity the way I intended when you were seventeen!”

He chuckled and pinned Tristan down, breathing on his face. Tristan felt sick, smelling his foul breath and having Dougal so close to him. He panted and whimpered.

Deimos lifted his head and saw red, seeing Dougal on top of his man. He charged after him and slammed his body into the gold mass.

Deimos: “GET THE FUCK OFF HIM, YOU FAT WHALE PIECE OF SHIT!”

He bellowed, knocking Dougal onto the floor, creating a mighty thud, and shaking the room. He struck Dougal between the eyes, breaking his glasses and sending Dougal staggering back with tears dripping from his black eyes.

Dougal: “H-HEY! SOD OFF, YA WANKER!”

He whined, thrusting his arm out, shooting at Deimos. Deimos crashed into the wall, and blood was dripping from his wounds. Tristan screamed in horror and rushed to him.

Tristan: “DEIMOS, DEIMOS!”

He cried. Deimos staggered up, and a purple glow surrounded him as he healed his wounds.

Deimos: “This is NOTHING! I will NEVER allow you to hurt Tristan!”

He rasped and braced his legs apart, putting his fists up.

Dougal: “Oh, ya didn’t know he went off with your hot Japanese friend to rescue him from his old man?! Of course not!”

He laughed. Deimos felt his heart sink. Tristan cupped his mouth.

Deimos slowly turned to Tristan with hurt in his eyes. Tristan knit his eyebrows. When Deimos was distracted, Dougal charged after Tristan. Tristan raised his hand to shoot an ice blast at Dougal, but Deimos delivered a powerful uppercut to Dougal’s jaw. Dougal staggered back, bleeding from his mouth, and some teeth fell out with blood.

Deimos: “STAY AWAY FROM TRISTAN, YOU FAT FUCK!”

He bellowed and began striking him from the left and right. Dougal screamed with each blow, and Deimos slammed the palm of his hand, striking Dougal in the nose, breaking it. Dougal squealed and wailed. Deimos grabbed his arm, putting it in an armlock. Dougal screamed and tried to wrench away.

Deimos: “WHERE DID YOU GET THIS FUCKASS TACKY SUIT?!”

He bellowed and twisted his arm. Dougal screamed in pain.

Dougal: “I DON’T KNOW?!”

Deimos twisted his arm further. Dougal screamed and thrashed around.

Dougal: “I DON’T KNOW, FUCKER! IT’S SOME GUY NAMED BARNABAS CHATRIAN!”

He wailed.

Deimos glowered at him and broke his arm. Dougal screamed and thrashed around, coughing and ripping a giant fart. Tristan and Deimos winced. Dougal made a guttural sound and glared hatefully at Deimos.

Dougal: “I’ll be back to claim me schmoodar! Cheerio, wanker!”

He pressed a device on his helmet and teleported away.

Deimos’ shoulders sank in relief, and he looked at Tristan. He held him in his arms.

Deimos: “I’m glad he didn’t hurt you…”

He said softly.

Deimos: “But what is this about rescuing Jaxon?”

He asked him. Tristan’s eyelids dipped.

Tristan: “While you were away, Hiroto kidnapped Jaxon, took him to Apple City to force him to marry Noriko, because Nobuyuki had footage of Hiroto receiving oral sex from his secretary, and Vanessa dressed as a heart walked in on them.”

He explained. Deimos knit his eyebrows.

Deimos: “Why didn’t you tell me?!”

Tristan: “I didn’t want to upset you!”

He cried.

Deimos: “No, why didn’t you call me when I was away?!”

He knit his eyebrows.

Tristan: “You were adamant about taking this retreat by yourself, and I didn’t want to disrupt that!”

He said and embraced himself. Deimos bowed his head.

Deimos: “Am I that much of a hothead that you feared telling me this?!”

He asked sharply. Tristan’s bottom lip trembled. Deimos knit his eyebrows and held him close.

Deimos: “I took this retreat to remedy this, and all I did was push you away… and when you needed me, I wasn’t there. I’m sorry, Tristan. I don’t deserve you!”

He held him tight. Tristan wrapped his arms around Deimos.

Tristan: “Don’t say that, Deimos. Don’t say you don’t deserve me. It’s not your fault you weren’t here.”

He said gently.

Deimos: “I pushed you away to work on myself and thus put you in more danger. How is it not my fault?!”

He asked as his voice rose.

Deimos: “And you were so afraid of me being angry, you couldn’t tell me. It says a lot about me, and I am not enough for you.”

He sighed. Tristan knit his eyebrows and tenderly placed his hand on Deimos’ face.

Tristan: “It’s not your fault, Deimos. You are enough.”

He assured him softly.

Tristan: “I wasn’t afraid of you being angry; you needed this, and I didn’t want to take you away from your treatment.”

He said tenderly. Deimos smiled a bit.

Deimos: “But I can’t do this again. I can’t push you away. I should have included you as a part of my journey to recovery.”

He whispered and kissed him.

Tristan wrapped his arms around him.

Tristan: “I apologize for not telling you sooner…”

He closed his eyes over.

Deimos: “You have nothing to apologize for.”

He rubbed the small of his back.

Deimos: “I love you, Tristan… I want to be a better man for you.”

Tristan raked his fingers through his hair.

Tristan: “When I said I didn’t know what to wish for as I have everything, I meant that… You are enough.”

He said sincerely. Deimos smiled when he heard those words; he needed to hear them.

Deimos: “Thanks, Tristan… I love you.”

He whispered.

Tristan: “I love you, too.”

They gazed into each other’s eyes and kissed deeply.