30: Familiar Ties

Hellbent

Chapter 30

Familiar Ties

Makayla drove with Brad next to her in the car as he munched on a Ragnarok burger.

Makayla: “It’s not fair! You guys got to meet VV, but I didn’t!”

She pouted.

Makayla: “Ashley isn’t even into rock ‘n roll! He didn’t even know who he was!”

She said bitterly.

Brad: “Hahaha yeah, Branch talked to him about food and cowpeople! Branch is just like me!”

He burped. Makayla’s eyes widened when he said that.

Makayla: “That’s so hot…”

She bit her lip, thinking of Brad and Ashley dressed up as cows.

~

They arrived at the Woods mansion. Craig emerged from the mansion, rushing up to her.

Craig: “MAKAYLA?! WHAT THE FUCK?! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!”

He shouted, throwing his arms up.

Brad: “Hey, Craig!”

He waved at him.

Craig: “YOU!”

He glared at him, pointing at him.

Brad: “Hahaha, me.”

He smiled, pointing at himself. Craig shoved him aside and marched to Makayla.

Craig: “You skipped out on our Christmas for THAT?!”

He rasped, pointing at Brad. Makayla wrapped her arms around Brad.

Makayla: “I love him, Craig!”

She cried. Craig pouted.

Brad: “Aww, that’s so sweet!”

He hugged her tightly.

Makayla: “It’s not like I would have been missed anyway.”

She frowned.

Craig: “That’s BULLSHIT! What about ME?!”

He exclaimed.

Makayla: “You’re the golden child! And you have Veronika now!”

She countered.

Makayla: “Even though you’re still chasing Andreas!”

She added.

Craig: “YOU RAN OFF TO CHASE FATTIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY!”

He barked at her. Makayla glared at him.

Craig: “Shit didn’t work with Ashley, so ya bounced back to Brad, huh?!”

He laughed. Makayla glared at him.

Brad: “Ashley?!”

Makayla: “Shit isn’t working with Veronika, so you bounce back to Andreas, huh?! Andreas doesn’t love you, Craig!”

She snapped at him. Craig twisted his mouth.

Craig: “Yeah, well, Ashley don’t love ya ‘n Brad only loves food!”

He fired back. The door swung open again, and Krystal sauntered out.

Krystal: “Makayla?!”

She glared at Brad.

Krystal: “WHO IS HE?!”

She snapped at Brad.

Brad: “Uhh, I was in your band, Krystal! Don’t you remember me?”

He laughed.

Krystal: “Uhh, we were a CHICK band.”

She scoffed.

Brad: “That’s why Makayla dressed me as a chick.”

He laughed. Krystal froze when it dawned on her.

Krystal: “Wait, WHAT?! YOU’RE KIMBERLY?!”

She rasped, thinking of when she had walked in on Makayla cheating on her with their guitarist, who was a fat blonde woman. She then thought of when she had ditched Makayla on the highway back in Swanton.

Krystal: “ARE YOU SHITTING ME, MAKAYLA?!”

She gasped, distinguishing him and “Kimberly”

Krystal: "THAT’S why you wanted Trashley! He looks like him!"

She angrily pointed at Brad.

Brad: "Trashley?! Hahah, who’s that?”

Makayla: “Ashley…”

She sighed.

Brad: “OH! That's my cousin, Branch!"

He laughed. Veronika paused and swung her gaze to him.

Veronika: "...What?! You're that little teapot's cousin?!"

She gaped.

Veronika: "So, you're related to Blake, huh?!"

Brad: "Who is Blake?"

He laughed.

Veronika: “Interesting…”

She stroked her chin.

~

Blake was sitting in the living room, reading a book. He raised his head when he saw Lazaros’ Ferrari pull up. He watched as Ashley merrily walked into the house with him, holding his hand.

Ashley: “Hey, Blake! Oh, my stars! You won't believe it!”

They waved their hands around.

Ashley: “You won't believe who I saw with Makayla…”

They frowned.

Blake: “...Maxx?”

He scoffed.

Ashley: “BOREALIS!”

Blake froze.

Blake: “What?! Borealis Gatto?! Are you sure?!”

He rose from his seat. Ashley nodded in confirmation.

Ashley: “YES! It’s him! I spoke with him at the resort!”

They confirmed.

Blake: “...You spoke with him?!”

He gaped at them, and his expression darkened.

Ashley: “Oh, oh! I also spoke to Vivienne Vivacious! But I didn’t know it was him, haha!”

Blake tuned out, thinking of their family, with so many questions swarming in his head. What is Borealis doing here, he wondered. Does that mean the others are here?!

Ashley turned to Lazaros. Lazaros nodded in confirmation.

Ashley: “He said he liked your food!”

They beamed at Lazaros, rubbing against him like a cat. Lazaros smiled at them.

Lazaros: “Well, extend my thanks when you meet him next time.”

He raised his eyebrows and nodded.

Ashley: “Hehe, well, I hope I meet him again! He knew I was a cowperson!”

They chuckled.

Lazaros: “But I am not surprised. My food is the very best he will ever get!”

Ashley: “Aww, Lazzy! I told him you were the best chef in the world!”

They cooed, stroking his hair.

Lazaros: “Then you told him the truth.”

He petted their head. Ashley beamed.

Ashley turned to Blake, who looked deep in thought.

Ashley: “Oh! And the biggest news of all! I saved the best for last!”

They said giddily, flicking their gaze up at Lazaros.

Ashley: “Do you wanna tell or should I?”

They giggled, swaying their hips and taking his hands. Lazaros smiled.

Lazaros: “I can do it, Ash! Blake, we’re official now! I have taken the liberty of moving in with Ashley as I am romancing them!”

He sang. Blake snapped out of his daze.

Blake: “WHAT?!”

Ashley gasped with big eyes at Lazaros.

Ashley: “Y-you’re moving in with me?!”

They cupped their cheeks.

Lazaros: “Yes, that was the plan!”

He winked.

Blake: “Is this a joke?! You only just met?!”

He gaped at them.

Lazaros: “Love doesn’t have a timeframe.”

He smirked.

Blake: “Love?!? You don't know each other! You've known each other for three days!”

He countered.

Lazaros: “And?”

Blake: “It doesn't make any sense! Why would someone like you want to live in a place like this and be with someone like Ash?!”

He challenged.

Lazaros: “What, you think Ashley is inferior to me?”

He countered. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Blake: “Inferior? I wouldn't use that word, but power imbalance? Yes.”

He stated.

Lazaros: “It’s just a more tactful way of saying you think they are beneath me. Didn’t you say that silly Viking girl was good for Ashley? And yet, what did she do to them?”

He tilted his head and smirked.

Ashley: “He's got you there, Blake!”

They folded their arms across their chest.

Blake: “I know I was wrong about Yvette.”

He said with strain between clenched teeth.

Lazaros: “Now you do. It proves you’re not a good judge of character at times.”

He said loftily.

Blake: “Why would a wealthy and successful masterchef from overseas pursue someone like Ashley? Why are you here? What are you running from? What could you possibly want with Ashley?! What could they offer you?”

He said. Ashley recoiled, looking hurt.

Lazaros: “Companionship.”

He said tersely. Ashley smiled up at Lazaros taking his hand.

Lazaros: “Sorry, you don’t feel Ashley is good enough for me. I disagree.”

He said sharply.

Ashley: “Why is it so hard for you to believe that someone amazing loves me?! Do you think I'm not capable or worthy?!”

They knit their eyebrows. Lazaros put his arms around Ashley.

Lazaros: “You are MY smitten kitten!”

Ashley’s face lit up with big doe eyes resembling a kitten and a big smile.

Ashley: “Hehehehehe! Oh, Lazaros! Meow!”

They beamed and rubbed up against him like a cat. Lazaros held Ashley in his arms. Blake glared at Lazaros.

Blake: “Don't fall for his charm, Ashley. This relationship is moving too quickly. Something doesn’t feel right. Even if I didn’t like Makayla, you never moved on this fast with her.”

He frowned.

Ashley: “Because! She turned out to be a total fruit loop and I never connected with her like I do with Lazaros!”

They countered. Ashley looked up at Lazaros.

Ashley: “Lazaros treats me like a person and he makes me happy! And he's really sweet and… really hot, hehe.”

They covered their mouth with their hand and reddened. Lazaros grinned at them.

Lazaros: “Thank you, Ashley. I know!”

He kissed their head. Ashley purred and shivered.

Blake: “You're just his vacation fling until he goes back to where he came from, Ash.”

He huffed. Ashley frowned.

Lazaros: “You know my schedule better than I do. Interesting.”

He quipped.

Lazaros: “Did Ashley give you the third degree when you and Andreas became an item?”

Ashley: “No, I was happy for you. And you guys got together quickly too!”

They countered.

Lazaros: “Ashley is an adult. They’re going to make choices you don’t like. You have no say in what they do. Otherwise, we can move out if you prefer.”

He tilted his head.

Ashley: “That's right, Blake, I'm an adult and I can fall in love with who I want!”

They placed their hand on Lazaros’ chest.

Ashley: “Wait, move out?”

They cupped their mouth. Blake's heart sank. The thought of Ashley moving out with this man terrified him.

Lazaros: “I mean, if this upsets Blake so much, we can do that!”

He nodded. Blake closed his eyes and swallowed.

Blake: “Fine. You can stay.”

He said with strain. Ashley brightened.

Ashley: “Thank you, Blake!”

They hugged him. Lazaros smirked. Checkmate, he thought. Blake sighed defeatedly. This is worse than Maxx, he thought as he watched Ashley wrap their arms around Lazaros, kissing his cheek. Lazaros blushed and giggled.

Ashley: “What's for dinner, handsome?”

They chirped.

Lazaros: “Whatever my smitten kitten desires.”

He purred.

Ashley: “Meow! Meow! Feed me!”

They purred, rubbing against him like a cat, meowing for food. Lazaros nodded.

Lazaros: “How about chicken chow mein?”

He smirked. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “Ooh, yes, please!”

They beamed.

Lazaros clasped his hands and went to the kitchen to prepare the dish. Blake shook his head and grabbed the car keys off the hook. He wordlessly stormed out. He got in the station wagon and took off. Ashley watched him go and sighed.

Ashley: “I’m so sorry, Lazaros…”

They sat down at the kitchen table and bowed their head. Lazaros waved his hand.

Lazaros: “No worries. I got what I wanted.”

He resumed cutting the vegetables. Ashley gazed up at him.

Ashley: “Oh?”

They tilted their head.

Lazaros: “I am living here with you! That’s what I wanted!”

He said tersely, placing the minced garlic and ginger into the frying pan. The aromatic scents filled the kitchen. Ashley beamed at him.

Ashley: “Me too… you make me feel as good as your food does… and you look as good as your food does…”

They smiled at him. Lazaros grinned.

Lazaros: “I know!”

Lazaros then placed the rest of the vegetables in. The cooked chicken was already set aside. He then added the noodles, giving them a toss, and then added the chicken and the sauce, tossing them and combining them all. Ashley watched him work his magic with awe.

Ashley: “Wow… you’re like a magician! But a food magician! Cooking is like magic! You take all these plants and meat and turn it into a delicious meal! That’s why I love baking! It’s like being a witch! Turning eggs and flour into a tasty cookie!”

They remarked.

Lazaros: “Actually, I can do magic tricks! I would have become a magician if I hadn’t become a chef!”

He confessed. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “R-Really?! I wanna see your magic tricks!”

They beamed eagerly.

Lazaros: “Sure, when I feel like it.”

He dished the food onto two plates and placed them on the table. He then poured them each a glass of sparkling lemon water and sat across from them.

Lazaros: “Enjoy!”

He smiled and stuck his fork into the dish, twirling it around and eating it.

Ashley: “Oh, I will! Thank you!”

Ashley beamed at him and delicately twirled the pasta around, locking their gaze on him as they ate it. Lazaros glanced at them and smirked.

Lazaros: “Yes?”

Ashley smiled widely at him.

Ashley: “I’m just taking in all the amazing senses… the taste, the smell, and the sight of the handsome chef and his food.”

They purred at him, taking another bite and slowly pulling out their fork. Lazaros reddened and bit his bottom lip.

Lazaros: “Well, thank you! I return the compliment!”

He extended his hand to Ashley.

Ashley reddened and chuckled, sipping on their lemon water. Ashley delicately stroked their feet across his under the table. Lazaros shivered and reddened.

Lazaros: “Oh my, what is prompting all this now?”

He purred. Ashley reddened.

Ashley: “What?”

They played coy and clueless, teasing him with their delicate mouthfuls of his food and gently stroking against his feet. Lazaros shivered.

Lazaros: “What you’re doing right now under the table.”

He chuckled and gazed at Ashley eating. Ashley locked their gaze on Lazaros, seductively taking another mouthful of food.

Ashley: “Showing my kitty love!”

They chuckled. Lazaros reddened when they ate the food seductively.

Lazaros: “Well, you’re doing a terrific job…”

He said breathlessly.

Ashley: “So are you…”

They purred, taking another bite of their food.

Lazaros: “I am not doing anything?”

He laughed awkwardly. Ashley chuckled.

Ashley: “You’re feeding me and sitting there looking all handsome!”

They chirped, taking another bite of food. Lazaros bit his bottom lip and gazed intently at them.

Lazaros: “Thank you, Ashley.”

He said genially and reached over to place his hand on theirs. Ashley smiled at him, stroking his hand and locking their gaze on him as they finished off their plate.

Lazaros: “...Do you want more food?”

He asked in a breathy voice. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “...Y-Yes, please.”

They said softly. Lazaros’ eyes grew large. He rose, taking their plate and dishing them up more of the chow mein. He placed it back down and sat down to gaze at them. Ashley gazed at him as they twirled their chow mein on their fork and ate it. Lazaros bit his bottom lip, feeling hot all over. Ashley reddened at his expression and leaned back in their chair, taking another bite.

Ashley: “Mmm, this is so delicious, Lazaros…”

They hummed breathlessly.

Lazaros: “...How very…”

He whispered. Ashley’s breathing hitched, feeling aroused as they felt his gaze on them and took another bite. Lazaros flushed and raked his fingers through his hair. Ashley finished off their plate and smiled at him.

Ashley: “Thank you, Lazaros, I’m so satis-filled right now!”

They said breathlessly and beamed at him.

Lazaros: “What an endearing term! Okay, I’ll clean this up.”

He said as he gathered their dishes.

Ashley: “Do you want help?”

Lazaros shook his head.

Lazaros: “No, thank you! Go clean up and get ready for bed. I got this.”

He smiled as he loaded the dishes into the sink. Ashley nodded and smiled.

Ashley: “Alright, I’ll go get the bed set up!”

They went off to their bedroom.

Ashley sauntered into their bedroom, putting on their oil burner with fresh rose and geranium oil. They opened their wardrobe to grab their cat onesie pajamas. They paused when they stumbled across the wooden box with the Sunshire logo.

Lazaros walked in and leaned against the doorframe.

Lazaros: “You have so little clothing. Why is that?”

He asked them. Ashley snapped out of their daze and turned around to him.

Ashley: “Oh… I lost most of it in the house fire. This is all I have.”

They pursed their lips, gesturing to their faux fur coat, purple poncho, bell-bottom jeans, paisley shirts, and cat onesie.

Lazaros: “Looks like we need to fix that. I need to buy you some new clothes… Or have them custom-made.”

He said as he went through their clothes to examine the sizes. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “R-Really?!”

They beamed, wrapping their arms around Lazaros. Lazaros hugged them back.

Lazaros: “House fire? What happened?”

He asked. Ashley paused.

Ashley: “Before we came here, we lived in MountainSide, in Koala State in our family home, after our parents… disappeared.. I don’t know what happened. All I remember was Blake waking me up in the middle of the night to get out. I grabbed my cats and valuables, and we got out. Then we came here. That was only last summer…”

They embraced themself. Lazaros hugged them close.

Lazaros: “I am sorry about that. What caused the fire? Do you know?”

He caressed their hair. Ashley purred to his touch.

Ashley: “No, Blake seems to think it was faulty electrical wiring or something. It was an old house. We lived there after we left Sunshire…”

Their voice trailed off. Lazaros nodded and held them close, listening to them as they spoke.

Lazaros: “...Yeah, that sounds about right.”

He finally said.

Ashley: “It’s weird though… we came straight here. No fire brigade or family to stay with there. I never knew what happened to the rest of our family… until now. If Borealis was alive this whole time, why didn’t we stay with them in Koala state? Why come all the way here?”

They pondered and sat down on the edge of the bed.

Lazaros: “Sounds like he wanted to start over.”

He replied to them and thought about Ashley’s statement about burning things to cleanse, and wondered if there was something to that with regards to the housefire. Ashley looked at him.

Ashley: “I guess so!”

They pondered and gazed up at him, taking his hands. Lazaros smiled tightly at them.

Lazaros: “Anyway, we should get ready for bed. We have to get you some more clothes tomorrow.”

He said and kissed their forehead. Ashley shivered and beamed.

Ashley: “Aww, you’re so sweet. Thank you!”

They wrapped their arms around him and kissed his cheek. Lazaros chuckled and heaved a deep sigh. He went into their bathroom to take a shower.

~

Blake drove with Andreas sitting beside him.

Andreas: “So, he’s moving in, huh?”

He asked, stroking his chin. Blake drew a long breath and nodded with strain.

Andreas: “And this made you realise you want me to move in with you.”

He teased. Blake froze and reddened.

Blake: “W-What?!”

He stammered and gaped at him.

Andreas: “Why else would you come to get me during the night and ask me to bring my things to 'stay with you for an undetermined amount of time,' as you put it?”

He laughed. Blake paused and shifted his eyes. Was that what I was trying to do this whole time? He wondered.

Blake: “Well… would you want that?”

He said softly.

Andreas: “Of course. I saw this coming. I was waiting for you to be ready. Though you’re more about actions than words.”

He laughed. Blake chuckled a bit.

Andreas: “I know you’re worried about Ashley and this man. But I think it’s more than that.”

He said. Blake sighed and pursed his lips.

Blake: “I… I need you, Andreas.”

He confessed. Andreas smiled at him, placing his hand on his lap.

Andreas: “And I need you, too.”

He said softly.

Andreas: “And I think we’re both tired and hungry, so let’s get something to eat.”

He gestured to Voyage Burger. Blake nodded and pulled into the Viking diner.

~

Blake and Andreas entered Voyage Burger. Blake sighed, thinking of his lapse in judgment about Yvette, noting she wasn’t there to skip up to them and greet them. Hopefully, she got fired, he thought to himself.

They heard a familiar laugh coming from the corner booth. Blake turned to see Makayla in a blond wig, evading her Voyage Burger ban, cuddled up to someone. I wasn’t wrong about that one, he thought. Blake glared at her and began marching up to her, wanting to give her a piece of his mind. He stopped in his tracks when he caught a glimpse of the man she was with, and he recognised the man as Borealis, confirming what Ashley had said earlier to be true.

Brad: “Odin Rings, Freyja fries, Ragnarok burgers, battered and bruised pancakes!”

He sang in an upbeat melody as he read off the menu items. Makayla beamed at him with glee.

Makayla: “Aww, you’re so creative, piggie! You should be the lead singer!”

She cooed at him, kissing his cheeks.

Blake twisted his mouth and grabbed Andreas’ hand, ushering him to leave with him. Andreas observed Makayla with the man and looked at Blake, leaving with him.

Andreas followed Blake back to the parking lot, where he lit a cigarette and paced around.

Andreas: “What’s wrong, Blake?!”

He pressed him, placing his hand on his chest.

Blake: “Fucking Borealis!”

He twisted his mouth and huffed. Andreas sensed hidden worry in his tone.

Andreas: “Why is he a concern?”

He pressed him with curiosity. He lived by the notion that things weren’t what they seemed and wanted to hear it from Blake. Blake paused.

Blake: “His family…”

He twisted his mouth. Are they here looking for us?! He thought.

Blake: “Our family.”

He glanced down at his 'Sunshire' tattoo on his thumb. Andreas quirked an eyebrow at him.

Blake: “I don’t want you involved in this!”

He placed his hands on Andreas’ shoulders. Andreas locked his gaze on him and placed his hands on his.

Andreas: “Blake… I’m involved with you, so I’m already involved, no matter what. You don’t have to deal with this alone! I’m here for you and will stick by you, no matter what.”

He assured him, holding his hands and kissing him. Blake smiled a bit but couldn’t help but to worry about Andreas and Ashley. He didn’t know what Sunshire knew or what they wanted, and that’s what scared him the most.