Chapter Two-Hundred Four: Two Men and a Green Queen

Chapter 204

Two Men and a Green Queen

That morning, Jordi was walking down the road with a gift box in his left arm. The box was pale green, fastened with a pastel dark green ribbon. In his right hand was a bouquet. The bouquet was in a small purple vase with lavender roses, purple wisteria, purple carnations, and purple chrysanthemums. He wore a blue denim button-down shirt, jeans, a dark purplish blue sports jacket, and black zip-up boots. He entered the garden of the mansion when, suddenly, a pair of hands covered his eyes from behind. Jordi smiled when he felt her soft hands over his eyes.

Madelyn: “Boo! Guess who!”

She whispered in his ear. Jordi shivered and turned to her with a smile.

Jordi: “¡Hola! Happy Love Day!”

He smiled and held up the box and the bouquet.

Madelyn: “Ooh! You got flowers for me? Thank you!”

She beamed, taking them into her arms and sniffing them with delight. Jordi smiled and rubbed the back of his neck.

Madelyn: “I also got you flowers, too! I made you a little something!”

She exclaimed, taking his wrist and tying a bracelet of daisy chains around it. Jordi smiled when she tied the bracelet around his wrist.

Jordi: “Oh, thank you! This is so very lovely!”

He smiled and ran his forefinger over it.

He then handed her a box.

Jordi: “And I got you this, as well.”

He beamed. Madelyn’s violet eyes sparkled.

Madelyn: “Ooh, you got me a gift?!”

She beamed. He handed her the box with a smile. She carefully unfastened the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside was a layered, nature-themed dress in shades of olive and forest green, featuring intricate lacework and flowing fabric. It had a dark olive-green top with a deep V-neckline. There was a transparent lace bodice that would reveal her midriff.

It also had a long, high-waisted skirt that would drape to her ankles. It featured a visible seam mid-way down and a wide band of matching floral lace along the bottom hem.

Over the dress was a lightweight, floor-length robe. It had a delicate tie at the bust and wide, bell-shaped sleeves. The sleeves and the lower half of the robe were translucent, allowing the silhouette of her arms and legs to show through. The cuffs and the very bottom of the robe were finished with the same signature lace pattern found on the top and skirt.

Madelyn: “OH WOW! Now I can be a princess to you as my prince!”

She beamed, admiring the dress with awe. She stood up on her tiptoes to kiss him all over his cheeks. Jordi reddened and held her close as she kissed him.

Madelyn: “Thank you, thank you!”

She exclaimed. Jordi kissed her back.

Jordi: “It’s my pleasure.”

Madelyn: “I’m going to put this on now!”

She jumped with excitement as she clung to the dress. Jordi smiled and placed his hand on the small of her back, leading her up the steps and back inside. When they entered, he placed the vase of flowers on the dining room table.

Jordi: “I can wait downstairs as you put it on.”

He said softly.

Madelyn: “...Well, you can watch me put it on if you like.”

She teased and winked at him. Jordi’s face turned a deep shade of red.

Jordi: “Oh, you want that now?”

He laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. He placed his hands on her shoulders. She shivered at his touch and nodded.

Madelyn: “Only if you want to!”

She laughed. Jordi paused.

Jordi: “Are you sure?”

He asked again. Madelyn nodded in confirmation.

Madelyn: “Yes, I’m sure!”

She took his hand and led him up the stairs. Jordi swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded.

Jordi: “Okay.”

They went up the stairs and down the corridor to her bedroom. She led him inside, shutting the door behind them, and laid out the dress on the bed. Jordi sat at the table near the window and took a sharp inhale. He smiled at her. She turned toward him and slowly slipped her dress off her shoulders. Jordi took a deep breath and pursed his lips as he blushed. She pretended to be surprised as her dress fell to the floor, revealing her soft, curvy figure in the purple leopard bra and panty set he had bought her. Jordi drew a long breath and smiled shyly as he looked at her. He crossed his legs and cupped his mouth.

Madelyn: “Oops! It slipped!”

She gasped, feigning shock.

Jordi: “Hahahaha, is that so…?”

He reddened. Madelyn winked at him.

Madelyn: “Maaaybe!”

She teased and leaned forward, reaching for the gown on the bed. Jordi bit his bottom lip and moaned softly, watching her teasing him.

She slowly lifted her feet to step into the dress, pointing her soles towards him. Jordi grunted and shifted in his seat.

Jordi: “Putting on a show for me, are you?”

He teased as he felt the heat rise to his face.

Madelyn: “Maybe!”

She snickered and winked at him, pulling the dress up over her curves and breasts. It fit perfectly like a glove. Jordi’s byzantine eyes sparkled when she saw her in the dress. He rose from the seat and placed his hands on her waist. Madeyn shivered at his touch.

Jordi: “You look so beautiful… and sexy…”

He said breathlessly as he gazed into her violet eyes.

Madelyn: “Thank you! I feel like a princess next to you… My prince!”

She hummed and kissed him. Jordi kissed her deeply and felt his hardness press against his jeans. Madelyn’s eyes widened when she felt his hardness against her.

Madelyn: “O-Oh, do you have something in your pocket?”

She teased in a breathy voice. Jordi laughed nervously.

Jordi: “S-Sorry…”

He stammered. She placed her hand on his chest and stroked his cheek. Jordi’s breathing hitched.

Madelyn: “Don’t be.”

She said breathlessly, and they kissed.

Jordi: “Why not?”

He whispered.

Madelyn: “Because it means you like me!”

She chuckled and gazed into his eyes. Jordi laughed a bit.

Jordi: “ ‘Like’ you, huh?”

He smiled tightly.

Madelyn: “Yeah, and that proves it! Boop!”

She poked his hardness. Jordi let out a gasp, followed by a moan. He shivered all over and shut his eyes tightly.

Madelyn: “I like you, too!”

She whispered in his ear. Jordi laughed softly at her whispered words and reddened all over.

Jordi: “Oh… Oh my…”

His breathing hitched as his heart hammered in his chest. Madelyn placed her hand on his chest and felt his heart beat.

Madelyn: “Oh my!”

She exclaimed. Jordi smiled, took her hand, and kissed it. Madelyn shivered and giggled at his kisses, taking his other hand and kissing it. Jordi laughed a bit.

Jordi: “So, what did you want to do today? Anything special?”

He asked softly.

Madelyn: “Hmm, well, it’s a nice day out, so how about a picnic?”

She smiled. Jordi chuckled.

Jordi: “Do you have food to bring?”

He asked her as he wrapped his arms around her, rubbing the small of her back. Madelyn melted in his embrace.

Madelyn: “Nope, but we can buy some!”

She suggested. Jordi laughed a bit and bit his bottom lip.

Jordi: “Sure, I’m down for it.”

He smiled tightly.

~

Jordi and Madelyn arrived at Flowerscent Gardens, with Madelyn carrying a picnic basket of food Jordi had bought from Fred’s Burger Castle. They strolled along the path and sat under a tree overlooking the lake, the lush garden, and the swans swimming in it. She spread out the pastel floral blanket, and Jordi knelt on it with her. She sat up against the tree and sighed happily, resting her head on his shoulder. Jordi smiled down at her and kissed her head. He put his arm around her and rubbed her shoulder, holding her close to him.

~

Tristan was at his desk in his office, typing up a document. He wore a navy blue three-piece suit, a white pressed shirt, a black tie, and black wingtip Oxfords. A raven flew into Tristan’s office and perched on his desk. Tristan let out a gasp and put his hands up. The raven dropped a note onto his desk. Tristan swallowed hard and gingerly picked up the note. It read, “Drop by Nari Choi’s mansion immediately.”

Tristan flicked his gaze up to the raven to see it fly out of the window and into the sky. Tristan blew air through his slightly parted lips and rose from his desk.

~

Tristan was driving down Orchard Street. He stopped at the flower shop on his way and picked up a bouquet of tulips to give to Juniper, since he enjoyed her company and it made his visits to the mansion more pleasant. He also didn’t want to show up empty-handed on Love Day. He flicked on his signal and made a left turn down the driveway. He noticed water pooling in front of the manor, which hadn’t been there before. Dare I ask? he wondered.

He took a deep breath, parked his car in the driveway, shut off the engine, and stepped out with the bouquet in his hand. He ascended the stairs and used the door knocker to knock. Heavy footsteps skipped over to the door, and Juniper greeted him. A wave of water about half an inch deep gushed out.

Juniper: “Ooh, did someone order a handsome gentleman?!”

She smiled at Tristan, delighted to see him. Tristan’s smile spread to show his even, white teeth.

Tristan: “You, flatterer, you.”

He chuckled. Juniper smiled and blushed, fanning her face.

Tristan: “May I come in?”

He asked genially.

Juniper: “Of course!”

She stepped aside and gestured for him to come inside. He pursed his lips at the water.

Tristan: “I see we have a bit of a water problem here.”

He laughed. Juniper frowned at the water.

Juniper: “Oh yes, Nari’s spell went wrong!”

She laughed. Tristan twisted his mouth. Nari’s voice was heard from the other room.

Nari: “It did NOT! I never make mistakes with my spells! It was the pipes!”

She hollered from the other room.

Tristan raised his eyebrows and pursed his lips.

Tristan: “I see! For you!”

He handed Juniper the bouquet of tulips. Juniper’s eyes widened at the tulips.

Juniper: “Oh, for me?! Thank you!”

She beamed, taking them in her arms. Her nose began to twitch, and her eyes began to water, followed by a mighty sneeze.

Juniper: “A-ACHOO!”

She rasped. Tristan’s eyes grew large, and he put his hand up.

Tristan: “Bless you!”

He handed her his silk handkerchief from his suit jacket.

Juniper: “Thank you!”

She sniffled, gingerly accepting his handkerchief.

He saw Nari come in with the raven on her arm.

Tristan: “Ah, greetings, Nari. Your raven summoned me. You do realize you could have called me, right? It’s 1987, not 1787!”

He teased.

Nari: “I prefer to do things in style, Tristan! For you see, I am a witch!”

She laughed, petting her raven on the head.

Tristan: “Oh, right, silly me for forgetting.”

He said dryly.

Tristan: “So to what do I owe this pleasure? Is it the water?”

He tapped his foot in the puddle on the floor.

Nari: “Yes, that’s the thing with these old houses, they can have these breakdowns!”

She nodded at the water.

Nari: “I heard you were the best lawyer in town and had an excellent way of resolving people’s quandaries!”

She added. Tristan inhaled sharply.

Tristan: “So I take it the insurance company will not reimburse you for the water damage as they view it as your fault, am I correct?”

He asked as he examined the water.

Nari: “That’s right, but it isn’t my fault! They’re blaming me because I’m a witch.”

She shook her head.

Tristan cleared his throat.

Tristan: “Nari, when you took out a mortgage on this home, the money you were given was supposed to go towards repairing this house. This house hasn’t seen repairs in well over thirty years. What did you spend it on?”

He asked her and blinked. Then he recalled Celeste being in her “tickle dungeon.” I think I have my answer, he thought.

Nari fell silent, and her pale face shifted into a bright red.

Nari: “...I-It’s personal.”

She mumbled, waving her hand. Juniper smiled.

Juniper: “OH! She bought a tickling dungeon! Do you wanna see?!”

She interjected with a big smile. Tristan chuckled.

Nari: “JUNIPER!”

She snapped. Tristan cleared his throat.

Tristan: “Judging by the sound, it sounds like you have a pool down there.”

He laughed awkwardly.

Juniper: “Oh, we’re getting an indoor pool?”

Tristan laughed.

He cleared his throat.

Tristan: “Well, this place will need renovations and clean-up. I can definitely see what I can do for you.”

He sighed.

Juniper: “Thank you, you’re so kind!”

She smiled at him and tickled his sides. Tristan yelped and broke out into laughter.

Tristan: “AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!! WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!”

Juniper smiled at Tristan, and Nari shook her head.

Nari: “How much will this cost? The sooner this gets fixed, the sooner I can… get to my work.”

She stated.

Juniper: “Oh, you mean tickling in your dungeon?”

She smiled. Nari pouted and glared at her.

Tristan: “Well, it seems by the looks of things, we might have to take out another mortgage to pay for the damages and clean-up so you can resume your tickling witchly matters.”

He nodded. Juniper laughed.

Juniper: “Tickly witchly!”

Tristan chuckled.

Tristan: “I can take care of paying for my time and distributing the funds to pay for the water damage and clean-up, and give you the balance. The monthly cost of your mortgage will go up, however.”

Nari frowned.

Juniper: “Oh dear, we’re going to have to find some work then!”

She exclaimed.

Tristan: “I trust you all will do that then.”

He nodded.

He dusted himself off.

Tristan: “I’d best be going to get my work done. Juniper, keep my handkerchief.”

He winked. Juniper clutched his handkerchief in her fingertips and waved him off.

Juniper: “Okay! Thank you, Tristan, see you later!”

She smiled and waved. Nari silently waved. Tristan nodded and left the house.

I certainly have my work cut out for me, he thought as he climbed into his car. He started the engine, and a feeling of dread flooded him. He paused and looked behind him as he reversed out of the driveway.

As he drove down the road, Amanda carried Narcisse over the house.

Narcisse: “I see my naughty little nephew has taken somewhat of a shine to the Beauty Yoga Instructor’s sister.”

He chuckled.

Narcisse: “Get me to Balderico, Amanda. I need his assistance. I sent that useless beached whale on another mission to take care of… other obstacles.”

He clicked his tongue.

~

Celeste stepped out of the shower wearing a black lace bra and matching panties. She sat at her vanity as she brushed her hair. She rose, lifted her legs, and slid her feet into black stockings. She then put on a black tank top, a purple leopard print skirt, and a belt with chains. She then sat back at her vanity, grabbed her light purple makeup headband, put it on, and tucked loose strands of hair in. She applied eyeliner, followed by dark purple eyeshadow, and then used an eyelash curler, and then applied mascara. She then grabbed a tube of dark purple lipstick, applied it, pursed her lips, and popped them.

She removed the headband and brushed her hair to make sure it was in place, then spritzed on some perfume and put on her earrings and spiked collar.

Jaxon stepped out wearing a white leopard print button-down shirt, tight black leather pants, and black sheer socks. He wolf-whistled at her.

Jaxon: “Yo, sexy lady.”

He smiled.

Celeste: “Hey.”

She smiled back. She tied her hair back, sectioned into two, with black hair ties down her long tresses.

Jaxon held up his car keys.

Jaxon: “Ready to go?”

Celeste nodded and rose.

They went out to the living room, where Jaxon shrugged into his leather jacket, and Celeste put her leather jacket on. She slid her feet into her black ankle strap boots and fastened them. Jaxon put on his black Chelsea boots and buckled them up. He slid on his Ray-Bans and the two headed out to his car. She rolled over the hood and climbed into the passenger’s seat, and he got into the driver’s seat. Jaxon smiled at her with awe and chuckled.

Celeste: “What?”

She smiled, baring her fangs. Jaxon gazed at her lovingly with endearment.

Jaxon: “Oh, nothing, just you.”

He chuckled as he lit up a cigarette, inhaled a drag, and slid his keys into the ignition. He looked behind him as he backed out of the driveway, shifted gears, and drove down the road.

~

They arrived at Maestro Morgan’s Dazzling Carnival. The entrance to the carnival was a red-and-white striped circus tent adorned with red, white, and blue balloons. They approached the ticket booth where an older man in his sixties sat.

The carnival was bustling with people from all walks of life, including families, couples, friends, and individuals. The rainbow lights on the rides and games were dazzling and visually appealing. The smell of cotton candy, churros, caramel apples, funnel cake, popcorn, fries, and hot dogs filled the air.

Some of the rides were The Gravitron, The Monster, The Orbiter, The Zipper, Teacups, Tilt-a-Whirl, bumper boats, several roller coasters, The Looping Starship, Top Spin, The Tornado, and a huge Ferris Wheel.

There were also games such as throwing darts at balloons, duck ponds, a fishbowl, Whack-a-Mole, Skee-Ball, a shooting game, and more.

At the end of the carnival was a funhouse, a haunted house, and a house of mirrors.

Jaxon marveled at the sight, recalling that this was his and Celeste’s first date. He was relieved to see Fabien wasn’t showing up. He then heard The Cars blasting and saw a green 1970 Shelby Mustang pull up. He grimaced at the sight of Fabien parking in the handicapped parking area. He stepped out of the car with a cigarette hanging from his mouth. He wore a black Nuklear Intoxikation Suxx shirt featuring a photo of Craig crying, with green stink lines emanating from his feet. He wore a green plaid button-down shirt over it, jeans, and flip-flops. Ray-Bans obscured his eyes. He walked away from his car pretending to limp.

Celeste: “Fab, you came!”

She waved at him. Jaxon groaned.

Jaxon: “Yay.”

He said flatly.

Fabien: “Curb your excitement, Axion Jaxon.”

He teased.

The trio approached the ticketmaster.

Jaxon: “Two adults and one child.”

He huffed.

Fabien: “I’m kinda endowed to be a child.”

He winked.

Jaxon: “Could’ve fooled me with your stupid Bungle Server with Blair and making fun of Lazaros’ girlfriend!”

He snapped. Fabien snickered.

Fabien: “Well, I don’t see you leaving.”

He smirked tightly.

Jaxon: “Pay for yourself.”

He spat. Fabien snorted.

Fabien: “Playing hard to get, eh?”

He winked.

Celeste stepped forward and approached the man at the ticket booth.

Celeste: “Three tickets, please.”

She said, handing him the money. The ticketmaster accepted her money and placed three bracelets on each of them.

Jaxon: “Why did you do that, babe?!”

Fabien: “ ‘cause she wants us both, handsome.”

He winked. Jaxon sneered at him.

Jaxon: “Great, now we can ditch Mr. Crippled! The rides are not for crippled people, and you’re parked in a handicapped spot.”

He hissed.

Fabien: “Pfft, are you that upset Lazaros can’t take his fat girlfriend here on her Rascal or something, Jax?”

He teased.

Jaxon: “Whatever, this is OUR date, and you’re not invited!”

Celeste: “I invited him.”

She grimaced. Jaxon pouted, and Fabien grinned.

Celeste: “Let’s go for something fun!”

She pointed up at the winding rollercoaster above them. Screams from the carriage zoomed past them as the train zipped through the loop.

Fabien: “Fuck yeah!”

He looked up at it.

Jaxon: “Yeah, and not for crippled people. Sorry, Fabien.”

He huffed.

Fabien: “Oh, come on, I didn’t wanna walk all that distance, man. How many crippled people come here anyway?”

He laughed.

Fabien: “Lazaros’ girl is too fat for these rides, and last I checked, he refuses to feed him or her anything he didn’t make.”

He shrugged.

Jaxon: “Yeah, you’re right about Lazaros not wanting to feed her anything he didn’t make. He made us all watch it and gave Tristan a coupon book to rub her tummy and watch her eat for his birthday.”

He pursed his lips. Fabien gaped at him and then burst out laughing.

Fabien: “HOLY FUCKING SHIT! THAT CRYBABY FUCKTARD GAVE THAT SHIT TO TRISTAN, AND NO ONE TOLD ME?!”

He cackled.

Celeste jumped into the rollercoaster train cart with cat-like grace. Fabien and Jaxon followed, getting in on each side of her. Fabien reached over and tickled Jaxon’s side. Jaxon burst out laughing.

Jaxon: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! STOP IT!!”

He laughed and smacked his hand away. He sneered at Fabien. Celeste glanced at them and smirked as she reached her arms around both of them and tickled their sides. The ride shifted forward as it slowly descended the hill. It then paused for a brief moment, perched at the top of Pink Top City’s skyline.

Suddenly, they dropped at a speedy descent down the rail, looping around sharp curves and zooming upside down, as Jaxon and Fabien’s laughter boomed past bystanders, as Celeste continued to tickle them.

Fabien: “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAA!!”

Jaxon: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! AHAHAHAAAAAA!! NOHOHOHO!!”

Celeste cackled with glee, enjoying every minute of the ride and sweet laughter in her ears. They halted back where they started again, and the ride was over just as it started.

Celeste: “That was fun!”

She beamed, jumping out of the roller coaster as the two men panted, catching their breath.

Fabien: “Hahahaha, sure.”

He said breathlessly. Jaxon drew a long, exhausted breath as he and Fabien stepped out of the roller coaster.

The trio descended the stairs and saw Lazaros and Ashley seated at a picnic table. Lazaros wore a purple sequin suit, a black pressed shirt, a white tie, and white loafers. Ashley was dressed in an orange paisley suit with an orange blouse and belt with sandals on their feet. Lazaros sat across from Ashley, hearts in his eyes, marveling at them as they tenderly ate the lamb souvlaki he had made for them.

Celeste: “Hey, Ash!”

She waved. Ashley’s eyes lit up when they saw her.

Ashley: “Hey, Celeste!”

They chirped.

Fabien: “Holy fuck, speak of the fat devil! Lazaros, did you really give Tristan a coupon book for his birthday?!”

He laughed. Ashley frowned and stopped eating. Lazaros snapped from his daze.

Lazaros: “...Yes, I did give him one, and Deimos got mad at me and tore it up! It was the perfect gift for him!”

His bottom lip trembled. Jaxon rolled his eyes. Fabien burst out laughing.

Fabien: “Why the fuck did you think Tristan would want that shit?”

He laughed.

Lazaros: “Because who wouldn’t want to see Ashley eat or rub their tummy?!”

He cried. Ashley redenned. Fabien roared with laughter.

Lazaros: “Tristan thanked me for it, and Deimos said NO! I thought it was the best gift I could give him, and it was!”

He bawled. Ashley placed their hand on Lazaros’ lap to comfort him.

Jaxon heaved a deep sigh and shook his head.

Ashley reached for the souvlaki when they turned to see Celeste munching on it. Lazaros saw her and let out a ghastly scream. Jaxon and Fabien winced.

Lazaros: “HEY!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! THAT IS ASHLEY’S!!”

He bellowed at her. Celeste continued to eat it.

Celeste: “Food tastes better when it’s stolen. Cat proverb or something.”

She shrugged and continued eating. Ashley laughed awkwardly.

Lazaros: “NO!! FOOD TASTES BETTER WHEN IT’S IN ASHLEY’S TUMMY!! FOOD BELONGS THERE!”

He screamed at her, poking Ashley’s tummy. Ashley giggled as he poked them. Fabien laughed and slapped his knees.

Fabien: “Maybe there was a coupon for Celeste to steal your fat princess’s food!”

Lazaros turned to him with rage.

Lazaros: “I would NEVER include a coupon for ANYONE to eat Ashley’s food! Watching Ashley eat is a form of art, and so is rubbing their tummy!”

He stomped his foot. Ashley smiled up at Lazaros.

Ashley: “Aww, you’re so sweet, though your food is a form of art!”

They exclaimed. Fabien cackled. Jaxon turned his head and thought about Deimos’ rage.

Lazaros: “Oh, I know that, Ashley, but I am tired of people saying this is a fetish when it’s not!”

He sobbed. Ashley shifted their eyes and laughed a bit.

Ashley: “There, there!”

They comforted him, wrapping their arms around him and patting his back. Lazaros smiled in Ashley’s embrace and sighed.

Ashley froze when they laid their eyes on the disturbing sight approaching them. Blair had a beard, and his face was painted like a bear’s. He wore an orange shirt with an owl saying, “Be Smart, Don’t Start Drugs”, blue jeans, and red sneakers. Handy to where they sat, Andreas had a tarot reading stall and was brewing some sleeping tea with valerian root.

Blair: “Oh God, what is that stink?! It smells like Ashley’s feet!”

He fanned his face. Ashley grimaced at Blair. Andreas frowned at Blair. Not this guy again, he thought with an exasperated sigh.

Fabien: “HOLY FUCK, BLAIR! YOU LOOK AMAZING! AND YOU’RE RIGHT! THAT TEA STINKS LIKE HER FEET!”

He cackled hard. Ashley gaped at Fabien. Why is he lying, they wondered.

Celeste: “Blair doesn’t look amazing. He looks retarded.”

She drawled.

Blair: “Sounds like someone’s jealous that I got my face painted for free for being a nice guy!”

He taunted.

Jaxon: “Sure, that’s why they did it.”

He said dryly.

Lazaros angrily rose.

Lazaros: “YOU LISTEN HERE! ASHLEY’S FEET DON’T SMELL LIKE THAT HORRID TEA! THAT SMELLS LIKE MY FEET AND DEIMOS’S FEET!”

He cried. Ashley clasped their hands together and gazed up at Lazaors with large, doe eyes, and then their expression shifted when he said it smelled of his and Deimos’ feet.

Blair: “I didn’t ask you, you fetishist jerk!”

He snapped.

Lazaros: “I AM NOT A FETISHIST!”

He countered.

Ashley: “Blair, don’t you have a children’s birthday party to go to?”

They sighed.

Blair: “No, I don’t, Ashley, but I am going to be releasing some songs I wrote about you.”

He huffed.

Blair: “Songs so you know how much I love you!”

He cried. Ashley blinked at him.

Ashley: “But that’s a lie, you don’t love me!”

They exclaimed.

Blair: “YES, I DO! I BOUGHT YOU A DRESS, PROPOSED TO YOU, AND GAVE YOU EVERYTHING!”

He bawled and stomped his feet. Fabien laughed at him.

Ashley: “You blackmailed me! I didn’t wanna be with you or wear that ugly dress!”

They cried. Blair stomped his feet and spun around as he wailed.

Blair: “THOSE TERRIBLE KATSAROS TWINS HURT ME!”

He wailed.

Lazaros: “NO, I DIDN’T!”

He cried. Everyone stopped to laugh at Blair.

Blair grabbed Ashley’s arm and squeezed it.

Ashley: “HEY! Get off me!”

They wailed at him.

Blair: “This is for breaking my heart!”

He wailed and shoved them down and broke their arm upon impact. Ashley cried out in pain, clutching their arm with tears streaming down their cheeks at the sharp pain.

Lazaros: “ASHLEY!”

He cried and rushed over to them. Jaxon cupped his mouth. He rushed over to them and knelt.

A burly white man with a do rag approached Blair.

Man: “What the fuck do you think you’re doing, hitting a girl?!”

He barked and haymakered Blair across the jaw, sending him crashing to the ground, where he passed out. Fabien laughed at the sight of a big man punching a man-child with facepainting on.

A red glow emitted from Jaxon’s hand as he healed their broken arm, sealing the bone, muscle, and tissue until it was intact. Ashley gasped for air as they could finally breathe freely, as the pain left their body. Tears streamed down Lazaros’ cheeks, and he smiled seeing Ashley healed again.

Lazaros: “Oh, Ashley!”

He bawled as he held them close. Ashley held Lazaros close to them and glanced up at Jaxon.

Ashley: “Thank you so much!”

They profusely thanked him. Jaxon smiled at them.

Jaxon: “No prob.”

He rose.

Fabien: “So, uh, where is Celeste?”

He asked him. Jaxon scanned the carnival. His eyes locked on the haunted house.

Jaxon: “Let’s go there.”

He smiled.

Fabien: “You sure she’s there?”

Jaxon nodded, and the two men ventured to the haunted house. As they entered the house, a pair of glowing red eyes followed them.

~

Deimos entered his bedroom with a towel around his waist and smiled in the mirror.

Deimos: “Tonight is going to be the night where I win Tristan back. Everything will be so perfect.”

He nodded. He dropped his towel and gazed at his naked form in the mirror.