by Lucky Charms

Disclaimers: See Part 1.

Feedback is always welcome: luckycharms@e-scribblers.com.

Copyright © 2004 by Lucky Charms. All Rights Reserved.

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Chapter Ten

Date: July 24, 3021
Time: 7:50pm
Location: Jason’s Apartment

"Good thing I took a shower already, huh?" Jason jokes as he runs his hands over Aeryk’s wet body. "Is something bothering you?" He asks when Aeryk doesn’t respond.

"Huh?" Aeryk snaps into reality. "Sorry, I was kinda spacing."

"Okay," Jason gently kisses Aeryk on his bare shoulder. "I’m gonna get out and get ready for tonight."

Aeryk waits for Jason to leave the bathroom before he allows the tears of despair to fall freely down his face. What have I done? He falls to his knees. What am I going to tell Brian? What am I going to do now?

"So I was thinking, next weekend we could go out somewhere and celebrate our first month together." Jason says, squeezing Aeryk’s hand. "How does that sound?"

Aeryk smiles faintly up at Jason. "Where would we go?"

"I don’t know, somewhere nice and secluded. My family has a cabin up in the mountains. We could go there."

Aeryk nods. "Sounds nice, getting away." He says lowly.

"Babe, tell me what’s bothering you." Jason says worried. "You haven’t said much of anything since we had sex. Did I do something wrong? Did I push you too far?"

"No, no it isn’t that." Aeryk lies. "I’ve just been under a lot of stress recently."

Brian. Jason says to himself. "You wanna talk about it?"

Aeryk shrugs. "It’s just," He pauses a moment. "Strange things have been going on with me lately. I don’t know what it is, or I’d be able to tell you what’s happening."

"Can you try, please?" Jason asks. "Don’t you trust me?"

Aeryk’s eyes widen in shock. "Of course I trust you Jas." He turns away for a moment. "I just don’t know how to put it properly. I don’t want to come off as weird myself."

Jason smirks. "You’re already weird Aeryk." He teases. "Seriously though, I’m your boyfriend right? You should trust me."

Aeryk winces at the sound of the word "boyfriend" and he lets out a sigh. "I know Jason." Though I don’t love you like I know you love me, or think you love me. I’m sorry Jason, but I want Brian.

Jason’s gray eyes darken. It must be about Brian and what he said to Aeryk this morning. Damn him! I’m not going to let Brian take Aeryk away from me. If he so much as looks at Aeryk the wrong way I swear I’ll...

"Jason, you gonna miss the turn." Aeryk warns softly.

"Oh shit!" Jason cries as he throws his car into the turn. "Sorry babe, now I’m the one who’s spacing." He chuckles.

Aeryk grins, though there is no emotion behind it. "You can dance right?"

Jason gazes at Aeryk with fear in his eyes. "Uh, not very well."

"It’s okay, I’m used to being the only male in the world with coordination." He meant to say it jokingly, but...

Jason affectionately squeezes Aeryk’s leg. "Then you’re just going to have to teach me some moves then."

"If you can keep up with me." Aeryk says arrogantly.

Jason smirks at Aeryk as they pull into the F.Y. Police Headquarters. "Looks like we’re here. You sure everything’s alright?" Jason asks.

"Yeah, I’ll be fine." Aeryk lies. As soon as I figure out what to do about all this, I’ll be fine.

"This is your basic find the needle in a haystack assignment." Brian says to the group before him. "Joe and I are obviously in charge of this assignment, so be nice." He jokes.

Joe steps forward. "These passes will give us access to anywhere in the building. I also have some earpieces that we’ll be using. Jeff and Brent will be in there with us so we’re not going to have big brother there to watch." Joe begins handing out the passes and earpieces.

"Will the city police be there?" Jackie asks, taking her pass and earpiece.

"Only for show." Brian replies. "If anything gets rowdy you can be sure they’ll try to do something, and of course get in the way."

Aaron snorts. "Do they know we’re going to be there?"

"No, they’ve been having problems with internal espionage recently. If anything happens, just flash your badge and they’ll hopefully back off." Brian answers. "Anyway, I think we all can agree to remain with our current partners, though it might come across as a little odd if they see two men dancing." He casts a quick glance at Aeryk and Jason. "Or one man dancing and the other attempting to dance." They all laugh. "So I think we all should do what we can to mingle with the celebrities and find our target."

"And what do we do if we spot him?" Jeff asks.

"Signal everyone else and we’ll go from there. I don’t want any arrests inside the Convention Building and with all those people around. It could cause trouble." Brian continues, and then looks at his watch. "Alright, it looks like we have a couple minutes to burn before we head out. Feel free to take this time to psyche yourselves up or whatever it is you do before a mission."

As the group splits off, Joe approaches Brian. "Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Just a second partner, I need to talk to Aeryk real quick." Brian says quickly before walking off.

As Brian walks up, he notices Jason’s face darken, but brushes it off. "Hey Aeryk, can I talk to you for a second?"

Jason steps up. "What for?" He demands.

"I just have a simple question to ask him, it’s private though." Brian says, slightly confused by Jason’s temper.

"It’s okay Jas, I’ll be right back." Aeryk says in a soothing tone.

"Geez, what’s his problem?" Brian asks as the two walk away.

"He’s just a little freaked out about this morning." Aeryk says. "Brian, I don’t think things will work out the way you wanted them to."

Brian’s eyes widen. "What do you mean?"

"It’s just not going to be as easy as we thought it would be." Aeryk pauses. "Something happened that..."

"What happened?" Brian asks, taking a step toward Aeryk.

Aeryk hugs himself tightly and turns away from Brian. "Something that I don’t want to happen again." He mutters.

"Did he hurt you?" Brian demands, placing his large hands on Aeryk’s shoulders.

Aeryk shakes his head violently. "It’s nothing like that." He catches a glimpse of Jason’s angry eyes. "You better take you hands off me," Aeryk whispers. "Jason’s watching us."

"So what?" Brian says, removing his hands anyway. "Aeryk, what happened?"

"I don’t want to say it." Aeryk says, choking back tears. "It hurts so much."

"Aeryk, talk to me." Brian pleads.

"Just promise me," Aeryk gazes up at Brian as tears fall his eyes. "Promise me you’ll love me no matter what."

"Aeryk, what are you talking about?"

Jason storms up to Brian and shoves him away from Aeryk. "The fuck do you think you’re doing?" He roars.

Jackie rolls her eyes. "Not again." She and the rest of the group move in. "Alright you guys, enough with the fighting okay? We have a job to do."

"Stay away from him." Jason hisses.

Brian glares at Jason, and then turns softer eyes on Aeryk. "Aeryk..." He says lowly.

"Don’t talk to him!" Jason snaps.

Jackie sees Aeryk huddled in a corner of the lobby and walks over to him. "Hey, you alright?"

"Please make them stop." He whispers painfully. "I can’t handle it anymore."

Jackie scowls and she catches Aaron’s eyes and motions him over. "Do something for me please, handle Jason tonight. I’m gonna partner with Aeryk." Aaron sees the emotionally wrecked Aeryk and nods in understanding. "And please tear those two apart."

"Alright ladies, break it up!" Aaron calls as he marches back to the small group. "Jason, you’re partnering with me tonight."

Jason turns on Aaron. "What do you mean?"

"Did I stutter?" Aaron retorts. "I said, you’re partnering with me tonight."

"I want to talk to Aeryk." Jason mutters lowly as he and Aaron step aside.

"You can’t do that Jason." Aaron replies. "Whatever it is that’s going on with you three is tearing ‘im up inside. You’ve got to be more sensitive with ‘im!"

"That’s just the thing Aaron, I don’t know what’s going on. Aeryk’s being all quiet about it, and refuses to talk to me." He casts a scowl in Brian’s direction. "I know Brian has something to do about it."

Aaron grimaces. More than you know. "Just let it be for now and try to focus on the mission tonight, okay?"

"Can you tell me what happened?" Jackie asks as she and Aeryk sit on a bench, far away from anyone in the lobby.

Aeryk bows his head. "It hurts too much." He mumbles to himself. "When will it stop?"

Jackie lays a soft hand on Aeryk’s slumped shoulders and leans in close to him. "Is it about you and Brian?"

Aeryk looks up at Jackie. "How do you know?"

"Brian told Aaron and I about what he said to you this morning." Jackie states. "Is it about that?"

Aeryk nods slightly. "Yeah, it is."

"You told Jason, right?"

Aeryk snorts. "He wasn’t too happy about it, but I couldn’t keep it from him." He lets out a long sigh.

"So what’s going to happen?"

The memory of what happened with Jason flashes in Aeryk’s mind and his shivers unconsciously. "I don’t know."

"Wait a second, Brian told us from the look in your eyes that you want to be with him, and knowing how you are I don’t doubt that." Jackie says. "You’re eyes are a dead give away Aeryk, and if they were anywhere near as green as Brian said they were..." She trails off with a shrug. "I just don’t see the problem."

"There is one." Aeryk turns his sad blue eyes on Jackie. "There is one."

"Tell me Aeryk." Jackie says. "What happened?"

Brian creeps up and hides behind a pillar and listens to Jackie and Aeryk’s conversation. It tears his soul apart listening to the sadness and loss in his love’s voice. I’m sorry you’re going through this Aeryk; I promise you I’ll never hurt you ever. He vows to himself.

Coldness shoots through Brian’s heart as he hears Aeryk tell Jackie about how Jason raped him before they arrived. Oh my God...

"I couldn’t stop him." Aeryk mutters. "I tried to, but I couldn’t."

Jackie gazes at Aeryk in shock. "Did he hurt you?"

Aeryk remains silent.

"This is serious, Aeryk. I’ve got to tell Derryk." She rises from her seat.

"No, please Jackie." Aeryk pleads. "I can handle it."

"Aeryk no matter how you look at it Jason wronged you, horribly. You told him to stop, but did he? No." Jackie says. "I have to tell Derryk."

A blind fury wells up inside of Brian as he hears Aeryk plead to Jackie not to tell anyone about what happened earlier. That son of a bitch! He begins to breath heavily in suppressed anger. Look what he’s done to Aeryk!

Joe walks up to Jackie and Aeryk. "Hey guys, it’s time for us to head out now. Have you seen Brian?" He asks.

Aeryk and Jackie shake their heads. "Sorry Joe." Aeryk says. "He could be in the gym."

"I’ve checked there." Joe replies and shrugs. "Oh well, I’ll find him sooner or later." He walks off.

"Aeryk," Jackie begins seriously. "Someone has to be told."

"I’ll talk to Jason." Aeryk says. "I’m sure he didn’t mean to do it."

Yes he did Aeryk, and he’s going to pay for it. Brian says to himself as he storms away.

Date: July 24, 3021
Time: 10:34pm
Location: New D.C. Convention Building

"Any sign of our target?" Aaron asks Jason.

Jason shakes his head. "I don’t know how we’re supposed to find this guy, there’s so many damn people in here."

"Yeah, and more people arriving." Aaron grimaces. "This is going to be a long night."

"That’s for sure." Jason agrees. "Have you seen Aeryk anywhere?"

Aaron smirks. "Loosen that leash of yours for a moment and stick to the mission." He demands playfully. "Aeryk’s with Jackie right now, ‘e’ll be fine."

"I’m worried about him." Jason says. "He’s been acting strangely since this morning."

"Any idea why?" Aaron asks.

"Probably because of the argument we had this morning." Jason shrugs. "I don’t know what else it could be."

Aaron nods. "Well, ‘ow about we go pay a visit to the bar? Maybe we could talk about things?"

Jason nods, though wishing thoroughly to find Aeryk and talk to him. I won’t let you go Aeryk, and I won’t let anyone have you but me.

"I don’t understand why you’re acting like this Aeryk." Jackie says as the two find a pair of comfortable lounge chairs to sit in. "It’s not like you."

"I just don’t want any trouble, that’s all." Aeryk says. "It’s not that big-a-deal."

"Aeryk," Jackie begins. "Obviously you don’t understand how big-a-deal it is. If you asked Jason to stop whatever it was he was doing to you, and he didn’t, it constitutes as rape."

Aeryk turns cold blue eyes on Jackie. "It wasn’t rape Jackie." He says seriously. "We both had a little much to drink, okay? It wasn’t his fault."

Jackie turns equally cold eyes on Aeryk. "He knew what he was doing Aeryk, and you were sober enough to know what was going on."

"He probably got the wrong idea when I kissed him, alright?" Aeryk retorts. "I’ll just explain to him how I felt, and not to do it again."

Jackie sighs in exasperation. "I’m sorry Aeryk, but this isn’t right. How can you think like that? Don’t you think Brian should know, if you really love him?"

Aeryk’s heart falls. "I can’t tell Brian. It would kill him if he knew."

Joe lets out a deep sigh of boredom as he looks around the mass of people. "Any sign of him yet?" He asks Brian.

"No, nothing. Having fun yet?" Brian jokes.

Joe chuckles. "As much fun as a teenager surrounded by alcohol can." He grimaces.

Brian smiles at his younger partner. "You’re not missing all that much Joe. Aside from all the headaches and vomiting, what do you have to look forward to beside throwing your money away?"

Joe shrugs. "I guess it’s the fact that I can’t do something for no real reason."

"The politicians like to think that younger kids aren’t responsible enough for the trials of alcohol." Brian grins. "Though most adults aren’t good examples." He pats Joe on the back. "Enjoy your sobriety while you can."

Joe relishes the feeling of Brian’s hands on his back and nearly lets out a breath of pleasure, but manages to shove it down. "So uh, what’s the deal with Jason and Aeryk?" He asks boldly. Maybe, this way, I could find a way to tell him how I feel.

Brian’s eyes darken. "I don’t think we should talk about that right now." He says seriously.

Joe’s stomach turns. Oh crap, bad move Joe. "Sorry." He mutters.

Brian’s eyes soften. "It’s okay, Aeryk is a sensitive subject with me."

"You really love him, huh?" Joe asks.

Brian lets out a long sigh and shakes his head. "Lets talk about you, huh? You don’t talk about yourself much."

Maybe... Joe dares to hope. "What’s there to talk about? I live at home, am now a member of the F.Y." He grins slightly. "I’m nothing special."

"Are you seeing anyone?" Brian asks.

I’m seeing someone incredibly sexy and caring in front of me. "No, I’m not." Joe admits.

"Ah, a secret crush?" Brian teases, and Joe instantly blushes. "Ha, gotcha. Tell me."

"I don’t think so." Joe mutters, turning away from Brian. Is he telling me something? Or am I just hoping.

"Come on Joe, you can tell me anything." Brian winks. "I promise I won’t say anything to anyone."

Joe looks up at Brian’s warm, smiling eyes. Now’s my chance. "Well," He trails off, not able to find the words.

"What does she look like?" Brian asks.

Joe’s eyes haze over as he talk to Brian, he takes in the beauty he sees in Brian and projects in words. "Beautiful black hair, soft brown eyes," He begins. "Nice, soft skin."

Brian lets out a whistle. "Sounds like a real hottie you got there Joe."

Joe goes on. "A wonderful laugh, a bright smile." His smile widens. "Everything about this person is perfect to me."

"Have you said anything to this person yet?" Brian asks.

I think I am. "No, not yet."

"Well get on it partner!" Brian chuckles. "You never know when you’ll miss your chance."

He has to be telling me something. Could he have forgotten about Aeryk? Did he figure out how I feel about him? Come on Joe tell him!

Suddenly somebody bumps into a passing waiter and the waiter dumps all of his liquid burden onto Joe. "Oh man!" Joe cries, and he rushes off toward the bathroom. "Just my luck." He groans.

Brian helps the waiter to his feet. "You okay?" He nods when the waiter answers the affirmative and then stands by Joe. Something’s going on with Joe now. Man, is this place turning into one big drama fest or what?

"Boring." Brent grumbles.

Jeff laughs. "I feel yah buddy." He takes a drink from his wine. "What else would we be doing right now?"

"Sitting at home, bored." Brent replies. "No win situation, eh?"

Jeff nods in agreement. "So how are you holding up?"

Brent frowns slightly. "I don’t know. You would think after all these years it would get easier."

"You loved her very much Brent, how could it get any easier?" Jeff says evenly. "Did you visit her today?"

Brent nods. "I did for a little bit, yeah. I couldn’t stay long though."

Jeff places a hand on his friend’s large shoulders. "Sorry I couldn’t make it with you Brent. I know how hard it must’ve been to be there alone."

Brent turns his head out and gazes at the moon and stars above. "I didn’t feel alone. I’m sure Shannon was there."

Jeff stands by his friend and gazes outside as well. "So you do feel any closure?"

Brent thinks back to the time when he lost his beloved Shannon.

"Doctor Peters?" A strange face appears on the Opti-Phone.

"Yes, this is he." Brent replies.

"My name is Doctor Ngyuen, I’m here at the South D.C. Hospital."

Brent smiles kindly. "Good afternoon doctor, how can I help you?"

"Well, it’s your wife, Mrs. Peters."

Brent’s heart sinks. "What is it?"

"She’s here right now complaining of a high temperature and series of pains running through her body. She wished that I call you and let you know."

"Thank you very much Doctor Lee, I’ll be right there." Brent quickly hangs up the phone and dashes out of his office. "I’m going to be gone the rest of the day Cheryl." Brent says as he passes the receptionist.

Brent reaches his car and speeds out of the New Hope Hospital and heads toward the South D.C. Hospital.

"I’m looking for Shannon Peters’ room?" Brent asks.

"Doctor Peters?" A man behind Brent asks.

Brent turns around and sees Doctor Ngyuen. "Doctor Ngyuen, thank you for calling me. How is she?"

"Arlon, please." Ngyuen says as they walk off. "She’s sleeping right now. We gave her some medication that will hopefully lower her temperature."

"Have you taken any blood tests?"

Arlon nods. "Yes, we are just waiting for the results right now." They reach an elevator and head up towards Shannon’s room. "I know this is easier said than done, but try not to worry, she’ll be fine."

Brent nods. "I’ll try."

The two reach the level of Shannon’s room and they walk in. Arlon pushes the curtain aside revealing the slumbering Shannon.

Brent slowly sits in a chair next to her and cautiously clasps her small hand. "How long has she been under?"

"About an hour or so I would believe." Arlon says. "I’ll leave you alone for a moment."

Brent nods thankfully and turns his attention to his beloved wife. "What’s happening to you my love?" He whispers raising Shannon’s hand to his lips.

Shannon slowly opens her sky blue eyes and turns toward her husband and smiles. "Hi." She says weakly.

"Hey, how’re you feeling?" Brent asks.

"Tired." Shannon replies. "I don’t know what happened, one minute I was doing my normal workout, the next I was on the floor."

Brent squeezes Shannon’s hand. "Don’t worry, you’ll be fine."

Shannon winces. "It hurts so much Brent." She mutters. "Don’t they know what it is?"

Brent shakes his head. "They’re waiting for the blood test results love. Can I get you anything?"

"No thank you." She smiles sweetly. "I can’t believe they let you out of work."

"I didn’t ask." Brent replies, smiling back. "I just told Cheryl that I was leaving for the rest of the day."

"Could you get fired?" Shannon asks, worried.

"I don’t think they would." Brent says, kissing his wife’s hand again. "I have to answer the call of nature. I’ll be right back." He winks, rising from his chair.

Shannon grabs Brent’s hand and holds it fast. "I love you Brent."

Brent leans down and kisses Shannon on her forehead. "I love you too Shannon."

Brent leaves the room and asks a passing nurse where to find the restroom. She points at the far end of the hall and he thanks the nurse and makes his way toward the restroom.

When Brent returns a short while later, he finds his wife’s room empty. His heart begins to beat furiously and he calls out for a nurse.

"Where’s my wife?" He demands.

"I’m sorry sir, but they took her down to the E.R. on the third level." The nurse says.

Panic rises in Brent’s body and he tears down the hall toward the elevator, his white lab coat billowing behind him.

"Come on damn you!" He snarls, slamming his finger into the elevator button.

Much to long later, the elevator door whooshes open and Brent commands it to go to the third floor.

After reaching the third floor, Brent searches all the rooms to find his wife. "Shannon!" He cries.

A male doctor rushes up to Brent. "You must be Doctor Peters," He holds out his hand. "I’m Doctor James Guy."

Brent quickly shakes James’s hand. "How’s my wife?"

James’s smile fades slightly. "Well, she’s in that room right there." He points to a room full of nurses and other doctors.

"What’s happening?" Brent asks.

James sighs. "Well, the results of the blood test just came back." He hands Brent a paper with various charts and medical terms on it.

"What is Shikkonki?" Brent asks.

"A very rare and lethal disease." James responds lowly. "Your wife contracted it."

"Is there a cure?"

James shakes his head. "In this stage, it’s too late."

Brent falls heavily into a chair beside him and buries his face in his hands. "Shannon." He whispers.

"Rest assured that we are doing what we can to save her Doctor Peters. It has been done before."

Brent looks up at James, a glimmer of hope in his dark eyes. "Please, do what you have to Doctor Guy."

James nods his head and walks into a room adjoining the E.R. Shannon is in. Brent rises from his seat and shuffles over to the window as watches as the doctors work furiously to save Shannon’s life.

A nurse, not knowing who Brent is, walks over and shuts the curtain blocking Brent’s view.

Brent bows his head in despair and tosses his lab coat onto the seat and begins to pace back and forth down the hall, waiting for the news on his wife.

A long while later, the nurses and doctors vacate the room silently. Brent sees Arlon and rushes up to him. "How is she? What happened?" He demands.

Arlon meets Brent’s questions with sad brown eyes. "I’m sorry Doctor Peters, she’s gone."

Brent’s world collapses around him and he turns tear filled black eyes on the lifeless woman he loved more than life itself.

He slowly makes his way over to Shannon’s body and bows his head on his wife’s chest, sobbing uncontrollably.

Somewhere from deep inside Brent’s soul a wail of insurmountable pain and loss erupts from his body and for a brief moment, the people around him pause and gaze at the broken man before them and bow their heads in sympathy.

"I’ve never forgotten how peaceful she looked in that bed." Brent says. "The pain she was suffering just floated away, like a leaf in the wind."

Jeff grimaces at the sound of the pain in his friend’s voice. "I’m so sorry Brent. I wish I could’ve met her."

"Me too Jeff, me too." Brent says with a sigh. "But she’s in a better place now, I hope. I know she’s watching over me right now."

Jeff nods and turns his gazes into the night sky again. "I bet she is too Brent." He whispers.

"My mother handled it pretty well." Jason says gazing into his drink. "But my father..." He trails off.

"I’m sorry to ‘ear that Jason." Aaron says. "I must be tough."

Jason nods slightly before taking another swig of his drink. "It is, at times, but I’ve managed. At least I’m not hearing my father telling me how much of a looser I am, or whatever he said to me."

Aaron frowns. "You’re better off without ‘im."

"Mind if an old man joins you?" A familiar voice says from behind Aaron and Jason.

"Say Chief!" Aaron greets Derryk with a grin. "Pull up a seat."

"What brings you here?" Jason asks as Derryk sits next to him.

"I have some good news for you." Derryk says handing Jason a slip of paper. "You’ve been accepted to transfer to our Brazil branch. You leave in a few days."

Jason gazes down at the paper in shock and joy. "This is great!" Jason cries.

"Brazil eh?" Aaron asks. "I didn’t know you wanted to transfer. We not good enough for yah?"

"I’ve always wanted to work down there." Jason says excitedly. "I can’t believe it went through so fast."

"Well, don’t let that affect your job here right now." Derryk winks. "I see you two are getting a little too comfortable."

Jason and Aaron look at Derryk and shift in their seats slightly. "Well, we thought we could use a little breather Chief, and..." Aaron begins.

"Save it Aaron." He chuckles. "I wasn’t here." Derryk laughs as he walks off.

"I have to tell Aeryk!" Jason beams. I can finally take him away with me. Away from all this, and Brian.

"Well ‘ow about another round to celebrate you leaving us for blue skies and warm weather." Aaron jokes.

Jason laughs. "I’ll drink to that."

"I have never been this bored in all my life." Aeryk yawns. "Where is he?"

"Probably isn’t going to show up." Jackie says.

Aeryk frowns. "That would suck if you were right."

"So what should we do?" Jackie asks.

Aeryk shrugs. "Just wait it out until we hear something from Brian or Joe."

Jackie nods. "Hey, is that Derryk?" She rises from her chair. "Say Chief!"

Derryk sees Jackie waving at him and he walks over. "Evening people, enjoying yourselves?"

"Of course not." Aeryk says sarcastically. "What brings you here?"

"Just brought a little something to brighten Jason’s day." Derryk smirks.

"Really?" Jackie asks, casting a quick glance at Aeryk. "What was it?"

"He has been accepted to transfer to our Brazilian branch." Derryk states.

Aeryk gawks at Derryk. "What?"

Derryk blanches. "He didn’t tell you? Ah, sorry kid, I thought you knew."

Aeryk falls heavily into his chair. "No, he didn’t say anything to me." Why didn’t he tell me? Did he just want to up and leave me? Wait. Why should I care?

Aeryk looks up as he feels strong hands on his shoulders. "You alright kid?" Derryk asks.

"Yeah, thanks." Aeryk mumbles. "I’m just a little shocked, that’s all."

"Well, I’m sure Jason had his reasons for not telling you." Derryk says smiling. "Why don’t you go talk to him and see what’s up? He’s over at the bar with Aaron."

Aeryk nods. "Yeah, I’ll do that." He rises from his seat and walks toward the bar.

Jackie shakes her head and lets out a sigh. "Poor guy." She says.

"What do you mean?" Derryk asks as they sit. "Oh, nice chairs."

"Aeryk has been having a lot of problems recently. You know about that." Derryk nods. "Well, back when Aeryk nearly drowned, Jason told me that he wanted to transfer to Brazil." She pauses a moment while she takes a couple wine glasses from a passing waiter, handing one to Derryk. "He also told me that he wanted to take Aeryk with him."

Derryk’s eyes widen. "Oh really?"

Jackie nods. "See where the problem lies?" She takes a small drink of wine and places the glass on the end table. "I wish Jason will be sensitive to the fact that Aeryk’s life is here."

Derryk watches as Aeryk disappears into the wall of people for a moment then turns back to Jackie. "God, when will he get a break? First his family, then that stuff with Brian and Jason, and now this?" He shakes his head. "It’s amazing that he’s still able to face the day."

There’s more Chief, something I’m afraid to tell you more so than Brian. Jackie thinks to herself. You’re like a father to us all, and I hate to see the fury I know is inside you. It must be hard, begin neglected as a child and living alone like you are. I’m amazed you’re able to face the day.

"Well, at least it didn’t hit your pants." Brian jokes as he hands Joe another paper towel.

Joe smiles faintly. "I wonder if the guy will ever show up tonight."

Brian shrugs. "If not, there’s always tomorrow." He waits a moment before Joe finishes his task before speaking again. "So what’s up with you, huh?"

Joe freezes a moment, and then turns his hazel eyes up at Brian. "What do you mean?" He asks gruffly.

Brian raises his hands in peace. "Just asking a question Joe. You seem to have something on your mind. Do you wanna talk about it?"

Is he waiting for me to say something? "Uh, I don’t know."

"You don’t know?" Brian snorts. "Come on partner, you can tell me anything remember?"

I have to be sure about you first, Brian. "Can I ask you something?" Joe asks seriously.

"Sure Joe, what’s up?" Brian leans against the sink and crosses his arms.

"It’s about Aeryk." Joe says cautiously.

Brian’s body tenses a moment, but soon relaxes. "Uh, sure."

"Do you still love him?"

Brian sighs. I might as well be honest about this. If I’m ever going to be somewhat comfortable telling my parents, I have to take the steps toward it. Brian looks around the bathroom and finds that no one is around. He turns his soft brown eyes on Joe. "Yes Joe, I do love him, very much."

"Even though he’s with Jason?"

Brian nods. "Aeryk is somebody, I feel, you can’t get over easily. At first, he was nothing more than my best friend. He always looked out for me, and even took care of me when I was sick." Brian chuckles. "I used to call him my bitch as a joke, but he would always throw something back at me and put me in my place. It’s funny though, our personalities are so different, but we fit together perfectly." He shrugs. "I know with Aeryk I will always have my best friend, and someone I can love. I know Aeryk will always be there right beside me and support me in anyway he can." He lets out a sigh and smiles faintly. "Sorry, I’m talking your ear off about something you’re not interested in."

Joe nods. "S’okay. I was the one who asked, remember?" So he still does love him, even though he can’t have him. I can’t give up though, I just can’t.

"How about we head out an do our job." Brian smirks.

The two walk out onto the main floor. "I guess they’re starting with the live music now." Joe says as he notices a small group of people walk onto the stage.

"Whoa, the Chief’s here!" Brian says as he sees Derryk chatting with Jackie. "Let’s go see what’s up."

"Hey Jas, can I talk to you for a moment?" Aeryk asks.

"Sure babe." He says cheerfully. "Be right back."

Aeryk and Jason walk toward a less inhabited area of the floor. "So what’s this about you leaving for Brazil?" Aeryk asks.

Jason’s smile vanishes. "Oh that." He scratches the back of his head. "I was going to tell you, honest."

"When? Did you plan on telling me right as you were leaving?" Aeryk snaps. "How could you Jason?"

"Babe," Jason puts his hands on Aeryk’s shoulders and looks into his deep blue eyes. "I didn’t want to hurt you or anything."

"Well you did." Aeryk states, turning his head away. He is more nervous than anything. Aeryk isn’t sure how Jason would react to how he is talking now, but is confident enough that Jason wouldn’t dare assault him in public.

"I’m sorry Aeryk. I didn’t want to affect what we have together. I really do love you and I’d hate to see it go."

"But if you’re going to Brazil, it’s going to go Jason!"

"Not necessarily." Jason takes Aeryk’s hand into his own. "Would you consider moving down there with me?"

Aeryk gasps. "What?"

"I want you to move down to Brazil with me Aeryk. Think of it, nice warm weather, no stresses, just you and me. Wouldn’t it be nice to get away from everything and just relax?"

Aeryk remains silent.

Jason looks around and sees that no one is hanging around in the back of the stage. "Come here." He says gently, yet firmly, as he grabs Aeryk’s hand and walks him over to the back of the stage. "I’m sorry to throw this on you so suddenly Aeryk, especially since we haven’t been dating even a month. But the feeling I have when I’m with you tells me this is the right thing to do." That and I want to make sure Brian will never set eyes on you again. "What do you say?"

Aeryk turns away from Jason. I can’t leave. "I’m sorry Jason, I can’t leave." He faces Jason again. "My life is here."

"You can make a new life down there Aeryk, with me." Jason replies.

Aeryk shakes his head slowly. "No Jason, I can’t leave." He says seriously.

"Why?" Jason asks.

"I’m in love with Brian, Jason." His strong blue eyes hold Jason’s misty gray eyes. "I want to stay here."

Anger wells up inside Jason’s body. No, I will not lose this time. Aeryk is mine and I won’t let him go. You’re going with me Aeryk, whether you like it or not. You’re mine! "No Aeryk, you’re coming with me." He says lowly.

Aeryk looks up at Jason, shocked and horrified. "Excuse me?"

"You’re coming with me. I won’t let you go, not to him!" He grabs Aeryk’s arm and holds it tight. "You’re mine."

"Jason, let me go." Aeryk tries to remove Jason’s unnaturally strong grip.

"No!" Jason lands a punch across Aeryk’s face and shoves him to the ground. "You’re mine! Do you hear me?" He demands, blind with fury.

Fight back Aeryk fight back! Aeryk rises to his feet, stunned by the blow. "What the hell’s wrong with you?" Aeryk cries.

"I’m not letting you go Aeryk." Jason says, his eyes as dark as storm clouds.

"You don’t own me Jason. I can do what I damn well want." Aeryk snaps. "Get the fuck out of here."

Before Aeryk could react, Jason sends a powerful kick to his stomach. Aeryk falls to the ground crying in pain, the loud music preventing anyone from hearing his cry.

Jason picks up Aeryk from the ground and forces him onto his feet. "Say it, Aeryk, say you’ll come with me!"

Aeryk shakes his head and that sends Jason into a deeper fury. He shoves Aeryk into the wall behind him. "You’re mine, get it?" Jason snarls.

Aeryk’s heart falls as the darkness around them prevents anyone to see what’s happening. "Please Jason, stop it." Aeryk pleads.

A feral grin falls over Jason and he starts feeling around Aeryk’s trembling body. "You’re trembling baby, are you scared? How about I make you feel better?"

Terror swarms over Aeryk as Jason begins to feel down between his legs. "Please, stop it!" He cries.

Jason ignores him and presses his large body against Aeryk’s and rubs his hands around the smaller mans torso. "Don’t worry baby, I’ll make you feel better. I’ll show you who you belong to."

Aeryk closes his eyes and cries out. Please, somebody help! Suddenly, in the span of heartbeats, several shining red kanji appear in Aeryk’s mind again. The kanji for "ogre", "star", "willow", "water well", "wings", "sadness", and "stretch" flash before Aeryk like beacons in the darkness. What the?

Brian, Derryk, Jackie, Jeff, Aaron, Brent, and Joe lurch to their feet and stare toward the stage.

"Did you hear something?" Derryk asks.

"I thought I just heard Aeryk’s voice." Joe mutters.

Brian bolts for the stage, closely followed by Jackie, Derryk and Joe. "Aeryk!" Brian calls, his voice drowned by the music.

Aaron, Jeff, and Brent soon catch up with the other four just as they reach the back of the stage.

The moment Brian sees Jason upon the now half naked Aeryk; he lets out a roar of outrage, picks up a chair, and smashes it on Jason’s back.

Jason falls, stunned, and Aeryk crumbles to his knees still blinded by terror. Jackie rushes over and collects her friend in her arms. Aaron, Jeff, and Brent race over to Brian’s side and face Jason.

"The fuck did you do to him bastard?" Brian demands.

"Fuck off!" Jason snarls as he charges Brian.

Brian expertly deflects Jason’s punch and sends him reeling to the floor below. "I’ll kill you!"

Jason erupts to his feet and faces Brian. "That all you got?" He grins, spitting blood on the floor.

Aaron starts toward Jason, but Brain halts him. "No, this one’s mine."

Brian ignores Derryk’s command to cease the fighting, and assails Jason like a tornado of kicks and punches.

Aeryk tries to rise to his feet, but Jackie holds him fast. "Tell them to stop." Aeryk pleads. He gasps as Jason lands a swift punch to Brian’s face. "They’ll kill each other!"

Aeryk’s heart freezes as he sees Jason grab Brian’s head and sends it colliding with his knee. Brian falls to the ground in a heap.

The group stands in silence for what seems like an eternity. Aeryk slowly rises to his feet and rushes to Brian’s side. "Brian?" He whispers.

"Get away from him." Jason snaps.

"Why you...!" Aaron roars, but Aeryk stops him with a single glance.

Aeryk runs a soft hand through the unconscious Brian’s sodden hair, and then slowly rises to his feet, still gazing down at Brian. "Goodbye Jason."

"No." Jason storms over to Aeryk.

Suddenly, Aeryk’s eyes flash the same near white blue from before and he whirls around and performs a jump-spinning inward crescent kick onto Jason’s face.

Jason falls to the ground, stunned and still conscious. Aeryk kneels and faces Jason with furious white blue eyes. "I’m giving you the chance to walk out of here with what dignity you may have left. If you stay, I promise you you’ll see a side of me few dare invoke."

Jason cowers before the terrifying glare from Aeryk and slowly rises to his feet. Aaron, Jeff, and Brent quickly rush to Aeryk’s side.

In silence, Jason turns to leave the group behind. He casts one final look at Aeryk, bows his head, and then walks away.

"We better call an ambulance." Jackie mutters to Derryk.

Derryk nods and hands her his cell phone. "Go ahead, thank you Jackie."

"Say Aeryk," Aaron places a tentative hand on his friend’s shoulder. "You alright?"

Aeryk turns to Aaron, his eyes a sad blue. "Yeah, I’m fine."

"I’m sorry that happened kid." Derryk says. "I’ll be sure to have him off the force..."

"No, Chief." Aeryk mutters. "Let him go. He’s going far away where he can’t hurt anyone anymore."

As much as I ‘ate the man now, I ‘ope things down there will straighten ‘im out. Aaron says to himself.

"The ambulance is on its way." Jackie says, tossing Derryk’s cell phone back at him. "Should be here in a couple minutes."

Aeryk walks over and kneels beside Brian again. "Damn idiot." He mutters. "Look what you did to yourself." Tears find their way down Aeryk’s face and he caresses Brian’s torn and bloody face. "What am I going to do with you now?"

Brent kneels beside Aeryk. "He’ll be fine, he just over exerted himself. With some rest, he’ll be good as new."

Aeryk smiles up at Brent. "Thanks."

A short while later, the music ceases as the paramedics rush into the room. Aeryk goes out and signals the men over.

The paramedics lift the comatose Brian onto the stretcher and wheel him out of the building.

Derryk puts a warm hand on Aeryk’s shoulder. "I’ll drive you there." He says.

Aeryk looks thankfully up at Derryk and nods. "Thank you."

"What should we do about the mission Chief?" Jackie asks.

"If anything happens, I’m sure the police will do something." He snorts. "I don’t know how effective it will be, but I’m sure we can pick things up tomorrow."

The seven of them laugh a moment before leaving the Convention Building, a pair of blue eyes watching them.

"Looks like while the cats are away, this mouse can play." Luke says, smirking cockily.

"Luke, darling," A woman with an extravagant amount of jewelry on her small body walks up. "I’m bored, let’s leave."

Luke grins down at the woman, knowing what she wants. "Of course."

Date: July 24, 3021
Time: 12:00am
Location: New Hope Hospital

"You weren’t eating?" Aeryk scowls down at Brian.

"I was depressed, leave me alone!" Brian replies defensively.

"What good are you to anyone if you can’t take care of yourself?"

"Is this any way to talk to someone who risked life and limb for you?" Brian smirks.

"You’ll get nothing from me." Aeryk snaps playfully.

"Not even a thank you kiss?" Brian asks.

Aeryk gazes down at Brian with warm green eyes. "I suppose."

The two lock lips together and savor the electric sensation the shoots through their bodies.

Aeryk reluctantly pulls away from Brian and smiles faintly. "I love you Brian."

"I love you too Aeryk."

Aeryk whirls around as he hears a slight gasps. "Alasen..." He gasps.

Continued in Part 11

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