Thorny Rose

Chapter Five: Phone Calls and Dinner

By: Ree

Pairing: Ryo/Dee, Berkley/Ryo

Rating: R

Ages: Thank you to one of my reviewers! Now I can say that Ryo is around 27-28, Dee is 26-27, and Berkley is in his mid-30's. Thank you very much for that review, it's really helped.

Summary: Berkley Rose is used to getting what he wants. What he wants is Ryo and he's bound and determined to get him no matter what the cost. Taking advantage of Dee's leave of absence, he begins his carefully planned seduction of the naïve man. What will Dee think when he comes back?

Disclaimer: I do not own Fake. The series is Sanami Matoh's, so don't sue me because ya won't get anything.

Author's Notes: Thank you to all of my reviewers! You guys are the ones that keep me writing! I can't name you all, but you know who you are! Huggles and kudos to everyone who reviewed so far.

Dee sighed heavily and stretched out on the couch. He was bored, he was becoming stir-crazy, and he missed Ryo. He also didn't trust that rat Berkley being around Ryo when he wasn't there. If that asshole messes with Ryo one more time, I'll kill him, the dark-haired man vowed, clenching his hand into a fist. Diana had been great company, but a case had come up and since Dee was on vacation (and he hated to work on vacation), he had ended up staying at her house. Although there was satellite television, he was quickly becoming even more bored than before. Maybe I'll call Ryo and see how things are going. Picking up the cordless phone next to his head, he dialed the familiar number of his boyfriend's house. When it rang five times and no answer, he hung up and tried the cell.

"Hello?" a voice answered.

"Hey Ryo, how ya doing?"

"Oh, Dee, it's you. I was wondering if you were going to call. I'm doing fine, working on a case that came up this week. How are you doing? How's Diana? Are you enjoying your vacation?"

Dee smiled as he heard the other's voice flow through the phone. Although he was going back in a few days, he still missed hearing Ryo speak. Oh when I do get back though, he is not leaving the bed for a few days. Almost missing what the other was saying, Dee pulled himself out of his perverted thoughts and tried to pay more attention to what Ryo was saying. Laughing a bit, he and Ryo talked for a while longer until he finally felt right to ask...

"So, has Berkley been harassing you at all?"

A slight pause followed before Ryo answered. "No, he's just been his usual self. Hasn't been bothering me at all, now that you mention it. Why? Don't you think I can take care of myself?"

"Hey, I know you can take care of yourself, Ryo, I was just worried. I don't want Berkley laying his hands on you while I'm not there to kick his ass into next week for trying."

"Dee, you worry too much. I tell you, I can take care of myself. There's nothing to worry about."

"Still Ryo, I don't trust him. Make sure to keep your guard up and don't be your usual airhead self."

"Excuse me? You're calling me the airhead?"

That brought out Dee's teasing side and he forgot about Berkley. Ryo can take care of himself; I don't know what I was worried about. Still, something gnawed away at him in the back of his mind. If he can take care of himself, then why do I have this bad feeling something's going on in the back of my mind? Shaking his head, Dee tried to talk some sense into his head. He knew that Ryo would never cheat on him, even if there was temptation. Still, it didn't stop that feeling that something wasn't right. He couldn't wait to get home.

"Dee, are you still there? Dee?"

"Yeah, I'm still here. Listen, I want you to promise me that no matter what happens, you'll stay away from Berkley. If he does come at you, just kick him in the balls or something."

"Oh, I already did that after he tried to feel me up."

A long pause followed that statement. "WHAT????!!! I THOUGHT YOU SAID THAT NOTHING HAPPENED, RYO!!!"

"Nothing did happen! He tried to come onto me and I just sort of...kneed him in the groin. Don't worry; he didn't get the chance to try anything with me so you can calm down Dee! Really, calm down!"

Calming down slightly, Dee then started to laugh. "Oh man, what I would have given to have seen the look on his face! It must have been priceless! Way to go man, I am really impressed!"

"It's not funny Dee. It got the message across, so he hasn't tried anything since. Don't worry about it."

"All right, Ryo, but if you keep denying nothing happened, then I'm going to start getting suspicious. I'm not as dumb as some people think, Ryo, and if I find out something happened..."

"Dee, there's nothing to worry about. Trust me; Berkley won't try anything else while we're working on this case. This could be our chance to nail Ed if we can just find a way to get him."

"Wait a minute, Ed? Tall, big, black guy, Ed? The Ed who had that psycho killing off girls? The one who nearly killed Diana?"

"One in the same. Seems he's starting a new prostitution ring, this time with adolescent boys. Parents are selling their sons to him for large amounts of money, making them rich, while their sons whore themselves to other men. A few boys have turned up dead, and we think we found the next target."

"Well, good luck with the case. Should I come back early so I can give you a hand with it?"

"No, that's all right. You just enjoy the rest of your vacation, Dee. It's probably going to be the only time you get to be lazy without having to worry about being called into work."

"Hey, watch who you're calling lazy, Ryo," he teased and smiled softly. "I miss you, you know."

"I know, I miss you too. I can't wait until you get home."

"You and me both because when I get home, I'm not letting you leave the bedroom for a few days."

"Way to go Mr. Genius, now you've just revealed to me your plan, so I can prepare for it."

Laughter followed that statement as Dee held the phone between his ear and shoulder. It really hit him just then how much he missed his boyfriend. It wasn't so bad at night, but just not being able to see him, hold him, and talk with him like this...it brought a pang to Dee's heart. Look at me, acting the part of the sentimental fool. Kinda like that time I got sick with a cold and Ryo took care of me. Smiling at the memory, he lay there listening to the other man describing what had happened with Bikky and Carole. It turned out the two had made some new friends and were spending a lot of time with them recently.

"Anyway, Ryo, enough about Bikky...are you sure you don't want me to come home and help you with the case?"

"No way, I'm fine. Just have fun and enjoy yourself, Dee. I know how much you love your vacation time."

"All right, take care of yourself Ryo."

"Thanks Dee...I'll see you soon."

As he hung up, Ryo sighed. He'd wanted to tell Dee that he loved him, but that would have brought on more guilt about what had happened. How could I have let Berkley kiss me? Better yet, why didn't I push him away? There's just something about him that reminds me of Dee...he sighed heavily and placed his hand on his forehead. Setting his cell phone down, the papers involving the case spread over his desk, he began to wonder how he was going to tell Dee. After all, Ryo couldn't keep that a secret, he wanted to be completely honest with the other man.

"Yet why do I have this feeling of foreboding?"

"Hello Ryo, talking with Dee?"

Looking up, he saw the Commissioner sitting on the edge of his desk with something like concern shining in his eyes. Ryo nodded as he cleared away some of the papers so they didn't get ripped. Reaching over, the blonde- haired man touched Ryo's shoulder gently and gave him a small smile. Looking confused, the dark-eyed male glanced up at Berkley.

"Commissioner...why are you being so concerned? I thought you hated Dee with a passion."

"I don't hate him, he just gets on my nerves," he replied, lying through his teeth. "And I am more concerned about you. Are you sure you can handle this case without letting your emotions stop you? I know you're a tough cop, Ryo, but sometimes you do get a little sensitive."

"I'm sure I can take this one, Commissioner. Don't worry, I'm sure that if we can just corner Ed, then we'll be able to get him once and for all. This way, we can put a stop to him for good."

"You're very passionate about your job, Ryo."

"Of course I am."

"And here I was thinking that you could only be passionate when it came to Dee. It appears that I was wrong. Say Ryo, you wouldn't by any chance want to join me for dinner tonight? After all, you've been working hard on this case, and it might help get you recharged."

Raising a suspicious eyebrow at the other man, Ryo studied him intently. He doesn't seem to be lying to me. And he does look concerned...perhaps it wouldn't hurt to give him the benefit of a doubt. Then he recalled what had happened not only in the office, but in the parking lot at the mental hospital. Idiot, you can't be alone with Berkley! Smiling up at the other man, he shook his head slowly. I absolutely can't be alone with him.

"I'm sorry Sir, but I'm afraid I must decline. After all, I promised Carole that she could sleep over with Bikky tonight and I can't leave those two alone. They'd most likely tear down the house without me there."

"All right...but perhaps I could bring something over to your apartment? Give you a break from cooking."

He looked thoughtful. Well, there's no way we could be alone with Bikky and Carole there. Mentally chuckling, Ryo realized something else as well. If he did try anything, Bikky would be there. Even though he pretends he doesn't, he really likes Dee and would probably kill Berkley if he tried anything. Making up his mind, Ryo nodded and smiled at Berkley.

"Sure, if you could bring some pizza that would be great. Carole and Bikky are crazy about it."

"It doesn't sound as though you care for it, however," Berkley replied and began to write down the order. "Do you want something other than pizza, Ryo? I'd be happy to get it for you."

"Well, I wouldn't mind some spaghetti if you're going to an Italian place. Bikky loves breadsticks, so those would be appreciated. Here," he dug into his wallet for some money, but Berkley stopped him.

"I'll treat you, after all, it's the least I can do. You've been working hard on this case by yourself and you deserve a thank-you for doing so. All right, pizza, spaghetti, and breadsticks. What kind of pizza?"

"Meat, most likely, and some peppers and olives on half of it for Carole. I don't know why, but she likes those things."

"All right, I'll need your address so I know where to bring the food."

Ryo gave Berkley his address before gathering up his things and saying good- bye to the other people there. Smiling, Berkley pocketed the paper with everything written on it and headed for his car. I knew that force wouldn't work...I'll just have to play it smarter from now on. I'll bring dinner all right, but I'll also bring a little something extra just for you Ryo. Fingering a little vial in his pocket, Berkley slid into his car and headed for the nearest Italian restaurant. Meanwhile, the chestnut-haired cop drove to his apartment and headed up the stairs.

"Hey Bikky, hi Carole, you two didn't cause any trouble while I was gone, did you?" he teased, taking off his jacket and hanging it up. "I don't want to hear more complaints from the neighbors."

"Now why would we do that?" Carole laughed and winked.

"So, what's for dinner, Ryo?" Bikky demanded.

"Well, Commissioner Rose is going to bring us something. Now before you get any ideas, I'm just going to take the food from him, thank him, and send him on his way. I finally got the message across to him that I'm not interested," he explained hastily, noting their suspicious looks.

"But Ryo, he's even more aggressive than Dee!" Carole protested.

"Yeah, and we all know what a big pervert Dee is," Bikky added, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Don't worry you two, things will go just fine. After all, I am a trained police officer, I can take care of myself. Besides, I have a feeling he won't try anything with you two as witnesses," Ryo laughed.

"Yeah, cause if he does, I'll tell Dee," Carole laughed and went to put her bag in Bikky's room.

"And if Dee finds out, then he'll most likely kill that guy. That I'd pay big money to see," the blonde-haired kid snickered as he followed Carole. "Let us know when he gets here!"

"Don't worry, I'll let you know," Ryo replied and smiled. "After all, what could possibly go wrong?"

Famous last words, Ryo. Will he regret accepting Berkley's invitation to treat him to dinner in his own apartment? What's he got in his pocket? And will Bikky get to kick Berkley's ass like he does with Dee all the time? Find out in the next chapter! R&R please!

Ree