Chapter 21: Nursing Homes and Jealous Snobs
(Kenmaru's POV)
I wake up just as the morning sunlight begins to stream through our bedroom window. Kaiti is still cuddled against me and sleeping peacefully, the morning sun highlighting the beautiful features of her face. I sigh quietly at the peaceful sight of her and close my eyes once again in order to wait for my koishii to wake. Just as soon as my eyes close, I hear Kaiti stir beside me and yawn softly. I open my eyes once again and turn to look into the face of my mate. Her baby blue eyes open slowly and a smile graces her lips. "Good morning," she murmurs. "Good morning koi," I reply happily, "Sleep well?" "Uh huh," she says with another yawn, "How about you? Have you been up long?" "I slept fine," I reply before kissing her forehead softly, "And I just woke up a moment ago." "That's good," she says cheerfully, "Well now that we're up, are you ready for some breakfast?" "I am if you are," I say, "What do you want this morning?" "Hmm. . . I don't know," she says softly, "How about you surprise me?" I just smile at her and kiss her tenderly before getting up and out of bed. I quickly slip into some clothes as Kaiti sits up and begins to rub the sleep from her eyes. I leave her to get dressed as I head downstairs to begin cooking our morning meal. When I reach the kitchen, I quickly open the refrigerator in order to grab some bacon and eggs along with some butter and milk. I place the butter, milk and eggs onto the kitchen counter and then quickly put the bacon into the oven to cook. Then I walk into the pantry and grab out the pancake mix. Soon, I have a spread of food that includes bacon, scrambled eggs, pancakes, and toast. When I hear Kaiti coming down the stairs, I've already fixed our plates and poured our coffee. "Wow," is all Kaiti says when she lays eyes on our breakfast, "You out did yourself Kenmaru." I flash her a wild grin as she sits down at the table to eat. "You told me to surprise you," I remind her with a laugh, "And I know that you're hungry. Go ahead and eat up." She smiles at me and does exactly that. I can't help but grin at her obvious enjoyment as her food gradually disappears.
After we finish our breakfast, I grab our dirty dishes and take them over to the sink. "So," I say calmly as I begin to wash the dishes, "What do you want to do today koi?" Kaiti smiles at me and comes over to join me by the sink. "Well," she says softly, "I was wondering if you would like to meet my grandparents today. We were so busy this past year that I never got to introduce you to them. They live in the nursing home behind the high school." As the words 'nursing home' leave her lips, I notice a slight sadness in her tone. "I'd like that," I reply softly, "But, I'm guessing that they haven't always lived in the nursing home have they?" "No, they haven't," she says sadly, "Before they moved to the nursing home, they lived with me and my family. That back downstairs guest bedroom was their room just two years ago. But then Papa's Alzheimer's got worse and Nanny got to where she couldn't get around well on her own. That's when they decided to move to Generations." The faint smell of salt reaches my nose just as I place the last dish into the drain board to dry. Turning, I wrap Kaiti into my arms as tears begin trailing down her cheeks. "You miss them don't you," I ask in a whisper. "Yes," she answers softly, "I never thought that they'd end up where they are now. Ever since I was a little girl, they've always been there for me. They used to drop me off and pick me up from school everyday and Nanny would bake the best cakes. They've lived in the nursing home for over a year now. Now Nanny is always weak and sickly and Papa can hardly remember my age, much less what he has for breakfast each morning. And I can't do anything about it." "You might not be able to do anything about it," I say soothingly, "But at least you can visit them and spend some time with them while you still can. It might not help their illnesses, but it will help their hearts. You can still give them that." Kaiti looks up at me and smiles softly. "You're right koi," she says softly, "And at least I'll be able to introduce you to them. That's better than nothing." I smile at her and gently wipe the tears from her cheeks. "I can't wait to meet them," I reply cheerfully, "And someday I hope to take you with me to visit my grandma over in Japan. She and Uncle Souta will absolutely adore you." "I'd like that," Kaiti says with a smile and kisses me tenderly, "And I'm sure that my grandparents will love you. I must warn you though, they can be quite nosey." "I think I can handle it," I reply confidently, "Let me just go and grab my cloaking charm and we can be on our way." "Alright," she says, "I'll wait by the car." I kiss her one more time before reluctantly releasing her from my arms and heading upstairs to grab my necklace. As I feel my hanyou features disappear, I make my way back down the stairs and out the door. I take the keys that Kaiti offers me and soon we're on our way.
(Kaiti's POV)
As Kenmaru and I drive down the familiar urban roads towards Generations Nursing Home, I can't help but wonder if we should tell my grandparents about Kenmaru's unique heritage. My grandparents have always been very bias and stubborn. I remember once when my grandfather told me that I shouldn't be friends with Marrissa anymore because she was dating a black guy. And no matter how many times I told him that Darnell is a complete gentleman and an all around great guy, he never believed me. It doesn't take Kenmaru long to sense my worries. "What's wrong koishii," he asks worriedly, "What's bothering you?" I sigh and close my eyes for a moment before looking over at him and saying, "I'm not sure if we should tell my grandparents about you being a hanyou. Ever since I can remember, they've both always been very bias and quite stubborn. Once, Papa told me that I shouldn't be friends with Marrissa just because he didn't like her dating a black boy. He never once listened to me when I would try to tell him that Darnell is a really nice guy. Nanny also disapproved. I'm just not sure how they'd take it if we told them." "Well we don't have to tell them if you don't want to koi," he replies calmly, "It's your decision. You might be surprised though. I have a feeling that your grandparents aren't as clueless about youkai as you think. I mean, you do have many youkai and hanyou relatives. They have to know something about our existence." "You might be right," I say softly, "And I don't like keeping secrets from them anyway. I want to tell them." "Then we will," he replies, "And no matter what reaction we get, we'll be able to handle it. We've been through too much not to be able to handle it." "Yeah, you're right," I say with a sigh and smile at him. "Thank you Kenmaru," I say softly, "You always know just what to say." He just smiles at me as we drive into the Generations parking lot.
When we walk through the front doors of the nursing home, the first person I see is Mrs. Tina. She is the caregiver in charge of the hallway where my grandparents room is located and is also the mom of my long time friend Alina. As soon as she sees me, she comes up and gives me a warm hug. "It's been a while since I last saw you sweetie," Mrs. Tina says warmly, "How've you been?" "I've been great," I reply, "How about you?" "Oh I've been doing good," she says cheerfully, "Even though I can't believe that you, Alina, and Hunter are all going to be leaving for college soon. The next thing I know, you're all going to be married and I'll be a grandmother and great aunt." I can't help but laugh softly before I say, "Well I guess now is a good time as any to tell you that I'm already married. The wedding was almost two weeks ago. I sent y'all an invitation, but I guess it got lost in the mail or something." "It must have," Mrs. Tina replies, "Because we would have been there had we known. Now who is the lucky man huh?" "That would be me," Kenmaru replies for me as he steps up and wraps an arm around my waist, "I'm Kenmaru. It's nice to meet you." "It's nice to meet you too young man," Mrs. Tina says warmly. Turning back to me, she asks, "Are you here to see your grandparents?" "Yeah," I reply and smile softly, "How are they today?" "Oh they're doing just fine," Mrs. Tina assures me, "And they'll be glad that you came. Just call me if they need anything and I'll be there ASAP." I thank her before I lead Kenmaru down the hallway towards my grandparents' room. Finally, we stand in front of their door and I take a deep breath to settle myself. I turn to face Kenmaru and I can't help but frown slightly at the mysterious grin gracing his lips. "Ok koishii, spill," I tell him quietly, "What's with the grin? You know something don't you?" "Well," he says slowly, "I was right about your grandparents knowing about youkai. Apparently your grandmother is a miko and right now she's trying to keep me out of the room with a barrier. It seems that your dad's family is the only one with spiritual powers." "Oh geez," I mutter and then knock on the door. "Nanny, Papa," I call out, "It's Kaiti. Can I come in? I want you to meet someone."
A few moments later, I hear my grandmother say, "Alright, come on in baby." I sigh and shoot Kenmaru a warning look before opening the door. 'Behave,' I tell him silently. He just grins at me and a sly, 'Don't worry, I will,' floats through my mind. As soon as I open the door, I can't help but sigh at the sight before me. "Nanny," I call out in annoyance, "I would appreciate it if you took down the barrier instead of me having to break it. I'm not going to hurt you and neither will Kenmaru." I hear the shuffling of feet and the next thing I know, my grandmother stands in front of me behind the barrier. "Oh," she says suspiciously, "And what makes you think that the hanyou won't attack?" I sigh and hold up my left hand. "He won't," I tell her calmly, "Because he's my husband and mate. My last name isn't Shealy anymore Nanny. It's Taisho now." "Well I be damned," my grandmother says with a sigh. Suddenly, the barrier before me vanishes into thin air as my grandmother steps back and says, "Well come on in you two. I have a feeling that you two have quite a story to tell." "You have no idea," I say with a sigh as Kenmaru and I follow her into the room that she and my grandfather share. "Hey baby girl," Papa says cheerfully, "Who's this young man here?" "Hey Pop," I reply warmly and hug him, "This is Kenmaru. He's my husband." "Do what," my grandfather asks in shock, "When did this happen?" "About two weeks ago Papa," I reply calmly, "We had the ceremony at the house. Pastor Brett performed the service." "Oh well that's fine," my grandfather says in relief, "But tell me dear, why was your grandmother going on about a demon? She hasn't fussed about one being near since the day you were born. But then just a moment ago, she threw up a barrier as quick as you'll ever see." "Show him," I tell Kenmaru with a sigh, "Let's just get this part over with."
(Kenmaru's POV)
I don't hesitate to take off my concealment charm. Not only do I hate having to wear it all the time, but I also know that Kaiti hates that I have to wear it. "What in the hell," her grandfather cries when he sees my demonic features, "You're the demon! Honey, get in here!" "Andy hush," Kaiti's grandmother says in annoyance, "I know that he's the demon for crying out loud. But he also happens to be our grandson-in-law." "Also technically I'm only half-demon," I add in calmly, "A second generation hanyou to be exact." "I can tell," Kaiti's grandmother says with a sigh, "You have the Taisho family hair and eyes. I'm guessing that you're the son of Inuyasha and Kagome, are you not?" "Yeah," I reply, "They're my parents. I'm their youngest out of ten. I have a total of five brothers and four sisters that are all older than me." "Which means that I still have six more of your siblings to meet," Kaiti says with a sigh, "And I'm guessing that they're all mated and at least one of them already has children." "Yep," I reply, "The twins aren't our only nieces. My sister Kita has a little boy and girl. Then my brother Taki has two little boys. And then my sister Karin has a baby girl. My family is huge." "It's not getting any bigger is it," Kaiti's grandfather asks suspiciously, "You're not pregnant are you Kaiti?" "What," my koishii asks in surprise, "No, I'm not pregnant. I'm on birth control remember? I've been taking it ever since my doctor prescribed it to me for my acne problems. And we didn't form the mate bond until our wedding night. You can ask any of my in-laws or my friends. We waited until after the wedding to do anything like that." "Good," her grandfather says in relief, "Even though that doesn't explain why you got married so young." Before Kaiti can answer, I grasp her hand in mine and squeeze it comfortingly. I can sense my mate's building stress and anxiety. After her small breakdown this morning, I know that Kaiti doesn't need anymore stress today. "We simply couldn't wait," I answer her grandfather truthfully, "We've been through so much together that we simply didn't want to waist any time. There were three separate times this year alone that we almost lost each other and each time just confirmed that we can't live without each other."
Kaiti's grandparents stare at us for a few moments before her grandmother finally speaks. "I was right then," she says finally, "You two do have quite the story to tell." Kaiti and I both nod and then look at each other. Silently, we both agree that this time we'll tell our story together. Then Kaiti turns to her grandparents and starts from the beginning. "Kenmaru and I met on the very first day of school last year," she says softly, "It's a day that I'll never forget. Before then, I'd never could have imagined falling for someone so quickly. But then exactly one year later on the first day of this school year, I was attacked by a bear youkai in Crooked Creek Park and Kenmaru came to my rescue. That was the day I first learned about demons actually existing outside of fairytales and the day that I received my first kiss." I can't help but grin at the memory of our very first kiss before continuing the story. Together, Kaiti and I tell her grandparents about everything we went through together this past year. A few tears form in Kaiti's eyes when we tell them about what happened during Christmas break and then again when we tell them about the final battle with Kurayami. At the end of our story, Kaiti leans her head against my chest and sighs wearily. Her grandparents are quite for a few moments as they take in everything that we had just told them. "I can't believe it," her grandmother says finally, "That old priest was right after all. And it seems that we weren't the only ones that he told about Kaiti's birth and destiny. Everything that he told us would happen has come true." "No wonder you weren't surprised when you opened the door and saw me with Kenmaru," Kaiti says softly, "The old priest told both you and Granny Shealy about what would happen to me. I just wonder how he knew to come to both of you in the first place." "We'll probably never know koi," I tell her calmly, "But that doesn't change anything at all. Even if he hadn't told your grandparents about your future, we would still be here today. It was meant to be." "And I wouldn't have it any other way," she replies and then gives me a soft smile. Then suddenly, I hear the faint rumble and growl of Kaiti's stomach as it voices its hunger. When it growls again quite louder a few moments later, I can't help but grin. "Well we better be going," I say teasingly, "Or else your stomach won't forgive you for neglecting it." Kaiti looks over at the clock and sighs when she sees that it's well past lunch time. "Yeah you're right," she says and laughs softly, "You know, I don't know what I'd do sometimes if it weren't for you taking care of me. You've saved me from my stomach more times than I can count." I flash her a teasing grin as we finally get off of her grandparents' couch and say goodbye. I'm not at all surprised when they also rise to leave the room. It's lunch time for them as well. "Now y'all come and visit us again soon," Kaiti's grandmother tells us as we go to head out of the nursing home, "It was nice meeting you Kenmaru." "Same here ma'am," I reply as I wrap my arm around Kaiti's waist and walk out the door. Together, Kaiti and I begin to walk towards our car when I hear a slightly familiar voice call out our names.
(Kaiti's POV)
When I hear the familiar voice behind me, I can't help but clench my fist in anger. I would recognize that voice anywhere. For as long as I can remember, me and little miss snob Caitlin Perkins have been arch rivals. I still don't know why she hates my guts, but it is a known fact that she does. I force myself to put a smile on my face before I turn around with Kenmaru to face the bratty witch that stands behind me. "Hi Caitlin," I say as calmly as possible, "What are you doing here?" "Oh nothing," she replies a little too innocently, "I just wanted to come visit my grandma. But then I saw you two and I wanted to see how you've been doing." It doesn't take any type of demonic senses in order for me to hear her practically lying through her teeth. I've know her for too long to fall for her tricks. "Well I've been great," I say with some fake cheer, "As a matter of fact, we just were visiting with my grandparents." "Oh that's nice," Caitlin says with fake sweetness, "Well anyway, I wanted to ask you a question?" "Oh," I ask a bit surprised, "What do you want to ask me?" "Well," she says slowly, "A few weeks ago I was reading the newspaper when I saw a certain wedding announcement. I was just wondering if it was true." I can already tell that she has some evil intent behind her faked innocence, but I can't help but smile at her question. Like many other girls in our grade, Caitlin had eyed Kenmaru hungrily ever since he moved to Chapin. I can't wait to see the look on her face when she learns that he's taken for good. "Yeah," I reply happily, "Kenmaru and I got married two weeks ago. We just got back from our honeymoon trip yesterday." "Oh that's nice," Caitlin says a little too sweetly, "So, have you two come up with any names yet?"
I freeze at her seemingly innocent question. I should have know that she would try this type of bullshit. "Names," I ask a bit angrily, "What are you talking about?" "Oh, I'm sorry," Caitlin says suddenly cruel, "But I thought that the only reason you two were getting married was because you got pregnant. I mean, why else would a guy like Kenmaru marry someone like you? You're just a little nobody. You always have been." "Why you little bitch," I growl angrily and try to lunge at her. Kenmaru's strong arms stop me though. 'Koishii,' his voice whispers in my mind, 'Calm down. We don't want to make a scene. Don't worry. I'll handle this.' I continue to glare at Caitlin as she prances closer to Kenmaru's side. She places a hand on his shoulder and says, "Thanks Kenmaru. If it wasn't for you, she would have hit me." Forcibly, Kenmaru removes her hand from his shoulder and pushes her back slightly. "What in the hell," Caitlin shrieks, "Why did you do that." "Well for one thing," Kenmaru says coldly, "I don't want you to touch me. And also, I don't like it when someone thinks that they can insult my wife and get away with it. If it wasn't for this being a public place, I would have let Kaiti hit you. You deserve it for your dirty mouth." "You're actually defending her," Caitlin asks in shock, "Why? I mean, I'm right aren't I? You only married her because she's pregnant, right?" "I'm not pregnant you bitch," I growl at her, "Now stop saying that before I really wail on you." "If you're not pregnant," she replies angrily, "Then how in the hell did you get him to marry you?" I go to reply, but Kenmaru beats me to it. "I'll tell you why I married Kaiti," he growls at her angrily, "I married her because I love her and want to spend the rest of my life with her. Ever since the day we met, I knew that Kaiti was the girl for me. And if you can't respect that, then you need to leave before I let my wife loose so that she can give you the beating that you deserve." Realizing that she's lost this fight, Caitlin glares at both of us one last time before stalking away to her car and driving off.
When she's gone, Kenmaru loosens his hold on me just long enough for me to turn around and bury my face into his chest. "Damn it," I whisper softly, "I knew that something like this was going to happen. Ever since we met, I've been on the receiving end of jealous glares and cruel snarls. Why can't they just leave well enough alone?" Kenmaru's strong arms hold me gently as he sighs and says, "They're just jealous koi. Don't let them get to you. I'll never leave you. You know that." "Yeah, I know," I reply with a sigh, "But still, I don't want to have to continuously threaten spoiled brats just because they can't take rejection." Kenmaru laughs softly and flashes me a huge smile before saying, "Oh don't worry koi, you won't have to. I plan to spread the word around to as many of our former classmates as possible. I'll let them know that they need to leave us alone. And they'll listen too because many of our classmates were youkai or hanyou. You won't have to worry about anymore girls messing with us." I smile and shake my head. "You're always one step ahead koi," I say with a soft laugh, "I don't know what I'd do without you." "Well you won't have to worry about that either," he replies happily, "You're stuck with me forever. Now, let's hurry up and get out of here. I know that you're still hungry. Your stomach is telling my ears to hurry." Right on cue, my stomach gives a loud rumble. I laugh happily as Kenmaru and I walk over to our car and climb in. Soon, we're on the road again in search of a decent meal.
(Kenmaru's POV)
As we drive back towards the main center of Chapin, I notice that even though Caitlin is now long gone, Kaiti is still deeply worried about something like this happening again. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see her staring blankly out of the window as she dives deep into her thoughts. The sweet smile from earlier is gone from her lips now, and I want to see it again more than anything else right now. Hearing her stomach growl once again, I know exactly how to bring that smile back. I immediately drive straight to one of her favorite places in town. When I park in front of La Fogatas, I look over at Kaiti and grin when I see the wide smile grace her lips. "I guess you don't mind eating here huh," I ask teasingly, "Or else that smile wouldn't be so beautiful." She just smiles at me even brighter and says, "I swear you must have read my mind or something. This is just what I had in mind." I flash her a grin before saying, "Nah, I didn't read your mind koishii. I just know that Mexican is usually your comfort food. You want to go inside?" She flashes me another grin, which I take as a yes. Together we exit our car and walk the short distance to the door. When we enter the restaurant, a youkai waiter sees us and automatically grins. "Hola amiga," he greets Kaiti warmly, "Table for two?" "Yes Orlando," Kaiti replies, "It's been a long time since I was last here." "Yes, it has," Orlando says, "How's your mom and them doing?" "They're just fine," Kaiti tells him with a sigh, "Drew is still traveling all over the place for baseball and Mom and Dad just go with it. Even though they've taken to going to El Poblano's instead of here. It's closer to the house." "I can understand that," Orlando replies and smiles, "Now who is this young man with you eh?" "This is Kenmaru," Kaiti says knowingly, "And I know that you can already tell who he is to me. I have gotten a lot better at sensing who has youkai blood or not."
Kaiti says this quietly, and Orlando just grins at her. "You've caught me amiga," he says with a laugh, "I am indeed youkai. Lizard youkai to be exact. And yes, I can tell that this inu hanyou is your mate. My, what a skilled miko you have become." "Thanks," Kaiti replies happily, "Even though if it wasn't for my mother-in-law, I wouldn't be near as skilled as I am." "Keh," I mutter, "Give yourself some credit won't you, koishii? You did most of the work. Mom just led you in the right direction." She gives me one of her brightest smiles, which causes me to grin in return. Orlando just smiles and shakes his head before taking our drink orders and heading off to get what we asked for. After a nice lunch, Kaiti is back to her usual self. As I go to pay our bill, she decides to go out and wait for me by the car. I don't mind in the least. I know that she won't be far away and even from inside the crowded restaurant I'll be able to hear her. I turn to walk out the door just in time to see my dear mate fall to the ground in a faint. "Shit," I curse softly and quickly race outside. Just as I'm about to reach her, a powerful stench fills my nose, making me weak. I try to continue towards Kaiti, but the smell gets stronger, causing me to collapse. Before I fall unconscious, I can only watch as two rat youkai swoop down into the parking lot and pick up my koishii's limp form. "No," I whisper softly, "Kaiti." They both sneer at me just as my world goes black.
(Kaiti's POV)
I wake up in a dark room and find myself lying on a dirty old bed. The last thing that I can remember is walking out of La Fogatas to wait for Kenmaru by the car. Then, there was an overwhelming smell just as my world faded away from me. "Where am I," I whisper softly, "Where's Kenmaru?" "Your mate isn't here wench," a gruff voice growls from the darkness. I look around and finally I see a door that is guarded by two rat youkai who I have never met before. "Who are you," I demand angrily, "Where am I? And where is my husband?" "Shut up wench," one of the two youkai growls, "Or else we'll make you shut up. Just because our mistress wants you alive doesn't mean that we can't break your pretty little face." "What do you want with me," I demand viciously, "Why am I here?" "We told you to shut up," the other rat growls and crosses the room. The next thing I know, a powerful hand slaps the slide of my face. The blow knocks me back onto the bed with a thump. I can't help but gasp in pain and cradle my now sore cheek with one hand. "You'll pay for that," I tell them coldly. I try to summon my spiritual staff, but I find that something is blocking my powers. "Your powers won't work here miko," one of the rats says with a smirk, "Our mistress set up a spell in this room that won't allow for anyone to use spiritual power." "You'll still pay for that," I growl venomously, "When Kenmaru gets here, you're going to regret ever touching me." "You say that now wench," says the one that hit me, "But soon, you won't remember a thing." "What are you . . .," I try to ask, but they both grab me quickly. I scream as one reaches into his pocket and pulls out a vial full of some strange liquid. "Now drink up wench," he growls demandingly, "Or else we won't play nice." 'Kenmaru,' I think sadly as I try to keep my mouth clamped shut, 'Please koishii, help me.' Finally, the other youkai forces my mouth open and the one with the vial pours the potion down my throat. I immediately feel tired and dizzy as they let go of me and I fall back onto the bed once more. I begin to feel something precious slipping away from me, even though I don't know what it is. Then, I once again pass out into a world of darkness.