Powdered Sugre 29
Normalcy is Over-Rated
The sound of the conversation in the cafe seemed louder as the table was beset by heavy silence. "He was a friendly sort, a bit fresh, but... had you known him long?" George put a consoling hand on Ryo's shoulder. He wondered why the detective's continued to look at each other.
"Um, George," Dee said as Ryo gazed at the picture then back up at George. "Remember us saying we have no gardener? Rain did the back yard plants and flowers."
"Oh, I am sorry," George said. "I never meant to let a stranger in your house, he seemed so familiar with the place."
"Not your fault, we should have told you if we were or not expecting anyone," Ryo smiled kindly and looked up when Heaven walked into the place and approached the table. George stared at her and gulped. He was glad that Jill and Ryo flanked him leaving the only available chair in between Leon and Dee. But it left her the complete opportunity to stare at him to her hearts content. Ryo handed George the picture. "Are you sure this is the man that you saw today?"
George looked at the picture studying the smooth features, curly blond hair and deep brown eyes. "Saw him, spoke to him, yelled at him," George said with a laugh. "I do believe I would remember a git that assaulted me."
"He assaulted you?" Leon said with a frown looking at the beautiful man. He moved his soda off a file before the moisture could ruin the contents.
"He kissed him," Dee said for George had gasped and JJ realized that one of the pictures of the skinned corpses had been shifted outside of it's file. "George," Dee said seriously. "The first time we saw this man was in these photos. He was found dead this morning, it must have been done before he could open his shop."
"How is this possible?" George asked his salad no longer appetizing he pushed it away. "Twins?"
"George, I need you to tell me about your face," Ryo turned in his chair until he was facing George and moved the man's chair until he too was turned away from the table. "When you first arrived you had a bruise, some one hit you. You said it was not your lover, then at the mall someone touched you. Tell me about everything." George heaved a sigh his heart speeding up to speak of such personal things. He lowered his head and looked away from Ryo.
"We are only trying to help you," Dee said. "You have to be straight with us, hard to do in your case I'm sure..."
"Dee," Ryo glared at Dee who shook his head and shoved his plate away disgusted with the entire affair. George opened his mouth to speak but closed it and stared in horror at the glass of soda that Ryo held. The liquid inside which had been iced a moment before began to boil. Jill leaned over George's chair with a rolled up napkin and took the hot glass from Ryo. "They sent you to us because we are the most normal family they can boast of, we could not even hold it together for a week." Ryo groused with a shake of his honey colored head. "Sad day for Arcadia, it really is."
"What are you talking about?" George said his voice raising as his breathing sped up. "How did you do that?"
"Nothing," Leon said when he saw the signs of panic. "He's just joshing to lighten the mood, get you relaxed. Ryo never could tell a good joke, even though he does a bang up party trick," Leon nodded and turned a meaningful glare at Ryo. Though he was still incensed to be saddled with an illusive presence that not only stalked his guest but had infiltrated his home. He did not know why he cared this much, but he did. George seemed to have been through so much if he could spare him... he would. "Look," Leon said gaining George's attention. "If you don't tell us everything, we can't protect you."
George nodded and took a deep inhalation. Holding it he met Leon's eyes, then Dee's finally he turned to Ryo. "It was right around the time I left the rehabilitation center."
"Rehabilitation, for...?" Jill said her notebook out and pen in hand.
George looked away then met her eyes. "Heroin, I'm clean now," He was quick to say when her eyes flared and she looked at Ryo and then Heaven who nodded her eyes going crystal clear to alert Jill to how she had found out returning them to their human appearance when Jill looked away. Jill then turned to Ryo as if questioning the wisdom in allowing a hybrid vampire to taste George. Ryo shook his head ending the silent conversation he turned back to George. "When I met him," George continued. "I was just packing my bags to go home, I thought he would be moving into my room, but he did not have bags and claimed to not even have an addiction. He was big, dark, with light blue eyes. Like Italian dark, not African American dark," George clarified. "He propositioned me in a most rude way. I turned him down and he hit me. Really hard too, the bastard." George pouted then ran a hand through his hair. "Knocked me right off my feet. When I came to, I was alone in the room, there was a note that said..." George paused and his eyes widened.
"What did it say?" JJ asked his voice gentle for George had frozen and Heaven leaned over the table as if planning to jump him. JJ placed a hand on Heaven's arm and she settled back the random beads in her hair making a soft clicking sound.
"It said see you later Lovely." George looked at the picture of poor dead William Donovan. "He said, when I opened the door, he said, Hello Lovely. He called me that."
"Don't worry pretty," Heaven reached over and took George's hand. "I won't let him harm you." George gasped when her ice-cold hand held his. "Sorry," She moved her hand away. "I haven't eaten in a few days," Heaven explained when Dee frowned and touched her hand.
"Jones and Dahlson just did a bust on an inner city gang, full of drug runners and pimps." JJ said finishing off his chicken. "They are in the penitentiary, you know," George looked at the detective and wondered at the seemingly out of place commentary. Heaven offered a mysteriously grateful smile then got to her feet. She leaned over the table as if the kiss George, but was moving slow, as if giving him time. George turned away and put his hand on Heaven's shoulder. When he shoved he feared she would be upset, but was surprised at the look of approval in her eyes. Heaven winked and walked away.
"What happened at the mall?" Leon asked refocusing on the case.
"What do you mean?" George asked he attempted to eat more of his salad.
"At the mall someone touched you,"Ryo explained.
"No, no one," George shook his head then paused a frown on his face. "You'll think I'm insane, but I did feel something. And I swear I was not and have not been high in some time."
"What did you feel?" Dee asked when Ryo laughed softly.
"Cold," George answered after a moment of thought. "It was brief, but like a hand went up my sleeve, then it was gone. I think your son got sick or something," George said with a shrug. In truth he had not thought about the incident since it had occurred. He looked up when a brightly colored Angel approached their table his flowered mini skirt flouncing with his every step.
"Hi guys," Angel gave a saucy wave and perched his hip on the table. George looked up the long legs covered with paisley printed tights and the small tee with a smiley face printed on it. "I was in the back working and Collins told me I had to come and see who was in my boutique. I came out and Oh my gosh, I'm dying, right now, I am." Angel flushed his hair bobbing as he nodded. "Boy George, here in my boutique. I have dreamed of making you clothes, because, aside from Andy, you would wear them fabulously."
"Well everything I wear, I wear fabulously." George said with a smile and a wink.
"If I made you something," Angel said sitting in Ryo's lap so that he could be eye level with George. Ryo raised his hands then sat still with a sigh. "Would you wear it?"
"If I like it," George agreed with a nod.
Angel nodded as well bouncing on Ryo who gasped and resisted the urge to shove the smaller man to the floor. Angel, sensing his seat's discomfort with his proximity pouted. "Of all the men here, no offense Jill," Jill shook her head laughing. "I had to sit on the uptight, anal retentive one." Ryo turned an outraged stare at Angel. "You would think, with all that he regularly contains," Angel winked at Dee. "It would be impossible to retain anything in his..." Ryo pushed him off. Angel caught himself on the arms of George's chair leaving his bottom pointed in Ryo's direction. He gave a little shake then sashayed away laughing.
"You're not that bad really, I've known worse," George said to Ryo with a calm smile on his face.
Leon stood as well as Jill and JJ. "We are going to head back to the office and see what we come up with. We'll call later with the verdict." Leon said then reached to shake George's hand. "It was nice to see you again, thank you for all of your help." George nodded gracefully then turned to see Ryo and Dee frowning at each other. "You two stop being grouchy, you'll be back to work in no time." Leon waved as they left.
"Those little," Dee growled when Chihaya came back and handed them the bill. "Whatever," Dee grumbled. "You want to pay for those, we need to head out."
"Oh, no I am not buying them, I wanted to show them to Ryo." George said holding up several shirts in bright red, teal blue and pink.
"George, I don't care what you wear," Ryo laughed shaking his head. "But I am pleased that you value my opinion."
"Thats nice, these are for you," George said and Ryo halted half out of his chair. He straitened fully when George held a pink shirt up to him as if sizing it.
"No they aren't," Ryo shook his head moving George's hands, in a delicate push he moved away.
"Oh?" George said and Ryo grew afraid at the coy expression. "I guess my advice only suffices when you are buying lingerie, but nothing more." Ryo turned red and George laughed as he went to put the things away.
"Better be careful with the boiling of drinks," Dee whispered in Ryo's ear. "And what else did he help you buy?" Ryo gave Dee a flirtatious smile then went out to the waiting car.
"Why don't you go get us another SUV, while George and I go pick up Lyo a little early," Ryo left the Cafe/ Boutique with George. "Don't forget the PTA meeting tonight. I will send the car back to my grandfather and we can all drive home together."
"You won't be driving?" George asked Ryo getting into the fancy car. He stuck out his tongue when Ryo gave him a glare. Dee laughed and waved them off before hailing a cab to the car lot. We are not going to pick up Lyo this early are we?" George said looking at the time. It was only 2:28, surely the little children were just getting up from nap.
"Our anniversary is coming," Ryo admitted with a shy laugh. "I saw this store advertised in the paper and never had the uh... Well, I wouldn't go there, but I thought..."
George looked at the advertisement for the classy adult store. "You want me to come with you?" George asked with a pleased laugh he sat back in the car and ate a piece of candy leaving Ryo to wonder what kind of beast had decided to plague this vibrant young soul.
Break
Miaka sat at her desk and looked at the detectives that had come in her office with their evidence. "Lady and Gentlemen," She said her fingers steepled in front of her face. Long dark hair framed her pale face. With the office door closed she had allowed her pointed ears to show through and her eyes took on their original grass green hue. "I will alert the commissioner that the case is now beyond his capabilities and that the CIA will now be handling it. Seeing as how you officers are involved, he does not have to do more than sit in his office and screw your cousin, which is what he does anyway." Miaka grinned at JJ who laughed but had to agree. "As for our culprit, it can be only one of two things."
"Which is?" Leon asked folding his arms.
"It is either an Incubus, or a Succubus." Miaka looking at their crime scene photos and the samples of dust. "A lust demon that feeds off sex, it seduces those it can and rapes those who won't, feeding off their energy and then stealing their skin."
"So what is the difference? I mean you said either or, then listed off one set of criteria," Jill asked her blond curls bouncing as she huffed a frustrated breath.
"The difference between an incubus and a succubus is their gender. Incubi being male and succubi being female, they are essentially the same demon. It has been known, every few centuries or so, for a demon of this sort to latch on to one human, to become in love, as much as these beasts of hell can ever know love, a kind of obsession really. They will mark their prey, then set about seducing it. If they can not seduce it, they will rape it, then kill."
"We think this is its obsession," JJ handed her a picture of a smiling Boy George.
"I can see why," Miaka said after a cursory glance. "She is beautiful and there is color about her. These creatures live in darkness, so naturally it would reach for something bright."
"He and he," Leon informed the special agent. "He," He pointed to the picture of George. "Is male and he described the person who attacked him as a male."
Miaka said nothing and looked again, closer at the picture of George before she looked up at Leon. "Okay, that is male, but we still have no gender clues as to our demon." Miaka held up a hand to forestall any questions. "The demon is but wearing the skin of the last mortal it killed, it will stay active in the skin for a few days then the skin will crumble to dust leaving the creature to search out another. In its true form it can not woo, for a human would look at the scaled skin and horns and run away, unless they have some kinky fetishes I do not dare to even think of," Miaka shuddered. "So after raping a victim, it will then steal their skin, moving on to the next, all with the agenda of getting closer to their intended target. If it approached as male, it would be because a male is what the target is attracted to."
"So why do we need to know what it is?" Jill shrugged her shoulders. "And how do we kill it?"
"The answer to your second question is revealed in the first," Miaka said her cryptic words confusing all in the room. "You see a succubus is hot and therefore fears the cold. Ice and wind would hamper the beast long enough that it could be killed. An incubus is cold and therefore fears heat. Flames would be enough to incinerate it."
"It's male," JJ said looking back through the notes that Jill had taken. "George said when he was at the mall that it felt cold. But wait," JJ was struck with a thought. "Ryo said that it made Rain sick. Why?"
"He fouled the wind, and wind is in that boy's blood." Miaka said, she looked again at the picture of George then shook her head. "He really is beautiful."
Break
Rain sat on the stage with his legs folded underneath him holding his hair off his neck. Bikky came and sat beside him offering him a bottle of water. "You seem to be worked harder than anyone here," He frowned at the staff producer of the spring show.
"That's because," Rain said after a long drink. "Not only am I responsible for my solos, I also have duets and group songs. They want me in as many performances as possible so no one feels slighted. They don't want another fiasco like last year." Rain quoted the principal when they had made the arrangements for the show. "It's funny, it will be like a tribute concert to Arcadia most of the songs chosen are from our CD's."
"I heard they are combining the spring show and prom with another high school," Bikky said then he looked deep into Rain's shocking green eyes. "The other school is West Lake." Rain paused then drank more water. "They said that it is because both schools had planned to have both functions on the same night and did not want to compete with each other for ticket sales. So they are having them together, they can charge three times as much and divide the earnings. Even with the tickets triple priced, the audience gets to see you for less than the going concert rate."
"Must be fun being a star," Bikky tensed at the sneering tone and turned to see a tall boy in a West Lake uniform of black dress slacks and tailer fitted maroon jacket over a white shirt. "Funny how you waited until you transferred to make it big. You know, our school is the one that is supposed to have all the class. This is a public school." He frowned at Bikky as Erick and Terry came over to stand at their side. "Is this your gang? I guess you can take the street rat out of New York, can't take the New York out of the street rat."
"You must be a big fan of Rain's to know where his family comes from," Erick said before Rain or Bikky could. "I'll bet you have posters all over your wall." Erick laughed softly. After Peter had thrown a fit, he had given his paraphernalia to Julie.
"These are my friends," Bikky explained then felt a small wind around his hand. He would rather Rain did that than to hold his hand in public. Bikky held the intangible fingers in his own just as they dissipated. "I don't have a gang, just friends and family. Here to check out the performance space?"
"Yeah, I know, even though this is a lowly public school," Rain said with a feigned sigh. "That our stage is better suited to theatrical performance, having performed on both stages, this has better acoustics." Bikky stood to his full height topping the West Lake student by almost a foot. With his eyes wide he stared a Bikky then offered a placatory smile and held his palms out.
"Yeah, just wanted to check the place out. We are here to work out blocking and stuff." He held out his hand. "Name's Merrick Carrell, my mom is fond of romance novels and gave us all names that sounded like some damsel in distress, or in me and my brother's cases, the heroes that rescued them."
"Have fun, we're almost done here," Rain pulled his things into a bag. "If I sweat any more today, I'll be able to swim in my own BO." Rain lifted his hair off his neck cursing the fact that his hair band had broken and he did not have any replacements. He thought of borrowing Julie's, but he looked up at the stage where she was working with several other girls. She was sweating as well and he would hate to make her uncomfortable. Bikky laughed grabbing his bag they turned and came face to face with a group of girls wearing black pencil skirts and form fitting maroon jackets over white shirts.
"Rain," A tall girl with curling blond ringlets reached out and hugged him. "Oh... Rain. I have missed you." She started to sob holding onto his neck. "I could not approach before because of the rules about you guys, but now I am just so glad to see you." Rain patted her back, then sat her away from him. Stepping back himself until he could look at her. "Rain?"
"Felice, it's been a while," Rain's words were oddly formal. He heard the music stop and looked up to see Julie coming from the stage. She placed her hand in his. "Felice, this is Julie," he was quick to introduce. "Julie, Felice was in most of my classes at West Lake."
"He was always so shy," Felice laughed. "He would spend most of his time in class staring at me. I thought it was cute, but planned to ask him to homecoming. But he transferred before I got the chance." Felice patted her hair making sure that it gleamed in the bright beams of sunlight.
"Oh," Terry said not liking the way the snobbish young woman seemed to be sizing up Julie. "Didn't you read your poetry to Julie to get her to like you?"
"No," Rain said bringing up his hands where his fingers were clasped with Julie's. "I sang it."
Carol began to laugh as she and the rest of the Cheer leading squad made themselves known. "I guess even the shyest boy will speak up when he wants it bad enough."
Rain blushed then looked at Julie. "Nemeotatse," Rain said to Julie then followed Bikky and his friends.
"Oh Rain, Bikky," Carol said looking back at the wealthy kids that stared after them. "Your dads are here and they have George with them."
"He got out of bed," Rain smiled. When they had left this morning he had been worried about him.
"We can't go yet," Bikky said when Ryo, Dee and George reached them. "Rain has two more songs to go over and I left my bag in the gym."
"Just stopped by to say hi, we have a PTA meeting." Ryo said then looked at George. "I doubt you want to come with us." George was quick to shake his head then went to one of the plush chairs waving two fingers at Ryo and Dee who turned to leave. Holding on to Lyo's hand. " We'll be going out for dinner tonight, Bikky, behave." was all Ryo said to alert his son that he knew what was going on with the other students. Bikky gave Ryo a grin then went to get his gym bag.
While Rain trudged to a seat by George with Julie in tow to wait for his turn on the stage the West Lake student stared unabashed at George. "Hey, I have a problem." Rain said to George. "When we were singing together the other night, I had trouble matching you."
"You sounded fine," George assured Rain. "Great in fact."
"But I actually had to work to get it right. It usually comes so easy to me," Rain frowned. He tensed and moved back when George reached for his hair. Rain relaxed and allowed George to gather the long tresses. George pulled a ribbon from his pocket and secured the mass. "Thanks," Rain beamed a smile.
"Maybe we will sing later, it will be fun," George said then looked at the stage only grimacing a little at the young kids performance. He looked forward to Rain, if only to see some real talent.
Break
Rain stepped into the house laughing while George stared in amazement at him. "I still can not believe how much you ate," George commented then paled as Rain turned green. Ryo sniffed then sneezed noting that the scent of their intruder was still in the house. Before Ryo could say anything, a gust of wind blasted in from the open front door. Rain stood up releasing Bikky, he nodded to Ryo and pursed his lips. George laughed at the kissing noises Rain made to call Slyphe.
"All right there girl?" he asked and the cat nodded. "Dee, I think I left my journal in the car," Rain said reaching for the keys to their new Lexus. Dee tossed him the keys and watched as Ryo walked around. He was not even weirded out to see his lover randomly scenting to see if he would sneeze. Nodding that the place was clean he went to call the consulate attempting once again to get a Royale on the phone. Before he could complete the call, the door opened and Rain re-entered the house with Laton and Jhaymes.
"O-Ji-Ue," Ryo said conscious not to call Laton grandfather in English with George present. "Jhaymes," Ryo frowned. "Hi."
"Hi," Jhaymes said looking around he saw George sitting on the couch with a music magazine. Jhaymes watched him reading then refocused on Ryo. "I did not come with the dragon king, I was just in the area and..." Jhaymes paused his face turning red.
"Since you often come here to spend an evening with us," Ryo laughed. "In the neighborhood... huh," Ryo looked at George and caught the smile on his face when Jhaymes stared at him. "Come on in," he went into the kitchen. "Rain," Ryo called pouring himself a glass of juice. "Beef roast for dinner, drink your tea."
"Okay," Rain called tossing his journal on the couch Rain went to get the pitcher out of the refrigerator.
Dee moved the book and sat down. "Oh, sorry Laton, this is George, you would not know him, but he is the pop star Boy George, George, this is Laton, king of the easter Dragons of Arcadia."
"Hello. Nice to meet you," George shook Laton's hand and offered a smile. Laton took in the large bow on his head and the steaming mass of waving brown hair. "Is something wrong?" George asked and Laton shook his head he looked again at the mascara and eye-liner clad young man. George looked at Dee when the king continued to stare at him.
"Your lips are painted red," Laton said and nodded then went to the back yard. Heaven had called him earlier suggesting he go and scent mark his grandson's home in much the same way a creature would mark their territory, except with a dignified stroll as opposed to leaving odorous and embarrassing trails of liquid pheromones. "Ryo, walk with me," Laton said. "I will show you a trick that comes along with being in your mother's family." Ryo nodded knowing that Laton was being inconspicuous about their true nature in front of George. "Feather-head," Laton grumbled when Jhaymes went to sit near George.
"You're from England," Jhaymes said, he had been teased horridly by Alera ever since he had goggled at George. She had called him pathetic and chicken until he went for a walk and did in fact end up in this neighborhood. Seeing Laton speaking to Rain he had followed them both to the house. George nodded sitting his magazine aside.
"Yes, but my family is Irish you know," George laughed. "Very close-knit, my mother is put through it with all of her boys. My oldest is like a terror to the police you know. He has been beating them up since high school." Jhaymes was enchanted as George continued speaking. "So," George said after a while of running his mouth and Jhaymes just staring at him. "You are Arcadian, are you from the dragon kingdom?"
"No, Phoenix,"Jhaymes answered. "I mean, I am Arcadian, but I am from the Phoenix lands."
"Why are all the different kingdoms named after mythical creatures?" George asked, it was the same question that he had asked Andy when they met, but she had giggled and fed him a cookie. Where she got it from he was still unsure, but it had been delicious.
"Call it nomenclature," Jhaymes said with a shrug. "Are you thirsty?" Jhaymes offered and headed into the kitchen.
"I thought I was the host," George laughed. "I have been staying here," George went to the sink and filled the kettle with water. "Every time I ask question some one offers me food. What is up with that?" Jhaymes was glad of the distraction of Ryo and Laton entering from the back yard. Laton watched as the graceful George went to the stove and sat the kettle on the fire and got down several cups for tea. Laton approached and cornered George pressing him against the counter. George yelped and pushed the king away from him. "Excuse me sir!?" He exclaimed with widened eyes and flushed cheeks.
"Grandfather," Ryo stared in horror at Laton and where he had placed his hand on George.
"Hmm," Laton said with a sigh he looked up to see Dee rushing into the kitchen at George's cry. "It really is a boy." George made a soft sound that was more like a squeak and sat at the table with his legs closed staring aghast at Laton. "Ja Ne Snap Dragon," Laton patted Ryo's arm. "Torcha will be here with me for the party." Laton waved, aimed a smile at George then went to the door. "Feather-head," Laton said to Jhaymes leaving him to try to calm George.
Bikky answered the phone when it rang. He looked into the kitchen and saw George sitting at the table with Jhaymes. Smiling he handed the phone to Ryo. After a few moments Ryo began to speak Japanese to the angry man on the other end then hung up with a smile on his face. Jhaymes stood to leave after a few hours and George walked with him to the door. "Come by and visit us again," Ryo waved with a laugh. "As you so often do," Jhaymes blushed and nodded before heading off into the night smiling brightly.
"George, I'm sorry," George turned from the door to see Rain standing there holding a brown leather book. "It looks like mine and it was on the couch, so I just opened it to the last page marked. I did not mean to read it," Rain said and tears leaked from his eyes. George took the journal and saw another one just like it on the floor.
"It's alright, no reason to cry about it," George wiped Rain's face and Ryo was again amazed to see his son touched by another man so soon after meeting him. Even Leon was wary of familiarity with the boy.
"Oh no, I am not... I mean, not that I read it, but what I read." Rain took the handkerchief from Ryo and blew his nose. George nodded then patted Rain's arm. "I'm sorry." Rain impulsively hugged George then backed away. "I'm going to bed, night Ryo, Dee." Rain waved at his parents, tapped Bikky on the head then kissed Lyo before he went upstairs.
"I don't think I have ever seen him hug a man like that." Ryo said excepting himself and Dee. He would have said more but saw that George was staring at his journal with a sad sigh. "I think you may have an admirer." Ryo tried to lighten the mood when he feared that George would weep again.
"I am tired, so I think I will go to bed as well." George excused himself leaving Bikky, Ryo and Dee to stare after him.
"He calls at least three times a day, sometimes more," Ryo grumbled. "I doubt if George needs to hear one more apology, however heartfelt they may be." Dee nodded as Ryo picked up Lyo and took him for his bath.
Break
Slam! The sound of the body hitting the pavement was loud in the quiet of the aftermath of the battle. Andy looked at her sword where it sizzled cleaning to smoke off demon blood from the Arcadian steel. "I never thought," Nestoir said breathing deeply. "That digging into one dead criminals family history would lead to such annoyance."
"We'd better get back," Andy said still gasping shoving the blade home in its sheath. "We'd better go warn Ryo and Dee."
To Be Continued
More Notes on the FAB Boy George. It was a very public addiction, his own words, and so I feel free to use the information to my own ends. You all should know by now that I never mention anyone or thing unless it has some later significance to the plot. Also, I have so much fun creating my villains that I can not bear to part with them for too long.
Ja Ne,
Chi
