White Rabbit

Disclaimer: ‘Dark Prince’ is an actual book (mentioned in this chapter), it is written by Christine Feehan and I don’t claim the right to it.

Jukebox: I thought that poor baby had a fever. I wonder if he\'ll have fever induced flashbacks and nightmares? Garnen still being too caustic. Hope he wises up soon. I have to agree with some of your other reviewers in regards to your use of description of the scene. It makes the scene easy to visualize in my head so I see it play out as I read along.

Thanks for returning to review again! No fever flashbacks in this chapter...though it’s a good idea. I may actually use that later... I’m trying to get Garnen to wise up...slowly but surely. I hope it’s not too slow for anyone. I’m glad you’re still enjoying the story!

I loved the first line of this chapter! “Put the gun down and step away from the whore.” I\'m not entirely sure why, but it really cracked me up. Garnen makes a wonderful, if somewhat reluctant and grouchy, savior for poor Ashi. I just adore slash stories where one guy nurses another back to health. That sort of thing totally pushes my buttons. It\'s great to see their relationship keep inching, ever so slowly, toward true intimacy.

Oh happiness! You already have fourteen chapters written. I hate it when people get me hooked on their wonderful stories, and then stop writing them. It\'s very reassuring to know that I have so much more to look forward to.

Love,
Falcon

I almost didn’t stop the last chapter where I did, but I specifically wanted that as a first line...I’m glad you liked it! I really do hope no one gets frustrated with the slow pace I’m taking for them...but I have to feel I did it right...x_x

Yes, fourteen chapters, and growing! I tend to stick with my stories as a rule, so I hope I don’t ever have to worry people on that one. It\'s nice having a few chapters as a fall-back for possible writer\'s block though. ^^\'


Chapter Eight

He drifted out of sleep, slow, grudgingly, like waking from a trance. His head still hurt, but he shook back the feel persistently, unwilling to fall back into the calming wave of slumber that continued to push. He wanted to wake this time.

Ashi blinked, winced and squinted with malcontent at the instant attack of light the action received. Sunlight. Bright, dreadfully cheery sunlight. He groaned and covered his eyes in frustration.

Finally with another slight grumble and a glare to the side for nothing, he shook his head again mildly, briefly shut his eyes, and took a breath before sitting up. The light outside looked full, far into morning, possibly even close to midday. He wondered if he really had slept through to an all new day? Past that of the seeming afternoon of the previous and into the next altogether?

Sighing, he pushed back the worry. He would find out soon enough, if he could just get from the bed. Still dressed from several days back, he frowned at the attire and made a mental note to ask for new as he made his way down.

The stairs came as quite less of a hassle this time, thankfully, and he reached the base on reasonably steady ground. By the time he reached there, however, he again struggled for locating the skillfully elusive officer. Noise from the kitchen alerted him.

As soon as he entered, Garnen looked up from a newspaper. “About time you woke up.”

The rabbit snorted. “What day is it?”

Garnen raised an eyebrow. “So you think you slept that long eh? You have a good sense of time. It’s Friday the...” He glanced at his watch. “...21st of October, 10:30 in the morning to be exact.”

“Great. Two days.”

“Not exactly...I found you...Thursday morning in all reality, Wednesday night.”

“Call it Wednesday, same thing. I still missed all yesterday. Damn, Toni\'s gonna kill me...” Ashi frowned. “And Tray has no idea where I am...”

“He your boyfriend?” Garnen offered, more sarcastic than anything else, but Ashi didn’t take it as such, only shrugging in indifference.

“Which one? Toni is my boss, Tray is my....roommate...slash close friend. I’ve known him for...a long time.”

The officer looked disinterested at best. “Does he know you cheat?”

“Dammit! You have no idea what you’re talking about! Why does it always have to come back to that? I have a life, I am a person, and despite whatever you might think...sometimes, what you say...matters! I don’t take well to being fucked with by-“

“I thought you took very well to being ‘fucked with’?”

Ashi’s cheeks burned with flaring emotion, hate and fever combined. “You...are the most disgusting, ill-mannered, self-centered bastard I’ve ever come across, and coming from me, that says something.” His words came seethed and fast, spat as he said them with every bit of meaning before spinning abruptly from the scene. Garnen looked up with a brief frown as he left, watching the display with more than necissary frustration.

The rabbit caught his head in dizziness, just before the stairs, in a gesture the man expected he wasn’t supposed to see, and despite all his denial, he still felt the twinge of guilt at the action. Ashi was obviously still sick, and all he could do was shout at him? He glared to the table ahead. No. The man didn’t matter, a passing job, nothing else. His chief clearly stated he needed to keep the rabbit alive, not happy, right?

Garnen grumbled and finally gave up on his paper, dropping it to go console with the ‘rodent’.

He frowned as he found his own door locked. “Ashi...this is my house...you can’t lock me out...”

“I just did.” Came the muffled, and obviously frustrated snap of the man within.

“Ashi...this is childish.” Silence greeted him and he growled. “You can’t lock me out forever...” Still nothing. “Open the damn door!” Oh, the silence. “If you don’t get your little cotton-tailed ass over here this instant...” He glared at the wooden barrier heatedly, as if a simple stare could somehow force it open. “I swear I can break it.”

“It’s your door.” Ashi mumbled lowly.

Garnen frowned, not having taken that into account. “I will get in. The question is how long it will take, and what happens to you afterwards.”

“I’m terrified officer.” He’d never sounded less so in Garnen’s opinion. “How about you just break my neck now and get it over with? I’m sure that’ll sound great to your boss. Oh...yeah...oops....I killed the witness cause he wouldn’t open my fucking door!” The last four words came shouted with heavy emphasis, especially on the profanity.

Garnen sighed and thunked his head on the door dully. “Please open the door, Ashi?”

“Why?” That came quieter, and the officer could almost hear the pout, only stubborn defiance keeping him back now.

“Do you want breakfast or not?”

The door opened.

Garnen smirked down at the tiny, pink-cheeked figure and Ashi glared, ears twitched off in annoyance. “Where’s my breakfast?” The officer laughed out loud, the sound full and humorous, but surprisingly, not mocking, even in the least sense as he grinned. “What?” He actually saw the pout now, in person, and curious even in it\'s innocence and frustration.

The laugh reduced to a hearty chuckle and Garnen shook his head. “Has anyone ever told you, you look ridiculously cute when angry?” Ashi’s eyes widened slightly, startled by the comment and cheeks tinting all the brighter before violet narrowed abruptly and the door slammed shut again.

“Aw, come on, Ashi! I was kidding! Open my door, dammit! I meant-“ The door opened ever so slightly and Ashi stood there, distrusting and undecided, in the doorway.

“You were kidding?” He questioned suspiciously and Garnen sighed, folding his arms with a small frown, glancing, speculating, over the figure before him.

“Yes. I was kidding. I am capable of that you know.”

“Never noticed.” Ashi grumbled lightly, though with little bite, curiosity now replacing it in his tone. “Why did you say it then?” He questioned.

Garnen puzzled this, not entirely sure why himself. “I don’t know...I suppose I meant...I’m sorry. I really will try to converse politely, ok?”

Ashi shrugged. “Whatever. Just get me a doughnut and I’ll love you forever.”

Garnen chuckled. “I’ll be sure to keep away from those then, hm?” The rabbit gaped.

“Then I’ll hate you! For like...ever!”

Garnen rolled his eyes. “Make up your mind will you?\" He sighed and shook his head, giving up on the arguement and turning back to a more pressing question. \"Are you feeling better yet?\"

Ashi nodded. “Yeah. I still feel kinda dizzy, a bit off, but I’m fine.”

The officer nodded, and, despite his previous threats, he then lead the albiri out, from the house, and to the car. As they made it in, he began talking again.

“So...doughnuts.” He watched Ashi situate himself, frowning, but not commenting as the man, again, failed to even touch his seatbelt. “What are you in the mood for?”

Somehow, in the farthest, vaguest sense, the question made Ashi think of a date, but he pushed the thought from his mind, assuring himself of foolery and answering plainly. “Chocolate. Lot’s and lot’s of chocolate.”

Garnen chuckled. “Chocolate it is then.”

The drive over didn’t take long, pulling out of the quiet, calmly populated neighborhood of Garnen’s residence and onto the buisier streets before coming back to the simple, singularly owned private business Garnen took a particular liking to.

The ‘Sugar Bowl’ tended to serve most any sweet confection thinkable, and produced it with great abundance and quality.

Ashi stared as they entered. “This isn’t where we got doughnut’s last time...”

The officer shook his head, keeping back laughter at the other’s avid expression for the variously assorted sweets, adorning the walls and shelves like trophies, rare arts of their form. “No. This place is a bit different. You said you wanted chocolate...”

“You better have a wide paycheck and a big wallet...”

Garnen raised an eyebrow. “Won’t this...” Ashi gave an indignant yip as a hand pinched brashly, though not overly rough, at his rear. “...pay for it?”

Violet narrowed in silent seething, now guarding his backside from the other as they moved. “I hate you.”

The officer looked unfazed, satisfied smirk fully in place. “Sure you do, rabbit. Don’t worry about it, I’ll pay. I know you probably don’t get to much...” Ashi’s look of distaste only increased. “...do you get charity or something?”

“You’re two-faced!”

“Hey, I’m still buying you chocolate.” Ashi shut his mouth and Garnen shook his head with another chuckle as he stepped up to the counter. The man there, round, but cheery looking and just a tad flustered, looked like the most cliche version of a baker Ashi could think up. He looked quite pleased to see Garnen though, and gave a toothy grin, wide and friendly.

“Usual, Garn?” He glanced to the smaller figure beside him, even as violet glared and he raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you wait ten years and this is all you can find for a date?” Garnen laughed, fully grinning now as he glanced down, savoring Ashi’s utterly foul expression for all it’s worth.

“Nah...I’m afraid he’s a bit to snappy for my tastes...that and he does the splits for the highest bidder.” The man at the counter looked curious, even a bit surprised.

“What’s he doing with you, then?”

“He’s my case for the time being...and seemingly has a taste for chocolate.” He glanced up and saw the other’s increasing look of interest and hearty enthusiasm. “Think you can help me there?” The other chuckled fully.

“Anything for you, Evans. I’ll see what I can getcha...you...and your little rabbit-eared friend, hm?” Garnen offered a grin and nodded, leading Ashi off to a table after he paid generously.

Ashi looked anticipating, if not still slightly glum for the previous comments on his position. “So...what’s your relation to him?”

“He’s a good friend of mine...” Garnen’s look grew suddenly distant, more faded, but serious. “He introduced me to Rosa...she used to work here, you know?” Ashi looked honestly curious.

“Your wife?”

The man nodded. “She loved this place...put so much into it...I always thought it slightly silly at the time...her enthusiasm...giant grin as she’d come home all covered with powder and sugar, hair in a jumble with baskets and baskets of unfinished confections...”

Ashi didn’t know quite what to say, only smiling as he got a mental image, perfect and clear, of the bustling and busy woman. “You loved her very much...didn’t you?”

Garnen glanced up. “Very much. She became my life...I didn’t even know how much so...until she was gone...I hated myself after that...” Their order interrupted any further speech as the man who’d previously attended the counter came up. “No one else on duty, Jay?”

The man shook his head with a slight chuckle. “Not now...you came just after the rush, Garn. Perfect timing, as always. Here you are, two doubles and...each of the truffle, fudge, and devils chocolate confection.”

Ashi stared at the doughnuts before him. “These are...doughnuts??” Garnen nodded, taking up his drink, and blowing off the heat. “How are you supposed to eat them! They look like...artwork!” Jay looked curious, but quite pleased at the comment, pausing in his retreat back to the counter.

“You’re friend has good taste, Evans. Maybe you should keep him around...” Ashi looked up and the cook winked, wiping hands on his apron even as he turned away and the rabbit flushed in turn, moving back to stare at his ‘doughnut’ before him.

Garnen smirked slightly over his cup. “He’s also easily pleased...” Ashi glared. “...and impressed. It doesn’t take much to get this little one going. Don’t get your ego up.”

Jay shook his head in exasperation, even a hint of displeasure, disapproving. “If there’s one thing Rosa taught you...it was to be open minded, Garnen. Don’t forget that.” Garnen frowned as the other disappeared behind the counter and glanced out the window, morning light now shining in fully on them, their seat directly by the side.

Ashi settled himself with trying bit’s and pieces of each confection, relishing in them all, but still feeling the uncomfortable need for conversation. Finally, he spoke up. “So...what do you do...I mean, in a literal sense. I know you’re a police officer but...”

Garnen looked curious at the question, scouring over the figure, as if trying to decide whether the question came honestly or not. In the end, he shrugged and returned to his drink quietly. “I used to be a field cop, directly out in the action. Our squad moved on every case, surrounding escapee’s, breaking and entering, busting in on the perpetrator in the most direct sense.”

When he made no move to continue though, Ashi\'s brow furrowed in confusion. “You don’t anymore?”

Garnen frowned slightly, shaking his head. “No. I really...lost interest I guess. I blamed myself for Rosa’s murder. As my wife...she was a direct source to me...and on all the important cases...that put her in direct danger.”

“I’m sure she knew that.”

“She did. But...I still...wish I could have done something more...you know? If I would have gotten there a few seconds earlier...if I would have called in, gotten more backup...redirected...anything. So many points, I-“

“But you can’t look at it that way.” Garnen glanced up. “If you look at all the things the could have happened, might of happened...you never know. Maybe...maybe any one of those could have landed you with more dead...you dead even. If look at the if’s and’s and but’s...could haves...should haves...you’ll kill yourself in an endless circle. There’s no end to the things you could have done...but it makes no difference now. The best thing...is to look at all the things to keep happy in the present, and not make the same mistake twice.”

Not make the same mistake twice.

Garnen looked intent, perplexed, as he locked on that perfect purple-blue vision, lavender in the light. Golden tinted bubble-gum locks hung short and waved about the ivory smooth, porcelain face before him, and he frowned slightly. He looked innocent. Honestly innocent. “Don’t make the same mistake twice, eh? Have you?”

Ashi laughed, almost bitter, losing the innocence to torn lines of worry instantly and casting back the previously youthful gaze. “Are you kidding me? Yes. I have. So many times.” He shook his head. “But I get up each morning, right?” He looked over to the other and Garnen nodded. “You never know who you might meet on a good day.”

Garnen raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. “Is today a good day?” He took a sip of coffee, and the smaller man grinned, almost coy and hinting at mischief through it all.

“I’m not sure yet...but chocolate’s sure a good start.”

Garnen chuckled. “Yes. Chocolate...is often a good start...to a lot of things.”

Even as the laughter faded, the smiles stayed, and both men kept smiling, kept talking, all through that morning. Not a single argument, save a few playful banters, escaped them, and, unbeknownst to either, Jay smiled in the background, shaking his head with a quiet chuckle, and only watching with quiet assurance as they left, together, still talking, and still smiling.

Long after they’d left the confines of his shop, far out of earshot, and gone from sight, he added quietly. “I still think you’ve picked up something a bit more special than you bargained for, Evans... That or I’m turning into a fat old romantic.” Jay smirked and shook his head in spite of himself. “Though I do admit...I never suspected another male.”


*~*~*~*~*

Ashi giggled and squeaked as he stumbled, more than a bit clumsy, as he made it from the car. He wobbled to gain footing, and even then didn’t do so well as his main attention focused on the last bit of doughnut his fingers kept. Garnen raised an eyebrow. “Don’t hurt yourself...”

The rabbit grinned and shook his head happily, but the other man’s gaze lost track of the movement, following instead as a small, pink tongue flicked out, darting up and over, just briefly, across chocolate coated digits. “M-mm, nope. I’m fine.”

“Ah.” Garnen didn’t look completely convinced, but pushed his eyes away from other as they entered the house. After inside though, watching the man’s movements reminded him of another pressing matter, and he frowned slightly. “Come here.”

Ashi glanced up. “What?”

“Just come here for a second.” The rabbit looked more than a bit confused, but complied nonetheless, moving forward. “Come now, I’m not biting. Look.” Violet widened slightly as the other tugged him closer, but only landed with a hand on his forehead.

“Garnen, what-“

“You still have a fever.”

The albiri pouted. “What’s that supposed to mean? I feel better now. I have energy!”

“I knew I let you have to much sugar.” Ashi glared. “You need new clothes...clean ones.” At this, the rabbit did glance down and frowned. “You’ve had those since Wednesday, I’m sure we can find you something knew...at least for now. I need to talk to the chief.”

“When do I get my clothes back? If you just let me go to my apartment-“

“That’s what I need to discuss. Exactly how close of a watch I’m supposed to keep on you.” Garnen hung up the coat he’d used to keep back morning chill and began toward the room he’d first taken Ashi to for clothes.

“I still feel like I’m being babysat.” The other man muttered glumly.

“Yeah, well if it’s any condolence, I still feel like a babysitter.”

“So much for peaceful relations.”

Garnen raised an eyebrow. “You don’t like being the baby?” Violet glanced up with a small frown to the other, contemplating.

“I’m a big boy, Garnen.”

“Or do you just like playing with the big boys?”

Ashi frowned, glancing up with intrigue. “Yes. That to...but sometimes, you have strive above to actually learn anything.”

“Sometimes, if you try to hard, you can hurt yourself.”

“I don’t need protection.”

“Everyone needs help every once in a while.”

“There’s always some factor in your life you can’t control. Nobody has all the power.”

“God.”

“You said you didn’t believe in god, Garnen.” Ashi shook his head and turned away. “I can’t put my faith in god...he turned me away the instant I dreamt of other men.”

“That gives no right to blame him for your problems.”

“Garnen...” Ashi looked back with a frown. “Simply because I put no faith in something doesn’t mean I blame all trouble on it. Is there no medium in this world?”

“If you take a medium, what is it?”

Ashi laughed quietly, though he looked distant. “That God doesn\'t exist.”

Garnen frowned at this, dissatisfied, but he finally sighed. “We should get you dressed...or...changed at least. I do need to talk with the chief.”

After Ashi’d finished with appropriate dress selection, Garnen laid out the points for the day. “So, do you actually want to come with me to the meeting? Or would you rather stay here.”

“You’re gonna leave me alone in your house?” Ashi looked skeptical and the other shrugged.

“It’s not like you’ll do anything. I don’t want you any sicker than you are and if a trip is to much for you, then-“

“I’ll be fine.”

Garnen looked him over, a tiny frown, undecided. “I think you should stay.”

“I said I feel fine, Garnen!”

“It’s just a check-up, a few questions, nothing important. It just isn’t efficient to tote you around and-“

“Tote me around? I have a right to argue my case!”

“Just...stay here, rest, read something, I don’t care, ok?”

“You’re not paying attention to me.” Ashi stated glumly.

“I have two rules. Don’t break anything...and don’t pee on the carpet.” The other gaped but Garnen left before he got the chance to object again, snapping the door shut tightly behind him. Ashi glared, lifting back the curtain to watch as the other pulled from the driveway, flipping him off briefly before grumbling and staring ahead to the ceiling.

“So...I’m assuming you don’t have anything interesting to read...” The rabbit finally muttered, completely to himself as he began a silent survey of the house. He already knew the kitchen well enough, big, full, but nothing much in it. He frowned at it’s continued lack of stock, scouring over the fridge, cuboards, and freezer, only to find the remains of an almost empty juice carton as the only sugar on the premises.

That in hand, he began his tour. Living room, the couch he’d slept on, lamp, a decent sized TV, but not much of particular interest.

Figuring he had pretty much all right to everything at the moment, he took a full search through Garnen’s exceedingly limited DVD selection, a few tapes tossed in. “Boring, boring, boring...dull, crap...chick flick?”

Ashi lifted the case, looking curiously over the cover, decorated by two distantly sad faces. A woman and a man, both attractive actors and the rabbit nodded with a snort. “Definitely chick flick...damn...probably left over from his wife...” He replaced the tape and stood. “Read...I wonder if that means he has a library in here...”

Finding nothing on the first floor, he took the stairs in curiosity, anxiously hoping for a book now, despite his previous dismissal of it. In all reality, he loved a good read, but hadn’t gotten his hands one in far to long.

“Garnen’s room...bathroom...” He opened another door and frowned. “Office...” He moved down to the last door. The instant he opened it, he stared, like walking into a whole other world.

Not giant, or overly decorated, just, bright, open, and...beautiful. It was a library, large enough to hold a whole section of shelves, like a miniature bookstore, but tall. The light filtered between dusty columns, like old forgotten heirlooms in their time, and he briefly wondered how often the man came in there, if ever anymore. He’d never seen him visit it.

The selection looked wide, everything from fantasy and romance, to what looked like political documents, books of law, past cases. It almost came as a surprise to find such a room, especially on the second floor, and wondered briefly what it stood over, almost immediately deciding it must cover the ‘storage’ room.

“Well...I suppose I can live with this...” He grinned, like a child in a candy store, almost as he had at the doorway to the ‘Sugar Bowl’, and took instantly to the shelves.

Science-fiction, novels...fantasy. He smirked over the selection and finally decided on a single, well used looking book, nicely covered, but slightly dusty from recent disuse. “Nothing like a good fantasy...”

By an hours pass, he had himself fully equipped at a table, apple in one hand and eyes avidly on the pages before him, the full light of morning streaming brightly upon them. When the car returned outside, he didn’t register, and only when the door to the room finally opened did he look up, slightly startled at Garnen’s curious expression.

“Here you are....what are you reading?”

Ashi’s brow furrowed slightly and he flipped to the front. “‘Dark Prince’...by...Christine Feehan...fantasy.”

Garnen nodded. “You haven’t felt sick, then?”

“I took a pill earlier, just the small one though. I am feeling better. What did your boss say?” Garnen frowned slightly and Ashi looked puzzled. “What? I can handle it, I promise.” The officer chuckled, running a hand lightly through his hair and glancing away in a typical sign of nervousness. “Come on, what is it? Can I go back to my apartment?”

The man sighed. “Yeah. You can.”

Ashi raised an eyebrow. “What? You gonna miss me?” At the other man’s frown he smirked. “You’re gonna miss me. You’re gonna miss me!” He set the book down with a grin and stood, moving over to the other, look firmly in place. “Admit it. You’re so gonna miss me.”

Garnen crossed his arms. “Now why...on earth...would I ever miss you?”

“You’re gonna miss me...you’re gonna miss me...you want to kiss me...you want to-...eep!” Ashi blinked and stared as Garnen had tugged him quite close, held up by the neck of his shirt. “Garnen...”

“Listen. You’re still my responsibility, and I don’t want you getting in trouble, ok? I’ll drop you off at your apartment, but I’ll be coming by, every other day, and you better be there, alive and well, alright?” The rabbit tilted his head slightly.

“Not only are you gonna miss me...but you’re worried to? I’ve made progress.” He smirked even as Garnen glared.

“This is strictly my job, rabbit.”

“Uh-huh.” Ashi looked pleasantly unconvinced. “You’re gonna miss me...” He chanted quietly, continuing his prodding despite Garnen’s grumbles. “So...will you take me home now? I sorta need a ride...”

“Yeah, yeah. I get it. I’ll take you...but you have to tell me where.” Ashi nodded simply, in an undeniably happier mood now, only to Garnen’s increased frustration. They made it into the car, and the smaller man gladly directed their movement, explaining his destination easily.

The actual building didn’t look in all that terrible of a state, despite it’s uncouth location. Driving up and parking, Garnen noted he felt slightly off, out of place, and wondered if this was the feeling Ashi got in the police station, his house even? The parking lot looked like a metal jungle, all the cars about him in conditions considered shabby at best, most in obvious disrepair, and a scrap-pile at worst.

“You...live here?”

Ashi nodded. “I’ll show you my apartment...so you can find me later?”

“Oh...right.”

“Oh come on, it’s not that bad.” Garnen’s eyes flickered to the movement as Ashi caught his hand, not even thinking of it as he lead the other on. After brief consideration, he allowed the move with a tiny mark of curiosity, but kept silent about it. “I live on the third floor, hope you don’t mind stairs.” As he pushed in through the front door, a woman instantly looked up from the counter.

“Shi! Er, Mr. Tekieri, you’ve returned, so nice to see you’re quite alright after all.” She glanced to Garnen. “Isn’t it a bit early?” Garnen’s cheeks burned and he opened his mouth to object, but Ashi came in first with a chuckle.

“Who, Garnen? He’s not here for that. I need to take him up to my apartment though, does Tray have the keys?” She glanced to their still locked hands but said nothing.

“Yes, sweet, but...here. You can take the spare, be sure to return it though, alright?”

He grinned. “Thanks, Marge. I will. Where is Tray? Have you seen him?”

“I’m not sure...he might actually be up there already. Lan has been by a lot lately.”

Ashi groaned. “Great. I suppose that means knock first?” She grinned and he nodded. “Alright, I’ll take that into account, thanks again, Marge. You’re a life-saver.” She chuckled and shook her head lightly, adding quietly.

“If only. Good luck, Shi.” She watched, silently keeping an eye as the other lead Garnen off. Even as she speculated, she knew she’d never seen him before, large, very attractive. A small frown of curiosity passed her face. Shi brought in so many men, of so many sorts, but somehow, she wondered on his actions. She’d never seen him quite so...happy.

Ashi lead him up the stairs, quickly, easily, keeping his hand firmly behind him as he brought the officer forward. Garnen took in all the surroundings, trying not to focus on the tiny grip in his. Plain walls, not peeling, but unpainted with a shabby attempt at wallpaper in only certain areas. Floor two, floor three.

The stairs ended abruptly and Ashi lead him off down the hall. “Here we are.” The man stopped and Garnen noted the number, 303. He frowned, it looked more like a hotel room than an apartment, but said nothing as Ashi knocked.

The shuffle from inside came instant, muffled but clumsy. “Down! No! Put that thing...ugh! Get...no...under the...no! That pile over there!”

“Pull your pants up, Tray! You look...ouch! What have you got in-...wow....I didn’t know you left this here....”

“Just shut up and open the door!”

“Right.” By the time the door Ashi had his arms crossed and eyebrow raised. Garnen only stared as some, brilliantly blonde-headed boy made it to the door, hair in a shuffle and golden eyes sparkling with interest and surprise. “Shi!\" He quickly turned back to call over his shoulder. \"Tray! Ash is back!”

Another scramble and the dark-haired boy made it over, contact opal gaze immediately on the albiri. “Shi! Damn, Shi...where you been?” He glanced over and frowned. “We’re...sorta using this apartment right now...unless you wanna mess with a fours-“

“Garnen’s a police officer.” Ashi explained and Tray’s eyes snapped to him, instantly tense and cold, sparking with threat.

“Shi...if-“

“No. He’s not here for anything.” Tray opened his mouth again but the other interrupted him. “...and I’m not in trouble, so no, you will not have to bail me out again.” The darker boy visibly relaxed slightly, though still viewing Garnen with distrust.

“Alright. So...why’s he here then?”

Ashi shrugged, careless. “Don’t worry ‘bout him, Tray. He may be by more often soon, kay? If he comes by...and I’m not here, tell ‘im where I am?” The other looked undecided. “Come on, Tray...don’t you trust me?” He grinned and winked even as the other frowned.

“Yeah, sure, whatever, Ash. If you say he’s trustworthy....” He glanced again to Garnen, and the officer, for the record, gave a tiny shift, almost undetectable, but a silent threat in itself, protective behind Ashi. It visibly unsettled the boy, but he said nothing, nodding mutely. “Right.”

“Good. There, see, Garnen. You can leave now. You know where I live...and you’re welcome to come by to make sure I’m ‘alive and well’ as often as you want, kay?” Despite his friendly tone and open expression, his eyes shone with what almost looked like a plea, praying him just to accept and leave, not push the subject.

Finally, the officer nodded curtly. “Of course. Ashi...” He glanced to the boy in the doorway. “...Tray?” He nodded glumly, still unhappy looking. The blonde boy looked completely unaffected, golden eyes bright. “Lan...is that your name?”

The boy grinned enthusiastically. “Ya. Nice ta’ meetcha officer.”

Garnen made a slight grunt but gave no further acknowledgment before he turned from the room, giving a last glance wavering lavender before leaving fully. No reason for regret now, no room to change, just leave. Yet, somehow, he felt as if he were throwing Ashi back into a cage of ravaging boars than a room of overly energetic teenage males.

He didn’t worry about Tray and Lan, but later, that night maybe, wherever the man went, he worried for him, and it frustrated him. He cursed and forced himself to continue, it wasn’t his concern. He just had to get the rabbit from his mind, that’s all.

Lavender, wide violet, bubble-gum, candy lips... He swore and glared as he opened the car. Since when did all mental description of Ashi come in the form of edible sweets?

Note: Please review! I’m so frustrated...this chapter is unedited, choppy... If anyone sees any mistakes...please tell me? I really need a beta or something...:gonk: What exactly do they do anyway? (beta\'s that is)