Births
"Why the fuck do you get to help? It's my heir…"
"My child too. And I'm bigger than you. And I was here first. And it's what she wants…"
Radittsu had swept Leteetza into his arms and flown her, fast, to the medical centre. By the time Mahrayne, carried by Kelapa, had arrived the King's Companion was already stripped and squatting on a wide, low bed, Radittsu kneeling behind her, arms around her ribs, easily and comfortably supporting her as she leaned back against him. Moments later Vejiita arrived…
Mahrayne stared, wide-eyed, shocked and embarrassed for her friend. Leteetza had said the father - well, fathers in this case - was hardly ever present to see his children born. And here was Radittsu actively helping the little female, while Vejiita scowled and snarled and paced and argued with the big Saiyan, unable to get close to his Companion for Vinas and Zh'leet and thoroughly pissed off because of it.
Leteetza glared at him between grimaces, her face and body sheened with sweat.
"Shut up. Both of you. Any more arguments and you can both fucking leave…"
Vinas had emphasised the female's order with a frown as he ran a small monitor over her bulging abdomen. The two males quietened, though even Mahrayne was aware of the muted growls they continued to exchange…
Meanwhile, back at the suite, Zha'haabron was attempting to restore some sort of order - though the children were so excited it was proving difficult. Hijau had grabbed the wrestling Kiraz and 'raadiin, holding them against himself until they stopped struggling, while Ti'aasaan and Zha'haarak between them managed to settle the younger hostlings.
Kobis was quivering - 'haabron could *feel* his excitement. He cuddled his koi closer, nuzzling his neck. The young Saiyan sighed contentedly.
*Now I get to stay with you all the time.*
**You do?**
*Uhuh. Papa promised that once Vejiita Shinnou was born I'd be released to do as I wish. Well, sort of.*
**But I thought you already had been…**
Kobis chuckled wryly.
*Well, not really. Until he's actually here, I'm papa's first choice as heir. Well, not his first first choice - that was Kiraz - but he felt I'd be the more suitable ruler of the two of us, now we're older.* He twisted to kiss 'haabron. *I'm so glad I don't have to be. And it'll be fun having a little brother.*
Privately 'haabron wasn't too sure about that - even now he sometimes thought there were too many children in the suite, and longed for a little peace and space - but if that's how his aijin felt… Ti'aasaan's low voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Where's 'selaan?"
Meanwhile, back in the med lab…
"Do you need anything?"
Leteetza glared at Vinas and rasped, through gritted teeth,
"Yeah. For them to fucking hurry up and be born…"
The Feeodoreean smirked wryly. So impatient, these Saiya-jin! But everything was proceeding smoothly, and really quite quickly, regardless of how Leteetza felt.
"We'd rather they took their time, my lady. That way there's less risk of any complications - or of them causing you any injury during their births."
"That's… fucking unlikely…" she grunted, grimacing at another contraction then glaring at the still pacing Vejiita and over her shoulder at Radittsu, "…given how they were conceived…"
The two fathers had the grace to look a little ashamed. Mahrayne's eyes widened, suddenly remembering what the G'geckan had said. Multiple births with multiple fathers if more than one egg was fertilised during intercourse… did that mean they'd both fucked her at the same time? The Hassinan's eyes watered at the thought…
At her back, Kelapa watched the Saiya-jin-no-Ou covertly, feeling a little sorry for him. From his scent he really wanted to be in Radittsu's place, supporting Leteetza, but the big Guard was not about to give up his position behind the little warrior. Then Kel's eyes widened as she caught a familiar scent, but before she could do anything, Zh'leet straightened up from a gentle physical check of the soon-to-be-mother - then twisted her head sharply.
"What are you doing here? How did you get in?"
Mahrayne turned to see what was going on - to find 'selaan standing quietly just inside the door, watching the proceedings with great interest. He bit his lip, flushing, at the brood's words.
"I wanted to see, haani."
Zh'leet scowled, and was about to call for a guard to take the hostling back to the palace, when Leteetza intervened.
"Let… him… stay…" she panted, eyes squeezed tightly shut as her nails drew blood from Radittsu's wrists where she was gripping them. Zh'leet glanced uncertainly at Vinas, who sighed in exasperation then reluctantly nodded.
"As long as he doesn't get in the way…"
'selaan quickly moved to stand at Mahrayne's side, holding her hand lightly as he watched, absolutely fascinated, as the first of the babies made his appearance…
Meanwhile, back in the palace…
The noise had dragged Jagung and Merica from their evening meal and up to the suite, ki sparking as they prepared to defend the family from whatever was threatening them. Zha'haabron had stared, then smiled fondly as he thanked them for their vigilance. Merica grinned and relaxed.
"Fuck. From the noise in here we thought the place was being invaded! What's going on?"
The king inclined his head.
"Leteetza's offspring are in the process of being born. The children are a little… excited."
"That's one way of putting it…" muttered Jagung, grinning around the chaos in the common room. Then his eyes met Ti'aasaan's, just for a moment before the little zn'hre blushed and bowed his head, and the Guard's smile faded. Zha'haabron gazed at him, sympathetically, speaking very quietly so only the Saiyans could hear.
"We must speak, but now is not the time. Once everything has settled down, I will come to you."
Jagung swallowed and nodded, nervously: Merica scowled - then sighed.
"Yes, your Majesty." He glanced around the room. "Do you need us to stay right now?"
Zha'haabron shook his head.
"It might be better if you left. I would prefer it if Ti'aasaan were not further disturbed tonight."
Merica frowned, deep in thought, as they finished their interrupted meal.
*What is it?*
*I think I have a way round the Ti'aasaan problem.*
Jagung's eyes widened.
*I'm listening…*
*You might not like it. I know I don't.*
*I can't say until you've told me.*
Merica smirked.
*This is true… all right - how does this sound?...*
They'd finally persuaded the brats into the bathing pools, for once ignoring the splashing, squeals and squabbles as the tired but still excited children worked off the last of their nervous energy. Now they were, one by one, dropping off to sleep. And Hijau had a moment to speak to Jeice…
"All right, what did you mean, me and my sister?"
Jeice pulled the sleeping fur a little more closely around 'fallon and 'raadiin and turned to the captain, a look of surprise on his face. Then he inclined his head, frowning.
"You did know you have a sister?"
The captain nodded impatiently.
"Mahrayne told me just before FullMoon. I don't know anything about her. We've never met."
"But…" Jeice blinked, then grinned.
"Have you ever wondered why you never wanted to make love to Leteetza?"
Hijau stared, then scowled.
"She's the King's Companion. She's claimed. And… not free… and she's Elite - she chooses who she… And…" He frowned. "And I don't find her attractive."
"Why not?"
"Because… I just…" He tugged fiercely on his mane. Jeice smirked.
"Don't you like her?"
"Of course I do! She's bright and sweet and cute and what the fuck am I saying!!" He stared in horror at Jeice, who grinned.
"Leteetza? Sweet? Cute? That prickly little bundle of contradictions? She'd kill you if she could hear you!"
Hijau closed his eyes. Jeice was right. Leteetza was anything but cute - so why did he see her that way? Unless…
He froze - then growled and pulled himself upright. Jeice frowned.
"Where are you going?"
"To speak with my father…"
Back at the med lab….
Vinas smiled and patted Leteetza's arm.
"You're doing well, my lady. But a little more effort, if you please…"
The little female gripped Radittsu's wrists even more fiercely, her face screwed up with effort. Vinas nodded.
"One more should do it."
"Right…" Leteetza gasped. "It's… the heir… let Vejiita take him…"
Vinas blinked and scowled.
"My lady, that's most unusual…"
"Just fuckin' do it!!"
Vinas and Zh'leet exchanged a glance, then stood back, ushering the Saiya-jin-no-Ou to the bed. Eyes wide with a mixture of pride and fear, the king positioned himself, as Leteetza bore down steadily…
The tiny child slid smoothly into his waiting hands. Not even noticing Vinas cutting the umbilical cord, he stared down into a tiny face, the mirror of his own as a child, bright black eyes open and gazing up at him with dawning awareness.
*Hello little one.*
The baby smiled and yawned, then wrapped his tail contentedly around his father's wrist. Vejiita held him close, learning his scent, so similar to his own, suddenly overcome and close to tears. He glanced back at Leteetza, who was trying to catch her breath and a moment's respite before the second child made its way into the world.
*Thank you…*
She smirked tiredly.
*I'd say 'you're welcome' but it wouldn't be true.* She sighed and shook her head as his smile faltered. *Sorry. Let me get this over with, and you can thank me later.* Her face creased as the contractions started again, and she glanced over her shoulder at Radittsu.
*…want to… take him…?*
He nuzzled her neck.
*I'd like to - but I'm not leaving you.*
She twisted to kiss his jaw.
*Thanks… mind if…Mahrayne…?*
The big male smiled and caught the Hassinan's eye.
"We'd like you to catch our son. If you don't mind." he added, as Mahrayne paled. She glanced at Vinas, who looked to be on the verge of throwing a tantrum, then at Zh'leet, who rolled her eyes and shrugged. Kel chuckled and pushed her lover forwards.
And as Zh'leet helped the Saiya-jin-no-Ou clean his son and wrap him in a downy soft blanket, Mahrayne eased Radittsu Junior's entry into the world, sure and gentle hands stroking the mass of wet mane back from his face. She held him for a moment as Leteetza settled on the bed, resting back against Radittsu and making herself as comfortable as she could, then - reluctantly - handed the baby to his mother. His father gazed at him over Leteetza's shoulder, beaming, then kissed the little female.
*He's beautiful!*
*Looks like a baby you.*
*You have a problem with that?*
She laughed outright.
*Heh - there aren't enough of you! The more the better as far as I'm concerned…* The baby blinked at them, then his little face screwed up in preparation for a bawl. Leteetza grinned and settled him against her breast, easing a nipple into his mouth - wincing slightly as he began to suckle.
*Strong. And his teeth are sharp!* She glanced at Vejiita, who was still gazing in fascination at his tiny duplicate.
*You'd better let me feed him…*
The Saiya-jin-no-Ou dragged his eyes away from his son and grinned, moving close and handing the baby to his mother. Moments later both brats were contentedly feeding while Vinas took the afterbirths away and checked Leteetza for any tearing - staring at her in surprise when he found none. Given the size of the second baby…
She grinned at him.
"Haven't you realised how tough we are, yet?"
He smirked wryly.
"I'm learning all the time, my lady."
"Good. Now, I want to get back to the suite as soon as possible…"
The biotech frowned.
"I'd prefer it if you stayed here, my lady. At least tonight."
She inclined her head, considering it. And reluctantly admitted she did feel tired, and the brats in the suite weren't likely to give her much peace. Tomorrow would be soon enough. She nodded.
"Very well. But I want Vejiita and Radittsu to stay with me." She scowled as they glared and snarled at each other. "You can stop that right away. Regardless of how you feel, they're brothers and will be raised that way." She smirked as the two growled but complied. "That's better. Now, I'm hungry."
Vejiita pulled himself upright.
"What would you like to eat?"
"I really don't care as long as it's animal, raw and there's lots of it…"
He nodded and headed for the commlink to wake the palace kitchen staff. Radittsu cuddled into her.
*I should really check back to the suite, just for a few minutes. Would you mind?*
*'course not, baka! Go tell them everything's fine and they'll meet their new siblings tomorrow. And apologise to Zha'haabron for me? And if he doesn't want you to come back I won't mind. Too much.*
Radittsu kissed her neck.
*He'll insist I stay with you! Is there anything you'd like me to bring back?*
She nodded, smiling dreamily.
*My old black robe. The one I wore when I was carrying Ti'ani and Le'leen. Jeice knows the one, if the brats are asleep.*
He shifted, grabbing handfuls of pillows to pile behind her back, then leaned carefully over the contentedly nursing infants to kiss her deeply, pulling back a little to stroke a finger gently over his son's mane - overjoyed when a strong little tail wrapped itself briefly around his wrist. He smiled at Leteetza, eyes bright.
*Thank you.*
Back at the suite, Jeice, Zha'haabron, Zha'haarak and Ti'aasaan were waiting for the big male. Mahrayne - who'd quietly had Kelapa fly her back to the palace, 'selaan and a guard beside them, once the babies were feeding - had already told them everything went well, but they wanted to *see* it for themselves in Radittsu…
The king hugged him close.
**I am so pleased… He looks like you?**
*Exactly.*
Zha'haabron sighed happily and smiled. Zha'haarak's eyes gleamed.
"When will they come home?"
"Tomorrow, hopefully. Leteetza wants to get back as soon as possible."
Zha'haarak nodded gravely and gazed at the little zn'hre.
"We will have to talk to the hostlings, make sure they all understand the little warrior needs some peace."
Radittsu frowned, suddenly realising Hijau wasn't in the suite. He glanced questioningly at the gentle zn'hre, who shook his head and shrugged. Jeice grinned.
"He went to have words with his father…"
That night acquired legendary status amongst the Guard in the days that followed. It had started when a furious Hijau had stormed into Guard Headquarters, heading for Councillor Limau's rooms (by rights the Councillor was entitled to a suite in the palace but he'd always felt easier with the Guard…) The violent argument that followed took place mostly in Kepitingo and was accompanied by much smashing of solid objects, pulverising of walls, and the general sounds of two elites in ferocious combat. Three hours later Captain Hijau left headquarters - somewhat bruised and battered but nothing like as severely as his father - and flew straight to the medical centre, where he politely but firmly requested admittance to the room where Leteetza and the two new fathers were spending the night…
Radittsu and Vejiita were holding their respective children at the time, their enmity temporarily forgotten as they *talked* to the babies, setting family bonds in place, and Leteetza had finally finished eating and was pacing slowly in the room, working some of the aches out of her legs and abdomen: the last days of the pregnancy had been more of a strain than she'd really realised at the time. All three glanced up, alarmed, as Hijau made his entrance.
"What the fuck…?"
The captain grinned - then gently swept Leteetza up and spun around on the spot with her, laughing quietly at the bewildered expressions on everyone's faces. He lowered her to her feet, pressed a kiss to her forehead and then held her at arm's length, beaming.
"I've always wanted a little sister!"
© 2002 27th August Joules Taylor
To read a lemony yaoi version of how Vejiita thanked her, check out Recreation
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'Imperial Prince', 'Prince of the Blood' - a title rather than a name.
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