Chap 22 Griffin Dinner story by Ryuu
Scene: late afternoon at Kyo's villa Balearic Islands
Cast: Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, Ryuu, Kyo, Suzy, Rin, Sango, Kohaku
Year: Future shortly after chap 21.
"Kyo was right. Ryuu did drop by every so often. Although," Inuyasha paused as he stretched and popped his back, "seems it's a little more than "every so often". I'd call it weekly."
Inuyasha settled into a comfortable spot and reached up.
Sesshomaru smiled at Kohaku and then gently lowered him into his husband's arms. He stood there, transfixed as he watched twin triangles twitch and move. Gratitude, love, admiration, adoration all flashed through the dog demon's mind. Slowly with purposeful movement he reached to pat the infant between his ears.
"I can't thank you enough for allowing this," Sesshomaru gently touched the tip of Kohaku's left ear which flicked and rotated away from the inquisitive finger. "I know this happened because you allowed it. Two precious children with your beloved ears—have I told you today how much I adore you." Sesshomaru knelt at his love's side and gazed lovingly in his eyes.
Inuyasha beamed. "You have told me but don't let me stop you from telling me again."
Sesshomaru rose partial and leaned over the infant to kiss his mate. The kiss, however, was cut short.
Kohaku had grabbed the silver white silky strands that fell in front of him and yanked.
"Yip!" Sesshomaru backed up startled.
Kohaku babbled happily holding several silvery strands.
Initially Inuyasha was startled but quickly started laughing. Taking the situation in stride he led the hair thief to his breast. Kohaku latched on with gusto. Inuyasha smiled.
"They got their appetites from me too. That's something I've always been grateful for—I can feed them."
"Fascinating," Sesshomaru observed as he rubbed his head where the hair had come from. "You were saying something about Ryuu?"
"Oh yes. I have observed he has been visiting more frequently than Kyo originally said." Inuyasha settled back in his chair. "Not that I'm complaining. I love seeing our boy. Just curious what's up?"
"Why don't you ask him? It hasn't stopped you with the other kids," Sesshomaru had moved to a mirror and was examining the roots of his hair.
"Would you stop worrying! You aren't going bald! And even if you were, you'd be the sexiest bald dog demon on the planet!" Inuyasha didn't bother to cover his mirth of his husband's vanity.
Sesshomaru flipped around, hair spread in a fan. He walked back to Inuyasha's side.
"Watch him. His grip is stronger than any of the others. Wouldn't surprise me if he comes into his gifts faster than the others.
"Yes, sir!" came the smart answer, followed by a deep chuckle and a satisfied groan as Kohaku deflated the overfull milk bag. "Yes, this boy has my appetite."
The feeding and burping done, the men followed their noses outdoors to the covered shelter. Kohaku was set in a baby swing where he cooed happily. Kyo had the builders construct a covered shelter big enough to cover a large table and grill. He had found a downed tree that had wonderful character. He used the slab and made a table that could set 12 or more. Then thinking of his family he made an outdoor kitchen with wood burning oven and grill.
The infinity pool's surface was broken by splashes and flying balls as Kyo, Suzy, Sango, and Rin played and squealed in joy. Sango was sporting floaties with flying kitty motives and was closely watched by Kyo. He would toss a ball for Rin and Suzy who would chase it while he played gently with Sango. Inuyasha had told the boy he admired his skill with his younger siblings. Kyo just blushed.
Catching his husband's eye, Sesshomaru pulled off his shirt with style and flare. Winking at Inuyasha, he then turned to the pool occupants. "CANNON BALL!"
The accompanying splash and giggling filled the air. Inuyasha laughed as the dog demon surfaced; hair a mess. An evil smile appeared on Sesshomaru's face. Inuyasha's eyes bulged.
"You wouldn't!"
An evil snigger and the great dog transformed to his smaller size and shook.
The water spread EVERYWHERE!
Kyo had seen the looks between his parents and had sheltered Sango from the brunt of the water. As he looked around at the aftermath he cried out, "Oh Father! I just cleaned those windows!" Kyo's shoulders slumped.
Rin and Suzy squealed. They loved seeing this playful side of their father and they immediately jumped on him. The ensuing water fight was one for the Takahashi family history books. Even Kyo joined them after Ryuu grabbed Sango.
With the majority of the family occupied, Inuyasha joined Ryuu at the grill. Ryuu had just finished testing the rice and stir frying the vegetables. Covering them and putting them to the side he licked his lips as he eyed the steaks. He liked his barely cooked, just like his Dad.
Ryuu idolized his Dad. He adored the puppy ears, the emotional responses, the hugs, laughs, bedtime stories and so much more. He also loved his Father but he adored his Dad. As children he watched Kenichi hero worship their Father. His child mind had told him then that Daddy need worshipped too and that was how it started. That memory was lost in the annuals of time but the hero worship continued and nothing had taken away from it. Ryuu loved animals. He also wanted to be like Inuyasha so he blended them and became a veterinarian. Every step of the way Inuyasha applauded him, patted him on the back, gave him accolades, and praised his endeavors. Ryuu smiled to himself. His parents were close and he could see them more often!
"What's cha smiling about, son?" Inuyasha had watched his son eye the steaks. "Don't get any ideas. I claim that one!" Inuyasha pointed at a big juicy chunk of meat.
Ryuu looked up. Biting his lip for not paying attention to his surroundings he laughed. "You got me. I'll have to choose that one then."
Inuyasha nodded. "That's my good boy! I'm pleased." He laughed as he reached up to ruffle Ryuu's shorter hair. Ryuu reflected.
The shorter hair cut happened years previous. Inuyasha had thrown a major fit and it had been a major issue until Ryuu had the chance to explain. He had to cut it after taking care of a baby phoenix. After that incident Ryuu had pointed out that it was practical given his choice of occupation. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru stared at him for a while then Sesshomaru nodded.
"Very practical. Well done, son."
Ryuu had looked to Inuyasha for validation.
Inuyasha tilted his head and looked at Sesshomaru out of the corner of his eye. Then he made several faces as he cogitated the facts.
"It'll take me a little while to get used to it, but I agree with your logic."
Inuyasha cleared his throat.
"Earth to Ryuu. Come in Ryuu."
Ryuu blushed. "Sorry Dad. I was thinking about the first time you saw my short hair."
Inuyasha blushed. "Ryuu, I'm sorry I responded so poorly. You have the right to wear your hair anyway you want to. Forgive your Dad. Jumping to conclusions is one of my worse traits." Then laughing he added, "Ask your Father and Shippo. So embarrassing." The inuhanyou's ears were red.
"Hey! No picking on Daddy!" Sango pounded her little fists on her big brother's leg and dangerously close to his groin.
Ryuu put up his hands. "Okay, okay, Sango. No need to get all "demon slayer" on me. Ryuu turned to protect his groin.
Inuyasha bent down to look into Sango's eyes.
"Sweetheart. We don't hit our brothers in the groin. Thank you for defending me but no hitting there," Inuyasha pointed.
"But Wyuu was being mean to you…"
"What do you mean, Ryuu was being mean?"
Ryuu and Inuyasha's eyes opened incredibly wide as they noticed the entire family had gathered and was watching the interaction.
Inuyasha started laughing.
Ryuu was frozen in shock.
"Ryuu and I were talking when Sango misunderstood. Guess someone else jumps to conclusions too." Inuyasha smiled at Ryuu and then looked meaningfully at Sango. But this was all beyond the toddler's understanding and her puppy ears twitched back and forth in confusion.
Sesshomaru laughed and herded the family to the table. Suzy and Rin picked seats around Ryuu. Sango was left out.
"Come here Sweetheart," Sesshomaru motioned Sango to sit on his lap as he prepared her plate.
The steaks seared, the table set, and the food passed around the dinner conversation started.
"I miss Sissy and Bobby," Sango said as she looked at her vegetables.
Inuyasha missed the glance at her vegetables and commented, "They have work to do. Their think tank is busy, Sango."
Ryuu laughed. "I think Bobby eats her vegetables. Right, Sango?"
"Meanie!" Sango pouted and pushed her vegetables to the other side of her plate.
Kyo laughed. "Let me try Father."
Several minutes later the toddler had cleared the green vegetables from the plate and was making faces with Kyo.
"Huh?" Ryuu, Inuyasha, and Sesshomaru stared.
"Just a trick I use on the plane. I've had lots of practice with solo travelers. You know, the children that travel without their parents. We have to feed them. Don't want their parents to think we starve them." Kyo shrugged his shoulders.
"You have got to teach me that trick!" Inuyasha muttered. "Wish we knew it two hundred years ago"
"I'm glad you didn't," Ryuu bit his lip as he shuttered. "I like meat."
The family laughed and dinner continued.
Kyo noticed the conversation was lulling and he was dying to hear about Ryuu's adventure in England so he asked. "Ryuu, tell us about your griffin adventure."
Ryuu smiled happy to oblige. He gazed at the faces around the table.
"Well, little brother, you know I've always liked animals and I can communicate with most. A-Un is my best friend. Anyway after I became a veterinarian I heard of some geeks on the internet who blog some crazy stories about legendary animals. I investigated the areas to determine if the stories were true. Sometime they are lies or hoaxes like Scotland's Nessie. Other times I capture and relocate the animal or demon. Then I make up a story and fake photos that the geeks post on internet. That gets the groupies off the track and the animal can be free. But the animals and I have a talk first. They have to know that humans can be dangerous and we have to hide our true natures for a while longer.
Sesshomaru and Inuyasha nodded. Sesshomaru had already put the "smart ones" think tank on that task but no one else knew. It was inevitable. Demons would someday be exposed to the humans. He needed to protect his family at all costs.
"Go ahead," he prompted Ryuu to continue his story.
"Well, I went to England to search for a griffin because one had been seen and posted on the internet. I needed to investigate, then save it and reunite it with its family. My research told me that griffins are attracted to gold. I took a chunk of gold with me to lure it. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was a hanyou, a golden headed hippogriff!"
Inu's eyes opened wide.
Sesshomaru leaned forward.
"It took a while but I convinced him I was a friend. I told him stories of Jinenji and Go, the golden eagle demon at the castle. I transformed and showed him my biggest dog demon size. I was a bit surprise. I've grown a lot since the last time we played Father."
"So have I," Sesshomaru winked. "You ready to wrestle?"
Inuyasha rubbed his mark. 'Not now, finish the story first.'
"Your Dad wants to hear more. Go ahead with your story. We'll wrestle later," he prompted Ryuu to continue his story.
"He was a beautiful hippogriff. Golden head of an eagle, big wings and a horse's torso. His father, a griffin, had been injured in a battle. He was resting when his Mom, a mare helped him.
Sesshomaru and Inuyasha looked at each other. They had heard a version of this story before.
"The mare returned to her owner's barn late. The Master was angry and whipped her. The next day she returned to the griffin anyway. When the griffin saw how damaged the mare was he was moved by her sacrifice for him. They made out and decided to run away. They were free for one half a day but the master caught up with them. "Monster!" he yelled and they fought."
"The hippogriff told me he remember the story from his mother. She described it as a "Big battle" that ended when his father and the farmer slayed each other. His mother always spoke warmly of his father. If his father hadn't been weakened from earlier blood loss the hippogriff was sure he would have won."
"His mom didn't know she was pregnant but when time came she delivered him. She lived a long life and hid them well. When she died the hippogriff was ostracized and cast out by others. Forced to fend for himself he inadvertently got caught on film. That's when I found him." Ryuu finished.
Inuyasha nodded as he accepted the story.
Sesshomaru internalized the story and as he recalled how he treated his brother he let slip a whisper soft whine.
Inuyasha rubbed his mark sending thoughts of comfort and reminders that all was in the past.
Ryuu continued his story unaware of his parents' exchange.
"I explained the situation to my new friend the hippogriff. I offered to escort him to a golden eagle demon sanctuary in the French Alps until I could find other griffins or hippogriffs. I explained these demons were different and accepted all. He was thrilled. We left that night. The Alps were breathtaking. He found a high spot and perched. So majestic! Looked like he belonged there."
"I didn't say anything but surrounded by protected golden eagles demons he will blend in and who knows maybe find romance or at least friendship. Maybe my phoenix friend will be interested in moving…."
Ryuu contemplated silently.
Suzy and Rin sighed.
Inuyasha didn't miss their response. 'Preteens and romance—a parent's nightmare'
Dishes washed, a wrestling match refereed, more swimming and plenty of time to watch his children Inuyasha was no closer to figuring out why Ryuu was visiting so often and he said so as he prepared for bed that evening. Inuyasha rotated his shoulders and neck, gyrated, turned and finally found a position in their bed and settled down.
Sesshomaru rolled back and watched the contortions.
"You done yet? I'm waiting for you to find a comfortable spot so I can," Sesshomaru observed his mate.
"I miss our bed. This one isn't quite right," Inuyasha sighed.
"Maybe you aren't tired enough…"
Xoxoxoxo
