Chapter One-Hundred Ten: Butterflies in the Sky

Chapter 110

Butterflies in the Sky

Tristan was in his bedroom getting ready to attend Chelsea’s funeral. He wore a white pressed shirt, black trousers, and black sheer socks on his feet. He went into his closet to get his tie and stood in front of the mirror putting it on. He then picked up his black suit jacket, shrugged into it, and buttoned it. He took a deep breath and left his bedroom, taking his overcoat.

He went across the pedway and downstairs. When he arrived near the mudroom, he put his black wingtip oxfords on his feet, tied his shoes, put on his overcoat, and buttoned it up. He entered the mudroom to go to his car and saw Deimos standing there. Deimos wore a Skull Fucker tank top, torn jeans, and cowboy boots.

Deimos: “Hey.”

Tristan stared at him and sighed.

Deimos: “Can we talk?”

Tristan: “No.”

He said tersely. Deimos looked away, hurt.

Deimos: “I’m sorry, Tristan!”

He cried. Tristan closed his eyes and blew air through his parted lips.

Tristan: “I have to go to Chelsea’s funeral.”

He said tersely and went to his car. Deimos opened the door for him. Tristan paused and didn’t look at Deimos.

Deimos: “I love you, Tristan.”

He said softly. Tristan dipped his head and climbed into the driver’s side. He closed the door, slid the key into the ignition, and looked behind his shoulder as he backed it out of the garage. Tristan shifted into first gear and drove down the road. Deimos watched him go and kicked the ground. I always fuck everything up, he thought.

~

Celeste and Jaxon were getting ready for the funeral. Celeste stepped out wearing a black wrap dress, black nylons, black stilettos, and had black teardrop earrings on. She wore her hair in a half bun and carried a black velvet purse over her shoulder. Jaxon wore a black Italian-cut suit, black pressed shirt, black tie, and black sheer socks on his feet. He slid his feet into black loafers. He drew a long breath and rose.

They went outside to Jaxon’s car. Jaxon climbed into the driver’s side and Celeste stepped into the passenger’s seat. He slid his keys into the ignition, started the engine, and looked behind his shoulder as he backed out of the driveway. He then shifted into first gear and drove down the road. As he was driving, he took out a cigarette and lit it up. Celeste gazed at him.

Celeste: “You look handsome! Well, you always do!”

She said as she bit her bottom lip.

Jaxon: “Thanks, babe. You always look sexy, too!”

He kissed her cheek. Celeste smiled widely.

Celeste: “Thanks, my little prince. How do you feel?”

She reached over to brush his cheek with her knuckles. Jaxon smiled a bit and appreciated her trying.

Jaxon: “I feel shitty, babe…”

He admitted.

Jaxon: “This shouldn’t have happened… it wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for me.”

His voice trailed off. Celeste knit her eyebrows.

Celeste: “It’s not your fault, handsome.”

She whispered and caressed his arms. Her hand trailed up, placing it over his hand. Jaxon sighed and flashed her a smile.

~

Tristan entered the funeral home and saw that Celeste and Jaxon had just arrived.

Tristan: “Hello, Celeste and Jaxon. How are you both feeling?”

He asked, followed by a sigh.

Celeste: “I’m all right!”

She nodded and looked up at Jaxon. Jaxon drew a breath.

Jaxon: “I’m sorry about your friend, Tristan…”

He bowed his head in guilt. Tristan patted his shoulder.

Tristan: “You have nothing to apologize for, but thank you.”

He said softly, and the three entered the parlor.

It was a large room with large arch stained glass windows and a hanging crystal chandelier from the cathedral ceiling. There was an altar with a photo of Chelsea beaming brightly by a shiny lavender urn on a table. The table was surrounded by fresh white roses from her parents and seashells from Seashell Cove collected by Jesse. There was a big-screen TV on the wall. In the center of the aisle was a red carpet and pews on each side. There were people on each side. Joe, Betsy, and Jesse were on the right near the front, in front of Chelsea’s parents, Harold and Ruth Wentworth.

Tristan, Jaxon, and Celeste sat in the center pew on the left. Ivy and Blair entered the left back row. Ivy wore a black pillbox hat adorned with a black bow and a tiny veil, a skin-tight black dress with a sweetheart neckline and puffy sleeves, black gloves, and black peep-toe heels with bows. She wore her hair up in a Bridgette Bardot beehive. Blair wore a navy Italian-cut suit, white pressed shirt, black tie, and black Oxfords.

Soft music began to play as people rose for the Celebrant to enter. She was a plump, middle-aged woman with a burgundy bob and tortoise-shell glasses over her bulbous nose. She wore a long black robe and stood at the podium.

Celebrant: “Please be seated as we celebrate the life of Chelsea Wentworth.”

She began.

Celebrant: “Chelsea was born in 1965 on a warm summer day to Harold and Ruth Wentworth. They had struggled to conceive, but then a miracle happened when Chelsea was born.”

She continued. Harold and Ruth bawled on each other.

Celebrant: “Chelsea’s time on Reona was short, but she beamed brightly and touched those around her, especially her friends! She was there for them, as they were there for her, and here now for her.”

She glanced up at Tristan and Jaxon. Jaxon leaned his head into his hands. Celeste patted his back. Tristan sighed.

Tristan: “It’s okay, Jaxon.”

He mouthed. The Celebrant continued in the background.

Celebrant: “Our life is short and precious, so let’s cherish those we love while they’re here.”

She concluded.

Celebrant: “Now, Jesse Bradford would like to say a little something.”

She smiled at Jesse. Jesse nodded and wiped his eyes, carrying a jar of butterflies in his hand. He stood at the podium.

Jesse: “Ch-Chelsea was really nice and we had fun together, but now she’s gone into the sky!”

He bawled and opened his jar, releasing the butterflies into the room.

They flapped their wings and swarmed around the room, flying up towards the ceiling. Celeste moved her head to look at the butterflies. Jaxon’s lip trembled as he watched the butterflies fly away. Celeste flicked her gaze on him and grasped his hand. Tristan closed his eyes and removed his glasses to wipe his eyes. He put them back on again.

Celebrant: “Now, let’s watch a celebration of Chelsea’s life.”

She gestured to the TV screen as a photo of Chelsea was displayed with 1965-1987 written under her photo. A soft song played over the top of the photo slide show, displaying photos for her formative years. Starting with baby photos, sleeping with her cat next to her, and photos of her smiling as a child with paint all over her.

Another photo was of her as a teenager with the light dimmed out of her, standing next to Josh, who grinned widely. Another photo showed her with Tristan in their late teens, looking happier. The later photos towards the end were taken from the Seashell Cove vacation with her with the quartet. There were photos of Jaxon and Chelsea talking by the tree, Chelsea kissing Jaxon’s cheek, and her leaning on Jaxon as he played for her at the bonfire.

Ivy grimaced at the pictures of Chelsea and Tristan but raised an eyebrow at the ones with her and Jaxon.

Celebrant: “Please join us in the dining room to chat and have a lovely meal prepared by Ashley Solegatti and Lazaros Katsaros.”

She raised her arm, gesturing to the dining room through the archway. A smooth pop song lulled on the speakers as the guests slowly rose and headed into the dining room.

~

They entered the dining room, which had long tables full of hors d’oeuvres and finger foods. There were tiny ham sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, and cold cut sandwiches. There were pigs in a blanket, chicken spring rolls, fried zucchini, and coconut shrimp.

Ashley had baked purple flower-shaped cookies in her honor, along with mini cheesecake slices and cupcakes with blue icing and chocolate seashells, as requested by her family. The tables were decorated with white rose petals amongst the food and a lilac purple cloth.

Ivy: “Tacky.”

She clicked her tongue.

Ivy: “Thank God the bitch is dead.”

She said to Blair. Jaxon heard those venomous words and turned to see Ivy and Blair glaring at them across the room.

Blair: “Girls sure do love jerks.”

He muttered.

Ivy: “Blair, throw Ashley’s desserts in the trash.”

Blair smiled and brightened.

Blair: “All right!”

He went to the table with Ashley’s desserts and tipped it over, feeling good. People gasped and cupped their mouths, pointing to Blair.

Tristan: “Blair, what do you think you’re doing?!”

He hissed.

Blair: “Getting rid of that fat traitor’s fattening food! No one needs to get as fat as they are!”

He snapped at him.

Celeste: “But I wanted those!”

Jaxon glared at Ivy and Blair.

Jaxon: “What the fuck are you two doing here?”

He hissed at them.

Ivy: “Well, hello, Miss Snack Thief and Mr. Bossy Pants. Eat them off the floor.”

She nodded.

Ivy: “And while you’re at it, Miss Snack Thief, maybe revitalize what you have with Jiro. Chelsea was making a move on him, and let’s be real; a man needs a woman to protect, and you’re doing the saving, Celeste. No man wants that!”

She scoffed. Jaxon glared at her.

Ivy: “As much as I hated Chelsea, she was a woman Jaxon could always save. He didn’t have to be saved by you all the time. That makes a man feel demasculated.”

She tilted her head with a smirk. Celeste thought of how Jaxon reacted when she, Tristan, and Deimos saved him from Barry. Ivy read her mind and beamed.

Tristan: “And you never make Blair feel that way, do you, with barking orders at him or pining for other men?”

He spat. Blair looked away with bitterness. Ivy rolled her eyes and read Blair’s thoughts. She wished Blair would go away now.

Jaxon: “Fuck you! You don’t know what I want or how I feel! I don’t want a woman I always have to save, and I never felt demasculated. Hell, seeing Celeste chop a creature in half drew me to her in the first place! I love how tough and badass she is, but she also needs me, too, and I’m there for her.”

He put his arm around Celeste. Celeste looked up at Jaxon and smiled widely.

Jaxon: “I know Chelsea liked me, but she was never disrespectful about it, unlike YOU! You’re engaged to this asshole while trying to get with Tristan, but blue-bitch over here doesn’t even love you either. He wants Ashley! You’re jealous of them like you were jealous of Chelsea!”

He snapped at her.

Blair: “Oh, I am NOT interested in that fat slob!”

He fired back.

Ivy: “Ugh, I was not jealous of that bitch, Jiro. She was trying to make a move on Tristan! Celeste should be furious with her, but she’s not!”

She wagged her head.

Jaxon: “If you’re not jealous, why are you here?”

He laughed at her.

Ivy: “To make sure she’s good and dead, so she never steals MY man ever again!”

She snapped. Tristan glared at her. Jaxon gaped at her and looked over at Blair.

Jaxon: “No one wants to steal your man.”

He laughed at Blair. I don’t think she meant me, Jaxon, Tristan thought.

Blair: “Yeah, I’m a nice guy and nice guys finish last.”

He muttered.

Tristan: “Chelsea was my friend, Ivy! There was NOTHING between us!”

He snapped at her.

Tristan: “There NEVER was! She crushed on Jaxon during that trip! We never did anything of the like together!”

He added.

Ivy: “Yeah, she moved onto Jiro to steal him from Miss Snack Thief. She made him feel masculine, and Celeste does not.”

She taunted Celeste. Celeste looked up at Jaxon. Jaxon rolled his eyes at Ivy.

Jaxon: “Wow, is that a fanfic you’re working on about us?”

He scoffed at Ivy.

Tristan: “No, worse. She got it from a Hallmark movie. Ivy, Hallmark movies offer warped ideas of how relationships work!”

He hissed at her.

Ivy: “Okay, why did Jiro snap when Celeste saved him from that serial killer?”

She smirked. Celeste gaped at her wide-eyed. Jaxon gaped and glared at her. Tristan glowered at Ivy and glanced at Celeste. Celeste must have thought of it, and Ivy read her mind, he thought.

Jaxon: “Oh, so you’re fucking stalking us now? What happened that night was NONE of your business. You have no idea what happened and why I snapped! Stay out of our shit!”

He snapped in her face. Ivy smirked at Jaxon.

Ivy: “Whatever, Jiro. I think this plays on Miss Snack Thief’s mind.”

She chuckled.

Celeste: “No, it doesn’t!”

She blurted. Jaxon glared at Ivy when he finally caught on. He took Celeste’s hand.

Jaxon: “This conversation is over. Stay away from us.”

He hissed at Ivy. Celeste looked up at Jaxon.

Tristan: “Just… stop, Ivy. Whatever we had is done and dusted. Let it go.”

He snapped and walked away.

Ivy spotted Cedar wearing an ill-fitting black suit with shades over his eyes.

Ivy: “Ugh, what are you doing here, Cedar? I didn’t know you knew that homewrecker.”

She spat.

Cedar: “I don’t. I’m here to take pictures for a friend.”

He said tonelessly.

Ivy: “What, someone else wants to make sure she’s dead?”

She laughed. Cedar stared blankly. Why am I surrounded by these people? He wondered.

Jaxon overheard her and wrapped his arm around Celeste, blowing his tongue at Ivy. Ivy sneered at him.

Jaxon: “Suck it and fuck off!”

He scoffed at her. Celeste looked up at him and smiled faintly. She leaned on his arm, deep in thought. Ivy grinned. Checkmate, bitch, she thought.

Tristan: “I’m going home now.”

He told Jaxon and Celeste.

Jaxon: “All right, give us a call and drop in anytime, man.”

He patted his back and wrapped his arm around Celeste.

Tristan: “Will do.”

He nodded and left.

Jaxon: “Let’s go home, babe.”

Celeste: “Okay!”

After Celeste, Jaxon, and Tristan left, Jesse rammed Blair and Ivy, knocking the two into the desserts Ashley had made. Ivy shrieked as cake and icing covered her dress and hair.

Ivy: “NOOOOOO!!! THIS HAIR COST ME FIVE-HUNDRED DOLLARS!”

She wailed. Jesse blew a raspberry at the two. Blair glared at him. The guests all glared at Ivy and Blair.

The usher approached them, folding his arms.

Usher: “I think you two had better leave now.”

He said firmly.

Cedar watched the user escort them out as Ivy held her shoes in her hand, crying, and a smile formed across his lips. Today is looking up somewhat, he thought.

~

When Celeste and Jaxon arrived home, they took off their shoes. Jaxon loosened his tie, pulled it over his head, shrugged out of his jacket, and unsnapped a few buttons.

Celeste: “How do you feel?”

She asked him, spreading her arms out. Jaxon drew a breath and hugged her. She hugged him back.

Jaxon: “I’m looking forward to just spending the night with you.”

He assured her. Celeste smiled up at him, and then her smile faded when she thought of what Ivy said.

Jaxon: “What’s the matter, babe?”

He cupped her chin. She looked up at him.

Celeste: “I don’t know, Jaxon… I think I might be thinking too much into it, but do you mind when I save you, or would you rather save me more?”

She asked him earnestly. Jaxon paused.

Jaxon: “Oh no, babe, don’t go thinking about what that beehived bitch said!”

He knit his eyebrows. Celeste laughed a bit when he called Ivy that name. She always hated that stupid hairstyle.

Jaxon: “Babe…, when I first met you, you saved me from that big muscle thing, and I thought it was so badass! It’s what drew me to you in the first place! If it bothered me, why would I stick around?”

He assured her, placing his hands on her shoulders. Celeste smiled a bit and felt reassured.

Jaxon: “I’m sorry I snapped that night you saved me… It’s just… I got scared when I saw you get shot, and I’d never forgive myself if you died because of me…”

He admitted. Celeste nodded.

Celeste: “I rushed in without thinking because I was scared! I know what to expect from Ichiro, Robin, and Dougal, but this serial killer, I didn’t know. That’s on me.”

She admitted and looked away. Jaxon draped his arm around her.

Jaxon: “It’s okay, babe, I was scared too… You did your best!”

He pulled her into a hug. She hugged him back.

Celeste: “Why were you scared?”

She looked into his almond brown eyes.

Jaxon: “Because… I thought we were gonna die and never see each other again…”

He sighed, locking his gaze into her violet eyes. Celeste gazed back at him.

Celeste traced her nails over his chest. Jaxon shivered at her touch.

Celeste: “Did you like saving Chelsea?”

She asked him.

Jaxon: “I saved her because she needed it. She needed someone to save her… and I wanted her to find that person someday.”

He sighed.

Jaxon: “I don’t want to be with someone I have to save all the time. I want a tough fighter, and I have that right here.”

He admitted. Celeste smiled a bit and flicked her nails over his nipples. Jaxon shivered.

Celeste: “Why don’t you want to be with someone you have to save all the time?”

She bit her bottom lip.

Jaxon: “...I don’t know how to put it in words other than it just… doesn’t do it for me? I dunno… a badass woman who can hold her own and slice monsters in half just hits that spot for me?”

He pondered and chuckled. Celeste chuckled and gently tugged on his taut nipples. Jaxon shivered at her touch.

Celeste: “That makes sense… I get worried because I think what Ivy said is true for most men.”

She said as her voice trailed off. Jaxon scoffed.

Jaxon: “I’m not most men and you’re not most women!”

Celeste: “How do you feel about me saving you all the time then?”

Jaxon: “I love seeing you fight and rescue me, babe!”

He said earnestly.

Jaxon: “But sometimes I get worried about you getting killed. How could I not!”

He admitted.

Celeste: “I am more durable… This is why Barry’s shots didn’t kill me on the spot.”

She shifted her eyes.

Celeste: “How do you feel now, Jax? About everything that happened at that old sanctuary where Ichiro held me?”

She asked him.

Jaxon: “It’s… a lot, babe.”

His voice trailed off as he flopped onto the bed. Celeste pulled off his socks. He spread his toes and curled them. She lay with him and rubbed her feet on his.

Celeste: “I think you should talk to Tristan sometime.”

She suggested. Jaxon smiled and nodded at her.

~

When Tristan arrived home, Deimos waited for him in the mudroom. Tristan closed his eyes in exasperation. Deimos opened the car door for him. Tristan climbed out and didn’t look at Deimos.

Deimos: “How was the funeral?”

Tristan: “Lovely until your ex and her pretend fiancé ruined the wake.”

He said tersely. Deimos bowed his head.

Deimos: “Sorry about Ivy… and Chelsea.”

Tristan heaved a deep sigh and went to the door leading to the kitchen.

Deimos: “I hate this, Tristan! I want to make things right!”

He cried.

Tristan: “I need space, Deimos.”

He said coldly and entered the house. Deimos hung his head and sighed.

~

Deimos sat on the island in his house, smoking and drinking a cup of coffee. Monica carried a basket of laundry. She paused when she peered into Deimos’ face and smiled.

Monica: “Trouble with Tristan?”

Deimos covered his face. Monica smiled warmly at him and set the basket down.

Monica: “I know what happened to his friend, Chelsea. I’m sorry, Deimos, but… maybe you should give him space and let him grieve.”

She said gently.

Deimos: “It’s my fault she’s dead!”

He cried. Monica only smiled. She shook her head and hugged him close.

Monica: “Deimos, it’s not your fault… It’s no one’s fault. Tristan knows this. Let him mourn the loss of his friend, and he will come around.”

She crooned as she stroked his hair. Deimos sighed, and his bottom lip trembled.

~

The next day, Tristan reclined on the sofa in his bedroom, smoking and reading a book. He wore a black turtleneck sweater, gray trousers, and black sheer socks on his feet. So many thoughts swam through his head. Could this have been preventable? Did Deimos indirectly cause this? What if he were right and ice wouldn’t be effective? It’s the principle of it, he thought.

He heard a knock at his door. Tristan snapped out of his daze and turned to it.

Tristan: “It’s open… unless you’re Deimos. If so, please leave.”

He said monotonelessly. The doorknob turned, and Jaxon entered. He wore a black silk shirt with dark silver dragons, unbuttoned to expose his chest tattoo, tight black jeans, and Chelsea boots.

Jaxon: “Not Deimos!”

He announced. Tristan’s eyebrows rose surprisingly.

Tristan: “Hello, Jaxon! It’s a pleasure to see you!”

He smiled and closed his book.

Jaxon: “Hey, Tristan, how are you holding up?”

He asked.

Tristan: “I won’t lie, I’ve been better.”

He drew a long breath and exhaled a long drag from his cigarette.

Tristan: “How about you?”

He asked and gazed at him. Jaxon paused. Tristan could read the expression on his face.

Tristan: “Come sit down with me.”

He offered. Jaxon nodded and sat down beside him, heaving a breath.

Jaxon: “Much the same as you.”

He pulled out his cigarettes and lit one up. Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “I can tell. Do you wish to talk about it? You look as if you need to discuss this.”

He said gently to him.

Jaxon: “This never would have happened if it wasn’t for me.”

He exhaled and bowed his head.

Jaxon: “Ichiro did this because of me…”

His voice trailed off.

Jaxon: “I won’t allow him to do this again!”

He declared. Tristan drew a long breath.

Tristan: “Listen, you and I are both on his radar, but… It’s not our fault… what happened to Chelsea…”

He said with pain in his eyes.

Tristan: “So Ichiro turned Allan into a monster, and he also did some costumed people. I don’t think those were meant to break your mind but maim you. He targeted Kristen and Chelsea to break your mind. I believe he does this because he’s jealous of you and doesn’t like how women are attracted to you. I also wonder if you being with Celeste, who he is infatuated with, plays a role.”

He explained and exhaled a long drag. Jaxon pursed his lips.

Jaxon: “Celeste…”

His voice trailed off.

Jaxon: “That’s what I’m afraid of… him doing worse things to her.”

He exhaled a long drag.

Tristan: “He won’t turn her into a monster… but he has clearly groped and touched her before we arrived.”

He sighed. Jaxon twisted his mouth and clenched his fingers into the couch.

Tristan: “He held her in that abandoned sanctuary to lure you out, but Celeste was never the intended target. None of this is your fault. It’s Ichiro. He wants to make you suffer because he is jealous of you. Ivy is much the same, but she’s not nearly as calculated as he is.”

He explained and surveyed him for a moment. Jaxon folded his arms across his chest and furrowed his eyebrows at the floor.

Jaxon: “He’s a fucking monster.”

He trembled. Tristan nodded in agreement.

Tristan: “Are you wondering why this affects you greatly?”

He asked. Jaxon paused to turn to him.

Jaxon: “Go on.”

He waved his hand for him to fill in the blanks he couldn’t fill in himself.

Tristan: “She clearly had a crush on you. A handsome young man around her age comes to her lodge to stay for the long weekend, and he’s nice to her, unlike her boyfriend. You two spent a lot of time together, you got to know her, and you did protect her from Josh’s Lamoris and Josh himself. You empathized with her. You were in an abusive relationship and left to come here to start over. She was going to do the same… and she didn’t get a chance…”

He bowed his head. Jaxon’s eyes widened at how he was able to hit all the right points.

Tristan: “I don’t think you had romantic feelings for her, but you did like her in a platonic way, and you wanted her to experience true love. The only good experience she had recently was with you… And your brother killed her.”

He added as his voice trailed off. Jaxon pursed his lips and embraced himself, nodding in confirmation.

Tristan: “And Chelsea was kind to you as Kristen was. I think you like people who were kind to you because you never received that from your parents, brother, or former fiancée.”

He concluded and crushed his cigarette in his ashtray. Jaxon pursed his lips and looked away.

Jaxon: “I’m not going to let another kind person suffer again…”

He whispered. Tristan locked his gaze on him.

Tristan: “How do you propose to do that now?”

Jaxon: “Ichiro is watching my every move… until I kill him, I can’t let another weak target cross my path again.”

He swore, placing his hand to his chest.

Tristan: “I hope this doesn’t include Celeste, Deimos, or me. I know I’m angry with Deimos now, but Deimos and you are good friends.”

He peered into his face. Jaxon shook his head.

Jaxon: “No, I don’t mean people like us…”

His voice trailed off.

Tristan: “Right. Ashley Solegatti is the only kind I know who isn’t like us.”

He replied. Jaxon pursed his lips and sighed.

Jaxon: “They’re the perfect target for Ichiro to kill to get to me… I can’t take any more chances. They need to stay away from me. I can’t have anyone else die because of me and Ichiro!”

He stated. Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “If you need their sweets, Deimos or I can get them for you, or Papa can whenever he gets back. I know Papa has powers like us, but I don’t want him around while this is all going on.”

He sighed and removed his glasses to wipe his eyes. Jaxon nodded.

Jaxon: “Thanks, Tristan…”

Jaxon: “...I don’t want to go on anymore getaways…”

His voice trailed off.

Jaxon: “If I do, I won’t be interacting with anyone outside of our group again…”

He added. Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “Fair enough, Jaxon. I agree with this idea. I am doing much the same.”

He sighed and drummed his fingers on his book.

Tristan: “I know we didn’t go to Kristen’s funeral. Christian prohibited it. He doesn’t want to speak to me again.”

He twisted his mouth. Jaxon bitterly twisted his mouth.

Jaxon: “That’s for the best.”

He huffed bitterly, wondering if Christian was right about this being his fault.

Tristan: “I have nothing more to say to him. It wasn’t your fault. I understand you wanted to stay away from others, but… It’s not your fault. You’re doing this because you don’t know when Ichiro will strike. It’s fear of what he will do.”

He raked his fingers through his hair.

Tristan: “We’re in this together, Jaxon. You’re not alone, and this hasn’t only affected you. I lost a good friend. I avoided her to make Ivy happy.”

He said as he removed his glasses to weep. Jaxon knit his eyebrows.

Tristan: “I will NEVER forgive Ivy.”

He growled. Jaxon furrowed his eyebrows.

Jaxon: “That stupid cow!”

He snapped.

Jaxon: “Why couldn’t Ichiro just kill her and Blair instead?!”

He huffed.

Tristan: “I hate to say this, but I wish he would.”

He said acidly.

Jaxon: “The world would be a better place!”

He huffed. Tristan laughed a bit and nodded.

Jaxon’s cellphone rang.

Jaxon: “Yo, Jaxon here?”

He answered. Deimos was on the other end.

Deimos: “Hey, Jaxon? Can you come over to my house? I could… really use a friend right now.”

He drew a long breath.

Jaxon: “Sure, man! I’ll be over shortly!”

He nodded and flicked his gaze over to Tristan, mouthing Deimos’ name. Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “Go ahead, Jaxon.”

He whispered and nodded to him with a smile. Jaxon nodded and smiled.

Jaxon: “Okay, Deimos, see you soon!”

He hung up the phone and turned to Tristan.

Jaxon: “...Thanks, man. I mean it.”

He said earnestly.

Jaxon: “I hope you and Deimos can work through whatever this is.”

Tristan rose to Jaxon and hugged him.

Tristan: “Thank you…”

He whispered.

~

Jaxon was at Deimos’ place, sitting on the patio with him. Deimos was about to tell him what was troubling him until Ashley came in with an array of sweets. They made the gentlemen several macarons, brownies, pecan mini-pies, and a double chocolate cheesecake. Jaxon froze when he saw them and kept his distance.

Ashley: “Hey guys… I’m so sorry about your loss…”

They offered. Jaxon pursed his lips and looked away.

Deimos: “Oh, uh, thanks, Ashley. Celeste told me you did an amazing presentation of sweets for the funeral until Blair knocked them over like the bitch he is.”

He huffed. Ashley frowned.

Ashley: “...Oh? Did he mean to knock them over?”

They knit their eyebrows. Is he really that evil? They wondered.

Deimos: “I think Ivy told him to and he did it, because he’s a little bitch.”

He huffed. Jaxon went to chime in, but stopped himself. Deimos glanced at Jaxon. It’s not like him to be so quiet, he thought.

Ashley: “What is their problem?”

They sighed.

Jaxon: “They’re BITCHES! That’s what the problem is!”

He blurted. God dammit, I couldn’t help myself, he thought to himself.

Jaxon: “I… need to GO… to the bathroom…”

He said hastily, rushing to the bathroom. Deimos watched him go. This is… not like him, he thought. Ashley tilted their head and turned to Deimos.

Ashley: “He’s taking this really hard…”

They sighed.

Deimos: “He is. I think we need to be alone, Ashley. Nothing personal. Thanks for the sweets.”

He nodded. Ashley nodded.

Ashley: “Sure, I understand! Enjoy your sweets!”

They chirped, leaving the sweets behind and leaving.

Deimos rose to go upstairs to the bathroom in Deimos’ room. He knocked on the door.

Deimos: “They’re gone, Jaxon.”

He said to him. Jaxon drew a breath and came back downstairs to the patio.

Jaxon: “I’m sorry…”

He sighed and looked down at the desserts on the table.

Deimos: “What’s going on, Jaxon?”

He gazed at him.

Deimos: “This isn’t like you. Did Ashley do something to upset you?”

He asked him. Jaxon shook his head.

Jaxon: “No… It’s Ichiro.”

He growled, picking up the macaron in his hand.

Jaxon: “I’m not having him target anyone else!”

He huffed. Deimos scrutinized him.

Deimos: “Do you think Ichiro will target Ashley? I very much doubt it unless Lazaros somehow lands on his radar. Lazaros doesn’t hang out with us enough for him to do that and Lazaros never did anything to piss him off.”

He explained. Jaxon’s eyebrows rose.

Deimos: “I think Ichiro’s targets are women who crush on you and women you seem to like, maybe not romantically, but you like them. Ashley is… not that. I just noticed this pattern with both Kristen and Chelsea, anyway. I know they crushed on you.”

He added and shoved macarons in his mouth. Jaxon paused.

Jaxon: “I see… well, they better NOT crush on me!”

He said, taking a bite of the macarons.

Deimos: “Doesn’t that… handler or mentor of Celeste’s crush on you? He didn’t target him… He seems to just hone in on women.”

He muttered.

Deimos: “Ichiro is not bi or pan, right?”

Jaxon paused.

Jaxon: “Huh… Murph and that stupid frog guy! I see… so it’s women who crush on me?”

Deimos nodded.

Deimos: “Because I think Ichiro is bitter about the attention you received from women that he never got. There is no fucking way he has a family. He hired people to play them. But yeah, Ichiro is jealous of that. And he also targets people to make you snap like you did with Chelsea and Kristen. It’s like he’s punishing you because he can’t get laid or can’t get that attention from women because he’s clearly a psychopath.”

He added. Jaxon frowned.

Jaxon: “Not my fault that I’m desirable. Why am I being punished for that? If he weren’t a fucking creep, maybe he would—wait, what do you mean he hired people to play his family?!”

He paused.

Deimos: “Oh, at all his pretend functions, they’re never around. It’s just your parents. Wouldn’t his family be around? And they’re not. He fucking lied and I bet he did so he wouldn’t have to marry Noriko.”

He replied.

Deimos: “But he’s hot for Celeste. She is his thrill ride because of her strength and beauty. This thing with Robin won’t last. He will get bored with her and focus on Celeste.”

He rolled his eyes.

Deimos: “So both of you are bored with everyone else and thrilled with Celeste.”

Jaxon: “Yeah, I guess that’s something we have in common then.”

He pouted.

Deimos: “You both blow raspberries, too.”

He added.

Jaxon: “Um, what?!”

He laughed bitterly.

Jaxon: “Ichiro is the biggest stick in the mud!”

Deimos: “His fake personality? Yes, but this is his real personality we’re all seeing.”

He replied.

Deimos: “Uh, when he left, he told you… He took care of the pregnancy your father last caused… and wanted you to take care of this one. He… did something to kill Vanessa’s baby.”

He said with some unease. Jaxon paused, forgetting about that detail until now.

Jaxon: “Of course he did.”

He shook his head.

Deimos: “Is this… a recurring issue with your father? Getting these brainless women pregnant?”

He asked him.

Jaxon: “Yeah, and it’s not my problem. I have bigger problems.”

He sighed.

Deimos: “Look, I get you don’t want another instance like Chelsea and Kristen, but… don’t deprive yourself of social interactions because of him. I did that for Ivy and… Tristan did, too.”

He looked away. Jaxon paused, remembering Tristan’s regret over the years he missed out on with Chelsea.

Deimos: “Ichiro is going to do whatever he does anyway. We have to stop him and we will!”

He said doggedly. Jaxon drew a breath.

Jaxon: “You’re right. We will kill him someday.”

He said with a determined glint in his eye.

Deimos nodded.

Deimos: “I love how he casually talked about the bell peppers when he was about to kill someone. Do you remember that? Him tossing the bell peppers to where you sat so he wouldn’t have to eat them, and your father would beat you?”

He asked. Jaxon frowned.

Jaxon: “Yeah… I do.”

He huffed. Deimos patted his shoulder.

Deimos: “Yeah, Dad would beat me for not eating broccoli. Lazaros never did the shit Ichiro did but he would beat me.”

He sighed. Jaxon’s eyebrows rose.

Jaxon: “I’m sorry, man! Our dads SUCK!”

He huffed.

Deimos: “They really fucking do.”

He folded his arms over.

Deimos: “How do you feel now, Jaxon?”

He asked him.

Jaxon: “Better, actually.”

He smiled a bit.

Jaxon: “I need a getaway from getaways.”

He added.

Deimos: “Same on both accounts.”

He nodded and smiled at Jaxon.

Deimos: “Wanna go inside and watch a horror movie with me?”

He nodded to the living room. Jaxon nodded.

Jaxon: “I’d love that!”

He smiled at him. The two men rose and entered the house together.

~

Ichiro was in his office. He stared at his cellphone and saw that Robin had left him several calls and voicemails. Can’t this woman take a break? I have more important issues at hand, he thought.

He then looked at the pictures of Celeste at the funeral, with the focus being on her nylon-clad legs and feet, and grinned. He went through the photos where she dangled her shoe, her shoe fell off her tiny foot, and Celeste slipped off her shoes. Ichiro hardened through his pants and panted loudly. He licked where her nylons and feet were.