My Lie-On Valentine

Chapter Two

By Roofles

 

Lunch was just beginning as the two sat down outside a coffee shop to go over the game plan.

“Just hire someone.” Mandy shrugged her shoulders. The cougar across from Law was already pulling over another chair to place her handbag on; insisting it wasn’t a purse. Law was just confused why the cougar didn’t place it under her seat.

But that was a very Mandy like thing to do.

Mandy had been Law’s connection to Brett, the two being siblings. After Brett had called it off, Law worried their friendship would’ve been lost as well but Mandy had barged into his place the very next day, pulled him out of bed and made him go on a shopping spree with her until he felt better.

He didn’t but Law was thankful some things never changed.

Mandy had spent the entire day badmouthing her own brother, telling Law he could do better and that she had warned him not to bother with such a flaky feline. Even to this day, Law didn’t trust anyone more than Mandy and was glad she was part of his life. Unsure how he could’ve made it through without her.

“Hire someone?” Law snorted his drink five second within their conversation, coughing and reaching for a napkin. “Like a… prostitute?”

“What? No,” she scoffed waving off the idea with a roll of her eyes. “Well, not technically. You can pay anyone these days to do something for you. Money makes the world go round, sweetheart. Have I taught you nothing?”

Law could only frown in reply unsure where to even begin with that.

First, he had no money. And second, looking at Mandy, he could see that she didn’t even know the value of a dollar. Let alone how much this was going to cost him. She had a designer spring dress on with jewelry hanging from her wrist and neck. Her earrings alone cost more than Law’s entire wardrobe did.

And, just like her brother, she was pulling everything off. The entire family was breathtakingly beautiful. It was a wonder none of them were models. Law had thought himself lucky to catch someone like Brett’s attention.

At first. Problem was with having a good thing? You could lose it.

“I don’t think I could go through with something like… that.” Law had to admit. He could barely afford going out to lunch with Mandy. Let alone hiring someone to pretend to be his boyfriend so his ex didn’t find out he was lying.

“What about someone you already know then?” Mandy popped open her compact mirror and was staring at her own reflection. If Law didn’t know better, he’d figure the feline was ignoring him.

After dating one for so long, he knew this was just how cats were. Once they got comfortable with you, they’d treat you as if you didn’t exist unless they wanted something from you. It was hard for Law to adjust to such feline behavior, but it had been worth it. He had thought. Putting up with that kind of abuse in hopes of receiving affection when the cat was willing to give some.

Brett had been extremely stringent about showing affection, let alone in public. The feline only ever doing it when he wanted something more. Sometimes a guy just wanted to cuddle but with Brett, it would always lead to something despite how Law was feeling that day.

“Who could I possibly call for such a ridiculous scheme?” Law just ended up laughing at the idea, though. Mandy glanced up at him. “Besides, who doesn’t have a date on Valentine’s day? Other than the obvious.”

“Who obviously doesn’t have a date for Valentine’s day?” A smooth, warm velvety voice purred behind Law making the human nearly fall out of his chair.

“Dammit, who invited you?” Law barely managed to catch the table, righting himself up before jumping to his feet to turn on the lion.

The feline just smirked down at the human, clearly amused by Law’s response to his presence.

Jerome was nearly the same height as Brett was. He had a rich earthy tan tone to his fur and his mane was a gorgeous platinum blonde. The sharp contrast of the dark color and light only made the lion’s face pop out more. A smug looking face that Law just wanted to punch.

“I called him.” Mandy just said looking back into the mirror to make sure nothing was out of place for her own date that evening. “I figured we’d need some back up. And he owes me a favor.”

“Of all the people you had to call…” Law glared at his best friend who just ignored him. 

“What’s wrong with me?” The lion was clearly amused by it all. Law ignored him.  

“Who else would it be?” Mandy said.

“Anyone. Literally, anyone else would’ve been a better choice.” Law took a moment, trying to calm down. “I’m just going to head home. Pretend to be sick and just…”

Law cursed his own fate while the lion only laughed, swiping Law’s chair from him, and taking a seat. The lion didn’t even seem to mind stealing not only Law’s chair but also the remnants of his lunch and drink for himself.

“He was available last minute.” Mandy just shrugged.

“But Jerome?” Law had to point out as the lion shoved a handful of fries into his mouth, still smirking at the human as he licked his black paw padded fingers clean one after the other slowly as Law fumed.

“You are not going to ruin my date with Herald.” Mandy shot Law a look that made even the lion pull back. The compact snapped shut as she stood up with a fluid motion only a feline could master. She dusted her dress off as if something had gotten on it.

Law swore she looked better now than when she first arrived and wasn’t sure how that was even physically possible.

“You know how long it took me to get that spineless coward to agree to go on a date with me?” Mandy jabbed a clawed finger at Law’s face making the human pull back. “And you.” She snapped, making Jerome sit upright. “Stop slouching. At least pretend you give a damn.” And she collected her things. “Now. Are both of you going to behave?”

The two males nodded quickly in reply, submitting.

“Good. You can figure out the details. I’m getting my hair and nails done before tonight.” She made a dramatic motion of tossing her hair aside, as if she needed to get it done. Law didn’t have the balls to tell her otherwise.

Out of habit, Law picked up her handbag and offering it over as if in a peace offering. She took it, kissing his cheek after before slipping the golden lace strap over one shoulder.

“Such a sweetheart. Do not. Interrupt my date.” She warned, looking between the two. “Figure this out. I don’t want to hear Law complaints tonight. Only my brothers,” she laughed. And with that walked off with a sway to every step she took, shaking her ass for every male in the area.

“I swore she planned this whole thing from the start.” Law grumbled, taking Mandy’s seat slowly. If he wasn’t so afraid of her, he would’ve just left. He might as well pretend to do something about his issue. 

“We both know that’s true.” Jerome just grumbled, resting his head on a hand, and looking out over the crowd of couples passing them by ignoring the human at the table with him.

To anyone else, it might look as if the two were on a date. A poor one at that. It was Valentine’s day, and it wouldn’t be a far fetch reach. Unless people knew their sordid history together.

Jerome was Brett’s best friend and the two of them, Law, and Jerome, had not hit it off. They were like oil and water. Always butting heads with one another whenever Brett had invited the two out together.

The last time they talked was just after Brett had broken up with Law and the words said still rung in the back of Law’s head.

“How could someone like Brett ever be interesting in you?” It had been a low blow even if Jerome hadn’t known the two had just broken up the previous night. Law hadn’t taken it well and had rushed out of there, much to the lion’s confusion.

Law had hoped he’d never have to see the lion again with Brett out of his life and now here Mandy was setting up this twisted playdate for the two.

His phone buzzed and, checking it, Law saw a warning text from Mandy not to mess this up.

“We should just act the part, so she doesn’t kill us.” Jerome spoke up seeing Law had gotten a text and figured who it was from quick enough.

“No.” Law just began with, about to get up. “I’m not doing this. I’ll face the she-devils wrath instead of going through with this.”

“Hey, hey. Look.” Jerome growled jumping to his feet first. He cleared his throat, taking a moment before taking a seat once more.

“What? What could you possibly say after last time?” Law just gave Jerome a cold look. “Want to rub some lemon juice and salt in the wound?”

“Look. I’m sorry. Okay? I didn’t. I didn’t know the two of you had broken up.” Jerome said harshly at the end as if accusing Law of doing something wrong. “When the last time I saw you. I didn’t know. Brett didn’t tell me shit. I just figured you two had another fight, no biggie. I’m sorry, okay?”

“Wow.” Law had to laugh; the sound dry. “You are just awful at this. Like, the worst. Have you never apologized in your life before?” Law figured that to be true.

The lion was good looking and fit into Brett’s life, and family, perfectly. Coming from a rich home as well, the two felines had hit it off easily enough. Jerome claimed his platinum blonde mane was natural and with his looks, Law wouldn’t be surprised if that was indeed the case. He had that perfect build. Not too skinny, not too heavy, not too muscular. Just right there in the middle of it all. Still taller and heavier than Law would ever be, being a lion. With his height and looks, Jerome could’ve easily gone into acting alongside Brett, but the lion hadn’t.

Law didn’t even know what Jerome did and could care less about it.

“I didn’t have to come here. Or apologize.” Jerome just glared back with turquoise-colored eyes. “I’m doing you a favor.” His tail flicked, the tuft of platinum blonde fur at the end wiggling back and forth.

“Oh wowie, gee thanks mister. I’m so glad your willing to stoop down to my level to do me a favor.” Law was already turning to go.

“Hey.” Jerome just got back, slamming his hands down. “This isn’t exactly easy for me, either.”

“This was a mistake.” Law just said, wiping his hands of the whole thing. “I shouldn’t have even told Mandy.” He scooted the chair back. “I should’ve just stayed in bed.”

“Then no one would see you crying, huh?” Jerome just said and, at first, Law thought the feline was just mocking him as he always seemed to do. Mocking him. Making fun of him for having emotions. Jerome did that a lot. Picking at their relationship, Brett’s, and Law’s relationship behind their backs when the two felines were together.

Feline’s just had a nasty habit of poking their nose where they didn’t belong.

It wasn’t like Brett was the perfect boyfriend. Far from it. At times Law was sure Brett only saw them as close friends more than anything else. Fuck buddies, really. There were countless times the feline had straight up ignored him. Leaving Law behind who had to stop to tie his shoe. He’d get tickets without buying one for Law or buy one for himself when Law had bought Brett one. Brett could get extremely competitive at times and would mock Law in public when they were at the arcades or when they played a team sport, like basketball. Brett would even go so far as to join the other team because he thought they’d win.

It was such silly, petty little things like that. Things that, as friends, you could get away with. Not when you were something more. 

And Law couldn’t say a thing. Because, he knew, he was just lucky enough to be with a guy like Brett. To be in the cougar’s life. Let alone dating him.

“What did you say?” The human stopped, turning on Jerome as he clenched a hand ready to get into, yet another, argument with the feline.

Law glared daggers at the lion before faltering, seeing Jerome look at him with a face he didn’t think the lion could possible make. One of sympathy. It was a look that said “sorry” without ever mouthing the words. It was a look of pity and Law struggled to respond to that. It was easier to argue with the lion when he was just being an ass.  

“Crying about Brett…” Jerome wasn’t able to finish or explain, looking away in that uncomfortable moment. Law knew what he meant though. In a way, he’d always known.

It was obvious to most that their relationship was beginning to fall apart. Where they had begun with such a strong foundation had ended up crumbling under the weight and burden of those… little things. Stacking on top of each other. One after another.

A Jenga tower rising higher and higher with less and less to support it. Doomed to fall but struggling to stay up. At first, the two of them had tried to keep it from crumbling into a pitiful, laughable pile. Until, one day, it was just Law trying too as Brett got up and left the game, their relationship, behind.

Like he’d done so many times before.

Leaving Law behind to tie his shoe. Brett and Jerome going on ahead. Even the lion had stopped, if only for a second, to look back at the human. The cougar, his boyfriend, hadn’t even looked back. Unaware he was leaving Law behind as he kept walking forward, always looking forward and never back. Where Law was.

And as Law stood up to join them. He could see the distance that had grown between the two of them. Brett still laughing and talking with Jerome, without ever looking back. The lion between them, looking back at Law. And Law just standing there behind the two with a hand reaching out.

Words on his lips. That would never be said. Because what could you say, when you knew you were only the third wheel in the end. 

“Mandy… told me.” Jerome tapped a clawed finger on the table without looking at the human. “Brett never did. He doesn’t like the drama, you know? Just figured I’d figure it out too, eventually…”

“Of course, she did.” Law took a seat, covering his face as he lowered his head down as if hoping to just disappear in that moment. “And the crying bit?” He had to ask, in a soft meek tone that made the lion’s ears splay out in shame.

“I…” Jerome stopped, running his fingers through his mane slowly. “Saw you. At the park. That day.”

Law could feel the pit in his stomach grow just hearing the words. The last time he had been to the park was with Brett. Where the cougar had dumped him. Out in the open, in public, just away enough that people couldn’t directly hear them but close enough that Law wouldn’t dare risk making a scene.

“Brett called me. Wanted to hang out… I showed up early. I didn’t realize that’s what he was doing that day…” Jerome struggled with the words, clearly uncomfortable by it all. “I tried not to hear but, I thought it was nothing. Just the two of you having another argument. Nothing new…”

Law didn’t need him to finish. It had been humiliating. Here he was thinking everything had been going well enough, not perfect by any means. But whose relationship was? And here Brett was just wanting to “stop bothering” with it all. His words. They had been so callous and cruel.

As if Law was just some kind of bother. That he was just an issue Brett had been dealing with this entire time instead of…

“Fuck.” Law could only say. He knew where Jerome was going with this. “This is so…” He groaned, covering his face. “I should’ve stayed in bed.”

After the breakup, Law had retreated to the public restrooms to hide the fact he was bawling like a baby. It was embarrassing enough to cry in public. Just as bad to get caught in the bathroom crying over something like that. 

“Why are you even here?” Law rubbed his eyes off before glaring up at the lion. Just waiting for Jerome to say or do something about it. To make fun of him. Ridicule him. Mock him for being there like he usually did. “Want to just rub it in? Your best friend dumped my sorry ass. You don’t need to say anything more. You won. You got exactly what you always wanted, Brett and I breaking up.”

Jerome was taken aback, if only for a second. The lion tapped a finger on the table, looking away as he settled back into his chair. Trying to think it over, to form the words correctly.

“Mandy told me what was going on. I mean, I knew you two weren’t the best couple-,” Jerome started up. Law just laughed, cutting him off.

“Oh? Really? You? I’d have never guessed! You, who always had to point it out. Make fun of us. Or me, rather. Always bringing up how I shouldn’t be there?” Law was glad anger was a good mask for how hurt he was from it all. “You never thought the two of us were a good couple to begin with. Don’t pretend otherwise!”

“Of course not!” Jerome was the one to get worked up now, his fur standing up a bit as his tail lashed out quickly as he jumped to his feet, slamming both hands onto the table and glaring at Law. “Brett’s an ass.” He just said, catching Law off guard. “He’s a cocky bastard that’s full of himself. Was born good looking and doesn’t know what it’s like to work a real job. The two of you couldn’t be farther apart from each other. Sure, he might be my friend. But damn, I would never date the guy even if he was the last one on earth.”

Law had to let that sink in before replying. Jerome took an unsteady seat, tapping his foot quickly in annoyance as he scowled, looking to the side. Even angry, the lion still looked good. In a way, that only ticked Law off further.

Sighing heavily, Law finally just asked again in a calmer tone than he’d used before.

“Why are you here, Jerome? If not to rub it in… then? Why?” Law asked and the lion gave him a look. It was one full of surprise. Of shocked. As if he wasn’t aware just how much Law hated his guts.

“I…” Jerome grumbled, tapping a finger on the table quickly.

“Look. Apology, or whatever, accepted. Now can I go?” Law was about to get up when Jerome finally found his words.

“Want to get back at him?” Jerome just asked as a sly smile spread over his black lipped muzzle. He crossed his arms, resting back in the chair as he looked across the table at Law with a wicked smirk playing across his face.

Law just gave him a look, the gears in his head slowly turning. “What… did you have in mind?”

“Well, Mandy said something about hiring a date.” Jerome just started up with, teasing the subject without delving further inside. Forcing Law to engage with him and continue this conversation.

Law wanted to just leave but the idea of getting back at that jerk was too tantalizing to pass up.

“Brett wants to go on a double date. Him with Eddie…” Law just explained, laying things out.

Jerome winced at that.

“Damn, Brett. Fucking cold.” The lion laughed though as he tilted his head looking at the human for a long, drawn-out moment. His turquoise eyes roaming over Law several times as if picking him apart. “And I take it you told him you had a date?”

Law didn’t respond and his silence was answer enough.

“On the hardest day of the year to get a date last minute, huh?” Jerome had to laugh at that, teasing Law as he used too. There was something different about it this time, but Law couldn’t put his finger on it.

Jerome had always been happy to point out Law’s mistakes. But, looking back on them, they had always been related to him and Brett together. It hadn’t been so much Law than it was the relationship between the human and the cougar. The lion, otherwise, stayed out of the whole affair. Just pitying him from the sidelines it seemed.

“What do you want in return for your help?” Law wasn’t an idiot and knew Jerome was after something. He just couldn’t figure out what the lion would want with him or from him.

“Now, now. Where’s the fun in me just telling you that?” Jerome rested back in the chair, looking down his muzzle at the human with a catlike smile on his face.

“You expect me to just go along and agree to your help without knowing what I’d owe you?” Law laughed harshly.

“Exactly.” Jerome snapped his fingers, pointing at the human. “Because its far more fun this way.”

“And why would I agree to something so ridiculous as that?” Law could only fear what Jerome would ask of him in return. This already was a stupid idea on so many levels.

“Because that’s just how desperate you are.” Jerome said the words slowly, emphasizing each one as he swirled the straw in the strawberry lemonade drink that Law had ordered for himself. “I don’t think you’re in the position to be negotiating. More like… groveling.”

“I’m not going to beg for you, of all people, for help.” Law said.

“That hurts.” Jerome just laughed. “Don’t you want to get back at Brett? At Eddie?” The lion brought up, toying with the name. “That. Little. Rat. Stealing your boyfriend? Don’t you want to make the two of them look like absolute fools?”

“Of course.” Law just glared. “What’s in it for you? Why would you go against your friend just for-,”

“Cause it’d be freaking hilarious.” Jerome cut in, laughing about it. “Besides. An eye for an eye.” He coyly added, tail swaying behind him in a spiral as he looked at the human. “We both want to get back at him, so it’s a win-win.”

Law frowned at the idea but didn’t refuse.

“What did you have in mind?”

“Simple. You need a date for the double date, stupid of you to agree to such a thing but what’s done is done. And I offer my services for your little idea.” The lion just said sweetly, taking a long sip after. “Ah, so refreshing.” He licked over his lips with a bright pink tongue.

Law wasn’t buying into the act but didn’t exactly have another option.

“And you’d be willing to, what, play as my date?” Law wasn’t convinced in the least.

“You want to make Brett jealous. Mandy wants to hurt Brett. I owe Mandy a favor. And I just kind of want to be involved in all of it.” Jerome shrugged. “It’s the least I can do.”

“For me?”

“Against Brett.” Jerome just clarified with a snap, pointing at him.

“Fine. Thanks for the help, Jerome.” Law said, admitting defeat.

“No, no. You have to ask me.” Jerome just said as he rested against the table, giving Law a very Cheshire grin.

“Ask you… what?” Law frowned, not liking where this was going.

“Ask me to be your Valentine, duh.” Jerome teased the straw in the drink with a finger, glancing over at the human. “It’s not begging. It’s more like… confessing.” Jerome chuckled darkly, the cat’s tail twisting and his ears curling in looking very much like devil horns in that moment.

“…. I hate you.” Law face palmed, unable to believe he had gotten roped into this. He had dug his own grave and Jerome was his only chance of crawling out of it.  

“I’m waiting.” The lion just took a sip of the drink, smacking his lips loudly. “Be. So. Satisfying to hear.”

“Fine. Fine! Jerome… will you be my Valentine?” Law just shouting out, getting a few looks.

“I’d love too.” And Jerome did. “Shall we?” And he offered a hand.

And Law, despite his better judgement, took it.

“Now then, let’s go over the game plan.” Jerome said resting back in his chair. “Waiter! Another order of fries. No, make that a double! And put it on his tab.” The lion just laughed as Law instantly regretted this.