Sitting alone at his kitchen table, Ryo leaned forward, putting his chin in his heads. "Dee thinks I am beautiful," He muttered to the empty room. "A guy isn't supposed to look beautiful, but..." The boy paused, feeling his cheeks burn. Truth be told, he liked it whenever Dee complimented him. He was a rich snob and usually when girls payed him a compliment, they were never heartfelt. He got the feeling people only paid attention to him because he was rich. With Dee, it didn't feel that way. Sure, Dee could probably tell that Ryo was a pampered rich boy, but the blind teenager seemed like the type to treat everyone the same regardless of who they were.

That made Ryo really happy. He did really like being around Dee. He just wished it could be under normal circumstances. Even if he liked to joke around a lot, Ryo felt like Dee was a really great person. He was strong and brave for dealing with his illness the way he did. Ryo witnessed all sorts at the hospital and he knew that a lot of the ill didn't want to accept their illness. There were brave people like Dee who tried not to let it affect him, and then there was people who were always depressed and anti-social. It was hard to talk to people like that; they just didn't want to listen. Ryo tried to get through to everyone, though he was still having a hard time getting used to being around the hospital.

Tapping his fingers on the top of the table, Ryo sighed. He looked over at the calender and rolled his eyes. Christmas was coming up in less then a week. How depressing. He didn't mind that he was going to be without his family during the holidays, but didn't like the idea that Dee would be alone at the hospital. Sure the hospital would probably have some sort of activities for the ones healthy enough to participate, but that was still the most depressing thought; spending the holiday in the hospital.

With that thought in mind, Ryo picked up his phone and started to make a couple of important phone calls. He wasn't sure if his idea was going to be possible, but he hoped so. After explaining what he wanted to the person in charge of Dee's care, Ryo nibbled on his bottom lip nervously. He was surprised when he was given the okay to go ahead with his plan. With a grin, Ryo hung up his phone. He felt accomplished and happy.

Next Ryo picked up the phone and called one of his best friends. The phone rang five times and Ryo was just about to hang up when it was finally answered. His brown eyes lit up when he heard a breathless Drake grumble that it was too early in the morning to be making phone calls. Ryo let him complain for a few moments and then started to explain to him about his new volunteer job at the hospital and about the new friend he had made.

"So you see Drake?" Ryo asked. "Do you think it would be a good idea? I mean he seems to like being around a lot of people. He likes the attention on him." Not only that he loves giving his attention to those willing to listen. Otherwise known as me! It was true, it seemed that Ryo was the only one to visit Dee ever. The younger teenager was right when he said he had no family or friends. No friends other then Ryo that was and the people at the hospital.

"But he's sick.... I don't mean that in a mean way, but what if something bad happens?" Drake answered.

"The doctor said it would be okay," Ryo mumbled, though he was very worried. He still had no idea what sort of illness Dee had. What was slowly killing him?

"I suppose we could round up everyone and stuff, but you know I won't say anything offensive to him, but what if JJ does? You know how he gets diarrhea of the mouth."

"Dee wouldn't care unless it's said to be mean and we know JJ is the farthest thing from mean," Ryo chuckled. "Annoying at times, but never mean."

---

“How are you feeling today?” Ryo asked as he walked into Dee's room. He was trying his best to hold the nervousness he was feeling, though he knew that his voice was shaking slightly.

Seeming surprised and very pleased, Dee looked up. The older looking teenager grinned as he got up and easily found his way over to his older friend. He hugged Ryo with out even pausing to think. Ryo didn't mind. His arms wound around Dee's waist, holding him as tightly as he dared.

“I'm feeling great now that you're here!” Dee whispered against Ryo's neck. “I didn't think I'd see you today because it's Christmas.” Dee sounded exited and out of breath, whether that was from his excitement or his illness Ryo had no idea. He tried not to think about it.

“My parents are in Aspen, so I'm all alone this Holiday and I didn't like the idea of you being alone too.” Ryo smiled shyly, before starting to nibble down on his lower lip. “Get properly dressed,” He whispered to the younger.

Confused, Dee pulled away from Ryo. He was wearing a muscle tee shirt that showed off his thin form, lanky form, probably caused because of his illness, and a pair of boxer shorts. “Why? I'm not going anywhere? Everyone dresses like this.”

Ryo smiled. “Ah, but you're wrong, Dee. I got the okay to bring you home with me, I mean if you want to come? I thought... well, I wanted you to have fun on Christmas and so I invited my friends over and I wanted to have a party for you.”

Happiness seemed to light up Dee's dull eyes. It was slight, but Ryo could see it. He grinned, feeling relief that Dee liked the idea.

“I don't even know what to say!” Dee seemed to gain super human strength, suddenly squeezing Ryo to his chest, and hugging him as if he were a life line. He felt so happy that he had met someone who cared for him, someone who wanted to make him happy. Dee was so thrilled that he could kiss the older boy, though he held himself back. It was too soon for that, though he didn't have much time...

Laughing, Ryo felt his heart dance in his chest. Dee made him feel things he had never felt before.

“When can we leave?” Dee asked excitedly.

“Now, but you have to get dressed,” Ryo chuckled.

“Okay!” The fifteen year old pulled away from Ryo and quickly made his way to his hospital dresser. Ryo watched him curiously, amazed by how easily he got around when he was in familiar places. He knew it wouldn't be the same once they were outside the hospital.

---

“Hold my hand,” Ryo murmured, reaching for Dee's hand. He smiled, giving his hand a squeeze. “You sure you want to do this?” He asked.

“Hell yes!” Dee yelled, seeming to push all thoughts of being sick out of his mind. He was going out side! He was going to a party with Ryo! Dee squeezed Ryo's hand back, feeling a warmness fluttering in his stomach.

Gently, Ryo lead Dee through the parking lot. He helped Dee inside his fancy car, making sure he was strapped inside. The ride home was quick, filled with comfortable small talk.

---

Dee clutched Ryo's arm as they walked up to Ryo's front door. He wouldn't admit it, but he was a little nervous being out and around unfamiliar territory. He knew he had to be totally dependent on Ryo and his friends. It was a strange feeling.

Ryo sensed the other was scared, though he didn't say anything. He didn't want to embarrass the younger teenager.

“Home sweet home,” Ryo said once they were inside his big, lonely house.