Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Photographs ❯ Chapter 5

Photographs - CHAPTER 5

PG-13 for Profanity and violence.

 

Ryo continues to reminisce on his life with Dee.

 

 

 

 

 

Ryo - Age 57

 

 

 

 

 

“How's it going, babe?” Dee stuck his head into the study.

 

“Almost done,” Ryo said. “Dee, are you sure you don't mind me describing our lovemaking?”

 

“Ryo, I've told you before, no,” Dee grinned, “this way everyone knows what a fantastic lover I am and how I keep you satisfied.”

 

“Dee Laytner!” But Dee had already escaped from the room, his laughter filling the hall.

 

A half hour later, Ryo was putting the finishing touches on the manuscript and remembering, with his face flushed and his cock reacting, the first time they'd made love.

 

Damn that was phenomenal, Ryo thought. He decided he'd better get his mind off of that. They'd ordered Chinese as they'd both just completed grueling cases and they were taking a few days to rest. Ryo flicked on the TV.

 

The screen came to brilliant life and the first thing Ryo saw was chaos. Flashing lights, the scream of sirens, police barricades, panicked crowds. Was that City Hall? What was happening? And then the newscaster; his voice droned on as though nothing was amiss and Ryo truly heard what he was saying.

 

“Dear Lord,” Ryo whispered. “Dee! Dee, get the hell in here now!”

 

Dee was there in an instant it seemed, “What? What is it?”

 

Ryo nodded to the TV. Dee listened, his mouth agape, the color draining from his face.

 

“Son of a bitch,” Dee said.

 

The phone was ringing but neither man heard at first. They only heard the newscaster:

 

“…police have the assailant trapped within City Hall. According to sources he is a former city employee dismissed from his position for fraud and embezzlement. Shots were fired when security attempted to apprehend the assailant. Among those wounded were three city employees, Councilman Raines, Comptroller Barnes and Governor Berkeley Rose--,”

 

“Yes?” Dee's voice pulled him away from the newscast.

 

“Who is it?” Ryo mouthed.

 

“Jessica,” Dee said. “Are you all right? Where are you?”

 

A long pause. Ryo approached Dee and laid a hand on his arm.

 

“All right, sweetheart, we'll be right there.”

 

Dee hung up the phone. “Damn.”

 

“Where are they?” Ryo's voice was a fearful whisper.

 

“That sports bar on Lexington?” Dee said. “The owner had the TV on when the announcement came through.”

 

“Oh damn - B.J.--,”

 

“The owner was really decent about it. He cleared the whole place out. They're waiting for us now.”

 

“What about Diana?”

 

“They couldn't reach her,” Dee said. “Maybe we should go to the house first and check on her since Jessica is with B.J.?”

 

“Good idea,” Ryo said, “Dee - Berkeley - what if--?”

 

“It's going to be okay,” Dee said. “That rat bastard is too ballsy to die.”

 

***

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ryo - Age 75

 

 

 

“Things are never that simple, are they, Dee?” Ryo said. “I know how bad you felt afterwards. That's why you took care of everything. The funeral arrangements, the legal issues, the sale of the house. I know Diana appreciated everything, even though she never said so. I'm glad Berkeley Jr. did though. He was so grateful to you.”

 

***

 

Ryo - Age 57

 

 

 

 

 

Ryo closed the door behind the last of those who had been in attendance. The large house was quiet at last.

 

Dee was sitting in the kitchen, his fingers idly toying with a packet of Diana's cigarettes.

 

“Here, let's keep busy,” Ryo nodded to the piles of silverware and dishes.

 

Dee tossed the pack down on the table and joined Ryo by the sink. They were silent as Ryo filled both sides with subsequent water and suds.

 

“I'm worried about Diana,” Dee said.

 

Ryo sighed, “So am I. She looked so - empty.”

 

Dee nodded.

 

“I'm really proud of you, you know.”

 

Dee smiled slightly at him.

 

“Dee--,”

 

“Gramps?”

 

Ryo and Dee turned in unison at the sound of the voice. Looking like a younger version of his father right down to the wire-rimmed glasses, Berkeley Rose, Jr. stood against the door frame. “Mom's all settled and Jessica and I are heading to bed.”

 

He approached them. “I wanted to thank you both for everything.”

“We're family, B.J. so it's no problem,” Ryo said. “Besides, Dee took care of everything.”

 

“Yes, and I wanted to thank you especially for that,” B.J. said. “Dee, I know my father - I mean I know the two of you didn't get along and he wouldn't tell me about the whole incident with your old partner.”

 

Ryo saw Dee stiffen.

 

“But - well - he did admire you.”

 

“What?”

 

“I once heard him say he admired your in-your-face attitude and that although you were reckless, you were a damn good cop.”

 

“Really?” Dee was totally stunned. Ryo found himself having difficulty wrapping his brain around the words.

 

“Yeah,” B.J. said. “Anyway, thanks. Good night.”

 

“Good night B.J., we'll let ourselves out when we're finished.”

 

Once they were alone, Dee whispered, “Well, I'll be damned.”

 

***

 

Ryo spent the ride home staring out the window, his mind a tumult of thoughts. He could only remember that look of total - emptiness - he couldn't think of any other words for it on Diana's face. Losing Berkeley like that --,

 

“We're home, Ryo.”

 

Ryo hadn't even noticed. He got out of the car without a word and followed Dee inside. The motions they went through - seeing the house was locked up, getting showered and into their night clothes was done automatically. It wasn't until they were in bed that Ryo snuggled against Dee, burying his face in the crook of Dee's arm that Dee spoke, “You want to talk about it, now?”

 

“Oh Dee,” Ryo said. “I love you so much.”

 

“I love you to.”

 

“Seeing Diana, I thought --,” Ryo said. “Hold me, Dee. I want - I need you to.”

 

“Sure,” Dee wrapped his arms around him; pulling him tightly against himself, his face nuzzling Ryo's hair.

 

After a time, Dee began to gently caress him and Ryo, needing his touch, adjusted his body to give Dee better access. At their age they could no longer indulge in the wild lovemaking sessions they used to but it was still sweet and gentle and Ryo realized he needed his life partner desperately. Dee stroked him until he was rigid, then sucked him off, drinking most of his essence and letting some splash onto Ryo's stomach.

 

His heart fluttered irregularly for a time and Ryo drew in several deep breaths trying to calm himself- which he found difficult with Dee licking Ryo's cum off his stomach. Never wanting to leave Dee in an uncomfortable position, Ryo lovingly returned the favor. Afterwards they embraced again.

 

“I'll always love you, Dee,” Ryo said.

 

“And I you, love, forever.”

 

***

 

Ryo - Age 75

 

 

 

 

 

“Diana wasn't the same after that,” Ryo sighed as he turned the page. “Even though Berkeley was shot trying to save the life of one of the office workers and everyone looked at him as a hero.”

 

There were some questions as to why the governor was in City Hall in the first place. Rose always seemed to be into something. Perhaps he had been trying to atone.

 

Diana was gone now. Thinking of that Ryo realized he was truly alone. Everyone he had ever known was gone. His eyes burned with unshed tears. Three years before Dee had passed away, they'd gotten drunk after attending J.J.'s funeral. The former police sniper had been killed while in his home, it was hinted in retaliation for a hit he'd done decades ago. Neither one of them could believe someone had held a grudge for that long.

 

“We're the last of the great ones,” Dee had raised his glass and smiled bitterly.

 

Ryo drank and feeling bitter himself had agreed. Drake, Ted, Chief Smith, all gone. Mother Lane and Ryo's aunt and uncle.

 

And then…

 

Ryo lifted another leather-bound tome. He swallowed thickly as he opened it. The first thing he saw - the notice. Dee's smiling face. The smile he'd never see again.

 

 

***

 

Ryo - Age 73

 

 

 

 

 

It wasn't fair. The day should not be so beautiful; the sun brightly shining, a soft breeze rustling the grass. The day should be as cold and dead as he felt.

 

Ryo stood before the grave, his hands at his sides. He didn't care that he was seventy-two, that he had lived a long full life or that he had died peacefully in his sleep.

 

Dee Laytner, his partner in work and life, his best friend and lover was gone.

 

And with him went Ryo's heart.

 

Oh Dee - why did you leave me? Damn it all, don't you know I can't live without you?

 

People had come and gone, given him their condolences. Ryo barely knew any of them. He'd nodded or said something appropriate. He couldn't recall what and he didn't care. They finally left him alone where he stood, staring down on the casket, his throat tight, and tears making tracks down his cheeks. His heart shattered into a million fragments.

 

He knew Carol and Bikky waited for him at the bottom of the hill. They were hidden from view by a copse of trees. A path cut through where they had walked to reach the gravesite. The limousine would take them back to the house. That big, empty, lonely house.

 

“Dee,” Ryo whispered again. “I'm sorry. I can't go on alone. I can't--,”

 

Then it came to him. He didn't have to.

 

But how? Of course - Ryo recalled he still had his service revolver at home. That would be adequate. Ryo nodded. “Don't worry, Dee. I'll be with you soon.”

 

As he turned to go a shadow fell across his path unexpectedly. Ryo drew in an astonished breath. How had this stranger managed to sneak up on him? The man was in his forties with dark hair, graying slightly and in a state of disarray. Ryo was certain he'd seen the craggy features before but he couldn't for the life of him remember where. His full lips were pressed in a frown of disapproval underneath the pencil mustache.

 

“Excuse me,” Ryo muttered, averting his eyes. He went to move around the man and was further surprised when he reached out and grabbed Ryo's arm.

 

The man spoke a single word. “Don't!”

 

“What?” Ryo tried unsuccessfully to pull his arm away, “Let go of me!”

 

“Do you really think that's the answer?”

 

“W-what?” Ryo's heart began to hammer against his chest. He stared, now completely forgetting he'd been trying to escape this stranger.

 

“Do you really think he'd want you to do that?” The man went on.

 

His shock became anger, “What do you know about it?” Ryo demanded.

 

“I know that he loves you and wants you to go on living.”

 

“How --,” Ryo gaped, “You don't understand! Damn it, I can't live without him!” Ryo wondered why he was even explaining himself to this stranger.

 

“Yes you can, you must Ryo. That's what he wants.”

 

His heart stopped, “How did you know--?” He fought, trying to remember that face. Ryo knew this man and yet he was certain they'd never met, “Who are you?”

 

The man grinned, “Just a friend,” he said. “Go home, Ryo, and be with your family. And remember how much he loves you.”

 

The man released him, then started down the hill.

 

“Wait!” Ryo called. It took him much longer to walk and by the time Ryo reached the copse of trees the man was gone. He'd disappeared and wasn't even along the path where Ryo walked.

 

The limousine was still parked and Bikky and Carol waited for him.

 

“Did you see that man?” Was the first thing Ryo said.

 

“What man?” Carol asked.

 

“You must have seen him come down the path,” Ryo said, “about forty or so, dark hair, moustache.”

 

“We didn't see anybody dad, are you sure he came this way?”

 

“Ryo, did something happen?” Carol said anxiously.

 

Ryo went over the words of wisdom that the strange man had spoken. He smiled for the first time in a week, “No, nothing happened.” He took one more look up the hill. “Let's go home.”

 

***

 

Ryo - Age 75

 

 

 

 

 

The album Ryo looked at wasn't his, it belonged to Dee. Ryo flipped the pages and smiled at the brash fifteen year old making faces at the camera. He was surrounded by his friends, Arnon, Tommy and Barry. And standing in the background was the dark haired man with craggy features and a pencil moustache.

 

“Dee,” Ryo smiled softly, “thank you for sending Jess to help me. I realized afterwards that doing what I thought to do would have been the biggest mistake of my life.”

 

So Ryo continued to live these two years alone. Finishing things as he'd always done. Making certain his family was safe, happy and healthy.

 

Ryo closed the book as a sudden sleepiness stole over him. He knew he hadn't had much sleep and it was probably just catching up to him. He supposed a nap wouldn't hurt. He murmured, “It was a good life, wasn't it, Dee?” Ryo let himself relax into the chair. “But I still miss you, sweetheart.”

 

Ryo dreamed.

 

 

“…the name's Dee Laytner. Call me Dee.”

 

“Randy MacLean. Nice to meet you.”

 

“Hey. You got some Japanese in you or something? Your eyes are pitch black.”

 

“Ur…urmm…yeah. Actually I do.”

 

“What's your Japanese name?”

 

“Huh?!”

 

“You do have one right?”

 

“It's Ryo.”

 

“Ryo huh? So, would you take offense to me calling you Ryo from now on?

 

“N…No. It wouldn't offend me. It's just…”

 

“Then Ryo it is. I'm gonna call you Ryo.”

 

 

“Ryo?”

 

Ryo moaned softly. That voice. How he'd missed it. This was such a nice dream. He didn't want to wake up yet.

 

“Ryo? Baby, it's time to go.”

 

Ryo opened his eyes. That voice - it was so real.

 

He was standing there, leaning against the door frame; his familiar smile, charming yet haughty, lighting his features. His green eyes shone with love and happiness for him. Only for him.

 

“Dee?” Ryo said the name, disbelieving. “Dee, is that really you?”

 

Ryo literally leapt from the chair. Dee opened his arms and Ryo gratefully ran into him, embracing his love, pouring his feelings, his heart into the gesture. Tears streamed down their cheeks. Then Dee was kissing him, his mouth strong and passionate, they drank deeply of each other. It was like he remembered and a thousand times better. Ryo never wanted this moment to end, yet he was the first to pull back. He wanted to look at his love. See those handsome features, and recall them before he awoke from this wonderful dream.

 

“Dee - oh Dee, love, I miss you so much.”

 

“I missed you too,” Dee said. “But now we can be together forever, Ryo.”

 

“Dee what--?” Ryo halted as realization struck. He stepped back and raised his hands to his face. No longer knobby and spotted with age- they were the limber fingers of a twenty-something year old. Ryo ran his hands across his smooth features, felt the thick waves of chestnut hair.

 

He slowly turned around to look at his chair.

 

The old man sat in peaceful repose, the photo album spilling from his lap. His lips upturned in a slight smile. Ryo supposed he should be disturbed by the sight but strangely he wasn't.

 

“Will everything be all right, Dee?” Ryo asked.

 

“Of course it will be,” Dee said. “You were right, you know. You just needed to finish things up.”

 

Ryo drew in a deep breath and nodded once, “Yes.”

 

“Are you ready?” Dee smiled.

 

“Yes.” Ryo was supremely happy. Never would he be sad and lonely again.

 

Dee drew him into his arms. “Let's go home.”