Rated: R
Language: English
Genres: Action/Adventure/Romance
Title: Play in 15 Acts
Summary: A new arrival splits up the team of Dee and Ryo. Will Ryo's new partner put a permanent wedge between the two or will love overcome jealousy and danger?

Play in 15 Acts


Act IV

"But...But we just met yesterday." Ryo objected.

"And I was instantly attracted to you." Touin insisted.

"Oh...Uh,...Dee and I..." Ryo began, only to be cut off.

"Are an item, I know." Touin finished for Ryo, releasing him. "But that doesn't change the way I feel. I'm sorry. I can't let you set yourself up that way. I'll go; I'll ask the questions that make him nervous."

"There's a problem with that." stated Ryo, shaking his head. "I've been in this neighborhood a few times. Odds are, if I'm spotted, they're going to know it's a set up. You, on the other hand, are unknown. You can blend in with all the locals."

"I don't like it." Touin insisted with a wide scowl.

Ryo patted his shoulder. "I'll be fine." he promised, smiling. "Maybe we should try and set you up with JJ." he added thoughtfully. "That is..."

"Forget it!" Touin growled. "As determined as that brat is, he'll get Dee before it's over."

"You think so?" asked Ryo, looking worried. He trusted Dee but JJ was another matter. If JJ kept at him, Dee just might give in to get him to stop. After all, he had done it once before. Pretending to leave Ryo all alone while he was sick just so JJ would shut up."

"Look, forget I said anything. And...Fine. Go ahead. Ask Somma your questions. I've got your back."

"Thanks." said Ryo, leaving Touin in the shadows by the entryway. He took a deep breath to calm himself before going to Apartment 1D and knocking. He had to concentrate on the case, not on Dee. "That was a waste of time." Dee grumbled as he and JJ got back into the car. "Clean kid; no enemies, just in the wrong place."

"Think we might have a serial killer on our hands?" JJ asked.

"We'll know if another body shows up." Dee replied with a shrug. "Let's head back to the station. I want to check the results of the autopsy."

"How about some lunch first?" JJ suggested. "Benny's is close by."

"Sure, whatever." Dee agreed.

JJ pulled the car to a stop less than three miles down the road and the two got out and went inside. "What the hell? JJ!" screamed Dee, bopping JJ on the head. "This is one of those places for lovers."

JJ looked around the restaurant, each table against the wall with a single rose as the center piece. His eyes shone with excitement as he looked up at Dee, rubbing his head at the same time.

"Forget it!" Dee declared, not giving JJ a chance to say anything. He spun around and exited the building.

JJ ran to catch up, grabbing the handle to the passenger door as Dee threw the car into reverse.

"You were going to leave me!" JJ accused him once he was inside.

"You're lucky I don't kill you!" snapped Dee. "What were you thinking?"

"You and Ryo go out." JJ said, his lips pouting.

"Not when we're on duty. And just because I go out with Ryo doesn't mean I'll go out with you." Dee retorted.

"Why not?" whined JJ. "What's so special about him? I'm a better shot than he is and I'm cuter. Besides, he's got a new partner now. I know, I know," he added quickly, holding up his hands, "It's only a temporary thing. But two weeks gives Touin plenty of time to break down Ryo's defenses. And, let's face it, Ryo's pretty dim when it comes to some things."

Dee didn't reply. He just gripped the steering wheel tighter as he made his way back to the station. JJ was right; Ryo was an airhead when it came to any type of sexual advance. Hell, even he had had to physically pounce on Ryo before he accepted his advances for what they were.

Damn Rose. he silently cursed. Why couldn't he have put me with Touin for the drug case? Ryo would have been safe with JJ.

"Maybe not." Dee mumbled aloud to himself, casting a sideways glance at JJ.

Sexually safe, sure. But two weeks with JJ picking at Ryo's ego might have ended their relationship.