Title: Welcome Company
Fandom: FAKE
Author: badly_knitted
Characters: Ryo, Dee.
Rating: PG
Setting: Just after the end of Vol. 1, Act 3.
Summary: Ryo wakes up feeling a lot better than he did the night before.
Word Count: 490
Content Notes: None needed.
Written For: Challenge 341: The Morning After.
Disclaimer: I don’t own FAKE, or the characters. They belong to the wonderful Sanami Matoh.



Waking up the following morning, Ryo was surprised to find Dee, still dressed, lying on the bed beside him, asleep. Had he been there all night?

‘What was he doing?’ Ryo wondered. ‘Watching me sleep, hoping for another chance to pounce like he did last night, or just watching over me to make sure I was okay and didn’t need anything?’

It was oddly comforting to know he hadn’t been alone, but still, he hoped his partner wouldn’t be expecting anything from him today. After all, he’d only let Dee kiss him the way he had because he’d been too tired and weak to put up any resistance.

He didn’t know what time it was, but the sun was up. Between the fever and the meds he’d taken, looked like he’d slept right through the night. He still felt a bit weak, but much better than he had yesterday, and he thought his temperature was down.

“Hey.” The mattress shifted beneath Ryo as Dee stirred and propped himself up on one elbow. “How’re you feelin’?”

“Better. Not a hundred percent yet, but I think the fever’s gone.”

Dee reached out to brush the hair back from Ryo’s forehead. “Yeah, I think you’re right, but you should probably have another dose of medicine anyway and take things easy today. I’ll call the chief in a bit, tell him you’re takin’ a sick day, maybe two.”

“I can call in for myself, Dee.”

“I know you can, but I figured I’d take a personal day myself, hang around so you don’t have to do anything except rest. If I’m doin’ that I might as well call in for you as well while I’m at it.”

“You don’t have to stay. I’ll be fine, and Bikky will be home later today.”

“I know, but if I went to work I’d only spend all day worryin’ about you. This way I can make sure you rest and take your meds, because I know what you’re like. Left to yourself, you’d probably start doin’ housework and wind up with a fever again, so nope, I’m stayin’ with, and you’re gonna relax, Doctor Dee’s orders. Soon as I’ve called the precinct, I’ll make you some tea, don’t want you getting’ dehydrated, and I’ll fix you something light for breakfast. How does an omelette sound?”

Ryo relaxed against the pillows, realising there was no point arguing with Dee; it would be too much of an effort, and besides, once Dee made up his mind about something, there was no changing it.

“Sounds good. Thanks.”

“Anytime.” Dee slid off the bed and stood up, trying to brush the wrinkles out of his clothes. “We’re partners; I got your back always, no matter what. Be right back.”

“There’s no rush.” Smiling slightly, Ryo closed his eyes; maybe he’d take a little nap while Dee was fixing breakfast, just because he could.

It was kinda nice being taken care of.


The End