Note: This chapter has a popular idol group by the name I've given them for the TU universe. I think you can figure out who they are if you know J-Pop. If you still don't know, leave a comment or PM me, and I'll let you know who they are. The name change is part because of an altered history of the group, but they still did many of their songs, perhaps out of order of the real world, and part for a reason later in the story.


CHAPTER EIGHT

Tokyo New Crown Star Hotel

Roppongi Hills, Tokyo

Japan

Once they got temporarily settled in the penthouse, including allowing Bikky and Carol to pick their rooms when they checked in to stay on Thursday, they headed out to look at the shops in the hotel's mall. Ryo stopped them for dango mochi and taiyaki. They just looked at what was in the shops, planning to return to the store if one of them decided they really wanted something while they were staying at the hotel. When they were done with the hotel mall, the hotel provided them with a shuttle to Mori tower and the shopping center in that area. They had Korean barbeque for lunch, settling for something more casual than when they ate out with family since arriving. Dee and Ryo allowed Bikky to choose where they ate, making sure the kids had something they wanted and enjoyed their meal. All four of them enjoyed their meal.

Shortly after they returned to the hotel, Akira called stating she just entered the hotel but needed to check with the events director about the upcoming party on Saturday night. They settled in the penthouse until Ryo's grandmother joined them. The rain had cleared up while they had lunch, so shortly after Akira arrived, they headed to Tokyo Tower, much to Bikky's and Carol's excitement. They could see Tokyo Tower from the living room of the penthouse and while they waited for Akira, Bikky and Carol sat on the patio, wistfully looking at it, when they weren't pointing out whatever else seemed interesting enough to want to see it.

They looked around at the various shops and exhibits in Foot Town, which was the five-story building located at the base of the tower. Bikky and Carol wanted to buy some souvenirs at the time, but Ryo promised they could go back to the stores on their way out. When Bikky protested that they might forget, Dee snorted and commented that Bikky would not let them forget, but even if they did, they could always go back another day and buy what they wanted.

Once that was settled, they headed up to the Main Observatory, and walked around both floors. It was still cloudy from the earlier rain and the visibility was not very good. They were barely able to see Tokyo Harbor, and Roppongi Hills that day, but they still were able to take some pictures of the immediate area. They didn't stay long at the Main Observatory, once again to Bikky's protests. Akira reminded them that they would be staying within walking distance for several weeks and would have time to go back many times, if that was what they wanted whenever Dee and Ryo allowed him and Carol to go off on their own. That seemed to settle Bikky and they went back down to Foot Town, and the food court. They found a place to sit down, allowing Akira to have a late lunch, since she went right to the hotel after her meeting to firm details for the party she was holding on Saturday, and did not have lunch yet.

"Good thing we'll be doing a lot of walking," Ryo quipped and took some yakisoba from the plate near him and put on the smaller plate. Dee and Ryo decided to get a large order of yakisoba that they could all share. Bikky and Carol also had some chicken karaage. Akira insisted that Dee and Ryo also take some gyoza, even if they tried to assure her that they were already full from their lunch. Bikky and Carol she had no problem with convincing to have some gyoza. Ryo's grandmother was not taking no for an answer, not wanting to make them sit and watch her eat, so the two men nibbled on the yakisoba and gyoza. She did turn to Darin and Ryoko who had started to giggle and make happy sounds at the faces Bikky was making at them as he ate. "You're going to have to wait until you can have gyoza, little chibis."

Ryo started to laugh as Dee commented, "Then you're going to have to exercise as much as the rest of us when you're about Obāsan, sweethearts," to the infants, making Ryo laugh more, with Bikky and Carol joining in. Akira also chuckled.

After they ate, they allowed Bikky and Carol to do some shopping. It was mostly small items that they wanted. Bikky got what he wanted to take back to New York with him, reasoning that something might be gone by the time he went back at another time, but he planned to go back and buy things for his friends at home before leaving Japan.

Ryo suggested they go up on the roof for Foot Town before leaving and was glad when Bikky and Carol saw the mechanical rides, some large enough for adults. After putting money in, the animal started to move, their direction controlled by a steering wheel. There were also two options for speed, but even at the fastest, they did not go very fast. All of them, except for Akira, went on the various animals when they were not being used, while Akira sat with Ryoko and Darin and took photos and video of her family enjoying themselves. She did manage to get pictures of each baby with one of their fathers while on an animal.

After they left Tokyo Tower, they walked around the area where there were several temples and shrines, including one of each for Carriers. Both Dee and Ryo were familiar with all of them and enjoyed watching as Bikky and Carol explored the grounds for the first time. They were ashamed to admit they had previously been to the Carrier ones many times, not realizing they were for Carriers.

They had time to explore one more area for a short while. They decided to get on the train to Harajuku and walk down Takeshita Street. It was the first time Bikky and Carol got to ride on the Tokyo train system and they were both excited. The adults were amused, because they had taken the Enoshima Electric Railway Line from Hase Station to Enoshima Station to get to Enoshima Island. Dee and Ryo decided to take the strollers for the twins but had the slings with them, and put the babies in them before getting on the train. From the laughing and sounds the twins were making, it seemed they were enjoying their first ride too. For Ryoko and Darin, it was their first ever train ride, because in New York, Dee and Ryo would drive whenever they had the babies with them.

The first train was underground, before they had to change at Yoyogi Station and get on the Yamanote Line which was a short one stop ride to Harajuku Station. As they transferred trains, Bikky and Carol noticed a building, exclaiming it reminded them of the Empire State Building. Dee and Ryo said they would try to go with them and walk around the area at some other time. Akira said that she planned to take them to the Meiji Shrine one day and they could also go to the NTT Docomo building on the same day. When they got on the second train, Bikky and Carol stared intently out the window watching all the buildings as they went by. At first, they were trying to look out both sides of the train, but Ryo assured them that they would be on that same stretch at least one more time during their stay, so they could see the other side on the way back. Bikky and Carol started to complain that they just got on the second train as it came into the station.

Akira decided they should walk along the platform to the entrance by Takeshita Street. Carol almost broke into a run once they left the station and saw the arch for Takeshita Street, but Ryo grabbed onto her hand, and Akira said if she rushed, she couldn't appreciate it.

By the time they were ready to leave, they did some shopping and ate crepes. Carol had a crepe with strawberries and cream, Bikky had caramel apple, chocolate and cream, and Dee, Ryo and Akira all had red bean jam, strawberry and cream. Carol had several dresses and a couple of outfits. She was excited as they entered the penthouse, exclaiming she would be able to look like an idol while they were in Japan. She had one dress that she intended to wear on Friday when they went to join Hide and watch the idol group practice. Dee and Ryo bought some casual clothes for themselves, and even Bikky had some new clothes that were fashionable for teenage boys in Japan. Carol also got some socks with cute images on them in a shop that sold socks. Ryo could not help himself and bought some socks with Japanese food on them for Dee, knowing he wouldn't buy them himself, but would get kick out of wearing around the house.

When they left for the day, they did not plan to do as much shopping as they did, so they ended up taking a taxi back to the hotel.

In the evening, they discovered that Akira had reserved a stretch limo to take them to where they would board the yakatabune. Akira had booked for a private party and when they arrived, Ryo's aunts and uncles were waiting for them, along with Tsubasa and Kumi without children. The only aunt that was not there was Satomi, who Ryo was to meet again and introduce her to her family on Saturday during the party because her and her husband Keizo lived in the Mt. Fuji area, where they owned a small traditional style inn along the lake. Takehide's daughter, Miyoko, and her wife, Harumi, were also waiting with Miyoko's two children.

Much to Carol's delight, Risa also joined them that evening. Akira had also invited Hide, Ken and Yuki. Hide and his wife were among those waiting. They were taken inside to a patio overlooking the river while they waited for Ken, Yuki and Takehide's two sons. It was still early and the boat was still being prepared, so they sat on the patio, enjoying drinks while they waited. From the patio, they were able see all the yakatabune from the various restaurants offering dinner cruises. Carol and Bikky stood by the railing, looking out and taking pictures with Risa joining them. Ken and his wife arrived with Yuki and Jae-Hwa just before they were to board the boat, blaming traffic. At least the restaurant had valet service, so they did not have to worry about finding somewhere to park.

Even though they had heard about it from Dee, Ryo, Akira and the rest of Ryo's family, Bikky and Carol were still stunned when they boarded the yakatabune. There were two rows of low, traditional style tables on each side of the boat. The table was set with glassware and small plates and condiment dishes at each place and a cushion to sit on. The boat had paper lanterns along the outside deck, which they were told they were able to walk along, and there were benches outside on the bow. The rectangular boat had a wooden exterior and interior.

With the two rows, it made it easier for conversation among all the diners as they ate instead of one long table, even with the wide area between the rows of tables. Everyone was seated and one of the servers gave them a safety briefing in Japanese, which Akira repeated to Bikky and Carol. As the boat left the dock and made its way along the river toward Tokyo Bay, appetizers were bought out, the tables being filled with various food to pick and choose. By then, Bikky and Carol were used to the customary way of eating out in Japan, and filled the plates at their setting with small amounts of whatever they wanted, both of them daring to try a few new things they haven't encountered yet.

For the first part of the cruise, traditional Japanese music played in the background while everyone ate and talked. When they got to Tokyo Bay, Dee and Ryo took Bikky and Carol out on the front deck so they could take pictures of the Rainbow Bridge as they went under it. Akira had also joined them and got a family shot with the bridge in the background. When they returned inside, the dishes from the first course was being cleared and soon more food was being bought out. There was tempura, vegetables and fruit. Then came out sushi and sashimi boats.

When one of the boats was placed in front of Dee, Akira said, "This one is Dei's. We will have to make sure they bring out another for the rest of us." Everyone around them laughed as Dee turned slightly red but was grinning.

"Obāsan, you know me so well," he drawled, making everyone laugh more.

Other types of fish and eel were also added to the tables and everyone started to eat again, while looking out the windows as the boat made its way toward the Sumida River. After each course, the guests had time to get up and walk around, go on the deck and mingle more. Bikky and Carol were always the first to go out once they were finished eating, with the other children and Risa joining them. Dee and Ryo usually left the twins with someone while they went out.

At one point, Dee had Darin on his lap while he ate and the baby started to reach out toward the food. "Hey, little man," Dee said. "Are you saying you're hungry already?"

"Look, he's making grabby hands, Dee," Ryo pointed out.

"He's also chewing," Hide added from the other side of the table.

"He is?" Dee asked and looked down again at his son. He turned the baby slightly so his face was looking up at Dee. "He is," he exclaimed.

Bikky started to laugh. "I got pictures of him. Too bad we can't give him something. He's starting to look upset that he can't have anything."

"You know what that means, Dee," Ken said.

"What?" Dee asked as Ryo also looked at Dee's friend.

"It means he's ready to start on solid food," Hide answered. "That's how I knew my kids were ready."

Ken nodded his head in agreement.

Ryo looked at Akira. "Really?"

"Ken and Hide are correct. That means pretty soon, at least little Darin will be ready for his first solid food feeding," Akira replied.

"Oh cool!" Bikky exclaimed.

"It means strained peas for you, Darin," Dee replied. "Or something like that."

Ryo looked down at Ryoko, who seemed content to lean against Ryo and watch everything. "How about you, young lady? Do you want to have some yummy strained peas soon too?"

Ryoko put her finger in her mouth and looked across the table at Bikky, who started to make funny faces at her, making the baby laugh.

"The jury is still out on that, I guess," Dee replied.

"Give her time. They are at the age, but she might not be ready yet," Akira said.

"But then again, she might start to follow after Darin soon enough if he keeps it up."

Darin made another grab and managed to get his fingers in Dee's small bowl of pickled vegetables, making everyone laugh.

"Alrighty then," Dee exclaimed. "Since I can't feed you anything on this table, I guess that means you get the wonderful bottle of formula. Aren't you excited?" He looked at Ryo. "I also guess that means it's also feeding time for Koko."

"Might as well. She'll be letting us know it's time soon enough anyway," Ryo replied.

They took the babies on the outside deck where they fed the babies as they watched the buildings on each side of the river go by.

"This is beautiful," Dee sighed as he leaned against Ryo while Darin fed from his bottle. He glanced down on Ryo's lap to see Ryoko was also happily drinking from her bottle.

"I could get used to this real easy," Ryo replied. "I'm glad Obāsan thought of doing this."

"I'm glad that she chartered the boat for a private party," Dee replied. "I guess it might be fun just being a dinner guest. Probably like going to a restaurant but on water, but this is the second time I did this, and the second time it was a chartered cruise."

"So you're spoiled now," Ryo quipped and chuckled. "I have to admit that I never did one of these that wasn't a private chartered cruise, but then it was always Obāsan who booked them. And she can pull out enough family to fill one of the big yatabunes if she wanted to."

"That's true. I'm grateful that she invited my friends to join us," Dee said.

"I think she does that so you don't feel so lost being surrounded by just my family. Since you have friends here, she makes sure you have someone on your side, so to speak."

"Not that I have any problem being around your family. I adore everyone, but I do enjoy getting to spend some extra time with my friends too while we're here. I guess it doesn't help that my friends also seem to be friends of your family too."

"That's what happens when you fly to New York together, I guess," Ryo said, remembering how Tsubasa already was calling Dee's friends his friends too by the time they arrived in New York the week before their wedding for their bachelor parties.

"I'm glad. Something tells me that I should feel left out that my friends get to see your family regularly while we're in New York, but it just makes me happy that everyone is getting along. So, no complaints from me."

"None from me too. That means there's no chance that you'll lose contact with them."

"True, but I like to think that if we managed to stay in touch for ten years just through calls, letters and email, then it means that the four of us are friends for life," Dee said.

"You have a point," Ryo agreed. "And that makes me glad. Now you'll get to see them at least a couple of times a year instead of waiting another ten years."

"I'm looking forward to that, and your family too," Dee said. "I feel like my family grew since you told Obāsan our news last year." He smiled softly at Ryo. "And to think you were actually afraid to tell her."

"I feel like an ass now."

"Hey, it all worked out for the best and we have not only Obāsan, but most of your Japanese family as a regular part of our lives, even when we're on opposite sides of the world."

"That is so very true." Ryo leaned over to kiss Dee. "I love you, Dee. I'm happy. I'm really so very happy now. Happier than I ever thought I could be since I lost my parents, and it's all because of you."

"I love you too," Dee replied. "I would never have believed I would so many people to call my family, but I do now, and that's because of you."

Ryo chuckled. "Well, you do have a lot of brothers and sisters," he teased, thinking about all the children in the orphanage.

"Yeah, I do, even if I never see most of them once they're adopted or old enough to leave on their own," Dee said. "But for the time they're in the orphanage, they're my siblings because they are Mother's children, and I really don't forget any of them." He smiled warmly. "Yeah, I'm really happy too."

They heard Bikky and Carol talking as they came on the deck. "Obāsan said that they are removing the dishes from this course and will be bringing out more food soon," Bikky said as he stood before them.

"These two are almost finished," Ryo replied, smiling at his oldest son. "We'll be in shortly."

"She also said that when we're done with eating, we should be around Asasuka, where we turn around to go back. That's when there will be karaoke and dancing," Carol said.

"Oh good," Dee commented. "That will help work off the meal tonight."

Ryo and Bikky laughed. "Do we eat this much when we go out around New York?" Ryo asked.

"It's because of everything here that isn't so easily available here," Dee replied.

Bikky shrugged. "Maybe we'll stop in another week or two. Like when it becomes normal." As Dee and Ryo nodded in agreement to him, he added, "Nah. I don't want this to become normal. Any of this. It's all too cool and awesome to become normal."

"You like Japan then?" Ryo asked him.

"Yeah. I'm really glad we did this and for more than just a week or two," Bikky replied.

"How about you, Carol?" Ryo asked.

"Oh yes, definitely," Carol answered.

"What if we decided to move here?" Dee asked.

"I don't think I'd mind, as long as we can go to New York sometimes," Bikky replied. "I do love Kamakura and I can't wait to see it in the summer, with the beaches and all, but if we did, I hope it'll be Tokyo or Yokohama. Tokyo, I think, because we have such an awesome place to live here now."

Dee and Ryo laughed. "Yes, we do have a pretty awesome place here now," Dee agreed.

Carol looked at Dee and Ryo, suddenly looking serious. "You aren't planning on moving here, are you? I mean, no way would my aunt allow me to move with you, if you wanted me, that is."

"Lose that look, Princess, and give us your pretty smile. We're not moving here, but yes, I think we'll be coming here more often to give Ryo's family a chance to see the twins as they grow up."

"I also want you to really know Japan, Biks," Ryo added. "And since we're able, I would like Darin and Ryoko to grow up knowing both New York and Japan. But Dee's right, we're not moving, but we will come here whenever we're able to, even if for a week or two at least a couple of times a year."

"And you're always welcome to join us whenever you are able to, Carol," Dee said.

"You're both too kind." Carol gave them a shy smile. "I'm thinking that maybe if whatever college I go to has it, I might be interested in doing a semester here."

"I want to do the same when I'm in college," Bikky stated. "I think it would be really cool to go to school here. You're so lucky, Dad. You got to do all your college here."

"That's because I wasn't an exchange student and Yokohama National took international students full time," Dee said. "I was also lucky to have Mother's family pay for it. You're both also lucky that we'll pay for both of you if you want to study here for a semester, or maybe even going to college here."

"Yeah, you know," Ryo stated, "I'd miss you if you did do like Dee and go to college here, but I wouldn't stop you, Bikky, if that's what you want. We can afford it. But hell, I'd miss you if you went to college in New Haven."

"Why would I want to go to New Haven for college?" Bikky asked, confused.

"I think Ryo meant that it's pretty close to New York but he'll miss you," Carol said.

"There's that," Dee agreed with Carol, "but there's also a nice little college there called Yale."

They all looked as Ryo let out a snort. "Sorry, but I don't think Yale gives basketball scholarships, but if they do, I'm willing to bet they still expect you to be super smart. Only the very best can get in Yale. I didn't have a chance, even if I had a grandfather who was willing to pay if I was able to get in."

"Oh, you would have gotten in if you wanted to," Dee said. "And something tells me if Bikky said he wanted to, that would happen. I don't see any university saying no to your grandfather."

"Scary but true," Ryo had to agree.

"But I don't want to go to Yale. Or Harvard or any of those other preppy schools."

"Any that you might think you want to go to?" Dee asked.

Bikky shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe NYU, and then I could still live at home. And I know they do exchange programs so I can take a semester here. And maybe UCLA would be cool, but I think I want to see if anyone offers me a basketball scholarship, so I'm not making any plans now."

"For all we know you could end up in Indiana or something," Dee said. "But you'll still have a room with us for vacations."

"If we're not going to Japan for that time," Ryo added. "But as long as we have that hotel, that room you picked today will also always be yours."

"Cool!" Bikky replied and smiled.

"Okay, I think these two are done," Ryo said. "Time to go and conquer the rest of dinner."

When they returned inside, the food was being bought out. Various meat dishes were being bought out, from sliced Kobe beef to gyudon and a few nabe dishes. There was also tonkatsu pork and chicken, rolled beef and chicken with vegetables inside and various other beef, pork and chicken dishes. For all the coursed, there was steamed rice and miso soup available. Sake, beer, green tea and soft drinks were also available throughout the evening.

The meal ended with selections of different cakes and custards looking like they came from the fanciest cafes in Tokyo served in small portions so everyone could have more than one selection. There was also ice cream available upon request.

Everyone started to mingle more away from their seating once the meal was over. The traditional music was replaced by popular Japanese music and there was dancing between the tables and the front part inside the boat. Some of them dared karaoke, and Akira made sure that Dee, Ryo and Carol all sang at least one song. Ryo picked a song from his childhood, while Dee selected a popular song from the Oricon charts in the 80's. Bikky managed to get out of having to sing, not knowing any songs in Japanese and too embarrassed to sing something in English, but still enjoyed watching everyone else, making sure there was plenty of pictures and videos, especially of his fathers when it was their turn. Carol chose a song from TKY52 that was one of her favorites, "Oogoe Diamond", which made Dee look at Ryo with a wicked grin that Ryo returned while blushing. Carol did not know much Japanese to carry a conversation, but she did manage to learn the words to her favorite J-Pop songs and did very well. She turned beet red when everyone on the boat gave her a standing ovation when she was done.

Before they knew it, the boat was pulling in at the dock and the evening was over, and everyone was saying good night at the dock. Nobu went with Dee, Ryo and family back to the hotel, where they took whatever they needed for one more day in Kamakura from the penthouse and allowed Nobu to drive the van back to Akira's house. Akira had already gone back home with the rest of her family who lived with her, taking Darin and Ryoko with her, planning to have the babies already settled for bed by the time the others made it back.

On the ride back, Nobu had stopped at another PA in Tokyo on the toll road, allowing Bikky and Carol to collect their stamps and explore a little before heading to Kamakura. Dee and Ryo were leaning against each other, comfortable in their seats and closed their eyes, ready for bed after the adventures of their long day, listening to Carol and Bikky talk about their day with Nobu. Both fell asleep by the time there were in Yokohama, with smiles on their faces.

They all definitely had a wonderful time in Tokyo and looked forward to many more days later in the week, especially after seeing where they would be staying.


October 25, 2006

Aoki Residence

Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

Japan

Dee woke up late morning while Ryo was taking a shower. Ryo waited for Dee to shower and get dressed. When Dee entered the kitchen, Ryo had toast and coffee waiting for him.

They sat at the dinette set by the kitchen, deciding to have coffee and toast before heading over to the main house and join the others. Ryo had figured it was late enough that his grandmother already made breakfast for everyone else and didn't want Akira to go through the extra trouble just because they woke up late.

"We're missing babies," Dee commented. "I assume Bikky took them to the main house?"

"I'm guessing so," Ryo replied. "It was either Bikky, Carol or Obaasan. They most certainly did not leave on their own." He smiled as he studied Dee, who was calmly drinking his coffee and took a bite of his toast. "You okay?"

"Yeah. If I wasn't, I'd be rushing for the house. You?"

"The same. It's not like it hadn't happened before, even in New York."

"Yeah. Either we really trust our family or we're finally getting over it," Dee said.

"You think so?" Ryo asked.

Dee lifted his coffee mug and had a drink before answering. "I think we are when we know our babies are with people we trust," he replied. "Now leaving them in daycare or with a babysitter not in our family, I'm not sure. But we do need to start thinking about a nanny when we get back. I'll be going back to work not long after, you know. I'm pretty sure I'm ready for it."

"I think we need to make sure. At least we have Emiko willing to take them while we work until we find a nanny." Ryo looked at Dee. "But it can't be easy for her, starting a business with one small child not in school yet, and then taking on twin infants. I'm thinking that maybe when we look for a nanny, find one willing to take on four kids, so it will also give her some time to think just about Café Matcha. Her and Daito can go halves on paying the nanny, if they want, and if not, we're still going to have to pay for a nanny. So what if it's a bit more for two more children? We can afford it."

"I think that both Emiko and Daito were really helpful until we left for Japan, so I don't mind if we pay the whole thing," Dee replied.

"I'm glad you feel that way, because I keep thinking the same thing. It really made things easier for us, and I noticed the difference when they went back to Tokyo to pack up for their move. I'm grateful we had such a wonderful support system," said Ryo.

"Me too. So, yes, we do need to start looking for a nanny, and we're not going to take no for an answer to Emiko in getting the nanny to look after her kids too. That would also mean she wouldn't have to always leave the café to pick up Shuuichi from kindergarten and have two kids hanging around while she works."

"Sounds like we have a plan. We can start looking at CVs while we're here. Nothing wrong with finding possibilities to check out further when we get back. We'll be able to start meeting them and interviewing by the time we get back."

"We can at least put out word for nannies. We can tell Mother when we talk to her. We're still in agreement for her to put out word, right? Use the same services she uses to get help at the orphanage?"

"I agree. She would probably pre-screen before we get CVs, knowing her. She knows what she's looking for and she knows us," Ryo said.

"That is true." Dee finished his coffee and sighed. "I think UCC is my favorite coffee. We should buy it regularly when we go to Mitsuwa. I missed it for a few years when I got back to New York before discovering Mitsuwa, along with other things, but I was only able to go shopping there once in a while."

"Well now we can go every week or two to do normal shopping."

"Whole Foods and Mitsuwa, huh?" Dee asked. "Yeah I can get on board with that. We still might have to hit up the Pathmark or Food Emporium or something for some normal things to stock in the cupboard."

"True, but we're not doing weekly shopping there. Okay?" Ryo asked.

"Okay."

Ryo finished the last of his toast and coffee and looked at Dee. "Are we ready to hit up the main house and figure out what we're doing today?"

"Sure. Hopefully we don't walk in to find Obaasan making rice cereal or blending squash or something because Darin showed a sign that he's getting ready to start on solids."

Ryo laughed as he shook his head. "She might be excited but she went through enough children and grandchildren to know not to start feeding him tonight. Besides, Darin might have tried to grab at your food and made a chomping face, but he still can't hold his head up enough yet. He's getting there but not now."

"Meanwhile Ryoko has started to sit up on her own for a while and keeps her head up really good in the last week. She would be the one ready to try solids on," Dee said. "Are we going to give solids to each one as they are ready or do we wait until they are both ready?"

"I think we wait until they are both ready," Ryo replied. He stood up and smiled down at Dee. "Ready to go see what we might have to deal with?"

Dee laughed as he stood up. "Probably the worst thing would be to pry babies from loving relatives, which isn't so bad after all."


They entered the house to find Nobu and Takehide getting ready for the office, Hoshi had left to go shopping, and Moriko was already in her shed working on her ceramics. Akira was clearing dishes from breakfast and smiled as they entered.

"Ohayo," she greeted brightly.

"Ohayo," Dee and Ryo replied in unison.

Takehide and Nobu said their hellos, wishing them a good day and left the house.

"Do you want breakfast?" Akira asked.

"We had toast and coffee, Obāsan," Ryo replied. "We're good. Dee and I are planning to walk around a little soon and we can pick up something." He noticed the twins in their playpen and smiled. "Look who's awake," he said. "Now how did they get here?"

"Bikky and Carol went in to check on them when we didn't see you show up at breakfast and figured you'd want to sleep in, so they took the chibis out to stay with us," Akira explained. "They are fed and dressed, in case you want to take them on your walk. Bikky and Carol left about a half hour ago. They are to meet their friends at the beach. Since you did not mention having any plans, I decided it was okay to let them go off on their own for a while. Bikky said he would call you later to check in. They are thinking of going to Yokohama with their friends this afternoon, but I said he would have to ask you first. Is that okay?" she asked.

"That's fine, Obāsan. We've been running the kids all over the place to where we want to go since we got here, so I have no problem with them spending a day how they want," Ryo replied, looking at Dee for confirmation.

"Sure. They know their way around Kamakura by now, and were exposed to the train system, so I'm good. I'm also thinking that since their friends grew up here, they would know how to get around too. I say when he calls and if they want to go to Yokohama, that's cool. Let them have fun," Dee replied.

"They took the bikes to the beach," Akira said, watching as the two men went over to pick up a baby. "They could leave the bikes at the train station if they go to Yokohama." With a teasing grin, she asked slyly, "I trust you know your way around here without getting lost?"

Ryo laughed and holding Darin went over to his grandmother and kissed her cheek. "Are you kidding? I grew up around here. I know it as well as I know New York."

"It has been years before this trip," she reminded him.

"I'm fine. Don't worry. And while Dee did not do much walking around here when in college, but he does seem to know his way around. We'll probably walk to Hase Station and back. Does that mean you don't want to join us?" he asked.

"You boys also had been dragged around by me to all my favorite places. It's good for the two of you to have some time to yourselves. If you prefer to make it a date day, I can watch the chibis. We'll be here, watching dramas and anime."

"You're watching anime because of them?" Dee asked. "Please watch what you want and don't worry about what they might like now."

"Anime is very colorful, and some have music. It can be good for their stimuli."

"That's true," Ryo agreed. "Just as long as your enjoying yourself."

"Spending time with my darling grandbabies is all the enjoyment I need. Everything else is just a bonus," she replied with a smile.

"Ryo and I were thinking about doing a date night tonight. It's probably going to be our last until we come back from our road trip," Dee said. "We don't want to dump the chibis on you all day."

Akira smiled at Dee. "Dei, I assure you it is no bother to have these darling little chibis all day."

"I'm guessing you're staying home today for the same reasons we slept in late," Ryo said. "It was a late night to an extremely busy week. Figures that Bikky and Carol were up early and off running, while I'm up to a lazy day."

Dee laughed. "For us, I'm willing to bet that the sake also kinda had something to do with our late morning, while the kids were off and running."

"True," Ryo said, "still, they're both young and excited to be here, while we need a day to recharge."

"At least that means still getting out a little. Any ideas where you plan to go for your date night?" Akira asked.

"Not sure," Ryo replied as he placed Darin on the floor next to his sister. Dee was settled on the floor next to her and watching as she sat up on the floor, looking around. He put Darin down on his back and grabbed onto the baby's hands. As Dee watched, he pulled the baby up into a sitting position. Dee had to place a hand behind his head to keep it from falling back too far and then watched as the baby moved his head up and kept it there as Ryo got him in place. He managed to keep his head up for a few minutes before it drooped forward.

"He's getting there, but he's not ready yet," Dee commented.

Akira joined them, sitting on a cushion and watched them. "Even if Ryoko isn't showing signs for solid food like Darin did last night, and this morning, she is closer to ready. I think by sometime next month, we could try solids on them. All I ask is if it does happen while you're in Japan, that you wait until I am around. I can have Maria on Skype so she could be part of the big moment. Or if you wait until you're back in New York, I can be on Skype."

"Of course, Obāsan," Ryo replied with a smile. "We would love to have both of you part of the big day, no matter where we are by then." He looked at the twins who were still in a sitting position. "It does look like it'll be in Japan. Dee and I need to figure out what will it be, but we have a few weeks, at least to work on that."

"For now," Dee added, "I think we need to start getting them used to high chairs. If we can do that, it will be easier when eating out."

"Easier when eating period," Ryo said. "Except when we're having dinner traditional style around here, that is. But last night you had the right idea, which is why I did the same thing and put Ryoko on my lap."

"You can put them on your laps, or you can also try to get them to sit up," Akira suggested. "When we're here, I can take out the seats with backs. Or just let them wiggle on their mats."

"We can also just keep them in their basinets or playpen when we're eating at home, no matter what type of table we're eating at," Dee said.

"That is possible too," Akira said. "But they are getting to the age that it is healthy for their well-being to be part of the family in normal activities."

"Meaning joining us at the table when the family is eating," Dee commented. "In the orphanage there really isn't room for that, so the babies are in the nursery while the older kids eat. I didn't think about a normal family during eating time."

"That's what I'm here for. Each and everyone one of my babies sat at the table with us, and passed that onto them when they got older. You were always at the table whenever we ate, Ryo. As was Tsubasa and all my other grandchildren. I didn't say anything in New York because they were still too young to start sitting up."

"And now they are, and getting ready to eat so now is the time to tell us about it," Ryo said. "We do appreciate the parenting tips."

"Between you and Mother, we'll have no doubts about raising these two," Dee said. "Thank you."

"It is my job, Dei. No need to thank me."

"Still, Obaasan, don't ever think we aren't grateful," said Dee.

They sat with Akira for a half hour, playing with the twins before they headed out for a while. They walked to the Hase Station. Instead of finding a place to eat, they decided they could hold out, so they went into the station and waited for the train and got off at the Kamakura Station. They ended up walking along Komachi Street. The street was a major shopping street and open only for pedestrians. They found somewhere to eat and even did some shopping, including getting some things for friends and family back in New York. Bikky called while they were in a shop, saying he was having a great time with his friends and asked if he and Carol could go to Yokohama with them.

"Are they going to Yokohama?" Dee asked as Ryo closed the call.

"Yeah. He also said they are going to invade Yuki's place for noodles," Ryo said with a smirk. "Bikky didn't say invade, but with seven teenagers, that seems like an invasion." He started to laugh.

"Do you think I should call Yuki and give him a head's up?" Dee asked, looking amused. "Or maybe it would be fun to see what happens when our son suddenly shows up with all his friends?"

"Yuki should be used to family invasions," Ryo replied. "Just because it's our son instead of my cousins doesn't make it different. He'll handle it."

"Yeah, okay. You're right," Dee agreed, also looking amused. He looked at the time. "Should we start heading back or do you want to stay out a little longer?"

"I'm having fun," Ryo replied. "It is like a date day. If you're up to more walking, then I'll call Obāsan and see if she's up to keeping the chibis for a couple of hours more."

"As long as she's good with it," Dee replied.

Ryo called his grandmother, and she sounded pleased to spend more time with the twins. Before hanging up, she told Ryo to call her if they were not going to be home for dinner, and she wouldn't mind it if they did.

They walked around for a few more hours, looking at more temples and shrines, as well as shops. They walked down narrow residential streets, appreciating the styles of the buildings that was unique to Japan. It was a beautiful day and as much as they enjoyed doing things with their family, it was nice to have the time for themselves. Ryo suspected his grandmother felt the same way for them. She had mentioned it enough times while she was in New York, but it was only recently that they started to spend time away from the twins. His grandmother also felt that was good, and Ryo had to agree with her. It was another reason why Ryo was glad for this trip – they had taken a first step the last time they were at the MacLean estate, but they had taken more steps in Japan, even if it had been only a week and they had plenty of time with their family.

They got back to Akira's house before it was time to start making dinner. Bikky and Carol arrived not long after, talking about their solo day out in Japan without adults. It was obvious they had a great day. Bikky and Carol continued to talk about their day throughout dinner, prompted by questions from the others in the house.

Later in the evening after they got the twins ready for bed, Dee and Ryo went out for drinks in Kamakura but did not stay out too late. Bikky and Carol decided to spend the rest of the night home with the adults.


Additional notes:

I really hope I described the yakatabune enough, but still, if you haven't seen one, you can go here: search?q=yakatabune&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwis2p7z2bLVAhXp6YMKHTARBoQQ_AUICygC&biw=1170&bih=709 for images, and click on all if you want more information about them. I was lucky enough to experience a yakatabune cruise and hope to do so again when I go back to Japan for a vacation.

The NTT Docomo building broke ground just after I left Japan in 1997, but I came across it in a Shōgo Hamada video and then found it on Google Maps, and really looking forward to seeing it. Here is link: wiki/NTT_Docomo_Yoyogi_Building .
If there's something mentioned in this chapter, or even a previous one that you want to know what it means, or what, where it is, let me know and I'll point you to it.