Powdered Sugre 10
Passionate
Dee sat in the car with Bobby at the edge of the frozen lake. Bobby reached for the handle. "Hey man, whatever it is... I'll go with you." Bobby shook his head worrying Dee. Bobby had said little since leaving the shop two days ago and had not been by to see Jack. Had not even told his brothers where the youngest could be found. "Talk to me."
"I don't have time," Bobby said looking at his watch. And making sure his gun was loaded. "You have a family man, I am not risking your life."
"Ryo's got it, besides..." Dee tried to explain that his life was a little more complicated than that. But then he thought better of it. While it was true that he did not age, he could, in fact, be killed. "Jack's worried about you all."
"You go tell him not to. To worry about getting better," Bobby got out of the car. Before he could shut the door Dee leaned over. "What?"
"You never asked one question about the shop or its occupants," Dee said looking deep into Bobby's eyes.
"I was told not to, better than that, I don't think I want to know." Bobby shook his head looking angry at the water he turned back to Dee. "Don't make me late, by now Jeremiah is on the ice. I'm going to get my brother." Bobby turned and stomped away over the frozen water. Dee sighed before he pulled off to make sure that Jack was not too much trouble for little D as he recuperated in the Kami's garden.
Break
"Well this sucks," Jack said with a wince. "Mom always said that there was no pain in Heaven. I guess she was wrong," Jack looked around the lush garden with serene creatures walking around nibbling grass every now and then.
"Then it would be a safe guess to think that you are not in Heaven. Though I am sure grandfather will appreciate the compliment. He made this garden." Count D said as he waddled over with a hand on his large tummy.
"I thought I was dreaming before," Jack said he tried to sit up and cried out falling back onto his pillow of flowers. "You sound like a man, but..." Jack's eyes went to the mound under D's cheongsam.
"I am a male of my species, this is true," Count D laughed a little as he lowered himself to the ground beside Jack. "But Kami physiology is extraordinary in that we are able to carry and give birth with the correct conditions."
"Conditions?" Jack asked wondering why the young woman that approached with a tray had pointed ears and a tail.
"My love for my detective and his love for me." D explained he smiled his thanks as Sylph sat their lunch beside them. Jack stared finding the girl's yellow eyes to be oddly familiar.
"Rain wonders if perhaps they may visit you this evening. The boys miss you." Sylph explained her master's wishes. Jack stared in awe as she got to her knees before the Count and began to purr, the woman purred, as Count D ran his well-manicured hands over her hair.
"Of course they are welcome to come see me." Count D smiled when Sylph meowed and scampered away forgetting her human guise. Jack gasped when the female before him turned into the lynx that had been in their home for Thanksgiving.
"That is the boy's cat that was..." Jack's stomach disturbed his train of thought and he decided to inspect the food the cat had delivered. Jack frowned when he saw that it was all fruit and vegetables along with tea, water and pastries.
"Do you require aid?" Count D asked placing a sugar cube between his deep red lips and licking with a smile. Count D did not wait for an answer he simply lifted the fork and began to feed the injured young man. Jack watched in fascination as Count D began to feed him with one hand while the other passed bits of sugar and pastries into his own mouth.
"Do you eat real food?" Jack laughed as a piece of fudge vanished between Count D's lips.
"Of course, but, I have odd cravings and they must be satisfied." D said refusing to admit that he had filled up on Matzo ball soup before the young man had awakened. Jack and Count D both looked up as the door opened admitting Lord D and Leon. With a smile that left Jack stunned, Count D started to rise only to be lifted by Leon.
"You're supposed to be taking it easy," Leon said as he pressed a kiss to D's lips.
"I am fine love," Count D looked down when he saw his father kneel next to Jack and run his hands over the tightly wrapped bandages. Jack shuddered then stared in awe as Lord D's hands began to glow where they were pressed against him. The golden color bathed the small area making it seem almost unreal. Jack's eyes refused to stay open and soon he lay back and dozed in his bower of grass and flowers at peace in the strange surroundings.
Lord D stood and pressed his hand to D's tummy in between he and Leon. Lord D smiled when his grandson moved under his hand. Frowning when he detected the soup that D had consumed Lord D pulled away satisfied that D would be fine for a while. "I will send Aoi to you in a bit, she is calling for her Papa, but I had to be sure you were well."
"I am," D smiled when he heard his daughter running as fast as her wobbly little legs could carry her. She crashed into Leon and raised her arms.
"Up..." She bounced around until Leon obliged picking her up he placed loud, smacking kisses on her little cheeks. Giggling she leaned over to pass the kisses to her papa. D laughed softly returning the affection as Lord D left them alone to see to his own young sons.
Break
Chris sat near the pond glad that Sofu had remembered to make a room for them to hang out in. He liked the backyard feel to this place and thought that maybe he would ask for this to be a permanent room back in LA. Yeah he loved Philippe's beach, but, this simpler room was relaxing. "I hope we'll be going home soon," Bikky groused skipping a flat stone across the still water. "Carol will kill me if I miss Christmas."
"Yeah," Rain sighed, "Not to mention I promised Peter that we would go to his birthday party."
"He probably just wants you to sing," Chris said with a smirk. "You know, being friends with a star and all, it would be so cool to have you there."
"Peter's a nice kid, I wouldn't mind," Rain said and grinned when his cat came running to his side. She ignored Cujo's playful bark and sat on T-Chan despite his protest. After some grumbling T-Chan settled down. Being part feline, he understood her need for cuddling even if it annoyed him, he felt it too.
"As soon as they corner these guys who killed the Mercer mom, we're heading back." Bikky assured them all. "You know, Jack is in the garden, so I guess we might have to wait 'til he is healed. I think he got shot."
"With Lord D as his doctor, he will more than likely be fine, long before they solve this case." Chris said joining Bikky at the water's edge tossing stones.
"You said it," Bikky laughed looking out over the water.
Break
Dee sighed as he watched Ryo make their bed. He leaned against the door as pillows were fluffed and replaced, sheets straightened and blankets adjusted. It was all so neat when he was done. "Ryo," Dee approached feeling nerves tingle along his spine as he contemplated the near impossible task of deciphering his lover's mercurial moods. Ryo could hear the question in Dee's voice and hesitated before raising his dark eyes to Dee's deep green ones. Dee felt his heart skip a beat at the residual fear he could sense in Ryo. "We've been here over two weeks now... And you haven't let me touch you." Dee sighed when Ryo looked away his face flaming. "On Thanksgiving you were upset and distracted. I don't want you like that. I want you panting for me too. I thought that once the bruises faded..." Dee trailed off when Ryo gasped and turned away from him. His arms were wrapped tight around his torso in a stance that clearly said 'stay back'.
In that moment, Dee wished for Andy's empathic abilities. It would be so easy to get inside Ryo and fix the problem, but no, Dee thought, he would do as he always did; plug away until Ryo opened up. Ryo recalled with vivid detail the burning shame he had felt after his shower to see the deep bruises in the shape of hand prints on his hips, his waist and buttocks, there were scratches on his thighs and hickies on his chest and neck. Just thinking of the painful swelling of his lips brought tears to his eyes. But Ryo refused to cry. Inhaling a deep breath, he let it out slow trying in vain to calm his nerves.
"Baby, at least talk to me," Dee began and placed his hand on Ryo's shoulder. He felt Ryo tense under the light touch and nearly wept himself. Dee began rubbing small circles on the shoulder appreciating the softness of the dark blue material of Ryo's shirt. "Tell me what's wrong."
For long moments Dee thought Ryo would not answer and thought over many things he could say to encourage him. His Ryo was so sensitive and emotional, while it drove him crazy at times like these, it made him all the more complex in that he was strong, reliable and tough when he needed to be. It shook Dee to the core to see Ryo so rattled. Dee opened his mouth to say more when Ryo said, so soft that Dee almost missed it. "He...won," Ryo sniffled then turned until he was pressing his face to Dee's chest reminding Dee of their height difference.
"Baby, I thought he didn't..." Dee began to panic as he thought that Randolph had indeed raped Ryo.
"No, no he didn't, but," Ryo paused his face heating more. "But I was helpless to stop him Dee. I couldn't save myself, let alone our children. They saved me." Ryo dropped out of Dee's embrace to sit on the bed. He lowered his head into his hands as he lost the battle to contain his tears. "I wasn't yours anymore, he made me his. And I couldn't stop him." Dee stood still then nudged Ryo's legs apart with his knees and stood between them. He pulled until Ryo's head was leaning against his stomach. "You should not want me..."
"Baby, I want you always." Dee got to his knees in front of Ryo and cupped his face in his hands. Looking deep into Ryo's eyes Dee leaned in and closed his lips over Ryo's. He became lost in the sweet softness of Ryo. Dee pulled away for air and Ryo sniffled loudly causing Dee to laugh. "Even with snot running down your face, you're beautiful." Dee laughed and reached for a tissue to wipe Ryo's nose. "Blow," Dee said and laughed when Ryo's eyes widened at the command that he often gave Lyo when the little boy had a runny nose. Ryo tried to turn his face away and take the tissue, but Dee was persistent, and rather than embarrass himself with a slimy trail, Ryo blew into the tissue. Dee cleaned Ryo's nose then threw the tissue away.
"Mine," Dee said stealing Ryo's lips yet again this time pressing him to the bed. He sat up on an elbow over Ryo and wiped the tears from his eyes then licked them from his finger. "My Ryo," Dee placed a kiss on Ryo's eyelids, then his cheeks. "My beautiful, beautiful, sensitive, smart, strong, Ryo." Each word found Dee's lips on a different part of Ryo's face. "You are mine, Ryo... no one can take you away from me. If I would fight the entire clan of Eastern Arcadian Dragons to get to you do you honestly think that I would let some two-bit psycho steal you away from me?"
"Dee," Ryo sobbed again pressing his face to the curve of Dee's neck inhaling the strong scent of Dee's virile masculinity. "Do Shitte yo," He whispered the words forgetting every word of English he knew. "Onigaishimasu, Dee watashi ni anata no o shi nasai. "[Please, Dee, make me yours.
Dee understood the meaning in Ryo's eyes for the words were lost to him. Every year he promised himself that he would learn Japanese and every year he failed. Understanding Ryo was hard enough without the added complication of a difficult language. But right now, Ryo was real easy to understand, and Dee was determined to give him what he needed. Ryo gasped when Dee peeled his shirt back and stared down at the pale pecs beneath. "I don't think I've ever seen anything more beautiful." Ryo sighed surrendering his lips to Dee once again enjoying the softness of Dee's touches. Dee pinched one small, peach nipple and smiled when Ryo blushed. "You like that?" Dee whispered close to Ryo's ear then licked the perfect shell.
"Ooh," Ryo clutched Dee to his body pressing his chest into the hand that was driving him mad. "Dee," Ryo panted bringing his hands up to peel Dee's shirt from his body. He sighed, melting into the mattress. Ryo arched his hips when Dee climbed over him. Dee palmed Ryo through his trousers feeling the semi-stiffness.
"We might be here all day," Dee smiled tracing his tongue over Ryo's collarbone then placing nibbling kisses down to his stomach. The only sound in the room was Ryo's heavy breathing and the snap of his buttons on his pants. "Ummm," Dee said scooting down the bed keeping Ryo's legs trapped between his own. Dee leaned in and nuzzled the mounding, cloth covered flesh. He pressed kisses into the silken underpants. "Who knows what you like?" Dee asked peeling the shorts down to lick the weeping head that poked free. The tangy taste of Ryo's burgeoning excitement intoxicated Dee as nothing ever had. "Only you can make me feel this way." Dee purred as the scent of Ryo traveled into his nose and fuzzed his brain. "Who, baby, who knows what you like?"
Ryo gasped lifting his bottom allowing Dee to pull his pants down and toss them aside. "You...Ah..." Ryo gasped his body giving in to the demands of his lover.
"That's right, I do," Dee moved aside and pushed Ryo's legs open. Bending Ryo in half he licked a hot trail from his scrotum to his tight hole enjoying the whimpers he elicited from Ryo. "Who knows this spot?" Dee asked his lips inches from the puckered pink flesh. "Say it baby, say it and you'll get it." Dee encouraged blowing a breath of hot air over the tingling bit of skin causing Ryo to cry out and writhe. "Who..."
"Anata-yo!" Ryo said loud and spread his legs wide when Dee's tongue pierced his opening. He felt as if molten lava scoured through his veins and he trembled upon the bed. Dee swirled his tongue then kissed the quivering flesh. "Hai...oh... Kimochi," Ryo brought a hand up to his face to cover his eyes then dragged his slim fingers through his hair. "Sugoi, Dee..."
Dee tongued Ryo hard smiling as he pumped the now rigid member that pulsed under his ministrations. Dee sucked his finger deep into his mouth then began to probe. "So tight baby, you know when I haven't been in here you tighten up."
"Umm..." Ryo moaned tucking his bottom lip between his teeth.
"Unh uh," Dee crawled up Ryo's body and pressed their lips together. "Mine," He sucked the bottom lip. He pulled hoping to swell the delicate morsel. His Ryo would look well loved when they were done. Ryo began to cry out in joy as one of Dee's fingers wriggled inside of him while his tongue invaded his mouth. Dee grinned as he pulled more sounds from Ryo. Dee shoved another finger in beside the first and worked them separately inside of Ryo. "Don't move, I'm getting the lube." Ryo nodded having lost the ability of coherent speech. He lay on the pillow panting as the bed shifted under Dee's weight then bounced when he returned grinning. "It's real thick," Dee said grinning as he did not come up to Ryo's face again, instead he halted between his legs and swallowed Ryo whole.
"Ah!" Ryo gasped his thighs pressing into the sides of Dee's face. Dee lubed his fingers and pressed them back inside of Ryo.
"Come for me," Dee commanded as he sucked hard on Ryo shoving his fingers in deep pressing against the rough patch of skin he could barely feel. His fingers were not long enough for a full press, but soon, he would fill Ryo with the flesh that was. "Come Ryo..." Dee commanded again. "Who makes you come?" Dee said needing to hear Ryo say it.
"Anata Yo!" Ryo gasped when he felt Dee's fingers spreading apart inside of him loosening his tight muscles forcing him to accept the fingers just as he accepted who it was he belonged to.
"Who..." Dee said again as he licked the weighty sac and beyond.
"Anata... Dee. Watashi ha anata no de aru... Zutto,"[ I am yours...forever. Dee grinned as Ryo spilled himself into his mouth he swallowed every drop claiming all that Ryo had to offer. "Ummm... Dee..." No sooner had Ryo said the words than he was leaning over to take Dee's swollen member into his mouth. Dee sighed and leaned back on his elbows as Ryo worked his throat and tongue.
"No, baby, wait," Dee pulled Ryo away from him when he felt close. "I want in you."
"Hai," Ryo allowed Dee to position him on his back with his knees hooked over Dee's muscular arms. Hitching Ryo up, Dee smiled as Ryo spread lubrication on his own hand then stroked Dee.
"That's right baby... you're mine... and I'm yours." He promised as he flexed his hips and pressed against the tight ring of muscles at Ryo's entrance. Ryo winced a little then forced himself to relax allowing Dee entry. Ryo began a slow whine that became a full wail as Dee pumped into him. Ryo wrapped his strong arms around Dee's neck. Dee released Ryo's legs so that Ryo could wrap them around his waist as he leaned in and sealed their lips. Their breathes mingled as their heartbeats synchronized. "I'm yours Ryo and you're mine." Dee punctuated his words with Deep thrusts. "Right Ryo?" Dee asked finding the prostate and pressing hard into it twisting his hips for maximum contact with the sensitive bit of flesh.
"Oh...oh... Dee..." Ryo nodded his head giving up on speaking more than one syllable words. Dee ground his hips into Ryo pushing him so far into the mattress that it creaked under the weight. Ryo's cries bordered on screams of blind pleasure as Dee claimed him.
"Say you're mine Ryo and come... I want you come." Dee's green eyes bored into Ryo's deep orbs as Ryo blinked trying to focus, he paused as the tears shining on Dee's face registered in his pleasure fogged brain.
"Dee... I am yours," Ryo said placing his hands on either side of Dee's handsome face he could feel the tiny drops of sweat from Dee's forehead and the tears from his eyes dripping onto his face and he smiled as the drips mixed with his own tears. Ryo leaned up and kissed Dee licking his lips then sliding his tongue inside for a long, slow exploration of Dee's warm mouth. Dee swallowed Ryo's tongue as he began to move again deep in Ryo he heard the cries build to a crescendo again as Ryo began to speak to him. "I am yours Dee and you are mine. We belong to each other... I am yours..." Ryo gave up speaking as he once again lost himself to delirium and screamed as he splattered their stomachs with his release. Dee groaned as if in pain as he filled Ryo with creamy essence and collapsed heavy on top of him. Ryo was smiling as he drifted off to sleep secure in Dee's arms. Dee lay next to him he took a moist towelette and cleaned Ryo then himself before closing his eyes with his arms tight around Ryo, he too drifted away in the welcoming arms of Morpheus.
Break
Leon looked up from his running his fingers through Count D's hair and his mouth dropped open at the condition of the three men that entered the shop. "What the hell happened to you guys" Leon asked and winced only a little when D's teeth nipped the underside of his chin. "Sorry Baby," Leon apologized then looked over to see Jewel asleep on Ten-Chan her little hands holding tight to two of his tails. The creature frowned up at him then aimed a doting gaze on the small Kami and Leon laughed knowing that did he try to move her to give him comfort, the fox would balk. "You look like you have been beat by an angry mob."
"Yeah, well," Angel said with a grin. "The Detroit police don't like when we Mercer boys have a little fun. How's our fairy?"
"In the garden," Leon said when all the men ogled D.
"You are not the one that stopped by the house," Jeremiah said. "You're a girl," Jeremiah scanned D's rounded figure.
"Well, you are half right," D said as he rolled over so that he could get to his feet. "I have never been to your house in fact I have not left the shop since we have been in this city." All three men stared at D's deep voice and his obvious rounded figure. "Gentlemen, please, carry no tales of the things you may see in this sanctuary." Jeremiah and Angel both nodded then turned to Bobby who seemed not at all shocked to see a gorgeous pregnant man. With their mouths held firm to keep them shut, they all followed the Count who exhibited a certain grace, even as he waddled down the hall.
Jack looked up from tossing the ball with Cujo and Bikky when the door opened and he heard his brothers' voices. Rain tucked his journal into a large pocket on his over large pants and smiled at Count D. "Count, you look beautiful today."
"Thank you Rain," Count D murmured his cheeks tinting an attractive pink. He smiled then gave a pained wince as his back twinged. After he stretched he sighed then left his hand on the small of his back as he wandered off to get some tea. Angel and Jeremiah stared in wonder at the youngest brother who was able to stand to his feet. "Father says he needs a few more days of work," Count D informed them when all they did was stare at Jack.
"Hey guys," Jack waved a hand as he came forward with a slow trod.
Bobby stepped forward and for the first time he looked at jack. His scowl was black as he raised a hand and smacked it down hard on Jack's head. "You idiot!" The tea tray rattled where Count D stood on the other side of the garden. Bikky placed himself in front of the Count. Seeing him making tea for their guests he had gone to carry the burden for D. "What the hell were you thinking?!" Bobby continued to rant his hand swinging again and again as he smacked Jack. "We were at war, for crying out loud! You think it was brave of you to chase some idiot with a snow ball?!"
"Ah..." Count D placed a hand to his trembling stomach as Bobby began to swear at his younger brother.
"Hey," Bikky called watching as Rain's eyes darted from Count D to the brothers in the Garden. "Stop it," Bikky fumed placing a hand over Count D's as if he could hold the heavy weight of the child within. "You're upsetting him."
Before the words could leave Bikky's mouth Lord D came running into the garden his cheongsam held in his hands to keep from falling over the trailing material. "Gentlemen, please," Lord D rushed to D taking the youngest Kami into his arms he moved Bikky aside so that he could work on his son. Bikky stared at the golden glow that surrounded Lord D's hands pressing against D's tummy. "Relax, child," Lord D 's calm voice sounded as he lead D to a chair. "It will be alright, all you have to do is relax." Count D's breathing slowed and he smiled to show the children that he was better. "I will ask that you discipline my patient at some other time." There was a sense of cold steel in Lord D's usually gentle voice. "If, however, you have come to visit the young man, you may do so." Lord D gave the men a cold glare. "You may not upset my son. This is his sanctuary and you are all guests. I will advise you to remember that. Do not give him more injuries, before I have fully healed the original."
"Sorry," Jack muttered when his brothers seemed incapable of speech staring between father ans son. All four brothers lowered their heads.
"Why are you apologizing?" Bikky demanded as he carried the tea tray over and began to pour a cup for D. Jack watched as the young man poured an entire cup of liquid sugar into the small cup followed by honey and cubes of sugar. He handed it to the Kami who smiled with pleasure as he sipped. Lord D sipped from his own equally sweetened cup as the brothers wandered off to a far corner in the garden where pillows and refreshments welcomed them brought by a woman in bunny ears and tail. Jack laughed as his brothers stared at the odd costume. He had made the mistake of pulling the tail and finding it attached. "They came in here and attacked you." Bikky continued to glower at the brothers while Rain went back to his writing in his journal sitting on a pillow at Count D's small feet. Chris was quick to bring Count D a sugar cookie with extra sugar on it.
Angel frowned at the dark skinned teenager with his blond hair tied back into a pony tail. He looked from him to Rain and then to Chris. "Weren't there some smaller children?"
"Aoi, Lyo, Kiba and Shinrai are all with the Honlon in her Garden right now." Lord D answered.
"How many gardens are in this place?" Jeremiah asked as he appreciated the lush appointments of the garden.
"In truth gentlemen, I do not know. My father built this place." Lord D smiled when he saw Count D relaxed. "Rain, what are you working on?" Lord D asked ignoring any more Jeremiah could have asked him.
Rain looked up, his green eyes wide at the sudden question. "A song, for Ryo, For Christmas." Rain answered his cheeks tinting as he went back to his journal. "Andy and Daphnus are going to help me. Andy releases the emotions and Daphnus will write the music."
"I am sure it will be lovely." Lord D smiled. "How do you write it?"
"I just ask people what they think of Ryo, and add my own feelings and it is largely a family collaboration, plus our friends back home. You know Dee had a lot to say." Rain grinned as he had sat for over an hour listening to Dee as he spoke of Ryo. Rain then sighed thinking of his parents and whatever had caused a hitch in their relationship. He hoped it would be resolved soon. He did not like the sad, thoughtful look on Dee's face and Ryo seemed afraid of his own shadow lately.
"Oh yeah," Bobby came over to look at Rain then Bikky who came to stand protectively in front of his brother while Cujo took over guarding D. "Where are those two? I want to say thanks."
"When I saw them this morning," Rain answered not looking up from his journal. "Ryo was making the bed and Dee was watching him." Rain felt a pain in his heart as he remembered the sight of Dee as he sent a look of longing at Ryo that the smaller man avoided. Rain closed his journal with a snap and shoved it into a pocket. "I was about to head that way, come on," Rain inclined his head and Bikky had a difficult time deciding if he would accompany his brother, or protect the D's. Looking at Cujo and T-Chan with Christopher, he nodded his head and followed Rain. Bobby smirked as he, Angel and Jeremiah went with the boys.
Following an intricate pattern of hallways Bobby was soon lost hoping the boys knew where they were going. Assured that the men would never find their way in the shop alone, Rain ceased his circuitous route and went to the closed door. He placed his hand on the nob then pulled it back his face heating. "What?" Bikky shoved in front of the brothers to get beside Rain. Bikky was silent then a wide grin split his face as he heard the unmistakable sound of Ryo whimpering on the other side of the door. "Oh man," Bikky backed away pulling Rain with him. "They're going at it!" Bikky heaved a heavy sigh of relief.
"Most kids are grossed out when their parents... you know," Jeremiah said still uncomfortable with the openly gay lifestyle that Dee exhibited. He backed further away from the door when Ryo began to speak in Japanese punctuated by loud cries of bliss.
"Yeah, but most kids don't have parents like ours. You see, they haven't done it since before we got here." Bikky explained as he lead the men away from the door. "Dee's the horniest man I have ever met, there's no way he won't pin Ryo every chance he gets unless something is wrong. Whatever was wrong," Bikky looked back at the door and poked Rain in the ribs. The small young man laughed to hide his embarrassment. "Has been taken care of."
"Well," Angel said looking around in awe. It had taken a remarkably shorter amount of time to make it to the front of the shop than it had to find the garden and the bedroom. "We will come back tomorrow to see our fairy, you guys take good care of him. And feed him some real food." Angel whispered close to Rain's ear causing the boy to jump away and stare wide eyed at him.
"Don't get too close to my brother," Bikky warned bringing his fists up causing Angel to laugh and ruffle his fluffy blond locks. "And don't touch my hair!" Bikky yelled out the door after the retreating figure of Angel. Bobby turned around and waved glad to be out of the heavily incensed atmosphere.
"It's been a while since Ryo was that loud," Bikky mused looking back down the hall.
"Nah," Rain smiled then pulled out his journal. "We just didn't pay attention before."
Break
Jack looked over to see Count D leaning on a low branch with his hand on his back. Count D tried to stand and winced sitting back down. Jack hurried over to his side. "Hey, you should sit still," He said when he saw the frail Kami trembling.
"I just wanted to go back to my lounge," Count D said as he breathed his way through a cramp. "My back is paining me, that's all."
"Oh, okay, just a sec," Jack said moving to stand behind Count D. He was amazed to see the branch lower to accommodate the sitting Kami. "Hold still," Jack said. D tensed when he felt Jack's hands on his back. "You're pregnant right?" Count D did not bother to answer the obvious question. Jack gave a laugh that exhibited his nervousness. "Well, pregnant women..." Jack faltered his hands halting as he thought over his words. "Anyway, the weight of the stomach puts pressure on the back and makes it hurt." Jack gently massaged Count D's back kneading the sore muscles. As he worked his fingers D leaned back sighing as relief came to him. Jack stood with both hands on Count D's hips with his thumbs pressing in on the small of D's back when Leon entered the garden.
"Well," Leon said hiding a pleased smile as Jack did not cease the movement of his hands on D. A sure sign of guilt would have been if he had jumped away as if burned. "Feel better?" Leon asked D.
"Ummm... We are taking him with us." Count D said without opening his eyes. Leon laughed then sat on the ground at D's dainty feet. Taking one into his hand he removed the satin slipper and began to massage it.
"That tree seems pleased to hold you, already it has formed into a bower with leaves and flowers, just sit here and let us take care of you." Leon said as he continued his ministrations. D did as suggested enjoying the pampering he summoned a cup of sweet tea and relaxed in his sanctuary.
Break
Bobby entered the shop carrying his bag. He saw Dee leaning casually against a counter next to JJ speaking in low tones. Dee began to laugh and Bobby smiled glad that his friend, for whatever reason, was happy again. "I brought Jack lunch," Bobby announced when Dee's eyes fell onto his bag.
"Precious said he can leave tomorrow," JJ said then clapped a hand on Dee's shoulder. "Glad to know it all worked out. Tell Ryo to call Andy if he is still having issues. Sex won't solve all problems you know." Dee paused at the oddly serious tone. "That was some pretty heavy crap he was dealing with and to go through all that with barely enough time to heal before getting here." JJ shook his head feeling sorry for the beautiful man.
"Thanks, uh, yeah," Dee smirked looking behind JJ then nodding to Bobby. "Come on," Bobby followed Dee to the garden amazed that each time he visited the way to the back of the shop seemed different. Today they found Aoi in the garden with D playing with a small ball. D sat in the grass rolling the ball to Aoi who giggled and rolled it back clapping her small hands when her papa caught the ball. Bobby looked around and saw Jack sitting with his guitar strumming softly. Along with the flow of the wind and the birdsong, Bobby barely heard the soft strains.
"This place is soothing, kind of could get used to it,"Jack said with a smile as he looked up at his brother. "Not to mention anything I want can be summoned. I don't know how that works, but Count D is so cool. You know he is a ninth dan."
"That little bit of pregnant fluff can fight?" Bobby asked surprising his brother with his knowledge of martial arts. "Man that threw me." Bobby sat next to his brother.
"If that threw you," Dee said with a laugh. "You know Ryo is a third?"
"What... first the guns and now this," Bobby said still reeling to see Ryo pull out the guns during the attack on their house.
"Well he is the best shot on the force," Dee said with pride.
"He's a detective?" Bobby asked in awe re-thinking all the times he had seen Ryo. "No shit! He looks too... well, not like a detective." Bobby sat next to Jack in the grass. "I got you some real food." Bobby reached into the bag and pulled out a hamburger and fries. "One hundred percent all beef patties, three of them, with..." Bobby paused when he heard D gag.
"Man put that away!" Dee said rushing to Count D's side he dashed past Aoi who sat clutching her ball with tears in her eyes. "Get it out of here!" Bobby wondered what the problem was and watched in horror as Aoi pulled a bucket from inside her iridescent ball to hand to her papa. D leaned over and tossed the contents of his stomach.
"What'd I do?" Bobby asked watching as the frail Kami leaned over D's arm heaving and retching.
"The meat, the smell of the meat, get it out of here!" Dee yelled thinking that Leon was going to kill him for allowing Bobby to bring that in here, not to mention Ryo. And he had just gotten back in bed with Ryo he was not looking forward to being put out of it so soon. Count D trembled in his arms preparing another wave of contents for the bucket. Leon entered the garden in time to see D still spewing in Dee's arms. Count D whimpered clutching Dee's arm tears seeped from his tightly closed eyes. Lord D shoved past Leon getting to his son's side.
"Every time you come here, you upset my son!" Lord D said his voice raised a modicum above his usual level of cool reasoning. Leon gasped never having thought that the older Kami could ever be moved to such extremes of emotion outside of the bedroom. "Tomorrow you will take your brother and I will be glad to never see you again," Bobby got to his feet with the bag of fast food held to his chest. He backed away from the fury in the beautiful doctor's eyes. He looked from Jack, to Lord D to Count D now in his arms with his hands on his tummy glowing golden.
"I'm sorry," Bobby said looking down at the goat/tiger creature it lunged and he dropped the bag watching in horror as it was devoured bag and all. Ten-Chan ran up beside T-Chan and swished all nine of his tails clearing the air and stirring up the scent of flowers. D calmed and closed his eyes falling asleep in the safe embrace of plants and animals.
Leon took a tentative step forward and knelt down by lord D. Lord D looked up surprised to see tears in Leon's eyes. "This one... This is it isn't it?" Lord D was confused by the strange question then Leon sniffled bringing D's hand to his lips he kissed the slack digit. "This one's going to kill him." Leon stared down at D. "He can't survive this birth."
"Not alone... No he can not," Lord D shook his head feeling tears he forced them back vowing to be strong for his son. "As long as I draw breath he will live." Leon wished that Dae were near him, he would enjoy peeling the skin from his rotting, demonic hide and boiling it in the holy waters of the nearest cathedral. Bobby stood near Jack watching as Count D came into consciousness his lashes lifting revealing a dramatic contrast to humanity.
"My baby," D pressed his hands to his tummy. Falling back against Leon he breathed a sigh of relief when he felt his son moving inside of him.
"You must stay calm," Lord D intoned. "I will open a door for, go back to Los Angeles and await our return. We will see you tomorrow." Leon nodded and sent T-Chan after Christopher. The young man came running into the garden demanded answers about D's condition. When he was greeted with grim expressions he sighed quieting down. Taking Aoi's hand he waved to Dee then vanished behind a bend in a road Bobby and Jack had never noticed before.
Break
Rain was so tired of crowded airports he would be happy never to see one again for at least a year. He was shoved aside by a man in a business suit intent on reaching the luggage corral. "Watch where you're going!" Bikky pushed the man back and helped Rain to his feet. "You better not have hurt him."
"Bikky," Rain said his face heating at the curious stares and points from onlookers. "I'm fine," he assured the gathering crowd. He was glad to be rid of the heavy coat as they were back in LA. Several people began to gather closer as Rain was recognized. "Come on, we better get the luggage and get back to Ryo and Dee before they come looking for us." Rain jerked the bags from the turbine. "And Lyo needs his nap, plus we have Peter's party tonight."
"You're still planning to go?" Bikky asked amazed at Rain's smile even after such a long journey. He remembered the long farewell they had all shared as Jack had left the shop leaving them all free to do the same. Bobby, Jeremiah and Angel had come for their brother and joked around with them. They had even teased Dee about his preoccupation with Ryo's lips as he could not seem to stop kissing the other man.
"I did promise him that if we were back in town, we would go," Rain smiled. Bikky grabbed his arm and pulled him along before his adoring fans could gain the courage to approach him.
"Then let's go," Bikky glowered at the staring crowd all the way out to the car.
Break
Peter's eyes grew round as the gathered teenagers at his fifteenth birthday party grew restless. "Hey," A jock from the soccer team demanded clapping a hand hard on his shoulder. "I thought you said that Bikky was bringing Rain."
"They must not be back in town," Peter stammered and blushed knowing the jock would not be at his party without the incentive of such entertainment. "I told you he said if they were back in town."
"They are in town," Another guest complained. " My brother works at the airport, saw 'em come in this morning."
"Then they must be tired," Erick said stepping beside Peter. "Calm down, there's plenty of snacks and music, besides, if you want to see someone sing... Petey can sing."
"Oh yeah? Can he?" The jock laughed looking at the long black hair and pale green eyes. "Then how come he ain't the one in the band?"
"Cause you have to be royalty or nobility," Terry explained when it seemed his twin would resort to fists rather than words.
"Please," The jock huffed. "Look at you, you're pretty and all, but you are just a pale, washed out wanna-be compared to Rain. But hey, let's hear it, sing."
"Why don't you just get out of here." Erick shoved the boy to the door
"No... Erick, it's okay. I'll sing," Peter said with a smile. "It is my party..." Peter tried not to be hurt that Rain and Bikky did not show, but underneath it all he was hurt that all these people only showed up to see them. Julie and Carol looked over at the proud tilt to Peter's head as he went to the stereo and set up the karaoke microphone and then placed one of the CD's with Rain's solos on it. Jeanne stood next to Terry in awe of the determination she could see in Peter. Jorge stood watching as the music began to play and Peter inhaled.
"You're not alone, together we stand
I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold, and it feels like the end
There's no place to go, you know I won't give in
Why? Peter thought as he sang the opening notes and the crowd grew restless. Why couldn't he get his voice to sound like that?
(Ahh, ahh)
No I won't give in
(Ahh, ahh)
Just as the gathered teenagers began to stand preparing to leave Peter prepared to give up singing the other boy's song. It was then that he heard it. Clear, precise, strong, strident and beautiful. "Keep... Holding on!" How could he do that? Peter wondered dropping the microphone he looked to the back of the room to see Rain standing with Bikky. "Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through." As he sang the crowd turned as one as he walked up to the front and stood beside Peter his voice ringing out above the din of the music and the crowd without benefit of the microphone. He picked it up and placed it back in Peter's hand. Encouraging him to finish the song together. Peter felt tears gather in his eyes as he sang the duet with Rain. Erick stared with awe at Rain as the two boys went back and forth singing
"Keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you can say (Nothing you can say)
Nothing you can do (Nothing you can do)
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So - keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
So far away, I wish you were here
Before it's too late, this could all disappear
Before the doors close, and it comes to an end
With you by my side I will fight and defend
(Ahh, ahh)
I'll fight and defend
(Ahh, ahh)
Yeeah, yeah
Keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you can say (Nothing you can say)
Nothing you can do (Nothing you can do)
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So - keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Hear me when I say when I say I believe
Nothing's gonna change, nothing's gonna change destiny
Whatever's meant to be will work out perfectly
Yeeah, yeah, yeah, yeaaaah
La da da da
La da da da
La da da da da da da da da da
Keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you can say (Nothing you can say)
Nothing you can do (Dooo, do)
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So - keep holding on
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
(Ahh, ahh)
(Ahh, ahh)
Keep holding on
(Ahh, ahh)
(Ahh, ahh)
Keep holding on
There's nothing you can say (Nothing you can say)
Nothing you can do (Doo, do)
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So - keep holding on (Keep holding on)
Peter halted singing the end of the song his eyes following Erick's line of vision, as Rain ended he replaced the microphone on its stand and felt more pain than he had felt all evening. Sure, the other guys at school could think he was second best to Rain, but not Erick too. Peter blinked back tears as he went to sat while the crowd encouraged Rain to sing more. Erick applauded as Rain saved the party.
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through."
Bikky noted the dejection in Peter's slumped shoulders while he cuddled up to Carol. He looked at Peter, then Erick and finally his beautiful brother. Bikky sighed, it seemed as if things had gotten a lot more complicated.
Song credits: KEEP HOLDING ON- AVRIL LAVIGNE.
To Be Continued
Whoa! It's been a while. Sorry about that. I know Christmas is late, New Years will more than likely be as well. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and A happy New Year.
Ja
Chi, and The French One