The Return of Mason and Jane.

As Niff checked in at the airport that afternoon, Jeff would have been a little concerned to learn that back on the street, the place was more or less deserted. Beats and Elliott had left for Zanesville early on, and Ethan and Drew had followed them not long after, also heading for Ohio. Mrs Mackenzie had organised an informal gathering that weekend with all of the most important people on the ground, so to speak, in the family business. This was rarely possible, but the Easter period gave them the chance. A little over half of the company's managers would be assembled in the one place, and it was a good chance for them all to meet the man that would be the future of the business. Drew and Evie were also invited, as Mrs Mackenzie saw it as the perfect opportunity to show that after her son, there was a continuity now. Ethan agreed, but he realised that it had just as much to do with the fact that his mother wanted to see the little girl that she now saw as her granddaughter…

Artie and Kitty had headed out nearer lunchtime, to catch the train north to Albany, near to which the cast and crew gathering was taking place. The director had been keen to encourage partners and children to join them, so they could bond as a family. Kitty was not entirely convinced that was a good idea. Mike was at his rehearsals, and Tina was at work at the veterinarians, her son asleep in his crib alongside her, where he was being cooed over by colleagues and customers alike.

Caleb was home alone, and was surveying the external scene like an emperor from the windows of the first floor drawing room. He knew that his humans had gone off somewhere, having seen the bags, but he believed the blond when he said that Uncle Mike would visit, and that there would be a regular supply of food. After all, he had never let him down before, and he was certain that he would not start now. As he watched, he spotted that a taxi had just drawn up outside the house next door, and the six young men that lived there had all come out; four of them climbed into the waiting vehicle then it drove away… suddenly, the street felt cold to the cat watching it, and with his tail held high, he headed down the stairs to his warm bed in the kitchen…

In the house next door, Dex and his brother Lawrence closed the door behind them, and stood for a moment, just listening to the silence in the normally noisy house. Their four housemates had just headed off to a weekend party that was being hosted by another former Warbler of their year group, who was celebrating his birthday the following day. All six of them had been invited to the lavish party at a beach house in the Hamptons, but Dex had work to complete on a project, and Lawrence was no great fan of drunken parties, or of the beach for that matter. Such things reminded him too much of his past live in California, and the days spent at the beach with his mother and step-father before the quake…

"So, a brothers weekend," said Dex cheerfully. "Is there anything that you feel like doing?"

Lawrence thought for a moment, then admitted, "Honestly, I would be happy to just stay at home and relax. I have some reading to catch up on. Thanks for the offer though…"

"I should be hitting the books too, so what say we do that now, then get a pizza later and watch a movie?"

"That I can agree to without problem," said Lawrence, before excusing himself to sit in the little study room to read a text.

Dex smiled at that, glad that his little brother was sticking to his study schedule so religiously. He had worried that the pressures of studying for a medical degree might prove too much for his fragile brother, but so far he seemed to be thriving on it. He guessed that the intense and dedicate focus on his work was one of his brother's ways of coping with all that he had been through and witnessed back then…

He studied himself for a few hours, then glancing at his watch saw that it was getting late, and that he should go and check in with Seth. He had made a solemn promise that he would to Jeff, and he did not want to let him down. He let his brother know where he was heading, then he made his way along the street. Glancing into the windows of the lower apartment as he passed, he saw Seth was working at his laptop. The other man looked up, perhaps sensing the eyes upon him, and smiled on seeing him, giving him a wave. Dex took that as a signal of welcome, and headed inside…

When he returned again the next morning, Easter Sunday, it was to find Seth in a very chipper mood. He laughed as he saw Dex standing at the door, and said, "There is no need to keep popping by you know…"

"I am sure that there isn't, but Jeff would never forgive me if I failed in my assigned task," replied Dex, which made Seth laugh even louder.

"I daresay that you are right about that. It is nice to know that people care, but sometimes it can be just a little frustrating too. So what are your plans for today?"

"Heading over to Brooklyn to hit the supermarket is the most exciting plan on my calendar for today. After that, it is back to hitting the books and hopefully getting my essay finished. Lawrence is just going to be studying too; we are quite the pair…"

"I take it that is why you didn't go to the big party I heard a whisper about…"

"Exactly. In all honesty, I am not too keen on big parties like that, and neither is my brother, so it was good to have an excuse."

"I was never that keen on them myself, although some very interesting things did happen at the few we attended at Jeff's beach house on Long Island. I will have to tell you about that someday," said Seth with a grin, remembering one in particular. "Well, if you are going to the Stop and Shop, then maybe you could pick up a few small items for me? You can drop them off later, when you will just be passing again in accordance with Jeff's instructions…"

Dex shook his head and laughed at that, but was only too happy to make a note of what Seth requested. Then he headed off home, and after doing a little work on his essay, dragged Lawrence away from his books so that he had help in carrying all the shopping home from the store. It took them time, and it would be just before 5pm when he managed to get back to Seth with what he had asked for. The latter was still smiling happily as he handed over the goods, and they chatted for a little while before Seth ordered him to head home. With Dex gone, Seth opened up the fresh cooked barbecue chicken that he had asked for, and began to prepare himself a salad for his dinner…

About the same time that Dex was heading home, leaving Seth to make his evening meal, Mason McCarthy and his wife Jane were standing in the baggage claim area at JFK, waiting for their cases to appear. They had left Heathrow in the early afternoon, which had given them an early evening arrival into New York, the city that felt like home to them even after being away so long. There was no-one waiting at the airport to greet them, at their own request, although Roderick had offered, anxious to catch up with his two old school friends. Mason had instead asked him to prepare their new home in Murray Hill for their arrival, and he had readily agreed to that task. He had collected the keys on Friday afternoon, and had spent the entire previous day cleaning the place from top to bottom, and then had started to unpack a few of the boxes that had already arrived from London. He had done so to ensure that the place felt homely right from the moment they stepped in. The rental apartment was furnished in good taste, but it was those little touches, the personal items, that made it feel like a home. Roderick was convinced that Jane would rearrange everything over the next couple of days, but he was fine with that; it was all part of the nesting instinct after all…

Mason collected the bags when they appeared, loading them onto a trolley, and then pushing them out to the taxi rank. Jane followed him at a slower pace, her pregnancy now obvious to everyone, and the reason they were not just taking the train into the city. The fact she was so heavily pregnant turned out to be a blessing, as people allowed them to move up the lengthy cab line, and soon they were ensconced in the back of one of the yellow cabs that were as ubiquitous here as the black ones in London. The native accent of the driver made Mason smile, and the roads of the city had not changed much either. This was home, and as the tall buildings of midtown Manhattan appeared as they were approaching the entrance to the Midtown Tunnel, he heard Jane sigh happily. Once in Murray Hill, the streets were still familiar, unaltered in their absence; by the time that they pulled up outside their new home, just a block from Cooper and Grace, it felt as if they had never left…

Mason was a little surprised that Roderick did not come running out to greet them as he stepped from the cab; as he unloaded the cases, paid the driver and started towards the door without any sign, he began to wonder momentarily if they were in the right street. Then the door was opened, and his best friend was there - but with Madison, Spencer and Alistair at his side. Jane gasped in surprise, then shook her head pointedly at Roderick.

"Don't look at me; it was a surprise to me too, and all Madison's idea. She decided that she couldn't wait another week to see her brother, and once she had made up her mind to come, she decided that it was only right for the whole gang of six to reassemble for the homecoming."

"We happened to be able to spring a couple of days vacation, and you have to agree that a catch up would be good, particularly before we have babies in our midst," remarked Spencer.

As the others looked at him in askance, and Mason was all prepared to say that Jane was not having twins, Alistair spoke. "What my husband here means by that is that we are officially near the top of the adoption list, and so we could become dads anytime now… We are all growing up…"

As everyone congratulated the two of them, they made their way inside, helping with the cases. Jane made her way from room to room, inspecting everything to see if it lived up to what Grace had told her, and if it was in a good state. Roderick waited on tenterhooks for a word, be it kind or critical; it never came, and instead she just headed over to him, smiled, then pulled him into a hug, which said more than any words could. It also justified his decision to open up the boxes and furnish the place with as many personal items as he could.

Roderick had also prepared a meal for them all, which had been made a little easier by the fact that he had extra help. They chatted over the meal, but once it was finished, Jane excused herself for bed; the flight had tired her, even more than usual in her condition. Madison, Spencer and Alistair headed out then, making plans to come back in the morning and talk more then. Roderick made to follow them, but was stopped by Mason.

"Thanks for everything you've done today; this place really feels like home… So, how is Seth doing? Is he still at his own place in the West Village?" asked Mason.

"He is, but between us, from the look on Ollie's face these days, I don't think he is that well. He had to stop work after he collapsed on a couple of occasions, and Jeff has set up a rota to ensure someone visits him twice a day…"

"Well, that kind of settles it for me. I am going to be up early tomorrow thanks to the time difference, so I am going to head over and see him first thing. He was a good friend to me when I first came to the city, and it is the least I can do for him now that I am back."

Roderick nodded, then added, "I would come with you, but I have an early start in the morning myself; nursing is a very rewarding career, but the shifts can be a killer. Still, I have a long weekend off next week, so we can catch up properly then."

"Definitely! I have missed having you around," replied Mason, pulling him into a tight hug that was immediately reciprocated. Then Roderick headed for home in the next street, leaving Mason to lock up behind him, before heading to bed, slipping in alongside his already sleeping wife. As he drifted off to sleep, he wondered how his day would go tomorrow, and if he would be able to hold in check his emotions if Seth had deteriorated just as much as Roderick said. It was one thing being an actor on stage, and another to do so in real life…

Across town, the street in the West Village was silent as March turned into April at the midnight hour. After a night of study and then some trash TV, Dex and Lawrence had tidied up, then headed for bed. Down the street, however, it was a different story. The kitchen counter was still messy, and a salad that had been carefully made now lay scattered across the floor, alongside a shattered bowl. Amongst all of that there was also a motionless young man, struck down several hours before…

On the other side of the world, the Sterling-Duvals were getting used to New Zealand. They had arrived in the country early in the morning of the 1st of April, after an epic trip involving a change of planes in San Francisco. Jeff had felt uneasy the whole time that they were in that airport, still not trusting a part of the country that had been devastated by the major earthquake that had nearly claimed the lives of some close friends. It had been a relief for him when they were safely on board their second plane and airborne once more.

That relief was short lived, as Wes asked a question which had his two fathers suddenly realise that in all of the rushed preparations for their trip, neither of them had sat down with their boy and explained the International Date Line, both assuming that the other had done so; in some ways, it was a talk neither of them had wished to have, given the date involved. They had looked at each other, and then Jeff had told him that he could have his Easter chocolate in the morning. Wes had been satisfied, and had fallen asleep not long after that, even if Nick had been left shaking his head at the way that his husband had just dodged the bullet being fired by their boy. It had just postponed the inevitable…

Nick had ensured that when their son woke up the next day, just in time for the light breakfast they were served, that Jeff was awake too, suspecting that otherwise his husband would have pretended to be asleep. The conversation still did not happen, as the plane was landing, and there was then the whole palaver of getting through immigration to attend to. Thus it was only as they were getting into the taxi that would take them to their hotel that it happened; the taxi driver had his stereo on, and a newsreader announced it was Monday the 1st of April. Confused, Wes turned to Nick, and he had to try and explain the whole concept in the back of a taxi, watched by the mildly amused driver.

Wes seemed to grasp the concept, but he did think that it was rather unfair. "So if we had taken that plane the day before my birthday, then it would never actually be my birthday at all that year! As it is, I have missed Easter, and that is really unfair!"

Nick had to agree, but before he could speak, Jeff suddenly wasn't asleep, and he spoke instead. "On the other hand, if it happened to be the day before your birthday on the day we headed home, it would still be your birthday when we arrived. The same would of course apply to Christmas."

"Would that mean I would have to get two lots of presents?" asked Wes innocently.

As the taxi driver chuckled, Nick answered firmly, "No, it would not." He had made sure to get in first, as Jeff would probably have agreed with their boy.

There was silence for a minute or so, then Wes piped up, "So who decided that the line should be there?"

Nick smiled, then answered, "Remember when we were in London, and went on a day trip to that place called Greenwich? Well, it was the people based there, in London, which was then the biggest naval power in the world and had so much trade going on, that decided that they should set the time for the world, and of course, they based it on midday in London. It made sense, as the line where one day becomes another is in the middle of a huge ocean, and not in any one country. Even now, London sets the time for the world. If you remember, when we listened to the BBC Radio in London, before the news bulletin on the hour there was always a pip, pip, pip, piiipppp. That is the time signal, and ensures everyone can set the time right each hour."

"But we don't listen to the BBC Radio at home, so how do we know?" asked Wes sagely.

"We could if we wanted to, via the internet; but even before that, there is a radio station called the BBC World Service, which can be heard everywhere on earth, more or less. You can listen to the programmes on that here…" To Nick's amusement, the taxi driver suddenly pressed a button on the stereo, and a quick glance at the time showed him it was just before 9am. Then to his delight he heard the pips, and a very British voice saying, "This is the BBC World Service…Here is the news at 10pm on the 31st of March in London."

Moments later they arrived at the hotel; Nick paid the driver, tipping him well for the quick radio change, and then headed inside to check in. He found Wes eating chocolate, as it was Easter in London, so it was allowed. Shaking his head, particularly as Jeff was eating chocolate too, he insisted they all have a short nap before they headed out again. They headed for a nearby park, recommended by the receptionist, and Jeff happily sketched his husband and son as they sat on a blanket on the grass. The air smelt different here, but the sun was warm in a clear blue sky, and he could not complain.

The same could not be said for his husband, and Jeff was finding it hard to stifle his giggles. Wes had seen the New Zealand flag on a government building en route to the park, and had recognised the other flag in the corner of it. Nick was thus now obliged to explain the concepts of empire, colonies, dominions and the Commonwealth to his son.

"So the Queen is the Queen of New Zealand too? But we are so far away from London here," said Wes.

"Yes, it is, but she is still the Queen of this country. She is also the Queen of Australia and Canada too. Miss Frobisher once told me that when she was a little girl, the same age as you, her parents still talked about all the 'pink bits' on the maps, as on British maps in those days, all the places that had been part of the British Empire were coloured in pink. Most of those places are still part of the British Commonwealth; it acknowledges their ties to the United Kingdom, and gives them a certain amount of trade advantage. In some ways, it is like a mini United Nations; they try and uphold the same rules of fair play, and if someone doesn't follow those rules, they are suspended or even kicked out. Most of those countries still speak English as one of their main languages, and their government systems are based on the British model. The best example of that is India, one of the largest nations in the world, where so much is tied to the systems that the British set in motion when they were in power over them."

Wes nodded, then said, "So one day, the Duke will be King of New Zealand? I am so glad that I amn't Prince George then, because it would be such a big job to have…"

Nick nodded, relieved that the worst was over.

"Of course, New York was ruled by a British King once upon a time," Jeff shouted. As Nick cursed under his breath, and instantly cancelled his husband's chocolate privileges for the rest of their trip at least, he witnessed his son's eyes open wide, and he knew he would have to explain that one now…

They had an early dinner that night, Jeff in a huff because he wasn't getting any more chocolate, largely because Nick had to run through his conference notes again. Trent had refined his original speech for him, although he still wasn't looking forward to having to give it at all. Nor had he expected that he would be having breakfast in the morning with the official host of the conference, the New Zealand PM. Jacinda Ardern had been little known outside of her homeland until a series of events had catapulted her into the global spotlight. Her reaction to the Christchurch shootings, and her no nonsense approach, taking no prisoners along the way had won her global admiration, and she and her government carried on in the same vein.

If he was honest, Nick was looking forward to having the chance to talk to her one on one, particularly as she was already being tipped for an international role on her nation's behalf once she decided to hand over the reins of her party to someone new. As the New Zealand ambassador to the UN was retiring in a few years time, there was every possibility that she might end up working in those offices in Manhattan they he spent each work day in; getting to know her thus made a lot of sense. He still paid attention to what was going on, and he chortled inwardly as Jeff tried to explain why it was fall in New Zealand, but spring back home. Then, before he could stop himself, he got up, handed Jeff a bar of his favourite chocolate, then casually mentioned that Christmas was in the middle of summer here. It seemed a fitting revenge for having to explain the War of Independence to his son earlier on…

As is the case for so many long distance travellers, the time zone changes incurred by their flights played havoc with the sleeping pattern of not just the Sterling-Duvals, but also with those of Jane and Mason. The former was so used to getting out of her bed no later than 7am that her body clock woke her at 2am, and she struggled to get back to sleep. She did her best not to waken her husband, but in the end, his eyes popped open too, looking first at her, and then at the clock, the latter causing him to groan. "I am so sorry, this is my fault; I should have fought the urge to go to bed so early," said Jane apologetically. "I just could not keep my eyes open any longer."

"Shall I go and make you some hot milk? I know that usually helps you get back to sleep?" said Mason with a smile.

"I knew that there was a reason I married you… If you really don't mind, I would love some. I would get it myself, but I still feel so stiff from the flight…"

"I will be as quick as I can," Mason replied, and climbed out of the bed, heading for the kitchen. He found a saucepan, and poured some milk into it, heating it gently on the stove; microwaved milk just was not the same. He dug in the cupboards, and found what he had hoped for; a small jar of ground cinnamon, and he realised that he really needed to thank Roderick for thinking of such a small thing. Checking the milk, he added a sprinkling of the spice, then paused to look out of the window. He could hear the noise of the city, and it was familiar. London had its own noise, but it had been so much quieter in the leafy suburban street they called home there. He turned back to his task, and checked the milk, finding it was just at the perfect temperature. He poured it carefully into a mug, then carried it back to the bedroom, having first half filled the pan with water, and double checked the stove…

Of course, Jane was now sound asleep, and he chuckled wryly to himself. He placed the mug of milk down anyway, knowing that drinking it would not help him to sleep again at all, and climbed back into bed. He was now fully awake of course, his mind working overtime. He wondered how Dave's recovery was going, and tried to think when he could schedule a trip over to Maplewood to see him and Sebastian. He needed to thank the latter again too, for giving him his big break in that first, one off performance as the wondrous Elder McKinley. Then of course he needed to thank Cooper, who alongside Grace had supported him through his college years, and who even now kept an eye on Roderick in the little apartment below their house. He had a work meeting with Cooper on Friday, but he hoped to catch up with him and his family well before that…

His attention then returned to Seth. He realised that he had been away too long, and had not witnessed the slow decline of the young man that had prevented his first Thanksgiving in New York from being a total disaster. He did not know how he was going to feel the first time that he saw him in that chair. Seth had been so active and vital back then, but now, from all accounts… 'He is still Seth!' he chided himself in his thoughts. 'He is still the same person, with the same brain, and a fount of knowledge on all things industrial.' He would ensure that there was a place on the front row for him on opening night, all being well. 'And there you go again, talking as if he will not be there!' said that inner voice. The one thing that Mason did know was that in front of Seth he had to remain positive at all costs, as that was what the young man in question was doing, or so he had been informed…

Jane did not stir again that night, but Mason could not get back to sleep; something wasn't right somewhere in the world, and it bothered him. In the end he got up, and took the now cold milk with him. He washed the mug and the pan, then made himself a coffee. He would stay up late that night and try and get the rhythm back tomorrow. It was now just after 4am, but he could hear the city coming to live around about him. There were deliveries being made to hotels where guests were sleeping, and the bakers were heading to work to prepare the city's breakfasts. The all night drugstores would be starting to get busy again after their middle of the night lull…

He dug out his script, and began to go through it again, although he knew his part and indeed all of the others word for word by now, not to mention all of his cues, both word and music. The one worry was the actress that was taking the lead role, the part for which the show was named. She was a very talented and respected actress, but when she had heard that she alone of the London cast would be making the transfer to Broadway, well, she hadn't been pleased by all accounts. She was still refusing to say when she would be arriving in New York, which was not very helpful at all, as they needed to start rehearsals, and there was her understudy to train up too…

He was still pondering that problem when he heard a noise, and looked up to see Jane standing beside him. The clock behind her now said that it was 5.30am. She shook her head, then kissed him, knowing his wakefulness was her fault in part, before heading to the kitchen to make herself a cup of green tea, and some toast. As she did so, she said, "Of course, Seth was always a very early riser, and I doubt that has changed. Go and see him now; take him some fresh bagels for his breakfast. Then you can be back here sooner to help me with our unexpected guests." Mason nodded, admitting to himself that what Jane had just suggested made a lot of sense…

It was at Jane's suggestion that Mason headed north when he left their new apartment, heading for 3rd Avenue in the low 50's. It was there that one of the city's best known bagel stores was located, and even though it was not long after 6am when he arrived, there was already a queue. He ordered a good selection when his time in the line came, enough for Seth and himself, and for Jane too; he selected two of her favourites and asked for them in a separate bag. With his shopping done, he headed a block or so further up to board the 'E' Train, which would take him directly to the 14th Street stop that was the closest to his destination in the West Village.

As Evie had done on her first trip on the subway, Mason pined for a moment for the soft seats of the London Underground once he managed to find a spot to sit after a few stops. He missed the escalators too as he walked up the steps to street level at 14th Street, and once there, he had to pause for a moment to get his bearings, as the shops that had once been in the vicinity all seem to have been replaced by new ones; indeed, it was only catching a glimpse of a landmark building in the distance that stopped him getting totally lost.

He made good time, and he paused as he was about to enter that tiny section of street that so many people he knew called home. It was silent at the moment, and checking his watch, he realised it was still before 7am, when he could reasonably expect Seth to be awake, if he still maintained his old habits. He decided to take a stroll up to the other end of the little section, to see if there was any sign of life from the other inhabitants. He glanced first at the house next to Nick and Jeff's, the one that Seth had called home when London had called him, and saw it was dark in the early dawn light. The houses beyond it were the same, although he was certain that Mike would probably be stirring soon, along with Tina, now that they had a baby in the house. He headed back, and saw movement in Niff's home. Caleb was looking out of the big window of the small ground floor sitting room, no doubt looking for the person that would be feeding him that morning, thought Mason with a smile. He smiled further as Caleb spotted him, and recognising him as a friend after all this time, opened his mouth and miaowed, not that Mason could hear him through the window of course.

The time was now just after 7am, and Mason headed off to his destination, leaving Caleb to miaow…