Holiday
"I'm sorry they took so long. With everything that's been happening recently… Do you like them?"
Zha'haarak watched himself in the mirrorwall, gently touching the delicate pendant earrings Hijau had just carefully placed in his ears. The Saiyan smiled.
"You're so beautiful…"
The prince reached back and pulled his bondmate's arms around him from behind, nestling back into his embrace.
"So are these, zvi'ch. Thank you."
Hijau kissed his ear, setting the pendant swinging. The sunfire crystals glowed against dark emerald hair, tiny inclusions sparkling as the light caught them.
"They suit you."
Zha'haarak beamed - then pressed his backside firmly against his mate, rubbing slowly, bringing Hijau swiftly erect.
**Do we have time…?**
Hijau moaned slightly, eyes closing as his hands slipped down to his zn'hre's groin and inside the bodysuit, fondling the rigid shaft and moist, swollen nub.
*We always have time…*
**Ohhhh…**
Sated, Zha'haarak lay limply back against Hijau, panting, trembling as the Saiyan slid from his body. The captain sighed happily and hugged him, nuzzling his neck, eyes closed. Sex had a certain extra something since he'd had the beads set, for both of them. The way the beads… tugged… at his flesh as he thrust in and pulled back ignited sensations he'd never felt before. It was quite delicious…
He kissed the cool green neck.
*I'm sorry, zkai'da. I really need to get back to headquarters…*
Zha'haarak swivelled to sit sideways on his Saiyan's lap, licking gently at his claim mark.
**I know. I've delayed you too long. Thank you for staying.** He touched an earring. **And for these. They are beautiful, and will always remind me of that day…**
Hijau grinned and rose, carrying the prince with him from the pool and into the common room. Settling Zha'haarak beside Ti'aasaan, he gestured to Kelapa - who'd managed to sneak home for a few minutes to be with Mahrayne - and the pair took off, heading back to Guard Headquarters. There was a full Council meeting that afternoon, and Zha'haabron and all available Elite Guard were required to be present. So, to Hijau's surprise, was Radittsu. He wasn't going to be involved in the Ghrakigh Conflict, surely? It was an apprehensive captain who called the meeting to order as Vejiita took his seat, Zorun as ever at his back…
Mahrayne had retired to the balcony to rest, and Ra'vahn and Za'rayne were asleep. Zha'haarak was watching a very distracted Ti'aasaan, frowning.
"What's wrong?"
Ti'aasaan sighed and took the thin green hand that was stroking his face, kissing the long fingers absently.
"It's nothing."
Zha'haarak blinked.
**It obviously is something. Tell me. Perhaps I can help…**
**Aren't Tane and Dari due?**
**Not for an hour…** The prince tugged lightly on a tiny plait. **Come, zvi'ch. Tell me…**
To the prince's amazement the little zn'hre blushed! Lowering his eyes, he murmured,
"It really isn't anything important."
Zha'haarak pulled him into a hug.
"Please…"
For a long moment Ti'aasaan hesitated, then sighed.
"It's your Guard."
"Jagung? What about him?"
"He's so beautiful…"
Zha'haarak's eyes widened.
"You are attracted to him?"
Blushing even more furiously, Ti'aasaan nodded.
"Oh."
"Yes, 'oh'." He wrapped his arms around himself and gazed at the prince, pale golden eyes wide and pained. "I know, he's claimed and bonded, and Merica-san is very possessive. I know they have always been faithful to each other - and they love each other so deeply. I've behaved. But it hurts. I want to be near him; he's in my thoughts always, and I miss him when he isn't here. Sometimes I'm sure I can *hear* him…"
Zha'haarak bit his lip. That sounded bad, too reminiscent of how he'd felt when he'd bonded to Hijau, before the Saiyan had reciprocated. He pulled the little zn'hre closer, kissing his hair, trying to give wordless sympathy - about all he could do for now.
"The Ssii'iin will have to know. He's the only one who might be able to help."
"He will try to break the bond - what there is of it."
"Would that not be for the best?"
Ti'aasaan's eyes filled with tears.
"My head agrees. The rest of me would rather suffer forever than let him go …"
Zha'haarak held him tightly as he wept.
Tane and Dari arrived on the balcony to find Mahrayne stretching languidly as she woke. They grinned at each other, and then at the Hassinan.
"Greetings, Lady Mahrayne! How are things with you?"
The Hassinan smiled and ran a golden hand over her swollen belly.
"Well, thank you."
Eyes twinkling, Dari took her hand and hauled her easily to her feet.
"Perhaps I may take a *look*, later, once his highness is comfortable."
Tane tutted at her twin.
"Now what would Vinas have to say about that?"
Dari smiled shyly.
"He'd probably be pleased that we were looking after the Royal Tutor."
Mahrayne inclined her head.
"Thank you. I would be very happy for you to check my health - after Zha'haarak, yes?"
Tane chuckled and followed them into the suite. Zha'haarak glanced up as they entered, forcing a smile, although his eyes were sad. Unseen by the females Ti'aasaan brushed the tears from his face, and pulled himself from the prince's arms, managing a wavering smile as he turned and stood upright. Mahrayne beamed at him - then paused, a faint frown pulling her brows together. She'd hoped to spend a little time with him while the twins tended Zha'haarak, but… He looked thoroughly miserable. She opened her mouth to ask what was wrong, but he shook his head slightly and raised a hand.
"I am going to visit Ti'zheenan, should anyone wish to contact me." He glanced back at Zha'haarak's anxious face. **Please say nothing, zvi'ch. To anyone. I will speak with the Ssii'iin when I'm ready**
The gentle zn'hre bit his lip but nodded.
**Very well. Remember I am here, should you need solace…**
**Thank you, zk'vissin**
Mahrayne watched him leave, her mind full of misgiving, as he headed down to Suguri's temporary suite on the ground floor. Then she regarded Zha'haarak, who had stripped and was lying on the platform as the twins inspected his hip. The Hassinan knew that Dari in particular was concerned about the heavy silvery scars that striped his skin - not that he was worried about them himself, but the healer found it heart-rending that they marred his beauty. At any rate, she'd been exploring ways to use her ki talent to reduce them or even make them vanish altogether. She hadn't had any success yet, however, which (Kelapa had said, scenting the young female) dismayed her. As she and Tane set about feeling the still aching hip - and checking for any recurrence of the bony outgrowths - Mahrayne seated herself at the prince's head, stroking his hair gently and keeping a wary eye on the sleeping babies.
"Is Ti'aasaan all right?"
Zha'haarak hesitated, then sighed and got straight to the point.
"It is a family thing, Mahrayne. I'm sorry, but it's private. You cannot help."
She blinked, somewhat put out, but had no choice but to accept his words, maddening as they were to her curiosity. She forced a smile.
"Well, if I can help at any time, you'll let me know, yes?"
He nodded, then winced as Tane tweaked something that sent a spear of pain down his leg. She smiled apologetically.
"Sorry, your highness. I'll try not to do it again…"
An hour later the twins sat back with satisfied sighs, and Dari took Zha'haarak's cool thin hand.
"How's that, your highness?"
The prince moved the hip, circling the joint and nodding: the motion was - mostly - painless. He smiled.
"Thank you. That is much better."
Tane grinned.
"Took us less time too. Course, the warmer weather is helping a lot. Are you lunching with Hijau-sama tomorrow?"
The zn'hre nodded, and she inclined her head.
"You'll walk there?"
"Yes."
"Then we'll come back late tomorrow morning, if you wish, for a little boost before you head off."
"Thank you. And now," he glanced at the little hybrids, who were showing signs of waking up, "perhaps you would care to tend to the Lady Mahrayne?" His eyes twinkled as he regarded the Hassinan. "By all means use the pool, if you would like. No-one is due back for several hours…"
Tane glanced at her twin.
"I think, perhaps, we should retire to another room…"
Mahrayne held herself still with difficulty, Dari's warm hands strong yet delicate over her abdomen, following the contours of the baby. Her fingers left a faint tingling trail behind them as they moved over the Hassinan's skin - and Mahrayne could feel her baby respond to the gentle ki-stimulation, settling himself comfortably within her. It was so delicious… and arousing. She wanted those hands to touch other parts of her body.
Tane grinned - and tweaked a nipple, stroking Mahrayne's groin with her tail. The Hassinan gasped and pressed up against her fingers, shifting her hips back and forth as the healer teased the entrance to her body. Dari smirked, her fingertips working slowly up the golden body to stroke and knead the breast beads, following the pattern and slowly driving Mahrayne to distraction. She moaned quietly and reached to pull both Saiyans to her, gasping as two hot, wet mouths latched onto her nipples and sucked hard… As long strong tails slid under her back to caress the beads there, two strong hands fondled and squeezed and stroked her groin.
She cried out as she came and lay limply for a moment or two, regaining her breath, watching the Saiyans smirking smugly at each other across her body - then abruptly grabbed them closer, kissing the angle of Dari's jaw then twisting to press her lips hard to Tane's mouth. The healers froze momentarily - then relaxed as the Hassinan pulled herself to her knees, turned and pushed them gently down to the bed, kneeling between them as her hands explored their lithe, slender bodies, her head moving back and forth as she kissed and licked and nipped smooth hot skin, small sensitive nipples, the ridges of slim hips… slim black tails coiled against each other, then slipped between Mahrayne's legs to tease, then tightened around her thighs as their owners climaxed almost simultaneously, the Hassinan's fingers deep within them as her thumbs skilfully manipulated those so-sensitive nubs…
As their eyes fluttered open, moments later, she grinned evilly and lowered her face to Tane's quivering groin…
Jeice had needed, really needed, to get away from the palace and everyone in it, just for a little while. The lush tropical forest to the north seemed like the perfect place to lose himself for a few hours, soak up the rich life there, get to know the area…
To his extreme annoyance he was not permitted to go there alone. Merica had been sympathetic but unyielding.
"I'm sorry, Jeice-sama, I have orders from the Captain not to let any of the family leave the palace without a guard. Yes, I know you are more than capable of taking care of yourself," he raised both hands as the hash'shavven scowled and began to protest, "but I have my orders. If you wish to visit the jungle, Daidai and I will escort you. We will try to be discreet, but we must accompany you."
Well, at least they wouldn't cause him too much emotional distress: Daidai was stolid and relatively unemotional, and Merica was, in the main, even-tempered and so contentedly in love with his bondmate that under normal circumstances it soothed and cheered the empath. Although that in itself was part of the problem right now…
He sighed. Ah well.
Now he was dancing amongst the great trees, Daidai and Merica some distance away, out of his sight - though it was unlikely he was out of theirs, or their scent-range either. He could still feel them, of course, but theirs were the only emotions between here and the city, and the distance helped enormously.
As he danced, and drew in the ki of the place, he allowed his mind to drift…
Things were troubled in the family. It wasn't the normal, mundane little upsets that happened in even the most stable of families, either: these were profound and distressing, obvious even through his barriers.
Ti'aasaan was deeply unhappy, and given the way the little zn'hre's tension increased every time he caught sight of Jagung, the reason was fairly obvious. Merica didn't know, of course - unless Jagung had told him, which was quite possible, and in that case the warrior apparently didn't consider the zn'hre a threat. It didn't help Ti'aasaan, of course: Jeice wasn't entirely sure what could. The hash'shavven had heard about Zha'haarak's original half-bond with Hijau and suspected that the little zn'hre had somehow formed the same sort of link with Jagung. But unless Merica agreed to it, there was no way Jagung would - could - ever reciprocate. Even if he wanted to, which, Jeice thought, he very well might...
Thoughts of the Guard led inevitably on to the thought of Zorun. Jeice sighed and closed his eyes: being in the King's Guard's presence was actually painful. He'd very discreetly opened to the big male on the few occasions they'd met, and had been bewildered and troubled by what he'd discovered. Zorun felt himself wholly unworthy of love, of being loved, alternately humbled, exhilarated and terrified by Mahrayne's feelings for him. And Jeice had no idea why - the Guard had forced the reasons back too far to be easily accessed, and it was unlikely in the extreme that Zorun would ever consent to letting the empath close enough to investigate.
But Hijau and Zha'haarak knew, he was absolutely certain of that. And he was sure it had to do with Nappa. He was also sure he needed to know what the situation was, if only for self-defence. The emotions swirling in and around the Saiyan hurt.
As did Kelapa's loathing of Zorun, and the jealousy that poured from her when Mahrayne spent time with her mate. As did the Hassinan's deep sadness that her lover and her mate hated each other. As did Leteetza's ambivalent feelings towards the children she was carrying.
Jeice ended his dance and sank down to sit cross-legged on a branch, his head in his hands.
And what the fuck was happening with Ti'ani and Le'leen?!
The hybrids were blocking him. That should have been impossible, but somehow the twins managed to prevent him from gaining even the slightest insight into what they were feeling. For one who'd spent his whole life relying on his empathic sense to know the beings with whom he came into contact it was both frightening and unnerving. And he strongly suspected Ra'vahn and Za'rayne might also have the same ability, though it was latent at the moment.
Jeice was pretty sure that no-one else in the family was aware of what the hybrids were capable.
He sighed. Yet another thing he needed to try to resolve. It would probably mean actually talking to the children, and there was no guarantee they'd allow that - but he had to try.
And then there was Veiyan…
He rubbed a hand across his eyes, desperately not wanting to think about the little female and what she must be enduring. His head was aching, and he felt drained, despite the ki he'd soaked up. He suddenly wanted to spend some time with Radittsu, making love and basking in the big male's being. Apart from a few hazy, deeply buried unpleasantnesses in the past, the Saiyan was filled with a soul deep happiness, a profound love and adoration for his bondmate that coloured everything he touched. Being with him was to feel safe and warm and cherished - and right now Jeice needed that. Inside, the emotional turmoil in the family was close to tearing him apart.
Leteetza was in the library - with Zha'leesaan. To her surprise the solemn little hostling had asked, two days ago, if he could accompany her: he wanted to see what she was doing. He also wanted to learn Formal R'ren'nkh'ia-go, something which his sire was very happy to arrange for him. So, somewhat bemused but quietly pleased, the King's Companion had taken 'leesaan to the zhaneer project room and introduced him to Fa'zhen, a kindly brood ko'ish'n who'd been delighted to take him under her tutelage…
Five hours later Leteetza stretched and yawned, wincing as Vejiita junior kicked hard, and Radittsu junior squirmed vigorously. There were times she could swear the pair were sparring: thank the gods their birth wasn't too far away now! She'd grown so huge she felt positively unbalanced, and making love was awkward: even from behind was uncomfortable, and Radittsu simply refused to enter her any more, worried he might harm the brats. Which was very sweet of him, but bloody frustrating when all she wanted was a good fucking!
She sighed and rubbed her face. Ah well. Only another fifty days…
'leesaan was positively glowing with enthusiasm when she collected him from Fa'zhen. The brood was smiling cheerily.
"A wonderful student, Leteetza-sama! He learns very quickly, and is very enthusiastic." She smiled gently at the hostling. "Will I see you tomorrow?"
He nodded eagerly.
"Yes please!"
She chuckled and ruffled his hair.
"Good. I will look forward to it!"
Pisang - with all available Elite at the council of war, first class warriors and the hostling's R'ren'nkh'ian guards had been pressed into guard duty for the family within the palace grounds - escorted Leteetza and 'leesaan back to the suite, where family members were gradually arriving back for the evening meal. Bri'seiyis and his students joined the family for the meal, settling themselves close to the prince, and a little later Ti'zheenan and Ti'aasaan made their entrance. Zha'haarak glanced up from cuddling 'viirel: the little zn'hre looked only a little less unhappy than when he'd left.
**Zvi'ch?**
Ti'aasaan managed a watery smile.
**Little one, if it's too painful I can request another guard…**
**Then I wouldn't see him at all…**
Zha'haarak sighed. He knew *exactly* how his little bondmate felt, the misery of knowing that the one you *wanted* so much couldn't be yours. Of course, in his case that hadn't been the case, in the end... He'd have to speak to the Ssii'iin, later.
For now, though, he was fighting down his own feelings of apprehension. He'd spoken to Zha'haabron about 'viirel leaving with the songwright: they'd discussed the advantages and disadvantages, and come to the conclusion that it would be an excellent opportunity for the hostling. 'viirel loved his music with a passion, as much as 'tiisaan lived for his dance. And Bri'seiyis would certainly make an ideal mentor and caring thri'siin, and 'viirel would join in the normal lessons with the rest of the children, so they'd see him nearly every day, and there was no reason why Zha'haarak couldn't visit and 'viirel come back to Vejiitasei on occasion…
They hadn't spoken to 'viirel yet. Nor mentioned anything to any of the other children. But the R'ren'nkh'ian contingent were due to return home in eleven days, and the family had to know what the hostling wanted to do. Zha'haarak had been putting it off - but he really had to talk to the child.
Bri'seiyis made it a little easier, asking 'viirel, in front of everyone, if he'd like to continue his lessons. At the child's eager affirmative, the gentle zn'hre hugged him and explained that he could, if he went back to R'ren'nkh'ia. 'viirel had frowned.
"But what about Hi'ijaa?"
Zha'haarak blinked.
"What do you mean, little one?"
"Well, Hi'ijaa's Captain of the Guard. Wouldn't he miss you?"
The prince bit his lip and cuddled the hostling.
"I… I wouldn't come with you, zvi'ch. You'd live with Bri'seiyis."
'viirel stared, then chewed his lip.
"Without you? Without the others?"
Zha'haarak nodded, his eyes brimming.
"But we'd see you every day on the comm screen. And visit as often as we could, and you'd come home for visits too…"
'viirel slid his arms around his host's neck and hugged him tightly.
"Don't cry, maazi. It's only eight hours away."
His face buried in his child's hair, the prince nodded.
"I know, precious one. And I don't want you to miss the chance to study with him - it's a wonderful opportunity for you. But I would miss you."
"And I would miss you. But…" He glanced at the songwright, who smiled gently back. "It's my music."
Tears streaming down his face, Zha'haarak nodded.
"And you will be the first of the new zn'hre to create beauty, something for us all to be proud of."
'viirel pulled back a little and wiped the tears from his host's face.
"Thank you, maazi. For not stopping me. For letting me do this. I promise I'll be good."
Zha'haarak choked out a laugh and kissed his nose.
"Oh, I know you will, precious one. You always have been."
'tiisaan was staring at them, expression alarmed.
"You're going? You're really going?!"
'viirel glanced at the songwright, who nodded.
"Yes. Do you want to come too?"
Ti'aasaan stared, eyes wide and frightened. But 'tiisaan shook his head.
"I don't mean to be rude, Bri'seiyis-sensei, but I haven't learned anywhere near enough from Mahrayne and Jeice yet. I will miss you," he smiled at his sire-sib and Ti'zheenan's hostlings, "all of you, but I will stay here."
"Is it settled, then?" Bri'seiyis gazed compassionately at Zha'haarak, who was biting back his tears and trying to smile. The prince nodded. "Then, unless he changes his mind, 'viirel will return with us. And I will turn him into the greatest musicmaker in the galaxy."
The hostling grinned.
"You promise?"
Everyone - even Ti'aasaan and Zha'haarak (if a little forcedly) - chuckled. Bri'seiyis inclined his head gravely, his eyes twinkling.
"I will certainly do my best…"
'leesaan had translated the conversation for Leteetza, who watched Zha'haarak surreptitiously, her heart clenching at the sight of his woebegone expression. She was so proud of him, letting his hostling go, not denying him such a wonderful opportunity - but oh, how it hurt him!
She frowned, then grinned as a sudden thought struck her.
She'd be willing to wager that the first thing he did once 'viirel had left was to make an appointment for himself and Hijau to see Vinas about their own hostling…
Jeice and Merica arrived back shortly afterwards, followed almost immediately by Radittsu, Zha'haabron, Kelapa and Jagung as the evening meal was brought in. The rest of the family quieted, waiting to hear what the Elites had to say. Zha'haarak pulled Ti'aasaan close to him, cradling the little zn'hre tenderly as he watched Jagung from under lowered eyelids.
Radittsu frowned and beckoned to Jeice, running a large hand through the hash'shavven's hair then regarding the rest of the assembly.
"This affects all of us, so I'll say it here. You know that Empire is preparing for… conflict with the Omanir in an attempt to regain Ghrakigh and return it to the hash'shavven." He glanced around the family; everyone nodded, though somewhat tentatively on the part of some of the hostlings. He smiled grimly. "The Saiya-jin-no-Ou wants Jeice to be prepared to join the battle." He raised his hands at the outraged outburst. "Not to fight!" he waited for a moment while that sank in, then inclined his head. "We're hoping that Jeice can act as advisor. And possibly translator?"
He eyed the little alien, who nodded.
"I believe that most of my people know the ancient tongue. But even if not, I will be able to communicate with them. We will do all we can to help." He lowered his eyes. "We all want to go home."
Radittsu leaned down and whispered in his ear,
"And you are weary and need someone to… comfort you tonight, ne? Can I help?"
Jeice closed his eyes with a sigh and nodded, leaning against the big male.
"Please, Rad-chan."
The big Saiyan kissed his neck, then beckoned the servitors to hand round heaped platters. The buzz of activity usefully distracted everyone from Mahrayne's exit from the guestroom, though Kel noticed, of course, and carefully kept her face impassive as she scented Tane and Dari on her lover. Leteetza glanced between the two, but did not comment, and everyone else was engrossed in their meal.
*Do you mind?*
**Of course not**
Radittsu smiled at his bondmate. They'd all eaten and bathed, and Mahrayne had lulled the brats to sleep with a story before retiring to her room with Kelapa, 'tiisaan - and for once 'haabron - in tow: Leteetza and the young Saiyans had returned to the royal suite for the night, much to Kobis and his aijin's dismay. Hijau was cuddled around Zha'haarak, both of them nearly asleep, with 'raadiin and 'fallon sprawled together nestled close to the Saiyan; nearby Ti'aasaan was stirring restlessly. Zha'haabron cupped his Saiyan's face in cool hands, his eyes full of love.
**Minister to Jeice. I will do what I can for Ti'aasaan…**
As the king turned to the little zn'hre, the Saiyan gathered the wakeful hash'shavven and ushered him to the balcony, grabbing a sleeping fur on the way. Jeice frowned.
"Where are we going?"
Radittsu smirked.
"I thought we might take a trip to the beach."
"At night?"
"You'll like it. Trust me."
There was something exhilarating about flying naked. Jeice had grown accustomed to being fully clothed, so much so he barely noticed it any more, and being unclothed was now rather special. He closed his eyes and spread his arms wide, feeling the wind against his skin, through his hair… it was wonderful…
At his side Radittsu smiled. Jeice's scent was - for now at least - clear of that sharp, tense off-ness that had pervaded it for too long. The hash'shavven simply relished the clarity of the wind, the star-sprawled sky above, the richness of the earth below. And the deep ebb and flux of the ocean ahead…
It pulled at him. It shouldn't, not really, not this strongly. His talent was for fire, after all. But there was something about this vast, slowswelling sea that flooded him with a calm excitement, a stirring tranquillity that fired his being with something strange and awe-inspiring. He slowed as they reached the beach, hovering above the shoreline, and gazed at Radittsu, his eyes wide and wondering. The Saiyan smiled and opened his arms.
And Jeice moved into his embrace with a contented sigh.
Holding the hash'shavven close, Radittsu landed on the sand, roughly laying down the sleeping fur then settling them both onto the warm, soft pelt. Jeice pulled himself up to lie along the Saiyan's warm body, forearms resting on the broad chest, his legs stretched over Radittsu's hips, head raised and gazing down into the big dark eyes.
"Rad-chan…"
Radittsu smiled and kissed him, long and slowly and deeply, feeling the last of the tension leave the small body.
"Make love to me?"
Jeice sighed and nodded, relaxing into the Saiyan's comforting affectionate warmth and pushing carefully into the strong body: Radittsu wanted no foreplay tonight, and Jeice needed none. As the hash'shavven plunged deeply and smoothly the big male shuddered, gasping as the studded shaft grazed firmly over that sensitive spot, pleasure lancing though him: with each thrust the little alien felt lighter, the emotional burdens making his life such a trial lessening, lightening, being wiped away in the simple joy of Radittsu's being. The Saiyan was the living heart of the family: no wonder Zha'haabron - and Hijau, and Ti'aasaan and Zha'haarak, and the children - adored him.
They climaxed together, fully satisfied, and fell asleep together under the bright stars, nestled together under the cloak of Radittsu's mane.
The mood in the suite was calm, and perhaps a little sombre, the following morning. Zha'haabron had *spoken* with the little zn'hre, but to little avail. Hurting as he was, Ti'aasaan didn't want the nascent bond *disconnected*, and nothing the king could say would persuade him otherwise.
Zha'haabron knew why. Such a bond, even one-sided, opened up deeper layers of the zn'hre psyche, allowing a much greater understanding of one's own *being* - and that of the individual to whom one was bonded. It was possible to break a half-bond, difficult, but possible - but to lose that depth of knowledge was agonising. And normally it wasn't necessary: non-reciprocal bonds were rare but not unknown.
Of course, they had only happened in relationships where the two involved were already together. There had never been a case in which one of the pair was already bonded to another…
He'd have to try to speak with Jagung and Merica. Or perhaps to Hijau first: he would have a much greater understanding of Saiyan forms of bonding. It would have to be done soon, however, before Ti'aasaan instinctively deepened the bond. He was already in anguish, *knowing* Jagung's love for and contentment with his bondmate and knowing it could never be his.
Leteetza arrived back with the young Saiyans as the morning meal was being served, closely followed by Radittsu and Jeice. Kobis immediately dived for 'haabron, sweeping his koi into his arms as Zha'haabron smiled indulgently.
*I missed you!*
'haabron sighed and kissed the Saiyan's neck.
**And I missed you…**
*I want us to do something special today.*
The zn'hre blinked.
**Like what?**
Kobis grinned.
*Well, there are mountains a two hour ki-flight to the north - big ones. I've only ever seen pictures of them, but I'd like to see the real thing.*
**Won't they be cold?**
*At the top, yes - I think there's snow.*
'haabron inclined his head thoughtfully.
**We'll need to take a guard with us**
*I'll ask Rad-chan. I'm sure he'd enjoy it.*
And in fact the big Saiyan happily agreed to escort the young princes - after their morning lessons. Kyuri had agreed to take the children's afternoon physical activities today.
After the meal Leteetza took off for the library, Ti'aasaan headed off to spend a little time with Ti'zheenan, and Zha'haarak and Jeice took Ra'vahn and Za'rayne to the morning class for a couple of hours, something they were planning to do more often as the hostlings grew. And Radittsu and Hijau, who wasn't due at Headquarters until the middle of the morning, had the suite to themselves…
Radittsu smirked at the captain - then dragged him close.
*Seems like a long time…*
*Heh. It does, doesn't it? So, we going to see what these beads feel like?*
In answer Radittsu shoved the flame-haired guard onto his back and pushed slowly into him, grinning as Hijau's eyes widened hugely, lips parted in a silent 'oh!', his tail taut and quivering - then gripped the bigger male's upper arms fiercely, nails drawing blood as he wrapped his legs tightly around Radittsu's hips, urging him to deeper, harder thrusts… He screamed hoarsely as he came, body rigid, clenching muscles almost pulling his aijin into his own climax.
Almost, but not quite. Before Hijau had time to recover, Radittsu started moving again, more slowly this time, building up the intensity until the captain was writhing beneath him, incoherent with lust and need. As Radittsu let him come, let himself come, Hijau bit deeply into his lover's shoulder, hands fisted tightly in the heavy black mane…
"…oh… gods…"
Radittsu rolled them over and held Hijau while he panted helplessly, head resting on a broad warm shoulder, boneless with sated desire. Finally he dragged his head up to gaze at his aijin through half-closed eyes.
"Why did we wait so long?"
Radittsu stared, then laughed outright.
"Heh… let me know when you're ready…"
Hijau took a deep breath and squirmed, pulling himself from the big Saiyan's slackening organ, his own erection growing swiftly and steadily at the thought of giving his lover the same pleasure he'd just experienced.
"How about now?"
And it was glorious, and breath-taking, and as Radittsu slumped on the bed, afterwards, a limp Hijau nestled against his side, he kissed the smaller male's forehead, smirking weakly.
"I think… we save that for… special occasions, ne?... Too much of that and I wouldn't be able to walk, let alone think straight …"
Hijau groaned and nipped his shoulder.
"…'K…"
And they drowsed for a while, only rousing when Jeice and Zha'haarak returned with the sleepy hybrids.
Jeice had grinned widely.
"Sorry to intrude, but isn't Hi'ijaa going to be late?"
The captain cracked open an eye - then dragged himself upright, grabbing for his bodysuit and armour.
"Shit…"
Radittsu laughed and waved mockingly as the captain took off, hurriedly pulling on his boots as he headed for headquarters.
Evening meal was nearly over when Radittsu arrived back from the excursion to the mountains with the exhausted Kobis and 'haabron in his arms, smiling and shaking his head at the expressions of alarm on the others' faces.
"No, nothing's wrong. They just overdid it a little."
He settled them both on a floor cushion and grabbed them a couple of platters of what was left of the meat. Kobis roused himself sufficiently to feed both himself and the young zn'hre, who could hardly keep his eyes open. Leteetza grinned at the pair.
"You enjoyed it, then?"
'haabron nodded sleepily.
"S'beautiful. Cold though."
Kobis kissed his cheek.
"We'll go back again one day, when we're stronger."
'haabron nodded wearily and slumped against his Saiyan. Zh'leet scowled at Radittsu.
"And what were you thinking of, letting them tire themselves out like this?" She sighed and smiled at the children. "Come on, zk'viss - bed. You can bathe tomorrow, you'll drown if you try tonight…"
Radittsu pulled them both into his arms and carried them the short distance to the sleeping platform, helping the brood strip the semi-conscious princes, covering them with a light fur and smiling tenderly as they snuggled together, almost instantly asleep.
"They loved it." He settled himself back on a cushion and grabbed for his own meal. "But it was a little too cold for 'haabron. But," he added, smirking, "Kobis tried a ki-shield for the first time, to try to keep 'haabron warm. Worked too, though he couldn't keep it up for very long. That's why he's so tired. Better tell Vejiita," he glanced at Leteetza, "he'll want to know."
Midnight. Everyone else was sleeping, but Ti'aasaan couldn't rest. Zha'haabron had done what he could, and Jeice had made long, slow, gentle love to him earlier, but the little zn'hre still felt tense, miserable. He slid from the platform, wrapped a fur around himself and slipped out the balcony, watching the night until he grew cold.
A light was on in one of the suites on the next floor down. Jagung and Merica's suite…
Jagung was pacing. Merica watched him, frowning.
*I don't know what to do.* He paused and gazed at his bondmate, eyes pleading. *What should I do?*
Merica rose and pulled him into a hug, kissing his forehead.
*Shall I allocate the prince a new guard?*
Jagung considered the suggestion for a moment, then shook his head.
*From what Hijau said, I don't think that would work. Probably make it worse. And I don't really want a new post. I like Zha'haarak. And the rest of the family.* He sighed. *The Captain says Zha'haabron will try to persuade Ti'aasaan to let him break the bond. But I already know he won't have it: he can be bloody stubborn when he wants.*
Merica hesitated, then swallowed hard.
*Do you... would it help if you fucked him?*
Jagung's eyes widened.
*You'd let me?*
Merica growled, scowling.
*I wouldn't like it - but I'd put up with it if it would help…*
Jagung kissed him - then shook his head.
*It wouldn't. Make the whole thing worse, in fact. There'd be a physical bond then, as well as whatever mental thing it is he has with me.*
Merica groaned and shoved a hand through his mane.
*So what do we do?*
Jagung hugged him.
*All we can do. Carry on as normal and hope Ti'aasaan changes his mind…*
The R'ren'nkh'ian contingent had left a couple of hours ago, taking 'viirel with them, and Hijau had taken Zha'haarak straight back to the suite and into the pool, holding him as he wept.
**I'm s… sorry…**
Hijau kissed him gently.
*Baka… I'm going to miss him too.*
Zha'haarak sniffed and gazed up at his bondmate, eyes brimming, and tried to smile. Hijau watched him, aware of his hesitation. Finally he smiled.
*What do you want to ask me, zkai'da?*
Zha'haarak blushed and lowered his eyes, shaking his head. The captain chuckled.
*You want to know how I feel about us trying for our own hostling.*
The prince's head came up, eyes huge as he caught his breath. Biting his lip, he nodded tentatively. Hijau grinned.
*Yes.*
Zha'haarak blinked.
**Yes?**
*As long as Vinas and Zh'leet agree. And let's wait until after the cold season, all right?*
The prince buried his head in his beloved's neck, sobbing with happiness - then swivelled and impaled himself on Hijau's erection. And for some time nothing more was said…
"Do you mind if I join you?"
Hijau smiled up at Jeice as Zha'haarak stirred drowsily on his lap, beckoning him into the pool.
"Please…"
The hash'shavven slid into the water, settled himself, then regarded them sombrely.
"Why do you both freeze up every time Nappa is mentioned? It's something to do with Zorun, isn't it?"
Zha'haarak pulled himself upright, face anxious, and glanced back at Hijau. The Saiyan frowned.
"I promised not to tell anyone."
"And I would keep that promise."
Hijau shook his head.
"I can't, Je'-chan."
The little alien sighed exasperatedly.
"Look, I most likely could find out for myself, although it would mean delving more deeply than I normally prefer. But I would rather you tell me."
"But it's none of your business."
"Regardless of that, it is making me very uncomfortable. I can feel the ebb and flow of the emotions within the family, all the family. And I know you were linked to Zorun at FullMoon: I felt him through you both."
Hijau blanched. He'd never bothered to find out just how empathically sensitive the hash'shavven was, assuming that he could control his talent as the Saiya-jin and R'ren'nkh'ia-jin could control their telepathic abilities. Normally… But you couldn't, could you? Not with Zorun…
The zn'hre reached a hand to stroke Jeice's face.
"Zvi'ch, it… it is not an easy thing…"
The hash'shavven grimaced.
"I know that, hasshkaen. I have felt it from you, from Hi'ijaa, from Leteetza and the Ssii'iin: even from Zorun himself on the rare occasions I have seen him. It is something very deep and he is hurting. It hurts me too. And I may be able to help him."
Hijau snorted.
"He'd probably kill you just for knowing!"
Jeice shrugged.
"Then he will never discover that I know."
The Saiyan shook his head.
"No. I'm sorry, Jeice, but no."
"You wish me to suffer?"
"No, of course not…"
"But I am suffering. And will continue to do so until I know what is wrong. Then I will be able to control the effects upon myself, even if I can do nothing for the King's Guard."
Hijau rubbed a hand across his eyes. He had no reason to distrust Jeice - and he didn't want to see the little alien in pain…
Ah, fuck it.
"You will tell no-one else."
"Of course not."
"Very well…"
Jeice frowned and shoved a hand through his hair.
"Well, that makes sense. I can appreciate the 'kin-scent' notion, and how it works: I've seen it in action, after all." He frowned. "And I can understand why he doesn't want anyone to know. But I don't see how he can carry this burden for much longer. It's been eating him up, inside, since Nappa's visit. Can't the Ssii'iin help?"
"He probably could - but do you really think Zorun would let him?"
Jeice grinned wryly.
"Heh. You have a point. Could you order him to let Zha'haabron-sama try?"
Hijau frowned, considering it.
"I doubt my order would be enough - and in any case, I know too well how he feels about the whole matter. I think it would take a direct order from Vejiita to make him obey. And the Saiya-jin-no-Ou won't do that without knowing the reason." He sighed gustily and shook his head. "I'll talk with the Ssii'iin again, see what we can come up with…"
It had been a wonderful day. Leteetza had woken up suddenly wanting to spend time at the beach, and with the prospect of the cold season looming ever closer everyone had thought this a marvellous idea. Zh'leet, Leteetza, Jeice, Mahrayne and Kelapa had got everyone organised - somehow! - while Merica organised the family guard. The weather was hot without being humid, with a light breeze blowing off the sea, and the children had… frolicked was the most appropriate word… on the sand and in the surf - even the zn'hre paddled, though they didn't stay in for long.
The midday meal had been a riotous affair, with Hijau (followed by Kobis and Kiraz) diving for fresh fish while Radittsu took 'raadiin and 'jiisa hunting in the lush forest adjoining the beach: the guards took the rest of the children to gather firewood for cooking. And Mahrayne took the opportunity to speak to Leteetza.
She was nervous about it, though. Leteetza put up with a couple of minutes of the Hassinan hedging, then scowled and grunted,
"Just say it, for fuck's sake!"
Mahrayne swallowed.
"I… I don't know what your birthing customs are…"
Leteetza grinned.
"Don't have any. We usually have a female friend with us, very rarely the father. And births are normally easy." She growled. "Though I'll have to go to the med centre: Vinas is a bit concerned I might have problems given how big Rad-chan here is," she patted her belly, wincing as the brat kicked her in response, "and since Ve-chan is going to be the heir, Vejiita wants to make sure there's no 'complications'. Why do you ask?"
Mahrayne chewed her lip.
"I was wondering…"
"If you could be there?" Leteetza inclined her head. "Oh, I suppose so. Just as long as you understand I don't want you cooing all over me and the brats! And if there're any problems, Vinas is in charge - you do what he says and stay out of his way. Understood?"
Mahrayne beamed and nodded - then hugged the little Saiyan.
"Thank you…"
And now they were eating the evening meal, relaxed, weary and happy. Only, something was nagging at Hijau. He frowned.
"Je'-chan, back when we were talking about Zorun - what did you mean, you've seen kin-scent in action?"
He grinned.
"With you and your sister, of course…"
Hijau stared at him, and was about to ask what the fuck he was talking about, when Leteetza gasped and bent over, clutching at her belly.
"Ah shit. They're on their way - someone had better get me to the medical centre…"
© 2002 August 21st Joules Taylor
Foster parent, guardian.
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