The next few months passed by swiftly for Ryo and Dee. In the interim they had solved 3 murder cases (after Dee had recovered fully of course), Bikky had gotten an A on his report card in a class other than gym, Mary and Hannah Callahan who, with the help of a therapist, were doing quite well, and of course Dee and Ryo had finalized their wedding.

The night before the wedding was a fun one. To ease Ryo and Dee's possible pre-wedding jitters the precinct hosted a last minute engagement party for Ryo and Dee. Diana had even come into town just for the wedding…and also to help Berkeley. She knew that her best friend was probably not in the best of spirits. Sure enough, as Ryo and Dee sat in the break room celebrating with their friends, Berkeley was slouched at his desk working. Diana pouted cutely at Berkeley and took her favorite seat…in his lap.

"How you holding up Berkie?" She asked.

He sighed.

"Trying to get some work done, but those idiots called detectives won't stop being so damned loud." He said annoyed as he threw down his pen.

Diana giggled.

"It's a party." She said joyfully. "You're supposed to be loud. Besides the guys aren't getting drunk or anything, as much as they want to, they are just celebrating Ryo and Dee's upcoming marriage!"

"Well, they could do it somewhere else." He huffed.

"They would if a certain somebody would stop throwing case after case at them. New York's been a madhouse for crime lately as JJ was telling me. No wonder they couldn't plan a party up till now."

Berkeley sighed and rubbed his forehead. Diana leaned and put her head on his shoulder.

"It's not the party is it?" She said quietly. "You're upset because Ryo is truly taken."

Berkeley closed his eyes.

"Why oh why does Randy love that son of a bitch so?" He murmured.

"I know Berkeley, I know." She said. "It'll be okay."

"That's what I tell myself." Berkeley stood up, gently moving Diana off of him. "But every time I see him. I just…damn I don't know. I never felt like this towards anyone. But when I see the drive in Ryo, that tenderness and innocence he possesses, even from afar…shit…what's wrong with me?"

Diana giggled.

"I would say you experienced being the dumpee instead of the dumper." She said as she sat on his desk. "Come on Berkeley, we've all had that. Loved and lost. Hell I did with you."

Berkeley said nothing.

"But we get over it and move on. It's the only thing we can do. And eventually we find someone who will love us back just as much as we love them."

"Yeah, but you don't see them everyday." Berkeley whispered. He picked up his jacket.

"Where you off to?" Diana asked.

"Drink, then home." He said.

"Aren't you going to the party?" She asked. "Come on, even Smith is in there telling funny Dee stories, those I know you would love to hear! That'll cheer you up!"

Rose shook his head.

"Not tonight."

Diana bounced off the table and grabbed Berkeley's shoulder before he could turn the doorknob.

"You're going to the wedding right? You were invited!"

Berkeley turned towards her with a cold look in his eyes.

"Why should I go to something that is going to make me feel more upset then I already am!? Ryo is in love with Dee and they are getting married which means a possibility of being with Ryo is gone! And you know what, that is the worst thing ever. Enjoy it yourself with the damn world if you want. That's one thing I am calling in sick for!"

With that, he turned angrily away and slammed the door leaving Diana with a sad look on her face.

"I never knew there was a day when Berkeley Rose would actually feel sorry for himself."

Rose stomped out of the office and was just about to reach the elevator when he knocked into something.

"Watch where you're…." He mumbled, but paused when he saw Ryo rubbing his forehead.

"Sorry Commissioner." Ryo said as he blushed. "I wasn't looking where I was going."

"Ryo…" Rose said quietly. "No, I'm sorry. I didn't hurt you did I?" He gently took Ryo's hand away from his forehead and saw a slight mark appearing.

"Oh it's alright!" He said. "I had forgotten my cell phone on my desk and went to go get it. I wasn't paying attention I guess."

"Ah." Rose said quietly. He realized he was still holding Ryo's hand or rather his wrist. It felt so soft.

"It was really nice of the precinct to throw a party for Dee and me." Ryo continued with a shy smile. "I was kinda nervous about tomorrow, but everyone here is making it a lot easier."

Berkeley sighed as he gently released Ryo's wrist.

"Well I would be nervous too if I was marrying Laytner." He said.

Ryo smiled.

"Well, I just got a little stage fright about stuttering up my vows or something in front of everyone, but they are making me feel a lot better."

"I see." Rose said. He suddenly felt very uncomfortable and wanted to leave.

"Well, have a nice night then." He said as he gently walked past Ryo. But Ryo stopped him by grabbing his arm.

"But Commissioner, you have been in the office all night! Don't you want to come to the party? It's a lot of fun."

"No offense Detective Maclean." Rose said. "But I don't do 'fun' or the kind you are thinking of."

"Come on Sir." Ryo said. "The guys really did a nice job. Hell even the Chief is enjoying it."

Rose stared at Ryo for a long time again absorbed in those dark eyes. It was even more amazing that Ryo had a grip on his arm. He figured that's what it must feel like to be in Ryo's arms…tight…warm…secure. He moved up closer to the detective and stroked Ryo's cheek gently trying hard to shield his pain.

"I…I can't Ryo." He said quietly. "You and Laytner have fun and good luck on your wedding tomorrow. I…wish you two the best."

With that, Rose turned and quickly walked away from Ryo. He skipped the elevator and took the stairs leaving the engaged detective surprised.

"He's really hurting Ryo." A voice interrupted. He turned to see Diana standing there.

"What's wrong with him?" Ryo asked.

"Let's just say, Berkeley has experienced being dumped for the first time." She said. "Now, its fifteen hours before you and Dee tie the knot, let's get back to that party because in an hour or two you won't see him till your ceremony."

Ryo pouted.

"I really hate that tradition." He grimaced. He headed back to the party room with Diana trailing behind him.

"Cheer up Berk." She whispered as she entered the party.


Two hours later, Dee and Ryo had to deal with saying goodbye. Sure it wasn't twenty four hours before the wedding, but hey its New York, the city that never sleeps and that includes its people! Dee was going to be spending the night at the orphanage while Ryo stayed home.

Dee and Ryo held each other tight as they stood outside the precinct.

"So, tomorrow is the big day huh?" Dee said.

"Yup." Ryo replied nuzzling into Dee's chest.

"You ready?"

Ryo stared up into Dee's eyes and smiled.

"You bet."

Dee leaned down and drew Ryo into a passionate kiss.

"Oh for Pete's Sake, get a room you two!" Drake yelled. "If I see you suck face again I will truly puke. Those pictures you guys took in Jersey were more than enough."

"Hey it was Dee's idea to have the licensor take our picture after he pronounced us married…or rather having a 'civil union.' Ryo said.

"Stupid formalities." Dee murmured.

"Whatever!" Ted responded. "You two…separate now…or I will send the chief out here!"

JJ stayed quiet the whole time. While he had slowly been trying to come to terms with Ryo and Dee getting married, it was still hard on him.

"Better do as they say." Was the only retort JJ could add to the conversation.

"Alright already!" Dee yelled. He leaned in and gave Ryo another kiss and embrace.

"See you down the aisle baby!" He said happily.

"You better not be late." Ryo said smiling. "Or I'll send Bikky after you."

"Noted!" Dee said with a mock salute and another kiss. He then hailed a cab.

"You guys get ready!" He yelled to everyone as he got in. "Because after tomorrow the Dee you once knew will be a happily married man!!"

The cab pulled out, but not without Dee opening the window, poking his head out and yelling…

"I LOVE YOU RYO!!! WOOO I'M GETTING MARRIED TOMORROW!!!!!!!"

The cab quickly turned and Ryo couldn't stop laughing. He really couldn't wait for tomorrow.