Ephemerae - Part I - Genesis

Characters: Nemo, Allan Salis
Pairings: None
Warnings: Language, sexual references
Author\'s Notes: First, if I get any comments about an orange and white clown fish I swear I will flay someone! >.<
Okay, now that\'s out of my system, many thanks to anyone who\'s been reading! ^^ I\'m not at all confident about my writing, but I hope you\'re enjoying it. Comments and constructive criticism are very much appreciated.
~ Love Deika

---

“Here you are love. You look like you need it.” The waitress’ warm smile was touched with a hint of concern as she set a coffee mug down on the table. “Don’t worry about paying, it’s on me.”

“You’re a treasure Nicole. Thankyou.” Nemo managed a half smile, gratefully inhaling the rich aroma. He hadn’t realised he looked as bad as he felt. But then, Nicole was the closest thing he had to a mother in this city, and she could always tell when he wasn’t feeling his best. And to put it bluntly, Nemo felt like shit.
He hadn’t slept at all the night before; hadn’t even been home yet. It was now a little before nine in the morning, and he was beyond tired. Nemo knew he was running himself down, that he needed to rest and give himself a break. But he couldn’t afford to stop working. He was behind on his rent payments again, the electricity bill was still stuck to the fridge door awaiting his attention, and unfortunately his stomach didn’t feed itself. The long hours were killing him, but what other choice did he have?
He had no qualifications or references - none that would get him a real job anyway. Spending his nights whoring himself out on the streets of Capital City was the only way he could hope to survive.

Sighing, Nemo added sugar to his coffee and stirred it in, absently skimming the headlines of his newspaper. It was all the same as yesterday, and last week, and last month. In the two years that Nemo had been living in the city, the headlines had never changed. The details might vary, but the basics were always the same.
‘Crime on the rise’, ‘ Another Fringe District fallen to the Outland Clans’, ‘Murder’, “Blackmail’, and so the list went on.
Nemo wondered why he even bothered reading the papers - he already knew what would be written there. Still, it gave him something to look at besides the wall, and it distracted him from his own problems long enough to enjoy his coffee.

---

On the other side of the little cafe, Allan Salis was similarly ignoring his worries with the aid of caffeine and a greasy bacon and eggs breakfast.
After leaving the hospital last night he’d opted to go back to the police station and write his report, rather than do it at home where the distractions of his family would ensure the work never got done. As a result, he was late getting home and the dinner his wife had cooked was ruined. Kerry had given him the silent treatment for the rest of the night, and come morning she was still pissy. Lacking the energy to risk another argument erupting, Allan had left for work early and stopped for breakfast on the way. He knew he was taking the coward’s way out, and he regretted that the kids were getting drawn into his and Kerry’s problems, but Allan just couldn’t deal with it right now.

Not wanting to dwell on his failing marriage, Allan, as he always did, turned his thoughts to work. He was mulling over last night’s interview with Ryan Delaney, eyes drifting aimlessly about the cafe, when of the other customers caught his attention.

A young man, probably no older than twenty five, with messy, unbrushed hair left to grow long at the back and cut in shorter layers at the front to fall about and frame his face. He was dressed in low riding, faded jeans, platform boots and a long sleeved mesh shirt that showed off a lean, pale skinned body. Last night’s makeup was smudged around his eyes and he looked desperately in need of a good long sleep.
All this Allan’s sharp eyes took in quickly, but two simple features made his gaze linger and set the wheels in his head turning.
Black hair. Green eyes.
That, combined with his youth and undeniable good looks, made him a definite potential victim for Allan’s serial killer.

If he was a better person, Allan’s first instinct might have been to warn the green eyed man and maybe find a way to protect him. But Allan’s only thought was on how he could use this man to catch the elusive murderer.

---

“Excuse me, do you have a moment?”

Nemo didn’t look up as the deep voice sounded from his left.

“Sorry sweetheart, I’m not working right now.” Taking a sip of coffee, Nemo turned the page of his newspaper and proceeded to ignore the man, figuring he’d get the hint and leave. There was a moment’s silence, then that voice again;

“My name is Detective Salis, I’m from the CCPD. I was really hoping we could have a little talk.”

Green eyes flashed up, instantly wary. Prostitution wasn’t exactly illegal in Capital City - it was far too widespread for that. But the police were doing what they could to keep it under control, and while they couldn’t touch the registered brothels, they could do a lot to make life difficult for a street whore like Nemo.

“Hey, I’m only trying to make a living Detective. If you were in my position, I bet you’d do the exact same thing.”

“Will you shut up for five seconds?” Salis snapped irritably. Nemo took the advice and promptly shut up. “Thankyou. Now you can calm down, I’m not here to make trouble for you. If you want to sell your soul for a few dollars that’s your business. I won’t stop you. This is about something else.”

“Like what?” Still suspicious, Nemo eyed the cop critically. He grown accustomed to not trusting people very quickly since his arrival at Capital City, and in his mind everyone was a possible threat. Salis looked around furtively, as if worried someone might be listening in on their conversation.

“I’d rather we didn’t talk about this here. I understand this must be confusing, but if you’ll accompany me back to the station I’ll explain everything. I promise you’re not in any trouble, and you can leave any time you want.” He added when the suspicion didn’t leave Nemo’s face.

Nemo didn’t reply right away. A frown creased his brow as he studied Salis, trying to figure out what he could want with him, but coming up with nothing. The best he could think of was that the good Detective wanted a blow, but if that was the case Nemo didn’t think he’d be taking him back to police headquarters.

Headquarters ...

Nemo smirked, pretending not to notice the querying eyebrow raise from Salis. Finally he nodded his agreement, curiosity over riding caution. A man only lived once. Might as well make it interesting.

“All right, I’ll come along like a good boy. But only because this cop show intrigue has got me curious and I’m too tired to guess what this is all about. I hope you don’t disappoint me blue eyes.”

Salis gave no response, just nodded and turned to lead the way, presumably, to his car. Nemo lingered a few moments longer to drink the last of his coffee and wave goodbye to the waitress.

“Bye Nicole. Thanks for the coffee dear.”

“You’re very welcome my love. Take care of yourself, hear me?”

“I will. But only ‘cause it’s you asking.”

“Cheeky boy! Off with you!”

Nemo let Nicole shoo him out of the cafe, his playful grin fading when he almost ran into Detective Salis.

“If you’re quite finished?” He said tersely, missing the roll of Nemo’s eyes as he turned away.

“Terribly sorry officer. It won’t happen again. Lead the way.” Nemo gave a mocking salute, then slid his hands into the back pockets of his jeans and sauntered after Salis.

The car ride back to the station was completed in relative silence. Salis didn’t offer up any more information, and he only spoke to tell Nemo to shut up and stop asking questions.
Realising he wasn’t going to get anything out of the uptight Detective, Nemo shut his mouth and amused himself by staring at Salis for the rest of the trip. In the heavy city traffic, the ride took at least forty five minutes, giving Nemo plenty of time to look at Salis properly, and quietly smirk at the way he shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.

Salis was a good looking man under the grim expression and couple of day’s worth of stubble. Strong jaw, a few frown lines on his forehead and smile lines at the corners of his eyes. He wore his brown hair long enough at the front to hang in his very blue eyes, giving him a slightly rugged, unkempt look.
Probably in his mid thirties, Salis was a dependable looking man. The kind one could rely on when things got tough. Nemo casually cast his gaze down to the tanned hands that gripped the steering wheel, and he was strangely disappointed to see a gold wedding band adorning the left hand.

Stupid ... As if you’d ever have a chance with someone like that ...

Nemo frowned and turned away to gaze out the window, suddenly no longer interested in his game.

As if I want someone like that ... As if I want anyone at all ...

Two years was a long time. Long enough to adjust to this new life. Long enough for the hurt and bitterness to fade to a dull ache. But nowhere near long enough for love to die.

---

Allan was relieved when they finally reached the station and he could escape the younger man’s piercing gaze. It wasn’t that he was particularly self conscious. More that the man seemed to be looking into him rather than at him. Allan was just a little bit concerned about what he might see. And besides, it was damn creepy being stared at like that.

Once safely in his office on the third floor, Allan sat down behind his desk and motioned towards the empty chair facing it.

“Have a seat.”

“Why thankyou.” His ‘guest’ sat down with a sigh, raking a hand through his hair and crossing long legs at the knee.
Before he began his explanation, Allan realised he hadn’t even asked the man’s name.

“Sorry, I didn’t ask you name?”

“It’s Nemo.”

“Nemo. Unusual name.”

“I think it suits me.” Nemo smothered a yawn and gave a bitter smile. “Now what’s this all about lover? I’ve had a long night and I need my beauty sleep.” Another yawn punctuated his words.

Allan outlined the case as briefly as he could, knowing all he said had been endlessly reiterated in countless newspapers over the past few months.

“So, what? You think because of my hair and eye colour I’m at risk? How sweet, you’re worried about me? But are you warning me ‘cause I’m special, or are you doing the same for all the green eyed hookers out there?” Nemo flashed a quick grin and pressed a hand to his heart. “Don’t worry Detective, you can tell me the truth. If there’s someone else, I can handle it. I mean, I’ll be broken hearted, but in time I’ll --”

“Do you ever shut up?!”

“Only when my mouth is otherwise occupied.” Nemo winked and smiled suggestively, letting the tip of his tongue slide over his lower lip. “I can think of lots of ways to keep me quiet.”

“Do any of them involve a gag?” Allan muttered.

“Oh, sure. If that’s your thing, I’m all for it. Maybe we could throw in some handcuffs too. I bet you like it kinky, don’t you Blue.”
Vivid green eyes gleamed mischievously as Nemo began to rise from his seat and move forward, apparently of the mind to climb onto the desk. Tired of playing games and more than a little horrified to find that the idea of Nemo in handcuffs was oddly appealing, Allan drew his gun and pressed the barrel to Nemo’s forehead.

“Ooh, I like a man with big guns.” Nemo purred.

“You know what I’d like? For you to sit back in your chair and listen to what I have to say.”

“Aww, you’re no fun.” Sporting a formidable pout, Nemo obediently slid back into his seat.

Reasonably sure the younger man was going to behave, Allan lowered his gun and set it down on the desk. He was beginning to wonder if this whole thing wasn’t a complete waste of time. When he’d come up with the plan of using Nemo, he hadn’t expected him to be so annoying! Still, he’d come this far, might as well see it to the end.

“I brought you here because I want you to help me catch the murderer. With your looks you’ll be a definite target if he catches sight of you. If you can lure this guy in, I can have a team pick him off easily.”

“So you want to use me as bait, is that it?”

“Put simply, yes. Will you do it?”

“That depends on how much you’re paying.” Nemo said smoothly.

For a moment Allan didn’t know what to say. Why hadn’t he anticipated that Nemo would expect payment?

“Well, I can’t pay you, but --”

“Then it seems we have nothing more to talk about.” Nemo smiled sweetly and rose from his chair. “I’m no two dollar whore Detective Salis. If you want my services, I expect compensation.”

“Nemo wait --”

The dark haired man was already halfway across the room. He paused long enough to look back over his shoulder;

“Don’t worry lover, I’ll see myself out.”

And with that, he was gone. Allan watched the door swing closed and swore bitterly. He’d just fucked up big time. Unless ... Seconds later he was on the phone with his partner.

“Mac, where are you?”

“Downstairs dropping off paperwork. Why? What’s up Salis?”

“There’s a man heading down from my office. Skinny guy, black hair, green eyes. Wearing fishnet and platforms. I need you to follow him. Find out where he lives.”

“Allan, what’s this about?”

“I’ll explain later! Do you see him?”

“No -- Oh, wait, that must be him. Just got out of the elevator. Wow, what a babe --”

“Mac!”

“Don’t worry, he’s not my type. I’d seriously consider turning for him though.”

Allan made a frustrated noise and was answered by Mac’s laugh.

“Be calm my friend. I’m following him. You better have a good explanation for me when I get back.” She chuckled again and hung up.

Allan sighed and leaned back in his chair. Sometimes he wondered about Mac’s mental stability. How anyone could be so constantly cheerful was beyond his understanding. Still, he couldn’t have asked for a better partner in Mac.
One of the youngest cops on the force, she always got the job done. Usually doing a better job of it than men with double the experience. She was a tough chick, and Allan was glad to have her watching his back.

The decision to have Mac follow Nemo was a spur of the moment one, but Allan was determined to salvage what he could and make use of the irritating man whether he was aware of it or not. He felt sure Nemo would attract the killer, and as long as he had a team watching him, they should be able to step in before Nemo became the next name on the growing list of victims.