Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Yesterday's Feelings ❯ The Beautiful Buttercup ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter 3- The beautiful Buttercup

 

Hope you like the next chapter!! Just a quick note Nimodipine is a real drug used for patients with retrograde amnesia. It helps repair blood vessel trauma in the brain by using a calcium blocker method. Too much info I am sure but that what happens when a science students starts writing lol. I was actually going to invent some side effects for the drug but it seems it has all of the possible torturous effects I hoped for. I wonder which ones poor Dee is going to get. Ps. Sorry about spelling Bikky's name wrong in the last chapter I really need to fix that lol.

 

Thanks to J-chan for reading this over again (I think I got her addicted to fake mwahaha) and also to ColeridgeFan, Kitty in the box, and monkey-fairy for reviewing not only once but twice!! ON WITH THE SHOW!!

 

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Ryo was on his way back hospital to pick Dee up after it was confirmed he could go home today, following his second visit yesterday. Ryo had had another lengthy conversation with Dr. Linden about Dee's condition. As it were the dark haired man would be fine physically and Dr. Linden found a lot of the damage done was just bruising with some blood vessel damage.

 

She had prescribed Nimopipine for Dee to help repair some of the damage faster, giving him a better chance of regaining his memories. But the whole thing made Ryo uneasy, as there was a huge list of side effects associated with the drug. Light to severe headaches, nausea, low blood pressure, dizziness, the list just went on.

 

Knowing Dee's luck with medication he would probably be puking his guts out for the whole 2 weeks he had to be on it. When Dee was put on morphine last year for his ankle he ended up being constantly nauseous and vomiting to the point of severe dehydration. Eventually he had to be put on T3s that did little for the pain, which made the first few days after surgery hell for his husband. Even the T3s didn't sit well but the side effects were much milder than the morphine.

 

As Ryo approached Dee's room he knew this was going to be a very long two weeks. As he came into the room he found Dee munching on some bacon and flicking through the crappy hospital channels.

 

“Good morning Dee,” Ryo greeted as he approached the bed. “How is breakfast this morning? Better than lunch yesterday I would take it?”

 

“Much,” Dee replied with his mouth full. “So far I think I like everything except the mass produced chunk of hash browns. On the plus side it isn't nearly as gross as the peas.”

 

Ryo smiled softly at his partner. “Well when your done breakfast you can get changed into the spare set of clothes I brought from home and we can get you checked out. I bet you have already had enough of this place.”

 

“Yeah I guess so,” Dee replied uncertainly. “It's going to be really weird, not knowing anything about my life, our life, and being back in our house… apartment? I don't even know where we live, good God!” By this point Dee was becoming slightly panicked.

 

Ryo had hoped it would make Dee feel a little better going back to a place that he was at least familiar with, unlike the hospital, but all it did was further scare Dee.

 

Slowly Ryo put his hand on his partner's rigid back and started rubbing soothing circles. “Calm down Dee, you'll be alright. Just take a few deep breaths for me.” Following Ryo's instructions Dee tried to get some air into his tight lungs but he was just too overwrought.

 

Ryo continued the soothing motions but pulled Dee into a soft hug and whispered into his ear, “Like I told you before you just have it give it some time. Yes things are going to weird for a while, but we will settle into a new routine. We have done it before and we can do it again. But you're going to have to try and trust me, I can't help you if you don't trust me at all.”

 

Dee didn't know why he was letting this man be so intimate with him when he barely knew him, but something about his touch was so familiar and comforting. He wanted to push away Ryo, to not feel so safe in this stranger's touch. But he couldn't bring himself to do it. All he could do was tuck his head just a little tighter under Ryo's chin and press his face into Ryo's neck, taking a few more deep breaths.

 

To Ryo this was incredibly encouraging. `Maybe,' Ryo thought. `Dee is starting to remember who I am, just a little. Although he let me touch him yesterday he seemed to tolerate it not lean into like right now.'

 

Ryo gave Dee one more tender squeeze then pulled away slowly. “Why don't you finish your breakfast and I will go take care of your release papers, get you changed then be on our way.”

 

Dee started to finish his breakfast as Ryo left the room to take care of all of that sickening paper work. Even though Dee had no clue who he was or what he really liked, he was pretty sure paper work was low on his lists of likes already. Dee was just about to toss his hash browns in the garbage when Dr. Linden came into his room.

 

`Man I hope she doesn't scold me like the night nurse for trying to chuck the jell-o from last night's meal,' Dee thought sourly.

 

“Good morning Mr. McLean, how are you feeling today?”

 

“Better, no disrespect of course but I think I would be a lot happier to be out of here and away from those nosy nurses,” Dee replied smiling slightly. There was defiantly a hint of the old sarcastic Dee in that comment.

 

Dr. Linden tried to hide her laugh behind a cough as to not seem too unprofessional. “Don't worry Mr. McLean many patients feel the same way you do. Especially about nurse Boswell, she can be a bit pushy at times.”

 

Dr. Linden couldn't help but smile when she heard a few grumbles from her patient about being forced to eat the horrible hospital jell-o. Dr. Linden quickly checked over Dee again just to make sure he was still fit for release.

 

“We just need to go over a few things before you partner springs you. I saw him at the nurses' station filling out the last of your forms.”

 

Dee gave Dr. Linden a strained smile with the mention of Ryo. Dee just didn't know how to act around the sandy haired man. One minute he felt like he belonged with Ryo but the next everything seemed to be strained and so uncertain. It wasn't that he felt like he was being pushed, but forgetting someone your married to causes some undeniable tension.

 

Dee was broken out of his retrieve when Dr. Linden started to speak again with softness in her voice he hadn't heard before. “You're lucky to have such a devoted partner Mr. McLean. I don't see many strong relationships around anymore.”

 

“Yeah I guess you right,” Dee said hesitantly. “And please call me Dee, is it starting to get confusing when Ryo and I are both addressed as Mr. McLean. I never have any clue who is being addressed.

 

“Of course Dee, and try not to worry so much,” Dr. Linden firmly said. “ I highly doubt he is going to throw anything on you that you're not for. Give him a chance to take care of you. Anyways enough of this, I have few important things to tell you about follow ups and your medication.”

 

Dee was monetarily distracted as Ryo came back into the room looking a little perturbed. `He was probably getting hell from nurse Boswell or something like,' Dee thought with a snicker.

 

“Ahhh Mr. McLean you're just in time to hear a few last minute instructions for Dee and when his follow up is going to be,” Dr. Linden said. “As for a follow up I have scheduled an appointment with your regular physician Dr. Jefferson for next week to see how things are going and to possibly take out the stitches. We have gone over most of the medication dos and don'ts but I would like to remind you if you have any strong or adverse side effects you need to contact me and not Dr. Jefferson.

 

As Mr. McLean had indicated you seem to have some reactions to other medications with nausea associated as the side effects,” Dr. Linden directed towards Dee.

 

Dee looked blankly at Dr. Linden. “I do?” he asked.

 

“You do,” Ryo replied with a definite grimace on his face.

 

“None the less if you could watch him for signs of nausea I would appreciate it. Try and calm his stomach down with tea or a light soda like ginger ale,” Dr. Linden directed towards Ryo.

 

Ryo didn't need to be told this twice as he had been through these instructions many times before. He had even purchased a soothing herbal tea for when Dee was on meds.

 

Dr. Linden continued, “If he starts vomiting and it happens more than 4 times a day over the course of more than 2 consecutive days I need you to call me. Just make sure he is drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated and there shouldn't be a problem”

 

“Of course,” Ryo replied.

 

“Well if you gentlemen have no other questions I'll let you get out of here. Good luck and if you have any other questions or concerns don't hesitate to contact me.”

 

With handshakes on both sides Dr. Linden was off to check on her other patients.

 

“Well why don't you go get changed Dee so we can finally get out of here,” Ryo said while holding up a duffle bag. Ryo slowly helped Dee up and over to the small bathroom and tossed the younger man his favorite Knicks duffle bag. Ryo had hoped that maybe this would have sparked some sort of recognition from Dee when he saw the bag, but all he got was another blank look.

 

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The ride home was uneventful with Ryo making a quick stop and the local drug store to pick up Dee's prescription and some ginger ale just in case. But Ryo seriously prayed they were not going to need it at least for a few days.

 

Ryo pulled into the car garage and parked the new Honda in the compact spot. They finally invested in a new car last year when the old one was towed away after Dee forgot to put his parking pass in the window at the precinct. Unfortunately the poor car ended up being crush over some small mix up in the paper work. For some strange reason Dee still missed the piece of crap, it was beyond Ryo's understanding why.

 

“Apartment then,” Dee said quietly.

 

“Yeah, I'm sorry I forgot to tell you before we left,” Ryo replied

 

“S'okay,” Dee said while fidgeting with the sleeves of his favorite hoodie Ryo had brought him wear for the trip back.

 

Ryo put a gentle hand of Dee's arm. “Well why don't we head up? We can have a bit of lunch since it is so close to noon and I don't think you ate a lot of the hospital food. Then I can give you a tour of the apartment.”

 

Dee gave Ryo another one of his endearing shy smiles he seemed to develop after waking up. His Dee would never smile like that, he was always so confident in himself. Ryo liked seeing this more vulnerable side of his lover, maybe this turn of events wasn't as bad as he initially thought.

 

“Sounds good to me,” Dee answered. “As long as I don't ever have to see green hospital jell-o again I'll be happy.” Dee couldn't help but feel a small tingle rush through his veins when Ryo gave a small laugh and smiled at him warmly.

 

They hiked up to the third floor, as Dee was never exactly fond of elevators. Ryo wasn't really sure why, some fear plummeting to his death Dee would always tell him, which was completely irrational in his opinion. But at this point Ryo did not want Dee having a panic attack in a small space and not even understanding why.

 

Ryo unlocked the door with a slight click and let the dark haired detective in. Dee couldn't help but look around at everything he could see from the entranceway. The place seemed inviting and lived in, but he got nothing more than that. From where he was standing Dee could see the living room with a few pieces of furniture, a glass coffee table, and a rather large TV. The walls were a soft green with a few pictures and paintings on them. Dee briefly wondered if Ryo had picked the color, it just seemed like a color the sandy haired man would gravitate towards.

 

“Why don't you go sit down in the kitchen while I wake Bikky up?” Ryo said while steering Dee in the direction of their moderately sized kitchen. “I honestly think he could sleep the whole day away if I let him.”

 

“How old is he?” Dee asked while trying to pick out which chair at the table belonged to him. But there was nothing the seemed overly familiar in the kitchen and he was just about to sit down in the one facing the doorway.

 

“15 (1), and it is the opposite chair sweetheart.” With that Ryo was out the entry way and off to try and drag a soon to be disgruntled teenager out of bed. The endearment Ryo had used made Dee's cheeks stain a light crimson. Dee got up and went around the table to the proper chair and laid his burning cheek to the cool wood.

 

From the kitchen Dee could hear Ryo and Bikky getting in a small fight about what an appropriate time to get up was. Ryo seemed to think it was well before noon but Bikky disagree loudly thought it should be at least noon if not later in the day. The conversation was accompanied by a few bumps and bangs before slightly pissed Ryo and a half asleep Bikky entered the kitchen. Bikky had probably been pulled out of his bed Dee assumed and not going willing by the racket created just moments before.

 

“Dee,” Bikky whined. “Please tell the dictator that it is way too early to be up and acting slightly civilized.”

 

Dee had no clue how to respond to that. Did he and the kid always gang up on Ryo or was he complaining for the sake of complaining.

 

“Well it is already noon, maybe you should be up,” Dee replied hesitantly.

 

“But you always sleep late,” He tried again while flopping into his chair.

 

“BIKKY,” Ryo yelled. Which in turn startled Dee quite a bit. “You know for a fact that Dee doesn't sleep that much later than me. Maybe half and hour tops on a slow morning. If I have to remind you about getting one up on Dee again you will be grounded for a month. And yes the included not seeing Cal, do I make myself clear?”

 

“Crystal,” the boy shot in a rather sarcastic tone.

 

Ryo almost wanted to ground the boy for a week because of his attitude today. But he thought it best to tone things down for Dee who was looking a little shocked at the exchange. Ryo gave Bikky another stern look then asked, “What do you guys want for lunch today? I have left over chicken for chicken salad sandwiches or we can have potato and cheddar soup.”

 

Ryo looked over at Dee first who gave him a slight shrug of the shoulders

 

“Bikky what do you feel like today?”

 

“Can I have half and sandwich and some soup? PPPllleeaaseee?” The boy dragged out the last syllable as long as he could and gave Ryo the best puppy dog eyes possible.

 

“Alright, just go have a shower and get dressed,” Ryo said and he began to pull the chicken out of the fridge.

 

“Thanks Dad.” Then Bikky was gone like a shot. It always made Ryo feel warm inside when Bikky called him dad.

 

“Do you need any help?” Dee asked timidly while getting up and walking over to stand beside Ryo.

 

“Sure might as well get you reacquainted with the kitchen while we have some peace and quiet. And maybe I can instill some decent cooking skills into you this time around.”

 

“I am guessing I can't cook.”

 

Ryo gave him a slight headshake. “Unfortunately you don't. I think maybe if you had a little more patience and didn't get discouraged you would be a lot better at it. We usually end up with take out if you try and cook alone.”

 

“Sounds like I am a walking disaster,” Dee responded bitterly.

 

“Not at all,” Ryo countered. “It's just an interesting adventure every time you are in the kitchen. It's actually very endearing; just don't worry about it too much.” Ryo grabbed Dee's hand tenderly and pulled him towards the wall where they kept their aprons. Ryo put his dark green one on and threw the yellow one with ducks on it to Dee.

 

“Hey why do I get the one with ducks on it and you get a plain green one,” Dee said indigently, which just made Ryo start to laugh.

 

“Because I always wear the green one and that is what you get for offering to help,” Ryo could barely contain the mirth in his voice. “Just be good and go chop the celery and onions for me okay.”

 

Dee just raised his eyebrow at him and bustled off to do what he was told. Ryo was hoping for a bit more banter between them but it was a start. The two men finished laying out the table as Bikky came back from his shower. They enjoyed a peaceful lunch for once, which Ryo had to admit the silence was nice.

 

“Dad can I go out to the arcade with Cal this afternoon,” Bikky asked rather politely. To Ryo the meant one of two things, Bikky was up to something or actually felt sorry for trying to con Dee again. He was hoping for the latter, but he was doubtful in all honesty.

 

“I guess so but be back for dinner at around 6, okay? And before you even ask yes Cal can come back here for dinner too.”

 

Bikky gave Ryo a bright smile and quickly dump his dishes in the sink and was off as usual.

 

`I really need to get him to start doing more chores,' Ryo thought. `And since he was hoping for Dee to teach him how to drive in a few months, I might be able to use that to my advantage.'

 

“Ryo, not to be rude but who is Cal? I keep hearing Bikky talking about her but he has not mentioned who exactly she is.”

 

“She is Bikky's girlfriend. Actually she is over here a lot; she might as well be living with us for the amount of time she spends here. Anyways why don't we put the dishes in the washer and I'll give you a tour. Well more like showing which room is ours and where the bathroom is but it is home.”

 

With a nod Dee got up and started collecting the plates from the table and Ryo started putting away the stuff left over from lunch. When they were done Ryo headed out into the main room. Dee started to follow the man but stopped when Ryo didn't go much further than the table in the entryway, which he assumed they kept their keys on. Ryo came back with a small paper bag.

 

“I can't believe I forgot about this until now. These are all of your personal effects they had to remove when you were brought in.” Ryo passed him the bag and Dee couldn't help but look inside. First he pulled out a finely crafted silver cross on a matching chain.

 

“Am I religious?” He asked Ryo as he put it around his neck, tucking it under his hoodie.

 

“Ummm sort of, it is kind of hard for me to explain it to you. But I am going to take you to just the person that can tomorrow. Is that alright for now?”

 

“Yeah.” Ryo gave a soft smile as Dee began to dig into the bag again.

 

He pulled out his wallet, badge and watch with out asking any more questions or really inspecting the items. Finally Dee felt the bag was very light and shook out the last two items. Out gently tumbled two rings. One was a simple, but classic, white gold ban, and the second took Dee's breath away when he saw it. Again it was white gold but with a more interact design; 4 diamonds were set into the ring with etching along the rest of the band giving off an almost woven effect.

 

“Are these…” Dee trailed off

 

“Yes,” Ryo said in a soft voice. “Engagement ring,” Ryo pointed to the simpler band. “And wedding ring.” Ryo gestured to the other ring. It was only then the Dee noticed Ryo wearing a similar woven band but in gold.

 

Dee looked at the rings hesitantly not sure whether to put them on or not. These rings obviously held significant meaning and he wasn't sure how Ryo would react to him putting them on. The feeling behind the rings wasn't there yet but he didn't want Ryo to think he didn't care for him. In reality Dee felt closer to the sandy haired man with each moment they spent together. He was starting to think he understood how he fell in love with Ryo in the first place.

 

Ryo's smooth voice interrupted Dee's line of thoughts. “If you don't want to wear them I understand.”

 

That cemented it for Dee, clearly the other man felt like it would be some sort of rejection if he didn't wear them and that was not he message he wanted to convey at all to his partner.

 

“No, no I do,” Dee paused and Ryo give him a skeptical look. “Really I do, but would you put them on for me. Maybe it will help me remember the first time you put each one on.” Ryo gave him a warm smile and picked up the rings from Dee's palm. First he slid on the engagement band then the slightly heavier wedding ring.

 

“How do they feel?” Ryo asked.

 

“Good, like I should have never taken them off.” Which shocked Dee slightly because it was true, the slight weight of each on his finger left him with a comforting feeling he couldn't explain.

 

“I'm glad,” Ryo smiled softly. “Come on let me show you the living room.”

 

Ryo took Dee through each of the rooms in the apartment explaining a few of the pictures and mementoes along the way.

 

Dee was honestly surprised at the disaster zone Bikky's room was. Ryo was the most surprised because his lover was quite the slob. If left to his own devices he would never clean.

 

When Dee had moved out of his apartment and into Ryo's it had taken them at least a week to throw out all of the accumulated trash and get the apartment decently clean for the new tenant. Ryo took Dee to their bedroom last and let the younger man in first.

 

“Wow, that is a huge bed.” Dee went further into the room at sat down on the edge of the bed and started to look at a few of the things left on the nightstand.

 

“It is pretty big, but it used to be my parent's. I just don't have the heart to get rid of it.” In his snooping Dee came across a picture of the two men in a tight embrace saluting the camera with a glass of rich red wine in each hand.

 

“When was this taken,” He asked Ryo. Ryo looked down at the pictured and thought back to last Christmas.

 

“Just this last Christmas actually, at the NYPD Christmas party. We go every year but that is the best shot we have ever had by far.”

 

“We look so happy,” Dee said sadly as he began to trace the faces oh the photo. Dee continued to stare into the photo not exactly sure what he was searching for, maybe a glimmer of the happy memory the men in the photo seemed to share.

 

“It was a very nice night,” Ryo responded fondly sitting down beside Dee. Dee put the photo back on the night table and put his head into his hands.

 

“I'm sorry,” He said so softly Ryo could barely hear him

 

“What for Dee,” Ryo asked rather perplexed and he put a hand of Dee's should and gave it a squeeze.

 

“For being stupid and losing my memory, for not remembering this.” Dee gestured towards the photo and let him hands drop into his lap squeezing them into fists.

 

“There was nothing you could have done, Koi. It was an accident and sometimes these things happen.” Dee was starting to break down and Ryo couldn't believe he didn't see this coming until now. The dark haired man had been feeling very alienated since waking up and it was no surprise that it was beginning to take its toll.

 

“No it's all my fault, God I'm so sorry,” Dee said brokenly. Ryo didn't have any words to say that he hadn't are already used. The only thing he had left to offer the distraught man was his comfort.

Dee said nothing as Ryo brushed back his hair softly. Ryo could tell Dee was fighting the tears that shone in eyes, and it broke his heart all the more to see Dee like this because in the entire time they had been together Dee had rarely cried.

Leaning closer Ryo folded his arms around Dee's back and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. He pulled Dee just a little bit closer to him and suddenly it was too much for his lover. He wound his arms around Ryo's back and pressed his face tightly into Ryo's neck and started to sob.

“Shhhh, it's alright love, cry all you need to. I promise I won't let go,” Ryo murmured soothingly against Dee's ear. Dee's sobs were the most gut wrenching sound he had ever heard. Dee just continued to cry and only slightly calmed down when Ryo started to rub his back. Dee's sobs turned to heavy breathing and light trembles after a few minutes of intense crying.

After at least half and hour Ryo felt Dee go slack in his embrace falling into an exhausted sleep. Ryo continued to lazily rub his partner's back enjoying the bit of closeness he could only get while Dee was asleep. Ryo gently lifted his partner up and peeled back the covers, laying Dee down on the bed.

Ryo gave Dee another peck on the forehead and pulled the covers up to his chin. “Sleep well Dee, Ai shiteru,” Ryo whispered and exited the bedroom leaving the door open a crack. Ryo headed towards the kitchen to start dinner, he wanted nothing more than to hold onto Dee tightly. But he knew the other man wasn't ready to wake up next to him just yet.

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Dee awoke to someone running their fingers through his hair. Dee instantly recognized it was Ryo when the older man started talking to him.

“Come on Dee, time to wake up,” Ryo whispered softly in is ear. “ I know you're half awake, if you wake up a little more you can come have dinner.” Dee pushed against Ryo's fingers enjoying the sensation for a moment longer before cracking open his eyes.

`Man it feels like someone dumped a pound of sand into my eyes.' Dee realized he was still letting Ryo rub his scalp lightly and quickly sat up blushing darkly. Feeling a little more comfortable after a minute Dee rubbed some of the sleep out of his eyes and gave a huge yawn in the process.

“Kawaii,” Dee heard Ryo whisper wondering what the older man was talking about. Dee didn't get it and didn't want to ask about so he just ignored the comment.

“What time is it,” Dee asked still sleepy, while getting up and stretching out the kinks he had accumulated.

“Around six o'clock, you slept at least 4 hours. Do you feel any better?” Ryo got up off the bed as well and remade the side Dee had rumpled.

“A lot actually. Thank you for earlier,” Dee said hesitantly. “I didn't mean to break down like that. I guess I was just tired, I'm really sorry.

“Don't worry about it. That is one of the reasons I am here for right?” Ryo gave the slightly taller man a smile and started to lead him towards the door. “Why don't you go get washed up and we can have dinner. Bikky came home with Cal about an hour ago.”

It seemed to Dee Ryo was saying don't worry about a lot of things over the few days he had know the man. Dee walked into the bathroom and closed the door softly and began to wash up. After washing his face and using the bathroom Dee joined Ryo in the kitchen. As He walked in a heavenly scent seemed to be drifting from the oven.

“Man that smells really good, what are we having,” Dee said as he sat down with Ryo at the table.

Ryo looked up from his glass of wine and responded. “We're having baked fettuccine alfredo tonight. I have a really nice red wine to go with it.”

Dee looked at Ryo skeptically. “Can I even have wine?"

“I think so. But only one glass because you have to have your meds about two hours after dinner. I hope you savior it because you won't be getting anymore for two long weeks.” Ryo told him while going to pull the pasta out of the oven.

“Bikky Cal time for dinner,” Ryo shouted towards the direction of the young teen's room. Dee was surprised when a girl that looked slightly older the Bikky came into the kitchen, holding Bikky's hand. She was taller than Bikky and Dee was betting the kid still hadn't hit is growth spurt yet.

“Hi Dee, I'm Cal, Bikky's girlfriend,” the girl said brightly. This girl had such an exuberant personality Dee knew right off the bat he was going to like her. She let go of Bikky's hand and gave Dee a huge hug.

“And just to let you know I'm your favorite so don't listen to anything Bikky says.”

“Hey,” Bikky exclaimed loudly

“Well you know it is true,” Cal stated primly while examining her nails looking bored.

“Are not,” Bikky countered

“Are too,” Cal said while sticking out her tongue. The two continued on like this for a few minutes before Ryo broke them up.

“Come sit down the both of you, it is time to eat,” Ryo told them sternly while starting to serve up plates for everyone. Conversation was light with dinner and it was more of a time for Dee to begin to get reacquainted with his family. After dinner Bikky and Dee went into the living to watch some TV while Cal helped Ryo wash up.

“Ryo is Dee going to be okay? I know he was trying to put an effort into the conversation at dinner but it still seemed like there was the huge line in-between him and us.”

Ryo put the casserole dish into the drying rack while thinking over an answer that wouldn't upset Cal too much. She was a very sensitive girl behind her street exterior and cared for Dee a lot.

`It must tearing her up to see Dee so unresponsive to her,' Ryo thought sadly

“Eventually he will be sweetheart. Right now I guess Dee is just feeling out of place. He doesn't remember the quirks of our family and sometimes may feel uncomfortable with some of our behavior. I don't know if Bikky told you but he remembers nothing. Everything we say and do he has to take in and try make sense of it even though he may not understand it. Is this making any sense to you or am I just confusing you more?”

“No not at all, I think I kinda get how Dee is feeling and why he doesn't seem too comfortable with us.” Cal pulled the stopper out of the sink while watching the water and suds slowly drain away.

“Well I am hoping he will start to remember a few things in the next couple of days and I think it will help a lot. Just be there for him the best you can and maybe try and remind of a few things. Now why don't you go join the boys I am almost done here”

“Thanks Ryo.” Cal leaned up and wrapped around Ryo's neck and hugged tightly giving him a peck on the cheek before taking off into the living room. Ryo finished up in the kitchen and grabbed some paper work Drake had dropped off from the office while Dee was still asleep. Even though Ryo had managed to get himself a fair amount of time off he had made a bargain with Rose that he would finish up the mounds paper work left over from the couple's last few cases.

`At least he couldn't say anything about Dee taking so much time off. He is on definite medical leave until one of the precinct's shrinks thinks he has remembered enough to start working again. Which probably won't be for at least a month'

As Ryo entered the living room he could hear Bikky swearing to himself. “Nonono how is this fucking possible.” Ryo noticed Dee and Bikky were sitting on the floor and playing some racing game and by the sounds of Bikky's cussing Dee was kicking his ass.

“Language Bikky,” Ryo reminded his son.

“But Dad,” Bikky whined as Ryo sat down on the love seat and picked up his first case file while placing his reading glasses on the tip of his nose.

“But nothing. You know I don't like it when you swear,” Ryo told him sternly

“But,” Bikky tried again. “Dee keeps beating me it isn't fair.”

“It's not like that is anything new. I really don't see what you are whining about.” Ryo started to flip through the file noticing one of the witness statements was missing all the while trying to ignore Bikky.

“He is whining because when I came in Bikky was still teaching Dee how to play the game,” Cal said with definite mirth in her voice.

“Beginners luck?” Dee ventured.

“No,” Cal said while giving Dee a bright smile. “It is fate I tell you and it always goes like this. You see Bikky brings home a new game hoping that maybe by some miracle this time you won't kick his ass, but you always do so therefore it is fate. In hindsight I really don't see why he bothers at all.”

“Cal that isn't true,” Bikky exclaimed. “I have beaten him a few times, your just glorifying the story for the bozo's sake.”

“I most certainly am not Bikky McLean.”

“Sometimes I really dislike you,” Bikky said sulky, getting up off the floor and sitting on the couch crossing his arms over his chest.

“No you don't, you love me,” Cal drew out the syllables and plopped on Bikky's lap giving him a peck on the lips.

“Fine you win, as always. But can we please watch some TV? I am really sick of losing to him.” Bikky jerked his thumb in Dee's direction as the dark haired man sat down next to Ryo.

Dee could only watch the exchange between the two with amusement. Clearly they were both deeply in love and it made Dee wonder if he ever acted like that with Ryo. Dee curled into his side of the couch half watching the crappy movie Bikky put on and half watching his partner work.

It was actually kind of amusing to watch Ryo mutter to himself about the file. Dee was beginning to notice his partner more and more since he got home. Dee couldn't help but admit he had somehow gotten a very attractive man as a spouse and it was hard to ignore it.

`Oh God I am doing it again, starting at him like some love sick teenager.' Dee started blushing again. `I sure in the hell hope he didn't catch that. I am starting to think even though I lost my memories the feeling between us are still there waiting on the fringe' Dee curled further into his corner of the couch and tried to concentrate on the TV rather than Ryo.

Unfortunately for Dee Ryo had caught him peeking a look when he was looking for another scattered section of the file. The little blushes Dee had been giving off were absolutely adorable. Ryo always found Dee was never really embarrassed about anything; he was always hiding it behind his brash walls. It was nice to see his lover flustered instead of him for once.

It was at least two hours later before Ryo checked the time realizing it was much later than he thought.

“Dee,” Ryo called to the younger man.

“Mmmm hmm,” Dee responded from his side of the couch half asleep. Ryo looked over to Cal and Bikky who were cuddling close together and also looked like they were barely conscious.

`That movie must have been really bad for all of them to be so sleepy.'

“It's time for you to take your meds and I have had enough of this paper work for one night.” Ryo got up and went into the kitchen retrieving two pills and a glass of water. Ryo handed the pills off to Dee.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks I think.” Dee looked wearily at the two yellow pills.

Ryo looked down at Dee feeling horrible for what he partner had to go through. “If you start to feel sick you really need to tell me, okay? Then we try and get your stomach settled before you start vomiting.”

“Can do,” Dee replied and down the pills and water in one huge chug.

“Dee has to be on meds for this?” Bikky called from the other couch. Bikky glanced straight at Dee and said, “You poor sucker, you're gonna be soooooo sick.” Dee did not like the sound of that at all.

“Bikky leave him alone,” Cal said lightly punching her boyfriend in the arm. “I always feel so bad for Dee when he has to be on medication.”

Ryo gave Bikky a rather hard glare. “And guess who is going to be helping if Dee does get sick? You have three chances and the first two don't count.”

“Ummm me?” Bikky hesitantly said.

“That's right, so I would watch what you say or Dee might feel the need to puke all over the floor and I would get you to clean it up,” Ryo replied.

“This is getting too depressing! Come on Cal lets go for dessert or something.” Bikky grabbed Cal's hand pulled her towards the front door.

“Be back by 12 Bikky,” Ryo called.

“Whatever you say.”

“Bye Dee, bye Ryo,” Cal shouted as the door slammed shut.

Ryo winced, “God I wish he would close that poor door a little more gently. What do you feel like doing for the rest of evening?” Ryo directed towards the younger man. “I think we have a few board games hanging around or we can watch some movies that you really like.”

Dee looked thoughtful for a few moments before replying. “How about a movie I really don't feel like learning how to play another game tonight.”

“Sounds like a plan, I'll go pick something good, I promise.” Ryo looked through the mountain of DVD and older tapers they owned try to decide what Dee would appreciate the most right now. Ryo finally decided on The Princess Bride (2), which was one of Dee's favorite books turned movie from when he was younger. After popping the battered tape into the VCR Ryo got comfortable on the couch again still letting Dee have his space. Though he wished he could cuddle next to his husband but it probably would give him a nosebleed or a panic attack. It amused Ryo to no ends how well his poor lover was playing the shy virgin.

“So what are we watching?” Dee asked Ryo curiously.

“That my dear Buttercup is a surprise.” Dee gave Ryo `are you on crack' look missing the joke completely. Of course Ryo didn't really expect the poor man to get it but he always called Dee Buttercup when they watched the movie to piss the younger man off.

“Just watch the movie, you'll get it trust me,” Ryo said still laughing slightly.

Dee's eyes went wide as saucers when he found out who Buttercup was and gave Ryo a perturbed look.

“Are you comparing me to a helpless damsel in distress by any chance,” Dee asked.

“Maybe,” Ryo teased then poked Dee lightly in the ribs when the man crossed his arms over his chest sticking his nose up in the air. Dee could be such a priss sometimes, although he would never admit to it. But at least he was acting more like himself than the overly shy man from earlier that day.

“I think I would rather be the guy with the sword, he looks way cooler than Buttercup,” Dee stated, pouting just a bit.

“Well you'll always be my damsel, so get used to it lover.” Dee blushed bright red for the fourth time that day sending Ryo into another round of laughter.

`I think he is finding this too amusing. I need to get this blushing under control before I pass out from the blood running too fast to my abused brain.'

The two men managed to watch the rest of the movie with out incident. It warmed Ryo's heart to see Dee laughing again at the crappy 80's visual effects. After the movie they watched some more TV and fell into a light slumber.

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“Ryo I'm home,” Bikky called loudly as he slammed the door again. Both men were startled awake with the racket Bikky was making. Ryo looked over at the clock and couldn't believe it was only 10:40; no wonder Bikky was being loud. The teen was used to the two men going to bed around 11:00 or 11:30 on a slower paced night.

“How was dessert,” Ryo asked.

“Pretty good, Cal had cheesecake and I had chocolate mousse. Man am I beat I am gonna head off to bed. See you in the morning.” Bikky headed off to his bedroom giving a slight wave before closing the door. Ryo noticed Dee looked like he was settling back into the couch, it was probably best that they got to bed too.

“He is right I am tired too.” Ryo started. “Come on lets get you into bed.” Ryo stuck out a hand to help Dee up. When he pulled the darker haired man off the couch Dee swayed slightly on his feet and grabbed his stomach and groaned.

`Crap,' Ryo thought. `Is his stomach already starting bother him. This is not good'

Ryo steadied Dee by wrapping an arm around his waist and one around the shoulder. “Are you starting to feel sick?” Ryo asked gently.

“I don't know I just felt really dizzy when I stood up. It's probably nothing, I think I just got up way too fast.” Ryo didn't buy it for a second Dee was looking pale already and Ryo doubted it was just a bit of a head rush.

“Dee if your not feeling well it is really important that you tell me,” Ryo said more firmly this time.

Dee stared at a stain on the floor intently trying to get his bearings. “It's not that I feel really sick to my stomach or anything it is just kind of… I don't even know the proper word, gurgley?”

Ryo gave his partner a softer look. “Alright it doesn't sound too bad yet. I still think you should have some tea or ginger ale before bed. What do you prefer hot or cold?”

“Defiantly cold please.”

“Sure whatever you want. Why don't you go start getting ready for bed and I'll meet you in the bedroom? You remember where your drawers are right?”

“Yeah I think I can manage,” Dee replied quietly still looking a tad pale. Ryo let go of Dee when he seemed a little steadier and watched him shuffle off to the bathroom. Ryo went into the kitchen and poured a small glass of soda for Dee with some ice.

`Now all I have to do is worry about keeping Dee from getting too sick and sleeping arrangements. It would probably be better if I slept on the couch for the next couple of nights. I doubt he is going to feel comfortable sharing a bed with me.'

On a quick detour to the hall closet Ryo grabbed Dee's quote unquote meds trash can and some extra sheets for the couch. Dee never seemed to quite make it to the bathroom if he got sick in the middle of the night and Ryo quickly became tired of cleaning vomit off of his wood flooring thus came in the `meds trash can'. Dee's favorite beside companion for when he was sick as a dog. Ryo threw the sheets on the couch and headed to the bedroom

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Dee stopped at the bathroom on the way and brushed his teeth which is retrospect was pretty stupid when Ryo was bringing him a sugar loaded drink but Dee didn't really feel like brushing his teeth again nor did he care. Dee looked at the shower longingly wishing he could wash his hair, but with the stitches he was going to have to wait till tomorrow. His hair felt grubby and just generally he felt pretty gross but he guessed he could wait another few hours.

Dee made it to the bedroom and went to look for some decent cool pajamas; the jeans and hoodie he was wearing were getting way too hot. Dee didn't really bother to look through his drawers and grabbed the first pair of pajamas bottoms he spotted. They were a light cotton material in simple black; they seemed comfy and well worn. Dee dug a little further into the drawer and found a white cotton tank to go with the bottoms. Dee got changed as just sat down on the bed as Ryo came in holding his drink and a blue garbage can.

“What is the garbage can for?” Dee asked as Ryo set it down next to the bed and passed the younger man his ginger ale.

“In case you don't feel so hot half way through the night. I don't want you to have to run all the way to the bathroom.”

“Oh,” Dee replied sounding a tad embarrassed. He handed Ryo his empty glass back still feeling a little off but he didn't want to worry Ryo.

“Well I am going to go to bed, but if you need anything I will be on the couch,” Ryo told his partner.

Dee gave him a perplexed look. “You're going to sleep on the couch? I don't want to kick you out of your bed on the account of me.”

“I think it would probably be better this way. Can you honestly say you would be comfortable with me sleeping with you?” Ryo asked Dee gently sitting down on the bed next to him.

“I… I don't really know. But I don't think I want you to leave either. God I am so confused.”

“Do you see why I think it's better I sleep on the couch for a couple of days?” Ryo grasped Dee's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

“I guess so,” Dee obviously unsure of his answer. Ryo gave his hand another squeeze and got up to leave. He didn't get far before he felt a slight pressure around his wrist. Ryo looked down and saw Dee had latched onto his wrist and had his head down.

“Don't go,” Dee said quietly still not letting go of Ryo's wrist. Ryo sighed heavily and sat down again. Ryo cupped Dee's face tenderly and lifted the younger man's head up so he could watch Dee's reaction as he spoke.

“Alright I'll stay but you have to understand Dee, that we have a very intimate relationship and usually sleep very close together. I'll try and stick to my half of the bed but I can't make any promises when I'm asleep. If you can live with the possibility I may come over and try and cuddle, I'll stay.”

“I think I can live with that possibility,” Dee said shyly letting go of Ryo's wrist. “You make me feel safe.” Dee closed his eyes and slightly turned his head away from Ryo but with Ryo's hand still cupping his face the movement was half hearted. Dee was slightly embarrassed at his admission but he couldn't deny he felt so much better when Ryo was around.

“Why don't you get into bed while I go wash up. I'll be back in a few minutes.” With a slight nod from Dee Ryo went off to the bathroom. Dee crawled into the huge bed while Ryo was gone and got comfortable. He was mostly asleep when he heard the older man come back in the room and crawl into bed with him. Dee wasn't sure if he was dreaming or not when he felt a gently kiss on the temple and heard a soft “Goodnight itoshii.” If it was in fact Ryo, Dee was going to have to ask the other man what all of those strange words he had been using meant. Dee settled down further and fell asleep feeling warm and comfortable.

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Ryo woke up to Dee tossing and turning on his half of the bed. Ryo could see a sheen of sweat across his partner's forehead and he thought it would be best to wake Dee up before whatever he was dreaming about agitated him more. He leaned over and placed a firm hand of Dee's arm. Before Ryo could even try and wake Dee the younger man shot up and looked extremely panicked, breathing heavily.

“Dee, are you alright?” Ryo asked cautiously. Dee looked like he was about to reply when he turned an awful shade of green and leaned off the bed and started to vomit.

`Shit I really thought we were going to get away with no vomiting this time,' Ryo tiredly thought as he rubbed Dee's back, trying to provide some comfort. Surprisingly Dee stopped after a few heavy heaves. Dee was panting deeply and Ryo noticed a slight tremble in his limbs.

Ryo continued to rub Dee's back and asked, “Are you feeling better?”

“Not really,” Dee gasped. “But can I please go into the bathroom instead.”

“Of course,” Ryo replied and helped the shaky man up.

They just barely made it to the bathroom before Dee was sick again, this time much more violently. Ryo rubbed his partner's back again and desperately hoped Dee's stomach would calm down soon. Instead his poor lover started dry heaving, which in Ryo's experience was one of the worst parts of being sick. Dee finally quieted down after about 5 minutes but was still looking a shade less than death. Ryo quickly wetted a face cloth left on the counter and pressed it onto his lover's clammy forehead just before Dee leaned back into him tiredly.

“Are you still feeling nauseous?” Ryo directed towards the spent man a few minutes later.

Dee turned his face into Ryo's neck and nodded faintly. “Do you think you'll be okay on the couch while I make you some tea to settle your stomach. I would rather not leave you here alone.” Dee gave a shrug and groaned.

“We'll put you on the couch,” Ryo said reassuringly. “I'll try and be fast I promise.” Ryo carefully shifted Dee so he could pick him up. Trying to lessen the jostles to Dee's midriff Ryo picked Dee up as slowly as he could and still be balanced. Ryo made it to the living room without Dee groaning too loudly and gently laid him on the couch pulling a blanket off of the opposite arm and tucking it around Dee's shoulders.

“I'll be back in 5, promise.” Ryo rubbed Dee's cheek lightly before leaving for the kitchen. As Ryo headed for the kitchen he noticed the light was already on and Bikky had started boiling some water. Ryo went up to Bikky and put an arm around his shoulder.

“I really don't know what I would do without you Bik,” Ryo exhaustedly said.

“Think nothing of it. Do you need more help? Dee sounded pretty bad this time,” the teen replied.

“Could you go into the bedroom and see what kind of damage he did? I don't know if he actually managed to hit the garbage can.” The water was boiling now and Ryo took it off the stove and poured it into a mug that Bikky had already set out and grabbed Dee's tea.

“Can do, don't worry about anything but getting the perv to stop barfing everywhere. I'll change the sheets and clean up in there.”

“Thanks Bikky I really appreciate it.” Bikky gave him a light smile before heading off towards the bedroom, which was probably a mess. When Ryo came back into the living room Dee was still very much awake and was clutching his stomach.

“Not feeling any better I take it,” Ryo asked the younger man as he sat down on the couch.

“No,” Dee whimpered as Ryo helped him sit up slowly. Ryo placed the warm mug in Dee's hand and sat down.

“Drink slowly,” Ryo caution and was fairly surprised when Dee slid closer and leaned into him. Dee finished his tea in silence, grimacing slightly at the taste once and a while. It was around another 15 or 20 minutes before Bikky came back into the living room.

“You guys can go back to bed. It wasn't too bad in there but I changed the sheets and threw them in the washing machine. I didn't turn it on though; can we leave it for tomorrow Dad? Those double stackers are always so friggen noisy.”

“Sure, at this point I really don't think it matters.” Ryo decided it would probably best if Dee didn't walk back to bed. They had just got his stomach slightly settled and he defiantly did not want it bothering his lover again, at least for the rest of the night if possible. Ryo picked Dee up again and he and Bikky exited the living room clicking off the lights.

Bikky stepped off into his room saying good night leaving the two men on their own short trek back to the bedroom. Ryo got Dee back into bed and crawled in next to him.

“Goodnight again,” Ryo said whispered softly pulling the covers up to his chin.

“Night Ryo,” Dee replied with a soft sigh. Ryo was just drifting off when he felt Dee move to lie up against him. Ryo draped an arm around Dee's back finally feeling content. Evidently the younger man was still shaken up and needed some physical contact, which Ryo could give him with no pressure. Both men drifted into a deep sleep that would last the rest of the night.

TBC

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1. Yah yah I know Bikky really should 16 based on the manga and such but I really didn't want to make him too old.

2. If you haven't read or seen the princess bride shame on you. It is one of my favorite 80's movies. Anyone unfamiliar with it can find a short and to the point plot summary at http:// www. imbd. com/ title/ tt0093779/ plotsummary

 

Yay another chapter down woo hoo. Sorry this took so long I had an evil essay and midterm last week that prevented me from working on this chapter.

If anyone knows how to replace a chapter with an edited version that actually shows up on ff. net, please for the love of God tell me. I have noticed I made a few errors in the last two chapters and would like to correct them but fanfiction.net hates me but so does mediaminer.org sigh.

Keep up with the reviews I just love all the nice things you say. If you have any help with dumb ff.net or want a scene thrown into the story for the hell of it you can e-mail at silver underscore millennium underscore moon at hotmail. com, please ignore the chapter 4 update that was just so I could fix my e-mail and the link for the summary. Thanks Cloverstar for pointing that out, you're a lifesaver! Cheeers