• 1-Whipped Creme

Whipped
Crème

New
Beginnings:

Set
Up

Ryo
wondered how many times he could count to fifty and still be pissed.
If his grandmother mentioned the Princess Ghida one more time he
would boil her coffee. It was the worst he could do. As he sat
thinking he remembered the thug that had attacked him on the street.
He had somehow caused a ring of flames. How had Dee known to kiss
him? “She is very well bred, and a beauty like no other.”
Torcha said as she followed him down the hall. She and Ghidora are
coming up from their palace in the southern sea to the fire festival.
They are coming to meet you.”

“If
she is a water elemental dragon and I am part fire elemental, what
kind of relationship can we have? We cancel each other out.”
Ryo halted mid-stride causing Torcha to pause behind him.
“Grandmother, I appreciate all you are trying to do for me, but
I have to think of my family.”

“I
wish you would,” Torcha said. “Or did you forget that
we,” Torcha pointed to a portrait on the wall. “Are your
family as well? I will have you know…” Torcha trailed
off as Ryo stared at the picture. He felt tears sting his eyes as he
saw Laton, Torcha two men he did not know and three women. Two of the
women could have been twins and one he knew was his mother. Long
black flowed down over her shoulders framing a face he saw often in
his dreams. Her smile was full of mischief. “Most people can
not tell Hon, from Hi-Wo Hana, although Hi-Chan is older. But you can
tell can’t you? It’s the

smile,
you see it every time you look into a mirror.”

“I
have to go,” Ryo’s words were left in the hall as he beat
a hasty retreat. Torcha smiled. They would have an heir of him, she
was certain of it.

Break

Bikky
sat on the bed in the guest room that Rain had in the Arcadian
Palace. “That show was so awesome. Man you guys rocked,”
Bikky gushed he saw the picture that Rain sat on his desk. Ryo had
found several old pictures from the Manor house Mrs. Cornwall had
owned. “Your Dad looks cool,” Bikky said looking at the
man with his arm cradled around the beautiful, smiling red head in
the picture. In her arms was Rain looking to be all of two years old.
Bikky tried not to remember his own father as he looked at the
longhaired, dark skinned man. He had well defined arms and pecs. He
wore a dark colored vest and slacks.

“You
say your father was black right? And your mom…” Rain
left the question hanging stroking the picture over Patricia’s
face.

“Trailer
trash crack ho.” Bikky got to his feet leaving the room before
Rain could see the tears that swamped his deep blue eyes. Rain sat on
his bed staring after Bikky feeling terrible. How could he be so
insensitive? Bikky found Ryo sitting alone in he and Dee’s
bedroom. “Parents, huh,” Bikky muttered crawling onto the
bed and laying his head in Ryo’s lap. “Who needs ‘em?
We do better with the family we get for ourselves.” Ryo looked
down at Bikky before running his hands through the blond locks.

“I
think it would be easier if your mother was the dragon princess
rather than my own.” Ryo’s soft words were full of pain.

“Why,
because I’m straight and can marry the broad they have picked
out for you?” Bikky gave a baleful glare to Ryo. Ryo prepared
to tell him not to speak of royalty in such a manner then in the next
breath decided that he did not care. “Would not happen in a
million years. It doesn’t matter if you are gay or straight. I
would not leave Carol for all the princess in the world. If Dee were
a woman, not only would he be hideous,” Bikky paused as Ryo
began to laugh thinking of Dee as a woman. He had to agree. Dee was a
gorgeous man, not so much as a woman. “But you would still love
him and you would still not give him up. How can they expect you to
just toss one spouse aside for another? This is bull…”
Bikky began but cut the swear off.

“Hey
babe,” Bikky and Ryo looked up to see Dee in the doorway. “Time
to get ready for the New Years ball. We don’t want to be late.”

Bikky
got to his feet. He felt Ryo’s hand pull him back to the bed.
Ryo reached up and tweaked his nose. “Good show B,” Ryo
winked and Bikky grinned. He left the room to go get dressed. Bikky
bumped into Rain on the way back to his room.

“Bikky,
I am so sorry. I never meant to…” Rain began to
apologize.

“Don’t
worry about it man,” Bikky grinned. “Come on, let’s
get ready to party.”

Break

(One
Week Later)

Bikky
stared at Count D in awe. He had never seen anything more intense in
his life. The trial of the Ninth Dan left him breathless. Count D was
on his back with Master Xi over him struggling for control. Rain
gasped as he looked around at the littered corpses of demons that
Count D had left in his wake of destruction as he had marked a deadly
path to his Sensei. “How can he expect him to fight when he has
already beaten down so many?” Rain whispered to Bikky. “Count
D is surely tired.”

Bikky
could say nothing he simply sat with his mouth open as Count D
managed to get free. His exhaustion was palpable as he stared at Lord
Suzaku breathing heavily sweat dampened his brow leaving his hair to
fall in limp locks to brush his shoulders. Suzaku grinned, puffed out
his cheeks and exhaled. Rain bit back a terrified scream as a tidal
wave of flames gushed from the phoenix’s mouth aimed at Count
D. Count D dropped to the ground, rolled to his side bringing his
hands up. His Chi Gong set up a shield around him fending off the
molten prison that blocked any attack he might make. Count D
struggled against the flamed hold shoving hard against it. Suzaku was
proud of his acolyte when he had to redouble his efforts to defeat
him. Before long Count D dropped his arms completely drained. Suzaku
ceased his efforts walking over to lean over the prone form of Count
D.

“Congratulations
child,” Suzaku reached out a hand to help the young Kami to his
feet. Alera stepped forward to offer support if needed. Count D shook
her away preferring to stand on his own two feet. Breathing heavy
gasp of air into his abused lungs Count D found it difficult to raise
his lids to look at his teacher. “I am proud to bestow upon the
rank of the Ninth Dan. You do yourself and your family proud.”
D nearly collapsed so great was his relief. Sofu looked over smiling
as he watched his old, dear friend bestow the rank upon his grandson.
Sofu L looked at her older brother in awe. How had his family thrived
after so many had failed?

Break

Angel
could not believe it. This was not just a house with a shop attached.
It was an eight-bedroom mini-mansion with a work area. The shop was
filled with windows overlooking a patio with a large yard and plenty
of room to build on. Tears fell in an effortless trail down his face
as he and Collins took a tour of their new domicile. “Such is
the love of a Kami, careful lest you allow it to turn to greed.”
Angel gasped turning to see the beautiful creature that claimed to be
married to his doctor. If that were true, did that make her Lord D’s
mother? Lady Aurora smiled baring fangs that she never bothered to
truly hide. Collins suppressed a shiver at the cold luminescence of
her pale skin. “My son would give you what you desire out of
his love for you. Should you abuse the privilege I will protect him.”
Angel gulped the warning leaving a chill in his veins. Lady Aurora’s
eyes took on a crystalline cat-like glare before she turned and
vanished from the house.

Break

Rain
sat next to Bikky in the school cafeteria. Carol sat close enough to
Bikky to nearly be in his lap. Erick looked up from his lunch when
the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. “Hey Bikky,”
Erick said and scooted over when Terry sat beside him. It unnerved
him that Terry still seemed to harbor a dislike for Rain. “You
ever get the feeling that you are being stared at?”

Bikky
raised his eyes to do a scan of the large room. Several girls stood
at the edge of their table. “Rain,”

“Rain.”

“Rain,”
A breathless girl shoved to the front of the pack of giggling
femininity. “Is it true? Have you been signed by X’Ta-C?”
Rain blushed deeply causing several of the girls to squeal jumping up
and down in glee. Carol rolled her eyes as they gushed shoving
notebooks at him. “Sign mine, right here.”

“No
mine,” Another girl shoved the speaker out of her way as she
offered Rain a pen. Rain stood to his feet backing away in horror.
“Rain, Rain…” The girls protested as he left. They
would have said more but Bikky stood to his feet. Though he was only
a freshman there was something dangerous about Bikky. Something that
was put there by the tough streets of New York, something none of
them wanted to tangle with.

“We’ll
be late for class,” Bikky said pulling Carol to her feet behind
him. Erick thought that Bikky reminded of his Father Dee. So bold, so
strong and Rain was an almost perfect copy of Ryo; beautiful, proud,
quiet and gentle. Erick sighed as he looked after the brothers.

“Household
of me,” Terry ground out frowning. “Household of
faggots…” Terry cut off his comment at the vehement look
he received from his twin. “What…?”

“I
wish you wouldn’t insult them like that.” Erick said
gathering his things. “They have never done anything to hurt
you and your homophobia marks you as ignorant and tasteless.”

Terry
gasped never having thought his brother would ever turn on him with
such words. “What’s it to you man what I call them?”
Terry asked trying hard not to allow his hurt to show. It had always
been him and his brother against the world. When he had failed the
admissions test to get into West Lake, Erick had withdrawn his
application to attend East with him. When their dad had called him an
idiot, leftover Erick had stood up for him making him feel better.
Tutoring him so that his grades at East would be something to be
proud of.

“Every
time you insult them,” Erick said hating himself for what had
been gnawing at him for a while now. Something he had tried to deny,
but since meeting Rain he couldn’t, not anymore. “Every
time you insult them, you insult me.”

“What
do you mean?” Terry asked staring at his brother as if seeing
him for the first time. “No… Man no,” Terry shook
his head in denial of the truth.

“I
haven’t ever liked girls.” Erick whispered looking around
to make sure no one was within earshot.

“Bikky
will rip your balls off and hand them to you if you go anywhere near
his brother.” Terry sighed giving up. As he thought about it he
could never remember his brother going after girls. It was only when
he was around Rain that he got ‘The Look’. Terry
remembered a few days past when Erick had shown up with a digital
camera and taken several candid shots of their friends. There were
twice as many pictures of Rain in the bunch as anyone else.

“I
am not thinking of trying to start a relationship with Rain. It is
enough that we are friends, we hang out together and. I do not know
the details but something rough happened to him. He is skittish about
anyone touching him.” Erick shook his head, grabbed his bag and
got to his feet. “ Boys only end up with MacLean after the
world treats em like crap. He gathers ‘em in and makes
everything ok. I get that from him.”

“Where
the hell was he when our dad was shoving his fist in our face?”
Terry muttered heading off to class with the sinking emotions of
coming to grips with his twin’s sexuality.

Break

(
New York)

Jeremy
tried not to show his nervousness as he sat across from Berkeley.
Deep blue eyes bored into him through the flickering light of the
candles. “You are quiet tonight,” Berkeley sat his menu
down looking at his lover. “What’s wrong?”

“Well,
I uh, got a call from L.A. I have a position waiting for me at the
L.A. Times and… JJ does not have any other family, I mean he
has Lord D and the boys, but…” Jeremy trailed off when
Berkeley lunged across the table pulling him to his feet.

“One,”
Berkeley said with a forceful dominance that never failed to cause
Jeremy’s heart to race. “You are not leaving me. Two,”
Berkeley pulled Jeremy in for a hard kiss. “Let’s go
home. Because after I tell you that I put in for a transfer to the
34th in Los Angeles I am going to strip your clothes off and pound
you into the mattress for even entertaining the notion of going
halfway across the country without me.” Jeremy gulped, grabbed
his coat. He tried to avert his eyes as he was pulled past the
startled waitress that came back to take their orders. He loved this
leashed tiger from the bottom of his heart.

Jeremy
fell onto the bed unsure how he had lost his pants. Berkeley’s
mouth trailed a hot path to his knees. Jeremy thought of the day
Berkeley had discovered that his knees were sensitive. They had spent
a pleasant afternoon moaning and laughing. Berkeley wasted no time
grasping Jeremy in a sure grip that left him panting and breathless.
“ Berkeley,” Jeremy whispered. “Please.”

“You
were going to leave me.” Berkeley said licking from the base to
the tip. Jeremy shivered when Berkeley stabbed his tongue into the
slit stealing the drop moisture that beckoned to him. Jeremy
whimpered spreading his legs wide knowing what was coming next,
needing it. One handed, Berkeley fumbled around for the lubricant.
“Told you I was going to pound you.” Berkeley Slicked his
hand then shoved two fingers fast into Jeremy’s willing body.

“Yes…Yes…Oooooooohhhh,”
Jeremy cried out raising his hips riding Berkeley’s fingers.
“Oh Berkeley, I love you so much.” Jeremy cried out
feeling his insides melt into a pool of molten sensation.

“I
love you too,” Berkeley admitted surprised that it did not
leave a bitter taste in his mouth to say the words. He removed his
fingers, positioning himself for penetration. Berkeley folded
Jeremy’s legs nearly bending the smaller man in half. “Let’s
move in together when we get to LA.” Jeremy’s eyes flew
open in shock. He stared at Berkeley but had no chance to answer and
Berkeley pushed in gently, yet fully. Jeremy closed his eyes again
holding tight to his love as they drifted of to a state of bliss he
had never before imagined.

Break

Leon
sat next to Jill while the Chief stood in front of the entire
precinct. JJ sat with Ryo and Dee while Randolph stood to the side
pretending not to stare at Ryo. “Well there you have it boys, a
new commissioner will be here next week and well,” The Chief
paused chewing on his cigar reminding Dee of a cow with its cud.
“Boys I have to say I have been in service longer than some of
you have been alive.” He ran an hand through his grizzled head
of gray hair. “And it is time I sat back with my wife and told
her what the hours was from my cheap gold watch.” The Chief
brandished the age-old symbol of his retirement. “This is
Langston, the new Chief of you lazy bums. Show him the respect that
would make your mothers proud and continue to make this city as safe
as you can.” The Chief stepped aside before he could become
emotional as he closed this chapter in his life. Chief Langston
looked over his new officers. His eyes lighted on Ryo, Dee, Leon and
JJ with a sneer.

Whipped
Crème 2

Mommy
Mine: Part 1

(February
3rd)

Lithe
limbs uncurled releasing a satisfied groan as muscles relaxed and
stretched. Large purple eyes greeted the day peeking through a cloud
of fluffy black bangs. Chihaya looked down to see his fingers
entwined with Kagetsuya’s blond locks. “Morning,”
Kagetsuya smiled down at Chihaya. “I would have gotten
breakfast ready, but you were determined to hold on to me.”

“Even
in sleep I will never let you go.” Chihaya said releasing his
grip on the silky strands. Yawning widely he rolled over onto his
side appreciating the view of Kagetsuya getting out of bed. Kagetsuya
bent at the waist to find his pajamas. Chihaya stifled a giggle as
the sleek muscled body was hidden from his view. Kagetsuya looked
over his shoulder.

“Breakfast
can wait,” he said as dropped the pants back to the floor and
climbing under the covers with Chihaya.

Break

Ryo
stood at the stove with his spatula as he flipped French toast. He
heard his family stirring upstairs and was glad to be home away from
the awful pressure his grandparents were subjecting him to. Ryo heard
a light tread on the stairs. Feeling a smile lift his face he said,
“I need you and Bikky to get dressed after breakfast.”
Rain gasped when Ryo addressed him without turning around.

“How
did you know it was me?” Rain asked. Before Ryo could answer
Bikky came tumbling down the stairs. He made enough noise that Rain
laughed aloud.

“What’s
so funny?” Bikky wondered as he sidled up to Ryo stealing a
sausage. Bikky was quick to dodge the cooking utensil swung
half-heartedly in his direction. “I’m a growing boy Ryo,”
Bikky said in his defense.

“Yes
you are,” Ryo agreed looking upstairs as he heard the shower
running. “Which is why I need you boys to get dressed after
breakfast. Dee and I have today off and we thought to take advantage
of it.”

“Are
we going to spend the day out?” Rain asked perking up. Due to
his erratic nerves Ryo was reluctant to take him to many public
places.

“Yes,”
Ryo answered feeling a nervous flutter in his stomach. “In case
you have not noticed, all three of you boys are growing. So we are
going to the mall. New clothes for everyone.”

“Then
we should hurry,” Rain said as he began to set the table. “We
have to get the bank before it closes to withdraw funds.”

“Dee
said he’ll use his credit this time.” Ryo’s offhand
words caused Rain to frown. “I hope you did not think that we
would use your inheritance.” Ryo’s eyes bored into Rain
making him nervous. Bikky grinned as he pulled apple juice from the
fridge. “I’m going to go get Lyo up. Bikky finish the
eggs.” Bikky sat the juice on the table. Accepting the fork
from Ryo he began to scramble the eggs.

“I…
I did not make him angry… Did I?” Rain whispered looking
after Ryo as he mounted the stairs.

“Ryo?”
Bikky looked up. “Nah, he’s just a sweet guy. Too sweet.
If he weren’t so sweet he would have filed harassment charges
on Dee long before they found themselves in bed. Man,” Bikky
laughed as he turned off the fire and moved the pan of eggs. “Dee
used to toss him down every chance he got trying to get in his
pants.” Rain felt a chuckle build as he helped place the eggs
into a large bowl. “Don’t worry about money m’kay.”
Bikky watched as Rain carefully poured juice into each of their cups.
“Ryo and Dee were taking care of me long before my inheritance
was discovered and they haven’t touched it, not once. I mean
they turned it over to Nestoir for investments but that’s about
it.”

Bikky
studied Rain marveling once again that he was so pretty. Long black
lashes lowered over smooth caramel colored cheeks. When those lashes
lifted jewel toned green eyes were swimming with emotion. “Why
does he care so much?”

“Because
he’s Ryo… Don’t forget Dee.” Bikky sat at
the table in his place next to Rain. “He cares too. We all do.”
Bikky waited a beat he listened to hear if anyone were coming down
the stairs. Deciding they were safe enough Bikky shrugged. “Rain,
your birthday is coming right?”

Rain
nodded pulling a band from his wrist to secure his hair. “Mother
used to say that I was the best Valentine’s Day gift that Papa
could have gotten her.” Rain laughed at the memory feeling the
familiar ache in his heart as he thought of his mother.

“I
don’t suppose you want a party or something?” Bikky
hedged watching as Rain blushed. “It doesn’t have to be
anything big, just the family, close friends.”

“I
wouldn’t mind.” Rain’s soft words cause Bikky to
grin. “They said you have a game next weekend.” Rain
tried to change the subject.

“Yeah.
You planning to come cheer us on?” Bikky was laughing as Ryo
and Dee entered the dining room. Ryo sat Lyo in his booster seat.
Rain remembered the small gathering they had held for Lyo’s
fourth birthday. It was a pleasant gathering that all the adults had
enjoyed almost as much as the young children. Lyo and Nicklaus played
well together with Jewel. Shinrai and Kiba were both toddling after
the older ones trying to figure out the reason for the cake. Their
own first birthday had been celebrated on Arcadia at the Queen’s
insistence.

“You
play well.” Rain remarked taking his plate from Ryo. Smiling
his thanks he dribbled blueberry syrup over the top still amazed that
Ryo made it himself. “When I was watching you guys practice I
noticed that the cheerleaders were practicing.” Bikky looked up
waiting for Rain to speak what was on his mind. He shoveled several
forkfuls in his mouth before Rain said. “The one with the brown
curls and blue eyes… What is her name?” Ryo and Dee
glanced at each other grinning before they went back to their meal.
Ryo helped Lyo pretending not to listen.

“You
mean Julie Summers?” Bikky asked thinking of the girls on the
squad.

“Is
that her name?” Rain blushed studying his plate.

“She
is kind of shy, I was surprised that she was on the team.”
Bikky drank his juice. “But then I found out that the captain
of the basketball team is Ryan Summers… Her brother. Since he
has to stay for practice and show up early and all that jazz, he
wanted to walk her to and from school. The only way to make sure that
happened was to have her on the squad. Since Ryan is dating Keisha
Mullins, the captain of the Cheerleaders it was easy to get her on.
Not like she can’t dance or anything but…” Bikky
balanced a sausage on his fork pointing at Rain. “But she is so
shy.”

“She’s
pretty.” Rain turned crimson looking down and away from his new
family. Ryo tried not to laugh as he was treated to information about
high school intimacies.

“Come
on boys, we have to get ready,” Dee got to his feet hoping that
Rain would cease his blushing. “Better get showered so we can
head out. Who knows when we’ll have another off day.”
Bikky and Rain both nodded before going back to their meal.

Rain
enjoyed the quiet chaos of the house as they all made their way to
the door. Lyo was whining because he wanted to go play with Nicklaus,
Bikky’s headphones blaring from where they hung around his neck
and Dee grumbling for them all to hurry while Ryo made sure that Lyo
had an extra set of clothes in his bag. “Shut up!” Bikky
was frowning at Dee.

“All
I’m saying,” Dee said bring his hand down on the top of
Bikky’s head. “That you would not have to turn it up so
loud if you put it on your ears like you are supposed to. We don’t
want to hear that crap!”

“But
if I put them on I can’t hear Rain talk about pretty Julie
Summers.” Rain blushed to have been pulled so un-expectantly
into the argument.

“Shut
up Bikky,” Rain mumbled ducking his head as he left the house.
He paused when he saw a dark haired beauty standing on their porch.
Rain backed up until he was behind Dee.

Ryo
frowned looking around Dee. His large, dark eyes rounded as he took
in the slim woman that stared at him and the child he held with tears
falling down her face. Ryo thought his heart had stopped as he held
Lyo. “A…Alicia…”

Break

Leon
stared at his new chief wondering if he should suggest that Count D
sell him a pet. Leon felt guilty the moment the thought had crossed
his mind. He was a detective. His job was to solve cases that the pet
shop generated, not perpetrate them. “Randolph tells me that
the boy that Jonston molested is living with MacLean and Laytner.”
Langston growled peering at Jill. Jill nodded when Leon still refused
to answer. “What is the connection there? Is he related to
them?”

“Not
that we know of.” Leon forced out past the irritation he fought
against. “Ryo, I mean MacLean, took him home, that’s
all.”

“What
is he breeding his own harem over there?” Langston muttered
lighting on of his expensive cigars. He took an appreciative puff.

“Would
you mind,” Leon ground out wanting to unleash his fist on the
belligerent chief. “Not smoking that near me? My baby can smell
it on me when I get home and it bothers my daughter too.”

“Whatever,”
Langston said tuning to leave. “I hear that you shack up with a
bunch of pretty Asians which one you screw is anyone’s guess
considering they all look alike. Does it matter?” Langston
chuckled, “One is as good as another and I hear they are
interchangeable with women as far as looks.” He saw JJ standing
with a file in his hands. “Good thing they grouped you all in
the same office.” He blew a cloud of smoke in his face before
he went to find his own office.

“Sir,”
The greeting was grim. JJ waited until the chief was around the
corner before he coughed refusing to give the man the satisfaction.

“Grand
Pa D would eat him alive.” JJ muttered as he sat down going
over their case.

Whipped
Crème 3

Mommy
Mine Part 2

“Laton,”
The king of the dragons looked up as Zarro addressed him. “Tomorrow
is the day that Saint Valentine is celebrated is it not?” Laton
nodded unsure of the tone of casual inquiry the Great White Lion
used. They all knew of the celebration, it was all Andy and the
Royale’s were discussing since they had a concert. “I
think that you should not bring Torcha,” Zarro smiled at
Laton’s look of disbelief. “I will have one of my
daughters dressed for you to escort. It is an honor and a duty, see
to it.” Zarro stood to leave the hall with Laton staring after
him. Zarro had to quickly turn for the mixture of disbelief, loyalty
and rage was almost comical on the stern features of the Dragon King.

Break

Dee
watched as Ryo backed into the house holding tight to Lyo. “Are
you sure this is wise?” Ryo asked entering the house leaving
the door open for Alicia to enter.

“I
got here at 3:43 in the morning. I have been sitting on your porch
ever since.” Alicia began to sob as she collapsed on the plush
sapphire colored sofa. “Afraid to come in, afraid he would not
remember me.” Rain looked from Lyo, to Ryo, then Alicia. He
wondered at the relation. Could this really be the mafia princess
that was Lyo’s mother? “No one followed me. I obtained a
death certificate for my family. The tears were real.” Alicia
sobbed as she thought of her loss of her son. “For as far as I
can take him from you… He may as well be dead to me. I
purposefully made the documents so that no matter what I cannot get
him back. So the family cannot force me to take such an action. He’s
yours. Please believe me.” Alicia begged and Ryo felt shattered
by the look of utter desolation in the eyes of one so confident, so
sure of herself, so bold. Bold enough to take on two syndicate
families for the love of her husband.

“Alicia…”

“I
gambled Ryo,” Alicia looked up and Dee gasped in horror. “I
gambled and I lost.” Alicia watched as Lyo released Ryo’s
hand to wipe the tears from her face.

“Mama
sad.” Lyo whispered kissing her cheek. “Da-Ryo help make
happy. Da-Ryo always make happy.”

Alicia
threw her arms around her son holding his small body as a drowning
victim clings to a life jacket. “He remembers me. It has been
over a year and his young mind remembers his mother.” Alicia’s
tear stained face searched Ryo’s for answers. Ryo was too
choked up to speak.

“We
have a picture of you in his bedroom. He sees it everyday. Looks at
it everyday since the day you left.” Dee explained placing a
reassuring hand on Ryo’s shoulder. Alicia weaved where she sat
on the couch her stomach protesting the four days of neglect as she
had traveled from Italy to LA.

Hearing
the rumble Ryo shook his head snapping to attention. “Let me
get you something to eat, you can stay in the guest room… If
they think you’re dead…” Ryo shook his head. “You
boys take Lyo to the car and get him into his seat. We’ll be
right out.” Rain nodded immediately taking Lyo’s hand.
Bikky lingered looking back at his parents and the sobbing wreck of a
woman on their sofa.

“He’s
my baby Ryo. He’s my baby.” Alicia shook her head. “I
couldn’t stay away from my baby.” Bikky shut the door
softly behind them. He stared at the sleek car that awaited them.
‘Dee’s toy’ as Ryo had termed it. Bikky shook his
head as he opened the door. Together he and Rain got Lyo into his
seat. They were just settling in themselves when Ryo and Dee exited
the house. Ryo looked tired. Bikky sighed, before he had been looking
forward to a fun day. Now he just wished it had never begun.

Break

Somehow,
Randolph thought, somehow this case was connected to all the other
weird cases the precinct got. Somehow it was connected to the pet
shop. He could feel it in his bones. Randolph thought of the pet shop
owner. So pretty, yet not enough. Randolph had found every Asian
Prostitute he could find yet not one compared. He had even tried a
male or two. Nothing worked. It was not even Count D he wanted.
Nothing… Randolph thought looking over the photos of the cell.
Nothing but Ryo would quench this desire he had. Nothing but Ryo
would do. Randolph shut the file preparing to head to China town. He
had some questions and if he were lucky, Ryo would be visiting like
he so often had in the past.

Break

Dee
couldn’t help it. Ryo laughed again as he looked behind him.
“There is no one there Dee.” Bikky commented with a
snicker. Ryo wished he could be so carefree, but he too felt eyes on
them as they traveled the mall.

“It
is not a surprise if we are being stared at.” Ryo commented a
sad sigh weighing heavy on his heart. “We are a family of men
only. Our sons are obviously adopted and…”

“So
what!” Bikky demanded glaring at the onlookers. “Screw
‘em all Ryo. Our family is probably more stable than those
hetero’s pretending to be better than you guys. Dee isn’t
cheating on you; you’re not cheating on him. Neither one of you
is abusive or an alcoholic. You take good care of yourselves and us.
We have a gorgeous house; even though me, Rain and Lyo have our own
room we still have a spare. We could go camping in our backyard and
you are a prince. Not just by blood but as a man. I say we're a
damned sight better off than most of them.”

“Watch
your mouth,” Ryo said feeling tears threaten to spill. “Come
on, you boys need clothes, or we are not taking care of you as well
as you think we are.”

“That’s
not even the kind of staring I feel. This is not just blind, ignorant
hatred. This feels personal,” Dee gave the mall a thoughtful
frown. The mall on a Saturday was hopelessly crowded. There was no
way to find a familiar face. “Like the person knows us.”
Dee looked back at his family, shook his head before entering a
clothing shop. He would worry about it later.

As
the family continued their shopping a slim figure peered through the
window. Watching as the boys each tried on outfits. Laughing as they
argued over selections reaching a compromise. Feeling left out and
alone as the youngest child was doted on by his two siblings and his
two dads’. The figure slipped away before being noticed vowing
to stay away. No good could come of ever getting to know her son. Not
now… he did not need her now.

Bikky
stared in amazement as Ryo steered them all to a cellular store. “Our
contracts are up.” Ryo explained to Dee’s questioning
look.

“Glad
you notice these things,” Dee muttered looking around at the
selection of new phones. Rain followed Bikky around as Ryo, standing
with Lyo in his arms, listened to the salesman talking about the new
family plans. He smiled as he saw a curly, dark head out of the
window. The young girl was a stranger to him, but he thought of Julie
Summers. Without thought, Rain pulled a journal from the large
pockets of his over large cargo pants and a pen. As he wrote he
continued to smile entrancing the salesman next to him.

“Hey
you,” The man called with an oily smile. “Why do pretty
young girls find it necessary to dress like boys. I can just see you
in a dress all done up. A little lip-gloss… You’d be
ravishing.” Rain looked around for the girl the man was talking
to. Seeing no young girl near him he had a sinking feeling in his
heart. “Your hair is a nice color, black as pitch with those
eyes… You’re going to grow into a beauty.” Rain
looked up to see Ryo and Dee both studying a sheaf of papers that
their eager salesman was handing them. Ryo shifted Lyo’s weight
to hold him more comfortably.

“Man…
Step off.” Rain gasped as Bikky was suddenly beside him glaring
at the man. “My brother is already a beauty, and he don’t
want no part of you. Our Dads…” Before Bikky could
finish Dee strode over with a question on his face.

“Oh
no sir,” The salesman’s smile turned conciliatory as he
thought of how much larger than himself Dee was. They had gained
Ryo’s attention. Dee shook his head before Ryo could come over.
“I just thought your… Son was a girl… I meant no
harm... So sorry…” The man backed away palms up. “Jake,”
He called to the man talking to Ryo. “I’m taking ten.”
The man was gone from the store before Dee could utter a word. Rain
breathed deeply shoving his journal back into his pocket. He wouldn’t
cry… He wouldn’t.

“Come
on, Ryo wants you boys to go pick out your phones.” Dee said
waiting for his words to sink in.

“Our
phones,” Bikky whooped clapping Rain on the shoulder. He pulled
Rain to the counter forcing his slighter frame into motion. Dee
stared after them with a smile. He felt eyes on him again and turned
in time to see a large crowd of girls. They had all been staring at
Rain as he had smiled while writing in his journal. One of them was
wearing a pin from West Lake High.

Break

Randolph
walked the familiar path to the bottom of the stairs that would lead
him to his destination. He opened the door of the shop to find a
petite red/golden haired woman watching him from behind lush tipped
teal colored eyes. “Well hello,” He smiled. “Here I
was expecting to find some weird Asian’s and I find a fairy
instead.”

“How
do you know what I am?” Sofu L asked causing Randolph to stare
wondering if she was perhaps not too right in the head.

“Soofu,”
Count D entered the front parlor bowing deeply to his aunt. “Please
take Aoi in for her bath. Leon and I will be in shortly to put her to
bed.” Count D ushered her from the room before turning a cold
smile on the detective. “Detective Randolph. What can I do to
be of aid?” Randolph felt a chill travel down his spine as
Count D circled his counter. “Perhaps you are in need of a
pet…”

Whipped
Crème 4

Mommy
Mine: Finale

Ryo
dropped into the booth with a relieved sigh. He noted his new cell
phone blinking. “Leon,” He looked at the displayed
number. “He must have called when they were transferring the
numbers. Wonder what he wanted.” Ryo pushed the button to
redial the pet shop. As Ryo spoke into his phone Dee ordered for them
both. Rain noted that Dee did not even ask Ryo, but he knew that
whatever arrived would be exactly what Ryo wanted. Rain smiled and
pulled his Journal from his pocket and began to scribble words on the
page. He looked up to see the waitress waiting for him to make his
order.

“Chicken
sandwich, fried please, a baked potato with everything…and
steamed vegetables. A large 7 Up and… Do I get dessert now
or…?” Rain waited for the waitress to stop staring at
him.

“For
such a little thing you have a healthy appetite. I envy you. I wish I
had been able to eat whatever I wanted at your age and retain my
figure.” The waitress was laughing as she moved on to Bikky.
Her eyes widened as she took in his dark skin, light blond hair and
deep blue eyes.

“Hey
dad,” Bikky said with a grin as he got Ryo’s attention.
“She noticed that HE eats like a horse now.” Bikky
laughed when he saw the waitress’ eyes travel over Rain once
more. This time her disbelief and envy turned to wonder. “Whatever
Lord D is feeding him keep it up.” Rain said nothing. He
lightly elbowed Bikky as he shoved his journal back in his pocket.

“Dee,
Leon called to tell me that as they were putting Jewel down for a nap
Randolph showed up with questions. He seems to think the…”
Ryo paused and gave a meaningful look at Rain who was busy laughing
with Bikky. “He thinks there is a connection to the shop.”

“He
thinks everything he can’t solve is connected to the shop.”
Dee muttered allowing his hand to travel across the bench to curl
around Ryo. Ryo turned a slight shade darker when he felt Dee’s
fingers slip through the hair at the nape of his neck. Rain noted the
simple yet abundant affection and he grinned going back to his
journal.

“What
are you always writing in there?” Bikky asked trying to peer
over Rain’s arm.

“Bikky,
Andy suggested that if Rain felt overwhelmed by emotions he should
keep them in a journal.” Ryo said trying to avoid Dee’s
touch. Dee caught the meaning and moved away. “It’s rude
to ask him to tell you what he thinks… all the time.”

“This
is not that
journal.”
Rain indicated another pocket of his large pants. “This is the
one I write poetry in.” Rain handed the journal over and Bikky
gasped when he saw the sketch of Julie Summers on a page. “I am
almost as good as you are.” Rain admitted thinking of the
portraits that Bikky had given as Christmas gifts.

“But
you’ve got one up on me.” Bikky admitted as their food
arrived. Lyo clapped his hands in glee at the array of chicken
fingers, fries and fresh fruit. Ryo smiled at Dee as he was handed a
fresh Caesar salad with grilled chicken strips over it in an edible
bread bowl. Bikky continued to laugh as he dove into his bacon
cheeseburger. “I couldn’t sing to save my life.”
Rain was laughing as he took his journal back shoving it in his
pocket.

Break

So
happy. Randolph sat alone in the restaurant after he left the pet
shop. He saw the family sitting down to have lunch. Watching as
Detective Laytner randomly brushed his hands through Ryo’s
honey colored hair. He saw how Ryo colored and moved into the slight
touch. Randolph wanted to go over and wrench Dee away from Ryo. Why
should he have all that to himself? Randolph stared as Ryo laughed as
Dee’s fingers found the ticklish spot behind his knee. He saw
the lips curve up. The lush lips that Dee kissed every chance he got.
The lips Randolph could almost taste. He had sat with his binoculars
the previous night watching as those lips emitted cries of joy. That,
Randolph thought. That was what he longed for. The sound of Ryo’s
voice in the throes of passion. From the tree he had heard muffled
groans, but not like he had wanted to.

Those
lips. Ryo had bitten his lips as he clung to Dee sweaty and shattered
panting and trembling a beautiful display of a fallen angel as he had
sprawled upon the bed. He had canted his hips as Dee left his body to
lie beside him… smiling… Content. Randolph wanted to
kill him. Why should Dee have all that to himself?

Break

“Bikky,
Rain,” The boys looked up from the plates of pie at the serious
tone in Ryo’s voice. “Dee and I have been thinking.”

“Dee
thinks?” Bikky quipped laughing when Dee cuffed him in the
head. “What? I thought all you did was eat and try to screw
Ryo.”

“Yes
well sometimes he thinks about other things.” Ryo said glad to
see Rain smiling.

“Hey
you,” Dee frowned at Ryo.

“Hey
yourself,” Ryo’s lashes lowered as he hid the heat behind
his eyes thinking of the night before.

“If
you two are done flirting,” Rain said a giggle escaping.

Ryo’s
blush darkened and he cleared his throat. “Well, Bikky you are
fourteen now and Rain you will be fourteen in a matter of days and
well. We thought that since you now have phones and can call us at
anytime. You will be allowed to be out until seven on Weekdays
excluding extracurricular activities. On weekends eight. Nine thirty
if you are together.”

“Nine
thirty it is, he ain’t going nowhere without me.” Bikky
said going back to his pie. “Thanks Ryo… Dee, I mean
Dads.” Bikky grinned Rain simply nodded his head agreeing that
he would not want to venture too far without his brother. Ryo reached
across the table to lift Bikky’s face until their eyes met.
“Yes?”

“I
expect you both to act with responsibility and integrity.”

“We’ll
make you proud.” Rain promised.”

“You
already do,” Dee said glancing at his watch. “Now come
on, we still have some shopping to do. You boys run along and find
some friends to hang with for a few hours. Here,” Dee reached
into his wallet. He extracted two separate wads of cash to give each
boy. “There’s extra dessert tonight if you take Lyo with
you.”

“Dee!
They have both had enough sugar today to…” Ryo’s
words ended as Dee kissed him soundly.

“Be
at the car in two hours, Rain you have rehearsal at three.” Dee
said as Bikky pulled them from the restaurant in the mall. Lyo
clapped happily as Bikky undid the straps of his booster seat. Dee
stood to pay the bill watching as their boys ran off.

Rain
was laughing as Bikky looked over Cell phone accessories. He saw Dee
pull a resisting Ryo into Spencer’s. He nudged Bikky who
outright laughed when Ryo’s blush could be seen from so far
away.

Break

Laton
sat alone as he thought of Zarro’s orders. Was the feline
finally succumbing to madness? Laton frowned as he stretched back
into his sleek scaled form. Bright red and black was highlighted by
the azure sky as he took off for the peaks of his castle. It was the
best place in the world to think. Crisp air so fresh it hurt to
breathe it in and a view that stung the eyes with its beauty. Leave
his wife behind in favor of another… Laton sighed, here, he
thought, was the first time he would ever think to defy the great
white lion.

Images
of his grandson came to him unbidden. Ryo sitting with Dee. Ryo with
the boys and finally he saw Hon. Laton remembered how she had stood
before them in full flame regalia denouncing her betrothed. Leaving
the great hall in a flurry of fury and flames. Scorch marks had been
the only sign of her passing through. He had never found her again.
Lost she had been. Lost in the world of men. He saw her again as Ryo
had last seen her. An image he had stolen from his grandson’s
mind. He saw his beloved daughter riddled with bullets surprise
etched on her lovely features making her a grotesque parody of the
woman she had been.

“I
will not lose you both.” Laton vowed spreading his wings wide.
He found Zarro lounging in the grand garden with Queen Victoria.
Laton came to a skidding halt he fanned his wings to send the dust
away from the royal pair. “I understand your majesty?”
Laton dipped into a full bow leaving his neck and horns exposed
before his sovereign. “I will not force history to repeat
itself by asking my grandson to make a choice I myself can not adhere
to.”

Zarro
stretched his lips across his large teeth bringing a massive paw to
wipe the luxurious mane from his brow. Victoria leaned against her
husband with a satisfied purr. Laton bowed further before he released
his wings and took to the sky. A beautiful living flame in the bright
Arcadian afternoon sun.

Break

Alicia
wandered the halls of the large house with a sad smile. She admired
the lifestyle that Ryo and Dee shared with their boys. The home was
well taken care of, clean and beautifully decorated. She found a room
that was obviously Lyo’s. Alicia sniffled when she saw the
shelf full of books some of them favorites by the look of the
tattered edges. Coloring books, teddy bears, toys, all neatly
arranged as if Ryo cleaned his room often. No dust littered the
floor, as Alicia thought of it, she had found no dust anywhere in the
house.

She
looked over her shoulder and gasped. A large hand drawn portrait hung
over a toy chest. Lyo sat in Ryo’s lap while Dee looked on. The
two other boys were happily engaged in listening as Ryo read from a
book. The only signature was B. M. It looked more like inner city tag
work than a signed name. Alicia could guess at the artist. With tears
she sat on Lyo’s bed curled over onto her side. She lay there
sobbing until exhaustion took her in its deep embrace.

Break

Dee
wanted to laugh. Ryo was so cute with his red cheeks as they saw some
of the more daring items for sale. “Dee,” Ryo asked not
having seen any of the items that Dee had left for Count D and Leon
as a Christmas gift the previous year. “Do we need any thing
for sale here?” Dee frowned wondering what Ryo was asking but
not saying. “Are you not…” Ryo looked away from
Dee blinking rapidly. “Are you dissatisfied? Is there something
I am not doing? Do we need these things?”

“What…
Ryo, baby, no…” Dee moved quickly to take Ryo into his
arms. “You are more than sexy enough to keep me happy. That is
not what this is about.” Dee tried to explain. He felt relief
when Ryo relaxed in his arms. He could still see the confusion on
Ryo’s face. “I just wanted to try a few new things that’s
all. I love making you feel good.” Ryo gasped when Dee’s
hand traveled to his hard, well-toned tummy. “Besides, I was
here picking up lube a few days ago and I saw that,” Dee
pointed to a pair of small scarlet satin shorts with a matching robe
edged in black lace. “I imagined you in it and well, remember
when I came home all sweaty and dragged you to bed?” Ryo’s
eyes widened and he audibly gulped as he did indeed remember Dee’s
almost wild possession.

“You
want me to wear that?” Ryo asked fingering the lacy material.

“Would
you?” Dee asked heat filling his gaze. Ryo blushed saying
nothing as he began to walk around the store. Dee knew he was
thinking, even as he looked at the vibrators and massive Dildos. He
saw Ryo shudder. “What’s wrong?” Dee came to his
side looking at the offending article.

“Double
X,” Ryo whispered looking away. “The leader wanted to…”
Ryo inhaled sharply causing Dee to pull him away from the oversized
appendage. “I know that is not what you want, but I can not
help but feel that something that is not you would be a violation of
my body. I love you Dee, I am sorry, but…”

“Whoa…
Whoa,” Dee took Ryo’s arms in a gentle hold. “Listen
to me Randy Ryo MacLean.” Dee placed a hand under Ryo’s
chin and lifted until the smaller man was forced to look into his
eyes. “I love you too. I don’t want you to think that I
came here to buy something that would make you feel that way.
Flavored lube, sexy lingerie and maybe a few toys that is all. And I
am not the only one purchasing here, if you see something you like I
am all the way there baby.”

“All
right,” Ryo tried not to think of the large dildos on display.
The clerk behind the counter pretended that he did not notice the
couple. He could tell that the honey haired one was shy. But wow, the
clerk thought, he sure was gorgeous.

“He
makes a man think about switching teams,” The clerk said aloud
causing another customer to comment.

“He
sure as hell did.” The man shook his head and left the shop.
Randolph looked at the red ensemble and shivered. He would love to
see Ryo in that.

“Find
anything?” Dee sidled up to Ryo startling him. Ryo looked to
see the small basket that Dee had. It was filled with various items
that caused Ryo to raise his brows. “I’ll show them to
you later, I might even share.” Dee promised holding his basket
away from Ryo.

“I’ll
wear that,” Ryo hedged taking his bottom lip between his teeth.
“If you… wear this.” Dee looked around wondering
what Ryo meant. He then looked into his lover’s hands and
gasped. Ryo snapped the thong before dropping it into the basket.
“Shouldn’t we be getting to the car?” Dee was quick
to search through the rack finding the proper size for Ryo before
heading to the counter to pay for their items. Ryo was blushing as
they left the store. He was sure that everyone would be staring at
them and know what they had purchased.

Break

Bikky
smirked as he saw Ryo and Dee approach the car carrying bags with the
Spencer’s logo on them. Ryo was red faced and could not look
directly into Bikky’s eyes. Dee’s looked at the large
bags that both boys held. “Roller-blades,” Rain
explained. “Bikky said he would teach me how.”

“I
needed a new pair,” Bikky shrugged. “I mean Chris knows
how to skate man.” Bikky thought of their younger friend with a
fond smile

“Chris
lives in a magical pet shop,” Rain muttered with a scowl at
Rain.

“One
of your father’s is an arcadia eastern dragon prince.”
Bikky returned Rain inhaled as if to speak then nodded his agreement.

“We
are all totally weird huh?” Rain said helping Ryo to put their
things in the trunk while Dee and Bikky strapped Lyo into his car
seat. Ryo shut the hood laughing. He paused when he saw a small woman
standing nearby. She had dark brown hair and deep green eyes. She was
watching Dee shut the car door with Lyo inside. Bikky was just
getting into the car but paused to see what everyone was staring at.

“I…”
She began, took a halting step forward and stopped. “I tried to
stay away. I told myself it would do no good, but… Life is so
short. I could be gone tomorrow and you would never know.” She
began to sob. “I was home alone when my brother’s best
friend…” She shook her head. “On my fifteenth
birthday I found out that I was pregnant. I was scared. I did not
know what to do… I… I always found it funny that your
name is Dee Laytner, you see.” She approached Dee still crying,
afraid that he would reject her. So silent he stood with his family
his face a mask of coolness. “On the day you were born…
I named you Dillon.”

Whipped
Crème 5

Higher

Lord
D stepped into the house smiling at the vivacious bubble of energy
that was Angel. “I am so glad to see you smiling again D-Chan.
Did I say that right? I did some research, ok I asked around.”
He laughed ushering Lord D to a parlor where a tea set was arranged.
“I did learn how to make Oolong tea. JJ said that aside from
White and Green teas it was your favorite.” Lord D started to
speak but held his tongue as Angel continued. “ Mimi and Roger
will be here shortly. I knew you got a record deal; I was unaware of
the apartment. You are just too much.” Lord D could not help
the soft laugh that he hid behind his hand. “I know you are a
serious vegetarian and that you have a horrid sweet tooth that is not
easily satisfied so I raided the bakery to find the best they had, I
mean the sugar crystals on some of this stuff is bigger than the
fruit.” Angel laughed glad to see his friend doing better.

“I
hope everything is to your liking.” Lord D indicated the home.

“Absolutely,”
Collins emerged from the kitchen wearing an apron. “We just
wanted to let you know that I am opening my shop right here. While he
is selling his creations, I will be serving mine. It will be a Café
Boutique.”

“How
ingenious, I am happy for you.” Lord D accepted a cup of tea.
He sipped then smiled to show his pleasure. “JJ sends his
regrets he had to work today.” Lord D explained.

“But
then who has your children?” Angel asked sitting beside Lord D
trying his creation. He smiled to find the tea so delicious. Perhaps
with a bit less sugar, than Lord D’s but still good.

“My
parents, they are keeping all the children for a few days.”

“All?”
Collins asked.

“Yes,
my two, Little Aoi and Chris, Bikky, Rain, and Lyo will all be at my
parents until next week.”

“There
must be big plans for Valentine’s day.” Lord D blushed
saying nothing he reached into his sleeve extracting an invitation
for the Valentine’s ball on Wednesday and the Arcadian Fire
festival the following Saturday.

Break

Ryo
walked over to Dee placing his hand on his arm. “Dee,”
Ryo said quietly forcing his eyes away from the woman that stood
before them.

“No
Ryo…” Dee shook the hand off. “No…”
Dee stormed away from them leaving the garage. Ryo blinked away tears
then looked again at her.

“Hello
I am…Randy,”

“Ryo,”
She said with a trembling smile. “I have followed all of his
cases. I know he was with you in New York. I said I would give up
watching after him when you guys moved here but… Then I
received a letter about my cousin’s death. I looked into who
had taken in the child and I saw his name again. I thought, this
can’t be a coincidence right.”

“Your
cousin?” Ryo questioned looking at Rain’s bright green
eyes.

“I
have been rude, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Renee
Spencer. Patricia Cornwall, your mother,” She looked at Rain.
“Was my cousin.” Rain gasped staring at the woman that
was a stranger to him. “Your mother left the family to be with
the man she loved. I left to hide my shame. None of them know where I
am or that I bore a child. None of them know that I… Abandoned
him.” Renee sobbed causing Ryo to reach for her. “Go
after him. Find him please. I’ll go and never contact you
again, but please make him ok. I know you can.”

“No,”
Ryo said softly. “If you leave, you will truly be abandoning
him. He needs his time. He will come home and then I will make it ok.
Why don’t you come with us? Are you staying somewhere in town?”

Renee
shook her head feeling pain at Ryo’s gentle kindness. “I
just arrived this morning, I came by here to pick up a few things and
then I saw you all…” Renee trailed off looking in the
direction that Dee had taken. “Will he be…”

“Don’t
worry, when he cools off, he will come home and I will take care of
him.” Ryo smiled at Renee as he opened the passenger door for
her. “Come along now, Rain has rehearsal and we should have
left fifteen minutes ago if he is not to be late.”

“Aw
man, with you driving,” Bikky got into the car and made a show
of buckling his seatbelt. “We should have left yesterday.”
Ryo turned a chagrined frown on Bikky before he reached back and
plucked his nose. “Ow,” Bikky complained rubbing the
slight injury. “See that? Rain’s a witness.”

“Huh,”
Rain looked up from his journal.

“Never
mind,” Bikky muttered smiling at Ryo glad that his ploy to make
Renee comfortable worked. She was sitting in the car watching the
interplay with a slight smile. Ryo inserted the key into the ignition
then fought with the gears. “Dee would drive a stick…
Ryo the clutch.” Bikky breathed a sigh of relief as Ryo made it
out of the parking spot. Rain stared wide-eyed in horror as the car
lurched down the road.

Break

Chihaya
stared into his tea while Kagetsuya bustled about making lunch.
“Kage-kun.”

Kagetsuya
looked over at the fluffy haired angel with mild interest. “Do
you ever miss Eden?”

Kagetsuya
thought hard about the question as he remembered their beautiful
homeland. If he closed his eyes he could almost smell the gardens.
“Sometimes,” he admitted sitting beside Chihaya taking
off his apron as he sat plates on the table. “But then I
remember,” Kagetsuya took Chihaya’s hand in his own. He
brought the small appendage to his lips to place kisses along the
white knuckles. “That if I had stayed there I couldn’t
keep you, then I don’t miss it at all.”

Chihaya
smiled squeezing Kagetsuya’s hand. “Last night I had a
dream. I knew it was sent to me, but still it made me feel…”
Chihaya sighed. “You were doing great until you paired up with
me.”

“No,
I was a walking corpse, then you looked at me with those bug eyes and
that smile and it seemed as if the sun found my little hovel and I
walked into paradise when I walked into your arms.” Chihaya
felt tears spill down his cheeks. Lunch was forgotten as Kagetsuya
pulled Chihaya to his feet. “Come here little one, let me show
you.” Chihaya's eyes widened as he followed Kagetsuya to their
bedroom. It was always a wonderful experience when Kagetsuya made
love to him.

Chihaya
took a moment to remember the way it was before. Though Kagetsuya was
gentle and caring, it had hurt and Chihaya had found no pleasure in
the act. Chihaya could not even think of submitting now withought the
thoughts of the pleasure he would soon recieve. Kagetsuya pulled him
into the room leaving the door open and all the blinds open. He loved
the sight of Chiyaha writhing in the bright sunlight. It was the best
turn on he could think of. Kagetsuya pulled the clothes from
Chihaya's body kissing every available space. He found the cherry red
nipples and allowed his tongue to dance in lazy circles. Chihaya's
breath caught in his throat. He bit his lips as small needful moans
began to escape. "Kage-Kun..." He whispered tugging on
Kagetsuya's shirt.

"That's
right my darling, tell me what you like." Kagetsuya urged
peeling the shorts from Chihaya's shifting hips. Kagetsuya smiled to
see Chihaya already excited and dripping onto his smooth, taut
stomache. Chihaya gasped lifting his hips in invitation as Kagetsuya
grasped him firmly stroking. The blond licked his lips before
pressing them against Chihaya's member loving the salty sweet taste
of his lover.

"Yes,
Kage-Kun, yes," Chihaya tunneled his slim fingers through
Kagetsuya's hair. He had been surprised at his own wanton behavior,
but he would not let embarassment halt his pleasure. Count D and Ryo
had told him to enjoy and he was more than determined to. "Yes
Kage- Yes, Lick... Suck..." Chihaya cried out as Kagetsuya took
him fully into his mouth. Chihaya moved angeling his body until he
was facing Kagetsuya's need. With a smile he licked around the
dripping head of his lovers erection. "So good," Chihaya
cried out feeling Kagetsuya's fingers probing his most intimate
places. He relaxed allowing the fingers to penetrate him. He gasped
then sucked Kagetsuya fully into his mouth.

"Chi...Ha...Ya..."
Kagetsuya managed to say around his mouthful of throbbing manhood.
Kagetsuya knew he would not last much longer. He had to end this or
come across Chihaya's beautiful lips. Kagetsuya tried to ignore the
mewled protest as he pulled away from his mouth. Kagetsuya sat
Chihaya in his lap licking his way across the creamy chest. Chihaya
wriggled as Kagetsuya continued to fondle and lube his entrance as
their tongues began a duel that neither wanted to win. "Relax
Chihaya, let me love you," Kagetsuya urged easing his fingers
away so that he press himself in.

"Oh...
Kage-Kun..." Chihaya felt the fullness as it pressed inside him.
The initial discomfort passed so quikly now that he barely even
noticed it. Chihaya began to shift his hips lifting and falling in a
frenzy of movement that he knew would soon send them both to the
edge. Chihaya kept moving in wild gyrations, he had reached the edge
and was uncaring of the danger. Holding tight to Kagetsuya Chihaya
rode until he tumbled off shouting Kagetsuya's name in complete
surrender. He could feel the thick, warm flood as Kagetsuya released
inside of him. He smiled as he sat on his lover knowing that soon
they would need a bath. He could already feel the excess of
Kagetsuya's enjoyment creeping down his thighs. Kagetsuya claimed his
swollen lips.

"Do
you see, why I do not miss it?"

"Yes,
Oh Kage-Kun... Yes,"

Break

Rain
entered the consulate looking around glad to be there in one piece.
Bikky had not told a falsehood when he claimed Ryo was a poor driver.
Bikky stood beside him having jumped from the car claiming to want to
attend the rehearsal with Rain. “I’ll ask Nestoir to drop
us off at home. ‘Kay!” Bikky waved. “Now you go
find Dee.” Bikky waved. “Man,” Bikky shook his head
as Ryo drove off. “I am not getting in another car with him
behind the wheel.”

Rain
was silent as he nodded he walked into the large room where the rest
of the Arcadian’s were lounging about. Bikky hung back as Rain
was greeted. He saw Lady Clarisande bent over double with her arms
wrapped around her knees. Piles of silky black hair brushed the floor
as she moved her arms to raise a single leg. Bikky tilted his head to
side watching as she then uncurled placing her back on the floor
raising her arms. “Interesting the way female bodies can look
so beautiful is it not?” Bikky was startled to find Daphnus
beside him securing his waist length hair in a ponytail.

“Ah
huh,” Bikky tried hard not to stare. He was used to pretty men,
heck, he lived two of them, and saw the D’s on a regular basis,
but Daphnus… was so pretty it was frightening. “I mean…
Hi.” Bikky lowered his head in a formal nod of greeting that he
had picked up hanging around the palace.

“Never
mind all that,” Daphnus waved away the formality. “Sit
and be comfortable, enjoy.” Bikky watched as Rain was taken to
a piano where Daphnus sat beside the silent Angel prince. His golden
head seemed to glow in the beam of sunlight that splashed wildly in
through the wall of windows in the large studio. “Warm-ups.”
Daphnus announced calling the group to surround the grand piano.
Daphnus called each member separately putting them through the scale
of their vocal range. Bikky’s ears perked up when Rain was
called. He had never understood the extent of Rain’s talent.
Hearing the variations of his highs and lows Bikky’s jaw
dropped.

The
vocal warm ups ended and Clarisande then lead the group in many
stretches and work out dances. Daphnus then took over again with the
actual songs they planned to perform. Bikky tried not to laugh at how
out place Rain looked as he tried to copy the faster dance moves. At
his birthday party Bikky had suspected as much, now he knew for sure.
His brother could not dance. Sure he could do tap dancing and theater
choreography, but this type of hip-hoppy-modern-esque dancing left
him out of tune. “Hold up…” Bikky called
interrupting the rehearsal. “Rain…Rain, come here. Work
with me.” Daphnus held up his hand at the servant prepared to
upbraid Bikky for his rudeness. “Put a little sexy in those
hips.” Bikky then copied the move exactly as Daphnus had
demonstrated it. Daphnus smiled, perhaps one brother could sing for
the group and the other…

Andy
saw the smirk on her friends face as he watched Bikky coach Rain.
Rain was still awkward, but by the time they called for a break, with
Bikky’s help he was improving. As the last few songs were sung
for the day and the sun disappeared behind a large mountain Rain was
more comfortable with the group. He was laughing with Nestoir as
Daphnus announced that the long rehearsal was over. Bikky watched as
the Angel prince stared at Rain. He tossed an iridescent bubble over
him. Bikky walked forward to protect Rain and gasped as he felt winds
swirl around them both. Prince Angel leaned his head as he stared at
them both. He looked at Rain then made a hand signal to Daphnus. When
his eyes fell to Bikky, Bikky was surprised to be staring in cobalt
blue orbs that seemed to pierce every part of his being. The prince
made a final hand signal before, with a wave of his hand, he vanished
from the room.

“Wind
and flames,” Andy interpreted the signing. She looked at both
boys a smile curving her lips. “Mages both. Our influence
happened early enough in your lives that you are forever marked by
it.” Andy was laughing as she left the room. “My children
no doubt miss me, lord knows I miss them.” Nestoir grinned and
followed his wife leaving Daphnus the chore of taking the boys home.

Break

After
making sure that Renee was settled in with Alicia and Lyo, Ryo went
in search of Dee. He found him just where he thought he would be. The
club where they had first had coffee with Count D and Leon, where
they had first met the Arcadians. Dee leaned against the building. He
flinched when Ryo came to a jerking halt. “Did you hurt it?”
Dee asked dropping his cigarette as Ryo approached.

“Shut
up,” Ryo said softly handing him the keys.

“Sorry
baby,” Dee pulled Ryo into his arms burying his face in the
soft joint of Ryo’s smooth, sweet-smelling neck. While sweet,
the scent was masculine, entirely Ryo.

“Koibito,”
Ryo whispered lifting Dee’s face to his own. Not giving him a
chance to speak Dee pressed their lips together. Ryo submitted to the
probing offering his mouth as a solace for emotions that were driving
Dee mad. He felt wetness on his face as Dee’s tears hit his
cheeks. The kiss turned harsh as Dee’s sobs intensified. Ryo
held on to Dee stroking his back. Dee broke away when he could not
breath, too choked up to say or do anything more than hold on to Ryo.
“Come home, love.”

Dee
nodded wiping his face then rubbing his hands on his jeans shunning
the handkerchief that Ryo offered him. “I’ll drive,”
Dee sniffled.

“Shut
up,” Ryo lightly punched Dee in the arm. The night wind howled
a lonely song as Dee started the car and headed home.

Break

Leon
whistled as he hung up the telephone. Count D raised his eyes from
his embroidery. Leon looked into their endless depths and felt his
heart melt. Even after all this time D still did things to him.
“Yes?” D asked when Leon did nothing but stare at him.
Aoi happily sat with Chris watching him do his homework. Leon would
place wagers that the child was a genius. Leon still said nothing and
D sighed. “Chris, are you almost done?” Chris looked up
at Count D then saw his brother practically drooling as he looked at
the deep blue silk clad Count. Chris smirked thinking that Snow White
would envy the Count’s complexion.

“Just
finished, why don’t I take Jewel and get her ready for bed?”
Chris stood to his feet packing away his things. Slinging his
backpack over his arms he picked then bent to retrieve his niece. As
he left the room he heard Count D sigh. He looked back to see Leon
licking a trail up the Count’s neck. Chris stifled a laugh as
he left them alone.

“Leon,”
D managed to separate himself from Leon. “What did Ryo…”
Before he could finish the question Leon captured him again.

“Dee’s
mother… showed up… he…Dee I mean… Is
freaking out… Ryo went to find him…. Dee will…
Freak… Out even more… when he realizes… that
Ryo… Drove his car…” Leon explained in between
attempts to eat Count D from his clothes.

“Ah…”
Count D muttered not caring that Leon ruined his Cheongsam by pulling
off the buttons instead of undoing them. A pile of deliciously
haphazard yards of silk soon surrounded him. His pale skin seeming to
glow in the dim light of the shop Leon pulled him to his feet
gathering up his treasure he headed for their bedroom.

Count
D smiled, no matter how many times it happened, he would always love
when Leon carried him to bed. Leon always cradled him so carefully
his larger, strong hands holding him tight. "I am going to love
you all night." Leon whispered the words into Count D's small
ear eliciting a heated shiver from his beautiful body. "i want
to hear you panting and crying. I want to taste your pleasure."

"Leon,"
Count D gasped feeling his skin heat in a blush as it always did when
Leon found it necessary to shock him with his words.

Leon
deposited D on the bed careful not to tangle him the yards of falling
silk. D reached to remove the hanging garments but Leon reached up to
stay his hand. "No, baby, you are my gift, I get to unwrap you."
Leon removed his shirt then loosened his pants. In moments he was
tugging the large sleeves of Count D's robes over his fingers
marveling at the artfully designed nails. The painted white flowers
over the dark blue backdrop was a perfect match for the ensemble the
delicate looking Kami had worn.

"Leon..."
Count D sighed when Leon's lips found a taught nipple.

"So
sweet," Leon mummured against the skin he was nuzzling. The
taste of his lover would forever bedazzle his senses. He licked
fervantly wanting more of the shockingly sweet flavor. Count D
dragged his long fingers through Leon's wild mane of blond hair
holding his head to his body. Tremors wracked his slight frame as
Leon gently chewed and suckled his aching nipples his free hand
pinching where his mouth left off. "So good."

"Yes...
Leon..." Count D moaned feeling Leon's fingers slip around his
burgeoning excitement.

"Let
go," Leon urged licking a trail to the appendage he had
captured. "Let me drink you." Count D cried out as Leon
took him fully into his mouth sucking hard. Leon smiled around his
mouthful of quivering flesh as D released himself on a wave of hot
sensation. Leon worked his throat furiously swallowing the heavy
sweetness that was D. It coated his tongue leaving him feeling
intoxicated.

"Leon...
Leon, Leon," D panted spreading his legs pulling Leon to nestle
between them. "I want..."

"That's
right, Baby, tell me what you want." Leon urged coating his
fingers with lubricant and probing the intimate places of D's willing
body. D's hips raised in time to the stroking fingers as his body
relaxed into an imitation of the act soon to come.

"Take
me Leon," D groaned when another finger joined the first. "I
want you inside of me."

"Will
you come for me again?" Leon asked sliding his fingers out one
by one then returning them slowly enjoying Count D's whimpers. "Will
you let me hear your pleasure?"

"Yes...
Oh..." Count D melted against the bed as Leon shifted his body
removing his fingers once and for all. He placed the dripping head of
his member against D's opening circling his hips loosening the
muscles that clenched around him greedily taking him in. Leon rode D
trying to be gentle. "Leon... More..." D begged losing all
sense of reason as he raised his legs and wrapped them securely
around Leon's waist. Leon listened to the hitching in D's breathing
and could feel the clenching of his muscles. He angled himself making
sure to hit D's pleasure spot with each thrust taking himself closer
with each movement into D's pliant body.

"D..."
Leon cried out as D's body clenched down tightly. He spilled himself
over both of their tummies smiling contentedly. Leon closed his eyes
as he crested a wave of bliss deep inside of Count D's body. He
collapsed beside him spent, holding him tightly. He looked at the
cooling mess on Count D's belly. With a wicked gleam in his eyes Leon
leaned down dragging his tongue across the pearly skin cleaning up
the evidence of their love.

Break

JJ
smiled as he hung up the phone. “Love,” He called to Lord
D who had just spent the pleasant dinner telling him of his tea with
Angel, Collins, Mimi and Roger. “Jeremy and Berkeley will be
here tomorrow. They will not be staying long however. They will be
finding their own place soon. It seems that Berkeley asked him to
move in with him.” JJ grinned as he went to help put their boys
to bed.

“Truly,
I am glad they are happy.” Lord D said kissing each boy. He
moved aside for JJ to do the same. He entered their bedroom and began
to disrobe for the evening. As he freed his hair and dragged a brush
through the midnight locks he smiled when JJ took the brush from him.

“Let
me,” JJ whispered taking over the chore loving the way the
silky strands felt against his hands. Lord D relaxed into the soft
cushion and JJ. His eyes closed in bliss at the ministrations of JJ’s
hands. JJ sat the article on the vanity. He gathered all of Lord D’s
hair in his hands to move it aside exposing his throat. JJ stared at
the pulse there before he placed his lips over it. Sucking softly he
knew he left a mark on the delicate skin. Lord D’s breath
caught and he allowed himself to be stood to his feet and gently
undressed.

JJ
marveled at the pale, beautiful skin that was revealed to his hungry
eyes as mounds of silk fell about dainty feet. "You are so
unbelievbly beautiful." JJ's whispered words sounded almost
reverent as he brought his lips in to contact with Lord D's. Lord D
sighed into the moist touch trembling with thoughts of what Jj would
soon do to him. Or not, Lord D thought fingering the tube of lube as
JJ sat him on the bed. "You want me?" JJ asked with a smirk
and a wink as he undressed. Crawling onto the bed he pushed Lord D
onto his back.

"Jemi-Chan..."
Lord D moaned as JJ began to suck and nuzzle between his spread legs.
JJ angled his body until his need was near Lord D's mouth. Lord D
opened his lips admitting JJ's dripping member. JJ relaxed into the
mutual sucking he felt a slim finger with the nail purposfully
blunted coaxing his muscles to relax. JJ sighed admitting the finger
into his portal glad of Lord D's versatility.

"Yeah,
Darling, I'm there." JJ moved on the bed until he was on all
fours. Looking over his shouder his encouraged Lord D to lube
himself. JJ leaned down on his elbows offering his body for
possession. Lord D was gentle as he placed his hands on JJ's hips. He
pressed forward filling JJ with his own body. "Yes, Precious...
Just like that." JJ whimpered as Lord D began the slow movements
sure to keep them occupied the whole night long.

Break

Ryo
opened the door of the house preparing for Dee’s reaction upon
the sight of his mother sitting on their couch. Ryo flinched as Dee
looked at her as if he did not see her, turned and entered the
kitchen. “I’m starved Baby,” Dee said opening the
fridge.

“Dee,”
Ryo began giving Renee an apologetic look as tears gathered in her
eyes. She had complimented Ryo in every possible way on their home.
Dee stood in the light of the fridge staring unseeing at he contents.
“Dee,” Ryo tried again causing Dee to slam the door so
hard that it reopened. Ryo went to shut it softly glad that nothing
had spilled inside. Dee prepared to shove past Ryo and head to their
bedroom. Ryo growled grabbing Dee’s arm. “Kuso, Koibito,
Hanasu yo-!”

“What
do you want me to say Ryo!?” Dee exploded falling against Ryo
glad that despite his size Ryo could hold him.

“How
about…” Ryo looked deep into Dee’s deep green
eyes. The eyes that had entranced him since the day they had met.
“Hello.”

Dee’s
lip trembled and he firmed his. His shoulders lowered and he
straitened them. Holding tight to Ryo’s hand he walked into the
living room. Pulling Ryo in beside him he sat across from Renee. He
looked into eyes so like his own it was painful. “Hello…Mother.”
Renee collapsed into sobs hearing the words she had long decided that
she did not deserve.

Break

Ryo
had long since excused himself. He had made sure that the boys had
taken a bath after dinner. Ryo had apologized for the necessity of
pizza before looking in on Alicia. She had chosen to sleep on an air
mattress in Lyo’s room. Leaving the Spare for Renee. Rain had
chosen not to dwell on the fact that the lady was his cousin. Ryo
then found his own bed. Thinking it was much too big without Dee.

Ryo
awakened to feel soft nibbling and licking along his lips. He opened
his mouth to Dee’s tongue sighing as he realized that he had
somehow lost his pajamas. He would not waste time wondering when Dee
had undressed him. Ryo simply gave in to Dee’s need because
they so closely mirrored his own. Dee found the pale pink nipples and
sucked them deeply into his mouth. Ryo cried out when Dee's teeth
lightly grazed his sensitive flesh. "Dee," Ryo licked his
lips aas he could feel his face heating. He needed Dee inside him.

"Hold
on Baby, let me get you ready." Dee murmmured sliding down the
bed. He saw Ryo, hard, dripping, and delicious. With a grin he
trailed his tongue from the base to the tip and back again. Paying
close attention to his lovers sack Dee nuzzled. He could feel them
tighten and was glad that he had teased Ryo's body even before he had
awakened. Ryo's breath caught as he felt a molten wave of pleasure
rocket through his body.

"Dee...
I'm..." Ryo tried to warn Dee of the imminent explosion.

"I
know baby..." Dee sucked Ryo in whole. Ryo cried out loudly as
his body released into Dee's waiting mouth. Ryo collapsed back onto
the bed panting he canted his hips in shock when two of Dee's fingers
entered him swiftly. "Like that?" Dee asked as a moan
escaped Ryo's lush lips. He knew Ryo had been unprepared for the
assault, but his muscles were still relaxed from his orgasm and he
knew the surprised pleasure could send him to the brink again. Ryo
whimprered nearly weeping as his body was forced to release again so
close to the last time.

"Dee..."
Ryo managed no further words. He tugged until Dee was on top of him.

"No
Baby, get on your knees." Dee whispered into Ryo's ear. "I
need to be deep," Dee urged moving to help Ryo find a
comfortable position. Dee placed a pillow under Ryo's head making
sure that his back arched comfortably. Dee pushed Ryo's legs apart
and then took a moment to look at the beautiful picture he presented.
he saw the long, strong, pale, beautiful legs going all the way up to
a juncture of unsurpassed loveliness. He saw the small opening
blossoming and could not help but to press a kiss there. Ryo hissed
crying out loudly as Dee's tongue probed for entry.

"Dee...
Dee... Right there." Ryo wiggled his hips feeling shameless in
his quest of pleasure. Dee reinserted his fingers as he loosened Ryo.
Soon, he knew, he would have to be inside of him. Dee waited until
Ryo was moaning on every stroke before he knelt behind him pressing
inside. A long wail built in Ryo's throat working it's way out as Dee
possessed him. "Yes," Ryo sobbed as Dee rocked their hips
together taking him to familiar, frightening heights of pleasure.
"Yes..." Ryo choked on the need he could hear in his own
voice.

"Ryo..."
Dee's strangled cry could be heard as he joined Ryo in a violent
release deep inside the pale beauty's tight channel. Dee and Ryo
collapsed onto the bed panting. "Oh Baby, I love you." Dee
whispered pressing a kiss to Ryo's damp, honey colored locks.

"Ai
shite iru, Dee, Ai shite iru." Ryo's breathy words wrapped
around Dee's heart melting it on contact. Holding tight to each other
they fell into a heavy slumber.

Whipped
Crème 6

sweet
and bitter

“Why
do birds suddenly appear, every time… You are near? Just like
me, they long to be close to you. Why do stars fall down from the sky
every time you walk by? Just like me, they long to be close to you.
On the day that you were born the angels got together and decided to
create a dream come true so they sprinkled moon dust in your hair and
golden starlight in your eyes so true.” Renee opened her eyes
reluctantly. She blinked several times listening to the singing
coming from the room across the hall.

“Just
like me, they long to be… Close to you,” Renee smiled
feeling her heart lift at the sweet voice that she heard.

“Rain,”
Renee looked up to see the dark skinned young man with the startling
blond hair and blue eyes looking at her. “That is Rain,
sometimes he practices in his room. The singing he does great, he
needs to work on shaking his butt. Ryo told me to let you know that
he is making breakfast. The guys have to work today so we are going
to the pet shop. You are welcome to stay here if you want.”
Bikky turned to leave causing Renee to be glad that she had slept in
flannel pants and a large t-shirt. Last night she had found it odd
that there were no locks on the doors of the bedrooms in this house.
She got up and passed Rain’s door to see him standing brushing
his hair as he sang. “Hey, singing beauty, come down for
breakfast.” Bikky called tapping the door and running
downstairs.

Rain
turned to see Renee staring at him. He smiled and padded barefoot
down the stairs. He dropped into a chair just as Ryo was securing
Lyo’s booster seat. “Morning,” He offered
embarrassed as Renee continued to gaze at him. Renee thought it
prudent not to comment on the large size of his pajamas. He was
practically swimming in the flannel pants and t-shirt.

“I
am sorry, I just… I see your father in you.” Renee
offered causing Rain to gasp. Dee entered the room and Renee blushed
looking away from her son.

“Is
something wrong?” Ryo asked concerned as she continued to stare
at her empty plate. Renee looked up to see Ryo dressed for the day in
tan slacks and a yellow shirt. He looked like a living beam of
sunlight with his light colored hair and pale skin. Bikky emerged
from the kitchen carrying a platter of pancakes. Dee sat down his
burden of eggs and bacon. “Rain drink your tea,” Ryo
reminded the boy. Rain nodded silent as he thought over Renee’s
words.

“You
had to go to the bathroom last night,” Rain commented as Renee
continued to blush. “You get used to it after a while,”
Rain laughed at Ryo’s embarrassment as his words began to make
sense. “Bikky and I have both learned to empty our bladders
before we get into bed.”

“Perhaps
it would be best to have Count D soundproof your room.” Bikky
offered as Ryo’s face flamed even worse as he thought of all
the noise he had made the previous night.

“Yes
perhaps that would be best,” Dee offered with a soft smile as
he ran his fingers through Ryo’s hair. “Considering…”
Dee let the words hang, as Ryo turned redder.

“Considering?”
Alicia asked laughing as she remembered the budding beginning of
their relationship when they had been in New York. Ryo had been so
shy and unsure of himself in his love for Dee.

“I
got a whole lot of toys…”

“Syrup?”
Ryo offered Renee as he shoved a forkful of eggs into Dee’s
mouth. Renee was amazed that while attempting to choke her son with
breakfast he managed to pour syrup over her pancakes with a steady
hand. Renee could no more stop breathing than she could stop the
laugh the spilled forth. Ryo sat at the table peeking at Dee
underneath the fluffy fringe of honey colored bangs a smile lifting
his mouth. Renee gasped seeing how her son had come to love this
beautiful, dark-eyed man.

“You
boys will be at the house with us tonight and tomorrow after school
you will go to the consulate.” Dee explained as he looked away
from Ryo before he gave in to the urge and reached across the table
and mauled him.

“Oh,
so now we talk?” Alicia said with a playful grin glad to see
the two detectives in such an easy intimacy. “I was having fun
watching you watch him like he was something good to eat.”

“He
is,” Dee winked at Ryo then turned back to the boys. “We
will be at the consulate and you have your cells if you need us.
Don’t give Sofu any trouble. I would hate to see what he or
Lady Aurora would do to you.” Bikky and Rain both audibly
gulped. “Speaking of the consulate Alicia, Ryo and I have been
talking.” Alicia looked up at Ryo then focused on Dee. Alicia
felt out of place as she watched Ryo help Lyo with his breakfast.
Every need the child could have needed was seen to before she even
thought about it.

“Yes,”
Alicia tried not to be hurt that Ryo had so easily taken her place.

“It
is not safe for you to remain here, and yet neither would it be fair
of us to send you out of your son’s life. If you are willing,
Ryo can have you accepted into the eastern dragon court of Arcadia.”
Dee explained looking at Ryo.

“I
would no longer be an American?” Alicia asked thinking about
the possibility. “I could keep Lyo with me?”

“Actually,”
Ryo spoke up feeling tears threaten at what he would have to say. “He
stays here. You said you relinquished all rights to him, I will hold
you to that.”

Alicia
felt anger hot and thick sweep through her as she looked at her son
as he clung to Ryo even as he ate his breakfast. “What do you
think you can do to sway the Arcadians? I hear they have some weird
royal system going and… Why would they listen to you?”

“I
do believe they will do as I request.” Ryo said with a small
smile. “At least this way you will be in his life.”

“Why
would they? If you want me to leave fine, but don’t offer me
false hope.” Alicia sobbed thinking that even if she left her
son here, if she lived with the Arcadians she would be able to at
least see her son grow up. Be involved with his life without the fear
of her own. “Why would they listen to you?”

“Because
he’s a prince.” Bikky said hating the anguish on Ryo’s
face. “Ryo is to be crowned as a prince of the eastern dragon
clan.”

Renee
choked on her coffee she turned wide eyes to Dee who smirked at her.
“Guess I married up.” He laughed going back to his meal.
“Rain, your tea.” Dee urged seeing the cup untouched as
Rain simply picked at his food. “Rain?”

“You
knew my mother?” Rain asked Renee. Alicia momentarily gave up
the conversation as she looked at the beautiful young man that sat at
the table.

“Yes,
and your father. I was with her the day they met. We were so young
then. It was before…” Renee smiled choosing not to think
about the past. “As we grew up, every one could tell they were
getting too close. Auntie Grace tried to send Patricia away to
school, but they wrote letters. When Auntie Grace tried to have them
intercepted, your father drove five hours just to see her. I don’t
know much after that. Soon I left and… Then I got in touch
with her several years later. It was an accident.” Renee paused
and looked sad. “She showed me a picture of you. You were five
I think. She told me about Thunder, I am sorry.” Renee touched
Rain’s hand and gasped when he moved it out of reach.

Ryo
noted his movement and grew worried. “Rain,” He began but
Renee continued.

“Then
we kept in touch, I begged her not to tell the family where I was, or
even that she had contacted me. When she told me she was seeing a new
guy, William… Johnston I think…” Renee paused
thinking of the name. She looked at Rain for confirmation. “She
said he was handsome. Ha! She always had great luck with guys.”

Rain
charged to his feet knocking over his chair and spilling his tea. “It
would be a shame to forget my homework after Ryo spent so much time…”
Rain could not finish. Rain gulped air into his lungs before he
stormed upstairs.

“Oh…
Rain,” Ryo got to his feet handing Lyo to Dee as he went after
the troubled young man.

What…
Did I say?” Renee asked perplexed as she thought over the
conversation. “Oh no… he’s the one right? I am
such an idiot, he’s the one that killed her.”

“There
are several details of the case that we did not release to the
press.” Dee explained. Bikky, not wanting to hear it, took Lyo
upstairs leaving Alicia to stare after him. Ryo made it upstairs in
time to hear the shower turn on. With a sigh he headed back
downstairs.

Ryo
was standing at the bottom of the stairs. Alicia and Renee tried to
get to know one another but the tension in the house soon left them
sitting in silence watching Ryo as he cleaned. Both of the women had
offered aid, but he had shaken his head. Ryo was about to go upstairs
then paused. Rain was coming back downstairs with his backpack. Ryo
shrugged and headed into the kitchen. He filled a thermos with Rain’s
tea. Handing the concoction to the boy they all filed out of the
house heading for school and work.

Break

Randolph
was fit to kill. He had intended to go to Ryo and Dee’s last
night, but when he had entered the backyard he had seen someone
already standing there looking up at his tree. Who the hell was that?
Who did he think he was looking at them while they were intimate?
Only Randolph had the right to see Ryo so exposed and vulnerable, so
pliant and enraptured, so beautiful. Randolph gasped when he heard
the soft voice of Ryo talking in low tones as he walked the halls of
the precinct.

“Grandfather,
I am glad that you find this situation so amusing.” Ryo was
saying into his cell phone. “I would love to come by earlier,
but the new commissioner is being instated today. I know him, we
worked together on several cases.” Ryo paused to laugh. “You
are behaving like a spoiled child… Yeah I know brave words,”
Ryo agreed. “What are you going to do… eat me? Ha Ha...”
Ryo mocked, “You just might,” Ryo was still laughing as
he entered the office.

Leon
waved at Ryo and Dee going back to his files. Randolph tried to look
busy as if he had not been listening intently on the conversation.
“Grandfather, I have a question about my training… When
does it start? This weekend does not give me much time to learn
anything.” Ryo listened for a while before he hung up looking
disgruntled at his grandfather’s words. “Do not worry. It
is in your blood.”

“Baby,”
Dee called placing a kiss behind Ryo’s ear. “Come on,
Rose is here.” Ryo smiled leaning is body into Dee’s and
left the office. Randolph stared after them. Taking a moment to
assure himself that it was safe to stand he followed them. Better pay
his respects now.

Langston
was furious. No matter how he tried to inform the new Commissioner
about Laytner, Orcot, MacLean, and Jameson the man refused to take
the hint. What did he have to do? Langston was about to spell it out
in clear terms when several officers entering the room interrupted
them. The bane of his existence was among them laughing and joking as
they settled into their seats. “Yo! Rose,” Dee called,
“You on for Wednesday?”

“Detective
Laytner please conduct yourself as an adult and not some uncouth
teenager.” Rose frowned over the rim of his glasses. Dee
grinned shamelessly waiting for his question to be answered. “Yes,
I received my invitation from the Arcadians and Jeremy will be
accompanying me.” Langston frowned… they knew each
other? So the man must know. No wonder he had not heeded his words.
Langston felt a satisfied smile creep over his face. He was so busy
thinking that the new commissioner would settle matters that he did
not hear the man claim another male as his date.

“Now
Gentlemen,” Rose said he nodded and several officers placed
several large boxes on his desk. Langston wondered at the many files
he could see inside. “This is the level of excellence I
expect.” He addressed the officers in the room with a knowing
smirk at Langston he continued. “In these boxes are cases,
solved cases. I want you all to emulate the team of Orcot, Laytner,
MacLean, Jameson and (FIND JILL”S LAST NAME). You are
dismissed.” As the crowd dispersed Langston looked into the
case files. Many were high profile. He felt stunned. “They are
all damned good detectives. I know you are recent to this precinct.
If their proclivities bother you, you can be transferred.” Rose
said no more. He left Langston with his jaw dropped. Langston sat
behind the table looking through the cases becoming amazed at the
caliber of men he had in his precinct.

Break

Rain
was so red Bikky worried he might faint. Maybe he should stop. Even
as the thought crossed his mind he nudged Rain into looking as the
cheerleaders warmed up. “Julie is cute today.” Bikky said
laughing. His laughter died as he yelped in pain. Rain’s bright
eyes lifted to see Carol holding tight to his loosening ponytail.
“Ah… Ow… Carol!” Bikky grimaced trying to
pry her fingers loose without loosing too much hair.

“So,”
Carol fumed releasing him to stand with hands on her hips as she
glared at Bikky. “You think little Julie is cute?”

“No
babe… Rain does.” Rain gasped looking around to make
sure that no one had overheard Bikky. Taking in Rain’s startled
reaction Carol decided that Bikky was not lying to her. She would
have said more, but the bell rang signaling that they needed to get
ready. Extracurricular activities were over for the day.

“Bikky,
Rain!” The boys looked up to see Eric and Terry walking over
carrying their gym bags. “Is it true that Wednesday is Rain’s
birthday?” Erick asked leaving his brother to flirt with
several of the cheerleaders.

“Yeah,”
Bikky said handing Rain his thermos. “Drink it.” Rain
dutifully began to sip.

“That
smells good what is it?” Erick asked leaning close to Rain.
Rain sidestepped graceful as ever to get away from the other boy.
Erick swallowed his hurt as he waited for Bikky to elaborate. “Any
plans to celebrate? Can we come?”

“It
is not going to be like Bikky’s party,” Rain said softly
shrugging into his jacket. “Just family, close friends…”
Rain trailed off at the hopeful look on Erick’s face. Terry
joined them. He took one look at his brother and his smile faded. If
Erick were not careful, Bikky would figure it out and rip him to
pieces. “We’ll be at the Arcadian Consulate.” Rain
informed him.

“I
thought you said close friends and…” Terry trailed off
as he remembered that Rain was a member of X’Ta-C. “Yeah
whatever.”

“Maybe
Ryo can get you guys in for the afternoon.” Bikky offered not
sure if the creatures of Arcadia would be willing to be stuck in a
human shape for the party. “Make sure your parents know where
you are going, and let me know your curfew so that Ryo can get you
home.” Bikky mumbled as he dialed Ryo’s cell.

“So
responsible,” Terry muttered resisting the urge to say
something rude to Rain who continued to sip from his thermos humming
softly.

“You
always drink that.” Erick commented his voice softening as he
spoke to Rain. Making sure that Bikky was busy he reached over to
touch Rain’s hair. “What is it?”

“Tea,”
Rain answered. “I have to drink it. Doctors orders, helps with
my tummy.” Rain felt the tugging on his hair and he again moved
away from Erick. “Why do touch me?” Erick blinked for a
few moments having forgotten Rain’s blunt honesty.

“Sorry
man,” Erick added a macho chuckle hoping to put Rain at ease
before Bikky came back. The younger boy had a mean edge to him that
could spell serious injury for him if riled, but he could not stay
away from Rain. “You have pretty hair.”

“So
do they,” Rain spat pointing to the cheerleaders before
stomping to the car that waited by the fence. Terry stared after him
in awe. Rain was beautiful when his eyes flashed that way. Terry took
a moment to nudge his brother who stood in awe as well.

“Ryo
said he would work on it.” Bikky said coming back over. “Ah
man, Rain,” Bikky called laughter in his voice. “You
drank all that tea and we are eating at the Count’s tonight.”
At Erick and Terry’s confused look Bikky leaned over to kiss
Carol’s cheek. “See you later babe.”

“What
is so special about eating at the Count’s?” Erick
wondered wanting to know everything about Rain.

“Count
D’s a vegetarian.” Bikky said before he trotted off.
Erick was glad to see Rain laughing when Bikky reached over to pull
his hair. He watched the two boys scuffling in the back seat of the
escalade. Jill waved to Carol as she drove off.

Break

“Orcot,”
Leon looked up as the chief poked his head into his office. “I
have the schedule for this week and it says here that you are
requesting all of Wednesday off.” Langston frowned, even though
the new commissioner seemed to like these guys and they were good
detectives, he could not help but want to give them a hard time.

“Yeah
my buddies are covering the hours, what’s the problem? Don’t
we all get off day’s?” Leon joked not liking the way the
man looked at him. Why so much hassle?

“Valentine’s
day is one of those days when crime could get out of hand.”
Langston said thinking quickly of a way to deny Leon the day off.
“Jilted lovers, cheating spouses caught in the act…”
Langston trailed off as the Commissioner poked his head into the
office.

“Oh
Orcot,” Rose said after he greeted the chief. He saw the
schedule in the man’s hands. “Something wrong? Ah…
Wednesday… Right, your wedding anniversary.”

“Two
years,” Leon mused thinking it had been one hell of a ride.

“I
didn’t know you were married.” Langston said with a
smirk. He had noted the ring Orcot wore, but had stubbornly refused
to acknowledge it. “What’s her name?” Rose frowned
when Langston continued to smirk at Leon almost daring him to name a
female.

“His
name is Count D.” Leon answered not at all ashamed to admit it.
In fact he smiled as he turned a picture on his desk to face Rose and
Langston.

“Man,
he gets prettier every time I see him.” Rose laughed at the
picture of Count D offering his typical smirk.

“Why
thank you Commissioner, I think I will take that as a compliment.”
Langston gasped at the smooth voice that could be heard. Count D
slipped between the two men that blocked the door. Leon smiled when
he saw the basket that Count D carried.

“Civilians
can’t be back here,” Langston barked causing Rose to
raise a brow.

“I
believe that is my call,” Rose smiled at D. “Is that
dinner I smell?”

“Why
yes Commissioner Rose, the others will be here shortly. The shop is
secure.” Rose knew something more was in the words that Count D
did not say. “You are welcome to join us. When my Lion is away
from home working late shifts I hate to think of him eating
disgusting fast food. It is no good for him.” Rose laughed at
Langston’s disgruntled look.

“I
hear you just made Ninth Dan, congratulations.” Rose sat beside
the Count careful not to step on the ends of his deeply colored green
Cheongsam where it’s sleeves brushed the floor. Langston backed
away from the office as the officers entered laughing and reaching
for plates.

“Ninth
Dan,” Langston wondered. He had to find out what that meant.
Later, as Count D left the precinct, his path led him past Langston’s
open door. The man looked up from his computer to stare in
open-mouthed shock at the slim man that carried such a high ranking
in martial arts. Count D offered him a knowing smirk as he wandered
out into the night.

Break

Valentine’s
Day(Begin)

Sunlight
poured into the room covering the bed in a golden glow. Leon rolled
over smiling when he felt the warmth of the small body pressed so
snugly against him. He loved the smell of Count D in the morning when
he was sleepy warm and relaxed. leon nuzzled the smooth neck. He
loved the smell of Count D anytime of the day or night. Feather soft
silken hair tickled his nose as Count D shifted to a more comfortble
position. Leon trailed a hand down the soft satin night robe D had
worn to bed last night. Interesting morning changes began to make
Leon wish that Count D would awaken.

Count
D felt Leon stiffen against him and decided to take pity. He should
not pretend sleep. Not when Leon was in such obvious need. Count D
turned a brilliant smile on Leon as he slowly opened his dreamlike
eyes. leon grinned pressing their lips together. "You'll pay for
making me wait," Leon whispered pushing the night robe past
Count D's hips.

"Is
that a promise?" Count D sassed sticking his tongue in Leon's
ear.

"You
bet your sweet ass it is," Leon winced when Count D nipped his
ear between his even, sharp teeth. "Yeah, yeah, stop swearing at
you." Leon laughed bringing a hand down smartly on Count D's
bottom. "You stop teasing me. Take that off." Leon
commanded he waited for Count D to disrobe completely all the while
planning for a very enjoyable morning.

Break

He
was just so beautiful, Dee thought as he sat across from Ryo. Ryo
looked up behind the rim of his glasses. “The case is not
printed on my forehead.” He remarked going back to work.

“Ryo,”
Dee said reaching across their joined desks to clasp Ryo’s
hand. He rubbed his finger over the simple golden band. “Let’s
renew our vows.” Dee thought back to New York. It had been a
simple ceremony, if it could be called that. They had simply
exchanged rings and words of love and devotion in front of Bikky and
Mother. “Our first time was incredible and I will never forget
it, but… I just…” Dee gave up not knowing a good
way to explain this new need to Ryo. For weeks as Ryo had prepared
himself for his coronation learning about the intricacies of Dragon
court and how it fit in with Zarro’s all the while learning
about his own family, Dee had felt so far away.

“We
have a larger family now, more friends, well they are more like
family than friends and well… I want them to witness it.”
Dee tried again when Ryo just sat looking at him with his bangs
falling over his glasses.

Ryo
removed his eyewear then and brushed his hair out of his eyes. “Dee,”
Ryo blushed smiling slightly. He licked his lips causing Dee to catch
his breath as he tried to resist the urge to leap across the table
and kiss Ryo. “I would be honored to stand before our family
and friends to formally renew our vows.” Dee heard the formal
words and knew that Ryo was saying so much more. Dee gave up the
fight. He tugged until Ryo was standing and leaning over their desk
holding hands they sealed their lips.

Break

Randolph
peeked around the corner and gasped. He saw them standing there
holding hands. Sunlight danced around them making Ryo seem to glow as
he leaned into Dee. Randolph felt his heart leap as the kiss
deepened. He wanted to be angry, Ryo would one day be his, Dee had no
right to touch him so, but he also felt humbled by the sheer beauty
of them standing so far apart, their desk’s keeping their body
apart, yet so close. Dee backed away slightly his tongue still
tracing the outline of Ryo’s lips. With a satisfied sigh they
both turned to see Randolph staring at them.

“Do
you need something?” Dee asked licking his own lips as Ryo sat
back in his chair.

“The
file, your shifts over.” Randolph couldn’t look at Dee.
He wanted Ryo so badly that if Dee looked anywhere but at his face he
would be shamed. Randolph took the file and rushed from the office
hoping no one would stop to talk to him.

Break

“Whoa,”
Terry exclaimed as they were dropped off at the consulate. Rain had
said very little the entire afternoon. Sitting in the car with them
was Ryan and Julie summers. Erick tried not to scowl at the blush
Rain wore every time Bikky would poke him. They entered the large
building and jaws dropped at the opulence of their surroundings.
Their eyes boggled from the jewel encrusted baseboard to the marbled
floors and up to the gold veined columns in the entryway.

“You
guys come here three days a week?” Julie whispered amazed that
Carol seemed so comfortable here.

“Give
or take a few days,” Bikky answered when all Rain did was nod
silently. “Mostly for Rain’s rehearsals.”

“Rain,”
Julie squealed as Daphnus approached.

“You…
You’re High Prince Daphnus…” She gasped causing
Erick to gape at the beautiful man. At Bikky’s party he had
seen him on stage and thought he was pretty, but up close the man was
jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

“She’s
such a fan,” Ryan teased his sister as Daphnus inclined his
head in a regal nod causing his hair to fall forward. Julie near
fainted as a lock brushed her hand

Rain
frowned at Daphnus folding his arms across his scrawny chest. “Yes
your Highness?” Rain asked drawing the prince’s amused
attention.

“Je
suis desolee, mon amie. Une Moment s’il te plait.”
Daphnus muttered knowing that Rain had taken French at West Lake and
continued the classes at East doing quite well.

“Hey
you found it!” Bikky exclaimed looking at a journal that
Daphnus was carrying. “Rain searched the house and the pet shop
for hours looking for it yesterday.”

“I
am sorry I perused, but you are gifted.” Daphnus handed Rain
the book watching as the boy found several pages tucked inside the
book. He saw the music and then looked back to Daphnus forgetting for
a moment that his Bikky and the others were standing around him in
awe. “Your heart is like a beautiful flower opening its petals
to the first rays of spring upon the pages.”

Rain
blushed clutching the book to his chest. “I… I don’t
understand,” Rain stammered feeling his head swim. “We
have rehearsal tomorrow. I hope you will work on those. Happy
Birthday.” Daphnus gave Rain a small box before he bowed
gallantly to them and walked away. Ryan caught his sister as she
swooned.

Bikky
placed his hands on Rain’s shoulders shoving him into the room
that had been set up for them to spend their afternoon until the
adults joined them for the party. “Well,” Erick said
ignoring Ryan as he revived his sister. “Open it.” Rain
slid the box open and gasped at the high quality diamond earrings in
a silver setting. Bikky had noticed Rain’s pierced ears a while
ago but had not commented on it. Since his brother never wore studs
he figured that it was a sensitive issue. Why would Daphnus give him
those? What had he read in that journal?

“Dude,”
Terry unceremoniously pushed Rain’s hair aside to see his ears.
“Your ears are pierced.”

“My
father did it when I was three.” Rain said softly. Rain sat in
silence thinking of his first night in the hospital. When he had been
able to move free of the drugs induced sluggishness he had removed
the earrings. The symbol of his father’s pride in his son. He
had been so ashamed. Rain swallowed hard refusing to shed tears in
front of his friends.

Bikky
took the earrings from the box. With gentleness he placed them in
Rain’s ears. “Come on. I want to teach you how to play
the PS2 Remember I told you I would. Before the PS3 becomes available
you should at least know how to play the 2.”

“What’s
in the journal?” Julie wondered

Rain
looked up as Julie addressed him. Bikky prepared to tell her that it
was none of her business but Rain picked up the book and flipped
through a few pages. He looked at her and smiled. Erick felt his
breath catch at the expression. “I…” Rain sang
looking at Julie. “I tried to write a book about the way you
act and look, I haven’t got a paragraph. Words are always
getting in the way… any way I love you.” Rain blushed
then continued. “I’ve, had time to make a speech about
the love that touches me, but stumbling I would make you laugh, the
words are always getting in the way… anyway I love you, that’s
all I have to tell you… That’s all I have to say.”
When Rain finished singing tears fell from Julie’s eyes.

Erick
turned away as she embraced him. Terry wanted to feel bad for his
brother, but maybe this was just what he needed to let go of his
hopeless emotions. Bikky laughed saying, “So will you go out
with him?” Julie nodded hiding her blush as her brother teased
her. Bikky had already spoken to him about Rain’s feelings for
his sister. It was why they had arranged for her to come to his
birthday party in the first place. Ryan had always liked Bikky. The
two had a lot in common, and Rain… Rain reminded him a lot of
Julie so they would be a good couple. Erick slumped into a chair and
watched as they all gathered around the television prepared to teach
Rain the wonder of video games.

Author’s
notes: I do so humbly offer my apologies. This will have to suffice
for the valentines special. I did not mean to get so far behind. Next
week I will upload the Fire festival and the Coronation. I have been
so stressed lately with work and my novel that I have barely slept. A
couple of days I almost forgot to eat. I am sorry that this has been
so neglected. Thank you for your continued reading of this and your
patience with me. Oh and the song that Rain sang to Julie comes from
the Animated feature The Last Unicorn. I have loved that movie
since I was a child. All rights belong with the original writers and
composers.The song Rain was practicing in the begining is Close To
You as performed by Hikaru Utada and Shiina Ringo. Obviously the
Playstation systems mentioned belong to Sony, as does the game. I am
not making any profit from this fiction.

Whipped
Crème 7

Flambé

Special
Valentine Ball

“Whoa!
Ryo! You look hot,” Bikky teased as Ryo and Dee entered the
room where they had gathered. Rain looked up from the game to smile
at Ryo adding his agreement to Bikky’s assessment. Ryo tried
not to blush as everyone in the room turned to look at his white
satin pants and dress shirt. A red satin jacket hung over his
shoulder.

“What
about me?” Dee asked posing in his black pants. His black
jacket set off the bright red shirt.

“Eh’
you’ll do.” Rain teased laughing as he went back to the
game.

“He’s
like some sort of prodigy, we taught him the basics and he had 17
takedowns on his first run, now he is up 42 and still going.”
Bikky exclaimed excited pointing Ryo to the television screen.

“Oh
my gosh,” Ryo gasped as Rain purposefully moved his car to hit
another one. “He got points for that. What game is this?”

“It’s
called Burnout. Remember I asked you to get it for me?” Bikky
explained with a grin he cheered as Rain took down three at once.
“Man, he’s a maniac!”

“I
bought that?” Ryo asked shocked at the damage that Rain
purposefully inflicted to the other cars around him. Dee nodded
noticing that Julie was sitting close to Rain as he played. Bikky
winked at Dee as he followed his line of sight. “I thought it
was a racing game.” Ryo muttered cringing when Rain narrowly
missed being smashed going on to take out two more cars.

“It
is, but it has several different modes of play, this is road rage. He
did not like the split screen version so we are letting the birthday
boy go at it. It is fun just to watch him work.” Erick said
coming to stand near Ryo. Erick was not mistaken; the scent that came
to him when the two men had entered the room was coming from Ryo.
“You smell good.”

“I
bathe,” Ryo laughed as he mimicked Count D. “ In about
two hours a salamander will see your guests home. We simply came by
toooooooo…” Ryo paused giving Bikky a moment to reach
over and pause Rain’s game.

“HAPPY
BIRTHDAY!” Rain stared in awe as the Royals entered the room in
full dress their jeweled crowns and tiara’s sparkling in the
light. Julie stood back as Andy embraced Rain. The long sleeves of
her halter-top nearly obscured Rain from view. She found it hard to
believe this smiling beauty was older than them and had two children
to boot.

“Andy,”
Rain returned the hug. He then pulled Julie to his side. “This
is Julie?” Julie looked at the deep purple floor length skirt
as she was introduced to more Royalty.

“You
are so cute.” Andy gushed taking the girls hand. “This is
my husband High Prince Nestoir,” Julie stared in awe at the tan
man that stood next to the princess. “You have lovely hair and
skin.”

“My
father is part Irish and my mother is Mexican.” Julie answered
embarrassed by the effusive presence of so many royals.

“Really?
Rain is part Irish.” Julie looked up to see a blond Princess
tugging on Rain’s arm. “The Cake is here, Ryo baked it
himself, but he won’t give us any until you get your booty over
there. Come on I love his cake.” Tisiphone urged. Rain laughed
becoming blinded by the swirling mass of light blue cloth she wore.
Rain took Julie’s hand as he was dragged off.

Erick
turned away heading over to the table. Bikky stopped him. “We
are going to have a talk.” Was all the boy said as he went to
watch Rain blow out all fourteen candles. Count D and Leon arrived
with Aoi and Chris. Chris was frowning as he made his way to his
friends. Erick was too busy glancing at Terry as they both
interpreted what Bikky had said to notice the younger boy.

“Man,
Count D’s aunt held us up for hours.” Chris complained.
“Sorry I am late. What’d I miss?”

“Rain’s
a prodigy with Burnout it’s awesome.” Bikky said turning
Chris to the table. Rain smiled as everyone wished him a happy
birthday handing him presents. Erick gave Rain the CD he had bought
for him of native music. “I love these guys.” Rain said
smiling.

“You
have this one,” Erick said in dismay. He had tried so hard to
find something unique that Rain would like. Something he had not seen
before. Something that showed how much he cared.

“Not
this one, but four of their other CD’s. Thanks.” Rain
said adding it to his pile. Erick smiled glad to see Rain so happy.
Erick caught a warning look from Bikky and turned away.

A
flurry of activity took place as the adults left the room. Only Ryo,
Dee, Sofu and Lady Aurora were left. Ryan gasped, he had not even
noted the frightening man that looked so much like the little Count
D. He had thought the one called Laton was frightening but this man
seemed dangerous. And they all loved Rain? Erick saw Lady Aurora
offer Rain a sweet smile. She was so pretty. Why was he so afraid?

“Just
don’t rile them, you’ll live longer.” Dee said
joking when he saw the boy staring at the ancient beings.

“Dee!”
Ryo lightly punched his arm. “You’re being obnoxious.”

“You
love me anyway,” Dee winked at Carol as Ryo handed Lyo to Lady
Aurora. The little boy snuggled right up to the night walking beast
as if she were a cuddly bunny. “He should be ready to drop.”
Dee said as Ryo agreed that he did love him. As the Detectives left
for the evening the teenagers went back to their video games stuffed
on cake and cheese pizza.

Break

“He’s
going to hurt you.” Terry whispered to Erick as the uniformed
guard drove them all home from the consulate.

“I
know,” Was all Erick replied.

Break

Soofu
L stared at her family as they danced. The royals took the stage
singing songs of love and devotion. Soofu L tried to understand. It
seemed the exact opposite of Soofu A’s reasoning was true.
Humans were the catalyst to the prolific abilities of the D’s.
There could be no other explanation. Leon pressed his lips to D’s
and Soofu L thought she saw the child Kami glow. But no, not a child.
She was thinking as she made her way out to the snowy hills of
Arcadia. Count D was a full adult now, married with a child and…
Sofu L sniffed him as she passed… He was almost to the point
of Carrying again. As was his father, they had best be careful. Sofu
L went off to find her brother to let him know she was leaving. There
was no grand secret to the D’s that could be taken so easily.
If she wanted her family to prosper she would do well to marry her
last few remaining children to humans. Then in a few generations her
family would be as impressive as the D’s.

Break

“Come
on baby,” Dee encouraged Ryo leave the bathroom.

“Close
your eyes,” Ryo called. Dee thought he could almost hear the
blush on his love’s face.

“The
point of you wearing it was so I could see it.” Dee suppressed
a laugh not wanting to embarrass Ryo any more than he already was.

“I
know but… It is a lot less material that I realized and…”

“I
bet you look hot.” Dee allowed his desire to make his voice
husky. He knew Ryo would hear those tones and respond. “I’m
on fire just imagining it… Come on out Baby, let me look at
you.”

“Ok,”
Dee heard Ryo whisper and knew he was not supposed to hear. Several
deep breathes later and a pale leg became visible. Followed by
another. Long lean muscled appendages led up further and further. Dee
felt his mouth go dry then water at the tiny shorts that hugged Ryo
and showed off his beauty to perfection.

“Red
silk never looked better.” Dee got to his feet admiring the way
the robe slid across Ryo’s slim figure. “You are so
beautiful.” Ryo blushed, but at the same time felt envious of
Dee who sat so casually unbothered by the miniscule black thong. He
saw Ryo’s eyes wander and posed. “Like it?”

“Uh…
Yeah,” Dee laughed as Ryo’s face matched his ensemble.
“You… look hot,” Ryo trailed a finger down Dee’s
chest. “All mine,” He said lowering his head to a nipple.
Dee grinned as Ryo’s lips locked around a sensitive nub. He
loved when Ryo paid attention to his nipples.

“Give
me these,” Dee rubbed his thumb across Ryo’s lips before
he lowered his head and claimed them. Ryo sank into the kiss
marveling that the silk felt cool against his overheated skin. “I’m
going to be inside you all night.” Ryo melted into Dee's arms.
"No baby I want to see you." Dee pushed Ryo away so tht he
could look down."OOOHH," Dee licked his lips. he pulled Ryo
into his embrace again. "Feel that?" He asked pressing his
excited member against Ryo's own growing interest.

"Yes,"
Ryo whisprered embarrassed by his reaction to seeing Dee so scantily
clad.

"Good,"
Dee whispered close to Ryo's ear knowing the sensitive apendages
would cause Ryo to tingle deliciously. Ryo whimpered squeezing Dee’s
shoulders. He felt Dee moving down his chest. “Tasty,”
Dee said against the pale chest his mouth was pressed against.

“Dee,”
Ryo urged when Dee trailed his tongue in lazy circles around a
nipple. “Don’t… tease me.”

“You
tease me with that sexy little outfit and you don’t expect me
to do the same to you?” Dee seemed to truly be confused.

“But
you told me to wear it.” Ryo panted and gasped when Dee took
his nipple fully into his mouth.

“I
did, and damn baby you are hot.” Dee affirmed reaching down to
palm Ryo’s bottom. Ryo groaned when Dee reached between his
legs to fondle him through the small shorts. “Relax baby, just
relax and let ole’ Dee take care of you.”

“Don’t
I always?” Ryo asked laying back on the bed. Dee took a moment
to appreciate the sight of Ryo spread out before him. Dee’s
mouth watered as he thought of just how beautiful Ryo was. “I
love you Dee.”

“I
love you too.” Dee whispered the words almost reverent in his
emotions as he crawled over Ryo. “Keep the robe.” Dee
said enjoying Ryo’s laughter as Dee removed the shorts. Ryo
brought his silk clad arms to rest over Dee’s shoulder as he
relaxed his body. Feeling Dee’s fingers probe him he moaned in
ecstasy. “That’s right baby,” Dee coaxed before he
moved Ryo’s legs into position. “That’s right.”
Dee pushed his excited member into Ryo’s tight heat. “Oh…
that’s so good…” Dee moaned vowing to stay right
where he was for the rest of his life.

End
Valentine's Day (We ALL know that everyone got it on, but for the
sake of our sanity and to move the story along please forgive us for
not going into detail.)

Break

Erick
looked into the locker room with trepidation. He saw Bikky sitting on
the bench with his foot casually resting on a football. Bikky wore
headphones and nodded his head to it as he read the small book in his
hands. “Rain is not coming to practice today. He and Julie are
auditioning for the spring musical. Did you know she could sing?”
Bikky said without looking up from his book.

Erick
nodded, “Yeah she was on the girls choir until they changed
their rehearsal schedule. Then she became a cheerleader.” Erick
answered he felt it would be prudent to voice his side of the story.
“Look man,” Erick began. “I like him ok. I am…
You know, gay.” Erick waited; still Bikky did not look up from
the book he was reading. “I have no plans to ask him out or
anything, I am just happy being friends.” Erick sighed. Why was
Bikky ignoring him? Finally Bikky took the earphones off and looked
at him. Those bright blue eyes pierced Erick making him nervous.

Bikky
got to his feet he was silent as he tucked the things back into
Rain’s backpack. Rain felt as if he had shamed his father he
thought. Bikky shook his head. With a quick move he shoved his fist
in Erick’s stomach. The older boy doubled over wheezing in
pain. His eyes watered as he tried in vain to draw a breath. “I’m
glad we had this conversation.” Bikky said in his ear. “I
like you man, but he’s my brother.” He patted Erick’s
back and left the locker room.

“Whew!”
Erick looked up to see Terry in the doorway. “That went rather
well.”

“What…
Are you doing here?” Erick managed to ask when he could move.

“You
don’t leave me to fend off Dad on my own. I was not about to
let you tangle with a New York Street punk on your own.” Terry
said handing his brother a bottle of water. “Drink this, it
will help.” Erick took the water and nodded. His stomach did
not hurt so much as the knowledge that his love for Rain would remain
unrequited. Terry helped his brother to his feet as they headed to
practice.

“He’s
got a fist like a brick,” Erick muttered still rubbing the
offended area.

Break

It
was his favorite part of the day. Right after Aoi went down for her
nap and the animals were all fed and snoozing. Count D wandered into
his garden and just sat in silence enjoying the sounds of nature.
Several plants reached out for his robe as he passed brushing their
leafy tendrils against the soft cloth of his garments. Sitting on the
soft grass among the blooms he felt so at peace he thought he could
just close his eyes and drift. Life was so idyllic. He had his Leon,
his Darling Aoi and Chris, a whole family. He also had wonderful
friends. How could he have ever thought that he was meant to be a
solitary creature?

Count
D felt a niggling doubt creep in his mind. Life was never so blissful
all the time. With the good came the bad. Count D shook his head
denying the thoughts. Things were going so well he would not look for
trouble. A small furry creature fluttered by his head. Count D raised
a hand for it to land. Taking a discerning look at the creature he
said, “Grandfather.”

Q-Chan
chirped nuzzling his ear. Count D sighed, Sofu was always more
comfortable showing affection in this form. He would never understand
why and he had not the courage to ask such a personal question.
Q-Chan chirped again, ran it’s little paws though Count D’s
hair before he flew off the way he had come leaving Count D to stand
in his garden confused.

Break

“She’s
doing it again,” Lady Aurora sat on the bed with her arms
wrapped around her middle. “Why would she give us a reprieve if
she was just going to start back up again? We still have the care of
the young ones until after the festival.”

“Well
I have been in counsel with his majesty Zarro, he wants the young
ones contained this afternoon, Laton wants to train Ryo.”

Lady
Aurora forgot her own problems for a moment as she thought a
conversation she’d had with Laton. The Dragon king had asked if
she knew of the nature of his grandson’s most cherished
possession. Lady Aurora had told him to get Ryo to display his true
energy was to put his children in danger. Zarro had disagreed. “We
want him to use his gifts, not destroy the palace.”

“I
wonder, then, how it will be accomplished.” Lady Aurora mused
getting to her feet. “The young ones will be released from
their institutions soon.”

“They
are in school, not prison.” Sofu D laughed at his wife’s
terminology. “Not that they see the difference. But Bikky and
Rain will be here later; they have a new curfew in affect. Bikky
called Ryo to let him know that they were going to the park with
young Christopher. They are trying to teach Rain to…”
Sofu paused trying to think of the words that the young human had
said. “Blade and roll… or something like that. Lyo is
here with his mother and Aoi is napping at home.”

Lady
Aurora grinned at her husband. “Then we have time for
ourselves.”

“Yes,
my love, we do.” Sofu placed his hands on her shoulders drawing
her in for a kiss.

Break

Count
D sat on the park bench cradling Aoi as he watched Chris strapping on
his roller blades. Bikky was sitting on his bottom making sure that
Rain’s were properly tied. Rain stood tentative on the
unfamiliar wheels. He was amazed when Bikky got to his feet on the
wheels standing steady. “Now try to balance.” Bikky
advised taking both of Rain’s hands he pulled the slighter boy
forward. “You look like you should weigh more.” Bikky
noted, as he was surprised at how easy it was to pull Rain. Bikky
released Rain’s hands to feel his waist. He was surprised that
underneath the baggy clothing his brother was so slim.

“Stop
that,” Rain frowned trying to back away from Bikky’s
touch only to forget that he was wearing skates. “Ow!” He
exclaimed rubbing his bottom looking up with a frown at Bikky he
accepted his hand.

Bikky
easily pulled him to his feet. “You eat like a cow, what, do
you have two stomachs or something that keeps it all compact?”

“Ha
ha funny.” Rain muttered glaring at Bikky promising retribution
for his teasing.

“Hey
guys,” Chris looked up. He smirked as he saw Erick and Terry
heading their way. “Ryan said you were coming here.”
Erick said he caught a warning look from Bikky and tried to smile his
assurance that he would keep his distance from Rain. “The posts
are up for the musical.”

“Yeah
we know,” Chris said rolling past doing circles around Rain.
Rain took a small step lost his footing and clutched Bikky to him.
Erik instinctively reached to offer aid when it seemed Rain would
fall.

“I
got him,” Bikky’s sour expression warned Erick off. “Rain
and Julie got the leads they’re doing Cinderella.”

“The
Rogers and Hammerstein version.” Rain chimed in when he had
gained his footing. “Whoa!” Rain cried out surprised at
how fast he could lose his balance. “These things are
impossible.”

“No
they aren’t you just need to relax.” Erick said as he put
on his own pair. Terry went to sit beside the count.

“Hello,
I am Count D. I do not think we have been properly introduced, though
I have seen you around the boys.” Terry looked into the small
face of Aoi before he met the Count’s eyes. “Is something
on your mind?”

“I
am Terry,” Terry introduced himself. “That is my twin
brother Erick. He’s got it bad for Rain. Bikky has already
talked to him about it. I have tried to talk to him about it. If our
dad finds out…” Terry trailed off. Count D reached over
to pat his hand when he saw the woebegone expression on the
teenager’s face. “I have tried so hard to dislike Rain
but he is so … likable.”

“Why
would you try to dislike him?” Count D asked pulling a sipping
cup from his bag for Aoi.

“Arigato
Pa Pa,” Aoi chimed causing Terry to look again at her.

Terry
looked back up to find the Count waiting for him to answer. He heaved
a sigh. “Erick and I tried to get into West Lake, he got in,
and I didn’t. Then Rain comes along transferring from that
school with his good manners, good looks, he was just… I
wanted to bully him. But Bikky kicked my butt, Sorry,” Terry
apologized for his words. Count D smiled encouraging him to go on.
“Then he got into the music band, and he… He’s
dating the girl I have been wanting for two years now. His father
doesn’t...” Terry paused refusing to admit to his deepest
shame. Count D gave him a measured look. “ I don’t mean
to be jealous, but Ryo and Dee are cool.”

“His
life is not as envious as you would like to think.” Count D
said with a small smile as Rain successfully rolled about three feet
before ending up on the ground taking Chris with him. The boys were
laughing as they got to their feet. “Every person has their own
pain to deal with. It travels with them making them who they are. The
true measure of a person is not the trials they endure, but how they
cope with them. Some people choose to dwell in the past and become
bitter, while others look to the future and retain hope.” Count
D smiled at Terry. “Which direction will you face?” Count
D thought about Terry’s words, so, he thought, the boys were
abused. Perhaps he should pay the family a visit.

Break

“My
bottom hurts,” Rain complained as they trooped into the
Consulate. Bikky laughed waving the Count off as he headed back to
the car where Leon was waiting. Rain unceremoniously rubbed his sore
tush frowning at Bikky.

“I
caught you as much as I could. Chris caught you, Erick caught you,”
Bikky was still laughing when they entered their suite. “You
had on all the padding available, too bad they don’t make butt
bracers.” Rain threw a pillow at Bikky opting to lie down
before he did his homework.

Break

“I’ve
taken something from you.” Laton informed Ryo as he entered the
large room that resembled a gym except it had a large array of
weapons displayed.

“Taken
something?” Ryo asked with a frown. After a long day of dealing
with the chief the last thing he felt like doing was solving his
grandfather’s riddles. “I thought Sphinxes were the ones
fond of impossible riddles.” He muttered doffing his jacket to
assume a more comfortable position.

“Did
I say something?” Laton smirked as he watched his grandson. “I
meant someone…”
Laton held
up his hand. In a small ball of Flames Ryo saw Dee chained to a wall.

“What
the hell are you doing?!” Ryo demanded charging to his feet to
glare at the king of the dragons. “I thought I was here for
training.”

“You
are,” at Laton’s simple words Ryo felt his entire body
heat. He heaved a sigh not noticing the smoke that billowed around
him. “You want him,” Laton watched with pride as Ryo
simmered before him. His skin took on a metallic sheen. “Come
get him.” Ryo stepped to his grandfather only to have him
vanish. Ryo walked to the open doorway to find several vile beasts
blocking his path. They hissed lashing out at him with claws and
talons. Sharp teeth were bared as he stood weighing his options.
“Come along little snap dragon.” Laton grinned as he
called Ryo by a name he had so often called his daughter. “He
is a rather healthy morsel and I find I am getting hungry.”

Ryo
shocked himself with the growl he heard coming from his own throat.
“Follow your instincts, don’t fight them.” Ryo
gasped at the female voice he heard in his head. He had not heard
that voice in so long it brought tears to his eyes. “Take what
is yours. Fight for your destiny, your freedom to love. Do not give
in to his bullying.” Ryo lashed out at the nearest beast. He
heard it scream in pain as his fist connected. “Not enough…
Show him the power of your strength. A dragons flames are a
passionate inferno…” Ryo held up his hands and
concentrated. He could almost see the power surging inside of him.
When his blood heated he was not afraid. How dare his grandfather
take Dee? Dee was his. Ryo felt startled by the thought but in the
next breath he realized it was true. He could smell Dee. He could
smell his own scent upon Dee strong and pungent. Calling to him.

Heat
enveloped the room as flames erupted from Ryo’s hands burning
monsters as they approached Ryo. He locked hands with a beast
grappling for dominance. He glared when he could smell the foul odor
emanating from the yellow leathery skin. “Get away from me!”
Ryo hissed casing the beast’s red eyes to light with fear
moments before his body was lit with flames. Ryo tossed the
smoldering husk aside. He entered a large throne room to find Laton
and Torcha sitting watching his progress. Torcha raised a hand and
several large monsters approached carrying weapons. Ryo decided not
to waste his time. He glanced at them and they combusted under the
weight of his fury.

“He’s
not stopping,” A servant whispered in fear as Ryo advanced
closer to the thrones.

“Give
him back!” Ryo demanded marching forward. Laton raised his hand
to Ryo and was surprised at how easily his intended blow was
deflected. Before Laton could recover from his lapse, Ryo attacked.
Laton blocked his blows backing away. He began to fear that the only
way to stop his grandson’s rage was to injure him or risk
injury himself.

“Ryo…
Calm down, it’s over… He’s here.” Laton
tried to motion for Ryo to look over beside The Queen of the dragons.

Dee
stood staring in awe at Ryo. “He’s so beautiful…”
Dee mused watching Ryo’s strong yet oddly feminine features as
he battled the figure before him. Laton allowed his human form to
melt away hoping to intimidate Ryo into submission. Ryo’s hands
blazed with flames as he took his grandfather’s serpentine tail
and yanked. Laton howled in pain fearing that he must now hurt his
grandson to calm his rage. He knew he loved the human but he never
expected this kind of reaction.

“Good
thing we did not take the children,” Golden eyes turned to Dee
as strands of silky black hair fell around a doll like face. “Now
how do we stop him without hurting him?” Torcha asked Dee
startling him with her pristine beauty.

“I
got it,” Dee said stepping away from the dais. Torcha stared in
awe as Dee walked bold and brave to Ryo. Grasping his arm he spun Ryo
into his arms and sealed their lips. Ryo gasped flinging his arms
around Dee holding him tight. His skin cooled as their tongues
dueled. He held tight to Dee as the flames that enveloped the throne
room died leaving him sweaty and exhausted in Dee’s arms. Ryo
took a staggering breath he leaned weakly against Dee.

“Magnificent,”
Laton said taking a step as a dragon; within moments he was man
trying to pull Ryo away from Dee. Ryo shoved Laton away from him.
“You are truly your mother’s son.” Laton smiled
when Ryo continued to frown at him. “Come now, you were
concerned about your abilities, I could not explain it to you. A
dragon’s flames are a…”

“A
passionate inferno…” Ryo finished holding tight to Dee
he looked at his grandparents through the cloud of his bangs. “I
heard mother’s voice earlier.”

“Yes,
this place, her blood in you, your flames, your passion for this man,
your love for him… The soul lives on. She communicated through
her love for you. I heard her as well. So at least now I know, that
even though she left this place, she never ceased to love me.”
Ryo and Dee were surprised to see Laton’s eyes fill with tears.
They were gone as soon as they appeared making one wonder if they had
ever been present. “It is only with her love would we be able
to hear her voice now.” Torcha smiled and sniffled as she
admitted that she too had heard their daughter’s voice as she
had encouraged her floundering son. “Her words will forever be
guide to you.”

“Come
now,” Torcha shoved her husband aside. “You must be tired
and in need of a bath and food.” Ryo nodded and allowed Dee to
support his weight as he left the throne room of the glittering
obsidian Dragon Palace.

Break

“Bikky,”
came a mumbled sleepy voice.

“Yeah
Chris,”Bikky rolled over removing the pillow from his head.

“It’s
Saturday right?” Chris asked yawning widely and stretching.

“Yeah
Chris,” Bikky observed sitting up in bed. He sent a frown to
Rain who laughed at the odd angles his hair chose to stand in. Bikky
tossed his discarded pillow at his brother. Rain easily dodged the
poorly aimed attack.

“Why,”
Chris muttered getting to his knees on the bed. “Why are we
awake this early?” Chris faked a sob as he crawled from
underneath his blankets. “I don’t think I have ever seen
those numbers on my clock before.”

“Please
cease the melodramatics,” Rain laughed hitting both boys with a
pillow. “It is only six AM you would both not be in such a
condition if you had not stayed up playing video games.”

“Well
we have to practice if we are going to catch up. You are the one who
set the high score at eighty-nine takedowns before your first crash.
Your total takedown is…” Chris was saying excitedly as
Count D entered the room carrying their suits for the day.

“Is
that a tie?” Bikky asked with a pointed glare at the offending
object that Count D sat next to the suit he was to wear.

“Why
yes it is.” Count D gave his small smirk. “Come along,
the formal breakfast will begin in an hour.”

“Formal
breakfast, formal ball, formal clothes…” Bikky fumed
wadding up his blanket. “Can’t they just stop by the
house, put the crown on his head and be done with it?” Bikky
yawned and scratched his behind. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m
going to the shower.” Bikky said before the Count could
reprimand him.

“He’s
such a grump in the morning,” Rain laughed as he picked up his
brush to drag it through his own freshly washed hair. “My hair
has gotten so much longer, I think I will keep it and let it grow.”
Rain looked at his earrings glinting in the mirror his smile beamed
back at him. Chris watched Count D sit on the bed. He had always
liked watching the Count move. It seemed as if he stood still and the
world moved around him at his command. Gentle folds of red and gold
satin enveloped his slim body. “When Ryo is crowned, will he
have to stop being a detective?” Rain asked taking his clothes
behind a dressing screen before he dropped his bathrobe.

“If
he did,” Count D mused, “I think he would refuse the
honor.”

Break

Dee
watched as servants busied themselves around the room. They waited
for Ryo to emerge from the bathing chamber impatient to get on with
their duties. They had wanted to bathe Ryo, but he had refused. They
were going to insist, but Ryo had said that since he had matured the
only person to help him bathe was Dee. Dee offered to help warning
them that if he helped Ryo bathe the formal breakfast would be a
formal brunch. Ryo emerged wearing a pair black silk boxers and
running a heavy towel through his damp hair. “Those won’t
do,” A snooty young man that claimed to be the master Chameleon
in charge of wardrobe for the entire Obsidian palace said marching to
Ryo.

“I’m
not taking them off,” Ryo’s words were simple. The
Chameleon’s already pale skin blanched. It was a common
knowledge that the young half-breed dragon had taken on their king
and survived.

“We
have supplied every article that you are to wear today.” The
Chameleon tried again. “If it is the material that has you
worried, here,” The Chameleon held over the scraps of soft
cloth that would be draped about Ryo’s loins. “It
surpassing the finest earthen silks.”

“All
right, whatever,” Ryo agreed with a smile disarming the men and
entrancing the women. “How do I get this on?” Ryo asked
looking at the swathes of cloth.

“We
will aide you,” The Chameleon grinned figuring he had won the
battle. He waited and Ryo dropped the boxers blushing brightly as the
man approached him. Dee sat back wearing his tuxedo as he watched
about ten men and women dress Ryo. After wrapping him in the
elaborate underwear the moved on ignoring Dee’s threats when
they properly adjusted Ryo in the loose fitting material so that a
fold in the cloth kept him secure.

Next
a pair of pants was held out. Ryo reached for them and sighed when
they were moved out of his reach, Ryo then raised his leg to step
into the pants being held for him. A long sheath similar to Count D’s
in its sleeveless design was next. The Chameleon then motioned for
several women to come forward. They wrapped Ryo in yards of a white
lace kimono. They followed that with a yellow kimono and then a red
one on top of that. A wide band of cloth was then secured around his
waist. Lastly a jeweled cord was wound about a thick length of cloth,
which was used to make a large bow in the front.

“Are
you sure a male wears that?” Dee asked fingering the lace that
covered Ryo’s fingers.

“Of
course, a female ensembles secures in the back.” The Chameleon
gave a heavy sigh as if Dee should have known better. Ryo was sat in
a chair where a woman with pointed ears and a long serpentine tail
brushed his hair dry. “You are magnificent, your Highness,”
The Chameleon addressed Ryo his supercilious attitude melting away at
the sight of Ryo fully dressed.

The
servants left Ryo a few moments alone with Dee before he was
presented to the courts at the formal breakfast. Ryo aimed a forlorn
look in the mirror; he frowned at the pale face that shone back at
him. “Dee,” Dee came over beside Ryo placing his large
hands on Ryo’s shoulders. “Who is that?” Ryo asked
going back to the mirror.

“The
man I love,” Dee whispered kissing Ryo’s cheek. Ryo
turned his face offering his lips. Dee gladly took them. “Come
on,” Dee got to his feet holding tight to Ryo’s hand they
left the room. The silence that descended on the Obsidian hall was
deafening as Ryo and Dee became visible in the large doorway of the
grand dining hall.

“Ladies,
Gentlemen, Your Majesties,” A crier called bowing to Laton,
Torcha, Zarro and Victoria. “It is my honor to announce His
Highness Randy, Ryo MacLean, son of Hon, Princess of the Dragons. At
his side is his Consort, Detective Dee Laytner a noble knight of
Arcadia in active service to the High Court.” Rain looked
around in awe as the entire room save for the high table where they
all sat bowed before Ryo and Dee. Ryo held tight to Dee’s hand
as they walked to the table and took their seats next to their
family. Alicia sat next to Lyo staring in amazement at the gentle,
kind detective who was raising her son.

“He’s
so beautiful,” Renee observed the young man sitting next to her
son. Ryo heard the words, tried hard not to blush, continuing to
accept the food placed before him. Rain was laughing as he tried to
help Bikky eat with the traditional chopsticks.

“You
have to have a certain grace,” Rain informed him as he imitated
Ryo’s sure fingers. “See, watch him,” Rain pointed
to Ryo. Rain paused as he felt the small hairs at the back of his
next stand on end. Rain turned to see an imposing man watching Ryo
with severe intensity. “Who is that?” He wondered feeling
the man’s taught features harden as they continued to watch
Ryo.

“Cho
Da Koen,” Heaven informed him. “He was set to marry Ryo’s
mother, but she ran from him.” As Heaven finished her words the
Korean dragon got to his feet dropping his chair behind him in an
open show of defiance.

“He
will not be crowned!” Cho Da spat pointing a clawed finger at
Ryo. “I deny him as his mother denounced her crown years ago.”

“That
is not your place to deny him. He has proved himself a dragon.”
Laton charged to his feet.

“Against
someone with no real desire to see him harmed,” Cho Da sneered
at Laton. “Your love shielded him from your wrath. I challenge
you human.”

“I
have no quarrel with you,” Ryo said as he continued to eat
blatantly showing no concern for the enraged beast before him.
“Whatever quarrel you think should be between our families was
settled the day my mother married another.”

“Do
you refuse?” Cho Da asked leaning on his fist over the table.

“There
is no reason to accept.” Ryo said bringing his eyes up to Cho
Da’s he felt a moment of apprehension at their depths so like
King Laton’s.

“Perhaps
there is,” Cho Da grumbled as he returned to his seat. He
allowed his eyes to travel over Bikky and Rain. They rested on Rain a
moment more as he went back to his meal.

As
the meal finished the group left to find various seats along the
great hall. Ryo approached the great thrones of the Obsidian palace.
He noticed that this palace, like Zarro’s possessed an
elaborate throne that sat above that of the king and queen’s
and that it was never sat upon. “Come,” Laton ordered.
Ryo dropped to his knee in front of his grandparents. All of his
aunts, uncles and cousins surrounded them in their pure forms scales
glistening in the afternoon sunlight. Ryo felt the heavy weight of a
crown as Torcha placed it upon his head. Dee blinked back tears as
the elaborate yet delicate twist glittered with jewels. “Rise
Dragon Prince of Arcadia. Rise before all and allow them to gaze upon
your glory.” Ryo got to his feet. He turned to face the
audience. He paled at the rambunctious applause that greeted him.
“Well done snap dragon,” Laton clapped him on the
shoulder. “Well done.”

Whipped
Crème 8

March
Madness

Count
D sat watching as Rain walked in his garden talking with Sylph, one
of his lynx’s. Rain had been fascinated with her ears the
moment they had met. Count D had been loath to tell the young boy her
true species. The two had become fast friends and Count D was pleased
to see the young man opening up. “…She loves Broadway
and hopes to one day be a big star.” Rain was saying to Sylph’s
delight.

“Perhaps
she would like to go home with him,” Count D looked down at the
young man in the leather jacket.

“Cujo,”
Count D greeted the dog with a smile.

“Count
D,” Cujo bowed formally before the Kami. “I have always
delighted in your scent, even more so than your father’s and
his before him.” Count D raised a brow at the sudden
compliment. “But for some reason, now, you smell so…
fresh.” Cujo leaned close to Count D. A hand wrapped around
Count D’s waist pulling him into a firm embrace.

“What
are you doing?” Leon asked splaying his fingers wide over Count
D’s trim tummy. Leon turned his face to place kisses along
Count D’s graceful neck. “You smell so good.”

“Cujo
was just remarking on that very same observation.” Count D
whispered close to Leon’s ear. Count D opened his mouth to nip
at Leon’s ear. “I think, Leon, that Sylph would love to
go home with Rain.”

“Better
ask his parents and…” Leon turned Count D in his arms
until they were facing one another. “No contract.”

“I
wouldn’t dream of it.” Count D gave Leon a smirk that
made Leon nostalgic of the days when he had suspected Count D of
everything from drug trafficking to murder. “Now, now
detective,” Count D lowered his eyes in a coy gesture that made
Leon ach to take him right then and there. “Have a little
patience, you can…” Count D let the words hang as he
walked off. “Later.” The promise was tossed over his
shoulder Leon stared after the delicate patterned silk wanting
nothing so much as to be in the arms of Count D.

Break

“Hey,”
Bikky looked up when he heard the whispered words. With a shrug he
went back to his homework when he realized that the senior boy was
not talking to him. In fact it seemed he did not even notice Bikky as
he sat in the school’s library working on his homework while
Rain attended his play rehearsal. Basketball practice had been
cancelled due to the coach being ill so rather than leave Rain to
come home alone, Bikky had opted to wait for him.

“What’s
up man?” Another voice replied. Bikky sighed trying to tune
them out. He wished he had not left his Earphones in Dee’s car
this morning.

“You
know I was supposed to get the lead in the musical right? This is my
last year, the lead is always played by a senior.”

“Yeah,
I heard about that. Some West Lake snob got it. I heard his dad is
some sort of big shot detective.”

“Whatever,
the man’s a fudge packer. Big shot my ass!” Bikky perked
up as he listened to the two faceless teens. “My dad works for
the DA, when we had that stupid follow a parent to work I was going
to work with him. Check this out.” Bikky wondered what the boys
had.

“Dude!
Where did you get those?”

“My
dad’s office,” Bikky resisted the urge to go pummel the
boys. Dee always said that you could learn much from listening. Bikky
frowned as he thought that Dee probably learned that from Ryo.

“Man,
he had long hair. He’s kind of hot… Like a chick.”

“Yeah,”
The disgruntled senior agreed. “But look at this. Police photos
from a seedy club by the waterfront and from the hospital. The report
said…”

“Boys!”
The librarian cautioned. “You should be studying. And you
Thomas, why aren’t you in rehearsal?”

“Sorry
Mrs. Beecher,” Thomas apologized with a sickening false air of
innocence. “But only the leads are expected there today. I got
the role as the Prince’s father.”

“Congratulations!”
Mrs. Beecher grinned as she walked away. Bikky was simmering with a
rage the likes of which he could not remember ever feeling.

Bikky
waited until the librarian was back at her desk before he made his
presence known. “Give me the pictures.” He demanded
quietly.

“No,”
Thomas turned to walk away from Bikky. He felt the younger boys hand
on his shoulder. “Or what, you going to beat me down too?”
Bikky saw his fist connecting with Thomas’s face before he had
even realized that he had moved. Mrs. Beecher came around the desk
with her finger pointing at Bikky disapprovingly. Time seemed to
creep by as she harangued him saying he would report to the
principal’s office. Bikky allowed himself to be led away while
Thomas stuffed the incriminating photos into a pocket.

“I
think I better go see the nurse, he hit me really hard.” Thomas
whined. Mrs. Beecher gave him a sympathetic look and Bikky vowed that
next time, he would hit him harder.

“Honestly,
I don’t know what’s gotten into you,” Mrs. Beecher
lamented. “Your father’s such a nice man. Both of them.”
Bikky refused to say a word. When explanations were needed, he would
give them to Ryo and Dee, no one else.

Break

“So
we got another nut case mimicking Jack the Ripper.” Leon
muttered as he looked over the files. “What’s this symbol
here?” He pointed to an odd circular shape that had been
branded into the victim’s side. “Looks like a crucifix
that was broken and then remade with spare parts.” Leon
frowned, as he looked closer at the mutilated flesh.

“You’re
right,” Dee said handing Ryo a cup of coffee. “This look
familiar to you?” He handed Leon another photo.

“The
blade patterns on this corpse match the ones on this one.” Leon
said looking at the neatly cut appendages.

Ryo
began to say something but his cell phone gained his attention.
“Detective MacLean,” He said with a smile that let Dee
know that there could be trouble. “Really… did he say
why?” Ryo listened for a while before he closed the small flip
phone. With a sigh he looked at Dee. “We have to get to the
school, Bikky apparently attacked a boy and won’t say why.”

“Rain?”
Dee asked knowing Bikky would get violent to protect the boy.

Ryo
shook his head, “he’s in rehearsal.” Dee sighed and
handed all the files to Leon. “JJ will be here in about an hour
hopefully we’ll be back by then.” Ryo was saying as they
left the office.

Break

Count
D tried to remain on his feet at the effusive embrace of the ecstatic
feline. “He is such a wonderful boy Count D.” Sylph
exclaimed licking Count D’s hand. “I would love to go
home with him.”

“I
am glad.” Count D said simply. He sent the young female on her
way to prepare herself as he wandered off to enjoy tea with his
daughter and Christopher. He grinned as he thought of Aoi toddling
after him as he took care of his plants. She truly was the best part
of his day.

Break

Julie
watched as Rain was given instructions from the director before he
made his way to her side. He was shy as he reached for her hand.
Julie reached to slide a stray curl back in place and the sleeve of
her shirt exposed her arm. Rain’s smile vanished when he saw
the scars. Julie was quick to pull the cloth over her arms. She never
allowed anyone to see her bare arms. She always wore a long sleeved
shirt under her cheerleading uniform. “So shall we go find
Bikky?” Julie tried to ignore the scars that Rain had noticed.

“What
happened to you?” Rain asked looking around to make sure that
none of the teachers or students was around. He pulled the loosened
tie from his hair and re-secured the rapidly falling locks.

Julie
looked into Rain’s sincere green eyes. She sat on the stool
that was on the stage facing row upon row of empty seats. “When
I was a freshman, I was picked on a lot by the girls. Most of them
had a thing for Ryan and had been rejected. I took it personal.”
Julie admitted with a sheepish grin. Rain sat quiet as he listened.
He placed his hand over hers waiting for her to continue. “I
became very depressed and I… Cut myself. It was easier to feel
this pain than… I mean on top of everything else that was
going on,” Julie grew silent staring at where Rain’s
hands touched her own.

“What
was going on?” Rain ventured to ask when it seemed that she
would not continue. Julie shook her head her eyes taking on a haunted
expression of past hurts. Rain squeezed her hand in understanding. “I
once cut myself.” Rain admitted thinking back. “I was
enraged and scared. I just wanted my hair gone, if it marked me
female, then I was so pretty, I wanted to disfigure myself. Before I
could get to my face, Ryo put his hand in the way. I cut him instead.
He had to get stitches. We all have our pain,” Rain was
startled to feel Julie’s arm come around him in a tight hug.
She placed her lips on his cheek.

“No
one has ever understood me,” Julie sobbed. “I have always
been so alone in my feelings. Ryan doesn’t understand, he just
never leaves my side if he can help it… I love him, but he
doesn’t understand.”

“Come
on,” Rain pulled away. “We’d both better get back
to our brothers before they send the cavalry looking for us.”
Rain laughed as they reached the door of the theater. Julie looked
back over her shoulder and watched as Rain walked down the hallway.
He pulled a journal from his large pocket. Julie grinned knowing that
she was not alone.

“Rain!”
Rain looked up when he heard his name called. “Can I talk to
you for a moment?”

“Oh,
uh sure Thomas, but I’m on my way to the library.” Rain
said turning down a hall.

“Looking
for Bikky?” Thomas asked with a smirk looking at the journal
still in Rain’s hand. Rain nodded shoving the book into another
large pocket on his cargo pants. “He’s in the locker room
come on.”

Rain
nodded and followed the senior humming the refrain from one his
favorite tunes. “Do I love you because you’re wonderful,
or are you wonderful because I love you…” Thomas paused
blown away by the purity of Rain’s voice. “Are you the
sweet invention of a lover’s dream… or are you really as
wonderful as you seem?” Rain walked on quite oblivious to the
fact that Thomas stared after him with his mouth hanging open. Thomas
shook his head. It didn’t matter; he should be the lead. Thomas
firmed his resolve and followed Rain into the locker room where
Thomas’ friends were waiting.

Rain
startled when the door slammed leaving him in a darkened seemingly
empty locker room. “Bikky,” Rain looked around waiting
for his eyes to adjust. The lights came on and Rain realized seniors
surrounded him. “Where’s Bikky?”

“He
ain’t here,” Thomas smirked. Rain gulped as they closed
in on him.

Break

Ryo
saw the sullen look on Bikky’s face and knew they were on the
verge of a mutiny. The boy would not speak. He’d had an easier
time cracking suspects than he would with his own son. “Bikky,”
Ryo tried to reason with him for Dee had given up stalking away
enraged with the gangly teen. “Was the attack unprovoked?”

“You
have to ask?” Bikky spat the words at Ryo. “Maybe a
couple of years ago it would have been a legitimate question, but you
should know better now.” The principal sat back impressed with
the young man’s vocabulary.

“I
do know better, so tell me why.” Ryo kneeled down until he was
eye level with Bikky. It was a pose that spoke volumes to Bikky.
Bikky felt tears threaten but he resolutely shook his head. He would
tell Ryo and Dee, but only Ryo and Dee. The principal and his aides
did not need to know. Ryo stood to his feet shoulders a little lower
than they usually were. He held out his hand to Bikky. “Give me
your Cell, you are… Grounded until further notice.”
Bikky was silent as he slammed the phone into the palm of Ryo’s
outstretched hand.

“Bikky,”
The Principal addressed the incensed teen. “Why don’t you
wait out front so that I can have a word with your parents?”
Bikky stomped from the office slamming the door behind him. “Ah…
teenagers. They all go through this rebellious stage when they just
think they know everything, adults are morons and don’t
understand.” The principal tried to relax the two detectives in
his office. Dee was so angry that he had been quite beyond words.
“I’m amazed I even made it to twenty-one…”
The principal laughed.

“This
is not like him,” Ryo whispered clutching Bikky’s cell.

“Of
course it isn’t,” the principal agreed. “That’s
why it is so hard to take.”

“Something
set him off, I know it.” Dee said, “That’s why I am
so pissed. He would at least tell you.” Dee turned to Ryo he
felt sad at the hurt look on Ryo’s face. “He’s
always told you.”

“I
know,” Ryo whispered looking out into the bright afternoon.

Break

“Hold
him!” Thomas demanded when it seemed that Rain would break
free. They had all been surprised when Rain had fought back injuring
some of the seniors. Two of them lay on the floor in pain while
Thomas wiped blood his mouth. “You’ll pay for that.”
He threatened Rain. “I don’t know who taught you those
moves, but you will regret them.”

Rain
spit at Thomas. “Bikky taught me that.”

Thomas
snarled wiping his face he reached for Rain’s waist. He gripped
him hard causing Rain to frown. “You’re tiny here. I know
some girls who would envy you.” Rain struggled hard against the
brutish hold of the two larger boys. “Keep wiggling like that.
I think Joey here likes it.” Rain stilled when he realized that
his back was pressed against another boy’s front.

“Hey
dude, I am into girls, you know that.” The dark haired Joey
protested.

“Whatever,
he’s as pretty as a girl and prettier than most.” Thomas
slid his hands down Rain’s legs.

“No…
W…W…What are you doing?” Rain stammered beginning
to sweat as the older boy touched him. “Stop it!” Rain
squirmed.

“Hey,
that does feel kind of good.” Joey taunted when he noted Rain’s
panicking.

“Please,
please, please, no… stop it.” Rain began to sob.

“Hey
man,” The other senior that was still standing and holding Rain
spoke to Thomas. “Maybe we shouldn’t…”

“Shut
up Lance,” Thomas demanded walking away from Rain who sagged in
relief that he had ceased to touch him. “Day one,” Thomas
began to read. Rain’s eyes flew open as he realized that while
Thomas had groped him he had robbed one of his pockets. “I
don’t know what good this will do me, but Princess Andy
suggested I get in touch with what I feel. I don’t want to…
Boring.” Thomas looked over his shoulder to see Rain struggling
to be free. He flipped though the pages and began to read again. “I
keep having nightmares every time I wake up, Ryo is there. He saved
me then and he saves me now. He sits with me for hours on end.”

“Stop
it,” Rain sobbed. “Why are you doing this?”

Thomas
turned a cold smile on Rain and flipped though a few more pages. “I
am not a girl. I can remember thinking that. But no girl should have
to feel the pain that I have felt. No one should. I wished he would
just die… Or that I would. Any thing to end the pain. But he
didn’t. I didn’t. I was held down; I couldn’t
breath it hurt, oh God it hurt. I was bleeding. He wouldn’t
stop, he just wouldn’t stop.”

Thomas
paused when Lance reached out. “Dude, leave it,” Lance
blinked away his own tears as Thomas read.

“Shut
up Lance,” Thomas demanded as he flipped though a few more
pages. “In my dreams,” He read on ignoring Rain’s
whimpers as he sank into his own personal hell. “He is always
on top of me. Shoving, pushing, hurting. He’s relentless it
won’t stop. Then Ryo wakes me up and holds me.” Thomas
paused to see Rain trembling in Joey’s arms tears falling down
his face. Rain flinched at each word as if he had been struck. “I
lost all sense of time; they said I was missing for three days. Three
days? It felt like thirty. The first time I came home from school, it
was just an ordinary day. I was changing out of my uniform ignoring
B…” Thomas paused. “Awww… You couldn’t
even write his name. It’s all scratched up.

“No….
Not again…” Rain panted becoming lost in his memories.

“Hey
man,” Lance tried to interrupt Thomas’ reading.

Thomas
turned a vile glare on Lance. “He came into my room. He began
to touch me. I tried to push him away but he was too big…”
Thomas paused as Rain began to scream.

Break

Bikky
looked up when he saw Terry and Erick come running down the hall.
“Bikky!” They called coming to a skidding halt. “We
heard you were in it deep.” Before Bikky could answer Erick
yanked his arm. “No time man we got to go.”

“Go?”
Bikky got to his feet worried that Terry was even looking frightened.

“Seniors,
they got Rain!” Erick words had barely left his lips before
Bikky was running down the hall. They found Rain lying on his side in
the locker room alone. He had his knees drawn up to his chest with
his arms wrapped tightly around them.

“Rain,”
Bikky got to his knees on the floor near him. Rain gasped and scooted
away further into the wall. “Rain it’s me, Bikky.”

“No,”
Rain whispered. “No, no.” Rain sobbed squeezing his legs
tighter.

“What
the hell did they do to him?” Terry asked his eyes wide as he
stared Rain’s huddled form. Erick looked over at the journal
laying open on the floor. A door slammed and Bikky looked up. With an
angry oath he took off after Thomas and his crew of miscreants.
“Bikky wait!” Terry called. “Erick come on, Rain
will be ok. Bikky can’t take them all on by himself.”
Erick nodded leaving Rain to go help Bikky They got outside to see
Bikky across the street from the school brawling with several large
boys. Terry and Erick gasped before they joined the fray. Carol
paused in her walk towards home to see Bikky fighting. She ran across
the street to see if she could stop him before he got into bigger
trouble than he was in already.

Break

Ryo
listened to the principal as the man commended his patience to
willingly raise three boys not his own. Ryo’s eyes unfocused
traveling behind the principal to look outside his window. His eyes
went wide as he saw a familiar blond head. Dee was startled when Ryo
charged to his feet. “Baby?” Dee asked as Ryo shoved the
window open to watch as a small ball of flying fists converged in
fury.

“Bikky!”
Ryo called before he jumped through the open window. Dee watched in
amazement as Ryo made a perfect landing on his feet and took off
running.

“Where
are they?” Bikky was shouting as he pummeled Thomas. “If
I have to search you I will…” Before Bikky could begin
to go through Thomas pockets he felt strong hands on his waist
lifting him from the prostrate senior. Ryo held both of Bikky’s
hands in one of his own as he hauled him from his feet. Thomas looked
up in amazement as the slim man held the writhing bundle of
infuriated teen. “Let me go Ryo!” Bikky demanded as
Thomas got to his feet. He stumbled as Carol fell into him. “Carol?”
Bikky asked watching as Thomas and his friends began to run Dee in
hot pursuit.

“I
got it,” Carol said Ryo was amazed when Bikky went limp in his
arms relaxing against his hold.

“Bikky!”
Erick called running back to the school. “We got to go get
Rain.”

“Get
Rain? Where is Rain?” Ryo demanded running after the boys.

“NO!”
Rain was screaming in terror. “No… stop it! Don’t
touch me!”

“It’s
alright boy, your parents are here,” Ryo heard the principal
talking to Rain. They rounded the corner of the locker room to see
the man with a hold on Rain’s arm. He pulled Rain to his feet.

“Stop
it… Stop it please… Oh… I’m bleeding…
I can’t w…w…walk…” Rain paused as
his face took on a sick tinge. The principal tried to step back but
he was soon covered in the excess of Rain’s lunch. Rain sank to
the floor sobbing hysterically.

“Damn,”
Erick muttered out of breath as Ryo went to Rain’s side.

“Ame-Chan,”
Ryo called softly.

Dee
came crashing into the room pulling Thomas and Joey behind him. Lance
walked in off his own volition. “I caught them.” Dee
huffed coming to Ryo’s side. “Thomas is claiming Carol
stole from him. Picked his pocket. Did you take his wallet little
girl?”

“No…”
Carol sneered at Thomas. “But I did pick his pocket.” Ryo
frowned as he remembered her bumping into Thomas. “I took
this,” Carol handed the three pictures to Ryo.

“Doesn’t
matter what she took, stealing is against the law,” Thomas
yelled. “You’re cops arrest her!”

“Where
did you get these?” Ryo asked softly as he looked down at
pictures that he himself had snapped as evidence. “Oh Rain,”
Ryo looked at the journal then at his shivering son.

“Ryo…
he’s here,” Rain sobbed staring at them all and seeing
nothing but his own demons. “It hurts Ryo make him stop.”
Bikky sat next to Rain ignoring the mess that was coating his pants.
Bikky tried to reassure Rain that he was all right and safe. “Oh…
God… Somebody help me!” Rain collapsed into Ryo’s
arms falling into a blessed pit of nothingness.

Whipped
Crème 9

(C)

Chaos,
Confessions, Comfort

Chaos

Bikky
stared as Ryo held Rain secure in his arms. Ryo stood holding the
unconscious boy he stared at the seniors that sat around the room
looking at him with unveiled contempt. “I would never give you
a flower for fear that despite its beauty and fragility you would
crush it beneath your feet.” Ryo sighed as the words left his
lips. “Dee,” Dee was at his side in an instant prepared
to carry Rain if necessary. “No, I’ve got him. Book them
Dee… Book them with everything you can.”

“I’m
on it baby,” Dee promised pulling his cuffs. When he ran out of
metal cuffs he began to use the plastic until all five boys were
trussed and waiting for backup vehicles.

Lance
sat with his head hanging sobbing openly. “I’m sorry, I’m
so sorry.”

“If
you were sorry,” Bikky snarled clenching his fists ready to
attack. “You would not have done it.”

“I
told him to stop. When I saw how bad Rain was freaking, I told him to
stop but he wouldn’t. We were only supposed to rough him up a
bit, make it so he could not play the lead.”

“Well,
you may have succeeded,” Dee muttered as he watched Ryo answer
his phone.

“Andy,”
Ryo was saying. “No, no he is not going to be able to come in
tonight.”

“Ryo,
bring him in.” Andy reiterated. The simple words had the sound
of a command. Ryo tensed prepared to deny her again. “Ryo, I am
not speaking in terms of rehearsal tonight. I am not speaking to you
as the high princess of Arcadia. I am speaking to you as a doctor of
Psychology. Bring him in.” Ryo nodded to the phone forgetting
for a moment that Andy could not see him. Somehow, she understood.

As
Ryo stood rocking Rain in his arms sirens could be heard blaring as
the cops came to a skidding halt outside the school. “Ryo!
Dee!” JJ bounded from the car breathing hard. “I got the
call that you guys needed backup here.”

“Take
them,” Dee pointed out the seniors. “Call their parents,
Ryo, you and Bikky get to the Consulate. I’ll take care of
this.”

“Thank
you,” Ryo whispered.

“No
thanks needed, they’re my kids too.” Dee watched the grim
expression lift from Ryo’s face replaced by a look of pure
love. On impulse Bikky threw his arms around Dee. “Hey, you go
take care of Ryo while he takes care of Rain. Make sure Laton does
not get it in his head to eat anyone. The law will handle this.”
Lance glanced up having overheard their conversation. Thinking they
were joking he went back to his own morose thoughts.

“No,
Dee,” JJ said handing Dee a stack of papers. “Fill this
out here so that we can book them with a full report. The other
statements we can get later, but we need an initial report in order
to hold them. You go be with your family.” Dee nodded
gratefully to JJ as he began to fill out a report. Dee finished his
report and he went with Ryo to the large black Escalade that had been
given to them by the NYC Police Department.

Rain
woke up several times during the long drive. He struggled against
Ryo’s hold begging to be let go. Bikky felt tears prick his
eyes as with one waking session he begged to be killed. Ryo held him
tight stroking his back. Ryo murmured reassurances to him and he
calmed hearing Ryo’s voice. Rain curled his fist around the
fine linen shirt Ryo wore as he sniffled.

“He’s
not in the book.” Rain woke up as they left the truck. Ryo
looked down into his wide eyes. “I put it all there and they
let it out. He’s not in the book anymore, oh… Ryo It’s
almost like I can feel it all over again.”

“I
won’t let it ever happen again Rain.” Dee promised when
Ryo seemed at a loss for words.

“Dee…
You don’t understand, he’s not in the book now. In my
dream, it wasn’t me he was hurting; it was Ryo. He’s not
in the book, he can come out and…” Rain broke off
sobbing. “I would rather die than have him hurt you like that
Ryo. He’s done with me, he…”

“He’s
dead!” Bikky yelled angry when his own tears spilled as he
watched his brother have a mental breakdown. “Damn it Rain he’s
dead. He won’t be hurting anyone anymore. He’s dead!
Dead.” Rain flinched holding tighter to Ryo who still carried
him. Bikky looked up as the wide doors of the consulate opened to
show Andy standing there in a lavender dress. It flowed about her
like liquid silk. Pearls were sewn along the seams. “Andy help
him.” Bikky begged rushing up the stairs to take her hand.

Andy
looked down with a serene smile. It was heartbreaking in its
gentleness. “I am sorry Bikky, but I will not.” Before
Dee could voice his outrage Andy held up a hand to forestall him. The
tears that Ryo had fought so hard against spilled over his cheeks as
he looked up at Andy. “This is a battle that I fought a long
time ago, and now I will entrust it into the hands of another. Bring
him.” Andy turned entering the consulate.

“Hey,”
The distraught family paused in their following of the princess. “Do
not be upset with her.” Nestoir’s words came out as a
command despite the gentleness of his features. “This is a pain
she bore a long time ago and she can not do it again. I will not
allow her to suffer so.”

“So
she can help him and you won’t let her?” Bikky asked
outraged at the high Prince. “Look at him, Nestoir, look at
him. He needs help.” Bikky pointed to Rain clinging tight to
Ryo trembling like a blade of grass caught in a storm.

“He
will receive it. And in accepting help, perhaps he will aid another.”
Nestoir indicated they should go inside. Dee tried to press the
prince for more information but he became tightlipped lost in his own
thoughts.

There
was no pretense as the large doors closed. It was as if they closed
off the normal earthen world. The Arcadian Palace gleamed before them
with all its gold and jewels and precious metals. Ryo looked at Dee
before he followed Andy to a lushly appointed bedroom. Ryo laid Rain
on the bed. He had to pry Rain’s finger from their grip on his
shirt. “No… No Ryo please… Don’t leave me.”

“I’m
right here,” Ryo assured him as he sat near the bed.

“Relax,
you are safe here.” Rain could feel his heart slow and his
anxieties were being manually smoothed. “Come Ryo, Dee, Bikky.
I need to talk with you. He will be alright.” Andy tugged on
Dee’s arm. He was at first surprised by her strength but
submitted to it. Dee paused for the first time noting the silent
Angel prince leaning against the doorframe. At the somber look on his
face Dee tried to take a closer look. His plan was foiled when a fall
of golden hair covered his face. Andy placed a hand on his arm before
she left him alone with Rain.

Break

“What
the hell do you mean I can’t take him home?!” The
Assistant District Attorney yelled at Leon. “I will have my son
in my custody in ten minutes or it will be your badge!”

“I
would love to see you back that up.” Leon gasped to find Agent
Miaka standing beside him. He was sure she had not been there before.

The
ADA looked at the small Asian woman with a sneer. “Who are you
little lady, his wife? I thought you’d be male, from the rumors
that is.”

“I
am Agent Li Hun Miaka of the Central Investigation Agency,”
Dark eyes flashed as she glared. “You are Assistant District
Attorney Hughes am I correct?” Hughes blinked at her
straightforward manner and clipped tones. “I am not on this
case, but seeing the officers involved I had a special interest and
so requested to view the files. Your son is being held on charges of
kidnapping, aggressive sexual assault, torture, theft and being in
possession of stolen police evidence. You of all people should know
the penalty for those crimes. Young Mr. Hughes is lucky he has not
passed his birthday, or then the crimes would amplified as he would
have committed them against a minor. Or are you unaware that the
person he assaulted is a fourteen year old boy?”

Hughes
had been struck speechless when he found that the small beauty was a
CIA agent. “I am aware of the circumstances, nevertheless, he
is my son and…”

“And
what?” Leon asked looking with disbelief at Hughes. “Tell
me you did not expect special treatment because you are the ADA?”
Hughes flushed slightly at the accusation. “Let me tell you
something Hughes.” Leon leaned on the table finally allowing
Hughes a glimpse of his own burning fury. “If Rain MacLean’s
parents have their way, you will be seeing your son in five to ten.”

“We’ll
see about that!” Hughes snarled as he slammed from the office.

Confessions

Count
D looked up as the bell above his shop door chimed. He put his most
sincere smirk in place as he turned to see who had entered his shop.
“Hello Count D, I am Helen. Do you know who I am?”

Count
D gave the raven-haired beauty a discerning glance. “You have
just said that you are Helen. Need I know more?” She stepped
closer to the counter her eyes never leaving his lovely features.
Count D took the time to memorize her cool amber eyes and milk white
skin. She seemed vaguely familiar but he could not remember ever
meeting her.

“There
will come a day when you will wish that you did.” Helen backed
away. She tossed a last look over her shoulder as she reached for the
door. “Where is that adorable little girl of yours?”
Count D turned and mentally searched his shop. He breathed a sigh of
relief when he saw that she was busy playing with the Honlon and
Ten-Chan. When he looked back to his guest he found himself alone in
his shop.

Break

Rain
pulled his legs to his chest scooting as far back against the wall as
he could. Prince Angel had taken a step towards the bed causing Rain
to leap from the cushioned mattress to cower on the floor. “Please,
do not be afraid.” Rain gasped when the words entered his
mind even though Prince Angel had not opened his mouth. “I
know how you feel.”

“Like
hell you do,” Rain surprised Angel with his vehemence. “I
feel dirty, and… I think I’m going insane. I wish B…
He had just killed me. He just… He just wouldn’t stop.”
Rain crumbled in his corner his hands gripping his hair in an attempt
to pull it out. “He just wouldn’t stop. If the police had
not come in… he would probably still be on top of me.”
Rain rocked back and forth clutching his knees. “You can’t
know, no one knows. If they did they would hate me… My own
father would be ashamed. They would hate me… They would.”
Rain nodded hiding his tear stained face from the blond Prince.

“They
won’t… I
won’t let them.” Rain looked up shocked to actually hear
the prince speaking. “Because if anyone hates you, they will
hate me as well.” Bikky pressed his hand hard over his mouth to
still his breathing. He had slipped away from Ryo and Dee to come
check on Rain. He saw Prince Angel sit on the floor near Rain holding
a shining object in his hands. “Andy said, that the reason so
many people suffer with their pain is because they think they have to
bear it alone. Look here Rain,” Rain looked into the Orb he
gasped to see a young boy near his age huddled in much the same
position he now found himself in. The boy had blond hair and wore
what looked to be nothing but a tattered T-Shirt.

The
boy was frail to the point of emaciation his blond hair falling in
limp locks to his shoulders. Rain watched in horror as a man came
into the room and violated the screaming young man. As Rain watched
the face of the man changed. Many men came into the room. When the
faces all became blurry their succession quickening they melted away
leaving only the boy on the floor sobbing. The young man looked up
and Rain gasped as he looked into endless depths of sapphire blue
eyes. He raised his own emerald orbs in shock to see an older version
of those eyes gazing at him. “You are not alone.”

“Why?”
Rain surprised Angel by pulling him into an embrace. “Why do
people do such horrid things to each other?” Rain whimpered as
memories washed over him leaving him bereft of his sense of self. “He
ruined my life.”

“NO
HE DIDN’T!” Bikky could not hold his tongue any longer.
“Both of you listen up. We cannot change our past and so what?
So what… It is long gone and over with. We have to look ahead.
You both have people who love you now. You think, Rain, you think
Ryo, Dee, Lyo and myself love you any less? And you…”
Bikky pointed a finger at Angel. “You had better not be sitting
there thinking that Andy holds your past against you.”

“ I
know better,” Angel’s
thoughts resounded in both boys’ heads.

“That’s
right, that part of your life has already been written and read.
Nothing can be done about it.” Bikky got to his knees next to
his brother. “You have a whole book full of blank pages before
you all fresh and clean waiting for you to write your own story upon
the pages. Your life isn’t ruined it’s still unwritten.
You have so much potential. Ryo said the same thing to me after I
began to live with him. He said that if I allowed my father’s
path to consume me I would be lost, or I could choose to mark my own
trail. So choose Rain, you too Angel, you choose to write your own
book, finish the novel of your life. Walk the path of your choosing.
Don’t let assholes like that take away something so beautiful.
Rain you have no idea how beautiful you are. When you sing I see your
soul laid bare and I am awed by it. Don’t let anyone snuff it
out. I won’t let them, but I can only do so much. I’ll
beat them down. If they keep coming I’ll beat them down again.
You just shine. If they look at you through a dirty window, you open
that window and let them see the beauty you can bring to them.”
Bikky halted embarrassed by his impassioned speech. He wiped tears
from his eyes.

“You
are never alone, you never have to carry this burden on your own.”
Angel whispered offering a rare sight to both boys. Dimples appeared
on his cheeks as he smiled.

Break

“I
have never been so ashamed of you!” Lance hung his head as his
parents entered the holding cell where Jill waited with him. His
mother’s scathing words were like a slap across his face. “You,
of all people, should know better.”

“Mr.
and Mrs. Meeren, please have a seat.” Jill indicated the
chairs. “I have not begun questioning your son as yet. With
your permission I will take his account of the incident.”

“Yes
of course, do we need to sign anything?” Mr. Meeren said
running a hand through his hair. Jill handed him the form that he
quickly scanned and signed handing it to his wife. “Can you
please tell the offended young man’s family that we humbly
apologize for our son?”

“I
already said I was sorry,” Lance sobbed his shoulders shaking.
“The look in his eyes, when Thomas began reading, it was like
Mat’s when he got back to us. I will never forget it. Detective
please believe me, I was told that we were only going to rough him up
a bit. I had no idea Thomas would take it so far.”

“Tell
me what happened,” Jill softened her voice when she saw how
obviously distraught Lance had become.

“It
was right after the list for the musical went up.” Lance began,
“Thomas came to me saying he was the prince’s father, he
was so angry. He said that top card leads only went to seniors. He
said that little sophomore only got special privileges because he was
in that music group. I thought that wasn’t fair, so I went with
him to get Bikky, Rain’s brother, in trouble. Then we took Rain
to the locker room. But he surprised us; he can fight. He took out
Derek and Anthony. Thomas got pissed… Sorry,” Lance
glanced at his mother then back at the table he had been studying the
whole time he made his confession. “Then Joey got him, Joey’s
on the wrestling team, he held him like it was nothing. That’s
when Thomas started touching him. Rain began to really freak out. I
told Thomas to stop, but he told me to shut up.”

“What
do you mean he began to touch him?” Mr. Meeren asked causing
his son to look up at him and then swiftly back down unable to meet
his father’s gaze.

“You
know… he felt him up,” Lance blushed. “First he
just squeezed his waist, then he was touching his butt and his legs.
Joey too… Rain really freaked out then. He was shaking and
crying and begging. I kept telling him to stop but he wouldn’t
listen.” Lance began to sob. “Thomas took the book Rain
is always writing in and began to read. That’s when I knew,
Rain was just like Mat, only he wasn’t locked away. Somehow
Rain was not locked away. But now he might be and it’s all our
fault.”

“What
do you mean locked away? You are closer to that scenario than Rain
could ever be.” Jill said fighting the stinging in her eyes as
she thought of the quiet, honest, beautiful, native boy that they had
all come to care so much about.

“Our
oldest son Matthew,” Mrs. Meeren explained accepting a
handkerchief from her husband. “He was attacked on his way home
from school. A few years ago there was a case that is to this day
unsolved. A man was going around the neighborhood attacking young
boys. My husband made sure he carpooled our son’s and several
other kids to school when ever he could. Well he was home sick one
day and one of the other parent’s forgot to pick Mat up. He was
taken and abused. He went quite mad afterwards. He kept trying to
hurt himself and Lance. He tried to hurt Lance, so we sent him to a
hospital. He is still there. No matter what the doctor’s try he
is making no improvement.” Mrs. Meeren broke into sobs leaning
heavy against her husband’s strong embrace.

“That’s
why,” Lance began again. “That’s why when I noticed
Rain’s behavior I tried to get Thomas to stop. But he wouldn’t.
Then Rain started screaming but Thomas just kept on reading. Oh…
God, the things that man did to him. Thomas just kept reading. Then
we heard Bikky coming and ran. We just left him there curled up…
I am so sorry.”

Lance
lowered his head to the table. “In light of your full
confession I can send you home in your parent’s custody with
bail of course.” Jill said sitting beside Lance. “Mr. and
Mrs. Meeren, please, give me the case number. I will look into it.”

“But
it’s been unsolved for so long.” Mr. Meeren protested.

“Honey,
at least they are willing to try again.” Mrs. Meeren pulled a
carefully preserved scrap of paper from her purse. Handing it to Jill
they left the office to await the release of their son.

Comfort

Ryo
sat with his hands gripping his teacup. The dark liquid boiled over
evaporating before it could touch the floor. Dee reached over and
gave his arm a comforting pat. Ryo sniffled causing Dee to pale. He
pulled the smaller man into his arms hugging him. Ryo sank into Dee
feeling the large hands roam his back. Andy sat across from them
similarly ensconced in her husband’s arms. “He’ll
be alright, won’t he?” Dee asked Andy.

“That
is his choice,” She replied saddened. “If he can not see
in front of him because he too busy looking behind, there will be
nothing I or anyone can do.”

“Rain’s
fine,” Ryo looked up as Bikky strolled into the room smiling.
“He’s taking a shower, he wants to know what’s for
dinner.”

“Whatever
the hell he wants,” Ryo said he was laughing and sobbing all at
once. Prince Angel stepped into the room and nodded to Andy before he
vanished. Andy beamed a bright smile to her friends and bounced
around on her husband’s lap.

Break

Leon
arrived home to find a small bed set up in their bedroom with Chris
asleep on it. Count D lay in bed with Aoi. Two Q-Chan’s
fluttered about the room. “Leon… Oh… Leon,”
Count D said sitting Aoi on the bed so he could embrace Leon. Leon
felt a stab of fear as he realized whatever had upset Count D had
upset Sofu and Lady Aurora as well.

Whipped
Crème 10

Inferno

JJ
sat up in bed automatically reaching for his weapon. His eyes
struggled to adjust in the darkness looking for the source of Lord
D’s agitation. Lord D had sat up gasping in bed holding his
stomach. “Darling?” JJ asked placing a hand on his
shoulder. Lord D jerked at the touch. Wide glassy eyes found JJ’s
as he stared about the room. “Are you alright?”

“We
have to go,” Lord D said getting to his feet.

“Go…
Where?” JJ stood going around the bed to place his hand on Lord
D’s arm. “Precious, tell me what’s wrong.”

“ We
have to go to the pet shop. Father is calling me.” Lord D
peeled his night robe off heading to his closet to find a cheongsam.

“Ok,
get back into bed,” JJ said trying in vain to pull Lord D. “I
will take you before I go to work in the morning.”

“No…
We have to go now.” Lord D pulled away from JJ going back to
the closet.

“Darling,
it is three in the morning.” JJ grouched sitting on the bed.
“Please be reasonable and come back to bed.”

“I
can not…” Lord D paused breathing with some difficulty.
“I can not ignore a summons.” JJ panicked when it looked
as if Lord D would be violently ill. “It is urgent. The summons
is urgent. We have to go now.”

“Ok,”
JJ agreed pulling on his pants. “We’ll go, calm down. You
get the boys I’ll get the car then come help you.” Lord D
nodded grateful when JJ left the room. He rushed to the twins’
nursery to find them both sitting up in their cribs looking for him.
They too could feel his father’s message. Lord D heard the
garage door moving as JJ pulled the car to the front of the house. He
filled a diaper bag then began to dress the boys. JJ returned in time
to grab the bag and one of the small boys. He cast a worried look in
Lord D’s direction as they headed out.

Break

Count
D sat on his bed rocking Aoi. His grandfather had warned him that the
summons might agitate her. Count D had been unprepared for the
reaction in himself. Because he was freed from parental constraints
due to his binding with Leon, it was mild. But his father was feeling
more than this, Count D shuddered as another wave hit him and he
blinked to clear his vision. Aoi whimpered clinging tight to her
papa. Leon aimed a frown at Sofu but the Kami paid him no heed.

“We’re
here,” Lord D and his family came rushing into the room.
“Father, what do you wish of me?” Lord D dropped into a
bow before his sire.

“Only
your safety child.” Sofu answered pulling Lord D to his feet.
The younger Kami’s in the room all breathed a sigh of relief as
the summons ended. “I want only your safety.” Lord D
looked for and found his mother sitting by the window peering out
into the dense early morning fog.

“Grandfather,”
Count D sat Aoi in Leon’s arms to approach the ancient being.
“You have been acting rather erratic. First in the garden and
now this, please, if it is not too presumptuous of me, tell me what
is going on.”

“What
do you mean ‘in the garden’?” Sofu asked Count D a
frown marring his beautiful features.

“The
other day I was in the garden, you came to me as Q-Chan and cuddled
for a few moments, then flew off.”

“I
know nothing of what you speak.” Sofu looked as if he was
thinking back over the past few days.

“It
was you, I can tell, grandmother has softer fur.” Count D
smirked. True his grandfather was embarrassed to admit to such
affection but Count D had never known Sofu to outright tell a lie.

“And
I tell you it was not,” Sofu said with chilling alacrity. “
Come here child.” Count D approached his grandfather cautious
of the foreboding in his father’s eyes. “Submit your will
to my own,” Count D dropped to his knees unable to resist the
pull of his grandsire’s words.

“How
are you able to do that?” Lord D demanded. “He is freed
from constraints.”

“I
do not need parental constraints to exert my will over a younger
mind.” Sofu words were crisp as he placed his hand on Count D’s
head. He watched as the events in Count D’s mind played out.
“That creature is a near exact replica of me. But I sense no
malevolence coming as it touches you, only curiosity.” Sofu
paused watching. “It went in the direction of the nursery, as
if mapping this place.”

“Sofu!
Do something,” Lady Aurora got to her feet taking her husband’s
arms she pulled him to his feet. “Don’t let her harm
them.”

“Who?”
JJ asked placing his sleeping sons in bed next to Aoi.

“The
creature,” Lady Aurora paused remembering Count D’s
accounts of his beautiful visitor. “Helen… is my mother.
She abandoned her family for a flight of adulterous fancy. When she
came back she had to ask who I was. She did not even recognize her
own daughter. She is bone deep selfish, only caring for herself and
her own pleasure. Daughter of Zeus or not, no one should be so
self-centered.” Lady Aurora spat giving the room at large a
glimpse of the human girl she once was. Left behind and forgotten.
Sofu placed a gentle hand on his wife’s arm. “My light,”
Lady Aurora turned into his embrace. Count D got slowly to his feet
slightly dizzy from having his grandfather searching around in his
mind.

“You
ok?” Leon asked steadying Count D. Count D nodded his head. He
allowed himself to be sat on the bed near the children.

“We
will stay here together tonight.” Sofu looked out into the
night. Seeing nothing he closed the curtains. “I will re-align
the shop. My love, have the Honlon, T-Chan and several of our more
interesting species roam freely about the shop. We are hereby closed
for business indefinitely. When this is over. Well… It will be
over.” Sofu said no more. He went into a dark corner of the
room focusing his mind outward. The shop began to shift. The realms
of the shop briefly connected to the mortal world then were wrenched
apart. Lord D watched his father work awed by his concentration and
stamina. Lord D leaned his head against JJ falling into a fitful
slumber just as the sun crested the horizon.

Break

Ryo
opened his eyes when he heard singing. He listened for a moment and
realized that Rain must be in the shower. “I love Saturdays,”
Dee muttered beside him just as the telephone rang. “Yeah,”
He answered emerging from the blankets with a scowl on his face.
“You’re beautiful,” Dee whispered to Ryo. In the
pale morning light that filtered in through their window Ryo’s
hair formed a mussed halo around his lovely features. Ryo blushed and
took a moment to push his hair back from his face. “Leon…
what?” Dee sat up earning a questioning look from Ryo. “A
couple of days off, yeah whatever, but you know we are working one
hell of a case now. Yeah, yeah, I’ll talk to the chief about
it. Rose too. Good luck.” Dee hung up and flopped back into the
pillows. “Never mind, my day has not started yet.” Dee
pulled Ryo’s arm. “You lay down and we will start all
over again.”

“Dee,
what was that all about?” Ryo asked leaning on his arm to face
Dee.

“Sofu
is closing down the shop. He wants us to act like nothing is amiss
and keep visiting them, but if we need a sitter send the kids to the
consulate or something.”

“Well,
we intend to hang around the house today anyway remember. We took a
few days off ourselves,” Ryo said.

Dee
smiled as a new thought occurred to him. “Yeah, Rose is going
to be fit to kill us all. Not to mention Jill. She’s on
vacation with Diana Spacey. Apparently they are shopping. Diana is
getting married to that Gryphon she started dating a few years ago.
The whole Arcadian/ CIA unit is out.”

“The
good thing about that is that we can have an arc of Fae support take
our places for a few days.” Ryo said being the only one in the
group to actually go over the files that Agent Miaka had given them.

“HEY!”
Bikky called pounding on the door, “ Will you two get out of
bed already? We’re hungry.” They heard Alicia and Renee
both laughing. Dee said nothing. He picked up a shoe and threw it at
the door. “Dee quit complaining and put some pants on. I’m
a growing boy and you know when Rain gets out of the shower he’ll
be…” Bikky paused when Ryo opened the door. “
Morning,” He greeted with a cheeky grin. Ryo reached out and
pulled Bikky’s hair. Dee tied his freshly donned pants and
followed the group downstairs. Lyo clung to Ryo’s pant leg.
Alicia smiled through the pain of her son abandoning her so quickly.

Break

Randolph
stepped around the open office door. Stopping in his tracks he stared
at the two strangers sitting at Ryo and Dee’s desks. “Who
the heck are you guys?” Randolph gazed at the strangers flowing
hair that blew in the wind from the open window as if it were made of
the lightest tinsel. Their pale skin seemed almost translucent in the
dull light of the office while their slim figures offered the
illusion of frailty belied by the guns strapped to their holsters.
They turned to face Randolph and the clear beauty of their eyes
startled him. Where one new comer was piercing with dark brown hair
and blue eyes the other was ethereal with platinum hair and gray eyes
so light they appeared silver to Randolph.

“We
are Agents… Detectives… Brown and Goldman,
respectively,” The dark haired one answered. Randolph felt his
heart melt at the musical voice that issued forth as Brown continued
to speak. “Detectives MacLean, Laytner, Orcot and Jameson are
all on leave due to separate and uniquely intriguing family matters.
We are fill-ins until their return. We will handle their cases and in
due process turn them back over to them upon their return.”

Randolph
nodded and turned to go back to his own office. He paused turning
back to the beautiful pair. “I don’t mean to be rude, but
I have to ask,” Randolph paused looking them over again
debating whether or not to voice his concern. Brown and Goldman both
waited with mild curiosity on their faces. “You are men…?”

Brown
and Goldman both looked at each other with bright smiles on their
faces that seemed to light the room. Then they looked at Randolph who
became so enamored of their smiles that he almost did not hear their
answer. “Yes,” They both said. “We are male.”
Randolph nodded leaving the office for good baffled at the strange
events taking place inside the precinct.

Break

“Ryo,”
Alicia entered the kitchen where Ryo was busy preparing dinner. Ryo
looked up with a smile on his face He heard Bikky and Rain upstairs
talking excitedly and poring over one of Rain’s journals. “I
want a question answered before I make my decision about Arcadia.”

Ryo
turned his sauce to simmer and sat down at the table with Alicia. He
looked into the living room to see Dee in deep conversation with
Renee. He smiled to see them getting to know each other. They had yet
to deal with her being Rain’s aunt, right now, they would focus
on her as Dee’s mother. “What question?” Ryo asked
taking his tea and warming it in his hands.

Alicia
stared at the bubbling liquid a moment. Her eyes lifted to Ryo’s
then dropped to her folded hands. “ You said Lyo would have to
stay with you or you would not help me… Why would you be
deliberately… I mean he is my son. Why are you taking my son?”

“Arcadia
is based on rules,” Ryo tried to explain. Failing that he
sighed. “I am not doing this to be mean,” Ryo sighed
again thinking that the words were something that Bikky or Rain would
say. “Or selfish, I do not just want to keep Lyo, though I do
love him as my own. Arcadia is… Well they adhere to human free
will. You are old enough to make such a decision on your own. My own
mother never told me I was a dragon. I would have found out when I
was eighteen. Then I would choose the life of a mortal or the life of
a dragon. Even at that age I cannot say I knew what was best. As I am
now it is a tough choice to make and one I am finding an ever
increasing burden as the title carries several lesser titles and
land…” Ryo shuddered then purposefully refocused on
Alicia. “You will be in his life, and when he is eighteen the
choice will his to make. That is all. Arcadia will accept consenting
adults, not children. He will be heavily influenced.”

“What
do you mean?” Alicia asked worried that her son would never
truly be human.

“Take
Rain and Bikky for instance. They still have years yet before they
would make any choices. They can choose what family of Arcadia they
will belong to. They may want to be marked by dragon blood, or that
of the phoenix, or the unicorns, or any race offered there. They can
even choose to become oblivious to Arcadia, forgetting all…
even me. Prince Angel has said that Rain has the possibilities of
Wind in him and Bikky could master fire. They could both be mages of
Arcadia if they so choose.”

“But
what about me?” Alicia wondered having her mind at ease about
her son and the man she had left him with.

“What
do you wish?” Ryo asked instead. “Think of a creature you
would like to emulate. If the king allows it, you will be human
still, but you will have to ability to take the form of your
preferred creature…”

“A
mermaid,” Alicia blushed to have so quickly cut off Ryo’s
words. “When I was a child in Italy I fell in love with the
tales of mermaids and King Triton…”

“He
will be delighted to hear it.” Ryo said when Alicia trailed
off. “When we go to the consulate later this week to formally
announce you, I will introduce you two.” Alicia’s eyes
widened and filled. Ryo smiled, reached a hand over and warmed her
coffee.

Break

“This
is stupid!” Leon exploded charging to his feet startling Lord
D. Count D placed a reassuring hand on his father before he turned
his eyes to Leon. “We are playing right into their hands. They
spook us, then have us alter our lives to try to supercede a plan
only to fall into a trap.”

“Leon
this is an angry, vengeful relative, not a criminal mastermind.”
Count D tried to placate his lover.

“Most
times you can not tell one from the other.” Leon muttered
earning a halfhearted snicker from JJ.

“What
would you suggest we do?” Sofu asked. He looked over at Leon
from his perch on the armrest of Lady Aurora’s chair.

“I
suggest,” Leon arched a brow at the Kami. “That we go on
with out lives. When the trap is sprung, be ready. I would rather
face this head on than hide in here and have them blindside us. It’s
coming, you know it. I would rather let it come and fight. The best
defense is a good offense.”

“Are
you really willing to risk so much?” Aurora looked at Leon her
eyes showing her age more than her features ever could.

“We
could lose it all either way. I want to lose it knowing I lived to
the bitter end, and fighting.” Leon smiled. “No one takes
something from me without me giving them something for their effort.”

“So
what do you suggest?” Sofu got to his feet and walked over to
Leon. “Do we let them take our children?”

“As
soon as they get it out of their system, we can kick their asses then
get on with life.”

“Do
you realize who we are dealing with?” Aurora asked feeling a
shudder of revulsion. “Daughter of Zeus, she could call aid
from her father and have the many ancient titans come against us…
I am mighty, but not that mighty.”

Leon
looked out into the brilliant afternoon sunlight. “I am not for
sitting locked in this pet shop.”

“Can
we not look to Arcadia for aid?” JJ asked wondering at the
gravity of their situation.

“You
have no inkling, child, what that could do to the Arcadian realms.”
Sofu heaved a tired sigh. “I will not be the cause of such a
harrowing event on the plains of that lovely palace.”

“What
kind of event would calling for help bring?” Leon whispered to
Count D.

Before
Count D could answer his question Sofu continued. “Many years
ago when Zarro ascended the throne, there were several Olympians who
tried to wrest it from him feeling that the leader Zeus should retain
his former glory serving no one. But their might was as nothing
compared to the might of the White Lions, the Gryphons and the
Dragons. This was just before the Fairy and Elven kingdoms joined us.
Arcadia was terrorized by…”

“Civil
war,” Leon finished thinking of a time in the US’s own
troubled past. “But wouldn’t that mean that they would go
against Zarro if they attacked us.”

“They
have no qualms against that,” Lady Aurora sighed. “It
would mean another shot at the crown. A simple family squabble would
turn into a full-scale war; something mother is fond of starting. Her
infidelity lost so many lives I am ashamed to admit she birthed me.”

“Are
you forgetting,” The room turned startled eyes to the doorway
to see Nestoir leaning against it, as if he had been there a while.
“That Zarro has an entirely new army at his disposal.”
Nestoir walked into the room. “You Kami’s are not without
your own defenses and allies. Your oldest brother…”
Nestoir looked deeply into Sofu’s eyes. “Is quite fond of
you.” With those words Nestoir turned to smoke. His voice
wafted to them as he floated out into the warm afternoon. “Let
them come.” Leon grinned, he had always liked Andy’s
husband. “…Be…Prepared…”

Break

Ryo
stood at the sink mulling over the Andy’s words as he cleaned
the lunch dishes. He was amazed that Rain was doing so well after
such a complete mental breakdown. Whatever it was that Prince Angel
had said to him had worked wonders. Bikky would not speak on it.
Thinking of that day brought him back to what Andy had wanted to
speak with him and Dee about. She had looked more adult than he ever
hoped to see the vivacious bubble of childish energy.

While
Ryo had sniffled wiping the trail of tears that fell down his cheeks
and Dee had simmered Andy had leaned over her chair looking deep into
their eyes. “He will need to talk.” Andy had said. “He
will have questions, and you will have to answer them.”

“Questions?”
Dee wondered aloud as Ryo blew his nose on the handkerchief that
Daphnus gave him. The silken article the first sign that he had
entered the sumptuous room.

“We
have already discussed things of a sexual nature,” Ryo
whispered his face heating. “He asked, if Dee loved me so much
why would he hurt me so terribly. I explained…”

Andy
shook her head, “When he needs to talk, you be ready, no matter
how embarrassed you are you need to talk to him. Or he will get his
answers elsewhere and who knows what knuckleheaded teenager will give
him advice…the wrong advice. Better he hear the truth from you
than fantasy’s from a child.”

Ryo
nodded prepared to speak but Andy got to her feet her dress sliding
over her form like lavender liquid sparkling in the jewel toned
light. “Another thing Ryo-Chan.” Ryo looked up and felt
warmth wrap around his chilled body. “You need to forgive him,
and so does Rain. This hatred will kill you inside. Let it go.”

“Forgive
the boys who…” Ryo began but Andy shook her head slowly
her own eyes filling as she touched the raw, burning emotions that
roiled inside of Ryo a similar heat emanated from Dee. Andy took her
hand away from his face and touched his heart.

“Easy
to say,” Dee ground out his jaw clenched. “You were not
there that night,” Dee stared at the hanging painting of Queen
Victoria. “You did not see him Andy, a child… A child
being held down and… he was on top of him…”

“He
has been taken from this world and sent to his judgment. Harboring
this hatred cannot hurt him, it never could, and all it can do is
tear you up inside.” Andy’s words felt like a knife in
his soul. Ryo realized he was just standing with his hands running
under the hot water. As it fell off his hands it sizzled and
evaporated never reaching the sink. “Let it go,” Andy’s
words rang in his heart. “You all need to let it go.”

“Ryo!”
Bikky ran into the kitchen pulling Ryo away from the sink. Not
knowing what was wrong Bikky simply put his arms around Ryo. Ryo
cooled his hands and returned the impromptu embrace. “You ok?”

“I’ll
be fine…I” Ryo tried to smile. Thinking of how well Rain
had seemed to adjust after his talk with Prince Angel Ryo smiled. “I
am fine. So is Rain. We will be ok. He can’t hurt us anymore…”

“Ryo?”
Bikky questioned tossing a helpless look at Dee who rushed into the
kitchen when he saw Ryo in tears.

“Prince
Angel said that Andy told him,” Rain said entering the kitchen
a small smile on his face. “That you can’t always look
behind you. If you look behind you, you are more than likely to walk
into a wall or off a cliff. Look forward and see where it can lead.”
With a simple smile from Rain Ryo could feel his grip on his anger
slip. The smile widened and just like that he let it go.

Break

Count
D sat on the park bench next to his father and watched as Chris, Rain
and Bikky pushed them on the small toddler swings. Leon prowled the
playground keeping his eyes wide. T-Chan marched beside him sniffing
random strangers. T-Chan growled as a stranger sidled up to the bench
ignoring the children. “You are still so beautiful,”
Count D frowned at the familiar voice of the man who addressed his
father. Lord D looked up at Hamanosuke a small smile on his face.
Hama- allowed his hand to stray to a length of Lord D’s silken
hair where it fell over his shoulder.

Lord
D smiled as the hand was shoved away. JJ stood behind Hama holding
the wrist of the offending hand. “Haven’t you learned not
to touch him?” JJ tossed the hand aside. “It pisses me
off.”

“Tell
me,” Hama said as Count D gasped feeling a pain in his heart
that he did not recognize. “What pisses you off more? ME
touching
him, or…” Hama turned his head to look at Leon and
T-Chan fighting several large men while several figures headed for
the children. “Her
touching
them?” Count D jumped to his feet as he saw Helen heading
towards the children. Chris held Aoi in his arms backing away while
Rain and Bikky snatched Kiba and Shinrai.

JJ’s
heart beat in a twisted cadence of panic. He needed to protect his
children, yet he needed to free Lord D from Hamanosuke. What a great
time for Sofu and Aurora to seek Soofu A JJ thought frantically. They
should never have left the safety of the shop. “Be at ease,”
JJ’s mind reeled when he saw Bikky and Rain knocked out and
Chris soon following. “All is as planned.”

“Andy
these are my children! Are you insane?!” JJ yelled struggling
against her words.

“You
had already lost this battle before it began. At least this way we
can plan a counter. Leon was correct about staying in the shop. They
think to attack from all sides.”

“What
do you mean?” JJ asked as he grappled with Hama.

“We
were coming to your aid when the alarm sounded at the palace. Dae is
making war on Arcadia! If we had gone to the shop we would have
gotten here too late to aid the king.” Andy’s presence
left JJ as he received a ringing blow to his scull from behind. Lord
D struggled but was caught in a strong embrace.

“It’s
us,” Angel looked up where Collins shoved against the thin
Asian man that stood over JJ. Collins was amazed at the wiry strength
that was pushing him back.

“Get
back human. This is not your fight!” Hama yelled shoving
Collins to the ground. He looked at Angel holding on to Lord D and a
smile lit his face. “But it is now.” Angel bit back a
scream as he and Lord D were enveloped in a black cloud and solid
ground vanished from beneath their feet. He felt Lord D slump in his
arms unconscious.

Count
D felt rage build in his slight frame as he fought the demons trying
to take the children. Several swarmed him at once enveloping him in a
mound of hard, scaled bodies. Leon felt the breath leave his lungs as
Count D vanished from view along with the group of children. The
demons disbanded leaving Count D on the cold ground panting for air.
“They’re gone,” Count D sobbed feeling his own
heart pound as he suffered through his first parental attack that all
Kami’s experienced when their children were in peril. “Oh,
my love, they have taken the children.”

Whipped
Crème 11

Instinct

Deep
blue eyes opened roving the area with discernment uncommon in one so
young. “Biggy,” Bikky heard the whimper with a mixture of
relief and anger. He felt something soft against his hand and looked
to see Rain lying beside him still unconscious. Bikky smiled at Lyo
hoping to stop the small child from crying. He reached over to touch
Rain testing for a temperature. Rain muttered his eyes opened
revealing his confusion at finding himself in strange surroundings.

“We’ll
be alright,” Bikky said when Chris awakened. “I am sure
that by now the rescue is planned and ready to be executed.”
Bikky nodded his confidence mounting as he remembered the previous
times when he had witnessed the Arcadians preparing for battle.

“You
think so,” Lyo whimpered at the slick voice that could be
heard. Hamanosuke approached the young people in the room. It was
then that Bikky noted Lord D and Angel slumped in the corner. Even
unconscious, Angel had refused to relinquish his hold on his friend.
Angel’s fingers flexed in the silk material of Lord D’s
robe as he opened his eyes.

“D…D,”
Angel called gently patting Lord D’s cheeks. “What did
you do to him?” Angel’s demand caused a smile on Hama’s
face.

“Oh…
He will be out for quite some time, you see,” Hamanosuke’s
smile was pure smugness as he looked over the beautiful kami lying
across Angel’s lap. “Anytime a being of pure light is
trapped in a black soul net for any length of time it takes some
extra effort to recover. Here,” Hama left a gleaming silver
bucket near Angel. “He may need this when he awakens.”
Hama paused on his way out of the holding room to look at the
children. He saw the burning defiance in Bikky’s eyes and
smiled his eyes then roamed over Chris, passed Lyo and the smaller
children to fall on Rain. “Aren’t you adorable?”
Rain shivered at the intimate look Hama treated him to before leaving
the room. Rain looked at the silver bucket and contemplated using it
before Lord D ever got a chance to.

Break

Count
D’s entire world was consumed with the need to embrace his
child. He brought trembling hands up to his head as if to keep it in
place as the world spun in wild circles around him. Count D flinched
when Leon picked him up into his arms. “Aoi…” he
sobbed tangling his fingers in Leon’s wild riot of blond hair.
For the first time Count D noticed the blood that trickled from
Leon’s brow. “Oh, Leon, they have injured you. They
injured you and took our child... I must destroy them, I must.”

“Relax
child,” Leon battled the urge to shed tears of his own when he
heard Sofu’s command. “You must not allow this to consume
you.”

“They
took Aoi and Christopher and…” Count D began his fingers
clenched drawing blood. Leon frowned when he saw the crimson drops
falling from his love’s palm.

“Look
at me,” Sofu commanded ignoring Soofu A beside him. Q-Chan
fluttered about squeaking as she looked for Lord D. “He too has
been taken.” Sofu told her. JJ watched as her leathery wings
fluttered once, and then she sank to the ground trembling. JJ took
his mother in law in his hands. “I know, he is trapped in a
black net, I felt it when he was enveloped.” Sofu took several
deep breathes as he thought of his beloved son in the clutches of the
fiend who had previously abused him.

“It
seems you were earnest in your request of my aid.” Soofu A
commented as he looked at the curious onlookers that took in the
scene. Sirens could be heard as the LAPD arrived trying to figure out
what had happened.

“You
mean to tell me,” Commissioner Rose was yelling at another
officer. “That royal and noble Arcadian’s were kidnapped
on American soil. Orcot!” Leon tried not to be surprised that
Sofu could easily lift Count D for the older Kami had simply taken
his grandson from Leon. “What is going on here?” Rose
demanded as soon as Leon was standing in front of him.

“My
brother, my daughter, Rain, Bikky and Lyo Maclean as well as Kiba and
Shinrai has all been taken sir. The perpetrators are several
terrorist with a nefarious agenda to wrest the crown from Zarro. They
also have with them someone who is believed to be the great
grandmother of Count D.” Leon tried his best to keep the
explanation short and human friendly.

“Will
it be taken care of?” Rose asked unsure how involved the police
department should be in Arcadian matters. He did not know the full
details, but he was sure this was no ordinary kingdom and consulate.

“Yeah,”
Leon vowed. “It will be taken care of.”

Break

Ryo
clenched his fingers around his gun as he shot the demons that were
attempting to storm the Arcadian Palace. He wiped sweat from his
brow. “Dee, who is calling our cell?” Ryo asked not
bothering to look at the buzzing at his hip. When the cell stopped he
went back to the fight at hand. He and Dee had brought Alicia to the
Arcadian consulate so that she could meet the king and discuss
becoming an Arcadian. It was quite by surprise that they now found
themselves in the middle of a war.

“What
are you doing?” Ro startled when Laton strode over to him.

“I’m
trying to defend Arcadia.” Ryo answered unsure if he had done
something wrong.

“But
what are you doing?” Laton asked again watching his grandson
load another clip into his weapon. Ryo looked at his grandfather when
the man opened his mouth to speak he noted the smoke billowing around
them. “When you are in human realms defeating human foes you
use human weapons.” Laton turned his attention to the horde of
demons trying to beat down the Arcadian army. Ryo stared in shock as
Laton opened his mouth to emit a ferocious flame that took several
rows of monsters down.

Dee
gulped when Laton gave Ryo a meaningful glare. Dark green scales
flashed overhead. Laton smiled as his wife beat her powerful wings to
fan his flames causing more damage to their enemies. Golden talons
began to shred the leathery hide from the screaming demons as Torcha
continued on her path. Ryo’s eyes stung from the acrid smoke
making it’s way from the charred remains. With a resolute nod
Ryo sat down his weapon. He clasped his hands before turning them
palms out . Dee watched his lover in awe as flames akin to Laton’s
blasted the army below. Laton gave an approving nod then climbed onto
the balcony. He jumped into the sky. His arms extended to his side as
claws replaced his hands. His skin was soon covered in glorious
shining scales while large wings began to pump against the sky. Dee
stared at the red and gold beast forgetting about the war at hand.

“Pay
attention!” Nestoir yelled shoving Dee off his feet. Dee’s
eyes wandered the littered balcony to see several large, spiked balls
where he had once stood.

“Thanks,”
Dee muttered getting to his feet. He felt his pocket buzz just as
Chimera destroyed the last wave. “Yeah,” He said into the
cell.

“Dee…
help us…”

Dee
frowned when his connection went dead. He checked his phone’s
log while shaking his head at Clarisande when she offered him medical
assistance. “Ryo…baby, call the pet shop.”

“Is
something wrong with the boys?” Ryo asked using a towel to
clean the sweat from his brow.

Before
Dee could answer Andy strode over her sword sizzling as it cleaned
itself of the rotting demon blood. She slide the now clean blade into
its sheath and clicked her bracelets together. Within moments her
deep purple warriors garb of leather and silk vanished to be replaced
with a fresh outfit of black linen. “No time for that, no need
to call the shop. No one is there.”

“Where
are they?” Ryo asked worried as Andy and the other Royale
appeared to be getting ready for another battle.

Andy
placed a hand on Ryo hoping to calm him as her husband explained the
entire situation. “We are going to find them…” Ryo
inhaled deep hoping to calm his heart. He could feel Andy’s
gentle ministrations.

“They
called me,” Dee pulled his phone out to see that both Bikky and
Rain’s cell phone numbers were showing up.

“Call
‘em back on silent and trace it. I had their phones installed
with Parent tracers.” Ryo said as Dee dialed.

“Ryo…
Dee,” Bikky’s voice came through softly.

“Are
you ok?” Ryo asked taking the phone from Dee. Ryo could hear
Lyo sobbing in the background.

“Da-Ryo,
Da-Dee,” Lyo whimpered Dee clenched his fist thinking of his
children away from home.

“Ryo…Hurry
guys, Lord D is still passed out and Rain is starting to freak.”
Bikky said breathing deeply trying to remain calm. “The mean
guy… Hamano… Whatever his name is… He thinks
Rain is pretty…” Bikky continued speaking but Ryo did
not hear the words. The small phone had fallen from nerveless
fingers.

“The
hell he does,” Ryo ground out stomping to the balcony.
“O-Ji-Sama.” Laton heard the call. He curled over flying
to his grandson. “Dee is tracking a location, I need you to get
me there as soon as possible.”

“These
coordinates,” Dee said looking at the computer screen. “Where
are they leading?” Daphnus walked over smoothing his hair from
his brow. “I don’t know where this is.”

“It
looks like one of the Greek isles.” Daphnus muttered. He typed
a few words on the machine. “Yeah, it appears to be Gortyn, the
Island is…”

“Don’t
start,” Nestoir held up a finger. Before Daphnus could say more
Nestoir placed his hand over the princes mouth. “ Don’t
be tedious, let’s just plan a rescue.”

“You
don’t have to be so…” Daphnus trailed off as he
saw the deep plumes of smoke rolling from Ryo’s fingers.
“Laton… Call the dragons, your families army should be
of use here, we will need flight. Angel keep the children in your
orb.” Prince Angel nodded before silently handing his orb to
Zarro. The king looked inside to see the youngest prince and princess
sleeping soundly. “we will secure your children in another one
of his orbs.” Daphnus told Dee and Ryo. He would have said more
but heard the crowd at the door.

Sofu
stepped over the threshold holding tight to Count D. His tense
features a testimony to his own distress at Lord D’s situation.
“We’ll let’s get ready, Dae should be reeling from
his defeat here,” Andy glowered at the room in general. Nestoir
stroked his hand over his wife’s arm. “Let’s go
retrieve our treasure.”

Break

A
low moan alerted the occupants in the room that Lord D was regaining
consciousness. Angel wiped the moisture from Lord D’s brow with
his sleeve. “There now, D, there now,” Angel smiled
hoping that the kami would not panic. Lord D winced as his stomach
rejected the presence of the black net. “Bring the pail!”
Angel called when he saw the sick tinge. Bikky rushed forward
offering the gleaming article. Angel patted Lord D’s back
through his sickness. Rain sat on the floor staring.

This
was a nightmare right? Rain wondered running his hands through his
hair. Bikky noted the tugging and remembered when he had mentally
collapsed at their school. Soon, Rain thought, soon he would wake up
and Ryo would be sitting beside him on the bed talking softly.
Sometimes if he asked, Ryo would even lie beside him… Rain’s
thoughts trailed off. His eyes closed tightly wishing to feel Ryo’s
warmth.

“Rain,”
Bikky scooted over to Rain. He took the frail boy into his arms. “Be
strong ok, just hold on, Dad’s are coming.” Rain tried to
nod only managing to bury his face in Bikky’s chest.

“It’s
going to hurt,” Rain’s words were muffled against Bikky’s
shirt. “You don’t know… but you saw how he looked
at me…” Rain sniffled tears falling. “God, why
couldn’t I just be ugly?”

“I’m
not going to let anyone hurt you Rain,” Bikky promised as he
felt the trembles in his brothers body shake him as well. “I’ll
fight… I will.” Bikky thought back to their earlier
skirmish. He had done all he could and still they had taken them.
Kiba and Shinrai crawled over to their father. Holding his robes they
ceased to sniffle. Aoi went to her Grandfather sniffling.

“Dr…
Lord D,” Rain whispered. Bikky was surprised that the ill
looking Lord D had heard Rain. “When he’s done…
can you… can you fix it?”

“I
won’t let him hurt you.” Lord D stood to his feet. With a
regal frown he straitened his robe. “I am not some meek toy to
be passed from one to another. He will learn a lesson here today.”
Angel admired Lord D’s courage, though he was unsure what good
it would do them. Lyo whimpered as the door opened. Hamanosuke
strolled into the room smiling at Lord D.

“You
are awake.” Hama allowed his eyes to roam the graceful figure
before him. “That human took one from me, and here I have
retrieved three. My harem will be more lovely than ever.”

“Well
now, son of Hermione.” Hamanosuke stepped aside to allow Helen
into the room. She moved her dark hair away from her startling
beautiful face. Helen walked in a circle around Lord D taking in his
slim, pale figure. He gazed at her, his purple eyes defiant.

“Do
what you will with me, but let the children, and this young human, go
free.” Lord D indicated Angel.

“No,
he’s mine.” Hama grasped Angel to him. He slide a hand
over Angel’s stomach before groping him rudely.

“Get
your hands off me.” Angel struggled wincing at the brutal grip
on his arm.

Hama
growled when Angel managed to get enough leverage to land a punch.
Hama shoved Angel hard to the floor landing on top of him. “Stop
it this instant or so help me I will take you here and now.”
Angel ceased his struggles when he felt Hama fumbling with his
tights.

“Yeah
Angel,” Bikky said fury lighting his eyes on fire. “His
type only beats on those who are helpless, who can’t fight
back… Look at him… I am taller than Lord D and he beat
him.”

“Watch
it kid, or I’ll have you too. You’re not my type, but
I’ll put you in your place.” Hama snarled pushing away
from Angel to tower over Bikky and Rain. Hama raised his hand high to
strike.

“No,”
Lord D ran forward placing his own body in front of the boys. Rain
stood to his feet with Bikky. Bikky was right, they would not let
this mad harm them. Lord D had been so kind to him, treating him
easing his wounds. “You will not hurt them.” Hama grasped
Lord D’s arm tossing him to the shining marble floor. Kiba,
Shinrai, Aoi and Lyo began to sob. Christopher went beside the other
boys hoping to help them protect the Count’s father. Hama
turned; his eyes that of a raging beast as he gazed at the three
boys.

Angel
got slowly to his feet shaking his head to clear it of the fog Hama’s
blow had left behind. He tried to get to Lord D but was brushed
aside. Lord D was knocked to his knees. Helen stood by watching the
unfolding drama. Hama drew his hand back to strike Lord D and in that
moment she realized a startling fact that nearly brought her to her
knees. That was her grandson. “Stop it!” Helen rushed to
Hama halting his hand from connecting with Lord D. Hama’s eyes
turned from the brutal grip he had on Lord D’s hair to turn
incredulous to the beauty before him. “ Do not hurt him…”
Helen reached down and pulled Lord D into her arms.

Whipped Crème 12

Consuming
Fire

Snug
fitting black linen stretched across long legs highlighting the
slender figure to perfection. Leon watched as Count D snapped the
closures on a sleeveless vest. With a snap gloves were pulled on.
Leon noted that D left his fingers and thus his long nails free. D
then picked up a pair of bracelets that winked dully silver in the
light. Leon realized that he had ceased to load his weapons into his
bag to watch D dress. The last item that D picked up baffled Leon. D
wound a long thick ribbon about his small waist the ends were tied
with two large heavy globes that looked to be made of beaten metal.
Count D then moved his hair behind his ear and Leon tried not to be
freaked out by how much he resembled Sofu.

As
the sun sank Q-Chan chirped, fluttered and spread her wings. In a
sudden gale the small creature vanished leaving Lady Aurora standing
there her face streaked with blood that leaked from her eyes. “Weep
not, love.” Sofu commanded entering the room. Sofu’s eyes
traveled to JJ who had been silently loading weapon after weapon into
his bag and on his person. “Our son has an inner core of
strength inside of him now. He will draw upon that strength and
stand.” JJ raised his face to Sofu. “As sure as my son
has taken up residence in your heart, you hold his.”

“Will
it be enough to save him?” JJ asked worried that he would find
Lord D broken inside and out.

“No.”
Soofu A’s simple answer and shrug caused Leon to frown. Sofu D
deferred to his brother and stood silent as he continued to speak.
“Do you have faith that you will find him safe?”

“Faith…”
JJ wondered what the ancient being was trying to tell him. Soofu
laughed softly before he went to stand beside his younger brother.

Andy
entered the room jewels winked at her wrists and hip where they were
encrusted along the hilt of her sword. “We ride.” Was all
she said before turning to leave the room. Dee looked to where Ryo
sat in deep conversation with Laton. He made several gestures with
his hands as if practicing before, with everyone else, he filed out
of the room.

Break

Lord
D felt Helen embrace him with an odd mixture of relief and disbelief.
“Woman what do you think you are doing?” Hamanosuke
demanded trying to wrest Lord D from her grasp. Lord D cried out at
the brutal wrenching of his arm. Helen felt the shockwave of anger
grace her entire body as she heard the delicate bones in the wrist
snap.

“I…I…”
Helen could not explain the emotions that fueled her actions. “He
is my grandson,” Was all she could think to say.

“Never
before has family meant anything to you.” Hama snarled holding
the wrist. Lord D bit his lip refusing to frighten the children with
his pain. Kiba and Shinrai were already terrified. Aoi patted her
young uncles hoping to make them understand that Dada and Papa were
on the way.

“But,”
Helen hugged Lord D stroking his hair. Lord D gasped using his gifts
to discern the emotions of the woman who held him so tenderly. Truly
was she confused by her need to protect him. Before she could utter
another word the door banged open. “Father,” Helen looked
to the imposing figure that stood surveying the occupants of the
room.

“Father…”
Angel looked at the flowing white beard and hair. “If that is
Helen, the legendary Helen of Troy, then you must be…”
Angel’s eyes widened as he stared at none other than Zeus.

“If
she said to release him, you should release him.” Zeus’
eyes flashed staring at the angry beast that grappled with his
daughter for the soft creature in her arms.

“I
do not take orders from anyone other than Dae.” Hama snarled
Lord D gasped as his injured wrist was pulled further. Bikky was
silent as he walked over to the wall. He picked up a broom with a
heavy handle. While the adults were arguing Rain blocked their notice
of Bikky as he unscrewed the bristles. Helen scooted away from Hama
taking Lord D with her. Rain accepted the broom as Bikky stepped up
with the handle. With Chris beside him he faced Hama. “What
exactly do you plan to do with that?”

“I
won’t let you hurt them!” Bikky gripped his handle. Zeus
stared at him with admiration shining from his eyes.

“N…Neither
will I.” Rain stepped up beside his brother and his friend. He
took a defensive stance that he had learned from Count D. Hama
growled and the boys braced themselves for attack. Zeus raised his
hands and several other Arcadian angels entered the room to protect
the favored daughter of their leader.

Hamanosuke
glared at the young humans and angels. He sneered and snapped his
fingers. Several large demons entered the room snarling. Lyo began to
sob as acid dripped from their mouths sizzling on the marble floors
of the elegant room. Aoi patted his hand, “Papa here,”
Aoi said holding her little hand open to show them an iridescent
bubble. Hama’s eyes went from the bubble to the commotion at
the door.

Dae
burst into the room holding his side. “Damn Arcadians,”
he wheezed. “I need a body… Fast!” Dae summoned
one of his warlocks. Angel screamed as Dae grabbed the man’s
head. He stood as if transfixed. Dae’s previous body fell to
the floor an empty husk. Angel’s feet scuffed the floor as he
inched away from the slack jawed, empty stare of the corpse at his
feet. Dae stood before them resplendent in his new skin. “Now
what is the problem?” Dae pulled Hamanosuke to him kissing him
deeply.

“This
creature is trying to impede my claiming of my property!” Hama
pointed an accusing finger at Helen. “The only reason I agreed
to help is because you said I could have him.”

“A
deal is a deal,” Dae’s hand traveled down Hama’s
hip to slide across his backside. “Woman, release the kami.”
Helen gasped as Hama moved to take Lord D.

“No!”
Lord D got to his feet backing away from Hama. He held his broken
wrist close to his body. Angel scrambled to his feet standing next to
Lord D. “I am not yours! You will not rape me again.”
Lord D took the stick from Bikky. “I may not be able to use my
gifts to end your miserable existence, but I will not allow you to
abuse me or my family.” Lord D’s eyes traveled to his
children and granddaughter. He looked to Bikky, Rain and Chris. Lyo
clung to Bikky’s pant leg his wailing a never ceasing
background to the tense silence that captured the room in an
inescapable net.

Hama
growled reaching for Lord D. he was brought up short when he felt the
stick connect sharply with his head. “You hit me.” Hama
stared at Lord D who brought the stick back preparing to do it again.
Hama narrowed his eyes at Lord D as the demons engaged the angels
that tried to protect Helen. “I want you to know,” Hama
circled Lord D slowly drinking in his radiant beauty. Long skeins of
delicate red patterned silk showed off Lord D’s beauty to
perfection. “That after I have subdued you, I will have him,”
Hama pointed at Angel, “And him,” he then pointed at
Rain, And even him. While you watch.” Hama looked Bikky over
with a curl of his lip he turned back to Lord D. “Then I will
take you till you can’t stand. And then, I will take you again.
Until you admit that you are mine.”

Lord
D rolled his eyes heavenward as if seeking divine aid. Hama stepped
forward and Lord D rapped him again with the stick. “Stop
that!’ Hama demanded when blood began to trickle from his brow.

“No,”
Lord D smacked him again. Bikky and Rain cheered ignoring the
fighting angels and demons around them they watched as Lord D stood
up to Hamanosuke. Hama tried to grab the stick but brought back his
stinging hand as Lord D tapped him hard across the knuckles. Hama
growled preparing to charge Lord D. The large palace shook underneath
their feet as the sound of thundering hooves could be heard on fast
approach to the palace.

Dae,
sword locked with Zeus’ thunderbolt, paused a foul oath leaving
his lips. “They could not give us time to regroup.” He
muttered shoving his blade into its sheath.

“They?”
Zeus demanded. “You said your army would keep the Royale
occupied.”

“Well
maybe I should have stayed here and tortured children and you could
attack the bloody king in his domicile.” Dae grumbled stomping
to the large windows he threw them open. Helen walked over to stare
in shock at the armada of flying equines that halted several feet
from the palace.

“Jemi-Chan,”
Lord D gasped handing Bikky the broom handle he moved to the window.
Lord D stared at JJ who mouth two words. “Get down.” Lord
D backed away from the window. He took the children and Angel to a
far corner where the crouched in safety as the equines landed. Dae
and Hama looked down in confusion missing the roaring dragons that
flared their mighty wings. Dae gasped backing away seeing Ryo on
Laton’s back his hands bared. Princess Chimera sat astride her
Unicorn and Prince Kronos, blond hair flying, sat beside her on his
Pegasus.

“Flames,”
Dae whispered moments before the room was blasted. Lord D trembled in
fear that the flames used in their rescue would harm them. He noted a
glow coming from Aoi.

“Angel…”
She held up her small orb in her tiny hands. Lord D peered into the
orb to see Prince Angel his massive golden wings beating against the
azure sky. In his hands was a larger orb that he pointed towards the
palace.

“Told
you they were on the way.” Bikky said patting Rain’s
shoulder.

“No
one enters this room.” Dae threw the words at Hama as he turned
towards the door. Helen coughed waving the acrid smoke away from her
face as he father left to lend whatever aid he could to the demons
fighting his king’s army.

Break

Leon
thought of the last time he and D had been taken to an exotic island.
He had been bound with his own handcuffs and D had jumped from a
plane. Leon thought of the coolly composed D of the past and the
simmering D of this moment and a wry smile lifted his features. Hama
made the biggest mistake of all when he touched their children. D
jumped to the ground moments before Nestoir’s Unipeg landed.
Leon hurried to his side as Dee joined them. Dee took a moment to
look up to see Ryo still atop Laton throwing flames at various points
of the palace.

A
leather skinned beast approached D only to receive a tiny dagger from
D’s bracelet in his throat. Leon blinked several times again
studying the jewelry. He saw that the points on the bracelets were
actually miniature swords that D tossed whenever he could not reach
an opponent. Leon whistled at D’s accuracy. He had not time to
further appreciate D’s skill as a horde of monsters came
crashing through the gates.

“Come
get it,” JJ muttered stalking forward with his guns glinting.
Dee and Leon followed suit firing on the beasts. Andy, Nestoir and
Daphnus soon joined them. The sound of Andy’s sword leaving its
sheath was loud over the blasting guns. Nestoir and Daphus were soon
armed as well. Tisiphone uncased large silver wings to ascend the sky
shooting arrows into beasts from above.

“Princess
Clarisande,” Nestoir called summoning the beautiful princess
with flowing dark hair. “It seems Dae has sent you his
warlocks… Have fun.”

Clarisande
smiled as she saw the robed men advancing with their pagan tools and
books. “I will.” She promised preparing to battle.

“O-Ji-Sama,”
Ryo leaned close to Laton’s massive head. “I want my
children.”

“You
shall have them, snap dragon,” Laton promised admiring the
dogged determination he could sense coming from Ryo.

“Ha!”
Hamanosuke cheered when Count D ran out of blades on his bracelets.
Leon shot several slime covered, scaled beasts with Princess
Chimera’s weapons and watched as D beat several beast
unconscious. Dee walked behind the enraged kami and shot the beasts
where they lay. “What are you doing, he was down?” Hama
demanded watching as Dee shot all of the felled beasts.

“By
direct order of High Prince Daphnus, you are all sentenced to death.”
Hama’s eyes widened he scanned the fighting crowd to see the
long braid of the High Prince as he swung his sword taking several
demons down in one sweep. Hama backed away when D stood before him.
Hama stared as D unwound the silken belt at his waist. “What
are you going to do, perform a ribbon dance?”

“Yes,”
Count D said simply. “Enjoy he show.” Count D’s
hands moved and Hama was struck hard with one of the metal balls that
were connected to the ribbon. He tried to duck, but Count D moved and
used his legs to send the ball flying in a wide arc taking out
several beasts that tried to come to Hama’s side. Hama ducked
remembering the skills he had spent years honing in the imperial army
of China. He dodged one of Count D’s swinging weapons only to
be hit hard by the other.

“I
am so tired of you damn kami’s hitting me on the head.”
Hama snarled making Count D pause to consider the words. Hama took
his moment of inactivity to rush him to the ground. Leon was worried
until he saw D’s legs lift sending Hama flying to the ground
with a painful thud. D stood to his feet swinging his ribbon wide,
Leon watching him, thought that his movements did resemble a dance. D
wrapped the ribbon around Hama capturing his hands before becoming
secured around his neck. D then proceeded to land the remaining ball
on his head. When Hama lay insensate on the ground D looked up to see
that the ground forces were taken. The Arcadian army were storming
the palace.

Break

Helen
stood in between the demons guarding the room and her captives. They
heard several piercing screams and Lord D placed his uninjured hand
against his brow. Helen had been impressed to see Rain and Bikky wrap
Lord D’s broken wrist and secure it to his side with a sling
made from Bikky’s over shirt and belt. “Why are they
screaming like that? A demon asked his human façade slipping
away in his fear at whatever was coming to the door.

“That…”
Lord D said backing away when he knew a breach was imminent. “Would
be my mother.”

“Your
mother…” Helen said looking to the door as if blew in on
itself lighting sparking around it’s edges. When the smoke
cleared Andy stood aside to allow Lady Aurora to step into the room.
Aurora stood wearing black leather pants and top. Her heeled boos
clicked on the marble as she took a step forward. Her long black hair
cascaded around her face. Topaz eyes glowed in fury as she saw the
sling on her son’s arm. Helen heard the hiss and stepped back
as Aurora bared her fangs. “Hermione.”

“How
dare you?” Aurora began advancing on the demons who retreated
from her. Lady Aurora was glad of the protective orb as shards of
glass from the window crashed into the room with Ryo, Sofu D and
Soofu A. Dae came crashing in behind them an armada of demon guards
at his side. Soofu A pulled a pin from his curly, sable locks that
turned into a gleaming sword with a golden hilt. On the blade were
sparkling stars of the house of David. He pointed the weapon at a
demon and it fell dead without it so much as touching him. The other
creatures in the room looked at Soofu A backing away in terror.

Deep
brown eyes pierced Dae and he felt his throat constrict. As he
struggled to breathe Count D strolled into the room dragging Hama
with his ribbon. Dae realized that all of his monsters were dead or
dying. Dae dove crashing on top of Hama’s bound form. D tugged
falling back into Leon’s arms as his ribbon fell to the ground
empty.

“Gomen
nesai O-Ji-Ue,” Count D bowed before Sofu D. “I tried to
bring him to you.” Helen stared in horror at her daughter.
Blood dripped from Aurora’s hands to stain the once beautiful
now charred marble. JJ reloaded his pistol with a ominous click he
pulled the hammer back pointing weapon at Helen. Angels came running
into the room.

“I
could not…” Helen began tears falling from her eyes. “I
could not harm them. I took them to hurt you. You… I wanted to
destroy all you had built, but… But,” Helen leaned
against her father for support. “I took one look at him…
he is so beautiful and he is my grandson. Hermione, he is my
grandson, they,” Helen pointed a shaking finger at Shinrai and
Kiba. “They are my great-grandchildren and it goes further with
that one.” Helen pointed to Aoi. “They are all so
beautiful.”

Ryo
walked to the or. He tapped the bubble and it popped as if made of
soap. Lyo ceased his sobbing to rush into his arms, “Da-Ryo!”
As Ryo soothed the small child Rain and Bikky both ran to his side
holding him close. Dee approached his family and they embraced him as
well.

“I
am so glad we got you boys cell phones.” Dee said around the
lump in his throat as he held his family. “So glad.”
Count D took Aoi into his arms feeling his murderous rage leave his
body he sagged against Leon.

“I
want to go home.” Count D said simply holding tight to
Christopher’s hand.

Nestoir
and Daphnus both approached Zeus and the remaining angels of Arcadia.
“By order,” Nestoir began before Daphnus could go into a
long speech. “Of High King Zarro you are ordered to appear
before him immediately.” They turned briskly on their heel.

“Am
I hearing the theme song to…” Ryo paused in his uging of
his children. “Is that… Sailor Moon?” He paused as
Rain began to frantically search his many pockets.

“Julie
is a fan, so I downloaded it as her ring tone. Hi,” He said
into his phone. When he answered it.

“WHERE
ARE YOU!!!” Julie screeched into the phone. Rain winced holding
the phone away from his ear. As he stood pondering the merits of
honesty against having to explain what he was doing in Greece she
continued. “It is opening night, they are prepping your
understudy. I DO NOT WANT TO KISS PETER CARMICHAEL!”

“Stall
them,” Dee said into the receiver having taken the phone from
Rain. “We’re on our way.”

Whipped
Crème 13

Interlude

“You
look like crap.” Were the first words Julie said to Rain as
they all stepped into the green room. Rain took a moment to gaze into
a mirror at his tangled hair, dirt smudges and torn clothing. “Were
you trying to roller blade again? Bikky!” Julie turned a frown
on Bikky. “You know he doesn't do too well with those.”

“We
weren't roller blading,” Rain said with a smile.

“What
are you just standing around for?” Ryo stepped aside as a
teacher dressed in all black stepped forward. He tried not to smile
at the thin man with his beret. It was obvious that the man was an
English teacher using this play to live his dreams of Broadway
through the talents of his students. Watery gray eyes fell on his
stars. “Curtain is in 45 minutes. You were supposed to be here
an hour ago.” The teacher pulled off his maroon beret.

Ryo
stepped next to Rain when it seemed the man would reprimand him.
“Unavoidable circumstances, but he is here now.” Ryo
smiled and the teacher backed away his bald pate shining in the
lights of the green painted room making him look rather like a
catfish with his protruding lips and hanging blond mustache. The
teacher summoned the students working in wardrobe to get Rain in
costume wondering all the while how such a gentle, mild-mannered man
could instill such fear. Ryo took Rain's arms looking him deep in the
eye. “Are you ok?”

Rain
winked at Ryo a smile lighting his face. “After watching Lord D
show Hama what's what... I think... I'll be just fine.” Ryo
nodded allowing the frantic students to usher Rain into a shower
while they laid out his costume and makeup. Ryo stepped out to the
waiting Arcadian limousine that was parked outside the school. He
stepped in to be greeted by several dressing rooms all bustling with
activities.

“There
is a shower waiting for you,” Bikky called as Dee left one
wearing a towel. He grinned at Ryo winking.

“Hey
sexy, need me to wash your back?” Dee smirked as Bikky rolled
his eyes.

“We
do not have time for you to help me shower.” Ryo said real
regret in is voice as he shut the door firmly behind him. The lights
were just going down in the the theater as the entire Arcadian
Royale, including Laton, Torcha, Zarro and Victoria along with the
Kami and Lady Aurora were shown to their seats.

“Gosh
no,” Julie's eyes widened as she got a look at them all in the
first row. The row behind them occupied by their guards and retinue.
“We are supposed to entertain the likes of them?” She
turned a nervous gaze to Rain who smiled.

“I
know you will be great.” Rain planted a small kiss on her cheek
as the curtain lifted. It was time. Rain grinned sending her on her
way.

Break

Alicia
sat on the bed in her room at the Arcadian palace staring at it's
lush appointments. The room was done in various shades of blue and
green with large splashes of white. She felt as if she were already
in the ocean. Just as Zarro was talking to her about her new life if
she still agreed to become Arcadian, a deafening alarm had gone off.
Alicia could still remember the fright she had felt when a young
guard announced that demon intruders were attacking the palace. Zarro
had growled. Alicia was in shock, the little king in his pristine
white clothes and bare feet had sounded ferocious. Before her wide
eyes he had summoned a strong gale that lifted him from his feet.
Alicia watched as the man was replaced with a large white winged
lion. Was she sure about this?

The
thought had continued to plague her as she listened to the sounds of
the battle that was taking place outside the gates. As she looked
around the velvet and satin room she was thinking of what it would be
like to have fins and live among the waves carefree and... A giggle
escaped as she remembered the cartoon crab claimed that life was the
bubbles under the sea. The best part, no mafia. Alicia smiled, she
could get used to that.

Break

Bikky
had never been happier to see his home. Rain had entered the car,
leaned over against Dee falling asleep almost instantly. Dee lifted
his legs allowing him to stretch out on the seat. “I can't
believe he performed so well after all that. He must have been
exhausted even before he set foot on the stage.” Bikky said a
wide yawn muffling his words. Rain woke up as Dee moved. “Come
on, we're home.” Rain mumbled opening his eyes. Bikky took
Rain's arm helping him from the car. Dee parked while Ryo carried Lyo
inside. Bikky followed along. He put forth a mighty effort to stay
awake.

“Go
on to bed Bikky,” Ryo said a gentle pat in his bedroom's
direction sending Bikky on his way.

“Gonna
help with...” Bikky yawned leaning against the wall in Lyo's
bedroom.

“You're
asleep on your feet,” Ryo's words were kind. “Now get
into bed before I have to carry you.”

“I'm
too big...” Bikky flopped over leaning his head against the
wall.

“You
heard him, brat.” Bikky frowned when he felt Dee tugging his
arm. “We have all had a long day.” Bikky opened his mouth
to argue further but yawned instead. “You are practically
asleep on your feet.”

“Don't
fuss so much,” Rain muttered to Bikky as he went to his own
bedroom.

Bikky
saw the tired expression on Rain's face. “Get in bed, I'll
braid your hair.” Rain nodded understanding Bikky's need to
care for someone. Ryo laughed softly as the boys went inside. After
tucking Lyo into bed Dee and Ryo went into their own bedroom to find
Renee sleeping on their bed. Ryo took a moment to appreciate that he
had changed the sheets before they left the house.

“M...Mom,”
Dee said still not used to saying the word. Renee awakened to his
gentle brushing of her hair.

“They
told me that you were off fighting. I wanted to be sure to be aware
of when you got home.” Renee placed her hand on Dee's face.
“You are safe, both of you.” Renee smiled at Ryo. “You
do not look like you have been fighting. You both look tired, you can
tell me about it tomorrow. I just needed to be sure you are safe.”
Renee kissed them both on the cheek before she left them alone.

Dee
heard a sigh as Ryo dropped heavily on the bed. “Even though
you are exhausted, you will never get to sleep. Is it bad that I can
interpret your sighs?” Ryo sighed again a sweet smile on his
lips. “Perhaps I can help relax you.” Before Ryo could
form a reply, or claim to be too tired for sex Dee kissed him. “Just
relax, let me take care of you.” Dee's words were low and
sensual never failing to work their magic on Ryo. He did as Dee said
enjoying the gentle undressing. Dee's fingers peeled his shirt off.
As his chest was exposed Dee placed light kisses. Ryo sighed taking
his bottom lip in his mouth as Dee sucked his pert nipples. “Just
let me take care of you.” Dee said against the moist flesh of
Ryo's chest.

“Dee...
I don't know,” Ryo began panting. “How much I can satisfy
you. I am so tired.”

“Don't
worry about me baby,” Dee murmured pulling Ryo pants from his
body. Ryo gasped at the feel of the firm grip on his manhood. “Yes,
that's right baby,” Dee whispered placing kisses along the
length of Ryo's excitement. As Ryo moaned and panted Dee sucked him
in deeply. Ryo closed his eyes crying out softly. Dee massaged the
sensitive globes beneath Ryo's member trailing his tongue over the
flesh.

“Dee,”
Ryo panted gripping the sheets. “Close,” Ryo moaned
lifting his hips pushing himself further down Dee's throat. “Oh...
Dee,” Ryo cried out feeling his body coil in upon itself.

“Ryo,
relax,” was the only warning Ryo had as Dee pressed two fingers
inside of him. Dee smiled as Ryo clenched his fingers, uttered a cry
and came in a flood down his throat. As Ryo settled down he realized
that Dee was cleaning him with a damp towel. Before he could say
anything, he felt sleep stealing rational thought. “I love you
baby.” Dee whispered close to Ryo's ear as he pulled the
blanket around him.

Feeling
on the verge of the best sleep he'd had in a long time, Ryo smiled.
“Love you Dee, love you. Zutto.”

Break

Randolph
stopped walking and just stared. For so long he had looked into this
office only to see Brown and Goldman poring over files. Now, sitting
looking fresh, as if they had never left, were Ryo and Dee. At desks
in the office across the hall were Orcot and Jameson and Resnick.
Randolph was still staring as Dee got to his feet. “I think I
have something. Where is Rose?”

“Having
lunch in his office with Jeremy,” Ryo said without looking up
from his computer.

“Of
all the times for him to be getting a blow job,” Dee said
rolling his eyes. “Sorry,” He muttered when he looked up
to see JJ standing with a file in hand.

“No
need to apologize, I agree.” JJ frowned at the closed office
door with the blind over the window drawn.

“So
uh... How's Lord D?” Dee asked with a wink at JJ. JJ grinned
saying nothing. He handed Dee the file and went back into his office.

Break
(Last Night)

Count
D could feel his heart break as he looked at the makeshift sling on
his father's arm. As the car drove to the boy's school, Count D had
knelt at Lord D's feet. “Chi Chi Ue.” Lord D opened his
eyes to peer at his son. “If you lend me your gifts again, I
can heal your wrist,”

“I
did not lend you my gifts child.” Lord D smiled moving his
uninjured arm to brush through the thick locks of Count D's hair.

“I
don't understand.” Count D stared at his father trying to
figure out how he had healed him.

“I
bestowed them upon you. You have them inside of you. The first time I
guided your trance, now if you truly wish it, you can do it on your
own.” Leon watched as Count D placed his hands on his fathers
broken wrist. Lord D winced biting his lip as D tried to heal him.
“Relax child, go inside of yourself, find your core...”
Lord D paused a smile lighting his face as the faint smell of Sakura
bloomed in the car. As Count D slipped deeper the scent intensified.
Leon felt drugged by the need to embrace Count D as his senses were
swamped with his essence.

Instead
of the ice he had been encased in his first time in a healing trance,
Count D felt as if he were walking underneath the falling blossoms of
the cherry trees. He saw his father as he had stood in front of Hama.
Count D smiled as he watched his father defend himself with a
broomstick. He went further still confused as he saw Helen protecting
his father. Lord D could feel the tentative touch of his son coursing
through his body. A little further and Count D backed away his face a
furious shade of red. “How do you feel Chi Chi Ue?” Count
D asked not looking into Lord D's eyes.

Lord
D placed a hand underneath Count D's chin lifting his face until
their eyes met. Count D felt swallowed in the deep purple orbs of his
father. “I feel just fine, thank you.” Lord D removed the
splint and moved his wrist around. “As long as I live, you may
feed upon my gifts without the use of the Hippocratic oath. Your
particular brand of Chi Gong is safe. I would never bind you so.”
Count D nodded still unable to speak. Lord D smirked as the car
pulled up to their house. “Be well, child.” Lord D waved
them off he and JJ carried their sleeping twins inside, glad to be
home.

JJ
rounded the door of the nursery wondering at Count D's odd behavior.
“What did you do to him?” JJ asked when they had returned
to their bedroom. Lord D looked over his shoulder at JJ his smile
dazzling. JJ moved to help lift the luscious locks of hair aside as
Lord D undressed.

“I
did nothing love,” Lord D unwound the large bow and sash at his
waist. Lord D then peeled his robe from his body. “As is common
with novices, he simply went too far and saw more than he cared to
see.”

“What
did he see?” JJ asked swallowing hard as Lord D removed his
sleeveless sheath. JJ gulped as Lord D stood before him in nothing
but his painted on under pants. “I can do that,” JJ said
moving to undo the buttons at the small of Lord D's graceful back. JJ
was assaulted with the scent of Lord D as he wrapped his arms around
him reaching for the buttons. His hands shook slightly in
anticipation as Lord D stared up at him a smile on his face inviting
JJ to more than helping him undress. As his fingers closed around the
small diamond closures JJ's lips connected to Lord D's and he forgot
all but the sweet taste of Lord D.

JJ
continued to lap at Lord D's mouth while he pulled the pants down his
fingers gracing the round, firm backside he had become so enamored
of. A moan began in Lord D's throat as JJ pulled his leg up wedging
himself between the porcelain fine appendages. JJ ground his hips
firmly against Lord D's swelling member. The rough material of JJ's
pants caused shivers to race along Lord D's spine. Lord D felt
particularly wanton being completely bare while JJ was still fully
dressed. Long fingered hands gripped JJ's tie as Lord D tried to
assuage his need to feel the heated flesh underneath the fine shirt
JJ had worn to the play.

“Easy,
now,” JJ crooned licking the pale chest before suckling a
sensitive nipple between his lips. “I will take care of you.”
Lord D gasped as JJ's words sent a breath of warm air over his
sensitized skin.

“Oh,
my love, you always do.” Lord D sat on the bed glad to see JJ
begin to undo the buttons of his shirt. Lord D could not contain his
hands. With deft movements of his fingers, his nails made short work
of the soft material. JJ laughed shrugging free of the tattered
garment.

“Do
you want the pants, or can I remove them?” JJ offered his belt
buckle playfully. Lord D's cheeks pinkened in the dim light of the
room. JJ ceased his teasing as his own throbbing member reminded him
that he needed attention. Freeing himself he stepped from the pants
and closer to Lord D. Lord D spread his legs so that JJ could stand
between them. Lord D took a moment to appreciate the sight of the
turgid erection displayed before his face. He took it lightly in his
hands caressing it lovingly. JJ sighed as Lord D trailed his tongue
along the seam stealing the drop of moisture at the tip. “Oh...
Precious...” JJ sighed feeling Lord D engulf him. “You
take me so deep.”

“Um
hmmm,” Lord D's response caused JJ's knees to nearly buckle.
Lord D worked his throat as his hand came up to gently massage the
two swollen globes at he apex of JJ's thighs. Lord D hummed again and
JJ gasped locking his hands in Lord D's hair as he moved his hips
pumping into his willing mouth. JJ could feel himself quickening and
pulled out. “Inside of me.” Lord D raised a brow and JJ
nearly laughed at the demand.

“At
your service,” JJ climbed onto the bed as Lord D scooted back.
JJ placed his hands on Lord D's knees pushing them apart. He could
not help but to lick up the long legs until he made it to the moist
treasure between. Lord D cried out as JJ began his own time of
licking and suckling. JJ moistened his fingers probing Lord D
loosening the tight flesh he would soon conquer. Lord D panted as JJ
dragged his tongue between his cheeks paying close attention to the
entrance to Lord D's most secret recesses. Lord D brought a hand to
his lips trying to quell his cries of rapture. “No, I want to
hear. Deafen me with your pleasure.”

“Jemi-Chan,
your tongue is so deep,” Lord D squirmed as JJ wriggled his
tongue inside of him. “Ah...” Lord D canted his hips
nearly bucking JJ off. “OOOHHHH!!!” Lord D cried as JJ
shoved two fingers in deep pressing against his most sensitive spot.
Lord D's body wept with joy as he released down JJ's throat. JJ
worked to swallow the copious amounts of sweetness that he had become
alarmingly addicted to.

JJ
wasted no time moving Lord D's legs pulling until the relaxed Kami
was practically sitting in his lap. Lord D whimpered as JJ pressed
against his opening. JJ sealed his lips to Lord D swallowing his cry
of pleasure as he sank deep inside. “Take me there, Darling,”
JJ whispered against Lord D's lips. Lord D nodded moving his hips in
slow circles raising up then sliding deliciously back down. Lord D's
moans intensified as he moved on JJ his frenzy bringing him closer
and closer as JJ pressed against his spot on each thrust.

“Jemi-Chan,”
Lord D panted as he swelled. “Touch me,” Lord D took JJ's
hand curling his fingers around his member. JJ began to slide his
hand over the engorged member as he felt himself lose control. JJ
began to raise his hips pumping into Lord D. He could feel Lord D
tighten around him. The contractions of Lord D's release took JJ to
completion. JJ brought his hand to his lips licking his fingers
clean. Swallowing he pressed a kiss to Lord D's lips. Lord D smiled
as he tasted himself in JJ's mouth. Easing from Lord D's body he took
a soft cloth to clean them both. Lord D was asleep before he was
dried. JJ smiled falling fast asleep beside him.

Break

Jeremy
knew that look. Berkeley held the telephone book open but was not
looking at the pages of restaurants that delivered. Deep blue eyes
seemed to pierce through the thin jacket and shirt Jeremy wore. He
could feel his nipples harden in excitement. From a look? Jeremy
blushed as Berkeley sat the ignored book aside. He stood from his
chair towering over Jeremy. Jeremy brought his eyes up to see
Berkeley undoing his belt. Jeremy sighed opening his mouth to admit
the long, thick member that he could feel swelling even more as it
passed between his lips. Jeremy gagged as he always did, still not
used to performing the intimate act even after all their time
together. “Just try to relax around me,” Berkeley coached
as Jeremy suckled.

Jeremy
bobbed his head, bring a hand up to stroke as he paid close attention
to the head. Licking along the sides he grinned as Berkeley gasped
pulling away from his eager, if untrained, mouth. “Too much?”
Jeremy asked licking his lips clean of the pre-cum that glistened
there.

“Drop
your pants and bend that sexy ass over the desk.” Jeremy
blushed doing as Berkeley commanded. Berkeley sat in his chair
caressing Jeremy's thighs, he used his thumbs to part the creamy
cheeks before he licked his lips and dove in. Jeremy bit his lips
hard to keep from uttering a cry that would carry beyond the office
door. Berkeley licked beyond the portal to the trembling flesh
beneath. He moved further down pulling Jeremy's member gently through
his spread legs. Berkeley inserted a finger into Jeremy causing the
smaller man to whimper as his legs began to shake. “That's
right,” Berkeley purred nuzzling the flesh as he inserted
another finger and another in quick succession.

Jeremy
heard the sound of Berkeley opening a drawer in his desk and knew
Berkeley was searching for lubrication. Jeremy blushed as he thought
of the many times they had been in the office lamenting the fact that
there was no lube. Berkeley had begun keeping a stash in his desk.
Gently, Berkeley lubed Jeremy and began to enter him slowly. “Ah,”
Jeremy cried before covering his mouth with a hand to keep as silent
as possible. Berkeley grasped Jeremy's hips thrusting deep enjoying
the exquisite torture of being so close, yet holding back. “Berk...
Wanna come...” Jeremy whined when it seemed Berkeley would keep
him on edge. Berkeley reached down squeezing tight. Jeremy sighed
knowing Berkeley would have his way and he would not come until
Berkeley was ready.

“Almost
there, love,” Berkeley promised increasing his speed. Jeremy
knew Berkeley was close from the feel of his continued swelling
inside of him. Berkeley began to pump his hand as he felt his own end
near. “Ok, Baby, come.” Berkeley demanded slamming hard
against Jeremy. “Come,” Berkeley demanded again pounding
him into the desk. “Come.” On the third command Jeremy
emitted a strangled cry and shot over the fine, polished wood. He
knew Berkeley could feel his contractions and he was pushed over the
edge again as Berkeley released deep inside of him. Berkeley pulled
out and sat in his chair keeping Jeremy in his arms.

Jeremy
sighed feeling Berkeley spill out of his body and onto Berkeley's
exposed thighs. “We'd better clean up.” Jeremy said he
moved to retrieve a tissue but Berkeley pulled him back kissing him.
Jeremy sighed allowing Berkeley's tongue to claim his mouth. “I
love you.”

“You
know I do,” Berkeley smirked opening another drawer to show
moist wipes. Jeremy smiled and enjoyed having his lover tend to him.

Break

“I
say we visit the boy,” Ryo said sitting down his coffee mug.
“Somewhere in his mad ravings might be the truth.” Ryo
turned a few more pages in the old files. “It looks like the
detectives who handled the case could not get much, but I would like
to try.”

“If
anyone can get him to talk, it's you.” Dee murmured looking up
from his own disturbing file. “Our cases were easier when they
involved one of Count D's weird animals. All we had to do was produce
a contract.”

“Would
you like for our cases to be easy?” Ryo asked as he closed the
file after adding his own notes.

“I
would be bored within a day.” Dee mused as he showed Ryo his
work. “This guy here, he has dark hair under his nails, he is a
blond, so I am going to go through all who know him and look for this
shade of hair.”

“Also
look at the other corpses to see if they have similar findings.”
Ryo said thinking back over a previous case. “Our criminal is
either not as smart as he believes or he was in a hurry and thus
careless. We need to find out which scenario is the truth and why.”
Dee looked up at Ryo a smile on his face. It felt good to be back.

Break

Jeremy
shifted his hips as he entered JJ's office. “Hi,”JJ
looked up from his work to see his cousin leaning against the door
way.

“Hey,”
Jeremy stepped forward trying to straiten his walk and failing
miserably. He sat in the chair by JJ's desk with a pleased sigh.

“Now
that you have had lunch with Berkeley, want something to eat?”
JJ offered Jeremy a wrapped sub he had on his desk.

“I'm
starving,” Jeremy tore into the package ignoring JJ's laughter.

“You
could at least feed him,” Jeremy paused at JJ's odd words. He
turned to see Berkeley standing behind him. Berkeley reached over
stealing a piece of ham from the sandwich.

Berkeley
chewed slowly ignoring JJ and Jill. “Where is Orcot? He left a
note on my office door saying he had something I needed to see.”

“I
think he went home for lunch,” Jill said not looking up from
her computer.

“Great,”
Berkeley frowned clenching his fingers around the note he still held.
“Of all the times for him to be getting a blow job.” JJ
laughed causing Berkeley and Jeremy to look at each other oddly.
Berkeley went back to his office and Jeremy went back to his sandwich
after giving his cousin one last long look.

Break

Count
D heard the chime over his door. The normal smirk frozen in place
melted away to a genuine smile as he saw Leon entering the office a
brown and pink bag in tow. Count D would recognize that bakery's logo
anywhere. “Oh Leon,” Count D breathed edging closer to
the bag.

“No,
not yet,” Leon held him off taking the bag and backing down the
hall. Count D licked his lips and panted following Leon to their
bedroom. “Where is Jewel?” Leon asked holding on to his
sense of responsibility. Count D sobered from his chocolate lust. He
motioned for Leon to follow him. They went to the Honlon's garden to
find all three heads dozing. Aoi lay with her small fingers curled
around the fur of T-Chan.

“Chris
went to the mall with Rain, Bikky, Carol, Catherine and a couple
other kids. I couldn't just leave her.” T-Chan grumbled. Leon
watched the ferocious beast gently grasp his daughter by the scruff
of her neck. Aoi did not awaken as the razor sharp, flesh rending
canines pulled her closer to his furry bulk. She snuggled the beast
emitting a tiny sigh. Count D smiled as a large paw wrapped around
her tiny frame. “Go on, before you wake her.” T-Chan
ordered hiding his embarrassment as he shooed them from the garden.
With a wicked grin, Leon pulled Count D back to their bedroom.

“Now
where were we?” Leon muttered nuzzling Count D's creamy neck.
He slide his tongue around the shell of a delicate ear enjoying the
shiver that displayed Count D's arousal. “I am going to devour
you.” Leon promised undoing the buttons that hid Count D's skin
from view.

“Is
that a promise?” Count D stepped away from the silk pooling at
his dainty feet. Leon reached around to land a sharp spank to Count
D's bottom. “Oooh,” Count D panted crawling onto the bed.
He remained on his hands and knees presenting Leon with a perfect
angle and view.

“Say
when,” Leon commanded before his brought his hand down. Count D
gasped feeling his erection throb almost painfully and Leon
disciplined his aching backside. Leon spanked again taking a moment
to run his hands over the bright red globes of D's perfectly shaped
bottom. “I can't take anymore.” Leon said before D could
call a halt to his activities. “ You are so sexy.” Leon
was quick to spread lubrication on himself using his fingers to
loosen and oil D. “Are you ready?”

“Yes,”
Count D spread his legs balancing on his elbows offering more of
himself for Leon's deep thrusting. Leon leaned over kissing each
round, pink cheek before siding his tongue along the seam. He never
bought flavored lube, D tasted good all on his own. “Leon,
Shiite,” D whimpered hitching his backside up for further
licking. Leon smiled knowing that word all too well. Taking himself
in hand Leon pressed against D's opening entering him in one smooth
thrust. “Oh... Leon, yes.” D moved his hips in
appreciation of Leon's deep penetration. “Yes,” He began
to moan as Leon placed his large hands on D's small waist and moved
him. “Leon, I'm almost there.” Count D groaned at the
feel of Leon pressing against his pleasure spot.

“Not
yet,” Leon begged as he released inside of D. Pulling out D
flopped over onto his back. He knew what Leon wanted. D spread his
legs for Leon to lay between them. Leon wasted no time as he began to
suck D deep into his mouth. He used his fingers to penetrate D
stroking in and out as licked pushing D closer to the edge. “Give
it to me,” Leon urged pushing his fingers in deep. Count D
gasped and did just that coming into Leon's mouth. Leon gulped the
sweet essence reveling in the taste of D. D lay sprawled on the bed
as Leon crawled over to hold him in his arm. “Sorry, baby, but
I need to get a shower and get back to work.”

“I
know,” Count D said pulling a sheet over his body as he watched
Leon walk nude to their bathroom.

“We'll
finish this later.” Leon promised as D stretched out glorious
under the bright afternoon sunlight.

Count
D smirked hearing the shower start. “I know.”

Whipped
Crème 14

Honest
Delusions

Julie
tried not to mind the flock of girls that followed them around the
mall. Carol seemed to be handling it well. She would not turn into a
jealous shrew. It was just that... “Why do they have to touch
him?” Julie gasped realizing that she had spoken aloud. She saw
Carol look up from her perusing of a new dress. “It doesn't
bother you when other girls hit on Bikky?”

“We
made a promise to each other a long time ago.” Carol answered
setting the dress aside. “This would look better on you with
your darker coloring.” Carol took the pale pink dress away from
Julie replacing it with a deeper colored purple. “You know, the
royal color of High Princess Andromache and High Prince Daphnus is
purple.”

“Really?”
Julie mused thinking back over all she had learned about the royale.
“But isn't she married to High Prince Nestoir? Then her color
should match his, he is...”

“Deep
blue,” Rain supplied coming over with a bag full of more cargo
pants. “Do you like that dress?”

“It
is cute, but I could never afford it.” Julie thought
disdainfully of her meager allowance.

“Consider
it a gift.” Rain took the dress to pay for it along with
several overlarge shirts. “Ex-Ta-C has a concert in three
weeks. I will try to get you guys tickets.” Rain looked over
his shoulder a smile on his face making Julie's heart flutter. Her
brother rolled his eyes as his sister sighed. Chris was laughing with
Catherine showing Carol the bejeweled collar that she had purchased
for Blanca.

“Hey!”
Rain looked up as they left the store heading to the large food
court. Erick ambled forward with Terry in tow. “What's up
guys?” Erick tried to keep his words light and friendly, but it
bothered him to see Julie hanging onto Rain's arm.

“Just
getting a snack then heading over to the arcade for a while.”
Bikky answered as Rain was busy tugging a note pad from one of his
pockets. “Summer touring is going to be tough,” Bikky
said to Rain looking over his shoulder at the pad as they sat in a
booth. “Ryo and Dee said I was to go with you.” Rain's
face brightened at the knowledge. “Now let's eat so we can go
kick major butt at the arcade.” Rain grinned ordering a large
meal as always.

Break

Ryo
sat in his chair staring at the limp hair of the wild eyed teen. “You
don't know. But I know... I know... I saw... I know, but you don't
know that I know what I know.”

“What
do you know?” Ryo asked gentling his voice he leaned forward.
“You can tell me.”

“No,
no...” The boy rocked back and forth. “No, no, no, no, I
know, but you don't.” The boy laughed causing Ryo to gulp never
before having come across such blatant madness. Though his hospital
garments were neat and pressed they were sloppy on his frame. He was
a tall boy nearing eighteen. He looked like an older version of Lance
and a younger version of their father.

“Why
did you try to kill your brother?” Ryo asked hoping a change in
subject would refocus Matthew.

“Better
dead than know... better dead.” Matthew nodded his head his
eyes narrowing on Ryo. “I will get him and he will be happy.
Then I will join him.”

“Tell
me what happened.” Ryo looked at the notes. From the evidence,
the boy had been raped repeatedly then left unconscious behind the
school.

“Happened,”
Matthew nodded his head gripping his knees. His laughter rang out
strident in the enclosed walls. Several nurses ran into the room with
needles to sedate the boy prone to violent outbursts. “Happened...”
His laughter continued and Ryo got to his feet not wanting to see the
young man restrained and sedated. As his laughter died Ryo walked
down the hall knowing he would be getting no more information from
him today.

Dee
waited for Ryo in the waiting room a grim look on his face. “I
was reading through the files that the other detectives left.”
Dee said as Ryo sat beside him his jacket hung over his knee. The
double gun holsters at his sides belied the gentleness of his
appearance. “He was an A+ student and athlete, model child,
well behaved, stayed out of trouble... something more is going on
here, something that snapped a brilliant mind.”

“In
his madness is truth, we just have to decipher it.” Ryo mused
going over his own notes. “He knows something... I think it is
about his attacker.” Ryo got to his feet. “Come on, we
get out at six tonight. Just enough time for me to finish a late
dinner.” Dee understood Ryo's need to spend as much time
together as a family even as he understood that cooking gave Ryo's
mind time to pick through whatever was bothering him.

Break

Chris
looked into the nursery to see Count D and Leon both near Aoi's crib.
Count D sang a mandarin lullaby as Leon rubbed the small back. “Good
night guys,” He whispered. They looked up and Leon winked at
his brother vowing to visit him when he left his daughter's room.
Count D smiled waving Chris off . Leon found Chris sitting on his bed
looking over a new book he had gotten at the mall. “This says
that a Kirin came down and spoke to an ancient emperor and gave the
Chinese people written language.” Leon looked over at the
pictures in the book of fantastic beasts that Chris held.

“Looking
at the squiggly little lines of that stuff, I would have to agree...
It had to come from some magical force.” Leon laughed
remembering the many times he had seen notes from Lord or Sofu D to
Count D. “Why don't you ask Kaylin the next time you see her?”
Leon said moving so that Chris could get into bed. “Don't stay
up too late.”

“Most
of the creatures in this book, I have met either in this shop, or on
Arcadia.” Chris said causing Leon to laugh as he headed off to
find his own bed.

“Night
bro,” Leon shut the door softly behind him leaving Chris with
his book.

Break

“Have
you talked with Laton?” Ryo looked up at the question startled.
He nearly shoved his laptop to the floor from where it rested on his
long, strong legs. Dee paused to appreciate the pale, beautiful limbs
where they peeked at him from the boxers Ryo wore preparing to go to
bed. “I thought we agreed not to bring work in here.” Dee
frowned noting the files open on the machine and indicated their
bedroom.

“I
know,” Ryo saved his files shutting the computer down. “I
am sorry.” When it was safe, Ryo dutifully closed his machine.
He put it away in it's case before crawling on all fours to the edge
of the bed where he got to his knees. He was nearly eye level with
Dee where he stood at the edge of the bed. “Can you forgive
me?” Ryo brought his hands up to slide his fingers just
underneath the band of Dee's shorts caressing his skin.

Dee
grinned, a repentant Ryo was always fun. “I think I can,”
Dee leaned forward sucking Ryo's succulent bottom lip into his mouth.
“Tell me what your grandfather said about us renewing our vows
on Arcadia.”

“He
said something about the king making him see...” Ryo panted as
Dee's fingers reached around to squeeze his firm bottom. “Then
he said the Obsidian Palace would be glad to have us... Dee,”
Ryo squirmed holding tight to Dee as he was tumbled back onto their
bed.

“Shh,
baby I know,” Dee muttered allowing his tongue to singe Ryo's
nipples. “So tasty,” Dee smiled when he heard the sharp
intake of breath Ryo sucked in.

“No
Dee... You... I want... “Ryo gave up trying to speak and shoved
Dee away from his body. He sat up pulling Dee's shorts down. Taking
his lover gently in hand he began to suck. This taste hitting the
back of his throat was painfully arousing.

“Ooooh
Ryo,” Dee caressed the small hairs at the back of Ryo's nape
before he began a shallow thrusting in his mouth. Ryo brought his
hands up to squeeze the muscled globes of Dee's backside kneading the
flesh as he bobbed his head. “Baby, baby,” Dee pulled out
pushing Ryo onto his back breathing as if he had run a mile he
fumbled around for the tube of Lubrication. Ryo relaxed his body as
Dee's fingers found his intimate regions and pushed in. “So
tight, my Ryo, always so tight.”

“I
fit you Dee, only you.” Ryo sighed his cheeks darkening in the
lamp light as he spread his legs wider to give Dee more access.
“Dee,” Ryo purred opening his arms for Dee to crawl on
top of him. Dee smiled as he conquered his blushing angel.

Break

Randolph
held tighter, not wanting to end before they did. It was always more
meaningful when they did it together. Randolph frowned to realize
that he was so horny. The past few nights someone had been in the
backyard, so he could not get to the tree. He had tried waiting and
trailing the person, but he always lost them. Who the hell would dare
to stalk cops? Ryo threw his head back gripping the sheets his cries
carried faintly beyond the window and Randolph gasped giving up the
battle to restrain himself. How can one man be so beautiful? Randolph
thought as he wiped his hands on his jeans. One day Ryo would be his.

Break

Long
incisors glowed in the deep darkness of the surrounding night as a
predatory smile wreathed the doll-like face. Yards of silken brown
hair fell around the unseen figure in pristine white as topaz eyes
scanned the figure. She stood too far away to see his features but
his scent came loud and clear. She looked over to her companion. “I
knew that if we left for the night, he would come. It is like a drug
his fascination with your grandson.” Laton nodded as Heaven
again looked up to see the figure climbing from the tree. He stood at
he bottom watching as the lights went out before he shuffled on his
way home his pants stiff as the wetness cooled in the gentle night
breeze. Laton wrinkled his nose at the scent of the cooling human
essence.

“I
will end him.” Laton vowed following him through the yard on
silent wings. “I will end him very soon.”

Break

“It
must be someone who knows them.” Leon said to Ryo as he pored
over the Mereen files. “Because they had to know that Mr.
Mereen was home sick that day.”

“What
about the parent driver?” Dee asked pulling another file and
going over it. “Mr...Mr. Lester.” Dee found the name.
“No, looks like he has a solid alibi and was ninety at the
time. Not a parent driver, a grandparent driver.” Dee tried to
infuse some levity in the grim findings. “More like great
grandparent.” Ryo rewarded him with a small smile. “No
hand prints, no blood, no semen,” Dee folded his arms across
his chest. “This sucks.”

Closing
the file, Dee pulled another. “Looks like our 'Ripper' is
taking a break. He hasn't murdered anyone in a while.” Jill
said sighing hoping to solve the case before someone else was
murdered.

“Looking
at the files, I think we may have already locked them away.” JJ
said showing the other detectives his findings. “See this
symbol, it is the same one found on the cases involving 'The Cause'.”
JJ showed them the mutilate crucifix. “It kind of seems like
their moral BS to kill prostitutes.” JJ showed then the crime
photos he had been poring over. “This hair matches the good
doctors.” JJ affirmed. “I got it back from the lab today.
Apparently this guy was killed a while ago, it just took some time to
find the corpse. I'll bet that the guy was a male prostitute made it
that much more worse for them.”

“Son
of a...” Leon muttered looked around embarrassed to have looked
for Count D at the office. “Son of a bitch.”

“One
case closed,” Ryo got to his feet startled as Laton entered
their office. “There is a strange young woman that tells me I
can not be back here.” Ryo watched as his grandfather walked
around the office as if looking for something. He frowned, was his
grandfather sniffing around his office?”

“Did
you eat her?” Dee asked wondering what the ancient dragon was
doing.

“Young
man,” Laton paused in his sniffing to pierce Dee with a deep
gaze. “Do you know how long it has been since I have eaten
human... you don't taste as well as you think you do.”

“O...K...”
Dee watched as Laton turned about in the office.

“He's
been here before, but the scent is faint..”

“What
are you doing?” Ryo braved to ask before his grandfather could
leave the office.

“Heaven
and I tracked him here.” Laton looked around again. “The
one who watches you.” Laton slid his gaze over Ryo. “You
were intimate last night.”

Ryo
turned scarlet and began to stammer as he asked his grandfather what
he meant. “You know what he means,” Dee winked at his
lover finding his acute embarrassment adorable. “What I want to
know is who is watching us. That is creepy, and all kinds of gross.”

“I'll
find him,” Laton promised. “And when I do...” He
let the threat hang as he wandered out of the office.

“I
need more coffee. “Ryo dashed out going the opposite direction
of his grandfather. Ryo entered the break room more shaken than he
cared to admit. Whoever this person could be was persistent. He had
been there a while now, if his grandfather was to be believed. The
fact that the scent led here... Ryo poured his coffee frowning to
find it lukewarm he looked around, seeing no one he heated the pot in
his hands.

“Ryo,”
Ryo nearly dropped the pot as Randolph came into the break room a shy
smile on his face. “I mean MacLean.” Ryo looked over at
Randolph wondering what he could need. “I know this might be
hard to believe,” Randolph began. He had decided last night to
try to become friends with the beautiful detective. Then perhaps
something could grow from that. This animosity he forced to keep his
real feelings from emerging was gaining him nothing but unfulfilled
longing. Whoa, Randolph paused as he took in the dark blue top, white
pants and polished shoes Ryo wore. He was so beautiful with his hair
falling all over his face in a boyish flop. Those eyes, he understood
why Dee left the lights on sometimes when they made love. It must be
fantastic to watch those eyes cloud with passion.

“Did
you need something?” Ryo asked when the other detective did
nothing but stare at him.

“Um,
yeah,” Randolph sighed dropping into a chair glad the break
room was empty. “Can we talk?” Ryo sat with his coffee in
his hands. He realized it was bubbling slightly and cooled his hands
before he sat it on the table. Ryo noted the pensive expression that
Randolph wore and grew worried that the man would try to mock him or
his family again, or that he needed help with a case. “How did
you know... I mean... Damn.” Randolph had not known how
difficult it would be to speak about this. “How did you know
you were gay?”

“I
fell in love with a man.” Ryo answered with a smile as he
remembered his battles with his feelings. “I reached the point
where I was at the end of my emotional rope and the only one I wanted
was Dee. To hold me, to comfort me... To have me. So I went to him
and have been there since.”

“I
thought he chased you.” Randolph was confused had he got his
rumors incorrect?

“And
caught... Where is this coming from?” Ryo asked his voice kind
as he peered at Randolph.

“Do
you, I mean, is there a man that you desire?”

“Desire
is putting it mildly.” Randolph said feeling tears threaten as
he spoke of his love with his love and was unable to tell him so.

“Hey...
Whoa, it's ok.” Ryo handed Randolph a handkerchief never
dreaming to see the man so emotional in front anyone, least of all
himself.

“I
am sorry I have been such an ass to you guys, I just... Never thought
I would be caught in the same net.” Randolph sniffled, “How
do you deal?”

“With?”
Ryo asked still in shock to see the other man so distraught.

“Being
gay, I mean, you guys kick ass in the field, you raise kids, you...”
Randolph floundered when he saw Ryo's expression go from being amused
to annoyed.

“So
being gay makes us less than human, we can't do our jobs and have a
family?” Ryo demanded afraid that this was going to turn into
another session of Randolph's derogatory commentary on his lifestyle.

“No,
no that's not what I meant.” Randolph was quick to reassure Ryo
of his feelings. “I just feel so out of it. I don't know what
to do.”

Ryo's
face relaxed into a smile. “Have you thought about telling him
you love him?” Ryo asked out of his element with Randoph.

“I
can't,” Randolph got p to get his own coffee unwilling to look
at Ryo while his heart bled so painfully.

“Is
he strait?” Ryo asked confused when Randolph shook his head.

“He
is involved, in a long time relationship too.” Randolph
clenched his fists. “But I know I can love him better.”

“How
do you presume to know what someone else wants, or needs?”
Ryo's words caused a pain to pierce through Randolph. “If he is
with someone and it is long term, then I would say he is being loved
as he wants to be. Perhaps you should accept that he is happy with
someone else and look elsewhere. All this can cause you is pain.”
Ryo got to his feet to refill his coffee cup. He was sad that he
could not help Randolph more, but he knew that to give him false hope
would later, make the situation only worse.

“I...
I can't” Randolph saw Ryo heading to the door. “I can't
accept that!” Randolph shoved Ryo hard into a wall causing the
mug to drop and shatter. Ryo gasped as Randolph pressed his lips to
his. “Just let me try, I can be gentle.” Ryo shoved
Randolph hard.

Ryo
was gripping Randolph's arms breathing shallow as he stared at the
wild eyed detective. “Ryo!” Dee entered the break room
with Laton at his side. The dragon king had searched him out when he
identified the scent coming from an office close by. The office was
Randolph's. “What the hell?” Dee barked when Randolph
stumbled away from Ryo. Every hair on Dee's body stood on end as he
heard a feral hiss at his ear. He turned to see Heaven standing as if
she had been there all along.

“Seal
this room,” Laton ordered taking a step towards Randolph Heaven
at his side.

“O-Ji-Ue,”
Ryo snapped out of his shock feeling Dee take him in his arms. “No,
let the law deal with this.” Laton turned on Ryo his gaze
intense as he looked deep into Ryo's dark eyes so like his own.

Laton
nodded leaving the office a tomb of silence in his wake. Heaven
frowned before she too left as silent as she had come.

“Randolph,”
Dee pulled Ryo closer to his body and sighed as he felt the slighter
man tremble. “You are under arrest.”

Whipped
Crème 15

The
Other Side: Part 1

Randolph
backed away from Dee. “You can't prove anything... You can't.”
He blubbered looking wildly about at the other detectives in the
room.

“If
we can get your DNA from our backyard...” Ryo paused feeling
nausea threaten he inhaled deeply. “And just now... Assault,
sexual assault. You kissed me.” Ryo frowned wiping the back of
his hand across his lips.

Randolph
could see his dreams of holding Ryo in his arms being driven away by
the cold, stark anger on Dee's face. “I'm in love with you!”
He shouted causing more detectives to enter the break room with the
chief and Berkeley. Berkeley stood with his eyes wide. He took off
his glasses, cleaned and replaced them. “You should be thanking
me for my restraint,” Randolph glared at Dee. “Plenty of
times I have dreamed of killing you so that he would be mine. Every
time your lips touched his, every time your hands grazed his hips, or
you licked him... You like sticking your tongue in my places. They
are mine, he is mine.” Randolph reached out a hand to Ryo only
to be shoved back by a strength that shocked him. Because Ryo was
beautiful somewhere along the way, Randolph had ceased to think of
him as a man.

“I
am my own person, I belong to no one.” Ryo's vehemence further
cemented Berkeley's admiration of the quiet detective. “Dee and
I share love... you have intruded upon a beautiful union of...”
Ryo paused feeling tears threaten he firmed his bottom lip. “You
disgust me.”

Those
words caused an anguish so deep to sear Randolph that he knew his
heart was breaking for he could feel each piece crack and slip to the
floor. “How could you say that?” Randolph asked, his
voice small as Berkeley locked him in cuffs. “I love you so
much. How could you say that?” Randolph resisted the pull of
the larger commissioner's hold. “I only want to love you, to
taste you, to...” Randolph backed up against Berkeley's frame
as Dee lunged forward.

“You
were right,” Dee vowed. “The only way you could ever get
your hands on him is to kill me. And even then, I am sure there would
be negotiations.” Ryo was shaken to his core to hear such words
from Dee.

Berkeley
stepped in front of Randolph as Dee approached him. “If you
strike him while in custody, I will have to arrest you too.”

“I'm
not going to hit him.” Dee promised going around Berkeley to
get to Randolph. Dee pulled the man to him sealing their lips.
Randolph gasped as Dee's tongue foraged in his mouth stealing the
strength from his knees. Dee pulled away leaving Randolph limp
against Berkeley his shame pointing for all to see. With his
handcuffs on he could not even bring his hands around to hide it.

“Dee?”
Ryo spoke softly his face pale as he watched his lover deep throat
kiss another man.

“Did
you like that?” Dee asked Randolph. He continued, not waiting
for him to answer. “I'm glad, you see... That is the only taste
of Ryo's ass you'll ever get. Don't worry, it's fresh, I just ate him
this morning.” Dee licked his lips. “Ummm tasty. I have
to go brush my teeth.” Dee shoved out of the break room. “You
disgust me.” He repeated Ryo's sentiments grabbing Ryo's arm he
pulled the smaller man from the room with him. Randolph stared as Ryo
went with out seeming thought or protest.

Break

Hughes
smiled as he saw Randolph being led away. It seemed that Laytner and
MacLean could not help making enemies. This, he thought, could be
used to his advantage. He did not know how, but he knew, he would use
any means necessary to make them drop the charges. His son would be
home in time for graduation, or they would pay. They would all pay!

Break

Chris
could not remember having so much fun. Rain accepted all challengers,
he stared amazed that the machine was not smoking so great was the
skill being displayed. He watched as Rain took down car, after car,
after car. The other boys and men would all shout, or swear as the
pint sized teen demolished their best maneuvers. “Why I ought
to...” A man bellowed glaring at the beautiful boy. Bikky
stepped beside his brother his intense blue gaze halting the man's
movement. “You ain't worth it.” The man sneered leaving
the Arcade. Chris heaved a sigh of relief as the man left.

“Maybe
we should go,” Julie said looking around at the crowd of
onlookers.

“One
more game,” Bikky laughed clapping Rain on the back. He noted
Erick staring and sent him a warning glare. Erick met his eyes, his
emotional defeat plain for the other boy to read. Terry frowned at
his brother. Why couldn't he just give up on Rain? For the first time
in his life he wanted to walk away from his brother. Terry glowered
at Rain for being the cause of the division. Rain was busy learning
the basics of a fighting game. Before long he was keeping up and
defeating Bikky. As the kids left the mall they were unaware of the
adult male watching them a frown on his face. Hughes looked Rain
over. He was laughing at Bikky's frown for he had beaten the older
boy. His loose hair flowed around his shoulders, just gracing his
back. Bright green eyes danced with merriment his happy features
caused Hughes to look again to make sure that the child was male.
That boy did not look traumatized... Not yet anyway.

Break

Dee
watched as Ryo entered the shower. Several officers had seen them
enter and left them alone. It had never bothered Dee before how the
showers would vacate whenever he or Ryo would enter, but today it
grated on his nerves. All the homophobia in the world hadn't stopped
Randolph from looking at his Ryo with desperate lust. Ryo paced in
the shower allowing the steaming water to pour over his lithe, pale,
beautiful body. Dee wanted so badly he could barely see straight. Ha,
Dee thought, he hadn't seen straight in years. “Baby,”
Dee stepped into the shower with Ryo.

“Un
unh Dee.” Ryo stepped away from Dee's strong arms. He had
admitted to personal feelings to Randolph, thinking he was helping
the other man in his dilemma. He had not taken his grandfather
serious when the ancient dragon had claimed they had a stalker.

“I
just want to hold you.” Dee was adamant wrapping his arms
securely around Ryo. Ryo gave up leaning back against his lover. “No
one will come in.”

“No
one ever does, it is the same with Leon and JJ.” Ryo's voice
was muffled as he turned in Dee's arms shoving his face in the groove
of Dee's neck.

“Like
we'd want to look at their pasty, out of shape asses.” Dee
whispered into Ryo's hair. His scent traveled to Dee making his
senses fuzzy. “Seems like I have more to be concerned about
with them staring at you.” Ryo said nothing he held tight to
Dee feeling the hot water relax his body. “Come on, let's clock
out for the day.”

“No,”
Ryo straitened his spine. “I have an appointment with Matthew
Mereen today remember, you're coming too.”

“Ever
the good cop.” Dee smiled indulgently at his beautiful Ryo. He
grabbed the soap thinking over the case they both washed quickly
leaving the stalls. The locker room was eerie in the silence as they
dressed both too lost in their own thoughts to make any conversation.

Break

“You
came back.” Ryo paused as the young man addressed him sounding
almost logical. “I like your face.” Ryo smiled his thanks
sitting in the room's only chair. Matthew sat on the bed his clothing
seeming to hold on to his frame by the will of God. “Five I
counted.” Matthew held up his hand displaying all five of his
fingers. “Five I see you.”

“Yes,”
Ryo said in a kind voice he often used when speaking to Lyo. “I
have been here five times.” Ryo sat forward in his chair.
Matthew stared into the eyes so dark they appeared black. “I
need you to tell me what you know about who hurt you.”

“Ha...Ha...Ha!”
Matthew laughed his face contorted into a wild rage. “What I
know... I know about bicycles. Condoms and gloves hide what Bicycles
know I know. Hurts... It hurts... But gloves show skin, skin show
bicycles, condoms hide skin, pain still there.” Matthew stood
on the bed his fist clenched at his sides his entire body was strung
taut as he began to yell. “Pain still there! Because I know, I
know, I know, but you don't know. Have to protect them. I know, but
you don't know that I know what I know, but I know, I do.”
Matthew brought a trembling hand to his forehead tears falling from
his eyes. “I know.”

“Ok,”
Ryo stood as well reaching a hand to calm the deranged teen. “It's
ok.”

“It's
not ok!” Ryo snatched his hand back as the young man lurched
away. “Because I know... I saw.” Matthew whispered
hunching on his hands and knees he peered at Ryo through his cloud of
disheveled dark hair.

“What
did you see?” Ryo prompted glad that he had thought to have his
recorder in his pocket.

“I
saw bicycles.” Ryo sat back as the boy lay on his bed his eyes
closed he moaned. “Dark place then pain and bicycles.”
Ryo got to his feet logging all he had learned in his notebook and
turning off his recorder. “Will you come back six times?”
Ryo nodded knowing that even after he solved this case, he would care
for the well being of this young man.

“Dee,”
Ryo walked to the waiting room he sat beside his partner. “ We
know the boy was dumped behind the school, is there a bike rack back
there?”

“No,
look at the pictures of the scene.” Dee handed the file over.
Ryo perused the scene there was dumpsters and... Ryo paused.

“Dee,
the perp could have pulled him back far enough that he would not have
been found until trash pick up day. But he pulled him up so that he
would be seen by anyone passing by. He risked being seen dumping the
kid just to make sure that he was found. What kind of rapist does
that?”

“One
that cares for the kid's safety.” Dee said looking again at the
photos of the unconscious boy in the alley.

“Someone
who cares.” Ryo mused thinking back over all he had heard the
young man say. “Let's get back to HQ, we should get all of our
minds working on this one.”

“Only
you would work so hard to solve an unsolved case.” Dee stood to
his feet tossing his light jacket over his holsters.

“It's
only unsolved until I solve it.” Ryo promised smiling into the
bright afternoon sunshine.

Break

“No!”
Ryo and Dee halted mid step as they entered the police department to
hear the chief shouting. “You heard me, tell them I said no!”

“They
have clearance from the Central Investigation Agency which they all
hold badges from, and they have clearance from me,” Berkeley
shouted just as loud. “We are on good terms with Arcadia and
should endeavor to remain that way.”

“We
are American, we do not kow-tow to some picayune kingdom in west
dumb-fuck... Where the hell is Arcadia anyway? You all did this on
purpose,” The chief turned on Ryo and Dee. “You and those
others like you. You all planned this.”

“I
don't know what you are talking about.” Dee frowned as he tried
to keep his voice from raising in front of Ryo. Ryo was always trying
to get him to respect his superiors. Dee hesitated to take the paper
that the chief shoved at him.

“You
telling me that you all did not plan this?” The chief barked.

“That
is the second time you have referred to us as 'you all' and what did
you mean by 'like us'? Surely you are inferring that we are all
knights of the Arcadian realm, as well enlisted in their American
faction of their military and the CIA Link up with them. Not to
mention that I am a royal prince. You are not at all talking about
our sexuality in relations to our plotting some devious way to leave
town for what... a romantic tryst or two?”

The
chief knew he was treading on slippery ground here with the dark eyed
detective. “I said nothing of the sort. I am just tired of
losing my detectives for weeks at a time. These Arcadians are very
demanding.”

“It
is to my understanding that royalty is.” Ryo smiled now making
the chief catch his breath to see such a beautiful expression. “What
do they want this time?” Ryo asked Dee who handed him the
paper. “Three weeks huh,” Ryo looked at Berkeley. “They
want us to detail a guard for their tour... Great,” Ryo sounded
less than enthusiastic.

“Don't
give me that, you are going on a world tour with a famous band...”
The chief blustered.

“Yeah...
bunch of screaming fans,” Ryo frowned.

“The
odd stalker or two,” Dee mused, “complete with death
threats.”

“Not
to mention the horny bastards that are always after the girls... And
the boys.” Ryo glowered as he thought of his beautiful son
joining in on the tour.

“One
big party eh' babe.” Dee handed the summons to Ryo. “We
leave in three weeks.” The chief glared at all in the room
before he stormed back into his office. Dee and Ryo found Leon, JJ
and Jill in their office going over paperwork to file for Randolph.
“Hey guys.” Dee muttered sitting at his desk while Ryo
went to get them coffee. Ryo returned to his desk handing Dee a hot
cup.

“We
got lunch,” Leon said tossing two sandwiches to Dee and a cold
cut sub to Ryo. Ryo smiled glad that the other detectives had known
what he would like to eat.

“Hmmm,”
Dee muttered when he realized the burger had grown cold. He could
microwave it, but it would get too hot. Then he would have to wait
for it to cool, after it cooled the bread would be hard and tough to
chew not to mention the burger itself would be rubbery. “Baby,
would you mind?” Dee held over the sandwiches in their aluminum
packaging. Ryo smiled before he looked around. Making sure they were
alone in the office, Ryo heated his hands. He handed back the smoking
packages. “Thanks...whoa!” Dee blew his hands sticking a
burned digit in his mouth.

“Oh..
too hot...” Ryo pulled Dee's finger from his mouth and stuck it
in his own. Dee's eyes clouded as he stared at Ryo deep throating his
finger.

“Get
a room,” JJ looked up stealing the Mereen file from Ryo. “Did
you guys see this picture here?” JJ pointed to the boy's
position.

“Yeah,”
Dee said. “He is placed in a way that will assure that he would
be found.”

“Not
that, look, his arms are placed to cradle his head and the blanket is
pulled up around him like protection.” JJ said making notes in
his pad.

“You
think this is a case of the perpetrator falling in love with his
victim? The boy was held all day and violated several times.”
Jill wondered aloud. She looked up a smile frozen on her face as Mr
and Mrs Mereen entered their office. “Civilians just can not
stay out of our back rooms.”

“We
were told you went by to visit Matthew. How? He will not tolerate any
male visitors. He screams bloody murder and has to be sedated even
when his own father visits him.” Mrs Mereen demanded looking at
Ryo with something akin to awe on her face. Mr. Meeren leaned on the
table his jacket lifted reveling the back of his wrist. Ryo frowned
when he saw the scar there.

“He
is a bit precarious, and twice I left early because he had to be
sedated, but...” Ryo began to speak, the scar on Mr Mereen's
wrist drawing his notice again as the man moved his arm to take a
chair being offered by Leon.

“How...
How close are you to solving this thing?” Mr Mereen asked. “Do
you have any suspects?”

“A
few,” Ryo said causing Dee and the others to frown at him for
saying something that was not true. “Mr Mereen, if you don't
mind my asking... where did you get that scar, I can not help but
notice it's shape...”

Dee
looked over the scar in question a frown on his face as he noted the
two wheel shapes and the seat in the middle. “That old thing?”
Mrs Mereen laughed glad to focus on something other than her deranged
son. “He has had it since he was a kid. 'Looks like the
culprit' he always says.” Mrs Mereen laughed her blond hair
falling around highlighting the young girl she once was mixed in with
the desperate mother and hopeful wife she now portrayed.

“Yeah,”
Mr Mereen added his own laugh slow to come. “When I was eight,
me and my brothers decided that it was a good idea to ride our bikes
off the porch. I broke this wrist, my brother had a broken arm, and I
have the bicycle shaped scar on my wrist to show for it.”

“Dear
God in heaven,” Ryo blanched getting to his feet and leaving
the office.

“Is
he squeamish?” Mr Mereen asked looking at the faded blemish on
his skin.

“He's
not squeamish, just a damn good detective.” Dee said looking
after his horrified lover. “You sick son of a bitch... He's
your son.”

“What
the hell are you talking about?” Mr Mereen demanded surging to
his feet his dark brown hair becoming damp with sweat as he stared
wildly about the room at the detectives. He carefully avoided his
wife's gaze.

Ryo
stormed into the office he slammed his recorder down onto the desk
hitting the play button he glowered at Mr Mereen. Mrs Mereen stared
aghast at her husband as she heard her son speaking on the tape.
“What I know... I know about bicycles. Condoms and gloves hide
what Bicycles know I know. Hurts... It hurts... But gloves show skin,
skin show bicycles, condoms hide skin, pain still there.”

“Stop
it!” Mr Mereen yelled. “Stop the tape!”

“Pain
still there! Because I know, I know, I know, but you don't know. Have
to protect them. I know, but you don't know that I know what I know,
but I know, I do. I know.”

“Ok,”
Ryo's calm voice was heard on the tape. “It's ok.”

“It's
not ok, because I know... I saw.” Matthew whispered.

“What
did you see?” Ryo prompted glad that he had thought to have his
recorder in his pocket.

“I
saw bicycles.” Ryo was quiet as Matthew moaned. “Dark
place then pain and bicycles.”

“No
wonder he went insane,” Jill said with disgust apparent in her
voice.

“Mr
Sydny Mereen you are under arrest for the kidnapping and rape of
Matthew Mereen... your son.” Ryo said pulling his cuffs from
his pocket he approached the astounded man. Mrs Mereen watched with
disbelief as her husband was cuffed. As he was led from the room, she
fainted into JJ's arms.

Whipped
Crème 16

The
Other Side Pt 2

Angel
watched as Andy wandered around his shop. Business had been good
lately. He'd had several regular customers that recommended the cafe
to friends while wearing his designs. It had been quite by accident
that Chihaya had begun to work there while Kagestuya worked with
Collins in the kitchen. Chihaya stared as well as one ensemble after
another was added to the counter and the pile of things the princess
wanted. “You know...” Andy paused a smile on her face as
she looked at him. “I think you should just come along as our
designer for the tour.”

“But
that's all summer!” Collins burst into the room a frown on his
face.

“I'll
think about it,” Angel promised despite Collins glare as the
high princess paid for her purchases. Several servants entered the
shop to carry the bags to her car. Angel looked after her as the men
then got onto their flagged motorcycles flanking her little sedan as
she sped down the road.

Break

Ryo
heaved a tired sigh as Jones, the Detective in charge of his case,
approached him with several files in hand. “We got a
confession, well I am not sure if you should see the tape, I mean,
you guys are fellow detectives but you are also the victims...”
Ryo smiled at the young man figuring that Berkeley had given him this
as his first case because it was pretty open and shut. Ryo remembered
his first case with a rueful smile. Blood spattered walls and a
bullet riddled drug runner. On the upside, he had gotten Bikky, or
had Bikky gotten him? Ryo reached out a hand for the recorded
session. Jones seemed relieved to hand his burden over. He followed
Ryo into a viewing room where Dee, Leon, JJ and Jill were already
sitting with coffee waiting.

“Hey,”
Jill said offering Jones a seat.

Jones
nodded, blushed, then said, “thank you, I mean yes, I mean...
Hi.”

“Graduated
the Police Academy at the top of his class...” Dee smirked
watching the red faced detective accept a cup of coffee from Ryo.
“Maybe he skipped the class on talking to pretty women.”
Ryo landed a soft blow to Dee's arm reminding him to be nice. Jones
watched the interplay with a smile. He had been told by his
classmates that this precinct would be more open to him and kinder
than the others had been. Jones had to admit to feeling a bit
apprehensive when he met the chief. The man had gone on for almost an
hour complaining about the “Fuckin' homo's” in 'his'
building. But they did their job and he would have to be at least
half as good to keep up.

The
chief had not needed to tell Jones to keep up. He had been following
Laytner and McLean since they arrived in LA. All of their cases were
high profile and they solved them so well. Orcot, and Resnick and
Jameson all... Jones looked around the vid room in awe of the caliber
of Detectives surrounding him. Jones mentally shook himself back into
the present as Dee started the tape. They all watched as Randolph
paced he small room. “I know the routine ok.” he had
barked at Jones enjoying a moment of mean glee at the hesitation the
younger man had displayed. “I don't want a drink, I don't want
a cigarette. I just want to get this over with.”

“Alright,
we are being recorded, but I am going to turn this on anyway.”
Jones had placed a recorder on the table.

“Whatever,
I watched them alright.” Randolph leaned over the recorder. “I
climbed the tree in the yard. I started, all I wanted was to find
some way to make them... I don't know man,” Randolph sighed and
leaned back in his chair. Dee tried to control his anger as Ryo
blushed and Randolph continued. “I wanted to find some dirt on
them. But while I was there, Ryo came out of the shower... he was all
wet and wearing a towel. Then Dee came and pulled him to the bed. I
did not know the sight of Ryo without his clothes would excite me,
but it did and before long I had to relieve myself...” Ryo
swallowed hard as he felt bile rise.

“So
is that the only time...” Jones began prompting Randolph when
the man seemed to slip back in time. “

“You
know it wasn't. It was like a drug. I would return over and over
again.” Randolph laughed half hating himself even as his heart
broke thinking that Ryo would never be in his arms. “It got so
bad I was staring at him even at work. I wanted Dee to just
disappear... You know they are renewing their vows...” Randolph
paused again looking off. “I watched them ok. Is that enough
for you or do you want more?”

“Do
you admit that you forced physical attentions on detective McLean?”
Jones asked dutiful in his note taking.

“Whatever,
man, yeah I kissed him. I tried to shove my tongue down his throat
but he pushed me away. I kind of groped his ass too, but it was
fleeting, he is stronger than he looks. We do still get drug test
here right? Might want to check him for steroids. I think I have
bruises.”

“Are
you going to file a complaint.” Jones felt obligated to ask.

Randolph
laughed again, a hollow sound that reflected his internal bitterness.
“I'm not crazy. Have you seen their lawyer. She is about five
foot nothing, blond and mean. She would eat me and any lawyer crazy
enough to go against her. Did you see what she did to that guy from
new York. I hear he was a friend of Laytner's. If she does that to
friends I would hate to see what she does to enemies. He is lucky to
still have his license.” Jones reached over and stopped the
tape. Dee stared at the blank television a frown on his face. He
reached a hand out to pull Ryo into the circle of his arms. He felt
the slight tremors that racked his body as he thought of the mad man
outside of their window watching their most intimate moments.

“He
also admitted to having tapes... He used police department
equipment... I sent a team to his apartment to search the place and
confiscate them... evidence... He made illegal, porn... of...
you...guys...” Jones trailed off as Ryo paled.

“Baby,”
Dee called him curling his fingers around as Ryo began to take slow
deep breaths thinking of he and Dee and all they had done with and
too each other. Their moments of love and.. Ryo breathed in deep
again. “Baby,” Dee called trying to calm his voice even
though he felt a violent rage envelop him as he thought of Randolph
outside their house in the night watching. Ryo breathed deeply again
thinking of all the times they had kissed... licked... loved...
“Oh... Ryo...Baby!” Dee pulled Ryo to his feet and held
him over a garbage as he purged his lunch. Ryo sagged against Dee
bringing a shaking hand to his eyes. Dee stroked Ryo's back amazed at
how vulnerable he was. It always amazed him that someone with such
quiet, determined strength could be so sensitive. His heart was the
most guarded part his personality and had taken Dee over a year to
crack through. But he knew that the heart was so guarded because it
was his most soft possession.

“I'd
feel about the same if some psycho was watching me and Little D.”
Leon said offering a cup of water to Ryo.

“He
taped us...” Ryo blinked gulping air as a dry heave shook his
frame, Dee could not help but think that the day had worn his Ryo
down. First the perverted father then being assaulted by a pervert in
love with him and finally to find out that he was the unknowing and
unwilling star in illegal porn. “Who does that?” He asked
not really expecting an answer.

“Randolph
did...” Jones supplied the answer surprised to see the man he
idolized so shaken. So it was true, they really were only human. With
human emotions and... Jones smiled to think that he could one day be
as good a detective as they were.

Leon
was the first to laugh. “Yeah Randolph did...” He laughed
again. Dee looked at him before a smile cracked his features. Jill
giggled and JJ began to laugh with them. Ryo looked around at his
friends before he rethought the situation and a small laugh escaped.
Dee kissed his cheek carefully avoiding his mouth. “Oh come
on...” Leon laughed poking Dee in the side. “You'll lick
his ass, but you won't kiss him with barf breath.”

“That's
gross Leon... What's wrong with you?” Dee looked offended as he
offered Ryo a breath mint. “His ass taste's better.”

Ryo
choked on the mint his eyes watered as he laughed. “You are
sick...”

“You
love me,” Dee shrugged and Ryo nodded even though it hadn't
been a question. “Let's go, we have to visit Matthew Mereen
today. You still need to brush your teeth.” Dee leaned over
when he saw the embarrassed frown on Ryo's face. “Try not to
think about it too much. We will just get through this.” Ryo
nodded firming his spine. Dee grinned, maybe they all needed this
trip around the world.