Games People Play

Title: Games People Play
Chapter: 1
Rating: M
Fandom: FAKE
Pairings: Dee/Ryo; Ryo/Dee
Warnings: Yaoi, adult situations, mild language
Spoilers: All 7 volumes
Summary: Something different for Dee and Ryo.
Disclaimer: I don’t own FAKE. Dee, Ryo and the other FAKE characters are the genius of Sanami Matoh. I’m only doing this for fun and love of these wonderful characters.
Warning: This was not beta'd, so any mistakes and typos are all mine.
Note: Great big thanks to DeeRyoFan, who helped me shape the base for this story and provided most of the input for Dee.


GAMES PEOPLE PLAY
CHAPTER 1


Dee Laytner sat at the bar, listening to the song the piano player currently played, along with several voices indicating several levels of drunkenness as they sang along. He nursed his drink, his eyes resting on the piano player.

He did not notice when the chestnut haired man entered the bar. Randy MacLean stood just inside the bar, eyes taking a quick surveillance of the inside and the customers, despite the dim of the bar’s interior.

Randy spotted him sitting at the bar, glass before him, as he watched the piano player with interest, sometimes his lips moving to the words of the song. Randy moved into the bar further, looking over the dark haired man. It was obvious he was alone. Randy noted the empty seat next to him. The other man’s olive toned skin gave him an exotic look, combined with hair so dark it looked black. He was dressed in a black and white striped shirt, rolled up at the sleeves. He seemed the casual type.

Most important to Randy, the man at the bar was just his type and did not seem to be taken. Randy finally started to walk across the bar, his steps leading him closer to the dark hair man who had picked up his glass to take a sip from it.

He smirked at the empty seat as he came to a stop. “Excuse me,” Randy said to the man, “but is this seat taken?”

Dee turned toward Randy and quickly looked him up and down. The look on his face clearly read, ‘What do you want?’ which to anyone else would have indicated non-interest on his part. Dee shrugged. “Sure,” he said.

Not the type to be easily intimidated, Randy took the offered seat, when any other man would have found another spot to sit. He watched as his companion went back to watching the piano player. Randy smiled as he watched the man next to him, further inspecting him and determining he was exactly what he wanted for that night. He raised his hand to get the bartender’s attention.

The bartender stood before Randy. “What can I get you, sir?”

“A Bud please,” Randy ordered.

“Coming, buddy,” the bartender replied with a wink.

Dee tried not to snort at the bad joke, but not daring to turn to see what the reaction was of the man sitting next to him.

Randy leaned back in his seat, waiting for his drink, his eyes going back to Dee, further checking him out. What he saw pleased his eyes very much… along with other parts of him.

Dee felt Randy’s gaze on him, but as he slowly sipped his drink, he kept his eyes fixed on the piano player, ignoring the other man.

The bartender set the beer bottle on a paper coaster before Randy. Randy took out his wallet and paid for his drink. As the bartender went to get his change, Randy leaned on the bar, picking up his bottle and pretended to listen to the music as he drank his beer. The shift in position made him lean a little in the direction of the man who was so far ignoring him. Randy affirmed that was going to change soon. His attention went back to the strikingly handsome man next to him.

Said man emptied his drink, setting his glass on the bar, his eyes still on the piano player.

Randy signaled the bartender again.

The bartender smiled at Randy as he came over to get the new order. “Yes?”

Randy gestured at the empty glass before the dark haired man. “I think my friend here needs a refill.” He winked at the bartender before his eyes went back onto the man.

The bartender looked at Dee.

Dee noticed the bartender staring at him and pulled his attention from the piano player. “Hmm?” he asked, pretending he did not hear the man next to him speak.

Randy leaned closer to him. “What are you drinking?” he asked Dee.

“Uh…” Dee finally turned to look at Randy again.

Randy gave him his most charming smile. He had noticed the striking features of this exotic beauty from the door, and until now was disappointed he was not treated to seeing that beautiful face up close. His eyes fixed on the face staring at him.

One dark thin eyebrow raised as his companion replied, “Sex on the beach.”

The bartender smirked, already having had one made and set it down on the bar before Dee.

Randy raised his own eyebrow in intrigue. “Really?” he asked, his eyes meeting deep green eyes. Eyes that he had never seen that shade of green on another. There was an intensity in those beautiful eyes that belied the almost timid behavior of their owner. He leaned even closer. In a husky low voice, he stated, “Too bad there’s not a beach close by.” He chuckled at his cleverness of his joke and leaned back.

The man next to him still looked at Randy, but he frowned a little. He turned away from Randy, his attention going back to the piano player, almost knocking the new drink over in the movement.

Randy shook his head, thinking it had to be easier than that. He decided to take a step back and attempt a different approach in hopes to get his reticent companion to look at him again. “I’m sorry about that,” he apologized.

The man next to him shrugged. “No problem, dude,” he replied, still watching the piano player. Silence hung between them for a second before his companion turned to partially face him. “Um, thanks. I think.” He raised the new drink.

“Not a problem,” Randy replied, smiling again. He continued to gaze at the man next to him.

The dark haired man dropped his gaze, suddenly averting his attention elsewhere. Randy noted he did go back to watching the piano player.

Randy leaned close to the man again. Softly, yet just loud enough to be heard over the music, he said, “I really couldn’t help myself.”

Sipping on his drink, the other looked back to Randy. “Hm?” he asked. He raised one eyebrow again.

Randy shook his head. “Nothing.” He held out his hand. “I’m Randy. And I’m glad to meet you.”

The other man looked at the offered hand for a moment, as if inspecting it, gauging if it was safe to take it. Finally he set his drink down and took Randy’s offered hand to shake. His handshake was short, but firm. “Name’s Dee. Hi.” He glanced up at Randy, smiling a little shyly.

Randy started to smile. ‘What a beauty!’ he thought. The look caused a stirring within Randy that reminded him of why he was there that night. He leaned closer to Dee, staring deep into the other man’s eyes. “What an unusual shade of green,” he commented. “You have the most beautiful eyes.”

Dee’s jaw dropped a little. “Th-thanks,” he stammered, his eyes dropping, breaking the gaze. At least he remained still facing Randy. Hastily he picked up his glass and had another sip of his drink. As he set the glass back down, not releasing his grip on it, he cleared his throat nervously.

“You from around here, Dee?” Randy asked.

“Yeah. What about you?”

“Close enough,” Randy remarked, smiling at Dee again, glad to finally get some conversation from the exquisite creature sitting next to him.

“Oh?” Dee asked.

The bartender stood over in the corner, watching the two men with interest, smiling to himself.

“Union Square,” Randy offered.

“Ah, nice neighborhood.”

Randy merely nodded in agreement, still staring at Dee. They fell silent for a minute, Randy still staring with interest at Dee, while Dee’s attention would occasionally go to the piano player.

Randy studied him, wondering if Dee understood what he was after. The signs he was getting from the man next to him seemed as if he did not have a clue. Randy took another drink of his beer, his eyes not leaving Dee.

Unable to take the silence anymore, Randy gave up on Dee making the next move. His question was bluntly direct. “You taken?” he asked Dee.

Dee choked on the sip he just took, and started to cough a little as he set the glass down on the bar.

Randy patted Dee’s back. “You okay there, Dee?” he asked in concern. Surely someone with Dee’s looks should not be so surprised when encountered with questions such as Randy’s.

Dee nodded, waving Randy off. “I’m fine,” he squeaked, his voice still not back yet.

Randy stopped patting his back, but remained leaning close to Dee. “I’m guessing you have someone already, because… well… you’re too good looking to be alone,” he explained.

“Umm…” Dee appeared as if he did not know how to answer that question.

Randy sat back again, sipping his beer and giving Dee some space.

“Actually, no,” Dee replied, his eyes on the bar. “I’m free.”

“Really?” Randy asked, sounding surprised. “That’s shocking.”

“Is it now?” Dee asked, a little fire coming to his reply, and his eyes as he faced Randy again.

“You in between relationship then?” Randy further inquired.

“N-not really,” Dee replied, suddenly looking uneasy.

Randy dared to close the distance between them again. “Because you don’t come across to me as the type for one night stands.”

Dee mutely shook his head. “I’m not,” he replied a moment later. His eyes met Randy’s again. “Are you?” he asked, once again raising an eyebrow.

Randy nodded. “Yes, I’m single,” he replied, then smirked. He knew exactly what Dee had asked, and left that reply open for Dee’s further inspection. He grinned at Dee and winked.

“Oh.” Dee’s face suddenly fell, his eyes averting Randy.

Randy frowned a little. “Why the sad face?” he asked.

“Hm?” Dee asked, appearing distracted. He looked back at Randy. “Sad face? Me? Oh, you must have misinterpreted that. I’m just a little tired’s all.” He took a long sip from his drink, once again turning away from Randy. It was clearly a dismissal to Randy.

Except for the fact that the drink Dee was currently draining was the one had had bought for Dee. He pointed to the drink, leaning close. “Keep drinking like that and you’ll really be tired.”

Dee raised one eyebrow one more time.

“It’s still early, I mean,” Randy explained. He moved even closer until his arm was a hair’s length from touching Dee’s. “And there’s still so much to do tonight,” he said in a silky voice.

Dee shook his head, moving away a little. “Not for me, I think.”

Randy closed the distance again. “Really? Why’s that?”

“Well, I don’t think we want the same thing here… Randy.”

Randy frowned, moving slightly away from Dee, not yet wanting to completely move away from the warmth of the sleek, sexy body next to him. “What do you mean?” he asked. He smiled at Dee.

“As you just said yourself, I’m not one for one night stands,” Dee explained in a clipped tone. He lifted his head, his attention once more completely on Randy as his eyes meet deep dark mysterious pools of black. He smiled sweetly at Randy. “So….” He emptied his drink, and set it down on the bar with a thud as if to punctuate his statement.

Randy was not ready to give up yet. “So, nothing wrong with going for some coffee somewhere we can talk.” He winked as Dee turned to look at him again. “I’ll admit, I’d love to take you to a beach.” He grinned at the amazed face before him.

“I guess you do,” Dee remarked.

“Aw c’mon, Dee,” Randy pushed. “It’s not every man I want to take to the beach on the first date.”

“I bet not every man says no to you either, but sorry, I’m not some conquest. Not for anyone,” Dee remarked hotly. “Excuse me for a moment.” He stood up and walked away from the bar in the direction of the men’s room.

The bartender took Dee’s empty glass and started wipe the counter before the recently vacated seat. “Not an easy one, that one.”

Randy sighed heavily, his eyes going back in the direction of the restrooms. “I guess if he was, he wouldn’t be sitting here alone. Wouldn’t he?” Randy looked back at the bartender. As he watched the bartender continue to wipe down the counter, he thought to himself, ‘Holy shit! This is harder than I thought!’ Randy had been resisting the urge to pull the dark headed beauty into his arms and kiss him.

“He didn’t come here for quite a while now,” the bartender stated, breaking Randy from his musing. “And when he did, he always left alone. So… you probably should try your luck with someone else.” He smiled gently at Randy.

Randy shook his head. “Oh no. I can’t let go of him. There’s no way I’m going to get him outta my mind. There’s something about that one.” He leaned on the bar, and picked up his glass for a drink.

“Well, from what I remember,” the bartender confided as Randy drank his beer, “he’s been in love with someone for quite a while now. Unhappily so at that too.”

Randy put the glass down with an audible thud. Eyes wide, he stared at the bartender. “Yeah?” he asked. “U-unhappily?”

“Yeah… ah, um… I’m not really sure, but I think it was his partner at work, or something like that.”

“Really?”

The bartender nodded. “When he stopped coming here for a while, I thought either he killed himself, or they finally hooked up, but I guess I was wrong.” The bartender shrugged.

Randy nodded. “I’m glad he didn’t kill himself,” he said softly. He picked up his glass to finish his beer.

“Yup. Me too.”

Randy pointed to his empty glass. “Another one, please.” He smirked at the bartender. “And fill his up too.”

The bartender got Randy another beer, then made a new sex on the beach. He set the new drink down in front of Randy, still holding onto the glass. “You’re not trying to get him drunk, are you?”

Randy placed his money on the bar, looking up at the bartender. “Well….” He shrugged. The idea did not seem all that bad to Randy. He set his elbows on the bar and leaned toward the bartender. “It’s okay. I’ll play fair with him.”

The bartender nodded and released the glass.

Randy had a sip of beer, frowning slightly. “What was he like all those times before?” he asked the bartender.

“Unhappy usually,” came the reply.

The frown got deeper. “I mean, doesn’t he seem even just a little happier than before when he came in tonight?”

The bartender looked thoughtful for a moment. “Hmm.. now that you mention it, yes. He seems more at peace than ever. More relaxed.” The bartender shrugged. “So I didn’t bring up his problems of old. So….” He shrugged again.

Randy found himself smiling at the bartender.

“Let me tell you,” the bartender stated, “that his letting you buy drinks is new for him, too.”

Randy reached into his back pocked to pull out his wallet. He placed a ten dollar bill on the bar before the bartender. “A tip for you, my friend. You just made my night.”

The bartender looked confused, “I did?”

“Yeah.” Ryo moved the bill over toward the man on the other side of the counter.

The bartender looked shocked, but pocketed the money anyway, emboldened to talk more. “He always brushed everyone off. Be that men or women.”

Randy shook his head, laughing. “Not that I didn’t believe him, but….” He shook his head again. “Wow!” He had another drink from the glass, then winked at the bartender. “Hey, don’t be surprised if I lay a big kiss on him when he gets back.”

The bartender looked worried now. “Well, as I said, there was only one person he would talk about. He didn’t mention him tonight, so I guess he’s kinda over that.” He studied Randy. “Umm, I should warn you, guy. You better be careful there. He’s knocked down one big assed guy before. And you look really nice. Wouldn’t want him to break your nose or something.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ve knocked a few big assed dudes flat on their asses too,” Randy replied. He had another drink.

“RYO!” the bartender exclaimed.

Randy nearly dropped the glass, his eyes going up to the bartender. He managed to set the glass down without spilling anymore than what went over the edge when he shook the glass.

“That’s it!” the bartender stated, looking triumphantly at Randy. “That was his name.” He grinned widely. “I knew he told me!”

Randy smiled widely. “Ryo, huh?”

The bartender chuckled. “Or, rather he whined, bitched and slurred about it. Heh. Yup, his partner’s name was Ryo.”

“Oh?” Randy said. “Now I’m afraid to ask.

“Better not ask about him,” the bartender advised, looking concerned again. “As I said, he was unhappily in love. Seems that Ryo dude was leading him on for quite a while.” He shrugged. “Shit happens, huh?”

Randy started to frown a little again. “Yeah, shit happens. Maybe it was more like it wasn’t returned? Like maybe this Ryo guy needed to get his head out of his ass or something?”

Once again the bartender looked thoughtful. “Hmm… no, no. Leading him on. Oh! Not to gossip here, but I think this Ryo dude even, you know, went to bed with him, and just left a note the next morning. Now isn’t that just horrible.”

Randy’s mouth dropped and he looked scandalized, horrified and ashamed all in the same look. “Oh…” was all he was able to utter. He drank more of his beer.

“I tell ya. Haven’t seen him here since that last visit here about a week after that happened. I was sure he’d killed himself or moved out of town. Or something.”

“Hey, buddy… um, what’s your name, by the way?” Randy asked.

“Oh, name’s Bob.” He held out his hand.

Randy shook the bartender’s hand, both grips firm. “Pleased to meet you. And no, that really wasn’t a pick up line.”

Bob laughed. “I know.” He looked thoughtful again, staring at Randy. “Wow, I never figured someone who looks like you would have calluses on his hand.”

Randy shrugged. “In my line of work, I learned that you shouldn’t go on just looks alone.”

“Yes, I know. I love playing the game of wondering what someone is like from appearances and then try to find out how wrong I was as the evening goes on. But you know what, Randy? I can already tell, you’re a pistol.”

Randy laughed. He noticed Bob’s eyes go beyond him. He turned to watch as Dee made his way across the bar.

Dee sat down next to Randy, smiling shyly, then noticed the new drink.

Bob made a slight gesture as if to say to Randy, ‘good luck with him, dude,’ before moving away a little, once again wiping the counter.

“Um, Dee?” Randy asked, looking at the sweet shy smile on the handsome dark haired man next to him.

“Yes?”

Randy leaned forward, grinning. Now close to Dee, he put his arms around the other man, kissing him passionately.

Dee gasped, his arms out, fingers on his hands outstretched, as if he was not expecting the sudden kiss.

Randy’s lips left Dee’s mouth and brushed along his cheek to lick an earlobe. “I love you so much,” he whispered heartfelt into Dee’s ear.

Dee looked completely confused, as his hands finally decided to rest on Randy’s strong back.

Not far from them, Bob’s jaw dropped as the glass he was removing from the bar slipped from his hand with a crash.

Dee’s eyes were wide. “Uhh….” He did not know what he was expected to do next. “How about giving me a clue here?” he finally said.

Randy pulled away laughing happily. “I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I couldn’t resist. You know why?” He took Dee’s hands in his, dark eyes meeting Dee’s confused green eyes.

“N-no…” Dee shook his head. “You’re sorta confusing me here. I thought we’d….”

Not giving Dee a chance to finish, Randy cut in. “Because you’re beautiful, and sexy and handsome.”

The shattered glass forgotten on the floor, Bob managed to inch his way closer to the two, still gaping at what was happening before him with the man who he believe would be the perpetual loner.

“And smart, funny, kind….” Randy was still listing off his reasons why he could no longer hold back from kissing Dee. “You’re stubborn, persistent and loyal. And when you love, you love hard and complete and totally. And I’m glad that I’m the lucky guy.”

Dee smiled tenderly at Randy, but still a little confused. “I thought… you were to….”

Randy shook his head. “I’m sorry. I-I can’t do this tonight.”

Understanding shone in Dee’s eyes. “Oh.”

“Maybe some other night,” Randy said with a grin. “I’d still like to, you know.”

Dee settled his arms firmly around Randy’s back and pulled him over. “I don’t mind,” he stated with a smile.

“Good. Because tonight I want you in my arms as the man I love.”

Dee nodded and lightly kissed the other man’s lips. “I wanted to kiss you, since you stepped through the door. I noticed exactly when you did, you know.” He smiled and the next kiss was not so light.

“I know how you feel,” Randy sighed into the kiss, then returned the kiss, letting the other man know how true his words were.

Bob was still staring, his jaw starting to cramp as it remained hanging open.

Dee pulled back, smiling lovingly at the man still in his arms, and holding him. “Care to explain what brought on this sudden change? Did I overdo it?”

Randy shook his head. “No. You were fine.” He blushed a little. “But besides suddenly realizing this was harder than I thought it would be, especially with you playing hard to get….” He waved Bob over to join them. Once the shocked bartender was standing before them again, he asked Dee, “Care to introduce me to our bartender, love?”

Dee looked a little confused again. “Umm… o-okay,” he replied, his eyes going to Bob, who was still gaping.

Randy lightly kissed Dee’s ear in encouragement. “You don’t have to still play shy,” he giggled.

Dee smiled broadly as he looked up at Bob again. “Bob, this is Ryo. Ryo, meet Bob.”

Ryo waved, smiling devilishly, “Hi Bob.”

He didn’t believe it was possible, but Bob’s jaw appeared to drop more, shocked eyes going from Dee to Ryo.

Ryo laughed and kissed Dee again. “I love you,” he stated.

“Oh damn,” Bob swore, finally finding his voice.

“And I’m so sorry,” Ryo continued, kissing Dee’s lips lightly again. “I didn’t think about it back then….”

Once more, Dee looked confused. “What?”

“I should have known. You’re more sensitive about some things than you let on,” Ryo went on full speed with his apology.

Dee laughed a little, seeming nervous. He rubbed the back of Ryo’s hands. “Baby, what are you talking about?”

“I shouldn’t have just left a note for you the morning after that first time,” Ryo explained.

“….” Dee gaped at Ryo speechless, not sure what to say or where the need for Ryo’s apology came from at that time. “Uh, well, no… I mean, yes, I mean… uh… oh shit.”

Ryo caressed Dee’s cheek. “You’re nothing but a sweet, wonderful romantic. And I’m a cad.”

“Baby?”

Bob cleared his throat. “Ahem. I think this is my doing, I’m afraid,” he said.

Dee looked at Bob, still looking perplexed. He looked back at Ryo again.

“Bob here, didn’t realize we were playing a game, love,” Ryo explained.

“Oh.” Dee seemed to think that over a moment. “OH!” he exclaimed as understanding hit him.

Ryo smiled tenderly at Dee. “And you obviously became someone of concern to Bob.”

Dee looked up again at Bob. “You remember?” he asked.

Bob smiled and winked at Dee, then walked off, leaving the two lovers alone.

Ryo hugged Dee again. “Now I want to take you home and love you in all ways possible to let you know how much I love you.”

“What did he tell you?” Dee asked. His eyes met Ryo’s. “I mean, Bob, did he tell you what I told him when I came here back then?”

Stroking Dee’s cheek with his thumb, Ryo nodded. “Yes.”

“Oh.” Dee laughed his nervous laugh again. “Bastard. That was confidential!”

“He didn’t know who I was and he was just warning me to back off of you.”

Dee took Ryo’s hand in his and kissed it. “Oh really?”

“Yeah. He told me how hands off you once were and that I was better off finding someone else.”

Dee’s head drop, and Ryo noticed he was blushing a little. “Well…” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Damn.”

“Aw,” Ryo remarked, leaning over to kiss Dee’s nose. “You’re so cute sometimes.”

Dee lifted his head, evidence of his momentary embarrassment not completely gone. “Told you there was only you for me.”

“I know, but to find out from someone else,” Ryo remarked.

“That hasn’t changed,” Dee said. “It’s still only you. Will always be only you.”

“Wow!” Ryo was amazed at the night’s discovery. A part of his heart tugged thinking of Dee sitting alone in a bar, drinking away his sorrows – sorrows that Ryo had been responsible for. Instead of wallowing in his own sorrow and focusing on a past he could not change, he vowed to make sure Dee would never feel that way again, that he would always know how much he was loved.

“I honestly thought he didn’t remember me,” Dee stated of Bob. “When I came in, he just smiled at me and asked what I wanted to drink.”

Ryo rubbed his cheek against Dee’s. “You must have made an impression on him. I mean, to warn me, and all. It all started when I pretended like I was planning on getting you drunk, and taking advantage of you.”

Dee looked amazed. “It’s been a while since I came here last, and only God knows how many drunken guys that poor dude has to listen to every night.” He gave Ryo a funny look. “Getting me drunk and taking advantage of me? You mean you didn’t plan that for real then?” He winked at Ryo, his grin growing.

“Yes. I was planning for real,” Ryo said, laughing.

“I knew it!” Dee chuckled. “Naughty boy.” He leaned over to kiss Ryo.

“Mmm,” Ryo sighed as they broke the kiss. “You taste like sex on the beach.”

“Well….” Dee gazed at Ryo, licking his lips, before moving closer again. He kissed Ryo’s ear. “You know, you’ve been worth waiting for. If you want, you can take me to the beach now.” He kissed the ear again, briefly sucking on the earlobe.

“Really?” Ryo asked huskily, then laughed.

“You know, we might get arrested for public nuisance if we get caught, but….”

“I just happen to know some people who live on the beach but are currently on vacation,” Ryo suggested.

“Mmm….” Dee pulled away from Ryo to look at him, a thoughtful look on his face. “You don’t say.”

“Private little section of the beach,” Ryo added.

“Oh.” Dee’s eyes started to sparkle.

“Not too far from the hot tub.” He winked at Dee.

Dee stood up and moved to stand between Ryo’s legs. He place his arms around Ryo, smiling down.

Ryo placed his arms on Dee’s shoulders, looking up, their eyes meeting.

“So how long would it take for us to get there?” Dee asked.

“At this time of the night? Forty-five minutes tops,” Ryo replied. “Maybe less.”

“You still up to driving? Because I know I’m not.”

“I’m fine,” Ryo assured Dee, grinning up at him.

Dee returned the grin. “Then what are we waiting for?”

“Let’s go then.” Ryo patted Dee’s ass, signaling for the other man to move so he could stand up.

Laughing, Dee moved away enough for Ryo to get onto his feet. He waved to Bob as Ryo took his other hand. “Bye Bob! And thanks!!!” Dee called out.

Ryo leaned close to Dee, kissing him again. Leaning across Dee, he waved to Bob. “Yes. Thank you, Bob. We’ll be back again.” He winked at the amused bartender.

Bob waved back to the departing couple, smiling. He shook his head as he continued to watch them, as Ryo lead Dee out of the bar.

Happily, Dee allowed Ryo to drag him out. Those days he spent lonely nights in that bar seemed like another lifetime ago. He had Ryo now.

That meant he had everything.