Match
Mid year on Vejiitasei and the days, and nights, were again uncomfortable for Pirum. The Hassinan scowled: especially when a drowsy, post-coital Kiraz insisted on plastering himself to her back. She reached behind to poke sharply at the bit of him closest to hand.
"Baka Saiyan, move… it's too hot."
A disgruntled growl vibrated against her neck but Kiraz rolled away, after perversely pressing himself closer for a moment. Pirum breathed a sigh of relief, stretching luxuriously and ignoring the hand still tangled in her hair. Their Saiyan liked touching his mates, particularly after making love. He'd deny it of course, but in private Kiraz could be as affectionate as any one. Over the other side of the warrior, 'sel chuckled.
"Would you like me to sleep beside you, Pir-chan?"
"Oh, please," she grinned; the coolness of the zn'hre's body would help lower her temperature.
"You've been here eleven years, Snowball," Kiraz snorted, "and you still haven't fucking adapted."
Pirum ignored him, giving 'sel a welcoming smile as the zn'hre clambered nimbly over his lovers to settle beside her.
"Mmm… that's better…" she cuddled close to her lab-partner, eyes drifting shut as she slid into sleep...
…to wake some time later because not only had Kiraz pressed himself hard up against her back again, but an arm and one of his legs were draped heavily over her body. Pirum scowled gathering herself to shove him away when something odd made her pause. The sleeping Saiyan was purring. That was so cute! She smirked; Kiraz carried on as if the relationship he had with 'sel and herself was purely a matter of convenience but it was moments like this that gave the lie to his air of indifference. However, sweet as this moment was it was still too hot for cuddling. Pirum wriggled, trying to dislodge Kiraz without waking 'sel. No such luck, the Saiyan's arm only tightened around her waist while 'sel stirred in his sleep. Oh for fuck's sake…
"Kiraz!" she hissed. "Wake up!"
The male grunted.
"What?"
"You're smothering me." Pirum whispered. "Get off!"
He loosened his grip, but didn't let go, nuzzling a kiss to the back of her neck.
"I had the weirdest dream…"
"Which was?" Pirum snapped, quietly, keeping an eye on 'sel who looked to be waking up.
"You were pregnant with my cub."
"Oh, spare me," she snorted, "if I was going to get pregnant I'd choose someone with some brains to be the father." She grinned, slowly, maliciously. "Was that why you were purring?"
There was a brief silence behind her, then:
"I wasn't!"
"You were!"
"Children." 'selaan's normally smooth voice carried a tinge of irritation. "Pirum, why don't you sleep on the other side of me?"
"Good idea," she kissed the tip of the zn'hre's nose, then smirked. "Kiraz dreamt he got me pregnant."
"I know." 'sel sighed.
"Most ridiculous thing I've ever hea- "
"Not impossible, though, we know how easy it is for Hassinan and Saiya-jin to interbreed."
Pirum's laugh fell short of derisive.
"Still ridiculous."
"Kiraz?" 'sel eyed the warrior, who was lying there looking… nervous? Kiraz reached over to gingerly spread his fingers over Pirum's abdomen. Shocked, ebony eyes met disbelieving silver ones.
"…no." Pirum shook her head. "No!" the denial was stronger this time as the Saiyan nodded.
"Congratulations, both of you." A beaming 'selaan gathered the shaking Hassinan into a tight hug, cool lips brushing over her forehead.
"I can't be." Pirum was beginning to sound panicked. "I'm too young!"
Though the logical, analytical part of her mind was telling her that oh no she wasn't. Pirum had read through the G'geckan medical records she and 'sel had pilfered years ago. She knew the G'gecks had tested their theory regarding Hassinan fertility by inseminating the unconscious females under their care, even the non-breeding ones, though all of the pregnancies had been terminated before the females awoke. The youngest the G'gecks had managed to impregnate was ten years old – Pirum was almost twelve.
"This is going to ruin everything!" she sobbed into 'selaan's shoulder. "What about my studies? My work? I didn't want to have children for years!"
"Hush now, your life isn't over," the zn'hre kept his voice light while his expression was clearly telling Kiraz to get over here and comfort your mate. "Zha'haarak will be delighted to look after the child for you once it's weaned – which we know won't take long. In the meantime you'll still be able to study, and Vinas can advise you on what work you can continue with."
"'rayne's going to kill me…"
"No she won't," 'sel said with more sharpness than he'd intended, cutting short Kiraz' threatening growl. "Your sister will be delighted," he chuckled, "… eventually."
Pirum choked out a laugh at that, then sighed unsteadily.
"… what a mess."
"It's unexpected, Snowball," Kiraz had finally shaken off his stunned immobility and moved to wrap himself around the Hassinan, nuzzling her neck. "But I can't say I'm unhappy about it." He tensed, realising how arrogant that must sound, half-expecting her to round on him.
"You're not?"
"No," the young warrior dared to relax a little, nuzzling the golden skin again, not wanting to let go of her.
"Well then I suppose if you're happy that's all that matters." The sarcasm didn't have its usual bite.
"So you've finally fucking realised it! About time…" he smirked into narrowed silver eyes, then scowled. "Are you going to get all moody now?"
"Keep talking like that and I will."
'sel intervened with a grin.
"Please, it's only a few hours 'til sunsrise, let's get some sleep." He brushed the lightest of kisses over the Hassinan's lips. "We'll see Vinas first thing in the morning. He'll want to give you a check-up anyway." He arched an eyebrow at Kiraz. "You'll be coming as well?"
The Saiyan blinked.
"I suppose so." He lifted his chin, expression hardening as the urge to protect his mate and their cub surged through him. "Yes I will…"
The news travelled fast. Pirum found herself the object of delighted smiles, or knowing smirks, as she and her mates presented for first meal the next day in the Family suite. The Hassinan glowered.
"Can't anybody keep a secret here?"
Leteetza chuckled, kissing her cheek.
"You should know better than that by now." She eyed the young female. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine. For now." The threat was implicit and Leteetza smirked.
"Oh, don't worry, we know what to expect…"
Vinas displayed no emotion beyond a faint smile at Pirum's news, though he congratulated Kiraz and herself, and assured his student that certainly her studies could continue. She would need to rest though, and might have to curtail some of the practical work, specifically that which involved the use of hazardous substances. Other than that the biotech was confident there would be no problems, despite her youth. Under Kiraz' watchful eye, and 'selaan's interested one, he examined Pirum, confirming she'd been pregnant for several days already. It wasn't surprising that Kiraz hadn't detected the child earlier, the ki of Hassinan-Saiya-jin hybrid foetuses generally seemed harder to detect in the early days than a full-blood Saiyan's.
The trio parted company outside of the med-centre: 'sel went on to the labs while Kiraz flew Pirum to Buahan's suite - making her promise she'd take an escort with her when she left - before heading off to speak with his father.
The Oujo, naturally, knew all about it before Pirum opened her mouth and threw herself at her friend with a happy grin.
"Congratulations!" She hugged the taller female. "That's wonderful news!" She tilted her head to one side. "But I thought you weren't old enough to conceive?"
Pirum sighed.
"I'm old enough. The only reason Hassinan didn't get pregnant earlier is because our culture kept the sexes separate until they reached a specific age."
Buahan kissed the palm of Pirum's hand.
"You're unhappy?" she asked gently.
"I don't know. I don't know how I feel about anything."
The helplessness in her friend's scent prompted the Saiyan to envelop her in
another, tight hug.
"You'll be fine, I promise."
Pirum clung to the little female for a few moments then resolutely pushed herself away.
"I know." She mustered a wan little smile. "You managed, after all, when you were comparatively my age."
"It's not so hard, and you'll have all the help you'll need. From 'sel, I don't doubt, even from Kiraz," Buahan smirked. "Even if I have to beat him over the head to make him understand!"
Pirum sniggered.
"Now that I'd like to see."
"The kusoyaro's ridiculously pleased with himself, you know." Buahan smirked.
"He's not the one being inconvenienced, is he?" the young female growled, folding her arms across her chest. Buahan lifted an eyebrow – mood swings already? She tactfully changed the subject.
"You'll be telling Mahrayne?"
Pirum sighed.
"I suppose I'd better."
"Do it soon, while she's still euphoric over Jemiin and Maaren."
Kinu and 'jau had recently presented Mahrayne with her second set of grandchildren and she was obviously delighted.
"That's very sneaky!" Pirum chuckled, good humour restored.
"Well yes," Buahan smirked, "but there's no sense in making trouble for yourself…"
Pirum buried herself in her work, managing to put off telling her sister the news for several hours in the hopes that someone else would've done so in the meantime. Luck wasn't with her, naturally; when she tracked Mahrayne down later in the day the white-haired female didn't have a clue.
"Pirum, what's the matter?" the elder female hurried out from behind her desk in the 'office' she shared with a couple of the other tutors. She beckoned the noticeably troubled young female over to a low and comfortable couch, sitting her down and clasping a long hand lightly between her own. "What's happened?"
In the presence of the one person who'd always been there with comfort, help and advice all of her life, Pirum finally gave in to the fear and worry – and anger at her own thoughtlessness – she'd been repressing all day. She crumpled into her sister's embrace.
"I'm p-pregnant."
Mahrayne's arms tightened around the slim body and she laid her cheek against the top of Pirum's head.
"Ah, I see…" she was concerned, very concerned, Pirum was little more than a child for one thing, but what she needed most of all now was love and acceptance. "Were you surprised?"
"Stunned." Pirum sniffled. "But not surprised, not really."
"How so?"
"I've read the G'gecks' research on us. They knew Hassinan females were fertile at a much earlier age than we'd supposed."
Unseen by her sister, Mahrayne's jaw tightened. The more she found out about the aliens the less she wanted to do with them, ever. She didn't ask the question uppermost in her mind, though – which was how did the G'gecks know that? - choosing instead to keep things at a more personal level.
"How does Kiraz feel about becoming a father?"
Pirum's head jerked up sharply and Mahrayne chuckled at the surprise in the youngster's eyes.
"I'm not entirely stupid, precious, it hasn't escaped my attention that you're essentially living with him and 'selaan. Chances were one of them is the father, with Kiraz being the more likely because he's Saiyan."
Pirum's mouth flapped a couple of times then she scowled.
"Yes, very clever. I keep forgetting you're not an idiot." Her expression became thoughtful. "I don't really know how Kiraz feels about it, we've hardly seen each other since we found out." She sighed, resting her head against her sister's shoulder. "At the moment I think 'sel is the happiest of us all."
Mahrayne chuckled.
"You won't go short of help anyway, even if you don't think you need it."
"I know, I know…" Pirum groaned.
"Do what Zh'leet tells you to," golden-bronze eyes twinkled, "the old lizard will make your life a misery if you don't!"
Something sounding suspiciously like a snigger answered that and Mahrayne smiled: Pirum was resilient, once she got over this initial shock she'd adapt quickly to her situation.
"Will you be telling your mother - "
"No!" Pirum's head jerked up. "And you mustn't either. Don't tell anyone anything, not even Nonnia."
Mahrayne blinked at the female's vehemence.
"Surely Olla would like to know –"
"No! Please, 'rayne, I don't want any of them knowing yet." She heaved a put-upon sigh. "I can do without the aggravation."
"Very well, precious." Mahrayne kissed Pirum's forehead. "I'll keep your secret."
"Thank you." She glanced over at the room's chronometer and smiled ruefully. "I have to go. I said I'd meet Kiraz downstairs and if I'm not there the baka will almost certainly come looking for me."
"Especially now," Mahrayne smiled, releasing her sister. "Look after yourself,
precious, and if you need anything at all…"
Pirum grinned.
"I'll swallow my pride and ask."
Kiraz flopped down onto the cool, soft grass next to the little stream and sighed silently. Fuck, what a shit of a day. Between his 'interview' with his father and the constant, puerile jibes from his fellow guards the warrior was about ready to ki-blast something. And as for his so-called friends…! Ry and 'raadiin had at least had the sense to back-off eventually but Ry's smug assertions that he'd never get caught siring a brat, combined with 'raadiin's unspoken superiority of having sired a dozen brats already had only served to irritate the Prince further. Kiraz breathed in deeply, then exhaled, consciously calming himself. Fuck the lot of 'em! He half-smiled fiercely, it didn't matter what anyone said or did, the important thing was he and Pirum were going to have a cub. The thought pleased him more than he ever thought it would and he wanted to share it with someone... Kiraz *reached* for his twin on R'ren'nkh'ia.
*Kobis? You busy?*
*Just getting ready to sleep.* the reply was soft, replete: it sounded to Kiraz as if his sibling had only recently finished fucking his lizards...*What's up?*
*Pirum's pregnant.*
There was a miniscule pause then:
*Uh, right. Congratulations?*
*Yeah, thanks.* Kiraz was sardonic and Kobis smirked.
*No, seriously, congratulations. I gather it wasn't planned?*
*Nope. But it's not a bad thing, for all that.*
*I'm very pleased for you both.* Kiraz could almost *see* his twin's beaming smile. *You ready for the mood swings? Remember what 'rayne was like?*
Kiraz snorted.
*I'll let 'sel deal with those.*
Kobis burst out *laughing*.
*Very generous, I'm sure! How did papa take it?*
*My ears are still fucking ringing.* the warrior growled. *But at least he didn't hit me.*
*Ah, give him a little while to get used to the idea of one of his brats fathering a child on a ki-less alien from a dead planet and I'm sure he'll be a doting grandfather.*
*You always were unnecessarily optimistic.* Kiraz grumbled through a nascent smile.
*Do you want to claim her?*
The astute question caught the warrior off-guard.
*No. Yes. Fuck, I don't know. Given Papa's reaction I don't think it'd be a good idea.*
*Not yet, anyway. Even if she'd let you.* He smirked at his twin's growl. *You wouldn't give her the choice? That's just asking for trouble.*
Kiraz snorted.
*I'm not that stupid!* He stood up and stretched. *Better go. It's good to talk to you.*
*You too.* his sibling's *tone* was warm. *Greet Pirum and 'sel for us. We'll be thinking of you all.*
*Thanks.*
*And stay out of Papa's way for a couple of days.*
Kiraz smirked.
*Already planning to. Talk to you soon…*
The warrior closed the mental connection then sprang into the air, flying straight and fast towards the Academy.
A scowling Pirum was waiting for him inside the foyer, arms folded tightly over her breasts.
"You're late."
Kiraz's sarcastic retort died in his throat. Under Pirum's irritation he caught the scent of uncertainty and a fearful insecurity. Had she thought he wasn't going to bother coming for her? Baka alien…
"Sorry. I was *speaking* with Kobis."
The Hassinan sniffed.
"Hn. All right then."
"Hungry?"
Pirum blinked, then laughed.
"Famished! Though a little while ago I couldn't face the thought of food." She shook her head. "This is going to be a nightmare."
"We'll manage."
Pirum's eyes widened. Kiraz was half-smiling at her - not a smirk, a genuine smile, if you please – as he brushed the backs of his fingers over her cheek. He was showing her affection in public? Looks like it might not only be her brains going soft because of this pregnancy…
He scooped her up in his arms and the familiar, impudent smirk was back.
"Let's go, Snowball, 'sel's waiting for us."
Kiraz flew them back to their quarters and Pirum nestled close to the warm, strong body, thinking that perhaps this wasn't going to be so bad after all.
Pirum's mood swings were ferocious but they didn't last long. Much to everyone's relief she soon settled back down to her normal acerbic self. The young Hassinan felt tired a lot of the time but Vinas was pleased with the progress of her pregnancy and consequently so was she. Amazingly, Mahrayne didn't fuss over her, though Zh'leet did, and all in all there was very little to inconvenience her. That was until the beginning of the following cold season, about half-way through her pregnancy, when she and her sister received word that their father had died suddenly on G'geckah.
"Well I'm not going there for the funeral rites!" Pirum pouted, folding her hands protectively over the bulge of her abdomen.
"I agree." Mahrayne nodded, then sighed. "You at least have a legitimate excuse not to attend." Her younger sister frowned and Mahrayne added quickly:"Even though it's still a secret."
Pirum shrugged.
"If anyone asks just say I was too busy." She sighed at her sibling's gloomy demeanour. "You don't have to go either."
Mahrayne looked down.
"Yes, I do."
"Still playing the dutiful daughter? Why, 'rayne? You don't owe him anything."
The elder female looked up and her eyes were haunted.
"It's… I can't explain it, but I have to do this. The same way I had to be there for my mother."
Pirum rolled her eyes.
"Is your sense of duty fuelled by guilt or are you just naturally a masochist?"
Mahrayne stared at her then managed a small chuckle.
"Perhaps I'm subconsciously trying to atone for disappointing them before I have to spend eternity with them in the afterlife."
Pirum grimaced.
"That makes sense in a disturbing sort of way. When are you leaving?"
"As soon as Malum gets here."
"Kel's going with you?"
"Yes, and 'nesia." Though Mahrayne's first instinct when her now almost fully-grown child had volunteered to accompany her had been to say no. Frankly, she didn't want her hybrid offspring anywhere within reach of the G'geckans and their 'theories' but hadn't been able to articulate that. Subsequently Ti'nesia was now packed and ready to leave, and quietly excited about meeting more of his kin.
"Is Malum going to be bringing his herd?"
"Pirum! Please, a little respect!" but Mahrayne was giggling behind her hand. "Yes, Malum will be bringing his females and their children."
Pirum smirked.
"In that case I'm definitely not going." The youngster sobered. "Don't stay longer than you have to, 'rayne."
"I will be back as soon as I can." Mahrayne nodded. "I don't think I'll be needed quite so much this time. I suspect Nonnia won't be in deep mourning..."
It only took a day to travel to G'geckah now, compared to the three days of old, but that wasn't the only change in recent years. Mahrayne looked out over the altered landscape and shook her head.
"I hadn't thought it would be this bad."
At her side, Kelapa grunted.
"Even now it's not there that fucking planet of yours is making people miserable."
G'geckah had suffered in the years since Hassina had flung itself apart. Debris from the shattered planet was still falling semi-regularly on to the lush world, creating ugly bare patches in the blue-green vegetation, disrupting the flow of the numerous waterways and slowly forcing a change in the weather patterns. The G'geckans were not happy and knowing the current problems ultimately came down to the Saiyans' excessive mining on Hassina they'd petitioned the Saiya-jin-no-Ou for help. Vejiita had been inclined to withhold any aid the Empire could give until the G'geckans agreed to join the Alliance. He'd finally been 'persuaded' otherwise by Zha'haabron and now there was a Feeodoreean vessel in orbit around G'geckah to monitor incoming meteors, and a task force of small, highly manoeuvrable fire-ships on hand to deflect the worst of them. But still the damage had been done and it would be generations before the planet fully recovered.
"Nonnia!" Mahrayne flung herself into her tertera's arms with a happy cry. "It's so good to see you again!"
The older female hugged the younger, tightly.
"And you." She pulled back a little and eyed her almost-daughter. "You're looking well."
"I've been very happy." Mahrayne grinned.
Olla, Nonnia's lover and Pirum's mother touched her on the shoulder and smiled.
"How is Pirum?"
Mahrayne hesitated, fighting the blush creeping over her cheeks.
"Good... Busy."
Nonnia chuckled, sharing a look with Olla.
"She never could dissemble well." She held up a hand as Mahrayne went to speak. "No. Don't say anything, you'll only bury yourself further."
"All I need to know is that my daughter is happy and healthy." Olla added.
Mahrayne answered in the affirmative, practically grinning with relief.
"She sends her love and says she'll write soon."
Olla laughed outright.
"A letter sometime within the next year would be nice."
Mahrayne grinned then stepped to one side.
"You remember Kelapa?" she indicated the waiting Saiyan.
"I do." Nonnia inclined her head respectfully to the female. "Welcome, Kelapa." she said in throaty Common. Kel nodded in return then moved to stand beside her mate.
"And this is Ti'nesia…" Mahrayne grinned at the look on the Hassinans' faces as the hybrid approached. 'nesia had grown into a tall, lithe slenderness. His silver hair – unbound for mourning – fell to the small of his back and his cheeks were criss-crossed with an angular, traditionally masculine, pattern of skin beads, recently set. Nonnia smiled diffidently into silver eyes.
"Mahrayne said you were growing quickly but I never guessed…" she inclined her head. "Welcome, Ti'nesia, it's good to finally meet you," she cast a sideways glance at his mother, "after all this time."
Mahrayne had the grace to look abashed but 'nesia simply smiled.
"I am very glad to be here."
"When can we see Donato?" Mahrayne said.
"Soon." Nonnia spoke softly. "I'll arrange a time before the rites."
The younger female heard and understood the regret in her tertera's voice. Astolan had seen fit to take Donato away from his mother when he was three years old, much earlier than normal. Nonnia had barely seen her child since then but as his father's only available son – Astolan the younger was dead and Malum was on Vejiitasei – his father had wanted to begin training him as soon as possible to take over as head of the household.
But Astolan had died long before Donato was ready and Nonnia had little idea of what was planned for her son, or for the rest of Astolan's household come to that. Traditionally, the dead male's responsibilities would've passed to his eldest surviving son but while Malum had been willing to take that onboard he'd insisted on staying at Kamome: the household would have to come to him.
Olla spoke up.
"And we'll see Malum soon?"
"He's organising his… family." Mahrayne replied. "They'll be here shortly."
'Here' was one of the reception rooms set aside for male and female use. The Hassinan on G'geckah had decided to maintain their traditions as far as possible and keep the sexes separate. Amidst the upheaval of leaving their home it was a comforting familiarity.
Malum had caused some consternation by requesting a separate set of rooms
for his family. He'd not wanted to go into the males' quarters, likewise his females wanted to stay with him. It was something of a slap in the face for the ultra-conservative elements within the Hassinan refugees, and an indication of just how radical the break-away group had become. Mahrayne, on the other hand, had been looking forward to spending time immersed in the females' culture. Kelapa was less than enthusiastic but as they wouldn't be staying for very long and this place didn't reek like Hassina had she'd decided she could put up with it, especially if the other females kept their hands off her mate. Lastly, Ti'nesia was delighted to accept Malum's hospitality. To be honest he'd not have known what to do with himself amongst the males – even if he'd been made welcome – and staying with his maazis in the females' quarters wasn't possible. And he loved his maazi's brother, and his boisterous family, relished being with them. As a child visiting Kamome he'd hero-worshipped the gold-haired male and been pleased to bursting to discover he'd been named for Malum's mother. Malum in turn had accepted his little green-skinned shadow with equanimity and the pair had formed a close, loving, mutually respectful relationship.
Mahrayne had wondered how the Hassina would deal with their dead on G'geckah - there were no convenient lava flows here to tip the bodies into. The G'geck's, however, had similar funeral rites in that they also incinerated their deceased but they used a mechanical device for the task. There was an additional complication for the Hassinan, though: the lava dealt with the bodies completely, removing all residue, but the G'geck device left behind ashes that had to be disposed of separately. The G'geckans collected the ashes and stored them for making the bricks and mortar of some of their significant buildings but the Hassinan had universally been repulsed by the idea. The Council had debated the matter, at length, and it'd been decided that instead of adding their ashes to the G'geckans' store they'd keep the remains of their people with them in special – highly decorated, of course – containers until another solution was found.
The white-haired female looked into the lifeless face of the male who'd had such an impact on her life and could summon no emotion but a vague regret. She was who she was partly because of her father's influence, if he'd been a different person then so would've she. Mahrayne sighed: the corridor had collapsed behind them, the past couldn't be changed. She stepped away from the body, making room for the next mourner to pay their respects. It was large gathering for Astolan's last rites, not because he'd been popular but because he'd been influential. The number of males attending the funeral was relatively high, including members of the Council and Marldus' extended family, a high honour for someone who'd only been an aide to a Councillor. Invisible to everyone else, Alida stood close to Mahrayne, holding her hand as they watched the body of their father being manoeuvred into the cylindrical chamber. When the metal door was at last shut tight behind him the twins experienced an odd lifting of their hearts, as if they'd finally caught a glimpse of their destination after a long, arduous journey. Was it freedom, perhaps? Independence? Astolan had represented the last of the ties to their old life and now they could go forward unhindered…
The Vejiitasei Hassinan only stayed a few days after Astolan had been cremated and while Nonnia would've liked for Mahrayne at least to stay a little longer she bowed to the female's desire to return to the work, and life, she loved. As brief as the visit had been though, it'd been long enough for Donato and Ti'nesia to become friends. The young Hassinan had been intrigued by his kin's green skin, and ignoring the wishes of his primary - male – carer had spent a lot of his time with the hybrid, and Malum, asking them endless questions about Vejiitasei. At four Hassinan years of age Donato was roughly the equivalent of a one year old zn'hre but he was intelligent and thoughtful and seemed to have the adaptability of mind that characterised his more adventurous siblings. No doubt if Astolan had lived he'd have found this child as trying as Mahrayne, Malum or Pirum had been…
Ti'nesia was subdued on the trip home, sitting quietly and staring out of a view-port. Mahrayne sat beside him, winding an arm around his slim waist.
"Sinam?"
The hybrid faced her with a small smile.
"I'm going to miss Donato. Do you think we could persuade them to let him come out for a visit?"
Mahrayne kissed his cheek.
"You could ask Nonnia – though she doesn't have a lot of influence amongst the males looking after him."
'nesia nodded slowly.
"It's not serving Don's best interests being brought up by such reactionary males. He'd be better off back with his maazi, or us."
"I agree," Mahrayne hugged her youngest child. "But unless the decision is made to release him to Malum's care there's not a lot we can do about it."
'nesia sighed and resumed gazing out of the viewport.
"I'd like to see him again, soon. He's an… engaging child."
"He is." Mahrayne smiled. "And in the meantime there's still the vid-link."
"If I'm allowed to speak with him," Ti'nesia hissed irritably, "Refreno didn't
seem to like the idea of Don spending so much time with me. I'm obviously a bad influence."
"Refreno was a close friend of Astolan's. I don't doubt my father named him as Donato's tertanho because they had a similar set of values."
"Which are out-dated, pointless and wearisome!"
"I'm not arguing that," Mahrayne's smile was wry, "but Donato is a strong-minded individual. Young as he is I believe he's not going to let himself be smothered."
Ti'nesia chuckled.
"I think you're right, maazi," the hybrid's face fell again. "Though I'd be happier if Donato could be with us."
Half a year later Ti'nesia got his wish…
After months of dithering amongst the males handling the problem, Astolan's surviving females had taken the initiative and with one exception had decided to move out to Vejiitasei and Malum's protection. Refreno hadn't been willing to let go of his charge but Donato had absolutely refused to stay without his mother. Pervincus - Marldus' son and successor – had used his influence on the Council to prise the child away from the conservative male. Like his father, Pervincus held a firm belief that the Hassinan didn't belong on G'geckah. He was willing to do whatever it took to get as many of his people away as possible.
Mahrayne was delighted - to have her tertera within reach again, so to speak, would be wonderful! – while Pirum swung between anxiety and annoyance. Depending on the timing her mother would arrive to find either a very pregnant daughter or grand-child she'd known nothing about. The young female could all too easily imagine what the reaction would be. Ti'nesia, however, felt an odd mix of excitement and contentment he couldn't explain. He did know, with a calm certainty, that when his kin relocated to Kamome he'd be going with them.
Ti'aasaan ran the carved bone comb slowly through his sireling's hair. 'nesia relaxed with a deep sigh, sinking a little further into the warm bath water.
"You haven't told Mahrayne yet, have you?"
The hybrid tensed.
"…No."
"Why not? The longer you leave it the harder it will be for her."
"I know that." 'nesia twisted to look up at the delicate zn'hre. "But all of maazi's children have left her and it's hurt. I don't want to hurt her as well."
Ti'aasaan quirked a fine eyebrow.
"It'll hurt worse if you spring it on her the day before you go." He leaned down to nuzzle 'nesia's shoulder. "Mahrayne will miss you - so will I, we all will - but she understands her children need to live their own lives."
The hybrid nodding, relaxing back against his sire.
"And I'm going to miss everyone here as well but I have to go, it's like a… a compulsion…"
Ti'aasaan tilted his head, understanding dawning in his eyes.
"Do you feel drawn to a place, or a person?"
'nesia frowned, focusing his thoughts. After a moment he smiled gently.
"It's Donato." He glanced up at his sire again. "Could I have bonded with him?"
The little zn'hre smiled and stroked his sireling's face.
"It's not impossible. Nobody's entirely sure yet exactly if or how bonding works with any of the hybrids, and you're unique, the only Hassinan-zn'hre cross."
"So far." 'nesia smirked.
Ti'aasaan chuckled.
"Yes, I'm sure there'll be others somewhere along the way. The Hassinan seem to find us particularly desirable." he hugged him. "Shall we ask the Ssii'iin to check if it is some sort of bonding?"
Ti'nesia shook his head.
"No, there's no need. It feels right – that's all I need to know."
"You realise it's likely to only ever be a one-way bond? Hassinan aren't telepathic."
"Maazi is."
Ti'aasaan was pensive.
"As I understand it she's an exception, and it's only really with Kelapa - and Kinu, sort of - and only because the Ssii'iin *opened* the connection."
"I know." 'nesia's half-grinned. "But Don's from the same blood-line."
"You get your optimism from your maazi!" Ti'aasaan laughed, then eyed the hybrid. "Donato's still a child, and being Hassinan it's likely to be years before he's sexually mature."
It was Ti'nesia's turn to quirk an eyebrow.
"There's more to life and love than sex, papa." he shrugged. "I can wait."
Ti'aasaan smiled: yes, in all probability he could. 'nesia was far from virginal but unlike the other zn'hre hybrids he didn't need an influx of semen to stay healthy. Vinas theorised it had something to do with the adaptable Hassinan reproductive physiology. When Mahrayne had been carrying Ti'nesia she'd not needed the extra protein in that form either. She'd been rather annoyed about that, Ti'aasaan recalled…
Ti'nesia stood up, pausing to brush a kiss over his sire's cheek before stepping out of the bath.
"You're right – the longer I leave it the worse it'll be." he touched his fingers to his forehead, the Hassinan expression of gratitude. "Thanks for listening, papa, and the advice."
Ti'aasaan grinned.
"We only want your happiness, remember that."
"I will…"
Mahrayne had been more resigned than upset when Ti'nesia made his announcement, but as Ti'aasaan had predicted his maazi understood her child's need for his own life. And it wasn't as if he was going off-planet, like Kurumi had, they'd be able to visit each other easily enough and stay in contact via the comm-link. The hybrid hadn't been completely honest about his reasons for going to Kamome though. He'd told her he wanted to live amongst Hassinan, which was true enough, but he'd not mentioned anything about his supposed bond with Donato. There was a very good reason for this: Don was a blood-relation, his mother's half-brother, and Ti'nesia wasn't sure how his maazi would react to the idea of a potentially sexual relationship between them. Broad-minded as she was there were still taboo subjects. As it was going to be years before anything of that nature was possible anyway, 'nesia had decided it might be prudent to quietly skip over the subject for the moment. There would be time to broach the issue, later.
He might have made light of it with Ti'aasaan, and said nothing about it to Mahrayne, but with himself Ti'nesia was brutally honest. He did have hopes that he and Don would become intimate when the young male was old enough, not only that but he found the idea of having children with the Hassinan wholly captivating. That, like the bond itself, felt right. Yes, it would be years yet before there was any possibility but 'nesia was all for making a quiet declaration of intent straight away.
Peruro blinked at him.
"You want a pattern over your stomach?" the bead-setter frowned. "That's a female thing, a breeding female thing. You're not female."
Ti'nesia grinned.
"But I'm capable of hosting - of bearing children."
The female blinked again.
"You are?"
The hybrid nodded.
"I'm half-zn'hre, remember?"
Peruro shook her head.
"That's going to look very strange, penis beads and stomach beads."
"It will look beautiful." 'nesia's laugh was deep with delight and the female smirked.
"Strange, but beautiful. Just like you, really."
Ti'nesia accepted the compliment with a grin and a graceful inclination of his head.
"Will you do it?" he asked.
Peruro sniffed.
"I'd be insulted if you asked anyone else!"
It was with trepidation Pirum watched the shuttle descend to the spaceport. In a little while she'd be meeting her mother for the first time in years and she wasn't looking forward to it at all. She glanced down at the silver-spike haired infant asleep in the sling she was wearing and sighed. Maybe she should have said something about Cicer to her mother earlier? So it wouldn't be quite as much of a shock? 'sel wrapped long fingers over her shoulder.
"Everything will be fine." he murmured into her ear.
"Yeah, quit worrying," Kiraz, on her other side, his tail looped loosely around her hips, growled darkly. "If she says anything I'll deal with her!"
"You will not!" Pirum growled back. "Don't you dare!"
The Prince gave her one of his infuriating smirks.
"Heh, at least you're something other than worried now, Snowball."
"Oooh, there are times I could hit you." she snapped, then surprised him by swooping in and kissing him soundly if briefly on the lips. "Now shut up and let me do the talking…"
Ti'nesia stood beside his maazi, outwardly calm, his hands clasped lightly before him. Kelapa wasn't fooled though, the hybrid's scent reeked of excitement and joyful anticipation. When the passengers finally disembarked from the shuttle she knew why. The child Donato scanned the faces of the small crowd awaiting them, bursting into a huge grin when he spotted Ti'nesia. Instantly forgetting everything he'd ever been told about propriety and dignified behaviour, he pulled away from the group and pelted straight towards the hybrid.
"'nesia!" the young male launched himself into the air but Ti'nesia was ready for him. He caught the small, slim body in his arms, laughing as he pulled him into a tight cuddle.
"Welcome home, Donato."
© 2004 October 29th Amanda Mullane
