Mirage

Chapter Five

         "I'm a Peace Officer." Panther's words washed over him. The older man's voice was gentle but a little grim. He looked uneasy with the truth and a little worried. Ryder glanced around, realizing he probably looked like an idiot as he did so. Where was Panther's team?

         "I went to Canth to cross train with their law enforcement." Panther admitted, sighing softly as he gazed at Ryder. It was then that Ryder realized why Panther had tensed up. Oh. 

        "You're a Peace Officer? That's cool. Isn't it dangerous?" Ryder asked, trying his best to feign a surprised look. Panther visibly relaxed and that charming smile crept back onto his face again. Ryder took a bite of his chinook so he didn't have to say anything else. It was a reasonable excuse to hide half his face as well. 

     "It can be. Its a pretty demanding job." Panther said, and Ryder turned his neon pink eyes on Panther in a very scrutinizing manner. Oh, this Peace Officer had secrets. He was being vague about work, too vague. He was hiding something. He recalled the array of stripes denoting valor that he'd seen on Panther's uniform. Regular Peace Officer my ass, he thought to himself. At least now he knew Panther wasn't trying to pull anything on him. The man genuinely seemed interested in him. This was what it had appeared to be, a date. a normal, ordinary date. 

      "Who gave you those bruises?" Panther's question was unexpected and Ryder paused awkwardly for a moment. He leaned in to take another bite of his stuffed chinook but Panther reached over, his calloused fingers gently wrapping around Ryder's hand and tugging the food away from his mouth before he could take a bite. His maroon eyes were piercing and a little intense as he stared into Ryder's neon pink eyes. 

      Ryder suddenly felt like he was being interrogated. Panther wasn't being threatening but something in his eyes made Ryder mentally grimace. This man was like a pit bull. Once he'd latched onto something he wouldn't let go until he had answers, no matter the cost. Something told Ryder that Panther would rip the truth from him one way or another. 

      "I got into a fight." Ryder said vaguely, hoping it would be enough for the other man. Panther frowned slightly, sensing Ryder didn't want to talk about the handprint on his throat. Someone had clearly tried to strangle him and he didn't have bruises on his face. There was more to the story but he let things be, for now. Panther let go of Ryder's hand.

     On one of the buildings a monitor lit up, the screen flooded with the news. A live interview had started and it was being broadcasted. Ryder was halfway done with his stuffed chinook and Panther was finishing the last bite. Almost everyone paused to gaze at the screen. 

      Emperor Sibeum sat in a leather chair, one leg casually draped across his knee. His hands were resting on the armrests. His eyes were black as night, even the sclera was black. He was dressed in a fine, black, silk suit and a red button up. His shoes were clearly brand new. He had the royal ring on his right hand and it gleamed duly. 

       "Emperor Sibeum, is it true that you're harboring Laehlian refugees? That would be a direct violation of The Treaty of Public Order and could plunge the entire galaxy into a war!" The woman's voice floating through the air sounded scandalized and a little panicked. Emperor Sibeum turned to stare at someone off screen with a look that could make you piss yourself. 

     "Next question." Sibeum said coldly, his voice a little detached and emotionless. Even angry he had the kind of voice that sounded utterly angelic, or maybe it was demonic. His voice sounded divine, like the cool wind on a warm day. 

      Beside him, Panther let out a small laugh and a few cheers rose from the streets around Ryder. Sibeum was the full package. He was probably the most eligible bachelor this side of the galaxy, with breathtakingly handsome looks, vast power and a personality that most citizens couldn't help but love. He was down to earth yet deeply sarcastic. Always put together, he screamed control. Not only over the kingdom but over himself. 

       "Are you going to marry soon?" The female asked. Sibeum's face was carefully expressionless. His only movements were the rise and fall of his chest. He was gazing into the screen and from where Ryder sat it was like Sibeum was staring into his soul. He momentarily forgot where he was. 

     "No. I have yet to find a suitable partner." Sibeum answered after a moment. Panther's touched made Ryder jump. He swore his soul left his body for a moment and he would have dropped his stuffed chinook on the ground had Panther not steadied his hand. Panther's shoulders shook in a silent laugh as he gazed at the wide eyed man. 

     "You're one of those people, aren't you. Hoping you'll meet him one day and he'll marry you?" Panther teased gently. Ryder's cheeks went red and he made a disgusted noise in the back of his throat before shoving the last of the stuffed chinook in his mouth. 

      "Be quiet." Ryder mumbled through a mouthful of food. He got up and tossed his skewer in the trash. Panther followed him, his maroon eyes filled with amusement. His skewer joined Ryder's. 

    Panther's com unit went off and he answered the call. Ryder waited patiently, for once trying not to eavesdrop on a conversation. Panther seemed sweet if not a little mysterious. A few minutes later and Panther approached with a small sigh. 

    "Hey, Ryder, i'm really sorry but something came up with work. Can I get your contact information? I'd like a second date." Panther said, quietly walking up to Ryder. He seemed a little abashed and his voice was apologetic. Ryder paused for a moment, considering turning the other man down. 

    "Sure." He said finally. He tugged out his I.D. and then waved it in front of Panther's, hating the way the other man's face lit up like it was Christmas. This was a terrible idea. Panther gazed quietly at Ryder for a moment like he was trying to memorize the other man's features and then he murmured a quiet goodbye before turning to leave. 

      Ryder turned and moved for the nearest scaffolding, itching to get off the ground. The cool metal under his hands a moment's later was soothing to him. As he quickly scrambled up the framework his nerves began to disappear. He'd always felt at home here in The Needles, with nothing but empty air and metal railing and poles around him, the ground so very far below.