Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Time for Healing ❯ Best Thing ( Chapter 20 )

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! ^_~

Bikky rubbed his eyes vigorously as he softly padded into the kitchen, still sleepy but very hungry and wanting something to eat in a big way. It was the figure he found standing in the kitchen and humming to himself that had the youth freezing in place and staring in disbelief.

"Good morning Bikky!" Dee's smile stretched across his face upon hearing the patter of small feet and knowing whom they belonged to. Dee's shirtless and tanned torso was a stark contrast to the pristine white of the kitchen but his tall lean build that complimented it fit in quite nicely.

"Where's Ryo? I'm hungry and I also have day camp today." Bikky shook his head while walking over to the fridge and taking out the carton of milk. "Is he okay?" He asked as he grabbed a glass and filled it with the cool white liquid.

"Ryo's still asleep and it might be best to let him sleep a little longer." Dee replied as he worked the griddle on the stove. "I'll have breakfast ready in just a few. Pancakes and sausage are on the menu for this morning."

"You can cook? Without seeing?" Bikky stood there stunned by the scene he was witnessing. "I mean you could barely cook when you could see...!"

"You bet I can and I have improved smart-ass! Drew has been teaching me to be virtually self-sufficient and to be a better cook so this is a piece of cake." Dee beamed as he picked up the plate and slowly felt his way over to the table. "There's some cut up fruit in the dish on the table and the sausage is in the other." He said as he sat a stack of pancakes down for Bikky.

"So you're not a Bozo after all?" Bikky smirked to himself. Sitting down he poured syrup over the stack, watching as it drizzled down over the sides.

"Guess not. Hey can you do me a favor though?" Dee went back over to the counter, setting things on a special warming tray that Ryo had. It was a nice addition too since it could be plugged in and plates setting on the heating tray would stay warm while the other side remained cold for drinks and the like.

"Sure! What do you need me to do?" Bikky asked, surprised at how good everything looked and smelled.

"Carry this tray back into the bedroom for me? I'd do it but I can't cane and carry at the same time." Dee explained. "I want to make sure that Ryo eats this morning. Even if his fever has broken, he still needs to build his strength back up. He's not getting out of that bedroom until he does eat."

"I can do that." Bikky got up and grabbed the tray. "So how long have you been here?" He asked as they made their way back towards the bedroom.

"Since last night. I had Drew bring me over. I didn't like the way Ryo sounded and wanted to make sure that he was okay and that his fever hadn't returned. You know him. He'd never tell me if it had." When they walked into the bedroom Ryo was sitting up and staring out the window.

"Good morning Bikky. Good morning Dee." He smiled over at the two his cheeks seemed to glow as he looked at them.

"You're awake all ready. Good." Dee said as he made his way over to the bed. "Bikky put that on the nightstand and plug it in will ya? I can handle it from here."

"Dee? You made breakfast?" Ryo said and then began blushing like mad when he realized that under the blankets he was still quite nude. Bikky smirked but said nothing instead he merely backed slowly out of the room. That glow on Ryo's face was unmistakable even for him not to notice. Yup he and Dee were an official couple... In every sense of the word.

"Yes I made breakfast. What do you think I'm some sort of incompetent Bozo?" Dee chuckled as he sat down on the edge of the bed. One hand felt along the mattress for Ryo, pulling him close once he found his nude form and kissing over his neck. "Good morning baby."

"Good morning to you too and no you are quite competent, in every sense of the word." Ryo moaned as the heat of Dee's kisses began to ignite a fire within him. "When I first woke up and you weren't here I thought that you had left all ready. I don't want you to go at all." Ryo stroked Dee's cheek before brushing his lips against Dee's. "Last night was incredible Dee. I never realized how wonderful it could actually be. I still can't believe that we finally made love. I was such a fool to wait so long." Ryo was glowing inside and out, and though he was sore he knew that he wanted more of the man who had literally rocked his world and then some.

"Mmmm..." Dee kissed him back softly but felt a familiar panic and nervousness rising in his chest. "Unfortunately I have to get back to Lyn and Drew's and play babysitter while Lyn goes to work." It was only mostly true. Andrew had errands to run but if Dee called and said that he wanted to stay, Drew wouldn't have minded a bit. There was no need to tell Ryo that though.

"You sure? I was thinking that I could go in a little late and maybe that we could have an encore of last night's performance." Ryo scooted up close to Dee, wrapping his arms around his lover and nuzzling his face in the crook of Dee's neck while his hands roamed over Dee's bared chest. "What do you say koibito? Now that I've experienced it, I want more."

"We had better not baby. You're gonna be too sore." Dee gave Ryo a brief hug, trying not to panic in the tight embrace before gently disengaging each of Ryo's arms then kissing the backs of his hands softly. "Better start on breakfast. I wouldn't want you to be late for work."

Ryo felt the stab to his heart as if someone had plunged a knife straight through it. He had a feeling that Dee was still having trouble dealing with what Marlo had done, yet that didn't stop the rejection from stinging. "Uhm... I-I think that I'll grab a shower first. Unless you need me to help you make it down to the lobby then I'll do that first before getting a shower." Ryo slid out of the bed, grabbing a pair of sweat pants and slipping them on. Suddenly he felt quite insecure and uncertain about being undressed around Dee even if he couldn't see him.

Dee reached out snagging Ryo's hand and drawing him close again. He didn't want this to go poorly. He knew that it would hurt Ryo too badly. "I was going to have breakfast with you before I left. Unless you wanted me to leave?"

"No I want you to stay. I want you to stay with me for as long as I can have you." Ryo sat down wondering how he was going to even eat with his stomach twisting into knots. "Dee? Did I do something wrong last night?" He had to ask. Closing his eyes as the pain spread across his chest he tried not to let it get to him. Last night had been like a dream to him. Never had he imagined that making love to Dee could bring forth such profound emotions but it had and now he hoped that it wasn't turning out to be a one-night thing. He hoped that now that Dee had finally gotten what he wanted he wasn't being tossed aside.

Dee shifted so that he was facing Ryo, carding his fingers through Ryo's hair. "What? No! Hell no! You didn't do anything wrong Ryo. Not a damn thing. You were perfect. It was the best I've ever had. You're the best I've ever had!" It killed him that he was hurting Ryo like this. This wasn't what he had wanted! "And don't you dare think that you were just a lay to me!" Dee could practically hear the thoughts forming in Ryo's head. "Don't you ever think that! I love you Ryo. I just... Dammit!" He swore as he realized that he about to say 'I just need time' for what felt like the millionth time. It seemed to be his mantra lately.

"Hey it's okay I understand. I just wanted to be sure about everything that's all. I mean you waited all this time for me and for all I knew you might have been thinking that I just totally sucked last night. I was afraid that I had been a major disappointment to you." Ryo could see the hurt on Dee's face and didn't want to make it worse. Even if it meant suffering alone he wasn't going to make Dee feel guilty. "I know I don't have the experience that you do but I'll learn with your help. I just need to be shown what and how, that's all."

"Dammit Ryo! It has nothing to do with that! You were perfect! I wouldn't have wanted you any other way. I... I'm just... a little overwhelmed that's all. Okay? God! I should...I should have waited so this wouldn't happen." Dee tried to curb his anger and frustration cradling Ryo's face in his hands. "It has nothing to do with you baby. I love you. You were great. It's... It's HER god dammit!"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I'm so sorry Dee." Ryo began laying small kisses over Dee's face. He held him gently, trying to sooth away his hurt. "I told you that I'll be more then happy to wait and I meant that. Please don't be upset. I love you too and I do understand baby. God I understand." Ryo couldn't stop the pain Dee all ready felt but he refused to let any more into his lover's heart. Dee had made an effort and now it was his turn to do the same. "Now why don't we sit here and eat a little something. Okay?"

Ryo was thankful that Dee couldn't see at the moment. He knew that he wouldn't be able to eat very much and he didn't want to make Dee feel any worse. He had gone to so much trouble to make breakfast. How could he tell Dee that his stomach wasn't able to handle anything heavy just yet? The doctor had said that he had come down with a hearty strain of the Flu virus and coupled with his fatigue and lack of appetite had made things worse. It would be at least two weeks before he'd feel more like his old self again according to what he had been told.

Dee caressed Ryo's face with the pads of his thumbs. "I'm sorry baby. I wish it had been perfect for you." Leaning in Dee kissed him softly before moving away, sitting back against the headboard and patting the mattress next to him. "Come on. Let's see if we can salvage this morning at least a little."

"Dee? It was perfect. Last night was the best night of my life. I will always remember it, always. It couldn't have been more perfect had we planned the whole things out." Ryo kissed him and then rested his head on Dee's shoulder.

"Are you sure? You're not just saying that are you?" Dee felt the bliss of that night's lovemaking wash over him once more.

"I am very sure lover." Ryo popped a piece of sausage in his mouth, making every effort possible to eat. After a few bites though he found that his stomach just couldn't tolerate anymore. "Dee? Since when did you become such a great cook? I mean you did okay before but this was fantastic." Ryo kissed his cheek and then rested his head back on his shoulder. "Arigato koibito. Ai shiteru."

Dee grinned. "Thanks. Yeah Drew's a slave driver I tell you. He doesn't let me get away with Jack! I'm glad that you liked it though. How much did you eat?" Dee rested his chin on top of Ryo's head, sliding an arm around his waist just glad at least that his mind and memories were allowing him this much contact with the man he loved. "I miss you when I'm away baby."

"I miss you too. Soon this will be behind us and we can begin a life together. I'll be here and waiting patiently for that day." Ryo sighed as he leaned back into Dee's chest. "Do you want to take a shower first? In the meantime, I'll take these dishes to the kitchen and make sure that Bikky's ride is coming to take him to day camp." Ryo didn't want to leave the warm comfort but he had to show Dee that everything was indeed okay and that he didn't have to worry about him.

"If that's what works for you... koi." Dee grinned, glad that 'koi' was a very short word he couldn't possibly screw up. He hoped it would make Ryo smile for he could still hear the sadness around the edges but he wasn't sure what to do about it.

"Hey you're learning Dee. You can teach me how to pleasure you and I'll teach you to speak Japanese. Though you get the fun part." Ryo kissed Dee softly, sighing blissfully into the kiss before breaking it and sliding out of the bed. "You know where the clean towels are right or do you need me to get them for you?" Ryo asked as he unplugged the tray and picked it up.

"As long as they haven't moved I'll be fine." Dee paused after sliding out of bed, turning his eyes to where he had last heard Ryo. "Thank you for understanding Ryo. It means everything to me."

"I'd do anything for you Dee. You know that." Ryo smiled and left Dee as he walked into the kitchen. Quickly he scraped the leftover food into the garbage.

"Does Dee know that you hardly ate?" Bikky appeared in the doorway with his arms crossed and eyes glaring.

"Bikky, listen to me. Dee is going through a bad time of it at the moment. Please don't say anything. He really tried here and it's not his fault that I still can't eat anything too heavy. I didn't want to disappoint him. He was so proud of himself. Surely you must have noticed that too." Ryo looked at Bikky, pleading with his eyes.

"I guess that you're right. The big lug did do pretty well. I was impressed. The food was actually edible." Bikky smiled. "Brad's dad is picking me up for day camp and I promised that I'd be downstairs waiting by the time they came so I need to book." Bikky turned on his heels and walked away, leaving Ryo there leaning against the counter, eyes shut and a smile gracing his handsome features.

"You're finally starting to understand him Bikky. Thank you." He whispered softly before beginning to collect and wash the dishes. Ryo found himself humming and just feeling good about everything.

Lyn adjusted his tie nervously, watching Ryo and his watch. Dee was on the other side of the nearby door giving his testimony to see if there was enough evidence to go to trial. Lyn tried hard not to pace though even Ryo was fidgety, having retied his tie abut six times. Now he had settled for ceaselessly clicking a ballpoint pen. Ryo looked up at Lyn a frown creasing his brow. "What's your professional opinion Lyn? Is this gonna fly?"

Lyn shook his head. "I... I don't know. It's shaky. If I were the prosecutor I would have waited. Even if it goes to trial Dee can't identify her, not really anyway. The eyewitness testimony of a blind man? Frankly I would rather have it thrown out now so that they can come back with a stronger case then go to court with a weak case." Lyn swallowed. He wanted very badly to see this woman behind bars. Something in his gut told him that this was the woman and Lyn was the kind of man who lived by those instincts.

Ryo leaned against the wall, his face dropping. "If this is thrown out... Oh god." He was really worried now. Dee had not been his self ever since that night that they had made love. In fact he had pretty much cut Ryo off... Avoiding him whenever possible. "Lyn h-how has Dee been around you guys?" Dark eyes looked to the ground though it was easy to see the sadness lying within them. Ryo knew that if Dee would say anything about what he was feeling, it would be to either Lyn or Drew.

"He's... He's been edgy and tense. This has had him really worked up. I know that he hasn't been seeing you much lately has he?" Lyn ran a hand through his hair then adjusted his tiepin.

"No. He hasn't. In fact he's been pushing me farther away ever since the night that we... Uhm... The night that we... That we made love." Ryo turned his head, his cheeks staining a bright red over his admittance. Lyn was the first person Ryo had so much as even hinted to that he and Dee had gone further then just kissing and touching. It felt good to finally say it out loud to someone else but it was a bitter sweet good none the less. "I keep thinking that maybe he doesn't want to be with me anymore though I know that's not true. I know this trail is upsetting him but it still hurts."

Lyn smiled softly. He had guessed that Dee and Ryo had made love based on the fact that Dee had spent the night at Ryo's but it still made his heart glad to hear that his suspicions were accurate. "It's not you Ryo. He's been having nightmares lately. Drew has had to go in and wake him up twice this week. Dee's a proud man and she divested him of that in the worst way. And now he has to go tell a room full of people about it." Lyn shook his head. "Not that that excuses it but... Well it's not you so don't worry."

"God Lyn he's been through so much as it is. I had really hoped to spare him this. It was my job to keep track of the other witness and to make sure that he would indeed testify." Ryo sighed, feeling himself trembling. "I feel as though I've let Dee down." Closing his eyes he did what he had to do in order to hold it together.

Lyn's hand rested on his shoulder reassuringly. "I know Ryo. I know. He'll make it through. Gods I can't decide if I want the trial to be dismissed or not. If it goes to trial and she gets off..." Lyn shook his head. "Gods poor Dee."

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you. If this is too much for you I'll understand if you need to leave." Ryo gave him a weak smile, knowing that Lyn had gone through something similar when Drew was gay bashed. "I'm just glad that over the past 2 weeks that Dee has had you and Drew to lean on even if I would have gladly stepped in for the job." Looking up Ryo saw an all too familiar blond walking towards them and he stiffened immediately. Rose had made advances on him at least 3 times over the past week with each one getting more and more daring. He had even stated to him that he knew that Dee had finally gotten him into bed and that he was more then willing to show Ryo the right way to make love... With a 'Real' man, as he put it.

"Ryo! Has anything been determined yet?" Blue eyes glared harshly at Lyn as he spoke to his detective.

"N-No sir." Ryo looked to the floor again, his hands shaking a little. "Lyn? You remember my boss Berkley Rose right?" Ryo's voice held an edge of sarcasm to it as he spoke.

Lyn's whole posture changed as Berkley approached. Ryo had heard Andrew say 'Lyn puts on his lawyer suit.' But he didn't really know what it meant until then. It was a complete transformation. Friendly open compassionate Lyn had suddenly pulled himself to his full height of 6' 6" and straightened his shoulders. His face became a stony mask, his eyes snapping with an intelligence that said 'just give me a reason to rip your testimony to shreds.' "Yes I recall the Lt. very well." There was no hint of his Irish roots in his voice or softness in his soul as he sized Rose up before offering his hand to him.

"Ah yes I remember. We met that day you obviously mistook my concern for Ryo's health as me coming on to him. I believe you called it sexual harassment, which may I remind you, I refuted." He snorted gazing at the outstretched hand before looking over at Ryo who still kept his head lowered. "Isn't that right Detective MacLean?"

Ryo said nothing. He couldn't. He hated himself for being such a pushover when it came to Rose and that embarrassed him. "I-I need to get some water."

"Oh MacLean you're on evening shift next week. Do try and make it through the week without getting sick or dizzy or nearly passing out okay? It's becoming a habit that I'm getting tired of." He turned to Lyn the smirk on his face was unmistakable as he held up three fingers on his right hand. "Three times! Three times last week one or the other happened! That would make any boss a little pissed off."

Rose turned and started walking off but stopped and took a few steps in Ryo's direction. "Call me at the station when the word comes down." He remarked over his shoulder, eyes mocking the almost deer caught in the headlights expression that Ryo was giving off.

Lyn raised his eyebrows in disdain as Rose completely ignored his offered hand. He glanced to Ryo. If Ryo gave him the word he would have a law suit so far up his... "Ryo is this gentleman bothering you?"

"I-I..." Ryo looked at Lyn then Berkley before walking over to a bench away from the general public. He had to sit down, the stress was building and he didn't want to make an ass of himself by passing out or anything. "Commissioner I will have someone call you as soon as we know anything." Ryo stated quickly and then watched as Rose nodded turned and finished his trek back down the hall.

With his hands shaking slightly, Ryo covered his face, taking several deep breaths to try and settle himself down. "I don't need this right now. All I care about is that Dee is in there and God knows what they are doing to him. Damn why can't I be in there with him! I promised him that I would be with him every step of the way!"

Again Lyn lay his hand on Ryo's shoulder dropping down onto the bench next to him while making a mental note to talk to Ryo about confronting Berkley later. "Having you in there right now might make it harder Ryo. We'll know soon enough. Take a couple deep breaths." Lyn pressed an energy bar in Ryo's shaky hand. "And eat that please." Lyn knew that Ryo was still battling the strength sapping effects of what ever illness had invaded his system and that long hours at work coupled with the stress lately had been bringing back symptoms of the illness and fever. Ryo had been to several doctors and all of them had told him that it was stress reducing his immune systems ability to fight off infections and viruses. They had all warned him to slow down but Ryo was as stubborn as hell and nothing anyone could say, would make him heed the doctor's warnings.

My first day back at work, that day I passed out... Rose took me into the break room and while I was unconscious he kissed me and apparently was touching me. I found out through another Detective who caught him." Ryo started talking, needing something to distract him from what was going on behind the doors down the hall.

"The day after Dee and I slept together Rose somehow knew. I never said anything yet he knew! He uhm... He waited until I went to my car then followed me and pinned me up against it. He kept telling me that he would show me just how a real man makes love." Ryo shivered slightly as he took small bites of the bar. "There have been two other incidents. All of them happening away from the precinct and when we're both off duty."

"Ryo you really should file a law suit against him. That's just ridicules. It's sexual harassment. Hands down, no holds barred especially since he is your superior." Lyn watched Ryo carefully. "You really need to put him in his place."

"I don't know Lyn. If I do that he may go through with his threat to put me on report for slugging him." Ryo sighed, unsure about what to do. "See it was after the kiss in the break room bit. I punched him because I was so damn angry. He said that he'd write me up. I told him that I'd press charges as well against him for sexual harassment. He seems to think that JJ's testimony wouldn't hold since it can be proven that JJ is jealous of me because I have Dee and that JJ may only be saying things because he wants Dee to leave me." Ryo leaned his head back looking at ceiling. "I don't know what I should do."

Lyn shook his head in sheer amazement. "Ryo uh not to get off topic but exactly how many gay men work at your precinct?"

Ryo started laughing, Lyn's question was one he had pondered many times himself. "Well Dee's bi. I'm... Damn I don't know what I am. I mean I always considered myself straight. I just happened to have fallen in love with my partner. Then there's JJ who's gay through and through... Berkley swings both ways as well. Ted has a girlfriend so I don't know and with the way he talks he's straight as an arrow and Drake... Well he's still a mystery." He looked at Lyn and couldn't help but laugh despite the current situation. "It sounds like the premise for a new TV show. 'Gay Badge: Just because we shoot straight doesn't mean that WE are!' Check it out tonight at 9..." Ryo laughed harder.

Lyn started chuckling as well. "Shit Ryo I'm gonna come sit in your office with a bowl of popcorn! It sounds like Gay Days of Our Lives!" Lyn shook his head holding his sides as he laughed. "Man no wonder... No wonder... No wonder..." Lyn took a deep breath trying to get his laughter under control. "No wonder you have such exciting lives!" Lyn wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "Just because we shoot straight... Oh that's great Ryo..."

"God if Dee heard that he'd have posters made." Ryo laughed. "Most squad rooms have calendars hanging up of Girls half-naked or in bikinis but we have Gay Men on Parade in our break room." Ryo's eyes went wide with amusement. "One time I caught Dee and JJ drooling over Mr. July with his firecracker." Ryo laughed hysterically. "Oh God I don't believe I'm telling you this. If it had been anyone else I would have been looking for a rock to hide under."

Lyn laughed right along with Ryo, their amusement easing the tension for the moment anyway. "You seriously have half-naked men on your squad room walls? God I can't imagine trying to shower after work. Talk about locker room phobia..."

"Why do you think I wait until I get home? I may be crazy at times but I sure as hell am not stupid! Just lose your grip on that soap and..." Ryo took one look at Lyn and both men broke into hysterical fits of laughter. Laughing until both of them were clutching their sides and wiping away tears. It was the sound of someone coughing that made Ryo stop and jump to his feet.

"JJ! What's going on? What's happening?" Ryo asked of the younger man who had been in the courtroom to represent the 27th along with Drake who was the arresting officer.

"Ryo... I'm sorry but the Judge tossed the case out. Not enough hard evidence to convict. I'm really sorry." He stood there as Ryo went pale.

"Oh God! Where's Dee?" Ryo asked out of concern.

"Franz... I mean Andrew is with him. Dee got pretty upset. They're going to take him out a side door to avoid the press." JJ explained and then looked up at Lyn. "So you're Hans huh?" He asked, as he looked Lyn over. "Your boyfriend damn near broke my finger one day." Pouting, JJ held up his hand to emphasize his comment.

Lyn was actually relieved. The case had been shaky. At least this way she could be brought to justice when the case was stronger. If they had gone to trial and lost there would have been no second chances. But he felt Ryo's pain and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "They just need more evidence Ryo. She'll be back in here in a month." Lyn glanced to JJ only briefly. "My husband you mean. And maybe if you had kept your fingers to yourself you wouldn't have had that problem. Come on Ryo lets go."

"Gee and who wore the wedding dress?" JJ snickered. "Oh Ryo...? Dee doesn't want to see you. He made that quite clear. Almost choked me when he grabbed my tie and growled at me to come out here and tell you to go home and leave him the hell alone."

"W-What?" Ryo felt every part of himself go numb. "He... He doesn't want to see me? Why?"

"Something about the fact that had you been doing your job and made sure that Rentschler made it here to testify that this would not have happened." JJ shrugged his shoulders. "He seemed very pissed off."

Lyn once again drew himself to his full height, towering over JJ. "You know Franz isn't the only one who can break fingers. Scram short stack before I break the hand you whack off with and leave you in a real predicament. Got me?" Putting an arm around Ryo's shoulder he started to lead him away.

JJ watched at how close Lyn got to Ryo and smirked. He just couldn't pass up such a good opportunity even if it did seem inappropriate at the moment. "Dee sempai may want to know that his boyfriend could very well be getting it on with Franz's husband." Tossing his hands in the air he walked off, the grin never leaving his face. Sure it was cruel but hell Dee never cared about his feelings. Always taking pot shots and making snide remarks whenever he felt the need to do so. Payback was a bitch and he was the best! Ryo barely felt the arm go around him or JJ's comments. He was just too stunned to care. Keeping his head lowered as his eyes misted up, he allowed Lyn to lead him away. Dee was blaming him that's all that he could think of.

Lyn was sorely tempted to give JJ a boot to the ass as he left but he restrained himself. With an arm protectively about Ryo's shoulder he led him towards the exit, wanting to get them both to the car as quickly as possible. "You'd better let me drive. We'll meet them back at the house and get this straightened out. I'm sure that JJ was just making things up. Andrew says that he calls ever day or so wanting to talk to Dee. He's just making trouble."

"Oh God Lyn. I don't know what I'll do if it is true." Ryo brought his hands up to his face, thankful that he did because reporters soon surrounded them. Cameras and microphones were soon being thrust into his face. Ryo could hear the questions filtering through his mind but he couldn't seem to comprehend them.

"Officer MacLean! How do you feel about the Judges decision?"

"Detective MacLean! Your partner was one of the suspect's victims. How's he taking all of this?"

"Detective! Why didn't the other witness show up?"

Detective! Is it true that you were responsible for making sure that the witness did testify? What happened?"

"Lyn get me the hell out of here... Just get me the fuck out of here!" Ryo was trembling, fear raging in his eyes as stomach churned.

Lyn kept his arm around Ryo's shoulders while his other one was strong arming through the reporters. "Keep your face shaded with your hands." Lyn whispered before turning his one blue eye and one green eye on the reporters. "I am Detective MacLean's lawyer and we have no comment at this time." He announced firmly then followed up any further questions with 'No comment.' He quickly guided Ryo through the swarm, leading him off at a quick pace towards the car. Finally the last of the reporters faded off behind them and Lyn paused. "You okay Ryo?"

"No..." His eyes were wide as he struggled to hold on to some sort of sanity. Reaching for the car door he found himself having to lean up against the car, his breathing erratic as he blinked to bring things back into focus. "I-I'm feeling dizzy Lyn..."

"Take slow deep breaths Ryo." Lyn coached. His voice gentle. "Slow deep breaths. You're just stressed. It'll pass in a few." Lyn stood at his elbow ready to catch him if he did indeed pass out.

"Let's get out of here... The masses are regrouping." Ryo managed to get out as several reporters ran towards them.

"DETECTIVE! Is it true that your partner and you are involved in a gay relationship? How long have you two been together?"

"Detective Latener disclosed that the suspect fondled him. How does that make you feel?"

"Has that affected your relationship in any way?" Another shouted, the mockery echoing in his voice.

"Fuck you! You bastard vultures!" Ryo hissed and jumped into the car where he lowered his head down almost onto his lap. Shaking uncontrollably.

"I repeat for a final time. No comment." Lyn strode over to the driver's side of the car and slid in pushing the seat as far back as it would go to accommodate his long legs. "Key's Ryo." Ryo's shaky hand fished the keys out of his pocket and handed them to Lyn who started the car and carefully maneuvered into traffic. "You two really are going to need a lawyer now..." Lyn shook his head keeping half an eye on Ryo.

"Come on, take slow deep breaths and calm down. I know that you're upset but passing out isn't going to solve anything. Keep your face shielded." Lyn instructed as more bulbs flashed trying to get a good shot of them while they were stopped in front of the court house at a stop light.

"This isn't happening Lyn..." Ryo kept his head down as they pulled away and soon were making their way through New York traffic. "All I wanted was for Dee and I to be happy... Why can't that happen?" Ryo sat up and laid his head against the headrest. "I feel so tired..."

"I know, I know... Try and see the silver lining. It's not like you lost the case. You're being told to go back and get more information. So you will have a better chance of nailing her homophobic ass to the wall..." Lyn sighed. "It will be at least twenty minutes before we get out of this traffic so just lean back and relax."

"I know that we'll have to get her but I'll be off the case for sure now. All I can do is sit and watch as the others work it. Sorry to be such a wet noodle. I guess that all of this just caught me off guard." Ryo sighed and then jumped when his cell phone went off. "Hello?" He prayed that it wasn't the media.

"If you want to blame anyone for informing the press to the fact that you were out in the hall. Blame Marlo's lawyer." It was JJ on the other end and Ryo could hear the smugness in his voice.

"Damn her!" Ryo spat. "Thanks for telling me." Ryo sighed as he hung up. "Marlo's lawyer told the reporters that I was there. That's how they found out and ambushed us."

"Shit." Lyn said mildly. "You guys really are going to need a lawyer. You need to make a press release. You need to... God I hate to say this. Need to talk to Berkley about how the department is going to handle this. You need... Well... Just suffice to say that you both need legal representation. I know a few people... A lot of people actually."

"Thanks Lyn. I don't even know where to begin. And Berkley is going to eat this up. The whole thing sucks." Ryo rested his arm on the door, watching the buildings go by. "I just hope that Dee is okay. I'm really worried about him."

Lyn nodded. "No arguments there on either point." The rest of the drive was silent with each man lost in his own thoughts. It seemed that all to quickly they found themselves on Lyn's street parking behind Andrew's blue Honda Civic. "You ready for this Ryo?"

"About as ready as I'll ever be." Ryo tried to smile but failed then finally gave up on trying. "I guess that I'll leave here this afternoon either still having a lover or finding myself unattached once more." He sighed and rubbed his temples.

"Don't be so final about it. You know better then anyone how Dee is when he's upset. His mouth moves faster then his brain..." Lyn shook his head and took a deep breath of his own before he got out of the car.

"Yeah I know but I also know that when he has his mind set on something he usually is pretty adamant about going through with it. If he decides he wants me out of his life, I'll just have to accept that." Ryo stopped and looked at Lyn, trying to reassure him and himself that he could handle it.

"I just want to prepare myself for that possibility. I can't afford to fall apart. I have a son to think about and who needs me. Ryo gazed up at the house, sighing and feeling just a little shaky as he started walking. His fate could very well be determined that day and he wasn't so sure that he was going to like the outcome.

W ildefyre: OH MY! Just when things were looking up too! God Irish and I can be just so evil! Want more? Then review! Review! Review and Review! It's the reviews that motivate me to go through all the work of formatting these chapters, editing them, correcting spelling mistakes and working on scene re-writes when Irish and I think it needs it. The more reviews we get... The more motivated we are! Can you see the concept there? Good! Now hop to it and leave a review! ^__^

Irish: Mmmmm....reviews.... Clears throat anyway. Running out of room in the briefcase for songs. I have a couple options and wouldn't mind hearing what you all think.

A) Opening another briefcase, but this one would be a freebie and you would have to have the password to access it, which of course you all would have.

B) I rotate the songs and take down the earlier chapters. You of course would be able to still get them by asking but this way you only have one site to go to. Anyway, read and review. We love you.