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MONSTER	By : Radius Category: +A through F > Devil May Cry Views: 10984 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Devil May Cry game series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
A/N: Well, I’ve been caught between school/personal situations/ and drawing to give this chapter a firm editing. Still, it’s got what I want and when/if I ever go back to this chapter I’ll give you guys a heads up. And yep, this was the added chapter I mentioned earlier. At first, I was going to delete it but the chapter offered plenty of opportunities, especially in regards to the theme of this story. What threw it off was a group scene. While it offered good concepts to help the story, it wasn’t enough to devote five pages to it. Plus, Dante is a growing character in this fan fic, with him undergoing a subtle change in each chapter. The scene sort of reverted him back to ‘indifferent jerk’ status, LOL. Still, fret not, sex fiends, there *is* group action in this story. :P And speaking of that, I’m just about done with some pretty ‘rough’ drawings. Here’s my deviant art page. I’ve uploaded a new pic and am almost set to posting a, ahem, rather racy image there soon. First, I’ve gotta check the guidelines and what’s allowed and not allowed, LOL.

http://radiuszero.deviantart.com/

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| Impulse |

                Usually a heavy dose of Depeche Mode and New Order put him back in a good mood. ‘The Morning Sun’ was especially the song that got him ready for a new day. It was just… well damn, it was just a beautifully written and thoughtfully put together piece. Period. The words spoke volumes to him with cheerful but heavy overtones. Unfortunately, it didn’t put him in the zone where he wanted to be. Neither the words nor the melancholic melody moved him today. He tried switching to the radio to get some variety in his diet. It didn’t do much. The current song made his blood run cold and his heart thump loudly.

                “I can’t escape this hell… So many times I’ve tried… But I’m still caged inside… Somebody get me through this nightmare… I can’t control myself…”

Seth sucked on his lower lip. Gazing between his Transformers’ watch and the phone on the nightstand, he sat very still at the edge of his bed. After awhile, however, he checked to see if the phone cord was connected at all, ready to feel like an ass if it wasn’t. The cord was nestled right where it should be. The phone was working. Likewise, his watch was on time. It read five minutes to seven in the evening.

Dante. He should’ve called. He should’ve called hours ago, in fact.

“So what if you can see… The darkest side of me… No one will ever change this animal I have become… Help me believe… It’s not the real me… Somebody help me tame this animal…”

His stomach growled. He only ate a small breakfast. A stack of pancakes and some French toast with lots of bacon on the side. He tried not to eat too much, fearful he’d be stuffed by the time Dante called for brunch. Brunch came and went, though, and there was no call. The official lunch time hours arrived and, again, Seth waited. About the only people that called was Mr. Popovich, with yet another reminder about their conversation yesterday. And then there was an annoying prankster who kept calling and hanging up. Once three o’ clock hit, Seth was convinced Dante was opting for a late lunch. When that didn’t happen, he told himself they were going to have dinner.

                He was still waiting for that call.

                “I can’t escape myself… So many times I’ve lied… But there’s still rage inside… Somebody get me through this nightmare… I can’t control myself…”

“Damn it,” muttered Seth and got up from his bed to turn off the radio.

A whole day. Wasted. And for what? It wasn’t like he couldn’t understand. Had Dante just called to say he wouldn’t be coming, then that would’ve been fine. But to lead him into believing they were getting together? It was bad enough that he waited all this time for nothing, yet not having any of his calls returned was worse. He tried to be reasonable, calling only once every hour. With the exception of Dante’s voice message, he got nothing.

                The stomach growled again and Seth felt hot. He went to the kitchen, trying to find something to satisfy his hunger, soon cursing at what he saw in his fridge. All the meat products he bought yesterday had frozen overnight. It’d take at least two hours for them to be defrosted and even then, it’d lack the specific taste his body needed. He didn’t have that much time. His gig started at nine and the bus ride to the bar was an hour long. He could take a cab but he’d be really tight on cash afterward. So much for a terrific day in this God forsaken town. Perhaps he should’ve spun three times before landing his finger on the map. Still, that was in the past and right now he had other serious things to worry about.

His body was craving for meat. Now. This very instant. It wasn’t funny anymore. This was serious. As Seth’s hands trembled, he saw the evening sky through a kitchen window. The air was humid. It’d been raining during the first part of the day. What was left was heavy moisture that hung around like an unwanted guest. Seth felt irritated by it. He wanted to tear off all of his clothes and skin and dive into a pool of frigid ice water. Seth knew this uncomfortable sensation was going to get worse. Give it a few more days and things were going to be truly unbearable.

Seth hated himself for being so careless; all for a man who made his head spin in circles. This was a sensitive time for his body. Already he felt it. It was a tingling sensation that started from his stomach to his loins. Thankfully, the lust hadn’t hit so much. He was horny, but not enough to take the first thing he saw with a hole and pulse. His change was near, though, and there was no room for stupidity or error. It was going to be a difficult summer, especially in a foreign place like this. He had heard how infamously hot it got around here.

Hungry, Seth went to retrieve his wallet from the bedroom. He almost laughed at how much was in it. Once upon a time, money wasn’t an issue. There was the family’s legacy and his heldentenor voice to keep him well afloat. Of course, that money belonged to the past and he tried to smoke enough cigarettes to fuck up his voice, just enough to never sing opera again. Even if his body’s healing capabilities made that an impossible feat, seeing the ten dollars in his wallet made him feel like he accomplished something.

The phone rang and Seth immediately looked up from his wallet. Dante? It had to be. He had lousy timing but better late than never. Seth grabbed the receiver.

“Hello?” He waited. “Hello?”

No one answered on the other line.

After a few moments of silence, Seth cursed. “Listen, jerk, grow up. This is the sixth time you’ve called. Go check out porn and jack off like the regular kids.”

A song began to play in the background.

“We’re no strangers to love… You know the rules and so do I… A full commitment's what I’m thinking of… You wouldn’t get this from any other guy… I just wanna tell you how I’m feeling… Gotta make you understand… ”

                Seth grew pale and immediately hung up.

He knew that song. ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ by Rick Astley. It used to be his ultimate favorite song of all time. Nowadays, he despised it with a passion. Seth waited a few moments, wondering if the prankster would call. He’d inquire how he knew such intimate information. No way could it have been Dante. The man was totally clueless about anything from the eighties. And there was no way Dante knew that particular song was on his blacklist.

Seth’s eyes strayed to his bed, remembering what he stuffed under its mattress yesterday. He felt cold and numb.

The phone remained silent.

Running a hand through his hair, Seth’s stomach growled again. His vision was getting blurry and that awful light-headed feeling took hold of him. The unsettling call rattled him but his body was reaching its limit. He couldn’t hold off on the hunger anymore.

Seth made sure to lock his door on his way out. Then, he went as fast as he could to reach floor level. Once outside, the claustrophobic feeling that took hold of him slowly dissipated. Somehow being out in the open allowed him to breathe again. Seth chuckled at himself. Paranoia? Exaggeration? Anxiety? Perhaps his body and mind was just throwing him false signals. He hadn’t eaten much all day, after all. The mind could play a lot of tricks during states of fatigue. As for that song… well, that song was a part of the past. The past was dead. Only the future was important. It was a fresh start now.

Seth took a deep swallow and crossed a street, feeling more at ease the longer his legs moved. The diner wasn’t too far and it offered a wide range of meat products. With only ten bucks on him and the possibility of taking a cab, that’d earn him just one sirloin steak. The diner’s steaks always tasted like burnt rubber but beggars couldn’t be choosers. So long as his body ate something he’d be all right.

Seth suddenly paused when his nose picked up a particular combination.

A heavy dose of cinnamon from the various spices ingested. A sweet tang for a sweet tooth. And alcohol from an addiction that could never be satisfied.

It was far. Many, many blocks away, in fact. But it was him. Most definitely. He could recognize that strawberry syrup and drops of tequila emitting from his throat miles away by now. Seth smiled and quickened his pace, trying to narrow the gap. The scent moved away, however, and Seth frowned. So the investigator wasn’t headed to meet him. While that was disappointing enough, Seth considered the possibility that Dante simply forgot about their engagement. His cell phone was probably acting up too, rejecting all of his calls. Either way, the man owed him lunch or, according to the clock, dinner. Even if the investigator was forgetful and running his own personal errands, food and a quickie to suffice the other hunger were needed to make amends.

Seth crossed several streets. Some of them had the hand sign active but he remembered that rules were meant to be broken. He made sure to look out for drivers who felt the same way, though. Halfway to the scent already, Seth’s heart pounded in anticipation. He wondered what Dante’s reaction would be when he saw him. Surprised? Embarrassed? Happy? Dante really was a wonderful man in that he was unpredictable and brutally sincere. There was no bullshit from the investigator. It made Seth giddy each time they talked too. He’d seen the investigator interact with other people and noticed how quiet and reserved he was. To the outsider, Dante was a mature man who only spoke what needed to be said. To someone close to him, however, it was Dante on total lockdown mode. Any conversation from this man was a limited one, where only facts and important tidbits were up for discussion. Seth was grateful Dante spoke more than a syllable and griped about the weather any time they were together. Sure he was a jerk sometimes and kept all personal aspects about himself locked away, but Dante was simply being Dante. He was the untamed, stubborn animal still nursing unhealed wounds. Knowing that, Seth hoped he could patch him up together someday and make him like new.

The scent was very close, just a few blocks away now. Seth took several more streets before the scent grew strong enough to overwhelm him. He stopped at the corner of the street walk and smiled when he finally spotted the owner of the odorous signature.

Seth chewed on his lower lip afterward.

At the exit of a nightclub, Dante wore a dressy but casual, chocolate-brown suit. Standing on both his sides were two young and attractive women dressed in provocative skirts. The trio was currently laughing. A red-head and blond each held Dante by the waist, Seth took an inhale and confirmed his suspicion. Dante’s signature odor was smeared over their bodies, their sexual juices very recent.

As the blond female pulled close to Dante, Seth took a step back. From where he stood, he heard her whisper, his place. It was times like this he wished he was born a regular man with limited capabilities. Of course, Dante’s response, a kiss on the neck and a tender stroke on her bare-back, made his already garbled stomach violently twist. He saw the red-head stray away to haul a cab.

“Let’s get some food first,” he heard from her.

When a cab pulled over, the two women laughed again and entered the taxi. First the red-head. Then the blond. Seth noticed Dante pause before entering. Whatever he was, Dante, too, came with inhuman abilities and by now picked up his scent. Seth started walking away before seeing Dante finally turn to his direction. He broke into a half-hearted run when he heard his name being called moments later.

***

Spook blinked and tried to be as far away from a large, white, and bald man sitting directly across him. According to the dude with the missing eye, he went by the name Big Nail. Spook didn’t even want to know why they called him that. He simply directed his gaze elsewhere and found Radar a few feet away. The team’s psychic was huddled in a corner. Several times Spook felt tempted to ask him to use his connection with the female officer to get them out of here. However, any time anyone went near him, the psychic gasped and prayed a Hail Mary with a trembling voice. The man was too out of it to do much of anything, except cry and pray. In the meantime, Chewbacca and Agent Scully weren’t far away. They stood near the metal bars where three other inmates joined them. Agent Scully whistled nervously and pretended to read the bulletin posted on a wall while Chewbacca whimpered.

Okay, so maybe sneaking and taking photos of a still active crime scene wasn’t a bright idea. Had Damsel gone with them she would’ve pointed that out too. But the idea seemed keen at the time. Hell, how many other paranormal investigators took photos and recorded information from a hot scene? Not many. Of course, there was a reason why investigators didn’t come in by the droves. After a heavy Q-and-A session with a detective who had bad breath and tended to spit when he talked, Paranormal Five, or rather, Paranormal Four was forced to serve some time. Luckily, it was a misdemeanor and because they all had clean records they were treated to only one night in the cell. That was the good news. The bad news? The cops confiscated their equipment. Spook prayed it’d be returned once their time was served.

It was raining pretty hard yesterday and they found an excellent window of opportunity to storm the restaurant where the murder took place. They captured great shots and documented extraordinary details. There were large claw marks on the damaged furniture and bloody entrails that led up to the ceiling. Despite what Agent Scully insisted, evidence pointed at something nonhuman. No way could a human smash up the entire restaurant like that or drag a corpse upside down. Not unless they were fucking Spiderman. Spook could only hope the cops gave them back their stuff. Their entire claim to fortune depended on it.

“Hey, Princess,” Big Nail called from across. He patted on the empty spot next to him. “C’mere. Let me tell ya a bed time story.”

Several men occupying the large cell laughed. Other than his team, there were roughly ten others residing in the same holding cell, some of them serving misdemeanors too. That didn’t make this situation less dangerous, though. There were also other inmates who committed serious crimes and were kept here because the cops ran out of cells and needed to temporarily hold them somewhere.

Big Nail called to Spook again and the young investigator swallowed hard. Okay, so maybe getting back their equipment wasn’t his only worry.

“Uh, no thanks,” replied Spook when he found his voice, “I’m, um, not sleepy. I’m an insomniac.”

“I said c’mere.”

“Seriously, I-I’m fine. Right as rain. Yes, sir, I’m right as rain. And my leg… it’s, it’s got a bad cramp. I can’t get up. My back’s bad too. It’s a genetic disorder from my father who’s a sniper working for the Navy Seals who’ll be picking me up real soon. His squad is coming too, they’re all real bad ass. They’re all highly decorated warriors and fought in Vietnam and the Gulf War.”

Big Nail squeezed his face together in a grimace. He knew Spook was bull shitting. None of what he said made sense. The big inmate stood and towered over everyone, including Chewbacca.

“You might want me to tell ya a bed time story if ya know what’s good for ya.”

“Leave him alone, dude,” said Agent Scully. When one of the three men near him drew closer, he coughed and looked back at the bulletin. “Uh… I didn’t say anything, dude. I’m sleep talkin’ right now.”

He pretended to snore.

Big Nail ignored him and kept a good eye on the young man with the green Mohawk. “In this place, ya need someone to sing ya a lullaby. There’s a boogeyman out there, didn’t ya know?” He snickered, the other inmates doing the same. “This may be your last night in this world and neither your genetically disordered sniper Navy Seal poppa nor his old farts will save ya.”

Everyone laughed again. Agent Scully whistled louder, Radar sang a Hail Mary, and Chewbacca made a small sound in his throat. Creatures with claws that could climb walls they could deal with. But a room filled with criminals who enjoyed getting their jollies by harassing young meat was something Paranormal Four couldn’t handle. Spook tried to push himself as far into the wall as he could when Big Nail took a step forward, his white teeth showing as he smiled.

“Wh-what do you mean by ‘boogeyman’?” Spook asked, trying to change the subject.

“Oh, you don’t know who the boogeyman is?” Big Nail asked and his face slightly frowned.

The rest of the inmates stopped guffawing. Spook sensed tension in the air and immediately regretted bringing his question up.

Big Nail pointed at a lean-figured black man in his forties. He sat at a corner and wore dirty jeans and a grimed yellow shirt.

“Tell ‘em Spruce.”

The black man stood from the bench.

“Eyes black as night, mother fucka,” he said and walked to the center of the cell. He moved his entire body as if he were possessed. “Nails sharp as steal. Don’t nobody know who the mother fucka is. ‘S just a shadow until it comes down on ya, sinkin’ those large teeth into ya.”

Spook breathed. Once he got over the fact that this man was fucked up and still high off whatever he took, the descriptions he mentioned immediately recalled the ones in the surveys.

“C-can you tell me more? Where’d you see this… boogeyman?”

The man’s beady yellow eyes stared deep into Spook’s own set and the younger man felt violated.

“Saw him wit’ my partna last week, mother fucka. We wuz runnin’ our rounds ‘til boogeyman come ‘round.” He laughed. His teeth were yellow and cracked. “Thought the shit we’d been takin’ was screwin’ wit’ our heads. Then we come ta find we was seein’ the same shit. Next thing we know, we runnin’. Mother fucka was fast, tho’, and he caught up to my partna.” The inmate made a violent hand gesture. “Boogeyman snatched ‘im! Jus’ like that. Ripped his fuckin’ legs apart.”

Spook exchanged glances with his teammates. By now, they had all connected the same dots. He had to admit, the jail cell was the last place he thought he’d find information. And yet, it made sense. These were the people of the streets. They were its eyes. As cold, brutal, and frightening as they were, these were the people who kept their eyes opened while everyone else closed theirs.

“What happened next?”

Spruce shrugged. “Dunno, mother fucka. I took off. I see on da news that the pigs found ‘im, butchered into tiny pieces. His limps were torn straight from their sockets, the entire face chewed out.”

“Did you tell the cops what you saw?”

“Who da fuck gonna believe me, mother fucka? Goddamn pigs don’t believe shit. Ya think I’m da only mother fucka seeing this kinda shit? Sheeit. I ain’t. ‘S been happenin,’ it’s been comin.’ There be mo’ people wit’ this same shit but don’t nobody wanna listen to ‘em. Don’t nobody care if someone gets butchered, so long as it ain’t happenin’ in their cozy little mother fuckin’ neighborhoods. They jus’ listen wit’ their eyes and not wit’ their ears.” Spruce looked around. His hand swept the entire cell. “We’s all shadows here, mother fucka, we’s the shadows of human society. Don’t nobody listen to the shadows. Don’t nobody wanna see da truth. Those mother fuckas see only what they wanna see.”

Okay, so Spook had to admit he was one of those people. He grew up in a pretty privileged background. He forced himself to go to the ‘bad sides’ of town just so he could say he knew where these people were coming from. But that was a crock of shit. Whereas he could up and split any time he wanted and retreat back to his comfort zone, these guys couldn’t. They truly were the shadows of human society and because they were, nobody listened to them. They were a scary lot and in his eyes, they still were. Still, even a murderer could be brutally honest.

“So you want me to sing ya a lullaby now, Princess?” Big Nail guffawed and stood before Spook. “You need a protector, don’tcha? You need someone to protect ya from the big, bad boogeyman.”

“Uh, no thanks. I’m cool.”

“But poppa can take care o’ Princess… Poppa can take care o’ Princess real good.” A high-pitched sound came from Spook when Big Nail held him tightly.

Radar sang a Hail Mary while Chewbacca and Agent Scully stared in horror.

“Hey!” a male’s voice said.

Big Nail stopped and turned. It was a security officer.

“Lay off the fish,” the cop said and gave Big Nail a stern look. At last, the inmate let go of Spook. The officer glanced at the young group. “You kids are free to go.”

Spook was definitely relieved but also baffled. They still had a couple more hours to clock in. When he saw a familiar face pop from behind the cop, though, he understood and grinned.

“You guys all right?” Damsel asked as the officer unlocked the gate. “I heard what happened just an hour ago. Jesus, you stupid dorks.”

Chewbacca and Agent Scully had to drag Radar from the floor while Spook quickly made a hasty exit. He gave a head salute to the inmates, though.

“Adios, amigos. It’s been fun. Let’s do this again. Wait, no. Let’s not.”

Once they were all safely on the other side, he considered making another rude remark. Still, not only was there a chance he’d see these loons again, but he’d be no different from the people looking the other way. Even if they were assholes and committed vile crimes, he didn’t want to sink to that level.

“Our name’s Paranormal Five,” Spook said in a voice he considered heroic, “We investigate the unknown. We’re gonna be the ones to catch this boogeyman and be real big. The info you guy’s have provided for us won’t be in vain. We’re gonna bag this boogeyman and give a shout out to each of you.”

“Sure, Princess,” said Big Nail, unconvinced.

“Don’t go bitin’ mo’ than you could chew, mother fucka,” cautioned Spruce. “We’s all fucked up. The town’s a hothouse for crazy shit and boogeyman probably come to fix things up. The four horsemen probably next. We’ve got no one ta blame but ourselves. We’s probably worse than boogeyman.”

“Shut up, Spruce,” muttered Big Nail and sat back down on the bench. “Crazy fuckin’ retard.”

Spruce rolled his eyes and kept quiet.

“Yeah, well, we’re gonna haul him in,” said Spook. “We’ll get the guy who bagged your partner.”

“Awright. We’s cool, mother fucka.” Spruce nodded once and made a hand sign as an appreciative gesture. He sat back down on the bench.

Spook turned and discovered his team was already following the officer. Spook quickly caught up and smiled as he walked alongside Damsel.

“You kids stay out of trouble,” the cop warned when he opened the double doors leading out of the holding area. Each member nodded and went through.

“Thanks for bailing us out, Damsel,” Spook expressed.

“No prob. I would’ve come sooner but…” Her tone was neutral and she stopped herself.

“So they took her in, huh?”

Damsel shrugged and slightly lowered her gaze. They went through another set of doors and reached a lobby area.

“Well, don’t worry,” Spook reassured her and paused at a water fountain. He took several sips and with wet lips, added, “Once we make it big we’ll hire good doctors to look after her. We’ve got some great evidence. Man, I can’t wait to show you it.”

Chewbacca and Agent Scully nodded their heads, grinning.

“Oh, about that…” Damsel inserted quietly and looked at her team. “Sorry, guys, but the cops are keeping those photos and other recorded stuff.”

“Damn it, they can’t do that,” immediately protested Spook, raising his voice. “That’s our stuff.”

“The fuck?” growled Chewbacca.

“Dude,” spoke Agent Scully, wide-eyed. “I’m gonna kill someone right now and land myself back in that damn cell…”

Radar shook his head, already on edge. “All that crap for nothing…?”

Spook’s face grew red and he clenched his fists. They finally got evidence of the unworldly creature stalking the streets, only for it to be confiscated? Damn it. Couldn’t Paranormal Five ever get a break? Were they destined to be losers all their lives? It wasn’t right. Losing evidence because one team member fucked up was one thing. But to have everything flow smoothly and obtain what they wanted, only to have it strip away? That was the equivalent of ripping a man’s heart out. Spook was about to confront the receptionist about the matter until Damsel grabbed hold of his arm.

“Forget it, Spook,” she said, “You guys were trespassing on holy ground. It was a miracle I managed to sweet talk them into giving back our equipment.”

The four males grumbled and Spook still didn’t feel any better.

“I can’t believe this shit.” Spook hit the wall with a fist. A cop walking by paused and observed him. Spook crossed his arms to contain his rage.

“That was ours, dudes.” Agent Scully inserted once the officer moved on. “That’s just messed up.”

“Look, I know you guys are pissed,” Damsel started, “But what did ya expect? Just look at the bright side, now we know there’s evidence out there. Let’s just keep doing what we’ve been doing and collect the evidence our own way. It’ll make us a more legitimate and respectable group.”

“Fuck being legitimate,” Spook argued. “That was ours.”

“I know. But… let it go. Let’s move on and not get caught up on this.” After Spook didn’t reply, she added, “We’re a strong group. We’ll find our evidence in a more honest and awesome way.”

There was a long moment of silence. While he was still pissed at the outcome, Spook calmed himself enough to nod.

“Yeah… I suppose you’re right.”

Everyone else nodded. Discouraged but still determined, the group headed out of the lobby area. Admittedly, Spook was glad Damsel-In-Distress was back. It certainly wasn’t Paranormal Five without her. Paranormal Four pretty much sucked.

***

“Look, I’m pretty busy right now so you might as well leave,” Seth said.

                His voice came from the bathroom and the door was locked. The good news was that he didn’t sound too pissed. Then again, this was Seth.

Outside in the small hallway of the bathroom, Dante heard the other man fiddling with the contents of a drawer. Clack. Clack. Click. Click. Clack. Clack. Click. Click. Clack. Click. Clack. Whatever Seth was trying to find, he was desperate in finding it because the noise grew louder. His movements were just all over the place and from time to time Dante heard him softly curse. He thought Seth was turning his bathroom inside out. Perhaps he was.

The investigator looked down the hallway and considered leaving. It was a mistake coming here anyway. He still didn’t understand why he came. So what if Seth caught him with two women? They weren’t an item or anything. Okay, so maybe he should’ve called and canceled their lunch. After drinks with Enzo and joining the two women for drinks, he completely forgot about it. So yeah, he totally owned up to that part and was ready to make amends. Everything else, well, Seth should’ve known better. He already laid his cards out in the open and warned him about the deck he carried around.

“Seth, am I going to be talking to this stupid door all day?” Dante asked. “Let’s talk face-to-face. Come on. Open the door.”

The bathroom was quiet. “Sorry, but I’m really busy, Dante. It’s twenty to nine and I need to be ready when my cab arrives.”

Once again, the voice was soft. That was the thing about Seth. He avoided confrontation and had a calm voice when he was pissed. His words, on the other hand, conveyed a different meaning. Looking at his own watch, Dante knew he wasn’t simply blowing him off. Wherever he was going, he made arrangements to be there by nine. Still, he almost wished he was being a jerk. Seth kept his composure and offered legitimate reasons to stay inside that stupid bathroom, almost as if he didn’t want to make it easy for him to leave and blame this entire thing on him.

                “How was your friend?” Seth asked from the other side. “The one you were meeting today?”

                “Good.”

                “So I guess you were pretty busy afterwards. Investigating and taking photos of extraterrestrials and the goat lady, huh?”

“Fuck you.”

“Touché.” There was a long pause. “And, uh, you couldn’t call me to cancel lunch?”

“I already told you I was sorry. Besides, my phone’s been acting weird.”

Dante didn’t know why he lied. His phone was working fine and when he finally remembered about lunch, he deliberately turned it off. Usually, he was downright truthful, however terrible the truth was. Being honest was one of the few things he took pride in. But right now he wasn’t being legit. He wondered why that was until he remembered Seth always made him act funny.

He heard Seth chuckling inside the bathroom and knew the brunette saw through his answer.

“I tell you, technology really is evil,” he replied with good humor, “They’re designed to brainwash us and screw with our heads.”

Dante noted the subtle tones again and really wished he went with his gut instinct and left. He didn’t feel he was obligated to call Seth back. Nor did he feel inclined to keep himself solely for him. There was nothing wrong when he saw those women at the club. They weren’t in a relationship. Maybe if he offered Seth money and treated him like a whore, he’d stop acting like a nagging girlfriend right now.

“Your age-old CD player is a part of that evil technology you speak of,” Dante mentioned briefly.

“Yeah, but that’s different. It’s simple and direct. It doesn’t require me to go online and download, upload, or whatever. And it doesn’t drop signals in between a music track. It’s very simple and efficient.”

Dante rolled his eyes. God, it was certainly the funniest quarrel he ever had. No fists flew. No screaming. No crying. And there was nothing direct about it. There were meanings within meanings with subtle tones in between. He wished Seth grew a new set of balls and shouted directly in his face.

“With that type of attitude you might as well move out of the city and live the life of a hermit.”

“I said simple and efficient. Not boring.”

“Same thing.” Dante exhaled loudly and crossed his arms. He was getting exhausted. “So, listen. I just came by to see if you wanted to grab a bite to eat.”

“Sorry, but I’m really busy.”

“So I’ve noticed.” Dante stood right in front of the closed bathroom door. “Exactly what are you doing in there? I’ve been talking to this stupid door since I came up here. Did you start your period?”

Seth laughed again. “Silly jackass, I’m getting dressed.”

“Getting dress? All this time? Jesus. You are a woman.”

“Wow, I can see how you’re a favorite with all the ladies. Tell me, does that male chauvinistic attitude still work on them?”

Only one man could match his sarcastic level and that was the man locked in the bathroom.

“Whatever.” Dante took a step away from the door. “Anyway, since you’re busy, I’m going now.”

“Okay. I’ll call you in the morning.”

He stopped. “Morning?”

“Mmm-hmmm.”

Dante scoffed. “So, you’re going to spend the night away with this mysterious man you haven’t told me about, huh?”

“You’re funny, Dante. Have I ever told you that?”

“Whatever.” He waited for Seth to talk again. “Well?”

“Well what?”

“Who’s this guy you’re scheduled to meet?”

“Jesus, Dante. I already said how annoying you are when you ask too many questions.”

“It’s a simple question.”

“What the hell is it to you?”

Finally, a reaction. He touched a nerve and Seth raised his voice a little. But that certainly didn’t make things better. He was going off. To see who? That damn slut?

“Who is he… or she?”

“Dante, just leave. You’re wasting my time.”

“I’m not leaving until you answer the question.”

“Fine then, Dick Tracey.” Seth gave up. “I need to see the manager of Wolfgang’s Pack. I’m playing there tonight and he needs me to sign a few consent forms before I go on.”

A smile formed in Dante’s lips. “Hah. And here I thought you had a male gigolo on the side.”

“Like I said, you’re very funny.”

“So that’s why you’re getting dressed up right now,” Dante realized. He frowned. “That’s a pretty rough club. They’ll eat you alive.”

“Gee, thanks, Dante. I just loooove your vote of confidence.”

“I’m just saying. Only bikers and thugs go to that joint. They see you and the colorful way you dress and something’s bound to go missing. Your guitar. Your clothes. Your fingers. Pick one.”

“It’s okay. The manager told me I can play over there. I’m very prepared. I did my homework. I know my audience.”

“Ha, I’m sure the manager was nice enough to let you play. He’s nice to everyone. He’ll do anything if he can feed his hungry pack of wolves with live meat.” Dante snorted a little. “Seriously, the real entertainment in that club isn’t the music, but in target practicing. There’s a price for anyone who knocks out the musician with a beer bottle first. Why do you think the manager wants you to sign those consent forms? It’s so you can’t sue him when the shit hits the fan. And I’m being serious here. I’ve seen it happened many times. I really recommend you call it off.”

“Dante, I know what I’m doing. Like I said, I did my homework. I know what type of man that manager is. He’s a sadistic asshole who enjoys seeing blood. Trust me, I’m prepared.”

“What, are you putting on a bullet vest and football helmet?”

“No. I’m wearing a dress.”

Dante chuckled. “Seriously, smartass, what are you wearing?”

“I’m wearing a dress.”

Seth wasn’t being sarcastic. Nor was he being coy. He sounded entirely serious. There were no subtle messages in his tone now. Dante stood in front of the restroom door again.

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

“No. I have a dress on right now.”

The devil hunter tried the doorknob but it was still locked. He banged on the door.

“Seth, let me in. Take it off. I wasn’t screwing around about those assholes throwing beer bottles. They see you wearing… Jesus, Seth, why the hell are you wearing a dress?”

On the other side, Seth was laughing loudly, deeply amused by Dante’s erratic behavior. “I’m a performer, Dante. I need a reaction.”

“Oh yeah, you’ll get a reaction all right. Their foot up your ass, that is.”

“Stop being paranoid, Dante. And besides, what’s your problem? You can screw me. Talk dirty to me. What’s wrong with me wearing a dress?”

“Nothing, you stupid prick. I’m just wondering what’s going to be left of you after tonight. The docs will be feeding you through a tube after this, all on account of a wearing a stupid dress.”

Seth chuckled. “Clothes are just clothes. They have no significant meaning except the one society places on them. Scottish men wear skirts and women wear pants. I can’t understand how people can accept those circumstances and nothing else.”

“That’s the bitch of double-standards. Call it instilled programming or something. I don’t know. But for crying out loud, Seth…” Dante sighed, unable to come up with a proper retort. “Just tell me, and be honest with me, do you cross dress a lot?”

“Does it matter?”

Dante stopped himself. “I guess not.”

“Well, there you go. And for your information, sometimes I do. Though, I prefer dressing up on special occasions.”

“Special occasions?” Dante scoffed. “Right. Like when you want to be butchered alive by a pack of very-heterosexual men armed with knives, guns, and beer bottles?”

“I like to fuck with their heads. I like to see them act like complete jackasses over something so small as what I’m wearing. Never mind the rapists, murderers, and serial killers sitting among them.”

Dante understood Seth’s reason now. And it made sense, as crazy as it sounded. Whether Seth dressed modestly or not, Wolfgang’s Pack had already made up their mind when they saw him enter and talk to the manager. Seth wanted to get it out all in the open and see who blinked first.

“Just so you know, Seth, I like women too. I go both ways. It’s probably why, I’ll admit, this cross dressing thing freaks me out. Don’t expect me to share in this insanity.”

“Insanity? Hah. You’re too funny. But hey, I don’t expect you too, Dante. And just so you know, I go both ways as well. I like women. But I’m not going to hide behind them just to defend my manliness, ego, or whatever you want to call it.”

“Whatever, Mrs. Doubtfire.” Dante took a step back and crossed his arms again. “So… are you going to show me what you’re wearing or what?”

“I thought you were leaving.”

“I got a few minutes to spare.”

“Hold on, then.”

Waiting outside the bathroom, Dante was struck with curiosity. Okay, so he couldn’t leave just yet. The news was too crazy and bizarre to ignore. Then again, this was Seth. Seth was an opened type of guy with no limits. Yes, he still envied Seth’s outrageous outlook on life. It was another thing that no other person could provide for him. He had many women and men before, but none quite like this. And, of all things, Seth was an Other. How many Others cross-dressed and sang Madonna in a purple guitar, surrounded by pink and alluding imagery? Seth was certainly a handful but the world was colorful with him in it. He flew high and didn’t care for the ground below. Deep down, Dante hoped Seth could teach him how to fly too.

“Okay, tell me what you think,” Seth finally said and unlatched the door.

Dante wondered what type of ‘dress’ he wore. A short miniskirt? With leather and belts? Hah, Seth had nice legs so maybe there was hope after all. Again and again, Dante had to grin at the possibilities. The bathroom door creaked as it widened and Seth stood at the door’s frame.

“Well?”

Dante’s mouth was slightly opened and his eyes were fully awake.

The rich red, kimono-fashioned dress fit long and nice over Seth’s slender body. Its sleeves were cut diagonally short, just above his forearms. Draping down the rest of the way, the finely rippled fabric corresponded with the style of elegance and grace. The v-neck emphasized Seth’s smooth and creamy chest, sensually pointing downward. Half of the dress was decorated with gold-interlaced designs of dragons while the other half was completely void. A long leg cut-off revealed more skin, showcasing a toned and slim leg that was as smooth as the rest of Seth’s body. Wearing two-inch platform heels with ankle belts, Seth was an inch taller than Dante.

Seth’s make-up added a bit of eighties spice into the mix. He wore orange-red lipstick with hot pink and bright blue eye shadow. The blush on his cheeks sparkled. On one of them was a Japanese symbol written with blue eyeliner. For his hair, Seth emphasized the tips, making them twist and turn in all directions. His sideburns curled against the cheeks while the bangs on his forehead swayed. Gone were Seth’s purple highlights, all restored back to his pitch-black color. The return of his natural tone added another intense shade against the red. Overall, it was an alluring look, one that embraced Seth’s feminine qualities while still maintaining his true gender.

“You don’t like it?” he asked a bit quietly when Dante didn’t say anything for a long time. “It’s all right if you don’t. You don’t have to agree with it.”

Seth stopped talking when Dante approached him within two steps. The silver haired man reached for his hair, gently moving a strand away from his eye. Afterward, he planted a kiss on his neck, slowly caressing the skin there with his lips. Seth smiled. He was pleased Dante appreciated the style. Granted, he was going out like this whether or not the investigator agreed with what he saw. Still, it made him happy that he made a believer out of the skeptic. The smile eventually faded, however, when Dante ran a hand up his thigh and the smell of various perfumes hit him.

“I can’t get any stains on it,” Seth muttered. “This dress cost me an arm and a leg. My cab is scheduled to arrive pretty soon too.”

“Screw it,” Dante commanded, completely stirred by what he saw. He held him.

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Seth was as graceful as a geisha and highly reserved as a samurai. It was just the oddest and most vivid thing he ever encountered. Pushing Seth against a nearby wall, Dante’s breath was heavy as he kissed the chin, instantly loving the soft texture and fragrance. The heat came then, a strong and hot wave that ignited his entire body. It was a furious warmth, with the blood boiling and the air seemingly too thick to swallow properly. Seth had awakened a hunger from within, one that was both unnatural and demanding. This man was his, Dante kept telling himself. This man was forever his. No one else could claim him. Not man or woman. Not human or Other. This creature was his.

“Screw the gig too,” Dante told him later and passionately claimed his lips. “You’re with me tonight. And I’ll pay for the dry cleaning if we make a mess.”

The phone rang.

“Sorry.” Seth gently pushed him off and tried to smile. “That’s my cab.”

“Oh, c’mon,” coaxed Dante. “You get all dolled up and I can’t have a taste?”

“Hmmm, why not go back to your… friends? Just remember to wash up before you see me again. Their perfume is giving me a headache right now.”

Seth walked around him. Reality came and Dante froze. He looked at the direction Seth went through, still trying to breath.

“Don’t be pissed,” Dante murmured to him. “I already said we aren’t in a relationship.”

“I’m not pissed,” Seth replied from his bedroom now.

By the time Dante arrived there, Seth was on the phone, telling his cab he was coming out. The investigator leaned against a doorway.

“So what’s the problem?” he asked.

Seth looked up at him as he set the phone down. “Nothing, Dante. I’m fine, really. It’s just… why… never mind.” He stopped himself from going any further. “You should go back and have fun. I’m going to be pretty busy with my gig anyway.”

Dante sighed. “That so, huh?”

“Well, it’s what you want, right?”

“How do you know what I want?”

“I don’t. With you, I’m always stepping on glass.”

Dante felt the sting in those words and chose not to take this conversation any further. He was too much in heat to put up a proper fight. He didn’t know whether to punch or fuck this man.

“Call if you need me. Like I said, that place is rough. You may swoon the crowd to your favor but, either way, that dress is coming off.” He paused and couldn’t deny the heat that kept getting stronger the longer he stayed. Quietly, Dante added, “You’re too… divine. People can’t handle the divine real well.”

Seth looked at him, noting the sincerity in his voice. He smiled a little. Then he gathered his guitar from the bed. As he made his way to the door Dante intersected with him. The investigator reached out and caressed the chin he kissed just moments ago.

“You have no illusions. Right?”

Seth bit his lip. “Of course not, Dante. I understand what it is that we have. You remind me all the time, remember?”

“Seth… I just…” Dante took a big swallow. “I’m trying to prevent a big disaster from happening. We’ve only known each other for awhile. Now you want me to commit? Christ.”

“No. I just want you to give it a chance. I think… we’re pretty good for each other.”

“See? There you go again. You’re taking things too fast. You’re backing me to a corner, forcing me to make a decision that I don’t want to make.” Dante exhaled. “Can’t we just leave it like this? Can’t we just embrace what we have and not worry about what we don’t have? Can’t that be enough for you?”

Seth shrugged. It was an answer that could’ve gone either way. As usual, Seth’s lack of fully committing to an idea or decision annoyed the hell out of Dante. Still, he didn’t probe any further on the matter. No matter what, this man belonged to him.

“Let’s go out tomorrow. You told me you want to learn the sites of this town, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Tomorrow, then, I’ll take you to a popular dance club. It’ll be my treat. Be ready by seven.”

Seth hesitated. He tried to smile. After a long while, he finally replied, “Call if you change your mind, Dante. Please.”

“Be ready by seven,” was all Dante said.
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