Chap 28
Happy Birthday Inuyasha! Part 1
Place: Canada
Date: Several months before 4 Dec 2297, the millennial birthday of Inuyasha
Dates to remember:
2129 – Miroku's birth. He would be the only one home but he's gone often studying with the monks
2148 – Jalen is born to Capt Kenichi and Nikki
2200, 2210, 2230 - Keiko is busy raising the Three Musketeers with Steven's help. He has become a well sought-after doctor.
Bobby and Barbie are at OTT with Rin. Benji was born 2249
2249 - Kenichi became the President of The University
2250 - Peter is reunited with the family and Sango starts school at The University.
2290 - Kohaku applied to GASA the first time.
2295 - Kohaku and Tsume are accepted to be astronauts.
2299—The majority of the action of Forever Us
Suzy has her best seller.
Ryuu is clueless about Suzy's affections and is just doing his veterinarian job.
Kyo and Yuki are flying and traveling.
2300 – Kagome is born.
Scene: Just the two Inuparents are home. They are in their joint office.
"Sesshomaru, I don't understand. We're not big into celebrating individual birthdays except for the children when they were young. We haven't celebrated either of our birthdays for decades."
Inuyasha looked up from his computer display to catch his husband's eye.
"When we were younger Japan celebrated birthdays on January first. Everyone's birthday was the same. It was about the group, not the individual," Inuyasha quirked his head, a sign he was more curious than angry. His ears twitched adding to the confused expression.
Sesshomaru smiled at his mate. His mate was so cute. The dog demon rose from his office chair and strolled across the room to sit on his husband's desk.
Inuyasha pushed away from the computer display where he had been reviewing Sango's last paper on astrobiology. He turned to face his mate and reached out to touch his hands. A screen saver gif of Keiko continuously twirling transitioned into place on his console. Inuyasha's desk was accented by something from every child from a handmade dog statue to pictures in unique frames, ceramic pencil holders, one-of-a-kind paperweights, and his favorite coffee mug. Inuyasha's eyes wandered over them all and smiled.
"I don't need a celebration," but Sesshomaru interrupted him gently by squeezing his hand.
"You may not need a celebration but we want to commemorate the day. We want to celebrate. I've talked with the entire family about this. You will be one thousand years old and we're grateful."
Sesshomaru looked over his mate. The inuhanyou didn't look a year over 500. He was still enthusiastic, cheerful, charming, and handsome. The only notable change was his patience. Their children had taught them both to be more patient. Sesshomaru felt a wave of gratitude flow through him.
Inuyasha observed his mate looking over him. His mind wandered. They were fortunate to have each other and such long lives. It really was a blessing. He could tolerate some celebration.
"Well – okay - Just don't do anything too outrageous. Your millennial was-," but Sesshomaru interrupted his mate quickly.
"Don't worry. It won't be anything that bad."
Both men cringed as memories of that celebration started popping in their minds. Inuyasha shook his head to drive them away. Sesshomaru dropped his head.
"I'm-," Sesshomaru started to apologize but Inuyasha interrupted him.
"Forget it."
The subject was dropped.
"So, what are we talking about here? Cake and reception? Or Dinner party?" Inuyasha guided the conversation away from the previous subject.
"Both," Sesshomaru replied, "maybe a little more. We have a big extended family. Everyone wants to party with you."
Images of his family raced in front of him. It had been awhile since he had seen Shippo's entire clan. It was the celebration of Peter's return in 2250. Inuyasha smiled. It would be great to see everyone.
"Okay," the hanyou conceded. "Just nothing outlandish, okay?"
Sesshomaru pulled his mate into his arms and hugged him as he whispered in his ear. "Only the best for you, my love."
"I have another subject I'd like to talk to you about. Let's get out and get some fresh air too."
"Are we going for a run?" Inuyasha's eyes looked bigger if possible.
Sesshomaru laughed. "If you want."
Inuyasha grabbed his brother's hand and ran to an open balcony. "Can we go from here?"
The inu demon allowed mokomoko to unfurl and capture his mate before he jumped out the balcony window.
Their run was renewing. Soon they were laying on the ground watching the night stars.
Inuyasha broke the silence.
"I think you are right but we need to talk to her first. By birthright it's her position."
Sesshomaru nodded. "Agreed. But she has never shown an interest, while he has from early in his life. Remember when he used to sit on my lap during meetings?"
Inuyasha studied his brother. "You do remember you were and still are his idol?"
Sesshomaru returned the examining look. "I have no doubt he loves us equally. Are you concerned?" Sesshomaru was confused regarding the purpose of the question.
"No," Inuyasha scoffed. "I know he loves us equally. You have always been his model. He wants to be like you."
"Curious," Sesshomaru paused. "He looked so much like Father then that I kept wondering if Father's soul had returned. Perhaps I treated him differently…" Sesshomaru appeared to be in deep contemplation.
"No Koi," Inuyasha rolled over closer to his mate. "Haven't you noticed—some of the kids favor me and some favor you. It's just that way. I remember when Bobby thought he insulted me because he mentioned how wonderful you were but didn't say anything about me. When he stopped to think about it, he was tripping all over himself trying to apologize."
Inuyasha smiled and turned back to stare at the stars.
"Let's talk to them separately and find out what they think. You want to do this at my birthday party? Is that why you brought it up now?
"I thought about it. The whole group would be together."
Inuyasha nodded his approval and then relaxed and allowed his mind to drift freely.
Sesshomaru rolled over to look at Inuyasha for any other questions, but he had none. The inuhanyou had his hands interlinked behind his head and his elbows out to the side. He was relaxed, studying the stars. Sesshomaru could never get enough of seeing his brother happy and relaxed.
Inuyasha could see Sesshomaru studying him from the corner of his vision. Assuming the demon was thinking about sex, - afterall, his mind had gravitated to sex - , he nonchalantly commented, "So, I like it here and stuff, but I'd rather do it in our bed. There's isn't much grass any more due to the climate and if you take me here we'll just get gravel and sand in our clothes."
Sesshomaru laughed to himself. To Inuyasha he commented, "We think alike after 739 years of mating."
Inuyasha laughed and replied, " Either that or you need to stop rubbing your mark when you are thinking."
Sesshomaru jolted. "Was I actually rubbing my mark?" He glanced at his hands and pondered if he had rubbed his neck.
Inuyasha laughed mischievously as he watched his brother squirm. "I'm not telling."
Sesshomaru shrugged and pushed the notion aside to think about later. "Hug me and we'll phase home so I can take you in the privacy of our chambers."
"I love the way you think," Inuyasha jumped up and put his nose in Sesshomaru's neck and shoulder region. He licked the pulse point slowly and seductively. "Lead the way home, my King," he whispered as he nipped his mate's earlobe.
A bright yellow sphere flashed across the sky, too fast to be tracked by human means.
The conversation with Keiko was easy.
Inuyasha had invited Keiko, Steven and the boys over on a night that Miroku would be available to entertain the boys. The meal was excellent. The dinner conversation was monopolized by the four boys and all their recent escapades. After dessert was served the boys all excused themselves to the recreation room with Dolly accompanying them.
The adults retired to the patio. It was still a lovely location even though the climate changes had affected the local area. A major change was the infinity pool. The infinity pool had a lower water level than usual due to the water shortage. Inuyasha had suggested they drain it, but Sesshomaru insisted they could have one extravagance. It was one of the things that could get the kids to come visit.
"Great dinner, Dad," Keiko began. "I love the way you make that dish."
"I've given you the recipes, right?" Inuyasha started to get up to get the recipe when Steven interrupted.
"Dad, she's got it. It's just—well—it tastes better when you make it," Steven shuffled his feet. He turned to his mate. "I'm sorry Sweetheart."
Untroubled Keiko laughed. "No insult taken. Dad is just a great cook! I can make other things," she smiled conspiratorially at their Dad who nodded in return. "Anyway, you said you wanted to talk to me. What's up?"
Steven and Keiko turned their bodies toward their parents.
Sesshomaru spoke, "Your Dad has allowed me to throw him a millennial birthday party."
Steven and Keiko smiled and cheered. "Alright! Thank you so much for agreeing Daddy! You deserve some special recognition. One thousand years! Super!"
Inuyasha smiled at his children. "Yeh, well, I guess it's okay. But no craziness, nothing outrageous. And don't hurt the planet in the process, promise?"
"I would never," Keiko startled, the idea preposterous to her very soul.
"That's not all, my Blessing," Sesshomaru continued. "We'd like to make an announcement too."
"Another sibling?" Steven clapped his hands.
"No," his parents responded in unison.
Steven mock pouted. "I always wanted a baby brother younger than my children," he muttered.
Keiko batted his shoulder playfully. "Father wants to talk. So, shush."
Sesshomaru nodded at his daughter.
"Keiko, by birth order you are the next ruler of the Western Lands and Castletown."
Keiko looked aghast. "OH NO Father. I don't want that position! Please Daddy. Tell him to pick Kenichi instead."
Inuyasha turned to Sesshomaru.
"See. I told you. She would rather pass the job to Kenichi." Inuyasha turned back to his first born. "Keiko, have you thought about this? I mean really thought about it."
Keiko nodded her head.
"I've had nightmares about it since I was little when Uncle Jaken told me I would be in line to rule after you and Father. It terrifies me. I know you would instruct me on what I would need but I just don't want the job." The princess shivered.
Sesshomaru watched his daughter, sniffing the air. She was telling the truth.
"Who then do you think should follow us?" Sesshomaru asked his daughter.
"Kenichi has always wanted to be King. Steven and I have talked about this together when we are alone. Kenichi is the right choice Father," Keiko volunteered immediately.
Steven nodded his agreement at his sister's statement.
"Kenichi would be great at it, Father," Steven expounded. "He used to talk about politics and policies all the time. In order to get him to stop I started talking about physiology and pathology. He can turn green pretty fast." Steven snickered in his hand.
"Good to know," Sesshomaru nodded. "He can get a little excitable about some things…."
"Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha chided.
"Just teasing," Sesshomaru replied. But he winked at Steven in acknowledgement.
"So, what announcement do you plan on making?" Keiko brought the men back to the original discussion.
Inuyasha smiled at her. "Well, since you have declined the right to rule, it would go to Kenichi. We want to announce our retirement from ruling. We intend on spending the next 50 years training one of you to take our place. The transfer of power will take place in small steps. He will have to show us he can do smaller things like events, parties, and festivals. Managing people and money are key but he is doing that now at The University."
Keiko nodded. Steven squeezed her hand.
"If you'd like some time to think about it—" Sesshomaru was interrupted as Keiko broke into tears.
All three men rushed to her side. Sesshomaru blanketed them all in his youkai.
"Calm down, honey. You don't have to choose right now," Inuyasha cooed.
Keiko flung herself into her Daddy's arms.
"Please, tell me," she panted between sobs, "You aren't dying, are you Daddy? Father?" At the thought of something killing her Father she wailed even louder.
Inuyasha hugged her.
"No baby. We're healthy and happy. We're okay. Don't worry."
Sesshomaru thrummed his youkai and wrapped his mokomoko around his daughter's shoulders.
"Smell us, Keiko. Let your nose reassure you," Sesshomaru offered.
Keiko took a deep breath.
Steven did too.
"See, told you we're okay. You should listen to your old Dad. He knows a thing or two," Inuyasha adopted a know-it-all pose.
Keiko's sobs slowed and she rubbed her mating mark.
"I know baby. I'll ask," Steven whispered to her. He turned to his parents. "She doesn't understand why now. For that matter I don't understand the timing either. You have always ruled together for as long as we've lived. Why abdicate the throne at your birthday party?"
Inuyasha and Sesshomaru looked at each other. "We just thought it would be a good time to announce the training of the future ruler of Castletown. Uncle Jaken is growing older quickly and someone will have to shadow him too." Inuyasha hugged Keiko again. "We'll tell all you kids separately and reassure you—"
"After we talk with Kenichi," Sesshomaru interrupted. "We all think he'll want the job but who knows he may not. Then we'll have to talk to Ryuu, and then Steven—"
"Don't bother. I don't want that job either." Steven inserted quickly.
"We'll see," Sesshomaru smirked. "Maybe you will in time." He drug out his response in a light-hearted sing-song tone. "Medicine then ruling," he quipped. "Just opposite of my career. Don't want to follow exactly in your father's footsteps." Sesshomaru teased Steven.
Steven's large eyes had the look of a great revelation as he realized he was being teased by his father. "I'm beginning to see why Ryuu likes to wrestle with you now, Father…" A large smile filled his visage.
"Small size Sesshomaru, Steven. The water's not deep enough for your bigger sizes—".
Inuyasha didn't finish his statement before he and Keiko were splashed from the wrestling dogs. Several minutes later four younger dogs jumped in to join their fathers.
Inuyasha put an arm around Keiko as they stood and watched the wet dogs play in the pool.
"Go ahead Keiko. Join them. It's okay."
"No. I'll just watch with you. It's not often that I get to hang out with my dad alone. I miss hanging out with you like when I was little."
Inuyasha squeezed her gently. "I remember those times fondly too, my Blessing."
The two sat on a loveseat on the patio where they could watch the water fight and referee if necessary. Inuyasha put his arm around Keiko and she put her head on his shoulder just like they had five hundred years before.
