CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX

Laytner-MacLean Penthouse

Roppongi Hills, Tokyo

Japan

December 3, 2006

When they were ready, Ryo and Dee noticed everyone had cameras out. Dee and Ryo had taken the highchairs out from the dining room and set up them in the living room. Saburo and Maria placed the twin in their chairs as Ryo set up his laptop so it was facing the high chairs and opened the connection with his grandparents.

"Hello Grandfather and Grandma," Ryo greeted. "How's your connection?"

"Hi Grandfather and Grandmother," Dee also greeted coming over to stand next to Ryo.

"Hello Ryo, hello Dee," Estelle said happily. "I love the photos and video you've been sending us. Please keep them coming. This has been a most amazing vacation for you, especially you, Dee. It makes me so happy to see your adventures."

"The next one will be of this, I promise," Ryo said to his grandmother.

"Hello," Franklin said. "It's good to see you two again. And we can see the two of you are doing more than fine," he said. "So hopefully that means we'll see Ryoko and Darin once you move out of the way? They are the stars of this, after all."

Everyone laughed at Franklin as Dee and Ryo stepped to the side, making a space between them and revealing Darin and Ryoko. "There they are," Ryo commented with a sweep of his hand.

"Oh hello, my darlings!" Estelle gushed happily. "Look at them all dressed up for their first solid feeding! Aren't you afraid of getting their clothes messy?"

"We can change them no problem," Dee replied with a laugh. "We came here with enough clothes, and we accumulated more since then."

"We just thought it would be fun to have them all dressed up," Ryo explained. "After all, this moment is going to last for their lifetimes in pictures and video. And we're going to choose the best photos to be printed and framed for our family photo galleries."

"I hope I get to pick pictures to be printed too?" Estelle asked. "Franklin and I made a new space for not only Darin and Ryoko, but for new extended family as well."

"How many galleries do you plan?" Eunice asked Dee and Ryo in amusement. "Hello Ryo. Hello Dee. And everyone else there."

"Hi Eunice. Thanks for getting my grandparents set up again, even if I know you did for the bonus of being here too," Ryo said with a teasing grin.

"Of course it was," Eunice said and laughed. "But I'm always happy to help your grandparents with the technical help."

"I rely on our IT for business, but I don't want to bother them for our personal reasons," Franklin said, "so we are grateful for Eunice sharing her knowledge with us. So who else is there with you for this special occasion?"

Mother came over to stand before the laptop. "Hello from Japan," she said.

"Maria!" Estelle exclaimed with joy. "You look beautiful. That is a lovely outfit."

"Japan is a good look on you, Maria," Franklin added in agreement.

"I'm still trying to get used to my mom out of her habit, but Elena, Elina and Momo got her into pants," Dee commented. "Not that I'm complaining. She does look beautiful."

"It's a pants suit, Dee," Elina corrected him. "And out of habit, pants are a good choice for Maria. She doesn't want to show her legs, even if I see today's nuns wearing shorter skirts and dresses to their habits."

Maria rolled her eyes. "Today's fashion is more like a uniform than a habit. I'm afraid it's long skirts and pants for me when I'm not in my habit."

"How often will that be?" Franklin asked.

"Is this going to be a habit, Mama-san?" Dafydd joked.

Everyone looked over to Dafydd, some of them breaking out in laughter.

"Who is the funny one?" Franklin asked, also laughing.

"This is my twin, Dafydd," Dee introduced to Ryo's grandfather as he pulled Dafydd into view.

"I thought that was you," Estelle said, having spoken to Dafydd over a video call. Franklin was unavailable during the call. "How are you Dafydd?"

"I am doing fine, Estelle-san," Dafydd greeted. "It is a pleasure to meet you, MacLean-san."

"Call me Franklin, please," Franklin said. "Dee is family to us, and if you are Dee's twin, that makes you family too. So it's just Franklin and Estelle to you."

"Thank you, sir. I mean, Franklin. I will remember that."

Ryo pulled Momo over to Dafydd's side. "This is Dafydd's wife, who is also my distant cousin, Momo. She is the reason why we connected with Dee's family."

"It's nice to see you again, Momo," said Estelle.

"Hello Momo. And it is Franklin and Estelle please," came from Franklin with a grin.

"When you get used to that, we'll work on you calling us Grandma and Grandfather," Estelle stated.

Waving with a smile, Momo said, "Hello Franklin and Estelle. I am happy to talk to you again, Estelle. And I look forward to meeting you both when we are in New York."

"We cannot wait, Momo," Estelle said. "We received Ryo's email with the great news that Dee's family will be joining us. And speaking of grandmothers, I understand Sakura is there?"

"Yes I am," Sakura stated as she made her way over, while Momo and Dafydd moved out of the way. "Here I am. Hello again, Estelle. It is nice to speak to you again, Franklin. And yes, please call me Sakura." She gave a slight bow.

"I am so looking forward to your time in New York. Perhaps, this time we can go shopping under better circumstances?" Estelle asked.

"Indeed. I would enjoy that very much. It's been a while since I went shopping in New York City."

"I hate to cut in," Dee said, sticking his head in view, "but we got to get this going. So here's my fathers, Saburo and Yoshio Fujioka." He moved the two men into view and stepped back.

"We both already had the delight of talking to your fathers, Dee, but it is wonderful to see them there with you," said Franklin. "This is something they should be here for."

"This is something that a month ago, I never thought I would be doing," Saburo said happily. "There are times I still can't believe it, but I also feel after this past month that I have known everyone for all those years we were missing Daisuke. I am just so happy."

"We are still overjoyed for you, your family and Dee," Estelle said with a smile. "And also look forward to your time in New York."

"And then we have everyone else who you know very well," Ryo said, his turn to stick his head into view. "Carol, Bikky, Elina, and some people I'm not sure. Do you know Elena and Rick?" he asked with a teasing grin as they came into view.

Elena made a face at Ryo. "Don't start, Ryo."

"He always will, especially with your reactions, Elena dear," Rick stated with a laugh. Looking back, he added, "We also have Dani and Stefan who are more interested in playing with the puppy, with their new friends Kiyoshi and Tatsuya, who are Dafydd's and Momo's boys."

Elena let out a huff. Ryo started to laugh again. "I should warn you, Aunt Elena, that was my reaction at first too, but once I gave into the dark side, it got easier."

"What puppy is that?" Franklin asked with amusement.

"Dafydd's dog had puppies, and Daisuke and Ryo joined a couple of others in our family in adopting one of the puppies," Sakura explained. "They didn't tell you about Mochi yet?"

"We were waiting for a visual," Ryo said with a laugh. "Because I knew you wouldn't believe it."

Suddenly they heard children's protests. "I'll bring him back in a moment. Calm down everyone," Dafydd exclaimed. He came over to the laptop and handed the puppy to Bikky. "Meet Mochi."

"Oh, isn't he adorable!" Estelle gushed.

"Is that an Akita?" Franklin asked.

"Part," Dafydd said. "Not sure what else. But judging from their size at this age and their paws, it has to be a smaller breed. My dog Michi managed to slip past us and disappeared for a few hours."

"Long enough for the deed to be done?" Franklin asked.

"Exactly. Michi is pure breed, but she is also a rescue," Saburo said. "She ended up in the kennel at only a few months old. When Dafydd saw her, he fell in love and had her home by the end of that day.

"Alrighty everyone, we are ready here," Dee said from behind those speaking to Franklin and Estelle.

When everyone moved out of the camera's view, Darin and Ryoko had Little Twin Stars bibs on. They had many cute baby aprons for feedings, and Dee and Ryo felt they would probably go through all of them. For the first feeding, they decided to use on of the first gifts they received from the Fujioka family, Dee's family, which were the aprons Momo had bought in the Sanrio store.

When all attention went on the babies, there was a collective "AW".

On the counter of each highchair was a Little Twin Stars baby food bowl and spoon. Dee and Ryo each were holding one of the small containers with the food for that feeding. There was enough for of each type for about one and half spoons each baby. They doubted each baby would have that much of all three, but it was there anyway. Being that she just made it that morning, it could be frozen and used the next day. They were going to feed them just the once that day, and slowly increase the solids when they felt each baby was ready.

Carol came over, dressed in what was starting to become her signature style, and looking like an idol. "Are you still okay with this?" she asked Ryo and Dee.

"Of course, Princess," Dee said and Ryo nodded.

"I'm ready," Bikky said, holding his new camera.

"Carol, start doing your introduction, while we get these containers open," Ryo said. "And both of you be careful not to get in Grandma's and Grandfather's view.

Saburo came over to the laptop. "Hello again. I'm going to pick you up and bring you closer to the action. I hope you don't mind."

"That would be delightful, Saburo. Thank you very much," Franklin said with a smile.

"Bikky, also be sure to get a shot of your grandfather holding up your dad's grandparents," Dee added with a laugh.

Dee put a spoonful of the rice porridge on each plate, and then Ryo added the carrot. They were saving the watery apple sauce and see if one or both of the babies would be up to it.

They heard Carol finish talking and realized it was their turn. Ryo checked and noticed everyone was standing where they could see but were not on top of them. Even Bikky and Carol stayed back. Darin's and Ryoko's attention was already going from Dee and Ryo to one of the people they had started to recognize as family. They would reach out, screeching or making one of their happy gurgling sounds. Whoever had their attention would wave and smile at the baby, sometimes talking to them. Which in turn made Darin and Ryoko more vocal.

"They are such happy babies," Estelle commented. "Oh how I wish I could hold them. I know you don't want your wonderful vacation to end yet, but I must admit I can't wait when I can hold them again."

"That's how it's done," Elena stated with a laugh. "You have all the relatives here wanting to hold your babies all the time, and then when you get home, you still won't be able to hold your own babies for a while when all your relatives and friends you left in New York can hold them again."

"Alrighty, this is it," Dee announced, getting Darin's attention. Ryo was by Ryoko.

"That's a good way of doing it," Rick observed. "No fighting over which one gets to feed baby first."

"The joys of having twins," Sakura stated. "Are you going to switch for the second spoon?"

"Depending on if we can get a first spoon into the chibis, Obāsan," Dee said. He held up the spoon. "Here we go. Your first step to takoyaki and okonomiyaki."

Ryo started to laugh as he moved the spoon toward Ryoko. "And chicken strips. Here we go, sweetheart. Nice watery rice porridge for your enjoyment. And if you eat that, I have watery mushed and strained carrots for you." He laughed again, making Ryoko also laugh. While her mouth was open, Ryo carefully put the tip of the spoon in her mouth. Her eyes opened wide, staring at Ryo and then clamped her mouth closed. Ryo pulled the spoon out and watched as her mouth started to move. She clapped her hands, opening her mouth to let out a gleeful sound.

"Looks like a good start," Ryo said, moving close to kiss her nose. She laughed again and allowed Ryo to put more into her mouth. "She's eating! Dee! She's eating!" Ryo exclaimed.

"I see," Dee said, with a huge happy smile. "Way to go, little Princess." His attention back on Darin, he said, "Okay little man, it's your turn. I know it's not the yummy things you were allowed to play with, but this is only the start." He moved the spoon just before Darin's face and held it.

Darin stared at the spoon with a thoughtful pout.

"He's thinking about it," Saburo commented with amusement. "Just like Dafydd."

"This also reminds me of Dee," Maria said. "It took me some time to get that first spoon, and several after into his mouth." She smiled at Dee. "Look at him now."

"Darin is a first in this family in a while," Franklin stated with a laugh. "Because Randy dug right in. Your mother didn't want to give you too much and stopped at two spoons and boy did you throw a fit!"

"I remember that," Estelle said tenderly. "It was so funny."

"I'm glad we got that story on video," Dee said to Ryo. Looking at Darin, who still didn't open his mouth yet. "Hey, c'mon. Time to have some yummy food." He placed the tip of the spoon on Darin's pouting lips enough for some of the porridge to get on the baby's lips.

Darin started to move his lips until he opened his mouth and licked his lips. His head pulled back with his eyes wide, his little hands covering his mouth. Then he let out a laugh and leaned his head forward. Dee held up the spoon again and watched as Darin opened his mouth. "I hope more is better than just a lick," he said as he put the spoon into Darin's mouth. "Close your mouth. It's not polite to eat with your mouth open." Dee nudged Darin's chin with his other hand and smiled as Darin closed his mouth. Watching the little mouth move, Dee asked, "Oishii desu ne?" He moved to kiss Darin's cheek. "That's my big boy."

The gathered relatives clapped their hands, laughing with joy.

Each baby had two spoons of rice porridge, Ryoko had a spoon and a half of the carrots and a bit of the runny strained apples. Darin had a spoon of carrots and a half spoon of apples. Carol finished the video after Bikky moved the camera along the relatives who were making excited comments, and then at Dee and Ryo, who were kissing Darin and Ryoko, saying what good babies they were. Carol ended the video by taking the camera from Bikky and filmed as he went up to his baby brother and sister and rubbed their noses, telling them how he couldn't wait for when he could take them to the takoyaki museum, and made faces to make them laugh.

There wasn't much of a mess made that time, and soon the leftover food was being put in the freezer.

"At least there's no babies having fits," Dee remarked with teasing look at Ryo as he cleaned Darin with a wet wipe. Ryo stuck his tongue out at Dee while he cleaned Ryoko.

Soon they were saying goodbye to Estelle, Franklin and Eunice, and cutting the connection.

"Is everyone ready for an afternoon of shopping?" Akira asked. "I called the bus company and they are sending a bus to the hotel. It should be here in about fifteen or twenty minutes."


When the bus arrived, everyone was already waiting by the main entrance. The bus stopped at Kubukiza in Ginza to let them off and had instructions to wait for them at Yurakuchō Station. After letting the people leaving for New York that night take photos of the outside of the Kabuki theater, Dee and Ryo took them to a basement level that had large paper lanterns and columns of marble and gold. It was part of the Kabuki theater, as well as access to the subway. They walked around the area before going back up. Akira took them across the street to the Bunmeido Café where they bought sponge milk cakes and egg custard. Since the last time they went in, Dee and Ryo noticed that they now had Christmas items, in various sizes. One of the smaller items was a felt Christmas stocking large enough to hold two packages of the sponge cake. In each package was 2 square slices of cake. Dani, Stefen, Kiyoshi and Tatsuya each were given a stocking from Sakura. It also gave Dee and Ryo an idea. They put in an order for thirty of the stockings to be picked up on December 20th to give as part of the gifts they had been collecting for each child in the orphanage. Currently there were 18 children, but they had no idea how many there would be when they got back to New York. There would be no harm if there were extras. They could give as small gifts and keep a few if they had to. The extra cakes would definitely be eaten.

Leaving Bunmeido, they walked back along the front of Kabukiza toward Mitsukoshi Department store. It was after twelve by then. Discussion along the walk came to a decision of going down to the basement level first and look at the various food counters. Once everyone had selected something for their lunch, they went up to the food court on the top level of the department store. They found some tables to sit, and in groups, everyone found what they wanted to drink to bring back to their table. Most of the adults settled for coffee or tea. Bikky and Carol went to a vending machine for bottles of cold milk tea. The four smaller children were given milk.

Several of them, including Elina and Maria, had gotten bento meals that were in hard plastic boxes that could be reused. Both women tucked their boxes safely away in the cloth shopping bags they were given by Akira as they left the penthouse, intending to use them again and again back in New York.

The top level had several cafes and a restaurant surrounding the dining area. There were also doors leading to the seating area on the rooftop patio. Since they were going to be outside for a while later, they had opted to sit inside while eating, but when they were done, went outside to look at the garden and the view of Ginza from the roof, taking more photos and videos.

Next they started to explore the store from the top floor going down. They did not cover all of the large department store but got to all the departments and inside shops that interested them. To Dee's delight, by the time they left the store, purchases included a hat, shawl and a couple of dresses they found in a shop that sold Japanese designer clothes in larger sizes for Mother.

Dee and Ryo were feeling especially triumphant as they continued their walk along Harumi Dori toward Yurakuchō Station because they were able to finally buy something for someone. It did not stop Saburo and Yoshio, Sakura and Akira from buying things in the department store for Dee and Ryo and their children, but at least they were able to spend some money themselves for once.

Along the walk, they also stopped to look at the holiday decorations in many of the store fronts. When they reached Yurakuchō Asahi Hall, there was a Santa panda posing for photos and getting people to drop money in the nearby Salvation Army red bucket. Maria looked surprised when she saw it, while Dee laughed.

"Did you see any Salvation Army collections during the holidays when you were here?" she asked Dee.

"That isn't new," Dee replied. "I remember them and was surprised as you the first time I saw them. After all, Salvation Army is a worldwide organization but I never gave thought to them collecting in Japan during the Christmas season. But the Santa Panda working the crowd to drop money into the buckets is new to me." He let out a laugh as he dug into his jacket pockets for stray change not kept in the coin purse that held the majority of his coins. He shook his head and took out his wallet instead, taking out a couple of 5000 yen bills and dropped it in the bucket, and then insisted they all get photos with the panda. Most of the adults also dropped large bills in the bucket as they passed and even Bikky and Carol dropped some money in.

The panda was glad to take photos including one with Dani, Stefan, Tatsuya and Kiyoshi, and another with all the children including Bikky and Carol, who were holding Darin and Ryoko.

They went inside the Nishi Ginza shopping mall across from Yurakuchō Asahi Hall for a while. Once again, Elina was amazed that the shopping center was built in the space under a highway, in this case, the Tokyo Expressway.

They exited the mall on a short winding street along Yurakuchō Asahi Hall lined with colorful lit trees that lead to the plaza at the Yurakuchō Station. It was still daylight, but the plaza had many holiday decorations and trees in green and white lights and hanging icicle lights. One small circular building, the Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan, had LED blue and white lights along the panels of the floor and top of the second level. The first and second level were open with no walls, with white stairs and brass railings and decorated with trees bathed in green lights. Along the brass railing of the second level hung multi-strands swags of yellow and gold lights. The top of the structure had narrow trees along the outer edge in blue and white LED lights and a wider tree made of lights in the center. That tree was more white than blue and had a blue lit star on the top. The plaza had a whimsical feeling to it, and many family photos were taken while they were there.

To Elina's delight, the plaza at Yurakuchō Station also had many shops and restaurants built under the station and tracks. Ryo told Elina there were more stores on the other side of the tracks. When they were done exploring the plaza and some more stores, including some under the rail tracks on that side, Dee and Ryo led them into the passageway of the station and came out on the other side. Along with stores under the tracks on that side, it looked like a street fair with temporary stalls set up along the street. There were stalls selling fish, meat and vegetables. There were a couple of stalls selling futomaki and other maki rolls in clear plastic packages, and others selling ikayaki and takoyaki. There were potato korokke of various fillings at another stall. The group could not help but stop to pick up some korokke and fresh curry buns. Bikky also wanted ikayaki – grilled squid on a stick. While they were there, Dee and Ryo also picked up some vegetables, meat and various sliced fish for sushi and sashimi. They did not buy a lot, just for a couple of meals. Of the vegetables and meat that is. Dee bought a variety of the sliced fish and some other seafood. Having a late day in the next day, meant not going out for breakfast and most likely lunch, so they made sure they could have something good to make in the penthouse. Akira pointed out that they could have ordered from one of the restaurants to be sent up, but Dee and Ryo liked the idea of making their own food. They might have gone overboard with the seafood but knew it would all be gone by Thursday. Thankfully the bus had a refrigerated unit for cold drinks and food storage, or they wouldn't have picked up the food they had.

Their next stop was the BIC Camera store across from the station, just so Mother and Elina could look at the Japanese electronics. While they were in the large, multi-floor electronic department store, Dee and Ryo bought cameras much like the ones Saburo and Yoshio had given them. The time in Japan may have been coming to an end in a few hours, but there was still that time.

Besides, Dee had explained, for Elina there was Carol's graduation coming up the next spring, and for Mother was the opening of the new complex for the Carrier and Children's Homes. The complex included besides the two long buildings running along a gated alley, but also had smaller two floor buildings along each street the complex ran between. The buildings were single and two family homes, but plans were to convert some of them into an infirmary for all, the administration and outreach center, and two dining halls – one for the Carriers and the other for the children. There were two buildings left. One was going to be for staff to rest or stay overnight if needed, along with a lounge for breaks, and the other was being designed as a small home for Mother.

When Mother had first heard of the plan, she protested, saying she was happy having a room with the children, but Dee pointed out that she will have two types of charges in two buildings. He also thought it was best for her to have a place to getaway for sleep and some needed downtime and yet be close enough in case she was needed. There would be a couple of additional bedrooms on the second floor in case there was a need to provide a place to stay for any of the staff. Ryo, Franklin, Estelle and even Father Patrick joined Dee in convincing Mother it was the best for her.

Inside the shopping bag Dee carried for her were some fancy photo frames, some for single or two photos and several were collage frames. Dee had also managed to get her to pick out a couple of vases and a lamp for her new home. Saburo and Yoshio, being the wonderful men they were, bought a large rice cooker and breadmaker. They explained the rice cooker was for her to use for the Children's Home or Carrier Home, whichever would have rice that day, and the breadmaker was for her house, but she was welcome to make as much bread as she wanted to have on hand in both homes. Sakura also bought something for Mother, because she was a wonderful woman. While they were in Mitsukoshi, she got Mother to select silverware for the house. While they were in BIC Camera, new suitcases were bought for Maria, Elina and Elena to place their purchases from the day into so they could get it all on the plane easier.

When they were almost ready to leave the electronics store, Akira called the bus to let the driver know. They stood outside the store's entrance for only a few minutes before the bus drove up and stopped long enough for them to board.

From Ginza, they went up to Ueno Park, where they walked in the park near the station for a bit until it was time to go to dinner. Akira had reserved a large party room in a fancy restaurant located on the top floor of one of the hotels across from the southern end of the Ueno Park ponds.

Dinner was the finale of the weekend in Japan for those who came to Tokyo for Thanksgiving. When they left the hotel, they boarded the bus for the ride to Haneda Airport. First the bus made a quick stop at their hotel in Roppongi Hills. Ryo had called the manager on duty when they left Ueno and when the bus pulled up near the main entrance to the hotel, she was waiting outside with Mochi on a leash. The fancy small dog carry bag that Ayaka had used on the way to Tokyo was already on the bus when they boarded along with the carry-ons going back to Nagoya.

Inside the departures lobby, near the counter for Greenway Airlines, an American woman in the uniform of a Greenway flight attendant stood holding a sign stating GREENWAY PRIVATE TO NEW YORK – MACLEAN. Next to her was a Japanese man with a baggage cart used by the airlines.

Elena stepped up to the woman and introduced herself and indicating the group that would be boarding the flight to New York. As baggage was loaded on the cart, Dee hugged Mother and kissed her forehead.

"I am so happy you came here," Dee said with a smile. "We had a lot of fun this weekend, didn't we?"

"We did," Maria said. "And we did a lot. I do hope to have a chance to come to Japan again. Maybe to Nagoya?"

Sakura looked over when Mother spoke, the elderly nun making sure she was heard by Dee's family. "You are always welcome to Nagoya, Maria. I would love that chance. You can stay with me and my grumpy husband or you can stay with Saburo and Yoshio."

"Or she can go between both," Dee suggested. "I know she would be comfortable in both houses."

"Great. I look forward to your next trip to Japan then," Sakura said with a smile.

Dee gave Mother one more hug and said, "I'll see you in a couple of weeks." He moved aside to say goodbye to Elina and gave his grandmother and mother a few more minutes of bonding as they said their goodbyes.

When Saburo came over to Maria after saying goodbye to Elena, Rick, Stefan, Dani and Elina, he enveloped her in a huge hug. "I am happy we had this weekend together, Maria, and look forward to our time in New York in a couple of weeks."

"I am looking forward to it, too, Saburo," Mother said. "And keep our son out of trouble at those TUBE concerts."

Yoshio laughed from his place next to Saburo. "It will be I who will be keeping Saburo, Daisuke and Dafydd out of trouble."

"Good luck," Maria said with a laugh as Saburo moved to let his husband hug her. "I am glad that Dee sees you as a father, too," she said to Yoshio. "He has two wonderful men for fathers and I am never going to let him forget it."

"I believe you," Saburo said. "I did hear about the phone call he got when he wasn't taking our calls."

When everyone was done with their goodbyes, those remaining in Japan stood and watched as the flight attendant escorted them through the large lobby to a special check point for the passengers of private flights.

Saburo put his arm around Dee's waist and handed him a tissue. When Dee looked at him, he smiled as he took the offered tissue.

"Thanks," Dee said. "Geez, I'm acting like I won't see her in a couple of weeks." He let out a sigh. "The truth is I didn't know how much I missed her until I saw her in the penthouse."

Saburo leaned against Dee. "You have a special relationship with your mother. One that you should be proud of. And one I am thankful for."

Dee put his arm around his father. "I think we're on a good start to a special relationship too."

"I think so too. Now, unfortunately we have to get to the shinkansen station so I could go back to Nagoya tonight," Saburo said. "At least I see you again this Thursday. You did say you are arriving in the morning?"

"Yes Papa. I'll call you when we're on the train."

"And your father and I will be waiting for you at the station. Ayaka is so excited that you're going to be there for her birthday."

"I'm glad it was while we are still here, and can make it to Nagoya," Dee said.

When they turned, they saw Ryo was standing with Akira, Momo and Dafydd. Ryo was holding Darin and Akira was holding Ryoko, while Dafydd had the hands of both of his boys. Momo was talking to Bikky, who had Mochi in the pet carrier, Carol and Yoshio.

"Our group is definitely smaller than Friday," Dee commented.

"Or even this morning," Saburo said as they joined the group.

"I just called the driver," Akira said. "The bus should be here in a few minutes."

"Let's wait outside then," Ryo said. Darin noticed Dee and reached for him, smiling so Ryo let Dee take their infant son, and then Ryo took their daughter from his grandmother.

That day, despite having relatives with them, Dee and Ryo mainly took charge of Darin and Ryoko. They knew it was not going to be a problem with the babies staying with Ryo's family in Kamakura, but it still was going to be 2 nights without children. It was the first time they were going to go so long without children since Darin and Ryoko were born, so they had Bikky close and held their babies to make up for the time without them.


Once they left Haneda Airport, it seemed not too long before the bus was stopping in the same pick-up spot at Shinagawa Station that they stopped to get Momo when she arrived in Tokyo. The driver was told to wait, because Saburo insisted they did not need to be escorted into the station. They would be seeing Dee and his family later in the week, and then at the end of the week after that, they would see each other again. And that time they would be together until January.

Dee and Ryo saw their point and stepped off the bus long enough for quick goodbyes. Sakura, Saburo, Yoshio, Dafydd and Momo already cuddled Darin and Ryoko on the bus and left them in their car seats. They also had said goodbye to Akira and Nobu on the bus as it pulled into Shinagawa Station, thanking her for inviting them for the Thanksgiving meal. Akira and Nobu stayed on the bus with Darin and Ryoko. Carol also said her goodbyes on the bus and stayed, later saying even if she knew they all would be seeing each other later that week, she wanted the reunited family a few private minutes.

Dee, Ryo and Bikky said goodbye to Dee's family and cuddled Mochi. Momo then announced that she was going to walk Mochi for a few minutes before putting him in the pet carrier for the train ride back to Nagoya. A few minutes later, Dee, Ryo and Bikky got back on the bus and they were on their way back to the hotel. Dee watched as Saburo, Sakura and Yoshio made their way into the station, while Momo started to walk the puppy. Dafydd stood off to the side so not to block people coming in and out of the station and watched as the bus started to pull away. Dee waved at the same time Dafydd did.

At the hotel, Akira and Nobu did not stay long. Just long enough to have a cup of coffee and a piece of the milk sponge cake they bought at Bunmeido, and to gather what they needed for Darin, Ryoko, Bikky and Carol.

When the elevator door closed, Ryo looked at Dee. "And then there were two."

"For almost a whole day and a half," Dee replied. "What should we do now?"

"My thoughts are grab a bottle of sake, some glasses and take a nice long bath," Ryo said. "And then, well, we have no parents, no grandparents, no children."

Dee pulled Ryo into a hug and said, "I love how you think," and then kissed his husband.