This is a really quick upload as I am currently crunched for time and have to go... like five minutes ago... I will answer all questions with the next upload (Dawnmm). So sorry for the delay, but I am pleased to know that people are still reading and you so much for the time you spend reading. Ja ne Chi

Powdered Sugre 55

Full House :2

Kiss Me Now, Love Me Later

Dee sighed as he and Ryo walked onto their porch. So many pictures had been taken at the airport. Alicia remained behind in Arcadia, waiting until the crowds diminished before moving into their house with them. Bikky frowned having to take it slow when there was nothing at all wrong with him. He had a few sore muscles from Laton wiping the floor with him. He thought Count D was tough, he at least used wooden swords. Bikky had feared for his life when Laton had pulled forth a full Katana made from Fire Star steel. While terrifying, it had been exhilarating. Dee held himself still as Ryo moved around him to collect the pile of mail. "The rest of the mail is at the shop, Leon and JJ have been getting it for us." Ryo said when Dee did no more than nod he blushed and looked away.

Ryo knew Dee wanted him. Badly. This past month, they had seldom found themselves in bed together. Not to say that this entire time, they had been celibate, the few times were far and in between. Not to mention they were often too tired anyway. Bikky waited until the door was shut firmly behind them before he dashed up the stairs to drop his bag. Rain, behind him, laughed. "Been holding that in for a while, huh Bikky?" Rain entered his room and sat on the bed. Bikky looked over his shoulder at Rain. "Bikky, we go back to school next week. But..."

"But what?" Bikky shrugged tossing his shoes into the closet followed by his laundry. "Better put this in the hamper, or Ryo will skewer me."

"It's just that, thanks to your 'wound'," Rain sighed looking at his perfectly healthy brother. "You are benched for the season."

"No fun playing when Carol's not cheering anyway," Bikky shrugged the words off. "Besides, it's more fun training to become a knight. With keeping my grades up, doing that and sports would be a drag."

"So you are okay with it?" Rain made sure. Bikky tugged his hair. "I'm glad, oh, but wait. When I become sixteen, will I have to give up being an entertainer to keep my grades and train?"

"Nah, you're actually smarter than I am," Bikky grinned. "You don't have to work so hard to maintain you're grades. I study twice as much just to keep up. You'll do fine, I mean we are training with Count D, while you are singing and going to school. I am sure you can handle the extra burden, though Julie may become grumpy with the lack of dates."

"She would understand," Rain smiled. "I am glad that you are better."

"You said that already, several times," Bikky laughed putting the last of his things away. "Look, if I had it all to do again, I would. No question, no hesitation. You are my brother, that man is crazy. Why do you think it is taking them so long to free him from Dae. He was already unhinged when he got to him. You'd have to be nuts to beat someone utterly devoted to you and in love besides."

"You're right."Rain nodded. "But Andy did say that there was no way to tell when he was infected."

"It's that bad, huh?" Bikky shook his head. "Come on, let's go pester Ryo for dinner." Bikky bounced from the room in search of Lyo.

"Maybe not," Rain hedged dragging his feet as he followed Bikky. "Dee seems like he could use some alone time with Ryo right now," Rain laughed.

"That's why we are asking for pizza." Bikky was still laughing as the doorbell rang.

"You go start in on Ryo, I'll get the door," Rain shoved Bikky to the kitchen where Ryo was already searching through the refrigerator and cabinets. Rain opened the door nearly falling over as Julie launched herself into his arms. "Oh, Rain, I missed you so much. It was awful, the news showed up at my house they were asking questions. Ryan told them to go away and they camped out. My dad had to call the cops."

"No... Ryo," Rain called pulling Julie into the house almost shutting the door on Ryan.

"Hey, man," Ryan caught the door pushing it back. "Take my sister and leave me sitting on the porch."

"Yeah," Rain laughed softly allowing him inside. He gasped as he saw the flash of a camera from behind the bushes of a house across the street. Rain narrowed his eyes before he raised his middle finger and slammed the door shut.

"Rain," Dee raised his brows giving him a disapproving look. As soon as Rain was no longer looking Dee smirked shaking his head. "First he goes goth, now he's flipping reporters off. What next?"

Break

Lady Aurora sat at the table across from Alucard sipping from silver chalices. The dark red liquid within was beyond questioning. Lord D tried not to think of it as he approached his mother. "May I have a word with you?" Lord D said after nodding respectfully to Alucard.

"Of course, Child," Lady Aurora got to her feet straitening her long silken black skirt that pooled at her dainty feet. A black, red and silver corset. "Is something wrong? You look worried." Aurora placed a small chilled hand on his shoulder.

"it's father, I worry that he is ill," Lord D's face fell as he thought of his father. "He has been rather pale of late, and seems to be losing weight. And further more, at the construction of the new Shop, he said wanted D and I hold shields in the shop, just in case he should fall. I worried that he was being odd, but. Now I wonder. Was he preparing us for..."

Aurora halted her son's diatribe by pulling him into her arms. "Your father is fine, just fine." Lady Aurora laughed. "Oh, child," She continued to giggle. "Your father is, in fact, defying his eldest brother."

"In retaliation Soofu A is making him ill?" Lord D's brow furrowed. Lady Aurora placed her hand to his slight tummy. "I don't understand."

"Your father does not wish you to understand. In fact, the only thing you should worry about is remaining healthy. Now go, get some rest." Aurora turned Lord D towards his bedchamber giving his rump a small pat. Lord D nodded going to do her bidding.

Aurora sat with sigh as she watched him go. "Quite adorable, that child of yours." Alucard smiled his fangs bared to a frightening degree. "And he smells so sweet. He is with child."

"Yes," Lady Aurora grinned. "He and his father are my light. I do have the capacity to withstand the sun's rays as you do. They will not kill me, but weakness does overcome me. When I first met D...I thought the sun was shining on me. I hid from him. I was so young then," Lady Aurora laughed a little at her foolishness. "But he pursued me, and we fell in love. He saw the young girl trapped in the beast and loved her. Should I never see the sun again, I will be glad to have seen him. To have loved him. He has given me the most beautiful family anyone could ever dream of."

"I just mentioned that the boy was adorable, I did not ask for a history lesson,"Alucard drained his chalice then looked pointedly at hers. "Are you going to finish that?"Aurora said nothing, she moved her chalice aside from his reach.

Break

Count D entered Ryo and Dee's house with a smile on his face as Aoi released his hand intent on playing with Lyo. Leon moved aside so that Ryo could place a kiss on D's cheek while Dee cooed at Leon Jr. "Hey guys," Bikky waved coming down the stairs with Cujo. "Excuse the beast he seldom leaves my side now that I am home." Cujo snarled at the words but trailed after Bikky nonetheless. When Bikky sat on the couch, Cujo curled around his feet. Slyphe looked over purring loudly as Rain stroked the soft hair between her ears. He idly thumbed through his journal.

"I hear that your debut with Cory Flight and Slash will take place during the release of the friends and family album," Leon said with a smile. "Looking forward to seeing you really let it out kid."

Rain grinned siting his journal aside. He leaned over laying on Slyphe. "They are having a benefit concert and everything. Still trying to replace all the money that American accountant squandered."

"That's got to suck for those in need of services," Dee mused handing D his baby. "At least he no longer screams at the mere sight of me."

"It was not just you detective," D smiled at his son. "He screamed at everyone." D reached into a bag for a bottle before the small child began to whimper for it. "How is dear Angelina? I have yet to see the darling girl."

"She looks like a peach," Ryo laughed softly. "I'm kidding," Ryo laughed again as d raised his brows at him.

"She has his eyes, and mouth, but Alicia's nose. She has his coloring," Dee smiled fondly at Ryo rubbing a hand over the back of Ryo's hand. "Deep honey colored hair and near black eyes. Pale skin as well. Just like Ryo."

"She has his birthmark on her bottom, same place too," Ryo informed them.

"You've got a birthmark on your butt?" Bikky looked at Dee. It was reflex that had him dodge the pillow thrown at him. It landed near Slyphe. The cat lifted her claws and dragged the pillow over to her. As Bikky watched she lay her head on the pillow with a wide yawn as Rain seemed to settle more comfortable on her. "A pillow for the pillow, 'eh?" Bikky looked at Lyo sharing his coloring books with Aoi. "What's for dinner?"

"Julie is coming tonight," Rain said reminding Ryo that she had called earlier and he had asked to invite her.

"I know, and I am sure Erick and Terry will be back as well," Ryo got to his feet. "How about pasta with mushroom sauce, peas and carrots, and..."

"You'll make bread won't you?" Leon looked as if he was about to start salivating.

"I already kneaded it this morning, it just needs to go into the oven," Ryo said of the covered dough that had been left to rise on the counter. "I'll go get started."

"Can you make cake for dessert, with whipped topping?" Bikky spoke up causing Lyo to clap his hands in glee nodding his agreement to the request. Ryo smiled gently at the boys before he nodded and vanished into the kitchen. Bikky looked over at Rain and they both nodded. With secret smiles, Slyphe got to her feet to make sure that Ryo remained in the kitchen. "Hey guys, we have an idea about Ryo, you know, for the concert."Bikky winked at Rain. "He does so much for all of us, it is only fitting that we let him know how thankful we are."

"Yeah, you know that song I wrote for him," Rain said. "It's all ready."

Break

Kagetsuya stood by the bed watching as his fluffy haired lover slept on. He was quite nude, Chihaya was. Beautiful limbs relaxed across the cool, white sheets and Kagetsuya could feel the sigh building in his heart. He almost wanted to wake Chihaya, just so that he could appreciate the startling purple of his eyes. While Lord D's eyes resembled the amethyst in jewel like clarity, Chihaya's was deep, nearly sapphire blue in certain lights; when he awakened, or was in the throes of pleasure. Kagetsuya fought down such thoughts or he really would be waking the smaller male. Chihaya needed his rest, he had given himself over to Kagetsuya many times the previous night. He would be amazed if his little lover could sit upright today.

Chihaya moaned in his sleep turning over. The sheet slipped down baring his back and hip. Kagetsuya's hand prints decorated the slim terrain of Chihaya's body causing the tall blond to smile at the fond memories of putting them there. Kagetsuya climbed into bed with Chihaya vowing to treat him to breakfast in bed in the morning. But when Kagetsuya woke up, Chihaya was gone.

Break

That noise. JJ frowned as he heard it again. The boys were not crying, Lord D lay sleeping curled up against him as the sound was heard again. "What the hell?" JJ looked at the clock. "It's five thirty."

"Hmm?" Lord D sighed his eyes opening slow. He blinked several times before he realized the phone was ringing.

JJ leaned over him careful about his tummy as he picked up. "Please tell me this is a wrong number."

"Sorry, but no," Leon answered. "We got a call from Kagetsuya," Leon sighed. "Chihaya is missing."

"What?" JJ sat up.

"Yeah, when he woke up this morning, he was no where around," Leon explained. "Jill and I are heading over now to look around. We left Ryo and Dee out for the time being. Angelina is coming home to their house today."

"Right, we were planning on stopping by later," JJ got out of bed heading to the bathroom. "I'll be over." JJ hung up then relieved himself. Peeking in to the room he saw Lord D straitening his hair. "Want me to take you to the shop, or..." Lord D shook his head and JJ went to start a shower. Lord D hoped that Chihaya was alright, he was really fond of the angel.

Break

Ryo heard the bell ringing downstairs before Dee did. Ryo had sensed the small feet that had stepped onto the porch long before the hand touched the doorbell. Dee sat up. "Kids again?" he asked wishing he had Ryo's keen sense of smell.

"Nope," Ryo sat up... "An angel."

"Oh, okay," Dee lay back on the pillow.

"You get some sleep," Ryo patted his arm. "I'll get the door and start breakfast." Ryo smiled then looked down with a frown on his face. "Dee... I'm naked." Dee hid under the blanket as Ryo searched out his pajama pants. Last night they had fallen asleep in each other's arms. It wasn't until much later that Dee awakened to strip Ryo and hold him close. He loved that skin to skin contact. Even on nights when they were not intimate. Ryo's warmth thrilled him down to his bones. Ryo looked over at Dee and all the heat left him as he said; "I'm going to get you..." Ryo yanked his pants up. Dee was still chuckling as Ryo headed downstairs. "You do realize it's not even six yet, right?" Ryo said when he opened the door. Chihaya smiled shyly. "Come on in," Ryo backed up tying his robe. "I was just about to get breakfast ready." Chihaya entered the house with a sheepish smile.

"Sorry it's so early, but I had to get out of the house before Kage-kun woke up." Chihaya laughed a little. "I know you make breakfast everyday, so I thought that you would be up, or nearly so anyway." Chihaya followed Ryo into the kitchen. "Can I help?"

"Sure, but you have to tell me what's wrong," Ryo smiled at Chihaya.

Chihaya nodded and stood out of the way as Ryo got down large mixing bowls, and pans. "It's Kagetsuya," Ryo nodded as he handed Chihaya a bowl and asked him to fill it with eggs. "You know he cooks all the meals at home," Chihaya said watching as the bowl was set aside while Ryo sliced sausages. In another large bowl he began to mix batter. "He also buys my clothes, and makes sure I get to work on time. Angel seems like a sweet guy, but man does he get grumpy when I'm late."

"Happens with most bosses," Ryo could not resist patting the head. Looking at Chihaya reminded him too much of the teenagers that entered his home. "How do you like working at the Cafe boutique?"

"It's fun," Chihaya laughed. "Kage-Kun takes times in the kitchen there for Collins." Chihaya explained with a dreamy sigh. "He does so much for me, I want to do something for him."

"Oh?" Ryo looked behind him as he heated a griddle and added oil. Ryo heard stirrings upstairs. The fresher air let him know that it was Rain long before Slyphe left from the back door. "Something like what?"

"Something like... I don't know," Chihaya deflated. "That's why I need your help."

"Oh?" Ryo said dropping the first pancake into the hot pan. "A gift perhaps?"

"No, I want to do... bedroom stuff," Chihaya blushed clear to the top of his head. Ryo blushed as well. "You know, like you helped me before. I enjoy sex with Kagetsuya, but he does everything. I want to please him, do something more." At the enthusiastic nod Ryo blushed as well. His face was still red when Dee came down freshly showered in sweats.

"Whoa, is it hot in here or what?" Dee leaned into Ryo kissing the back of his neck. "Morning lover,"Ryo laughed a little, then moved away. Dee sighed shoving his hands into his pockets. He had learned, over the years, that when Ryo was not interested in contact it was best to back off. But damn, Dee really wanted to touch him. "Ooh, sausages," Dee said peeking at the pan that Ryo was placing slices of the meat in to fry.

"Yeah, will you get the boys up?" Ryo asked lowering the heat to a simmer. Dee nodded leaving the kitchen. "We have to work this evening, and tomorrow morning. But tomorrow afternoon we are off. George is coming into the states from Arcadia, gotta pick him up at the airport, we are serving as the honor guard. Though he is with Jhaymes, Daphnus and Nestoir are taking no chances."

"Oh, I like him, he is nice, a bit much though," Chihaya laughed thinking of Boy George. "He wears a lot of make up, but he does not need it. He is very pretty."

"Who knows why people do the things that they do," Ryo sighed smiling at the burst of fresh air as Rain walked into the kitchen. "All we can do is accept them for who they are." Ryo handed a glass to Rain as he went to pour himself a cup of his iced tea. "You guys are done with the photos on Arcadia right? All you have to do are the LA locations and studio pics."

"Yeah, the first up is the cathedral from the Immortal video, a stone quarry, then a few studio picks of us. There is also going to be a camera crew doing candid shots and documentary footage. This is going to be a big, expensive package. Chimera upped the entire deal just to make up for the stolen profits. The hospitals and safe houses are desperate for funds right now. The photo shoots are going to generate poster sales."

"You sound just like Daphnus," Bikky said with a yawn coming downstairs his hair dripping onto the towel around his shoulders. "Sorry you had to sit through that group meeting."

"Me too," Rain laughed sniffing the air with a smile. "Oh, Ryo... I love you." Ryo laughed when Rain embraced him from behind. "Can I have cheese in my eggs?"

"Have another cup of tea and I will see what I can do," Ryo said with a jovial grin. Rain went back to the refrigerator for another cup as Dee entered the kitchen with Lyo sitting on his hip.

"Babe, Jhaymes called, Alicia and Angelina are coming in tomorrow," Dee said sitting Lyo in his booster seat. "While the paparazzi are chasing George, she will land in a private jet. Leon will be waiting in a car that will bring her here."

"Such idiotic measures to get her into our house," Rain frowned while he took plates into the dining room. "You know someone is going to leak the information to the press and there will be pictures of them on the magazine covers."

"Yeah," Bikky said carrying in cups and a pitcher of orange juice. "But that is what makes Arcadia seem like normal kingdom. If she came from the consulate, or appeared through a door in our house. People would talk. They would wonder how she got in the country and why they did not see it. As far as the public knows, she is in Arcadia, not on Arcadia."

"The difference being?" Rain sighed sitting with his cup while Ryo and Chihaya carried in the breakfast in serving dishes.

"In Arcadia implies that it is another country, on Arcadia, is like... Well..." Bikky frowned thinking of a better way to explain. "Well, you don't say you are in Earth, you say 'on Earth', right?" Rain nodded then his eyes rounded in understanding. "Right, so she, well all of us, when the public is watching, has to take a plane into America." Chihaya waited, enjoying the breakfast, he would talk to Ryo later, after breakfast. There was plenty of time to talk.

Break

Kagetsuya paced back and forth while JJ dialed numbers. "There was no sign of struggle at your house," JJ said sitting down at his desk hoping that the tall blond would do the same. "Maybe he just wandered off somewhere."

"But he would tell me," Kagetsuya shook his head. "No, maybe he went for a walk on the beach and someone took him."

"Who would?" Leon shook his head. "Anyway, didn't you guys clear up that mess with Eden? They wouldn't come and take him, besides, he might not be the best candidate for perpetuating the race," Leon laughed a bit.

"Of course he is, he is adorable in every way," Kagetsuya pounded his fist into the palm of his hand.

"So says the man in love with him," JJ held in a laugh. "We will look further into it, but it looks like there is no cause for worry. Please go home and wait for him to call or come home on his own... I mean, you two are not fighting are you?"

"What? No!" Kagetsuya shook his head. "He hasn't left me. In fact, just last night we made love, it was..." Leon blew a whistle shaking is head. "I mean, we are still in love. He would not just leave."

"Then he will be back, I'm sure of it," Leon assured him as Jill entered the office. "Chihaya's missing," Leon answered her questioning look.

"Oh my," Jill pulled her hair into a ponytail. "And I thought today could not get any more interesting." Jill handed him the file she had been carrying. "Looks to me like we will soon be the Los Angeles Parts department again. This time, internal," Jill frowned.

"What?" JJ asked looking into the file then slamming it shut. "Oh..." Was all he said at the pictures of the hearts, kidneys and livers that had been found. "Another fun day at the office. Should we call Ryo and Dee?"

"Nah, they'll be in soon enough, let them enjoy their morning," Jill shook her head her blond curls bouncing. Leon thought she was a knockout and hoped that one day she would find the guy that was right for her.

Break

Chihaya sat on the bed while Ryo dragged a brush through his hair. Dee tied his shoe as he heard the little guy sigh. "Something on your mind?" Dee asked when Chihaya simply sat watching the comfortable silence he and Ryo shared as they got ready to go to work. Chihaya shook his head. "We can drop you off at home on our way in."

"Thanks, I hope Kagestuya wasn't worrying about me."Chihaya grinned. "Ryo can we talk later?" Ryo nodded making sure that the boys were ready.

"We are taking them to the consulate, Bikky has training and Rain has to be photographed," Ryo explained as Lyo left the room with Bikky.

"I'm going to train too," Lyo announced thumping his little chest.

"Oh, really," Dee laughed as they left the house. "Can't wait to see that." They pulled up to the large house that had the beach as a backyard. Before the car had come to a full stop, the door slammed open and Kagetsuya came running out. Chihaya gasped as the car door was wrenched open. Thankfully he had undid his seatbelt because Kagetsuya pulled him from the car and into his arms. "Wow, you don't greet me that way."

Ryo turned a cool look at him before he got out of the car. "Thank you so much officers, you have found him." Kagetsuya gushed holding Chihaya close and rubbing his back. "Were you scared? Where were you?"

"I was not scared..." Chihaya began but muffled in Kagetsuya's embrace.

"So brave," Kagetsuya patted his back. "Where did you find him?"

"Actually, he found us," Ryo answered leaning back on the large car with his arms folded over his chest. "He showed up at our house this morning." Ryo quieted down at the slight shake of Chihaya's head. "We had a pleasant breakfast."

"Breakfast?" Kagetsuya looked down into Chihaya's upturned face. "Surely you know that I would have had breakfast for you even though we did not have to work today. I was so worried. I called the police!"

"The police?!" Chihaya gasped his eyes going to Ryo and Dee.

"Off duty, we would have found out when we went in," Ryo explained why they were not called. "We'll call off the hunt as soon as we get in."

When Ryo got back into the car, he was suppressing a laugh while Kagetsuya almost carried Chihaya inside. "Next stop, the consulate, you boys behave now."

"We will," Rain promised scribbling a few words in his journal. "Today I am recording a song with Cory and his band."

"Your band now too, right?"Dee asked recalling sitting with Ryo, Cory, Rain and Daphnus as they had gone over the contract.

"Yeah, I will be joining Cory as lead singer, in fact, he want to make me the permanent lead singer," Rain turned a slight shade of red. "He wants to stop singing lead, it's why he thought of me in the first place."

"Searching out a replacement?" Bikky said as they pulled up to the consulate. "Wonder why."

Break

"This is so weird," Rain said as George put on his earphones. He would be doing back up for Rain on this song. "Here I see you today, and yet tomorrow I am going with my family to pick you up from the airport."

"Yeah," George laughed shaking his head. His hair was pulled back into a ponytail. He had sighed as he reached for Ponchi's chair. It sat on his vanity, empty.

"Count D called," Jhaymes said when he noted the sad sigh. George truly missed his tiny companion. "He wants to talk to you. He said he will have Leon bring him and the children to the house tomorrow." George nodded his fingers sliding in slow circles. His eyes went limpid as he stared at Jhaymes. "Don't look at me like that or we will give Daphnus cause to be grumpy."

"Oh?"George asked his look going seductive. Rain blushed watching him before he looked away.

"Well, and does it seem as if he wants to be carried off," Rain gasped looking up at Alucard. For so long he had tried to speak with the vampire, and each time he had been diverted by one of the Royale, or his parents. The heavy red coat flowed to his feet and his face was hidden by the wide brim of his hat. When he looked up a wicked grin exposed his teeth. Bright amber sunglasses gleamed in the bright sun shining through the windows. " Young wind rider," Alucard spoke and Rain sat down his earphones. "I wanted to speak with you."

"Really,"Rain left the booth despite the record light coming on.

"Get back over there," Daphnus called from the control booth.

"We can talk later," Alucard grinned wider as his form vanished leaving behind a thick mist that wafted from the window despite the beaming afternoon sun. Rain muttered an apology to Daphnus before he re-entered his recording booth and picked up his earphones. He stood in front of the microphone listening to the rifts. All the while he sang he thought of the immense power that Alucard possessed. It was amazing.

Break

"Parts department," Jill greeted with a receptionist grin as Ryo and Dee entered their office. JJ grimaced shutting the file. "Sorry, I have learned that humor is the only way to deal with some of our cases."

"I see," Ryo accepted the file and sat at his desk. Dee looked over his shoulder at the gruesome pictures. "Ah, pieces... again." Ryo sipped the coffee that Dee gave him. After a moment he spit it back out. "No human can drink that." Ryo reached up and took the mug Dee held before he could even attempt it. "I have no desire to call Lord D to treat you for poisoning." Ryo looked around at the cups of soda and bottled water. "You could have warned us."

"I think someone is trying to sabotage the officers here," Leon quipped. "And while we are all incapacitated by coffee, they will attempt a coup."

"Yeah," Dee nodded as if playing with Lyo. "But this is not some fortress, or palace that we have to defend."

"It may as well be," Miaka entered shutting the door behind her. "Have you taken a closer look at those organs?"

"Looks like blood spattered internal pieces of humans," Ryo handed her the file.

"But they are not," Dee said thinking about the pictures. "They are just pieces. There was no blood spatter."

"Because there was no blood," Jill took the file and placed it open on her desk. She took out all the pictures and spread them on her desk.

"I thought they were just preserved as evidence, but now I look at the snapshots and see that they were taken at the scene of discovery. Forensics say that they are only a few hours old at the time. Not long enough to be so drained."

"Any creatures besides vampires that drink blood?" Ryo asked Miaka.

"A few," Miaka answered sitting on the desk and crossing her legs. She looked extremely dainty today in soft blue and white. Her long pants nearly covered her small feet, even though they were cuffed and rolled several times. The pants fit tight to her waist meeting her blue shirt. A white coat hung down to her calves hiding the holsters. All four of them, two at her waist, to at her shoulders. She also had two more, one clipped to each calf and a dagger besides. She was a true warrior of Arcadia. Ryo would not be surprised if the bracelets she wore contained weapons. "What makes you so sure it's not vampires?"

"The parts," Ryo pointed to a picture. "Usually they leave the whole body, not just pieces."

"Smart man," Miaka grinned causing Dee to gaze at Ryo with admiration and love. "Why do think the perpetrator is not human?"

"Because the blood is gone and there is no damage to the organs themselves," JJ mused studying the organs.

"The blood is just... gone," Jill stroked her chin. "And, where is the rest of the body?"

"Good question," Miaka mused then closed the file. "To work then." She opened the door to the office. "I am counting on you to solve this, as quickly as possible. Who knows, the criminal might well be human after all."

Break

Ryo stood guard with several men in Arcadian uniforms as well as Dee and JJ. Leon and Jill waited out back for the private jet. The cacophony of screaming fans was nearly deafening as the Airport security did what they could to control the crowds. "This is maddening," Ryo said into his hand held checking the ear piece of his communicator.

"Just remain calm babe and think of what George is distracting the crowds from," Dee replied.

"Not even real," Leon said with a soft chuckle connected to them all through the wireless network. "There are at least three photographers out here."

"Good, so now it is plausible that she is in the country," JJ laughed. "We can't sneak anything past these crafty fanatics, oh no. Whatever shall we do?"

"Don't mock the paparazzi," Ryo chuckled as the plane doors opened. "They have nothing better to do with their lives. So they are annoying and pathetic, but really," Ryo sighed as he could think of nothing good to say of the hounding that he constantly shielded his sons from. "No, they are just annoying and pathetic." He said the last loud enough to be heard as several cameras were flashed his way.

"Baby, show time," Dee said as ten guards stepped from the plane, followed by Jhaymes holding on to George's hand and then ten more guards. "Twenty armed guards and Jhaymes, I think I see some Chameleons in there. Laton spared no expense."

"Well this is his official first time in America since Bikky got shot. For all the world knows, after Jon went nuts, he has been hiding on Arcadia," Ryo waved at their friend. George threw his arms up and waved smiling brightly at them. The crowd cheered snapping photos of the celebrity. George laughed when Jhaymes snaked an arm around his waist. Jhaymes was careful as he walked with George down the stairs. All too soon, they were fording note pads and screaming teenagers begging for autographs and pictures.

"It has been a long flight," George said after a half hour of signing. He figured that had to be long enough for Alicia and Angelina to be safely ensconced in Ryo and Dee's house. "Please, I am extremely tired. Jet lag you know," George blew kisses then allowed Jhaymes to help him into the waiting luxury car. Once inside he leaned against Jhaymes and smiled at Ryo and Dee. "So, do you think this is all good?"

"Yeah, thanks George," Ryo smiled. "On behalf of Alicia and our new little princess."

"From all of us," Dee piped in reaching across to squeeze George's hand. "I know they said we are taking you to the highest rated hotel in the city...but Ryo is making an elaborate dinner tomorrow. You should come."

"We would be delighted to," George answered.

"Thanksgiving too," JJ was quick to say. "It's next week, Ryo and Count D are planning a feast. I know you are not American, but..."

"Sure, thank you for inviting me to their house," George laughed bringing his white gloved hand up to his brow.

"I was sure you would come anyway," Ryo laughed softly.

"Aw... Shut up," George winked at Ryo as the car sped off down the road.

Break

Rain watched the downpour with a certain degree of disdain. He hated rainy days at school. Sure, he was fond of his namesake and as a cultural right to his heritage, he appreciated the cause and effect, but now. Here. Rain sighed as he changed into his gym sweats that were at least four sizes too big. He tied the string at his waist tight then pulled on the large long sleeved t-shirt over his tank top followed by yet another t-shirt. Both the shirts were black, over the deep blue of the school uniform sweat pants, and his black tennis shoes, he tied his hair back as he left the locker room. He sat now slouched on the bleachers next to Julie and Bikky. "Don't look so chipper, Rain." Bikky said sipping his soda. Rain took in his jeans and shirt with a sigh.

"Just because you are exempt from this on account of you being shot," Rain laughed with a disgruntled huff. "I'll be sure to let Laton know that you are in desperate need of a workout, being so sedentary and all." Bikky's laughter was short lived at the comment. He recalled dodging the large katana swung by Laton and glowered at his brother.

"Wait until it is your turn," Bikky grouched.

"Not a problem, I don't think I am going to be squired to Laton," Rain said quietly when he saw the teacher enter the room followed by Peter acting as student helper of the day. Peter pushed a large container of red balls. "Oh, no," Rain lowered his head hoping that no one would pick him for a team. "Dodge ball."

"Hey, Rain," Rain tensed at the sour voice of Aaron Novis who stood laughing with his friends.

"Wanna play?" Jonathan Akkers laughed. He heard from his mother that she was investigating the pet shop where he sometimes hung out. He hoped she arrested that pretty little shop owner soon. He had seen the small man when the parents had to come to the school. "Or are you chicken? Without your guard dog," Jonathan offered a snide look at Bikky.

"Rain," Bikky yanked Rain's ponytail until he sat still. "There are better ways to deal with idiots than violence. Ryo taught me that."

Rain looked at Aaron and Jonathan. "Sure," his smile was purely predatory. "Let's play."

"Oh, damn," Bikky muttered with a smirk as Rain went to join the line up while the teacher chose captains. Peter hid behind Erick as Terry was chose as a captain. Aaron was next leaving the two captains to pick teams. Terry was quick to select Erick and Peter, while two more boys went to Aaron's team. Terry then chose Rain and a few others. Soon the teams were full. Julie went over with a few cheerleaders promising the teacher that they would actively work on stretches. She waved at Rain as she walked away.

"Hey Rain," Erick whispered to him. "A little help here?" Erick inclined his head at Peter. "I know he's like bigger than you are, well taller at least, but he's not a fighter like you," Rain tried not to puff up at the words. "They know he's, we're gay. I can take it, they are going to try to crush him." Rain looked over at Peter who paled as the large junior and seniors on the other team seemed to be pointing and whispering.

"I gotcha," Rain winked at him and for a moment, the old feelings swelled within Erick. That smile was devilish and so much more than he had ever seen from Rain. "We'll see him safe." Peter caught them standing close together and looked away his fists clenched in his pockets. No, he told himself. He would not allow the old jealousy to come back. Erick was his. They loved each other. The captains broke each taking several balls and handing them to strategic players. Rain walked over to Peter while the rest of the team circled and divided. "Stay close to me." Up in the bleachers, Bikky rubbed his hands together as the teacher blew the whistle.

Peter gasped, so, it seemed as if that is what Erick had cornered Rain for. Pleased color flooded his cheeks at the thought that Erick cared enough to enlist Rain's aid. "All right, I'll try." Rain gasped as the first ball came winging past his head. With a quick leap he dodged it taking Peter down with him. He stood up helping Peter to his feet. "I'm okay." Peter breathed out heavily. "Thanks."

"È-Mahe," Rain called out a welcome nearly lifting Peter from his feet as he jumped away from a soaring ball taking Peter with him. Rain shoved him at Erick glowering when little Jonas was taken out by a brutally thrown ball. Aaron's laughter reminded him of a Taki Demon from his studies with Angel. The prince had begun to train him on recognizing several different types of monsters. Taki's were very close to hyena's, regarded as such by their own kind. "Give me a ball," Rain said to Terry and caught the ball wrapped with yellow tape to denote their team. Rain watched the crowd and threw the ball catching a member of the other team. "Even Stevens, you got one of ours, we got one of yours."

"Get him," Aaron informed his team. Rain smiled as nodded at Erick to keep Peter behind him. Those balls could leave bruises he knew. He saw Jonas sporting a red mark on his arm where he had been hit. Rain knew it was coming. He jumped over one ball, rolling to the floor with another and side stepping a third. "Damn it Rain, hold still."

"That's not how you play the game," Rain laughed as he slid out of the way of yet another ball. Aaron growled his frustration as he tried again to pin Rain. While he and three other members of his team tried to get Rain two more members of his team were taken out by Terry and Erick. Rain laughed again then somersaulted out of the way. With a forward roll he avoided a ball that thumped hard on the floor. He sprang up in front of Peter, then rolled them both to the side keeping a ball from hitting them both. "I hope you have better moves than this, cause if you don't move, they will hurt you." Rain informed him shoving him hard from a ball that would have pummeled him. Rain stayed down rolling back out of the way.

"Hey Rain," Bikky called. "Rules say that if a ball hits you, you're out. Says nothing about you hitting the ball." Rain smiled at the words. The next ball that came his way he brought a leg up and kicked it sending it back to the boy that had tossed it. Not fast enough, the boy was soon out by his own missile.

"Not fair," Jonathan called out. "That is our own ball."

"Rules of the game Akkers," The teacher called out and Jonathan glowered. He and Aaron both stood side by side with three other boys. Ignoring the rest of Terry's team, they all launched their balls at Rain with such force that they whized by. Rain pushed Peter hard sending the boy to the floor as he jumped up over the balls. He jumped high enough that the balls thudding on the ground behind him long before he landed on his feet. Rain looked up with a smile just as his hair band snapped sending piles of raven tresses to cascade around his face. Watching, Julie caught her breath. Rain tossed his hair aside barely missing a ball that was thrown.

"They are already missing several members of their team," Terry said softly to Rain when the teacher blew a whistle for a break. "You keep taunting them, we'll take the rest of them down."

"Thanks,"Erick said with meaning as he gently touched Peter's hand. Rain nodded then looked over. "Heads up," Terry said as the teacher blew the whistle again. They boys then smiled at Rain, and aimed all their balls at Peter. Rain jumped in front of him kicking out and hitting sending the balls away from the timid boy. Peter gasped clinging to Rain's shirt as Erick tossed balls at the other team taking out some and missing others.

"You're gonna have to let me go, you are restricting movement." Rain said as he nearly got hit because he could not get away with Peter clinging to him.. "It's alright Peter, I won't let them hurt you." Rain promised. Kicking a ball away with a high kick that could be nothing less than martial arts. Erick took over handing Rain a ball and keeping Peter behind him. Rain smiled as he looked over and saw that Aaron and Jonathan were the last two on the team. He smirked then calculated the trajectory. "You're about to be very unhappy," Rain muttered and threw the ball at Aaron, it bounced, ricocheted and hit Jonathan as well. The teacher blew the whistle, just as the bell rang. Rain was laughing as their team was announced the winner. Aaron glared after him vowing that he would get him. One way or another.

Break

Faith sat while the Princess was surrounded by her ladies. Other princesses and maids all sipping tea and laughing. Andy was so elegant in a long gown of deep purple and silver lining. She would never fit in here. Those dainty little sandwiches would be no more than a mouthful to her, less even. They managed to make them last for three, sometimes more. Andy giggled and the sound warmed Faith's heart. She had to get out of here. "So um... I guess I am going to catch the next bus out."

"You're leaving?" Andy hopped up from the chair. In a flurry of ribbons and silk she was at Faith's side. "Why are you leaving?"

"Well, you know, Jobs done," Faith shrugged tossing her long dark hair over her shoulder. " Vamps slayed and all that jazz."

"But there is more, demons and witches, and more Vampires," Andy pouted causing Faith the unusual urge to hug the taller woman. "Not all of them are friends of ours. Some of them are the true demon types, like what you fought back at Sunnydale," Andy nodded enthusiastic about her request. "Besides..." Andy paused a look of such compassion filling her deep brown eyes as to cause a pain in Faith's heart. "What are you going back to?" Faith paused and thought about it. She sighed as she could give Andy no answer.

Break

Rain rubbed a towel over his head looking forward to tonights dinner. Ryo had said he wanted to celebrate Alicia. When he got home from school yesterday, she had been feeding Angelina. Ryo was right, the little darling did resemble a peach. Just as sweet though Rain thought recalling Bikky holing the little baby. Bikky had convinced him that it was alright to hold her. Once that darling was in his arms. Rain felt as if the wind in his veins settled in a contented sigh. Eyes shining he looked up at Alicia and pronounced the baby the most beautiful he had ever seen. Peachiness and all. "Hey Rain," Rain looked up at Thomas Nedwaller, one of the boys on the basketball team. He had taken up a lot of the slack since Bikky got benched. "Cool stuff today at gym. Never seen anything like it. It was like kung fu dodge ball." Rain laughed a little careful to keep his towel around his shoulders as he was only wearing a t-shirt. Thomas took the hint leaving. Every one said Bikky's little brother was skittish. Thomas always wondered why. He sure a pretty little guy. Prettier than most girls even.

"Yo! Rain, Bikky's looking for you," Jorge called when he saw Thomas staring at Rain. "He's waiting out front."

Rain nodded, "Ne' eashi," Rain's cheeks were red as Thomas continued to stare at him. Rain got up ducking behind the lockers. He was quick to pull on his over shirt and large coat. "George is coming by for dinner tonight. I can't believe he is staying at a hotel." Rain grumbled as he left the locker room. "See you guys later." Rain's retreat was not visibly hasty, but he could not relax until he was away. "What's with those guys anyway?" He grumbled as he got into the car. "Jill, hi, Ryo and Dee working?"

"Yeah, tough case," Jill sighed brushing her hair back. "After I take you guys home I am going back. Who knew Miaka could be such a slave driver? For a fluffy little fairy, she sure is volatile. But at least we get off in a couple hours. Ryo is determined to cook dinner tonight."

Break

Alicia sat on the couch cradling the baby in her arms while Ryo hummed in the kitchen. Dee leaned over placing his hands on Ryo's hips. "Dee..." Ryo smacked his hands away. "I'm almost done," Ryo was quick to move away a thoughtful frown on his face. Dee hated when Ryo brought work home. Just because he was not sitting at his laptop, or poring over files did not mean that it was not on his mind. Dee heaved a sigh and left the kitchen, looks like all they would be doing tonight was sleeping. Again.

"Oh don't tell me you've started that again," George flounced into the kitchen. Ryo looked up with a question on his face. "Rationing." George said giving Ryo's bottom a swat.

"I'm not... It's just... A lot on my mind," Ryo turned red as he bent to open the stove and pull out the heavy roasting pan. "How do you feel about chicken and noodles in heavy alfredo sauce?"

"I have warm fuzzy feelings about chicken and noodles and in heavy alfredo sauce," Rain sailed into the kitchen as he grabbed a bottle of flavored water. "Fresh veggies or steamed?"

"Steamed, and baked garlic bread," Ryo answered sniffing the air with a smile. "I also made jeweled honey mousse for dessert. You like pomegranates, right?" Ryo grinned then added, "If not there are cupcakes. I made a few for Alicia, because she is nursing, she can't have the raw eggs used in the recipe. Well, Angelina can't," Ryo smiled thinking of the child. He sent Rain from the kitchen then he avoided George's eyes.

"Just cause work is a bit hectic," George began right on track again as if there had been no interruptions.

"We found three livers and a heart last week, and last night a lung showed up. Where the other lung is we don't know, but..." George paled and held up a hand.

"You do want me to be able to eat the nice dinner you are making?" George grimaced then straitened his hair. "Look, I do understand about a tough nut to crack, but Dee seems the type to deal with stress in a physical way."

"And I don't," Ryo sighed feeling once again that he was a poor match for Dee. The doorbell chimed and he sighed. Ryo shook his head then went for the door. "Renee, hi," Ryo smiled. "The book tour over?"

"I cut it short when I heard the baby was born. A girl," Renee leaned up kissing Ryo's cheek. Craning her neck to see further into the house.

"Let me get your..." Before he cold say bags, Renee entered the house and was hugged by Dee.

"No bags, I knew you guys would be using the guest room," Renee grinned. "So, I am at a hotel, I think your friends are there. One big happy family." Renee giggled with glee. "Wow! Something smells fantastic. Ryo you magician you," Renee kissed him again. Ryo laughed softly then went back into the kitchen.

"I am already starting to get tired," Ryo said before George could start again.

"Right," George gave him a disapproving frown. "I don't see what the big deal is. Don't you like having sex?"

"George! Gosh, your mouth,"Ryo turned crimson.

George chuckled a bit, "I think Jhaymes said the same thing this morning," He fluffed his hair before refreshing his lipstick.

"You're horrible," Ryo laughed.

"No," George winked. "I'm good, very good." Ryo laughed again, his face red. George was still laughing when Ryo called Rain in to set the table. Ryo took the dinner from the oven.

"Behave," He warned George as they went out to the table.

"When has that ever been fun?" George quipped sitting at the table with a grin. He lifted his face so that Jhaymes could capture his lips. Ryo looked down with a sigh. He would have to do something for Dee, he just felt...Ryo sighed sitting down and serving dinner. He loved his family, he truly did and he loved Dee. George was right, of course, Ryo thought with some pique. But, they had a house full right now. The situation did not lend itself to intimacy. But as soon as things calmed down, he would see to Dee's needs, as well as his own.

To Be Continued

Author's notes; Wow, the next chapter will have Thanksgiving. And I am a bit late, but I am trying to catch up...