“Dee! Stop dammit! Dee! Get off of me now!” Ryo pushed Dee off of him and quickly jumped out of the bed, dark eyes burning holes through the man still lying there, stunned by the current events.

“What‘s wrong now?” Looking less then thrilled about having his advances thwarted Dee sat up and grabbed his pack of cigarettes. Taking one from the pack he lit it and slowly drew in the before blowing the smoke back out.

“Son of a bitch Ryo! I thought that you wanted it just as much as I did! Yet there you are, acting like I just committed a holy sin or something!” Dee wasn’t just irritated now, he was pissed. His glorious erection had faded and that was a down right waste as far as he was concerned!

“What’s wrong? You! That’s what! The way that you were going at it! Dammit Dee! Just now I felt more like a piece of meat then I did your lover!” Ryo blew the bangs off his forehead, as he stood there frustrated at Dee’s animalistic way of making love.

“It’s not like you’re a virgin Ryo! We’ve been together for two years now! You should be used to it by now. You should also be used to the way that I am! I can‘t help it that you turn me on so badly that I all I want to do is make love to you.” Dee’s emerald green eyes stared at his lover, feeling both hurt and confused.

“I know that I’m not a virgin dammit! But holy shit Dee! You jump me, pump me then roll off and fall asleep. That’s not making love! That’s sex!” Ryo paced back and forth, trying to find the words he needed in order to get Dee to understand him.

“I realize that you don‘t do slow. I accept that you don‘t care for sensual. And I really don‘t mind that there‘s no conversation afterwards. But that doesn’t change the fact that once in awhile I need those things! I need more then just a quick fuck! I need more Dee!”

“Like what? Passion? You get that baby. Foreplay? I’m all for that as well. So what’s left? Romance?” Dee chuckled. “Is that what you need? Notes, flowers, wine... The whole spiel?” Dee stopped laughing when Ryo turned and faced him.

“Exactly Dee! I need romance! As corny as it sounds, it’s exactly what I need every so often.” Ryo sighed softly. “Surely you know what that is right?”

“Yeah but... Ah hell Ryo! You know that I’m not good at that! Besides, isn’t all that more for a man and a woman?” Dee arched an eyebrow, knowing how much Ryo hated any reference to the possibility that they would be viewed like that. “I’m being a man dammit! So are you... Now you want to get all girly whirly on me?”

“NO! That’s not what I meant you asshole!” Ryo clenched his teeth. “We both can be romantic without one of us losing our masculinity! I get tired of the same old thing Dee! I get tired of jumping into bed and one of us ravishing the other. Not that that‘s a bad thing mind you. I just want slow and sensual once in awhile.” Ryo slumped down onto the bed and sighed.

“So what do you want me to do? Tell me Ryo and I’ll gladly do it!” Dee crunched out his cigarette and pulled Ryo close. “You know that I’m not good with all that romance crap. I see what I want and I go for it... It’s plain, simple and leaves no doubt about my intentions.”

“I know that Dee and I respect you for that. I... Well it’s just that I want to feel special every once in awhile. Use your imagination. If I have to give step by step instructions, then it takes something away from the whole thing.” Ryo sighed and lowered his head.

“It’s that important to you huh?” Dee rested his chin on Ryo’s shoulder and sighed.

“Yes Dee. I miss that... I miss the tenderness and the gentle way you would make love to me. I miss that slow burning passion we used to share.” Ryo rested his head against Dee’s, feeling bad that he had ruined their evening.

“I miss it too baby.” Dee could see that this really meant something to Ryo and he had to agree that lately their sex lives had become reduced to nothing more then a wham bam thank you ma’am sort of event. Part of that was due to their work schedules more then anything. Putting in twelve-hour plus shifts left you too tired for anything but a quickie.

“Hey, let’s just go to bed okay? Give me a day to or so to come up with something and I promise you that I will make you feel like a king.” Dee kissed the top of Ryo’s head and then smiled when Ryo snuggled closer to him. “I’m sorry baby, I should have been more aware of your feelings.”

“That’s okay Dee. I should have been more open.” Ryo looked up into Dee’s face and smiled. “I do love you Dee. That will never change.”

“Good because I am going to find a way to make you fall in love with me, all over again!” Laughing softly, Dee slid down into the bed, drawing Ryo down with him. “I guess that I just take things for granted sometimes. You are always doing sweet things for me and I assume that that’s enough for you.”

“It is Dee, most of the time anyway.” Ryo lay his head on Dee’s chest and sighed. “I love doing things for you. Things that one would consider to be romantic and all. But sometimes I just need to get some of that back.”

“Well then, get it back you will!” Dee gave Ryo a gentle squeeze. “Valentine’s Day is in three days and I am going to make it a day that you will never forget!”

“Thank you Dee.” Ryo sighed and settled down, curious as to what Dee would come up with. Ryo all ready had his own ideas for that day, ones that would show Dee that he could be just as animalistic and lusty as Dee was.

Ryo stretched as he reached for the alarm clock, wishing like hell that he could just turn it off and go back to sleep. Damn but he was tired! Last night he and Dee had gotten stuck attending a Valentine’s Eve dinner that Berkley and Diana had forced them to attend with them. Mainly because no one else would go. Not only was it boring as hell, but because of all the high society snoots there, Ryo and Dee were forced to stay at arm’s length. Dee spent most of the night chomping at the bit, unable to so much as hold Ryo’s hand or gaze lovingly into his eyes. Of course Ryo had felt the same way too.

Instead of being with him, Dee had found himself being partnered with a woman named Mandy, from the traffic unit, who was bent on telling him all about her grandmother’s boils and not the very best when it came to table manners. In fact, she actually put Dee to shame with some of the things that she did. At least he was luckier. He was partnered with Louise, a very sweet and fun loving women from the FBI unit. Apparently she was a friend of Diana’s, whom had attended with Berkley. Of course Dee accused Diana and Berkley of setting them up with the partners just to irritate Dee.

Groaning softly, Ryo rolled over to wake Dee and was shocked to find that side of the bed all ready empty. Sitting up, Ryo blinked away the remainder of sleep to find a single, long stemmed, red rose lying on Dee’s pillow. Picking it up, Ryo smiled at the sweet fragrance it gave off before looking at the card that was attached with a red satin ribbon. The ribbon alone had Ryo grinning as he carefully removed it and placed it in a drawer for use later on. Looking at the card, Ryo found himself smiling from ear to ear. Dee could be so sweet when he wanted to be.

‘This flower symbolizes the love that blooms within my heart for you. Love Dee’

Ryo read the card several times, feeling a lump develop in his throat. “Dee...” Ryo whispered softly and quickly got up to place the rose into a bud vase before it would wilt.

“What’s that?” Bikky asked when Ryo walked into the kitchen, still in his pajamas and looking less awake then before.

“It’s a rose silly!” Ryo smiled, no he beamed, as he found the bud vase and placed the rose in it. “It’s from Dee.”

“Oh that’s gross!” Bikky wrinkled up his nose as he ate his cereal. “He’s becoming a sap!”

“Well I think it’s sweet, so there!” Ryo chuckled and smelled the rose again. “It’s romantic!”

“Please shoot me now before I puke!” Bikky pretended to gag.

“You forget Bik, today is Valentine’s Day and I’m sure that Cal is expecting more then just your bright and sunny face!” Ryo laughed when Bikky’s eyes got larger.

“Shit! I forgot!” Slapping his forehead he looked up at Ryo. “Uh... Can I borrow some money?”

“Just as long as you get her something...” Ryo coughed. “...Romantic!”

“Man I am going to hate this day!” Bikky sighed and held out his hand when Ryo dipped into his mad money jar and handed Bikky some money.

“And when you get older, you’ll love this day! Now go get ready for school!” Ryo laughed as Bikky sprung up out of his chair and headed back into his bedroom. Pouring himself some coffee, Ryo was just about to put some water on for some oatmeal when the he heard a knock at the door.

“Oh hi Cal, come on in. Bikky’s getting ready now.” Ryo smiled and then blushed when he realized that he was still in his pajamas and minus a robe. “Looks like I need to do the same. Sorry for the appearance.” Cal merely shrugged it off, finding Ryo’s blush too cute anyway.

“So has Dee made any plans for you two for today? It is Valentine‘s Day after all.” Cal asked as she made herself at home on the sofa.

“Not yet. Our work schedules have been horrible lately. Plus he‘s taking half the day off today to go over to the orphanage to help the sisters decorate for a Valentine‘s Day dance they are having for the kids there.” Ryo sighed and headed back into the kitchen. “Want some oatmeal?”

“Sure! I love your oatmeal!” Cal quickly scurried into the kitchen just as Ryo was pouring some maple syrup onto the bowls of oatmeal and then sprinkled them with brown sugar. “Dee really does a lot for the orphanage, no wonder all the kids love him so much.” Cal giggled, knowing more about Dee’s plans for the day then Ryo realized.

“Here you go darling.” Ryo slid a bowl over to her. “There’s some orange juice if you want it as well.” Ryo sat down and started eating. Cal was right, Dee was good to those kids and they all respected him. That’s why he couldn’t understand why Dee had so much trouble getting along with Bikky.

“Thank you Ryo.” Cal took in the oatmeal’s sweet aroma and then noticed the red rose sitting on the table. “Oh how pretty! Is it from Dee?”

“Yeah. He left it on his pillow this morning.” Ryo blushed.

“That’s just so romantic! I wish Bikky would be more like that!” Cal sighed.

“What and make myself sick! You want romance, then go watch a chick flick with Ryo!” Bikky smirked. “What you see is what you get... And that doesn’t include all that icky romance crap!”

“I can tell that!” Cal looked at Ryo and winked. “Boy do I have a lot of work ahead of me!”

Ryo laughed softly, deciding to stay out of that conversation. Once he finished eating, Ryo quickly cleaned up the dishes and then saw Bikky and Cal off before heading into the bathroom for a shower. Once done, Ryo began the process of getting dressed and found a small card lying under his wallet. Reading it, he smiled again. Dee was certainly pulling out all the stops this time.

‘Just a quick note to say that I love you each and every day! Love Dee’

Once dressed, Ryo left the apartment and headed into work, anxious to see Dee and to thank him. When he arrived at the station, Dee was nowhere to be seen, which had Ryo slightly worried. Being that Dee had left the apartment so early, he should have been there by now.

“If you’re looking for Dee, which I assume that you are. Well he’s not here. Dee called off of work today. He said something about nuns, too many decorations, hundreds of balloons and needing tanks of helium that worked!” JJ snorted as Ryo walked back out of his office after not seeing Dee in there.

“Oh?” Ryo arched an eyebrow, unsure if JJ was being fully honest with him or playing one of games. “Did Dee say if he was going to stop in later?”

“No! And I didn’t ask.” JJ responded quickly. “Guess he’s got better things to do on Valentine’s Day.” Ryo decided to let the comment fly by him. It wasn’t worth getting into a head game match with JJ anymore. JJ would just have to accept the fact that he and Dee were lovers and get on with his life, that was all.

Going into the office, Ryo grabbed the files he needed and began working on some overdue reports, trying to keep himself busy. He really wanted to see Dee, to speak with him, to let him know that his romantic gestures had worked. Shrugging off the urge to call Dee, Ryo put his mind into his work, deciding that for now, this is where his mind needed to be. Dee would come later.

It was right after lunch and Ryo was back to working on reports and wishing for something else to come up. He was tired of writing, tired of stating facts and writing down names, dates and evidence found on scene. “Excuse me Ryo?” The door to Ryo’s office opened and Ted stepped inside carrying a bouquet of red and white heart shaped balloons. “These were just dropped off for you.”

“Thanks Ted.” Ryo got up and took them from his colleague, smiling brightly. “They’re most likely from Dee.”

“Shit! I wish someone would send me balloons! Way to go dude!” Ted laughed and slipped out of the office, leaving Ryo alone to admire his latest gift. Grabbing the card, Ryo read it carefully and smiled. It was indeed from Dee.

‘My love balloons within my heart for you! Love Dee’

“Dee... You are so sweet!” Ryo’s smile grew and for the first time, he realized that the shiny Mylar balloons were personalized. Each one had ‘Ryo & Dee’ on the front, with ‘Always & Forever’ on the back. Knowing that Dee had gone to that much trouble made Ryo realize just why he loved Dee so much. Once Dee set his mind on something, he did it with everything he had.

Ryo couldn’t wait any longer and quickly picked up the phone, dialing Dee’s cell phone number. He was more then just a little shocked when it was Mother Lane who answered.

“Mother? This is Randy. Is Dee there?”

“Oh you just missed him my son. He ran out to get more crepe paper and hearts for the decorations.” Mother Lane responded, her voice was soft and soothing as it echoed over the phone line.

“Oh I see. Did he forget to take his phone with him?” Ryo asked out of curiosity.

“Yes, he put it down while hanging some balloons for us and I guess that he plum forgot it.” Mother Lane laughed. “Should I have him call you when he gets back?”

“Uh... No that’s okay. I’ll see him at home later.” Ryo sighed. “Thanks anyway.”

“It’s no problem at all. Happy Valentine’s Day Randy.”

“Same to you, bye now.” Ryo hung up the phone, feeling lonely without Dee sitting across from him.

Sure there were times when Dee just bugged the hell out of him but more times then none, Ryo truly enjoyed his company. Dee had become like a favorite article of clothing that you wore whenever you wanted to feel secure. Actually, Dee was much more then that now. Dee had become the love of Ryo’s life, someone he truly wanted to spend the rest of life with. There was just something so magnetic about Dee. It was a feeling that Ryo had felt right from the first time they had met and now still clung to his heart.

“Dee is sweet. Yeah he may not be so romantic but hell, Dee is Dee and that’s what I fell in love with! Damn I am such a baka at times!” Ryo sighed and slumped down into his chair.

“The way that Dee kisses me... No woman has ever made me feel like that with a kiss! Not the way Dee does anyway. When we make love... It‘s filled with more passion than anything that I have ever had with a woman.” Tossing his head back, Ryo looked up at the ceiling. “So what if he’s not all sappy or romantic? I love Dee for Dee! I love him!”

Never in his life had Ryo imagined being with another man in any way other then as a friend. Sure he had found himself looking at other men, even finding some attractive. But he had always stopped himself from letting his thoughts go beyond that. That is until Dee came along. Dee wound up turning Ryo’s life upside, inside out and backwards with just a few stolen kisses. Before Ryo had even realized what had hit him, he found himself in love with his partner. All too soon, Ryo decided to give up fighting his feelings and just give into his heart. It was one of the smartest moves he had ever made.

Looking up at the clock, Ryo saw that it he had several hours left before he could even think of leaving. With a groan of annoyance, Ryo reached for another stack of files and began to work on them, hoping that time would fly by much quicker.

It was knocking at his door that had Ryo finally putting his pen away and seeing that quitting time was at hand. “Come in.” Ryo responded, putting his reports away and beginning the task of tidying up his desk. All he wanted to do now was to get home, find a way to get Bikky out of the apartment for the evening, and then show Dee just how much he was loved. That thought had been running through his mind almost all day, even turning to the erotic side at times.

“Sorry to bug you but this just arrived for you.” Drake smirked as he handed Ryo the white stuffed teddy bear. “It’s cute!”

Setting the Teddy Bear on the top of Ryo‘s desk, Drake nodded and headed for the door. “Dee surely is a changed man!” Drake laughed and then left, closing the door behind him. Ryo immediately grabbed the card and once again, his heart swelled as he read it.

‘Just like a child with their favorite Teddy Bear, you too make me feel safe and warm. Love Dee’

Shaking his head at the silliness of it all, Ryo gathered up the bear along with the balloons and headed out of the office. He had thoughts of stopping by the orphanage but Dee had called earlier to tell him that it was vital that he go straight home. Unsure as to Dee’s intentions, Ryo followed the orders and headed for the subway, beaming as people walked past him, complimenting him on the balloons.

Once home, Ryo let the balloons float up to the ceiling and then jumped when Cal and Bikky emerged from the kitchen. “Oh I didn’t realize that you two were home yet.”

“Are they from Dee?” Bikky asked and then whimpered when Cal elbowed him.

“Of course dummy! They do have Dee and Ryo’s names on them!” Cal rolled her eyes and the grinned at Ryo. “Oh I am supposed to give this to you.” She handed Ryo a red envelope, her smile not wavering one bit.

“From Dee I presume?” Ryo asked, chuckling over the whole thing.

“I can’t tell you that. You are supposed to read what’s inside and follow the instructions to a T. That’s all I can tell you.” Cal giggled.

“O-Okay... Thanks... I think.” Ryo took the envelope and opened it, finding a card and what appeared to be a map. Reading the card, he arched an eyebrow. “What is he up to?”

“Guess you’ll just have to play along and find out.” Cal giggled again.

“And why do I get this feeling that you know what’s going on?” Ryo chuckled.

“I may... But I may not!” Cal responded. “Now scoot and follow what it says!”

“Yes ma’am!” Ryo saluted Cal and then read the card. His hands shook with anticipation as he looked down at the card dotted with little hand drawn hearts.

‘Look at what’s hanging on the back of your closet door. Shower shave and shine, then dress to the nines! Catch ya on the flip side baby! Love Dee’

Ryo hurried back to the bedroom to find a black tuxedo with a red satin cummerbund, hanging on the door. Taking it down, Ryo studied it and the quickly looked at the other thing in the envelope. The map appeared to lead him to an area of Central Park, instructions told him to wait there at the ‘X’ for his carriage ride. Then Ryo noticed the writing at the top of the map and smiled.

‘Follow the map and it will lead you to what your heart desires. Romance is on the menu so come hungry for some loving. Oh and be there by seven and don’t be late sexy. Love Dee’

Without a second thought, Ryo hurried into the bathroom to shower, anxious as to what lay in store for him. Never had Dee gone to so much trouble to express his love and now Ryo knew that he would have to come up with something very special to surpass it. He had all ready had some ideas in his head, and it was one reason that he had started collecting red ribbon. It was about time that he showed Dee that sexual fantasies were not only Dee’s forte but his as well.

Once dressed, Ryo stood in front of the mirror and admired himself. The last time he had worn a tux was when he took his high school girlfriend to the senior prom. All of a sudden he felt himself being drawn back in time and feeling just as nervous as he did then.

Making sure that everything was in order, Ryo grabbed the map and headed out into the living room to be greeted with wide eyes and fallen jaws. Cal and Bikky sat on the sofa, stunned by what stood before them.

“R-Ryo?” Bikky blinked, his bright blue eyes shocked at how handsome his guardian looked standing there, decked out in a tux, his hair neatly styled and almost glowing.

“Oh gosh Ryo! You look like Prince Charming!” Cal gushed, her eyes wide in amusement.

“Thanks guys.” Ryo stood there nervously, as the two kids looked him over. “Well I guess that I’m off then. Wish me luck!”

“Why?” Bikky asked.

“Because I have absolutely no idea what Dee is up to! That’s why!” Ryo chuckled and grabbed a more suitable overcoat from the closet.

“I bet it’ll be very romantic, whatever it is!” Cal clasped her hands and squealed in delight.

“Please! I’m going to be sick!” Bikky feigned sickness, leaning over the arm of the couch. “This is just too much sap for me!”

“Oh deal with it Bikky Goldman!” Cal smacked his arm. “Ryo is lucky to have someone as sweet as Dee!”

“Whatever!” Bikky got up and headed into the kitchen. “Don’t be too late now! You don’t want that pervert molesting you after all!”

“I don’t? Gee that‘s no fun.” Ryo whispered so that only Cal could hear and then laughed with her. “Don’t wait up for me Bik. Good night Cal.”

“Have fun!” Cal smiled.

“Smell you later!” Came the reply from the kitchen, which had Ryo laughing as he headed out the door and towards who knew what.

Ryo glanced at the map again, making sure that he had followed it correctly. He was supposed to head down a path that would take him to a spot in Central Park and then wait. The note on the map said to wait for his carriage ride and so Ryo stood there looking up and down the path, looking out for Dee’s car. What he saw instead had him gasping!

A white horse and carriage maneuvered down the path towards him. The carriage was decked out in red and white lights with several red and white balloons tied to the sides of the carriage. When it came to a stop, the driver tipped his hat at Ryo as he stepped down from his seat.

“Mr. MacLean?” He asked, opening the carriage door for Ryo, who only nodded and got up into the seat. “This is for you sir. Once you are seated, please put this on.” The man handed him a red rose and also a red silk blindfold that Ryo looked at suspiciously.

“And if I don’t?” Ryo arched an eyebrow.

“Then you will ruin the surprise sir.” Came the response. Ryo placed the blindfold on, though it was with much hesitation. Part of him wished that he would have brought his revolver, just in case.

Ryo listened carefully as the carriage began to move. With a stomach slowly knotting up and a heart thumping like mad within his chest, Ryo felt the carriage come to a stop with only the slightest of jolts.

“Sir if you would allow me to help you down, you will be able to remove your blindfold in just a moment.” The driver’s voice resounded, and then a hand reached out towards Ryo.

“Listen, if this is some sick joke, you and whoever is involved will be in a load of trouble.” Ryo growled, just to make sure that this man was indeed on the up and up.

“I assure you sir. I am only following orders.” The voice explained as Ryo was helped down out of the carriage. Ryo stood there, shaking slightly as he waited for what would come next.

‘Shit! Someone could shoot me and I wouldn’t be any wiser!’ That thought alone was enough to have Ryo reaching for the blindfold.

“Sir you must count to ten and then you may remove the blindfold.” The voice commanded. “Have a wonderful evening.” Just as Ryo started counting he could hear the carriage moving away, leaving Ryo standing there, only Ryo wasn‘t sure just where ‘there‘ was at the moment. Reaching ten, Ryo pulled off the blindfold and nearly fell over at the sight before him.

In front of him was a small white tent, about the size of his living room, red and white balloons hung from the tent spikes. The trees around the tent were covered in red and white lights, giving everything a soft glow. Ryo could hear soft music coming from the tent and judging by the flickering that he saw against the canvas, candles had to be glowing within.

Feeling his heart pounding, Ryo started for the entrance but stopped when he saw what lie on the ground. Red roses dotted his pathway, laid out evenly spaced. Ryo began picking them up, smelling each one as he gathered them into his arms.

Even though he had no idea as to how Dee managed to pull this off, Ryo found it to be the most romantic thing that he had ever experienced. As he neared the entrance to the tent, Ryo gathered up the last rose, finding that he now had eleven of them lying in his arms. Their fragrance was only matched by the sweet smell coming from the tent. Taking a deep breath, Ryo reached out to pull aside the flap of the tent, still being cautious about what could be lying in wait for him, inside.

Ryo gasped in shock when he looked around. Candles glowed all around him, balloons and flowers of red and white adorned the outer edges of the tent. Above his head, red and white twinkling lights were strung across the canvas roof, mimicking stars. The tent was heated so Ryo slipped out of his overcoat, laying it on a chair near the entrance. Ryo was so caught up in the sight before him that he never heard or saw the figure standing behind until it spoke.

“Happy Valentine’s Day Ryo.” Dee strolled up behind Ryo and then wrapped his arms around Ryo‘s waist. When Ryo looked down, he saw a red long stemmed rose being handed to him. “This should give you an even dozen now.”

“D-Dee...?” When Ryo finally turned around, he saw that Dee was dressed in a matching black tuxedo with a matching red satin cummerbund wrapped around his waist. “Dee, you look so handsome!” Ryo’s smile grew as he stared at his lover.

“So do you baby.” Dee smiled before taking the roses from Ryo and setting them down. Once Ryo’s arms were free, Dee pulled Ryo close to him, kissing his temple. “You said that you like romance so I decided to give it a try.” Dee smiled even more. “I was really worried that you might not show up though. After all I was pretty vague about everything.”

“How could I not come? You had me too curious.” Ryo looked at Dee, feeling his heart pounding in his chest. “Dee... My god this must have cost a fortune!”

“Eh... It’s no biggie. The dude that owns the tent, lights and carriage owed me a favor.” Dee shrugged. “So would you do me the honors of having dinner with me?” Dee asked softly, brushing his lips over Ryo‘s.

“Uh... Hai! I-I mean yes!” Ryo became even more flustered as Dee rained kisses over his face. “Dee... This... All of this is...” Ryo found himself speechless. “Oh lord!”

“Nothing but the best for you.” Dee grinned, his hand coming out to caress Ryo’s cheek. “Even if I don’t always show it Ryo. I love you more then anything. I would go to the ends of the earth for you if you asked me to. Ryo... I love you with my whole heart.”

“D-Dee... I... I...” Tears slipped out of Ryo’s eyes, the emotional walls falling all together.

“Shhh... You don’t need to say a thing.” Dee spoke softly as he started to sway the two to the music being played. As they started to dance, Dee softly kissed away the tears. “I can be whatever you want me to be Ryo... Romantic is one of them.”

“You don’t need to Dee. All I want you to be is you.” Ryo cupped Dee’s face and smiled. “Thank you! Thank you so much!” Ryo sighed, his breath blowing across Dee’s face. “Dee... I love you too.”

“Anything for you baby.” Dee kissed Ryo softly. When Ryo rested his head on Dee’s shoulder, Dee began to sing softly to the violin that played.

“You’re my world; you’re every breath I take. You’re my world; you’re every move I make. Other eyes see the stars up in the skies, but for me, they shine within your eyes...” When the music finished, both men stopped, gazing long and softly into each other’s eyes.

“You are my world Dee. Today, tomorrow and for ever more.” Ryo sighed, his lips almost touching Dee’s.

“Good because I have a few other surprises for you after dinner.” Dee grinned against Ryo’s mouth.

“You do huh? Then I guess that I’ll wait until tomorrow night to give you my surprise.” Ryo smirked. “I need time to set it all up.”

“Well you take the time baby. We have a lifetime to go.” Dee grinned once again and Ryo couldn’t help but feel his heart leap over that statement and it’s implications.

“Dee... Are you insinuating that we...?” Ryo didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence. Dee lips quickly claimed his own, kissing him deeply and passionately.

‘Yes Ryo I am... After dinner I’ll ask you formally but for now... Keep wondering.’

Dee smiled inward, hoping that Ryo would agree to what he wanted to ask him. Dee knew that in his heart of hearts that Ryo was the only one for him, the man he wanted to spend a lifetime with.

‘Romance is alive Ryo, and it’s thriving within our hearts.’

A/N: I said it was sappy! As for the references to the ribbons and bows and Ryo’s plans, well the guys on the FAKE ML should know what I‘m talking about! *Snickers* I'll give ya a hint... Sequel!