Somewhere In Time

I'm having trouble formatting, so even though I have a lot written, it'll just take time to format and upload. Encouragement welcome to help me move faster! Bikky shows up in this chapter, but remember its the 1800's so his speech is going to be different. Disclaimer: Sanami Matoh owns Fake, I'm not her = I don't own fake. "You look flushed, Ryo," Diana said to her dancing partner as he lead her onto the floor. The pink in his cheeks immediately deepened. He's so easy to tease, thought Diana devilishly. When Diana had interrupted his unexpected encounter with Dee, Ryo had wanted to thank the gods. However, as he lead her out to the dance floor for the first waltz, he eyes of the entire ballroom were upon him and he didn't think his circumstances had much improved. He was still being openly assessed, eyes roving over his body. Other men might like the attention, but Ryo had always been a private person and the sudden onslaught of curious onlookers was overwhelming. "Ryo, are you all right?" asked Diana with genuine concern. As much as she enjoyed watching Ryo squirm under the appreciative gazes of some of her guests, his discomfort was obvious. She had hoped he would find some enjoyment in the evening, but the look in his eyes told her he was miserable. "Hmmm? I'm sorry, what did you ask?" he said, turning to look at his partner once more. Diana realized he had been looking at something over her shoulder and craned her neck back to see what it was. Ahhhh... Dee. "I asked if anything was wrong." "Oh, n-nothing. My mind drifts sometimes, you'll have to excuse me." Diana let the matter drop, but noticed he was still glancing in Dee's general direction. After a few moments, Ryo inquired, "Diana, who's that man buzzing around Dee like a fly to honey?" Jealous already? she thought. That was not a good sign. Dee didn't like jealousy in his lovers and Diana was still hoping to win her wager that Ryo and Dee would become just that. "Oh, that's just J.J. Don't mind him." When Ryo's scowl continued to deepen, Diana tried to explain. "Dee's usually very careful about who he chooses for his lovers. And he is always very honest about his intentions. Even so, certain people can't let him go. Especially younger people who have had little experience with love or sex," she sighed before continuing. "J.J. pursued Dee and, against my advice, Dee took him to his bed-briefly." Ryo felt the heat rushing to his face. Whether it was from embarrassment over the inappropriateness of the conversation or a hidden anger at knowing about one of Dee's past lovers, he couldn't say. "J.J. was a mistake, as I told Dee he would be. Now he won't let Dee alone." "How unseemly." "Now, Randy, don't be too hard on Dee, after all-" "I meant J.J." "Oh." Diana looked up at Ryo. Jealousy aside, Ryo had some fire in him after all. He might be a formidable rival for Dee's affections. The waltz ended and, despite Diana's pouting, Ryo excused himself for the evening and retired to his guest room at the other end of the large manor. His head was throbbing and he couldn't take any more ogling eyes. Used to life in the country, such large, formal parties were anything but pleasing to him. He didn't want to admit the other reason he was retiring early, but it had a lot to do with a starkly handsome man with raven hair that seemed to share his affections too freely. "Fold." "Fold." "I'll raise," said Dee as he sat around the large poker table. Most of the party-goers had taken their leave and the rest had removed to the spacious card room to finish the evening with a few rounds of poker and more than a little gossip. "I'll see you and raise you. Diana tells me I missed all the fun this evening," said a good-looking gentleman lounging in a chair across the table from Dee, known as Berkely Rose. His eyes were partly obscured by a pair of spectacles, but that only heightened his charms. The delicate frames underscored the raw masculinity emanating from his body. Although he wore the same self-satisfied and arrogant look on his face as Dee often did, his pale blond hair stood in stark contrast to the other's dark features. Berkely sent a knowing smirk to Dee. The men did not dislike each other. They hated one another. Aware that the blond man was deliberately trying to throw him off his game, Dee choose to ignore the rather pointed comment. "You wouldn't have if you had been here earlier," Diana cooed, her voice dripping like sweet venom. It wasn't customary to have a woman in the drawing room during card games, but Diana was an exception in many ways. She had never married; although she had taken many lovers, Berkely being among them. Also, after inheriting her father's sizable wealth, and even larger debt, she had risked her reputation by investing her money in various risky business ventures. An act which was thought unseemly for a woman who originally came from 'old money'. But it was just this mix of assets from both old and 'new' money that allowed her to meander through so many social circles. It also made the most scintillating parties on the east coast. On the down side, however, it brought together people like Dee and Berkely; men who clashed badly because of their backgrounds. "I apologize for that, Diana," Rose said silkily. "Now be a good girl and fill me in on this Mr. Maclean." "Perhaps you should ask Mr. Laytner. He spoke with him at some length, didn't you Dee?" she said, grinning mischievously. Dee sighed, trying to keep his mind on the game even though it was now cluttered with images of the beautiful young man he had encountered that night. "We only talked briefly, actually'" he said, not looking at Diana. "Indeed? Well, you seemed to make quite an impression in a short amount of time." Talking of Ryo was definitely distracting Dee from his cards as she had hoped. "What makes you say that?" he asked, trying not to sound as eager as he felt. "Oh, nothing in particular, just a feeling." Damn that Diana; Dee had just thrown more money in the pot when he should've folded. "What is Mr. Maclean doing in our neck of the woods anyway?" asked Berkely, very curious about his man who had so obviously affected Dee so quickly. The man's game started crumbling at the first mention of Ryo's name. "He's considering moving to New York," answered Diana. "Really?" Dee paused and realized it was his turn in the game. "I fold!" he said crossly. "Yes, he has a large estate in Connecticut, but he feels its too much room for just him and his son." "His son?!" both Dee and Rose exclaimed. "Oh, didn't I mention that?" Diana said coyly, smiling inwardly at their reactions. She had been saving this particular piece of information all evening. Now that she had Berkely distracted as well, that huge pot was all hers. "He's- or he was- married?" Dee asked, bewildered at this unexpected news. "Oh, heaven's no! He's a confirmed bachelor, same as you. His son was adopted. I believe the boy is around nine or ten years old." "That's unusual," was all Berkely could say. A child was a complication, although it didn't totally dissuade Berkely from his plans for Ryo. "Yes, it is," Diana paused and her expression became serious. "I'd prefer it if you gentlemen would refrain from repeating this information. Randy dislikes attention and gossip. He's had to deal with many problems because of the adoption already. You see, the boy is colored." "I fold," said Berkely, his attention totally shot. "Thank You!" said Diana, swiping up her winnings. Neither Berkely nor Dee held any prejudices toward people of color, but many others were not so tolerant. For Ryo to take a child of color into his home, no his family, it was a gutsy move. Dee admired him for it and could well understand why Diana wished for the information to remain hidden. Some people would want to make life very difficult for Ryo if they knew about it. Dee realized then that there was much more to this man than he had at first assumed. Ryo appeared very quiet and soft-spoken, to the point one wondered if he was a bit of a push-over. Although he knew Ryo wasn't meek, he saw now that he must be very determined and strong-willed. He smiled, Dee must have indeed had quite an effect on him if he was able to lower Ryo's defenses so quickly. Looking back on their conversation, he remembered the strange look that came over Ryo's face when he mentioned his mother was Japanese. He seemed to have been waiting for Dee's reaction, almost worriedly so. Now Dee knew he must have been afraid Dee would judge him because of his mixed heritage. He was probably used to people putting him down because of it, and now that he had a mixed-blood son to protect as well, it was probably a bit trying. "I admire him," Dee said aloud. Diana and Berkely exchanged knowing looks. Something in Dee's voice told them that Dee meant the comment in more way than one. Ryo walked into the guest quarters, closed the door behind him and wondered how long he could hide himself away in his room without being rude. Maybe visiting Diana wasn't such a good idea after all. All he had wanted was to get away from his problems for a little while, but now he was finding a whole new set to worry about. Sitting down hard in one of the numerous chairs in the receiving room, he rubbed his aching head. It wasn't bad enough that his neighbors back home were running his name through the mud simply because they didn't agree with Bikky's adoption, but his new plan to move to New York was already turning sour. He couldn't move here if that Dee would be around all the time. It would force him to face too many truths about himself. Truths that would only further complicate his life. Wait, hadn't Diana said Dee had claims out West? Maybe this was only a brief visit for him. If he could avoid Dee during those visits, maybe- "Papa!" a young boy's voice yelled. "Bikky! What are you doing up?" said Ryo reproachfully, but he hugged the boy nonetheless in welcome. "Forgive me sir, he simply refused to sleep until you came back," explained the young nanny Diana had hired. "It's all right. I'll put him to bed." "As you wish sir. Good evening then," the girl said and closed the door behind her. "You don't look well Papa." Out of the mouths of babes, thought Ryo. "I have a bit of a headache, but never mind that. Let's get you to bed." "NO! I'm not tired!" the boy protested. "Bikky," Ryo said sternly. "I've had a very long, tiring night, please do as you're told." "Why are you so cranky? You got to have all the fun while I sat here with nothing to do!" Bikky said, crossing his arms. "Please don't yell!" Ryo said a bit harshhan han he meant to as he rubbed his temples. "Sorry, Papa." Sighing, Ryo took Bikky's hand and walked him toward the bedroom. "Come on, you can sleep with me tonight, all right?" Bikky beamed up at Ryo, "Yes Papa!" Ryo never could stay mad at the boy for long. He had faced his own adversities because of his looks and his heart went out to the boy. So young, and yet he had overcome so much. His mother had been a slave to a large family of cotton-growers in the south. The owner of the plantation had taken her to his bed, but when she delivered his child, he ran them out of house. Somehow she had managed to flee north with her son, but two years ago she had succumbed to measles and died, leaving Bikky alone. When Ryo overheard of the child's plight from one of his servants, he had acted immediately. He would never be able to understand how people could live with such hate that they would threaten Bikky and his own life because he adopted the boy. Deciding he was too tired to think about such things, Ryo cast himself into bed and a forgetful slumber. The next day was so warm and inviting, Ryo couldn't help but abandon his gloomy thoughts from the night before and wonder if things really might work out in this new place. Diana motioned for him to sit next to her at the table on the veranda, where breakfast was being served. "Did you sleep well, Randy?" "Yes, in fact I did," he said, smiling at her. Dear lord, but he is good-looking! Diana thought as Ryo's face beamed at her in the glow of the morning sun. "I'm glad to see the sleep has washed away your weariness. I was beginning to worry about you last night. I did so want you to enjoy yourself." "I apologize for leaving so early yesterday evening. It was all somewhat overwhelming for me. But I suppose I will have to get used to it if I move here." "Not everyone comes to the dances. It's not a requirement," Diana said, smiling back at Ryo. "Where is your son this morning?" she asked politely. "I believe the nanny has taken him down to the lake. He must have rested well too. Normally he'd still be half-asleep right now. The excitement of being in a new place has no doubt cured his fatigue." They ate in silence for a few minutes until Diana's butler came to the table. "You've a guest at the door, Ma'm," he announced. "Oh, show him in. He's early!" Diana said with some surprise. "How unusual..." she added. "A guest?" inquired Ryo. "Yes. How bad of me to have forgotten to tell you..." "Mr. Maclean," said a familiar voice in the doorway behind Ryo. He turned to see the same pair of stormy green eyes that had affected him so much the night before staring at him. "Wonderful to see you again." When Ryo realized he was gaping at the handsome man, he closed his mouth and recovered his manners. "Y-yes, a pleasure to see you, Mr. Laytner," he replied, standing up to shake Dee's outstretched hand. "Dee." The raven-haired man's grip was strong and he held Ryo's hand captive for a few seconds longer than necessary. As quick as he could, Ryo sat back down at the table to put some distance between them. "Lovely to see you as always my dear," Dee added to Diana. "However, I regret to tell you that I can't stay for tea as I'd hoped." "Why ever not?" asked Diana between mouthfuls of honeyed toast. "Business luv. Just a few things to attend to. Have no fear, though, he added winking, "I'll be able to extend my visit so we will have time to met again." He glanced at Ryo as he spoke. "Very well, then. Go ahead," Diana sighed. "I'll just call on Berkely to keep us company." Dee stopped in his tracks and gave the woman a warning look over his shoulder. "Don't you dare," he said vehemently. Then, not wanting to seem unreasonable he added in a more even tone, "I shouldn't be that long, I can come back for luncheon.." With that he turned and left. Seeing Dee in the daylight seemed to solidify all of Ryo's fears about the previous night. He hadn't just been caught off guard, or distracted by the cool, moonlit evening, this man had an impact on his senses he couldn't deny. Walking out the front door of Diana's manor, Dee was thinking much the same thing. As it turned out, Dee wasn't able to make it back to the manor that day. It took a lot of time to arrange for him to extend his stay by a few weeks. There were some problems at the claim and his representatives weren't happy about his change of plans. Despite her threats, Diana didn't call on Berkely to come visit. She thought that Ryo needed a breather from all the attention he was receiving. Also, she was curious about his encounter with Dee. "How do you like your first visit to New York so far, Randy?" Diana asked, sipping her tea. "I'm not sure. I like the energy of the place, and all the people. However, I'd enjoy it much more if I could blend into the crowd, rather than be watched by it." "Yes, I'm afraid we're all busy-bodies here; always wanting to know everyone's business. But I find it difficult to believe you would blend in anywhere dear boy, you're a very handsome man." She watched as that adorable and familiar blush crept across Ryo's cheeks. "I'd wager that Mr. Laytner would agree with me if he were here." Ryo managed to turn an even deeper shade of red at her words. He fidgeted and sipped at his tea, avoiding her gaze as he said, "I don't know why he should." "Come now, Randy, don't be coy." She'd also wager he'd never been called coy before from the indignant look on his face. "I don't know what you mean." "Dee fancies you. You know that. And, because I can read the signs, I'd venture to say you return his affections." She'd expected Ryo to deny this and pleasantly squirm under her scrutiny, but she didn't expect him to get up and leave. Which is just what he did. "Excuse me, Diana. I must check on Bikky," was all he said as he stood and walked away. Well, she thought, he is going to make all this very difficult, isn't he? To tell the truth, Ryo had surprised himself with the strength of his reaction. Although he knew Diana was just being her usual intrusive self (she loved needling him) he was in no mood for it. There were too many ideas running around in his head right now. He needed time to think. Time to himself. After making sure Bikky was all right, Ryo retired to the parlor. However, spending the afternoon alone didn't seem to yield any answers. Maybe he should cut this trip short and just head home. Then again, it would seem rude and he wasn't ready to face the problems back in Connecticut just yet either. Always running away aren't you? he said to himself. Well, he wouldn't run away from Dee, that problem he would confront. He'd restrained himself before with men he found attractive, he could do it again. He would put that kiss behind him, seal it away with all those inappropriate feelings. That kiss... why did the man have to be such a good kisser? Ryo could still feel his knees weaken at the thought of it. No, put out it out of your mind, he said sternly. He'd just have to learn to relate to Dee as a friend, because he did wish to speak to him again. The tall, attractive man had a very commanding manner about him and he really didn't seem to care what others thought about him. Maybe getting to know him would help Ryo deal with his own issues about people's perceptions of him and his son. Maybe...maybe he just wanted to look into those gorgeous eyes again... Stop it! He sighed, it was going to be a long month.