Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Time For Healing: Aftermath ❯ The One That Saves Me ( Chapter 1 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Disclaimer: We do not own FAKE or its characters. They belong to Sanami Matoh, lucky girl! Any original characters belong to either Irish or Wildefyre.
Warnings: Thus far just Shounen AI but then again that's what FAKE is anyway. It may become Yaoi further along. This may have the guys out of Character somewhat, so Gomen for that and we are taking some creative freedom on histories & backgrounds and lives as they are now... Deal with it! ^_~

Time for Healing: Aftermath
By Wildefyre and Irish

Chapter One
The One That Saves Me

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And all the roads we have to walk are winding
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you
But I don't know how

Because maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me
And after all
You're my wonderwall



Ryo felt the jolt in his back as he made contact with Marlo sending them both of into the counter behind her. The pain seemed to radiate through his whole body as the two of them slammed first into the counter and then to the floor. His arm was another thing, he knew that he had been hit but couldn't tell how badly as he and Marlo hit the floor with a sickening thud. There wasn't time to check, he had to make sure that Dee, Lyn and Drew were okay. Marlo appeared to be knocked out and so he didn't feel too worried about her getting away. That was a mistake he'd soon live to regret.

"D-Dee? L-Lyn? You okay?" Ryo asked. His voice thick with pain. Blinking, he tried to keep himself from passing out as his back seared with a spasm, far worse then anything he had felt before.

We're fine Ryo but be careful!" Lyn cautioned, wanting to break from under the table and go to Drew. He could see one of his hands and the tail of his blonde hair. He turned to Dee. "How bad was An hurt?"

"She cracked him in the legs quite a bit Lyn... I'm so sorry. Then she hit... Hit him in the head. I did feel for a pulse when I was forced to move him out of your view. He was alive. Lyn I... I... Dear God I didn't know what to do to help him. I tried to do what she asked just to spare him... He wouldn't let me." Dee's voice was shaky and he felt Lyn's hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "Is Ryo okay? Please... Is he okay? The blood? Whose is it?"

Lyn looked closer trying to see through the jumble of limbs as Ryo moved away from Marlo. "I think it might be his but it's only a flesh wound, nothing serious." Lyn was worried but this had officially become a police matter. As long as Ryo had things under control Lyn was staying out of the way. This was Ryo's job and he was good at it.

"Lyn check on Drew." Ryo gritted his teeth as he sat up but when he went to move more he found that he couldn't. "DAMN!" He winced as pain shot down his back and straight into his legs. "Lyn... I can see from here that Drew is out cold, go check on him." Sweat poured from Ryo's brow as he sat with his back against the cabinets. He could see that Drew was also handcuffed and so making sure that Marlo was still out, he slowly started moving over towards the blond.

Lyn didn't need to be told twice, he scrambled out from under the table and kneeled down by his lover. "An?" He called softly as he started to check him over. "An, baby, speak to me." Lyn's voice trembled with fear as he watched Ryo inch closer. Lyn stayed crouched over Andrew, not even sure where to start on the first aide.

"I have a key that may work on those cuffs." Ryo spoke through the pain as he fumbled to get the key out. "Dee... Stay put! There's glass everywhere. I'll get over to you just as soon as I can. Just don't move!" Ryo instructed his lover as he took the two-way radio to inform those outside of the situation. "Lyn hold on... I'll get an ambulance summoned."

Lyn shook his head. "It doesn't matter... He is out and not coming around anytime soon. Lyn moved over to Ryo, stripping off his Tee shirt and tearing it into a few pieces to bandage Ryo's arm.

"Let me get backup in here." Ryo pressed the switch on the radio, trying to breathe through his pain. "We have an officer and a civilian down, suspect is also down." He got out, lowering the radio, as he looked over Drew, trying to access his injuries.

Neither Lyn nor Ryo saw the movement, Marlo's hand reaching for the bat. It wasn't until Marlo sat up, screaming, did they realize what was about to happen. "Die you filthy fag!" Dee never had a chance, even with Ryo screaming to him to get out of the way! The bat connected with the side of his head, sending Dee sprawling back onto the floor.

"DEE!" Ryo lunged for Marlo just as Ted and JJ burst through the back door, guns drawn. "Help me dammit!" Ryo shouted as he tried to disarm her. Ted quickly joined in, managing to get the bat away from her, and then pulling her hands around to her back.

"We got her Ryo." Ted cuffed her and then read her her rights, all the while listening as Marlo hurled insults at them all. "Yeah yeah lady, tell that to the judge." Ted replied, then pulled the woman to her feet. "There's an ambulance on the way. I'll summon another."

Ryo only nodded as he crawled over to Dee, ignoring his own pain for the time being. "Dee?" Ryo reached his hand under Dee's head, pulling it away to find it coated in blood. "Dear god... Not again." His eyes misted up as he looked over at Lyn.

Lyn knelt down beside Ryo, taking Dee's pulse. "His pulse is strong. That's a good sign."

"This can't be happening again. God dammit! I should have made sure that she was unable to get up. I wasn't thinking!" Ryo knew that he had not followed procedure properly but between the pain in his back and worrying about Drew, he figured that since Marlo was down that there wouldn't be a problem. "Dee? Hang in there lover. The EMTs are on their way." Ryo stroked Dee's brow before slumping against the base of the counter with his back unable to take anymore.

Lyn found himself left in the midst of three incapacitated men and he himself injured with a shattered wrist. Drew was unconscious though his pulse was strong. He wasn't about to expire but Lyn didn't dare try and move him fearing a neck injury. Dee also was out cold but still bleeding. Lyn took the rest of his shirt and with his good hand applied pressure to the wound, cradling his badly fractured wrist against his leg, hiding the sick angle it was bent at from Ryo. "Ryo, just try and get comfortable until the ambulance gets here."

"I'm fine, just a spasm hitting again. You need to go to the hospital too. Lyn I saw your wrist earlier, it looks pretty bad." Ryo looked at him, sweating and wincing with each movement. Just then Ted ran back in along with the EMTs.

"Andrew is the worst off, Then Dee, then Ryo." Lyn informed Ted and the EMTs. "My wrist is just broken. I will go take care of the kids and get them to the hospital." Lyn stood up slowly.

"NO!" Ryo glanced up at him. "I'll have the kids brought to the hospital. You get treated and stay with Drew." Ryo smiled and then looked at Ted. "Have someone get the kids. They're in my car."

"Yeah we saw. It's cool though. Drake is with them. He has nieces and nephews so he's used to that sort of thing." Ted looked at Lyn. "You heard the man. Go sit with your man and we'll take care of the rest." Ted smiled softly.

Lyn nodded, worried about the children but moving over to the unmoving Andrew, stroking his hair gently as the paramedics began working on Drew and Dee. Andrew was eventually loaded onto a backboard as another team of paramedics tended to Dee. Lyn gave them a run down of Andrew's medical history, kissing his forehead as he was whisked off. Dee was loaded onto a stretcher as the other team asked Ryo similar questions.

Ryo looked at Lyn, his eyes conveying a great deal of emotion. "The kids will meet us at the hospital. Drake will stay with them. It's going to be okay. We have to hang on to that belief." Ryo tried to reassure his friend even though he too was very concerned about both men's condition.

Lyn allowed the paramedics to help him to his feet and then stood on his own, shaking his head knowing that he needed to see the kids. Walking out with one of the paramedics, Lyn paused to lean into Ryo's car, managing a smile for Bikky and Cal. The girls had somehow managed to sleep through the commotion and were laid out in the backseat. "Good work you two, excellent job. Don't worry, Ryo and Dee are going to be fine, Drake will bring you to the hospital and I will meet you in the waiting room okay?"

"We heard a gun shot Lyn... was... was anyone hit?" Bikky asked as he sat there, looking less then strong at the moment.

"Ryo was shot in the arm and the suspect was hit as well, but its nothing serious with Ryo, everything will be fine kids." Lyn tried to smile, ignoring the impatient paramedics. Lyn bent down and give each of them careful one armed hugs. "You guys did so well, you're amazing really. I'm sorry I can't stay with you but Ryo and I need to go to the hospital by ambulance. My wrist is broken and they'll be bringing Ryo out in a minute. Dee and Drew are already on their way there. Everyone is alive and stable and that's what really counts, okay?"

"My dad was shot?" Bikky was out of the car and racing across the lawn before Lyn knew could stop him. Bikky's heart thumped madly in his chest and he got halfway to the house when another police officer grabbed him.

"Sorry kid but that's a crime scene, you can't go in there!"

"My dad's in there! Let me go!" Bikky yelled, trying to wrestle himself out of the cop's grip. "Let GO!"

Lyn shooed off the paramedics, it was only a broken wrist and the kids needed him dammit. He jogged after Bikky, wrapping an arm around his waist to restrain him, holding his wounded arm away from his body so as not to get jostled. "Bikky! Settle down Tiger he's okay. Just chill for a second."

"I should be with my dad! He needs me..." Bikky looked at Lyn, trying to put on a brave front when inside he was truly worried about Ryo and about Dee.

"I know, kiddo, I know. His back is hurting him and he was shot in the arm but I promise you Bikky, on all that is sacred that he will be okay." Lyn hugged Bikky to him tightly with his good arm. "I'll stay with you guys until he comes out okay?"

Bikky looked up at the house, the chaos was overwhelming. It was late and he was tired but he couldn't sleep until he saw with his own eyes that Ryo was okay. When the EMTs emerged with Ryo, Bikky wanted to run to him but waited until he got closer. "DAD!" Bikky ran over to him and could tell right away that Ryo was in a great deal of pain.

"I'm okay Bikky. It hurts a little but I'll be fine." Ryo smiled as Bikky came up to him. "I'm proud of you... So very proud of you." Ryo's voice was weak but he didn't want to worry Bikky any further. Looking at Lyn, Ryo reached over and took his good hand. "Come on you get to ride with me." Ryo gave him a small smile. "Keep me company will ya? We can trade war stories and compare battle wounds." Ryo joked, hoping to relieve the stress hanging around them.

Smiling a little, Lyn looked down at the boy. "Is that okay Bikky, I will be in the waiting room when you get there. Who's bringing you guys to the hospital?"

"Sure. Knowing that Ryo's with you makes it better. Drake is taking us to the hospital so that's cool." Bikky smiled and then leaned down to kiss Ryo's cheek. I love you... dad." Bikky smiled and then walked back over to Drake. Ryo kept a hold of Lyn's hand as they headed for the ambulance.

"D-Did you hear that? He said that he loved me... He said it." Ryo smiled through watery eyes. His joy short lived when the EMTs accidentally jolted the stretcher causing Ryo to yelp in pain.

Lyn squeezed Ryo's hand climbing up into the ambulance behind him, sitting down next to him, leaning over the stretcher. "Just hang in their Ryo. We'll have you to the hospital in no time." Lyn offered a weak smile, his wrist was radiating hot waves of pain, and he didn't dare look at it for fear of passing out.

"Just stick with me okay? I'll make sure you're that taken care of too. You deserve that much. I'm just sorry that Drew got hurt... He didn't deserve that Lyn... Neither did Dee." Ryo turned his head, ashamed of the emotions that were beginning to run raw.

"Ryo, look at me because I don't think I have the will power to say this twice." He waited until Ryo was looking at him before continuing." You did an amazing job. You were calm and collected and professional. I was very impressed. You are an amazing officer and the 27th should be honored to have you. I'm sure Dee and Drew would say the same thing. So stop worrying. They'll be okay."

"Thanks. You weren't so bad yourself. I'm just sorry that you had to be put into that position though." Ryo smiled weakly. "You're one hell of a guy and Drew is one lucky man." Ryo blushed slightly.

"I did what had to be done. I just hope that Dee understands." He gave Ryo's hand a squeeze. "You took her down Ryo! You got her and finally it's over."

"If I know Dee, and I do... He'll be more sorry then anything that you had to go through that. And then... He'll find a way to make a joke about it." Ryo gave a small chuckle.

"He's a good guy." Lyn said with a nod. He tried to not think about Drew, about how pale he had looked. The ambulance maneuvered through the streets, sirens off, this wasn't urgent. Finally the ambulance drew to a halt outside the emergency room and the paramedics unloaded Ryo with efficiency.

The first thing Ryo did was make an issue about Lyn being seen right away. He had a lot of paying back to do and this seemed as good a start as any. Once he saw that Lyn was being taken to a cubicle he then allowed himself to feel the pain and then his thoughts shifted to Dee. "M-My partner... Dee Latener... Is there any word on his condition?" Ryo asked a nurse, jumping when she went to open his shirt.

"I'm sorry I haven't heard anything." The nurse said with brisk proficiency as she tended the wound on Ryo's arm.

Lyn was x-rayed and after a dose of pain meds was taken into surgery to have the mangled bones forced back into proximity of their original position. Once through and awake, a doctor came to see Lyn. He had been out of it for over three and half hours now. "Your wrist is fractured in about six places, we realigned them the best that we could and put a cast on you but we need you to come back in two weeks to make sure that the bones are healing correctly. Breaks like this are touch and go." Lyn nodded and waited to be discharged. Happy that they actually were allowing him to leave. As soon as he had dressed and collected his things, he headed upstairs to find about the rest of the crew.

Cal had fallen asleep in one of the plastic chairs against Drakes shoulder, who was holding Keiry. Bikky was dozing as well, sprawled over his own plastic chair while JJ sat looking impatient with a sleeping Annie on his lap. Looking up at Lyn as the taller man waltz into the waiting room, looking tired and out of it, JJ quickly dropped his gaze.

"They took Dee upstairs. They're concerned about his head injury considering the lingering damage from the previous injury but they think he may have nothing more than a severe concussion. They think that between the counter which the bat struck partially and Marlo's weakened state may have saved Dee from a much more serious injury. He'll be in here for a few days but it's looking good for him." JJ said almost methodically, feeling very tired. "Ryo on the other hand is scheduled for surgery first thing in the morning. They're putting him in traction for the night much to his dismay. We could hear him bitching all the way down the hall. He wanted to see Dee real badly but they won't let him. They don't want him moving around."

Drake looked at JJ and shook his head. "Man this is like a frigging nightmare. Even Rose is shaken up over it. That woman is sick. As they put her in the squad car she called Rose a fag and threatened his life." Drake looked at Lyn and sighed. "Any word on Drew yet? We asked but they won't tell us a thing, even though I flashed my badge at them."

"I haven't even gotten the chance to ask yet... shit. Here let me take Annie." He scooped the girl from JJ's arms, cuddling her warm body close, if not a little awkwardly and then took a deep breath. "All right I'm going in. Wish me luck." Despite the fact that he carried five different legal documents giving him power of attorney, making him next of kin, and any number of other things, the doctors had a hard time giving up 'privy medical information.' Lyn approached the nurse's desk and after proving that he was who he said he was, was finally allowed up to Drew's room but not before giving Annie back to JJ. Lyn spent several minutes in the room, making sure for himself that Drew was okay and after talking to Andrew's doctor, he snuck off in search of Dee's room.

"Just where do you think that you're going?" Berkley smirked when he caught sight of Lyn about to enter Dee's room. "You have no business in there."

"Neither do you. I won't tell if you wont."

"Oh but I do... You see I'm investigating a crime and frankly... You're not." Berkley didn't like this guy one bit, especially after seeing how close he was with Ryo. "I assume you're also going to track down Ryo as well?"

"I doubt that question is part of your investigation. Dee is in no condition to answer your questions anyway. In fact the last time I had heard he was still unconscious. I can make your life very difficult Rose. I'm tired and in pain, so don't mess with me."

"Just try it." He glared at Lyn before turning on his heels. "You know Ryo didn't follow procedure, he should have made sure that the suspect was disarmed and secured. You make my life miserable and I may just have to file a report about Ryo's actions. I have every right to do it too." Rose stated and began to walk off. Lyn was about to go into Dee's room when commotion from the room across the hall caught his ear.

"I want to see him!" Ryo's voice rang out strong. "Get me out of this damn thing!"

"Sounds like the one in question is awake and madder than a wet hen." Berkley stopped to listen.

"Believe me you do that and I will gladly return the favor. And don't even think of going in there and laying this 'not following procedure' bull shite on him Rose! He's got enough on his plate." Lyn growled before following the commotion to Ryo's room. Walking in Lyn strode over to the bed, trying to calm his friend. "Ryo settle down you're going to make things worse."

"I want to see Dee! I need to see him Lyn." Ryo was lying prone on the bed, hooked into a harness and rigging meant to keep his back perfectly straight and very still. "I have to make sure that he's okay..."

"You can't move Ryo. I will go check on him and report back okay? I'm sorry but you're rather attached to the ceiling..." Lyn smoothed back Ryo's hair with his good hand.

"Lyn how's Drew? Is he going to be okay?" Dark eyes looked up at him, fearful of what may be said.

Lyn sighed heavily. "He has a pretty severe concussion, he broke three ribs and shattered what was left of his right kneecap. They are gonna have to do surgery on both legs to replace pins and hinges. He might be in a wheelchair again for a while. Simply put, we lost a lot of ground."

"Damn." Tears sprang to his eyes. "I'm so sorry Lyn." Ryo felt tired weak and lonely, missing Dee more then anything, needing a friendly face and the comforting words his partner would always bestow upon him. "If I could trade places with Drew I would Lyn. I really would."

"Ryo it doesn't matter now. This wasn't your fault. You did your job and if you hadn't, things could have been much worse for Dee and Drew. I don't blame either of you and I guarantee that An won't either. We will get through this again and it will be easier this time because we have friends to help us." Lyn gave Ryo's hand a tight squeeze.

"I don't know if you've heard but I have to have surgery in the morning Lyn... I'm ashamed to say it but I'm a little scared. They said there's a slight chance or risk that I could have permanent damage to my back. " Ryo held Lyn's hand tightly, needing the comfort it brought.

Lyn squeezed back, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "No matter what we will be here for you and we'll help you get through it Ryo. Dee An and I will be there. Don't worry about what you can't do anything about. We will cross that bridge when we come to it okay?"

"I know... I-I just... I just don't want to be a burden to anyone. I know that this hasn't been easy on you. I can see the stress in your eyes and on your face. Lyn please do me a favor and eat something? I-I could ask a nurse to get you something if you'd like?" Ryo brought Lyn's hand up to rest on his chest. "I'm worried about you dammit..."

"I'm fine Ryo. You're exhausted and in pain so just rest and I will go check on Dee. I've got an energy bar and some candy in my pocket if I need something. You've got enough on your mind right now."

"So one more won't break me. If something would happen to you... I-I..." Ryo looked away, embarrassed over his feelings. "You're the best friend I have ever had Lyn. If I lost my best friend..." His voice trailed off.

"It's not like I'm short, I'm hard to lose... even in a crowd." Lyn smiled a little hoping the bad joke would cheer Ryo a little. "Listen I feel the same way about you. You're my best friend too. It's gonna be a long night for me, I won't kid you, but I can take care of myself. You really need to rest."

"I know that this may sound silly, but would you stay with me for a little while longer? Until I fall asleep? I don't want to be alone." Ryo smiled a little, wanting to see Lyn smile as well.

Lyn nodded offering a tired smile as he dragged a chair closer with his foot and sat down, still holding Ryo's hand. "Sure, no problem." Lyn leaned back, holding his injured arm close to his body, despite the cast.

Ryo clutched Lyn's hand and after awhile he slowly started to close his eyes. "Lyn... Lo..ve... Y..ou buddy." His voice barely got the words out before fatigue and meds took their toll on his battered and weary body. Slipping into a dream world, Ryo felt safer then he had all day. Lyn sat with Ryo holding his hand until he felt that he too would start to drift off if he didn't move. Standing up he carefully slipped his hand from Ryo's and bent down kissing his forehead. "Love you too Ryo. Sleep sweetly." Lyn sighed and steeled himself as he snuck back to Dee's room.

After Dee, Lyn would go back to Drew... then down to check on the kids and decide what to do with them. Then decide as well if he needed to spend the night there. There would probably be at least one more round of rooms before he could crash out on a plastic chair in the waiting room for a few hours until Ryo woke up and was prepped for surgery.

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Dee and Andrew had both been upgraded to stable condition by morning and moved into rooms on the third floor. Andrew had apparently awoken some time during the night but had been sedated with pain medication so he had yet to wake up this morning yet.

Dee in the meantime, was still out cold and Ryo had gone into surgery an hour ago while Bikky and Cal were fast asleep back at Ryo's apartment after having Drake take them home. Lyn had gotten a competent elderly woman across the street to watch the girls after JJ offered to take them there so that Lyn could remain at the hospital.

Lyn sat in Drew's room for an hour after seeing Ryo off to surgery and then had moved on to sit next to Dee for a while after telling the nurse to come get him if Andrew stirred. Now as he sat sprawled over a plastic chair next to Dee's bed he nibbled on a granola bar after calling the vet and getting Ted to take Duke over "Man..." He muttered to himself. "You know it's been a bad night when even the goddamn dog had to be taken to the hospital."

"I'll say..." Dee's voice was barely a whisper but it was there. "Talking to yourself could get you committed you know?"

Lyn's head shot up and he struggled to his feet, looking down at Dee and taking one of his hands. "Hey you. Welcome back to the land of the living."

"So... That's what... This is?" Dee gave Lyn's hand a squeeze. "I never got... A chance... To thank you... For what you did... I can see... Why Ryo... Considers you his... Best friend. You're pretty awesome... Buddy."

"Well I don't have anything on you. Ryo was ready to gnaw off his limbs just so that he could get out of traction to come see you. How are you feeling?"

"Like my head... Is an abused... Basketball." Dee gave him a slight smile. "How's Drew? I was... So worried about... Him. I wanted to... Help him... Marlo... The bitch... Wouldn't let me..."

"He's..." Lyn paused and swallowed. "He's alive but there was a lot of damage to his legs." Lyn tried to keep the wobble from his voice. He had slept for maybe an hour and it was wearing down his control. "They will do surgery tomorrow to replace his kneecap the wire and pin some stuff back in place. He might be in a wheelchair again for a while."

"Christ Lyn... I'm so sorry. I'll be praying... For both of you... You know that." Dee felt his heart going out to him. "What about... Ryo? The last thing... I remember is that he... Really hurt his back."

"He is in surgery as we speak. They are fixing him up. I'm sure that he will be laid up for a while but he will be fine. They are worried about some permanent damage but it's no use worrying about that right now."

"W-What? God... Lyn if he...? Oh Jesus." Dee lay there stunned by the news. "I love him so much... He's all... I have ever wanted... In a partner. I hate myself... For not seeing that... Sooner and letting him know... How much I appreciate him... For what he's done for me." Dee brought his one hand up to his eyes. "Listen... If you need someone... To help with the kids... Get Bikky or Cal to contact Penguin. She'll be glad to help out."

Lyn sighed deeply. "I hate to dump them off on someone else. They are staying with the woman across the street from Andrew and I but I will do that. Thank you Dee. And don't worry about Ryo. Worrying, as I once heard it, is about as affective as chewing gum to solve an algebra problem. He loves you too. Just be sure to tell him that as soon as we can manage to get you two in the same room."

"You better believe I will." Dee smiled a little. "You sound tired. Why don't you hop in and take a nap. If a nurse catches us, just tell her to like it or leave it." Dee snickered. "Ryo spent many nights lying beside me the last time."

"Thanks Dee but I should go check on Drew in a little bit then call and see how the girls are doing. Then I need to call the vet, by that time Ryo will be out of surgery... And I should also call Bikky and Cal eventually..."

"Get a nurse to alert you when Drew wakes up, call those people from the phone here but do it while relaxing." Dee responded, frowning. "Listen to yourself Lyn. You're about to do the very same things Ryo was doing when I got hurt the first time. And you bitched him and me out about it. Now plant that skinny ass of yours or I call Penguin, explain the situation and then she comes here to nag you to hell."

"I should warn you that I have an intrinsic fear of nuns..." Lyn smiled a little then sighed, laying down next to Dee. "Yeah but Ryo only had you, I've got all three of you and four of the kids..." Lyn sighed for what was probably the third time since Dee had awoken. "You were out of it for a while, it was pretty touch and go but it's a good thing you've got a thick skull and had a counter to soften the blow."

"I've got news for you... I've got a fear of nuns too... And nurses from hell." Dee smirked. "Well you just worry about your family. I'll find a way to take care of mine." Dee smiled as the words rolled off his tongue. "My family... Now that sounds sweet. Anyway, I know Ryo would agree to this. Let me call Penguin later, she may be able to set us both up with some outside help. We're going to need it, at least until I'm out of here and ale to help."

Lyn nodded. "Yeah I think so. But do you really think that Penguin has contacts in the National Guard?"

"Hey she's got contacts in the Vatican so why not there as well. Now get some rest before I have to sit on you." Dee chuckled softly.

Lyn stretched out on the bed turning on his side. "No argument here. You should rest up too, you're the one with the head injury." Lyn closed his eyes, his breath evening almost immediately as he crash landed into an exhausted sleep. Dee merely smiled as he heard Lyn's breathing even out. Closing his eyes as well, the two found sleep a welcome comforting and friend.

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Lyn leaned hard into the wheelchair trying to get the damn thing to move up the ramp. "Are you sure that you have the breaks off?" Lyn grunted "Or maybe you gained whole lot of weight?" Lyn knew that he was loosing weight, he was stressed and that always hyped up his all ready overeager metabolism. He had been living off of fruit hard candy and soda, just enough sugar to keep him moving but with no real substance. He didn't have time. He spent most of his time at the hospital and with the kids. Even with Penguin's help he was stretched thin.

Dee's weight, though by no means excessive, Lyn found it almost impossible to push him up even the slight incline of the ramp that led to the section of the floor that Ryo's room was in.

"Lyn let me do it, just steer me." Dee grabbed the wheels and started moving them. "You know Ryo is going to freak if he finds out you're like this. You bitched at him about eating and taking care of himself and now look who's calling the kettle black?" Dee knew Lyn was too much like Ryo and that meant he was biting off more then he could chew at the moment. "If you need an errand done, get Bikky to do it... Need some sleep? Call Cal and ask her to sit with the kids. Don't think about it, just do it!"

"Like what? I'm fine. I'm a little run down but I'm not about to keel over or anything." Lyn guided the chair up the ramp with Dee's help. "You've just been in a hospital bed too long. Going a little soft detective?" Lyn smirked, poking him in the stomach.

"Yeah and you can't lie to save your soul you lanky assed bozo!" Dee batted at his hand. "If I can pick all that up without seeing you, what do you think Ryo will pick up by seeing you? You know damn well that that guy has this sixth sense about things. He'll see straight through that fake grin of yours." Dee sighed. "Please for the love of God... Okay for the love of Drew and those girls, take care of yourself."

"I'm fine Dee! Christ I think you got hit a little harder on the head then the doctors suspect. I mean sure I'm a little stressed but that just goes with the territory." Lyn did pause to check his reflection in a window though, making sure he looked okay. Loose clothes easily hide the weight he had lost and he ran a hand through his hair, neatening it, before proceeding to Ryo's room.

"Sure go ahead and fool yourself into believing it... As Ryo would say, Baka!" Dee felt Lyn stop his forward motion and then a door opening before he was wheeled inside the room. "A lot of good you'll do Drew and your kids if you collapse from exhaustion or worse yet, get sick again." Dee quickly spit out. "Is he awake?"

Lyn wheeled the chair parallel to the bed as Ryo blinked sleepily, the brief commotion at the door had awaken him. "Dee?! Is that really you?" Ryo turned his head carefully, reaching out for Dee's hand. "What are you doing up baka?" Ryo glanced up at Lyn and frowned. "And you'd better sit down before you fall over." Ryo returned his attention to Dee. "Now what are you doing out of bed you nut case?"

"Actually I need to go see Andrew." Lyn started to hedge out of the room, but Ryo pinned him in a stern gaze.

"Sit!" Ryo barked and Lyn found a chair, sitting down like a scolded child. Ryo merely glanced at Lyn, feeling slightly triumphant. "Now Dee dear, you're next."

"I'm allowed to be up. The doctor said so, honest!" He raised his hands, chuckling at the way Ryo was taking control even with being flat on his back. "They are releasing me tomorrow. I'm not much worse for wear." Dee grinned and felt for Ryo's hand finding it and bringing it to his lips to kiss it softly. "Don't you worry about a thing baby. We've got it all under control."

"Yeah I see that! Lyn's several pounds lighter and looking like hell and you look tired as well. If that's under control, Buddha help us all!" Ryo scolded. "Are Bikky and Cal helping? If you need more help call my Aunt Elena. She all ready told me that if there's anything that she can do, she'd be glad to." Ryo winced, his back still quite tender. He was so worried about Dee and the others that he couldn't remain still. "How's Drew doing by the way?" Ryo asked, his voice parlaying his pain.

"Bikky and Cal are helping and really I'm fine!" Lyn huffed rolling his eyes. "Drew is all right. He had his first surgery yesterday and it looks like he is healing well. His next will be in two days with the third three days after that. We're thinking another three weeks or so in the hospital before he can come home."

Ryo turned his head away from them, his heart wrenching over the trauma Drew and his family were going through. "I-I'm so sorry... If we could have just gotten to them faster..." He gave off a heavy sigh.

"Ryo that is total bullshit, and you know it! You did everything right and you got to us as quickly as you could. Lyn filled me in on the traffic situation that night and he said you nearly drove on the pavements to get to us!" Dee shifted to sit on the edge of Ryo's bed, still holding Ryo's hand as he carefully felt his way to Ryo's face and stroked a few stray strands out of his hair.

"Still... I didn't follow procedure Dee. I allowed my own emotions to get in the way and you had to pay for it." Ryo couldn't stop beating himself up over that blunder. "I may wind up being written up over that."

"What? That prick, Rose is writing you up? I'll kick his ass!" Dee growled. "You did everything Right Ryo. It wasn't by the book but between your back and our condition, you were concerned about us. How can Rose fault you for that?"

"Well he can obviously because he stopped in earlier to warn me. He's seriously considering filing the report and most likely will." Ryo shivered. He had on a special brace that went to mid chest, and so the top half of his chest was exposed, since a hospital gown would only hinder the nurses that had to open the brace and change the dressing. Thankfully they did allow him to wear loose fitting shorts since he was once again hooked up to a catheter, for bathroom purposes.

Lyn gave Ryo a knowing pat on the shoulder, explaining that he wanted to grab a bite to eat and then slipped from the room silently. Still in his clothes from work he retied his tie as he strode out of the hospital, straightening his appearance until he was once again all business.

Lyn searched for Andrew's car and got behind the wheel, popping open his briefcase and pulling out a manila folder marked 'MacLean vs. Rose' and setting it aside as he started the car, driving with perfect calm to the 27th precinct. Lyn climbed out of the car and with a calm collect, made his way to the criminal investigation department where he politely rapped on Rose's office door. The three-inch thick manila folder was tucked under his arm as he was beckoned in.

Berkley looked up from his desk, frowning at the man standing there. "You'd better have a good explanation for coming here or I'll consider this hostile and have you thrown out."

"I am here as Mr. MacLean's legal representation. I hear you are filing a report against him?" Lyn's voice was cold, his eyes hard as he stared down the Lieutenant in front of him.

"That is none of your business. This is strictly departmental procedure. As his superior officer I have a duty to report anything that I feel could have endangered the welfare of citizens." Rose leaned back his chair, the smirk on his face broadening. "He not only left a dangerous suspect unattended so that she could cause further harm to a hostage. I'd say that that warrants a report!" Rose glared back at Lyn.

Lyn dropped the thick folder on Roses desk with a thud. "We plan to take you to court for sexual harassment. As a Lieutenant and Ryo's direct superior, this is a huge deal. In fact it could very well mean your badge. I'm rather surprised that you haven't heard of me since you work law enforcement. I prosecuted some fairly tough cases against the police department. One for police brutality, the other for harassment. I'm well liked in this circuit." Lyn paused indicating the file, his hard eyes never leaving Berkley's. "I've been building this case on you for over a month now and Ryo has been documenting every incident. All I have to do is file the paper work."

"Do that and I will make sure Ryo... Detective MacLean is stripped of his badge as well. I too have documented incidents involving him and Detective Latener where proper procedure was not followed. Then there's the fact that should Latener return to work... He and MacLean would be in clear violation of office policy by being involved. They would be forced to split up. In fact one of them will most likely be transferred out of this precinct." Rose pushed the folder aside.

"Try it." Lyn didn't look in the least worried. "Dee and Ryo's records, prior to your coming to this precinct are more or less spotless. It's obvious that your sexual interest in my client has caused you to take unjust action and frequently."

"I'll tell you what since I like the guys and they, for all intents and purposes do get the job done, drop this..." Berkley held up the folder. "And I'll lose the report. I can't do anything about them being split up though. That's become public knowledge because of the media. That is out of my hands and my control." Berkley stated, sitting back once again in his chair.

"That sounds fair. Almost. My client has suffered great emotional damage due to your actions. If he and Dee are forced to split up, we will make sure it is Ryo that is transferred out of the precinct and out of your clutches. If you want him near you, you may wont to consider defending Dee and Ryo's relationship."

"I have no intention of doing that. So forget it." Berkley huffed.

"You might want to find it in your heart to keep my clients together. I don't need to file a lawsuit to damage your reputation." But Lyn picked up the heavy manila file, tucking it under his arm. "You've got damn good cops here Rose. Don't let your dick deny New York City of some of its finest."

"Excuse me but I do believe that that's mine and here, you may want this in exchange." Rose held up his report. "I'm not taking a chance that you will go off and file that. If you do... I'll make MacLean's life here a living hell."

"Fine take it." Lyn set it on the desk, taking the report. "I do have copies of what I need though... Just in case I do actually have to file a suit. Sexual harassment isn't a game Rose and this is not permission to continue."

"Yeah well, you tell your client that I won't tolerate any of his and Dee's shenanigans while on duty either." Rose hissed back at him and took the folder to throw it in the trashcan. "Have a nice day Mr...? I never did get your last name."

"Doren, Merlyn Doren, Attorney at Law. Keep your nose clean Rose. I would rather not have to speak with you again." Lyn turned on his heal and strode out.

Frowning at the lawyer's back, Rose lifted the file out of the trash, curious to see exactly what Doren and McLean had managed to put in it. He wouldn't have back down but the sheer volume of information in that folder was mind boggling. He picked up the heavy sheath of paper, flipping through it. Half way through he frowned deeply and started over. "That bastard!" He flung the file across the room the papers fluttering everywhere. Only the top twenty pages were legal documents... Ninety percent of the manila folder was filled with blank computer paper...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


"So where did Lyn go to get something to eat? China? He's been gone a long time." Ryo asked, glancing at the empty chair and worried about his friend. "Dee, he can't keep going like he is. He's going to collapse. He may be trying to hide it but I can see in his face that he's lost weight. I'm getting really worried. If his blood sugar drops too low..." Ryo squeezed Dee's hand. His own were shaking as the thoughts ran amuck in his mind.

"We need to talk to Drew. He's got to be noticing this too and he will have the best idea about what to do." Dee leaned down and kissed Ryo's forehead. "Drew will know what to do, so in the meantime you try and not worry so much."

"I-I hope so. If anything would happened to him..." Ryo sighed softly. It had been quite some time since he had felt Dee's lips on his skin. "I can't help worrying Dee. You know how I feel about Lyn, and Drew too. Since I've met Lyn I've seen a whole new side to myself. He's helped me to become comfortable with who I am." Ryo spoke softly. "I love him like a brother Dee..."

"Lyn is a really great guy and I feel the same way about Drew. What happened is just eating me up inside. He... man... What he did for me?" Dee shook his head trying to dampen down the swell of emotions, remembering how hard Drew had fought for him, to let him keep his dignity and what it had ended up costing Drew.

"I know koi. We have to find a way to help them now. Like they helped us. Drew... He took so much, and he did it because he cared about you... Friends like that are a rarity." Ryo wanted so much to pull Dee into his arms and kiss him, to give him some comfort but he couldn't. He wasn't allowed to sit up at all. "Dee I love you... Always and forever koi. We all will get through this. I promise." Tears filled dark eyes.

Dee cupped Ryo's face gently between his hands, stroking his tears away with the pads of his thumbs. "I love you too baby, always and forever. You did great. I don't even want to think what would have happened if you had not saved us." Dee wanted to lie down next to his partner but was too wary of Ryo's back and the inherent clumsiness of being blind in unfamiliar surroundings to try.

"Just kiss him all ready will ya!" Lyn chuckled as he strode in the door.

"LYN! Where were you? I was worried!" Ryo jumped slightly causing pain to shoot through his back. "Damn... That smarted!"

Lyn dropped his suit coat over the back of a chair as he loosened his tie. "I just took care of some business..." He smirked, happy with himself for the first time in days. "Rose won't be filing that report after all." Lyn set the report on Ryo's chest. "In fact you may now have a new advocate for you and Dee to remain partners."

"Nani?" Ryo looked at him startled. "Lyn did you go see him? My God you've done more then enough for me. Arigato tomodachi." Ryo smiled softly.

Lyn waved a hand. "I've wanted to back that bastard into a corner since I met him. It was my pleasure I assure you."

Dee turned towards Lyn astounded. "You seriously got him to drop filing the report? And advocate for us? What did you do? Drug him?"

"No. I just showed him a very thick folder of information." Lyn was still smirking with pleasure over his triumphant trick.

"You tricked him didn't you?" Ryo chuckled softly. "Now all I have to do is deal with IA should Dee come back to work, which is tougher then Rose but we'll manage." Ryo looked at Lyn and then at Dee. "So where's that kiss koi?"

"Wait, wait, wait... I want to hear how Lyn tricked that son of a bitch and then you can have your kiss." Dee turned to Lyn expectantly.

Ryo pouted and gazed over at Lyn. "Okay, So how did you trick him? And make it snappy. I've been dying for this kiss." Ryo asked though he was slightly disappointment at being rejected for the moment.

"Dee kiss your man first you idiot." Lyn rolled his eyes. "I promise I can wait while you two neck for a while." Lyn smiled when Dee turned back to Ryo.

"Okay, I suppose that I should." Dee laughed softly before leaning down and kissing Ryo, their lips brushing lightly at first, but traction or not, Dee knew what he was after and as always sought it with vigor, his tongue sliding into Ryo's willing mouth.

Ryo moaned softly as Dee's tongue danced inside his mouth, his good arm coming up so that fingers could tangle into dark hair. It had been days since Dee had kissed him and Ryo let Dee know how much he missed it in the ferocity of his own kiss. When they broke, Ryo lay there, panting and smiling at the flushed cheeks of his lover. "Now that's what I call a kiss! God Dee... It's been awhile koi ne?"

Dee grinned. "You have no idea baby. The minute that back of yours can tolerate it, I'm going to get you flat on your back in bed and..." Dee leaned down and whispered in Ryo's ear all the dirty things that he planed on doing, while Lyn looked at the ceiling, tapping his foot in mock impatience.

"DEE! You're such a hentai!" Ryo blushed furiously then pulled Dee closer. Grinning like a Cheshire Cat. Ryo whispered a few things of his own, that he wanted to do to Dee, before giving him a quick kiss and letting him sit up. Ryo couldn't help but snicker over the shocked look on Dee's face.

"Daaaaamn Ryo... When can I take you home again?"

"All right you two! You can get your rocks off when I'm NOT in the room." Lyn laughed.

"Fuck that! You didn't hear what he's going to do to me... Sorry Lyn but shit this man has a frigging perverted mind when he lets himself go! Plus it's not like I haven't heard you and Drew going at it enough!" Dee smirked, twining his fingers possessively in Ryo's. "Now tell us how you nailed that bastard all ready."

Lyn just chuckled and shook his head at the two. "Well, although I have enough information to make a case, it really wasn't all that much so I ah... Just slipped the better part of a ream of paper in with the documents." Lyn beamed, thoroughly pleased with his own trickery.

Ryo's eyes went wide before he broke into a fit of laughter. "Oh... God... Lyn! That's... That's good!" Ryo laughed harder. "Get over here you nut!" Ryo held out his still bandaged arm, waiting to give his best friend a hug.

Lyn moved over to Ryo's other side leaning down and hugging him gently. "Hey I did whatever I could think of and that was the best I had. That's what we call creative legal maneuvering."

"Well I call it awesome work. Thank you Lyn." Ryo kissed his cheek. "You've been such a good friend to me. I don't know if I would have gotten through half of what I have if it hadn't been for you." Ryo smiled warmly at him. "I know Drew has been the same with Dee here. You two are nothing short of amazing."

"It was nothing Ryo, really. We just did what we could to help out our friends." Lyn smiled slightly.

"Don't sell yourself short Lyn. I know Drew wouldn't stand for it and I sure as hell won't." Dee growled. "You have done a lot for us, now just gracefully accept the compliment and for the love of God go eat something. We know now that you lied and never did go grab a bite... You brat!"

"Hai I agree. You need to eat." Ryo gave him a look that would send most people scrambling to do whatever they could to make him smile. "Please Lyn... Do it for Drew and the girls."

"I am eating." Lyn protested. "Really! Speaking of Drew, I should go see how he is. He is probably awake now." He slipped away from Ryo and headed towards the door as he mumbled to himself. "And call and check on the girls... and Bikky and Cal... Then I should be sure to go home and feed Duke... and go grocery stopping, then there is the Newman case..."

"MERLYN DOREN! Get the FUCK back here!" Ryo's voice boomed across the room. He was tired of playing games now. "I mean it!"

Lyn flinched, hell even Dee flinched rubbing his offended ear. "Better do what he says Lyn or you'll be in traction with him."

Lyn slunk back across the room standing next to Ryo meekly. "Yes sir."

"Dee call a nurse and have someone get this man some food. If you have to, tell her that he's hypoglycemic and needs to eat but is refusing." Ryo's jaw was set tight, his teeth clenched as he glared at Lyn. "Now sit your ass down and wait with me... Got that mister?" Ryo patted the side of the bed for Lyn, his face softening into a gentle smile. "Please?"

Lyn's eyes widened with alarm, he knew what happened when you told hospital staff someone was refusing to eat. "Uh hey Dee... don't tell her that last part okay? I promise I will eat." Lyn hedged over to Ryo's bed sitting down stiffly.

"Okay I'm right on it." Dee walked out into the hall to flag down a nurse, while Ryo looked at Lyn feeling a little bad about snapping at him.

"Lyn? What's wrong? You look scared. I'm sorry if it was the way I talked. I'm just worried about you that's all." Ryo looked up at him. "Wanna talk about it?"

Lyn smiled nervously. "I just don't want to get committed for not eating...." But just the thought of food had him tense.

"Lyn you won't be committed. I wouldn't allow that to happen. I just don't want to see you collapsing because you're trying to be superman. You need to take care of yourself..." Ryo tried to reach out to Lyn to comfort him but in his current position that was impossible. "I'm not asking you to clean your plate or anything, just eat something okay?" Reaching up, Ryo rubbed Lyn's back.

Lyn nodded, looking worn. "You know... I should really get back to Andrew..." Lyn started to stand up.

"You can go as soon as you eat something. Leave now and I call Drew and tell him what's going on. Lyn I love you to pieces but I'll be damned if I'll just lie here and watch you waste away! Now sit that skinny ass of yours back down!" Dark eyes stared into Lyn's. "Please Lyn... Don't make me get out of this bed and wrestle you to the ground... That would hurt and I'm in no mood for more pain." Grinning now, Ryo patted the vacated side of the bed.

Lyn edged back like a nervous deer sitting down again, watching the door for Dee's return, not sure how he was going to choke down his food.

"Okay spit it out. What's happening with you man? You're acting as though food is your worse enemy. Help me to understand this Lyn." Ryo grabbed Lyn's hand and squeezed it. "I haven't had much training dealing with people with eating problems but after I get back to work... It's one of my first priorities. Until then, give me some background on this... On you... Please?"

"It's nothing Ryo. I'm just not hungry." Lyn muttered, wrapping his arms around himself.

"Lyn there's more to this and we both know it. Look at you! You're like a frightened child. Please talk to me... Let me help you. I know you don't like talking about things until you're ready to do so but... Ah dammit Lyn... You're scaring me!" Ryo watched as Dee walked in with a nurse who placed a tray on the table by Ryo's bed.

"Ice cream, Jello, pudding and yogurt... Take your pick or have 'em all... Just eat or I'll sit on you until you do." Dee smirked. "And I'm not wearing anything under this hospital gown, so that wouldn't be a pretty sight at all!"

"Thanks Dee." Lyn eyed the food, picking up the ice cream. "I'm fine Ryo, really, see?" Lyn nibbled at a spoon full of ice cream.

"Yeah right and I'm straight! I've only been pretending to be gay!" Ryo huffed and looked at Dee. "He's more stubborn then you are at times! Holy shit! What the hell am I going to do with the two of you?"

"I would suggest repeated swats in the ass for myself and as for Lyn..." Dee chuckled upon hearing Lyn and Ryo groan over his rather lame joke.

"Thanks you guys I really appreciate all this.... I... I just don't want to eat okay...?"

Ryo growled and looked up at the ceiling. "Fine... We won't force you." He was tired and in a little bit of pain and not sure what else he could do. "Would you try and come back later and have a bite to eat with me? Please?" Keeping his eyes to the ceiling, Ryo chewed on his bottom lip, hoping Lyn would agree.

"Maybe..." Lyn continued to nibble at his ice cream, the one thing he would always eat.

"I guess that's the best that I can hope for. Go on and see your koibito but take that ice cream with you." Ryo sighed wearily. "Give Drew my love and tell him that I'm thinking of him." Ryo finally said, realizing that he had done all he could now he'd just have to leave it to Lyn. And to Drew.

Lyn nodded reaching out and giving Ryo's cheek a gentle caress. "I'm sorry Ryo... Get well okay?" Lyn stood.

"Yeah and you take care of yourself... You stubborn baka! Don't forget that there are people here who love you..." Ryo's voice quivered as he watched Lyn slip from the room. Once he had gone, Ryo looked at Dee. "Baby? Put a call into Drew's room please? Tell him what's going on... I'm really worried about Lyn."

"Sure thing love." Dee reached for the phone and dialed Andrew's room number.

"Hello?" Andrew's voice was groggy and slightly drugged.

"Hey big guy, sorry to bother you but your man is on his way up to you and... He's not eating right." Dee got out before sighing into the phone.

"Not eating right? What is he eating?" Drew winced, sitting up a little, trying to focus.

"Energy bars and possibly bits of fruit... From what Ryo and I have been able to tell. He looks stressed and worn according to Ryo." Dee reached down and grabbed Ryo's hand, holding it gently.

"God dammit.... Thank you Dee... and is he refusing food?"

"We just had a nurse bring in ice cream, jello pudding and yogurt and he barely made a dent in the ice cream, which we made him take with, by the way." Dee sat down on the bed, gently, keeping Ryo's hand in his. "I'm sorry to lay this on you but we don't know what else to do. He says that he's not hungry... That he just can't eat."

Andrew sighed heavily. "Yes I'm sure he does. I will do what I can Dee, you did well in your food selection for him He almost always will eat ice cream. I've never had him refuse it."

"Well I hope that whatever is eating at him will pass. Ryo and I are both worried and you know my man here... The worrywart of the year." Dee yelped when Ryo pinched him. "Jeez... Abuse I tell ya!"

"Yeah that Ryo, he's a violent one" Andrew smiled. "I think he is probably just stressed out... His anorexia flares when he is stressed."

"Okay well I'll see what I can do about helping to relieve that stress as well. Maybe I can find ways of taking some of work off his shoulders though I get the feeling most of the stress is him worrying about you."

"Tell Drew he seemed almost frightened... He wrapped his arms around himself and just sat here... Looking scared, to some degree." Ryo sighed, and turned his head away from Dee.

"Did you catch that Drew?" Dee frowned at how sad Ryo was sounding.

"Yeah I heard. That sounds about right. Lyn doesn't like being confronted about it. Tell Ryo that he needs to be subtle, to just set food in front of him, or feed it to him, nonchalantly. Lyn is, I'm sure, quite ashamed of all this..."

"Shit I forgot about that... Hey I'm sorry if we made things worse." Dee sighed. "But we'll be better prepared for the next time. Now you get some rest, get better and get your man smiling... Even if you have to grab his nuts to do it." Dee chuckled, trying to cheer Drew and himself up a bit.

"Don't worry Dee, I'm sure that I can get him to buck up a little. I've spent the last three years doing it." Andrew smiled. "I better go though, I can hear him coming."

"Okay batman talk to ya later. Kiss, kiss.." Dee laughed.

"Yeah love you too boy wonder. Bye now" Drew chuckled as he hung up.

Ryo listened as Dee ended the conversation, turning to look at his lover, he sighed. "We screwed up right?" Ryo sighed sadly. "I forgot that Lyn doesn't like being pushed into talking and I didn't just push... I shoved!"

"Hey it's okay baby, you were just trying to take care of him." Dee soothed stroking Ryo's hair

"It's just that he's so damn stubborn! It's frustrating!" Ryo winced as pain shot through his back. "He knows he needs to take care of himself yet what does he do? He ignores it and just goes on as though it's what is expected of him."

"He is a stubborn Mick… that's for sure." Dee grumbled. "And don't you get yourself all worked up over him either, you wont do anyone a lick of good if you are laid up longer because you are too stressed to heal properly." He huffed.

"Okay, Love you Dee. I love you so much..." Ryo stroked Dee's cheek. "Kiss me again before you go... Please?" The request was made out of need more then anything. A need to feel loved wanted and comforted.

"Absolutely." Dee leaned down and kissed Ryo in a tender lingering kiss, his chest resting gently against Ryo's his arms on either side of Ryo's head pinning him in, holding him close without having to move or jostle him.

Ryo sighed softly into the kiss, wanting more and feeling frustrated over the fact that more wasn't an option. When Dee pulled away, Ryo felt empty. "Ai shiteru itsumo." Ryo's words were spoken softly and the love behind them was undeniable.

"I love you Ryo, always and forever." Giving him one last kiss Dee slipped away, his hand finding his cane against the wall, where Lyn had left it for him, before moving off to find the nurses station. Ryo was too stubborn himself and Dee knew that Ryo probably was due for more pain meds. Well Ryo was going to get them whether he liked it or not... Dee would make sure of that.

Ryo lay there after watching Dee leave, praying that everything would work itself out and that his friends, his lover and himself would find the strength to keep moving forward even if things didn't look all that cheery at the moment. "We've been through so much... Time for some happiness ne?" Sighing, he closed his eyes. It was up to fate now... All they could do was their best and hope that it would be enough.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Wildefyre: Gee? Haven't we been through this once before? Damn these guys just can't stay healthy now can they? Maybe we need to OD them on Orange Juice and vitamins or something! *snickers* Okay I'm being silly. I just edited 4 chapters in as many days and I'm driving Irish nuts!! Anyway, you know the routine guys... Please leave a review and make our fingers happy fingers... They type faster when they're happy!

Irish: Indeed, Now in case you haven't noticed, SOTF has been on hiatus. I of course am still writing it, but it is very slow going. When I put out the last chapter I had lots of people really riding my ass begging and pleading for the chapter… and when I put it out…. I got three reviews. Two of which were from the same person. I am not pulling the story or stopping or anything, but Wildefyre is entirely right when she says happy fingers write faster.