"Can you get rid of the video?"
Three finally gathered the courage to appear before Jason. He crossed the line last time they met, he still held concern for a probable loss of limb. "I don't think it'll be that simple."
Jason fixed his gaze outside the window "I imagine not. What about the drug issue?"
"That..." He shifted his weight from one leg to the next, feeling uncomfortable. Rush II was always a touchy subject for the brothers. "I did look into the group, someone slipped it into a party, but he's been missing since then."
"The actors?"
"We're looking into it."
Jason looked straight at him "Relax. See if you can get a sample for Yul and tell Caleb to come over soon. He's got a better handle on stuff like this." He reclined in bed and shut his eyes, as he listened to door slide close. Pheromone extraction was exhausting and painful, he felt drained, but Yul assured him that this was the last of the procedure. He let his mind roam. The Bohemians… he had heard about them, but he wasn't particularly surprised to hear Lein was associated with such a group. It made sense, why else would someone be strutting around with a recent blood report on hand.
He sat up suddenly, swung his legs over the bed and took wide strides to the door. Sure enough, Lein was hovering in front of his room. He had been there for a while; oozing pheromones were just alluring as ever.
Lein jumped back when the door was suddenly opened. He hadn't expected to get caught. He saw Three leaving and got curious. He just wanted to see what Jason was up to.
"You should be resting in bed." Jason said calmly, leaning against the doorframe.
"I saw Three leave..."
He raised his brows slightly, feeling somewhat amused "And?".
"Are you seeing him?" He asked in a small voice.
Jason smirked and turned around "Come in, I have to speak with you."
Lein followed obediently, accepting the tablet that had been handed to him. He took a lot to not let go of the device when he saw the picture displayed on the screen, he felt sick to his stomach.
Jason watched his reaction closely "You know him?"
"Jay..."
"You don't know him?"
His fingers tightened on the device, he was afraid to speak. The faux peace he had managed to cultivate would shatter if he did.
Jason ransacked his bag for a pack of cigarettes. He opened the window wide and leaned out before he lit it. Smoking was prohibited on the facility, but he really needed it "I won't ask what your relationship with him-"
"I don't have a relationship with him. I don't have a relationship with anyone."
Jason took a long, much needed drag "I don't know if that makes it worse or better, Rosalein." He craned his neck for a quick glimpse before exhaling slowly "Which do you think it is?" He continued before Lein could say anything in response "I need to find out where he got it. Know his dealer?"
"…No."
"Then it's fine." He finished off the stick, shut the window and retrieved the tablet from Lein "I'll take you back to your room. You shouldn't be walking around in your condition."
"Jay, what do I have to do?" He was trembling now, the guilt weighed heavy on him and the shame made it difficult to face Jason so he stared at the floor "So you forgive me, what should I do?"
Jason watched his trembling frame for what must have been an eternity to Lein "You need to get your things ready. Yul will be here soon."
It was over.
Yul proudly displayed the diffuser for everyone in the room to see "This is something I've been working on recently."
Jason did not share her enthusiasm "A diffuser?"
She rolled her eyes, turning her attention to Lein "This..." She waved a capsule in the air "...is a pheromone capsule. Its content is roughly eighty percent similar to Jay's pheromones..." She eyed Jason "...as sixty percent is the legally allowed limit and apparently, I can't give you the hundred percent." She mumbled in discontent "Since you like Jay and his pheromones so much, I figured you'd want it on hand."
"Yul."
"Tch. Killjoy." She inserted the capsule into the base of the device and turned it on. It hummed to life, a soft cloud reminiscent of the gentle sea rose and slowly dispersed throughout the room "I made various versions of it, I'll give you all of it. It's really cool. I mean once I had Jay's pheromones on hand, he was pretty generous, he gave like ten vials. I guess he likes you a lot. Anyway, once I got the vials and I figured out the basic formula, replicating it was pretty easy. I figured this might be something that would really benefit Xavier. I just need-"
"Yul!"
The light in her eyes dimmed "Sorry, I got excited." She passed the bag of samples to Lein "Although this was made with you in mind, it is still a product of Hanzel. I worked out the formula so physiologic dependance isn't really an issue, it's more like an air freshener but still, can't be too sure. So immediately let me know if you notice anything out of the ordinary. I really look forward to your feedback. Like I said, this is still a product of Hanzel, and you're technically registered as a subject in a drug trial."
"O-ok." Lein accepted the bag timidly.
"No. You don't get it, we can sue you if anyone else shows up with this."
Jason frowned "People have been making pheromone based products for a long time, stop being ridiculous."
Her eyes brightened again "Not like this." She paused, trying to remember what she had left out "Aha!" She grabbed the bag in Lein's hands and pulled out a bottle "These are for you. Special made for you. They're modulators based off the cells we got from your glands. It's awesome that we did it in such a short time, right? We already had the basic framework-"
"Yul, focus." Jason stopped her before she could start rambling again.
"Sorry." She put the bottle back in the bag "You should take one every day for three months, they'll inhibit for cycle for a while and suppress your glands so you don't get spontaneous heats, and your pheromones will be below baseline for a while but that's the expected effect. Please, if you notice anything beyond that. You also have to stop by in two weeks for a checkup, Jay will tell you where to go, alright?" she rattled the bottle "It goes without saying that this is also a product of Hanzel. Do you understand?"
Lein nodded absentmindedly, his mind still stuck on the 'ten vials' comment. He rubbed that back of his neck at the thought, the recollection of the extraction process made his skin crawl. It could best be described as a white hot needle slowly piercing one's skin to inject magma into the veins. Even if you were sedated, it hurt like hell.
When Yul finished detailing out instructions about the diffuser, she accepted Hank and Mari's heartfelt gratitude with a smile and left.
"Jay..." Mari had been moved to tears, throughout this whole drug ordeal Jason had been nothing less than a saint, expect for Lein's rehabilitation, he had taken care of everything "...we really can't thank you enough for all you have done."
He smiled at her "It's fine. I also have a responsibility for the way things turned out..."
Lein wanted to scream. Did Jay feel he did something wrong? Is that why he was constantly being kind, even to an excessive degree?
In the car, Hank caught site to the bag in the rearview mirror "Mari, did we just hear some things that we shouldn't have?"
She followed his gaze "Pheromone based products are everywhere."
"But..."
"They just gave our son something similar to an air freshener, nothing to it."
"Right..." He glanced at the bag again "...just an air freshener."
Rosalein: I just got home. Thank you so much for everything, I'll be careful with the drugs. Jay, I can't stress enough how sorry I am for everything. Anything that happens is what I deserve, please don't feel responsible for me. I promise I won't bother you anymore.
Holding a cigarette between his lips, Jason read message again. He thought about what Lein had asked him earlier.
Forgiveness? He scoffed, that wasn't the issue.
He wanted to crush his legs and drag him back here. Keep him chained up so he would never see the sun again.
He wanted to punish him.
Hurt him.
He wanted Lein to feel the pain he had been enduring all this time but the other was trying to run off before he even got started. He puffed out a cloud of smoke, drawing a long drag before extinguishing the stick in the ash tray. He fiddled patiently with the device Yul had given him and soon enough, the room was filled with the scent of Lein's pheromones. Yul really meant it when she said a hundred percent, it felt like Lein was right next to him. He smiled a little, satisfied with the latest product. He was certain Alexei would approve of it.
Allowing himself to enjoy the diffusing scent, his mind wandered to the message again, he'll be damned if Lein got the chance to run off before he was through with him.
"Again?" Alexei whispered, hoping not to stir his sleeping lover awake. He had been a little too indulgent the night before and thoroughly exhausted Ethan. He had hoped the day would pass peacefully, alas, that was not meant to be "Where are they?"
"In the visitor's lounge." Irene replied in a low voice.
Alexei closed the door gently behind him "You know what to do."
"Yes sir."
Alexei sighed, if only Ethan would ask, he could make them disappear, but the boy chose to remain silent while he, himself drew dangerously close to the limits of his patience "I will see what they want..." He tilted his head to the door "...make sure he's well rested before he comes down." he glanced at the shut door "You know what, try to stall, if possible."
Irene nodded before walking away briskly while Alexei made way down the stairs to greet the people who did not seem to understand basic etiquette.
"Alex dear..." Thessa noticed him first "... you're here."
He had to physically stop himself from recoiling, what a disgusting sound her voice was.
Claire rose from her seat to shake his hand "Good morning."
"Yes, if not a good one, what could it possibly be?"
Edwin turned away to hide a snicker, even if his mothers understood, they would continue on like they didn't.
Alexei took a seat, in the same place as last time "Let's get this done with, what do you want?"
Clarisse pursed her lips "Isn't it a bit crude to speak like that?"
Alexei was taken aback "Crude?"
"We just want to speak with Ethan." Thessa spoke up, quickly "We didn't get to do so last time."
"Why don't you corner him at work like you did last time..."
Edwin stifled a laugh, an action neither parent appreciated.
"...why show up at my house, unannounced. Isn't that crude?" he asked with a smile.
"Alex dear, we-"
"I would like to wrap this up soon. I don't plan on spending my day with you."
"We would like to speak with Ethan." Clarisse maintained their stance, they needed to gauge just how much value was attached to him before they could name a price. Too much and everyone could be kicked out, too little and they would lose out.
"Then call him."
Clarisse and Thessa exchanged a look before turning to Edwin, who shrugged "I don't have his number. You already checked."
"Oh~" Alexei was laughing but he was deeply unamused. He didn't care how upset Ethan would get, he just had to apologize and play nice for some days to be forgiven. He tapped a finger against the armrest in a steady rhythm at the thought.
"Alex?"
He quickly recalled his diffusing pheromones, feeling a little regretful he couldn't bear witness to the faces of Clarisse and Thessa contorted in pain.
A drowsy Ethan peeked into the room, waking up to Alexei not by his side on their day off was a rather unusual thing. He hadn't see Irene around either, so he simply wandered about until he heard voices in the guest parlour.
"Why wander about looking so indecent?" Claire admonished immediately he appeared in the doorway. "Did you even look at the time? Why are you still so lazy?"
"Alex dear..."
Alexei stiffened, this woman was really intent on pissing him off.
"...let us speak with him. We'll make sure to properly educate him, so he won't make mistakes like this again."
Like he always did when dealing with the pair, Ethan remained quiet.
"Baby, did you just get up?" Alexei asked softly, coming to his feet "You should have stayed in bed a little longer."
Cold eyes fixed on the approaching man, he pursed his lips but said nothing to him.
"Sweetie, you need to answer when asked a question."
Alexei grabbed his hand and pulled him away from those people "Baby..." He started to explain when they were far enough.
Ethan pulled his hand away from his grasp "I told you not to do this."
"You were sleeping."
"I don't like it when you do things like this. I can deal with it."
"Then deal with it."
He pursed his lips again, he actually didn't know how to deal with it. He really didn't know what to do but he didn't want Alexei in the mix, that much was for sure, especially if the latter was willing to go as far as trying to trick him.
Alexei sighed and walked away.
Ethan steeled his nerves and returned to the room. "Mother."
"That maid kept us here for so long before calling Alexei down, you should get rid of her.'
"Irene is not a maid. She runs this household."
Claire stared at him, with eyes full of annoyance "Don't talk back to me, just because you're some arrogant alpha's toy doesn't mean you should become full of yourself. Take a look at your brother, even the person he was engaged to threw him aside for another person much less you, who is of no value."
"Yes, Mother."
"Come closer, darling." Thessa beckoned to him. She pulled him down, beginning her planned enquiry immediately he was seated "How much does he give you, dear?"
He let himself be held without resistance "I have never received money from him." In a way, that was true. Since stepping into this house, he never needed money. Everything was taken care of, he got new clothes almost every week. His gadgets were replaced as soon as a new version was available. Alexei got him his own car and driver too. If he wanted something all he needed to do was talk about it. Why would he need money?
"So stupid." Clarisse remarked "You're even dumber than Edwin."
"Then, do you have your own house?"
"No." Alexei was intent in not letting him live anywhere else.
She shifted impatiently "Then… sh-shares?"
"He's just someone he's sleeping with, why would he give Ethan shares?" Edwin chimed in.
Alexei had joked about it a few times, but Ethan never took him seriously.
"Edwin is right, Thessa. You should think."
Thessa shifted closer and lowered her voice "Then are you trying to get pregnant?"
Ethan almost threw up, "No. I can't."
"So useless." Claire commented.
Thessa was disappointed "Are you just sleeping with him and getting nothing..."
They weren't sleeping together. Sure, Alexei was a generous lover, but they had never done the actual deed.
"…That's no good sweetie; you need to look out for yourself now that he likes you a little."
"Then what should I ask for?"
"How much do you think he's willing to give you?" Thessa asked, feeling hopeful.
"I reckon it can't be much."
Thessa lowered her voice "Maybe if you have some pictures or-"
"Ha!" Edwin could barely stop himself "That's going to get us all killed."
Thessa gave Ethan's hand a comforting pat "Don't worry about it, Sweetie, we're here to help."
The unwelcome guests stayed for breakfast, after which they pulled Ethan away to catch up and strengthen their family bond, apparently, they had such a thing between them, while asking to be shown around the house. This dragged into lunch and eventually, dinner.
Every time, Alexei came down and saw them at his dinner table, he shot Ethan a questioning look before asking for his meal to be sent to his study.
Irene, once again, had a place set for them. Unwelcome or not, they were her beloved Ethan's family.
Edwin was happy, all day he ate delicious food to his fill without being forced to throw up. His parents were too focused on Ethan; he even got to sneak a snack here and there. Maybe it's because he looked like Ethan, but the staff seemed much nicer to him than they were to his parents.
"You want them to stay the night?" Alexei did not like it at all. His day was spent holed up in the study while Ethan was off playing the role of a pious son. Even more contemptuous was Ethan ignoring him. Was he really that upset about this morning?
Well, he was upset too. He could ignore him too, after all the issue would be settled in bed.
So why is the lover who should be nestled in his arms being spoiled asking if those interlopers could spend the night? He lost all interest in the situation "This is your home too." He retreated to his study.
Ethan was at a loss; he really didn't know what to do with his parents. Now, he had upset Alexei. He had a rough idea in mind, he had to help Edwin get away from them, first and foremost.
Irene knocked lightly on the door "The rooms are ready."
Ethan nodded and followed behind as she led him towards the rooms prepared for his mothers. Edwin's room was in the opposite direction, far from theirs. He planned to stop by later to speak with him.
When they got to the room, only Clarisse was to be seen. She said Thessa went down with Edwin to the kitchen to get some water for her medicine. Clarisse suddenly had a lot to say, she didn't like the bed sheets or the drapes. The lights were not bright enough in case she wanted to read. She was worried the plants outside would cause an allergic reaction, after all, Thessa was so frail. She was right in the middle of her endless list of complaints when a horrified shriek pierced their ears.