CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Higashiyama Event Center
Higashiyama, Nagoya
Japan
November 5, 2006
Ryo had wandered from the pavilion to sit by the pond. He was still able to hear the various Fujioka family members singing. For the most part, there weren't very many who had no business singing into a microphone in front of a group of people. Dee and Ayaka weren't the only ones of Saburo's children who could sing well; they were just the only ones who happened to get chances to record. It might also be possible that the two were just a little bit better than the rest of singers in the family. But then, Ryo might be a bit biased when it came to Dee.
He realized that he needed a break and wrap his head around the events of the day. He was prepared, along with Dee, that if Saburo wanted to meet Dee that there would be some family showing up. Dafydd did mention that probably most of the family would show up by evening, but Ryo didn't think so. It meant people dropping plans at the last minute. Dee also did not believe there would be so many relatives showing up. Dee had his moments during the evening, but his biggest problem was realizing that he had a very large biological family who was very close and loving. It also affirmed that Dee was far from unwanted with so much family who showed up that night to see him and welcome him home. Ryo was so happy for Dee, that it did overwhelm him at times. He was finally taking a moment to take a deep breath before going back to the happy celebrating family.
He was gazing out at the pond, his eyes going to the bridge. It was a typical Japanese bridge painted red. There were many bridges like that in Japan, and they had seen a couple so far on their vacation. And like this one, they all reminded Ryo of his wedding to Dee. Many of Dee's relatives have seen the pictures and seemed to be excited that while most of his life, Dee was American, he still had Japanese elements in his wedding. Of course, it helped that Dee had ended up marrying a Japanese-American.
He heard someone come up behind him and turned around to find Ryoichi Fujioka. Ryo bowed to the older man, knowing he was the only one in the family who seemed to demand traditional respect. In response, Ryoichi just bowed his head.
"MacLean-san," the older man started. "We need to talk."
Ryo could not read the man's face, but suddenly felt uncomfortable. The other times during the evening when he found himself face to face with Dee's grandfather, Dee's grandmother was with him, at the least. He was mostly non-verbal at the time, grunting or nodding his head in agreement. Most of the nods were when Sakura glared at him after saying something she was certain her husband did not agree with. He hardly had used any of the usual remarks Japanese would make while someone talked as a way to acknowledge they were listening.
"I'm willing to answer any questions you might have," Ryo replied respectfully, willing to give the old man a chance now that they had a chance to talk alone, but he also prepared himself just in case.
"Let us walk." Ryoichi started to walk along the pond, leading them away from the pavilion and tea house.
They walked in silence for a couple of minutes and suddenly, Ryoichi stated, "I did some research on you and your families. I need to be careful who we bring into the family. I also need to watch out for my grandson's well-being."
"Forgive my bluntness, Fujioka-san, but your grandson's well-being has been doing fine without you. It is true that he seems much happier than he normally is now that he has met his biological family, but he had done very well before today."
Ryoichi waved Ryo's reply off. "That is good, but he has us now, and Saburo might not realize, but our family has enemies who would love to siphon the family fortune. Surely you have to appreciate because of your families."
Ryo shrugged. "My grandmother's money is hers. It has nothing to do with me. She did help me out here and there but that's it."
"Your grandmother does not concern me. Aoki is a good name, as is Hashimoto, and both of Aoki-san's businesses are among our priority accounts. What does concern me is my grandson, a Fujioka, going by the name MacLean. You are Franklin MacLean II's grandson."
Ryo let out a heavy sigh. "My grandfather did have an issue with Carriers, but he was never a part of the ACC."
"He might as well be. His companies had No-Carriers policies that could result in separation from the company, putting Carriers out of work. Health benefits obviously do not include any Carrier specific health issues. And that also sends out a message of hatred."
"Agreed," Ryo said. "Dee and I have experienced the intolerance at one of the hotels on our honeymoon, but thankfully it was a case of the hotel management not accepting the change of policy." Ryo started to smile. "He had actually purchased the hotel to be part of the new hotel group that he had given to Dee and me when the twins were born."
"Your grandfather only changed policy because he was giving it to you."
"My grandfather gave the hotel chain to me and my Carrier husband who had just given birth to twins, who my grandfather also had named the family heirs. I am not sorry to inform you, Fujioka-san, but not only does your grandson go by Laytner-MacLean and sometimes answers to just MacLean, but your great-grandchildren are MacLean heirs. It sounds like your research did not include my grandfather's change of view on Carriers once he accepted Dee into the family. He has since changed where he concentrates charitable efforts to assist Carriers, and is very pro-Carrier these days. He loves those two babies so much, and will do anything to make it a safer world for them. He also has fully embraced Dee. He is helping Dee start up a real estate business. Oh, Dee will deny what it really is, but listening to them talk, I know that is what Dee really wants but is still in denial stage."
"The name MacLean is still associated to anti-Carrier sentiments. He has done Carriers wrong for far too long in his life that his recent efforts will erase easily. Should he continue, maybe in ten or twenty years, the name won't be so tarnished. And now my grandson is going by that name. A Fujioka! My eldest grandson! Our family has pride in being one of the first Carrier families. Besides communications, I run a company that does what it can to assist Carriers in places where there are strong Anti-Carrier sentiments."
"My grandfather is very much involved in Carrier Rights these days. He recently donated money toward a building where we are going to offer shelter to Carriers with no place to go. He donated money to the City of New York to help with more resources for Carriers."
"That's good to know, but there are still decades of damage he still needs to undo. I cannot allow my grandson to go by such a tarnished name," Ryoichi remarked.
"First, I need to point out that my grandfather never went out of his way to harm Carriers or to discriminate. He just didn't feel they belonged in our family but has since changed his mind. Second, it was Dee's choice to go by Laytner-MacLean," Ryo said. "I did offer that we go by Laytner, but he preferred we go by both of our names. He insisted that the main name should be MacLean because it is my family's name, my father's name, while Laytner was a name given to him fashioned after the man he grew up seeing as his father, but it wasn't a family name."
"He has a family name now. Why not go by Fujioka? It is a very fine name."
"I agree it is, but that will be for Dee to decide if he wants to take on the name Fujioka."
"I will make sure that he does," Ryoichi stated firmly.
Ryo could not help the smirk as he studied the older man before him. "You do not know your grandson yet. And as much as he is enjoying today and happy to get to meet his father, he still does not know any of you except for Dafydd that well yet. Even Dafydd is still too new to him to be making any drastic life changes, except for allowing his family to be part of his life."
"Then drop the MacLean and use Laytner until Dee decides to take on the name that is his birthright and his heritage."
Ryo pointed at Ryoichi, even knowing to Japanese, it was considered rude, and he did not care. "Right there is also another reason why he would not take Fujioka right now. You refuse to call him by his given name, the one that your son named him, then why should he take his last name?"
Ryoichi stared at the finger and then shrugged. "Once he goes by Fujioka, I will consider calling him Daisuke. It will depend on other decisions he is bound to make now that he has found his way back to us. I do not deny that Dee is my grandson, and as his grandfather, I am bound to make sure he finds his position in our family. Daisuke and Dafydd should have been the family heirs. They were when they were born, being the first male twins born to my son, who was also the firstborn of the first male twins born to me. But once we believed that Daisuke was dead, Dafydd could not retain the honor. I had to wait until Saburo finally had another set of male twins to name new heirs. If he did not, then Kennosuke's first born twins would have been named to carry on the family legacy. However, ours is a very important family and there are obligations and responsibilities to uphold." He frowned as he stared at Ryo. "Going by the name MacLean goes against those responsibilities."
Ryo started to open his mouth to argue again that his grandfather was now very much Pro-Carrier and was using his money to help Carriers in need, but Ryoichi started talking before Ryo got a word out.
"I have no quarrel against my grandson marrying you. I would prefer if he had married a full Japanese, but considering he was on his own away from us, raised as an American in New York City, I am surprised and pleased that he did settle with someone from an upstanding Japanese family. I have no problem with Aoki Akira-san and her family. I may even decide to one day sit down with your grandfather and allow him to prove he is not part of the ACC, but until then, I just cannot allow my grandson to go by MacLean."
"My grandfather may have not cared much about Carriers in the past, but he would never had joined the ACC. He never gave money to organizations who were against Carriers, and never physically harmed any. He just discriminated against any who came to his notice, but never wanted them dead. Yes, I know you're going to repeat yourself about how discrimination breeds hatred, and hatred can kill Carriers. I can't not know doing what I do, but that's small scale compared to those who are jumping on the ACC train. I've dealt with injustices against Carriers that went beyond mere discrimination."
"Is not discrimination now a crime in New York City?" Ryoichi demanded.
"That's a recent law, but the penalties for just discrimination is much less than other crimes against Carriers. Dee didn't like my grandfather at first but that's changed. He trusts him now, and I can tell you that your grandson's intuition about people can be scary at times. So, if he trusts my grandfather and even works with him on Carrier issues outside our unit, then that says something." Ryo shrugged. "To be honest, I didn't start trusting my grandfather until I started to see Dee trusting him."
"You deny your grandfather giving money to support the ACC?" Ryoichi asked.
"I just said he gives money to Pro-Carrier causes. He even holds fundraisers for Carrier Rights and assistance. No, he would never give to the ACC. He wants nothing to do with them."
"I do have on good word that there are MacLeans who are supporting, and even in, the ACC. Even if your grandfather is doing good, those in your family who even help that organization tarnishes your family name."
That caught Ryo off guard. "What?" he asked.
"I suppose you are unaware of that piece of information?"
"Yes, this is the first that I've heard of it." He let out a heavy sigh. "But it doesn't surprise me. Some members of the family were put off by my grandparents not only allowing our wedding but giving their blessing to Dee and I getting married. They threatened to annex, but to do so would mean losing what little money was still due to them after my grandmother made some financial changes because of the way some of them acted at our wedding. I am sure once my grandparents hear of this, they will seek out those responsible and make sure there is no more of the family funds going to the ACC."
"I hope you are right."
They heard footsteps coming in their direction. He turned to find Dee, Saburo and Sakura walking toward them.
Dee smiled at Ryo, but then looked at his grandfather in concern. Saburo also looked concerned, and judging by Sakura's face, she was not happy with her husband at all.
As the three stopped by Ryo and Ryoichi, Sakura slipped her arm through Ryo's and asked, "I hope my husband is not giving you trouble, Ryo."
Ryo's eyes shifted to the older man and then smiled down at Dee's grandmother. "No, not much. He was just interrogating me, being that I am married to his grandson. That is all."
He bristled inside as Dee's eyes fixed on him. Dee knew he was lying but would hopefully keep quiet about it until they were alone.
"You could not do that around the rest of the family?" Sakura asked her husband. "Like the rest of the family."
"You had your chance to speak to our grandson's husband without the majority of the family around you," Ryoichi pointed out.
"I did, as would you if you had decided to join us this afternoon instead of coming up with a reason to have to go to the office." She squeezed Ryo's arm reassuringly, and then released his arm to go over to her husband. "It's karaoke time and you have not yet been up there. It's time you do."
"But…."
"It is also near time for Daisuke and Ryo to take their turns. Daisuke is also going to do a song with Dafydd and Saburo. That is going to be wonderful. I just know it," Sakura continued, not letting her husband have a chance to speak. She started to lead him back toward the pavilion. "Dafydd was telling me about karaoke at Ryo's family's parties. Some of the family get dressed and do performances. It sounds like fun. He said that he'll show us video from last week's party. Isn't that exciting? I will bet that some of our family would love to do that once they hear about it."
Ryoichi let out a grunt and then nodded his head. He glanced back at Ryo. Dee had already moved to Ryo's side and was watching as Sakura took control of her husband.
"Damn, Grandma can talk," Dee muttered in English, amazed.
Saburo let out a laugh. "My mother is something else. My father likes to think he's in charge, but he should know better by now."
"Did she diffuse something ugly?" Dee asked looking at Ryo in concern.
"If my father said anything offensive, I beg forgiveness. Please understand I would never be so forward and demanding as my father," Saburo said.
Ryo smiled at his father-in-law, once again reminded that he really like this man and was glad that he was Dee's natural father. "I've heard worse," Ryo replied and gave Saburo a smile. "But thank you anyway." He bowed slightly.
Saburo bowed in return, and then waved his hand. "That is not necessary with me. Not for my children and their spouses."
"I felt it was this time, but unless I feel that I have to show you my respect again, I will respect your wishes," Ryo replied. He looked at Dee. "Is it about time for you to take the mic?"
Dee let out a laugh. "You, me, Dafydd and Ayaka. Then me and my father. And then, you and me, babe." He leaned over to lightly kiss Ryo.
Ryo nodded as he smiled at Dee. "That sounds good. Let's go."
"Before all that, Ayaka and Carol are going to do a song," Dee said as the three started back toward the pavilion.
"There is a rumor going around that they are going to get Bikky with them," Saburo offered, with amusement. "That boy of yours isn't happy, but he's not going to stand a chance. Carol has him wrapped around her finger, doesn't she?"
Dee started to laugh more, Ryo joining him. "Now this is something I have to see," Ryo said. "And make sure we have video."
"Bikky believes otherwise, and we let him have his illusions," Dee remarked with smirk about Carol.
Ryo had to nod in agreement as he laughed along with Saburo.
"Ayaka promised she won't hit the stage until she sees us there," Dee commented.
"You have a great sister, Dee. Hell, all your sisters are great, but I'll have to admit I'm partial to Ayaka. And Tomoko, for pulling this off in the time she had. I didn't really get much time to talk to Tsukiko, but chances are she's great."
"All my sisters are great," Dee said with a smirk. "Tsukiko came in from Osaka once she heard. She was supposed to be coming back to Nagoya at a much later time but had to be here in time for the party." He smiled warmly.
"Yeah, you're a lucky bastard," Ryo remarked with a smile, making Dee laugh more. "Then there's Dafydd and your other brothers you met tonight. I just know you're going to be smug about it, and I can't blame you."
Dee did deserve to know what his grandfather had to say, but Ryo decided that the party was not the place and time. When they got back to the hotel, he'll talk to Dee before they went to sleep. Most likely after they finally make some overdue phone calls.
OoOoOoO
When they entered the pavilion, Tsukiko came over asking where they disappeared to. Dee chuckled and made a joke about the event space being so large, they got lost, which made his half-sister smile and laugh, agreeing with him. They learned that Naoki got married there, and how she planned to have her wedding there too when she finally found someone to marry, and how Dafydd and Momo planned to have a party for their 10th anniversary there because they were married before Tomoko and Kimi opened the place. Jirou also had married before it opened. Dee casually mentioned renewing their vows for their 5th anniversary there, which Ryo looked surprised at first, but then nodded in agreement. Then Tsukiko suggested they have the ceremony for their 1st anniversary so Dee's family could be part of it. Both Dee and Ryo agreed that it was something to consider. It would also mean having more of Ryo's Japanese family who could not make it to New York for their wedding.
"The shrine is more oriented toward males conceiving and giving birth to many healthy babies, so we do not have many marriage ceremonies there," Saburo explained. "But many Naming Ceremonies and special ceremonies for children are held regularly there."
Dee smiled, already knowing he and Dafydd had their Naming Ceremony at the shrine. On of the first pictures Dafydd had showed him at the party of them as babies in front of their father's house was taken when they were leaving for the shrine, with a party at the tea house after.
It felt weird to Dee learning so many facts about himself from before Jess found him in the alley, but he also found contentment in filling in those gaps. In one of the times that Saburo had managed to get Dee to himself for a few minutes, his father had asked about where and how he was found. Once he told his father, he understood what Dafydd had warned him about in Tokyo. He did try to put it in different words than his usual way of describing how he was found, but there really was no nice way to tell someone that their son was found in an alley next to a dumpster in the bitter cold. He saw his father's heart break just as surely as it did all those years ago when he was first told that his husband and one of his twin infants were killed. Dee allowed his father to hold him as he wept, hugging the older man back. Saburo found strength in holding the child he had thought he lost, and after a few minutes, he started to wipe his tears away, heartbreak being replaced by joy with having his son with him again.
Dee's memories had started with Maria telling him stories about him since the first time she saw him. Now there was his biological family giving little tidbits of facts from before then. It was only four months, months that he should not have memories of his own, but at least there should have been stories. He was getting some of those stories from not only the man who had brought him into this world, but from various other older family members.
Until that night, Dee could not say that he felt incomplete, but suddenly as he watched his Uncle Waotaka, one of Saburo's younger brothers, do a song by B'z, he realized that was starting to feel complete.
Ryo nudged him and pointed in the direction of people near the small stage. Carol was waving to them, along with Ayaka. Dee and Ryo laughed when they noticed they had Bikky, trying to look pitiful. They were called up next. Dee took the recorder out of the bag as Ryo pointed his phone toward the stage.
Dee and Ryo were not surprised when they started singing another song from Fullmetal Alchemist. Bikky had enjoyed the songs so much that he had looked up the lyrics in romanji, and knew at least the choruses to most of them, and even a couple he was able to hold his own for a full song. The song they selected was "Tobira no Mukou e" by Yellow Generation. Bikky really wasn't the greatest of singers, but they had encountered worse karaoke singers. He really had no chance of not doing a good job with Ayaka and Carol urging him along. Ayaka also had to urge Carol a couple of times. It was obvious that those times, Carol realized that she was singing with her favorite idol and nearly froze with shock. Dee and Ryo cheered loudly when they were done, joined by Dafydd, Momo, Saburo and Yoshio.
Dafydd started to move everyone toward the stage. Carol was flushed and near hyperventilating as Ryo hugged her, exclaiming how great the three were.
"We would have flopped if it wasn't for Aunt Ayaka," Bikky commented. "She's really a pro."
"I would hope so being in NGY52," Dee said with a laugh. "But you and Carol would have done just fine without her because I heard you two before."
Kennosuke was called up, and started to sing "Tsunami" by Southern All Stars.
Once Carol got herself under control, she turned to Ayaka and bowed. "Forgive me. I just got really overwhelmed. I mean I was singing with you. I couldn't believe it. I heard you, but when I looked past Bikky, you were there, singing, with us on the stage."
Dafydd was laughing as he translated for Ayaka.
Ryo lifted his phone with a wicked grin. "Yes, we know. And we have it all on video."
"You may put that on your YouTube channel, Carol. I don't mind. You are family, and family who have their own channels have plenty of video of me." She smiled toward Dee and Ryo. "Carol can also use the video of me, Dafydd, Dee and Ryo."
Dafydd started to translate for Carol when Dee interrupted. "Wait a minute! What about us? Nobody is going to ask us?"
"Permission granted," Saburo exclaimed, laughing.
"I know you're all going to say yes," Carol replied with a pretty smile aimed at Dee and Ryo. "I think I know what Ayaka said by Dee's reaction." She giggled along with Ayaka, who nodded her head.
"Yeah, no kidding," Bikky commented. "I got that loud and clear without Uncle Dafydd finishing translating."
"She also said that the video of the three of you can be uploaded, just in case you missed that part," Dafydd remarked with a smirk.
"Oh." Carol started to smile. "First, if it is okay with Ayaka, I would like to do a regular video with her."
"Oh, just post the video of you guys singing first," Dee said with a wicked grin. "It will shock the hell out of your followers. Especially any of them who would know who she is without introduction."
Momo nodded her head with excitement. "Yes. Then do the introduction video to explain how that happened."
"Why don't we make a video of Ayaka and Carol tonight, here?" Saburo suggested.
"Good idea!" Bikky stated. "That would definitely be a good start to Dad meeting the rest of his family. Especially since we didn't mention Ayaka yet." He grinned at Carol.
Carol stared at Bikky and then at Ayaka and the rest of Dee's family with them, who all nodded. "Well, I have been doing some video already. Bikky, what about you?"
"Me too. I mean this is all too good not to do video, even just for my Dad."
"Then start working on putting something together," Dee said. "Dafydd already got some great videos for his channel."
"We'll be uploading to our new channel so Mother and my grandparents can watch," Ryo said. "Thank you Bikky, for getting us set up. I wish you mentioned something before we left, but now that we have it, we've been getting at least one video uploaded each night."
"Oh good. Okay, I'll do that then. Thank you everyone."
"I do like YouTube better than that other one we were using," Dee commented.
"You mean the one that doesn't exist anymore?" Ryo asked.
"Yeah, I'm glad we got notice so we could delete everything before it went down last month," Dee said.
Tomoko came over with a bottle of water and handed it to Carol. "You looked like you could use this," she said.
"Oh thank you. Yes, I do. That was so very exciting."
"No problem, Carol. You and Bikky are very good. It was fun watching the three of you singing.
When Kennosuke was finished singing, Dee, Saburo and Dafydd were called up. Dee glared at his family and Yoshio started to laugh. "While you were all talking, I took the liberty of signing you up. Saburo said there were a few songs. Time to get up there and wow the crowd. After all, you are all the stars of this party." He was holding Darin.
"Where's Ryoko?" Dee asked.
"Aunt Hanako has her. Or had her when I saw her last. These little ones are getting plenty of attention," Yoshio said. "They are also stars of the party, but too young to join in the singing."
Ryo checked the time. "I hope they don't get too fussy tonight. We usually have them at least tucked in their strollers to sleep, if not in a nice comfy crib by now."
"When they start looking sleepy, someone will tuck them in. Too many people are watching them like hawks not to notice."
Dee looked at Darin, who too was busy reaching up to touch his new grandfather's face to be tired. "Watch it. He can poke at eyes when you're not looking."
Yoshio stared at Dee in disbelief. "You think this is the first baby I held? After you met all your brothers and sisters? Really?"
Dee started to laugh as he held his hands out in defense. "I'm sorry. I stand corrected." He grinned at his stepfather. "However, before the twins I handled plenty of infants over my life, and that little imp still got me a couple of times. Just saying."
Dafydd and Saburo started to push Dee and Ryo toward the stage. "We're holding things up here. Get on the stage."
"My name wasn't called yet," Ryo protested. "I'll stay here with Ayaka and wait for when you're ready for me."
"Fine," Dee said. "So, we're doing 'Season in the Sun'?" he asked his twin brother and father.
"Yes!" Saburo exclaimed as he stepped on the stage, followed by Dafydd and Dee.
"Thank you everyone for joining us in this very unexpected and wonderful celebration. My son, Daisuke, is home. He is alive and he came home to me today." Saburo started to sniffle as tears welled up in his eyes. "There are no words to describe the joy I am feeling tonight. I am happy that so many of my family was able to be here and join me in my celebration. This is something I never believed would be possible, and I thank you in being part of this most wonderful day." Saburo bowed deeply. "Please listen to our song and rejoice."
The music to 'Season in the Sun' started. Dee and Dafydd allowed Saburo to sing the first few lines before joining in. They all managed to sing a few lines solo and the rest of the song they sang together.
The gathered family cheered. Those who were sitting jumped to their feet, clapping along. Video and photos were taken. It was a precious moment for the entire family, who by their presence told of their excitement and happiness for Saburo and his family.
Dee glanced out to find that Sakura had moved to stand with Yoshio, Momo, Bikky and Carol. She was holding Ryoko, and happily bouncing the baby to the music. Ryoko was laughing and waving her arms, as if caught up in the excitement too. Darin was staring at the stage, while gripping Yoshio's shirt, and babbling happily. Bikky and Carol were clapping with excitement. And then he noticed Ryoichi standing not far from the group, with a camcorder, among those capturing the moment on video. Ryo stood to the side of the stage, wiping his eyes in between clapping and smiling.
The cheers were the loudest so far that night when they were done. A little too loud for Ryoko and Darin, who suddenly started to cry. Sakura and Yoshio cuddled them, kissing their little heads, hands and bellies until they were laughing again.
The three bowed to more cheers. "I will be back for another song, but for now, my firstborn twin sons are going to do a song for you. Thank you." Saburo hugged and kissed the two of them and went over to join Ryo.
Ryo could not help hugging his father-in-law, and with arms around each other, watched as Dee and Dafydd started to sing 'Datte Natsu Janai' by TUBE.
Dee and Dafydd decided to stick to their father's favorites for that night. There would be plenty more times to sing all their favorites, but tonight it was for their father.
They bowed to the family who were cheering when they were done and together said, "Thank you for listening to us."
"Now our father is coming back, and I'll be standing off to the side with my brother-in-law, Ryo," Dafydd said. "This is one of my father's very favorite songs, and he is going to sing it with Daisuke."
Dafydd waited for Saburo to come back on the stage. He hugged his father and went to stand with Ryo. To the gathered family's enjoyment, Dee and Saburo did 'J-Boy' by Shōgo Hamada. They switched off singing a couple of lines each solo and sang the chorus together. Dee noticed his grandfather was still filming. He also noticed a few more of his siblings join Yoshio, Sakura, Momo, Ayaka, Carol and Bikky. Jirou took Ryoko from Sakura and started to cuddle her. He was pointing to the stage and at one point held Ryoko's arm carefully and moved it as if she was waving to the two men on the stage. Tsukiko had Darin and was making as if she was dancing with the baby, making him laugh.
When Dee and Saburo were done, they hugged and then called Dafydd, Ryo and Ayaka to the stage.
"My two sons, daughter and son-in-law want to do a special song for me. So, I'm going over there by my other children, parents and new grandbabies, and enjoy what they have in store. Thank you again, and please enjoy their song." Saburo hugged each of them and with very light steps, went off the stage to join the group gathered.
Sakura hugged her son and kissed his cheek, wiping his eyes gently. Saburo returned the favor by wiping Sakura's eyes. Naoki handed the two tissues with a happy smile, making them laugh.
Dee looked at his twin, husband and half-sister. "Are we ready?" he asked.
"Are you?" Ayaka asked with a teasing grin.
"You're not giving me a choice." He looked over to the man who was handling the music and nodded. "I hope you enjoy our song," he said in Japanese to his family.
His family!
Dee was still getting used to the concept, but he could not complain. He had been watching through the night as various members of the family handled Ryoko and Darin, amazed at how quickly the infants took to the strangers, especially his fathers, his grandmother and his siblings. To Dee, it said a lot of the family who took turns holding his babies and giving them attention. These were good people. Well, most of them. So far, the only time Dee had seen his grandfather hold one of the twins was at the ceremony at the shrine. At least they didn't start screaming like the devil was holding them, so maybe there was hope yet for the sourpuss. That, or Dafydd was right about twins having a strong perception of family. So, while they weren't laughing and giggling like with the many siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins he suddenly found himself with, they didn't reject Ryoichi Fujioka because instinct told them that he was family.
Dee had time later to ponder about that, but for now, 'It's Gonna Be Me' started. Ayaka took the spot next to Dee, exactly where Yuki would stand, while Dafydd and Ryo stood behind and a little to the side of them. Just as Dee started to sing, he noticed that Ayaka started to do the dance moves for their version of the song and decided to follow his sister's lead. Out of the corner of his eyes, he caught Ryo giving Dafydd a 'what the hell?' look. Not knowing the steps as well as Ayaka and Dee did, Dafydd and Ryo decided to start moving side to side, trying to look cool. Dee wanted to bust out in laughter and was glad to see all the video being taken by family. He was extremely happy to see Bikky with the camcorder, trying not to shake it as he laughed.
Before they got to the chorus, he heard the surprised exclamations coming from some of the family. By the time they were done, most of the family was staring at him with excitement or curiosity, some both.
As they bowed and said their thanks, Ayaka exclaimed, "Daisuke is D from Daigaku Dudes!"
Almost as one, the happy or surprised gasps sounded across the pavilion from the family and then everyone started to cheer. Dee couldn't see where Ryoko and Darin were, but he was certain there were two relatives who were doing their best to calm the babies down. Dee could have sworn many of his relatives swooned. He shook his head, as Dafydd, Ryo and Ayaka laughed.
Saburo ran on the stage, hugging all four of them, and took Ayaka's mic. "This is true. We have two idols in the family. My Daisuke was a Daigaku Dude and sang this very famous song."
"Only one who is current," Dee remarked, looking at Ayaka. "And definitely more famous than me."
"He was very famous for a while," Ayaka said.
"Well…." Dee said as they guided him off the stage. Like the week before, once again Dee found himself with relatives he had been speaking through all night suddenly appear like excited fans and asking for his autograph.
To his further shock, his Aunt Miyako, who was Saburo's second youngest sister, exclaimed, "Oh! I have a new one!"
"New?" Dee asked.
Miyako nodded vigorously, making Saburo laugh at his sister's enthusiasm. "Yes, I was at one of your shows and managed to meet you coming out of the show. OH MY GOODNESS! I met my nephew back then and didn't know it!" She hugged Dee tightly. "Oh Daisuke! If you didn't have that make-up on, I would have noticed how much you looked like Dafydd!" She hugged him again. "I'm so glad that you finally did come back to us. And so proud of you."
Dee allowed his overwhelmed aunt to hug him for a few minutes before she pulled away with a smile.
"Well, to be fair, I did wear brown contact lenses as D. Our promoter was trying to pass me off as Japanese and said green eyes wouldn't work." He shrugged and smiled at his aunt.
Next to them, Saburo stood, looking shocked at his sister's realization.
"You were very famous, and many people still remember you and your group. And your song. Even if you are just a detective now," Miyako stated with a smile.
Dee smiled back at his aunt and watched as she moved to let other relatives come over to him. He was aware of Saburo standing close to him, and with Dafydd and Ryo's assistance direct the excited relatives in an orderly manner. He did manage to reach out to squeeze his father's arm.
By the time Dee was able to find somewhere to sit and take Darin from one of his cousins, he decided that he had to get Yuki, Ken and Hide to Nagoya and do a show for his family. They would get a kick out of it.
Ryo came over to him, holding a sleepy Ryoko. "I think she finally ran out of energy," Ryo remarked amused as he sat next to Dee. "What about you, little man? I hope you're not too wired to sleep tonight."
"I'm pretty sure he'll be going down soon enough," Dee replied.
"Things are winding down," Tomoko assured them. She had a tray with glasses of iced green tea. "Do you want something to drink?"
"You take this hosting very serious, do you?" Dee asked, amused as he accepted a glass.
"Only for the guests of honor," she replied with a smirk. "There should be a tray of wagashi making your way in a couple of minutes. Make sure to grab what you want, because that will be the last time they are going around. Take what you want, please. Otherwise they'll go to waste. Whatever is left, I might make people take as they leave."
"Now that's a good idea. Sweets do sound good about now. Thank you, Tomoko."
"I also got to feed your adorable little ones not very long ago, so hopefully they'll be set for a while."
"Wow, you really do take this seriously," Ryo joked, also holding a glass.
"We'll probably see if they want any more before putting them to bed when we get back to the hotel. It depends on how deeply asleep they are by the time we get back," Dee said.
"Your little boy looks so much like the pictures of you and Dafydd," Tomoko stated softly.
Ryo started to laugh. "We were not expecting to have a child looking so Japanese," he stated. "Dee was hoping a little because of me, but that was for Ryoko, since we didn't know about Darin until he was born. Turns out this little girl took after me by not looking very Japanese at all. But Darin looks way too Japanese to be just from me. It had us a bit puzzled, but somewhat suspicious. Now it all makes sense."
Tomoko laughed with glee. "Yes, Darin definitely has Fujioka genes. But like you, if you really look at her, you can tell Ryoko has Japanese in her."
"She's definitely her Papa's little girl," Ryo remarked amused, "and Darin is Daddy's little boy." He looked over at Dee a moment before his attention went back to Tomoko. "Dee kept hoping that the baby would look like me. I wanted the baby to look like Dee."
"You both got what you want," Tomoko said. "That must have been a huge shock to discover Dee had twins. After all, twins in America are very rare."
"We didn't know that Dee was a Japanese Carrier, with the Fujioka twin gene," Ryo said. "But we do now."
"Planning on having more?" she asked.
"I would like to have one, but now that I know that my Carrier gene is from the Japanese side, I'm better prepared on that, but Aoki is not known to have the twin gene."
"I think it is better for male couples to have only one with the twin gene and both regularly getting pregnant," Tomoko said. "I don't know if I can handle that many children at one time. Kimi and I are going to wait another year or two before having another, and it will be Kimi's turn. What about you, Dee? Do you plan to give this family another set of twins?"
Dee shrugged. "Ryo and I really haven't thought that far about it yet. When we arrived in Japan for vacation, we were just thinking about letting Ryo have one and even out the number of kiddies to four. But I've been asked by many of our aunts and uncles on when I plan to get pregnant again." He looked down at Darin and then to Ryoko. "But geez, these guys are only four months old. That's a little too soon to consider doing it again."
"That is true maybe for our generation, but for the older generations that is how they did things," Tomoko said.
"And why this family is so friggin' huge," Dee said with a nervous laugh. "I just told them what I said to you, that we didn't think that far ahead yet. We're still newlyweds, you know. And already with three kids. When these guys get a little older by a year or two, it's Ryo's turn. When that little one is around two or three, we'll decide then."
"That is true." She smiled at Dee and Ryo. "I'm going to end up supervising clean-up when things shutdown for the night, so I'll probably miss you when you leave." She leaned over and hugged Dee. "I'm so glad about today. Welcome home!"
She hugged Ryo, and kissed each baby. She stood up and picked up her tray, handing it to one of the staff and then went over to Bikky and Carol to talk with them a while.
Dee smiled as he watched her. "I like her a lot too," he exclaimed.
"The brothers and sisters we met today are very good. No, awesome. You have a good family, Dee, and that makes me so happy."
"I'll admit I'm pretty happy myself. I have so many pictures I want to send to Mother. She's probably up, but I suspect we'll be too busy saying goodnight to the relatives shortly to send anything until we're back at the hotel."
"So out of your brothers and sisters, we didn't meet what? One?"
"Yeah. Koji. He's in Ise and didn't come home for the weekend. We'll meet him on Tuesday."
"Right. He's one of the new heirs." Ryo looked at Dee amused.
"What? Koji and Tomiji can keep the title," Dee remarked. "Can you imagine me as a CEO or a Shinto priest? Or even Dafydd? Dafydd agrees with me."
Ryo started to laugh. "Now that would be hysterical. You a Shinto priest that is. CEO? Well, even if you remain a detective, if you get that real estate thing going, you will end up a CEO. You're already doing some of that CEO work."
"That's a small business, not this huge corporation like GPN is. Oh, there's the wagashi tray. And looks like Bikky and Carol are joining us."
"There goes all the wagashi," Ryo quipped. "I'll bet that will make Tomoko happy."
Dee started to laugh.
OoOoOoO
Ayaka came over not long after looking amused. "In case anyone is interested, Ojiisan is about to do karaoke. Obaasan is not letting him out of it." She laughed. "I'm surprised that he didn't already. He's usually the first."
Dee looked at his youngest sister amazed. "He actually does karaoke. The impression I got from him so far is that he doesn't like doing anything fun."
"Ojiisan loves doing fun things." Ayaka shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know what's with him today. When I asked Obaasan, she said that she thinks he's feeling guilty for believing that you were killed with your father. Because he believed it, he's the one who convinced Papa to call off searches for you."
"There was also yakuza included," Dee said. "Knowing what I know now, I can't blame anyone for not wanting to snoop around to bring bodies back to Japan. I'm sure if Ojiisan had any reason to believe my father or I was alive, he would have taken the risk."
Dee felt Ryo staring at him, but Dee was not just saying that to make Ayaka feel better. He had to believe his grandfather wasn't that much of an ass. He had to believe it. He did not blame his father for not going to New York and start asking questions and going into police stations. The debt may have been called off when his father was killed and it was believed Dee was also, but had Saburo gone around asking questions, it might have brought attention to himself and Dafydd by the wrong people. Chances were, no matter how big a company his grandfather had, even him asking questions could have put Saburo and Dafydd in danger again, at the least.
Dee did not blame anyone for not looking for bodies. Maybe if he was not a cop, he would have felt differently.
"Come join us as we watch Ojiisan sing a song to Obaasan," Ayaka said with a smile.
Tsukiko came up behind her sister and laughed. "Come on. You all had a chance to relax for a while and get to hold your adorable babies for once tonight. You have to watch Ojiisan serenade Obaasan. You'll enjoy it. I promise."
Behind Tsukiko stood her twin, Naoki, who nodded his head in agreement. "It is most amusing," Naoki said with a laugh. "Besides, Papa is waiting for all of us to join him."
Ryo let out a chuckle. "That sounds like we have no choice," he said with amusement.
Naoki came close and bent over to take Darin from Dee. When Bikky and Carol came over to sit with them, Dee and Ryo had switched babies. Tsukiko was right. It was the first time in a while since they were able to hold their infants with so many relatives wanting to hold Darin and Ryoko.
"And we no longer get to hold our babies again," Dee added, and laughed. He stood up as he watched Tsukiko take Ryoko from Ryo.
"No kidding," Ryo remarked and also stood up. "Well, let's go watch your grandfather sing." He looked back at Bikky, who was still sitting and finishing a piece of yokan, a sweet bean jelly confection. Carol was already going over to Ayaka. "Bikky, that includes you."
"He can take some wagashi with him," Tsukiko said with a smile.
The group found the rest of the family standing by the stage. Sakura noticed the group and held out her hand toward Dee. As Dee took her hand, moving next to her, she wrapped her arm around Dee's and smiled up at him. "You're in for a real treat. And probably not what you are expecting."
From what Dee was able to tell about his grandfather, he suspected that Ryoichi would sing some very old enka song. Now he wasn't so sure but had no idea what type of song it would be.
The family continued to talk for a few minutes before Ryoichi was called up for his turn. Dee's jaw dropped when the music started, and his grandfather started to sing "What's New Pussycat?" by Tom Jones.
Sakura squealed happily as she tightened her hold on Dee's arm. Ryoichi had his eyes on Sakura for most of the song. Dee dared to glance to his side to find Ryo looking just as shocked as Dee felt. Bikky was laughing while Carol was giggling as Ayaka stood next to her with their camcorder as she filmed Ryoichi singing. Meaning they now had Ryoichi doing karaoke in their collection of videos during their time in Japan. Actually, Dee was glad, because it did show another side of his grandfather that he did not see until then. The man was having a great time singing, and he did know how to sing. He gave Sakura special smiles and sly winks as he sang. It was obvious that Sakura enjoyed watching her husband sing, and that the song meant something to her, and very likely Ryoichi too.
After the song was over, Ryoichi joined the family. Sakura moved from Dee to hug her husband. Dee watched as Ryoichi kissed her tenderly and broke the kiss with a smile. Dee had learned that his grandparents' marriage was arranged by their fathers, but they fell in love.
It was Ryoichi who explained to Dee, Ryo and Bikky that Sakura's favorite singer was Tom Jones, and it made her happy hearing her husband sing the Welsh singer's songs. With a put-upon sigh, he added that he had to take Sakura to his shows at least once a year, whether in the UK or Las Vegas. Sakura added that when Tom Jones was playing on their anniversary, no matter where it was, Ryoichi would take her to see him, and then they would make the best of whatever city they were in for at least a couple of days as part of their anniversary celebration. The song he sang that night was Sakura's favorite, mostly because once Ryoichi realized she liked his songs, he would start singing that particular one around the house. It had become a special song for them, and still was.
Dee still thought his grandfather was an ass, but at least he seemed human now. His grandfather no doubt loved his grandmother deeply. With that piece of information, it made a lot of sense that Sakura had her husband wrapped around her finger.
As he found himself saying good night to most of his new family, he wondered what else was lurking behind his grandfather's thick skin.