Chapter Text
Though Calixte liked a bit of theater and performance once in a while, the theatrics of the Arcadion took some time to get used to. So, he was a bit surprised at how quickly many of his former opponents turned friendly. He’d gotten coffee with Honey B. Lovely plenty of times, but Vamp Fatale was new. The fighters all upheld a persona, but he wasn’t so sure about her. The sadistic gleam in her eye had seemed quite real in the midst of battle.
“Calixte!” Honey called and waved from a table tucked in a nook of plants and dividers at the Mosaic. Sure enough, Vamp was seated next to her, an air of aloofness, coolly sipping her drink. Calixte picked up his order and joined them. While they sat on the curved sofa, he took a cushy chair.
“Apologies for the tardiness,” Calixte said sheepishly.
“Oh, no worries at all!” Honey smiled, cheerful as always.
“What kept you?” Vamp asked. Though her tone was less exaggerated, her voice was still sultry and rich, her gaze scrutinizing.
“Finishing up a job. Delivered some hides. The hunting was easy enough, but the client was late to our appointment.”
“Hm, I see,” she said with a small smirk.
“Why do you ask?” Calixte blurted, feeling like he was under a microscope.
“It’s nothing,” she said and took a long sip of her drink. “Just curious.”
“Don’t tease him,” Honey giggled.
Calixte was sure he was missing something, but kept it to himself as the topic changed.
As he expected, Vamp wasn’t too far off from how she presented in the Arcadion. Perhaps less forward, but that made her more intense in other regards. She watched him intently like she was solving a puzzle, even though Calixte didn’t think he had anything to hide.
“This is just wonderful,” Honey beamed. “I’m so glad you had time to join us, Calixte.”
“I should be thanking you. Without these hangouts, I tend to forget to rest.”
“Letting loose is important,” Vamp agreed. She eyed him appraisingly. “Some of us fighters need to be reminded of that, like the Tyrant. He’s been quite strung up lately.”
“Oh?” Calixte tried to sound nonchalant as his ears warmed at the thought of the man. Why was Vamp bringing him up?
“Have you gotten a chance to chat with him outside the arena?” Honey asked, resting her chin in her hands.
“No, I haven’t. There’s also Red Hot and Deep Blue who I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to much.”
“Any of the fighters in particular you’ve been wanting to grab a drink with?” Vamp drawled.
Calixte’s thoughts ran a malm a minute. He had no doubt now what she was teasing at.
“Well,” he thought quickly. “You.”
“Naughty boy, lying to me,” Vamp smirked.
“I’m not!” Calixte hoped he appeared calm while his stomach flipped nervously.
“A second choice, then?” Honey giggled.
“Clearly, there’s an answer you’re hoping to hear.”
“Let’s just say, we heard a juicy little whisper.”
“Drunken spilling from a certain party animal.”
Oh fuck.
Calixte did his best not to fidget, hiding his nerves as he stirred his drink. About a week ago, he and Dancing Green had imbibed a tad too much alcohol. Quite a bit much. Calixte hadn’t been that intoxicated in a long time. In the process, he and Green may have rambled off into some rather embarrassing topics.
“Ah, I don’t remember much. And he tends to flourish details anyways.”
“Something about distractions in the heat of battle? Wanting to submit in the middle of the ring and let the Tyrant—”
“Alright, that is greatly exaggerated!” Calixte stammered, his face burning pink. Vamp chuckled.
“If you’re so in need of being dominated, I can make that happen.”
“I am fine, thank you very much!” He wondered for a moment if she meant herself or the Tyrant.
“Have you seen what the fans are saying?” Honey grinned. “They haven’t seen the Tyrant fight like that in a long time. Seeing you two go at it— My! It’s enough to set anyone’s blood running hot.”
“Wh— Honey! It was just a fight! This is getting ridiculous.”
“Aw, he’s getting shy.”
Calixte rolled his eyes. “Is there a point to this conversation other than poking fun at me?”
“You take it well,” Vamp said. “The Tyrant will like that.”
“Is that speculation, or…?”
Honey’s eyes glittered with mischief. “One way or another, you’ve been on his mind. Ever since your match, he’s had new found focus and purpose. He’ll be wanting to reclaim the title from you. Oh, the passion!” She fanned herself.
“Do you want me to fight him or fuck him?” Calixte asked, deadpan.
“Why not both?” Vamp suggested.
“You’re not exactly convincing me that he even wants to talk to me.”
“Never know unless you try~” Honey winked.
“Why exactly are you so invested in this?”
“Just fulfilling your desires,” Vamp said with a gleam in her eyes. “And the Tyrant’s. Do you know he’s been more insufferable than usual? Testy. He needs to blow off some steam.”
“W-Why me?”
“Pleasure is most effective with someone you actually want.”
“It doesn’t actually have to be sex,” Honey laughed. “It would be crude to just proposition you like that.”
“Even if he wants it,” Vamp added.
“Hey!”
“Really, we just think it’d be nice if you two got along.” Honey sighed. “Alright, with all the changes to the Arcadion, not to mention the passing of the president, the Tyrant might be taking it a little bit harder than the others. Hard to really tell. You know how it is with us in the business.”
“I doubt I’ll be very helpful.”
“Try it sometime! For me?” Honey pouted. “Just ask him to drinks or something.”
“Sure, I’ll try it sometime,” he sighed, if only to appease them. Except they didn’t seem any less eager.
“He’s probably free today!”
Calixte blinked at her. “Alright… I didn’t say, today.”
Yet despite what he said, Calixte found himself lingering outside the residential buildings. A heavy sigh sagged his shoulders. What was he even doing here? He bit his lip, thinking about what Honey and Vamp had said. Surely, it was just a big dumb joke.
A cold, sinking feeling in his stomach stopped him in his pacing. What if Green had rambled to someone else? What if his shameful confessions had already reached the Tyrant’s ears? Calixte blushed. With a quiet groan, he spun on his heel to leave. But as fate would have it, there was the Tyrant himself walking up the steps to the block.
Calixte froze and glanced around his surroundings. Vaulting off the nearest railing down several stories was probably not going to be any less conspicuous, especially with many other people in the square. Whatever ideas he had were extinguished as the Tyrant caught his eyes. Foolishly, he turned away, only to hear the arrogant domineering voice call out.
“Grand Champion, what brings you to this sector?”
A few passerby and definitely some Arcadion fans looked over curiously.
“Nothing much,” Calixte said, facing him. “Just adventuring odd jobs. Making deliveries.”
His heart rate sped up with every step the Tyrant took towards him. He stopped just a yalm away. His presence made him seem even taller, and Calixte felt smaller as that haughty gaze scanned him up and down, sending a warm flush through his body.
“Remarkably bland for so powerful a warrior.”
It was… mostly a compliment? Hard to tell with the condescending tone and the provoking smirk he liked to wear. Calixte shrugged, feigning disinterest.
“Boring days are just part of the profession sometimes.”
“You may as well be training, then. Hone your skills well. The next time we fight, I will be reclaiming my title, Grand Champion.”
“You’re more than welcome to try,” Calixte retorted with a smile, unable to help himself, “Former Champion.” And judging by the Tyrant’s grin— fire in his eyes— he’d hit the right mark.
The imposing fighter stepped closer, one hand on his hip. Calixte had to stop himself from looking down at the exposed chest. The Tyrant’s hair was slightly damp, and he gave off a faint scent of sweat, likely having just returned from hunting. Thinking about the way he fought, picturing his powerful exertions, Calixte’s mouth watered.
“The day may come sooner than you’d like,” he spoke in a low rumbling tone. Calixte swallowed hard. He blushed as the Tyrant’s eyes flickered down his neck. That stupid smirk was growing more smug by the moment.
“Fine by me,” Calixte said as he tried to remember to breathe. He had to tilt his head back to keep eye contact. “The outcome won’t change.”
“Insolent whelp,” he murmured.
A shiver ran down Calixte’s spine. For a second, he thought the Tyrant was reaching out for him. But the increasing clamor of fans finally caught their attention. The Tyrant waved graciously at the small crowd that was beginning to point and chatter. Calixte stepped back with a sharp exhale.
“Wow! The Tyrant and the new champion! Is there going to be a rematch soon?” one fan exclaimed.
“Hey, are they…?” Calixte caught the words which were spoken quietly but no less distinct.
“And I am going now,” he muttered under his breath.
“Running away?” The Tyrant said louder than necessary.
“Yes, yes I am,” Calixte said in a curt tone. “It’s been nice chatting. See you in the ring.” He gave a quick wave to the crowd as he made his way out of the square. The Tyrant’s laughter rang after him.
“The new champion’s grip on his title is tenuous at best,” he proclaimed to the eager fans.
Calixte rolled his eyes. He cared little for his public image at the moment. After making his way down the steps, he found an isolated alley to gather his nerves. His heart pounded as he thought of those sharp eyes boring into him, as if intent to consume him. Surely, he wasn’t imagining it. He held his warm face in his hands and groaned. Just the close proximity and talking had been enough to stir arousal in him. What was he getting himself into?
The next morning, Calixte had hoped that his encounter with the Tyrant had been enough to solve whatever issue Honey and Vamp had set him on. Though to be honest, he was thinking about him even more than before, tossing and turning throughout the night. Against his better judgment, he headed for the Arcadion. Maybe he’d find someone to chat with. Not that he was looking for anyone in particular.
As it turned out, he did find a fighter of interest. He stepped into the greenroom and spotted a familiar neon shetona at the fridge of the bar.
“Good morning! Glad to have someone to share this new— Oh! Calixte!” His eyes went wide behind his shades and he set down the bottle of tropical juice. “How are you?” he said with a nervous chuckle.
“Eheeya.” Calixte crossed his arms. “What the hell did you tell Vamp?”
“N-Nothing! Uh, I mean, you know how she gets!”
Calixte opened his mouth, only to stop as music blared from the screens. He and Green watched in surprise as a broadcast started up. Calixte’s heart skipped a beat as he wondered if the Tyrant was really going to declare a challenge. Instead, the color drained from his face. It was Vamp and Honey. They greeted the audience, giving their customary catch up of recent events.
“Now, Vamp Fatale, you had an announcement that you wanted to make?” Honey prompted.
“I do,” she drawled. “The Eternal Grand Champion is back in town. While he may not be allowed to compete. What about an exhibition match? Just a bit of fun.”
“Oh my! Vamp Fatale, you don’t mean to take him on again?”
“He’s still due for punishment,” Vamp chuckled. “In fact, why not make it more interesting? Honey B., dear, would you like to join me in a bit of revenge?”
“The two of us versus the Eternal Grand Champion?” Honey gasped. “Well, that is something! You think he’ll accept?”
“He can,” Vamp smirked at the camera. “Or I can spill a little secret he’s been keeping.”
“You heard it here folks! A showdown that will make history: Vamp Fatale and, yours truly, Honey B. Lovely hereby challenge the Eternal Grand Champion to an exhibition match! Catch it tonight! Will he show? Tell us what you think!” she winked and waved as the outro played.
Calixte stared, jaw hanging until the music and animation completed. He turned to Dancing Green and shook him.
“C-Calixte, I’m sorry! Ack! I didn’t know this would happen! I swear!”
Somehow, Vamp and Honey managed to avoid him throughout the whole day, despite him scouring all of Solution 9. As the hour drew close, he returned to the greenroom and found them getting ready.
“Calixte! You’re here!” Honey exclaimed as if she wasn’t expecting him.
“Aye, I am,” he said tersely. “Would you kindly explain the meaning of this? I was under the impression I wasn’t going to be pressured.”
“That was Honey’s proposal,” Vamp said with a little wave. “Things have been going slow enough for my tastes.”
“Really?”
“Well, we already wanted to set up a match like this anyway. Vamp’s wager was just the cherry on top.”
“Gods be good,” Calixte muttered. At the very least, a 2 vs 1 did sound like a potential challenge. “Alright. If you win, I’ll ask Tyrant to hunt together. And you will stop trying to play matchmaker. Not that you will win.”
“We’ll see about that,” Vamp smiled.
“And if I win,” Calixte smiled, eyeing them both carefully. “You announce your relationship.”
To their credit, they appeared mostly unfazed. Vamp’s eyebrows rose and Honey’s smile was extra professional.
“My, my, where did that come from?” Honey asked sweetly.
“Just a hunch.”
Vamp and Honey shared a look.
“Deal.”