AN- I wanted to do a second chapter to this. I like it, and the story will go somewhere...I promise. Enjoy!
Chapter 2
Ryo checked on the ham in the oven. Company was due in a few minutes, and the ham was just about ready. The stuffing was warming on the stove, and the table was set. Though Ryo didn't decorate, he still had a few small gifts on the living room table. He had gone out that morning and bought a card for Berkeley. Since he wasn't expecting to have him over for Christmas, he couldn't really give him a proper gift, so money would have to do. Ryo was lighting some candles that he had set up in the living room when there was a knock at the door.
"I'm coming!"
Ryo shouted as he opened the door.
"Marry Christmas Ryo."
Berkeley said while he handed Ryo a bottle of wine.
"Sorry. It's not much, but I figured we all could drink it tonight. Oh, and here."
Berkeley handed Ryo a box, and a plate of cookies.
"You'll need to put the box in the fridge until we're ready for it. It's a cheese cake."
Ryo nodded as he got out of the way of the door to let Berkeley in.
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but who all is your family?"
Ryo was in the kitchen putting things away.
"Bikky. He's my son. His fiancé is Carol."
Berkeley smiled.
"I remember Dee complaining about some little punk named Bikky. Said he would one day show that little street punk."
Berkeley heard Ryo laugh.
"Yeah. But he's sweet. Bikky asked Carol last night to marry him. And she said yes. Oh! And there's my Aunt Elena, but she won't be able to make it out here for Christmas this year. She has a nasty flu, and can't travel right now."
Ryo walked back out of the kitchen and offered Berkeley a glass of the wine he brought.
"Thank you."
"Take your coat?"
Berkeley nodded and handed Ryo the coat he had been in and have a seat. Bikky and Cal should be here in a few. Make yourself comfortable."
Berkeley walked into the living room, and sat on the couch. He heard Ryo walk into the back, and walk back out.
"Here. It's not much either...but I couldn't not get you something."
Berkeley took the card from Ryo. He opened it, and read the card.
"Thank you Ryo. You really didn't have to get your boss anything."
Ryo sat down and smiled at Berkeley.
"I didn't want you to feel left out. I got something for Bikky and Carol, so why not you? You've been there for me so many times...I wanted to give you something."
Berkeley nodded his head, and set the card on the table in front of him. The two of them sat listening to the Christmas music that played on the radio. Ryo studied the man that sat next to him. He seemed just content to be sitting there listening to the soft sounds of a piano playing 'What Child is This.' Ryo thought about the things he had said to Dee last night. About him wanting a relationship with this man before him.
'What if I were to ask him tonight? Would it be too soon?'
Ryo was pulled from his thoughts by...
"MARRY CHRISTMAS DAD!"
Bikky yelled, nearly scaring Ryo and Berkeley half to death.
"Bikky...don't yell so loud, and give me a hand here. Those dishes aren't going to carry themselves up the stairs you know."
"Yes honey."
Ryo got up and took the dish from Carol. Carol leaned slightly and kissed Ryo on the forehead.
"Marry Christmas Ryo."
"You too Cal."
Carol walked into the living room, while Ryo went to set the dish on the table.
"Oh! Cal, that's Berkeley Rose. He's the commissioner. I invited him over as well. That's ok, right?"
Carol looked at him, and smiled.
"Yeah. That's ok. I made enough for all of us."
"It's nice to meet you Mr. Rose. Call me Cal."
Cal said while shaking Berkeley's hand.
"Please call me Berkeley. And it's nice to meet you too Cal."
"Can someone give me a hand with all these boxes here?"
Berkeley walked over to Bikky and helped the man with all of the things he was carrying.
"Is that it?"
Cal asked.
"Nope. I still got a couple of dishes in the car to get."
Bikky began to walk out of the apartment, but Berkeley stopped him.
"No let me help you."
Bikky just looked at him and shrugged his shoulders. Berkeley followed him down the hall of the apartment building. As soon as Cal heard the elevator door close she talked.
"Ok Ryo. What's going on between you and Berkeley?"
Ryo walked out of the kitchen and looked at her surprised.
"What do you mean, 'What's going on between' us? He's just over as a friend. That's all."
Cal just rolled her eyes.
"Yeah right. And I'm just 'friends' with Bikky."
"Cal there's nothing between me and him. We're just friends is all. He had been there for me through everything, so I thought why not invite him to Christmas dinner."
Cal just smiled.
"And maybe a little after dinner make out session."
Ryo blushed.
"Cal! No!"
Cal laughed at Ryo horrified expression.
"You know, if that weren't true you wouldn't have acted that way."
Cal turned towards the front door when she heard it open.
"Here let me help you guys."
She ran off before Ryo could make a comment.
OoooooOOOOoooooooOOoOOO
"Man that was a good dinner! Thanks hunny! You too Ryo!"
Bikky said while leaning back in his chair and patting his stomach.
"Thanks Bikky!"
Carol leaned over and kissed Bikky.
"So Carol, when do you plan on having the wedding?"
Berkeley asked out of curiosity.
"Well...we thought about it last night, and I want to wait until next Christmas. I have always waned a winter wedding, and by that time, a friend of mines daughter will be old enough to be a flower girl, and I have always wanted a winter wedding. It'll be wonderful. Ryo, could you help with the preparations though?"
Ryo smiled.
"I'd be honored to help you Cal."
Carol thought for a second, and smiled.
"Berkeley. Would you mind helping as well? I'm sure Ryo won't mind, and I'd be like you to be there as well."
Berkeley looked surprised, while Ryo blushed slightly.
"I'd be honored to come. I won't mind helping at all."
Carol looked over to Ryo, and smirked. He knew she was cooking up a plan to get the two of them together. And he knew that her plans always worked too.