Pet Shop Of Horrors Fan Fiction ❯ Troubled Times ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Since I received some really nice responses from a few people I decided to continue this fic for awhile longer. Enjoy!

Copyright: I don't own "Pet Shop Of Horrors" or the characters, wish I did though. Matsuri Akino is the lucky goddess who owns them.

Characters maybe a bit OC, but this is my story. I came up with this idea at work. Slight AU, yaoi.

Troubled Times

Chapter 2

By: Vidalark

Leon had more or less gotten use to life at the pet shop. He still went to work and found that his job had become much easier now that he had someone to come home to every night that was willing to listen to the troubles of his day and sooth his mind when he had been particularly disturbed by a particularly nasty crime scene that would haunt him for days. D found that he enjoyed Leon's company more than he had before. Q-Chan had also learned to enjoy Leon's company though he was still a bit grudging of the fact that the American had invaded his home, but he wasn't about to begrudge the Count of a bit of happiness.

"Leon you look terrible what happened?" D asked one evening when Leon stumbled through the front door looking like he'd been in a street fight and most likely lost. D rushed to his side and helped him to the couch. Leon's shirt and jeans were badly torn and there were streaks of dirt and blood on his clothes and skin. D noted several rather bad looking cuts and gashes.

"Street gang a few blocks back thought that they'd have a chance in robbing some poor guy. I managed to stop them long enough for him to call for back up. I just spent the last hour filling out paper work." Leon said as he carefully lowered himself to the soft cushions that awaited him. "Damned punks got an upper hand on me a few times, but I managed to beat them back. Lucky for me they didn't have any guns. They wanted to rob the old man with knives and threats."

"Q-Chan bring me the first aid kit." D quickly said to the small babbit who was fluttering worriedly above them. He may not care all that much for Leon, but even Q-Chan could see that Leon was hurt pretty bad.

"Oh yeah before I forget Wong Lau says hi." Leon said watching the babbit struggle with the large kit.

"Wong Lau?"

"Yeah, he's the guy that I rescued." Leon looked like he was ready to pass out any second.

"Leon why didn't you go to the hospital?" D half scolded though he was highly worried at how badly Leon was holding up. He didn't seem to be able to get the blood to stop flowing it anything he thought it was getting worse.

"Had to come home, didn't want you to think that I'd decided to move out." Leon chuckled though he was in great pain.

"My Golden Lion you've got numerous deep cuts, you're bruised, you're most likely wearing half of your own blood, and I wouldn't doubt that you've got some broken bones." D scolded as he surveyed the injuries.

"I'll live."

"You are going to the hospital. I can't heal your injures."

"D my injuries aren't that bad." Leon protested.

"Leon you will see a doctor one way or another." D said with his eyes narrowing as he tried to at least slow the bleeding on most of the gashes that refused to stop. "I highly doubt that Mr. Wong Lau would be happy to hear that his rescuer died from untreated injuries."

"But..." Leon began again but was quickly silenced by a warning look from D.

"My Golden Lion you have no say on this matter any longer. Apparently you don't realize how bad you look right now. Why your fellow officers even allowed you to come home without having received any sort of medical attention first has me very sorely tempted to file a complaint with your department." D was beyond angry and Leon could tell. To D seeing his beloved in such a state was unforgivable and the fact that said beloved though nothing of what had to be very painful injuries further distressed him. Why hadn't one of Leon's co-workers insisted that he see a doctor? Why had they allowed him to almost return home to him dead?

The animals in the shop could smell the thick blood that flowed freely from Leon's wounds. The felt the distress rolling off of D in waves. The smell of close death tainted the air. The animals that weren't caged quickly went to the pair. Dogs and cats alike pressed their warm bodies to Leon's rapidly cooling form. The blood loss was causing horrid chills that racked his body.

A few minutes later an ambulance was taking Leon away with D following close behind in his chauffeured car. Once at the hospital D lost track of Leon and was hunting wildly cursing the fact that no one would tell him where Leon was and or what was his condition.

Q-Chan was able to locate Leon in one of the emergency rooms where doctors worked feverishly to save his life. To D this was worse than the nightmares he suffered of species becoming extinct. No this wasn't an animal species leaving the earth forever this was the other half of his heart which was much worse.

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Hours later a doctor found D curled up on a chair in the waiting room not quite asleep, but not fully aware of things around him. D was quite the sight to behold since he still had quite a bit of Leon's blood still on him. Most of it had already dried and begun to flake off, but most had soaked into the fine silk of his cheongsam which ruined it completely. The doctor lightly touched D's arm to get his attention.

"Sir you're here for Mr. Orcot correct?" the doctor asked kindly. These words were more than enough to gain D's full attention.

"Yes! How is he?" D asked urgently.

"He is going to be fine. He had a fractured rib and a few serious stab wounds but we were able to patch him up just fine. The bruising and swelling in some of the injuries should clear up in a few weeks, however I am more concerned about the psychological damage that he sustained from his attack."

"Huh? What do you mean? He told me that he was attacked by a street gang." D said.

"He was, but... well he has to tell you himself since I can't. All I can say is that he is going to need a lot of support."

"May I see him?"

"Well... alright. Normally a person wouldn't be allowed visitors so soon after this kind of surgery, but my supervisor said that you're an exception." the doctor then led D to the room that Leon was recovering in.

On the bed with various IVs, tubes, and wires in and on him was Leon. Large white bandages covered still oozing wounds that had just been stitched up. A monitor read out Leon's vital signs telling them that he was still alive though he didn't fully look it. A nurse was checking the drip of an IV when they entered.

"He won't be awake for awhile because of the meds. He's lucky that you were able to slow most of the bleeding. I honestly don't think that we could've saved him otherwise."

"Leon you fool. You almost died on me." D muttered realizing how close he had come to losing his recently gained love.

"We'll I'll be back in awhile to check up on him." the doctor didn't wait to see if D had heard him or not, he just left. When the nurse left D knelt beside the bed and lightly brushed aside a lock of golden hair from Leon's face.

"You worry me my Golden Lion. You risk so much and think nothing of it. Now the doctor tells me that more is wrong with you than meets the eye, and by far more than you have told me. I pray that you will tell me so that I can help you." D whispered gazing at the slumbering for. Q-Chan watched D and couldn't help but feel sorry for D and Leon.

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Leon spent a week in the hospital. A few of Leon's work buddies came by and visited and brought get well gifts. Even his friend and partner Jill brought him flowers. D was there every night with Q-Chan and they stayed until the early hours of morning. Wong Lau even visited Leon and brought over a book full of photos of various Chinese garments for men. He was an old Chinese man who wished to reward Leon's bravery much to Leon's dismay.

"Sir you really don't owe me anything." Leon protested as he was shown yet another photo.

"I owe you plenty. You saved my family and my store." Wong Lau pressed. He had a light accent to his speech which was barely noticeable. "Maybe you'll like this one. A very hard pattern, but I can make it."

"Oh my Leon that one would look beautiful on you." D breathed as he saw the highly detailed photo of a cheongsam that bore a Chinese lion and a beautiful Phoenix like bird spreading its glorious wings wide open behind the lion. Large orchids surrounded the lion and Phoenix beautifully.

"Ah, you have very good taste Count D. I can change some of the colors and the silks to better match our young protector." Wong Lau said gleefully. "My son can make a pair of beautiful slippers to match."

"What do you think Leon?" D asked noticing that Leon looked rather nervous.

"This is a very rare pattern and I find not to many who really match it so beautifully now days. Please, it would be an honor to make this for you." Wong Lau said.

"Alright." Leon sighed in defeat.

"You make this old man very happy. When you are better come to my shop and we can begin." Wong Lau left talking fast in Chinese to himself making various mental notes on his new project.

"D when will they let me go home?" Leon asked finally.

"The doctor said that you may come home the day after tomorrow."

"Good. I really want to go home."

"And I really want you to come home." D said with a smile. "Leon I was wondering what happened the night you helped Wong Lau. The doctor had indicated that there had been a possible... trauma that would affect you."

"I already told ya D, those punks thought that they'd rob Wong Lau and got a few lucky stabs on me." Leon said. The entire time he said this he had not once looked at D. It was then that D realized that since that night Leon had avoided all eye contact with anyone and he also shied away from all physical contact completely. He wouldn't even let D kiss him.

"I have a feeling that more happened that night."

"I was attacked by a street gang D."

"Why didn't anyone bring you to a hospital?"

"Because I was fine."

"Really? Do you realize how close to death you were?"

"Listen I really don't wanna talk about it." Leon said hoping to end the current topic.

"We shall talk about this more when we get home then." D wasn't going to stop asking Leon what had happened that night until he knew what had really happened.

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The day Leon was released he was ready to eat a real meal. He wanted to hit any place that served meat even though he knew full well that D was a vegetarian. D however complied just this once and let Leon indulge in a cheese burger, fries, and a soda. When Leon was about to go and buy a pack of cigarettes that was were D drew the line. He absolutely forbade the dose of nicotine that Leon so craved.

Once they reached the pet shop Leon made a bee line for his room. D tried to follow him but Leon had locked the door and refused to open it. D however knew a way around this problem. He had a few small mice sneak into Leon's room and unlock the door for him. Upon hearing the lock click open D entered the room.

"Leon what is the matter?" D asked.

"Why don't you leave me alone?" Leon asked glaring at D from beside his dresser.

"Because something is wrong, I can feel it and I won't let you go through what ever it is alone."

"Trust me I'm fine. I don't need you mothering over me like I'm some kid who can't take care of them self." Leon snapped.

"Really? Tell me Leon, if everything is alright then why are you being so defensive?"

"Just leave me alone for awhile, please I need time to think."

"As you wish, but I shall leave *Yue here with you." D said as a white and gold colored Pekingese trotted into the room. "Yue watch over Leon." D left before Leon could protest the intrusion of the small fluffy dog.

Yue trotted over to Leon and gazed at him with large liquid black eyes. Leon couldn't help the small smile that formed on his face. Yue was just to adorable to be angry with and the fluffy fur appeared much to soft to be able to resist petting. Leon knelt down and offered a hand for Yue to inspect. When Yue was done scenting Leon he jumped into Leon's arms as an indication that he wanted to be carried or at least held. Once settled in Leon's arms he gave a small commanding bark.

"Pushy little thing aren't you?" Leon chuckled. He walked over to his bed and sat down. "Don't know why D left you with me, I'm not that great with animals. Hell most of you guys around here don't even like me. What about you huh? You only tolerating me because D told ya to watch me?" Yue shook his head though Leon highly doubted that the small dog had really understood what he had said.

Yue made himself comfortable on Leon's lap and watched him. It seemed that Yue was one of the few animals in the shop that seemed to like him, but Leon wasn't going to count on it. He was half afraid that Yue was going to turn into something that would try to eat him. Eventually Leon fell asleep with Yue by his side.

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"Ah... detective you've come at the perfect time. I've found some good colors and silks for you." Wong Lau said as D and Leon walked into Wong Lau's shop. Q-Chan and Yue had accompanied them. D was happy to see how well Leon and Yue got along however D still didn't know anymore than he did the night Leon had gotten hurt.

"You really don't need to do this." Leon said. He had only gone because D had forced him to go and then went along to make sure that Leon had gone to see Wong Lau.

"Nonsense. You are very well known around Chinatown and it would be an honor to be able to repay your bravery." Wong Lau said as he used a tape measure to get all of Leon's measurements. Wong Lau shouted something in Chinese to someone in the back who quickly came to the front of the store. "Lee this is Mr. Orcot, he is the detective who helped me." Wong Lau said to the young man.

"Ah so you're the famous detective. My family is really grateful to you." Lee said as he shook Leon's hand. "Ah Count D welcome." Lee said with a quick bow.

"Lee is very good at making slippers to match any of my creations." Wong Lau said proudly. Lee took that as his cue to take his own series of measurements on Leon's feet for the slippers.

"Come back in three days so I can check my work on you." Wong Lau said. "Count could I have your opinion on the colors I have chosen before you leave?"

"Yes. I will only be a moment Leon." D followed Wong Lau to the back room.

"Lee you wouldn't happen to know why a street gang would want to hurt your Father would you?" Leon asked.

"Not a clue. We're an old time family around here. My Great Grandfather opened this shop and we have always catered to anyone who wished to buy anything from us. We're fairly easy going."

"Hm... they must have just been after money. You guys use a lot of silks right?"

"Only the best silks out of China. We use a lot of other fabrics and materials though."

"Silks in general aren't cheap." Leon muttered.

"True, but what has that got to do with the attack?" Lee wasn't understanding the direction that Leon's mind was going. "My Father has a good supplier so we get a lot of the silks on wholesale."

"Hm... oh well it was just a thought."

"Sorry about my curiosity, but you guys already caught the gang, why the investigation?"

"Just my own curiosity." Leon said.

"A very good point Count. I'll make sure to do that." Wong Lau said as he and D came out of the back room.

"I'll have them sent over." D said kindly. "Shall we go?"

"Yeah." Leon said. Yue was now begging to be picked up since he knew that they weren't about to go home yet. Leon picked up the Pekingese.

"Just a couple of stops more and then we can go home." D assured.

"What were you and Wong Lau talking about?” Leon asked as they walked out of the shop.

"You'll find out eventually." D said with a secretive smile.

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It was Leon's first day back at work since the night Wong Lau's shop was almost robbed. He had mixed emotions on returning to active duty and had to calm D down and stop him from following him to work so that he could yell at the Chief about allowing officers to go home when they should be sent to the hospital. Yue proved to be even harder to ditch. Yue had followed Leon to his car and refused to go back to the pet shop. Leon had to carry Yue back to the shop and place him in an obstacle course like area and run out the door like a man possessed.

"Welcome back Leon." Jill said when he reached his desk which was covered in case files. A few notes had also been placed under a paper weight for him to read.

"Thanks Jill." Leon said as he leafed through the various notes. A plain and unmarked white envelope however was what caught his attention. Carefully he inspected it and once he declared it safe he carefully slit it open with a pocket knife. A neatly typed letter fell out.

----------------------------------------------------

Leon,

Welcome back. Would have thought that after our little romp that night you wouldn't dare to show your face, but not you eh? No you're a big tough guy who can handle anything right? We can't forget that, but you do scream so nicely and you're so wonderfully tight. Bet you haven't told your China Doll about that night though. Wonder what your China Doll would think if he knew. Maybe we should tell him, or better yet video tape the next time. Oh yes there will be a next time because your ass is just too sweet for only one round. Do keep in mind though you tell anyone and bad things will happen to them. So keep this as our little secret or else.

----------------------------------------------------

Leon had paled upon reading the letter. he couldn't believe that this was happening to him, but it was. As a cop he knew what he should do, but as a victim knowing that a very real threat was being held over the heads of all he knew and very likely carried on to D and just because of this he couldn't do anything. He quickly crumpled the note into a ball and stuffed it into his pocket so that he could safely get rid of it later.

"Leon you alright?" Jill asked seeing the look on Leon's face.

"Huh? Oh yeah... just fine." he said quickly pasting on a fake grin.

"Hey! Someone stop that dog!" someone shouted. Before anyone could catch the loose dog Leon found himself with a lap full of fur.

"Yue what are you doing here?" Leon asked as Yue licked his face. Once Leon was able to free himself from his unplanned tongue bath he noticed that the Chief was standing just on the other side of his desk.

"Orcot is that your dog?" he asked while pointing an accusing finger at Yue.

"Um kind of. He must have followed me to work." Leon said not noticing that Yue had pilfered the crumpled letter from his pocket.

"Well you'd better take it home." the Chief had a soft spot for pets, especially those from the Chinatown pet shop. "You can also do some patrol work for awhile. Might give you a chance to exercise your friend there."

"Yes sir. Come on Yue." Leon said as Yue leapt off of his lap.

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At the pet shop D was sipping at his tea. He had seen Yue chase after Leon after having found his way out of the obstacle course Leon had placed him in. Q-Chan had gone along with Yue to make sure that he would safely make it to the police station. Q-Chan had returned awhile later with the crumpled letter that Yue had stolen from Leon and slipped to Q-Chan for D to read since it seemed to hold some important information.

"Hm maybe this will shed some light on what has been bothering my Golden Lion." D said as he smoothed out the letter and began to read it. By the time he finished reading the short letter he saw red. He now understood why Leon had become fairly distant. He now understood why Leon shied away from his touches and kisses. His Leon had been raped and was afraid of it possibly happening again.

"D I'm home." Leon shouted as he entered the shop. D quickly gave Q-Chan the letter to hide, which he did quickly and Leon never once saw it.

"Leon, you are home early." D said with a bright smile.

"Yeah Yue here found a way to follow me to work. Smart critter." Leon said and Yue wagged his tail at the obvious compliment.

"Yue is very loyal and honestly enjoys your company." D chuckled.

"Shouldn't get to attached to me Yue, some kid may wanna take you home with them." Leon cautioned.

"Yue is yours Leon. No one will be taking Yue anywhere but you." D told Leon who was now puzzled by this bit of information.

"Eh?" was the most intelligent response that Leon could manage.

"When I told Yue to protect you that was my way of giving you a pet."

"Oh..."

"Tell me Leon what do you know of Yue's breed?" D asked as he gazed at Leon.

"Well their faces are kinda squished, they are fluffy, and expensive as hell." Leon had seen the price tag that was normally seen on a pure bred Pekingese and knew that there was no way that he would have ever been able to afford one if he had ever planned on buying one.

"Blunt but true. Do you know the legend behind them?" D asked.

"Truthfully... no." Leon could never understand how or why D knew all kinds of myths and legends on just about every animal he dealt with.

"Well it is said that a rather brave lion was going through his jungle kingdom one day when he happened upon a pond of water. He decided to drink from it and while doing so he caught sight of a reflection in the water. Quickly he looked for the source of the reflection and saw that is was a small but beautiful marmoset. He quickly fell madly in love with her. However he couldn't be with her because he was so large and heavy and she so small and frail that he would crush her. For a long time he pined after her until finally he wished that he were small enough that he wouldn't hurt his beauty. His wish was answered and the two were able to be together. The Pekingese is believed to be the descendants of the lion and marmoset. Many a Chinese emperor bred these wonderful dogs and used them to hunt. A pack of these brave lion like dogs is said to be able to take down just about anything."

"Wow I didn't know that." Leon was amazed at the history and legend of the little dog and if anything Yue looked even prouder. "Thank you D."

"You are very welcome."

"Well I'd better get going. I have patrol work to do, Chief's orders."

"Take Yue with you, he may prove very useful." D suggested while Q-Chan spoke to Yue or at least appeared that way.

"Well alright."

"Come back for lunch if you can. If not go to that restaurant that I took you to. Melin can fix up something for you."

"I'll most likely come back. If anything happens you have my cell number. Come on Yue we have work to do." once Leon left D began to stalk around the shop.

"Yue will watch over Leon very well. Should that person come near Leon, Yue will protect Leon and at least be able to catch his scent. Once I know who dared to harm MY Leon I will teach them a very valuable lesson." D growled. The animals in the shop sensed D's mood and agreed there was blood to be had.

To Be Continued...

*- Points to anyone who can guess where I got the name from.

Side note that is a real legend that I read a while back and it fits so nicely.

Please review, any flames will be used to cook my dinner.