Chapter 11

Looking at a few last-minute documents sent to him for approval, Kunzite paused and rubbed his throbbing forehead. He leaned back in his chair and dropped the document on the desk.

He couldn't concentrate.

Looking up and out the window, he began reflecting on his life. He existed for over a millennium thanks to his king and queen's power. He raised five sons without his wife by his side, watched them grow into strong, brave men, and observed over the years his family expand and grow. He was now a great grandfather! Pictures flowed to him and Minako. Many of the male patriarchal descendants knew he was the General of the Army and would send him pictures of their family. All pictures were carefully preserved in an old photograph book.

Family.

How did he luck out in this life?

Now that Kunzite was a father again of a teenage son and daughter, things were different. His bride was here raising their children with him. He knew Hikari was dating the daughter of his colleague. Quite honestly, he was rather pleased that his son chose such a brave and intelligent young woman. Though Nephrite was still mulling over that his daughter was growing up and he might have to give her away one day, that reality never hit Kunzite.

He heard the knock on his home-office.

"Come in," he spoke.

Opening the door quietly, his only daughter, Mina, walked in. She closed the door behind her and smiled to her father. She had the same smile of his wife, Minako. How did he get so lucky to have a beautiful daughter that was the exact image and personality of his wife?

"Dad?"

"Yes, Mina?"

Mina shyly glanced at her father, her smile still wide on her face as she placed her hands behind her back, making herself look cute and smaller than she was. "I asked mom if I my senshi sisters could come over and have a sleep over this weekend. She told me to ask you."

"A sleepover?"

He honestly didn't mind his daughter having her friends over. He also knew his son was going on a fishing trip with a few of his older brothers this weekend. There would be no issues with Nephrite's daughter trying to sneak off with Hikari in the middle of the night.

She nodded her head enthusiastically. "Yes! Brother will be gone this weekend, and my friends are wanting to do something too because it's been a while since we've had fun like this. You know, with senshi duties and everything."

This wasn't a bad idea.

As a father, he was rather pleased his daughter was choosing to spend time with her friends under his watchful eye and care. He was sure the other Shittenou would approve to allow their daughters to attend the sleep over, especially after he let's Nephrite know his own son will be out of town this weekend.

Speaking of which… wasn't Jadeite's son also joining Hikari?

It had been two days since the fateful day. The son of Rei and Jadeite asked Kunzite if he could date his daughter, Mina. Mina had no idea this question was proposed to him. Were they secretly dating? Was this just a formality? Or did the young man chose to get permission before attempting to woo his daughter?

Now Kunzite was internally feeling uncomfortable again. He needed to know.

"If you answer my question honestly, I will allow your sleep over this weekend."

Her eyes brightened as she smiled widely, "Of course!"

Here goes nothing.

"What is your opinion of Jade?"

Watching his daughter closely, he waited to see her reaction.

She just smiled, "He's my long time best friend. We sometimes go out and spar because he likes to show me what you taught him. He also teaches me those new fighting techniques so I can better protect Chibi Chibi and myself." She gave a laugh, "He's got the worst jokes in the world, but they make me laugh! And he helps to keep me out of trouble."

"Out of trouble?"

She gave a guilty smile, "Yeah, he thinks the world of you as his mentor. Sometimes I have an idea for adventures, and he tells me if it's a good idea or not. The ones he disagrees with, he usually says something like… 'If your dad found out I let you do this, he would kill me!' or something along those lines." She gave a shrug.

Kunzite was stunned. Did he really influence Jade in such a way? Was he actually respectable and already taking care of his daughter in such a manner?

She also added, "Recently, he has been encouraging me to talk more to you. I guess I'm not talking to you like I did when I was younger."

Kunzite didn't know what to think other than this young man inadvertently earned his trust and good favor. A small smile crossed his lips as he nodded his head, "That's all I wanted to know. And yes, you may have your friends come spend the night."

With a squeal, Mina hugged her father around his neck and kissed his cheek.

"Thanks daddy!"

His heart melted. He watched as she cheerfully smiled back at him and left the room.

Going back to his thoughts, reality finally hit him. His daughter was growing up, and young men were noticing her. He only wanted the best for his daughter, and it seemed that Mina had no clue her long time friend had fallen in love with her sometime over the years. Just from her words, the father realized that Jade not only respected her but taught her skills that would bring safety both to her and others. He knew Jade was very respectful to his family members as Rei set very high standards for her child. He also realized that Jade had a healthy respect for his mentor and parents of the girl he fancied.

All in all, Kunzite knew in his spirit that his daughter might have already met her soulmate…. Just like he did with Minako all those years back in the days of the Silver Millennium.

He made a note on his desk that he would reach out to Jade tomorrow and schedule a time to meet. Kunzite had yet to give Jade an answer on if he would allow the young man to date his daughter. He finally had an answer to give him.

This was a hard pill to swallow.