Walking the Tight Rope
Not too long after the brawl at the bar, Crystal came down followed by Lilac. She hears laughter at the bar and see's Angel, Husk, and Jesse drinking and having laughs with each others stories.
Husk: The look on his face when I showed off my royal flush. Tried to claim I cheated and I was like, "No, you're just shit out of luck." haha! You a poker player, playboy?
Jesse: Nah, I'm more of a Blackjack and Liars Dice, guy.
Angel: Please, those games are child's play, Red.
Jesse: Ha! Try me, bitch.
Crystal: Hey guys, what's up?
Jesse: Oh, hey sister! Don't mind us, just having some drinks after a brutal fight and a few laughs.
Crystal: Awww man! Really? Wish I was there to help.
Angel: We certainly could have used the extra arms.
Jesse: I did record a performance that these two blokes did. *points to Angel and Husk*
Crystal: *starry eyes* Show me show me show me!!!
She immediately sits down with them while Jesse puts on the video for them to watch.
Angel: Who knew you had moves, Pussy Cat.
Husk: You've certainly got better performance skills then I thought.
Crystal: Jesse, please send me that. And on another note, Husk! A small serving of red wine please.
Husk: You got it, kid. *pours a glass*
Jesse: *texting on his phone* Already sent!
Crystal: Thank you both.
Angel: Hey, Red. Sorry about calling you a hybrid demon punk.
Jesse: *attempting to hide his sorrow* Ah, it's mate. People say mean shit to me all the time. *sips some liquor*
Husk: Buddy, I said I know you by now. I can see through the persona. He clearly got to you with that.
The three of them look at Jesse who was trying to hold a normal smile, but it falters and he sighs, dropping his head.
Jesse: It wasn't the demon punk that bothered me. Just the hybrid bit.
Crystal: *sips wine* You're not happy with what you are?
Jesse: Not when it's caused me so much trouble in the past.
Angel: What happened?
Crystal: Hold on Angel, it's a touchy subject. Maybe we shouldn't-
Husk: *calmly* Shut the fuck up. Let him vent.
They all listen as they face Jesse. He pulls out his duel neck and plays a soft tune as he talks.
Jesse: A couple years ago, when I was just entering adulthood I believe. I started exploring Hell on my own. Unfortunately, others didn't take too kindly to me being a hybrid. Especially since I'm a hybrid of two of the lowest species in hell. A sinner and a hell hound. I was beaten and attacked a lot with those words hitting me hard.
Husk: Damn, that's fucked up.
Crystal: *pats Jesse's back*
Angel: Is this why you were worried about me?
Jesse: Yeah. You were going down the same path I did. I fell to drug addiction to take my mind off it. If only I knew it would make me even more fucked up. How naïve I was.
Crystal hugs him to comfort while Angel and Husk look with sympathy.
Crystal: I'm sorry you've gone through that. What happened then?
Jesse: The pressure got to me and I caved in. I eventually told my parents about my issues and they were there to comfort me. Afterwards they helped me check into rehab.
Angel: At least you managed to get the help you needed.
Jesse: It also changed my life for the better in more ways then one.
Husk: Really? I know rehab can help, but not that much. *sips a bottle*
Angel: Yeah, how exactly did this change your life "in more way then one"?
Jesse: It's how I met my girlfriend. In a way, we helped each other make it through. She's who helped encourage me to start my music career.
Crystal: Aww, she sounds sweet.
Jesse: She's the best. And eventually I met you guys too.
Angel: We've got your back, Red.
Husk: Through and through.
They both raise their drinks and sip them down.
Crystal: While we're on the subject.... when are you gonna introduce meeeee? I really want to meet her. Pleasssse??? *gives puppy eyes*
Jesse: Haha, sorry but we had an agreement to not tell anyone who the other is.
Crystal: Dang it! Finnnneee.
Jesse: You'll meet her some day. I guarantee it.
They all have a hearty chuckle before they notice Jesse in thought about something.
Angel: You okay, Red? You don't need to worry about your past anymore.
Jesse: It's not that. It's about this.
He takes off the Vox tech watch and sets it on the counter.
Crystal: Oh right, that.
Jesse: The Vee's are offering us a position of power with them. It seemed tempting at first. But after seeing how Val treats Angel, not to mention Vox's need for money, it really got us second guessing ourselves.
Angel: ... I see. So what's your decision.
Crystal: You're, not mad at us?
Angel: I may hate working with Val, but you two have something that I don't. A choice.
Husk: As for me, I couldn't give two shits what you guys decide. I'm just here for moral support.
Jesse looks down, deep in thought. Crystal thought about it too. The two shared a look as though they knew they were thinking the same thing. The two nod.
Jesse: We'll let them know at their next meeting.
Husk: When's that?
They watch lights up and vibrates, the screen showing a text from Vox that reads "Meeting tonight at Vee Tower. Don't be late.".
Jesse: Now.
Jesse and Crystal spend a bit more time with the boys and finish their drinks before heading out. They soon enough arrive at Vee Tower and look upon the size of it.
Crystal: You think Vox and or Val are overcompensating for something?
Jesse: *snickers* I'd bet on that.
The two head inside and enter the main lobby. They look around to see no one in particular. One of the camera's zooms in on them before sparks fly and a bold of electricity shoots out of it with Vox standing before them, tall and proud.
Vox: Jesse! Crystal! Glad you could make it! Welcome to Vee Tower, what could be your potential headquarters of work in the near future with yours truly!
Jesse: Not gonna lie, the interior is quite impressive.
Crystal: So much life in this one area alone.
Vox: Haha, if you think this is impressive, wait till you see the rest of the building. Allow me to give you the tour!
He leads them through the lobby and to the elevator, heading up.
Vox: I personally think you two will make fine additions to the team. I've heard about Jesse's musical talents and I'm sure he'll be a big hit in the music industry.
Jesse: Crystal performs with me on occasion actually.
Crystal: Yeah, we're a team on and off the stage. Though I will probably be more busy working with Velvette.
Vox: Ah yes, Velvette certainly seems to have taken a liking to your talents. I have no doubt that you'll impress her with your work, ma'am. Speaking of which.
The elevator opens up in Velvette's studio where she's looking over some dress ideas that were presented to her.
Velvette: Hm, no! Eww! Burn it! This one is alright, but switch the colors around. Oooh, I love this one, good work! This one isn't half bad, but out of season unfortunately.
Vox: Velvette! How's our resident fashionista?
Velvette: *facing away* Fine, as always. Things around here are simply peachy. You know the only trouble I have to deal with are your boy toy throwing a fit and the occasional talentless bitch.
Velvette turned around and was struck with glee seeing Crystal and Jesse.
Velvette: *hugs Crystal* Crystal, darling! Good to see you! *shakes Jesse's hand* Jesse, holding up well I hope. How've you two been?
Jesse: Eh, you know. Working at the hotel and helping our friends out.
Crystal: They love my pastries. *smiles*
Velvette: Haha, enthusiastic joy, I love it! I've already got a few outfit ideas I could use a second opinion on. *shows dress pictures on phone* Maybe later you could model a few for me, darling?
Crystal: Oooh, I'd love to!
Velvette: Great! Though, you might want to loose the hat for these. They don't exactly-
Crystal: *sternly* The hat stays on!
Velvette: *taken aback* Uh, excuse me?
Crystal: You heard me, the hat stays on.
Jesse: Oh right, she's a bit touchy about her head.
Crystal: I don't like showing my horns, that's all. If I'm gonna model, my only condition is that I either wear a hat of some kind, or I fix my hair to cover my horns. Understood?
Velvette stood there, staring at her for a bit. She slowly smiled warmly and nodded.
Velvette: Done! I like you, it's nice to meet a model who can stand up for herself for once.
Crystal: *blushes* Oh uh, thank you.
Vox: Okay, as nice as this is, we do have a meeting to get to, and we don't want to keep Val waiting. So, let's be off!
They all head to the elevator and head down to the meeting room where Valentino was pacing back and forth. He noticed them and walks over.
Valentino: Took you long enough!
Vox: Sorry for the wait, Velvette and Crystal were talking business.
Valentino looks to Crystal and smiles. Crystal shifts nervously.
Valentino: Ah, Crystal. You seem like a lovely young lady. I'm sure you've got plenty of eyes on you, Chica Diablo.
Jesse didn't like where he was going and quickly steps in between with a kind smile.
Jesse: Before you try anything, mate. She has no interest in that line of business and neither do I.
Valentino: *blows smoke* Aww, what a pity. It is nice to finally make your acquaintances though, Chica. Yours as well, Zorro.
Jesse: *forced smile* Charmed.
Velvette: Alright, introductions out of the way! Let's get this show on the road!
They all sit down while Vox remains standing.
Vox: Alright, so it seems Velvette and Crystal have their plans already, so we'll focus on you Jesse.
Jesse: *rests legs on the table with arms behind his head* I'm listening.
Vox: So, after your turf war with that serpent, Sir Pentious, you and your friend here ended up garnering a reputation for yourselves.
Velvette: You were all the rage post extermination.
Valentino: Plenty of fans, some friendly and others thirsty I'm sure.
Vox: So we thought, why not let you guys capitalize on it? Velvette takes Crystal in to her modeling business. Selling plenty of fashion and magazine covers. And you, Jesse. Think about it. *wraps an arm around his shoulder* The most famous Rockstar in all of Hell! You'll be all over television!
Jesse: Eh, I'm more of a radio guy.
Vox held a smile as his face glitched slightly upon hearing that. He continued.
Vox: Anyway, you'll have plenty to do. Albums, concerts, merchandise, tours, galas, you'll be the biggest hit in Hell's music industry since Verosika Mayday! And we'll be happy to provide the funding for all of it. So, what do you say, guys? You two in?
Jesse and Crystal look to each other and nod. Jesse stands up smiling.
Jesse: Well, we thought about it...
Vox: Yeeesss...
Jesse: And thought about it...
Valentino: Go on~
Jesse: And thought about it...
Velvette: Just get to the fucking point.
Jesse: And we decided Vox... That you can FUCK OFF!!!
Vox: YES that's what I like to... I'm sorry what?
Velvette: *surprised* Pardon?
Valentino: Excuse me?! *stands up angrily and approaches him* Do you have any idea who we are?!
Jesse: *stands up and slams his palms on the table, facing Val* I'll tell you who I'm talking to!!! *to Val* Some pickle headed drongo who can't even control his agro! Not to mention hurts OUR friends! So you can take this offer and shove it, Val! Though you'd probably like that!
Valentino was fuming and snaps his cigarette stick.
Vox: Now hold on there-
Jesse: *to Vox* You! I can see right through that fragile OLED screen! You're doing this for your own personal profit! Well sorry, but cash isn't what I'm here for! I'm not a sellout like you are!
Vox listened with anger while his face started to buffer.
Jesse: *to Velvette* And you! *Velvette looks up from her phone* .... Honestly, you're all right.
Velvette: *shrugs and smiles while heading off* Well, I think you guys can handle it from here, peace out, bitches!
Jesse: Anyway, sorry to you two, but you loose! Good day to you lot!
Jesse takes off the watch and crushes it in his palm before walking off. Crystal sticks her tongue out at them and follows Jesse. Vox and Val watched with anger.
Valentino: I swear if I get my hands on him, he's gonna regret turning us down and bad mouthing us like that! Does he even know who I am!? I'm Valentino! The sexiest pimp in the city! *tosses a chair* I swear, he's fucked! I'm gonna fuck him so hard that-
Valentino rants on and on while Vox watches the elevator go up with a look of anger.
Vox: Jesse, you just ended up behind Alastor on my list.
Back in the lobby, Velvette and Jesse were on their way out.
Jesse: Whew! Felt good to finally vent that out to those assholes.
Crystal: That was awesome, Jesse! Although, I don't think I'll be able to work with Velvette now after that.
Velvette: Guess again, sweetheart!
The two look to see Velvette leaning against the wall by the door with a wide smile.
Velvette: Sure, you're not joining us. Can't say I blame you, I don't like working with these shit heads either. But hey, they give me the funding's for my business. But there is nothing preventing you from working for one of us individually. And personally between us, *whispers* I like to play by my own rules occasionally.
Jesse: Haha, I love your style, sheila!
Crystal: *smiles with starry eyes* OMG! Yes! This is great! Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Velvette: No problem. And don't worry about the boys. If they have a problem with it, they can take it up with me.
Crystal: So, I guess I'll see you Monday?
Velvette: You know it! I'll see you then!
Velvette kisses her cheek and pats her head before walking off. Crystal holds her cheek where she was kissed while blushing. Jesse smirks at her.
Jesse: *sing songy voice* Someone's got a crush~
Crystal: Shut up or I'll get Niffty! It just took me by surprise, okay? And I'm not kidding about Niffty either!
Jesse: Okay woah, calm your agro, sister. No need to get Niffty involved. *laughs* It was kinda cute though.
Crystal: Yeah yeah. *giggles* Let's go home. If you drop this now, I'll make your favorite tonight
Jesse: Okay, fine. Though seriously, if she does make anymore moves .... I'll leave that for you to handle.
Crystal: I guess we will just have to wait and see. C'mon, let's go home. *heads out the door*
Jesse: Don't have to tell me twice. I've got some music I want to play! *follows*
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