TWENTY TWO

"Good Morning everybody!" Ryan sang as he entered the living room. He has a tray of cold Starbucks drinks on one hand and his own cup on the other while Ren held the rest of his stuff; another full coffee tray and a box of donuts, "I brought something for everyone!" their friend smiled, "Salted caramel mocha, doll." he extended a cup to her.

Kurenai's eyes twinkled like Christmas lights and reached out with two hands, "You. Are. Perfect!" she gushed and accepted the cheek-to-cheek greeting Ryan gave.

Once again Sesshoumaru found himself gazing at Kurenai, the expressions she make are fascinating to him. Her childlike joy in the simple things, generously affectionate and gentle but still tough and blunt no matter who she's up against, it's a rare myriad of character that blended perfectly in a human woman.

{So, what are these thoughts you're having now?} his beast's taunting and unwanted comment resounded in the depths of his mind and he scowled.

/This Sesshoumaru is merely observing, I do not recall it being a crime./

The beast shook his head at his other form, {So stubborn, it won't hurt if you admit that she's affecting you even just a little.}

/It's too early for this farce. Go!/ the daiyoukai growled but made sure that he did it mentally, he's had enough of his beast's taunting getting him in trouble.

The beast chuckled at the composed Lord's frustration before he did as he was told finally leaving Sesshoumaru in peace.

"It hasn't even been two hours since her last coffee and you're giving her one again." Ren admonished playfully.

"Coffee addiction is perfectly legal Ren." Ryan retorted, "Here you go, Iced Latte." he handed the drink over to the brother, "As for the others, since I don't know what they like I got Iced Latte for the grown-ups and Iced Passion Tea for the young ones." he laid out the drinks on the table and opened the box of donuts, "And of course we have donuts."

The modern era newbies eyed the circular treats with curiosity that made the siblings smile.

"Thank you Ryan, you're just too sweet." her friend winked in response to her gratitude. She turned to her friends and children, "Go ahead, have a taste. They're really good and they go well with your drinks."

Kurenai didn't have to tell them twice, each of them reached in and grabbed a piece. Their faces lit up in delight and stared at the pastry in their hands after taking a bite. It's delicious! They thought.

Satisfied with their reaction, Kurenai grabbed her own piece, "Talk to me Ry, how are we with the rooms?"

The interior designer smiled, "It's should be relatively easy since the rooms are ready to be furnished. We'll start with the paint job today and the lighting fixtures I bought yesterday should be delivered after lunch, they'll be installed as well."

"Wow. Aren't you on a roll? That's great. It's perfect timing to furnish everything as well since we'll be gone for a few days."

"Wait 'til you see the furniture and accessories I bought yesterday! I found the most insane stuff!" he declared animatedly with the brandish of his hands and the rise and fall of his voice and six pairs of eyes watched him in awe.

Kurenai smiled fondly at her friend, she really adores him, not because he spoils her but he makes her laugh effortlessly. Her guests are still getting used to his personality and after she disclosed the information that Ryan is actually homosexual and explaining what it means, she's glad that her friends didn't feel repulsed by him unlike other close minded people. They only ever looked curious.

"So jealous, I wish I could've gone with you. Don't get me wrong you're a fabulous designer, but that's my favorite part." she pouted.

"Oh please, you're already busy enough as it is doll." Ryan rolled his eyes at her even Ren smirked in agreement to the statement.

She raised her hands in surrender, "I know, I know. Anyway, as you know we'll be shopping today for our trip to New York tomorrow." she handed him a small pouch, "The spare key's in there plus a budget for you and your team's expenses for the following days, you know I'd be happy to cook for you myself if I can but it's not possible so I'll make it up to you when we get back. Oh!" she clapped her hands together, "Why don't you join us for dinner tonight?"

"I can't say no to your cooking doll, but Luke and I already made plans for tonight." he regretfully told her.

"Oh don't sweat it dear, there's always next time and you can bring Luke, give my regards to him 'kay? Well," she reached for her bag and rose to her feet, "we need to get going. Thank you for your hard work dear, keep me in the loop okay?" she said as she pressed her cheek to Ryan's.

"No worries doll, have fun but be mindful of that foot alright?" Ryan looked down at her injured foot.

"Of course." she looked at her friends who also got to their feet with their drinks in hand. The box of donuts went empty ages ago much to her delight, "Let's go."

Their furry babies walked them to the door and after saying their fluffy goodbyes, the group is off for their guests from the Feudal era's first ever shopping trip.