12 Dillon's Performance

[TRIGGER WARNING!!! R-18 Themes of sexual violence. May cause discomfort and potentially distressing material. Reader discretion is advised.]

Chugging my first drink, I ordered a second one. "I can't believe it's him! After all these years I never thought I'd see him again."

"Hey, Astra I just had an idea. Will you be ok by yourself for a few minutes?"

He looks mischievous. I have a feeling he's about to witness another story in the making.

"What are you up to?"

"Nothing, just a surprise performance like Xanders that's all."

"I look forward to seeing it."

Gleefully, he skips to the stage. I wonder how many drinks he's had tonight. Sipping on my second drink, I decide to pace myself. One of us should be sober tonight. I got bored without Dillons company so my eyes scan across the room watching different people. After a few minutes, I see Dillon grab the microphone from the reluctant emcee. Listening to the music for the song he's going to sing it sounds familiar. Almost exactly like, oh no.

"I JUST HAD SEEEEEEEEX AND IT FELT SO GOOD!"

I cannot believe it. He is actually singing "I Just Had Sex" by The Lonely Island featuring Akon. It looks like Ms. Callista wants to kill him but she can't do so without making a scene. I cover my face feeling embarrassed for him. As I'm laughing at Dillons antics of the day, Xander comes to the bar. Ordering a whiskey neat, he doesn't say anything and just stares at me.

"It's been a long time, Alexi."

"You hurt me, Astéri Mou. Was I that forgettable?"

Slamming my glass on the table now I'm pissed.

"Shouldn't I be the one to say that?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You know exactly what it means."

"You just left. No address, no phone number, not even an email. How was I supposed to call you?"

"This isn't about some stupid phone call, Alexi. This is about why I left. I saw what happened."

"Astéri-"

"Do not Astéri me, Alexi. You know exactly what you did and the worst part is you don't even feel sorry. Now excuse me, I have a date."

With drink number three in hand, I walk away to meet Dillon. As I do, someone blocks our path. Not looking, I step to the side as I apologize. I try to move again and they do the same thing. Annoyed, I look up to see who's blocking my path. It's Cassiopeia and she looks furious.

"You have some nerve. Walking in here like you own the place. Acting like you have a right to anything and everything. You're just stealing what's rightfully mine."

Alexi walks over and quickly tries to diffuse the situation.

"Cas, why don't we go outside for a bit."

"No Xander, she needs to be put in her place!"

Knowing I won't be able to prepare for this fight, I down drink number three and prepare for battle.

"You know what Cassiopeia, I'll indulge you. What exactly did I steal from you?

"You, stole the dress that was supposed to be mine, played with my brother like it was nothing, and if that wasn't shameless enough, now you're trying to steal my boyfriend!"

"Cas, think of your reputation"

"Oh shut up, Xander!"

"Ok, let's address all of these accusations. One, you stole the dress that I was going to wear and completely discarded this one without even giving it a chance. Since you didn't want this gown, it's more than fair that someone else can have it. Two, if you really want to know what happened between your brother and me, ask him. He should know exactly what happened. And three, I don't even know who your boyfriend is. How can I steal a man whose existence I don't even know of? Since you want to accuse me, I'll ask. Who is your boyfriend that I so badly want to steal?'"

"It's obvious. Everyone knows that I'm dating Will. Do us all a favor. Stay away from my boyfriend and get the hell out of here you dirty whore!"

"Cas!"

Everything blurs. They know. Everyone knows my secret now. They know who I am. Did he tell them? Did he tell her? I'm no longer at the gala. I'm at his house. His hands are around my throat and I couldn't breath. There's tears in my eyes, but I couldn't tell what they're from. I could feel him touching me.

"Are you enjoying this? You know you like this."

Feeling nothing, I counted the tiles on the ceiling waiting for it all to be over.

"Call me by my name."

"No."

Tightening his hands, I could feel my life draining into them.

"Master."

"What a good little slave."

53, 54, 55 … It'll all be over soon. It will all be over soon …

"Astra. Astra!!!"

Looking to see who called my name, it's Dillon.

"You good, Astra?"

"Yeah, I'm good". Like a marionette doll, I give him a smile. I don't want him to know there's anything wrong. No one can know there's anything wrong.

Looking over where Cassiopeia is, I see Jezebel talking to her. She acts like she's trying to calm her down but from the look on her face, I can tell she intends to do anything otherwise. Whatever she's saying is fueling the fire.

"Don't try and tell me to calm down, Jezebel! That girl is in a different league than us! What right does she have to be with Will or my brother? Why don't you go back to whatever backwoods town you came from?"

"ENOUGH CASSIOPEIA!"

We all turn in the direction of the booming voice. It's William and he looks pissed.

"Will I-"

"Don't even try me today, Cassiopeia. I saw everything and I am embarrassed for you! You of all people have no right to interfere in my life! You had me. You had your chance with me and you blew it like the man I caught you in bed with! I wouldn't date you if you were the last woman in the world!"

"Please listen to me, Will."

"And furthermore, quit attacking my assistant. She hasn't done anything wrong to you and if something did happen between her and Xander that's between them. If you or anyone here has a problem with my assistant, you may bring it up with me. Is that clear?"

"Let me explain."

"I said. Is. That. Clear?"

Looking around with a stern face, he leaves no room for argument. With authority, he walks over and grabs my hand.

"We're leaving now."