Fake Fan Fiction / Pet Shop Of Horrors Fan Fiction ❯ Powdered Sugre ❯ Powdered Sugar Part 2 ( Chapter 2 )

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

Powdered Sugre 11

Merry Christmas Baby

Ryo opened his eyes in the darkness of his room unsure what had awakened him. He stretched then smiled when his leg brushed against Dee. He ran a hand over his tummy glad to know that as always, Dee had cleaned him off before going to sleep himself. Feeling the familiar ache in his backside Ryo smiled again then the cell phone rang alerting him to what had awakened him. Reaching over Dee's broad frame he picked up the phone. "Hello?" He said quiet as he hoped not to disturb Dee.

"Ryo..." Ryo sat up immediately when he heard the sobs on the other side of the line.

"Who is this?" Ryo asked when more sobbing could be heard. "Erick?" He asked scooting to the edge of the bed he reached for his pajama pants slipping them up his hips he stood to pull them all the way up.

"Ryo please, I need you to come over to my house..." Erick sobbed again.

"What's wrong?" Ryo asked his brow creasing with worry as Erick began to panic.

"Please Ryo, just... can you come over?" Erick began to gasp as his sobs became louder.

"Alright, okay, calm down." Ryo gentled his voice. "I'm coming." Ryo promised and closed the small flip phone. "Dee," Ryo called shaking the muscular shoulder.

"Umm, baby, if you want more..." Dee rolled over until he was facing Ryo a smile curving his sensual lips he reached for Ryo and frowned when Ryo pushed his hand away. "What's up?" He asked knowing it must be serious if Ryo were up at this hour.

"I'm going to take the Escalade, and go to Erick and Terry's house, something is wrong, but Erick would not say what." Ryo got to his feet, he sniffed the room and knew that he too would exude the aura of the intimacy they had shared. "I'm going to take a quick shower first," He said with a deep blush he dashed into the bathroom. Dee grinned and sat wondering if he should go with Ryo. Shaking his head he decided that it could be nothing too serious. But to be on the safe side he picked up his cell phone.

"Heaven, have you eaten yet?" Dee asked when the creature answered the call. "Nah, just wondered if you could do me a favor..." Dee was smiling as he hung up and went back to sleep. He awoke again moments later as Ryo exited the shower. Ryo leaned close smelling of heat and soap and something altogether full of life. Dee smiled inhaling Ryo wishing to drink in the potent elixir of his lips.

"Dee, I'll go see what's wrong, then I will come back and we can..." Ryo let the words hang as he put his shoes on. Dee looked after him with a smile on his lips. Then he lay back in bed smiling as a waft of smoke left their bedroom to follow Ryo.

"Thanks Heaven," Dee muttered closing his eyes. "We haven't even been back a full twenty-four hours."

Break

Ryo pulled up outside Erick and Terry's house and saw only the light upstairs on. He approached the porch with his hand on his weapon in case it was needed. "Heaven," He said when the wind around him shifted. "I know you are here."

"Your senses are keen," The soft voice assaulted him but moments before a shape solidified. Her ankle length white garment brushed against Ryo's leg as she sidled up to him and placed her cold hand on his arm. "Your highness."

"Please don't call me that," Ryo said looking around he did not see anything out of the ordinary around the house and stepped onto the porch. He gasped when the door was wrenched open and Erick came rushing out. "Erick what's wrong?"

"Come upstairs!" Erick took Ryo's hand and pulled him up the stairs. Heaven stepped into the house and followed at a sedate pace.

Ryo gasped when he saw Peter curled on his side on Erick's bed sobbing. Ryo could smell blood in the room and turned to Erick. "What happened?" Ryo asked as he saw the young man trembling upon the bed. He moaned when Ryo sat beside him. Peter sobbed then curled more into a small ball wincing when the new position did not alleviate his pain.

"I..." Erick said as he stood beside Ryo. "I hurt him." Erick confessed and Ryo was quick to pull the blanket back. Blood drained away from Ryo's pale features as he gazed at the nude frame on the bed. "I'm sorry," Erick dropped to the floor taking Peter's hand. "Oh, Petey, I'm so sorry."

"Erick," Ryo's soft words penetrated the haze of regret that swarmed the young man. "Why don't you get me some warm towels and clean water..." Erick dashed from the room to do Ryo's bidding and paused at the beautiful lady in white that stood in the entrance.

"His blood stains you," Heaven said smiling down at Erick. Without a word he left his room. The door opened again and Ryo glanced over his shoulder.

"Terry, where is your mother?" Ryo said not commenting on the identical pajama's the boys wore.

"How'd you know it was me?" Terry asked trying not to look at Peter who lay still weeping on his brother's bed. Without answering Ryo simply looked at Terry unwilling to admit that he had smelled the difference. In this light with their dark hair and brown eyes, there was no visible difference in the two young men. But Heaven had been correct, Peter's blood covered Erick's scent like a delicate flower perfume over the flesh of a young man in the burgeoning stages of adulthood. When Ryo did not answer Terry sighed. "Our grandmother is ill, so mom went to help." Terry was glad that the words were true. When his father had been arrested, for a while their mother had continued to drink herself into oblivion leaving the boys to care for themselves and the house. It was only last month that she began to attend the alcoholics anonymous meetings that Ryo had arranged for her.

"Get dressed, tell Erick to get a shower. I'm taking you all home with me. Peter," Ryo looked down to see the young man trembling as Erick returned with a bowel of hot water and clean towels. "Where is your family?"

"In Fiji," He admitted with tears. "They were supposed to come back for my birthday and Christmas, but the plane was delayed..." Peter said, he tried to sit up and winced falling back.

Ryo remembered the pain of his own parents when they left him alone. "You will come back with me as well, but first, you need a doctor." Ryo turned to Erick and Heaven, "Please leave us alone."

"Don't call a doctor," Peter begged. "My parents will find out, dad doesn't know I'm... Gay," The last word was whispered with a furtive glance around the room. "If they find out that I am hurt cause I tried to have sex with another boy..."

"You are so young," Ryo said as he dragged his cell from his pocket and dialed. "There is no way you could be prepared for such a thing." JJ sounded disgruntled as he was awakened at such an odd hour. Ryo spoke gently into the phone as Lord D agreed to come see the young man. "Don't worry," Ryo said with a smile. "Lord D will be discreet. But tell me," Peter gasped when Ryo's deep, dark eyes bored into his own light green ones. "Why would you try to do something so intimate?"

"I know..." Peter began and rolled over onto his stomach he then looked up at Ryo. "You have noticed it haven't you? My eyes are a lighter version of your son, my hair not as long, my skin not as dark, my face not as pretty, my voice not as pure." Peter's voice caught on a sob. "I am always second best. I thought... I thought that if I spread my legs he would look at me the way he looked at Rain." Peter sobbed more accepted the tissue that Ryo handed him and continued. "I'm always second best, I thought that if I.. If I let him do it to me, he would see me first. He would love me more."

"Oh, child," Ryo's heart swelled then deflated in an almost painful reflection of clarity. "That is not how you gain love. It can not be found on your back with your legs spread." Ryo stood when he heard a soft tread outside the bedroom door. Heaven peeked her head inside her topaz eyes shining with mirth. "Lord D is here." Ryo said before Heaven could speak the words.

"He smells delicious, every time I see him his scent becomes more beguiling. No wonder Helen is intrigued," Heaven laughed as Peter watched the beautiful doctor being escorted in by Erick.

"Help him please. You can help him, right?" Erick asked when Lord D offered him nothing but a tired look. "You'll help him?"

"Please, do stop chirping at me," Lord D looked to the bed. "You will all leave me to it," Lord D said as he lifted a medical bag he had not been carrying before. Ryo nodded his head then bowed to Lord D and took Erick's arm having to pull the boy from the room.

Ryo took Erick back downstairs and passed Terry who stood in the kitchen staring at Heaven as the hybrid creature raided the refrigerator making a ham and cheese sandwich with roast beef. She then found a small saucepan to boil a cup of orange juice as she waited for Lord D to finish with his patient. "JJ said he would return for Lord D after checking on their children. I would be concerned as well if my sitter was... A..." Heaven paused when she saw that she had the full attention of Erick and Terry. "Norma..." Heaven smiled and sat with her late night meal.

"What's a 'norma'? Terry asked when Ryo pulled Erick into the den and shut the door.

"What happened in there tonight?" Ryo asked when he was assured of privacy.

"I'm sorry for calling you so late, but thank you for coming. I knew that you would know what to do." Erick began to speak and Ryo sat with his arms folded. Erick heaved a sigh then continued. "After the party, I did not want Peter by himself in that big old house, so I told him to come home with me and Terry. We got here and hung out for a bit, then when Terry went to bed we started making out. Usually once we've been at it for a while he'll get kind of scared and push me away and I was okay with that you know." Erick shook his head thinking of Peter. "But tonight he did not push me away and... and... we took our clothes off, so we started to fondle each other..." Erick paused when Ryo turned red, then he too blushed and kept going. "I asked if he was sure, he said yes, so I tried, he said it hurt, but I asked him to give it a try, and he said okay... But then he started to cry... I should have stopped, but... It felt so good, then he screamed. I was about half way in and I looked down, he was bleeding. I called you cause, there was no one else and I knew you would know what to do."

"This is partly my fault..." Ryo said as he wished he had Dee's fortitude. Talking to Rain had been a trial, this was going to really be difficult. "I told you that you were too young and not to try it, but teenagers are... I should have told you how to be safe and how to do it right. Now he is torn."

"Oh, we were safe," Erick assured Ryo when it seemed the man would castigate himself further. "I used a condom."

"But you didn't use lubrication, you did not loosen him, he did not know to relax." Ryo sighed bringing one of his elegant hands up to his face he ran the long fingers through his honey colored hair.

"What do you mean torn?" Erick asked and startled turning to the door when it slid open and Lord D stood with his eyes narrowed. A wide yawn ruined the effect of his consternation and suddenly he looked so young, yet felt so unbearably old.

"It means that the dry skin that was rubbed against the latex was pulled and stretched, then finally it gave way... hence the bleeding." Lord D said then sighed when Erick looked confused.

"When you were a kid, or even when you play sports," Ryo tried to put it in a way the boy would understand. "When you fell down and slid a bit it left a scrape right?"Erick nodded then his eyes widened and he ran from the room heading upstairs.

"I used liquid sutures that will dissolve over time." Lord D explained then sat down next to Ryo while they awaited JJ's return. "They are children Ryo, why would they even attempt it?"

"Today's kids are more advanced than we adults would like to think... I'd hate to know what Bikky and Carol get up to when we are not around." Ryo said he looked up when Heaven entered the room and sat close to Lord D on the sofa, her body pressing along the side of his. She smiled baring her fangs as she leaned into him with a deep inhalation of air. "Heaven?" Ryo said reaching out a hand he pulled Lord D to his feet and away from the salivating creature. "You know Kami blood will kill you."

"I don't want to taste him I just..." Heaven stood stepping close to Lord D she reached out and placed her hands on Lord D's waist to pull him to her. She nuzzled his neck inhaling again. Lord D gasped and brought his hands up to push against her when he felt her lips press against his neck. "Ummm..." Heaven closed her eyes then felt as if she would weep when Ryo pulled Lord D away and stood protectively in front of him. Lord D brought a hand to his mouth as he turned away trembling from head to toe. Lord D wrapped his arms around his small frame and peeked around Ryo to see Heaven's body quake as she battled the urge to lunge for him. Heaven inhaled deeply, giving up her human abilities, she glowed hotly white. A halo surrounded her head and wings appeared behind her. "Why..." She gasped the word out tears of crimson staining her cheeks. " Why did I have to draw on the strength of my mother to resist you?" Heaven demanded as she pulled herself together and shed her wings and glow.

"I don't understand," Lord D said then sighed when JJ entered the room. Lord D moved to his side.

"Precious, is everything all right?" JJ said as he pulled Lord D into his arms. "You're shivering."

"I attacked him," Heaven admitted with burning shame. "I lost control of my dark abilities and was consumed by the need to possess him. His scent is even now driving me mad, though I am relying on my mother's pure light."

"My...My scent?" Lord D asked, then took a step towards Heaven with his hand out stretched. He saw the wild desire to possess him in her topaz eyes and backed away into JJ's arms.

"JJ take him out of here, but do not return to your home. Have Norma bring your children to the pet shop and you stay there under the guardianship of your father." Heaven said backing away from Lord D with a force of will that she never knew she possessed. "For your own safety, find out why your scent is so enticing, and control it. Before you attract the attention of one who can not overcome it. I will depart, Ryo, please make it home safely." Heaven vanished before their very eyes leaving Ryo to gather the boys and head home.

Break

Chris sat with a wide grin on his face as he was served his breakfast by Lord D. JJ trudged into the dining room and sat beside Leon and Count D. His bloodshot eyes testimony to the long night they had. "What are you grinning about?" Leon grumbled thinking of returning to work.

"We made it back just in time for Christmas break." Chris said with a laugh then scratched T-Chan behind the ear. "Rain and Bikky and I are going to the park today Rain's way out of practice roller blading and then he has rehearsal tonight, so I am going to Arcadia with them, is that alright?"

"Tell Rain he needs to bring Sylph here to Sofu for her annual check-up," Leon said as he nodded his assent.

"Chichiue," Count D said as he sat with a hand on his large tummy. "Is everything alright? You seem upset." Count D's brow furrowed in his worry for his father.

"I do not know," Lord D answered and got to his feet in fear as he saw Heaven enter the dining room.

"I woke up this morning and had to see you..." Heaven reached for Lord D but was thwarted when Sofu appeared beside his son and yanked him out of the way. "Helen is here too..." Heaven said knowing the goddess was in the parlor waiting for someone to invite her back.

"She has never attacked me as you have... why?" Lord D asked moving to stand fully behind his father choosing to peek around his sire to ask his question.

"She is not afflicted with my father's cursed blood. And the familial bonds she shares limits the relationship she can have with you... But you are not my grandson. And this desire feels as if it will tear me apart..." Heaven answered making Lord D remember that Norma, too, had sniffed him and seemed to want him as she dropped their boys off. Kiba and Shinrai ran to their papa while Aoi stared between the adults.

"O-Ji-Ue, make one more smell stop,"Aoi said then happily stuffed her little mouth with a pancake. After chewing then drinking a sip of milk she continued. "No more, smell get bigger."

"What?" JJ asked looking at the small, doll-like oracle.

"I am afraid the child is right," Sofu said glancing behind him not even needed to move as his son's scent swamped him. "The longer this is prolonged without issue, the worse it will become, or better depending on what side of the line you are on." Sofu then looked at Heaven who trembled so great was her craving for Lord D. "Get into the garden for now and mask your scent with nature until you decide to end it."

"I..." Lord D began, took one more long look at Heaven then left to do his father's bidding more confused than he could remember being in a very long time. Heaven began to weep as Lord D was soon out of her line of vision.

JJ stood watching him go with a mixture of relief and worry. "Grand-pa D... What he hell is going on?"

Break

The light from the large picture windows bounced around the large studio and was barely noted for all it's beauty in paled in comparison to the two sitting side by side. "I'm sorry for, blaming you, for everything, I just couldn't do and I've hurt myself by hurting you..." Bikky stared in awe as Rain sat on the stool beside Prince Angel and sang.

"His voice just gets better every time I hear it." Said Bikky with a sigh. Watching as the song wrapped up and Rain prepared to practice a duet with Ken. The pale, taller boy stood next to Rain a direct contrast and laughed when Daphnus shooed Angel away from the piano.

"Enough of the regular albums, we have to get ready for the Christmas show." Daphnus announced and snapped his fingers for the rest of the band to get warmed up.

"Will the angels be singing with us again?" Rain asked still in awe of the beings who had joined them last Christmas.

"They always do," Andy told them for Ken had stared at hearing the question. She laughed then turned to Daphnus. "So what's the lineup this year?" Daphnus grinned and prepared them for the holiday concert.

Break

The house was quiet when Erick left the guest room where he had slept with Terry and went to Rain's room where Peter still slept. Late, when they had arrived, Ryo had awakened the boy to place their spare cot into his room. Peter had moved so slow as he got into the bed and allowed Ryo to tuck him in. Looking away, Erick's eyes had fallen on a sleepy Rain with his hair wild and bedraggled falling to the middle of his back. "Go back to sleep," Ryo said pushing Rain back in bed and kissing his forehead. Rain nodded and collapsed noting who was in his room before he did go back to sleep. Erick looked at him again, then said good night to Peter who turned his back saying nothing. He sniffled in the darkness before sleep claimed him.

When Erick entered the room it was to find Peter laying on his side in bed with a book on native cultures that Rain had left for him. When Peter had told Rain where he hurt, Rain had paled running from the room claiming he had to help Ryo with breakfast. "Hey," Erick stood by the door afraid to go in. "How do you feel?"

"Still sore," Peter admitted and rolled over completely onto his stomach. "I don't think I can keep seeing you Erick."

"Petey, I'm sorry, but I talked to Dee this morning and I know how to do it right... I won't hurt you again. Even if you want to wait a while, I'll wait..." Erick paused when Peter shook his head sadly at him. "Petey..."

"Ryo was right, I was not ready for such a large step, but I did it anyway," Peter said his eyes welling with tears making them seem, for a moment, as beautiful as Rain's. "You know why?" Peter asked finally looking at Erick who shook his head dumbfounded that Peter was breaking up with him. "Cause I wanted you to love me more than you loved Rain."

"Oh... Petey," Erick said the same time they heard a loud gasp. Both young men turned to see Rain standing behind Erick holding a cup of herbal iced tea. Rain stood still in shock as Erick got to his feet and approached him. "Let me explain," Erick began to reach for Rain only to cry out in pain as his arm was wrenched behind him and Rain forced him to his knees with his arm twisted behind his back.

"Never touch me," Rain demanded and moved around forcing Erick to crawl to leave his room. Once Erick was in the hallway the door was shut loudly in his face. Erick prepared to pound on the door and came face to face with Bikky. Terry stood beside his brother prepared to help him fend off Bikky who looked more like a street thug than they had ever thought.

"Explain," Bikky said hoping to make Ryo proud with his containing of his fists in such a situation. "I warned you not to upset him with this obsession of yours."

"But that's just it..."Erick said loudly hoping that both Peter and Rain were listening. "I may have loved Rain first, but I love Peter more, yeah, Rain is pretty to look at, and his voice is awesome, but he doesn't spend hours with me on the phone, he doesn't go on dates with me. I don't know him like I know Peter. I don't love him like I love Peter." Erick said then turned to the door. "Peter I'm in love with you. I'm sorry that I hurt you and I'm sorry that you felt you had to do that to keep me. You didn't... Cause I love you." Erick stood and faced Bikky he groaned when Bikky's hammer like fist was planted in his gut for good measure then the boy turned and walked calling over his shoulder. "Hurry up Rain, we have to meet Chris in an hour." The door slid open and Rain dashed through the portal getting to Bikky's side. He glanced back at Erick, then continued on down the stairs. Erick nodded at Terry then braved Rain's room. Peter was looking at him with tears on his face.

"Did you mean that?" Peter asked still laying on his stomach. He shifted to his side then sniffled loudly. Erick was at his side in moments wiping his face with his hand.

"I did... Do.. Peter, I love you," Erick said kissing the younger boy.

"I love you too, that's why I wanted you to love me," Peter sobbed throwing his arms around Erick. Ryo sighed, then shook his head as he went back to making breakfast for his family.

Break

(Christmas Day)

The palace buzzed with excitement that only happened twice a year. The same hum of exultation as came along on Easter, livened up the glittering walls of the Arcadian realm. Count D was sat in a plush chair surrounded by plants and animals while his father stood nearby with JJ at his side. Sofu had glowered at him for over a week now, yet refused to explain the problem of his heightened scent. Even when in the garden Helen came to him unable to bear separation. Lord D looked around the cozy room they had gathered in to exchange presents and noted that Nestoir gave him a long look. Nestoir grinned baring fangs then vanished appearing at Lord D's side. JJ startled placing his hands on Lord D's waist he frowned at Nestoir.

"No worries man, just wanted a closer whiff, how intriguing," Nestoir said with a smirk he leaned into Lord D and noted that the Kami backed away. "Were I still afflicted, there would be no stopping me..." Nestoir turned to head over to his wife. He looked again at Lord D, "The vamps do not want to eat you, at least, not in way you fear. It is desire that hounds them, potent and irresistible." Nestoir picked his small daughter into his arms and sat beside his wife as the presents were passed around.

Break

Bikky stood to the side of the stage with Ryo and Dee watching as the choirs of the angels joined in with the Royale. "I have seen them perform many times, but the only time I feel this engrossed is at Christmas... Why?" Bikky wondered aloud as tears crowded his eyes then fell down his cheeks.

"Do you not know?"Heaven said from beside them, choosing to stand as far away from Lord D as possible. "It is their lord they sing of. Such joy fills them at the celebration of his birth. Each of them would walk to their deaths and gladly, all for his name's sake." Heaven said tears of blood falling from her face. She was careful to catch them with her handkerchief before they could stain the beautiful, full skirted ensemble she wore of glistening white. "Would that I could join them in their devotion." Heaven sighed staring at the blood that covered her hands. "If only this were all my own."

"Hey, you exist for a reason," Bikky pronounced with a wisdom that was beyond his fifteen years. "Andy once told me, that God does not make mistakes, and he does not make garbage. You serve his purpose whether you realize it or not. And one day you will see him smile." Bikky turned back to the stage unaware that Heaven stared at him in wonder. She turned back to the stage feeling a strange sense of peace. Ryo leaned back into Dee's arms smiling.

"Next week ends this year, you know..." Ryo said with a smile as Dee leaned down and placed a small kiss on his neck.

"I know," Dee said against the warm flesh.

"It has been a long and eventful year," Ryo said again watching as Rain smiled and sang with the Royalty of Arcadia.

"I know," Dee said holding Ryo tight in his arms.

Ryo turned his eyes to see further back stage where Count D sat with his hands on his mounding tummy. The children and animals surrounded him while Leon stood a few paces away with several Arcadian guards keeping a close watch on the pregnant Kami. Count D smiled as he watched the show. Ryo nodded his head to Count D then leaned his head back against Dee's shoulder. "Looking forward to next year."

Dee grinned holding his love tight. "I know."
Powdered Sugre 12

Me and A Gun: Part 1

"Dee," Ryo said as he sipped his coffee that was strong enough to peel the varnish off of his desk. With a grimace he looked up at Dee then handed him the cup his eyes then wandering to the peeling paint on the walls. "Our office needs a paint job."

"Yeah... Well I need a blow job. Which do you think will get done first?" Dee grinned as he too looked at the walls and ceiling.

"Depends on who you ask," Ryo said his cheeks pink when he saw Jill in the doorway. "Hello Jill, did you miss us?"

"I wonder," Jill laughed then smirked when Dee did not seem the least bit embarrassed to be caught sexually harassing his partner. "Do you wish to file a complaint against your partner for inappropriate behavior?"

"It would only encourage him," Ryo said with a chuckle and salute of his coffee mug. "This stuff tastes worse. Are they actually adding diesel fuel and gunpowder to it?"

"I think it might be just plain old gasoline," Jill said looking at his dark coffee. Even with cream it resembled mud. "Chief wants you guys, new case." Dee and Ryo got to their feet and prepared to go to the chief's office. The man made no secret about his dislike of the detectives, but they did their jobs so well he had no grounds to complain. "Isn't it good to be back?" Jill laughed as they collected their mugs and left their office.

The chief said nothing to the two men that entered his office, both relaxed. Usually when detectives were sent to his office they were nervous, eager or even awed by his commanding presence. He expected some response not this blatant nonchalance. "Get it done," The chief said handing the manila folder to Dee.

Without a word they turned to leave. Ryo halted moments before he crashed into Dee's back as he had stopped so suddenly. "This is a missing persons case," Dee turned to face the chief.

"Yeah?" The chief did not bother to look up.

"We work homicide," said Dee as he perused the file not looking at the chief. "Says here, no foul play suspected, this kid wandered off from his cousin while they were shopping."

"The 'kid' as you say," The chief finally looked up at Dee and his smirk was firmly in place hating Commissioner Rose for pointing out how good the two detectives were and that they would likely have the boy home in record time. "Has been missing for two days now and speaks no English. You two were chosen to work this case because your partner there speaks fluent Japanese." Ryo looked up from his gazing over Dee's shoulder at the file. The chief was almost swamped by the beauty the other man possessed. He glanced at a picture of his wife then frowned dismissing the two from his office.

"How old is he?" Ryo asked sitting at his desk, he pulled his glasses on and accepted the file from Dee. "Says, eighteen, he came here to go to school and is staying in the same dorm as his cousin cause he doesn't know English. He is some sort of genius to be in his second year at college already. Too bad English was not one of his courses of study." Ryo then studied the various pictures that had been supplied. He was momentarily shocked to be seeing the victim alive and well. So often did any photo he saw or snapped contain corpses.

"First things first," Dee said as he peered over Ryo's shoulder to see the pictures. "We will treat this like it is homicide. We will retrace their steps search out clues. Let's hit the street." Ryo tossed his jacket on and buttoned it to keep his shoulder holsters out of sight. They passed Leon in the hall holding his own folder walking with Jill.

"What's up?" Leon asked indicating the file Ryo still carried.

"Some foreign exchange student has gone and got himself all lost," Dee explained then pointed at Ryo. "He speaks Japanese don't you know."

"Really!" Leon laughed looking at Ryo. "I did wonder about that," Leon smirked then laughed when Jill poked him in the arm.

"What about you guys?" Ryo asked peeking at Leon's folder.

"Usual, Senator Alan has gone and got himself all dead. Maid found him in his hotel room this morning, bullet in the chest." Leon brought up a hand to mimic a gun being fired.

"Oh, high profile, good luck on that one," Dee said then continued on his way Ryo at his side. They had almost made it out of the station when they passed Berkeley's office and Jeremy stumbled out looking tousled and well loved. "I see Commissioner Rose is working hard."

"Hi guys," Jeremy said his face in flames as he beat a hasty retreat only to remember to button his pants after he had made it to his car. Mortified, Jeremy blushed all the way back to his own office at the news building. Ryo and Dee looked and saw Berkeley at his desk smoking with a wide grin on his face. Shaking their heads they went to greet the work day.

Break

Count felt tears fall from his eyes as his father ran his small, gel-covered instrument over his stomach. Looking at the video screen he saw his son nestled safely inside of him. "Every thing looks fine," Lord D nodded his head smiling as he fought back his own tears. "He is beautiful."

"Looks like a gray blob to me," T-Chan said looking at the screen. "But a beautiful gray blob," he amended when Lord D's lips turned down.

"Look here," Lord D said and brought his hand up to point. "There is his head, this image here shows his spine, there is his manhood, and his hands and feet..." Lord D continued switching between slides while the printer produced the images. "Listen to his strong heartbeat," Lord D replaced the wand to D's tummy and the room was filled with the steady rhythm of the tiny heart beating inside of D. Lord D smiled then wiped his son's face. "Two more months child. We'll make it." Count D smiled at his father as he cleaned his tummy and reached for a robe. T-Chan discreetly looked away as Lord D lowered Count D's legs from the stirrups and he dressed. "Your canal is coming along nicely as well. I am proud of you."

Count D beamed a smile at his father then reached for the printed pictures. "I wish I could alter my shape so that I could take these to him." Count D lowered a loving gaze to the pictures of his unborn son.

"Why don't you get some rest... I need a nap," Lord D offered a small smile.

"Father are you well?" Count D asked going to his father's side. The sound of his silk rustling in the stillness of the room was highlighted by T-Chan switching to a humanoid shape and reaching a hand to catch the older D.

"I am fine child, this is a bit taxing, we both knew it would be," Lord D then sighed. "I was thinking that it was worth it. Do you?"

"Hai, Chichiue," Count D nodded his head to his father. "You have my utmost respect and gratitude." Lord D stood for a moment and appreciated the sight of the small, blue flowers that dotted the deep green cheongsam that D wore. A large blue bow held the ensemble closed. Lord D yawned then smiled. "Come, nap in the garden." Count D offered hand in hand the two beauties headed to the sanctuary.

Break

"So," Dee said as he spread the files and photos on the table while Ryo stirred the large pot on the stove. "While shopping, Mizuki Takamiya wanted to see the museum and asked his cousin to take him there. While inside the building, he lost sight of him. Searching the area turned up nothing so he then went to the police. Think he was snatched?" Dee asked, he looked up and accepted the spoon full of shrimp stew that Ryo offered him. "Umm, Baby, I know another kind of shrimp I'd like to have," Dee licked his lips and winced when the spoon rapped him on the head. Ryo looked up when the door opened and he heard the boys coming in. "I'll put this away, that's good by the way."

"I do think he was snatched," Ryo said then smiled as Rain entered the kitchen to wash his hands and grab plates. "Thanks, but if you are tired, or have homework... I can set the table."

"No Ryo," Rain said humming he went about his chore. "I did my homework in the library while I waited for Bikky to finish practice."

"Didn't you have try outs for the spring musical?" Ryo asked turning back to the oven he pulled out freshly baked bread.

"Yeah, they are doing a variety show, so we all just pick a bunch of songs that we like. I am in the slot that has eight songs, that is the most in the show, but some seniors are happy cause they get to do a duet with me." Rain laughed, "Peter too, he and Erick seem to be okay, you really helped them out."

"Bikky had fun telling me how you protected yourself." Ryo smiled at Rain to show he was indeed proud of him.

"That was a new trick that lady Alera taught us. You know she is taking over the training until Count D is able." Rain laughed then reached for the heavy silverware. "She said she used that move when she first met the Royale and she actually took out Daphnus like that."

"Little lady Alera," Ryo said knowing that the woman was phoenix of the highest caste. A caliber of warrior that frightened hardened demons with the mere mention of her name. "She has such pretty hair, I know she has feelings for Daphnus that they are both denying, but to actually try to beat him."

"Oh no," Rain said laughing as he placed the silverware. "That was just as part of their introduction."

"Hi, let me beat you," Bikky goofed reaching into the fridge for a cup of juice.

"Better than his usual, hi let me... fu...ow..you..." Dee winced and rubbed his head where Ryo had hit him. "I'm an abused spouse," Dee feigned a pout. "You boys just don't understand the kind of tyrant he is. If I have a little fun, he beats me."

"Hentai-" Ryo gasped catching Dee's hands when he tried to reach for him and pat his backside.

"Yeah, you pervert, you like it." Bikky laughed then watched as Rain ran to answer the door. "Hi Renee," Bikky abandoned Ryo and Dee in the kitchen to greet Dee's mother. "Those two are in the kitchen making out, I hope Ryo doesn't burn our dinner, it smells good."

Ryo blushed at Bikky's loud voice. They stepped apart just as Renee entered the kitchen. She noted them standing close together, and smiled. "Smells good in here," Renee said by way of greeting.

"You have no idea," Dee said and jumped away from Ryo so that he could go put their files away and get ready for dinner.

Break

Norma arranged pillows around Count D while he sat reading a book to Aoi. "I have not seen you in a while Norma," Count D said when the book was finished and Aoi curled up to lay her head in what was left of Count D's lap. "How have you been?"

"Well, after Alex died, I could not..." Norma paused listening to the sound of the creatures of the shop. "I decided to go to France to visit an old friend of ours and found out that she is in her own despair, so I slept for a while. Now I have returned." Norma sighed and said, "Even now, I can not understand his devotion to that... That... Human."

"I have told you," Count D said as he thought about a bowl of soup and it appeared in his hands. "The heart, love, all of it, can not be so easily explained or understood. But I have learned that it is to be cherished and appreciated."

"You were always beautiful Count," Norma said making him a cup of tea. She sniffed the air, her eyes closing in bliss as Lord D passed the room on his way to prepare dinner. "But never have I seen you more so than you are right now."

"Me, I am huge right now," Count D denied her words with a blush.

"You are in bloom," Norma smiled then got to her feet. "You continue your rest, I will see if I can aid your father with dinner."

"He's fine," JJ said as he entered the plush room and shut the door trapping Norma inside with he and D. "He said he could make it by himself. I already asked."

"Oh," Norma frowned at being blocked from seeing Lord D. JJ sat then got to his feet as Norma shifted into a bat and flew out into the night. He hoped she stayed gone and did not bother Lord D. Silence descended upon them as they sat comfortable in each other's presence. JJ shook his head watching as the soup vanished between Count D's pretty lips, so like his father's and yet looking at him did not fire his desire as Lord D so often did. JJ shrugged then looked for and found Ten-Chan at D's feet. The creature was more and more at Aoi's side and JJ wondered if he would become her permanent companion. There were some advantages to having a nine tailed fox as a friend, or so Lord D had explained to him. JJ started as the door banged open and Chris strode in with a frown on his face.

"Sorry to bother you D, but do you think you can help me with my math?" Chris held up his book and notepad. JJ reached for Aoi and held the little girl while D shifted position so that Chris could sit beside him on the sofa. JJ began to rock the girl while thinking of his own sons. She was only a little older than they were. JJ was not concerned for them in the shop sure that wherever they were Sofu had them well looked after. Just as the thought crossed his mind Sofu and Aurora entered the room with Kiba and Shinrai. Both boys were held snug in their arms sleeping soundly.

"Must be nap time." JJ said when Sofu took Aoi and gave him Kiba. JJ cuddled his son close smiling when the tiny hand curled in his shirt. "They are so precious, but then again, how could they be anything but?" JJ said with a loving gaze at his sons.

"You truly love my son," Sofu smiled. It was a small smile, devoid of his usual aloof manner. JJ was startled at how much Sofu looked like Lord D in that moment. "And he truly loves you, it is bothering me that he has yet to accommodate, for all that I can tell he is not even carrying."

"I don't understand," JJ frowned. His state of confusion was becoming a normal thing where his spouse and their family was concerned.

"Every time I am near him, I check him and he is not carrying. I think he has passed the age where it is largely due to an act of will. He does not wish to be pregnant, and therefore his is not carrying." Sofu grumbled then calmed when he noted that he was disturbing his great-grand-daughter.

"How old do you have to be for that to happen?" Count D asked and folded his arms over his grand tummy. When Chris grinned as he was able to do his work by himself.

" Your father is well over two thousand. I would be surprised if his will was not strong." Sofu sighed then continued. "This is not entirely a good thing. He is in heat, and will remain so until he conceives. Since he has yet to deliver a child his scent becomes more and more enticing."

"It is so weird, every time I get near him I..." JJ frowned then looked at Count D and Christopher. Shaking his head he said no more but his red face gave testimony to the raw passion that assailed him when he was near Lord D. Just this morning, he had tossed Lord D's long skirted ensemble up around his waist and proceeded to ride him hard and fast. Lord D's cries of pleasure still rang in his ears making him wish to go after him. When his thoughts escalated he turned to see Lord D behind his chair.

"Dinner is ready," Lord D announced unsure why his family was staring at him. JJ said nothing, he handed his son to Count D and dragged Lord D from the room. "Jemi-Chan?" Lord D gasped when he found himself in their bedroom being undressed. Any more Lord D could have said died on a sigh of rapture. JJ was wild in his need to possess him. His teeth nipping at the small, pert nipples that teased his tongue with their sweetness. JJ ripped the pants from Lord D his mouth finding the throbbing, erect member long before Lord D was fully cognizant of the fact that he was now completely nude. "Oh," Lord D sighed his head pressed into the pillow while JJ licked him deep within.

JJ was gentle in his need to possess Lord D. He took his legs and placed them on his shoulders enjoying the sounds of his lover's cries. Lord D gasped, canting his hips at the feel of JJ's fingers probing his innermost sanctum spreading lubrication while loosening the tight muscles. Lord D reached down to stroke JJ's straining member. "I love your hands on me," JJ panted moving his body in time to Lord D's movements.

"And my mouth?" Lord D asked with a teasing light in his deep eyes, turned nearly black in his heightened desire so wide were his irises that the purple was almost overshadowed and glazed with abandon.

"You know I do," JJ bit the words out around a gasp as Lord D angled his mouth to take him inside his warm, wet, eager mouth. Lord D bobbed his head and worked his throat milking JJ for everything he had and sucking still. Feeling on the edge of oblivion JJ tried to pull out of Lord D's mouth, but his willpower was less than he could be proud of. Lord D smiled and swallowed the offering of JJ's release. JJ lay back on the bed panting in as much air as he could get into his starved lungs. "But I want to be in you, why'd you make me come?" JJ asked when he felt his softening member slip from Lord D's mouth. Lord D placed a gentle kiss at the tip then dragged his tongue along the shaft of the quivering flesh. Smiling to himself, Lord D put his lubed fingers against the opening that puckered and beckoned to him.

JJ gasped when his erection sprang to life. Lord D's fingers pressed hard against his prostate and JJ spread his legs. "Now," Lord D crawled over JJ's legs and stared down at him hair falling in a silken waterfall of deepest black shining in the still glowing light of the room. JJ was dazzled for a moment by the beauty of the creature sitting on top of him. "I need you," Lord D undulated his hips rubbing JJ against his most sensitive area. JJ reached down stroking himself spreading lubrication. Lord D cried out feeling JJ pressing against him. After a slight twinge of initial discomfort Lord D sank down onto JJ. They both sighed in rapture of the tight enclosure. Lord D began to move his hips, rising and falling, his speed increasing, encouraged by JJ moans and his own need. JJ lifted his hips to meet Lord D's demands and sat up pulling Lord D into his arms as they both moved.

Lord D wrapped his arms tightly around JJ as he ground his hips hard into him. "Jemi-Chan," Lord D cried out feeling his seed spill at no provocation to his member. JJ gasped, his body milked for all he was holding in at the rhythmic tightening of Lord D's body around him, clenching and releasing pulling his seed from his body in an almost painful joy. JJ could not ever remember feeling so drained. He realized that they needed to bathe, and probably eat, but right now, all he wanted to do was hold on to Lord D and sleep for a few days, then wake up and start all over again.

Break

Leon entered the cafe/boutique with Jill and smiled as Angel greeted him then handed them over to Chihaya who would be their waiter. Leon smiled looking at Angel. His outfit was as bright as usual with wild patterns that boggled the mind. "Just dinner today," Leon explained as he seated Jill then dropped into a chair. "This is the only place I could think of that would compare to home cooking, so what's the special?"

"Collins is in the kitchen today, so it is roast beef with potatoes, steamed vegetables and fresh baked bread." Chihaya grinned, he had so much fun working here. "Or you can order anything on the menu."

"Nah, just bring me a special," Leon affirmed glad to be able to get some meat. Jill laughed and nodded holding up two fingers to indicate that the order was for both of them. She looked around the many flowers that decorated the cafe then at the deep blue table cloths that denoted that it was Collins in the kitchen. Whenever Kagetsuya took over the cooking the tablecloths were red. "We know Senator Alan was not alone when he died, the trajectory of the bullet was not self inflicted." Leon said when Chihaya bounced away to another table.

"Yes, but no one saw him enter the room with anyone and no one saw anyone leave,"Jill frowned as she looked at the police photos that she had taken while Leon examined the room. "The only evidence we have is a size seven and a half men's shoe... Small feet."

"Well I have the lab reports here. All the blood on the bed, there is a small drop or two that did not come from the victim."Leon said pointed to a picture that displayed the blood pattern. Jill took a moment to be thankful that they had a table that was reasonably secluded as they looked over the gruesome evidence. "Also," Leon's frown grew thoughtful. "Look at this odd pattern," Jill leaned over so that she could see the photo where Leon was pointing. "The blood should have covered this entire area, and yet..."

"So the hotel staff did not see anyone covered in blood leaving the senator's room?" Jill said shaking her head. "That means that the perp was under the senator when he was shot."

"Could it be his wife?" Leon asked going back into the file to find her alibi for the time of the murder. "She could have walked in on him with another woman and shot him."

"But that would be two people leaving the room, one of them still covered in blood, and who is the mystery woman?" Jill said and paused when Chihaya returned with napkins, silverware and glasses of water.

"We are assuming it was a woman, remember the shoe," Leon warned as he once again went back to the earlier evidence.

"Man, is anyone straight anymore?" Jill complained shaking her head. "Says here that the wife was in London with their two girls on vacation. It's solid too, when he was shot she and the girls were watching a performance of the London Symphony Orchestra, many witnesses."

"So our only lead is a missing man with small feet and one shoe?" Leon groused he perked up when Chihaya returned with the dinner.

"Or a missing boy," Jill said with a thoughtful frown. Leon sighed, he needed to think this one over some more.

Break

Dee drove around the shopping district that surrounded the museum. He pulled over and spoke to a few people while Ryo exited the car to go inside the large building. "Oh yeah, that guy," Dee sighed to finally get a positive response to his photo of the smiling young man. "I hang out here a lot, remember, you bought some supplies for you son from me."

"Right," Dee said as he correctly identified the street artist. "So you saw him?"

"Sure did, in fact..." The artist rummaged around in his large sketch pad and showed Dee a portrait he had done. Dee nodded when he looked at the smiling young men in the drawing. "He and his cousin came by here before going in there. I thought it was odd that his cousin left without him, but he had some girl with him. Then he went back a couple hours later and couldn't find him. What an idiot, leaving someone who doesn't speak a lick of English so he can go get laid. You say the kid is missing now... So sad, I hope you guys find him. He looks like the sweet type, like your son."

"What do you know about my son?" Dee frowned as he stared at the man that had hit on him the first time they met.

"No worries man, I'm not a stalker or anything. Your partner's hot by the way," The artist grinned when Dee's frown grew dark. "I saw him on tv and I have his solo album. That's all, I know you'll find that kid," The Artist let Dee keep the portrait with a smile he went back to his work glad that Dee had thought to buy a few more pads and chalk for Bikky.

Ryo stood at the entrance booth of the museum and sighed as the attendant on duty nodded confirming that he had seen Mizuki. "He came by here yesterday, he was asking something, but no one knew what. He kept saying... something like..." The attendant paused thinking over the foreign word. "Mari... Matsuri... Ta... something." The attendant gave up trying to remember.

"Matsuri Takamiya," Ryo supplied the name. "Kuso, he was looking for his cousin." The attendant's eyes widened as Ryo continued to mumble in Japanese. "Did you see which direction he went?"

"Nah, my shift ended, sorry, hope you find him. He looked bad, you say he's been missing for two days."

"What do you mean bad?" Ryo asked concerned for the missing young man.

"Like, he was wearing this buttoned shirt that was dirty and way too big for him. He looked scared and he was limping. Good luck detective." The Attendant then sauntered away for a smoke break.

"Welcome to America," Ryo said with a sigh as he headed back out into the sunlight to find Dee worried that they would find the boy too late and the case would turn into something they were more used to. Homicide...
Powdered Sugre 13

Me and A Gun: Part 2

Even though the sun shone down, Ryo sighed feeling as if a dark cloud hung over his head. Dee heard the sigh and looked up from his perusing of their files and notes. "I am afraid that we will find him too late," Ryo said without Dee having to ask.

"I think it was too late when his cousin reported him missing," Dee stroked Ryo's hand across their desks having to strain a little to accomplish it. "But we will find him." Dee affirmed he stood to lean over the desk. He pressed his lips to Ryo's forehead inhaling the sweet scent of Ryo's soft hair. Ryo tensed feeling that they were not alone and they both turned to see Alicia standing in the doorway.

"Ryo, Dee," Alicia nodded to both of them then smiled. "I was trying to wait until you all settled in, or were a little less busy."

Ryo's heart sped up then slowed down. He wanted to offer some reason why he had not been by to see her. She was carrying his child after all. He could say he forgot, but that would not be a good thing to tell a pregnant woman and for all that he knew of pregnancy, Andy, Lord D and Count D had taught him that the emotions were precarious and tears were tantamount to vapors and to be avoided at all costs. "Ah..." Ryo floundered his face heating then he looked away hoping Dee would say something. Dee sat back with his arms crossed over his broad chest a grin splitting his features and Ryo looked at Alicia trying again. "Hi."

"You weren't at the Christmas concert," Dee said rescuing his blushing partner.

"I wasn't feeling well," Alicia admitted making Ryo feel all the more horrible for leaving her alone.

"Here," Ryo got to his feet offering Alicia his chair ignoring the other chair in the room that she could have sat upon.

"I'm fine really, I just wanted to give you this," Alica said trying to resist the pull of Ryo's arms, but finding herself in his chair. Alicia could not help the laugh that erupted at his careful handling of her. "Ryo, I'm fine really, the first three months are boring, unless you count morning sickness." Alicia made a face at the memory of tossing every morning. "I hear I got off lightly compared to what the D's went through.

"Count D still becomes ill with the right provocation." Dee said his eyes traveled to the still trim figure of Alicia. Her breasts were perhaps a bit more plump and her tummy had a slight curve to it, but otherwise she was showing hardly any sign of her condition.

"I can still shift," Alicia admitted with a smile. "Queen Torcha said it was even good for the baby."

"Shift?" Ryo asked taking the guest chair he offered Alicia his coffee then thought better of it. Taking a clean mug from their shelf, he dropped a bag of green tea into it and heated the mug in his hand.

Alicia smiled accepting the tea. "Yes, because I chose the full transition. I can assume dragon shape."

"But I can't?" Ryo wondered at the rules governing the species of Arcadia.

"No, but there are special rules for me. I ended my life as a human." Alicia said with a smile. "The Alicia you know is dead Ryo, I am Lady Alicia of Arcadia, I carry the title of Duchess of the eastern fire dragons."

"Then it is good we share no blood relation, or our child would be a frightful mess," Ryo laughed at ease with Alicia's laid back manner. "Why don't you come over to the house for dinner?"

"I would love to," Alicia agreed. "But I see that you all have cases to worry about and I will take myself off. I just wanted to see you." Alicia got to her feet. She left the office with a smile on her face glad to have seen Ryo and Dee, a link to her life that had long since passed away.

Dee leaned back in his chair his eyes on Ryo as the man made it back to his desk. "What?" Dee asked when Ryo did nothing but stare at the coffee mug.

"Hmm, oh nothing, I was just thinking that we should get to the streets again, I want to try all the businesses in the surrounding area. Some one had to have seen that young man," Ryo said surprising Dee that his mind was ever on the case. Dee sighed, Ryo would not rest until he was home safe. Dee just hoped they found him alive and well.

Break

"Jill, we found someone who saw the senator with a guest," Leon emerged from the hotel's office. "All the people we talked to yesterday said that they were sent from the floor right. Seems the senator does this a lot and wants to appear to be discreet for his wife's sake." Jill sat down the sheet that was on the floor. "What's that?"

"This is a sheet from the bed, seems out murderer wrapped up in this then tossed clothes on and made an exit here," Jill pointed to a side door that was attached to the penthouse suite. "Goes directly to an elevator that can take the senator, or any other high profile guest directly to the back of the hotel, where a car is usually waiting."

"So this guy comes in, seduces the senator, shoots him then escapes, sounds like Scorpio's children again." Leon grumbled thinking over his past cases, the only unsolved one involved Scorpio's children. The closest he had ever come to solving a case was when Count D drugged the young man that held him hostage. Even that had not led to any conclusive breaks in who was behind this maddening fiasco. "But they have never left any evidence behind, not like this," Leon said pointing to the shoe that was in it's clear plastic bag marked evidence. Leon would have said more, but his cell ringing halted his words. "Orcot."

"Leon," Leon paused at the sound of Prince Daphnus' voice. "You are working a very delicate case right now,"

"Yeah, you have any information that I might need?" Leon asked not wanting to listen to one of Daphnus long speeches. "Sorry to be so abrupt, but I am on the clock right now and I want to solve this thing."

"Understandable," Daphnus agreed. Leon waited, just when he thought to prompt Daphnus to speak the high prince said. "This is not the first time a senator has taken a boy to his bed. I will offer no false remorse at his death, but it brings me little joy. His deeds have caught up to him. It seems that we did not teach him a good enough lesson."

"Angel," Leon guessed interrupting the prince's words.

"Solve this and I will congratulate his murderer before you arrest him." Before Leon could form a reply the line went dead and he was left staring at Jill.

"Our murderer is small." Jill said coming back into the room reading to Leon from her notepad. "Could be twenty if we are generous, dark hair, could not see his face, but they know it was a male, or a small woman with short hair. But the clothes were male, did not say much. They said the senator was holding his hand as if leading him, so he could be blind."

"A blind assassin, or an unwilling captive." Leon mused aloud.

"Unwilling?" Jill wondered.

Leon shook his head to clear it of the thoughts plaguing him. "We should go," he said and pressed the button on the elevator. "See where this leads."

Break

The sun would be setting soon and Dee wanted to usher Ryo home so that they could get dinner, but he knew that Ryo would exhaust every available lead then go home. "So the businesses surrounding this area are the art museum, the shopping section over there and the Elite Hotel." Dee remarked looking over his notes.

"Yeah, let's check all the entrances to the museum." Ryo said leaving the car after making sure he was covering his weapons. "There is a door right next to the hotel that we overlooked this morning."

"Yeah, if he is smart, he would stick around this area hoping his cousin will come back for him," Dee nodded his head. They set off across the busy street. Just as they reached the side of the museum Jill and Leon appeared out of a back door of the hotel. "Jill, Leon," Dee nodded his head.

"I think we might be working the same case," Ryo mused looking around the alley that stood between the two buildings. He held up a shoe that was a match to the one that Leon carried as evidence. "Senator Alan was shot three days ago right, Mizuki has been missing for three days."

Jill sighed looking around at the dilapidated alley that bore no clues to it's posh surroundings. "So let's compile evidence and see if we can't come up with a clue, I mean look," Jill said trying to alleviate some of her own anxiety. "Together we have a whole pair of shoes."

"Perhaps we have more," Ryo said his sharp eyes peering into the shadows. "No food for several days could make one weak, especially if that someone is injured, bleeding and scared." Dee started after Ryo when he began to walk slowly towards the back of a dumpster. Leon and Jill looked after Ryo and Dee pulling their weapons. Even though the gun had been found in the room and fingerprinted the kid could still be armed. Leon was not ready to rule out that this was somehow involved with Scorpio's children. Ryo shoved the heavy dumpster aside and gasped when he saw the young man laying amongst the scattered trash his bare feet peeking out from the hems of his pants.

"Is he alive?" Dee asked when Ryo knelt by the young man's side and felt for a pulse. Breathing a sigh of relief Ryo nodded as he felt the steady beat Mizuki whimpered at the touch and Ryo was pierced with eyes so dark they nearly rivaled his own.

"Iie, onigaishimasu. watashi o hanatte oki nasai(No, please. leave me alone) Itai-yo." The young man began to sob. "Mari..." He dissolved into tears, curled over away from Ryo only to gasp as he saw Dee. "Iie, iie...iie." Mizuki tried to get to his feet only to moan and fall back down. He scooted back away from the men.

Dee grinned enjoying the sound of the musical words that flowed from Ryo's mouth as he began to speak to their frightened young victim. "moushibun naku , watashi ha Ryo de aru tantei. watashi oyobi watashi no paatonaa ha zutto sagashi te iru. kare ga mitsukeru koto ga deki nakatta shi, keisatsu o yon da toki ni anata no itoko, Matsuri ha shinpai sa reru you ni natta. anzen ima de aru.[It's alright, I am Ryo, a detective. Me and my partner have been looking for you. Your cousin, Matsuri became worried when he could not find you and he called the police. You are safe now." Ryo said he saw Mizuki's eyes light with hope when he began to speak in a language that he could understand. "okotta nani ga anata ni ka."[What happened to you?" Ryo asked pulling the boy up as Leon called for an ambulance and Jill alerted the precinct.

Ryo nodded as he listened his face turning grim as Mizuki explained. He heard the sirens and became fearful clinging to Ryo. "MIZUKI!" Dee stepped aside when Matsuri came running into the alley with the police. Mizuki collapsed into his cousin's embrace sobbing. "What happened to him?"

"He was wandering around lost and was found by a wealthy gentleman," Ryo said facing the irate young man before him. "It was not aid he stumbled upon though," Ryo sighed when the paramedics placed Mizuki on their stretcher. "I was more like a nightmare."

Break

Alicia wondered at the somber atmosphere in the house as Ryo stood in the kitchen preparing dinner. With a sense of wisdom that had served him well, Bikky took Rain and Lyo up to his room to watch Internet videos leaving the adults to come to grips with the events of the past two days. "Baby," Dee stepped into the kitchen. His nose was appreciative of the smells of the dinner that Ryo prepared. "Case closed, job well done. We found him... Alive."

"Yes, I know," Ryo said looking to their backyard peering into the darkness he could make out the bench, flowers and pool. "Too late."

"No, it was too late way before we even got involved in the case." Dee told Ryo hoping that Ryo's kind heart would not interfere with all of their difficult cases. Over time Dee had noticed the strain their careers were having on his gentle lover. Some days he would sit in front of his computer with a grim expression as he went over their files. Dee sighed, there was no reason to prolong his misery, yeah he was a good detective, hell, Dee could think of none finer, but at what cost. Looking at him now, Dee felt his heart sink thinking that he had no choice in the matter."Ryo, have you ever thought about retiring?" Dee paused when Ryo gasped his hands stilled in their taking the heavy roasting pan out of the oven.

Sitting the pan on the counter on top of a folded towel Ryo said nothing. He turned away from Dee to get a spoon and dribbled sauce over the well-cooked meat. Dee knew, from the tense stance and steady, almost mindless actions of his hands, that Ryo was thinking over what he would say next. "Have you?" Ryo asked instead of answering. Ryo was shocked Dee's next words.

"I have... thought about you retiring,"Dee chose his words with care knowing that to say the wrong thing would make this conversation even harder.

"Why me?" Ryo asked feeling his manhood stung he refused to look at Dee continuing to tend to dinner.

"Our cases has upset you more and more." Dee stood to his feet and pulled Ryo, spoon and all, into his arms. "Just thinking of today, you are pale and withdrawn."

"It just bothers me, the horrible things we do to each other." Ryo admitted with a heavy sigh he turned in Dee's arms so that he could wrap his own around Dee's trim waist and lay his head against the firm chest. "It would drive me nuts to hear in the news all the things going on,"Ryo gave a half-hearted laugh. "I can just hear myself now saying how much sooner I could have solved this case, or I could have prevented that murder by apprehending the repeat offender, just that much sooner."

"You'd be hell to live with." Dee said a smirk on his face. He lifted Ryo's face angling it just right. Ryo sighed and offered his lips to Dee. "Sorry I asked," Dee said kissing Ryo. Ryo stepped back when he heard Alicia entering the kitchen. "I can't wait to see you get all fat, just like little D. You should see him waddle around. He's adorable."

"He is not fat," Alicia said with a pout. "And if you call me fat I will do something horrid to you. Count D is round with pregnancy. Remember that."

"Yes Ma'am," Dee nodded his head laughing when the boys came to see what was keeping dinner.
Powdered Sugre 14

Frantic Needs

Count D looked up a smile splitting his lovely features when he saw Leon standing beside the tub in a robe that hung open along his trim figure. "Mind if I join you?" Count D's answer was a laugh.

"I don't know if there is room," Count D gasped when Leon stepped into his bathwater and pulled him in for an deep embrace. With his back pressed to Leon's front a sigh escaped. "Did you finish your case?" Count D asked after a moment of silence broken only by the sound of Leon dragging the wet sponge across D's tummy.

"Yeah, Jill and I were looking for the same person that Dee and Ryo were looking for." Leon said his brows low as he continued to think of the case. D caught his hand when he washed the same expanse of tummy for the fourth time. Without a word D brought the hand to his lips then intertwined their fingers. His ring, glinted in the soft light of the bathing room, caught Leon's eye and he brought the slim digits to his lips. "It'll be our anniversary soon," Leon grinned. "You're due in two more months right?"

"Yes," Count D nodded his wet hair brushing across his shoulders and he shivered as the cool drops of water fell down his chest. "Father said that my birthing canal is growing nicely, a few more weeks and it will be fully connected." Leon smiled glad to hear a good health report about his love. "Two more months, and we will see him."

"I am glad to see that you are doing so well." Leon said as he washed his love. "I love you D."

"And I you," Count D said with a small smile.

Break

The clink of the fine porcelain was suspiciously absent as the two delicate creatures sipped tea in the garden. Soofu A sat across from Sofu D his cream robes ruffling softly as they slide along his soft skin. His deep sable locks were pulled back from his hair and secured with a jeweled pin that Sofu D knew to be the hilt of a sword. The star of David glistened made of topaz it shone in the sun. Next to Sofu D they were a study in contrasts. Sofu D's deep blue cheongsam shone with diamonds and sapphires making him seem like a spot of midnight in the glorious afternoon. Christopher sat nearby with his homework a thoughtful frown on his face. "When Count D is done with his bath, do you think he will feel up to helping me?" Chris asked Sofu D almost afraid to even look at Soofu A. The ancient being smiled at the child's reverent fear.

"There is no reason he should not." Sofu answered then went back to his tea a smile on his face as Lady Aurora entered the sunny garden in the guise of Q-Chan to perch on his shoulder.

Soofu A studied the pair before him his smile replaced by a thoughtful study of his younger brother. "How long will you allow this to prolong?"

"Allow what?" Sofu feigned ignorance when Q-Chan chirped and bit his ear.

"I know your sight has not failed you," Soofu said with a frown he got to his feet. "You are a fool to leave it so," Soofu turned and left the garden leaving Sofu to face the ruffled fur of his wife.

Evening fell over the pet shop, a tranquil blur as night descended. Count D was just ushering Christopher to bed when Norma came upon he and Lord D in the garden. JJ and Leon were out at work leaving the two Kami's in peace. "Come now Christopher, Aoi, Kibo and Shinrai have all been in bed for hours." Count D shooed the boy off with a delicate hand on his expanded tummy..

"I am leagues older than they are," Chris argued. "Besides, Rain and Bikky don't have to go to bed til ten."

"They are as yet leagues older than you are," Lord D said hoping that Count D would sit soon. "You will see your brother in the morning." Chris frowned then turned to embrace Count D before hurrying off to bed. "He is a very nice little boy, you should be proud."

"He was nice when I met him," Count D blushed at his father's praise. "Norma, good evening."

"I bathed after I fed, I would hate for the scent of blood to taint your sanctuary." Norma said in a kind voice she was careful not to touch Count D. "I am glad to see you well. Lord D," Norma turned to face him her large brown eyes wide as she stepped closer to him inhaling his scent her eyes drifted closed in bliss. "May I have a word with you... alone?"

"Are you well?" Lord D asked summoning his medical bag and securing his hair into a long tail at his nape.

"No, we must go somewhere where your child will not see," Norma reached a hand out to caress Lord D's arm. With a gasp the Kami backed away.

"I can be of no aid to you my lady," Lord D shook his head he took Count D's arm to lead him away from the trembling creature. Animals milled around their hair on end as the vamp stood staring at Lord D. They wandered around in between her and Lord D, squirrels and chipmunks all nothing larger than a badger. The larger animals had all gone to partake of their dinner of meat away from the sensitive Kami's.

Norma sighed as Lord D stepped further out of her reach. The scent was driving her mad, as well as every creature within a ten mile radius. How much longer would the shields guarding this shop hold? Not long and Norma was determined to have him before he was ravished by the hordes of vampire's and demons that circled overhead looking for an opening. She lived here so she could get in and if the smell was enticing outside the barrier it was glorious up close. She could not have him? Tears stung and fell in drops of deepest red from her eyes. "I do not wish to harm you Sofu," Norma addressed Lord D with a term of respect usually reserved for his father. "Please," Norma reached again for Lord D. Count D gasped and instinctively pulled his father out of her way. Norma snarled, "You will not deny me." She placed both hands on Count D's shoulders and shoved him out of the way.

Lord D stared in horror as Count D's arms flailed while he attempted to get his bearings. With his weight so monstrously out of proportion he lost his balance and fell to his bottom. Creatures squawked in outrage. Count D curled over onto his side moaning in agony as pain lanced his body from his stomach outward. Lord D scrambled after his son while the animals launched an attack on the snarling creature. "Relax child. I am here, It will be alright... It..." Lord D paused when he examined his son and tears began to fall down his face. Animals screeched as Norma threw them aside. She saw nothing but the scent of Lord D. It entered her mouth as a delicate taste, she would gladly kill for more. A snake rose in the grass hissing and bearing his poisonous fangs. Norma took a step towards Lord D and the creature bit deep into her leg howled in pain and fell away vomiting her blood which reeked of death.

Pon Chan returned to the garden with T-Chan and Ten-Chan hot on her heels. T-Chan wasted no time in lunging for Norma he knocked her to the ground but was thrown aside. T-Chan emitted a hair raising growl his fangs bared as he squared off with the monster. "Ten-Chan, call Leon and JJ," He yelled as he attacked again. Norma called all of her strength to catch him and throw him against a tree, T-Chan yowled in pain, tried to stand to his feet and fell over on the grass unable to move. Lord D gasped as he felt the creature's injuries, but could not leave his son.

"ChiChiUe, it feels like... contractions... am I...?" Before Count D could say more another pain left him breathless. "I am not ready..." Count D sobbed when he could again speak. "Not complete, you said I am not..." Count D gasped another contraction bearing him prostrate as Norma grabbed Lord D and hauled him away from D. Lord D began to kick and hit but found himself pressed to the ground with Norma on top of him. She reigned kisses on his face as she held his hands in one of hers while the other fumbled with the many folds of his robes.

"You are male, you should have a female." Norma whined when she felt no physical response from Lord D. "You have had a female before, two if I know your family history, I can make you happy."

"Norma please, stop this madness," Lord D turned his face away from her searching lips. "My son."

"Damaged already nothing to be done, help me." Norma pleaded grounding her hips hard into him. "Do I not please you? Give me a chance. If your detective was doing his job by you your scent would not be driving me and every other creature like me insane with need."

"I have been in heat before without this happening why now?" Lord D asked wriggling and hoping to break free only to gasp as Norma gave up trying to undo the ties and broke them baring his sheath.

"Why must you wear so many garments?" Norma asked her eyes over flowing dropping blood onto his pristine white underclothes. "Don't you see? Your heat cycle is prolonged without issue, and because you are holding the child in your child the need is there your body screams for release, let me help you." Norma felt the hot fury moments before Ten-Chan launched himself at her. With a swing of her arm she tossed him away. The distraction was enough for Lord D to yank a hand free and slap her hard across the face.

"Get off me," Lord D shoved with his free hand and began to fight her weight pinning him down. "I will not be raped by the likes of you."

"Is my race so wrong?" Norma sobbed catching Lord D and throwing him down again. Lord D began to cry as Count D continued to cry in agony. "Your parents have proved that light and dark can..." Norma paused her words lost on a cry of pain as her hair was gripped in a fierce hold. She looked up to see Lady Aurora with a fist raised. Lady Aurora let fly with her rage as Sofu helped Count D to his lounge. Norma hissed in pain when the fist smacked hard against her face. She began to pant smoke leaving her as Lady Aurora set her ablaze from within.

"Do not kill her," Soofu A commanded reaching out he halted the burning. "This is all because of the foolishness of another. She can not be blamed for loosing control of her very nature." Leon and JJ came running into the garden with their guns out and ready to kill whatever danger had attacked their spouses. "If you would harm the fool responsible my dear brother would be your target." Soofu A snarled as he hauled Lord D to his feet. "Your will be damned." Lord D gasped when he felt Soofu A's hand on his abdomen. "Stubborn child as foolish as his sire." Soofu shoved Lord D away. "See what can be done."

Lord D wondered what the ancient being had done to him as he regained his footing from the shove and ran back to D's side. D leaned against Leon he sobbed as his jewel toned eyes found his sire's. "The child comes."

"It can't" Lord D shook his head, his hair falling in waves around him loosed by his tussle with Norma. "Your canal is as yet not fully formed. It does not reach the womb, there is no place for the child to go."

Leon stared between father and son his worse fears confirmed by the tears that fell from Sofu D's face as he stood by helpless in the face of his oldest brother's fury. " You delivered early and you were okay," JJ stammered then remembered that Lord D, not only older than his son, but was also eight months when he delivered. "What about a cesarean delivery?" JJ began but halted at the forlorn expression on Lord D's face. "There is something special about your race that makes it impossible?" JJ did not need to ask the question for the answer was staring at him in the hopeless tears that Lord D shed.

"When a Kami breeds," Soofu A explained staring down at Count D who curled over into Leon his sobs shaking his entire frame as his body was wrenched with the contractions of labor. "The child's veins and the parents are intertwined. Were he to try to manually sever the connection he could rip out the younger D's internal organs killing him instantly. If the child is not successfully released from the parent his blood will flow leaving him as deceased as his sire. Often, the strength of the parent gives out and the life is lost, or the separation is not fully completed and the parent looses their life."

"Kami birth's are difficult," Leon spoke the awful truth. "Even for females." JJ gasped staring at D his own eyes filled and overflowed.

"If I worked quickly," Lord D thought aloud. "Perhaps I can remove the child and heal D," Lord D suggested as he placed his hand on D.

"Half of his veins would be sealed and the other half would bleed out." Sofu D said his sadness weighing on him where he stood. "You would slow his death, not avoid it. We must do something, the bag of fluid has spilled and before long the child will drown as it is trapped inside with him."

"Build a canal," Leon demanded when Count D gasped in pain. "You can knit flesh, right?" Leon stroked the hair at D's forehead dampened by his sweat and tears. "So connect it to the womb. You can do that."

"I'll have to try, child you must hold still," Lord D said not sparing his son's dignity he used a large pair of scissors to cut the clothes from his body baring him to the view of Soofu A and Sofu as well as Lady Aurora. JJ discreetly looked away and noted Norma sitting in the corner sobbing.

"What have I done?" She bawled over and over again as blood spilled from her eyes to stain the ground she sat upon fouling the sweetness of the garden and calling T-Chan from his unconscious slump. T-Chan got to his feet and growled at her before he limped over to the lounge next to Count D. His glass bright eyes bored into Lord D as the gentle doctor inserted his fingers into the developing canal. Lord D gasped, his entire body glowing golden as he went inside his son's body to pull the flesh and stretch it so that it would reach the womb deep inside. Once near the womb he sealed it all then began to pull the flesh of the womb apart so that it opened where he had connected the canal.

Count D trembled in pain as contraction after contraction rocked him from within as the child fought against the rising water in his haven. "Be still," Sofu commanded placing a hand on Count D's shoulder. Count D looked up at his grandfather tears wet his cheeks as his body trembled with fear as much as pain. He did not want to leave Leon and his children. There was so much life to be lived. Oh how he loved Leon, Count D sighed at the irony that his love caused him to want to be with Leon forever and yet it was that very same love that now threatened to take his life away from him.

Lord D looked up, his eyes shining in triumph as fluid ran over his fingers. "It is connected, now I need to make it a little larger."

"No, his natural contractions will have to bear out," Soofu A pulled Lord D's hand away from Count D.

"But..." Lord D began straining against the hold of the oldest kami.

Soofu A did not budge holding Lord D fast his deep brown eyes boring into Lord D's amethyst ones. "You will agree that nature has been disturbed enough today," Soofu A said with a stern frown at his nephew. "His contractions will dilate him."

"But..." Lord D tried again. "He is in pain. As his father I..."

"Would you halt the natural pains of child birth?" Soofu A asked as Sofu D helped Count D through his breathing exercises to deal with the pain.

Lord D stared at Soofu A his heart torn asunder. He knew the law of nature set in place long ago. His knowledge of right and wrong warred with his love of his child. Lord D breathed deeply then sighed in defeat. "I can not," Lord D shook his head acquiescing to the wisdom of time honored truth.

"Then you had best get to work. A child needs birthing here." Soofu A softened his voice and handed Lord D a nail file. Sofu D spared no time as he wrapped his grandson in a cloth containing his manhood and displaying the birth canal. Lord D went to work filing his son's nails

"Leon, time the contractions," Lord D said pulling his falling robe from his body he summoned a medical garb of white and shoved it on. JJ bowed to Sofu D and left the garden pulling Norma behind him. Lady Aurora hissed at the creature then followed them out making sure to quell the need to kill her. "He is dilating fast," Lord D said from his position on a summoned stool between D's legs.

"Do not push yet, you are dilating fast, but you are not there yet." Sofu D said keeping eye contact with D. "Breath with me." D complied taking shallow, panting breathes he gripped Leon's hands as the pains came nearly on top of each other.

"Oh...Father... He's there. He was in labor for too long without a canal, seems it rushed to catch up." Lord D spared a moment to pray then he looked up at D. "Next time the need arises, push." Lord D braced himself for a long night as Count D held tight to Leon and pushed with all his might.

Break

Ryo rolled over in bed his face cushioned against the firm muscles of Dee and smiled. The phone rang again and he sighed, just as he reached to answer Dee pulled it to his ear. "Yeah," Dee said into the phone his sleepy voice making Ryo smile and kiss the skin he was pressed against. "What?!" Ryo sat up alarmed when Dee's voice rose. "Alright, thanks JJ," Dee sat up in bed and squeezed Ryo's hand. "We're on our way."

"Dee?" Ryo said not questioning the need to get up and pull on his pants. He mused for a moment that before Dee, he never slept nude. Now putting on pajamas seemed rather pointless, but still a habit he performed but always upon waking he was nude. Even if they went right to sleep. Ryo suspected Dee of stripping him while he slept, but could never prove it.

"Little D's in labor," Dee explained as he went to wake the boys to head to the shop. He almost forgot Alicia in the guest room when she poked her head out to see what was going on. Ryo stood in shock his eyes went to the calender on the wall before he sighed and began pull his shoes on.

"What's every one so afraid of?" Bikky wondered. "He survived the last one just fine."

"He carried Jewel full term, he is not even eight months yet. The baby is developed, but he is not." Ryo said fighting back tears. "JJ said that Little D's birth canal is not fully formed."

Rain said nothing, his eyes brimming but his heart holding on to his confidence in the beautiful doctor. He thought of Count D and his calm reassurance when times were at their worse. He remembered him arriving in Greece fighting demons and nearly capturing Hamanosuke for his grandfather. "But he has to be alright...It's no fair otherwise."

"Something I learned a long time ago," Bikky said fighting his own tears as he pulled his shoes on. "Life is hardly ever fair. We've been lucky only cause of Ryo and Dee."

"Come on guys," Dee urged from where he stood by the door with Lyo in his arms. Alicia walked beside Ryo as they all trooped out to the large car that would take them to their friends side.
Powdered Sugre 15

A Night Not Soon Forgotten

Leon winced a little as D squeezed his hand sure that some of his fingers were broken but not caring. Sweat poured from D in waves as he struggled and strained his eyes tightly closed. "Maybe I did not connect it right," Lord D panicked when he still could not detect movement of the child D tried so hard to push out. He refused to voice the fear that the child had indeed drowned in the amniotic fluids.

"I checked, it's fine," Sofu D not taking his eyes off Count D. "Breath, take a moment to rest then push." Count D panted doing as his father suggested he was so tired it seemed as if they had been at this for hours.

Leon breathed with them he felt D relax as his eyes rolled back in a faint he squeezed his hand. "Stay with me," Leon begged remembering Andy's words that they did not need her for his strength to go into D. His love and their previous connection would be enough. "Take what you need, but stay with me."

Lord D looked up from his position and resisted the urge to reach inside and pull the child to safety with his gift. Misuse in any way would strip him of his powers and he would be useless to further aid anyone. "Maybe the rules are foolish," Lord D ground out as D struggled to push the child out. "Maybe that is why so many of us die in birthing."

"You dare censure the laws set in place..." Soofu A began but paused at the look of anger on the gentle Kami's face.

"Speak not to me of censure when my son lies here dieing, he will take Leon with him when he too is drained. I can help but am forbidden." Lord D said sniffling he wiped his tears on his sleeve and resumed his position between D's spread legs. "If anything it is the rules that are foolish."

"Mind your words boy," Soofu A demanded coming to stand over Lord D.

"Please," Count D sobbed when he could draw breath. "Stop..." Count D gasped then pushed feeling every muscle in his body cramp then relax.

"He budged," Lord D looked up excited. "Next time he may come down further."

Count D nodded then breathed after a short pause he bean to pant and push again. Sofu D glared at Soofu A watching as the oldest went to sit on the other side of the garden and enjoy a cup of tea. He would never understand why Soofu A had gone to such lengths to ensure he would able to witness this birth. Surely he was not just here to mock their efforts. "Come child, one more push," Sofu encouraged Count D. With a nod Count D took a deep breath the closed his eyes straining with all his might, his body trembled with the effort but still he pushed. He could feel the child moving inside of him going forward. When he could push no more he collapsed back against Leon sucking more energy just to keep his eyes open. "Okay, take a break, then start over." Sofu D wiped D's brow with a cold towel he pulled from his sleeve. Pulling another he reached over to wipe Leon's brow.

"Thank you," Leon said glad the sweat was no longer dripping into his eyes. He watched as Count D's naturally pale cheeks went ghost white as another contraction pulled him asunder. "Push baby," Leon gripped D's hand even as his own was squeezed. They had to get through this. He was determined to pull D through this, his child would live, so would D. They would see, they would all see. Soofu A looked over at Leon shocked at the determination that rolled around the garden and reached him. His hand shook slightly and he sat his tea cup down when the burning, raw emotions threatened to overwhelm him. Was that, then, the strength of the human race? That pure stubborn sense of survival? That need to fight for those loved? To hang on beyond the point of endurance? "Come on honey," Leon encouraged when D fell back his eyes closed. "You can do it."

"We can..." D huffed sitting up further in Leon's arms he held Sofu D's hand and Leon's then began to push some more.

Sofu began to panic when he saw Lord D falter his hands trembled slightly, but he continued to work. "Child, here," Sofu said sending his strength into his son. He gasped his face flushed with anger as he scanned Lord D. Sofu turned burning golden eyes to Soofu A who raised his teacup in a mock salute nodding his head so that his sable tresses, the locks free of his hair pin, flowed about his handsome face. "You have no right to meddle with my family," Sofu ground out clenching his teeth as Lord D regained his stamina.

"I claim the rights as eldest, you are a fool to challenge me." Soofu A's words were soft and should have been but a whisper of air from so far away but he was heard simply because he wished to be so. "You see the bare minimum and look no further. Your love clouds you."

"Love is not foolish," Sofu D said sending more of his strength into Lord D as he worked. He noted that the child had moved further. "You are doing well Little one," Sofu leaned over pressing his lips to D's forehead. "Keep trying, we are almost there."

"Love itself is not foolish, this is true," Soofu nodded sipping his tea he smiled at the heady flavor. "Delicious... But the actions it causes one to display are often linked to blind madness."

"I do not like you," Sofu D retorted concentrating on keeping Lord D awake he ignored his brother.

"Pity," The word floated across the garden with a careless air as Soofu A went back to his tea summoning a plate of cookies he ignored his younger sibling.

Count D gasped crying out in pain. "That's right child, keep working," Lord D said dragging a sleeve across his face to clear his sweat. "Keep working he is crowning." Sofu blinked to clear his vision as Lord D took even more strength from him unwittingly. "I am doing what I can for the pain, the rest is up to you. Humans have what is called an epidural," Lord D glowered over at Soofu A.

" I said nothing," Soofu A smirked around his mouthful of chocolate muffin.

"One more aught to do it," Lord D sat up prepared to catch his grandson as he broke free delighted at the signs of life the child displayed. Count D heaved up all his strength and pushed with a mighty effort. The child's head popped free causing him to scream in pain. "Okay, just a little more," Lord D urged watching his father wipe D's face with a shaking hand. He felt a vibration in the shop as the shields his father held aloft began to waver. "ChiChiUe?" Lord D looked up then back to the job at hand as Count D struggled to push some more glad when he felt his father's hands guiding his son free. Leon was gentle as he laid D against the pillows at Lord D's nod. Leon took the surgical scissors to cut the boy free. Lord D took the child to clean his mouth then handed the squalling infant to D who lay upon the pillows his sweat soaked hair laying limp around him. While his father worked to clean him of the mess of after birth he sat up to blow a kiss at his son. After several times the action was repeated by the infant and D lay back asleep. Leon supported the child, who slept as well, while he too drifted off exhausted.

"It is done," Sofu D said collapsing on the ground beside the lounge.

"Father, are you well," Lord D said rushing to his sire's side amazed that he had the strength to do so. "You...gave me your strength."

"He would have expired from the pain a long time ago if you had not the ability to support him." Sofu D said without raising his head. "You need to sit," Sofu D said sparing a moment to glower at Soofu A.

"But I feel...Fine," Lord D gasped when he felt a horrendous tugging inside of his body. "Ah," Lord D crashed to his knees next to his father submitting to the embrace of his sire. Lord D curled over crying out as his body was stretched and pulled. "What...no...oh no..." Lord D sobbed as his body began the arduous process of accommodation. "But... I...ah... wasn't carrying." Lord D wheezed then sighed when he felt the incredible ability of his father reach inside of him to dull as much of the pain as he could.

"Your will was hampered by another," Sofu explained holding his son in his arms as his body made way for the child. "You were not even given the ability to deny the child as is your right."

"I would not have," Lord D sobbed in between bouts of ripping pain.

"Well do I know this, but common courtesy demands the asking." Sofu D ground out his vision doubled by exhaustion. When Lord D lay still against him panting his eyes closing Sofu sighed ready to fall into a deep sleep. He shivered and dropped to the soft grass unconscious as his last shield fell away from the shop.

Break

"Hey guys," Bikky said looking around the parlor outside of the garden where D was trying so hard to give birth. "Did you see that?"

"No," Ryo said looking around as well. "But I felt it. Like a change in the air. What did you see?"

"Like the place got darker for a moment then brighter, then nothing." Bikky said stepping away from Chihaya he walked over to Ryo. "What did you feel?"

"Cold, then colder and now...nothing," Ryo rubbed his hands over his arms.

Kagetsuya moved over beside his lover. All had been called to the shop when Count D had gone into labor. He looked over at Angel and Collins. "The shields of this place have fallen." Kagetsuya said with a dire glance around. "God help us." Kagetsuya looked up when he heard the shuffling of cloth shod feet to see Aoi in the arms of her fairy nurse.

"Papa and Daddy need me. Brother need me," The girl said as they passed by without stopping. Aoi placed her tiny hand on the massive door to the garden and it swung open. The two vanished inside leaving the door to slam shut behind them. Lord D, seeing his granddaughter, tried to stand and fell over to his hands and knees. "All in... all safe," Aoi said holding up her little hands to show her orb glowing bright. Lord D was entranced by the sparkling colors so much so that they were the last thing he saw as he leaned against his father asleep. Lissi, the fairy, walked over to the Kami's and Leon to sit on a stump with her charge. Inside the orb they would wait out this coming storm. Soofu A nodded his head in greeting to the child then finished his tea and cookies saving his last muffin.

Break

Rain jumped to his feet to avoid falling over. A tremendous wave of darkness slammed against the shop causing it to reverberate. A strange howl worked up from outside like no mortal wind ever heard the lights dimmed and Ryo pulled Lyo to Bikky's side. Christopher sat up his blue eyes larger than normal. "You boys try to stay out of sight. If you can, get to the Honlon's garden." Rain nodded hoping to quell the fear he could feel embedding in around his heart. Where were the Arcadian's? He wondered glad that Kibo and Shinrai were already with the three headed dragon. T-Chan limped ahead acting as escort with a lioness and several spine headed women he knew to be crocodiles. Cujo and Slyph brought up the rear.

"Baby," Dee leaned into Ryo. "We have been in tight spots before," Dee closed his eyes sidestepping a chunk of the floor that was shaken loose by the heaving of the shop. "I love you."

"I love you Dee... Alicia," Ryo said his mind snapping into focus. "You shouldn't be here," Ryo saw Chihaya cowering by Kagetsuya and Angel where he leaned against a wall with Collins. "This place is coming down around us, go to safety with the children. Even if the shop falls Honlon's home will stand." Several more creatures stood to do Ryo's bidding and escort the non-fighters to safety.

Alicia stood to her feet and watched as they left. "I'm staying Ryo."

"Alicia you're pregnant..." Ryo began. Anymore he could have said died on a gasp when he turned to see a dragon with golden scales where Alicia once stood. Ryo was glad that the parameters of the shop were still in place as they made room for the over-large creature, her tail lashing back and forth in agitation.

"I can smell him Ryo, the child is born. As a mother, I must protect him. Our child will be safe deep inside of me." The voice was a hollow echo similar to Laton and Torcha's when in this form. "Your grandparents come, they have Royale with them, they are battling the outskirts trying to get to us. The hordes will break through before they get here."

"How do you know?" Kagetsuya asked having stayed behind as well taking up Ryo's discarded weapons for the young dragon prince had decided to use his fire to defend the shop.

"In this shape, I can hear Laton, he tells me." Alicia growled her catlike eyes turning to slits. "That one is here as well, but he is to be dealt with by another... Heads up... They come." A large golden claw skimmed the ruined marble of the shop's floor. JJ stared up in horror at the large claw that ripped away the entire door frame shaking the room.

"Give us sweet one and child." A growling voice demanded the heat of his breath searing the occupants flesh. "Why smell change? There is no sweet."

"We will give you neither," Ryo answered throwing a ball of bright fire at the horned, scaled beast that lumbered down the stairs followed by many more such creatures. Vampires hovered above the shop where the roof caved in from the door frame behind them were several flying demons that caused the hair to raise on the back of Ryo's neck.

"Those vampires," Dee said throwing aside his mortal weapons and calling for the guns that Chimera had given him. "I thought they were on the side of the Royale."

"Those are no friends of mine," A cloud of smoke said. Dee blinked several times as the smoke solidified into High Prince Nestoir. The prince hissed baring fangs his eyes similar to Alicia in their cat like quality. "To taste Kami blood is to taste death," He informed them. "There is nothing for you here, leave."

A female in a deep maroon ball gown with loads of ruffles and lace descended to the very top of the horned monsters head to sit. "Why do you think we are here for child of light?" She said her long face in the semblance of a smile. "Another craves his blood, and I see you do not crave blood at all... no night child this, but something less than us." The she fiend smiled then turned to Lady Aurora and Norma. "I will feast on him before your very eyes."

"And I hope you enjoy every drop of his blood that you get," Lady Aurora said with a sweet smile as she too hissed at the creatures. Norma turned confused eyes to the ancient vampiress then prepared herself to battle. This was mostly her fault, feeling tears threaten again she pulled a sword from the confines of mental abilities. Now was not the time to mourn her foolishness. Now was the time to battle.

Break

Soofu A felt the cold and smelled the stench in his delicate nostrils long before the cloud of black air swarmed the shop. It howled when it was unable to breach the glowing Orb of the minuscule Queen of the Kami race. "I will have that boy child, you will not stand in my way," The smoke thundered away at the orb ignoring the lone figure that got to his feet and rolled his sleeves away from his hands. "You will not interfere," Dae said without looking at Soofu A several Daemons scuttled to attack him. Soofu A pulled the pin from his hair revealing the gleaming sword. He pointed it at the advancing monsters and they all fell down dead at the sight of the weapon long before it's blade ever touched them.

"Enough of this," Soofu A ground out his voice rising in anger above his normal whisper to an aggravated rumble that still fell short of a shout. "Have at you." Soofu A grumbled as Dae finally turned to face him pulling his own sword free he marched towards the oldest child of Adam intent on his life.

The sound of metal clanging greeted Sofu as his golden eyes opened. He blinked away the fuzziness in his waking brain. Gasping, he sat up surprised when he could no longer sense the parameters of his shop. Sofu D looked around to see Count D laying in the protective curve of Leon's arms cradling the newest D child. Lord D lay beside him on the soft grass Aoi sat, her grandfather's head on her small knee. Sofu surged to his feet pressing his hands to the side of the crystal orb containing them all. He saw his oldest brother battling with Dae who, aside from his beautiful human appearance, curved horns as a bull rising from his head. Their swords crossed, Dae smiling in triumph when it seemed the smaller Kami would buckle under his strength, Sofu pressed against the orb determined to get to his sibling feeling the tug in his heart he knew to be love. "Iie O-Ji-Ue," Aoi turned tossing a hand in his direction. "Safe."

"Open this thing...now," Aoi met her grand sire's gaze with a small smile as she openly defied him her bright blue eyes the exact sapphire hue of Leon's with a face to rival D's in beauty. Knowing he would get no where with her, he turned back to see Soofu diving into a roll leaving Dae's sword to thrust harmless into the soft ground. With a wave of Soofu A's hand several roots of trees wrapped themselves around Dae's legs and sword. Soofu got to his feet. Dae growled his handsome visage melting away showing the demon in human skin mottled rage rolled from him in waves of discord.

"Cease and leave this garden," Soofu A ground out his sword ringing as it bounced off the horns of Dae.

"Not without that child," Dae growled and lunged surprised at the quick jump, backhanded flip that landed Soofu A on his feet sword tip pressing against a sensitive point in Dae's neck. "You have some skill with a sword."

"You'll never know the half of it," Soofu A sliced the vein smiling grimly as Dae sank away into an inky pool of black, boiling blood that befouled the air of the garden. Soofu A raised his hands with eyes closed dispelling the lingering sense of dark intent. With a last look around he turned and nodded to Aoi. She dropped the walls of the orb just as Lord D opened his eyes.

Break

Dee fell back against the wall his ribs paining him. He could tell that several of the bones were cracked if not broken. It seemed as if the demons had renewed their intent on the shop. Whatever had triggered this resurgence of determination in them he wished he knew. Ryo looked around his eyes seeing nothing but the fury of his own flames. Demon after demon attacked him and were mowed down, turned to ash where they stood. His only concern now was getting to Dee. Ryo stepped forward only to be pushed back by a demon standing in the ashes of his fallen comrade prepared to battle the dragon. "Ryo," Alicia's voice rumbled the remaining floor he stood upon. "You go get Dee, I've got him." Ryo looked between the demon and the mother to be of his child. With the fierce glower she dealt him, Ryo ducked and rolled between her massive front claws landing on the side of her leg. A long, serpentine golden tail shoved him in the direction of his lover and Ryo wasted no time jumping over the debris and corpses to land beside Dee.

"Are you alright?" Ryo asked picking up Dee's gun to holster it and throw a fireball at a two-headed monster coming their way.

"Yeah, the bastard with the ax broke a couple of my ribs though." Dee ground out wincing as he draped an arm around Ryo for support.

"What ax..." Ryo began but ducked, nearly dropping Dee when the gleaming metal came close to taking his head. Ryo turned around his brow drawn down dangerous in his fiery anger. The monster took another step then screamed as he was immolated by Ryo's gaze alone.

"Um.. Baby?" Dee asked staring at Ryo in awe. He looked at the normally pale skin to see that it seemed to glow with a pearl-like sheen. Running his hand over Ryo's arms, Dee felt what he thought were the hard scales of a dragon. "You may not be able to shift, but the more you use those powers the more you assimilate with their kind." Dee said wishing he could kiss Ryo's soft lips or find much needed succor in his willing body.

"Ogle the beauty later, survive now," Dee looked up to see High Prince Nestoir descend among a cloud of thick smoke that veiled his body as if it were somehow a part of him. When the smoke cleared he stood before them with his weapons in their sheaths. "Dae has been dealt with, and we are thinning their forces from behind, wedged on all sides they are trying to accomplish their original goal in kidnapping the Kami sovereign not realizing that it is futile." Nestoir explained Ryo made to protect him from the she vamp that had taunted before as the vile creature grasped the prince and sank her fangs into his neck after wrenching his head to the side to bare him to her canines. After a moment the vampiress screamed backing away she clawed at her throat as her entire body began to smoke and burn leaving her as a pile of dust that Nestoir scattered with his foot.

"Tasty?" Lady Aurora said smirking at the rest of the clawed and fanged vampires that thought to attack the inhabitants of the shop. "You must not have been told," Lady Aurora grinned slashing at the few young that decided to take up where the she vamp had failed. " Just as Kami blood is poison to us, so too is Arcadian Royale."

"What say of Kami?" A creature asked his accent unfamiliar to those who had heard him while they cleaned off weapons as the last of the demons fell or tried to escape only to be cut down by Arcadian's. "We smell the fruits of fairy here... Child of light."

"Fairy, Kami, Fey folk, Sidhe, little people, Spirit kind, whatever your nation calls them, their blood is anathema to our kind." Norma said covered in the blood of many she had killed in defense of her home without care of her own life she had attacked with a ruthless fury that left her to chase those that attempted retreat. She spoke now while her body yet trembled with the rage of battle. "You will not live long enough to care for these words, but maybe your blood knowledge will pass to those you leave behind."

"You say much for one who has lived among the bane of our kind," A new female spoke clearly the leader even more so than the foolish one still blowing away in the night breeze that entered through the many gaps in the shops walls. "The stink of Arcadia is a cloak over the aroma of death. You should be shamed."

"Who are you to say what should shame one?" Lady Aurora asked coming to stand beside Norma. The leader gasped as her eyes raked in the form of the ancient.

"I smell time upon you." She said hissing in fear at the look of calm glaring in its opposite stance to that of Norma.

"Scent deeper," Aurora urged taking a step closer. "You will see that the child that even now enjoys the first moon of his life is my great-grandson."

The eldest of the attacking vamps eyes widened in fear as she took a step back and bowed. "Forgive the intrusion, my honor stained if I ever come upon your clan in future. Grant my life as we have erred I apologize and take leave of your esteemed presence."

Lady Aurora smirked. "You have permission to leave my sight." Lady Aurora said nodding to Nestoir she turned to investigate the newly birthed child.

"I thought the vampires were noble creatures and your allies," Ryo said when he saw the damage that some of the bloodsuckers had wrought.

"I do not know them," Nestoir announced and turned his back on them.

Lady Aurora paused in the hall a smile on her face as she continued on her path. She heard their screams as the Arcadian guards cut them down with arrows and swords. "I can only speak for myself however," Aurora's words fell on dieing ears and had no meaning to the dust that fell away.

Daphnus made it through the throng of milling officers and wounded warriors to see Alicia sitting heavily on a chair. "We must hurry," Daphnus announced. "Those who do not wish to be interrogated by humans must clear out to Arcadia. Thanks to Prince Angel's orb," Daphnus slashed his jeweled wrist cuffs in the air leaving a shimmering opening to the kingdom of Arcadia before he continued. "It appears that this place suffered a grand fire. The fire department is here to put out the flames. You all be good victims and allow yourselves to be rescued. The Honlon's garden has already left this realm so too has the sanctuary been cleansed and transferred." Daphnus stepped through his opening sealing it closed leaving them to lay around waiting for the Los Angeles Fire Department to burst through and carry them to safety.

Dee watched Ryo's skin return to normal in the aftermath of the battle a sigh of relief leaving him. JJ rounded a corner carrying Lord D in his arms. "Darling has been left here so that, it being his family's establishment, will give us a reason for being here." JJ said supporting the limp Kami in his arms. He wondered at the exhaustion and pain he could see on Lord D's face. "Darling, are you unwell?"

"Oh... Jemi-Chan," Lord D sobbed clenching his still blunted fingernails in JJ's tattered shirt. " I carry a child... I am pregnant."

Powdered Sugre 16

Fairy Dust

Dee leaned back against the bed with a wince. Yeah he had three broken ribs and one cracked one, but did the bindings have to be so tight? "Dee! Be still." Ryo rushed to his side the gorgeous detective fluffed a pillow that he sat behind Dee's head. "Lord D is still recovering and can't see to you yet."

"I can't believe he is pregnant again." Dee mused with a sigh as his ribs did pain him. Ryo smiled at the thought of the life that surrounded their friends. "I'll bet Count D's son is adorable." Dee continued pulling on Ryo's hand until the man was seated beside him on the bed. "Don't fight me Ryo, I'm injured. Besides, I just want to hold you." Dee said when he felt Ryo tense at his side.

"I know you are injured, I don't want to hurt you."Ryo protested the close embrace. Dee slide his fingers into the soft hair on Ryo's head then pressed Ryo to him.

"You won't hurt me more than I already am. Lord D may not be able to heal me, but he did send me some of his pain pills." Dee smiled at Ryo's worried look. "None of the aphrodisiac covered poppy, just herbal pain killers." Ryo relaxed against Dee.

"Just because you can't feel the damage doesn't mean that it is not there. Keep that in mind." Ryo muttered closing his eyes. He inhaled Dee's scent with a smile. He loved this man. More than he could ever have thought it possible to love anyone. Ryo closed his eyes allowing his mind to shut down as he held on to Dee. Dee felt Ryo relax against him with a grin. Kissing the top of his honey colored head, Dee drifted off to the best slumber he could remember having while suffering broken ribs and a concussion.

Break

Lord D was slow to open his eyes treating JJ to the sight of his deep purple orbs as they focused on the world around him. Lord D sighed then stretched, lithe, long limbs unfurled in a cat like grace that belied his collapse of two days before. Sofu D had assured him that this sleep was normal and he should not be worried unless it passed four days. JJ was anxious to talk to Lord D, before he had passed out, Lord D had said that he was pregnant. What scared him most was that Sofu D seemed to be shaky and not all in one piece though no battle stains were upon his clothes and the shop... JJ had never thought to see the shop not standing. Right now it was a pile of rubble that would have to be rebuilt as a building before Sofu D could place his magic upon it. As it was, the normal occupants had been moved to the consulate, or rather Arcadia with the consulate as a base of operation for Leon to get to work in LA while the shop was closed until further notice.

"Papa, Papa, Papa," JJ was nearly moved aside when his sons bounced around in excitement. Kibo crawled over to Lord D to place his little hands on Lord D's abdomen. "Papa," the infant clenched his fingers over the silk material. "Good, boy out, good boy in."

"Yes," Lord D ran a hand down the smooth cheek of his young son. "Good boys out, and good boy in." Lord D raised his eyes to JJ a blush blooming on his cheeks.

"How do you feel?" JJ asked sitting beside Lord D he passed a hand over Shinrai until the boy beamed a bright smile.

"I feel fine... fantastic really," Lord D looked puzzled and placed a hand on his tummy in much the same way that his father had done. "I feel stronger," Lord D said his brow furrowed when he realized the truth of his words.

"And so you should be," Soofu A said as he and Sofu D entered the room without knocking and for all JJ could tell the two had not used the still closed door. "I do not know if you have noticed it yet, but each time you strain yourself beyond your abilities you gain strength and endurance. You are almost a rival for some of my younger siblings. You will never surpass your father, but you are incredibly strong... for a halfling."

"Of all the snobbish..." Lady Aurora growled appearing before them in a puff of indignant smoke. She would have said more in defense of her son but saw the smirk on Soofu A's face.

"Eavesdropping is a never a good habit," He grinned to show that the words were meant to draw her out. "I have done all I needed to do. I will return to my home."

"You are going back to Jerusalem?" Sofu D asked perplexed. His brother had made such a big deal about being present for D's delivery then he would leave even before the child was presented to the family and friends. Count D and his baby would be in seclusion for some time still.

"As I said, I have done all I came to." Soofu A smiled then patted Sofu D's head in an elderly manner that made Sofu feel like the child he used to be when Soofu A had first started doing that to him. He shook the hand off with a frown. "Besides, my people need me. They will not be pushed from their land again." Soofu A backed away his form wavering before them all leaving him transparent. "Be well D, and care for your family as they care for you. Remember little brother, a light hand can be a blessing, or a curse. Your children are spoiled." Soofu A pulled a muffin from his sleeve to be gobbled with dignified relish. "Rebuild your house of refuge and tend to those who live there." The last words were a hollow echo as Soofu A vanished Sofu D looked away from his family as he wiped tears from his eyes. It had been so long since he had seen his siblings.

When Sofu D turned back it was to see Lord D standing with Shinrai in his arms hugging the child before he sat him on the bed in his vacated spot. "I must tend to D and the child, and Dee was injured, Rain will need more tea and..." Lord D paused. "I thank you father, for allowing my choice to take precedence for as long as you did. I know that you did not have to and I could have been carrying months ago." Lord D bowed low to his sire then left the room in a hurry as Lady Aurora dabbed the blood that flowed from her eyes.

"We have a beautiful family love," Sofu D whispered in her ear kissing the sensitive spot just under the shell. JJ looked away attending to his sons and their ball while the ancient beings wandered off to their own amusements.

Break

Leon stared at the small face wrinkled even in sleep as if too much flesh hung around the tiny bones. A smile graced his face as he thought that the newborn looked older than Soofu A, Sofu D and Lord D all together. When the bright eyes opened he was surprised to see that one one deep blue, like his own and the other was deeper still and purple hued. Leon was almost afraid to touch the child, but D still slept and the infant needed food. Careful to hold him lightly Leon held the bottle of human formula and nectar that Sofu D had left for them. A soft moan and shift in the bed let him know that Count D was waking. "We made it," Count D's voice was scratchy and he reached for the cup of water that sat on a table by their bed. "Are we... in the Consulate?"

"Yes love, I am sorry, but the shop is destroyed." Leon said Scooting back on the bed careful not to jostle D. "Does it still hurt?" Count D blushed but refused to answer choosing instead to crane his neck to see the small bundle Leon cradled. "He's only three pounds, but all fingers and toes. He seems alert enough. A little wrinkled, but as he grows..." Leon trailed off when he saw the tears that fell down D's face.

"I am sorry Leon," Count D winced only a little as he moved to clutch Leon's arm. "I nearly failed you."

"Hey, none of that now," Leon wished he could get a hand free to comfort D but holding the baby and his bottle required both hands. "Don't want to give our son indigestion do you?" Count D shook his head his ebony locks swirling around him. "Nearly doing something and actually doing it are two different things. Besides, my strength was feeding into you. If you had died, I would have been the one to fail."

"But I fell down." Count D sniffled.

"That's not the way I heard it," Leon smiled when at last the bottle was empty. "You burp him." Count D thought he would melt at the first sight of his son. He took the boy gently in his arms to pat his small back. "The way I heard it, you were shoved to the ground." Leon kissed D's temple. "Now hush, we are all alive and you have given me a son." Count D gasped at the emphatic awe in Leon's tone. Count D smiled at the tiny expulsion of air that he barely heard. Leaning his head against Leon he began to doze. Leon sat bolt upright when door opened. They were to be alone for a while with no disturbances. Seeing Lord D, Leon relaxed.

"You are awake, good," Lord D walked over with a brisk gait. "I have some time to see to you before my father will physic me."

"So it is true, oh father," Count D sighed. "I thought that part was a dream, but I was in so much pain, I could hardly remember my own name. I will be glad to welcome another brother from you." Count D leaned over in a half bow sheltering his son in his arms. Lord D accepted the formal words with a blush and a grin.

"You are in pain still," Lord D sat on the edge of the bed he passed a hand over the sleeping child.

Count D surrendered the bundle embarrassed at the slightness. "He is so small," Count D whispered with a worried pout.

"But healthy for all that," Lord D assured his son with a great sigh of relief he sent his gift through the infant. The baby shivered then sighed turning his face towards his grand father and nuzzled. "You are a regular little charmer are you not?" Lord D said kissing the little forehead he then sat the baby in a bassinet decorated in blue and white lace. "I will see what I can do for you," Lord D said to Count D. "Relax for me," Lord D flexed his hands showing his still blunted nails. Leon gasped when instead of the typical slight golden glow that surrounded Lord D's hands his entire body was lit with a bright golden luminescence that made onlookers wince. Count D felt a cold wind go through his body. He shivered when he thought he could smell the peaks of snow capped mountains. Lord D closed his eyes succumbing to the trance of healing he found each ripped, torn and sore muscle repairing it soothing the pain calming Count D. Lord D backed away with a small smile that Leon found oddly creepy. "Try to stand."

Still trembling with cold Count D could not refuse the gentle command though he feared the pain of giving birth would render him immobile for some time to come. Count D set his feet on the floor then felt awe encompass him. There was no pain, for all that he could tell, he was fully whole. "Chichiue," Count D dropped into a full jol his forehead touching the soft carpet at his father's small feet.

Lord D nodded his acceptance of Count D's thanks then sighed before placing a small kiss on the baby's head he sat with cup of tea D summoned for him. "You are still in seclusion, the child is as yet too young to be around others."

"Of course," Leon agreed for Count D simply stared at his father.

"Arigato gozaimasu," Count D found his voice with a heartfelt bow to his father.

Break

Jorge set back in the cafeteria a puzzled frown on his face. Now that he had gotten to know Rain, he could not say that his looks were overdone, and intimidating. Now it just seemed as if his outsides were trying to catch up to the beauty of his insides. When he sang, as he was now rehearsing for the spring music recital, he looked like a wild creature too beautiful to be contained. Jorge sighed when Jeanne and Terry wandered over. "I am going to warn you now," Terry said when Jeanne went to sit with Carol and Bikky. "My brother already went through hell. If Bikky don't get you, Rain sure will. It will be quick and painful."

"No harm in looking," Jorge said with a sure grin his deep colored skin flushing.

"As long as you only look. Be wise not to even let them catch you looking." Terry shook his head as he remembered the horrible time he had worried that his brother would get himself hospitalized. Rain ended his song just then and smiled when Julie began to applaud. "Damn, he's gotten taller. Not that it will make a difference, short, tall, skinny or not, he has been taught by Count D and his his two phoenix guards from Arcadia. I hear they are the best in their field and that the rank of Phoenix is the highest there is."

"Ah, my dad can beat them," Terry looked up in awe of the pale, beautiful Kenneth that joined them in the chairs of the auditorium. "Yeah they trained them, but they would not be satisfied until he was better, so he incorporated their style with his own. Now only Alera and Nestoir can give him any real exercise."

"Must be fun living in the consulate and going to that kingdom so often huh?" Jorge said pulling his eyes away from Rain while the boy pulled his hair up into a high ponytail.

Kenneth shook his head thinking of the unsettling feeling of crossing the threshold from the hidden planes to the mortal world. "Not so much, kind of leaves you with a tummy ache."

"Drink some of Rain's tea, you'll be fine." Bikky snickered when he and Rain came over to them. Rain offered the young prince his thermos and got a frown.

"It does smell good," Jorge said with a wink at Rain that he made friendly instead of salacious with a mocking bow.

"Wouldn't advise it," Terry grumbled smiling at Peter who took the stage for his rehearsal time. "Medicated," Terry gave Jorge a warning look as it seemed that Peter had Erick's undivided attention.

Bikky looked over at his brother and offered a warning. "You'd better finish that off today, you ate two hamburgers and cheesy fries for lunch."

"I know what I ate," Rain groused sticking his tongue out at Bikky he drained the thermos. Kenneth laughed remarking that mother Bikky had soccer practice. Bikky made sure that his back pack banged into Kenneth's head as he gathered his things. "I'll be in the library," Rain called letting Bikky know where he could find him after his practice. Erick blew a kiss to Peter as he too left for practice.

"You're always studying," Jorge remarked. "You have the best grades in the class, take it easy for once."

"I have the best grades in the class because I am always studying," Rain quipped pulling his back pack over he found a bag of chips and began to munch happily. Besides, Kenneth equals me in all test scores, I am going to beat him next time." Kenneth laughed at the challenge and saluted his acceptance.

"You eat so much Rain," Julie laughed glad that was finally a head taller than her. "But still so skinny."

"I thought you liked me skinny," Rain said offering her the bag that she refused.

"I like you no matter what," Julie whispered her face red as she kissed his cheek. Rain blushed then went back to his chips as he left for the library, Julie in tow.

"Not to mention he has a girlfriend." Terry tossed over his shoulder as he too wandered off to his own amusements with Jeanne. Jorge looked after Rain with a sigh.

Break

"His jaws should be tired," Ryo remarked as the boys came home from school. Rain munched on a sandwich as he helped Chris with his homework.

"Ah, don't worry about it." Dee said with a kiss to Ryo's neck. " He is a growing boy. I was the same way at fourteen. I told you he would hit a growth spurt."

"Well, I just didn't expect him to spurt so much." Ryo frowned looking over the latest credit card bill after taking the boys shopping for larger clothes. "As soon as his clothes look like they are starting to fit him he has to get bigger ones."

"I noted a trend in the teens in this area and even some sad looking adults." Dee nodded his head as he almost laughed thinking of the latest fashion craze. "Thanks to our little prodigy there, overlarge clothes are in. Some of the parents on the school board are blaming us for their sloppy looking kids, they say that we should make Rain dress properly."

"Even in his largest clothes, Rain is not sloppy, he wears a belt to keep the pants around his waist and his shirts are never overly wrinkled. If their kids are sloppy, they should iron them and buy them belts." Ryo narrowed his dark eyes then sighed as another sandwich disappeared into Rain's mouth. "And he'll have seconds of dinner," Ryo commented heading into the kitchen to check on his dinner. "They have a press appearance tomorrow and his birthday in next week. I can't believe he'll be fifteen."

"Yeah, they grow up so fast," Dee smiled when Chris cheered having finally understood the difficult math problems. Rain laughed then picked up his own homework. Slyph gave him a pleading look and he reached into his backpack for a piece of jerky that he threw the large cat's way. Her ear tufts seemed to wriggle in happiness as she began to gnaw the meat.

Break

Sunlight had filtered into the room giving the many plants inside much needed nutrients. There was a long, lean lump in the bed that made Ryo laugh silently. If the boy knew how small he actually looked in Ryo's pajamas he was sure that he would never wear them again. "Rain," Ryo called from across the room not wanting to startle the boy by standing next to his bed.

"Go away," Rain mumbled then burrowed under his pillows and blanket.

Ryo walked over to the bed now that Rain was awake and knew who it was in his room Ryo patted his arm. "Come on, you have a press conference today."

"No...sleepy, let them give Kenneth a tan he can pretend to be me." Rain grumbled still not moving. Ryo said nothing not pointing out that Kenneth was taller than him and filling out with muscles that Rain had yet to develop. "Chris and Bikky had me up all night playing the new Burnout. I had to beat it you know."

"Oh well then," Ryo said and sat down right on top of the lump he knew to be Rain's bottom. "Since you have decided to become a permanent part of the bed, I may as well make myself comfortable." Ryo began to bounce around laughing at the squeaks that emitted from the confines of cloth and feathers over Rain's head.

The pillow was wrenched away and Rain turned to glower at Ryo. "This is considered child abuse you know."

"Yeah," Ryo managed to infuse genuine surprise in his tone. "Well you can't report me if you don't get out of bed," Ryo chuckled as he got to his feet. "Come, I'm making waffles, get a shower and get the other's up." Rain laughed as he sat up in bed to see Ryo leaving his room.

Break

He wasn't scared. He could just see the group at the head of a large crowd their guards milling around looking imposing as they made sure that the glittering people were not attacked outright. For what seemed like the thousandth time he wiped his palms on his shirt that hung loose on him faded from many washings having been passed down from his older brother. The shoes were old as well sporting holes that showed clean, but well worn socks. His cargo pants were in better condition having come from the goodwill just that week. His mother had gone shopping for his birthday which was just a week before his older sisters. Today was her birthday, and he was determined to get her a gift. Clutching his small poster of Rain Cornwall MaClean, he stood at the back of the line moving when it moved keeping his eyes on the floor in front of him.

"Eew, get off me," He gasped when he felt hands shove him further back in the line. Three girls were quick to take his place laughing with the girl that had shoved him. "Did you see him," She laughed making his eyes fill and overflow. He was about to turn and leave when he remembered his sister and how she always made time for him even when he knew she had to have better things to do. He firmed his lips and squared his shoulders. Using a freshly wiped hand he smoothed down the scraggly tufts of hair that dotted his head wishing he had remembered to grab his hat. But it was too late now. His skin was patched as well from the fire that had destroyed their house several years ago. He also walked with a permanent limp leaving him feeling like Quasimodo. It was rare that he even left the house. After he had seen himself for the first time, he had refused to go to school. His family was poor and could not afford re-constructive surgery, so his mother had decided to home school him with help from Rissa, his older sister.

Rain heard the girls loud jeers and looked to see a small bundle of humanity struggle to his feet. It was not the first time that he had been pushed down. "So do something about it," Daphnus whispered in his ear surprising Rain that he had noticed it with as many cards, album covers and posters they were all signing. Rain nodded and got to his feet. In seconds he was flanked by Bikky, Ryo, and three armed Salamander Guards. Dee nodded his head from his position in front of Andy. The crowd roared to life when it seemed that Rain would go among them. As he stepped around the table in the midst of his guards several girls reached out touching his sleeves and screaming in glee. Shaking them away he made his way just at the boy lost his footing again.

"Get away from me you little toad," a harsh voiced girl growled. "Who let you out of your dungeon?"

"Excuse me," Rain had to repeat himself several times for the girls to hear him and look in his direction.

"Oh Rain," Rain was shocked by the marked contrast to her voice so sweet was it now that he stood in front of her. "I am such a fan of yours, lease sign..."

"Excuse me," Rain said again moving around her leaving her standing with her mouth hanging open. Rain reached down to help the young boy to his feet. Rain held in a gasp as he saw the scarred hand under his own. The boy blushed and snatched his hand away when he saw Rain staring at him.

"Begging your pardon, but could you..." The boy began but paused his face crumpling in despair as he saw what remained of his poster. The small but of paper was torn and ragged from his many spills to the floor. The girl standing on it laughed and kicked it over to him. He picked it up and scrubbed it on his shirt trying to clean the splotches and straiten the wrinkles. Finding salvage to be a hopeless endeavor he sniffled and turned away.

"What's your name?" Rain asked holding up a fresh poster that was three times the size of the original that the boy had. Reaching into Ryo's pocket he pulled out a felt pen.

"Rissa, I mean that's my sister's name, see she wanted to come but..." The boy faltered his lower lip trembling. "They were coming back from her ballet recital yesterday and there was an accident, so cause she can't come. I wanted to get this for her birthday. It's today and she's in the hospital."

"How long have you been in line?" Rain asked signing his name he winked at a Salamander who steered the boy back to the grand table with the rest of the group.

"I got here a little after noon, but I got lost a couple times. I don't leave the house much." The boy answered he stared in awe as another picture joined the first one of Rain solo, with one of the entire band signed by them all. "My sister takes care of me, I just wanted to do something nice for her."

"What's your name?" Rain asked again having to raise the boys face so that he could look into his eyes. So clear a gray that for a moment, Rain was startled.

"Justin," He whispered then cleared his throat saying it again only louder.

"Well Justin," Rain grinned looking out over the crowd of fans that had so disappointed him due to their lack of compassion for this young boy. "How old are you."

"Twelve your highness," Justin answered remembering too late that Rain was Royalty.

"Ah, none of that now," Rain shook his long, dark hair. "If I'm not wearing a crown, I'm not to be called that." Rain said making up the rule on the spot. "What hospital is your sister in?" Rain said thinking of the limp the boy had displayed on their way to the table and even now he stood as if his leg pained him.

"She's in the one that treats poor folk for free, Saint Francis, it's called." Justin said his cheeks flushing as he admitted that his family was so destitute.

"Named after Saint Francis of Assisi," Justin nearly melted into a pool of awe as Daphnus spoke to him. "Fitting, yes it is," Daphnus nodded and Rain sighed feeling a long explanation coming he got to his feet before the high prince could open his mouth.

"Show me," Rain said with a mischievous grin. The crowd began to boo as Rain and the entire band left the podium.

Break

Rissa Stander wiped her nose on the handkerchief that she clutched. Her parents had just left to speak with a doctor, she was sure of it, she would never dance again. Wasn't it illegal to drive while drunk? And Justin, oh Justin, was he still in the house waiting for them to come home and have cake? Rissa sobbed anew when she heard her door open she turned her back to whoever had entered her room. "Rissa," Rissa's eyes flew open in shock when she heard her brother's soft voice. She turned and nearly fainted in shock to see the person standing beside him. "Rissa, I got his autograph for your birthday." Justin informed her he was careful as he crawled onto the bed with his sister and showed her the large pictures that had been signed by the band. And by Rain himself.

"You...left the house?" She sighed as tears continued to flow. "But you never leave the house."

"I did it for you.," Justin turned red under his scarred and patched skin. "Rain, that's my sister Rissa." Rain nodded polite to the young girl with her head wrapped in a bandage. Her right leg and arm were both in full casts with bandages apparent underneath her hospital gown.

"Looks like you took a fair tumble," Rain's words were soft as he approached the bed. "I am glad to meet you. The other's are taking a tour, seems this is one of their facilities and they want to know that it is being handled correctly. Surprise visits like this one are good to investigate proper handling of funds and care of patients." Rain quoted Daphnus. "At least that's what they said to make me feel better about disrupting our press signing." Rain turned a slight shade of red that both shocked and amazed Rissa and Justin.

"You're not like I thought you would be," Rissa smiled. "I'm glad."

"I am too," Rain grinned and began to sing happy birthday. No matter what happened in her life from this moment on and any moment before, Rissa knew that she would forever remember this day and what her younger brother had done for her. Justin beamed with pride as he saw the joy on his sister's face. The pain of being pushed around and made fun of was well worth it.

Author's Notes: Valentines is late... seems that I am always late with holidays and stuff. But then again, most of that chapter will not be written by me. Wink Wink Wink- Oh yeah, and later that night as the family gathered around for their evening meal of hospital rations, a full course dinner complete with a birthday cake baked by Ryo MaClean arrived at the hospital graced by fourteen candles.
Powdered Sugre 17

For Now, Forever

Ryo sighed in his sleep as his body seemed to be lit by an internal fire. His eyes flew open when he realized he was coming. "Ah... Dee!" Ryo cried out. His fingers went to the head in his lap clenching around the raven locks that bobbed under his hands. Ryo was panting as if he had run a marathon while his body relaxed by slow degrees, he blinked to find himself in Dee's arms cradled against his chest while the man kissed his temple.

"Ummm baby, couldn't wait for breakfast." Dee said by way of explanation.

"Oh," Was all Ryo could manage his mind still sleepy and pleasure fogged.

Dee chuckled and bounded from the bed with a playful swat to Ryo's bare bottom. "Happy Valentines Day," Dee said kissing Ryo's lips. Ryo remembered to kiss him back moments before Dee was moving away. "Come on. A lot to do today, Rain's birthday and all, plus it's been a week. Little D and is bringing out Littlest D."

Dee was gone from the room long before Ryo sat up in the bed. "Oh," He frowned still sleepy. Shaking his head to clear it he narrowed his eyes. He had told Dee about playing with him while he slept. Ryo was about to leave the bed when he felt a shudder run through his body. Damn, he was still tender, and needing to be filled. He would be...horny... his mind balked at the very idea, but he would be, all day. Ryo grumbled and stomped out of bed to pull on his pajama pants and a t-shirt. He went downstairs to find that Dee had already set out the eggs, bacon and bread for toast. Dee was bent looking inside the refrigerator for the jam and fresh oranges so he could make the juice while Ryo cooked. Dee looked up when Ryo entered the kitchen and grinned. Ryo's disgruntlement melted away in an instant. Holding in a chuckle he walked over and rubbed his thumb over the corner of Dee's mouth cleaning the tell-tale traces of his morning's snack. Moving to the sink to wash his hands Ryo began to prepare breakfast for his family. He paused reaching for the spoons when he saw a single white rose standing amongst the utensils. He looked over his shoulder to see Dee blow a kiss to him then head upstairs.

Break

Leon watched as D washed the tiny baby careful of how he moved the little limbs and softly wiping him with an extremely soft cloth. Leon sighed, it seemed that D was afraid to touch his own child. Count D had even thought of extending their seclusion for another week, but Lord D had said that the child was healthy. He had even grown several ounces since he was born. "Baby," Leon said coming around to place his hands on D's waist while he wrapped the baby in his drying cloth. "Tell me his name."

"His name?" Count D smiled looking at the little boy. Since his birth, some of the wrinkles had left his face leaving him looking not quite so old as he had at birth. Even so, he was adorable with his tufts of silky black hair and pale skin. His eyes sparkled like jewels in his little head as they focused on his parents. He blew a kiss at D that was gladly returned by the proud papa. "It is...Kurayami No Raito." D paused and a sweet smile crossed his face as he looked at his son. " Light in the darkness, is what it means. I was thinking of signing his American documents with Leon Darion Orcot"

"Leon huh... and Light in the darkness," Leon mused looking at his son he felt pride. He had a son! "Thank you," Leon whispered he turned D in his arms careful of the child he held and kissed his lips. Becoming lost in the soft, sweet taste of his lover, Leon backed away flushed and frustrated. What was wrong with him? D just had a baby. Count D licked his lips then began the careful task of dressing their son in his bright yellow ensemble. Leon was careful as well, careful to keep his distance from Count D while he gathered up the things needed to fill the diaper bag. Making sure he had enough bottles, he followed D to the door where Chris, T-Chan, Lord D and Aoi waited. Sofu D and Lady Aurora had opted to wait out with the rest of the crowd for the family to emerge. Chris grinned up at Leon glad he had been allowed to miss school for this occasion.

Rain looked up with a grin. They would miss their morning classes, but this was worth it. He turned to see the Japanese man next to him smiling. The man wore dark glasses as if were blind, but he also sported an elaborate ensemble as if he was some sort of royalty. Count D looked around at the crowd and gasped. "Lord Sohki," He said amidst the coos and helping hands to get him forward so that all could see his son.

"Count D, it is always a supreme pleasure to be near you." Sohki said getting to his feet. He beamed a bright smile and clapped his hands with shocking, child-like glee.

"Thank you," Count D demurred smiling as Leon helped him to a seat. He longed to tell Leon that he was fine. Count D would have said more but the crowd gathered around waiting expectantly for him to unwrap his small bundle.

Jill burst into tears. "Oh, Count, he is so darling."

"Looks so tiny," Bikky frowned at the baby then looked at Count D with a grin. "But then again, you're no giant." Count D smiled remembering a day he had realized that he had to look up at the gangly teenager.

"He doesn't just look tiny," Rain whispered in awe of the little baby boy. "He is tiny. But I know he will grow."

"Speaking from experience," Chris laughed poking Rain in the side.

"That is true, he actually gained weight since he was born." Count D said sitting the baby in his prepared seat of cushions and satin.

"He gained weight and this is what's left," Dee said ignoring Ryo's not so gentle punch. He could see that Count D was sensitive about the baby's size.

"He is a beautiful baby, Count D, I am glad to meet him." Ryo said with clasped hands he bowed to Count D. Aoi released Sofu D's hand to toddle over to her brother. Sohki stood again this time he moved until he was directly in front of Aoi and the baby. To Count D's shocked amazement the mighty Kirin dropped to his knees. Saying nothing, Sohki got to his feet then went back to his tea with an oblivious smile.

"Lord Sohki..." Count D began then halted not wanting to have this discussion. The gathering soon broke up, with Ryo and Dee the designated drivers for getting the boys to school. Lyo whined about having to go to daycare, until Ryo reminded him that Prince Nicklaus would be there. The boy quieted down thinking of his friend. "The Arcadians said they will be here tomorrow," Count D informed Leon when he leaned back in his chair. His eyes closed as he savored the sweet smell of Arcadia in the bright afternoon sunlight.

"You are tired," Leon said from his position at Count D's feet.

"You should go to bed. He will sleep for a while yet," Lord D said with a small smile at his son.

"Thank you father, but..." Count D paused looking at Leon with longing then he sighed.

"I don't see why not," Lord D countered then smirked as Sohki giggled behind a delicate hand.

"You healed him," Leon said with a suspicious frown he dropped the package he had been prepared to hand to Count D in honor of their third anniversary. "He can.. we can...?" Lord D brought a hand up to his face to hide a smile as he nodded. Leon said nothing, he ignored the package, inclined his head towards the basket with his son in it. Lord D accepted the care of the infant then watched with glee as Leon picked up Count D and left the room at a trot.

"You do realize your son will be occupied for quite some time," Sohki said thinking that Lord D would be left with the care of the child.

"That will not be a problem, I already know that JJ is working late tonight, so that Ryo and Dee can leave early. We played this morning and I will see him later. It is all arranged." Lord D said nothing more as he enjoyed his tea and cookies sitting with his old friend they talked of the kingdom of Dhalasar and all Lord Naga had done to retain his control over the young man sitting on the thrown over there and the dispute of the young man that currently lived in Japan. Lord D listened to it all with a smile on his face.

Break

Chihaya fell back onto the bed panting he wiped his brow then pushed his damp hair back so that he could see Kagetsuya. "You know," Chihaya said with a sigh. "We missed the gathering."

"Yeah, but they are out of seclusion so we can see the new Kami tomorrow," Kagetsuya said with his face nuzzled into Chihaya neck. "It was worth it." Chihaya grinned at the response he could feel in his lover's body being so pressed up against his own. "How tired are you?" Kagetsuya asked a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"Not at all," Chihaya answered feeling his own body heat in anticipation. A heavy sigh left the small, purple eyed angel as Kagestuya's tongue bathed his right nipple while his blunt fingers tortured the left. Chihaya groaned and lifted his hips pressing his now excited member against Kagetsuya. "I love the way you feel."

Kagestuya grinned glad that Ryo and Count D had spoken with Chihaya. He never would have imagined the amount of pleasure he could derive from bringing Chihaya pleasure. Hearing him moan in such a sweetly seductive voice spurred his passions to new heights. He was near delirious with his need, but he held back wanting to savor each slide of his hands over the fine, white skin supple with unwaivering youth. Kagetsuya moved down until he was licking the tiny indention of Chihaya's belly button dipping his tongue he smiled when Chihaya giggled and clenched his thin fingers in the wild blond mane of his lover.

Chihaya spread his legs wide offering the pot of lubrication to Kagestuya. He looked up to see the dark haired beauty blushing but smiling. "Just a little more," Chihaya whispered indicating the sweet smelling substance. Kagetsuya dipped his fingers and began to insert them into his partner. Chihaya sighed raising his hips he rode the fingers with blissful cries he could not contain. Kagestuya pressed forward, deeper he went until the tips of his fingers scraped along the rough patch of flesh that always drove Chihaya mad with delight. Once his spot was found Kagetsuya began to suck the engorged member that seemed to be blushing and weeping with need. "Yes... Kage-Kun! Yes!" Chihaya cried out feeling his end near, reaching for it, desperate even, but Kagetsuya pulled away right when he was on the verge of spilling himself. "Why?" Chihaya panted when he was able to speak again.

"You have no idea how marvelous you feel," Kagestuya said rubbing more lubrication onto his body. "When I am deep inside," Kagetsuya moved between Chihaya's spread legs and pushed his knees up until his slim legs were braced on either side of his larger body. "Your body squeezes so wonderfully." Kagestuya's body began to push forward into the tight heat. Chihaya began to moan at the feel of the thick length that claimed him. His whimpers added to the heat of his body and Kagestuya's mind was centered on driving into. Like waves crashing on the shore his body covered Chihaya, ebb and flow, over and over again he drove deep inside. Chihaya's breathing grew labored and his cries of rapture louder. "Yes, just like that," Kagestuya purred when the many contractions of Chihaya's orgasm rocked his body. Like a wild force of nature he too capitulated to the passion driving them both filling Chihaya with all the desire built up withing him.

Gasping he fell to the side keeping his lover in his arms. With a sweet kiss to his brow, his cheek and finally Kagestuya's lips stole over Chihaya's. "I love you Kage-Kun," Chihaya whispered then nuzzled his face into Kagestuya's neck. Before Kagestuya could return the sentiment, Chihaya sighed and was asleep.

Break

Count D dragged air into his lungs as soon as his feet touched the thickly carpeted floor in their room in the consulate. "Leon," Count D gasped clinging to his lover with desperate abandon. "Oh, Leon, Shiite Yo!" Leon felt his world tilt, D was so soft, so sweet smelling, so warm. There was almost too much to take in. Leon wanted to touch him, taste him, hold him and plunge deep inside his body all at once, but he also wanted to savor this moment. D was not making it any better with his clutching and moaning and Leon had barely even touched him. The slightest brush of Leon's hand on D's sides caused D to shiver with wanton need. Leon groaned at the feel of the silk under his hands knowing that D's skin was even softer.

Leon trailed his tongue along the slender column of D's neck. His mouth was filled with the sweet taste he had long ago become addicted to. Count D whimpered he brought his hands up to burrow the slim fingers in Leon's hair tugging until the band snapped freeing the glorious golden mane. D loved Leon's hair, how soft it was, how wild, so thrilling, just like his Lion, his Leon. "Leon..." Leon smiled when Count D said his name like that, like warm honey sliding over a fresh baked croissant heavy with sugar. It did things to him. Made him feel powerful, like a conquerer. Sliding his hands along the silken ensemble D wore Leon found the clasp and pulled the draping fabric apart. His eyes roamed the sleeveless sheath underneath.

"You always seem to be gift wrapped," Leon muttered as he allowed the larger outer garment to fall and pool at Count D's small feet. Count D held in a small chuckle then sat on the bed that was hovering behind his legs. Leon crouched on the floor in front of D and pushed his satin clad legs apart while pushing the sheath up to. With a gentle tug, D was bare to the waist and Leon leaned in feasting on the pert nipples that showed pink in the bright light of the sun that flowed in through the large windows.

"Ah!" Count D's head fell back as he held Leon close. Such heat, how could a human mouth have so much heat? Count D writhed arching his back bringing his body closer to Leon. Leon sucked, nibbled and licked his way across D's chest and down to his lap where pressed kisses to the growing mound underneath the satin pants. "Onigaishimasu," Leon stood up and yanked his shirt over his head. He was stepping out of his pants when he saw Count D pulling his own pants from his body and his weeping member spring free. Leon could hardly wait to taste the sweetness and drink in the heavy cream D always had for him. If he could get away with pouring it in his coffee he would. Hell, the stuff at work just might be palatable.

His body was on fire. Count D fell back onto the bed anxious to have Leon cover him with his weight. Trembling from his need too long denied Count D reached up and pulled until Leon fell on top of him. He could not recall any thing more delicious than the feel of this human pressed so tight to his body. Count D brought his legs up to wrap around Leon's slim hips keeping him trapped in place. Leon looked down into those jewel-toned eyes and sank so far under that he feared he would never return. Pressing their lips together, Leon reached down to stroke both of their erections in his large hand using their intermingled pre-cum for lubrication. "I want to taste you," Leon said taking D's hands from his hair and pushing his leg aside so that he could wiggle free of the tight hold. Count D gasped when one of his legs found it's way over Leon's muscled shoulder.

There it was. Leon grinned then opened his mouth wide over D sucking him in. Count D's answering cry of delight rang in Leon's ears. Coupled with the feel of those slim, moist thighs pressing into the sides of his face, Leon was in heaven. He pulled up then dived down again sucking hard. He pulled up again, licking the sweet drops of release that pooled at the tip of D's cock. He slid down again this time pulling off and nuzzling the soft globes of D's maleness. Licking beyond them Leon paused. He saw two small scars that resembled neat rows of stitches. "Leon?" D sat up to look down between his legs, he gasped. Leon leaned forward and pressed his lips to the evidence of D's labors. Leon brought a hand up to D's lips. D's deep red mouth parted as he sucked a finger in knowing what Leon wanted. Where it would go. He sucked more sliding his tongue around the long digit then released the wet fingers. He leaned back and pushed his legs apart. Leon began to probe the opening.

"So warm, so tight, My baby," Leon whispered almost reverent as his finger gained access.

"MMMM," D brought his bottom lip between his even, white teeth. "More," D begged. One finger could never be enough. Leon pushed another in and another stretching D. "Hai... Oh... Leon!" Count D cried bringing his bottom up arching his back. Leon's mouth and hands were driving him insane. He could feel his temperature rise as all the blood in his body flowed to one point. His desire so high he felt dizzy. Leon sucked him in deep and D exploded. Giving Leon the taste he had longed for. D floated back to reality to feel Leon still between his legs kissing and nibbling as if he could not get enough. "Leon..." D pulled until Leon was settled over him.

"Okay," Leon said he found the warmed lubrication that D had summoned and spread it liberally over his aching hardness. "Do I even need to ask if you're ready?" Leon laughed glad to see D so eager for him. Count D gave Leon 'The Smirk'. It had always driven him crazy. Before in what seemed like another life, he had wanted to slap it off D's face, now it made him want to... Leon pressed in. D's breathing hitched and he winced a little at the initial pain of being entered after so long. "Okay?" Leon asked pausing.

"Umm hmmm," D nodded he brought his arms up to wrap them around Leon's neck. Leon continued until he was fully sheathed in D's tight body. "Hai, hai, oh Lee...Ooon." D cried out when he could feel Leon buried to the hilt. "Shiite... Shiite yo, oh Leon," Leon could not hold back anymore. His hips seemed to move on their own deeper, deeper he sank into Count D's willing body his movements slow as if he had to reacquaint himself with the depths of his lover. "Ah... Sugoi," D managed to say in between deep, sucking kisses. Leon began to push in, then slide out. In a dance as old as time Leon made love to Count D.

Break

Ryo watched as Dee left their office and clenched his fingers then relaxed them as Dee sauntered by his desk on the way to retrieve coffee. Something was not right with Dee's pants, Ryo could not figure out what it was. But they seemed to be hugging him in odd ways, displaying his bottom in a tantalizing way. Ryo shook his head to tear his eyes away from Dee and went back to work. He reached into his drawer for a pencil and gasped finding a single red rose. He looked up and Dee blew a kiss at him then walked down the hall whistling. Throughout the day he had found single roses waiting for him in places where he was known to go. Dee winked at Ryo then continued on his way. He paused when he saw Berkeley leaving. "Out for the day?"

"Yeah," The commissioner nodded his head with a grin that seemed wolfish to Dee. "Taking my Jeremy to lunch, then we are going to see a show."

"Taking him to lunch," Dee said with a smirk at his superior. "Or having him for lunch?" Berkeley did not answer but he laughed as he strode away. Dee shook his head as his mind reeled with the plans he had made for he and Ryo's night off. Dee reached the break room and found Jill sitting at a table with a frown on her face. There was always so much love going on year round, would she ever find her own true love? Last year Diana had given up her American citizenship to marry the Arcadian Gryphon she had been dating. Jill looked up when Dee entered the break room. Leon had not come in at all today and these two had the night off.

"Dee," Jill said and smiled when she had his attention so lost in thought he was. "Are there any good, strait men left?"

"I wouldn't know, I hope so," Dee said with a cheeky grin. "If all the good men were gay, they would all be after my baby."

"You're paranoid," Jill retorted. "That man loves you." Dee grinned to show his affection for Jill as he filled his and Ryo's cup.

"You'll find him Jill, and when you do... You'll know." Dee patted her shoulder then went back to his office where Ryo was holding three more found roses. "Two more hours then we can..."

"Go home," Ryo said his cheeks flushed as he was forced to confront his own desire.

"Go to the consulate, today is Rain's birthday," Dee informed Ryo as if he had forgotten.

"I know," Ryo glowered his face redder. "You are a bad man."

"Yeah I know, and we have to brief the chief on our latest closed case in ten minutes." Dee said offering the hot coffee to Ryo. Ryo took the mug with a thoughtful sigh. A lot could happen in ten minutes. Ryo gave up on the thought knowing it would take more than ten minutes to solve his problem. Dee turned around and again Ryo found his eyes wandering to the muscles that were round and firm in Dee's bottom. Feeling the heated gaze Dee chuckled and turned to face Ryo. "You coming?"

"Are those pants too small for you?" Ryo got to his feet to follow Dee down the hall.

"No... Why?" Dee asked knowing full well the extra soft jeans were hugging his bottom in exceptional ways. Ryo leaned back to check out Dee's pants again then shook his head focusing instead on this past months cases.

They entered the chief's office to find the man staring at the closed files that other detectives had turned in. "You guys did well these past few cases, stop making it look so damn easy." The chief took the files and began to go through them. His brows furrowed the more he read on into the files. Ryo and Dee waited to see if he would have any questions for them. "Yeah, all right, get on, finish the month on the same scale." He blustered at two of his best men with a frown that made his face look like he had swallowed a prune pit soaked in lemon juice. It rankled that all of his best were gay men.

Dee turned around to leave and Ryo followed. Still staring at Dee's bottom Ryo blurted out. "You're not wearing underwear." Ryo's gasped as soon as the words left his mouth his face in flames he ducked his head and hurried from the office. The chief shook his head as he stared after the two men. Ryo said nothing until they were in their office with the door closed. Dee locked it and pressed Ryo hard into the desk his lips devouring Ryo's willing mouth.

"I am too wearing underwear," Dee said when he pulled away for air. "I'm wearing the thong you bought me," Dee smirked when Ryo managed to look into his deep green eyes.

"You are a bad man," Ryo whispered his eyes fluttered closed when Dee closed his teeth over one of his ears.

"Yep, I am, but you love me, so what does that make you?" Dee chuckled as he moved away leaving Ryo with just a taste of his mouth.

"A masochist," Ryo forced the words out then sat at his desk sipping his bitterly disgusting coffee he went back to work poring over the files of their latest case. Dee's answering chuckle caused Ryo to peek at him through the fluffy cloud of his honey colored bangs, pale skin shining gold in the sunlight. Ryo smiled glad that he had decided to transfer precincts when he did way back in New York.

Break

Rain sipped his tea while Julie watched him waiting for him to put the thermos down and open her gift. "I know your party is not til this weekend, but it is a Valentines gift, I'll save your birthday gift for then." Julie smiled when Rain handed her a small bag. "Rain... Thank you," Julie beamed a smile that caused Rain to blush.

"I hope you like it," Rain said watching as she pulled the perfume bottle from the bag followed by a teddy bear and some chocolates in a heart shaped box.

"It's beautiful, I mean, first the flowers this morning and now this, Rain you are so great." Julie gushed as she threw her arms around his neck. Rain pulled the silk ribbon from the small box. "Well, see, your hair's gotten really long and when you are in concert, I thought you could tie your hair back. That way, whenever you use it, you could think of me."

"I think about you all the time any way," Rain assured her his face beamed red. Bikky looked over at their table from where he sat with Carol a smile on his face. Looked like his brother was shaping up all right.

"Hey," Peter looked up, his pale green eyes luminous as he looked at Erick. "I know things have been hectic, but... I mean," Erick paused he took Peter's hand under the table where no one could see. "Can I come over tonight?"

"Erick, you know my parents went to Paris for Valentines day." Peter said his pale cheeks turning red. "I'll be home alone."

"Not if you let me in," Erick wheedled tracing the lines in the palm of Peter's hand.

"You... You want to try again, don't you?" Peter whispered even though no one was near their table. He looked down his cheeks going pale then bright red.

"I do, but not if you're scared," Erick took his hand back when a teacher walked by their table. "Never mind okay," Erick forced a smile. What if he had made Peter never want to try again? Erick sighed, it was his fault for hurting him, but, according to Dee there were ways to make it work. He had talked to the detective for a long time while Ryo had talked to Peter.

"I'm not scared," Peter swallowed with some difficulty. "I know that today of all days would be the day to do it, but," Peter paused. He slid his hand back into Erick's while his cheeks bloomed with charming color. "We have school tomorrow, and I don't want to take the chance of not being able to..." Peter could not go on but he flailed his free hand to let Erick know what he implied.

Erick stared at his young partner the feeling of clueless-ness evident in his features. Thinking back he remembered that Peter could barely stand, and Dee had said that even if done correctly, Peter would have trouble walking. Perhaps Ryo had warned Peter about the same thing. Erick thought of the beautiful detective and hid a grin. Perhaps he spoke from experience. He could not help the effect the thought of Ryo and Dee together had on his young body. Erick swore as the bell rang. He could not stand up now. Not now with images of Ryo cheeks flushed and Dee's powerful body moving over him. Peter sat still as well the very same thoughts plaguing him. "Come on guys, we'll be late," Bikky's voice was like a dousing of cold water on their hot thoughts. Erick was able to get to his feet without shame knowing that if the other boy guessed the thoughts he was just having about his parents would lead to a lot of pain. "You guys will be welcome in the consulate today for cake and dinner, you know a small acknowledgment for Rain's birthday. The actual party is this weekend in our backyard. He wants bar-b-que."

"I never thought such a little guy could eat so much," Erick laughed he waited for Peter to gather his things. When Peter stood, they all left the cafeteria. Rain stuck his tongue out at Erick then laughed offering a cheeky grin. Erick took a moment to remember the shy boy Rain used to be. He looked at Bikky with admiration knowing this change was largely influenced by him. Jorge saw the smile on Rain's face and sighed when the smaller boy took Julie's hand. He knew he should not think of him in this way, but he could not help it. How could he not love someone who was as beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside?

Break

Jeremy knew that look. Those piercing eyes seemed to be glaring at him. To an onlooker it might seem as if the tall, bespectacled, powerfully built man was going to pummel the smaller one. Oh, Jeremy thought with a grin. How right they were. He could hardly wait, he shifted in his seat when his body began to show signs of his needs. Berkeley grinned knowing why Jeremy shifted. He knew he was being fanciful, but he thought he could almost smell the arousal that hummed around Jeremy's small frame. "You ready to go?" Berkeley asked when Jeremy slipped his shoe off and slide his foot up his leg.

"We haven't even ordered yet," Jeremy protested trying to take his foot back but feeling it trapped when Berkeley closed his thighs on the wriggling appendage. With his muscles bulged, Jeremy knew he would not escape until Berkeley released him. The man's power drove him crazy with desire. Like a leashed panther ready to devour his meal. Jeremy loved being his meal. "But I bet you'd rather eat me." Jeremy said with a saucy grin he squirmed his foot not trying to get free. Berkeley got to his feet so fast the table lurched and his chair wobbled. Jeremy had scant moments to get his shoe back on before the suave man lost all control and dragged him from the bistro.

Break

Ryo gasped as he went to get into the car after they had punched out for the day. On the passenger seat was a full bouquet of flowers, roses, orchids, and snap dragons wreathed in baby's breath and tied with red and white ribbons. "Dee," Ryo looked over at Dee where the other man stood on the other side of the car. Ryo picked up the flowers then sat down and stared at Dee. Ryo had learned how to make chocolates and presented Dee with three dozen at lunch time.

"I read somewhere," Dee said. He reached over and rubbed the back of Ryo's hand. "That flowers can light up a room, well, you light up my life." Ryo was quick to look away so that Dee would not see the tears on his face. He was embarrassed to be so weak when it came to this man, but oh how he loved him. Ryo sighed, it seemed his heart had to work twice as hard to keep up with all Dee made him feel. Dee reached over. He slid his hand in the fine hair at Ryo's nape and tugged until Ryo was leaning over careful not to crush the beautiful flowers. Dee pressed their lips together getting drunk on the full sweetness of Ryo's soft mouth. Ryo sighed eyes closed then gasped when Dee pulled away and started the car. "Don't want to be late."

Ryo stared aghast at Dee his body humming with unrequited need. How was Dee managing to control himself? Usually by now Ryo would have been fighting him off in their office, or in the cold case files or any other inappropriate place. Now Ryo felt as if he would be the one to attack Dee. Making sure his seat belt was fastened took his mind off his baffling partner while Dee headed down the road.

The consulate was hell for Ryo. He tried to focus on Andy giggling with the rest of the Royale, the dinner, the cake, the presents, anything but the way his body responded to the slightest touch from Dee. First he had awakened his body this morning then refused to answer the demand. How could he do that? Ryo shook his head then frowned when he saw young Peter's eyes following Dee with a hunger no fifteen year old should possess. An uncomfortable prickling assaulted his neck and he turned to see Erick ogling him. Ryo blushed and sat on his bottom to keep the boy from staring. He was only seventeen for crying out loud. Bikky laughed when he saw Ryo's reaction leaning over he said. "I know you guys talked to them, but now I think they want you not each other." Ryo reached over and pinched Bikky's nose glad for the distraction.

Just when Ryo had gotten his body under control Dee leaned over his chair and whispered in his ear. Erick's eyes bulged as he noticed the small kisses Dee planted on Ryo's neck as he spoke. "The boys are staying here tonight with your grandparents. A guard will take them to school tomorrow. You ready to go?" Ryo got to his feet as if the chair was in flames. Dee tried not to smirk and failed miserably. He wondered at Leon and Count D's absence but said nothing. They were both probably too tired, taking care of a new born. Looking around he saw that Lord D and JJ were missing as well. "See you guys Saturday." Dee said then passed a hand over Rain's hair. "Happy birthday." Rain stood still while Ryo kissed his forehead then waved them off.

"He'll be pleasantly sore tomorrow," Bikky said with a smirk.

"What do you know of such things?" Laton asked with a gentle cuff to Bikky's head.

"I overheard him talking to Leon once," Bikky shut his mouth when Rain joined them. "Are you going to play with us?" Bikky asked showing his brother the video game console. "I need to talk to you..." Bikky said to Laton before he hurried off. Laton grinned knowing that he feared his abilities. Too bad, he was not taking them back. The boy was marked by flames, he'd best get used to it.

"Yeah, I'll whip your butts a few times before I finish my homework." Rain said with a cheeky grin he ate another piece of cake while Bikky set up.

Ryo could not recall being so glad to see their home. He watched Dee with wary eyes as the man entered their house and locked the door. Would he take him now? Hard and fast? Ryo did not even care if he did. Dee disappeared into their bathroom as soon as they reached the bedroom causing Ryo to frown. He stood and went to the drawer by the bed to retrieve the lube and tensed when he felt Dee behind him. Ryo straitened with a slow smile. He prepared to turn around in Dee's arm but was halted by Dee's hands on his waist keeping him still."I'm going to be in you all night." Dee leaned forward pressing his lips to the back of Ryo's neck. The soft, fragrant hair teased his lips and Dee smiled when Ryo sighed and melted against him. Bringing his hands up Dee hid a grin at Ryo's startled gasp as the satin blindfold was secured. "Don't worry baby," Dee whispered blowing a breath of hot air that caused tingles to race down Ryo's spine. "I've got you." Ryo relaxed into Dee's arm allowing the taller frame to be his guide.

Ryo moved where Dee's arms and hands led him. He found himself sitting on the bed. Dee knelt down to kiss him and Ryo sighed. With his eyes covered every other sense seemed to be heightened. The taste of Dee hit his tongue like a burst of smoky awareness. Faint traces of sweet cake and soda along with tobacco. Dee did not smoke as much as he used to, but it was still there... Heady and intoxicating, his Dee. Ryo clenched his fingers in the crisp material of the shirt Dee wore. The scent. The scent of Dee was driving him wild. Heat and man and the cologne that Ryo had gotten him for Christmas. There was also that trace of tobacco Ryo wanted to continue kissing, but gasped when Dee moved away.

Ryo shifted and Dee's hands traveled to the buttons on his shirt peeling the material away he revealed the t-shirt underneath. Ryo gasped feeling the soft material of his own shirt being rubbed over his skin under the heat of Dee's fingers pinching his nipple through the fabric. "Dee..." Ryo trailed his hands over Dee's arms until he reached his shoulders and then his hair. Ryo tugged until he could find Dee's mouth. His tongue began a quest of licking both of Dee's full, sensual lips then plunging inside. Dee met his tongue with a fiery ardor that left Ryo breathless.

Though he could not see, Ryo knew that Dee was taking his shirt off. His hands trembled in anticipation as he ran his fingers over the firm contours of Dee's chest. Dee grinned then reached for the belt on Ryo's pants. He undid the fine leather then pulled the button free. He was careful sliding the zipper down knowing that Ryo was erect he would hate to ruin the mood by catching any important body parts in the small bit of metal. Dee tugged the silk boxers down and smiled. Ryo sprang free like a hyperactive bunny kept in a cage overlong. Dee stood up kicking his own pants aside. "Dee?" Ryo said when he did not feel his lover getting onto the bed. He reached for the blindfold only to have his hands grasped.

"No," Dee said and Ryo could hear the smile in his voice. Ryo gasped feeling Dee's teeth nip his ear. Dee positioned Ryo on his back with several pillows supporting his head and shoulders. Another pillow went under his lower back. Ryo smiled at the remembrance of the last time Dee had put him in this position where he was nearly sitting up. Dee had been so deep inside of him then. The hot, wetness of Dee's mouth surrounded Ryo's nipple making the cry out. Dee smiled and Ryo could feel the expression against his skin. Soft, so soft, something dragged across his chest and Ryo frowned trying to ascertain what it was. Dee dragged the object in his hand in lazy circles around his nipples, then down to his navel. Dee moved close to, but did not touch the weeping, straining member that throbbed as Ryo's body begged for release. Ryo frowned as Dee shifted. He listened his ears almost painfully tuned to his surroundings while he tried to figure out what Dee was up to.

Ryo yelped nearly jumping from the bed as his already tortured nipples was treated to something small, and hard that buzzed. "It's okay?" Dee asked never taking his eyes from Ryo's face. He had known that Ryo was skittish about having toys in the bed, but he wanted to see if the object was not large and penis shaped, would Ryo be able to handle it. Ryo took his lush bottom lip between his strong, even white teeth and Dee watched his face as it contorted in confusion and pleasure. A spark of worry tinged Dee's brow when he saw Ryo's face crinkle in slight fear. "I won't then." Dee began to move the small, battery powered bullet from Ryo's chest.

Ryo sighed, Dee always did so much for him. So much to make him feel good, no great. "It's okay," Ryo tried to smile while forcing away the images of the double X cartel and what they had wanted to do to him. Dee was not like that. Dee loved him. Dee sucked the bullet into his mouth then replaced the wet buzzing device against Ryo's skin again. "Umm," Ryo moaned. The tingling went down his spine and almost curled his toes. Dee pressed the bullet tighter to Ryo's chest smiling at the tiny expulsions of air. Dee then dragged the toy down to his navel and his inner thighs. Ryo whimpered as the buzzing circled his testicles. Dee smiled, Ryo was trembling all over. Dee licked a burning trail from the base to the tip enjoying the sexy noises Ryo uttered as well as the pungent, sweet taste. "Ah...Oh...Dee." Ryo whimpered his hips rising and falling in time to Dee's sucking.

Feeling Ryo loosen up, Dee reached for the lubrication and wet his fingers. "I'm not putting this in you." Dee whispered with his lips pressed against the tight, rosy opening. He began to lick and probe Ryo with his fingers while his other hand still tormented his member with the buzzing toy. Dee inserted his tongue a grinned when Ryo cried out loudly. "You always taste so good," Dee said in between deep sucking kisses and long, languorous licks.

"Ah... Kimochi..." Ryo whined his hips moving in delicious circles in time to Dee's mouth and hands. "Sugoi!"

Dee had plunged two fingers deep inside of Ryo and pushed them in then pulled them out. Pushing them in again he began to spread them apart loosening Ryo. Once there was space in between his fingers he inserted his tongue wiggling it like a small fish in a tunnel. With his eyes covered Ryo felt as if each sensation was rolling over him in violent waves. It was all he could do not to come at that moment. Dee smiled knowing Ryo was close, he would not let the man get away with holding back. Pushing his tongue in deeper, he removed the fingers and began to stroke Ryo leaving his tongue to torment him. The buzzing toy still massaged the heavy sack. Ryo could not have been still if his life depended on it. Ryo's body temperature rose as he lost all sense of time and of his whereabouts. Copious streams of milky white release left him as he cried out his pleasure.

When his mind could grasp all that had happened he realized that Dee was removing the blindfold and the bullet lay forgotten on the bed silent as Dee had turned it off. Ryo looked up through pleasure dazed eyes. He brought a slim, pale, callused hand up to Dee's face. Ryo pressed his lips up to Dee's with a small smile. "Oh... Dee," Ryo licked Dee's lips then slipped his tongue inside of Dee's waiting mouth. Ryo smiled glad to be able to see the deep green of Dee's eyes full of banked fire and a possessive gleam that thrilled to the core. Ryo sat up and placed his hands on Dee's shoulders. With a gentle shove, Ryo pushed until Dee was laying on his back. Dee did not have to ask what Ryo wanted, he simply shifted his hips and spread his legs. Burrowing his fingers in the deep waves of the honey colored locks Dee closed his eyes and sighed when he felt the smooth sucking of Ryo's agile mouth.

"Umm Ryo," Dee gasped shifting his hips while being careful not to push too much into Ryo's willing mouth. Ryo placed his hands on Dee keeping him still and sucking him in deep. "Don't want to come yet." Ryo smiled then tickled his tongue along the very edge of Dee's member a smirk on his face. Dee had left him simmering all day, it was time for some pay back. Just when Dee thought he would go mad or splash Ryo's mouth, Ryo pulled away stealing a drop of moisture from the tip swallowing it with a heady smile that spurred Dee to push the beautiful man onto his back and yank him back.

Dee made sure the pillows supported Ryo as he placed the strong, slim legs over his shoulders and positioned himself at the winking portal that seemed to beckon to him. "Go deep," Ryo panted unable to keep his voice steady so great was his need for Dee.

"Then sit up a bit," Dee said lowering Ryo's legs he rearranged him on the pillows until he was sitting partially up. Ryo smiled knowing that gravity would take care of Dee hitting all the right spots deep inside of him. With his legs bent at the knees and on either side of Dee, Ryo wrapped his arms around Dee's neck. Dee pressed in closing his eyes in pure bliss at the exquisite heat and tight squeeze of Ryo's inner sanctum.

"Ah... Dee!" Ryo winced only a little at the initial pain knowing that soon he would swamped with so much pleasure he could not contain it all. Dee pressed in claiming Ryo with all of his hot length. When he was seated to the hilt, his sack nestled into the groove of Ryo's intimate regions he closed his eyes and simply held still enjoying the tight embrace of his lover, his spouse, his mate, his Ryo. "Hai... Deep... Oh Dee," Ryo crooned the heavy essence of his voice sending a tingling sensation down Dee's spine. With no further encouragement needed, Dee's hips snapped forward pushing hard into the rough patch of skin that he knew would drive Ryo mad. Ryo cried out, his body arching into each thrust of Dee's powerful build. His breathing became less steady the more Dee moved bouncing hi m up and down.

"Are you close, Baby?" Dee asked having to repeat himself when it seemed as if Ryo could not understand him. "I can't hold on much longer." Dee shook his head then kissed Ryo deep. Before Ryo could even think of an answer his body exploded in wild contractions that vibrated Dee's entire body. "Damn Baby," Dee cried out spilling himself inside of Ryo. Dee was held captive in Ryo's embrace for what seemed like eons. When his body finally relaxed enough for him to pull out he winced at how tender he was. Ryo was also trembling still from the power of the coming together. "I love you so much." Dee mummured kissing the soft hair at Ryo's temple.

"Ummm, Dee, Ai shite ru," Ryo muttered trying in vain to keep his eyes open.

"Let's take a rest, when I wake up again..." Dee left the promise unspoken as he and Ryo fell into a deep slumber.

HAPPY VALENTINED DAY

(Very, Very, Very, -so sorry about this- Very Belated.)

Author's notes, So ends the month of February sorry, but with all that has been going on, that was the best we could manage. Hope you like the Lemons.

Ja

Chi and The French One

Extra

Erick looked around at the large wrought iron gates that surrounded the impressive white house that stood on a hill overlooking the city of Los Angeles. He straitened his collar one more time before pressing the buzzer. He should try to relax. How could he tell Peter to relax when he was as nervous as fly in frog pen. "Uh... Erick," Peter's voice came through wobbly and uncertain.

"Yeah, it's me," Erick said he scuffed his foot in the soft gravel at his feet waiting what seemed like forever for the sound of the gates to begin their loud clang as they opened. "Never thought I'd be dating a rich boy." Erick shook his head as he went up the long drive way to the house that glowed with golden lights from several windows. He knew the maid and butler were some where in the house sleeping. It would have been easier on them both if Peter could have come to his house, Erick thought, rather than risk being seen by the Butler. The man was tall and always seemed to stare down his nose at him. Like he didn't think he was good enough for Peter, even though Peter had assured Erick that Jonas was his closest friend and had sworn that he would not tell his parents that he was gay. Erick felt a pang of sadness that an old butler was Peter's closest friend. His mother had insisted that he attend a public school so that he could be around 'normal' kids.

Erick sighed as he went to the door and it swung open to reveal Peter smiling at him in the large, empty foyer. Erick leaned into Peter pressing a quick kiss to his soft lips. "Hey."

"Hi, come on up. Jonas and Sylvia are both in bed and my parents are not due back until Sunday." Erick smiled even though he heard the sadness that hitched Peter's voice. His parents always found some place to be where he was not. It was almost as if they wanted to forget they even had a son. Even when they were home his father spent most of his time in his office and his mother spent more days on Rodeo Drive than at home. On impulse Erick pulled Peter into his arms as the door shut. "Happy to see you too," Peter laughed and dipped his head to the side so that his blush was hidden. Sometimes he wished he were not so pale, but Erick seemed to like him. He remembered, last summer while Rain had been on tour, he had tried to get a tan. The only thing he managed was a horrid sun burn that peeled. He just could not compete with the other boy. Looking at Erick's besotted look while the ascended the grand staircase that led to the second floor where his bedroom was, Peter realized that he did not have to.

Peter gasped when he shut his bedroom door and Erick pulled him into his arms from behind. Erick moved Peter's shiny black hair aside and kissed his neck in the same way he had seen Dee do to Ryo when he had come upon them in the kitchen. Ryo had closed his eyes while Dee's hands roamed his taut chest and abs. Peter stiffened in his arms then melted as Erick's hand found a tender little nipple underneath his soft t-shirt. "I have everything we will need." Erick promised reaching into his own large pockets he moved aside and showed Peter the condoms and lubrication. "Are you sure?" Erick asked when Peter simply stared at him.

"Yeah, I am..." Peter said but still he hesitated. "Please promise you'll be gentle." Peter could not stop the quiver in his voice as he thought of their fist attempt. It had seemed to go on forever even though he knew Erick had been on top of him for no more than a few minutes.

"I will, Petey. I am so sorry I hurt you before." Erick stepped up to Peter and pulled the slim young man into his arms. Perhaps, Erick thought with a frown, perhaps Ryo was right. Maybe they were too young. Erick considered telling Peter that he would sleep on the floor, but still stay the night with him, but his body responded to having him so close. "You smell so good."

"I just got out of the bath," Peter admitted his cheeks turning pink when Erick nuzzled his neck where he had slipped some of his favorite cologne that he had mixed with feminine body spray. He thought the scent suited him, the masculine mixed with the feminine and Erick seemed to enjoy it. Peter stifled a moan when Erick's hot tongue began to lick small circles around his ear. Peter backed away from Erick causing the older boy to look at him with confusion until Peter went and sat on his bed. Erick sat his burden of protection and moisture on the stand beside the bed and doffed his shirt and shoes. In just a tank and his pants, he crawled into bed next to Peter. "You have so many muscles." Peter said trailing his thin fingers over the bulges in Erick's arms.

"I do play sports you know," Erick said with a pleased grin. "One day I will be as strong as Dee, that's my goal you know."

"Do you want to be a detective?" Peter asked looking up at Erick as he leaned over him on one elbow.

"No, a pro-basketball player." Erick answered then pressed a kiss to Peter's mouth. "But Ryo said I'll need a back up plan. Even if I go to college on a sports scholarship, I should study another career just to make sure that if I get injured of simply get tired and retire, I have something to fall back on. He said no one should be a one trick pony."

"But he is just a detective, right?" Peter asked feeling his face heat when, as they were talking, Erick began to pull his shirt over his head exposing his small chest.

"When he was in college he studied law and journalism." Erick explained he leaned forward and pressed a kiss over Peter's ribs moving from side to side just grazing the nipples. "Why are you blushing?"

"Cause I'm so skinny," Peter said he sighed at the tingling sensations that spread from his chest to his spine and all the way to his groin.

"You are slender..." Erick said sucking a nipple into his mouth. "It's sexy." Erick hoped the words would calm his shy would-be lover. In truth, Peter was filling out. Erick could not help but think of how frail and delicate Rain seemed next to Peter. Erick grinned at the giggle that Peter could not hold in that turned into a startled gasp when Erick nibbled the nipple in his mouth.

"Oh... Erick," Peter's cheeks seemed to get hotter when Erick's hand came up to massage the nipple that was not in his mouth.

"Does it feel good?" Erick asked bringing his head up to kiss Peter's lips. Peter nodded his head unable to get words past the startling pleasure that swamped his young body. Erick smiled pleased with himself as he wiggled Peter's pants past his hips revealing that the boy had not worn any underpants with his light pajamas. "Wow," Erick said looking down as Peter's body swelled. Erick's own body trembled and began to rise to attention as he pressed along the side of Peter. Erick's hand moved down to the soft, warm skin between Peter's legs and he wished he had some finesse. He was sure Dee never hesitated when he made love to Ryo. With a firm resolve to make Peter feel good he grasped the member with a sure, gentle grip and began to stroke in much the same way he did himself. Erick frowned when Peter winced. "What's wrong?" Erick asked snatching his hand away.

"Too dry," Peter whispered looking away. He frowned then yelped as Erick leaned over him pressing him into the mattress. Erick moved back to his spot and brandished the lube. "Let's try this," Erick said struggling with the cap one handed. Finally sitting up he used both hands to open the vial and squirt a generous amount on Peter's still erect cock. While Peter was not as large as he was, Erick was still impressed. He placed his fingers around and began to stroke, this time when Peter gasped he was in no doubt that the boy liked what he was doing. Peter's red cheeks seemed flushed as he panted under Erick's careful hands. Erick smiled when he felt Peter fumble with his pants. He lifted up so that the smaller boy could push them past his hips taking his shorts with them. Feeling exposed, but not shy. Erick shifted his hips so that his member was pressed fulling into Peter's warm side.

"Wow, you're big," Peter said then stifled the fear of his first attempt at penetration. This time would be different. This time they were ready. Peter placed his fingers around the thick base of Erick's cock and sighed. He then reached for the lubrication and wet his fingers.

"I'm not going to last if you keep doing that," Erick said against Peter's neck. His hot breath blowing across the sensitive skin while his hand stroked.

"Me either," Peter panted feeling his stomach tighten as his loins quivered. "In fact..." Peter cried out his release into Erick's mouth the boy having moved over to claim his lips. While Peter was still panting Erick pushed his legs apart. He waited until Peter opened his eyes his cheeks red as he looked down to see his own cream on his stomach and over Erick's hands mixed with the lube. Peter nodded to the unspoken question and held in a pained gasp. Erick stilled his hand when Peter stiffened in his arms. His finger hovered over the small opening.

"Dee said you have to take at least two fingers before I can try to go in. He said two was good, but three was best." Erick explained he waited until Peter nodded then began to push his finger in. "It's so tight... and warm." Erick was persistent. He had to stop twice and add more of the thick lube before he was able to fully push his finger in past the stubborn ring of muscles. Peter lay still underneath him breathing in shallow gasps of air. "Okay?"

"I'm okay," Peter said getting used to the warm invader that was pushed inside his body. "But don't add another one yet." Peter shifted his hips trying to relax around Erick's finger the way Ryo had tried to describe. It had been difficult for him to talk about, Ryo had blushed and stammered but managed to explain how to breathe deep and wait until it no longer hurt. Erick slide his finger halfway out then pushed it in again. He removed it altogether and applied more lubrication then pushed it in again. Peter sighed when there was less pain this time around. "Do that again," Peter said with his mouth against Erick's neck. Erick obliged and smiled when Peter moaned and raised his hips. Erick moved his finger around inside of his young lover feeling the soft skin and quivering flesh. Peter began to swell again and he used his other hand to stimulate the member.

"Tell me when okay," Erick said and grinned when all Peter could do was nod. Before too long Peter was shifting his hips and spreading his legs wider. "Now?" Erick asked his face lit up with joy when Peter nodded his head. Peter had never imagined the sensations that swamped his body as Erick began to push another finger in beside the first.

"Oh..." Peter gasped his face contorting into a wince. Erick held still knowing that Peter would have to get used to the feeling. It was a slow process, with many stops and additions of the lube, but eventually, Erick had three of his fingers inside of Peter's now writhing body. Peter shifted his hips knowing that if Erick continued to finger him and rub his cock... Before he could warn Erick Peter felt heat pool in his belly then explode over Erick's stroking hand. Erick sighed, he had felt all around and still he could not find that piece of skin that Dee had told him about. Feeling as he would expire without relief, Erick moved until his body was over Peter.

"I'm going in. Are you ready?" Erick asked as he rubbed himself spreading the excess lubrication on his member. He stopped the movements of his hands when he thought he could take no more. Peter nodded biting down on the fear that threatened to overwhelm him. 'Never tense.' Ryo's words came to him. 'I know it may seem odd. Especially if you know it's coming you always try to brace yourself. But just wait for it and relax. Think of yourself accepting him and it will work out. It may still hurt, even after years of experience there can be some pain if you don't relax.' Peter had been afraid to ask if Dee ever hurt Ryo. It somehow seemed too personal. Peter's thoughts came to a crashing halt when he felt Erick pressing against the muscles that had relaxed around his fingers.

"Uh... Ah..." Peter gasped then realized that he had done what Ryo had told him not to. Beads of sweat dotted Erick's brow as he tried to keep his body from pushing in too much too soon. Dee had told him to make it one slow thrust. Don't keep stopping and backing out. That will just prolong the pain. Get all the way in then stop. Erick pushed on watching as Peter's face seemed to contort and relax as he breathed deeper each time Erick gained an inch. "Why...Why'd you stop?" Peter asked when Erick sighed above him.

"I'm all the way in," Erick answered his body trembling with the effort to stay still inside of Peter. " You are so deliciously tight and warm... no it's hot, Petey it's so hot." Peter nodded awed by the sublime pleasure that Erick seemed to find in his body. Peter shifted his hips and wrapped his legs around Erick's waist hoping to hold the older boy tighter. He gasped as Erick shifted inside of him. "Hurt?"

"Um," Peter shook his head his eyes tightly shut and his face red. Erick grinned then began to move. He would later laugh at his youthful exuberance as he lamented it at the moment. Two more thrust and he spilled himself. Breathing heavily on top of Peter he had enough thought to pull out and remove his condom. As Peter watched, he wrapped the mess in a tissue and threw it away.

"Sorry," Erick said laying his head on the pillow next to Peter.

"For what? It was wonderful." Peter stretched reminding Erick of Rain's cat after she had finished a large meal. Erick sighed, he would not tell him then. He had failed to find the spot that would bring him untold pleasure, but they were young and in love. He would have plenty of opportunities to try again.
Powdered Sugre 18

Marching Along

Leon felt the tension in the office as soon as he stepped inside. Ryo sat at his desk diligently studying the files of the latest case while Dee looked disgruntled in front of his laptop. "Hey Leon," Dee said alerting Ryo to their guest. Ryo looked with a smile that vanished when his eyes fell on Dee. Dee frowned then turned back to Leon. "How is Junior and Little D?"

"Fine and finer," Leon smirked remembering his morning activities. " Little Leon is gaining weight like a champ. He is almost four and half pounds." Ryo could not help the smile at the delight he could sense from Leon. His mind went to Alicia and he wondered how she was doing. She was carrying his child. "Have you got any new leads on the kindergarten psycho?"

"No and I think Ryo is starting to get pissed," Dee said.

"I am displeased with the case, yes... among other things," Ryo said with a pointed glare at Dee. Leon pulled up a chair just as Jill and JJ entered the office. JJ looked exhausted. "Are you unwell?"

"Darling has started the sickness phase." Was all JJ needed to say. "Sofu suggested a certain type of aid that I could supply, but it doesn't work for long. I mean as soon as we are done he is back in the bathroom. Now he is out of substance in his stomach, and he is just dry heaving. When I left he was laying in bed with Sofu patting his back."

"You know each one is different." Leon said with a sympathetic air. "Little D was hardly purging with this one, but he could barely hold him in. The only time he became ill was when he was upset or in the presence of meat." Leon mentioned the one occurrence when Bobby Mercer had brought a hamburger into the garden. "But Papa D was horribly ill with the twins, perhaps he just doesn't handle..." Leon's voice trailed off as he saw Detective Jones standing in the doorway with his hand raised to knock. Leon sat back with the file in his hand he searched through the notes in Ryo's neat penmanship. "Looks like all four victims were in kindergarten."

Dee frowned at Leon's abrupt change of subject until he saw Jones. "Hey, what's up?" Dee said inclining his head. Ryo offered a greeting as the rest of the detectives in their office began to go over the files.

"My twin, we're fraternal," Jones began when brows were raised. "He just transferred in to this precinct and Chief says we can't partner up. Too many conflicts. I mentioned Laytner and MaClean and he said that they were allowed to stay together because, technically you guys are not his jurisdiction being with the CIA and all." Jones took a deep breath. "You have been here longer than myself so I was wondering if you could recommend someone to help him out to the chief. He will listen to you more than me and Thompson," Jones concluded mentioning his own partner.

"He would probably spit on any recommendations that we would make." Dee informed Jones with a frown. "The only reason he keeps us around is because we solve the cases."

"Which is not to say that we won't try," Ryo added with a kind smile. Jones stared at Ryo with no small amount of utter amazement and devotion. Dee had a moment of lamenting the fact that Ryo was so gorgeous and kind. Too many people were falling in love with him. In the next moment the thought was gone and he smiled at Ryo forgetting their earlier disgruntlement with each other. They would work it out, they always did.

Break

JJ crept into bed with Lord D afraid to jostle the small form. He was freshly showered just in case any lingering smells from work followed him home. Lord D curled over into the warmth JJ offered his slim fingers threading through JJ's damp hair. "How are you feeling?" JJ whispered seeing the twins sleeping in bed with their papa.

"Better, but I am hungry and afraid to eat." Lord D pouted.

"Leon thinks that you just do not handle pregnancy well. That your body does not like it." JJ said rubbing small circles in Lord D's back.

"I fear he may be right. Just because you have the ability to do something does not mean that it is the right thing to do." Lord D's words sounded sad in the dark room.

"Do you mean that you should have denied the child?" JJ asked thinking that though it was a heartbreaking thought, it might be right.

"A Kami is a being of light, the earth needs all the light it can get. Who am I to deny it?" Lord D forced a smile on his face though his eyes bore dark rings JJ had never seen anything more beautiful. "A child is the most innocent of all. It would be a crime to end it's life before it has even drawn it's first breath. Whatever I suffer is as nothing compared to aiding a new life." JJ wrapped his arms around Lord D careful not to squeeze. Lord D sighed then fell asleep in the embrace of his family.

Break

"Come on Baby," Dee grumbled quietly afraid to wake anyone with a full scale argument. "It is two in the morning. Can't we talk about this some other time?"

"Oh sure," Ryo agreed readily causing Dee to doubt the wisdom of being relieved. "How about when we are at work or surrounded by family and friends at the dinner table."

"Not a bad idea, then we will only have to do it once." Dee grinned as he shimmied out of his pants. Dee then sat on the bed and pulled Ryo into his arms. Ryo stiffened in the embrace with his shirt half undone. Dee helped him to finish the row of buttons. Dee slipped his hand inside the shirt to fondle the muscles of Ryo's chest. Ryo stood away from Dee's hands. "What?"

"Be serious please. I am trying to talk with you," Ryo sighed then sat down on the bed beside Dee so that he could take off his shoes. "You know, as responsible adults and his parents it falls to us to talk to Bikky. What, you can talk to other people's kids and not your own? Or are you discriminating because he is not gay?"

"Damn it, Ryo, that's not fair," Dee grumbled then sighed when he felt his voice raise. "You know he is more comfortable with you. But you just turn red when talk turns to sex, you even blush when I talk to you about it. We have been going at it for how many years now?" Ryo offered Dee a glare while he put his pajama pants on. "Why don't we both approach him?"

"I do not want him to feel cornered," Ryo stuck a fingernail in his mouth but halted at the moment of biting. He never bit his nails, but filed them neatly.

"It will work out, we'll talk to him this weekend," Dee said and placed his hands on Ryo's shoulders to lay him on the bed. "Good night baby," Ryo sighed into Dee's lips then got comfortable wrapped in Dee's arms.

Break

Rain could feel the air around him seem to thicken as Ryo sat at the table with his simple breakfast of bagels and jam. Alicia had refused to come down for breakfast, preferring to sleep in after sitting with them at night while Ryo and Dee worked. Rain hid a yawn behind his hand then looked at Bikky. He was fairly certain that their parents knew. Heck, Ryo was a dragon, he could probably smell it. Rain sighed then went back to his breakfast. He would have to buy a little extra at lunch today. He knew that when Ryo worked as late as he had the previous night, he would not be up to a big breakfast and he could not blame him. He would just be hungry later.

Bikky munched oblivious to the strife around the table. He was cheerful as he helped Lyo get his hands and face cleaned so that Dee and Ryo could take him to school. Bikky was whistling as he gathered up his homework and bounced to the door. Rain hid a smirk then thought better of it as Ryo gave Dee a meaningful look inclining his head to Bikky. "Well, aren't you Mr. Chipper?" Dee said with a grin remembering a time he could never forget.

"How is Carol doing?" Ryo asked his eyes probing Bikky in a way he did when he wanted Bikky to fess up to something.

"Good, she got a scholarship to go to UCLA next fall. I will miss her when she is there. I am so used to seeing her practically every day. Last summer was horrid when we went on tour. This summer will be especially bad."

"Why?" Dee asked giving Bikky a deep stare.

"Oh...uh... You know, no reason," Bikky's face turned red under the penetrating stare. "Man, guys we're gonna be late, and Rain has rehearsal tonight. It is Friday."

"Yeah, come on," Rain piped up feeling the heavy atmosphere in the room. Without any more words, Dee called up to Alicia that they were leaving then the family trooped out to begin their day.

Break

Leon sat bleary eyed at his desk the next day at work. JJ stumbled into the room then sank into a chair opposite Jill. "You both look like hell." Jill commented over the rim of her steaming cup of tea. The bags were imported from France, Ryo had given them to her for her birthday along with a delicate set of tea cups and a matching pot made in Paris. The pot and cups she would never use at work, but the bags she sometimes packed in a small case in her purse.

"Yeah well," Dee entered the room and sat down looking over at the files open on Leon's desk. "Leon has a newborn at home and I am sure Papa D is still retching at the mere thought of food. And we are living with a roiling bundle of teenage hormones."

"Out of control," Ryo said shaking his head. "He is so young."

"Not really, fifteen, I mean I was fourteen." Dee said with a cheeky grin. "How old were you?"

"You already know the answer to that," Ryo said his face turning red.

"Sixteen and terrified," Dee whispered in Ryo's ear placing a small kiss there. Ryo tried not to smile but it burst through anyway. Jones entered their office with a grim countenance.

"Guys, they found another one." Jones announced tossing the file on the desk. Ryo gasped as he opened it to see preliminary crime scene photos of a dead child.

"Damn it," Leon growled as he too saw the small child laying with his head at an impossible angle.

"Come on boys," Jill sat her cup down. "Let's get this thing solved before some one else's baby is taken.

Ryo stared at the photo his heart sinking at the image of the young boy that was no older than Lyo was. "Such brutal anger... who could do such a thing?"

"We'll find out baby," Dee said placing a hand on the gentle detective's shoulder. "We'll find him, and I'll break his legs before we arrest his ass." Ryo looked up with sublime thanks at his partner then again pored over the file of the gruesome case that had landed in their laps. Jill was right, they had to find this monster that preyed on the innocent of the city of Angels.

Break

Bikky paused in his pushing of Lyo on the swing to see a tan car parked at the edge of the park. He glanced at Rain then slid his eyes around the playground noting Chris where he sat with a few of his friends from grade school. Assured of his group's safety he went back to pushing the now pouting boy that begged his 'Biggy' to push faster-higher and more, more, more. Bikky grinned giving in to the joy of the moment. The car moved too slow to be leaving gaining Bikky's attention again. He watched as the car pulled up to a little boy kicking a large ball across a grassy area. His stomach clenched as if fire ignited and he looked at the man seeing a haze of red.

"Go ask Rain to sing to you, Biggy'll be right back," Bikky said shooing the boy off. He watched to make sure that he reached Rain's side. Rain looked up and the wind around Bikky warmed to let him know that Rain was watching their brother. Bikky trotted down to the young boy and snatched his hand just as he was telling the man his name. "Thomas," Bikky called startling the boy with the name he had overheard when he had told it to the stranger. "Come on, dads are coming," Bikky used the signal that called Rain, Chris and Lyo to his side. The man in the car looked up at Bikky his look of abject terror frozen in place, before a mask of cool polite regard slipped in place and he backed away leaving the impression of his deep blond hair and watery brown eyes in Bikky's mind.

The man then sped away from the park leaving the young boy he had asked to choose between two teddy bears for his young son. "Thomas!" Bikky turned when he saw a frantic young woman come running around the park her eyes searching with wild desperation that flared in a moment of relief and fear when she saw him surrounded by the older boys. "Thomas! I told you not to leave my side."

"Mommy, this boy knows my name," Thomas said running to his mother. He turned to point a chubby finger at Bikky.

"Only because I overheard you telling it to the stranger," Bikky said with his street punk tough in his voice meant to intimidate the young boy. "Listen to me woman, if you want to keep your kid, you'd better tell him about the danger of strangers. Our dad's are detective's and they tell us horrible stories, heck you don't even need someone of their stature telling you tales to give you nightmares. Watch the damn news." Bikky said in disgust as he took Lyo's hand and stalked off, Rain and Chris in tow.

"Bikky," Rain called in a voice mimicking Ryo. "Mouth," The soft landing of Bikky's foot in Rain's backside was enough to make the boy's laugh as they headed towards the pet shop. Bikky paused when he saw the red tape and construction crews at work. He sighed then turned back going instead to the waiting car that would take them to the consulate. He had gone automatically to the shop, his heart sank at the memories of pleasant evening spent with Count D while they waited for their father's to get off work. Those days would be back again, he just had to be patient.

Break

"You can't go in there!" Ryo and Leon looked up from their files to hear the commotion outside of Ryo and Dee's office door moments before it opened and a tall jumble of furious blond teenager stormed in.

"Man do not put your hands on me or my brother," Bikky said with a voice of a maturing adult that made Dee pause in his searching through some of the files in their cabinet where it stood against the wall. "This is our dads office and we are here on official business. I want to report suspicious activity."

"If it is gang related, it belongs in another department," The uniform cop sneered at the boys halting as he looked at Rain's pretty features. "Or maybe it was an attempt at solicitation of prostitution." Rains eyes narrowed and he frowned darkly at the cop that was taken by surprise at the boy's heated animosity.

"You might want to rethink that statement," Dee's voice was deadly calm as he stood looming behind the cop.

"De...Detective Laytner," The cop paused his Adam's apple bobbing as he forced a swallow past the suddenly tight passage in his throat. "Sorry, sir... I was just importing the fact of the importance of your case and that you need to work on it not pander to the whimsies of your children."

"Our boys know the the importance of our work and would never bother us unless it was necessary," Ryo said getting to his feet and coming over. Once they had the adults attention he dropped into a chair and took a blank sheet of paper from the printer on one corner of Ryo's desk and began to sketch ignoring the adults in the room while Rain explained their interruption while the uniform cop made his excuses beating a hasty retreat.

"We think some guy that was hanging around the park today tried to kidnap a young boy." Rain said to Ryo. "He seemed scared when we went over and pretended to be the kid's brothers and sped away. Bikky yelled at the kid's mom and told her to watch her kid better."

"What do you have there?" Dee asked when it seemed as if Bikky would continue to ignore them and draw. While Dee watched Bikky went into his back pack and pulled out his colored pencils adding the blond hair and watery brown eyes. He even managed to capture the sallow skin tone that had turned a dull red as the man's plans had been interrupted. "Is that who you saw?"

"Yep, that's him," Bikky tossed the pencils back in his bag while Dee studied the picture and showed it to Ryo and Leon. Bikky handed them another drawing. "That is his car. I even got his license plate."

Ryo looked at the detailed sketch awe at his son's talent on his face. "Thank you Bikky. Leon, Dee I am going to take this down to traffic and see if I can get the id of whoever this vehicle is registered to, why don't you all look through our police photos to see if any one who looks like him has ever been arrested. Rain, Bikky you look at the photos as well to see if you recognize anyone." Rain nodded solemnly his eyes wide at the change in Ryo. Ryo was usually so soft spoken and kind. Gentleness had no place here in this world of crime and justice. Rain felt a chill of respect go up his spine at the dedication his parents displayed as they all seemed to go into motion at once.

"This way," Dee ushered the boys from the office and down a well swept hall that led to another room with several computers and file cabinets. This room was not as neat as the office giving Bikky the impression that Ryo was the deciding factor in the neatness between the two rooms. Leon spoke to a few people then went to the computer and began to type surprising the boys with his proficiency with the machine before them. "We will start with blond hair and brown eyed suspects and then move on to others for similar facial features. You would be amazed how much a person can change with a little hair dye and contact lenses." Rain and Bikky nodded glad that Chris had agreed to keep Lyo at the consulate knowing the young child would be bored and never sit still throughout this ordeal. But they were willing to do whatever it took to help their parents.

Many files had gone by when Bikky remembered that he had scheduled a discussion with Laton about the gift he had given him. He was beginning to wonder if it would ever spiral out of his control. Sometimes in moments of passion he could feel his body temperature rise. What if he sat the bed on fire? Or Carol? Bikky knew he would never forgive himself. He had wanted to talk to Ryo about it, but did not want to see the look of disappointment on Ryo's face as he went on about him being too young. He was not too young, he knew what he felt, he loved Carol and she loved him. This was their last year in school together, while he had to finish up his junior and senior year she would be freshman at UCLA in the fall. What if she met some suave college boy and forgot all about him?

"Hey, does that look like him?" Rain asked disturbing his thoughts.

Bikky looked at the pale brown eyes and ash blond hair. "Hair is different, but the features are similar, but older." Bikky said with the detailed eye of an artist. "What is his name?"

"Ian Rimmel," Leon said studying the picture and the list of the man's crime. "Say's he murdered his younger brother's wife and son. The boy was his nephew, how sick is that?"

"With our cases, not so bad, all he did was kill him," Dee groused thinking of the Mereen case that even now months after the resolution churned his stomach. "Rimmel huh?"

"How did you know?" Ryo said returning to the room with a sheet of printed paper. "Did you find him?" Ryo went to the screen then sighed. "Well, the last name is right, this is Jason Rimmel, says years ago his older brother murdered his wife and child, the boy was in kindergarten. The wife showed signs of sexual assault before her neck was wrung. Get this, postmortem, the bodies were arranged so that she was cradling the child." Ryo paused when he saw the color drain from Rain's face leaving the caramel tone with an unhealthy pallor. "Thank you boys for all of your help. I will call a Salamander and have him take you to the consulate. We will pick you up after work okay?

Bikky nodded getting to his feet he took his brother by the arm and lead him to the door. "Thank you guys for listening to us. That other jerk just treated us like idiots. Come on Rain," Bikky said going to the front of the building where they could await their escort. "Hey Rain, you okay?" Bikky asked when it seemed that Rain would be ill.

Rain swallowed with difficulty. "I'm fine... I hope our dad's and Leon catch that man."

"Come on," said Bikky with a grin. "This is our dad's we're talking about. They will have it solved and be home in time for dinner." The chief paused in his study of the two boys, one tall and gangly, the other appearing long despite his smaller stature and slender build. Both boys were nice to look at one showing the signs of the handsome man he would one day be and the other almost painfully too beautiful. They were good boys he had heard, Laytner and MaClean should be proud. He heard their unshakable belief in their parents and could not help but agree.
Powdered Sugre 19

All In A Day's Work: Part 1

The house was not bad by any means, in fact it blended in very well with the other fancy abodes on this side of town. It appeared to be freshly painted white with delicate green trim. Curtains hung in the window with a paisley design that caused a frown on Ryo's face. "Those are ugly curtains."

"You can tell him so after we arrest him." Dee gave the firm shoulder a reassuring pat glad for the muscles on his slim lover. He did not know how Leon and JJ could stand it. Mostly JJ though, from what he knew of Little D, he was stronger and faster and more skilled than anyone he knew excluding the Arcadian's. Though he was muscular, Dee was glad that the skin underneath the clothing was soft and for the most part smooth. Dee even loved the little calluses on his hands from the weight and use of guns. No one was a better shot than his baby. Dee then looked to make sure that Jill and Leon were parked behind their car, not getting out, but not driving off either there to serve as back-up if needed. Ryo approached the steps then bounded up them with Dee at his side.

After several knocks they could hear shuffling behind the door. Ryo put on his most disarming smile as it opened and a blond head peeked out. The first thing Dee noticed was the cool, watery brown eyes that seemed unsettled by the strangers on his porch, next was the furtive glances behind him as if he expected someone from inside the house to attack. Dee was glad that his weapon was not on safety just in case the man had an accomplice or a dog. Thinking about a dog, he knew Count D and Lord D would be upset if he harmed the animal trying to keep himself safe, but if it could not be helped, it could not be helped. With Sofu, you could never tell, life did not seem to phase him, or the loss of be it animal or human.

"Hello, can I help you?" The question brought Dee from his musings and he reached for his badge just as Ryo did.

"Hello Mr. Rimmel," Ryo began in a calm voice sure to keep twitchy suspects calm in the worst of situations. "I am detective Randy MaClean and this my partner detective Dee Laytner." Dee nodded slipping his shield back in his pocket allowing Mr. Rimmel a brief glance at his weapon. Once assured of the man's knowledge of his own demise should he attack Dee relaxed next to Ryo. "We would like for you to come down to the station with us to answer a few questions."

"Is something wrong?" Jason asked sweat beginning to show up on his brow. His eyes darted between the two men on his porch to the hanging flowers beside the smaller one's head, then he looked over at what must be their car. Parked behind their borrowed cruiser was red Lexus with two more people in it. Despite their civilian clothes and one being female, he knew they were cops as well, maybe even detectives like these two. He had nothing to fear, without a warrant they could not arrest him or search his house and there was nothing on his person that could be incriminating on any crimes. Perhaps they wanted him to identify some other criminal, maybe his brother had done something else. Yes, Jason mused, maybe his brother had done something else.

Break

Staid businessmen made him sick. Leon thought as he watched through the viewing screen as Ryo offered the man a cup of coffee that he took with a grateful smile at the beautiful man. "Good choice sending in MaClean," Leon looked up at the commissioner with a grin. "Even though he is straight he will be drooling in his coffee in about five more minutes." Leon could not help his chuckle and watched as Dee entered the room with his cigarette in his mouth. Ryo looked up his nose wrinkling in false distaste. "Not too hard to paint a disgusting picture of Dee, he is borderline cro-magnum man."

"Ryo tamed him," Leon grinned watching his two friends as they assumed positions around their suspect. Ryo, not intimidating, as he sat in the chair opposite Rimmel while Dee stood imposing with his arms crossed over his broad chest leaning against the wall smoking. Jill entered to set up the recorder so that they would have a record of whatever the men said. With a nod to each other they sat down to watch. Leon buzzing Dee's cell phone to let him know they were ready. Dee gave Ryo an almost imperceptible nod and they began.

Break

"I understand you handle delinquent accounts at the National Bank on fifth street," Ryo said seeming to ignore Dee and the glower he treated Rimmel to.

"Yes, overdo accounts, or overdrafts and closures." Rimmel nodded his eyes wide then relaxed as he took in the pale gold skin of the man in front of him. Complemented by his honey colored hair and light clothes he resembled a living sunbeam full of warmth. "I do not think I have ever seen eyes like yours, or maybe I have and can't place it yet." Rimmel said then blushed and sipped his coffee hoping the heat would cool his head as he spoke to the detectives.

"He's part Japanese, as if everyone didn't know that," Dee groused causing the man to start. "All you have to do is watch the damned television we frequently guard those busy body Arcadian's. And..." Dee allowed the word to hang between them so that he could gage Rimmel's reaction and hid a smile when the man visibly gulped. " Yes, he's my lover so stop ogling him."

"Dee, there is no need to be so abrasive," Ryo frowned at Dee then turned back to Jason. "Please forgive him, he can be a bit tense, or," Ryo laughed then enchanting Jason. "Dense I should say." Jason gulped his coffee as those large dark eyes danced with an internal light that seemed to ignite his belly. "If it is not too much trouble could you tell me about your older brother and what happened..." Ryo looked into a file. "Seven years ago."

"Oh... Has Ian done something else?" Jason asked concern in his voice for the first time since they had brought him in.

"We are not sure," Ryo said when Dee looked down at him then back at Jason. "But we have our suspicions as to the perpetrator of a very horrible crime."

"Oh... Okay. He, Ian, was jealous of my good fortune in finding a delicate wife. You see Joanne was lovely in every way that a wife could be lovely. She was always kind to him, but he could not stand her. He made several improper innuendos and finally one night after he had touched her rudely I insisted he leave my house and never return. That was a very long time ago." Jason said his eyes then seemed to take on a haunted look. "Then one night, I was held up at work and Ian came over. He raped my wife..." Ryo frowned listening to Jason recount the tale as if it had happened to someone else. "When it was found that she was pregnant we told everyone that it was mine, but I always knew the truth. You see, I have been barren ever since I got the Chicken pox for the second time when I was high school. Joanne and I had planned to adopt, so this baby was a joy to us and we raised him as our own. Ian was arrested for raping her, but he escaped from the mental hospital when Charles, our son was in kindergarten..." Here, Jason seemed to twitch a little. The man's eyes filled with tears that were blinked away replaced by a furtive glance around the bright room. He saw Dee and finished off his coffee.

"It is alright," Ryo said in a kind voice patting the soft hand in front of him thinking that working pencils and calculators at a bank was far less stressful on the hands.

"You do know some psycho has been killing kids that are in kindergarten?" Dee bellowed from behind Jason causing the man to begin to tremble. Ryo offered a soft smile to him in hopes to calm him as Dee had so easily rattled him.

"I had read it in the paper, it is dreadful. He must have escaped again." Jason said his eyes boring into the bottom of his empty coffee mug.

"Yes," Ryo agreed nodding his head he stood up extending his hand. "That must be it. You will let us know if he contacts you?"

"Of course," Jason stammered as Ryo lead him from the room past and staunchly glowering Dee.

"I will have one of the uniforms take you home, thank you for your cooperation." Ryo signaled for a young officer to come forward and escort the man from the building before he went back into the interrogation room to find Dee still leaning on the wall. "Laid it on a bit thick didn't you?"

"Ummm," Dee pulled Ryo into his arms. "You like it when I'm tough." Dee pressed a quick kiss to Ryo's lips that was interrupted by a loud clearing of throat. "Hey JJ," Dee said looking up from his nibbling at Ryo's neck.

"Make out on your own time. I have the warrant." JJ informed them then shoved the paper into Ryo's hand. "Jonas is going to take the long way and a circuitous route, that should give you at least thirty minutes in his house."

"Thanks bud," Dee clapped JJ on the shoulder as they heading out into the bright California sun.

"Oh, hey Ryo." JJ called before they could drive away. Ryo rolled down his window to look at JJ as he made it to their car. "Why are you so sure it is him and not his brother?"

"Ian Rimmel incited a riot in prison when he tried to steal the lover of another prisoner in order to gain prestige among the other inmates." Ryo answered as he secured his seatbelt. "He has been dead these past four years." JJ nodded and backed away from the car as it sped off down the road.

The house was neat inside as if Jason worked and cleaned. Not like the clean in their own house. Dee mused. Their house was clean, yes, but it looked lived in. you could tell that there were teenage boys and a child living there by the sight of the backpacks by the front door full of homework and books. You could see it in the shoes left by the back door and full fridge. The lumpy sofa in the family room that was comfortable despite looking like it had seen better days. The main living room was tidier, but still you could tell that a family lived there. This house seemed show room clean. They passed the dark green sofa and love seat and deep grain wood coffee table with a pristine book of airplanes on it to keep guests occupied while the host fetched drinks, as if this guy had anyone over. Dee wondered and followed Ryo upstairs.

The rest of the house was the same with the bedroom showing a sign of life with a made bed and a tie hanging over the side of a chair. The closet was full of well made suits that were not terribly expensive, hell, Dee thought, they could sell three of them to buy one pair of Ryo's pants. But at least they resembled a closet and not a store. After rummaging around in the bathroom and the spare room which was show room quality they went back downstairs. Dee paused his eyes lighting on a door in the kitchen that he had not seen before because it was partially hidden behind a cupboard door that stood ajar. "Now that's odd," Dee said gaining Ryo's attention. "Why would a guy who is fastidious about every other room in his house leave this open?" Dee closed the door and reached for the handle. He held still waiting for the reassuring sound of metal clearing leather as Ryo armed himself. With a small nod from Ryo, Dee opened the door. "Hello!" he called down while Ryo pointed his gun into the darkness.

Dee felt along the inner wall of the stairway for the light switch. "LAPD," Ryo called down just as Dee found the light and hit the switch. Ryo's ears pricked as they heard a small sound. "Could be a pet," Ryo said with a heavy note of disbelief. Dee took out his gun and followed his partner down the stairs. His stomach turned at the sight of the basement. It was clean to the point of obsessive cleaning but chained to a wall were three young children, two girls and one boy all around the same age as Lyo staring at them with fear and relief.

"Are you our new teachers?" The tallest girl asked getting to her feet.

"No we are not teachers," Ryo said in a kind voice as he knelt down in front of the children. "But I do know that there are supposed to be five of you." Ryo held up all of his fingers to show the kids the number in case they had trouble counting. His wedding band winked in the light. "Do you have any more friends down here?"

"Jo and Tina were bad," the small boy said.

"Yeah, they kept crying for their mommy and daddy."

"But that is not bad, if you miss them," Ryo assured them. "Where are they now?" Ryo asked almost afraid of the answer. The smallest girl who had been quiet until now pointed a finger at two more lengths of chain that lay on the ground Ryo walked over and felt his heart drop into his stomach at the small bodies that lay as if sleeping with their necks at odd angles.

"Ryo I found the..." Dee's voice halted as he looked at his partner who stood staring down at faces young enough to be Lyo. Dee said nothing. With a sigh Ryo reached into his pocket for his camera and began to take pictures of the scene. First the living children that Dee unchained as soon as Ryo moved on and finally the two deceased children his heart breaking a little more with each click of the camera. Just as they were calling the precinct to alert them to their find they heard the sound of a car pulling into the well maintained driveway. Ryo's face seemed to cloud over like a thunderstorm as he herded the children upstairs.

Jonas was smiling as he lead the nice man up the steps to his house knowing that if MaClean and Laytner were still inside they had to have found something. While Jason unlocked his door, Jonas took the safety off his gun. Maybe he would be promoted for working this case with them. Whatever help he could give these two top notch detectives he would gladly offer. "What is the meaning of this?" Jason asked as he saw the murderous rage on Dee's face. Dee left the children with Ryo while he went to the two men in the doorway. Jason then turned his eyes to Jonas hoping for some form of aid only to see the young cop with his gun drawn as well. Jason's eyes then went to Ryo and bulged when he saw him next to the children. "What gives you the right to go snooping through my house?"

"A warrant," Dee ground the words out with a deadly calm to his voice. "Jason Rimmel you are under arrest." Dee snatched his cuffs out and jerked the smaller man around so that he could attach them. "You sick bastard. You have the right to remain silent, any thing you say can, and I hope they will, be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney, and if you can not afford an attorney the court will supply you with adequate representation. And I hope he is a retard who failed his bar examinations at least three times while subsequently suffering from a mal-adaptive disorder and brain tumor..." Dee continued his rant while Jonas followed behind repeating the correct rights while they ushered the distraught man into the back of his cruiser.

"You're all mad!" Jason began to cry out in despair. "Mad, I have done nothing wrong... I only wanted to teach them about the world."

"The only thing you taught them about the world," Ryo ground out as the coroners black van pulled up. "Is that there are evil people like you in it." Ryo was saddened as Jonas pulled away leaving them to answer the questions of the coroner.

Break

The chief sat at his desk chewing his cigar looking over the now closed case so that he would have a viable report to give to the press. Ryo and Dee had declined his offer for them to appear on television yet again for a case well closed. He sighed glad to have such good men on his team. Perhaps the last chief was correct, it did not matter who they went home to at night, they got the job done.

Break

"Hey Ryo," Dee said with a grin on his face as they entered their office. "Now that the case is over..." Ryo paused sitting the bag of fast food lunch on Dee's desk. He grinned recognizing the heated look in Dee's lovely eyes. Ryo thought that it was Dee's eyes that had first entranced him, even more so than Ryo's eyes had captured Dee. "I want to try something new, but you know, better to be safe than not." Dee reached over and spread a clear gel on Ryo's inner arm. "Let me know if it itches later on okay. Don't want to put that anywhere sensitive until we know if you'll have a reaction."

"What is that?" Ryo asked looking down at his arm. Dee tossed a bottle to Ryo who caught it and read the label. "KY Intrigue," Ryo laughed softly as he saw the designs on the box of the lubrication that Dee wanted to try.

"I already have some on my arm to make sure it is compatible with my skin." Dee said with a lascivious grin. Dee winked at Ryo then sat at his desk ready to dig into his lunch.

Ryo was just sitting at his desk sipping a cup of tea when their office door swung open. Dee looked up from his greasy burger and fries to see an unkempt young woman being ushered in by Jonas. "Sorry Detectives, but the cops downstairs said that you guys were taking teen cases, and she did say she was looking for detective MaClean." Ryo looked up with a soft smile as he took in the haggard appearance of the young woman who burst into tears at the gentle expression.

"You... You are Bikky's parents!" The girl dashed forward falling to her knees in front of Ryo. "I heard you were kind, you are the only ones who can help me."

"Help you with what, if we can of course we will," Ryo assured her. "First, how do you know my son?"

"We go to school together, I am in third period with him. My name is Elissa." The young girl pushed her long strands of pale blond hair out of her face. It was then that Ryo saw the look of terror in her hazel eyes along with the angry bruise on her face. "Everyone says that you are kind."

"What happened to you?" Ryo asked getting to his knees in front of the girl.

Elissa looked around the office then lowered her head when she saw the cop still in the door way she lowered her eyes to the floor her face flushing. At a nod from Dee Jonas smiled and shut the door. "I came straight here after... after he passed out." Elissa cried, fat tears falling over her cheeks still round with youth.

"How old are you?" Ryo asked standing and helping Elissa into his vacated chair. He then perched on the edge of his desk.

"I am fifteen sir, I mean detective. That's what I am supposed to call you right?" Elissa said trying in vain to cease the trembling of her body.

"Call me Ryo," More tears fell at the kindness Ryo offered her. "I do not think you have never been by the house before. Most of Bikky and Rain's friends have at one point or another."

"Oh I know, but you see," Elissa looked away her cheeks blooming pink underneath her bruises, tears and dirt smudges. "I guess it is silly now and if I want your help, it doesn't matter anyway. I can't go home anymore."

"Please," Ryo knelt again in front of her. "Tell me what I can do to help you."

"I... can't pay you but everyone says you are kind." Elissa said causing a soft chuckle from Dee.

"If we worked on the promise of payment from the citizens we helped, we would never work sweetheart." Dee winked causing her face to flush at his handsomeness. " City itself pays us, what do you need?"

Elissa stared at Dee for a moment her eyes falling into his deep green orbs. Her eyes then went to Ryo. His soft features enchanted her so much so that for a moment she forgot her pain and fear. "I want you to arrest someone, well two someones," Elissa blurted out tears once again falling down her cheeks. "Don't get me wrong, it's not like it's my first time or anything, but I said no. And at school they taught us that no means no!"

"Oh God," Ryo said patting her hand his eyes closed as her words made sense to him at last. "Who raped you?"

"See, my parents died a couple years ago and we had to move in with my uncle Jasper. My older brother got a football scholarship and went to school last year and left me behind. He sends money, but Jasper spends it on crack." Ryo's heart went out to the girl dressed in clothes that looked as if they had been shabby for some time. Now it made sense why she had never been by the house. She was embarrassed. "Well, he ran out of money and he wanted more crack, so he..." Elissa paused and tears choked her up. She took the handkerchief that Ryo offered her. "He sold me to his pusher. The man came into my room this morning while I was getting ready for school. I tried to fight him but he kept slapping me. Jasper told me to stop squalling and be still, then he went to get high."

"What's your address, we'll go get your uncle," Dee said pulling out a pad of paper and a pen while Ryo took the distraught teenager into his arms.

"First we are going to get you to a hospital and get a rape kit done on you," Ryo said picking up his desk phone to call the hospital. "Did you take a shower before you came here?"

Elissa shook her head. "I was afraid he would wake up if I took the time."

"Good," Dee said when Ryo hung up the phone. "What can you tell us about his pusher?"

"His name is Slate, that's all, just Slate," Elissa said sniffling the fire of rage lighting her young features. "I do not know where he lives, but I know he does his business by the stone quarry. Jasper knew that you guys were detectives so he told me to stay away from Bikky."

"All right, we'll have a uniform take you to the hospital and then get to work all right little lady," Dee said when Ryo began to check the clip in his gun causing Elissa to stare at the beautiful man.

"Don't worry about a thing," Ryo said looking up. "Dee, call Leon, he and Jill can go get the uncle, we'll head after Slate." Ryo then opened his door to see Jonas hovering in the hallway. "I need you to take this young lady to the emergency room. She needs to see an MD and get a R kit done as soon as possible. Dee," Ryo nodded his head towards the door. With a last nod to Elissa and Jonas Ryo and Dee headed out once again.
Powdered Sugre 20

All In A Day's Work :Conclusion

Leon did not want to chance having a deranged crack addict attack him. How would he explain it to D and Chris when he got back home tonight. Not to mention Jewel would scold daddy to be more careful. He smirked at the thought as Jill prepared her weapon. They had lucked out with the arrangements of partners since Diana had quit the FBI/CIA?Arcadian link system. JJ now worked directly with Agent Miaka, a combination that lead to fast warrants and exceptional back-up. Jill knocked on the door loudly her usual sweet voice full of cop tough that had never failed to amaze Leon. "LAPD, open up we have a warrant." Nothing could be heard from inside the house. Jill sighed. "I hate when they play hard to get." Jill offered a playful bow to Leon and a helplessly adorable pout. "Kind sir... would you mind?"

Leon shook his head with eyes rolled he raised a foot and kicked the door in. It balanced on it's hinges as it crashed against the wall. Jill stepped inside at his nod keeping her gun ready. She resisted the strong urge to cover her nose at the foul odor coming from the house. Dirt and grime covered every surface of the house. "Let's find our rat," Leon said and walked through to the kitchen. He gagged and backed away. Soiled dishes covered every available surface along with canisters from take out restaurants and delivery. "Good thing Ryo's not here." Leon shook his head. "But I can let him know that this guy is a pig in every sense of the word. That poor girl has been living here with this slop." Leon then went upstairs to the bathroom which was reasonable clean and a bedroom that was done in various shades of red and white with lacy curtains. The lace seemed old and tattered. " grabbing for beauty in any way she can." Leon paused when he saw a small picture of Rain that looked like it came from a discarded CD cover. Though the picture was ragged around the edges which had prompted the previous owner to replace it, it was sitting here near of tin can of flowers as if it were an honored treasure.

"Come on Leon." Jill said the sadness in her voice penetrating the gloom that was beginning to cloud Leon's heart. They walked further down the hall and found another room. "He could hear her," Jill mused when they saw what had to be the master bedroom. "These walls are paper thin." Jill walked around the bed and ceased moving before she stumbled on the man laying face down on the floor in a pool of his own vomit. "Ladies and gentlemen, I give the glories of crack. This is your life," She pulled a pair of latex gloves from her pocket. Jill then reached for his neck. "I got a pulse, the trash lives." Leon nodded keeping his gun at the ready in case the man woke up violent.

"Get him in cuffs, he can detox at the station." Leon muttered and watched while Jill secured their prisoner. Jasper began to awake as he was dragged none too gently from his home. "I feel like I am wasting my breath," Leon groused as he recited the Miranda rights. "This guy is so high he can't tell his own farts from a gentle spring breeze."

"Leon, your manners are atrocious in the presence of a lady." Jill complained. "What would little D say."

"Before giving me a correction nibble," Leon grinned thinking about the small but painful bites that D dealt him whenever he said something that displeased his delicate sensibilities. "He would tell your delicate self that you have crack addict vomit on your shoe."

Jill looked down and stared in horror at the remains of the mess she had stepped in. "This is why I am single." Jill frowned then scrubbed her foot on the grass.

Break

"It's beautiful," Ryo's voice was almost a whisper that Dee only heard because he was attuned to every move the man made. Dee turned his eyes to see the sun shining behind Ryo with piles of golden sun reflecting the light off of his perfect skin and slim physic. Ryo turned to look at Dee his hair seemed to ignite in the bright glow. "Dee?"

"Yeah...beautiful," Dee smiled his throat closing as he looked at Ryo. "God, Ryo... I love you."

"Dee? I love you too," Ryo smiled and Dee's heart skipped several beats and he smiled. "What?"

"Let's take the boys out to dinner tonight," Ryo grinned and nodded his head then turned his eyes back to survey the large outcroppings of rocks and boulders. The deep gorge at the bottom. He scanned many ledges and machinery that was no longer in use. "To work," Dee smiled then gave Ryo a wink before he checked his gun. Ryo nodded pulling out his own weapon. "My guess is that he has a day job, cause this place is usually functional... isn't it?" Dee looked around. "What time is it?"

"Four thirty eight," Ryo checked his watch. "This place shuts down at four."

"Ah, so there is plenty of time for some one to get off work, go home, change, then show up here ready for some nefarious activities." Dee grinned. "Ryo put your gun away, we have company, look innocent and adorable. As if you can help that." Dee said in an aside that caused just the right shading of pink to touch Ryo's cheeks. Ryo turned around with a smile on his face to see a middle aged man in expensive jeans and a pullover. He wore dark sunglasses and his curly hair was cut close to his head as he grinned at them. Bright white teeth flashed at them through his deeply colored skin.

"Hello gentlemen," The man said with a grin. "Out for a stroll?"

"Yeah," Dee said placing an arm around Ryo who blushed right on cue. "Just a date you know, wanted to take in the sights, he likes high places."

"Aren't you two a little old for make out spots?" The man asked smiling fast but not quick enough that Dee would miss the look of disgust that briefly covered his face.

"Well, you are never too old for love, right Honey?" Ryo offered his most disarming smile at Dee. "So do you come here often Mr..." Ryo allowed the question to hang giving the man time enough to stare at him and discount him, but those dark eyes came back to rest on the pair before him.

"You're cops," The statement brought a frown to Dee's face, but he did not reply. Instead he pulled out his badge. "Just playing the gay thing to throw off suspicion." He nodded with a relieved grin.

"Well. You're half right," Dee said never ceasing to shock Ryo with his total honesty about their private life. "We are cops, but man I pin him every chance I get."

"Come to think of it, I have seen you guys on TV before," The man said taking out a white cloth to clean his sunglasses. "Real pretty kid you got at home." Dee had no time to caution the strange man about his comments. Behind him he heard the unmistakable sound of several men approaching. "I don't like cops around here, bad for business."

"Quarry's closed," Dee said turning his eyes to the wild outcroppings of boulders and red stone. "What business would we be bad for?"

"I know why you're here. I am not stupid," Slate's fingers curled into tight fists as he stared at the two men in front of him while his boys came around behind him. "That damned tramp opened her mouth didn't she?"

"I do not know any damned tramps," Ryo informed Slate with a smile he pulled his gun from his shoulder holster just as Dee did the same pressing his back to Ryo's he faced the six men behind them. "Now you can do this the easy way and come down to the station or you can do it the hard and have us drag you there you murdering, raping scum." Ryo said his eyes blazed shocking Slate that the once gentle looking man seemed very capable of killing him. "And I forgot to mention drug trafficking."

"What makes you think you can drag me any where you sodding bastards?" Slate demanded wondering why his men were not attacking, yeah so the cop had a gun, but they did too. Slate peeled his eyes away from Ryo long enough to see his men just staring at Dee the look of fear on their faces palpable in the deepening color of the sky. "Come on boys, it's two against seven."

"Yeah boss, but haven't you heard, any one who harms them comes to some horrible end." One of the thugs complained looking at Ryo and Dee. "Even other cops. I heard a detective was burned alive, and a man in prison had his heart ripped out. From what the men in the jail tell us, it looked like it was eaten and his... was shoved in there where his heart was. They think he was castrated before he was dead. Man these guys is bad news."

"We had nothing to do with that," Dee was quick to deny killing the man in prison though he could say nothing about Randolph's death that would not upset Ryo.

"You are not afraid of a bunch of fags!" Slate shouted as if to prove the falsehood five of the men turned and ran.

"A bunch, I thought we were just two," Dee said when Ryo bristled at the man's leer in his direction.

"Hey boss, I want him before we get rid of them," The largest man in the former group said inclining his head towards Ryo. "I always watch him, I know how you feel about Homo's so I never told you, but I can't let this opportunity pass. I want him." Ryo's eyes widened and he prepared for an attack just as he felt Dee's back tense.

"Well, you can't have him," Dee said pressing the button on his phone to alert back up that they were needed. "You are both under arrest."

"I don't think he gets it yet Riley," Slate said with a laugh. "Maybe you should teach him." Riley smiled and jumped for Dee. Dee fired and gasped as the bullet missed the bulky man who had feinted a dive for his torso but dipped at the last minute to rush his legs. "Faster than he looks," Slate told Ryo who had surprised him by not taking his eyes from Slate to check on Dee.

"Dee'll be fine, you're under arrest," Ryo said and blocked the fist that Slate aimed at him. He fired a warning shot. Slate growled his displeasure and jumped for Ryo who dodged shocking Slate with his agility and strength as he blocked yet again and punched in Slate's midsection. His vision doubled and bent over clutching his middle.

Dee grunted as he went to the ground under the weight of the large man. "As you die, I want you to know what I'm going to do to that pretty boy of yours, first I am going make him suck me. I'll bet he's good at that those pretty lips of his all moist and open."

"Not if I kill you first," Dee ground out bringing his legs up he flipped Riley over him. Dee gasped then sat up to try to catch the flailing man. He never actually meant to kill him just get him off. Dee grabbed his arm just as he began to tumble off the edge of the landing to fall to the jumble of jagged rocks below.

"I'm taking you with me," The acid in Riley's voice turned Dee's stomach moments before he felt vertigo envelope him as the man lurched back taking him with him.

"Dee!" Ryo yelled slamming Slate's head to the rocky ground below them to stun him. Ryo scrambled to his feet and grasped the back of Dee's pants yanking him back. The sudden jerk loosed Riley's grip on Dee and he went head first back wards to plummet to the rocks below scrapping along the side of the gorge as he went. "Dee, don't go... Don't..." Tears fell down Ryo's face as he held Dee in his arms. Dee sighed as he leaned into the warmth of Ryo. His skin seemed to be hotter than normal as his emotions went into overdrive. Dee looked down and saw a dark stain on the sleeve of Ryo fine shirt and gasped.

"Baby, you're hurt," Dee ripped the buttons free and looked down in awe at the clear gel that had dried but due to the heat and perspiration of Ryo's skin it was liquid again. "Oh... ha, lubrication." Dee laughed then turned to Slate where the man was getting to his feet.

"You...damned... fags!" Slate yelled and rushed them both. Dee and Ryo broke apart out the man's way. He stumbled and went over to the edge reaching out he grabbed Ryo's exposed arm taking him to his knees. With pained wince Ryo tried to yank his arm back. He knew his knees would be bruised from his fall but that paled in comparison to the pain of Slate's nails digging into his arm as the man pulled him to the edge. Ryo rolled to his side then sat on his bottom kicking Slate until the man fell to the ground with broken leg.

Slate rolled away from Dee only to screech as he realized that he had run out of ground. "No!" His arms reached out for purchase but found nothing but crumbling rocks. Ryo reached for him and caught him before he too could fall to his death to the rocks below. Slate tried to hold on to Ryo his fingers frantic in the need to clutch the detective. Ryo tried not to snatch away from the man's nails that were digging into his already bleeding arm. Ryo panicked, he could not hold this man, he was slipping.

"Dee, help me," Ryo cried out and sighed when Dee added his strength trying to pull Slate up. Slate released Ryo's hands when Dee grabbed him and attempted to grasp his arm only to slide right off. Dee unprepared for the extra weight gripped Slate as he went down. Wrenching his arm. Slate tried to brace his legs against the wall as he heard the sickening sound of his arm breaking. Slate screamed in agony as Dee pulled him back to safety. "Had to choose the hard way," Ryo groused as he began to read Slate his rights.

Break

The chief wanted to be angry. He tried real hard to be angry. He chewed his cigar as he stared at the two men in his office one of them wrapped in bandages along his arm and his pants bulging from bandages on his knees. "You mean to tell me, that he was unsuccessful in pulling you off the edge, because you had sexual lubricant on you?" Ryo blushed ten shades of red but nodded his head. "Get out of my office." The chief said before he could laugh. He did not want to like these detectives, but damn it was getting difficult.

Break

"You're an idiot," Ryo looked up at Laton his dark eyes wide in shock.

"Excuse me," Ryo said when the Elder Dragon seemed to be laughing at him as he left the hospital with bandages along his left arm.

"You have the strength of ten men at your disposal but you continue to live as a man with a man's strength. You have utilized your ability before, but only on behest of your consort or your children. Never for yourself." Laton said snatching Ryo away from the crowd of well wishers and shoving him into the limousine that he had arrived in. Dee grumbled at the sudden loss of his lover and banged on the window of the car.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I have to be getting home to my family." Ryo said reaching for the handle only to realize that there wasn't one. "Grandfather," Ryo sighed. "I am very tired, I just want a bath and dinner."

"Fine," Laton shook his head and the door slide open. "But think about what I have said to you." Ryo nodded and left the car to see Dee with his fist raised prepared to pound on the window again.

"Come on Dee... let's go home," Ryo leaned his head against Dee's shoulder and headed back to their home where their boys and Alicia were awaiting them.

Powdered Sugre 21

April's Fools

The clink and clatter of many dishes welcomed Chihaya as he smiled warmly at the patrons at the Cafe while Kagetsuya worked his particular brand of magic. His bright purple eyes flashed with glee as orders went up. While he sashayed through the crowd waiting tables. Angel breezed by him carrying yards of cream colored satin. He grinned at the many people that flocked to the racks where his clothing hung. Not many of them could afford the pricey items, but it was fun to look. Angel paused and sighed. He knew that the reason he could charge such outrageous prices was because he was the personal designer to the Arcadian Royale. It was his work, and not the royal designers that graced the group on tour and during personal appearances. Angel sighed then disappeared into his office again. Prom season was coming, just because many could not afford his fashions, did not mean that no one could.

Chihaya smiled warmly at Leon and Jill when they entered. "Any chance of us getting a table and some lunch?" Leon asked always in awe of the beautiful little positive angel.

"Of course there is." Chihaya showed them to a table and held up his notepad ready to take their order.

"I am definitely not feeling meat today."Jill grimaced and placed a pale file in her bag.

"Tough case?" Collins asked. Jill looked up at him in his apron and tried to smile.

"Gross even," Jill complained as Leon searched the menu. "He will probably have a hamburger, iron stomach that he has, but I will have a Caesar salad with extra dressing and croûtons."

"Actually," Leon grinned at Jill. Then turned his bright blue eyes to Collins and Chihaya. "I want a chef salad with no meat and lots of cheese."

"This must be a bad case," Chihaya offered a sympathetic smile as he and Collins left the two detectives to their drinks.

"A skinless corpse... yeah," Leon groused.

"I just wish we knew where the skin was," Jill frowned shaking her head.

"That would make this too easy," Leon said firming his resolve to solve this case as soon as possible.

"Oh no," Jill said her frown lightening as she looked at her friend and partner. "We would never want that."

Break

Ryo was smiling as he walked in to the brightly painted building with Alicia. Dee waited in the car going over the files of their new case. Miss Joy beamed a smile when she saw the handsome detective and his beautiful friend come to retrieve their child. Another couple stood by speaking to the other teacher in Lyo's room. Ryo and Alicia stood silently for a while observing Lyo while he played with the other children a smile on both their faces. Lyo paused in his game to pick up the soft ball and turned. "Da-Ryo! Mommy!" Ryo was quick to move in front of Alicia and catch the hurtling child before he could launch himself in to her. Alicia offered a grateful smile.

"Remember what we talked about?" Ryo stood with Lyo in his arms amazing Miss Joy with his strength for when the child had slammed into him he did not move and now he stood from a crouched position with his son in his arms and he had shown no discomfort or strain. "Do not run to mommy like that."

"Keeping the kid away from his mom," Ryo heard the muttered words from the father of another child but chose to ignore them as he turned allowing Lyo to embrace Alicia.

"Yeah, mommy has a baby in there," Lyo said nodding his head as he gave Alicia kisses. "I could hurt her. I'm sorry Mommy and baby." Lyo said he slid down to his feet and pressed his little hands to Alicia's swelled stomach.

"Oh, how many months are you?" Miss Joy asked feeling embarrassed by her other parents who stood staring at Ryo and Alicia with disapproving frowns on their faces.

"Six," Alicia said sitting with obvious relief while Ryo went to gather Lyo's jacket and help the boy tie his shoes.

"Wow, Landy is a joy to have in this class, you must be proud," Miss Joy continued speaking to Alicia. "We will miss him next term. But..." Miss joy paused and looked up at Ryo. "I hope you do not mind if we keep the lullaby CD."

"Oh... You bought that CD?" Ryo paused in his answer to Miss Joy to see the mother that was still staring rudely at him. She moved her shiny black hair aside so that she could pierce him with her watery hazel stare. "Our son loves that CD," She said and reached down for her son's hand when he tried to play with Lyo while their parents talked. Ryo sighed when she snatched the boy behind her as if Lyo was dirty. "Miss Joy was unable to tell us where you bought it. So she made us a copy it is the only way we can get him to sleep at night. Do they have others, like playtime songs?"

"I never bought the CD," Ryo said his cheeks turning slightly red shocking the parent who was amazed at his handsomeness. A waste she thought of her sister, single all this time. No wonder she was single, the attractive men were all gay. "But, Miss Joy, you may keep it if you wish."

"I don't understand." The mother said becoming irritated. " You won't tell me where you got it?"

"He didn't get it anywhere," Miss Joy said feeling sorry for her young student for having such bigoted parents. "The man singing on the CD is Detective MaClean. That is why it is over halfway in Japanese." Miss Joy enjoyed a moment of pure smugness as she watched her words sink into the parents standing before her. "At first I would call him everyday at nap time so that he could sing Landy to sleep, but then he made this CD and now all the kids love it."

"Oh..." The father of the other child said his eyes narrow as he approached Ryo. "What do the songs in Japanese say?" Ryo bristled at the menace in the man's tone.

"Ryo... Doll, I am getting hungry, how long do you intend to keep Dee waiting for us?" Alicia got to her feet making a show of placing a hand on her round tummy."

"This won't take long," Ryo offered a cold smile to the other parents. "-Just subliminal messages to grow up and be homosexual. My way of insuring we take over the world.-" Ryo muttered in Japanese causing Miss Joy to stare at him having never heard him use such a tone of voice even if she did not understand the words. Alicia giggled having spent the years after Leo's death learning Japanese. All while she was pregnant and in hiding she had studied the language. It was how she had come to her decision on what to name Landy. Ryo reached into his pocket for a note pad and began to write. He tore the page off and handed it to the irate father. "That is one of the songs, I think number three. I do not have time to write out all five of the Japanese songs, but I can tell you that five and seven are translated into English in six and eight." Ryo then turned to Miss Joy. "Did you give the invitations to every one in the class?" Ryo smiled sweetly as the father looked down at the neatly written kanji.

Miss Joy nodded, "the children are all excited." Miss Joy spoke with both Ryo and Alicia for a few moments more then sighed as the other parents took their child and stormed out of the room. The invitation to Lyo's fifth birthday party was left behind in the trash pail. Miss Joy waved Ryo and Alicia off with a sad smile as they took Lyo and headed out into the sunlight.

Break

Bikky wandered around ear the kitchen watching as Ryo tapped his foot to the music as he chopped chicken for the night's dinner. He loved their house, Bikky thought gazing at the lumpy sofa in the family room that, for all it's lumps, was as comfortable as anything he had ever sat on. He looked further into the living room where they received guests and admired Ryo's impeccable taste and cleanliness. Rain was shaping up to be just like him. His room was always clean. He said it was because his plants could not grow in a dirty room. Bikky refocused on the living area and smiled. All the other kids at school loved to come to their house. The area rug was imported from Japan while the drapes were made in Arcadia and the wood furniture and good sofa and love seat all came from IKEA.

Bikky moved into the kitchen and sighed at the delicious smells coming from the oven as a cake baked while Ryo put a large pan on the fire to heat adding a little vegetable oil to the pan. Bikky stared in amazement as the fire on the stove seemed to leap in greeting to Ryo dancing merrily in his presence. While the living room and family room were studies in varying degrees of comfort, the kitchen was all efficiency and grace. Stainless steel and shiny black appliances all gleamed with the care Ryo showed each piece. "If you are just going to hover, you may as well come over here and cut the carrots." Bikky gasped when Ryo spoke without turning around while he placed a pot of water with seasoning on the fire.

"Okay," Bikky stepped further into the kitchen. He accepted a knife and began to slice the vegetables while watching Ryo soak the chicken pieces he had cut in thick brown sauce. "Wow. Chicken Terriyaki tonight," Bikky sniffed appreciatively at the smells in the kitchen. They continued in silence for a while the only sound aside from the radio was the knife on the cutting board. Bikky cast small glances Ryo's way then sighed and went back to chopping. Dee looked into the kitchen then shook his head and left the two alone heading off Rain by tossing him a pack of pop tarts that he ate cold and finished his homework. Bikky looked again at Ryo then back at his hands. "I know what you're going to say."

"Bikky..." Ryo paused as he and Bikky had started speaking at the same time

"I know that I am young... But we are being careful and... I know I love her and she loves me. We have been together since I was like six you know." Bikky continued then sighed. When he could not think of anything more to say he peeked at Ryo surprised by that fact that he did not have to look up to look him in the eye. When had that happened? Bikky wondered to himself as he gazed at Ryo from an entirely new perspective. He could see how Dee had fallen so hard. Being hit with the full force of those eyes was something to remember.

"Bikky, I will not tell you not to," Ryo said surprising Bikky. "I know you are a teenager with hormones beyond your control. Despite what you may believe I understand." Ryo smiled then and added the chicken to the pan of hot oil. He sprinkled a little salt into the mix and began to stir with a big wooden fork and spatula. " I do not wish to create a situation where you feel it necessary to lie to me or do things behind my and Dee's backs. As long as you are being careful and understand the consequences of your actions and accept responsibility if it is needful I will say no more." Ryo placed the vegetables into the steaming water for a few minutes before he pulled them out and wrapped them in foil to be placed in the oven. Bikky felt as if the weight of a thousand pounds had been lifted from his shoulders. Bikky had spoken at length with Laton about his fears of his fire use. Laton had laughed softly then explained that he had no reason to fear, then advised that he speak with Ryo. "Bikky..." Ryo said when the teenager was reaching into the fridge for a can of soda.

"Yes," Bikky turned around feeling the hairs at the nape of his neck prickle at the tone of Ryo's voice.

"Respect this house," Ryo words seemed to echo in the stylish kitchen. Bikky stood still and absorbed the meaning. He nodded to Ryo.

Ryo turned back to their dinner checking the boiling rice and gasped when he felt a strong hand on his arm turn him around. Bikky held Ryo in a light embrace. "Thanks... Dad," Bikky said then released Ryo after he had briefly returned the hug. "Smells good." Bikky grabbed his soda and left the kitchen. Ryo heaved a large sigh then turned back to his family's dinner.

Ryo tensed then relaxed when another pair of hands encircled his waist. A smile crept over his face as he felt Dee press into his back. "Okay?" Dee asked against the shell of a sensitive ear. Ryo nodded and turned his face up to Dee's searching lips.

"Everything's fine," Ryo said when his mouth was his own again.

"I told you it would be easier to let him come to us," Dee smirked as he wrapped his arms fully around Ryo while he stirred the chicken and poured more of the tasty sauce on the frying meat. "And I knew he would go to you."

"Yeah well," Ryo smiled as his eyes wandered to their large back yard full of a pool, enclosed hot tub, deck, gazebo, play area for Lyo including a swing set, slide and sandbox and an area for the kids to play basketball. Ryo often wondered why they even bothered to take Lyo to the park anymore then at the same time realized that he needed interaction with other children his age. "He's always told me."

Break

Carl Anderson frowned as a High prince of Arcadia strode into his office. Bad enough yesterday he had to deal with those people while he picked up his son. Last night he had taken the CD from his son's room then had to listen to his child scream for several hours until he fell into an exhausted slumber. Tricia, his wife, was not speaking to him because she had tried to cajole him into giving the CD back to no avail. He would not have his son influenced by those pedophilic sodomites. Carl looked with displeasure at High Prince Daphnus and his secretary as they sat. "How can I help you?" He asked refusing to utter the Your Highness that was supposed to be used to address him as a show of respect. He was an American for crying out loud. Just because the rest of the country licked his boots did not mean that Carl Jason Anderson had to. No sir.

Carl paused at the look of amusement on Daphnus face before those beautiful eyes turned to his secretary and nodded with an imperious gesture he only used when annoyed. Jash nodded his head concentrating on maintaining his human form he reached into his briefcase and pulled out several documents then addressed Mr. Anderson when he knew Daphnus would not deign to. "As you know," Jash said glad to hear the tinny sound of vocals through a beak silenced by his human esophagus. "X-Ta-C is a world wide foundation. Half of the profits from all sales, including concert tickets, album, promotional items and video are allotted to all the hospitals built in honor of the poor and destitute in the areas they serve. The other half going to maintain the safe houses built for the refuge of abused men, women and children, or individuals that have no where else to go."

"Yes very charitable," Carl muttered forcing a smile. He then looked closer at the royal in his office again amazed at his beauty. When he had first seen him all that time ago when their first album was released he had mistaken him for an astonishingly beautiful woman. It had been like a kick in the gut to realize that he was male.

"The point to this friendly recap," Jash said regaining Carl's attention. "Is that this hospital receives more than enough funds to provide exceptional care to its under privileged patients. Yet we have come across several cases of people in need of re-constructive surgery that have not received it. Underweight babies leaving the hospital before they are ready. Substituting casts for light wraps on bad sprains leaving a permanent disfigurement in some cases. The poor of this city are starting to look like deformed monsters because they are receiving sub-standard care. Why is that? I know you receive the proper amount of money. I sign the checks."

"Well," Carl could feel the sweat build on his forehead and bead on his upper lip. "We implemented a screening program and not all of the patients qualify for the funds." Carl stammered forcing a smile in the face of Daphnus cold stare. Still the prince said nothing. "If they make above the decided upon amount of money then they could pay for the operations and treatment."

"If they could afford to pay for the operations and treatment I do believe they would." Jash said his face turning red. He took several breaths and concentrated on maintaining a human appearance. "The truth is they are left with the awful choice of health care or rent. Surgery or food. Parents that have to take off their meager paying jobs to stay home with children discharged from the hospital long before they are ready."

"Well sir, if they went home it is probably because they chose to we have never told a parent they must take their child home," Carl explained glad that it was true. The look in Daphnus eyes seemed as if he could see right through him.

"Only because they exceeded the days that would be covered by the program. Knowing that they could not afford the extra care, they had no choice but to leave." Jash stared at the human before him feeling the urge to eat him and be done with the whole mess. He felt a mental tugging and looked at the high prince. Daphnus gave him a warning sigh and continued to refuse to speak. "Alright your Highness," Jash said after a probing look from Daphnus. "I want a copy of all of your financial records and all of the past cases. This hospital will now be audited by the accounting department of Arcadia."

"Files?" Carl said the color draining from his face as he stared at Jash and Daphnus.

"Yes, you know usually paper in folders, sometimes, with this new technology, it can be stored of computer discs." Jash stood to his feet. "If you will take me to them Ican collect them now." Carl stood as well his eyes panicked as he gazed at the high prince who now smirked at him. They knew. There was no way they could not know. Why else would they be auditing the facilities?

Carl stared as High Prince Daphnus pulled out his cell phone. "Hello Detective," Carl paused. His voice was husky, yet not deep. It seemed designed to confound normal observers into questioning his gender and their own sexuality. Feeling his body respond to the beautiful man, Carl forced the image of his wife to chase away his damning thoughts. "Yes I am well, thank you for asking. I was hoping Detective MaClean." Carl paused at the name and his mood turned black as they walked down the well kept halls of the hospital. "I need some legal advise..." Daphnus laughed as Ryo commented then switched to Japanese as he followed the irate accountant to their destination. Carl fumed as his mind went in several different directions at once. He half listened to Daphnus hoping that he would speak in English again. He needed a plan, he would need money soon. Real soon. Carl marched ahead of the intruders and made plans to call his lawyer as soon as he could.

Break

Count D sat in the garden watching as Aoi sat on the grass with Kurayami in her arms. The toddler was careful to sit still and not jostle her brother who stared up at her with mis-matched eyes, one deep purple and one blue. As he was now seven pounds, his face was remarkably less wrinkled though D feared that he would be small all his life. Perhaps even smaller than his papa. D stood to prepare the afternoon repast for his children and an extra snack for Chris who would be home from school soon. "Papa, Kura-Chan sleep now," Aoi called to Count D as he returned with her lunch.

D took his son into his arms while Aoi toddled over to her plate of fresh cut vegetables and fruit. "Aoi, dearest," Count D said speaking Mandarin to her as he always did, while Leon only spoke English. The child had learned both languages with ease. Now whenever she spoke to Leon she only spoke English and she spoke Mandarin to her papa, grand father and Sofu. "High Princess Andromache is bringing over Nicklaus and little Lyssa to play with you after lunch." Aoi's eyes brightened and she clapped her hands in glee. Count D smiled at his daughter. He hummed a gentle tune as he carried Kurayami to his bed.

Break

Mrs Joanne Stander tried to force her heart back into her chest as it seemed to be attempting to jump out so hard was it beating. She looked up the stairs to see her youngest son cowering at the top as he tried to see who had knocked on the door. Whenever they had visitors Justin hid from view ashamed of his burned and scarred appearance. "Y...Yes," Joanne gulped when the word came out as a squeak. Rissa hobbled out on her crutches to see her mother staring goggled eyed at one of the most beautiful men she had ever seen. Rissa vaguely recalled seeing him at the hospital, but he was not a part of the band. His honey colored hair gleamed in the deep light of the setting sun.

"Hello, I am detective Randy MaClean and I have a few questions concerning your experience with Saint Francis hospital. Is this a bad time?"

"Oh, no, just finishing up afternoon lessons," Joanne stepped aside so that Ryo could enter her house. It was small and sparsely furnished with furniture that had seen better days but for all Ryo could tell it was spotless. Ryo noted the uniform that Mrs. Stander wore and knew she worked as a waitress at the restaurant down the street and around the corner. Close enough to walk Ryo added the information to his mental notepad while he pulled out his actual notepad and a pen.

"Now the insurance of the drunken driver has replaced or repaired your vehicle?" Ryo asked when he accepted the chair at the table. Ryo automatically shifted his balance when the chair wobbled beneath him. Watching as she sat, he realized she must have offered him the best chair she had. The kitchen, where the family took their meals was also furnished with old, ratty things, but clean. He looked out of the window and saw clothes hanging on a line.

"We can't afford much, I do not have a washer, but I make sure my kids are clean," Joanne said her lip firming in the face of her poverty.

"Admirable," Ryo smiled at her his heart paining him as he hoped he could find a way to help them.

"As for the car, well the insurance company paid for it to be fixed so Nathan can get to work. That's my husband. He is a janitor at Rissa's school. She can go back next week."

"I am glad to hear that," Ryo said then sighed when he saw the tears in Joanne's eyes. He knew, from studying the files from the hospital that Daphnus had given him the other day that Rissa may never dance again not without extensive medical attention and rehabilitation. Services the family could not afford. "What school does she attend?" Ryo asked trying to bring the woman around from her morose thoughts.

"Oh, um, Core South High School. She is in ninth grade and so smart too. Always does her homework and helps me with Justin. Look," Joanne got to her feet and bustled away with the doting smile of a proud parent. She returned a moment later with Rissa's latest grade slip. "Not so good with geography," Joanne explained the one C that was the lowest grade on the entire card. "But right smart." Ryo nodded as he handed the card back to her. "Oh please forgive me, how rude," Joanne replaced the card on the old refrigerator that leaned slightly to the left. "Can I offer you something. I have fresh water or... Milk."

"Oh, no thank you, my partner and I had lunch not too long ago before we split up for the day." Ryo explained showing her the bottle of water that he had been carrying when he entered the house.

"Detective MaClean?" Joanne began but heard her daughter gasp as realization hit her.

"You..." Rissa trembled on her crutches as he hobbled closer to Ryo. "You're Rain's father!"

"The singer you like?" Joanne smiled at her daughter then her eyes widened in horror. "Oh no, the house is... I am sorry to show you something like this." Joanne teared up looking at the shabbiness of her home in the face of the celebrity in her midst.

"I will take it as an insult if you continue your shame." Ryo said his heart paining him to see them suffer so. Ryo looked around at the bits of plastic pottery. For all the inexpensive accessories, the house was clean and flowers the pots held were well tended. "In fact, your home is lovely. It is clean and cared for. You do what you can, with what you have. I have seen people with so much more than you squander their gifts needlessly." Ryo's smile warmed Joanne and Rissa. "I am honored that you would welcome me." Ryo clasped his hands in front of him as he did when appearing in the Arcadian court as Prince of the eastern Dragons. "Now please, sit with me and tell me all about your experiences at Saint Francis hospital." Joanne and Rissa nodded. Rissa sighed as she looked into the stairway and saw Justin crouched by the door staring at Ryo with nothing less than awe. Rissa smiled hoping to encourage her brother to come out of hiding. Justin shook his head the rustling of his stringy hair disturbing the wind enough for Ryo to turn and see him as he dashed up the stairs and out of sight. Ryo sighed. He would definitely have to do something about the state of this family.

Break

It smelled lovely. Lord D sniffed the cup that Princess Clarisande held out to him. "Please Lord D." Clarisande said touching his arm as gently as she could manage. "I mean no offense, you know. I think you are beautiful, but right now, you look like a skin wrapped skeleton."

"I could never take offense at you speaking the truth," Lord D whispered then tried to push himself up to a sitting position his arms trembling with the effort. The slight movement caused his empty stomach to heave. "At this rate, I will lose the child. My body is losing the strength to sustain it." Lord D said tears leaking from his eyes.

"When was the last time you retained food?" Clarisande asked as she helped him to sit up amazed at how light he was. She could lift him with one hand. No wonder JJ had come to her in tears begging for the help that Lord D swore he did not need. He had claimed to be fine. He had said that he had survived the rigors of childbirth before. But this was different, this was killing him.

"Two weeks ago," Lord D admitted feeling his abnormally pale face flush. "When the sickness first started. Father said each Kami has one if they make it to two they are not likely to survive. Male Kami's have rarely survived birth. But I had two the first time. Now I have nothing left. My body is strained, it is too soon. He wept as he told me that if I had not connected to D as I did. My body never would have conceived. But we all know, D would have miscarried if I had not. What else could I do?" Lord D dissolved into tears his frail hands coming up to cover his face marked by dark circles his cheekbones once so smooth now sunken and sallow.

"You knew the risks and you did it anyway," Clarisande sniffled. "You gave your life for your son. Here," Clarisande held the chalice to Lord D's lips. "It is vitamins and plant extracts mixed with mirandia milk and Maisia juice. Also," Clarisande paused lifting Lord D's head for he had not the strength to hold the cup in his hands. "Celestial's tears."

"My lady?" Lord D gasped turning his face from the cup. "Soofu A said that my father's progeny were all spoiled. I have to suffer the consequences of my actions."

"Are you so anxious to die?!" Clarisande yelled tears falling down her face thinking of Sofu D as he too had approached her on behalf of his son. Every bit of his strength that he had given Lord D was regurgitated he was at his limits. "For one so powerful as your father to throw away his pride and ask for aid." Clarisande mused aloud. "If you can not think of yourself then think of him. Think of D who still needs his father's guiding hand. What about Kibo and Shinrai? JJ? Aoi needs her grandfather as does Kurayami. Your patients need you. Will you selfishly abandon all of us here who love you? And the child? Will you take him with you?" Clarisande placed her hand on Lord D's bony abdomen staring in horror at the sunken depression of his bed robe. She could see his ribs through the fine silk. Her slanted eyes flashed with desperate anger and determined love. Clarisande held the chalice, a heavy sigh of relief falling from her as Lord D drank.

Break

Dee watched Ryo as he worked. Pummeling the bread dough as one would a punching bag at a gum. He wanted to say something but knew Ryo would work his problem out in his own. Dee smiled as he recalled the heated look Ryo had sent his way. That was one way to distract himself from his problems. But Ryo had turned away wishing to think some more. So he had gone into the kitchen instead leaving Dee to anticipate a feast. Ryo stared off into the distance not seeing it or his surroundings. Dee sighed, perhaps it would not hurt to offer a little bit of advise. But he was horrible when it came to this kind of thing. Usually it was Ryo who worked out these kind of problems. Dee smiled as a thought occurred to him and he approached Ryo. "Hey, Baby."

"Yeah?" Ryo did not turn around but his hands gentled as he kneaded the dough forcing himself to calm down before he baked the bread on the counter with his heightened temperature.

"You want to help the Stander family?" Ryo did not bother to answer the obvious question. "There are thousands of poor in this city. You can not shelter them all or we would soon join them."

"I know," Ryo said so softly that Dee had to strain to catch the words.

"Besides," Dee stood behind Ryo and turned him to the side so he could better look into his fathomless eyes. "If you give a man a fish..."Dee grinned as he watched Ryo's eyes light with the fire of excited understanding.

"Dee!" Ryo hugged Dee tight his hands pressed firmly to Dee's back as he drank in the sweet masculine scent of his lover. "Thank you...Chotto..." Ryo winced hiding his face from Dee in the toned pectoral muscles he was pressed against. "Dee... Koibito, go change your shirt."

"What? Why?" Dee asked his brow lowering when Ryo stepped hastily away from him. Understanding came and he glowered as Ryo held up his hands covered in sticky bread dough. "Why you!" Ryo laughed dashing away to the other side of the kitchen with Dee in hot pursuit. "I'll get you," Dee delighted in seeing Ryo laugh and play so much. Ryo ducked under Dee's outstretched arms only to feel the belt on his pants snagged from behind. Dee hauled Ryo against the counter and kissed him soundly. "You better put extra cinnamon in that." Dee said when he peeled his lips away.

Ryo was smiling after him as he sauntered up the stairs. The back door opened and Ryo's smile dimmed as Bikky entered the kitchen and dropped his bag. "Bikky," Ryo greeted his son and went to wash his hands before he moved the bread dough into a bowl and covered it with a wet towl. All the while Bikky stood staring about himself as if in shock. "Where's Rain? Oh," Ryo said looking out the window into the backyard to see Rain's slender form laying on a patch of grass that was surrounded by many flowers in various colors. Rain lay on his stomach with his journal in hand drinking in the beauty of the world around him while Lyo sat contentedly in his sandbox. "Bikky," Ryo said when Bikky trudged over to the kitchen table and sat as if he carried the world. "Are you okay?"

"Ryo... I need help," Bikky said the catch in his voice worrying Ryo who dried his hands and sat down at the table so that he could talk with Bikky. "I don't know what to do." Ryo was becoming more worried as still Bikky would not meet his eyes. When he did look up they were swimming with tears so that the pure blue orbs resembled the turbulent sea. "Today at school..." Bikky paused as if reliving the horror of his experience over again. "Today Carol told me... she said... she's late."

Powdered Sugre 22

Wake Up

(Your Life Is Calling)

Bikky could not recall the house being so silent since they had moved in. Ryo sat with him at the table and said nothing but Bikky knew that Ryo's mind was working, he could tell by the small furrow in his usually smooth brow. He did not look upset, or worried, in fact to Bikky's mind he did not even look surprised. While Bikky felt his entire world imploding, Ryo sat in an unreal calmness that worked to help Bikky's racing heart slow down. "What do we do now?" Bikky asked when Ryo continued his silent thoughts.

Ryo looked up as if he had forgotten that Bikky was even in the room with him. He had heard the words, and he thought of calling Lord D to look at Carol, then he remembered that Lord D was ill. His next thought was having Daphnus reevaluate Bikky's trust fund and see how they could make it into an account to help Carol and the child while they both finished school. He also thought of where they would live and how it would figure in with his and Dee's career. All the while wondering what rank in Arcadia the child of the son of a prince would have and if Laton would bless the birth of young, unwed parents. Then he thought of them getting married, it was modern times, they did not have to wed, but it would simplify things. Or would it? Ryo could remember meeting Carol's aunt, both in New York and here in California, she was a pleasant woman, a bit stern, but loving in her own way. How would she respond to the news?

"This is the song that doesn't endddd," Lyo burst into the house with Rain, marching as he sang at the top of his lungs. "Yes it goes on and on my frienddddd! Some people staaaarted singing it not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever just because... This is the song that doesn't enddddd..." He marched around the living room singing then tromped into the kitchen to march around the table. Rain entered the kitchen and rummaged through the refrigerator. "Yes it goes on and on my frienddddd!" As Lyo continued his march through the house singing.

"Ryo?" Bikky said again when he could hear his own thoughts in his head again. "What to do?"

"Check the bread," Ryo said getting to his feet. "Don't want it to rise too much." Bikky stared at Ryo's back as he got to his feet and went to the counter.

For a few moments Bikky wondered if Ryo had not heard him. "Ryo? Carol is late, what should I do?"

"Has she seen a doctor?" Ryo asked patting the bread then putting it into a well oiled pan. "Or taken one of the over the counter tests? Though I would suggest a doctor."

Bikky shook his head, thinking better of his actions he answered, "No," knowing that Ryo could not hear his head shaking.

"Well that is the first thing that we should do." Ryo said, he put the bread in the heated oven. Then turned to face Bikky. "Too bad Lord D is sick, we will just have to schedule an appointment with..." Ryo paused as he thought of taking Carol to a regular clinic. "No... There is another option." Ryo went to the phone and dialed the consulate. "Hello, Lady Aurora, how are you doing." As Ryo exchanged pleasantries with the vampire, Bikky feared that he would suggest she do something to Carol. Realizing he was being irrational Bikky calmed his breathing and paid attention. He knew Ryo, loved him and Ryo returned the affection not only to him, but to Carol as well. "Is Sofu available?" Then it all made sense to him. "Yes, tomorrow after school I will bring them. Thank you," Ryo hung up the phone then went back to making dinner.

"Ryo... I'm sorry," Bikky got to his feet to stand beside Ryo.

"You are young, Bikky. So young," Ryo sighed. "You both have the whole world in front of you. Carol is supposed to be going to college. Do you know how hard that is going to be with a baby?"

"Then I will take time off from school and watch it while she goes to class."

"You are not dropping out of school," Ryo said in a firm voice that allowed no room for argument.

"Who's dropping out of school?" Dee stormed into the kitchen when he heard Ryo's raised voice. "What's up baby?" Dee brushed a kiss on Ryo's cheek, they all sighed as Lyo came marching back downstairs.

"Yes it goes on and on my frienddddd... Some people staaaarted singing it not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever just because..." Lyo added clapping to his singing going around the couch. Ryo placed long fingers on his brow. Getting back to the meat he began to fry the steaks while the potatoes boiled. He got out the materials to mash them then flipped the meat and went into the refrigerator for fresh vegetables to cut up.

"Carol is late, she could be pregnant, we will find out for sure tomorrow." Ryo explained watching his food cook hoping that Dee would maintain a level head.

"Not one of the lucky ones." Dee mused with a soft chuckle that confounded Ryo. "Of all the babes I trounced, I never left em' with a kid."

"Dee, don't be crude," Ryo turned and saw that Dee's chuckle was not full of mirth. He gasped then went back to his cooking at the fire in Dee's eyes.

"I would rather be crude than an idiot!" Dee said to Bikky. "I thought Ryo taught you more sense."

"I'm sorry," Bikky said again the same time Ryo said, "Dee please."

"What... you are going to take care of it?" Dee groused folding his arms over his chest. "I see what Soofu A meant when he told Sofu D that his children were spoiled. They do stupid things and then leave it up to him to either solve it or live with the consequences. You are doing the same damn thing."

"Dee, let's not discuss it now," Ryo turned back to his cooking.

"Now or when? We are not taking this issue to bed with us," Dee reminded Ryo of their attempts at keeping arguments out of the bedroom. Ryo's best way of doing that was to simply lock Dee out of the bedroom when he was displeased with him. Bikky stared between his parents with tears in his eyes. He had never meant to make them argue. They were one of the best examples of a solid relationship. Yeah they argued and Ryo would not have sex with Dee if he was upset, but there was something more here. They had never argued, seriously argued, about the boys.

"Please, it will be okay, please don't fight," Bikky begged he looked up when he heard Rain come into the kitchen with a worried frown on his pretty face. "I won't quit school, I'll get a job or something, and uh... just don't fight okay." Bikky begged he pulled Ryo into a hug surprising Dee that he and Ryo were the same height. Bikky held Ryo as if protecting him from Dee.

"Bikky," Dee deflated and slumped against the counter. "You're only fifteen, Carol is barely eighteen. Life is just starting and you've gone and added a big responsibility."

"We do not know that for sure," Ryo sighed. "She could bleed tomorrow or next week and it will all be just a nice little episode in the tapestry of life." Bikky paused wondering at Ryo's sudden urge to speak poetry. "What you need to do now is finish your homework," Ryo sent Bikky from the kitchen. With his head lowered he walked past Rain without a word. "Dee you call Daphnus and see if he can take Rain to rehearsals tomorrow, Rain you go ask Alicia if she would mind being with Lyo tomorrow while we take Carol and Bikky to the consulate. Sofu is going to have a look."

"Uh, okay, I was just coming to tell you that JJ called," Rain nodded afraid of the tense atmosphere in his home. Ryo noted the slight tremor and feared the worse having last seen Lord D looking like death approached him at rapid speed. "He said that Lord D is doing better, Princess Clarisande helped him. He is still too weak to work, but he is no longer dying."

"That's good," Ryo sighed with pleasure. Dee grinned and passed a hand over Rain's head.

"Some people staaaaarted singing it not knowing what it was..."

Lyo's loud song reverberated through Ryo's already throbbing head. "Rain if you could... make... him... stop." Rain laughed a little then went out into the living room where his youngest brother was still singing and marching clapping his hands to the tune of his own making. Dee watched, fascinated, while Rain spoke a few words and the boy quieted down and headed off to retrieve his coloring books and crayons. Rain then turned a bright smile on his parents then went to help Bikky with his homework. Ryo heaved a loud expulsion of air. He flipped his steak and checked the bread before beginning to chop the vegetables. Dee grumbled going to make a few phone calls while Ryo finished cooking dinner.

Break

Count D stood on the tips of his toes to place a kiss on Leon's lips while he waved him off to work. The Consulate was trying to be home to them, and he sighed missing the docile calm of the pet shop. The builders were going fast, but even then, he did not know how long it would take after they were done for his grandfather to reset the parameters of the shop. Count D wondered if it would even be the same as it was before, or would his father accommodate their fast growing family and many friends. Aoi tugged his finger. Count D looked down at his daughter to see her raising her hands. He bent to pick her up while humming a Mandarin lullaby. "Shall we go check on Kura-Chan?" D asked the small girl in his arms.

"Hai papa," Aoi clapped her hands. The found Kurayami awake in his little bed. "Hi little brother," Aoi peeked over the side of the bed. Count D laughed when the baby blew a kiss. As he grew in size, his wrinkles smoothed out so that he more closely resembled his relatives. "He is a beautiful baby, Count D." D started then relaxed as Heaven appeared beside in a puff of fragrant smoke. As she solidified Count D scooped Kurayami into his arms and patted his back.

"Thank you Heaven, might I ask how you are doing?" Count D went to the changing table to clean his bottom. "Father says that when they, my children, reach adulthood, they will choose to live as either a human or a Kami. If they choose a Kami, their bodies will no longer produce waste."

"This is true," Heaven said for she had avoided his question. Being human and vampire and angel she was plagued with the benefits and drawbacks of each race. Wishing for a middle ground of peace she knew could only be found in death Heaven aimed a rueful smile at Aoi.

"Soon... sleep comes. Then smile at his grace." Aoi gave Heaven a smile with her odd words as she toddled after Count D to hand him the wipes and diapers along with his powder. "Papa, I help." Heaven stood for a while watching as the small family went about their day while Leon worked. A typical family. Heaven sniffled, dissolved into smoke and left them alone. Count D turned at her passing to see nothing amiss in the room. He sighed then went back to cleaning his son. Today he would take his children to see their grandfather. According to JJ, the children would help to bolster his spirits. Sofu had come by to let him know that his father was better, but far from well. The angel tears had saved his life, but only love would save his flagging spirit.

"Come sweetlings," Count D carried Kurayami and reached a hand for Aoi. He found his father lounging in the garden. A fairy sat at his side feeding him grapes and sliced peaches. Gentle breezes coursed through the garden. Count D approached his father. At the sight of his sire, Count D's breathing caught in his throat. Though he was eating and JJ had assured him that he had gained weight, Lord D looked pathetically frail. "Chi Chi Ue," Count D said sitting beside his father on the lounge. "Please may I?" Count D accepted the platter of fruit. "Aoi, go find your uncles and play for a while. Kura-chan and I will take care here." Aoi nodded her head reaching to kiss her grandfather, she scooted to her feet and ran off further in the garden to find her uncles playing with the Kirin foals. Count D summoned a bassinet that he laid the infant in.

"I can manage, Princess Clarisande decided that I could not feed myself, but I am fine." Lord D tried to take the platter from Count D and feed himself only to have Count D hold it aloft. "Nani-"

"If you can reach it, I will give it to you," Count D smirked when his sire slumped back tired from his efforts to sit up.

"Such impertinence, I would never speak to my father so," Lord D huffed. He would have said more, but a peach was put into his mouth.

"No, you've said worse," Count D gasped then looked over his shoulder at Sofu who stood with a smile on his face. Q-Chan chirped on his shoulder her tiny paw on his cheek. The furry form was the only way that she could enjoy the sunlight with any degree of comfort. "You are looking better child." Sofu gave a small smile. "Behave, or I will give your offspring leave to berate you." Q-Chan squeaked and stomped her little webbed foot on Sofu's shoulder.

Count D sat in silence for a while feeding his father fruit until he shook his head. "Desist, I promise I can eat no more." Lord D raised a frail hand and was surprised when Count D took the small hand in his own. "Child?" Lord D forced his eyes open and gasped as he looked at his son.

Count D clutched his father's hand his face pale as his eyes filled but he blinked rapidly refusing to shed the tears that threatened with each heartbeat. "I know, that I am released from the parental constraints," Count D began. "I have more freedom than any Kami in history, but You and grandfather can still feel me when I am in distress so great is the love that you bear me. Do you not think it works both ways?" Count D could not stop the single tear that escaped his careful guarding. "Chi Chi Ue, I felt you dying...And there was nothing I could do about it." Count D sighed his lip trembled but he vowed he would not give in to sobs that would upset his children. "I could hear my brother scream in fear and I could not help him either. Please Chi Chi Ue," Count D kissed his father's hand. "Please take care that you live."

"Gomen... Gomen nasai," Lord D used all of his strength to sit up and take Count D into his arms. Count D stilled afraid to return the embrace for his father was so thin he could easily break him. "I will rest now and recoup my strength. I will get better." Lord D spoke the words with a finality that Count D and Sofu could believe. Q-Chan chirped and left her husband to sleep on the pillow beside her son's head. Count D sighed, leaving his father in the care of Sofu so that he could monitor the children where they played in the Kirin's garden. Sofu sat keeping silent vigil while his precious child slept.

Break

JJ rounded the corner crashing into a solid wall of muscle. "Well, you are looking better." Berkeley commented on the dark circles that had begun to fade from underneath JJ's eyes.

"Oh, Sorry my work has been so poor lately commissioner. My Darling has been gravely ill. We feared for his life." JJ explained hoping the commissioner would accept his reason and leave him be. There was no more that he could safely explain. Even Jeremy, his cousin, was left in the dark about his particular family. Soon though, JJ mused, soon they would have to do something before the world noticed that the special Arcadian CIA officers had all ceased to age. It was especially noticeable in Ryo who it seemed, as time went by, got more beautiful.

"He is ill quite a bit, I do hope it is not contagious. It would be disadvantageous to have my best detectives hospitalized." Berkeley said with a concerned smile he waved at JJ then went back into his office. He would do some investigating of his own. He had read all of Orcot's notes on the Pet Shop as well as those of the late Randolph. What was it about those Chinese men that filled this city with a slight unrest that he knew would be worse if they ever left. They were entrenched and had a hold on his precinct as well with them marrying his detectives or enlisting them for that Arcadian army. Speaking of Arcadia... Where in the hell was it?

Break

Carol tried her best to focus on the glittering jewels of the consulate as she held on to Bikky's hand. They passed the throne room on their way to the suite of rooms where Sofu was waiting for them. Dee looked tired and Ryo looked well rested as if Dee had sat up wanting Ryo and Ryo had slept the night through ignoring him. Bikky could not believe he had been the cause of an argument between the two most important people in his life. He had tried so hard to make them proud. Even going so far as to get extra tutoring so that he would do well in school. Looking after Rain, heck that was no chore really, he adored Rain and Lyo. They were a family. Family? Bikky sighed. Perhaps he would make that family larger.

Bikky always knew that he would give Ryo and Dee grandchildren, he just never expected it to be so soon. The halls seemed to go on forever reminding Bikky of the magic in the pet shop. Bikky gasped when the halls were growing larger, longer, wider. He held in a smile when he realized that they were no longer in Los Angeles. Glancing out a grand window, Arcadia spread out before him in verdant hills and lush foliage. He inhaled the sweet scent of the ocean that was just visible beyond the the trees. "It will be alright, Bikky," Ryo's words came to him seeming from a distance and Bikky noted that he had ceased to follow them.

Ryo inclined his head shocked that Dee nodded his encouragement. Last night he had been so disappointed in Bikky, today, underneath the sun of Arcadia, he seemed mellow. The sky in LA had been overcast and raining. Ryo too paused to appreciate the beauty of the sunny sky. "A whole new world,"Dee muttered earning a soft laugh from Bikky.

"At the moment, I am glad that Rain is elsewhere in this place." Bikky smiled wishing the exact opposite. Bikky frowned trying to remember when he had begun to depend on Rain to help him deal with the tougher issues of life. The younger boy was surprisingly tough, yet wise. Beautiful in a feminine way, but strong as a young boy should be. He was almost a perfect replica of Ryo. "The last thing I need right now is for him to break out in song." Bikky mused. He sighed in relief as they came upon the door marked with the symbol of the Kirin. The great beast had gladly allowed the Kami to dwell in their garden while the shop was rebuilt on earth.

Zarro had off course offered the esteemed guests their own suite, but Count D and Lord D had both declined to build their own garden in the palace. Their suite was near enough that Lord D and Count D did not suffer the ill effects of being away from a natural garden as they had both done while in New York. Bikky started when the door was opened and Sofu stood before them in a satin creation of deep green with white gardenia sewn along the hem and cuffs. At his throat was petals of what appeared to be a still living bloom. Its fragrance clouded Bikky's mind as he stared at the beautiful creature before him.

"Enough dawdling, I do not have all day," Sofu intoned ushering them all inside. Carol sat in silence while Sofu looked at her his deep golden eyes penetrating her to her very core. "Humans are easy to read, like books with but a few pages written in language any child could comprehend." Sofu smiled his small smirk that infuriated all who saw it. "The only life you bear is your own." Sofu turned away from Carol. "If you will excuse me I must see to my son." Sofu had left them alone each of them stunned into silence.

"He just looked at her," Bikky's voice carried the amazement of his fathers and Carol. "He say's that Lord D is more skilled than he is, but... Lord D would have at least had to touch her."

"No," Bikky yelped at Lady Aurora's words so close to him that he could feel a cold shiver run down his spine where the warm tingle of her breath should have been. She stood in a crimson dress edged in silver and gold making sure to keep to the shadows so that the sun could not find her pale hued skin. "My son would have touched her to be considerate of your frail human sensibilities. Sofu simply does not care, therein he admits that my D has more skill. It takes more than the knowledge of a tune to play a symphony."

"Cryptic must run in the family," Dee muttered when he was sure the ancient vamp had left them alone.

"Um Dee," Ryo said his sigh of relief turning into a worried frown. "If she is not pregnant, why is she late? Pregnant was the simple answer. I fear we need to have Sofu look for something that could be worse."

"Worse, like... Is Carol sick?" Bikky asked for Carol had dissolved into tears.

"I wish I knew," Ryo patted his son's trembling shoulder as they went to find Rain and wait for his rehearsal to be over. For sure things in their life was about to get a lot more complicated.
Powdered Sugre 23

May It Be

(Complicated)

Ryo, Dee, Carol and Bikky walked down the halls of the Arcadian palace in search of the practice room where X' Ta-C was rehearsing. Ryo gasped as they could hear Kenneth singing long before they rounded the corner into the room. "I've got a pocket, got pocket full of sunshine..." He smiled when he saw Bikky and the others enter the room. Dee looked around for Rain then was nearly blown away as he belted from his position beside Daphnus' son.

"Take me away..." Rain nodded his head and tapped his foot to the beat. Ryo and Dee leaned back forgetting their troubles as they watched their little Rain shine like the sun.

"Hey sexy," Ryo tensed at the soft voice that whispered in his ear. He turned to meet the deep eyed stare of Brian. "Have you thought about my offer?"

"Aren't you married to..." Ryo looked around as he tried to remember the name of the young man he had met when last summer's tour had passed through Pittsburgh. "Justin."

"He loves me," Brian said winking at Dee. "He would never deny me a bounce with someone so luscious."

"Man, let it go," Bikky muttered coming to stand beside Ryo before Dee could say anything to Brian. "The last person to try anything with him, burned..." Bikky grinned then patted Carol's hand before letting it go to wrap his arms around Ryo. "Alive." He added when Brian simply stared at him. Brian laughed and turned away noting that as he did, Bikky released Ryo.

"Alright boys," Daphnus said halting the music. "Now, Brian has arranged for us to have a guest for our next album, but... It would be rude to expect him to stay in a hotel for the entire summer, yet I would not want to ask him to live at the consulate." Daphnus words carried an extreme meaning, for at night when the consulate was closed to outsiders, it was simply a front that lead directly to Arcadia, with no oblique halls and mind twists.

"I am actually going to have to go see about his plane arrangements and when he will be here." Brian announced as he packed up his briefcase. " I will let you know when he gets to town and you can tell me where to take him." Brian left the room to the sigh of Ryo glad to see him go. His stares were uncomfortable and he refused to take no for an answer. Ryo would really hate to have to hurt the man to prove his point. Daphnus sighed as Brian left then turned to Ryo and Dee.

"Why are you looking at us like that?" Dee demanded when still Daphnus said nothing. Before Daphnus could answer a commotion at the door drew their attention. Ryo gasped to see Alicia storming into the room.

"Where is he?!" Her eyes scanned the area coming around to rest on Ryo. "Damn you!" Ryo eyes widened and he shook his head. Ryo placed his palms up in a conciliatory manner and backed away as she charged forward her finger poking into his chest. "If I had known... I would have stayed in the sea, or at least chosen to make this child externally...now it's too late and I... Aught to hurt you."

"What!?" Dee shoved Ryo behind him and addressed the enraged dragon.

"Do you know the true gestation period of a dragon?" Alicia asked her eyes lit with a terrifying internal flame. Ryo shook his head. He swallowed and tried to appear calm hoping that it would calm Alicia, though her upset fed his flames and he was beset by a need to protect the mother of his child. Her agitation furthered his need and he had to work to cool his hands knowing that she was upset with him he felt heavy guilt.

"I am sorry, but I do not," Ryo tucked his bottom lip between his teeth and Alicia paused finding him oddly alluring. Just as she was becoming lost in his sweet dark eyes she noted Dee's hand at Ryo's waist. He was not hers, could never be hers. "How long?" Ryo asked cautiously stepping to Alicia who sat with a deflated sigh.

"Your grandmother, Queen Torcha, she, she carried her first for nearly four years." Alicia admitted with a fearful tremor. "Some dragons can carry for... The most internal up to date is six years. Laton said your mother got off lightly because your father was human, and she was living as a human. She only carried you for nine months." Alicia breathed heavily placing her hand on her rounded tummy. "Because you have acknowledged your Dragon ancestry, and are half dragon, I am whole dragon, they are unsure how long I will carry this child. There are some dragons that can nest an egg for two hundred years. Carrying internally does shorten the gestation, but... Maybe three years Ryo... I might be pregnant for three or four years!"

"I am sorry," Ryo said again shaking his head. Honey gold tresses floated about his face in a silken fall. "I did not know, my grandparents insisted they have a child of my blood..."

"Its not your fault," Alicia grumbled rubbing her tummy. "I just mentioned, at my last check up, that I was looking forward to seeing our baby. Then when I said three more months, that's when the doctor told me. It was just such a shock." Alicia would have said more but a strong gust of wind buffeted them both from the enormous windows that covered one side of the large studio. Ryo beheld the majestic sight of his grandparents scales shining in the bright Arcadian sun as they soared over the dark war tower. Coming close to the windows, they both shifted to their human shapes and vaulted through the opening. Torcha landed with a graceful click of her high heeled shoes and Laton stomped to his place beside her. Rain stared open mouthed as Torcha's long, dark hair settled about her waist in the residual wind from their now invisible wings.

"Greetings youngling," Laton said to Ryo while Torcha hurried to Alicia.

"You rushed off so quickly," Torcha placed a slim hand with dangerous long nails painted an iridescent green that gleamed next to Alicia's pale skin. "It must be a shock to you, but you are thinking with a human brain inside of a dragon's body." Torcha's face softened in a gentle expression that Ryo had never thought to see on the ancient beast. "The time is as nothing to us creatures. Time is but the passage of a mortal life to us."

"In the long scheme of your existence the time will seem as nothing," Laton assured Alicia, Ryo and Dee. "Come back to our palace and rest," Laton steered Alicia to the window. "You need time to process everything, but rest assured that it will get easier to accept." Alicia gave a shuddering breath, embraced her friends then jumped from the window with Laton and Torcha. Ryo and Dee stood for a moment watching as the golden scales seemed to highlight the red and green dragon that was soon lost behind the shifting clouds.

Daphnus sighed then called Ryo and Dee over. "I must again command your attention," Daphnus turned a bright smile on Ryo and Dee while Andy and the rest of the group sat down. "You are the most normal family we have. Would you mind?"

"You want to house a stranger with us all summer?" Dee asked refocusing on the their previous subject with a level of concentration that surprised Carol. She had thought that the distraction of the Dragon's would have interrupted his chain of thought. Over the years, she had come to think that the only thing he focused on was getting Ryo in bed. But, she gave a soft laugh, how else would he have become and remained such a good detective? He had to have a sharp mind. "What do you mean normal?"

"Well," Nestoir was quick to move in front of Daphnus before the prince could begin his explanations. "I will tell them so that we can get out of here before dinner time." Nestoir took a moment to laugh at Daphnus frown while Ken worked to suppress a laugh at his father's expense. They had been put through a grueling rehearsal and he was holding his hair off his neck to cool his overheated skin. " Count D and Leon are living at the consulate, or rather on Arcadia. Lord D is newly pregnant and Angel and Collins... Well, no," Nestoir laughed as he thought of Angel and Collins. "Chihaya and Kagetsuya are not even human, and I know they might not walk around their house with their wings out, but their house does not even have a guest room... you see where this is leading?"

"And he can not be in a hotel?" Dee asked when Ryo sighed heavily.

"For an entire season?" Nestoir said. "He will be... fun. I met him a while ago, and..." Carol shuddered watching as Sofu D walked past the open door of the studio. The beautiful Kami leaned against the wall for a moment before he shoved away from the wall his entire body seemed to shake with the effort to remain upright.

"Soofu?" Rain addressed Sofu D with the utmost respect as he went to grasp his arm. "Are you injured?" He asked when Carol came to stand beside them.

"No, child, I am fine," Sofu tried to smile but paused when he felt a strong surge of energy. He shoved away from Rain before he inadvertently drained the young man. "It will better before nightfall. My son is regaining his strength." Sofu gazed at Carol and saw her watching him with tears in her eyes. "What do you want?" He asked seeing the questions on her face. She found it hard to believe that she had just seen him less than an hour ago. He had been so vibrant then now he looked pale, wilted even.

"Um... you can see what is wrong. I mean you knew I am not pregnant, and Ryo said there would be something else wrong... What is it?"

"Child, what is wrong," Sofu heaved a tired sigh and smiled when Andy came to see if he were alright. "The princess can more aid you than I. The human mind and emotions are far beyond my understanding." Sofu walked down the hall with a graceful gait that was slower than anyone had ever seen him use.

"I have never seen him look so..." Rain paused his brow wrinkling. "So old."

"He feeds his strength into Lord D," Andy said then looked at Carol. "Here is my card, call me next week. Be at ease, Sofu would have told you if there was a medical reason to be upset. He is not that careless where humans are concerned." Carol heaved a large sigh of relief then rushed back to Bikky's side. "Before, Lord D continued to regurgitate wasting the effort, now he is receptive and is vastly improved. By weeks end both of them will be up to their old tricks." Andy watched as he went to his own room. "I do not know if that is a good thing." Andy placed her arm around Rain's shoulder again amazed at how small he was underneath the large clothes he wore and lead him back over where Nestoir was still speaking with Ryo and Dee.

"Besides," Nestoir said when Dee sighed as Ryo looked ready to agree with the prince if only to get him to be quiet. A reaction usually caused by Daphnus, Ryo smirked and looked at Nestoir ready to tell him so. "It would be nice if he were with a member of the group."

"Sure, whatever, just stop convincing us." Dee grumbled becoming bored. "Is rehearsal over now? I am getting hungry and Ryo has been marinating our dinner since last night."

"We are all done for the day, you may leave if it is your wish," Daphnus pouted. "Though I thought you might want to join us here for dinner and wait for the singer to show up. But I suppose that I can have a guard bring him to your house later."

"He is coming today?" Ryo asked his eyes wide. "You arranged for him to come into town without even asking us if he could stay first? I know royalty can be a bit high handed, but that is a bit much."

"Do not over extend your energy in a wasteful wrath at us." Daphnus said secretly gloating that he was able to speak despite Nestoir's attempts to keep him from monologuing. "The truth is that we had indeed planned to have our fellow musician in one of the best hotels in town, however someone, for nefarious, monetary gain I am sure, tipped off the press and they have been camped there since last night. If we want to preserve his nerves and insure a productive summer session we thought it would be imperative that we make other arrangements. However, on such short notice we were left with an extreme amount of few options." Dee and Ryo stared at Daphnus in horror when it seemed as if he would go on. Daphnus smiled at them both and continued. "We know that your house, despite Rain living there, is not swamped by raging fanatics on a daily basis. Perhaps because of the fact that you are both detectives is intimidating to the average fan who does not want to be brought up on charges of stalking. Or it could be that he makes himself accessible by attending a public, albeit upscale, school, and lives a normal life just like the rest of the world. Very commendable by the way." Daphnus paused and winked at Rain. " So you see, in the amount of time we had, it was the best option to ask if he would be able to stay with you all. Not to mention that High Prince Nestoir was correct in thinking that it would be best if he were to be in the same living area as a member of our band. Though he is not royalty, or nobility, or even Arcadian... Well, no matter, it is of no consequence what he is, he is not joining the group, merely collaborating with us for a while. It should be vastly amusing." Dee nodded while Ryo waited to see if Daphnus would say more. The prince looked as if he would go on , but received a dark look from Nestoir. With a cheeky grin Daphnus began to study his piano keys

"Good." Ryo got to his feet in a hurry. "You are done. I am sure Alicia left Lyo with the Honlon and we should pick him up and get home. I have dinner to prepare and we still need to take Carol home." Daphnus was still smiling when the family left the consulate.

"You did not tell them that we are leaving did you?" Andy said coming up to sit beside her best friend.

"They know only what they need to know. The first recording session is not for another two weeks, so where we go is of no import." Daphnus answered and began to play a soft tune as the rest of the Arcadian Royale packed up their dance bags and instruments.

Break

Rain was quiet while they drove home after dropping Carol at home. He had been told about the musician and that they hoped he would be able to stay at their house. If they were the most normal family the Arcadian's could boast, things were not looking up for the kingdom. Yeah he had two dad's but that was not the problem. Ryo was a dragon and sometimes things could get hot if he was lost in thought or upset. Bikky was learning to control the flames that had been gifted to him by Laton and Rain was unsure of the wind that Wild Wind had given him. Rain sighed, he could not even be sure that it was Wild Wind that had done it. When he had mentioned it to the Thunderbird, Wild Wind had denied any such gift saying instead that 'the wind was in the hand of the mage and from the mage it has been given.' Who would bother to give him such a powerful gift? Rain shook his head then came to pay attention to his surroundings as they pulled into the garage at their house.

He saw Cujo and Slyph frolicking in the back yard as if they were not a cat and dog, eternal enemies, but then again, they had a more logical understanding of each other both assuming human shapes when the need arose, or the urge took them. Rain paused as he thought that another problem had risen. But no, only those gifted with the sight that was gained either on Arcadia or in the Pet Shop was able to see them. "Rain," Ryo said when the door was opened and they all went inside their home. Ryo looked around glad the place was clean as it seemed they would soon have a guest. "Would you mind refreshing the guest room while I get dinner. Bikky give Cujo and Slyph their dinner, Dee take Lyo please." Ryo gave his instructions and hurried off to the kitchen. Dee sighed watching him go.

Break

Leon entered the suite with a tired sigh. Damn but his cases were getting weirder as each year went by. There had been three more skinned corpses, yet no clues as to who the victims were and who the criminal was. Not to mention all the bodies were left in intricate poses that left no doubt that they they were dealing with a deranged, homicidal maniac. Leon grew quiet when he could not hear any sounds coming from the nursery sure that both of his children were asleep. He hated having to come in so late at night, he missed having dinner with his family. Long hours were just one of the drawbacks of being a homicide detective in LA. Reaching up to undo the band holding his hair back, Count D preferred the blond locks down, Leon rounded the corner of their bedroom and felt a smile steal over his face.

Count D lay on his back in the bed with Jewel curled over at his side. Her little head rested on his tummy in slumber while Kurayami slept blissful on his chest his tiny fist rested above D's heart. "Leon," Count D said without opening his eyes. He smiled as he could feel the heat of Leon's skin when he moved to stand beside the bed. "You smell of the streets. I will put the children in their beds and prepare a bath for you." Count D opened his eyes and Leon felt his breath still, as it always did, upon gazing into the jewel toned orbs that always seemed to be looking only at him. "You had a difficult time at work?" Count D asked easing from underneath Jewel he got to his feet cradling Kurayami. "Wait here, please, I do not want the air of the nursery befouled."

There was no way Leon could find fault with D's words. He had to admit, he did reek. He was surprised that he could even smell it. A few years ago, he would not have noted the astringent odor of stale cigarettes, gun oil, gun powder, dust and grime from the pavement and sweat from his skin and the residual scent of other's sweat that gravitated to him from the air. Not to mention his own BO after becoming aggravated with the case that seemed to be going to the cold case files. But the case was not cold. He had argued with the chief, his veins standing out harshly against his skin. As long as more bodies kept turning up it was a very warm case, hot in fact and Leon had vowed not to stop working it until it was solved. He knew Jill, JJ, Ryo and Dee felt the same. Count D returned after a few moments and took Jewel into his arms. Leon watched as his Count D began a gentle rocking motion while he carried her in to her bed.

Leon headed into the bathing room with it's sunken pool. Leon sat on the low stool near the pool with a great sigh. He closed the valve turning the water on fast and hot. Without having to turn around, Leon knew that Count D was behind him. His skin felt as it came alive. Leon smiled when he smelled the oil, long before he saw it being poured into the water. "Are you trying to make me smell as sweet as you?" Leon said and reached around pulling until D was pressed against him.

"Are you trying to make me smell as bad as you do?" Count D said brushing the hair from Leon face. D looked down into Leon's deep blue eyes, so like Aoi's.

"Yeah, then you will have to get in here with me," Leon nuzzled the front of D's robe. He relaxed when D leaned over him tugging his shirt from his pants. Leon lifted his arms allowing D to pull the garment free and toss it into the hamper that was always right where D needed it to be. Leon grinned thinking of his darling becoming spoiled by his own summoning abilities. Leon felt around the Cheongsam that D wore finding the ties and undoing them. The patterned teal satin and white lace hung about D's slim frame and Leon licked his lips before he leaned over and licked the expanse of D's chest. The silk sheath underneath was no protection against the heat of Leon's tongue. D gasped when Leon latched on to a nipple through the fabric.

"Leon, your bath, you... smell." D forced the words out then moved away from Leon. D shrugged his delicate shoulders and allowed the clothes to fall from him leaving him in just his sheath and calf length underpants. D got to his knees in front of Leon and undid the buttons of his pants. "Stand up please," D whispered feeling the air hard to breath. D pulled the pants and underwear down and Leon lifted his feet to step from them. "The water is waiting." D said more to himself as he was faced with Leon's member that was fast becoming aroused. Leon looked over to see the water shut off when it reached the full level, fragrant steam rising, and stepped into the pool sinking grateful in its depths. The sigh Leon emitted was more than Count D could bear. Dropping his sheath and pants into the hamper D stepped into the pool and shifted at the other end so that he was facing Leon. They soaked in silence for a few moments each comfortable with the other stretching out in total relaxation.

"How was your day," Leon said after a while. He reached for the soap and sponge that appeared at his elbow when D opened his lovely eyes.

"It was well. Sohki came by to visit again, he had a friend with him. We had tea. The young man was quite rude and thought I was a female."

"Hmmm, you are beautiful," Leon said the words as a fact and not in any attempt at complimenting D. All the same, two bright spots of color appeared on D's pale cheeks.

"To come all the way from Japan is a long way to travel to insult one's host. Not to mention he kept asking questions about the consulate. He said it was for a school report on Arcadia and he figured that this was the closest he would ever get. For so young he is very discerning, he saw through the window into the other side of the mirage that Zarro set up. I knew this when he asked about the lake that he could see through the trees. You see the window we were near, with Zarro's assistance, opened up into the street on the other side of the consulate building."

Leon had sat quietly listening to D speak, his deep, cultured tones soothing as he bathed away the grit and grime of his day. "So you think he might actually be the true king of... Dhalasar?" Leon struggled a bit with the name of the far away kingdom.

"His magic is very pure and untrained, it is hard to tell, but I think so," D answered and scooted forward to take the sponge away from Leon. "Lean forward. I will scrub your back." Leon handed over the sponge and braced his elbows on his knees giving D access to his his back. "Did you know that Dhalasar is a part of the hidden league?" Leon raised his brows but said nothing waiting for D to continue. "They have a consulate on the Palace grounds, looks more like a small mansion. They chose to only partially disappear, appearing to lost travelers in the dessert as an oasis that can never be found a second time. To play such games with feeble human minds is a waste of effort, but the previous king thought it was amusing." Leon leaned into the careful scrubbing then sighed when the sponge was dipped into the water and rung out over his back taking the soap with it. D slid around until he was behind Leon with his head pulled back. Leon sighed at the deep massage of D's finders while shampoo was applied to his hair.

"You think humans are feeble minded?" Leon said with a laugh. He could not help but to think back over their long relationship together. Even before they had fallen in love and moved in together. D had shown him many things, taken him extraordinary things and explained so much about the world. Leon had pretended that he was not paying attention to D, his pride rearing its head at the thought of a suspected criminal teaching him anything. But he had had listened and he had learned and now; Leon smiled placing a kiss on D's captured palm, now, he loved.

"Individually, not so much, a few I could even name. As a whole, not an ounce of intelligence to be found. Seeing only what is agreeable to them and with fear and hatred for that which they do not understand and in turn destroying that which they hate. Even each other." Before Leon could reply D lowered his head rinsing the shampoo. As D applied the conditioner to his hair Leon mused that it was a step he often skipped in his daily routine. When the thick liquid was massaged through to his scalp, Leon turned in the tub and took D's sponge and set it aside. Leon filled his hands with the soap and began to rub the callused palms on D's near translucent skin.

"With me around, you'll never need a loofah," Leon mused watching as D's skin turned pink and glistened with the soap and water. D sighed leaning back against the the pools edge allowing Leon free reign with his body. Leon took extra care with the long legs and arms kneading them until D sighed with pleasure. "Rinse," Leon said taking up the sponge again and squeezing excess water over D's body. Leon then slid his hand through the short, silky locks of D's hair. D relaxed as Leon washed and conditioned his hair then rinsed it clean. Leon stood to his feet. D stood as well rubbing a towel briskly through Leon's dripping hair then wrapped it around his waist as Leon was similarly drying him.

"To bed?" D asked releasing the valve and allowing the water to drain from the pool. "You know, about once a month, some of the Kirin donate their bathwater to Queen Victoria for use in her garden."

"Really?" Leon said. He wasted no time stealing D's towel when they entered their bedroom his hands sliding along the warm flesh that was still slightly pink and so soft Leon nearly groaned at the feel of it.

"Um hm," D gasped taking his lower lip between his teeth as Leon pressed his body to his back and pinched both nipples. "Oh.. Leon," D said knowing more coherent words would soon be lost to him.

"Tell me about it later," Leon whispered in D's ear blowing his warm breath over the sensitive shell then licked behind it eliciting a shiver from D's slight form.

"Um... Hai," D melted against Leon's solid body allowing the lanky yet muscular form to enfold him. Leon turned D then lifted him in his arms taking him to their bed. D smiled his most beguiling smile when he felt the cool satin against his skin such a heady contrast to the heat of Leon's body.

"You are so soft," Leon said crawling over D he trapped him with his thighs on either side of D's hips. "I just might devour you," Leon leaned forward dragging his tongue over the expanse of D's chest going to his neck. D wrapped his arms around Leon a willing victim to his ravishment. Leon's senses were swamped with the soft taste of D that was strong and sweet. Leon inhaled and the scent was enough to drive him mad. The more aroused D became the more his scent enveloped Leon. Leon could feel the burgeoning hardness pressing against his own and he smiled still pressing his mouth to the delicate skin of his Kami lover. Reaching down, Leon wrapped his fingers around them both and stroked already feeling the leaking moisture from both lubricate his hand making it glide easier. "Taste so good, my baby, always taste so good." Leon released his hand enjoying the whimper from D as he scooted back.

D arched his back offering his chest to Leon he placed slow, sucking, kisses along his torso and collarbone. Licking the small pectorals as his fingers tortured the nipples until they turned bright red in the dim light from the moon that glowed through the window as the curtains were tossed about by the gentle, sweet-smelling breeze. "Mm... Ah," D cried out the feeling of Leon's tongue on his sensitive nipple sending ripples of pleasure throughout his entire body. "Oh, Leon."

"Come for me," Leon said then slide further down D's body until he was pressing his face into the now swelled evidence of D's desire. Leon rubbed his face into the apex of D's smooth thighs inhaling the scent of wild cherry blossoms in bloom. It inflamed him knowing that there was no perfume or artificial scent added. It was all natural, all D. Even the oil from the bath could not mask the smell of D. D moved his body facing Leon's need he opened his mouth engulfing Leon with one long swallow. D moved his hips forward when Leon returned the favor. D tried to go slow, to tease Leon but he wanted to devour him even as he was consumed. Leon moved his mouth aside to stroke D with one hand while the fingers of the other hand entered his own mouth. Looking down, Count D pushed Leon onto his back and straddled his face. D shifted , placing his member directly into Leon's mouth, bobbing his head he worked Leon until he had the man panting and shifting his hips. D cried out at the feel of Leon's fingers probing his entrance while he sucked and licked D.

"Le...Leon," D panted his own hips unable to be still when the two fingers Leon had pushed inside began an in and out motion that mimicked what he knew was soon to come.

"Come for me," Leon crooned sucking deep. Leon found the tender point inside of D and pressed in. "Come," Leon said again the warm air of his mouth brushing over the succulent flesh. D could feel his body quiver and surrender to the soft demand. Leon smiled and drank every drop of the heavy cream that was sweet and dangerously addictive. Leon sucked long after he had taken the last drop then lay D on the bed on his stomach. "Keep your head down and raise your hips." Leon pulled pillows under D supporting him and keeping his love in place. "Spread your legs," Leon smiled when D complied and could not resist leaning forward and licking between the globes. D gasped his voice coming out in a low whine when Leon decided to visit his posterior with his mouth for a while; tonguing him with long slow licks. Spreading the round cheeks further Leon continued his tongue bath and probed inside with the soft digit in his mouth.

"Please, Leon, oh please...Mmmm... Onigaishimasu," D circled his bottom around hoping to entice Leon to take him.

"Don't worry baby," Leon whispered against the skin of D's behind. The warm air caused D to shudder and toss the summoned jar of lubrication to Leon. Leon laughed softly and spread the warm gel on his member and used his hand to push it inside of D who trembled at the light touch. "Spread 'em," Leon said rubbing himself between the soft mounds of D's bottom. D inhaled and cried out for joy when Leon pressed inside past the tight ring of muscles into the depths of D's body. Leon could not hold back after being encased in so much tight heat. He began to move inside of D pulling him back to meet the thrusts. D panted as his body wept sucking Leon in deep with a need that never failed to amaze him.

"Leon," D whimpered when his body clenched around Leon the more he thrust, the more he needed him. "Hai, sugoi," D closed his eyes when it seemed as if all the colors of the rainbow danced in front of them.

"Tell me," Leon said leaning over the slim back. Leon trailed kisses over the shoulders as his fingers massaged the base of D's spine as his hips sped up.

"Kimochi," D whined his fingers clenched in the sheets now crumpled in his fist.

"Feels good huh," Leon punctuated each word with a hard thrust into D.

"Hai... yes, Leon," D cried out writhing underneath Leon's heaving body. Leon pulled free of D's body and turned him until he lay on his back. D braced his feet on the bed raising his hips to meet Leon's thrust. The bed bounced under the combined weight as Leon pressed D so far into the mattress that it groaned in protest. "Ah..." D panted his eyes closing in bliss as his arms crept around Leon's neck holding him close.

"I love you," Leon whispered into D's ear. His body pushed into D with an insistant need to claim the smaller male underneath him.

"Hai... Wakatta, Aishiteru," Count D panted his brain fogged by the deep pleasure of Leon's body. "Eien ni." Leon sat up pulling D so that he was sitting in his lap. D braced his hands on Leon's shoulders and shifted his hips pressing Leon hard into his pleasure spot. D gasped his entire being centered on the pulsing, throbbing member so deep within him. "Leon...Mmmm." D threw his head back wailing as his body gave up all semblance of control. Leon latched on to D's neck sucking and nibbling knowing he was leaving a bruise but not caring.

"Gone... Baby, I'm gone," Leon panted as he could feel his balls tighten creaming D's insides. D convulsed around him as his body gave in to the demands of Leon's body. Leon gasped falling over keeping D in his embrace. Leon sighed dragging his hand trough the evidence of D's release then licking his hand clean shuddering at the delicious taste of D. Leon pressed a kiss to D's temple feeling exhaustion creep over his body.

"Detective..." D muttered with his lips pressed against Leon's chest.

"Hmm," Leon said a wide yawn elongating his mouth. "Damn baby, you are so wonderful."

D chuckled closing his eyes. "We need another bath." Leon laughed as well sinking into a happiness so profound he feared drowning in it.

Break

This was madness, Brian thought as he held up the sign with the name of the celebrity he was to pick up. The airport was swarmed with paparazzi, fans and curious onlookers all shoving against him getting his expensive suit wrinkled. He had called Ryo and Dee last night to let them know that the the plane was not arriving until today. Brian had wanted to have dinner. Of all the things he could be doing in Los Angeles, Brian wanted to eat Ryo's food. Brian frowned when the door of the plane swung wide and a figure in baggy white pants and a large white top emerged. He waved a hand and was rushed forward by his body guards while signing autographs and accepting the many plush filled animals and dolls that were shoved into his hands. Toys of all kinds were hastily accepted as kisses were blown. Brian sighed, this was going to be hell he thought when the long, braided and beaded hair with clips and a small brimmed hat came nearer to him and he could see the gorgeous face made up with bright eye-liner, shadow, mascara and lip stick.

"That was a man?" Brian asked himself as he felt bowled over by the smile. Something about him reminded Brian of the Count D family that he had briefly come to know in the Pet shop and yet he seemed more solid, more real than any of the Asian's ever were. This guy, while beautiful, was human. Brian frowned at the odd thought, of course the Asian men were human too but... Shaking his head some more Brian put on his best, 'charm them', smile and lead him to his rental car. In a little less than half an hour, he would not be Brian's problem.

Powdered Sugre 24

Fun Times Ahead

The waves crashed over the shores wetting the small toes that curled with glee. Long black hair fell about the slim frame as the sun poured down. Chihaya turned his wide purple eyes as he could hear Kagetsuya calling him in for breakfast. Getting to his feet and dusting of his bottom Chihaya ran barefoot along the sand and inside their home. "Kage-Kun!" Chihaya called as he entered the kitchen where they usually had breakfast in front of the large picture window that faced the beach. "I heard it from Sofu today. The shop is rebuilt. As soon as Lord D is better and Sofu regains his strength from working on Lord D, he is going to go redress the shop."

Kagetsuya listened with great interest to his little lover even though he had already heard all this from Sofu as well. It was these moments, the quiet mornings and sultry evenings. Long conversations and comfortable silence. The sound of Chihaya's laugh and the soft touch of his hand. Kagestuya could not find a regret for giving up their home on Eden. Sure the gardens were exemplary, but then again so was the Queen's garden on Arcadia, and the gardens in the shop were top of the line. The air of Eden could boast a fresh sweetness unparalleled to anything on the earth, again Chihaya and Kagetsuya could easily find better on Arcadia and in the pet shop. But having others of their species near them, Kagetsuya sighed as he placed the large pile of waffles in front Chihaya, he did not really need any one other than his lover. They were fine. Chihaya paused in his cheerful chatter to wonder at Kagetsuya's odd staring and received a kiss before he could form a question. "let's just stay in today."

"In?" Chihaya asked looking with longing at the stretch of secluded beach behind their house.

"I mean, just the two of us," Kagetsuya sat across from Chihaya with a smile. "We can stay in, or go to the beach, swim and walk. Just the two of us."

"Sounds great, I love being with you." Chihaya said then poured syrup on his waffles. "I love you."

"You know I love you as well." Kagetsuya said softly and vowed to enjoy this time with his positive lover.

Break

He loved Saturdays, especially Saturdays when they did not have to work. Dee rolled over and gasped then sighed. Ryo's side of the bed was painfully empty. "Ryo," Dee grumbled fighting free of the tangled sheets. Finding the bathroom empty, but the wet towel hanging from the rack evidence of Ryo's shower. Last night Ryo had been tense his nerves on edge due to the stranger that would be coming to their house. Daphnus had neglected to even tell them his name. Dee had tried to cajole Ryo into making love, right when he thought he was making progress, Brian called to tell them that he would be coming in the morning. Ryo had wrapped his arms around Dee signaling that he wanted to sleep. Dee sighed, holding Ryo through the night was a joy all on its on. Ryo was so firm, yet soft. Gentle and strong, his Ryo. Dee smiled and adjusted his sweat pants. Just the thought of Ryo drove him crazy. Dee headed downstairs his stomach alerting him to the joyful smells coming from the kitchen.

Ryo stood, his bare feet showing under the long hem of his pants. "Dee, could you get the peppers out of the fridge and chop them?" Ryo said without turning from the bowl of eggs he was stirring.

"How do you always know when its me?" Dee said coming behind Ryo he wrapped an arm around him and placed a kiss on his neck. Ryo turned around and kissed Dee's lips.

"You are the only one that looks at me with such heat." Ryo said shoving Dee away with a playful swat to his posterior. "I would feel you in a sea of people."

"Brain sends some hot looks your way," Dee grumbled as he pulled the peppers from the crisper and grabbed the onions for good measure. Peering over Ryo's shoulder he saw that Ryo had already fried and minced bacon and sausages. A pan of breakfast potatoes sat cubed in a pan and ready to go.

"But I don't feel him, not like this. I feel like my blood comes alive and sings to me." Ryo turned red then went back to his cooking. Dee would have said more, but they both heard the doorbell and sighed.

"I'll get it," Bikky called as he bounded down the stairs leaving Rain brushing his hair. Bikky put his best scowl on to greet Brian Kinney. "Hellooo..." Bikky's words trailed off when he aught sight of the bright figure beside him.

"Hey kid," Brian greeted waving he enjoyed watching as Bikky took in the man beside him. "Are you going to stand there gawking or let us in? I smell something alarmingly wonderful."

"You are supposed to be dropping him off, not eating." Bikky stepped aside then smiled at the stranger. "Hi, I'm Bikky, Rain is upstairs and Ryo and Dee are in the kitchen."

"Hi, I am Boy George, you can call me Boy or George." Boy George smiled and Bikky blinked several times at the shiny lips that lifted and clear blue eyes with a sheen of silver. He looked, but could see no outline that would denote contacts. Bikky stepped aside still staring as the two entered his home. Bikky felt tugging at his pant leg and looked down at Lyo. "So cute..." Boy reached out a hand to Lyo and jumped back as the little boy let out an ear splitting scream.

"He doesn't do strangers," Bikky explained kneeling down in much the same way that Ryo used to do to him until he was eye level with his youngest brother. "Its okay," Bikky said knowing that Ryo had entered the room at the first sound of Lyo's upset. "He just got a little spooked."

"Oh," Ryo breathed a sigh of relief then looked up from his sons to see the men standing in his hallway. "Good morning Brian and... You... Are?" Ryo tried not to stare but he could not help but take in the person.

"Said his name's Boy George," Bikky said with a grin. "With his looks I can see why. Maybe we should call him Boy Rain." Bikky said indicating Rain where he stood at the bottom of the stairs.

"What?" Rain looked over then his mouth dropped. "Hi," Rain blinked several times in order to take in the bright makeup and baggy white outfit.

"Ryo, the potatoes are done and I finished chopping the... Whoa," Dee emerged from the dinning room where he had passed through from the kitchen. He looked at Boy George his eyes wide. "Musician's here, and you," Dee turned a frown on Brian.

"Well, Boy George," Ryo covered his momentary lack of decorum with a smile that was quite stunning. Brian caught his breath staring at him. "This is my partner Dee, why don't you come on in. Both of you," Ryo amended to the audible groans of Bikky and Dee. "Stop it... Both of you," Ryo said taking Boy George's arm in a gentle hold. "Have some breakfast and afterward I will give you the tour. Dee and I do not have to work today, so we are just going to relax and give you some time to settle in."

"Thank you, it is nice to meet you all. Amazing how the fans and paparazzi that were trailing the car fell away the closer we got to your home and now they have all gone." BG laughed allowing Ryo to take him into the kitchen. "Oh, my bags." BG looked back to see Bikky shut the door while giving Brian a final warning glare. "They do not like your ad exec."

"It's not that they don't like him," Rain said when Ryo blushed and went back to the large bowl of eggs that he had previously whisked. "They don't like him trying to sleep with Ryo."

"Oh, you two are monogamous?" Boy George asked peeking over Ryo's shoulder to see what he was making.

"Oh, yes," Ryo was quick to say. "There is a bathroom there that you can freshen up." Boy George turned his eyes to look at Dee, sighed and entered the bathroom. "Wow!" Ryo said getting the fresh made orange juice as well as Rain's tea from the fridge.

"He's gorgeous," Bikky whispered. "Though I don't see why he wears make-up, he looks like he would be pretty without it."

"Here I am wishing I weren't so pretty, and he's making himself up more." Rain muttered. He moved his hair aside and took several bowls down from the cabinet proud that he no longer needed the stool.

Ryo turned a smile to Rain. "Everyone has reasons for the things that they do or wear. We may never know the scars a person hides."

"You mean like he might have a scar on his face?" Rain asked.

"Or his heart," Ryo said placing his hands on Rain's hips pushing in the large fabric until he could emphasize the small stature of Rain underneath the voluminous clothes. Rain nodded stepping away and fluffing his clothes before Brian could enter the kitchen and see the shape of his body. Rain looked up when the bathroom door opened. "I hope you are hungry."

"You did not have to do all this for me," BG answered. "I am hoping to rest here, not put you out to..." BG halted at the soft chuckle, he turned to see Dee behind him. His eyes widened as he looked up at the tall, handsome man with deep green eyes and stylishly unkempt raven locks.

"Don't worry, No matter how early he has to get up, Ryo makes us breakfast." Dee said ignoring Brian he took a bowl and filled it with the egg mixture that Ryo had in his larger bowl. "But because you are first, here."

"Raw eggs," BG looked into the bowl the yellow liquid inside feeling apprehensive about the breakfast.

"Line forms here," Bikky said showing him the separate bowls of onions, peppers, bacon, sausages, mushrooms and cheese. "Build an omelet and Ryo will cook it up for you."

"Brilliant," Brian chimed in snagging a bowl before Bikky could get one. "Guests first."

"Invited guests, first." Dee scooped a few sausages into a smaller bowl with onions and cheese then handed it to Ryo who shaped the omelet into the form of a bear. "One day you have to tell me how you do that." Dee looked over his shoulder as it fried in the vegetable oil.

"You mean there is something about him you don't know?" Rain offered a false gasp placing both hands on his cheeks as he stared wide eyed at Dee. Bikky took a plate and placed some potatoes on it then filled a cup of orange juice just as Ryo took the omelet out of the pan and placed it on the plate for Lyo. BG then offered his bowl with simple mushrooms and cheese with onions. "Do you eat meat?" Rain asked as he made up his own super-sized omelet loaded with bacon and sausages, peppers, onions mushrooms and cheese.

"I do, but I eat light in the mornings." BG said accepting a small portion of potatoes from Ryo while the omelet cooked.

"He looks confused because of the concept of eating light." Bikky said when Rain said nothing. "I think he can pack away twice his weight at one feeding."

"Not hard to do," Dee grinned opening the back door for Slyphe and Cujo who had finished their morning ablutions.

"Oh my gosh!" BG exclaimed moving to stand behind Ryo. As he took the omelet from the hot pan and served on the plate with the potatoes, Ryo used his free hand to gather BG and move him from the hot stove. "Wow, you're strong." He sighed looking up at Ryo.

"They won't hurt you," Ryo sat BG back on his feet. "You don't weigh much." Ryo blushed having to focus on the food so as not to burn the plate in his hand in his embarrassment. "Let them sniff you so that you will be welcome in this house. If we are not here and you try to enter, I can not guarantee your safety."

"You might get eaten." Bikky was only half joking but laughed at the look of utter terror on Boy George's face.

"You know a hotel does not sound all that bad," BG stammered backing away bumping into Ryo again who did not slosh Bikky's omelet in the pain. Brian frowned watching as he absorbed the shock of the slighter frame without moving.

"Sip, Cujo, be good," Lyo admonished his brothers' pets. The massive cat and dog ceased their circling of the stranger in their midst to look at the small boy.

"Sniff only," Rain said tapping the lynx' nose while Cujo was similarly instructed by Bikky. "Hold out your hand," Rain took Boy George's wrist pushing the slim arm out. "Don't faint, Slyphe might think it an invitation to sleep on you." Rain joked when it seemed as if BG would do just that.

"Sleep on me?" BG asked when the massive cat licked her lips then sniffed his hand. She turned a look to Cujo before stepping aside and allowing the large dog to do the same.

"Yeah," Rain offered BG a chair just as Ryo finished the last omelet and joined them. "We are about the same size, whenever I lay down, she thinks its bed time and uses me as her pillow."

"And you haven't suffocated?" BG asked relaxing when Bikky laughed Rain just shook his head when Slyphe took human form and frowned. -I am not that fluffy and never even close to being fat.-She huffed and stalked off. To Brian and BG she appeared to have all of her fur standing on end. "Did it seem as if she understood me to anyone else?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Ryo said smirking into his green tea. "Today, like I said," Ryo hurried to say before he could questioned further about the angry cat. "We will relax, tomorrow we have to go out and shop for Lyo's party which is next Saturday afternoon, and then Friday and Saturday night is the spring musical."

"And Sunday afternoon, a matinée," Rain chimed in. smiling he refilled his plate with potatoes.

"Right, drink your tea," Ryo said when the boy also dumped the unused cooked sausages onto his plate while Bikky took the bacon. Only sparing two extra pieces for Dee.

"I'm a growing boy," Bikky grinned dancing away from Dee's outstretched fork as he tried to lift some of the meat from the boys plate. "Oh, um...Boy?" Bikky said weirded out by the strange name. "Whatever you do, never drink Rain's tea. Ever." BG stared at Bikky.

"Not unless you have digestion problems, then you are welcome to it." Rain piped up with a wide grin as he drained his cup.

"Never offer anyone your prescription kid," Brian said having been warned about the tea before. "Unless you fancy being a street pharmacist, I suggest recommending him to a doctor for those kind of problems."

"Drug trafficking is not practiced in this house thank you." Ryo said going back to his listing of their itinerary. "Dee, Wednesday your mother arrives at the airport from her book tour, she has three weeks before she goes off on another one." Dee nodded having forgotten his agreement to pick her up. "And the contractor told Sofu that sometimes in the next two weeks the shop will be finished so we will more than likely be helping everyone back into the pet shop."

"With Randolph dead, who do you think they will assign to the weird cases?" Dee wondered aloud. "The commissioner is not currently aggravated with anyone at the moment." Dee mused finishing his plate and rinsing it before he began to do the other dishes and load them into the dishwasher. "But then again, Jeremy keeps him so well sexed it is hard to aggravate him at all anymore."

"Dee!" Ryo said getting to his feet his face red.

"Wish I could say the same," Dee muttered frowning at the reminder that he and Ryo had gotten a good night's sleep last night and the last two nights before that.

"Dee!" Dee laughed at Ryo's outraged look as well as his flushed face. Ryo realized Dee was teasing him and threw a wet towel at him. "Meet me in the basement with the boys when you are done."

"Ooh, he's going to pummel me," Dee growled at Ryo as Brian excused himself.

"X-Ta-C is not rehearsing again for some time, apparently you are supposed to recuperate." Brian told BG. "Mind if I ask what you are recuperating from?"

"I do," BG said getting to his feet. Curious he said his goodbyes to Brian as his bags were brought in by Dee then followed him downstairs. BG found Lyo sitting on a mat with Cujo and Slyphe his coloring book and crayons in use while Ryo, Rain and Bikky stretched. Dee joined them loosening up before Ryo attacked him. Bikky pounced on Rain surprising BG as the much smaller young man held his own tossing Bikky aside. Lyo sat his crayons aside and watched intently as his fathers and older siblings switched up with Bikky attacking Ryo and Dee facing Rain.

"With a much larger opponent, what do you do?" Ryo called over while holding Bikky to the mat.

"I hope you are not talking to me," Bikky grimaced using a leg to free himself he pushed Ryo onto his back and climbed over him. "We are the same height" Bikky pointed out holding one of Ryo's arms down with both of his.

"Do not try to match his strength but use it to your advantage." Rain ducked under the swing of Dee's arm and brought his foot up in time to connect with his midsection. "With a real enemy, I would go for the crotch." Rain tried to laugh but it came out in a huff as Dee attacked Bikky and Ryo tossed him to the ground.

"Someone on top of you," Ryo said effectively holding the boy. In a move a gymnast would envy, Rain brought his knee to Ryo's chin. With very little effort he could have dislocated his jaw while simultaneously twisting his thin wrist free and knocking Ryo off. Rain got to his feet and resumed a fighting stance. "Good," Ryo got to his feet as well clasping his hands to signal the brief workout was over. "Who's up for a swim?" Ryo said as they all began the climb from the basement. "The pool looks so wonderful today." Bikky and Rain both grinned before running to their rooms for their swim suits. Rain always wore large shorts with an equally large shirt and never swam with anyone he did not trust. Thinking about Boy George he was about to decline.

"I am a little sleepy, mind if I nap instead?" BG asked smiling as he saw the backyard that was like an oasis after a long trek through a city. "Of course I will eventually have to come explore out here at some other time."

"Yes of course, I did promise you a tour, come along." Ryo said and walked him through the house ending with the guest room. "Make yourself at home here. You will find this house peaceful at best, chaotic, but safe."

"Thank you," Boy George murmured shutting the door. He was careful to make sure it was shut before he took off his makeup and hat. Looking in a mirror he winced then lay down on the bed with a sigh he was soon fast asleep.

Break

Deep purple eyes opened slowly, taking in their surroundings as consciousness was regained. Lord D blinked several times focusing on the pale, slim form of his father before him. "ChiChiUe," Lord D said smiling. "I had the most remarkable dream."

"Did you?" Sofu asked helping him to sit up. "Eat, you need to regain your strength." Lord D looked at the plate his father offered. He stared at the heap of vegetables and fruit that threatened to spill in a less steady hand than the one holding it.

"Yes, it was before..." Lord D grimaced not wanting to recall the horrific event that had scarred his heart and soured his disposition to all human beings for centuries. "Before our King left," Lord D whispered his voice catching at the mentioning. "He was making a chair, but he had such a smile on his face, such joy at something so simple."

"He's always been good with His hands," Sofu mused nodding. He undid the plait in Lord's hair that he had braided when his son had first drifted off to sleep. Lord D picked up a white peach and began to nibble it while his father brushed his hair free of the ripples the braid had left behind.

"Looking at Him smile, I felt so much peace." Lord D smiled himself and placed a hand to his abdomen. "He will be a singer I think. I heard him the entire time I was sleeping."

"Really," Sofu said having heard his newest grandson as well. Silently he said thanks to his great friend for aiding his son when his own strength had just about given out. "JJ will be pleased to see you so well."

"Domo Arigato gozaimasu ChiChiUe." Lord D bowed to his father. Sofu smiled and patted Lord D's hand before he began to feed him the fresh made salad.

Break

JJ pressed his back to the wall as he listened for any sound that would alert him to the whereabouts of his attacker. Agent Miaka was pinned down as well. When either one of them moved a barrage of bullets kept them in place. "Are you hit?"

JJ heard the words in his head and answered negative in the same manner. "Are you?" He asked. JJ began to worry when she did not answer right away. It had been a simple information retrieval mission that they were on. The dealers were not supposed to be around. They had stumbled upon the flesh peddlers in the midst of handing over several young women as well as men all bound and blindfolded. The helicoptor had taken to flight just as the bullets had begun to fly in their direction, now they were seperated and Jj was beginning to fear the worst.

"I'll be fine, it's shallow," Miaka said her ears beginning to point skyward as more blood fell from her wounded arm. She was fast losing control of her human appearance. "Do you think you can cover me while I come to you?"

"Tricky, the bullets are from two different directions, I could cover one side while the other gets you." JJ thought to her finding it not at all to be communicating in such a way.

"Not if I cover the other side," Miaka answered.

"Can you? You are wounded," JJ argued thinking it would be best if he tried to get to her.

"I can still shoot," Miaka added a grumble to her mental voice which was a musical sounding as her actual voice. "Get ready, here I come." JJ had but moments to stand and aim for the area where the bullets were flying from the left and fire. Just he feared Miaka hesitated a moment and a bullet whizzed past his ear before she was able to get her arm up and return the fire. Miaka crashed into him and they both fell to the ground wincing at the impact.

"I called for back-up," JJ showed her his blinking cell phone. "Now we just have to hold our position and wait."

"Wait," Miaka frowned wishing she could open a door to Arcadia and take them both to safety, but with so many humans nearby she would be putting the hidden realm in danger even if they were criminals. They were well and truly stuck. "Let's hope they get here in time." Miaka said leaning her head against JJ as he pulled his tie free and bound her arm.

Powdered Sugre 25

Glorious

It was warm, and heavy, soft and yet the muscles he could feel were firm. Boy G opened his eyes to see what was laying on his stomach. He was met with two large green eyes with yellow centers. "Ah..." He gasped as the tufted ears perked. Knowing the instant he was awake Slyphe rolled onto her back and purred a loud rumble. "H...help," Boy G called out hoping that the family was all done with their swimming and could rescue. As he wiggled trying to dislodge his guest he wondered how it had gotten in. He had shut the door, he knew that the door did not have a lock, but unless it had opposable thumbs, there was no way it could open the door. Maybe the boy, Rain had let it in. "Oh, please get up."

-'You need me.'- Slyphe meowed and licked his hand when he pressed it against her muzzle as if to push her away.

Boy G jumped with relief when there was a knock at his door. "Sorry to bother you," Rain said poking his head in. "But have you seen... Slyphe!" Rain called with exasperation. "Get off him," Rain walked in his wet hair dripping onto the thickly carpeted floor. His pants, though rolled at the cuffs, bagged and only his toes peeked out underneath the hems. A tank top and t-shirt fell to his knees as he patted his legs calling the cat with air kisses. "Come here Slyphe, get off of him," Rain sent an apologetic look at Boy G and gasped as he saw his face without the heavy make-up. "Oh, that's why."

"What?" Boy G said turning away from Rain.

"She won't leave if someone is hurt." Rain explained coming over to tug at the cat's collar. "She is comforting you. You have to be calm and she will go. If you are upset she will stay."

"But she is what is upsetting me," Boy G said staring wide eyed at the cat that was almost as large as he was. "Get it off me."

"Just calm down, she won't hurt you," Ryo said when he poked his head into the room to see what was keeping Rain. "Breath slow and your heart rate will go down. When she feels that you are calm, Slyphe will go." Boy G took several deep breaths.

-' I came in here to pounce him because he called me fat,'- Slyphe said over her shoulder as she purred and rubbed her face against Boy G's chest. -'But look at him, small, same as my boy and something hurt him. Hit hard.-

"Someone," Rain corrected without thinking. "And I know, but he's okay now," Rain shifted to Cheyenne when he realized that Boy G was giving him an odd look. -'No,'- Slyphe shook her furry head. -'Some thing.'-

"Its beautiful," Boy G said staring at Rain who was still puzzling over Slyphe's last words. "What language is that?"

"Cheyenne," Rain answered smiling when Boy G relaxed and Slyphe jumped into him. Stumbling from her weight. Rain shifted until he could regain his footing and went around behind the cat. Slyphe held still while Rain placed his arms under her front paws and stood with her in his arms.

"He carries that thing?" Boy G asked trying to smile through his embarrassment at Ryo seeing his face and looking at him with compassion.

-'I heard that.'- Slyphe grumbled as Rain huffed with her out of the room.

"They're best friends," Ryo moved to sit on the bed. "You slept through lunch, understandable, jet lag is terrible." Ryo gave a soft laugh. I can bring you something up if you like, I will be making dinner in a bit." Boy G declined the late repast and breathed deeply. He sighed when Ryo got up and went for the door, maybe he would not say anything. Boy G wondered still sitting on the bed clutching the blanket. "I also have some chilled witch hazel, with my boys bruises are common. I'll bring it up." Boy G gasped and looked up in time to see the door shutting softly behind the strangely beautiful man and his quiet footsteps down the hall. Boy G got out of bed and padded barefoot to the mirror to see the dark bruise on his eye and cheek.

"I didn't start the make-up just to hide this," Boy G said when he could see Ryo behind him in the mirror. The door had opened so silently that it was the only way he knew Ryo had returned.

"I know, I've seen some of your videos. You have a great voice, no wonder the Arcadian's want to work with you." Ryo folded the clean towel and wet it with the clear solution in his hand. "This is supreme stuff, our family doctor makes it for us, cause my boys are trained by his son. I work out with him too sometimes. Count D is a hard task master, but he teaches us very well. He leaves bruises sometimes. Do you practice martial arts? Or play sports? Bikky brings in his own brand of punishment often enough."

"I do not do...ouch," Boy G winced when Ryo placed the towel to his face while standing behind him marveling at their height difference. The only men he could claim height over were the D family. He was equal with JJ and everyone else topped him."Martial arts or sports."

"I know, you have a decided lack of muscle," Ryo chuckled then moved around until he was facing Boy G. "Your lover?"

"I do not belong to anyone," Boy G stated with a sassy smirk despite the painful discoloration. "In case you are interested, I'll do you both, together or separate. Your choice."

"No thank you," Ryo said not in the least offended by the man in front of him. "I do belong to Dee," Ryo left the chilled bottle of witch hazel with Boy G as he went to the door. "And he belongs to me." Ryo went downstairs to the family room to see Bikky and Rain playing video games while Lyo colored in his books. Dee sat on the sofa with his lap top.

"Baby, we need to talk," Dee said setting his machine aside.

"I know," Ryo inclined his head to the kitchen and Dee made haste to join him.

"I was uh..." Dee said as Ryo put a pot on the stove and fire leaped to life in greeting as he heated the water for his tea. "I was doing a little research on our house guest and he has a few proclivities that Daphnus and Nestoir sure forgot to mention. I will bet Brian is laughing his ass off all the way back to Pittsburgh. Not only is he bisexual, he's remarkably easy."

"Yeah, he propositioned me, you... us," Ryo said and went to his cabinet to select a tea.

"Rain said he got hit," Dee muttered folding his arms he leaned against the counter and looked at Ryo. "Jealous lover maybe?"

"He said he does not belong to anyone, but maybe someone wants him too." Ryo mused as he found his favorite mug with a picture that Bikky had painted on it of him and Dee kissing. The boys level of intricate detail never ceased to amaze him. It had been a wedding gift from Bikky and he treasured it.

-'Not someone, smells bad, not human,'- Slyphe said as she entered the kitchen and shifted to a human form. Her tawny ponytail hung over her shoulder and brushed her knees while her still visible tail swished against the clean floor.

"He's not Arcadian, what would attack him?" Dee asked the cat.

-'It ain't that unusual for a demon creature to fancy a human and take one as a lover, willing or not,'- Cujo said standing beside Slyphe his leather jacket shining in waning sunlight. Ryo fixed his tea and left it to steep while he took out the fresh rainbow trout that he was making for dinner and sighed at Cujo's words. -' Don't you start lecturing me on deportment and proper language, Count D already tried.'-

"And if you won't listen to him, who will you listen to?" Dee groused shocked to see the young man shrink back into a dog just as Slyphe returned to a lynx. He looked up to see Boy G standing in the kitchen holding the bottle of witch hazel his make-up in place once again. "Ryo was just making tea," Dee offered looking at the many colored beads that hung from the braids interwoven through Boy G's long hair.

"Do you have something soothing?" Boy G asked sitting in the chair at the table that Dee offered him. He smiled when he saw that Dee was quick to move away. Ryo must have said something about his offer. "I don't bite... hard," Boy G laughed. He saw the frown on Dee's face as he accepted his tea from Ryo and offered a wink to the dark eyed beauty. Before they could say anymore Bikky came into the kitchen holding Dee's cell.

"Its Leon, trouble," Bikky tossed the small device to Dee.

"Yeah, what's going on?" Dee said and Boy G was amazed at the tone of his voice and Ryo sitting his tea aside to come next to him. "Gotcha," Dee hung and turned pressing his lips to Ryo's. "You stay with the boys and finish dinner, I'm going in."

"Dee," Ryo said hooking his thumbs through Dee's belt loops not letting him slip away..

"Agents Miaka and JJ are pinned down, they called for back-up. Jill and Leon are on the way, we may have pull rank on the criminals to get them out."

"Come back home," Ryo said kissing Dee before he let him go.

"I want that chocolate pudding pie for dessert with fresh made whipped cream." Dee said as he bounded upstairs to retrieve his weapons.

"You sound like Count D," Bikky said watching as Ryo went to work on their meal. He saw the slight tremble in Ryo's hands and went to place a hand on his back. "He'll come home, you know he will."

"Yeah, I just don't like anyone but me watching his back," Ryo said grinding the cilantro and reaching for the lemon juice.

"Can I borrow this?" Dee entered the kitchen with a shiny black gun. Ryo nodded with a smile on his face as Dee kissed him again and dashed out the back door. He paused to listen as the small sports car peeled out of the garage and sped off down the road.

"I should have gone with him," Ryo said after he had been in the kitchen with Boy G for a while and had done nothing in preparation for the dinner.

"You are fretting, I heard that you are both among the best," Boy G got to his feet sipping the tea. "Why don't you have some of this," Boy G held his cup up to Ryo's lips and laughed when he turned his face away. "You are so cute," Boy G said turning away. He began to hum and bounce around the kitchen. "Time, won't give me time, and time makes lovers feel, like they got something real, and you and me you know we've got nothing but... time," Boy G continued his song as he went back to the table.

"I am going to tell you now, so that you will not waste your energy, neither myself nor Dee will sleep with you," Ryo went to the sink and rinsed the fish. "I hope you like trout."

"You can only speak for yourself, are you so sure of Dee?" Boy G grinned when Ryo frowned.

"He can smell, from down here, when I am upstairs aroused," Ryo said nothing more, he simply gave Boy G a long look with his eyes looking more slanted and catlike at the pupils. Dragon eyes, or so his grandmother had claimed.

"Yeah," Bikky said surprising them both with his silent approach. "I am surprised he is not already back here carrying him upstairs and ripping his clothes off." Bikky went to the fridge. "Rain is hungry again," was Bikky's explanation for the plate of left over pizza he placed in the microwave. "Since he is on hotstreak topping 50, I decided to humor him and bring him food."

"Should he eat so much while you are cooking dinner?" Boy G asked not understanding why Ryo and Bikky laughed.

"He could eat that with dinner and be fine." Bikky said when the micro wave beeped. Ryo smiled then turned on the small television in the kitchen. Quickly he turned up the volume on the news channel. He went back to selecting his vegetables and the rest of the accompanying dinner items.

"This is Macy, your eye on the street," Ryo smiled as he saw the reporter that had followed he and his family. He was glad that she did get the promotion. "I am on 54th and Prime watching as several detectives face off with a cartel from China, it has been said to the press. I will keep you posted as more news comes," Ryo stared in horror as Macy ducked behind a barricade when shots could be heard as sirens blared. Ryo's hands trembled and he dropped the fish staring at the screen. Boy G paused in his whimsical humming to look at Ryo where he stood frozen. "This is Macy vacating the area NOW!" Ryo watched in horror as Macy was zoomed away.

"Ryo... GO!" Rain and Bikky came running into the kitchen. "We have an adult here. You are over 21 right?" Bikky asked Boy G who nodded staring at the tv. He winced when it seemed as if the screen was covered with a hail of bullets then went blank and the newscaster began another story. "We'll be okay, order a pizza or something, just go."

"I... won't get there in time," Ryo stammered taking off his apron.

"You suit up," Rain shoved him to the stairs. "I'll call your grandfather," Ryo nodded and dashed upstairs for his gear.

"His grandfather will drive him there faster, what's he have a jet?" Boy G tried to interject some humor to the distressed teens while Rain dialed the phone. Rain said nothing thinking that Laton, was the jet.

"Something like that," he said amazed at how fast Ryo came down the stairs wearing his vest and slipping his feet into his shoes. Boy G stared in horrified awe as Ryo tucked handguns and clips into hidden pockets on his pants, his shirt and behind his back, he then put a few in each pant leg, one at each ankle and another at each calf. Ryo went into a large bag pulling out a fully automatic rifle. Just as the last of the weapon was checked and loaded their back door opened and Laton stormed in.

"We have to go now, both Miaka and JJ are hit. The other's can't get through cause they have sentries on the roofs of the other buildings. But I can get you higher."

Ryo nodded and headed for door with a last admonishment for his boys to behave.

"I am so sorry, this is your first day here and..." Ryo tried saying as Boy G pushed him through the door.

"You did warn me that it was chaotic, now go before I kiss you," Boy G shut the door firmly behind him. "Alright, tall one, Pizza, small one Ice cream, tiny one, let's play." Boy G clapped his hands. "By the time you realize they have been gone, they will be back." Rain stood still his lips trembling as he thought of his parents in danger. Boy G's eyes widened and he grinned then began to sing while Bikky called the nearest pizza delivery place. "Desert loving in your eyes all the way" Rain paused with his hand on the freezer door and turned to look at Boy G as he began to sing. "if i listen to your lies would you say" Lyo pouted his lips trembling still and Boy G began to dance around the kitchen clapping his hands.
"i'm a man without conviction
i'm a man who doesn't know
how to sell a contradiction
you come and go
you come and go" Boy G patted Rain who shook his head and got the ice cream out of the freezer. Boy G saw a smile light on Lyo's face and he continued his song.
"karma karma karma karma
karma chameleon
you come and go
you come and go
loving would be easy if your colours were like my dream
red, gold and green
red, gold and green" Bikky laughed when the Pizza place he called commented on the party at their house. hearing the laugh Boy G smiled.

"didn't hear your wicked words everyday
and you used to be so sweet i heard you say
that my love was an addiction
when we cling our love is strong
when you go you're gone forever
you string along
you string along"

Boy G encouraged Rain to join him with the chorus this time and Rain gulped before his sweet voice joined Boy G. "karma karma karma karma
karma chameleon
you come and go
you come and go
loving would be easy if your colours were like my dream
red, gold and green
red, gold and green"

Bikky saw Lyo smile and Rain's eyes clear of tears and he clapped his hands to the beat playing along with the charismatic entertainer in their kitchen.

"karma karma karma karma
karma chameleon
you come and go
you come and go
loving would be easy if your colours were like my dream
red, gold and green
red, gold and green"

Break

Count D was jolted awake when his father gasped loudly and sat up in bed clutching the sheets with a grip that drained all color from his hands. A sweet smell filled the air when his nails dug into his palms and the delicate skin bled. "ChiChi," Count D took his father into his arms. "Nani?" Count D asked when his father looked around the room wildly. He had felt like a child, but needed the assuring warmth of his father. After seeing the great Kami so close to death, his vibrancy had induced D to tears of joy. When Lord D had dozed Count D had curled up beside him resting in the wild scent of freshly fallen snow, that was oddly warm in its soothing familiarity. "ChiChi?"

"Jemi-Chan, JJ is hurt," Lord D sobbed vacating the bed. "I have to..." Lord D swayed on his feet.

"You are not well, come back to bed," Count D took his father's arm hoping to assist him back between the sheets.

"I'm am fine child," Lord D insisted amazed that it was so. "It took a moment for me to assimilate it myself, but I am fine."

"And with child," Count D said refusing to release his sire.

"This child's father needs me," Lord D placed a hand to his still flat tummy. "Let go of me," Count D gasped when he felt the heady strength of his father's will, leagues older than his own. He moved his tingling hand from his father's robe.

"You will stay," Lord D gasped and stared in horror at Sofu D. He was mid transformation and his condor wings, spread high ready for the rest of his body to catch up, fell to his sides the tips brushing the floor where the hems of his many robes glistened. "Have patience child," Sofu commanded. He touched his son's arm ending his transformation. "They are going to return him to you, and you can fix whatever they broke."

"Father, if you ever know that mother is injured and bleeding, and you could help her if you could only get to her, what would do?" Lord D wept when he could not break free of the hold his father had on his will.

"Something unbearably foolish," Sofu said then pulled Lord D into his arms when he began to weep. "They will bring him back to you," Sofu patted Lord D's back.

"Father, please," Lord D cried.

"Son, if you go, it would not be good," Sofu explained chaffing at his inability to explain more to his son. As Lord D could do no harm with his gifts, Sofu could not reveal the truth of his insights to anyone.

"Promise me," Lord D begged gripping his father's robe and spreading the blood that was on his hands. "Promise me that he will come home... alive and that I can keep him that way."

"You will be happy in the morning," was all that Sofu could say and still not break any of the rules that bound him. "Now sleep, for the benefit of us all," Sofu pressed his finger to Lord D's head and he fell limp into his father's waiting arms.

"Did you tell him the truth?" Count D asked a touch of his old mistrust for his grandfather in his voice. With a wave of his hand he summoned a black leather outfit. "It would not be the first time you have said something untrue when you thought it was in our best interest." Count D said nothing more he paused by his father's bed and passed a hand over the long hair then he left the room. "Leon is in danger as well, and you can't command me to stay put. I will bring them both back."

Sofu waited until Count D was gone before he shed a tear. "I know."

Break

Crimson waves hovered above the clouds and Ryo held on to his grandfather the tough spines of his scales biting into his skin. "I can see them," Ryo called to Laton. Plums of heavy smoke billowed around them.

"Snap dragon, go down and protect your mate. Your children are waiting." Laton landed on the top of a building that towered over the surrounding buildings. He could see the men on the tops of the buildings, each of them shooting down into the valley below keeping the officers from getting to the inner circle where JJ and Miaka were. He could scent their blood in the air. He opened his mouth to taste the wind and smiled when he could not taste Dee's blood. Ryo pulled his rifle up and set up his stand. It was time to make it stay that way.

Laton stood to the side and watched as his grandson sighted, and fired. Sighted, and fired, the sound of men falling dead before they hit gratifying the enraged dragon in human guise beside him. He watched with glee as Ryo continued to clear a path for his friends to make it through.

Break

Leon swore as he tried to run through and jumped back when there was what seemed to be hundreds of bullets came his way. "We can't get through," he said into his cell phone to JJ. "There are too many of them." Leon looked around. "How the hell did they get someone on the Markum building?" He asked looking up at the newcomer that shot into the fray.

"No," Jill said with a thoughtful frown. "They are just shooting at random, that person is picking his shots, and hitting."

"Ryo," Leon looked over to see Dee beside him. "He's clearing a path, lets go." Dee palmed his gun and dashed forward. When three men stood to shoot at him they were felled with brutal precision. "Thats my baby," Dee grinned as he too shot at the men that were on the ground level with him.

"Can you see, JJ and Miaka?" Leon asked running beside him, then sighed with relief as they came upon the two injured detectives/special agents. "Hey guys," Leon said crashing beside them.

"You're late," JJ groused holding his leg that bled sluggishly around the t-shirt he had tied around it. "Her ears," JJ said moving Agent Miaka's hair in front of her ears. "Gotta hide them, she's passed out."

"You have both been bleeding out too long," Leon said turning to go back he gasped. "Damn," He swore shooting the mob of gun men that came running towards them. Just as Leon thought he would run out bullets before they ran out of assailants, he saw a blur in black leather kicking and punching. It was tiny in comparison to the brutish men that were felled by the little terror. "Baby... what are you...?" Before he could finish his question, JJ lost consciousness.

"No time," D called over his shoulder dodging the bullets that angry brute shot at him. Leon swore again and shot the man.

"Help them get out," Dee called turning his back to Leon, Count D and Jill. "I'll cover you."

"Who's going to cover you?" Jill said looking back at Dee.

"My Baby's got me," Dee winked at Jill and sent her on her way.

Up on the Markum building Ryo lowered his rifle and straitened his glasses. Adjusting his gloves he went to Laton. "I need to go down there." Laton nodded and reached into Ryo waist holster. He took a hand gun and fired at the men in the helicopter that came up to clear the top of the building. Ryo turned around incensed and the chopper burst into flames. "Oops," He said when it began to spine wildly in the air. He watched in horror as the chopper slammed into the building that Dee was standing near. "Dee!" Ryo yelled running to the edge of the building. Laton grasped Ryo's arm as he would have tumbled off. Still standing on his feet, Laton hauled Ryo back to the roof. He held his grandson facing him so that he would not see a building falling on top of his lover.

Ryo fought against his grandfathers hold trying to turn around. "He's fine, I can not smell his blood." Laton said. "Scent child, see, you can not smell him." Ryo turned into the wind and sighed. There was no Dee, he could scent JJ and Miaka, but not Dee.

"Okay, take me down," Ryo grabbed his rifle and dashed to the door, he stood in amazement when it would not budge.

"This is the only building that is locked from the syndicate, that is why this roof was uncovered, come on," Laton grasped Ryo and ran for the edge and jumped off. Ryo gasped as he floated down in his grandfather's arms. They touched ground and he stared around at what looked like a war zone.

"Dee!" Ryo called staring around, though he could not smell blood, that did not mean that Dee was conscious. Ryo heard a groan and ran forward. He dived to the ground at the massive sound of gunfire from behind. He turned to see Laton shooting.

"Go, Snap Dragon, Go!" Laton urged Ryo on. "Find him!"

Break

Boy George sat on the couch winded, he had just finished singing when the pizza arrived. He looked down when he felt a small weight against him. "Yes," he smiled looking at Lyo.

"Da-Ryo... Da-Dee, come home now?" Lyo looked up at the pizza man and his eyes began to water when he saw that it was not his parents.

"Come on," Boy George got to his feet. "Let's go get some plates for that pizza." Boy G smiled brightly and dashed off to the kitchen while holding Lyo's little hand. Rain entered behind them.

"I'll show you where they are, we'll use the least expensive ones," Rain reached in the cabinet and pulled down the standard plates. Boy George looked at the heavy glass ware and blinked then gasped as he looked at the Television that was still on the news. He stared in horror at the war-zone-like scene that was displayed by the camera. Rain trembled the plates rattling as he sat them on the counter. Boy G was quick to pull the boy against him blocking his view of the screen. He startled at the loud gun blasts that rocketed from the speakers. Bikky entered and sat the pizzas on the table. With a shaking hand he reached over and turned off the screen.

"Hey Rain," Bikky said when Rain was still ensconced in Boy George's arms. "You know that fire that destroyed the pet shop. They came home from that... okay."

Rain nodded and stepped away from Boy G. "You smell good," Rain whispered pushing his hair back his green eyes overflowing as he looked at the now blank screen.

"Thanks, I'm fond of bathing," Boy George grinned and opened the first box. "Hungry?"

"You sound like Count D," Bikky laughed serving Lyo a small slice of pizza. "They own the pet shop, you'll meet them." Boy G nodded all the while hoping that these boys parents would be home soon.

Break

Ryo thought he could quite possible be going insane. He coughed at the thick smoke filled with black debris that clouded his lungs "Dee!" Ryo coughed again sniffing the air with every turn. "Koibito where are you?!" Ryo heard a small wheeze.

"Ba...baby," Dee called he tried to move but was wedged in tight underneath several slabs of concrete. One piece was standing upright holding the bulk of the weight. It was the only reason Dee was alive, Ryo saw as he inspected the felled building.

"I'm going to get you, don't move," Ryo ran around he winced and ducked from several bullets that whizzed past him as he dashed to Dee's side.

"Not going anywhere... My leg," Dee managed around fits of coughing. When he settled the building began to slide from its bearings.

"Dee! No!" Ryo gasped grasped the concrete with his palms blazing with pure flames he shoved it aside with a strength that amazed himself.

"Now that's a dragon!" Laton called from where he held the gun covering his grandson as he rescued his spouse. Ryo looked at his grandfather then reached down to pull Dee into his arms. "If only he would do it in defense of himself." Laton grumbled then went back. "Lets go Snap Dragon," Laton called when he ran out of bullets. Ryo turned to his grandfather and threw a gun to him while taking out another one for himself. Dee winced standing on his injured leg and began to run from the wreckage. Laton continued to fire until they made it to the other officers.

"I have a little gift for them," Ryo said and turned to throw a hand grenade into the fray. "I don't think there will be anyone left to arrest," Ryo said huffing air in to his lungs.

"Well!" Ryo startled and turned to see the Chief of police stomping in his direction. "I just might arrest you!" The Chief came to a halt and glowered at Ryo. "You are not only off duty, but you accessed a building that is outside of our jurisdiction, unauthorized use of a flame thrower, getting a civilian involved," He paused and looked at Laton. "That is not a civilian!" He pointed at the dragon king. "That is king from another country, do you have any idea how it would look if he was injured or killed on American soil?!" The chief blustered. "You did not even call in to let me know that you were here. That is it, I have had it, you are done MaClean, Two weeks, no pay, Get out of here. And you," He looked at Dee. "Get that leg taken care of and get to the precinct to fill out the reports on this mess."

Dee put his badge into his pocket then shook his head at the chief. "See you in two weeks," He said turning his back. "Come on baby, let's go home."

I am not affiliated with Culture Club, it's members or any of their music. I have no claims to them in anyway and I am making no profits from this work of Fan fiction.

Culture Club

Lead Singer, Boy George

Mikey Craig, Bassist

Jon Moss, drummer/lover

Roy Hay, Keyboards

Powdered Sugre 26

This is the Chapter That Wouldn't End... Yes it Goes On And On My Friend... Some People Started Reading it Not Knowing What it Was...

Eleven o'clock, George looked at the clock and sighed. It was getting rather late, and he really should suggest it. But he had finally gotten the tears to leave Lyo and Rain's eyes. Bikky sat beside him stoic with his arms crossed while Rain went on a complicated quest on the game console. "So, Rain, what happens after you beat the dungeon master?" George asked watching the boy battle the gargoyle that had come to life in order to battle his elven character.

"After this, he has to go through the dead guards behind the door," Rain said not looking away from the screen.

"Then rescue the princess?" George asked.

"I don't know, I haven't beaten this one yet. I can't make it past the last dead guard." Rain grumbled, he would have said more but the door opened. George sighed in relief until he saw the condition of the two men that stumbled inside. "Ryo! Dee!" Rain dropped the controller and ran to them.

"No... wait," George tried to halt Rain's movement before he wrapped his arms around Dee who nearly fell over.

"Thanks babe," Dee sighed when Ryo caught him. "Ouch, Rain, can't really handle extra weight right now. I'll hug you tomorrow." Dee promised.

"Go into the kitchen we saved you pizza," George announced and tried to pry Lyo's fingers from Ryo's pant leg.

"No, no, no," Lyo pushed him back and held on tighter to Ryo. "Da-Ryo no get shot at again." Lyo sobbed. "Stay here."

"Don't worry, little one, I'll be here for the next two weeks," Ryo huffed his anger giving his voice a cold edge.

"Are you alright?" Bikky asked taking Dee's other arm to help him into the kitchen.

"Bikky, could you put a pot on for me," Ryo asked watching as the boy set his teapot on the stove after they had set the taller man in a chair. George busied himself with finding plates for them both and opening the box that stayed warm in the oven. "Dee has some rather bad abrasions and Contusions on his leg and I got suspended for two weeks."

"For what?" Bikky asked sitting next to him at the table. "One of my offenses was unauthorized use of a flame thrower." Bikky waited a moment before he started to laugh.

"I took time off too," Dee confessed with a sigh. "You know, I have several abrasions and some contusions too." Rain gasped patting Dee's shoulder when he heard the news.

"Wait a minute," George said with a frown. "You guys were in the incident that was all over the news right?" Ryo and Dee nodded. "And all he has are a few scrapes and bruises? What are you guys, indestructible?"

Bikky laughed patting George's shoulder. "You have no idea."

"While you eat, why don't I run you a bath?" George said with a laugh, "though I guess the injured should go first..."

"Oh, he'll go with me," Dee said with a lascivious grin in Ryo's direction that was ruined by a wide yawn.

"Yeah, gotta help the invalid," Ryo joked wiping at a smudge on his cheek.

"Might I remind you," Dee said struggling to sit up higher in his chair. "Of who it was that dropped a building on me." Before Dee could continue his complaining Ryo shoved a slice of pizza in his mouth.

"I did not drop a building on you. I blew up a helicopter, it slammed into the building that you were near and then the building fell on you." Ryo explained with a sigh. "What I want to know is the kind of cartel that can come up with the heavy artillery that we were hit with..." Dee looked thoughtful, and Ryo continued. "This is big."

"Your lives certainly are adventurous," George said then followed Rain up the stairs so that he could run the bathwater in their bathroom. As he passed through their bedroom he paused to see a photo on the nightstand of Ryo sitting in Dee's arms. He smiled slightly at the expression on Ryo's face. The smile, the glow in his eyes, and the tinge of color in his cheeks. The look of love. George remembered a time when he wore a similar expression.

"Their bathroom is through here," Rain said leading George inside. He looked around at the large tub and cabinets, the place was large, and spotless. Rain watched George as he stopped the tub and began to run warm water. "Why do you look sad?"

"What?" George asked putting a smile on his face before he looked at Rain who handed him the bath oil that Ryo used.

"When you looked at the picture of Ryo and Dee, you looked sad. You can't really be that upset that they are together?" Rain said surprised when George laughed while blinking away a sudden sheen of tears. He was quick to look away and drop a heavy amount of oil into the tub watching as fragrant bubbles formed. "When he has aches from work, Ryo puts this in the tub too," Rain said pouring bath salt in the water. He placed a hand on George when he refused to look up. "Whatever it is, you are in the right place. When people get broken, they call Ryo and Dee, and they fix it."

"Broken," George whispered shaking his head.

"Lyo, Bikky, myself, even some of our friends from school have come to some good by knowing them." Rain nodded when George turned off the water in the now full tub and finally met his eyes.

He reached up and patted Rain's side noting that the boy gasped and moved away. "What broke you?" George asked Rain who grew quiet and looked away.

"Who hit you?" Rain countered.

"It's not what you think," George said. "He... who did this and my lover... ex... Ice cream?" George offered straitening when he felt emotions threatening to overcome him.

"We already had ice cream," Rain said leaving the bathroom. "Don't worry, whoever did do it, will more than likely get what's coming to him."

"You're a sweet kid," George said pressing a quick kiss to Rain's cheek before he could get away.

"Yeah well," Rain said turning red. "I eat a lot of sugar."

"You can not be serious," They heard Dee grumble as Ryo helped him up the stairs.

"Dee, you are injured," Ryo answered the top of his honey colored head becoming visible.

"That just means you'll have to get on top...whoa, Ryo," Dee groused "Careful, I almost fell." He would have said more but saw Rain and George standing there. George worked to suppress a laugh while Rain took off down the stairs to help Bikky get Lyo up and ready for bed.

"Oh, hi, sorry about this," Ryo said when George opened their door so that he could get Dee inside. "I mean, you are here to rest and you have been babysitting, and running bathwater."

"No, no your family is charming," George said and Ryo paused.

"Are you okay?" He asked after sitting Dee on their bed. He reached out to catch George before he could leave their room.

"Yeah, I am just going to go and settle some things before I go to bed. Jet lag you know, long flight from London." George turned but was stopped by Ryo again.

"Don't forget to put the witch hazel on your face. Or do you want me to come in and...?" Ryo halted when George laughed at him and waved a hand.

"You go bathe that man of yours, or do you want me to come in and help you?" George was smiling as he left the room and walked down the hall. He was smiling when he passed the boys in their bathroom giving Lyo his bath. He was smiling as he opened his door. When the door shut, tears fell down his face and he sat on the floor and sobbed.

Break

Sofu paced the floor while watching Lord D sleep. True to his word Count D had brought JJ home last night bandaged and bloody, but alive. Count D sat next to Leon looking at his grandfather with a sad smile on his face. He manipulated everyone and yet he truly did believe that he was doing the right thing. Even though his methods chaffed, he had to admit that his grandfather loved him, he loved them all. Lord D stirred and Sofu was quick to smooth his hands over the furrows in Lord D's brow sitting beside him on the bed. Sofu moved his long, elegant sleeve aside so that he could run his fingers over Lord D's hair. Count D had never seen such a tender look on the great kami's face, as he wore now looking at his son.

"He will always be your baby," Lady Aurora said appearing beside her husband. Leon had ceased to be startled when she, or any of the Arcadians appeared seemingly from nowhere. "No matter how old he gets, or how many children he himself sires, he will always be your baby." Sofu D took his wife's dainty hand and placed a kiss upon the palm. Count D stood and placed a kiss on his father's brow before he took Leon and left the room. The children needed to be looked after.

He found Chris sitting with Aoi and the twins reading them a story. "Bro!" Chris said hopping to his feet he hurried to Leon's side. "I saw the news, and then called Bikky, he said Rain and Lyo were freaking out, but he kept it cool. Glad you're home." Chris grinned then turned to pick up Aoi and place her in Count D's arms. "Little Leon slept all day. I know you got back last night, but Jewel showed me that you both kind of slept in Lord D's room. He'll be okay now that JJ is there." Leon nodded and went to sit with his family. Count D cooed at Kurayami when the baby awakened hearing his parents voices. He scooped the bundle into his arms and went to sit beside Leon on the soft grass of the garden.

"We'll be going home soon," He announced to the baby who looked up as if he understood. "You were born there, you were the light that shone so bright amidst the darkness of the battle that raged on around us." Leon watched as Count D spoke to the baby in his native tongue of Mandarin Chinese. It was a beautiful language, spoken by a beautiful individual. Leon did not understand a word of what D was saying, but he could have listened to him for hours, days even. Count D looked up to see Leon staring at him and smiled. It was not his typical small smirk, or even a soft smile. It covered the lower half of his face, lifting his cheeks and showing a good portion of his teeth. If Leon had not already been in love before, that smile would have tipped the scales. Chris rolled his eyes when Leon leaned in and kissed D.

"Gonna go see if I can find a ride to Ryo and Dee's," Chris announced. When Leon made as if to offer he held up a hand. "No, you stay and smooch D, I wanna go beat Bikky at Crossfire, it's a new ultimate fighter game."

"I will be over later for training," Count D told Chris before he could leave.

"Okay," Chris called over his shoulder leaving them alone with the children. Count D lay on his back with his head in Leon's lap. Kurayami stuffed a tiny fist into his mouth where he lay on D's chest while Aoi handed the story book to Leon. Kibo and Shinrai sat beside Aoi giving Leon their rapt attention.

"Where were you?" Leon said flipping through the pages then opening the book to the tale of three bears that went on a picnic and all the sights they saw in the Kami's garden. He checked and saw that it was made in Arcadia, of course, Leon thought with a smile then continued reading. Every now and then his hand would trail through the silky locks on D's head when he switched the page. Aoi looked at her parents a great smile on her face.

Break

Chris was dropped off just as Terry, Erick and Peter arrived. "We are too late for breakfast, but maybe we could get some lunch," Terry said ringing the bell. His face fell when Rain opened the door and there was no smell of cooking coming from inside.

"Hey, guys, you might want to go right to the den, world war three is going on in the kitchen." Rain said ushering them past. Erick gasped when Dee yelled at Ryo.

"It's not a big deal, just wait until I am better and I will go with you!" Dee argued at the top of his lungs.

"Dee be reasonable," Ryo said in a softer tone. "We are just going to the store, until Lord D can get over and fix you up, you need to stay off that leg."

"Its just a few scrapes and bruises," Dee grumbled.

"I could see the tender meat of your calf, then you ran on it and..." Ryo paused his voice catching. "Dee, I kind of dropped a building on you, please, just stay here."

"Fine," Dee capitulated with an ease that worried Ryo. "I'll stay here, but so will you and the boys."

"Dee the birthday party is next weekend, we do not have the supplies needed..." Ryo but paused when Dee slammed a hand on the table.

"No! Ryo! You and the boys will stay here, until I can go with you!" Dee said again.

"Dee!" Ryo said his voice raising. "Are you out of your mind? You can not put me on house arrest, I said I was sorry," Ryo opened his mouth to say more but paused to see George standing in the doorway with a hand to his forehead.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I can hear you all the way upstairs." George made his way to the cabinet and pulled down a cup. He waved Ryo back to his chair when he would have gotten up to fix him some tea. "I live in England, naturally I can make tea." he gave a little laugh. "I will be here all summer, I do not need to be treated as a guest, I would prefer to be a friend staying for a while. Less work for you, more fun for me. Unless of course you want to cater to my every whim and need. I can a demanding little queen you know." George fixed his tea while Ryo sat and frowned at Dee. "What is the big deal about shopping anyway? I was hoping to go to the mall, living as I do, fans mob me at every turn and it is hard to go out, but I have a feeling that that will not be case here."

"You're right," Rain said entering the kitchen. "People will still point and stare, maybe even take pictures, but they won't approach. Ryo and Dee set them all back a while ago."

"Not to mention Bikky stands next to Rain looking like a hulking gorilla that will eat anyone who comes near his little brother...holy cow." Erick said his mouth dropping as he got a good look at George. when they had entered the kitchen George had been sitting with his head over his cup inhaling the tangy aroma of the spiced tea, he looked up and smiled, his make-up in place highlighting his beautiful features. "I mean... Hi...um... damn... Sorry, mouth I know," Erick looked quickly to Ryo then back to George. "Hi... gorgeous, I mean... whoa," Erick finally ended.

"Want some jam with that foot you stuck in your mouth," Bikky said entering the kitchen. Erick turned beet red and nodded his head. Ryo and Dee said no more on their argument as Terry and Peter entered the kitchen and they too stared in wonder.

Peter did an odd hop from foot to foot as he saw George. "Oh my gosh, it really is you!" He rushed forward, then remembered himself before he touched George. "I have all of your CD's."

"X-Ta-C is working with him this summer," Rain explained to the ecstatic teenager. When George simply smiled at him then went back to his tea.

"So Dee, why are you so hard up saying we can't go shopping?"Bikky asked when Rain ushered Erick, Peter, Terry and Chris to the den. "Not like I am all anxious to be in the car with Ryo behind the wheel, but what's the deal?"

"I take it driving is not one of your strong points," George said to Ryo who glowered at Bikky saying nothing.

"The last time you all went out, you did not come back," Dee mumbled into his cup of coffee. Ryo gasped his eyes going to Dee. "You don't know what it was to get the call, to have fill out the reports, to know some mad man had you and..."

"Dee," Ryo said taking Dee's hand. "Randolph is dead."

"So is Hamanosuke," Dee said reminding Ryo that they had fought the man themselves centuries after king Zarro had ended his human life.

"Think about it Dee," Ryo said calmly, he chose his words carefully very aware that George was in the room and not in league with Arcadia. "If you had been there when Randolph took us, you would have succumbed to the smoke bomb as well. When you awakened you would have either been shoved in the car with Lyo or left on the pavement. Or you could have awakened and been as helpless as I was. You could have been made to watch him rape me."

"But the boys... they got free," Dee said not wanting to think of Ryo in such a position again.

"If you woke up at all," Ryo continued before Dee could say more. " He wanted you dead, so that he could have me. I am glad you were not there when we were taken." Ryo lifted Dee's face and pressed a kiss to his lips. Dee was shocked, for Ryo was not one to initiate intimacy, especially when they were not alone. George smiled and sipped his tea trying to appear to be ignoring them. " It left you free to come rescue us."

"And you sat there like a good little damsel in distress," Dee grumbled looking away. Ryo gave Dee a smile that was also a warning. "Fine," Dee slumped. "Go shopping, but I will keep Lyo here with me."

"If you were going to be alone, I would say no." Ryo said with a grin. "But Heaven has agreed to come over and keep you company while we are out."

"What?" Dee looked terrified. "If I have done something to piss you off you would tell me right? I mean first you drop a building on me, then you leave me with... Hi Heaven," Dee said when their back door opened and she appeared to be be glowing as she stood in a beam of bright light her white garments glistening. Heaven beamed a bright smile her eyes going to George and not leaving. He stood to greet the lady.

"Dee, Ryo and..." Heaven said her voice heavy as she stared at George.

"Boy or George, you can call me either, I answer to both." George kissed her warm hand.

"Can I call you delicious?" Heaven asked as she closed her eyes sniffing George. When Heaven stepped back she resisted the urge to sneeze.

"Not until you know how I taste." George grinned. "Since we are going out, I will go get ready." He blew a kiss at Heaven then headed upstairs.

"Heaven," Ryo began to warn her away from their charge.

"He's got a foul after taste, sweet at first, but, something wants him. Hasn't gotten him yet, but the claim is there." Heaven smirked when Ryo quirked a brow at her. "The sweet is him, but the after, now that is someone who will be a good fight. He reeks of death. Oh and Ryo," Heaven called when Ryo was leaving the kitchen. "Pay attention to his arms. I think the Arcadians had an ulterior motive for sending him to this house of respite." Ryo frowned then left the kitchen to see the boys all waiting for him. George descended the stairs in his baggy pants and large, long sleeved shirt. A white trench coat, that was much too large completed the ensemble. His little fedora was in place over a yellow scarf, while his make-up seemed to have been refreshed. Erick stared in awe, while Peter, too enraptured by George to take offense, grinned.

"Shall we?" George said and followed them from the house smiling up into the bright light of the sun. he had been pleased to note that the witch hazel had done wonders for his face. He still had some slight discoloration, but the mark was nearly gone. He was humming as he got into the large car with Ryo and the teenagers. Ryo wondered, as he pulled away from the garage, just what he had gotten himself into.

Break

The mall was its usual crush of humanity, but they seemed to part as the waters of the Nile before Moses when Ryo and the odd entourage entered. There were some points, loud whispers and the click of cameras but Bikky turned a foul glare and the talking and shopping resumed. "Quite effective," George said with a laugh.

"Aren't you warm?" Ryo asked him. "They offer lockers, here, or... there they are," George watched Ryo wave a man over in all black clothes. On his arm was a patch of what appeared to be a lizard in flames. "Salamander, what is your name and rank?" Ryo asked in a soft tone.

"Jin Hiyo, Rank SGT, your highness," The Asian guard answered snapping a salute as he bowed to the youngest prince of the dragon clan.

"And how did you know we were here?" He asked noting the other black clad individuals that were obviously watching them.

"Heaven informed your grandfather and he thought it best, since the last time you were out..."

"Yes, yes, I know. We went shopping, got kidnapped, bad things happened, people burned," Bikky said when Ryo simply stood silent his face turning red. "Come on, I have to get a graduation present for Carol, birthday presents for Lyo and I am sure that George here, wants to go shopping." Bikky frowned at the guard and grabbed Ryo's arm. "Just keep your distance," he said in an imperious tone that Ryo had yet to take with any of the royal guards of the Obsidian Palace.

"Where do you want to go first?" Erick asked, Peter prepared to answer but saw that he was talking to George.

"I don't really know, lets just walk around and see what's here, then I will decide." George reached into a pocket to pull out a clear gloss that he applied over his lipstick that made his lips shine.

"Where do you buy your clothes?" Peter asked looking at Rain's large clothes and then at George.

"Oh, most of my clothes are made for me, at least the stuff for shows, otherwise, I just buy what I like," George said looking around he saw Ryo heading into a toy store.

"He'll page us when we should meet him, we have an unspoken agreement of random wandering in here." Rain said holding up his cell phone. "Do you want to go with him?" Ryo paused at the entrance to store as if waiting for George. With a smile George shook his head. And followed after the boys. Bikky paused by a jewelry store then went inside.

"We're going to JO," Peter announced pulling Erick's arm away from George and Rain. "I want new jeans, and you can help me pick them out."

"But..." Erick paused then sighed he saw the worried look on Peter's face.

"I thought you like watching me try on jeans," Peter pouted and stuck out his lip in the way he knew would drive Erick crazy.

"Well yeah," Erick said reading the signs of the old jealousy in Peter's gaze. "I also like watching you take jeans off," Peter turned red on cue and skipped off to the clothing store that was popular among the teens.

"Kind of young, aren't they?" George mused looking at the shiny jewels. Chris rolled his eyes and looked at a pair of studs that were deep purple. He wanted to get them for Count D.

"How old were you?" Bikky asked going to the earring case. George grinned and winked at Bikky.

"What do you think?" Rain asked showing Bikky a bracelet with diamonds and topaz in the shape of flowers.

"Okay, but Carol does not really do topaz, she is more of a sapphire girl," Bikky said studying the bracelet.

"Why would I be buying your girl a diamond bracelet?" Rain huffed. "This is for Julie,"

"You might want to get her earrings, or a necklace," Bikky said. "Don't know why, but she is always wearing long sleeves, that would be covered up." Rain's eyes widened as he remembered Julie telling him about the scars on her arms. She used to cut herself. Nodding he was about the put the bracelet back when George took it from his hands and laid it across his own wrist. "Thats kind of..." Rain cut off the word girlie as he looked at George. "Looks nice." He said then went to earrings. He was about to pick up a pair, when a golden necklace with diamonds in the shape of irises and Calla lilies caught his eyes. "That's it, that's perfect," Rain went to the counter to ask if the sales lady could get it out of its locked case for him.

"I don't think so. Where are your parents?" She said to the teenager. "Usually when young people come in here, they just look and can't afford to buy. So look, don't get your fingerprints all over it."

"Do you live under a rock?" The other sales lady said rushing forward with the keys. "If you don't want the commission I sure as hell do." She opened the case and handed the necklace to Rain. "This is Rain Cloud MaClean, the pop star," She said pointing to Rain. "And that's..." her eyes went past Bikky and lighted on George. " You're in America!" She squealed. "I could get sued for this, but can I please have your autograph?"

"Sued?" George asked reaching for a pen on the counter for the signing of checks. "I get approached all the time. Why would I sue you?"

"Not you," She said looking at Bikky who stood with a frown on his face. "Unless they are having a signing we are to stay back and treat them as normal people, cause they breath in and out just like us and bleed red, so we should not mob them on the streets, or that is what the high prince of Arcadia said."

"I'm not Arcadian," George grinned. "I won't sue, what's your name?"

"Liza," She said when he looked at her. George quickly scrawled a message then brought the card to his lips to leave an imprint of his lipstick. He winked then finished looking at the merchandise. He, Rain and Bikky made it a point to stand in line and wait for Liza ignoring the other sales lady who had been rude to Rain. Rain even went so far as to sign her card underneath George's signature. They waved cheerfully as they left.

"Why are the rules so strict?" George asked noting the people staring at them but not daring to approach.

"Daphnus went on a rampage of press releases after we did a show here and Rain was almost pulled from the stage." Bikky explained going into a clothing store. "Dee saved him by throwing him at Ryo."

"Throwing him?" George asked thinking of the slim man. He frowned then remembered that he had been lifted by Ryo using only one arm.

"And he caught me," Rain laughed.

"He caught me too, when I launched myself out of a third story building in New York," Bikky gasped shoving his box into Georges hand as Carol came up to him with Julie and the rest of the Cheer-leading squad. Laughing, George pocketed the secret gift, he looked to take Rain's as well but saw the box vanish into one Rain's large pockets on his pants. He was finishing the zipper to the pocket just as Julie took his hand and kissed him.

"Your girl," George asked earning the gasping attention of the squad. He would have said more, but felt something cold brush against him. He looked around but no one was near enough to touch him in such a way. Rain gasped his face turning green. Swallowing fast he pulled his thermos from another large pocket and drank quickly.

"You okay?" Bikky asked at his side instantly.

"The winds changed, crying something foul," Rain said in Cheyenne when the vertigo passed. Realizing he had not spoken in English, Rain shook his head. "A memory," Rain said in English . "White sheets, pain and blood, but it wasn't me it wanted," Rain whispered to Bikky.

"How do you know?" Bikky whispered back leading Rain away from the crowd.

"Wlyd Wind was the call that came, he has been following me as a breeze, he said something that should be memory is awake and nasty. But it doesn't want me this time."

"He said all that in the few seconds it took you to blink?" Bikky asked incredulous.

"Shhh..." Rain looked around furtively seeing that George was looking at long shirts and the girls had moved on to dresses for the prom he continued. "Wind is in my blood remember, his thoughts can be my thoughts."

"But he did not give you wind, he said so," Bikky said thinking of his own flames and wondered if he could communicate to Ryo the same way. He decided to give it a try warming his body temperature and thinking of Ryo.

"Doesn't mean he can't use it to his advantage that it is," Rain said.

"But why does it make you sick when he does it?" Bikky said he looked up amazed as Ryo left the toy store carrying bags and looking unerringly in his direction. "He didn't make me sick, it did when it touched George."

"George," Bikky said.

"Yes," George walked over carrying his selections.

"Are you hungry?" Bikky said the first thing that came to mind as Ryo walked over.

"Hungry? After the eggs, sausages, waffles with fruit and whipped cream... Hungry?" George laughed. "I think, you are trying to make me fat."

"Slyphe's revenge," Rain joked. "She still hasn't forgiven you."

"I never called her fat, I just thought she was rather... large," George thought for a moment to insert the proper word that would not insult the boy about his cat. "To be sleeping on you," George grinned looking at the boy that was a just about his size. Ryo looked at the shirts in Georges arm noting that, while made to fit a man at least three times his size, they seemed rather tame for him. Still laughing he wandered off to the other racks in the trendy store. Chris went over to make sure he stayed occupied showing him different shirts and pants.

"What's wrong?" Ryo asked when George was out of earshot. "I was buying Lyo presents then all of a sudden I heard you yell my name. But I did not hear you with my ears..." Ryo frowned scratching his head.

"Something gross touched George and made Rain sick," Bikky said and Ryo looked at Rain who was still slightly pale clutching his thermos. "He seriously almost threw up on Julie." Bikky said looking for the girls he saw them still admiring dresses. "Looks like Wyld Wind sent a message too."

"It won't come near," Rain said again when his blood sped up with a message of Wind. "It can sense the fire worms in the air and is afraid of them. Its why it won't come near our house, because of the dragons." Rain gasped then fell forward. Ryo caught him worried.

"I'm taking you home," Ryo said and paused when Rain shook his head.

"No its gone now, Wyld Wind said, to be wary, of memories." Rain breathed deeply his color returning to normal he looked around for the bird in the shape of a man and sighed when he was no where around. "I'm okay." He assured Ryo, "But I am hungry," he said just as George came back carrying several large bags.

"Hungry?" he said looking at Rain.

"You boys go eat, I'm going to get something for Dee, since he's stuck at home... And it's my fault.. I did kind of drop a building on him." The last words were spoken quietly as he turned red. "Don't fill up on junk," Ryo said heading off.

"I am not hungry, so I will go with you," George said switching over to Ryo and following him. "What kind of gift are you looking for?"

"I don't know..." Ryo said his eyes roaming over Spencer gifts. His face turned red and he looked away.

"You know it is so cute when you turn pink like that, or maybe it's maroon," George said when Ryo turned redder. "Like this lipstick," George pulled out the tube and applied it to his lips blowing a kiss at Ryo. "Come on, I'll help you pick it out," George took Ryo's arm and pulled him. "You guys may as well be useful as more than gawkers'," he said taking Ryo's bags and shoving them at a salamander before he pulled Ryo into the store with naughty toys on display.

"Oh none of that," Ryo turned scarlet looking away from the dildos he hurried to the side of the store that sold clothes. George laughed and followed Ryo.

"You aught to loosen up and I bet this would just about do it," He held up a large toy. He put it down immediately when Ryo paled and gulped. "What?" George said walking over to Ryo and moving to stand directly in front of him. "I was joking."

"Its nothing, I will just get him something for his car, he loves that thing," Ryo said turning to leave the store.

"Not more than he loves you, get something that you two can enjoy together," George said holding Ryo's arm. "Is there anything in here that won't cause you spasms?"

"He likes to see me wear... stuff," Ryo whispered the last word inclining his head to the clothing lingerie that was in sections for males and females.

"Ooh, like school uniforms and maid outfits?" George laughed clapping his gloved hands. Ryo's eyes widened and his face colored. He shook his head his mouth dropped open as he stared at George. "Um, pity." George shrugged silently glad to see some color in Ryo's cheeks after he had paled so completely. "Oh, I bet you would look ravishing in this," George said holding up a creation of red satin and black lace. The tiny shorts that were attached gave him naughty thoughts about Ryo.

Ryo blushed and looked away. "I have that," he said softly. George looked at the ensemble then laughed putting it away. The sales clerk remembered Ryo from that one time he had come in with Dee and watched as he and George went around the racks.

George came up a few moments later with what looked to be several strips of black satin and lace that he held over to Ryo. "He'll break that bad leg trying to get to you," he said with a grin. He had glimpsed inside their closet when he was in their room and even now Ryo wore tan pants and a light blue shirt. He could guess the man hardly ever wore dark clothing. "You are amazingly pale, this would be smashing."

"I'm half Japanese, what's your excuse?" Ryo said to cover his embarrassment.

"Irish," He laughed finding a dark blue thong and handing it to Ryo. "Ever wear one of these?" Ryo shook his head and George laughed again adding it to the things he had collected.

"You wear a lot of large clothes, why?" Ryo asked taking the items to the counter. He was beet red again as he paid.

"Why should I wear something formfitting? No one's business but my own what I look like underneath." George grinned as they left the store Ryo seemed to be trying to hide the logo on the bag and George outright laughed.

"Well now that does not sound like the over-sexed, loosely moraled person I read about," Ryo said looking at George who smiled at him. "Why do you not dispute the claims?"

"What would be the point? When one thing is not what the press wants to hear they will make up something worse." George said. "They attack everyone who they think could quite possibly have it better than they do. I actually believe in Monogamy, but you never heard me say it," George gave Ryo a conspiratorial wink. "I once told a reporter that I had an affair with a wombat and she believed me." George said and laughed when Ryo gaped at him. "As for big clothes...What about Rain?"

"Same reason don't you know," Ryo said avoiding George's eyes. "I have never seen him so comfortable around a stranger so fast. You're amazing." Ryo grinned heading off to the food court. "Come on, we still need to get to the grocery store for the food."

"Oh yes, your little one's birthday party is next weekend." George smiled when he saw the many empty containers of food on the table the boys were sitting at.

Rain belched softly laughing when Julie gently tapped his forehead. "You're so gross," Julie laughed when Rain tickled her.

"Yeah," Rain said whispering in Cheyenne close to her ear. "But you love me anyway?" Julie went wide eyed staring at Rain. "'Eh?"

"Speak English," Julie said and gulped when Rain's eyes turned a deeper shade of green as he looked at her. Ryo cleared his throat when he and George went unnoticed. Carol was nearly in Bikky's lap and slid to the side when Ryo approached.

"Leaving?" Chris asked since Bikky and Rain both had mouths full of food.

"Yeah," Ryo said gathering his things. He saw several long dress bags and watched as Rain helped Julie gather her things. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek then waved as they left. Julie stared after them. Erick, Terry and Peter caught up with them at the door. Peter's smile left his face when he saw Erick's eyes go to George and stay there. It was hard to be fan of someone who also had the attention of his lover. Peter sighed and got into the car sitting in mulish silence while Erick leaned over the side of the back seat questioning George the entire drive to the grocery store.

Break

JJ opened his eyes with a smile, he could remember being shot, now instead of pain, all he felt was a cold sensation. Oh no! He sat up in panic. Had they chopped off his leg? JJ looked over seeing a golden glow. Nearly fainting with relief he placed a hand over Lord D's. "Darling?" JJ said looking down at his leg which looked as if he had never been wounded.

"Jemi-Chan," Lord D's voice seemed to come from far away.

"Darling... Precious... Wake up!" JJ grasped Lord D's shoulders and shook him. Lord D came out of his trance gasping and shaking his head to clear it of the cold healing trance he was immersed in. Lord D shivered, catching his breath, he blinked several times. "Darling, you healed me."

"Oh, Jemi-Chan," Lord D scooted up in the bed and held JJ close. "My love," JJ tilted Lord D's face to his and kissed him soundly. "I was so worried," Lord D broke away sobbing. "I knew you were in danger, but my father would not let me come to you. I will die if you leave me..." Lord D wept his breathing speeding with his heartbeat. "Please, please," Lord D clung to JJ with a desperation that was nearly frightening. "You taught me to live again. You showed me real love. Don't turn on a light then leave me in darkness. It would be better if there were never a light at all. To be born blind is better than to loose sight after seeing the wonders of the world. To live without knowing love is better than the pain of losing it." Lord D cried, his breathing escalating to vaporous hiccups.

"Can you honestly say that?" JJ asked wiping the tears from Lord D's face. "Your father was right." JJ laughed softly pressing a kiss to Lord D's lips. "You really are a spoiled brat." Lord D stared at JJ huffing air his bottom lip in a perfectly adorable pout. "You are not thinking of the three people, no four, that need you most. Even if I go to work and never come home, promise me that you will live. For Kibo, Shinrai, Count D and this one," JJ pressed his hand to Lord D's tummy. "If I go to sleep and never awaken, you have to tell them that I loved them, tell them who I was, tell them how much we loved each other. Promise me," JJ said when Lord D looked away sobbing. "Promise me that you will live."

"Jemi-Chan," Lord D collapsed into JJ's arms. "It is so hard to even think of it."

"Promise!" JJ lifted Lord D's face to his, his blue eyes serious as he stared into Lord D's wide purple orbs. "I love you Darling, you are more precious to me than anyone I have ever known. Even if I should die tomorrow, I would be okay, knowing that you would be alive. That doesn't mean I won't fight it. I will tell the angels to go and leave me to be with you. I don't want to leave my baby alone, but dammit, if I have to, you must live. Promise me that you will live!" Lord D sobbed holding tight to JJ. "Promise me!" JJ demanded when Lord D succumbed to whimpers.

Lord D thought of all that he had learned with JJ. He remembered the first time they had made love. He had given himself to JJ despite his fears of being hurt again. He thought of his father offering him the white peach and honey. It would have proved that there was no love there. His first realization that he was carrying. The surfeit of emotions swelled in his heart until he thought he could not breath."I ... I am afraid," Lord D admitted. He could plainly see the scars on his heart and soul ponded in my Hamanosuke, covered and healed by the love of JJ. "So afraid," Lord D clung tight to JJ. His light and heat in the terror of brutal, cold darkness. But that light had lit a flame within him. Warm and gentle, encompassing and life renewing. "Jemi-Chan," Lord D said his voice quivering. "I... I will...live, for you," Lord D said between wracking sobs. "I am weak, I depend on your love, your strength to get me through. It was because of you that I was able to stand to Hamanosuke when he kidnapped us all. But I will grow strong for you. I will live," Lord D promised sinking in the warmth of JJ's strong beating human heart. "I will live," Lord D whispered looking up at JJ.

JJ lowered his head to the tear stain beauty before him and sealed their lips. Lord D sighed his eyes drifting closed when he felt the warmth of JJ's hands roaming around the outside of his robe. JJ pushed the fragrant skein of Lord D's hair aside and dragged his tongue over the sweet skin. JJ felt enveloped by yards of silk as Lord D's hair fell around him coupled with the many layers of his cheongsam. His senses were swamped with the sight, the smell the taste of Lord D. "Jemi..." Lord D gasped.

JJ pinched Lord D's nipples through the many layers enjoying the shivering mass of beauty in his arms. "Let's take this off," JJ said pulling the large bow free and parting the robes down the middle revealing the satin sheath underneath. "It is gorgeous, but..." Lord D shrugged from the loosened garments leaving them to slide over the side of the bed and drop to the floor. He ran his hands over the satin pants trailing his fingers in the band. Lord D sat straddling JJ's hips and leaned his head back offering more of his neck to JJ. Lord D's small hands were busy undoing the buttons of JJ's pajama top then the nails scrapped gently over JJ's chest. "Umm," JJ leaned forward and sucked Lord D through the satin sheath.

"Oh..." Lord D gripped JJ's head when the satin heated and grew moist over his nipple. "I want to feel you," Lord D panted pulling the sheath and over his head. Swinging his hair free, as he knew JJ loved he tossed his head allowing it to settle over his pale shoulders and fall around both their laps. JJ ran his hands through the glossy locks from root to tip then back up using the tresses to pull Lord D's lips to his.

"I'm going to eat you," JJ said with a playful growl he lifted Lord D and placed him on the bed. He pulled the band of the pants exposing Lord D to the bright light in the room. He loved making love to Lord D in the light. He enjoyed the varying shades of his pale skin. The rosy blush that covered him when he was again shocked by his own pleasure even as he welcomed and relished it. When his nipples grew erect, glistening from JJ's mouth and bright pink with arousal. The beautiful length of his manhood that grew rosy at the tip, glistening and sweet. Lord D tugged on JJ pants wishing them gone, glad that his summoning worked both ways. JJ settled his naked hips between Lord D's spread legs, they both sighed at the contact.

Lord D lay back, his hair spread around and underneath him like a silken fan glossy and enticing showcasing the whiteness of his flesh. JJ kissed a hot trail from Lord D's neck to his chest then further down to his abdomen where he stayed. He pressed his ear to the flat planes of Lord D's tummy closing his eyes he then pressed a kiss there. Lord D leaned up on his elbows to look down at JJ a look of utter devotion stealing over his face. He closed his eyes in rapture as JJ began to suckle his weeping member. "Sugoi."

"No, open your eyes," JJ said his breath warm against the quivering flesh pressed against his lips. "You have to see, to remember every moment, it will keep you warm if I am ever not here," Lord D felt tears at the thought, but opened his eyes and looked down. He gasped the dual shock of pleasure and visual stimulation of watching JJ's head bob in his lap. JJ came up his tongue trailing over the sweet tip then he looked up at Lord D swallowing the essence. "I love watching you come, tasting you..." JJ said reaching up he placed his fingers to Lord D's lips smiling when Lord D opened his mouth and sucked the digits in. JJ removed the wet fingers and pushed Lord D's legs open. "So warm and tight," JJ pressed his fingers to the hot ring of muscle waiting for Lord D to relax. "Don't close your eyes," JJ commanded as he pressed the fingers in licking Lord D all the while looking up into his eyes.

It was too much. Lord D's hips bucked and he came in a flood of honey sweet cream that fell into JJ's mouth, past his lips and onto his chin. JJ wiped his hand along his face then licked his fingers clean sucking with relish. "You're such a messy eater," Lord D teased as still JJ found drops and licked them both clean.

"Oh?" JJ said shifting and leaning back on the bed. He reached down and stroked himself his eyes never leaving Lord D. He saw the small pink tongue come to wet Lord D's lips moments before Lord D leaned in and swallowed him whole. "Oh... Darling," Lord D smiled and made a humming sound as he sucked. He used his nails to lightly tease the sensitive globes while shortening them. Licking his fingers while stroking JJ, Lord D looked up with a smile. "Turnabout." JJ grinned at the devilish glint in Lord D's eyes.

"Fair play," Lord D said pushing the fingers deep inside of JJ who had already determined that he would not close his eyes. He watched Lord D suck, lick, taste and enjoy his manhood even as he enjoyed the attention. JJ's fingers became lost in the wildly flowing hair that shined abundant about his lower body. Lord D's fingers moved faster inside and JJ's hips shifted in time. JJ could feel his body heat as he grew larger in Lord D's mouth.

"Precious, wait, I..." JJ gasped his orgasm slamming into him with such force it rendered him breathless when Lord D pressed hard against his pleasure spot he spasmed more, tears leaking from his eyes watching as Lord D drank him in not spilling a single drop. JJ was quivering as Lord D still sucked refusing to let him go soft. When JJ felt some semblance of control return he shifted their weight laying Lord D on the hair that splayed out gloriously beneath him. Lord D handed him their lubrication, a sweet smelling gel that felt cool to his overheated skin. JJ pressed his fingers in again coating Lord D inside and then himself. JJ eased over Lord D pressing inside with a slow thrust making sure that Lord D could feel each inch as it slide into him.

"Jemi," Lord D panted in a breathy whisper that drove JJ mad every time he heard it. He leaned over Lord D pushing his knees up. JJ intertwined their fingers moving over him in slow abandon savoring the slick grip of his smaller lover. "Aishiteru," Lord D gasped his blood pounding through his veins seeming to sing JJ's name taking him higher. JJ moved his hips in a way he knew would brush him full length against Lord D's prostate. He smiled, keeping his eyes locked with Lord D's as they both went over the edge.

"I love you so much," JJ panted falling beside Lord D breathless. He looked down into Lord D's eyes surprised to see the Kami weeping. "Darling?"

"You have drank me many times, Jemi-Chan, and it has changed you. Just as D's blood changed Leon. On your own you will not grow old, sicken and die, but you can be killed," Lord D sobbed. "I... I promised so I will." Lord D said. "I will live on without you, but please be careful to make it not necessary."

"I will," JJ promised kissing Lord D's head, then his lips. "I will."

Break

Bikky cornered Rain in the kitchen as they were putting the food away while Ryo and George put their things away. "Look at you," Bikky bumped his hip into his brother nearly catapulting the slighter boy into the counter. "Putting the moves on Julie."

"I was not," Rain blushed closing the cabinet with a snap.

"So," Bikky said with a cheerful grin. "Have you mastered the art of a real kiss yet?"

"Bikky!" Rain gasped his cheeks crimson when Dee hobbled into the kitchen.

"Never say it's so," Dee said in mock horror as Ryo and George came back downstairs. Chris peeked into the kitchen before he took Lyo in to play with Heaven. "My boy is fifteen and he still does not know how to properly lay one," Dee sighed in anguish. "Oh the shame."

"Oh shut up," Ryo said shoving Bikky aside gently and setting about the teapot. "Just because he is not a horny mongrel like you two does not mean that he needs to be ashamed."

"Although," George said winking at Rain. "A proper kiss is a delicate art."

"Come on Baby, for educational purposes," Dee said tugging Ryo into his arms. Before Ryo could push him away he pressed their lips together his tongue pressing against him for entry. As with any time Dee put his mind to it... Ryo's knees went weak and he fell into the kiss opening to Dee with a soft, helpless sigh. Ryo's hands crept up Dee's back before sliding into the deep locks of hair at his nape his fingers clenching to hold Dee. Dee broke away ending with several small sweet pecks smiling when he saw that Ryo's eyes were closed and that he was completely lost to his surroundings. George laughed when Dee moved away and Ryo swayed a little before he regained his footing. "Done correctly she won't even remember her own name."

"Huh," Ryo said blinking then he gasped and slapped a hand on Dee's arm shoving away from Dee his face red. "If you want dinner tonight get out of here, all of you!" Rain was fast to dash out of the kitchen, Dee and Bikky following leaving George standing and smiling at Ryo.

"You are too cute," He laughed leaving the kitchen to go to his room. He gasped when the door was ajar. After putting his things away he had shut it, he was sure. Looking around for the large cat he was surprised to see a vision in white sitting on his bed. "Um... Heaven?" He remembered the lovely young woman he had met earlier. "What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you," Heaven got to her feet. Dee had told her that it would be easy to get what she wanted from him. She thought it was rather sad, for someone so beautiful, but... Oh well. George backed away as she approached and wondered how the door had shut behind him when he had left it ajar upon seeing her. Pressing his back to the door he tried the knob and gasped as it would not turn. The door had no lock. "Are you afraid of me?" She asked licking her lips when she pressed against him inhaling deep. Again the urge to sneeze came and she fought it back. It was buried underneath a wild sweetness that tingled along the dark core of her, yet spoke to the light and played havoc with the human. All of her being came alive in his presence, so she could imagine the fiend that wanted him. Soon, imagine was not all she would do. George gasped bracing his hands on her shoulders as she pressed her lips to his.

Something malevolent howled in bitter rage as she held him close. George whimpered pushing her back. "Shhh... pretty," Heaven whispered her nose close to his ear as she trailed her tongue along his jugular. "You will awaken in time for dinner and this will all seem like a dream." George bit back a scream as he felt her teeth sink into his neck. Heaven carried his limp form to the bed and kissed his brow. Licking her lips she opened the door and said over her shoulder. "Tell Count D and Leon that I said hi. Ciao." Heaven laughed her lips still stained with his blood as she went back downstairs to see Chris opening the door for Count D and Leon. Count D offered a quick greeting before he ushered Chris, Rain and Bikky to the backyard for the training. Leon entered the den with Dee leaving Heaven to join Ryo in the kitchen. Lyo waved to her then ran out to watch as his brothers trained.

"Heaven," Ryo said sniffing then frowning at her. "You bit him!" He gasped as her flushed cheeks bore witness to her crime. "He is our guest, here for God knows what kind of protection and you bit him!"

"Just a taste really," Heaven said with a small smile and wink at Ryo. She giggled, a merry sound that had no business coming from the terrifying blood sucker, when he still looked worried. "By scent alone, I could not trace what is after him. But now... it is not human. That we knew." Heaven nodded her shiny deep brown hair swaying while the beads on the ends of several plaits clicked together. " But it is not entirely demon."

"Then what is it?" Ryo asked soaking the rice in a vegetable broth. He then went on to the bread that he had left rising and placed it into the heated oven.

"Dead already, but not. Alive but not. There is a lot more to be wary of. He is fragile, broken hearted and despondent. But he is going to do well with you. Your family, your love, will be a good thing I think."

"Heaven," Ryo said looking into the back yard at his boys. He would have said more, but when he turned around he was alone. Ryo sighed and went back to making a vegetarian dinner that would fill his family and friends. "I really hate when she does that," Ryo mused and finished cooking dinner.

George gasped when he felt the now familiar warm weight pressing into him. "Hello Slyphe," He brought a hand to his brow then petted the over sized feline. "Where's your boy?" He asked sitting up and putting a hand to his head. "Sleep on him..." He paused when there was a knock at his door. "George," Rain called from the other side. "Come in," George pushed the blanket aside frowning when he could not remember getting into bed. Rain opened the door smiling.

"Slyphie girl," Rain chided his hair wet from his shower. Working out after a long day of shopping really wore him out. "Get off him," Slyphe laughed tossing all of her weight into George before bounding from the bed. She licked Rain's hand then trotted down the stairs. "She really likes you," Rain said coming over to sit beside him on the bed. "Ryo is done with dinner, so come down when you're ready," George looked at Rain puzzling over the words Ryo had said to him earlier about Rain not being comfortable around strangers. Rain reached out to touch George's face. He felt a strange sensation of a cool breeze against his skin then Rain pulled away. "Hurry up, he won't serve without you and I am hungry." Rain bounced away before George could comment, he stared after the young boy a long time before he sighed, getting out of bed he headed downstairs where he heard loud laughing and talking.

George went downstairs and peered around the corner to see Ryo seated at Dee's side while Lyo sat in his booster seat. Rain and Bikky both playfully bantered for the fresh slices of bread. He noted the two strangers and straitened his hair and peeked into the hall mirror to make sure his make up was in place before he rounded the corner. "Ah. Sleeping Beauty," Dee said standing. "Let me introduce you to Detective Leon Orcot and his Spouse, Count D."

"Hi," George smiled and shook their hands. "Has any one ever told you that you are alarmingly beautiful," George said to Count D.

"In various meanings of the words," Count D said in his usual vague way. "But thank you all the same. I must return the compliment." George winked at Count D fixing his ribbon tied hair. Count D saw the red spot on his neck that looked suspiciously like a bite and widened his eyes at Ryo who simply shook his head.

"Please sit down so that we can eat..." Rain half sobbed. "D pummeled us and I am going to faint." Rain slumped over into Bikky causing Chris to roll his eyes.

"You ate so much at the mall today I am surprised you haven't exploded," Chris said tossing a piece of bread at Rain that Ryo caught and sat on it's plate.

"Christopher, please," Count D said in a gentle voice and for the first time George noted the tiny cherub who looked to be just about three sitting in a high chair behind Count D's chair clapping and laughing with delight. "If you must teach your niece habits make them worthy of the future queen that she is." Chris gave Count D a grin and apologized leaving George to wonder at the beautiful man calling his daughter a queen. Usually proud papa's called their daughters little princesses, but figuring it was a translation issue due to D's accent he shrugged it off. Rain continued his fainting act and George laughed sitting down with the family, he could not remember having this much fun.

Break

Count D helped Ryo clean the dishes while George sat at the kitchen table with Rain going over some of his songs. Ryo hummed along as he smiled. Their voices blended beautifully. He looked up when Dee came into the kitchen. "Baby, I think one of Georges bags was put into our room," He said laughing and giving George a playful wink.

"No," Ryo said looking away and finished his chore of packing away the leftovers.

"Yeah, I think it was," Dee tried not to mention the name of the store the bag had come from hoping not to embarrass anyone.

"No, it wasn't," Ryo gave Dee a small wink his face turning red. "Actually," Ryo said trying to keep a cool demeanor. "I feel like taking a bath, would you mind finishing up in here. Good night Leon, D," Ryo kissed both D and Aoi before heading off. Kurayami had been left in the garden with Sofu in hopes that he would leave Lord D alone with JJ. Kibo and Shinrai had also been left to occupy the great kami. Dee stared after Ryo his mouth dropping open.

"You know something." Dee accused George who widened his eyes and looked innocent. With a laugh he went back to singing with Rain. Dee finished the chores and said good night to his friends with his mind half upstairs. He was so distracted that he almost kissed Leon instead of D. Laughing the two gathered Aoi and left. Dee gave up any pretense of being functional and worked his way upstairs. When he opened his door his mouth dropped and he stared at Ryo who sat on the bed brushing his wet hair wearing a coma inducing excuse for clothing. It was all in panels of black satin, sheer in some places and opaque in others making his pale golden skin seem to glow. "Holy shit!" Dee gasped his heart beating erratic he closed the door with a snap. Ryo looked up, his cheeks lightly colored as Dee ogled him. Judging by this response, it was going to be a long night.

Dee stepped forward his eyes never leaving Ryo. Limping, he almost tripped in his attempt to remove his shoes mid stride. Ryo stood dropping the brush and the long shirt fell to his knees but not before Dee saw the tiny sheer shorts underneath. His knees went weak and Ryo was quick to catch him and help him to the bed. Sitting on the edge Dee stared up at Ryo in awe. He looked down to the feet, then up the long, pale legs taking in the black satin bands that swathed his body, the marble like skin showing through the sheer bits seeming to glow, just as his eyes made it to the shorts an opaque band blocked his view, becoming sheer again at his tummy, and again opaque, sheer again at his nipples then opaque ending with a satin band around his throat. "Dee... Do you like it?" Ryo asked his cheeks tinting when all Dee did was stare at him.

"I almost came the instant I saw you, how can you dare ask me that?" Dee said sliding his hands up and getting a tantalizing view of the shorts when a sheer panel was shifted.

"Dee," Ryo leaned down his lips inches from Dee's he pressed a quick teasing kiss then leaned back. "Sorry I dropped a building on you." He said then pressed another kiss Dee looked up at Ryo intoxicated by the sweet smelling hair that fell around Ryo's shoulders still damp from his bath. "Sorry it's been a while," Ryo said licking Dee's ear and then straddling his hips. "Can I make it up to you?"

"Oh baby," Dee groaned. "You already have."Ryo straightened and Dee was eye level with a dusky nipple that showed through the sheer panel. "Its beautiful," Dee's fingers bunched the material at Ryo's hips where he gripped him. "Take it off."

"Oh... Dee," Ryo was pulled to Dee as he yanked the top off his mouth sealed to Ryo's before Ryo could utter another word. Dee pulled away scooting back on the bed with Ryo still straddling him. "Careful, your leg," Ryo panted.

"I know, I don't care, damn you're hot," Dee's mouth found Ryo's neck and stayed. Ryo melted into Dee as he always did when this man put his mouth on him. He could swear he was loosing his mind as all rational thought went to places unknown and all he wanted was to be possessed. "Ryo," Dee said. In that simple utterance so much heat and love was conveyed that Ryo looked down into Dee's heavy lidded, deep green eyes. He remembered his first time with Dee, thinking of sinking into those eyes. It was always the same. "Ryo," Dee said again wrapping his arms around Ryo.

"Dee," Ryo said the word turning in a sigh as Dee's hand gripped his bottom through the shorts it felt as his fingers were brands where they held him. "Aishiteru," Ryo nipped Dee's ear then began to shift his hips in small circles grinding himself into Dee's growing need the sheer shorts soon became damp with his own excitement. "Dee," Ryo gasped a needful moan escaping when Dee lowered his head and nibbled his chest. Dee licked the tiny points, then bit down, sucking to sooth the small bruise all the while his other hand pinched and rubbed the other one.

"Help me," Dee said when he reached for his shirt. Ryo grasped the shirt and Dee lifted his hands so that Ryo could tug it over his head pausing to kiss Dee's chest taking his own time to investigate the dark nipples. Dee sucked in a breath and let it out slowly a deep groan leaving him as Ryo payed close attention to his chest and then moving back to his neck. Dee took the opportunity to lick Ryo's sensitive ear knowing it to be a strong erogenous zone for the gentle man sitting so pliant in his lap. "Will you stay on top?" Dee asked loving the blush that colored Ryo. "With the lights on?" Dee pushed his advantage of a guilty Ryo for all it was worth. His shy lover was adorable as he lowered his long, fanning lashes until they brushed against his pinkened cheeks and nodded.

"You first," Ryo said moving down Dee's leg, he was careful of the bandaged one as he removed the pants. Ryo sat back in awe as Ryo lowered his head.

"Ryo," The single word was all he could think, or say giving in to the deep pleasure of Ryo's working mouth and throat. Dee shifted his hips pushing more into Ryo's mouth careful not to push too much too fast, but shocked when Ryo deep throated him taking him all the way inside. "Oh... Ryo," Dee gasped placing a hand to Ryo's head, gently cupping the base of his skull. "Not yet," Dee pulled Ryo off when he felt himself escalating too fast. "Not yet," He panted. "Oh, damn Ryo," Dee said when Ryo climbed back over him his erection visible through the sheer shorts he still wore. "Take those off." he said. "Slowly," He said when Ryo moved to oblige. Ryo blushed his head lowered again as he inched the shorts down. He sprang free and shifted until he could east them down his long legs then he came beside Dee.

"What do want?" Ryo asked half afraid of the answer.

"You," Dee said pulling Ryo in for a lingering kiss nibbling the succulent lips. He could taste himself in Ryo's mouth and thought he would burst at the sensation. Dee then moved back breathing heavy he scooted down on the bed tugging Ryo to straddle his face. "Ready?" Dee asked. Not waiting for an answer he licked Ryo. Ryo gasped gripping the headboard for support as Dee tortured him with his mouth all the while his hands kneaded the firm globes of his bottom. Dee waited, opening his mouth allowing just the tip of his tongue to trail over Ryo until the man pushed his hips forward pressing into Dee's mouth. Ryo held still waiting, then gasped when Dee did nothing. Realization hit and pumped into Dee's mouth. When Ryo brought his hips back Dee sucked creating a wet vacuum that was released when Ryo pushed in. In perfect synchronization they moved until Ryo thought he would go mad. The sucking was light, not enough to take him where he so needed to go.

"Dee," Ryo panted the name. "Dee... Please, suck it harder," Ryo begged red beyond belief at the level of his need as well as the words he had said.

"No," Dee said smiling and backing away. "Turn around," Ryo looked down in shock at his lover and best friend. "Turn around," Dee said again shifting he sat up pushing Ryo until he was on his hands and knees with his bottom in Dee's face.

"Dee," Ryo said unsure of what Dee had in mind. With Dee sitting up he could not suck him, or stimulate him in any way.

"Gotta help the invalid Ryo," Dee said blowing a breath of hot air over Ryo's cheeks. Dee took Ryo's hands and brought them back as he brought his knees up to support Ryo's chest. "Okay?" Dee asked needing to be sure he was not hurting Ryo. Ryo nodded looking back at Dee questions in his eyes that he was too embarrassed to ask. "Spread 'em for me," He placed Ryo's hands on each cheek and Ryo gasped his face scarlet as he exposed himself to Dee. Dee chuckled softly then dived in. Ryo cried out loudly as his most sensitive spot was stimulated by Dee's wet mouth and hot fingers.

"Oh..." Ryo groaned his hips moving on their own to get more of Dee's mouth. Dee reached around with his free hands and stroked Ryo's member and one of his nipples. "Dee..." Dee grinned eating Ryo with a relish that Ryo was all his in a deep way that no one before or ever could know. This man was his. Dee stabbed his tongue in hot and urgent his fingers probing. "Dee," Ryo said nearly shouting as he came. Unprepared for the release he gasped shoving back against Dee reaching letting go of his bottom he slumped down uncaring of the fluid that he smeared on his and Dee's thighs.

"So damn good," Dee said licking his lips as he moved Ryo until he was straddling him again. "Take it slow," Dee said rubbing lubrication on himself and positioning Ryo until he was resting against Dee's need. Ryo nodded circling his hips, easing down. He gasped and closed his eyes as Dee made it past his tight ring of muscle and slid in deep. "Oh... Baby, my baby, Ryo," Dee said holding Ryo close burying his face in Ryo's chest.

"Um," Ryo said then shifted up before sliding back down. Dee sat back and enjoyed the undulations of Ryo's muscles. He loved that Ryo had muscles, though he was slimmer by contrast to Dee he was all male and beautiful. "Dee," Ryo gasped when Dee was pushed all the way in and so deep he thought he saw colors performing a jig before his eyes.

"Okay?" Dee asked always careful not to hurt Ryo. Ryo nodded and Dee pushed up bouncing Ryo in his lap.

"Uh... Ah..." Ryo gasped again his body inflamed by Dee's movements.

"Move Ryo," Dee said holding his hips. Ryo blushed he buried his face in Dee's neck and shifted his hips moaning as Dee moved around inside of him. "Move Ryo, I want you to love me," Dee said licking the part of Ryo's neck that was near his mouth. Ryo looked down and became lost in Dee's eyes. He lifted his hips then lowered his body onto Dee. Ryo gasped and began to cry out with each slide of Dee into his nether regions. "Yeah, Ryo," Dee groaned his hands flexing where they held Ryo's hips. Ryo knew he would have marks on his skin in the morning, but he did not care. Moving faster as he tried to agitate his sweet spot with Dee's member. "You want more?" Dee asked lifting Ryo off of him and placing him on his back.

"Your leg," Ryo grew worried but gasped crying out loudly when Dee pushed in thrusting with a powerful motion that felt so good it almost hurt. Ryo cried out spreading his legs with wild abandon clutching Dee to him as Dee rode him hard and fast. Dee loved that look Ryo got when the world left them and all that mattered was keeping Dee in his body. Ryo held on to his one point of cognition: Dee. Dee wanted to smile and to speak, all he could do was hold Ryo and slam his hips into him. His leg screamed and he feared he was bleeding again, but nothing compared to Ryo. He could sever the damn thing and not care, not as long as he had Ryo. Dee reached down and cupped the globes of Ryo's rear feeling the firm flesh in his hands.

Ryo placed his hands on Dee's face and pulled his head to his. "Dee," Ryo moaned his breath hitched as he placed kisses along Dee's chin, his cheeks and his lips. "Oh... Dee," Ryo panted raising his his hips to meet Dee's powerful thrusts. Dee called Ryo's name just as he felt his end near and Ryo opened his eyes. Dee fell into the large orbs, pitch black in their passion, and came, crying out loudly as he felt the muscles spasm around him signaling Ryo's capitulation. "I love you Dee," Ryo sighed holding him close.

Dee fell over, holding Ryo to him. "Baby, I love you," Dee said kissing Ryo's who seemed almost asleep. He nodded, thinking that once again he would awaken and be nude. He smiled and held Dee close throughout the night.

Break

Breakfast was a small affair of toast and eggs Ryo having awakened later than usual. George had been sitting on the couch with clothing and a bag of what looked to be sewing materials as Ryo had walked to the kitchen with a hand on the lower portion of his back. He heard George laugh and looked back to see him blowing a kiss in his direction. Ryo laughed and shook his head. He thought it sad to see him in make up so early. Shaking his head he got ready to send his boys off to school. Ryo sat gingerly in his chair a smile on his face when Dee came downstairs smelling of soap and grinning like successful cat in a hen house. "Baby," Dee leaned over to kiss the back of Ryo's hand ignoring Bikky rolling his eyes. George grinned into his morning cup of tea as Dee continued. "If last night was an apology, you can drop a building on me anytime you damn well please."

"Dee," Ryo gasped getting up from the table and busying himself with cleaning the dishes.

George sidled up to him and leaned over. "The black one?" Ryo nodded his face scarlet. George laughed clapping his hands in glee. "I told you..."

To Be Continued

Author's notes; Whoa, long chapter. Thank you all for your continued reading and support. I hope you enjoy this conglomeration of Anime, music, manga, books, movies, television shows, and celebrity fan fiction. Your comments has soothed the sensitive feelings of our Yaoi/Lemon producer, as well as dozens of fresh baked cookies compliments of Mini-Me. ( You know who you are.) Sir Ken, I want to thank you for all your help in the research that went in this. I never would have known so many Boy George interviews were on the net if not for you.

Now for the Background info on Boy George.

Culture Club swept the nation in the 80's when they first arrived in USA. There are many peoplePowdered Sugre 11

Merry Christmas Baby

Ryo opened his eyes in the darkness of his room unsure what had awakened him. He stretched then smiled when his leg brushed against Dee. He ran a hand over his tummy glad to know that as always, Dee had cleaned him off before going to sleep himself. Feeling the familiar ache in his backside Ryo smiled again then the cell phone rang alerting him to what had awakened him. Reaching over Dee's broad frame he picked up the phone. "Hello?" He said quiet as he hoped not to disturb Dee.

"Ryo..." Ryo sat up immediately when he heard the sobs on the other side of the line.

"Who is this?" Ryo asked when more sobbing could be heard. "Erick?" He asked scooting to the edge of the bed he reached for his pajama pants slipping them up his hips he stood to pull them all the way up.

"Ryo please, I need you to come over to my house..." Erick sobbed again.

"What's wrong?" Ryo asked his brow creasing with worry as Erick began to panic.

"Please Ryo, just... can you come over?" Erick began to gasp as his sobs became louder.

"Alright, okay, calm down." Ryo gentled his voice. "I'm coming." Ryo promised and closed the small flip phone. "Dee," Ryo called shaking the muscular shoulder.

"Umm, baby, if you want more..." Dee rolled over until he was facing Ryo a smile curving his sensual lips he reached for Ryo and frowned when Ryo pushed his hand away. "What's up?" He asked knowing it must be serious if Ryo were up at this hour.

"I'm going to take the Escalade, and go to Erick and Terry's house, something is wrong, but Erick would not say what." Ryo got to his feet, he sniffed the room and knew that he too would exude the aura of the intimacy they had shared. "I'm going to take a quick shower first," He said with a deep blush he dashed into the bathroom. Dee grinned and sat wondering if he should go with Ryo. Shaking his head he decided that it could be nothing too serious. But to be on the safe side he picked up his cell phone.

"Heaven, have you eaten yet?" Dee asked when the creature answered the call. "Nah, just wondered if you could do me a favor..." Dee was smiling as he hung up and went back to sleep. He awoke again moments later as Ryo exited the shower. Ryo leaned close smelling of heat and soap and something altogether full of life. Dee smiled inhaling Ryo wishing to drink in the potent elixir of his lips.

"Dee, I'll go see what's wrong, then I will come back and we can..." Ryo let the words hang as he put his shoes on. Dee looked after him with a smile on his lips. Then he lay back in bed smiling as a waft of smoke left their bedroom to follow Ryo.

"Thanks Heaven," Dee muttered closing his eyes. "We haven't even been back a full twenty-four hours."

Break

Ryo pulled up outside Erick and Terry's house and saw only the light upstairs on. He approached the porch with his hand on his weapon in case it was needed. "Heaven," He said when the wind around him shifted. "I know you are here."

"Your senses are keen," The soft voice assaulted him but moments before a shape solidified. Her ankle length white garment brushed against Ryo's leg as she sidled up to him and placed her cold hand on his arm. "Your highness."

"Please don't call me that," Ryo said looking around he did not see anything out of the ordinary around the house and stepped onto the porch. He gasped when the door was wrenched open and Erick came rushing out. "Erick what's wrong?"

"Come upstairs!" Erick took Ryo's hand and pulled him up the stairs. Heaven stepped into the house and followed at a sedate pace.

Ryo gasped when he saw Peter curled on his side on Erick's bed sobbing. Ryo could smell blood in the room and turned to Erick. "What happened?" Ryo asked as he saw the young man trembling upon the bed. He moaned when Ryo sat beside him. Peter sobbed then curled more into a small ball wincing when the new position did not alleviate his pain.

"I..." Erick said as he stood beside Ryo. "I hurt him." Erick confessed and Ryo was quick to pull the blanket back. Blood drained away from Ryo's pale features as he gazed at the nude frame on the bed. "I'm sorry," Erick dropped to the floor taking Peter's hand. "Oh, Petey, I'm so sorry."

"Erick," Ryo's soft words penetrated the haze of regret that swarmed the young man. "Why don't you get me some warm towels and clean water..." Erick dashed from the room to do Ryo's bidding and paused at the beautiful lady in white that stood in the entrance.

"His blood stains you," Heaven said smiling down at Erick. Without a word he left his room. The door opened again and Ryo glanced over his shoulder.

"Terry, where is your mother?" Ryo said not commenting on the identical pajama's the boys wore.

"How'd you know it was me?" Terry asked trying not to look at Peter who lay still weeping on his brother's bed. Without answering Ryo simply looked at Terry unwilling to admit that he had smelled the difference. In this light with their dark hair and brown eyes, there was no visible difference in the two young men. But Heaven had been correct, Peter's blood covered Erick's scent like a delicate flower perfume over the flesh of a young man in the burgeoning stages of adulthood. When Ryo did not answer Terry sighed. "Our grandmother is ill, so mom went to help." Terry was glad that the words were true. When his father had been arrested, for a while their mother had continued to drink herself into oblivion leaving the boys to care for themselves and the house. It was only last month that she began to attend the alcoholics anonymous meetings that Ryo had arranged for her.

"Get dressed, tell Erick to get a shower. I'm taking you all home with me. Peter," Ryo looked down to see the young man trembling as Erick returned with a bowel of hot water and clean towels. "Where is your family?"

"In Fiji," He admitted with tears. "They were supposed to come back for my birthday and Christmas, but the plane was delayed..." Peter said, he tried to sit up and winced falling back.

Ryo remembered the pain of his own parents when they left him alone. "You will come back with me as well, but first, you need a doctor." Ryo turned to Erick and Heaven, "Please leave us alone."

"Don't call a doctor," Peter begged. "My parents will find out, dad doesn't know I'm... Gay," The last word was whispered with a furtive glance around the room. "If they find out that I am hurt cause I tried to have sex with another boy..."

"You are so young," Ryo said as he dragged his cell from his pocket and dialed. "There is no way you could be prepared for such a thing." JJ sounded disgruntled as he was awakened at such an odd hour. Ryo spoke gently into the phone as Lord D agreed to come see the young man. "Don't worry," Ryo said with a smile. "Lord D will be discreet. But tell me," Peter gasped when Ryo's deep, dark eyes bored into his own light green ones. "Why would you try to do something so intimate?"

"I know..." Peter began and rolled over onto his stomach he then looked up at Ryo. "You have noticed it haven't you? My eyes are a lighter version of your son, my hair not as long, my skin not as dark, my face not as pretty, my voice not as pure." Peter's voice caught on a sob. "I am always second best. I thought... I thought that if I spread my legs he would look at me the way he looked at Rain." Peter sobbed more accepted the tissue that Ryo handed him and continued. "I'm always second best, I thought that if I.. If I let him do it to me, he would see me first. He would love me more."

"Oh, child," Ryo's heart swelled then deflated in an almost painful reflection of clarity. "That is not how you gain love. It can not be found on your back with your legs spread." Ryo stood when he heard a soft tread outside the bedroom door. Heaven peeked her head inside her topaz eyes shining with mirth. "Lord D is here." Ryo said before Heaven could speak the words.

"He smells delicious, every time I see him his scent becomes more beguiling. No wonder Helen is intrigued," Heaven laughed as Peter watched the beautiful doctor being escorted in by Erick.

"Help him please. You can help him, right?" Erick asked when Lord D offered him nothing but a tired look. "You'll help him?"

"Please, do stop chirping at me," Lord D looked to the bed. "You will all leave me to it," Lord D said as he lifted a medical bag he had not been carrying before. Ryo nodded his head then bowed to Lord D and took Erick's arm having to pull the boy from the room.

Ryo took Erick back downstairs and passed Terry who stood in the kitchen staring at Heaven as the hybrid creature raided the refrigerator making a ham and cheese sandwich with roast beef. She then found a small saucepan to boil a cup of orange juice as she waited for Lord D to finish with his patient. "JJ said he would return for Lord D after checking on their children. I would be concerned as well if my sitter was... A..." Heaven paused when she saw that she had the full attention of Erick and Terry. "Norma..." Heaven smiled and sat with her late night meal.

"What's a 'norma'? Terry asked when Ryo pulled Erick into the den and shut the door.

"What happened in there tonight?" Ryo asked when he was assured of privacy.

"I'm sorry for calling you so late, but thank you for coming. I knew that you would know what to do." Erick began to speak and Ryo sat with his arms folded. Erick heaved a sigh then continued. "After the party, I did not want Peter by himself in that big old house, so I told him to come home with me and Terry. We got here and hung out for a bit, then when Terry went to bed we started making out. Usually once we've been at it for a while he'll get kind of scared and push me away and I was okay with that you know." Erick shook his head thinking of Peter. "But tonight he did not push me away and... and... we took our clothes off, so we started to fondle each other..." Erick paused when Ryo turned red, then he too blushed and kept going. "I asked if he was sure, he said yes, so I tried, he said it hurt, but I asked him to give it a try, and he said okay... But then he started to cry... I should have stopped, but... It felt so good, then he screamed. I was about half way in and I looked down, he was bleeding. I called you cause, there was no one else and I knew you would know what to do."

"This is partly my fault..." Ryo said as he wished he had Dee's fortitude. Talking to Rain had been a trial, this was going to really be difficult. "I told you that you were too young and not to try it, but teenagers are... I should have told you how to be safe and how to do it right. Now he is torn."

"Oh, we were safe," Erick assured Ryo when it seemed the man would castigate himself further. "I used a condom."

"But you didn't use lubrication, you did not loosen him, he did not know to relax." Ryo sighed bringing one of his elegant hands up to his face he ran the long fingers through his honey colored hair.

"What do you mean torn?" Erick asked and startled turning to the door when it slid open and Lord D stood with his eyes narrowed. A wide yawn ruined the effect of his consternation and suddenly he looked so young, yet felt so unbearably old.

"It means that the dry skin that was rubbed against the latex was pulled and stretched, then finally it gave way... hence the bleeding." Lord D said then sighed when Erick looked confused.

"When you were a kid, or even when you play sports," Ryo tried to put it in a way the boy would understand. "When you fell down and slid a bit it left a scrape right?"Erick nodded then his eyes widened and he ran from the room heading upstairs.

"I used liquid sutures that will dissolve over time." Lord D explained then sat down next to Ryo while they awaited JJ's return. "They are children Ryo, why would they even attempt it?"

"Today's kids are more advanced than we adults would like to think... I'd hate to know what Bikky and Carol get up to when we are not around." Ryo said he looked up when Heaven entered the room and sat close to Lord D on the sofa, her body pressing along the side of his. She smiled baring her fangs as she leaned into him with a deep inhalation of air. "Heaven?" Ryo said reaching out a hand he pulled Lord D to his feet and away from the salivating creature. "You know Kami blood will kill you."

"I don't want to taste him I just..." Heaven stood stepping close to Lord D she reached out and placed her hands on Lord D's waist to pull him to her. She nuzzled his neck inhaling again. Lord D gasped and brought his hands up to push against her when he felt her lips press against his neck. "Ummm..." Heaven closed her eyes then felt as if she would weep when Ryo pulled Lord D away and stood protectively in front of him. Lord D brought a hand to his mouth as he turned away trembling from head to toe. Lord D wrapped his arms around his small frame and peeked around Ryo to see Heaven's body quake as she battled the urge to lunge for him. Heaven inhaled deeply, giving up her human abilities, she glowed hotly white. A halo surrounded her head and wings appeared behind her. "Why..." She gasped the word out tears of crimson staining her cheeks. " Why did I have to draw on the strength of my mother to resist you?" Heaven demanded as she pulled herself together and shed her wings and glow.

"I don't understand," Lord D said then sighed when JJ entered the room. Lord D moved to his side.

"Precious, is everything all right?" JJ said as he pulled Lord D into his arms. "You're shivering."

"I attacked him," Heaven admitted with burning shame. "I lost control of my dark abilities and was consumed by the need to possess him. His scent is even now driving me mad, though I am relying on my mother's pure light."

"My...My scent?" Lord D asked, then took a step towards Heaven with his hand out stretched. He saw the wild desire to possess him in her topaz eyes and backed away into JJ's arms.

"JJ take him out of here, but do not return to your home. Have Norma bring your children to the pet shop and you stay there under the guardianship of your father." Heaven said backing away from Lord D with a force of will that she never knew she possessed. "For your own safety, find out why your scent is so enticing, and control it. Before you attract the attention of one who can not overcome it. I will depart, Ryo, please make it home safely." Heaven vanished before their very eyes leaving Ryo to gather the boys and head home.

Break

Chris sat with a wide grin on his face as he was served his breakfast by Lord D. JJ trudged into the dining room and sat beside Leon and Count D. His bloodshot eyes testimony to the long night they had. "What are you grinning about?" Leon grumbled thinking of returning to work.

"We made it back just in time for Christmas break." Chris said with a laugh then scratched T-Chan behind the ear. "Rain and Bikky and I are going to the park today Rain's way out of practice roller blading and then he has rehearsal tonight, so I am going to Arcadia with them, is that alright?"

"Tell Rain he needs to bring Sylph here to Sofu for her annual check-up," Leon said as he nodded his assent.

"Chichiue," Count D said as he sat with a hand on his large tummy. "Is everything alright? You seem upset." Count D's brow furrowed in his worry for his father.

"I do not know," Lord D answered and got to his feet in fear as he saw Heaven enter the dining room.

"I woke up this morning and had to see you..." Heaven reached for Lord D but was thwarted when Sofu appeared beside his son and yanked him out of the way. "Helen is here too..." Heaven said knowing the goddess was in the parlor waiting for someone to invite her back.

"She has never attacked me as you have... why?" Lord D asked moving to stand fully behind his father choosing to peek around his sire to ask his question.

"She is not afflicted with my father's cursed blood. And the familial bonds she shares limits the relationship she can have with you... But you are not my grandson. And this desire feels as if it will tear me apart..." Heaven answered making Lord D remember that Norma, too, had sniffed him and seemed to want him as she dropped their boys off. Kiba and Shinrai ran to their papa while Aoi stared between the adults.

"O-Ji-Ue, make one more smell stop,"Aoi said then happily stuffed her little mouth with a pancake. After chewing then drinking a sip of milk she continued. "No more, smell get bigger."

"What?" JJ asked looking at the small, doll-like oracle.

"I am afraid the child is right," Sofu said glancing behind him not even needed to move as his son's scent swamped him. "The longer this is prolonged without issue, the worse it will become, or better depending on what side of the line you are on." Sofu then looked at Heaven who trembled so great was her craving for Lord D. "Get into the garden for now and mask your scent with nature until you decide to end it."

"I..." Lord D began, took one more long look at Heaven then left to do his father's bidding more confused than he could remember being in a very long time. Heaven began to weep as Lord D was soon out of her line of vision.

JJ stood watching him go with a mixture of relief and worry. "Grand-pa D... What he hell is going on?"

Break

The light from the large picture windows bounced around the large studio and was barely noted for all it's beauty in paled in comparison to the two sitting side by side. "I'm sorry for, blaming you, for everything, I just couldn't do and I've hurt myself by hurting you..." Bikky stared in awe as Rain sat on the stool beside Prince Angel and sang.

"His voice just gets better every time I hear it." Said Bikky with a sigh. Watching as the song wrapped up and Rain prepared to practice a duet with Ken. The pale, taller boy stood next to Rain a direct contrast and laughed when Daphnus shooed Angel away from the piano.

"Enough of the regular albums, we have to get ready for the Christmas show." Daphnus announced and snapped his fingers for the rest of the band to get warmed up.

"Will the angels be singing with us again?" Rain asked still in awe of the beings who had joined them last Christmas.

"They always do," Andy told them for Ken had stared at hearing the question. She laughed then turned to Daphnus. "So what's the lineup this year?" Daphnus grinned and prepared them for the holiday concert.

Break

The house was quiet when Erick left the guest room where he had slept with Terry and went to Rain's room where Peter still slept. Late, when they had arrived, Ryo had awakened the boy to place their spare cot into his room. Peter had moved so slow as he got into the bed and allowed Ryo to tuck him in. Looking away, Erick's eyes had fallen on a sleepy Rain with his hair wild and bedraggled falling to the middle of his back. "Go back to sleep," Ryo said pushing Rain back in bed and kissing his forehead. Rain nodded and collapsed noting who was in his room before he did go back to sleep. Erick looked at him again, then said good night to Peter who turned his back saying nothing. He sniffled in the darkness before sleep claimed him.

When Erick entered the room it was to find Peter laying on his side in bed with a book on native cultures that Rain had left for him. When Peter had told Rain where he hurt, Rain had paled running from the room claiming he had to help Ryo with breakfast. "Hey," Erick stood by the door afraid to go in. "How do you feel?"

"Still sore," Peter admitted and rolled over completely onto his stomach. "I don't think I can keep seeing you Erick."

"Petey, I'm sorry, but I talked to Dee this morning and I know how to do it right... I won't hurt you again. Even if you want to wait a while, I'll wait..." Erick paused when Peter shook his head sadly at him. "Petey..."

"Ryo was right, I was not ready for such a large step, but I did it anyway," Peter said his eyes welling with tears making them seem, for a moment, as beautiful as Rain's. "You know why?" Peter asked finally looking at Erick who shook his head dumbfounded that Peter was breaking up with him. "Cause I wanted you to love me more than you loved Rain."

"Oh... Petey," Erick said the same time they heard a loud gasp. Both young men turned to see Rain standing behind Erick holding a cup of herbal iced tea. Rain stood still in shock as Erick got to his feet and approached him. "Let me explain," Erick began to reach for Rain only to cry out in pain as his arm was wrenched behind him and Rain forced him to his knees with his arm twisted behind his back.

"Never touch me," Rain demanded and moved around forcing Erick to crawl to leave his room. Once Erick was in the hallway the door was shut loudly in his face. Erick prepared to pound on the door and came face to face with Bikky. Terry stood beside his brother prepared to help him fend off Bikky who looked more like a street thug than they had ever thought.

"Explain," Bikky said hoping to make Ryo proud with his containing of his fists in such a situation. "I warned you not to upset him with this obsession of yours."

"But that's just it..."Erick said loudly hoping that both Peter and Rain were listening. "I may have loved Rain first, but I love Peter more, yeah, Rain is pretty to look at, and his voice is awesome, but he doesn't spend hours with me on the phone, he doesn't go on dates with me. I don't know him like I know Peter. I don't love him like I love Peter." Erick said then turned to the door. "Peter I'm in love with you. I'm sorry that I hurt you and I'm sorry that you felt you had to do that to keep me. You didn't... Cause I love you." Erick stood and faced Bikky he groaned when Bikky's hammer like fist was planted in his gut for good measure then the boy turned and walked calling over his shoulder. "Hurry up Rain, we have to meet Chris in an hour." The door slid open and Rain dashed through the portal getting to Bikky's side. He glanced back at Erick, then continued on down the stairs. Erick nodded at Terry then braved Rain's room. Peter was looking at him with tears on his face.

"Did you mean that?" Peter asked still laying on his stomach. He shifted to his side then sniffled loudly. Erick was at his side in moments wiping his face with his hand.

"I did... Do.. Peter, I love you," Erick said kissing the younger boy.

"I love you too, that's why I wanted you to love me," Peter sobbed throwing his arms around Erick. Ryo sighed, then shook his head as he went back to making breakfast for his family.

Break

(Christmas Day)

The palace buzzed with excitement that only happened twice a year. The same hum of exultation as came along on Easter, livened up the glittering walls of the Arcadian realm. Count D was sat in a plush chair surrounded by plants and animals while his father stood nearby with JJ at his side. Sofu had glowered at him for over a week now, yet refused to explain the problem of his heightened scent. Even when in the garden Helen came to him unable to bear separation. Lord D looked around the cozy room they had gathered in to exchange presents and noted that Nestoir gave him a long look. Nestoir grinned baring fangs then vanished appearing at Lord D's side. JJ startled placing his hands on Lord D's waist he frowned at Nestoir.

"No worries man, just wanted a closer whiff, how intriguing," Nestoir said with a smirk he leaned into Lord D and noted that the Kami backed away. "Were I still afflicted, there would be no stopping me..." Nestoir turned to head over to his wife. He looked again at Lord D, "The vamps do not want to eat you, at least, not in way you fear. It is desire that hounds them, potent and irresistible." Nestoir picked his small daughter into his arms and sat beside his wife as the presents were passed around.

Break

Bikky stood to the side of the stage with Ryo and Dee watching as the choirs of the angels joined in with the Royale. "I have seen them perform many times, but the only time I feel this engrossed is at Christmas... Why?" Bikky wondered aloud as tears crowded his eyes then fell down his cheeks.

"Do you not know?"Heaven said from beside them, choosing to stand as far away from Lord D as possible. "It is their lord they sing of. Such joy fills them at the celebration of his birth. Each of them would walk to their deaths and gladly, all for his name's sake." Heaven said tears of blood falling from her face. She was careful to catch them with her handkerchief before they could stain the beautiful, full skirted ensemble she wore of glistening white. "Would that I could join them in their devotion." Heaven sighed staring at the blood that covered her hands. "If only this were all my own."

"Hey, you exist for a reason," Bikky pronounced with a wisdom that was beyond his fifteen years. "Andy once told me, that God does not make mistakes, and he does not make garbage. You serve his purpose whether you realize it or not. And one day you will see him smile." Bikky turned back to the stage unaware that Heaven stared at him in wonder. She turned back to the stage feeling a strange sense of peace. Ryo leaned back into Dee's arms smiling.

"Next week ends this year, you know..." Ryo said with a smile as Dee leaned down and placed a small kiss on his neck.

"I know," Dee said against the warm flesh.

"It has been a long and eventful year," Ryo said again watching as Rain smiled and sang with the Royalty of Arcadia.

"I know," Dee said holding Ryo tight in his arms.

Ryo turned his eyes to see further back stage where Count D sat with his hands on his mounding tummy. The children and animals surrounded him while Leon stood a few paces away with several Arcadian guards keeping a close watch on the pregnant Kami. Count D smiled as he watched the show. Ryo nodded his head to Count D then leaned his head back against Dee's shoulder. "Looking forward to next year."

Dee grinned holding his love tight. "I know."
Powdered Sugre 12

Me and A Gun: Part 1

"Dee," Ryo said as he sipped his coffee that was strong enough to peel the varnish off of his desk. With a grimace he looked up at Dee then handed him the cup his eyes then wandering to the peeling paint on the walls. "Our office needs a paint job."

"Yeah... Well I need a blow job. Which do you think will get done first?" Dee grinned as he too looked at the walls and ceiling.

"Depends on who you ask," Ryo said his cheeks pink when he saw Jill in the doorway. "Hello Jill, did you miss us?"

"I wonder," Jill laughed then smirked when Dee did not seem the least bit embarrassed to be caught sexually harassing his partner. "Do you wish to file a complaint against your partner for inappropriate behavior?"

"It would only encourage him," Ryo said with a chuckle and salute of his coffee mug. "This stuff tastes worse. Are they actually adding diesel fuel and gunpowder to it?"

"I think it might be just plain old gasoline," Jill said looking at his dark coffee. Even with cream it resembled mud. "Chief wants you guys, new case." Dee and Ryo got to their feet and prepared to go to the chief's office. The man made no secret about his dislike of the detectives, but they did their jobs so well he had no grounds to complain. "Isn't it good to be back?" Jill laughed as they collected their mugs and left their office.

The chief said nothing to the two men that entered his office, both relaxed. Usually when detectives were sent to his office they were nervous, eager or even awed by his commanding presence. He expected some response not this blatant nonchalance. "Get it done," The chief said handing the manila folder to Dee.

Without a word they turned to leave. Ryo halted moments before he crashed into Dee's back as he had stopped so suddenly. "This is a missing persons case," Dee turned to face the chief.

"Yeah?" The chief did not bother to look up.

"We work homicide," said Dee as he perused the file not looking at the chief. "Says here, no foul play suspected, this kid wandered off from his cousin while they were shopping."

"The 'kid' as you say," The chief finally looked up at Dee and his smirk was firmly in place hating Commissioner Rose for pointing out how good the two detectives were and that they would likely have the boy home in record time. "Has been missing for two days now and speaks no English. You two were chosen to work this case because your partner there speaks fluent Japanese." Ryo looked up from his gazing over Dee's shoulder at the file. The chief was almost swamped by the beauty the other man possessed. He glanced at a picture of his wife then frowned dismissing the two from his office.

"How old is he?" Ryo asked sitting at his desk, he pulled his glasses on and accepted the file from Dee. "Says, eighteen, he came here to go to school and is staying in the same dorm as his cousin cause he doesn't know English. He is some sort of genius to be in his second year at college already. Too bad English was not one of his courses of study." Ryo then studied the various pictures that had been supplied. He was momentarily shocked to be seeing the victim alive and well. So often did any photo he saw or snapped contain corpses.

"First things first," Dee said as he peered over Ryo's shoulder to see the pictures. "We will treat this like it is homicide. We will retrace their steps search out clues. Let's hit the street." Ryo tossed his jacket on and buttoned it to keep his shoulder holsters out of sight. They passed Leon in the hall holding his own folder walking with Jill.

"What's up?" Leon asked indicating the file Ryo still carried.

"Some foreign exchange student has gone and got himself all lost," Dee explained then pointed at Ryo. "He speaks Japanese don't you know."

"Really!" Leon laughed looking at Ryo. "I did wonder about that," Leon smirked then laughed when Jill poked him in the arm.

"What about you guys?" Ryo asked peeking at Leon's folder.

"Usual, Senator Alan has gone and got himself all dead. Maid found him in his hotel room this morning, bullet in the chest." Leon brought up a hand to mimic a gun being fired.

"Oh, high profile, good luck on that one," Dee said then continued on his way Ryo at his side. They had almost made it out of the station when they passed Berkeley's office and Jeremy stumbled out looking tousled and well loved. "I see Commissioner Rose is working hard."

"Hi guys," Jeremy said his face in flames as he beat a hasty retreat only to remember to button his pants after he had made it to his car. Mortified, Jeremy blushed all the way back to his own office at the news building. Ryo and Dee looked and saw Berkeley at his desk smoking with a wide grin on his face. Shaking their heads they went to greet the work day.

Break

Count felt tears fall from his eyes as his father ran his small, gel-covered instrument over his stomach. Looking at the video screen he saw his son nestled safely inside of him. "Every thing looks fine," Lord D nodded his head smiling as he fought back his own tears. "He is beautiful."

"Looks like a gray blob to me," T-Chan said looking at the screen. "But a beautiful gray blob," he amended when Lord D's lips turned down.

"Look here," Lord D said and brought his hand up to point. "There is his head, this image here shows his spine, there is his manhood, and his hands and feet..." Lord D continued switching between slides while the printer produced the images. "Listen to his strong heartbeat," Lord D replaced the wand to D's tummy and the room was filled with the steady rhythm of the tiny heart beating inside of D. Lord D smiled then wiped his son's face. "Two more months child. We'll make it." Count D smiled at his father as he cleaned his tummy and reached for a robe. T-Chan discreetly looked away as Lord D lowered Count D's legs from the stirrups and he dressed. "Your canal is coming along nicely as well. I am proud of you."

Count D beamed a smile at his father then reached for the printed pictures. "I wish I could alter my shape so that I could take these to him." Count D lowered a loving gaze to the pictures of his unborn son.

"Why don't you get some rest... I need a nap," Lord D offered a small smile.

"Father are you well?" Count D asked going to his father's side. The sound of his silk rustling in the stillness of the room was highlighted by T-Chan switching to a humanoid shape and reaching a hand to catch the older D.

"I am fine child, this is a bit taxing, we both knew it would be," Lord D then sighed. "I was thinking that it was worth it. Do you?"

"Hai, Chichiue," Count D nodded his head to his father. "You have my utmost respect and gratitude." Lord D stood for a moment and appreciated the sight of the small, blue flowers that dotted the deep green cheongsam that D wore. A large blue bow held the ensemble closed. Lord D yawned then smiled. "Come, nap in the garden." Count D offered hand in hand the two beauties headed to the sanctuary.

Break

"So," Dee said as he spread the files and photos on the table while Ryo stirred the large pot on the stove. "While shopping, Mizuki Takamiya wanted to see the museum and asked his cousin to take him there. While inside the building, he lost sight of him. Searching the area turned up nothing so he then went to the police. Think he was snatched?" Dee asked, he looked up and accepted the spoon full of shrimp stew that Ryo offered him. "Umm, Baby, I know another kind of shrimp I'd like to have," Dee licked his lips and winced when the spoon rapped him on the head. Ryo looked up when the door opened and he heard the boys coming in. "I'll put this away, that's good by the way."

"I do think he was snatched," Ryo said then smiled as Rain entered the kitchen to wash his hands and grab plates. "Thanks, but if you are tired, or have homework... I can set the table."

"No Ryo," Rain said humming he went about his chore. "I did my homework in the library while I waited for Bikky to finish practice."

"Didn't you have try outs for the spring musical?" Ryo asked turning back to the oven he pulled out freshly baked bread.

"Yeah, they are doing a variety show, so we all just pick a bunch of songs that we like. I am in the slot that has eight songs, that is the most in the show, but some seniors are happy cause they get to do a duet with me." Rain laughed, "Peter too, he and Erick seem to be okay, you really helped them out."

"Bikky had fun telling me how you protected yourself." Ryo smiled at Rain to show he was indeed proud of him.

"That was a new trick that lady Alera taught us. You know she is taking over the training until Count D is able." Rain laughed then reached for the heavy silverware. "She said she used that move when she first met the Royale and she actually took out Daphnus like that."

"Little lady Alera," Ryo said knowing that the woman was phoenix of the highest caste. A caliber of warrior that frightened hardened demons with the mere mention of her name. "She has such pretty hair, I know she has feelings for Daphnus that they are both denying, but to actually try to beat him."

"Oh no," Rain said laughing as he placed the silverware. "That was just as part of their introduction."

"Hi, let me beat you," Bikky goofed reaching into the fridge for a cup of juice.

"Better than his usual, hi let me... fu...ow..you..." Dee winced and rubbed his head where Ryo had hit him. "I'm an abused spouse," Dee feigned a pout. "You boys just don't understand the kind of tyrant he is. If I have a little fun, he beats me."

"Hentai-" Ryo gasped catching Dee's hands when he tried to reach for him and pat his backside.

"Yeah, you pervert, you like it." Bikky laughed then watched as Rain ran to answer the door. "Hi Renee," Bikky abandoned Ryo and Dee in the kitchen to greet Dee's mother. "Those two are in the kitchen making out, I hope Ryo doesn't burn our dinner, it smells good."

Ryo blushed at Bikky's loud voice. They stepped apart just as Renee entered the kitchen. She noted them standing close together, and smiled. "Smells good in here," Renee said by way of greeting.

"You have no idea," Dee said and jumped away from Ryo so that he could go put their files away and get ready for dinner.

Break

Norma arranged pillows around Count D while he sat reading a book to Aoi. "I have not seen you in a while Norma," Count D said when the book was finished and Aoi curled up to lay her head in what was left of Count D's lap. "How have you been?"

"Well, after Alex died, I could not..." Norma paused listening to the sound of the creatures of the shop. "I decided to go to France to visit an old friend of ours and found out that she is in her own despair, so I slept for a while. Now I have returned." Norma sighed and said, "Even now, I can not understand his devotion to that... That... Human."

"I have told you," Count D said as he thought about a bowl of soup and it appeared in his hands. "The heart, love, all of it, can not be so easily explained or understood. But I have learned that it is to be cherished and appreciated."

"You were always beautiful Count," Norma said making him a cup of tea. She sniffed the air, her eyes closing in bliss as Lord D passed the room on his way to prepare dinner. "But never have I seen you more so than you are right now."

"Me, I am huge right now," Count D denied her words with a blush.

"You are in bloom," Norma smiled then got to her feet. "You continue your rest, I will see if I can aid your father with dinner."

"He's fine," JJ said as he entered the plush room and shut the door trapping Norma inside with he and D. "He said he could make it by himself. I already asked."

"Oh," Norma frowned at being blocked from seeing Lord D. JJ sat then got to his feet as Norma shifted into a bat and flew out into the night. He hoped she stayed gone and did not bother Lord D. Silence descended upon them as they sat comfortable in each other's presence. JJ shook his head watching as the soup vanished between Count D's pretty lips, so like his father's and yet looking at him did not fire his desire as Lord D so often did. JJ shrugged then looked for and found Ten-Chan at D's feet. The creature was more and more at Aoi's side and JJ wondered if he would become her permanent companion. There were some advantages to having a nine tailed fox as a friend, or so Lord D had explained to him. JJ started as the door banged open and Chris strode in with a frown on his face.

"Sorry to bother you D, but do you think you can help me with my math?" Chris held up his book and notepad. JJ reached for Aoi and held the little girl while D shifted position so that Chris could sit beside him on the sofa. JJ began to rock the girl while thinking of his own sons. She was only a little older than they were. JJ was not concerned for them in the shop sure that wherever they were Sofu had them well looked after. Just as the thought crossed his mind Sofu and Aurora entered the room with Kiba and Shinrai. Both boys were held snug in their arms sleeping soundly.

"Must be nap time." JJ said when Sofu took Aoi and gave him Kiba. JJ cuddled his son close smiling when the tiny hand curled in his shirt. "They are so precious, but then again, how could they be anything but?" JJ said with a loving gaze at his sons.

"You truly love my son," Sofu smiled. It was a small smile, devoid of his usual aloof manner. JJ was startled at how much Sofu looked like Lord D in that moment. "And he truly loves you, it is bothering me that he has yet to accommodate, for all that I can tell he is not even carrying."

"I don't understand," JJ frowned. His state of confusion was becoming a normal thing where his spouse and their family was concerned.

"Every time I am near him, I check him and he is not carrying. I think he has passed the age where it is largely due to an act of will. He does not wish to be pregnant, and therefore his is not carrying." Sofu grumbled then calmed when he noted that he was disturbing his great-grand-daughter.

"How old do you have to be for that to happen?" Count D asked and folded his arms over his grand tummy. When Chris grinned as he was able to do his work by himself.

" Your father is well over two thousand. I would be surprised if his will was not strong." Sofu sighed then continued. "This is not entirely a good thing. He is in heat, and will remain so until he conceives. Since he has yet to deliver a child his scent becomes more and more enticing."

"It is so weird, every time I get near him I..." JJ frowned then looked at Count D and Christopher. Shaking his head he said no more but his red face gave testimony to the raw passion that assailed him when he was near Lord D. Just this morning, he had tossed Lord D's long skirted ensemble up around his waist and proceeded to ride him hard and fast. Lord D's cries of pleasure still rang in his ears making him wish to go after him. When his thoughts escalated he turned to see Lord D behind his chair.

"Dinner is ready," Lord D announced unsure why his family was staring at him. JJ said nothing, he handed his son to Count D and dragged Lord D from the room. "Jemi-Chan?" Lord D gasped when he found himself in their bedroom being undressed. Any more Lord D could have said died on a sigh of rapture. JJ was wild in his need to possess him. His teeth nipping at the small, pert nipples that teased his tongue with their sweetness. JJ ripped the pants from Lord D his mouth finding the throbbing, erect member long before Lord D was fully cognizant of the fact that he was now completely nude. "Oh," Lord D sighed his head pressed into the pillow while JJ licked him deep within.

JJ was gentle in his need to possess Lord D. He took his legs and placed them on his shoulders enjoying the sounds of his lover's cries. Lord D gasped, canting his hips at the feel of JJ's fingers probing his innermost sanctum spreading lubrication while loosening the tight muscles. Lord D reached down to stroke JJ's straining member. "I love your hands on me," JJ panted moving his body in time to Lord D's movements.

"And my mouth?" Lord D asked with a teasing light in his deep eyes, turned nearly black in his heightened desire so wide were his irises that the purple was almost overshadowed and glazed with abandon.

"You know I do," JJ bit the words out around a gasp as Lord D angled his mouth to take him inside his warm, wet, eager mouth. Lord D bobbed his head and worked his throat milking JJ for everything he had and sucking still. Feeling on the edge of oblivion JJ tried to pull out of Lord D's mouth, but his willpower was less than he could be proud of. Lord D smiled and swallowed the offering of JJ's release. JJ lay back on the bed panting in as much air as he could get into his starved lungs. "But I want to be in you, why'd you make me come?" JJ asked when he felt his softening member slip from Lord D's mouth. Lord D placed a gentle kiss at the tip then dragged his tongue along the shaft of the quivering flesh. Smiling to himself, Lord D put his lubed fingers against the opening that puckered and beckoned to him.

JJ gasped when his erection sprang to life. Lord D's fingers pressed hard against his prostate and JJ spread his legs. "Now," Lord D crawled over JJ's legs and stared down at him hair falling in a silken waterfall of deepest black shining in the still glowing light of the room. JJ was dazzled for a moment by the beauty of the creature sitting on top of him. "I need you," Lord D undulated his hips rubbing JJ against his most sensitive area. JJ reached down stroking himself spreading lubrication. Lord D cried out feeling JJ pressing against him. After a slight twinge of initial discomfort Lord D sank down onto JJ. They both sighed in rapture of the tight enclosure. Lord D began to move his hips, rising and falling, his speed increasing, encouraged by JJ moans and his own need. JJ lifted his hips to meet Lord D's demands and sat up pulling Lord D into his arms as they both moved.

Lord D wrapped his arms tightly around JJ as he ground his hips hard into him. "Jemi-Chan," Lord D cried out feeling his seed spill at no provocation to his member. JJ gasped, his body milked for all he was holding in at the rhythmic tightening of Lord D's body around him, clenching and releasing pulling his seed from his body in an almost painful joy. JJ could not ever remember feeling so drained. He realized that they needed to bathe, and probably eat, but right now, all he wanted to do was hold on to Lord D and sleep for a few days, then wake up and start all over again.

Break

Leon entered the cafe/boutique with Jill and smiled as Angel greeted him then handed them over to Chihaya who would be their waiter. Leon smiled looking at Angel. His outfit was as bright as usual with wild patterns that boggled the mind. "Just dinner today," Leon explained as he seated Jill then dropped into a chair. "This is the only place I could think of that would compare to home cooking, so what's the special?"

"Collins is in the kitchen today, so it is roast beef with potatoes, steamed vegetables and fresh baked bread." Chihaya grinned, he had so much fun working here. "Or you can order anything on the menu."

"Nah, just bring me a special," Leon affirmed glad to be able to get some meat. Jill laughed and nodded holding up two fingers to indicate that the order was for both of them. She looked around the many flowers that decorated the cafe then at the deep blue table cloths that denoted that it was Collins in the kitchen. Whenever Kagetsuya took over the cooking the tablecloths were red. "We know Senator Alan was not alone when he died, the trajectory of the bullet was not self inflicted." Leon said when Chihaya bounced away to another table.

"Yes, but no one saw him enter the room with anyone and no one saw anyone leave,"Jill frowned as she looked at the police photos that she had taken while Leon examined the room. "The only evidence we have is a size seven and a half men's shoe... Small feet."

"Well I have the lab reports here. All the blood on the bed, there is a small drop or two that did not come from the victim."Leon said pointed to a picture that displayed the blood pattern. Jill took a moment to be thankful that they had a table that was reasonably secluded as they looked over the gruesome evidence. "Also," Leon's frown grew thoughtful. "Look at this odd pattern," Jill leaned over so that she could see the photo where Leon was pointing. "The blood should have covered this entire area, and yet..."

"So the hotel staff did not see anyone covered in blood leaving the senator's room?" Jill said shaking her head. "That means that the perp was under the senator when he was shot."

"Could it be his wife?" Leon asked going back into the file to find her alibi for the time of the murder. "She could have walked in on him with another woman and shot him."

"But that would be two people leaving the room, one of them still covered in blood, and who is the mystery woman?" Jill said and paused when Chihaya returned with napkins, silverware and glasses of water.

"We are assuming it was a woman, remember the shoe," Leon warned as he once again went back to the earlier evidence.

"Man, is anyone straight anymore?" Jill complained shaking her head. "Says here that the wife was in London with their two girls on vacation. It's solid too, when he was shot she and the girls were watching a performance of the London Symphony Orchestra, many witnesses."

"So our only lead is a missing man with small feet and one shoe?" Leon groused he perked up when Chihaya returned with the dinner.

"Or a missing boy," Jill said with a thoughtful frown. Leon sighed, he needed to think this one over some more.

Break

Dee drove around the shopping district that surrounded the museum. He pulled over and spoke to a few people while Ryo exited the car to go inside the large building. "Oh yeah, that guy," Dee sighed to finally get a positive response to his photo of the smiling young man. "I hang out here a lot, remember, you bought some supplies for you son from me."

"Right," Dee said as he correctly identified the street artist. "So you saw him?"

"Sure did, in fact..." The artist rummaged around in his large sketch pad and showed Dee a portrait he had done. Dee nodded when he looked at the smiling young men in the drawing. "He and his cousin came by here before going in there. I thought it was odd that his cousin left without him, but he had some girl with him. Then he went back a couple hours later and couldn't find him. What an idiot, leaving someone who doesn't speak a lick of English so he can go get laid. You say the kid is missing now... So sad, I hope you guys find him. He looks like the sweet type, like your son."

"What do you know about my son?" Dee frowned as he stared at the man that had hit on him the first time they met.

"No worries man, I'm not a stalker or anything. Your partner's hot by the way," The artist grinned when Dee's frown grew dark. "I saw him on tv and I have his solo album. That's all, I know you'll find that kid," The Artist let Dee keep the portrait with a smile he went back to his work glad that Dee had thought to buy a few more pads and chalk for Bikky.

Ryo stood at the entrance booth of the museum and sighed as the attendant on duty nodded confirming that he had seen Mizuki. "He came by here yesterday, he was asking something, but no one knew what. He kept saying... something like..." The attendant paused thinking over the foreign word. "Mari... Matsuri... Ta... something." The attendant gave up trying to remember.

"Matsuri Takamiya," Ryo supplied the name. "Kuso, he was looking for his cousin." The attendant's eyes widened as Ryo continued to mumble in Japanese. "Did you see which direction he went?"

"Nah, my shift ended, sorry, hope you find him. He looked bad, you say he's been missing for two days."

"What do you mean bad?" Ryo asked concerned for the missing young man.

"Like, he was wearing this buttoned shirt that was dirty and way too big for him. He looked scared and he was limping. Good luck detective." The Attendant then sauntered away for a smoke break.

"Welcome to America," Ryo said with a sigh as he headed back out into the sunlight to find Dee worried that they would find the boy too late and the case would turn into something they were more used to. Homicide...
Powdered Sugre 13

Me and A Gun: Part 2

Even though the sun shone down, Ryo sighed feeling as if a dark cloud hung over his head. Dee heard the sigh and looked up from his perusing of their files and notes. "I am afraid that we will find him too late," Ryo said without Dee having to ask.

"I think it was too late when his cousin reported him missing," Dee stroked Ryo's hand across their desks having to strain a little to accomplish it. "But we will find him." Dee affirmed he stood to lean over the desk. He pressed his lips to Ryo's forehead inhaling the sweet scent of Ryo's soft hair. Ryo tensed feeling that they were not alone and they both turned to see Alicia standing in the doorway.

"Ryo, Dee," Alicia nodded to both of them then smiled. "I was trying to wait until you all settled in, or were a little less busy."

Ryo's heart sped up then slowed down. He wanted to offer some reason why he had not been by to see her. She was carrying his child after all. He could say he forgot, but that would not be a good thing to tell a pregnant woman and for all that he knew of pregnancy, Andy, Lord D and Count D had taught him that the emotions were precarious and tears were tantamount to vapors and to be avoided at all costs. "Ah..." Ryo floundered his face heating then he looked away hoping Dee would say something. Dee sat back with his arms crossed over his broad chest a grin splitting his features and Ryo looked at Alicia trying again. "Hi."

"You weren't at the Christmas concert," Dee said rescuing his blushing partner.

"I wasn't feeling well," Alicia admitted making Ryo feel all the more horrible for leaving her alone.

"Here," Ryo got to his feet offering Alicia his chair ignoring the other chair in the room that she could have sat upon.

"I'm fine really, I just wanted to give you this," Alica said trying to resist the pull of Ryo's arms, but finding herself in his chair. Alicia could not help the laugh that erupted at his careful handling of her. "Ryo, I'm fine really, the first three months are boring, unless you count morning sickness." Alicia made a face at the memory of tossing every morning. "I hear I got off lightly compared to what the D's went through.

"Count D still becomes ill with the right provocation." Dee said his eyes traveled to the still trim figure of Alicia. Her breasts were perhaps a bit more plump and her tummy had a slight curve to it, but otherwise she was showing hardly any sign of her condition.

"I can still shift," Alicia admitted with a smile. "Queen Torcha said it was even good for the baby."

"Shift?" Ryo asked taking the guest chair he offered Alicia his coffee then thought better of it. Taking a clean mug from their shelf, he dropped a bag of green tea into it and heated the mug in his hand.

Alicia smiled accepting the tea. "Yes, because I chose the full transition. I can assume dragon shape."

"But I can't?" Ryo wondered at the rules governing the species of Arcadia.

"No, but there are special rules for me. I ended my life as a human." Alicia said with a smile. "The Alicia you know is dead Ryo, I am Lady Alicia of Arcadia, I carry the title of Duchess of the eastern fire dragons."

"Then it is good we share no blood relation, or our child would be a frightful mess," Ryo laughed at ease with Alicia's laid back manner. "Why don't you come over to the house for dinner?"

"I would love to," Alicia agreed. "But I see that you all have cases to worry about and I will take myself off. I just wanted to see you." Alicia got to her feet. She left the office with a smile on her face glad to have seen Ryo and Dee, a link to her life that had long since passed away.

Dee leaned back in his chair his eyes on Ryo as the man made it back to his desk. "What?" Dee asked when Ryo did nothing but stare at the coffee mug.

"Hmm, oh nothing, I was just thinking that we should get to the streets again, I want to try all the businesses in the surrounding area. Some one had to have seen that young man," Ryo said surprising Dee that his mind was ever on the case. Dee sighed, Ryo would not rest until he was home safe. Dee just hoped they found him alive and well.

Break

"Jill, we found someone who saw the senator with a guest," Leon emerged from the hotel's office. "All the people we talked to yesterday said that they were sent from the floor right. Seems the senator does this a lot and wants to appear to be discreet for his wife's sake." Jill sat down the sheet that was on the floor. "What's that?"

"This is a sheet from the bed, seems out murderer wrapped up in this then tossed clothes on and made an exit here," Jill pointed to a side door that was attached to the penthouse suite. "Goes directly to an elevator that can take the senator, or any other high profile guest directly to the back of the hotel, where a car is usually waiting."

"So this guy comes in, seduces the senator, shoots him then escapes, sounds like Scorpio's children again." Leon grumbled thinking over his past cases, the only unsolved one involved Scorpio's children. The closest he had ever come to solving a case was when Count D drugged the young man that held him hostage. Even that had not led to any conclusive breaks in who was behind this maddening fiasco. "But they have never left any evidence behind, not like this," Leon said pointing to the shoe that was in it's clear plastic bag marked evidence. Leon would have said more, but his cell ringing halted his words. "Orcot."

"Leon," Leon paused at the sound of Prince Daphnus' voice. "You are working a very delicate case right now,"

"Yeah, you have any information that I might need?" Leon asked not wanting to listen to one of Daphnus long speeches. "Sorry to be so abrupt, but I am on the clock right now and I want to solve this thing."

"Understandable," Daphnus agreed. Leon waited, just when he thought to prompt Daphnus to speak the high prince said. "This is not the first time a senator has taken a boy to his bed. I will offer no false remorse at his death, but it brings me little joy. His deeds have caught up to him. It seems that we did not teach him a good enough lesson."

"Angel," Leon guessed interrupting the prince's words.

"Solve this and I will congratulate his murderer before you arrest him." Before Leon could form a reply the line went dead and he was left staring at Jill.

"Our murderer is small." Jill said coming back into the room reading to Leon from her notepad. "Could be twenty if we are generous, dark hair, could not see his face, but they know it was a male, or a small woman with short hair. But the clothes were male, did not say much. They said the senator was holding his hand as if leading him, so he could be blind."

"A blind assassin, or an unwilling captive." Leon mused aloud.

"Unwilling?" Jill wondered.

Leon shook his head to clear it of the thoughts plaguing him. "We should go," he said and pressed the button on the elevator. "See where this leads."

Break

The sun would be setting soon and Dee wanted to usher Ryo home so that they could get dinner, but he knew that Ryo would exhaust every available lead then go home. "So the businesses surrounding this area are the art museum, the shopping section over there and the Elite Hotel." Dee remarked looking over his notes.

"Yeah, let's check all the entrances to the museum." Ryo said leaving the car after making sure he was covering his weapons. "There is a door right next to the hotel that we overlooked this morning."

"Yeah, if he is smart, he would stick around this area hoping his cousin will come back for him," Dee nodded his head. They set off across the busy street. Just as they reached the side of the museum Jill and Leon appeared out of a back door of the hotel. "Jill, Leon," Dee nodded his head.

"I think we might be working the same case," Ryo mused looking around the alley that stood between the two buildings. He held up a shoe that was a match to the one that Leon carried as evidence. "Senator Alan was shot three days ago right, Mizuki has been missing for three days."

Jill sighed looking around at the dilapidated alley that bore no clues to it's posh surroundings. "So let's compile evidence and see if we can't come up with a clue, I mean look," Jill said trying to alleviate some of her own anxiety. "Together we have a whole pair of shoes."

"Perhaps we have more," Ryo said his sharp eyes peering into the shadows. "No food for several days could make one weak, especially if that someone is injured, bleeding and scared." Dee started after Ryo when he began to walk slowly towards the back of a dumpster. Leon and Jill looked after Ryo and Dee pulling their weapons. Even though the gun had been found in the room and fingerprinted the kid could still be armed. Leon was not ready to rule out that this was somehow involved with Scorpio's children. Ryo shoved the heavy dumpster aside and gasped when he saw the young man laying amongst the scattered trash his bare feet peeking out from the hems of his pants.

"Is he alive?" Dee asked when Ryo knelt by the young man's side and felt for a pulse. Breathing a sigh of relief Ryo nodded as he felt the steady beat Mizuki whimpered at the touch and Ryo was pierced with eyes so dark they nearly rivaled his own.

"Iie, onigaishimasu. watashi o hanatte oki nasai(No, please. leave me alone) Itai-yo." The young man began to sob. "Mari..." He dissolved into tears, curled over away from Ryo only to gasp as he saw Dee. "Iie, iie...iie." Mizuki tried to get to his feet only to moan and fall back down. He scooted back away from the men.

Dee grinned enjoying the sound of the musical words that flowed from Ryo's mouth as he began to speak to their frightened young victim. "moushibun naku , watashi ha Ryo de aru tantei. watashi oyobi watashi no paatonaa ha zutto sagashi te iru. kare ga mitsukeru koto ga deki nakatta shi, keisatsu o yon da toki ni anata no itoko, Matsuri ha shinpai sa reru you ni natta. anzen ima de aru.[It's alright, I am Ryo, a detective. Me and my partner have been looking for you. Your cousin, Matsuri became worried when he could not find you and he called the police. You are safe now." Ryo said he saw Mizuki's eyes light with hope when he began to speak in a language that he could understand. "okotta nani ga anata ni ka."[What happened to you?" Ryo asked pulling the boy up as Leon called for an ambulance and Jill alerted the precinct.

Ryo nodded as he listened his face turning grim as Mizuki explained. He heard the sirens and became fearful clinging to Ryo. "MIZUKI!" Dee stepped aside when Matsuri came running into the alley with the police. Mizuki collapsed into his cousin's embrace sobbing. "What happened to him?"

"He was wandering around lost and was found by a wealthy gentleman," Ryo said facing the irate young man before him. "It was not aid he stumbled upon though," Ryo sighed when the paramedics placed Mizuki on their stretcher. "I was more like a nightmare."

Break

Alicia wondered at the somber atmosphere in the house as Ryo stood in the kitchen preparing dinner. With a sense of wisdom that had served him well, Bikky took Rain and Lyo up to his room to watch Internet videos leaving the adults to come to grips with the events of the past two days. "Baby," Dee stepped into the kitchen. His nose was appreciative of the smells of the dinner that Ryo prepared. "Case closed, job well done. We found him... Alive."

"Yes, I know," Ryo said looking to their backyard peering into the darkness he could make out the bench, flowers and pool. "Too late."

"No, it was too late way before we even got involved in the case." Dee told Ryo hoping that Ryo's kind heart would not interfere with all of their difficult cases. Over time Dee had noticed the strain their careers were having on his gentle lover. Some days he would sit in front of his computer with a grim expression as he went over their files. Dee sighed, there was no reason to prolong his misery, yeah he was a good detective, hell, Dee could think of none finer, but at what cost. Looking at him now, Dee felt his heart sink thinking that he had no choice in the matter."Ryo, have you ever thought about retiring?" Dee paused when Ryo gasped his hands stilled in their taking the heavy roasting pan out of the oven.

Sitting the pan on the counter on top of a folded towel Ryo said nothing. He turned away from Dee to get a spoon and dribbled sauce over the well-cooked meat. Dee knew, from the tense stance and steady, almost mindless actions of his hands, that Ryo was thinking over what he would say next. "Have you?" Ryo asked instead of answering. Ryo was shocked Dee's next words.

"I have... thought about you retiring,"Dee chose his words with care knowing that to say the wrong thing would make this conversation even harder.

"Why me?" Ryo asked feeling his manhood stung he refused to look at Dee continuing to tend to dinner.

"Our cases has upset you more and more." Dee stood to his feet and pulled Ryo, spoon and all, into his arms. "Just thinking of today, you are pale and withdrawn."

"It just bothers me, the horrible things we do to each other." Ryo admitted with a heavy sigh he turned in Dee's arms so that he could wrap his own around Dee's trim waist and lay his head against the firm chest. "It would drive me nuts to hear in the news all the things going on,"Ryo gave a half-hearted laugh. "I can just hear myself now saying how much sooner I could have solved this case, or I could have prevented that murder by apprehending the repeat offender, just that much sooner."

"You'd be hell to live with." Dee said a smirk on his face. He lifted Ryo's face angling it just right. Ryo sighed and offered his lips to Dee. "Sorry I asked," Dee said kissing Ryo. Ryo stepped back when he heard Alicia entering the kitchen. "I can't wait to see you get all fat, just like little D. You should see him waddle around. He's adorable."

"He is not fat," Alicia said with a pout. "And if you call me fat I will do something horrid to you. Count D is round with pregnancy. Remember that."

"Yes Ma'am," Dee nodded his head laughing when the boys came to see what was keeping dinner.
Powdered Sugre 14

Frantic Needs

Count D looked up a smile splitting his lovely features when he saw Leon standing beside the tub in a robe that hung open along his trim figure. "Mind if I join you?" Count D's answer was a laugh.

"I don't know if there is room," Count D gasped when Leon stepped into his bathwater and pulled him in for an deep embrace. With his back pressed to Leon's front a sigh escaped. "Did you finish your case?" Count D asked after a moment of silence broken only by the sound of Leon dragging the wet sponge across D's tummy.

"Yeah, Jill and I were looking for the same person that Dee and Ryo were looking for." Leon said his brows low as he continued to think of the case. D caught his hand when he washed the same expanse of tummy for the fourth time. Without a word D brought the hand to his lips then intertwined their fingers. His ring, glinted in the soft light of the bathing room, caught Leon's eye and he brought the slim digits to his lips. "It'll be our anniversary soon," Leon grinned. "You're due in two more months right?"

"Yes," Count D nodded his wet hair brushing across his shoulders and he shivered as the cool drops of water fell down his chest. "Father said that my birthing canal is growing nicely, a few more weeks and it will be fully connected." Leon smiled glad to hear a good health report about his love. "Two more months, and we will see him."

"I am glad to see that you are doing so well." Leon said as he washed his love. "I love you D."

"And I you," Count D said with a small smile.

Break

The clink of the fine porcelain was suspiciously absent as the two delicate creatures sipped tea in the garden. Soofu A sat across from Sofu D his cream robes ruffling softly as they slide along his soft skin. His deep sable locks were pulled back from his hair and secured with a jeweled pin that Sofu D knew to be the hilt of a sword. The star of David glistened made of topaz it shone in the sun. Next to Sofu D they were a study in contrasts. Sofu D's deep blue cheongsam shone with diamonds and sapphires making him seem like a spot of midnight in the glorious afternoon. Christopher sat nearby with his homework a thoughtful frown on his face. "When Count D is done with his bath, do you think he will feel up to helping me?" Chris asked Sofu D almost afraid to even look at Soofu A. The ancient being smiled at the child's reverent fear.

"There is no reason he should not." Sofu answered then went back to his tea a smile on his face as Lady Aurora entered the sunny garden in the guise of Q-Chan to perch on his shoulder.

Soofu A studied the pair before him his smile replaced by a thoughtful study of his younger brother. "How long will you allow this to prolong?"

"Allow what?" Sofu feigned ignorance when Q-Chan chirped and bit his ear.

"I know your sight has not failed you," Soofu said with a frown he got to his feet. "You are a fool to leave it so," Soofu turned and left the garden leaving Sofu to face the ruffled fur of his wife.

Evening fell over the pet shop, a tranquil blur as night descended. Count D was just ushering Christopher to bed when Norma came upon he and Lord D in the garden. JJ and Leon were out at work leaving the two Kami's in peace. "Come now Christopher, Aoi, Kibo and Shinrai have all been in bed for hours." Count D shooed the boy off with a delicate hand on his expanded tummy..

"I am leagues older than they are," Chris argued. "Besides, Rain and Bikky don't have to go to bed til ten."

"They are as yet leagues older than you are," Lord D said hoping that Count D would sit soon. "You will see your brother in the morning." Chris frowned then turned to embrace Count D before hurrying off to bed. "He is a very nice little boy, you should be proud."

"He was nice when I met him," Count D blushed at his father's praise. "Norma, good evening."

"I bathed after I fed, I would hate for the scent of blood to taint your sanctuary." Norma said in a kind voice she was careful not to touch Count D. "I am glad to see you well. Lord D," Norma turned to face him her large brown eyes wide as she stepped closer to him inhaling his scent her eyes drifted closed in bliss. "May I have a word with you... alone?"

"Are you well?" Lord D asked summoning his medical bag and securing his hair into a long tail at his nape.

"No, we must go somewhere where your child will not see," Norma reached a hand out to caress Lord D's arm. With a gasp the Kami backed away.

"I can be of no aid to you my lady," Lord D shook his head he took Count D's arm to lead him away from the trembling creature. Animals milled around their hair on end as the vamp stood staring at Lord D. They wandered around in between her and Lord D, squirrels and chipmunks all nothing larger than a badger. The larger animals had all gone to partake of their dinner of meat away from the sensitive Kami's.

Norma sighed as Lord D stepped further out of her reach. The scent was driving her mad, as well as every creature within a ten mile radius. How much longer would the shields guarding this shop hold? Not long and Norma was determined to have him before he was ravished by the hordes of vampire's and demons that circled overhead looking for an opening. She lived here so she could get in and if the smell was enticing outside the barrier it was glorious up close. She could not have him? Tears stung and fell in drops of deepest red from her eyes. "I do not wish to harm you Sofu," Norma addressed Lord D with a term of respect usually reserved for his father. "Please," Norma reached again for Lord D. Count D gasped and instinctively pulled his father out of her way. Norma snarled, "You will not deny me." She placed both hands on Count D's shoulders and shoved him out of the way.

Lord D stared in horror as Count D's arms flailed while he attempted to get his bearings. With his weight so monstrously out of proportion he lost his balance and fell to his bottom. Creatures squawked in outrage. Count D curled over onto his side moaning in agony as pain lanced his body from his stomach outward. Lord D scrambled after his son while the animals launched an attack on the snarling creature. "Relax child. I am here, It will be alright... It..." Lord D paused when he examined his son and tears began to fall down his face. Animals screeched as Norma threw them aside. She saw nothing but the scent of Lord D. It entered her mouth as a delicate taste, she would gladly kill for more. A snake rose in the grass hissing and bearing his poisonous fangs. Norma took a step towards Lord D and the creature bit deep into her leg howled in pain and fell away vomiting her blood which reeked of death.

Pon Chan returned to the garden with T-Chan and Ten-Chan hot on her heels. T-Chan wasted no time in lunging for Norma he knocked her to the ground but was thrown aside. T-Chan emitted a hair raising growl his fangs bared as he squared off with the monster. "Ten-Chan, call Leon and JJ," He yelled as he attacked again. Norma called all of her strength to catch him and throw him against a tree, T-Chan yowled in pain, tried to stand to his feet and fell over on the grass unable to move. Lord D gasped as he felt the creature's injuries, but could not leave his son.

"ChiChiUe, it feels like... contractions... am I...?" Before Count D could say more another pain left him breathless. "I am not ready..." Count D sobbed when he could again speak. "Not complete, you said I am not..." Count D gasped another contraction bearing him prostrate as Norma grabbed Lord D and hauled him away from D. Lord D began to kick and hit but found himself pressed to the ground with Norma on top of him. She reigned kisses on his face as she held his hands in one of hers while the other fumbled with the many folds of his robes.

"You are male, you should have a female." Norma whined when she felt no physical response from Lord D. "You have had a female before, two if I know your family history, I can make you happy."

"Norma please, stop this madness," Lord D turned his face away from her searching lips. "My son."

"Damaged already nothing to be done, help me." Norma pleaded grounding her hips hard into him. "Do I not please you? Give me a chance. If your detective was doing his job by you your scent would not be driving me and every other creature like me insane with need."

"I have been in heat before without this happening why now?" Lord D asked wriggling and hoping to break free only to gasp as Norma gave up trying to undo the ties and broke them baring his sheath.

"Why must you wear so many garments?" Norma asked her eyes over flowing dropping blood onto his pristine white underclothes. "Don't you see? Your heat cycle is prolonged without issue, and because you are holding the child in your child the need is there your body screams for release, let me help you." Norma felt the hot fury moments before Ten-Chan launched himself at her. With a swing of her arm she tossed him away. The distraction was enough for Lord D to yank a hand free and slap her hard across the face.

"Get off me," Lord D shoved with his free hand and began to fight her weight pinning him down. "I will not be raped by the likes of you."

"Is my race so wrong?" Norma sobbed catching Lord D and throwing him down again. Lord D began to cry as Count D continued to cry in agony. "Your parents have proved that light and dark can..." Norma paused her words lost on a cry of pain as her hair was gripped in a fierce hold. She looked up to see Lady Aurora with a fist raised. Lady Aurora let fly with her rage as Sofu helped Count D to his lounge. Norma hissed in pain when the fist smacked hard against her face. She began to pant smoke leaving her as Lady Aurora set her ablaze from within.

"Do not kill her," Soofu A commanded reaching out he halted the burning. "This is all because of the foolishness of another. She can not be blamed for loosing control of her very nature." Leon and JJ came running into the garden with their guns out and ready to kill whatever danger had attacked their spouses. "If you would harm the fool responsible my dear brother would be your target." Soofu A snarled as he hauled Lord D to his feet. "Your will be damned." Lord D gasped when he felt Soofu A's hand on his abdomen. "Stubborn child as foolish as his sire." Soofu shoved Lord D away. "See what can be done."

Lord D wondered what the ancient being had done to him as he regained his footing from the shove and ran back to D's side. D leaned against Leon he sobbed as his jewel toned eyes found his sire's. "The child comes."

"It can't" Lord D shook his head, his hair falling in waves around him loosed by his tussle with Norma. "Your canal is as yet not fully formed. It does not reach the womb, there is no place for the child to go."

Leon stared between father and son his worse fears confirmed by the tears that fell from Sofu D's face as he stood by helpless in the face of his oldest brother's fury. " You delivered early and you were okay," JJ stammered then remembered that Lord D, not only older than his son, but was also eight months when he delivered. "What about a cesarean delivery?" JJ began but halted at the forlorn expression on Lord D's face. "There is something special about your race that makes it impossible?" JJ did not need to ask the question for the answer was staring at him in the hopeless tears that Lord D shed.

"When a Kami breeds," Soofu A explained staring down at Count D who curled over into Leon his sobs shaking his entire frame as his body was wrenched with the contractions of labor. "The child's veins and the parents are intertwined. Were he to try to manually sever the connection he could rip out the younger D's internal organs killing him instantly. If the child is not successfully released from the parent his blood will flow leaving him as deceased as his sire. Often, the strength of the parent gives out and the life is lost, or the separation is not fully completed and the parent looses their life."

"Kami birth's are difficult," Leon spoke the awful truth. "Even for females." JJ gasped staring at D his own eyes filled and overflowed.

"If I worked quickly," Lord D thought aloud. "Perhaps I can remove the child and heal D," Lord D suggested as he placed his hand on D.

"Half of his veins would be sealed and the other half would bleed out." Sofu D said his sadness weighing on him where he stood. "You would slow his death, not avoid it. We must do something, the bag of fluid has spilled and before long the child will drown as it is trapped inside with him."

"Build a canal," Leon demanded when Count D gasped in pain. "You can knit flesh, right?" Leon stroked the hair at D's forehead dampened by his sweat and tears. "So connect it to the womb. You can do that."

"I'll have to try, child you must hold still," Lord D said not sparing his son's dignity he used a large pair of scissors to cut the clothes from his body baring him to the view of Soofu A and Sofu as well as Lady Aurora. JJ discreetly looked away and noted Norma sitting in the corner sobbing.

"What have I done?" She bawled over and over again as blood spilled from her eyes to stain the ground she sat upon fouling the sweetness of the garden and calling T-Chan from his unconscious slump. T-Chan got to his feet and growled at her before he limped over to the lounge next to Count D. His glass bright eyes bored into Lord D as the gentle doctor inserted his fingers into the developing canal. Lord D gasped, his entire body glowing golden as he went inside his son's body to pull the flesh and stretch it so that it would reach the womb deep inside. Once near the womb he sealed it all then began to pull the flesh of the womb apart so that it opened where he had connected the canal.

Count D trembled in pain as contraction after contraction rocked him from within as the child fought against the rising water in his haven. "Be still," Sofu commanded placing a hand on Count D's shoulder. Count D looked up at his grandfather tears wet his cheeks as his body trembled with fear as much as pain. He did not want to leave Leon and his children. There was so much life to be lived. Oh how he loved Leon, Count D sighed at the irony that his love caused him to want to be with Leon forever and yet it was that very same love that now threatened to take his life away from him.

Lord D looked up, his eyes shining in triumph as fluid ran over his fingers. "It is connected, now I need to make it a little larger."

"No, his natural contractions will have to bear out," Soofu A pulled Lord D's hand away from Count D.

"But..." Lord D began straining against the hold of the oldest kami.

Soofu A did not budge holding Lord D fast his deep brown eyes boring into Lord D's amethyst ones. "You will agree that nature has been disturbed enough today," Soofu A said with a stern frown at his nephew. "His contractions will dilate him."

"But..." Lord D tried again. "He is in pain. As his father I..."

"Would you halt the natural pains of child birth?" Soofu A asked as Sofu D helped Count D through his breathing exercises to deal with the pain.

Lord D stared at Soofu A his heart torn asunder. He knew the law of nature set in place long ago. His knowledge of right and wrong warred with his love of his child. Lord D breathed deeply then sighed in defeat. "I can not," Lord D shook his head acquiescing to the wisdom of time honored truth.

"Then you had best get to work. A child needs birthing here." Soofu A softened his voice and handed Lord D a nail file. Sofu D spared no time as he wrapped his grandson in a cloth containing his manhood and displaying the birth canal. Lord D went to work filing his son's nails

"Leon, time the contractions," Lord D said pulling his falling robe from his body he summoned a medical garb of white and shoved it on. JJ bowed to Sofu D and left the garden pulling Norma behind him. Lady Aurora hissed at the creature then followed them out making sure to quell the need to kill her. "He is dilating fast," Lord D said from his position on a summoned stool between D's legs.

"Do not push yet, you are dilating fast, but you are not there yet." Sofu D said keeping eye contact with D. "Breath with me." D complied taking shallow, panting breathes he gripped Leon's hands as the pains came nearly on top of each other.

"Oh...Father... He's there. He was in labor for too long without a canal, seems it rushed to catch up." Lord D spared a moment to pray then he looked up at D. "Next time the need arises, push." Lord D braced himself for a long night as Count D held tight to Leon and pushed with all his might.

Break

Ryo rolled over in bed his face cushioned against the firm muscles of Dee and smiled. The phone rang again and he sighed, just as he reached to answer Dee pulled it to his ear. "Yeah," Dee said into the phone his sleepy voice making Ryo smile and kiss the skin he was pressed against. "What?!" Ryo sat up alarmed when Dee's voice rose. "Alright, thanks JJ," Dee sat up in bed and squeezed Ryo's hand. "We're on our way."

"Dee?" Ryo said not questioning the need to get up and pull on his pants. He mused for a moment that before Dee, he never slept nude. Now putting on pajamas seemed rather pointless, but still a habit he performed but always upon waking he was nude. Even if they went right to sleep. Ryo suspected Dee of stripping him while he slept, but could never prove it.

"Little D's in labor," Dee explained as he went to wake the boys to head to the shop. He almost forgot Alicia in the guest room when she poked her head out to see what was going on. Ryo stood in shock his eyes went to the calender on the wall before he sighed and began pull his shoes on.

"What's every one so afraid of?" Bikky wondered. "He survived the last one just fine."

"He carried Jewel full term, he is not even eight months yet. The baby is developed, but he is not." Ryo said fighting back tears. "JJ said that Little D's birth canal is not fully formed."

Rain said nothing, his eyes brimming but his heart holding on to his confidence in the beautiful doctor. He thought of Count D and his calm reassurance when times were at their worse. He remembered him arriving in Greece fighting demons and nearly capturing Hamanosuke for his grandfather. "But he has to be alright...It's no fair otherwise."

"Something I learned a long time ago," Bikky said fighting his own tears as he pulled his shoes on. "Life is hardly ever fair. We've been lucky only cause of Ryo and Dee."

"Come on guys," Dee urged from where he stood by the door with Lyo in his arms. Alicia walked beside Ryo as they all trooped out to the large car that would take them to their friends side.
Powdered Sugre 15

A Night Not Soon Forgotten

Leon winced a little as D squeezed his hand sure that some of his fingers were broken but not caring. Sweat poured from D in waves as he struggled and strained his eyes tightly closed. "Maybe I did not connect it right," Lord D panicked when he still could not detect movement of the child D tried so hard to push out. He refused to voice the fear that the child had indeed drowned in the amniotic fluids.

"I checked, it's fine," Sofu D not taking his eyes off Count D. "Breath, take a moment to rest then push." Count D panted doing as his father suggested he was so tired it seemed as if they had been at this for hours.

Leon breathed with them he felt D relax as his eyes rolled back in a faint he squeezed his hand. "Stay with me," Leon begged remembering Andy's words that they did not need her for his strength to go into D. His love and their previous connection would be enough. "Take what you need, but stay with me."

Lord D looked up from his position and resisted the urge to reach inside and pull the child to safety with his gift. Misuse in any way would strip him of his powers and he would be useless to further aid anyone. "Maybe the rules are foolish," Lord D ground out as D struggled to push the child out. "Maybe that is why so many of us die in birthing."

"You dare censure the laws set in place..." Soofu A began but paused at the look of anger on the gentle Kami's face.

"Speak not to me of censure when my son lies here dieing, he will take Leon with him when he too is drained. I can help but am forbidden." Lord D said sniffling he wiped his tears on his sleeve and resumed his position between D's spread legs. "If anything it is the rules that are foolish."

"Mind your words boy," Soofu A demanded coming to stand over Lord D.

"Please," Count D sobbed when he could draw breath. "Stop..." Count D gasped then pushed feeling every muscle in his body cramp then relax.

"He budged," Lord D looked up excited. "Next time he may come down further."

Count D nodded then breathed after a short pause he bean to pant and push again. Sofu D glared at Soofu A watching as the oldest went to sit on the other side of the garden and enjoy a cup of tea. He would never understand why Soofu A had gone to such lengths to ensure he would able to witness this birth. Surely he was not just here to mock their efforts. "Come child, one more push," Sofu encouraged Count D. With a nod Count D took a deep breath the closed his eyes straining with all his might, his body trembled with the effort but still he pushed. He could feel the child moving inside of him going forward. When he could push no more he collapsed back against Leon sucking more energy just to keep his eyes open. "Okay, take a break, then start over." Sofu D wiped D's brow with a cold towel he pulled from his sleeve. Pulling another he reached over to wipe Leon's brow.

"Thank you," Leon said glad the sweat was no longer dripping into his eyes. He watched as Count D's naturally pale cheeks went ghost white as another contraction pulled him asunder. "Push baby," Leon gripped D's hand even as his own was squeezed. They had to get through this. He was determined to pull D through this, his child would live, so would D. They would see, they would all see. Soofu A looked over at Leon shocked at the determination that rolled around the garden and reached him. His hand shook slightly and he sat his tea cup down when the burning, raw emotions threatened to overwhelm him. Was that, then, the strength of the human race? That pure stubborn sense of survival? That need to fight for those loved? To hang on beyond the point of endurance? "Come on honey," Leon encouraged when D fell back his eyes closed. "You can do it."

"We can..." D huffed sitting up further in Leon's arms he held Sofu D's hand and Leon's then began to push some more.

Sofu began to panic when he saw Lord D falter his hands trembled slightly, but he continued to work. "Child, here," Sofu said sending his strength into his son. He gasped his face flushed with anger as he scanned Lord D. Sofu turned burning golden eyes to Soofu A who raised his teacup in a mock salute nodding his head so that his sable tresses, the locks free of his hair pin, flowed about his handsome face. "You have no right to meddle with my family," Sofu ground out clenching his teeth as Lord D regained his stamina.

"I claim the rights as eldest, you are a fool to challenge me." Soofu A's words were soft and should have been but a whisper of air from so far away but he was heard simply because he wished to be so. "You see the bare minimum and look no further. Your love clouds you."

"Love is not foolish," Sofu D said sending more of his strength into Lord D as he worked. He noted that the child had moved further. "You are doing well Little one," Sofu leaned over pressing his lips to D's forehead. "Keep trying, we are almost there."

"Love itself is not foolish, this is true," Soofu nodded sipping his tea he smiled at the heady flavor. "Delicious... But the actions it causes one to display are often linked to blind madness."

"I do not like you," Sofu D retorted concentrating on keeping Lord D awake he ignored his brother.

"Pity," The word floated across the garden with a careless air as Soofu A went back to his tea summoning a plate of cookies he ignored his younger sibling.

Count D gasped crying out in pain. "That's right child, keep working," Lord D said dragging a sleeve across his face to clear his sweat. "Keep working he is crowning." Sofu blinked to clear his vision as Lord D took even more strength from him unwittingly. "I am doing what I can for the pain, the rest is up to you. Humans have what is called an epidural," Lord D glowered over at Soofu A.

" I said nothing," Soofu A smirked around his mouthful of chocolate muffin.

"One more aught to do it," Lord D sat up prepared to catch his grandson as he broke free delighted at the signs of life the child displayed. Count D heaved up all his strength and pushed with a mighty effort. The child's head popped free causing him to scream in pain. "Okay, just a little more," Lord D urged watching his father wipe D's face with a shaking hand. He felt a vibration in the shop as the shields his father held aloft began to waver. "ChiChiUe?" Lord D looked up then back to the job at hand as Count D struggled to push some more glad when he felt his father's hands guiding his son free. Leon was gentle as he laid D against the pillows at Lord D's nod. Leon took the surgical scissors to cut the boy free. Lord D took the child to clean his mouth then handed the squalling infant to D who lay upon the pillows his sweat soaked hair laying limp around him. While his father worked to clean him of the mess of after birth he sat up to blow a kiss at his son. After several times the action was repeated by the infant and D lay back asleep. Leon supported the child, who slept as well, while he too drifted off exhausted.

"It is done," Sofu D said collapsing on the ground beside the lounge.

"Father, are you well," Lord D said rushing to his sire's side amazed that he had the strength to do so. "You...gave me your strength."

"He would have expired from the pain a long time ago if you had not the ability to support him." Sofu D said without raising his head. "You need to sit," Sofu D said sparing a moment to glower at Soofu A.

"But I feel...Fine," Lord D gasped when he felt a horrendous tugging inside of his body. "Ah," Lord D crashed to his knees next to his father submitting to the embrace of his sire. Lord D curled over crying out as his body was stretched and pulled. "What...no...oh no..." Lord D sobbed as his body began the arduous process of accommodation. "But... I...ah... wasn't carrying." Lord D wheezed then sighed when he felt the incredible ability of his father reach inside of him to dull as much of the pain as he could.

"Your will was hampered by another," Sofu explained holding his son in his arms as his body made way for the child. "You were not even given the ability to deny the child as is your right."

"I would not have," Lord D sobbed in between bouts of ripping pain.

"Well do I know this, but common courtesy demands the asking." Sofu D ground out his vision doubled by exhaustion. When Lord D lay still against him panting his eyes closing Sofu sighed ready to fall into a deep sleep. He shivered and dropped to the soft grass unconscious as his last shield fell away from the shop.

Break

"Hey guys," Bikky said looking around the parlor outside of the garden where D was trying so hard to give birth. "Did you see that?"

"No," Ryo said looking around as well. "But I felt it. Like a change in the air. What did you see?"

"Like the place got darker for a moment then brighter, then nothing." Bikky said stepping away from Chihaya he walked over to Ryo. "What did you feel?"

"Cold, then colder and now...nothing," Ryo rubbed his hands over his arms.

Kagetsuya moved over beside his lover. All had been called to the shop when Count D had gone into labor. He looked over at Angel and Collins. "The shields of this place have fallen." Kagetsuya said with a dire glance around. "God help us." Kagetsuya looked up when he heard the shuffling of cloth shod feet to see Aoi in the arms of her fairy nurse.

"Papa and Daddy need me. Brother need me," The girl said as they passed by without stopping. Aoi placed her tiny hand on the massive door to the garden and it swung open. The two vanished inside leaving the door to slam shut behind them. Lord D, seeing his granddaughter, tried to stand and fell over to his hands and knees. "All in... all safe," Aoi said holding up her little hands to show her orb glowing bright. Lord D was entranced by the sparkling colors so much so that they were the last thing he saw as he leaned against his father asleep. Lissi, the fairy, walked over to the Kami's and Leon to sit on a stump with her charge. Inside the orb they would wait out this coming storm. Soofu A nodded his head in greeting to the child then finished his tea and cookies saving his last muffin.

Break

Rain jumped to his feet to avoid falling over. A tremendous wave of darkness slammed against the shop causing it to reverberate. A strange howl worked up from outside like no mortal wind ever heard the lights dimmed and Ryo pulled Lyo to Bikky's side. Christopher sat up his blue eyes larger than normal. "You boys try to stay out of sight. If you can, get to the Honlon's garden." Rain nodded hoping to quell the fear he could feel embedding in around his heart. Where were the Arcadian's? He wondered glad that Kibo and Shinrai were already with the three headed dragon. T-Chan limped ahead acting as escort with a lioness and several spine headed women he knew to be crocodiles. Cujo and Slyph brought up the rear.

"Baby," Dee leaned into Ryo. "We have been in tight spots before," Dee closed his eyes sidestepping a chunk of the floor that was shaken loose by the heaving of the shop. "I love you."

"I love you Dee... Alicia," Ryo said his mind snapping into focus. "You shouldn't be here," Ryo saw Chihaya cowering by Kagetsuya and Angel where he leaned against a wall with Collins. "This place is coming down around us, go to safety with the children. Even if the shop falls Honlon's home will stand." Several more creatures stood to do Ryo's bidding and escort the non-fighters to safety.

Alicia stood to her feet and watched as they left. "I'm staying Ryo."

"Alicia you're pregnant..." Ryo began. Anymore he could have said died on a gasp when he turned to see a dragon with golden scales where Alicia once stood. Ryo was glad that the parameters of the shop were still in place as they made room for the over-large creature, her tail lashing back and forth in agitation.

"I can smell him Ryo, the child is born. As a mother, I must protect him. Our child will be safe deep inside of me." The voice was a hollow echo similar to Laton and Torcha's when in this form. "Your grandparents come, they have Royale with them, they are battling the outskirts trying to get to us. The hordes will break through before they get here."

"How do you know?" Kagetsuya asked having stayed behind as well taking up Ryo's discarded weapons for the young dragon prince had decided to use his fire to defend the shop.

"In this shape, I can hear Laton, he tells me." Alicia growled her catlike eyes turning to slits. "That one is here as well, but he is to be dealt with by another... Heads up... They come." A large golden claw skimmed the ruined marble of the shop's floor. JJ stared up in horror at the large claw that ripped away the entire door frame shaking the room.

"Give us sweet one and child." A growling voice demanded the heat of his breath searing the occupants flesh. "Why smell change? There is no sweet."

"We will give you neither," Ryo answered throwing a ball of bright fire at the horned, scaled beast that lumbered down the stairs followed by many more such creatures. Vampires hovered above the shop where the roof caved in from the door frame behind them were several flying demons that caused the hair to raise on the back of Ryo's neck.

"Those vampires," Dee said throwing aside his mortal weapons and calling for the guns that Chimera had given him. "I thought they were on the side of the Royale."

"Those are no friends of mine," A cloud of smoke said. Dee blinked several times as the smoke solidified into High Prince Nestoir. The prince hissed baring fangs his eyes similar to Alicia in their cat like quality. "To taste Kami blood is to taste death," He informed them. "There is nothing for you here, leave."

A female in a deep maroon ball gown with loads of ruffles and lace descended to the very top of the horned monsters head to sit. "Why do you think we are here for child of light?" She said her long face in the semblance of a smile. "Another craves his blood, and I see you do not crave blood at all... no night child this, but something less than us." The she fiend smiled then turned to Lady Aurora and Norma. "I will feast on him before your very eyes."

"And I hope you enjoy every drop of his blood that you get," Lady Aurora said with a sweet smile as she too hissed at the creatures. Norma turned confused eyes to the ancient vampiress then prepared herself to battle. This was mostly her fault, feeling tears threaten again she pulled a sword from the confines of mental abilities. Now was not the time to mourn her foolishness. Now was the time to battle.

Break

Soofu A felt the cold and smelled the stench in his delicate nostrils long before the cloud of black air swarmed the shop. It howled when it was unable to breach the glowing Orb of the minuscule Queen of the Kami race. "I will have that boy child, you will not stand in my way," The smoke thundered away at the orb ignoring the lone figure that got to his feet and rolled his sleeves away from his hands. "You will not interfere," Dae said without looking at Soofu A several Daemons scuttled to attack him. Soofu A pulled the pin from his hair revealing the gleaming sword. He pointed it at the advancing monsters and they all fell down dead at the sight of the weapon long before it's blade ever touched them.

"Enough of this," Soofu A ground out his voice rising in anger above his normal whisper to an aggravated rumble that still fell short of a shout. "Have at you." Soofu A grumbled as Dae finally turned to face him pulling his own sword free he marched towards the oldest child of Adam intent on his life.

The sound of metal clanging greeted Sofu as his golden eyes opened. He blinked away the fuzziness in his waking brain. Gasping, he sat up surprised when he could no longer sense the parameters of his shop. Sofu D looked around to see Count D laying in the protective curve of Leon's arms cradling the newest D child. Lord D lay beside him on the soft grass Aoi sat, her grandfather's head on her small knee. Sofu surged to his feet pressing his hands to the side of the crystal orb containing them all. He saw his oldest brother battling with Dae who, aside from his beautiful human appearance, curved horns as a bull rising from his head. Their swords crossed, Dae smiling in triumph when it seemed the smaller Kami would buckle under his strength, Sofu pressed against the orb determined to get to his sibling feeling the tug in his heart he knew to be love. "Iie O-Ji-Ue," Aoi turned tossing a hand in his direction. "Safe."

"Open this thing...now," Aoi met her grand sire's gaze with a small smile as she openly defied him her bright blue eyes the exact sapphire hue of Leon's with a face to rival D's in beauty. Knowing he would get no where with her, he turned back to see Soofu diving into a roll leaving Dae's sword to thrust harmless into the soft ground. With a wave of Soofu A's hand several roots of trees wrapped themselves around Dae's legs and sword. Soofu got to his feet. Dae growled his handsome visage melting away showing the demon in human skin mottled rage rolled from him in waves of discord.

"Cease and leave this garden," Soofu A ground out his sword ringing as it bounced off the horns of Dae.

"Not without that child," Dae growled and lunged surprised at the quick jump, backhanded flip that landed Soofu A on his feet sword tip pressing against a sensitive point in Dae's neck. "You have some skill with a sword."

"You'll never know the half of it," Soofu A sliced the vein smiling grimly as Dae sank away into an inky pool of black, boiling blood that befouled the air of the garden. Soofu A raised his hands with eyes closed dispelling the lingering sense of dark intent. With a last look around he turned and nodded to Aoi. She dropped the walls of the orb just as Lord D opened his eyes.

Break

Dee fell back against the wall his ribs paining him. He could tell that several of the bones were cracked if not broken. It seemed as if the demons had renewed their intent on the shop. Whatever had triggered this resurgence of determination in them he wished he knew. Ryo looked around his eyes seeing nothing but the fury of his own flames. Demon after demon attacked him and were mowed down, turned to ash where they stood. His only concern now was getting to Dee. Ryo stepped forward only to be pushed back by a demon standing in the ashes of his fallen comrade prepared to battle the dragon. "Ryo," Alicia's voice rumbled the remaining floor he stood upon. "You go get Dee, I've got him." Ryo looked between the demon and the mother to be of his child. With the fierce glower she dealt him, Ryo ducked and rolled between her massive front claws landing on the side of her leg. A long, serpentine golden tail shoved him in the direction of his lover and Ryo wasted no time jumping over the debris and corpses to land beside Dee.

"Are you alright?" Ryo asked picking up Dee's gun to holster it and throw a fireball at a two-headed monster coming their way.

"Yeah, the bastard with the ax broke a couple of my ribs though." Dee ground out wincing as he draped an arm around Ryo for support.

"What ax..." Ryo began but ducked, nearly dropping Dee when the gleaming metal came close to taking his head. Ryo turned around his brow drawn down dangerous in his fiery anger. The monster took another step then screamed as he was immolated by Ryo's gaze alone.

"Um.. Baby?" Dee asked staring at Ryo in awe. He looked at the normally pale skin to see that it seemed to glow with a pearl-like sheen. Running his hand over Ryo's arms, Dee felt what he thought were the hard scales of a dragon. "You may not be able to shift, but the more you use those powers the more you assimilate with their kind." Dee said wishing he could kiss Ryo's soft lips or find much needed succor in his willing body.

"Ogle the beauty later, survive now," Dee looked up to see High Prince Nestoir descend among a cloud of thick smoke that veiled his body as if it were somehow a part of him. When the smoke cleared he stood before them with his weapons in their sheaths. "Dae has been dealt with, and we are thinning their forces from behind, wedged on all sides they are trying to accomplish their original goal in kidnapping the Kami sovereign not realizing that it is futile." Nestoir explained Ryo made to protect him from the she vamp that had taunted before as the vile creature grasped the prince and sank her fangs into his neck after wrenching his head to the side to bare him to her canines. After a moment the vampiress screamed backing away she clawed at her throat as her entire body began to smoke and burn leaving her as a pile of dust that Nestoir scattered with his foot.

"Tasty?" Lady Aurora said smirking at the rest of the clawed and fanged vampires that thought to attack the inhabitants of the shop. "You must not have been told," Lady Aurora grinned slashing at the few young that decided to take up where the she vamp had failed. " Just as Kami blood is poison to us, so too is Arcadian Royale."

"What say of Kami?" A creature asked his accent unfamiliar to those who had heard him while they cleaned off weapons as the last of the demons fell or tried to escape only to be cut down by Arcadian's. "We smell the fruits of fairy here... Child of light."

"Fairy, Kami, Fey folk, Sidhe, little people, Spirit kind, whatever your nation calls them, their blood is anathema to our kind." Norma said covered in the blood of many she had killed in defense of her home without care of her own life she had attacked with a ruthless fury that left her to chase those that attempted retreat. She spoke now while her body yet trembled with the rage of battle. "You will not live long enough to care for these words, but maybe your blood knowledge will pass to those you leave behind."

"You say much for one who has lived among the bane of our kind," A new female spoke clearly the leader even more so than the foolish one still blowing away in the night breeze that entered through the many gaps in the shops walls. "The stink of Arcadia is a cloak over the aroma of death. You should be shamed."

"Who are you to say what should shame one?" Lady Aurora asked coming to stand beside Norma. The leader gasped as her eyes raked in the form of the ancient.

"I smell time upon you." She said hissing in fear at the look of calm glaring in its opposite stance to that of Norma.

"Scent deeper," Aurora urged taking a step closer. "You will see that the child that even now enjoys the first moon of his life is my great-grandson."

The eldest of the attacking vamps eyes widened in fear as she took a step back and bowed. "Forgive the intrusion, my honor stained if I ever come upon your clan in future. Grant my life as we have erred I apologize and take leave of your esteemed presence."

Lady Aurora smirked. "You have permission to leave my sight." Lady Aurora said nodding to Nestoir she turned to investigate the newly birthed child.

"I thought the vampires were noble creatures and your allies," Ryo said when he saw the damage that some of the bloodsuckers had wrought.

"I do not know them," Nestoir announced and turned his back on them.

Lady Aurora paused in the hall a smile on her face as she continued on her path. She heard their screams as the Arcadian guards cut them down with arrows and swords. "I can only speak for myself however," Aurora's words fell on dieing ears and had no meaning to the dust that fell away.

Daphnus made it through the throng of milling officers and wounded warriors to see Alicia sitting heavily on a chair. "We must hurry," Daphnus announced. "Those who do not wish to be interrogated by humans must clear out to Arcadia. Thanks to Prince Angel's orb," Daphnus slashed his jeweled wrist cuffs in the air leaving a shimmering opening to the kingdom of Arcadia before he continued. "It appears that this place suffered a grand fire. The fire department is here to put out the flames. You all be good victims and allow yourselves to be rescued. The Honlon's garden has already left this realm so too has the sanctuary been cleansed and transferred." Daphnus stepped through his opening sealing it closed leaving them to lay around waiting for the Los Angeles Fire Department to burst through and carry them to safety.

Dee watched Ryo's skin return to normal in the aftermath of the battle a sigh of relief leaving him. JJ rounded a corner carrying Lord D in his arms. "Darling has been left here so that, it being his family's establishment, will give us a reason for being here." JJ said supporting the limp Kami in his arms. He wondered at the exhaustion and pain he could see on Lord D's face. "Darling, are you unwell?"

"Oh... Jemi-Chan," Lord D sobbed clenching his still blunted fingernails in JJ's tattered shirt. " I carry a child... I am pregnant."

Powdered Sugre 16

Fairy Dust

Dee leaned back against the bed with a wince. Yeah he had three broken ribs and one cracked one, but did the bindings have to be so tight? "Dee! Be still." Ryo rushed to his side the gorgeous detective fluffed a pillow that he sat behind Dee's head. "Lord D is still recovering and can't see to you yet."

"I can't believe he is pregnant again." Dee mused with a sigh as his ribs did pain him. Ryo smiled at the thought of the life that surrounded their friends. "I'll bet Count D's son is adorable." Dee continued pulling on Ryo's hand until the man was seated beside him on the bed. "Don't fight me Ryo, I'm injured. Besides, I just want to hold you." Dee said when he felt Ryo tense at his side.

"I know you are injured, I don't want to hurt you."Ryo protested the close embrace. Dee slide his fingers into the soft hair on Ryo's head then pressed Ryo to him.

"You won't hurt me more than I already am. Lord D may not be able to heal me, but he did send me some of his pain pills." Dee smiled at Ryo's worried look. "None of the aphrodisiac covered poppy, just herbal pain killers." Ryo relaxed against Dee.

"Just because you can't feel the damage doesn't mean that it is not there. Keep that in mind." Ryo muttered closing his eyes. He inhaled Dee's scent with a smile. He loved this man. More than he could ever have thought it possible to love anyone. Ryo closed his eyes allowing his mind to shut down as he held on to Dee. Dee felt Ryo relax against him with a grin. Kissing the top of his honey colored head, Dee drifted off to the best slumber he could remember having while suffering broken ribs and a concussion.

Break

Lord D was slow to open his eyes treating JJ to the sight of his deep purple orbs as they focused on the world around him. Lord D sighed then stretched, lithe, long limbs unfurled in a cat like grace that belied his collapse of two days before. Sofu D had assured him that this sleep was normal and he should not be worried unless it passed four days. JJ was anxious to talk to Lord D, before he had passed out, Lord D had said that he was pregnant. What scared him most was that Sofu D seemed to be shaky and not all in one piece though no battle stains were upon his clothes and the shop... JJ had never thought to see the shop not standing. Right now it was a pile of rubble that would have to be rebuilt as a building before Sofu D could place his magic upon it. As it was, the normal occupants had been moved to the consulate, or rather Arcadia with the consulate as a base of operation for Leon to get to work in LA while the shop was closed until further notice.

"Papa, Papa, Papa," JJ was nearly moved aside when his sons bounced around in excitement. Kibo crawled over to Lord D to place his little hands on Lord D's abdomen. "Papa," the infant clenched his fingers over the silk material. "Good, boy out, good boy in."

"Yes," Lord D ran a hand down the smooth cheek of his young son. "Good boys out, and good boy in." Lord D raised his eyes to JJ a blush blooming on his cheeks.

"How do you feel?" JJ asked sitting beside Lord D he passed a hand over Shinrai until the boy beamed a bright smile.

"I feel fine... fantastic really," Lord D looked puzzled and placed a hand on his tummy in much the same way that his father had done. "I feel stronger," Lord D said his brow furrowed when he realized the truth of his words.

"And so you should be," Soofu A said as he and Sofu D entered the room without knocking and for all JJ could tell the two had not used the still closed door. "I do not know if you have noticed it yet, but each time you strain yourself beyond your abilities you gain strength and endurance. You are almost a rival for some of my younger siblings. You will never surpass your father, but you are incredibly strong... for a halfling."

"Of all the snobbish..." Lady Aurora growled appearing before them in a puff of indignant smoke. She would have said more in defense of her son but saw the smirk on Soofu A's face.

"Eavesdropping is a never a good habit," He grinned to show that the words were meant to draw her out. "I have done all I needed to do. I will return to my home."

"You are going back to Jerusalem?" Sofu D asked perplexed. His brother had made such a big deal about being present for D's delivery then he would leave even before the child was presented to the family and friends. Count D and his baby would be in seclusion for some time still.

"As I said, I have done all I came to." Soofu A smiled then patted Sofu D's head in an elderly manner that made Sofu feel like the child he used to be when Soofu A had first started doing that to him. He shook the hand off with a frown. "Besides, my people need me. They will not be pushed from their land again." Soofu A backed away his form wavering before them all leaving him transparent. "Be well D, and care for your family as they care for you. Remember little brother, a light hand can be a blessing, or a curse. Your children are spoiled." Soofu A pulled a muffin from his sleeve to be gobbled with dignified relish. "Rebuild your house of refuge and tend to those who live there." The last words were a hollow echo as Soofu A vanished Sofu D looked away from his family as he wiped tears from his eyes. It had been so long since he had seen his siblings.

When Sofu D turned back it was to see Lord D standing with Shinrai in his arms hugging the child before he sat him on the bed in his vacated spot. "I must tend to D and the child, and Dee was injured, Rain will need more tea and..." Lord D paused. "I thank you father, for allowing my choice to take precedence for as long as you did. I know that you did not have to and I could have been carrying months ago." Lord D bowed low to his sire then left the room in a hurry as Lady Aurora dabbed the blood that flowed from her eyes.

"We have a beautiful family love," Sofu D whispered in her ear kissing the sensitive spot just under the shell. JJ looked away attending to his sons and their ball while the ancient beings wandered off to their own amusements.

Break

Leon stared at the small face wrinkled even in sleep as if too much flesh hung around the tiny bones. A smile graced his face as he thought that the newborn looked older than Soofu A, Sofu D and Lord D all together. When the bright eyes opened he was surprised to see that one one deep blue, like his own and the other was deeper still and purple hued. Leon was almost afraid to touch the child, but D still slept and the infant needed food. Careful to hold him lightly Leon held the bottle of human formula and nectar that Sofu D had left for them. A soft moan and shift in the bed let him know that Count D was waking. "We made it," Count D's voice was scratchy and he reached for the cup of water that sat on a table by their bed. "Are we... in the Consulate?"

"Yes love, I am sorry, but the shop is destroyed." Leon said Scooting back on the bed careful not to jostle D. "Does it still hurt?" Count D blushed but refused to answer choosing instead to crane his neck to see the small bundle Leon cradled. "He's only three pounds, but all fingers and toes. He seems alert enough. A little wrinkled, but as he grows..." Leon trailed off when he saw the tears that fell down D's face.

"I am sorry Leon," Count D winced only a little as he moved to clutch Leon's arm. "I nearly failed you."

"Hey, none of that now," Leon wished he could get a hand free to comfort D but holding the baby and his bottle required both hands. "Don't want to give our son indigestion do you?" Count D shook his head his ebony locks swirling around him. "Nearly doing something and actually doing it are two different things. Besides, my strength was feeding into you. If you had died, I would have been the one to fail."

"But I fell down." Count D sniffled.

"That's not the way I heard it," Leon smiled when at last the bottle was empty. "You burp him." Count D thought he would melt at the first sight of his son. He took the boy gently in his arms to pat his small back. "The way I heard it, you were shoved to the ground." Leon kissed D's temple. "Now hush, we are all alive and you have given me a son." Count D gasped at the emphatic awe in Leon's tone. Count D smiled at the tiny expulsion of air that he barely heard. Leaning his head against Leon he began to doze. Leon sat bolt upright when door opened. They were to be alone for a while with no disturbances. Seeing Lord D, Leon relaxed.

"You are awake, good," Lord D walked over with a brisk gait. "I have some time to see to you before my father will physic me."

"So it is true, oh father," Count D sighed. "I thought that part was a dream, but I was in so much pain, I could hardly remember my own name. I will be glad to welcome another brother from you." Count D leaned over in a half bow sheltering his son in his arms. Lord D accepted the formal words with a blush and a grin.

"You are in pain still," Lord D sat on the edge of the bed he passed a hand over the sleeping child.

Count D surrendered the bundle embarrassed at the slightness. "He is so small," Count D whispered with a worried pout.

"But healthy for all that," Lord D assured his son with a great sigh of relief he sent his gift through the infant. The baby shivered then sighed turning his face towards his grand father and nuzzled. "You are a regular little charmer are you not?" Lord D said kissing the little forehead he then sat the baby in a bassinet decorated in blue and white lace. "I will see what I can do for you," Lord D said to Count D. "Relax for me," Lord D flexed his hands showing his still blunted nails. Leon gasped when instead of the typical slight golden glow that surrounded Lord D's hands his entire body was lit with a bright golden luminescence that made onlookers wince. Count D felt a cold wind go through his body. He shivered when he thought he could smell the peaks of snow capped mountains. Lord D closed his eyes succumbing to the trance of healing he found each ripped, torn and sore muscle repairing it soothing the pain calming Count D. Lord D backed away with a small smile that Leon found oddly creepy. "Try to stand."

Still trembling with cold Count D could not refuse the gentle command though he feared the pain of giving birth would render him immobile for some time to come. Count D set his feet on the floor then felt awe encompass him. There was no pain, for all that he could tell, he was fully whole. "Chichiue," Count D dropped into a full jol his forehead touching the soft carpet at his father's small feet.

Lord D nodded his acceptance of Count D's thanks then sighed before placing a small kiss on the baby's head he sat with cup of tea D summoned for him. "You are still in seclusion, the child is as yet too young to be around others."

"Of course," Leon agreed for Count D simply stared at his father.

"Arigato gozaimasu," Count D found his voice with a heartfelt bow to his father.

Break

Jorge set back in the cafeteria a puzzled frown on his face. Now that he had gotten to know Rain, he could not say that his looks were overdone, and intimidating. Now it just seemed as if his outsides were trying to catch up to the beauty of his insides. When he sang, as he was now rehearsing for the spring music recital, he looked like a wild creature too beautiful to be contained. Jorge sighed when Jeanne and Terry wandered over. "I am going to warn you now," Terry said when Jeanne went to sit with Carol and Bikky. "My brother already went through hell. If Bikky don't get you, Rain sure will. It will be quick and painful."

"No harm in looking," Jorge said with a sure grin his deep colored skin flushing.

"As long as you only look. Be wise not to even let them catch you looking." Terry shook his head as he remembered the horrible time he had worried that his brother would get himself hospitalized. Rain ended his song just then and smiled when Julie began to applaud. "Damn, he's gotten taller. Not that it will make a difference, short, tall, skinny or not, he has been taught by Count D and his his two phoenix guards from Arcadia. I hear they are the best in their field and that the rank of Phoenix is the highest there is."

"Ah, my dad can beat them," Terry looked up in awe of the pale, beautiful Kenneth that joined them in the chairs of the auditorium. "Yeah they trained them, but they would not be satisfied until he was better, so he incorporated their style with his own. Now only Alera and Nestoir can give him any real exercise."

"Must be fun living in the consulate and going to that kingdom so often huh?" Jorge said pulling his eyes away from Rain while the boy pulled his hair up into a high ponytail.

Kenneth shook his head thinking of the unsettling feeling of crossing the threshold from the hidden planes to the mortal world. "Not so much, kind of leaves you with a tummy ache."

"Drink some of Rain's tea, you'll be fine." Bikky snickered when he and Rain came over to them. Rain offered the young prince his thermos and got a frown.

"It does smell good," Jorge said with a wink at Rain that he made friendly instead of salacious with a mocking bow.

"Wouldn't advise it," Terry grumbled smiling at Peter who took the stage for his rehearsal time. "Medicated," Terry gave Jorge a warning look as it seemed that Peter had Erick's undivided attention.

Bikky looked over at his brother and offered a warning. "You'd better finish that off today, you ate two hamburgers and cheesy fries for lunch."

"I know what I ate," Rain groused sticking his tongue out at Bikky he drained the thermos. Kenneth laughed remarking that mother Bikky had soccer practice. Bikky made sure that his back pack banged into Kenneth's head as he gathered his things. "I'll be in the library," Rain called letting Bikky know where he could find him after his practice. Erick blew a kiss to Peter as he too left for practice.

"You're always studying," Jorge remarked. "You have the best grades in the class, take it easy for once."

"I have the best grades in the class because I am always studying," Rain quipped pulling his back pack over he found a bag of chips and began to munch happily. Besides, Kenneth equals me in all test scores, I am going to beat him next time." Kenneth laughed at the challenge and saluted his acceptance.

"You eat so much Rain," Julie laughed glad that was finally a head taller than her. "But still so skinny."

"I thought you liked me skinny," Rain said offering her the bag that she refused.

"I like you no matter what," Julie whispered her face red as she kissed his cheek. Rain blushed then went back to his chips as he left for the library, Julie in tow.

"Not to mention he has a girlfriend." Terry tossed over his shoulder as he too wandered off to his own amusements with Jeanne. Jorge looked after Rain with a sigh.

Break

"His jaws should be tired," Ryo remarked as the boys came home from school. Rain munched on a sandwich as he helped Chris with his homework.

"Ah, don't worry about it." Dee said with a kiss to Ryo's neck. " He is a growing boy. I was the same way at fourteen. I told you he would hit a growth spurt."

"Well, I just didn't expect him to spurt so much." Ryo frowned looking over the latest credit card bill after taking the boys shopping for larger clothes. "As soon as his clothes look like they are starting to fit him he has to get bigger ones."

"I noted a trend in the teens in this area and even some sad looking adults." Dee nodded his head as he almost laughed thinking of the latest fashion craze. "Thanks to our little prodigy there, overlarge clothes are in. Some of the parents on the school board are blaming us for their sloppy looking kids, they say that we should make Rain dress properly."

"Even in his largest clothes, Rain is not sloppy, he wears a belt to keep the pants around his waist and his shirts are never overly wrinkled. If their kids are sloppy, they should iron them and buy them belts." Ryo narrowed his dark eyes then sighed as another sandwich disappeared into Rain's mouth. "And he'll have seconds of dinner," Ryo commented heading into the kitchen to check on his dinner. "They have a press appearance tomorrow and his birthday in next week. I can't believe he'll be fifteen."

"Yeah, they grow up so fast," Dee smiled when Chris cheered having finally understood the difficult math problems. Rain laughed then picked up his own homework. Slyph gave him a pleading look and he reached into his backpack for a piece of jerky that he threw the large cat's way. Her ear tufts seemed to wriggle in happiness as she began to gnaw the meat.

Break

Sunlight had filtered into the room giving the many plants inside much needed nutrients. There was a long, lean lump in the bed that made Ryo laugh silently. If the boy knew how small he actually looked in Ryo's pajamas he was sure that he would never wear them again. "Rain," Ryo called from across the room not wanting to startle the boy by standing next to his bed.

"Go away," Rain mumbled then burrowed under his pillows and blanket.

Ryo walked over to the bed now that Rain was awake and knew who it was in his room Ryo patted his arm. "Come on, you have a press conference today."

"No...sleepy, let them give Kenneth a tan he can pretend to be me." Rain grumbled still not moving. Ryo said nothing not pointing out that Kenneth was taller than him and filling out with muscles that Rain had yet to develop. "Chris and Bikky had me up all night playing the new Burnout. I had to beat it you know."

"Oh well then," Ryo said and sat down right on top of the lump he knew to be Rain's bottom. "Since you have decided to become a permanent part of the bed, I may as well make myself comfortable." Ryo began to bounce around laughing at the squeaks that emitted from the confines of cloth and feathers over Rain's head.

The pillow was wrenched away and Rain turned to glower at Ryo. "This is considered child abuse you know."

"Yeah," Ryo managed to infuse genuine surprise in his tone. "Well you can't report me if you don't get out of bed," Ryo chuckled as he got to his feet. "Come, I'm making waffles, get a shower and get the other's up." Rain laughed as he sat up in bed to see Ryo leaving his room.

Break

He wasn't scared. He could just see the group at the head of a large crowd their guards milling around looking imposing as they made sure that the glittering people were not attacked outright. For what seemed like the thousandth time he wiped his palms on his shirt that hung loose on him faded from many washings having been passed down from his older brother. The shoes were old as well sporting holes that showed clean, but well worn socks. His cargo pants were in better condition having come from the goodwill just that week. His mother had gone shopping for his birthday which was just a week before his older sisters. Today was her birthday, and he was determined to get her a gift. Clutching his small poster of Rain Cornwall MaClean, he stood at the back of the line moving when it moved keeping his eyes on the floor in front of him.

"Eew, get off me," He gasped when he felt hands shove him further back in the line. Three girls were quick to take his place laughing with the girl that had shoved him. "Did you see him," She laughed making his eyes fill and overflow. He was about to turn and leave when he remembered his sister and how she always made time for him even when he knew she had to have better things to do. He firmed his lips and squared his shoulders. Using a freshly wiped hand he smoothed down the scraggly tufts of hair that dotted his head wishing he had remembered to grab his hat. But it was too late now. His skin was patched as well from the fire that had destroyed their house several years ago. He also walked with a permanent limp leaving him feeling like Quasimodo. It was rare that he even left the house. After he had seen himself for the first time, he had refused to go to school. His family was poor and could not afford re-constructive surgery, so his mother had decided to home school him with help from Rissa, his older sister.

Rain heard the girls loud jeers and looked to see a small bundle of humanity struggle to his feet. It was not the first time that he had been pushed down. "So do something about it," Daphnus whispered in his ear surprising Rain that he had noticed it with as many cards, album covers and posters they were all signing. Rain nodded and got to his feet. In seconds he was flanked by Bikky, Ryo, and three armed Salamander Guards. Dee nodded his head from his position in front of Andy. The crowd roared to life when it seemed that Rain would go among them. As he stepped around the table in the midst of his guards several girls reached out touching his sleeves and screaming in glee. Shaking them away he made his way just at the boy lost his footing again.

"Get away from me you little toad," a harsh voiced girl growled. "Who let you out of your dungeon?"

"Excuse me," Rain had to repeat himself several times for the girls to hear him and look in his direction.

"Oh Rain," Rain was shocked by the marked contrast to her voice so sweet was it now that he stood in front of her. "I am such a fan of yours, lease sign..."

"Excuse me," Rain said again moving around her leaving her standing with her mouth hanging open. Rain reached down to help the young boy to his feet. Rain held in a gasp as he saw the scarred hand under his own. The boy blushed and snatched his hand away when he saw Rain staring at him.

"Begging your pardon, but could you..." The boy began but paused his face crumpling in despair as he saw what remained of his poster. The small but of paper was torn and ragged from his many spills to the floor. The girl standing on it laughed and kicked it over to him. He picked it up and scrubbed it on his shirt trying to clean the splotches and straiten the wrinkles. Finding salvage to be a hopeless endeavor he sniffled and turned away.

"What's your name?" Rain asked holding up a fresh poster that was three times the size of the original that the boy had. Reaching into Ryo's pocket he pulled out a felt pen.

"Rissa, I mean that's my sister's name, see she wanted to come but..." The boy faltered his lower lip trembling. "They were coming back from her ballet recital yesterday and there was an accident, so cause she can't come. I wanted to get this for her birthday. It's today and she's in the hospital."

"How long have you been in line?" Rain asked signing his name he winked at a Salamander who steered the boy back to the grand table with the rest of the group.

"I got here a little after noon, but I got lost a couple times. I don't leave the house much." The boy answered he stared in awe as another picture joined the first one of Rain solo, with one of the entire band signed by them all. "My sister takes care of me, I just wanted to do something nice for her."

"What's your name?" Rain asked again having to raise the boys face so that he could look into his eyes. So clear a gray that for a moment, Rain was startled.

"Justin," He whispered then cleared his throat saying it again only louder.

"Well Justin," Rain grinned looking out over the crowd of fans that had so disappointed him due to their lack of compassion for this young boy. "How old are you."

"Twelve your highness," Justin answered remembering too late that Rain was Royalty.

"Ah, none of that now," Rain shook his long, dark hair. "If I'm not wearing a crown, I'm not to be called that." Rain said making up the rule on the spot. "What hospital is your sister in?" Rain said thinking of the limp the boy had displayed on their way to the table and even now he stood as if his leg pained him.

"She's in the one that treats poor folk for free, Saint Francis, it's called." Justin said his cheeks flushing as he admitted that his family was so destitute.

"Named after Saint Francis of Assisi," Justin nearly melted into a pool of awe as Daphnus spoke to him. "Fitting, yes it is," Daphnus nodded and Rain sighed feeling a long explanation coming he got to his feet before the high prince could open his mouth.

"Show me," Rain said with a mischievous grin. The crowd began to boo as Rain and the entire band left the podium.

Break

Rissa Stander wiped her nose on the handkerchief that she clutched. Her parents had just left to speak with a doctor, she was sure of it, she would never dance again. Wasn't it illegal to drive while drunk? And Justin, oh Justin, was he still in the house waiting for them to come home and have cake? Rissa sobbed anew when she heard her door open she turned her back to whoever had entered her room. "Rissa," Rissa's eyes flew open in shock when she heard her brother's soft voice. She turned and nearly fainted in shock to see the person standing beside him. "Rissa, I got his autograph for your birthday." Justin informed her he was careful as he crawled onto the bed with his sister and showed her the large pictures that had been signed by the band. And by Rain himself.

"You...left the house?" She sighed as tears continued to flow. "But you never leave the house."

"I did it for you.," Justin turned red under his scarred and patched skin. "Rain, that's my sister Rissa." Rain nodded polite to the young girl with her head wrapped in a bandage. Her right leg and arm were both in full casts with bandages apparent underneath her hospital gown.

"Looks like you took a fair tumble," Rain's words were soft as he approached the bed. "I am glad to meet you. The other's are taking a tour, seems this is one of their facilities and they want to know that it is being handled correctly. Surprise visits like this one are good to investigate proper handling of funds and care of patients." Rain quoted Daphnus. "At least that's what they said to make me feel better about disrupting our press signing." Rain turned a slight shade of red that both shocked and amazed Rissa and Justin.

"You're not like I thought you would be," Rissa smiled. "I'm glad."

"I am too," Rain grinned and began to sing happy birthday. No matter what happened in her life from this moment on and any moment before, Rissa knew that she would forever remember this day and what her younger brother had done for her. Justin beamed with pride as he saw the joy on his sister's face. The pain of being pushed around and made fun of was well worth it.

Author's Notes: Valentines is late... seems that I am always late with holidays and stuff. But then again, most of that chapter will not be written by me. Wink Wink Wink- Oh yeah, and later that night as the family gathered around for their evening meal of hospital rations, a full course dinner complete with a birthday cake baked by Ryo MaClean arrived at the hospital graced by fourteen candles.
Powdered Sugre 17

For Now, Forever

Ryo sighed in his sleep as his body seemed to be lit by an internal fire. His eyes flew open when he realized he was coming. "Ah... Dee!" Ryo cried out. His fingers went to the head in his lap clenching around the raven locks that bobbed under his hands. Ryo was panting as if he had run a marathon while his body relaxed by slow degrees, he blinked to find himself in Dee's arms cradled against his chest while the man kissed his temple.

"Ummm baby, couldn't wait for breakfast." Dee said by way of explanation.

"Oh," Was all Ryo could manage his mind still sleepy and pleasure fogged.

Dee chuckled and bounded from the bed with a playful swat to Ryo's bare bottom. "Happy Valentines Day," Dee said kissing Ryo's lips. Ryo remembered to kiss him back moments before Dee was moving away. "Come on. A lot to do today, Rain's birthday and all, plus it's been a week. Little D and is bringing out Littlest D."

Dee was gone from the room long before Ryo sat up in the bed. "Oh," He frowned still sleepy. Shaking his head to clear it he narrowed his eyes. He had told Dee about playing with him while he slept. Ryo was about to leave the bed when he felt a shudder run through his body. Damn, he was still tender, and needing to be filled. He would be...horny... his mind balked at the very idea, but he would be, all day. Ryo grumbled and stomped out of bed to pull on his pajama pants and a t-shirt. He went downstairs to find that Dee had already set out the eggs, bacon and bread for toast. Dee was bent looking inside the refrigerator for the jam and fresh oranges so he could make the juice while Ryo cooked. Dee looked up when Ryo entered the kitchen and grinned. Ryo's disgruntlement melted away in an instant. Holding in a chuckle he walked over and rubbed his thumb over the corner of Dee's mouth cleaning the tell-tale traces of his morning's snack. Moving to the sink to wash his hands Ryo began to prepare breakfast for his family. He paused reaching for the spoons when he saw a single white rose standing amongst the utensils. He looked over his shoulder to see Dee blow a kiss to him then head upstairs.

Break

Leon watched as D washed the tiny baby careful of how he moved the little limbs and softly wiping him with an extremely soft cloth. Leon sighed, it seemed that D was afraid to touch his own child. Count D had even thought of extending their seclusion for another week, but Lord D had said that the child was healthy. He had even grown several ounces since he was born. "Baby," Leon said coming around to place his hands on D's waist while he wrapped the baby in his drying cloth. "Tell me his name."

"His name?" Count D smiled looking at the little boy. Since his birth, some of the wrinkles had left his face leaving him looking not quite so old as he had at birth. Even so, he was adorable with his tufts of silky black hair and pale skin. His eyes sparkled like jewels in his little head as they focused on his parents. He blew a kiss at D that was gladly returned by the proud papa. "It is...Kurayami No Raito." D paused and a sweet smile crossed his face as he looked at his son. " Light in the darkness, is what it means. I was thinking of signing his American documents with Leon Darion Orcot"

"Leon huh... and Light in the darkness," Leon mused looking at his son he felt pride. He had a son! "Thank you," Leon whispered he turned D in his arms careful of the child he held and kissed his lips. Becoming lost in the soft, sweet taste of his lover, Leon backed away flushed and frustrated. What was wrong with him? D just had a baby. Count D licked his lips then began the careful task of dressing their son in his bright yellow ensemble. Leon was careful as well, careful to keep his distance from Count D while he gathered up the things needed to fill the diaper bag. Making sure he had enough bottles, he followed D to the door where Chris, T-Chan, Lord D and Aoi waited. Sofu D and Lady Aurora had opted to wait out with the rest of the crowd for the family to emerge. Chris grinned up at Leon glad he had been allowed to miss school for this occasion.

Rain looked up with a grin. They would miss their morning classes, but this was worth it. He turned to see the Japanese man next to him smiling. The man wore dark glasses as if were blind, but he also sported an elaborate ensemble as if he was some sort of royalty. Count D looked around at the crowd and gasped. "Lord Sohki," He said amidst the coos and helping hands to get him forward so that all could see his son.

"Count D, it is always a supreme pleasure to be near you." Sohki said getting to his feet. He beamed a bright smile and clapped his hands with shocking, child-like glee.

"Thank you," Count D demurred smiling as Leon helped him to a seat. He longed to tell Leon that he was fine. Count D would have said more but the crowd gathered around waiting expectantly for him to unwrap his small bundle.

Jill burst into tears. "Oh, Count, he is so darling."

"Looks so tiny," Bikky frowned at the baby then looked at Count D with a grin. "But then again, you're no giant." Count D smiled remembering a day he had realized that he had to look up at the gangly teenager.

"He doesn't just look tiny," Rain whispered in awe of the little baby boy. "He is tiny. But I know he will grow."

"Speaking from experience," Chris laughed poking Rain in the side.

"That is true, he actually gained weight since he was born." Count D said sitting the baby in his prepared seat of cushions and satin.

"He gained weight and this is what's left," Dee said ignoring Ryo's not so gentle punch. He could see that Count D was sensitive about the baby's size.

"He is a beautiful baby, Count D, I am glad to meet him." Ryo said with clasped hands he bowed to Count D. Aoi released Sofu D's hand to toddle over to her brother. Sohki stood again this time he moved until he was directly in front of Aoi and the baby. To Count D's shocked amazement the mighty Kirin dropped to his knees. Saying nothing, Sohki got to his feet then went back to his tea with an oblivious smile.

"Lord Sohki..." Count D began then halted not wanting to have this discussion. The gathering soon broke up, with Ryo and Dee the designated drivers for getting the boys to school. Lyo whined about having to go to daycare, until Ryo reminded him that Prince Nicklaus would be there. The boy quieted down thinking of his friend. "The Arcadians said they will be here tomorrow," Count D informed Leon when he leaned back in his chair. His eyes closed as he savored the sweet smell of Arcadia in the bright afternoon sunlight.

"You are tired," Leon said from his position at Count D's feet.

"You should go to bed. He will sleep for a while yet," Lord D said with a small smile at his son.

"Thank you father, but..." Count D paused looking at Leon with longing then he sighed.

"I don't see why not," Lord D countered then smirked as Sohki giggled behind a delicate hand.

"You healed him," Leon said with a suspicious frown he dropped the package he had been prepared to hand to Count D in honor of their third anniversary. "He can.. we can...?" Lord D brought a hand up to his face to hide a smile as he nodded. Leon said nothing, he ignored the package, inclined his head towards the basket with his son in it. Lord D accepted the care of the infant then watched with glee as Leon picked up Count D and left the room at a trot.

"You do realize your son will be occupied for quite some time," Sohki said thinking that Lord D would be left with the care of the child.

"That will not be a problem, I already know that JJ is working late tonight, so that Ryo and Dee can leave early. We played this morning and I will see him later. It is all arranged." Lord D said nothing more as he enjoyed his tea and cookies sitting with his old friend they talked of the kingdom of Dhalasar and all Lord Naga had done to retain his control over the young man sitting on the thrown over there and the dispute of the young man that currently lived in Japan. Lord D listened to it all with a smile on his face.

Break

Chihaya fell back onto the bed panting he wiped his brow then pushed his damp hair back so that he could see Kagetsuya. "You know," Chihaya said with a sigh. "We missed the gathering."

"Yeah, but they are out of seclusion so we can see the new Kami tomorrow," Kagetsuya said with his face nuzzled into Chihaya neck. "It was worth it." Chihaya grinned at the response he could feel in his lover's body being so pressed up against his own. "How tired are you?" Kagetsuya asked a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"Not at all," Chihaya answered feeling his own body heat in anticipation. A heavy sigh left the small, purple eyed angel as Kagestuya's tongue bathed his right nipple while his blunt fingers tortured the left. Chihaya groaned and lifted his hips pressing his now excited member against Kagetsuya. "I love the way you feel."

Kagestuya grinned glad that Ryo and Count D had spoken with Chihaya. He never would have imagined the amount of pleasure he could derive from bringing Chihaya pleasure. Hearing him moan in such a sweetly seductive voice spurred his passions to new heights. He was near delirious with his need, but he held back wanting to savor each slide of his hands over the fine, white skin supple with unwaivering youth. Kagetsuya moved down until he was licking the tiny indention of Chihaya's belly button dipping his tongue he smiled when Chihaya giggled and clenched his thin fingers in the wild blond mane of his lover.

Chihaya spread his legs wide offering the pot of lubrication to Kagestuya. He looked up to see the dark haired beauty blushing but smiling. "Just a little more," Chihaya whispered indicating the sweet smelling substance. Kagetsuya dipped his fingers and began to insert them into his partner. Chihaya sighed raising his hips he rode the fingers with blissful cries he could not contain. Kagestuya pressed forward, deeper he went until the tips of his fingers scraped along the rough patch of flesh that always drove Chihaya mad with delight. Once his spot was found Kagetsuya began to suck the engorged member that seemed to be blushing and weeping with need. "Yes... Kage-Kun! Yes!" Chihaya cried out feeling his end near, reaching for it, desperate even, but Kagetsuya pulled away right when he was on the verge of spilling himself. "Why?" Chihaya panted when he was able to speak again.

"You have no idea how marvelous you feel," Kagestuya said rubbing more lubrication onto his body. "When I am deep inside," Kagetsuya moved between Chihaya's spread legs and pushed his knees up until his slim legs were braced on either side of his larger body. "Your body squeezes so wonderfully." Kagestuya's body began to push forward into the tight heat. Chihaya began to moan at the feel of the thick length that claimed him. His whimpers added to the heat of his body and Kagestuya's mind was centered on driving into. Like waves crashing on the shore his body covered Chihaya, ebb and flow, over and over again he drove deep inside. Chihaya's breathing grew labored and his cries of rapture louder. "Yes, just like that," Kagestuya purred when the many contractions of Chihaya's orgasm rocked his body. Like a wild force of nature he too capitulated to the passion driving them both filling Chihaya with all the desire built up withing him.

Gasping he fell to the side keeping his lover in his arms. With a sweet kiss to his brow, his cheek and finally Kagestuya's lips stole over Chihaya's. "I love you Kage-Kun," Chihaya whispered then nuzzled his face into Kagestuya's neck. Before Kagestuya could return the sentiment, Chihaya sighed and was asleep.

Break

Count D dragged air into his lungs as soon as his feet touched the thickly carpeted floor in their room in the consulate. "Leon," Count D gasped clinging to his lover with desperate abandon. "Oh, Leon, Shiite Yo!" Leon felt his world tilt, D was so soft, so sweet smelling, so warm. There was almost too much to take in. Leon wanted to touch him, taste him, hold him and plunge deep inside his body all at once, but he also wanted to savor this moment. D was not making it any better with his clutching and moaning and Leon had barely even touched him. The slightest brush of Leon's hand on D's sides caused D to shiver with wanton need. Leon groaned at the feel of the silk under his hands knowing that D's skin was even softer.

Leon trailed his tongue along the slender column of D's neck. His mouth was filled with the sweet taste he had long ago become addicted to. Count D whimpered he brought his hands up to burrow the slim fingers in Leon's hair tugging until the band snapped freeing the glorious golden mane. D loved Leon's hair, how soft it was, how wild, so thrilling, just like his Lion, his Leon. "Leon..." Leon smiled when Count D said his name like that, like warm honey sliding over a fresh baked croissant heavy with sugar. It did things to him. Made him feel powerful, like a conquerer. Sliding his hands along the silken ensemble D wore Leon found the clasp and pulled the draping fabric apart. His eyes roamed the sleeveless sheath underneath.

"You always seem to be gift wrapped," Leon muttered as he allowed the larger outer garment to fall and pool at Count D's small feet. Count D held in a small chuckle then sat on the bed that was hovering behind his legs. Leon crouched on the floor in front of D and pushed his satin clad legs apart while pushing the sheath up to. With a gentle tug, D was bare to the waist and Leon leaned in feasting on the pert nipples that showed pink in the bright light of the sun that flowed in through the large windows.

"Ah!" Count D's head fell back as he held Leon close. Such heat, how could a human mouth have so much heat? Count D writhed arching his back bringing his body closer to Leon. Leon sucked, nibbled and licked his way across D's chest and down to his lap where pressed kisses to the growing mound underneath the satin pants. "Onigaishimasu," Leon stood up and yanked his shirt over his head. He was stepping out of his pants when he saw Count D pulling his own pants from his body and his weeping member spring free. Leon could hardly wait to taste the sweetness and drink in the heavy cream D always had for him. If he could get away with pouring it in his coffee he would. Hell, the stuff at work just might be palatable.

His body was on fire. Count D fell back onto the bed anxious to have Leon cover him with his weight. Trembling from his need too long denied Count D reached up and pulled until Leon fell on top of him. He could not recall any thing more delicious than the feel of this human pressed so tight to his body. Count D brought his legs up to wrap around Leon's slim hips keeping him trapped in place. Leon looked down into those jewel-toned eyes and sank so far under that he feared he would never return. Pressing their lips together, Leon reached down to stroke both of their erections in his large hand using their intermingled pre-cum for lubrication. "I want to taste you," Leon said taking D's hands from his hair and pushing his leg aside so that he could wiggle free of the tight hold. Count D gasped when one of his legs found it's way over Leon's muscled shoulder.

There it was. Leon grinned then opened his mouth wide over D sucking him in. Count D's answering cry of delight rang in Leon's ears. Coupled with the feel of those slim, moist thighs pressing into the sides of his face, Leon was in heaven. He pulled up then dived down again sucking hard. He pulled up again, licking the sweet drops of release that pooled at the tip of D's cock. He slid down again this time pulling off and nuzzling the soft globes of D's maleness. Licking beyond them Leon paused. He saw two small scars that resembled neat rows of stitches. "Leon?" D sat up to look down between his legs, he gasped. Leon leaned forward and pressed his lips to the evidence of D's labors. Leon brought a hand up to D's lips. D's deep red mouth parted as he sucked a finger in knowing what Leon wanted. Where it would go. He sucked more sliding his tongue around the long digit then released the wet fingers. He leaned back and pushed his legs apart. Leon began to probe the opening.

"So warm, so tight, My baby," Leon whispered almost reverent as his finger gained access.

"MMMM," D brought his bottom lip between his even, white teeth. "More," D begged. One finger could never be enough. Leon pushed another in and another stretching D. "Hai... Oh... Leon!" Count D cried bringing his bottom up arching his back. Leon's mouth and hands were driving him insane. He could feel his temperature rise as all the blood in his body flowed to one point. His desire so high he felt dizzy. Leon sucked him in deep and D exploded. Giving Leon the taste he had longed for. D floated back to reality to feel Leon still between his legs kissing and nibbling as if he could not get enough. "Leon..." D pulled until Leon was settled over him.

"Okay," Leon said he found the warmed lubrication that D had summoned and spread it liberally over his aching hardness. "Do I even need to ask if you're ready?" Leon laughed glad to see D so eager for him. Count D gave Leon 'The Smirk'. It had always driven him crazy. Before in what seemed like another life, he had wanted to slap it off D's face, now it made him want to... Leon pressed in. D's breathing hitched and he winced a little at the initial pain of being entered after so long. "Okay?" Leon asked pausing.

"Umm hmmm," D nodded he brought his arms up to wrap them around Leon's neck. Leon continued until he was fully sheathed in D's tight body. "Hai, hai, oh Lee...Ooon." D cried out when he could feel Leon buried to the hilt. "Shiite... Shiite yo, oh Leon," Leon could not hold back anymore. His hips seemed to move on their own deeper, deeper he sank into Count D's willing body his movements slow as if he had to reacquaint himself with the depths of his lover. "Ah... Sugoi," D managed to say in between deep, sucking kisses. Leon began to push in, then slide out. In a dance as old as time Leon made love to Count D.

Break

Ryo watched as Dee left their office and clenched his fingers then relaxed them as Dee sauntered by his desk on the way to retrieve coffee. Something was not right with Dee's pants, Ryo could not figure out what it was. But they seemed to be hugging him in odd ways, displaying his bottom in a tantalizing way. Ryo shook his head to tear his eyes away from Dee and went back to work. He reached into his drawer for a pencil and gasped finding a single red rose. He looked up and Dee blew a kiss at him then walked down the hall whistling. Throughout the day he had found single roses waiting for him in places where he was known to go. Dee winked at Ryo then continued on his way. He paused when he saw Berkeley leaving. "Out for the day?"

"Yeah," The commissioner nodded his head with a grin that seemed wolfish to Dee. "Taking my Jeremy to lunch, then we are going to see a show."

"Taking him to lunch," Dee said with a smirk at his superior. "Or having him for lunch?" Berkeley did not answer but he laughed as he strode away. Dee shook his head as his mind reeled with the plans he had made for he and Ryo's night off. Dee reached the break room and found Jill sitting at a table with a frown on her face. There was always so much love going on year round, would she ever find her own true love? Last year Diana had given up her American citizenship to marry the Arcadian Gryphon she had been dating. Jill looked up when Dee entered the break room. Leon had not come in at all today and these two had the night off.

"Dee," Jill said and smiled when she had his attention so lost in thought he was. "Are there any good, strait men left?"

"I wouldn't know, I hope so," Dee said with a cheeky grin. "If all the good men were gay, they would all be after my baby."

"You're paranoid," Jill retorted. "That man loves you." Dee grinned to show his affection for Jill as he filled his and Ryo's cup.

"You'll find him Jill, and when you do... You'll know." Dee patted her shoulder then went back to his office where Ryo was holding three more found roses. "Two more hours then we can..."

"Go home," Ryo said his cheeks flushed as he was forced to confront his own desire.

"Go to the consulate, today is Rain's birthday," Dee informed Ryo as if he had forgotten.

"I know," Ryo glowered his face redder. "You are a bad man."

"Yeah I know, and we have to brief the chief on our latest closed case in ten minutes." Dee said offering the hot coffee to Ryo. Ryo took the mug with a thoughtful sigh. A lot could happen in ten minutes. Ryo gave up on the thought knowing it would take more than ten minutes to solve his problem. Dee turned around and again Ryo found his eyes wandering to the muscles that were round and firm in Dee's bottom. Feeling the heated gaze Dee chuckled and turned to face Ryo. "You coming?"

"Are those pants too small for you?" Ryo got to his feet to follow Dee down the hall.

"No... Why?" Dee asked knowing full well the extra soft jeans were hugging his bottom in exceptional ways. Ryo leaned back to check out Dee's pants again then shook his head focusing instead on this past months cases.

They entered the chief's office to find the man staring at the closed files that other detectives had turned in. "You guys did well these past few cases, stop making it look so damn easy." The chief took the files and began to go through them. His brows furrowed the more he read on into the files. Ryo and Dee waited to see if he would have any questions for them. "Yeah, all right, get on, finish the month on the same scale." He blustered at two of his best men with a frown that made his face look like he had swallowed a prune pit soaked in lemon juice. It rankled that all of his best were gay men.

Dee turned around to leave and Ryo followed. Still staring at Dee's bottom Ryo blurted out. "You're not wearing underwear." Ryo's gasped as soon as the words left his mouth his face in flames he ducked his head and hurried from the office. The chief shook his head as he stared after the two men. Ryo said nothing until they were in their office with the door closed. Dee locked it and pressed Ryo hard into the desk his lips devouring Ryo's willing mouth.

"I am too wearing underwear," Dee said when he pulled away for air. "I'm wearing the thong you bought me," Dee smirked when Ryo managed to look into his deep green eyes.

"You are a bad man," Ryo whispered his eyes fluttered closed when Dee closed his teeth over one of his ears.

"Yep, I am, but you love me, so what does that make you?" Dee chuckled as he moved away leaving Ryo with just a taste of his mouth.

"A masochist," Ryo forced the words out then sat at his desk sipping his bitterly disgusting coffee he went back to work poring over the files of their latest case. Dee's answering chuckle caused Ryo to peek at him through the fluffy cloud of his honey colored bangs, pale skin shining gold in the sunlight. Ryo smiled glad that he had decided to transfer precincts when he did way back in New York.

Break

Rain sipped his tea while Julie watched him waiting for him to put the thermos down and open her gift. "I know your party is not til this weekend, but it is a Valentines gift, I'll save your birthday gift for then." Julie smiled when Rain handed her a small bag. "Rain... Thank you," Julie beamed a smile that caused Rain to blush.

"I hope you like it," Rain said watching as she pulled the perfume bottle from the bag followed by a teddy bear and some chocolates in a heart shaped box.

"It's beautiful, I mean, first the flowers this morning and now this, Rain you are so great." Julie gushed as she threw her arms around his neck. Rain pulled the silk ribbon from the small box. "Well, see, your hair's gotten really long and when you are in concert, I thought you could tie your hair back. That way, whenever you use it, you could think of me."

"I think about you all the time any way," Rain assured her his face beamed red. Bikky looked over at their table from where he sat with Carol a smile on his face. Looked like his brother was shaping up all right.

"Hey," Peter looked up, his pale green eyes luminous as he looked at Erick. "I know things have been hectic, but... I mean," Erick paused he took Peter's hand under the table where no one could see. "Can I come over tonight?"

"Erick, you know my parents went to Paris for Valentines day." Peter said his pale cheeks turning red. "I'll be home alone."

"Not if you let me in," Erick wheedled tracing the lines in the palm of Peter's hand.

"You... You want to try again, don't you?" Peter whispered even though no one was near their table. He looked down his cheeks going pale then bright red.

"I do, but not if you're scared," Erick took his hand back when a teacher walked by their table. "Never mind okay," Erick forced a smile. What if he had made Peter never want to try again? Erick sighed, it was his fault for hurting him, but, according to Dee there were ways to make it work. He had talked to the detective for a long time while Ryo had talked to Peter.

"I'm not scared," Peter swallowed with some difficulty. "I know that today of all days would be the day to do it, but," Peter paused. He slid his hand back into Erick's while his cheeks bloomed with charming color. "We have school tomorrow, and I don't want to take the chance of not being able to..." Peter could not go on but he flailed his free hand to let Erick know what he implied.

Erick stared at his young partner the feeling of clueless-ness evident in his features. Thinking back he remembered that Peter could barely stand, and Dee had said that even if done correctly, Peter would have trouble walking. Perhaps Ryo had warned Peter about the same thing. Erick thought of the beautiful detective and hid a grin. Perhaps he spoke from experience. He could not help the effect the thought of Ryo and Dee together had on his young body. Erick swore as the bell rang. He could not stand up now. Not now with images of Ryo cheeks flushed and Dee's powerful body moving over him. Peter sat still as well the very same thoughts plaguing him. "Come on guys, we'll be late," Bikky's voice was like a dousing of cold water on their hot thoughts. Erick was able to get to his feet without shame knowing that if the other boy guessed the thoughts he was just having about his parents would lead to a lot of pain. "You guys will be welcome in the consulate today for cake and dinner, you know a small acknowledgment for Rain's birthday. The actual party is this weekend in our backyard. He wants bar-b-que."

"I never thought such a little guy could eat so much," Erick laughed he waited for Peter to gather his things. When Peter stood, they all left the cafeteria. Rain stuck his tongue out at Erick then laughed offering a cheeky grin. Erick took a moment to remember the shy boy Rain used to be. He looked at Bikky with admiration knowing this change was largely influenced by him. Jorge saw the smile on Rain's face and sighed when the smaller boy took Julie's hand. He knew he should not think of him in this way, but he could not help it. How could he not love someone who was as beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside?

Break

Jeremy knew that look. Those piercing eyes seemed to be glaring at him. To an onlooker it might seem as if the tall, bespectacled, powerfully built man was going to pummel the smaller one. Oh, Jeremy thought with a grin. How right they were. He could hardly wait, he shifted in his seat when his body began to show signs of his needs. Berkeley grinned knowing why Jeremy shifted. He knew he was being fanciful, but he thought he could almost smell the arousal that hummed around Jeremy's small frame. "You ready to go?" Berkeley asked when Jeremy slipped his shoe off and slide his foot up his leg.

"We haven't even ordered yet," Jeremy protested trying to take his foot back but feeling it trapped when Berkeley closed his thighs on the wriggling appendage. With his muscles bulged, Jeremy knew he would not escape until Berkeley released him. The man's power drove him crazy with desire. Like a leashed panther ready to devour his meal. Jeremy loved being his meal. "But I bet you'd rather eat me." Jeremy said with a saucy grin he squirmed his foot not trying to get free. Berkeley got to his feet so fast the table lurched and his chair wobbled. Jeremy had scant moments to get his shoe back on before the suave man lost all control and dragged him from the bistro.

Break

Ryo gasped as he went to get into the car after they had punched out for the day. On the passenger seat was a full bouquet of flowers, roses, orchids, and snap dragons wreathed in baby's breath and tied with red and white ribbons. "Dee," Ryo looked over at Dee where the other man stood on the other side of the car. Ryo picked up the flowers then sat down and stared at Dee. Ryo had learned how to make chocolates and presented Dee with three dozen at lunch time.

"I read somewhere," Dee said. He reached over and rubbed the back of Ryo's hand. "That flowers can light up a room, well, you light up my life." Ryo was quick to look away so that Dee would not see the tears on his face. He was embarrassed to be so weak when it came to this man, but oh how he loved him. Ryo sighed, it seemed his heart had to work twice as hard to keep up with all Dee made him feel. Dee reached over. He slid his hand in the fine hair at Ryo's nape and tugged until Ryo was leaning over careful not to crush the beautiful flowers. Dee pressed their lips together getting drunk on the full sweetness of Ryo's soft mouth. Ryo sighed eyes closed then gasped when Dee pulled away and started the car. "Don't want to be late."

Ryo stared aghast at Dee his body humming with unrequited need. How was Dee managing to control himself? Usually by now Ryo would have been fighting him off in their office, or in the cold case files or any other inappropriate place. Now Ryo felt as if he would be the one to attack Dee. Making sure his seat belt was fastened took his mind off his baffling partner while Dee headed down the road.

The consulate was hell for Ryo. He tried to focus on Andy giggling with the rest of the Royale, the dinner, the cake, the presents, anything but the way his body responded to the slightest touch from Dee. First he had awakened his body this morning then refused to answer the demand. How could he do that? Ryo shook his head then frowned when he saw young Peter's eyes following Dee with a hunger no fifteen year old should possess. An uncomfortable prickling assaulted his neck and he turned to see Erick ogling him. Ryo blushed and sat on his bottom to keep the boy from staring. He was only seventeen for crying out loud. Bikky laughed when he saw Ryo's reaction leaning over he said. "I know you guys talked to them, but now I think they want you not each other." Ryo reached over and pinched Bikky's nose glad for the distraction.

Just when Ryo had gotten his body under control Dee leaned over his chair and whispered in his ear. Erick's eyes bulged as he noticed the small kisses Dee planted on Ryo's neck as he spoke. "The boys are staying here tonight with your grandparents. A guard will take them to school tomorrow. You ready to go?" Ryo got to his feet as if the chair was in flames. Dee tried not to smirk and failed miserably. He wondered at Leon and Count D's absence but said nothing. They were both probably too tired, taking care of a new born. Looking around he saw that Lord D and JJ were missing as well. "See you guys Saturday." Dee said then passed a hand over Rain's hair. "Happy birthday." Rain stood still while Ryo kissed his forehead then waved them off.

"He'll be pleasantly sore tomorrow," Bikky said with a smirk.

"What do you know of such things?" Laton asked with a gentle cuff to Bikky's head.

"I overheard him talking to Leon once," Bikky shut his mouth when Rain joined them. "Are you going to play with us?" Bikky asked showing his brother the video game console. "I need to talk to you..." Bikky said to Laton before he hurried off. Laton grinned knowing that he feared his abilities. Too bad, he was not taking them back. The boy was marked by flames, he'd best get used to it.

"Yeah, I'll whip your butts a few times before I finish my homework." Rain said with a cheeky grin he ate another piece of cake while Bikky set up.

Ryo could not recall being so glad to see their home. He watched Dee with wary eyes as the man entered their house and locked the door. Would he take him now? Hard and fast? Ryo did not even care if he did. Dee disappeared into their bathroom as soon as they reached the bedroom causing Ryo to frown. He stood and went to the drawer by the bed to retrieve the lube and tensed when he felt Dee behind him. Ryo straitened with a slow smile. He prepared to turn around in Dee's arm but was halted by Dee's hands on his waist keeping him still."I'm going to be in you all night." Dee leaned forward pressing his lips to the back of Ryo's neck. The soft, fragrant hair teased his lips and Dee smiled when Ryo sighed and melted against him. Bringing his hands up Dee hid a grin at Ryo's startled gasp as the satin blindfold was secured. "Don't worry baby," Dee whispered blowing a breath of hot air that caused tingles to race down Ryo's spine. "I've got you." Ryo relaxed into Dee's arm allowing the taller frame to be his guide.

Ryo moved where Dee's arms and hands led him. He found himself sitting on the bed. Dee knelt down to kiss him and Ryo sighed. With his eyes covered every other sense seemed to be heightened. The taste of Dee hit his tongue like a burst of smoky awareness. Faint traces of sweet cake and soda along with tobacco. Dee did not smoke as much as he used to, but it was still there... Heady and intoxicating, his Dee. Ryo clenched his fingers in the crisp material of the shirt Dee wore. The scent. The scent of Dee was driving him wild. Heat and man and the cologne that Ryo had gotten him for Christmas. There was also that trace of tobacco Ryo wanted to continue kissing, but gasped when Dee moved away.

Ryo shifted and Dee's hands traveled to the buttons on his shirt peeling the material away he revealed the t-shirt underneath. Ryo gasped feeling the soft material of his own shirt being rubbed over his skin under the heat of Dee's fingers pinching his nipple through the fabric. "Dee..." Ryo trailed his hands over Dee's arms until he reached his shoulders and then his hair. Ryo tugged until he could find Dee's mouth. His tongue began a quest of licking both of Dee's full, sensual lips then plunging inside. Dee met his tongue with a fiery ardor that left Ryo breathless.

Though he could not see, Ryo knew that Dee was taking his shirt off. His hands trembled in anticipation as he ran his fingers over the firm contours of Dee's chest. Dee grinned then reached for the belt on Ryo's pants. He undid the fine leather then pulled the button free. He was careful sliding the zipper down knowing that Ryo was erect he would hate to ruin the mood by catching any important body parts in the small bit of metal. Dee tugged the silk boxers down and smiled. Ryo sprang free like a hyperactive bunny kept in a cage overlong. Dee stood up kicking his own pants aside. "Dee?" Ryo said when he did not feel his lover getting onto the bed. He reached for the blindfold only to have his hands grasped.

"No," Dee said and Ryo could hear the smile in his voice. Ryo gasped feeling Dee's teeth nip his ear. Dee positioned Ryo on his back with several pillows supporting his head and shoulders. Another pillow went under his lower back. Ryo smiled at the remembrance of the last time Dee had put him in this position where he was nearly sitting up. Dee had been so deep inside of him then. The hot, wetness of Dee's mouth surrounded Ryo's nipple making the cry out. Dee smiled and Ryo could feel the expression against his skin. Soft, so soft, something dragged across his chest and Ryo frowned trying to ascertain what it was. Dee dragged the object in his hand in lazy circles around his nipples, then down to his navel. Dee moved close to, but did not touch the weeping, straining member that throbbed as Ryo's body begged for release. Ryo frowned as Dee shifted. He listened his ears almost painfully tuned to his surroundings while he tried to figure out what Dee was up to.

Ryo yelped nearly jumping from the bed as his already tortured nipples was treated to something small, and hard that buzzed. "It's okay?" Dee asked never taking his eyes from Ryo's face. He had known that Ryo was skittish about having toys in the bed, but he wanted to see if the object was not large and penis shaped, would Ryo be able to handle it. Ryo took his lush bottom lip between his strong, even white teeth and Dee watched his face as it contorted in confusion and pleasure. A spark of worry tinged Dee's brow when he saw Ryo's face crinkle in slight fear. "I won't then." Dee began to move the small, battery powered bullet from Ryo's chest.

Ryo sighed, Dee always did so much for him. So much to make him feel good, no great. "It's okay," Ryo tried to smile while forcing away the images of the double X cartel and what they had wanted to do to him. Dee was not like that. Dee loved him. Dee sucked the bullet into his mouth then replaced the wet buzzing device against Ryo's skin again. "Umm," Ryo moaned. The tingling went down his spine and almost curled his toes. Dee pressed the bullet tighter to Ryo's chest smiling at the tiny expulsions of air. Dee then dragged the toy down to his navel and his inner thighs. Ryo whimpered as the buzzing circled his testicles. Dee smiled, Ryo was trembling all over. Dee licked a burning trail from the base to the tip enjoying the sexy noises Ryo uttered as well as the pungent, sweet taste. "Ah...Oh...Dee." Ryo whimpered his hips rising and falling in time to Dee's sucking.

Feeling Ryo loosen up, Dee reached for the lubrication and wet his fingers. "I'm not putting this in you." Dee whispered with his lips pressed against the tight, rosy opening. He began to lick and probe Ryo with his fingers while his other hand still tormented his member with the buzzing toy. Dee inserted his tongue a grinned when Ryo cried out loudly. "You always taste so good," Dee said in between deep sucking kisses and long, languorous licks.

"Ah... Kimochi..." Ryo whined his hips moving in delicious circles in time to Dee's mouth and hands. "Sugoi!"

Dee had plunged two fingers deep inside of Ryo and pushed them in then pulled them out. Pushing them in again he began to spread them apart loosening Ryo. Once there was space in between his fingers he inserted his tongue wiggling it like a small fish in a tunnel. With his eyes covered Ryo felt as if each sensation was rolling over him in violent waves. It was all he could do not to come at that moment. Dee smiled knowing Ryo was close, he would not let the man get away with holding back. Pushing his tongue in deeper, he removed the fingers and began to stroke Ryo leaving his tongue to torment him. The buzzing toy still massaged the heavy sack. Ryo could not have been still if his life depended on it. Ryo's body temperature rose as he lost all sense of time and of his whereabouts. Copious streams of milky white release left him as he cried out his pleasure.

When his mind could grasp all that had happened he realized that Dee was removing the blindfold and the bullet lay forgotten on the bed silent as Dee had turned it off. Ryo looked up through pleasure dazed eyes. He brought a slim, pale, callused hand up to Dee's face. Ryo pressed his lips up to Dee's with a small smile. "Oh... Dee," Ryo licked Dee's lips then slipped his tongue inside of Dee's waiting mouth. Ryo smiled glad to be able to see the deep green of Dee's eyes full of banked fire and a possessive gleam that thrilled to the core. Ryo sat up and placed his hands on Dee's shoulders. With a gentle shove, Ryo pushed until Dee was laying on his back. Dee did not have to ask what Ryo wanted, he simply shifted his hips and spread his legs. Burrowing his fingers in the deep waves of the honey colored locks Dee closed his eyes and sighed when he felt the smooth sucking of Ryo's agile mouth.

"Umm Ryo," Dee gasped shifting his hips while being careful not to push too much into Ryo's willing mouth. Ryo placed his hands on Dee keeping him still and sucking him in deep. "Don't want to come yet." Ryo smiled then tickled his tongue along the very edge of Dee's member a smirk on his face. Dee had left him simmering all day, it was time for some pay back. Just when Dee thought he would go mad or splash Ryo's mouth, Ryo pulled away stealing a drop of moisture from the tip swallowing it with a heady smile that spurred Dee to push the beautiful man onto his back and yank him back.

Dee made sure the pillows supported Ryo as he placed the strong, slim legs over his shoulders and positioned himself at the winking portal that seemed to beckon to him. "Go deep," Ryo panted unable to keep his voice steady so great was his need for Dee.

"Then sit up a bit," Dee said lowering Ryo's legs he rearranged him on the pillows until he was sitting partially up. Ryo smiled knowing that gravity would take care of Dee hitting all the right spots deep inside of him. With his legs bent at the knees and on either side of Dee, Ryo wrapped his arms around Dee's neck. Dee pressed in closing his eyes in pure bliss at the exquisite heat and tight squeeze of Ryo's inner sanctum.

"Ah... Dee!" Ryo winced only a little at the initial pain knowing that soon he would swamped with so much pleasure he could not contain it all. Dee pressed in claiming Ryo with all of his hot length. When he was seated to the hilt, his sack nestled into the groove of Ryo's intimate regions he closed his eyes and simply held still enjoying the tight embrace of his lover, his spouse, his mate, his Ryo. "Hai... Deep... Oh Dee," Ryo crooned the heavy essence of his voice sending a tingling sensation down Dee's spine. With no further encouragement needed, Dee's hips snapped forward pushing hard into the rough patch of skin that he knew would drive Ryo mad. Ryo cried out, his body arching into each thrust of Dee's powerful build. His breathing became less steady the more Dee moved bouncing hi m up and down.

"Are you close, Baby?" Dee asked having to repeat himself when it seemed as if Ryo could not understand him. "I can't hold on much longer." Dee shook his head then kissed Ryo deep. Before Ryo could even think of an answer his body exploded in wild contractions that vibrated Dee's entire body. "Damn Baby," Dee cried out spilling himself inside of Ryo. Dee was held captive in Ryo's embrace for what seemed like eons. When his body finally relaxed enough for him to pull out he winced at how tender he was. Ryo was also trembling still from the power of the coming together. "I love you so much." Dee mummured kissing the soft hair at Ryo's temple.

"Ummm, Dee, Ai shite ru," Ryo muttered trying in vain to keep his eyes open.

"Let's take a rest, when I wake up again..." Dee left the promise unspoken as he and Ryo fell into a deep slumber.

HAPPY VALENTINED DAY

(Very, Very, Very, -so sorry about this- Very Belated.)

Author's notes, So ends the month of February sorry, but with all that has been going on, that was the best we could manage. Hope you like the Lemons.

Ja

Chi and The French One

Extra

Erick looked around at the large wrought iron gates that surrounded the impressive white house that stood on a hill overlooking the city of Los Angeles. He straitened his collar one more time before pressing the buzzer. He should try to relax. How could he tell Peter to relax when he was as nervous as fly in frog pen. "Uh... Erick," Peter's voice came through wobbly and uncertain.

"Yeah, it's me," Erick said he scuffed his foot in the soft gravel at his feet waiting what seemed like forever for the sound of the gates to begin their loud clang as they opened. "Never thought I'd be dating a rich boy." Erick shook his head as he went up the long drive way to the house that glowed with golden lights from several windows. He knew the maid and butler were some where in the house sleeping. It would have been easier on them both if Peter could have come to his house, Erick thought, rather than risk being seen by the Butler. The man was tall and always seemed to stare down his nose at him. Like he didn't think he was good enough for Peter, even though Peter had assured Erick that Jonas was his closest friend and had sworn that he would not tell his parents that he was gay. Erick felt a pang of sadness that an old butler was Peter's closest friend. His mother had insisted that he attend a public school so that he could be around 'normal' kids.

Erick sighed as he went to the door and it swung open to reveal Peter smiling at him in the large, empty foyer. Erick leaned into Peter pressing a quick kiss to his soft lips. "Hey."

"Hi, come on up. Jonas and Sylvia are both in bed and my parents are not due back until Sunday." Erick smiled even though he heard the sadness that hitched Peter's voice. His parents always found some place to be where he was not. It was almost as if they wanted to forget they even had a son. Even when they were home his father spent most of his time in his office and his mother spent more days on Rodeo Drive than at home. On impulse Erick pulled Peter into his arms as the door shut. "Happy to see you too," Peter laughed and dipped his head to the side so that his blush was hidden. Sometimes he wished he were not so pale, but Erick seemed to like him. He remembered, last summer while Rain had been on tour, he had tried to get a tan. The only thing he managed was a horrid sun burn that peeled. He just could not compete with the other boy. Looking at Erick's besotted look while the ascended the grand staircase that led to the second floor where his bedroom was, Peter realized that he did not have to.

Peter gasped when he shut his bedroom door and Erick pulled him into his arms from behind. Erick moved Peter's shiny black hair aside and kissed his neck in the same way he had seen Dee do to Ryo when he had come upon them in the kitchen. Ryo had closed his eyes while Dee's hands roamed his taut chest and abs. Peter stiffened in his arms then melted as Erick's hand found a tender little nipple underneath his soft t-shirt. "I have everything we will need." Erick promised reaching into his own large pockets he moved aside and showed Peter the condoms and lubrication. "Are you sure?" Erick asked when Peter simply stared at him.

"Yeah, I am..." Peter said but still he hesitated. "Please promise you'll be gentle." Peter could not stop the quiver in his voice as he thought of their fist attempt. It had seemed to go on forever even though he knew Erick had been on top of him for no more than a few minutes.

"I will, Petey. I am so sorry I hurt you before." Erick stepped up to Peter and pulled the slim young man into his arms. Perhaps, Erick thought with a frown, perhaps Ryo was right. Maybe they were too young. Erick considered telling Peter that he would sleep on the floor, but still stay the night with him, but his body responded to having him so close. "You smell so good."

"I just got out of the bath," Peter admitted his cheeks turning pink when Erick nuzzled his neck where he had slipped some of his favorite cologne that he had mixed with feminine body spray. He thought the scent suited him, the masculine mixed with the feminine and Erick seemed to enjoy it. Peter stifled a moan when Erick's hot tongue began to lick small circles around his ear. Peter backed away from Erick causing the older boy to look at him with confusion until Peter went and sat on his bed. Erick sat his burden of protection and moisture on the stand beside the bed and doffed his shirt and shoes. In just a tank and his pants, he crawled into bed next to Peter. "You have so many muscles." Peter said trailing his thin fingers over the bulges in Erick's arms.

"I do play sports you know," Erick said with a pleased grin. "One day I will be as strong as Dee, that's my goal you know."

"Do you want to be a detective?" Peter asked looking up at Erick as he leaned over him on one elbow.

"No, a pro-basketball player." Erick answered then pressed a kiss to Peter's mouth. "But Ryo said I'll need a back up plan. Even if I go to college on a sports scholarship, I should study another career just to make sure that if I get injured of simply get tired and retire, I have something to fall back on. He said no one should be a one trick pony."

"But he is just a detective, right?" Peter asked feeling his face heat when, as they were talking, Erick began to pull his shirt over his head exposing his small chest.

"When he was in college he studied law and journalism." Erick explained he leaned forward and pressed a kiss over Peter's ribs moving from side to side just grazing the nipples. "Why are you blushing?"

"Cause I'm so skinny," Peter said he sighed at the tingling sensations that spread from his chest to his spine and all the way to his groin.

"You are slender..." Erick said sucking a nipple into his mouth. "It's sexy." Erick hoped the words would calm his shy would-be lover. In truth, Peter was filling out. Erick could not help but think of how frail and delicate Rain seemed next to Peter. Erick grinned at the giggle that Peter could not hold in that turned into a startled gasp when Erick nibbled the nipple in his mouth.

"Oh... Erick," Peter's cheeks seemed to get hotter when Erick's hand came up to massage the nipple that was not in his mouth.

"Does it feel good?" Erick asked bringing his head up to kiss Peter's lips. Peter nodded his head unable to get words past the startling pleasure that swamped his young body. Erick smiled pleased with himself as he wiggled Peter's pants past his hips revealing that the boy had not worn any underpants with his light pajamas. "Wow," Erick said looking down as Peter's body swelled. Erick's own body trembled and began to rise to attention as he pressed along the side of Peter. Erick's hand moved down to the soft, warm skin between Peter's legs and he wished he had some finesse. He was sure Dee never hesitated when he made love to Ryo. With a firm resolve to make Peter feel good he grasped the member with a sure, gentle grip and began to stroke in much the same way he did himself. Erick frowned when Peter winced. "What's wrong?" Erick asked snatching his hand away.

"Too dry," Peter whispered looking away. He frowned then yelped as Erick leaned over him pressing him into the mattress. Erick moved back to his spot and brandished the lube. "Let's try this," Erick said struggling with the cap one handed. Finally sitting up he used both hands to open the vial and squirt a generous amount on Peter's still erect cock. While Peter was not as large as he was, Erick was still impressed. He placed his fingers around and began to stroke, this time when Peter gasped he was in no doubt that the boy liked what he was doing. Peter's red cheeks seemed flushed as he panted under Erick's careful hands. Erick smiled when he felt Peter fumble with his pants. He lifted up so that the smaller boy could push them past his hips taking his shorts with them. Feeling exposed, but not shy. Erick shifted his hips so that his member was pressed fulling into Peter's warm side.

"Wow, you're big," Peter said then stifled the fear of his first attempt at penetration. This time would be different. This time they were ready. Peter placed his fingers around the thick base of Erick's cock and sighed. He then reached for the lubrication and wet his fingers.

"I'm not going to last if you keep doing that," Erick said against Peter's neck. His hot breath blowing across the sensitive skin while his hand stroked.

"Me either," Peter panted feeling his stomach tighten as his loins quivered. "In fact..." Peter cried out his release into Erick's mouth the boy having moved over to claim his lips. While Peter was still panting Erick pushed his legs apart. He waited until Peter opened his eyes his cheeks red as he looked down to see his own cream on his stomach and over Erick's hands mixed with the lube. Peter nodded to the unspoken question and held in a pained gasp. Erick stilled his hand when Peter stiffened in his arms. His finger hovered over the small opening.

"Dee said you have to take at least two fingers before I can try to go in. He said two was good, but three was best." Erick explained he waited until Peter nodded then began to push his finger in. "It's so tight... and warm." Erick was persistent. He had to stop twice and add more of the thick lube before he was able to fully push his finger in past the stubborn ring of muscles. Peter lay still underneath him breathing in shallow gasps of air. "Okay?"

"I'm okay," Peter said getting used to the warm invader that was pushed inside his body. "But don't add another one yet." Peter shifted his hips trying to relax around Erick's finger the way Ryo had tried to describe. It had been difficult for him to talk about, Ryo had blushed and stammered but managed to explain how to breathe deep and wait until it no longer hurt. Erick slide his finger halfway out then pushed it in again. He removed it altogether and applied more lubrication then pushed it in again. Peter sighed when there was less pain this time around. "Do that again," Peter said with his mouth against Erick's neck. Erick obliged and smiled when Peter moaned and raised his hips. Erick moved his finger around inside of his young lover feeling the soft skin and quivering flesh. Peter began to swell again and he used his other hand to stimulate the member.

"Tell me when okay," Erick said and grinned when all Peter could do was nod. Before too long Peter was shifting his hips and spreading his legs wider. "Now?" Erick asked his face lit up with joy when Peter nodded his head. Peter had never imagined the sensations that swamped his body as Erick began to push another finger in beside the first.

"Oh..." Peter gasped his face contorting into a wince. Erick held still knowing that Peter would have to get used to the feeling. It was a slow process, with many stops and additions of the lube, but eventually, Erick had three of his fingers inside of Peter's now writhing body. Peter shifted his hips knowing that if Erick continued to finger him and rub his cock... Before he could warn Erick Peter felt heat pool in his belly then explode over Erick's stroking hand. Erick sighed, he had felt all around and still he could not find that piece of skin that Dee had told him about. Feeling as he would expire without relief, Erick moved until his body was over Peter.

"I'm going in. Are you ready?" Erick asked as he rubbed himself spreading the excess lubrication on his member. He stopped the movements of his hands when he thought he could take no more. Peter nodded biting down on the fear that threatened to overwhelm him. 'Never tense.' Ryo's words came to him. 'I know it may seem odd. Especially if you know it's coming you always try to brace yourself. But just wait for it and relax. Think of yourself accepting him and it will work out. It may still hurt, even after years of experience there can be some pain if you don't relax.' Peter had been afraid to ask if Dee ever hurt Ryo. It somehow seemed too personal. Peter's thoughts came to a crashing halt when he felt Erick pressing against the muscles that had relaxed around his fingers.

"Uh... Ah..." Peter gasped then realized that he had done what Ryo had told him not to. Beads of sweat dotted Erick's brow as he tried to keep his body from pushing in too much too soon. Dee had told him to make it one slow thrust. Don't keep stopping and backing out. That will just prolong the pain. Get all the way in then stop. Erick pushed on watching as Peter's face seemed to contort and relax as he breathed deeper each time Erick gained an inch. "Why...Why'd you stop?" Peter asked when Erick sighed above him.

"I'm all the way in," Erick answered his body trembling with the effort to stay still inside of Peter. " You are so deliciously tight and warm... no it's hot, Petey it's so hot." Peter nodded awed by the sublime pleasure that Erick seemed to find in his body. Peter shifted his hips and wrapped his legs around Erick's waist hoping to hold the older boy tighter. He gasped as Erick shifted inside of him. "Hurt?"

"Um," Peter shook his head his eyes tightly shut and his face red. Erick grinned then began to move. He would later laugh at his youthful exuberance as he lamented it at the moment. Two more thrust and he spilled himself. Breathing heavily on top of Peter he had enough thought to pull out and remove his condom. As Peter watched, he wrapped the mess in a tissue and threw it away.

"Sorry," Erick said laying his head on the pillow next to Peter.

"For what? It was wonderful." Peter stretched reminding Erick of Rain's cat after she had finished a large meal. Erick sighed, he would not tell him then. He had failed to find the spot that would bring him untold pleasure, but they were young and in love. He would have plenty of opportunities to try again.
Powdered Sugre 18

Marching Along

Leon felt the tension in the office as soon as he stepped inside. Ryo sat at his desk diligently studying the files of the latest case while Dee looked disgruntled in front of his laptop. "Hey Leon," Dee said alerting Ryo to their guest. Ryo looked with a smile that vanished when his eyes fell on Dee. Dee frowned then turned back to Leon. "How is Junior and Little D?"

"Fine and finer," Leon smirked remembering his morning activities. " Little Leon is gaining weight like a champ. He is almost four and half pounds." Ryo could not help the smile at the delight he could sense from Leon. His mind went to Alicia and he wondered how she was doing. She was carrying his child. "Have you got any new leads on the kindergarten psycho?"

"No and I think Ryo is starting to get pissed," Dee said.

"I am displeased with the case, yes... among other things," Ryo said with a pointed glare at Dee. Leon pulled up a chair just as Jill and JJ entered the office. JJ looked exhausted. "Are you unwell?"

"Darling has started the sickness phase." Was all JJ needed to say. "Sofu suggested a certain type of aid that I could supply, but it doesn't work for long. I mean as soon as we are done he is back in the bathroom. Now he is out of substance in his stomach, and he is just dry heaving. When I left he was laying in bed with Sofu patting his back."

"You know each one is different." Leon said with a sympathetic air. "Little D was hardly purging with this one, but he could barely hold him in. The only time he became ill was when he was upset or in the presence of meat." Leon mentioned the one occurrence when Bobby Mercer had brought a hamburger into the garden. "But Papa D was horribly ill with the twins, perhaps he just doesn't handle..." Leon's voice trailed off as he saw Detective Jones standing in the doorway with his hand raised to knock. Leon sat back with the file in his hand he searched through the notes in Ryo's neat penmanship. "Looks like all four victims were in kindergarten."

Dee frowned at Leon's abrupt change of subject until he saw Jones. "Hey, what's up?" Dee said inclining his head. Ryo offered a greeting as the rest of the detectives in their office began to go over the files.

"My twin, we're fraternal," Jones began when brows were raised. "He just transferred in to this precinct and Chief says we can't partner up. Too many conflicts. I mentioned Laytner and MaClean and he said that they were allowed to stay together because, technically you guys are not his jurisdiction being with the CIA and all." Jones took a deep breath. "You have been here longer than myself so I was wondering if you could recommend someone to help him out to the chief. He will listen to you more than me and Thompson," Jones concluded mentioning his own partner.

"He would probably spit on any recommendations that we would make." Dee informed Jones with a frown. "The only reason he keeps us around is because we solve the cases."

"Which is not to say that we won't try," Ryo added with a kind smile. Jones stared at Ryo with no small amount of utter amazement and devotion. Dee had a moment of lamenting the fact that Ryo was so gorgeous and kind. Too many people were falling in love with him. In the next moment the thought was gone and he smiled at Ryo forgetting their earlier disgruntlement with each other. They would work it out, they always did.

Break

JJ crept into bed with Lord D afraid to jostle the small form. He was freshly showered just in case any lingering smells from work followed him home. Lord D curled over into the warmth JJ offered his slim fingers threading through JJ's damp hair. "How are you feeling?" JJ whispered seeing the twins sleeping in bed with their papa.

"Better, but I am hungry and afraid to eat." Lord D pouted.

"Leon thinks that you just do not handle pregnancy well. That your body does not like it." JJ said rubbing small circles in Lord D's back.

"I fear he may be right. Just because you have the ability to do something does not mean that it is the right thing to do." Lord D's words sounded sad in the dark room.

"Do you mean that you should have denied the child?" JJ asked thinking that though it was a heartbreaking thought, it might be right.

"A Kami is a being of light, the earth needs all the light it can get. Who am I to deny it?" Lord D forced a smile on his face though his eyes bore dark rings JJ had never seen anything more beautiful. "A child is the most innocent of all. It would be a crime to end it's life before it has even drawn it's first breath. Whatever I suffer is as nothing compared to aiding a new life." JJ wrapped his arms around Lord D careful not to squeeze. Lord D sighed then fell asleep in the embrace of his family.

Break

"Come on Baby," Dee grumbled quietly afraid to wake anyone with a full scale argument. "It is two in the morning. Can't we talk about this some other time?"

"Oh sure," Ryo agreed readily causing Dee to doubt the wisdom of being relieved. "How about when we are at work or surrounded by family and friends at the dinner table."

"Not a bad idea, then we will only have to do it once." Dee grinned as he shimmied out of his pants. Dee then sat on the bed and pulled Ryo into his arms. Ryo stiffened in the embrace with his shirt half undone. Dee helped him to finish the row of buttons. Dee slipped his hand inside the shirt to fondle the muscles of Ryo's chest. Ryo stood away from Dee's hands. "What?"

"Be serious please. I am trying to talk with you," Ryo sighed then sat down on the bed beside Dee so that he could take off his shoes. "You know, as responsible adults and his parents it falls to us to talk to Bikky. What, you can talk to other people's kids and not your own? Or are you discriminating because he is not gay?"

"Damn it, Ryo, that's not fair," Dee grumbled then sighed when he felt his voice raise. "You know he is more comfortable with you. But you just turn red when talk turns to sex, you even blush when I talk to you about it. We have been going at it for how many years now?" Ryo offered Dee a glare while he put his pajama pants on. "Why don't we both approach him?"

"I do not want him to feel cornered," Ryo stuck a fingernail in his mouth but halted at the moment of biting. He never bit his nails, but filed them neatly.

"It will work out, we'll talk to him this weekend," Dee said and placed his hands on Ryo's shoulders to lay him on the bed. "Good night baby," Ryo sighed into Dee's lips then got comfortable wrapped in Dee's arms.

Break

Rain could feel the air around him seem to thicken as Ryo sat at the table with his simple breakfast of bagels and jam. Alicia had refused to come down for breakfast, preferring to sleep in after sitting with them at night while Ryo and Dee worked. Rain hid a yawn behind his hand then looked at Bikky. He was fairly certain that their parents knew. Heck, Ryo was a dragon, he could probably smell it. Rain sighed then went back to his breakfast. He would have to buy a little extra at lunch today. He knew that when Ryo worked as late as he had the previous night, he would not be up to a big breakfast and he could not blame him. He would just be hungry later.

Bikky munched oblivious to the strife around the table. He was cheerful as he helped Lyo get his hands and face cleaned so that Dee and Ryo could take him to school. Bikky was whistling as he gathered up his homework and bounced to the door. Rain hid a smirk then thought better of it as Ryo gave Dee a meaningful look inclining his head to Bikky. "Well, aren't you Mr. Chipper?" Dee said with a grin remembering a time he could never forget.

"How is Carol doing?" Ryo asked his eyes probing Bikky in a way he did when he wanted Bikky to fess up to something.

"Good, she got a scholarship to go to UCLA next fall. I will miss her when she is there. I am so used to seeing her practically every day. Last summer was horrid when we went on tour. This summer will be especially bad."

"Why?" Dee asked giving Bikky a deep stare.

"Oh...uh... You know, no reason," Bikky's face turned red under the penetrating stare. "Man, guys we're gonna be late, and Rain has rehearsal tonight. It is Friday."

"Yeah, come on," Rain piped up feeling the heavy atmosphere in the room. Without any more words, Dee called up to Alicia that they were leaving then the family trooped out to begin their day.

Break

Leon sat bleary eyed at his desk the next day at work. JJ stumbled into the room then sank into a chair opposite Jill. "You both look like hell." Jill commented over the rim of her steaming cup of tea. The bags were imported from France, Ryo had given them to her for her birthday along with a delicate set of tea cups and a matching pot made in Paris. The pot and cups she would never use at work, but the bags she sometimes packed in a small case in her purse.

"Yeah well," Dee entered the room and sat down looking over at the files open on Leon's desk. "Leon has a newborn at home and I am sure Papa D is still retching at the mere thought of food. And we are living with a roiling bundle of teenage hormones."

"Out of control," Ryo said shaking his head. "He is so young."

"Not really, fifteen, I mean I was fourteen." Dee said with a cheeky grin. "How old were you?"

"You already know the answer to that," Ryo said his face turning red.

"Sixteen and terrified," Dee whispered in Ryo's ear placing a small kiss there. Ryo tried not to smile but it burst through anyway. Jones entered their office with a grim countenance.

"Guys, they found another one." Jones announced tossing the file on the desk. Ryo gasped as he opened it to see preliminary crime scene photos of a dead child.

"Damn it," Leon growled as he too saw the small child laying with his head at an impossible angle.

"Come on boys," Jill sat her cup down. "Let's get this thing solved before some one else's baby is taken.

Ryo stared at the photo his heart sinking at the image of the young boy that was no older than Lyo was. "Such brutal anger... who could do such a thing?"

"We'll find out baby," Dee said placing a hand on the gentle detective's shoulder. "We'll find him, and I'll break his legs before we arrest his ass." Ryo looked up with sublime thanks at his partner then again pored over the file of the gruesome case that had landed in their laps. Jill was right, they had to find this monster that preyed on the innocent of the city of Angels.

Break

Bikky paused in his pushing of Lyo on the swing to see a tan car parked at the edge of the park. He glanced at Rain then slid his eyes around the playground noting Chris where he sat with a few of his friends from grade school. Assured of his group's safety he went back to pushing the now pouting boy that begged his 'Biggy' to push faster-higher and more, more, more. Bikky grinned giving in to the joy of the moment. The car moved too slow to be leaving gaining Bikky's attention again. He watched as the car pulled up to a little boy kicking a large ball across a grassy area. His stomach clenched as if fire ignited and he looked at the man seeing a haze of red.

"Go ask Rain to sing to you, Biggy'll be right back," Bikky said shooing the boy off. He watched to make sure that he reached Rain's side. Rain looked up and the wind around Bikky warmed to let him know that Rain was watching their brother. Bikky trotted down to the young boy and snatched his hand just as he was telling the man his name. "Thomas," Bikky called startling the boy with the name he had overheard when he had told it to the stranger. "Come on, dads are coming," Bikky used the signal that called Rain, Chris and Lyo to his side. The man in the car looked up at Bikky his look of abject terror frozen in place, before a mask of cool polite regard slipped in place and he backed away leaving the impression of his deep blond hair and watery brown eyes in Bikky's mind.

The man then sped away from the park leaving the young boy he had asked to choose between two teddy bears for his young son. "Thomas!" Bikky turned when he saw a frantic young woman come running around the park her eyes searching with wild desperation that flared in a moment of relief and fear when she saw him surrounded by the older boys. "Thomas! I told you not to leave my side."

"Mommy, this boy knows my name," Thomas said running to his mother. He turned to point a chubby finger at Bikky.

"Only because I overheard you telling it to the stranger," Bikky said with his street punk tough in his voice meant to intimidate the young boy. "Listen to me woman, if you want to keep your kid, you'd better tell him about the danger of strangers. Our dad's are detective's and they tell us horrible stories, heck you don't even need someone of their stature telling you tales to give you nightmares. Watch the damn news." Bikky said in disgust as he took Lyo's hand and stalked off, Rain and Chris in tow.

"Bikky," Rain called in a voice mimicking Ryo. "Mouth," The soft landing of Bikky's foot in Rain's backside was enough to make the boy's laugh as they headed towards the pet shop. Bikky paused when he saw the red tape and construction crews at work. He sighed then turned back going instead to the waiting car that would take them to the consulate. He had gone automatically to the shop, his heart sank at the memories of pleasant evening spent with Count D while they waited for their father's to get off work. Those days would be back again, he just had to be patient.

Break

"You can't go in there!" Ryo and Leon looked up from their files to hear the commotion outside of Ryo and Dee's office door moments before it opened and a tall jumble of furious blond teenager stormed in.

"Man do not put your hands on me or my brother," Bikky said with a voice of a maturing adult that made Dee pause in his searching through some of the files in their cabinet where it stood against the wall. "This is our dads office and we are here on official business. I want to report suspicious activity."

"If it is gang related, it belongs in another department," The uniform cop sneered at the boys halting as he looked at Rain's pretty features. "Or maybe it was an attempt at solicitation of prostitution." Rains eyes narrowed and he frowned darkly at the cop that was taken by surprise at the boy's heated animosity.

"You might want to rethink that statement," Dee's voice was deadly calm as he stood looming behind the cop.

"De...Detective Laytner," The cop paused his Adam's apple bobbing as he forced a swallow past the suddenly tight passage in his throat. "Sorry, sir... I was just importing the fact of the importance of your case and that you need to work on it not pander to the whimsies of your children."

"Our boys know the the importance of our work and would never bother us unless it was necessary," Ryo said getting to his feet and coming over. Once they had the adults attention he dropped into a chair and took a blank sheet of paper from the printer on one corner of Ryo's desk and began to sketch ignoring the adults in the room while Rain explained their interruption while the uniform cop made his excuses beating a hasty retreat.

"We think some guy that was hanging around the park today tried to kidnap a young boy." Rain said to Ryo. "He seemed scared when we went over and pretended to be the kid's brothers and sped away. Bikky yelled at the kid's mom and told her to watch her kid better."

"What do you have there?" Dee asked when it seemed as if Bikky would continue to ignore them and draw. While Dee watched Bikky went into his back pack and pulled out his colored pencils adding the blond hair and watery brown eyes. He even managed to capture the sallow skin tone that had turned a dull red as the man's plans had been interrupted. "Is that who you saw?"

"Yep, that's him," Bikky tossed the pencils back in his bag while Dee studied the picture and showed it to Ryo and Leon. Bikky handed them another drawing. "That is his car. I even got his license plate."

Ryo looked at the detailed sketch awe at his son's talent on his face. "Thank you Bikky. Leon, Dee I am going to take this down to traffic and see if I can get the id of whoever this vehicle is registered to, why don't you all look through our police photos to see if any one who looks like him has ever been arrested. Rain, Bikky you look at the photos as well to see if you recognize anyone." Rain nodded solemnly his eyes wide at the change in Ryo. Ryo was usually so soft spoken and kind. Gentleness had no place here in this world of crime and justice. Rain felt a chill of respect go up his spine at the dedication his parents displayed as they all seemed to go into motion at once.

"This way," Dee ushered the boys from the office and down a well swept hall that led to another room with several computers and file cabinets. This room was not as neat as the office giving Bikky the impression that Ryo was the deciding factor in the neatness between the two rooms. Leon spoke to a few people then went to the computer and began to type surprising the boys with his proficiency with the machine before them. "We will start with blond hair and brown eyed suspects and then move on to others for similar facial features. You would be amazed how much a person can change with a little hair dye and contact lenses." Rain and Bikky nodded glad that Chris had agreed to keep Lyo at the consulate knowing the young child would be bored and never sit still throughout this ordeal. But they were willing to do whatever it took to help their parents.

Many files had gone by when Bikky remembered that he had scheduled a discussion with Laton about the gift he had given him. He was beginning to wonder if it would ever spiral out of his control. Sometimes in moments of passion he could feel his body temperature rise. What if he sat the bed on fire? Or Carol? Bikky knew he would never forgive himself. He had wanted to talk to Ryo about it, but did not want to see the look of disappointment on Ryo's face as he went on about him being too young. He was not too young, he knew what he felt, he loved Carol and she loved him. This was their last year in school together, while he had to finish up his junior and senior year she would be freshman at UCLA in the fall. What if she met some suave college boy and forgot all about him?

"Hey, does that look like him?" Rain asked disturbing his thoughts.

Bikky looked at the pale brown eyes and ash blond hair. "Hair is different, but the features are similar, but older." Bikky said with the detailed eye of an artist. "What is his name?"

"Ian Rimmel," Leon said studying the picture and the list of the man's crime. "Say's he murdered his younger brother's wife and son. The boy was his nephew, how sick is that?"

"With our cases, not so bad, all he did was kill him," Dee groused thinking of the Mereen case that even now months after the resolution churned his stomach. "Rimmel huh?"

"How did you know?" Ryo said returning to the room with a sheet of printed paper. "Did you find him?" Ryo went to the screen then sighed. "Well, the last name is right, this is Jason Rimmel, says years ago his older brother murdered his wife and child, the boy was in kindergarten. The wife showed signs of sexual assault before her neck was wrung. Get this, postmortem, the bodies were arranged so that she was cradling the child." Ryo paused when he saw the color drain from Rain's face leaving the caramel tone with an unhealthy pallor. "Thank you boys for all of your help. I will call a Salamander and have him take you to the consulate. We will pick you up after work okay?

Bikky nodded getting to his feet he took his brother by the arm and lead him to the door. "Thank you guys for listening to us. That other jerk just treated us like idiots. Come on Rain," Bikky said going to the front of the building where they could await their escort. "Hey Rain, you okay?" Bikky asked when it seemed that Rain would be ill.

Rain swallowed with difficulty. "I'm fine... I hope our dad's and Leon catch that man."

"Come on," said Bikky with a grin. "This is our dad's we're talking about. They will have it solved and be home in time for dinner." The chief paused in his study of the two boys, one tall and gangly, the other appearing long despite his smaller stature and slender build. Both boys were nice to look at one showing the signs of the handsome man he would one day be and the other almost painfully too beautiful. They were good boys he had heard, Laytner and MaClean should be proud. He heard their unshakable belief in their parents and could not help but agree.
Powdered Sugre 19

All In A Day's Work: Part 1

The house was not bad by any means, in fact it blended in very well with the other fancy abodes on this side of town. It appeared to be freshly painted white with delicate green trim. Curtains hung in the window with a paisley design that caused a frown on Ryo's face. "Those are ugly curtains."

"You can tell him so after we arrest him." Dee gave the firm shoulder a reassuring pat glad for the muscles on his slim lover. He did not know how Leon and JJ could stand it. Mostly JJ though, from what he knew of Little D, he was stronger and faster and more skilled than anyone he knew excluding the Arcadian's. Though he was muscular, Dee was glad that the skin underneath the clothing was soft and for the most part smooth. Dee even loved the little calluses on his hands from the weight and use of guns. No one was a better shot than his baby. Dee then looked to make sure that Jill and Leon were parked behind their car, not getting out, but not driving off either there to serve as back-up if needed. Ryo approached the steps then bounded up them with Dee at his side.

After several knocks they could hear shuffling behind the door. Ryo put on his most disarming smile as it opened and a blond head peeked out. The first thing Dee noticed was the cool, watery brown eyes that seemed unsettled by the strangers on his porch, next was the furtive glances behind him as if he expected someone from inside the house to attack. Dee was glad that his weapon was not on safety just in case the man had an accomplice or a dog. Thinking about a dog, he knew Count D and Lord D would be upset if he harmed the animal trying to keep himself safe, but if it could not be helped, it could not be helped. With Sofu, you could never tell, life did not seem to phase him, or the loss of be it animal or human.

"Hello, can I help you?" The question brought Dee from his musings and he reached for his badge just as Ryo did.

"Hello Mr. Rimmel," Ryo began in a calm voice sure to keep twitchy suspects calm in the worst of situations. "I am detective Randy MaClean and this my partner detective Dee Laytner." Dee nodded slipping his shield back in his pocket allowing Mr. Rimmel a brief glance at his weapon. Once assured of the man's knowledge of his own demise should he attack Dee relaxed next to Ryo. "We would like for you to come down to the station with us to answer a few questions."

"Is something wrong?" Jason asked sweat beginning to show up on his brow. His eyes darted between the two men on his porch to the hanging flowers beside the smaller one's head, then he looked over at what must be their car. Parked behind their borrowed cruiser was red Lexus with two more people in it. Despite their civilian clothes and one being female, he knew they were cops as well, maybe even detectives like these two. He had nothing to fear, without a warrant they could not arrest him or search his house and there was nothing on his person that could be incriminating on any crimes. Perhaps they wanted him to identify some other criminal, maybe his brother had done something else. Yes, Jason mused, maybe his brother had done something else.

Break

Staid businessmen made him sick. Leon thought as he watched through the viewing screen as Ryo offered the man a cup of coffee that he took with a grateful smile at the beautiful man. "Good choice sending in MaClean," Leon looked up at the commissioner with a grin. "Even though he is straight he will be drooling in his coffee in about five more minutes." Leon could not help his chuckle and watched as Dee entered the room with his cigarette in his mouth. Ryo looked up his nose wrinkling in false distaste. "Not too hard to paint a disgusting picture of Dee, he is borderline cro-magnum man."

"Ryo tamed him," Leon grinned watching his two friends as they assumed positions around their suspect. Ryo, not intimidating, as he sat in the chair opposite Rimmel while Dee stood imposing with his arms crossed over his broad chest leaning against the wall smoking. Jill entered to set up the recorder so that they would have a record of whatever the men said. With a nod to each other they sat down to watch. Leon buzzing Dee's cell phone to let him know they were ready. Dee gave Ryo an almost imperceptible nod and they began.

Break

"I understand you handle delinquent accounts at the National Bank on fifth street," Ryo said seeming to ignore Dee and the glower he treated Rimmel to.

"Yes, overdo accounts, or overdrafts and closures." Rimmel nodded his eyes wide then relaxed as he took in the pale gold skin of the man in front of him. Complemented by his honey colored hair and light clothes he resembled a living sunbeam full of warmth. "I do not think I have ever seen eyes like yours, or maybe I have and can't place it yet." Rimmel said then blushed and sipped his coffee hoping the heat would cool his head as he spoke to the detectives.

"He's part Japanese, as if everyone didn't know that," Dee groused causing the man to start. "All you have to do is watch the damned television we frequently guard those busy body Arcadian's. And..." Dee allowed the word to hang between them so that he could gage Rimmel's reaction and hid a smile when the man visibly gulped. " Yes, he's my lover so stop ogling him."

"Dee, there is no need to be so abrasive," Ryo frowned at Dee then turned back to Jason. "Please forgive him, he can be a bit tense, or," Ryo laughed then enchanting Jason. "Dense I should say." Jason gulped his coffee as those large dark eyes danced with an internal light that seemed to ignite his belly. "If it is not too much trouble could you tell me about your older brother and what happened..." Ryo looked into a file. "Seven years ago."

"Oh... Has Ian done something else?" Jason asked concern in his voice for the first time since they had brought him in.

"We are not sure," Ryo said when Dee looked down at him then back at Jason. "But we have our suspicions as to the perpetrator of a very horrible crime."

"Oh... Okay. He, Ian, was jealous of my good fortune in finding a delicate wife. You see Joanne was lovely in every way that a wife could be lovely. She was always kind to him, but he could not stand her. He made several improper innuendos and finally one night after he had touched her rudely I insisted he leave my house and never return. That was a very long time ago." Jason said his eyes then seemed to take on a haunted look. "Then one night, I was held up at work and Ian came over. He raped my wife..." Ryo frowned listening to Jason recount the tale as if it had happened to someone else. "When it was found that she was pregnant we told everyone that it was mine, but I always knew the truth. You see, I have been barren ever since I got the Chicken pox for the second time when I was high school. Joanne and I had planned to adopt, so this baby was a joy to us and we raised him as our own. Ian was arrested for raping her, but he escaped from the mental hospital when Charles, our son was in kindergarten..." Here, Jason seemed to twitch a little. The man's eyes filled with tears that were blinked away replaced by a furtive glance around the bright room. He saw Dee and finished off his coffee.

"It is alright," Ryo said in a kind voice patting the soft hand in front of him thinking that working pencils and calculators at a bank was far less stressful on the hands.

"You do know some psycho has been killing kids that are in kindergarten?" Dee bellowed from behind Jason causing the man to begin to tremble. Ryo offered a soft smile to him in hopes to calm him as Dee had so easily rattled him.

"I had read it in the paper, it is dreadful. He must have escaped again." Jason said his eyes boring into the bottom of his empty coffee mug.

"Yes," Ryo agreed nodding his head he stood up extending his hand. "That must be it. You will let us know if he contacts you?"

"Of course," Jason stammered as Ryo lead him from the room past and staunchly glowering Dee.

"I will have one of the uniforms take you home, thank you for your cooperation." Ryo signaled for a young officer to come forward and escort the man from the building before he went back into the interrogation room to find Dee still leaning on the wall. "Laid it on a bit thick didn't you?"

"Ummm," Dee pulled Ryo into his arms. "You like it when I'm tough." Dee pressed a quick kiss to Ryo's lips that was interrupted by a loud clearing of throat. "Hey JJ," Dee said looking up from his nibbling at Ryo's neck.

"Make out on your own time. I have the warrant." JJ informed them then shoved the paper into Ryo's hand. "Jonas is going to take the long way and a circuitous route, that should give you at least thirty minutes in his house."

"Thanks bud," Dee clapped JJ on the shoulder as they heading out into the bright California sun.

"Oh, hey Ryo." JJ called before they could drive away. Ryo rolled down his window to look at JJ as he made it to their car. "Why are you so sure it is him and not his brother?"

"Ian Rimmel incited a riot in prison when he tried to steal the lover of another prisoner in order to gain prestige among the other inmates." Ryo answered as he secured his seatbelt. "He has been dead these past four years." JJ nodded and backed away from the car as it sped off down the road.

The house was neat inside as if Jason worked and cleaned. Not like the clean in their own house. Dee mused. Their house was clean, yes, but it looked lived in. you could tell that there were teenage boys and a child living there by the sight of the backpacks by the front door full of homework and books. You could see it in the shoes left by the back door and full fridge. The lumpy sofa in the family room that was comfortable despite looking like it had seen better days. The main living room was tidier, but still you could tell that a family lived there. This house seemed show room clean. They passed the dark green sofa and love seat and deep grain wood coffee table with a pristine book of airplanes on it to keep guests occupied while the host fetched drinks, as if this guy had anyone over. Dee wondered and followed Ryo upstairs.

The rest of the house was the same with the bedroom showing a sign of life with a made bed and a tie hanging over the side of a chair. The closet was full of well made suits that were not terribly expensive, hell, Dee thought, they could sell three of them to buy one pair of Ryo's pants. But at least they resembled a closet and not a store. After rummaging around in the bathroom and the spare room which was show room quality they went back downstairs. Dee paused his eyes lighting on a door in the kitchen that he had not seen before because it was partially hidden behind a cupboard door that stood ajar. "Now that's odd," Dee said gaining Ryo's attention. "Why would a guy who is fastidious about every other room in his house leave this open?" Dee closed the door and reached for the handle. He held still waiting for the reassuring sound of metal clearing leather as Ryo armed himself. With a small nod from Ryo, Dee opened the door. "Hello!" he called down while Ryo pointed his gun into the darkness.

Dee felt along the inner wall of the stairway for the light switch. "LAPD," Ryo called down just as Dee found the light and hit the switch. Ryo's ears pricked as they heard a small sound. "Could be a pet," Ryo said with a heavy note of disbelief. Dee took out his gun and followed his partner down the stairs. His stomach turned at the sight of the basement. It was clean to the point of obsessive cleaning but chained to a wall were three young children, two girls and one boy all around the same age as Lyo staring at them with fear and relief.

"Are you our new teachers?" The tallest girl asked getting to her feet.

"No we are not teachers," Ryo said in a kind voice as he knelt down in front of the children. "But I do know that there are supposed to be five of you." Ryo held up all of his fingers to show the kids the number in case they had trouble counting. His wedding band winked in the light. "Do you have any more friends down here?"

"Jo and Tina were bad," the small boy said.

"Yeah, they kept crying for their mommy and daddy."

"But that is not bad, if you miss them," Ryo assured them. "Where are they now?" Ryo asked almost afraid of the answer. The smallest girl who had been quiet until now pointed a finger at two more lengths of chain that lay on the ground Ryo walked over and felt his heart drop into his stomach at the small bodies that lay as if sleeping with their necks at odd angles.

"Ryo I found the..." Dee's voice halted as he looked at his partner who stood staring down at faces young enough to be Lyo. Dee said nothing. With a sigh Ryo reached into his pocket for his camera and began to take pictures of the scene. First the living children that Dee unchained as soon as Ryo moved on and finally the two deceased children his heart breaking a little more with each click of the camera. Just as they were calling the precinct to alert them to their find they heard the sound of a car pulling into the well maintained driveway. Ryo's face seemed to cloud over like a thunderstorm as he herded the children upstairs.

Jonas was smiling as he lead the nice man up the steps to his house knowing that if MaClean and Laytner were still inside they had to have found something. While Jason unlocked his door, Jonas took the safety off his gun. Maybe he would be promoted for working this case with them. Whatever help he could give these two top notch detectives he would gladly offer. "What is the meaning of this?" Jason asked as he saw the murderous rage on Dee's face. Dee left the children with Ryo while he went to the two men in the doorway. Jason then turned his eyes to Jonas hoping for some form of aid only to see the young cop with his gun drawn as well. Jason's eyes then went to Ryo and bulged when he saw him next to the children. "What gives you the right to go snooping through my house?"

"A warrant," Dee ground the words out with a deadly calm to his voice. "Jason Rimmel you are under arrest." Dee snatched his cuffs out and jerked the smaller man around so that he could attach them. "You sick bastard. You have the right to remain silent, any thing you say can, and I hope they will, be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney, and if you can not afford an attorney the court will supply you with adequate representation. And I hope he is a retard who failed his bar examinations at least three times while subsequently suffering from a mal-adaptive disorder and brain tumor..." Dee continued his rant while Jonas followed behind repeating the correct rights while they ushered the distraught man into the back of his cruiser.

"You're all mad!" Jason began to cry out in despair. "Mad, I have done nothing wrong... I only wanted to teach them about the world."

"The only thing you taught them about the world," Ryo ground out as the coroners black van pulled up. "Is that there are evil people like you in it." Ryo was saddened as Jonas pulled away leaving them to answer the questions of the coroner.

Break

The chief sat at his desk chewing his cigar looking over the now closed case so that he would have a viable report to give to the press. Ryo and Dee had declined his offer for them to appear on television yet again for a case well closed. He sighed glad to have such good men on his team. Perhaps the last chief was correct, it did not matter who they went home to at night, they got the job done.

Break

"Hey Ryo," Dee said with a grin on his face as they entered their office. "Now that the case is over..." Ryo paused sitting the bag of fast food lunch on Dee's desk. He grinned recognizing the heated look in Dee's lovely eyes. Ryo thought that it was Dee's eyes that had first entranced him, even more so than Ryo's eyes had captured Dee. "I want to try something new, but you know, better to be safe than not." Dee reached over and spread a clear gel on Ryo's inner arm. "Let me know if it itches later on okay. Don't want to put that anywhere sensitive until we know if you'll have a reaction."

"What is that?" Ryo asked looking down at his arm. Dee tossed a bottle to Ryo who caught it and read the label. "KY Intrigue," Ryo laughed softly as he saw the designs on the box of the lubrication that Dee wanted to try.

"I already have some on my arm to make sure it is compatible with my skin." Dee said with a lascivious grin. Dee winked at Ryo then sat at his desk ready to dig into his lunch.

Ryo was just sitting at his desk sipping a cup of tea when their office door swung open. Dee looked up from his greasy burger and fries to see an unkempt young woman being ushered in by Jonas. "Sorry Detectives, but the cops downstairs said that you guys were taking teen cases, and she did say she was looking for detective MaClean." Ryo looked up with a soft smile as he took in the haggard appearance of the young woman who burst into tears at the gentle expression.

"You... You are Bikky's parents!" The girl dashed forward falling to her knees in front of Ryo. "I heard you were kind, you are the only ones who can help me."

"Help you with what, if we can of course we will," Ryo assured her. "First, how do you know my son?"

"We go to school together, I am in third period with him. My name is Elissa." The young girl pushed her long strands of pale blond hair out of her face. It was then that Ryo saw the look of terror in her hazel eyes along with the angry bruise on her face. "Everyone says that you are kind."

"What happened to you?" Ryo asked getting to his knees in front of the girl.

Elissa looked around the office then lowered her head when she saw the cop still in the door way she lowered her eyes to the floor her face flushing. At a nod from Dee Jonas smiled and shut the door. "I came straight here after... after he passed out." Elissa cried, fat tears falling over her cheeks still round with youth.

"How old are you?" Ryo asked standing and helping Elissa into his vacated chair. He then perched on the edge of his desk.

"I am fifteen sir, I mean detective. That's what I am supposed to call you right?" Elissa said trying in vain to cease the trembling of her body.

"Call me Ryo," More tears fell at the kindness Ryo offered her. "I do not think you have never been by the house before. Most of Bikky and Rain's friends have at one point or another."

"Oh I know, but you see," Elissa looked away her cheeks blooming pink underneath her bruises, tears and dirt smudges. "I guess it is silly now and if I want your help, it doesn't matter anyway. I can't go home anymore."

"Please," Ryo knelt again in front of her. "Tell me what I can do to help you."

"I... can't pay you but everyone says you are kind." Elissa said causing a soft chuckle from Dee.

"If we worked on the promise of payment from the citizens we helped, we would never work sweetheart." Dee winked causing her face to flush at his handsomeness. " City itself pays us, what do you need?"

Elissa stared at Dee for a moment her eyes falling into his deep green orbs. Her eyes then went to Ryo. His soft features enchanted her so much so that for a moment she forgot her pain and fear. "I want you to arrest someone, well two someones," Elissa blurted out tears once again falling down her cheeks. "Don't get me wrong, it's not like it's my first time or anything, but I said no. And at school they taught us that no means no!"

"Oh God," Ryo said patting her hand his eyes closed as her words made sense to him at last. "Who raped you?"

"See, my parents died a couple years ago and we had to move in with my uncle Jasper. My older brother got a football scholarship and went to school last year and left me behind. He sends money, but Jasper spends it on crack." Ryo's heart went out to the girl dressed in clothes that looked as if they had been shabby for some time. Now it made sense why she had never been by the house. She was embarrassed. "Well, he ran out of money and he wanted more crack, so he..." Elissa paused and tears choked her up. She took the handkerchief that Ryo offered her. "He sold me to his pusher. The man came into my room this morning while I was getting ready for school. I tried to fight him but he kept slapping me. Jasper told me to stop squalling and be still, then he went to get high."

"What's your address, we'll go get your uncle," Dee said pulling out a pad of paper and a pen while Ryo took the distraught teenager into his arms.

"First we are going to get you to a hospital and get a rape kit done on you," Ryo said picking up his desk phone to call the hospital. "Did you take a shower before you came here?"

Elissa shook her head. "I was afraid he would wake up if I took the time."

"Good," Dee said when Ryo hung up the phone. "What can you tell us about his pusher?"

"His name is Slate, that's all, just Slate," Elissa said sniffling the fire of rage lighting her young features. "I do not know where he lives, but I know he does his business by the stone quarry. Jasper knew that you guys were detectives so he told me to stay away from Bikky."

"All right, we'll have a uniform take you to the hospital and then get to work all right little lady," Dee said when Ryo began to check the clip in his gun causing Elissa to stare at the beautiful man.

"Don't worry about a thing," Ryo said looking up. "Dee, call Leon, he and Jill can go get the uncle, we'll head after Slate." Ryo then opened his door to see Jonas hovering in the hallway. "I need you to take this young lady to the emergency room. She needs to see an MD and get a R kit done as soon as possible. Dee," Ryo nodded his head towards the door. With a last nod to Elissa and Jonas Ryo and Dee headed out once again.
Powdered Sugre 20

All In A Day's Work :Conclusion

Leon did not want to chance having a deranged crack addict attack him. How would he explain it to D and Chris when he got back home tonight. Not to mention Jewel would scold daddy to be more careful. He smirked at the thought as Jill prepared her weapon. They had lucked out with the arrangements of partners since Diana had quit the FBI/CIA?Arcadian link system. JJ now worked directly with Agent Miaka, a combination that lead to fast warrants and exceptional back-up. Jill knocked on the door loudly her usual sweet voice full of cop tough that had never failed to amaze Leon. "LAPD, open up we have a warrant." Nothing could be heard from inside the house. Jill sighed. "I hate when they play hard to get." Jill offered a playful bow to Leon and a helplessly adorable pout. "Kind sir... would you mind?"

Leon shook his head with eyes rolled he raised a foot and kicked the door in. It balanced on it's hinges as it crashed against the wall. Jill stepped inside at his nod keeping her gun ready. She resisted the strong urge to cover her nose at the foul odor coming from the house. Dirt and grime covered every surface of the house. "Let's find our rat," Leon said and walked through to the kitchen. He gagged and backed away. Soiled dishes covered every available surface along with canisters from take out restaurants and delivery. "Good thing Ryo's not here." Leon shook his head. "But I can let him know that this guy is a pig in every sense of the word. That poor girl has been living here with this slop." Leon then went upstairs to the bathroom which was reasonable clean and a bedroom that was done in various shades of red and white with lacy curtains. The lace seemed old and tattered. " grabbing for beauty in any way she can." Leon paused when he saw a small picture of Rain that looked like it came from a discarded CD cover. Though the picture was ragged around the edges which had prompted the previous owner to replace it, it was sitting here near of tin can of flowers as if it were an honored treasure.

"Come on Leon." Jill said the sadness in her voice penetrating the gloom that was beginning to cloud Leon's heart. They walked further down the hall and found another room. "He could hear her," Jill mused when they saw what had to be the master bedroom. "These walls are paper thin." Jill walked around the bed and ceased moving before she stumbled on the man laying face down on the floor in a pool of his own vomit. "Ladies and gentlemen, I give the glories of crack. This is your life," She pulled a pair of latex gloves from her pocket. Jill then reached for his neck. "I got a pulse, the trash lives." Leon nodded keeping his gun at the ready in case the man woke up violent.

"Get him in cuffs, he can detox at the station." Leon muttered and watched while Jill secured their prisoner. Jasper began to awake as he was dragged none too gently from his home. "I feel like I am wasting my breath," Leon groused as he recited the Miranda rights. "This guy is so high he can't tell his own farts from a gentle spring breeze."

"Leon, your manners are atrocious in the presence of a lady." Jill complained. "What would little D say."

"Before giving me a correction nibble," Leon grinned thinking about the small but painful bites that D dealt him whenever he said something that displeased his delicate sensibilities. "He would tell your delicate self that you have crack addict vomit on your shoe."

Jill looked down and stared in horror at the remains of the mess she had stepped in. "This is why I am single." Jill frowned then scrubbed her foot on the grass.

Break

"It's beautiful," Ryo's voice was almost a whisper that Dee only heard because he was attuned to every move the man made. Dee turned his eyes to see the sun shining behind Ryo with piles of golden sun reflecting the light off of his perfect skin and slim physic. Ryo turned to look at Dee his hair seemed to ignite in the bright glow. "Dee?"

"Yeah...beautiful," Dee smiled his throat closing as he looked at Ryo. "God, Ryo... I love you."

"Dee? I love you too," Ryo smiled and Dee's heart skipped several beats and he smiled. "What?"

"Let's take the boys out to dinner tonight," Ryo grinned and nodded his head then turned his eyes back to survey the large outcroppings of rocks and boulders. The deep gorge at the bottom. He scanned many ledges and machinery that was no longer in use. "To work," Dee smiled then gave Ryo a wink before he checked his gun. Ryo nodded pulling out his own weapon. "My guess is that he has a day job, cause this place is usually functional... isn't it?" Dee looked around. "What time is it?"

"Four thirty eight," Ryo checked his watch. "This place shuts down at four."

"Ah, so there is plenty of time for some one to get off work, go home, change, then show up here ready for some nefarious activities." Dee grinned. "Ryo put your gun away, we have company, look innocent and adorable. As if you can help that." Dee said in an aside that caused just the right shading of pink to touch Ryo's cheeks. Ryo turned around with a smile on his face to see a middle aged man in expensive jeans and a pullover. He wore dark sunglasses and his curly hair was cut close to his head as he grinned at them. Bright white teeth flashed at them through his deeply colored skin.

"Hello gentlemen," The man said with a grin. "Out for a stroll?"

"Yeah," Dee said placing an arm around Ryo who blushed right on cue. "Just a date you know, wanted to take in the sights, he likes high places."

"Aren't you two a little old for make out spots?" The man asked smiling fast but not quick enough that Dee would miss the look of disgust that briefly covered his face.

"Well, you are never too old for love, right Honey?" Ryo offered his most disarming smile at Dee. "So do you come here often Mr..." Ryo allowed the question to hang giving the man time enough to stare at him and discount him, but those dark eyes came back to rest on the pair before him.

"You're cops," The statement brought a frown to Dee's face, but he did not reply. Instead he pulled out his badge. "Just playing the gay thing to throw off suspicion." He nodded with a relieved grin.

"Well. You're half right," Dee said never ceasing to shock Ryo with his total honesty about their private life. "We are cops, but man I pin him every chance I get."

"Come to think of it, I have seen you guys on TV before," The man said taking out a white cloth to clean his sunglasses. "Real pretty kid you got at home." Dee had no time to caution the strange man about his comments. Behind him he heard the unmistakable sound of several men approaching. "I don't like cops around here, bad for business."

"Quarry's closed," Dee said turning his eyes to the wild outcroppings of boulders and red stone. "What business would we be bad for?"

"I know why you're here. I am not stupid," Slate's fingers curled into tight fists as he stared at the two men in front of him while his boys came around behind him. "That damned tramp opened her mouth didn't she?"

"I do not know any damned tramps," Ryo informed Slate with a smile he pulled his gun from his shoulder holster just as Dee did the same pressing his back to Ryo's he faced the six men behind them. "Now you can do this the easy way and come down to the station or you can do it the hard and have us drag you there you murdering, raping scum." Ryo said his eyes blazed shocking Slate that the once gentle looking man seemed very capable of killing him. "And I forgot to mention drug trafficking."

"What makes you think you can drag me any where you sodding bastards?" Slate demanded wondering why his men were not attacking, yeah so the cop had a gun, but they did too. Slate peeled his eyes away from Ryo long enough to see his men just staring at Dee the look of fear on their faces palpable in the deepening color of the sky. "Come on boys, it's two against seven."

"Yeah boss, but haven't you heard, any one who harms them comes to some horrible end." One of the thugs complained looking at Ryo and Dee. "Even other cops. I heard a detective was burned alive, and a man in prison had his heart ripped out. From what the men in the jail tell us, it looked like it was eaten and his... was shoved in there where his heart was. They think he was castrated before he was dead. Man these guys is bad news."

"We had nothing to do with that," Dee was quick to deny killing the man in prison though he could say nothing about Randolph's death that would not upset Ryo.

"You are not afraid of a bunch of fags!" Slate shouted as if to prove the falsehood five of the men turned and ran.

"A bunch, I thought we were just two," Dee said when Ryo bristled at the man's leer in his direction.

"Hey boss, I want him before we get rid of them," The largest man in the former group said inclining his head towards Ryo. "I always watch him, I know how you feel about Homo's so I never told you, but I can't let this opportunity pass. I want him." Ryo's eyes widened and he prepared for an attack just as he felt Dee's back tense.

"Well, you can't have him," Dee said pressing the button on his phone to alert back up that they were needed. "You are both under arrest."

"I don't think he gets it yet Riley," Slate said with a laugh. "Maybe you should teach him." Riley smiled and jumped for Dee. Dee fired and gasped as the bullet missed the bulky man who had feinted a dive for his torso but dipped at the last minute to rush his legs. "Faster than he looks," Slate told Ryo who had surprised him by not taking his eyes from Slate to check on Dee.

"Dee'll be fine, you're under arrest," Ryo said and blocked the fist that Slate aimed at him. He fired a warning shot. Slate growled his displeasure and jumped for Ryo who dodged shocking Slate with his agility and strength as he blocked yet again and punched in Slate's midsection. His vision doubled and bent over clutching his middle.

Dee grunted as he went to the ground under the weight of the large man. "As you die, I want you to know what I'm going to do to that pretty boy of yours, first I am going make him suck me. I'll bet he's good at that those pretty lips of his all moist and open."

"Not if I kill you first," Dee ground out bringing his legs up he flipped Riley over him. Dee gasped then sat up to try to catch the flailing man. He never actually meant to kill him just get him off. Dee grabbed his arm just as he began to tumble off the edge of the landing to fall to the jumble of jagged rocks below.

"I'm taking you with me," The acid in Riley's voice turned Dee's stomach moments before he felt vertigo envelope him as the man lurched back taking him with him.

"Dee!" Ryo yelled slamming Slate's head to the rocky ground below them to stun him. Ryo scrambled to his feet and grasped the back of Dee's pants yanking him back. The sudden jerk loosed Riley's grip on Dee and he went head first back wards to plummet to the rocks below scrapping along the side of the gorge as he went. "Dee, don't go... Don't..." Tears fell down Ryo's face as he held Dee in his arms. Dee sighed as he leaned into the warmth of Ryo. His skin seemed to be hotter than normal as his emotions went into overdrive. Dee looked down and saw a dark stain on the sleeve of Ryo fine shirt and gasped.

"Baby, you're hurt," Dee ripped the buttons free and looked down in awe at the clear gel that had dried but due to the heat and perspiration of Ryo's skin it was liquid again. "Oh... ha, lubrication." Dee laughed then turned to Slate where the man was getting to his feet.

"You...damned... fags!" Slate yelled and rushed them both. Dee and Ryo broke apart out the man's way. He stumbled and went over to the edge reaching out he grabbed Ryo's exposed arm taking him to his knees. With pained wince Ryo tried to yank his arm back. He knew his knees would be bruised from his fall but that paled in comparison to the pain of Slate's nails digging into his arm as the man pulled him to the edge. Ryo rolled to his side then sat on his bottom kicking Slate until the man fell to the ground with broken leg.

Slate rolled away from Dee only to screech as he realized that he had run out of ground. "No!" His arms reached out for purchase but found nothing but crumbling rocks. Ryo reached for him and caught him before he too could fall to his death to the rocks below. Slate tried to hold on to Ryo his fingers frantic in the need to clutch the detective. Ryo tried not to snatch away from the man's nails that were digging into his already bleeding arm. Ryo panicked, he could not hold this man, he was slipping.

"Dee, help me," Ryo cried out and sighed when Dee added his strength trying to pull Slate up. Slate released Ryo's hands when Dee grabbed him and attempted to grasp his arm only to slide right off. Dee unprepared for the extra weight gripped Slate as he went down. Wrenching his arm. Slate tried to brace his legs against the wall as he heard the sickening sound of his arm breaking. Slate screamed in agony as Dee pulled him back to safety. "Had to choose the hard way," Ryo groused as he began to read Slate his rights.

Break

The chief wanted to be angry. He tried real hard to be angry. He chewed his cigar as he stared at the two men in his office one of them wrapped in bandages along his arm and his pants bulging from bandages on his knees. "You mean to tell me, that he was unsuccessful in pulling you off the edge, because you had sexual lubricant on you?" Ryo blushed ten shades of red but nodded his head. "Get out of my office." The chief said before he could laugh. He did not want to like these detectives, but damn it was getting difficult.

Break

"You're an idiot," Ryo looked up at Laton his dark eyes wide in shock.

"Excuse me," Ryo said when the Elder Dragon seemed to be laughing at him as he left the hospital with bandages along his left arm.

"You have the strength of ten men at your disposal but you continue to live as a man with a man's strength. You have utilized your ability before, but only on behest of your consort or your children. Never for yourself." Laton said snatching Ryo away from the crowd of well wishers and shoving him into the limousine that he had arrived in. Dee grumbled at the sudden loss of his lover and banged on the window of the car.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I have to be getting home to my family." Ryo said reaching for the handle only to realize that there wasn't one. "Grandfather," Ryo sighed. "I am very tired, I just want a bath and dinner."

"Fine," Laton shook his head and the door slide open. "But think about what I have said to you." Ryo nodded and left the car to see Dee with his fist raised prepared to pound on the window again.

"Come on Dee... let's go home," Ryo leaned his head against Dee's shoulder and headed back to their home where their boys and Alicia were awaiting them.

Powdered Sugre 21

April's Fools

The clink and clatter of many dishes welcomed Chihaya as he smiled warmly at the patrons at the Cafe while Kagetsuya worked his particular brand of magic. His bright purple eyes flashed with glee as orders went up. While he sashayed through the crowd waiting tables. Angel breezed by him carrying yards of cream colored satin. He grinned at the many people that flocked to the racks where his clothing hung. Not many of them could afford the pricey items, but it was fun to look. Angel paused and sighed. He knew that the reason he could charge such outrageous prices was because he was the personal designer to the Arcadian Royale. It was his work, and not the royal designers that graced the group on tour and during personal appearances. Angel sighed then disappeared into his office again. Prom season was coming, just because many could not afford his fashions, did not mean that no one could.

Chihaya smiled warmly at Leon and Jill when they entered. "Any chance of us getting a table and some lunch?" Leon asked always in awe of the beautiful little positive angel.

"Of course there is." Chihaya showed them to a table and held up his notepad ready to take their order.

"I am definitely not feeling meat today."Jill grimaced and placed a pale file in her bag.

"Tough case?" Collins asked. Jill looked up at him in his apron and tried to smile.

"Gross even," Jill complained as Leon searched the menu. "He will probably have a hamburger, iron stomach that he has, but I will have a Caesar salad with extra dressing and croûtons."

"Actually," Leon grinned at Jill. Then turned his bright blue eyes to Collins and Chihaya. "I want a chef salad with no meat and lots of cheese."

"This must be a bad case," Chihaya offered a sympathetic smile as he and Collins left the two detectives to their drinks.

"A skinless corpse... yeah," Leon groused.

"I just wish we knew where the skin was," Jill frowned shaking her head.

"That would make this too easy," Leon said firming his resolve to solve this case as soon as possible.

"Oh no," Jill said her frown lightening as she looked at her friend and partner. "We would never want that."

Break

Ryo was smiling as he walked in to the brightly painted building with Alicia. Dee waited in the car going over the files of their new case. Miss Joy beamed a smile when she saw the handsome detective and his beautiful friend come to retrieve their child. Another couple stood by speaking to the other teacher in Lyo's room. Ryo and Alicia stood silently for a while observing Lyo while he played with the other children a smile on both their faces. Lyo paused in his game to pick up the soft ball and turned. "Da-Ryo! Mommy!" Ryo was quick to move in front of Alicia and catch the hurtling child before he could launch himself in to her. Alicia offered a grateful smile.

"Remember what we talked about?" Ryo stood with Lyo in his arms amazing Miss Joy with his strength for when the child had slammed into him he did not move and now he stood from a crouched position with his son in his arms and he had shown no discomfort or strain. "Do not run to mommy like that."

"Keeping the kid away from his mom," Ryo heard the muttered words from the father of another child but chose to ignore them as he turned allowing Lyo to embrace Alicia.

"Yeah, mommy has a baby in there," Lyo said nodding his head as he gave Alicia kisses. "I could hurt her. I'm sorry Mommy and baby." Lyo said he slid down to his feet and pressed his little hands to Alicia's swelled stomach.

"Oh, how many months are you?" Miss Joy asked feeling embarrassed by her other parents who stood staring at Ryo and Alicia with disapproving frowns on their faces.

"Six," Alicia said sitting with obvious relief while Ryo went to gather Lyo's jacket and help the boy tie his shoes.

"Wow, Landy is a joy to have in this class, you must be proud," Miss Joy continued speaking to Alicia. "We will miss him next term. But..." Miss joy paused and looked up at Ryo. "I hope you do not mind if we keep the lullaby CD."

"Oh... You bought that CD?" Ryo paused in his answer to Miss Joy to see the mother that was still staring rudely at him. She moved her shiny black hair aside so that she could pierce him with her watery hazel stare. "Our son loves that CD," She said and reached down for her son's hand when he tried to play with Lyo while their parents talked. Ryo sighed when she snatched the boy behind her as if Lyo was dirty. "Miss Joy was unable to tell us where you bought it. So she made us a copy it is the only way we can get him to sleep at night. Do they have others, like playtime songs?"

"I never bought the CD," Ryo said his cheeks turning slightly red shocking the parent who was amazed at his handsomeness. A waste she thought of her sister, single all this time. No wonder she was single, the attractive men were all gay. "But, Miss Joy, you may keep it if you wish."

"I don't understand." The mother said becoming irritated. " You won't tell me where you got it?"

"He didn't get it anywhere," Miss Joy said feeling sorry for her young student for having such bigoted parents. "The man singing on the CD is Detective MaClean. That is why it is over halfway in Japanese." Miss Joy enjoyed a moment of pure smugness as she watched her words sink into the parents standing before her. "At first I would call him everyday at nap time so that he could sing Landy to sleep, but then he made this CD and now all the kids love it."

"Oh..." The father of the other child said his eyes narrow as he approached Ryo. "What do the songs in Japanese say?" Ryo bristled at the menace in the man's tone.

"Ryo... Doll, I am getting hungry, how long do you intend to keep Dee waiting for us?" Alicia got to her feet making a show of placing a hand on her round tummy."

"This won't take long," Ryo offered a cold smile to the other parents. "-Just subliminal messages to grow up and be homosexual. My way of insuring we take over the world.-" Ryo muttered in Japanese causing Miss Joy to stare at him having never heard him use such a tone of voice even if she did not understand the words. Alicia giggled having spent the years after Leo's death learning Japanese. All while she was pregnant and in hiding she had studied the language. It was how she had come to her decision on what to name Landy. Ryo reached into his pocket for a note pad and began to write. He tore the page off and handed it to the irate father. "That is one of the songs, I think number three. I do not have time to write out all five of the Japanese songs, but I can tell you that five and seven are translated into English in six and eight." Ryo then turned to Miss Joy. "Did you give the invitations to every one in the class?" Ryo smiled sweetly as the father looked down at the neatly written kanji.

Miss Joy nodded, "the children are all excited." Miss Joy spoke with both Ryo and Alicia for a few moments more then sighed as the other parents took their child and stormed out of the room. The invitation to Lyo's fifth birthday party was left behind in the trash pail. Miss Joy waved Ryo and Alicia off with a sad smile as they took Lyo and headed out into the sunlight.

Break

Bikky wandered around ear the kitchen watching as Ryo tapped his foot to the music as he chopped chicken for the night's dinner. He loved their house, Bikky thought gazing at the lumpy sofa in the family room that, for all it's lumps, was as comfortable as anything he had ever sat on. He looked further into the living room where they received guests and admired Ryo's impeccable taste and cleanliness. Rain was shaping up to be just like him. His room was always clean. He said it was because his plants could not grow in a dirty room. Bikky refocused on the living area and smiled. All the other kids at school loved to come to their house. The area rug was imported from Japan while the drapes were made in Arcadia and the wood furniture and good sofa and love seat all came from IKEA.

Bikky moved into the kitchen and sighed at the delicious smells coming from the oven as a cake baked while Ryo put a large pan on the fire to heat adding a little vegetable oil to the pan. Bikky stared in amazement as the fire on the stove seemed to leap in greeting to Ryo dancing merrily in his presence. While the living room and family room were studies in varying degrees of comfort, the kitchen was all efficiency and grace. Stainless steel and shiny black appliances all gleamed with the care Ryo showed each piece. "If you are just going to hover, you may as well come over here and cut the carrots." Bikky gasped when Ryo spoke without turning around while he placed a pot of water with seasoning on the fire.

"Okay," Bikky stepped further into the kitchen. He accepted a knife and began to slice the vegetables while watching Ryo soak the chicken pieces he had cut in thick brown sauce. "Wow. Chicken Terriyaki tonight," Bikky sniffed appreciatively at the smells in the kitchen. They continued in silence for a while the only sound aside from the radio was the knife on the cutting board. Bikky cast small glances Ryo's way then sighed and went back to chopping. Dee looked into the kitchen then shook his head and left the two alone heading off Rain by tossing him a pack of pop tarts that he ate cold and finished his homework. Bikky looked again at Ryo then back at his hands. "I know what you're going to say."

"Bikky..." Ryo paused as he and Bikky had started speaking at the same time

"I know that I am young... But we are being careful and... I know I love her and she loves me. We have been together since I was like six you know." Bikky continued then sighed. When he could not think of anything more to say he peeked at Ryo surprised by that fact that he did not have to look up to look him in the eye. When had that happened? Bikky wondered to himself as he gazed at Ryo from an entirely new perspective. He could see how Dee had fallen so hard. Being hit with the full force of those eyes was something to remember.

"Bikky, I will not tell you not to," Ryo said surprising Bikky. "I know you are a teenager with hormones beyond your control. Despite what you may believe I understand." Ryo smiled then and added the chicken to the pan of hot oil. He sprinkled a little salt into the mix and began to stir with a big wooden fork and spatula. " I do not wish to create a situation where you feel it necessary to lie to me or do things behind my and Dee's backs. As long as you are being careful and understand the consequences of your actions and accept responsibility if it is needful I will say no more." Ryo placed the vegetables into the steaming water for a few minutes before he pulled them out and wrapped them in foil to be placed in the oven. Bikky felt as if the weight of a thousand pounds had been lifted from his shoulders. Bikky had spoken at length with Laton about his fears of his fire use. Laton had laughed softly then explained that he had no reason to fear, then advised that he speak with Ryo. "Bikky..." Ryo said when the teenager was reaching into the fridge for a can of soda.

"Yes," Bikky turned around feeling the hairs at the nape of his neck prickle at the tone of Ryo's voice.

"Respect this house," Ryo words seemed to echo in the stylish kitchen. Bikky stood still and absorbed the meaning. He nodded to Ryo.

Ryo turned back to their dinner checking the boiling rice and gasped when he felt a strong hand on his arm turn him around. Bikky held Ryo in a light embrace. "Thanks... Dad," Bikky said then released Ryo after he had briefly returned the hug. "Smells good." Bikky grabbed his soda and left the kitchen. Ryo heaved a large sigh then turned back to his family's dinner.

Ryo tensed then relaxed when another pair of hands encircled his waist. A smile crept over his face as he felt Dee press into his back. "Okay?" Dee asked against the shell of a sensitive ear. Ryo nodded and turned his face up to Dee's searching lips.

"Everything's fine," Ryo said when his mouth was his own again.

"I told you it would be easier to let him come to us," Dee smirked as he wrapped his arms fully around Ryo while he stirred the chicken and poured more of the tasty sauce on the frying meat. "And I knew he would go to you."

"Yeah well," Ryo smiled as his eyes wandered to their large back yard full of a pool, enclosed hot tub, deck, gazebo, play area for Lyo including a swing set, slide and sandbox and an area for the kids to play basketball. Ryo often wondered why they even bothered to take Lyo to the park anymore then at the same time realized that he needed interaction with other children his age. "He's always told me."

Break

Carl Anderson frowned as a High prince of Arcadia strode into his office. Bad enough yesterday he had to deal with those people while he picked up his son. Last night he had taken the CD from his son's room then had to listen to his child scream for several hours until he fell into an exhausted slumber. Tricia, his wife, was not speaking to him because she had tried to cajole him into giving the CD back to no avail. He would not have his son influenced by those pedophilic sodomites. Carl looked with displeasure at High Prince Daphnus and his secretary as they sat. "How can I help you?" He asked refusing to utter the Your Highness that was supposed to be used to address him as a show of respect. He was an American for crying out loud. Just because the rest of the country licked his boots did not mean that Carl Jason Anderson had to. No sir.

Carl paused at the look of amusement on Daphnus face before those beautiful eyes turned to his secretary and nodded with an imperious gesture he only used when annoyed. Jash nodded his head concentrating on maintaining his human form he reached into his briefcase and pulled out several documents then addressed Mr. Anderson when he knew Daphnus would not deign to. "As you know," Jash said glad to hear the tinny sound of vocals through a beak silenced by his human esophagus. "X-Ta-C is a world wide foundation. Half of the profits from all sales, including concert tickets, album, promotional items and video are allotted to all the hospitals built in honor of the poor and destitute in the areas they serve. The other half going to maintain the safe houses built for the refuge of abused men, women and children, or individuals that have no where else to go."

"Yes very charitable," Carl muttered forcing a smile. He then looked closer at the royal in his office again amazed at his beauty. When he had first seen him all that time ago when their first album was released he had mistaken him for an astonishingly beautiful woman. It had been like a kick in the gut to realize that he was male.

"The point to this friendly recap," Jash said regaining Carl's attention. "Is that this hospital receives more than enough funds to provide exceptional care to its under privileged patients. Yet we have come across several cases of people in need of re-constructive surgery that have not received it. Underweight babies leaving the hospital before they are ready. Substituting casts for light wraps on bad sprains leaving a permanent disfigurement in some cases. The poor of this city are starting to look like deformed monsters because they are receiving sub-standard care. Why is that? I know you receive the proper amount of money. I sign the checks."

"Well," Carl could feel the sweat build on his forehead and bead on his upper lip. "We implemented a screening program and not all of the patients qualify for the funds." Carl stammered forcing a smile in the face of Daphnus cold stare. Still the prince said nothing. "If they make above the decided upon amount of money then they could pay for the operations and treatment."

"If they could afford to pay for the operations and treatment I do believe they would." Jash said his face turning red. He took several breaths and concentrated on maintaining a human appearance. "The truth is they are left with the awful choice of health care or rent. Surgery or food. Parents that have to take off their meager paying jobs to stay home with children discharged from the hospital long before they are ready."

"Well sir, if they went home it is probably because they chose to we have never told a parent they must take their child home," Carl explained glad that it was true. The look in Daphnus eyes seemed as if he could see right through him.

"Only because they exceeded the days that would be covered by the program. Knowing that they could not afford the extra care, they had no choice but to leave." Jash stared at the human before him feeling the urge to eat him and be done with the whole mess. He felt a mental tugging and looked at the high prince. Daphnus gave him a warning sigh and continued to refuse to speak. "Alright your Highness," Jash said after a probing look from Daphnus. "I want a copy of all of your financial records and all of the past cases. This hospital will now be audited by the accounting department of Arcadia."

"Files?" Carl said the color draining from his face as he stared at Jash and Daphnus.

"Yes, you know usually paper in folders, sometimes, with this new technology, it can be stored of computer discs." Jash stood to his feet. "If you will take me to them Ican collect them now." Carl stood as well his eyes panicked as he gazed at the high prince who now smirked at him. They knew. There was no way they could not know. Why else would they be auditing the facilities?

Carl stared as High Prince Daphnus pulled out his cell phone. "Hello Detective," Carl paused. His voice was husky, yet not deep. It seemed designed to confound normal observers into questioning his gender and their own sexuality. Feeling his body respond to the beautiful man, Carl forced the image of his wife to chase away his damning thoughts. "Yes I am well, thank you for asking. I was hoping Detective MaClean." Carl paused at the name and his mood turned black as they walked down the well kept halls of the hospital. "I need some legal advise..." Daphnus laughed as Ryo commented then switched to Japanese as he followed the irate accountant to their destination. Carl fumed as his mind went in several different directions at once. He half listened to Daphnus hoping that he would speak in English again. He needed a plan, he would need money soon. Real soon. Carl marched ahead of the intruders and made plans to call his lawyer as soon as he could.

Break

Count D sat in the garden watching as Aoi sat on the grass with Kurayami in her arms. The toddler was careful to sit still and not jostle her brother who stared up at her with mis-matched eyes, one deep purple and one blue. As he was now seven pounds, his face was remarkably less wrinkled though D feared that he would be small all his life. Perhaps even smaller than his papa. D stood to prepare the afternoon repast for his children and an extra snack for Chris who would be home from school soon. "Papa, Kura-Chan sleep now," Aoi called to Count D as he returned with her lunch.

D took his son into his arms while Aoi toddled over to her plate of fresh cut vegetables and fruit. "Aoi, dearest," Count D said speaking Mandarin to her as he always did, while Leon only spoke English. The child had learned both languages with ease. Now whenever she spoke to Leon she only spoke English and she spoke Mandarin to her papa, grand father and Sofu. "High Princess Andromache is bringing over Nicklaus and little Lyssa to play with you after lunch." Aoi's eyes brightened and she clapped her hands in glee. Count D smiled at his daughter. He hummed a gentle tune as he carried Kurayami to his bed.

Break

Mrs Joanne Stander tried to force her heart back into her chest as it seemed to be attempting to jump out so hard was it beating. She looked up the stairs to see her youngest son cowering at the top as he tried to see who had knocked on the door. Whenever they had visitors Justin hid from view ashamed of his burned and scarred appearance. "Y...Yes," Joanne gulped when the word came out as a squeak. Rissa hobbled out on her crutches to see her mother staring goggled eyed at one of the most beautiful men she had ever seen. Rissa vaguely recalled seeing him at the hospital, but he was not a part of the band. His honey colored hair gleamed in the deep light of the setting sun.

"Hello, I am detective Randy MaClean and I have a few questions concerning your experience with Saint Francis hospital. Is this a bad time?"

"Oh, no, just finishing up afternoon lessons," Joanne stepped aside so that Ryo could enter her house. It was small and sparsely furnished with furniture that had seen better days but for all Ryo could tell it was spotless. Ryo noted the uniform that Mrs. Stander wore and knew she worked as a waitress at the restaurant down the street and around the corner. Close enough to walk Ryo added the information to his mental notepad while he pulled out his actual notepad and a pen.

"Now the insurance of the drunken driver has replaced or repaired your vehicle?" Ryo asked when he accepted the chair at the table. Ryo automatically shifted his balance when the chair wobbled beneath him. Watching as she sat, he realized she must have offered him the best chair she had. The kitchen, where the family took their meals was also furnished with old, ratty things, but clean. He looked out of the window and saw clothes hanging on a line.

"We can't afford much, I do not have a washer, but I make sure my kids are clean," Joanne said her lip firming in the face of her poverty.

"Admirable," Ryo smiled at her his heart paining him as he hoped he could find a way to help them.

"As for the car, well the insurance company paid for it to be fixed so Nathan can get to work. That's my husband. He is a janitor at Rissa's school. She can go back next week."

"I am glad to hear that," Ryo said then sighed when he saw the tears in Joanne's eyes. He knew, from studying the files from the hospital that Daphnus had given him the other day that Rissa may never dance again not without extensive medical attention and rehabilitation. Services the family could not afford. "What school does she attend?" Ryo asked trying to bring the woman around from her morose thoughts.

"Oh, um, Core South High School. She is in ninth grade and so smart too. Always does her homework and helps me with Justin. Look," Joanne got to her feet and bustled away with the doting smile of a proud parent. She returned a moment later with Rissa's latest grade slip. "Not so good with geography," Joanne explained the one C that was the lowest grade on the entire card. "But right smart." Ryo nodded as he handed the card back to her. "Oh please forgive me, how rude," Joanne replaced the card on the old refrigerator that leaned slightly to the left. "Can I offer you something. I have fresh water or... Milk."

"Oh, no thank you, my partner and I had lunch not too long ago before we split up for the day." Ryo explained showing her the bottle of water that he had been carrying when he entered the house.

"Detective MaClean?" Joanne began but heard her daughter gasp as realization hit her.

"You..." Rissa trembled on her crutches as he hobbled closer to Ryo. "You're Rain's father!"

"The singer you like?" Joanne smiled at her daughter then her eyes widened in horror. "Oh no, the house is... I am sorry to show you something like this." Joanne teared up looking at the shabbiness of her home in the face of the celebrity in her midst.

"I will take it as an insult if you continue your shame." Ryo said his heart paining him to see them suffer so. Ryo looked around at the bits of plastic pottery. For all the inexpensive accessories, the house was clean and flowers the pots held were well tended. "In fact, your home is lovely. It is clean and cared for. You do what you can, with what you have. I have seen people with so much more than you squander their gifts needlessly." Ryo's smile warmed Joanne and Rissa. "I am honored that you would welcome me." Ryo clasped his hands in front of him as he did when appearing in the Arcadian court as Prince of the eastern Dragons. "Now please, sit with me and tell me all about your experiences at Saint Francis hospital." Joanne and Rissa nodded. Rissa sighed as she looked into the stairway and saw Justin crouched by the door staring at Ryo with nothing less than awe. Rissa smiled hoping to encourage her brother to come out of hiding. Justin shook his head the rustling of his stringy hair disturbing the wind enough for Ryo to turn and see him as he dashed up the stairs and out of sight. Ryo sighed. He would definitely have to do something about the state of this family.

Break

It smelled lovely. Lord D sniffed the cup that Princess Clarisande held out to him. "Please Lord D." Clarisande said touching his arm as gently as she could manage. "I mean no offense, you know. I think you are beautiful, but right now, you look like a skin wrapped skeleton."

"I could never take offense at you speaking the truth," Lord D whispered then tried to push himself up to a sitting position his arms trembling with the effort. The slight movement caused his empty stomach to heave. "At this rate, I will lose the child. My body is losing the strength to sustain it." Lord D said tears leaking from his eyes.

"When was the last time you retained food?" Clarisande asked as she helped him to sit up amazed at how light he was. She could lift him with one hand. No wonder JJ had come to her in tears begging for the help that Lord D swore he did not need. He had claimed to be fine. He had said that he had survived the rigors of childbirth before. But this was different, this was killing him.

"Two weeks ago," Lord D admitted feeling his abnormally pale face flush. "When the sickness first started. Father said each Kami has one if they make it to two they are not likely to survive. Male Kami's have rarely survived birth. But I had two the first time. Now I have nothing left. My body is strained, it is too soon. He wept as he told me that if I had not connected to D as I did. My body never would have conceived. But we all know, D would have miscarried if I had not. What else could I do?" Lord D dissolved into tears his frail hands coming up to cover his face marked by dark circles his cheekbones once so smooth now sunken and sallow.

"You knew the risks and you did it anyway," Clarisande sniffled. "You gave your life for your son. Here," Clarisande held the chalice to Lord D's lips. "It is vitamins and plant extracts mixed with mirandia milk and Maisia juice. Also," Clarisande paused lifting Lord D's head for he had not the strength to hold the cup in his hands. "Celestial's tears."

"My lady?" Lord D gasped turning his face from the cup. "Soofu A said that my father's progeny were all spoiled. I have to suffer the consequences of my actions."

"Are you so anxious to die?!" Clarisande yelled tears falling down her face thinking of Sofu D as he too had approached her on behalf of his son. Every bit of his strength that he had given Lord D was regurgitated he was at his limits. "For one so powerful as your father to throw away his pride and ask for aid." Clarisande mused aloud. "If you can not think of yourself then think of him. Think of D who still needs his father's guiding hand. What about Kibo and Shinrai? JJ? Aoi needs her grandfather as does Kurayami. Your patients need you. Will you selfishly abandon all of us here who love you? And the child? Will you take him with you?" Clarisande placed her hand on Lord D's bony abdomen staring in horror at the sunken depression of his bed robe. She could see his ribs through the fine silk. Her slanted eyes flashed with desperate anger and determined love. Clarisande held the chalice, a heavy sigh of relief falling from her as Lord D drank.

Break

Dee watched Ryo as he worked. Pummeling the bread dough as one would a punching bag at a gum. He wanted to say something but knew Ryo would work his problem out in his own. Dee smiled as he recalled the heated look Ryo had sent his way. That was one way to distract himself from his problems. But Ryo had turned away wishing to think some more. So he had gone into the kitchen instead leaving Dee to anticipate a feast. Ryo stared off into the distance not seeing it or his surroundings. Dee sighed, perhaps it would not hurt to offer a little bit of advise. But he was horrible when it came to this kind of thing. Usually it was Ryo who worked out these kind of problems. Dee smiled as a thought occurred to him and he approached Ryo. "Hey, Baby."

"Yeah?" Ryo did not turn around but his hands gentled as he kneaded the dough forcing himself to calm down before he baked the bread on the counter with his heightened temperature.

"You want to help the Stander family?" Ryo did not bother to answer the obvious question. "There are thousands of poor in this city. You can not shelter them all or we would soon join them."

"I know," Ryo said so softly that Dee had to strain to catch the words.

"Besides," Dee stood behind Ryo and turned him to the side so he could better look into his fathomless eyes. "If you give a man a fish..."Dee grinned as he watched Ryo's eyes light with the fire of excited understanding.

"Dee!" Ryo hugged Dee tight his hands pressed firmly to Dee's back as he drank in the sweet masculine scent of his lover. "Thank you...Chotto..." Ryo winced hiding his face from Dee in the toned pectoral muscles he was pressed against. "Dee... Koibito, go change your shirt."

"What? Why?" Dee asked his brow lowering when Ryo stepped hastily away from him. Understanding came and he glowered as Ryo held up his hands covered in sticky bread dough. "Why you!" Ryo laughed dashing away to the other side of the kitchen with Dee in hot pursuit. "I'll get you," Dee delighted in seeing Ryo laugh and play so much. Ryo ducked under Dee's outstretched arms only to feel the belt on his pants snagged from behind. Dee hauled Ryo against the counter and kissed him soundly. "You better put extra cinnamon in that." Dee said when he peeled his lips away.

Ryo was smiling after him as he sauntered up the stairs. The back door opened and Ryo's smile dimmed as Bikky entered the kitchen and dropped his bag. "Bikky," Ryo greeted his son and went to wash his hands before he moved the bread dough into a bowl and covered it with a wet towl. All the while Bikky stood staring about himself as if in shock. "Where's Rain? Oh," Ryo said looking out the window into the backyard to see Rain's slender form laying on a patch of grass that was surrounded by many flowers in various colors. Rain lay on his stomach with his journal in hand drinking in the beauty of the world around him while Lyo sat contentedly in his sandbox. "Bikky," Ryo said when Bikky trudged over to the kitchen table and sat as if he carried the world. "Are you okay?"

"Ryo... I need help," Bikky said the catch in his voice worrying Ryo who dried his hands and sat down at the table so that he could talk with Bikky. "I don't know what to do." Ryo was becoming more worried as still Bikky would not meet his eyes. When he did look up they were swimming with tears so that the pure blue orbs resembled the turbulent sea. "Today at school..." Bikky paused as if reliving the horror of his experience over again. "Today Carol told me... she said... she's late."

Powdered Sugre 22

Wake Up

(Your Life Is Calling)

Bikky could not recall the house being so silent since they had moved in. Ryo sat with him at the table and said nothing but Bikky knew that Ryo's mind was working, he could tell by the small furrow in his usually smooth brow. He did not look upset, or worried, in fact to Bikky's mind he did not even look surprised. While Bikky felt his entire world imploding, Ryo sat in an unreal calmness that worked to help Bikky's racing heart slow down. "What do we do now?" Bikky asked when Ryo continued his silent thoughts.

Ryo looked up as if he had forgotten that Bikky was even in the room with him. He had heard the words, and he thought of calling Lord D to look at Carol, then he remembered that Lord D was ill. His next thought was having Daphnus reevaluate Bikky's trust fund and see how they could make it into an account to help Carol and the child while they both finished school. He also thought of where they would live and how it would figure in with his and Dee's career. All the while wondering what rank in Arcadia the child of the son of a prince would have and if Laton would bless the birth of young, unwed parents. Then he thought of them getting married, it was modern times, they did not have to wed, but it would simplify things. Or would it? Ryo could remember meeting Carol's aunt, both in New York and here in California, she was a pleasant woman, a bit stern, but loving in her own way. How would she respond to the news?

"This is the song that doesn't endddd," Lyo burst into the house with Rain, marching as he sang at the top of his lungs. "Yes it goes on and on my frienddddd! Some people staaaarted singing it not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever just because... This is the song that doesn't enddddd..." He marched around the living room singing then tromped into the kitchen to march around the table. Rain entered the kitchen and rummaged through the refrigerator. "Yes it goes on and on my frienddddd!" As Lyo continued his march through the house singing.

"Ryo?" Bikky said again when he could hear his own thoughts in his head again. "What to do?"

"Check the bread," Ryo said getting to his feet. "Don't want it to rise too much." Bikky stared at Ryo's back as he got to his feet and went to the counter.

For a few moments Bikky wondered if Ryo had not heard him. "Ryo? Carol is late, what should I do?"

"Has she seen a doctor?" Ryo asked patting the bread then putting it into a well oiled pan. "Or taken one of the over the counter tests? Though I would suggest a doctor."

Bikky shook his head, thinking better of his actions he answered, "No," knowing that Ryo could not hear his head shaking.

"Well that is the first thing that we should do." Ryo said, he put the bread in the heated oven. Then turned to face Bikky. "Too bad Lord D is sick, we will just have to schedule an appointment with..." Ryo paused as he thought of taking Carol to a regular clinic. "No... There is another option." Ryo went to the phone and dialed the consulate. "Hello, Lady Aurora, how are you doing." As Ryo exchanged pleasantries with the vampire, Bikky feared that he would suggest she do something to Carol. Realizing he was being irrational Bikky calmed his breathing and paid attention. He knew Ryo, loved him and Ryo returned the affection not only to him, but to Carol as well. "Is Sofu available?" Then it all made sense to him. "Yes, tomorrow after school I will bring them. Thank you," Ryo hung up the phone then went back to making dinner.

"Ryo... I'm sorry," Bikky got to his feet to stand beside Ryo.

"You are young, Bikky. So young," Ryo sighed. "You both have the whole world in front of you. Carol is supposed to be going to college. Do you know how hard that is going to be with a baby?"

"Then I will take time off from school and watch it while she goes to class."

"You are not dropping out of school," Ryo said in a firm voice that allowed no room for argument.

"Who's dropping out of school?" Dee stormed into the kitchen when he heard Ryo's raised voice. "What's up baby?" Dee brushed a kiss on Ryo's cheek, they all sighed as Lyo came marching back downstairs.

"Yes it goes on and on my frienddddd... Some people staaaarted singing it not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever just because..." Lyo added clapping to his singing going around the couch. Ryo placed long fingers on his brow. Getting back to the meat he began to fry the steaks while the potatoes boiled. He got out the materials to mash them then flipped the meat and went into the refrigerator for fresh vegetables to cut up.

"Carol is late, she could be pregnant, we will find out for sure tomorrow." Ryo explained watching his food cook hoping that Dee would maintain a level head.

"Not one of the lucky ones." Dee mused with a soft chuckle that confounded Ryo. "Of all the babes I trounced, I never left em' with a kid."

"Dee, don't be crude," Ryo turned and saw that Dee's chuckle was not full of mirth. He gasped then went back to his cooking at the fire in Dee's eyes.

"I would rather be crude than an idiot!" Dee said to Bikky. "I thought Ryo taught you more sense."

"I'm sorry," Bikky said again the same time Ryo said, "Dee please."

"What... you are going to take care of it?" Dee groused folding his arms over his chest. "I see what Soofu A meant when he told Sofu D that his children were spoiled. They do stupid things and then leave it up to him to either solve it or live with the consequences. You are doing the same damn thing."

"Dee, let's not discuss it now," Ryo turned back to his cooking.

"Now or when? We are not taking this issue to bed with us," Dee reminded Ryo of their attempts at keeping arguments out of the bedroom. Ryo's best way of doing that was to simply lock Dee out of the bedroom when he was displeased with him. Bikky stared between his parents with tears in his eyes. He had never meant to make them argue. They were one of the best examples of a solid relationship. Yeah they argued and Ryo would not have sex with Dee if he was upset, but there was something more here. They had never argued, seriously argued, about the boys.

"Please, it will be okay, please don't fight," Bikky begged he looked up when he heard Rain come into the kitchen with a worried frown on his pretty face. "I won't quit school, I'll get a job or something, and uh... just don't fight okay." Bikky begged he pulled Ryo into a hug surprising Dee that he and Ryo were the same height. Bikky held Ryo as if protecting him from Dee.

"Bikky," Dee deflated and slumped against the counter. "You're only fifteen, Carol is barely eighteen. Life is just starting and you've gone and added a big responsibility."

"We do not know that for sure," Ryo sighed. "She could bleed tomorrow or next week and it will all be just a nice little episode in the tapestry of life." Bikky paused wondering at Ryo's sudden urge to speak poetry. "What you need to do now is finish your homework," Ryo sent Bikky from the kitchen. With his head lowered he walked past Rain without a word. "Dee you call Daphnus and see if he can take Rain to rehearsals tomorrow, Rain you go ask Alicia if she would mind being with Lyo tomorrow while we take Carol and Bikky to the consulate. Sofu is going to have a look."

"Uh, okay, I was just coming to tell you that JJ called," Rain nodded afraid of the tense atmosphere in his home. Ryo noted the slight tremor and feared the worse having last seen Lord D looking like death approached him at rapid speed. "He said that Lord D is doing better, Princess Clarisande helped him. He is still too weak to work, but he is no longer dying."

"That's good," Ryo sighed with pleasure. Dee grinned and passed a hand over Rain's head.

"Some people staaaaarted singing it not knowing what it was..."

Lyo's loud song reverberated through Ryo's already throbbing head. "Rain if you could... make... him... stop." Rain laughed a little then went out into the living room where his youngest brother was still singing and marching clapping his hands to the tune of his own making. Dee watched, fascinated, while Rain spoke a few words and the boy quieted down and headed off to retrieve his coloring books and crayons. Rain then turned a bright smile on his parents then went to help Bikky with his homework. Ryo heaved a loud expulsion of air. He flipped his steak and checked the bread before beginning to chop the vegetables. Dee grumbled going to make a few phone calls while Ryo finished cooking dinner.

Break

Count D stood on the tips of his toes to place a kiss on Leon's lips while he waved him off to work. The Consulate was trying to be home to them, and he sighed missing the docile calm of the pet shop. The builders were going fast, but even then, he did not know how long it would take after they were done for his grandfather to reset the parameters of the shop. Count D wondered if it would even be the same as it was before, or would his father accommodate their fast growing family and many friends. Aoi tugged his finger. Count D looked down at his daughter to see her raising her hands. He bent to pick her up while humming a Mandarin lullaby. "Shall we go check on Kura-Chan?" D asked the small girl in his arms.

"Hai papa," Aoi clapped her hands. The found Kurayami awake in his little bed. "Hi little brother," Aoi peeked over the side of the bed. Count D laughed when the baby blew a kiss. As he grew in size, his wrinkles smoothed out so that he more closely resembled his relatives. "He is a beautiful baby, Count D." D started then relaxed as Heaven appeared beside in a puff of fragrant smoke. As she solidified Count D scooped Kurayami into his arms and patted his back.

"Thank you Heaven, might I ask how you are doing?" Count D went to the changing table to clean his bottom. "Father says that when they, my children, reach adulthood, they will choose to live as either a human or a Kami. If they choose a Kami, their bodies will no longer produce waste."

"This is true," Heaven said for she had avoided his question. Being human and vampire and angel she was plagued with the benefits and drawbacks of each race. Wishing for a middle ground of peace she knew could only be found in death Heaven aimed a rueful smile at Aoi.

"Soon... sleep comes. Then smile at his grace." Aoi gave Heaven a smile with her odd words as she toddled after Count D to hand him the wipes and diapers along with his powder. "Papa, I help." Heaven stood for a while watching as the small family went about their day while Leon worked. A typical family. Heaven sniffled, dissolved into smoke and left them alone. Count D turned at her passing to see nothing amiss in the room. He sighed then went back to cleaning his son. Today he would take his children to see their grandfather. According to JJ, the children would help to bolster his spirits. Sofu had come by to let him know that his father was better, but far from well. The angel tears had saved his life, but only love would save his flagging spirit.

"Come sweetlings," Count D carried Kurayami and reached a hand for Aoi. He found his father lounging in the garden. A fairy sat at his side feeding him grapes and sliced peaches. Gentle breezes coursed through the garden. Count D approached his father. At the sight of his sire, Count D's breathing caught in his throat. Though he was eating and JJ had assured him that he had gained weight, Lord D looked pathetically frail. "Chi Chi Ue," Count D said sitting beside his father on the lounge. "Please may I?" Count D accepted the platter of fruit. "Aoi, go find your uncles and play for a while. Kura-chan and I will take care here." Aoi nodded her head reaching to kiss her grandfather, she scooted to her feet and ran off further in the garden to find her uncles playing with the Kirin foals. Count D summoned a bassinet that he laid the infant in.

"I can manage, Princess Clarisande decided that I could not feed myself, but I am fine." Lord D tried to take the platter from Count D and feed himself only to have Count D hold it aloft. "Nani-"

"If you can reach it, I will give it to you," Count D smirked when his sire slumped back tired from his efforts to sit up.

"Such impertinence, I would never speak to my father so," Lord D huffed. He would have said more, but a peach was put into his mouth.

"No, you've said worse," Count D gasped then looked over his shoulder at Sofu who stood with a smile on his face. Q-Chan chirped on his shoulder her tiny paw on his cheek. The furry form was the only way that she could enjoy the sunlight with any degree of comfort. "You are looking better child." Sofu gave a small smile. "Behave, or I will give your offspring leave to berate you." Q-Chan squeaked and stomped her little webbed foot on Sofu's shoulder.

Count D sat in silence for a while feeding his father fruit until he shook his head. "Desist, I promise I can eat no more." Lord D raised a frail hand and was surprised when Count D took the small hand in his own. "Child?" Lord D forced his eyes open and gasped as he looked at his son.

Count D clutched his father's hand his face pale as his eyes filled but he blinked rapidly refusing to shed the tears that threatened with each heartbeat. "I know, that I am released from the parental constraints," Count D began. "I have more freedom than any Kami in history, but You and grandfather can still feel me when I am in distress so great is the love that you bear me. Do you not think it works both ways?" Count D could not stop the single tear that escaped his careful guarding. "Chi Chi Ue, I felt you dying...And there was nothing I could do about it." Count D sighed his lip trembled but he vowed he would not give in to sobs that would upset his children. "I could hear my brother scream in fear and I could not help him either. Please Chi Chi Ue," Count D kissed his father's hand. "Please take care that you live."

"Gomen... Gomen nasai," Lord D used all of his strength to sit up and take Count D into his arms. Count D stilled afraid to return the embrace for his father was so thin he could easily break him. "I will rest now and recoup my strength. I will get better." Lord D spoke the words with a finality that Count D and Sofu could believe. Q-Chan chirped and left her husband to sleep on the pillow beside her son's head. Count D sighed, leaving his father in the care of Sofu so that he could monitor the children where they played in the Kirin's garden. Sofu sat keeping silent vigil while his precious child slept.

Break

JJ rounded the corner crashing into a solid wall of muscle. "Well, you are looking better." Berkeley commented on the dark circles that had begun to fade from underneath JJ's eyes.

"Oh, Sorry my work has been so poor lately commissioner. My Darling has been gravely ill. We feared for his life." JJ explained hoping the commissioner would accept his reason and leave him be. There was no more that he could safely explain. Even Jeremy, his cousin, was left in the dark about his particular family. Soon though, JJ mused, soon they would have to do something before the world noticed that the special Arcadian CIA officers had all ceased to age. It was especially noticeable in Ryo who it seemed, as time went by, got more beautiful.

"He is ill quite a bit, I do hope it is not contagious. It would be disadvantageous to have my best detectives hospitalized." Berkeley said with a concerned smile he waved at JJ then went back into his office. He would do some investigating of his own. He had read all of Orcot's notes on the Pet Shop as well as those of the late Randolph. What was it about those Chinese men that filled this city with a slight unrest that he knew would be worse if they ever left. They were entrenched and had a hold on his precinct as well with them marrying his detectives or enlisting them for that Arcadian army. Speaking of Arcadia... Where in the hell was it?

Break

Carol tried her best to focus on the glittering jewels of the consulate as she held on to Bikky's hand. They passed the throne room on their way to the suite of rooms where Sofu was waiting for them. Dee looked tired and Ryo looked well rested as if Dee had sat up wanting Ryo and Ryo had slept the night through ignoring him. Bikky could not believe he had been the cause of an argument between the two most important people in his life. He had tried so hard to make them proud. Even going so far as to get extra tutoring so that he would do well in school. Looking after Rain, heck that was no chore really, he adored Rain and Lyo. They were a family. Family? Bikky sighed. Perhaps he would make that family larger.

Bikky always knew that he would give Ryo and Dee grandchildren, he just never expected it to be so soon. The halls seemed to go on forever reminding Bikky of the magic in the pet shop. Bikky gasped when the halls were growing larger, longer, wider. He held in a smile when he realized that they were no longer in Los Angeles. Glancing out a grand window, Arcadia spread out before him in verdant hills and lush foliage. He inhaled the sweet scent of the ocean that was just visible beyond the the trees. "It will be alright, Bikky," Ryo's words came to him seeming from a distance and Bikky noted that he had ceased to follow them.

Ryo inclined his head shocked that Dee nodded his encouragement. Last night he had been so disappointed in Bikky, today, underneath the sun of Arcadia, he seemed mellow. The sky in LA had been overcast and raining. Ryo too paused to appreciate the beauty of the sunny sky. "A whole new world,"Dee muttered earning a soft laugh from Bikky.

"At the moment, I am glad that Rain is elsewhere in this place." Bikky smiled wishing the exact opposite. Bikky frowned trying to remember when he had begun to depend on Rain to help him deal with the tougher issues of life. The younger boy was surprisingly tough, yet wise. Beautiful in a feminine way, but strong as a young boy should be. He was almost a perfect replica of Ryo. "The last thing I need right now is for him to break out in song." Bikky mused. He sighed in relief as they came upon the door marked with the symbol of the Kirin. The great beast had gladly allowed the Kami to dwell in their garden while the shop was rebuilt on earth.

Zarro had off course offered the esteemed guests their own suite, but Count D and Lord D had both declined to build their own garden in the palace. Their suite was near enough that Lord D and Count D did not suffer the ill effects of being away from a natural garden as they had both done while in New York. Bikky started when the door was opened and Sofu stood before them in a satin creation of deep green with white gardenia sewn along the hem and cuffs. At his throat was petals of what appeared to be a still living bloom. Its fragrance clouded Bikky's mind as he stared at the beautiful creature before him.

"Enough dawdling, I do not have all day," Sofu intoned ushering them all inside. Carol sat in silence while Sofu looked at her his deep golden eyes penetrating her to her very core. "Humans are easy to read, like books with but a few pages written in language any child could comprehend." Sofu smiled his small smirk that infuriated all who saw it. "The only life you bear is your own." Sofu turned away from Carol. "If you will excuse me I must see to my son." Sofu had left them alone each of them stunned into silence.

"He just looked at her," Bikky's voice carried the amazement of his fathers and Carol. "He say's that Lord D is more skilled than he is, but... Lord D would have at least had to touch her."

"No," Bikky yelped at Lady Aurora's words so close to him that he could feel a cold shiver run down his spine where the warm tingle of her breath should have been. She stood in a crimson dress edged in silver and gold making sure to keep to the shadows so that the sun could not find her pale hued skin. "My son would have touched her to be considerate of your frail human sensibilities. Sofu simply does not care, therein he admits that my D has more skill. It takes more than the knowledge of a tune to play a symphony."

"Cryptic must run in the family," Dee muttered when he was sure the ancient vamp had left them alone.

"Um Dee," Ryo said his sigh of relief turning into a worried frown. "If she is not pregnant, why is she late? Pregnant was the simple answer. I fear we need to have Sofu look for something that could be worse."

"Worse, like... Is Carol sick?" Bikky asked for Carol had dissolved into tears.

"I wish I knew," Ryo patted his son's trembling shoulder as they went to find Rain and wait for his rehearsal to be over. For sure things in their life was about to get a lot more complicated.
Powdered Sugre 23

May It Be

(Complicated)

Ryo, Dee, Carol and Bikky walked down the halls of the Arcadian palace in search of the practice room where X' Ta-C was rehearsing. Ryo gasped as they could hear Kenneth singing long before they rounded the corner into the room. "I've got a pocket, got pocket full of sunshine..." He smiled when he saw Bikky and the others enter the room. Dee looked around for Rain then was nearly blown away as he belted from his position beside Daphnus' son.

"Take me away..." Rain nodded his head and tapped his foot to the beat. Ryo and Dee leaned back forgetting their troubles as they watched their little Rain shine like the sun.

"Hey sexy," Ryo tensed at the soft voice that whispered in his ear. He turned to meet the deep eyed stare of Brian. "Have you thought about my offer?"

"Aren't you married to..." Ryo looked around as he tried to remember the name of the young man he had met when last summer's tour had passed through Pittsburgh. "Justin."

"He loves me," Brian said winking at Dee. "He would never deny me a bounce with someone so luscious."

"Man, let it go," Bikky muttered coming to stand beside Ryo before Dee could say anything to Brian. "The last person to try anything with him, burned..." Bikky grinned then patted Carol's hand before letting it go to wrap his arms around Ryo. "Alive." He added when Brian simply stared at him. Brian laughed and turned away noting that as he did, Bikky released Ryo.

"Alright boys," Daphnus said halting the music. "Now, Brian has arranged for us to have a guest for our next album, but... It would be rude to expect him to stay in a hotel for the entire summer, yet I would not want to ask him to live at the consulate." Daphnus words carried an extreme meaning, for at night when the consulate was closed to outsiders, it was simply a front that lead directly to Arcadia, with no oblique halls and mind twists.

"I am actually going to have to go see about his plane arrangements and when he will be here." Brian announced as he packed up his briefcase. " I will let you know when he gets to town and you can tell me where to take him." Brian left the room to the sigh of Ryo glad to see him go. His stares were uncomfortable and he refused to take no for an answer. Ryo would really hate to have to hurt the man to prove his point. Daphnus sighed as Brian left then turned to Ryo and Dee.

"Why are you looking at us like that?" Dee demanded when still Daphnus said nothing. Before Daphnus could answer a commotion at the door drew their attention. Ryo gasped to see Alicia storming into the room.

"Where is he?!" Her eyes scanned the area coming around to rest on Ryo. "Damn you!" Ryo eyes widened and he shook his head. Ryo placed his palms up in a conciliatory manner and backed away as she charged forward her finger poking into his chest. "If I had known... I would have stayed in the sea, or at least chosen to make this child externally...now it's too late and I... Aught to hurt you."

"What!?" Dee shoved Ryo behind him and addressed the enraged dragon.

"Do you know the true gestation period of a dragon?" Alicia asked her eyes lit with a terrifying internal flame. Ryo shook his head. He swallowed and tried to appear calm hoping that it would calm Alicia, though her upset fed his flames and he was beset by a need to protect the mother of his child. Her agitation furthered his need and he had to work to cool his hands knowing that she was upset with him he felt heavy guilt.

"I am sorry, but I do not," Ryo tucked his bottom lip between his teeth and Alicia paused finding him oddly alluring. Just as she was becoming lost in his sweet dark eyes she noted Dee's hand at Ryo's waist. He was not hers, could never be hers. "How long?" Ryo asked cautiously stepping to Alicia who sat with a deflated sigh.

"Your grandmother, Queen Torcha, she, she carried her first for nearly four years." Alicia admitted with a fearful tremor. "Some dragons can carry for... The most internal up to date is six years. Laton said your mother got off lightly because your father was human, and she was living as a human. She only carried you for nine months." Alicia breathed heavily placing her hand on her rounded tummy. "Because you have acknowledged your Dragon ancestry, and are half dragon, I am whole dragon, they are unsure how long I will carry this child. There are some dragons that can nest an egg for two hundred years. Carrying internally does shorten the gestation, but... Maybe three years Ryo... I might be pregnant for three or four years!"

"I am sorry," Ryo said again shaking his head. Honey gold tresses floated about his face in a silken fall. "I did not know, my grandparents insisted they have a child of my blood..."

"Its not your fault," Alicia grumbled rubbing her tummy. "I just mentioned, at my last check up, that I was looking forward to seeing our baby. Then when I said three more months, that's when the doctor told me. It was just such a shock." Alicia would have said more but a strong gust of wind buffeted them both from the enormous windows that covered one side of the large studio. Ryo beheld the majestic sight of his grandparents scales shining in the bright Arcadian sun as they soared over the dark war tower. Coming close to the windows, they both shifted to their human shapes and vaulted through the opening. Torcha landed with a graceful click of her high heeled shoes and Laton stomped to his place beside her. Rain stared open mouthed as Torcha's long, dark hair settled about her waist in the residual wind from their now invisible wings.

"Greetings youngling," Laton said to Ryo while Torcha hurried to Alicia.

"You rushed off so quickly," Torcha placed a slim hand with dangerous long nails painted an iridescent green that gleamed next to Alicia's pale skin. "It must be a shock to you, but you are thinking with a human brain inside of a dragon's body." Torcha's face softened in a gentle expression that Ryo had never thought to see on the ancient beast. "The time is as nothing to us creatures. Time is but the passage of a mortal life to us."

"In the long scheme of your existence the time will seem as nothing," Laton assured Alicia, Ryo and Dee. "Come back to our palace and rest," Laton steered Alicia to the window. "You need time to process everything, but rest assured that it will get easier to accept." Alicia gave a shuddering breath, embraced her friends then jumped from the window with Laton and Torcha. Ryo and Dee stood for a moment watching as the golden scales seemed to highlight the red and green dragon that was soon lost behind the shifting clouds.

Daphnus sighed then called Ryo and Dee over. "I must again command your attention," Daphnus turned a bright smile on Ryo and Dee while Andy and the rest of the group sat down. "You are the most normal family we have. Would you mind?"

"You want to house a stranger with us all summer?" Dee asked refocusing on the their previous subject with a level of concentration that surprised Carol. She had thought that the distraction of the Dragon's would have interrupted his chain of thought. Over the years, she had come to think that the only thing he focused on was getting Ryo in bed. But, she gave a soft laugh, how else would he have become and remained such a good detective? He had to have a sharp mind. "What do you mean normal?"

"Well," Nestoir was quick to move in front of Daphnus before the prince could begin his explanations. "I will tell them so that we can get out of here before dinner time." Nestoir took a moment to laugh at Daphnus frown while Ken worked to suppress a laugh at his father's expense. They had been put through a grueling rehearsal and he was holding his hair off his neck to cool his overheated skin. " Count D and Leon are living at the consulate, or rather on Arcadia. Lord D is newly pregnant and Angel and Collins... Well, no," Nestoir laughed as he thought of Angel and Collins. "Chihaya and Kagetsuya are not even human, and I know they might not walk around their house with their wings out, but their house does not even have a guest room... you see where this is leading?"

"And he can not be in a hotel?" Dee asked when Ryo sighed heavily.

"For an entire season?" Nestoir said. "He will be... fun. I met him a while ago, and..." Carol shuddered watching as Sofu D walked past the open door of the studio. The beautiful Kami leaned against the wall for a moment before he shoved away from the wall his entire body seemed to shake with the effort to remain upright.

"Soofu?" Rain addressed Sofu D with the utmost respect as he went to grasp his arm. "Are you injured?" He asked when Carol came to stand beside them.

"No, child, I am fine," Sofu tried to smile but paused when he felt a strong surge of energy. He shoved away from Rain before he inadvertently drained the young man. "It will better before nightfall. My son is regaining his strength." Sofu gazed at Carol and saw her watching him with tears in her eyes. "What do you want?" He asked seeing the questions on her face. She found it hard to believe that she had just seen him less than an hour ago. He had been so vibrant then now he looked pale, wilted even.

"Um... you can see what is wrong. I mean you knew I am not pregnant, and Ryo said there would be something else wrong... What is it?"

"Child, what is wrong," Sofu heaved a tired sigh and smiled when Andy came to see if he were alright. "The princess can more aid you than I. The human mind and emotions are far beyond my understanding." Sofu walked down the hall with a graceful gait that was slower than anyone had ever seen him use.

"I have never seen him look so..." Rain paused his brow wrinkling. "So old."

"He feeds his strength into Lord D," Andy said then looked at Carol. "Here is my card, call me next week. Be at ease, Sofu would have told you if there was a medical reason to be upset. He is not that careless where humans are concerned." Carol heaved a large sigh of relief then rushed back to Bikky's side. "Before, Lord D continued to regurgitate wasting the effort, now he is receptive and is vastly improved. By weeks end both of them will be up to their old tricks." Andy watched as he went to his own room. "I do not know if that is a good thing." Andy placed her arm around Rain's shoulder again amazed at how small he was underneath the large clothes he wore and lead him back over where Nestoir was still speaking with Ryo and Dee.

"Besides," Nestoir said when Dee sighed as Ryo looked ready to agree with the prince if only to get him to be quiet. A reaction usually caused by Daphnus, Ryo smirked and looked at Nestoir ready to tell him so. "It would be nice if he were with a member of the group."

"Sure, whatever, just stop convincing us." Dee grumbled becoming bored. "Is rehearsal over now? I am getting hungry and Ryo has been marinating our dinner since last night."

"We are all done for the day, you may leave if it is your wish," Daphnus pouted. "Though I thought you might want to join us here for dinner and wait for the singer to show up. But I suppose that I can have a guard bring him to your house later."

"He is coming today?" Ryo asked his eyes wide. "You arranged for him to come into town without even asking us if he could stay first? I know royalty can be a bit high handed, but that is a bit much."

"Do not over extend your energy in a wasteful wrath at us." Daphnus said secretly gloating that he was able to speak despite Nestoir's attempts to keep him from monologuing. "The truth is that we had indeed planned to have our fellow musician in one of the best hotels in town, however someone, for nefarious, monetary gain I am sure, tipped off the press and they have been camped there since last night. If we want to preserve his nerves and insure a productive summer session we thought it would be imperative that we make other arrangements. However, on such short notice we were left with an extreme amount of few options." Dee and Ryo stared at Daphnus in horror when it seemed as if he would go on. Daphnus smiled at them both and continued. "We know that your house, despite Rain living there, is not swamped by raging fanatics on a daily basis. Perhaps because of the fact that you are both detectives is intimidating to the average fan who does not want to be brought up on charges of stalking. Or it could be that he makes himself accessible by attending a public, albeit upscale, school, and lives a normal life just like the rest of the world. Very commendable by the way." Daphnus paused and winked at Rain. " So you see, in the amount of time we had, it was the best option to ask if he would be able to stay with you all. Not to mention that High Prince Nestoir was correct in thinking that it would be best if he were to be in the same living area as a member of our band. Though he is not royalty, or nobility, or even Arcadian... Well, no matter, it is of no consequence what he is, he is not joining the group, merely collaborating with us for a while. It should be vastly amusing." Dee nodded while Ryo waited to see if Daphnus would say more. The prince looked as if he would go on , but received a dark look from Nestoir. With a cheeky grin Daphnus began to study his piano keys

"Good." Ryo got to his feet in a hurry. "You are done. I am sure Alicia left Lyo with the Honlon and we should pick him up and get home. I have dinner to prepare and we still need to take Carol home." Daphnus was still smiling when the family left the consulate.

"You did not tell them that we are leaving did you?" Andy said coming up to sit beside her best friend.

"They know only what they need to know. The first recording session is not for another two weeks, so where we go is of no import." Daphnus answered and began to play a soft tune as the rest of the Arcadian Royale packed up their dance bags and instruments.

Break

Rain was quiet while they drove home after dropping Carol at home. He had been told about the musician and that they hoped he would be able to stay at their house. If they were the most normal family the Arcadian's could boast, things were not looking up for the kingdom. Yeah he had two dad's but that was not the problem. Ryo was a dragon and sometimes things could get hot if he was lost in thought or upset. Bikky was learning to control the flames that had been gifted to him by Laton and Rain was unsure of the wind that Wild Wind had given him. Rain sighed, he could not even be sure that it was Wild Wind that had done it. When he had mentioned it to the Thunderbird, Wild Wind had denied any such gift saying instead that 'the wind was in the hand of the mage and from the mage it has been given.' Who would bother to give him such a powerful gift? Rain shook his head then came to pay attention to his surroundings as they pulled into the garage at their house.

He saw Cujo and Slyph frolicking in the back yard as if they were not a cat and dog, eternal enemies, but then again, they had a more logical understanding of each other both assuming human shapes when the need arose, or the urge took them. Rain paused as he thought that another problem had risen. But no, only those gifted with the sight that was gained either on Arcadia or in the Pet Shop was able to see them. "Rain," Ryo said when the door was opened and they all went inside their home. Ryo looked around glad the place was clean as it seemed they would soon have a guest. "Would you mind refreshing the guest room while I get dinner. Bikky give Cujo and Slyph their dinner, Dee take Lyo please." Ryo gave his instructions and hurried off to the kitchen. Dee sighed watching him go.

Break

Leon entered the suite with a tired sigh. Damn but his cases were getting weirder as each year went by. There had been three more skinned corpses, yet no clues as to who the victims were and who the criminal was. Not to mention all the bodies were left in intricate poses that left no doubt that they they were dealing with a deranged, homicidal maniac. Leon grew quiet when he could not hear any sounds coming from the nursery sure that both of his children were asleep. He hated having to come in so late at night, he missed having dinner with his family. Long hours were just one of the drawbacks of being a homicide detective in LA. Reaching up to undo the band holding his hair back, Count D preferred the blond locks down, Leon rounded the corner of their bedroom and felt a smile steal over his face.

Count D lay on his back in the bed with Jewel curled over at his side. Her little head rested on his tummy in slumber while Kurayami slept blissful on his chest his tiny fist rested above D's heart. "Leon," Count D said without opening his eyes. He smiled as he could feel the heat of Leon's skin when he moved to stand beside the bed. "You smell of the streets. I will put the children in their beds and prepare a bath for you." Count D opened his eyes and Leon felt his breath still, as it always did, upon gazing into the jewel toned orbs that always seemed to be looking only at him. "You had a difficult time at work?" Count D asked easing from underneath Jewel he got to his feet cradling Kurayami. "Wait here, please, I do not want the air of the nursery befouled."

There was no way Leon could find fault with D's words. He had to admit, he did reek. He was surprised that he could even smell it. A few years ago, he would not have noted the astringent odor of stale cigarettes, gun oil, gun powder, dust and grime from the pavement and sweat from his skin and the residual scent of other's sweat that gravitated to him from the air. Not to mention his own BO after becoming aggravated with the case that seemed to be going to the cold case files. But the case was not cold. He had argued with the chief, his veins standing out harshly against his skin. As long as more bodies kept turning up it was a very warm case, hot in fact and Leon had vowed not to stop working it until it was solved. He knew Jill, JJ, Ryo and Dee felt the same. Count D returned after a few moments and took Jewel into his arms. Leon watched as his Count D began a gentle rocking motion while he carried her in to her bed.

Leon headed into the bathing room with it's sunken pool. Leon sat on the low stool near the pool with a great sigh. He closed the valve turning the water on fast and hot. Without having to turn around, Leon knew that Count D was behind him. His skin felt as it came alive. Leon smiled when he smelled the oil, long before he saw it being poured into the water. "Are you trying to make me smell as sweet as you?" Leon said and reached around pulling until D was pressed against him.

"Are you trying to make me smell as bad as you do?" Count D said brushing the hair from Leon face. D looked down into Leon's deep blue eyes, so like Aoi's.

"Yeah, then you will have to get in here with me," Leon nuzzled the front of D's robe. He relaxed when D leaned over him tugging his shirt from his pants. Leon lifted his arms allowing D to pull the garment free and toss it into the hamper that was always right where D needed it to be. Leon grinned thinking of his darling becoming spoiled by his own summoning abilities. Leon felt around the Cheongsam that D wore finding the ties and undoing them. The patterned teal satin and white lace hung about D's slim frame and Leon licked his lips before he leaned over and licked the expanse of D's chest. The silk sheath underneath was no protection against the heat of Leon's tongue. D gasped when Leon latched on to a nipple through the fabric.

"Leon, your bath, you... smell." D forced the words out then moved away from Leon. D shrugged his delicate shoulders and allowed the clothes to fall from him leaving him in just his sheath and calf length underpants. D got to his knees in front of Leon and undid the buttons of his pants. "Stand up please," D whispered feeling the air hard to breath. D pulled the pants and underwear down and Leon lifted his feet to step from them. "The water is waiting." D said more to himself as he was faced with Leon's member that was fast becoming aroused. Leon looked over to see the water shut off when it reached the full level, fragrant steam rising, and stepped into the pool sinking grateful in its depths. The sigh Leon emitted was more than Count D could bear. Dropping his sheath and pants into the hamper D stepped into the pool and shifted at the other end so that he was facing Leon. They soaked in silence for a few moments each comfortable with the other stretching out in total relaxation.

"How was your day," Leon said after a while. He reached for the soap and sponge that appeared at his elbow when D opened his lovely eyes.

"It was well. Sohki came by to visit again, he had a friend with him. We had tea. The young man was quite rude and thought I was a female."

"Hmmm, you are beautiful," Leon said the words as a fact and not in any attempt at complimenting D. All the same, two bright spots of color appeared on D's pale cheeks.

"To come all the way from Japan is a long way to travel to insult one's host. Not to mention he kept asking questions about the consulate. He said it was for a school report on Arcadia and he figured that this was the closest he would ever get. For so young he is very discerning, he saw through the window into the other side of the mirage that Zarro set up. I knew this when he asked about the lake that he could see through the trees. You see the window we were near, with Zarro's assistance, opened up into the street on the other side of the consulate building."

Leon had sat quietly listening to D speak, his deep, cultured tones soothing as he bathed away the grit and grime of his day. "So you think he might actually be the true king of... Dhalasar?" Leon struggled a bit with the name of the far away kingdom.

"His magic is very pure and untrained, it is hard to tell, but I think so," D answered and scooted forward to take the sponge away from Leon. "Lean forward. I will scrub your back." Leon handed over the sponge and braced his elbows on his knees giving D access to his his back. "Did you know that Dhalasar is a part of the hidden league?" Leon raised his brows but said nothing waiting for D to continue. "They have a consulate on the Palace grounds, looks more like a small mansion. They chose to only partially disappear, appearing to lost travelers in the dessert as an oasis that can never be found a second time. To play such games with feeble human minds is a waste of effort, but the previous king thought it was amusing." Leon leaned into the careful scrubbing then sighed when the sponge was dipped into the water and rung out over his back taking the soap with it. D slid around until he was behind Leon with his head pulled back. Leon sighed at the deep massage of D's finders while shampoo was applied to his hair.

"You think humans are feeble minded?" Leon said with a laugh. He could not help but to think back over their long relationship together. Even before they had fallen in love and moved in together. D had shown him many things, taken him extraordinary things and explained so much about the world. Leon had pretended that he was not paying attention to D, his pride rearing its head at the thought of a suspected criminal teaching him anything. But he had had listened and he had learned and now; Leon smiled placing a kiss on D's captured palm, now, he loved.

"Individually, not so much, a few I could even name. As a whole, not an ounce of intelligence to be found. Seeing only what is agreeable to them and with fear and hatred for that which they do not understand and in turn destroying that which they hate. Even each other." Before Leon could reply D lowered his head rinsing the shampoo. As D applied the conditioner to his hair Leon mused that it was a step he often skipped in his daily routine. When the thick liquid was massaged through to his scalp, Leon turned in the tub and took D's sponge and set it aside. Leon filled his hands with the soap and began to rub the callused palms on D's near translucent skin.

"With me around, you'll never need a loofah," Leon mused watching as D's skin turned pink and glistened with the soap and water. D sighed leaning back against the the pools edge allowing Leon free reign with his body. Leon took extra care with the long legs and arms kneading them until D sighed with pleasure. "Rinse," Leon said taking up the sponge again and squeezing excess water over D's body. Leon then slid his hand through the short, silky locks of D's hair. D relaxed as Leon washed and conditioned his hair then rinsed it clean. Leon stood to his feet. D stood as well rubbing a towel briskly through Leon's dripping hair then wrapped it around his waist as Leon was similarly drying him.

"To bed?" D asked releasing the valve and allowing the water to drain from the pool. "You know, about once a month, some of the Kirin donate their bathwater to Queen Victoria for use in her garden."

"Really?" Leon said. He wasted no time stealing D's towel when they entered their bedroom his hands sliding along the warm flesh that was still slightly pink and so soft Leon nearly groaned at the feel of it.

"Um hm," D gasped taking his lower lip between his teeth as Leon pressed his body to his back and pinched both nipples. "Oh.. Leon," D said knowing more coherent words would soon be lost to him.

"Tell me about it later," Leon whispered in D's ear blowing his warm breath over the sensitive shell then licked behind it eliciting a shiver from D's slight form.

"Um... Hai," D melted against Leon's solid body allowing the lanky yet muscular form to enfold him. Leon turned D then lifted him in his arms taking him to their bed. D smiled his most beguiling smile when he felt the cool satin against his skin such a heady contrast to the heat of Leon's body.

"You are so soft," Leon said crawling over D he trapped him with his thighs on either side of D's hips. "I just might devour you," Leon leaned forward dragging his tongue over the expanse of D's chest going to his neck. D wrapped his arms around Leon a willing victim to his ravishment. Leon's senses were swamped with the soft taste of D that was strong and sweet. Leon inhaled and the scent was enough to drive him mad. The more aroused D became the more his scent enveloped Leon. Leon could feel the burgeoning hardness pressing against his own and he smiled still pressing his mouth to the delicate skin of his Kami lover. Reaching down, Leon wrapped his fingers around them both and stroked already feeling the leaking moisture from both lubricate his hand making it glide easier. "Taste so good, my baby, always taste so good." Leon released his hand enjoying the whimper from D as he scooted back.

D arched his back offering his chest to Leon he placed slow, sucking, kisses along his torso and collarbone. Licking the small pectorals as his fingers tortured the nipples until they turned bright red in the dim light from the moon that glowed through the window as the curtains were tossed about by the gentle, sweet-smelling breeze. "Mm... Ah," D cried out the feeling of Leon's tongue on his sensitive nipple sending ripples of pleasure throughout his entire body. "Oh, Leon."

"Come for me," Leon said then slide further down D's body until he was pressing his face into the now swelled evidence of D's desire. Leon rubbed his face into the apex of D's smooth thighs inhaling the scent of wild cherry blossoms in bloom. It inflamed him knowing that there was no perfume or artificial scent added. It was all natural, all D. Even the oil from the bath could not mask the smell of D. D moved his body facing Leon's need he opened his mouth engulfing Leon with one long swallow. D moved his hips forward when Leon returned the favor. D tried to go slow, to tease Leon but he wanted to devour him even as he was consumed. Leon moved his mouth aside to stroke D with one hand while the fingers of the other hand entered his own mouth. Looking down, Count D pushed Leon onto his back and straddled his face. D shifted , placing his member directly into Leon's mouth, bobbing his head he worked Leon until he had the man panting and shifting his hips. D cried out at the feel of Leon's fingers probing his entrance while he sucked and licked D.

"Le...Leon," D panted his own hips unable to be still when the two fingers Leon had pushed inside began an in and out motion that mimicked what he knew was soon to come.

"Come for me," Leon crooned sucking deep. Leon found the tender point inside of D and pressed in. "Come," Leon said again the warm air of his mouth brushing over the succulent flesh. D could feel his body quiver and surrender to the soft demand. Leon smiled and drank every drop of the heavy cream that was sweet and dangerously addictive. Leon sucked long after he had taken the last drop then lay D on the bed on his stomach. "Keep your head down and raise your hips." Leon pulled pillows under D supporting him and keeping his love in place. "Spread your legs," Leon smiled when D complied and could not resist leaning forward and licking between the globes. D gasped his voice coming out in a low whine when Leon decided to visit his posterior with his mouth for a while; tonguing him with long slow licks. Spreading the round cheeks further Leon continued his tongue bath and probed inside with the soft digit in his mouth.

"Please, Leon, oh please...Mmmm... Onigaishimasu," D circled his bottom around hoping to entice Leon to take him.

"Don't worry baby," Leon whispered against the skin of D's behind. The warm air caused D to shudder and toss the summoned jar of lubrication to Leon. Leon laughed softly and spread the warm gel on his member and used his hand to push it inside of D who trembled at the light touch. "Spread 'em," Leon said rubbing himself between the soft mounds of D's bottom. D inhaled and cried out for joy when Leon pressed inside past the tight ring of muscles into the depths of D's body. Leon could not hold back after being encased in so much tight heat. He began to move inside of D pulling him back to meet the thrusts. D panted as his body wept sucking Leon in deep with a need that never failed to amaze him.

"Leon," D whimpered when his body clenched around Leon the more he thrust, the more he needed him. "Hai, sugoi," D closed his eyes when it seemed as if all the colors of the rainbow danced in front of them.

"Tell me," Leon said leaning over the slim back. Leon trailed kisses over the shoulders as his fingers massaged the base of D's spine as his hips sped up.

"Kimochi," D whined his fingers clenched in the sheets now crumpled in his fist.

"Feels good huh," Leon punctuated each word with a hard thrust into D.

"Hai... yes, Leon," D cried out writhing underneath Leon's heaving body. Leon pulled free of D's body and turned him until he lay on his back. D braced his feet on the bed raising his hips to meet Leon's thrust. The bed bounced under the combined weight as Leon pressed D so far into the mattress that it groaned in protest. "Ah..." D panted his eyes closing in bliss as his arms crept around Leon's neck holding him close.

"I love you," Leon whispered into D's ear. His body pushed into D with an insistant need to claim the smaller male underneath him.

"Hai... Wakatta, Aishiteru," Count D panted his brain fogged by the deep pleasure of Leon's body. "Eien ni." Leon sat up pulling D so that he was sitting in his lap. D braced his hands on Leon's shoulders and shifted his hips pressing Leon hard into his pleasure spot. D gasped his entire being centered on the pulsing, throbbing member so deep within him. "Leon...Mmmm." D threw his head back wailing as his body gave up all semblance of control. Leon latched on to D's neck sucking and nibbling knowing he was leaving a bruise but not caring.

"Gone... Baby, I'm gone," Leon panted as he could feel his balls tighten creaming D's insides. D convulsed around him as his body gave in to the demands of Leon's body. Leon gasped falling over keeping D in his embrace. Leon sighed dragging his hand trough the evidence of D's release then licking his hand clean shuddering at the delicious taste of D. Leon pressed a kiss to D's temple feeling exhaustion creep over his body.

"Detective..." D muttered with his lips pressed against Leon's chest.

"Hmm," Leon said a wide yawn elongating his mouth. "Damn baby, you are so wonderful."

D chuckled closing his eyes. "We need another bath." Leon laughed as well sinking into a happiness so profound he feared drowning in it.

Break

This was madness, Brian thought as he held up the sign with the name of the celebrity he was to pick up. The airport was swarmed with paparazzi, fans and curious onlookers all shoving against him getting his expensive suit wrinkled. He had called Ryo and Dee last night to let them know that the the plane was not arriving until today. Brian had wanted to have dinner. Of all the things he could be doing in Los Angeles, Brian wanted to eat Ryo's food. Brian frowned when the door of the plane swung wide and a figure in baggy white pants and a large white top emerged. He waved a hand and was rushed forward by his body guards while signing autographs and accepting the many plush filled animals and dolls that were shoved into his hands. Toys of all kinds were hastily accepted as kisses were blown. Brian sighed, this was going to be hell he thought when the long, braided and beaded hair with clips and a small brimmed hat came nearer to him and he could see the gorgeous face made up with bright eye-liner, shadow, mascara and lip stick.

"That was a man?" Brian asked himself as he felt bowled over by the smile. Something about him reminded Brian of the Count D family that he had briefly come to know in the Pet shop and yet he seemed more solid, more real than any of the Asian's ever were. This guy, while beautiful, was human. Brian frowned at the odd thought, of course the Asian men were human too but... Shaking his head some more Brian put on his best, 'charm them', smile and lead him to his rental car. In a little less than half an hour, he would not be Brian's problem.

Powdered Sugre 24

Fun Times Ahead

The waves crashed over the shores wetting the small toes that curled with glee. Long black hair fell about the slim frame as the sun poured down. Chihaya turned his wide purple eyes as he could hear Kagetsuya calling him in for breakfast. Getting to his feet and dusting of his bottom Chihaya ran barefoot along the sand and inside their home. "Kage-Kun!" Chihaya called as he entered the kitchen where they usually had breakfast in front of the large picture window that faced the beach. "I heard it from Sofu today. The shop is rebuilt. As soon as Lord D is better and Sofu regains his strength from working on Lord D, he is going to go redress the shop."

Kagetsuya listened with great interest to his little lover even though he had already heard all this from Sofu as well. It was these moments, the quiet mornings and sultry evenings. Long conversations and comfortable silence. The sound of Chihaya's laugh and the soft touch of his hand. Kagestuya could not find a regret for giving up their home on Eden. Sure the gardens were exemplary, but then again so was the Queen's garden on Arcadia, and the gardens in the shop were top of the line. The air of Eden could boast a fresh sweetness unparalleled to anything on the earth, again Chihaya and Kagetsuya could easily find better on Arcadia and in the pet shop. But having others of their species near them, Kagetsuya sighed as he placed the large pile of waffles in front Chihaya, he did not really need any one other than his lover. They were fine. Chihaya paused in his cheerful chatter to wonder at Kagetsuya's odd staring and received a kiss before he could form a question. "let's just stay in today."

"In?" Chihaya asked looking with longing at the stretch of secluded beach behind their house.

"I mean, just the two of us," Kagetsuya sat across from Chihaya with a smile. "We can stay in, or go to the beach, swim and walk. Just the two of us."

"Sounds great, I love being with you." Chihaya said then poured syrup on his waffles. "I love you."

"You know I love you as well." Kagetsuya said softly and vowed to enjoy this time with his positive lover.

Break

He loved Saturdays, especially Saturdays when they did not have to work. Dee rolled over and gasped then sighed. Ryo's side of the bed was painfully empty. "Ryo," Dee grumbled fighting free of the tangled sheets. Finding the bathroom empty, but the wet towel hanging from the rack evidence of Ryo's shower. Last night Ryo had been tense his nerves on edge due to the stranger that would be coming to their house. Daphnus had neglected to even tell them his name. Dee had tried to cajole Ryo into making love, right when he thought he was making progress, Brian called to tell them that he would be coming in the morning. Ryo had wrapped his arms around Dee signaling that he wanted to sleep. Dee sighed, holding Ryo through the night was a joy all on its on. Ryo was so firm, yet soft. Gentle and strong, his Ryo. Dee smiled and adjusted his sweat pants. Just the thought of Ryo drove him crazy. Dee headed downstairs his stomach alerting him to the joyful smells coming from the kitchen.

Ryo stood, his bare feet showing under the long hem of his pants. "Dee, could you get the peppers out of the fridge and chop them?" Ryo said without turning from the bowl of eggs he was stirring.

"How do you always know when its me?" Dee said coming behind Ryo he wrapped an arm around him and placed a kiss on his neck. Ryo turned around and kissed Dee's lips.

"You are the only one that looks at me with such heat." Ryo said shoving Dee away with a playful swat to his posterior. "I would feel you in a sea of people."

"Brain sends some hot looks your way," Dee grumbled as he pulled the peppers from the crisper and grabbed the onions for good measure. Peering over Ryo's shoulder he saw that Ryo had already fried and minced bacon and sausages. A pan of breakfast potatoes sat cubed in a pan and ready to go.

"But I don't feel him, not like this. I feel like my blood comes alive and sings to me." Ryo turned red then went back to his cooking. Dee would have said more, but they both heard the doorbell and sighed.

"I'll get it," Bikky called as he bounded down the stairs leaving Rain brushing his hair. Bikky put his best scowl on to greet Brian Kinney. "Hellooo..." Bikky's words trailed off when he aught sight of the bright figure beside him.

"Hey kid," Brian greeted waving he enjoyed watching as Bikky took in the man beside him. "Are you going to stand there gawking or let us in? I smell something alarmingly wonderful."

"You are supposed to be dropping him off, not eating." Bikky stepped aside then smiled at the stranger. "Hi, I'm Bikky, Rain is upstairs and Ryo and Dee are in the kitchen."

"Hi, I am Boy George, you can call me Boy or George." Boy George smiled and Bikky blinked several times at the shiny lips that lifted and clear blue eyes with a sheen of silver. He looked, but could see no outline that would denote contacts. Bikky stepped aside still staring as the two entered his home. Bikky felt tugging at his pant leg and looked down at Lyo. "So cute..." Boy reached out a hand to Lyo and jumped back as the little boy let out an ear splitting scream.

"He doesn't do strangers," Bikky explained kneeling down in much the same way that Ryo used to do to him until he was eye level with his youngest brother. "Its okay," Bikky said knowing that Ryo had entered the room at the first sound of Lyo's upset. "He just got a little spooked."

"Oh," Ryo breathed a sigh of relief then looked up from his sons to see the men standing in his hallway. "Good morning Brian and... You... Are?" Ryo tried not to stare but he could not help but take in the person.

"Said his name's Boy George," Bikky said with a grin. "With his looks I can see why. Maybe we should call him Boy Rain." Bikky said indicating Rain where he stood at the bottom of the stairs.

"What?" Rain looked over then his mouth dropped. "Hi," Rain blinked several times in order to take in the bright makeup and baggy white outfit.

"Ryo, the potatoes are done and I finished chopping the... Whoa," Dee emerged from the dinning room where he had passed through from the kitchen. He looked at Boy George his eyes wide. "Musician's here, and you," Dee turned a frown on Brian.

"Well, Boy George," Ryo covered his momentary lack of decorum with a smile that was quite stunning. Brian caught his breath staring at him. "This is my partner Dee, why don't you come on in. Both of you," Ryo amended to the audible groans of Bikky and Dee. "Stop it... Both of you," Ryo said taking Boy George's arm in a gentle hold. "Have some breakfast and afterward I will give you the tour. Dee and I do not have to work today, so we are just going to relax and give you some time to settle in."

"Thank you, it is nice to meet you all. Amazing how the fans and paparazzi that were trailing the car fell away the closer we got to your home and now they have all gone." BG laughed allowing Ryo to take him into the kitchen. "Oh, my bags." BG looked back to see Bikky shut the door while giving Brian a final warning glare. "They do not like your ad exec."

"It's not that they don't like him," Rain said when Ryo blushed and went back to the large bowl of eggs that he had previously whisked. "They don't like him trying to sleep with Ryo."

"Oh, you two are monogamous?" Boy George asked peeking over Ryo's shoulder to see what he was making.

"Oh, yes," Ryo was quick to say. "There is a bathroom there that you can freshen up." Boy George turned his eyes to look at Dee, sighed and entered the bathroom. "Wow!" Ryo said getting the fresh made orange juice as well as Rain's tea from the fridge.

"He's gorgeous," Bikky whispered. "Though I don't see why he wears make-up, he looks like he would be pretty without it."

"Here I am wishing I weren't so pretty, and he's making himself up more." Rain muttered. He moved his hair aside and took several bowls down from the cabinet proud that he no longer needed the stool.

Ryo turned a smile to Rain. "Everyone has reasons for the things that they do or wear. We may never know the scars a person hides."

"You mean like he might have a scar on his face?" Rain asked.

"Or his heart," Ryo said placing his hands on Rain's hips pushing in the large fabric until he could emphasize the small stature of Rain underneath the voluminous clothes. Rain nodded stepping away and fluffing his clothes before Brian could enter the kitchen and see the shape of his body. Rain looked up when the bathroom door opened. "I hope you are hungry."

"You did not have to do all this for me," BG answered. "I am hoping to rest here, not put you out to..." BG halted at the soft chuckle, he turned to see Dee behind him. His eyes widened as he looked up at the tall, handsome man with deep green eyes and stylishly unkempt raven locks.

"Don't worry, No matter how early he has to get up, Ryo makes us breakfast." Dee said ignoring Brian he took a bowl and filled it with the egg mixture that Ryo had in his larger bowl. "But because you are first, here."

"Raw eggs," BG looked into the bowl the yellow liquid inside feeling apprehensive about the breakfast.

"Line forms here," Bikky said showing him the separate bowls of onions, peppers, bacon, sausages, mushrooms and cheese. "Build an omelet and Ryo will cook it up for you."

"Brilliant," Brian chimed in snagging a bowl before Bikky could get one. "Guests first."

"Invited guests, first." Dee scooped a few sausages into a smaller bowl with onions and cheese then handed it to Ryo who shaped the omelet into the form of a bear. "One day you have to tell me how you do that." Dee looked over his shoulder as it fried in the vegetable oil.

"You mean there is something about him you don't know?" Rain offered a false gasp placing both hands on his cheeks as he stared wide eyed at Dee. Bikky took a plate and placed some potatoes on it then filled a cup of orange juice just as Ryo took the omelet out of the pan and placed it on the plate for Lyo. BG then offered his bowl with simple mushrooms and cheese with onions. "Do you eat meat?" Rain asked as he made up his own super-sized omelet loaded with bacon and sausages, peppers, onions mushrooms and cheese.

"I do, but I eat light in the mornings." BG said accepting a small portion of potatoes from Ryo while the omelet cooked.

"He looks confused because of the concept of eating light." Bikky said when Rain said nothing. "I think he can pack away twice his weight at one feeding."

"Not hard to do," Dee grinned opening the back door for Slyphe and Cujo who had finished their morning ablutions.

"Oh my gosh!" BG exclaimed moving to stand behind Ryo. As he took the omelet from the hot pan and served on the plate with the potatoes, Ryo used his free hand to gather BG and move him from the hot stove. "Wow, you're strong." He sighed looking up at Ryo.

"They won't hurt you," Ryo sat BG back on his feet. "You don't weigh much." Ryo blushed having to focus on the food so as not to burn the plate in his hand in his embarrassment. "Let them sniff you so that you will be welcome in this house. If we are not here and you try to enter, I can not guarantee your safety."

"You might get eaten." Bikky was only half joking but laughed at the look of utter terror on Boy George's face.

"You know a hotel does not sound all that bad," BG stammered backing away bumping into Ryo again who did not slosh Bikky's omelet in the pain. Brian frowned watching as he absorbed the shock of the slighter frame without moving.

"Sip, Cujo, be good," Lyo admonished his brothers' pets. The massive cat and dog ceased their circling of the stranger in their midst to look at the small boy.

"Sniff only," Rain said tapping the lynx' nose while Cujo was similarly instructed by Bikky. "Hold out your hand," Rain took Boy George's wrist pushing the slim arm out. "Don't faint, Slyphe might think it an invitation to sleep on you." Rain joked when it seemed as if BG would do just that.

"Sleep on me?" BG asked when the massive cat licked her lips then sniffed his hand. She turned a look to Cujo before stepping aside and allowing the large dog to do the same.

"Yeah," Rain offered BG a chair just as Ryo finished the last omelet and joined them. "We are about the same size, whenever I lay down, she thinks its bed time and uses me as her pillow."

"And you haven't suffocated?" BG asked relaxing when Bikky laughed Rain just shook his head when Slyphe took human form and frowned. -I am not that fluffy and never even close to being fat.-She huffed and stalked off. To Brian and BG she appeared to have all of her fur standing on end. "Did it seem as if she understood me to anyone else?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Ryo said smirking into his green tea. "Today, like I said," Ryo hurried to say before he could questioned further about the angry cat. "We will relax, tomorrow we have to go out and shop for Lyo's party which is next Saturday afternoon, and then Friday and Saturday night is the spring musical."

"And Sunday afternoon, a matinée," Rain chimed in. smiling he refilled his plate with potatoes.

"Right, drink your tea," Ryo said when the boy also dumped the unused cooked sausages onto his plate while Bikky took the bacon. Only sparing two extra pieces for Dee.

"I'm a growing boy," Bikky grinned dancing away from Dee's outstretched fork as he tried to lift some of the meat from the boys plate. "Oh, um...Boy?" Bikky said weirded out by the strange name. "Whatever you do, never drink Rain's tea. Ever." BG stared at Bikky.

"Not unless you have digestion problems, then you are welcome to it." Rain piped up with a wide grin as he drained his cup.

"Never offer anyone your prescription kid," Brian said having been warned about the tea before. "Unless you fancy being a street pharmacist, I suggest recommending him to a doctor for those kind of problems."

"Drug trafficking is not practiced in this house thank you." Ryo said going back to his listing of their itinerary. "Dee, Wednesday your mother arrives at the airport from her book tour, she has three weeks before she goes off on another one." Dee nodded having forgotten his agreement to pick her up. "And the contractor told Sofu that sometimes in the next two weeks the shop will be finished so we will more than likely be helping everyone back into the pet shop."

"With Randolph dead, who do you think they will assign to the weird cases?" Dee wondered aloud. "The commissioner is not currently aggravated with anyone at the moment." Dee mused finishing his plate and rinsing it before he began to do the other dishes and load them into the dishwasher. "But then again, Jeremy keeps him so well sexed it is hard to aggravate him at all anymore."

"Dee!" Ryo said getting to his feet his face red.

"Wish I could say the same," Dee muttered frowning at the reminder that he and Ryo had gotten a good night's sleep last night and the last two nights before that.

"Dee!" Dee laughed at Ryo's outraged look as well as his flushed face. Ryo realized Dee was teasing him and threw a wet towel at him. "Meet me in the basement with the boys when you are done."

"Ooh, he's going to pummel me," Dee growled at Ryo as Brian excused himself.

"X-Ta-C is not rehearsing again for some time, apparently you are supposed to recuperate." Brian told BG. "Mind if I ask what you are recuperating from?"

"I do," BG said getting to his feet. Curious he said his goodbyes to Brian as his bags were brought in by Dee then followed him downstairs. BG found Lyo sitting on a mat with Cujo and Slyphe his coloring book and crayons in use while Ryo, Rain and Bikky stretched. Dee joined them loosening up before Ryo attacked him. Bikky pounced on Rain surprising BG as the much smaller young man held his own tossing Bikky aside. Lyo sat his crayons aside and watched intently as his fathers and older siblings switched up with Bikky attacking Ryo and Dee facing Rain.

"With a much larger opponent, what do you do?" Ryo called over while holding Bikky to the mat.

"I hope you are not talking to me," Bikky grimaced using a leg to free himself he pushed Ryo onto his back and climbed over him. "We are the same height" Bikky pointed out holding one of Ryo's arms down with both of his.

"Do not try to match his strength but use it to your advantage." Rain ducked under the swing of Dee's arm and brought his foot up in time to connect with his midsection. "With a real enemy, I would go for the crotch." Rain tried to laugh but it came out in a huff as Dee attacked Bikky and Ryo tossed him to the ground.

"Someone on top of you," Ryo said effectively holding the boy. In a move a gymnast would envy, Rain brought his knee to Ryo's chin. With very little effort he could have dislocated his jaw while simultaneously twisting his thin wrist free and knocking Ryo off. Rain got to his feet and resumed a fighting stance. "Good," Ryo got to his feet as well clasping his hands to signal the brief workout was over. "Who's up for a swim?" Ryo said as they all began the climb from the basement. "The pool looks so wonderful today." Bikky and Rain both grinned before running to their rooms for their swim suits. Rain always wore large shorts with an equally large shirt and never swam with anyone he did not trust. Thinking about Boy George he was about to decline.

"I am a little sleepy, mind if I nap instead?" BG asked smiling as he saw the backyard that was like an oasis after a long trek through a city. "Of course I will eventually have to come explore out here at some other time."

"Yes of course, I did promise you a tour, come along." Ryo said and walked him through the house ending with the guest room. "Make yourself at home here. You will find this house peaceful at best, chaotic, but safe."

"Thank you," Boy George murmured shutting the door. He was careful to make sure it was shut before he took off his makeup and hat. Looking in a mirror he winced then lay down on the bed with a sigh he was soon fast asleep.

Break

Deep purple eyes opened slowly, taking in their surroundings as consciousness was regained. Lord D blinked several times focusing on the pale, slim form of his father before him. "ChiChiUe," Lord D said smiling. "I had the most remarkable dream."

"Did you?" Sofu asked helping him to sit up. "Eat, you need to regain your strength." Lord D looked at the plate his father offered. He stared at the heap of vegetables and fruit that threatened to spill in a less steady hand than the one holding it.

"Yes, it was before..." Lord D grimaced not wanting to recall the horrific event that had scarred his heart and soured his disposition to all human beings for centuries. "Before our King left," Lord D whispered his voice catching at the mentioning. "He was making a chair, but he had such a smile on his face, such joy at something so simple."

"He's always been good with His hands," Sofu mused nodding. He undid the plait in Lord's hair that he had braided when his son had first drifted off to sleep. Lord D picked up a white peach and began to nibble it while his father brushed his hair free of the ripples the braid had left behind.

"Looking at Him smile, I felt so much peace." Lord D smiled himself and placed a hand to his abdomen. "He will be a singer I think. I heard him the entire time I was sleeping."

"Really," Sofu said having heard his newest grandson as well. Silently he said thanks to his great friend for aiding his son when his own strength had just about given out. "JJ will be pleased to see you so well."

"Domo Arigato gozaimasu ChiChiUe." Lord D bowed to his father. Sofu smiled and patted Lord D's hand before he began to feed him the fresh made salad.

Break

JJ pressed his back to the wall as he listened for any sound that would alert him to the whereabouts of his attacker. Agent Miaka was pinned down as well. When either one of them moved a barrage of bullets kept them in place. "Are you hit?"

JJ heard the words in his head and answered negative in the same manner. "Are you?" He asked. JJ began to worry when she did not answer right away. It had been a simple information retrieval mission that they were on. The dealers were not supposed to be around. They had stumbled upon the flesh peddlers in the midst of handing over several young women as well as men all bound and blindfolded. The helicoptor had taken to flight just as the bullets had begun to fly in their direction, now they were seperated and Jj was beginning to fear the worst.

"I'll be fine, it's shallow," Miaka said her ears beginning to point skyward as more blood fell from her wounded arm. She was fast losing control of her human appearance. "Do you think you can cover me while I come to you?"

"Tricky, the bullets are from two different directions, I could cover one side while the other gets you." JJ thought to her finding it not at all to be communicating in such a way.

"Not if I cover the other side," Miaka answered.

"Can you? You are wounded," JJ argued thinking it would be best if he tried to get to her.

"I can still shoot," Miaka added a grumble to her mental voice which was a musical sounding as her actual voice. "Get ready, here I come." JJ had but moments to stand and aim for the area where the bullets were flying from the left and fire. Just he feared Miaka hesitated a moment and a bullet whizzed past his ear before she was able to get her arm up and return the fire. Miaka crashed into him and they both fell to the ground wincing at the impact.

"I called for back-up," JJ showed her his blinking cell phone. "Now we just have to hold our position and wait."

"Wait," Miaka frowned wishing she could open a door to Arcadia and take them both to safety, but with so many humans nearby she would be putting the hidden realm in danger even if they were criminals. They were well and truly stuck. "Let's hope they get here in time." Miaka said leaning her head against JJ as he pulled his tie free and bound her arm.

Powdered Sugre 25

Glorious

It was warm, and heavy, soft and yet the muscles he could feel were firm. Boy G opened his eyes to see what was laying on his stomach. He was met with two large green eyes with yellow centers. "Ah..." He gasped as the tufted ears perked. Knowing the instant he was awake Slyphe rolled onto her back and purred a loud rumble. "H...help," Boy G called out hoping that the family was all done with their swimming and could rescue. As he wiggled trying to dislodge his guest he wondered how it had gotten in. He had shut the door, he knew that the door did not have a lock, but unless it had opposable thumbs, there was no way it could open the door. Maybe the boy, Rain had let it in. "Oh, please get up."

-'You need me.'- Slyphe meowed and licked his hand when he pressed it against her muzzle as if to push her away.

Boy G jumped with relief when there was a knock at his door. "Sorry to bother you," Rain said poking his head in. "But have you seen... Slyphe!" Rain called with exasperation. "Get off him," Rain walked in his wet hair dripping onto the thickly carpeted floor. His pants, though rolled at the cuffs, bagged and only his toes peeked out underneath the hems. A tank top and t-shirt fell to his knees as he patted his legs calling the cat with air kisses. "Come here Slyphe, get off of him," Rain sent an apologetic look at Boy G and gasped as he saw his face without the heavy make-up. "Oh, that's why."

"What?" Boy G said turning away from Rain.

"She won't leave if someone is hurt." Rain explained coming over to tug at the cat's collar. "She is comforting you. You have to be calm and she will go. If you are upset she will stay."

"But she is what is upsetting me," Boy G said staring wide eyed at the cat that was almost as large as he was. "Get it off me."

"Just calm down, she won't hurt you," Ryo said when he poked his head into the room to see what was keeping Rain. "Breath slow and your heart rate will go down. When she feels that you are calm, Slyphe will go." Boy G took several deep breaths.

-' I came in here to pounce him because he called me fat,'- Slyphe said over her shoulder as she purred and rubbed her face against Boy G's chest. -'But look at him, small, same as my boy and something hurt him. Hit hard.-

"Someone," Rain corrected without thinking. "And I know, but he's okay now," Rain shifted to Cheyenne when he realized that Boy G was giving him an odd look. -'No,'- Slyphe shook her furry head. -'Some thing.'-

"Its beautiful," Boy G said staring at Rain who was still puzzling over Slyphe's last words. "What language is that?"

"Cheyenne," Rain answered smiling when Boy G relaxed and Slyphe jumped into him. Stumbling from her weight. Rain shifted until he could regain his footing and went around behind the cat. Slyphe held still while Rain placed his arms under her front paws and stood with her in his arms.

"He carries that thing?" Boy G asked trying to smile through his embarrassment at Ryo seeing his face and looking at him with compassion.

-'I heard that.'- Slyphe grumbled as Rain huffed with her out of the room.

"They're best friends," Ryo moved to sit on the bed. "You slept through lunch, understandable, jet lag is terrible." Ryo gave a soft laugh. I can bring you something up if you like, I will be making dinner in a bit." Boy G declined the late repast and breathed deeply. He sighed when Ryo got up and went for the door, maybe he would not say anything. Boy G wondered still sitting on the bed clutching the blanket. "I also have some chilled witch hazel, with my boys bruises are common. I'll bring it up." Boy G gasped and looked up in time to see the door shutting softly behind the strangely beautiful man and his quiet footsteps down the hall. Boy G got out of bed and padded barefoot to the mirror to see the dark bruise on his eye and cheek.

"I didn't start the make-up just to hide this," Boy G said when he could see Ryo behind him in the mirror. The door had opened so silently that it was the only way he knew Ryo had returned.

"I know, I've seen some of your videos. You have a great voice, no wonder the Arcadian's want to work with you." Ryo folded the clean towel and wet it with the clear solution in his hand. "This is supreme stuff, our family doctor makes it for us, cause my boys are trained by his son. I work out with him too sometimes. Count D is a hard task master, but he teaches us very well. He leaves bruises sometimes. Do you practice martial arts? Or play sports? Bikky brings in his own brand of punishment often enough."

"I do not do...ouch," Boy G winced when Ryo placed the towel to his face while standing behind him marveling at their height difference. The only men he could claim height over were the D family. He was equal with JJ and everyone else topped him."Martial arts or sports."

"I know, you have a decided lack of muscle," Ryo chuckled then moved around until he was facing Boy G. "Your lover?"

"I do not belong to anyone," Boy G stated with a sassy smirk despite the painful discoloration. "In case you are interested, I'll do you both, together or separate. Your choice."

"No thank you," Ryo said not in the least offended by the man in front of him. "I do belong to Dee," Ryo left the chilled bottle of witch hazel with Boy G as he went to the door. "And he belongs to me." Ryo went downstairs to the family room to see Bikky and Rain playing video games while Lyo colored in his books. Dee sat on the sofa with his lap top.

"Baby, we need to talk," Dee said setting his machine aside.

"I know," Ryo inclined his head to the kitchen and Dee made haste to join him.

"I was uh..." Dee said as Ryo put a pot on the stove and fire leaped to life in greeting as he heated the water for his tea. "I was doing a little research on our house guest and he has a few proclivities that Daphnus and Nestoir sure forgot to mention. I will bet Brian is laughing his ass off all the way back to Pittsburgh. Not only is he bisexual, he's remarkably easy."

"Yeah, he propositioned me, you... us," Ryo said and went to his cabinet to select a tea.

"Rain said he got hit," Dee muttered folding his arms he leaned against the counter and looked at Ryo. "Jealous lover maybe?"

"He said he does not belong to anyone, but maybe someone wants him too." Ryo mused as he found his favorite mug with a picture that Bikky had painted on it of him and Dee kissing. The boys level of intricate detail never ceased to amaze him. It had been a wedding gift from Bikky and he treasured it.

-'Not someone, smells bad, not human,'- Slyphe said as she entered the kitchen and shifted to a human form. Her tawny ponytail hung over her shoulder and brushed her knees while her still visible tail swished against the clean floor.

"He's not Arcadian, what would attack him?" Dee asked the cat.

-'It ain't that unusual for a demon creature to fancy a human and take one as a lover, willing or not,'- Cujo said standing beside Slyphe his leather jacket shining in waning sunlight. Ryo fixed his tea and left it to steep while he took out the fresh rainbow trout that he was making for dinner and sighed at Cujo's words. -' Don't you start lecturing me on deportment and proper language, Count D already tried.'-

"And if you won't listen to him, who will you listen to?" Dee groused shocked to see the young man shrink back into a dog just as Slyphe returned to a lynx. He looked up to see Boy G standing in the kitchen holding the bottle of witch hazel his make-up in place once again. "Ryo was just making tea," Dee offered looking at the many colored beads that hung from the braids interwoven through Boy G's long hair.

"Do you have something soothing?" Boy G asked sitting in the chair at the table that Dee offered him. He smiled when he saw that Dee was quick to move away. Ryo must have said something about his offer. "I don't bite... hard," Boy G laughed. He saw the frown on Dee's face as he accepted his tea from Ryo and offered a wink to the dark eyed beauty. Before they could say anymore Bikky came into the kitchen holding Dee's cell.

"Its Leon, trouble," Bikky tossed the small device to Dee.

"Yeah, what's going on?" Dee said and Boy G was amazed at the tone of his voice and Ryo sitting his tea aside to come next to him. "Gotcha," Dee hung and turned pressing his lips to Ryo's. "You stay with the boys and finish dinner, I'm going in."

"Dee," Ryo said hooking his thumbs through Dee's belt loops not letting him slip away..

"Agents Miaka and JJ are pinned down, they called for back-up. Jill and Leon are on the way, we may have pull rank on the criminals to get them out."

"Come back home," Ryo said kissing Dee before he let him go.

"I want that chocolate pudding pie for dessert with fresh made whipped cream." Dee said as he bounded upstairs to retrieve his weapons.

"You sound like Count D," Bikky said watching as Ryo went to work on their meal. He saw the slight tremble in Ryo's hands and went to place a hand on his back. "He'll come home, you know he will."

"Yeah, I just don't like anyone but me watching his back," Ryo said grinding the cilantro and reaching for the lemon juice.

"Can I borrow this?" Dee entered the kitchen with a shiny black gun. Ryo nodded with a smile on his face as Dee kissed him again and dashed out the back door. He paused to listen as the small sports car peeled out of the garage and sped off down the road.

"I should have gone with him," Ryo said after he had been in the kitchen with Boy G for a while and had done nothing in preparation for the dinner.

"You are fretting, I heard that you are both among the best," Boy G got to his feet sipping the tea. "Why don't you have some of this," Boy G held his cup up to Ryo's lips and laughed when he turned his face away. "You are so cute," Boy G said turning away. He began to hum and bounce around the kitchen. "Time, won't give me time, and time makes lovers feel, like they got something real, and you and me you know we've got nothing but... time," Boy G continued his song as he went back to the table.

"I am going to tell you now, so that you will not waste your energy, neither myself nor Dee will sleep with you," Ryo went to the sink and rinsed the fish. "I hope you like trout."

"You can only speak for yourself, are you so sure of Dee?" Boy G grinned when Ryo frowned.

"He can smell, from down here, when I am upstairs aroused," Ryo said nothing more, he simply gave Boy G a long look with his eyes looking more slanted and catlike at the pupils. Dragon eyes, or so his grandmother had claimed.

"Yeah," Bikky said surprising them both with his silent approach. "I am surprised he is not already back here carrying him upstairs and ripping his clothes off." Bikky went to the fridge. "Rain is hungry again," was Bikky's explanation for the plate of left over pizza he placed in the microwave. "Since he is on hotstreak topping 50, I decided to humor him and bring him food."

"Should he eat so much while you are cooking dinner?" Boy G asked not understanding why Ryo and Bikky laughed.

"He could eat that with dinner and be fine." Bikky said when the micro wave beeped. Ryo smiled then turned on the small television in the kitchen. Quickly he turned up the volume on the news channel. He went back to selecting his vegetables and the rest of the accompanying dinner items.

"This is Macy, your eye on the street," Ryo smiled as he saw the reporter that had followed he and his family. He was glad that she did get the promotion. "I am on 54th and Prime watching as several detectives face off with a cartel from China, it has been said to the press. I will keep you posted as more news comes," Ryo stared in horror as Macy ducked behind a barricade when shots could be heard as sirens blared. Ryo's hands trembled and he dropped the fish staring at the screen. Boy G paused in his whimsical humming to look at Ryo where he stood frozen. "This is Macy vacating the area NOW!" Ryo watched in horror as Macy was zoomed away.

"Ryo... GO!" Rain and Bikky came running into the kitchen. "We have an adult here. You are over 21 right?" Bikky asked Boy G who nodded staring at the tv. He winced when it seemed as if the screen was covered with a hail of bullets then went blank and the newscaster began another story. "We'll be okay, order a pizza or something, just go."

"I... won't get there in time," Ryo stammered taking off his apron.

"You suit up," Rain shoved him to the stairs. "I'll call your grandfather," Ryo nodded and dashed upstairs for his gear.

"His grandfather will drive him there faster, what's he have a jet?" Boy G tried to interject some humor to the distressed teens while Rain dialed the phone. Rain said nothing thinking that Laton, was the jet.

"Something like that," he said amazed at how fast Ryo came down the stairs wearing his vest and slipping his feet into his shoes. Boy G stared in horrified awe as Ryo tucked handguns and clips into hidden pockets on his pants, his shirt and behind his back, he then put a few in each pant leg, one at each ankle and another at each calf. Ryo went into a large bag pulling out a fully automatic rifle. Just as the last of the weapon was checked and loaded their back door opened and Laton stormed in.

"We have to go now, both Miaka and JJ are hit. The other's can't get through cause they have sentries on the roofs of the other buildings. But I can get you higher."

Ryo nodded and headed for door with a last admonishment for his boys to behave.

"I am so sorry, this is your first day here and..." Ryo tried saying as Boy G pushed him through the door.

"You did warn me that it was chaotic, now go before I kiss you," Boy G shut the door firmly behind him. "Alright, tall one, Pizza, small one Ice cream, tiny one, let's play." Boy G clapped his hands. "By the time you realize they have been gone, they will be back." Rain stood still his lips trembling as he thought of his parents in danger. Boy G's eyes widened and he grinned then began to sing while Bikky called the nearest pizza delivery place. "Desert loving in your eyes all the way" Rain paused with his hand on the freezer door and turned to look at Boy G as he began to sing. "if i listen to your lies would you say" Lyo pouted his lips trembling still and Boy G began to dance around the kitchen clapping his hands.
"i'm a man without conviction
i'm a man who doesn't know
how to sell a contradiction
you come and go
you come and go" Boy G patted Rain who shook his head and got the ice cream out of the freezer. Boy G saw a smile light on Lyo's face and he continued his song.
"karma karma karma karma
karma chameleon
you come and go
you come and go
loving would be easy if your colours were like my dream
red, gold and green
red, gold and green" Bikky laughed when the Pizza place he called commented on the party at their house. hearing the laugh Boy G smiled.

"didn't hear your wicked words everyday
and you used to be so sweet i heard you say
that my love was an addiction
when we cling our love is strong
when you go you're gone forever
you string along
you string along"

Boy G encouraged Rain to join him with the chorus this time and Rain gulped before his sweet voice joined Boy G. "karma karma karma karma
karma chameleon
you come and go
you come and go
loving would be easy if your colours were like my dream
red, gold and green
red, gold and green"

Bikky saw Lyo smile and Rain's eyes clear of tears and he clapped his hands to the beat playing along with the charismatic entertainer in their kitchen.

"karma karma karma karma
karma chameleon
you come and go
you come and go
loving would be easy if your colours were like my dream
red, gold and green
red, gold and green"

Break

Count D was jolted awake when his father gasped loudly and sat up in bed clutching the sheets with a grip that drained all color from his hands. A sweet smell filled the air when his nails dug into his palms and the delicate skin bled. "ChiChi," Count D took his father into his arms. "Nani?" Count D asked when his father looked around the room wildly. He had felt like a child, but needed the assuring warmth of his father. After seeing the great Kami so close to death, his vibrancy had induced D to tears of joy. When Lord D had dozed Count D had curled up beside him resting in the wild scent of freshly fallen snow, that was oddly warm in its soothing familiarity. "ChiChi?"

"Jemi-Chan, JJ is hurt," Lord D sobbed vacating the bed. "I have to..." Lord D swayed on his feet.

"You are not well, come back to bed," Count D took his father's arm hoping to assist him back between the sheets.

"I'm am fine child," Lord D insisted amazed that it was so. "It took a moment for me to assimilate it myself, but I am fine."

"And with child," Count D said refusing to release his sire.

"This child's father needs me," Lord D placed a hand to his still flat tummy. "Let go of me," Count D gasped when he felt the heady strength of his father's will, leagues older than his own. He moved his tingling hand from his father's robe.

"You will stay," Lord D gasped and stared in horror at Sofu D. He was mid transformation and his condor wings, spread high ready for the rest of his body to catch up, fell to his sides the tips brushing the floor where the hems of his many robes glistened. "Have patience child," Sofu commanded. He touched his son's arm ending his transformation. "They are going to return him to you, and you can fix whatever they broke."

"Father, if you ever know that mother is injured and bleeding, and you could help her if you could only get to her, what would do?" Lord D wept when he could not break free of the hold his father had on his will.

"Something unbearably foolish," Sofu said then pulled Lord D into his arms when he began to weep. "They will bring him back to you," Sofu patted Lord D's back.

"Father, please," Lord D cried.

"Son, if you go, it would not be good," Sofu explained chaffing at his inability to explain more to his son. As Lord D could do no harm with his gifts, Sofu could not reveal the truth of his insights to anyone.

"Promise me," Lord D begged gripping his father's robe and spreading the blood that was on his hands. "Promise me that he will come home... alive and that I can keep him that way."

"You will be happy in the morning," was all that Sofu could say and still not break any of the rules that bound him. "Now sleep, for the benefit of us all," Sofu pressed his finger to Lord D's head and he fell limp into his father's waiting arms.

"Did you tell him the truth?" Count D asked a touch of his old mistrust for his grandfather in his voice. With a wave of his hand he summoned a black leather outfit. "It would not be the first time you have said something untrue when you thought it was in our best interest." Count D said nothing more he paused by his father's bed and passed a hand over the long hair then he left the room. "Leon is in danger as well, and you can't command me to stay put. I will bring them both back."

Sofu waited until Count D was gone before he shed a tear. "I know."

Break

Crimson waves hovered above the clouds and Ryo held on to his grandfather the tough spines of his scales biting into his skin. "I can see them," Ryo called to Laton. Plums of heavy smoke billowed around them.

"Snap dragon, go down and protect your mate. Your children are waiting." Laton landed on the top of a building that towered over the surrounding buildings. He could see the men on the tops of the buildings, each of them shooting down into the valley below keeping the officers from getting to the inner circle where JJ and Miaka were. He could scent their blood in the air. He opened his mouth to taste the wind and smiled when he could not taste Dee's blood. Ryo pulled his rifle up and set up his stand. It was time to make it stay that way.

Laton stood to the side and watched as his grandson sighted, and fired. Sighted, and fired, the sound of men falling dead before they hit gratifying the enraged dragon in human guise beside him. He watched with glee as Ryo continued to clear a path for his friends to make it through.

Break

Leon swore as he tried to run through and jumped back when there was what seemed to be hundreds of bullets came his way. "We can't get through," he said into his cell phone to JJ. "There are too many of them." Leon looked around. "How the hell did they get someone on the Markum building?" He asked looking up at the newcomer that shot into the fray.

"No," Jill said with a thoughtful frown. "They are just shooting at random, that person is picking his shots, and hitting."

"Ryo," Leon looked over to see Dee beside him. "He's clearing a path, lets go." Dee palmed his gun and dashed forward. When three men stood to shoot at him they were felled with brutal precision. "Thats my baby," Dee grinned as he too shot at the men that were on the ground level with him.

"Can you see, JJ and Miaka?" Leon asked running beside him, then sighed with relief as they came upon the two injured detectives/special agents. "Hey guys," Leon said crashing beside them.

"You're late," JJ groused holding his leg that bled sluggishly around the t-shirt he had tied around it. "Her ears," JJ said moving Agent Miaka's hair in front of her ears. "Gotta hide them, she's passed out."

"You have both been bleeding out too long," Leon said turning to go back he gasped. "Damn," He swore shooting the mob of gun men that came running towards them. Just as Leon thought he would run out bullets before they ran out of assailants, he saw a blur in black leather kicking and punching. It was tiny in comparison to the brutish men that were felled by the little terror. "Baby... what are you...?" Before he could finish his question, JJ lost consciousness.

"No time," D called over his shoulder dodging the bullets that angry brute shot at him. Leon swore again and shot the man.

"Help them get out," Dee called turning his back to Leon, Count D and Jill. "I'll cover you."

"Who's going to cover you?" Jill said looking back at Dee.

"My Baby's got me," Dee winked at Jill and sent her on her way.

Up on the Markum building Ryo lowered his rifle and straitened his glasses. Adjusting his gloves he went to Laton. "I need to go down there." Laton nodded and reached into Ryo waist holster. He took a hand gun and fired at the men in the helicopter that came up to clear the top of the building. Ryo turned around incensed and the chopper burst into flames. "Oops," He said when it began to spine wildly in the air. He watched in horror as the chopper slammed into the building that Dee was standing near. "Dee!" Ryo yelled running to the edge of the building. Laton grasped Ryo's arm as he would have tumbled off. Still standing on his feet, Laton hauled Ryo back to the roof. He held his grandson facing him so that he would not see a building falling on top of his lover.

Ryo fought against his grandfathers hold trying to turn around. "He's fine, I can not smell his blood." Laton said. "Scent child, see, you can not smell him." Ryo turned into the wind and sighed. There was no Dee, he could scent JJ and Miaka, but not Dee.

"Okay, take me down," Ryo grabbed his rifle and dashed to the door, he stood in amazement when it would not budge.

"This is the only building that is locked from the syndicate, that is why this roof was uncovered, come on," Laton grasped Ryo and ran for the edge and jumped off. Ryo gasped as he floated down in his grandfather's arms. They touched ground and he stared around at what looked like a war zone.

"Dee!" Ryo called staring around, though he could not smell blood, that did not mean that Dee was conscious. Ryo heard a groan and ran forward. He dived to the ground at the massive sound of gunfire from behind. He turned to see Laton shooting.

"Go, Snap Dragon, Go!" Laton urged Ryo on. "Find him!"

Break

Boy George sat on the couch winded, he had just finished singing when the pizza arrived. He looked down when he felt a small weight against him. "Yes," he smiled looking at Lyo.

"Da-Ryo... Da-Dee, come home now?" Lyo looked up at the pizza man and his eyes began to water when he saw that it was not his parents.

"Come on," Boy George got to his feet. "Let's go get some plates for that pizza." Boy G smiled brightly and dashed off to the kitchen while holding Lyo's little hand. Rain entered behind them.

"I'll show you where they are, we'll use the least expensive ones," Rain reached in the cabinet and pulled down the standard plates. Boy George looked at the heavy glass ware and blinked then gasped as he looked at the Television that was still on the news. He stared in horror at the war-zone-like scene that was displayed by the camera. Rain trembled the plates rattling as he sat them on the counter. Boy G was quick to pull the boy against him blocking his view of the screen. He startled at the loud gun blasts that rocketed from the speakers. Bikky entered and sat the pizzas on the table. With a shaking hand he reached over and turned off the screen.

"Hey Rain," Bikky said when Rain was still ensconced in Boy George's arms. "You know that fire that destroyed the pet shop. They came home from that... okay."

Rain nodded and stepped away from Boy G. "You smell good," Rain whispered pushing his hair back his green eyes overflowing as he looked at the now blank screen.

"Thanks, I'm fond of bathing," Boy George grinned and opened the first box. "Hungry?"

"You sound like Count D," Bikky laughed serving Lyo a small slice of pizza. "They own the pet shop, you'll meet them." Boy G nodded all the while hoping that these boys parents would be home soon.

Break

Ryo thought he could quite possible be going insane. He coughed at the thick smoke filled with black debris that clouded his lungs "Dee!" Ryo coughed again sniffing the air with every turn. "Koibito where are you?!" Ryo heard a small wheeze.

"Ba...baby," Dee called he tried to move but was wedged in tight underneath several slabs of concrete. One piece was standing upright holding the bulk of the weight. It was the only reason Dee was alive, Ryo saw as he inspected the felled building.

"I'm going to get you, don't move," Ryo ran around he winced and ducked from several bullets that whizzed past him as he dashed to Dee's side.

"Not going anywhere... My leg," Dee managed around fits of coughing. When he settled the building began to slide from its bearings.

"Dee! No!" Ryo gasped grasped the concrete with his palms blazing with pure flames he shoved it aside with a strength that amazed himself.

"Now that's a dragon!" Laton called from where he held the gun covering his grandson as he rescued his spouse. Ryo looked at his grandfather then reached down to pull Dee into his arms. "If only he would do it in defense of himself." Laton grumbled then went back. "Lets go Snap Dragon," Laton called when he ran out of bullets. Ryo turned to his grandfather and threw a gun to him while taking out another one for himself. Dee winced standing on his injured leg and began to run from the wreckage. Laton continued to fire until they made it to the other officers.

"I have a little gift for them," Ryo said and turned to throw a hand grenade into the fray. "I don't think there will be anyone left to arrest," Ryo said huffing air in to his lungs.

"Well!" Ryo startled and turned to see the Chief of police stomping in his direction. "I just might arrest you!" The Chief came to a halt and glowered at Ryo. "You are not only off duty, but you accessed a building that is outside of our jurisdiction, unauthorized use of a flame thrower, getting a civilian involved," He paused and looked at Laton. "That is not a civilian!" He pointed at the dragon king. "That is king from another country, do you have any idea how it would look if he was injured or killed on American soil?!" The chief blustered. "You did not even call in to let me know that you were here. That is it, I have had it, you are done MaClean, Two weeks, no pay, Get out of here. And you," He looked at Dee. "Get that leg taken care of and get to the precinct to fill out the reports on this mess."

Dee put his badge into his pocket then shook his head at the chief. "See you in two weeks," He said turning his back. "Come on baby, let's go home."

I am not affiliated with Culture Club, it's members or any of their music. I have no claims to them in anyway and I am making no profits from this work of Fan fiction.

Culture Club

Lead Singer, Boy George

Mikey Craig, Bassist

Jon Moss, drummer/lover

Roy Hay, Keyboards

Powdered Sugre 26

This is the Chapter That Wouldn't End... Yes it Goes On And On My Friend... Some People Started Reading it Not Knowing What it Was...

Eleven o'clock, George looked at the clock and sighed. It was getting rather late, and he really should suggest it. But he had finally gotten the tears to leave Lyo and Rain's eyes. Bikky sat beside him stoic with his arms crossed while Rain went on a complicated quest on the game console. "So, Rain, what happens after you beat the dungeon master?" George asked watching the boy battle the gargoyle that had come to life in order to battle his elven character.

"After this, he has to go through the dead guards behind the door," Rain said not looking away from the screen.

"Then rescue the princess?" George asked.

"I don't know, I haven't beaten this one yet. I can't make it past the last dead guard." Rain grumbled, he would have said more but the door opened. George sighed in relief until he saw the condition of the two men that stumbled inside. "Ryo! Dee!" Rain dropped the controller and ran to them.

"No... wait," George tried to halt Rain's movement before he wrapped his arms around Dee who nearly fell over.

"Thanks babe," Dee sighed when Ryo caught him. "Ouch, Rain, can't really handle extra weight right now. I'll hug you tomorrow." Dee promised.

"Go into the kitchen we saved you pizza," George announced and tried to pry Lyo's fingers from Ryo's pant leg.

"No, no, no," Lyo pushed him back and held on tighter to Ryo. "Da-Ryo no get shot at again." Lyo sobbed. "Stay here."

"Don't worry, little one, I'll be here for the next two weeks," Ryo huffed his anger giving his voice a cold edge.

"Are you alright?" Bikky asked taking Dee's other arm to help him into the kitchen.

"Bikky, could you put a pot on for me," Ryo asked watching as the boy set his teapot on the stove after they had set the taller man in a chair. George busied himself with finding plates for them both and opening the box that stayed warm in the oven. "Dee has some rather bad abrasions and Contusions on his leg and I got suspended for two weeks."

"For what?" Bikky asked sitting next to him at the table. "One of my offenses was unauthorized use of a flame thrower." Bikky waited a moment before he started to laugh.

"I took time off too," Dee confessed with a sigh. "You know, I have several abrasions and some contusions too." Rain gasped patting Dee's shoulder when he heard the news.

"Wait a minute," George said with a frown. "You guys were in the incident that was all over the news right?" Ryo and Dee nodded. "And all he has are a few scrapes and bruises? What are you guys, indestructible?"

Bikky laughed patting George's shoulder. "You have no idea."

"While you eat, why don't I run you a bath?" George said with a laugh, "though I guess the injured should go first..."

"Oh, he'll go with me," Dee said with a lascivious grin in Ryo's direction that was ruined by a wide yawn.

"Yeah, gotta help the invalid," Ryo joked wiping at a smudge on his cheek.

"Might I remind you," Dee said struggling to sit up higher in his chair. "Of who it was that dropped a building on me." Before Dee could continue his complaining Ryo shoved a slice of pizza in his mouth.

"I did not drop a building on you. I blew up a helicopter, it slammed into the building that you were near and then the building fell on you." Ryo explained with a sigh. "What I want to know is the kind of cartel that can come up with the heavy artillery that we were hit with..." Dee looked thoughtful, and Ryo continued. "This is big."

"Your lives certainly are adventurous," George said then followed Rain up the stairs so that he could run the bathwater in their bathroom. As he passed through their bedroom he paused to see a photo on the nightstand of Ryo sitting in Dee's arms. He smiled slightly at the expression on Ryo's face. The smile, the glow in his eyes, and the tinge of color in his cheeks. The look of love. George remembered a time when he wore a similar expression.

"Their bathroom is through here," Rain said leading George inside. He looked around at the large tub and cabinets, the place was large, and spotless. Rain watched George as he stopped the tub and began to run warm water. "Why do you look sad?"

"What?" George asked putting a smile on his face before he looked at Rain who handed him the bath oil that Ryo used.

"When you looked at the picture of Ryo and Dee, you looked sad. You can't really be that upset that they are together?" Rain said surprised when George laughed while blinking away a sudden sheen of tears. He was quick to look away and drop a heavy amount of oil into the tub watching as fragrant bubbles formed. "When he has aches from work, Ryo puts this in the tub too," Rain said pouring bath salt in the water. He placed a hand on George when he refused to look up. "Whatever it is, you are in the right place. When people get broken, they call Ryo and Dee, and they fix it."

"Broken," George whispered shaking his head.

"Lyo, Bikky, myself, even some of our friends from school have come to some good by knowing them." Rain nodded when George turned off the water in the now full tub and finally met his eyes.

He reached up and patted Rain's side noting that the boy gasped and moved away. "What broke you?" George asked Rain who grew quiet and looked away.

"Who hit you?" Rain countered.

"It's not what you think," George said. "He... who did this and my lover... ex... Ice cream?" George offered straitening when he felt emotions threatening to overcome him.

"We already had ice cream," Rain said leaving the bathroom. "Don't worry, whoever did do it, will more than likely get what's coming to him."

"You're a sweet kid," George said pressing a quick kiss to Rain's cheek before he could get away.

"Yeah well," Rain said turning red. "I eat a lot of sugar."

"You can not be serious," They heard Dee grumble as Ryo helped him up the stairs.

"Dee, you are injured," Ryo answered the top of his honey colored head becoming visible.

"That just means you'll have to get on top...whoa, Ryo," Dee groused "Careful, I almost fell." He would have said more but saw Rain and George standing there. George worked to suppress a laugh while Rain took off down the stairs to help Bikky get Lyo up and ready for bed.

"Oh, hi, sorry about this," Ryo said when George opened their door so that he could get Dee inside. "I mean, you are here to rest and you have been babysitting, and running bathwater."

"No, no your family is charming," George said and Ryo paused.

"Are you okay?" He asked after sitting Dee on their bed. He reached out to catch George before he could leave their room.

"Yeah, I am just going to go and settle some things before I go to bed. Jet lag you know, long flight from London." George turned but was stopped by Ryo again.

"Don't forget to put the witch hazel on your face. Or do you want me to come in and...?" Ryo halted when George laughed at him and waved a hand.

"You go bathe that man of yours, or do you want me to come in and help you?" George was smiling as he left the room and walked down the hall. He was smiling when he passed the boys in their bathroom giving Lyo his bath. He was smiling as he opened his door. When the door shut, tears fell down his face and he sat on the floor and sobbed.

Break

Sofu paced the floor while watching Lord D sleep. True to his word Count D had brought JJ home last night bandaged and bloody, but alive. Count D sat next to Leon looking at his grandfather with a sad smile on his face. He manipulated everyone and yet he truly did believe that he was doing the right thing. Even though his methods chaffed, he had to admit that his grandfather loved him, he loved them all. Lord D stirred and Sofu was quick to smooth his hands over the furrows in Lord D's brow sitting beside him on the bed. Sofu moved his long, elegant sleeve aside so that he could run his fingers over Lord D's hair. Count D had never seen such a tender look on the great kami's face, as he wore now looking at his son.

"He will always be your baby," Lady Aurora said appearing beside her husband. Leon had ceased to be startled when she, or any of the Arcadians appeared seemingly from nowhere. "No matter how old he gets, or how many children he himself sires, he will always be your baby." Sofu D took his wife's dainty hand and placed a kiss upon the palm. Count D stood and placed a kiss on his father's brow before he took Leon and left the room. The children needed to be looked after.

He found Chris sitting with Aoi and the twins reading them a story. "Bro!" Chris said hopping to his feet he hurried to Leon's side. "I saw the news, and then called Bikky, he said Rain and Lyo were freaking out, but he kept it cool. Glad you're home." Chris grinned then turned to pick up Aoi and place her in Count D's arms. "Little Leon slept all day. I know you got back last night, but Jewel showed me that you both kind of slept in Lord D's room. He'll be okay now that JJ is there." Leon nodded and went to sit with his family. Count D cooed at Kurayami when the baby awakened hearing his parents voices. He scooped the bundle into his arms and went to sit beside Leon on the soft grass of the garden.

"We'll be going home soon," He announced to the baby who looked up as if he understood. "You were born there, you were the light that shone so bright amidst the darkness of the battle that raged on around us." Leon watched as Count D spoke to the baby in his native tongue of Mandarin Chinese. It was a beautiful language, spoken by a beautiful individual. Leon did not understand a word of what D was saying, but he could have listened to him for hours, days even. Count D looked up to see Leon staring at him and smiled. It was not his typical small smirk, or even a soft smile. It covered the lower half of his face, lifting his cheeks and showing a good portion of his teeth. If Leon had not already been in love before, that smile would have tipped the scales. Chris rolled his eyes when Leon leaned in and kissed D.

"Gonna go see if I can find a ride to Ryo and Dee's," Chris announced. When Leon made as if to offer he held up a hand. "No, you stay and smooch D, I wanna go beat Bikky at Crossfire, it's a new ultimate fighter game."

"I will be over later for training," Count D told Chris before he could leave.

"Okay," Chris called over his shoulder leaving them alone with the children. Count D lay on his back with his head in Leon's lap. Kurayami stuffed a tiny fist into his mouth where he lay on D's chest while Aoi handed the story book to Leon. Kibo and Shinrai sat beside Aoi giving Leon their rapt attention.

"Where were you?" Leon said flipping through the pages then opening the book to the tale of three bears that went on a picnic and all the sights they saw in the Kami's garden. He checked and saw that it was made in Arcadia, of course, Leon thought with a smile then continued reading. Every now and then his hand would trail through the silky locks on D's head when he switched the page. Aoi looked at her parents a great smile on her face.

Break

Chris was dropped off just as Terry, Erick and Peter arrived. "We are too late for breakfast, but maybe we could get some lunch," Terry said ringing the bell. His face fell when Rain opened the door and there was no smell of cooking coming from inside.

"Hey, guys, you might want to go right to the den, world war three is going on in the kitchen." Rain said ushering them past. Erick gasped when Dee yelled at Ryo.

"It's not a big deal, just wait until I am better and I will go with you!" Dee argued at the top of his lungs.

"Dee be reasonable," Ryo said in a softer tone. "We are just going to the store, until Lord D can get over and fix you up, you need to stay off that leg."

"Its just a few scrapes and bruises," Dee grumbled.

"I could see the tender meat of your calf, then you ran on it and..." Ryo paused his voice catching. "Dee, I kind of dropped a building on you, please, just stay here."

"Fine," Dee capitulated with an ease that worried Ryo. "I'll stay here, but so will you and the boys."

"Dee the birthday party is next weekend, we do not have the supplies needed..." Ryo but paused when Dee slammed a hand on the table.

"No! Ryo! You and the boys will stay here, until I can go with you!" Dee said again.

"Dee!" Ryo said his voice raising. "Are you out of your mind? You can not put me on house arrest, I said I was sorry," Ryo opened his mouth to say more but paused to see George standing in the doorway with a hand to his forehead.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I can hear you all the way upstairs." George made his way to the cabinet and pulled down a cup. He waved Ryo back to his chair when he would have gotten up to fix him some tea. "I live in England, naturally I can make tea." he gave a little laugh. "I will be here all summer, I do not need to be treated as a guest, I would prefer to be a friend staying for a while. Less work for you, more fun for me. Unless of course you want to cater to my every whim and need. I can a demanding little queen you know." George fixed his tea while Ryo sat and frowned at Dee. "What is the big deal about shopping anyway? I was hoping to go to the mall, living as I do, fans mob me at every turn and it is hard to go out, but I have a feeling that that will not be case here."

"You're right," Rain said entering the kitchen. "People will still point and stare, maybe even take pictures, but they won't approach. Ryo and Dee set them all back a while ago."

"Not to mention Bikky stands next to Rain looking like a hulking gorilla that will eat anyone who comes near his little brother...holy cow." Erick said his mouth dropping as he got a good look at George. when they had entered the kitchen George had been sitting with his head over his cup inhaling the tangy aroma of the spiced tea, he looked up and smiled, his make-up in place highlighting his beautiful features. "I mean... Hi...um... damn... Sorry, mouth I know," Erick looked quickly to Ryo then back to George. "Hi... gorgeous, I mean... whoa," Erick finally ended.

"Want some jam with that foot you stuck in your mouth," Bikky said entering the kitchen. Erick turned beet red and nodded his head. Ryo and Dee said no more on their argument as Terry and Peter entered the kitchen and they too stared in wonder.

Peter did an odd hop from foot to foot as he saw George. "Oh my gosh, it really is you!" He rushed forward, then remembered himself before he touched George. "I have all of your CD's."

"X-Ta-C is working with him this summer," Rain explained to the ecstatic teenager. When George simply smiled at him then went back to his tea.

"So Dee, why are you so hard up saying we can't go shopping?"Bikky asked when Rain ushered Erick, Peter, Terry and Chris to the den. "Not like I am all anxious to be in the car with Ryo behind the wheel, but what's the deal?"

"I take it driving is not one of your strong points," George said to Ryo who glowered at Bikky saying nothing.

"The last time you all went out, you did not come back," Dee mumbled into his cup of coffee. Ryo gasped his eyes going to Dee. "You don't know what it was to get the call, to have fill out the reports, to know some mad man had you and..."

"Dee," Ryo said taking Dee's hand. "Randolph is dead."

"So is Hamanosuke," Dee said reminding Ryo that they had fought the man themselves centuries after king Zarro had ended his human life.

"Think about it Dee," Ryo said calmly, he chose his words carefully very aware that George was in the room and not in league with Arcadia. "If you had been there when Randolph took us, you would have succumbed to the smoke bomb as well. When you awakened you would have either been shoved in the car with Lyo or left on the pavement. Or you could have awakened and been as helpless as I was. You could have been made to watch him rape me."

"But the boys... they got free," Dee said not wanting to think of Ryo in such a position again.

"If you woke up at all," Ryo continued before Dee could say more. " He wanted you dead, so that he could have me. I am glad you were not there when we were taken." Ryo lifted Dee's face and pressed a kiss to his lips. Dee was shocked, for Ryo was not one to initiate intimacy, especially when they were not alone. George smiled and sipped his tea trying to appear to be ignoring them. " It left you free to come rescue us."

"And you sat there like a good little damsel in distress," Dee grumbled looking away. Ryo gave Dee a smile that was also a warning. "Fine," Dee slumped. "Go shopping, but I will keep Lyo here with me."

"If you were going to be alone, I would say no." Ryo said with a grin. "But Heaven has agreed to come over and keep you company while we are out."

"What?" Dee looked terrified. "If I have done something to piss you off you would tell me right? I mean first you drop a building on me, then you leave me with... Hi Heaven," Dee said when their back door opened and she appeared to be be glowing as she stood in a beam of bright light her white garments glistening. Heaven beamed a bright smile her eyes going to George and not leaving. He stood to greet the lady.

"Dee, Ryo and..." Heaven said her voice heavy as she stared at George.

"Boy or George, you can call me either, I answer to both." George kissed her warm hand.

"Can I call you delicious?" Heaven asked as she closed her eyes sniffing George. When Heaven stepped back she resisted the urge to sneeze.

"Not until you know how I taste." George grinned. "Since we are going out, I will go get ready." He blew a kiss at Heaven then headed upstairs.

"Heaven," Ryo began to warn her away from their charge.

"He's got a foul after taste, sweet at first, but, something wants him. Hasn't gotten him yet, but the claim is there." Heaven smirked when Ryo quirked a brow at her. "The sweet is him, but the after, now that is someone who will be a good fight. He reeks of death. Oh and Ryo," Heaven called when Ryo was leaving the kitchen. "Pay attention to his arms. I think the Arcadians had an ulterior motive for sending him to this house of respite." Ryo frowned then left the kitchen to see the boys all waiting for him. George descended the stairs in his baggy pants and large, long sleeved shirt. A white trench coat, that was much too large completed the ensemble. His little fedora was in place over a yellow scarf, while his make-up seemed to have been refreshed. Erick stared in awe, while Peter, too enraptured by George to take offense, grinned.

"Shall we?" George said and followed them from the house smiling up into the bright light of the sun. he had been pleased to note that the witch hazel had done wonders for his face. He still had some slight discoloration, but the mark was nearly gone. He was humming as he got into the large car with Ryo and the teenagers. Ryo wondered, as he pulled away from the garage, just what he had gotten himself into.

Break

The mall was its usual crush of humanity, but they seemed to part as the waters of the Nile before Moses when Ryo and the odd entourage entered. There were some points, loud whispers and the click of cameras but Bikky turned a foul glare and the talking and shopping resumed. "Quite effective," George said with a laugh.

"Aren't you warm?" Ryo asked him. "They offer lockers, here, or... there they are," George watched Ryo wave a man over in all black clothes. On his arm was a patch of what appeared to be a lizard in flames. "Salamander, what is your name and rank?" Ryo asked in a soft tone.

"Jin Hiyo, Rank SGT, your highness," The Asian guard answered snapping a salute as he bowed to the youngest prince of the dragon clan.

"And how did you know we were here?" He asked noting the other black clad individuals that were obviously watching them.

"Heaven informed your grandfather and he thought it best, since the last time you were out..."

"Yes, yes, I know. We went shopping, got kidnapped, bad things happened, people burned," Bikky said when Ryo simply stood silent his face turning red. "Come on, I have to get a graduation present for Carol, birthday presents for Lyo and I am sure that George here, wants to go shopping." Bikky frowned at the guard and grabbed Ryo's arm. "Just keep your distance," he said in an imperious tone that Ryo had yet to take with any of the royal guards of the Obsidian Palace.

"Where do you want to go first?" Erick asked, Peter prepared to answer but saw that he was talking to George.

"I don't really know, lets just walk around and see what's here, then I will decide." George reached into a pocket to pull out a clear gloss that he applied over his lipstick that made his lips shine.

"Where do you buy your clothes?" Peter asked looking at Rain's large clothes and then at George.

"Oh, most of my clothes are made for me, at least the stuff for shows, otherwise, I just buy what I like," George said looking around he saw Ryo heading into a toy store.

"He'll page us when we should meet him, we have an unspoken agreement of random wandering in here." Rain said holding up his cell phone. "Do you want to go with him?" Ryo paused at the entrance to store as if waiting for George. With a smile George shook his head. And followed after the boys. Bikky paused by a jewelry store then went inside.

"We're going to JO," Peter announced pulling Erick's arm away from George and Rain. "I want new jeans, and you can help me pick them out."

"But..." Erick paused then sighed he saw the worried look on Peter's face.

"I thought you like watching me try on jeans," Peter pouted and stuck out his lip in the way he knew would drive Erick crazy.

"Well yeah," Erick said reading the signs of the old jealousy in Peter's gaze. "I also like watching you take jeans off," Peter turned red on cue and skipped off to the clothing store that was popular among the teens.

"Kind of young, aren't they?" George mused looking at the shiny jewels. Chris rolled his eyes and looked at a pair of studs that were deep purple. He wanted to get them for Count D.

"How old were you?" Bikky asked going to the earring case. George grinned and winked at Bikky.

"What do you think?" Rain asked showing Bikky a bracelet with diamonds and topaz in the shape of flowers.

"Okay, but Carol does not really do topaz, she is more of a sapphire girl," Bikky said studying the bracelet.

"Why would I be buying your girl a diamond bracelet?" Rain huffed. "This is for Julie,"

"You might want to get her earrings, or a necklace," Bikky said. "Don't know why, but she is always wearing long sleeves, that would be covered up." Rain's eyes widened as he remembered Julie telling him about the scars on her arms. She used to cut herself. Nodding he was about the put the bracelet back when George took it from his hands and laid it across his own wrist. "Thats kind of..." Rain cut off the word girlie as he looked at George. "Looks nice." He said then went to earrings. He was about to pick up a pair, when a golden necklace with diamonds in the shape of irises and Calla lilies caught his eyes. "That's it, that's perfect," Rain went to the counter to ask if the sales lady could get it out of its locked case for him.

"I don't think so. Where are your parents?" She said to the teenager. "Usually when young people come in here, they just look and can't afford to buy. So look, don't get your fingerprints all over it."

"Do you live under a rock?" The other sales lady said rushing forward with the keys. "If you don't want the commission I sure as hell do." She opened the case and handed the necklace to Rain. "This is Rain Cloud MaClean, the pop star," She said pointing to Rain. "And that's..." her eyes went past Bikky and lighted on George. " You're in America!" She squealed. "I could get sued for this, but can I please have your autograph?"

"Sued?" George asked reaching for a pen on the counter for the signing of checks. "I get approached all the time. Why would I sue you?"

"Not you," She said looking at Bikky who stood with a frown on his face. "Unless they are having a signing we are to stay back and treat them as normal people, cause they breath in and out just like us and bleed red, so we should not mob them on the streets, or that is what the high prince of Arcadia said."

"I'm not Arcadian," George grinned. "I won't sue, what's your name?"

"Liza," She said when he looked at her. George quickly scrawled a message then brought the card to his lips to leave an imprint of his lipstick. He winked then finished looking at the merchandise. He, Rain and Bikky made it a point to stand in line and wait for Liza ignoring the other sales lady who had been rude to Rain. Rain even went so far as to sign her card underneath George's signature. They waved cheerfully as they left.

"Why are the rules so strict?" George asked noting the people staring at them but not daring to approach.

"Daphnus went on a rampage of press releases after we did a show here and Rain was almost pulled from the stage." Bikky explained going into a clothing store. "Dee saved him by throwing him at Ryo."

"Throwing him?" George asked thinking of the slim man. He frowned then remembered that he had been lifted by Ryo using only one arm.

"And he caught me," Rain laughed.

"He caught me too, when I launched myself out of a third story building in New York," Bikky gasped shoving his box into Georges hand as Carol came up to him with Julie and the rest of the Cheer-leading squad. Laughing, George pocketed the secret gift, he looked to take Rain's as well but saw the box vanish into one Rain's large pockets on his pants. He was finishing the zipper to the pocket just as Julie took his hand and kissed him.

"Your girl," George asked earning the gasping attention of the squad. He would have said more, but felt something cold brush against him. He looked around but no one was near enough to touch him in such a way. Rain gasped his face turning green. Swallowing fast he pulled his thermos from another large pocket and drank quickly.

"You okay?" Bikky asked at his side instantly.

"The winds changed, crying something foul," Rain said in Cheyenne when the vertigo passed. Realizing he had not spoken in English, Rain shook his head. "A memory," Rain said in English . "White sheets, pain and blood, but it wasn't me it wanted," Rain whispered to Bikky.

"How do you know?" Bikky whispered back leading Rain away from the crowd.

"Wlyd Wind was the call that came, he has been following me as a breeze, he said something that should be memory is awake and nasty. But it doesn't want me this time."

"He said all that in the few seconds it took you to blink?" Bikky asked incredulous.

"Shhh..." Rain looked around furtively seeing that George was looking at long shirts and the girls had moved on to dresses for the prom he continued. "Wind is in my blood remember, his thoughts can be my thoughts."

"But he did not give you wind, he said so," Bikky said thinking of his own flames and wondered if he could communicate to Ryo the same way. He decided to give it a try warming his body temperature and thinking of Ryo.

"Doesn't mean he can't use it to his advantage that it is," Rain said.

"But why does it make you sick when he does it?" Bikky said he looked up amazed as Ryo left the toy store carrying bags and looking unerringly in his direction. "He didn't make me sick, it did when it touched George."

"George," Bikky said.

"Yes," George walked over carrying his selections.

"Are you hungry?" Bikky said the first thing that came to mind as Ryo walked over.

"Hungry? After the eggs, sausages, waffles with fruit and whipped cream... Hungry?" George laughed. "I think, you are trying to make me fat."

"Slyphe's revenge," Rain joked. "She still hasn't forgiven you."

"I never called her fat, I just thought she was rather... large," George thought for a moment to insert the proper word that would not insult the boy about his cat. "To be sleeping on you," George grinned looking at the boy that was a just about his size. Ryo looked at the shirts in Georges arm noting that, while made to fit a man at least three times his size, they seemed rather tame for him. Still laughing he wandered off to the other racks in the trendy store. Chris went over to make sure he stayed occupied showing him different shirts and pants.

"What's wrong?" Ryo asked when George was out of earshot. "I was buying Lyo presents then all of a sudden I heard you yell my name. But I did not hear you with my ears..." Ryo frowned scratching his head.

"Something gross touched George and made Rain sick," Bikky said and Ryo looked at Rain who was still slightly pale clutching his thermos. "He seriously almost threw up on Julie." Bikky said looking for the girls he saw them still admiring dresses. "Looks like Wyld Wind sent a message too."

"It won't come near," Rain said again when his blood sped up with a message of Wind. "It can sense the fire worms in the air and is afraid of them. Its why it won't come near our house, because of the dragons." Rain gasped then fell forward. Ryo caught him worried.

"I'm taking you home," Ryo said and paused when Rain shook his head.

"No its gone now, Wyld Wind said, to be wary, of memories." Rain breathed deeply his color returning to normal he looked around for the bird in the shape of a man and sighed when he was no where around. "I'm okay." He assured Ryo, "But I am hungry," he said just as George came back carrying several large bags.

"Hungry?" he said looking at Rain.

"You boys go eat, I'm going to get something for Dee, since he's stuck at home... And it's my fault.. I did kind of drop a building on him." The last words were spoken quietly as he turned red. "Don't fill up on junk," Ryo said heading off.

"I am not hungry, so I will go with you," George said switching over to Ryo and following him. "What kind of gift are you looking for?"

"I don't know..." Ryo said his eyes roaming over Spencer gifts. His face turned red and he looked away.

"You know it is so cute when you turn pink like that, or maybe it's maroon," George said when Ryo turned redder. "Like this lipstick," George pulled out the tube and applied it to his lips blowing a kiss at Ryo. "Come on, I'll help you pick it out," George took Ryo's arm and pulled him. "You guys may as well be useful as more than gawkers'," he said taking Ryo's bags and shoving them at a salamander before he pulled Ryo into the store with naughty toys on display.

"Oh none of that," Ryo turned scarlet looking away from the dildos he hurried to the side of the store that sold clothes. George laughed and followed Ryo.

"You aught to loosen up and I bet this would just about do it," He held up a large toy. He put it down immediately when Ryo paled and gulped. "What?" George said walking over to Ryo and moving to stand directly in front of him. "I was joking."

"Its nothing, I will just get him something for his car, he loves that thing," Ryo said turning to leave the store.

"Not more than he loves you, get something that you two can enjoy together," George said holding Ryo's arm. "Is there anything in here that won't cause you spasms?"

"He likes to see me wear... stuff," Ryo whispered the last word inclining his head to the clothing lingerie that was in sections for males and females.

"Ooh, like school uniforms and maid outfits?" George laughed clapping his gloved hands. Ryo's eyes widened and his face colored. He shook his head his mouth dropped open as he stared at George. "Um, pity." George shrugged silently glad to see some color in Ryo's cheeks after he had paled so completely. "Oh, I bet you would look ravishing in this," George said holding up a creation of red satin and black lace. The tiny shorts that were attached gave him naughty thoughts about Ryo.

Ryo blushed and looked away. "I have that," he said softly. George looked at the ensemble then laughed putting it away. The sales clerk remembered Ryo from that one time he had come in with Dee and watched as he and George went around the racks.

George came up a few moments later with what looked to be several strips of black satin and lace that he held over to Ryo. "He'll break that bad leg trying to get to you," he said with a grin. He had glimpsed inside their closet when he was in their room and even now Ryo wore tan pants and a light blue shirt. He could guess the man hardly ever wore dark clothing. "You are amazingly pale, this would be smashing."

"I'm half Japanese, what's your excuse?" Ryo said to cover his embarrassment.

"Irish," He laughed finding a dark blue thong and handing it to Ryo. "Ever wear one of these?" Ryo shook his head and George laughed again adding it to the things he had collected.

"You wear a lot of large clothes, why?" Ryo asked taking the items to the counter. He was beet red again as he paid.

"Why should I wear something formfitting? No one's business but my own what I look like underneath." George grinned as they left the store Ryo seemed to be trying to hide the logo on the bag and George outright laughed.

"Well now that does not sound like the over-sexed, loosely moraled person I read about," Ryo said looking at George who smiled at him. "Why do you not dispute the claims?"

"What would be the point? When one thing is not what the press wants to hear they will make up something worse." George said. "They attack everyone who they think could quite possibly have it better than they do. I actually believe in Monogamy, but you never heard me say it," George gave Ryo a conspiratorial wink. "I once told a reporter that I had an affair with a wombat and she believed me." George said and laughed when Ryo gaped at him. "As for big clothes...What about Rain?"

"Same reason don't you know," Ryo said avoiding George's eyes. "I have never seen him so comfortable around a stranger so fast. You're amazing." Ryo grinned heading off to the food court. "Come on, we still need to get to the grocery store for the food."

"Oh yes, your little one's birthday party is next weekend." George smiled when he saw the many empty containers of food on the table the boys were sitting at.

Rain belched softly laughing when Julie gently tapped his forehead. "You're so gross," Julie laughed when Rain tickled her.

"Yeah," Rain said whispering in Cheyenne close to her ear. "But you love me anyway?" Julie went wide eyed staring at Rain. "'Eh?"

"Speak English," Julie said and gulped when Rain's eyes turned a deeper shade of green as he looked at her. Ryo cleared his throat when he and George went unnoticed. Carol was nearly in Bikky's lap and slid to the side when Ryo approached.

"Leaving?" Chris asked since Bikky and Rain both had mouths full of food.

"Yeah," Ryo said gathering his things. He saw several long dress bags and watched as Rain helped Julie gather her things. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek then waved as they left. Julie stared after them. Erick, Terry and Peter caught up with them at the door. Peter's smile left his face when he saw Erick's eyes go to George and stay there. It was hard to be fan of someone who also had the attention of his lover. Peter sighed and got into the car sitting in mulish silence while Erick leaned over the side of the back seat questioning George the entire drive to the grocery store.

Break

JJ opened his eyes with a smile, he could remember being shot, now instead of pain, all he felt was a cold sensation. Oh no! He sat up in panic. Had they chopped off his leg? JJ looked over seeing a golden glow. Nearly fainting with relief he placed a hand over Lord D's. "Darling?" JJ said looking down at his leg which looked as if he had never been wounded.

"Jemi-Chan," Lord D's voice seemed to come from far away.

"Darling... Precious... Wake up!" JJ grasped Lord D's shoulders and shook him. Lord D came out of his trance gasping and shaking his head to clear it of the cold healing trance he was immersed in. Lord D shivered, catching his breath, he blinked several times. "Darling, you healed me."

"Oh, Jemi-Chan," Lord D scooted up in the bed and held JJ close. "My love," JJ tilted Lord D's face to his and kissed him soundly. "I was so worried," Lord D broke away sobbing. "I knew you were in danger, but my father would not let me come to you. I will die if you leave me..." Lord D wept his breathing speeding with his heartbeat. "Please, please," Lord D clung to JJ with a desperation that was nearly frightening. "You taught me to live again. You showed me real love. Don't turn on a light then leave me in darkness. It would be better if there were never a light at all. To be born blind is better than to loose sight after seeing the wonders of the world. To live without knowing love is better than the pain of losing it." Lord D cried, his breathing escalating to vaporous hiccups.

"Can you honestly say that?" JJ asked wiping the tears from Lord D's face. "Your father was right." JJ laughed softly pressing a kiss to Lord D's lips. "You really are a spoiled brat." Lord D stared at JJ huffing air his bottom lip in a perfectly adorable pout. "You are not thinking of the three people, no four, that need you most. Even if I go to work and never come home, promise me that you will live. For Kibo, Shinrai, Count D and this one," JJ pressed his hand to Lord D's tummy. "If I go to sleep and never awaken, you have to tell them that I loved them, tell them who I was, tell them how much we loved each other. Promise me," JJ said when Lord D looked away sobbing. "Promise me that you will live."

"Jemi-Chan," Lord D collapsed into JJ's arms. "It is so hard to even think of it."

"Promise!" JJ lifted Lord D's face to his, his blue eyes serious as he stared into Lord D's wide purple orbs. "I love you Darling, you are more precious to me than anyone I have ever known. Even if I should die tomorrow, I would be okay, knowing that you would be alive. That doesn't mean I won't fight it. I will tell the angels to go and leave me to be with you. I don't want to leave my baby alone, but dammit, if I have to, you must live. Promise me that you will live!" Lord D sobbed holding tight to JJ. "Promise me!" JJ demanded when Lord D succumbed to whimpers.

Lord D thought of all that he had learned with JJ. He remembered the first time they had made love. He had given himself to JJ despite his fears of being hurt again. He thought of his father offering him the white peach and honey. It would have proved that there was no love there. His first realization that he was carrying. The surfeit of emotions swelled in his heart until he thought he could not breath."I ... I am afraid," Lord D admitted. He could plainly see the scars on his heart and soul ponded in my Hamanosuke, covered and healed by the love of JJ. "So afraid," Lord D clung tight to JJ. His light and heat in the terror of brutal, cold darkness. But that light had lit a flame within him. Warm and gentle, encompassing and life renewing. "Jemi-Chan," Lord D said his voice quivering. "I... I will...live, for you," Lord D said between wracking sobs. "I am weak, I depend on your love, your strength to get me through. It was because of you that I was able to stand to Hamanosuke when he kidnapped us all. But I will grow strong for you. I will live," Lord D promised sinking in the warmth of JJ's strong beating human heart. "I will live," Lord D whispered looking up at JJ.

JJ lowered his head to the tear stain beauty before him and sealed their lips. Lord D sighed his eyes drifting closed when he felt the warmth of JJ's hands roaming around the outside of his robe. JJ pushed the fragrant skein of Lord D's hair aside and dragged his tongue over the sweet skin. JJ felt enveloped by yards of silk as Lord D's hair fell around him coupled with the many layers of his cheongsam. His senses were swamped with the sight, the smell the taste of Lord D. "Jemi..." Lord D gasped.

JJ pinched Lord D's nipples through the many layers enjoying the shivering mass of beauty in his arms. "Let's take this off," JJ said pulling the large bow free and parting the robes down the middle revealing the satin sheath underneath. "It is gorgeous, but..." Lord D shrugged from the loosened garments leaving them to slide over the side of the bed and drop to the floor. He ran his hands over the satin pants trailing his fingers in the band. Lord D sat straddling JJ's hips and leaned his head back offering more of his neck to JJ. Lord D's small hands were busy undoing the buttons of JJ's pajama top then the nails scrapped gently over JJ's chest. "Umm," JJ leaned forward and sucked Lord D through the satin sheath.

"Oh..." Lord D gripped JJ's head when the satin heated and grew moist over his nipple. "I want to feel you," Lord D panted pulling the sheath and over his head. Swinging his hair free, as he knew JJ loved he tossed his head allowing it to settle over his pale shoulders and fall around both their laps. JJ ran his hands through the glossy locks from root to tip then back up using the tresses to pull Lord D's lips to his.

"I'm going to eat you," JJ said with a playful growl he lifted Lord D and placed him on the bed. He pulled the band of the pants exposing Lord D to the bright light in the room. He loved making love to Lord D in the light. He enjoyed the varying shades of his pale skin. The rosy blush that covered him when he was again shocked by his own pleasure even as he welcomed and relished it. When his nipples grew erect, glistening from JJ's mouth and bright pink with arousal. The beautiful length of his manhood that grew rosy at the tip, glistening and sweet. Lord D tugged on JJ pants wishing them gone, glad that his summoning worked both ways. JJ settled his naked hips between Lord D's spread legs, they both sighed at the contact.

Lord D lay back, his hair spread around and underneath him like a silken fan glossy and enticing showcasing the whiteness of his flesh. JJ kissed a hot trail from Lord D's neck to his chest then further down to his abdomen where he stayed. He pressed his ear to the flat planes of Lord D's tummy closing his eyes he then pressed a kiss there. Lord D leaned up on his elbows to look down at JJ a look of utter devotion stealing over his face. He closed his eyes in rapture as JJ began to suckle his weeping member. "Sugoi."

"No, open your eyes," JJ said his breath warm against the quivering flesh pressed against his lips. "You have to see, to remember every moment, it will keep you warm if I am ever not here," Lord D felt tears at the thought, but opened his eyes and looked down. He gasped the dual shock of pleasure and visual stimulation of watching JJ's head bob in his lap. JJ came up his tongue trailing over the sweet tip then he looked up at Lord D swallowing the essence. "I love watching you come, tasting you..." JJ said reaching up he placed his fingers to Lord D's lips smiling when Lord D opened his mouth and sucked the digits in. JJ removed the wet fingers and pushed Lord D's legs open. "So warm and tight," JJ pressed his fingers to the hot ring of muscle waiting for Lord D to relax. "Don't close your eyes," JJ commanded as he pressed the fingers in licking Lord D all the while looking up into his eyes.

It was too much. Lord D's hips bucked and he came in a flood of honey sweet cream that fell into JJ's mouth, past his lips and onto his chin. JJ wiped his hand along his face then licked his fingers clean sucking with relish. "You're such a messy eater," Lord D teased as still JJ found drops and licked them both clean.

"Oh?" JJ said shifting and leaning back on the bed. He reached down and stroked himself his eyes never leaving Lord D. He saw the small pink tongue come to wet Lord D's lips moments before Lord D leaned in and swallowed him whole. "Oh... Darling," Lord D smiled and made a humming sound as he sucked. He used his nails to lightly tease the sensitive globes while shortening them. Licking his fingers while stroking JJ, Lord D looked up with a smile. "Turnabout." JJ grinned at the devilish glint in Lord D's eyes.

"Fair play," Lord D said pushing the fingers deep inside of JJ who had already determined that he would not close his eyes. He watched Lord D suck, lick, taste and enjoy his manhood even as he enjoyed the attention. JJ's fingers became lost in the wildly flowing hair that shined abundant about his lower body. Lord D's fingers moved faster inside and JJ's hips shifted in time. JJ could feel his body heat as he grew larger in Lord D's mouth.

"Precious, wait, I..." JJ gasped his orgasm slamming into him with such force it rendered him breathless when Lord D pressed hard against his pleasure spot he spasmed more, tears leaking from his eyes watching as Lord D drank him in not spilling a single drop. JJ was quivering as Lord D still sucked refusing to let him go soft. When JJ felt some semblance of control return he shifted their weight laying Lord D on the hair that splayed out gloriously beneath him. Lord D handed him their lubrication, a sweet smelling gel that felt cool to his overheated skin. JJ pressed his fingers in again coating Lord D inside and then himself. JJ eased over Lord D pressing inside with a slow thrust making sure that Lord D could feel each inch as it slide into him.

"Jemi," Lord D panted in a breathy whisper that drove JJ mad every time he heard it. He leaned over Lord D pushing his knees up. JJ intertwined their fingers moving over him in slow abandon savoring the slick grip of his smaller lover. "Aishiteru," Lord D gasped his blood pounding through his veins seeming to sing JJ's name taking him higher. JJ moved his hips in a way he knew would brush him full length against Lord D's prostate. He smiled, keeping his eyes locked with Lord D's as they both went over the edge.

"I love you so much," JJ panted falling beside Lord D breathless. He looked down into Lord D's eyes surprised to see the Kami weeping. "Darling?"

"You have drank me many times, Jemi-Chan, and it has changed you. Just as D's blood changed Leon. On your own you will not grow old, sicken and die, but you can be killed," Lord D sobbed. "I... I promised so I will." Lord D said. "I will live on without you, but please be careful to make it not necessary."

"I will," JJ promised kissing Lord D's head, then his lips. "I will."

Break

Bikky cornered Rain in the kitchen as they were putting the food away while Ryo and George put their things away. "Look at you," Bikky bumped his hip into his brother nearly catapulting the slighter boy into the counter. "Putting the moves on Julie."

"I was not," Rain blushed closing the cabinet with a snap.

"So," Bikky said with a cheerful grin. "Have you mastered the art of a real kiss yet?"

"Bikky!" Rain gasped his cheeks crimson when Dee hobbled into the kitchen.

"Never say it's so," Dee said in mock horror as Ryo and George came back downstairs. Chris peeked into the kitchen before he took Lyo in to play with Heaven. "My boy is fifteen and he still does not know how to properly lay one," Dee sighed in anguish. "Oh the shame."

"Oh shut up," Ryo said shoving Bikky aside gently and setting about the teapot. "Just because he is not a horny mongrel like you two does not mean that he needs to be ashamed."

"Although," George said winking at Rain. "A proper kiss is a delicate art."

"Come on Baby, for educational purposes," Dee said tugging Ryo into his arms. Before Ryo could push him away he pressed their lips together his tongue pressing against him for entry. As with any time Dee put his mind to it... Ryo's knees went weak and he fell into the kiss opening to Dee with a soft, helpless sigh. Ryo's hands crept up Dee's back before sliding into the deep locks of hair at his nape his fingers clenching to hold Dee. Dee broke away ending with several small sweet pecks smiling when he saw that Ryo's eyes were closed and that he was completely lost to his surroundings. George laughed when Dee moved away and Ryo swayed a little before he regained his footing. "Done correctly she won't even remember her own name."

"Huh," Ryo said blinking then he gasped and slapped a hand on Dee's arm shoving away from Dee his face red. "If you want dinner tonight get out of here, all of you!" Rain was fast to dash out of the kitchen, Dee and Bikky following leaving George standing and smiling at Ryo.

"You are too cute," He laughed leaving the kitchen to go to his room. He gasped when the door was ajar. After putting his things away he had shut it, he was sure. Looking around for the large cat he was surprised to see a vision in white sitting on his bed. "Um... Heaven?" He remembered the lovely young woman he had met earlier. "What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you," Heaven got to her feet. Dee had told her that it would be easy to get what she wanted from him. She thought it was rather sad, for someone so beautiful, but... Oh well. George backed away as she approached and wondered how the door had shut behind him when he had left it ajar upon seeing her. Pressing his back to the door he tried the knob and gasped as it would not turn. The door had no lock. "Are you afraid of me?" She asked licking her lips when she pressed against him inhaling deep. Again the urge to sneeze came and she fought it back. It was buried underneath a wild sweetness that tingled along the dark core of her, yet spoke to the light and played havoc with the human. All of her being came alive in his presence, so she could imagine the fiend that wanted him. Soon, imagine was not all she would do. George gasped bracing his hands on her shoulders as she pressed her lips to his.

Something malevolent howled in bitter rage as she held him close. George whimpered pushing her back. "Shhh... pretty," Heaven whispered her nose close to his ear as she trailed her tongue along his jugular. "You will awaken in time for dinner and this will all seem like a dream." George bit back a scream as he felt her teeth sink into his neck. Heaven carried his limp form to the bed and kissed his brow. Licking her lips she opened the door and said over her shoulder. "Tell Count D and Leon that I said hi. Ciao." Heaven laughed her lips still stained with his blood as she went back downstairs to see Chris opening the door for Count D and Leon. Count D offered a quick greeting before he ushered Chris, Rain and Bikky to the backyard for the training. Leon entered the den with Dee leaving Heaven to join Ryo in the kitchen. Lyo waved to her then ran out to watch as his brothers trained.

"Heaven," Ryo said sniffing then frowning at her. "You bit him!" He gasped as her flushed cheeks bore witness to her crime. "He is our guest, here for God knows what kind of protection and you bit him!"

"Just a taste really," Heaven said with a small smile and wink at Ryo. She giggled, a merry sound that had no business coming from the terrifying blood sucker, when he still looked worried. "By scent alone, I could not trace what is after him. But now... it is not human. That we knew." Heaven nodded her shiny deep brown hair swaying while the beads on the ends of several plaits clicked together. " But it is not entirely demon."

"Then what is it?" Ryo asked soaking the rice in a vegetable broth. He then went on to the bread that he had left rising and placed it into the heated oven.

"Dead already, but not. Alive but not. There is a lot more to be wary of. He is fragile, broken hearted and despondent. But he is going to do well with you. Your family, your love, will be a good thing I think."

"Heaven," Ryo said looking into the back yard at his boys. He would have said more, but when he turned around he was alone. Ryo sighed and went back to making a vegetarian dinner that would fill his family and friends. "I really hate when she does that," Ryo mused and finished cooking dinner.

George gasped when he felt the now familiar warm weight pressing into him. "Hello Slyphe," He brought a hand to his brow then petted the over sized feline. "Where's your boy?" He asked sitting up and putting a hand to his head. "Sleep on him..." He paused when there was a knock at his door. "George," Rain called from the other side. "Come in," George pushed the blanket aside frowning when he could not remember getting into bed. Rain opened the door smiling.

"Slyphie girl," Rain chided his hair wet from his shower. Working out after a long day of shopping really wore him out. "Get off him," Slyphe laughed tossing all of her weight into George before bounding from the bed. She licked Rain's hand then trotted down the stairs. "She really likes you," Rain said coming over to sit beside him on the bed. "Ryo is done with dinner, so come down when you're ready," George looked at Rain puzzling over the words Ryo had said to him earlier about Rain not being comfortable around strangers. Rain reached out to touch George's face. He felt a strange sensation of a cool breeze against his skin then Rain pulled away. "Hurry up, he won't serve without you and I am hungry." Rain bounced away before George could comment, he stared after the young boy a long time before he sighed, getting out of bed he headed downstairs where he heard loud laughing and talking.

George went downstairs and peered around the corner to see Ryo seated at Dee's side while Lyo sat in his booster seat. Rain and Bikky both playfully bantered for the fresh slices of bread. He noted the two strangers and straitened his hair and peeked into the hall mirror to make sure his make up was in place before he rounded the corner. "Ah. Sleeping Beauty," Dee said standing. "Let me introduce you to Detective Leon Orcot and his Spouse, Count D."

"Hi," George smiled and shook their hands. "Has any one ever told you that you are alarmingly beautiful," George said to Count D.

"In various meanings of the words," Count D said in his usual vague way. "But thank you all the same. I must return the compliment." George winked at Count D fixing his ribbon tied hair. Count D saw the red spot on his neck that looked suspiciously like a bite and widened his eyes at Ryo who simply shook his head.

"Please sit down so that we can eat..." Rain half sobbed. "D pummeled us and I am going to faint." Rain slumped over into Bikky causing Chris to roll his eyes.

"You ate so much at the mall today I am surprised you haven't exploded," Chris said tossing a piece of bread at Rain that Ryo caught and sat on it's plate.

"Christopher, please," Count D said in a gentle voice and for the first time George noted the tiny cherub who looked to be just about three sitting in a high chair behind Count D's chair clapping and laughing with delight. "If you must teach your niece habits make them worthy of the future queen that she is." Chris gave Count D a grin and apologized leaving George to wonder at the beautiful man calling his daughter a queen. Usually proud papa's called their daughters little princesses, but figuring it was a translation issue due to D's accent he shrugged it off. Rain continued his fainting act and George laughed sitting down with the family, he could not remember having this much fun.

Break

Count D helped Ryo clean the dishes while George sat at the kitchen table with Rain going over some of his songs. Ryo hummed along as he smiled. Their voices blended beautifully. He looked up when Dee came into the kitchen. "Baby, I think one of Georges bags was put into our room," He said laughing and giving George a playful wink.

"No," Ryo said looking away and finished his chore of packing away the leftovers.

"Yeah, I think it was," Dee tried not to mention the name of the store the bag had come from hoping not to embarrass anyone.

"No, it wasn't," Ryo gave Dee a small wink his face turning red. "Actually," Ryo said trying to keep a cool demeanor. "I feel like taking a bath, would you mind finishing up in here. Good night Leon, D," Ryo kissed both D and Aoi before heading off. Kurayami had been left in the garden with Sofu in hopes that he would leave Lord D alone with JJ. Kibo and Shinrai had also been left to occupy the great kami. Dee stared after Ryo his mouth dropping open.

"You know something." Dee accused George who widened his eyes and looked innocent. With a laugh he went back to singing with Rain. Dee finished the chores and said good night to his friends with his mind half upstairs. He was so distracted that he almost kissed Leon instead of D. Laughing the two gathered Aoi and left. Dee gave up any pretense of being functional and worked his way upstairs. When he opened his door his mouth dropped and he stared at Ryo who sat on the bed brushing his wet hair wearing a coma inducing excuse for clothing. It was all in panels of black satin, sheer in some places and opaque in others making his pale golden skin seem to glow. "Holy shit!" Dee gasped his heart beating erratic he closed the door with a snap. Ryo looked up, his cheeks lightly colored as Dee ogled him. Judging by this response, it was going to be a long night.

Dee stepped forward his eyes never leaving Ryo. Limping, he almost tripped in his attempt to remove his shoes mid stride. Ryo stood dropping the brush and the long shirt fell to his knees but not before Dee saw the tiny sheer shorts underneath. His knees went weak and Ryo was quick to catch him and help him to the bed. Sitting on the edge Dee stared up at Ryo in awe. He looked down to the feet, then up the long, pale legs taking in the black satin bands that swathed his body, the marble like skin showing through the sheer bits seeming to glow, just as his eyes made it to the shorts an opaque band blocked his view, becoming sheer again at his tummy, and again opaque, sheer again at his nipples then opaque ending with a satin band around his throat. "Dee... Do you like it?" Ryo asked his cheeks tinting when all Dee did was stare at him.

"I almost came the instant I saw you, how can you dare ask me that?" Dee said sliding his hands up and getting a tantalizing view of the shorts when a sheer panel was shifted.

"Dee," Ryo leaned down his lips inches from Dee's he pressed a quick teasing kiss then leaned back. "Sorry I dropped a building on you." He said then pressed another kiss Dee looked up at Ryo intoxicated by the sweet smelling hair that fell around Ryo's shoulders still damp from his bath. "Sorry it's been a while," Ryo said licking Dee's ear and then straddling his hips. "Can I make it up to you?"

"Oh baby," Dee groaned. "You already have."Ryo straightened and Dee was eye level with a dusky nipple that showed through the sheer panel. "Its beautiful," Dee's fingers bunched the material at Ryo's hips where he gripped him. "Take it off."

"Oh... Dee," Ryo was pulled to Dee as he yanked the top off his mouth sealed to Ryo's before Ryo could utter another word. Dee pulled away scooting back on the bed with Ryo still straddling him. "Careful, your leg," Ryo panted.

"I know, I don't care, damn you're hot," Dee's mouth found Ryo's neck and stayed. Ryo melted into Dee as he always did when this man put his mouth on him. He could swear he was loosing his mind as all rational thought went to places unknown and all he wanted was to be possessed. "Ryo," Dee said. In that simple utterance so much heat and love was conveyed that Ryo looked down into Dee's heavy lidded, deep green eyes. He remembered his first time with Dee, thinking of sinking into those eyes. It was always the same. "Ryo," Dee said again wrapping his arms around Ryo.

"Dee," Ryo said the word turning in a sigh as Dee's hand gripped his bottom through the shorts it felt as his fingers were brands where they held him. "Aishiteru," Ryo nipped Dee's ear then began to shift his hips in small circles grinding himself into Dee's growing need the sheer shorts soon became damp with his own excitement. "Dee," Ryo gasped a needful moan escaping when Dee lowered his head and nibbled his chest. Dee licked the tiny points, then bit down, sucking to sooth the small bruise all the while his other hand pinched and rubbed the other one.

"Help me," Dee said when he reached for his shirt. Ryo grasped the shirt and Dee lifted his hands so that Ryo could tug it over his head pausing to kiss Dee's chest taking his own time to investigate the dark nipples. Dee sucked in a breath and let it out slowly a deep groan leaving him as Ryo payed close attention to his chest and then moving back to his neck. Dee took the opportunity to lick Ryo's sensitive ear knowing it to be a strong erogenous zone for the gentle man sitting so pliant in his lap. "Will you stay on top?" Dee asked loving the blush that colored Ryo. "With the lights on?" Dee pushed his advantage of a guilty Ryo for all it was worth. His shy lover was adorable as he lowered his long, fanning lashes until they brushed against his pinkened cheeks and nodded.

"You first," Ryo said moving down Dee's leg, he was careful of the bandaged one as he removed the pants. Ryo sat back in awe as Ryo lowered his head.

"Ryo," The single word was all he could think, or say giving in to the deep pleasure of Ryo's working mouth and throat. Dee shifted his hips pushing more into Ryo's mouth careful not to push too much too fast, but shocked when Ryo deep throated him taking him all the way inside. "Oh... Ryo," Dee gasped placing a hand to Ryo's head, gently cupping the base of his skull. "Not yet," Dee pulled Ryo off when he felt himself escalating too fast. "Not yet," He panted. "Oh, damn Ryo," Dee said when Ryo climbed back over him his erection visible through the sheer shorts he still wore. "Take those off." he said. "Slowly," He said when Ryo moved to oblige. Ryo blushed his head lowered again as he inched the shorts down. He sprang free and shifted until he could east them down his long legs then he came beside Dee.

"What do want?" Ryo asked half afraid of the answer.

"You," Dee said pulling Ryo in for a lingering kiss nibbling the succulent lips. He could taste himself in Ryo's mouth and thought he would burst at the sensation. Dee then moved back breathing heavy he scooted down on the bed tugging Ryo to straddle his face. "Ready?" Dee asked. Not waiting for an answer he licked Ryo. Ryo gasped gripping the headboard for support as Dee tortured him with his mouth all the while his hands kneaded the firm globes of his bottom. Dee waited, opening his mouth allowing just the tip of his tongue to trail over Ryo until the man pushed his hips forward pressing into Dee's mouth. Ryo held still waiting, then gasped when Dee did nothing. Realization hit and pumped into Dee's mouth. When Ryo brought his hips back Dee sucked creating a wet vacuum that was released when Ryo pushed in. In perfect synchronization they moved until Ryo thought he would go mad. The sucking was light, not enough to take him where he so needed to go.

"Dee," Ryo panted the name. "Dee... Please, suck it harder," Ryo begged red beyond belief at the level of his need as well as the words he had said.

"No," Dee said smiling and backing away. "Turn around," Ryo looked down in shock at his lover and best friend. "Turn around," Dee said again shifting he sat up pushing Ryo until he was on his hands and knees with his bottom in Dee's face.

"Dee," Ryo said unsure of what Dee had in mind. With Dee sitting up he could not suck him, or stimulate him in any way.

"Gotta help the invalid Ryo," Dee said blowing a breath of hot air over Ryo's cheeks. Dee took Ryo's hands and brought them back as he brought his knees up to support Ryo's chest. "Okay?" Dee asked needing to be sure he was not hurting Ryo. Ryo nodded looking back at Dee questions in his eyes that he was too embarrassed to ask. "Spread 'em for me," He placed Ryo's hands on each cheek and Ryo gasped his face scarlet as he exposed himself to Dee. Dee chuckled softly then dived in. Ryo cried out loudly as his most sensitive spot was stimulated by Dee's wet mouth and hot fingers.

"Oh..." Ryo groaned his hips moving on their own to get more of Dee's mouth. Dee reached around with his free hands and stroked Ryo's member and one of his nipples. "Dee..." Dee grinned eating Ryo with a relish that Ryo was all his in a deep way that no one before or ever could know. This man was his. Dee stabbed his tongue in hot and urgent his fingers probing. "Dee," Ryo said nearly shouting as he came. Unprepared for the release he gasped shoving back against Dee reaching letting go of his bottom he slumped down uncaring of the fluid that he smeared on his and Dee's thighs.

"So damn good," Dee said licking his lips as he moved Ryo until he was straddling him again. "Take it slow," Dee said rubbing lubrication on himself and positioning Ryo until he was resting against Dee's need. Ryo nodded circling his hips, easing down. He gasped and closed his eyes as Dee made it past his tight ring of muscle and slid in deep. "Oh... Baby, my baby, Ryo," Dee said holding Ryo close burying his face in Ryo's chest.

"Um," Ryo said then shifted up before sliding back down. Dee sat back and enjoyed the undulations of Ryo's muscles. He loved that Ryo had muscles, though he was slimmer by contrast to Dee he was all male and beautiful. "Dee," Ryo gasped when Dee was pushed all the way in and so deep he thought he saw colors performing a jig before his eyes.

"Okay?" Dee asked always careful not to hurt Ryo. Ryo nodded and Dee pushed up bouncing Ryo in his lap.

"Uh... Ah..." Ryo gasped again his body inflamed by Dee's movements.

"Move Ryo," Dee said holding his hips. Ryo blushed he buried his face in Dee's neck and shifted his hips moaning as Dee moved around inside of him. "Move Ryo, I want you to love me," Dee said licking the part of Ryo's neck that was near his mouth. Ryo looked down and became lost in Dee's eyes. He lifted his hips then lowered his body onto Dee. Ryo gasped and began to cry out with each slide of Dee into his nether regions. "Yeah, Ryo," Dee groaned his hands flexing where they held Ryo's hips. Ryo knew he would have marks on his skin in the morning, but he did not care. Moving faster as he tried to agitate his sweet spot with Dee's member. "You want more?" Dee asked lifting Ryo off of him and placing him on his back.

"Your leg," Ryo grew worried but gasped crying out loudly when Dee pushed in thrusting with a powerful motion that felt so good it almost hurt. Ryo cried out spreading his legs with wild abandon clutching Dee to him as Dee rode him hard and fast. Dee loved that look Ryo got when the world left them and all that mattered was keeping Dee in his body. Ryo held on to his one point of cognition: Dee. Dee wanted to smile and to speak, all he could do was hold Ryo and slam his hips into him. His leg screamed and he feared he was bleeding again, but nothing compared to Ryo. He could sever the damn thing and not care, not as long as he had Ryo. Dee reached down and cupped the globes of Ryo's rear feeling the firm flesh in his hands.

Ryo placed his hands on Dee's face and pulled his head to his. "Dee," Ryo moaned his breath hitched as he placed kisses along Dee's chin, his cheeks and his lips. "Oh... Dee," Ryo panted raising his his hips to meet Dee's powerful thrusts. Dee called Ryo's name just as he felt his end near and Ryo opened his eyes. Dee fell into the large orbs, pitch black in their passion, and came, crying out loudly as he felt the muscles spasm around him signaling Ryo's capitulation. "I love you Dee," Ryo sighed holding him close.

Dee fell over, holding Ryo to him. "Baby, I love you," Dee said kissing Ryo's who seemed almost asleep. He nodded, thinking that once again he would awaken and be nude. He smiled and held Dee close throughout the night.

Break

Breakfast was a small affair of toast and eggs Ryo having awakened later than usual. George had been sitting on the couch with clothing and a bag of what looked to be sewing materials as Ryo had walked to the kitchen with a hand on the lower portion of his back. He heard George laugh and looked back to see him blowing a kiss in his direction. Ryo laughed and shook his head. He thought it sad to see him in make up so early. Shaking his head he got ready to send his boys off to school. Ryo sat gingerly in his chair a smile on his face when Dee came downstairs smelling of soap and grinning like successful cat in a hen house. "Baby," Dee leaned over to kiss the back of Ryo's hand ignoring Bikky rolling his eyes. George grinned into his morning cup of tea as Dee continued. "If last night was an apology, you can drop a building on me anytime you damn well please."

"Dee," Ryo gasped getting up from the table and busying himself with cleaning the dishes.

George sidled up to him and leaned over. "The black one?" Ryo nodded his face scarlet. George laughed clapping his hands in glee. "I told you..."

To Be Continued

Author's notes; Whoa, long chapter. Thank you all for your continued reading and support. I hope you enjoy this conglomeration of Anime, music, manga, books, movies, television shows, and celebrity fan fiction. Your comments have soothed the sensitive feelings of our Yaoi/Lemon producer, as well as dozens of fresh-baked cookie compliments of Mini-Me. ( You know who you are.) Sir Ken, I want to thank you for all your help in the research that went into this. I never would have known so many Boy George interviews were on the net if not for you.

Now for the Background info on Boy George.

Culture Club swept the nation in the 80's when they first arrived in USA. There are many people who first saw Boy George and wondered at his gender. Gender questions of course led to Sexuality questions, which he answered in a vague, cute way ala Count D-esque. It is a known fact that he had a love affair with the drummer of the band, Jon Moss. I do know that it ended and that Boy George was broken-hearted. I do know that Jon is now married with children, but he claims to have loved George deeply. (my question, If you love someone, how could you break their heart?) I do not know all the details of their break-up therefore, I warn you now, I did take artistic license. More background info will be posted as I go further along. Thank you all so much for reading, your comments mean a lot to us. who first saw Boy George and wondered at his gender. Gender question of course led to Sexuality questions, which he answered in a vague, cute way ala Count D-esque. It is a known fact that he had a love affair with the drummer of the band, Jon Moss. I do know that it ended and that Boy George was broken hearted. I do know that Jon is now married with children, but he claims to have loved George deeply. (my question, If you love someone, how could you break their heart?) I do not know all the details of their break-up therefore, I warn you now, I did take artistic license. More background info will be posted as I go further along. Thank you all so much for reading, your comments mean a lot to us.