Fake Fan Fiction ❯ All's Fair In War and Love ❯ Chapter 1-B ( Chapter 2 )

Title: All's Fair In War and Love (Chapter 1-B)

Rating: M

Fandom: FAKE
Pairings: Ryo/Dee

Characters: Bikky, Carol and OCs
Warnings: Yaoi. Adult situations, foul mouths, two men in a loving relationship. No lemon yet, but it's coming.
Spoilers: All 7 volumes
Summary: Finding himself once again alone at the supermarket check out, Dee finally confronts Ryo on something that has been bothering him since he first got together with Ryo.

Disclaimer: I don't own FAKE. Dee, Ryo and the other FAKE characters are the genius of Sanami Matoh.

 

This fic started as an idea being bounced back and forth between myself and DeeRyoFan on IM. Most of Ryo's parts in this fic is because of her. Much thanks to her for helping me write this fic.

Part 1-C will be posted shortly.

 

 

All's Fair In War and Love

Chapter 1-B

 

By Totally4Ryo (with help from DeeRyoFan)

 

 

Ryo sat on the edge of the bed, turning the empty lube tube in his hand. He gnashed his teeth together, feeling as if Dee was forcing him into something he was not ready for yet. It was not fair, he thought. If Dee felt comfortable enough to buy the stuff, and Ryo wasn't, then if Dee loved him, wouldn't that mean he would just accept it and buy the lube without question?

 

Other thoughts followed that, thoughts Ryo determined to be traitorous and shoved them aside.

 

Of course, Dee loved him. Ryo had no doubt. It was just that Dee could be an asshole sometimes. This was one of those times.

 

Ryo knew he did know Dee very well. Especially how to push his buttons. He knew how to get Dee to go out and get the lube for them. He looked back at the empty tube in his hand. He couldn't believe the stupid bastard actually emptied out whatever was left.

 

An idea formed in his head. He was not mad at Dee. Well, not very mad. It was more his ego that had been hurt. Dee was not the only stubborn one between them. It was time to remind his lover of that. Especially to remind Dee that not all the time was he able to out-stubborn Ryo. Ryo shook his head in amusement. Did Dee honestly believe he could hold to that ridiculous statement about no sex until Ryo provided the lube?

 

All it would take was a little convincing on Ryo's part to make Dee forget he ever said that.

 

With a smirk on his face, he stood up from the bed and went into the bathroom to take a shower.

 

Under the spray of hot water, he soaped himself with the expensive shower gel Dee had given him for Valentine's Day. It had proven time after time that the scent on Ryo's body had driven Dee crazy with desire. Ryo giggled as he washed up.

 

Once he was done in the shower, clad in only a towel, he entered the bedroom whistling. He chose his clothes carefully. He tugged on his tightest pair of jeans - the ones that were faded in all the right places. Then he put on one of Dee's shirts - his blue and black striped one, knowing very well it was a huge turn on for Dee to see Ryo wearing his clothes. He brushed his hair, then checking his reflection in the mirror, decided to open one more button on the shirt.

 

Quietly he opened the bedroom door and heard Dee moving around in the living room. He had long assumed that Bikky and Carol had fled the madness before Ryo and Dee had moved it into the living room. He swaggered into the kitchen, an innocent blank look on his face.

 

Dee was at one of the counters, opening a bag of pasta shells, appearing to not notice he was no longer alone in the kitchen. Ryo stood next to Dee and leaned over, making sure to brush against the other man to open the drawer next to him and get the corkscrew out of the drawer.

 

“Excuse me,” he calmly said.

 

Silently, Dee took a step away from the drawer and from Ryo as he placed the bag down to shake some salt into the water cooking on the stove in a medium sized pot.

 

Ryo shook his head as he took a bottle of wine down from the wine rack. He watched Dee, who still ignored him, pretending to have more to do than he had at the moment. Even Dee did not need to concentrate so hard on boiling water to cook pasta.

 

He set the bottle down on the counter, making sure it made a sound. Dee poured the contents of the bag into the water, then started to stir the shells around.

 

Politely, Ryo asked, “Want some wine, too?”

 

Eyes still on the pot with the pasta, Dee shook his head. “No thanks.” He went over to the coffeemaker and started to make coffee.

 

Ryo frowned, hoping he had gotten a different response from Dee. After all, Dee loved wine as much as beer. He picked up the corkscrew and bottle and started to open it. With a smirk, he started to struggle with getting the corkscrew through the cork.

 

Dee turned from the stove to walk across the kitchen and reach up to open a cabinet door.

 

Ryo let out a heavy sigh as he pulled on the corkscrew, not having any luck with pulling it out. Or so he was hoping it appeared to Dee. He did make sure the corkscrew went in a little askew so it would not be so easy to remove it from the bottle.

 

Dee looked back at the sound and seeing the struggle, shook his head.

 

“Damn thing,” Ryo gripped, still trying to pull the cork out.

 

Without saying a word, Dee moved across the kitchen to take the bottle from Ryo. His hand on the bottle Ryo still held, he said, “Trying to say I'm stronger than you?”

 

Ryo relinquished his hold on both bottle and corkscrew, allowing Dee to take it from him. With a good grip on the corkscrew, Dee started to pull it out, apparently with no trouble.

 

As the cork came from the bottle, Ryo cocked an eyebrow at Dee, sizing him up with his eyes. “Thanks,” he said as Dee set both bottle and corkscrew on the counter.

 

Dee nodded and went back to the other side of the kitchen, to close the cabinet door.

 

Ryo took out a wine glass and poured himself a glass. Leaning against the counter, with his hips jutted out just a little, he swirled the wine around. He took a sip, his eyes watching Dee over the top of the glass. He found some satisfaction in knowing Dee was putting more attention to things than he needed, making himself more busy than he had to as he opened a door and then closed it, rummaging through drawers before deciding there was nothing he needed in there. That meant Dee was not as oblivious to Ryo's carefully planned presence in the kitchen, and he was having the desired effect on the other man. Soon enough, Dee would find himself unable to do anything else but notice Ryo.

 

And then Ryo would make Dee take back all this words from earlier, while both men would have some fun, too.

 

Dee's back was to him again, and Ryo's eyes fell on Dee's well rounded backside that his jeans seemed to hug just perfectly. He continued to watch, mesmerized, as Dee opened a bottom door and bent over to search around their baking pans. Ryo bite his lip as he felt a stirring in his nether regions at the sight.

 

He lifted his glass to his lips and downed the rest of the wine.

 

Dee was reaching for something in the back and while trying to remove it around the other items, his backside started to wiggle a little with the effort.

 

Ryo reached out for the bottle and poured himself another glass, unable to turn away from the show before him. He placed the bottle down on the counter and moved toward Dee.

 

Standing very close behind the other man, he asked softly, “Need some help?”

 

Dee stood up, a ceramic casserole dish in his hands. “Nah,” he replied. “I got it. And without having everything else on the floor.” He sounded pleased with himself. He turned and almost bumped into Ryo. “Excuse me.” He stepped aside to close the door.

 

Ryo took a step with him to allow the door to close, yet still standing very close to Dee, their bodies barely touching. He smiled at Dee. “Need some help with dinner?”

 

Dee nodded. “Yeah. Open the tuna on that counter there, will ya?” He winked at Ryo. “Thanks.”

 

Taking a sip of his wine, he moved back from Dee. He set the glass down on the counter next to the cans Dee had put out and, picking up the can opener, went about his task.

 

After Dee put the casserole dish on the counter, he went over to the fridge and looked in. He moved a few items, bending over more to get a better view. “Ryo, where's the cheddar?” He bent over further, moving more items, his backside once again deliciously swaying with his movements.

 

Ryo set the can opener down on the counter and went up to Dee. He pulled him back by the shoulder.

 

“Wha?” Dee asked, slightly annoyed. “I'm not making a mess in there.”

 

Ryo shook his head and leaned into the space between the fridge and Dee, his chest toward the dark haired man, who was frowning a little, and reached behind him into the fridge. He held Dee in place with a hand on the other man's hip as if he was leaning into him.

 

Ryo did not notice Dee holding his breath as he watched, forcing his eyes to go onto the striped clad arm reaching for the brick of cheese.

 

Without looking, Ryo fished out the cheddar. The hand on Dee's hip moved to mid abdomen, as he removed the cheddar from the fridge.

 

Dee grabbed the cheese from Ryo's hand. “Thanks.”

 

Ryo pushed Dee back, so he could close the fridge door, as Dee attempted to put more space between them. “You're welcome,” Ryo said, then brushed past Dee, his wrist brushing over Dee's groin, making it appear unintentional.

 

Standing in place, Dee bit his lip, willing himself to stay strong. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself into action, taking out a bowl and removing the cheese grater from a hook with other utensils hanging on the wall. He set about his task of grating the cheese.

 

Back at the counter, Ryo picked up the open tuna can. He turned and went over to Dee, holding it out. “Tuna?”

 

Dee absently indicated an area near the stove using the cheese grater. “When the pasta's ready,” he remarked. “You can put it by the casserole dish. Thanks.” He went back to grating the cheese, putting his full attention on his task.

 

Ryo gave Dee a slight smile and obediently did as Dee told him, setting the can of tuna down carefully next to the pan. Going back to pick up the lid, he tossed it in the garbage.

 

“Oh shit,” Dee muttered. “Ryo, I forgot. Can you get a can of cream of mushroom soup and open it too. Please?” He did not look up from grating the cheese as he spoke.

 

“Sure baby,” Ryo replied with a smile. He went over to the pantry cabinet where they stocked non-perishable items to keep on hand until needed. He opened the door and bent over to look at the shelf where they kept the canned items, very much aware of how tight his jeans were. If only Dee would turn and look now. He decided to make sure Dee would. “Hmm. Weird,” he commented.

 

“What?” Dee asked as he checked the pasta.

 

“Either I'm blind or we ran out of mushroom soup.” He remained bent over, reaching in to look through the cabinet.

 

“Do we have any type of cream soup?” Dee asked.

 

It sounded to Ryo as if Dee had not turned his head. He just had to work a little harder then. “Umm, lemme see….” He bent over more to rummage about the shelf.

 

“Any broth? Because I can work with that too, if we have vegetable broth.”

 

Cans rattled from within the shelf Ryo still poked around in, growing frustrated. He was going to get Dee to look somehow.

 

“Hey, how about that instant powered soup stuff? Bikky might complain about asparagus, but that would work. I think we still have some. Can you check that, please?”

 

His face in the cabinet, Ryo frowned. His hand swiped along some cans set one on top of the other.

 

THUD!

 

“Oh!” Ryo exclaimed.

 

“What happened?” Dee asked, still not sounding like he turned. In fact, he sounded further from the stove than he was.

 

“Damn,” Ryo muttered, then sighed.

 

Dee turned to see what all the noise was about. It sounded like Ryo was making a grand mess in the cabinet, which was not something he expected to hear. “You okay, Ryo?” he asked, as he saw the struggle.

 

Finally hearing Dee's voice coming from an angle that had his partner looking at him, Ryo wiggled his backside in those tight faded jeans, reaching deep into the cabinet.

 

Dee watched, his eyes going between the wiggling tempting ass and assuring nothing had hit Ryo on the head. Concern for his lover won out over appreciating the view.

 

“Yeah, I'm fine,” Ryo replied. “Just dropped a can of chicken noodle soup.” He smirked, knowing it was a lie. He knew exactly what he had knocked away.

 

“Tuna and chicken noodle?” Dee asked uncertainly.

 

“Ah ha!” Ryo exclaimed, his hand gripping the can he previously swiped over.

 

“I'm not sure I'm willing to experiment that much,” Dee mused, forcing himself once again to stay strong.

 

His eyes moved from the delicious sight before him. The seat of those jeans had worn down just the right way, with just a thin film of threads barely holding the material that molded ever so wickedly around Ryo's luscious ass. He shook his head. It had taken him all of two seconds to identify Ryo's seduction jeans. Along with wearing Dee's shirt, which Ryo claimed was his favorite, and that shower gel…. Dee sighed. Ryo knew how to pull out the heavy artillery, but Dee fought to stay strong for once. He had a point to make. There was an issue still between them. One that was not going to go away simply by Dee pouncing Ryo and taking him on the kitchen floor.

 

He watched as Ryo straightened up, holding a can of cream of mushroom soup in his hand. “Silly, I dropped it,” Ryo said about the chicken noodle soup, turning to face Dee, “while searching for this.” He held up the can in triumph.

 

“Ah! Great!” Dee exclaimed. “For a moment there, I thought one of us would have to run to the corner store to get some.”

 

Ryo went over to hand Dee the can. “Nah. We're lucky this time,” he said seductively, not hiding that he had caught onto the double meaning.

 

Dee gave Ryo a smirk. “Yeah. Aren't we?” He stared at the can Ryo placed in his hand, aware of the lack of space between them. He grabbed Ryo's hand with his free one, then slapped the can into it. “Can you open it too? Please? I need to strain the pasta.”

 

Ryo barely kept himself from pouting as his dark eyes looked up to Dee's. “Sure.” He turned away, and stalked across the kitchen to open the can.

 

Dee was moving about the kitchen as Ryo opened the can. When he turned to hold it out for Dee to take, Dee was standing by the sink. “Here you go, handsome.”

 

He watched as Dee lifted the strainer and started to shake it, causing his hips to shake a little too. Ryo watched in appreciation as he once again moved to stand close to Dee.

 

“Um, thanks. But my hands are kinda full here.” He held up the strainer, smiling apologetically at Ryo.

 

Ryo dipped a finger into the thick concentrate of soup, then licked his finger clean, his eyes on Dee, watching as his lover looked on. Enough was enough, Ryo thought. He never should have offered to help out in the first place, and waited until dinner to seduce Dee into getting his way. As it was, watching Dee in the kitchen being so domestic was yet another huge turn-on for Ryo. Dee acting coy was a turn on, too.

 

`Goddammit!' Ryo thought in frustration. `There're too many things that are damn turn-ons concerning Dee. Damn, Dee is one huge freakin' turn-on!'

 

Ryo convinced himself that the longer Dee wanted to play this game, the sweeter it was going to be for them both when he finally lost. Ryo once again found his reserve.

 

He noticed Dee had a small frown on his face as he continued to watch Ryo. “What?” he asked Dee. He dipped his finger once more into the soup and slowly licked it clean. “Mmm… Want some?” he asked, licking at a dab of the soup on his lips.

 

Dee sighed, going back to the pasta. “And you tell me not to stick my fingers in stuff while cooking,” he huffed, assuring no more water dripped from the strainer.

 

Dee moved to the counter, strainer still in his hands and started to put the shells into the casserole dish. Placing the now empty strainer to the side, Dee said, “I'm ready.”

 

Ryo's head snapped up at not only the words, but the tone. He started to smile.

 

“For the tuna and soup, that is,” Dee corrected, stirring some margarine into the shells.

 

Ryo picked up the tuna on his quick journey to Dee's side and set the cans down out of Dee's reach. He stood close behind Dee, leaning up. He supported his weight with one hand on Dee's hip again.

 

Dee paused from to look back at Ryo with an inquiring look. “Still don't trust me in the kitchen, huh?”

 

Ryo continued to reach up to turn on the vent over the counter, then the switch for the lighting for just the counter area. He flashed Dee a smile. “Of course I trust you.” He patted Dee's hip as he pulled away, making sure his other hand brushed against Dee's backside as he walked over to where he set the cans down.

 

Picking up both, once again, he moved close to Dee, holding out the cans. “Where do you want me?” His eyes lifted to quickly look at Dee. “This, I mean?” he corrected himself, his eyes going down again.

 

Dee turned his head and smiled sweetly at Ryo. He was surprised he was able to still play it off after that last comment from Ryo. `Where do I want him?' Dee thought, reminding himself to not give in. `Across the room, you fuckin' sexy bastard, before I jump you!'

 

Ryo looked at the smile, and felt his heart do a flip flop. There was something roguishly innocent in that smile and Ryo had to will himself from bending Dee over the counter.

 

He realized Dee's mouth was starting to move and paid attention to the words that came from that sexy mouth.

 

“Right on the counter would be great,” Dee said innocently. “Cheese now? Please?” He gave Ryo another of those sweet smiles that set Ryo's heart in a race.

 

Ryo's mouth dropped, and he nodded mutely, quickly turning away. `On the counter, he says,' Ryo thought, willing his libido to not give in to such a blatant trick.

 

It was obvious by then that they were both playing the same game, trying to get the other to bend him over and take him. Whoever could not stop himself and pounce would be the loser of their earlier argument. Ryo took a few calming breaths while his back was to Dee, trying to seek that center he grasped when he needed to stay in control and calm for his job. He was only able to get a tenacious hold at the best and he cursed Dee for being so damn sexy.

 

With the bowl that had the grated cheddar in hand, Ryo moved back to Dee, once again moving close. He handed the bowl to Dee with his own sweet smile. “Here you go.” Before Dee could move the bowl away, he stole a bit of the cheese. Eyes again on Dee, seeing the struggle in his partner's green eyes, he seductively placed the cheese along with the tips of his fingers into his mouth. Then ever so briefly, he sucked on his fingertips.

 

Dee shook himself, putting his attention back on the meal he was preparing.

 

Ryo leaned closer into Dee's personal space and took a deep breath, inhaling the aroma of Dee's meal. “Mmm… smells good.”

 

Dee held his breath, as he had been doing whenever Ryo moved too close when possible. He had been trying not to get too strong a whiff of Ryo's personal scents. Especially that gel mingling with the scents that Dee associated with Ryo, and found sexy without any gel. Dee started to stir everything in the casserole dish.

 

“Thanks,” Dee replied.

 

Ryo sighed and leaned over to give Dee a soft peck on the corner of his mouth. “I'll go set the table,” he said. Then he set off for the dining area with a swagger, his hips swaying.

 

Dee waited until Ryo left the kitchen before he shook his head and sighed. With a tiny shrug, he went to put the casserole into the oven. He poured a cup of coffee and, leaning against the counter, stared at the wine bottle still sitting there.

 

*** *** ***

 

Ryo let out a sigh as he set out the placemats and napkins for two, then wondered if it would be just him and Dee eating. He also realized he did not take any dishes with him when he left the kitchen.

 

Quietly, he approached the doorway to the kitchen and saw Dee leaning against the counter, drinking his coffee. His eyes were on the oven and he appeared to be in thought. Idly his free hand lifted and he scratched his chest, seeming to be not aware of his action.

 

Ryo bit his lip and suppressed a moan at the subconscious, yet very masculine action. He continued to watch Dee, admiring his lover, thinking about how sexy Dee could be even when he was not trying. His breath caught as once again he thought about how much he loved the dark haired, green eyed man in the kitchen.

 

He watched as Dee let out a heavy sigh and shook his head. Dee pushed away from the counter, and setting his mug down, started to clean up.

 

Ryo bit his lip again, but for another reason. He was able to read Dee well enough to know when his partner was angry. All anger in Dee had been gone long ago, before Ryo had pushed past Dee to get into the bedroom. Ryo studied Dee a bit more, realizing the other man had not let go of their argument completely. Dee was upset.

 

However silly Ryo felt Dee was being over a stupid tube of lube, Ryo finally realized how much it was upsetting the man he loved. Whatever fire that was still in him from the argument fled at that moment. As he watched Dee, he knew then, no matter what he thought about the entire thing, he had hurt Dee.

 

With a sigh, he pushed away from the wall he had been partially hiding behind during his study and entered the kitchen. “Do you think Biks and Carol will be back for dinner?” he asked Dee.

 

Dee paused in wiping down a counter to shrug. “I don't know,” he replied, going back to his cleaning. “Which is why I settled for this. I know Bikky likes it.”

 

Ryo went to the counter where he left his wine glass and picked it up. “I see,” he said carefully, then took another sip.

 

Dee started to fold and refold the dishtowel, his back still to Ryo. “I would have made something that only you and I liked if I was certain they wouldn't be back.” He shrugged.

 

Ryo let out a heavy sigh, and drained the contents of his glass. He put the glass down again and started to walk over to Dee.

 

Dee let out another sigh as he finally hung up the dish towel. He started when Ryo suddenly took his hands in his own.

 

“Come here,” Ryo said softly.

 

“What?” Dee asked.

 

Ryo turned Dee to face him and wrapped his arms around Dee's waist. “I'm sorry, baby,” he apologized. “I didn't mean to yell at you.”

 

“I - I didn't want to yell on the train, you know.” Dee's tone was a bit hesitant and defensive.

 

“I know, love.”

 

Dee finally placed his arms around Ryo.

 

Ryo kissed Dee's cheek, then hugged him tighter.

 

Dee rested his head on Ryo's shoulder. “I don't know, Ryo. It's been bothering me for a while,” he admitted.

 

Ryo simply nodded, waiting for Dee say whatever else he felt he had to.

 

“I mean, I tried to ignore it and all, but…. But I couldn't anymore.”

 

Ryo ran his fingers through Dee's hair. “I'll try to be better for you,” he said quietly.

 

“Look, I'm not asking you to announce your sexuality on a billboard somewhere… Just… Damn.” He clamped his mouth shut, as if he was suddenly afraid to go on, fearing he'd stumble and say something wrong.

 

“Shhh,” Ryo soothed. “No more talking about that.”

 

Dee simply sighed with his head still on Ryo's shoulder.

 

“I know it's bothering you, and even if I probably still don't comprehend it all, I'll do my best to make this right for you, baby. Okay?”

 

Dee nodded and finally lifted his head. “Thanks. I mean, it's a little thing, but…” He looked into Ryo's eyes. “It means a lot to me.”

 

Ryo rubbed Dee's back, smiling up at him. “I know. And that's all I need to know. Just give me some time, alright?”

 

“Yeah.” He bit his lip.

 

Ryo knew immediately Dee was clamming up on him again. “What?” he cajoled gently.

 

Dee shook his head.

 

“No. Tell me.” He gave Dee a small squeeze, pulling him a little closer.

 

Dee sighed again. Softly, he said, “Ryo, let's not start this again. Please?”

 

“You know, I don't like it when you keep stuff to yourself. It just builds up and up and up, and then you suddenly burst. And we're alone now. You don't have to worry about what you say.”

 

“And we're getting along. Besides, how many times do I not know how to tell you stuff when I know what I want to say. So when I don't… I'm just going to mess it all up. You know me.”

 

Ryo sighed again.

 

Dee looked into Ryo's eyes again and smiled gently. “You're fuckin' amazing, you know that? I've never been as flustered around someone as I am around you at times.” His smile grew.

 

Pulling Dee to him in another hug, Ryo let out a chuckle, his cheek to Dee's. He whispered into the ear that was near his mouth. “And your being flustered has an effect on me.” He kissed the ear so temptingly close and causing a stirring in his groin. “I love you, baby,” he sighed.

 

“Ryo… I love you too.”

 

Ryo chuckled again, still whispering in Dee's ear. “You're cute when you get flustered.” He kissed the ear again.

 

“Geez…” Dee sighed, then rolled his eyes.

 

Ryo gave Dee another squeeze. “And don't think I didn't notice that rolling of your eyes there. I have eyes in the back of my head around here, and you know it.” He laughed softly.

 

“What?” Dee asked innocently.

 

“I see everything.”

 

“You know what that means when I roll my eyes when I'm flustered, so don't bait me.” He sounded amused, and grinned.

 

Ryo pulled his head back so he could look at Dee's face. Innocently he asked, “Me? Baiting? Never.”

 

Dee gazed at him. “Stop.” He let out a laugh.

 

“Stop? What? I'm not doing anything.”

 

“Yes you are. I know you're not that innocent.”

 

“Me?” He batted his eyelashes at Dee.

 

“Ryo,” Dee warned with a laugh. He moved his head to briefly kiss Ryo.

 

Rubbing his nose against Dee's, Ryo asked, “Yes?”

 

“Just saying your name.” Dee smiled. “You know I love it as much as I love you.”

 

“Mhmn.” He grinned.

 

“Dinner will be ready in five minutes,” Dee announced, pushing away slightly.

 

“Good. I'm hungry. Boy, am I hungry.”

 

Dee raised an eyebrow, gazing at Ryo suspiciously. “Really?” he asked.

 

“Yeah. Starving, actually.”

 

“Well, you're going to have to let me go soon, so one of us can get the food out of the oven.”

 

“Just a moment,” Ryo insisted. He hugged Dee again, pulling him close again, then pressed his face in the crook between Dee's shoulder and neck.

 

“Hmm?” Dee muttered.

 

Ryo sighed.

 

Running a hand through Ryo's hair, Dee asked, “What?”

 

Ryo shook his head. Pulling back, he briefly kissed Dee and releasing the other man, moved away.

 

Dee stood in place, watching him.

 

“I'll call Bikky's cell,” Ryo said, going to the phone. “See if they'll be back for dinner or not.” He picked up the phone from the wall.

 

Dee shrugged as Ryo dialed Bikky's cell phone number and waited for their son to answer. He shook himself from studying Ryo and grabbing the potholders, he went over to the oven, bending to open the oven door and get the casserole out.

 

Ryo's eyes watched for a moment before turning away from the alluring sight. Finally he heard an answer. “Oh hey, Biks,” he said into the phone.

 

Dee put the dish on a plate warmer and grabbed a serving spoon, listening to Ryo speak on the phone. He walked to the table to put the food down.

 

“Where did you `n Ca… Uh huh. Ah, okay, I see…. Yeah… yeah, don't worry… No no, everything's fine…. Yeah, sorry for that…. Mhmm…. Okay, will you and Carol be back for din—ah, okay, I see…. No, it's alright. Yes, you may stay overnight. Alright, have fun, you two! See ya tomorrow.” He hung up the phone sighing.

 

“Just you and me, huh?” Dee asked, coming back into the kitchen to grab a couple of plates.

 

Ryo turned to Dee. “Yeah.”

 

“Do you mind?” he asked, thrusting out his chin at the wine. “Oh well, we can live on kid's food tonight,” he said jokingly. He smiled at Ryo.

 

“Mhm,” Ryo remarked with a nod. “You having?” he asked, going over to the wine.

 

“Yeah,” Dee called back.

 

Ryo grabbed an extra glass before picking up his glass and the bottle, then headed over to have dinner with the man he loved. He found he wanted to make it up to Dee for upsetting him. He wanted to make Dee's eyes sparkle again. He knew there was no love lost because of the argument. It did not matter. Dee accepted his apology, but there was still something bothering Dee. It was whatever he was afraid to say. Ryo was going to make sure Dee said it by the night's end, and then do whatever he could to make up it up to Dee.

 

He sighed. He knew one thing he could do. It was far from late in the evening.

 

But that one thing, Ryo knew, as much as he wanted to do it for Dee, he was just not ready yet.