The Big Day had arrived.
Friday.
Me and Leo.
Our first date.
It would be beautiful, atmospheric, and, most importantly, romantic. I planned the whole night. A simple romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant in a skyscraper. I was going to give Leo a dozen roses and a cliché line "The roses are beautiful, but you're the most beautiful rose I see." He'll say it's corny yet blushes and tries to hide his face in the bouquet. Then, we'll head to the restaurant; we'll get the best seat in the house: the VIP area with red satin curtains, a private area with a personal bouncer, and a group of musicians to set the mood. We'll have the full course meal, from the appetizers to desserts. For the finale, we'll finish the night with a slow dance followed by a walk home.
Everything was going to be perfect.
My God, what the fuck was I thinking?!
Everything was turning into a disaster! And the date didn't start!
I don't know why but my nerves have skyrocketed since this morning. The suit I prepared for was damaged due to Cuddles putting in bleach in the washer! So, I had to rent a tux instead. As for the shoes, well, a certain penis bug decided to use one as a bed and the other as boat which concluded me also renting a pair. That was Bad Luck #1.
Bad Luck #2 was just as annoying as the first. The flower shop where I pre-ordered the bouquet had sold out! Like seriously! I've ordered ahead of time for a dozen red roses wrapped in a white wrapping paper with a sky-blue ribbon. Now tell me how it's fucking possible to mistake a weed killer and a growth spray! Unfortunately, the flower shop had a new part-timer, and their job was watching the shop and watering the plants. The dumbass was the jester of dumbasses! In other words, no roses, no quip.
And Bad Luck #3 was the worst! The restaurant I reserved called me. The spot I reserved was taken at the last minute! I was bought out by a wealthy lawyer so he can celebrate his second wedding anniversary with his wife. What a hypocrite! I hope he falls off the building or has his expensive suit on fire. On the bright side, the restaurant owner was sympathetic to the quick change, and she offered me an alternative. She called ahead to another restaurant in a fancy hotel (no, it's not The Nexus Hotel; thank God). It's better than nothing.
I was waiting in the park in my best suit. My hair smoothed and parted. My cuffs were diamond-encrusted. My tux was tailored and ironed along with a blue necktie to match Lee's mask. I didn't overdose the cologne. I dressed to impress. Even though my plans changed at the last minute, I still got something out of it. Not everything's gone. Guess this night can be salvageable.
I texted Leo I was at the park and he quickly typed back that he was on his way. Right. In a matter of minutes, we'll be on our first date. Nothing extreme. A lovely dinner in a hotel restaurant. The date will be successful, and I'll prove to Leo we should date more in the future. I don't know why I'm trying to prove him wrong. I like him and he likes me. What's the issue?
Why was I making this a big deal?
I do like him. I like where our relationship is at. I wanted to level up our relationship. Whatever happens, happens. I should respect the outcomes and Leo's wishes. Even though they might crush whatever pride I had. No! No bad thoughts! Not tonight! We are going to have a great night! Leo has got nothing to worry about because everything's gonna be okay! Just a normal date night between me and my soon-to-be turtle boyfriend. What's weird about that? Just a nice normal, quiet dinner at a hotel restaurant which I might bribe a few employees to help me out.
...what? Just 'cause my perfect night didn't come true doesn't mean I can try another way. I'm not known as the Sexy Lucifer for my dark hotness. I aim to please.
Where was he? We won't get to our table if we're late. Should I call ahead to make sure my place is ready?
"I'm coming! Don't worry! I'm here!" I heard footsteps running toward my way. I turned around and...and I was breathless. Leo – my Leo – was wearing a goth Lolita with traces of blue fabric. A petticoat poncho draped over his shoulders with a blue rose in the center. His long sleeves reached up to his wrists. The skirt reached to his knees where a slit was opened on the right side revealing blue frill fabric. Leo wore white stockings and black knee-high boots. He wore a white wig styled in layers with bangs parted revealing his marks proudly. A blue rose was pinned to the right side.
There was something else different about him. It then dawned on me when I noticed the change as soon as he was in front of me. He wasn't wearing his mask. This was the second – no, the third time I seen him without his mask. He looked... enchanting.
Leo's face turned to his signature muddy blush as soon as he got closer. "Thanks. You look... sophisticated." Usually, I make a comeback or some snarky remark, but I didn't. My throat was dry. I couldn't say anything. The slider looked so beautiful. The black mixed with blue suits him. Leo smiled as he pulled out a handkerchief out of his pocket and dabbed my nose. "I'm gonna say mission accomplished." He showed me the cloth had a streak of blood.
I frowned. "I feel like Alex had something to do with this."
"I won't confirm or deny it." I'm gonna take that as a yes. Didn't Katie say she had a goth Lolita dress? Maybe I'm overthinking again. I'll worry about those later. Leo was here. I'm here. Let's get this date started. "Judging by your suave appearance, I'm guessing you're taking me somewhere fancy despite my objections to it."
I shrugged, nonchalantly. "What can I say? I hear one thing in one ear, and it goes out the other."
Lee smirked. "Careful there, Merrill. People might think you're brainless."
I grabbed his waist and pulled him close giving him a smirk matching his. Lee's hands rested on my chest. "Those people can go fuck themselves. This night is about us and where our relationship stands."
Leo gulped loudly. "Yeah. No pressure or anything."
My smirk shifted to a soft smile. "Hey. It's not a test. We're gonna have fun and relax and leave all the bullshit outside. This night is about us."
My turtle was silent. Was he having second thoughts? It would be awkward for me to arrive alone in a high-class restaurant. Leo pulled away. "What? High-class? Merrill, I told you nothing expensive!"
"Oh, come on. You knew I was going to take you somewhere nice", I said.
"Yeah. Nice. As in a chill place. A little fancy, sure. But high class? I felt like I was underdressed. Ho boy. These high-class places have a dress code, right? Suit and tie? I looked like I was going to a Goth convention. Maybe this was a bad idea. Could we reschedule? I think we should reschedule-" Leo continued to ramble off-topic. My thoughts: does it matter? "Merrill! Of course, it matters! High class has no place for someone like me! Wow... I don't feel good... I'm gonna sick... nope! Swallow it down! You're not going to puke all over this nice dress."
I grabbed his shoulders. "Lee... you look amazing, dazzling, most beautiful turtle I've ever seen. You are the brightest star of the night. People will be in awe of how beautiful you are. And... I'll kick those sons of bitches who dare come within six feet of you." My last statement made him chuckle. "And you just gotten more beautiful the moment I hear you laugh."
He gently patted my chest. His smile stayed on his face. "Slow your roll, Cassanova. The date hasn't started and you're already showing off."
I leaned close and whispered beside his ear. "Let's just say it's the appetizer before the main course."
Leo shivered in my grasp. He placed his hand over my face, pulling me away. "I got it. Your rizz is off the charts. Aren't we supposed to be somewhere?" His face became as red as his crescents.
I grabbed his hand and pecked his knuckles. "You're right. You're wasting time standing here. I made a reservation at a pristine restaurant. Last minute changes and all."
"Last minute changes?"
I directed his arm and looped it over mine. We walked into the union. Through the streets heading uptown. As we walked together, stray eyes were tailing us. People pretended to look elsewhere as soon as I looked over. Mind your fucking business, assholes!
"There's a lot of people looking at us", Leo commented, tightening his grip on my arm. "They're probably curious how a rich guy like you is walking close to a weirdo like me."
"Or... they're jealous of how a gorgeous gem like you managed to snag a classy emo like me", I teased.
"Leo huffed a chuckle. "We agree. We're both hot shit."
"Emphasis on hot."
We shared a laugh despite a curious glance from a fancy couple. Our walk lasted for ten mintues – probably more – until we reached our destination. It was a luxurious tower hotel (not the Grand Nexus Hotel). I felt Leo grow closer before we entered. We were greeted by a water fountain centerpiece. Instead of going to the reception desk, I guided my date to the elevator by the right side. We entered the elevator along with a couple of middle-aged women wearing fur coats.
"What an odd pair", the woman in brown fur whispered.
"I agree. The young woman is dressed like she's in the morning", her friend in white fur whispered back.
"I know morning dresses, dear. And she is dressed like those exaggerated goths. The green skin is new, though."
"Probably a rare skin disease. I hope it's not a vice. I can't have my prized fur coat to be touched by anything filthy."
"Too true, indeed."
"What does the young man see in her."
"She's probably after his money."
"I would love to have a night with him."
Throughout their "quiet" conversation, I had to fight every nerve in my body not to summon the shadows to engulf those two old bitches. I twisted around to tell them off, but Leo twisted my face and kissed me. I kissed deeper. We parted as I watched Leo give the two yapping bitches with a soft smile.
"I'm sure your fur coats are already contaminated by your overpriced Botox skin", Leo said. "My date prefers someone natural than fake."
I held in my laugh watching the two women gape at wither the audacity or the fact that Leo didn't bother making his masculine voice. Our ride stopped on the 8th floor. The doors opened revealing the red silk carpet and crystal chandelier.
"Have a lovely evening, ladies", I bid my farewell as we walked out, hearing the doors closed behind us. "Well done."
"Those Karens wouldn't be subtle. They annoyed me as much as they do you."
I shrugged. "Forget about them. Besides... those bitches looked like they haven't had a good cock in over fifty years. They're in dire need of some suckage." The slider had to cover his mouth from releasing a loud laughter. "Alright. If there's any issue, let me do the talking."
"Huh? I thought you said you made reservations."
"I did... I'll tell you later." Leo nodded as we made our way to the host's reservation post. There's a snooty, skinny waiter with a beak nose. He had slicked dark hair and beady dark eyes. As we got closer, he raised his chin, puffed up his chest, and looked down at us. Stuck up piece of shit who thinks their high shit.
Like I haven't had them before. (Please note the obvious sarcasm.)
"Bonne soirée. Je crois que vous n'êtes pas au bon endroit. Vous êtes un mois après Halloween." ("Good evening. I believe you are in the wrong place. You're a month past Halloween.") Ah. He's pulling a different accent to make us look dumb. French is the language of love. No matter how offensive they speak, the pronunciation is so fucking sexy that you want to have sex with the person speaking shit to you. In this case, the host wants to show off how above us he is. I'm down. Two can play that game.
"Je crois que nous sommes au bon endroit. Peut-être devrais-je parler à votre responsable plutôt qu'à l'employé impoli qui ne nous a pas accueillis correctement." ("I believe we are in the right place. Perhaps I should speak with your manager instead of the rude employee who didn't greet us properly.") The man's eyes widened slightly before returning to their regular narrowed eyes. Asshole didn't expect me to understand let alone speak it.
"Vous parlez avec le directeur adjoint. Nous sommes un restaurant hautement établi. Vous êtes le mieux placé pour la Pizza Party d'Albearto." ("You're speaking with the assistant manager. We are a highly established restaurant. You are best suited to Albearto's Pizza Party.") He mocked. I withheld a growl. He acts like we're infected.
Leo gently tugged my arm. 'What's with the sudden French Throwdown? Is there a problem? We should just go to Run of the Mill. Me and my bros are regulars. Also, Senor Hueso's been asking where you have been. He missed you... in his own words. Let's NOT start trouble.'
I narrowed my eyes. No way in hell I'm letting this sorry excuse for a hawk look down on us just 'cause we're not in his proper etiquette description.
'Merrill... come on...'
A man (somewhat younger than the quote-unquote assistant manager) tapped his shoulder. "Is there a problem?" he asked in his customer service smile.
I returned the gesture. "There is. Your assistant manager refused to give us service. You may have received a call from another restaurant. The name is Ramirez."
I'm guessing the guy is the manager since he beamed brighter than the chandelier, but he couldn't hold a candle to Lee. My date let out a soft chirp as I held his hand. "Ah, yes! We have been expecting you. I am sorry for the unfortunate event. We reserved a table close to the window which overlooks the beauty of the city at night. On behalf of the hotel, your dinner is free of charge.
I blinked. Huh? I glanced over at Lee who was just as surprised as I was. I mean... that's great and all. Free is free. I didn't think with how expensive the hotel is along with the restaurant change I would have to pay maybe more than the skyscraper one.
Instead, I smiled at the generous man. "Why thank you, sir. You saved our night."
"Please right this way", the man gestured, taking the lead. We followed. I kept glancing at my date who was amazed at the atmosphere. The restaurant was massive and circular. Tables were scattered throughout the area leaving the center where the crystal chandelier was displayed. An orchestra band played classical music. The man led us to the back next to the window. "May I take your petticoat, my lady?"
"Huh?" Leo blinked. The man gestured to the poncho. "Oh! Um..."
"I can take care of it", I volunteered.
The man nodded. "Of course. Before I leave, should I recommend our beverages? We have Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Grand Cru 1945. It is our crowning jewel of the hotel."
"We would like to be sane for our night. Thank you", I politely declined. "Do have sparkling cider?"
His grin was a bit stretched. "I will see what we can salvage. Will there be an alternative?"
"Water with lemon", I answered quickly. He left us after a nod. My focus went to Leon. He was busy trying to unlatch his petticoat poncho. I chuckled seeing him struggle. "Hang on. You gotta be gentle." My hand overlapped his which was over the blue rose centerpiece.
Leo relaxed as I worked my magic. It didn't take long for me to unclasp it. The miniature poncho was released revealing Leo's upper body. The dress was a turtleneck and semi-puffy sleeves. The red-eared slider hid his face down. I noticed his cheeks burning red. I gently tilted his chin upward. "You do look beautiful tonight."
Leo smiled at the compliment. "You're just itching to show off how charming you are."
"I say what's the truth. You know me." I grabbed the chair and pushed it out. I gestured it like a chivalrous gentleman. Leo sat down' I pushed it in and made my way to my seat. After I sat down, a waiter came over and plopped two wine glasses on our table. He wrapped a silk napkin around his midarm and showed us the bottle.
"Martinelli's Gold Medal Sparkling Cider", he said. Color me shocked. They do have one in stock. He uncorked it and poured it into our glasses. He left leaving us alone. I took a sip. Apple cider. Didn't think a restaurant this pristine would serve something so... basic.
"So... what unfortunate event was he mentioning?" I looked over to see Leo giving me a curious stare.
"Just a minor hiccup", I answered, offhandedly. "Nothing to fret your pretty head. We're here and dinner's free. Let's eat like royalty."
"I mean... the place is nice and all... makes me wonder – HOLY PEPPERONI!" Leo immediately shut the elegant menu after taking a quick peak. My laughter rang throughout the music. I didn't care if nearby customers looked our way like we're insane. "Shut up! It's not funny!" he hissed.
"You're tight... it was fucking hilarious!" I snickered, wiping off a happy tear. "Whether it was free or not, I was going to pay for it."
"You were going to pay $500 for a steak?"
"Ah. You must be looking at the Wagyu steak. It has a rich, buttery flavor you don't normally see in regular steak." I skimmed through my menu. "Oh! They even have the Golden Steak. I'm tempted to try it."
"I'm tempted to eat the salad. Let me guess. It's shredded $100 bills."
"Not really. But I'm guessing the produce they use is of high quality. Did you forget our food is free? Get whatever your little heart desires."
Leo grew quiet. "This just feels so... unreal... This isn't the kind of place me or my brothers would go to. I don't know how to act or eat. Even if I sip loudly people will look at me funny."
"Then those shitheads can go fuck themselves." A rich couple were leaving as they passed our table. They were offended by my remark. "What? Got a problem? Piss off." They scurried off saying how rude I was.
"Easy for you to say. You know your stuff. I'm like an out-of-place sticker in a "Where's Waldo" book."
"...you're uncomfortable, are you?"
Leo shifted in his seat. "Don't get me wrong. This place is beautiful... but... you didn't have to go through so much to impress me. I wouldn't mind doing something simple. Are you mad?"
Actually... I'm not. Maybe I should've done something simple. I guess I was too excited for our first date I didn't consider what he was feeling. Leo doesn't like any of this stuff. I nodded. I'm sure we can do something else.
"Merrill? Merrill Deez Nuts Ramirez? OMG!" Someone pounced beside me. I looked over to see a beautiful girl around my age with long chocolate hair and hazel eyes. I know this girl; there's one girl I know who's as peppy as Taylor Martin (but in a nice way).
"Courtney? Court My Yard, Courtney? Holy shit!" I hugged her back. "What're you doing here?"
She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "My daddy owns the hotel. I frequently come here occasionally. Or when I'm bored. Or Friday Lobster which tonight sadly is not serving. Wasted my time and outfit."
I chuckled wholeheartedly. "Oh, Court. You never change."
"Neither have you looking super fly. Remember you wore my cheerleader uniform at camp?"
"Oh, man. I can't believe I did that. I acted like I was a foreign exchange from Japan. Everyone was amazed at my prosthetic; thought they were a gimmick or something. What did everyone call me?"
Courtney snapped her fingers. "Robot Girl? Cyber Cheerleader?"
I widened my eyes. "Cyberpunk Cheerleader!" we said in unison. We laughed at the thought. Man, that brings back memories. That was, what, two years ago? Before entering high school? Man, those were the days.
Someone cleared their throat. We looked over to Leo, my date, sitting across the table setting his glass down. "Don't you want to introduce us, Merrill?" he asked with a sweet smile. I sensed a bubble of anger emanating from him. I visibly tensed. Ah, crap! I was too preoccupied with Courtney I forgot Lee was here too.
Courtney got off me. "I'm sorry! Where are my manners? It's been too long since I've seen Merrill I've bombarded on your date."
"I heard introducing yourself should be Common Sense 101. Let's start with that."
Lee!
"You're right. My name is Courtney Belle. Merrill and I go way back."
"Ah, yeah. Cheer Camp? Merrill never mentioned anything about Cheer Camp... or you."
"Um. It was summer criteria. I kept skipping school; the principal suggested I either spend my summer at summer school or participate in the Cheerleading Camp Tournament. I went Cheer Camp, won them a trophy, and Princy P let me off the hook", I explained, shifting in my seat. I never thought I would feel uncomfortable during a date, yet here I am. I tucked my collar down. My tie felt tight around my neck like a noose.
The slider's fingers entwined together as he leaned forward resting his chin on it. "Oh, wow! Fascinating!" Lee said with poisonous honey words. It lacked the venom, but I could tell he held it. As his name implied, Leo glared at Courtney with the intention of death if she made a wrong move. Lee calmed down. She's not like Taylor or Kendra. If anything, Courtney's better than those two put together. Leo ignored me and continued staring at Courtney without shifting his facial expression.
"Wait! I just remembered something!" Courtney excitedly gasped. "Remember when we were performing our routine for the tournament, Tristan wouldn't stop glaring at you."
I hummed in thought. "Was it me lifting you with ease or catching you?"
"Both. His jealousy showed when he saw you picked me up like it was nothing. His face looked like a tomato. It was satisfying."
I chuckled. "Yeah. He was so angry his veins were popping up. I swear his blood vessel was gonna burst. Amy was too busy holding him back."
"Ugh! Amy! I should've seen how HAPPY she was whenever Tristan walked in on our cheerleading sessions. I'm glad I unfriended her. I don't need backstabbers in my life", Courtney said.
"You just need to open your eyes more. It's good to be perceptive", I honestly told her. "You need someone loyal and down to Earth."
"Like you?"
I shrugged. "Yeah, minus the sarcasm and filthy mouth."
Courtney giggled as I joined her. The table shook with a loud thud.
Leo stood, pushing his chair back. "I'm going to the restroom", he reassured us. "Please, continue talking like I'm not here... as you did already. You two looked like you wanted to catch up." He left us before I could stop him. I sense a hint of sadness trailing after.
"Shit", I hissed resting my head on my hands. I didn't mean to ignore him. I was too caught up in the past I didn't realize how it affected Leon. Fuck me!
"Oh. I came at a bad time, didn't I? Of course, I did! Stupid Courtney! Stupid, stupid! It's like misfortune is your superpower!" I saw my ex hitting herself on the head repeatedly. Tristan was a quarterback and a year ahead of her; he's cute, yet his lightbulb's not always on if you know what I mean. Believe what you want, but Courtney is a sweetheart. A bit spoiled but sweet. She enters at the wrong place at the wrong time. It's not like she intends to. She's like a very late White Rabbit. "Ugh! I should've just minded my own business instead I might be the cause of your breakup!"
I sighed. "It's not your fault, Court, and I doubt something like this would break us up. At least I hope so. Tonight was about us moving forward with our relationship. We've been friends for two months and we were testing to see how we manage on our first date."
"Well... you deserve to be happy. Before I came over, I saw how happy you two were. I haven't seen you smile that much even when we pretended to date." Oh yeah, I forgot how we got together. I saw her trying to mix her makeup after bawling her eyes out. She caught her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend; she caught them making out in the girls' locker room when Courtney accidentally walked in to change into her cheerleading uniform. She dumped her boyfriend and shunned her bestie, but she still felt like shit afterward. During that time was summer vacation and my summer community service (it was either cheer camp or summer school; I chose the former). I decided to offer my service and to play as her rebound since the four of us were all heading to cheer camp. Courtney got her revenge. My reputation increased.
Right now, it's best to give Leo some privacy. Give him his space. When he gets back, I'll tell him that me and Courtney aren't together anymore. Speaking of said ex, despite seeing how guilty she felt, Courtney looked good (in a healthy sort of way). "How are you, by the way? The last I saw you were told you were off to the other side of the continent to go to a performing arts school. Why come back here?"
Courtney sat on Leo's seat. "Well... a lot has happened after the summer break. I went to LA for the performing arts school; met a cute guy; dumped said cute guy for cheating on me with our choir teacher – don't ask; and came back here to be an influencer. So far, I've done restaurant reviews to try their foods. I've gotten a lot of sponsors. Daddy said I'm wasting my time, and I should be focusing on inheriting the hotel."
"Well... your dad's an asshole", I bluntly said, causing her to giggle.
"Oh, Merrill, even though you're dressed like the perfect gentleman, you're still the same foul-mouthed emo I've always respected. Your date's lucky to have you." My chest grew warm hearing her words.
"What about you? Single or...?"
"Single. F Tristan tried to win me back; I told him he could crawl back to his crusty, skanky girlfriend. I'm appreciating my solitude and loving myself. If I happen to find a man who treats and respects me as me then he's worthied to be called mine."
"Aw. You have such a way with words", I jokingly remarked.
"I learned from the best." She stood up. "I should let you be. The show's about to start soon."
I quirked an eyebrow. "Show? I thought you said your dad's short-staffed."
"He is. He managed to find entertainment on short notice. He wanted to distract the guests while they tried to cook their food. It was a good thing the new guy came in a hurry. I should go now. Enjoy your evening and tell your date I'm sorry."
I waved my goodbye. I frowned. My stomach became unsettled. Was I hungry? I ate a light snack before coming here. I guess I'm feeling guilty. I cascaded Leo aside. This night was about us; I made about me. Why am I an asshole?
I owed Leo an apology. As soon as he gets back, I'll take him to Run of the Mill. He's comfortable there and it's been a while since I tasted fine pizza. It's our night. I'm gonna treat Leo like a king!
The lights turned dark. Spotlights danced all over the restaurant before landing on a stage. My uneasiness grew stronger. This wasn't the guilt I was feeling. It was my instincts kicking in. They were warning me.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" My eyes widened at the familiar voice I recalled during Homecoming. "You are here to witness an upcoming shining star. Risen from the ashes like a phoenix. Shunned from society and crept into the darkness like a shadow. I wanted to be seen again... to let my legacy continue as the Greatest Magician of All Time!" Purple smoke covered the stage. Christ on a stick. He had to make the same entrance. "Presenting! Hypnopotomus!" MC Hammer is in the house.
"Shit", I hissed. My advanced prosthetics are at home. I wore my standards to have a normal, regular date. A mutant hijacking a high-class restaurant with a literal captive audience should've been an alert. Or my systems need an update. I could summon the shadows to take him down; problem, too many witnesses. I was already on social media for kicking Ghostbear's ass on live television. I can't afford to make another mistake. I gotta rely on my techniques to take down the mutant magician. I watched the guests murmur as others took out their cellphones, recording what transpired. I spotted the utensils on my table. It's the best weapon I can use. I snuck some knives and forks into my sleeves as I watched Hypno bask in the attention.
"Thank you! Thank you for your undivided attention!" Hypno greeted. "This pleases me. I was on my way to stardom until that unfortunate incident. I was close to the fame I worked hard to achieve. But with my newfound powers, I shall rise above a newer generation of magicians! Step one: have adoring fans." He took a deep breath. I immediately covered my ears as Hypno unleashed his hypnotic screech.
I knew everyone else was a goner. I barely held on. My scanners were getting damaged the longer Hypno stayed wailing. I grabbed a nearby plate and tossed it like a frisbee. It hit on his forehead. He stopped his wail, but I already knew the citizens were hypnotized.
Hypno shook off the daze. He saw me glaring and returned one of his own. "Goth Boy! You're just as annoying as those pesky turtles."
"Coming from you, I'll take it as a compliment", I cheekily retorted, walking toward the stage as I passed by the dazed crowd. "I'm guessing you hypnotized the manager to get a sweet gig. You are a desperate, attention-seeking whore."
"Coming from you, I'll take it as a compliment", he imitated me. I was in front of the stage. He smirked down as I glared up. "If you're here, the blue one should be close by. Good. I have a few words with him."
"You could pass it down to me. Before you get to finish, you'll be seeing stars in your sleep and not in a good way."
Hypno grinned. "I think you'll have your hands full with my fans! GET HIM!" he ordered. The crowd pounced like a pride of lions. I backflipped over them and landed on a table. They were confused until a pair found me.
I have to maintain my strength. These are innocent people. Even with my standard prosthetics, these metal limbs can easily break bones like they're twigs. I shifted my hands and felt the forks on my fingertips; I'm not gonna bother using the knives unless it's necessary.
A woman in her mid-forties leaped up, but I pushed back. My foot rested on a chair's top rail; I twisted my ankle as I shifted my body avoiding her. I moved my head aside missing a plate colliding my face. I saw a rich couple had a stack of plates as ammunition. They threw their barrage at me. I leaped out of the way throwing a circular table to shield myself. I couldn't take a breather as five more people to throw themselves without a care. Someone tackled me, but I threw them over; they crashed into a dining cart. I flipped back up. Too many people were surrounding me. I don't want to use my dark powers. There are too many innocents. A waiter ran over with a fist aiming my face. I dodged, grabbed his arm, and threw him to a waitress. I yelled in pain feeling a blunt object hitting behind my head. I swiftly kicked the asshole who hit me.
I huffed in annoyance and exhaustion. How long was I fighting these people? What about Leo? Is he okay? Was he too angry he left me? No! No... he wouldn't do that... maybe it's better if he's not here. Hypno did use him as a hostage. Pretty sure the mutant hypnotist hadn't forgiven Leo for "seducing" him. It wasn't the turtle's fault for being sexy.
"STOP!" his hypnotized army froze at his command. "I will give you a chance to live, Goth Boy. Surrender and hand over the blue turtle or face the defeat of Hypnopotamus!"
I rolled my eyes. "I'd rather chop off my dick and gauge my eyes than hand over Leo. Why would you even want him? Besides destroying him and all."
"Why? Why?!" Hypno steamed. "He coerced me with his charm! Persuaded me to claim him! I want him to pay for making me weak! I want him to reverse his spell!" I scoffed. Spell? If you count his charisma as a magic spell, then sure, he has plenty. I have known Leo for two months. The only magic he can do is his portals and mystic light. I'm not gonna let MC Hammer get to him.
"Dude. Get over yourself", I said. "Ya got horny over a teenager who isn't into you. Piss off and move on."
He glared. "I take your words as a sign of defiance."
I glared back. "What do you fucking think, asscheeks."
"Very well." He snapped, signaling a mind-controlled Courtney at his beck and call. "Be a dear and beat him into submission."
"Anything for you, Hypno! You're the greatest magician in the world!" she cheered. The brunette flipped over. My body moved on its own. My mind and muscles memorized her movements. I copied her moves. Each kick I blocked. When I retaliated, she parries. I can't hurt her. She's too nice.
I have no choice. I summoned the darkness and enveloped everyone in the room. They became immobilized.
"What is this sorcery? How are you able to control darkness?" Hypno was shocked and jealous of my ability. This was the edge I needed to beat the mutant.
Noise erupted from the kitchen; the noise became louder with every second. Leo burst through the kitchen doors in his angelic form. His attire was unkept and his hair a mess.
"Such beauty!" I nearly tripped standing up watching Hypno staring at Leo. Christ, not this again! The mutant hippo ran over to Leo with a bouquet already out. "My angel!"
Leo saw the hippo running to him... "OH, hell no!" only to grab a nearby vase and smash it over the villain's face. I laughed so hard that my shadows disappeared. I didn't expect Lee to smash a vase at someone's face.
"Finished powdering your nose?" I teased.
"Game face on, Merrill. We got a bigger problem than my so-called admirer", he said looking at the kitchen doors.
"What's worse than MC Hammer?"
"Where's my dinner?!" Speak of the devil, a certain fatass burst through the doors with his hammer in hand.
"Meatsweats?!" I exclaimed.
"Well, well, well. Goth Boy and his Pretty Turtle united in one place", Meatsweats grinned.
"Who the dickens are you?" Hypno asked the mutant chef.
"I'm the turtles' archnemesis!"
"You! I'm the turtles' archnemesis!"
This night just got shittier.