No Longer Alone *Story Complete*

Chapter 4:


As Dee promised, he took Ryo to lunch at a nearby diner where they both had a light meal. As they drove to Carol’s home, the raven-haired man stole a glance at his partner, which didn’t go unnoticed by the light haired man.

“What?” Ryo asked, blushing slightly at the attention.

“Nothin’, I was just thinking that you would make an excellent father. I mean geez, look at Bikky and Carol. They adore and love you Ryo…they look up to you and talk to you about what’s going on with them.” The light turned red and Dee looked to his partner with a warm half smile. “If that’s not a father, the I don’t know what is.”

The dark eyed man blushed when Dee pressed on the gas. They were less than a mile away from Carol’s and Ryo took a few minutes to think about what his friend said.

‘I’ve always wanted to have children, but I don’t know if I’ll ever get the chance.’ Ryo stole a glance over to the green-eyed man and felt his heart beat a bit faster. ‘There’s always adoption, but with our-MY job, I don’t know if we…I could provide the support a young child needs.’ He thought, both blushing and cursing himself for his slips.

The raven haired man didn’t fail to notice the dark eyes on him as he pulled up in front of Carol’s building. He knew Ryo was thinking about what he said and couldn’t help the small smirk that graced his lips when he saw Ryo’s blush.

Shaking himself from his thoughts, he was surprised to see a parking spot right in the front of the building. The engine was cut and he slipped his gloves back on before stepping out. He walked around to the sidewalk and waited for Ryo to close the door.

After being buzzed in, they quickly made their way up to the fourth floor. Ryo knocked lightly and was immediately greeted. “Merry Christmas Ryo, Dee. Come on in, Carol’s just grabbing her jacket.”

“Thanks Ellie.” Ryo said and wished her a happy holiday. He smiled when Dee surprised the slightly older woman by hugging her and lifting her off her feet.

“Dee, you pervert!” Carol called playfully to him. “Let aunt Ellie go.”

He shook his head and grinned. “Nope, I’m keeping her.” He said playfully before releasing her and moving to Ryo’s side.

Ryo smiled at his flirtatious partner and looked over to Carol. “you ready to go? Where’s Bikky?”

As if queued by the sound of his name, Bikky came from the hallway with a bag slung over his shoulder. “I’m right here.” He said with a grin and moved to Ryo’s side, effectively bumping Dee away with his hip.

“You little brat…” Dee grumbled as Bikky stuck his tongue out at him.

Ryos shook his head as Ellie laughed. “I don’t know how you deal with those two in the same room.” She gestured to Dee, who now had Bikky in a headlock.

Carol came over and put her head on Ryo’s arm. “Aw, they’re not that bad, plus its fun to watch, right Ryo?”

The young detective nodded laughed outright when Dee tossed the boy over his shoulder. “You ready to go?” Dee asked carol and Ryo casually, as if he was simply carrying a sack of potatoes.

“Yeah, lets go.” Carol went over to her aunt and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “We’ll be back later.”

Ellie nodded. “By the time you and Bikky come back, dinner will be ready. Ryo, Dee, you’re welcome to join us.”

Dee was about to speak but was cut off by Ryo. “Thanks for the offer, but we have plans for dinner tonight.”

“I’ll make sure I make you something good for dessert then. Have fun you guys.” She said with a smile.

“We will!” Carol and Bikky said in unison while the blonde boy pounded on his captor’s back.

They walked out of the building and when they reached the car, Dee dumped Bikky in a snowdrift, causing Ryo and Carol to laugh. Dee smirked and turned to go to the drivers side, only to be nailed in the back of the head by a snow ball.

“Why you spoiled little-“ Dee growled and scooped a handful of snow off the roof of the SUV, but was stopped by the sound of Ryo’s voice.

“Hey you two, we gotta get going.” Dark eyes met emerald green in silent communication. “We have to bring them back in a couple hours so lets make the best of it.” He said with a smile and began bouncing slightly. “Besides, its cold!”

Dee sneered at Bikky before pushing the button on his key chain twice. All four doors unlocked and he watched with a smile as Ryo and Carol hurried into what warmth was still held within the vehicle. His smile quickly disappeared as he was pelted in the face one last time by a grinning Bikky.

A growl escaped his lips as he yanked the door open and climbed in putting on his seat belt. He turned to the blonde hell-spawn. “Put your seatbelt on you evil munchkin or I’ll keep your gift for myself.”

Bikky quickly fastened his seatbelt as Dee pulled away from the building. Ryo studied his partner for a moment and smile. Despite the visible animosity between Dee and Bikky, he knew that the emerald-eyed man cared about the blonde boy more that he let on. Their relationship was that of an older brother and irritating younger brother.

He remembered their trip to England and how he found Bikky and Dee sprawled on the bed. He had smiled and quietly left the room, allowing the them to sleep off their encounter with the ‘ghost.’ It warmed him to see the two ‘enemies’ sleeping so soundly together and that they were capable of acting civil from time to time.

“Hey Ryo? You still with us?” Dee asked, looking amused at his partners lack of attention.

The dark eyed man shook his head and looked to Ryo. “Yeah, I’m okay. Why?”

Carol laughed from the back seat before moving to lean over the younger detective’s shoulder. “Cause Dee has been trying to get your attention since we parked.”

He smiled a bit, embarrassed and saw that they were indeed parked in front of his apartment building. “Sorry, I was just thinking.” He said and got out, grabbing one of Dee’s bags.

They soon entered the apartment and after they removed their shoes, Carol and Bikky made themselves comfortable in the living room.

“Why don’t you two choose a movie while we get some drinks.” Ryo said, heading into the kitchen.

“Kay.” The called.

Dee followed Ryo into the kitchen and leaned against the counter as he watched the younger man puttering around the kitchen. Ryo removed a package of meat from the fridge before filling the sink with cold water to thaw it.

As the sandy haired man removed a few items from the cabinet, he jumped when he felt strong arms encircle his waist. “Dee-“ his protests faded when he felt soft lips gently brushing against his neck. A gasp escaped as his partner nipped at his neck. “Dee, stop that…” He said in a quiet and strained tone after finding his voice.

The raven-haired man was well aware of the effect he was having on his younger partner and couldn’t help the grin that traced his lips. “What are you making?” He whispered and nipped at Ryo’s earlobe. He felt the shiver that ran through the smaller man’s body.

“I’m just getting the stuff out for our dinner. As to what I’m making, you’ll just have to wait and find out.” He said and maneuvered himself out of Dee’s arms.

“Aww, fine then.” Dee pouted. “You need any help?”

“Could you grab a bag of pretzels out of the cabinet and I’ll grab the drinks. I don’t want them to eat too much since Ellie is making dinner.” He said and got a ‘sure’ from his partner.

Ryo finished up what he was doing and grabbed four sodas from the fridge and followed Dee out. The snacks were placed on the table and the russet haired man smiled to the kids as they lounged on the couch. You two ready for presents?” He asked and laughed when Carol and Bikky sat up enthusiastically, nodding their agreement.

Dee and Ryo retrieved the gifts they had purchased for the two youths. Dee started it all of by giving Carol and Bikky each a box that were exactly the same size. “This is from the both of us.” He said and watched as they tore open the wrapping paper.

“Thanks guys!” Carol said excitedly as she pulled out a camera phone, three face plates of varying color , a charger and an ear piece.

“They’re already charged and ready to go.” The green eyed man stated and watched as they turned the phones on. “Our cell numbers are already programmed into the phones. Hold one for Ryo, two for Ellie, and three for me.

Bikky grinned and took a picture of Carol before showing it to Ryo. He laughed and ruffled the blonde locks on the boys’ head.. The had purchased the phones so the teens could contact them in case of an emergency, especially because of the recent abductions that had been going on around the city.

Dee pulled out his next two gifts. A smaller box was handed to carol and he hesitated to give Bikky his. Their gazes narrowed for a moment before a grin was shared.

Carol and Ryo watched as Bikky and Dee communicated silently before the young boy nodded. Dee handed over the gift. “I’m glad we’ve reached an understanding, brat.”

“Just for today, Ryo-molester.” He replied before tearing open the wrapping paper.

o-o

Many ‘thank you’s’ were given as they opened the rest of their gifts. Carol also received an Ipod, a laptop to download mp3’s as well as do her schoolwork, Kingdom hearts & Kingdom hearts 2, and a gift certificate to her favorite clothing store. Bikky got the new Playstation 3, games, a new pair of roller blades and the pair of basketball shoes that Carol said he wanted.

The kids had pooled their money to get both detectives a gift. They didn’t have a lot of money even when pooled but really wanted to get the pair gifts. Ryo had gotten a bottle of cologne, which Dee had to admit, suited the sandy haired detective well. The scent wasn’t overpowering and didn’t drown out the natural scent of his partner, but seemed to complement it well.

‘Must have been Carol’s choice.’ He thought and watched as Ryo hugged the two, thanking them. ‘I’ll have to ask her where they got it.’

“Your turn, Dee.” Ryo said with a warm smile, wrapping his arm around Carol’s shoulder as she plopped next to him.

Bikky came forward and handed Dee a wrapped box. He looked at the grinning boy who was grinning at him He couldn’t help but to be suspicious of the blonde.

“Don’t worry Dee, I wouldn’t let him put anything ‘extra’ in with your gift.” Carol said, reassuring him that it wasn’t somehow booby trapped.

The raven haired man nodded and tore through the wrapping paper, exposing a white box. The box was opened and he smiled. “Thanks Carol, Brat…” He said and began removing its contents.

“We know you like video games, especially role playing ones.” Carol started, smiling brightly. “Those are three of our favorite games and you said you wanted to try them.” She said as he removed Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 9 along with strategy guides for 7 and 8.

“We got a good deal on all three games. You’ll like those. Plus, they’ll keep you busy so you can stop molesting Ryo.” Bikky smiled brightly as Ryo blushed and laughed at the indignant look that fell upon Dee’s face.

Said indignant man glared at Bikky for a moment before meeting Ryo’s dark eyes, his own green ones full of mischief, passion and promise. That split second glance was enough to send a chill down Ryo’s spine.

“So what movie did you two choose?” The flushed man asked.

Carol rose from her spot against Ryo and moved back to the couch with Bikky. “We really didn’t watch any Christmas movies so we’re gonna watch The Fifth Element. Bikky says its good, but I’ve never heard of it.”

Ryo yelped slightly in surprise when Dee pulled him against his chest while reaching over to grab the DVD remote. “It’s a very good movie.” The ebony haired man agreed, draping his arm across Ryo’s stomach. “You’ll like the Diva’s Opera.”

Carol’s face scrunched up a bit. “Opera?”

Bikky nudged her with a sock clad foot from the other end of the couch. “Believe us, you’ll like it.” He said as the movie started.

Ryo reached up to the lamp and turned out the light before he felt Dee place a discreet kiss on his shoulder. They both turned their attention to the movie playing on the screen, both feeling perfectly content as they watched.

o-o-Author’s Note-o-o

Had to break it off somewhere again. I would like to ask those of you who are reading for suggestions. I need to find two gifts, one for Dee and Ryo to exchange each. Any suggestions are welcome and I will be sure to give you credit for your ideas if I do use them.

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to review!
Ezzy

PS: I don’t own any of the name brand gifts, the Fifth Element or Fake. I’m just taking them out for a spin for this fic. And yes, I know that PS3 or KH2 haven’t been released in America yet (but I can dream, can’t I?).


Edit 12/16/06 (since this story was orig written in 2005, the stuff about ps3 and kh2 was true, but I can happily say that they have been…but I wont be getting a ps3 anytime soon. Too expensive! But I LOVE my KH2)