Part 3 NYC 2010

Dee glanced around the lobby of the New York Bank, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the ostentatious decor. He much preferred his usual tiny, unimposing branch bank he never felt out of place there, especially not when wearing his best suit and the silk tie Ryo had given him to replace one that had been ruined when chasing a suspect.

"Dee?" Ryo touched his arm lightly to gain Dee's attention. He led the way to a cluster of desks to the left of the teller counter.

"May I help you?" a middle-aged woman in a plain cranberry-colored dress asked, rising to get their attention. Ryo nodded and accepted her offer to take one of the two seats in front of her desk.

"Thank you, Ms Hamilton," he said politely, reading her nameplate. He glanced over at Dee who settled into the other chair and leaned forward. "We received this key from a friend." He held out the key that had been in the puzzle box.

Ms Hamilton leaned forward and took the small key, noting the Bank's name imprinted on it before reading off the number. She set the key on the desk and typed the number into her computer, tapping her index finger absently against the edge of the keyboard while she waited for the search to complete.

"Yes, here it is." She looked up and smiled. "I'll need to see identification, please."

The men exchanged glances as they produced their wallets and offered their driver's licenses. Ms Hamilton took Ryo's first and compared it to information on the screen before repeating the action with Dee's. She returned the IDs with a smile.

"All in order, then. I'll take you to the box." She rose, waiting for them to join her and led the way towards a doorway in the back. She nodded at the guard stationed there and proceeded towards the open vault door. "This is one of our older boxes," she explained as they moved to the far back of the room where the larger boxes were located. She used her own key to unlock the outer box, then withdrew the large metal box that was inside. She handed it to Ryo along with his key. "You may use that table," she said, pointing to the table that was partitioned to create small spaces for patrons to view their boxes in privacy. "I'll be outside when you are ready to leave."

"Thank you," Ryo offered her a smile, and watched as she retreated to the door of the vault before unlocking the box. He glanced at Dee, unable to hide his excitement. When Dee gave him a nod, Ryo lifted the lid.

"Books!" Dee's dismay made Ryo laugh and he reached over and squeezed Dee's hand before reaching for the first of the volumes. There were eight in all, a matching set of what appeared to be mystery novels about a midnight thief.

"Someone in Paris wants you to read more trashy fiction?" Dee asked lightly, picking up one of the books and opening it to a random page. "At least it's in English."

"So are these, thankfully." Ryo had lifted out five larger, leather bound books and a handful of small pocket-sized notebooks. "At least the books are they appear to be journals. The smaller ones look like expense books."

"This is more like it." Dee carefully opened the small box that had been placed at the very back of the safety deposit box. It was very similar to the puzzle box that they'd received in the mail."

"We'll have to take it with us, along with all these books." Ryo checked the safety deposit box again to be sure it was empty, then closed and locked it. He gathered up an armload of books. "Ready?"

"Let's go." Dee slid the box into the inside pocket of his jacket and gathered up the rest of the books. He was wondering if there would be any way to charm one of the bank employees into revealing the owner of the deposit box.

"Ms Hamilton," Ryo was on the same track it appeared. Dee stayed back and watched as Ryo worked his charms. It took less time than he expected, a fact that impressed and slightly bothered Dee.

"I think you broke my record for charming information out of someone," he commented as he and Ryo settled their new acquisitions in the car and prepared for a drive. Traffic was impossible at this time of day. It was a lucky thing that Drake and JJ had been willing to cover for them so they could leave work a little early. Of course, Dee's bribe of a case of beer and fifty bucks for dinner had helped, but Ryo didn't need to know about that.

"This is interesting." Ryo was paging through one of the small notebooks, frowning as he tried to read the small but elaborate writing. "It appears to be an account book for the money Florian du Rochefort owed to Count Ray Balzac Courland."

"Does that mean that Rochefort was Courland's employee? I thought " Dee bit off a curse as another driver almost hit him while changing lanes.

"I did too." Ryo closed the book and set it back on the stack, his expression thoughtful. "Maybe I just wanted to see them as a couple. They looked so happy in those photographs."

"A hundred years ago," Dee said. "They would have had to been very careful." Ryo nodded, knowing how difficult it was for them, having to keep their relationship a secret shared with only close friends and a few of Ryo's relatives. How much worse would it have been so long ago, when a man could be jailed, or worse, for having a male lover?

"Why don't we just have something delivered?" Dee asked, placing a hand on Ryo's leg for comfort. "Traffic is worse than usual tonight."

"You just want to take a turn at the puzzle box," Ryo teased, lightening the mood. "I want vegetarian pizza this time."

"Tonight's special is two medium pizzas, one meat feast and one rabbit's delight," Dee intoned, pretending to be a snooty waiter.

"With extra carrots," Ryo prompted, playing along. He knew they'd end up sharing both pizzas, just like they always did.

Dee made a face and turned the corner onto their street. They paid a small fortune yearly for an off-street parking spot, but it was worth it when they had an emergency call-out in the middle of the night.

Thankfully the elevator was working, making it easier to transport the books. Ryo was worried that they might be fragile because of their age, especially the novels, but they appeared fine, even if the paper had yellowed.

Ryo cleared the coffee table and arranged the books and box while Dee ordered the pizza. He laughed when Dee joked with Callie, the owner of the pizzeria, insisting that they did not order the same thing every time.

"Forty-five minutes," Dee said as he ended the call and tossed the phone down beside the pile of mail he'd already sorted. There was nothing new from Paris, and he was a little disappointed not that he'd admit that to anyone. Instead, he consoled himself with pinning Ryo against the wall for some kisses and teasing gropes.

"You're going to be satisfied with half-an hour?" Ryo asked with a purr in his voice.

"Appetizer," Dee countered, opening the last of Ryo's shirt buttons.

"I thought you'd want to try and better my time for solving that puzzle box. I suppose I'll have to open it after dinner."

"Thirty-seven minutes flat," Dee boasted right against Ryo's ear. "Time me."

"Oh, I will," Ryo promised, giving a grope of his own as Dee stepped back and went towards the box. Ryo followed, pleased with himself for getting Dee to accept the challenge.

Ryo was paying for the pizza just as the last tile fell into place and the box opened with a click. Ryo practically shoved the delivery person out the door nicely before rushing over to hover beside Dee.

There was no note in this box. Instead, there was a flat wooden box, lined with velvet containing a pair of miniature portraits probably of Count Ray Courland and Florian Rochefort. There was also an emerald wrapped in a black silk cloth. The gem was a match in size and shape to the amethyst they'd found in the first box.

Ryo wrapped the stones together first in the black and then the white cloth before placing them in the first box.

"Dinner, then the books," Dee said firmly, giving Ryo a gentle push towards the table. He knew that look in Ryo's eyes all too well it usually meant missed meals and very little sleep.

"Okay," Ryo conceded after a moment. He looked thoughtful as he carried the small box with the portraits to the table. Taking a seat, he gave Dee a grateful smile for serving out the pizza and drinks while Ryo very carefully took the portrait of Ray Courland out and examined it.

Both portraits were painted on an ivory-colored background. Instead of canvas, it felt heavy and smooth like stone. The images themselves were very well preserved and the colors were vibrant, especially the eyes.

"If that's their real eye color, it explains the gems," Dee commented, leaning close and resting his chin on Ryo's shoulder to study the portraits.

Ryo nodded his agreement, returning Ray's portrait to the case and picking up Florian Rochefort's. It was just as remarkable, and just as unhelpful. The next clue in this mystery, perhaps even the answer itself had to be in those books.

"Eat," Dee commanded, helping Ryo to put the portraits safely away. He closed the lid and waved a piece of pizza at Ryo. It was loaded down with meat toppings and some of them fell onto Ryo's slice of vegetarian, making Dee laugh. Until Ryo picked up a piece of pepper and shoved it in Dee's mouth.

XXXXX

TRAVELING 1910

Watching Ray sleep was one of Florian's favorite indulgences. The dynamic man was so different when he was completely relaxed in sleep. It made Florian want to touch him just to watch Ray's unconscious reactions.

Fighting the temptation, Florian shifted carefully, propping himself up against the headboard intending to write in his journal. They'd left a light on low in the bathroom in case either of them woke up in the night. Florian didn't like being completely in the dark in an unfamiliar place.

The Midnight Thief books sat on a table in the sitting area and Florian considered getting one, but decided against it when Ray shifted, one hand finding Florian's leg and closing around it possessively.

Florian loved Ray's hands they were always warm and had rough patches that Florian had mapped many times. After ten years together, there was little they didn't know about each other. It had been difficult the first few years, finding a balance between Ray's easy confidence - some considered it arrogance - and short temper and Florian's aristocratic pride - Ray called it stubbornness - and occasional impulsiveness.

Laila had been a wedge between them at first, her love and unfailing dedication to Ray making it difficult to accept Florian's presence in the household. Thankfully, she'd softened towards the blond, and they'd eventually become good friends and often conspired together to help Ray.

She'd been invaluable when Ray had been shot during one of his adventures as the Phantom Thief Noir and they'd had to rescue him and divert the attention of the police. That had been the event that brought Laila and Solomon together. Without his help, everyone in Ray's household would have been in danger.

Thanks to Solomon, Florian was able to get Ray safely away to their villa in Italy while Laila stayed behind to provide a cover for the injured man.

It had been a difficult three months, but Ray had recovered fully and a small scar was the only reminder of the incident.

Ray mumbled and shifted again, pressing closer to Florian. It drew Florian's thoughts away from the past and back to the mystery of the Midnight Thief books. The jewels and thefts described could have been coincidence Noir's exploits were front page news and some of the newspaper coverage was almost fiction. But the books were full of details that came too close to actual events. The main character was a nobleman with a mysterious past who was part of London society but didn't quite fit. His companion, the Lady Fleur, was an aristocrat from a family fallen on hard times. She had been taken on by Lord Bastian as a companion when her father died and she was left penniless, without a family or a home. The relationship between the two was proper but companionable, even if the lady was often impulsive, causing Bastian to lose his temper.

The stories were well written, especially for that kind of light fiction, the characters were likeable and the adventures interesting with just enough suspense to hold even Ray's interest.

Florian looked down at Ray and couldn t resist running his hand lightly through Ray's dark hair. He was letting it grow out again and Florian hoped he'd keep it that length even if it wasn't the fashion.

They'd be in New York soon and he'd send a letter to Robert, one of Ray's associates, asking him to make some enquiries about the books. The Rochefort name no longer held the power it once did, but it still had its uses should a letter to the publisher of the Midnight Thief books be required.

With that decided, Florian leaned back, closed his eyes and let himself drift.

XXXXX

NYC 2010

"It's after midnight," Ryo said, sounding surprised. He'd just closed the second journal and returned it to the pile with the others. Dee was sprawled on the sofa reading one of the Midnight Thief books.

"I'm almost at the end of the chapter," Dee murmured absently, turning a page. He didn't even look up as Ryo lifted his feet and sat down, draping Ryo s feet across his lap. A finger running up the sole of his foot finally got Ryo s attention.

"Time for bed?" he asked, torn between wanting to finish the book or at least read another chapter and following Ryo into the bedroom. Ryo's huge yawn won the argument and Dee marked his place in the book before setting it down.

"Find anything?" Ryo wondered as he pulled Dee to his feet. "There wasn't much in the journals. At least not yet."

"Let it rest then," Dee urged, knowing he'd have to distract Ryo or the man wouldn't get any sleep.

They hurried through their nightly routine and collapsed into bed, wrestling and teasing a little, but not intending anything more than that. It had been a long day.

Dee pulled Ryo close, brushing a kiss against his hair when Ryo settled with his head on Dee's chest. It was warm enough in the room that they didn't need to be bundled up in blankets, but Ryo slept better covered. Dee arranged a light blanket over Ryo's shoulders and leaned back. His thoughts were on the two small portraits of Ray and Florian, and he wondered if the two men were anything like Ryo and him. It was a foolish fantasy, but he drifted off to sleep with a smile on his face.

"Randy, wait!" Janet called as Dee and Ryo arrived at work nearly twenty minutes early, much to Dee's disgust. Ryo had bought him donuts as well as a sausage and egg sandwich as a peace offering, and Dee was anxious to get upstairs to their office so he could eat before the sandwich got cold.

"You've got a package," Janet said cheerfully, handing it to Ryo and standing close with a look of extreme interest on her face. "It's from Paris."

"Thanks, Janet." Ryo gave her a polite smile, then let Dee tow him towards the elevator. If he hesitated, Janet would be on him like a leech; she'd never gotten the message that Ryo wasn't interested in flirting with her.

Dumping the bag of breakfast items on his desk, Dee hovered impatiently while Ryo set down the package and took off his coat, hanging it neatly before taking a seat.

"Hurry up," Dee commanded, smirking at the look Ryo gave him. There would be payback later, but Dee would probably enjoy it.

Just as the wrappings fell away to reveal a cardboard box, Dee's phone rang. He answered it automatically, paying more attention to Ryo than the caller.

"This is Detective Laytner," he responded absently to the caller. "Yes, it has. He's opening it now." Ryo looked up, expression wary. His excitement over the new package changing to caution as he examined each part before loosening the last of the wrapping. Inside was a box from an exclusive, world famous men's clothier.

Dee motioned for Ryo to open it. From his expression it seemed as though his caller was giving assurances that the parcel was safe.

The contents were just as described two charcoal grey silk ties complete with tie clips one amethyst, one emerald. Lying neatly across the ties was a pale grey card inviting them to dinner at The Plaza, this evening at eight. A hand-written postscript requested that they wear suits and the enclosed ties.

"May I confirm your attendance?" the caller asked Dee, thanking him once Dee responded affirmatively. With a polite 'good day' the call ended.

"Well?" Ryo demanded impatiently.

"Male, I'd guess thirties, but that's just a guess. Possibly foreign; he spoke very formally. I'd guess he's a secretary or personal assistant, not the person who's sending us expensive ties and paying for dinner at the Plaza."

"Agreed," Ryo said, turning his attention back to the ties. He found nothing else in the box. He was just putting everything away neatly when their first call of the day came in and thoughts of ties, Paris and their mysterious caller had to be set aside.

XXXXX

NYC 1910

No matter how luxurious ocean travel could be, Florian was always happy to return to land. Especially when Ray had insisted that they stay in a two bedroom suite at the Plaza hotel.

With the bellboy dispatched, Florian hurried around unpacking while Ray broke open the gift basket and selected a large pear.

"Ray." Florian emerged from the master bedroom looking a bit puzzled as he held out a gift wrapped package. "The service here is more personal than I expected if they're leaving a gift with your name on it on the bed.

Ray took the box, checking it warily before opening it. He tossed the wrapping aside, hiding his smirk at Florian's "tsk" of disapproval. Opening the unwrapped box, Ray studied the two ties resting inside, complete with jeweled clips. Underneath one was a handwritten invitation to dinner in the hotel restaurant that evening.

"I had planned on staying in tonight," Ray complained, setting the box down before taking up one of the ties and draping it around Florian's neck. The silk whispered over Florian's skin, making him shudder as Ray pulled him close.

"Dinner's at seven," Florian observed, voice not quite as calm as he intended. "It's only four."

"Good point," Ray said with a devil's grin. "That gives us time to mess up both beds." He used the tie to lead Florian towards the nearest bedroom but the man was too busy trying to unfasten Ray's shirt to protest.

XXXXX

NYC 2010

"I'm stuffed," Dee said, tossing his suit jacket aside and dropping onto the bed. He watched as Ryo absently picked up the jacket and hung it before removing and hanging up his own. Still distracted, he undressed down to his boxers and tended to the clothes properly. When he was finished, he picked up the tie and removed the tie clip, holding on to it as he sat on the bed beside Dee.

"Come here," Dee urged, sitting up against the large pillows he and Ryo liked. He pulled Ryo against him, offering silent comfort. He knew the best thing he could do for his partner was allow him time to process everything they'd heard tonight.

To be honest, Dee needed the time too, especially as the conversation impacted him as much as Ryo.

"I don't..." Ryo started but broke off before he finished the thought. He smiled an apology, cleared his throat and tried again. "We can't accept this. Can we?"

Dee tightened his hold on his partner. He was used to keeping his thoughts and feelings private, hiding them under a veneer of brashness. Ryo had seen through him from the start. After they'd become lovers Dee had made a conscious effort to share with Ryo. It wasn't always easy, but in the end, it was always worth the effort.

"You did your job and more, Ryo. You took care of a frightened old woman trapped in an elevator. You went with her to the hospital and visited her until she was well enough to be released. You never asked or expected any kind of reward. You certainly had no way of knowing she was practically French royalty."

"It still doesn't explain why she used such curious methods to contact us. And I'm not at all comfortable with her having us investigated."

"These ancestors are important to her. She wants the money, and Ray and Florian's secrets, to be passed on to someone who will treat them with respect." He leaned down and kissed Ryo tenderly. "It's an honor, Ryo."

"I know that. But the rest..." He sat up, turning to look hard into Dee's eyes. "You're okay with the rest of it?"

"England was a long time ago. I don't have to fight for you anymore - you're mine."

"And you're mine," Ryo countered, shifting to straddle Dee. Uncertainty was rapidly giving way to desire and Dee did his best to encourage that.

Discussions could wait.

XXXXX

NYC 1910

Florian moved his chair closer to the window and stared out at the nighttime sky. His mind was turning circles on itself, denying him the rest he craved. He'd slipped away from Ray's side, carefully adjusting the bedding before bundling himself in a robe and taking a seat in a comfortable armchair.

Dinner had been, by turns, pleasant and awkward, ending on a tentative note that left him unsettled and sleepless. As usual, Ray's reactions had been stronger at first, but quickly settled as he grasped the logic of what they'd been offered. Sadly, logic had never been Florian's strength - especially not about this particular subject.

"Did you know?" he'd demanded of Ray as soon as they'd taken leave of their hostess and returned to their suite. Ray had turned on him, snapping out a negative answer but Florian hadn't backed down. It had been Ray who'd left, all but slamming the door behind him.

The urge to lash out - to do something other than collapse had been strong(,) but Florian had drawn on all those years of his mother's merciless training and had pushed his emotions deep inside. It filled him with stomach-churning tension but he'd clamped down on that too until his remotely polite aristocrat mask was firmly in place.

Ray saw it immediately when he returned and he'd gripped Florian's arms, dragging him closer and shaking him until the mask cracked.

It was only then that Ray's facade slipped away and he collapsed onto the sofa, Florian held tightly against him as he buried his face in Florian's hair.

That was all that Florian needed to regain his real control. He was Ray's strength and nothing - certainly not a matter such as this - would change that.

"She's his half-sister," Ray said at last, speaking the words into Florian's hair. "Azura was adopted after I left Morocco. I didn't know there was a sister." His grip tightened until his fingers were digging into Florian's arms but Florian didn't protest or pull away. His suffering at Azura's hands was nothing compared to Azura's betrayal of Ray.

"Because he didn't want you to know. She clearly has no love for her father or her brother's criminal activities. Her offer is proof of that."

"But to use Noel."

"He didn't betray us, Ray. He told some fanciful tales about a jewel thief to his boarding school roommate. How was he to know the boy was the son of Azura's sister?"

"She encouraged him to write the stories down and then used her place as the owner of a publishing company to print them."

"Noel was caught up in the excitement of it. She did say this latest book was to be the last." Florian couldn't help but defend his former ward. The boy had returned to the care of his father as soon as he was able, but Florian still felt somewhat responsible for him.

"It's the last book that caused all the problems. Do you know what would have happened if that book was published as is? There are enough clues in there to lead even the dullest policeman to my door."

"It's not as clear as you make it seem, Ray. It could point to half of the French aristocracy living in Paris. There's not a one among them who doesn't have a fondness for beautiful things, live in a large mansion with a staff of questionable characters and spend much of their year traveling the globe."

"You forgot the mixed heritage."

"Since when is America part of Morocco? The father of the book's main character is from New York. He was killed in a carriage accident." Florian rested his hand on Ray's before twining their fingers together. "Lady Winston has offered us the opportunity to change any details in this story that make us uncomfortable. It was very generous of her. As for the other offer..."

"We don't need her money. If she truly wants to atone for her brother's sins, then let her help the others he's hurt, starting with Solomon Sugar. Azura killed his sister and her husband. If that's not enough, she can donate to museums or start a fund for the needy."

By way of an answer, Florian kissed Ray passionately, letting him know that they were in complete agreement.

XXXXX

NYC 2010

"Ready?" Dee asked, leaning in the doorway and watching as Ryo fussed over his hair and straightened his tie. He'd been up since four in the morning, too nervous to sleep, but now he couldn't seem to get out of the apartment.

"It's a big responsibility," Ryo said as Dee pushed him gently towards the door.

"Yes it is, but we can do this." He stopped Ryo, moving around to stand in front of him and taking his face in his hands. "This is important."

Ryo knew that voice, that determined expression, and loved them fiercely. He pulled Dee in and kissed him.

"It is." He thought of the long conversations he'd shared with Dee while they made this decision. They'd both agreed that they needed to do this - not only for the sake of the men long dead who deserved to be remembered, but for other couples who'd had to hide their relationship - including themselves.

They skipped the elevator and walked downstairs, emerging from their building side by side. The limousine was waiting to take them to the lawyer's office where the paperwork would be completed and Dee and Ryo would officially inherit a personal fortune as well as artwork, jewels and a library's worth of rare books documents and manuscripts. The requirements to inherit were strict but they'd discussed it at length and decided that the value of making these materials available to the world would far outweigh the changes they'd have to make in their lives.

Of course, the worst was realizing they'd have to leave their hard-won positions as police detectives, but there had been a surprise there as well. Berkley Rose, their supervisor and Dee's personal nemesis, had refused their resignations and countered with an offer for them to remain on the force as consultants, to be called in as needed. They'd happily accepted and Dee had even shaken Rose's hand when he thanked him.

The ride to the lawyer's office passed quickly and they were promptly ushered into his private office. Three hours later, they left the office with their new and unexpected ally, Berkeley Rose.

Rose invited the men to lunch at a favorite restaurant and dismissed the limo driver - they could take cabs to get home, or use the subway as they usually did.

Once settled in one of the restaurant's private rooms with their choice of meals, the men directed their conversation to the morning's events.

"I should let you pay, Laytner, now that you'll be living on more than a police detective's salary." Rose lifted his glass of wine and saluted Dee before taking a sip. "But this is a celebration." He turned to Ryo. "And I have been trying to invite you out for a meal for a very long time."

"Don't start," Ryo warned, laughing at the disgusted expression on Dee's face. Some things would never change, but right now he was grateful for the humor provided by that feud between Dee and Rose.

"I'm still not sure I understand why you didn't accept the inheritance," Ryo directed the question at Rose. "You are the legal heir."

"I have enough money and I never wanted the responsibility. Besides, you are much better suited to this than I am." Rose took another sip of his wine, choosing his words carefully before continuing.

"Azura was a ruthless man, but he was also charismatic and powerful traits that many people find attractive. He never married, but he fathered three sons and a daughter. It was quite the family scandal when one of Azura's sons married the only daughter of Solomon and Laila Sugar.

"Despite their previous dealings with Azura, Ray and Florian supported the girl's marriage and it caused a rift between them and the girl's parents that took years to heal.

"My family was a different matter. Azura was furious with his son and threatened to disinherit him. Azura's half-sister stepped in at that point and, between her and Ray Courland, the young couple were taken care of until they could get established.

"Azura never did forgive his son - he wasn't known for his compassion. Both Ray and Florian suffered at Azura's hands and I believe that, as Azura's descendant, it would be inappropriate for me to take charge of the Courland Rochefort Foundation." Rose gave the men a moment to consider his words before continuing.

"You will do well," Rose assured them. "Your commitment as a couple will help to honor the memory of Ray Courland and Florian Rochefort."

Ryo turned to look at Dee, a soft smile on his face. "We'll do our best. They deserve to be remembered."

"Even though Courland was a jewel thief?" Dee teased his straight-laced partner.

"Because he used those jewels and other acquisitions to help people in need, and because he was a generous supporter of charities around the world. Paris' own Robin Hood."

Dee and Rose laughed at the pure delight in Ryo's expression - the man was a hopeless romantic at heart, no matter how he tried to suppress it under his love for order and the law.

"Don't forget his partner," Dee reminded them, raising his glass in a toast. "To Ray Courland and Florian Rochefort."

They drank the toast and more until the bottle was empty. Much later, they parted company in a new-found spirit of camaraderie.

XXXXX

NYC 1910

"We're doing the right thing," Florian said as he stood beside Ray, watching the man dress. They'd taken a week to reconsider Lady Winston's offer of a large sum of money as a small measure of atonement for Azura's crimes. They were on their way to Ray's chosen bank to complete the final paperwork. They'd already consulted with a local lawyer and completed that portion of the arrangements. When they left the bank this morning the money would be set aside in various trusts, some for Solomon and Laila's heirs and some for various charities with the largest portion set aside for any of their heirs, real or designated, to use as needed or to fund future good works.

Both Ray and Florian knew what it was like to be penniless and it was their attempt to use this unexpected windfall to protect their loved ones in the future from suffering the same fate. Neither of them had been happy about taking the money, but practicality had finally won out.

"I have more than enough money for us and anyone we choose to leave it to," Ray said again, just a hint of stubbornness left after all those hours of discussion. "But anything can happen in the future."

"Yes, it can," Florian said softly, his eyes conveying far more than his words. He stepped behind Ray and slid his hands around the man's waist and upwards until he found the buttons of his shirt and started toying with them. "For instance, you could go to the bank in the future rather than now."

"I just got dressed," Ray reminded him, pretending to be annoyed, but not very convincingly.

"So did I. And now we're getting undressed. I believe the bank is open until five."

"And it's only nine," Ray conceded, helping Florian along by starting at the bottom button and working his way up until they met in the middle. Ray stood still and allowed Florian to remove the shirt. Florian seemed to enjoy dressing and undressing his lover, and Ray wasn't about to object. He loved the feel of those soft, sure hands sliding across his skin.

When he couldn't wait any longer, Ray turned and started removing Florian's clothes. He loved uncovering all that pale, perfect skin. Needy, he claimed Florian's mouth, guiding him backwards until they tumbled down onto the rumpled bed.

He'd always wanted to leave his mark, to do something that would ensure him a little bit of immortality, but lying with Florian reminded him how shallow that goal was. This intimacy between them, one which society would condemn, was far too precious to trust to unreliable historians. Let them remember Noir if they would, but keep this secret between himself and Florian until the time came when people could truly understand what a gift this was.

XXXXX

Paris 2010

"It's not what I expected," Ryo admitted, settling into bed beside Dee. "I know it was a hundred years ago, but after reading all of Florian's journals, I almost expected their house to look just the way Florian described it."

"It was heavily damaged in the war," Dee reminded him. And Ray made a lot of changes when it was rebuilt, not to mention the other owners. The Courland Rochefort Foundation didn't exist until the eighties and it was almost ten years later that this became their headquarters."

"I'm glad they left a few of the suites on the upper floors. It's hard to believe this suite - the very suite they used - is ours whenever we want it." Ryo's eyes were shining with excitement and Dee knew it would be a long time before either of them slept. Not that he was objecting - he knew plenty of ways to distract an exited Ryo.

"We're still keeping our place in New York," Dee reminded him. "Our own getaway - when we need a break from traveling and promoting the Foundation's charities."

"And we have plenty of staff who have been doing this for years - representing the Foundation at various events, promoting equality and letting the world know of the good that Ray and Florian did. We won't always have to be in the spotlight."

"You're still serious about publishing those journals?"

"Not as is, but an abridged version along with biographies of both men. With the family's approval, of course." Ryo leaned over and poked Dee's side, giving him a wicked grin. "There will still be time for us to consult when Rose needs us."

"Hobby detectives," Dee teased back. "Doesn't sound completely terrible."

"No? Well I can think of another hobby that doesn't sound terrible at all." With a grin of pure devilment, Ryo pounced.

Dee just laughed, grappling with Ryo until they were both side by side as equals - exactly the way they preferred to be.

END