Fake Fan Fiction ❯ The Unexpected II ❯ March Madness ( Chapter 21 )

Title: The Unexpected II
Chapter 20 - March Madness

Rating: R
Fandom: FAKE
Pairings: Ryo/Dee (mostly), some Dee/Ryo
Warnings: Yaoi, Male/male, MPREG, AU If you don't like, don't read!
Disclaimer: FAKE is not mine. We have Sanami Matoh for giving us Dee, Ryo and the rest of the 27th precinct characters. Any OCs appearing in this fic are mine.

Beta by Dawn
A/N: I just wanted to put up here about whenever Akira, Ryo's grandmother, uses Dee's name. The literal translation of the katakana for Dee is `Dei'. There's a slight difference in infliction when saying `Dee' and `Dei' using Japanese pronunciation, even if they both more or less come out to `Dee'. Akira and the rest of Ryo's family speak English well enough to make the difference. Thus most of Ryo's Japanese relatives call him `Dee'. However, Akira does not, even if she could. She prefers it, and her special way of bringing Dee into the family. So whenever she is speaking, you will notice that Dee's name is spelled `Dei'.

 

March 11, 2006

 

“JJ, get up,” JJ heard at the same time he was roughly shaken for a moment. Groggy from the unpleasant way of being pulled from a pleasant dream of him and Drake doing much more than they had the night before, he turned, expecting to find his partner on the other side of the bed.

 

He let out a yawn as he settled on his other side and looked to find Drake was not in the bed. Drake was standing in the small space between the bed and his closet. He had on his pants and was throwing a bulky sweater over his undershirt.

 

“What the hell?” JJ blinked. “What do you mean, `JJ, get up'?” he asked, watching Drake dress with sleepy eyes.

 

“What do you think I mean, Detective Adams? Get up. Out of the bed. Into clothes and get moving,” Drake replied.

 

JJ's eyes went to the digital clock on the shelf next to the bed. “Drake, it's not even 5:30 in the morning. We don't have to be there until 2:30 in the afternoon.”

 

“And I'm hoping we make it,” Drake said, looking concerned. “I got a call from Chief and we have to go.”

 

JJ bolted up in the bed. “We're off today! Today is Dee's wedding! No crime scenes…”

 

“Another Carrier was found,” Drake stated grimly. “This one is in Queens. At least someone had the insight there to contact the 27th for anything with the Carrier Killer's MO.”

 

JJ was on his feet, searching where he placed his pants. “Oh holy God. Not today. Not on Dee's wedding day,” JJ groaned.

 

“JJ, Dee's getting married today, no matter what. However, we just might not be there for it.”

 

JJ grabbed his pants and pulled them on. “I want to be there!” JJ almost wailed, zipping his fly furiously. “Damn him… damn that bastard to hell for striking today, of all days.”

 

Drake was watching JJ, holding the other man's shirt from the night before. He knew the smaller detective was deeply disturbed by his language. “I know,” Drake tried to placate JJ. “It's been quiet for a while. I was hoping whoever is doing the killing got tired and stopped.”

 

JJ nodded as he took his shirt from Drake. “I know. It'd be harder to find our perp, but at least no more Carriers and unborn babies would be killed if he did stop.”

 

“His ass would still be in prison once we get him,” Drake stated. “Sorry, JJ, but coffee on the go today.”

 

“It's going to be Starbucks,” JJ said as he started to walk out of the bedroom. He realized Drake did not follow him. “Drake? C'mon, let's go.”

 

“I'm just throwing everything I'll need for the wedding together quickly, just in case we don't have time to come back here,” Drake called out.

 

“Oh yeah.” JJ looked around the living room and located his overnight bag on the couch. “You're right.” He started for the bag when he stopped and changed direction. “Great. I forgot to take a leak. Hang on, Drake.” He slipped into the bathroom.

 

When JJ came out of the bathroom and walked into the living room, Drake was waiting holding his bag and JJ's, along with their coats. He handed JJ his coat. “Are we all ready now?”

 

JJ nodded. “I'm glad I left all the wedding accessories in the bag.”

 

Drake held the front door open for JJ. “Wedding accessories?” he asked, as JJ left the apartment.

 

“Yes. You know, things to go with my clothes.”

 

Drake locked the 2nd lock on his door and turned to walk with JJ down the stairs. “JJ, so help me, if you pull out diamond earrings later today….”

 

JJ laughed. “I wish! Oh, I wish you thought of that earlier, so I could have borrowed a pair from someone. Can you imagine Dee and Ryo's faces if I wore diamond earrings?”

 

Drake chuckled. “Don't forget the tiara. No, scratch that. Dee would claw your eyes out. He's the queen today…. Um, no pun intended.”

 

“If Dee heard you call him a queen,” JJ chuckled. “I mean, sure he's been acting like a Bridezilla here and there, and he's pregnant, but he's still far from a queen.”

 

“You should know, huh?” Drake stated. When JJ gave him a mild glare, he laughed. “Besides, did you see the shirt Barry gave Mother to make Dee wear when he wakes up for breakfast this morning?”

 

“The Groomzilla one?” JJ laughed. “Oh, what I would do to see video of when she gives it to him.” They walked through the small foyer of Drake's building and out the door.

 

“Oh God,” JJ sighed, as he noticed the white flurries gently fall to the white ground. “Dee's going to be earning that shirt when he wakes up this morning and discovered it's been snowing all night.”

 

Drake shook his head. “It's not so bad. And once everyone in this city wakes up and starts going about, all this pretty white stuff will be gone.”

 

They walked halfway up the block to where JJ had parked his car. The night before, after they were dropped off at the garage near the building the atrium was in, they went to Drake's apartment. Considering the time they got home from the rehearsal dinner the evening before, they were hoping for a slow, lazy day until they had to start getting ready to leave for the wedding. JJ had packed for an overnight at Drake's, along with everything he would need for the wedding.

 

“Where are we going in Queens?” JJ asked as he started the car up.

 

Drake snickered. “Queens.”

 

“Hush now. Dee's not a queen. Neither I am… if you expect to go back to my place tonight after all the festivities, instead of sleeping alone.”

 

“No. You're not. And Flushing Meadow Park. Somewhere along Meridian Road off the Van Wyck Expressway. Chief and the Commissioner are going to meet us there.”

 

“Oh great. There goes the wedding for sure,” JJ groaned as he pulled out.

 

“Maybe not. Rose is to be Diana's escort.”

 

“Let's hope that he can get us free just until tomorrow if needed,” JJ sighed, going down the street and heading in the direction of Queens-Midtown Tunnel, hoping it would be a faster way to their destination so early on a snowy Saturday morning.

 

+++ +++ +++

 

Diana entered the suite the groomswomen were to get ready in. There was much chattering, along with music playing in the background. She smiled as she took in the surroundings. There were dressing tables set up along two of the walls. Along another wall was a table with soft drinks, juice, wine and champagne, along with artisan cheese and cracker trays, and some other snacks. All the women were already there, having been picked up, along with any spouses who were in the wedding party, by a super stretch Hummer-sine. There were boughs of flowers hanging across the ceiling. The feeling was definitely that of an impending wedding.

 

Most of the women were sitting down at a table, getting prepared for when their gowns would arrive. They all had already changed into the silk robes that said “Groomswoman” and the date, with the L-M logo on the front, and `Dee & Ryo' under the initials.

 

For someone who bucked when he felt he was cornered and being forced into something, once Ryo made sure Dee knew he was in control of his wedding planning, Dee easily decided to go all out for their wedding, with Ryo happily agreeing.

 

The groomswomen felt pampered from the start, having their fittings in private appointments, one on one with the boutique owner and her staff. Even if it was Diana's idea, the spa day the weekend before was a delightful treat for everyone. Several times since the week before, they had been transported in limo or party buses.

 

They were told to bring whatever personal toiletries they wanted to have with them on the wedding day, but nothing more was needed. When they arrived at the atrium, first they were taken for a quick tour of the facilities, getting to see the venue in completion for the wedding. With wide eyes and bright smiles, they took in all the details, from the carpet runner on the sidewalk, to the torii gate between the flower draped canopy where the alter was set up and the glass walls with the city skyline looking north beyond. The entrance from the elevator to the main area of the atrium drew pleased gasps and much oohing and ahhing from the wedding party.

 

After seeing the atrium in all its splendor for the wedding, they were escorted back into the elevator and down to one of the middle floors of the building. There they were shown the suite they were to use to prepare for the event. It was a large spacious room, with two smaller rooms. One room was designated where their gowns would be, as well as a place to hang up their coats and stow any belongings they did not feel like leaving laying around the room once they left for the wedding. The other room was set up for photos, once the ladies were dressed. Upon their arrival to the suite, they found tote bags waiting for them. Inside the bags were the robes, along with tee-shirts and some bath salts for later when they returned from the celebrations. Like the robes, the tee-shirts had the word “Groomswoman” on the back with the date, and the L-M logo with the grooms' names on the front. All the robes were a pastel blue, but the shirts matched the color of the gown each woman was to wear.

 

“Attention ladies,” Diana called up cheerfully.

 

Everyone stopped talking and turned to Diana, some waving in greeting.

 

“The moment you've been waiting for is upon you. Your gowns have arrived and are on their way up. Your flowers should be arriving just before you have to head upstairs to line up.”

 

Applause and laughter followed. Diana then went around the room to personally assure each woman's needs were addressed. There was not much more the groomswomen needed. They were all in wonderful spirits, feeling pampered almost as if they were brides themselves that day. Which was Ryo and Dee's ulterior motives, since there was no bride on that day. So all the special attention lavished on a bride on her wedding day was given to each and every lady in their wedding party.

 

“Does anyone know if Dee and Ryo got here yet?” Janet asked.

 

“Dee should be arriving soon,” Julie stated. “Barry called from the limo not too long ago saying that him and Dee were on their way.”

 

“How's he doing?” Diana asked Julie. “Dee, that is.”

 

“A bundle of nerves and as excited as Barry's ever seen him,” Julie giggled.

 

Janice laughed. “I'll tell you, Ryo brings out so many things in Dee that I never imagined coming from that hard ass.”

 

Julie snorted. “Hard ass, my ass. Dee was just waiting for the right person to bring his inner marshmallow to the surface.”

 

Diana broke out in laughter. “Inner marshmallow? Ohmigod, that's a good one!”

 

“I hope so. Because Barry is intending to use that one in his best man's speech tonight,” Julie chuckled.

 

“Oh, now I'm really looking forward to the speeches,” Janet said with a laugh.

 

Diana looked over to Jocelyn, Ryo's cousin on his dad's side, who was asked to be included in the wedding party. “So, tell us about your cousin. Do you think he also has an inner marshmallow?”

 

Not only Jocelyn, but Ryo's Japanese cousin who was also in the wedding party laughed. “Ryo pretends like he's a rock. You know, that he doesn't need anyone. Until Dee. So I guess you can say that Ryo has inner marshlands.” She winked at Diana, while all the other women burst out in laughter at the joke. “Seriously, I met Dee a few times before. Sometimes I'd be with Elena when Ryo and Dee would join us for lunch or something. That was when they were pretending to be just best friends. It didn't surprise me when I found out. It was there for anyone to see, if they wanted to really look at the two. And I remember the first time I realized it, that I hoped I was right and that they would stay together. Ryo was different with Dee. A good different. And I could see Dee worshipped the ground Ryo walked on. My cousin needed that. But now I can see the worshipping goes both ways.” She smiled.

 

There was a knock at the door. The room fell quiet, except for excited giggles as all eyes followed Diana to open the door, and allow Lady Chantrel, along with several of her female assistants to enter. With them was a luggage rack, loaded down with gowns and the outer jackets to keep them warm going between wedding events or should they decide to go out on a balcony or terrace for some fresh air.

 

After the greetings, Lady Chantrel looked at the groomswoman. “Well ladies? What is everyone sitting around for? We have a wedding to get dressed for.”

 

A controlled, excited chaos followed as the women went into the smaller room to get their garments and get dressed with a little help from Lady Chantrel's assistants.

 

Diana gazed at her gown as it was taken out of the protective covering. The model for the garment was in white and could easily be a wedding gown. Dee and Ryo wanted her in dark blue, and ordered the gown to be in that color. It was still a lovely and elegant gown that had a slight trail behind it, and a pleated shirt in the back. The bodice plunged low in the front. It had silver thread creating a delicate design of tiny vines and laced with silver laces in the back. It had capped sleeves at the shoulders. The look of the gown was vaguely Renaissance. Because of that, instead of the jacket selected for the groomswomen, Lady Chantrel had suggested to Ryo and Dee to order a long cape of satin, lined on the inside, with the same delicate silver threads running through it. The cape had a faux-fur trimmed hood. Diana had to admit at the final fitting, that even she, a woman of wealth, raised as a pampered child, felt like a princess in her outfit. She could not wait until Berkeley finally saw her in her wedding outfit. Perhaps, it might help him to make more of a commitment to her. Then one day, she would be picking out a white gown to wear on her own wedding day.

 

She shook her head. She was not going to dwell on maybes that day. However, she remembered Dee back when she first met them and all his maybes that he lived day to day with. That was in the past. This fine and magical wedding was for Dee to finally marry his beloved Ryo, almost 3 years after they officially became a couple. If nothing else, other than to share in the joy of her friends getting married, this wedding would serve as a reminder to her that if one stays persistent and true on the path, dreams can come true. Dee's did.

 

Ryo was very aware of that fact, which is why he was all for their wedding having a fairy tale quality to it. Diana was glad to see that he succeeded. This wedding was going to be grand. It would echo of princes finding soulmates in each other and happy endings. It would be elegant and lavish, and even a bit over the top in a royalty type of way.

 

`Not bad for a so-called street rat,' Diana reflected, thinking of Dee's sometime insecurity of his background. Yes, he grew up in the streets of a bad neighborhood in New York City, and along with his friends found some wayward ways in their teens. But Dee had Jess to keep him from going over too far on the other side. And he had Mother, who managed to instill some class and culture in him, even if it took him until recently to realized he had it all along.

 

Diana graciously accepted the help from one of the assistants in putting on her gown and getting prepared for a wedding that she could only hope she could top should her chance ever come.

 

+++ +++ +++

 

Several limos and taxis pulled up to an offloading zone, where as guests disembarked from the vehicles, they found themselves at the start of a shimmering blue runner leading to the entrance of the building, then going through the doors, and into the lobby. Just before the door, were the initials `L-M' in the same font as the wrapping paper. Like a logo, whenever Ryo and Dee's initials were used for the wedding, it was of the same font.

 

Those arriving with their own vehicles were directed to the corner, where they turned their cars over to the valet parking attendants, who would park the vehicles in the nearby garage designated for use for the wedding. Those guests were also directed to the runner. Overhead was a blue and silver canopy to protect the runner and guests from the falling snow.

 

Guests who were friends of Ryo's family were slightly amazed. They had heard Estelle brag about how her oldest grandson's wedding was going to be the wedding of the century. They had also heard about the background of the man Randy MacLean was to marry. The majority of those who had not previously met Dee, and even a few who did, expected a little flash, but otherwise while beautiful, it would be a simple style wedding.

 

The guests had no choice but to feel the atmosphere of a major event upon arrival. It closely resembled a Hollywood premiere, and they knew they did not yet make it up to the atrium where the ceremony was to be held.

 

The express elevator was handled by a man in a tuxedo. Ryo's great aunts and uncles, along with a few cousins from Ryo's generation, entered the elevator to find it was decorated in blue and white lights. Also sharing the elevator were some of those from the 27th precinct. They looked more impressed about the elevator than the MacLeans were.

 

“Geez, where does Laytner and MacLean get off pulling something this fancy on detective's pay?” one of the cops asked. He was currently dressed in a neatly pressed dark blue suit.

 

“Ryo's family is paying for this wedding, Angelo,” Ferguson replied. “From what I hear, Ryo and Dee are not spending a cent of their own money.” He eyed the woman hanging on Angelo's arm. She was dressed in a dazzling cocktail dress, with accessories to match. He had to wonder if his fellow officer had gone broke as his wife took advantage of the occasion to dress up as well as she was.

 

“Ah, so MacLean is the bride,” another cop snickered.

 

“Dee's the pregnant one,” Hernandez pointed out.

 

“Semantics,” Angelo remarked. “A minor transgression in the natural order of things, because MacLean can be such a priss. Don't get me wrong. I like the guy immensely, and I'd back him up in a heartbeat because he's a kick ass detective. But he's… softer than Laytner's hard ass.”

 

A snort came from one of the other very well dressed older women in the elevator. The cops were aware of eyes on them from all the other passengers who were not their spouses or dates, all of them equally well dressed as the woman.

 

“The MacLeans take care of our own,” the woman stated haughtily. “The wedding trust fun is for everyone in our family, be it the bride or the groom.” She managed to look down her nose at the cops while she spoke, despite her being shorter.

 

One of the men chuckled. “This is a rare wedding, because I hear the family of the other groom has contacted Franklin and Estelle to discuss paying in part for this wedding.

 

“The what?” Angelo asked, looking confused. “Laytner's an orphan.”

 

“Legally he's adopted,” a younger woman explained. “While Sister Lane spent her inheritance on running the orphanage Dee was raised in, her family in Ireland is still one of means. Apparently they accept Dee as the Sister's son, and thus that makes him a Lane. Which means Dee also comes from a refined, well to do family, despite his upbringings in that horrid neighborhood. And his family wants to pay in part for this wedding. Technically that would mean both gentlemen's families are paying for it.”

 

An elderly woman in fur and diamonds had started to gape as the man started to speak. Her look grew more horrified as the discussion went on during the elevator's slow ascent up to the 47th floor.

 

“Dear Aunt Harriet, what is wrong?” the younger woman asked.

 

“The other groom?” Harriet gasped, taking out a lacy silk hankie to pat her face. “But I thought Dee was a woman!”

 

The other MacLeans rolled their eyes or chuckled at the senior woman's outburst of indignation.

 

“No ma'am,” Ferguson replied with a smirk. “Dee Laytner is one of the best men we have at the 27th precinct.”

 

“Randy is marrying a…a…man?!?” Harriet exclaimed.

 

Heads nodded all around.

 

“Oh dear,” one of the MacLean men remarked. “Eunice, please take out your grandmother's smelling salts. I do believe she's about to have another episode.” The elderly woman was prone to conveniently forgetting things she did not like, and then go off into a tirade as if she was hearing facts for the first time.

 

Eunice, the young woman, searched in her sequined handbag that matched her designer gown. “Franklin says it is Randy's choice,” she said while digging out the smelling salt. “Both Franklin and Estelle are convinced this is not just a `thing'. Randy loves Dee. Dee loves Randy. And they are having a baby together. Franklin and Estelle have given them both their blessings.”

 

“But homosexuals and Carriers do not belong in the MacLeans!!!” Harriet exploded, leaning against the glass wall of the elevator.

 

The man who spoke to Eunice took the smelling salt bottle from her to open and hold under the elder woman's nose.

 

“Apparently, they do now, Aunt Harriet,” another of the younger woman said. “In fact, I hear Randy is also a Carrier.”

 

“From his mother's side, no doubt,” Harriet huffed. “Randy is his father's son. First Frankie brought that wretched Oriental hussy into our family, and now Randy is introducing new deviants. Our blood is growing thin, I fear.” She pushed the hand holding the smelling salt away. “I'm fine now. Thank you, Wilbert.”

 

“You can always go back down and go home,” Wilbert remarked, capping the bottle. He handed it back to Eunice. He smirked at Harriet. “And that's what you get for going traipsing off with your 30-year old gold digging stud rather than attending Randy's engagement party.”

 

“If you met him, you might be less prone to forgetting Dee is a man,” one of the older woman scoffed, glaring at Harriet.

 

“A very fine man at that,” one of the younger women added. “Quite a looker too.”

 

“It was bad enough knowing Randy's intended was some ghetto whore. I did not want to watch Franklin break down and sanctify such trash into our family. And Carlo and I are just friends. I am merely his benefactor. And while I was dragged this far, I might as well see what Randy has wasted our family money on,” Harriet explained.

 

“Whatever,” one of the other younger women mumbled.

 

The cops all silently shared a look.

 

Most of the faces had looks of gratitude as the elevator finally came to a stop and the door opened to reveal the entrance to the ceremony venue.

 

As guests left the elevator, they encountered the blue carpet again as it went through what appeared to be a long tent. The structure itself was white silk. Strips of lighted blue netting hung and crisscrossed in intervals down the entrance. Patterns of dragonflies and decorative scrolls from the wedding theme were lighted in the pastel wedding colors along the white silk. Lining each side of the entrance were silver and blue tables with mirrored tops well spaced. On the tables were long arrangements of flowers set in high blue and white lighted glass planters, and candles set in long tall blue and white candle holders. Between the tables were white branches with white lights and cherry blossom trees.

 

At the end of the entrance was a reception area where a string quartet took turns with a dulcimer player, providing beautiful music for the guests. A coat check was off to the side and in a corner was an ice sculpture bar serving champagne, wine and juice for the guests. Trays of cheeses and artisan bread were on a table next to it, as well as cut fruit skewed on fancy sticks.

 

“Whoa!” Angelo exclaimed, coming to a complete stop. He stared down the entrance, as others who arrived earlier mingled with glasses in hand, eating cheese, bread and fruit. Most of them were admiring the décor, taking pictures and catching up with relatives and acquaintances.

 

Ryo's Japanese family stood out among the glitz of designer gowns and diamonds in kimonos of rich colors in fabrics with shiny threads and beading, beaded and jeweled accessories, and sparkling hairpieces in their hair. Some of the women had fur scarves around their necks, or trimming the sleeves of their kimonos. The men wore fine, expensive cut suits.

 

Some of the MacLean men wore formal kilts in the MacLean plaid. There were some women in gowns of rich material and trimmed in beaded Celtic designs.

 

Angelo's wife turned to him with wide eyes, and pouted. “I wish we had something like this for our wedding.”

 

“Sure. We'd have only needed to wait ten years and spend nothing of my salary to afford this,” Angelo stated.

 

“Holy crap!” Hernandez muttered, pushing Angelo to start moving.

 

“It's like a winter wonderland with the first traces of spring!” Eunice exclaimed gleefully.

 

“This is just absolutely gorgeous,” one of the older MacLean women stated, appreciative eyes taking in all the details as they walked down along the entrance.

 

“Gorgeous?” another of Ryo's great aunts asked. “I would say this is breathtaking. Estelle should be very proud, because this is indeed the most beautiful wedding our family has had.”

 

“And this is just the foyer,” Eunice remarked. “It's so… magical!”

 

“Indeed,” Wilbert agreed. “For the time they had to put it together, this is just amazing.”

 

“I imagine having all that money would help,” Hernandez snorted.

 

“This has to be Ryo's doing,” Ferguson said. “I don't think Dee has it in him to decide on stuff like this.”

 

“I heard Adams was helping them,” Angelo said and laughed.

 

“Oh, now it makes sense,” Hernandez replied and laughed with Angelo.

 

Eunice giggled as she looked at the cops. “Oh, but Dee said he had plenty to do with planning this wedding. Dee said so at their engagement party.”

 

A woman dressed in a chic pants suit, wearing an earpiece and a PDA attached to her belt, approached the group as they talked. “Dee drew up the concepts of what him and Ryo had envisioned, and I found the people to make it happen.” She winked at Hernandez. “And yes, what they were willing to pay to have it all by today helped finding vendors.” She smiled at the group before her. I'm Sharon, the wedding coordinator for this fine event. If you have any questions or needs, you will notice gentlemen with badges who will assist you. Please enjoy a light snack before the ceremony.” She appeared to be listening to something. “I'm sorry, but I have to go.”

 

Before anyone had a chance to say anything else, Sharon went rushing off through the entrance and disappeared into what was assumed where the ceremony was to be held.

 

“Look,” Eunice said. “There's Estelle and Franklin.” She smiled at the cops. “Randy's grandparents.”

 

“My, does Estelle look radiant today,” a great aunt observed as the MacLean matriarchs approached the group.

 

“Good afternoon everyone,” Franklin greeted, Estelle on his arm. His gaze included the cops as well as his own family.

 

“Is this not the most lovely wedding you've ever seen?” Estelle gushed.

 

“It is, indeed Estelle,” one of the great aunts replied. “And you are looking as lovely as our fine surroundings.”

 

“It's a wedding fitting for a MacLean,” Wilbert said.

 

“Why thank you, all of you,” Estelle smiled brightly. “But this is not about me today. Randy is getting married today and this is going to be the wedding to bypass all MacLean weddings, past and future.”

 

Harriet snorted. “Estelle, you should be ashamed of yourself. All our money spend on such trash as a homosexual wedding!” she snapped. “This is just appalling! And definitely of worthy for some faggot street trash that your grandson has the audacity to think he wants to marry. And not just any trash, but a Carrier at that! This is disgraceful!”

 

Estelle lost her smile and glared at Harriet. “Randy knows he wants to spend his life with Dee, and after getting to know Dee, we know he is good for our grandson. And this…” she flicked her hand around to indicate the décor, “is a celebration of the beauty of their love. Quite frankly, I think as wonderful as it is, it still is pale comparing to their love. Isn't that right, Franklin.”

 

Franklin nodded. “Harriet, I'm sure no one will miss you if you want to leave.”

 

“I want this foolishness to come to an end. Right now. I insist that this wedding does not go on, or the name MacLean will be tarnished forever!”

 

“Oh my,” one of Ryo's great uncles sighed, rolling his eyes. “She did exactly the same thing at Frankie's wedding, didn't she?”

 

A long, well manicured hand tapped Harriet on her shoulder. “Excuse me, you female grunt, but I suggest you watch how you be talking about a Lane,” came a woman's voice with a thick Irish accent.

 

The group looked to find the owner of the hand being one of the older women with Celtic trimming. She wore an emerald green gown with gold trimming and a beaded design of Celtic knotwork along the trimming. Behind her stood several others, all glaring at Harriet.

 

“We came all the way from Ireland to wish Dee our blessings on his wedding day. And I will not have some frumpy tart trying to play dress up dare to spoil it for him,” the woman stated, glaring daggers as she spoke.

 

“If you have a problem with this wedding, then leave. We don't want your kind spreading negativity here,” a younger woman exclaimed, also with an Irish accent.

 

“And you are?” Harriet demanded.

 

“May I introduce everyone?” Franklin said. “This is Clarisse Lane-McGinessey, Mother Maria's 1st cousin, and her granddaughter Siobhan McGinessey. The others are other relations from the Lane family from Ireland.”

 

“That so-called trash happens to be one of ours. A Lane. And every bit deserving to marry Ryo,” Siobhan said. “So shut your wrinkled yap and deal with it, or I'll personally see that your arse hits the sidewalk on the way out.”

 

“Siobhan,” Clarisse warned.

 

“No Grams. She insulted Dee and she insulted our family. I don't know who she thinks she is…”

 

“I should be the head of this family! That's who I am. And if I had my rightful place in this family, we would not be standing here, discussing such a ludicrous idea of celebrating a couple of faggots who believe they are in love. I would not allow such a freak of nature to dare come close to our family. Randy would have been asked to leave the family, if I had my way.”

 

“But you don't, Harriet. And I don't know where you get your delusions from,” Franklin remarked. “Your rightful place in this family is exactly where you are. Great grandfather's 5th daughter and last child. If only great grandmother was still alive to confirm that you really are the result of affair with the pool boy.”

 

Harriet looked affronted as the other MacLean laughed at the family rumor.

 

Siobhan snorted. “No doubt the old woman is the family buffoon.”

 

“Why, I never…!” Harriet gasped. “This entire family will be buffoons if Randy marries that alleyway Spic! I mean really,” she snorted. “Not even his parents wanted him and threw him where he belonged - with the trash. Which is where all Carriers should go!”

 

“She remembered that quite well, I notice,” Wilbert groaned.

 

Siobhan dropped her handbag and went right for Harriet. “Listen you over bloated tart,” she screeched, grabbing the older woman's shoulders and shaking her. “You have some nerve thinking you're all that high and almighty.”

 

“Holy shit!” Ferguson exclaimed, instinctively jumping back, out of the way of the volatile women.

 

“Maybe we should do something?” Angelo asked. “I mean, we are cops.”

 

“Hey, watch what you have to say about Spics, you Tammy Faye wanna be!” Hernandez shouted, taking a step up to the two women.

 

“Oh dear,” Franklin sighed, looking around and seeing security coming over to break up the brawl.

 

“Harriet, you will not do this on Randy's wedding day!” Estelle screamed.

 

There was a crowd surrounding the group, members of families glaring at other the families. At the moment the atmosphere grew icy. The majority of the MacLeans and Aokis had been feuding since Ryo's parents were married. The Lanes were yet unknown to most of both families. Some of the older MacLeans associated Dee's poor ghetto background to the Lanes. The Lanes were aware of how some of Ryo's family viewed Dee, and thus them. They did not know of the summers Dee spent with Clarisse at her estate in Ireland, playing with Siobhan and other Lane children among the acres of land the family owned.

 

In an attempt to drag Harriet to the elevator, the women fell into a fight which came dangerously close to a table. Harriet hit into it and the flower display went tumbling down, the glass planter shattering when it hit the ground. A candle fell over, landing in the planter for the white branches and cherry blossom tree.

 

“Shit!” Angelo cried out, jumping to pull the candle from the tree. One of the security guards went behind the display to pull the plug on the lights on the white branches when they shorted out with a sizzle.

 

Akira Aoki managed to step out from the encircling crowd before security and came up to the woman, looking like an empress in her kimono especially made to wear for her grandson's wedding. “Stop!” she said, her voice level, but the deadly ice in her tone made everyone pause. “Both of you will not dare do anything to ruin this day for Ryo and Dei.”

 

Siobhan released Harriet, and took a step back, still glaring at her. “You are lucky, woman. But should I ever encounter you after this wedding, no one will be able to stop me.”

 

Sharon pushed her way through the crowd, behind security who surrounded the three woman, rapidly speaking into her mouthpiece about damage.

 

From behind them, coming up from the elevator were members of the church the orphanage was affiliated with, and had watched Dee grow up. Some of them had known him since a toddler. No one was dressed shabby, but it appeared as if they were among the sea of fine gowns, suits and tuxedos. They were escorted around the group by hosts, encouraging newcomers not to linger, in hopes of defusing a potentially worse situation. The job of the hosts were also to keep the flow of arriving guests not to block the way for others. The already assembled group already made it difficult to keep the flow going. The sooner the group of tense relatives were disbursed, the better security felt. The new arrivals were shown the champagne bar, offered snacks and were encouraged to sign the guest registry.

 

“Would you like to have them removed, Mr. MacLean,” a guard asked Franklin.

 

Franklin studied the two women, before his eyes shifted to Clarisse and finally settled on Estelle.

 

“Just that goat in mink lining,” Estelle replied for Franklin. “Siobhan was only defending both Dee and Randy. Meanwhile Harriet was attacking her own - not only Randy, but Dee. Because Dee is now also a MacLean.”

 

Siobhan turned grateful eyes to Estelle. “You do realize that Ryo is also a Lane as of today.”

 

“Indeed. I'm am glad to hear that,” Estelle stated with a warm smile. She had gotten to know Clarisse in the last couple of weeks when both women discussed over the phone the Lanes financial contribution to the wedding.

 

“And Aokis,” Obasan stated. “The two of them. And if anyone dares to say anything about the man carrying my daughter's grandchild, they will have to deal with me.”

 

“Of course, Akira-san,” Franklin replied with a smile. “Indeed our boys are very well protected.”

 

At that moment, it seemed as a result of the heads of the three families showing their unity, the frost from the other family members were gone. Whatever caused the rift between families at Ryo's parents' wedding was not to be repeated that day. They all had learned from wisdom and tragedy since.

 

Except for one very elderly woman.

 

“You would not dare expel me from here,” Harriet shrilled.

 

“It is done, Harriet. Thank you for dropping off your lovely present to our happy couple in advance,” Franklin said. “Someone do remind me to let them know they might want to burn it to ward off your evil.”

 

Snickers came from all around them, from all three families.

 

“I swear, Franklin, that this is the beginning of the division of the MacLeans. Faggots and freaks in our family indeed. You'll be hearing from me again!” She started to turn, slapping the hands of the security guard. “Take your hands off me, you big brute. I'm just an old lady, not a street criminal like Randy's trash.”

 

“Harriet!” Estelle warned. “If you say one more thing like that about Dee, I will hold you while I let his family have a go at you. And judging from the look on Aoki-san's face, her family will join in. Now please leave.”

 

Harriet huffed. “Come along, Wilbert, Eunice. We're not wanted here.”

 

“Actually, Grandma, you're not wanted,” Eunice remarked. “I want to stay. I've been counting down the days since the engagement party for this day and I'm not leaving.”

 

“You should know where your money comes from, Eunice. Your parents would be appalled at you.”

 

“My parents are living in Europe to get away from you, Grandma. Which is starting to sound like a good idea to me. I'm sure I can do just as well in Paris with my business as here.”

 

Estelle patted Eunice's shoulder. “Your parents have no worries of being cut off, my dear. And neither do you.”

 

“Wilbert!”

 

“Sorry, Aunt Harriet. I have money on what our grooms are wearing, and I want to see for myself,” Wilbert stated.

 

Franklin rolled his eyes. “Betting on my grandsons' wedding attire…” He shook his head. “Please take her away now.”

 

“You may use the limo,” Wilbert stated as Harriet was escorted to the elevator. “Eunice and I can take a taxi after all the festivities.”

 

A man standing by one of the unused elevators used a passkey to open it. Harriet's departure was not to interrupt the flow of arriving guests.

 

“This was much worse than Frankie's wedding, I'm afraid,” Franklin sighed.

 

“That woman gets more delusional as she gets older,” Estelle replied. She glanced around at everyone gathered. “Well? Nothing more to look at here. And this was not as exciting as the wedding will be. So please, help yourself to some refreshments, and don't forget to go inside early enough to sign the guest registry.”

 

Estelle walked over to Akira, drawing her toward Clarisse. “I am so sorry you had to fly in from Japan and Ireland to hear such nonsense,” she apologized to both women, looking embarrassed. “If anyone is a disgrace to our fine family's name, it's her.”

 

“I feared for a moment a fire would break out,” Clarisse said. “I'm just glad it is over with minimal damage. I do hope Dee does not notice it or I fear he'll be throwing fits for sure.”

 

The three elder women of their families all looked over to the table and to their surprise, there was a new arrangement set out, the glass all cleaned up, and two men were putting in a new tree of white branches and lights, while another carried off the one with the shorted lights.

 

“Damn, but is she good,” Estelle muttered. “I will most definitely have to refer others to her for weddings.”

 

“They did pick a fine woman to handle the details, did they not?” Clarisse asked, putting her arm around Siobhan. “Why don't we all go get something to drink. The damage is gone. I believe it is a sign to let go of the incident and concentrate on the joy of this glorious day.”

 

“Is the clergy here yet?” Siobhan asked.

 

“Mother Maria is down in the women's suite with Elena getting dressed for her son's wedding day,” Estelle stated with a soft smile.

 

“I meant the officiate who will be performing the ceremony. Has she or any of her group arrived yet?” Siobhan clarified.

 

“I don't think so,” Franklin replied.

 

“No sweetheart,” Clarisse started.

 

“No, Grams. There are bad energies from that woman and it needs to be cleansed.” She moved from her grandmother to pick up her bag that was forgotten until that moment and started to go through it. “I'm glad I always carry a small sage wand.”

 

Clarisse chuckled. “All right, dear. You do what you must. Just don't let Maria catch you.”

 

“You know very well that Maria's choice to become a nun went against the family beliefs. Last I checked, we still respect each other's beliefs. So it won't be a huge shock to her. She is, after all, completely aware of the form of ceremony Dee and Ryo have chosen,” Siobhan stated.

 

“Still, darling. Don't draw another crowd. We had enough of them, until later when we get to swarm the newlyweds.”

 

“I'll catch up with you later, Grams.”

 

“Franklin will join you for refreshments, but I have something to attend to, along with Randy's other grandmother. So if you will excuse us,” Estelle said.

 

“Be gentle on the dear boy,” Franklin chuckled.

 

“Don't worry about Dee,” Estelle replied with a wink. “So what if the boy lets out a few tears. I'm sure he's full of them already, so full of joy that today is here.”

 

Franklin smiled at his wife. As his wife walked away with Akira, he escorted Clarisse Lane, along with the members of his family and guests from the 27th precinct to the refreshment bar. At the bar, he greeted those from the church Dee grew up in.

 

# # # # # # # # # # # #

 

Barry stepped into the suite, his eyes on all the men standing around the refreshment table, enjoying the offer of selections.

 

“How's it going all?” he asked, approaching the group of men.

 

All talk stopped and the men greeted him. He could not miss the sense of something off in the way they greeted him. As he scanned the group, he noticed not all the groomsmen were there.

 

“Hey, anyone know where Drake and JJ are?” he asked.

 

Ted sighed. “At a scene, last I heard.”

 

“A scene?” Barry asked.

 

“Yeah. Crime scene.”

 

Barry's eyes went wide. “What the fuck are they being called out to a crime scene today for?” he exploded. “What are they going to do next? Call Ryo out to one?”

 

Marty came over to Barry. “Chill, dude. We're hoping they'll make it in time to get changed. Chief Smith and Commissioner Rose are out there with them.”

 

Barry slapped his forehead. “Oh Christ. When Dee hears this… I better go find a paperbag for when he starts to hyperventilate on me.”

 

“Don't you mean blow up?” Adriano asked, amused.

 

Barry rolled his eyes. “I'm sure that'll happen at some point today, but right now it's vapors and all that weird stuff.”

 

Pedro laughed. “I'm pretty sure just marrying Ryo would bring Dee to tears of happiness and stuff like that. But with that baby in there, I'm sure his hormones are playing all sorts of havoc on the poor guy.”

 

“I know, I know. Which is why I need to be patient with him. Give him a shoulder if he wants to weep and give him some crystal glassware to throw when he wants to have a fit,” Barry said with a wink. “First there was this morning. I heard he was near tears and beside himself worrying that New York would be buried under 10 feet of snow or something by this afternoon.”

 

“Therefore totally immobilizing the city,” Ted added with a chuckle.

 

Barry nodded. “Yup. Therefore, no wedding. Mother and her family had a task ahead of them convincing Dee a couple of inches of light snow was not going to bring the wedding to a halt, and that perhaps even some snowflakes coming down in the background during the wedding just might add to the magic of the setting.”

 

Marty groaned. “Anyone want to bet that last part finally got to him?”

 

Barry held his hands up. “I don't make stupid bets.” He looked around again. “Okay… we can do this minus two. Thank goodness the two missing are paired up. But still, Dee and Ryo asked each of you to be part of this because you're all the ones they felt they wanted to have a special role in this day. Meaning they want JJ and Drake here.”

 

“Meaning Dee's going to go off the deep end when he finds out,” Tsubasa summed up, managing to look concerned and amused at the same time.

 

Barry nodded. “Exactly. Alrighty, here's the deal. We're not going to say one word to Dee or Ryo, because I don't think Ryo will just shrug it off with an `oh well'. Hopefully they'll get here in time and no one will be any the wiser until later tonight, or maybe even after they get back from their honeymoon.”

 

“What if they don't?” Jim asked. “And what is going on that they get called in on not just any day off, but one they specially requested to have off?”

 

“I'm going to go find Sharon and let her know that it's possible we will be operating with minus two in the wedding party,” Barry replied. He looked over to Ted and Marty, hoping they could answer Jim's second question.

 

“What do you think they would drag Drake and JJ out early in the morning on a requested leave day for?” Ted asked the forensic specialist.

 

“Oh God,” Jim uttered. “Please tell me I'm wrong.”

 

“No,” Marty stated. “And not just one. They were just about to pack things up over at Flushing Meadow and head on over here, when they got called to yet another scene. Seems our perp has been holding out on bodies until the middle of the night.”

 

Barry gave Marty a double take. “Two of them?” he asked, his voice shaky.

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Where was the other one discovered?” Jim asked Marty.

 

“South Cove, over in Battery Park City.” Marty replied.

 

Barry's eyes went wide, and there were several gasps heard from the non-police locals.

 

“Oh God,” Pedro whispered.”

 

“Let's be thankful it wasn't the South Street Seaport, or it would be hard to miss all the police activity driving in,” Barry said. “Not that any body should have been found.”

 

“On the plus side, that does mean Drake and JJ are not too far from here, so they stand a good chance of making it over here in time,” Ted remarked.

 

“Okay. When Marcel arrives with the suits, everyone start getting ready,” Barry said. “Meanwhile, I'll go speak to Sharon, just in case. Maybe grab one of the family elders, if I see someone and let them know too. If anyone hears from them, text me. Got it?”

 

“Sure,” Ted replied.

 

“If they're going to be late, but not too late, we might be able to hold things over until they arrive and get changed. Depending on how late that is,” Barry added.

 

“Gotcha Barry,” Marty nodded. “We'll keep you updated through text. Now go and help out Dee.”

 

Barry chuckled. “Actually there was a nice chaise lounge chair in Dee's suite. I made him lay down until it's time for him to be getting dressed.”

 

Chuckles went around the room.

 

“And on that note, I'm off. I'll be seeing everyone upstairs at line up. Oh, by the way, what does everyone think of upstairs?”

 

“Awesome!” Pedro exclaimed.

 

“Absolutely glorious!” Adriano added.

 

“Fuckin' amazing,” Ted said. Everyone nodded their heads in total agreement.

 

“I especially like the bridge just like in Rayna-san's wedding photos,” Tsubasa stated.

 

“Dee saw it all already, I take it,” Jim said with a smirk.

 

“Dude, Dee dragged me into the elevator wanting to see what it looked like today. I'm so glad there was someone with a camera taking photos, because they caught Dee's reaction,” Barry chuckled. “It turned out way better than he was expecting.”

 

“Aw, that's great,” Pedro said with a soft smile. “Good for Dee. He deserves it. He deserves everything that is included with this wedding.”

 

Barry nodded. “That he does. And I'm glad he's getting it. Later dudes!”

 

The others called out to Barry as he left, hurrying to find Sharon, before going back to Dee.

 

# # # # # # #

 

By the time Barry returned to the suite to check on Dee, he was ready for a good stiff drink, or five. He had found Sharon, only to find the woman was already working on a problem she had just found out about minutes before Barry arrived. The hansom cab that was to transport Ryo and Dee from the building the ceremony was held in to Bridgewaters had a minor accident on the way through Manhattan in the snow. The horses were fine, but it was decided to stable them and send out a new team. Assuming they could repair the broken back axle in time to have the horse drawn carriage waiting as the newlywed couple emerged from the building.

 

It had taken more than half a day to decorate that particular hansom cab to be used as the newlywed “getaway” vehicle. After the reception, it was to take the happy couple to the location of the after-party, where they were to spend an hour, before getting back in and whisked away uptown to the St. Pierre Hotel, where they were to spend their wedding night.

 

Sharon was looking into the possibility of getting another hansom cab in service, even if minimally decorated, but she was not sure she could get one to be used for the rest of the night last minute. There were no limousines to be hired for that long so last minute. She had an assistant on the phone calling classic car rentals, asking what they had available for the day, while she had called to sent out a few others to comb the city, in search of another horse drawn carriage they could use. Somehow, someway, there was going to be a vehicle worthy of the wedding waiting for Dee and Ryo. Sharon just did not know what by the time Barry had left her, along with Ryo's grandparents, who had authorized whatever it would cost to make it happen. Estelle's exact words, Barry was told was, “I don't care how much it will cost! Pay someone more than they would make in a year! I'm certain that will make someone jump to and get a worthy vehicle over here!”

 

Money talks, Barry knew. In his construction business he met often with men and women of money who hoped to make more. He was often called upon as the man with the means to make that happen in the case of real estate developers. Many times they would look for the cheapest bidder, but they expected quality work. There were times when they would flash money before his face to make the impossible happen. Because of those times, he was not worried about providing for his family, nice and secure financially, with more opportunity before him. He had risen above the streets him and Dee had grew up in. His wedding to Julie was low key and simple. The total cost of their wedding was under $2000. By their fifth anniversary, things had changed for them. They had renewed their vows, in a wedding that Barry had wished he could have given Julie the first time. At least she was happy, with no regrets, and so was he.

 

Dee's wedding was ten times more grand than his own. He could not find it in himself to be jealous. He was extremely glad that Dee was given this chance. After all, a little over five years before, the thought of Dee ever getting married was laughable. His childhood friend had no intention of settling down with one person for the rest of his life. He would say that would mean he would have to finally choose a side, and he enjoyed the duel benefits of being bisexual too much to give up one of the sexes in favor for another. A little over three years before, Dee found himself not having sex with female or male. No one. He was holding out for Ryo, but it was wearing him down. He was almost starting to believe that Ryo could never love him back, but even that would not stop him from loving Ryo, from waiting for him.

 

Barry smiled. In a few short hours, Dee Laytner was getting married to the love of his life, Ryo MacLean. And in a few months after that, he was going to give birth to their baby. Dee loved Ryo more than just to wait a lifetime for him. Dee was willing to have their baby. Most amazing of all to Barry, Dee had been willing to place himself in the position for the baby to be conceived in the first place.

 

For that alone, Barry felt Dee and Ryo deserved a wedding on the scale that this wedding was planned to be.

 

It was time for Dee Lane Laytner to realize that he, too, had risen above the streets they grew up in.

 

+++ +++ +++

 

A/N - Getting to edit the chapters isn't as easy as I'm hoping. Then when they get edited, they are sent off to beta. As quick as Dawn is most times, in the upcoming weeks, I might not have the time to update on the day I get the chapters back, and after I make changes to the Word document. Meanwhile I'm trying to get them out quicker - as you noticed it's already over a week since my last update. So I'm updating this chapter minutes after it was sent off for beta. It will be updated again with the beta version as quickly as I can after getting it back, but that might be when I update the new chapter after sending it off to beta. I'll be doing that at least until after the wedding chapters, if not for the rest of The Unexpected II.

 

This chapter doesn't really have Dee and Ryo in it. I wanted to have the wedding viewed from different viewpoints, and since there is quick a variety of different walks of life among the guests, I left the POV be from selected characters. While Dee and Ryo will have active parts in the next few chapters, there will also be scenes when viewed by one of the guests, to continue getting the different POVs out.

 

While I already have a name picked out for the Chibi, I am curious to know what some of you might have picked for a name, so if you like, share your thoughts on it. Let's see by somewhere in TUIII how close you might have gotten to the baby's name.

 

Thanks to those who reviewed! Hope you enjoy this and the upcoming chapters.