Dandruff

“Care to tell me what that was all about?” Phoenix’s voice was as cool as a cucumber. He leaned casually against the frame of the entrance to the foyer, arms folded over his chest, fingers tapping irritated staccatos on firm biceps. He’d been standing there for a while, watching Jacob and Brett sharing their goodbyes. He watched wordlessly as Brett exited. He would deal with the irritating blond later. Now that Jacob was alone, Phoenix was like a predator ready to pounce.

“No, not really,” Jacob spun to face him, the smug grin on his face broadening at how annoyed the older man appeared.

“Then I guess it’s a good thing that was a rhetorical question.”

“Oh… Big words!” Jacob flailed his arms in a dramatic display of being impressed.

“Stop being an idiot. I’m waiting for my answer.”

“Why the hell do you care?”

“As your guardian, I have the right to know what’s going on with you, especially under my roof.”

“That’s just playing dirty now.”

“I’m waiting, Jacob.”

“I don’t care, Phoenix…” Jacob quipped in a singsong tone. He tried to hastily bypass the lawyer, only to be pushed back into the foyer. Phoenix stalked over to him. For each step the man took, Jacob took a step backwards until he found himself cornered against a wall with Phoenix towering over him, his hands braced on either side of the teenager’s head. He knew he’d pushed his luck; Phoenix’s blue eyes glinted with a frightening ferocity. And yet, he was proud that he managed to ruffle the barrister’s feathers that much. He really did need to see someone about his suicidal tendencies…

“You don’t want to fuck with me today,” Phoenix pinched a cheek, twisting the flesh painfully between his thumb and index finger, a demented, little smile on his lips. He felt very self-satisfied when Jacob winced in pain.

“Why not? Are you going to spank me or something?” the boy refused to let on how freaked out he was.

“Don’t tempt me. You probably won’t like it,” Phoenix whispered gruffly, warm breath blowing on Jacob’s ear. Jacob had to stop himself from shuddering.

“I’ll take your word for it…”

“That’s a good boy,” he let Jacob’s cheek go; smirking at the irritated, red mark it left on the pale face. “Now, talk before I get angry.”

“We were discussing the solution to global warming…? OW! Hey!”
Phoenix’s knee had taken residence between Jacob’s thighs, pressing upwards and getting closer and closer to crushing Jacob’s balls up into his pelvis.

“I’m getting angry, Jacob.”

Jacob had to bite down hard on his bottom lip to stop himself from crying out in agony. Phoenix was applying more force on his genitals now, and Jacob was seeing stars. If it wasn’t obvious before, it was now; Phoenix was fucking insane. Jacob’s shoulders slumped in defeat. He wasn’t going to risk any of his body parts to win this tête-à-tête. Besides, he was curious as to what Phoenix’s response would be to the truth. Perhaps he could win this one, after all.

“I sucked his dick and we showered together,” he gushed quickly.

He treasured the stunned look on Phoenix’s face; the uncharacteristically wide eyes and the partially open mouth. His amusement, however, was short-lived; the shocked expression was quickly replaced by one of anger. That only meant more pain was eminent. Oh joy…

“You fucking did what?!” Phoenix growled, the vein in his forehead throbbing above his furrowed brow.

“You wanted to hear the truth!”

“Did you swallow?”

“…What?”

“Did you swallow his cum when he ejaculated in your mouth?” every word was enunciated in a slow, deliberate manner.

“That’s a strange thing to ask…”
A knee squashing his most sensitive area was enough to make him talk.

“He came on my face! God, stop that! That really hurts, you know!”

Phoenix instantaneously stepped away from the boy; the urge to strangle him becoming a bit uncontrollable. The debauched image of Jacob on his knees with semen dripping down his pretty face was more appealing than it should have been, but he hated the fact that it was Brett who’d gotten the opportunity to experience that.

“Jesus, Jacob! I didn’t know you were such a slut! Is that what you’re planning to do here? Sleep with anyone who gives you a little attention?”

“Fuck you!” Jacob snapped. He didn’t know why, but the man’s words stung him more than they should have. Did Phoenix honestly think so lowly of him? “You don’t have the fucking right to judge me!”

“Judge you? I’m not judging you. You are a slut. You think he honestly wants more from you than a quick fuck? I thought he had higher standards but I guess any willing hole works, huh?”

“It’s not your problem if he wants me! It’s not even your problem if he just wants to use me! Why do you care?!”

“I don’t recall ever saying that I cared.”

“Then why are you being such a prick about this? What the fuck is your problem?”

Those were questions Phoenix didn’t know the answers to. He knew he was being irrational. He didn’t care what Jacob did. Or at least he never used to. But he knew the familiar ache in his chest all too well; it was jealousy. Why did he feel that way? He locked his deceptively calm gaze on the rebellious, green eyes. Jacob was here for less than twenty-four hours and he’d already managed to break down the control Phoenix worked so hard to establish.

“I don’t know. Maybe in some misguided way I was trying to look out for you. But if you want to be like your mother, then that’s your business. I guess it’s genetic,” Phoenix’s words were venomous. In a sense, it was his defence mechanism. He refused to show Jacob how confused he really was. So he figured hurting the kid was as good a distraction as any from his insecurities.

“You really are a fucking asshole,” Jacob’s smile was mirthless.

“As much as I’d love to spend all day trading insults, I have work to do.”

Jacob watched with a displeased frown as the man sauntered out of the entrance hall in that overly confident way in which he did everything. ‘You could write a book on all the issues that prick has...’ Jacob thought grumpily.
He replayed the incident mentally, and just he couldn’t figure out what he’d done to merit all that. He was aware of Brett and Phoenix’s mutual hatred and he knew the man wasn’t exactly fond of him either for rather palpable reasons. But those insults were so… personal. And if Phoenix cared as little as he claimed to, then why was he bothered at all? He sighed. His excellent mood was long gone. He trudged up the stairs dejectedly, wanting nothing more than to curl up in bed with the covers pulled over his head until the world ended.

At the top of the stairs, he cast an inquisitive look down the side of the hall he had yet to explore. He knew that was where the master bedroom and the den were located. He had no interest in the den, though. In contrast, he couldn’t deny he was more than a bit curious about what the master bedroom could hold. What embarrassing secrets could he stumble upon that could be used against Phoenix in revenge for the harsh words he’d spewed at him a moment ago? Suddenly, his bad mood was dissipating. How could he stay depressed when an adventure was right around the corner?! A bright smile broke out on his face. He tiptoed over to the study. The door was closed. He pressed his ear against it, much like he did on that fateful night when he caught Phoenix and his blond plaything going at it. No incriminating noises were heard this time; just furious typing and the occasional shuffling of papers. Good. As long as the lawyer was buried in work, he could snoop to his heart’s content.

The dark door to the master bedroom was closed. If it was locked, Jacob was going to be one disappointed, little brat. He grasped the cold, brass doorknob, chuckling quietly when it gave way as he turned it. Bingo! He opened the door just a bit, in case the hinges were noisy, and then slithered through the narrow space surreptitiously, closing the door behind him with a gentle ‘click’.

Dark red, translucent drapes hung over the canopy of the king sized bed. An army of red and white pillows and cushions were on the bed. The sheets were black, apparently matched with the lamp and headboard. A black, vintage dressing table was covered in surely expensive bottles of perfume, makeup kits, and jewellery boxes. There was a fireplace in the wall facing the bed; simple when compared to the one in the living room, but still exceptionally beautiful. A few framed photographs of Felicity and Phoenix sat on the mantle along with those swanky, scented candles. Yet another large TV was mounted on the wall. There were two chests of drawers, probably a ‘his and hers’ thing. There were also two walk-in closets, a door to the balcony, and a door which lead to the master bathroom. The room was spacious and particularly aesthetically pleasing with its champagne-coloured walls and red, black, and white theme.

Scratching his chin thoughtfully, ignoring the coarse beginnings of stubble starting to grow back, Jacob thought about where he should search first. If he was an irritating douche bag with more issues than a magazine, where would he hide incriminating, embarrassing items? Or better yet, what could he use for an awesome prank? This was just too delicious a chance to pass up.

He approached the chest of drawers that didn’t have a platoon of nail polish bottles on it, figuring it was more likely to belong to Phoenix. He pulled open the highest drawer, smirking at what he found. It was Phoenix’s underwear drawer! An evil plan was already formulated in his head. He grinned evilly and began to throw all of the high-priced, dark boxer briefs onto the floor. There was a yellow one at the bottom of the previously neatly folded pile. Jacob raised his eyebrows at that. He didn’t take Phoenix for someone who wore colourful knickers… He held it up above his head, stretching the waistband amusedly a few times, and then tossed it with its siblings onto the floor. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the snazzy, metallic lighter he always carried around. His mother’s main boyfriend had given it to him as some strange sort of parting gift at her funeral. He had yet to part from it; it had become an unofficial good luck charm. Plus it made him feel cool when older guys would ask him for a light and he could oblige.

One look up at the ceiling enlightened him to the fact that there was such a thing as a smoke detector. It was a good thing he spotted it, because it just wouldn’t do to have his plan thwarted so easily…
He almost broke his ass doing it, but he managed to get the batteries out of the bloody thing by climbing up onto Felicity’s dressing table.

Plopping down onto the floor next to the carelessly strewn undergarments, Jacob folded his legs beneath him and plucked the yellow boxer brief up. He gripped them by the waist in one hand, and the lighter in the other, holding the flame directly beneath the helpless, yellow crotch. His grin widened as a black hole began to form.

“Burn, baby, burn…” he snickered impishly. The fumes of the burning fabric must’ve been affecting him, because he was getting a euphoric high off his vengeance. It was like getting a lap dance on cloud nine! When he was satisfied that the hole was big enough, he tossed it aside and picked up another pair to do the same. He was like a fat kid in a cupcake factory!

One smoky heap of crotchless boxers later found Jacob lying on the hardwood floor, laughing as quietly as he could with the lighter still clenched in his hand. Yes, he was probably insane, but so what? He enjoyed it. He’d successfully burned all his anger away, along with Phoenix’s stupid underwear. They were scattered on the floor around him like odd spoils of war. He felt great. Not one of Phoenix’s boxers had survived the fiery holocaust. He’d opened the French doors to the balcony, letting the smoke ebb into the backyard. It was a real wonder Phoenix hadn’t smelled anything, but he was grateful for that fact. He wasn’t quite prepared for the surely furious reaction yet.

“God, I rule,” he said to no one in particular. He got to his feet and proceeded to fold the underwear in the overly meticulous style he’d discovered them in and then returned them to their respective drawer.

His work here was done. After putting the batteries in the smoke detector and locking the balcony door, he snuck out of the master bedroom. The study was still locked, meaning Phoenix hadn’t moved an inch.
His mission had been a success. Oh, to see the look on Phoenix’s face when he found his modified underwear… He now had an understanding of why villains in cartoons laughed maniacally, because he had to stop himself from doing the same. His stomach growled loudly; revenge was apparently hunger-inducing. So he headed downstairs for a snack.

Juanita was making dinner when he reached the kitchen. He watched her for a couple moments, admiring the way she moved so fluidly and efficiently despite her rotund frame. The enticing aroma of a good meal made his stomach grumble and ache even more.

“What are you making?” he asked, fetching himself a can of Pepsi from the fridge.

“Beef stew for dinner and gelatine for dessert.”

“Smells incredible.”

“I haven’t had anyone complimenting my cooking for a long time,” her voice took on a happier timbre.

“They take you for granted, I guess.”

“Hm. Maybe, mijo,” she turned to smile at him. “Don’t drink that! It belongs to Mr. Scofield! I forgot to pick up another pack at the store!”

Jacob eyed the can wearily before pulling the tab open. The hiss as the air escaped was like music to his ears.

“Fuck Phoenix,” he shrugged, downing the dark liquid greedily. It tasted that much sweeter knowing it belonged to the slimy bastard.

The maid was shocked at first, but then she chuckled. “I’m not getting into whatever war you two have going on.”

“Don’t worry. I take full responsibility.”

She shook her head in an amused manner. Kids these days…“You remind me of my son, Alejandro.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“He’s in juvenile hall.”

“…Oh.”

A comfortable silence reigned. Juanita went about her work, humming a melody to herself, while Jacob became wrapped up in his thoughts. He was thinking about Brett. He couldn’t say he knew the blond that well, but he seemed like a fun guy. He was outgoing, into surfing, played the guitar, had a German shepherd named ‘Doobie’, and apparently liked giving creamy facials… He couldn’t see a serious relationship forming between them, but he definitely wouldn’t refuse any sexual advances. Then he thought about Phoenix. That man really was an insufferable jackass. Jacob couldn’t find one good thing to say about his personality other than him being intelligent. Phoenix was rich and good looking, and not much else. Jacob hated his guts; he was mean and abusive and he probably curb-stomped puppies in his spare time. And yet he positively thrived off of getting under the lawyer’s skin. It was basically the only way he got the man’s attention. He didn’t even know why he wanted his attention. Something was indeed very wrong with him, but he didn’t care; Phoenix was proving himself to be ten times more fucked up than he could ever dream to be anyway.

And then there was Felicity. Jacob didn’t know what to make of her so far; he hadn’t spent very much time with her. She seemed sort of uptight and boring, but she was fun once you got a few drinks in her. Well, until she had a mental breakdown, that is. But he was going to be civil with her. After all, if she liked him it was less likely that he was going to get carted off to a foster home. And that’s when he realised something. He had to stay in her good graces AND play by Phoenix’s rules. If he told Felicity about Phoenix’s affairs, the deal was off and he’d be thrown out. If Felicity didn’t like him, chances are that she would persuade Phoenix to get rid of him… and if that happened, telling her about his nightly activities would seem like a desperate lie. Especially since his photographic evidence was fictional. He’d screwed himself over, but living like a celebrity was worth it.

So he’d have to try his best to ensure that he wasn’t going anywhere any time soon.

==

Dinner that evening had been anticlimactic. There was no alcohol present as per Phoenix’s request and hearing Felicity talk about work was mind-numbing. TV made being a doctor seem like one hilarious/overly dramatic moment after another, and that was certainly not what the blonde was describing. Phoenix just talked about working on some lawsuit all day. Jacob almost fell asleep during that one. When asked what he did today, he decided to leave out his sexual experiences and small-scale arson, which meant all he said was, “nothing”.

After dinner, Felicity drove Jacob down to his old apartment to pick up the remainder of his things since Phoenix was busy. She drove a red Mini Cooper, but fortunately, Jacob didn’t have enough possessions to warrant a bigger vehicle. Jacob could see the fear etched all over her face as they cruised through the seedy neighbourhood. Sensing her discomfort, he told her she could wait in the car while he got his things, and she seemed grateful for that. It didn’t take very long for him to pack; he tossed his clothes and shoes into a garbage bag, in conjunction with a few books and magazines. All of his school things fit in his backpack and his laptop had its own bag. The story of how he’d come to own the laptop was comical, really. His mother had bought it after a friend told her about online dating, but she was so technologically inept that she got frustrated with it. She was going to sell it but Jacob convinced her to let him keep it by showing her the wonders of porn.

Giving one last look at the dump he’d grown up in, Jacob closed the door behind him. He’d left the key on the coffee table where the grumpy, old landlord could find it, along with a note upon which a neat ‘Fuck you!’ was written. On the ride back home, Felicity was sending him sympathetic glances when she thought he wasn’t looking, but she didn’t say anything. He knew she pitied him, and it pissed him off so he kept his mouth shut. After all, she was the one whose husband was fucking everyone else; she needed the pity much more than he did, in Jacob’s opinion.


“You want help putting these things away?” Felicity poked her head into the guest bedroom which was now officially Jacob’s. The boy had spent most of the evening on his laptop, catching up with the few friends he had and working on assignments. He was currently tossing his (ugly) clothes into the walk-in closet in a haphazard fashion.

“No, I’m fine,” he replied, ceasing his actions and offering her a small smile.

She stood in the doorway now. “We should go shopping sometime.”

“Why?”

“Because you dress like it’s 1985. I mean seriously, a Metallica T-shirt?”

“Hey!” he cried indignantly. “Nothing’s wrong with 80’s metal.”

“You’re too cute to hide that nice, little butt beneath hideous jeans like that,” she winked playfully at him.

“If Phoenix hears you hitting on me like that, he’s going to kick my ass.”

Felicity rolled her eyes. “You’ve probably got better legs than I do. No offence, kiddo, but you’re not my type.”

“What are you trying to say…?!” he threw a pillow at her which she dodged easily.

“Nothiiing…” she laughed loudly as the other pillow was chucked over her head. Jacob didn’t know what was so funny, but he found her laughter infectious and soon he was doubling over, too.

“You know, you’re alright, Jacob,” she said after their laughter died down.

“You’re not that despicable, yourself,” he yawned. He hadn’t realised how tired he was. “What time is it?”

She looked at her watch. “It’s 10 o’clock.”

“I think I’m gonna go to bed soon. Can I stay home tomorrow?”

“I don’t think Phoenix would let you skip school. It won’t look good.”

“…What a surprise.”

“I think I just saw Phoenix going into the bedroom. It’s time for me to hit the sack, too.”

“Okay… I guess I’ll see you in the morning.”

“You probably won’t. I’ve got to get into work pretty early. Phoenix will take you to school since it’s close to his office.”

“Fuck my life…” he groaned, flopping onto his bed theatrically.

Phoenix was taking a shower when Felicity came into their room. The idea of joining him flitted across her mind. With a devious, little smirk she shimmied out of her clothes quietly. Her plan was aborted before it was even set into motion; the bathroom door opening and Phoenix walking out with a towel wrapped around his waist. Her eyes roamed over his well-built body, never growing tired of the sight. She was definitely a lucky woman.

“Hey,” he kissed her gently on the lips and then stepped back to scrutinise her nude form. “You seemed to have misplaced your clothes.”

“You could say that…”

She squealed when he lifted her by the waist and carried her to the bed. She shivered involuntarily beneath his intense, predatory gaze as he hovered above her like a god.

“If you keep wriggling like that, I’m going to have to tie you up…”

Her brown eyes narrowed slightly. “You know it freaks me out when you say stuff like that.”

The lawyer sighed. Another night of boring sex awaited him…

==

Monday; the worst day of the week. Even a workaholic like Phoenix detested that day. Sunlight poured through the transparent, red curtains as if mocking him. Absentmindedly, he stretched an arm out to the other side of the bed, fingers in search of familiar warmth although he knew Felicity had left for work hours ago. With a disappointed grunt, he sat up. He’d have to leave home a bit earlier than usual in order to take Jacob to school. He wasn’t looking forward to that; being alone with Jacob was detrimental to his blood pressure. He pulled the sheet off, immediately missing the heat it provided. A quick glance down reminded him that he’d slept naked.

He trudged unenthusiastically over to his closet, pulling out a red dress shirt, a black tie, and a black suit and laying them carefully on the bed. Looking good was one of his main priorities in life, so selecting his outfits ahead of time was a must. He was so fixated upon his image that he even chose his underwear early. Sure, they were all basically the same in style and colour, but it mattered to him. This is why the vein in his forehead was about to burst when he chose a pair of navy blue boxers and there was a gigantic, black hole in the crotch. That wasn’t there before… He quickly began going through the entire drawer, becoming more and more distraught as he realised they were all destroyed. What the fuck?! Even the yellow ones were ruined!

How could something like this happen?!

And then it all clicked into place.

“Jacob…” he ground out through clenched teeth.

==
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