The Twin Thrones
CHAPTER 22
Piling a few pillows behind the kid, Noberu watched for some sign that the kid was aware of his surroundings. Noberu rubbed small circles on his back and felt him tremble. He moved a long lock from the kid's eyes and eased him back against the wall of pillows. Kato didn't even look at him. He brought his legs to his chest and wrapped thin arms around his knees. This is what the kid did when he was feeling lost or scared, trying to comfort himself by physically drawing in on himself.
Noberu straighted, remaining near the bed, and turned when he felt a light touch on his shoulder. The heat of Rato's hand was familiar and unwelcome. The man looked sadly at the kid and gestured to him. Noberu nodded, understanding. Rato stepped back and closed the door on his way out.
He stood for a few minutes waiting for the kid to say something and wasn't surprised by silence. He wasn't certain what to tell say. He couldn't think of anything that would make it easier. He nearly shuddered thinking of the last time he tried to comfort the kid in this bed a lifetime ago. Looking at Kato's pale still form made him feel...bad.
Fusako's death had been awful. It was brutal and bloody, just as he expected it to be, but there was time to prepare for it. Even the kid found the strength not to interfere though Noberu was there with a firm touch. Shinko's death was bloody and abrupt.
Noberu knelt down, eye level with the kid. No reaction. He lightly touched Kato's arm. Still nothing. The kid had his face buried in his knees. He was silent and still. He had stopped sobbing hours ago and laid stiffly in Noberu's arms during transport to Bankuson. He didn't struggle or complain about the numerous scans his physician conducted. If it weren't for the occasional whimper, he might have thought the kid was catatonic.
There was only a moment of indecision before Noberu stood and sat on the bed near Kato, facing the same direction. He watched the kid's body rise gently when his weight hit the bed.
Still no reaction.
Noberu moved backwards on the bed, shifting directions until he was behind the kid, his back against the mound of pillows, legs stretched out in front of himself. He leaned towards the kid, wrapped his wide hands around the kid's waist and gripped him gently. He could feel two ribs and narrow hips with his warm hands. Noberu moved his hands up Kato's torso and down again.
Still no reaction.
He lifted Kato and placed him gently on his lap. He shifted Kato's body until the youth's back was against his stomach, his legs stretched out resting on Noberu's much wider legs and hips. Noberu wrapped his arms around Kato slowly. He leaned in, resting his chin on Kato's head and waited.
He could feel the kid's arms and chest warming in his embrace and sighed. He concentrated on the goose bumps rising on the kid's forearms and the steady rise and fall of the kid's chest. He enjoyed the warmth that spread through his own thighs from the kid's growing heat. He was surprised Kato's hair smelled of strawberries and couldn't resist inhaling deeply a few times. He kissed the top of Kato's head and rested his chin there and closed his eyes. The kid's breathing slowed and Noberu thought he must fallen asleep. He was about to join him when a small voice interrupted the silence.
"Why did he do that?” The kid's voice was whisper, a small whimper filled with tears.
Noberu rubbed the goose bumps along Kato's forearms absently. "You already know the answer to that, Kato," he said gently.
“I don't know,” Kato's voice rose, not quite hysterical. “Why did he? Why would you? I'm useless," Kato squeezed out miserably. He went rigid in Noberu's arms, as if expecting the worst.
"A sacrifice made out of love deserves more than this self-doubt,” Noberu chided gently.
Kato pressed back into him, his body shuddering with each sob. Something sharp and hot lodged in Noberu's throat. Noberu rubbed his hands up and down Kato's arms and chest to soothe the youth. The kid stopped sobbing and hiccuped. He stilled in Noberu's arms. Nestling his face tight against Kato's neck, Noberu breathed in the sweet scent of Kato and whispered, "Grief doesn't make you weak," with warm breath. He felt the kid shudder.He reclined while Kato’s body settled against him. Kato shifted until his face was buried against Noberu’s hard chest and their groins were pressed together. The kid's hand clutched the smooth fabric of his warm shirt. He felt the kid sigh against him. They breathed in counterpoint to each other, creating a rhythm that eased the pain in Noberu’s heart.
Noberu lifted his head up a little and kissed the top of Kato’s head. “Sleep, Kato,” Noberu murmured, his chest rumbling a little. “I’ll be here when you wake.”Noberu was choking on smoke and the screams of pain growing around him. His calves were burning as he moved through the crowds. He had taken shrapnel in the meaty part of his lower legs. It wasn't debilitating, but he was slowing down. He screamed the kid's name, fear dropping his voice in such a low register. He didn't recognize it. He turned, following low chanting as it circling him. “You failed him,” grew in strength and with new voices. He knew the explosion was coming this time and shielded his eyes, throwing himself backward. His body twisted as the force of heat and light threw him into the growing smoke and pain-filled voices. Pain erupted in his hip as he collided with the cool surface before him. Part of another body shielded him from further damage. He rolled to his feet, staggering as he followed the voices to the long, fallen form of Shinko. The man's back was a mess. Several long savage tears ran the length of his torso. The blood was dark and there was too much of it pooling beneath the man's body. He didn't even look like he was breathing. The sound was tinny and weak, buried under the warm body of the Kitsurin prince. Noberu knees cracked and the pain kept moving up his body. He remembered the keening. He started pulling on the little one's sleeve, because that's what he did before. “Help him,” Kato croaked. He looked desperate and weak. Noberu shook his head but pulled Shinko's body off of his little prince and watched him shakily sit up. He didn't want to do this again, but he met Shinko's pain-filled eyes. No recriminations, no regrets. Just like remembered. He closed his dry eyes and wanted to weep.
“Shinko,” Kato breathed. Large tears ran in sorrow filled tracks down the little prince's cheeks to his chin, dripping onto the small indention of Shinko's throat. Kato's finger traced his tears down the man's face to his neck. "Why?"
Kato nestled his face against Shinko. His loose curls were brushed aside by each word, “....told you..I'd die for you."
Kato drew back and stared. "It's enough," he whispered, brokenly. Kato's trembling hand caressed the man's blood splattered face. Shinko's eyes flickered once before they closed. "Beautiful,” Shinko breathed and Noberu watched the mans' chest sink lower and lower and stop. Forever. “Why,” Kato asked brokenly raising a pale tear-stained face to him. “Why couldn’t it be you?”Noberu watched as those damning words floated around in the thickening darkness, becoming solid strands of jagged heat. He turned his head searching in vain for his prince. Noberu took in several choking breaths before he was frozen and helpless as each strand wound around his throat, jagged edges dragging torn tissue even tighter. He felt the warmth run in rivulets down his throat soaking his shirt and jacket.
When Noberu needed to breathe, he clawed at his throat, feeling like thousands of shards of broken glass were boring deeper inside of him. His knees were on fire when he hit solid ground. His back was wet and something sticky clung to his arms as he thrashed. His lungs burned and black spots filled his vision.
Why was he fighting?
Kato didn't want him. He wasn't good enough. He wasn't a nice man. He hurt people. He killed people. It should have been him. He stopped fighting and let his arms sink into the growing wetness. He was barely aware as it started to rise to the inside of both thighs. It reached his neck and started to climb, encircling his throat, coating the vines of anger and regret. As his vision darkened, cold leeching into his tired limbs, he remembered Shinko's teasing nature, the way his compliments always made the kid blush, the quiet moments the two shared, the joy on Kato's face while a molesting Shinko “helped” him hold his largest catch of the day, and then the moment when Kato understood why Shinko was willing to die for him. The sticky liquid rose quickly. It tickled his ears and was too cold on his dick. He opened his mouth to scream as the cooling liquid touched his lips. His lungs burned while the rest of him froze. It filled his mouth with the tang of copper. He sucked in a breath and his heart lurched. He knew he was dying.With a start, Noberu woke realizing Kato would have been showered with kisses, always held as if he was treasured. Shinko would have marveled at the kid's growing belly, taking every opportunity to touch and hover over the small dark-haired prince in awe. Kato could have been happy with Shinko.
Noberu carefully wiped the moisture from his eyes and grieved for the life Kato would have had. A life he could not give him.
The kid murmured something in his sleep and wiggled. He rubbed his face against Noberu's chest and hummed though his breathing never changed. It was hours before dawn. Noberu smiled and pressed his lips to the kid's wrinkling forehead, and thought, You deserve so much more.
Kato was warm. Incredibly warm. Rubbing his nose against the man's chest, Kato smelled the familiar scent of gun oil and heat. He snuggled against the firm shape beneath him. Pressing his warm lips against the hallow of Noberu's throat, Kato whispered, “Thank you for staying with me.” The muscular arms around him tightened in answer. He snuggled closer and shut his brain off, thankful that his lover was with him and unharmed. He had no idea how long he laid in the big man's arms, resting so comfortably on the big man's sturdy frame until someone knocked on the door announcing breakfast. Kato felt the big man's chest rise and fall as he exhaled a long sigh. Kato looked up to the man's gray eyes. Noberu's eyes were bloodshot. His tan, lined face seemed haggard. The big man smiled at him, kissed his forehead and picked Kato up. He sat up and settled Kato sideways in his lap. It made him afraid to the see Noberu like this. The man was a rock. He didn't lose sleep. He didn't look fatigued. He didn't seem sad or lost. He got mad. Kato could certainly annoy him like no other. But he didn't have this failing, this frailty like a regular person. “Are you...are you okay?” Kato asked hesitantly as he ran thin fingers down the stubble on Noberu's wide jaw. There was a smudge of blackness on just below his bottom lip. Kato wondered if the man had seen to his own hurts before he brought Kato to bed last night. The big man blinked. His eyes closed briefly and he nodded. “We lost Hanson, too,” he said with little emotion. When Noberu opened his eyes they were blank. “I'm sorry about Shinko...I know what he meant to you.” Kato closed the distance and felt the man move back as he wrapped thin arms around his lover. “Don't..just don't,” Kato breathed. He couldn't deal with that now. He was just thankful for Noberu. “I don't want to talk about him.” He felt the big man nod. Kato sniffed, not wanting to start sobbing again. He had enough of that for a life time. He would not let the grief shape him as it had when his mother passed. He would find his own way to grieve. First, he would have to overcome the guilt for being so thankful it wasn't Noberu who made that sacrifice. He couldn't bring himself to say it. He knew it made him a bad person. “I need to take a shower. Will you join me?” “I can't,” his stupid caveman breathed. The man lifted Kato into the air as he stood. When the hell did the man get so freaking strong? Kato didn't like feeling so helpless as the man turned and settled Kato back on the bed. Kato glanced at the rumpled covers covered in dark splotches and streaks. The man needed to go to medical. “You can go to medical after you shower. I'll have a set of your clothes sent here. No one is going to say squat.” Noberu shook his head again. “Why the hell not?” Kato stood and poked the man in the chest. “I have a lot to do.” The big man started to inch towards the door. “You're being an ass. You always have a lot to do. That's never stopped you before.” Kato frowned. “Why are you acting like you can't get away from me fast enough?” Noberu stopped with his hand on the handle. He turned back to Kato and actually looked sad. “You're pretty much married to Seshimora now. It wouldn't be right for us to be together anymore.” Kato felt his jaw drop. “Are you stupid?” Noberu stiffened. Kato crossed the room quickly. His hand returned to the man's face. He didn't like how far he had to reach. He grabbed the man's shirt and pulled him down to him. “I love you, not him.” Noberu groaned. Kato pulled harder and Noberu met him without further complaint. Kato pressed his lips tightly against Noberu dry ones. He nibbled the man's lower lip and smiled as the man opened his mouth. The big man tasted bitter. His wide hands were rough as the followed the small curves of Kato's hips to his thighs. They found his rear and kneaded him roughly. Kato moaned into the man's mouth. Noberu pulled away and Kato let him. “You drank a lot of coffee,” Kato said without thinking. He missed the big man's hands. Noberu stared at him and then burst in laughter. His voice was deep, but his laughter was lighter. “You're funniest when you don't even try.” Kato grinned at him and rolled his eyes. There was nothing funny about that. Grabbing the man's wide hand, he tried to pull Noberu after him to the bathroom. The big man wouldn't move. He tugged harder. He turned to bark at the man, but Noberu was frowning at him. He dropped the big man's hand. “I'm not showering with you. We are not announcing that to the entire staff.” “Fine, we can talk about it over breakfast.” Kato turned and started to the bathroom. This argument was just stupid. He crossed the room quickly and opened the door to the bathroom. The man was stupid. “Squirt,” Noberu called to him to stop. Kato turned, standing in the doorway of the bathroom. His stupid caveman was shaking his head again. “I'm you guard, I can't have breakfast with you.” “But,” Kato sputtered, “You slept in my bed. There is already talk.” He shook his head angrily. “You can damn eat with me, too.” “No, I can't. I. Am. Your. Guard.” The man looked ridiculous with his hands resting on on either side of the doorway. He was hunched over trying to look serious. He wasn't intimidating and Kato was tempted to tell him. God, the man was so stubborn! Kato glowered. “You're eating with me,” Kato growled, slamming the bathroom door in Noberu's face. The man barely removed his hands in time to keep all of his fingers. He wasn't the only stubborn one.
It started with whispers of the kitchen staff after Kato refused to eat breakfast. It moved to pointed looks in his direction after Kato tore apart his favorite meal, a pulled-pork sandwich smothered in a spicy brown sauce, and grumbled through lunch without once filling his mouth with the rich flavors only wild boar could provide. It moved to cold glares from the entire kitchen staff and a few from his own detail when the kid sent back his second plate this evening. Noberu couldn’t deal with the anger right now. He couldn’t deal with the pointed looks from the staff. The frowning was getting annoying. Kato would talk to him when he was fucking ready to and not before. Didn’t anyone else get that? Did they want to see the kind of explosion Kato was really capable of? He didn’t want to be the focus of that much raw pain and grief. Stephanie, the portly head cook with dark eyes and short gray hair, set a steaming plate of a double loaded baked potato speckled with bits of bacon and perfectly grilled fillet mignon wrapped in several thick slices of pepper bacon down in front of Kato. The green vegetables were absent. She smiled warmly at the prince. “None of this is from your approved diet, but I thought you might find this comforting,” she said in a voice older than her face looked. She brushed her had against Kato's shoulder in a gesture that was meant to be soothing. The kid’s frown grew when his eyes grew glassy with unshed tears. His lips thinned and Noberu knew the kid would let anger speak for him. “Thank her,” Noberu said gruffly, coming up behind the kid. “Thank her and I’ll join you tonight.” The kid took a harsh breath before he grumbled, “Thank you.” The older woman had dimples when she smiled. She nodded over to her staff lining the wall behind her. One door opened and the same meal was brought out for Noberu. He raised an eyebrow at the woman and her dimples deepened in her lightly lined face. Her blue eyes sparkled as she turned heading back to her kitchen without a backward glance. Against his better judgment, Noberu took his seat across from the kid. Kato glanced at him before his eyes dropped to his meal. Thin hands worked nervously in his lap. Even from this angle, he could tell the kid was gnawing on his lips. Noberu couldn’t see Kato’s eyes with his hair curled against his forehead. He waited while the staff placed his mat, cloth napkin, utensils and filled glass of red wine down on the small round table. His meal was last. Warm bread and butter were placed down between them. They were dining the same room Redaku used to eat with Kato in. It was quiet without the man, not the he missed the bastard a bit. He did miss having another person who doted on the kid.Noberu took a sip of wine, enjoying the deep plum flavor and mild earthy aftertaste. He was really preferred scotch over the sweet fruity stuff women drank, but he had to admit this was pretty good. He swirled the nearly black wine and watched Kato. He had learned from hard experience being honest with the kid and admitting when he made a mistake went a long way. “I was wrong to insist you dine alone. I know you miss that old bastard,” Noberu winced at that last comment. “I mean Redaku.” Kato shrugged, still not lifting his eyes. “You could eat with your husband,” he added quietly. “I'm not married yet,” the kid's voice was sullen. He looked up briefly. “I don’t even know him,” he whispered. And this was the hard part. He respected Seshimora. He couldn’t come between them. Kato would never get to know his husband if Noberu did not step down. He could do this. He had to. Kato would not thank him in the years to come for alienating the father of his children. “You would – if you would spend time with him,” Noberu said carefully setting the glass down. He pulled the red napkin onto his lap and waited for the kid to do the same. The kid glared at him. “If you want to do this now,” he said pushing his jaw out and flaring his nostrils, “I’m up for it.” His voice was harsh. He leaned forward, gripping the table between them as if he would fling it away from them any minute. Gods, he was beautiful when he was angry. His delicate features contrasted with the darkness of his eyes. So much anger and violence in such a little thing.
“I’m willing to have dinner with you,” Noberu told Kato though he really wanted to tell everyone to get the fuck out. He wanted to hash this out. And then he wanted to fuck the kid senseless. Instead he said firmly, “If you’d rather argue, that is your choice.” Flaring his nostrils again, Kato shook his head several times abruptly. He dropped the napkin into his lap. He drank half of his wine while he glared balefully at Noberu. It was kind of cute and Noberu found himself at a loss for words. Noberu hid his smile behind his glass. He took a tentative sip as he watched Kato place a piece of rare meat into his mouth. He didn’t have to look to know the kid’s toes were curling; Kato moaned as he chewed very slowly, savoring the flavor slowly. When he opened his eyes, they were dark, rolling backwards as if the kid might faint. Noberu watched the kid as he took his second, third and fourth bite. “If you don’t want yours,” the kid moaned around the tender meat, “I’ll eat it.” Kato wasn’t even looking at him. Noberu jumped, realizing he was staring. He set his glass down. His eyes panned around the room, taking in the amused glances. Of course these people, who had watched his little prince from the time he could crawl, only wanted Kato to be happy. The meat was tender and rare, just like he liked it. It had the texture of butter. It was lightly seasoned with salt and garlic. The smoky flavor of the pepper bacon and the sweet tones of the red wine were delicious together. Before long, Noberu had finished the tender meat. He thought about requesting more. “Miss Stephanie is a wonder in the kitchen. I don’t know how she makes it perfect every time,” Kato murmured twirling the bacon around his fork. He dipped it into the potatoes and stuffed the entire thing into his mouth. He made a happy sound, completely ignoring Noberu. Noberu continued staring as Kato finished his first glass of wine and ordered a second. The potatoes tasted of heavy crème and salt. Noberu detected a strange herb. It was sharp and the smell reminded him of pine cones. He ate the bacon off of the top and quietly sipped his wine as Kato demolished his creamy potatoes. It surprised Noberu the kid had an appetite. Was he hungry the entire day and just wanted someone to share his meal with? What harm could come of this? Everyone had to eat. “Why are you so stubborn?” Kato asked over the tip of his glass. “It’s a common trait,” Noberu answered, setting his own wine down. He searched the table for water and frowned. Kato was shaking his head. “One that we share,” he added and the kid grinned at him. Kato set his wine glass down and grabbed a piece of bread. He started to slather on a generous amount of pale butter. Noberu was a little alarmed at how red the kid’s cheeks were getting. “Yah, it’s cute on me,” he laughed when Noberu continued to frown, “Not so much on you, Caveman.” The kid finished the rest of his wine and raised his hand for more. “Squirt,” Noberu said and smiled when the kid's eyebrow raised, “You drink much more and I'll be carrying you.” He was going for serious, but Kato merely laughed and waved his entire arm vigorously. Kato lathered more butter on his bread and grinned when a full glass of red wine was set down in front of himself. Still holding the butter knife, Kato pointed at Noberu's double loaded baked potato and asked loudly, “You gonna eat that?” Noberu barely managed to shake his head before Kato speared his potato and dumped it on his own plate. He wasted no time in cutting it into fourths. He used his knife and spread a clump of creamy mess on to the thin sliced white crispy bread. He made a crunching sound and hummed. He finished another piece and swallowed a couple of mouthfuls of red wine to clear his throat. Kato's nose and cheeks were very flushed. He blinked at Noberu, closing one eye and and then other. “I missed you all day,” he murmured, slightly slurring the last two words as if he was suddenly exhausted. At some point the lights had been dialed down. Noberu was so busy watching Kato fill his mouth, he hadn't really noticed that the kitchen staff had retired to the kitchen. Only one guard remained. He assumed the others had retired to the kitchen and the hallway to guard the entry and exit points. Did they all plan this together? He hadn't bothered to notice that the round table they were seated at was much smaller than the regular table Redaku and the kid used. He didn't notice that the the table cloth and napkins were a deep red and looked great against the kid's fair completion. He hadn't noticed that though there was adequate light in this room, large footed candles had been set around the room. They cast long shadows and smoothed his lined face into something younger. How had his missed the table, the firelight, the change in the color of the napkins and table cloth that accented Kato's beauty? What the hell? Kato was still staring at him, though his eyelids were heavy. Noberu realized he was supposed to say something. He searched his mind trying to remember what the kid said. Oh, right. He missed him. “I've been busy with funeral arrangements...your wedding,” Noberu said with a grimace when Kato scrunched up his nose and his forehead wrinkled cutely. The kid was wearing a loose turquoise shirt that had a wide collar, revealing narrow shoulders and delicate collarbones. His hair was wild, curling around his ears. It was only an inch or so above his shoulders now. When had it grown so long? Kato pulled at his collar. “Why id it so hot in here.” he asked wiping his brow. He stared at Noberu and narrowed his eyes. “Why aren't you warm?” Noberu shook his head. He stood and went to Kato's side. The kid blinked up at him owlishly. “You drank a lot for such a little thing,” he murmured as the pulled Kato and his chair away from the table. The kid swayed. Giggling, Kato held his hand out, as if to warn Noberu away, and stumbled as he stood. He grabbed Noberu's shirt. He sniffed, smelling Noberu and wiggled closer. “I could make you warm,” he breathed against Noberu's firm chest. Noberu scooped Kato up, sighing as the kid fell asleep in his arms. “I bet you could,” he murmured with a small smile.
A low mist rose from the lake, swirling languidly, while the early morning sun kissed the horizon. The green of the rolling hills and the tall natural grasses competed with the brilliant red, deep orange and pale yellow of trees lining the southern part of the palace grounds. It had happened so slowly Noberu was unaware of the gradual change of season. He had to admit it was beautiful, untouched by the technology that ruined so many worlds. King Yoshi insisted that the kid join himself and Prince Seshimora for breakfast. Noberu thought if the big man knew this is where the kid watched Prince Shinko swim naked, he would have chosen another location. Noberu’s lips twisted as he remembered the speculative look on the kid’s face when Princess Fusako talked of Shinko’s fascination with the pregnant form. So many things around them had to remind the little prince of what he lost. Maybe Noberu should have requested another location for breakfast. Kato was dressed in loose gray satin pajama bottoms and a thick dark blue knit tunic. His hair had grown enough to curl past his ears and cover the nape of his neck. His pale skin and dark hair made him look sickly and fragile against the warm colors of fall. Kato was staring at his cold tea while pushing the soft soles of his house shoes back and forth beneath his chair. The kid’s knuckles were white as he gripped each arm of his chair. “Son,” King Yoshi’s deep voice broke the silence and the kid jumped, “If you don’t like what was cooked for you, I can see that our cook makes something you will like.” King Yoshi was not dressed in mourning, the morning of his remaining son's wedding. His hair was pulled back loosely into a pony tail. He wore loose brown slacks. The crème colored button up short-sleeve shirt was paired with a dark brown thin undershirt that peaked through the opening and hung a little lower on his hips. He pursed his lips waiting for the kid to respond. “Prince Kato,” Seshimora said with a frown, “Do you need your physician?” The kid shook his head. “I’m just not hungry,” he said, briefly meeting the King's eyes. Kato had handled himself well through Shinko's tribute and funeral. He received many sympathetic hugs and handshakes that he graciously accepted. There were a few times the kid actually looked upset but after his lips thinned, he managed to control the pain. Noberu wasn't certain he heard much, but Kato nodded when appropriate and kept his eyes from wandering.
Shinko was beloved by many and was sorely missed. The public outcry was tremendous. In the weeks that followed, Noberu knew from the angry looks of nearly every Kitsurin, it should have been him. Not once in two thousand years had anything like this happened in Kitsurin history. Fusako would have been pleased: Kitsurins were questioning their sense of duty and sacrifice.
He would have made that sacrifice, not out of duty but out of love - just as Shinko had. The kid might have actually convinced the man to alter Kitsurin traditions. There were a lot people who counted on Ascension. It would have been dangerous for both of them. It was probably better this way though he had his doubts as he studied Seshimora over the past few weeks.
Though Seshimora was the image of a gentleman, kind and polite, he wasn't able to offer Kato any genuine empathy. The man was struggling with his own demons. Maybe he felt some responsibility for the kid. Maybe marriage to the kid wasn't something he really wanted. Maybe the man was simply being polite to Kato. That was like Seshimora. Noberu was certain that man would treat Kato with respect, but he was beginning to doubt there would ever be anything more than duty and responsibility between the two. He wasn't certain whether he was happy about that or not.
“Perhaps you should try eating something, Prince Kato,” Seshimora murmured, “You look anemic.”
“You do look pale,” King Yoshi said frowning when Kato looked away.
“I'm just nervous about the ceremony. I've never been married before,” the kid said, smiling weakly.
“Maybe you should lie down,” Seshimora said, standing. He pulled the kid's chair from the table. Kato took his hand and looked grateful. His eyes moved briefly to King Yoshi's, returning back to Seshimora when the man continued speaking. “You have a lot on your plate for the next two days.” He held his arm out and Kato took it willingly. “I'll escort you back to your rooms, Prince Kato.” Only two weeks had passed and the kid had buried one lover, would marry a stranger today and would carry that man's child tomorrow. He wasn't certain how the kid was managing to hold himself together. It was too much, too soon. He watched Seshimora's wide shoulders shift with his hips as his strong legs carried him away though he slowed to allow Kato to walk normally. Noberu pursed his lips. Did the man understand how precious Kato was? The man's own brother had given his life to protect Kato. Would Seshimora be willing to do the same?Sharp hip bones were visible through the thin white sheet draped over most of Kato’s body, only pink, wiggling toes peeked out. The kid scowled at the movement of people dressed in white and whispers of the group of men above them. He sat up, partially reclined, and rested on his bony elbows. His eyes darted around catching Noberu’s eyes for a moment before he grimaced.
The kid looked small and pale under the heavy industrial lights. His face was drawn and tired-looking as if he hadn't been sleeping well. He was trying to get his physician's attention again. Kato turned his body, awkwardly balancing himself over the edge of thin table, and reached for Bankuson. The good doctor shook his head and waived the kid away.
Both monarchs along with several members of each government were present for Conception. The good doctor chose this much larger room, mostly likely used for teaching, since the observation deck seated nearly thirty people. Noberu and a few other guards were also present, standing along the glass walls of the operating room.
Apparently, Conception was an even bigger draw for people than giving the kid a uterus and ovaries. Interest in the Twin Planets had been growing over the past few months, ballooning to obscene proportions as word reached hundreds of planets about Shinko’s heroic sacrifice.The kid refused to watch anything from that day. He growled at anyone who tried to talk to him about Shinko. Even Noberu recognized the kid wasn’t allowing himself to grieve. When the flood broke, he'd be there to keep the kid from drowning. Guilt could be a terrible thing.
Noberu was no stranger to survivor’s guilt. He’d faced it before. It was the burden of men in command. He'd lost men, good men. Collateral damage was inevitable. In the explosion, he lost Hanson, a young kid with bright blue eyes and a poor sense of humor. And yet, losing Hanson and the thirteen collaterals didn't weigh as heavily on Noberu as losing Shinko. For some reason, an image of Shinko's bloodied body draped over Kato rose in his mind. And he let it. He'd dreamed the same thing night after night until every moment was captured forever.
Noberu knew before turning Shinko’s body over, the man would not survive. Kato's eyes were pleading with him to help, to make it all better. He couldn't fix this. He didn't even know how to offer any comfort.
He pulled Shinko's long torso up and turned the man over as gently as he could. The moment their eyes met, he knew the Kitsurin prince understood he was taking his final breaths. There were no accusations, no anger, and no regret in Shinko’s pain-filled eyes.Jealousy had shadowed Noberu’s understanding of the man. Now his guilt had weight.
All of his men had taken a vow to protect the kid, no matter the cost. It wasn't Shinko's responsibility, but without the man's sacrifice, they would have buried Kato. He had been wrong about the man. There was more to Shinko than Noberu ever gave him credit for.
Noberu shifted on his feet, trying to clear his mind. He mentally gave himself a shake; Shinko was dead and life moved on. He glanced over at the hulking figure of King Yoshi. The man was dressed in mourning. It didn't seem appropriate with Conception, but Yoshi didn't do the what was expected.
It was surprising since the man never really seemed to care for Shinko, but Shinko was being praised as a hero on Radekoun. It was most likely the man wanted to seem like he cared to those who would watch Conception. This probably added to the drama. It wouldn’t be long before Shinko’s life and death became legend.Kato and King Yoshi clashed often now. Before Shinko’s death, King Yoshi would playfully embarrass the kid. He was never cruel and usually stopped once his sons reprimanded him. Now he took every opportunity to harass, embarrass, and provoke the kid. Noberu was trying to draw the real Kato out, but he rarely received more than a glare from the small dark-haired prince. It was strange for the kid and that’s what made Noberu realize Kato was not dealing with his grief. He was convinced King Yoshi would get one hell of a reaction from the kid just like King Miyazaki had. He wouldn’t like it any better either.
Noberu's eyes followed Seshimora as the man rounded the long table Kato was perched on to stand by the kid's side. Kato's eyes flickered to the man's face and he frowned. Seshimora watched impassively as the nurse slid the thick needle into Kato’s thin hand. This was the man’s second attempt. Noberu almost missed Redaku’s complaints of the medical team. The nurse hung the kid's bag and immediately inserted a needle into it, forcing dark fluid to swirl sluggishly.
Doctor Bankuson turned to the audience of politicians and land owners from both Kitsurin and Radekoun. There were more cameras this time, showing images of all four royals and the kid's physician. King Miyazaki said little since he gave his son a stiff hug and followed the others up to the observation room.
“Prince Seshimora will be accompanied by Mr. Samuelson and Mr. Fujitsu, a medical representative of each planet, to ensure a verified sample is used,” doctor Bankuson said, handing a transparent specimen cup with a flip top to Seshimora. “You will need to follow protocol,” he moved his head indicating a small male nearby, “My nurse will show you.”
Seshimora nodded and made it to the glass doors near the east exit before his father’s voice stopped him. “Do you need visual stimulus, son, or would you prefer your wife's helping hand?” Seshimora’s back went rigid, but he turned slightly, shaking his head and murmured, “Father,” as if it was chore.
The kid snorted, loudly.
“Behave,” the big man murmured, though it wasn’t clear who he was talking to. Shaking his head and sighing far too loudly, Seshimora left the room with three men in tow.
Several members of the medical staff were shifting their feet nervously. The crowd kept silent. King Yoshi's recent habit of referring to the kid as Seshimora's “wife” wasn't particularly funny and it made most people nervous. Noberu assumed everyone was waiting for the kid's explosion. Though Noberu was certain everyone wanted to see it, they didn't actually want to be in the same room when it happened.
“My grandchildren will be quite striking,” King Yoshi said proudly to their entire audience, “With Seshimora's size and strength and,” he said, gesturing to Kato ands every man's eyes followed to stare at the kid, “Their mother's beauty,” finished
The numerous cameras and microphones picked up many details including the kid's frown deepening and his soft murmur, “...old goat.”
King Yoshi chuckled. “My son is a lucky man,” he said easily. Several people's eyebrows rose at that comment. Any other man would have stopped there, but that wasn’t Yoshi. He smiled sweetly and leered down at Kato, “Who wouldn't want to be between the milky white thighs of a creature with more fire and beauty than all of my concubines combined?”
The kid blanched, his jaw dropping. There were a few murmurs behind the kid and in the room with the audience surrounding both monarchs. King Yoshi's eyes darted to the kid and he sighed for effect, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He gave them a tragic face and shook his head murmuring, “It's unfortunate Consummation will not be televised.”
Noberu wasn't certain if the kid was annoyed because of the comments or the fact that he was blushing wildly. The kid cleared his throat, turned his head and his eyes rose to the room above them. “This is being recorded for,” the kid rolled his eyes, “Prosperity. Do you really need to be here?” He glared at King Yoshi's answering grin.
Kato continued to meet the King's eyes even though he had to see his father's darkening expression. Perhaps after seeing how the kid was being treated, King Miyazaki was having trouble with making his only son another man's wife?
“King Yoshi,” King Miyazaki growled, “Perhaps we should allow the good doctor to continue.” His face was blank but the camera picked up the small movement of his twitching left eye. Miyazaki smoothed his dark pants and his nostrils flared.
The good doctor cleared his throat, nervously waiting for King Yoshi's retort. The large monarch merely smiled warmly at King Miyazaki and murmured, “Of course. Doctor Bankuson, if you would be so kind to continue.”
Doctor Bankuson's look of relief was almost embarrassing.“To ensure we're able to locate a viable egg and insemination is done with as little stress to Prince Kato's uterus, we will be anesthetizing our prince.”
The kid twitched and started chewing on his bottom lip. He pushed the cloth covering his head away from his face and sat up. The white sheet revealed a thin torso and pale pink nipples. Doctor Bankuson started at Kato's voice, “I still don't understand why you need to put me under. I thought this procedure was supposed to be pretty quick.” The kid looked angry. “I don't want to be put under. I feel like crap later and it's hard for me to wake up.”
“Kato, your physician knows best,” King Miyazaki's voice was firm. The kid's head whipped around to glare at him. The man rarely spoke to his son. He probably didn't know about Kato's nightmares. If it wasn't important to the Twin Thrones, it wasn't important to Miyazaki. The man continued talking though he was starting to sound angry, “He's already discussed this with you. Do not make a scene.”
King Yoshi glanced at King Miyazaki, his frown deepening. “Are you worried, son,” Yoshi asked in a soft voice. “Your child will be strong and healthy. You will be fine.” Kato scowled, his eyes darkened and his face flushed quickly. “What is wrong?” The large man actually looked concerned. Who was the kid's father here?
“If you had allowed me to give you a vagina, this would not be as traumatic on your body,” the doctor patiently reminded the kid. He motioned for equipment to be wheeled over to him. “Insemination wouldn't require puncturing your womb. Prince Kato-”
“I'm keeping my dick,” the kid growled. He gripped the sheets tightly in his lap, his knuckles whitening.
Noberu schooled his face to remain blank. The kid's anger often peeked out at unfortunate times. He was pretty good at shocking grown men, turning them into bungling fools. His untimely honest outbursts had nearly caused Rato to have a mental meltdown. He glanced at the observation room and wasn't surprised to see King Miyazaki's annoyed expression. Though he was more accustomed to the kid's tantrums, he hadn't grown to accept them. Miyazaki took a cleansing breath. His features smoothed into calmness Noberu knew the man did not feel when his eyes met Noberu's briefly. The man pursed his lips and returned to watch Kato.
“What?” Doctor Bankuson voice was sharp.
The kid started to swing his legs over as if he might actually leave. No one dared move or place hands on the kid. Several faces turned to Noberu for assistance and he met their fearful eyes with a bland expression and a warning.
No one was touching the kid. Both Kings had learned that weeks ago, Noberu would not be held hostage by them or anyone else. His role was to protect the kid. Even from them.
The loud movement of shifting feet and bodies could be heard over the harsh noise of the equipment and lights. The kid's hands rested on either side of him, barely keeping the thin sheet in place. Kato started to rock forward and the doctor's thin face paled. Bankuson stumbled backward, not willing to be in the kid's personal space now.
“Prince Kato, I only meant to make this easier for you, truly. I...” He looked up at the observation room, pleading for some assistance.
“Physician, I would appreciate if you would stop aggravating my husband,” Seshimora said in calm voice. He crossed the room and stopped near Kato, across from the physician. He surveyed the tension in the room and his eyes found the kid's and they warmed. “I hope I didn't keep you waiting. I look forward to our children.” Seshimora waited until Kato lay back on the table, squirming under his gaze. The big man handed his sample over, not appearing embarrassed or self-conscious considering he had three men watching him put his seed in the small sample container minutes ago. “I will be here when you wake.”
It wasn't quite a frown, but the kid didn't look unhappy. Oddly enough, Noberu thought he saw relief before Kato's eyes darted to him and the screen was pulled up obscuring the kid's features.
Seshimora crossed the room again and came to stand in front of Noberu. Noberu didn't care for the way the man appraised him before standing next to him. Doctor Bankuson stood watching Seshimora's movements. He waited until Seshimora waved his hand negligently at him before beginning to issue commands to his staff.
The good doctor quickly activated the nanites and a three dimensional color image of the kid's internal organs appeared on the rectangular halo pad set up near Kato. They even moved, pulsing and pumping with each strong beat of his heart. There were several sounds of appreciation in the room above them.
The program used to create this image wasn't much different from the one Noberu used to study the architecture of the Citadel and the university. It was fairly new technology but he'd never seen it modified to work with living organisms like nanites. Even Noberu was impressed.
This technology was new and even he could see the applications. It was probably several generations away, but Noberu could see a future where nanites could repair or completely regenerate healthy tissue from malignant masses at the direction of a physician or technician without every having to open a vein or lift a scalpel. Being able to manipulate a three dimensional image to grow a new organ, remove a damaged one, repair a failing system, could have further applications with the military.“We've been dosing Prince Kato with an interesting cocktail which will allow us to see each nanite. These microscopic living organisms will allow us to see every detail of each organ. They will aid me in identifying the best egg for conception.”
Warming sheets were placed around the kid while his slim tummy was revealed. The small knots from Kato's earlier surgery were nearly healed. Now only small silver blemishes were visible. Unless the kid swelled quickly, it was likely the scars would completely fade.
“He's under, doctor,” a small female murmured as several machines beeped and groaned. “One hundred and ten over sixty. His heart rate is holding at sixty-two. He's stable.”
The pale doctor nodded absently. He waited while a nurse swabbed Kato's belly with a sickly orange liquid. It stained and ran along his sides, tracing the slight curve of Kato's hips. The three dimensional image stuttered. Several cameras moved to include the halo pad and the narrow curves of the pale prince.
A small cluster of nanites glowed, indicating the best egg by pulsing. The good doctor was excited when he raised the large gage needle. Kato’s skin puckered painfully as his physician pushed the instrument deeper, using the three dimensional image as a guide. It actually looked pretty painful. The amount of force the man used seemed unnecessary. Staring at the pale narrow hips of his lover, Noberu worried that Kato was too small and delicate to carry children.
The needle probed deeper, twisting slightly and Bankuson let out an explosive breath. “Got it,” he breathed. He carefully handed the equipment to his assistant. It took another fifteen minutes to identify sperm with Y chromosomes and to fertilize Kato's egg. When they were ready, Bankuson drove the instrument deeper into Kato this time and hovered, waiting until the nanites in his lower abdomen grew brighter and pulsed quickly, as if in time with a small heart beat. The man slowly released his breath and carefully withdrew the needle. He watched several screens and gave the thumbs up. A collective sigh spread through the room.
Doctor Bankuson glanced at Seshimora briefly but returned his focus to the men above. “Prince Kato will need to remain in recovery for the next twenty-four hours. My office will submit reports every two weeks on our prince’s condition.” The good doctor turned to Seshimora, “He may have penetrative se-”
“Physician,” Seshimora barked at Bankuson and Noberu twitched. He had never heard the man raise his voice or sound upset. The small man jumped and paled. With a bland voice Seshimora continued, “It is inappropriate to share intimate details with other parties. I will not tolerate it. Prince Kato and I will speak with you alone about these matters.”
“Of course, Prince Sessshimoraa,” Bankuson stuttered. “I do apologize.”
King Yoshi cleared his throat as the room’s attention swiveled to him. Both monarchs stood and faced the crowd. “We want to thank all you for attending this momentous occasion,” Yoshi said clapping Miyazaki on the back with enough force to move the tall man a little. Yoshi left his arm draped over the man’s shoulders.
For the first time, Noberu was surprised at how similar both men looked. Both had long elegant noses and wide cheek bones. Miyazaki ’s eyes were lighter, nearly looking silver in this light. Yoshi’s skin was much darker and his hair a little thicker. The man’s muscle was denser and he was much wider. Miyazaki looked like Yoshi’s younger, more delicate-looking brother.
Noberu missed Miyazaki’s comments. They were moving Kato to a rolling bed, careful to keep most of the kid’s pale figure under the layers of blankets. Noberu glanced at Seshimora out of the corner of his eyes and was surprised to see the man staring at him. He shrugged off an uneasy feeling and returned his attention to Kato.
Blankets were pushed up against the kid's slight form. The cloth hair net was removed and Kato's curling dark hair covered his eyes. His lips were dark and swollen. Noberu knew the kid was really nervous about actually being pregnant. If they had taken longer to put the kid under, Kato may have bloodied himself.Applause brought Noberu’s attention back to the monarchs. Yoshi gripped Miyazaki tighter and grinned, “Our little mommy,” he said with all of his teeth showing and his eyes slid to Miyazaki ’s for a moment, “will be indisposed for now, but we invite you to join us in celebrating the joining of the thrones of Kitsurin and Radekoun.”
Miyazaki nodded, his lips thinning. Thunderous applause rose around them. Miyazaki turned and stared at Kato for a moment before he followed Yoshi and the crowd out.
Noberu trailed the medical staff rolling Kato to recovery. Heavy footsteps mirrored him. He didn't need to look behind him to know that Seshimora was following them. He smiled wondering how the big man was going to handle a wobbly, hormone-crazed Kato.
The staff settled Kato in his room, while Noberu took the chair on the kid's right and Seshimora the one on the kid's left. Knowing it would be a while before the kid woke, Noberu settled himself into the high-back arm chair.
He wasn't certain how much time had passed before Seshimora's deep voice interrupted the occasional sounds of the equipment monitoring Kato. Noberu turned to face the man. “I can tell by the way you watch him...you love him.”Noberu stared, his mouth not quite hanging open. He didn't think to deny it. He didn't think at all. “Shinko knew we would have to share the little prince with you, no matter who survived.” Seshimora frowned, rubbing his jaw. His eyes darted to the Kato before they returned to Noberu's. The man's eyes were clear and unreadable. He still hasn't found his voice yet. Noberu felt cold and for the first time in long time, he felt sick to his stomach. Had he been that transparent? He didn't think so. “It must be painful knowing he will be married to me but wants you.” Noberu couldn't stop the flash of pain before he quickly wiped all emotion from his eyes. His nostrils flared as he tried to keep still. Was the man purposely being cruel? Maybe he didn't understand the big man as well as he thought. “Shinko told me how you felt about our little prince. I didn’t see it until today. I am sorry.” He let his eyes return to Kato. The kid's eyes were moving beneath thin eyelids. He murmured something in his sleep and moaned.“He deserves more than a marriage to me.”
“Yes, he does,” Noberu said more harshly than he intended. Seshimora had little to do with this marriage. It was thrust on him just as it had been on Kato. He wasn't to blame and Noberu needed to remember that. “I will be gentle with him, too,” the man said quietly, his eyes returning to Kato. Noberu stared at the man for a long time. He knew this was the man's way of saying he understood what lay between Kato and Noberu and he would not hinder them. It was a lot to take in. Noberu was honest enough with himself to admit he didn't think he could make the same gesture if the roles were reversed. A comfortable silence grew between the two men. Seshimora's eyes were soft as he watched Kato wiggle his toes out from the thin layer of blankets. Noberu knew Seshimora didn't stand a chance against the kid. Few did. Noberu smiled. He was looking forward to the gentle swell of Kato's belly. He was looking forward to the weird cravings and sporadic emotional outbursts. He would hold Kato's hair when he felt ill and massage his back when the stress of carrying grew hard on the little one's body. It didn't matter that it would never be his baby. He closed his eyes and imagined a small dark-haired child raising thin little arms to him. He knew he would love each and every one of Kato's children. He would cherish and kiss the pale cheeks of the little ones who had their mother's eyes. It was enough.