Chap 25 "It's About Time!"

Date: When Capt. Kenichi visited Canada in Spring 2020 and Summer 2020

AN—Special thanks to Nikki for proofreading and editing.

"There was one more thing, Lord Sesshomaru. I almost hate to bring it up but I've been around you long enough to know you'd rather nip things in the bud than let them fester."

"You have my attention."

"No one contests that Lord Jaken's word is yours. But there are some rumbling amongst the advisors as to who is second to Lord Jaken. They insinuate that they are even more important to you than Lord Jaken."

Sesshomaru listened. He was not one to jump to conclusions. He ran through the advisors in his mind. Two stuck out.

"I assume you do not wish to name them?"

"Yes, my Lord. I do not like to point fingers. Although I promise you it is not Jinenji or I. We are quite content with our positions in the court."

"Very well. I am pleased with your answer. I shall look into it. Enjoy your time with your future mate."

Captain Kenichi startled. "What makes you say that, Milord?"

"I simply meant for you to have fun," Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow and examined the Captain of his guard.

"No, sir. I understood that. I meant 'future mate'"

"Why, I would think that's obvious. You flew all the way to Canada to spend time with her. You have spent 29 days with her. If you did not like her you would have stopped spending time with her. Inuyasha has repetitively told me that the lady is enamored with you and I can see that you are enchanted with her. If you are not considering mating why would you lead her on? You aren't that kind of demon."

When stated so matter-of-factly, Capt. Kenichi was forced to think. 'What was he waiting for? He was bewitched by her beauty, captivated by her charm, dare he say it—in love! Kenichi was in love.'

Dumbstruck he stared at his King.

"My, oh my. You have it bad. You have my blessing to mate your beloved. Get to it Captain!" Sesshomaru turned and walked away, a grin on his face. "I have some work to do."

Sesshomaru returned to his office and jotted off an email to Jaken asking if they had ever appointed the advisors in writing or if it was just by his hand. When he received a lengthy response he scanned it for the bottom line. No he had not appointed anyone save Jinenji in writing.

Sesshomaru began crafting two appointment letters that day. The first would be for Lord Protector. No one but Capt. Kenichi would be second to Jaken. Sesshomaru reflected on the young Blood hound demon. He had come a long way from the near feral teenage demon named Shippeitaro to the proud Captain of the Guard. Sometimes it was hard to believe that Kenichi was actually younger than Inuyasha. 'Inuyasha's early lack of maturation was no one's fault but mine,' he pondered.

Sesshomaru appreciated the depth of Inuyasha and Kenichi's friendship. They had only met once. Then years later Kenichi searched Inuyasha out. What devotion and loyalty! Sesshomaru reflected. His brother was able to create the strongest and the deepest of bonds between beings. Perhaps that was from his human half. Beings had followed his father but that was because of his strength, wasn't it? Sesshomaru deliberated on that thought a bit longer.

Regardless Sesshomaru understood the value of loyalty and friendship now thanks to his baby brother and their beautiful family. Sesshomaru spare a single second to think of his mother. 'I didn't get any of that from her.' His mind quickly changed gears to think of Jinenji.

'The second appointment letter would officially recognize Jinenji as the Royal Physician. This one was well over due. I would not have become the physician I am if it weren't for the gentle giant. I cannot possibly pay Jinenji enough for the opportunities he gave me. If he hadn't introduced me to Nana—my learning would never have gotten started. I miss all those late night library discussions-such fond memories. They were my medical school memories like the ones Steven talks about. I understand my boy. Spending time together discussing such maters-Good memories.'

He finished the letters and sent them to Jaken. Then he searched out his mate and children.

Of course he would share them with Inuyasha in time.

But as life flew by he forgot to mention it.

Spring turned to summer.

One evening while Sesshomaru and Inuyasha were working quietly in their home office, an email popped into Inuyasha's preview screen with the words, "It's about time!" as the subject line. Curious as to the content of the email Inuyasha posed his finger to open it.

"Hey! Be careful! That may be spam. Do you even recognize the email address?" Sesshomaru snorted. He had gone over email protocol multiple times with Inuyasha. Although he was the elder of the two, Sesshomaru took to technology easier and quicker. After having to restore their entire home network from backup after the last computer virus debacle, Sesshomaru was keeping a closer watch on his family's internet use, specifically his precious baby brother.

"Umm? Good question. Let me click on it."

Before Sesshomaru could grab the mouse from his mate, Inuyasha had clicked on the email address.

It read CakeDemon at castletown dot jp

"HEY! It's Nikki!" Inuyasha nearly bounced in his seat from his excitement.

Suzy and Dolly had just been walking by when she heard Nikki's name so they popped into the office.

"Dad? Did you say Ms. Nikki?"

"Yeah. I think I just got an email from Nikki! Isn't that cool?"

"YAY! THE CAKE LADY! Can I listen as you read it?" Suzy beamed as she looked up at Inuyasha. Dolly walked to Sesshomaru's side and sat down. She looked up at the alpha in a similar way. Sesshomaru regarded the two, shook his head and returned to his desk.

Inuyasha opened the email and started reading.

My dearest Prince—(I'm still mad about that Inuyasha! Don't think that subject is settled, young man!)

I have good news! After three months of living here in Castletown Captain Kenichi has finally popped the question. I have to tell you all about it!

I moved to Castletown for myself and my kids more than anything else (Okay! Capt. Kenichi had a lot to do with it). Still, it is such a joy to be open with my demon nature. I was getting tired of hiding my true nature from the humans, worrying about prejudice and segregation. Castletown is such a wonderful place. The King should be proud of his kingdom.

Inuyasha looked over at Sesshomaru. Although his fingers were still on the keyboard they had paused. Inuyasha knew his mate heard the compliment and smiled as he continued to read the email.

I settled into a lovely three bedroom dwelling not far from the center of the old town. After checking with my friend, the local baker, I opened my cake business. The baker was willing to hire me but I like being my own boss. I assured him that I wasn't going to take away business from him but he told me he wanted me to take the sweet business and that he would gladly give it to me. He seemed really impressed with Keiko's cake, particularly Sesshomaru's strawberry layer.

Sesshomaru had sat back in his chair and was sipping his tea. A fleeting memory of the strawberry cake from the wedding had him salivating. A soft "hmmm" slipped from his lips.

So it took about a month but I opened the "Cake Demon" shop in Castletown. Business started briskly. I had many visitors who just want to see what I was all about. Since then business has been more even. I occasionally get a catering gig but most of the time it's a steady business. My kids helped for a while but then some locals asked to be hired and after I tested them out I've been pleased with their work.

Kenichi made a point of coming by daily for tea with me and checking on me every evening at closing but the big nitwit didn't move any other advances. Talk about feeling unsecure of myself. I am ONE HOT MOMMA and that dork just didn't appreciate me.

I started focusing on getting involved in the community. I met Jinenji and we got into a very interesting discussion on herbs and cooking with them. He is concerned that the climate is impacting their growth and has been trying to preserve them. He is worried that by preserving them they will lose some of their healing ability. I have been trying recipes with him. So far nothing too impressive but I'm not quitting.

The other interesting thing I did was get involved with the school and the meals. My youngest still had a year or so left in high school. He came home the first day and told me about all the fried foods the cafeteria served. I was not impressed. After a week of hearing about the poor nutritional meals I started packing his lunch. I brought it up with Jinenji and he was surprised. He told me that he would look into it. Then he asked if I would consider being involved with the health and nutritional committee for the school. I jumped at the opportunity.

That's how I got introduced to the town pub. The committee meets there. I met the owner and we hit it off. That seven tail fox owner is such a smooth operator. He regaled me with a number of wonderful stories of you and your pack. We laughed until we cried.

Apparently at the same time I was getting involved in the community Kenichi was asking dating advice from Usagi! Ha! Ha! The son had to teach his dad. Too funny. Usagi had seen me talking with the pub owner and used that to prod his dad on. He said something like the lady's going to regret trading her friendship with Inuyasha with a "nothing-ship" to you. Then he added that he had heard someone at the pub talking about asking her out. A lie I assure you but it was the impetus Kenichi needed.

Well, that's all it took.

That very night he marched into my business. The conversation was so funny I have to repeat it for you.

Who was it that you were talking to?

Who was who?

Don't play dumb with me, woman! I demand to know who that male in the pub was, and WHAT he said to you!

Male in the pub? Are you talking about the owner? Nothing. He just asked me a couple of quest-...

I KNEW IT! I JUST KNEW IT! I turn my back for one minute, and you're flirting with other men! Damn it woman!

Now, wait, Kenichi. I can expla

There is NOTHING to explain! I won't allow it!

You won't allow what?!

I will NOT allow you to go traipsing off with some ignorant cur!

Now see here you over grown Bassett hound! I neither flirted, nor was I traipsing around with anyone anywhere!

Oh no? Then what would you call it?! I know what I know, Nikki! You are mine! MINE! AND, I will be damned if I'm gonna lose you to some low rate beer swiller! I LOVE YOU TOO MUCH!

You...you what?

I love you woman, and I want YOU to be my mate!

Well, you guessed the rest. Say hello to the proud wife of the Captain of the Castletown Guard!

Inuyasha leaned back and laughed.

"Oh man! I have to tease Kenichi!"

Sesshomaru nodded knowingly. "I gave him my permission to mate her just before he left here. I'll have to find out if the castle security is as untimely. Three months to get the job done—that's embarrassing for leadership at the castle. I had hoped the Lord Protector was a little more judicious."

Inuyasha stared wide eyed at Sesshomaru. Then he flew into his mate's arms and smothered him in kisses.

While her parents were making out Suzy got in her dad's chair and read the rest of the email.

Well, that's the good news. Jaken tells me he's going to visit you soon with some paperwork. I'll send some treats with him. What would you like? Love Nikki.

Suzy glanced at her parents and then back to the computer. 'I'll just answer for them.'

Hi Ms. Nikki, Daddy is kissing Father so I'll answer if it's okay. Father loves anything strawberry. He really liked your cake. The rest of us love your Blonde Brownies. So Good! Thank you bunches. I miss your cake a lot but we all miss you lots more. I'm happy you are happy. :) Love Suzy

Suzy hit the send button and slipped out of the office.

Two days later Uncle Jaken arrived with several boxes of goods. Suzy ran to him and welcomed him warmly.

"Hi Uncle Jaken! I'm happy to see you. Do you have it?!" Suzy bounced excitedly, hugging her uncle.

Uncle Jaken basked in the adoration from the cute little curly haired pup.

"Right here," Jaken pointed to the boxes surrounding him.

"Yay!" Suzy started to grab for a box but a striped hand blocked her.

"Jaken."

"Yes, My Lord." Jaken bowed.

"Welcome," Inuyasha slipped between them and offered the old imp a million dollar smile. "I trust your flight was safe. Let me help you to your room. Can I carry your boxes?"

"They are for you. Nikki sent your order with me."

"What order?" Inuyasha and Sesshomaru asked at the same time.

"Mine," chirped Suzy.

The inu parents looked at each other puzzled. Inuyasha bent down to look at her in the eye. "What order, My graceful Lily?"

"The one at the end of Ms. Nikki's email. Since Uncle Jaken was coming she asked what we would like her to send. I asked her to send strawberry anything for Father and Blonde Brownies for the rest of us. That's all." Suzy's curls bounced as she answered her Daddy's question.

Uncle Jaken nodded. "Nikki was impressed with your request, Suzy. The other boxes are gifts from her for all of you. And Captain Kenichi wanted me to tell Lord Sesshomaru that he had completed his mission."

"You can tell him – Well done Lord Protector."

Jaken nodded. "It will bring me great pleasure, Milord."