Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Three Times A Charm ❯ Chapter 8

Title: Three Times A Charm

Author: JadeHeart

Archived: found on AdultFanFiction.net. If anyone else would like it, please ask me first!

Fandom: Fake

Rating: X

Warnings: bad language, yaoi, sexual thoughts

Timeline: follows on directly from the end of Vol 7

Summary: Dee gets to meet Ryo's relatives….

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this, they belong to the creators of `Fake', nor am I making any profits from this.

 

 

 

Chapter 8

 

 

Dee yawned, leaning back to stretch his arms to the ceiling, hissing before dropping them as nerves pinched in his shoulders. He reached up a hand to rub one of them, closing his eyes as he tried to dig his fingers into the sore spots.

 

He sighed. It was a relief to finally have a case closed. The serial killer they had spent months pursing, had finally been caught. The painstaking work the taskforce here and others elsewhere had completed, had finally yielded concrete results. The trail that it had showed them had covered three States before eventually leading back once more to New York. Here was where the 27th precinct and the Brooklyn 9th precinct, had run the suspect to ground, cornering him in his apartment, and so was finally able to bring him in. The jubilation that everyone had felt had been incredible!

 

However, that had not been the end of it, no matter how much they all had wished it was. Catching the criminal was a blessing - making the charges stick, well, that was another thing completely. Dee had seen it happen on more than one occasion, unfortunately, having to watch as a criminal had walked free due to lack of evidence, even though he knew the person was guilty, as guilty as sin! That was one of the hardest parts of police-work that Dee had had to come to accept. He couldn't change the way the world worked, or the justice system. All he could do was do his job to the best of his ability, to at least try and get the criminals in jail to begin with. After that, well, it seemed to be left in God's hands sometimes.

 

So this time was no different. They had their man, they all knew it was him, it was that gut instinct that all good cops developed over time, but even knowing that wouldn't be enough. They had to get the evidence, clear, hard, factual evidence that would stick in court. A confession would be even better, but even with that a slimy lawyer could probably manage to twist it. What they really needed was a confession, backed up with undisputable evidence, so that is what they now all worked towards. This meant more long, dragging hours pouring over papers, reports, witness statement, maps, forensics. Poor Jim down in the lab had been swamped and the last time Dee had seen him he had looked like absolute shit! He didn't think the man had been out in the sun for months! He had probably been living in that dark lab of his!

 

There had been long, long hours for all of them, sitting and talking to the prisoner, interview after interview. They had pretty much all taken turns, each trying to see if they could crack the calm, blank shell that the perpetrator shielded around himself. Nothing seemed to work, but they had persevered. There was enough evidence for them to at least lay the charge which allowed them to hold him. It would have really sucked if it had only been circumstantial and they had had a limited time to lay the charge and been forced to release him. That would have made Dee puke! Luckily, that hadn't happened and the time had allowed the lab to continue to work on analyzing the evidence, and soon enough it had mounted up against their prisoner without a doubt being left.

 

When faced fully with this insurmountable wall of guilt, the suspect had eventually confessed. However, it was not in a broken-down manner, a crumbling before the onslaught, full of remorse and guilt. It was one of bragging and relish, and a sense of pleasure at what he had done, that had turned their stomachs, and had Dee come very close to extreme violence.

 

Despite all that, and their feelings about it, it was enough to send this person straight to the court and from there to death row. It couldn't have happened to a nicer fella, Dee thought angrily in his mind, grinding his teeth. Thank gods that bastard was going to be put away for good!

 

Now he was just relieved it was all over and they could all finally get their lives back, not to mention some sleep. Ah, sleep, his tired mind savoured this thought. A full decent nights sleep without the worries and stomach-churning nightmares that had accompanied it up till now. A full nights sleep where he didn't have to get up at odd hours in answer to screaming phonecalls, and double shifts. Hell, he could even come in late again! He almost smiled at that thought. Wouldn't the Badger just love that! Do the old goat good to have things back to normal, he hadn't yelled at Dee for months! Gods, Dee found he actually missed it!

 

He sighed, now a little in frustration, as his attempt to rub his neck and shoulders was not relieving his aches and pains. His muscles were so tight and tense.

 

Dee had still been thinking of whether or not he should leave Ryo. He didn't want to make any such decision until he had at least tried to talk to him though. Dee couldn't just walk away from it all. He knew that Ryo was a very honest person, but he also had the habit of avoiding a topic when he didn't want to talk about it, and it never seemed like he was deliberately doing so. Dee wished he had that talent. So he sometimes wondered that even if he did talk with Ryo, he wasn't certain he was going to get any further in doing so. Somehow talking to Ryo about serious personal issues always seemed to leave Dee just feeling more confused.

 

He let his breath out in a sigh. His heart hurt at the thought of breaking things off with Ryo, it really hurt. He didn't want to, not at all, he wanted nothing more than to stay with his partner, especially after it had taken so long for him to get to the point of being with Ryo finally, but the nagging doubts he had begun to have hadn't gone away. They had continued to gnaw at his brain like insistent termites, hundreds of them stealing tiny portions away of his love and desire as the void widened. Yuk!, he shuddered a little. What a gross image that was! But despite the analogy, it was no less true. He still didn't know if he should just tell Ryo it was best they broke it off, and that it had all been a mistake, or just let it carry on. Even telling him that he was breaking up with him would feel sort of odd. It hardly seemed like they were even together anyways. They had really only seen each other at work, and the few times he had crashed the night at Ryo's, they had both been so tired that sleep was all they could do. And with Bikky there, it's not like Ryo would have let anything occur anyway - not that the opportunity had really arisen. So it really did seem to Dee that they weren't even in a real relationship, so how can you break up with someone you're not with in the first place?

 

Suddenly other hands settled on his shoulders. “Let me,” a quiet voice said.

 

Dee sighed, this time in relief as the long fingers gently, but firmly, rubbed and dug into the knots in his aching muscles. Ryo, he thought happily to himself. He had such wonderful hands. Dee leant back further into his partner's touch, relaxing more.

 

“You're really tense,” Ryo said quietly, not ceasing his movements.

 

“Hmm,” Dee murmured. Ah, Dee relaxed more, his mind beginning to wander. He had missed Ryo so much. He had missed the touch of Ryo's hands. He could feel the flexible fingers slide around the collar of his t-shirt, rubbing over his skin. The touch made his skin goose-bump at the soft contact. His skin remembered that touch, his mind remembered the sensations that touch created, his heart remembered the emotions he felt. He mentally sighed to himself. It had been months. Months since he had last been with Ryo, the last time he had really kissed Ryo. Ryo continued to work.

 

“I'm glad it's finally all over,” Ryo said softly.

 

“Hmm,” Dee said. Dee couldn't help leaning back further until his head rested against Ryo's abdomen. He could feel his head move with every breath Ryo took. All the time Ryo continued to massage his shoulders.

 

“It's a good feeling to know that we've been responsible for putting such a monster away, and off the streets.”

 

“Hmm,”

 

“Are you even listening to me?”

 

Dee cracked one eye open, looking up at Ryo. “I'm listening.”

 

“Don't you agree?”

 

“Sure I do. I think it's great and all that jazz, but I'm just too bloody tired right now to get up and dance with glee for you.”

 

Ryo smiled down at him, looking just as tired himself. “Yeah, I know what you mean.”

 

“So I guess this means that the brats are free to do what they want again?” Dee asked, closing his eyes again.

 

“If you mean Bikky and Carol, well, yes, they can spend time out now, but I've told them to still be watchful. This just highlights the need for them to be careful out there.”

 

“Well, I'm sure they're okay. They're pretty smart kids - most of the time.”

 

Ryo smiled. “Yeah.”

 

Dee rolled his shoulders and yawned, almost snuggling his head into Ryo's stomach, feeling quite happy and relaxed now. He felt Ryo chuckle. “What?” he grumped, cracking an eye open again to glare up at his partner.

 

“You look like a lazy cat,” Ryo answered. Dee growled in the back of his throat. “Except cats usually purr.”

 

“Oh, I'll purr if I'm stroked right,” said Dee, leering. He couldn't resist making this small sexual innuendo, as he smiled up at Ryo.

 

Ryo laughed out loud then completely surprised Dee by suddenly leaning over him to capture his lips in a kiss. Dee stayed there, frozen, unwilling to move in case any motion on his part scared Ryo away and made him stop.

 

Ryo held the kiss for a long time, and Dee was then beginning to become afraid that if he didn't respond Ryo would stop, and he didn't want him to. So he opened his lips under Ryo's insistent onslaught. Ryo immediately took advantage of Dee's willingness and slid his tongue smoothly inside his mouth, deepening the kiss. Ryo's arms were wrapped around Dee's neck; one hand cupping his throat, the other stretched down the front of his chest resting over his taut abdomen. Dee's arms reached up to rest on Ryo's, holding him in place.

 

As they kissed, Dee breathed in the scent of Ryo. He hadn't been this close to him for so long. The desire and feelings of wanting were quickly building inside him, making his body begin to shake. He couldn't stop the soft moan that escaped his throat. Oh, this was so good! He didn't want it to end.

 

Unfortunately it had to reach an end. Ryo slowly drew back, their lips almost reluctantly releasing their lock on each other. Lifting his head a little, Ryo looked Dee in the eyes, smiling. Dee just looked back. Perhaps it wasn't all lost between them after all.

 

“I've been wanting to do that for a while,” Ryo said softly, still smiling, although Dee saw the faint blush on his cheeks. Oh, yes, Ryo was still the same.

 

“Me, too,” Dee replied huskily, not releasing his grip on Ryo's arms.

 

“Are you busy this weekend?” Ryo asked.

 

“Huh?” Dee had been focused on the moist, swollen appearance of Ryo's lips, hovering tantalizing above his, a mere couple of inches separating them.

 

“This weekend. Are you busy?”

 

“Ah, no, not really. I was just going to try and catch up on some sleep. Why?”

 

“Well, I know this is short notice, and don't feel like you have to say yes.”

 

“Ryo,” Dee said, rolling his eyes as Ryo dithered. “Say yes to what?”

 

“Well,” and Ryo drew back a little more. Dee ached for the loss of the close contact. “I wondered if you wanted to come down to spend time at my aunt's.”

 

“Your aunt?”

 

“Yes, Aunt Elena. She took me in after my parents died. I haven't visited her for a while and so told her I'd come down this weekend. Since you've been working just as hard, I thought you might like to have a break as well. Their place is really nice and they're good people, and I know they wouldn't mind it if you came too. There are some great walks in the woods nearby, and it's quiet and peaceful.”

 

“What about Bikky? He coming, too?”

 

“He's staying over at Carol's. I've already cleared it with her aunt so there's no problem. It'll be good for the two of them to not be cooped up at my place.”

 

“You sure?”

 

“Absolutely. It would be great for the two of us to get away for a bit.”

 

Dee smiled broadly, “Then I accept!”

 

“Good!”

 

Just then there was a clatter in the corridor outside the office and Ryo pulled back so suddenly that Dee almost ended up getting dumped on his back, as he nearly wasn't quick enough to release his grip on Ryo's arms. When JJ burst in the door, all he saw was Ryo standing nonchalantly on one side of the room, whilst his beloved Dee was slumped over his desk.

 

JJ looked at them both. “Geez, guys! I thought you two would have knocked off already. For gods sake, go home!”

 

Dee looked at him with a frown. “I feel too frigging tired to move, or I would have!” he growled.

 

“Aw, just go home, it's shift change so make the most of the weekend. Got any plans?” JJ asked.

 

“I'm going to see my family.” Ryo said, picking up his jacket and pulling his wallet and other personal items from the drawer, to put in his pocket. “It'll be a good break.”

 

Dee stood also. Ryo hadn't said a thing about Dee joining him. He sighed to himself as he collected his own personal things. Guess things are just the same in some areas.

 

“What about you, Dee?” JJ asked.

 

“Huh?” Dee came out of his thoughts.

 

JJ looked at him for a moment then shook his head. “Forget it. The way you look, you're going to be sleeping most of it. Let's hope your brain's back in form on Monday.” JJ made his way to the door. “Well, try and spare a thought for the rest of us saps having to still work. See ya later!” and he left.

 

Ryo and Dee followed him out, making their way to the car park. “So,” Ryo said, “Want me to pick you up around 9.00am? Is that too early?”

 

“Nah, that's fine.” Dee answered, lighting up a cigarette.

 

“You'd better make certain that you set your alarm,” Ryo said with a smile and a parting wave. “I know what you're like!”

 

“Year, yeah,” Dee called back. “Then you'll just have to come in and wake me up. Pleasantly, mind you!”

 

“In your dreams!” Ryo called back from his open window, as he drove out the gates.

 

Unfortunately, yes, Dee thought, as he watched him go, before turning to his own vehicle.

 

******************

 

Dee grabbed the phone after the first ring. “Hello?”

 

“Are you up?”

 

“I'm always up. I'm assuming you're referring to being awake and out of bed and not other things?”

 

He heard Ryo's chuckle. “If you've got problems with the other you had better sort them out before I pick you up, or you're going to be very uncomfortable in the car!”

 

“It would be better if you did it for me.”

 

“I'm going to have both hands on the wheel.”

 

“What about before?”

 

“I want to get on the road straight away and miss the worst of the traffic. Sorry, you'll have to do it yourself!”

 

“Yeah, yeah,” Dee shoved a couple of more things into the bag on the bed.

 

“I'll be there shortly.”

 

“Okay, see you soon.”

 

Dee dropped the phone onto the bed and went to the bathroom to grab the last of his toiletries. He threw them into the bag and zipped it up, giving a last final look around the room to see if he had forgotten anything. Nope, looked like he had everything he needed. He picked up the bag, slinging it over his shoulder and made his way to the front door. He made certain that he had left no power switches on, placed his phone back into its cradle in the hall, and locked the door securely behind him. He thumped down the stairs, forgoing the lift, taking them two at a time, ignoring the amount of noise he was making which might disturb other residents who may have been trying to make the most of a sleep-in on a Saturday morning.

 

He stood on the pavement and waited for Ryo, keeping his bag on his shoulder and not making the fatal error of placing it on the ground and leaving it vulnerable to a bag snatch, whilst also keeping his eye out for any such possible perpetrators. Soon he spotted Ryo's car coming down the street and he moved out between two parked cars as he pulled up. As there was no where to park anyway, Dee quickly opened the door, tossed his bag into the back seat, and jumped in before any vehicles could build up behind them.

 

Ryo flashed him a smile and he moved off again. “Good timing.”

 

Dee smiled back. “Told you I'd be ready.”

 

“Did you have to `resolve' anything before you came?”

 

“No, I didn't, perv! I'm saving it.”

 

Ryo laughed. “Better be careful you don't pop!”

 

Dee just growled at him, watching the traffic as Ryo calmly navigated his way out of the city and soon they were leaving the hustle behind them.

 

Dee reached down and pulled the lever at the side to lean the seat back to an almost horizontal position. He wriggled until he felt comfortable and yawned widely. Ryo shot him a quick amused glance.

 

“Make yourself at home,” he said a little dryly, with a grin at his partner.

 

Dee just looked at him and tucked his hands behind his head, before closing his eyes. “May as well have a bit of a nap,” He opened his eyes again and looked at his partner with a smile. “Want to look my best to meet your family. Got to make a good impression, you know!” Ryo laughed softly as he continued to watch the road.

 

Dee remained looking at Ryo for a moment longer, enjoying the view of his profile, the curve of his cheekbone, the long line of his neck, the soft waves of his hair framing both. Dee sighed to himself in pleasure. Ryo was just so beautiful. With that happy thought, and with the smile still on his face, he closed his eyes.

 

He was so thrilled that Ryo had asked him on this trip. He knew how important Ryo's aunt was to him. He had gathered from the things that Ryo had told him that after his parents had died, it had been a difficult time at first, and it was due to his aunt and uncle that he had found he had another home to go to. They had supported Ryo in more ways than just monetary, providing the warmth and security, and most importantly the love, the youth had still needed. They couldn't replace Ryo's parents, and had never tried to, but they had given him everything else that he could have ever wanted.

 

Dee knew that the two most important people in Ryo's life were his Aunt Elena and Uncle Rick. In all these years Dee had never actually met them. He had known that they had come to New York to visit Ryo a number of times, but Ryo had always spent that time with them alone. They apparently loved Bikky - that was the only count against them as far as Dee knew. Ryo had never invited Dee to meet them during those previous visits. Until now.

 

Was Ryo finally really accepting, and acknowledging, their relationship openly? He was making this effort to introduce Dee to his family finally. Dee was so excited, and no less nervous, about it as well. He was so pleased to finally meet Ryo's family in person, instead of just hearing about them, but he was also rather worried about what they would think of him. He knew from everything that Ryo had said that his aunt and uncle obviously thought the world of him, and worried about him, which is only natural. What would happen if they didn't think Dee was good enough for Ryo? Would they insist that Ryo break up with him? And would Ryo do it? He obviously valued their opinion greatly so they could have a lot of influence over his decisions.

 

Dee ground his teeth a little. He would have to be on his best behaviour whilst he was down there, to show them that they had nothing to worry about, and that he would look after Ryo and treat him right, to try and allay any worries or concerns that they might have. He tried to calm his own worries. There was no point jumping the gun. He didn't know what they were going to say or be like, until they got down there. With a little sigh, he shifted his shoulders and drifted into a doze.

 

“Hey,” a poke to his shoulder and the sound of the voice woke him. Dee opened his eyes to see Ryo looking down at him with a smile. “We're here.”

 

Dee yawned and sat up, looking around. “Really?”

 

“Yep. You slept the whole way. You must have been dead on your feet.”

 

“Sorry about that. I hadn't meant to.”

 

Ryo shrugged, moving to open his door to get out. “That's okay. I'm just glad you managed to catch up a bit on your sleep.”

Dee exited the car also, before turning to open the back door and dragging his bag out whilst Ryo did the same. “I was going to take turns and give you a break from driving.” he said a little shamefully.

 

Ryo smiled over at him, and patted him on the shoulder. “Then you can drive going back, how about that?”

 

Dee grinned at him crookedly. “Deal.”

 

“Ryo!” the feminine voice called out, making them both turn to look up at the patio of the house.

 

A broad smile spread across Ryo's face as he saw the woman standing there waving. “Aunt Elena!” and he set off at a run. Dee followed at a more sedate pace, giving the two time to have a reunion privately, before he joined them.

 

He had never seen Ryo smile like that before, the way he just lit up completely. His aunt was obviously a very important person in Ryo's life.

 

He arrived to hear Ryo's aunt saying, “I'm just so glad you're here! You made very good time coming down.”

 

“It was a good drive,” Ryo replied, then turned as he heard Dee's shoe scuff on the step. “Aunt Elena, I'd like you to meet my partner, Dee Laytner. I've told you about him before.”

 

Elena held out her hand to Dee immediately, with a broad smile. “Welcome, Dee. It's good to meet you at last. Ryo's told us a great deal about you over the years he's been working with you. Rick and I have been wanting to meet you for ages. We're really pleased you could make it this weekend. Come on in,” she waved the two of them into the house. “Come in, and make yourselves at home.” and she bustled them inside.

 

There was the smell of cooking wafting from the kitchen, “We're having a late lunch as we had hoped that you would get here to join us.”

 

“You shouldn't have waited.”

 

She waved her hand, brushing Ryo's comment aside. “Forget it. It's more fun if we could all eat together. Rick's just out the back so I'll just go get him. Ryo, your room is ready, so put Dee in the second guest room. That's got the best view.” and she disappeared out the back door.

 

Dee looked after her. She was still a good looking lady, slim and pretty. Ryo had said that she hadn't had any children of her own. Maybe that is why they had so happily taken Ryo into their lives.

 

“Come on then.” Ryo called out, startling him out of his thoughts. He turned to see Ryo already beginning to mount the stairs, so he followed.

 

“This will be your room,” Ryo said, opening a door and holding it open for Dee to enter. He walked in, dropping his bag on the floor. “Have a look out the window.” Ryo instructed, and Dee did so.

 

Dee found himself looking over wide open expanses, dotted with strips of woods, the deep green of their foliage almost seeming to shine in the sunlight.

 

“Isn't it great?” Ryo said softly next to him.

 

Dee turned his head to look at him. “Yeah.”

 

“My room's just down the hall.” A small smile quirked Ryo's lips. “It's the same one that I grew up in whilst I was here, so it's sort of funny sometimes coming back to it. I keep finding all these little reminders of when I was younger. It sort of makes me think I haven't really grown up at all.” He laughed softly and turned away, heading to the door.

 

Dee reached out and snaked an arm around his waist, pulling him back against his body. He nuzzled at Ryo's neck, inhaling his scent. “I thought we would be sharing. Can't we both stay here? Or in your room?”

 

He could feel the blush that suffused Ryo's neck at his suggestion. “Dee!” Ryo said in some shock. “This is my aunt's house. We can't do something like that here!”

 

“Oh. But I thought…”

 

“Look, it just wouldn't be right. I just wanted you to meet them. I don't want to upset them about anything.” He wriggled from Dee's loosened grasp and escaped to the door. Reaching it, he turned and looked back at Dee, still standing in the middle of the room. “Look, we'll be able to spend time together still. We've got the rest of this afternoon, and nearly all of tomorrow before we have to head back. Let's just enjoy the time to relax and get our heads back on straight. Please?”

 

Dee looked at Ryo, feeling tears trying to build in his eyes. He forced them back, giving a false smile to his partner. “Sure. That'll be cool.”

 

Ryo smiled at him with some relief. “Thank you. Have a shower to freshen up, and then let's go eat. I'm famished!”

 

“Yeah. Me, too.” and Dee watched Ryo disappear out the door, closing it behind him.

 

He stood there for a moment longer, before moving to sit on the edge of the large bed. The tears from previously now could not be held in, and a couple slid from the corner of his eyes. He brushed them away angrily.

 

He had really thought that Ryo and he would be sharing. It had been his big dream of this weekend, having time for the two of them to be together, holding each other, even making love. How he ached to make love to Ryo again! He had wanted to spend every single moment of this weekend with his partner, both during the day and the night. Instead they had been banished to separate rooms.

 

He sighed deeply, standing to make his way to the bathroom. He guessed he could understand it a little. It must be awkward for Ryo to tell his family about he and Dee, and maybe it might be a little too much for them on this first meeting to know that he and Ryo were sleeping together. Maybe next time things would be different.

 

Feeling refreshed and little more balanced in himself, Dee sat at the long table. Ryo sat opposite him, whist Elena and her husband, Rick, took either end. Ryo's Uncle Rick had greeted Dee amicably, with a firm hand shake and sincere welcome. Dee was finding himself liking these two people more and more, and could understand why Ryo held them in such high regard. They were good people, through and through. The lunch was wonderful, and Dee was more than hungry enough to do it justice, much to Elena's delight.

 

“It's wonderful to have two young men here. I love cooking, but there's usually too much if it's just Rick and I, so this gives me the perfect excuse to go all out!”

 

“If you weren't here,” Rick put in with a smile to his wife. “I'd be eating left-overs for the next month!”

 

“Uncle Rick, you know that is hardly true. Isn't that your third helping of potatoe?” Ryo said, laughing.

 

“So, who's counting?” Rick replied, placing another portion in his mouth happily.

 

It was a comfortable, happy feeling around the table as they all ate, and the conversation flowed. Ryo spoke a little of work, but omitted the details of their latest case. Elena and Rick obviously knew some of it from the papers, and Dee gathered that Ryo had spoken to them at various times as well but hadn't told them anything that he shouldn't have. Dee could hear the relief in Elena's voice that it was all over now, relief that Ryo wasn't involved with it anymore.

 

“I know it's what you want to do, Ryo, but I can't help worry about you. Some of the cases you get involved in are awful, and it could be dangerous for you.”

 

Ryo gave her his usual calming smile. “Don't worry, Aunt. I'm very careful, and besides I've got a good partner.” and he flashed a smile at Dee. “We look out for each other.”

 

“I'm really glad about that.” Elena said, standing and beginning to collect plates from the table. Ryo and Dee stood also to do the same. “Rick, honey, why don't you grab some beers and take them out onto the porch?”

 

“Sure,” and Rick disappeared out the door to carry out his errand.

 

“Just put the plates on the side there,” Elena instructed Ryo and Dee. “I'll just rinse them and pop them into the dishwasher. That will only leave a couple of pots to be washed up.”

 

“I'll do those for you.” Dee offered, rolling up his sleeves.

 

Elena flashed him a smile. “Why, thank you, Dee.” She turned to Ryo. “He's a very nice boy, Ryo, you've done well in picking him.”

 

“Aunt, I didn't have any say in getting partnered with Dee. That was the Chief's idea.”

 

“Oh, I thought you also spent time outside of work together. When you said you looked after each other…”

 

Ryo blushed brightly, whilst Dee said nothing. “I…I mean work…we look after each other at work!” Ryo stammered, turning away to collect more plates so his aunt couldn't see his face. “We…we sometimes see each other outside of work, a bit, but not that much. I spend most of my time with Bikky.”

 

“Oh, sorry, dear, my mistake.” and Elena returned to packing the dishes into the dishwasher.

 

Dee's hands were in the scalding water, clenched in fists. His teeth were clamped together tightly, as his lips began to quiver. So, he thought, trying to get a grip on his roiling emotions, Ryo hadn't told them at all. He began to scrub the pots, blinking hard, refusing to let the tears fall.

 

In fact, Ryo had just completely denied their relationship.

 

Perhaps it was time for this to be over.