Authors Note: Yup I'm baaaccckkkk! And with a new story completely unrelated to my "No Ordinary Love" series, which I recommend reading by the way if you have not! :) This is an AU story, so I hope you like it! Glad to be writing for FAKE again. I can't guarantee regular updates because of my schedule, but I shall try. Yeah you've heard that before, but I'll try! Enjoy!

Love,

Citrine

"I really don't feel well."

That was the thought going through Detective Randy "Ryo" Maclean's head as he sat at his desk trying to finish some paperwork. However, he was so tired he found it difficult just to pick up the pen and flow the ink on the paper. On top of his fatigue, he had been feeling sick to his stomach, dizzy, and overall out of sorts.

"Maybe I am just fighting the flu again." He thought as he wrote down some sentences.

"But I had it two weeks ago too, it should be long gone by now."

"Man Ryo, you look like shit!"

Ryo looked up to see his partner, Dee Laytner staring down at him with worried eyes.

Ryo glared.

"Must you keep reminding me?" He said. "You told me that this morning too."

"And yesterday, and the day before that, and hell the week before that!" Dee exclaimed. "Why didn't you just stay home?"

Ryo sighed.

"Because I already did a few weeks ago." He said. "And it only turned out to be a twenty four thing that didn't even last that long. I can't keep wasting my sick time."

Dee walked over to Ryo and placed an olive skinned hand on Ryo's forehead.

"No fever, but you are pale as hell. I really don't like this. You should go to the doctor."

"I'm really fine Dee." Ryo said, but softened his annoyed look when he saw the genuine concern in his partner's striking green eyes. "If it keeps up for a few more days, I'll make an appointment with my physician. But really its probably just a bug. This awful heat is probably what's doing it."

It was true. It was mid-summer and the heat in the Big Apple aka New York City was so stifling that an egg could fry on the sidewalk in seconds flat. True enough there were people coming down with multiple illnesses ranging from allergies to sinuses to even the flu, but Dee still wasn't buying it. Ryo didn't suffer from seasonal allergies and he had gotten his flu shot this past winter. If it had been a minor stomach bug then Ryo should have been back to tip top shape within a week max, but no this was going on for almost a month, as Dee kept track. It was pretty easy to do when your partner was not only your comrade at work, but also…

Your husband.

Dee Laytner and Ryo Maclean or rather Mr. and Mr. Maclean-Laytner were married. They had been newlyweds for nearly a year and enjoying every bit of it. Their love was truly one of a kind, which amazed many people because they seemed like complete opposites in every sense of the word. Dee was the outgoing, brash, leap before you look kind of guy whereas Ryo was the prim, patient, workaholic. Both possessed an extreme sense of duty and kindness, but Dee lacked Ryo's skill in the patience department whereas Ryo lacked Dee's sense adventure. However, as their relationship would continue to grow at work and at home both men seemed to be developing the other's strengths while growing more and more in love with each other each passing day. They had found bliss and had no intention of letting it go.

Of course, every happy story has its tragedies and Dee and Ryo certainly had theirs, too much really. Dee was a city orphan raised by a kindly nun. At only few months of age he had been found in alleyway, obviously abandoned by whoever were his parents, by a kind police officer, Jess Latener, who took the baby to Mother Maria Lane's Orphanage. While Mother Maria Lane or "Penguin" as Dee called nurtured and cared for Dee as any mother would, he was still a street kid in every sense of the word. He was every mother's worse nightmare or so he seemed, with his black as night silky hair, and mesmerizing green eyes, with the olive skin slightly marred by scars and bruises he was all American bad boy. Shoplifting, fighting, every little scrap that would arise, Dee was probably in the middle of it. Of course, if Mother couldn't get any sense through Dee's thick skull, then Jess would step in, making sure Dee didn't stray off the beaten path too much. Petty thefts and teenaged antics were one thing, a life of crime and shame was another. Jess stepped into the father role that Dee needed as often as he could to make sure the boy kept his nose clean, even though his own nose was not as Dee would find out.

At seventeen, Dee was mourning the death of his dear friend Arnon when he happened to find out information both from peers and later on Jess that Arnon had been lap dog for a known drug gang. Arnon himself needing to make money for his single mother would soon become hooked on the "candy bars" the drugs were smuggled in and endured horrible acts of rape by gang members. In the end, murder would be Arnon's only way out. Dee when then later find out that Jess was had disavowed his policeman's oath by selling out police information to the gang. Again, murder would be Jess's only means of escape from the double life he led. It was through those experiences that Dee vowed to become a cop not only to avenge Jess's and Arnon's death, but to also stay honest and kind and giving that compassion to others. While Dee's policeman skills were not entirely exemplary, he was hardworking and dedicated making sure the streets of New York were a little bit cleaner each day. He too would find himself a decorated police officer promoted to detective before he had turned 30 transferred to the Twenty Precinct in the heart of New York City.

Ryo was the complete 180 from Dee. Brought up in upper middle class suburbia by famous art dealers, Ryo led a life of complete simplicity and calm. He was the typical both next door both in appearance and personality. He was crowned with thick chestnut locks and the build of his father and the beautiful deep dark eyes and porcelain skin of his mother (she was of Japanese descent). Along with Randy, he was also given the name Ryo in honor of his mother's family and heritage. His childhood was a happy one until one Christmas Eve when he was 18. Upon reaching home after school, he was met by his dear Aunt Elena who in her distress informed him that Ryo's parents had been in an accident. That accident would turn out to be murder as he got to the hospital and informed of his parents deaths. It was not a severe car accident that his parents had died in on the way home from the airport after work in Europe overseas. No, his parents had been killed by a drug lord in a case of mistaken identity.

Ryo, heartbroken and lonely, spent that first Christmas alone, but Elena and her husband Rick would take him in a few weeks later lavishing love and attention he so desperately needed. But his determination to avenge his parents deaths as well as become a cop made little time for anything else. He too would become a police officer, also just as decorated as Dee, though his folder contained more commendations than complaints and violation reports. He too would be promoted to detective early on in his career and transferred to the Twenty Seventh Precinct, just where a certain dark haired detective also worked who would not only help Ryo on his quest to bring his parents murderers to justice, but would also capture his heart as well.

Dee was in no way a private person. You ask him, he will tell you and that included his sexual preferences. Dee was bisexual, seeing beauty of all forms in both genders. But, when his eyes gazed upon Ryo for the first time, his radar was up. Within twenty four hours of meeting his new partner Dee felt a connection with Ryo which at first he just assumed was lust and of course a fun new target of his never ending teasing. But, the difference between lust and love for Dee was the fact that no matter how much Ryo protested Dee's advances, he refused not only to stop, but also ceased the hunt all together. He wanted Ryo and he would do everything he could to make Ryo his including giving up sharing his bed with others beside Ryo. Dee was a glorified bachelor for nearly three years until Ryo finally admitted to himself that he was drawn to his dark haired enigma of a partner and could not see his life without him. Ryo too had no real relationships with any woman (having been straight up until he met Dee) while at the Two-Seven with Dee, his life consumed with work and being a foster father to Bikky Goldman (a boy whose father was murdered and Ryo's first case with Dee as his partner). While neither man was virginal when they met, they pretty much retained undeclared vows of celibacy until Ryo finally said "yes" to Dee. Their first time was nothing like anything either man had experienced before and nothing either wanted to give up anytime soon.

They kept their relationship under wraps for awhile for fear of being separated as partners on the force and any scrutiny they might face. Dee would have gladly shouted to the rooftops that he and Ryo were in love, but kept it quiet for Ryo's sake being the sensitive man he was. While the NYPD had become accepting of homosexuals there were still many that believed they did not belong in such traditionally strong institutions. Their families knew and accepted them with open arms. It was THAT acceptance that made Dee realize that it was time to announce their love to the world. They would open up about their relationship to their friends at the precinct six months after becoming a couple and then six months later Dee made the ultimate decision. While gazing at the stars one moonlight night on the roof of his apartment with Ryo, Dee got down on one knee and proposed. Praying Ryo wouldn't find his proposing a threat to his masculinity (not that Ryo really needed to feel threatened, the man was macho as can be, just with a refined air), Dee was a bundle of nerves trying to keep his fears and emotions in check as held the ring box with a shaking hand. Ryo would look down at him moments later with tearful eyes and said yes. That of course sent Dee into a waterfall of tears and the two kissed and made love throughout the night.

Their wedding was a simple one, held at the park where Dee stole Ryo's first kiss (by a man anyway) with close family and friends in attendance including most of the crew from their precinct that was not on duty. Their honeymoon was romantic, a two week getaway to the Bahamas with sand, sun, and love which of course they made A LOT. Two weeks later, tanned and refreshed, they were ready to get back to keep the streets of New York safe.

That was months ago and now Ryo wished he could go back to feeling physically how he did in the Bahamas. Especially now since he and Dee got a call that a suspect they had been checking was now holding a person hostage in their apartment complex.

"I really shouldn't have given Dee the keys." He thought as he clutched his stomach as Dee pressed down harder on the gas pedal as they sped towards the scene. Ryo never got carsick, so he hoped once again that this was just the bug acting up again. He was glad all he had today was tea and toast, but he still felt sick as he tried to concentrate. Chances were he and JJ would be positioned as snipers and he needed to keep his wits about him and throwing up while holding a gun does not make it easy when eyeing your target.

They got to the scene where patrol cars, news stations and onlookers surrounded inside and outside of the yellow police tape. Their chief, Warren Smith, was standing with a few other officers. They approached their superior and saluted, well Ryo did, Dee just slouched ready to get the show on the road.

"Alright everyone." Chief Smith said peering down and pointing to at a map on squad car's trunk. "Just the perp and the hostage who happens to be his estranged wife. Seems she was intent on leaving him after years of abuse and he didn't take the news lightly even with numerous court orders. Usual scenario, Ryo you and JJ will be taking post at the roof of that restaurant over there. That's the best area to see the perp and get a good shot at him since he has been refusing to comply. Dee, you, Parker and the rest will be the charge team. Once he either complies or the sniper team takes him down rush in and get him so long as he doesn't injure his wife. They are in Apartment 10C. JJ and Ryo you will be able to see the perp from this area. Your scopes should be able to pick it up easy. JJ is already up there and wanting for you. Let's make this as clean and simple as can be."

The chief looked up.

"Everyone got it?"

Salutes and "yessirs" all around. The Chief then turned for a second to Ryo just as everyone began dispersing.

"Shit Maclean you look terrible." He said. "You sick again?"

Ryo shook his head as he went for his gun.

"I'm fine sir."

"Right, and Dee is a genius. Do you need to pull out? Tell me now!"

Ryo once again shook his head. He had been a successful sniper when he was fighting every illness imaginable, he could handle it.

"No sir." He said. "I can handle it."

The portly, hairy chief bit down on his cigarette.

"Alright." He said. "I'll take your word for it. But if the hostage gets caught in any mess I won't have any choice but to take action. You know the mayor has been up my ass as it is, I don't need anymore griping about my detectives."

Ryo nodded and was about to head to the restaurant where he was intercepted momentarily by Dee.

"Be careful Ryo." He whispered grabbing a quick moment to kiss his husband. "Love you."

Ryo smiled gently.

"You too." He said.

The chief hated warning good officers like Ryo. But with the city on his back to clean up the Two Seven's track record, he needed to make sure that they were complying and if something happened to the hostage because of Ryo's illness preventing his usually outstanding abilities (when Dee wasn't around) to perform, he'd never hear the end of it.

Ryo meanwhile met JJ who was already positioned and ready to strike.

"Ryo-senpai!" JJ said quietly as Ryo got himself ready. "You don't look very good."

"So I've been told, repeatedly!" Ryo grumbled even though he felt very woozy.

"Hey, just mentioning." JJ said. "No need to get snippy."

Ryo said nothing as he watched the perp from his gun's eye scope. He was pacing nervously as his wife sat on the couch in sheer terror. It already looked like he smacked her up a little bit. It made Ryo's already hot blood boil.

"If he would just stop moving around I might have a shot."

"Neil Haussman." The Chief's voice bellowed from a loudspeaker. "We are once again asking you to comply with us. Please come out with your hands up!"

"JUST GO AWAY!" He yelled from another window out of JJ and Ryo's view. "THIS IS BETWEEN A HUSBAND AND WIFE! NO PIG COPS!"

"Come on Neil!" The Chief tried to soothe him. "We know you are in pain, we want to help you! We have given you the phone to talk to your family, we have met with your demands with getting you some food. All we are asking is that you help us out here."

"SHE WANTS TO LEAVE ME!" Neil said pointing to his terrified wife. "AFTER TEN YEARS OF MARRIAGE!"

"We can get you guys some marriage counseling, some aid, all you gotta do is trust us guy!"

Neil looked at his wife. With a growl he grabbed her by the hair and pulled her to the window in JJ and Ryo's line of vision.

"LOOK AT THIS! TEN YEARS! I LOVED YOU DAMMIT AND THIS IS HOW YOU THANK ME? LOOK AT WHAT YOU MADE ME DO HUH! THE FUCKING COPS ARE INVOLVED AGAIN! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!"

The woman was crying and pleading for her life.

Next thing everyone knew Neil was stumbling back clutching a now bleeding shoulder blade. JJ looked to see Ryo's gun billowing smoke.

"PERP'S DOWN CHARGE TEAM MOVE!" JJ yelled into his walkie talkie.

Dee and his team moved in steadily and got a screaming, sobbing Neil down on the ground within minutes.

Meanwhile, JJ looked over at Ryo who was wiping sweat from his brow.

"Will ya warn me when you do that!" He asked. "I honestly would have taken the shot."

Ryo didn't respond. The adrenaline rush plus his illness had made him so light headed that spots were dancing in front of his eyes.

"I…I think…"

THUD

"SENPAI!"

Within moments Ryo was motionless on the ground.