Family
"We will be most intrigued to learn about the family's dynamics…"
Zaheen nodded. She was looking forwards to investigating that herself!
Leteetza had taken pity on the Hyou, and rather than take her to the suite right away had suggested she join the family for the evening meal the following day. Zaheen had been disappointed, but was loath to appear assertive, so had agreed. Leteetza had grinned, obviously not fooled by her apparent enthusiasm.
"I'm not being awkward, Meer… Mmeer?" - Zaheen nodded, quietly impressed that the Saiya-jin she'd met so far had tried to use the formal Hyoujin term of address - "Mmeer Zaheen, it just gives me time to ensure everyone can be there." And on their best behaviour, she added to herself.
Zaheen smiled.
"I appreciate your consideration, Leteetza-sama."
"Heh, wait 'til you meet them all - then thank me…"
And now it was late afternoon, and that female Elite Guard - Kyuri - would be along soon to escort the Hyou to the family's suite… That was another example of Saiya-jin - or maybe just Leteetza's? - thoughtfulness: the delegation's servitors, guides and escorts had, apart from when they'd first arrived, been exclusively female. Zaheen frowned to herself, wondering if there was another motive than consideration for their guests' culture behind the gesture.
She sighed. She knew she was prone to reading more into a situation than was actually there. Sometimes it proved valuable, and kept her alert for things others might miss, but more often it was a nuisance.
A sharp tap came on the outer door: Dhar opened it a crack, peering out suspiciously, then swung it wide and - somewhat peremptorily - ushered the tall, red-maned Guard into the suite. Zaheen smiled. She'd liked Kyuri at first sight, a most unusual occurrence. The Guard grinned back and gestured towards the door.
"Ready to go, Mmeer Zaheen?"
Discreetly checking that her miniature recorder was attached to the soft leather belt supporting the fine mesh kiruto that was standard off-duty wear for Hyoujin, Zaheen nodded and followed Kyuri from the delegation quarters.
It was some way to the zn'hre wing, and she took the opportunity to ask the Guard, as casually as she could, what she should expect. Kyuri chuckled.
"A lot of curious brats, to start with. Saiya-jin, zn'hre and hybrids. And I believe you've met Mahrayne? Her half-Saiyan brat'll be there too, he's almost inseparable from Za'jau. That's Prince Zha'haarak's unborn."
Zaheen nodded: Chalak had told the delegation about meeting the prince and his bondmate in the infirmary, while discussing her time in the labs with Vinas. She was finding it fascinating, only leaving when she needed to eat or sleep and hastening back as soon as possible. The things she was learning! The knowledge she was sharing with Vinas!
No-one could remember ever seeing the xenotech quite so excited…
"All the bondmates will be there - though the Ssii'iin might be a little delayed: the Saiya-jin-no-Ou called a late Council meeting and it hasn't finished yet. Raditts'-sama will be there though, and Hijau, and Jagung and Merica. They're all Saiyan." she added helpfully.
Zaheen nodded.
"How many… beings, in total?"
Kyuri inclined her head.
"Eleven adults - that includes two R'ren'nkh'ian assistants who are regarded as almost-family, and the hash'shavven ambassador, who might as well be kin! - eighteen assorted brats and hostlings, and five infants."
Zaheen blinked and swallowed.
"That's… a big family…"
Kyuri nodded agreement.
"And they all live together?"
"Yes."
Zaheen frowned. It all sounded bizarre - not to mention unhealthy - to her… But then, different culture, different customs…
"How many females?"
"In the group tonight? Leteetza and two of the brats, Buahan Oujo and Pirum - she's Hassinan. Zh'leet's a brood, so I suppose you could say she's sort of female. Well, not at all male, anyway."
The Hyou was beginning to wonder if accepting the invitation was wise.
"And the rest are all male?"
Kyuri shook her head.
"Eight males… no, eleven if you count the baby princes and Kinu. The rest are zn'hre or hybrids."
"And the hybrids are hermaphrodite?"
"The zn'hre-Saiyan ones, yes."
Zaheen rubbed at her forehead.
"This all sounds a little complicated…"
Kyuri smirked.
"You get used to it…"
"We are all eager to hear your report, Mmeer Zaheen."
All Zaheen wanted was to get to sleep - she was exhausted - but the rest of the delegation were waiting to hear what she had to say. She sighed. Ah well, it would reinforce the evening in her own mind, at least…
After the initial rush of curiosity on the part of the children, who were fascinated to have someone so different to look at and talk to, and after the introductions, things calmed down a little and Zaheen was able to observe the interactions in the family.
"The first thing to realise is that they are all extraordinarily close and affectionate, and not at all hesitant in showing it, even to outsiders - though" she frowned, thinking back to the cool restraint and distance from each other the family members had evinced at the reception, "that seems only to apply when they are actually in private, in their own space, as it were."
Taaqat nodded.
"That would tally with what we have noticed in our various observations."
"There seems to be no firm family hierarchy, as such, although there is some sort of structure, with the Ssii'iin and his Saiyan mate at the head. But the Saiyans in the family are all warriors… The Saiyan Guard Jagung seems to be the lowest in rank…" she shook her head, thinking back to how the beautiful Saiyan had on the one hand saluted the alarmingly intense Guard (Merica, wasn't it?) as 'sir', yet on the other hand teased and flirted with him all the way through the meal - along with the little zn'hre, who seemed to have an intimate relationship with both Guards, "though not on a personal level… The Saiyan Hijau is Captain of their Elite Guard, and Jagung and Merica defer to him, both as their superior and - or so it seemed - personally - and everyone defers to Radittsu…"
"He's the Saiya-jin-no-Ou's cousin." Taiz interjected. "Ex-Captain of the Guard and official Royal Liaison to R'ren'nkh'ia, as well as being the Ssii'iin's bondmate." She smiled at Zaheen's surprise. "I spent some more time in the library. It's amazing what you can pick up!"
Zaheen nodded.
"And Radittsu defers to the Ssii'iin. Though I suspect not all the time. Further observation would be most useful."
"And the children?"
She'd been dreading the question. She was still trying to remember which belonged to who - and what their names all were.
"Memeer, I would ask for time to prepare a more formal report: there are numerous children, all of them intelligent, healthy, happy, independent and seemingly well-adjusted." That was putting it mildly! She'd been positively startled by the ease with which they'd pulled her into the family heart, treating her like one of their own and speaking to her on a level far in advance of what she considered childish. (She'd also been taken aback at some of the questions two of them - the little Hassinan female and a pretty young zn'hre - had asked until Leteetza had scolded them back to their meal, grinning apologetically at her and explaining they were in the middle of a biology project for Vinas…)
Taaqat glanced around the group.
"Does anyone dissent?"
Everyone indicated a negative, and the Raionu nodded to Zaheen.
"Then by all means continue your research, Mmeer Zaheen. Please note that we would be particularly interested in anything that you can discover about the zn'hre - and the hybrids."
Zaheen inclined her head.
"Of course, Memeer. And thank you for this opportunity."
"Anyone else but you and I'd suspect you were pulling rank!"
Radittsu smirked, then sobered.
"Check him yourself, aijin. He's Elite Guard - Royal Guard - material."
Frowning, Hijau *focussed* on Radittsu's third class brother… His now elite brother…
"How the fuck did that happen?"
Radittsu shrugged.
"We have no idea."
Shaking his head, the captain folded his arms across his chest and gazed at Kakarotto.
"I'll have to have it verified, of course, but I can't see that being a problem. Report back here tomorrow - I'll have Zorun do it."
"Good." Radittsu slapped his brother's shoulder and dismissed him, then turned to the smaller Saiyan, face shadowed. "How is he?"
It had been twenty-two days since Mahrayne's revelation. Outwardly Zorun was pretty much as ever - if you overlooked the stony hardness of his face, the tension in his body. But inside…
Hijau grimaced.
"I haven't been able to spend much time with him - nowhere near as much as I should. And he pushes me away even so. He's still hurting, aijin. I had no idea he was so… filled with her. It went way beyond love. He feels so empty now. And he can't rest." He sighed. "I'm just glad he still has his post: when he's working he's wholly focussed, doesn't let anything else intrude."
Radittsu closed his eyes.
"Perhaps I ought to see him."
Hijau nodded.
"He needs someone, aijin. Someone who can spare the time to just *be* with him for a while."
"When's his next downtime?"
Hijau checked his monitor.
"Two days time. He has a three day spell: he'll want to spend some of that with Kinu…" He frowned. "I think I'll try to arrange for Zha'haarak and I to spend a little 'family time' with him. After all, if Kinu and 'jau are going to be bondmates, Zorun ought to be welcomed into the family…"
"Good idea. Let me spend a night with him first, though."
Hijau hugged the big male gratefully.
"And I'll see what I can organise. Perhaps a small family meal. With 'jiisa and 'raadiin as well as us; they both admire him…"
Hijau was off-duty early, and arrived back in the quiet mid-afternoon to find the healers at his bondmate's side, Tane gently ki-manipulating his hip while Dari's hands rested on his swollen belly, warming and soothing the hostling within - and Zaheen sitting a short distance away, closely observing what was happening. The Hyou looked up as the captain landed on the balcony and entered, her expression - as far as he could tell - slightly startled: the Hyoujin still hadn't got used to the Saiyan ability to fly. She rose gracefully to her feet, bowing her head.
"I hope you do not mind, Hijau-sama."
He shook his head, dragging off his boots.
"Not at all, Mmeer."
"You are most kind." she murmured in response, then, "Hijau-sama - ki is personal energy, is it not?"
He nodded.
"Are many other races as proficient in its use as the Saiya-jin?"
He moved to take Zha'haarak's head into his lap, then smiled at the Hyou.
"There are a number of ki-wielding species, yes, but it depends on what you mean by proficient. Ki can be fashioned into a variety of different forms, and employed in a number of different ways… It would be fair to say that we may be the most versatile ki-users, but we aren't the most powerful - much as it annoys the Saiya-jin-no-Ou."
She inclined her head enquiringly.
"The Ssii'iin is the most powerful being onworld, and his children show signs of being even more so when they're fully grown. But over and above that, we have… experienced a race - a very hostile race - whose ki is so far beyond ours we can't measure it." He grinned mirthlessly. "Their homeworld is within Karilun space."
She nodded, slowly.
"An additional reason for our speedy acceptance into the Empire, then." She frowned. "If they're that powerful… Can you defend against them?"
The captain nodded.
"Yes."
She waited, but nothing more was forthcoming, and she was about to change the subject, when he added quietly,
"We will destroy their world, once we know its location."
Tane's soft voice dropped into the silence.
"Is that more comfortable, your highness?"
Zha'haarak sighed and nodded.
"Thank you, yes."
"Good." She eyed his bondmate. "I'm sorry, Hijau-sama, but those bony growths are coming back. They're small at the moment, but they seem to be growing more quickly this time."
Hijau helped the zn'hre ease back into his bodysuit then pulled him up into a gentle hug, one hand cupping his swollen belly.
"Can you not just blast them, like before?"
Tane sat cross-legged, Dari behind her, arms wrapped across her twin's shoulders.
"We're… a little worried that it might distress Za'jau. It does make the joint and the area around it very hot."
Hijau frowned, chewing his lip.
"And how fast are they growing?"
Tane glanced over her shoulder.
*Fifty days?*
Dari nodded.
*If that…*
"We believe they'll have overgrown the joint well before Za'jau is born, sir."
Zha'haarak shuddered in his bondmate's arms: Hijau held him close.
"I need you to come with me tomorrow, to see Vinas. He'll be able to check the progress and give us a medical opinion as to how safe ki-blasting would be."
Tane nodded.
"Of course, Hijau-sama. First thing?"
He nodded his thanks.
Zaheen frowned at the Saiyan enquiringly as the healers excused themselves and exited the suite.
"Hijau-sama, would you like me to ask if we have any knowledge or expertise that might help? It's not my area, but Chalak has been working with your Vinas, and there might be something…"
The captain inclined his head.
"Thank you, I'd appreciate it." He laid his cheek atop his zkai'da's head, rubbing gently at the silky hair. "I wish there was some way we could solve the problem once and for all."
The Hyou smiled.
"Maybe there is. Let us see what information we have…"
Chalak met them as the small group arrived at the infirmary the next morning, and watched closely as Vinas scanned Zha'haarak's hip, frowning at the display on the monitor. The Feeodoreean glanced at the twin healers.
"Can you confirm when these first appeared?"
Tane swallowed nervously.
"Three days ago, Vinas-sama."
"Hm." He measured the coils and tangs of bone that were pressing into the gentle zn'hre's flesh from inside. "A greatly increased rate of growth. I assume that is related to the hosting… although the hormone mix may also have something to do with it…" He sighed and looked up at Hijau. "We must remove them, one way or another. They will impede his highness' ability to carry the child."
"We'd rather avoid surgery if possible."
Vinas smiled.
"Indeed - as would I." He drummed his digits against the scanner. "Ki-blasting will be effective, if done with care. It may need to be done in instalments, allowing time for the joint to cool in between…"
"C'n I help?"
The adults stared down at Kinu, who was perched on the edge of the monitoring bed by Zha'haarak's head, stroking his hair. Hijau grinned and tickled him.
"And how do you think you could help, brat?"
The little hybrid wriggled.
"I c'n keep 'jau cold."
Vinas frowned.
"What do you mean, child?"
Kinu grabbed the biotech's hand, his pretty little face screwed up in concentration. Vinas watched, eyes widening as his hand cooled, then became quite cold under the hybrid's touch.
"This is unprecedented."
Kinu grinned up at him and let go. Warmth slowly flooded back into the Feeodoreean's hand: he gazed at the hybrid for a moment, then smiled at Hijau and Zha'haarak.
"This is a use of ki with which I am not familiar. It rather raises the question what other talents hybridisation will throw up…" He shook his head and pulled his attention back to the matter at hand. "However, I believe, with the healers working in concert with Kinu, and myself monitoring closely, the procedure will be safe. Shall we try?"
Hijau carried Zha'haarak - with Kinu curled up asleep on his chest - back to the suite: the procedure had been a resounding success, but had exhausted the little hybrid. Tane and Dari were simply relieved it had worked.
The suite was almost deserted when they arrived, the children at lessons, Zha'haabron in council, Radittsu overseeing the new intake of recruits, Leteetza off doing something official somewhere, Ti'aasaan visiting Mahrayne. Hijau laid the zn'hre on the sleeping platform, lifting Kinu to the side: the little hybrid snuggled into Zha'haarak's side without waking.
*Do you want to sleep too, zkai'da?*
Zha'haarak rubbed at his hip, relieved that everything had gone so well and grateful to be out of pain for a while.
**Please, zk'vissin. And you should report in. Zh'leet and Br'yaan are here if I need anything**
*You'll go to Mahrayne later for your lesson?*
He nodded, smiling.
**Of course**
*In that case…* he kissed his bondmate's cheek *I will see you later…*
Radittsu stopped Zorun as he left the king's office for the next three days.
"Let's talk."
Zorun glared up at the bigger Saiyan, snarling silently.
"I don't want to talk."
Radittsu nodded.
"Very well. Let's fight, then."
"I don't want to fight you."
Radittsu smirked.
"Only leaves one option then…"
Zorun's quarters were bare of any decoration, bare of anything to relieve the bleakness of rough plastered walls and dark wooden floor. Even the bed was small, hard and comfortless. Radittsu scowled.
"You don't have to live like this, you know."
The King's Guard sat on the edge of the bed, hands hanging loosely between his knees, eyes downcast.
"It suits my mood."
Radittsu eyed him sadly. There'd been such a vibrancy about him, such a short while ago… He sighed and knelt down in front of the older male, taking the cool hands in his own.
*Zorun… You can't go on like this.*
Dark eyes stared bleakly into Radittsu's face.
*I don't know what else to do.*
*The Ssii'iin broke the bond, surely that finished the matter?*
*It stopped me *feeling* her, not feeling for her.*
The kneeling Saiyan cupped the Guard's cool face in warm hands.
*It's finished, aijin. She made her choice, and it wasn't you.*
Zorun shivered.
*I know that.*
*Then you know it's time to move on.*
*To where? Where should I go, 'dittsu?*
*Find someone else.*
The Guard laughed, a bitter sound.
*And you can turn your feelings on and off, just like that, can you?*
Radittsu sighed.
*No, of course not…*
Zorun gripped his shoulders.
*I'm not worthy of… of that kind of relationship.*
Radittsu blinked.
*Not worthy? What's that supposed to mean?*
For a moment Zorun stared, tempted to tell the big male about himself, his past… Then he shook his head.
"Forget it, sir."
Radittsu considered forcing the issue - then decided now wasn't the time. He pulled himself up to sit beside the Guard, arm wrapping across broad shoulders.
*You have two choices. We either stay here, or we go back to the suite for the night.*
*'We'?*
*You don't think I'm leaving you alone do you?*
Zorun sighed.
*Why now, 'dittsu?*
*Because you have downtime, and because Kinu is bonding with Za'jau. Whether you like it or not you're going to be part of the family…*
Zorun stared, then lowered his face into his hands.
*I don't need this…*
*Wrong. This is exactly what you do need.*
Even if he'd had the energy, it was pointless arguing. And somewhat to his surprise he found Radittsu's nearness comforting, even arousing… He turned to the big male.
*I stay here.*
*Very well.*
*And…*
Radittsu waited patiently, stroking the Guard's back. He shivered.
*Will you stay with me?*
*Of course.*
The bed was really too small to be comfortable, but they managed - to be honest, after a little while they didn't notice anyway. It was vicious to start with, Zorun finding unexpected release in fucking Radittsu brutally hard: there was something very satisfying in a partner who could take everything he could mete out and more…
And later, and much more gently, the bigger male took Zorun, coaxing him to a softer, deeper climax that shook the Guard's body and allowed him to relax - finally - into sleep, a deep, restful sleep without dreams, the solid warmth at his back feeling so secure, so protecting…
He woke to find himself snuggled tightly to Radittsu's big, warm body, head nestled on a heavily muscled shoulder, his tail wrapped around a solid thigh. And it felt wonderful.
Radittsu was still asleep, the broad chest rising and falling slowly, silently, the soundless breathing of the trained warrior. Zorun lay quietly, his mind timidly circling around the previous night…
Radittsu - and Hijau… Friends. Yes, fellow Guard, fellow Saiyans, but far more than that. Hijau… accepted him for what he was, what he had been. And as for Rad-chan, well, nothing fazed him, nothing ever would…
Zorun laid a hand very lightly over the deep scars across the big male's hip; Radittsu still limped slightly, more obviously when he was tired.
It occurred to him that he… (whisper it) loved… these two. Oh, not the soul-deep wrenching feelings he'd had for the Hassinan, no, not that… but something kinder, soothing, easy.
Could it be enough?
It would have to do for now.
Radittsu stirred, shifting to pull Zorun closer, nuzzling his mane.
*Mmmm… sleep well, aijin?*
And Zorun pressed a kiss to the big male's shoulder, *whispering*,
*Yes…*
Jeice ran graceful fingers through Radittsu's mane, trailing down the Saiyan's chest and kissing the bottom of the ribcage, then resting his chin in his hands, gazing down into nightdark eyes.
*And he feels better?*
Radittsu nodded.
*I don't really understand it, but this morning he felt… *lighter*, as though he'd been wearing weighted armour and had suddenly had it blasted off. Easier. More comfortable.* The big Saiyan smiled and stroked the hash'shavven's cheek. *Felt good.*
*Think it's solved the problem?*
*Heh, I'm not that naďve! But it will have helped for now. He slept well, and that's something he hasn't done in far too long.*
Jeice nuzzled the hand against his face.
*Anyone told you how wonderful you are, lately?*
Radittsu stared, then laughed.
*Baka!*
Ah well… thought Jeice to himself. At least some of us know…
He slid down the Saiyan's body to lick at his massive erection, studded tongue sparking a gasp. Radittsu stroked his hair.
*Y… You don't have to…*
Jeice grinned.
*I know. But I want to.*
Radittsu wasn't going to object…
Zaheen had been present when the young warrior zn'hre broke the news to the family that he wanted to return to R'ren'nkh'ia - she'd nearly said homeworld but of course he'd been born on Vejiitasei…
The Hyou was in something of an unusual position: she, Chalak and Taiz were still onworld. Taaqat had been dumbfounded when the three had petitioned to stay after the negotiations were concluded.
"Memeer, why?"
"There's so much to be learned here, Mmeer Taaqat. Vejiitasei shows signs of becoming one of the most cosmopolitan planets in the galaxy: this is an excellent place to continue our various researches."
The Raionu had frowned.
"But your duties at home…"
"Can be easily covered by our deputies." Zaheen sighed. "Please, Mmeer. The resources they have here… and the opportunities to study the zhaneer…"
So the diminished delegation had returned home, accompanied by a large transport carrying second and third class troops of Saiyan warriors - for onworld defence - and a subsidiary nitorine-trained special squad (one of four: after the success with the Budoushu-jin Radittsu had selected and trained additional groups. The Saiya-jin-no-Ou had approved the move: they'd be needed when the co-ordinates to the Warui-jin homeworld were discovered) leaving the Hyou behind. They'd been allocated their own suite, on the same corridor as the teacher Mahrayne and the two healers, and settled into life on Vejiitasei with admirable ease.
Zaheen had observed that the children in the family nearly always requested aid of the hash'shavven when they had to do something that would upset an adult member of the close-knit group - particularly the Ssii'irin Zha'haarak. To start with she'd wondered if that was perhaps because they were afraid of being punished and used Jeice as a sort of buffer, but she soon came to realise it was because the little alien was somehow able to smooth fraught situations. (She'd made a mental note to investigate the hash'shavven - if she ever found a spare minute!) And the children asked him to help, not because they were afraid, but because they hated upsetting any of their parents, especially the gentle zn'hre.
It was charming. Jeice had cuddled Zha'haarak closely, stroking his hair, and gently passed on 'jiisa's request to be allowed to return to R'ren'nkh'ia with the warrior Fa'saayen, to continue his training in zn'hre combat forms. Zha'haarak had been tearful, but proud, and gave the little warrior his blessing - at which 'jiisa had snuggled into his host, happy and excited and so affectionate it quite brought a lump to the Hyou's throat. How different to the Hyoujin's own culture!
She'd been at the spaceport with the family to wave farewell to the departing warriors, watching as Hijau tenderly held his bondmate close. Zha'haarak had managed not to cry until the shuttle had taken off, then the Saiyan had swept him into strong arms and flown him back to the palace to rest.
"Poor Zha'haarak." Leteetza's voice was a quiet murmur beside her. "That's the second of his hostlings to leave."
Zaheen inclined her head.
"This is not usual - for the children to leave, I mean?"
Leteetza shrugged.
"Who knows? This is the first generation of zn'hre families. Prior to this hostlings were separated from their host before they were born. And mostly never seen again." She smiled sadly. "I'll find the files for you. It's not a pleasant story…"
It wasn't just unpleasant, it was downright horrifying. But it gave Zaheen the opportunity to look at the zn'hre, and Zha'haabron, and the Saiya-jin-no-Ou and his family, in a much clearer light. And she liked what she saw.
It was late afternoon, a gloriously warm, sunny evening. Their language class had just finished, and it was several hours before the family would assemble for the main evening meal. 'haabron caught Kobis' hand and tugged gently.
**Come with me…**
The young zn'hre had asked Zh'leet to prepare a special picnic for them, and the brood, her eyes twinkling, had it all ready by the time they returned to the suite. 'haabron had even thought to speak to Hijau, asking if they could have Jagung as their guard, since he at least would be familiar with what they were doing… Hijau, who was spending the day with Zha'haarak, had smirked and agreed, ordering Merica to go too, knowing that the bonded pair would enjoy the chance for a little open-air dalliance while keeping themselves alert for any danger to the princes…
'haabron and Kobis had a favourite pool in a secluded hollow, a natural-looking pond with a small waterfall, the area around it soft with thick moss and sheltered by sweet flowering shrubs. They could be together there, guarded, yet still feel that they were alone.
'haabron was shivering with anticipation: Kobis took his face gently in warm hands, brushing a kiss over cool lips.
*Happy?*
The zn'hre sighed and closed his eyes blissfully, arms wrapping his young lover's shoulders as he snuggled close.
**Oh yes…**
Kobis sank down onto the spread fur, pulling 'haabron down with him.
*Shall we eat?*
The zn'hre chuckled nervously.
**Maybe afterwards, zkai'din**
Kobis blinked.
*You want…? Now?*
'haabron nodded tremulously, his breathing speeding up. Kobis gazed into bright golden eyes.
*Sure?*
It was a soft, sweet *whisper* in the depths of his being.
*Oh yes. Zv'ah'hi'iemis'sa, zkai'da…**
As first sun began the leisurely slide down the sky into twilight, the Saiyan eased carefully into his love's cool body…
Merica pulled Jagung back onto his lap, impaling his bondmate deeply and holding him close as the two listened to the faint sounds, and rather more distinctive smells, of lovemaking that issued from behind the stand of exotic shrubs. It was very arousing, and made more exciting because neither Guard could allow himself to lose concentration - which made for a long, slow, restrained climb to orgasm. And even then they couldn't relax: the need for control was an exquisite torture.
'haabron had come almost as soon as Kobis was fully seated in his body, long legs wrapped around the Saiyan's hips, arms around his body, the clenching of his chitsu almost enough to spark his lover's climax. But Kobis was determined that this would be special for them both: gritting his teeth, he hung on until the powerful spasms had stopped, then focussed as he began the shifting - part physical, part *emotive* - he'd learnt from Rad-chan. 'haabron's eyes snapped open, his lips parted in a soundless "oh!", then he melted into the sensations, trembling in the young Saiyan's arms - and double-climaxing, powerfully, whimpering as he clung to his lover.
Kobis sighed, and carefully pulled backwards, surprised (even though he'd known what to expect) to find the thorn-like barbs against his inkei had relaxed into hard, smooth, stimulating little bumps. He pushed himself up onto his elbows so he could look down into 'haabron's face, and began to move, carefully at first, then more strongly as the zn'hre gasped and pushed into his thrusts.
Could there be anything better than this…? To be *within* the beloved?
'haabron gazed up, eyes brimming, happier than he'd ever imagined.
No, zkai'da. No…
The early hours of the morning, and Ti'aasaan couldn't sleep. He'd slid from the platform and made his way to the cold store, and was now standing on the balcony swathed in one of Zha'haarak's warm robes, nibbling absently at the ki-warmed fruit-in-mixed-juices that Zh'leet had prepared for him in - though she'd never admit it - an attempt to cheer him up. Whatever it was that was bothering him was slowly getting worse, until his unhappiness was apparent to everyone. Even himself.
He sighed miserably. What the fuck was wrong with him?!
He gazed out across the palace grounds. Over to the north, on the next rise of the massive ridge on which the complex sat, the lights of the Elite Guard barracks twinkled enticingly…
Enticingly? Where had that come from? Nothing enticing about the barracks, they were cold and comfortless, filled with rough warriors whose idea of fun was beating each other senseless.
Nevertheless…
Something was pulling at him. Something at the barracks…
His eyes widened as he finally recognised what it was. No, that was ridiculous…
He turned away, turned to go back into the familiar warmth of the suite and the family.
And couldn't.
Rubbing his hands irritably over his eyes and dreading what Zha'haabron would say when he found out, the little zn'hre launched himself from the balcony and soared the short distance to the barracks.
The King's Guard's quarters were dark, cool, seemingly empty. Ti'aasaan peered into the gloom, sure that there was someone on the bed…
"Zorun?" It was a hesitant whisper. The figure on the bed stirred and sat up: the little zn'hre caught the glitter of wide dark eyes in the dim light from the corridor.
"What do you want?"
The contemptuous growl was hardly welcoming - but at the sound of the Saiyan's voice something… relaxed within him. He moved quietly to the bed and seated himself, gazing up into the scowling face.
"I don't know, Zorun-sama. I just know I had to come here."
Zorun blinked, then frowned. Ti'aasaan looked so tiny, perched on the bed in the thick, oversized robe, his eyes wide and unsmiling, his scent - sweetly spicy, soft and completely open. Trusting. Childlike.
Bewildered, the big Saiyan pulled back the heavy sleeping fur and made room for the little zn'hre, cuddling around the small cold body as Ti'aasaan snuggled into his warmth.
And within minutes they were both asleep, for once peacefully, calmly, both soothed by the other's presence…
Kinu's head jerked up, eyes wide. Mahrayne frowned anxiously.
"What is it, sinam?"
"… 'jau… gotta go, maazi…"
He raced out of the classroom - fortunately the window was open - and flew as fast as he could to the family's suite, arriving there at the same time as Hijau. Together they ran into the bathing room…
… to find Zha'haarak on the floor in Jagung's arms, the panicking Saiyan supporting the whimpering, writhing zn'hre as best he could. He looked up as Hijau entered, eyes wild.
"I… I think… the baby's coming…"
"Wha…? It's too early!!"
Hijau took his whimpering bondmate as quickly and carefully as he could from the Guard, kissing his neck reassuringly then looking over his shoulder.
"Get the twins. And Leteetza. And contact Vinas…"
As Jagung raced for the comm unit, Hijau tried to pick Zha'haarak up, freezing at his zkai'da's bitten off scream.
**… no… p…please… let me stay here…**
*You'll be more comfortable on the bed…*
**... n… no…**
He cried out, gripping Hijau's wrists, and the captain gritted his teeth, *feeling* his bondmate's hip dislocate as the hybrid struggled to be born. Kinu knelt in front of the zn'hre, hands on the swollen belly: Hijau spared him a glance.
"Not now, Kinu. This is no place for you."
The little hybrid frowned at the Saiyan.
"With 'jau's my place. Always will be."
Ignoring Hijau's incoherent snarl, he returned his gaze to Zha'haarak. And to the captain's astonishment, 'jau's movements calmed and slowed…
*Gently, sinam, you're hurting maazi.*
**Zkai'da… need out… can't… can't…**
*I know, aijin… soon, I promise…*
**[pained whimper]**
Zh'leet hurtled into the bathroom, closely followed by the healers who took up position on either side of the zn'hre, hands on belly and hip, trying to ease the pain. Zh'leet checked him swiftly and efficiently, then placed her hands high up on his abdomen.
"When I say, zk'vissin, I want you to push down." She glanced at Kinu, his hands still on Zha'haarak's belly, and glared at Hijau.
"What's he doing here?"
"Helping!" the Saiyan snarled. "He stays"
Fucking Saiyans! But Zh'leet had no time to argue.
"Now, zk'vissin…"
And with Kinu calming the birthing hybrid, Zh'leet's strong hands easing his passage, and Hijau *whispering* loving reassurances to his bondmate, supporting him, Za'jau struggled his way into the world.
Zh'leet lifted the little creature and gently placed him in his maazi's arms: Zha'haarak, the pain from his hip, from his lower body disregarded, gazed down at his hostling in wonder. 'jau looked up, deep green gold-streaked eyes wide in a sharp-featured little face, his skin a warm soft golden green, the long strong tail wrapping his host's wrist delicately banded in flame red and emerald green, echoing the streaks of his long heavy mane. He was exquisite.
Kinu stroked the newborn's face very gently, purring - then grinned up at Hijau.
"Mine."
© 2003 March 14th Joules Taylor
