Fake Fan Fiction / Pet Shop Of Horrors Fan Fiction ❯ Powdered Sugre ❯ Powdered Sugar part 1 ( Chapter 1 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Powdered Sugre : Chapter 1

Turbulence

They thought they had won:Scrape: They thought they had him beat. :Pound: They thought that was the end. :Drag: This was just the beginning. : Shuffle, scrape, pound, drag: Just the beginning. With an inhalation, free air was sucked into lungs that were quick to freeze as a sentry walked by. No, he had come too far to be caught. Too far indeed. He would have him... before he spent any more time in prison, he would enjoy the sweetness of Ryo. Yes, he thought as he shoved away from the building his battered clothes blowing in the chilled night breeze. The sweetness would be his.

Break

"Stop it Dee," Ryo grumbled even as his face flushed betraying his words. "Dee," Ryo gasped when Dee's hand squeezed his bottom through the softness of his silk pants. "We are at work," The last word was expelled as Ryo forcefully shoved away from Dee. "What is wrong with you?"

"I am just trying to distract you," Dee said sitting down he dragged a hand over his stomach where Ryo had shoved him.

"Distract me from what?" Ryo asked as he sat down with his files open on his desk. He straitened his glasses and shoved his hair behind his ear.

"You are a bit on edge baby, I know today is the first day that Lyo was left at school without us and..." Dee paused when Ryo looked up and frowned at him. "You're still mad at me."

"I'm not mad," Ryo said sitting the file down when it began to smoke.

"You are a terrible liar." Dee came around and knelt by Ryo's chair. "Baby,"

"Don't 'Baby' me," Ryo said looking away from Dee. "You dragged me out of there like... And... he was..." Ryo sighed his own eyes watering as he thought of Lyo screaming bloody murder as his parents had left him in his class. For two weeks they had went with him for the early part of the day leaving just before nap-time to take him back to the Honlon for the day.

"We were only supposed to be there to help him become acquainted with the room. We have to work, we can not stay with him everyday, unless you want to give up your badge and become a full time house...spouse." Dee had to bite his tongue to stop the word 'wife' from leaving his lips.

"Why do I have to give up my badge?" Ryo asked offended that Dee had even suggested it.

"Because you are the one that is concerned," Dee said.

"I just don't see how leaving him screaming is good for him," Ryo said looking at Dee for the first time seeing that Dee was as upset as he was.

"He needs to be around children his own age, human children. He needs to be in an educational environment." Dee explained trailing an hand over the legs he was kneeling between. "In order to make him more comfortable they put him in Nicklaus' class because he knows him. Now...let's get to work, we have a homicide to solve."

Ryo and Dee both startled at the sound of someone clearing their throat in their open doorway. "If you are going to blow him... shut the door," Berkeley said with a laugh at Dee as he still lingered between Ryo's legs. "Before you do, mind briefing me on the Scanlan case?"

"Whatever..." Dee said getting to his feet. Ryo was just opening the file when the telephone on their desk rang.

"MaClean here," Ryo answered. "Yes Sergent, yes... you mean...oh... Okay, thank you." Ryo was silent after he hung up.

"Hey, baby?" Dee asked standing beside Berkeley he had a great view of the top of Ryo's head. Ryo looked up and the sun shining off of his honey colored hair shimmered making his pale skin seem to glow. "What's up?" Dee asked when he saw the troubled look in Ryo's dark eyes.

"Randolph... he escaped from prison." Ryo said he looked at the phone as if it would magically ring again and tell him that they had captured the deranged stalker. "That was the prison warden, he wanted to warn us, so that we could be prepared."

"You think he will come after you again?" Dee asked unconcerned. His faith in Ryo's ability asserting itself.

"Yes, but the best way to harm us, is not by harming us... he can't..." Ryo sighed his eyes lowering. "You or I could easily take him. I fear what he would do when he realizes this."

"Something underhanded, sneaky, dangerous," Berkeley said adjusting his spectacles. "You are unabashedly sexy, who knows what he would do to possess you?"

"I'm not that sexy," Ryo got to his feet to refill his coffee mug. Dee and Berkeley just stood watching him go.

Break

Leon looked up as Ryo walked into his office with a heavy sigh. "What's up, Ryo?" Leon asked as Ryo simply sat. "I am sure Lyo is fine." Leon said with a smirk. "Hey," Leon said when Ryo stared into his coffee mug without saying a word. "You really are freaking out!"

"Yes, well, Randolph has escaped from prison, and all signs indicate that he will attack us." Ryo explained. He would have said more but his cell phone disturbed him. "Yes," Leon wondered why Ryo panicked until he looked over and saw the number on the phone was from the daycare where Lyo was attending. - "Detective MaClean,"-

"Yes, this is me, is everything alright? How is Lyo?" Ryo said his voice rising as he spoke into the phone.

"Oh no, sorry to worry you," - Miss Joy said into the phone when she heard Ryo panicking. - "I just thought, it being nap time and all, that Lyo would settle down better if he heard your voice. He keeps saying Da-Ryo, and whimpering. Little Nicklaus has tried speaking to him, we put their cots next to each other, but... nothing helps."- Miss Joy was quiet for a moment then Ryo heard Lyo sobbing.

"Lyo," Ryo said softly into the phone. After a moment the sobbing stopped and Lyo called his name. "Sleep, little angel, close your eyes and sigh, sleep little angel know that I am nearby ." Leon paused and gasped as Ryo began to sing. "Kono, chi ni chikara o, no ni hana o, kokoro, ni ai o..." Ryo continued his song and Lyo sighed in the phone. When he was done singing Miss Joy's voice came back. - "He is already asleep."-

"Thank you for calling me. I hope he was not too much trouble." Ryo spoke a few more minutes with Lyo's teacher before he hung up. "We have time to interview a few suspects before we have to go pick him up." Ryo said to Leon as Dee came looking for him.

"That is one of X-Ta-C's isn't it?" Leon asked looking at Ryo. "You have a nice voice." Ryo blushed his eyes roaming the room for anything that would draw attention away from him.

"Hey sexy," Dee said standing in the doorway waiting for him. Ryo turned redder then got to his feet to follow Dee from the room.

Break

Count D lay with his head in Pon-Chan's lap as his garden surrounded him. Plants ad flowers clamored to get to his side, each one blooming their sweetest smell as they caressed his flawless skin. A rabbit waited a moment in between bites as she passed small cubes of sugar into his mouth. Aoi shifted where she had laid her small head on the round indent of D's tummy. With a great yawn she rolled down to his lap and snuggled in. "Count D," T-Chan said his claws gentle as they moved the small child to lay comfortably in the grass. "I am sorry about... I mean... that you can't..." T-Chan grumbled then a growl escaped as his eyes filled and fat drops of remorse fell onto his furry cheeks.

"Shhh," Count D said after he swallowed his sugar. "I am too busy being thankful that this life has been saved," Count D placed a hand on his tummy. "To worry about a life that never was." Count D sighed as a young man with ram horns hugged him tight. "You all did what you could... If I had thought about it, I could have defended myself better. Shh," Count D said when T-Chan continued to weep. "If I had trained better, more... at all," D sighed thinking that his chi-gong abilities would have come in handy had he thought to use them. "Come now, Chris will be home from school soon. Let us make a snack." Count D got to his feet with a bright smile on his face hiding the tears he wanted to shed. The honlon was silent as Shuki (MAKE SURE THAT IS HER REAL NAME) shed tears for what might have been.

Break

"Shh," Ryo paused placing a hand on Dee's arm as they peeked into Lyo's room. At first they worried that he would still be sobbing, or playing alone. Ryo gasped and smiled to see the small boy sitting with three other children, including Nicklaus playing with puzzles. Miss Joy sat with them helping the younger children place the pieces. The rest of the class roamed around in the different play centers with her assistants. Ryo opened the door and stepped inside. "Lyo-Chan," he called softly.

"Da-Ryo! Da-Dee!" Lyo jumped to his feet running headlong to his parents. Ryo knelt and spread his arms wide catching the little body as he launched at him. "I teach Miss Joy to spell the alphabet, and my name, to count. You know," Lyo said with a thoughtful frown on his little brow. "She not know in Chinese or Japanese, just English."

"Just English, huh?" Dee said kissing Lyo's cheek.

"He is a very intelligent child." Miss Joy said coming to speak with Ryo and Dee. "It is a joy having him in my class. Who is, HoLo? He kept saying that he needed them. Well, sometimes he said her, other's he said them."

"That would be because they are triplets and he can not tell them apart. They are his babysitters sometimes," Dee answered for Ryo had paled and said nothing. "Ah, Ryo, we really need to be going, Rain has rehearsal." Dee said trying to hurry them out of the brightly colored class. Ryo accepted the paper that had a detailing of every time Lyo had gone to the potty, what he ate, when and how long he slept. Ryo smiled at Miss Joy conveyed his thanks and left with Lyo content in his arms.

"Triplets?" Ryo said once they were in the car and buckling Lyo's car seat.

"Well you explain that it is a three headed dragon."

Break

Rain was smiling as he walked the halls of the Arcadian Palace with Ryo heading to rehearsal. Bikky had soccer practice, so he would be seeing him later that night at Carol's house. Rain rounded the corner and paused at the piano music he could hear. Daphnus must be warming up. The song was soft building in passion. Rain halted his movement when he heard a clear voice singing. The voice was sublime, full of life, clear and ringing. Ryo paused and looked back as if to make sure that Rain was still beside him. There was a difference in the voice, it was distinguished from Rain in the pitch, but similar in it's pure beauty. Entering the room Rain and Ryo stood in the doorway listening to Daphnus and his son.

"...and then a hero comes along, with the strength to carry on, and you cast your fears aside...and you know you can survive. So when you feel like hope is gone, look inside you and be strong, and you'll finally see the truth, that a hero lies in you." The last note was held perfectly and Rain gasped as the boy looked up at him smiling.

"Ah," High Prince Daphnus said when he saw them in the doorway. "Ryo, Rain, you remember my son right?" Rain nodded feeling his heart sink as the other boy beamed at his father. Daphnus grinned at his offspring. "Since you are here early, that gives me time to speak to you both. Ken...ah whatever, Ken," Daphnus gave up using a royal name with his son. "Why don't you and Rain go find some sweets, I think Andy is making peanut butter cookies, if you hurry you can bring me back a treat. Ryo a word?" Ryo watched as Rain left with the taller boy. Where Rain was caramel colored this boy was a pale as milk, like his father. Rain's hair was longer, and figure slimmer. Next to Young Prince Daphnus, Rain really did look like a girl.

"Why does he want us to hurry?" Ken asked matching his longer strides to Rain's.

"He's your father," Rain said feeling odd to speak to his replacement. "Don't you know?"

"Well, we only met a few weeks ago," Ken admitted with a sheepish grin.

"He likes cookie dough. He wants us to get him some before Andy ruins it in the oven." Rain said letting go of his resentment. He could not blame Daphnus for wanting his own son to sing with them as opposed to him. Ken laughed then followed Rain down the hallway.

Ryo sat across from Daphnus at the table and partook of the tea that the other man gave him. He sniffed the hearty flavor and sipped with a smile. "Delicious," he said wondering what the high prince wanted. Surely he did not need his permission to replace Rain. Maybe he wanted to ask Ryo to break it to him gently. Ryo sighed, Rain was a smart kid, he was sure that he had already figured it out.

"Glad you like it, one of Lord D's recipes," Daphnus said with a grin. "Naturally I took out some of the sugar."

"Naturally," Ryo laughed at ease with Daphnus relaxed pose.

"I am going to ask you for a personal favor." Daphnus said sitting up straighter in his chair. "Now I understand that you would have to talk this over with Dee, but I would like you to consider it. If you agree, do not agree because I am royalty, do it because I am a friend. With that in mind, if you refuse, refuse out of friendship."

"What it is?" Ryo asked starting to think that it was perhaps not what he thought it would be.

"Ken is not used to living in palaces, and he wants to go to school. He is a sophomore this year, after the test scores, they wanted to make him a senior, but I thought that he needed as much normalcy as possible. All those older kids... anyway. I live a dangerous life and I just thought... with your boys, you have experience and I suck at this dad business... What I mean is," Ryo stared at the beautiful man before him and he felt his own heart break at what he feared he would say. "Can he stay with you?"

Ryo took a deep gulp of air, then expelled it. He reached for his tea, then frowned and heated the small cup in his hand. His head swum with all that Daphnus had said to him. "I want to help you," Ryo said looking at the prince and seeing for the first time the strain on his brow. Daphnus pulled an inhaler from places unknown and breathed deep. "I know it can be daunting, the decision to be a father, but... I will discuss it with Dee, but I have to tell you, I think the answer will be no. Because we are friends, I can tell you that he does not need a father, he needs his father. What do you mean, you suck at being a dad? Everyone does until they get the hang of it. Now I will not begrudge him the chance to visit us, we have so many kids in and out of our house on a daily basis that I feel like I have at least eight teenage boys instead of just two and a few girls besides." Ryo laughed and shook his head. "You are welcome as well." He looked up and Daphnus felt tears as he stared into Ryo's deep eyes.

"I wasn't ready for this," Daphnus confessed.

"None of us ever are," Ryo informed him and reached over. He heated the high Prince's tea then sat back to sip his own as he heard Rain and Ken come running back with a bowl and Andy chasing after. "Rain," Ryo asked with horror as Andy approached looking fit to murder the two boys.

"He said he wanted dough," Rain said with a grin.

"I should have known it was your fault," Andy pointed at Daphnus. He smiled his most beautiful smile as he took the bowl from Ken and shoved a spoonful in his mouth. He then offered her the bowl.

"Yuf wanf if backf," He asked around his mouthful of peanut-buttery goodness.

"Ugh," Andy said walking away with a laugh. "Good thing we made two bowls. We have learned to expect some hair brained scheme from him." Andy explained to Rain and Ken. "I never thought you would have sunk so low as to use children."

"Yuf donf unferstanf," Daphnus said chewing. "Raif, I wanf to talk to you," Daphnus swallowed sipping his tea the last of his sentence came out perfectly. "I hope you don't mind working with Ken. I want you both to be a part of the team. He has a great voice to compliment your own. I look forward to great duets."

"You mean you want us both?" Rain asked smiling at Daphnus.

"Yeah, did you think I would take him in and boot you out?" Daphnus licked his spoon. "Yuf dif, difn't yuf? Yuf shuf yuf don'f wanf some. Thish ishf goodf."

"Eew," Rain said looking at Daphnus trying hard not to laugh. "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to talk with your mouth full."

"There are many things my mother tried to teach me. I didn't listen to nary a one," Daphnus said with a smile. "I learned how to make babies, long before I learned how to speak English properly," Daphnus said with a sigh. Ken looked at his father and grinned. "Come on boys, we have rehearsal."

Break

The night wore on dark and cold a testimony to the many things that scurried about in the deep shadows. Randolph climbed the fence and gasped. When had they done this? There was now a much larger area. A pool? A play set for the youngest boy? A hot tub? A gazebo? Not to mention the many flowers and trees that went around the circumference of the yard. The place was a paradise. No matter, Randolph thought as he hunkered down and scooted on his belly to his familiar spot and stopped cold. A bench? They took his tree and put a bench in... Randolph stifled a howl of pain as he saw that he could not go up, could not look in. Curtains hung in the window, though they were left open they were there. Not that he could see in. "How could you?" Randolph asked as his shoulders slumped and he prepared to leave the backyard. Then he firmed his spine. They would pay for this.
Powdered Sugre 2

Even Old Wounds Can Bleed

Ryo went up the stairs silent as he looked for Rain. Bikky stood staring owl eyed at him from the bathroom doorway. "I tried to wake him for school this morning, but..." Ryo smiled at Bikky letting him know that he understood. Ryo tapped on Rain's door to find the young man in bed with his head under a pillow.

"I know you are half native, what's the other half, ostrich?" Ryo said his voice soft as he sat beside the slight, prone form. Slyph sat up in the bed, her large paw on Rain's back making him seem smaller by comparison of the large cat. Ryo constantly had to remind himself, when he saw them next to each other, that Rain was not that small, Slyph was not a regular house cat. "You want breakfast?" Ryo asked he breathed deep when Rain shook his head and pulled his blanket up over his head. "Want to talk?" The bump of blanket known as Rain shook again. "When you're ready," Ryo said gently as he left Rain alone.

"How is he?" Dee asked seeing Ryo at the top of the stairs.

"We knew today would be difficult," Ryo said heading down his hand trailing along the banister. Dee caught the hand and raised it to his lips. Ryo blushed and looked to the hall stand where a vase of fresh flowers sat. Even after all this time, Dee still sent him bouquets. "He needs time." Ryo said when Bikky stepped out rubbing a towel over his long, blond hair.

"I'm staying here too," Bikky trudged downstairs after Ryo. Dee looked at Bikky making sure that the teen was not just trying to get out of going to school. At the pained look in his eyes, he saw that he truly was having a hard time. "Some anniversaries are not meant to be remembered, and damned hard to forget... sorry, Ryo." Bikky muttered an apology for his potty mouth.

"I mean," Dee said sitting at the table. "We all knew this day would come." Dee sipped the coffee. "I thought he was better."

"Three hundred-sixty-four days of the year he can be fine, but today, let him reflect." Ryo said as he looked at the calender and realized that one year ago today, a murderer had violated a terrified child and killed his mother.

"Ryo," Bikky said standing in the doorway in his pajamas. Ryo looked to see what Bikky was offering him. Ryo stared at the picture of Rain laying in bed tears streaming down his face Slyph beside him as if on guard. "I drew it last night. He did not even wake up when I walked in his room. I wanted one of him sleeping for a project for my art class, but, I think I will try again some other time."

A silent nod was all Ryo could manage as he went to prepare a small breakfast of eggs, toast and bacon. Though he was not sure if Rain would come down, Ryo prepared his tea with a chagrined smile as he thought back to when Rain had begun to drink the herbal mixture and why. Thinking over the past year, he remembered how his heart had melted the first time he had heard Rain sing. The bravery Rain had showed when he had agreed to take the stand against William Johnston. Even thinking the name Ryo felt anger. True he had forgiven the monster, but just the thought of the brutish man hurting Rain... Ryo realized that he had fried the egg in his hand while it was still in it's shell. With an embarrassed blush he dropped the smoking egg into the sink to run it under cold water, then he tossed it into the garbage.

Ryo was just setting table with Bikky when Slyph brushed against his leg on her way to the backyard. Ryo looked down in shock sure the creature would not leave Rain when he was upset. Ryo looked up at the stairs and saw Rain slouching down in his overlarge pajamas. Ryo never questioned Rain's desire to wear his pajamas, they had to be a pair he had worn before. Over the pajamas Rain wore a overlarge sweatshirt that looked like it might belong to Dee. Ryo grinned thinking that it would take a doctor hours to find little Rain underneath all his clothes, then it hit him. And he looked away to offer a chair to the troubled teen. All this time Rain had struggled. Bikky said he often freaked in the locker room and dress in a stall. Ryo thought he was a experiencing shyness, now he understood all too well. Rain always wore overlarge clothes, a direct contrast to his form tailored uniform of West Lake High school. Even for formal gatherings Rain's clothes were a bit baggy on him giving him a cute, impish look.

"How do you want your eggs?" Ryo asked Rain offering a smile.

"Scrambled with cheese, please and thank you," Rain said with a smile. "Thank you Ryo, Dee, and Bikky." Rain leaned over to place a kiss on Lyo's cheek. "And thank you too."

"Rain funny," Lyo said smacking his lips and blowing a kiss at Rain.

"I called HQ," Dee said emerging from the den.

"How about after breakfast you teach me how to play that thing," Ryo said indicating the Playstation 2 that Bikky had. Rain nodded and began to eat his breakfast just as Slype and Cujo rejoined them from their morning patrol of the backyard. Cujo gave Bikky an odd look, then lay at his feet. Bikky understood that the dog had something to tell him.

Break

Lord D stretched languidly in bed then rolled over snuggling deeper into the pillow that carried the scent of JJ. Sitting up he meandered, quite nude, to the closet for a fresh robe, then carried the garment to the bathroom where he began to prepare a bath. He mentally checked his sons and saw that they would sleep for another hour yet. Lord D went to the mirror and reached for his comb, his eyes caught his reflection and he gasped aloud dropping the brush from nerveless fingers. He stared in horror at the bloody gashes on his cheeks, both eyes were blackened and welts were all over his body. "No..." Lord D sobbed backing away from the mirror he dropped down to his bottom on the floor bringing his knees up to his chest he wrapped his arms around the lean legs and rocked back and forth sobbing. "Not again, no more." Lord D lowered his head as his body trembled. "Just leave me alone."

Break

The chief stared at JJ with a deep frown creasing his brow. "You mean to tell me that all of a sudden, your stomach started to hurt?" The chief looked to see that JJ kept looking at his wedding band with a grimace on his face. "First MaClean and Laytner, now you. I tell you if Orcot comes in here with some excuse... get the heck out of here," The chief blustered. Though the detective's lifestyle bothered him, no way could he fault his work, none of them, in fact they were to be commended. JJ nodded and rushed from the office hoping that his stomach pains would end when he got home. He had never had this happen when Lord D was distressed. His ring was uncomfortable, but not painful. Did that mean that Lord D was in no real danger?

JJ called out when he entered the house, he heard no sound and went to check on the boys. He saw them both in their little beds sleeping sound. He then went into his bedroom and found their bed empty. JJ saw the bathroom door ajar and he went inside to find Lord D huddled in the corner sobbing. "Darling?" JJ said softly. He gasped when Lord D looked up and he saw that he had been crying for some time.

"Don't look at me," Lord D said ducking his head and hiding his face behind a curtain of hair.

"Well how can I look at your beauty?" JJ said crouching down and placing a hand on Lord D's.

"What beauty?" JJ almost did not understand the muffled reply. "He took it," Lord D sobbed.

"Who?" JJ asked, he he got no answer he pulled Lord D to his feet and stood him in front of the mirror. Moving the hair aside he stood behind Lord D and wrapped his arms around the chilled nude form. Lord D lifted his face with JJ's hand under his chin and gasped when he saw that there was not a single blemish on his skin.

"But, this morning," Lord D looked down at his unmarred flesh. "All over, there were bruises, I saw them."

"Did you feel them?" JJ asked as his cramps lessened with Lord D in his arms.

"I... No," Lord D looked again at his body then sobbed. "It was an illusion," Lord D said horrified. "How can he enter our home? Father... He has shields."

"I don't know, why don't we call him and find out?" JJ said moving away from the mirror he tested the water and saw that it was still warm. Adding more hot water he sat Lord D in the tub then went to make the call. Whatever was going on had to end soon. He was not sure how much more Lord D could take.

Break

Count D sat with his hands resting on his tummy. It was so small, this life growing inside of him. So precious. He was smiling when the chime over the shop alerted him to a customer. Count D stood to his feet using the voluminous folds of his garments to hide his expanding figure. "Welcome, how can I..." Count D backed away when he recognized his visitor.

"Please," The beauty said extending a hand to him. "Do not be alarmed, I tried to stay away, but I can not." She moved her dark hair from her eyes as tears fell onto her smooth cheeks. "You are all so beautiful, and you are my family... I just had to come see you."

"Helen," Count D backed further away thankful that Aoi was in the garden with the Honlon.

"I was told that Hermione, I mean, Lady Aurora could be found here, with her husband." Helen said taking her hand back when Count D did not move an inch toward her.

"I want you to know," Helen stiffened and Count D breathed a sigh of relief at the slightly hissed words that came from behind him as Lady Aurora approached as mist, her form solidifying before their eyes. "That I bear no attachment to who I was before I died and mother is just a word to me. I will not hesitate to peel the skin from your hide if you dare lay a hand on my grandson."

"Even if it is a hand of love," Helen met her estranged daughter's cold, crystal glare with honesty. "I would like to try again. I know I have done wrong in the past, I know an apology is several hundred years too late. But I would like to know you and your offspring."

"Child," Lady Aurora said drawing attention to Lord D and his sons. Feeling lonely with JJ at work, Lord D had arrived at the shop moments after Helen. Hiding his sons, he moved to help Count D only to hear his mother come to the rescue. "I smelled your sweet scent the moment you entered the shop." Aurora said when Lord D wondered how she had known he was there. "You can not be inconspicuous when you smell like a bakery." Lord D blushed a becoming shade of pink. He had not been to a bakery, it was his natural scent ever since he had connected to D. JJ even remarked on his heightened smell. "Tell me this creature's heart." Helen flinched at the malice she could hear in Aurora's cold tone.

"It is the same mother," Lord D said coming around to stand in front of Helen sending Kiba and Shinrai off with Ten-Chan. The nine tailed fox took the small boys and handed each them one of his tails and led them down the hall to the Honlon's garden.

"The same?" Aurora asked watching as Kiba narrowly missed a crystal vase on a stand that sparkled with gold and jewels. The flowers inside were blood red and fragrant. Redolent with life, wafting down the hall making her hungry. Aurora suppressed the urge to feed and looked at her son.

"Yes, when we were held in Greece, she protected me. Because I am her grandson she said. Her emotions were and are in turmoil. There is genuine love, yet confusion as well but there is no enmity."

"How are you able to do that?" Helen asked Lord D. He gave her one of his more beautiful smiles and moved on to Count D.

"You are well?" Lord D placed a hand on D's stomach he closed his eyes a moment then sighed. "Yes, you are."

"I can speak ChiChiUe," Count D groused as he had prepared to answer his father.

"I know, I am sorry," Lord D removed his hand. "Will you join us for tea?" Lord D asked Helen. "The young ones will be taking a nap soon." Helen stared at her family not believing that they would accept her so readily.

"I've got my eye on you," Lady Aurora said sitting with her arms crossed as she stared at the woman that bore her. Well, Helen sighed, not so readily.

Break

"Ugh," Jill groaned looking away from the corpse. They had received a call from a worried neighbor that she had not seen Mr. Burroughs in over a week. "Such a young man, nice really, I do wonder about him though." The old lady had said. Jill and Leon had prepared to go awaken the young man, or find that he had simply went on vacation without telling his neighbor every detail of his life. Finding him on the floor with foam out of his eyes and nose and mouth left a sour feel in the pit of her stomach. "Looks like an overdose, of what?" Jill shrugged her shoulders as she bagged a sample of powder that she could see near his face.

"Look at his lips Jill," Leon said crouching low careful not to disturb the scene too much. "They look distressed, and his expression, like he was forced to do this." with a gloved hand, Leon pushed the man's sleeve up. "No track marks, which mean nothing if he snorted the stuff." Leon took a pen and light to look up the man's nose. "Intact," he sighed and got to his feet. "He either was a first timer and decided to eat the stuff, or it was shoved down his throat." Leon frowned as he moved aside for the coroner's office to take the body. "Who would bother?" He and Jill left the office to begin the leg work of what promised to be a very interesting case. "Too bad this guy doesn't have fish that would testify." Ignoring the odd look he got from Detective Jones, Leon smirked and headed back to the precinct.

Break

Bikky slouched out to the mailbox with his bathrobe hanging open and his pajamas still on from early. It was well past noon, yet still his family lounged around, taking it easy. Rain had even smiled while he taught Ryo the basics of a quest game. The two of them had then proceeded to spend hours riding dragons and rescuing princesses. Bikky had agreed to clean up the kitchen while they played. Cujo stood beside him looking up. "What is it boy?" Bikky asked as he went back inside with a bundle of mail.

"Someone was in the yard last night," Cujo barked. "The same scent from before. I could not catch him then, but this time, I will..." Cujo vowed scampering into the den ahead of Bikky his tail wagging.

"Thanks," Dee said as Ryo and Rain came over. "Light bill, gas bill," Dee said sitting each one on the hall table. "Health insurance, life insurance, car insurance, cell phone, and house line, Fan letter," Dee handed the envelope addressed to Rain. "Love letter," Dee gave Bikky a letter from Carol. Even though the two lived in the same town and saw each other often, Carol had decided that she would be a fan of Bikky's as well so that he would not get to carried away with the girls that followed after him when he was on tour. "Art smock magazine," Dee handed this to Bikky as well. "Plant Life Magazine," Dee handed this to Rain. "You really are an odd man," Dee said as he gave Ryo his gun catalog.

"Shut up Dee," Ryo took his magazine. "Better than that Men's monthly," He pointed to the magazine that Dee held.

Dee then handed Ryo another large envelope. "An offer for our family to listen to a sales pitch for a resort in the Bahama's." Holding the letter Ryo frowned then dropped the ashes into a nearby garbage pail. They were all laughing as Rain gasped and dropped the letter he had received, tears gathered in his eyes and he fell to his bottom on the carpet. "Rain?" Dee asked crouching next to him, just as Ryo and Bikky did the same.

"Why won't he just leave me alone?" Rain said as he stared at the letter from Thomas Hughes.

"He wrote to you from jail, cause he knows I can't get to him," Bikky said as he ripped into the letter. Just as he was about to rip it to shreds he read a few lines. "I would have called, you have your number in the book. It was written there as a reminder for you when you first got your cell. I am sure you have forgotten that it is there. What I mean is... I am sorry. I read the journal and it was hard to read at first, no, the whole way through was a difficult journey. You are brave to have recounted it all, let alone forgiven me for tormenting you. A pastor has been here talking to me and some of the prisoners, it is what gave me the courage to write to you. I hope that this finds you well. I saw your concert, you really are talented. I admire you. He says that the kind of forgiveness that you displayed stems from the kind of love I should seek out. I have been trying, I just wanted to thank you for forgiving me, and to say to you and your family, that I am sorry," Bikky stopped reading and looked up at Rain and then Ryo and Dee. Rain held tight to Dee's arms as tears continued to fall down his face. Dee lifted the slight form and carried him to the couch where he sat with him in his lap next to Lyo who napped on the couch.

Slyphe crawled on Dee's legs making him grimace at her weight and claws where they scratched him through his sweat pants. She buried her large head in Rain's tummy then licked his cheek. "I'm okay, girl," Rain said losing his fingers in her dense fur. "I'm okay."

Powdered Sugre 3

My Love For You: Part 1

Ryo stood barefoot in the kitchen with an apron tied over his pajamas as he flipped pancakes. Checking his sausages he heard his family stirring upstairs, he and Dee had the morning off and they were taking the boys to the shop for the night. Bikky always complained when they were left with them. He was old enough. Maybe in a year or two he would feel comfortable leaving them alone, but not at the moment. Bikky did not know half of what he had seen on his cases and he would hate for any more of those manila envelopes to have his and Dee's name on them in the victim column. Ryo's eyes lighted on Slyph and Cujo in the yard sniffing around. Bikky had told him what the dog said. So, he thought, Randolph had indeed come to their house. He would have to tell Berkeley, and the chief. Ryo frowned when the dog circled the bench and seemed to be laughing. Ryo smiled hoping that Randolph had gotten the message with the bench. Maybe he would not be back. Ryo shrugged and finished breakfast whipping the eggs making sure they were fluffy before pouring them into his prepared pan.

"So Dee, will you and Ryo think about it?" Bikky asked as they all tramped down the stairs. Rain yawned then smiled as Lyo gripped his finger.

"I mean, why would we say no? We are always encouraging you guys to participate in school activities... no matter how..." Dee said reaching the bottom step just as the doorbell rang.

"I'll..." Rain began to head for the door.

"Get the orange juice, I've got the door," Dee said with a frown. Who would be coming over this early on a Saturday? With a deep look at Ryo, Dee headed for the door. He looked through the small hole in the door then smiled and opened it. With Randolph on the loose they could not take the chance to have the boys just opening the door. They never knew when he would strike. Erick and Terry stood on the large porch staring up at him. "How come you guys always manage to get here when we are about to sit down to eat?" He joked.

Erick laughed and patted Terry's shoulder. "Ryo's food is like a beacon to his stomach. We could be in another town and he would know it was time to eat and come running." Ryo aimed a charming smile at the young boys as they entered the house.

"Well there is plenty, come on in." Ryo said setting two more places. Bikky ran into the kitchen to get more glasses while Rain sat his burden of juice in it's crystal container on the table. "So how is everything?" Ryo asked folding his hands under his chin after he had sat at his place at the table.

Erick looked at Ryo's pensive gaze and gasped. "Oh no, Ryo, Every thing is alright at home." Erick assured Ryo whose features lightened somewhat. "We came here to see if everything was alright... I mean it is not normal for these two to miss school, so we thought maybe they had a cold or something."

"And you just came to check on us?" Bikky said giving a pointed look to Erick, then he glanced at Rain who was busy piling pancakes on his plate. "How is Peter?"

"Great, a bundle of nerves about the homecoming/fall festival though. Says the family thing was a bit much for the school board to decide on, his dad has no talent."

"What's this?" Ryo said paying attention to the boys conversation.

"Oh like we have it easy," Bikky complained not answering Ryo. "What's my dads gonna do, go on stage and arrest someone?"

Rain laughed and winked at Bikky. "Or Ryo could just beat them up."

"That is a talent," Bikky agreed. "Some of the guys on the soccer team were complaining though, they say Rain should not be able to participate in the talent contest.

"If they think I am bad, wait til they get a load of Ken, he transfers in on Monday." Rain snickered

"Who?" Erick said glad to see that Rain was not ill. He knew that it was this time of year that Rain had come to live with Ryo and Dee. He wondered if that was the reason for their absence. Peter had called him to say that he was at the cemetery visiting his cousin's grave site with his family and he had seen the family there.

"He is the son of High prince Daphnus. A member of the Lion Court of Arcadia." Rain informed them.

"So," Erick said with a cheerful air as Terry stuffed his face. "What did you guys do yesterday, since you are not sick I mean?" Erick shrugged looking at the boys then their fathers.

Dee grinned shaking his head thinking that this was one boy who did not give up easily. "Just family stuff," Dee said rubbing the back of Ryo's hand. Erick looked at the family around the table and knew he would be getting no further information. "So, Bikky, tell me about this thing you want us to help you all with."

"Well, the school says that the students don't have enough school pride and that the families are not involved enough in our lives... I think they have never met you or they would not say that. Anyway, we are to highlight our many cultures doing small performances and stuff that is the festival on the day before the football game, then the night after the football game is the dance where they crown the homecoming court."

"They did not have all this last year," Ryo observed with a frown.

"Last year's theme was history, Bikky wasn't there," Erick said with a thoughtful frown.

"Last year around this time, you guys had a lot on your minds, and I was not that into it anyway, but this year, Carol is a shoe in for queen and has threatened my life..." Bikky said with a laugh. "So I asked her and she wants me to go with her next week to pick out a dress."

"I remember my first homecoming date," Ryo said with a soft smile at his son. "Corinne Teller, I thought she was the most beautiful girl in the world. Even after she tried the noodle surprise and got sick all over me. An interesting evening I assure you."

"You really are an odd man," Dee nodded as he looked at Ryo.

"I know a talent," Rain said suddenly looking at Ryo and Dee. "Ask your grandfather if it would be breaking some sort of rule if you performed your wedding dance. Julie and I can sing, if Andy and Nes teach us the lyrics."

"Which dance?" Dee asked thinking that it was a great idea. "We did more than one."

"The one where Nestoir was singing in Arcadian." Rain's enthusiasm was catching. Erick and Terry both widened their eyes looking more identical in their shock than Bikky and Rain had ever seen them.

Eric was the first to speak up his gaze going from Ryo to Dee and back again. "I really wanted to go to that wedding, I was so mad that we couldn't." Erick said draining his orange juice. Ryo refilled the cup with a sigh.

"I am afraid that that might not be a good idea," Ryo's gentle words caused a hush to fall upon the table. "I am sure that the school board would have a problem with two men dancing such a romantic testimony to love in front of impressionable youth."

"The school doesn't care that a large portion of their funds are donated from two men..." Bikky frowned, argue though he might, Ryo was right. "They can't discriminate against our family."

"Are you willing to stand beside that?" Dee asked looking deep into Bikky's big blue eyes. Bikky nodded his head resolute in his belief that Ryo and Dee were the best dad's anyone could ever ask for. Dee grinned then looked over at Ryo. He saw the shy blush on Ryo's cheeks in the pale morning light and thought him beautiful. But then again, Ryo was always beautiful. Ryo met his gaze and firmed his spine. "Then we will stand beside you." Dee vowed thinking of what this could do for the younger boys and girls who found themselves hiding their identity. Rain beamed a smile at him and gulped down the last of his food leaving his plate clean.

"I've got to call Julie." Rain dashed to find his cell as Bikky lead Erick and Terry to the den to play video games while they all took showers and dressed for the day.

"You know," Erick said startling Ryo as he loaded the dishwasher. Dee had went into the den with Terry when his brother slipped out. "It would be great if you guys did that. You see... I asked Peter to be my date and he wants to, but he is scared of what people will say." Erick picked up a stack of dishes and began to hand the elegant plates to Ryo. He was amazed at the quality of the flatware being shoved into the machine, but then again, he thought, everything in their house was high end.

"He has reason," Ryo nodded his head his eyes growing sad. "Are you sure that this is what you want?"

"I want the kind of love that you have," Erick said without hesitation.

"Love comes in many forms."Ryo said closing the door and setting the machine. He remembered being fifteen with a fond smile. He had never thought about love, or boys, or at least not in the same moment. He had been dating Marjorie Lee, the daughter of an important banker. Their parents had been good friends, he remembered that they had showed up at the funeral. Ryo shook away the disturbing thoughts. "Perhaps you admire Dee or myself and you think that to emulate us, or our abilities, you have to emulate our lifestyle as well. You can have that kind of love with anyone, women... Nestoir and Andromache are prime examples..." Ryo stopped speaking when Erick began to laugh. "Nani, excuse me, what?" Erick laughed harder when Ryo apologized for his adorable lapse into Japanese.

"I knew when I was thirteen and watched Lord Of the Rings. That Elf... man is he hot," Erick grinned as Ryo accepted that perhaps he had not been the detrimental influence that had served as a catalyst in the young boy's burgeoning sexuality. "I mean some don't shift until their twenties," Erick looked pointedly at Ryo. "And others know when they are much younger. Right around puberty I would say. When other boys are noticing girls, gay boys are noticing boys, they are just more quiet about it. Something ingrown lets us know that it is wrong... But, you guys, I mean." Erick leaned back against the counter.

"I know right now is a very interesting time in developing into the man you will one day become." Ryo said ignoring the doorbell knowing that Dee or Bikky would get it. "Always remember, Erick," Ryo looked deep into Erick's deep brown eyes. "That it is the measure of your personality, not your bedroom, that should decide in the end."

"Sometimes, when I am with Peter," Erick whispered when he went to sit at the small kitchen table. Ryo sat beside him with a incongruously hot cup of tea when there was no kettle on the stove. Erick paid it no mind and continued speaking. "He let's me kiss him. He gets scared though and pushes me away after a while. Mostly when my hands start roaming, but he's so..." Erick gave up and Ryo blushed at the intimate details of a frenzied teenage make-out session. "I want to touch him, all the time, more... I mean... When Dee catches you unaware, or when you think no one is watching and you let him kiss you and touch you. He is always grabbing your hand, or squeezing your waist, or hips. Once I even saw him grope your butt."

Ryo thought back over the many times the boy had been in their home. How often had he watched them? Ryo gulped his tea and gasped as the hot brew passed his lips. Adjusting his internal temp he negated the effect of the heat avoiding a scorched tongue. Ryo paused, he had never been taught to do that... Shaking his head he sighed. "I will have to be more careful of Dee's hands in the future."

"No... I'm sorry, I mean. I think it's great." Erick halted as Dee entered the kitchen. He walked over behind Ryo's chair and leaned down to whisper in his ear. Ryo tilted his head up to listen and Erick watched fascinated as Dee's thumb stroked Ryo's pale ear. Ryo nodded and Dee brought his thumb to his lips to kiss it then rubbed it over Ryo's lips. Ryo kissed the thumb softly as Dee left them alone again. Saying nothing Erick got to his feet with a smile.

"You are very young," Ryo said to Erick's back. "I know this is the time for experimenting with boundaries, heck every time Margie would let me, I was kissing her and hugging her, but... to go too far could hurt you both."

Erick looked over his shoulder at Ryo and beamed a smile. "Thanks Ryo." Erick turned and stopped in his tracks. "Whoa!" He said as Daphnus stood in the living room with Ken. His eyes traveled from Ken's feet all the way up his long, long, thin legs, to his slim waist and tapered tummy. His newly developed chest and long black hair. His face was a picture of perfection a near match for Rain's only on a lighter scale he was white chocolate to Rain's caramel.

"Babe," Dee said, "I'm going with Daphnus here to run a few errands, we will meet you all at the mall later." Dee ducked out of the house and Ryo went to get dressed leaving Erick staring.

"Hey, I'm Ken," Ken introduced himself holding out a hand. "I am transferring into Bikky and Rain's school on Monday," Ken shook Erick's hand then wandered into the den. Terry glanced back then went back to his game. He dropped the stick after a moment to look at the beautiful young man.

Before any more could be said, Rain entered the room toweling his hair Bikky not far behind. "Hey man," Bikky clapped Ken on the shoulder and Erick sighed to realize, in that simple gesture that Ken was not gay.

"Hey, my dad is trying to convince Maria's dad to let her up here for a while." Ken sighed thinking of the girl he had left back home. "Her dad is such a prick you know."

"Yeah, some dads are like that with girls. I can just see Leon when Jewel starts bringing guys over."

"I think I would be more afraid of Count D." Rain said with a sage nod. "He trained us." Bikky nodded at the frightening aspect of dating the little girl. "Little Nickie has his work cut out for him, that he does." Bikky, Ken and Rain all laughed as Erick and Terry looked on wondering what they had missed.

Break

Count D sat in the garden waiting for his Grandfather and Soofu A. The table was set with a delicate set of dishes all hand painted by Lord D and shown off by Sofu. "Now, young one," Soofu A exhorted as he approached the table with several creatures behind him pushing a cart with a steaming pot and several canisters on it. "You have never tasted anything so fine as this." D blinked looking at Soofu A. Never had he thought to see the stern Kami with such a smile on his face. D looked down into his bowl of light yellow soup with large balls of dough floating in it. "What is this? I am sure you are wondering," Soofu asked the question Count D was eager to hear the answer to.

"I will admit to a certain degree of curiosity," Count D said eying his salad with longing. Of course he would eat the great Kami's food, but...He patted his stomach hoping that his son would not become upset with him for trying the foreign meal.

"This," Soofu A sat beside his younger brother who had a similar bowl and small smile on his face. "Is matzo ball soup. It is a recipe that I have handed down to my people, first by word of mouth, now it is on the recipe card of every good Jewish woman, and you can even buy it prepared in boxes and cans now in your local grocery store. But no where will you be able to taste the original... unless I make it for you." Count D grinned at the ancient beings enthusiasm. After a brief prayer, they brought their spoons to their lips. Count D paused... sipped again... paused tasted the savory flavor in his mouth and began to eat with gusto his salad soon forgotten as he asked for another bowl. Placing his hand on his satisfied tummy he smiled his most beautiful smile.

Break(several hours later)

He was really going to do it this time. Leon really was going to kill Sofu D and his obnoxious oldest brother. Count D sat his current bowl aside after barely a sip refusing to eat any more. "That's not it," He pouted his pretty lips at Leon.

"I woke up my friend Marty Silver's 90 yr old grandmother to make you that!" Leon groused at the bowl that had failed to placate D's craving. Several other bowls and cups and cans littered their kitchen table. "As soon as I said four months pregnant, she smiled at me and hurried to the kitchen." D offered a half hearted smile and nibbled the matzo cracker. With a heavy sigh he brought the spoon to his mouth again only to frown. Leon watched in horror as D's eyes filled and overflowed with fat tears. "But... that's not it. Baby," Leon got to his knees next to D's chair. "It's three in the morning."

"I know, we don't mean to be troublesome." D rubbed his mound that poked through his fine bed clothes. Leon hated when he played the 'we' card. Without a word he kissed D's lips and left the kitchen to find a phone.

JJ sounded half asleep as he answered the phone. "Sorry, I know it is horribly late, but could you please put Papa D on?" Leon said when JJ finally understood that the object in his hand was a phone and that it was Leon on the other side. He had picked it up out of a desire to make the noise stop only to find there was more noise inside. Waking up fully JJ looked down to see Lord D sleeping soundly at his side wrapped snugly in his arms.

"Darling," JJ said kissing the smooth skin of Lord D's forehead.

"Love," Lord D muttered burying his face in the crook of JJ's neck. "Are you not satisfied? I am exhausted."

"Precious, if you were on the menu... I would always be starving." JJ promised causing Lord D to giggle. "Sorry but Leon wants to talk to you, he sounds a little put out." Lord D took the telephone and yawned widely before he said hello.

"A little put out barely covers it," Leon growled into the receiver. "I can not find your father's telephone number, D won't go to bed without Matzo ball soup in his stomach."

"You don't need my father for that, I have a recipe..." Lord D ceased speaking when Leon interrupted him.

"I am sure you have a great recipe, but it is not 'the recipe'." Leon said into the phone. "You don't understand, this is one of THOSE cravings, he is crying. I have got the stuff in the can, I got the stuff in a box, several different cans and boxes, I even woke up detective Silver's grandmother." Leon paused as Pon-Chan put her little paws on his pants. Reaching down he absently scratched behind her ear. "It has to be the stuff that Soofu A made him."

"Has to be," Lord D said in agreement remembering his own time of onion ring dependency. "A moment, I'll get him," Lord D closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Thinking of Count D, he sent his heart on a mild distress signal calling his father to the pet shop. As an afterthought he added an image of his uncle to the signal. "He should be there soon. I am going to have to teach D to call, so that you won't have to wake us again." Lord D heard the sound of wings in his ear and knew that his father and uncle were on their way. "Good night Leon, kiss little D for me."

"Which one?" Leon asked laughing at the image of kissing D's tummy saying 'Your grandfather says hi'.

"Both," Lord D said handing the phone to JJ so that he could place it back on the base.

Leon hung up and turned to see Sofu D and Soofu A standing next to him. "I want to shoot you both, but first... You!" Leon pointed a finger at Soofu A. "Get in the kitchen and make him that damn soup." Soofu A took in the frazzled appearance of Leon's long hair that stood on end, his blood shot eyes and unkempt sweat pants and t-shirt. Deciding that the man had experienced a long night Soofu A forgo his indignation at being yelled at. "Look, sorry, I know you are beyond old, you are probably Jesus' twice great uncle or something. And I am really good about respecting my elders, but.. he's crying. He is only four months... this one is going to knock us both on our asses. I am so tired, I get him to stop heaving and he wants food, but not just any food, oh no, he has to be difficult. Couldn't you make enough for leftovers that I could re-heat?"

"But what purpose would that serve?" Soofu A asked with an enigmatic smile. Leon paused looking deep into the dark brown eyes that one could almost mistake for soft. His features were shrouded by long, thick sable-colored locks that curled at his shoulders. "You know, we kami's tend not to do anything without extracting a price." Soofu A smiled causing Sofu D to gasp in being caught off guard by his oldest brother's trap. "Of course I will make his soup." Sofu D stood in shock watching as Soofu A wandered the hall to the kitchen.

"He...he..." Sofu D began having difficulty swallowing.

"He got you," Leon infused as much disgust into his voice before he went after him to find out the terms of this contract.

"It is simple really," Soofu A sat a bowl in front of D that he had prepared in less time than Leon would have thought. Surely A had this planned and had plenty of the stuff on reserve that he could heat and give to D. "All I want is to be present."

"Present?" D said partaking of the soup with a grateful smile at Leon for solving his problem.

"You can have as much as you want anytime you want it." Soofu A promised. "But when you deliver that male child you carry... I want to be present."

D placed a hand on his tummy. "My baby? What could you..." D pushed the bowl away amazed at the feeling of loss. His stomach tossed in desperate anger but he resolutely shook his head.

"Oh, don't worry, I do not want to take your child." Soofu A vowed with a secret smile. "Eat, I made it for you." Soofu A pushed the bowl back to D. Leon watched in amazement as D paled and swayed then reached for the bowl. Sofu D stood by helpless to help his grandson and angry at his brother.

"Such power should not be so easily abused," Sofu D grumbled his face pale and his lips red from compressing so tight together in anger.

"You have been doing it for years, why begrudge me now?" Soofu A said with a smirk at his little brother.

"Never against my own kin?" Sofu D countered.

"Then tell him his name," Soofu A demanded without the threat of honor bound submission. Sofu D could refuse the order with a step back, he did. "The old order is dying D... Will you be ready?"

Soofu A smiled as Leon and Count D agreed that he could be present. Count D blushed at the thought that another member of his family would be present while he was unclothed. Soofu A gave a satisfied smirk to Sofu D, then disappeared into the pre-dawn hours.

Part 2

Rain slumped into the grand room with mirrors on three of the large walls and windows all on the other. Balance beams stood along one side. "Man, cheer up," Ken encouraged as he walked beside him.

"I just don't get it," Rain complained dropping his backpack. "She was all excited to be learning the song, and then she wants me to do that stupid dance with her for the talent show. I agreed didn't I?"

"Rain, girls have a different set of rules... We'll never learn them all." Ken commiserated with a shake of his head.

"Do you think it might be her female time of the month?" Rain asked with a serious look on his face.

"You did not ask her that did you?" Ken said his panic evident as he widened his eyes. "Ah man, I once asked Maria that and she dumped her salad on my head." Rain looked terrified as he shook his head in denial of the dangerous question. "I am beginning to understand why your dads are gay, men have less mood swings."

"Nah, catch Ryo on a bad day and Dee's locked out of the room, come to think of it," Rain turned thoughtful. "Dee usually does something to make Ryo mad at him, then he gets locked out."

"So what did you do to make Julie mad at you?" Ken asked when Rain shrugged he heaved a sigh. Andy came bouncing into the practice room with Tisiphone and Clarisande. Tisiphone and Clarisande left to go stretch while Andy greeted the boys. "Andy, you're a girl."

Andy paused and blinked at the words then nodded. "The last time I checked, yes...yes I am a girl." Andy giggled setting her bag aside she said. "What's the trauma?"

"Julie's mad at me and I don't know why," Rain blurted out. "We were all sitting around planning the homecoming this weekend and all of a sudden she glared at me and refused to speak to me. When I asked what was wrong, she called me and idiot and stomped away."

"Well, when you asked her to the dance what did she say?" Andy said concerned for her young friend.

"Ask?" Rain paused.

"Oh...please tell me you did ask her to the dance," Ken said before Andy could regain her ability to speak.

"We've been going out for a while now, I thought it was a given that she would be my date," Rain sputtered looking from Andy to Ken.

"Well, yeah, but you are still supposed to ask," Ken explained he got to his knees next to where Rain had sat on his bottom on the dance floor. "I asked Maria, Erick asked Peter, Terry asked Jeanne, heck, Bikky even asked Carol, sure at the threat to his life and limb, but he did ask."

"Oh, no," Rain shook his head in misery. "Now she is so mad, even if I did ask, she would probably just say no."

"Sucks to be you dude," Ken said noticing his father he got to his feet and ran off to his side.

"No," Andy pulled Rain to his feet, holding on to his hand she smiled and looked deep into his big, bright green eyes. "You just have to make is special."

Break

Bikky trudged into the house with aches on top of his pains. He heard the loud music and grinned sure that Ryo was cooking a feast if he had the music that loud while he was in kitchen. Soccer practice was worth it, if he got to eat like a king. He was tempted to call Erick and tell him and Terry to get their butts over, but he figured Peter would appreciate it if Erick got less face time with Rain. Bikky walked around into the den seeing that Dee was not on the sofa he shrugged and went to get a drink. He found Dee in the kitchen pressing Ryo against the counter. Ryo was panting, his face red as he held on to Dee. "Stop... Dee... the roast... Ah," Bikky backed away when Ryo moaned tucking his lip between his teeth and a look of pure rapture covered his features.

"Let it burn, we'll order out," Dee muttered in Ryo's ear licking the sensitive appendage. Ryo squirmed dropping his spoon to the counter where it clattered and bounced to the floor. "Come upstairs with me."

"The boys will be home soon," Ryo argued maintaining a semblance of responsibility. "Lyo is upstairs sleeping and... oh don't do that Dee," Bikky did not know what Dee had done with the hand he could not see but knew he had to stop this, before it got even more embarrassing.

"So what's for dinner?" Bikky said loudly dropping his soccer ball. "You know, Daphnus will be dropping Rain off in about..." Bikky paused as both Ryo and Dee turned away to adjust their clothing. Dee stood facing the window suddenly very interested in the back yard. "I think I hear him now, you know after a vigorous rehearsal he is starving." Ryo pointedly studied his spoons to replace the now soiled one that he tossed into the sink. He began to whistle as he stirred the pot on the stove trying to get his body under control as it betrayed his arousal. Rain was humming as he entered the kitchen to find his family standing around in tense silence.

"What'd I miss?" He asked confused as they all started laughing and shrugged before he went to set the table.

Break

Count D stared at the bowl Soofu A had left for him. The ancient Kami had told him that whenever a craving assaulted him, all he had to do was hold the bowl and summon. Now that he could have it, Count D sighed, the craving was satisfied and he did not want it. But the bargain had been struck. His grandfather had assumed the shape of Q-Chan refusing to speak to his brother. Lady Aurora glared at his furry form then patted D's hand. "Do not fret child, I will be present as well and should he try something, I will do my best to defend you and your children. Unlike some I know." Q-Chan bristled with indignation at his wife's words. He fluffed his fur and batted his wings. "You do be quiet, every time I leave you alone with our family, you do something idiotic. This time I left for two days, two days Sofu...Sometimes I do wonder who is older, you or Christopher."

"Please..." Count D got to his feet as Sofu began to squack. "Do not argue..." Count D gasped placing his hands on his tummy he paled. Aurora was at his side. A cramp doubled D over and he panted. Sofu took his true shape holding his grandson.

"You are stressing him," Aurora yelled at her husband.

"Me," Sofu countered glaring at his wife. "I was saying nothing. You were the one who continued your rant and now look at what you have done."

"I would have no reason to rant if you were more careful with our children."

"They are old enough to make their own decisions about their lives."

"So you say, and yet look what comes from it!"

"Ah..."D cried out his knees buckling. Tears ran from his multicolored eyes as pain gripped him from the inside out.

"Mother, father, what are you doing?" Lord D dashed into the parlor taking D away from his parents. "It is alright child, I am here, papa's here," Count D began to breath with his father coaching him. "Just relax, it will be okay." Count D moaned as his father pressed his slim hands against his tummy. "Come to bed,"Lord D sent a fulminating glare at Sofu and Aurora as he took his son to his bedroom. Quietly they passed the room where Aoi, Kiba and Shinrai were playing. Count D lay back in bed allowing his father to tuck him in. as soon as he was assured that his son was still sleeping and successfully holding his child in, Lord D stomped back to the parlor where his parents were sitting in tense silence.

"If you must bicker, please, I respectfully request that you do it elsewhere." Lord D sighed taking a small berry from his robe he ate it. "Do you enjoy making my work harder?"

"I am sorry child, I just get so frustrated with him," Lady Aurora complained. "I love you Sofu I do. But I went to sleep for several hundred years and I woke up to find him sorely abused and scarred." Blood began to leak from the corner of Aurora's bright amber eyes. "And I sleep for two days, when i wake up, he has all but sold our great-grandchild to his oldest brother."

"I did not make the agreement," Sofu D argued.

"But you did not protect him from having to make the choice," Lady Aurora frowned. "You played right into his hands."

"Both of you please," Lord D dropped into D's vacated chair. He sighed and tears swam in his deep purple eyes. "Do you have any idea how close D is to aborting his child? We can not stress him, If you must argue, please do so where he will not hear. Mother, you can not blame father for what happened to me. It was by my choice that I remained with Hamanosuke," Lord D paused as the memories of his time in brutal companionship with the samurai swamped him. His vision of last week with the bruises and lacerations still fresh in his mind. "Truly did he attempt to wrest me from his grasp, it was I who refused to break my vows."

"His word supersedes your own, or so I am lead to believe." Lady Aurora spat.

"You would force me?" Lord D asked with a sad sigh. "Leon could have ordered D to stay away from it, but the thought never crossed his mind."

"I am sorry child, I have been less than human for too long now. When I love I do it with distinction. No one harms mine. Should he stretch out his hand he will pull back a memory. That child will be safe." Lady Aurora promised.

"He does not want the child," Sofu D said startling Lord D and Aurora. "I do not know what his motives are, but he does not want this child."

"What does he want then?" Lord D wondered preparing the dinner meal for Leon would be home soon and Christopher, who was with his friends would be home as well.

Break

Leon entered his room breathing softly to find D sitting up in bed. His bed robes swaddled around him like a yellow cocoon D offered a tremulous smile to welcome Leon home. "I spoke to your papa," Leon said stripping down to his boxers and crawling into bed. "Are you okay?"

D sniffled his well manicured hand came up to wipe a stray tear away from his smooth, pale cheek. "Father says that I almost lost him today." Leon's heart constricted as Count D sobbed. Pulling the distraught Kami into his arms he patted the hair that now reached the middle of his elegant back.

"Okay, okay, calm down,"Leon was quick to soothe D. Leon pulled D into his arms blankets, swaddling and all. He placed one of his large calloused hands on D's mounding tummy. "He's there, your father will make sure he stays in there." D hiccuped and wrapped his arms around Leon's neck. "Stop crying, please, baby," Leon grew worried at what the stress would do to him.

"I am sorry, so sorry," D said sighing when Leon wiped his face with a soft handkerchief.

"It's okay, baby, just try to relax," Leon lay down with D in his arms allowing the night to claim them both in deep sleep.

Break

An uncommon hush hung over the high school cafeteria as the inhabitants noticed that Julie was not sitting with the popular group of jocks and cheerleaders that she usually resided with. Rain sat next to his brother while Carol perched next to him. Rain gazed over then sighed. "I guess there's no help for it." Rain said into his cell. "Guys, I need you to help me make it special," Rain closed the phone and waited as several salamanders in their royal uniforms as guards of the Obsidian Palace approached the table where Julie sat with a few other girls on the cheerleader squad.

"Julie Summers," The head guard with a gold stripe down his pants legs. Julie nodded in awe of the regal man bowing to her. The man nodded and stepped aside, one man walked forward offering Julie a tremendous bouquet and a card. The man bowed and stepped aside. Another walked forward with a large stuffed dog, the girls began to giggle as another approached with chocolates. The last man walked forward with a white box wrapped in purple ribbons. Julie stared at the box ignoring the giggles of the girls around her. She looked up and her eyes locked on Rain's. Rain got to his feet he trudged over to her table, truly repentant. Julie opened the box and gasped as she pulled a soft creation of white and silver cloth with purple satin ribbons. The card in the box proclaimed the dress an 'Angelic Exclusive'.

"Angel... The Angel?" She said when he reached her side and took her hands. "He makes the clothes for High Princess Andromache..."

"[please forgive me, and accept these as a token of affection." Rain whispered in Cheyenne when Julie ran out of words. Rain said the words softly then brought her hands to his lips to kiss them. "Will be my date for the homecoming dance?"

"I... will... Yes," Julie beamed a smile at him as more giggles could be heard. The salamanders nodded then left the school. Julie scooped up her gifts with Rain's aid then, smiling shyly she went to the normal table.

Jorge watched the proceedings with a smirk. "You know, he is a prince." he commented to his sister as she stared at the elaborate dating procedure. Jeanne nodded as if that made sense, all the while thankful that Terry had simply asked her after class yesterday.

Break

Ryo pushed his glasses up on his nose as he studied the file on his desk top computer. The police department was buzzing with its normal sounds of filing and paper work under the din of belligerent perpetrators and determined cops. "Dee this one here has no skin," Ryo said showing Dee the picture.

"I think I would rather be working Leon and Jill's case," Dee murmured looking over Ryo's shoulder. "I mean, all they have to do is figure out who force fed a mild mannered man heroin until he OD'd."

"Oh, that's easy," Ryo laughed thinking of the case that JJ and the new rookie Jones were working on. "Yeah, they have random corpses too, but theirs have been chewed on."

"Cannibal?" Dee grimaced. "Have they checked the whereabouts of T-Chan on the nights of the incidents?"

"Leon vouched for him, we can't stress D out." Ryo explained. "He is really close to a miscarriage."

"Damn...demons. We need to kill them all," Dee muttered he coughed when he saw Berkeley entering the office.

"Who are we killing?" Berkeley asked and frowned when Dee gave him a look of innocence.

"Is our blood work back yet?" Dee asked looking pointedly at Berkeley's empty hands.

"Do I work in the lab?" Berkeley asked indignant. "Jeremy's birthday is in a couple of weeks and I wanted a few ideas, that's all."

"Try handcuffs, Little D loves 'em," Leon said entering the office. He handed Dee the files from the lab. "I was there picking up things for my case and grabbed yours."

"Awesome," Dee said skirting the issue of Berkeley's question about the murdering of Demons. Berkeley frowned figuring that there was something they were keeping from him. Shrugging his shoulders he left the office leaving the detectives to their cases.

Break

Ryo felt like he and Dee were on trial as they walked into he PTA meeting. The high school teachers lounge was too warm and he thought every eye turned on he, Dee and Lyo. The principal approached with a smile on his face shaking both of their hands. "So glad you could come," The tall man grinned. "On such short notice too."

"Yes, well when you called us all yesterday we had just gotten a case," Dee explained as he handed Lyo to Ryo. The little boy laid his head on Ryo's shoulder and tucked a thumb into his mouth. Ryo sighed and tried to calculate how much braces would cost them in eight years. Ryo noted that several parents whispered as they looked at them. A hush fell over the crowd as Jorge and Jeanne's mom showed up. She was not alone. With her was a tall woman with dark skin and deep brown eyes. She wore her hear in neat dreadlocks that fell to just below her shoulders.

"You must be Ryo and Dee, I am Celene, your sons are friends of my kids." Celene said shaking their hands her dark hair falling to her pale shoulders. "This is my partner Gabrielle."

"Partner?" Dee asked. "I did not know you were a detective. What precinct?"

"Neither of us are detectives," Gabrielle said shaking their hands. "I tried to stay away from the school, it seems that the board is nicer to single moms than couples like us. But Jorge said that things were about to get interesting. If you need support, you've got it." Gabrielle looked Ryo over. "You must be Ryo, Jeanne brought me some of your pie once...Got any more?"

"I'll make you some," Ryo promised smiling. He was glad to see one friendly face among the many hostile glares and outright offensive snickers at their family.

"You're a good man."Gabrielle said as they all went to take their seats.

"As you all know," The principal began when he had everyone's attention. "That the Illinois government has begun what they call a moment of silence." The assembled group nodded and he continued. "I thought that it might be beneficial for our school to start a similar practice."

"This is a public school," A parent spoke up. "We all worked long and hard to separate the church from the state. If you want to run a catholic school become a priest."

"Honey, please calm down," His wife said placing a hand on his arm. She offered an embarrassed smile to the other parents.

"I did not work hard for such a thing," Ryo spoke up with a soft smile as Lyo dozed in his lap. "But you do have a point, which is why I would say that a moment of silence would be good. But non-discriminatory. What I mean is..." Ryo paused when the other parents looked at him as if he were insane. "If a student is Christian and decides to use his moment to pray that is his business. If a student is affiliated with a different religion he or she may do as they please. It seems like a moment that can be used to think about homework, the latest crush they have on another student. Unfair grounding by parents who think they should adhere to a curfew, whatever they choose to do. You will not force the children to pray, or read scripture over the intercom system will you?" The belligerent parent narrowed his eyes at Ryo's logical questioning.

"No," The principal was quick to say. "No, of course not. The children will simply sit for a moment, if they choose to pray or plot spitballs, that it their choice."

"And we are here to vote on that?" Dee asked thinking about the case of various bodies that had turned up around the city.

"Among other things," The principal said shifting from foot to foot and wringing his hands. "Why do we not get this over and done with so that we can attend to other matters." Ryo noted the man's uncomfortable avoidance of eye contact and sighed. "All those in favor of a moment of silent reflection at the start of each day, a show of hands please." The principal smiled as the majority of the parents present raised their hands. "All those who say nay," The principal watched as the angry parent who had spoken up raised his hand. At a prompt look at his wife she raised hers as well. "The ayes have it." The principal announced with a sigh then he firmed his shoulders and started speaking again. "Now we will discuss the festivities taking place this week. As you all know, the students and families have all been working hard and we are grateful, but there are some parents that have voiced concerns about some of the performances that are scheduled."

"Such as," Another parent asked stifling a yawn.

"Well there is some concern about the dance of the..." The principal paused not wanting to speak. He had no problems with Ryo and Dee, he thought they were great parents and whenever the school needed financial support, they were among the first and best contributers.

"Dragon union," Ryo said for the floundering man.

"I don't want my children exposed to such rubbish," The angry parent spoke again.

"Mr. Carlson," Ryo spoke quietly as he patted Lyo's small back. The little boy sighed in his sleep and Mr. Carlson glared at Ryo. "If you did not want your children exposed to different lifestyle choices, perhaps you should have enrolled them in a private school, I hear St Catherine's is accepting applications." Ryo mentioned a catholic school with a wicked gleam in his eyes as he grinned at the principal.

"Excellent point Detective MaClean," Celene said nodding her head. "As it is I am vastly curious to see the performance. I hear it is exquisite and my children were depressed to hear that it might be taken off the line up."

"Will you be in full costume?" Gabrielle asked her eyes lighting up. "Sorry, I am a fashion consultant, I hear Arcadia makes wonderful clothes and I would love to have a peek at them. I have almost all of their videos and concerts, but to actually have a chance to see one up close..." Gabrielle paused a heavy sigh leaving her.

"I do have permission to wear my wedding ensemble," Ryo said with a sigh as he remembered the unbearably romantic evening he had spent with Dee. Several attendees of the meeting all began to speak at once. Some sounding excited to see the elusive practices of the Arcadian Kingdom.

"So shall we vote it then?" Dee said allowing his hand to linger over Ryo's. Their matching bands glinted in the soft light of the room.

"Yes," The principal got to his feet. "All for the dance being performed," Again there was a majority vote some hands springing into the air long before the principal was done speaking. After staring around in shock at the wholehearted affirmation he noted two hands not raised. With a deep sigh the Principal looked up then drawled, "Nay," The principal watched as Mr. Carlson and his wife raised their hands. "So be it, I look forward to the performance. This meeting is adjourned." The principal breathed a sigh of relief that the meeting was over.

"This is bullshit," Mr Carlson snarled getting to his feet.

"Please, Mr Carlson," Dee said as he and Ryo got to their feet. "We try to watch our language in front of the little one. I know he may appear to be sleeping, but you never can tell." Mr. Carlson glowered and prepared to hurl more insults, with his fist clenched he opened his mouth. Dee smiled at him in anticipation. The man backed down taking his wife's hand he stalked from the room. "Coward," Dee said softly to his retreating back. Mr Carlson stiffened for a moment then continued walking his head held high in indignation.

Break

Ryo and Dee paced the displays of the art classes each holding one of Lyo's hands while the little boy rambled on about Miss Joy. They found Bikky's display and halted their movement in awe of his startling talent. The display was titled simply; The Love Of Family. They watched as Lyo sat in a tub with bubbles all around and Ryo on his knees outside the tub and Dee was on the toilet reading a children's book. Next was a picture of Ryo in the kitchen cooking, another was of Rain sleeping surrounded by his plants with Slyph beside him looking like the feline warrior guardian she was. There were several more pictures of the family in random moments that Bikky had captured and drawn to perfection. Dee grinned as he noted the picture of he and Ryo kissing. Intermingled were pictures of Leon, Christopher, Aoi and Count D. There were more of Lord D and JJ, there was a large portrait of Nana with Rest In Peace around a swath of roses.

Ryo paused as he saw a picture of Dee with Renee, above them as if made from clouds was the nun Mother. "Oh, Bikky," Ryo whispered finding what Bikky must have copied from an old photograph in one of his books. He looked to be at most ten, on either side of him were his parents. Next was a picture of Laton and Torcha standing amidst flames. More pictures followed, all of Angel, Collins, Chihaya and Kagetsuya, Jill each Arcadian Royale had their own portrait, next came friends and Carol surrounded by flowers and hearts. There were more pictures of Rain, the entire display in the shape of a heart.

"You guys should get dressed," Bikky said from behind them. They are going to be wrapping this room up soon and calling the performers to the stage and you know it takes you forever to get into that get up." Bikky said avoiding Ryo and Dee's gaze. "I saw several of your salamanders and even a wrym all pacing in your private dressing room... I mean the principals office."

"Bikky," Ryo said softly placing a hand under Bikky's chin he pushed til the young man was looking him in the eye. Saying nothing Ryo pulled him into his arms. "This is wonderful." Ryo noted that Bikky's head was almost at a level with his own. "Sometimes it shocks me how much you have grown." Bikky panicked when he saw the tears in Ryo's eyes. "You don't even come wake me anymore when the light's out in the bathroom."

"I haven't done that in years," Bikky said his dark cheeks turning darker. "Beside, now, going into your bedroom in the middle of the night is taking a great chance at seeing something no kid should have to see. Parents should not do things like that, it's just plain gross." Dee mussed Bikky's hair feeling some of the same sentiments that Ryo displayed. "Hey..."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Dee groused leaving Lyo with Bikky as he took Ryo's hand. "Don't touch the 'do'." Dee and Ryo left to get dressed leaving Bikky to escort Lyo to Laton and Torcha who wandered around the room. They too paused at his display in awe of his talent.

Break

Rain stood next to Nestoir holding his microphone. Julie was standing with Andromache. They would all sing the song, shadowing each other it would be a hauntingly beautiful accompaniment to Ryo and Dee's movement. Rain took a deep breath when Nestoir tapped his shoulder, the signal to begin. The crowd hushed as Ryo became visible in his elaborate wedding ensemble, only this time, he was wearing his crown. When Dee was spotted across the room wearing his black outfit with his crown mutters began to grow in volume. Dee took his time as he walked to Ryo. When he took Ryo's hand, Nestoir and Rain began to sing.

Nestoir sang softly while Dee took Ryo's hand and arranged them alongside his own.

[Nestoir/Rain: Ahora no, yo no me quiero defender

Dentro de mi cualquier error superare

Y mis momentos mas dificiles por ti

Ryo fell into step with Dee gasping, his face heating as Dee gripped his hips in a sensual move designed to show his prowess and conquering of Ryo.

[Andromache/Julie: There is no reason, there's no rhyme:

it's crystal clear.

I hear your voice and all the darkness disappears.

Every time I look into your eyes you

make me love you,

Ryo blushed but dipped his head in the way Daphnus had taught him. He flet a renewing of the emotions that Dee inspired in him. hearing the awed whisperd of the crowd Ryo continued.

[Nestoir/Rain: Este invierno acabara

[Andromache/Julie: I do truly love you

The entire crowd sat in silence watching as the beautifully dressed couple swirled around the floor seeming to be surrounded by the haunting melody of the quartet on the stage.

[Nestoir/Rain: Libre yo sere

[Andromache/Julie: How you make me love you

[Nestoir/Rain: Volveremos a empezar

[Andromache/Julie: I do truly love you

[Andromache/Julie & Nestoir/Rain: I belong to you, you belong to me forever

Ryo nodded his head as Dee gazed into his eyes. He belonged... they belonged to each other.

[Andromache/Julie: Want you, baby I want you and I thought that you should know that I believe.

You're the wind that's underneath my wings,

I belong to you, you belong to me.

Dee lifted Ryo from his feet and spun him around before they began to mimic one another in a dance of evade and capture.

[Nestoir/Rain: Mi mente ha ido por send Nestoir

[Andromache/Julie: You are my fantasy

Ryo blushed as the words struck a chord in his heart. He smiled at the though that it was just like the first time.

[Nestoir/Rain: Por sentimientos y desiertos aridos

[Andromache/Julie: You are my gentle breeze

[Nestoir/Rain: Con la pasion que me regalas ahora vivire

[Andromache/Julie: and I'll never let you go

[Nestoir/Rain: en aras de tu amor ire

[Andromache/Julie: you're the piece that makes me whole

[Nestoir/Rain: tus olas yo cabalgare

[Andromache/Julie: I can feel you in my soul

Dee took Ryo's hands and moved him to the beat, careful to do the spins correctly, yet swamped by the abundant love in his heart for Ryo.

[Nestoir/Rain: tu sal yo la ..

.[Andromache/Julie & Nestoir/Rain: Por ti vencere todo el miedo que yo siento

[Nestoir/Rain: Cuando me quedan dentro las palabras que yo no llegue a decir

[Andromache/Julie: Want you, baby I want you and I thought that you should know that I believe.

[Nestoir/Rain: Luz en el silencio tu y yo

[Andromache/Julie & Nestoir/Rain : I belong to you, you belong to me

[Andromache/Julie: you're the wind that's underneath my wings,

The crowd gasped as again Ryo was lifted and spun. Several audience members applauded their eyes wide as the two men danced.

[Andromache/Julie: I belong to you, you belong to me.

[Nestoir/Rain: Ahora yo te siento

[Andromache/Julie: I will belong forever

[Andromache/Julie & Nestoir/Rain: to... you...

As they ended with Ryo dipped and Dee's lips pressed to his the audience stood to their feet with wild applause and cheers.

Break

"Will you come on," Bikky urged watching as Rain secured the last braid in his hair with white leather ties. "The limo is waiting. We still have to pick up the girls." Rain nodded he took a deep breath and wiped his damp palms on a handkerchief afraid to stain the white outfit that the old man had given him. Standing in front of the mirror he was glad the clothing fit him loosely. His hair fell to the small of his back with random small braids intermingled throughout the glossy mane. "You look beautiful, now let's move."

"Hold it," Bikky gasped as Ryo stepped into Rain's bedroom holding several boxes. "Rain, give this to Julie," He handed Rain a corsage with a purple orchid in it. "Bikky, give this to Carol," Ryo said giving Bikky a red corsage with white roses. Looking over Bikky's black pants and top, and jacket Ryo could not help but nod his approval. Bikky's long blond hair was tied back with a red band. "You both look very nice, but you are missing something." Bikky frowned looking in the mirror beside Rain. He could see nothing missing from his outfit or Rain's. While the boys were looking at the mirror, Ryo slipped Bikky's crown on his head. Before he could comment he placed Rain's on his head. The circlets gleamed in the light nestled among their tresses. The diamonds winked at them from their reflection.

"Ryo," Rain turned around in awe. "We can wear them?"

"You are royal," Ryo said smoothing the hair he had mussed. "Now go, like Bikky said, the limo is waiting." The boys were met downstairs by Erick, Terry, Ken and Jorge. Standing in a line in front of the fireplace Dee snapped their picture then gave the camera to Bikky. Giving Bikky and Rain cash they both watched as their young men went out on their own.

"You know," Ryo said near tears as the car pulled off with several dragon guards as chaperons. "It only gets worse from here." Dee nodded taking his lover in his arms as the first teardrops fell.
Powdered Sugre 4

Chilled

Ryo shifted his hips stepping from foot to foot as he arranged Lyo's little dragon costume. The leathery wings kept going off center every time the child moved. "You okay," Dee whispered close to his ear. Ryo nodded turning red watching Bikky snicker behind his false fangs. "I'll be gentler tonight." He promised then pressed a small kiss to Ryo's cheek. "But when you started screaming my name like that I kind of lost it."

"Dee!" Ryo shushed him when Carol and Julie came downstairs. Carol looked ravishing in a white dress and long dark wig. She forgo white face paint this year preferring Heaven's healthy human complexion with her fangs. Julie wore an elaborate flower covered dress with wide pink wings. Rain stood beside her in a simple cheongsam that belted at the waist leaving many folds of cloth hiding his slim figure. His long hair was tied at his nape. With face powder and mascara he resembled a tan Lord D. "Now you boys make sure you keep holding onto Lyo's hand." Ryo informed them as they left to take their little brother trick-or-treating.

"Make sure you come back in about three hours," Dee called placing his hands on Ryo's hips. Ryo sighed as he shut the door making sure the bowl of candy resided in the hall chair so that he would be prepared when their doorbell began to ring. "Yep... that seems about right."

"It'll take three hours to give kids candy?" Rain asked with a grin. "Surely you know that the bell will not stop ringing until well after we return. Whatever plans you have may be postponed."

"Don't worry Dee," Ryo promised. "Our room is soundproofed we can all the fun you want later."

"But I wanted to play trick-or-treat," Dee pouted folding his arms.

"Da-Dee come with us," Lyo offered. Surely if Dee wanted to go trick-or-treating he should leave with them. Dee gave a indulgent smile as he shut the door. No sooner than he started licking Ryo's neck, the door bell rang. With a laugh Ryo got to his feet to hand out the large bowls of cavity inducing sweets.

Break

"I'm a dragon, just like grand da Laton, I'll blow fire..." Lyo danced around as a smiling old lady placed wrapped candy in his little bucket. "Biggy, look, Rain..." Lyo turned around smiling showing them his ample supply of bags. The boys and girls looked around and saw that they had reached the last house on this block.

"We should head back soon," Julie said holding onto Rain's arm as the night wore on getting darker the wind howling in the balmy evening air. "This wind is unusual."

"It's just wind," Jorge said laughing watching as his sister clung to Terry while their younger siblings all clamored around Lyo comparing bags.

"Hey," Bikky pointed. "One last house back there." Bikky peered through the trees to see lights in what appeared to be a small house far enough from the road to not be seen if not for the lights in it's windows.

"When did that get there?" Rain asked feeling his spine tingle as he looked at the house. The closer they got to the house, the further away he wanted to be.

"Look how old it looks," Bikky said. "It has probably been here since California was founded." Bikky laughed again. "You know the rules though, if the lights are on, they have candy. Let's be quick then take 'em all home." Lyo took hold of Bikky's hand as they approached the dilapidated house. Rain gasped as a shiver raced along his spine and he heard the wind roar in his veins followed by a flash of thunder. He looked to the sky, but there was no clouds heralding a storm.

"Wild Wind?" Rain wondered looking up again and seeing nothing. He took another step and the wind roared pushing him back. "Bikky wait!" Rain called out as Bikky knocked on the door. The force of his fist caused the door to swing open Rain gasped as he and Julie were knocked to the ground by a strong gust of wind that tried it's best to pull him back. "Stop it, I won't leave my brothers," Rain commanded. Julie looked at him oddly as the wind died and he got to his feet. Rain wondered why everyone stood staring into what appeared to be a one room shack. He watched as Bikky shoved Lyo and the other children behind him.

"Nice set-up," Bikky said tot he woman inside dressed in ratted colonial clothing. They could not tell the color of the outfit for it was splattered with an obscene amount of blood. He looked in horror at the walls that were covered in the same gory spatter. "That almost looks real. But you know what..." Bikky began to back away when the woman looked at him with clear gray eyes that did not appear to see him, or the group of young people looking at her. Carol gasped and hid her face in Bikky's shoulder when the womans stood reaching out to them blood dripping from her gashed open wrists.

"You have small ones," her voice was hollow, filled with a eerie chill that ran like ice over their skin. They all took another collective step back.

"I'll bet getting this ready took a lot of money and you had none left for candy," Bikky retreated two more steps picking Lyo into his arms his heart rate speeding up as Lyo began to sob. "So we are going to leave you in peace."

"Peace," her voice rose in startling volume as wild laughter shook her form, more blood falling to the floor, her hair looked as if it had once been blond now a matted brown as it was soon dripping as well. "Don't have peace, don't have money, don't have medicine, don't have nothing." She began to approach the door again reaching. "But you do, small ones gone, no children, no medicine, looks healthy." Lyo screamed as she lunged.

"Back!" Rain yelled extending his hands he was shocked to feel a force of wind blow past him pushing the woman until she fell into her chair. She looked startled at the group before her face mottled in demented rage and she began shrieking the door slammed in their faces.

"Run," Bikky urged as he carried Lyo, Rain scooped up another child while Julie sobbed and followed them. Jorge totted one of his siblings while Erick and Terry did what they could to help the older ones too large to carry. Carol looked behind them and screamed at the top of her lungs.

"She's behind us!" She shrieked again. "Bikky..."

"I pressed the panic button, I am getting no reception," Bikky said nearly stumbling over a raised stump he straitened and dared not look back. They heard wild howling in the trees as they dashed to what appeared to civilization. "We weren't this far back," Bikky said. "It did not take us this long to get here."

"That hag beckons," Bikky gasped as he saw an old man running beside him. "You will be safe soon, keep running," He commanded and Bikky recognized him as the old man who had given Rain the native clothing and called him Wind Rider. "Bikky looked beside the old man to see his wife frantically searching through several bags. The bloody woman shrieked again calling for the healthy young one. Bikky felt as if Lyo was being tugged from his arms and held the small boy tight to his chest using his velvet cape to trap the boy to his body.

"I'm not letting go," Bikky spat the words over his shoulder. His blood nearly stilled in his veins as he saw the bloody woman reaching out clawing at the air her clothes fluttering in the dark wind as she ran after them her feet never touching the ground. "I won't..." Bikky yelled at her running on. "Rain, you hold on to me," Bikky said over his shoulder. Rain nodded grasping the belt lop of Bikky's pants they crashed through the endless woods.

"Do not stop until you are with your parents," The old woman commanded as she and her husband ceased running. They both pulled two large sticks with bells and balls attached the bells jingled as they waved them. The old man reached into a pouch for some blessed dirt that he blew into the bloody woman's face. She howled in pain rage evident as she again reached after the retreating figures of the children. "She-Hag you are bound," The old woman commanded as simultaneously she and her husband slammed their sticks deep into the ground. The bloodied woman tried to continue to run after the children but fell back as if caught in a net. She tried several more times yelling in anguish before she slumped to her knees on the ground and moaned in agony. Bikky heard the sorrowful sound, but refused to turn around. He and the others kept going and soon found themselves near their home. They found the street deserted as the curfew had long ago passed. Bikky's phone began to buzz immediately as the cold wind died around them.

Ignoring his phone they continued running until they crashed up the grand staircase and into the door to find Ryo standing with his phone in his hand. Dee stood wearing a jacket preparing to leave the house. He stared down at the tangle of sobbing children in the hall. "Where the hell have you all been!?" Dee demanded when no said anything. "We have been worried sick for the past hour, Ryo was near ready to declare war!"

Ryo hung up the phone when he saw the Bikky was shaking as he held on to Lyo. "Dee...wait a sec." Ryo got to his knees on the floor near the huddled children and teenagers. "Bikky?" Ryo said softly watching as Bikky pulled Rain free of the tight grip the other boy had on his pants. Bikky nodded his head as he rocked Lyo back and forth. Ryo began to worry as Lyo sobbed clinging to his Biggy.

"I didn't let him go," Bikky said to Ryo his breathing ragged.

"I want to go home," Julie sobbed. "But I'm not going out there," She looked at the door and began to hyperventilate. "Don't make me go out there."

"It's okay," Dee said kneeling next to Ryo.

"No it isn't," Carol sobbed. "I have seen some odd stuff on Arcadia, I know the secrets, I have been there, but... not like this... nothing like this."

"Bikky," Ryo said calmly trying to take Lyo from Bikky's arms. Bikky held the boy tight refusing to release him. "It's okay Bikky, give me Lyo."

"Ryo," Bikky said tossing his arm around Ryo's neck pulling Rain and Dee into the embrace as well. "I did not let him go."

"Biggy keep me from bad lady, Rain make bad lady go away." Lyo sobbed reaching for Ryo. Only then did Bikky release his hold.

"Bikky," Dee said close to Bikky's ear, sure the other kids were in too much shock to care what they said he continued. "Were you attacked by demons."

"No," Dee sprang into action his gun out and pointed at the intruders. The old man and his wife both held up their hands in innocence. "We were called to aid the wind rider by Wild Wind himself."

"Will someone tell me what is going on here?" Dee said. "You kids get upstairs and get out of those costumes, we'll take you home in a bit." Dee looked at the old couple. Bikky and Rain stubbornly refused to leave. Lyo clung so tight to Ryo that it was no point in trying to dislodge his little fingers.

"Please,"Ryo said in a gentle voice as he got to his feet with Lyo in his arms. "Come into the living room."

"I will explain," The old man said. "When this land was first settled by the Europeans there was a family that settled in those woods. They did not have much money, but they were happy. They had two small children with them, the man I think was a woodsman, he hunted to feed them all. One day he oldest child became ill. He infected the younger child. They did not have money for medicine and both children died. Stricken with grief the wife went mad and murdered her husband with his own Axe, then she sat cradling his body for days. When the town marshal came looking for her she sliced him up as well then opened her own wrists."

"Every year," The old woman continued. "On this night she beckons to those who can see her lights. Trying to steal healthy children. She traps them in the woods with vile illusions and then they are found dead in the woods several weeks later. There are not many who can see her lights..." The old lady looked at Bikky with a deep gaze as if trying to peer into his very soul.

"Who are you that Wild Wind would send you to me?" Rain asked looking into the deep brown eyes of the old man. "And if you can hear the Thunder Bird, why are you not the Wind Rider?"

"I am too old," The old man said. "But in my youth, I rode wild and free, just as my son did after me and as his son is now expected to do." The man met Rain's eyes with sage nod. "Of course I knew you when I saw you, I was there the night of your birth, Rain Cloud."
Powdered Sugre 5

Distractions

Ryo stood within the circle of Dee's arms as the door shut on their boys. "Are... Are you crying?" Dee asked when he felt a warm drop on his neck. Ryo shook his head refusing to look up at Dee. It was times like these when his manhood was the most insulted. "Oh, baby," Dee whispered. He lifted Ryo's face and began to place kisses along the smooth damp cheeks. "Just because they grow up doesn't mean they won't need us."

"I know," Ryo wiped his face. "But, I remember when I first saw Bikky. He was sitting in your chair, trying to be brave. He had just seen his dad's corpse and still he refused to cry. So strong, even then. To see him now, I could not be more proud."

"He could have gone either way," Dee said taking Ryo's hand to lead him upstairs. "I think he has great potential to do great things. It is your influence that turned his energy into something remarkable."

"You helped more than I could, you understand him on a different level," Ryo said taking his shoes off inside their bedroom.

"Go on and say it," Dee grinned massaging Ryo's slim hips. "I understand him on a street level, cause that's where we both come from."

"Where you come from does not determine where you go," Ryo said in a soft voice. He gasped as Dee gripped his bottom. "Dee... the boys..."

"Leave the phones on and near. We can answer if they call." Dee said pulling Ryo into an embrace. Ryo sighed then opened his mouth to Dee's tongue as it demanded entrance. Dee tasted the heady essence of Ryo his heart swelled at Ryo's complete surrender. "That's right," Dee muttered moving his lips to Ryo's neck then back to his lips. "Ummm," Dee flicked his tongue against Ryo's then sucked Ryo's into his mouth.

"Ah," Ryo gasped falling into Dee. Dee was making quick work of undoing the buttons on Ryo's shirt.

"I'm going to lick you all over," Dee promised pressing kisses along Ryo's neck. Ryo sighed leaning his head to the side offering Dee more access to his heated skin. "Especially..." Ryo flushed when Dee gripped his bottom. Ryo placed his hands on Dee's shirt and began to tug the soft material over Dee's head. When Dee's chest was bare, Ryo swirled his tongue around Dee's pert little nipples. "Ooh, Baby," Ryo grinned against the skin now moist with his mouth. Ryo sucked the small morsel into his mouth. "Damn baby," Dee huffed pushing Ryo back onto the bed. Ryo gasped when Dee grasped his pants and tugged them free of Ryo's slender figure. "So beautiful," Dee whispered almost reverent as he ran his hands over Ryo's flanks kneading the supple muscles of his calves then his thighs..

"Dee," Ryo gasped when Dee crawled over him. Dee rubbed his hips hard into Ryo pressing him into the bed. The rough feeling of Dee's jeans against the pale nudity of Ryo's form raced shivers up Ryo's spine. Ryo's entire body locked and shivered as Dee trailed his tongue over the sensitive peaks of his chest. Dee sucked one deep into his mouth causing Ryo to gasp.

"Feel good?" Dee asked as he bit down on the tender peak. Ryo nodded his head with his eyes closed he could not see Dee appreciate the blush that stained his pale skin. Dee followed his tantalizing nipple torture with small bites and sucks along Ryo's collar bone. He then moved down to his tummy and on to his indented belly button surrounded by lean muscles honed by years of training. "Spread your legs Ryo," Dee said his hands pressing and stroking the firm thighs of his lover. Ryo turned crimson, but did as Dee commanded his body no longer in his control.

"Ah..." Ryo cried out when Dee gripped him in a firm hand that gentled as he began to stroke.

"You love it," Dee whispered with his mouth pressed to Ryo's excited member. Ryo cringed as his hips bucked up into Dee's agile hand. Dee opened his mouth placing wet kisses along the shaft of his lover. He licked up enjoying the sound of Ryo's needful sighs and moans. "You want me to suck?" Dee asked stealing the glistening pearl drop of moisture at the tip of Ryo's need. "I know you like it," Dee said then swallowed Ryo whole.

"Sugoi!" Ryo cried out tucking his bottom lip between the even length of his teeth. He nibbled until the lip was red and succulent.

"No baby, don't chew those pretty lips," Dee said sliding a hand up to slip his fingers into Ryo's mouth. Ryo sucked greedily almost ashamed of his need of Dee, yet never wanting to deny this pleasure. Ryo feared he would go mad as Dee's hot mouth and sweet tongue abandoned his member to lick the sensitive area behind. Dee removed his fingers when he feared they would be bitten as he licked the perfect bud of Ryo's entrance.

"Dee!" Ryo called out his hips raising with a wild abandon nearly unseating Dee from his position. Dee grinned as he wiggled his tongue. Using his fingers he probed for entrance then allowed his tongue to squirm inside. Ryo thrashed on the bed his entire body aflame with need. Dee began to pump his member in time to the crazed movements of his tongue inside of Ryo's tight heat. Ryo began to pant strange mixtures of moans and indecipherable Japanese pouring from his lips in sobbed endearments as Dee drove his tongue deeper and deeper still inside of him. "Dee... I... Kimochi.. I'm..." Ryo spilled his warm seed over Dee's hand. Ryo was still trembling when he felt the bed move as Dee removed his pants. "Ummm, Dee," Ryo reached for his lover.

Dee smiled pulling their jar of lubrication from the drawer beside their bed. Dee pressed deep kisses to Ryo's lips as he reached for the many pillows that occupied their bed. He stacked them against the headboard before leaning Ryo against it. Sitting up he stared curiously at Dee. "Keep your legs open," Dee said pressing his slick finger inside of Ryo.

"Oh," Ryo's eyes widened when Dee's fingers found his most sensitive area and pushed. Smiling Dee crawled over and pressed his hardness into Ryo. "Dee... so deep," Ryo panted as Dee pressed in further.

"Relax Ryo, push your knees up and wrap your legs around me," Ryo nodded his head and did as Dee suggested. He sighed as the pressure inside of him eased. "Better baby?" Dee asked holding still his arms beginning to shake as they supported his weight over the smaller man. Ryo nodded unable to speak. Dee was cautious as he shifted his hips. He was more getting comfortable than thrusting causing Ryo to sigh and move his hips into Dee. "Doesn't hurt?" Dee asked needing to be sure the new position was not one to cause pain.

"I might be sore if you thrust too hard, but..." Ryo forced the words from his mouth refusing to allow his mind to muddle completely. "It feels good. I can feel every inch of you."

"I found this on those old 'house boy' scrolls that Little D gave you."

"I forgot all about those," Ryo confessed wrapping his arms around Dee even as his legs held the broader man close. Dee smiled and thrust causing Ryo to gasp trying hard not to scream as Dee pressed into his sweet spot.

"I'll get it every time," Dee promised thrusting again to prove his theory. Ryo tried again not to scream managing to hold his pride intact. Again and Ryo was not so sure. He knew Dee loved to make him lose his mind in bed, but... Another thrust and Ryo forgot what he was fighting for.

"Dee... Dee! Dee!" Ryo began to cry in between loud moans and gasps for air.

"Yeah baby," Dee panted as he thrust in hard, ground his hips against Ryo, pulled nearly out then slammed in again. Ryo gasped as his body locked hard around Dee he held Dee's shoulders, slick with sweat as the man heaved over him. "Scream for me," Dee begged pushing in deep and moving his hips in a circle. Ryo closed his eyes. "Look at me, I want to see you come," Dee begged. "You're eyes are magnificent." Ryo gasped and opened his fathomless orbs. Tears swam as Dee pressed in again and again driving hard into his prostate. A loud wail began to build in his throat as Dee watched his eyes darken the irises nonexistent in the sockets. Ryo screamed as he flooded their bellies with his enjoyment. Dee smiled his own orgasm holding him in Ryo's tightness. The feeling of the hot release against his insides sent Ryo over, so soon after the last one tears stung and fell from Ryo's eyes. Dee lay heavy on top of Ryo as their breathing slowed. He felt the even deepness of breaths Ryo sucked in and looked down to see the other man asleep. Dee was gentle as he pulled himself from Ryo's body. Ryo sighed in his sleep uttering Dee's name.

Dee was gentle as he moved the pillows shifting Ryo on the bed. He then went to get a towel to clean them both off. Dee checked the clock, satisfied that the boys would be a few more hours yet, he went to get a shower.

Break

(Several Hours Later)

Dee heard the loud steps on the porch and smiled, it was eleven thirty exactly. Dee sat his book aside as the key turned in the lock. "Bye guys," Bikky called laughing. Rain walked in with his head down and his face red.

"Good night?" Dee asked when Bikky looked at him. Bikky's eyes went from Dee to Rain then back again before the tall teenager burst into laughter.

"Shut up!" Rain wailed casting about for a kind face. "Where's Ryo?" Dee looked upstairs and Rain dashed off.

"Oh, hey wait... he's" Dee started to go after Rain but paused when Bikky continued to laugh. "What did you do?"

"Me..." Bikky squawked offended by Dee's accusatory stance. Dee stood with his arms folded his eyes boring into his son. "I did not do anything. I was making out with Carol, and Julie decided that when Rain moved to kiss her good night, she would up the ante... But, she took her shoes off so that she would not be taller than Rain. Rain was shocked to feel her tongue, I'm guessing here," Bikky held up his hands and shrugged remembering the gasp Rain had emitted. "Rain backed up, tripped over her shoes and they both went down." Bikky could barely finish for the chuckles that rocked his entire body.

Dee tried hard not to join in the mirth at the younger boys expense. "You should not laugh at him," Dee said biting his cheek in a firm attempt to hold in his own laughter.

"But Dee," Bikky's glee was contagious. "You should have seen it..." Bikky grinned. "I'm going to have to teach him, or you and Ryo will have to go at it big time in front of him or something... I am surprised he did not bite her tongue off, you know how he is with food. Anything in his mouth has a danger of being consumed. Man... I love him." Bikky said his laughter dying as he thought of his brother. "He has been through so much," Bikky sobered glancing upstairs when he heard Ryo and Dee's door open. "But still he is so innocent." Dee said nothing. He clapped a hand on Bikky's shoulder before sending the boy upstairs to change.

Rain took his jacket off before heading into Ryo and Dee's bedroom. He could hear Bikky laughing and sighed before creeping down the hall. He found Ryo laying in bed with his arm cradling his head. Ryo was beautiful in his pale exhaustion. Rain's eyes traveled over the bare chest. He blushed when he saw the mouth shaped bruises near the peaks of Ryo's pectorals. Ryo sighed turning over causing the sheet to drop to the curve of his bare bottom. "Oh my gosh!" Rain gasped turning around to leave the room.

"Hm, Rain," Ryo sniffed, his eyes opening immediately alert.

"N...Nothing, s...Sorry," Rain stammered heading for the door.

Ryo sat up pulling his sheet secure around his waist. "Rain wait," Ryo called and smiled when the boy turned around. "Come here and tell me about it," Rain was hesitant, but walked over to the bed. Ryo sat a clean pillow off the floor on the bed. "Sit here, it's safe." Ryo said with a grin. "I'll have to change the sheets later, Dee can sleep in the wet spots." Rain laughed at ease by Ryo's playful banter. Rain took a deep breath and began to spew the events of this night that he would never forget.

Break (end flashback)

The precinct was full of the normal din that was a constant backdrop of detectives and criminals. Leon was whistling as he strolled into Ryo and Dee's office with Alicia. "She came by to see you," Leon explained he was just reaching for a file on Ryo's desk when the phone rang.

Dee grinned when he saw that it was his line. "I got it baby," Dee said picking up the phone. "Laytner... oh hell, Bobby, what's it been ten years?" Dee said with a wide grin as Alicia moved over to speak to Ryo. "Yeah man, what's up?" Dee said sitting at his desk. "Ah...man," Ryo turned away from Alicia when he heard the sorrow in Dee's voice.

"Excuse me," Ryo said then moved over to his lover. Dee felt Ryo's hand on his shoulder and he looked up.

"Damn...yeah," Dee said. "All, right, I'll talk to you later." Dee hung up and sat for a moment simply holding on to Ryo's hand. "Baby," Dee said tugging Ryo's hand until he stood between Dee's spread legs. "I uh...may have to leave soon, like end of the week."

"Leave?" Ryo grew alarmed.

"Yeah, and I may have to give you my badge for a while," Ryo grew alarmed at those words knowing the significance.

"Dee..." Ryo got to his knees in front of Dee. "I'm going with you."

"The kids... Ryo I may have to do things that... I don't want you involved." Dee kissed Ryo's forehead. "Bobby was adopted and moved out to Detroit, he was always a bad ass, you know... He has three brothers, his mom..." Dee paused. "She was awesome...the day she came by, I was in Juvie, so... Bobby says that she probably would have taken me too."

"Dee, what's wrong?" Ryo said feeling Dee's hands tighten on his own.

"I met her a couple times, real sweet lady." Dee seemed far away. "They killed her Baby, some bad things are happening and I am going to help. The law is not going to do it this time. From what it sounds like, there might be a dirty cop in there somewhere. So I am going to go there not as a cop, but as a friend."

"Dee...What does this mean?" Ryo said showing Dee his left hand. Dee looked at the beautiful band on Ryo's hand. Ryo picked up Dee's left hand to kiss the ring there. "Where you go I go. We can take the boys with, however long it takes... we'll be okay, we are a family. The boys can have a temporary transfer to a school there. We will work on this together. As long as we are in the King's army and royalty, we will always have a gate to Arcadia... Whatever we have to do, we will do it together." Ryo promised getting to his feet.

"Thanks Babe," Dee said blinking away moisture.

"Little D and I will be there too. Lord D was just saying that we need time away." Leon said still in the office with Alicia. "Open a shop there, Lord D can take care of him he can like, stay in the garden while Lord D runs the shop. We are family too, whatever problem you have effects us all."

"You are willing to go to Detroit?" Dee asked looking at his friend in awe.

"Sofu and Auri can handle things here. We work as a team remember. I am sure JJ would feel the same. It would be good, too many people come to the shop looking for Little D, that's why Lord D wants to take him away. We were just going to move to Arcadia for a while but this is better."

"I thought he couldn't be stressed out," Ryo said worried for Count D as he was in his fifth month.

"He won't be," Leon grinned then looked around to ensure that no one was around he said. "Lord D can make a garden and keep him there."

"You guys... Let's go," Dee got to his feet to hug Ryo. "We will help them and let his mom rest in peace." Ryo turned to leave the office so that he could inform the Commissioner of their plans but paused when he saw Alicia in the doorway.

"Ryo... I'm pregnant."

Powdered Sugre 6

Mad Dash

Chihaya's large purple eyes grew round as Count D got to his feet. "Maybe you should not move around so much." Chihaya stood and placed both hands on either side of D. "You are rather round about the middle."

"I'm pregnant, not an invalid," Count D groused as he loaded the tea tray. The chime on the shop door sounded and he looked up with fear until he saw that it was Kagetsuya and Ryo. Count D tried to lift the tray, winced then stood with tears in his eyes. Ryo was at his side in an instant taking the tray while Kagetsuya took Count D gently by the arm and helped him back into his chair.

Though Ryo was too kind to speak, Kagetsuya frowned at him. "Count D the younger," Kagetsuya began. "I do believe I heard somewhere that you were to stay off of your feet."

"It is just tea," Count D argued firming his lower lip. Count D splayed his hands over his tummy rubbing the growing mound. His tears eased and a smile crept over his features. "Father is coming for a checkup today and I wanted him to worry about me less. I thought that if he saw me out of bed..."

"That I would think anything other than the truth," Count D gasped as Lord D walked over to place his hands on the back of D's chair.

"You look so tired lately ChiChiUe, you work too hard..."

"To save you and my grandson, I am fine child," Lord D assured D kneeling down by his chair he placed his hands on D's tummy. Lord D then moved to a chair. He was smiling as he began serving tea. "JJ tells me that soon we will be on a journey."

"I know, Leon said as much, but I wonder," Ryo sipped thoughtfully then continued. "Is it safe for you?" Count D shrugged his eyes going to his father.

"Of Course," Lord D assured them. "Father is already there setting up a shop. You and I will then leave this shop through a garden and enter Arcadia, we will leave Arcadia through another garden and enter the new shop. You will remain in the garden allowing nature, the animals and myself to care for you. Leon will travel with us as will Christopher, Kiba, Shinrai, Aoi and JJ. Ryo, Dee and their children will take a plane."

"Chichiue, I understand that you declined the care of the dragon spawn." D said worried then he looked at Ryo.

"My energy is needed for you child. I am sure Ryo understands." Lord D smiled hoping that Count D would not notice the lines of fatigue around his eyes, or that he had lost weight. It was no help to his current condition that he was in heat and craving JJ. JJ obliged him to a great extent leaving them both exhausted. "You are not the reason for my condition," Lord D smiled a secret smile that Count D knew all to well. It was one he often wore when he thought of Leon.

"Well now," Lord D startled when Soofu A appeared at his side. "Let you be gone to check him."

"With all due respect Soofu," Lord D got to his feet to exhibit a traditional jol to the ancient being. "He has not finished his visit."

"So sorry to hear that, but I do not have time for a tea break." Soofu A said looking around at the visitors. "I am sure they will await your return."

"You have the right to witness the birth of the youngest D child, not embarrass him during his pregnancy. Please allow us the privacy of his check-ups." Lord D said when he noted the Count D had turned scarlet at the mortifying thought of someone else looking at him while he was unclothed.

"You are delaying the check-up, and wasting my time," Soofu A pulled Lord D to his feet keeping a grip on his arm. "Surely you know that..."

"Must you bully my children?" Sofu D stormed into the shop a gale of wind a testimony to his anger. He walked over and took Lord D from his brother. "I concede that you did indeed worm you way into this situation, but you need not gloat and we will in turn try hard not to begrudge you the right."

"You have returned," Soofu A smiled enjoying the fire he could see in his siblings eyes. "Good," Sofu D paused not sure what his brother was playing at. " I do not believe it wise of you to leave them alone. One too weak to stand for any length of time," Soofu A glanced at D where he sat panting and holding his large tummy. " And the other too exhausted to defend him even if he knew how." Lord D blushed for once in his life regretting that he had no self defense training at all. He could not even defend himself, let alone his son. It was the past all over again, his son in danger and he, helpless to do anything about it.

"Soofu..." Sofu D said looking at D and Lord D then at his oldest brother.

"Care for your family, this place is still watched, you must leave tonight," Soofu A was gone long before anyone present thought of any words to say.

Break

Ryo stood at the register waiting for the clerk to finish ringing up their items. Rain and Bikky stood beside him silent and sullen. They understood the need to stay together as a family, but leaving their girls and friends behind was getting tougher each time they left. Lyo rested on Ryo's hip with his thumb tucked in his mouth. Ryo had given up trying to keep the appendage from the little boy's mouth. His cell phone rang and he stood aside to answer. "Dee, yes, we are all outfitted for cold. I know," Ryo paused and smiled. Then chuckled as he continued. "I went on line and checked the weather, it is extremely cold and snowing so I have boots, thick clothing and coats, hats, scarves and gloves. Wool pajamas, everything we would ever need to..." Ryo paused a smile on his face as he hung up laughing. Dee's, "how am I supposed to get you out of those?" Lingering in his mind as they left the near empty store heading out into the night.

Bikky sighed then patted Rain. "May as well give up sulking, nothing we can do about this." Bikky nodded with a level of maturity that Rain had begun to admire. "We may be back before Christmas," Rain nodded his head then scampered after Ryo to help him load the things in the back of the large SUV. Ryo set Lyo in his car seat then shut the door so that he could help his boys. They were all laughing when the sound of a can rolled over to them. Ryo saw the can and paled reaching to shove the boys away from the thick clouds of smoke that billowed around them. Coughing Ryo tried again to move Rain and Bikky only to see that they had already succumbed. Ryo pulled, going to his knees then slumped unconscious on the pavement.

Break

Dee frowned as Cujo barked and scratched at the door. Dee opened the door thinking the large dog needed to relieve himself. Dee cursed when Cujo latched his sharp teeth into his pants, though the creature was careful not to bite flesh. Slyph whined and hissed, her fur on end making her look twice her normal size. "What?" Dee said then looked to the clock. Ryo and the boys should have been home a long time ago. His house phone rang and Dee gulped feeling chills down his spine. "Laytner," He answered then gasped his heart constricted as a police officer from his own precinct told him to come down and pick up Lyo and fill out a report.

"Detective Laytner," The officer said before hanging up. "We have a witness and foul play is suspected. Thankfully the young child was left behind in the car."

"Uh...yeah," Dee agreed even when he felt like his world was ending.
Powdered Sugre 7

Unexpected Blaze

Ryo came awake with a start when he realized he could not move his arms. He felt the cold metal and knew he was handcuffed with his arms behind him. He heard whimpering and turned his head with a wince as the after-affects of the drugs made him move slower. He saw Rain with his hands tied and his head in Bikky's lap sobbing. "It...It's okay," Ryo struggled over the words then coughed as his lungs cleared the last of the smoke from his body.

"You think so," Ryo turned to look at Randolph. "You see him?" Ryo's eyes turned to follow the nod of Randolph's head. He saw the wild eyed man hunched in the corner. Ryo swore that he had not noticed the man before. He crouched with his blond hair shaggy and unkempt. "He likes crack you see," Randolph continued. "He will do anything for a measly twenty bucks." Randolph leaned over and pressed his lips hard to Ryo's ignoring the other man's struggles. Ryo spit when Randolph backed away smiling as he saw the vibrant red of Ryo's lips swelling with the brutal pressure of his assault. "I am going to take you at your word Randy, pretty Randy, Sexy Ryo," Randolph said trailing a hand over Ryo's chest. "I know royalty has honor, even before that, you are a damned good man, better than me any way. Whatever," Randolph smiled then moved down until he was eye level with Ryo. "You are going to give me your word that you won't fight me. You will give me what I want."

"I won't do it, Randolph." Ryo said shaking his head he saw Bikky's eyes open and the boy frowned then brought his bound hands to Rain's hair. Stroking the silky tresses Bikky began to reassure his brother.

"He's going to...r...r...r...rape," Rain gasped as he forced the word out of his mouth. "Ryo, that man, he..."

"Won't be rape if he doesn't fight," Randolph's words caused Rain to gasp and lower his head refusing to meet Randolph's eyes. "You see Ryo, we are going to go in there." Randolph pointed to a television that had a bedroom in the screen. "And if you fight me, he will put a bullet in each of their heads." Ryo heard the gasps and looked over at his boys. Randolph pulled Ryo's chair near the door and the addict got to his feet brandishing a gun between the two boys. "I'm going to undo the cuffs now Ryo, no sudden moves, or they both die." Ryo was silent as Randolph freed his wrists.

When Randolph pulled him to his feet allowing his hand to trail over Ryo's firm bottom Rain cried out. "No Ryo, I'd rather die!" His sobs could be heard as Randolph shoved Ryo from the room.

"He's watching, Ryo," Randolph warned as soon as the door closed leaving them in the bedroom. "Don't fight me."

"I don't want this, don't do this," Ryo tried to reason with Randolph. He gasped when Randolph pushed him back on the bed and ripped the buttons on his shirt. Ryo thought fast, if he started a fire would he be able to reach the boys before that mad man shot them? Would Rain know enough to use wind pressure to block a bullet? Too many unknown variables left his hands tied, there was nothing he could do. Tears began to fall down Ryo's face as Randolph licked his neck.

"Don't cry Ryo, I'll make it good for you," Randolph promised feeling the strong, sleek muscles of Ryo's chest.

Break

Dee looked at the two old natives with a mixture of anger and incredulity. "It is not my fault that Rain was taken," Dee argued their accusations. "There was no way I could have known that... I mean maybe, we have been a lot more cautious lately since Randolph escaped, but with the rush, we got a little careless. He is only human you know."

"You underestimated him because he is only human," The old man glared at Dee. "Now look what has come of it."

"That's not fair," Alicia defended Dee from where she sat holding Lyo in the police station. Jill frowned having told Dee that Leon and JJ were already gone. "They are excellent detectives and awesome parents."

"Perhaps they should remember that the next time a known threat is loose," The old man said Dee slumped in his chair. "What will you do about this?"

"I will get them back!" Dee said firming his resolve to retrieve his family.

"How?" Dee turned to see Laton enter the office.

"However I have to," Dee promised thinking of his Ryo in Randolph's clutches. Who knew what madness the man had planned, not to mention that he had the boys as well.

"Are you sure you want him back?" Laton asked his dark eyes, so like Ryo's, boring into Dee.

"What the hell kind of question is that?" Dee demanded feeling rage build as he looked at the old dragon king.

"A legitimate one considered what this man intends to do to my grandson." Laton said heaving a heavy sigh. "Can you bear it knowing another has touched him?"

"He's still Ryo, he's still the one I love," Dee affirmed nodding his head. "If we hurry..."

"Where to?" Laton asked he stared hard at Dee. "Find him in your heart first and then let it lead you to him."

Dee sat, it was not hard for him to find Ryo in his heart. It seemed the other man occupied every crevice of the organ. Dee thought of Ryo in bed, pliant and eager, shy and embarrassed, wild and abandoned, his. He thought of him in the kitchen cooking, cleaning, singing along with his radio. Dee thought of Ryo bathing Lyo, taking care of Rain and Bikky and every other child that came in contact with them. "I got him, now what?" Dee said and gasped as Laton gripped his head in one hand and placed a hand over his heart. Dee felt intense heat flash inside of his body that caused him to fear breathing smoke. Dee gasped when a clear picture formed in his mind. "A warehouse, by the waterfront...seven blocks out of town..." Dee nearly fell out of his chair when Laton pulled his hands away. "We have to hurry, you were right, Randolph is..." Dee could not finish, he simply got to his feet and left the precinct with Jill and Laton.

Break

"Rain," Bikky said after both pant legs were soaked with his brother's tears. "Rain, you have to stop that and listen to me." Rain looked up then he saw the addict with his gun hand shaking as it trained on both of them. "You understand what Ryo's about to go through...Stop it!" Bikky commanded when Rain seemed ready to get lost in his own painful memories. Rain breathed deep several times sounding near hyperventilation, but he did calm and look at Bikky. "We have to help him. He is doing this to protect us." Rain nodded his head thinking that he would rather die than have Ryo feel the same pain that gave him nightmares to remember. "Okay," Bikky continued to whisper. In a louder voice he said. "hey, I have to go to the bathroom."

"I'm not stupid!" The addict snarled coming to his feet. "You just sit tight while Carl has his fun with your daddy," Bikky narrowed his eyes and got to his feet.

"I said I have to pee," Bikky ground out using his bound to undo his pants. Rain stared in awe as Bikky relieved himself on the man's feet. "Look, he had some of his tea," Bikky said still relieving himself. "At dinner, so in about five minutes he's going to have to poop, where is a bathroom? Or would you rather I sat him in your lap?" Bikky shook a couple of times then pulled his zipper. "What a relief," He sighed happily rain got to his feet he pulled the long hem of his shirt up and undid his zipper.

"I don't need a toilet yet, but uh..." The addict resettled his gun ready to shoot as Rain relieved himself on his feet as well as his legs. "Sorry, my aim is not as good as his."

"Can't shoot us, if Ryo's not fighting," Bikky said looking at the screen and feeling his stomach turn as someone other than Dee was pressing Ryo to a bed. Bikky was relieved to see that Randolph had not taken Ryo's pants off. They had shot, even if it was a slim one.

"Stop," Ryo sobbed when Randolph reached into his pants. "Randolph... I'm going to be sick," Ryo panted his stomach churned as Randolph groped inside his pants.

"No Ryo, just relax, okay," Ryo gasped his eyes closed tight as he felt the rude hand palm him. Ryo heaved and Randolph backed away his eyes wide and Ryo leaned over the side of bed and vomited. "Why?" Randolph demanded tears falling from his own eyes. "I love you. Just as much as he does, I want you so badly..." Ryo heaved again when Randolph pushed him onto his stomach preparing to pull the pants completely from his body. "I don't care, turned this way, at least you won't choke..." Randolph undid his own pants then stopped as the unmistakable sound of a gunshot could be heard followed closely by another.

"I did not fight..." Ryo said his heart crying out to Rain and Bikky as he shoved Randolph away with a force that surprised the other man. "No...not my boys," Ryo cried running for the door.

"Wait, even so, it's too late, let me have you," Randolph begged throwing his arms around Ryo's waist. Bringing his hand down hard in a expert judo move Randolph fell away stunned and in pain as Ryo dashed from the room. He crashed into the other room with awe to find the addict on the floor bleeding from his stomach.

He found Bikky leaning against the wall holding what looked to be a swollen wrist and Rain holding a smoking gun. His unbound hands were steady as his eyes blazed from within with a rage that frightened Ryo. "I want Ryo..." Rain sobbed his entire body trembling.

"I'm here, Rain," Ryo said his voice soft as he approached the wild eyed teen. "It's okay," Ryo placed a hand on Rain's rigid shoulder the boy collapsed against Ryo releasing the gun to Ryo's hand. Looking at the addict Ryo saw that he would be dead in moments the blood was too dark and thick. Ryo palmed the gun and aimed it at his head. Without a thought he fired, not wanting his death on Rain's innocent hands. "It's okay... Ryo assured Rain as he took the boy away from the corpse to go free Bikky from his cuffs. "How did you get out?" Ryo asked hoping to take Rain's mind off the ordeal. He saw the cuffs on the floor in a puddle of what looked suspiciously like urine and smelled as well.

"I'm skinny," Rain sniffled. "Slide right off," Rain hicupped. "he cuffed me over my clothes and it came right off when I tugged."

"Good boy," Ryo said sitting the gun on the table so that he could unlock Bikky. Ryo startled when a book was hurled over knocking the gun behind the table. He turned to see Randolph in the doorway his eyes wide and red with tears and anger. "Listen, it's over."

"Kill me too Ryo... you have to," Randolph said stepping into the room. Ryo got to his feet putting his body in front of the boys. "It's the only way. I'll never give up. I want you too much. I have to have you, to know what you feel like inside."

"You're sick," Ryo said palms splayed out in front of him prepared for a wild move by the deranged man.

"So..." Randolph shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "What can I do Ryo? I'm in love with you."

"That's not love!" Rain shouted his vehemence shocked Randolph he came around Ryo pointing a finger at the crazed ex-detective. "It is a cruel mockery of the real thing. I have known what you want from Ryo, and I have seen the love that Dee has for him. It's different. What you want... that's not love." Rain shook his head his eyes traveling over Ryo's bare chest he saw the fresh marks next to the ones Dee had left and felt ill. "You are mad to think otherwise."

"You shut up!" Randolph yelled rounding on Rain. Ryo shoved the boy hard away from Randolph keeping himself in front of them. He sighed shaking his head then launched himself at Ryo. Ryo blocked the boys and fell to the ground under the weight of Randolph. Ryo gasped remembering how much larger than himself Randolph was. Shoving hard he freed himself from the hold and began to pummel Randolph. Realizing that the man wanted him to beat him to death, Ryo moved away and again protected the boys. "Finish it," Randolph begged spitting blood and teeth from his mouth. "Jail won't hold me Ryo. I'll try again. Next time I will just kill them all first, then fuck you. I won't give up."

"You...Rat...Bastard..." Bikky fumed his cheeks red and puffed out in his rage. Ryo heard the strange timbre in his voice and dared to look away from Randolph in order to see Bikky. Ryo gasped to see the wildness in Bikky's eyes, the bright blue was now nearly indigo and pinpoints in his anger. Ryo had a brief moment of clarity as he remembered Wild Wind saying that Bikky had been claimed by the dragon. No more time was left for thoughts as the room was lit with a heavy blaze. "You will not come near Ryo again!" Bikky yelled and Randolph screamed as his clothes was soon burning.

"Bikky..Bikky... Look at me..." Ryo pulled until Bikky was facing him. "Stop it."

Tears fell from Bikky's eyes as he gazed into Ryo's dark orbs. "I... I don't know how." Bikky sniffled and Ryo held them close as the door was soon blocked by leaping flames.

Break

Dee wondered why Laton smiled as they approached a building that was obviously on fire. "These flames boast the purity of the dragon, yet it was not my Snap Dragon that started it." Laton explained as he kicked the door of the abandoned factory in and entered the building.

"There is another dragon in there?" Dee asked then dashed up the stairs not waiting for a reply. He had to get to his family.

Break

"I don't want to die like this," Rain said staring at the flames that continued to leap blocking them in. He held out his hands and concentrated, he had done it before, he had pushed back the evil ghost in the woods. Not too difficult. Ryo smiled when he felt the wind push the flames away. Randolph sat up from where Ryo had put him out and shoved him in a corner.

"Kill me Ryo," Randolph begged. "I'll try again," He promised as Ryo took Bikky and Rain by hand and ran to the now clear door.

"No," Laton said reaching the entrance somehow before Dee who stood confused to see the tall beast in front of him. "You won't." At these words Laton opened his mouth and spit volcanic flames at Randolph. Ryo clapped his hands over his ears to muffle the agonized screams as he and his family ran from the burning factory.

Alicia got to her feet as they all entered the precinct smelling like smoke with trails of tears marked on their soot smudged faces. Lyo sobbed as he reached for Ryo clinging to his Da-Ryo he tucked a thumb in his mouth and sat quiet as they went through the paper work and headed home each one silent as they were lost in their own thoughts. "Let's get out of here," Dee said when they entered their house. He saw the suitcases packed and ready next to the bags in the trunk all they had to do get back in the car and drive. "We can sort out plane tickets when we get there." Ryo pulled his sweatshirt closer about his frame as he opened the door for Cujo and Slyph to enter the Escalade. Laton and Alicia left the house to return to Arcadia as they drove off into the night.
Powdered Sugre 8

Voodoo

The airport buzzed with a variation of activities that seemed random, but all in some way had a purpose. "Hey," Dee said catching Ryo by the waist. "Rain and I will go see about exchanging tickets, you three get the animals loaded and taken care of." Dee leaned over to kiss Ryo and sighed when Ryo turned his head away. Dee noted the swelling in Ryo's lips and wanted to kill Randolph. He shuddered as he thought that Laton had already taken care of that. Dee pressed a kiss to Ryo's cheek before he and Rain headed off.

"Ryo," Bikky said watching as Dee and Rain left their side. Bikky scooped Lyo into his arms and patted his back. "Tell me the truth."

"About," Ryo said hefting the heavy cage that contained the lynx. Cujo scampered around on his leash wagging his tail glad to be with Bikky again.

"That man was going to die long before you shot him... right? Rain killed him," Bikky said looking at Ryo. "When he noted that Rain was free I doubled my fist, had no choice, I was handcuffed, and I hit him. He knocked me aside, then Rain started to kick him, you know, those high kempo kicks that Little D taught us. The gun fell and Rain grabbed it before the man could. He charged and Rain pulled the trigger. He didn't even aim really Ryo. The first bullet hit him in the arm, but he kept coming so Rain closed his eyes and pulled the trigger again. The blood was so thick." Ryo sat Slyph on the ground to pull Bikky into his arms.

"It's okay, it's over now," Ryo said knowing he would have to call Andy, they would all need counseling after this. "Let's go, you know how Dee is when I'm late."

"With reason... Dude I don't get it." Bikky grumbled. "Yeah, you're like beautiful, for a man, and hot and all, but... He really tried so hard to get you."

"Some people are worse animals and need to be on a leash more than Cujo and Slyph." Bikky gasped at the anger in Ryo's voice. He looked up and saw Ryo dash tears from his face. Ryo was subdued as they handed the animals to handlers. Cujo barked his displeasure and Slyph released hair raising hisses from the confines of her cage.

The family sat silent on the plane watching as it took off from the strip. Dee held Ryo's hands stroking his hand over the tender skin. Ryo leaned his head on Dee shoulder refusing to break down into sobs. He could still feel Randolph's hands as they had caressed him. Dee felt the shiver and wrapped his arm around Ryo. "It's okay, Baby," Dee whispered the comfort that Ryo was too embarrassed to ask for, but too grateful not to accept.

"Excuse me?" They all looked up to see a breathless young woman. She stood trembling clutching a journal and pen. Bikky noted that the journal was one of the promotional photos that Brian Kinney had insisted the group take. It was a picture of Rain sitting on a piano with a small smile on his face. "Oh God, it is you!" She gushed ignoring the frown on Bikky's face. "Please can I have your autograph?!"

"Leave him alone," Bikky grumbled sitting up straighter blocking her view of Rain.

"It's alright, Bikky," Rain offered a tremulous smile. He reached around Bikky to accept the journal. "What's your name?"

"Johanna, with an h," She said watching as Rain scrawled a message inside her book. "You are so awesome, and gorgeous, I'm your biggest fan. On my wall is a poster of you and I have all your solos downloaded on my computer." Rain was gracious as she continued to rant even standing to pose for a picture making sure that the she focused on him and not his family. When she was gone he dropped into his seat with a heavy sigh.

"That was great, man." Bikky nodded his head then closed his eyes to surrender to fitful slumber. Rain leaned his head on Bikky's shoulder and joined him with Lyo stretched across both their laps. Ryo and Dee watched over them too tired to comment, but not relaxed enough to sleep. Ever watchful they sat throughout the long flight.

Break

Leon pulled the light blanket around D's slim figure as he lay comfortable on the lounge set up in the new garden. He found it hard to believe that outside there was at least a foot of snow on the ground, yet in here it may as well have been spring for all the lush foliage that abounded. Sofu and Aurora bid their farewells before heading back to LA to tend the shop. Lord D placed a kiss on D's forehead as he and JJ left Leon to sit beside his love. Lord D walked to the parlor and kept going. T-Chan looked at the Kami with a knowing grin on his face. JJ was quick to don his winter coat as Lord D walked right outside.

Lord D lifted his face to falling flakes a smile on his reddened cheeks. JJ had never see n him more beautiful with his long hair falling around him in piles of lush silk. His deep blue and light blue robes seemed to be made for this weather, yet well did JJ know that satin and silk afforded little warmth. Lord D lifted his hands to the snow and turned to look at JJ with a with a smile. "What are you doing?" JJ asked pulling Lord D's cold hands in between his own and rubbing vigorously in an attempt to warm them.

"It's wonderful," Lord D backed away he bent to scoop up a hand full of snow that he tossed into the air over his head. JJ was charmed by the peal of laughter. He stood back and watched as Lord D scampered like a child in the snow.

"A true winter born," JJ startled placing a hand over his wildly beating heart while reaching for his weapon. He sighed and relaxed when he saw that it was Soofu A. "I will check on the younger as it seems he's got other things on his mind."

JJ turned away from Soofu A to see Lord D gazing at him with a sensual smile that warmed him down to his chilled toes. Lord D approached with a slow, steady gait He raised his arms and wrapped them around JJ's neck. "Come inside," JJ whispered kissing the snow flakes from Lord D's long eye lashes. "I'm freezing, you're no toaster treat yourself." JJ rubbed his hands over Lord D's sides.

"Then warm me, and let me..." JJ gasped when Lord D stood on the tips of his toes and leaned into him. He was shocked to feel Lord D's agile tongue trace behind his ear. "Let me warm you." JJ was beyond speech. With a grin he pulled Lord D inside intent on reaching their bedroom.

Lord D sighed with rapture when JJ pressed him to the bed laying his body fully on top of him. The weight was exquisite and he could feel the heat of JJ through his many layers of clothing. "You are not cold at all," JJ marveled as he pressed his body down on his lover. Lord D whimpered his need becoming great.

"Take me, Jemi-Chan," Lord D begged pulling frantically on JJ's large coat. JJ was quick to strip them both taking time and care to kiss each piece of Lord D's pale skin that became available. Lifting Lord D's glorious skein of pitch black silky hair he kissed the neck. JJ grinned when Lord D began to pant and plead in Mandarin. JJ leaned down to capture the small, pert nipple and suck the bit of flesh into his mouth. Lord D sighed clutching his hands in JJ's hair holding him close. he never wanted this to end, yet he wanted more, so much more. "Jemi-Chan..."

"I'll do it, Darling," JJ said he raised Lord D's legs licking him from his belly button to his bottom. Lord D cried out his back nearly arching him off the bed. JJ sucked hard claiming his sweet reward. Lord D fell onto the bed panting he reached for JJ grasping him in delicate hands he stroked. Taking the drop of moisture from his tip, Lord D brought it to his lips. The flavor of his love burst upon his tongue causing him to spring to life again. JJ sighed diving back between Lord D's legs making sure he was still available for Lord D's sensual ministrations. "No, wait," JJ pulled out of Lord D's hot mouth when he feared coming too soon. "Will you get on your knees?"

"Of course," Lord D smiled then obliged offereing his round, white bottom to JJ. With a smile of anticipation, JJ leaned in and licked. Lord D gripped the sheets causing them to rip under his nails as he closed his eyes his body was not his, but JJ's he cried out in rapture. JJ smiled when Lord D's arms gave out and he leaned onto the bed with his bottom high in the air. Positioning himself he lubed Lord D with his fingers then slowly pushed in. He waited for the muscles to relax and allow him entry then pushed in further. Lord D cried out enjoying the feel of JJ's large hand on his hips pulling his back as Jj plunged in.

"Hai, Oh, Kimochi, Jemi-Chan!" Lord D groaned as JJ rocked them both.

"Harder?" JJ asked leaning over Lord D to whisper in his ear.

"Onigaishimasu!" Lord D forgot English in his need of JJ. With a grin JJ obliged adding strokes of his hand to Lord D's straining member. Lord D closed his eyes when colors danced before them and screamed his release into the pillow underneath him. JJ cried out when Lord D clamped down hard around him and he filled his lover with all that was within him.

Break

"Hey," Dee turned at the familiar voice as they left the crowded airport. Ryo halted in his tying of Rain's scarf to see a man not far behind them. "I thought that was you, you still doing men I see."

"Bobby," Dee said pulling the man in for an embrace. After a moment Bobby shoved away.

"Don't be feeling my ass!" Bobby smiled glad to see his childhood buddy.

"Don't need to," Dee affirmed. "Already got the best there is," Dee reached around for Ryo's hand and pulled him in view of his friend. "This is Ryo."

"Damn, you're pretty, you sure that's a man?" Bobby asked Dee grinning as he was unaware of the pain he was causing. Bobby extended a hand to Ryo careful not to squeeze the pale appendage fearing he would hurt Ryo. Bobby gasped at Ryo's firm, sure grip.

"Ryo..." Bikky said coming over with Lyo in his arms. "I can't control Cujo and hold him, plus he is whining. He wants you." Ryo took the boy in his arms glad of the mittens that kept his thumb out of his mouth even though he had to admit that was probably the cause of the boys restless whimpers. Bikky sighed and then used both hands to reign the large dog in. Rain was busy attaching a leash to Slyph as he released her from her cage.

"What the hell is that?" Bobby asked as the feline looked around her new surroundings.

"That's my son's cat," Dee explained then introduced his boys to Bobby. "Baby, you're exhausted," Dee said when he looked into Ryo's bloodshot eyes. "Catch a cab, get to the shop and get some rest. I'll see you later." Dee pressed a kiss to Ryo's lips before he shut the taxi door. Bobby stood beside him his face averted from the affection. Bobby stood with Dee watching as the yellow minivan left the curb. "So, what's up?" Dee said facing Bobby.

"Nothing, Ma's funeral is in a little bit, you coming?" Bobby said trying to smile in the face of such devastating heartbreak. Dee nodded and walked off with his friend.

Break

The shop door opened and Leon frowned at the blond woman that entered the parlor. D was sleeping and Lord D had vanished in his bedroom with JJ a while ago. "Can I help you?" he hesitated to ask. She turned and Leon gasped when he recognized her. Yeah she had changed her hair, but it was no mistake, that was Helen. "D's asleep, now, and Aoi is with the Honlon and T-Chan."

"Still so defensive," The beauty pouted. "Even after I went through so much travel to see you all."

"You sent an army of demons to attack us and kidnapped the children and Lord D and Angel... That does not exactly spark confidence in your good intentions."

"I did not realize it then," Helen said with a small smile that in some ways reminded him of Lady Aurora. "But now it is like a knife in my heart each time I think of it. I almost allowed my grandson to be raped before my very eyes. My own daughter despises me and my great grandchildren do not even recognize me a kin."

"You yourself set all this in motion centuries ago," Leon shrugged his shoulders then went back to his list of which animal received which food.

"Do you think knowing that makes it any easier to bear?" Helen demanded as she gazed at the human before her. "My own father does not understand this need to be near him..."

"Who?" Leon wondered watching as Helen rubbed her arms in much the same way an addict did when their flesh crawled for the need of their next hit.

"The son of Hermione, his scent has tormented me these many weeks." Helen looked around the shop. "He is here."

"He's busy," Leon said. "Come back in maybe an hour, if he can still walk by then he'll be in the garden having tea."

"I'll wait," Helen sat on a lounge shaking her blond tresses to turn them back to their normal dark hue. "Why would he not walk?"

"Cause' he's getting laid," Leon grinned still finding it funny that the staid, delicate Lord D had such a healthy sexual appetite. Helen frowned then sat gazing about at the many animals. She was startled when the door opened with a loud bang followed by a peal of giggles and profuse apologies. "Hey Andy," Leon said when the high princess tripped into the shop. "Not used to having a shop above ground." Leon said looking out a window and seeing snow.

"Yeah, Sofu said he did not have much time to set this place up." Andy took off her hat and shook her long dark curls. "The garden was his top priority and the rest is bare essentials. You are not planning to be here long anyway right?" Leon nodded as Nestoir entered behind her. "Tell Ryo and Dee to..." Andy cut off as the taxi pulled up with Ryo and boys inside. "I'll tell him myself." Andy paused when she saw the condition of the group of people that stumbled into the shop. "Ryo... Rain...Bikky," Andy placed her hand on Ryo then gasped as tears fell down her eyes. "Forgive me for reading you without permission."

"Andy, hi," Ryo said looking away. "I know you sometimes touch with out thought, it is not a problem. You can't help it when you care for someone."

"Perhaps my gifts should be better cared for, then I would have less accidental readings." Andy looked at Rain's haunted look. "You boys go find your rooms, I am sure that the shop will direct you there." Rain nodded his head as he and Bikky left with Lyo. "Ryo, tonight the group is performing at a fancy Italian Restaurant, you all might be interested in having dinner there." Andy blew a kiss at Leon, gazed curiously at Helen then embraced Ryo infusing as much of her good feelings and clarity into him as possible. "Take a nap, see you at eight. Rain is not expected to perform with us tonight." Andy left the shop with her husband giggling as he nuzzled her neck. Ryo gave a halfhearted greeting to Leon before heading off to find his bed. He too gave a Helen a look. Deciding that she was not here for malicious purposes, he left Leon alone with her.

Break

Night drew on and Helen still sat lost in her thoughts when Lord D found her sitting under the guard of T-Chan and Slyph. "Grandmother," he said with a degree of respect for the ancient goddess.

"You are well?" Helen asked standing to her feet. She longed to embrace Lord D but was unsure of her acceptance.

"Of course," Lord D's brow furrowed at her worried appearance. "Why would I not be?"

"The blond said that you might not be able to walk." Helen said and gasped at Lord D's blush.

"He is ever teasing me," Lord D sat down with Helen. "Would you like tea?"

"In the garden?" Helen looked around hoping to glimpse the magic that surrounded this place.

"The garden is occupied. I have to work less when my son is thus ensconced. We will allow him to remain there with Leon and Aoi." Lord D smiled thinking of how fast Chris had abandoned his brother to run off with Bikky and Rain. Lord D stood to make the tea as Ryo exited the back of the shop looking well rested. He grinned as the door opened to admit Dee already dressed for their evening out.

"So you think the Arcadian's are up to something?" Dee said placing his hands on Ryo's hips he pulled the smaller man close and inhaled his scent. "You always smell so good. I got you something." Dee pulled a small box from his pocket. Ryo opened the box to see the fully loaded clip inside. Saying nothing Ryo pocketed the ammunition alerting Dee to the fact that he was armed. Dee inclined his head to the door and left the shop with his arm around Ryo.

Ryo was shocked as they entered the restaurant to find that it was not owned by Italians. The waiter gave them an odd look as he escorted them to their table. Dee made no secret about their relationship with his hand on Ryo's hip even going so far as to take his coat off. "Stop it Dee,"Ryo warned preferring to seat himself as they watched the band set up. Several unicorns caught Ryo's eye and he blinked when the vision left him. The drummer gave him a smirk and winked.

"Order for me, I'll go see if I can find Daphnus and get some hint of we're doing here," Dee whispered close to Ryo's ear. Ryo nodded his head pink cheeked at the brushing of Dee's lips on his ear. Ryo turned on a smile for the waiter as he placed their orders and tested the wine vintage. When Dee came back he scooted his chair closer to Ryo.

"Did you find him?" Ryo asked remaining inconspicuous as he watched the set up. Several Fairies walked by holding brass horn cases.

"No, but I did find out that this place is a front," Dee said stroking Ryo's hand hoping their obvious sexuality would distract from their skills as detectives.

Playing along, Ryo smiled up at Dee. "What do you mean?" He asked lowering his eyes in a coy manner when Dee tweaked his nose.

"Some big guy in back is hollering about out of town killers to get the job done and be untraced. Apparently the killers that were hired got offed last night." Dee answered pulling Ryo in for a quick kiss when the waiter walked by ending the conversation.

"You think your friend had something to do with that?" Ryo asked tucking his bottom lip between his teeth.

"I know damn well he did," Dee said looking up at the man he had seen moments before yelling at someone. Dee refrained from mentioning that he had seen this same man subjugate one of his own men forcing him and his wife to eat from the floor.

"You must be new in town," He said his gaze on Ryo taking in the pretty features and dark eyes. Ryo's slim build fooled him into thinking him weak. "I'm Victor Sweet. This club has very select clientèle... We don't appreciate your kind..."

"Hi," The owner paused looking up at the cloaked figure before him. The black velvet cape was thrown back to reveal lush curls and a smile.

"Your highness," Dee said as he and Ryo got to their feet and bowed before Andy. He took in her smudged black eye make-up and deep lipstick wondering at the sensual slant to her look Dee raised his brows.

"I am so glad you could make it," Andy reached for Ryo's hand, she felt his temperature and knew he seethed inside. Also scanning she found several weapons and clips. With a grin she winked at him and moved on to Dee. "It has been so long since we have done a show without minors." Dee grinned sure they would do something fun. "How is dear Rain?"

"Probably still sleeping," Ryo answered watching as the owner of the club stared between The princess, Dee and himself.

"Enjoy your evening," The man nodded his head looking almost in pain.

"I can smell the stench of his rotten deeds from a great distance," Andy said walking away. "Enjoy the show," She called back to them waving a hand.

"Wonder what she was hiding under that cape," Dee mused.

Ryo inclined his head to the center of the room where the rest of the band gathered. "I think we will soon find out." Princess Chimera took the stage introducing the group then seemingly vanished into a puff of red smoke. As the smoke cleared the entire band stood shrouded in cloaks. The drummers started and Tisiphone began to whisper into her microphone.

"I don't have arms, I don't have legs, I don't have any human qualities..." The cloaks fell revealing sleek outfits in dark hues and bare midriffs. Low cuts revealed cleavage while pants clung and skirts tantalized. The boys all stood in loose fitting slacks and shirts unbuttoned down to their navels. The fairies began to blare their horns and Andy began to sing.

"The devil comes and I, I try to stall and I
Soon my subconscious and conscious might start to brawl
And I put up my walls
And I, they begin to fall
As a, this cunning demon takes me as it voodoo doll
Darkness sets in as the horns start to grow
Suddenly I become somebody I don't know

Ryo gasped never having heard Andy belt in such a way, but he smiled. She sounded good. The rest of the princessess began to walk in a slow, tantalizing circle around her singing the chorus.

[Chorus
"Whoa-what do I do?
Ooh ooh ooh oh
His body's temple of doom" Ryo turned scarlet when the crowd cheered as Andy openly groped her husband. She was such a child he found it hard to imagine her doing such things. Even knowing she was a mother of two he was shocked.
"Whoa-what can I say?
To-ohh-ohh oh make all of this go away"

Dee began to laugh at Ryo's continued embarrassment over the sexy dance and song.

"I got many different names, but to you it's all the same
I be the crawlin in your skin, I be the reason for your sin
I be the cunning in your charm, and I be the needle in your arm
Call me once might let you go, call me twice and then I'm gonna get ya"

Ryo was suddenly reminded of Heaven in the subtle way Andy shifted her hips and smiled showing fangs in her startling beauty. Knowing she was not a vampire, and that is was all for effect made it seem all the more tantalizing and Ryo sipped his wine remembering why he used to like women.

"Mind playin tricks on me
I'm paranoid, homie
Nobody know what Im going through
God, I'm so lonely"

Dee winced at the pain he could sense in the words.

"I know I'm loosin it
I'm hearing (whispering)
Somebody's watching me, clockin me, hear my heart tickin'
Worshipping two gods can get you in deep"

Andy winked at Victor Sweet then continued to sing.

Crystal ball show you things you're not supposed to see"

The girls swayed in time gyrating to the beat and loud calls from the audience.

[Chorus
"Whoa-what do I do?
Ooh ooh ooh oh
His body's temple of doom
Whoa-what can I say?
To-ohh-ohh oh make all of this go away"

"You know I'm comin for ya, u know I'm gonna get ya"

As the music died, Andy ruined the hot athmosphere with a giggle and grin. Clarisande sighed and rolled her eyes heavenward. She knew her friends adult mood would never last. She was just glad it made it through the entire song.

" Good evening," Tisiphone said in a sultry voice as she took the microphone pushing Andy to the back. After the applause and cat-calls she continued. "I hope you like the show," More applause followed causing the blond princess to smile. "Then I suppose that we should continue."

Clarisande took the microphone and the crowd cheered as the Asain Princess began to belt along with Andy and the Twins.

"I'm obessive when just one thought of you comes up
And I'm aggressive just one thought ain't close enough
You got me stressing, incessantly pressing the issue
'Cause every moment gone you know I miss you
I'm the question and you're of course the answer
Just hold me close boy 'cause I'm your tiny dancer
You make me shaken now, I'm never mistaken
But I can't control myself, got me calling out for help

[chorus:
S-O-S please someone help me
It's not healthy for me to feel this way
Y-O-U are making this hard
I can't take it see it don't feel right
S-O-S please someone help me
It's not healthy for me to feel this way
Y-O-U are making this hard
You got me tossing and turning can't sleep at night

[bridge:
This time please someone come and rescue me
'Cause you on my mind has got me losing it
I'm lost, you got me lookin for the rest of me
Love is testing me but still I'm losing it
This time please someone come and rescue me
'Cause you on my mind it's got me losing it
I'm lost you got me looking for the rest of me
Got the best of me, so now I'm losing it

[verse 2:
Just your presence and I second guess my sanity
Yes it's a lesson, it's unfair, you stole my vanity
My tummy's up in knots, and when I see ya it gets so hot
My common sense is out the door, can't seem to find the lock
Take on me (uh huh) you know inside you feel it right
Take me on, I could just die up in your arms tonight
I melt with you, you got me head over heels, (over heels)
Boy you keep me hanging on the way you make me feel

[chorus:
S-O-S, please someone help me (someone help me)
It's not healthy for me to feel this way
Y-O-U are making this hard
You got me tossing and turning can't sleep at night

[bridge:
This time please someone come and rescue me
'Cause you on my mind has got me losing it
('Cause you on my mind)
I'm lost, you got me lookin for the rest of me
Love is testing me but still I'm losing it
This time please someone come and rescue me
(Someone come and rescue me, yeah)
'Cause you on my mind has got me losing it
I'm lost you got me looking for the rest of me
Got the best of me, so now I'm losing it

[verse 3:
Boy you know you got me feeling open and
Boy your love's enough with words unspoken
I said boy, I'm telling you, you got me open
I don't know what to do it's true, I'm going crazy over you
I'm begging

[chorus:
S-O-S, please someone help me (Somebody help me, yeah)
It's not healthy for me to feel this way
Y-O-U are making this hard (Why you making this hard for me baby?)
You got me tossing and turning can't sleep at night

[bridge:
This time please someone come and rescue me
(Someone rescue me)
'Cause you on my mind has got me losing it
I'm lost, you got me lookin for the rest of me
Love is testing me but still I'm losing it
This time please some one come and rescue me
'Cause you on my mind has got me losing it (All of the time)
I'm lost you got me lookin' for the rest of me
Got the best of me, so now I'm losing it

Ryo and Dee were careful to watch the wild audience as they celebrated the performance. Dee grinned when he noted that Victor was keeping a close eye on he and Ryo. Swaying to the music he reached over for Ryo's hand. He pulled the slim digit to his lips marveling that even though it was smaller than his, it could weild a gun better than he ever thought to.

The band played a few more songs before signaling to Ryo and Dee that they were leaving. Dee sidled up to Daphnus as they walked to their cars. "What was the point of tonight?" Dee asked blunt in his annoyance with the cold. "Damn I've been in LA too long."

"Tonight?" Daphnus said with a small smile on his face. "I just thought to spare you from the harsh realities of a lesson that we ourselves learned not so long ago that the memory is still fresh and painful. Know thine enemy." Daphnus, to the relief of Nestoir, said nothing more as he wandered off seeming clueless to the stares of the crowd that watched him go.

Break

(Thanksgiving)

Leon grinned like a fool as he gazed at D. "I guess Grand-pa D was right," He commented taking in the healthy blush to D's cheeks and his improved mood. "A break from the shop and time in a garden was all you needed." Leon placed his arms around D. D smiled taking Leon's larger hands in his own he pressed them to his stomach.

"Our son is active today," D said his rich voice smooth. Leon laughed delighted when he felt the kick. He sat with D in his arms watching the animals frolic before them.

"Are you almost ready for dinner," Leon asked standing he pulled D to his feet. "Ryo and Dee said they will be here later, and to eat without them. They and the boys are going to be with Dee's friend. Must be hard for them, loosing their mother so close to the holidays." Leon sighed he shook his head then went on with D to wash up and help with Aoi.

Break

"Hey, what's wrong with the cake," Bobby asked as he pried the gooey lump of dough from the pan. Ryo stepped into the kitchen and winced.

"You know how to fix this?" Jack asked the beautiful, half-Asian man.

"Set it on fire and start over," Ryo said with a smile. Bobby frowned wondering why Dee, Bikky and Rain began to laugh. "Did you put enough oil in the pan?" Ryo asked scrapping the mess into the garbage.

"Oil?" Jack said watching Ryo put the pan in the sink and get a fresh one.

"Get me a bowl," Ryo said looking around the neat kitchen. Rain looked delighted to see Ryo pick up a spoon. "Flour, sugar..." Ryo continued to name off ingredients ignoring the box of cake mix that sat on the counter. Ryo had all of his fixings and looked at Rain.

"Chocolate, strawberry, and pineapple," Rain said after a nod from Bikky.

"Do we really need three cakes?" Ryo as he sent Angel off for the additional ingredients that he would need for the flavors.

"Okay," Bikky said with a shrug of his shoulders. "Make one, but after Rain gets done what are the rest of us gonna eat?"

"Hmm," Ryo looked at the wide grin on Rain's face. "Better make four." Slyph raised her head when Bobby entered the kitchen. He looked at her and Cujo where they sat in corner out of the way then continued into the room.

"You telling me," Bobby said coming to stand behind Rain. He rested his hand on the top of Rain's head. Even though he had grown several inches he was still rather short and obviously too small for the large cargo pants and heavy sweater that had several t-shirts underneath. "He can eat a whole cake by himself?"

"If I let him he'd eat two." Ryo said stirring his batter, "you have pineapples so I will make that one first. "Bikky, get started on this," Ryo tossed a packet of herbs to the blond boy and then turned to Rain, "You and Bobby work on setting the table."

"I have to clean it first," Bobby said indicating the closed door to the dining room. Ryo looked at him wondering at the curious tone of voice. Bobby had seemed distant when they arrived this morning. Ryo sighed then looked away. Perhaps Dee's friends were not as okay with his life style as they professed. "Something wrong?" Bobby asked when he saw the sadness on Ryo's face. Ryo shook his head then gasped as the door was opened and he saw the armada of weaponry on the table.

"Oh, great, now we will never get cake," Bikky huffed when Ryo sat down his bowl. "He'll be in there for hours."

Jack picked up the bowl and began to stir. "He likes guns?"

"Oh yeah," Bikky said with a smirk.

Jack nodded his head then picked up the mixer exchanging that for the spoon. "No wonder he married a Detective." Bikky paused then grinned. They did not know that Ryo was a detective as well. Bikky sighed, he guessed Ryo did look too soft to be a detective. Ryo entered the kitchen a few moments later and dipped a spoon into the batter. Nodding his head he picked up the clean pan and began to spread oil into the bottom.

"See," Ryo said when Jack came over to watch. "The secret to getting a perfect cake is the moisture. It will bake perfectly if it has enough oil so that it will not stick to the pan. When you think you have enough..." Ryo paused and looked at his handiwork. "Add more," He said and put a few more drops into the pan.

"Kind of like when I lube your..." Dee ended with a huff as Ryo's elbow connected with his side. "Ow, baby," Dee whined leaning his head on Ryo's shoulder.

"You know," Bobby said noting Jack's red cheeks as he looked away from Ryo who stood in Dee's arms. "He and I only ever had one fight."

"Only one?" Bikky said in awe of the tough man that had been friends with his dad.

"Yeah, I knew he was bi long before I left the orphanage, but when he came out of the academy, he came to see me and then tried to bone Jackie." Ryo gasped and looked at the youngest Mercer boy.

Ryo gasped and shoved Dee away from him to place the batter in the pan. "Ryo-kun," Dee said glaring at Bobby. "It was before I even met you."

"He must have been a child then," Ryo spat over his shoulder his dark eyes on fire from within. Dee loved that wild sexiness that came over Ryo when he was incensed. Reaching for Ryo he gasped and stepped back when he felt the heat of his skin. "Dame, hentai Yo!" Ryo sniffed with disdain.

"Ryo!" Dee said placing his hands firmly on Ryo's hips only wincing a little at the heat.

"Hentai, Baka...Chibi des," Ryo pointed to Jack. Jack stared in wide eyed fascination at the spewing of Japanese. Dee grimaced, sent a sour look to Bobby and lifted Ryo from his feet he pulled him into the dining room where Rain was setting washing the table. Dee inclined his head sharply to the door and seeing Ryo held with his feet off the floor, he beat a hasty retreat.

"Listen to me Ryo, he was young, but I did not know it. After Bobby and I were done he told me how old he was and I gave up. You know I'll fight for what I want if I want it bad enough." Dee sat Ryo down when it seemed the smaller man was listening. " I don't mess with kids, he was only sixteen, but tall..." Dee smiled when Ryo leaned against he table, his deep golden shirt molded to his firm body. The loose fitting brown pants emphasized his strong legs. Dee leaned forward pressing his lips to Ryo's. "You know how much I wanted you. I wouldn't give up." Dee said against the succulent morsels. "Even when you said you were straight, I still had to have you." Ryo gasped when Dee placed his hands on his hips and sat him on the table. Ryo leaned his head back when Dee began to lick his neck. Gasping Ryo was shocked to feel his legs being pulled apart so that Dee could stand between them. Ryo became lost as Dee pressed their lips together again.

"No," Angel said the sound of his voice akin to the cold wind that accompanied his entrance into the house. He stood clutching his bags. "Not on the table, we have to eat there."

"Oh, Please," Dee said stepping away. Ryo's face was on fire as he closed his legs and got to his feet. "How many times have you done that little firecracker on this same table?" Angel grinned as he counted the many times he had indeed skipped school while his mom was at work. Dee turned to see Ryo, still blushing, head back into the kitchen.

Bobby smirked when Dee entered the kitchen and frowned. "Turkey smells good," Ryo said opening the door he basted it then shut it away again. He saw the cake in the pans ready to be put in the oven as soon as the other things came out.

"You!" Dee pointed a finger at Bobby who grinned. "Step outside, you did that on purpose."

"Dee," Ryo turned around with a spoon in hand. "Put on a hat, I am not taking care of you sick," Ryo went back to cooking while disappeared with Jack into the dining room. Both of them laughing at Dee and Bobby.

"But you do such a good job," Dee laughed as he shoved Bobby out the door. Bobby turned and swung, Dee ducked knocking Bobby into the snow. Rain and Jack went to the window watching both laughing.

"They seem to be getting along well," Ryo commented watching Jack and Rain.

"Pain recognizes pain," Bikky said repeating a sentiment of Lord D.

"You noticed that about him?" Ryo asked surprised at Bikky. "It's the same with Prince Angel, a certain look in the eyes. A type of wariness. Rain still has it most of the time. Little D taught him to be strong, but..." Bikky shook his head. "Are the potatoes done?" Ryo blinked at the change of subject then nodded. He began to rummage through the bags that Angel had dropped off. Ryo then went back to cooking with a smile on his face as Jack came back to help him.

Break

Count D sat at the table with a smile as he passed food to Aoi. The tot grinned her silk clothing rustling as butterflies sat on her head lightly fanning their wings. Chris mused that the small creatures wreathed her head like a crown. He still found it hard to believe that his little niece would be the Kami queen. Aoi turned to see Chris staring at her and smiled. "Uncle Chris want pie?" She asked calling for Leon. "Daddy, Chris want pie."

"Chris can finish his dinner first," D said before Leon could. Leon laughed when Lord D gave JJ a heated look.

"Looks like Papa D wants pie," Leon said with a smirk. "Don't you take care of him?" He whispered to JJ.

"So much so, that my back is in pain." JJ whispered back. "He is in season, remember when Little D went through the same thing?"

"Yeah, now he's pregnant," Leon said giving Lord D a long look he turned back to JJ and laughed.
Powdered Sugre 9

Determination

Jack sat with his mouth open as Lord D entered the house. The small man was covered in heavy satin with large sleeves that dragged the ground when his arms lowered and yet the light blue material was not marked by a single speck of dirt. Nor did he seem cold for having come in out of the snow. Long hair fell to well below his waist, confined in a deep blue ribbon. Jack had at first assumed the person was a female, but Rain had saved him from embarrassment by calling him Lord D. Did that mean that the other detective, JJ, was gay, as he was obviously with the Chinese man. "I can not be away for too long," His deep voice, rich in inflection with a sweet accent was more confirmation that he was indeed a male.

"I know," Dee said before JJ could. Jack wondered at the worried look Dee sent Ryo's way before he continued. "Little D is sleeping now, we will try to get you back before he wakes. Just rest here before you go back to responsible Dr/parent mode."

"You need a break darling," JJ said assisting Lord D into a chair. Bikky came by offering Lord D a cup of tea with half a jar of sugar and just as much honey in it. Watching him make it, Jeremiah had nearly lost his lunch. Lord D sipped with a pleased smile on his face. "We all do," JJ frowned as he did not like where his investigation was leading. He had said nothing, but he knew that before too long the brothers would discover it on their own. It looked as if their mother had been betrayed by one of them. The on that would benefit most was the one who had taken out a large insurance policy on her life.

"I can not be gone for too long," Lord D reiterated he paled then sat up looking out of the window as Angel entered the house with a scowl on his face.

"Darling?" JJ said coming to his side. Bikky stood by with Ryo. Bikky frowned when he saw that his parents were avoiding each other, or rather, Ryo was avoiding Dee. What was going on? Every time they left LA, their family had to get stressed? Bikky remembered New York and looked between the pair with a frown. Rain looked to Bikky for reassurance, not sure what was going on.

"Biggy," Lyo piped up tugging on Bikky's pant leg. Bikky looked down to see the small boy had dragged his snow suit and coat over. "Promised to play with me," Lyo stuck his bottom lip out and widened his large blue eyes in the way he knew was sure to get him what he wanted.

"Alright, kid," Bikky beckoned to Rain. "Come on,"Rain nodded his head and followed his brothers from the room. A tense silence followed the kids as the adults stood in silence. Ryo startled when Angel lunged at his brother and punched him.

"Whoa!" JJ said placing his body in front of Lord D. Perhaps today was not a good day to bring him out of the shop.

"You son of a bitch, you sold out mom!" Angel yelled against Bobby's hold. The ensuing argument was loud enough that the boys outside could hear it.

"No, I did not," Jeremiah defended himself explaining his hardship to his brothers with tears. Jack backed away when he heard the knock at the door.

"I got it," Jack said softly leaving his older brothers to their discussion. He opened the door and swore as a snow ball pelted him. "What the heck?!" He demanded stalking out into the cold. He continued after the retreating figure throwing snow balls and cursing. As they reached the street the hooded assailant stopped and turned to face Jack. Jack froze when he noted the gun aimed at him. "Bob..." the only sound to be heard for miles around was a gun shot.

"Jackie, Cracker Jack!" Bobby frantically searched outside of all the windows. He saw his brother fall to the cold ground and began to dash out the door that still stood ajar. He was held at bay by a rain of bullets as several black vans pulled up.

"Bobby!" Jack screamed from his position in the snow.

"Hold on you little fairy," Bobby yelled out the door as he fired his weapon. "I'm coming."

Angel was shocked to see Ryo pull two guns from hidden places and begin to return the fire. He heard a scream and his blood ran cold. "Dee," Ryo called over the din of gun fire. "The boys are outside." Ryo blasted a few more times the dashed the other side of the room. "I'm going!"

"You be careful!" Dee called over his shoulder as he leaned next to Angel fire.

"Bobby!" Jack screamed again as he could feel the cold seeping into his body while his life's blood seeped out.

JJ thought he was going mad as he saw a fluttering of light blue dash past him. "Darling!" He called as Lord D ran out of the house amidst the flying bullets. His ribbon fell from his hair leaving it to whip wildly about his slim frame. Keeping his head low, Lord D ran and crashed beside Jack.

"It's alright, calm down," Lord D said to the frightened human as he lay in pain. Lord D pressed his hands against the wound and winced as he formed a connection. Using the bag he summoned from a sleeve pocket he began to search for his tools. Jack screamed in agony as Lord D made sure that no fragments of the bullets remained inside.

"Bobby!" Jack called for his brother.

"He is occupied right now, I will take care of you," Lord D promised. He pressed his hands flush against Jack's skin watching as a golden glow surrounded his fingers where they pressed inside the wound. He did not focus on the entry and exit wounds paying attention solely to the vital organs that had been ripped asunder by the bullet. Jack grew silent as the pain lessened. He looked down to see Lord D with his eyes closed in deep concentration. Though he was sitting in the snow beads of sweat gathered on his brow and upper lip devoid of any hair that would mark his gender. Lord D winced fearfully as several bullets winged past his ear.

Ryo dashed out into the back yard and froze. His boys were no where to be found. Ryo ducked and fired several shots as he was spotted by an assailant. "Cease fire!" He called hoping the criminals would see reason. "There are children present!" Ryo scanned the yard hoping to find Rain, Bikky and Lyo. All he saw was a swirling vortex of wind and snow. Peering inside he saw Rain standing with his hands outstretched and his eyes closed. Bikky knelt at his feet holding Lyo in his arms. "Kuso!" Ryo swore when still the attackers shot at him. Pulling a fresh clip from his pocket and loading his guns Ryo returned the fire with deep determination. Ryo huffed as he saw a large car speed past him. It crashed hard into a black van with painted windows. Jeremiah jumped out and began to pummel the driver.

Dee wanted to go check on Ryo but he was pinned down next to Bobby returning fire. Bobby grew worried and looked to the front yard when Jack no longer screamed his name. "Jackie!" Bobby called. "Cracker Jack!" Bobby nearly got to his feet to go to his brother's side only a blast of a machine gun kept him at bay. "Damn it!"

"Don't worry," JJ said firing. "My darling has him."JJ saw Lord D duck from bullets, but still manage to keep his brightly glowing hands on Jack. "I'm going to get him, before they do." JJ made sure his assault rifle was packed away before he pulled out two hand guns.

"Damn, you guys came packing heat." Angel said from his position at the window.

"Dee, promise me... If I don't make it, you'll take care of him." JJ said opening the door. He snatched his hand back quickly as it was almost shot off.

"You're not going out there?!" Dee yelled.

"Ryo has a gun and the skill to use it. Imagine if he didn't..."JJ ground the words out his blue eyes hard with determination. "My darling is of light, not fire." JJ shook his head and rolled onto the porch.

Dee swore and turned his fire covering JJ's wild sprint. JJ jumped behind a parked car. He was close. So close he could see Lord D where he crouched next to Jack. The ground around them both was covered with deep red blood as were Lord D's hands where they were pressed against the wound. Lord D knew JJ was there but he could not take his concentration off of his task or surely he would loose his battle to save this young man's life. It was a slow process knitting delicate organs, but lord D knew he could do it. In the back of his mind he saw that Count D was waking and he whimpered as his his endurance was once against stretched to the breaking point.

"Precious, it's okay if you have to let go." JJ called out over the loud bang of his own weapon. JJ cried out as Lord D tucked his beautiful bottom lip between his teeth and paled as still he worked to heal the internal damage.

"If I do, he will die," Lord D whispered as tears fell down his face.

"If you don't... you will," JJ sobbed. "What about Little D and the baby?"

"Upon my expiration, everything will revert to my father. Including the connection I have formed with D. He has the strength to hold him through this."

"But not the skill, he has already admitted that!"JJ said blinking in confusion at the cessation of bullets. He crawled over to Lord D and placed his hand on Lord D's arm. He felt the deep tremors that wracked the slight frame and grew worried. "I don't have the strength to loose you." JJ sobbed and grew terrified as Lord D let go and fell back weakly against him.

"He is far from out of danger, but..." Lord D paused as Bobby crashed to the ground beside him taking Jack into his arms. "The organs are healed, I can do more, but..."

"No," JJ said softly. "You can't." He stood to his feet pulling Lord D to stand. Lord D's knees buckled beneath him but he firmed his spine and stood.

"I can... I just need..." Lord D's eyes rolled and he fell over. JJ caught him.

"To get to the garden and let nature take care of you." JJ said. "If you want your brother to live," JJ said to Bobby. "Bring him along and ask no questions, expect no answers, deal no insult." JJ pulled Lord D into his arms and stalked to his rental car now riddled with bullets, but still functional. Bobby picked his brother up and followed. Leaving behind an trail of blood he got into the car.

When the bullets ceased Ryo turned to the pillar of wind and snow. He saw Rain sag to his knees and ran to catch the exhausted teen. "I did it Bikky," Rain said as he inhaled deeply. "Just like you said I could. I did it..." Rain closed his eyes and passed out.

"I knew he could," Bikky said his entire body shivering in the cold. Ryo saw that Bikky's coat was open and Lyo was pressed inside the fabric. The little boy, nearing six years old had a tight grip on Bikky.

"I got him," Dee said coming behind Ryo he took Rain into his arms and carried him inside while Ryo gathered Lyo close allowing Bikky to lean against him as his limbs were stiff with cold. "He is not cold, just exhausted," Dee explained as he pressed a hand on Rain's skin to feel the damp from his sweat. "He worked to make wind with enough pressure to block those bullets. I'm going to have to thank that Bird for teaching him that." Dee said wrapping Rain in a blanket then offering several to Ryo for the other two boys. Angel and Jeremiah were busy going to speak with the police that had showed up a while after the fighting had stopped. Ryo wrapped the blanket around them then raised his temperature. Not enough to cause a fire, but enough to warm his children as he held them in his arms.

Break

Bobby nearly choked on the strong smell of incense that permeated the pet shop. He wondered that he could not smell the animals in the cage even with the cloying perfume, but they seemed well cared for, some of them even wandering around freely. Bobby watched in fascinated horror as the creature that looked to be a mixture of a goat and tiger lick up the drips of blood that Jack left behind. Bobby sped up after JJ when the creature followed.

"T-Chan, you are frightening the guests," Ten-Chan scolded when he saw Bobby hold Jack close as they neared the door to the garden.

"I'm hungry," T-Chan complained. Any more words T-Chan could have said were halted as Bobby let out a gasp.

"What the hell is this place?" He asked as the door was opened and he saw a clear blue sky overhead. Grass grew wild and sweet at his feet with flowers in bloom under the shining sun. Animals scampered around while butterflies fluttered around cloistered around a single being sitting in the midst of fragrant plants. Trees swayed in a gently blowing breeze and Bobby took a step back.

"This is the Garden," Bobby looked down to see a tot no older than two resembling a porcelain doll in her fine silk ensemble. "O-Ji-Chan... Daijobu Des-Ka."

"Hai Chibi, Daijobu-Des..." Lord D's voice sounded weak even to the child. She shook her head and pointed a finger to where Count D had gotten to his feet. It was slow process with his belly heavy with child, but he managed.

"Leon?" D asked when JJ sat his father in the grass he had vacated.

"He'll be along shortly, he went to the police station, he was not even there when the bulk of the fighting took place. Take care of your father." JJ said finding it hard to believe that this mature young man was his step-son. "I'll get him a change of clothes, you clean his hands." Count D nodded and summoned a basin of clean water with scented soap. Looking curiously at Bobby and Jack, Count D took a towel from his voluminous sleeves and began to wipe the blood dried onto his father's hands. Lord D forced his eyes open to gaze at his son, but could not muster the strength to speak. Shaking his head he took his hand away and nodded to Jack.

"You want me to help him?" Count D said looking over at the young human that was bleeding all over the hibiscus. Lord D sighed glad that Count D had understood. Bobby held Jack close to him when Count D approached. "I need to dress his wounds," Count D said softly. "And you must be weary from holding him. Come, rest a while," Lord D smiled when he heard the persuasive tone in his son's voice and knew that Bobby would cave to the calm demands. Count D was well trained in the art of human gullibility, all he lacked at the moment was a handy contract for bobby to sign, he smirked as Bobby heard his masculine tone, then gazed at his expanded tummy. "I am sure that when you left your bed this morning you were not prepared to say an eternal farewell to your baby brother, let alone finding a pregnant Kami in a magic garden, but life has a way of surprising us all."

"What are you?" Bobby asked forgetting for a moment his promise not to ask questions.

"A little over five months along now," Count D answered as he lowered himself the ground. Bobby stared at the pile of antiseptic, cleansers and bandages that had not been there a moment before. "Lay him here and I will care for him. I am sure my father has done all he can," Count D sighed sure that if he had not been keeping his son inside, Lord D could have done so much more. Bobby stood by watching as Count D cleaned the exit and entry wounds then spread an ointment on a thick pad that he placed on the openings then wrapped linen securely around.

Bobby stared at the creature before him with one deep purple eye and one brightly golden. His lush black hair fell around his shoulders freshly trimmed by Leon that very morning. This all seemed so incongruous, Eden in the midst of the smog filled city chaos of Detroit. Abundant life after horrific scenes of chilling death. Peace settling in after surviving violent clashes, Bobby stood staring down. Count D tried to stand and wobbled causing Bobby to reach for him and gasp in shock at the frailty of the arm in his hand. "Are you alright?" Bobby asked watching as D steadied himself.

"Fine now, just a bit precarious," Count D said with a laugh. "Your brother will be fine now, you may leave him. I am going to clean my father now," Count D went back to his task of wiping Lord D's hand clean of the blood. Bobby stared for a moment, then nodded his head. JJ re-entered the garden carrying yards of fresh satin and lace. Bobby left the shop in a fine, black rage. Victor had gone too far.

To Be Continued

Author's notes; I am trying so hard to keep up with time, but I fear I am slightly under the weather. The next chapter will conclude this arc and see our boys back home in time for Christmas. I want to say thank you to all who read, enjoy and comment on this strange work of fan based fiction. I do not own Fake, Pet Shop of Horrors, Earthian, Rent, Queer as Folk, Four Brothers, or any other series that perhaps might visit. The White Lion and all Arcadians are mine and used with permission only. Speaking of the White Lion, have you all gotten a copy? Please do so and support a struggling artist, let me know what you think.

Song credits from the previous chapter are as follows.

Voodoo Doll: Fergie

S.O.S: Rihanna

I do not own those songs and am making no profit from their use.

Powdered Sugre 10

Passionate

Dee sat in the car with Bobby at the edge of the frozen lake. Bobby reached for the handle. "Hey man, whatever it is... I'll go with you." Bobby shook his head worrying Dee. Bobby had said little since leaving the shop two days ago and had not been by to see Jack. Had not even told his brothers where the youngest could be found. "Talk to me."

"I don't have time," Bobby said looking at his watch. And making sure his gun was loaded. "You have a family man, I am not risking your life."

"Ryo's got it, besides..." Dee tried to explain that his life was a little more complicated than that. But then he thought better of it. While it was true that he did not age, he could, in fact, be killed. "Jack's worried about you all."

"You go tell him not to. To worry about getting better," Bobby got out of the car. Before he could shut the door Dee leaned over. "What?"

"You never asked one question about the shop or its occupants," Dee said looking deep into Bobby's eyes.

"I was told not to, better than that, I don't think I want to know." Bobby shook his head looking angry at the water he turned back to Dee. "Don't make me late, by now Jeremiah is on the ice. I'm going to get my brother." Bobby turned and stomped away over the frozen water. Dee sighed before he pulled off to make sure that Jack was not too much trouble for little D as he recuperated in the Kami's garden.

Break

"Well this sucks," Jack said with a wince. "Mom always said that there was no pain in Heaven. I guess she was wrong," Jack looked around the lush garden with serene creatures walking around nibbling grass every now and then.

"Then it would be a safe guess to think that you are not in Heaven. Though I am sure grandfather will appreciate the compliment. He made this garden." Count D said as he waddled over with a hand on his large tummy.

"I thought I was dreaming before," Jack said he tried to sit up and cried out falling back onto his pillow of flowers. "You sound like a man, but..." Jack's eyes went to the mound under D's cheongsam.

"I am a male of my species, this is true," Count D laughed a little as he lowered himself to the ground beside Jack. "But Kami physiology is extraordinary in that we are able to carry and give birth with the correct conditions."

"Conditions?" Jack asked wondering why the young woman that approached with a tray had pointed ears and a tail.

"My love for my detective and his love for me." D explained he smiled his thanks as Sylph sat their lunch beside them. Jack stared finding the girl's yellow eyes to be oddly familiar.

"Rain wonders if perhaps they may visit you this evening. The boys miss you." Sylph explained her master's wishes. Jack stared in awe as she got to her knees before the Count and began to purr, the woman purred, as Count D ran his well-manicured hands over her hair.

"Of course they are welcome to come see me." Count D smiled when Sylph meowed and scampered away forgetting her human guise. Jack gasped when the female before him turned into the lynx that had been in their home for Thanksgiving.

"That is the boy's cat that was..." Jack's stomach disturbed his train of thought and he decided to inspect the food the cat had delivered. Jack frowned when he saw that it was all fruit and vegetables along with tea, water and pastries.

"Do you require aid?" Count D asked placing a sugar cube between his deep red lips and licking with a smile. Count D did not wait for an answer he simply lifted the fork and began to feed the injured young man. Jack watched in fascination as Count D began to feed him with one hand while the other passed bits of sugar and pastries into his own mouth.

"Do you eat real food?" Jack laughed as a piece of fudge vanished between Count D's lips.

"Of course, but, I have odd cravings and they must be satisfied." D said refusing to admit that he had filled up on Matzo ball soup before the young man had awakened. Jack and Count D both looked up as the door opened admitting Lord D and Leon. With a smile that left Jack stunned, Count D started to rise only to be lifted by Leon.

"You're supposed to be taking it easy," Leon said as he pressed a kiss to D's lips.

"I am fine love," Count D looked down when he saw his father kneel next to Jack and run his hands over the tightly wrapped bandages. Jack shuddered then stared in awe as Lord D's hands began to glow where they were pressed against him. The golden color bathed the small area making it seem almost unreal. Jack's eyes refused to stay open and soon he lay back and dozed in his bower of grass and flowers at peace in the strange surroundings.

Lord D stood and pressed his hand to D's tummy in between he and Leon. Lord D smiled when his grandson moved under his hand. Frowning when he detected the soup that D had consumed Lord D pulled away satisfied that D would be fine for a while. "I will send Aoi to you in a bit, she is calling for her Papa, but I had to be sure you were well."

"I am," D smiled when he heard his daughter running as fast as her wobbly little legs could carry her. She crashed into Leon and raised her arms.

"Up..." She bounced around until Leon obliged picking her up he placed loud, smacking kisses on her little cheeks. Giggling she leaned over to pass the kisses to her papa. D laughed softly returning the affection as Lord D left them alone to see to his own young sons.

Break

Chris sat near the pond glad that Sofu had remembered to make a room for them to hang out in. He liked the backyard feel to this place and thought that maybe he would ask for this to be a permanent room back in LA. Yeah he loved Philippe's beach, but, this simpler room was relaxing. "I hope we'll be going home soon," Bikky groused skipping a flat stone across the still water. "Carol will kill me if I miss Christmas."

"Yeah," Rain sighed, "Not to mention I promised Peter that we would go to his birthday party."

"He probably just wants you to sing," Chris said with a smirk. "You know, being friends with a star and all, it would be so cool to have you there."

"Peter's a nice kid, I wouldn't mind," Rain said and grinned when his cat came running to his side. She ignored Cujo's playful bark and sat on T-Chan despite his protest. After some grumbling T-Chan settled down. Being part feline, he understood her need for cuddling even if it annoyed him, he felt it too.

"As soon as they corner these guys who killed the Mercer mom, we're heading back." Bikky assured them all. "You know, Jack is in the garden, so I guess we might have to wait 'til he is healed. I think he got shot."

"With Lord D as his doctor, he will more than likely be fine, long before they solve this case." Chris said joining Bikky at the water's edge tossing stones.

"You said it," Bikky laughed looking out over the water.

Break

Dee sighed as he watched Ryo make their bed. He leaned against the door as pillows were fluffed and replaced, sheets straightened and blankets adjusted. It was all so neat when he was done. "Ryo," Dee approached feeling nerves tingle along his spine as he contemplated the near impossible task of deciphering his lover's mercurial moods. Ryo could hear the question in Dee's voice and hesitated before raising his dark eyes to Dee's deep green ones. Dee felt his heart skip a beat at the residual fear he could sense in Ryo. "We've been here over two weeks now... And you haven't let me touch you." Dee sighed when Ryo looked away his face flaming. "On Thanksgiving you were upset and distracted. I don't want you like that. I want you panting for me too. I thought that once the bruises faded..." Dee trailed off when Ryo gasped and turned away from him. His arms were wrapped tight around his torso in a stance that clearly said 'stay back'.

In that moment, Dee wished for Andy's empathic abilities. It would be so easy to get inside Ryo and fix the problem, but no, Dee thought, he would do as he always did; plug away until Ryo opened up. Ryo recalled with vivid detail the burning shame he had felt after his shower to see the deep bruises in the shape of hand prints on his hips, his waist and buttocks, there were scratches on his thighs and hickies on his chest and neck. Just thinking of the painful swelling of his lips brought tears to his eyes. But Ryo refused to cry. Inhaling a deep breath, he let it out slow trying in vain to calm his nerves.

"Baby, at least talk to me," Dee began and placed his hand on Ryo's shoulder. He felt Ryo tense under the light touch and nearly wept himself. Dee began rubbing small circles on the shoulder appreciating the softness of the dark blue material of Ryo's shirt. "Tell me what's wrong."

For long moments Dee thought Ryo would not answer and thought over many things he could say to encourage him. His Ryo was so sensitive and emotional, while it drove him crazy at times like these, it made him all the more complex in that he was strong, reliable and tough when he needed to be. It shook Dee to the core to see Ryo so rattled. Dee opened his mouth to say more when Ryo said, so soft that Dee almost missed it. "He...won," Ryo sniffled then turned until he was pressing his face to Dee's chest reminding Dee of their height difference.

"Baby, I thought he didn't..." Dee began to panic as he thought that Randolph had indeed raped Ryo.

"No, no he didn't, but," Ryo paused his face heating more. "But I was helpless to stop him Dee. I couldn't save myself, let alone our children. They saved me." Ryo dropped out of Dee's embrace to sit on the bed. He lowered his head into his hands as he lost the battle to contain his tears. "I wasn't yours anymore, he made me his. And I couldn't stop him." Dee stood still then nudged Ryo's legs apart with his knees and stood between them. He pulled until Ryo's head was leaning against his stomach. "You should not want me..."

"Baby, I want you always." Dee got to his knees in front of Ryo and cupped his face in his hands. Looking deep into Ryo's eyes Dee leaned in and closed his lips over Ryo's. He became lost in the sweet softness of Ryo. Dee pulled away for air and Ryo sniffled loudly causing Dee to laugh. "Even with snot running down your face, you're beautiful." Dee laughed and reached for a tissue to wipe Ryo's nose. "Blow," Dee said and laughed when Ryo's eyes widened at the command that he often gave Lyo when the little boy had a runny nose. Ryo tried to turn his face away and take the tissue, but Dee was persistent, and rather than embarrass himself with a slimy trail, Ryo blew into the tissue. Dee cleaned Ryo's nose then threw the tissue away.

"Mine," Dee said stealing Ryo's lips yet again this time pressing him to the bed. He sat up on an elbow over Ryo and wiped the tears from his eyes then licked them from his finger. "My Ryo," Dee placed a kiss on Ryo's eyelids, then his cheeks. "My beautiful, beautiful, sensitive, smart, strong, Ryo." Each word found Dee's lips on a different part of Ryo's face. "You are mine, Ryo... no one can take you away from me. If I would fight the entire clan of Eastern Arcadian Dragons to get to you do you honestly think that I would let some two-bit psycho steal you away from me?"

"Dee," Ryo sobbed again pressing his face to the curve of Dee's neck inhaling the strong scent of Dee's virile masculinity. "Do Shitte yo," He whispered the words forgetting every word of English he knew. "Onigaishimasu, Dee watashi ni anata no o shi nasai. "[Please, Dee, make me yours.

Dee understood the meaning in Ryo's eyes for the words were lost to him. Every year he promised himself that he would learn Japanese and every year he failed. Understanding Ryo was hard enough without the added complication of a difficult language. But right now, Ryo was real easy to understand, and Dee was determined to give him what he needed. Ryo gasped when Dee peeled his shirt back and stared down at the pale pecs beneath. "I don't think I've ever seen anything more beautiful." Ryo sighed surrendering his lips to Dee once again enjoying the softness of Dee's touches. Dee pinched one small, peach nipple and smiled when Ryo blushed. "You like that?" Dee whispered close to Ryo's ear then licked the perfect shell.

"Ooh," Ryo clutched Dee to his body pressing his chest into the hand that was driving him mad. "Dee," Ryo panted bringing his hands up to peel Dee's shirt from his body. He sighed, melting into the mattress. Ryo arched his hips when Dee climbed over him. Dee palmed Ryo through his trousers feeling the semi-stiffness.

"We might be here all day," Dee smiled tracing his tongue over Ryo's collarbone then placing nibbling kisses down to his stomach. The only sound in the room was Ryo's heavy breathing and the snap of his buttons on his pants. "Ummm," Dee said scooting down the bed keeping Ryo's legs trapped between his own. Dee leaned in and nuzzled the mounding, cloth covered flesh. He pressed kisses into the silken underpants. "Who knows what you like?" Dee asked peeling the shorts down to lick the weeping head that poked free. The tangy taste of Ryo's burgeoning excitement intoxicated Dee as nothing ever had. "Only you can make me feel this way." Dee purred as the scent of Ryo traveled into his nose and fuzzed his brain. "Who, baby, who knows what you like?"

Ryo gasped lifting his bottom allowing Dee to pull his pants down and toss them aside. "You...Ah..." Ryo gasped his body giving in to the demands of his lover.

"That's right, I do," Dee moved aside and pushed Ryo's legs open. Bending Ryo in half he licked a hot trail from his scrotum to his tight hole enjoying the whimpers he elicited from Ryo. "Who knows this spot?" Dee asked his lips inches from the puckered pink flesh. "Say it baby, say it and you'll get it." Dee encouraged blowing a breath of hot air over the tingling bit of skin causing Ryo to cry out and writhe. "Who..."

"Anata-yo!" Ryo said loud and spread his legs wide when Dee's tongue pierced his opening. He felt as if molten lava scoured through his veins and he trembled upon the bed. Dee swirled his tongue then kissed the quivering flesh. "Hai...oh... Kimochi," Ryo brought a hand up to his face to cover his eyes then dragged his slim fingers through his hair. "Sugoi, Dee..."

Dee tongued Ryo hard smiling as he pumped the now rigid member that pulsed under his ministrations. Dee sucked his finger deep into his mouth then began to probe. "So tight baby, you know when I haven't been in here you tighten up."

"Umm..." Ryo moaned tucking his bottom lip between his teeth.

"Unh uh," Dee crawled up Ryo's body and pressed their lips together. "Mine," He sucked the bottom lip. He pulled hoping to swell the delicate morsel. His Ryo would look well loved when they were done. Ryo began to cry out in joy as one of Dee's fingers wriggled inside of him while his tongue invaded his mouth. Dee grinned as he pulled more sounds from Ryo. Dee shoved another finger in beside the first and worked them separately inside of Ryo. "Don't move, I'm getting the lube." Ryo nodded having lost the ability of coherent speech. He lay on the pillow panting as the bed shifted under Dee's weight then bounced when he returned grinning. "It's real thick," Dee said grinning as he did not come up to Ryo's face again, instead he halted between his legs and swallowed Ryo whole.

"Ah!" Ryo gasped his thighs pressing into the sides of Dee's face. Dee lubed his fingers and pressed them back inside of Ryo.

"Come for me," Dee commanded as he sucked hard on Ryo shoving his fingers in deep pressing against the rough patch of skin he could barely feel. His fingers were not long enough for a full press, but soon, he would fill Ryo with the flesh that was. "Come Ryo..." Dee commanded again. "Who makes you come?" Dee said needing to hear Ryo say it.

"Anata Yo!" Ryo gasped when he felt Dee's fingers spreading apart inside of him loosening his tight muscles forcing him to accept the fingers just as he accepted who it was he belonged to.

"Who..." Dee said again as he licked the weighty sac and beyond.

"Anata... Dee. Watashi ha anata no de aru... Zutto,"[ I am yours...forever. Dee grinned as Ryo spilled himself into his mouth he swallowed every drop claiming all that Ryo had to offer. "Ummm... Dee..." No sooner had Ryo said the words than he was leaning over to take Dee's swollen member into his mouth. Dee sighed and leaned back on his elbows as Ryo worked his throat and tongue.

"No, baby, wait," Dee pulled Ryo away from him when he felt close. "I want in you."

"Hai," Ryo allowed Dee to position him on his back with his knees hooked over Dee's muscular arms. Hitching Ryo up, Dee smiled as Ryo spread lubrication on his own hand then stroked Dee.

"That's right baby... you're mine... and I'm yours." He promised as he flexed his hips and pressed against the tight ring of muscles at Ryo's entrance. Ryo winced a little then forced himself to relax allowing Dee entry. Ryo began a slow whine that became a full wail as Dee pumped into him. Ryo wrapped his strong arms around Dee's neck. Dee released Ryo's legs so that Ryo could wrap them around his waist as he leaned in and sealed their lips. Their breathes mingled as their heartbeats synchronized. "I'm yours Ryo and you're mine." Dee punctuated his words with Deep thrusts. "Right Ryo?" Dee asked finding the prostate and pressing hard into it twisting his hips for maximum contact with the sensitive bit of flesh.

"Oh...oh... Dee..." Ryo nodded his head giving up on speaking more than one syllable words. Dee ground his hips into Ryo pushing him so far into the mattress that it creaked under the weight. Ryo's cries bordered on screams of blind pleasure as Dee claimed him.

"Say you're mine Ryo and come... I want you come." Dee's green eyes bored into Ryo's deep orbs as Ryo blinked trying to focus, he paused as the tears shining on Dee's face registered in his pleasure fogged brain.

"Dee... I am yours," Ryo said placing his hands on either side of Dee's handsome face he could feel the tiny drops of sweat from Dee's forehead and the tears from his eyes dripping onto his face and he smiled as the drips mixed with his own tears. Ryo leaned up and kissed Dee licking his lips then sliding his tongue inside for a long, slow exploration of Dee's warm mouth. Dee swallowed Ryo's tongue as he began to move again deep in Ryo he heard the cries build to a crescendo again as Ryo began to speak to him. "I am yours Dee and you are mine. We belong to each other... I am yours..." Ryo gave up speaking as he once again lost himself to delirium and screamed as he splattered their stomachs with his release. Dee groaned as if in pain as he filled Ryo with creamy essence and collapsed heavy on top of him. Ryo was smiling as he drifted off to sleep secure in Dee's arms. Dee lay next to him he took a moist towelette and cleaned Ryo then himself before closing his eyes with his arms tight around Ryo, he too drifted away in the welcoming arms of Morpheus.

Break

Leon looked up from his running his fingers through Count D's hair and his mouth dropped open at the condition of the three men that entered the shop. "What the hell happened to you guys" Leon asked and winced only a little when D's teeth nipped the underside of his chin. "Sorry Baby," Leon apologized then looked over to see Jewel asleep on Ten-Chan her little hands holding tight to two of his tails. The creature frowned up at him then aimed a doting gaze on the small Kami and Leon laughed knowing that did he try to move her to give him comfort, the fox would balk. "You look like you have been beat by an angry mob."

"Yeah, well," Angel said with a grin. "The Detroit police don't like when we Mercer boys have a little fun. How's our fairy?"

"In the garden," Leon said when all the men ogled D.

"You are not the one that stopped by the house," Jeremiah said. "You're a girl," Jeremiah scanned D's rounded figure.

"Well, you are half right," D said as he rolled over so that he could get to his feet. "I have never been to your house in fact I have not left the shop since we have been in this city." All three men stared at D's deep voice and his obvious rounded figure. "Gentlemen, please, carry no tales of the things you may see in this sanctuary." Jeremiah and Angel both nodded then turned to Bobby who seemed not at all shocked to see a gorgeous pregnant man. With their mouths held firm to keep them shut, they all followed the Count who exhibited a certain grace, even as he waddled down the hall.

Jack looked up from tossing the ball with Cujo and Bikky when the door opened and he heard his brothers' voices. Rain tucked his journal into a large pocket on his over large pants and smiled at Count D. "Count, you look beautiful today."

"Thank you Rain," Count D murmured his cheeks tinting an attractive pink. He smiled then gave a pained wince as his back twinged. After he stretched he sighed then left his hand on the small of his back as he wandered off to get some tea. Angel and Jeremiah stared in wonder at the youngest brother who was able to stand to his feet. "Father says he needs a few more days of work," Count D informed them when all they did was stare at Jack.

"Hey guys," Jack waved a hand as he came forward with a slow trod.

Bobby stepped forward and for the first time he looked at jack. His scowl was black as he raised a hand and smacked it down hard on Jack's head. "You idiot!" The tea tray rattled where Count D stood on the other side of the garden. Bikky placed himself in front of the Count. Seeing him making tea for their guests he had gone to carry the burden for D. "What the hell were you thinking?!" Bobby continued to rant his hand swinging again and again as he smacked Jack. "We were at war, for crying out loud! You think it was brave of you to chase some idiot with a snow ball?!"

"Ah..." Count D placed a hand to his trembling stomach as Bobby began to swear at his younger brother.

"Hey," Bikky called watching as Rain's eyes darted from Count D to the brothers in the Garden. "Stop it," Bikky fumed placing a hand over Count D's as if he could hold the heavy weight of the child within. "You're upsetting him."

Before the words could leave Bikky's mouth Lord D came running into the garden his cheongsam held in his hands to keep from falling over the trailing material. "Gentlemen, please," Lord D rushed to D taking the youngest Kami into his arms he moved Bikky aside so that he could work on his son. Bikky stared at the golden glow that surrounded Lord D's hands pressing against D's tummy. "Relax, child," Lord D 's calm voice sounded as he lead D to a chair. "It will be alright, all you have to do is relax." Count D's breathing slowed and he smiled to show the children that he was better. "I will ask that you discipline my patient at some other time." There was a sense of cold steel in Lord D's usually gentle voice. "If, however, you have come to visit the young man, you may do so." Lord D gave the men a cold glare. "You may not upset my son. This is his sanctuary and you are all guests. I will advise you to remember that. Do not give him more injuries, before I have fully healed the original."

"Sorry," Jack muttered when his brothers seemed incapable of speech staring between father ans son. All four brothers lowered their heads.

"Why are you apologizing?" Bikky demanded as he carried the tea tray over and began to pour a cup for D. Jack watched as the young man poured an entire cup of liquid sugar into the small cup followed by honey and cubes of sugar. He handed it to the Kami who smiled with pleasure as he sipped. Lord D sipped from his own equally sweetened cup as the brothers wandered off to a far corner in the garden where pillows and refreshments welcomed them brought by a woman in bunny ears and tail. Jack laughed as his brothers stared at the odd costume. He had made the mistake of pulling the tail and finding it attached. "They came in here and attacked you." Bikky continued to glower at the brothers while Rain went back to his writing in his journal sitting on a pillow at Count D's small feet. Chris was quick to bring Count D a sugar cookie with extra sugar on it.

Angel frowned at the dark skinned teenager with his blond hair tied back into a pony tail. He looked from him to Rain and then to Chris. "Weren't there some smaller children?"

"Aoi, Lyo, Kiba and Shinrai are all with the Honlon in her Garden right now." Lord D answered.

"How many gardens are in this place?" Jeremiah asked as he appreciated the lush appointments of the garden.

"In truth gentlemen, I do not know. My father built this place." Lord D smiled when he saw Count D relaxed. "Rain, what are you working on?" Lord D asked ignoring any more Jeremiah could have asked him.

Rain looked up, his green eyes wide at the sudden question. "A song, for Ryo, For Christmas." Rain answered his cheeks tinting as he went back to his journal. "Andy and Daphnus are going to help me. Andy releases the emotions and Daphnus will write the music."

"I am sure it will be lovely." Lord D smiled. "How do you write it?"

"I just ask people what they think of Ryo, and add my own feelings and it is largely a family collaboration, plus our friends back home. You know Dee had a lot to say." Rain grinned as he had sat for over an hour listening to Dee as he spoke of Ryo. Rain then sighed thinking of his parents and whatever had caused a hitch in their relationship. He hoped it would be resolved soon. He did not like the sad, thoughtful look on Dee's face and Ryo seemed afraid of his own shadow lately.

"Oh yeah," Bobby came over to look at Rain then Bikky who came to stand protectively in front of his brother while Cujo took over guarding D. "Where are those two? I want to say thanks."

"When I saw them this morning," Rain answered not looking up from his journal. "Ryo was making the bed and Dee was watching him." Rain felt a pain in his heart as he remembered the sight of Dee as he sent a look of longing at Ryo that the smaller man avoided. Rain closed his journal with a snap and shoved it into a pocket. "I was about to head that way, come on," Rain inclined his head and Bikky had a difficult time deciding if he would accompany his brother, or protect the D's. Looking at Cujo and T-Chan with Christopher, he nodded his head and followed Rain. Bobby smirked as he, Angel and Jeremiah went with the boys.

Following an intricate pattern of hallways Bobby was soon lost hoping the boys knew where they were going. Assured that the men would never find their way in the shop alone, Rain ceased his circuitous route and went to the closed door. He placed his hand on the nob then pulled it back his face heating. "What?" Bikky shoved in front of the brothers to get beside Rain. Bikky was silent then a wide grin split his face as he heard the unmistakable sound of Ryo whimpering on the other side of the door. "Oh man," Bikky backed away pulling Rain with him. "They're going at it!" Bikky heaved a heavy sigh of relief.

"Most kids are grossed out when their parents... you know," Jeremiah said still uncomfortable with the openly gay lifestyle that Dee exhibited. He backed further away from the door when Ryo began to speak in Japanese punctuated by loud cries of bliss.

"Yeah, but most kids don't have parents like ours. You see, they haven't done it since before we got here." Bikky explained as he lead the men away from the door. "Dee's the horniest man I have ever met, there's no way he won't pin Ryo every chance he gets unless something is wrong. Whatever was wrong," Bikky looked back at the door and poked Rain in the ribs. The small young man laughed to hide his embarrassment. "Has been taken care of."

"Well," Angel said looking around in awe. It had taken a remarkably shorter amount of time to make it to the front of the shop than it had to find the garden and the bedroom. "We will come back tomorrow to see our fairy, you guys take good care of him. And feed him some real food." Angel whispered close to Rain's ear causing the boy to jump away and stare wide eyed at him.

"Don't get too close to my brother," Bikky warned bringing his fists up causing Angel to laugh and ruffle his fluffy blond locks. "And don't touch my hair!" Bikky yelled out the door after the retreating figure of Angel. Bobby turned around and waved glad to be out of the heavily incensed atmosphere.

"It's been a while since Ryo was that loud," Bikky mused looking back down the hall.

"Nah," Rain smiled then pulled out his journal. "We just didn't pay attention before."

Break

Jack looked over to see Count D leaning on a low branch with his hand on his back. Count D tried to stand and winced sitting back down. Jack hurried over to his side. "Hey, you should sit still," He said when he saw the frail Kami trembling.

"I just wanted to go back to my lounge," Count D said as he breathed his way through a cramp. "My back is paining me, that's all."

"Oh, okay, just a sec," Jack said moving to stand behind Count D. He was amazed to see the branch lower to accommodate the sitting Kami. "Hold still," Jack said. D tensed when he felt Jack's hands on his back. "You're pregnant right?" Count D did not bother to answer the obvious question. Jack gave a laugh that exhibited his nervousness. "Well, pregnant women..." Jack faltered his hands halting as he thought over his words. "Anyway, the weight of the stomach puts pressure on the back and makes it hurt." Jack gently massaged Count D's back kneading the sore muscles. As he worked his fingers D leaned back sighing as relief came to him. Jack stood with both hands on Count D's hips with his thumbs pressing in on the small of D's back when Leon entered the garden.

"Well," Leon said hiding a pleased smile as Jack did not cease the movement of his hands on D. A sure sign of guilt would have been if he had jumped away as if burned. "Feel better?" Leon asked D.

"Ummm... We are taking him with us." Count D said without opening his eyes. Leon laughed then sat on the ground at D's dainty feet. Taking one into his hand he removed the satin slipper and began to massage it.

"That tree seems pleased to hold you, already it has formed into a bower with leaves and flowers, just sit here and let us take care of you." Leon said as he continued his ministrations. D did as suggested enjoying the pampering he summoned a cup of sweet tea and relaxed in his sanctuary.

Break

Bobby entered the shop carrying his bag. He saw Dee leaning casually against a counter next to JJ speaking in low tones. Dee began to laugh and Bobby smiled glad that his friend, for whatever reason, was happy again. "I brought Jack lunch," Bobby announced when Dee's eyes fell onto his bag.

"Precious said he can leave tomorrow," JJ said then clapped a hand on Dee's shoulder. "Glad to know it all worked out. Tell Ryo to call Andy if he is still having issues. Sex won't solve all problems you know." Dee paused at the oddly serious tone. "That was some pretty heavy crap he was dealing with and to go through all that with barely enough time to heal before getting here." JJ shook his head feeling sorry for the beautiful man.

"Thanks, uh, yeah," Dee smirked looking behind JJ then nodding to Bobby. "Come on," Bobby followed Dee to the garden amazed that each time he visited the way to the back of the shop seemed different. Today they found Aoi in the garden with D playing with a small ball. D sat in the grass rolling the ball to Aoi who giggled and rolled it back clapping her small hands when her papa caught the ball. Bobby looked around and saw Jack sitting with his guitar strumming softly. Along with the flow of the wind and the birdsong, Bobby barely heard the soft strains.

"This place is soothing, kind of could get used to it,"Jack said with a smile as he looked up at his brother. "Not to mention anything I want can be summoned. I don't know how that works, but Count D is so cool. You know he is a ninth dan."

"That little bit of pregnant fluff can fight?" Bobby asked surprising his brother with his knowledge of martial arts. "Man that threw me." Bobby sat next to his brother.

"If that threw you," Dee said with a laugh. "You know Ryo is a third?"

"What... first the guns and now this," Bobby said still reeling to see Ryo pull out the guns during the attack on their house.

"Well he is the best shot on the force," Dee said with pride.

"He's a detective?" Bobby asked in awe re-thinking all the times he had seen Ryo. "No shit! He looks too... well, not like a detective." Bobby sat next to Jack in the grass. "I got you some real food." Bobby reached into the bag and pulled out a hamburger and fries. "One hundred percent all beef patties, three of them, with..." Bobby paused when he heard D gag.

"Man put that away!" Dee said rushing to Count D's side he dashed past Aoi who sat clutching her ball with tears in her eyes. "Get it out of here!" Bobby wondered what the problem was and watched in horror as Aoi pulled a bucket from inside her iridescent ball to hand to her papa. D leaned over and tossed the contents of his stomach.

"What'd I do?" Bobby asked watching as the frail Kami leaned over D's arm heaving and retching.

"The meat, the smell of the meat, get it out of here!" Dee yelled thinking that Leon was going to kill him for allowing Bobby to bring that in here, not to mention Ryo. And he had just gotten back in bed with Ryo he was not looking forward to being put out of it so soon. Count D trembled in his arms preparing another wave of contents for the bucket. Leon entered the garden in time to see D still spewing in Dee's arms. Count D whimpered clutching Dee's arm tears seeped from his tightly closed eyes. Lord D shoved past Leon getting to his son's side.

"Every time you come here, you upset my son!" Lord D said his voice raised a modicum above his usual level of cool reasoning. Leon gasped never having thought that the older Kami could ever be moved to such extremes of emotion outside of the bedroom. "Tomorrow you will take your brother and I will be glad to never see you again," Bobby got to his feet with the bag of fast food held to his chest. He backed away from the fury in the beautiful doctor's eyes. He looked from Jack, to Lord D to Count D now in his arms with his hands on his tummy glowing golden.

"I'm sorry," Bobby said looking down at the goat/tiger creature it lunged and he dropped the bag watching in horror as it was devoured bag and all. Ten-Chan ran up beside T-Chan and swished all nine of his tails clearing the air and stirring up the scent of flowers. D calmed and closed his eyes falling asleep in the safe embrace of plants and animals.

Leon took a tentative step forward and knelt down by lord D. Lord D looked up surprised to see tears in Leon's eyes. "This one... This is it isn't it?" Lord D was confused by the strange question then Leon sniffled bringing D's hand to his lips he kissed the slack digit. "This one's going to kill him." Leon stared down at D. "He can't survive this birth."

"Not alone... No he can not," Lord D shook his head feeling tears he forced them back vowing to be strong for his son. "As long as I draw breath he will live." Leon wished that Dae were near him, he would enjoy peeling the skin from his rotting, demonic hide and boiling it in the holy waters of the nearest cathedral. Bobby stood near Jack watching as Count D came into consciousness his lashes lifting revealing a dramatic contrast to humanity.

"My baby," D pressed his hands to his tummy. Falling back against Leon he breathed a sigh of relief when he felt his son moving inside of him.

"You must stay calm," Lord D intoned. "I will open a door for, go back to Los Angeles and await our return. We will see you tomorrow." Leon nodded and sent T-Chan after Christopher. The young man came running into the garden demanded answers about D's condition. When he was greeted with grim expressions he sighed quieting down. Taking Aoi's hand he waved to Dee then vanished behind a bend in a road Bobby and Jack had never noticed before.

Break

Rain was so tired of crowded airports he would be happy never to see one again for at least a year. He was shoved aside by a man in a business suit intent on reaching the luggage corral. "Watch where you're going!" Bikky pushed the man back and helped Rain to his feet. "You better not have hurt him."

"Bikky," Rain said his face heating at the curious stares and points from onlookers. "I'm fine," he assured the gathering crowd. He was glad to be rid of the heavy coat as they were back in LA. Several people began to gather closer as Rain was recognized. "Come on, we better get the luggage and get back to Ryo and Dee before they come looking for us." Rain jerked the bags from the turbine. "And Lyo needs his nap, plus we have Peter's party tonight."

"You're still planning to go?" Bikky asked amazed at Rain's smile even after such a long journey. He remembered the long farewell they had all shared as Jack had left the shop leaving them all free to do the same. Bobby, Jeremiah and Angel had come for their brother and joked around with them. They had even teased Dee about his preoccupation with Ryo's lips as he could not seem to stop kissing the other man.

"I did promise him that if we were back in town, we would go," Rain smiled. Bikky grabbed his arm and pulled him along before his adoring fans could gain the courage to approach him.

"Then let's go," Bikky glowered at the staring crowd all the way out to the car.

Break

Peter's eyes grew round as the gathered teenagers at his fifteenth birthday party grew restless. "Hey," A jock from the soccer team demanded clapping a hand hard on his shoulder. "I thought you said that Bikky was bringing Rain."

"They must not be back in town," Peter stammered and blushed knowing the jock would not be at his party without the incentive of such entertainment. "I told you he said if they were back in town."

"They are in town," Another guest complained. " My brother works at the airport, saw 'em come in this morning."

"Then they must be tired," Erick said stepping beside Peter. "Calm down, there's plenty of snacks and music, besides, if you want to see someone sing... Petey can sing."

"Oh yeah? Can he?" The jock laughed looking at the long black hair and pale green eyes. "Then how come he ain't the one in the band?"

"Cause you have to be royalty or nobility," Terry explained when it seemed his twin would resort to fists rather than words.

"Please," The jock huffed. "Look at you, you're pretty and all, but you are just a pale, washed out wanna-be compared to Rain. But hey, let's hear it, sing."

"Why don't you just get out of here." Erick shoved the boy to the door

"No... Erick, it's okay. I'll sing," Peter said with a smile. "It is my party..." Peter tried not to be hurt that Rain and Bikky did not show, but underneath it all he was hurt that all these people only showed up to see them. Julie and Carol looked over at the proud tilt to Peter's head as he went to the stereo and set up the karaoke microphone and then placed one of the CD's with Rain's solos on it. Jeanne stood next to Terry in awe of the determination she could see in Peter. Jorge stood watching as the music began to play and Peter inhaled.

"You're not alone, together we stand
I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold, and it feels like the end
There's no place to go, you know I won't give in

Why? Peter thought as he sang the opening notes and the crowd grew restless. Why couldn't he get his voice to sound like that?

(Ahh, ahh)
No I won't give in
(Ahh, ahh)

Just as the gathered teenagers began to stand preparing to leave Peter prepared to give up singing the other boy's song. It was then that he heard it. Clear, precise, strong, strident and beautiful. "Keep... Holding on!" How could he do that? Peter wondered dropping the microphone he looked to the back of the room to see Rain standing with Bikky. "Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through." As he sang the crowd turned as one as he walked up to the front and stood beside Peter his voice ringing out above the din of the music and the crowd without benefit of the microphone. He picked it up and placed it back in Peter's hand. Encouraging him to finish the song together. Peter felt tears gather in his eyes as he sang the duet with Rain. Erick stared with awe at Rain as the two boys went back and forth singing

"Keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you

There's nothing you can say (Nothing you can say)
Nothing you can do (Nothing you can do)
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So - keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

So far away, I wish you were here
Before it's too late, this could all disappear
Before the doors close, and it comes to an end
With you by my side I will fight and defend

(Ahh, ahh)
I'll fight and defend
(Ahh, ahh)
Yeeah, yeah

Keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you

There's nothing you can say (Nothing you can say)
Nothing you can do (Nothing you can do)
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So - keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Hear me when I say when I say I believe
Nothing's gonna change, nothing's gonna change destiny
Whatever's meant to be will work out perfectly

Yeeah, yeah, yeah, yeaaaah
La da da da
La da da da
La da da da da da da da da da

Keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you

There's nothing you can say (Nothing you can say)
Nothing you can do (Dooo, do)
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So - keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

(Ahh, ahh)
(Ahh, ahh)
Keep holding on
(Ahh, ahh)
(Ahh, ahh)
Keep holding on

There's nothing you can say (Nothing you can say)
Nothing you can do (Doo, do)
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So - keep holding on (Keep holding on)

Peter halted singing the end of the song his eyes following Erick's line of vision, as Rain ended he replaced the microphone on its stand and felt more pain than he had felt all evening. Sure, the other guys at school could think he was second best to Rain, but not Erick too. Peter blinked back tears as he went to sat while the crowd encouraged Rain to sing more. Erick applauded as Rain saved the party.

Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through."

Bikky noted the dejection in Peter's slumped shoulders while he cuddled up to Carol. He looked at Peter, then Erick and finally his beautiful brother. Bikky sighed, it seemed as if things had gotten a lot more complicated.

Song credits: KEEP HOLDING ON- AVRIL LAVIGNE.

To Be Continued