Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Photographs ❯ Chapter 1

Title: Photographs
Author: Ladymynx
Fandom: FAKE

Rating: PG to NC17

Disclaimer: I don't own FAKE -- that's Ms. Matoh - although if I did I'd make it into an anime series.
Spoilers: Many - this story spans pretty much the entire series and beyond Like, Like Love.
Warnings: Lemon/Lime, Swearing and violence, angst and character death.

Characters/Pairings: Dee x Ryo, Carol x Bikky, JJ x Drake, Rose x Diana, Mother Lane, Chief Smith, Lai, Lass, Elena, Rick.
Notes: Many of the death fics I've read have Dee or Ryo dying at a young age. I figured it was time for something different. No offense meant to the writers of said fics. This takes place in several time frames and I have specified each by character age.

 

 

 

 

 

Ryo - Age 75

 

 

 

“Gramps?”

 

Ryo smiled up at the beautiful woman who looked so much like her mother. He adjusted the photo album in his lap, “Yes, sweetheart?”

 

“Mom wanted me to tell you that dinner's ready.”

 

“Well --,” Ryo sighed. He felt content for the first time in two years. He wished he'd looked at the albums earlier.

 

“Do you want me to bring you something?” She smiled, her deep-brown eyes full of love for him. As she stepped into the room she brushed back strands of her red-gold hair.

 

“If you would, darling, I'd appreciate it.”

 

“Okay,” she approached him and kissed him on the cheek. “Happy Birthday, gramps.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

As she turned to leave, Ryo said, “Jessica?”

 

“Yeah, gramps?”

 

“I know I'm being a wet blanket--,” did people even say that anymore?

 

“No worries, gramps,” she smiled at him. “We understand.” She mimed a kiss at him before closing the door.

 

Ryo leaned back into his favorite chair with a sigh. “Well Dee, she's quite a woman isn't she? And none the worse for wear for who she married.”

 

They'd owned the house in upstate New York for several decades. This was his favorite room. A study, as Diana had called it when she'd seen it. Ryo had laughed at the absurdity but he supposed since this was where he did all his work it was an appropriate name.

 

The walls were lined with recessed shelves filled with books, ledgers and photo albums.

The books were a wide range of topics and Ryo couldn't help but be proud to know that twenty-seven of the fiction novels were written by his own hand. There was a fireplace at one end which Ryo appreciated on cold nights and a sofa set which included the chair that he'd gotten to fit him just right. Directly behind him was what he thought was a ridiculously expensive entertainment system; but it was what Dee had wanted for his fiftieth birthday and even after all those years Ryo couldn't resist him.

 

“It's not like we couldn't afford it anyway,” Ryo smiled to himself. For a moment his mind drifted into his memories before he realized, that's why he'd selected the photo albums stacked neatly at his feet. He opened the one on his lap and smiled at the photo of himself and Dee standing at the threshold of their new home. Bikky and Carol stood on either side of them. He was so proud of the two of them, then and now. Bikky had, to everyone's surprise, signed with the Lakers - with many temper tantrums from Dee (“What, the Knicks aren't good enough for you?”) while Carol had successfully passed the bar and found employment at prestigious law firm in LA before striking out on her own.

 

“That was a surprise wasn't it, sweetheart?” Ryo slowly turned the page and touched each photograph with reverence. “It just shows what good kids we raised.”

 

***

 

Ryo - Age 35

 

 

“So where exactly are we going?” Dee grumbled. The dark-haired detective propped one arm up on the window and leaned his head against it. His eyes were closed but it was obvious he wasn't sleeping.

 

“We told you it was a surprise,” Carol smiled at him into the rearview mirror.

 

“Yeah, chill, we'll get there,” Bikky grinned wickedly. “Besides, you know how much I love seein' you suffer.”

 

“Bite me, monkey brat.”

 

“Dee!”

 

“I'm still mad at him anyway,” Dee pouted, “The Lakers! Can you say `traitor' boys and girls?”

 

“Let it go, old fart,” Bikky said. “It's been years. Besides you're just pissed because they kicked the Knick's asses last month.”

 

“Why you smart-assed little--,”

 

“One more word out of you two and I'll turn this SUV around!” Carol threatened. “Ryo --,”

 

“Oh no, not this time,” Ryo grinned. “I'm of a mind today to let those two have it out and be done with it.”

 

“Really?” Dee's grin now matched Bikky's, “So I can totally obliterate the monkey-brat and still keep your undying devotion?”

 

“Undying--,”

 

“What the hell makes you think I won't beat the crap outta you?”

 

“Bikky!”

 

“Boys,” Carol muttered. “Wonderful, we're here at last!”

 

Carol turned the SUV onto a tree-lined street with single-family homes. Ryo watched out the window as children played on well-kept lawns while their mothers kept an attentive eye. Further down the street a young man was washing a sports car still with the T-Tags on it, stopping as a young woman carrying their baby stepped from within the house and called to him.

 

It was a typical summer evening in suburbia and it was a welcome change from all the violence that Ryo saw daily. It made him believe that there was actually some good left in the world.

 

“Nice neighborhood, huh?”

 

He turned to Dee and smiled softly; knowing Dee had sensed his mood, “Yeah.”

 

“Glad you think so,” Carol said as she turned right, traveled a few hundred yards down the street and pulled into the driveway of a ranch style home.

 

“I hope you know whoever lives here,” Dee commented.

 

“We do,” Carol killed the engine and climbed from the car. Bikky followed.

 

Dee looked at Ryo and shrugged, then climbed out.

 

Ryo stood at the end of the driveway and stretched. The air had the scent of lilacs and wood smoke. Someone was barbecuing; it was a nice evening for it. This would be a nice place to live.

 

Carol and Bikky stood next to each other conversing in quiet voices. Carol began rummaging in her purse.

 

“So what's the deal?” Dee said; always the impatient one.

 

Carol pulled a camcorder out from her purse. “Okay, you two stand together in front of the house.”

 

“What?” Ryo moved next to Dee, his brow furrowed in confusion. “Why?”

 

“Because silly, we have to take your picture in front of your new home.”

 

“What the --,”

 

“Our - new - home?” Ryo said each word on a breath.

 

“Holy shit,” breathed Dee.

 

“Surprise!” Carol and Bikky cried in unison.

 

“Call this an early anniversary present,” Bikky winked at Ryo, “I figure you deserve this more than him since you had to put up with the perv all this time.”

 

“You bought us a house?” Ryo was so shocked he didn't even think to admonish Bikky for insulting Dee. It was even more surprising that Dee let it go.

 

“Well hot damn! Guess I won't kill you after all, monkey brat,” Dee gave a Cheshire grin.

 

“But can you really afford this?” Ryo had to be practical as always, it was in his nature. “We don't want to make things difficult for you--,”

 

“Dad,” Bikky said, “why do you think we did this?”

 

“You both have done a lot for us over the years.” Carol said. “We wanted to repay you - just a little.”

 

“This--,” Ryo's voice broke, “—this is more than just a little.”

 

“Aw damn--,” Bikky ran a hand through his blonde hair in an embarrassed gesture.

 

“Ryo,” Carol spread her arms wide and Ryo wrapped his arms around her in a hug.

 

“Thank you,” Ryo whispered.

 

“Come `ere monkey boy,” Dee grabbed Bikky in a head lock and mussed his hair.

 

“Hands off, perv!”

 

“Let's go inside now,” Carol drew away from him, her smile radiant. Her mood was infectious and Ryo smiled in return. “Just wait til you see the kitchen, Ryo.”

 

“Yeah and thanks for turning Ryo into a total pansy Dee,” Bikky said, “when before he was only a partial pansy—OW!”

 

“Serves you right,” Carol said. “Just because Ryo likes to cook. I think it's very attractive.”

 

“Thank you,” Ryo held the door open for her and stepped aside, allowing her to enter.

 

“Whoa baby,” Dee said as he stepped inside. Ryo came next to him and they both took in the living room with hardwood floors to the immediate left and the restaurant size kitchen directly before them. But that wasn't all, Carol explained as they ventured further into their new home. Off of the living room was an immense dining room and next to it a third room with a fire place and bookshelves built into the walls.

 

“For Ryo since we know Dee's not a reader.”

 

Down the hall opposite the living room were three bedrooms; the master bedroom was at the very end and had its own bath. Double doors led outside to what the new owners were pleased to discover was a hardwood deck, which ran along the outside wall and connected with the kitchen area.

 

Ryo stepped to the deck rail and breathed in the scents around him. Their yard was enclosed by a rectangle of tall bushes granting them privacy. Beyond that there was a wooded area.

 

“Hey baby, look at this,” Dee had moved a few steps down the deck and was standing over a large hot tub. When Ryo approached Dee leaned forward and whispered, “Just think of all the freaky things I can do to you in this.”

 

Ryo flushed scarlet, “Dee!”

 

“Oh, for crying out loud! At least wait until we leave,” Bikky grumbled.

 

“Hush Bikky,” Carol took Ryo's arm. “Okay, now the kitchen.”

 

Ryo could only gape at a kitchen that would make Emeril jealous. A few years back, Diana had dragged him to a cooking class and he was surprised to find that he enjoyed making exotic dishes. Ryo spent the next twenty minutes going from cupboard to cabinet, from pantry to gadget wall. Already he was imagining all the things he was going to create. There was even an indoor grill and Ryo could already imagine salmon frying or maybe some thick steaks with asparagus hollandaise. Yes, that would be perfect!

 

“We'll we've lost Ryo for the rest of the tour,” Carol said. “So Dee, why don't we hit the basement next?”

 

“What's in the basement?”

 

“You'll see,” Carol smirked.

 

“You're just loving this, aren't you?”

 

“Oh yeah,” Carol said.

 

Ryo barely noticed they'd left him. He turned and leaned his back against the counter, taking it all in. He noticed the breakfast nook a few steps to the left. He could see an image of him and Dee sitting and having breakfast. Dee would be sipping coffee and smoking a cigarette, Ryo reading the paper.

 

“Hey Ryo, get your cute ass down here!”

 

Ryo straightened away from the counter in annoyance. “Honestly, I'm going to smack him the first chance I get,” Ryo allowed himself a wry smile, “Of course he'd probably enjoy it.”

 

Ryo descended the stairs and halted in surprise. He found himself first of all staring at a very nice view of Dee's ass as he bent over a pool table situated in the center of the room. To his immediate right there was a space for weight training. To the left a dart board, pinball machine and a fridge (that he found was fully stocked). The opposite end of the room boasted an entertainment area. All around the decorations consisted of Lakers memorabilia. Ryo assumed Dee had already gotten on Bikky's case about it.

 

“Whoa baby,” Ryo whispered.

 

“Ryo likes it.” Carol smiled.

 

“You gonna shoot or what monkey brat?” Dee asked as he sank the eight ball in the corner pocket.

 

“Step back, perv- I'm gonna show you how it's really done.”

 

“Ryo,” Carol said, “you like this place don't you? I mean, I know it's a drive from the city but--,”

 

“Carol,” Ryo tilted her chin up with his hand, “I love this place. We love it, don't we Dee?”

 

“Damn straight, princess,” Dee didn't take his eyes off the table.

 

“I can't wait to help you decorate the rest of the house,” Carol clapped her hands, “this is going to be so much fun.”

 

“I'll leave it to you, Carol,” Ryo said.

 

Dee and Bikky straightened away from the table and graced Ryo with an incredulous look.

 

“I don't like the sound of that,” Dee said.

 

They spent the rest of the day at the new house. Ryo walked with Carol, and with as much enthusiasm as she had- they made decorating plans. Dee and Bikky wisely kept out of their way. Finally Carol checked her watch and decided they couldn't keep their babysitter waiting any longer. Carol and Bikky's three year old daughter Jessica was the center of their universe. The little angel was well aware of their feelings and used them against her parents at every opportunity.

 

Even though they owned the house, Ryo was reluctant to leave. He already felt that affinity that one discovers when they find the perfect place to live. Bikky and Carol had known their tastes well. The drive back was filled with more talk of decorating but a few times Ryo noticed that Dee was oddly silent, seeming to ponder something but Ryo wasn't sure what. It was forgotten by the time they arrived at home.

 

The next morning Dee was on early shift and Ryo finally gave up trying to sleep in. Carol and Jessica were already up so the three of them spent the day window shopping while Bikky went to look up some friends in the old neighborhood as well as having several functions going on at local youth centers.

 

During that time, Ryo had tried to call Dee a dozen times with no success. He finally called the precinct and got JJ on the line.

 

“Heard about the house, congrats you two!” JJ said with his usual exuberance.

 

“Thanks JJ, is Dee around?”

 

“He's not with you?”

 

“Well no - I mean we were supposed to meet for lunch but,” a spark of worry ignited in Ryo's stomach, “Did he say anything?”

 

“Just that he had some errands to run and he was meeting you for lunch.”

 

“Okay - umm - if you see him have him call me.”

 

“You got it and congrats again!”

 

“Thanks.”

 

“Ryo, what is it?” Carol asked.

 

“I've been trying to reach Dee but--,”

 

“Mommy, I'm hungry,” the cherubic face looked up at her mother with soft pleading eyes.

 

“Why don't I drop you two off at the apartment and I'll swing by the orphanage and see if he's there?”

 

“Okay,” Carol's voice was tinged with both worry and relief. Ryo knew how his `granddaughter' was when she got fussy. She'd been behaving so far but more time in the car without food wouldn't improve her mood.

 

Once Ryo had them settled back at the apartment he started for the orphanage and was halfway there when his cell phone rang.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Ryo?”

 

“Dee, where are you? I've been looking--,”

 

“I'm at the house - the new house.”

 

“What the hell are you doing there?”

 

“You have to get up here now, it's important.”

 

“Is something wrong?”

 

There was silence then, “You have to see it. Please tell me you're on your way.”

 

“I am - just stay put okay?”

 

“Okay.”

 

When Ryo hung up he dialed Carol and told her where he was going.

 

“Did he say what was wrong? Did a water main or something break?”

 

“I hope not,” Ryo couldn't dream there were problems already. “Let Bikky know where I am, okay?”

 

“Okay. Call me as soon as you find out.”

 

“I will.”

 

Ryo didn't believe it was possible to get out of Manhattan as quickly as he had but the urgency in Dee's voice had him pressing the speed limit. It wasn't quite enough for him to break the rules and run lights and sirens. He hoped if it was really serious Dee would have the sense to call the local police.

 

Storm clouds swallowed the sun and thunder rumbled in the distance by the time Ryo arrived at the house and pulled in behind Dee's car. He ran up the walk and was relieved to find the door open. He burst through calling, “Dee? Where are you?”

 

“In the bedroom.”

 

Ryo rushed down the hall, “Dee, what's going--,”

 

Ryo froze at the threshold. He drew in a breath and laid his hand against his mouth. A swelling of emotion caused a burning in the backs of his eyes. Oh hell, he was going to cry.

 

Dee stood leaning against the wall and looking quite pleased with himself. “Surprise.”

 

Ryo took two uncertain steps into the room and reached out a tentative hand. What he saw explained Dee's mysterious absence.

 

It was his parent's bed.

 

It had been in storage since Ryo and Bikky had moved in with Dee. It hadn't even occurred to Ryo that they should use it in their new home.

 

The tears he tried to hold back fell and as always, Dee misinterpreted their meaning.

 

“Ryo? I'm sorry- this was okay, wasn't it?”

 

Ryo sniffed and wiped his tears away with the heel of his hand. “Dee,” he whispered, his voice breaking, “Do you have any idea how much I'm loving you right now?”

 

Dee's expression softened with both adoration and relief. “I wanted to make you happy, Ryo.”

 

He was more than happy - he was -

 

“Wait here,” Ryo turned and dashed back outside. He popped the trunk of the car and whistled in relief when he saw the small shoulder bag Carol had left there in case of an emergency with Jessica. After some rummaging Ryo found what he needed and made a mad dash inside, locking the door behind him.

 

“Ryo?” Dee was sitting on the bed with an adorable look of confusion on his face.

 

Ryo tossed down the plastic bottle he carried next to him, “Baby lotion.”

 

Ryo grabbed Dee by his shirt collar and pulled him forward for a searing kiss, then shoved him back down, “Why don't I show you how happy you've made me?”

 

Dee's confusion melted into comprehension as Ryo straddled him. “Sounds like a plan.”

 

Ryo began undoing the buttons on Dee's shirt as he smiled down at his olive skinned lover. Ryo's hands fisted around the material and brought Dee forward for another kiss, his tongue probing deep, tangling with Dee's own for dominance and winning. There was a moment in which they both wrestled to remove Dee's shirt then Ryo shoved him down again.

 

Dee's jeans came next. Ryo's fingers trembled as they urgently worked to release Dee's rapidly hardening erection. Ryo's own clothes came off with an urgency that demonstrated his own desire.

 

“Dee, love.” Ryo took a moment to just look at him before he grabbed the bottle of lotion and squirted a generous amount on his hands, rubbing them together. He took Dee's cock and began to spread the creamy liquid over his flesh. Dee grunted as he raised his hips and Ryo began a slow massage, spreading the lotion over the firm muscles of Dee's stomach.

 

“Baby,” Dee gasped for breath.

 

“Ssh,” Ryo squirted more lotion directly across the expanse of Dee's chest. He followed his ministrations by kissing wherever his fingers touched. When he reached a dusky nipple Ryo sank his teeth into the tender flesh, eliciting a cry from Dee. Ryo smirked at Dee's surprised look. It wasn't the first time Ryo had done something like that but it still caught Dee off guard. More lotion and Ryo massaged up his arms, he held Dee's hand in his and sucked each finger into his mouth before leaning down and stealing another kiss.

 

“I don't know if I've ever told you this,” Ryo said as he was working his way down Dee's torso again, alternating between biting and kissing. When his teeth left a mark Ryo would lathe the area with his tongue as Dee struggled underneath him. “But I think you're a beautiful man, Dee Laytner.”

 

Ryo continued his ministrations, spreading the lotion on Dee's thighs, biting hard on the inner flesh, sucking until it left a mark which Ryo traced with his tongue. He didn't care if it was considered old fashioned- if it made his lover feel good he would do it.

 

Finally when he could see Dee could stand it no longer, Ryo took the lotion one more time and spread it over his own straining cock. “Do you want me inside you now?”

 

“Hell yes,” Dee panted.

 

Ryo spread Dee's legs wide and lifted one to rest on his shoulder. His cock, slick from the lotion, pushed into his lover with little resistance.

 

“Ryo,” his name came out in a hiss.

 

Ryo moved slowly at first, savoring his lover's heat and enjoying the look of consummate pleasure on Dee's face. After a time his own desire took hold and Ryo began working his cock in and out, increasing the power of his thrusting.

 

Dee had grabbed his own cock and was pumping fiercely, his teeth grinding against the sensations Ryo knew he was experiencing and the fact that he was the reason for Dee's enjoyment brought him no end of pleasure.

 

“That's right, baby,” Ryo demanded of him, “Jack yourself off, do it!”

 

Dee was bucking wildly underneath him and Ryo so attuned to him sensed he neared completion. The fire in him was waxing hot, building to his own climax but Ryo strained to hold back as he wanted Dee to come first. When it happened, Dee lurched violently off the bed, an animalistic cry escaping from his throat. Ryo came soon after, filling Dee with his essence, wanting his lover to have everything of him. When he fell Ryo collapsed onto Dee's chest.

 

Later on when Ryo had composed himself he drew Dee against him and held him in his arms as he threaded his fingers through his lover's hair. Both were sated and content as they watched the storm to its finish.

 

“Hey Ryo,” Dee suddenly said, “You want to have a house warming party or something?”

 

Ryo was mildly surprised but pleased with the suggestion, “Yeah, sure. That's a good idea.”

 

“Or better yet,” he could hear the mischief in Dee's voice, “let's call it a `we are so rubbing our kid's success in your faces' party.”

 

Ryo chuckled good naturedly, “Oh, that will go over big.”

 

They lay there for a little while making plans, and after time Dee slept and Ryo soon followed.

The ring of a cell phone woke him later. Ryo eased himself from underneath Dee, who moaned softly. Ryo reached for his discarded jeans and pulled the phone from his back pocket. “Yes?”

 

“Ryo, it's Carol, is everything all right?”

 

“Oh - um - Carol,” Ryo flinched at this classic `d'oh' moment. He'd completely forgotten to call Carol like he promised. “Yeah, everything's fine. Dee --,”

 

Ryo grunted as Dee's hand snaked around and grabbed his cock.

 

“Ryo, you okay?” Carol's urgent voice came through the line.

 

“I'm fine,” Ryo's voice came out a growl. Dee was stroking him causing the fire to ignite once again. He elbowed his lover in the ribs.

 

“Hey!” Dee protested.

 

“We'll be home soon --- Dee!”

 

Dee was lathing Ryo's spine with his tongue.

 

“Umm hmm,” Carol said knowingly. “Why don't I let you go now?”

 

“Well I -- ungh!”

 

“Goodbye Ryo.” The line clicked off.

 

“Dee Laytner!” Ryo grabbed a pillow and smacked him.

 

“Oh so it's like that, eh?” Dee pinned him. “You're a naughty boy Randy MacLean. I'm going to have to punish you.”

 

It was a while before they returned to the apartment.

 

***

 

Ryo - Age 75

 

 

 

“It took us six months to decorate our home,” Ryo said. “And I think we all had fun, although you'd never admit you did. I think even Bikky enjoyed it.” Ryo turned another page and smiled at the photos of him and Dee painting rooms, carrying in furniture and hanging blinds. Dee had the most photos of him just clowning around. The camera loved his dark partner, Ryo realized. The next pages made his smile widen. They were of the house warming party. Ryo had saved one of the invitations were Dee had actually marked out `house warming' and replaced it with `we are so rubbing our kid's success in your faces'.

 

“We really had fun that night didn't we? Hell, even Rose loosened up,” Ryo said, “Of course that was mostly due to Diana and the baby.”

 

***

 

Ryo - Age 35

 

 

 

“I got it, babe,” Dee jumped up from the stool at the sound of the doorbell.

 

Ryo paused as he chopped fresh spinach for a pasta dish. The burners, grill and oven were full of food. Whomever it was had arrived early. They weren't even expecting Carol and Bikky yet. Curious, Ryo laid the knife aside and left the kitchen.

 

“Heya, Penguin!” Dee caught her in a hug. The elderly nun was surrounded by her latest group of charges being herded into the room by a younger nun who had been with the orphanage for a few years now. “You're early.”

 

“Dee Laytner, you will address me as Mother,” Maria Lane tugged on his ear.

 

“Now Mother, how many years have we gone through this?” Dee twirled her around by her waist, “Besides, it's said with my undying love and affection.”

 

“Hmph, indeed,” Mother said but Ryo could see she was pleased. Her eyes met his, “And there's my Ryo.”

 

“Hi, Mother Lane,” Ryo hugged her then gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Glad you could come.”

 

“You'll give me the grand tour while my little naughty boy here goes and looks at the bus?”

 

“It's giving you trouble again?” Dee frowned.

 

“It was coughing up a storm the whole time,” Mother said with mild concern.

 

“Why don't I just buy you a new one?” Bikky stepped through the front door followed by Carol. “You know it's no big deal Mother Lane.”

 

“You, young man, need to save that money of yours,” Mother Lane held out her arms as Jessica squealed in delight and ran to her `Nana'. “And how is my precious little cherub?”

 

“As rambunctious as ever,” Carol greeted Mother with a kiss on the cheek before she moved to stand before Ryo, “And shouldn't you be in the kitchen detective?”

 

“Dinner awaits our care,” Ryo took Carol's arm and the two left the room to Bikky's, “Seriously Mother Lane, I just signed my new contract and I've got some Hollywood big shots taking notice. The Lakers--,”

 

“Argh!” Dee made an exaggerated moan.

 

Their next guests to arrive were the Rose's. Diana had their baby son in a carrier against her breast. Ryo kept an eye on Dee as they greeted each other. Since marrying Diana, Dee had been less suspicious of their commissioner and although they couldn't be called friends there was a grudging acceptance of each other.

 

His aunt and uncle arrived next and Ryo greeted them happily. He hadn't seen them in awhile since his aunt had been on an extended job in London. Then Chief Smith and his wife, Lai and Lass and their kids, followed by J.J. and Drake. The rest of their precinct co-workers arrived at different intervals.

 

Ryo spent a lot of time in the kitchen but he wasn't alone. Surrounded by beautiful women he was quite content to stay where he was, plus they were invaluable help in chasing Dee out. When everything was complete Ryo joined his friends and family in the basement where snacks and drinks were served. The children in the meantime were sent to play video games in Ryo and Dee's bedroom.

 

“Who's for a game of pool?” Dee said after he turned VH1 on the large screen TV.

 

“I'm in,” Rose adjusted his glasses.

 

“Me too,” Bikky chose a cue.

 

“We playing for fun or money?” Diana leaned against the table.

 

“Fun,” Mother Lane waved a cue at Diana in admonishment.

 

“Aw - you never let me do anything,” Diana said in mock indignation.

 

“I'm surprised you play pool, Mother Lane.” Rose raised one perfectly manicured eyebrow.

 

“Of course, why wouldn't I?”

 

Rose had the decency to blush, “Well - I - you are a --,”

 

“A woman who enjoys pool,” Mother said. “Shall I break?”

 

“You're in trouble now, Rose,” Dee said dryly.

 

Mother in fact won almost every game and beat everyone who played her. Ryo missed her match with Dee as he had to check on dinner. The salmon was coming along nicely, he thought. Ryo stood at the top of the basement steps and called everyone to dinner. Mother climbed the stairs wearing a self-satisfied smirk. Ryo couldn't help but laugh.

 

Dinner was a huge success; at least Ryo thought so since everyone cleaned their plates and most asked for seconds. They adjourned to the living room and Ryo brought out his masterpiece - a 151 rum cake (Mother declined a slice) and flavored coffee.

 

Carol's home movies of them decorating the house played on the TV. Everyone was relaxed and full with the hazy feeling of contentment one gets after good food and company.

 

“Well Berkie, are you going to make your announcement?” Diana said out of the blue.

 

All eyes were on Rose, whose face was already flushed and his eyes were unfocused for the first time since Ryo had met him. “I'm thinking of running for public office.”

 

“Are you serious?”

 

“Whoa!”

 

“Well, I'll be damned.”

 

“I'm not certain what I want to do yet,” Rose said, his voice strengthening. “I just know I want to be in a position where I can do more for the people who protect the city.”

 

Neither Ryo nor Dee believed his reasoning. Rose was notorious for doing things strictly to benefit himself. Still he had changed a bit since Diana and Berkeley Junior.

 

“So does that mean you'll be leaving the 27th?” Ryo said. He realized he was actually sort of - well not sad - but perhaps a little disappointed they'd be losing him.

 

“Not anytime soon,” Rose said. “But eventually.”

 

“You'll be missed, commissioner,” the chief said.

 

“Yes,” Ryo agreed and surprisingly so did the rest of the 27th men and women.

 

“I guess,” Dee muttered.

 

Rose gave him a look of incredulity.

 

“And on that note,” Ryo said, “Why don't I put another pot of coffee on?”

 

Ryo stood and stretched as he walked into the kitchen and set the pot to brewing. He felt overly warm - probably from the rum cake he thought and the outdoors beckoned in invitation. The next thing he knew he was sliding the glass door open and stepping out onto the deck.

 

There was that familiar scent of lilacs and wood smoke. Ryo had thought at one point of gardening - maybe pulling a Nero Wolfe and growing orchids or something but he decided he probably wouldn't have the time. Ryo stretched again and breathed deep, enjoying the solitude and the sight of the full moon and canopy of diamond-bright stars overhead.

 

“Hey.”

 

He turned to find Dee standing at the door, holding two glasses of red wine.

 

“Hey love.”

 

Dee moved to stand in front of him and gave him a light peck on the lips before handing him one of the glasses. “Did you want to be alone?”

 

“Only if I'm alone with you.”

 

Dee kissed him again, deeper this time and Ryo moaned into his mouth as he melted against his dark lover's muscular body.

 

“Are you having a good time?”

 

“Of course,” Ryo raised his glass. “Shall we make a toast?”

 

“Wow, talk about deja vu,” Dee said.

 

“Yes, this does have a familiar ring,” Ryo mused.

 

“But this time if I kiss you, you won't be confused or push me away,” Dee said. His arms found their way around Ryo's waist and Dee pulled him against him, leaning in for the kiss and was surprised when Ryo took control.

 

“Cheers,” they clinked their classes together when they parted. To Ryo the night couldn't be more perfect.

 

***

 

Ryo - Age 75

 

 

 

“I brought your dinner gramps,” the tow-haired man knocked politely as he entered. “Jessica is helping Maria with the baby.”

 

“Thanks, Berkeley,” Ryo smiled at his grandson-in-law. He was the mirror image of his late father.

 

“You sure you're okay?” Berkeley asked. “Should I call Bikky or Carol?”

 

“No, I'm fine,” Ryo said, “I just--,”

 

Berkeley looked at the photo albums and his expression changed just briefly. It was something akin to distress. Of course Ryo knew why. “Just remembering?”

 

“Yes,” Ryo said. He tried to sound reassuring. Everything had been forgiven and forgotten a long time ago at least as far as Ryo was concerned. Of course for Dee it was different, Ryo thought.

 

“Well, I'll leave you alone then,” Berkeley turned away.

 

“Thank you, Berkeley,” Ryo said. “For everything.”

 

“Sir, what did I do?”

 

“You make my granddaughter happy and that means a lot to me,” Ryo said. “It meant a lot to Dee too.”

 

Ryo was relieved when he smiled. “Thanks gramps.”

 

When the door closed Ryo chose yet another photo album but didn't open it immediately. “You didn't approve when our granddaughter started seeing Berkeley Rose's son.” Ryo ran his hand over the etched leather cover. “I suppose no one could blame you for that even though Berkeley Junior had nothing to do with what happened between you and his father.”

 

Despite himself, despite knowing what pain it would bring, Ryo opened the album.