Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Photographs ❯ Chapter 3

Photographs - CHAPTER 3

NC-17 for descriptive sex and Profanity.

 

Ryo continues to reminisce on his life with Dee.

 

 

 

Ryo - Age 43

 

 

 

 

 

“Chief MacLean!”

 

Ryo had just been about to step into his office when the familiar voice bellowed. He had to take a few moments to mask his true feelings. He turned to meet the emerald-eyed glare, “First off, Mr. Laytner, just because you used to work here and we're acquainted doesn't give you carte blanche to come into my precinct screaming like cats in heat, understand?”

 

“What the hell is this, sir?” Dee waved the thick manila envelope. His opposite shoulder supported a bulky leather bag that Dee always carried.

 

“I believe that's the information your agency asked for.”

 

“This isn't everything we need and you know it.”

 

“I know that my investigation takes precedence over yours in this case,” Ryo said, adjusting his glasses. “Need I remind you constantly of that?”

 

“I thought this was a joint venture Ry—Chief MacLean,” Dee said. “How am I supposed to effectively do my job when you throw up roadblocks like this?”

 

“I will not discuss this further with you in front of my people,” Ryo growled, “So either calm yourself or--?”

 

“We're actually going to discuss this?” Dee raised an incredulous eyebrow.

 

“In my office, please.”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

Tension surrounded them both as they moved into Ryo's office. Already Ryo's heart beat increased and he felt a thrill along his skin. Dee closed the door and Ryo flinched at the audible click of the lock. He heard a loud thump as Dee tossed the bag onto the floor.

 

Although he was expecting it he still wasn't prepared when Dee planted his hands on his shoulder blades and shoved him forward, propelling him towards the leather sofa. Dee roughly forced him down, his knees pressed against the sofa back, his shoulders bent over the edge.

 

“You think you're such a bad ass cop, don't you? Strutting that cute little ass of yours around.” Dee pressed up against him, trapping him. The scent of leather and Dee's spicy cologne tickled his senses. “What are you going to do now, hmm?”

 

Dee took hold of his wrists and Ryo gave a slight cry of surprise as Dee twisted his arms behind his back. Not painfully of course, but Ryo was helpless to stop what was happening. Dee pulled him back slightly and guided him to lay on the couch seat.

 

“What would the men and women of the 27th Precinct say,” Ryo heard a soft hiss and had only a moment to comprehend what it was before he felt something bind his wrists. Dee's tie, he realized. “—if they knew their illustrious Chief of Police was about to get thoroughly fucked in his office?”

 

Oh hell, Ryo thought. The mere possibility that they could be caught caused his cock to twitch in anxious arousal. It was the thrill of doing something so forbidden, so erotic that caused the fire to ignite first in his groin until the agonizing heat spread throughout his entire body.

 

Dee reached underneath him and raised him up slightly with one hand and went to work on Ryo's belt, “I'm going to fuck you so long and hard you won't be able to stand- and then I'm going to fuck you some more.”

 

“Dee--,” Ryo moaned. His erection was throbbing with need, sexual hunger ate at his insides- starting at the very pit of his stomach and working its way up. He was momentarily distracted when he heard another familiar sound. He was still surprised when Dee inserted a lube-slicked finger into his opening. You damn horny ape, you brought lube with you?

 

Then all thoughts fled from his mind.

 

Dee worked his finger around, sending Ryo to a dizzying height. Ryo closed his eyes and bit down hard on his lower lip, letting the sensation of electricity fill him. Dee inserted a second finger and Ryo bit back a gasp as they brushed along the heart of his desire. With his free hand, Dee reached underneath him and grasped his straining cock and Ryo gave a sharp cry.

 

“I can't wait for you any longer babe,” Dee placed each hands on either side of his hips and Ryo moaned at the first tentative push. He lifted his ass towards Dee, urging him deeper, his lover's cock spread him wide.

 

“Oh hell, Dee--,” Ryo moaned as Dee began to work his cock with a steady rhythm, so familiar, yet each time Dee made it feel like their first. His hands tightened on Ryo's thighs as he thrust deep, each touch on Ryo's prostate sending a shock through him. “Dee - oh yes!”

 

To his dismay, Dee halted. “Hmmm,” was all he said.

 

Ryo's mind worked wildly. Why did he stop? Oh, please Dee, fuck me!

 

“You know,” Dee said, his voice rough with his own desire, “As much as I love hearing you scream my name, we can't have other people hearing it too, now can we?” He gently pulled out of Ryo and moved off of him. His hands reached for the tie at Ryo's throat. Ryo watched as Dee removed it and stretched the material tight, twisting each end around his palms. When he leaned towards Ryo again the makeshift gag went into Ryo's mouth.

 

“Much better,” Dee said. He grinned lustily.

 

Ryo's eyes immediately went to Dee's cock, rock hard and glistening with lube. Dee noticed his gaze. “You want this in you don't you?”

 

Again Ryo closed his eyes but the image of the slick appendage was burned in his mind. Unable to speak, Ryo nodded.

 

Dee straddled him from behind and leaned over again to run his tongue along Ryo's earlobe, “I think I like you this way. Tied, gagged, completely helpless and at my mercy.”

 

Ryo moaned around the gag at Dee's words. His cock was aching so badly he thought he'd explode if he didn't see relief soon.

 

“You like it too, don't you?” Dee's breath caressed his ear.

 

He swallowed, his throat now devoid of moisture, his body and mind surrendering; Ryo nodded.

 

“Good,” Dee said. His lover drew back and thrust into Ryo in a single powerful stroke. Ryo grunted as Dee pulled out and thrust into him again, harder, each motion bringing Ryo closer to the edge. Cries like animalistic growls coming from deep within his chest, Dee's hand snaked around, grabbing Ryo's cock and pumping it fiercely. Ryo's hips moved in an uncontrolled frenzy pushing him closer until the inevitable eruption. Ryo came and there seemed to be so much, spilling across the fine leather cushions and over Dee's pumping hand. Dee didn't stop, continuing to pound into and stroke him until he climaxed himself, ramming hard into Ryo while he milked him dry with his other hand. Dee filled him with his hot seed until Ryo thought he could take no more.

 

The two of them collapsed on the couch. Dee pulled Ryo close, spooning with his muscular body; both men panting from their exertion, their limbs useless. After a time Dee removed Ryo's bonds. Both men where still breathing hard as Dee turned Ryo towards him and kissed him deeply. Ryo's semen was still coating his fingers. Dee tasted his lover's essence before offering his hand to Ryo and watched with rapt attention as Ryo licked Dee's fingers clean.

 

“Dee, I love you,” Ryo breathed.

 

“I know, babe,” Dee gave him his trademark smug grin.

 

“You smart-assed horn-dog! I can't believe we did this here!”

 

Dee laughed, “You loved it.”

 

Ryo felt his face burn, making Dee laugh all the more. Dee drew him against his chest and nuzzled his face in Ryo's hair, breathing deeply. Ryo was unaware that he had slept for a time (at least he thought he had) as he came abruptly awake, looking about in a panic, “Dee?”

 

“Relax babe, you were only napping for a little while.”

 

“Still,” Ryo snuggled against him, “We have been here a long time.”

 

“Let's see if I remember, what's the penalty for kidnapping an officer of the law?”

 

“You know that's a federal offense.”

 

“I'm willing to risk it.”

 

Another possessive kiss had Ryo melting against Dee's body. He was dimly aware of how after all this time Dee still had that effect on him. Dee was working his way down Ryo's torso, playfully nipping at his skin, then laving the sensitive area with his tongue.

 

Ryo was rapidly becoming stiff again. Dee took his cock in his hands, “Better say stop now.”

 

“You know I don't want you to.”

 

Dee grinned before taking Ryo's aching member into his mouth. Ryo arched off the couch, his hands immediately finding Dee's silky dark hair. Dee's fingers found Ryo's opening, still well lubed. Swallowing his cock whole, letting the head touch the back of his throat- Dee sucked him off to the point of madness. Ryo's speech was reduced to incoherent whimpering as Dee's hot mouth devoured him. Ryo jammed his fist into his mouth, deadening his cries as he came, shooting his hot load down Dee's throat.

 

“I'm not finished yet,” Dee growled after licking Ryo's seed from his lips. He pulled Ryo off the couch, guiding him to lie on the carpet. “Don't make a sound or I'll gag you again.” The threat was spoken in a hoarse growl laden with desire. The thought aroused Ryo further. Dee spread the lube directly on his own cock and Ryo watched, entranced, as his lover stroked himself rigid.

 

“Dee,” Ryo said softly when he couldn't stand watching any longer.

 

Dee smiled tenderly, unlike their previous session he gently pushed inside Ryo, sheathing himself to the hilt. He leaned forward, gathering Ryo into his arms- and as he thrust inside him he also thrust his tongue deep into Ryo's mouth, engaging in a playful war with his chestnut haired lover.

 

“Dee - love - what you do to me--,”

 

“Yes, I know sweetheart,” Dee held him close, “You're my whole life, Ryo.”

 

They came together that time, their bodies melded, sticky with sweat and semen.

 

“Dee - we have to--,”

 

“I know. As much as I don't want to we have to stop.”

 

They had been in Ryo's office for well over an hour. Dee drew away from him. Ryo remained stretched out on the floor, sated and quite content to stay where he was, an arm draped casually over his head, his legs spread apart.

 

“Where's your shirt? I'll iron it for you.” Dee was rummaging in the leather bag. He eventually pulled out a travel iron.

 

“You come prepared for every eventuality, don't you?” Ryo mused.

 

“A trick I learned from Diana,” Dee said. “You never know when you'll be called into the office of some important official after a day in the field.”

 

“Mmm,” Ryo watched as Dee spread his rumpled shirt across his desk and plugged the iron in, also retrieving Ryo's tie from where it had somehow been pushed underneath the couch. Ryo watched as Dee, looking incredibly sexy wearing only a tank top, went to work at his task. Ryo was so moved by the gesture he felt as if he could fall in love with Dee Laytner all over again.

 

Dee would glance at him every so often, naked lust in his eyes and finally he said in a barely controlled voice, “You need to get up, Ryo.”

 

Puzzled, Ryo asked, “Why?”

 

“Why do you think?” Dee rolled his eyes. “Do you realize how sexy you look sprawled out on the floor like that? Do you want me to hold you prisoner in your office and fuck you all day long?”

 

As tempting at that thought was, Ryo sighed and climbed to his feet. Dee held the freshly ironed shirt before him, obviously pleased with his handwork. He held it out as Ryo slipped it on before grasping it by the lapels and pulling Ryo forward for a kiss. Ryo didn't waste the moment and took the opportunity to grab Dee's tight ass.

 

“Mmph!” Dee pulled back, “Now who's the horn-dog?”

 

Reluctantly Ryo stepped away and dressed as Dee ironed his own clothes. “What additional information did you need?”

 

Dee chuckled, “Is that all it takes to get what I want? A good screw? Wish I'd known that earlier.”

 

“You wish.” Ryo sat down at his desk and Dee told him what else was needed. It wasn't information he couldn't supply and Ryo saw no reason not to add it to what Dee already had.

 

“Thanks, babe,” Dee said once he received the print outs. “You sure this is no trouble?”

 

“Not at all,” Ryo said, “I would have given it to you anyway if you'd just asked.”

 

“I did ask,” Dee said, “Repeatedly if I recall.”

 

Ryo felt the tell-tale flush. “Get lost, Mr. Laytner.”

 

“Yes sir, Chief MacLean.”

 

The office was running as smoothly as usual when Dee opened the door, “Thanks Chief, I appreciate your patience.”

 

“Next time, call ahead to give me some time to get the info together,” Ryo said. “I don't have hours to waste with you.”

 

“Whatever,” Dee waved dismissively. It would have been an insulting gesture if Dee hadn't tempered it with a wink.

 

Ryo turned quickly, before the blush gave him away, and returned to his desk. He was busily typing away a few minutes later when he was interrupted by a knock. “Chief?”

 

Ryo looked up, “Come in, Janet.”

 

“Here's the report on the Price case,” she said. “If there's nothing else, I'm out.”

 

“That's it Janet, thank you. Enjoy your evening.”

 

“You too, chief,” Janet turned back with a mischievous smile, “Ryo?”

 

“Yes?” Those closest to him could still get away with calling him Ryo.

 

“You two really aren't fooling anybody.”

 

She winked at him before she closed the door.

 

“Aw hell--,” Ryo cringed, feeling his face burn.

 

***

 

Ryo - Age 75

 

 

 

 

 

“Dad?”

 

“Yes?” Ryo nearly spilled the books from his lap.

 

“You okay?” Bikky stepped into the room. “It's getting kinda late.”

 

“Yes, I know,” Ryo hoped he wasn't blushing. “I—um—I'll just stay here a bit longer.”

 

“Well okay,” Bikky smiled through his beard, “You're thinking about Dee, aren't you?”

 

“W-what? What makes you say that?”

 

“The photo albums?” Bikky raised an eyebrow.

 

“Oh yeah - right,” Ryo swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry.

 

“You sure you're okay?”

 

Ryo drew in a deep breath in an attempt to calm his racing heart. He couldn't afford to have it racing at his age. “Yes, I'm fine, son.”

 

“Okay, don't stay up too late all right? Carol and I are going to turn in.”

 

“Good night.”

 

When the door closed Ryo let out a dry whistle, “Didn't think I could still get all flustered just thinking about you.” He'd thought those days were over. “Just a little while longer, Dee. I don't know what it is but I have a lot of energy tonight. More than I've had in years.”

 

Ryo picked up another album and enjoyed the feel of the ivory cover. “Things were quiet for a little while - well not exactly quiet but I guess you could say settled.” He opened it and smiled at the photos of a radiant bride and her groom. “That is until our dear granddaughter attended that police seminar and brought home her new boyfriend.”

 

Ryo paused and reached for another album. These pictures were of Dee and Bikky together, their hands grasped in honor of their new business partnership. Their family stood around, smiling and admiring the two. Ryo never thought he'd see the day - Bikky and Dee actually working together.

 

***

 

Ryo - Age 50

 

 

 

“You in or out, monkey brat?”

 

“Dee, don't you think he's a little too old to be called monkey brat?”

 

“I don't care how old he gets he'll still be a monkey brat to me.”

 

“Bite me.”

 

“Why you little--,”

 

“Guys, I'd like to finish this hand sometime this century,” Drake muttered around his cigar.

 

“Drakie-poo must you smoke those things?” J.J. fumed.

 

“I'll give them up babe, don't worry.”

 

“You've been saying that for the past twenty years,” J.J. pouted. Even at his advanced years he'd still kept some of his boyish looks.

 

Ryo and Dee exchanged a knowing glance, “You in or out, Drakie-poo?”

 

“Fuck you, Laytner.”

 

“Hey, don't talk to my Dee-sempai that way!” Ryo growled.

 

“That's my pet name!” J.J. looked completely put out.

 

“I think you're all a bunch of weird-asses,” Bikky growled.

 

“Who's the bigger weird-ass? You play poker with us.” Dee said.

 

“Let's see you put your money where your smart-ass mouth is,” Bikky said.

 

“How about the keys to that Lexus of yours?” Dee shuffled his cards.

 

“In your dreams, old fart,” Bikky sneered. “How about the keys to the main office, downtown?”

 

Dee didn't reply immediately. He made a show of examining his hand and taking a slow drag on a cigarette. “How about them?”

 

“Huh?” For the first time since Bikky had come into his life, his son looked completely taken aback. Of course Ryo knew where Dee was going with this.

 

Drake and JJ exchanged a look and then stared at Dee.

 

“What's this all about?”

 

“You'll need the keys if you're going to take over, won't you?”

“T-take over?”

 

“Well, what are you planning on doing with the rest of your life?” Dee demanded. “Sitting on that café au lait ass of yours and getting fat off your riches? That's not you, Bikky. And do you really want your woman to be the bread-winner?”

 

Bikky's mouth opened but no sound came out. It was another first - his son speechless.

 

“Well, I'll be damned,” Drake muttered.

 

“Well? You gonna sit there with your head up your ass?”

 

“Why, do you want me to work with you?” Bikky fell into that street-wise persona of his that was usually reserved for Dee.

 

“Why not?” Dee said. “You're my son, aren't you? You're supposed to take on the family business and it's a little too late for you to go to the police academy.”

 

Bikky flushed slightly. He averted his eyes when he said, “I was thinking of starting my own business.”

 

“Oh? What kind?”

 

“I don't know,” Bikky muttered seeming much like the little boy he used to be. “Maybe a sports bar or fitness center or something.”

 

“I see,” Dee forced a smile but Ryo could see the disappointment in his eyes. “So you don't want to work with me. No problem, forget I said anything.”

 

“Did I say I didn't want to work with you?” Bikky demanded. “That's always been your problem, old fart! Jumping to conclusions.”

 

“Shit, you drive me crazy!” Dee shot back. “Why don't you just say what you mean for once?”

 

“Fine, I'd love to work with you, okay! Happy now?”

 

Bikky slid down into his seat and hid his face behind his cards.

 

“Actually, I am,” Dee said.

 

Ryo couldn't help but laugh with delight.

 

“Oh hell, this isn't going to turn into one of those pansy ass moments, is it?” Drake said. “Should I break out the flavored coffee?”

 

“I think it's sweet that they'll be working together,” J.J. said.

 

Drake leaned over and stole a quick kiss, “Just as long as you don't expect that kind of stuff from me.”

 

“Wouldn't dream of it,” J.J. smiled.

 

***

 

Ryo - Age 75

 

 

 

 

 

Ryo looked up from the album at the shadow box hanging with great ceremony on the wall in front of him. One of Bikky's basketball jerseys, signed by him. They'd retired his number and he'd made it into the Hall of Fame. The pictures were of him and his family at the ceremony. Ryo's heart swelled with pride.

 

“Look at how well they did,” Ryo said. “Bikky came a long way from that street-smart punk and Carol? From standing in front of the bench to sitting behind it.”

 

“You know,” Ryo went on, “Bikky really did love and admire you even when he was kicking you in the shins, but I guess you already know that.”

 

Ryo turned the page again and came upon some photos he didn't expect. They were of Dee at a civil service awards banquet. Ryo smiled, remembering, and then almost immediately frowned.

 

***

 

Ryo - Age 50

 

 

 

 

 

Ryo gave an appreciative whistle, “Baby, you look hot.”

 

Dee smiled happily, “You're lookin' pretty hot yourself.”

 

They had had their tux's tailor made. Dee's fit the still-muscular contours of his body perfectly.

 

“How do you feel?”

 

“Good,” Dee said, “No - great - I mean, did you ever think I'd get an award?”

 

“Of course I did,” Ryo admonished. “You've done a lot for the community, you know.”

 

Dee blushed slightly, “I owe a lot to you Ryo. You were always my inspiration.”

 

His heart melted, “Dee.” Ryo stepped forward, drawing his life partner into his arms. He started with feather light kisses at first on Dee's forehead, his eyelids, his nose and then claimed his mouth in a deepening kiss as their breathing quickened with arousal.

 

Someone cleared their throat and with a sigh of regret Ryo pulled away.

 

“Well, I came to see how my boys were doing and you look more than fine,” Carol strode into the room. “But we're going to be late now.”

 

“Yes princess,” Dee said.

 

Carol, despite being a successful trial attorney, stuck her tongue out at Dee before walking from the room.

 

“We have a few more minutes, don't we?” Dee said hopefully.

 

***

 

Ryo stood with the rest of those present and applauded loudly once the last words of Dee's speech echoed in the room. Bulbs flashed, cameras rolled and reporters spoke fondly of the man who had made the city a little more secure. Ryo remarked as such to Bikky. A moment later his six-year-old grandson, Victor, looked up at him and said, “Like Batman?”

 

Everyone laughed and Ryo had to fight his reaction at the mental imagine of Dee in that skin-tight anatomically correct suit, “Yes, sweetie, just like Batman.”

 

Afterwards Dee joined his family at the table. He was grinning broadly and his mood was infectious. Everyone was there, their extended families, their friends from the 27th, the three sisters who had taken over running the orphanage after Mother Lane had passed away. Even Chief Smith had made the trip from Florida, remarking that he knew Dee had potential - he just had to realize it with Dee teasing him about his “old badger” days.

 

Everyone was having a fantastic time, until Ryo happened to glance at Bikky at the same time his son saw something and his face hardened in anger. Ryo followed his line of sight and tensed when he saw the couple strolling to their table.

 

When the committee had contacted them about the award they'd been told that it was being presented by a local councilman. At the last moment he'd come down with appendicitis and the committee had to scramble to find a replacement. They'd called days before to happily announce they had a special volunteer - the Lieutenant Governor.

 

Dee had been forced to smile, although somewhat stiffly, and shake the hand of Berkeley Rose as he presented Dee with the inscribed plaque.

 

Now he and Diana were threading their way through the closely spaced tables.

 

Ryo went to move but indecision halted him. Then it was too late. Dee was in the middle of an amusing story, looked up and saw their approach and his smile faded a little. Soon everyone's attention was on the pair.

 

It was Diana who broke the silence, “Dee, sweetie, how proud am I of you?”

 

The smile returned, “Yo, Sea Hag, how's it going?” Dee stood and embraced her warmly, “You look hot as usual.”

 

“Thank you, likewise,” Diana smiled.

 

“Diana,” when Ryo was finally able to move he went to get up, but Bikky beat him to it.

 

“Hey Diana,” Bikky was out of his chair and caught Diana in an embrace.

 

“Hey there, how's my favorite b-ball player?”

 

“Retired,” Bikky said, “Did you hear? I work with the old fart now.”

 

“So I heard,” Diana said. “Ryo, you're still as cute as ever.”

 

“Thank you,” Ryo gave her an affectionate kiss on the cheek.

 

It was only until Berkeley stepped forward that the tension returned. He spoke briefly to Chief Smith and the rest of the 27th before approaching Dee and saying, “Congratulations, Mr. Laytner.” Rose presented his hand.

 

Bikky gave him a look that clearly said, fuck off! Carol moved to stand beside her husband and grasped his arm to forgo any incidents. Ryo could only watch and shudder at the air of tense expectancy as the two faced each other.

 

“Thank you, Lieutenant Governor,” Dee's voice was flat as he took the proffered hand and shook it briefly.

 

Rose's eyes were on him, “Commissioner MacLean.”

 

“Lieutenant Governor.”

 

“I was truly impressed by the work the two of you did on the Morrison kidnapping,” Rose said. “You're still good together aren't you? You both deserve accolades.”

 

Ryo wasn't certain he liked Rose's tone or the implication behind his words. Suddenly they were back at the 27th - two young detectives, one shy and reserved one charmingly arrogant and both trying mightily to stay one step ahead of the new commissioner.

 

Dee must have felt it too because he suddenly said, “Would you excuse me for a moment? I need a smoke.”

 

Without waiting for Rose's response, Dee strode away.

 

“Damn it,” Ryo went to move away but Diana stopped him with a hand on his arm.

 

“Tell him we said goodnight.”

 

Ryo managed a smile, “Sure, Di.” He didn't even look at Rose.

 

Ryo found Dee outside. The hall where the ceremony was taking place had an outdoor deck, empty now this time of night. A few steps from the lights and voices a fountain stood, the droplets colored gems from the lights placed within. His lover stood staring into the water, absently taking a drag on his cigarette. It annoyed Ryo that Rose had drove him to it. Dee had been trying to quit for a while.

 

“Do you think when people wish on fountains they come true?”

 

Ryo sighed, “No. I think it's up to us to make our wishes come true.”

 

“Hmm,” Dee smiled. “Always the realist. I guess that's one of the reasons why we've always been so good together to paraphrase the rat bastard - well that and the mind-blowing sex.”

 

“Dee,” Ryo admonished with a smile, then his smile faded as he saw Rose approaching. Now Ryo was truly furious. Lieutenant Governor or not, he was about as fed up with Berkeley Rose as one man could be. Ryo's hands fisted and he took a step forward, fully intending to smash Rose's face in and calling it a night.

 

“Don't, Ryo,” the chestnut-haired man hadn't even realized Dee was watching him and as always seemed to know his thoughts.

 

“I'm sorry to interrupt,” Rose said, “And I know you want to punch my lights out again, Commissioner but I'd like to - I need to talk to Mr. Laytner.” Rose drew in a breath, “Would you excuse us?”

 

Ryo was about to refuse when Dee saved him the trouble, “No Ryo, don't go anywhere - please.”

 

Dee turned to Rose, “Whatever you need to say, you can say it in front of my life partner or not at all.”

 

“Very well,” Rose said. “I wanted to apologize for - well for how everything happened. I truly regret that it did.”

 

“Really,” Dee clearly didn't believe a word Rose had said, “Why don't you tell that to Carter Green and his daughters?”

 

The embarrassed flush was the only indication Rose was affected by Dee's words. “That wasn't supposed to happen.”

 

“Well, it did,” Dee said coldly. “And you had something to do with it, despite what the courts said.”

 

Dee crushed out the cigarette and flicked it into the darkness of the courtyard. “But you know what, Rose? I don't care about you anymore. I used to be so concerned and now - you're just beneath my notice.”

 

Rose's jaw tightened but he wisely kept silent.

 

“Now, if you'll excuse us, I promised the love of my life a dance.”

 

“Good night, Lieutenant Governor,” Ryo slipped his arm around Dee's waist and led him back inside.

 

Music had started and couples were already filling the open square of hardwood floor. No one raised an eyebrow when Dee drew Ryo against him.

 

“Are you really all right, love?” Ryo asked. “He didn't upset you?”

 

“No,” Dee said, “I was serious. He's no concern of mine anymore. Besides, I sure as hell wasn't going to let him ruin the third happiest night of my life.”

 

“Third happiest?” Ryo grinned, “What was the first and second?”

 

“What do you think?” Dee said. “The happiest night of my life was when you told me you loved me. The second was when you asked me to marry you.”

 

Ryo smiled with all his love at his life partner, “Be careful. Talk like that could get you ravished.”

 

Dee returned the smile. “By all means, do.”