Fired...Up
#12 of The Zoo
Author's Note: Here's another chapter for everyone. I will forewarn, we are getting into a bit of a touchy subject. I hope I don't offend anyone (I just want to entertain.) Hopefully you all enjoy this one. As always, please comment, favorite, and rate. Also don't be afraid to throw me a shout and tell your friends. As always, thanks for reading. You all are awesome!- AK
Dulion woke up with a groan. His head was pounding. It didn't surprise him, but still, he didn't relish the feeling. The prior night was a bit of a blur. How much did he actually drink? He moved his hand to his head and caught a hairy mess of fur in his nails. He was in his lion form? But how did...?
He never finished the thought. Two things came crashing into his mind; the first was the fact that he was most definitely not in his own apartment; the second was he desperately needed to be. After all, he had to make sure he was on time for his meeting with the District Attorney.
As he sat up on the bed he finally became aware of an arm draped across him. He followed the arm to its source. On her side, Dulion saw Ibuki sleeping soundly. With memories of the prior night sinking in, Dulion put his hand to his face. How could he have let himself go like he did? A little too much alcohol and look what happened to his self-control.
He glanced down at the sleeping Ibuki. Still, he had to say he did enjoy himself last night, though he wasn't sure he could say the same about Ibuki. His brain struggled with complex emotions. As he tried to collect himself, he felt an arm on his shoulder. Dulion turned to see Ibuki leaning towards the head of the bed with a smile on her face. She looked disheveled, but that was to be expected having just woke up.
"Good morning." She said to him. "How are you feeling?"
"My head is killing me." Dulion said. "But otherwise, I'm okay. How about you?"
"Fine. Clearly I can handle my liquor a bit better than you." She said playfully.
Ibuki's smile quickly changed into a look of alarm.
"Oh my God! Your meeting!"
"Yeah. I know. I still have time to get ready though."
"Why don't you take a shower here? I'll go get your clothes from your apartment. A suit I'd imagine, right?"
Dulion nodded.
"I have one all set out already. It's hanging up in my closet."
"Ok good. Now go take your shower. I'll be back before you're out."
Dulion nodded and went into Ibuki's bathroom. He transformed back into his human form and looked at himself in the mirror. Part of him still regretted losing control; but part of him really wanted to lose control again.
***
Ibuki quickly made her way to Dulion's apartment. She wanted to be as quick as she could to make sure no one knew what was going on. It's not that she cared, per se, but Dulion might. A more importantly, it wasn't anyone's business what she and Dulion did together anyway. As she headed towards the door of Dulion's apartment, she could see Dr. Tennant standing outside it looking concerned. He had his cell phone out and was pressing buttons.
"Hey Dr. T." Ibuki said. "What's wrong?"
"Good morning, Emi." The Doctor said. "I'm trying to make sure Dulion is awake. I agreed to drive him to the DA's office this morning for his meeting. However, he hasn't answered any of my calls and is apparently a sound sleeper."
"Don't worry, he's awake."
"Oh that's good. I was starting to worry that he might..."
Dr. Tennant paused for a moment and gave Ibuki an inquisitive glance.
"Hold on a second." He said. "How do you know he's awake? And are those his keys?"
Ibuki gave the Doctor a look telling him to stop pressing the issue. The Doctor opened his mouth to say something but quickly closed it.
"Just tell him I'll be ready in fifteen and to meet me by the front door." The Doctor finally said.
"Gotcha." Ibuki answered.
Without another word the Doctor left to go to his room. Ibuki quickly unlocked Dulion's apartment and stepped inside. Dulion's apartment was tidy, something Ibuki thought befitted him. Images of the night flooded her brain. It was difficult to separate the inebriated Dulion from the one she had seen. Maybe that was the point though? Maybe he was hiding behind some prim façade. Or maybe she was just thinking too much. What had happened, happened. Dulion may be more of a gentleman than most of the guys she interacted with but he was still a guy.
It took no time at all for Ibuki to find Dulion's suit. It was black and still hanging in a dry cleaner's bag. It took her more time to decide what tie she should grab for him. In the end, she decided on a teal blue one. She quickly grabbed the rest of his clothes and his shoes and quickly left the apartment and made sure no one else saw her.
Ibuki got to her apartment without incident. She walked in and headed to bathroom. She knocked on the door.
"You'd better be out." Ibuki said.
"Perfect timing." Dulion said from behind the bathroom door. "I just got out a moment ago."
"Towels are under the sink. I'll leave your clothes in the bedroom."
"Can't you just and me them through the door?"
It took a moment for Ibuki to understand what Dulion was actually saying. It made her laugh.
"Just wrap a towel around yourself and come out here. It's not like I haven't seen everything you're hiding already."
Ibuki headed to her bedroom and laid out Dulion's clothes. As she finished, a sheepish looking, human Dulion with a towel wrapped around his waist walked in awkwardly. Ibuki grabbed him by the arm and dragged him towards the bed.
"This is so your first time doing any of this." She said with a smile.
"And I'm guessing it's not your first." Dulion answered with a wry smile.
"No, it's not. But you should know, for future reference, come the morning after, I don't bite. Though I may the next night we spend together."
"So, this is going to happen again?"
"Why not? I enjoyed myself, and I don't recall and protesting on your part."
"So what does that make us?"
"What do you mean?"
"Like, are we dating or something? Because I wouldn't exactly mind that."
Ibuki sighed. Definitely his first time.
"Why do we need to complicate things? Let's just say for now that we're both "on call" when the other feels needy."
"Oh. I see."
"Look," Ibuki said putting a hand on his shoulder, "let's just enjoy it. Whatever happens, happens. For now, let's roll with it. Besides, I don't think either of us are ready for anything serious."
Ibuki took a step closer to Dulion so that his nose and her snout were touching.
"But," she said seductively, "one never knows what the future holds."
She gave him a peck on the lips.
"Get dressed." She said backing away, watching Dulion's eyes follow her to the bedroom door. "The Doctor will meet you by the front door."
***
Dulion straightened his tie in the mirror. He had been told that it went well with his eyes. He didn't much care about that at the moment though. He was anticipating a rather miserable meeting with his soon to be former boss and he was still confused about just where he stood with Ibuki. He knew she basically told him, but still, he felt...disappointed. He shrugged in the mirror. At least there was a small possibility of something...tangible.
Dulion turned to step out of the bedroom. Immediately, his leg groaned in pain. It took all the strength he had not to fall down in a heap.
"Forgetting something?" He heard Ibuki's voice say from the bedroom door.
Dulion gingerly turned to face her. In her hand she held his cane. She tossed the cane to Dulion, who, against all odds, managed to catch it. He took a moment to fix himself and walked forward to the door.
"Better not keep the Doctor waiting." He said.
Ibuki nodded.
"Let me know how things went when you get back."
"I could let you know now how they're gonna go." Dulion said with a groan.
"Well, I know a way to cheer you up if things don't go well." Ibuki added with a wink. "Now go."
Dulion nodded and headed towards the bedroom door.
"Dulion," Ibuki said, causing him to turn around. "Good luck."
With an acknowledging smile, Dulion turned and left Ibuki's apartment. As he reached the second floor, he was greeted by a small, but powerful hug that nearly knocked him off his feet. Dulion looked down to see Stephanie with her arms wrapped around him.
"Hey there, kiddo." He said. "You're up early."
"Mommy and Daddy told me that you might lose your job here. I really hope that doesn't happen." She said.
Dulion didn't have the heart to tell her that getting fired was pretty much a forgone conclusion.
"Don't worry about it. Dr. Tennant said I could stay here anyway. After all, I...well...kinda fit in."
As he said it, Dulion recalled his first meeting with Stephanie, where he told her he was a human. With a sigh, he apologized for lying to her.
"It's ok." Stephanie said. "Mommy and Daddy told me that you probably were just afraid of what everyone would thing. I still think you're alright."
Stephanie had such a big smile, that Dulion couldn't help but laugh. He said a final goodbye and made his way down to the main door. Standing there was the Doctor and Jayson. The Doctor nodded a greeting towards him.
"Well then, shall we get going?" He asked.
"Might as well." Dulion answered. "You coming with us, Jayson?"
"Oh yes!" A human Jayson said. "I wouldn't miss this trip for the world!"
"Taking a little too much delight in me getting fired huh?" Dulion asked with a grimace.
"No, no, you have it all wrong. I don't want to see you lose your job. But this little drive is probably going to be the highlight of my day."
"Jayson, you promised you wouldn't." Dr. Tennant said.
"I promised I wouldn't insult him, not that I wouldn't talk about the gigantic elephant in the room...so to speak."
With a sigh, Dr. Tennant held open the front door so the three of them could leave. They quietly made their way to a rather nice looking car which, after an unlocking click, was confirmed as the Doctor's.
"Dulion in front." The Doctor said as he got in the driver's seat.
It took Dulion a little time to get in due to his leg. It always seemed to hurt when he transformed from a Lion to a human. This was probably because he didn't transform very often. Once he was in, the Doctor started the car and Dulion was on his way to be judged for being what a lycanthrope; and being fired because of it.
"So," Jayson said with a sinister twinge, "where were you last night?"
"Sleeping." Dulion said.
"Well I know that! I meant where?"
"In a bed...but I'm guessing you already know the particulars. Otherwise you wouldn't be this smug."
Jayson laughed. Dulion sighed.
"I'm sorry Dulion, I told him not to make a big deal out of this..." The Doctor said.
The three of them were silent for a moment.
"...but as your friend I want details! What happened?"
"Well, Ibuki invited me to her apartment, said she needed help with something."
"I'll bet." Jayson said with a broad grin.
"I thought it was something, you know, advisor related, but she just wanted to drink with me. So we started drinking, she told me about her family, we kissed..."
At this, Jayson made one of those childish "ooh-ing" noises which Dulion ignored.
"...and well...one thing led to another...and...we...well you get the picture."
"Oh I so do." Jayson said.
"Will you stop that?" Dr. Tennant said. "So does this mean you two are an item now?"
"Well...no." Dulion said. "I think the technical term is that we are friends with benefits."
"Look how far you've come!" Jayson said. "From fawning over one girl for years to this! I am so proud."
Dulion sunk in his seat a bit.
"You seem distressed." Dr. Tennant said.
"Well, it's just...I...I kind of want more." Dulion said.
"You're a closeted pervert." Jayson said.
"Not like that. I meant like relationship wise. I know, it sounds weird. Most guys would be dreaming of this"
"Most guys, yes." Jayson said. "You're not most guys. For now, take it a day at a time; see what happens and enjoy it damn it. Between us, Ibuki isn't exactly trusting with relationships; been burned one too many times. Just be your normal, charming, adorable self."
"Yeah, I'm real adorable." Dulion said. "Although she did say she liked my fur."
"Whoa, wait you transformed in front of her?" The Doctor said.
"Yeah. It was weird."
"So...what are you?" Jayson said. "I mean I'm not going to ask you to transform in the car but still I'd be nice to..."
"A white lion." Dulion answered.
"How boring." Jayson said. "I was hoping for something more...exotic."
With that comment by Jayson, nothing more was said about Dulion's form or about the night before. In many ways, it was a relief. This allowed Dulion to regain a sense of dread as they approached the District Attorney's office.
***
The atmosphere inside the building was suffocating to Dulion. Try as he might, he couldn't get himself to relax. As he shifted uncomfortably in his chair, a bald man with thick, circular glasses came up to him. He had a rather reptilian face, which seemed oddly appropriate for the surroundings.
"Mr. Dulion?" The man said. "The District Attorney will see you now. If you would follow me."
With a little difficulty, Dulion got up and followed the man down a long corridor. Dulion did his best to calm his racing heart, but try as he might, he just couldn't do it. Dulion was led to a closed, deep mahogany door. On it had the name plate: William Clare: District Attorney. The man Dulion was following knocked on the door. There was a response from the office and the door was opened and Dulion was beckoned inside.
To Dulion's shock there were three people in the office already. Behind the desk sat a man with thinning black hair and a stern face. He had on an expensive looking blue suit and a pair of glasses. Another man wore a police uniform, but not of that of the standard patrolman. It was clear he was a particularly high ranking officer. Sitting on his right, with a chair separating them, was a man who was younger than the others, but still older than Dulion with sandy blonde hair. He wore a sharp black suit with a cell phone noticeably in his front pocket as he turned to face Dulion.
"Mr. Dulion is here, sir." The Reptilian faced man said.
"Thank you, Theodore." The man behind the desk said. "You can go. Please shut the door."
Theodore nodded and closed the door behind him as he left. The man behind the desk stood and walked over to Dulion.
"Mr. Dulion," he said as he extended his hand. "I am William Clare, District Attorney. This is Commissioner Anthony DeCosta and Keith Maxwell of the FBI. Thank you for coming. Please, have a seat."
Dulion shook Clare's hand. His heightened nerves jump started at the mention of The Chief of Police and an FBI agent. Just what the hell was going on?
"Am I being arrested?" Dulion asked.
Agent Maxwell chuckled and even Mr. Clare smiled, but one glance at Dulion's face could tell anyone that he wasn't joking.
"No, not at all, Mr. Dulion."
"So I'm just being fired then?"
The District Attorney gave him a puzzled look.
"Whatever gave you the impression that you would be fired?"
"Well, you're calling me down to your office, sir, after I've just been outed as a lycanthrope so I figured it would be a conflict of interest in your mind. I wasn't told anything to believe otherwise."
"Well, then allow me to assure you now that you are not being fired."
Dulion felt a gigantic weight lift. He was almost shocked that he wasn't going to be fired. It took every ounce of will power for him not to have his jaw drop.
"To be honest with you Mr. Dulion," Mr. Clare continued, "you're one of the most successful advisors we have. Your reports are diligent and to the point. You give us the important things and ignore that which should be ignored. Besides, I will confess, having a lycanthrope working for the government as an advisor is very good PR. We can show you off as an example of how the law is designed to protect everyone's rights and safety."
Dulion nodded, although he didn't really believe the rhetoric. But that was beside the point. He was still employed!
"Now for the reason I called you here." Mr. Clare said. "I must say right at the outset, that what you are about to be told is strictly confidential. I'll have Commissioner DeCosta and Agent Maxwell explain."
Dulion took a deep breath. If it involved the Police Commissioner and the FBI, whatever he was going to be asked to do must be very important. He smiled internally; there was a good chance he was about to go from "fired" to "fire."
"About two weeks ago," Commissioner DeCosta started, "we responded to an alleged kidnapping of a child by members of the group WILD. The kidnappers were the child's parents and the child in question was taken away from her parents by DYFS about a month before. They alleged that their daughter was the victim of sexual abuse during her stay."
"The FBI is interested because of allegations of pornography being made." Said Agent Maxwell. "We've been trying to bust a ring of these bastards in the area for a few years now, and this little girl might just be our best chance to finally stop this."
"So why do you need me?" Dulion asked.
"Because the parents are only willing to let their child talk to a lycanthrope." Mr. Clare said. "And there is only one known lycanthrope in an official position. That would be you Mr. Dulion. We need you to talk to the girl, make her feel comfortable, and get everything she knows out of her. From your reports, we know that you have a bit of experience in handling issues with children. If needed a court may also need to appoint you as her Guardian ad litem. You will receive compensation for any time you put into this proceeding."
Dulion nodded.
"When do I start?" he asked.
"I can arrange a meeting tomorrow morning." Said Agent Maxwell.
"We'll have it at the precinct." Commissioner DeCosta said. "It would give a measure of privacy to the whole situation."
Dulion nodded. He was a mix of different emotions. He was relieved to still have a job, but he was also furious that a little girl had been hurt in one of the worst ways. He silently vowed that he was going to do anything in his power to make sure that she felt safe and to make sure that whoever had hurt her paid dearly.