Here we are. Tied up and locked up in a metal box. This was both my fantasy dream and fetish nightmare rolled into one. Getting stuck with a hottie and trapped inside an enclosed space. I would be hyperventilating by now if I was still afraid of the dark. I wanted to experience this when I got into college; play Seven Minutes in Heaven with either Sorority girls or Campus jocks or both! Maybe a jock that's not going to crush me in the closet. Don't mind the crushing if it involves them crushing me with his thighs.
Sorry. I got ahead of myself. I was lost in thighs.
Where was I? Oh, right. Lee and I were tied up chest–to–plastron in a tight-ass box. Our opponents are MC Hammer and Porkbelly Jones also known as Hypnopotamus and Meat Sweats. Boy. Did I piss off Lady Fortune to get myself in this predicament?
I pissed off A LOT of people. I feel like I'm getting someone's karma times TEN! Wait... I'm exaggerating. We're locked in a metal box and with mystic powers. We'll be out of here in a minute. Maybe much less than that.
There's one little issue.
"You want... to break up?" I asked my might ex-boyfriend. "Seriously? Because two douchebags we know decided to raid the same place where we have our first date. That's stupid. We faced tougher opponents like them. Let's not forget we have the powers to kick their asses. This is our normal weekend."
"Can we not discuss this in a closet?" Leo shifted uncomfortably. I switched my lenses to night vision. I saw how he tried not to look at me. I'm getting annoyed at our racetrack route always in a constant circle. "Oh, so I'm annoying now. I wondered why you wanted to date me in the first place."
"First of all, I never said you were annoying; I said our constant circle was getting annoying. You keep avoiding the fact that we shouldn't be dating. We're far off from the friendship we often share. Secondly, did you ever consider I want us to be more than friends? I DO like you. I see you as more than a friend. You're special to me, Leonardo. How many times do I have to remind you? Last, we're in a metal box which I'm certain has no magical properties to negate our abilities. So stupid for the two dipshits in crime." I studied the turtle closely. He looked like he was buying his tongue. "Just… tell me what's bothering you. I don't talk about my feelings, but I care about you. You meant so much to me."
Leo took several breaths. I just wish he would tell me – "You want to know why I want us to say friends." I was stumped by his sudden outburst. No. It wasn't anger. It was something else… fear? "I'm scared! Are you happy?! I'm fucking scared of going any further than outside the Friend Zone!" I blinked. I… don't understand… "What? Don't understand what I'm saying! What other way is there to explain? I'm scared of getting dumped; scared of being humiliated; scared of being alone; scared of being... replaced..."
The slider sniffed before continuing. "Seeing you reconnect with your ex, it proved how you should date... humans... just look at me... I'm a mutant turtle with mystical powers. I'm a walking freak of nature. The only ones who would want to swipe left would be scientists who would rather dissect me than have dinner. Maybe if I'm lucky I could find a nice yokai or a sane mutant. You know, ones where they don't want to force me to marry them against my will. I have nothing to offer other than having a pretty face."
Leo gave a hollow chuckle. "Oh! And how can I forget you're disappearing off the face of the planet? Before you say you're working on it, I'm just saying what if... you weren't able... to handle it. One day you're here the next... poof. Every bit of you – gone... It hurts thinking about it... what if my memories of you vanished? How long will I remember after you're gone? We're supposed to be soulmates, right? I questioned it sometimes. Are we soulmates because it's what our descendants were? Do we truly care for each other? Two months is a short time."
The turtle rested his forehead on my chest. "We have these magical upgrades and a mind link but it's like... I feel like... it's not enough... I'm not enough... you should be with someone who's... I don't know... worthy? Someone who can stand next to you; someone you can rely on. Someone who's not me..."
That's... a lot to handle. "Yeah, tell me about it", Leo said, not removing his head. "Which is why you should be with someone like that Courtney girl. A human you can stand in a crowd with you and stand you in general." The last part made me chuckle a bit; he didn't chuckle with me.
"You're right..." I answered. Leo shifted a bit. "I need someone who gets me..." Leo silently nodded. "Someone who's on equal footing with me. Someone who tolerates my "unique charm". The red-eared slider scoffed. "Someone I'm proud to have a fight with me as well as stand hand-in-hand."
"Exactly." Leo finally looked up. His eyes were brimmed with tears. I studied him for a few seconds... until I headbutted him. He yelled out in pain. His eyes became a heated glare over my night vision. "What the FUCK, Merrill?! What was that for?!"
"What the fuck ME? What the fuck YOU?!" I yelled. "You're saying I need someone who can stand by my side and fight together. Someone I can rely on, right? The one person I can think of who fits the job is you, dumbass!"
'Me?' Leo stared with wide eyes. 'He wants... me?'
I sighed. "If we weren't tied up chest-to-chest, I would kick your ass from here to New Jersey. Yes, you're the only one I want. Not to mention, you're one of the few people who can stand my bullshit. Then again, someone knows to call bullshit if you know how to bullshit."
"What are you implying?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all." I smirked with a shrug. I felt him relax. We'll get through this. But first... "We need to break out. As hot as this is, I'm starting to sweat and not the hot and bother kind of sweat."
"Yeah, me too. Not the hot-and-bothered part but-"
"I know what you meant." A purple light enveloped our cramped space. It was so bright I had to switch off my night vision. "I didn't know MC Hammer knows any spells other than parlor tricks. Color me shock."
Leo smirked. "If shock was bright purple. Wanna split before we know what's the magic purple light for?"
"I watched a lot of anime and read plenty of manga to know that Hippo Ass is planning to steal our powers; probably splitting it with his new pal, Pig Ass. Alright. Let's stop stalling and beat two fatasses." I summoned the shadows as I was blinded by a bright light.
Sooner than later, we broke our box and were untied. We looked over to our opponents who were awestruck by our escape. I glanced at Leo who shared my look. We shared a smirk before looking ahead. Hypno's hands were glowing purple.
"I thought you said you could steal their powers", Meat Sweats accused.
Hypno was just as mad as his partner. "I needed more time. Those two know how to quickly compromise." The hippopotamus pulled out metal rings. "We need to contain them again for me to complete my spell."
"You can try", I teased which caused the mutant magician to throw his rings. I grabbed Leo and hopped onto a table. Sweaty came running to us with his hammer. Leo twirled us around to another table. "Nice moves", I said, impressed.
My date dipped his head down hiding his blush. "Thanks. I learned from the best", he softly replied.
I opened my mouth, yet I took Leo and spun him around in an elegant twirl dodging some cards flung by Hypno. We over Meat Sweats as he swung his hammer at us landing onto another table. "Quit your dodging, whelps!" the pig angrily said. "Accept your fate and let us have your power!"
"I agree with my companion", the hippo concurred. "It will be easier for us all to let me finish my spell." He brought out another bouquet of roses. "Join me, my angel! With your powers and my finesse, we will take over New York City! And then, the World!"
Leo inched closer to me. "We're enemies and he wants me to join him... I feel dirty."
"Listen here, you Fatass Motherfucker", I said, getting in front of Leo, "He's not into pedophiles. Get it through that thick skull of yours. At the very least find someone of your age group. Why not try Sweaty here? You look like you're a food fetish kind of guy. Ol' Meat Sweats here is single and ready to mingle. I'm sure if you ask kindly, he'll make every delicacy your little heart desires." Meat Sweat was flabbergasted at being mentioned.
"You little cretin!" the pig yelled. "I wouldn't dare come near this show pony with a 12-foot baguette!" He was hit by a bunny. "Did you hit me with a bunny rabbit?"
"Are you saying I'm not attractive?!" the hippo fumed.
"Uh..." Well I be damned and bitchslapped by Satan. Meat Sweats was sweating. It smelled like wet bacon. "Don't get me wrong... you're a nice hippopotamus. I'm sure there's another mutant hippopotamus out there..." on second thought... this could work in our favor. Leo gently elbowed. We shared a glance. He had the same idea.
I waltzed over to Hypno. "You hear that, Hypno. He's saying you're one ugly motherfucker", I taunted.
"What?! I never said that!" Meat Sweats defended.
"To be fair, he didn't say you weren't good-looking either." Leo popped behind Sweaty like his shoulder devil. "I haven't heard Hypno giving you a single compliment. You did do most of the heavy lifting and not a simple "thank you". I would be pissed if I were you."
I casually walked behind the hypnotist as he glared down at Sweaty. "Wasn't capturing our powers your idea? If that were to happen, who would keep what? Who's to say which side is powerful? Why not have it all to yourself? A magician with both Light and Darkness... you'll be unstoppable... invincible, even. No one would ever forget you again." I looked over to Leo who was whispering something that enticed Meat Sweats. The pig was fuming with every word the slider whispered. "If I were to bet money, I'd place it all on you. Sure, Porkbelly over there is built like a tank but you got the accuracy and the stamina. You'll win in a heartbeat."
Hypno lunged out of reach as well as Meat Sweats rushed over with his hammer raised high. "I will have the power for myself!"
"You wish, you gray-skinned lackey!"
"Lackey! Those are fighting words, ol' boy!" Hypno threw cards at Meat Sweats which the pig retaliated by parrying the projectiles. Clash by clash. Destruction at every minute. Me and Leo were getting the civilians into the kitchen since the battle was taking more on the forefront. After double-checking if all the people were in one place, we sat on stage eating a Wagyu steak and watching two mutant villains beating the shit out of each other.
"I can't believe I'm saying this but... this steak is pretty good", Leo nibbled his piece.
"Better than pizza?" I asked, teasingly.
"How dare you. Nothing is better than pizza. Especially Hawaiian pizza!"
"Agree to disagree, Lee."
"Don't knock it 'til you try it, White Chocolate." He gave me a wink which I returned with a smirk. I miss this. It felt too long since we had our little dynamic. We've been tiptoeing around each other like we're surrounded by glass. "How long are we going to let them entertain us?" he asked, pointing his chin to Hypno summoning an army of bunnies to his opponent which Sweaty swatted about like they were pesky insects.
I shrugged. "It shouldn't be long until these two tire themselves out. Or until they use whatever brain cells they have left to see the big picture. You know whichever comes first. We might have time to enjoy dessert."
Leo leaned in close. I felt a wave of confidence emitting from him. His blue eyes were bluer underneath the spotlights. Without his mask, he was more mesmerizing with his twin crimson crescents in full view. I gulped heavily. "I was hoping to taste the Ramirez Special." My date caressed my cheek.
Oh... my...
I pulled him by his hips. "One Ramirez Special coming right up." our faces were closing in inch by inch. This night might just be...
My gaze shifted to something behind Leo. Fucking bitch. I grabbed Leo and dodged the surprise attack. I managed to land on a table knocking out some champagne flutes. "You little brats! You think using us to fulfill your boredom will satisfy you!" Hypno huffed.
"I don't care who has your powers! If we get to teach you a lesson, it's fine with me!" Meat Sweats was just as pissed. I frowned. The two villains were out of breath; not to mention out of shape. Well... we ate our meal. It's time to take out the trash.
"Don't blame us. You were too easy to manipulate." Cocky Lee; haven't seen it in a while. An endearing yet annoying trait. I laid Leo down on his feet.
"You know what... I think you overstayed your welcome", I said. "You can either walk through the door or my personal favorite out the window. Please pick the latter. I'm more than happy to through your fatasses out of this joint." I cracked my knuckles to emphasize my point.
Meat Sweats growled. "You think you can take us both when you haven't before? We can handle you without lifting a finger." I, again, shared a knowing look with my date. Leo stared; then, his lips quirked to a smirk.
"Our heads weren't in the game. Still is since we weren't expecting two villains to crash our date", Leo spoke. "Instead of beating the shit out of you, why not let you two take it out on each other. Makes our job easier."
Hypno stepped up with a long steel staff in hand. "We beat you once, surely we can do it again."
I scoffed with a cheeky grin. "Really? Wanna prove it?" I snapped my fingers. The shadows shifted in position taking shape and form in figures. Leo waved his hand. The shadows have a sword made of light. It sizzled in their grip. I grimaced. I felt the burn from Leo's light. I shoved the pain aside and refocused on the two terrified mutants. "If I were you, I'd start running. These shadows share my annoyance." The moment I snapped my fingers again, the shadows went into action.
The mutants never stood a chance. It wasn't long before the shadows threw both off the windows like they didn't weigh anything. Leo and I looked through the broken window. "Are they going to be okay?" Leo asked, worried. "They may be mutants, but they were human once."
I activated my eyes and zoomed in below. They both landed on a Jaguar. Ooh. That must've cost a pretty penny. Vitals showed their heartbeats running strong. "Eh, they're fine. They landed on someone's car. They better get moving before police show up... or the government. On second thought..." I snapped my fingers. The shadows dragged the bodies to a safe location.
That takes care of that.
The civilians gained consciousness leaving the kitchen along with the manager who looked like he was about to blow a gasket. "My restaurant! It's a disaster! YOU!" he glared at us. He stomped over to give hell. "This is all your fault! You... you... and th-th-that FREAK!" he pointed an accusing finger to Leo. The red-eared slider shook in fear at the angry man.
I blocked the manager's path. "Excuse me! You don't get to talk shit to my date! Without us, this restaurant – no, this hotel – will be under their influence! You should be thanking us!"
The manager released a mocked chuckle. "Thanking you? For wrecking this esteemed establishment?! I should've called the police the moment I saw you walk in. No one in their mind would court a disgusting creature at that thing behind you!" I growled. Fucking asshole didn't show us any gratitude.
Before I retaliated, Leo ran out the restaurant doors. My anger boiled. I grabbed the manager's collar and pulled him toward the gaping window. His body dipped dangerously close to the edge. Whatever anger was left in the manager quickly evaporated replacing it with utter fear. "Give me one FUCKING good reason why I shouldn't drop your pathetic ass right now!"
His mouth quivered. He couldn't speak. His hands raised not connecting to my gripping hand. "...p-p-please... have mercy... I-I-I didn't mean anything by it! Don't kill me! Is it money? I'll give you money! Any price you! I'll give it to you! Just please don't kill me!" He shouldn't be apologizing to me; he should be apologizing to Leo! Thinking about it more made me want to let go of the groveling man.
A hand was placed on my shoulder. "Merrill... I'll handle this", I heard Courtney say. I sighed as I pulled the man to safety.
"At least let me pay the damages. In a way, it's kind of my fault", I offered, but Courtney didn't want none of it.
"I can handle damage control along with bribing Mr. Charles. You should get out while you still can."
"All right. Thanks, Court. I owe you one."
"Thank me later. Go after him!" Courtney ordered. I nodded and ran after Leo. I knew I had no chance of taking the elevator since it was already closed off. My best offer was to take the stairs.
I burst through the metal door. I hopped over each staircase with a giant jump. I crashed against a wall after jumping the fifth or sixth staircase. I just shook it off and kept going. My concerns were about Leo. I needed to get to him soon.
I hope he didn't get far.