Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Time for Healing ❯ Dark Night of the Soul ( Chapter 25 )

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! ^_~

"Hello?"

"Hi lover." Drew's voice sang over the line.

Lyn grinned as he sat down on the bed. "Hey lover. And to what do I owe the honor of your call?" He giggled. He was still a bit giddy from the intensity of laughing earlier.

"No big reason other then I wanted to hear your voice. I'm lying here in this bed all alone and missing my lover. For obvious reasons of course." Drew laughed softly. "How's that for a reason?"

Lyn damn near fell off the bed. "Oh my! What has Dee done to my innocent Andrew?" Lyn's eyes were as round as saucers and he cleared his throat. "You must be in quite a predicament to have announced it like that." He laughed softly.

"Dee has shown me the way of talking semi-dirty grasshopper. I have seen the light. Well sort of. This is as naughty as it gets for me baby." Drew started to laugh. "Actually he was the one who told me to call you and say that... Well he dared me to. He didn't think I had the nerve to. I figured that I could at least give it a shot."

Lyn smirked as he heard Dee's laughter in the background. "Really? That's unfortunate because we could have had SO much fun." Lyn pouted in his best bedroom voice.

"Hang on a minute will ya." Drew pulled the phone away and Lyn could hear Drew chasing Dee away. "Okay I'm back. Now what's this about fun?"

"Not a thing baby. Not a thing. How are the kids? You two handling them okay?"

"Lyn! You tease!" Drew whimpered slightly. "The kids are fine. They went to bed 20 minutes ago. Bikky is asleep as well. I think the girls wore him out." Drew laughed. "Hey baby guess what I'm doing right now?"

Lyn paused a moment listening carefully. "You're putting away laundry." Indeed he could hear the dresser drawers opening and shutting and then Andrew limping over to the bed and sitting down.

"Actually what you heard baby was me locking the bedroom door. Now I'm lying down and I'm sliding my hand down over my stomach... Lower... Lower... Oh yeah." Drew sighed. "I'm touching myself and pretending that it's you touching me baby."

"An... Baby." Lyn swallowed. "Hang on just a minute. I'm kind of in Ryo's room at the moment. I'll be right back. I promise." Lyn set the phone on hold and set it down scrambling for the portable in the living room.

"So what were you doing in Ryo's bedroom huh?" Drew's voice was soft and sensual. "I'm lonely baby. I need you touching me and making me feel good. You know how much I like that. I'm missing my husband very much."

"We were talking and laughing mostly." Lyn said as he walked back towards Bikky's bedroom with the phone. "All right baby. Lay back and close your eyes." Lyn's voice was just above a whisper, his accent adding a lit to his words.

"Thank you darling. Make me feel good Lyn. You do that so well." Drew was slightly shocked at the way he was talking but he felt the sudden need to spice things up just a bit.

Lyn cleared his throat as he sat on Bikky's floor with his back against the door closing his own eyes. "I'm kissing you softly at first. You taste so good baby. I then run my fingers through your hair then over your back to cup your ass, pulling you tight against me. I'm hard and I want you baby. No one can turn me on like you do."

"Yes... Dear God Lyn... Feels so good baby." Drew moaned softly. "I love how you kiss me. Your lips are so soft and sweet."

"I slide my hands under your shirt, just rubbing over your chest, feeling how strong you are. God you're so handsome." Lyn swallowed. He wasn't kidding when he said that he was hard. "I brush my fingers over your nipples, lightly at first as I kiss your neck then I pinch them... Gently of course."

"I can feel that Lyn. My hands are doing what you describe. Though your hands are so much better at it." Drew sighed. He was missing Lyn more and more. "Are you feeling good too? Feel good with me Lyn."

"I wish that I could baby because this is really turning me on but I'm in Bikky's room and something just feels a little wrong about that."

"I-I see... Well I uh don't want that. Gomen baby. Hey I'd better let you go I'm sure that you have other things to do." Drew shut his eyes and sighed softly. He missed him so much. "I love you and I miss you. Tell Ryo that Dee and I will stop by tomorrow to see you two."

'Shit.' "No. Wait! I have an idea." Lyn stood up. His jeans were so tight that he could barely move. Opening the door he tiptoed past Ryo's room, through the living room and into the kitchen to climb out onto the fire escape. He shut the window all but an inch or so and then sat down on the cool metal. Lyn sighed, unable to wait any longer; he cupped himself over his jeans. "I'm outside now baby. You know how much I like it outside."

"Yes I do. Under the stars. You and me on a cozy blanket." Drew found the effort his husband went to just to please him very endearing.

"God I want you baby. I'm still playing with your nipples though. I want to go slow. I use my mouth on your chest and I cup you, rubbing you... Feeling how hard you are... How hard are you baby?"

"Very... Oh God Lyn I want you too baby. I'm so turned on. You have my skin tingling as usual and you're only speaking these things." Drew knew that Lyn had to hear his moans and how his breathing was becoming erratic. "What about you baby? Is this what you want?" Drew's voice was soft yet there was no mistaking the passion that was filling it.

Lyn laughed softly his voice husky with desire. "Well I would prefer the real thing but I will take what I can get right now." Lyn unbuttoned his pants and slid his zipper down over his straining arousal, reaching under his clothes and gripping himself firmly. A soft moan escaped his lips. "Feeling how hard you are makes me even harder. I love knowing that I can do this to you. I'm reaching inside your pants now, touching it, and stroking it. God you're so hot. Are you stroking yourself baby? I'm touching myself and pretending that it's you. Feels so good An."

Drew moaned louder, his own sex twitching madly in his grasp. "Yes baby. It's you doing this to me. You always make me feel good. I love everything you do to me. You are so beautiful, so wonderfully sensual and one of the most intelligent and intriguing men I know." Drew's hand moved faster, his ache needing release and soon.

"Mmm... I'm so close all ready An." Lyn's breath was coming in soft pants as his hips started to thrust into his hand. "I'm stroking you hard and fast. I know you need to come. I need to come... Please baby... Mmm." Lyn tried to keep his voice down and his actions subtle but he was painfully aroused and very close to climaxing. He almost didn't care who might hear or see.

"Yes Lyn. I feel it too baby. I'm so close now. So very close." Drew pumped his sex, bringing his hand closer to the head and instead of long strokes now concentrated on quick small strokes. His hips bucked upwards, his mind awash in the glorious feeling. "Together baby like always." Drew began moaning more and panting harder as his climax drew closer. "I'm so close now. Yes baby."

"Yes! Please... Now baby.... Now!" Lyn's hips bucked his back arching as his seed shot from him. His sex and hips convulsing in hard arches. Biting his lip to mute the pleasured moans that threatened to alert Ryo's neighbors of what he was doing, Lyn sighed contentedly as his body throbbed in time to his heartbeat.

"Yes Lyn... Oh God Baby! The way I feel right now... OH GOD!" Drew arched up as he climaxed, sending his seed out over his hand and onto his stomach and chest. "You are so good baby. So hot. I love you Lyn. God I love you so much." Drew felt his heart swelling with love for the man he had married. "Thank you baby. Thank you for making me feel so good."

"I love you too baby." Lyn rested back against the brick of the wall behind him. "I love you so much An." Lyn's eyes welled with tears, wanting to be closer to his love, to feel his husband next to him and his warm safe arms. "I miss you baby. You're so perfect and so good to me."

"That's because you deserve it baby. You deserve it all." Drew closed his eyes, wanting Lyn there and knowing that he couldn't. At least not at that moment. "Are you going to be okay? I'm sorry if this upset you. I didn't mean for it to."

"No it's all right An. It felt good. I just wish that I were near you. I miss you. Stay on the phone with me for a while?"

"Sure baby anything you want. I love you and miss you too. We'll be together real soon and as soon as we can find the time, you and I will do something special. Just the two of us. Maybe go out for a night on the town and then back here for a romantic evening. After Ryo's healed maybe he can watch the girls for us with Bikky's help or we could ask Cal. She adores the girls and has all ready proven to be one heck of a babysitter. Would you like that?" Drew felt his heart lurching.

Lyn smiled a little, laying down on his side on the fire escape. "Yeah I would like that a lot but it's always just enough to be with you. Ryo and I were talking about some things. I... I told him everything."

"You did? How did he react? Better yet, are you okay? I mean for you to confess all of that... Is there something bothering you? What's going on baby?" Concern was clearly evident in Drew's voice now. "Talk to me baby. I'm here for you as always."

"He... He was great. Real nice about it. I..." Lyn sighed shakily. "I'm not sure what was wrong. I just was beating up on myself pretty badly. I wasn't really able to eat you know? But I'm pretty okay now. Don't be worried okay Drew?"

"I can't help it I know what you went through and that worries me. Is it the sleeping alone? Is that bothering you?" Drew sat up in his bed, ready to bolt out of the house to go to his love if he had to. All Lyn had to do was say the word and he would be do whatever it took to be by his side and offer the comfort he knew that his husband was seeking.

"N-No... Not really. Ryo said that I could share his bed if I wanted." Lyn sighed again, hating to sound so weak but he felt pretty small right now. "I just... I dunno... I... You know I love you right An? You and the girls are the best things that have ever happened to me. You saved me An in a very real way."

"Please baby don't beat yourself up. I'm so proud of you for being so strong and brave. What you went through took a great deal of strength to overcome and for that I am so amazed over. Baby if you need me to come over there and show you just what you mean to me I will. I love you." Drew held the phone as close to him as he could.

God how he wanted Drew to come to him and hold him close Lyn bit his lip as tears slid down his cheeks. He wanted his Drew, his safety and security. Dee and Bikky would be all right with the girls for a little bit wouldn't they? "I..." Lyn swallowed. He shouldn't ask. He shouldn't make Drew come all the way over there... Shouldn't... "Would you baby? Come see me I mean? Just for a little bit?"

"I'll be there baby. You dry those tears and I'll see you in 20 minutes okay?" Drew was all ready off the bed and heading into the master bath to clean up. "I'll do anything for you baby you know that right?" Drew felt his heart tearing over the way Lyn sounded. "Do you need me to bring anything for you beside myself?"

"Ice cream." Lyn said in a small voice, feeling very childish over the whole thing but with Drew he didn't care. He didn't need any pretenses with Drew. He also knew that he hadn't eaten enough and ice cream was the one thing that he could always get himself to eat.

"Okay... Jesus Lyn you know you need to eat baby. Where's Ryo? Can you take the phone to him baby? Please?" Drew was very concerned now.

"I'm okay An... Really. I will be fine until you get here besides Ryo's probably asleep by now. He had a lot of pain earlier and I finally got him to take some pain meds."

"Okay but you get back into that apartment and get some soda awhile and whatever else you can find that you'll actually eat." Drew started dressing, balancing the phone on his shoulder as he sat on the edge of the bed. "Just remember that I love you with everything I am... I love you baby."

"I love you too Drew. See you soon baby."

"Okay baby... Love you." Drew heard the line go dead, his heart beating more rapidly. Once he had finished dressing he went in search of Dee. Finding him in the living room and listening to a music video channel, he walked over to him, watching him for a moment as dark locks bobbed in time to the music. If the situation weren't as such, Drew would have found the whole thing amusing.

"Dee, can you and Bikky hold down the fort for me? Take care of the girls and such? I need to go see Lyn. Something's not right with him and I'm a little worried."

Dee looked up surprised. "What? Of course? What's wrong? You sound really worried Drew?" Drew was such a calm individual that if he sounded worried, there was a reason to be so.

"I'm not sure. Lyn sounded so sad. I need to go see him. If you have any trouble I'll be over at Ryo's and you also have my cell phone number right?" Drew grabbed his car keys and started for the door, then remembered about the ice cream. Limping to the kitchen he grabbed the full container and placed it in a bag as he headed back. "Thanks Dee I owe ya man." Drew told him as he headed out the door.

Lyn had gotten up after hanging up the phone and cleaned up. Pulling on his flannel pants and a tee shirt. After checking on Ryo to make sure that he was okay he made sure that the door was unlocked for Drew and then curled up on the couch around a pillow. He didn't know what was wrong with him tonight. Despite his cool tough demeanor he was prone to anxiety if something set him off. He knew he was being silly but that didn't change the way he felt at all. He waited patiently for Drew, now upset that he had worried him.

Drew got off the elevator and despite being on crutches managed to make it to Ryo's apartment fairly easily. Trying the door, he found it to be unlocked and walked in. What he saw next had his heart in his throat. He laid his crutches on the floor before scooping his lover into his arms. Drew kissed Lyn softly as he sat back with Lyn firmly in his arms and held tightly against him. "I'm here baby. I'm right here."

Lyn wrapped his arms around Andrew, hiding his face against his neck. "I knew that you would be." He said with complete and utter faith in his husband. "Thanks for coming An." Lyn nuzzled close all ready feeling better just having Andrew with him and holding him. "I'm okay really. I just needed you."

"Lyn maybe this isn't such a good idea with you staying here. I could call a friend of mine who knows several homecare nurses. Maybe we can get one for Ryo tonight yet." Drew kissed his brow. Lyn looked so small and so vulnerable at the moment. "I'm sure that Ryo will understand. I can't risk you getting sick again and you know Ryo wouldn't either."

"No." Lyn shook his head emphatically. "I'm being ridiculous and I know that I'm being ridiculous... I'll be fine. I was fine staying here a couple weeks ago and I will be fine now." Lyn tried to pull himself together "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. I'm fine really."

"You're not fine baby. You're upset enough that you're not eating right. I can hear it in your voice and see it in your eyes. Lyn please talk to me. Please tell me what's wrong. I want to help you baby." Drew kept his voice soft as he spoke, stroking Lyn's cheek while burying his face in the softness of his lover's hair. "I love you baby so very much.

Lyn kissed him softly. "I'm not sure what is bothering me. Ryo and I were laughing a lot and just talking about stuff. It was fun but I don't know. It's just been a lot lately. You know? I started having the nightmares again." Lyn admitted softly, hiding his face against Andrew's neck again.

"Love maybe we've bitten off more then we can chew lately. I adore Dee and Ryo as well but maybe it's time that they start fending for themselves a little. I know that's not what you want and I hate it too but I won't risk your health." Drew hugged Lyn tighter, cupping Lyn's chin, tilting his head upwards. "You are the source of my strength koibito." He breathed against his lips before claiming them in a soft and tender kiss.

Lyn returned the kiss with a content little sigh, submitting to Andrew's lips happily. Kissing him back with his own love and passion. "No Andrew. I need to deal with this at some point. I can't just run and hide every time I get scared. As much as I love you and as much as you're my champion I can't always hide behind you or let you protect me from everything either. I love you Drew. You've filled voids I didn't even know that I had. You've known me better then I've known myself sometimes. I just need you to hold me for a while. Then I'll be okay again."

"Okay but I want you to eat. I brought the ice cream but I also need to see you eat something more solid then." Drew smiled at Lyn. "If you got sick who would I get to wash my back when I shower or sing to me as we make love or make me laugh when I'm feeling down? Who would sing to our girls or make them giggle with glee? Huh?"

"I don't know? Maybe you Ryo and Dee would have to have a poly amorous relationship." Lyn snickered and then kissed Andrew's neck softly. "I love being close to you An. You always make me feel safe no matter what. And I promise to try and eat something more like real food."

"Good." Drew smiled more. "I don't know if I could take Dee's sloppiness for too long and well Ryo is just too sweet of a guy. More like brother material rather then lover." Drew chuckled. Both men jumped when they heard a loud thump. "What the...?"

Lyn scrambled out of Andrew lap in a second, heart hammering in his chest as he looked around for the source of the noise.

"It sounded like it came from the bedroom..." Drew commented as he stood up his crutch being tucked under his arm. Lyn scampered back to the bedroom to find Ryo sitting on the bed and looking at the lamp from the bedside table that was now lying on the floor.

"Ryo are you okay?" Lyn asked as he knelt down and picked up the lamp, placing it back on the table. "What can I do to help you?"

"I went to get up to go into the bathroom. When I reached to turn on the lamp I must have moved the wrong way and my back just hurt." Ryo was embarrassed all ready at disturbing Lyn. "Gomen for being a pest."

"Don't worry about it Ryo. It's no big deal." Lyn glanced to An, who stood in the doorway.

Ryo nodded and looked up finally. Noticing Drew he began to realize what he had done. "Oh God Lyn. I'm so sorry. I... I didn't mean to disturb you." Covering his face he sighed. "I feel like such a jackass."

"Really Ryo it was nothing. We were just talking. Everything is fine so don't worry about it." Lyn spoke gently. "Now you lie back if you can and please don't be upset Ryo. Really it's not that big of a deal."

"To me it is. I know better then anyone how badly it is to miss someone and need them with you. I shouldn't have come home yet. I should have stayed in the hospital until I was fully healed." Ryo swallowed hard. "You have been so good to me. Thanks... Both of you. I was sleeping and I had this dream that Dee left me. I woke up and realized that I must have been tossing around on the bed. My back was hurting so I tried to go get some Advil from the bathroom. My arm bumped the lamp... It was stupid. I should have called for you. Please go back and spend time with Drew. I-I'll be okay."

Lyn shook his head. "Absolutely not Ryo. You're being silly. Now lay down. Drew why don't you call Dee. I don't know why we didn't have him here to begin with. Ryo if I get you some Advil, will you be okay alone for about twenty minutes? Andrew and I will go get Dee if that will help?"

"What about the girls?" Ryo looked at him, his dark eyes misting up. "I'm being such a baby aren't I? Listen if you could get me the Advil I should be okay. Don't go running out in the middle of the night. I'll be okay. Honest. I just miss him that's all."

Lyn shook his head firmly. "Andrew and I will go back. I will leave Andrew home with the girls and bring Dee back If Andrew doesn't mind me having his car for the night that is." Lyn glanced over to Drew, who sighed softly and nodded. Seeing that Lyn had his stubborn mode on and nothing short of an act of God would change his mind now. That settled, Lyn stood and went to the bathroom to get the pills in question and a glass of water. Handing them to Ryo, Lyn looked at him. "Will you be okay alone for twenty minutes?"

"I'll be okay for the night now. If you go home with Drew stay there. Get some rest and bring Dee by in the morning. Please Lyn? For me? Spend this time with the one that you love? I'm okay now I swear to God." Earlier, Ryo had noticed the phone off the hook and when he went to put it back on he overheard what was going on between Drew and Lyn. He knew how much Lyn missed Drew and how much he needed him. "If that's not good enough then let Drew stay the night here with you. Just don't split up tonight. Stay with each other please?"

Lyn glanced to Drew. "Call Dee and be sure that it's okay." He turned back to Ryo. "We can't leave you alone Ryo. If Dee is okay with it, okay we'll stay here." Andrew sighed in relief. He needed Lyn too right now. Needed to be there for him. Needed to feel needed. He doubted that Dee would have a problem with it. He was home alone with the girls often enough but Lyn wouldn't be happy until he called. Gimping into the kitchen Andrew picked up the phone and dialed his own number, waiting for Dee to answer....

"I'm sorry to be so much trouble Lyn. Really I am." Ryo couldn't meet Lyn's eyes. He was acting foolishly. "I guess that I'm just going stir crazy being bed ridden so much." Biting his lower lip he glanced at Lyn finally.

Lyn sat down gingerly on the edge of the bed. "Really Ryo please don't worry about it. We understand." Very carefully he hugged Ryo. "You're doing your best and that's all we ask. An and I miss each other but it's not like the world is coming to an end. We'll work on getting you something to occupy your time. Books on tape or something. Is your back any better?"

"It's okay now." Ryo held onto Lyn, happy for some sort of physical contact. "Thanks for caring. You can't possibly know how much it means to me." He sighed.

"Actually I think that I might have a clue." He held Ryo gently, rubbing his shoulders. "We'll get Dee to you right away in the morning. I'm sure that he would be glad to talk to you on the phone too if you wanted?"

"I-I'd like that. Just to hear his voice you know. It helps." Ryo smiled though eyes that had glazed up with moisture. "He'll most likely think that I'm being a real schmuck or something. And I am."

"Nah he'll probably be chomping at the bit to get over here." Giving Ryo one last gentle squeeze Lyn got up. "Let me catch An with him still on the phone so that the phone doesn't wake Annie."

"Okay." Ryo smiled a little as Lyn walked away. Closing his eyes, he held an image of Dee's face in his mind, feeling quite foolish over his sentimentality at the moment. "See what you've done to me Dee Latener? God if the guys saw me now..." He shook his head in disbelief, smiling a little over his own sappiness. "You've turned me into this sappy schmuck and God I love you for it." Ryo laughed softly over the fact that he was, of all things, talking to himself.

Lyn found Drew in the kitchen, smiling to him wanly his graceful fingers moving informing him silently that Ryo wanted to talk to Dee. "Thanks so much Dee. We really appreciate it. Uh hang on though. Ryo wants to talk to you. Have him let us know if you two need anything. Don't hesitate to call. I will have my cell on." Raising his voice slightly Andrew called back to the bedroom. "He's all yours Ryo!"

Ryo picked up the phone with shaky hands. "H-Hello? Dee?" Ryo couldn't control the quivering in his voice no matter how hard he tried. He missed Dee and his bed just felt too damn big all of a sudden.

"Ryo? You okay baby?" Dee asked softly. "What's wrong?"

"Not really but hey I'll survive." Ryo shut his eyes tightly. "Dee would you do me a favor? I know it's going to sound corny as hell and completely out of character for me but..."

"Anything you want Ryo." Dee said softly, concerned and feeling more then a little out of the loop. "What would you like baby?"

"Would you... Would you sing to me? I know it sounds totally off the wall but it makes me feel special." Ryo sighed heavily, his heart weary with loneliness for his lover. Ryo tried to keep it together, tried to show that he was strong but when it came to Dee, all bets were off.

"Whatever you want baby. Anything to make you happy. I love you Ryo." Dee took a deep breath as he tried to think of a song.

"The lights are low and we're alone/ The fire's glow/ It keeps us warm/ As I reach out and touch your face/ The moon lights up our first embrace/ But please don't hesitate/ Hold my hand, don't be afraid/ Of the feelings in your heart/ Just close your eyes, no one will mind/ If we're to fall in love this first time..." Dee let his voice trail off. The song was a favorite Styx tune that he had sung to Ryo the first night that he himself had gone out on that limb and confessed his love to Ryo.

"Thanks Dee. That was beautiful. You're beautiful." Ryo sighed as he lay there with his eyes closed and imagining that Dee was right there next to him.

"Are you okay? Do you need me? I'm sure that Andrew and Lyn could work something out and get me over there if you wanted?"

"No I'm okay. Besides Lyn has been upset tonight for some reason. I really think that they need to be together. You will come and see me tomorrow right? I miss you so much." Ryo was losing his battle to stay strong but was determined to do so anyway. "I need you Dee... In every way."

"I need you too baby. More then I even realized. I'm so sorry that you're hurt. It's my fault. God Ryo I will make it up to you I promise. I love you. Please don't doubt that?"

"I know that you love me. I want you Dee. I want you so badly. I-I... I need you to make love to me. I need that closeness we had felt that first time. I-I need to feel that once again." Closing his eyes he could only imagine what Dee was thinking concerning that request.

Dee swallowed hard. He had waited so long to hear those words and now he had. Problem was, Ryo was across town and totally inaccessible to him. "The minute we're together and you're able to, we will Ryo. I promise."

"Good. I want so much to feel what I felt that first time. It was so magical. You made me feel so good Dee." Ryo sighed softly, his heart swelling with love.

"You just take your time and heal Ryo. I won't risk you hurting yourself." Dee sighed. "Is there something else bothering you? You sound so upset. Is everything okay? What can I do?"

"I... It's nothing major Dee. You know Mrs. Noble Right? Well she left her door open again and Mittens got out." Ryo sighed as the image of the cat's body drifted into his mind.

"Shit. Ryo don't tell me that you went looking for it did you? You just came home from the hospital." Dee carded his fingers through his hair pacing the length of the couch as he talked to Ryo.

"She was so upset Dee. I just couldn't say no to her." Ryo hated hearing the sorrow in Dee's voice. "I love you Dee and I know that you worry about me but I had to go look."

"I love you too Ryo. I know you need to help others but you also need to take care of yourself. Did you find her cat?"

"Dee the cat was dead. Lyn and I found it in the Dumpster in the alley." Ryo felt totally stupid now but there he was starting to tear up over the death of a neighbor's cat. "We've had that rash of cats being poisoned and I think Mittens became one of them." He sniffled slightly.

"Son of a..." Dee's voice trailed off as he sat down on the couch and held a hand out to summon Duke over. "Are you okay baby? I know how much you adored that cat as well. Hell you were always putting out treats, food and that cat milk stuff for the strays even." Dee smiled over that. Ryo just couldn't stand to see the cats that hung around the building, scavenging for food so he always put food out for them.

"It had me upset. I guess it still does to some effect." Ryo shut his eyes tightly. He missed Dee more than anything. "I'll be okay though. I'm just tired that's all."

"A-Are you sure? I just want to be sure that you are okay and not just saying that to ease my mind Ryo." Dee listened carefully, trying to detect anything in Ryo's voice that would alert him to trouble.

"Yes Dee I'm sure. I love you and I'm touched that you worry about me but please don't. Lyn and Drew are here so if there would be a problem I'd have help that's just a yell away." Ryo chuckled a little. "Listen I'd better let you go. I'm sure that you must be tired. Ai shiteru."

Dee gripped the phone in his hands tightly. He really didn't want to say goodnight; he wanted to be there with him. "Okay. Hey I'll see you tomorrow then right?" Dee knew that he had to let go. "You take it easy and rest that back. Tomorrow I'll help you get a shower or a bath and give you a massage. Drew told me how to do it in a way that won't hurt your back."

"Sounds good Dee. I'd like that. I could use the shower too... Yuck." Ryo made a face.

"Oh I know that feeling baby. After 2 weeks plus of nothing but sponge baths I thought I had died and gone to heaven when you helped me get that first real shower." Dee laughed at the memory. "My only regret was not being able to see your face when your back washing started turning me on."

"Dee! You are such a nut! That was... Well... It was embarrassing." Ryo laughed along with him. "Who knows what you'll do to me when you wash my back tomorrow though I have a pretty good idea..." He teased.

"Oh I have a few ideas too and none of them are compatible with a bad back. Damn!" Dee retorted and then laughed. "Oops I hear Annie. Hey I need to go. I bet it's a leaky diaper again. She squirms sometimes and the tabs loosen up."

"Well have fun then and I'll see you in the morning." Ryo sighed but this time it was a happier sigh. "Love you Dee... Goodnight."

"Thanks baby. Love you too and you sleep tight." Dee laughed softly.

Ryo waited until the line went dead before hanging up the phone. Lying there, he looked at Dee's photo and found himself missing him and when he looked up, he saw the bedroom door swing open as Lyn stepped inside.

Lyn's voice was soft as he walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. "You okay Ryo?"

"Yes..." Ryo sighed softly. "Just missing my koibito but I know I'll see him tomorrow. I just wish I could stop this little roller coaster ride of emotions that I seemed to be on."

"Well, you've been under a lot of stress so that may be it. Or you're going through menopause..." Lyn smiled hoping his bad joke would amuse Ryo at least a little.

"Yeah well if it's the latter Dee is in for a bit of a shock. AND... If I start growing breasts I'm in for a bit of a shock." Ryo smirked and then looked at Lyn. "Dee's going to help me get a shower tomorrow. Boy won't that be a challenge. For Dee that is..."

"Dee will just have to control those hormones that's all." Lyn snickered then reached out to stroke Ryo's hair gently. "If he can't then Drew or I can help you get one. At least we won't jump your bones."

"Thanks Lyn. I just may have to take you up on that offer. Unless... I happen to like what Dee's doing." Ryo blushed and hid his face behind his hands. "God I don't believe I just said that!" He laughed.

"Just remember that you're still injured you horny bastard! You and Dee are worse then Drew and I. Let me tell you!" Lyn laughed. "Are you in any pain? You're sweating a little."

"Just a small spasm. I'll be okay." Ryo lowered his hands. "And FYI Lyn Doren... Dee and I have made love only once. I think that we're more then due! So there." Ryo stuck out his tongue and laughed softly.

"Maybe you need some time together then. But just cuddle time, maybe a little romance. Anything more and you could be asking for trouble." Lyn offered softly as he leaned down and hugged Ryo gently, being wary of his back. "Drew and I could help with the cuddle part if you feel lonely. And if Drew's too shy, I'm not." Lyn smiled, happy to see Ryo smiling for a change.

"I'd actually liked that. I may take you up on that offer later on." He glanced at Lyn, locking his eyes on him. He was touched by Lyn's support. "Have you eaten anything since dinner? You know you have to eat Lyn." Ryo wanted to keep himself from looking foolish by crying but the pain in his back was once again playing Russian roulette with his emotions.

"You know Ryo if you need to cry go ahead. There is no shame in that. Maybe that will help get it out of your system. I know how pain can really wear you down. I've gone through it and so has Drew."

"I don't want to look stupid, you know? I'm not this weepy man who can't hold it together for more then one day. I'll be okay. You just go on and eat." Ryo replied his voice almost a whisper now. "I just had an image of Mrs. Noble's cat flash in my mind and the sadness in her eyes when I told her about Mittens, that's all. I felt so sorry for her but there was nothing that I could do. I couldn't even comfort her properly because I was in pain."

"You won't look stupid Ryo. And you are too strong an individual to let anything get to you for too long. Listen, how about if I just hug you for a little while, at least until the feeling passes? Would that help?" Lyn watched as Ryo nodded and so he gently drew him closer, allowing Ryo to cling to him as Ryo finally allowed the sadness that was surrounding him to wash over him. Burying his face into Lyn's strong shoulder, Ryo sighed.

"I just hated seeing her so sad and hurt Lyn. I hate seeing anyone I care about hurting. I sometimes get this feeling of helplessness that hits me and I don't know what to do about it or how to handle it. I know that it's crazy and all but it's like I can't control it lately." Ryo sensed another presence in the room and looked up to see Drew limping in with some tea. Andrew set the tea down and sat on the bed as Lyn held Ryo. Placing a hand on Ryo's shoulder, he smiled softly.

"Sometimes we all feel helpless Ryo. We do what we can when we can and then hope for the best after that." Drew rubbed his arm. "I brought you some tea. It has a little something in it that should help you to sleep better. Drink it while it's hot."

"Thanks Drew." Ryo smiled and allowed Lyn to help him sit up a little before handing him the tea. Ryo drank it down and was happy for the company as the drink slowly took effect. Soon enough though, exhaustion set in and Ryo's eyes began slipping closed as voices began fading into background noise that was helping to calm his restless soul.

Lyn helped to get him flat on his back before making sure that he was in a position that was best for it. Lyn then pulled a sheet up and checked the air conditioner to make sure that it wasn't up too high before helping Andrew to his feet and giving him a small smile. Drew pulled Lyn closer, nuzzling his face into the warmth of his lover's neck.

"Let's go into the kitchen and I'll make you some tea and something to eat while you fill me in on what the story of the cat is about. My curiosity has gotten the better of me now." Drew kept an arm around Lyn's waist as they walked out of the room, shutting off the lights and closing the door though leaving it open just a crack in case Ryo called out.

Going into the kitchen Drew made Lyn sit while he started more water for tea and then looked for something that he knew his love would eat. "Looks like Ryo's well stocked. What would you like? And don't say, 'nothing' because that just won't do."

"Mmm... There should be some leftover stew from dinner. That will be fine. Thank you lover." Lyn rested his elbows on the table, legs folded under him. "His neighbor, an elderly woman whose cat keeps getting out, asked Ryo to help her find the thing and well... Ryo found it all right. Dead in the Dumpster. I think it just shook him up that's all. Between that, the pain he's in and missing Dee, it's just all ganging up on him. Maybe a good night's sleep is just what he needs right now." Lyn sighed. "How do you think Dee may be acting right now? I mean he had to have heard the sadness in Ryo's voice just as clearly as you heard it in mine. Do you think that he'll be upset that we didn't come and get him?"

"What do you think? First he'll be extremely worried about Ryo and then he'll be kicking himself because he couldn't be here to comfort him and then... After awhile, he'll be cool about it all. I wouldn't worry too much about it." Drew heated up a pot with the stew in it, smiling at the aromatic steam that wafted into the air. "Your creation obviously." Drew turned to face his lover, cocking his head to one side and trying to give him a 'cheer up' smile.

Lyn raised his eyebrows and shook his head smiling in slight amusement. "You know, your body language and previous statement couldn't have been more contradictory." He sighed heavily. "I don't know what to do with those two? And to think I was worried about life getting boring?"

"Yeah I know what you mean. Maybe it is time to let these boys figure things out on their own. I mean we've stretched our resources about as far as they will go." Drew filled a bowl with the stew and set it down in front of his lover, cutting a piece of bread to go with it. He then poured out a cup of tea for the both of them before sitting down next to Lyn. "Now eat before you get sick again."

Lyn picked at the bread even going so far was to dip it in the broth, not quite ready to tackle the stew just yet. "I'm not sure these boys can handle themselves right now." Lyn shook his head.

"I'm more worried about you handling all of this. Look what happened tonight baby? I don't know if I want to see you in that shape because this is all starting to get to you." Drew reached out to rub Lyn's arm. "I love you, you know that. I know you want to help these guys but I also don't want you stressing yourself out either."

"I can't just sit back and not help them Andrew. I will be able to better handle whatever they throw at me better then the idea of being a bad friend and that I backed down when it really counted. They are talking. They want to be close. We're on the home stretch here. I think. Dear gods I hope anyway. I will be okay. I promise." Lyn smiled softly, taking Andrews hand and taking a small bite of the stew. "Besides we have to think of Bikky too. Until Dee and Ryo sort themselves out, that kid needs us."

"I knew you'd say that. Ready to help anyone in need. That's one of your sweetest qualities. It's also one of the many reasons I fell in love with you and find myself falling madly in love with you all over again." Drew leaned in to plant a tender kiss to the corner of his lover's mouth. "Ai shiteru koibito. Itsumo." Drew smiled warmly, his eyes sparkling with the love his heart was pouring forth.

Lyn kissed the knuckles of the hand he held so tightly in his own. "Ai shiteru An. Besides I wouldn't get far without you dear heart." He gave Andrew's knuckles another kiss meeting his gaze with a gentle smile.

Drew's smile said more then his words could ever speak as he looked into Lyn's eyes. "Now you try and eat and I'll tend to these dishes. Afterwards maybe we can make up for those solo shots of earlier." Wiggling his eyebrows he stood slowly, kissing his lover's brow before limping over to the sink.

It was a few more minutes before the two slowly made their back to the bedroom where the two lovers laid, content and happy for the moment. After all... Who knew what the next day would bring?

Lyn woke with a groan as he felt Andrew trying to leave the bed and immediately wrapped all four limbs around his lover in an attempt to keep him on the narrow twin bed.

"Come on baby, let go. I have to go get Dee and the kids. The girls will be up soon and I won't make Dee try and get them up dressed and fed." Lyn groaned and whined more as Andrew slowly pried himself free. Lyn pulled the covers over his head after Andrew kissed his forehead and finally slipped free of the bed.

The lanky Irishman sulked alone until he heard the front door shut. It was early and An wouldn't be back for a couple of hours. After tossing and turning, he finally got up and padded over to Ryo's room. Smiling at his gently snoring friend, he climbed into the bed next to Ryo, closing his eyes with a contented little sigh. He wasn't ready to greet the new day, and judging by how deeply Ryo was sleeping, neither was he. If anything good or bad was going to happen... It was just going to have to wait. End of story!

Wildefyre: Please don't forget to leave a review or you could even email us with it. A few more chapter are left before we close out this part of the saga and begin the next. Anyway, see ya next chapter. Ja ne!

Irish: Slightly different genre of music for this chapter but I love this song that was actually writen by a Monk (supposedly about Jesus... but I don't think it was Jesus he was meeting under the trees) Not much to say for this chapter, other then thanks for the reviews, keep it up.