"I'm escaping this world

one step at a time

but all I need first

is a partner in crime" - J.H.

 

Laughter and posh lectures one with another. Gentlemen in suits and ladies in dresses. The environment felt elegant and suffocating in this venue, at least for the seven year old Giotto. He looked adorable in his little suit, at least that’s what everyone said as his father showed him off. His father was the chief of security of the city, wealthy, handsome, widower, everything and anything Giotto could care less of. His most popular trait was his hatred and fear against mutants, beings with supernatural abilities that could surpass animal and machine. The city both feared them and revered them, it was a dividing side. But being a small minority they would only stand out every so often in the news. What his father would never know was that his own son was a mutant with developing powers. Another rub to the head, causing his hair to get messed up caused Giotto to groan and sneak away, away from the strong smelling perfumes and out a door that led to the outside for fresh air, the back parking lot barely lit up by a street lamp and decorated with a few garbage cans. “Stupid party, stupid stuff, stupid dad.” Giotto muttered under his breath as he got his hands in his pockets and kicked around a rock. He hated social events like this. Not only was he ignored, he was used as an item to show off. “Stupid!” He kicked the rock again.

 

Despite the gag on Giotto, he continued to muffle out words and murmurs, even if Jesse couldn't understand a single word out of it. It was what felt like hours as Giotto never once took a break from his conversation. Eventually Jesse did reach Giotto's house and Giotto jumped off the bike and took off the bandana from his mouth. "Thank you for giving me a ride home Jesse! You're going to come to my birthday party tomorrow I hope!" Giotto said rather loudly. Luckily however, there was no one around to hear him. He waved at Jesse and made his way inside the house , only to collapse asleep the moment he touched the bed. By the next morning he would have too much for a hangover to even bother to apologize or complain to Jesse of why he let him take the drink.

 

-NEXT DAY-

 

Sebastian followed the address given by Giotto, and wasn't completely surprised by the location that Jesse called home. Giotto had told him enough to prepare himself mentally to not expect something like the silver district or the gold district. If anything...it reminded him of his childhood home. Back then when his sister and him lived in a room the size of Giotto's bathroom . That was what they called home long ago. "Right." Sebastian sighed, holding a large bag of clothing in his hands. He walked over gently to the window that led to the basement house, and knelt down, knocking on the wall. "Excuse me? Jesse? Mister Johnny? Giotto sent me over." Sebastian asked, slowly sneaking in, careful to not fall on his head. "I mean no harm." He added, just incase he scared any of them.

Jesse rolled his eyes, happy to finally have Giotto out of his hair. From that day on never again would he ever let Giotto drink. The only person who was a worse drunk than Giotto was Jesse's father, who turned into more of an ass than he already was.

"Goodnight, hotshot." Jesse muttered before zooming off into the night. What hell of a night it's been.

 

The next morning, Sebastian found all the lights off in the basement, with the dim light from outside being the only source. Jesse was fast asleep on the floor, with Johnny sleeping on a small cot next to Mimi's crib. As soon as Sebastian got inside however, Mimi woke right up and giggled in her crib.

"Hi! Hi!" She cheered. Her voice woke Johnny up, who in turn began to freak out upon seeing a random man.

"W-WHO THE F*** ARE YOU?!" He yelled, grabbing a hunting knife from underneath the cot to go and stab the newcomer.

"JOHNNY THAT'S HOTSHOT'S BUTLER!" Came in a yelling Jesse from the floor. Figures Johnny had to go and screw up Jesse's sleep. "SIT THE F*** DOWN! HE'S GIVING US CLOTHES FOR HOTSHOT'S BIRTHDAY!"

Johnny got even more upset. "WHY DO YOU NOT TELL ME THESE THINGS?!" He screamed back at Jesse. Johnny sighed softly and dropped the knife before walking over to Sebastian to shake his hand. "I-I apologize..." Johnny muttered, clearly embarrassed.

Meanwhile Mimi continued to giggle in her crib.

"Oop! Oops!" She cheered once more.

Sebastian found the reaction he got kind of expected. They lived in the bad part of the city, and a stranger could become your killer if you don't take precautions. He smiled and shook Johnny's hand. "No worries. I understand your reaction completely. My sister and I kept guns under our pillows incase someone tried to sneak in to do something. In fact, I'm glad you are thinking so far ahead in your security." Sebastian said. He was however, quickly mesmerized by the adorable Mimi. He walked over to her, cooing at her as she was the cutest thing he had ever seen. "So you're the one Giotto talks so much about. You're so cute!" Sebastian cooed, opening the palm of his hand. As the sunlight hit his hand, the energy began to move around, before forming into a small butterfly of energy that began to waltz around Mimi for entertainment. He turned to Johnny. "As Jesse explained. I am Giotto's personal care taker and uncle from his mother's side. Call me Sebastian, or Sebby for short." Sebastian chuckled. He quickly opener up the large bag he had brought in, pulling out some costumes. "The blue one is yours, mister Johnny. The red one is yours, Jesse." Sebastian said as he gave them the costumes with masks and everything. He even pulled out a dress for Mimi.

___
The costumes and dress:

 

 

Edited August 13, 201510 yr by Stardustblade358

Johnny listened to Sebastian's story intently. He had to admit he was surprised when he heard that Sebastian lived in the ghettos as well. What a small world. If a man with a last like Sebastian ended up living in the Gold District, was it possible for Johnny to at least make it to the Silver District?

"Damn... Sorry to hear that. And I'm sorry again for almost stabbing you... Because SOMEONE doesn't like to tell me anything of what's going on." Johnny said, looking over to Jesse who in turn yelled

"F*** you I forgot!" Both men were surprised however, when Sebastian did his little magic trick.

"Wow... You're one of them mutant fellas too. I gotta hire you to look after Mimi sometime." Johnny said as he watched the butterfly in awe. What a beautiful ability. He was surprised once more when Sebastian took out the costumes. Johnny took his, and tossed Jesse's right where he laid on the floor.

"You better take a shower and make yourself look nice. If I catch you acting or looking like a slob at the party I will f-" he paused as he remembered Mimi and Sebastian was in the room. "...Mess you up."

Jesse grumbled to himself and grabbed the costume. "Nyeh whatever. I'm gonna look f****** sexy in this damn rich people costume." Johnny almost face palmed.

Meanwhile Mimi started to play with the butterfly. It was the greatest thing she ever saw. She giggled and laughed, trying her best to catch it before Sebastian took out her dress. As soon as she saw it she tried her best to reach for it.

"Piiii!" She cheered. She was going to be a pink princess! "Piiiinnnnnn!"

 

Sebastian smiled at Mimi's reaction to the dress. "Yes, pink. A pink dress for a beautiful princess." Sebastian cooed at the lovely little girl. He chuckled at Johnny's comment about the stabbing, simply waving his hand in reassurance. "No harm done, so nothing to worry about. Let's not stress to much about that, yes?" He then turned to Jesse, pursing his lips as he began to scold him. "Well as handsome as you will end up looking, though you have much time to get prepared for such festivities, you must clean your mouth before you end up saying something you didn't fully mean. The people at the party don't use such vulgar words as casually as others do, and besides, ladies around your age will be attracted to your looks, but will be repelled by your attitude if you don't learn to keep your mouth shut." Sebastian somewhat scolded. He remembered the first time Giotto came back home from one of his adventures with Jesse, and blurted out one of those words after stubbing his toe. The nearest maid almost had a heart attack. "Giotto was waken up extra early this morning for pictures and to get ready and all...yet he seemed to have waken up with quite a headache...and could barely remember what he had done last night." Sebastian's gaze turned to Jesse even more intently. "Mr.Rubocrasia also seemed oddly upset this morning over an issue in one of his anti-mutant facilities...you did that didn't you?" ...He smiled. "Good job."

Johnny was absolutely amazed at the lecture Sebastian was giving. Perhaps Jesse would listen for once. It always went through one ear and out the other. The other times Jesse listened he just didn't care. Johnny liked to curse, however he knew the time and place to do it. On the street? Yes. At home? No because of Mimi. At the party? Hell no. But Jesse didn't know that. He would curse anywhere and everywhere. The first and only time Jesse ever tried to apply for a job, he got banned from a McDonalds for asking "Yo y'all mother f****** hiring?" Jesse was an idiot. With a small sigh, Johnny looked to Jesse.

"Can you please lecture him about other things? About everything else? To bathe, brush his teeth, not be rude, just everything? He's a mess. I wouldn't be- Hey! Don't encourage him!" Johnny said, referring to Sebastian's 'thanks.'

 

Jesse meanwhile definitely wasn't expecting such an approval from Sebastian. A fancy guy thanking him for invading a police station? That was priceless. Immediately Jesse grinned, and stuck his tongue out at Johnny to rub it in his face.

"You're thanking me?" Jesse asked. "Gee, thank you so much. If only other people I know would realize how great of a thing it was to free innocent mutants stuck in jail."

 

Mimi wasn't even paying attention to anyone. She was having a field day from just playing with her pretty new dress. Best. Present. Ever.

"Wheeee!" Mimi chimed, hugging her dress to her chest. "Piiii!!!"

 

Sebastian chuckled. "Sometimes doing your job means to doing things that are against the rules set by those above you. Though it is Giotto's father's orders to collect and lock up all mutants...They all are going by the basis that all mutants are possible criminals and part of the Skulls that are causing trouble around the Bronze District. Luckily those that Jesse and Giotto freed last night, were all innocent...at least that's what I would like to think...Giotto erased all of the records." Sebastian sighed. As much as he didn't like his in-law, Giotto's father was the only parent that Giotto had left. For him to fall in anyway, Giotto would follow him right behind. "However, I hope for you don't end up getting jailed up, Jesse. Not only would it be hard for Giotto to bail you out...no one who enters the Tower and comes back out." Sebastian murmured, even he keeping his voice down when mentioning the tallest building in the entire city. A place where not even the mayor of the city had access to. He turned to Mimi, smiling at her. "Yes, a pretty princess dress." Sebastian cooed as he began to gently fix up her hair. "I wonder if you'd be a mutant too. I can only imagine how Johnny will deal with three unruly mutants around him huh?" Sebastian chuckled. It was a possibility. A small, scarce possibility...but one regardless.

Johnny crossed his arms. Sure, many innocents were locked up, but that doesn't mean everyone in that station was a goody two shoes. From the streets Johnny knew many mutants and non mutants who were very dangerous. Many of them were locked up. And to think of them getting freed was not a pleasant thought at all. He was taken away from this train of thought however as soon as Sebastian mentioned the possibility that Mimi could be a mutant. He turned a few shades paler instantly. Hell. No.

"No!" Johnny instantly waved his hands in front of him. "Mimi is NOT a mutant. No way. She's just a perfectly normal adorable little girl."

 

Meanwhile Jesse rolled his eyes. Never in a million years could be imagine being locked up. That was basically impossible, at least in his head. When Giotto said that Mimi could be a mutant, Jesse began to crack up.

"That'd be f****** amazing! They say there's only like 50% chance or something like that when you have a mutant brother or sister! I wish she's a mutant."

 

Mimi smiled widely when Sebastian began to fix her hair.

"Fuuu!" She giggled, trying to mimic Jesse's word. "Fuuu!" This caused Johnny's eyes to widen, and to scream right at Jesse.

"IF YOU EVER CURSE AGAIN IN FRONT OF MIMI-" Johnny yelled. "I WILL SMACK YOU!"

 

Sebastian felt beyond amused at Jesse and Johnny’s interactions with each other. They were always at each other’s throats, yet at the same time they had a mutual respect for each other big enough to keep them from killing each other. He fixed up Mimi’s hair, feeling rather nostalgic at the feeling when he helped his own sister to fix up her hair. Once he was done he had fixed it even better than how Giotto did it. He then dressed her up in the pink dress, adding pink sandals to match to her tiny feet. She looked like a tiny princess ready for her first ball. “There we go. How cute you look.” Sebastian cooed, picking up the baby girl. “Once Giotto sees you he’s going to squeal.” He then turned to Johnny and Jesse. “Jesse, do you want me to fix up your hair? It will only take a few minutes. The more handsome you look the more you will be asked to dance.” Sebastian teased. He wouldn’t be wearing a costume, he had a lot to watch over for in the party.

The bickering from both males continued for a few minutes. As soon as Sebastian was done however, their bickering came to a complete stop. Mimi was absolutely adorable. She looked like a princess! They both stood in awe until Sebastian offered to do Jesse's hair.

"Oh, please do his hair." Johnny said, almost begging. "He'll walk into that party without even brushing it. He never does his hair. He just wakes up and leaves."

Jesse huffed and crossed his arms. He absolutely hated the idea of having someone else doing his hair.

"Oh shut up!" Jesse muttered. "Girls love guys with messy hair. I don't want to make my hair look like rich people hair."

Mimi giggled and wrapped her arms around Sebastian's neck. "Mess har mess har!" She cheered.

 

Sebastian handed Mimi over to Johnny. “Don’t worry. I’ve handled a very stubborn Giotto before. Jesse shouldn’t be that hard to handle.” Sebastian said with a smile. He had come prepared after all. “Come here Jesse.” Sebastian said, smiling as he grabbed Jesse by the shoulders rather tightly. “I will not allow you to enter Giotto’s party without a proper appearance.” Sebastian purred, not giving Jesse a chance as he began to brush his hair down, slicking it back with a portion of hairgel and then spraying him with some nice smelling cologne. “Not even Giotto’s dad will realize that it’s you!” Sebastian smiled, fixing Jesse up regardless of Jesse’s fight against it. 

Jesse was gonna blow Sebastian off and leave somewhere, that is until Sebastian instantly sat him down and basically transformed his hair. All Jesse managed to do was ground out grunts, yells, and fits of protest. Once the deed was done however, Jesse just sat there looking like a pissed off little boy who got an orange for Halloween. Johnny began to laugh.

"That's downright amazing! You changed him Sebastian! But I still think he's going to get at least one smack tonight from a girl with his rudeness." Johnny mused. "I bet ten dollahs on that."

"Fine!" Jesse yelled. "Ten dollahs that I won't get smacked! I'll charm a girl like I'm a f******* wizard or something!" Johnny managed to plug Mimi's ears.

Mimi pouted and put her hands on Johnny's hands.

"Hea... Hea...." She whined.

Sebastian rolled his eyes. “We’ll see about that. Come on you two, once you’re done, we have to get driving over there. I have to sneak you in through the backdoor.” Sebastian said chuckling as he picked up Mimi and cooed at her. “I have a ride waiting for us when you guys are ready. Giotto will be very happy to see you guys at the party. All of the other guests are actually guests invited by Giotto’s father, so you guys will be his only friends at the party.” Sebastian said as he poked Mimi’s nose. “It can be boring when you don’t have friends at your party. This would be the very first birthday party that he would actually enjoy himself because you will be there, Jesse.” Sebastian admitted, giving a small nod at him. “You really changed him for the better…thank you.”

Jesse rubbed his head and looked down. He wasn't expecting such a compliment nor he was used to it.

"Er, thanks..." He said. Was he really a significance in Giotto's life?

 

Meanwhile Johnny went right into the bathroom and changed. He emerged a few minutes later all dressed and ready to go. His hair was slicked back and he even put some of his cologne on too.

"Wow I haven't dressed like this since... Never." He said bash fully.

 

Mimi's eyes widened and cheered at Johnny's appearance. She was utterly excited to go to be party now. "Go!" She said impatiently in Giotto's arms. "Go go!"

 

Sebastian smiled and held Mimi tight enough to keep her from umping off his arms. He glanced over to Jesse. “Well, you’re the first stray bird to have opened up his gilded cage and show him the world. If you hadn’t been around Giotto would most likely be oblivious to a lot of stuff, and be blindly following his father still.” Sebastian explained as he cooed over to Mimi. “You really did Giotto good. Regardless what anyone else says.” Sebastian chuckled, turning to the two. “Alright, if we’re all ready. Let’s get going.” Sebastian said as he stepped out with Mimi to reveal a decent looking car. He opened it up and got inside with Mimi, holding her close. “You’ll be the highlight of the party.” He cooed.

Jesse crossed his arms with his blush turning even more red. Sebastian had to be saying that just to make him behave. Jesse went right into the car and looked inside. Would Giotto really be that trapped if it wasn't for Jesse?

 

Meanwhile Johnny got in the car and whistled. So this is what a top notch car was like. There were so many gadgets inside it. Hell, Johnny was even amazed that there was a radio.

"Damn... Rich people cars are really something..."

 

Mimi smiled happily and sat proudly in Sebastian's arms. It was almost as if she knew she was going to be the life of the party. "Pat! Pat!!!"

 

Sebastian chuckled before handing Mimi over to Johnny. “Hold onto her.” Sebastian asked, and off they went, driving off to the party. The transitions were ever so subtle, as they drove through into the silver district, and then on to the gold district. Sebastian drove them up to the venue where the party would be located at, a large building with glass ceilings and walls. He parked behind the building and began to sneak the three into the party. It was easier than expected, for one everyone was too busy having fun to notice Sebastian walking around with them. He led them through a corridor and through a doorway that was covered with a curtain. Inside there were exquisite decorations and countless of people wearing extravagant costumes and masks, dancing, chit chatting, chandeliers adorning the ceiling. There were people of all ages, including the ages similar to Giotto and Jesse.  It was almost magical. “There’s the birthday boy.” Sebastian said as he pointed over at a familiar boy who stood on an elevated part of the hall, wearing his own costume and mask, but his brilliant red hair being a dead give away.

Johnny gladly took Mimi with a smile. No matter how much time he spent taking care of her, any extra moment he could have with her made Johnny a much happier person. Once they got to the party, Johnny slipped his mask on as well as Mimi's mask. He looked all around in awe.

"Damn..." Johnny said to himself. "And here I thought birthday parties were just in the playground with cheap paper plates from the dollar store..."

 

Jesse slid right out of the car with a small grin. He instantly spotted Giotto. He could spot Giotto's hair from a mile away. With hair slicked back and a red mask on, Jesse slid right up to Giotto not really caring if he interrupted anybody.

"Well if it isn't hotshot." He said as he threw his arm around Giotto. "You're one year closer to dyin'." That was a joke but still. Jesse always felt rather bitter when it came to birthdays. When he was younger he wouldn't celebrate it at all due to his father. The only presents he got were a small cupcake from his mother and a cheap toy from Johnny. Even though he got things he were greateful for (he absolutely loved the cupcake his mother used to get him) at the end of the day he just wanted his father to show that he cared for once. Still, he always made sure Mimi had a good birthday even it it just meant a tiny little birthday cake with a candle. Maybe someday she could have a spectacular birthday like this one.

 

Giotto was rather confused at his own party. The masks were mixing up his memory of who was who. However once Jesse came by, Giotto’s eyes gleamed as he brightened up. “Jesse, you’re here!” Giotto squealed, grabbing Jesse’s arms and spinning around with him. “I’m so happy! I was worried you wouldn’t arrive before my dad’s speech!” Giotto jumped up and down. He let go of Jesse and gave a small spin of his own, showing off his costume. “What do you think? I helped design it with the lady at the shop!” Giotto giggled. Johnny was around too, with Mimi! “Johnny! Mimi!” Giotto went over and kissed Mimi on the cheek. “You all look so lovely! Are you hungry? The catering from Miliani’s bakery came in, and everyone is absolutely loving it!” Giotto picked up a blueberry treat from one of the passing traits, offering it to Johnny and Mimi. “Don’t worry, Johnny! Don’t think I forgot about you.” Giotto smirked rather mischievously, dragging Johnny along to a specific group. “Hello~” The group of ladies turned to Giotto, giving small bows. “Hello Giotto!” “Happy Birthday!” “Thank you! I actually wanted to introduce you to my friend, Johnny, and his adopted daughter Mimi.” Giotto introduced. The moment all eyes fell on Mimi, they fell in love as everyone always did. “Awww~” “Look at how cute she is!” “Personal friend of the birthday boy? Nice to meet you, mister Johnny.” Giotto chuckled to himself, turning to Jesse. “Now he’ll be busy while we have ourselves some fun.”

 

---

Venue

 

Giotto's costume

Johnny wasn't expecting to be whisked away to be introduced to lovely ladies. Rich sophisticated ones at that. As soon as he saw them he blushed from behind his mask and rubbed the back of his next.

"U-Uh... Good evening ladies... It's a pleasure to meet you. M-My name is Johnny- er... Johnathan." Johnny was his name, but he figured 'Johnathan' sounded more fancy. He struggled to get rid of his street accent.

Mimi meanwhile shyly hid her face in Johnny's chest. She wasn't used to meeting so many people at once.

Meanwhile Jesse whistled as he saw Giotto's costume. Honestly it looked girly as hell, but whatever. Apparently all guy costumes were girly. A part of him was relieved he wasn't a rich guy. He thew his arm around Giotto's neck and walked with him.

"Fun?" Jesse asked, almost snickering. "Don't you rich people play like that cricket game and have tea and all that bulls*** for fun? And golf too? And ride horses- ugh, how do you even like ride horses. Do rich guys not have balls or something?"

 

Giotto looked over and tilted his head. “Cricket? I haven’t played cricket since I went on that one vacation to England.” Giotto murmured. He couldn’t help but to laugh, however. “You watch too many old style movies!” Giotto teased, smirking as he grabbed Jesse’s hand. “We aren’t at our vacation home. We don’t have horses here. We have better things...more specifically the present my grandpa sent me!” Giotto went on as he pulled Jesse off to the outside from the back, to where two rather impressive looking cars sat there with two giant bows just sitting on the top comically. They had the entire back parking lot just to themselves…Just like that, Giotto waved some keys in front of Jesse. “Dad said I could play back here with the cars. Want to play with me?” 

 

---

The cars:

Jesse wasn't expecting such a reply from Giotto. Vacationing in England? Jesse never even left the damn city before. The only vacation he ever been on was eating lunch at a McDonalds. Once he got to the presents that was held in the back, Jesse whistled. Never in his life has he seen such amazing rides. It made his mouth water. As soon as he saw the keys Jesse reached out for it.

"Hell yeah!" He said. "These are some damn birthday presents!"

 

Giotto smiled. Though his life was a gilded cage, it did come with a few benefits that he could exploit. He gave Jesse a pair of keys. “You have the blue one, I’ll take the red one.” Giotto chuckled, running over to the red car and getting in. He turned it on, looking around the features of the leather interior. He pressed a few buttons, the small screen on the dashboard giving view of Jesse, while Jesse’s screen gave view of Giotto. “Pretty neat huh? These were ordered for me so they have extra breaks just in case!” Giotto giggled, revving up the engine as it roared. “Catch up!” Giotto chimed, before taking off, rubber burning as he took off across the parking lot. Sebastian watched them from the nearest window with an unamused impression. “Back when I was a kid my first set of wheels were roller skates.”

Jesse grinned like a little boy in a candy store as soon as he snatched the keys. His favorite color in the whole wide world was pink, red and black among a few other colors, but whatever. Blue's okay too. Who cares about colors anyway when you get to ride in a sweet ride such as that? Jesse hopped right in and marveled at the technology that was inside.

"This isn't a car! This is a f****** spaceship!" He said before slamming right on the gas pedal. The car instantly went, leaving deep burnt marks on the cement. Was this going to be the time of his life.

Driving the cars was certainly an adrenaline rush. The two drove around the parking lot without a single care in the world. It was only by luck that Giotto was born into a gilded cage, but he knew that if he could, he might as well have fun while he had it. Anything was possible after all. He drove past Jesse countless of times, waving at him and the two even having chases of who could do the most spins and whatnot. It was certainly better than talking to the people of the party. “Hey Jesse, I think the DJ just arrived. Want to head back inside? I can introduce you to some of my lady friends!”