“Spencer.” “Mama?” “My beautiful boy,” Regina’s voice rang out. “What are you— doing here?” “Making dinner, silly. Come on, have a seat at the table. It’s almost ready,” Regina led Spencer to the table by the hand. “Well, look here. If it isn’t my favorite grandson,” Papa smirked, looking up from the thing he was tinkering with. “I’m your only grandson,” Chaos rolled his eyes. “Yep, you got your mama’s attitude,” Papa grimaced. “Am I late?” “Just in time,” Regina greeted someone at the door. “L-Lisa?” Chaos was confused. “Oh, hi, Spencer! Your mom invited me! I hope that’s all right,” Lisa smiled. “Of course, it’s all right!” Chaos smiled. They all sat down at the table and enjoyed dinner until another voice crashed in. “Y’all starting dinner without me?” Dave stumbled in. Chaos jumped up, “Wh-what are you doing here?” “I’m your father, you little shit,” Dave sauntered up. The room went dark. “Spencer?” A panicked voice called out in the darkness. “Mama?” “Spencer?” “Papa?” “Spencer?” “L-little flower?” “Who you calling out to, boy? They can’t hear you anymore,” Dave smirked, holding Lisa’s limp body up by the throat, her head lobbing unnaturally. Regina and papa were dead on the floor behind them, necks snapped. Chaos jumped up in a cold sweat, “LISA!” He scanned the room in a panic. Then he realized that it was just a dream. He gripped his chest, knowing it was a dream. His heart was still racing. It was like he was suffocating from the tightness in his chest as tears rolled down his cheeks. “Damn it… Damn it! I thought I was over this. I need some air,” Chaos jumped out of bed, putting on a robe, and heading outside onto the balcony. The city shined in the distance, the lights waning under the rising sun. Chaos let out a shaky breath. “That bastard is in prison, and he’s not getting out,” Chaos reassured himself, “And even if he got out, I’d kill him for sure.” Chaos let out a heavy sigh putting his head in his hands. He couldn’t figure out why he was so uneasy. “I better try to get back to sleep,” Chaos thought, “I’m not going to let this put me in a mood. Not when I have time to spend with my little flower today.” When he centered himself, Chaos tried going back to bed. — “Well, you look like shit,” Charles was finishing lunch. “Gee, thanks, Charles,” Chaos muttered, sitting at the table. “Been a long time since you had nightmares, boss,” Charles noted. “Can’t put anything past you, can I, Charles?” Chaos gave a small smile into his coffee, “the Little Flower was there this time.” “Boss, you’ve built a multibillion-dollar criminal organization. Even if, for some ungodly reason, they let him out, he can’t hurt you. You know that, right?” Charles put his hand on Chaos’s. “Yeah, yeah, you’re right,” Chaos conceded. “You need to turn that frown upside down. Though even if you did, Lisa could read you like a book. She can probably read you even better,” Charles warned. “I’m not going to let this ruin our date, Charles, if that’s what you’re getting at,” Chaos pursed his lips. “I know you won’t. You turn into a raging goofball when Lisa smiles at you,” Charles rolled his eyes, gathering his things to head out to do his job for the day. Lector hugged Chaos from behind, “I just came in, but I felt like you needed it today, boss.” “Guess you’re just easy to read in general,” Charles rolled his eyes. “Awe!” Veronica walked in, making it a group hug. “Why are you all hugging me?” Chaos’s face twitched. “Because we love you, boss,” Victor joined the hug. “Not you, too, Vic,” Chaos groaned. Charles joined the hug. “Did we suddenly forget we are hardened criminals today?” Chaos reminded them. “I’m sorry, boss,” Victor shed some tears. “His goldfish died this morning,” Veronica lamented. “Not Goldy!” Chaos raised his eyebrows, “You’ve had him for a long time.” “He lived twice the lifespan of a regular goldfish,” Victor squeezed the group, “it was probably his time. Don’t let Goldy’s death ruin your day, boss. He would want you to have a good time on your date. “I’m sure he would, Vic,” Chaos pat him on the head, and Lector passed him a tissue. “Let’s go get you dressed for your date, boss,” Lector broke the group hug to take Chaos shopping since he didn’t own anything that would fit going to an amusement park. — “Well, hot damn,” Lisa breathed as she met Chaos at the car. “What’s wrong, little flower?” Chaos nervously chuckled as she examined him. Lisa was squeezing his biceps, “It’s like I got free tickets to the gun show.” Chaos groaned, putting a hand to his face. Chaos was wearing a short sleeve slim-fit t-shirt with skinny jeans. Lector generally focuses on being a bit more innocent, but Charles’s comment puts him on edge about Chaos’s health. “D-do you even want to go to the amusement park today?” Lisa was examining him from behind. “Of course!” Chaos blushed and steered her towards the car. “Well, okay!” Lisa shrugged, getting into the car. Chaos closed the door, heading to the driver's side, “Not quite there yet, little flower.” Part of him wished he was. Chaos had never seen Lisa in shorts, and it clenched for him that he would like to have her legs draped over him like a set of earmuffs. — Chaos and Lisa spent hours at the amusement park. Lisa excitedly took Chaos around to the different attractions, and even though he almost shot the guy with the chainsaw in the horror feature, Chaos couldn’t help but have a good time because of Lisa’s bright smile. Lisa and Chaos got off the Ferris wheel, arm in arm. They were debating on a third funnel cake or a churro, or both. “We are going to get upset stomachs later,” Chaos warned. “Go big or go home, Spencer,” Lisa’s eyes glinted as they approached the dessert truck again, “Speaking of which, after this, let’s ride the Colossus again!” “Of course!” Chaos smiled. “Such a cute couple,” someone commented. Lisa talked him into matching mouse ears. She was excited for the photos with them on the rides wearing them. “Before we continue, I need to make a stop here,” Chaos pointed to the restroom. “Of course!” Lisa nodded, “I did talk you into three slushies.” Lisa waited patiently, trying to plan the continuation of their day at the amusement park. “Well, you sure are a pretty little thing,” a man stood next to Lisa. “Thank you, sir!” Lisa smiled politely. “You here by yourself?” The man asked. “No, I’m here with my boyfriend,” Lisa nodded towards the bathroom. “Well, he’s lucky to have you.” “I feel like that’s the other way around,” Lisa brushed a hair behind her ear. “Okay, little flower, let’s…” Chaos froze when he saw who was talking to Lisa. “Can’t say ‘hi’ to your old man, boy,” the man called out. “Spencer, do you know this man?” Lisa looked at him, then back to Chaos, “Spencer?” Chaos went pale, “Lisa, get away from him.” “O-okay,” Lisa looked confused, but the look on his face told her to hold her questions. “I ain’t seen you in years!” “Should we just go, Spencer? You don’t look so—“ Lisa began, but Chaos held onto her tightly. “How the fuck did you get out of prison, Dave?” Chaos tried keeping his voice even. “Good behavior. Found the good Lord,” Dave held up his right hand. “So what? You found Jesus, and that just wipes away the fact that you snapped mama’s neck?” Chaos trembled. “Wait— he did wha—“ Lisa looked between them, confused. “Your ma was a saint, dealing with me as the man I was,” Dave sighed, “I regret getting out of control. ‘Gina was a good woman.” “Just— shut the hell up,” Chaos hissed. “I don’t expect you to forgive your old man, Spence, but I am sorry,” Dave looked at Chaos in earnest. Chaos raised his voice incredulous, “Forgi— you have the audacity to ask me for forgiveness? Me? What? Did you say a little prayer hoping mama would hear it, and now you think you can come full circle talking to me? Fuck you, Dave.” “I understand,” Dave said solemnly, “Well, I see you’re doing good for yourself. Pretty little thing on your arm there, boy.” Chaos pushed Lisa behind him, “Don’t you—“ Lisa stepped around Chaos and stood face to face with Dave. “Little flower!” Chaos called after her, reaching for her. He wouldn’t usually come this close to full-scale panic, but the imagery from his dreams was fresh on his mind. Lisa scrutinized Dave. “Hi, my name’s Dave Hendrix,” Dave laughed nervously, “I’m Spencer’s old man.” “Lisa,” Lisa replied, “Lisa Lesura.” “Lesura, huh?” Dave nodded to her, “That name is pretty famous in prison. If you’re any relation, you come from a long line of dangerous women.” “Grandma didn’t tell me much about our bloodline, but she did tell me to be grateful for the ones who made the one you care about,” Lisa quoted, “Even if they are the scum of the earth. So… you killed your wife?” “I did it. I can’t deny it. That was a— sobering moment,” Dave explained, “You care about my boy, though, huh?” “Very much so,” Lisa nodded, “Which is why I don’t think we should engage you any further, sir.” “That is up to me and my boy here, Ms. Lesura,” Dave put a hand on her shoulder as he went to step around Lisa. Chaos pulled her back, holding her with one arm, holding a gun between Dave’s eyes with the other. “His heart is racing,” Lisa noted, pinned to Chaos again, “I’ve never seen Spencer so spooked.” Dave had his hands up, “I get your message, boy. Put the gun down.” “He’s holding onto me pretty tight,” Lisa thought, “As much as he may want to pull that trigger, I can’t let him get caught like this.” “Spencer,” Lisa said in a soothing voice, “Let’s go. He’s not worth the bullets, okay?” “Your woman’s insulted me repeatedly, but listen to her,” Dave nodded. “Shut up,” Chaos shouted, shaking. Lisa managed to wiggle around and held his arm with the gun. “Spencer, let him go,” Lisa encouraged. When Chaos relented, Lisa signaled Dave not to say another word and leave. Lisa took the gun and steered Chaos away from the area before the onlookers realized they were not shooting a scene for a movie. Lisa set Chaos on a bench in a less populated area; since the park was making updates to the attractions, most things in that area were closed. Chaos put his head in his hands, trembling, trying to catch his breath. “Spencer,” Lisa began. Chaos wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her in as she stood there. “I’m not going anywhere,” Lisa stroked his hair, “just take some deep breaths… There you go,” Lisa kissed his forehead, “it’s okay if you need to cry.” “Villains don’t cry, little flower,” Chaos’s croaked. “Well, I’m giving you the girlfriend pass,” Lisa declared, running her fingers through his hair, “it overrides the villain code of conduct.” Chaos sniffled and looked up at Lisa, “I don’t think that’s how that works.” “Well, I’ll fight the villain code of conduct board. I’ll take it to the top,” Lisa smiled. Chaos laughed, then sobbed. Lisa kept stroking his hair, squeezing him gently. After a few moments, she kissed his forehead and said, “Forget the churros and funnel cakes. Let’s get out of here and go back to my place. I have a gallon of ice cream in the freezer that we can split.” “A gallon?” Chaos asked, wondering if she meant they would split the entire container after three funnel cakes, three slushies, and two churros. “Okay, okay. I ate half of the gallon yesterday. One of my rare flower bushes is sick,” Lisa sighed, misunderstanding the question, “What? It made me sad, and when I’m sad, ice cream makes it better!” “Well, I guess there are worse coping strategies,” Chaos thought back to when he and Charles broke into their first ATM. Lisa smiled at him big and held out her hand. Chaos wiped his eyes and stood up, taking her hand. “First, let’s get matching pajamas!” Lisa declared. “Do what now?” — Later, Lisa and Chaos were sitting on Lisa’s couch in matching pajamas. Lisa talked Chaos into the fuzzy pants with cats in raincoats and matching t-shirts. She put on a movie of Chaos’s choosing and ate ice cream wrapped in a blanket. “Little flower?” “Yes?” Lisa raised her eyebrows. “Thank you.” “For what?” Lisa tilted her head to the side. “For spending the day with me and— dealing with Dave,” Chaos smiled down at Lisa. She booped his nose, “No need to thank me. Just glad I can be there for you!” “Did you just— boop my nose?” Chaos blinked. “I sure did!” Lisa nodded, pleased with herself. “Well, if I let anyone boop my nose, it might as well be my girlfriend,” Chaos chuckled. Lisa smirked up at him. “Why are you making that face now?” Chaos laughed nervously. “Nothing! Just glad you’ve been able to cuddle with me,” Lisa nestled in closer and continued to watch the movie. “She’s right,” he thought as he wrapped an arm around her. — The next day, Lisa yawned and stretched as the front door stirred her to the shop. She got up carefully to not wake Chaos, who was sleeping soundly on the couch. “Charles! Lector! Good morning!” Lisa rubbed her eye as she greeted them. “Lisa, have you seen the boss?” Lector asked nervously. “Yes, he’s here!” Lisa chimed. “The boss is here,” Charles began slowly. “Yes,” Lisa replied slowly. “He never sleeps over… nor does he let anyone sleep over,” Charles was confused. “Charles,” Lector shook his head, “Lisa is the boss’s girlfriend, not one of his call girls.” “Well, I’m glad I’m a step above them,” Lisa laughed. It never ceased to amaze her how forthcoming Lector was. “He hasn’t seen any of them since he met you, though, Lisa!” Lector panicked. “I figured as much, Lector,” Lisa nodded, “but thanks for confirming.” “No problem. Say, if you’re the boss’s girlfriend, does that make you our boss lady?” Lector wondered. “I don’t think we are that far yet, Lector,” Charles gave him side-eye, “Boss, what on god’s green earth are you wearing right now?” “We match!” Lisa smiled standing next to Chaos. “I can see that,” Charles nodded slowly. “Awe! The boss loves cats!” Lector said excitedly, “Didn’t I tell you, boss! Did you eat ice cream together?” “We sure did!” Lisa smiled. “And three funnel cakes, three slushies, and two churros,” Chaos grimaced. “Oh no! Do you have a tummy ache?” Lisa stroked his arm. Chaos went stiff and blushed, “Villains don’t get tummy aches, Little Flower.” “Now you’re just yanking my chain, Spencer. Let’s get something for your stomach and get real breakfast in you,” Lisa said, “Charles and Lector, you can join us if you want to!” “Sure!” Lector agreed as they followed Lisa back to the kitchen. Charles and Chaos sat at the dining room table while Lector helped Lisa in the kitchen. “I saw Dave yesterday,” Chaos told Charles. “How the fuck did he get out of prison?” Charles whisper yelled. “Good behavior and Jesus,” Chaos could almost vomit. Charles shook his head in disdain, “How are you holding up?” “I’m doing okay. I’m glad Lisa was there,” Chaos smiled into his coffee. “Well, that would certainly explain the hideous cat pajamas,” Charles rested his chin on his hand, “you didn’t act all goofy like you just did?” “Nope. I held her like a normal person, and we fell asleep watching movies,” Chaos declared, proud of himself. “A marked improvement,” Charles smiled. “Still haven’t kissed her, though,” Chaos sighed. “Boss!” Charles groaned, “I’m not trying to rush you, but come on. Three dates? Making it official? And all you’ve done is cuddle and cheek kisses sober? What is this eighth grade?” “No! I just— you know I can’t just stop at a kiss,” Chaos huffed. “Well, you both are grown, silly pajamas aside, so if it goes beyond that and you’re both consenting, what’s the problem?” Charles pressed. Chaos shifted uncomfortably, “Well, Charles, uh—“ “Breakfast is served, guys!” Lisa and Lector brought out a spread of bacon, eggs, toast, and other breakfast items, “What were you guys just talking about?” “Nothing!” Chaos put his hands up. “Sex,” Charles declared simultaneously. “Charles!” Chaos whispered. “Sex? Ooo, do tell,” Lisa set their breakfasts down and sat at the table, leaning her chin on her hands. “I promise you we were not talking about—“ Chaos began. “Lisa, I have a confession,” Lector held his hand up, looking down at his eggs, embarrassed. Charles looked amused while Chaos was confused about what Lector could possibly confess. “I dressed the boss provocatively because I’m worried that his dick is going to fall off,” Lector said solemnly. “What?” Lisa tilted her head to the side. “Lector…” “Well, we were eating breakfast on the day that the boss neglected to kiss you good night and telling the boss he needs to be more assertive,” Lector continued. “Lector,” Chaos repeated. “Go on,” Lisa was intrigued. “So then Charles said, ‘You need to be more assertive, or the monstrosity in your pants is going to fall off.’ I didn’t know what he was talking about until Victor explained that the monster we were talking about was the boss’s…” “LECTOR!” “Anyway, I got concerned for his health. That’s all I wanted to say,” Lector finished, “I’m sorry I used my eye for clothing to take advantage.” Lisa laughed then said, “Well, thank you, Lector. That’s sweet that you care about Spencer’s…” “LISA!” “I was just going to say health,” Lisa was astonished, “What did you think I was going to say?” “Nothing,” Chaos put a hand to his face, “Let’s just drop it.” Charles was practically crying as he was trying to hold back his laughter. Lisa put a hand on Chaos’s arm, “Don’t stress about having sex with me, Spencer. We can do that whenever you’re ready.” “Uh… okay,” Chaos shifted uncomfortably. “Just don’t wait too long, boss. You’ll catch a cold with all these cold showers,” Lector warned. “Thanks, Lector,” Chaos grimaced. “Any time, boss!” “Awe, you take cold showers over me,” Lisa gushed, “that’s adorable.” Chaos groaned. “Anyway, boss,” Charles half wheezed, “We need to complete the preparations for Victor’s bachelor party.” “Right, Veronica invited me out for her bachelorette party,” Lisa nodded, “I can’t believe there’s a little over a week before the wedding, and…” “Little flower? What’s wrong?” Chaos asked. “Remember the sick flower bush I ate a half-gallon of ice cream for?” Lisa asked. “Yeah?” Chaos nodded. “It’s the centerpiece for Veronica’s bouquet,” Lisa looked solemn, “If I can’t get it well after today, I’m going to have to do something different.” “Does she know you’re going to use that one as the centerpiece?” Charles asked. “No,” Lisa shook her head. “Well, use another one!” Charles offered. “That’s the last resort, Charles,” Lisa sighed, “I do have a backup arrangement in mind, but I wanted to make it special since Victor’s family have been long-time patrons of Charleston Avenue, and I think Veronica is my friend?” “Of course!” Lector declared, “Veronica talks about how much she likes you all the time!” “Well, I’m glad,” Lisa smiled. She didn't exactly have friends aside from Ben and Mr. Wilson, who seemed to keep her at a distance. “Of course, the two of you get along,” Charles shook his head, “You’re both so aggressive, especially when you’ve put back a couple.” “I don’t know what you mean by that, Charles,” Lisa crossed her arms, turning her nose up. “Please,” Charlie put his hand up, “the bar might as well fire the bouncer and hire you and Veronica.” “I have no clue what you are talking about,” Lisa sounded indignant, “Anyway, we all have work to do.” “Right,” the others nodded.