Title: Safehouse

Chapter: Two

Warnings: angst, musings

Summary: Ryo, Dee, and Bikky deal with the events.

Beta: Thanks to Kimmarie for beta reading this chapter 

"Are you all right?" Dee asked seriously, trying his hardest to not interfere with the walls Ryo had put up the moment they had arrived at home. The blonde haired man had become completely silent, to the point where nothing could stimulate him. He was incredibly slow moving, whispering to himself silently. In a normal situation, stressed out, talking-to-himself Ryo was a lovely sight, but today, it was worrisome. Of course, while trying not to interfere, the worried lover was trying to force his way in. He was deeply hurt by his friend's injury, and the change of tides, but otherwise, he was all right. Ryo moved around the apartment, so dutifully.

Ryo shook his head, his face extremely ashen. He was defensive, but less evasive then what Dee had prepared for. "I'm just worried Dee. You know me; I like to be in control of the situation. This is definitely not control. Now I'm trying to call Aunt Elena, but she's not picking up. Bikky's not home from school yet… and I…"

Dee silenced his lover by placing a hand on his shoulder. Ryo's chest heaved, and he leaned back towards Dee, turning around and throwing his arms around the other man. Dee tried to say something comforting. "Ryo, it'll be okay. We've just got to pull it together, and it'll be okay. I bet we won't even be in that position for too long. The suspect will get caught, just like they always do."

Ryo smiled, and looked at Dee nodding. He let go of the man's neck, and tried the cell phone again. The tiny gray phone in his hand was nestled against his ear, and all of a sudden, his expression changed. "Aunt Elena," he said quickly. "It's me, Ryo. I really need to ask you a huge favor. Something serious has come up at work and I need you to watch Bikky for me."

She asked him for an explanation. It was obvious to Dee as well; just by the way Ryo flinched. Ryo shook his head and Dee almost laughed at his old habit of being so physically expressive in a telephone conversation. "You've got to understand, Elena, I just can't tell you. Can you please do this for me? No… I don't know how long either. I'm sorry."

She said that she could, and that her husband Rick would be delighted to have Ryo's son stay with them for a while. Ryo smiled, breathing slowly, and evidently relieved. "Oh Elena, thank you so much. The second he gets home from school, I'll talk to him… and drop him off tonight. I love you. Bye."

Dee watched as Ryo hit the red button on the top of his phone. He noticed that the phone in Ryo's hands was shaking, trembling along with his body. He saw that Ryo almost dropped it with the shock. "Feel any better?" Dee asked quietly, trying to sound cheerful.

"Yes." Ryo spoke very slowly. "Elena is the greatest woman I have ever met."

"She raised you," Dee said, trying to ease some of the sharp tension in the room. "She raised you, so she can't be half bad. Course, when this is all over, I'd really like to meet them. You're always talking about how great they are, but I've never even spoken to them."

"I promised them I would introduce you sooner or later," Ryo said softly, brushing his hand over the side of his own heated face. "I will too. You'll just love Elena, you two are so alike."

Dee nodded, and then looked at Ryo, judging carefully his next words. "Do you need anything?" he asked quietly.

Ryo shook his head, looking around like a suffocating man trying to find air. "No Dee, I don't. I'm going to go take a shower, okay? When Bikky comes home from school, come and get me."

Dee watched unhappily as Ryo left the room. He breathed deeply though, and walked into their bedroom, where he could gather their things. After adding the usual necessities to the bag, he scrambled to find the perfect extras. He was scared too, with a madman looking for his blood, but through it all he had to make sure that Ryo was content. Most things of Ryo's, items like his photo album, and his notebooks, would keep him happy through the worry. He pulled the zipper on the bag closed, and waited for Ryo to return. Unfortunately for Dee, Bikky returned first.

"Hey," the young man said quickly, jumping onto the armchair at the end of the room. "What's wrong? Why are you home so early?"

"Your dad needs to talk to you," Dee said softly, knowing exactly how weak his small voice sounded. He had nothing to say, nothing to lighten the mood with. Instantly, Bikky leapt up.

"What's wrong?" he asked breathlessly. "Is everything okay?"

"I wouldn't feel right saying anything right now," Dee said, grinning uncertainly. "For once I'm going to keep my big mouth shut, and go get him to talk to you. Wait just a sec."

Bikky nodded, slowly, and Dee could see the terror mounting in the child's eyes. He laughed for realizing that someone loyal and devoted to his family was slowly replacing the tough street kid in Bikky. It was really cool, in his opinion, that Ryo had that effect on people. It reminded him of himself at one point in his life, when he realized that there were so many more important things in life. He grinned, but then reminded of the situation, his stomach seemed to sink, and he went off to get Ryo.

"Hey," he said, opening the shower door. Silhouetted on the glass of the shower door, his lover's beautiful form stood. Ryo turned, and opened the shower door, looking at him. "Dee, is Bikky home already?" Ryo asked calmly. It seemed that by showering, the man had calmed himself significantly.

"Yeah." Dee answered, finding his voice to be slightly shaken. "Are you ready?"

Ryo nodded, and throwing a towel around his waist, stepped out of the shower carefully. "Tell him I'm going to get dressed," Ryo said evenly, not in the same crisis mode he was before.

Dee left the room, feeling obedient. "He'll be out in a minute," Dee said quietly, walking past Bikky, who followed him.

"But what's going on?"

"Let him explain it, please. Dee panicked instantly. He was trying hard not to let Bikky see it, but he was really afraid of not saying things right. Luckily, Ryo arrived about five minutes later, dressed. His wet hair hung in a manner that Dee would usually find wildly alluring, but not at the moment.

"Hey," Ryo said quietly. "Um… sit down, okay?"

Ryo paced around the room. Dee shuddered, never realizing how much the floor of their home echoed. "Well, Bikky, something very serious has occurred at work."

"Yeah?" Bikky asked softly. "What's up? You're both okay, right?"

"Yes," Ryo reassured. "Dee and I are fine, but there is a threat to our safety, and we have to leave you for some time with my Aunt Elena."

"I…I don't know your aunt," Bikky said, and Ryo and Dee could both see how uncomfortable he was. "Um…"

"I know Bikky." Ryo's voice was calm, even. "Aunt Elena and Uncle Rick are wonderful people though, and they'll look after you until we can come home safely."

"When's that?" Bikky asked insecurely, and Ryo flinched. He knew exactly what his child was feeling. When he was little, his parents would go away on many business trips for the company they both worked at. He would always be plagued with that uncertainty, that child bred fear that his parents would never return. He hated to admit it, but there had come a day when that fear had been validated inside of him. He hoped that it would never happen to his own son.

"Not so sure," Ryo said timidly. "I wish I could be entirely certain, but you understand our job, don't you?"

Bikky nodded. "Should I get my stuff together?"

Ryo nodded, and Bikky rushed off into his bedroom. Dee looked at Ryo, and both men felt the extreme frustration they were enduring, and just how powerful it was. "I hate leaving Bikky with anyone, even them," Ryo admitted quietly.

"It's natural," Dee said, shrugging to show that he really didn't understand. Ryo's chest rose and fell quickly, underneath the white shirt he had pulled on. Ryo seemed to be amidst a panic attack of some type, but was suppressing it beneath his skin.

Ryo had confessed to him about the generalized anxiety disorder about a month after they had become a couple. "It was never a big deal to me," Ryo said then, "but I'm too afraid to keep any secrets from you." Ryo took medication for the disorder, which had been a part of him since late childhood, along with depression. Yet Ryo, like all sufferers of the disorder, often had panic attacks, despite three years of therapy and continuous medication.

"Are you okay, baby?" Dee asked, squinting slightly. It was painful, trying to push Ryo into saying something he didn't want to. "Is it an attack?"

"Just minor," Ryo said, nodding slightly. "It's really not too bad. I'm just- a little tense."

"I'm going to call up JJ's apartment while we're waiting for Bikky to finish up." Dee walked toward the kitchen with a sense of duty. Ryo smiled a little, and said something in a quiet voice.

"What?" Dee asked, turning around sharply.

"That's so sweet Dee."

Dee shrugged, laughing aloud. "I can be worried about the poor kid," Dee said, waving his hand dismissively. "Sure, poor guy was captivated by the hotness that is me for awhile, but he's a good guy and I don't want to see anyone beating themselves up over what happened to Drake."

"I know how he feels." Ryo's voice was soft, and in defense and sadness. "You've never killed anyone on duty, have you Dee?"

"I've tried." Dee answered with a remorse Ryo didn't quite expect. "I've let my temper take control of me, and I almost have. Those Ryo… those are the moments I especially wish I was more like you."

"I have," Ryo admitted slowly. "Never wanted to, never even meant to do it. Yet it happens when your job is kill or be killed. It really hurts, and now for JJ… he also has to feel as if it's his fault that Drake was hurt.

"I know," Dee agreed, sighing. "That's why I'm calling."

"You're the best Dee," Ryo said in a way that made Dee smile as he walked into the kitchen.

He reached for the phone that hung above the countertop. Quickly dialing the numbers that were written on a tiny notepad Ryo used as an address book of sorts, Dee held the phone in hand and realized it was making him nervous. He didn't know what there was to be afraid of, but it was there.

The phone rang several times before it was picked up. "Um… hello," the voice on the other end said softly. Dee, for a moment, almost believed that the number was wrong. He was so accustomed to JJ's happy, cheerful voice, that this sound was shocking.

"JJ, it's me," he said, trying to sound like nothing had disturbed him. "You doing all right?"

"Not really, Dee-sempai," JJ admitted, slowly. "But I'm getting together my things now. I just…I can't believe I've done this to everyone!"

Dee noticed that JJ gave an odd laugh while he blamed himself. It was creepy, and he couldn't help his instant defense. "Hey, man, ease up on yourself… none of this is your fault."

The loud, forced laughter continued. "No, it really is. I shot to kill with Jensen. He died, and now everyone is in trouble."

"Come on," Dee said, in as calm of a voice as he could. "You take the risk everyday, by giving your talent with a gun to New York. He was a man who pushed too far. If you didn't push back it would've been that little kid who died."

"Dee…"

"You forget that I was there," Dee said, grimacing over the remembrance. It had been so tense, and everyone had been so afraid that any action would go up in flames. The man had been insane, and was immune to all bargaining. "It was a tense situation and we all took a ton of risks. You just happened to take the most."

"I could've done something different," JJ said regretfully. "I know I could've. I've done assignments so similar to that one, so many times, and I've rarely had to even gravely wound a suspect."

Dee wanted to say something, to loudly object. To make light of the intense worry, and make it seem like every other day. "C'mon JJ, you don't believe that. You did a good job. Now are you ready, or do you need help?"

"No thank you. I hope everything is going easily for you today. Does Ryo need any help?"

Dee sighed quietly, but answered quickly. "No. He's taking his kid over to his aunt's house in a little while. He'll be okay though, he's got me." Dee cringed for a moment, regretting his choice of words. He never had really thought about it like that before, but JJ, the kid had nobody.

"Oh, that's good Dee-sempai," JJ said. "I'll see you at work in the morning then?"

"Sure." Dee hung up the telephone, feeling more disturbed than before. Luckily, before much thought could be administered to the situation, Ryo and Bikky entered the kitchen.

"Did you call, Dee?" Ryo asked gently.

Dee shrugged. "I did, and it doesn't sound so good. But we'll all be okay sooner or later."

Ryo nodded in agreement. "Why don't we swing over to Elena's house now? I really want to get this over with."

Dee nodded, feeling inside of the pocket of his pants. He found the car key quickly, and held it up for Ryo to see. "Okay then," he said, grabbing the bag in which Bikky had obviously loaded with his things. "Come one, come all, I'm finally going to meet Ryo's relatives."

Ryo laughed genuinely, and inwardly, Dee was congratulating himself on the success. It eased the anxiety that was floating around them. They went outside, to Dee's car. Ryo slid in, seeming unusually calm, and Dee knew that he had talked himself into being at ease with what was happening.

The driving was unusually silent, except for the light humming of a classic rock station playing on the radio at minimum volume. Dee tried to focus on the winding road that led to Ryo's relatives, yet he could not help staring at Ryo, and then peering into the backseat at Bikky. He was anxious, and this situation was so surreal.

"Dee, watch out for the signs," Ryo warned in a hushed voice. "I think their street – Blackberry Avenue – is only a couple of minutes from here." Then Ryo laughed, a slight, thoughtful sound.

"What?" Dee asked, trying to smile.

Ryo laughed. "Oh nothing, I just remember Elena and Rick taking me to that park we just passed. My uncle would always play soccer with me, even if he obviously hated the sport. He just wanted to see me enjoying myself."

"I bet he looked as dorky as you do when you two play basketball," Dee teased shooting a look at Bikky, who laughed.

"I don't look that dorky!" Ryo laughed aloud.

"Um… actually…" Bikky admitted quietly. "It does look kind of … um… stupid. But it's cool. Might of looked dumb, but it was…not so dumb."

Dee laughed appreciatively. He remembered Bikky trying to teach Ryo the basics of the sport he loved so much. Ryo was so uncoordinated, and had looked like a total idiot. But he understood what Bikky meant. They'd had a lot of fun together that day.

"Ok, guys, here's Blackberry Avenue," Dee said. "What do I do next?"

"Oh, turn left here, Dee," Ryo said when he saw the signs of a familiar grocery store. "Elena and Rick only live a few streets down."

Within moments, Ryo told him to stop. Dee stopped in front of a fair sized home, painted a soft blue color. None of them had a chance to step out of the car, before a fair-haired woman ran out of the door, and right towards them. "Ryo, sweetie!" she exclaimed.

Ryo opened the door and stepped out of the car. The minute he did, the woman swept him into a tight hug. "Oh my goodness, you've grown up so much!"

Ryo chuckled softly. "Elena, I saw you three months ago."

"Well I know," she said, putting both hands on her hips. "I know that Ryo, but we only saw each other for a couple of minutes. I missed you."

"Missed you too, Elena," Ryo admitted, frowning over the lack of time he managed to spend with her in recent years He loved her so much, but life had just got in the way.

"Well hon," she said, gesturing towards where Bikky and Dee were stepping out of the car. "Every message you send tells me about these two. Am I finally going to meet them?"

Ryo blushed significantly, pulling his often-loud aunt towards them. Dee stood up straight and looked directly at her. "Aunt Elena, this is Dee," Ryo said quietly, his face turning what Dee would consider a 'whole new color of Ryo embarrassment.'

Elena's eyes widened, and she smiled brightly. "Wow," she said, shaking Dee's hand forcefully. It seemed that his aunt's eyes were locked on Dee, as she just kept staring. For an instant, Ryo wondered how Dee could stand her staring like that.

"Wow Ryo, he is everything and more," she said, her eyes suggesting that she knew how much she was embarrassing her nephew. "Ooh, you know how to pick 'em. Got that from me, right?"

"I'm sure he did," Dee said, letting go of her hand. "It's really nice to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you, but I was starting to think you didn't really exist."

"I'm real," she said, glaring sarcastically at Ryo. "But my nephew is just too busy to care about his poor aunt and uncle. It's cool meeting you Dee, at last. And now I must meet…"

"Oh yes," Ryo said quickly, recovering from the embarrassment. "Aunt Elena, this is Bikky."

"Oh yes," she said, sounding delighted. "Every call from my nephew is hours of talking endlessly about this one. How are you doing?"

"Fine," Bikky said slowly, and everyone could tell that he was annoyed. At thirteen years old, he was definitely not the child Ryo had made him seem to his aunt. "Very good."

"Aw, cute," she gushed, grinning madly. "Do you boys want to come in before you leave?" '

"I want to say hello to Rick," Ryo answered nodding. "I hate to say it, but we really can't stay too long. There are things that need taking care of."

"Come on in then," Elena invited. She led them up a winding path composed of several stones, and into the door of the house. The front room of the house was modestly furnished, but tiny little things showed his aunt's wacky personality. A long line of hot pink plastic flowers hanging from the ceiling, an orange pillow lying on the plain gray sofa, a gigantic photograph of Rick and Elena in a crazy patterned frame… Ryo smiled, comforted by these sights.

"Hey, is that who I think it is?" asked a voice from off to the side of Ryo. He smiled to see his Uncle Rick, standing in front of him smiling.

"Uncle Rick," Ryo said excitedly, hugging the man. "Uncle Rick, this is Dee and Bikky."

"Hey," Rick said loudly, a grin on his good-natured face. "I've been wanting to meet these two for some time now. Good to see you all."

The man seemed so friendly, that all discomfort was eased in an instant. He smiled and greeted both Dee and Bikky like he had known them for years. Ryo laughed, knowing that it was like his uncle to make his family feel welcome.

"So son, what's wrong?" Rick asked, the moment he could pull Ryo away from the joyous meeting of his family members. "Elena said you had difficulty at work."

"I wish I could be more specific, especially to you and Elena," Ryo admitted, sighing deeply. "I love you both, so much. But… this is serious, and if Dee and I don't take care of it, we could be in serious danger."

"I understand," Rick said calmly. Ryo always was jealous of his nature. "Ryo, go on and do what you have to. Don't worry for an instant about your child. He is perfectly safe with your Aunt Elena and I. Elena already is in love with your boy anyway. She loves kids."

"Thanks," Ryo said quietly. "This is nerve-racking and I don't know quite how to deal with it. Only you and Elena could make it all that much better. I'll admit it, I'm scared, but I know I don't have to worry about Bikky. Thank you."

Rick chuckled. "You worry so much," Rick sighed, "Just like your aunt does, though she won't openly admit it. I'll be very glad to see you when this is all over."

Ryo sighed sadly, and felt like he was jumping into an icy pool of water, as he had to say goodbye to Bikky. Nothing compared to the frightening feeling that told him this could be the last time he saw the boy he considered a son. He knew that he put his life at risk many, many times… but this was different. He had a target on his head for his involvement in a shooting.

It seemed so casual, a "goodbye, I'll see you as soon as I can," but it felt like so much more. It felt like a world crumbling, and walls closing in. It felt like so much pain, that Ryo had to grip Dee by the arm and drag him out of the friendly territory, just so they could move on their path.

"Dee, let's get out of here," Ryo urged quietly. "Let's go home."

Ryo knew that Dee was concerned; yet he also knew that Dee would respect him. In what felt like a blur, they drove back home, leaving Bikky in the safety of Aunt Elena and Uncle Rick.