Chap 20
Time: Right after the wedding Spring 2020
Place: The Pub on the Square in Castletown, Japan
Point of Reference: (chapter 13) Mama Higurashi visited the castle at Sesshomaru's invitation and Inuyasha was caught off guard. They are arguing so the kids went to the pub. (chapter 15) Barbie and Bobby talk to their older siblings about hiding their true identities
The Pub
When the party of nine white haired royals entered the pub, the locals looked them over, pausing their personal conversations briefly. Then they turned back to their drinks and drinking partners. The pub locals were used to a wide variety of patrons who visited for various reasons; birth, death and every event in between. All the Castletown denizens had known there had been a wedding at the castle in the last two weeks. Many new as well as old faces had dropped in to gossip and catch up on the news.
The pub had a long history of serving the beings of Castletown. It had been redecorated and redesigned numerous times through the years although the owners had been there from the beginning. The old man of the bar, a seven tailed fox strolled over to the Takahashi kids and greeted them warmly.
"I have a cove over there if you are looking for something somewhat private, Princess Keiko." The old man smiled. "I'm so happy you managed to get that boy to pop the question." Then looking over the crowd commented. "Can't tell you how many ginger ales that girl cried over."
"Stop it already," Embarrassed Keiko ducked her head into Steven's chest as her beautiful visage turned bright red.
Steven stepped up to the old man, a smirk on his face. "You don't say. Tell me more. I'm dying of curiosity." Steven glanced at his bride smiling mischievously.
Bobby spoke up before Steven could gloat too much.
"Let's just say it was a family effort. If Dad hadn't pushed him, and Keiko hadn't helped him form a question out of his verbal spaghetti..."
Barbie and Bobby started laughing as Steven turned red as well.
"Oh?! Tell me. I'm all ears!" With that comment several ear illusions popped out all over his head.
The fox owner walked the twins over to the bar and started pouring drinks with Steven and Keiko following closely interrupting and disrupting the story with the perspectives of their own. Laughter and cackling boomed from the old fox.
The remaining Takahashi siblings strolled to the bar slower as they looked around the room. On this side there was a semi private cove with a long table. In the main part of the pub there were several quaint two seated tables, a couple of bigger four seat tables, bar stools at the old bar, an air hockey table and pool table in the back and a shelf of board games.
"Hey Ryuu! Challenge you to a chess game?" Kenichi called out.
"Sure. I haven't schooled you in a few years. Had a chance to improve your game?" Ryuu teased.
"You are so on, Ryuu!" Kenichi grabbed the chess set.
Kenichi and Ryuu grabbed a convenient table and set up the board. Suzy was selected as referee.
Kyo looked around and started to challenge Yuki to an air hockey game. But Yuki wasn't near. Searching the bar for his twin he noticed she was already deep in conversation with two beavers and an otter demon.
'She doesn't know a stranger. She's so amazing,' Kyo sighed and slowly pulled up a chair to watch the chess game.
After a bit of chit-chat with their fox friend, Keiko pulled Steven to a picture on the wall and started whispering something in his ear. Steven listened carefully for a few seconds and then leaned back and roared in laughter. Bobby wandered over to eaves drop but Barbie grabbed him by the ear and dragged him toward the chess game.
"Give Lover Boy a break, would cha? Embarrass them again in 20 minutes or so. If it's a joke they can share they will. I understand Father and Dad would come here every so often before Keiko was born." Barbie released Bobby's ear and rubbed it affectionately.
"OOOh kay, but he's such an easy target." Bobby shrugged in defeat.
"Yeah. I know. Let's take some drinks to the chess table. Ryuu probably thrashed Kenichi by now and it'll be your turn to school Ryuu." Barbie offered an acceptable venue for Bobby's energy.
"You know it! I'll show him!" Bobby raced to the table and put down his challenge.
A tray of drinks later, Barbie arrived just as a smirking Bobby shouted "Check mate" to a shocked Ryuu.
Gathering the siblings to the semiprivate cove, Barbie passed out the drinks.
"Lemonade?"
"Hai," smiled Suzy.
"Demon Ale?"
"Hai," called out the male Takahashis.
"Sparkling Sake? Me," Barbie sat down the drink next to Bobby.
"Fuffu-something?" Barbie raised the glass and looked at it with a concerned expression.
"It's for me," Keiko stepped over and took it from her.
"What's that!" Barbie pointed at the whipped cream concoction.
"Just a drink named for me," Keiko raised her nose and brought the glass to her lips.
"Smelled like Ginger ale and whipped cream!" Barbie remarked.
The others laughed.
Keiko pouted cutely and muttered. "He remembered me and made it for me."
Steven grabbed her petite hand and pulled it to his heart.
"You don't ever have to cry about me again. I'm yours forever, my love."
He kissed her whip cream coated lips.
"Yum! You taste great!" Steven wagged his eyebrows suggestively at Keiko.
Kenichi shook his head.
"Does anyone else miss the "shy, tongue-tied, goof ball" that was our brother? I do." A cluck-cluck sound was heard from their oldest brother.
The siblings laughed. Steven crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue.
"Still here and still a goof ball, only now official married to my beautiful wife!"
Keiko and the women cooed.
Kenichi and the other men booed.
Another round of laughs went through the family.
When the giggles settled Kenichi raised his glass.
"What an awesome Wedding!"
"Hear! Hear!" echoed the siblings.
The conversation broke into groups as the siblings recapped wedding highlights. They all were thrilled to witness their parents vow renewals. When Ryuu asked Bobby what he was telling Barbie, Bobby winked at her and replied to him.
"I'll never tell".
Barbie blushed.
Kyo watched Barbie and Bobby interact and sighed. 'He's just too slick. I can never be like him.'
"I just loved those kimonos-Such lovely material and such a beauty pattern!" Keiko gushed. "And Suzy, you looked so cute!"
Suzy beamed. "I think you were really pretty, big sister."
Keiko's eyes glistened. "You need a big hug!" Keiko hugged Suzy, kissing her on the cheek. "Thank you Suzy. I love you."
Keiko sat her back down and started back to Steven's side when Suzy called out.
"Big sister, Keiko? What did you think of Mrs. Higurashi?"
All the children stopped and turned to look at Suzy. Suzy looked at them and said simply, "I liked her. She smells nice."
They all nodded in agreement.
There was a lull in the conversation while many sipped from their glasses. From the castle their Dad's voice carried loud and strong.
Suzy tilted her head listening and then turned to Ryuu.
"Ryuu? Why was Daddy upset?" Suzy enquired innocently.
All eyes turned to Ryuu eager anticipating his response to Suzy.
Ryuu faced Suzy and made eye contact. This was important and he wanted to make sure she understood.
"Suzy, Daddy's human wife Kagome meant a lot to him. Daddy didn't want Kagome's mommy to think he didn't miss her. Kagome's mommy had to let her daughter leave and she never got to see her again. That's a big sacrifice and Daddy didn't want her to think he didn't appreciate it. So he wanted to talk privately before introducing her to all of us."
"Whoa. You mean Kagome never got to see her mommy again after marrying Daddy?" Suzy's pupils dilated. "That's really sad. I would miss Daddy and Father so much. Bet she cried a lot!"
"Yeah." Ryuu studied Suzy's face, but Suzy appeared content and had turned back to blowing bubbles in her lemonade.
Kenichi cut in, directing his comment to Ryuu.
"Father knew all about that though. He took all that into consideration when he went to fetch her. Father understands Dad. They have been together for a long time. They have shared many things and Father understood this too."
Ryuu stared at him, a look of disbelief on his face, mirroring closely one of their Dad's expressions.
"She was Dad's wife. She was his love, his heart. Kagome was special to Dad. She loved Dad before Father did."
Kenichi countered. His face was devoid of emotion and resembled their Father briefly.
"Regardless, Father is wise."
The artery on Ryuu's temple bulged. He ground his teeth.
"Get over yourself! Father can still make mistakes."
Quickly Steven stepped in and put a hand on Ryuu's chest and one on Kenichi's. His face was serious.
"Gentlemen! Stop! We came here so we would avoid the argument. If you want to hear the argument, go home!"
Then Steven started snickering.
"But I guarantee they will have a "happy ending" and you two won't!" Entertained by his comment Steven appeared pleased with himself as he made yet another sexual joke about their parents' active sex life.
"UGH! STEVEN!" Both Ryuu and Kenichi groaned.
Smiling from ear to ear Steven resembled the Cheshire cat.
"Come, Princess. Let's dance." Steven led his giggling bride to the small 6' x6' dance floor. They swayed and twirled.
'Breathtaking,' Kyo stared at his dancing siblings.
They danced several moments before Barbie and Bobby joined them.
"Dance with me too!" Suzy grabbed Ryuu's hand and bounced up and down.
"Of course, Your Highness," Ryuu bowed and took her small hand and walked her to the side of the dancing floor. He picked her up and rested her on his hip as he twirled the two of them around. Suzy giggled.
Steven had just dipped Keiko and pulled her to his chest when Ryuu and Suzy joined them on the dance floor. They both laughed at their little sister's squeals of joy.
"Hey that's my foot." Barbie mumbled to Bobby.
"Sorry, sis," Bobby murmured. "I promise to practice more if you'll always be my partner." His eyes widened as he watched his sister for her response.
But Barbie was watching Suzy and Ryuu and didn't notice Bobby's hopeful look.
"Of course, silly." Barbie smiled at Suzy and then turned her body so her back was to Bobby's chest.
Bobby smiled. 'Test proposal # three. More to try on her.' And with that he tightened his wrapped arms around her waist and swayed back and forth smiling giddily.
Several more dances followed.
Kenichi looked over his dancing siblings and noticed Kyo sitting by self.
"Why aren't you out there too?" Kenichi walked up to Kyo's side, beer in hand.
"Yuki's still talking to strangers." Kyo replied softly as he stared in his ale.
Kenichi grabbed his hand. "Come on then. Let's mix them up. You cut in on Steven and dance with him."
Mortified Kyo stuttered, "I can't do that."
Kenichi pressed. "Just look at his eyes and think its Dad."
Kenichi set his glass down with a determined thud and put his hand on Kyo's shoulder.
"You'd ask Dad. I know you would. I'll take Bobby. The girls will dance with each other. Trust me."
Kyo looked into his brother's eyes. In all their years, Kenichi had never lied to him or lead him wrong.
"Okay. After you, My Lord Brother." Kyo reluctantly stood.
Kenichi chuckled, grabbed Kyo's hand, and stepped lively out to the dance floor.
The subsequent dance after the mixing of dance partners had all the Takahashi siblings howling and chortling. Yuki even noticed and joined her family dragging her new friends into the fold. They were welcomed warmly and bought drinks for everyone. Turns out they had been guests at the wedding and were old friends of their parents. Captivated Kyo listened to the otter tell tales of riding the rapids through the castle town river and getting in trouble with Captain Kenichi. The beavers bragged of the Castletown water filtration system and kept the group amused with the time their father had pink hair because of a mix up in the cloth dying and water filtration stations.
Laughter abounded and so did the demon liquor.
Bobby noticed his tongue was looser than usual and commented to Steven.
"Demon liquor, little brother. It's a bit stronger than you've had in Canada. Better drink some water or you'll have a headache tomorrow."
Bobby gazed at Steven thoughtfully.
"You are a good doctor, Steven. I like your bedside manner. Maybe you can be my family's doctor when we're older." He tongue slurred a few words but his message was clear.
"It will be my honor. For now go get a round of water for everyone first, okay? That way we won't have to face the wrath of Dad."
Standing and swaying a bit, Bobby saluted and wandered off to the bar.
Barbie watched and chuckled.
"Steven, I'll keep him on task. You know he only teases you because he really looks up to you." Barbie smiled at Steven's surprised expression and waltzed after her older twin, grabbing him by the waist and allowing him to lean on her. Bobby whispered in her ear and she giggled her expression affectionate and tender.
When Bobby and Barbie brought the tray of water back and passed the glasses around the table, Ryuu commented.
"Thanks bro, sis. You two really are the smart ones. I needed a drink of water. I forgot how strong this castle ale is!"
Steven shook his head in disbelief. His advice and Bobby got credit for it.
Bobby caught Steven's eyes and started to open his mouth to say differently but Steven pulled an imaginary zipper across his lips.
Bobby stared at him and blinked.
Barbie squeezed Bobby's arm and leaned in front of him.
"Uhmm. Guys? How did you keep your demon nature a secret from your workplaces? Bobby and I are thinking it's time for us to take part time jobs. We figure we can do it online for quite a while but we were curious how you did it?"
That opened the opportunity for all their older siblings to tell their secrets and offer their advice. From changing names, and using makeup, to being their own children, the siblings espoused the problems and benefits of each technique. Bobby nodded and Barbie took notes on a bar napkin.
When that topic was worn out and the water was gone, Bobby went to the bar for a pitcher of water and a pitcher of ale.
Keiko danced another time with Steven and then whispered that she wanted to talk to Kenichi. Steven stepped away gracefully and watched while Keiko twirled and performed some solo dance moves. Clapping, he also vocalized his praise for her talent.
"Kenichi, take my place with my Princess, will you? Nature calls," Steven winked and watched as Kenichi walked to his bride and proffered a hand. Then he walked around the corner toward the restrooms.
"Hello little brother!" Keiko smiled as she took his hand.
"It's been a while, big sister." Kenichi laughed.
"I wanted to ask you about your love life." Keiko queried, her large eyes reflecting the dance room lights.
"I don't have one," Kenichi replied nonchalantly as he twirled her away and pulled her back to his side.
"I've seen how you look at Rin. I used to look at Steven the same way." Keiko tilted her head slightly as she watched his response.
"I love her just like I love all of you. She's funny and sweet and a breath of fresh air. I like being in her presence."
"I understand that. I just wanted to make sure you don't get a broken heart or suffer like I did," Keiko whispered in Kenichi's ear as she pulled in close to his chest.
"It all worked out for you two," Kenichi replied.
"But there was no guarantee," Keiko countered. "I'll always be here for you to talk to. Just be certain, Kenichi. There's no rush."
"Thank you. I hear your worries and appreciate your thoughtfulness. I'll keep it in mind. By the way, Suzy wants to dance with you. She's wanted to dance with you all night. I'm going to go get her. Don't leave."
Keiko bowed politely and watched as Kenichi walked back to the table and took Suzy from Ryuu's side.
Steven rubbed his mark to ask but Keiko only shrugged her shoulders briefly before smiling from ear to ear as she bend down to capture Suzy as she came running to the dance floor.
"Let's show those guys how the Takahashi girls can dance, okay Suzy?" Keiko reached a hand to Suzy's and the girls started twirling and leaping across the dance floor.
It was a slow night at the Pub. There were very few beings there so the dance floor belonged to the princesses. Even if it had been crowded the dance floor would have belonged to the princesses.
After a chorus or two the other two Takahashi females joined their sisters and started a line dance.
While the girls were dancing, the boys talked. When the music stopped there was a silence in the conversation too.
Suddenly Bobby startled. "Hey. Hear that? Dad stopped yelling. Let's give it another hour before we go back to the castle." The others nodded and the party continued.
Kyo sat back and listened as his alpha brothers laughed and told tales.
'I remember playing with Steven and Ryuu. It was so much fun.'
Ryuu noticed Kyo was being quiet and caught his attention.
"Hey Dude! A penny for your thoughts?"
"Just remembering playing mock sword battles in the castle garden. It was fun. Sometimes I wish we could be kids again." Kyo's attention was on the girls dancing.
"Whoop!" Ryuu's roar caught the others off guard and they all turned to him.
"Those were the days!" Ryuu patted Kyo on the back with great force knocking him forward and nearly off the chair, spilling his ale in the process.
"Oops, sorry Bro. You good?"
Kyo's light frame was not an equal match to the muscled large animal veterinarian. He coughed and straightened up.
"Yeah, I'm good. I'm going to restroom to clean the ale off my shirt."
Kyo moped off around the corner and out of sight.
Kenichi frowned at Ryuu.
"Sometimes I wonder if you listened to Uncle Jaken's lessons. You know Kyo's a beta. He'll tell you he's good even when he's not. When we were young he just played with us as equals but as he aged he started offering deference to us. Bobby and Barbie and Suzy weren't around so he didn't get to test his control. He's had to figure it out by himself. We have to remember he is a beta male, surrounded by alphas. Go check on him, would you! And remember you are 100 pounds bigger so don't beat him up by accident, you big lug! "
Ryuu left the table and found his little brother leaned over the sink washing off his shirt and face.
"Hey Kyo, I'm sorry, bro. I didn't mean to hit you so hard. Did I break anything? Do I need to get Steven to look you over?" Ryuu looked worried as he studied his brother.
Kyo looked up from his bent position over the sink. His tears had been washed away by the water so Ryuu didn't smell or see anything.
"Thanks, Ryuu. I'm good. My shirt is soaked though. I think it's time for me to go back to the castle. Yuki's telling flying stories to a new audience and she can talk for hours. I can take Suzy. I imagine she might be getting tired too."
Kyo was feeling pathetic and sorry for himself. Yuki hadn't talked to him once that night. Honestly he loved her stories but she was simply ignoring him. She hadn't danced with him once even when she joined the family and introduced her new friends. He didn't want to pout but he sure felt like it. Fresh air would help.
"Okay, Kyo. If that's what you want but I'll walk back with you and Suzy. I wanted to spend a little time with A-Un."
When they returned to the table they excused themselves and Suzy and walked back to the castle but not before reminding the others of Father's favorite saying—"Nothing good happens after midnight". The siblings all laughed.
As they walked through the square Suzy made Ryuu and Kyo stop by the statue of their parents.
"Tell me the story, Ryuu." Suzy begged.
So Ryuu told her the story again for the umpteenth time.
It was the first time Kyo had heard it in years though and he was mesmerized by his parents' story.
'They are so amazing. Why am I so ordinary.' He thought.
Ten minutes after Ryuu and Kyo left Yuki looked around.
"Where's Kyo?" she asked.
"Ryuu, Kyo, and Suzy went back to the castle. It's getting late for Suzy and Ryuu spilled ale on Kyo's shirt," Kenichi answered.
"Darn. We didn't get to dance." Yuki muttered.
"You were talking to Dad's friends all night," Steven commented.
"Yeah. Weren't they cool!"
Yuki pondered.
'Would Kyo have even wanted to dance with me?'
