Posted: June 2004
Title: Psychics, Rentboys and Smut
Author: Estella Greenleaf
Type: RPS
Characters: Viggo / Orlando
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: Don't know anything; don't own anything. Everything is all false!
Timeline: AU
Warnings: Violence, disturbing imagery, prostitution, implied rape (not of the main characters)…It's a crime thriller in the veins of the Cell, Kiss the Girls and Silence of the Lambs, so be warned. The love story part is sappy as usual, but the premise IS dark.
Author's Note: Wanted to post this part tonight to celebrate Oscar victory. It's originally started for the Hotfooting challenge, but it never got finished...

*****

Public Relations Department, Professor McKellan's School for the Gifted

"Psychic hotline, Samantha speaking, how may I help you today?"

Before the caller made his request, the girl spoke again, "Director Wenham is not available at the moment. May I take a message?"

There was an astonished silence on the other end of the line. Sensing the chief of police's next thought, the mind reader smiled, "Agent Mortensen is in the simulation chambers. He will not be free to take calls until late afternoon. "

The girl took the phone far away from her ear in anticipation to the caller's indignant yell. "Listen here, missy. I don't have time to play mind games with you freaks! Put someone in charge on the line right NOW!"

"I understand your frustration, commissioner. I will tell Director Wenham you need assistance with the Foot Fetish cases as soon as he returns. In the meantime, may I suggest you make the necessary preparations for a site visit?"

Her statement was followed with an exasperated sigh on the other end of the line. "Consider it done."

" Very well then, sir. Have a good day." Samantha smiled as she hung up. In the past year, the police had been seeking help from the School on a number of high profile cases. This increased cooperation had helped improve the public image of psychics among the ordinary folks. She could only hope that someday soon, her kind would be fully accepted into the ‘normal society'.

*****

Downtown, Dark City

"Come on, Orli. It's a lot of easy money!" pleaded Jamie with puppy eyes as he regarded his friend who was steadfastly shaking his head. The blond youth knew Orli had trouble resisting the power of his innocent baby blues. In all the years they had known each other, the older dark-haired boy had always went along with his ideas in the end.

"It's too dangerous, Jamie. You know a psycho is out there killing off models from the "Rent-boy Calendar" and chopping their feet off as trophies," reasoned the street-smart youth, whose survival instincts were clamoring against his roommate's suggestions. Orli knew better to disregard his premonitions. The last time he did that, he lost his mother and ended up all alone on the streets. Jamie was like a little brother to him; he would not allow any harm to come to the beautiful blond youth.

"Oh, stop going on about your ‘calendar model' theory already. Even the police couldn't find a connection between the victims, other than the fact that they all worked our neighborhood. If anything, it's more dangerous to walk the streets. The guy is probably masquerading as a trick," argued Jamie as his expression turned into a very pretty pout.

"I have a bad feeling about this whole deal. We…"

"Not one of your hunches again! You're a rent-boy, not one of those freaks from the School of the Gifted. If you don't want to do it, it's fine. I'll just go on my own," yelled the blond youth as he turned and stalked away.

"Jamie, wait. We promised each other that we're going to take on the world together, right? If you go, I'll go too," said Orli with a forced smile. Though he could not shake the feeling that they walked to their dooms, he would not let his friend face danger alone. He couldn't save his mother from the fire; he would save Jamie from whatever fate had in store for them.

*****

Police Headquarters, Shell Beach

The parking lot was desolate when Viggo arrived. This did not surprise the psychic one bit, as his visit was common knowledge and normal folks tended to go out of the way to avoid him. While the Empathane pills the government handed out to all its citizens could block a typical psychic, it was not enough protection against senior agents from the School. As it was perfectly understandable that no one wanted their private thoughts and secrets discovered , Viggo had accepted long ago that being treated like a walking plague was part of his job.

At the door, a young detective, holding a thick folder, approached the psychic. The chestnut-haired man was quite a sight to behold with his intense hazel eyes and masculine sculpted features, his muscular form filling out his expensive brown suede designer suit to perfection. The officer wore a Mind-blocker, an electromagnetic circlet that when used in conjunction with Empathane could block even the most powerful of psychics. As Mind-blockers were a restricted technology, issued only to those who would be in direct contact with powerful psychics, Viggo knew this handsome man was to be his partner. Holding out his hand, the psychic said, "I'm Viggo Mortensen. It's nice to meet you, *partner*."

Karl frowned for a bit, wondering if his Mind-blocker was malfunctioning. How did the psychic know they were to be partners? Maybe the other man could still read his mind. He considered bringing the circlet into the Tech Department to be checked out, but decided that they didn't have the time to waste. If his instincts were right, the Foot Fetish Killer would soon struck again. He cared more about saving the life of the next intended victim than keeping his thoughts from the psychic. It wasn't as if he had anything shameful to hide. "Karl Urban. It's a pleasure to be working with you."

The officer's polite greeting didn't fool Viggo one bit. The psychic might be unable to read his partner's mind, but he had been trained by the best behavioral scientists in the city to read people's mannerisms. Karl was uneasy around him; he could only hope this wouldn't interfere with their work too much. The last time Viggo worked with the police, he almost gave into the urge of knocking his partner's teeth in for insulting him at every opportunity. "Now that we are done with the pleasantries, you mind telling me where we're going?"

Before Karl could stop himself, he asked, tone curious. "What makes you think we're going somewhere?"

Viggo was pleasantly surprised by the officer's wondering tone. Karl might be uneasy around him, but the man didn't have any deep-set prejudices against psychics, which was more than what he had hoped for. "Much like police officers, we're trained in the art of observation at the School. Since you have your jacket on *and* what seems to be the case files in hand, I figure we're probably heading out instead of going inside."

Karl was very impressed with his partner's skill in observation and deduction. He'd always thought the psychic agents' only skill was mind reading; he didn't know they were well-trained detectives in their own right. "Yeah, I've been briefed about how psychics work; I figured you'd want to visit the crime scene."

"Well, you figure right, partner. Lead the way," replied Viggo with a smile as he followed the police detective to his car. Though he wasn't clairvoyant, he had a good feeling about working with Karl. Things were going to be okay.

*****

Downtown, Dark City

The drive to the first crime scene was quiet. Viggo decided he would use the time to study the case files. It was most peculiar; he could not sense a single trace of the killer's emotions from the crime scene photos. Even if these murders were not crimes of passion, as the police suspected, the psychic should have been able to sense something, be it detachment, coldness or cruelty. But the photos betrayed absolutely nothing other than the victims' fear and pain; it was as if the killer was not even there.

"We're here," said Karl as he glanced at his silent partner. He might not be a mind reader, but from the frown that marred Viggo's ruggedly handsome face, he could tell the case files were not giving the psychic much information on the killer. He could only hope they'd have more luck finding clues at the crime scene.

"Let's go," replied Viggo as he laid the files onto his seat and stepped out to survey the building where the first Foot Fetish murder was committed.

The desolate factory was eerily quiet; wooden boards nailed the windows and front door shut, the only opening was a small crack on the thin steel wall, marked by the police's "Do Not Enter" tape. Taking a deep breath, Viggo slipped through the opening with his partner following closely behind.

Once inside, the psychic closed his eyes and let his subconscious guide his actions, running his fingers along the rusty surfaces of factory's abandoned machinery. He came to a stop when his hands touched a bloodstained platform. He could do nothing but cry out in anguish as abject terror and agony overwhelmed his senses, sweeping his mind back in time to merge with that of the victim's.

His eyes were blindfolded, his mouth gagged, his body chained onto the platform like a sacrifice. Pain as he had never known it raged through his body; all he could hear was the sound of his heart pounding and his muffled screams. Out of an instinct to survival, Viggo's mind reeled, breaking away from the unbelievably strong pull of the victim's suffering. Before the connection was completely severed, the psychic heard a malicious whisper taunting him, "Scream for me, slut. You look so pretty when you scream." His senses overran, Viggo let out a strangled cry and collapsed onto the floor.

*****

Entrance, Professor McKellan's School of the Gifted

Karl glanced at his unconscious partner. He didn't know what happened in the factory, but he was very worried for Viggo. He had heard stories of psychics getting drawn too deeply into the past by a murder victim's pain and never waking again. He wouldn't want Viggo to suffer such a horrible fate, especially since he had grown rather attracted to the older man in the span of a few hours.

As ‘normal doctors' wouldn't know how to help the psychic, Karl had no choice but to come to the School. Built entirely from austere white marble blocks, the structure resembled a fortress rather than a school. The detective was more than a little nervous about going in, but he feared he had no time to lose if he were to help Viggo. Scooping the unconscious psychic into his arms, Karl stepped into the forbidding building.

*****

Public Relations Department, Professor McKellan's School of the Gifted

Karl wondered if there was some huge funny looking smudge of his face he wasn't aware of. He was just quietly sitting here, awaiting news of his partner's condition; but every time someone walked by, they would stare at him for a while before going about their business. Maybe it's the psychics way of telling him he wasn't welcomed here; but he didn't want to leave without first making sure that Viggo would be fine. After all, it was his idea to go to the crime scene; and that made it his fault that his partner was hurt.

"Detective Urban?"

The police officer looked up to find a sophisticated, good-looking blond man in an expensive blue suit studying him. Karl had thought his partner's steel-gray eyes were the most captivating eyes in the world; but he now understood as he gazed into the stranger's thoughtful sapphire orbs that he'd judged too early. Quiet intensity emanated from the blond, giving the detective an uncanny feeling that despite the Mind-blocker, the newcomer could see into his soul. With a cautious smile, Karl stood and extended his hand, "Yeah. And you are?"

"Dave," smiled the director of the School's public relations department as he took the younger man's hand to shake it.

To say that Dave liked Karl was an understatement. The director knew the detective had an aversion to the School; yet, the man came, putting Viggo's welfare before his own. Then, there was the fact that he was still here, waiting for news of his partner, despite his rather obvious discomfort. Someone so altruistic, honorable, brave, caring and not to mention handsome was very difficult to find in this day and age. Dave couldn't help being a little jealous of Viggo for having one such as Karl attracted to him…

"Is Viggo okay?" asked Karl, trying very hard not to wonder about his reaction to Dave. It was such a strange day: first being attracted to the ruggedly handsome Viggo and now feeling his heart skip a beat at the blond psychic's affectionate smile. He couldn't help but wonder if a psychic's power included the ability to bewitch as well.

"Yes, thanks to you. He's awake now and is very eager to get back on the case," Dave replied, trying not to sound hurt or jealous about the officer's obvious interest in the dark-haired psychic. He's losing his cool detachment, which was an extremely bad thing considering what could happen if he lost control. There was a very good reason why the School's doctors had started prescribing Hypnol for him to dampen his psychic and empathic abilities at a very young age.

"But?" Given that his partner wasn't with Dave, Karl didn't need to psychic abilities to know the blond man wasn't telling him everything.

"There is no reason for Viggo to be on the case any longer. The doctors who guided him back told me he couldn't get a single impression on the murderer. Your Foot Fetish Killer is wearing a Mind-blocker. Our School can't help you any more."

Karl's unhappy expression was beginning to make Dave feel bad. The director had to forcibly remind himself that he was doing the right thing in protecting the mental health of his best friend who also happened to be the School's best agent. He couldn't risk Viggo, knowing there's little the dark-haired psychic could do to help solve this case.

At that moment, a disheveled Viggo marched into the room. "We need to go now. There's been another murder."

"I'm sure you're mistaken, Vig. The police will call Detective Urban if the killer strikes again," reasoned the director calmly as he tried to usher his friend back into the sick bay. Viggo had had a very trying day; his powers were probably still be a little out of whack from his earlier ordeal.

At that precise moment, Karl's cell-phone rang. "Excuse me," the detective said as he picked up the call. His face turned ashen as he replied, "We'll be there right away."

Turning back to the two psychics, the chestnut-haired man said, "Viggo is right. There's another homicide. And this time, we know who's going to be next."

*****

Downtown, Dark City

Orli sat alone on his hospital bed, curled into a ball, shivering uncontrollably as the sight of his best friend's mutilated body continued to haunt his mind. How could anyone do what that killer did to Jamie? Though Orli wasn't there, he could feel everything the monster did; he could feel his friend's pain as if it were his own. How could anyone be so cruel to another human being?

Orli knew he should never have left Jamie alone. He knew something bad was about to happen, had known it since they posed for those pictures for the calendar. He should have walked his friend home tonight. Maybe if he had been there, they could have overpowered that murderous beast. Maybe just for once, he could do something useful with his ‘premonition of doom' and avert disaster.

The dark-haired beauty's musing was cut short when a soft gravelly voice said his name. Orli lifted his head to find that he was no longer alone. Being an experienced rent-boy, he had a very good eye for police officers. He knew his two visitors were detectives who wanted his statement.

Viggo was stunned when the youth's eyes held his. The suffering in those molten chocolate orbs was more than he could bear. Tears threatened to overflow as he felt his heartbreak for the dark-haired beauty. Turning to his partner, he said, "We should come back later, Karl."

The psychic did not wish to question the young man so soon; he did not have the heart to make the beautiful boy relive the nightmare of finding his friend dead and that horrible message on the wall.

Orli was grateful for the dark-haired officer's consideration, but he wanted to help the police catch the monster who killed Jamie. Talking about what he'd seen or felt couldn't hurt him anymore than the horrible images that plagued his mind. There was no point in delaying it. "No, please don't go. The bastard killed my best friend and wants me dead. Ask your questions; I want to help."

Viggo was surprised to hear the resolve in the delicate beauty's voice. Coco orbs, which had glistened with tears only a few seconds ago, now shone with fierce determination. Gone was the vulnerable youth grieving for a lost friend; replacing him was a hardened street-smart rent-boy who could take whatever life threw at him.

For some strange reason, the psychic found that Orlando's strength added to his already very impressive allure. Out of their own volition, his limbs moved, closing the distance between them until he was settled on the bed, merely inches away from the dark-haired beauty. "I'm Viggo, and this…"

"Oh my god, you're Agent Mortensen!" said Orli in an awestruck whisper. He'd always secretly sympathized with the psychics in their fight for acceptance in normal society; and after hearing the heroic exploits of Agent Mortensen from the School, he was more than a little smitten. He'd never thought he would actually meet the famous agent.

"Is that a good or bad thing?" asked Viggo with a teasing smile.

The psychic didn't know what's wrong with himself. He was here to speak to Orlando about the case; he wasn't supposed to be flirting with the beautiful youth. He had a job to do. Besides, Viggo never flirted… The psychic was about to give himself a mental kick when Orlando smiled at him. Instantly, the beautiful sight made him forgot why he'd thought flirting was such a bad thing. "I take it that it's a good thing."

"Definitely," replied Orli coyly with a grin. For the first time, his ‘instincts' told him something good: Viggo liked him as much as he liked Viggo. The thought gave him warmth, and banished in part the horrors of the night from his mind.

"I hate to break this up guys, but we need to talk about the case," said Karl, interrupting the two dark-haired men's rapport. It's time to remind them of his presence as well as the original purpose of this visit. And though the detective would not admit it to himself, he was feeling a tad jealous of Orlando.

Orli's smile vanished as his mind drifted back to the sight he discovered in his squalid apartment. His best friend lying face down on the bed, body riddled with bruises, cuts and welts; rivers of blood flowing from Jamie's severed ankles, pooling on the mattress, slowly seeping towards the crimson words on the foot of the bed; the bone-chilling message scribbled in blood, saying "You're next, slut"; they all came back to haunt his senses with full force. But that was not the most horrifying part; the worst was *feeling* what Jamie went through. "No…please…not again…make it stop…"

Viggo could sense only a fraction of what was going through Orlando's mind, but even that was almost enough to make him pass out. He knew without a doubt the dark-haired beauty was going through an ordeal similar to the one he endured at the factory. While it was a shock to find that the young rent-boy had psychic powers, what was more surprising was the fact that Orlando was still lucid despite the pain he must be experiencing. Even a well-trained agent like himself had collapsed after merging minds with the Foot Fetish killer's first victim.

The psychic could no longer bear to see the beautiful Orlando writhe and moan in pain. He would merge minds with the dark-haired beauty and try to guide him out of his nightmare. It would not be a difficult task under normal circumstances, but he was still weak from the incident at the factory. He could only hope he still had enough strength left for the procedure. "Karl, I need you get a release form for Orlando and call the School to send their doctors here."

The astute detective could tell something was wrong with the young rent-boy, but he was shocked to find out that Orlando was suffering from the same thing Viggo was at the factory. He should have listened to his partner; he shouldn't have pushed the young man into talking about the case so soon. Even if Orlando weren't a psychic, he had still just undergone a traumatic experience and should be treated with more care. Karl knew he had let his feelings interfered with his judgment; he would not let it happen again. He would force himself to forget his attraction towards Viggo. "Don't worry, partner, I'm on it."

*****

Viggo's room, School of the Gifted

The dark mist that engulfed Orli' senses was beginning to lift. Slowly, memories of a nightmare that had been all too real returned ; yet, despite his previous ordeal, he felt warm and protected. More sensations followed, the feel of strong arms encircling him, shielding him from the cruelty of the world. He shifted slightly, snuggling closer to the welcoming warmth. Soft lips brushed his curls, making him felt loved for the first time since his mother passed away. Opening his eyes to the sight of green cotton stretched taut over a supple chest, he whispered, "Viggo…"

"You're awake," whispered the older psychic as he tried to move away. He knew he had no right to hold the dark-haired beauty so intimately; he did not wish Orlando to mistake his intentions for something base. He loved the young man dearly; he would not let his feelings be taken as lust. To Viggo's surprise, the youth wound his arms against him and prevented the retreat.

"Please, don't leave," said Orli as he pressed himself even closer against the older man. Oh, how he wanted this, to feel that he was loved and cherished despite the fact that he was just a whore.

Viggo relaxed and smiled, "I'll be here as long as you want me, love."

Orli's eyes widened at the older man's words. "What did you call me?"

Viggo knew there was no point in hiding his feelings. When his mind had touched Orlando's, he had discovered that the youth was very talented, with empathic, psychic *and* clairvoyant abilities. He was certain that, given time, Orlando would replace him as the best ‘agent' in the School's PR Department. In other words, whatever he didn't tell the youth now, the young man would find out later on his own. "I called you ‘love', Orlando, because I've fallen in love with you the moment I saw you."

"But I'm a rent-boy," whispered the dark-haired beauty sadly. He could sense the affections and tenderness Viggo had for him; but deep down inside, he believed that he wasn't good enough for the older man, that someone like Viggo couldn't possibly love him.

"That's all the past now. You have psychic abilities and that puts you under the School's protection," explained the older man as he slowly stroke Orlando's back.

"Me, a psychic? Aren't all ‘gifted people' whisked away at birth to be educated in the School?" asked the youth incredulously. He would have jumped in surprise if he weren't so comfortable in Viggo's arms.

"The answer to both your questions is ‘yes'. I don't know how the tests missed you; we will have to ask the Professor when he comes back from vacation," replied Viggo patiently, waiting for the youth's next words.

"So, I'll be staying here… " said Orli as he played with the hem of the older man's t-shirt. In a whisper that was barely audible, he added, "…with you?"

"Only if you want me, love," answered Viggo in an equally quiet voice, as his intense gray eyes burnt into Orli's, showing him all the emotions the youth invoked in him.

Orli needed no further persuasion to accept the older man's gift of love. Without another word, the youth crashed their lips together for a passionate kiss. As their tongues mated in a primal rhythm, skilled hands set about freeing Viggo of his clothes. With a little help from the older man, Orli managed to undress his lover with minimal interruption to their breath-stealing kiss.

It was most intoxicating, the way Viggo allowed him to take control. Orli had had a LOT of experience with sex as a rent-boy, but none of his previous partners had ever cared about what he wanted or enjoyed before. Feeling more aroused than he'd ever had in his life, Orli rolled on top of his lover before breaking their kiss to admire the older man's muscular form. "You're so beautiful."

"Not half as beautiful as you, love," smiled Viggo as he gazed longingly at the dark-haired beauty. He knew Orlando would like to take charge tonight; though he in general preferred to be on top, he wanted their first time together to be as perfect for his lover as possible. He loved the youth too much to allow otherwise.

Eyes fixed on his lover, Orli removed his own clothes. He could sense Viggo's hungry gaze on him, and loved the older man all the more for controlling his lust and remaining still underneath him. Languidly, the young man went about the task of worshipping his lover with his lips and hands, delighting in the throaty gasps that escaped from Viggo's lips.

Upon kissing a torturous path down the older man's body, Orli's lips finally reached their destination. Guiding his lover's legs apart, he kissed the sensitive skin below the older man's sacs before delving his tongue into the crack to trace Viggo's puckered entrance.

Orli smiled as his lover buckled and moaned impatiently. Without further ado, he slid his tongue into Viggo's heat, making him cry out in pleasure at the long-awaited intrusion. Holding the older man's hips, he began to thrust at a slow and steady pace, which he knew would drive his lover insane with lust.

For as long as he could, Orli held his own desire in check and pleasured Viggo with his tongue; he wanted to reward the older man for trusting him enough to let him take control. But the incredibly sexy noises his lover was making soon proved too much for the youth; he *needed* to take Viggo now.

Leaving his position between his lover's legs, Orli rummaged through his discarded clothing for his wallet. His lover moaned lustily to express his displeasure at the interruption to their activities before spreading his legs further as extra incentive for the youth to hurry back to bed. With shaky hands, Orli retrieved a pre-lubed condom from within and rolled it on carefully. He wished he could make love to Viggo without the barrier, but he was a rent-boy. He needed to be tested before they could share intimacy that way.

When the dark-haired beauty returned to bed, he claimed Viggo's lips in a bruising kiss. As his tongue swept into the older man's mouth, his manhood plunged into Viggo's tight heat in one smooth stroke. Orli remained motionless for a moment, thinking to give his lover time to adjust, but Viggo had other ideas. Locking his ankles around the youth's waist, the older man arched up and drew Orli deeper into him. That was all the incentive the young man needed to begin thrusting hard and fast into his lover, tongue ravishing Viggo's mouth in time with the strokes of his cock.

Viggo tried to cry out as each of Orli's thrusts hit his sweet spot and made him see stars, but his cries were swallowed by the youth's fiery kiss. He had never been pleasured so thoroughly before, his entire body melting under his skilled lover's domination. When the dark-haired beauty caressed his arousal gently in juxtaposition to the intense assault on his sweet spot, he could no longer hold off the molten fire that pooled in his loins. Arching off the bed, he spilled seeds onto his lover's hand, consumed by an ecstasy so great the sent him spiraling into oblivion.

The pleasure that overtook Viggo as he reached his peak pushed Orli over the edge. Through a psychic's bond, the youth could sense everything his lover felt. Add that to the incredible feeling of being encased in his lover's tight heat, Orli found his release after one more thrust. With a soft cry, the dark-haired beauty joined his lover in the lands of dreams. Tonight, no nightmare would return to haunt Orli; he knew he was safe as long as Viggo was by his side. Tomorrow, he would be ready to face another day.

*****

Professor McKellan's School of the Gifted

After updating his superiors on the latest developments of his case, Karl arrived at the School to find the blond psychic he had met earlier waiting for him at the entrance. He wondered where his partner and young Orlando were; he could only hope they were all right. Neither was in the best of shape when he got called in to make his progress report. Searching his memory for the blond psychic's name, the detective asked, " It's Dave, isn't it?"

"Yes. It's a pleasure to see you again, Detective Urban," replied Dave with a smile, happy that the other man had remembered him.

Not wanting to waste any more time on pleasantries, the detective asked, "Are my partner and young Mr. Bloom all right? I would like to speak with them if possible."

"Thanks to the exceptionally strong psychic bond between them, Vig had no problem bringing Orlando's mind back to the present. But they have had a very trying day; and at the moment, I do not think they are in proper condition to receive visitors."

Dave regretted his choice of vocabulary the moment he finished speaking. It was not his place to tell the detective that Viggo and Orlando were now ‘together'. His attraction to Karl must be interfering with his judgment. He had to put his feelings under control before anything worse can happen…

"Oh, I see," replied the astute detective, trying not to sound jealous. He had no trouble guessing what Dave meant: Viggo's heart was no longer available. He had told himself to forget his feelings for the dark-haired psychic earlier, but things were easier said than done. Knowing Viggo had chosen a mere rent-boy over him stung.

Considering how the blond psychic had intercepted him at the entrance, Karl figured he wasn't welcomed inside the School. It would be best if he went back to the police station and try to follow up on the Mind-blocker lead. "I guess I should be going then. Good night."

Once again, Dave spoke before his brain had the chance to process his words. "Detective Urban, wait. I am not doing anything right now. If you like, I can help you with those Mind-blocker Usage Logs at the Station."

Karl stopped dead in his tracks before spinning round to confront the psychic. "How do you know I'm heading back to the Station to check the Mind-blocker usage logs?"

Dave opened his mouth but no sound came. The detective was right; Karl never told him anything; he just *knew*. But this couldn't be. He was on his medication; he shouldn't be able to read through a Mind-blocker. "I…"

It was at this moment that the detective realized Dave's ‘true identity'. The blond man was the Director of the PR Department of the School, a psychic rumored to be more powerful than Professor McKellan. "You were inside my head, weren't you?"

Dave had recovered enough from his shock to make a response. "I really don't know what happened. I didn't try to read you, I swear. You have to believe me."

It was bad enough that the blond psychic had violated his personal thoughts; the man would not even take responsibility for it. Karl had heard enough. "I'll be nice and pretend nothing happened. But if I see you again, PR Director or not, I'll pound you senseless." With this warning, the detective stalked off, leaving behind a miserable Dave at the steps of the School.

*****

Shell Beach Police Station

Dave had been standing at the door for the twenty minutes, trying to find the courage to go inside. He knew coming to look for Karl was a bad idea, but he couldn't bear the thought of the detective hating him. In the end, it was a vision that decided for him.

The blond psychic could feel everyone's curious stares the moment he walked in. He knew he looked funny with the custom designed EM circlet on, but it was a necessary precaution. The device blocked his ability to read thoughts and emotions; and after what happened with Karl, he just couldn't trust his own ability to control his powers anymore.

Taking a deep breath, Dave approached the counter where the police clerk stood. Putting on his best coolly confident voice, he stated, "I'm here to see Detective Urban."

Karl was on his way to the vending machine to get some coffee when he spotted Dave in the front office. He couldn't believe the psychic had the gall to come looking for him at the station. He marched stiffly towards the blond man and asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Helping you; come with me," replied Dave urgently as he grabbed the detective's arm and dragged him away from the front office.

Karl was about to twist out of Dave's grip and introduce the man's face to his fist when the fire alarms went off. Seeing that the psychic seemed unfazed, the detective was certain Dave had expected this. "What's going on?"

" A fire in the Tech Department. Someone really doesn't want you to see those Mind-blocker logs," answered Dave as he continued towards his destination with single-minded determination. He knew the fire was spreading rapidly through the building; soon, the ceilings would cave in and all the evidence would be buried in a sea of flames.

"We should turn back, it's too dangerous," said the detective as he stopped, forcing Dave to stop as well. He wished he could go in to rescue the only lead to his case, but he needed to consider the psychic's safety first. It was against protocols to endanger a civilian.

"Don't be ridiculous. If I were Viggo, you would have gone with me, no questions asked. I know you don't like me, and I'm not asking you to; I just want to help, that's all."

Fiery blue eyes burnt into Karl's amber orbs, leaving him too weak to protest. With a sigh, the detective agreed, "All right then. Let's go." He could only hope he wasn't making a mistake that would spell both of their dooms.

*****

Karl's apartment

Karl stood at the doorway of the bathroom, studying his companion's profile in silence. Dave's face and clothes were covered in soot from the fire; he sat on the cold tile floor, probably out of consideration for Karl's furniture as he studied intently the stacks of reports rescued from the fire. Though the detective had not forgotten what happened at the School, he couldn't help but admire the blond psychic. Dave's courage and poise in the face of danger surpassed even the most distinguished of police officers.

The blond psychic sneezed and rubbed his nose with a soot-covered hand, a movement that prompted the detective to end his silent observation. "Hey, I'm done with the shower. You're welcome to take one too if you like. And I have some sweats you can borrow."

"I can't; EM circlet's not waterproof. Thanks for the offer though," replied Dave before turning his attention back to the logs.

Dave rubbed his nose again, a movement that made the detective felt extremely guilty about his behavior towards the blond psychic. "Listen, I never really got the chance to say it earlier…thanks. I'd probably have gotten myself killed if you weren't there with me. And after what I said at the School, god knows why you still came to help me… I…"

The psychic offered Karl a small smile and interrupted, "Don't worry about it. It's all in the past now. Let's just get this over with."

"Right," replied the detective, trying to sound enthusiastic. Inside, he was anything but enthusiastic ; all he could think about was never seeing Dave again after tonight, a thought that left him strangely despondent. Wishing to distract himself from his inexplicable emotions, he commented, "There are so many files here…wonder why so many officers need Mind Blockers."

Dave frowned before deciding to tell the detective a ‘secret'. "What I tell you stays in this room, okay?" When Karl nodded, the psychic continued, "D.A. Weaving and I have been discussing the establishment of a permanent collaborative task force between the School and local law enforcement…"

Before Dave could finish his story, the detective asked, "This wouldn't happen to be a month and a half ago, would it?"

The implication of Karl's question was not lost on the intelligent PR director. Nodding gravely, he said, "If what we suspect is true, the killer has unrestricted access to the School. Orlando and Viggo might be in danger."

"What are we waiting for then? Let's go," said the detective as he pulled the psychic to his feet and ushered the man out the door.

*****

Viggo's Room

Orli opened his eyes to the sight of his lover's handsome face, relaxed in slumber. For a long moment, he laid unmoving, content to be in Viggo's arms. When the older man shifted, gathering Orli closer to him in his sleep, the rent-boy decided it was time to ‘reward' his lover. Moving slowly to not wake the sleeping psychic, Orli slid down his lover's body until he reached the older man's limp shaft. With gentle kisses, he lovingly worshipped Viggo's manhood, bringing the flaccid organ to full arousal.

Orlando could tell from his lover's hitched breaths that Viggo had awakened, but was pretending otherwise. Pausing his skilled administration, he whispered, "Tell me what you want, love, and it's yours."

Viggo opened his eyes to hold the young rent- boy's loving gaze. "I want you," said the older man huskily.

Orli smiled before offering his lover a leisurely kiss. Their tongues mated, taking their time in savoring each other's taste. Coco orbs holding steel gray ones, the young rent-boy rolled onto his back, bringing Viggo on top of him. "Anything for you, love," whispered Orli as he spread his legs for his lover.

Viggo claimed his lover's lips again, pouring all his love into the soft gentle contact. His hand traced the side of Orli's face before his fingers moved between their locked lips to interpret the kiss. Eagerly, the youth sucked on the digits, wetting them amply for what he knew was to come.

Suddenly, a loud knock on the door startled the lovers out of their tryst. Viggo was of a mind to ignore the pesky intruder, but the banging on his door would not cease. "Go away!"

"I think you should answer the door, Vig. It's ought to be something important for anyone to come see you at 5 in the morning," said Orli seriously. When his lover made no attempt to move, the rent-boy added, "Go on, I'm not going anywhere."

With a sigh, the dark-haired psychic rolled off his beautiful lover. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he opened the door. He was surprised to find Bill Jenkins, one of the police detectives chosen for training at the School for a new proposed Task Force. Before Viggo could ask why the man was here, Jenkins said, "I am so sorry to disturb you this late at night, Agent Mortensen. But there has been a fire at the Police Station…"

"Karl?" whispered the dark-haired psychic as concern for his partner's safety began to overwhelm him.

"He is at the County General Hospital. He's not doing too well, I'm afraid. And he's asking for you…"

"Give me a sec. I'll be right out," said Viggo quickly as he closed the door to get dress.

While Viggo was too preoccupied and agitated to properly read his visitor's mannerisms, the rent-boy could sense a bad vibe emanating from the man outside the door. Orlando had a very bad feeling about this. Rising from the bed to put a slender hand on his lover's arm, he said, "I don't want you to go with him."

"Don't worry, angel. I'll be back before you know it," replied Viggo as he laid a gentle kiss on his beautiful lover's lips.

"Let me come along then; I don't want you alone with him," insisted Orli as the elusive threat grew stronger in his mind.

The psychic agent frowned, the worry in his lover's voice cutting through his preoccupation over his partner's well being. He knew Orlando was extremely gifted; it was more than possible that the youth had picked up something with his clairvoyance that Viggo had not. And if that were the case, the murderer they had been trying to catch could very well be standing right outside his door.

Viggo smiled grimly as he decided to play along with his visitor's plans. Perhaps it would lead them to some ‘hard evidence' of the man's guilt. But no matter what happened, he would make certain his beloved Orlando would be protected. "No, angel, I can take care of myself. Lock the door behind me and call Dave at this number. He will look after you."

"But…"

"No buts, promise me you will stay safe. I can't concentrate if I have to worry about you," interrupted Viggo as he held the youth's coco orbs captive with his piercing gaze.

"I promise," sighed Orli softly as he leaned towards his lover to offer him a parting kiss. Viggo gave him an encouraging smile before turning to leave. Once the psychic was outside, the youth did as he had promised. After a short conversation with David, he sank down onto the bed and quietly prayed, "Please, Vig, come back to me. I love you."

*****

Karl's car

"That's Orli. Said Vig left with some shady guy a minute ago. He had a bad feeling about it; and frankly, so do I," said Dave as soon as he got off the phone with the young rent-boy. "I'm sure Vig's with our killer."

"Does he know where they're going?" asked Karl, not understanding why the Foot Fetish killer would go after Viggo instead of the rent-boy.

"No," the blond psychic shook his head as he considered the options. Viggo was the best agent in the School; Dave trusted the older man explicitly. He didn't want to ‘barge in' on this investigation and ruin whatever Viggo had planned. But what if the dark-haired psychic truly needed backup this time? He couldn't just go back to the School and play bodyguard for Orlando while his best friend was in mortal danger…

"That's it. I'm calling this in to put out an APB," said Karl as his hand reached for the police radio.

"No, there is a better way," replied Dave quietly with a sigh. From where he stood, there was only one solution. He would unleash his powers to ‘tap' both Viggo and Orlando. That's the only way he could make certain both of them were safe. "Karl, from this point on, whatever you do, keep silent and don't touch me. Just follow my directions and we should be able to find Vig."

After all that had happened tonight, Karl had complete faith in the PR director's abilities. With a small smile, he nodded, "Just lead the way, Dave."

"Here goes nothing," said the blond psychic as he took a deep breath and removed his EM circlet. This would take all his concentration and his skill. One mistake, his powers would overwhelm the physical limits of his brain. He could only hope things turn out all right for everyone in the end.

*****

Bill Jenkins' car

So far, their journey had been conducted in silence. Now that Viggo was wary and on full alert, he could see the spark of hatred that lurked beneath the controlled surface of the man's dark eyes. When Jenkins turned the car onto the motorway that headed out of Dark City, the psychic asked, "Isn't the hospital on the other way?"

Pulling a gun out while keeping one hand on the wheel, Jenkins said with a cold, sadistic smile, "We're just going for a little detour. You'll get to the hospital soon enough…after you're dead."

"Why?"

The agent's voice was soft and compelling. Though Jenkins was wearing a Mind-blocker, he could not help but feel the urge to answer truthfully. "You stole him from me, you bastard," yelled Jenkins as the rage he had kept under careful wraps simmered towards the surface. "I'll kill you, then I'll make the little slut pay."

"You know Orlando?" Once again, the question was asked with quiet authority. Despite the fact that the madman had a Mind- blocker and a gun, the psychic was obviously in control of the situation.

"They're all the same, those rent-boys, flaunting their stuff for that damnable calendar," hissed Jenkins as he moved to backhanded his ‘captive' hard.

The movement stunned Viggo; for a moment, all he could see was stars. He knew he should probably keep silent and not provoke Jenkins until they arrived at their destination, but he too was beginning to have a bad premonition as he gazed out into the darkness ahead. He needed to make his move soon…

Shaking his head to clear it, the psychic stated quietly, "He left you, didn't he, after he posed for the calendar?"

"Shut up!" screamed the armed madman as he tried to hit Viggo again. This time, the psychic was ready; he grabbed the man's arm and twisted it. Jenkins cried out in pain, his finger tightening around the trigger in reflex. The shot shattered the passenger side window; glass shards flew into the car, some of which found its way into the psychic's flesh.

Viggo yelped but managed to hold onto the killer's arm. In an attempt to disarm his opponent, he yanked hard on the man's arms, pulling Jenkins roughly towards him. The sudden movement caused the detective to lose control of the vehicle. The car swerved violently before coming to a halt when it collided with the central divider at full force. A wave of pain shot through Viggo's body. To protect himself from this agony, the psychic began to will his senses to dull. The last thing he knew was someone calling his name before all faded into darkness.

*****

School of the Gifted

As awareness slowly returned, Viggo felt as if he had been ran over by a bus. There was not a single part of him that did not ache. Unable to even muster enough strength to open his eyes, the dark-haired psychic decided he would wallow in self-pity. However, his wallowing was interrupted by Dave's cheery voice saying, "Welcome back, Vig."

Then came the gentle brush of slender fingers on the back of his hand that prompted Viggo to force his eyelids to move. Immediately, his view was occupied by his sweet angel's exquisite visage. Knowing that Orlando would be safe from the Foot Fetish Killer's grasp was worth every bit of the pain from his injuries. "Love…"

"I was so worried about you," sobbed the rent-boy as he buried his face gently against the older man's chest.

"I'm sorry, angel. I didn't mean to make you worry. I will ever do that again," replied Viggo, wishing he could will his hands into moving so he could stroke Orlando's silken curls.

"You promise?" said Orli with a small smile as he lifted his head to regard his lover.

"Cross my heart. I never want to see you cry again, love," replied the older man, mustering all his strength to give his lover his best smile.

"That's good to hear," said Dave with a chuckle. He never knew Vig could be such a romantic. Perhaps love did change everything. And in his friend's case, it was definitely for the better. "Finding you while keeping taps on Orlando was such a pain; don't think I ever want to do it again."

The dark-haired agent stared at his director for a good moment before thundering, "You did what?"

"Don't be ungrateful, Vig. You're the one who told me to protect Orlando. And if I hadn't found you when I did, you and your suspect would have bled to death in the middle of nowhere," said the PR director defensively with a frown.

"If the Professor finds out…"

"He's not going to find out if we don't tell him. It's not like he can read us against our will," pointed out Dave reasonably. When the older psychic did not answer, he said, "You owe me, Vig."

"Fine, I won't say anything. Just don't do something so dangerous again, okay?" said Viggo exasperatedly.

"Yeah, Vig, I'm not stupid. I don't take unnecessary risks. That's why I'm your boss, not the other way around," said Dave cheekily with a grin. "Now that everything is settled, I will leave you two lovebirds alone for a proper reunion."

*****

Orli carefully climbed onto the bed and stretched out beside his lover. He knew Viggo was too injured for any sort of intimacy. All he was hold the older man and offer his love and support. "I love you, Vig."

"Love you too, angel," whispered the older man as he breathed deeply to inhale his lover's sweet scent. "Stay with me?"

"Forever and always, Vig," said Orli as he offered the psychic agent a soft kiss on the cheek. Tenderly, he placed his hand upon Viggo's chest. As he savored the steady rhythm of his beloved's heartbeat, he knew he had never been happier in his entire life. He had finally found where he belonged.

*****

THE END

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