Chapter Two-Hundred Fifteen: Friday Evening

Chapter 215

Friday Evening

That Friday afternoon, Celeste was watching TV in the living room. She wore a white tiger-stripe bustier, a spiked collar, a leather skirt with a studded belt, one fishnet glove, and black thigh-high stockings. She watched an obese man in a suit on TV.

Man: “Cam Rockwell live to show you the challenge where the lovely mayor’s daughter, Scarlett Stone, is being tickled.”

It showed a tall, redheaded white woman in colorful wooden stocks being tickled on her bare feet and under her arms with goose feathers. Celeste’s violet eyes sparkled as a wide grin spread across her face, imagining Jaxon, Fabien, Tristan, and Lena in those stocks being tickled to hysterics.

Cam: “Mayor Sully Stone, what do you think of your lovely daughter being tickled?”

She heard an old man stammer awkwardly.

Fabien stepped through the door. He wore a Nuklear Intoxikation sucks shirt with a green plaid sweater over it, jeans, and flip-flops.

Fabien: “Hey, I got a new recipe for—”

Celeste pounced on him and removed his flip-flops.

Fabien: “Hahahaha, someone’s frisky.”

He wiggled his toes. She scribbled her nails all over his feet, and Fabien threw his head back laughing.

Fabien: “WAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!”

He laughed hard and pressed his hands to his face as he thrashed around laughing. She tickled all over his toes and in between them.

Fabien: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAHAHAHA!! NOHOHOHOHOHOHO!!!”

He laughed and whined.

On TV, Jaclyn was in the stocks, being tickled, and not laughing at all. Cam turned to the camera, gagging.

Cam: “God, does that woman know what foot deodorizer is?!”

Celeste stopped tickling Fabien, and both made a face.

Celeste: “Well, my fem core is deader than anyone who died from her footstink.”

Fabien: “Fucking gag me. Out of all the people they could have picked, why her?”

He groused.

Cam: “Anyway, this was requested by her beauty yoga fans, and they paid over one hundred thousand dollars for this. What a waste of money!”

~

That evening, Tristan was in his bedroom reading a book. He wore a black cable knit turtleneck sweater, jeans, and black sheer socks. He was listening to smooth jazz, and a deep, enthusiastic voice with a hint of cinematic reverb, over a backdrop of upbeat synth music and the distant sound of roller coaster screams, kicked in.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, thrill-seekers, and dreamers of all ages... Come on down to Neon Nights! Tonight, the sky is no longer the limit. Whether you’re here to touch the stars on the Aetheria Flyer, brave the neon loops of the Velocity Coil, or lose yourself in the glow of our Grand Ferris Wheel, you are exactly where the magic happens. Savor the sights, taste the sweets, and let the lights guide your way. The gates are open, the energy is electric, and the night is yours. Neon Nights: Ignite Your Wonder!”

Tristan listened to the announcement and closed his book. He shut off the radio and rose from the couch to go downstairs. When he got down to the mudroom, he shrugged into his gray long trench coat and slid his feet into his black wingtip Oxfords. He knelt down to tie them and got into his car. He pressed the button inside his car to lift the garage door and looked behind his shoulder as he reversed out. He shifted into first gear and drove down the road.

~

Lena was bent down examining her garden. The flowers she had planted blossomed to perfection overnight, which never happened before. She wore a light blue floral midi-dress with a V-neckline, ruffles around the hem, butterfly-strapped sandals, and a butterfly clip in her hair. She brightened when she saw Tristan’s car pull up. She smiled as he parked his car and stepped out.

Tristan: “Hello.”

He nodded.

Lena: “Are you here for Jordi? He’s working today.”

She fiddled with her locket.

Tristan: “I’m here for you. Do you want to come in my car for a bit?”

Lena: “Yes!”

She said breathlessly and grabbed her purse. He led her to his car and opened the door for her. She got inside, and he went to the driver’s side. He shifted gears and drove down the road.

Lena inhaled his cologne and felt her feminine core flutter. She bit her bottom lip as she gazed at him. She saw the sun setting as he turned onto the ramp leading to the freeway, the clouds a mix of pink and purple against a dusky sky.

~

They arrived at Neon Nights, which had a vibrant, electric energy like that of a massive amusement park. The park was a kaleidoscope of neon lights, towering attractions, and a bustling crowd. The deep blacks of the night sky made the saturated LEDs—greens, magentas, and electric blues—pop with intensity.

The gondola Ferris wheel stood as a central icon, illuminated with a spectrum of rainbow colors.

The roller coasters had Intricate tracks with glowing loops and drops. There was also a tall “Star Flyer” swing ride that glowed in pink and purple, while a massive pendulum arm swung around.

There were smaller carousels with red-and-white striped roofs and “Bavarian Village” style huts that lined the walkways, adding a classic fairground charm.

Tristan approached the admission booth, paid for two adults, and purchased ride tickets. Lena’s byzantine eyes lit up at the place. The smell of popcorn, candy apples, and cotton candy filled the air. She took Tristan’s hand and led him inside the park.

Sitting in the bingo hall watching them was Narcisse. He wore a dark purple overcoat, a lavender cravat, purple pants, and white loafers. He cupped his mouth to stifle a chuckle.

~

When midnight hit, Tristan and Lena stepped inside the gondola of the Ferris wheel. As the ride ascended, she looked outside the window and smiled at Tristan, who sat beside her.

Lena: “So, what made you decide to take me here?”

Tristan glanced at her.

Tristan: “You seemed bothered by your newest arrival, and I wanted to take your mind off everything.”

He smiled at her. Lena bowed her head.

Lena: “It’s not that I dislike Ashley, it’s just that… I wish they would try to work things out with Lazaros instead of moving in.”

She admitted.

Tristan: “I understand that, but until Lazaros opens his heart and reflects, I can’t see that happening anytime soon.”

Lena bowed her head.

Lena: “I don’t want my brother hurt.”

Tristan locked his gaze on her.

Tristan: “You have my word that won’t happen.”

Lena smiled widely.

He gazed out the window at the fireworks. She gazed at him. He caught her looking and laughed softly.

Tristan: “Yes?”

He leaned his head on his hand.

Lena: “Thanks for the lovely clip…and taking me out.”

Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “It’s my absolute pleasure, Lena.”

She bit her bottom lip as she surveyed him and drank him in.

Lena: “Tristan?”

Tristan: “Um-hmm?”

Lena: “What do you want most in a relationship?”

She asked him. Tristan froze at her question. He pursed his lips.

Tristan: “I crave an authentic soul connection. I need depth and intellectual intimacy, as well as emotional safety.”

He answered earnestly.

Tristan: “And you?”

Lena: “Someone to protect me, stability, loyalty, and appreciation.”

She replied softly. Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “I think we all need that. I believe, in the end, we’re all seeking the same goal, albeit worded differently.”

He said, his voice trailing off.

Lena: “Are you a good protector?”

Tristan twisted his mouth, recalling how he failed Chelsea, Kristen, and others at the hands of Ichiro.

Tristan: “...I try.”

He replied with a half smile.

Lena: “I think you are. Despite my doubts about Ashley, you did get their stuff sent back to them.”

Tristan smiled a bit.

Tristan: “Yes, it was the right thing to do, but I can see your point.”

Lena: “Would you… protect me?”

She asked and batted her eyelashes. Tristan smiled and nodded.

Tristan: “Of course.”

Lena: “Tristan?”

Tristan: “Yes?”

Lena giggled.

Lena: “Are you ticklish?”

Tristan’s eyes widened, and he blushed. He stroked his ponytail.

Tristan: “Yes, extremely.”

He murmured. She bit her bottom lip. She reached out and tickled his sides and tummy. He erupted into laughter.

Tristan: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

He laughed hard and squirmed under fingers. She traced and tickled his sides, tummy, and chest. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he laughed.

Tristan: “OHOHOHOHOHOHO HEHEHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!”

She stopped tickling him. He panted, removed his glasses, and tried to catch his breath. He wiped his eyes and withdrew a handkerchief to clean his glasses. He put them back on and exhaled slowly. Lena giggled. She sat by him and intertwined her pinky finger with his. She and Tristan gazed into each other’s eyes.

~

Tristan walked to her doorstep with her.

Lena: “I had a great time tonight, Tristan.”

She said softly. Tristan smiled.

Tristan: “Likewise.”

Lena bit her bottom lip and smiled. She got her keys out of her purse and unlocked the door.

Lena: “Goodnight.”

She said softly.

Tristan: “Goodnight, Lena.”

He replied softly.

He bowed his head when she closed the door. He went back to his car and got inside. He inhaled sharply, started the engine, and drove down the road.

Narcisse raised his head from the bushes and smiled.

~

Lena was in her bedroom, brushing her hair at her vanity, thinking about her outing with Tristan. She glanced at the bag from Cathy’s Closet and smirked. She rose from her vanity and bent over to pull the box out.

~

Lena stepped in front of her floor mirror wearing her bra and panties. She bit her bottom lip, thinking about Tristan seeing her in this. She reached behind her back and unclipped her bra. It dropped to the floor. She gazed at her C-cup breasts and taut brown nipples. She pulled down her panties and put her hand over her vulva, biting her bottom lip.

~

Narcisse was outside her bedroom window, staring inside and masturbating. He heard a sly voice call, “Having fun, Narcisse, my boy?”

Narcisse quickly pulled up his pants and fumed when he saw Balderico standing before him.

Narcisse: “What are you doing sneaking up on me like that?! Why didn’t I hear you?!”

He hissed.

Balderico: “Little trick called ‘Sole Silencers’! In a world full of you etheressums, we humans gotta be one step ahead, right?”

He teased, spreading his hands out. Narcisse grumbled and buckled his belt.

Narcisse: “Did you get the power turned on at my carnival?!”

He asked sharply.

Balderico: “Of course, I did.”

He smiled.

Narcisse: “Good, I will throw in a special rubber ducky just for you.”

He grinned.

Balderico: “Tempting, but I don’t want that. I want Jordi to date my daughter, Gina. My daughter’s happiness means more to me than any rubber ducky…”

He laughed.

Narcisse: “I doubt that. I think you’re raw, my naughy little nephew’s comrade put you in your place.”

He smirked. Balderico’s smile faded.

Balderico: “Regardless, you scratch my back, I scratch yours. I know it doesn’t end at this, Narcisse. You still want Victor away from Jasper.”

He chuckled. Narcisse’s smile faded, and it turned into a sneer.

Balderico smiled tightly.

Balderico: “Be seeing you, Narcisse. Don’t let me interrupt your rendezvous.”

He winked. Narcisse’s jaw tightened.

~

Deimos was in his studio with Jaxon after the two had jammed. Jaxon idly plucked his bass guitar strings. Deimos flopped by him. He wore a Helloween tank top, torn jeans, and black socks. Jaxon wore a white button-down shirt with a black brush stroke pattern, black leather pants, and black sheer socks.

Jaxon: “Any luck with your powers?”

Deimos shook his head.

Deimos: “This is all that comes out.”

He held his hand out. A purple glow came out and fizzled away.

Jaxon: “I tried healing you, but it’s not bringing your powers back.”

He knit his eyebrows. Deimos heaved a deep sigh.

Deimos: “I shouldn’t have taken that shit. Fuck Lazaros. Seriously.”

He huffed and folded his arms across his chest.

Jaxon: “Where’s Tristan? It’s a Friday night, and he’s usually here.”

Deimos cupped his mouth.

Deimos: “I know…”

He sighed.

Deimos: “Maybe he’s backing away because I really am nothing without my powers.”

He said glumly. Jaxon shifted in his seat.

Jaxon: “That’s not true, Deimos!”

Deimos: “Then why isn’t he with me, Jaxon?!”

He asked sharply. Jaxon shifted his eyes.

Jaxon: “Well, uh, ever since you and I… did it, it hasn’t been the same between you two.”

Deimos glared at him.

Deimos: “No, thanks to you!”

He snapped. Jaxon recoiled.

Deimos’ expression softened.

Deimos: “I’m sorry, Jaxon. I’m to blame, too. And you’re right.”

Jaxon smiled a bit.

Deimos: “I’m sorry for how I treated you.”

Jaxon raised his eyebrows in surprise.

Jaxon: “Why are you apologizing?”

Deimos heaved a deep sigh.

Deimos: “I don’t want to be like Lazaros. He’s a fucking failure.”

He growled. Jaxon bowed his head.

Jaxon: “I know what it’s like to deal with… asshole brothers.”

He laughed humorlessly.

Deimos: “So why are you here with me and not with Celeste?”

He asked. Jaxon twisted his mouth.

Jaxon: “Celeste and I reconciled, and things are good, but not the same. She’s closer to Fabien now.”

He knit his eyebrows.

Jaxon: “We both messed up, Deimos…”

He cupped his mouth. Deimos’ eyelids dipped.

Jaxon: “That trip to Seashell Cove fucked us all up.”

He declared. Deimos looked away.

Deimos: “It did.”

He concurred.

Deimos: “Tristan says we can’t go back and undo the damage, so we move forward, but… what if the damage is too far gone?”

He frowned.

Jaxon: “We keep on going. No one knows how to keep on going despite the odds being stacked against you more than me.”

He laughed a hollow laugh. Deimos smiled sadly.

Deimos: “I know.”

~

Later that night, Tristan lay in bed reading a book. He wore his silver silk pajamas, and his hair was loose. He had a fan on to drown out the noise his father and Jasper made in their bedroom. He heard a knock on the door.

Tristan: “Come in.”

The door cracked open, and Deimos stepped in with a smile.

Deimos: “Hey, you didn’t swing by. Why is that?”

Tristan put a bookmark in his book and closed it.

Tristan: “I was out.”

He replied.

Deimos: “Where?”

Tristan: “I have to report to you now?”

He raised an eyebrow.

Deimos: “I’m your boyfriend and would like to know.”

He knit his eyebrows.

Tristan: “Deimos, we’re not in a relationship just yet!”

He snapped. A piercing went through Deimos’ heart.

Deimos: “Then what was what we shared on Love Day?!”

He snapped and spread his arms out.

Tristan: “A deal for you to lure out Ichiro’s body double, which is now on hold until you get your powers back!”

He fired back.

Deimos huffed and sat on his bed.

Deimos: “I was right. I am nothing without my powers!”

He rasped. Tristan shook his head.

Tristan: “Deimos…”

He began.

Tristan: “You cheated on me. We haven’t been the same since then, and you had your powers then!”

He hissed through clenched teeth. Deimos’ frown deepened. Tristan knit his eyebrows.

Tristan: “I know what we shared on Love Day, Deimos. I do appreciate what you did for me, but… I am confused right now.”

He admitted. Deimos turned to him.

Deimos: “What about?”

Tristan: “Everything.”

He admitted.

Deimos swallowed hard.

Deimos: “What am I supposed to do to get you back, Tristan?! I suggested a way to lure out Ichiro’s body double! I put on a fucking suit of some sort just for you! I even went to Narcisse for help!”

He cried. Tristan’s jaw dropped.

Tristan: “You did WHAT?!”

Deimos froze and turned to Tristan, who glared at him with fury.

Deimos: “I was desperate, Tristan! I fucking love you so much! I went to that lunatic for help!”

He cried.

Tristan angrily threw the sheets off himself and rose from bed.

Tristan: “You went to Narcisse for help?! In getting me BACK?! Deimos, you went to the man who abused me and traumatized me for help!”

He cried. Deimos’ bottom lip trembled.

Deimos: “Because you put my balls to the fucking wall, Tristan!”

He fired back. Tristan slapped him hard across his face. Deimos paused and rubbed his sore cheek.

Tristan: “YOU WENT TO NARCISSE, DEIMOS!”

He bawled through hot tears. Deimos clenched his fist tightly.

Deimos: “I did, Tristan! I am sorry about that!”

He cried.

Tristan: “Goddamn you, did you not see what effect he had on me, or did you not care?!”

He asked as he paced around.

Deimos: “I know how he affected you! I was… desperate. You don’t know how much I fucking LOVE YOU!”

He cried.

Tristan: “If you loved me, you wouldn’t have gone to NARCISSE! Hell, you wouldn’t have cheated on me!”

He roared. Deimos looked away and clenched his fists.

Deimos: “I think Narcisse needs me for something.”

Tristan nodded and removed his glasses to wipe his eyes.

Tristan: “Is this why he agreed to help you? And how helpful was he?”

He asked sarcastically as he wept.

Deimos: “About as helpful as Lazaros.”

He huffed.

Tristan: “What on Reona would possess you to think he needs you for something?”

He asked sharply. Deimos looked away.

Deimos: “I woke up your father from a coma.”

He began.

Tristan: “What of it?”

He shrugged.

Deimos tightly pursed his lips.

Deimos: “Celeste and I came across a charred body in a hyperbaric chamber in the basement of his home.”

Tristan froze, and his heart hammered in his chest.

Tristan: “...I recall.”

Deimos: “Bastien didn’t know it was there, and Narcisse was angry she and I were down there.”

Tristan shuddered.

Deimos: “Narcisse probably thinks I can heal whoever is in that thing, but I can’t.”

Tristan: “And what IS that thing?!”

He hissed.

Deimos: “I don’t know, Tristan, but it was someone in a hyperbaric chamber that Narcisse didn’t want ANYONE around!”

He spread his arms out.

Tristan twisted his mouth.

Deimos: “Healing powers or no, they’re not that good.”

He sighed.

Deimos: “Do you have any idea who it is? Maybe it’s your grandfather?”

Tristan: “It doesn’t matter. I didn’t think too much about it.”

He lied and waved his hand dismissively.

Deimos: “Oh, I don’t think it was him because Narcisse told me his parents died from food poisoning.”

He snapped his fingers. Tristan’s jaw tightened, and his fury soared as Deimos’ prattle continued.

Tristan: “ENOUGH!”

He bellowed and slashed his hand through the air, casting a sheet of ice that sprouted icicles.

Deimos’ mouth was ajar, and his heart felt as if it had shattered into a million pieces. He and Deimos stood there staring at each other for a moment in silence.

Deimos looked away.

Deimos: “What do I do, Tristan?”

Tristan: “I want you to leave right now, Deimos.”

He cried. Deimos bowed his head.

Deimos: “Are you with Jordi now, is that it?”

He stepped forward with a menacing sneer.

Tristan: “Deimos…”

He began slowly.

Tristan: “I CAN’T BE AROUND YOU RIGHT NOW!”

He stomped his foot, causing a sheet of ice to form on the floor.

Deimos looked away and scowled.

Deimos: “Okay.”

He turned around and left his bedroom, slamming the door behind him. The walls and floors turned into ice in his bedroom as Tristan huddled into a corner, hugging his legs and sobbing. Oliver walked through the door and approached Tristan. Tristan grabbed him and held him close, soaking his fur with his tears.

~

A bottle of Jack Daniels smashed on the patio floor of Deimos’ pool backyard by Jaxon’s feet. Deimos lay in his hammock, blasting “Countess Bathory” by Venom.

Deimos: “I did everything for him, and he fucking goes around with JORDI!”

He rasped.

Jaxon: “Deimos, man, you just dropped this bomb on him that you went to his crazy uncle for help! That’d be like you going to ICHIRO for help!”

He said firmly.

Deimos: “I was desperate!”

Jaxon: “So?”

Deimos: “It’s because he’s seeing Jordi, this is why!”

He snapped and rose from his hammock.

Jaxon: “How do you know that?”

He asked and shrugged.

Deimos: “ ‘cause I fuckin’ know!”

He drawled and shot out his forefinger at him.

Deimos: “Wanna fuck this town up?”

He spread his arms out and smiled. The corners of his mouth lifted. Jaxon smiled widely and nodded.

Jaxon: “Sure!”

~

Deimos was in the passenger’s seat of Jaxon’s car as he drove around town. “Fucking Hostile” by Pantera blasted on the car stereo. Deimos threw a Jack Daniel’s bottle out the window, where it smashed on the road. Jaxon beamed and inhaled a drag as he drove down the road.

Deimos: “Let’s go to Jordi’s.”

He growled. Jaxon laughed nervously.

Jaxon: “Come on, man, he’s probably sleeping.”

Deimos: “Like fuck, I care.”

He huffed.

~

Jordi was driving home. He smoked a cigarette as he drove, playing “Wrapped Around Your Finger” by The Police. I’m so glad to have that shift over, he thought. He wore his black suit, white pressed shirt, a black tie, and black zip-up boots. He turned on his signal and made a right-hand turn onto his driveway. When he parked his car in the driveway and climbed out. He had his suit jacket unbuttoned and stepped out of his car.

He saw Ashley in the outdoor patio chair, curled up with Stella, and smiled.

Jordi: “Were you waiting for me?”

He asked. Ashley greeted him with a smile.

Ashley: “Purrhaps…”

They chirped and stroked Stella’s head. Jordi planted his hands on his hips.

Jordi: “Why might that be?”

He grinned. Ashley shifted their eyes.

Ashley: “Well… I baked some meowcarons, and I was… excited to see you.”

They beamed.

Jordi: “Well, I’m excited to be here with you and have something to eat.”

He rubbed his hands together. Ashley’s eyes sparkled.

Ashley: “Really? Aww, yay!”

They chirped and presented him with a plate of freshly baked, multi-coloured macarons with smiling cat faces on them. Jordi approached them and took a few, eating them.

Ashley: “How was your day?”

They asked.

Jordi: “These are delicious. As for my day, boring.”

He replied.

Ashley: “Thank you!”

They chirped and bit into a purple meowcaron.

Jaxon’s car pulled up with Pantera blasting on the stereo. He parked in front of Jordi’s house, and he and Deimos stepped out.

Jordi: “What are you two doing here? Is everything okay?”

He asked. Ashley knit their eyebrows, looking concerned.

Deimos: “FUCK YOU!”

He bellowed. Jordi raised his eyebrows. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “Wh-What’s going on?!”

Jordi: “Deimos, are you here because of your brother?”

He asked sharply. Ashley frowned.

Deimos: “Fuck that loser! I’m here for you, asshole!”

He snapped and shot his forefinger at him.

Ashley: “Why are you mad at Jordi for?!”

They knit their eyebrows.

Deimos: “Because he’s seeing Tristan!”

He bellowed. Ashley tilted their head as their head spun with confusion.

Jordi glared at him.

Jordi: “Deimos, I don’t know who told you that, but that’s not true. I was under the notion that Tristan wanted to work things out with you.”

He said evenly.

Deimos: “No, he doesn’t, because he’s with you! After everything I did for him, he’s with YOU!”

He bellowed. Jordi put his hands up. Ashley looked around.

Ashley: “Huh? I don’t see him here?”

They scratched their head.

Jordi: “Deimos, I am not seeing Tristan. If he’s not agreeing to a relationship with you just yet, he needs more time.”

He said calmly. Deimos growled at him and shot his fist out, punching him in the jaw. Ashley gasped and cupped their mouth. Jaxon stood back and knit his eyebrows.

Ashley: “JORDI!”

They cried.

Ashley: “P-Please don’t!”

They covered their eyes and Stella’s, pleading with Deimos, knowing what was to come.

Jordi glared at him as he clutched his jaw. He then shot his fist at Deimos, socking him in the jaw. Deimos fell to the ground and blinked.

Deimos: “You fucking PRICK!”

He bellowed and rose to his feet. He threw a left hook and a right hook that Jordi blocked with his arms. Jordi delivered a blow to Deimos’ stomach. Deimos drew back, grabbed his arm, and tossed him over his shoulder. Jordi did a low sweeping kick, tripping him over, and got on top of him, punching his face repeatedly. Deimos grabbed his arms and headbutted his face, sending Jordi’s head back, drawing blood. Deimos punched him again. Jordi grabbed his face and threw him across the lawn. The two men stood with blood and bruises on their faces.

Ashley: “PLEASE STOP!”

They sobbed and pleaded.

Jaxon: “Come on, guys!”

He pleaded. Deimos charged after Jordi and barreled into him. Jordi kneed him in the stomach, wrenching away. Deimos tore his suit jacket off as he fell to the ground. He sprang up and panted angrily. He wiped the blood from his nose and mouth and spat out blood. Jordi glared at him as blood dripped from his nose and mouth all over his white, pressed shirt. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “Th-That’s enough!”

They pleaded.

Deimos put his fists up, and Jordi did the same. Deimos charged after him, and then suddenly he crashed to the ground.

Jaxon: “D-Deimos?!”

Jordi stopped and sighed. Ashley’s eyes widened in shock. Jaxon rushed to him.

Jaxon: “He’s… sleeping?!”

He said, shocked, and raised his head to see Lena on the patio, terrified and trembling like a leaf. She wore a dark pink nightshirt. Jordi hung his head and raised it, breathing a sigh of relief. Ashley turned to her wide-jawed.

Ashley: “...Lena?”

They gasped.

Jaxon cleared his throat. A red glow surrounded Deimos, healing his wounds completely. Jaxon rushed to Jordi.

Jaxon: “Sorry about this, man.”

He put his hands out. A red glow surrounded him as he healed his wounds.

Jaxon: “Can you help me carry him to my car?”

He asked Jordi. Jordi bobbed his head.

Jordi: “Yeah.”

Jaxon lifted Deimos’ legs while Jordi carried his arms as the two men carried Deimos to Jaxon’s car.

Jaxon: “I’m really sorry about this. He and Tristan fought.”

Jordi: “It’s not you who should be apologizing.”

He muttered.

Jordi: “Thank you, Jaxon.”

He smiled a bit as they set Deimos up in the passenger’s seat. He closed the door for him.

Jaxon: “Are you gonna be okay, man?”

Jordi nodded.

Jordi: “Yes.”

He replied. Jaxon gave him a half-smile and got into the driver’s seat. He started his car, shifted into first gear, and drove away.

Jordi went back to the lawn to pick up his torn suit jacket. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “Jordi! Are you okay?”

They pulled him into a hug. Jordi hugged them back.

Jordi: “Yes, I’m fine.”

Lena hugged him as well.

Lena: “Jordi, I was so scared!”

She cried. Jordi put his arm around her.

Jordi: “I’m okay.”

He reassured her.

~

After Lena returned to her bedroom, Jordi went down to the basement, where the washer and dryer were. Ashley rose from their bed when they saw him.

Ashley: “How are you feeling, Jordi?”

They asked softly.

Jordi: “Physically? I’m fine. Jaxon healed me. Mentally? I am furious.”

He said through clenched teeth. He loosened his tie and angrily threw it on the floor. He unsnapped the buttons on his bloodied shirt and shrugged out of it. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Jordi: “I don’t even know if this is salvageable.”

He muttered. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “Aww, I’m so sorry… I know Deimos can be… difficult. I’m sorry he hurt you like that!”

They sighed and stepped closer to him. Jordi bent over, removed his torn sheer socks, and tossed them in the trash.

Ashley: “And I’m sorry about your clothes, too.”

They added, looking down at the bloodied and torn clothing, and caught a glance at his bare feet.

Jordi: “Yeah, no kidding. He and his brother.”

He forced a smile. Ashley frowned and forced a laugh.

Ashley: “Haha, yeah, they’re both alike.”

They shook their head.

Ashley: “Why did he think you were seeing Tristan?”

They scratched their head. Jordi shrugged and planted his hands on his hips.

Jordi: “Why does Lazaros think you’re seeing Blair? He has to blame someone.”

He said evenly.

Ashley: “Touché… well, Tristan is a million times better than Blair.”

They scrunched their nose and shook their head. They flicked their gaze to Jordi.

Jordi: “You’re staring at me. Did Jaxon miss something?”

He asked them. Ashley froze and reddened.

Ashley: “Huh? O-oh, sorry, haha… I just… never saw you shirtless before…”

They blurted and froze. Jordi’s smile spread, showing his even white teeth.

Ashley: “Sorry, that probably sounded weird!”

They laughed and shifted their eyes.

Jordi: “No, not at all.”

He said softly and waved his hand.

Jordi: “Do you like it?”

He smiled. Ashley reddened.

Ashley: “Yeah… haha!”

They nodded and beamed.

Ashley: “You’re a really handsome man…”

They covered their face as they blushed and looked down at their feet as they scrunched them. Jordi beamed at their compliments and bit his bottom lip.

Jordi: “Thank you.”

He said gently.

He strolled over to their bed and lay down on it. Ashley’s heart fluttered in their chest seeing him on their bed. They sauntered over to the bed and lay down beside him. Jordi rested his hand on his head.

Jodi: “What’s on your mind?”

He asked them. Ashley flicked their gaze to the cat toy on the foot of their bed and picked it up.

Ashley: “Oh… nothing much…”

They smirked, playing with Stella. They then flicked the feathered cat toy onto Jordi’s chest.

Jordi: “HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE!”

He laughed and squirmed.

Ashley: “O-Oh, sorry!”

They cupped their mouth and giggled.

Jordi: “Hehehehehehe, it’s fine!”

He waved his hand at them.

Ashley: “Wow, you’re really ticklish, huh?”

They tilted their head with a smirk, stroking the feathered cat toy. Jordi bit his bottom lip.

Jordi: “My God, yes. Extremely so.”

He grinned. Ashley’s eyes lit up with a huge smile.

Ashley: “Oh, my stars! Me too!”

They beamed.

Ashley: “Laughter is the best medicine for the soul, so I miiiight just have the remedy for you!”

They winked at him, holding up the cat toy.

Jordi: “Hahahahahaha, go ahead!”

He spread his arms out and slapped his hip, stroking his leg. Ashley’s eyes grew large like a cat’s.

Ashley: “Y-You’re asking for it, aren’t you?”

They teased. Jordi grinned and nodded. Ashley bounced and stroked the feathered cat toy down his chest and down to where he stroked his leg. Jordi erupted into laughter and squirmed.

Jordi: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAA!”

He laughed hard. Ashley beamed down at him and tickled the feathered cat toy along his bare chest and tummy, making them redden and biting their lip. Jordi howled with laughter.

Jordi: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! OH GEHEEHEHEHEHEHEEEZ!”

He laughed and squirmed, flexing his abs. Ashley giggled at his bursting reaction and marveled at him.

Ashley: “Let’s try your feetsies next!”

They chirped, taking his feet in their soft hands, and dangled the feathered cat toy down to his feet. Jordi’s toes wiggled and scrunched. He threw his head back and screamed with laughter.

Jordi: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA! OHHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO MY GOHOHOOHOHOHOHOD!!”

He pressed his hands against his temples as he thrashed around, laughing. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “Hehe, oh my! I found the most ticklish spot!”

They teased and dangled the feathered cat toy across the soft soles of his slender feet and between his toes. Jordi screamed with laughter, and tears welled in his byzantine eyes.

Jordi: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA! OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOOOO NOHOHOHOHOHOO!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!”

He laughed and pounded on the bed.

Ashley blushed and smiled down at him, basking in his laughter. They then scrubbed their fingertips across his soft soles. Jordi guffawed loudly, and his voice went falsetto.

Jordi: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!! HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAAAA!”

He laughed and scrunched his toes tightly and fanned them out. Ashley’s eyes grew large like a cat, and they went red in the face.

Ashley: “Heheh, oh meow!”

They fanned their face and giggled. They pounced around on the bed like a cat, tickling him all over. They tickled between his toes and traced up his leg and to his stomach with their feathers and fingers. Jordi laughed hard and started to heave in between laughter.

Jordi: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! STAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAP!”

He laughed as his face was red and tears streaked his cheeks. Ashley smiled and nodded as soon as they heard “Stahahap” and noted he started to heave and ceased from tickling him.

Jordi flopped back on the bed, spreading his arms out and panting. He wiped his eyes and heaved a deep sigh.

Jordi: “That was… fun…”

He admitted breathlessly. Ashley beamed.

Ashley: “Yay! I’m glad!”

They clasped their hands together.

Jordi: “I wasn’t the only one enjoying it.”

He sat up and winked. Ashley shifted their eyes and reddened.

Ashley: “Purrhaps…”

They giggled.

Ashley: “...What are you going to do to me…?”

They feigned fear, clutching the cat toy. Jordi smiled tightly and wrenched the cat toy from their grasp. Ashley gasped and giggled.

Jordi: “Now what do you think?”

He waved the cat toy around. Ashley swallowed hard and reddened, biting their lip.

Ashley: “OOH!”

They beamed and pawed at the cat toy. Jordi dropped the cat toy and went over, tickling their tummy and sides with his fingers. Ashley’s eyes widened as a gasp escaped their lips.

Ashley: “AHAHAHAHA HAHH HAHAHAHAH EHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE AHAHAHAEEEEEEE HAHAHAH HAHA HEHEHEH HEHE HEHEH OH-HO-HMY STARAHAHAHAHRS!”

They squealed with delight at his touch. Jordi edged closer to his bare chest and torso, pressing against them as he tickled their soft tummy intensely. Ashley’s heart fluttered in their chest as they felt his body against theirs.

Ashley: “HAHAH A HAHAAHAHAHHAH HEHEHEEHEHEHEHEHEHEEEEEE AHAHAHAH AH OHOHOHO EHEHEHEHEEEEHEH AHAHAH OHOHOHO MY HAAHHAAAH EHEHEHEHEAH AHAHA HA EHEHEHEHEHEEHEHEHE!”

They erupted into laughter and panted, gazing up at him.

Jordi ceased tickling and gazed down at them. Ashley gazed up at him and swallowed hard, catching their breath.

Jordi: “Like that?”

He whispered. Ashley nodded intently.

Ashley: “Goodness, yes!”

They beamed. Jordi smiled and caressed their hair. Ashley melted to his touch and shivered as they felt his fingertips through their hair. They smiled widely and reached over and caressed his hair. Jordi chuckled and rested his head on his hand. Ashley rested their head on his chest, like a cat. Jordi’s eyes widened, and his heart hammered in his chest. Ashley’s eyes lit up as they felt and heard the drum of his heart, and they smiled up at him.

Jordi checked his watch.

Jordi: “I should head back upstairs and go to bed.”

He said flatly.

Ashley: “Oh, sure! It’s getting late.”

They scratched their head. Jordi smiled tightly and rose from their bed.

Jordi: “Have a good night, Ashley.”

He smiled and went up the stairs.

Ashley: “Good night, Jordi!”

They smiled back at him.