A rose to grind

-7-

I liked to believe that I was the reason behind Etienne's sudden change of behavior but perhaps it was too much mercurial, even for me who had experienced a sudden rebirth out of the blue. It was most definitely concerning when someone who you had been close to changed drastically under the atonement of his sins overnight. This was undeniably the impact of my words, if I do say so myself. Of course, I didn't mean for it to sound cocky, but truly, I did feel somewhat accomplished. This meant no more whips for me - no more immoral punishments for anything that ceased to annoy the devil spawn, Etienne Karrina. This called for a celebration, and what more than cake would fit for the special occasion? I didn't recall having such an infatuation with cake at some point in my life, but I declared that it stemmed from Yugo's own unexpectedly girlish liking to fluff and softness, but really, who could blame him when the impeccable taste of moist wedge-shaped cheesecake simply melted in your mouth, and you could savor the dense, smooth, and creamy consistency. And you could certainly pick out the inexplicable taste of sour cream.

As I thought, Yugo was taking over both my conscience and coherence. Maybe I myself was changing unconsciously which was no doubt a drag considering how I'd rather suffer another whipping session than be lavished with Yugo's witty mindset.

That reminded me of an unwanted presence that lingered around me, buzzing on all sides like an annoying mosquito that needed to be repelled at all cost. When I had agreed to let the petty cross-dresser patch up my wounds, I wasn't intending to sign off my right of privacy. As a growing child myself, it was way efficient if I acquired some sort of peace. Who knew with the raging hormones of the previous soul if I'd risk putting Jacklin's chastity at risk. I mean, really, I was heftier than him in any department. If he were to provoke Yugo's...well, my instincts. Albeit I was usually a guarded person, I didn't wish to know what would have happened if I was too casual around Jacklin and I would not stick much longer to find out the results.

"Goddamn it, will you please leave me the heck alone?" A growl slipped past my lips as I stuffed my face with the crepes Etienne was so willingly to bestow freely out of good will. That was another bonus point for him in my book. Perhaps he was deadbeat serious when he ( unknowingly ) promised to change for the better. He was already making some progress by generously offering me some flour - cake, crepes. Embarrassing to admit this on my part but I didn't have the most extensive vocabulary out there.

"Why?" Jacklin prompted, a knowing smile playing at his full, crimson lips. His long eyelashes casted shadows on his cheekbones, leaving me to gape at his heavenly face in awe. When a stifled giggle erupted from his side, I snapped my focus back on stabbing the crepe mercilessly with my fork, cheeks heating up both in embarrassment at being caught and irritation. "Am I...distracting you, Yugo? We're all friends here. You don't have to keep your interest a secret. I'm not bragging or whatever, but that's the impression I leave on most people. It doesn't hurt to stick with the normies, Karrina."

I huffed on my seat on the metal stool that made my ass feel as though I were sitting on some iceberg in the middle of Antartica. If I was, Jacklin must've been some annoying penguin who couldn't help putting it's nose in someone else's business, specifically me. "Friends my ass," I drilled the three points into the soft layers of the dessert assertively, conveying my displeasure with his presence through actions. He seemed to have caught onto my reaction much quicker than I imagined since I saw how his eyes curved up at once in a speed that even The Flash himself would admit defeat to. "You forced me, remember? And I recall telling you Etienne doesn't like it when people mess around with his property. Besides I have no mind in trifling matters such as you. As the right-hand man of...."

"Etienne this, Etienne that, Etienne, Etienne. It's always about Etienne when it comes to you," Jacklin moaned, propping an elbow up on the kitchen counter, surveying my expressions as I delved further into my gluttony tendencies. He pouted incredulously , leaning further in until I saw the clavicle of his shoulder blades being exposed and scarcely concealed. It palpably made my breath hitch even for a millisecond before I resorted in tearing my eyes from the breathtaking sight that brought nothing but trouble my way. Oh, but how could I resist the temptations? He laid his cheek against the dirty surface, squishing the baby fat that was left on his rosy cheeks. I assumed he was lavishing in his freedom now. He was lucky by all means, having the absolute privilege unintentionally unlike me who was to undergo an ordeal to be allowed free cakes. "I helped you too...yanno. I deserve as much credit as he does. I know this can't be your doting as an elder brother because I know Etienne has dark intentions and none of them includes you being his brother in any universe that exists!"