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 Nine

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

Aeryk stands amidst a wall of flames. He gazes around him with terror filled eyes and calls out for help. Strange voices whisper in unison to Aeryk, calling out his name.

Aeryk finds himself reaching out with his hands, and the flames die down. "Huh? What happened?" He mutters.

Aeryk walks down a dimly lit hallway. On both walls, he sees likenesses of four animals, a turtle, a dragon, a phoenix, and a tiger. He recognizes the turtle instantly, and reads the other names under the pictures.

"Seiryuu, the holy dragon. Suzaku, the phoenix. Byakko, the white tiger." He says thoughtfully. "What does all this mean?"

He turns as he hears footsteps behind him. He sees eight people emerge from the darkness and recognizes Vincent, and now Beau. "What’s going on here?"

Behind the dark woman and Vincent, Beau and his companions are seen carrying something on a stretcher. As they pass, Aeryk cries out in shock as he sees his body lying torn and bleeding on the stretcher.

"Hurry!" The woman hisses. "The eclipse is almost here."

Aeryk narrows his eyes in suspicion. "Eclipse?" He mutters.

A loud beeping sound suddenly shatters the silence of the hall and Aeryk opens his eyes. He turns over in his bed and shuts off his alarm. Aeryk then lets out a mighty yawn and slowly swings his legs out from under the warm blankets.

"Tell me it’s Saturday and I forgot to turn off my alarm." He moans as he reads the clock, 6:00 am. Aeryk rises to his feet and walks over to his window and pulls open the curtains only to be accosted by the rising sun. "Well that was lovely." He winces slightly.

Aeryk stumbles over to his closet and searches for his uniform. "Where did I put the damn thing?" He grumbles.

After a short while of searching, Aeryk tosses his uniform carelessly onto his bed. He turns his head as he hears a gentle knocking on his door. "Come in." He says.

Sylvia pops her head in the room and smiles. "Good morning Aeryk." She says cheerfully. "Nice to see you’re up and about." She chuckles as he mumbles something incoherently. "Still not the morning person, eh?" She walks in and places a large tray of food on Aeryk’s bed. "Eat up. Derryk says you’re gonna have a long day ahead of you."

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

"Hey, I’m just the messenger." She frowns as she notices the mound of clothes lying in the corner of Aeryk’s room. "Since when have you become so messy?" She marches over and gathers the clothes in her arms.

"I’ve been busy." Aeryk complains.

"Too busy to place your clothes in the hamper that’s only two feet from where you tossed your clothes?"

Aeryk is in no mood to be teased at such an ungodly hour. "I have to get ready for work." He grumbles. Sylvia nods and makes her way out of Aeryk’s room.

After finishing his breakfast, Aeryk places the tray on his dresser and walks into his bathroom to start the shower. He removes his boxers and tank top then wraps a towel around his waist.

Aeryk catches sight of the book out of the corner of his eye and frowns. "Stupid thing. Nothing but a bunch of mumbo-jumbo and a stupid story about the four Gods." He snorts.

Aeryk walks back into his room and gathers his uniform. "Not even worth my time." He says walking back into the bathroom and placing the uniform on the counter. Aeryk pulls off his towel and steps into the warm shower.

As interesting as that stuff is, I can’t believe any of it’s true. If that Vincent guy, and whomever he’s working for, seriously believes in that stuff, all we have on our hands are some typical freaks. I don’t even know why I’m reading the stupid thing.

But why am I having those dreams? And what was that thing with the kanji floating in my head like that? This is strange. I’m having dreams about giant turtles, temples, and a bunch of other crazy shit.

Aeryk frowns his displeasure as he lathers his body with soap. "Probably not getting enough sleep." That, and the stress with Brian.

Aeryk’s frown works its way into a scowl. "No more thinking about him." He orders himself, but his spiteful mind has other plans.

The picture of Brian’s pale face and slouched shoulders appears in Aeryk’s mind. Come to think of it, Brian hasn’t been looking so hot recently. He looked so tired and sick. Aeryk grimaces. I can’t help but feel bad for him. I know this hasn’t been easy for the both of us. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love him anymore. He said he wanted to make things right for us, what did he mean by that?

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

Brian sits on a soft patch of green grass and takes in the sun’s warm rays. The feeling of complete calm and happiness finds its way into his heart again, and the reason looks back at him with smiling green eyes. Despite the warm feelings around him, Brian frowns.

"What’s the matter?" Aeryk asks.

"I feel like this will be the last time I will ever see you again. I’ve wasted my last chance of having you in my life." Brian grimaces as he tosses a stone into the nearby river. "I’m such a failure."

Aeryk frowns. "No you’re not, quit saying that!"

"What am I then? I don’t know how many times I’ve hurt you Aeryk, and I don’t know how many times I’ve screwed things up."

"You’re human, Brian." Aeryk says warmly. "Human’s make mistakes all the time."

Brian shakes his head violently. "Not me, I’m not supposed to make mistakes, not when it comes to you. I love you so much Aeryk. I want everything to be perfect for you. The thought of you being in pain makes me so angry. I don’t want you to suffer anymore."

Aeryk smiles up at Brian. "That’s sweet of you Brian, but you don’t have to worry about me anymore."

"No Aeryk, I’ll always worry about you."

Aeryk’s face suddenly grows serious. "No Brian, don’t you understand that you’ve got to stop this. Look at yourself! You’re getting sick."

"I don’t care." Brian cries. "As long as I know you’re unhappy I’ll continue to worry about you and do whatever I can to make sure you’ll be happy." He faces Aeryk. "Don’t you see that I want you in my life? Don’t you understand that you’re the only one I love?" He clasps Aeryk’s soft hands and holds them tightly. "I miss you so much Aeryk. I want to make things right for us."

Aeryk’s soft green eyes hold Brian’s sad brown eyes. "You know what you have to do."

Brian nods. "I know. And I’ll try my best, for you."

Aeryk shakes his head. "No, for you." He sends a gentle kiss on Brian’s cheek.

Brian’s body warms to the soft touch of Aeryk’s lips and he lets out a soft cry. "I love you Aeryk."

"I love you too, Brian." Aeryk replies.

Brian leans into Aeryk and lays him on the soft grass. The two gaze at each other with loving eyes and Brian runs a gentle hand through Aeryk’s soft brown hair.

"It’s time for you to wake up." Aeryk says softly.

"I don’t want this to end." Brian mutters. "I don’t want you to leave me."

Aeryk smiles faintly at Brian. "I love you Brian. I will always be by your side."

Brian slowly opens his eyes and is greeted by Alasen’s smiling face. "You look like a little baby when you sleep."

Brian smiles faintly. "I’ll take that as a compliment."

Alasen grins. "You snore though."

Brian frowns. "I do not."

"Yeah you do."

Brian and Alasen burst into a tickling bout until Brian finds himself on top of Alasen, his face dangerously close to hers.

Alasen gazes up at Brian for a moment before she tries to kiss him. Brian quickly pulls away. "I better get ready for work." He says quickly as he walks out of the room.

Brian quickly grabs a towel and races into the bathroom and activates the shower. He turns on the radio he brought in a few days ago, which allows him to think aloud, and curses.

"Damn it, when will this all stop?" He mutters.

Brian, recently, has been having vivid dreams in which Aeryk would meet him in an area close to a river. At first, Aeryk said very little but would always council Brian and help ease his suffering. Until now, the dream Aeryk never allowed himself to be touched by Brian let alone kiss him.

"He’s getting so much closer to me now. I can still feel his lips." He steps into the shower and sighs as the warm water caresses his skin. "What he’s asking me to do." He pauses. "What I have to do, it’s just too hard."

Be strong Brian. A voice rings in Brian’s mind. Be strong. "He’s right, I have to be strong."

Brian quickly finishes his shower and walks into his room to find his uniform.

"You doing alright?" Alasen asks lowly from behind Brian.

Brian freezes a moment then slowly buckles his belt. Not yet, I have to talk to Aeryk first. "Y-yeah, I’m fine."

"You’ve been acting strange Brian." Alasen stops Brian from exiting his room. "What’s the matter?"

"I can’t talk about it now, Alasen. I need to go." Brian quickly races out of the condo, leaving Alasen to her thoughts.

Date: July 24, 3021
Time: 10:46am
Location: F.Y. Police Headquarters

"No mom, everything’s going just fine!" Joe says, rolling his eyes.

"Are you sure? No one’s giving you a hard time?"

"Mom! I can handle myself, thank you."

"Well, you’re only sixteen years old Joe! Everyone there is much older than you and I can’t help but worry. I’m your mother."

Joe looks up as he sees Brian walk into his office. "I gotta go now Mom." He hangs up the Opti-phone before his mother can say anything. "Sorry Brian." He mutters.

Brian smirks. "That’s okay, my mother’s the same way."

"So what’s up? Are we gonna try and find Vincent again today?"

"Thankfully, no. Chief has got a new assignment for us."

Joe gets to his feet. "Oh thank God, I was about to pull my hair out."

Brian laughs. "Come on, we need to hit his office."

The two walk down the hall into Derryk’s office and sit in the chair’s facing his desk. "What’s up Chief?" Brian asks.

Derryk looks up at Brian briefly, then down at a pair of photos before him. "This kills me." He says.

"What does?" Joe asks.

Derryk holds up the pictures and shows Joe and Brian two identical men. "See something wrong with these?"

"They’re, um, the same person?" Brian asks.

"No, one of them is your target. The other is the man Aeryk and Jason went after last night."

"Twins?" Joe gapes.

Derryk nods. "Looks like we have ourselves a criminal duo gentlemen." Derryk places the picture of Beau down. "The man you’re looking at is Luke D’Mer, brother to the famed Beau D’Mer."

Derryk places the pictures aside and activates the monitor on his wall. "Luke is a well known male escort. He’s been seen at the side of many celebrities male and female."

Brian snorts. "Charming."

"Why are we after him, Chief?" Joe asks.

"There has been a string of various deaths and theft recently, all loosely tied to Luke."

"What do you mean loosely?" Brian asks.

"The police are under assumption that the deaths of the men or women who pick up Luke are his doing."

"Seeing as he was the last person with them, you’d think it would be obvious."

Derryk shakes his head. "All the deaths have been in a form of auto-erotica."

Joe makes a face. "So there hasn’t been any trace of hair or anything?"

Derryk shakes his head again. "Nothing. The guy is very good, I’ll give him that."

Brian chuckles. "And the police obviously need us to save their butts again, huh?"

"Nice job huh? Being the call boys for when the police can’t do their job."

"So where are we supposed to look for him?" Joe asks.

"There is a celebrity fund raiser going on tonight. You two are going to be in charge of the operation."

Joe’s face lights up. "You mean, no more sitting in the van?" Derryk smirks. "All right!" He yells.

Brian and Derryk laugh. "Alright partner, keep your pants on." Brian says. "We better start planning for this evening." Joe and Brian rise. "I’ll talk to you later tonight Chief."

"Good luck you two." Derryk says at Joe and Brian leave the office.

"This is going to be so cool." Joe says excitedly.

Brian smiles down at his young companion. "Just settle down, okay? You’re going to be in the front line for the first time. Just do what I do, and keep your common sense about you."

"Wait a second, how are we gonna get into the party?" Joe asks.

"Don’t worry, Chief has connections everywhere." Brian smile fades as he sees Aeryk walk into his office with several sheets of paper. "Hey, I gotta take care of something, I’ll talk to you in a second."

Brian rushes off and cautiously enters Aeryk’s room. "Hey, can I talk to you for a second?" He asks.

Aeryk looks up at Brian and pales slightly. "Um, sure." He says quickly.

Brian shuts the door behind him and slowly falls into the couch. "Listen, I wanted to apologize about what happened yesterday. I was totally out of line." Aeryk nods curtly. "Also I wanted to talk to you more about, well, us." He adds cautiously.

Aeryk lets out a deep moan. "Brian," He beings.

"I know I know Aeryk." Brian interjects. "Can you just hear me out, please?"

Aeryk sighs and concedes to Brian’s will. "Fine, but if I start hearing things I don’t like, I’m leaving."

It’s a start Brian. Remember, you’re on thin ice right now, gotta tread lightly. "Recently, I’ve been thinking about what has happened between us, and what I mean by us I mean, you, me, and Alasen." Aeryk nods in understanding, his blue/green eyes impassive. "I love you, Aeryk, and I really mean that. Things just haven’t been the same without you around. I realized, with you gone, I just wasn’t happy. In fact, I was miserable. I can’t eat, I can hardly sleep because I’m always thinking about you." His dark brown eyes start shining with life again. "Remember when I told you I wanted to make things right for us? It’s true Aeryk, I want to make things right again."

Aeryk opens his mouth to say something but Brian holds up his hand. "Please, let me finish. I know that I have to deal with Alasen, and my family, but that’s a risk I’m willing to take if it means having you in my life again. All I’m asking, Aeryk, is for a little patience. I can’t do this all in one day, I need time."

Aeryk turns away for a moment. Is this some sort of sign? Can I do this, especially to Jason? He’s been so sweet to me, and I do like him a lot. But, God, I’m so in love with Brian. I can’t deny the feelings I have when I’m around him. Time, huh? How much time Brian? I don’t want to leave something good behind and end up hiding forever. What should I do?

The soft touch of Brian’s hand interrupts his thoughts. Aeryk turns his emerald green eyes up at Brian. I can do this. Aeryk says to himself.

His eyes, Brian smiles faintly. Does this mean...?

There’s a slight knock on Aeryk’s door and Brian quickly resumes his seat on the couch.

Momentarily stunned by the powerful electric sensation surging through his body, Aeryk slowly rises from his desk and walks over to open the door. He sees Jason’s smiling face, and Aeryk blanches. "Hey Jas, come on in." Aeryk allows Jason in the room.

The moment Jason notices Brian his face reddens with anger. "Didn’t I tell you to...?"

"It’s alright," Aeryk says, putting a gentle hand on Jason’s arm. "He just came here to apologize."

Jason’s tense body relaxes and he nods. "Okay." He mutters.

Brian rises from the couch and looks at Aeryk. "I’ll, uh, talk to you later?"

Aeryk nods. "I’ll see you later."

Brian pauses just as he reaches the door. "Oh, and I might need you guys for an assignment tonight."

Jason nods. "Okay, let us know." He says shutting the door on Brian.

A second later, Brian here’s Aeryk roar of outrage at Jason’s rudeness. Though he should be angry with Jason, he smiles to himself knowing he’s made a big step. I could see it in his eyes. I felt it in his touch. You were right Aeryk, I have to be strong, and with you beside me, I will be strong.

Fear settled in on Brian’s mind. But what if he rejects me? He shakes his head furiously. No, I have to be positive. Damn Jason and his bad timing.

Brian finds himself in his office and he lounges in his chair and heaves out a contented sigh. "It feels so much better being happy."

"You certainly look bright and chipper this morning." Aaron says poking his head into Brian’s office. "What’s gotten into you?"

"Nothing just got a good assignment, that’s all."

"What? No more ‘anging around in the van waiting for Mr. Phantom?"

Brian smirks. "Thankfully, no. I may need you and Jackie tonight, so stay free."

The two jump slightly when they hear a door slam loudly. "Wonder what that was about."

Jackie appears, smirking slightly. "Looks like the two little love birds got into a little argument."

Brian’s grin faded. Did he tell him? Brian’s Opti-phone beeps and he picks it up.

"Hey Bri," Aeryk begins.

Jackie and Aaron look over at Brian with intense interest. "Is that Aeryk?" Aaron asks lowly.

Brian frowns up at the two. "Hey bud, what’s up?"

Aeryk smiles slightly, and then quickly sobers. "How does lunch sound? We can talk then."

Brian’s heart nearly bursts with joy. "Sure, sounds great!" He hangs up the Opti-phone and looks up at the two gawkers. "What?"

"What’s going on?" Jackie teases.

"’Ave you and Aeryk been naughty boys?"

Brian’s eyes widen. "No! Of course not, we’re just going out to lunch."

"I don’t know," Aaron begins. "Jason storming out, Aeryk calling you out of the blue? The makings of something no good if you ask me."

"Good point." Jackie adds. "I wonder."

Brian smirks. "You two won’t leave until I tell you something, huh?" Jackie and Aaron nod in unison. "Alright, just shut the door."

Aaron obediently shuts the door and he and Jackie make themselves comfortable. "I feel like I’m being told a dirty secret." Aaron chuckles.

"Now, I don’t want you two spreading this around but..."

Joe backs away from Brian’s door as he hears him tell Aaron and Jackie about what happened between him and Aeryk this morning. While he knew Aeryk was gay, and heard Jackie and Aaron talk about Brian, he had no idea that Brian and Aeryk had feelings for each other.

In the short while that Joe and Brian have been working together, Joe has developed a strong admiration, and deep love, for Brian.

Joe slowly walks back to his office, his head down in defeat. I guess I’ve waited too long to say something to him. Hell, I’ve always been like that. I’ve always allowed myself to be picked on by the kids at school. I just learned to ignore it, and I got by.

But Brian taught me how to stand up for myself and be strong. He’s been so nice to me and very supportive. He never treated me like a kid. He even told me he respects me! No body has ever done that.

Joe shuts his office door and falls heavily into his chair and props his feet on the desk. "What would Brian say to me right now?" Joe snorts. "He’d probably tell me to say something anyway. At least it’ll be out in the open and I wouldn’t have to suffer in silence anymore."

But that’s what I do, suffer in silence. I can’t tell Brian how I feel can I? Joe weighs out the situation. I guess it wouldn’t hurt all that much. I mean he could change his mind right? He snorts. Yeah right, wishful thinking there Joe. Aeryk’s a good-looking guy. What about me? I’m short, skinny, and I have nothing going for me.

Joe shakes his head. "No, Brian would tell me to go for it. As much as it may hurt, I have to do this."

Date: July 24, 3021
Time: 12:57pm
Location: ???

Jen scowls deeply at the handsome man before her. "What are you doing here?" She demands.

"Nothing." He says, tossing a small blue ball in the air and catching it again. "Just hanging out."

"You’re supposed to be in the city doing your job!"

"What is there for me to do during the day?" The man asks. "The night is my playground, Jen."

Jen snatches the ball out of the man’s grip and glares at him. "Listen Luke, I don’t give a damn what you do on your own time. But when I’ve called you here, you damn well would listen to me." She hurls the ball back at him. "Now what are your plans for the Celebrity Ball tonight?"

Luke shrugs. "The usual, find some horny chick or guy and take advantage of them."

"And what do you plan on doing about the F.Y.?"

Luke smiles up at Jen. "Don’t worry, I’ll handle them." His smile widens. "Especially that hot number, what did they call him, Ogre?"

Jen scowls at the man before her. "Just make sure they’re out of our hair." She storms out of the room and walks down the hall and enters a dimly lit room. "Are you here?" She mutters.

"Yes, I am." A chilling, gravely voice calls from the darkness.

"Have you found anything about the Child?" Jen asks.

"Nothing yet." The voice responds.

Jen suppresses a sigh. "Fine, continue working. I’ll be back later." She walks further into the darkness and tentatively places a gentle hand on thick, wet hair. "Soon, Danny, very soon."

Date: July 24, 3021
Time: 1:00pm
Location: Inner City Café

"So what’s the assignment?" Aeryk asks.

"We’re just after this murderer thief." Brian says. "You might recognize him, seeing as he’s Beau D’Mer’s twin brother."

Aeryk arches a brow. "Thievery in the family, eh?" He pauses a moment as he takes a drink from his coffee. "Have you asked anyone else to come with us?"

Brian nods. "Got the whole crew with us."

"And Chief has everything settled as far as us getting in?"

Brian nods again. "Everything’s taken care of. We just have to wait until tonight." Is he avoiding the situation between him and I? What happened with him and Jason?

Aeryk turns away from Brian’s piercing gaze. "So, uh, you must’ve been hungry. You inhaled that sandwich like you haven’t eaten in months."

Well, it’s something like that. Brian says to himself. I have to bring it up. "Aeryk, have you thought about..."

Aeryk sighs and puts down his coffee cup. "Yeah, I have." He pauses a moment as the sight of Jason’s infuriated eyes appears in his mind. My God, he was so angry. Of course he has every right to feel this way. But it was anger, and not sadness.

"Aeryk?" Brian asks. "Whatcha thinking about?"

"Oh, it’s just Jason." Aeryk admits. "We had an argument this morning, and it left me kinda shaken."

Brian’s protective instincts over Aeryk kick in. "What happened?" He asks.

"I, uh, told him how you felt and what you said. I couldn’t keep it from him." Aeryk says looking up at Brian briefly.

"What else happened?"

Aeryk shrugs. "I told him what was going through my mind. I told him that I’m still in love with you and how uncertain I am of what to do next."

Not good news, not bad news. Brian says to himself. But we’re getting closer, I can feel it. "Do you need some time to think about it?"

Aeryk looks up at Brian. "I think so, I’m sorry."

"What for?"

"I know you wanted a more definite answer." Aeryk smiles faintly.

"Yeah, well." Brian shrugs. "We all can’t have what we want." Ugh, if that didn’t sound fatalistic I don’t know what does.

Aeryk nods in agreement. He has changed, if only a little. Normally he would bug me until I gave him a straight answer. Now, he seems more patient and mature. But there’s the same Brian I’ve always known and loved deep inside. Aeryk smirks. Boy probably hasn’t cleaned the Condo in weeks.

His mirthful thoughts cause Aeryk to chuckle slightly, which grabs Brian’s attention. "What’s so funny?" He asks.

"Nothing, I was just imagining how the condo looks." Aeryk grins. "Ground zero pops into mind."

Brian puffs up in outrage. "Hey, I’ve been good about cleaning! You just haven’t been around to see it."

"Yeah right, who did you bribe to do it for you?"

Damn, he could always see right through me. "My mom." He mutters.

Aeryk bursts into laughter. "Brian, you’re a horrible man. Making your own mother clean her grown son’s condo."

"Yeah, well, it’s not like she didn’t manage to throw her two cents in." Brian grins.

"I’ll bet. That’s what I love about your mom, she has no problem ganging up on you with me."

The two finish the remainder of their lunch playfully jarring each other with their faults and shortcomings.

On their way back to headquarters, Aeryk smiles to himself, enjoying the sense of warmth and love coming from the moment. If feels like its been an eternity since I’ve felt like this. It feels great having him close to me like this, not just as someone I love, but also as a friend.

Brian is nearly beside himself with joy. I can’t believe how close two people can become in a matter of moments. It’s like nothing has changed between us at all. But I know things are different between us now. I think I’ve grown up a little, and Aeryk sees that. And I think he’s grown up a little too. Before he wasn’t willing to give me a chance, now he is, probably. I don’t care right now, as long as we can be like this together.

Aeryk pulls the Z-3200 into a parking space in the garage and deactivates it. "I had fun today Bri." Aeryk says.

"Me too, thanks for being honest with me."

The two get out of the car and meet each other in the front. "I probably won’t see you the rest of the day," Aeryk begins. "The Chief wants me to work on the book some more."

"That’s okay, you’ll still working the assignment tonight, right?" Brian asks.

"Of course I will. I wouldn’t miss the chance to meet all those celebrities for the world!"

Brian snorts. "Figures." He affectionately runs his large hand down Aeryk’s arm and smiles. "I’ll see you tonight bud?"

The electric sensation attacks Aeryk’s senses and can’t help but close his eyes for a moment and savors the sensation. "Yeah, see yah." He whispers as he reluctantly walks off.

Joe appears from around the corner and watches Aeryk walk off before he meets up with Brian. "Hey, what’s up?"

"Nothing." Brian says softly before turning to Joe. "Have a good lunch?"

"Yeah." Joe mutters. "What did you and Aeryk do?"

Brian grins. "Just caught up, I guess you can say. I don’t know if you noticed, but we’ve been at odds with each other recently."

Joe nods. "Yeah, I’ve noticed."

"You okay Joe?" Brian asks. "Is something bothering you?"

Joe blanches. "No, I’m just a little tired I guess."

"I know what you mean." Brian replies. "So how about we get cracking on our assignment, eh?" He places his hand on Joe’s shoulders.

Joe shivers involuntarily at Brian’s touch, and he looks up. "Yeah, sounds good."

Aeryk enters his office and is greeted with a dozen long-stem roses on his desk.

Jackie pokes her head in and gives a low whistle. "Looks like somebody wants to apologize."

Aeryk rolls his eyes and picks up the roses. "You’re just jealous." He teases and looks at Jackie as she shuts the door behind him. "How gay is this?"

Jackie laughs. "Extremely, but that’s to be expected."

Aeryk pulls out a note card and reads it. I love you Aeryk.

"Well, what does it say?" Jackie asks.

"Just the usual "I’m sorry" card." Aeryk lies. "So what’s up?"

"Just getting back from lunch, thought about working, but that doesn’t seem to interesting."

Aeryk snorts. "Yeah, heaven forbid. Why don’t you and Aaron just go patrolling or something?"

"And miss the fireworks? You’ve got to be kidding."

Aeryk looks up at Jackie, perplexed. "What do you mean, fireworks?"

Oh crap, spoke too soon. "Oh nothing." Jackie lies as she looks down at her wrist and pretends to gaze at a watch. "Would you look at the time? I’ve got work to do!"

"Hold it!" Aeryk snaps before Jackie can make her escape. "What are you talking about?" He asks placing the roses on the desk again.

Jackie grimaces and faces Aeryk. "Well, uh, Brian told us about what you two talked about this morning."

"And?" Aeryk demands.

"Aaron and I just wanted to hang around and see what happens." She winces, bracing herself for Aeryk’s temper.

More irritated than angry, Aeryk heaves out an exasperated sigh. "And just what are you both expecting?"

Still expecting Aeryk to blow up at any moment, Jackie adds cautiously, "For you to break up with Jason."

Aeryk leans back on his desk. "What makes you think I’m going to do that?" He inquires.

"Wait a second, isn’t that what you and Brian were talking about at lunch?"

Aeryk nods. "We’ve spoken about the situation, yes. But that doesn’t mean I’ve come to any decision."

"What do you mean?"

Aeryk frowns. "What do you mean "What do you mean"? It’s not like I can just toss Jason aside and throw myself at Brian."

"Of course not Aeryk, you’re not heartless like that." Jackie says. "I only thought, since you obviously still love Brian, you would’ve made some sort of decision. Let it be just friends, or otherwise."

Aeryk shakes his head. "There isn’t just being a friend with Brian, Jackie." He says seriously. "It doesn’t work that way. Beside, I don’t know what to do. Of course I love Brian, but I can’t disregard my feelings for Jason. I’m afraid if I do end up with Brian, I’ll only be hurt."

"What makes you think he’ll hurt you?"

"It’s just this secrecy thing." Aeryk says. "I just can’t stand having to hide from people. Even in this day and age, it’s ludicrous."

"You have to understand Brian’s position, Aeryk. Brian has his family to think about, and what they might think about him. I agree, it is stupid for people to still have those silly views about homosexuality now a days, but there are still people who think it’s wrong. Maybe Brian’s worried about that from his family. I mean, you know Brian better than anyone around here. I know he’s been a screw up most of his life. Now, he can’t stand failure. Maybe, he might see this as a way of failing his family."

Everything Jackie said makes complete sense to Aeryk. When he and Brian first met, Brian did nothing but party and procrastinate. Much to the awe of everyone who knew Brian, he and Aeryk quickly befriended each other and Aeryk brought Brian around. He helped Brian with his testing and studying, and Brian passed the training with higher marks than anyone thought possible.

At times, Aeryk saw the look of disappointment in Brian’s parent’s eyes. He saw that look in his own parent’s eyes long ago, and loathed the feeling. Why Aeryk never thought of this until now, strikes him as odd.

"I see what you mean, Jackie." Aeryk says. "I don’t know why I didn’t think about it before. Thanks."

Jackie’s eyes widen. "What for?"

"Telling me what you just did."

Jackie smiles. "Sure, no problem. So what are you gonna do now?"

God, how I wish this were easy. "I don’t know. I still need to think about it."

Jackie nods in understanding. "Okay, I’ll see you later then." She takes her leave and slowly shuts the door behind her.

Aeryk turns his attention to the roses lying on his desk. What am I supposed to do now? I’m not strong enough to do this, not yet. Oh Jason, you’ve been so good to me. You’ve put up with a lot during these short weeks we’ve been together, and this is how I repay you?

Aeryk’s face darkens and he sits down on his chair and rests his arms behind his head. "This is stupid. I’m sure people would be telling me to listen to my heart." He snorts. "How cliché."

He turns his attention away from the roses and onto the old book sitting beside him. "And what do I do with you?" He asks, picking up the book and gazing at its skillful penmanship written on the cover.

Man, too much going on right now. I might as well accomplish one thing today. Aeryk says to himself as he thumbs through the book to find the last page he read.

"On how to summon the Four Gods." Aeryk reads aloud with a hint of sarcasm.

Aeryk winces slightly as a strange hissing sound rings in his ears. "What in the hell?" He groans. "Man, not again." His eyes roll into his head and he falls unconscious.

"We must hurry, the enemy will be here soon!" A woman hidden within a heavy green cloak cried.

"Quiet Kun Biao," A man covered in a fiery red cloak warned. "The Child is almost here."

"Look," A woman wearing a deep blue cloak cries. "The Child is here."

A young man with tired green eyes and sodden brown hair clamors into the vast temple and nods slightly to the four men and women awaiting him.

"My Lord," A man wearing a bright yellow cloak. "Thank the Gods you are here."

"Thank you, Kun Biao, Bao Feng, Jiong Ling, and Shui Niao." He nods to the four. "Is it time?"

"Yes my Lord, the four statues have been brought here." Shui Niao, the woman in the blue cloak, motions to four statues sitting on grand pedestals.

There is the sound of clashing metal and outraged roars from down below the steps of the temple. "You must hurry." Jiong Ling, the man in the red cloak, says. "Please."

The young man nods in understanding and stumbles over to a large platform with paintings of a large turtle, a dragon, a phoenix, and a white tiger.

"What must I do?" The man asks.

"Just relax and we will handle everything." Bao Feng, the man in the yellow cloak, says soothingly.

The sounds of swords and cries of pain grow ever closer and the four men and women give each other panicked glances. "Begin." Kun Biao orders.

The four raise their hands and begin chanting in ancient Chinese and a strange, beautiful aura surrounds the young man sitting upon the platform. In an instant, an immense beam of white light erupts from the man’s body and soars high into the sky.

The beam of light suddenly breaks apart into four separate large balls of light, and four shadowy images appear inside.

"They’re here." Jiong Ling cries in awe.

Seven more individuals rush into the temple. "Jiong Ling," A man with long black hair and equally black eyes calls. "The Lan Long have retreated."

Aeryk jumps to consciousness when he feels a gentle hand on his shoulders. "Huh? Oh, hi Jason." He says, rubbing his eyes.

"Is that all I get?" Jason smirks.

"Sorry, I just dozed off I think." Aeryk mutters. "What’s up?"

"Nothing just thought I’d check up on yah." His gray eyes darken with worry. "You doing alright?"

"Yeah, I just had a strange dream." Aeryk says placing the book on his desk and rising his feet. "Thanks for the roses." He smiles.

Jason takes Aeryk’s hands and lightly kisses each one. "No problem babe." He whispers. "I’m sorry about earlier, though. I shouldn’t have reacted like that."

"It’s okay, I was being a jerk myself." Aeryk admits. "But lets not talk about that right now. What time is it by the way?"

"Almost four." Jason replies.

"Crap, there goes my day." Aeryk grumbles. "That book, man, there’s something about it."

"What do you mean?"

Aeryk pauses a moment. I’ve almost forgotten. The only person I told about my visions is Brian. Should I tell Jason these things, even when I might break up with him? Damn it, I thought I wasn’t going to think about that right now.

"It’s just a strange book, that’s all. It has stuff about magic and Gods in it." Aeryk shrugs. "Not my kind of thing really."

Jason chuckles. "But you have all those sci-fi and fantasy books right in your bookcase."

Aeryk rolls his eyes. "Those books are hardly anything compared to this one." He motions to the ancient book on his desk. "Those people were serious about it."

Jason smiles. "Anyway, Chief has given us permission to leave early today so we can get ready for tonight. I was hoping you’d wanna come with me and help me pick out the proper attire."

"What do you mean?" Aeryk asks. "I thought this was a suit and tie event."

Jason shakes his head. "The celebs wanted to make it a casual event, to symbolize that they’re mortals like us. So I could just go in shorts and a t-shirt if I wanted to."

"Which you won’t if you want to be seen in public with me." Aeryk snaps playfully. "Alright, let me pack up here and I’ll meet you in your office in a couple minutes."

Jason lands a quick kiss on Aeryk’s cheek and he leaves the office. I guess I was wrong to think that Aeryk would leave me for Brian. Jason frowns. That man has caused us nothing but problems. I’ve got to find a way to keep him away from Aeryk. He’s mine and no one else’s.

Date: July 24, 3021
Time: 6:32pm
Location: Jason’s Apartment

"I hope you’re hungry." Jason calls. "I’m making Amaretto Chicken."

"Sounds good." Aeryk calls back from Jason’s room. "Damn it, the hell am I gonna wear?" He says lowly. Before Aeryk came over to Jason’s apartment, he drove home and brought literally half his wardrobe with him.

"Babe, what are you doing?" Jason chuckles walking into his room.

"I’m trying to figure out what I want to wear tonight." Aeryk moans in exasperation. "Why couldn’t have they made it easier on us and have us wear a suit like normal people?"

Jason wraps his arms around Aeryk and rests his head on Aeryk’s shoulders. "You’ll look fine in anything you choose to wear." He kisses Aeryk. "Now, put that stuff down for a minute and help me make dinner." Jason says playfully smacking Aeryk’s butt before he leaves.

Aeryk tosses his clothes down with a scowl and follows Jason into the kitchen. "Wow, that smells good." He says. "What else are we making?"

"I thought we could go ghetto with white rice and stir-fried veggies." Jason grins down at Aeryk.

Aeryk snorts. "You calling me a snob?"

"I wouldn’t want to offend your finer tastes, darling." Jason teases. "You do know how to cook rice, right?"

Aeryk puffs up. "Of course I do! I know how to cook, idiot."

"Then get on it." Jason smirks before landing another kiss on Aeryk.

"Aren’t we in a good mood today." Aeryk arches a brow as he searches for the rice.

"It’s in the next cabinet over." Jason says. "Of course I’m in a good mood, babe, you’re with me."

"And flattery as well?" Aeryk chuckles and pulls down the rice and quickly finds the cooker.

"What, am I doing something wrong?" Jason asks.

"I’m only teasing Jas." Aeryk says lightly pinching Jason’s side. "So how was your day?"

"Boring as hell." Jason gripes. "Had all this paperwork to fill out, and that stupid accident report for the explosion. Can you believe we have to take responsibility for those guys’ destruction?"

Aeryk sighs. "I’m not the least bit surprised, but I’m sure Derryk will figure something out, he always does."

"Oh, I almost forgot. I want you to try this wine I got today." Jason pulls away from his cooking and finds a bottle of wine he placed in his wine rack. "I know you don’t like to drink all that much, but this stuff is really good."

"Cabernet sauvignon?" Aeryk chortles. "My, how classy."

"Shut up," Jason says rolling his eyes. "I thought it would be nice for us to have a relaxing night together before we have to work."

Oh my God, is he trying to make sure I won’t leave him? Did I do anything to make him think...? "It’s very nice Jason." Aeryk gently kisses Jason. "I guess I’m in one of my moods right now."

Jason smiles and gives Aeryk another kiss. "It’s okay, I guess today made me a little worried." He places the wine bottle down on the table and returns to the chicken. "So, are you gonna tell me a little about that book you’re reading?"

Aeryk’s cell phone rings and he lets out an irritated groan. "How rude." He jokes takings out his phone and places it to his ear. "Hello?"

"Aeryk? It’s me, Brian."

Aeryk’s stomach turns. "Hey, what’s up?" He says quickly walking into the other room.

"Nothing, I just wanted to let you know that we’re going to meet at Headquarters at around nine tonight and get the passes from Derryk."

"Sounds good, I’ll see you there." Aeryk says quickly.

"What’s the matter? You doing alright?"

"Yeah, I’m just at Jason’s right now and we’re about to sit down to dinner."

"Oh," Brian says, sounding hurt. "Sorry, I didn’t know."

"It’s okay, he asked me over to help him out with his attire for this evening. You know how you men are and you’re inability to dress yourselves." Aeryk chuckles.

"I heard that!" Jason calls.

Aeryk laughs. "Sorry about that. Is there anything else?"

There’s a moments pause. "No, that’s it."

"You sure?" Aeryk asks. "What’s up Bri?"

"Nothing, something just caught my attention for a second there. I’ll see you guys later tonight then?"

"Sure thing." Aeryk says cheerfully.

"Hey Aeryk," Brian begins cautiously. "I love you."

Aeryk’s heart lurches into his throat. "I, uh..."

"Hey Aeryk!" Jason calls. "Dinner’s ready."

"Crap, sorry Bri, I gotta go." Aeryk says apologetically. "I’ll see you tonight. Bye."

"Alright bud, bye." Brian says lowly before hanging up.

Aeryk solemnly places his cell phone back in his pocket before he meets Jason in the dining room. "Sorry, that was Brian calling to let us know that we’re meeting at Headquarters to get some passes for tonight."

Jason nods slightly. "Sounds good." He places two plates down. "Let’s eat."

Aeryk lets out a moan. "Man, I feel all light headed."

Jason smiles. "Too much wine babe?" He says stepping into his room while wrapping a towel around his waist. Aeryk nods. "Good, then I can take advantage of you." Jason teases as he kisses Aeryk gently. "Mm, your lips taste good."

"How about my tongue?" Aeryk jokes as he passionately kisses Jason. Wait a second, what did I just do?

Jason looks deeply into Aeryk’s blue/green eyes for a moment before he cautiously begins to kiss Aeryk on his neck. Please Jason, stop. Aeryk pleads with his mind, but his body refuses to cooperate.

A moment later, Aeryk finds himself on Jason’s bed with his clothes off. "I love you Aeryk." Jason mutters. "You’re mine, and you will always be mine. I swear."

Jason’s words went upon deaf ears. Aeryk unsuccessfully manages to suppress a moan of pleasure as Jason begins to make love to him. Please, someone make it stop. Aeryk pleads again. Why can’t I stop this? I love Brian. I love Brian...

Continued in Part 10

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