Southern Charm

Chapter Fifteen: The Devil
Date Written: 2/22/06
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairings: Dee/Ryo
Warnings Homosexuality, murder, hoodoo use, mentioned NC (non consent, or rape) and the issues that go with it. FOR THIS CHAPTER: TAKE YOUR INSULIN SHOTS NOW, PEOPLE. SO MUCH SAP.
Disclaimer: Same as Chapter Zero
Spoilers: All the way up through book 7
Notes: All. Gena's. Fault. All her fault! The idea, the sap, all her. :: points :: ALL GENA!

Also, I have never gone on one of these paddleboat things, so I'm taking creative license. You have been warned.
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When night falls, the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen or Riverboat Cajun Queen rises to the occasion. Step on board and cruise with us into the night where the sleepless activity of America's busiest port buzzes. The sounds of a lively jazz band fill the air as you enjoy a lavish Creole buffet in elegantly appointed dining rooms.

After dinner, enjoy your favorite cocktails and sweet river breezes on the promenade deck as the city skyline slips by under a canopy of stars. This Dinner Jazz Cruise is pure New Orleans, pure pleasure!

Both vessels feature outer decks with authentically patterned wrought iron trims inviting guests to stroll back in time as they settle into the mood of a bygone era. The interiors are richly appointed with plush Victorian style draperies, soft period lighting, wooden parquet dance floors, and Louisiana Cypress bars accented with brass railing for a warm and welcoming setting.

Journey with us by boat, Cajun-style, for a 1 hour 45 minute tour through the heart of Southern Louisiana's swamplands. Experience real-life adventure for the whole family from the comfort of our swamp boats. Tour back into our privately owned meandering bayous and take a look into the past. View moss draped cypress trees, fascinating plant life and the creatures who make their homes here.

Your Cajun guide is a native of the area who will share with you the legends and lore of Louisiana's still untamed wilderness. Our Coast Guard Certified swamp boats can accommodate up to 250 passengers when all of our tour boats are in use. Each boat has restroom facilities. School groups are welcome and a picnic area is available for the children to bring a bag lunch.

Bring your camera and capture wildlife at any time! Alligators, snakes, egrets, white-tailed deer, mink and nutria all make their home here in the Louisiana swamplands.

--from neworleanspaddlewheels.com
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Ryo smiled across the table at his lover. "We're lucky they had a table open."

Dee smiled back. "Yeah, we were."

The two of them were currently dressed in suits and ties, smiling at one another across a small table. The faint sway back and forth of the paddleboat they were on made the candlelight coming from a hurricane lamp in the middle of the table flicker a bit, but the glass stayed still. Sultry jazz music floated on the air, mingling with the conversation of the small group of people.

When they had gotten up that morning, Dee and Ryo had decided to venture into the tourist bureau that they had passed in the Quarter every morning when traveling to Cafe du Monde's. They had met some particularly nice ladies, who had smiled when the two lovers had said they were from out of town and immediately recommended some 'local flavor' tours. With some hurried typing and a few phone calls, they had managed to land a table on the nighttime paddleboat jazz tour later that day. They had boarded the boat as the sun was sinking, and the New
Orleans skyline had faded behind them long ago.

Ryo smiled, eying his partner appreciatively. "You should keep your suit on more at work."

"You don't think I look overdressed?" he asked, looking around. They were the only two in fine suits (the ones that Dee called "court day" suits), but everyone was more or less dressed up--ladies in skirts or dresses and men in nice shirts and slacks.

"No, I think you look really good. I should talk you into this more often," the blonde teased back, sipping from his wine glass.

Dee chuckled ruefully. "This frickin' tie is buggin' the crap outta me," he commented, reaching up to tug gently on the knot. He sighed as it loosened a little, a small space of throat appearing. "I don't have the patience or your suave sophistication to wear a suit all day. I'm just a street rat in a suit."

Ryo reached over to put a hand over Dee's. He looked at their contrasting skin colors--his paleness stark against Dee's olive tone--and stroked his thumb over the toughened skin on the back of his lover's hand. "You look damn fine in that suit. And street rat or no, I wouldn't have you any other way."

Ryo lifted Dee's hand to press a kiss against his skin, and Dee moved his chair around to sit closer to his lover. He put an arm around the back of Ryo's chair, wanting him close.

Ryo laced their fingers together, watching the blending shades of flesh contrast and compliment each other. "I'm sorry," he finally murmured, his gaze drawn to their hands.

Dee leaned in, frowning. "For what?"

"For not doing this sooner. About us, I mean."

Dee smiled. "Don't be, Baby."

"I've been so stupid," Ryo continued, stroking the skin of Dee's hand and wrist.

"Well, we all have our moments," Dee teased with a chuckle, kissing Ryo's temple. "It was the past; let's just concentrate on the here and now. But what I'd like to do right now is take a walk on the outside deck, hand in hand. How does that sound?"

Ryo, in turn, shook his head. "I prefer your arm around me, actually."

Dee smiled back. "How stupid of me. Why settle for your hand when I can have you in my arms?"
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The outer deck had mosquito netting around the hallway, giving it an old-time feeling. Ryo's arm was around Dee's waist and his arm was around the blonde's shoulders and Dee thought he had died and gone to Heaven.

A few straight couples had glared at them when they crossed the room, but Ryo--and oh, Dee was so proud of him!--had just ignored them, smiling up at Dee as if only he existed.

The moonlight was only slightly disrupted by the mosquito net, and Dee smiled. "Nice moon tonight."

Ryo nodded in agreement, leaning in for a kiss. Dee chuckled against Ryo's lips and grinned when questioning onyx eyes looked up at him. "I'm gonna have to get used to this, but I'm really going to enjoy taking this back home."

"I'm sure you will, since I have the plane tickets," Ryo teased back, laying his head on Dee's shoulder.

Dee's laughter echoed down the polished wood corridors. "Will you take me back?" he asked, leaning in close.

Ryo leaned up to rub noses with Dee. "Don't ask silly questions, Love."

"Even if I do something totally, completely embarassing? Will you still take me back?"

"Of course!" Ryo automatically replied. "Always. Forever."

"Glad to hear that," Dee said, kissing Ryo's nose. "'Cause that's the way I feel too."

They stood in silence for a bit, listening to the jazz music until Dee looked down at Ryo. "Want to dance?"

Ryo smiled back up, onyx eyes smiling. "I was just about to ask you the same thing."

They fell into a slow rhythm, one of Ryo's arms around Dee's neck, one of Dee's arms around Ryo's waist as they held hands and danced slowly. Dee leaned down, kissing Ryo's neck. "Don't tell anyone I can dance like this."

"Just as long as you promise we can do it again," Ryo replied, laying his head on Dee's shoulder.

"As much as you like," Dee promised, a slow smile spreading on his face. "I knew those classes Mother made me take had to come in handy for something."

"Mmm... Remind me to thank her when we get back," Ryo replied.

They continued to slowly dance to the music, pulling each other closer and sharing lazy kisses as they slowly spun. Ryo sighed and rested his head on Dee's shoulder, smiling happily.

"Love you," Dee murmured, pressing kisses against Ryo's ear.

"I love you too, Dee. More than anything," came the reply.

Ryo leaned up for a soft kiss, merely a gentle brush of his lips against Dee's, and the dark-haired detective smiled. "Yeah, definately gonna take some time to get used to this."

Ryo chuckled, nuzzling Dee's neck. "Take as long as you want, Dee. You waited for me, it's only fair I wait for you."

They danced through a few more slow, jazzy tunes, not saying anything but just enjoying being wrapped in each other's arms. However, soon the buffet was brought out and the scent of rice, crawfish and spices drifted outside, wrapping around them like a blanket.

"Don' wanna leave..." Dee complained, even as his stomach complained of hunger.

"Well, we'd better feed you otherwise you won't have any more energy to dance," Ryo countered, smiling. "How about we go eat and then come back?"

"Brilliant plan," Dee agreed.

They walked back into the dining area hand in hand, standing at the end of the line. When they reached the steaming silver trays loaded with food, Ryo--who was in front of Dee--immediately started ladling whatever looked good onto Dee's plate.

"Woah there, Babe," Dee cautioned as a spoonful of crawfish jambalaya made its way onto the white china he was holding, "I want to taste everything, but I'm not strong enough to carry a mountain."

Ryo looked at his lover's almost full plate and down at his near-empty one. "Sorry?"

Dee laughed. "No you're not. Get what I don't have and we'll share."

They made their way back to their table and ate bites off of each other's plates, enjoying the foreign flavor of the Cajun cooking. Most couples were doing the same, but the table behind them--a group of four--was muttering just loud enough to be heard.

"Ohmigod, look at that!"

"That's just so wrong, they should be ashamed of themselves."

"Now, now, they're going to go to Hell anyway, we should feel sorry for them."

"Maybe if we pray Jesus will help them?"

"Excuse me, Love," Ryo said to Dee after he swallowed the bite of red beans and rice, wiping his mouth with his napkin. He turned around, giving his best "Don't Screw With Me" glare (one that always made junkies wither in Interrogation) and said, "One, grow up. Two, 'Judge not lest ye be judged'."

The party got up and moved to a vacant table across the room.

Dee, his emerald eyes wide, grinned at his blonde lover. "Turn the other cheek is also a phrase, Dear," he teased.

Ryo's dark eyes glittered with amusement and self-pride. "I did. They were talking to my ass, so I turned and let them have a chance to talk to my face."

"I am so proud of you," Dee chuckled, leaning in to give Ryo a kiss, which was happily returned.

"You'd better," Ryo joked. "I almost told them to fuck off."

"Now, now, I'm the only one allowed to pull stunts like that."

"I know," Ryo replied easily, straightening Dee's tie. "One of us has to be civilized."

"Exactaly. And you can pull it off better than me."

Ryo squeezed Dee's hand, smiling as he reached for his wine glass.

"Hey Ryo? I've been thinking..."

"Oh?"

"Dangerous prospect, huh?"

"Always." Ryo kissed the back of Dee's hand. "What is it?"

Dee suddenly found that he couldn't meet Ryo's gaze. "Well, you've put up for so long doing things I like to do, while I grumble and gripe the few times we do something you like. I want to change that too."

Ryo smiled at the crown of Dee's head. "I complain about stuff you want to do too."

"Not as much as I do, Ryo. It's all about the image and I'm ashamed of it now."

"Dee, it's okay."

"No, it's not. I always said I didn't care what people thought about me, but then cringe if Ted or Drake should ever find out I actually liked going to a museum or something." He chuckled ruefully, running his thumb over Ryo's knuckles. "I've been pretty stupid myself. I can't promise I'll really enjoy everything as much as you would, but I can keep my mouth shut and try it. Hell, I'll be with you anyway. And that's always enjoyable to me. It doesn't matter what we do."

He looked up to see Ryo's brilliant smile. "Hey Love? Remember that part you said earlier about forgetting the past?"

Dee nodded, stroking Ryo's cheek with his free hand.

"Let's just put that behind us. We can't change the past."

Dee grinned, taking his wine glass. "How about a toast, then?" he suggested, smiling. "To new beginnings."

Ryo smiled, clinking his glass against Dee's. "New beginnings with old friends."

Dee, in the spur of the moment, looped his right arm around Ryo's, making them drink wedding-style. The sudden silent suggestion made Ryo's smile soften, and when they put their glasses down he pressed his forehead against Dee's.

"Love you," he murmured, kissing Dee's nose.

Dee, in turn, closed his eyes, sighing in happiness. Without thinking, and so quiet Ryo almost didn't catch it, the dark-haired man murmured, "Marry me..."

Ryo's eyes went wide. "W-what?"

Dee, as always when it came to anything really important, suddenly became very flustered, but continued his train of thought as best he could before it completely derailed. "It's just... I don't see anyone but you in my life. Forever. And I hope that you don't see anyone but me. And I was just thinking..." He paused to push a hand to his face, cursing, "Damn, this is not how I wanted it to go, I always imagined I'd have a ring in my hand right now."

Ryo was dumbstruck. He couldn't do or say anything, just stare at Dee in disbelief.

Dee mistook the look for confusion and attempted to explain. "If we're going to stand up to everyone together about our love, then why don't we... well, make it legal. It won't be exactly legal, but you know... Damn, this is going wrong."

Ryo tried to talk, but found that he couldn't say anything. Dee took the silence for a 'no' and chuckled ruefully to himself. "It was just another one of my silly ideas..." he started, trying to laugh it off but was cut short when Ryo pulled him in for a deep kiss. The dark-haired man was surprised by the sudden movement, but quickly moved to kiss him back.

"Dee, do you have any idea how happy you just made me?" Ryo asked. "Of course I feel the same, silly. I love you, more than anything."

"So, does this mean yes?" Dee asked, smiling. He thought he knew the answer, but he wanted to hear it to be sure.

"Of course!" Ryo replied, tears glittering in the corners of his eyes. Dee cupped his face and rubbed calloused thumbs over his eyes, wiping them away. "Yes, yes," he murmured between little kisses, smiling back at Dee.

Dee wrapped his arms around Ryo, burying his face in the blonde mop of hair. "Oh, God, Ryo, I love you so much."

"I love you too, Dee," the older detective murmured into his lover's neck.

Dee smiled a little to himself. "I really wish I had a ring for you," he said, rubbing Ryo's back.

"I don't care, Dee. Just hearing you say those words is enough for me," Ryo replied, sniffling a little bit.

Dee's hand moved up to stroke Ryo's hair soothingly. "Then I'll say them over and over if you want me to."

Ryo lifted his head, his smile watery. "And I'll still say yes every time. I've known I never want anyone else in my life but you. But now... I want to take those vows in front of our friends."

Dee smiled back, kissing his lover, then paused for a moment. "You know... I think I'm doing this the wrong way."

"Huh?"

Dee let go of him, pushed away from the table and then knelt in front of him. "Ryo, will you marry me?" he asked loud enough for everyone to stop what they were doing and turn to look at them.

Ryo paused for only a moment before throwing his arms around Dee's neck. "Yes! Yes, Dee, I'll marry you!"

Dee pulled him into another kiss, both of them secretly proud that there was more applause than murmurs. The music started up again, and the couple stood to dance, not caring that people were staring.

"Tomorrow, let's go to the Quarter and get you a ring," Dee said, pressing his lips against Ryo's forehead. "Since I don't have one for you now."

"Dee, you could tie a shoestring around my finger and I wouldn't care." The blonde smiled up at his lover. "But I would like to have matching rings," he said teasingly.

The taller detective laughed, but the sound was muffled by a huge crash coming from the kitchen. All the people in the dining room turned to stare at the kitchen, where loud voices were coming from.

"Maybe someone dropped a tray?" Ryo suggested, looking up at Dee and shrugging.
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In the kitchen, Joe cursed inwardly, staring at the tray he had upset in his anger. His two main prospects were tangling into each other's aura so much it was sickening, tainting the power they could create with the most asinine of all emotions--love.

How could they even think about *loving*? It was nothing like his love for *her*. It didn't even come close.

Suddenly, the thought crossed his mind. If they could create such a bond, just imagine what it would create when he ripped it apart...

It was time to move into the next phase.