Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Trial By Fire ❯ Chapter Five ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: I don't own FAKE. Dee, Ryo and the other FAKE characters are the genius of Sanami Matoh.

Warning: Shounen-ai / Yaoi / Strong language, and sexual situations between men. If mano o mano sex is not your thing, go somewhere else to play.

Rating: R (No lemon yet, but a definite taste of lime)

Pairing: Dee x Ryo

Summary: Dee and Ryo's first night undercover on their new assigment

Special thanks goes to my awesome beta reader - NeoBritt

 

Trial By Fire

Chapter 5

 

 

Ryo leaned against the railing, looking out at the Hudson River and the lights of New Jersey across the water. Slowly a dinner cruise yacht made its way south along the waters toward the harbor. Ryo recognized the company, knowing it would make its way down and under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, which crossed into Staten Island from South Brooklyn, and along south Brooklyn toward Long Island before it turned around to make its way back. A romantic dinner cruise for couples.

 

Ryo sighed wistfully. He seemed to be doing okay in some ways of being open between him and Dee among strangers, and even among a few close to the new couple. He stared wistfully at the boat, catching a glimpse of some couples dancing on the outer deck. He realized he wanted a chance to do that with Dee, but he could never bring himself to go that far. Not yet. He was not sure if ever. When they ate in restaurants, they showed no signs of what they were to each other, except for stolen glances. Ryo sighed. Or the usual attempts at pawing him that Dee had always done over the years since they met.

 

Dee did not care what people were thinking and sometimes would stand up to them. If they took one of those dinner cruises, they would surely be the center of attention and most likely Dee would end up making a scene that would spoil the mood for them. Thankfully Dee did make a valiant effort in allowing Ryo to go his own pace and call the shots on what he felt comfortable with in public and what he did not. It made him love Dee more for it.

 

Ryo found he had to thank Diana for the assignment. It did not seem so bad so far. Dee was looking especially hot in those tight black leather pants and black shirt with the buttons opened low. Ryo would never had thought on his own to come down here to act like the couple they were, even if they both lived within walking distance from where they stood. He wondered why Dee did not even mention it to him. Well, it's not as if Ryo did not know this was the center of the gay community in New York. Dee must have known Ryo was aware of it and waiting for him to mention it first.

 

Oddly enough, Ryo was realizing after all the time Dee would place them in a compromising situation in the streets, such as when they first met Carol and tried to get the men after her off her track, to name one of many, Ryo was finding it not that hard to relate to Dee among strangers. Just so long as none of the strangers directly confronted them. That was what Ryo was afraid of -- confrontation. So far he just heard a few words from some people, not toward them but about them, who in Ryo's opinion should not have been in that area if they had a problem with gays. If they did not like what they saw, the city was large enough to find an enjoyable night out somewhere else. Somehow he was able to allow the words to slide off. He doubted he could be so casual if directly confronted, nor would he face the person speaking head on like he knew Dee would.

 

On the other hand, he was surprised to feel a strange satisfaction when talk and whispers around them were in approval, commenting on the two handsome hunks that were so obviously in love.

 

He wished he could be like Dee when it came to dealing with his sexuality; thick skinned and willing to stand up for what he believed was his right. Dee did have years after acceptance that he did not. `Maybe one day….' Ryo thought wistfully. His next thought was that he had no idea how Dee dealt with it when he first realized he was noticing men along with women. Or was it boys and girls? Knowing Dee, like everything else, when he gained his first homosexual experience, Dee was most likely a teen. He made a mental note to ask his lover about it soon.

 

For now, they had a case to crack, and managed to have some fun too. Their cover was to be two new lovers, on a night out in Greenwich Village, hitting up all the spots where love between two men was accepted. They were supposed to be listening for talk while they made the rounds; anything that might be a clue to lead them to the identity of the individual or group that was responsible for giving out tainted drugs. The victim would go into convulsions and eventually die of hemorrhaging of the stomach. Some victims were found dead from a beating, but autopsy reports showed the drug in the victims' systems. So far among all the victims across the country, only gay men were targeted. After enough noise was made at official levels about it being a hate crime, the FBI stepped in. Now Ryo and Dee were the undercover team in New York City, as well as the coordinators of all the teams across the country, working directly under Diana Spacey, with Commissioner Rose as their liaison between the FBI and the NYPD. Their main objective was to find the source of the drug.

 

First night out on the case and all they came across was illegal drug use and prostitution, something they were to do nothing about. They were on one case only. It did not stop them from making mental notes to file reports later. They knew they could not blow their cover, but it was hard to just ignore what was going on around them.

 

As he watched several other private yachts make progress in both directions of the Hudson River, Ryo felt movement next to him. Ryo got a strange feeling from his partner who stood quietly next to him. Dee had been on edge ever since they crossed West Street to stroll along the piers. He turned to find his dark haired partner all but huddling into himself.

 

“What's wrong Dee?” he asked softly in concern, leaning closer so his words would not carry. First rule of the streets was never let them see you scared or uncomfortable. Even Ryo knew that much growing up. The first lesson for basic self defense was to not do anything to bring attention onto yourself as a potential target. Everyone who grew up in the metropolitan area around the city learned that at a young age. Dee, with his background, was more aware of it than others. Ryo frowned as he studied Dee.

 

Dee shook his head, muttering a colorful phrase. He pushed himself from the cast iron railing, appearing to pull himself together. “Let's walk a little,” he stated.

 

Ryo watched as Dee took two steps away from where they stood, then paused, waiting for Ryo. Ryo took a step forward, placing a hand on the small of his lover's back, appreciatively eyeing the view of Dee's ass in those leather pants in the light of the street lamp above them. He sighed. This was crazy. More and more since the morning before, he had his mind on that part of Dee and he knew why. If only he had the nerve to just open his mouth and tell Dee what he wanted.

 

He sure had dropped enough hints, yet when Dee gave him the opportunity to say what he desired, Ryo fell short. When Dee had asked him about his recent fascination with his ass, Ryo knew he should have at least broached the possibility for the near future.

 

`Then what?' Ryo thought, blushing, glad the light was muted enough to hide his blush in shadows. He would be too scared once he got the go ahead, he was sure of it. He had no idea how. While the basic concepts were alike, it was not the same as being with a woman. Ryo could only draw so much experience from it. He had done it so few times, mostly because it did not feel right, as if something was missing. It was not the way he felt when he was with Dee - Ryo doubted there was another man or woman on the planet who could make him feel like he did when making love with his handsome partner-turned-lover. Ryo also considered the fact that it was much longer than two years since the last time he had been with anyone. He knew the mechanics involved from when Dee did it to him, but knowing and doing were two different things. Ryo felt as if he would die from terminal embarrassment, especially if he fumbled, if he actually got to try it.

 

What if he hurt Dee in the process? Ryo's brows knitted together. It would most definitely hurt for Dee almost as much as it had for Ryo that first time. It was over two years since Dee had sex with anyone until Ryo gave Dee the green light to go all the way. That was a long time for that ring of muscle to become unused to it. Ryo let out a puff of air. Who knew how long before Dee's self imposed celibacy that Dee gave himself that way?

 

Ryo smiled, as the feather touch of his hand became more firm. Somehow, the more he thought of it, he had realized he could not imagine Dee being submissive to anyone. Not since he got a firm footing of who and what he was. His hand pressed more into Dee's back as he frowned, suddenly feeling uncomfortable with the thought that Dee might be top only.

 

There was Dee's reaction in the office that Ryo realized he had to consider, no matter what Dee had said about it since. What if Dee's offer in the office had been only to humor Diana? What if Dee had thought Ryo would never consider it? As he thought earlier, Dee had enough hints of the contrary since. Now Dee had the chance to prove to Ryo he was not dense in some things as he kept accusing Ryo of being. That, or Dee was just ignoring the hints. Then again, Dee did not protest about whatever Ryo had dared to do and even gave Ryo an open invitation to do it again.

 

Ryo was confused. He realized the only way to know for certain was to get the nerve to directly confront Dee on the issue. He sighed mentally. That was not going to happen anytime soon.

 

He was bought out of his musing with surprise when Dee pulled away from his hand.

 

“What?” Ryo asked, his frown deepening, but for concern for his partner, all previous thoughts now gone from his head. Something was definitely bothering Dee.

 

“Other than you trying to push me down onto my face?” Dee snapped. He glanced ahead of them as if deciding where to walk to. They had been walking north on the path along the railing.

 

Ryo looked around too. They were in the small park like setting situated at the end of Christopher Street. A walkway sprawled along the Hudson River for several blocks in both directions. It was a well maintained area, even with the most of the piers in various states of decay, having not been used for many years. Only the Christopher Street pier was up kept, being used for several street festivals in the area. It was also the site for the official New York Gay Pride dance. All cops knew it because for many of New York's finest, the dance, along with the parade along Fifth Ave., was considered drudge duty. Police protection had to be offered, but too many in uniform felt uneasy having to be near such an event. Most of those who had no problems with it were usually marching in the parade.

 

Ryo looked contrite, realizing he had been pressing his hand into Dee too hard. “Sorry. I guess my mind started to wander.” He started to blush.

 

Dee licked his lips, watching the blush. At least his lover was easy to distract.

 

“I'm going to remember later to ask what exactly you were thinking about,” Dee commented, intense eyes fixed on Ryo's face.

 

Ryo blushed more, realizing that might be difficult to answer and thankful Dee was willing to wait. Maybe he might forget about it. Ryo could use the time until then to distract Dee and have his mind on other things by the time they were alone again. Things that were comfortable already, things they both were confident with, even if Ryo was still gaining more experience. He knew he was taking the easy way out once again, facing an opportunity to tell Dee exactly what was on his mind. Instead he found himself plotting to avoid the issue, using distractions of the type that Ryo had wanted to make changes to, even if it would be once in a while. He glanced up when he heard Dee's laugh. Something was still off.

 

Going back to Dee's question, he stated, “Yes, other than my trying to slam you down face first onto the pavement….” `Oh my God!' Ryo thought in chagrin. What ever made him say it like that?

 

Dee raised an eyebrow, then eyes shifting, shrugged, looking uncomfortable again. “Not now. Later. Let's just walk.”

 

Ryo went to place his hand back on Dee's back again, only to be surprised that this time Dee instantly pulled away.

 

Ryo stopped again and Dee turned to face Ryo. His eyes flickered to his left for a second before going back to Ryo. “Why'd you stop?” Dee asked.

 

“What do you call that?” Ryo countered. “I'd think you'd be used to this by now,” he snapped sarcastically. If anyone showed any signs of discomfort as they made their way down Christopher Street holding hands or with arms around each other, it was Ryo. Just a little discomfort now and then, but not enough to make him pull away from Dee. Not where they were that night. Perhaps they needed to spend more time here, allowing Ryo to test the waters and slowly branch out. Maybe this was exactly what he needed. The idea did not repel him. So why was Dee acting like this? After how many blocks, and how many times Dee stopped them to lean them against a doorway or a parked car for a kiss?

 

Dee sighed. “I don't want you to be pushing yourself more than you're comfortable. You've been allowing contact all night since we got here and I'm certain if it was your choice, you'd want some breathing room.”

 

Ryo rounded on Dee and moved closer in an angle that when Dee took a step back, his back was against the railing. Leaning in close, he whispered, “We are supposed to be lovers, yes? We need to act it.”

 

“Act it,” Dee spat out, managing to keep his voice low. “There's the problem. You're forcing yourself. I felt your discomfort just before….”

 

“Stop it!” Ryo warned, flushing again, knowing what caused his discomfort Dee picked up was from something completely opposite than what Dee was thinking. “Stop deciding for me what I'm comfortable with!”

 

“Sshhh,” Dee cautioned, pulling Ryo closer to him so they could talk low without their words carrying. “Spacey finds us arguing, or we blow this, we'll be getting used to new partners.”

 

Ryo's glare met Dee's eyes. “If we're going to prove we can handle this, then we need to play the role,” he said. “Which, by the way, isn't an act at all. That's why we were chosen. Or have you forgotten?”

 

“I know, I know. But I know how you feel, despite your being part of working out how to play it. You haven't decided what to do with the others at the station. You're still uncomfortable about people knowing.”

 

“It's not that I'm ashamed.”

 

“I know that too, love.”

 

Ryo smiled at Dee, placing a hand on his exposed chest showing through his low buttoned silky black shirt. “We told Mother.”

 

Dee's smile was warm. “Yeah, we did. Thank you.”

 

“It was easier than I thought. Then again, she was so accepting. She always had been. I swear she knew about us before I did after that first talk with her.” Ryo's eyes gazed at Dee in wonder. “She never once gave you the guilt trip about what you are, didn't she?”

 

Dee shook his head. “Never. Concerned at first, but….” Dee shrugged. “That was only because she wanted me to be happy. Once she saw that I was, well, she just told me to be careful and not become one of those,” his eyes moved to a young man of no more than twenty, begging a man to take him home. His desperation was almost heart breaking. “Her acceptance and support made accepting myself easier.

 

"Then again, when I was growing up, she raised me on the Bible the way it should be. To love everyone, with no hatred or judgment toward what is different. To not fear what we don't understand. As long as someone is living a good life, not harming themselves or other, it's not up to us to judge how they live and who they love."

 

“You're lucky to have her,” Ryo said softly, not certain how his parents would have reacted if they were still alive. He wanted to believe for the better, that they would have had the same acceptance that Mother Lane had. Ryo was pretty certain they probably would have, but he never put himself in a situation that they might question what he had hidden even from himself. He kept his fears to himself, the times he could not ignore them, just in case they did not end up as understanding as he had hoped. Now he would never know. In some odd way, he was glad he would never know. He could never deal with the possibility of his parents turning their backs on him like most of his own family had for other reasons. He only had his aunt and loved her dearly. He still did not know how she would react when he told her. He debated with that, and knew he had to tell her. Eventually. He was not sure when, but it was best he tell her before she found out herself. He just wanted to put off the possibility of her turning away from him just a little longer.

 

“I know,” Dee said gently, the love he had for the woman who raised him evident in the short reply. “For many things.” His eyes flickered and he tensed up again. “I still want to walk. There's better places to suck face without worrying if the railing would hold. I'm not liking the idea of swimming in the Hudson.”

 

Ryo made a face. “You might be right. But just one thing, then we'll be on our way. Since we're like this, I want to remind you of a night in Brooklyn a little over two weeks ago. We were over on the Promenade in downtown Brooklyn.”

 

Dee's smile was dazzling. His eyes sparkled green and steel gray in the street light. “How can I ever forget that night.”

 

“There were people walking around. Not crowded, but a popular spot on nice nights, especially for lovers. Mostly straight couples. You were letting me off the hook, after you told me just how much you loved me.”

 

“I was almost ready to give up,” Dee sighed. “Figure a way to start moving on. How I was going to do that, I have no idea. I couldn't imagine not loving you. I couldn't think of being with another, even casually. You have no idea how wonderful it felt when you told me you loved me too. That you loved me more than anything. You saved me from a life of loneliness.” His eyes cast down. “I was afraid I would have ended up like that guy over there eventually. That or letting no one touch me. I know no one would ever touch my heart again.”

 

Ryo placed his hands on Dee's waist and smiled up at him. “And then I asked you if you minded if I kissed you.”

 

“Of course I didn't mind.”

 

“And I kissed you. You kissed me. For a very long time. Out there, in the open, among other people, we were wrapped in each other's arms kissing.”

 

Dee looked stunned, as if just realizing the implications.

 

“Then when we started to head back to my place, we could barely keep our hands off each other, stealing touches, kisses, acting like two love crazed teenagers. On the N train going over the Brooklyn Bridge, you pressed me up against the door and I allowed you. We kissed until we almost fell out of the train when it got to the next station and opened the doors.”

 

Dee laughed at the memory. “That did happen. Then we decided to be a little more careful. Neither of us wanted to spend that night in the hospital. When we got off the train at 14th and went up to the streets, we stopped for another kiss.”

 

Ryo nodded. “Took us a while to walk the short distance to my building despite us being in a hurry.”

 

“Then in the foyer, the hallway….” Dee grinned and winked, “… the elevator….”

 

Ryo laughed, flushing at the memory. That's when jackets started to come off, shirts being unbuttoned and pulled out of pants. It was not a true blush that heated Ryo's face.

 

Dee caught the grin. Even in the haze from the street light, he was able to tell what was a blush for Ryo, and what was a flush that meant his mind was going to the other head below his belt. He grinned wickedly. “Hey now. Keep it in your pants until we're off duty,” he whispered, teasing his lover, pressing his face closer to Ryo's. “Doing it in the men's room off duty would be bad enough for two cops, but on duty? I don't think Diana wants us to play it up that much.”

 

Now Ryo was blushing.

 

Dee closed the small distance and kissed him, feeling his lover respond to it and hungrily return it. They broke the kiss with a sigh, staring into the other's eyes. “So you are okay with this?” Dee asked. “For real?”

 

Ryo nodded. “For real. It should be harder, but it's not. Not with you. But you've been breaking me in pretty well over these last two years. I look back and realized we've done a lot of that in public places.” He shook his head and chuckled. “I kissed and held you in a cemetery, Dee. On your dad's grave. Then I allowed you to pull me in for a deeper one.”

 

“Son of a bitch,” Dee laughed.

 

Ryo placed a hand on Dee's cheek. “Let me decide what I'm ready for. You'll know when I'm not comfortable with something. Okay?”

 

“Sure. You're right. Now… ummm…. can we walk?” Dee looked uncomfortable again.

 

“Now what?” Ryo sighed. "Something has been getting to you since we crossed West Street."

 

“Not sure. Just feel antsy.” Dee's eyes flickered again. Ryo pulled away from Dee and smiled when Dee placed his arm around Ryo's shoulder. He wrapped his around Dee's waist and they started to slowly walk.

 

“Where to?” Ryo asked.

 

“Get closer to the street,” Dee replied.

 

An alarm went off inside Ryo's head. He wanted to look around, but knew that was a bad idea. Dee was aware of something. He would trust Dee until his partner felt he could talk. Ryo decided that while Dee seemed wary and uncomfortable, he did not feel they were in immediate danger. Yet. He would know if that changed from Dee's actions, and take his cue from his partner.

 

As they walked, heads turned as single men sized them up. When they passed the 17th hungry look, Dee grimaced. “I feel like I'm a slab of meat in a shop window on Delancey...”

 

“I know the feeling. For some, it's sad.”

 

“That's why I avoided hanging out in the usual places here when I was younger. Too sad or too hungry. I was never that bad. Or that desperate. It just made me feel uncomfortable, like a piece of meat.” Dee shook his head. “Dirty. I know not all gay men are like that, but this part and even some of the bars attract more than enough creeps like these. Creeps that make it hard for the rest of us to truly be accepted. As I got older, I found better places to connect and just stayed away from here. Believe it or not, even with a one night stand, I liked to have some conversation with him or her before taking things more.”

 

“A paragraph or two, huh?” Ryo laughed. He shook his head. “I doubt you can get that much from most of these guys.”

 

“Maybe one sentence,” Dee remarked. “I'm gonna fuck you stupid.”

 

Ryo blushed, but knew Dee spoke the truth. He heard some of the comments directed at one or the other of them as they passed. Thankfully the cafes and some of the bars were better. The seedier side was more evident where they walk. It was the cruising ground for singles looking for a pick up, while the piers served as a mating ground. It was also where many of the hustlers hung out looking for business, attracting the seedy type...

 

 

 

 

Dee led them on, his mind on what they had just discussed. Dropping his eyes to the sidewalk, he thought, `That was almost me if Ryo decided he did not love me and I somehow managed to move on somewhat.' He glanced up again and, while looking casual walking with his lover, went into detective mode absorbing everything going on around them.

 

Cold, hungry eyes stared as they walked. Men who did not know what love was or had long forgotten after they had been hurt so badly at some point, they built a wall of ice around them. Men who only wanted one thing and from the looks in some of those eyes, it did not matter if the object of their lust was obviously in a relationship and unavailable. Ryo was getting his equal share of those looks and Dee felt it made him feel uncomfortable. For once, Dee was not sure which one was more uncomfortable. He tightened his hold just a little, a bit more possessive and yet comforting to his lover. He felt Ryo respond the same way and he smiled softly.

 

Dee sighed, wondering if that's how some of the others saw him. How Ryo might have thought of him at first. What Bikky saw every time the boy looked at him; out for only sex, to use and abuse and nothing else. To take without even caring for the other, taking only pleasure for himself. He shuddered at the thought and pushed a stray memory back to the far corner of his mind where he wanted it to stay.

 

“What's wrong, baby?” Ryo asked softly.

 

“Just remembering why I stay away from here. Another reason why I wanted to pass up this case. I couldn't play off acting like any of the type here. I was never like these characters. I'm glad she allowed us both to modify things.” He glanced around to assure no one was close enough to listen.

 

“I know, love. You have too good a heart to ever be one of those.” Ryo leaned over to gently kiss Dee's cheek.

 

His heart warmed and fluttered. It felt so good to have that much of Ryo, to know that's how Ryo really saw him. He vowed to never let his lover down. He loved Ryo so much, at times it scared and confused him. He had never felt that way for anyone. He turned his head to give Ryo a smile, knowing he did not mind the odd feelings going through him at times, because it was a good thing. He had the love of someone he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

 

As they neared the streets, Ryo asked, “Now what?”

 

Dee had noticed the five that started to put him at unease when they first crossed West Street. They stood about a half block away from where he and Ryo settled for a while before walking again. They were still where Dee first noticed them. He could still feel their eyes on him and Ryo, even at that distance. It was their attention that bothered Dee the most. It was different than the other type of unwanted attention they had been receiving so far. So different that, if given the choice, Dee would pick the hungry stares over theirs. Something was not quite right. They walked on, Dee leading them along the sidewalk, both of the detective's eyes filing unobtrusively watching, filing away for any signs to give them a lead in their case. Just as they had been doing all night.

 

“Ryo, let's turn and head back to Christopher Street, and cross over,” Dee said suddenly, his danger sense tingling.

 

“There is something wrong,” Ryo stated. His eyes flickered past an open hungry stare directed at him and frowned. “Other than the obvious,” he muttered, annoyed. He put his head down. Blushing would not help, he reminded himself again, trying to keep his face neutral and the coloring from telling, bringing worse attention to himself. He had found himself thinking of Dee again, so if there was any color on his face, it would be more of flush of arousal and anticipation, rather than a blush that could mean trouble for both of them.

 

Dee nodded. “I was waiting until I felt safe to say something. Have you noticed those five down there?”

 

“Creepy bunch with the grumpy faces?” Ryo frowned. “Yeah. Trouble.”

 

“Definitely. I can't help but notice they've been watching us since we arrived here.” Dee took out a cigarette and lit it, placing the packet back in his shirt pocket since his black leather pants were so tight he was lucky to get his wallet in them.

 

“I was wondering about them,” Ryo stated softly.

 

“Yeah, well let's find a nice bar or something and not make ourselves victims.”

 

They stopped by the light and waited for it to turn green. As they waited, satisfied that they were the only ones waiting to cross on that side, Ryo said, “That would be embarrassing if we become victims of another case.”

 

Dee grunted as they started to cross. “Maybe not another,” he said low.

 

Ryo turned his head, eyes wide. Dee leaned over for a quick kiss. “It may be a long shot, but in any case, I don't think they are very gay-friendly.” As they got to the other side, Dee walked them to the wall of the corner bar that ran along West Street and leaned against it. He placed his hands on Ryo's waist and pulled him close. “Pretend you're nuzzling my neck or something,” he whispered before taking Ryo's mouth for a kiss.

 

Ryo moved his mouth from Dee's lips and made his way up along his lover's neck. “Pretend?” Ryo sighed, breathlessly.

 

“Yes,” Dee chuckled, then shivered when Ryo's mouth licked a particularly sensitive spot. “Pretend, Ryo. Stop it and try to keep your tongue in your mouth for a minute or two. I'm working on IDing them and you're making it really hard to concentrate here.” Dee punctuated his statement with a low moan. “Damn, Ryo.”

 

Ryo laughed, pressing himself closer to Dee, his arm around his waist. He moved his head so Dee could rest his chin on his shoulder as Ryo made sure his lips hovered just above the luscious tanned skin as much as he dared without making it look suspicious. His mouth moved to barely graze Dee's ear. “Let me know when you're ready for me to close in for the kill.”

 

“Shit. I'm always ready, but just give me….” Perhaps this assignment was not so bad after all, Dee mused. Diana must have known what she was doing. Ryo was opening more before his very eyes that night, taking more than one step into accepting what he was. “Almost…” he sighed from what Ryo still managed to do to him even if his lover was following his directions. He wanted that beautiful mouth that was just hovering to clamp down on his neck and he shivered with anticipation. Somehow he managed to get his mind on his task and continued to watch them through lidded eyes, while he started to sigh softly. His hands were rubbing Ryo's back. All he wanted was to slide down along the wall, take Ryo with him, and finish what they were starting.

 

Dee finally moved his neck so Ryo's lips pressed against it when he was ready. “They're leaving,” he said, wrapping his arms around Ryo, going for the pale skinned man's neck, eyes still on the five. He let out a soft moan as Ryo's tongue did something wonderful.

 

“Should we stay where we are until they leave?” Ryo whispered into his ear, then kissed it.

 

“We could try to follow them, but… ohh… shit! Ryo…” His lover had become fixated on a very sensitive spot just below his ear. He drew a ragged breath, restraining himself from throwing Ryo onto the ground with him on top. “We don't have proof. Just a feeling.” Dee sighed as his hands made slow circles on Ryo's back, feeling smooth muscles under the blue tank top tucked into tight black jeans. “Great. They're just standing there by the light and not crossing. Go away you bastards so I can truly enjoy this feast,” he mumbled, knowing he was put on watch to guard them. He moved his head to take Ryo's mouth in his. “I think we're targeted,” he sighed.

 

“Oh shit,” came the response before a silky tongue wrapped around his. “Wonderful,” Ryo whispered into the kiss. “Let's get into a bar then.”

 

“Hey, get a room!” a loud, angry voice boomed from behind Ryo. He jerked his head back with a start and Dee watched Ryo blush. “Before you start going further and I'll have to arrest you both.”

 

Dee moved his head to look over Ryo's shoulder as he felt his partner release his hold and move back a little. Dee leaned his head against the wall, pulling himself together as Ryo moved further away. His eyes rested on the uniformed cop, thankful he did not recognize him.

 

“S-sorry officer,” Ryo stammered.

 

“Yes, yes. He's quite a handsome treat, but not out in the streets. Get along now and keep it clean out here.”

 

Dee nodded, his eyes flickering to Ryo to make sure he was okay. “Yeah, sure. Sorry about that. Hormones and all. We'll behave.” He took Ryo by his hand and, noticing the cop headed to the corner to walk up Christopher Street, he led them to walk in front of the cop. “Good night, officer,” Dee winked as they passed.

 

“Okay, new level of embarrassment,” Ryo sighed.

 

Dee laughed. “Even I'd never live down arrest for fornication in a public area.” He placed his arm around Ryo's shoulder and pulled him close to whisper in his ear, “That was luck. Here we are without our guns and have a cop now between them and us.”

 

“Good call. So which one should we go into?”

 

“Uh, not sure. Let's pick one. What's some of the places on Diana's list?”

 

“There's a few up by Sheridan Square. Let's pick one of those.”

 

They ended up at the Stonewall Inn. Dee selected a booth along the side near the back of the bar and in the shadows, while Ryo stopped at the bar. Dee watched as Ryo approached the table, and set two bottles of O'Doul's down. Dee made a face, but as Ryo sat down, he picked up the cold bottle to take a drink from, watching Ryo do the same.

 

Ryo looked relaxed now and more at ease since they entered the bar. Dee understood why. There was a different atmosphere than at the piers. There was none of the desperation and danger. Dee had already been observing several couples and groups of friends out for a night of fun in a place where they could be themselves. He could imagine him and Ryo coming back off duty after the case, just to be in a place where they fit in. Ryo seemed to be feeling the same way.

 

Ryo had been glancing around, his eyes going tender watching the other lovers in the place, then scooted his chair closer to Dee. He took Dee's hand; Dee definitely liked that. Stay away from the hardcore bars and Dee realized he could be comfortable in places like this bar.

 

“Are we trouble magnets or what?” Dee said, finally releasing the tension.

 

“Maybe,” Ryo shrugged as he took another drink. “I'm glad for the interference from the law.”

 

Dee chuckled. “I'm glad he was no one who knew us.” Dee's eyes fixed on Ryo. “He was probably right, too. What you were doing to me felt so good, I was ready to turn us around and jump you.”

 

Ryo nodded, taking another drink. “I know what you mean. I don't know what came over me.” His eyes went down to the table. They lifted again when he heard Dee laugh.

 

“I was not expecting it, but now that it's happening, I realize that I should have seen it. I felt it in your kisses when you would give in, the look in your eyes when you weren't looking confused or scared. I should have known there was a wild animal just waiting for when Mr. Repression found the right reason to let him out.”

 

“You're more than a right reason. You bring Mr. Animal out full force.” His eyes dropped again. “N-now that I can….”

 

“I understand, baby. Now if only we can get you stop blushing all the time. Don't stop blushing completely,” Dee added quickly, and winked at Ryo. “I love it. But there are times when blushing is more telling than you want it to be.” Dee sighed and traced a pattern on the condensation of his bottle. “I just realized how much so yesterday. I doubt Drake's ever going to get off my ass until we admit it to him. You blushing when talk is about sex is one thing. It's expected from you. But me….”

 

Ryo surprised Dee and himself by laughing. “And here I thought you were going to blow it because you couldn't keep your big mouth shut. Or that I would blush right down to my roots.”

 

“Yeah well,” Dee grinned. “At least we're back to normal in some weird way. I blew it, not you.”

 

“But such a sweet way of doing it. I forgive you,” Ryo said sweetly.

 

Dee chuckled, then after taking another drink, placed the bottle on the cardboard coaster advertising Budweiser and leaned on the table. Looking around, his eyes finally settled back on Ryo. With a tiny smile, he said, “Welcome to the revolution, baby.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“This place. The Stonewall Inn is where some drag queen resisted arrest based on discrimination back in '69. First time one of them fought back. It sparked rioting in the streets that lasted three days.”

 

Ryo nodded his head. “I see.”

 

Dee's smile was warm. “You did well out there tonight, baby. I'm proud of you. I was afraid you'd be cowering in terminal embarrassment.” Dee's face turned serious as he took out his cigarettes. “What I don't understand is why it's so hard to tell our friends at work?”

 

Ryo watched as Dee lit a cigarette. His eyes on the curls of smoke, he said, “I was still uncomfortable some times. So I just went into… well, you know. That thing. Got me through worse lots of times.”

 

“Ah,” Dee nodded. “I should have known.” He caught on that Ryo went into detective mode, knowing he had a job to do and playing the part was his cover. When he went into that mode, the man was unshakeable.

 

“I… ah… also discovered a new way to cover my blushes, but I don't think it'll do at work,” Ryo explained.

 

“Oh really? Do tell me. I'm intrigued now.”

 

Dee thought Ryo was going to blush, but instead it turned into a flush he got to know very well. His eyes went wide. “Do I want to know what you're thinking?”

 

“Next time we're alone.” Ryo let out a chuckle.

 

Dee's grin was wide. “Judging from what I'm looking at, I think I'm going to like whatever that is very much. But yeah, won't do at work. Won't do with both of us jumping each other. Or looking like it.” He laughed.

 

“About the work situation. Well, I realize that when I don't know anyone, it's easier. Whatever they're thinking, unless they decide to confront me with it, I'll never know for sure. I won't see them the next day and everyday after, seeing that knowing look, hearing them say things.”

 

“That's understandable. But tonight was still a good sign. One day, one year, you'll be able to stand up for what you are.”

 

“I'm trying.” Ryo reached across the table and took Dee's hand, without the cigarette, in his. “Being like I am right now, I sometimes feel as if what I am, what we share is dirty and wrong. But it's not. I'm not dirty and I know I shouldn't be ashamed of it. I'm trying to work through that. And what we share is so wonderful and good it could never be dirty. I have nothing to be ashamed of loving you. And I want to one day show everyone that.” He smiled at Dee. “So far Mother knows and she was the easiest, because of how she so happily accepted it. I don't feel her thinking it's dirty or perverted. But I already knew that because of her support of you. So I didn't have any hesitation when we went to her, because I knew she'd accept me as well. Then Diana, well, she basically told us, the same way she got me to admit the first time we did it. So she's known since the first morning after. Yesterday halfway through our meeting, I realized I stopped feeling uncomfortable around her knowing about us. In fact, I started to find comfort in it. “

 

“I noticed. How about Ted?” Dee asked, placing his cigarette in the ashtray on their table so he could pick up his beer bottle.

 

“Still working on it. He seemed friendly enough when we got in this afternoon. Not like some of the other stares we got downstairs when we walked in.”

 

“Do you think it was Ted who talked?” Dee asked, fielding out Ryo's feelings. Dee was pretty sure it wasn't, but Ryo's thoughts counted. Especially since his lover had one firm foot out of the closet. He wanted to do whatever he could to make sure something would not cause Ryo to do a quick about face and slam those doors closed again.

 

Ryo shook his head, pausing to take a long drink from his bottle. “No. From what Diana said, talk started a least a couple of days ago, so it couldn't be from Ted. Ted most probably heard it from the same source as Drake and that's why they started to tease us.”

 

“But the way Drake put it," Dee said, starting to frown. "Were we being that obvious even if we were trying our best not to be?” he asked, his look turning thoughtful.

 

Ryo sighed. “Hiding your feelings was never your strong point, Dee. Especially at that moment. Oh sure, you can put on your bad tough boy mask, but it's not that much of a mask. It really is who you are in many ways. But to deny yourself anything - you're not good at that. We won't go into my own way of handling things. But….” Ryo shrugged.

 

“What?”

 

“I did some poking around this afternoon when I was getting water for our coffee. I don't think it was Drake. He was only picking up on rumors to bust our chops with it. I don't think he was expecting the reaction he got from both of us.”

 

“He's pretty certain the rumors are true now,” Dee said. “He was pushing this afternoon to get me to admit it.”

 

Ryo nodded. “Sorry about that. When he started, I had to leave.”

 

“It's okay,” Dee assured him. "Besides, there's still what he said about us these last couple of weeks. We had to have been giving us away somehow. Then when he heard the rumors, he put it all together. Then I went and confirmed it all by my reaction to his digging. He caught me completely off guard. Ted and Drake were the last ones I would expect to piece it together. I've been better around him since, more like the way I'm expected to act, but still...." Dee let out a heavy sigh. "The damage is done, no matter how much I deny it."

 

“Meanwhile JJ is denying the entire thing,” Ryo added.

 

Dee's eyebrows rose. “That would be just like him,” he remarked. “I'll bet JJ's our culprit.” He frowned.

 

“But now he's denying the rumors,” Ryo pointed out.

 

“Yes,” Dee agreed. “He most likely shot his mouth off about you taking me away from him, meaning I don't pay attention to him but plenty to you and nothing else. But you know JJ and how he gets. So whoever he whined about it to misinterpreted the entire thing and started the rumors. Now that it's coming back to JJ that we're together, he realized what he did and is trying to take it all back. By denial.”

 

“Too late,” Ryo muttered, dark eyes reflecting the flashing multicolored lights from the dance floor. “Because we are. That's pretty good reasoning there. Perhaps you should become a detective?” he said in pure joke.

 

“Yeah, I am pretty sharp, but I like my job, thank you.” He cast serious eyes on Ryo. “Hey baby, are you really jealous of JJ? Because if you are, don't be. I'm with you. If I didn't go anywhere in two years, I'm definitely not now.”

 

“I guess if he ever had a chance, it would have happened in those two years,” Ryo sighed. His eyes met Dee's then. “Rumor once said you were sleeping with him when you both were in school together.”

 

Dee started to choke on the beer he was drinking. Ryo jumped up to pat his back. When Dee stopped coughing, he gazed up at Ryo. “You're shitting me. I never heard that one.”

 

“Not sure if that's a yes or a no,” Ryo mumbled more to himself than to Dee.

 

“Baby, let me put it this way. Remember the first few times you pushed me away?”

 

Ryo's mouth became a thin line. Now that he was able to look back clearly, he remarked in an even tone, “I pushed, but not as hard as I should have.”

 

“Okay. Now picture you putting up a full fight. Remember how you socked Rose? Magnify that ten times. That was me back then, hoping to hell that JJ would leave me alone. I had no interest in him. Not even for casual sex. I shoved him off, I punched his lights out. I did everything short of full assault, even if I felt he was assaulting me. I even considered reporting sexual harassment before my masculinity felt threatened that I should have to resort to such a thing.

 

“When it got closer to graduation, he started to stalk me and be a bitch to anyone I was dating. That's why I moved when I graduated from the academy.” Dee gave Ryo a tight grin. “He's calmed down some since those days.”

 

“Calmed down?” Ryo asked incredulously. He gazed at Dee in shock, then sat down in his chair again. “So he started to say you and him were together school for what? To make it true for him when the rumor came back to him?”

 

Dee shrugged. “I guess so.” He studied Ryo's face. “Oh no! I don't like that look, baby.”

 

“It's okay, babe. I won't touch him - again.”

 

“Uh, yeah. I heard rumor today that I seemed to have missed something when we had that door tangle with JJ yesterday.”

 

“My hand slipped,” Ryo stated lamely.

 

“After being held idle for almost two years, huh?”

 

“Something like that,” Ryo mumbled. Deciding it was time for a quick change of topic, he went back to their original one. “Smith has us under don't ask, don't tell.” Ryo avoided calling him by the title they usually used since they could not let anyone on to their professions.

 

Dee nodded again. “He knows. That's why he gave us the warning about turning our working relationship into a danger around the office. He's on Diana's side. He just doesn't want details on why we can't get to work on time. Or any other part of our personal life.”

 

Ryo toyed with his beer bottle, in thought. Finally he took a deep breath. “We're not going to make a public announcement to everyone at work. We're going to remain professional, especially around others. Meaning, don't push yourself on me in the break room or any other public place, because right now I have no control. I'll probably end up flipping you over and return the favor.” He smiled at Dee's wide eyes. Dee mentioned that Ryo would always have a blush for at least some things no matter how used he got to them. Dee was most probably right, but Ryo wondered if Dee would ever stopped getting wide eyed whenever he took a more assertive action. He hoped not. There was something endearing and sweet about that look that Ryo hoped Dee would never lose it. He continued on as the thought flashed through his head. “No holding hands….”

 

“I know the drill, Ryo,” Dee said exasperated, then raising an eyebrow asked, “Flip me over and return the favor? Damn! Too bad I could never see that happen at work. JJ would just die!” Dee laughed. “And Rose…. hoo boy.”

 

“I'm serious,” Ryo cut in, not laughing along with his lover, intending to get his message across and understood. He did ponder on what JJ and Rose would do if that happened.

 

“So am I,” Dee replied deadpan. “I know it'll never happen.”

 

“Just remember the drill. But…,” he held up his hand with a grin, forestalling anything Dee was going to say, “I say we tell those we are closest to.” Ryo watched as once more Dee's eyes went wide. His money was on them getting wider as his grin turned feral. “We start with JJ.”

 

Dee's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. Ryo fought to remain in his seat and not go over to Dee. What that look had started to do to him over the last couple of weeks.

 

“Let him stew in that truth,” Ryo commented.

 

Dee shook his head, coming out of his shock. “You know, Ryo, under that soft, quiet exterior of yours, you have a truly evil side.” He lifted his bottle in a toast and finished his beer. “Now what about the rumors?”

 

“Just that. Let them talk. If Diana keeps her promise then no matter what, officially they will remain rumors. I could live with that. Rumors eventually go away. And if some want to believe them....” He shrugged. He moved his chair closer to Dee's and leaned in, placing his arm around his partner's shoulders. In Dee's ear he whispered so only Dee could hear, "I just want to remain your partner at work. If I have that, I'll learn how to deal with the rest." His lips touched Dee's sensitive earlobe and licked it before his tongue prodded the cavity. He smiled as he felt Dee shiver beneath him before Dee turned his head to take Ryo's mouth in a deep kiss.

 

When they parted for air, Dee remarked, “Just making sure.” He noticed Ryo finished his drink. “My turn to buy and we start making the rounds.”

 

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