CHAPTER 9: REWIND

💠JUST FRIENDS💠
THIRD PERSON P. O. V

PICTURE IS TONY

As Vincent stood there frozen with humiliation, he didn't know what to do. He turned and coming down the hallway was Julian. Julian was confused about what was happening and what the crowd was about. He had gone to have a conversation with coach and was returning to see a commotion, but then his eyes landed on Vincent's. He looked at the boy who was drenched in God knows what and his heart stopped as Vincent stared at him with shame.

Oh fuck. He thought.

The next thing he could think of doing was snatching the phones of the people who had them out and were laughing at his best friend. This was all wrong. All of this was. Regardless of what happened, Vincent was his friend, his soulmate and this was happening to him because of....him.

"Stop fucking recording!" He yelled. "PUT YOUR FUCKING PHONES AWAY!" He angrily roared and the students who still had their phones began doing so. Of course they did, no one wanted to be on Julian Decker's bad side.

His eyes went back to the boy and it softened, he wanted to protect him. And so, he walked to Vincent and just before he could touch him, Vincent retreated, moving away from him like he was some plague and in those eyes were conflicting thoughts which Julian saw.

Vincent didn't trust him anymore.

He could see that in the eyes of the boy and it broke his heart that this was what it had become.

Vincent turned and began to walk away, his new friends were also confiscating some phones. Tae approached him and before he could speak, Vincent walked past him.

"V." Tae called but he didn't respond, embarrassed.

"We didn't know." Katherine, the school witch as she was called said as she went to him but he said nothing to her and just walked. 

Julian knew the boy shouldn't be by himself. This was humiliating. He shifted his gaze at Xander who was laughing and all he wanted to do was punch the boy in the mouth.

"Tae," Katherine called as Tae began to head out. "He shouldn't be alone." She said and Tae nodded, rushing out.

I was about to go after him as well when Katherine blocked my path, glaring at me with so much hatred that she could muster. "Don't even think about it."

"You said it yourself, he can't be alone."

"That's why he has his friend going after him. An actual friend. Not what you think you are to him."

"You don't think I did this."

"I don't know actually but do you know what I know you did? You abandoned your friend when he needed you the most and you let the opinions of others dictate your actions for you even when you knew what was right. Anyone would rather be dead than have you to call a friend because you abuse that title." She snarled. "I don't want to see you around him ever again."

"You don't tell me what to do, Katherine."

Katherine scoffed. "I always thought you were different from the other boys but I guess you just wear your mask so well, I fell for it. Newsflash, Katherine; you're just as bad as them. Worse. And you're a follower, who would have thought? A sheep." Katherine was full of anger and she was ready to use her words to hurt Julian's conscience and was it working?

Yes. It was.

Julian swallowed hard, her words hitting him like a slap across the face. "I didn't mean to hurt him. I made a mistake.

"Oooohhhh, you made more than a mistake, Julian. You fucked up the timeline, you fucking cunt." She hissed at him and turned to the crowd. "FUCKING FUCK OFF! If I see that video on any of your profiles, I'll fuck you up so bad, you'll slit your wrists and drown in your blood. Fucking try me." She said and stormed off.

Julian stood there, his head ringing. He knew she was right and everything she had said was fact, but hearing someone say it to him point black was different than him saying it to himself.

"Don't listen to that half witch." Xander said, appearing by his side and placing his hand on Julian's shoulder. A rush of anger took over Julian as Xander tried to play it off as nothing. This was all Xander's fault. He had to have done this. He was a master manipulator and a cunt after-all.

Julian shoved Xander's arm off his shoulder. He gripped Xander by the throat and pushed him backwards, slamming him against a locker and alerting the students who were already departing to their classes.

"Put your phones away!" Luciana shouted at the students before they could think about it. "And don't even think of taking them out." She warned. "Julian, what are you doing?"

Julian tightened his grip angrily while Xander struggled to pull his hand off. "You fucking sly. Listen carefully to my words, if you ever try to harm Vincent ever again, so help you God, I will kill you. Don't fucking fuck with him and you best know not to try and fuck with me because if you get on my bad side, I'll let everyone know just how much of a piece of shit you really are. Do you understand me or do I need to beat it into you?"

"Julian, let him go." Luciana said.

Xander's eyes widen as he stared at the new monster in-front of him, glaring at him with murderous eyes that made his blood run cold. "I-I understand." He stammered, his voice barely audible. The air was heavy with tension as Julian's words hung like a sword ready to strike Xander at any moment. The confident bad boy everyone was wary of had been reduced in an instant to a trembling mess.

"Good." He said and let him go. Xander began to cough as he rubbed his throat, his face red. As Julian began to walk away, Lu reached for him but he pulled his hand away and stormed off as well.

"What did you fucking do?" Lu asked as she approached Xander.

Xander cleared his throat. "Nothing. I just did what we talked about."

💠➿💠
LU's HOUSE

"I thought I made it clear to you to not cause a scene." Lu said, her gaze fixed on her reflection as she held the yellow dress against her body, assessing its fit for the evening ahead.

Xander's voice crackled through the phone, which lay on Lu's bed. "You did say to make him miserable, though."

Lu's response was laced with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "I meant subtly, Xander. Not by announcing your involvement in the scandal to Julian himself." Lu carelessly discarded the yellow dress onto her bed and snatched up a bold red one from the pink chair, holding it against her body to assess the fit.

"Whatever." Xander huffed.

"And now you've been reported to the principal for your cruelty to a fellow student."

"That fucking faggot."

"Language, Xander. You know that's offensive." Lu said as she took off her blouse and put on the dress.

"Don't act like you care."

"I don't but still," Lu shrugged.  "I'm an activist, it says so on my instagram bio so I have to play the part." She smiled. "However, that fucking whore deserved what he got. He's been a pest and he needed to be reminded of what he was. Nothing."

"So, I did a good job then."

"You did. He looked so miserable, it was fun to see. Now, we don't even need to do much. Everybody loves me at school, the others will carry on for us."

"Good then. You're going to help me, right? With the principal?"

Lu pouted. "Well, I'll see what I can do. But that would mean you owe me again."

"That's not fair."

"Nothing in this world is fair, Xander. And besides, it's not my fault you were sloppy enough to get caught by Julian. You couldn't just keep your narcissism to yourself and act like you weren't involved." Lu said as she began trying out a black stiletto heel of hers.

Xander remained quiet.

"Anyways, I have a date with Julian and I'm gonna try to get him to forgive you for being stupid and be buddies with you again. Just don't talk too much and only do what I tell you to do. You know you're a nobody without Julian, right?"

Xander said nothing.

Lu's smirk faltered as she turned back to the mirror, only to meet Julian's furious gaze staring back at her. She spun around, her heart racing with surprise and fear, as if his reflection had come to life.

"Julian!" Her heart raced, but she had to maintain her composure, so she forced a smile on her face. "H-Hi. I didn't know you were coming." She said as she moved closer to him.

"Your maid let me in."

"Oh!" Lu glanced at her phone to see Xander had already hung up as she approached Julian. Once she got to him, she leaned in to kiss Julian, but he pulled away.

He didn't hear any of that, did he?

"What's wrong?" She asked. "Are you still mad about what Xander did? Ugh. You know how unreasonable he can be." She said, placing her hands on his chest. "I'm sure he didn't mean any harm, he's your friend by the way." She said, her hand moving to rub the side of his face.

Julian said nothing, he just stared at her.

Lu gulped as she turned around and walked to the red dress. "Anyways, I am having trouble picking out a dress for our date tonight. Do you like the red or the yellow?"

"Tell me something, Lu."

"Hm?"

"How long have you and Xander been plotting against Vincent?" Julian's voice was laced with anger.

Lu froze. Her heart suddenly racing as it dawned on her that he indeed had heard what she had said on the phone with Xander.

She wondered how much he had heard. 

"W-What do you mean?"

"Don't play stupid with me, Lu. You've done that long enough, the least you could do is be honest."

Lu nervously chuckled. "Honestly, babe. I don't understand what you are talking about." She said, feigning ignorance which only seemed to fuel Julian's anger.

"For fuck sake, Lu, don't take me for an idiot. I mean I clearly was since I didn't see how sick and twisted you are. I was so stupid not to see how much of a manipulating person you have been this entire time!" Julian's voice was slowly rising, you could hear the anger in his voice. "And now, here I am standing like a fool and wondering how I fucking fell in love with such a person in the first place."

Lu dropped her dress, her chest heaving with rage. "Julian....you don't mean that."

"Have you always been such a snake? Huh? Going around and manipulating every fucking person around you?!"

Lu's eyes widened, her mouth opening to say something but she had no defense

"Go ahead! Lie."

"Stop it!" She snapped.  "Your best friend pushed me into the pool, you saw that! Everybody did."

"Did we? Or did we just hear you cry about it and take your words for it?"

Lu had no answer.

"You know I actually did love you and every-time Vince tried to tell me how much of a conniving witch you were, and not just Vincent, everyone else who murmured in the hallways at school, I'd shove it off. I would say 'she's amazing, get to know her' or 'they don't know what they're talking about, I know her.' Stupid me." Julian shrugged. "Apparently, I didn't. I was the stupid and blind one. All you wanted to do was hurt him because you are fucking sick upstairs."

"He was going to take you from me!!" Lu yelled, her face twisted in a snarl. "It was always Vincent this and Vincent that! Every fucking time and I hated it!" She yelled, her mask shattering and revealing her true self. "And he was always around! Taking your time when I'm the one you're dating! Me! ! It felt like we were three in this relationship and I fucking hated it!"

"Before you, there was Vincent! There was always Vincent!"

"He is fucking in love with you! Don't you fucking see if?? I fear that one day he's going to take you away from me! I mean the world is fucking turning gay! The gays are taking over and he has more history with you than I do so yes, he's a fucking threat and I hate how he looks at you and how he smiles at you! I hate everything about that fucking faggot!"

"Enough!!" Julian sneered, startling her.

Julian scoffed, his face was one of revulsion. He was disgusted with her and she had finally spilled it all out. She breathed heavily, realizing she had fucked up but kept her composure as she kept eye contact with him.

Julian gave a small nod. "You know standing here I'm more mad at myself because I've realized how much of a fool I've been. Loving you and thinking you had my best interest at heart."

"But I do." She said, walking towards him and holding his hand. Her heart thumping as she feared she might lose the man she loved.

Julian pulled his hand away from hers. "No, you didn't. Everything you've done has only been for yourself. No one else. You're a self centered, conniving being and you might have everything in the world but you'll always be poor at heart and that hole you feel in your chest would never be filled because of no one else but you."

While Lu stared at him, listening to the hurtful things he said. She couldn't find the words for she feared her voice would betray her with a crack.

"You know It makes total sense how you don't have a friend you can trust. A true friend asides the ones who follow you around!" Julian stretched his hands apart. "It's because you can't deal with the fact that someone doesn't worship you or answer to you. You have to control them. I had a friend, one I could call my friend and you took that away from me because you don't understand what friendship is, you don't understand it's values because you never had it and could never."

Julian's words pierced Lu's heart like a dagger, the truthfulness a bitter pill to swallow. Her eyes were welled up with tears, threatening to overflow as she fought to contain her emotions. The pain of being exposed, of being seen for who she truly was hurt, but the pain of realizing the truth as he spoke it to her, who she really was, was almost too much to bear.

Lu's facade had crumbled, and she was powerless to stop it. The tears she had held back for so long now seemed ready to flood forth, a torrent of regret and sorrow that would wash away her carefully constructed mask.

Her lips trembled. "I love you, Julian."

"I don't think I can do this right now." Julian replied, his voice was as cold as ice, his words dripping with disdain. "Being together has been the worst mistake of my life; it seems."

Lu's heart froze, her world spinning in chaos. "W-What are you saying?" She stuttered, her voice barely audible.

"It's over, Lu. I can't be with someone who schemes all the time and who I can't trust. What's the difference between dating you and being with a den of snakes?"

Lu was hurt. Her eyes went red as she feared for the worst. She held him by the hand, her heart racing. "You can't break up with me, Julian. We're everything and I love you. I'm sorry, just give me one more chance to make this right. I just got carried away and...and I wasn't thinking."

"You sure weren't." Julian brutally replied. "It's over. I don't believe you're gonna change either. You've hurt Vincent and put a target on his back. Make it right and fix it." Julian said and stormed out. Lu followed behind him, begging him as they walked down the stairs and he just walked right out.

Lu felt shattered, like her world had just crumbled as she watched Julian walk out angrily. An anger she had never seen before from her boyfriend, well....ex now.

Tears cascaded down Lu's face, her body shaking with sobs as she watched Julian disappear from view. "Don't leave me!" she whispered, her voice cracking with despair. But it was too late. He was gone. With a fierce cry, Lu scrubbed away her tears and turned back to the stairs, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination.

Her grief slowly turned into venom as she clenched her fist thinking of the culprit behind her heartbreak. "You'll pay, Vincent," she hissed, her voice dripping with malevolence.

💠➿💠

NIGHT

TONY's HOUSE.

Tony walked to his fridge and opened it, taking out a bottle of vodka that had been drank halfway. He placed it on the counter and rested his hands on the counter in silence. He looked at Alfred and shifted his gaze to me.  "Well, if you're both going to stay in my house tonight, I should know what the hell is going on."

Tae sighed tiredly. "I'm gonna go take a shower too and change my clothes, and then maybe I'll tell you."

"Okay." Tony responded, his eyes trailing back to Alfred. Tae caught that, he frowned a bit as he looked at Alfred who was also looking at the bartender.  Once Alfred noticed Tae was looking at him, he cleared his throat.

"Do you want me to stay the night or head back?" He questioned.

"You could stay. My car's still at school anyways." And with that, Tae headed for Tony's room.

Alfred waited till his young boss was gone before turning to Tony who was still looking at him. "Can you try not to make it so obvious that we know each other?"

"Know each other?" Tony's brow arched. "I've seen you naked, love." He smirked.

Alfred tensed and turned to make sure his boss wasn't listening. "Do you need a microphone to tell the entire neighborhood that we've fucked? Or better still, get on instagram live."

Tony chuckled. "What are you so afraid of? Your boss finding out we're fucking or what? And even if he did, so what? We are adults and he's a teenager."

"We only explored each other's bodies once or twice, Tony. It wasn't anything special." Alfred said as he opened the bottle of vodka. "Glasses?"

Tony smirked and took out two small glasses, placing them on the table. Alfred poured some of the vodka into the glasses.

"It wasn't once or twice, Al. It was four times."

"Four mistakes."

"Sure." Tony snickered while Alfred rolled his eyes and picked up his glass, taking a sip.

Tony walked over to Alfred and placed a hand around his waist. "I've missed you. You haven't returned my calls." He said, his hands lowering to grab Alfred's firm ass in his hands.

"You would think that would give a hint for you to stop calling."

"The last time that happened, you showed up at my door and asked me to fuck you."

Alfred said nothing, gulping. "It was a bad day." He finally said.

"You know I can't resist you when you're all dressed in that suit of yours. You're such a sexy man." Tony said and kissed Alfred's neck.

"Tony." Alfred pulled himself away from Tony's grip. "My boss is here and I am not sure he would appreciate his old friend fucking his bodyguard."

"Oh, so I'm old now?"

"You're not exactly his age mate. You know people would find this weird and inappropriate for a teenager to be coming to a man's house."

"Because I'm his safe space." Tony shrugged. "My house is."

"That's exactly why I don't want him knowing we sleep with each other. You're his safe space and I don't want to ruin that for him. So, we remain strangers and stop looking at me with those i want to fuck you eyes when he's here, please. He's a smart kid, he'll find out if you're not careful."

Tony bit his bottom lip. "I love how you just tell me what to do. It's so fucking hot and bossy."

Alfred sighed, frustrated. "You never take anything serious."

"Do you know what I wanna do now?" Tony asked as he moved closer to Alfred, who shifted his body posture and rested on the kitchen counter, his eyes never leaving Tony.

"I can take a few guesses." He responded, his eyes wandering around Tony's bare chest.

"I just want to show you how much I've missed your fucking body." Tony said as he pressed himself against Alfred, wrapping his arms around him.

"I think I can tell." Alfred whispered. "I can feel your junk harden against me." He said and gripped Tony's dick hard, tightening this grip.

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Okay, okay, fine!" Tony said, backing away until Alfred let him go.  Alfred picked up his glass and gulped it, trying to also relive himself and not show he also wanted Tony just as bad.

"So," Tony walked to the cabinet and took out some ramen. "What happened?"

"Actually, I don't know." Alfred sighed. "But whatever it was, it broke that other boy."

"Vincent?"

"How do you know him?"

"They've come by once."

"Tae brought a boy here to fuck?"

"I don't think they did it. They were three actually, and another girl. That boy Vincent, he's as innocent as they come."

"He has the looks."

"He's sweet too. If Tae's brought him here twice then he cares for that boy."  Tony said as he placed a pot on the stove and turned on the gas.

"What do you wanna make?"

"Some ramen. Wanna help?"

"I'm a guest so no."

"Touché. I've got one chopstick, you can have it instead." Tony said and winked at Alfred.

"Should I say thank you?"

"Well, yes." Tony scoffed. "But you can thank me another way, you know?"

"How?" Alfred cocked his brow.

"By kissing me." Tony beamed.

"No." Alfred said and took off his suit jacket.

"Oh." Tony grinned. "We're doing it here?"

"Shut up. What help do you need from me in making the ramen?" Alfred said, specifying before Tony twisted his words.

"Nothing, my prince. Just sit and let me do everything. I don't want you also messing up my cooking."

"Shut up." Alfred huffed and sat down, crossing his legs and watching the shirtless man cook, but what he watched more was the man's muscular back.

💠➿💠

THE LOCKHARTS' HOUSE

Julian was looking at the house across his car which he was sat in. He was nervous to get out and walk into the house he had always been welcomed to. He felt so much hate for himself at this moment as he thought about how much his friend needed him and he wasn't there. Vincent had always been there for him and he knew Vincent like a book, he would have never done what Lu had accused him of but yet, he didn't take his best friend's side.

Julian got out of the car and nervously made his way to Vincent's house as he thought of a million things to say and apologize for. He should have been here earlier but he had thought to give the boy some thinking space too.

As Julian got to Vincent's door, he stopped and took in a deep breath before knocking on the door softly, preparing for the worst. He knocked again and seconds later, the door opened revealing Victor who was in a black T-shirt and some shorts.

"Julian? Hey, man." Victor greeted. "Come on in." He invited as he walked back in, leaving the door open for Julian.

Victor warmly inviting Julian in made Julian realize Victor probably didn't know about what had transpired earlier or that he and Vincent weren't as close as they used to be.

Julian walked in, closing the door behind him gently and followed Victor to the kitchen. Victor was cooking something and the aroma had filled the house.

"It's been a while you came around, hasn't it?"

"Uh, yeah." Julian replied.

"What's been going on with you?" Victor asked as he walked to his steaming pot and began stirring.

Julian shrugged. "Nothing. Uh, it's been....actually, shit has been a bit too messy."

"You're in high school, shit is bound to be messy." Victor said as he closed the pot.

"Uh, is Vincent in? I need to um....see him."

"Vince?" Victor turned to him with a little frown. "He's not home, yet. Didn't you text him to know if he'd be home or not? He's got other friends now, so you are a little free from his clutches." He teased.

Julian forced a smile. "Yeah." He gave a small nod. "He's not back home, huh?"

"No. Why? Did something happen?" Victor's face became extremely serious.

He didn't know.  Julian wondered what he was to say. Was he to spill the truth to his brother? Maybe Victor was testing him to know if he would tell him everything that happened to his brother.

"Don't tell me you both are fighting." Victor cocked a brow and Julian's eyes widen. "Oh, come on. You guys better reconcile cause you can't live without each other. You're practically brothers, just different families and races."

Julian chuckled slightly. "Right."

He was right.

"You and Vince are two peas in a pod, you'll both be okay." Victor smiled. "But tell me, is Vincent okay?"

"How do you mean?"

"When I drove him to school today, there was just....something off with him. You know when you know someone is keeping something from you that is weighing them down? Yeah, that's how it felt."

"Did you talk to him about it?"

Victor sighed. "You know Vincent. When that stupid brother of mine got something bothering him, he'd rather not say and want to handle it himself. He never wants to inconvenient anyone."

Julian smiled.. "Always thinking about others first."

"True, and he's not answering my calls either." Victor sighed. "I worry about him. He's always studying and he didn't use to do any fun activities, nothing. I didn't want the years to pass him by and all he would remember in his teenage years was being stuck in his room reading one book or the other."

"I guess he feels like he can change everything once he accomplishes his goal."

"Thankfully, these two friends of his seem very fun and he's been going out more. Like, look, it's literally late and he's not back. I might love that for him a bit. I just hope he doesn't get too distracted."

"I don't think it's in the cards for him. He has a goal and once he's set one, he makes sure to reach it." Julian smiled again.

"A smart boy." Victor smiled as well. "Shoot, my food. You should stay for dinner." Victor said as he walked back to the pot.

Julian looked around the house he hadn't been in, in a while. The memories began to flash in his head as he looked around. The memory of little him and Vincent running around the house playing with water guns. The memory of him and Vincent eating together on the floor while playing my cards at ten and how Vincent always won him at chess. He was always a smart one.

The memory of them celebrating Vincent's birthday with his family and how Vincent's mother fed him. How they troubled Victor a lot and how they studied together.

His eyes welled with tears despite the smile on his face as the memories flooded his mind. "Uh, I'm gonna go. I guess I'll see Vincent in school tomorrow." Julian said as he began to leave.

"You're not staying for dinner?" Victor asked but Julian said nothing and exited the house.

Victor stared at the door the boy had walked out through and he knew his intuition was right. Something was wrong and he wondered what it was.

Julian walked over to his car, his chest heavy as he realized how much he had truly failed his friend. He kicked his car tires out of anger, grunting as he did so until he could finally breathe once the anger found its way to a tiny corner.  He opened the car door and sat in, resting his head on the steering for a few seconds before driving away.

And standing at the slightly opened door of the Lockharts' house was Victor, watching the scene before him with folded arms.

While Julian drove, a memory flashed in his head.

Flashback

"Julian, can you please stop singing that off-key song? I'm trying to focus on this book," Vincent said, exasperated.

Julian dropped onto the bed beside him, grinning mischievously. "What's wrong, don't you love my Glee-inspired serenade?"

Vincent rolled his eyes and flipped him off. "You're tone-deaf, Julian. You sound like a deer getting eaten."

"Fuck you, Vincent."

Vincent smirked as he went back to reading.

"What are you reading?" Julian asked as he dropped on his bed, laying beside Vincent.

Vincent sighed. "This chemistry textbook, I'm trying to download some equations into my brain."

"Chemistry?" Julian gave him a look. "Are you insane."

"You're the one who is insane. Unlike you, I've only ever gotten straight As."

As they bantered, Julian snatched the book from Vincent's hands, sparking a playful tug-of-war. Julian successful placed the book under him and laid on it.

"You know I hate you."

"You're at my house for no study group reading shit, Vincent."

Vincent rolled his eyes.

Finally, Julian asked, "Hey, are you scared about us going to different colleges?"

Vincent's gaze drifted to the ceiling, his voice laced with vulnerability. "That's not what scares me actually."

"So what does then?"

"I guess what scares me is that we might become strangers someday. That our memories will fade into the past."

Julian could sense the little bits of fear in Vincent's eyes as he spoke about it. His expression softened. "I doubt that would happen. You and I are practically soulmates and have been through so much together."

"Yeah, but what if something happens? I mean we are complete opposites anyways."

"Well," Julian smiled. "Regardless, I don't think that could happen. I know we are in high-school now but I know I'd be devastated too if our friendship ended. However, I promise that won't happen."

"You can't promise that." Vincent huffed.

"I can. I love you, Vincent. You're the brother I never had and that's what you'll always be. My brother. So no, we are not going anywhere. I promise."

"Right. Your brother." Vincent's smile shifted.

💠➿💠

THE DAVIS RESIDENCE

Julian got out of his car and made his way up to tall black gates. Katherine lived in one of the respectable parts of this town, everyone in this street had money and you could tell from its atmosphere and the houses that were laid next to the others and it's beautiful lights. They were barely houses, mansions if Julian would call it.

A security guard showed up and looked at Julian, a face he had never seen. The security guard was a tall, muscular man. "How can I help you?" He asked, sounding uninterested.

"Um, hi. I'm here to see Katherine? Katherine Davis. I'm her classmate."

"One second." He said and went into his little security post, a few seconds later he came out with a walkie talkie.  "Who do I say is looking for her, Mister classmate?"

"Um, Julian. Julian Decker."

The security guard pressed the button on his walkie talkie. "Julian Decker's his name. Over." He said into it.

"Copy that." A voice responded.

"Do I come in?"

"Not until she says she's interested in meeting you, sorry." He answered.

"I understand• Julian nodded.

The guard went back to his post while Julian waited for a response, but then before he knew it, seven minutes had passed and the guard had not responded to him.

Julian waited impatiently, his eyes fixed on the guard, who seemed engrossed in his magazine. "Hey, can you try calling her again?" Julian asked, his voice laced with urgency.

The guard's response was curt and dismissive. "No."

Julian's frustration simmered. "It's urgent. Please, just try again."

The guard's legs remained crossed, his eyes still fixed on the magazine, his demeanor uninterested. Julian's frustration grew, his mind racing. The silence between them became oppressive, the guard's indifference a stark contrast to Julian's growing desperation.

"Julian." A familiar voice called, dragging Julian's attention to them.  Walking towards the gate was Katherine in a red dress, her arms folded. "What brings you to my property?"

"Uh, hi." Julian gulped. "Can I...come in?"

"No." Katherine replied almost immediately. "We can talk like this. Me in here and you out there. I'm not sure I'd want your foot stepping into my space."

Julian gave a nod, understanding that she probably now hated him. "I'm sorry."

"For which part?"

"For hurting Vincent."

"Have you said that to him?"

Julian shook his head. "No. He's not at home and he isn't answering my calls either."

Katherine's expression was a mix of anger and disappointment. "And you're surprised?"

Julian's eyes dropped, his voice laced with self-loathing. "I know you hate me and rightfully so. I hurt Vincent and I hate that I let that happen to him. He's my friend and I need him back."

"Is that so? You should have thought about that before turning your back on him when he needed you, Julian. You know, I really didn't think you'd turn out like the rest of those idiot at school. I thought you came with a brain but clearly you don't. You chose to turn a blind eye."

Julian sighed. "I'm so stupid, aren't I?"

"Extremely. Sacrificing your friendship to maintain a toxic relationship with friends and girlfriend. You're more than stupid."

Julian sighed again, wiping his face with his hands as he felt his heart shatter at everyone realizing this except him. "I don't know what I was thinking. I wanted to hold on to the love that I felt for her. I didn't know what I was doing and I just...."  Julian turned around, trying to hide the pain on his face from Katherine seeing it.

Katherine at that moment softened up as she saw how remorseful he was. She had come out here to give him a piece of her mind that would have him consider moving towns but at the sight of him and how sincere he was, how his eyes which were once bright and confident had become brimmed with tears and sadness, she could only but feel pity for him.

She knew Julian wasn't always a terrible person, which was why she acknowledged him more and not the other boys at school, because he was supposed to be the wise and smart one.

Katherine sighed.  "Open the gate for him, Kol."

"As you wish, ma'am." Kol said as he got up, he opened the smaller gate as Julian turned. He looked at Katherine and she gave him a small nod. "Come on in before I change my mind."

As Julian entered Katherine's estate, he was struck by the breathtaking scenery. The vast compound unfolded before him like a paradise, boasting an array of majestic trees, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. Vibrant flowers of every hue added splashes of color to the lush landscape, while strategically placed lights cast a warm glow, illuminating the serenity of the surroundings. The long, winding walls, adorned with intricate designs, seemed to stretch on forever, encasing a haven of tranquility and refinement.

"Your place is beautiful." Julian complimented.

"You're the second person from our school who I have let into my gates." She said as they walked.

"Actually, first. Have you forgotten I was here for your thirteenth birthday?"

"You were?"

"Come on." Julian gave her a look

"Ugh, that's true. Don't remind me."

Julian chuckled softly. "And then you stopped having birthdays."

"Oh, I still have my birthdays. I just don't throw parties for the morons of our school to come and break things. I just travel out of the country, have my birthday and return." Katherine shrugged.  "It's easier that way because I get tired of this place more often than usual. There hasn't been like a sun here, well, until Vincent, I guess."

"What do you mean?"

"Vincent is like....summer. He's very vibrant, serene, beautiful and his heart is so pure, like I'm sure his soul is exactly like that of Tangiro's. I like to be around him because it reminds me that people can still be good. Which is a shame for you seeing as you've lost him because you're stupid."

"I know you hate me right now but I could use your help."

"I don't hate you, Julian. Okay, maybe I do so I'm not gonna lie about that. But, why should I help you?" Katherine stopped in her tracks and turned to face him.  "Are you in trouble? Why are you even coming to me? If you're being forced to do anything say nuggets."

Julian rolled his eyes. "I'm not being forced to do anything and you don't even know what I need your help for."

"Is it to get your friend back?"

"Well,"

"I can't guarantee that I can help you because I feel like you're just gonna hurt him again."

Julian gulped. "I won't."

"I can't believe that yet. And besides you haven't apologized to him. Maybe do that first and then if he accepts your apology then fine, gradually you can make your way to his heart but I will kill him if he does accept your apology just because you're Julian Decker."

"I don't know if he would. He didn't even want me to touch him at school."

"Don't be shocked." Katherine retorted.  "He was humiliated and I'm sure he didn't know if to trust you anymore or not."

At that moment, Katherine's phone began to ring in her hand, she looks at it to see it is a call from Tae and her breath hitches as she answers.

"Tae! Hey! Oh my God, I've been trying to reach you since forever. You didn't text me since the past like six hours or so, so I didn't know what to think."

"I'm sorry, it's just been a really really long day, you know?"

"Yeah, how's Vincent?" Katherine inquires, piquing Julian's full interest.

"He's uh, he's resting. He's not home tonight, we had to go elsewhere so yeah, I'll probably call his brother after this."

"Okay, is he okay?"

"Is he okay?" Julian asked the same time as her. She gave him a look as she turned to look away from him.

"Well, would anyone be after what happened today? But uh...you don't need to worry, he's doing okay. He just....needs to rest. He just um...he just had dinner. I'll probably tell you everything in person when we meet at school."

"Okay." Katherine nodded. "Tell him I said hi."

"I will. Get some sleep."

"You too, babe. Bye." Katherine said and hung up afterwards.

"So?"

"So," she turned back to gaze at him. "He's resting, he's okay. He's with Tae."

Julian gave a small nod. "I'm glad he's with someone he can trust."

"You can go home now, Julian."

"Right. Thank you, again."

"Don't thank me. We're still not friends, Decker."

"Okay, Miss Davis." Julian smiled softly.

"Also, if you're gonna be around the people you're with, who knowingly hurt Vincent, then...you're fooling no one but yourself."

"Actually, um...Lu and I broke up."

Katherine blinked. "Oh. When?"

"Today. I uh...I heard her conspiring against Vincent with Xavier."

"Ah. Must suck to see your innocent girlfriend really is a conniving witch, huh?"

"Yeah, it did hurt."

"Good. People who fall in love are stupid, especially when they do that with Luciana, now you're just mentally unstable." Katherine chuckled lightly.

"Why did we stop being friends?"

"Were we ever?" Katherine snorted.  "Goodnight, Decker. Don't approach me again." She said and walked ahead, towards her mansion, not looking back for a second.

Julian smiled softly and turned around, walking away.

For some reason, he felt better. Like a little weight had been lifted off his chest. Talking about it was the better option.

💠➿💠
NEXT MORNING.

After dropping the boys off at school, Alfred began driving back home but there was something else he needed to do. Some unfinished business he needed to take care of, and so he turned the car and went straight back to Tony's. He couldn't explain exactly why Tony, but then again Tony was a very hot man who seemed to be infatuated with him, likewise him but he wasn't going to admit that.

Alfred knocked on Tony's door but no answer, and before he could knock the second time, the door opened and Tony came into frame.

"Oh," Tony smirked. "You're back. Did you forget anything?"

Alfred looked at the man who was currently shirtless and had a towel wrapped around his waist. His hair was wet and so was his entire body. Alfred's eyes wandered down Tony's body and down to the towel.

"Yes, I did." Alfred responded and barged into Tony's house, rapidly clashing his lips against Tony's. Tony reciprocated and shut the door, locking it without his lips leaving Alfred's.

"I thought you didn't want to come back here." Tony said with a taunting smirk as he helped the guard take off his jacket and tossed it to the ground.

"Shut up." Alfred responded, breathing heavy. He pressed his lips against Tony's once more, hungrily this time. He couldn't help but crave the man's lips and the way he kissed. In his opinion, Tony was a rare exception in this city were people seemed to lack the skill of kissing, which was why he didn't kiss often...not until Tony.

Tony lifted Alfred up, and Alfred quickly wrapped his legs around him. He carried him to the kitchen and sat him on the counter, and began to unbutton Alfred's shirt. Meanwhile Alfred removed the towel wrapped around Tony's waist, revealing the erect dick in between his legs.

"Fuck." Alfred muttered as he looked at it poking out.

"You want it?" Tony asked as he kissed Alfred on the neck and began to suck on it. 

"Wait, don't bite...." Alfred said while he moaned.

"Shut up." Tony said as he bit. Alfred moaned, gripping onto his arm, his dick begging for an escape in his pants. He was hard and he wanted the man already.

"It seems you're still my slut even with that bratty mouth of yours." Tony said into Alfred's ear, making his dick twitch.

Alfred got down from the counter and gently pushed Alfred backwards until he was against the kitchen sink, he looked Tony in the eyes, both their eyes filled with lust for each other.

Alfred slowly went down on his knees and looked down at the dick staring back at him, it was hard, it was hungry and throbbing, begging to be inside something, inside any part of him.

Alfred opened his mouth and took in Tony's dick while keeping eye contact. His hands resting on Tony's thighs as he sucked. Tony looked down at Alfred, a hand in Alfred's red hair until he grabbed a handful while the bodyguard sucked the bartender's dick. Little moans escaped Tony's lips as Alfred sucked him just right.

He loved how Alfred's mouth felt around his dick, the bodyguard was a good dick sucker and he could testify to that. He gripped Alfred's hair and making him moan a bit and stop sucking.  Tony looked down at the starving man and shoved his dick back into the boy's mouth and took it out. He put it back in and began fucking Alfred's mouth gently at first before adding a little more pace.

"Open up, brat." Tony said in between moans as he shoved his dick further into his mouth and held Alfred's head until he needed to breathe. He gently pulled Alfred up and they shared a look of trust. "You have the sexiest mouth."

"You say that every time."

"I knew you'd come back."

"How?"

"When the boys went to prepare for school," Tony kissed him. "You excused yourself to the bathroom. You took a little time so I knew you were getting yourself prepped." Tony said as he undid Alfred's belt.

Alfred gulped. He thought he had been sleek in doing that but this man was a smart one. "Spying on me?"

"No, I just know you want me just as bad."

Tony dragged Alfred's pants down and turned him, bending him over until his upper half body was laying on the outer and then he squatted. He spread apart Alfred's ass and spat in it before sticking his tongue inside the man's hole. Alfred let out a whimper as he felt Tony's tongue dive inside him. Tony held Alfred's ass apart as he tongue fucked him and fingered him at intervals.

Alfred was a mess, moaning and sucking on his fingers as he had his ass ate by the man. "Fuck, I want to fuck you so bad now." Tony said as he stood up, he presses himself against Alfred and whispered into his ear. "Do you want me to? Say it. Say you want me." Tony said, rubbing his hard throbbing dick against Alfred's ass.

Alfred felt vulnerable in that moment. This man was intoxicating and knew how to make him say and do things when clothes were off. "Yes," he answered. "Please fuck me."

And just hearing that, Tony's dick throbbed harder. "Stay still." He said and turned to the cabinet, he opened it and rose one of the bowls, revealing about four condoms. He took one out and put the bowl down.

Tony had condoms laying at different parts of his house incase of situations like this because sometimes running to the room to get a condom could ruin the mood and right now all he wanted was to fuck the sexy looking Italian redhead in-front of him. He took out a bottle of honey and rubbed it in his fingers, he shoved two of his fingers inside the man who tended up, moaning slightly as Tony gently fingered him to loosen him up more.

Once the fingers were able to slide in with ease, Tony put on the condom and poured the honey on his dick, stroking himself and then sliding his dick gently into the boy.

Alfred breathed, stiffening until Tony was fully inside of him. "Loosen up now, babe." Tony whispered and Alfred did so. "Good boy." Tony said and slowly began to thrust inside him.

Alfred was overwhelmed with the pleasure he was having and the feeling of Tony's dick sliding in and out of him. Tony placed his fingers with the honey in Alfred's mouth and the man sucked them while he moaned from being fucked.

After a couple more thrusts, Tony sat Alfred on the counter and fully took off his pants, he spread his legs as Alfred wrapped his arm around him. Tony slid back in and continued, both of them filled with ecstasy and so much pleasure.

They moved from the kitchen to the sofa and Alfred rode Tony for a bit. They changed positions, fucked for the longest and at the end, they were on the floor, both naked, breathing heavily.

"I don't know how you carry on for so long." Alfred said, staring up at the ceiling, sweating and breathing hard.

"I don't know how you carry on for so long either." Tony chuckled. "But at the end, we both came."

That was what Alfred enjoyed about getting fucked by Tony, in the end, they both got their full. Alfred got up quickly and ran a hand through his hair.

"It was supposed to be a quickie and I've spent a fucking hour with you." He said as he picked up his clothes from the floor.

Tony grinned as he looked at the man. "They won't be looking for you at your mansion."

"I'm not worried about them. I have work to do if I want to keep Tae here." He dropped the clothes on the couch.

"What do you mean?" Tony asked, confused.

"I can't say anything else." He said as he walked down the passage, heading for one of the rooms.

"Where are you going?"

"I need to shower first. I've got your cum on my body."

"You say that like I don't have yours on mine." Tony said as he stood up, following him.

"Go shower elsewhere." Alfred told him.

Tony rushed to stand behind Alfred and pressed against him. "Let's shower together." He said and kissed his neck.

"Don't do that." Alfred moved away from him.

"Hey. Let me take you out to dinner." Tony said.

Alfred snorted into a cold laughter. "We both know I only need you for sex, Tony. If I want to eat, I know how to get to a restaurant. There's nothing about you that would make me want to get dinner with you and besides, I'm not into you that way." Alfred shrugged. "I thought you'd have figured that out since I wasn't responding to your calls or texts but I guess all that alcohol you drink as a bartender has messed with your head." He said as he walked into the bathroom.

Tony felt like a knife had been dived into his chest but he maintained his composure despite how hurt he felt. "Right." He nodded. "Well, I'll go take a shower in the other bathroom and uh.....don't worry, I won't be calling you anymore so let yourself out." Tony said as he retreated and went to the other room, his mood changing.

AUTHOR's NOTE:
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