Sandy Barge Seafood Bar
Hamptons Bay, NY
They settled on the chic and trendy bar located by a marina overlooking Shinnecock Bay. There was a small stage and dance floor inside, and outside decks surrounding the building and a rooftop bar overlooking the marina and bay. They were still able to hear the music, just not as loud as inside, which made it perfect for talking. Besides the full food service inside where they offered full meals and appetizers, specializing in fresh seafood, there was also a clam and oyster bar on the roof. Waiters and waitresses did go around all the decks for drink and food orders if the patrons did not want to go inside.
Dee joined Ryo at a small table on the roof patio, setting down two glasses. On the table was a hurricane lantern with colorful glass, the flames flickering within. The glass he placed before Ryo was beer, while his was ginger ale. He already had his one beer shortly after they had arrived, and since Ryo had driven his grandfather's metallic blue Audi Sportster, it would be Dee's turn to drive it back. Before they left the house, Franklin told them that if they both decided to have more than a few, that it was perfectly fine to leave the car and call a cab. He would have his staff get the car the next day. While the two men enjoyed wine with dinner or a beer in the evening, since the twins were born both men preferred not to be drunk so they could handle the babies, so there was no doubt that one of them would be driving back. It was a short drive from the MacLean estate; it took Ryo just over fifteen minutes to get there. The beer Dee got for Ryo was going to be his last for the night.
The place was packed, even with it being off season. It was still a favorite to enough of those who lived in the Hamptons year round. The majority of the clientele was rich. After paying for the first rounds of drinks, Dee determined it was a good thing they were rich too because this was not a local watering hole for the average working class.
The decks provided a good cool down after dancing on the crowded dance floor. The rooftop patio provided an extra cool breeze coming off the bay. It felt especially good to the two men as they relaxed after dancing. They originally planned to stay for just an hour, but once they got there, they discovered how great it felt to just be them for a while until they went back to being fathers of twins and teen. There were some at the trendy bar who recognized Dee, but except for some smiles or waves in their direction, they were left on their own to enjoy their date. It had been three hours since they arrived at the bar and going after midnight.
Ryo looked up with a surprised face as a waiter came over with two platters, one with a dozen of raw clams on the half shell and the other with a dozen of oysters.
As the waiter walked away, Dee started to chuckle. "I figured it's been long enough since dinner and after all the dancing we could share a little snack."
"I have to admit that this is nicer than I thought it would be, but I figured you'd be almost ready to head back soon. I think I'm getting there."
"They're with Elena, Rick, and your grandparents, plus Bikky's there too. Yes, part of me feels that we should have been back hours ago, but I am also enjoying myself. Elena was right. It's been too long since we went out to do something just the two of us that didn't involve shopping or something like that."
"I'm enjoying myself too. I forgot how much I love going dancing with you, but this is our first outing since the twins were born. We shouldn't push our comfort levels. On the other hand, I would call tonight a success and maybe we should do this more often."
Dee nodded in agreement. "You're right. I am surprised we're still here but on the other hand, I'm pushing because I'm wondering when we'll be able to do this again. But we do have enough sitters should we decide to do this once a week. We also can be within a few blocks from home too. There's enough places where we live to get away for a few hours."
"Should we set a particular night, or just aim to do this once a week?" Ryo asked.
"What's that look for?" Dee asked.
"What?" a
"You're not sure on a weekly date night, aren't you?"
"Not for the reasons you're thinking." Ryo reached across the table and took Dee's left hand in his. He caressed the finger with the white gold and diamond band. "I would love nothing more than to take you out on a date once a week, or have you take me. I think we kinda stopped going out on actual dates when I moved in with you, and tonight made me realize that I miss it. So yes, we should have date nights, but I'm just not too sure about every week."
"Why not?" Dee asked, looking concerned.
Ryo lifted Dee's hand and kissed it before letting go. He picked up a clam and squeezed some lemon on it. He ate the clam and after putting the empty shell back on the plate, he looked at Dee. "I'm still dealing with some issues," he admitted. "This might sound wrong, but I only have a few people I would trust leaving our children with."
Dee paused in squeezing a lemon wedge over the rest of the clams and gave Ryo a shocked look. "So you're saying not everyone we know who offered to babysit you feel comfortable with?"
"It's silly, I guess. I mean, I trust Drake, J.J. and Ted to look after my back on the job, but not with the twins. Diana and Rose too." Ryo let out a heavy sigh. "As much as I like Dana and Jack, we don't know them long enough. I couldn't have them babysit."
"This is about Ferguson, isn't it? I thought you said you got past that?"
"I thought I did. I really did, but now that we're at the point of leaving the twins with others for a while, I realized that I still have issues to deal with. All because of that son of a bitch, I don't feel comfortable leaving our children with our best friends and that's wrong. Dee, to be honest, the only reason I agreed to tonight is because Elena and Rick are there."
"You wouldn't leave the twins with your grandparents?" Dee asked.
"I would like to, maybe one day I could, but right now, no. I can't. Not without someone I trust there."
"You trust Elena and Rick because they've been nothing but supportive since they found out, right?" Dee asked.
"Yeah. I guess that's it. I mean Elena knew about us before we told her, but she kept quiet. Even after she got me to admit it, she still honored my wishes and kept it quiet from everyone, including her own husband. I know I can trust her. To find out Rick was basically waiting for me to tell him, then I can trust him too. Not to mention I've known them both almost my whole life. Obaasan and Mother I trust."
"I'm thinking you trust Emiko and Daito too," Dee stated.
"Mostly Emiko but I really don't see Daito having to watch them alone. If Tsubasa was here, I'd trust him too, but that's only because me, Tsubasa and Emiko go way back to childhood."
"I need to point out that you knew your grandparents all your life too."
"But that doesn't mean I would see them all the time, not like we do now. Things were already strained between Dad and Grandfather. I think he believed the police about the drugs when my parents were killed, and that's when he basically withdrew Dad's money which should have gone to me. I tossed my own trust fund and shares away when I decided to join the Army my own way instead of going to college, even if it was West Point. The times we did talk since was because of Grandmother. At least she would reach out to me once in a while and sometimes we'd meet for lunch or something. She'd offer me money those times, but I guess I'm my grandfather's grandson, because I was too stubborn and wouldn't take it. I wouldn't try to reach out to him. So things were a bit strained between me and Grandmother because of that. I remember how he was when he first found out about us and that you were pregnant and I'm still finding it hard to believe how much he has come around. I'm really enjoying having my grandparents back in my life so much again, and by extension some of the rest of the family, but I keep waiting for him to do another 180 turn on how he feels about us."
"Ryo," Dee said softly. "He loves those babies. Maybe one day I might fall from his grace, but I doubt Koko and Darin ever will. I see how he is with them, and there is no man prouder to be a great grandfather. I know he would never intentionally harm them. I also see pride in his eyes when Bikky talks about his sports and school and just little things that makes us proud to be his parents, also makes him proud to call Bikky his great-grandson."
"I know. I see it too, but I still have all those years to overcome before I can leave our children with just the two of them for more than an hour," Ryo admitted. "Maybe I won't always feel this way about them. I hope I won't always feel this way about them."
"I hope so too for all your sakes," Dee said.
"It's going to take time, Dee, but as long as they are opening themselves to us, I'm willing to open up to them. More weekends here with them, inviting them to join us in the city." Ryo smirked. "Maybe invite them to our vacation home in the Pines. I do enjoy having this relationship with them, and I hope it will continue and get stronger to the point that I can one day leave our kids with them for a weekend and go off the enjoy ourselves once in a while."
The conversation paused as they continued to eat the seafood, a comfortable silence between them as they enjoyed sharing the simple but delicious snack.
"Speaking of childhood," Dee started after there were only shells on the platter, "what about Barry and Julie?"
"Yeah, I trust them because Barry's basically your brother and a very trusted one, so yes. I trust them. But don't you think they have enough with their family? And then to dump infant twins on them seems a little much. I also feel guilty leaving them with Mother after her spending all day looking after the kids in the orphanage."
"Barry and Julie won't say yes if they feel it's too much. Remember Emiko and Daito have two also, and Emiko seems to do well handling all four when I leave the twins with her."
"I know." Ryo picked up his glass and gave Dee a sad smile before taking a drink of his beer. "I'm sorry, Dee, but I know we have tons of offers, but there's only a few I trust to leave them with. And some not without guilt."
"Well," Dee said thoughtfully. "How about this then? What if when we ask Barry and Julie, or Emiko and Daito to watch the twins for a few hours in the evening, we counter it with an offer to take their children one night? Speaking of forgetting what going on dates is about, you know the only time Barry and Jules get to go out on a date are the times we offered to babysit."
"That's possible. I guess it's only fair if we ask them to look after our two or three," Ryo replied. "Just remember we only have a few weeks before we leave for Japan, and if I know Obaasan, we'd be having date nights in Japan," he said with a chuckle. "We'll worry about overburdening Barry or even our daytime nanny when we're back from vacation. Who knows, maybe I can even sort some of this out by then too."
"You know the only way you'll sort it out is by talking about it with a professional?" Dee asked.
"I know. That's what I have Tim for. If I'm still this way when we come back, I'll ask him for a referral to speak to a shrink. You're pushing to get past your anxieties, I guess now that I can admit I still have issues, I need to return the favor and get help myself."
"You do know you have my support, right?"
"Of course I know that, Dee. I trust you most of all." He gave Dee a smile. "So how about finishing our drinks and go back for some more dancing before heading back? Besides, I know you're itching to get behind the wheel of the Sportster."
"Oh, I am, but I know I'll have my turn. It was sweet enough being a passenger. Don't know if we'll have the roof down on the way back, but I hope so."
"It's still warm, so we should be able to."
"Alrighty then. Let's finish these off and go back to dancing," Dee stated as he lifted his glass.
Ryo raised his in salute as he returned Dee's grin.
OoOoOoO
October 3, 2006
Laytner-MacLean Residence
New York City, NY
Ryo came home to find Dee on the couch, amusing the twins in their bouncy chairs. Just as Dee started to turn toward the door to greet him, Ryoko turned her head and lifting her arms with outstretched hands and gave Ryo a smile, her green eyes wide.
"Holy shit!" Dee laughed at the same time Ryo exclaimed, "Oh my God!"
Ryo rushed across the living room and lifted Ryoko out from the chair to kiss her face. "Hello to you too, sweetheart."
"Hey Koko, that's some big greeting you gave Papa," Dee said as he lifted Darin from the seat. Settling the baby on his lap, he said, "I guess eventually you're going to start missing Papa too while he's at work."
Ryo sat down next to Dee, holding Ryoko. He leaned over to kiss Darin's nose. "And hello to you, little man." He let out a laugh. "I can't believe she did that."
"One of them was bound to. Darin won't be long. If nothing else, he seems to learn from his sister," Dee said. Bouncing Darin on his lap, he asked, "So are you going to greet Papa tomorrow?"
Ryo put Ryoko into a bouncy chair and held his arms toward Dee. "Let me give a proper hello to this one now."
"Wanna say hello to Papa, Darin?" Dee asked as he handed Darin to his husband. "Are you hungry?"
"I am," Ryo said as he cuddled Darin, kissing the baby boy's head. "Are we going cold tonight?"
Dee chuckled. "No. I got back with the chibis not long before you so I didn't get to put Emiko's lasagna in the oven to heat. I was just getting them settled so I could start dinner when you arrived. By the time I got to Emiko's, I was considering us waiting until Bikky's back and go out for dinner. Apparently while I was out, Emiko was practicing her Italian culinary skills and made an extra lasagna for us, along with tiramisu for dessert." He shrugged. "I guess she figured that I wouldn't have time to make dinner."
"Now is this Italian Italian?" Ryo asked. "Or Japanese Italian?"
"Italian Italian," Dee replied. "She said she wants to learn how to cook like a New Yorker," he added with a laugh. "I gotta say, it smelled awesome, but then this is Emiko."
"That's true." Ryo leaned back against Dee. "I'll help you get dinner going then, so we can all eat at a decent time tonight. So, you got to Emiko's later than you planned? Does that mean you had a successful day?"
Dee nodded, starting to grin. "It was very successful. We have the property for the new orphanage and Carrier home. Donated by the MacLeans, Laytner-MacLeans, and apparently the Lanes. Siobhan called me this morning, after speaking to Mother yesterday and she offered to put some of the money into the property."
"How much was the final sale?" Ryo asked.
Dee dropped his head back, running his hand through his hair. "Geez, I'm still stunned. We got it for 3.5 million."
"Barry's guy estimated the value at $16 million, didn't he?"
"Yeah, he did. So even though we went over the target bid, even with renovations, we're still going to come out ahead."
Ryo started to laugh as he spared a hand from Darin to rub Dee's chest. "My poor darling. You dropped 3.5 million dollars today. You must be going in shock there."
"Trying not to. After all, it wasn't all our money that went into the sale."
"What's our share then?"
"$1.1 million or something once Mother's family transfers the money to us."
"Did Grandfather go after all?"
"Your grandfather was there with the corporate lawyer for the hotel chain, who is used to buying up real estate. Barry came with his lawyer. Sheila sent one from the city, just so no one can claim shady dealings if some Anti-Carrier group wants to make trouble. We don't own the building, we just donated it and the city lawyer notarized the donation once we made the sale." Dee let out a heavy sigh. "Personally I'm glad for all the back-up, especially your grandfather because as much as I trust Barry, this was not only a major purchase but the handover is sensitive. Your grandfather's done this before, so I'm glad I had him at my side today. Even with Barry and Morgan, I still would have felt out of my element. Your grandfather grounded me. And now we have great property to move the orphanage and open the Carrier home." Dee smiled. "We lost the building we were hoping to flip, but we did win one of the other buildings we checked out in the North Bronx. It has 25 units."
"Our first purchase for the real estate business?" Ryo asked and then let out a heavy sigh. "I really wish I was able to get away and join you."
"Your cases are important, Ryo. I understand even if I wish you were there too, but we didn't buy up anything you didn't view information on. I know you're pushing to close the cases you have even if you didn't take lead on them."
"Yeah, I give them to Dana. Drake and JJ are already loaded, and Andy's not ready yet. Diana and Dominic and their crew have their hands full with cases in the tri-state area. I do want to close my cases, but if anything is still open by the time we leave, at least I'm not lead," Ryo explained. "So are we planning on turning the building into affordable housing?"
"Most of it," Dee replied. "I had a talk with your grandfather, and he had a point. We do need to make a profit because we have to be able to afford the luxury of making affordable housing available. It's in a good area that's being built up again, so we can go luxury. Then we sign up with the New York Housing Authority and offer up most of the apartments for Section 8. The others we go for top market value."
"So those apartments will have affordable rent but we'll be getting full value, especially if we really up the rent on the rest, the building will pay for itself at first. Then everything will go into the company, right?"
"You've been talking to your grandfather too, haven't you?"
"Grandfather called me, let me know what he said to you so I don't feel left out. Not that I would because I know we would discuss it, but I did appreciate the intent."
"He's a good man," Dee said with a smile. "It's still hard to believe that he helped and lent his support to today's dealings, but I'm glad for it. I know you still have some issues of trust with him, and I don't blame you, but I think he's making good strides to repair the trust issue. I know he's doing it because he cares and has no ulterior motives."
Ryo gave Dee a small smile. "I trust your feelings. You do seem to know how to feel out people, but yeah, I have to agree. I feel like his only ulterior motive is to make amends to me, you and Bikky. He's up there in his years, and I'm guessing the chibis made him rethink how he's handling things. He lost dad and mom, but he still has me and my family. He just wants us to be family. He keeps going this way, I'm sure what trust issues I still have will go away. He didn't try to buy us with money, you know. That was his reaching out to give me what was mine."
"And your father's," Dee pointed out.
"Dad and Mom did okay even if he held out on giving Dad his share. Dad still had his trust fund, and invested well. Mom, well, she had her family's money. We were never rich like we are now, but we were never want for anything. They could have bought a bigger house but they figured there was only the three of us, so they didn't want to waste money on extra space that they felt they didn't need. As an only child, the house was just perfect for us."
"Which explains why you're still happy with this place, even if we can go bigger," Dee commented.
"Right now, this is just perfect. Maybe a few years down the line, I would like all three of our kids to have their own rooms."
"I agree. Then we go big," Dee said. "Like I'm thinking we'll need a big house on Fire Island, because we'll have guests."
"And when we don't, that's more shares," Ryo added. "I do hope we have some time just the two of us or our family, but I am also looking forward to having family and friends over. I'm all for the big beach house even if we have to build."
"If we do, we might not have it by this upcoming summer," Dee pointed out.
"Find something we can add too if it's not big enough?"
"That would work," Dee said. "Speaking of, where are we with this?"
"I've been feeling out realtors for the Fire Island Pines. The sales aren't as many as if we were looking on Long Island, so I want to find one that can get their hands on as many houses as possible. I'm also considering if they also do the rentals too, so we can work through whoever we buy the house from," Ryo replied. "I doubt we'll make a decision until we're back and if we can get a boat out there in the winter. If not, if it's a clear day, we can try a seaplane. I'm seeing this house as a Christmas gift to ourselves, so I plan to make a sale before spring. At least most of those houses come furnished. So we can still enjoy it this summer, and then do whatever we plan toward the end of the season."
"I like that idea." Dee stood up and stretched. "Let me get dinner warmed. Bikky should be coming home soon."
"I said I'll help, but let me get changed first. Join you in a few minutes." Ryo stood too and pulled Dee in for a kiss before heading for the bedroom.
OoOoOoO
October 4, 2006
Gracie Mansion
New York City, NY
Ryo thanked the man who opened the door of their van. He got out and watched as Dee got out from the driver's side, allowing the man on that side to get into the van. Dee walked around the front and together they watched as the man drove the van to the guest parking area.
When they turned toward the stairs going up to the door, they found Mayor Sheila Blum and Tony waiting on the porch just outside the door.
"Come in," Sheila greeted, gesturing with her arm. "It's brisk out here. Save greetings for when the door is closed." She smiled as she stepped aside to allow Dee and Ryo to enter the mayor's home for the duration of her holding that office. Tony was the last in and was closing the door while Sheila greeted them. "I'm so glad you were able to make it tonight and I must apologize for the last minute invitation to dinner."
After dinner the evening before, while Dee and Ryo watched a movie with Bikky, they received a phone call from Sheila inviting them to dinner at Gracie Mansion. They could never say no to the mayor, but was not sure if they would find a sitter. The mayor had assured them if they had to bring their family, it would be okay. With Sheila's consent, they originally had planned to bring infants and teens, but Emiko and Daito thought they were being silly and that the twins would stay with them and Bikky was welcome to join them too. Ryo was certain his cousin was currently enjoying feeding not only her family but Bikky and Carol. He was also certain they would be bringing home leftovers when they picked up their family.
"No children?" Tony asked as he greeted them.
"Not this time," Dee replied. "Ryo's cousin insisted that we leave the children with her until later tonight. You are always welcome to come by anytime if you want to see the family."
"Or you can bring them over for an afternoon before you all go running off to Japan," Sheila added with a smile. "But perhaps it is best you came alone this time. Ryo, your grandparents are here, and Dee, I had a car pick up your Mother. Barry should also be arriving shortly, since you are early."
Dee started to look concerned. "This sounds like a war council."
"In a way it is. I just wanted to talk to those involved in getting the Carrier Home project jumpstarted, but you know me. I wasn't going to ask you all to show up with such short notice just to talk. So we'll have dinner first and then we'll talk," Sheila explained as she led them through the spacious house to the sitting room, where they found Franklin and Estelle MacLean talking to her husband, Ethan." She looked at Ryo. "I see where you get arriving early from. Please sit. Can I get you something to drink?"
"Water for me, please," Dee stated. "I'm driving tonight. And I know Sheila well enough to know there will be wine with dinner. I rather save my one drink for some wine with dinner."
Franklin looked slightly surprised at Dee's answer. "You drove your van here?"
Ryo shrugged. "Why not? It's not like it's a hunk of junk or anything. I'm pretty proud of the fact that we bought a brand new van with all the bells and whistles on it before we came into a windfall of money."
"That is a very nice van," Tony said. "That dashboard looks more like a spaceship control," he said with a laugh.
"I know it's not an Audi," Dee said as he sat down on the settee facing Ryo's grandparents, "which is pretty sweet, but I'm happy with our van. Besides, we came in from Williamsburg and we need to go to Emiko's on the way home to pick up the kiddies. It just didn't seem all that convenient calling for a car tonight."
"Oh, you leave the boys to live as they want, Franklin," Estelle admonished her husband.
Franklin raised his hands in surrender. "I'm not putting them down, dearest. Just asking. I can see that they won't be running out of money anytime this decade. I do have to commend them for their self-control considering their financial situation."
"Dee and I have been discussing the possibility of a second vehicle," Ryo said, sitting next to Dee. "But we'll wait until we're back from Japan before making a decision. It doesn't pay to buy anything now."
"That's a smart decision," Estelle agreed. "I know if you decide to get something, you won't rush the process either. I know you can afford several cars, but that is quite inconvenient living in Manhattan. It is best to make a wise decision on the second car, so take your time."
"Dee, would you like just water or sparkling water? We have Perrier with lime," Sheila asked.
"Sparkling sounds great," Dee said.
"I'll take the same if you don't mind," Ryo added.
"Dee, Ryo," Ethan started, "Sheila told me you secured property for the new Carrier shelter and the new orphanage Mother Maria will run."
"Yes, sir," Dee replied. "I did have help with the auction process by Ryo's grandfather. He also contributed money to the sale."
"Dee did most of the work, along with his friend Barry," Franklin said. "I simply made a donation to the cause." He smiled proudly as he gazed at Dee and then looked at Ryo, still smiling.
Sheila brought over the bottles of Perrier and sat down next to her husband. "We will have plenty of discussion over this wonderful property that was purchased and most generously donated by the Laytner-MacLeans after dinner."
Ethan laughed. "Hint taken. Since I've been out of town and haven't been able to see the twins lately, do you have photos?" he asked, changing the topic.
Franklin let out a guffaw as both Dee and Ryo took out their phones. "That was a dangerous question, Ethan," he said. "This could take hours." He looked at his wife, who also had her phone out. With a wider grin, he took his phone out of his suit jacket.
"If we keep it down to just stills, we might be done by midnight," Dee quipped, making everyone laugh.
They were still showing Ethan Blum pictures of Ryoko, Darin and Bikky when Barry and Julie arrived. Like Dee and Ryo, Barry had picked up on the formality of the invitation even if they all were friends and had worn a suit and tie. Julie had a designer pants suit that Ryo knew had to have put a dent in Barry's budget.
Barry and Julie joined everyone in the sitting room, now showing Ethan Blum photos of their family when Maria arrived. Sheila rushed to be at the door once she got the call that the car she ordered was pulling into the gates. She settled Maria with everyone else. They talked about family for ten minutes when a maid came in announcing that the dining room was ready.
After dinner, everyone went back to the sitting room, where everyone except Dee and Julie had an after dinner drink as they discussed the property and the handing over of the property to the City of New York as a donation.
When talk about the property started to wind down, Sheila stood up, drawing attention to herself. "Now that we had a lovely evening, it's time for the main reason for my last minute invitation. City Council has gone to vote on my amendment to the Anti-Discrimination Bill. This is only a formality because unofficially everyone is in agreement that we do need permanent Carrier Status on our Bill. The purpose of this amendment is because once signed, it can never be revoked. Carrier Status cannot become an issue for vote and be removed if the vote goes this way. New York City will always include Carrier Status on their Anti-Discrimination Bill, just as Handicap and Sexual Orientation has been permanently secured. I've also been told that they are going one step further and paperwork is being drawn up to declare New York City a Carrier Friendly Zone. This is in anticipation that once we announce the amendment, some Anti-Carrier groups might attempt to influence certain areas in the city as Anti-Carrier zones. Yes, it will be illegal, but with some of these groups that won't stop them. However, if we officially declare all of New York a Carrier-Friendly Zone with a bill, penalties for attempts to make areas otherwise will be greater. This bill also will be permanent and cannot be revoked anytime in the future or put to vote."
She paused for the cheering coming from her guests. "Everyone here has been most instrumental in the council to come to this decision. In fact, we have 3 members who just admitted to being Carriers. They claim it was your bravery throughout your pregnancy, Dee, that influenced their decision to follow your example."
"Sometimes it only takes one," Ethan stated. "Just one person to stand up and given enough time and it will snowball. Dee's insistence of remaining a Detective and openly Carry on duty started the snowball within Civil Service. The good news is being the largest city in the state; it's also starting to spread throughout other state services."
"I wasn't the first to Carry while on duty in New York State," Dee said, thinking of Rose's partner, Tyler. "Commissioner Rose had a partner when he was with the New York State Police who was pregnant while on duty."
"A detective in Upstate doesn't make as much waves as one in the NYPD," Sheila said. "I believe you are talking about Berkeley's partner, Tyler Thompson. At the time of that unfortunate event, those small towns claimed it only reinforced why Carriers should not be in the police. A lot had to do with how that department handled the aftermath. You, on the other hand, had the backing of your Superior Officer from the start. Berkeley also managed to get the top brass on board with his backing. How you handled yourself in press conferences reinforced their decision to back you. I had heard about you long before we first talked, and also why Gilbert decided to reach out to you for advice and support."
"We said it before, Dee, it was all about being at the right place at the right time while being pregnant," Ryo said.
"Then there was the Carrier Killer, which made news, which basically threw you into being a local celebrity," Ethan pointed out. "The chain of events that put you in the place you are now were mostly unfortunate ones, especially losing our Gilbert, but the silver lining from that mess is you, Dee. Having you in the spotlight started a new trend of being a Carrier in civil service. Don't deny it and be glad of all the good we have been able to do because of your spotlight. We might have even taken advantage of it and pushed the spotlight on you more, but you are good with getting people to listen to you and your passion. I, for one, am thankful. Because not only was Sheila able to get these new bills ready to go into play, but I was able to do the same in Albany."
Dee did a double take while everyone else's attention went to Ethan. Only Sheila did not look surprised. She was beaming with pride over what her husband had said.
"Excuse me," Barry asked, "but did I hear that right?"
"You did," Ethan confirmed. "The governor will be signing similar bills for New York State. They might take longer to prepare them but they will be prepared and signed before the end of the year."
"That's fantastic," Dee stated, smiling.
"It is indeed good news," Sheila said. "We still need to be prepared when some of those groups attempt to push back on them. Which is why I also will be approving a new budget for your unit. I did state to Berkeley that you need more people in your Unit, but how he actually works it out within the budget will be up to him."
"When will you be signing the new bills?" Estelle asked.
"Monday afternoon. I would love to have you present for the press conference, Dee. Perhaps also have at least some of your unit with you. I will understand if you can't make it or don't want to. This is your choice and I won't pressure you on it."
Dee looked at Ryo and then to the mayor. "It will be my honor, Madam Mayor," he replied with a grin. "Just let me know the time and place."
"I'm sure Berkeley will allow Ryo to join you, at the least," Sheila stated.
"I'm sure he will," Ryo replied. "And anyone else in our unit not in the field at the time. I know I can because I'm not taking Lead on any new cases until we get back from Japan because I don't want to leave anything hanging. I've just been lending my support wherever it's needed until then."
"Wonderful. Once everything is confirmed, I'll send you the information," Sheila said.
"Here we go again," Barry said with a chuckle. "We'll have to deal with Mr. Celebrity again folks."
"I was never that bad," Dee stated with a pout.
"No," Ryo admitted, "not really but you did have your moments."
"The truth comes out by the husband," Julie said with a laugh.
"I don't know what you people are talking about," Dee insisted, pouting.
"One thing I have learnt very quickly about Dee," Estelle said, sounding amused, "is that the more he pouts, the more he's guilty."
That set Ryo in a fit of laughter, loving that his grandmother took the time to know Dee that well. Ryo knew it was true, which was why he could not stop laughing, even with Dee giving him the stink eye. It did not help that everyone else was also laughing.
Once the laughter died down, they continued to talk about the new bills, potential new laws to be put in place, family and just enjoyed time together. Ethan usually did not join them because of his lobbying in Albany and D.C., so it was a treat to have him join them that evening. He would be home until the end of the next week, before he went back to D.C. and continue to push for more laws to encompass the entire country.
OoOoOoO
October 6, 2016
Laytner-MacLean Residence
New York City, NY
"Hey Ryo!" Drake exclaimed as he entered Ryo's office. "Dana, you too! Quitting time. Don't you two have little babies to go home to?"
Ryo looked up from the computer screen. "You can leave, Drake. Tell the others they can too. Dana and I are finishing up the report on David."
"So you brought our new M.E. along and tripped up the one person who was not our suspect," Drake commented. "Smooth."
"It was Henry's suggestion to visit MaryAnn, so we thought why not invite him along. He seems to enjoy field work," Ryo said.
"Then he should have become a detective."
"I think he should have, but we're damn lucky to have him as our M.E. I had never worked with a Medical Examiner who could think like he does," Dana said. "And I've come across some brilliant ones."
"Before I leave, I should thank you for spending the afternoon in Central Booking," said Drake.
"Since I know Henry well, I figured Dana and I going with him made more sense," Ryo said.
"So did Sherlock go back to the morgue?" Drake asked.
With a smirk, Ryo replied, "No. He's down in the lab with Jim. Don't ask me what they are talking about because they stopped making sense about five minutes after Henry got in the lab so I left. I figure if they come up with someone on one of our other cases, they'd let us know. Meanwhile I want to get this report done and get the hell home to my family."
"Preach it, brother!" Dana exclaimed with a laugh.
"Get outta here," Ryo said to Drake. "We'll go over our other cases in the morning. At least we're solving them faster than new cases are coming in."
"Yeah. I take it you and Dee have plans later tonight? JJ wants to know if you're up to dinner or drinks later."
"What? No coming over to see the babies?" Ryo joked with a laugh.
"That's open too," Drake replied.
"Bikky's spending the night at a friend's house," Ryo stated. "So, I was hoping some time with Dee when the chibis are sleeping."
"Oh. OH! Right. You two enjoy your evening," Drake said as Dana laughed at Drake. She already learned of Ryo's plans for the evening without Ryo going into details as they waited in Central Booking.
"You can come over tomorrow afternoon," Ryo offered. "I have to be here, but we can all have dinner together, as long as I'm not held over."
"I think J.J. will go for that. I think he's quietly freaking out over your nice long vacation."
"Quiet? J.J.?" Dana asked. "That's new."
"It is," Drake agreed. "It scares me actually."
Both Ryo and Dana laughed with agreement. "Dee will give you a call tomorrow so you can set up a time. And enjoy your day off."
"Thanks Ryo. See you tomorrow. Good night, Dana. Say hello to Jack and mini-Jack for me," Drake said and then left.
OoOoOoO
Ryo came home to baked chicken and rice, the scent wafting through the apartment to greet him the moment he came through the door. The living room was empty but Ryo heard Dee talking to the twins in the den.
He entered the den to find Dee sitting on the floor with the twins on their mats. He was bouncing the Kiki doll before them, laughing as Darin stared at the doll while Ryoko reached out in an attempt to grab at the doll.
With a warm smile, Ryo entered the room and sat down next to Dee and picked up the Lala doll. Dee looked over to Ryo with a smile. "Welcome home," he greeted, making the doll bounce to his words.
Darin reached out to Ryo, looking at him with a smile. Ryoko was also smiling as she managed to get a hand on the doll's leg and then she looked up at Ryo.
"The worse part about twins is when you want to grab up both at the same time," Ryo said with a laugh. "Let's see, Darin got first dibs yesterday so…." He started to pick up Ryoko to settle her on his lap.
"No need for compromise," Dee said as he picked up Darin. "Scoot Koko over a bit and have a moment with both on your lap." Dee settled the baby girl as Ryo moved Ryoko a little. "There? Everyone cozy now?" he asked with a grin.
Ryo cuddled both babies as Darin grabbed a fist of Ryo's shirt and rested his head against his chest. Ryoko seemed content to lean with her back against Ryo, kicking her feet in the manner that said she was happy.
"Can you stay with them a few minutes while I make sure our dinner doesn't burn? Then after you change, we'll feed these two before settling down to feed ourselves."
Ryo nodded. "Sure. I think I'll take them in the bedroom with me while I get changed."
OoOoOoO
Ryo was putting on his shirt, after quickly cleaning up. He had the twins on the bed and he took longer to get changed because he kept being distracted watching as the babies wiggled on the bed.
Dee poked his head into the bedroom and called out, "Ryo, we're out of cheese. I'm going to do a quick run and get some. Be back soon."
It took Ryo to finish buttoning his shirt as he gazed at the babies for Dee's words to penetrate his brain. By the time he reacted by opening his mouth and call out his husband's name, he heard the front door close.
Leaving him alone with two very awake infants.
"DEE!" he called out even though he was aware that his husband would not hear him. He started a panicked run out of the bedroom and through the living room and opened the front door. Dee was already gone from the hallway. He started to make a dash through the hall to the main hallway and hope Dee was still waiting for the elevator when he remembered he left the twins on the bed. "Shit!" he cursed as he rushed back to the bedroom. He did have pillows on each side of them, but he still could not take the chance that their wiggling would cause one of them to fall off the bed anyway.
Inside the bedroom, he found both twins crying, and realized he did yell very loud. Sitting on the bed, he picked up Darin and settled him on his lap and then settled Ryoko. It was not as easy as when Dee helped him in the den. He had two upset babies and had no idea how to handle them both. They each needed a full cuddle and he wanted to do so but it would mean just one baby at the time. He didn't want one of them to feel neglected. So he continued to hold them both best he could.
"Shh sweethearts," Ryo softly said. He kissed Darin's dark head and then Ryoko's lighter hair. "Papa's sorry for getting you upset. I don't know how Daddy handles it. Geez, I almost blew it seconds after he left me with you guys. Right away I left you alone on the bed where you could have been hurt." Ryo sighed. "I shouldn't be left all alone with you. That's why I don't do it." He bounced Ryoko as Darin snuggled up to him, clenching his shirt in his little hand and started to quiet down. Ryoko was still crying but it was slowing down. "I know I can be a better father when you're both older." He managed to reach the arm holding his daughter so he could gently stroke a tiny arm. He started to hum a song he heard his grandmother sing to the babies when she was with them. It was an old Japanese song that was his grandmother's favorite. She passed the love of that song down to her daughter, because Ryo's mother also sang that song to him. He found when he was sitting with his infant children he would start to hum it.
It seemed to do the trick, because Ryoko started to settle down. She looked up at Ryo, her mouth open. Ryo chuckled and started to sing the Japanese words. Darin let out a little sound as he moved his head.
Ryo continued to sing until he finished the song. Darin seemed to be dozing off, while Ryoko was exploring his shirt from the way she would grab and pull on it.
Gently he managed to stand up and carry the babies to the nursery. Once he had the twins in the crib, he watched for a moment as Darin started to drift off to sleep, while Ryoko amused herself reaching for the anime animals hanging from the slowly rotating mobile. Ryo smiled and let out a chuckle. "Now you're happy, aren't you?" he asked his infant daughter. "And hopefully you'll still be sleepy when it's time for your daddies to get sleep."
Satisfied that the babies would be okay for the moment, he went back into the master bedroom to get his cell phone. Going back to the nursery, he dialed Dee's cell.
"Relax, Ryo," Dee answered his phone. "I'm a half block from Whole Foods. I shouldn't be more than another 20 minutes."
"You left me with two babies!" Ryo accused as he paced angrily around the room. "Are you crazy, Dee?"
"No, I'm not," Dee replied. "So I left you with the chibis? It was about time you finally did spend time with them alone."
"Dee, you left ME with two infants. Our two precious infants! With me! Oh crap!" He headed toward the crib when he heard Darin start to fret and Ryoko start to whimper. "Dammit Dee! I made them cry again. Shit!"
"You need to calm down, Ryo," Dee said. "Babies can pick up on your emotions. You get all worked up, they will too. You know that from some of our late nights with Darin. The more frustrated we got, the harder it was to calm both of them down. I know you can do this. You just need some confidence, and you're not going to get it always having someone with you. You need to learn how to spend time with them yourself. It can be done. After all, I lost count on how many times it's been just me and the chibis. You need to start being able to be alone with them."
"Why now?" Ryo asked, sparing a hand to gently rub Darin's belly. "Shh little man. Papa's sorry."
"Ryo, I'm at Whole Foods now. I just need to grab some cheese and I'll be home before you know it. Then if you want to fight with me on an evening that Bikky won't be home, have at it. Now I suggest you take a couple of deep breaths, and then instead of worrying about hurting them, play with them. Amuse them and yourself and when I get home there will be no tears."
Ryo opened his mouth to snap something out in anger but then he looked down at the dark eyes looking up at him. His attention went to Ryoko who managed to grab her toes and she let out a sound that Ryo felt was happy as she stared at him. "Oh geez, get home soon, Dee. I'm also hungry."
"Just enjoy your time with our chibis. I love you, Ryo."
"I love you too, even if you managed to piss me off and give me heart failure at the same time. See you soon."
So sorry for ending this chapter this way but it was the only place I could find to stop this chapter. It continues in the next chapter, which I'm reading over now and should be posting this weekend.