Title: I'm a father?
Subtitle: Rescue mission
Author: Lady Snowblossom
Rating: PG-13
Pairings: Rei/Bryan, Kai/Tala, Spencer/Ian, Max/Tyson and various other pairings
Note: Note the lack of notes. The only thing I'm saying about this chapter someone surprising is pining.
Disclaimer: See the beginning of this epic
"Will that be all, sir?"
"Yes, Gunther, thank you." Robert dismissed his servant and got into bed. He lay back against the pillows and sighed, as the man closed the door. Just one more day and the tournament would be here and over with, then he could go back to Germany.
He just wished someone had told him that Lee and the White Tigers would be here, so he could have been prepared. Every time he was around the untamed captain of the Chinese team, he yearned for what the others around him had found – their soulmates: a luxury that was not to be his. Too much stood in the way of his claiming what he really wanted - a certain fiery son of ancient China.
So, he would go through the motions and hide behind the years of training, he'd received in hiding his true feelings and all the while; he'd be aching on the inside: where no one could see.
"Knock, knock."
Pulled from his thoughts, Robert looked up as the bedroom door opened, and Gunther stepped in. "Excuse me, sir, but Mr. Boryer is on the phone, he says, its' urgent."
Grateful for anything that would pull his thoughts from the direction they were going, Robert sat up and nodded, as the man brought him a robe. "Thank you, Gunther." He said, as he slid from the bed and donned the robe.
Quickly, the purple-haired nobleman walked into the hallway and picked up the phone. "Yes."
The older man went and stood a few feet down the hall, in case his young master needed him. Suddenly, Robert paled and swayed, concerned Gunther rushed forward, just as Robert steadied himself with a hand on the edge of the table. "Send the information to me immediately! And send a copy to Mr. Dickenson of the BBA, if you would." He gave the man the number to fax the information to BBA head. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, I won't forget this kindness. We will speak, later. Goodnight."
Robert hung up the phone and turned to find Gunther at his elbow. "Please wake the others, we have a problem. Ask them to meet me in the sitting room."
"Yes, sir." The old servant turned and hurried off.
That done Robert picked up the phone again and dialed a number from memory; he needed to warn Mr. Dickenson.
Fifteen minutes later, four yawning young men were gathered together on the leather chairs and sofa in the sitting room of Robert's New York apartment. Michael leaned against his lover and grumbled, "What is so important that he had to drag us out of bed?"
Johnny laughed softly and patted his mate's hand. "Poor baby, its' so unfair, he's having to haul his lazy butt out of bed and so soon after putting it in bed, too." He mocked sympathized.
Oliver laughed merrily, as Michael gave Johnny the finger.
Enrique grinned, and opened his mouth to add his two cents, when Robert walked in, bearing several sheets of paper. The grim look on his face had the others straightening up and looking at him in concern.
"Robert, what's the matter?" Enrique asked, as he watched his captain walk passed him them and sit down in an empty chair by the faux fireplace.
Robert glared at the papers in his hands; then he raised his eyes and coldly, almost clinically told them. "Someone called one of the so-called entertainment papers, i.e. scandal sheets, and told them that if they sent a photographer over to the houses the Bladebreakers and Demolition Boys were living in; they would catch the two captains of said teams, 'in flagrante delicto.'
"And I assume that they did." Oliver said as he nodded toward the papers. Robert nodded and handed the papers to Enrique, so they could make the rounds.
"Yes, only the scandal sheet took it a step further, they altered the pictures they took. In the original photo: Tala is behind Kai with Lee between Kai and Bryan. The photo was altered to have Bryan between Kai and Lee." A look of distaste crossed the stern features of the proud knight. "And there is worse, the accompanying article has it that Lee went over there to have it out with Tala for stealing the father of his child."
Everyone gasped.
"Mon dieu, do any of them know this?" Oliver cried.
Robert shook his head, "No, and its' too late to try and stop the paper from coming out; its' all ready on the streets. My contact says, the other media's are sure to pick something like this up and it'll be all over the country by afternoon."
"What are we going to do?" Michael demanded, as he slammed a fist down on the arm of the sofa. "We can't let something like that get out! Who knows what would come of it!"
"Mr. Dickenson and I are doing what we can. I've already told the people who run the paper my family owns that I would be highly displeased if I see any reference to this piece of garbage in our paper. And Mr. Dickenson is bringing to bear the influence the BBA has to try to minimize the damage. But, we agree on one thing and that is that all affected parties can not stay where they are; so we are going to move them."
"Where to?" Enrique questioned. "We can't place them anywhere the media would think to look, so that leaves out local hotels, inns, the training facility, or here." He ticked each place off on his fingers.
Robert nodded, "True. Fortunately, I have an answer to that. The German ambassador has agreed to house them at his home in the country. It's just outside the city, and the security there is very tight. We'll go for the Bladebreakers and Demolition Boys tonight, and Max, Tyson and the White Tigers tomorrow."
"That's not good enough, Robert!" Michael snapped, half-rising from his seat. Johnny reached out and restrained his lover by clamping both hands on Michael's right arm. Ignoring the Scot, Michael growled, "And what is being done to find out who gave the paper the tip in the first place!"
"We're doing the best we can, Michael!" Robert rose from his seat. "We know who sent out the pictures and the article; and I'll counsel Lee, Kai, Tala and Bryan to consult with a lawyer about suing. We'll subpoena the paper's records and maybe then, we'll find out who's behind this and put an end to them too."
The proud German looked at his friends and stated firmly, "Gentlemen, get dressed. We leave within the hour." Then he left the room, with the others right behind.
Stanley Dickenson stared down at the papers coming from his fax machine; when the paper stopped coming, he ripped the offending sheets from the machine and turned to grab up his phone. The first place he'd call would be the bladers; then he'd call the garage and then his car. He'd make up for this outrage- somehow!
"Ring! Ring! Ring!"
"Coming! Coming! These ole bones don't move so fast, you know!" The elder Granger stumbled a little on his way to the phone; snatching it up, he said, "Yo! Who is it?"
The phone squawked, and a feral growl left the old man's throat. "Ok, Stan, my man! You leave everything to me: I'll have 'em up and ready to go! How long, we got? Right! Talk at you in a little bit!"
Revitalized by the thought of trouble, the old man hung up the phone and headed upstairs. Pausing outside Kenny's room, the oldster noticed that the little genius's light was still on, so he knocked and just opened the door.
Kenny looked up, shadows under his eyes. "Oh, hello, Mr. Granger. Is there something you need?"
"No time for chit-chat, Kenny, my man! We've got word from the big D, that we have to bug out of here tonight, there's trouble brewing, and he wants us out of the line of fire! So, grab your gear and if you could get some of Tyson and Max's stuff, I'd be grateful. I have to brave the phoenix's nest!" And before the small boy could say anything, he'd shut the door and was headed down the hall to face the wolf and phoenix.
Less than an hour later, the party of four aristocrats and one American rebel were standing in the apartment building's parking garage. Robert nodded, before leading the way to where their cars were parked side by side.
"Oliver," he said, over his shoulder. "In the morning, I want you to go to the hospital and see if you can't do something about hurrying up Max's release time."
"Right." Oliver agreed, as his lover nodded at his side.
"It was originally set for sometime between ten and one, so the more time you can shave off that, the better." He continued. Oliver nodded.
Having reached the cars the five offered each other grim smiles, and each fingered the launcher, they carried just in case. "Let's go!" Michael said, impatiently as he unlocked the door of his and Johnny's car and got in. The fiery redhead grimaced and offered his teammates a salute and jumped in the passenger seat. As soon as he shut the door, Michael revved the engine and pulled away with a squeal of rubber. A heartbeat later, he and Johnny were gone.
Robert shook his head and sighed. "We better get going and see if we can catch up with them."
Oliver and Enrique just grinned.
"Slam!"
Deciding to take the bull by the horns, the old martial artist just threw open the bedroom door and stood back, when nothing came flying out at him, he stuck his head in to find launchers aimed at him.
"Yo, peeps! No need for the armament! It's just me!" The old man held out both hands and stared at the pair of Russians until they lowered their launchers. "Phew!" He wiped the sweat from his brow; that had been a little close. "Boys, we need to move out! Stanley says, this place isn't safe anymore. So, Robert has arranged for us to go elsewheres!"
As he talked the pair on the bed slid out and not asking questions or concerned about their nakedness, began to dress in the clothes they had been wearing that day. The old man blushed, and turned his back.
"Kai, you'll need to pack for Rei. Tala, you'll need to wake your gang up. We don't have a lot of time! Stan the Man is sending a bus, so shake a leg! I'm off to pack my stuff." With that he hurried from the room.
Tala grinned and walked to the window, he leveled Wolborg and pulled the ripcord. The blade covered the distance between the windows in seconds and crashed against the far wall.
The resulting crash was echoed by the cry of "WHAT THE HELL!" from Bryan and a yelp from Rei.
Kai looked up from where he was lacing his boots. "I'd say they were up." He smirked. Just before a naked, angry Bryan appeared in the window. "Wolf! I'm coming over there and killing you! What the hell do you think you're doing!"
"Shut up, Bry! It was the fastest way to wake you up! Get packed, we're moving! Something's bothering Dickenson, so he's pulling us out of here!" A pale Rei appeared at Bryan's elbow, and Tala turned his attention to the tiger. "Rei, would you please go get Spencer and Ian up? Although I doubt they're asleep after that war whoop by Bryan."
Rei snickered, and turned to do as he was asked.
"What's going on?" Bryan growled, as he glared across the distance at his captain.
"I don't know, I told you! Just get ready to move and don't forget my stuff!" Tala snapped, "And hurry, we don't know how much time we've got before our ride gets here!" Tala turned from the window to go help Kai finish with his packing.
"Idiot." he murmured, as he began to put the clothes Kai had folded into one of the duffels on the bed. Kai had been busy, while he was shouting at his pig-headed friend.
Kai smirked at him. 'That's why he's on YOUR team, I've got the smart one in that pairing." He said, smugly, as Tala snorted at him. Both Russians' heads swiveled around, when there was a knock on the door.
Tala stalked to the door and pulled it open. Grandpa Granger stood there, with a nervous Kenny right behind him. The old man nodded to the redhead, as they stepped into the room. "Ready to go?"
"Almost, but do to circumstances beyond my control I . . ." Tala looked over at Kai and smirked.
Kai smacked him in the face with a pair of Rei's pants and pointed to the second duffel. "More packing, less talk." he snorted. Tala made a face at him, but returned to the bed to finish packing.
Rei came downstairs carrying a duffel bag of clothes for Tala. Ian and Spencer were sitting quietly in the living room on the couch: ready to go.
Bryan padded down the steps on the heels of his kitten: a murderous look on his face. He watched as Rei dropped the bag and went to kneel on the end of the sofa, so he could peek out the window. Wordlessly, he looked over at Spencer and Ian and jerked his head at Rei; the other two nodded. Rei was to be protected at all costs.
The bus, the car with Mr. Dickenson and the four cars sporting the Majestic's and an All-Starz met up two blocks from their goal and proceeded together. Everyone wondered what they'd find when they got to where they were going.
When Rei spotted the slowly moving cavalcade coming down the street, he turned and slid down the side of the sofa and hustled to the door. Bryan intercepted him, and put his lover to the side. "Stay here, until I've checked this out." He ordered, then turned and went into the kitchen. They heard the click of the back door and the soft snick of its closing.
Rei stared anxiously after him, but stayed put. Spencer came up beside him and led him under the stairwell, and pushed him into the shadows. "Stay there." Spencer whispered, then he went to join Ian, who came out in the hall to stand facing in Rei's direction, while Spencer stood at his back, facing the other way.
Rei fumed and made a mental note to discuss Bryan's over protectiveness with him in the morning, if he got the chance. Why was it he had to have to have this discussion with every Alpha in his life?
The cavalcade came to a halt and Mr. D rolled down his window, waiting.
Five car doors opened simultaneously and five young men got out and headed for the car and man patiently waiting.
Stanley Dickenson smiled grimly, as he spotted the five bladers headed his way. He got out to greet them. "Robert, Johnny, Enrique, Oliver and Michael, thank you for coming."
Robert bowed, "Our pleasure and duty. Are we ready to go?"
"Yes." Mr. D. started, when a voice said out of the shadows, "what's going on?"
Six heads pivoted, as Bryan flowed out of the protection of the shadow side of the house.
It took ten minutes to get everyone loaded and ready to go. Bryan had all but carried a protesting Rei up the steps of the bus. The Chinese had wanted to go and check and see if anything had been left behind.
A snapped, "Dammit, Rei! Kai didn't leave Driger behind!" from an annoyed Tala finally shut the tiger up, and he went inside and sat down next to his mate; who immediately gathered him to his side.
Once everyone was ready, Robert pulled away from the curb, with Johnny and Michael behind him; the bus came next, and lastly, Oliver and Enrique. Mr. D. having sent his car home, he chose to ride in the bus with his teams.
Silence filled the bus until it was finally broken, and by Mr. Dickenson. "I know you all are curious as to while you were pulled out of what has been your home for the last few weeks."
"That's right, bro." His old friend said, "What's this trouble you were blim-blamming about?"
"I'll keep it short, and we can talk about it more in the morning." Mr. D. folded his hands on top of his cane, and sighed.
"A business associate of Robert's at his insistence sent me a copy of an article complete with pictures. The gist of the photos and article was that Lee had come to the house to fight Tala."
Stunned, Rei whispered, "Why?"
"Because according to the article, Kai is Lee's lover and Kai had abandoned him and their child, and Lee wanted revenge." The old man stopped, and shook his head. "Bryan was in the photo trying to separate Kai and Lee." Tala started to say something, but Mr. D. raised his hand forestalling him. "Yes, Tala, I know it was Lee separating Kai and Bryan, the photo had been remastered."
"Who?" The hoarseness of Kai voice said louder than words how angry he was. Tala gripped his shoulder to ground him, but the redhead was no less angry himself, only the need to help Kai kept him from lashing out.
"We don't know, but I intend to find out." The older man said firmly. "So, to avoid a media circus, you'll spent the rest of the night and tomorrow at the German ambassador's country home."
"What about Max and Tyson?" Rei asked, the trembling in his voice said, he was close to tears. Bryan held him tighter and nuzzled his neck, trying to calm him.
"Security has been alerted, and as soon as Max is released, they will be joining you."
After that no one had any questions, and the rest of the trip was made in silence.
Exactly one hour later, Robert pulled up to the gatehouse of the ambassador's home. After confirming his identity with the guard, the cavalcade swept up to the brightly-lit front of the house, and the elderly couple that stood waiting.
Meryl Wilheilm took one look at the weary youths getting off the bus and pushed past her husband. "Ach, I am Meryl Wilheilm and he," she motioned to her husband. "Is Tarell, my husband. I am the housekeeper here, and he is the major-domo. But, there is time enough for introductions in the morning! It is to bed, you must go and at once!" She ordered one and all and shooed them into the house: leaving her husband to deal with the luggage.
She led everyone up to the second floor, chattering all the way. With the air of a sergeant assigning quarters, she opened each bedroom door with a flourish and waved in each couple or single that would be using that room.
Bryan and Rei were the last ones; she led to a room. Crossing the room, she threw open the window and turned to the two boys, who leaned against each other; holding one another up. The wise old eyes smiled, as she walked over to Rei and gently took him from Bryan's hands, and led the tired tiger to the bed and helped him sit down. She knelt and pulled Rei's shoes off, as Bryan made his way to them.
He had to strain to hear the words the plump German woman whispered to Rei, as she helped him undress. "Nothing is to be feared here, young one. You and the little one are safe; I guarantee it. Now, you and the fierce one need only to rest and in the morning, things will look brighter, nein?"
"I hope so." Rei slurred, as he pulled his legs up and slid under the covers, where Bryan lay waiting. The Russian watched as Meryl pulled the covers up and over him and Rei. The two exchanged a look of understanding, then the old housekeeper took her leave.
"Bryan?" Rei sighed, as he snuggled up to his falcon.
"Yes, Koi?"
"Why would anyone want to tell such awful lies? Kai and Lee are only friends! It doesn't make sense." Rei's voice trailed off, as sleep claimed him.
Bryan pressed a kiss to Rei's forehead, and cuddling his beloved close, the Russian stared into the darkness. "I don't know, who you are, or why you tried to hurt my friends, but I will find you and when I do you will pay." The breeze carried the dark vow out into the night.
Ooh, I'm in a dark mood that didn't come out the way I planned at all!
Mariah: Rewrite it, then!
I did! Three times! Its not a record, that honor belongs to one of the chapters of 'When two hearts . . .' If I remember correctly. And I'm not doing it again! Not even for a naked Hiei and whipped cream!
Spencer: How about a naked Ian and whipped cream?
(Ahhh, oooohhhhh, I don't know what to say. If I tell him, his boyfriend is a bug, he'll smash me, and if I take him up on it, and Ian likes me better than him, I'll still get smashed. Oh, bugger it! Decisions, decisions.)
I'm sorry Spencer, but I was just elected Pope!
Johnny: That's my line!
Shut up, you! Oh, btw, I've finally got that idea, I needed. What colors do you favor? What is your tartan colors, anyway! Hello? Hello? Damn I do believe he's run off, again. I'll have to get the bloodhounds out.
Until next time, bye!
Oh, btw, Mariah's chapter is next. She gets almost a whole chapter to herself. Working title: Disgrace
Subtitle: Rescue mission
Author: Lady Snowblossom
Rating: PG-13
Pairings: Rei/Bryan, Kai/Tala, Spencer/Ian, Max/Tyson and various other pairings
Note: Note the lack of notes. The only thing I'm saying about this chapter someone surprising is pining.
Disclaimer: See the beginning of this epic
"Will that be all, sir?"
"Yes, Gunther, thank you." Robert dismissed his servant and got into bed. He lay back against the pillows and sighed, as the man closed the door. Just one more day and the tournament would be here and over with, then he could go back to Germany.
He just wished someone had told him that Lee and the White Tigers would be here, so he could have been prepared. Every time he was around the untamed captain of the Chinese team, he yearned for what the others around him had found – their soulmates: a luxury that was not to be his. Too much stood in the way of his claiming what he really wanted - a certain fiery son of ancient China.
So, he would go through the motions and hide behind the years of training, he'd received in hiding his true feelings and all the while; he'd be aching on the inside: where no one could see.
"Knock, knock."
Pulled from his thoughts, Robert looked up as the bedroom door opened, and Gunther stepped in. "Excuse me, sir, but Mr. Boryer is on the phone, he says, its' urgent."
Grateful for anything that would pull his thoughts from the direction they were going, Robert sat up and nodded, as the man brought him a robe. "Thank you, Gunther." He said, as he slid from the bed and donned the robe.
Quickly, the purple-haired nobleman walked into the hallway and picked up the phone. "Yes."
The older man went and stood a few feet down the hall, in case his young master needed him. Suddenly, Robert paled and swayed, concerned Gunther rushed forward, just as Robert steadied himself with a hand on the edge of the table. "Send the information to me immediately! And send a copy to Mr. Dickenson of the BBA, if you would." He gave the man the number to fax the information to BBA head. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, I won't forget this kindness. We will speak, later. Goodnight."
Robert hung up the phone and turned to find Gunther at his elbow. "Please wake the others, we have a problem. Ask them to meet me in the sitting room."
"Yes, sir." The old servant turned and hurried off.
That done Robert picked up the phone again and dialed a number from memory; he needed to warn Mr. Dickenson.
Fifteen minutes later, four yawning young men were gathered together on the leather chairs and sofa in the sitting room of Robert's New York apartment. Michael leaned against his lover and grumbled, "What is so important that he had to drag us out of bed?"
Johnny laughed softly and patted his mate's hand. "Poor baby, its' so unfair, he's having to haul his lazy butt out of bed and so soon after putting it in bed, too." He mocked sympathized.
Oliver laughed merrily, as Michael gave Johnny the finger.
Enrique grinned, and opened his mouth to add his two cents, when Robert walked in, bearing several sheets of paper. The grim look on his face had the others straightening up and looking at him in concern.
"Robert, what's the matter?" Enrique asked, as he watched his captain walk passed him them and sit down in an empty chair by the faux fireplace.
Robert glared at the papers in his hands; then he raised his eyes and coldly, almost clinically told them. "Someone called one of the so-called entertainment papers, i.e. scandal sheets, and told them that if they sent a photographer over to the houses the Bladebreakers and Demolition Boys were living in; they would catch the two captains of said teams, 'in flagrante delicto.'
"And I assume that they did." Oliver said as he nodded toward the papers. Robert nodded and handed the papers to Enrique, so they could make the rounds.
"Yes, only the scandal sheet took it a step further, they altered the pictures they took. In the original photo: Tala is behind Kai with Lee between Kai and Bryan. The photo was altered to have Bryan between Kai and Lee." A look of distaste crossed the stern features of the proud knight. "And there is worse, the accompanying article has it that Lee went over there to have it out with Tala for stealing the father of his child."
Everyone gasped.
"Mon dieu, do any of them know this?" Oliver cried.
Robert shook his head, "No, and its' too late to try and stop the paper from coming out; its' all ready on the streets. My contact says, the other media's are sure to pick something like this up and it'll be all over the country by afternoon."
"What are we going to do?" Michael demanded, as he slammed a fist down on the arm of the sofa. "We can't let something like that get out! Who knows what would come of it!"
"Mr. Dickenson and I are doing what we can. I've already told the people who run the paper my family owns that I would be highly displeased if I see any reference to this piece of garbage in our paper. And Mr. Dickenson is bringing to bear the influence the BBA has to try to minimize the damage. But, we agree on one thing and that is that all affected parties can not stay where they are; so we are going to move them."
"Where to?" Enrique questioned. "We can't place them anywhere the media would think to look, so that leaves out local hotels, inns, the training facility, or here." He ticked each place off on his fingers.
Robert nodded, "True. Fortunately, I have an answer to that. The German ambassador has agreed to house them at his home in the country. It's just outside the city, and the security there is very tight. We'll go for the Bladebreakers and Demolition Boys tonight, and Max, Tyson and the White Tigers tomorrow."
"That's not good enough, Robert!" Michael snapped, half-rising from his seat. Johnny reached out and restrained his lover by clamping both hands on Michael's right arm. Ignoring the Scot, Michael growled, "And what is being done to find out who gave the paper the tip in the first place!"
"We're doing the best we can, Michael!" Robert rose from his seat. "We know who sent out the pictures and the article; and I'll counsel Lee, Kai, Tala and Bryan to consult with a lawyer about suing. We'll subpoena the paper's records and maybe then, we'll find out who's behind this and put an end to them too."
The proud German looked at his friends and stated firmly, "Gentlemen, get dressed. We leave within the hour." Then he left the room, with the others right behind.
Stanley Dickenson stared down at the papers coming from his fax machine; when the paper stopped coming, he ripped the offending sheets from the machine and turned to grab up his phone. The first place he'd call would be the bladers; then he'd call the garage and then his car. He'd make up for this outrage- somehow!
"Ring! Ring! Ring!"
"Coming! Coming! These ole bones don't move so fast, you know!" The elder Granger stumbled a little on his way to the phone; snatching it up, he said, "Yo! Who is it?"
The phone squawked, and a feral growl left the old man's throat. "Ok, Stan, my man! You leave everything to me: I'll have 'em up and ready to go! How long, we got? Right! Talk at you in a little bit!"
Revitalized by the thought of trouble, the old man hung up the phone and headed upstairs. Pausing outside Kenny's room, the oldster noticed that the little genius's light was still on, so he knocked and just opened the door.
Kenny looked up, shadows under his eyes. "Oh, hello, Mr. Granger. Is there something you need?"
"No time for chit-chat, Kenny, my man! We've got word from the big D, that we have to bug out of here tonight, there's trouble brewing, and he wants us out of the line of fire! So, grab your gear and if you could get some of Tyson and Max's stuff, I'd be grateful. I have to brave the phoenix's nest!" And before the small boy could say anything, he'd shut the door and was headed down the hall to face the wolf and phoenix.
Less than an hour later, the party of four aristocrats and one American rebel were standing in the apartment building's parking garage. Robert nodded, before leading the way to where their cars were parked side by side.
"Oliver," he said, over his shoulder. "In the morning, I want you to go to the hospital and see if you can't do something about hurrying up Max's release time."
"Right." Oliver agreed, as his lover nodded at his side.
"It was originally set for sometime between ten and one, so the more time you can shave off that, the better." He continued. Oliver nodded.
Having reached the cars the five offered each other grim smiles, and each fingered the launcher, they carried just in case. "Let's go!" Michael said, impatiently as he unlocked the door of his and Johnny's car and got in. The fiery redhead grimaced and offered his teammates a salute and jumped in the passenger seat. As soon as he shut the door, Michael revved the engine and pulled away with a squeal of rubber. A heartbeat later, he and Johnny were gone.
Robert shook his head and sighed. "We better get going and see if we can catch up with them."
Oliver and Enrique just grinned.
"Slam!"
Deciding to take the bull by the horns, the old martial artist just threw open the bedroom door and stood back, when nothing came flying out at him, he stuck his head in to find launchers aimed at him.
"Yo, peeps! No need for the armament! It's just me!" The old man held out both hands and stared at the pair of Russians until they lowered their launchers. "Phew!" He wiped the sweat from his brow; that had been a little close. "Boys, we need to move out! Stanley says, this place isn't safe anymore. So, Robert has arranged for us to go elsewheres!"
As he talked the pair on the bed slid out and not asking questions or concerned about their nakedness, began to dress in the clothes they had been wearing that day. The old man blushed, and turned his back.
"Kai, you'll need to pack for Rei. Tala, you'll need to wake your gang up. We don't have a lot of time! Stan the Man is sending a bus, so shake a leg! I'm off to pack my stuff." With that he hurried from the room.
Tala grinned and walked to the window, he leveled Wolborg and pulled the ripcord. The blade covered the distance between the windows in seconds and crashed against the far wall.
The resulting crash was echoed by the cry of "WHAT THE HELL!" from Bryan and a yelp from Rei.
Kai looked up from where he was lacing his boots. "I'd say they were up." He smirked. Just before a naked, angry Bryan appeared in the window. "Wolf! I'm coming over there and killing you! What the hell do you think you're doing!"
"Shut up, Bry! It was the fastest way to wake you up! Get packed, we're moving! Something's bothering Dickenson, so he's pulling us out of here!" A pale Rei appeared at Bryan's elbow, and Tala turned his attention to the tiger. "Rei, would you please go get Spencer and Ian up? Although I doubt they're asleep after that war whoop by Bryan."
Rei snickered, and turned to do as he was asked.
"What's going on?" Bryan growled, as he glared across the distance at his captain.
"I don't know, I told you! Just get ready to move and don't forget my stuff!" Tala snapped, "And hurry, we don't know how much time we've got before our ride gets here!" Tala turned from the window to go help Kai finish with his packing.
"Idiot." he murmured, as he began to put the clothes Kai had folded into one of the duffels on the bed. Kai had been busy, while he was shouting at his pig-headed friend.
Kai smirked at him. 'That's why he's on YOUR team, I've got the smart one in that pairing." He said, smugly, as Tala snorted at him. Both Russians' heads swiveled around, when there was a knock on the door.
Tala stalked to the door and pulled it open. Grandpa Granger stood there, with a nervous Kenny right behind him. The old man nodded to the redhead, as they stepped into the room. "Ready to go?"
"Almost, but do to circumstances beyond my control I . . ." Tala looked over at Kai and smirked.
Kai smacked him in the face with a pair of Rei's pants and pointed to the second duffel. "More packing, less talk." he snorted. Tala made a face at him, but returned to the bed to finish packing.
Rei came downstairs carrying a duffel bag of clothes for Tala. Ian and Spencer were sitting quietly in the living room on the couch: ready to go.
Bryan padded down the steps on the heels of his kitten: a murderous look on his face. He watched as Rei dropped the bag and went to kneel on the end of the sofa, so he could peek out the window. Wordlessly, he looked over at Spencer and Ian and jerked his head at Rei; the other two nodded. Rei was to be protected at all costs.
The bus, the car with Mr. Dickenson and the four cars sporting the Majestic's and an All-Starz met up two blocks from their goal and proceeded together. Everyone wondered what they'd find when they got to where they were going.
When Rei spotted the slowly moving cavalcade coming down the street, he turned and slid down the side of the sofa and hustled to the door. Bryan intercepted him, and put his lover to the side. "Stay here, until I've checked this out." He ordered, then turned and went into the kitchen. They heard the click of the back door and the soft snick of its closing.
Rei stared anxiously after him, but stayed put. Spencer came up beside him and led him under the stairwell, and pushed him into the shadows. "Stay there." Spencer whispered, then he went to join Ian, who came out in the hall to stand facing in Rei's direction, while Spencer stood at his back, facing the other way.
Rei fumed and made a mental note to discuss Bryan's over protectiveness with him in the morning, if he got the chance. Why was it he had to have to have this discussion with every Alpha in his life?
The cavalcade came to a halt and Mr. D rolled down his window, waiting.
Five car doors opened simultaneously and five young men got out and headed for the car and man patiently waiting.
Stanley Dickenson smiled grimly, as he spotted the five bladers headed his way. He got out to greet them. "Robert, Johnny, Enrique, Oliver and Michael, thank you for coming."
Robert bowed, "Our pleasure and duty. Are we ready to go?"
"Yes." Mr. D. started, when a voice said out of the shadows, "what's going on?"
Six heads pivoted, as Bryan flowed out of the protection of the shadow side of the house.
It took ten minutes to get everyone loaded and ready to go. Bryan had all but carried a protesting Rei up the steps of the bus. The Chinese had wanted to go and check and see if anything had been left behind.
A snapped, "Dammit, Rei! Kai didn't leave Driger behind!" from an annoyed Tala finally shut the tiger up, and he went inside and sat down next to his mate; who immediately gathered him to his side.
Once everyone was ready, Robert pulled away from the curb, with Johnny and Michael behind him; the bus came next, and lastly, Oliver and Enrique. Mr. D. having sent his car home, he chose to ride in the bus with his teams.
Silence filled the bus until it was finally broken, and by Mr. Dickenson. "I know you all are curious as to while you were pulled out of what has been your home for the last few weeks."
"That's right, bro." His old friend said, "What's this trouble you were blim-blamming about?"
"I'll keep it short, and we can talk about it more in the morning." Mr. D. folded his hands on top of his cane, and sighed.
"A business associate of Robert's at his insistence sent me a copy of an article complete with pictures. The gist of the photos and article was that Lee had come to the house to fight Tala."
Stunned, Rei whispered, "Why?"
"Because according to the article, Kai is Lee's lover and Kai had abandoned him and their child, and Lee wanted revenge." The old man stopped, and shook his head. "Bryan was in the photo trying to separate Kai and Lee." Tala started to say something, but Mr. D. raised his hand forestalling him. "Yes, Tala, I know it was Lee separating Kai and Bryan, the photo had been remastered."
"Who?" The hoarseness of Kai voice said louder than words how angry he was. Tala gripped his shoulder to ground him, but the redhead was no less angry himself, only the need to help Kai kept him from lashing out.
"We don't know, but I intend to find out." The older man said firmly. "So, to avoid a media circus, you'll spent the rest of the night and tomorrow at the German ambassador's country home."
"What about Max and Tyson?" Rei asked, the trembling in his voice said, he was close to tears. Bryan held him tighter and nuzzled his neck, trying to calm him.
"Security has been alerted, and as soon as Max is released, they will be joining you."
After that no one had any questions, and the rest of the trip was made in silence.
Exactly one hour later, Robert pulled up to the gatehouse of the ambassador's home. After confirming his identity with the guard, the cavalcade swept up to the brightly-lit front of the house, and the elderly couple that stood waiting.
Meryl Wilheilm took one look at the weary youths getting off the bus and pushed past her husband. "Ach, I am Meryl Wilheilm and he," she motioned to her husband. "Is Tarell, my husband. I am the housekeeper here, and he is the major-domo. But, there is time enough for introductions in the morning! It is to bed, you must go and at once!" She ordered one and all and shooed them into the house: leaving her husband to deal with the luggage.
She led everyone up to the second floor, chattering all the way. With the air of a sergeant assigning quarters, she opened each bedroom door with a flourish and waved in each couple or single that would be using that room.
Bryan and Rei were the last ones; she led to a room. Crossing the room, she threw open the window and turned to the two boys, who leaned against each other; holding one another up. The wise old eyes smiled, as she walked over to Rei and gently took him from Bryan's hands, and led the tired tiger to the bed and helped him sit down. She knelt and pulled Rei's shoes off, as Bryan made his way to them.
He had to strain to hear the words the plump German woman whispered to Rei, as she helped him undress. "Nothing is to be feared here, young one. You and the little one are safe; I guarantee it. Now, you and the fierce one need only to rest and in the morning, things will look brighter, nein?"
"I hope so." Rei slurred, as he pulled his legs up and slid under the covers, where Bryan lay waiting. The Russian watched as Meryl pulled the covers up and over him and Rei. The two exchanged a look of understanding, then the old housekeeper took her leave.
"Bryan?" Rei sighed, as he snuggled up to his falcon.
"Yes, Koi?"
"Why would anyone want to tell such awful lies? Kai and Lee are only friends! It doesn't make sense." Rei's voice trailed off, as sleep claimed him.
Bryan pressed a kiss to Rei's forehead, and cuddling his beloved close, the Russian stared into the darkness. "I don't know, who you are, or why you tried to hurt my friends, but I will find you and when I do you will pay." The breeze carried the dark vow out into the night.
Ooh, I'm in a dark mood that didn't come out the way I planned at all!
Mariah: Rewrite it, then!
I did! Three times! Its not a record, that honor belongs to one of the chapters of 'When two hearts . . .' If I remember correctly. And I'm not doing it again! Not even for a naked Hiei and whipped cream!
Spencer: How about a naked Ian and whipped cream?
(Ahhh, oooohhhhh, I don't know what to say. If I tell him, his boyfriend is a bug, he'll smash me, and if I take him up on it, and Ian likes me better than him, I'll still get smashed. Oh, bugger it! Decisions, decisions.)
I'm sorry Spencer, but I was just elected Pope!
Johnny: That's my line!
Shut up, you! Oh, btw, I've finally got that idea, I needed. What colors do you favor? What is your tartan colors, anyway! Hello? Hello? Damn I do believe he's run off, again. I'll have to get the bloodhounds out.
Until next time, bye!
Oh, btw, Mariah's chapter is next. She gets almost a whole chapter to herself. Working title: Disgrace