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 Six

Date: ???
Time: ???
Location: ???

Aeryk looks around the vast expanse of darkness around him. There is no sound, except those of his echoing footsteps. "Hello?" He calls out tentatively, but there is no response.

"Is anybody here?" He calls out again.

He is responded by a hissing sound behind him. Aeryk slowly turns around and sees an enormous turtle. He sucks in a breath of surprise and falls back slightly.

The turtle remains in its place, staring at Aeryk with haunting, intelligent eyes. The turtle then turns its gaze into the space above them and suddenly, snow begins to fall gently to the ground.

"Snow?" Aeryk gawks. He looks back at the turtle questioningly. "What’s going on?"

"Aeryk." The turtle suddenly speaks. "Aeryk, you awake?"

Aeryk looks at the turtle, confused. "Huh?"

Jason nudges the sleeping Aeryk slightly. "Hey, Aeryk." He whispers.

Aeryk lurches his eyes open in alarm. "Whoa, Jason." He heaves a sigh of relief. "You scared the crap out of me."

Aeryk looks around the room to regain his senses. He then feels something heavy on his stomach and he looks down to see the Chinese book they stole back the night before.

"How long was I asleep?" Aeryk asks.

Jason shrugs and leans back on Aeryk’s desk. "Couldn’t tell yah. Chief asked me to check in on you."

Aeryk sits up and shuts the book. "Man, I had no idea how tired I was." He groans rubbing his eyes.

"Must be a good book if you’re falling asleep like that." Jason jokes. "So what d’you think?"

Aeryk tosses the book to his side and heaves out a sigh. "It’s strange, I can say that much." He leans forward and rests his arms on his legs. "It’s just a bunch of mumbo-jumbo, if you ask me."

"Really? Wonder why that Vincent guy wanted it so much."

"Nothing of real interest in there from what I can tell."

Jason looks at Aeryk’s clock. "Well, it’s a quarter till six. Think we can ditch the book for today and leave?"

Aeryk grins slightly. "You have no idea how good that sounds right now."

"Thought so." Jason smiles and holds out his hands for Aeryk to take. "Help you up?"

Aeryk lazily clasps Jason’s hands and he is lifted onto his feet. "Thanks." He mutters. "I need to wake up!"

He leans over to pick up the book, but instead he receives a sharp pain in his shoulders. "Ah," He winces trying to move his shoulders. "Must’ve slept wrong, or something."

Jason places his strong hands around Aeryk’s shoulders and begins to massage them. "How does this feel?" He asks lowly.

Aeryk lolls his head back, thoroughly enjoying the exquisite feeling of Jason’s hands working all sorts of magic on his tense shoulders. "You do this often?"

Jason chuckles. "Not really. But I’ve been told I’m good with my hands." He smirks.

"Damn right you are." Aeryk moans as he rolls his head to the side.

Jason leans in closer to Aeryk’s body and lowers his lips onto Aeryk’s soft neck. Jason caresses Aeryk’s neck with his soft, full lips before sending a single gentle kiss.

Aeryk’s body goes ridged and he pulls away from Jason’s grasp and turns to him.

Jason falls back slightly and turns away, ashamed. "Sorry about that." He mutters.

"It’s okay." Aeryk replies. "It’s just a little too soon for me. I’m new to this sorta thing, remember?"

Jason looks back at Aeryk and smiles faintly and nods. "I guess I should’ve asked you first. I think you’re really, uh, cute and, uh." Jason stammers for a moment. "Would you like to go on a date with me?"

Aeryk’s eyes widen briefly. Is he seriously asking me out? Oh my god, I’m suddenly starting to feel like a schoolgirl. "S-sure." Aeryk says smiling. "Sounds great!"

Jason nearly falls over with excitement. "Really?" He smiles widely. "Why do I feel like a schoolgirl all of a sudden?"

Aeryk laughs. "I was just thinking that."

"So, uh, where do you want to go? When?" Jason asks excitedly.

"Why not just go see the fireworks tonight? It’s been forever since I’ve seen them."

"Cool, then I’ll just give you a call later then?"

Aeryk nods and smiles. "Sounds good."

Jason nearly trips over himself as he leaves the office, his face all a glow. As he shuts the door Aeryk shakes his head. "I am such a dork."

Aeryk walks over to pick up the book again and there’s a slight knocking in the door. Why am I so popular all of a sudden? "Come in." He calls.

Brian enters the room. "Hey." He greets. "What’s with happy boy?"

"Nothing." Aeryk lies. "You ready to head home?"

"Oh yeah." Brian sighs. "It’s been a long day. Joe wouldn’t stop apologizing for last night."

"Poor kid. We were pretty hard on him last night, especially you." Aeryk taunts.

"I was not, shut up." Brian retorts.

Aeryk locks the book in his bookshelf and the two head out of the office and toward the garage.

"So I was thinking we could just get a pizza and watch a movie tonight, or something." Brian says. "How’s that?"

Aeryk pales slightly. "Well, Jason kinda asked me to go out with him tonight."

"Oh?" Brian’s heart sinks. "That’s nice. So what’re you gonna do?"

"Um, just go check out the fireworks. I haven’t seen them for a while, yah know?"

"I thought you didn’t want to go because it reminded you of your Grandmother." Has he really moved on?

"Yeah, remember what I said about moving on from that. I think it’ll be good for me to do this." He smiles shyly at Brian. "Sorry."

"Don’t worry bud, I’m happy you’re testing the waters again." Though I wish I could be the one to catch you if you happen to fall.

"Thanks Bri." Aeryk pauses as they reach his car. "I’m sorry to ditch on yah like that, I feel bad."

"That’s okay, I’ll just see what Alasen’s up to."

Aeryk’s heart collapses. So he’s really going through with that? "Oh? Well, that’s nice." Aeryk stammers. "Tell her I said hi."

Aeryk gets into his car and heaves out a sigh. What should I do? Should I tell him that it is hard for me to do this, and how much I wish we could work things out? But what if he decided this is what he has to do? What if he gets mad at me for bringing it up again? Crap, I’m lost.

Brian puts on his seat belt and forces himself to keep his gaze away from Aeryk. Has he really moved on from me? Should I tell him that I really am willing to make things work for us? But what if he rejects me? God I’d look like an idiot. Aeryk, I love you so much! Why can’t I tell you that?

Aeryk pulls out of the garage and the two ride in silence all the way home.

Date: July 4, 3021
Time: 8:00pm
Location: Aeryk and Brian’s Condo

"Who was on the phone?" Brian asks.

"That was Jason." Aeryk says walking back into the kitchen. "Said he’s coming to pick me up."

Brian leans against the counter and stares out the small kitchen window in the darkening sky.

"So, um, how’s the arm?" Aeryk asks.

Brian absentmindedly rubs his bandaged arm. "It’s doing alright, doesn’t hurt."

"You should probably get a new one on." Aeryk says walking toward the bathroom. "Don’t want it to get infected."

Brian frowns slightly. When will he stop caring for me like this? Doesn’t he know it kills me?

Aeryk walks back into the kitchen with a towel, a fresh bandage, and some hydrogen peroxide. "Alright, take it off."

Brian’s eyes widen in horror. "You’re not gonna put that stuff on me."

"Shut up and do as you’re told." Aeryk orders. "I don’t trust you to handle it on your own."

Brian rolls his eyes and takes off his shirt and bandage. "Fine, but be quick about it."

Aeryk opens the hydrogen peroxide and places the towel under the wound. "Don’t move, or it’ll just take longer."

Aeryk slowly pours the liquid over Brian’s wound and he begins to flinch in pain. His arm muscles begin to twitch slightly and Aeryk begins to dap off any excess peroxide.

"See? Wasn’t that bad." Aeryk says cheerfully.

"Easy for you to say."

Aeryk begins to wrap the fresh bandage around Brian’s arm. "So, did you get a hold of Alasen?"

"Yeah, she’s heading over. We’re just gonna hang out here tonight."

Aeryk nods as he clips the bandage down. "There, that’ll heal up soon enough."

Brian runs his arm around in a circle to adjust to the bandage. "Thanks bud."

Aeryk smiles and walks back into the bathroom to put the peroxide away. As he turns to leave the bathroom, he finds Brian standing in front of him. "What’s up?"

Brian gazes at Aeryk with hungry eyes. He gently takes Aeryk’s arm and pulls him into a passionate kiss.

Aeryk forcefully pulls himself away. "What in the hell are you doing?" He snaps.

Brian looks at Aeryk and bows his head. "I’m sorry."

Aeryk shoves past Brian. "We can’t be doing this Brian." He warns.

"Why?" Brian cries, following Aeryk into the living room.

"Because it’s not right!" Aeryk turns on Brian. "Don’t you have the slightest hint of what you’re doing?"

Brian heaves out a sigh. I’ve got to tell him. "Aeryk, I don’t want you seeing Jason."

Aeryk puffs up in outrage. "You’re telling me who I can and cannot see? The hell do you think you are?" He bellows.

"I love you Aeryk, plain and simple. And you should be with me, not him!"

Aeryk turns his ice blue eyes on Brian. "Don’t talk to me like you can decide who I can and cannot see. You’ve made it clear to me that you don’t plan on being honest with yourself. You plan on staying with Alasen!"

"It’s because I’ve got to!" Brian snaps. "You don’t understand what it’s like to be me! I’ve got my family to worry about. I can’t let them down again."

"Then fine, go ahead and do what you want with your life Brian. I’m not gonna stop you from doing what you want. But leave me out of it, okay?"

Brian’s eyes widen in shock. "What are you saying?"

Aeryk flails his arms in the air. "Don’t you get it? You want me to be involved in your life, but only behind closed doors, right?"

Brian grimaces. "Well,"

"But you’re still gonna use Alasen as a front to keep your family happy, right?"

"Can I just say,"

"Let me finish." Aeryk snaps. "You’re better than that Brian. Using people to achieve an end is not right. Poor Alasen is falling love with you, but we both know damn well you don’t love her in return. She’s just some toy you’re using to keep your family happy."

Brian looks at Aeryk, hurt. "It’s not like that, Aeryk. If you’ll just let me say something."

Aeryk crosses his arms. "Fine, what is it?"

Brian lets out a sigh. Okay, this is it. Tell him that you’re willing to work things out with him, but it’s gonna take some time. "Aeryk, I..."

Brian is interrupted by the sound of somebody knocking on their door.

"That must be Jason." Aeryk says lowly as he walks over to the door and opens it. "Oh, hi Alasen." He says emotionlessly as he lets her into the condo.

"Did I interrupt something?" She asks shyly as she enters the room.

Aeryk looks over to Brian, expecting him to answer. But when Brian shakes his head Aeryk frowns slightly and heads off toward his room.

Alasen slowly shuts the door and gazes at Brian. "Is he alright?"

Brian grimaces. "He’ll be alright." He says lowly. "How’re you doing?"

"I’m doing fine, stressing out from all the studying." She smiles slightly. "Is something the matter with you two?"

"No, nothing’s wrong." He lies. "So what d’you wanna do tonight?"

Alasen smiles. "Well, I was kinda hoping we could go check out the fireworks tonight. I heard they’re pretty amazing."

Brian blanches. Oh shit, how did I know that was coming? But it might be a chance for me to talk to Aeryk more. "Sure." He says. "Lets go grab something to eat first, alright?"

Brian walks over to the closet to grab his coat when there’s another knock on the door.

Brian’s stomach turns slightly as he opens the door to see Jason standing there. "Hey Jason." Brian says coolly. "You here for Aeryk?"

Jason nods. "Yeah, thanks."

"Come on in, I’ll get him for yah." Brian says and walks down the hall toward Aeryk’s room.

Jason looks around the condo and spies Alasen. "Oh hi, name’s Jason." He says holding out his hand and smiling.

"Alasen." She responds, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you. So, uh, how’d you meet Aeryk?"

"I work with him." Jason replies simply.

"Oh? That’s cool. How long have you been working there?"

"Only a few years." He shrugs. "I used to be a recruit instructor until I got moved into Aeryk’s field."

Alasen gasps as she hears Aeryk’s voice ring throughout the condo. "What’s going on?"

"I said drop it Brian!" Aeryk roars as he storms out of his room. He sees Jason, and with a tight motion of his head, the two leave the condo.

"Uh, nice meeting you Alasen." Jason calls out as he shuts the door behind him.

Brian slowly emerges into the living room, his face contorted in sorrow.

Alasen rushes over to Brian in alarm. "Are you alright? What happened in there?"

Brian looks down at Alasen and attempts to smile. "I’d rather not talk about it right now."

Jason rushes up to meet Aeryk. "Whoa buddy, slow down a bit."

"I can’t fucking believe him." Aeryk snarls.

"Something you wanna talk about?" Jason asks.

"No." Aeryk says curtly. "Let’s just go, please."

Jason escorts Aeryk to his car and the two drive off. "You sure everything’s alright?"

Aeryk lets out a sigh. "Yeah, sorry. Nice way to start the evening, huh?"

"Don’t worry about it." Jason says seriously. "Is there something else you’d rather do?"

Aeryk shakes his head. "Actually I can do with a little relaxing in the park, watching the city’s money go up in flames." He smirks.

Jason smiles back. "Right on. Well, I brought us blankets and some munchies in case we get hungry."

Aeryk arches a brow and turns to look in the back of the car. Sure enough, there is a couple thick blankets and a cooler. He smiles slightly and turns to Jason. "Now I feel bad for not bringing anything."

"You’re the only thing I want right now."

Aeryk’s eyes widen before he chuckles. "Do you normally talk to other guys like this?"

"Nah, only with the cute ones."

Aeryk blushes. "Stop it." He says coyly.

Jason reaches over and squeezes Aeryk’s leg. "Nope, sorry." He says putting his hand back onto the steering wheel.

Aeryk smiles to himself, but it soon fades. Nothing. He says to himself. Give it some time, maybe it’ll come around.

"So, hey, let me know if I’m moving to fast for you okay?" Jason says suddenly. "Some people get scared away."

Aeryk nods. "You’re doing fine."

"Good," Jason smirks. "I can’t wait to touch those lips of yours."

Aeryk nearly erupts with laughter. Brian would never say anything like that. He would just reach over and, wait a second, why am I thinking about him? Jason’s a cool guy, and I can see myself with him, if only for a short while. At least he’ll help me move on.

"So what kind of music you listen to?" Jason asks.

"Well, uh, I’m an old schooler. I listen to music from the very early twenty-first century."

Jason arches a brow. "Really? You seriously into that stuff?" He makes a face. "How can you stand it?"

"Hey," Aeryk says defensively. "There was some good music back then. You just have no class."

Jason chuckles. "Alright, so who d’you listen to?"

"Mostly Destiny’s Child." Aeryk states. "But I do have my favorites, here and there."

"Destiny’s Child is cool, I guess." Jason smirks.

"Excuse me?" Aeryk arches a brow. "You obviously don’t know who you’re talking about, or you’ll be saying ‘Hot damn, them chicks are tight!’."

Jason erupts with laughter. "You are too funny. You even use old school terms."

"Shut up!" Aeryk playfully punches Jason’s arm. "How much longer until we hit the park?"

"In a rush to end the evening?"

"Yeah, I don’t want to hang around a no class havin’, old school hatin’, scrubb like yourself."

Jason laughs. "I can just feel the love."

Date: July 4, 3021
Time: 9:30pm
Location: New D.C. City Park

"Brian, you haven’t said anything to me over dinner." Alasen says. "Will you please talk to me?"

Brian continues to stare into the night sky at the fireworks. "I’m sorry Alasen, I’ve got a lot on my mind right now."

"Brian, we’ve been dating long enough for us to at least be able to talk to each other. Is it something to do with Aeryk."

"No!" Brian snaps. "Will you please give it a rest?"

Alasen shrinks back and turns her gaze into the brightly lit sky. Despite the colorful array of reds, greens, and nearly every other color in the spectrum, Alasen’s mood is considerably dark.

This has been going on almost as long as I’ve been dating him. He hasn’t tried kissing me, it’s always been me initiating it. He also hasn’t tried making love to me, but that could be out of respect I guess. Alasen heaves out a sigh. There I go, over analyzing things again. It’s only been barely over a week. Give it time Alasen.

Brian slowly reaches out with his hand and squeezes Alasen’s. "I’m sorry." He mutters. "It’s just been a long day for me."

Alasen relaxes and moves over into Brian’s awaiting arms. "It’s okay, sorry if I was pressing it too much."

Brian squeezes Alasen close to him. I’m sorry Aeryk, but if you don’t understand what I’m going through, then it’s going to have to be this way. I’ll be just fine the way I am. I don’t want to deal with me being... He pauses his thoughts a moment. I’m just not going to deal with it.

Brian looks around at the mass of people laying around the park, watching the fireworks. He sees men holding their wives or girlfriends and he grimaces. He doesn’t bother looking around for Aeryk. He knew Aeryk was around and doesn’t find any need to search for him.

He does, however, see two men holding each other and gazing into each other eyes rather than the fireworks. Brian’s heart falls at the sight and he wishes he and Aeryk could be like that. Reality sets in and the wish quickly vanishes.

As much as Brian loves Aeryk, he knows he could never live up to it. Brian feels too much of a pull to marry a woman and raise a family of his own. Brian has learned that to make up for his mistakes, he must push his happiness aside. His parents deserve as much.

"Hey, I’m gonna go for a quick walk." Brian says.

"Want me to join you?" Alasen asks.

"Nah, I just need a little time to cool down." Brian slowly rises to his feet. "I’ll be back in a little bit."

Aeryk manages to build up enough courage to move in between Jason’s long legs and rest against his chest. "This okay?" He mutters.

Jason grabs a thick blanket and wraps it around them. "Perfect." He smiles.

"Hey look!" Aeryk points into the sky that has suddenly become ablaze with shooting stars. "Shooting stars."

The crowd around them began to chatter about the shooting stars. The fireworks stop shortly after everybody realizes what’s happening.

"That’s so cool." Jason mutters, entranced.

Aeryk gazes into the sky. His eyes go out of focus and he suddenly finds himself in the strange black space he was before.

He looks around and sighs. "What now?"

Aeryk turns around as he hears the same hissing sound and he finds the turtle starting at him again. "What’s going on here?"

The turtle looks up into the space above them and snow begins to fall.

Aeryk lets out an irritated sigh. "Yes, snow. We’ve already established this last time."

In a flash of white light, Aeryk finds himself within a vast mountain range. "Whoa!" Aeryk wraps his arms around himself to combat the sudden chill. He gazes around himself, shivering profusely, then back at the turtle. "What’s going on here?"

"Genbu." The turtle says with a deep, throaty voice.

Aeryk arches a brow. "Huh?"

"Genbu." The turtle continues, and in another flash of light Aeryk opens his eyes and hears two arguing, deep male, voices.

"What the fuck did you do to him!?"

"I didn’t do a damn thing, man! He just passed out, chill!"

Aeryk sees Brian and Jason standing before him and he lets out a slight moan.

"I can’t believe I let him leave with you." Brian snaps.

"What are you, his fucking warden?" Jason retorts.

"Hey!" Aeryk cries. "Both of you shut up."

Brian and Jason turn to Aeryk and rush beside him. "You okay?" Jason asks.

"Let me help you up." Brian holds out his hand.

Aeryk groans and politely refuses Brian’s help and stands on his own. "What were you two arguing about?"

"When you passed out, I obviously got worried and he heard me calling your name." Jason begins. "He, then, comes busting out of the bushes and starts accusing me that I hurt you or something."

"I did not, you damned liar!" Brian retorts.

"You callin’ me a liar?" Jason snarls.

"Fuck yeah I am!"

"Shut up!" Aeryk roars. "Jesus Christ you two, fuck. You’re acting like twelve year old boys." He turns on Brian. "Brian, I’m fine. Jason didn’t do anything to me. I thank you for your concern, but I just had an episode, alright?"

Brian nods curtly at Aeryk and turns a nasty glance on Jason. "Just watch yourself." He hisses and walks off.

"Geez, what’s his problem?" Jason asks.

"I don’t know." Aeryk moans as he sits back down on the blanket. "Sit down." He orders softly.

Jason obeys and Aeryk falls heavily into his chest again. "You doin’ alright?" He asks wrapping the other blanket around them again. "You scared the hell outta me earlier."

"Yeah, I’m fine." Aeryk mutters. "Don’t know why it happened, sorry."

"Don’t worry about it." Jason holds the Aeryk closer to him. "I just wish I knew why Brian’s all after me now."

"Looks like I missed the shooting stars." Aeryk says, changing the subject.

"It’s okay, we still have the fireworks." Jason replies as the show starts up again.

Aeryk slowly relaxes in Jason’s hold and lets out a contented sigh. "Thank you." He says.

"For what?" Jason asks, still watching the fireworks.

"Putting up with Brian without getting into an actual fight. I’ll talk to him later."

Jason shrugs it off. "It’s no problem, babe."

Aeryk looks up at Jason. "What was that?"

"Is that a little too much?" Jason asks, worried.

Aeryk thinks about it for a moment. Why not? He seems like a nice enough guy, and he does seem to like me a lot. Why else would he react like he did with Brian? It’s just a pet name, nothing serious, is it? Well, if this is gonna help me move on from Brian, I might as well go along with it.

"I’m alright with it." Aeryk replies. "Just don’t expect me to do that same, right now. I’m trying to take things slowly." He chuckles. "But you’re not making it very easy."

Jason smiles down at Aeryk. "Well I’ll try to take things slowly, but I can’t promise anything." His smile widens.

Aeryk smiles back and nuzzles in closer to Jason. "This works for me."

Jackie and Aaron burst out of the nearby bushes in an explosion of laughter. "Can you believe some people?" Aaron snorts. "Threatening to call the police on me. I am the police!" He laughs.

"I know!" Jackie responds. "All you were doing is responding to the call of nature and," She spies Aeryk and Jason. "Opps."

"What?" Aaron looks in the same direction and lets out a gasp. "Is that Aeryk and Jason?"

Jackie puts her hand over Aaron’s mouth. "Shh, yes it is. Don’t yet out alright?"

Aaron removes Jackie’s hand. "You knew?" He asks.

"Yeah, well. He told me at Derryk’s party." She gazes at Aaron with pleading eyes. "Just leave him alone right now, he’s going through a tough time adjusting right now."

"Does Brian know?" Jackie nods. "Wha? How’d he take it?"

Jackie rolls her eyes. "Just forget it. Now you know, but don’t say anything to anyone else." She orders.

A pair of large hands cover Jackie’s eyes and she lets out a squeal of terror. She whirls around, fists clenched ready to hit someone, and sees Brent smiling down at her. "Hi." He says.

Jackie nearly falls over with faint. "You scared the life out of me Brent!"

Aaron erupts with laughter. "Oh, that was a good one buddy!"

Jeff appears from behind Brent. "Nice seeing you guys here." He says.

"What’s with the uniforms?" Jackie eyes, gazing warily at Brent.

"Oh, we heard over the radio that someone was using indecent exposure." Jeff turns to Aaron. "When we heard the description, we knew who it was."

Aaron gawks. "They actually called on me? Those rotten bastards." He chortles. "What kinda world do we live in if we can’t piss anywhere we damn well like?"

"A civilized one." Jackie replies.

"Is that Aeryk?" Brent asks.

"And Jason?" Jeff continues.

"Yeah." Aaron announces proudly. "But we’re not supposed to say anything to them."

Brent walks off anyway. "Hey Aeryk, Jason."

Aeryk looks up at Brent, terrified and leaps out of Jason’s arms. "Brent, hi! I was just, um." He stammers.

"It’s okay Aeryk." Brent says calmly. "I don’t care."

Aaron, Jackie, and Jeff walk up to Aeryk, smiling slightly. "Uh, hi guys." Aeryk says, panicked.

"It’s alright Aeryk, we don’t care." Jeff says.

Aeryk begins wringing his wrists. "Well, it’s just that..."

Aaron laughs. "You look as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs boy. Settle down, we just told you we don’t care." He leans next to Aeryk. "I’m just surprised you didn’t end up with Brian." He winks.

"End up with Brian?" Aeryk gasps. "That’s funny!" He laughs nervously.

Aaron looks questioningly at Jackie. "Just shut up Aaron." She rolls her eyes.

"You’re Jason, right?" Jason nods. "Well, you take good care of this boy, right? I can’t promise I can ‘old Brian back if you ‘urt ‘im." He winks.

Jason blinks. "Well actually,"

"So when are you two off?" Aeryk cuts off Jason.

"We’re actually off now." Jeff replies. "We thought we’d come by and warn Aaron to lay low until the cops give up on him."

"Bah, once they find out I’m F.Y., they’ll back off." Aaron states.

"I’m hungry." Jackie says suddenly. "Let’s go find someplace to eat." She looks questioningly at Aeryk.

Aeryk looks down at the cooler Jason brought, then up to him. "We did eat the food fast. You hungry?"

Jason nods. "Yeah, a little. I knew I should’ve brought more."

"Right on let’s all meet at Headquarters, and let Jeff and Brent change then we can figure out where we wanna go." Jackie says cheerfully. "C’mon Aaron, let’s go." She drags Aaron away by the arm.

"Ow, that ‘urts!" He wrenches his arm away.

"You’re such an idiot sometimes." She sighs.

"Wha’ d’you mean?"

"Talking to Jason like that, about how Brian’ll kick his ass or something. You scared him!"

"I was only joking!" Aaron rolls his eyes.

"You’ve made Brian sound like some over protective ogre!"

"I thought ‘e was." Aaron smirks.

Jackie smirks back. "Don’t let him hear you say, or he’ll kick your ass."

A scrubby looking man steps up in front of Jackie, smiling with dirty yellow teeth. "Hey baby, wanna come home with me?" He snorts.

Jackie tosses her hair aside and lands a nice punch in the man’s stomach. "Never talk to a lady like that." She says lowly as the man collapses to the ground. "Coming Aaron?" She struts off.

Aaron looks down at the man, then at Jackie. God I love that woman.

Date: July 4, 3021
Time: 11:43pm
Location: Aeryk and Brian’s Condo

Jason parks his car near Aeryk’s condo and deactivates it. "Man, Aaron and Jackie are a trip. Are they always like that?" Jason asks.

"That’s only the tip of the iceberg." Aeryk replies, smiling. "Want to come in for a bit?"

"Nah, work tomorrow."

"Oh yeah, that." Aeryk teases. "Thanks for taking me out tonight. I had fun."

"Me too." Jason replies. "Wanna do it again sometime?"

"Of course."

Jason and Aeryk remain silent for a moment, looking into each other’s eyes. "You know, it’s kinda trippy when your eyes change color like that." Jason says lowly.

Aeryk chuckles. "Sorry about that, there’s nothing I can do about it."

"There’s nothing to apologize for, I’m just gonna have to get used to it. So why do they change like that?"

Aeryk shrugs. "Couldn’t tell yah. It’s an emotional thing I guess."

"And what does it mean when your eyes are green like that?"

"I means I’m happy." Aeryk says nervously.

Jason gazes at Aeryk for a moment longer. "Man, I wish I could kiss you right now."

Aeryk pales slightly. Not now, too soon. "Um, can we just hug right now?" He looks down. "Sorry."

Jason smiles, though a little let down. "That’ll work."

The two embrace each other tightly and reluctantly part company. "I’ll see you tomorrow." Aeryk says as he lets himself out of the car.

Aeryk stands at the entrance of the building as waves as Jason drives off. He turns and enters the building and heads toward his condo. That wasn’t so hard, except with that little episode with Brian. Aeryk sighs. What’s the matter with him?

Aeryk reaches his home and enters. He lazily takes off his shoes and carries them into his room. "Why aren’t I tired?" Aeryk moans. I wonder where Brian is. He shuts his room door and tosses his shoes carelessly into the closet.

Aeryk snorts. "Why should I care where he is?" He says aloud. "Probably off with his girlfriend, or something." He scowls as he takes off his clothes and puts on some comfortable boxers and a tank top.

Aeryk decides to find a book to read. At least I know, with books, I’ll always fall asleep.

He finds a book he stopped reading a while ago, about a young girl who gets sucked into a parallel universe and is believed to be their savior. Her best friend ends up being sucked into the same world and they become enemies. He settles down on his bed and begins to read.

Despite the dark storyline, Aeryk finds the book to be absolutely hilarious. It was written by a Japanese author, Yuu Watase, and has the traditional anime style illustrations.

Brian would often tease Aeryk by telling him to grow up and stop reading comics. Aeryk lets out a grunt at the memory of Brian’s smiling face and the sound of his laughter.

Forget it Aeryk, you’re moving on remember? Aeryk turns the page and continues to read. "Tamahome, you’re such an idiot." Aeryk smirks.

Aeryk looks up from his reading as he hears the front door bang open and the sound of muffled laughter. Aeryk shakes his head. "Brian."

Brian and Alasen stumble into the condo. "I think I’ve had too much to drink." Alasen giggles.

"You think?" Brian replies. "I’m surprised you could handle all those drinks you had, with such a small body."

"Hey, it’s a college girls duty." Alasen smiles drunkenly.

Oh great, Aeryk moans. I’ve gotta listen to two drunk idiots.

Aeryk hears Brian’s door slam shut and more sounds of laughter. "If they keep me up all night, I swear..." Aeryk mumbles.

He looks at his clock. "Damn, it’s one already?" He closes his book and lets out a yawn. At least I’m tired now.

Aeryk places his book back in the shelf and shuts off the lights. He settles in his sheets and allows himself to fall asleep. I’m gonna be a zombie tomorrow.

A short while later, Aeryk is awoken by the sound of something falling outside his room. He lurches his eyes open and sits up in his bed. Did someone break in? Dumb-ass Brian probably forgot to activate the security alarm.

Aeryk manages to find his gun in the darkness, locks in a magazine and actives his gun. He curses the high-pitched ringing of the gun and creeps over to his door. "I’m not in the mood for some stupid kid thinking he can get away with stealing something from my house." He mutters to himself.

Aeryk slowly opens the door and peers his head out into the dark hall. He carefully listens for any new sounds, but none reveal themselves. Aeryk takes a deep breath and silently emerges from his room, ready for anything to jump out at him.

Aeryk pads up to Brian’s room and lightly taps on it. "Brian." He whispers. Aeryk patiently waits a moment until he decides to open the door. "Hey, Brian I..." He sucks in a breath as he sees Brian and Alasen making passionate love before him.

Aeryk throws himself into the wall behind him and he gazes at his feet to see Brian’s lamp on the floor. So that’s what I heard.

Aeryk tears his gaze away from the fallen lamp as he hears Brian let out a moan of drunken pleasure.

"Oh god, Alasen I’m gonna..." Aeryk drops his gun, and races down the hall, tears streaming down his face.

Date: July 10, 3021
Time: 12:20pm
Location: F.Y. Police Headquarters

"And this is the third concert this has happened?" Aeryk asks Derryk.

Derryk nods. "Everybody woke up and found that they’ve been totally robbed."

"And what have the police been doing about this?"

"They’re at their wits end, Aeryk." Derryk shrugs as he takes a small drink off his coffee. "Can’t say I’m surprised."

Aeryk smirks. "I’m assuming you want me to handle it?"

"Have I ever told you how smart you are kid?" Derryk jokes. "I’m sorry, yes. I’ve sent Brian and Joe to find out what they can about the whereabouts of Vincent Graves."

"You mean he’s still gone?"

Derryk nods. "Ever since you retrieved the book actually. But that’s none of your concern right now. You need to find our musical thief." He rises from his chair. "And I have a meeting to go to."

Aeryk rises from his chair and walks out of the office with Derryk. "Has there been any descriptions, or anything?"

Derryk shakes his head. "Nothing."

Aeryk frowns. "Great." His frown turns into a grimace as they pass Brian’s empty office. "So how much longer are you gonna keep Jason and me together?"

Derryk looks at Aeryk. "You sound like you don’t want to be broken up with him now. At first you were really irritated with him. What’s with the sudden change?"

"Nothing." Aeryk lies. "It’s just a question."

Derryk arches a brow. "I haven’t given it much thought. It hasn’t been a week yet, Aeryk."

"I know, just wondering." He mutters.

"Is something the matter?" Derryk asks. "You and Brian have been acting really strange the past few weeks.

Aeryk shakes his head violently. "Nothing’s the matter." He lies.

Derryk shrugs it off. "Okay, if you say so. I’ll talk to you later." He walks off.

Aeryk continues down the hall to his office. He opens the door to an unwanted surprise. "Hello Alasen." He says coldly, his eyes instantly changing to the ice blue.

"Hi, sorry if I let myself in." She begins uncertainly. "Jason told me you were in a meeting with Derryk, so I just..."

"That’s fine." Aeryk says as he walks over to his desk and sits in his chair heavily. "What can I do for you?"

"There’s something I want to talk to you about." She says as calmly as possible. Seeing Aeryk with his ice blue eyes makes Alasen very nervous. "May I?" She motions to the open door.

Aeryk waves it off and Alasen quickly shuts the door and regains her seat on the couch.

"Well?" Aeryk begins impatiently.

"I wanted to let you know that I knew you saw Brian and I, well..."

Aeryk eyes narrow. "And you came here to tell me this?"

"Brian doesn’t know." She adds lowly. "I found your gun outside his bedroom door the other night."

"As shocking as it was, Alasen, I’ve gotten over it. So if you would please tell me why you’re here; I have work to do."

Alasen heaves a sigh. "Brian’s been acting very strangely since the fourth, Aeryk. And he won’t admit to it. I was hoping you might know something."

Oh I can tell you exactly what’s wrong. "I don’t know." He lies.

Alasen knows Aeryk is lying and decides to brave his piercing glare. "I know you do, Aeryk. You’re his best friend, please tell me."

Aeryk erupts to his feet. "Best friends don’t go wandering around divulging personal information, Alasen." He snaps. "As much as I would love to tell you everything I know, something is preventing me to do so."

Alasen looks at Aeryk in shock. "What’s the matter with you two? When I first met you, you were so much nicer to me, and Brian was nothing like he is now. He seems almost bent on proving something to the world, and I’m a part of it. He calls me nearly every minute of the day and tell me how much he misses me and..."

"And you’re complaining?" Aeryk gawks.

"It’s not normal." Alasen pleads. "I know Brian’s not that kind of person."

"You’ll find that there are things about Brian you don’t know about." Aeryk says. "Is this all you have to say?"

Alasen rises to her feet, in awe of Aeryk’s current attitude. "Have I done something to offend you?"

Aeryk is literally an inch from blowing up at Alasen, but his better conscious demands he stay in his place. "Alasen," Aeryk forces himself to remain calm. "I’m sorry you’re having problems with Brian right now. But he and I are at odds right now. I don’t think it would be smart of me to have this conversation."

Alasen is foolish enough to press the issue. "This isn’t about you and him, damn it! This is about Brian and me! Can you at least put that aside a moment and help us out."

Aeryk shoves his conscious aside. "You want to know what’s the real problem with you and Brian? Fine, I’ll tell you." He says with eerie calm. "The night before you and Brian went out to Vue D’mer, Brian and I made out like it was going out of style."

Alasen gasps and finds herself suddenly on the couch, Aeryk gazing at her with intense blue eyes. "We were half naked, touching each other, relishing in our hot passion for one another."

The fear that Alasen has been dreading is rapidly rearing its ugly head, too fast for her to cope with. "Stop it." She whispers.

"Oh that’s not the best part," Aeryk continues, ignoring Alasen. "He was hard for me, so hard he was about to tear my clothes off and fuck the shit out of me." His face darkens as he continues. "Then, Alasen," He leans close to her ears. "He professed his love for me."

Alasen gives a soft cry. "Please, Aeryk."

"But sadly," Aeryk turns on his heels and lounges in his chair. "He’d rather be with you, just to make his family happy. He doesn’t give a rat’s ass about you really, Alasen. He’s just using you for a means to an end."

Alasen surges to her feet. "Stop it!"

Aeryk, too, erupts to his feet and meets Alasen’s eyes evenly. "You wanted to know the truth, and now you have it."

"I don’t believe you." Alasen whispers with tears in her eyes. "I don’t believe you."

Aeryk shrugs. "I don’t give a damn what you do or do not believe Alasen." He sneers. "You can leave now."

Alasen stares at Aeryk. He was so nice to me in the beginning. Does he still love Brian? Is this why he’s doing this, to hurt me? "You know what Aeryk," Alasen begins as a new anger wells up inside her. "Screw you." She storms out of his office.

Alasen barely makes it to the elevator when she literally runs into Brian. "Brian." She gasps.

"Hey Alasen," He says, when he notices the tears in her eyes. "What’s the matter?"

I have to be sure. Alasen tells herself. Brian wouldn’t do anything like that to me, would he? He told me before he isn’t gay. We even made love! Aeryk has to be lying to me, he must be. I have to tell Brian. Maybe then, thing’s will get straightened out.

Alasen takes a deep breath, looks up at Brian and tells him everything she and Aeryk spoke about just moments before.

Brian stares at Alasen in total shock for a moment. Words fail him utterly as his mind is unable to comprehend the temerity of Aeryk’s actions.

He told her? The bastard told her! Brian refuses to panic. I can’t let her know that Aeryk was telling the truth. Damn you Aeryk, you’re gonna pay for this.

"Was he telling the truth Brian?" Alasen grabs for Brian’s hands and holds them tightly. "Tell me you wouldn’t do anything like that to me."

Brian looks down at Alasen and smiles reassuringly. "Of course not Alasen. I’ll go talk to Aeryk." He says evenly.

Alasen feels Brian’s body begin to shake with rage. "No Brian, don’t. Not here!"

Brian ignores Alasen and walks down to Aeryk’s office. I can’t believe him! I can’t fucking believe him!

Brian reaches Aeryk’s office and barrels through the door. "Would you mind explaining me what the hell you were thinking?" He roars.

Aeryk looks up at Brian. "She asked for the truth, Brian, and I gave it to her. A concept you obviously can’t grasp."

Brian slams his hands on Aeryk’s desk. "This is my life you’re dealing with Aeryk." He snarls. "Stay out of it."

"Then you should’ve thought about that when you decided to fuck her right in front of me!" Aeryk snaps. "You don’t care about her Brian, admit it. You just want to run away from your problems like you usually do."

"Shut up Aeryk." Brian warns.

Aeryk walks around his desk and faces Brian. "You can’t handle the fact that you are gay, can you? You just want to have your cake and eat it too. You want to use Alasen just so you can play the loving, devoted son to your parents and..."

"I said, shut up!" Brian bellows as he lands a punch across Aeryk’s face.

Aeryk falls back and gazes at Brian, shocked. He places his hand tentatively on his cheek and feels a trickle of blood run down his mouth.

Brian glares at Aeryk, his face contorted in anger. "You just don’t know when to stop Aeryk." He says lowly. "I’ve had it. It’s over Aeryk, no more."

Aeryk’s eyes rapidly change in a blue so light; his eyes look almost completely white.

A rage Aeryk has never felt before consumes his body entirely and he finds himself throwing his body at Brian, roaring in animalistic fury.

Jason turns his head and his eyes widen. "Did you hear that?" He asks Jackie.

"Yeah." The two head out of her office and head towards Aeryk’s. "Aaron, what’s going on?" She calls as she sees him, Jeff, Brent, and Joe rushing toward Aeryk’s office.

Jason and Jackie arrive at Aeryk’s office to see Aeryk and Brian fighting furiously on the floor.

Continued in Part 7

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