AN: Quote: " Here comes that awful word but...that makes all nothing that was said before." -Daniel (In case Ryo's thoughts to Rose's words don't make any sense. This is the quote that was the inspiration for that sentence. Read on and you will see what I mean )

“ I must say that I am impressed with all of you,” Rose spoke in that well bred, elegant voice of his, “ However, it has occurred to me that each and every one of you have conveniently bypassed the word ‘Passion’,” he kept his features nonchalant as he watched some of the adults squirm, “ I assure you that you have no reason to be afraid of this word. Think beyond the obvious images this word invokes,” Rose paused as the bell sounded the end of class.

Rose stood up and rasing a hand to stop them from running off just yet spoke again, “Tomorrow I want all the portraits to represent ‘Passion’,” he smiled lightly at the grumbles before continuing, “ Mr. Maclean and Mr. Adams, may I speak with you two quickly?”

As the rest of the class filed out Ryo walked to the front of the room, his portfolio tucked under his arm. Ryo looked over at the other man who had been called forward, if he remember correctly his name was Jemmy. They both reached the desk at the same time looking down at Professor Rose now that he was seated in his small leather chair. Ryo always thought it was too small for Rose, he was a grand man who needed grand things.

Jemmy made a smile then quickly began talking before his Professor could speak, “ I have a drawing up in the art room that I need to get down. It was from this morning, but Professor Smith wants everyone to take them home today.”

Rose nodded, “ You may go, I shall speak with Mr. Maclean for now. Hurry back though.”

“ Yes Sir,” Jemmy left quickly.

“ Professor?” Ryo furrowed his brow at Rose.

Rose chuckled some, “ Don’t look so worried, you are my best student and you know that! I just wanted to ask you a question,” he pulled the eight by ten from his desk and turning it towards Ryo smiled, “ This is lovely. Your understanding of the word ‘Sorrow’ is clearly represented here. However...”

Ryo’s feature’s had softened at his Professor’s praise, now at the mention of the word ‘however’ the furrowed brows returned. It would have been just as well if the man had said but.

Professor Rose ignored the look and continued, “ However, this does not look like your model posed. It looks like you photographed him during an actual moment of sadness.”

“ I did...” Ryo spoke softly, he was becoming confused. Professor Rose sounded almost disappointed with him. Quickly Ryo recalled Rose’s advice given weeks ago, “ but am I wrong in remembering you telling us that some of the best photos were taking directly from real life?”

Rose nodded, “ I did say that and I meant it. This picture though...” he turned it so he was looking at it again, “ did he even know you were taking it?”

“ Yes! Oh, yes! He gave me permission to use it as well,” Ryo smiled at his Professor taken somewhat aback by the surprise on Rose’s face.

“ Well I...” Rose cleared his throat, then handed the portrait to Ryo, “ I mean, he must really think highly of you,” Rose looked solidly at Ryo, “ to let you see such a vulnerable side of himself. You two have been friends a long time, no?”

“ No,” Ryo shook his head, “ I have seen him around, but we aren’t truly friends,” he frowned after saying that. For some reason that statement hurt his heart.

Rose was looking surprised again, “ Well then, you should feel honored. This is an expression rarely seen, let alone accepted, on many males. This man must trust you deeply.”

Ryo felt his chest contract at those words. A good yet unsettling feeling. Could Dee really be that trusting? Or was his Professor reading way too much into that picture? Maybe his Professor was a naturally optimistic person or, closer to what Ryo reluctantly hoped, a romantic. The thought that Rose could be right was pleasing. A little scary, but much more pleasing.

Jemmy came back into the room, puffing out air like he had been running. His drawing was on top his photography portfolio, a rendition in graphite. Ryo turned to leave Jemmy and the Professor to their discussion when he got a glimpse of the drawing. So he was caught staring by both Rose and Jemmy.

Jemmy smiled, “ You like it?”

The voice snapped Ryo out of his gaze, “ Uhh...y-yes. It is very well made.”

“ Yeah? You think so,” Jemmy held his picture at arm’s length so the both of them could see, “ we had been studying anatomy for quite some time, but this is the first day we had a live model,” he looked over at Ryo who had his lips parted slightly with wide eyes. It was almost a look of horror. Jemmy smirked, “He’s beautiful isn’t he?”

Ryo’s head snapped around, his eyes were cold and held a hint of anger, though Jemmy couldn’t place why. However, before he could began to ask, Ryo had turned and briskly left the room.

Ryo made it to Dee’s apartment in record time.

“ Ryo? W-what?”

“ What the hell were you thinking?!?” Ryo pushed his way inside without waiting to be offered.

Dee sighed then closing and locking the door crossed his arms and leaned against it, “What did I do?”

“ ‘What did you do’?!?” Ryo was actually yelling and though he was clearly upset about something Dee couldn’t stop the thought of ‘Damn he’s even more handsome angry’ from seeping in.

“ Yes, Ryo. You are spiting fire and I would like to know why,” Dee was now amused and he let it show on his face.

Ryo took a deep breath and lowered his volume, “ I saw your picture. You know, the naked one.”

Dee frowned then as he realized what Ryo was revering to he chuckled gently, “ You mean being the art students model this morning?”

“ Yes!” Ryo nearly screeched the word.

Dee laughed, “ What of it?”

Ryo looked at Dee dumbfounded. How dare he speak so casually!

“ What do you mean! How could you Dee?”

Dee shook his head, “ How is it any different than you posing for a photograph?” he sighed when he saw the confusion on Ryo’s face, “ Listen, you said you would pose if you found it artistic.”

Ryo shook his head almost violently and the volume was back, “ No, no! I said artistic and comfortable! So no, this is not the same!”

“ I am quite comfortable with this. Besides, I need the money right now,” Dee shrugged.

“ Money? You could have gotten a job anywhere and done anything else!”

Ryo ran his finger through his hair and forced his breathing to calm some. He really couldn’t pin point why he was so upset. No, upset was too light of a word. Ryo was furious and the more Dee grinned and chuckled the more Ryo wanted to slap the smile off his face. In fact he wanted to pout and stomp his feet and demand Dee to stop his modeling.

Ryo turned around and with his back to Dee spoke through gritted teeth, “ This is hardly about money Dee.”

Dee narrowed his eyes at that, “ Hey! Don’t make me sound like some exobitionist! I wasn’t spread eagle on the floor jacking off or anything!”

Ryo turned and glared at Dee, “ Stop being crude!”

“ Then you stop being stupid!” Dee pushed himself off the door.

Ryo sighed roughly, so rough that it could have been mistaken for a growl, “ Don’t you get it Dee! You are in front of strangers! You’re nude and that’s...well that’s-“

“ For your eyes only?” Dee tilted his head back smugly.

Ryo froze. He hated to admit it, but Dee had hit the nail on the head. Ryo was too shocked to blush, he was like a statue with his chocolate eyes wide and his mouth opened in a frown. He looked like a man caught doing the unthinkable. Strangely though Ryo was actually glad Dee was right. He hated not knowing why this deep anger had over taken him so suddenly.

Ryo walked over to the velvet sofa, sitting down slowly. He schooled his features then calmly spoke, “ No gloating.”

Dee held up his hands in a sign of surrender with a little chuckle, “ Fine.”

Ryo sighed leaning his head back against the sofa. He had came here right after class, after he had seen the drawing done by Jemmy. Ryo rolled his head to the left and looked at the window, the afternoon sun could be seen shining in through the short white drapes.

“ Whadaya say Dee?” Ryo lolled his head so he could look at whom he addressed, “ how about an early dinner?”

They went to a family restaurant this time. Deciding they would only partake in the appetizers. Sitting at the bar the two men ordered drinks. For Dee it was a Jack and Coke and for Ryo a Long Island Iced Tea. As the waitress took their orders, loaded fries and boneless buffalo hot wings, Dee asked if she would have a coke ready once he finished his liqueur and Ryo wished to have a plain iced tea after he finished his. They sat silently for a while before the stillness began to grate on Dee.

Leaning forward to rest his elbows on the bar Dee spoke, “ So how long have you been single?”

Ryo frowned into his Long Island Iced Tea before setting it down slowly, “ A few years. Why?”

Dee shrugged, “ Just asking. Making conversation, ya know.”

Ryo pursed his lips, “ I’ll bet,” he smirked when Dee looked over and raised a brow, “What about you?”

“ Few months,” Dee shook his head in what could be viewed as a mix of shame and resignation, “ well, you really couldn’t call what I’ve had relationships...”

Ryo tilted his head, “ What would you call them then?”

“ Flings. One night stands,” Dee sighed, “ I am by no means a man whore...it’s just that. Well, it’s hard to find a true person,” he looked over at Ryo, his shining emerald eyes begging him to understand, “ one that doesn’t have ulterior motives.”

Ryo furrowed his brow, “ Maybe it is the people you choose. Try for something new. Someone who challenges everything you think about what is attractive. Go in looking for the long term and not just the physical.”

Dee looked at Ryo with a small smile, “ I’m trying.”

Ryo understood the meaning within such a short sentence and it saddened him some. True, just minutes ago he had just admitted to wanting to see Dee in his birthday suit, however, what Dee was stating now was much more intimate than a quick peek under the clothes. Ryo took a long breath, taking the air between his lips. Rose's words had sent a thrill through Ryo at the thought of someone trusting him that much. Ryo didn't atribute this feeling with wanting a relationship with Dee. Though the man was handsome, being friends would be just fine. NOw, however, he would have to rethink his whole impression of Dee. Ryo knew he could deal with someone wanting a quick jump in the hay with him, he knew how to evade or, if necessary, say no, but to be the one to cause a broken heart...Ryo wasn’t sure he could handle that.

Ryo chose his words carefully, speaking slowly to insure they were coming out the way he intended, “ And what if this person is not on the same plane? What would you do then?”

“ Depends,” Dee finished off his Jack and Coke, throwing his head back to taste the last bit, “ If I truly feel this person is worth it then...” he turned his stool so he could look directly into Ryo’s eyes, “ I fight.”

Ryo nodded slowly, “ What if they fight back?”

Dee smirked, leaning so his arms were crossed over Ryo’s lap. Looking up through his long lashes and a fall of dark brunette hair Dee spoke, “ They?” suddenly Dee uncrossed his arms and placing his palms on Ryo’s knees thrust his body up so they were at eye level. Dee stared into Ryo’s doe brown eyes and with a small smile whispered, “ I’m only going for one.”

Ryo felt his pulse quicken suddenly and taking a deep breath watched as Dee slid away, turning back toward the bar. Sometime during the exchange, their food had arrived.

“ So,” Dee asked as he leaned against the kitchen island, “ how shall I be posing tonight?”

Ryo was taking his camera from it’s case, the action that prompted Dee’s question, “ Our Professor wants us to photograph ‘Passion’,” he looked up at Dee coolly, “ so I will need you to be passionate tonight.”

Dee frowned comically. That would shake his plans up a bit.

“ Well, okay,” Dee started to unbutton his shirt, “ Let’s get started.”

Ryo groaned, “ The word is ‘Passion’ Dee. Not ‘Pornography’.”

Dee looked up annoyed, “ Will you just trust me?”

Ryo raised an eyebrow.

Dee had finished unbuttoning his shirt and the sides fell away to reveal a broad chest and a taunt, well defined abdomen. He reached out his hand and waited until Ryo allowed his own hand to be taken. Dee smiled softly as he walked forward, closer to Ryo, “ Trust me.”

As soon as Ryo nodded Dee led him away from the kitchen and out of the living room all together. They walked slowly toward the back of the apartment away from the windows and the farther back they went the darker it became.

Ryo whispered, trying not the break the calming stillness, “ Where are you taking me?”

“ To my room,” as soon as the words left his lips Dee heard Ryo’s foot falls stop. Turning around he looked into Ryo’s face, the man wasn’t fearful, just wary.

Dee sighed heavily, “ Please, just trust me.”

Ryo’s eyes widened a little at that request. Dee had sounded almost hurt. Ryo nodded silently then proceeded to follow Dee into his room.

Dee’s room was small and the only window was long and thin at the far end of the room. The time it took for them to get to the room the sun had completely set. The thin window allowed the moon light to show through and though it wasn’t the best of light it kept the room from becoming a black abyss.

Dee removed his shirt and laying down on the bed motioned for Ryo. Even in the darkness Ryo’s anxiousness could be seen. Dee let a gentle smile form on his lips and he whispered, “ You want the best picture possible right?” he watched as Ryo nodded, “ Then come over here and straddle me. Make sure your camera is ready though, you will only have a few seconds to get the right shot.”

Ryo opened his mouth to ask Dee what that was supposed to mean, but changed his mind and against his better judgement he climbed onto the bed and straddled Dee’s hips.

Dee reached up and wrapping his arms around Ryo’s neck he pulled the blonde down until their lips were only inches from one another. Dee looked at Ryo for some time before tilting his head and nuzzling the soft juncture were neck and shoulder met. Dee whispered, the warmth of his breath slowly rolling over the flesh, “ You don’t have to do anything,” Dee kissed him softly, his lips barely grazing the neck, “ just let me touch you...”

Ryo sighed then took in a shaky breath. He closed his eyes, silently berating himself for getting himself into such a situation. Closing his eyes, however, served to heighten the feel of Dee’s gentle kisses and the hot tongue that would ever so often dart out to taste him. Dee was moving higher until he was at Ryo’s ear lobe. Dee bit the tender flesh playfully, pleased when he felt Ryo’s body quiver over him. He then soothed the area, licking the lobe sensually before parting his lips and suckling gently. Slowly Dee’s hands began to move, his right sliding leisurely up and down the small of Ryo’s back with his left burying it’s fingers in the softness of Ryo’s dusty locks.

Ryo couldn’t help the moan that escaped his lips once Dee released his ear. Ryo tried to fight his reaction to the attention being bestowed upon him, but his body wouldn’t stop trembling. His entire body warmed against the dark haired man and Ryo bit his bottom lip to keep from moaning again. Dee was working at Ryo’s throat once more using the hand in his hair to tilt his head back. Now with the neck more exposed Dee nibbled and lapped at the column, running his tongue along the Adam’s Apple down until he had buried his face in Ryo’s collar bone.

Dee whispered, his breath heavy with desire, “ You’re sweet Ryo,” he licked his way back up to that sensitive ear, “ you taste so sweet,”

Ryo bit his lip harder. He was quickly falling into Dee’s possession. Ryo was already in a heady state and losing grip on his reality. He really didn’t care about that picture anymore as long as Dee kept doing that. Ryo was startled some by the intensity of Dee’s kisses. They were slow and seductive, the man was clearly taking his time, but Ryo felt that with each touch of lips to flesh Dee was staking claim. He was being branded. Territory being marked and the thought of being utterly seduced by this man rushed into Ryo’s brain with such certainty that his teeth unclamped and he gasped.

Dee smiled against Ryo’s cheek. Dee turned his head slowly taking the opportunity to kiss the corner of Ryo’s mouth before turning further searching out his lips fully for a proper kiss. Ryo pulled his head back some, opening his eyes just enough to see Dee staring back at him. Dee nuzzled Ryo’s lips with his own, the air between them being shared.

Ryo tried to pull back further when Dee’s fingers tightened in his hair, keeping him in place. Ryo’s voice was breathy as he spoke, “ Don’t...”

Still looking into beautiful dark eyes Dee touched their lips again, whispering, “ Let me,” Ryo’s panting breath wavered some at the request and he tried to pull away from the moist mouth again, but Dee held him and he was asking again. His whisper was passionate, “Let me,” his lips were so close now that Dee didn't wait for an answer and closeing his eyes, captured Ryo.

Dee moaned as his mouth finally took claim of Ryo’s. Dee was still slow and gentle with the kiss, but he made sure this was much firmer than the ones he showered along Ryo’s throat. Dee worked their lips first, kissing with mouths only slightly parted. He took Ryo’s bottom lip between the two of his kissing with gentle suction. Kissing as though he was savoring a delectable dessert. When his lips fell away he was quick to claim the entire mouth again.

Ryo fisted the bed sheets on either side of Dee as he felt a hot tongue slicking at the place where his lips met. Ryo knew it would be pointless to resist so with a sigh he parted his lips and let Dee enter him. Once inside Dee tasted every reachable inch of Ryo’s warm wet mouth, touching the tips of their tongues last. Ryo’s body let out another tremble as their tongues joined and Dee began an erotic stroking that mimicked the act of love making.

Ryo’s body heat was rising and he felt as though he was going to pass out from the temperature and the sheer joy of being taken so fully. Never in his life had Ryo experienced a kiss so all consuming and arousing. Never. Ryo realized then, that he had surrendered.

Dee pulled away some, breaking the kiss momentarily to whisper, “ Ready?”

Ryo panted back, “ What?”

“ Your picture,” Dee was giving little pecks in between words, “ You’ll only have one shot.”

Ryo gave a quick nod before breaking the kiss and sitting upright. Throwing the camera to the front of his face he snapped the photo before he truly had a chance to view his model. When Ryo, still panting, finally focused on Dee he dropped his arm to the side and took in the sight.

Dee was bathed in moonlight, a light sheen of sweat seeming to glisten on his torso. Every hard muscle of his stomach and chest where defined by the contrast the light and dark made. He was panting as well, eyes heavy lidded and lips parted. The widest streak of luminance was directed across his eyes, brightening the green making what little that showed shine and sparkle. Dee’s chocolate hair was spread wild around his face with a few stray locks sweeping across his forehead and sticking to his cheeks.

Ryo couldn’t help himself, “ Beautiful,” it was barely a whisper. Dee did not hear the word.

Dee reached up taking hold of the back of Ryo’s neck and sitting up took possession of his lips again. Ryo closed his eyes starting to fall back into the kiss, but pulled away not to soon after the kiss had begun.

Ryo whispered against Dee’s lips, “ I already have my picture.”

Dee licked his lips, his eyes giving away his annoyance, “ So it would seem,” he dropped his arm with a deep sigh.

Ryo removed himself from Dee’s lap, sliding off the bed to stand beside it. He looked down and saw that Dee had placed his palms behind him on the bed and was leaning back looking up at his ceiling. His face was unreadable and for some reason that made Ryo sad.

Ryo felt as though he should say something, “ Thank you for posing for me.”

Dee snapped his head around and looked at Ryo with angry eyes, “ No problem,” Dee narrowed his eyes and his expression had darkened to the point that Ryo actually stepped back, “but not everything is about your damn pictures.”