Chapter One-hundred Fifty-Two: Inked Up

Chapter 152

Inked Up

Tristan, Deimos, Jaxon, and Celeste all sat on Tristan’s backyard patio discussing what transpired the night before with Dougal. Tristan wore a blue polo shirt, dark blue shorts, and was barefoot. Deimos wore a white tank top with an American flag skull, jean shorts, and biker boots. Jaxon wore a black silk shirt with white roses and the buttons undone to expose his chest tattoo, tight jeans, and Chelsea boots. Celeste wore a black Pantera tank top, a jean skirt with the American flag going vertically on the right side, a spiked choker, and strappy black heel sandals.

Celeste: “Barnabas Chatrian? Sounds like a fake name and something from a Gothic romance novel.”

She drawled. Deimos turned to her.

Deimos: “How would you know anything about Gothic romance novels?”

Celeste shrugged.

Celeste: “I don’t, but Ivy was in our lives for years, and she read that shit now and then.”

She replied. Deimos grimaced. Tristan heaved a deep sigh.

Tristan: “Well, I don’t think Ivy is linked to Dougal obtaining this silly suit.”

He said exasperatedly.

Jaxon: “She concocted this convoluted plot with Chelsea.”

He muttered and shifted in his seat uncomfortably. Tristan drew another long breath.

Tristan: “Don’t remind me.”

He groaned.

Deimos: “Do you think this Barnabas guy is the one who gave him the high-frequency sound devices and the teleportation device?”

Tristan cupped his mouth.

Tristan: “It’s possible, but who IS Barnabas Chatrian. It’s a fictitious name, but what would he want with Dougal, and is he a foe of ours?”

He asked as his voice trailed away. He leaned back deep in thought.

Tristan: “In one of the classic works of literature titled ‘Faire un voyage intérieur’, Barnabas is the central protagonist in this novel, known for his generosity and missionary work. The name ‘Barnabas’ means ‘son of encouragement.’ ”

He explained.

Jaxon: “So if this guy is like Barnabas, why is he helping a rapist?”

He asked with a trace of an edge. Tristan sighed and shrugged.

Deimos: “I would say maybe he doesn’t know this fact, but Dougal doesn’t exactly hide what he wants to do to his schmoodars.”

He rolled his eyes.

Jaxon: “So what does the title of that book mean in English?”

He asked Tristan.

Tristan: “It means, ‘travel into oneself’, which is what Barnabas does…”

He said as his voice trailed off.

Tristan: “The author of that novel is Émile Chatrian…”

He cupped his mouth.

Jaxon: “So this Barnabas guy is French?”

Tristan sighed and shrugged briefly.

Tristan: “He’s French or knows French… and is a fan of French literature.”

Jaxon scrutinized Tristan.

Jaxon: “Is something wrong?”

Tristan shook his head and smiled.

Tristan: “I’m fine.”

Jaxon eyed him skeptically. No, you’re not fine, and you’re lying, he thought.

~

Jaxon was out driving through downtown Pink Top City. Celeste was at Trevor’s, helping him work on a bed that Hector had commissioned them to make. Deimos needed some space, and Tristan was working on a case from home. Maybe I should go to The Quarterpalace Arcade, he thought. He was approaching The Starlight Club and glanced at it. Too early to go to a nightclub or is it? He wondered.

He put on his signal, checked his rearview mirror, and over his shoulder as he changed lanes. I don’t want to do this, but I need to be around someone, he thought as he made the turn to the exit to Little Tokyo.

~

Jaxon stepped into Percy’s manor. Mickey scurried across his path as he entered the living room. He glanced in and saw the two pugs asleep on the couch. I guess he’s not here, he thought.

Percy stepped downstairs with his silk red robe draped over his shoulders, open, leaving his nude body exposed. Jaxon heaved a deep sigh.

Jaxon: “Clothes are a thing.”

He said dryly.

Percy: “I have nothing to hide from you, my Pepper Prince! What a pleasant surprise!”

He sang. Jaxon pouted and folded his arms.

Jaxon: “I needed some company.”

He muttered. Percy smiled tightly and caressed his hair. Jaxon drew a rough breath.

Percy: “Come to the bar, darling.”

Jaxon nodded, and Percy placed his hand on the small of his back as he led him to the bar. He pulled out a stool, and Jaxon sat down. Jaxon pulled out a cigarette from his package, and he leaned over as Percy lit it up for him. He inhaled a long drag.

Percy filled a cocktail shaker with ice. He added two ounces of vodka and one ounce each of cranberry juice, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice into the shaker. He shook it well for about fifteen seconds. He then drizzled about half an ounce of grenadine syrup into a martini glass and poured the drink through the strainer into the glass. He garnished it with two raspberries with a cocktail sword.

Percy: “I dub this ‘The Raspberry’ since you love blowing them a lot.”

He teased. Jaxon snorted and blew him a raspberry. He took a sip and raised his eyebrows.

Jaxon: “This is nice.”

He grinned.

Percy: “What brings you by, gorgeous?”

He took a lock of Jaxon’s hair and stroked it, feeling his silky tresses.

Jaxon: “I’m lonely and bored. Everyone else is occupied.”

Percy laughed.

Percy: “And you always rely on me to be here?”

He smiled and ran his forefinger over Jaxon’s palm. Jaxon laughed and yanked his hand away. He vigorously rubbed his hand over his pants.

Jaxon: “Where else would you be? If you’re not here, you’re out hacking and slashing.”

He said wryly. Percy smiled tightly.

Percy: “You know me… We always had that special bond, non?”

Jaxon shrugged briefly and sipped his drink.

Jaxon inhaled another drag and gazed away. Percy stared at Jaxon. Jaxon glanced at Percy and laughed a bit.

Jaxon: “Hey, uh, do you know someone named ‘Barnabas Chatrian’?”

He asked and locked his gaze on Percy, blowing out smoke. Percy leaned closer, his face inches from Jaxon.

Percy: “The name doesn’t ring a bell. Why do you ask, my love?”

He whispered.

Jaxon: “Because that fat fuck, Dougal, dropped in on Tristan and Deimos in a gold suit of armor and said someone named ‘Barnabas Chatrian’ gave it to him. He has those teleportation devices and high-frequency sound devices, just like Ichiro. I wondered if this Barnabas guy is working for the same company as Ichiro.”

He explained. Percy cupped his chin.

Jaxon: “How did you get the serum to give me my powers?”

He finally asked. Percy waved his hand.

Percy: “I assure you, it was no one named ‘Barnabas Chatrian’ and they don’t work for that company.”

He chuckled.

Jaxon: “...What about your grandfather? The guy who took Maxx away after my Green Queen tried to kill him.”

Percy froze, and his smile faded.

Percy: “Grandfather dearest has no interest in Dougal Springer and is not this Barnabas person.”

He said flatly.

Jaxon: “Does your grandfather run that company?”

He ran his forefinger over the rim of the glass.

Percy: “Yes, he would now.”

He muttered.

Jaxon: “What is the company’s name?”

Percy raised an eyebrow.

Percy: “New Horizons Research. They’ve been running for several years now, long before you or I were born. They’re mostly underground, and I am not surprised they use the Megalos Tower as a shell company.”

He laughed bitterly.

Jaxon glared at him.

Jaxon: “So why am I learning all of this NOW?!”

He asked sharply. Percy laughed.

Percy: “You never asked me, darling!”

He grinned.

Jaxon: “So is your grandfather ordering Ichiro and Minerva?!”

He rasped. Percy smiled and shook his head.

Percy: “No, darling. Grandfather dearest has one interest: that foolish bug boy.”

He laughed a hollow laugh.

~

Celeste was in Trevor’s garage, sawing off pieces of wood for him and handing them to him to paint. Trevor wore blue overalls, a red plaid shirt, work boots, and a yellow construction helmet.

Celeste: “So, uh, when you talk to Percy, did he ever mention a ‘Barnabas Chatrian’ to you?”

Trevor gaped at her.

Trevor: “No, not really! That sounds like a vampire, and I know Percy is weird, but I don’t think he’s a vampire. He has mirrors in his bedroom, and when I see him and that girl fucking, I can see his reflection.”

Celeste gawked at him.

Celeste: “I never said he was a vampire? What girl? I thought Percy was into men only?”

Trevor laughed and snorted.

Trevor: “Oh, he’s into men but for love! He will fuck both men and women! I should know ‘cause I teleport into his room and if they’re into it and don’t see me, I watch!”

He drawled and hooked his thumbs into his overalls.

Celeste: “Okay, but what girl is this?”

Trevor: “A pink-haired girl! She got a tattoo of a heart on her face.”

He laughed. Celeste’s eyes widened.

Celeste: “Is her name Olivia?”

Trevor scratched his ass.

Trevor: “I think so! She wears rabbit ears!”

Celeste blinked.

Celeste: “Isn’t she Robin’s henchwoman? Why is she fucking Percy? I thought Percy and Robin were bitter exes…”

She handed him the headboard to paint.

Trevor: “Something about espionage or something! Sounds like some diet food, so I zoned out!”

He laughed.

Celeste looked away. That explains how Percy knew Robin’s moves, so I have to tell Jaxon, Tristan, and Deimos, she thought. She saw a comic book under her foot. She picked it up. The cover had a redheaded woman in glasses flipping the viewer off with a snarling dog. The title read, “Dorm Dumbasses.” She opened it up and flipped through.

Celeste: “What the fuck is this shit? Angry female Ronald McDonald in rapist glasses can’t recognize her teenage boyfriend because his hair is in a ponytail. This is super retarded.”

She huffed.

Trevor: “You’re going to eat your words! That comic will be worth a million dollars someday!”

He nodded.

Celeste: “I am so sure something like the food delivery person defeating the final boss instead of the main character will leave you on the edge of your seat.”

She said dryly.

Trevor: “I was surprised the guy who delivers your Chinese food didn’t own Jaxon’s dad.”

He laughed.

Celeste: “I’m not? He doesn’t know our names, and he was here in Pink Top City.”

She shrugged.

Trevor: “In issue seventeen, the dorm dumbasses tickle the pizza girl’s feet. You should do that to the guy who delivers your Chinese food.”

He wiggled his eyebrows. Celeste gawked at him and shuddered.

Celeste: “...Why would I do that? I don’t know him, and I already tickle Jaxon’s feet.”

She said slowly.

~

Tristan was driving through Greammoom Hills. He wore a black Italian-cut double-breasted suit, a light purple pressed shirt, a dark purple tie, and black Wingtip Oxfords. He turned on his signal light and entered the parking lot of The Pearl Lion. He parked his car, shut the engine off, and stepped out. He then saw Jordi’s Ferrari 328 drive through and turn into a parking space across from him. Jordi stepped out wearing his black suit, a white, pressed shirt, a black tie, and black zip-up boots. Ray-Bans obscured his eyes. He smiled at Tristan and approached him.

Jordi: “Thanks for asking me to dinner!”

Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “Pleasure is all mine.”

He smiled, and the two men walked across the bridge and entered the premises. Jordi removed his sunglasses, folded the temples, and placed them inside his suit jacket.

Tristan approached the hostess. Jordi examined his surroundings, admiring the luxurious and appealing decor, as well as the cozy, inviting atmosphere of the restaurant.

Tristan: “Table for two under ‘Trémaux.’ ”

The hostess led the two men to a table right by the aquarium. They sat down as she handed them their menus.

Hostess: “Can I get you two gentlemen anything to drink?”

Tristan: “A glass of pinot noir.”

Jordi: “I’ll have a beer on tap.”

He nodded. She left the two men.

Jordi gazed at the aquarium, admiring the beautiful, colorful fish. Tristan withdrew his gold cigarette case, took out a cigarette, and used his lighter to light it up. Jordi glanced at him and reached into his suit jacket to take out his package of cigarettes, took one out, and lit it up. He inhaled a long drag as he gazed at the fish swimming by.

Tristan: “Get whatever you like. It’s my treat.”

He said genially as he gazed over the menu. Jordi waved his hand.

Jordi: “Oh, I couldn’t! I don’t want to infringe on you and feel like I’m being a sponge!”

He said quickly. Tristan smiled.

Tristan: “You’re not. I’m doing this because I enjoy your company and wish to treat you to something special. It’s okay to accept kind gestures from others, Jordi.”

He said gently. Jordi reddened.

Tristan folded his hands and gazed intently at Jordi.

Tristan: “You’re constantly helping others, so when others offer to treat you, it’s a foreign concept to you. Allow others to show you kindness. It’s your turn to be treated.”

He smiled at him. Jordi reddened all over. How did he know this? He wondered.

Jordi: “S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to insult you! It’s the last thing I want to do!”

He blurted.

Tristan: “Hahaha, not at all. I understand where you’re coming from, and you’re not taking advantage of me.”

He added. Jordi flushed and nodded.

Jordi: “You’re right, I’m sorry.”

Tristan smiled.

The two men looked over their menus. Jordi glanced at Tristan and wished he didn’t wear his work uniform, but he had to be back by tonight to compensate for not finding Jaxon.

The waitress approached the two men with their drinks. She handed Tristan a glass of pinot noir in a red wine glass and a glass of beer in a pilsner glass to Jordi.

Waitress: “Good evening, gentlemen, my name is Mandy! I will be your server today. What can I get for you two gentlemen?”

She said robotically. Tristan folded the menu.

Tristan: “I’ll have two spring rolls, dim sum, sweet and sour chicken, mushroom chow mein, mushroom fried rice, and a royal quintet.”

He said amiably. Jordi cleared his throat.

Jordi: “I’ll have two egg rolls, sweet and sour chicken, ginger beef, and beef fried rice.”

He nodded.

Waitress: “Is this on one bill?”

Tristan: “Yes, I’m paying.”

He smiled and handed her the menus. Jordi smiled a bit and reddened. She left them.

Tristan sipped his wine and exhaled smoke from his cigarette.

Jordi: “I hope I didn’t order too much.”

He said tersely and took a sip of his beer. Tristan just smiled and shook his head.

Tristan: “Not at all.”

Jordi reddened.

Jordi: “Thank you, Tristan.”

He nodded.

Tristan: “I’d be delighted to share the royal quintet with you.”

He offered. Jordi turned a deeper shade of red.

Jordi: “Yeah? What is it?”

Tristan laughed and leaned over.

Tristan: “It’s a stir-fry dish in a delicious wine sauce with chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, and lobster. It’s very delicious.”

He smiled. Jordi swallowed.

Jordi: “It sounds like it! Do you like seafood?”

He blurted the question and realized how stupid he sounded.

Tristan: “In small doses, sure. I love unagi sashimi, but when it comes to seafood, I generally prefer it in stir-fry dishes. I rarely order it on its own.”

He laughed.

Jordi flushed red.

Jordi: “I’m sorry for asking a stupid question.”

He blurted. Tristan raised his eyebrows.

Tristan: “It’s not stupid at all. Relax, Jordi. This isn’t an interrogation. I’m just a friend inviting my friend out and treating him because he deserves it.”

He said gently as he placed his hand on Jordi’s. Jordi turned a deep shade of red, the heat rose to his face, and he felt as if a bomb had gone off in his head. Tristan chuckled and took his hand away to grab his glass of wine and sip on it.

In the corner, watching them was Vasilos, who was seething with rage. He came here to pick up take-out for his father and his trophy fiancée, but he had more important issues at hand—he had to destroy Jordi.

~

Later that evening, Deimos drove home with a bandage wrapped around his left bicep. He made a turn into his driveway and pressed the button near his rearview mirror to open the garage. When the door slid open, Deimos slowly drove in. He parked it, shut the engine off, and stepped out.

When he entered the house, he saw Lazaros wringing his hands. He wore a purple sequin waistcoat, a light purple shirt, a purple sequin tie, black pants, and black loafers with a gold clasp. He held a basket of baked goods. Ashley was beside him. They were dressed in a sunburst paisley coat, an ivory-white shirt, and red velvet bell-bottom pants, accompanied by sandals on their feet.

Deimos: “What are you two doing here?”

He asked.

Ashley: “Hi, Deimos!”

Lazaros grinned.

Lazaros: “I brought baked goodies… and Ashley wants you to watch them eat it.”

He sang. Ashley awkwardly laughed and shifted their eyes.

Ashley: “I… didn’t say that, haha.”

Deimos’ face crumpled.

Deimos: “After the shitty gift you gave to Tristan, this is what you do?! Go to Hell!”

He snapped. Lazaros placed the basket on the island. Ashley recoiled and knit their eyebrows, tenderly placing their hand on Lazaros’ shoulder.

Lazaros: “Deimos, a lot of love went into his gift for him. I was thinking of what he would want, and that was the only thing that came to mind!”

He sniffled. Deimos rolled his eyes.

Deimos: “Sure, you know Tristan so well, but you give everyone that same fucking gift.”

He huffed.

Ashley knit their eyebrows at Deimos’ bandaged arm.

Ashley: “Oh no, what happened to your arm? Did you get hurt?”

They gasped. Lazaros flicked his gaze to Deimos’ arm. Deimos clasped his hand over it.

Deimos: “I’m fine.”

He said tersely.

Lazaros: “Deimos, you have healing powers! Are they not working?! Why isn’t Jaxon healing you then?! Where is he?! Not only does he have to heal you, but he has to watch Ashley eat all this and give them tummy rubs!”

He stomped his feet. Deimos glowered at Lazaros.

Deimos: “I am fucking FINE, Lazaros! It’s nothing!”

He hissed. Lazaros stomped his foot.

Lazaros: “NO, YOU’RE NOT!”

He stomped his foot with each syllable.

Ashley tilted their head, and their expression shifted.

Ashley: “Wait, if you’re not hurt then…”

They gasped.

Ashley: “Did you get a tattoo?! My brother got a snake tattoo on his arm, and he had to wear a bandage around it and rub a cream on it as it healed over!”

They exclaimed. Deimos’ eyes widened at Ashley. Lazaros smiled at Ashley.

Lazaros: “Ashley, Deimos would never do that! His healing powers are not working, and Jaxon should be here to heal him and rub your tummy!”

He sang. Ashley laughed awkwardly and shifted their eyes. Deimos turned to Lazaros with a scowl.

Deimos: “Will you seriously fuck off with asking other people to rub Ashley’s tummy?! It’s WEIRD!”

He snapped and clutched onto his arm. Ashley tugged on Lazaros and shifted awkwardly.

The door opened and closed behind someone. Tristan entered the house and saw Lazaros and Ashley with Deimos.

Tristan: “Hello, Ashley… Lazaros.”

He nodded.

Ashley: “Hi, Tristan!”

They waved.

Lazaros: “Deimos’ healing powers aren’t working. Can you get Jaxon here NOW?! He needs to be here to heal Deimos and rub Ashley’s tummy!”

He huffed.

Tristan: “Lazaros, I just arrived. What kind of way is that to start a conversation?”

He rolled his eyes.

Ashley: “Deimos got a tattoo!”

They beamed excitedly.

Lazaros: “No, he didn’t, Ashley!”

He smiled through clenched teeth.

Tristan raised an eyebrow and turned to Deimos, who had his hand clutched over a bandage.

Tristan: “Deimos, what’s wrong?”

He asked softly.

Lazaros: “Can you get Jaxon here?! You can apply some ice in the meantime, Tristan!”

He fielded sharply and reached out, grabbing at Deimos’ bandage.

Tristan: “Lazaros, will you settle down?!”

He asked sharply.

Deimos: “GET OFF ME!”

He screamed and yanked himself away, pulling the bandages off, revealing a tattoo. The tattoo was of an American bald eagle. The eagle’s wings were spread wide, giving it a powerful and dynamic appearance. Its body and wings are rendered in shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a fiery and vibrant effect. The head of the eagle was white with a yellow beak and a slightly menacing expression, and its talons were visible and sharp.

Behind the eagle was a waving American flag, adding to the patriotic theme. A blue banner was draped in front of the eagle, decorated with five light blue stars.

Tristan’s eyes widened, and he clasped his hand over his mouth.

Tristan: “Deimos…”

He whispered. Ashley gasped, cupping their mouth. Lazaros’ eyes grew large, and his jaw dropped.

Lazaros: “WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO?!”

He caterwauled. Deimos drew back.

Deimos: “I wanted one and I went to a tattoo parlour and got this on me!”

He countered.

Lazaros: “NO! I am taking you now to get it removed!”

He screamed. Deimos bared his teeth.

Deimos: “You don’t have a fucking say in what I do to my body! It’s bad enough you force us all to watch Ashley eat and give coupons to rub their tummy or whatever!”

He fired back. Ashley tugged on Lazaros’ sleeve.

Ashley: “It makes him happy, Lazaros! I have a tattoo, too!”

They said gently, showing their sunshire tattoo on their thumb.

Lazaros: “Mom and Dad are going to be FURIOUS! You don’t need to add more stress to them, Deimos! They are enduring enough!”

He snapped. Deimos shook his head.

Deimos: “I don’t give a FUCK what those two will think! They’re too focused on our dead sister! She died almost twenty years ago, and they STILL have her nursery next to my bedroom!”

He fired back. Ashley cupped their mouth, shocked by what they heard.

Tristan: “Lazaros, this is quite enough from you.”

He said firmly.

Lazaros: “This doesn’t involve YOU, Tristan! You’re so ungrateful! Your lack of gratitude traumatized Ashley! I have nothing to say to you!”

He cried. Ashley turned to Lazaros.

Ashley: “M-Me?”

They knit their eyebrows, looking concerned for him.

Tristan: “No, it didn’t. It affected you. Nevertheless, I think it’s best you leave and calm down.”

He said firmly. Ashley tugged on Lazaros’ arm again.

Lazaros: “NO! Deimos, you’re getting this removed! Dad can’t come home and see this!”

He growled and grabbed his arm. Deimos yanked it away and shoved him. Lazaros staggered back. Ashley gasped and cupped their mouth and tended to Lazaros. Tristan glared at Lazaros.

Deimos: “Fuck you! I don’t care what he thinks! He always snaps at me no matter what I do anyway!”

He barked. Lazaros saw red and shoved Deimos so hard he crashed into the floor. Deimos raised his head and bared his teeth.

Ashley: “N-No! Stop fighting!”

They cried, tugging on Lazaros’ sleeve with pleading doe eyes.

Deimos: “You’re going to fucking regret that!”

He flared and scrambled to his feet. He lunged at Lazaros and punched him hard across the face, sending him crashing into the china cabinet. Lazaros bled from his mouth and growled.

Ashley: “LAZAROS!”

Ashley rushed over to him, crying. Lazaros grabbed plates and threw them at Deimos, who blocked his face with his arms. Ashley buried their face in their hands.

Ashley: “N-No! Stop fighting! You’re brothers! You’re not supposed to fight each other!”

They pleaded.

Deimos charged after Lazaros, ramming his body into him. They crashed through the back door, breaking the glass, and crashed into the pool. Ashley screamed and cupped their mouth.

Ashley: “LAZAROS!”

They cried.

Tristan: “Deimos!”

He rushed out to the patio, as the glass crunched beneath his shoes. Deimos was socking Lazaros in the pool, delivering left and right hooks.

Tristan: “Deimos, please stop!”

He begged. Ashley scurried up to them, sobbing and pleading.

Ashley: “S-Stop! Please Stop!”

They begged.

Deimos panted with fury as Lazaros floated in the pool with two black eyes, a broken nose, and a swollen lip. Ashley gasped with horror and jumped into the pool with Lazaros.

Ashley: “N-NO! Lazaros!”

They cried, paddling up to him and tending to him.

Deimos: “F-Fuck you, Lazaros! I am sick of this family!”

He rasped and swam to the edge of the pool, climbing out. Tristan cupped his mouth as Deimos joined him.

Jaxon and Celeste entered the patio slowly, with Celeste eating Ashley’s baked goods.

Jaxon: “The fuck happened?”

His eyes widened at Lazaros.

Tristan: “Things got heated. I’ll inform you later.”

He nodded and sighed.

Ashley: “C-Can someone help him? Please!”

They pleaded.

Jaxon: “Do you want me to heal him?”

He asked Ashley. Ashley sobbed and nodded.

Ashley: “Please! I’ll do anything!”

Deimos: “I don’t give a fuck what you do but if you do, be prepared for him to whine about rubbing Ashley’s fucking tummy or watching them eat.”

He hissed. Jaxon winced and nodded.

He knelt at the edge of the pool, and a red glow surrounded Lazaros as Jaxon was concentrating on healing his wounds. Lazaros’ wounds started to clear and heal. His eyes fluttered, and he saw a blurry vision of Ashley.

Lazaros: “Ashley…?”

He whimpered. Ashley cried happy tears of joy and wrapped their arms around Lazaros with a kiss.

Ashley: “L-Lazaros!”

They beamed.

Ashley: “Thank you so much, Jaxon! I owe you so many cookies!”

They exclaimed.

Jaxon: “No prob, Miss. You can give them to my Green Queen!”

He smiled at Celeste.

Lazaros climbed out of the pool.

Tristan: “There was no need for that, Lazaros.”

He said coldly. Lazaros glared at Tristan and Deimos.

Lazaros: “Well, you claim to be so kind and caring, but you don’t care what stress our father endures! You don’t understand! And you traumatized Ashley!”

He snapped. Deimos marched up to Lazaros, but Tristan put his hand on Deimos’ shoulder.

Tristan: “I did no such thing. Read the room, Lazaros. Ashley was expressing discomfort due to YOUR actions, not mine. Furthermore, you are not in control of what your father does or how he reacts. Nothing Deimos can do will ever please him, and you have to accept that. What Deimos does to his body shouldn’t affect your life. What occurred today was preventable.”

He said sternly.

Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “Your father? Isn’t he never around? I’m not the one who is traumatized, Lazaros… I think you’re hurting deep down in your heart. But, it’s okay! I’m here for you!”

They pursed their lips, gazing at Lazaros sympathetically.

Tristan: “No, Ashley, Giorgos is never around because he refuses to face what happened and prefers to ignore it.”

He rolled his eyes. Lazaros bared his teeth at Tristan.

Lazaros: “He’s NOT around because of the STRESS that DEIMOS causes him and Mom! I try so hard to make things easy for them, and you ALWAYS ruin it, Deimos! You ruin everything!”

He snapped through hot tears. Jaxon looked away. Deimos glared at him.

Deimos: “They’re not around because they can’t accept our sister is dead! It has nothing to do with me! I’m just a scapegoat!”

He hissed through clenched teeth.

Deimos: “This family is fucking broken and no one can fix this sinking ship!”

He added.

Lazaros: “You don’t even try! All you do is make things worse! If you didn’t interfere, Tristan would have loved that coupon book! All your friends LOVE watching Ashley eat and want to give them tummy rubs, but they don’t want to upset you!”

He sobbed. Tristan heaved a deep sigh.

Tristan: “Lazaros, with all due respect, none of us enjoyed watching Ashley eat. This isn’t a slight against them, but we did it because we didn’t want you to throw a tantrum and wanted to pacify you, until it became tiresome. We did it because we didn’t want to upset you… And I feel this is why Ashley doesn’t speak up.”

He said firmly. Ashley glanced down at their feet, looking away, confirming what he said. Deimos looked away.

Deimos: “Why are you replying to him? His mind is made up. You all want to watch Ashley eat and give them tummy rubs or whatever, but don’t because of me. This is what’s in his head and what helps him sleep at night. It’s better than admitting he’s fucking feeder fetishist who cries over nothing.”

He growled and glared at Lazaros. Ashley shifted uncomfortably. Lazaros sneered at him.

Lazaros: “IT’S NOOOOOOOOOOOT A FETISH! WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! YOU ALWAYS CONTROL EVERYTHING AND GET MAD AT TRISTAN WHEN YOU CAN’T PROTECT HIM ‘CAUSE HIS POWERS ARE STRONGER!”

He bawled. Deimos saw red and marched toward Lazaros, punched him so hard that he crashed into the fence.

Ashley: “LAZAROS!”

They cried, rushing over to him. Tristan’s eyes widened. Jaxon cupped his mouth, and Celeste thrust a carrot muffin into her mouth.

Deimos: “FUCK YOU!”

He barked and stormed off.

Jaxon went over to Lazaros and knelt to heal him. A red glow surrounded him as he was healed.

Tristan: “I have to be with Deimos. Thank you, Jaxon.”

He nodded and left.

After Lazaros was healed, he sobbed and slowly rose. Ashley knit their eyebrows and wrapped their arms around Lazaros. Jaxon heaved a deep sigh.

Jaxon: “Ya know, maybe Lazaros should watch you eat and give you tummy rubs.”

He suggested to Ashley and rose to his feet. Ashley turned to Lazaros.

Ashley: “Do you want to watch me eat and rub my tummy, Laz?”

They cooed tenderly to him. Lazaros’ eyelids dipped, and he sighed.

Lazaros: “I could use that, sure.”

His bottom lip trembled.

~

Tristan and Deimos lay in bed in Tristan’s bedroom. Tristan wore white silk pajamas, and Deimos wore blue plaid pajamas. Tristan gazed intently at Deimos.

Tristan: “When were you going to tell me you were getting a tattoo?”

He asked.

Deimos: “I didn’t know if I would go through, but I wanted one for some time, and I drove to the tattoo parlor. It just happened. It was something I wanted to express my individuality. I don’t give a shit what Dad thinks. Nothing makes him happy anymore, and a part of me understands that. Mom is still crying about our dead sister and is not focused on their marriage. But… stop using me as a scapegoat. I didn’t cause our sister to die.”

He heaved an exasperated sigh.

Deimos: “And I am sick of Lazaros. I never want to see him again.”

He furrowed his eyebrows. Tristan pursed his lips and nodded.

Tristan: “Having a heart-to-heart with Lazaros is next to impossible. Nevertheless, I think you need space from him.”

He said gently as he rested his hand on Deimos’ chest. Deimos held Tristan’s slender hand and kissed it.

Tristan: “Lazaros thinks he’s fixing your family, but he has to fix himself first. He cannot fix your family because he cannot control the actions of your parents. He has to accept this and focus on himself. I see that he refuses to face his problems.”

He twisted his mouth.

Deimos: “I’m finished with him. He never took my side, and this was the final straw.”

He huffed.

Deimos turned to Tristan.

Deimos: “I know you have a less-than-favorable opinion on tattoos, but why didn’t you flip out?”

Tristan inhaled sharply.

Tristan: “It’s true, I am not fond of most tattoos and would never get one myself, but this is something you wanted, and I do love this tattoo on you. It does suit you! I feel the same about Jaxon’s tattoos. Some can pull them off well, and most can’t, but I am not going to dictate what people choose to do with their bodies.”

He said earnestly and nodded. Deimos smiled tightly and caressed Tristan’s face. He leaned over, and the two kissed.

Deimos: “You’re an amazing man, Tristan.”

He said softly.

Tristan: “Thank you, Deimos.”

He whispered.

He leaned over and cuddled Deimos, resting his head on his chest. Deimos wrapped his arms around him.

Deimos: “By the way, when you had dinner with Jordi, did you ask him about Barnabas Chatrian? If so, does he know him?”

Tristan froze and forced a smile.

Tristan: “I asked and he doesn’t know.”

He said as his voice trailed off.

Deimos: “I see. Well, when we talk to Jaxon and Celeste tomorrow, maybe Percy or Trevor told them.”

He kissed Tristan’s head. Tristan looked away and forced a smile.

Tristan: “Of course.”