The Twin Thrones

Kato squirmed in his seat. He tried listening to Redaku's lecture about being punctual, but his mind kept wandering. He spent the rest of last night, tossing and turning trying to understand why he let a man he barely knew seduce him.

It was humiliating and confusing. A naked man touched him and he got hard. What was happening to him?

“Kato, what has you so distracted?”

What? Did someone say something? Kato looked around blankly.

“Are you ill?” Redaku asked. He leaned forward resting the back of his hand on the Kato's forehead.

“What are you doing?” demanded Kato his voice crawling upwards. He started to jerk away when Redaku held him firmly in place by his shoulder.

“You were shivering. Maybe we should get the medical team here now?” He was frowning and touching Kato's face and neck now. “You feel hot. Do you have a fever?”

That got Kato's attention. He felt his eyes growing wide. He resisted the urge to punch his adviser in the head and held himself still.

“I'm fine. I just.... it's nothing. I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention,” he added quickly. Crap, he couldn't afford to get distracted so easily. He didn't want his father to know he had dinner with Shinko and then they rubbed their naked bodies together while the man touched his hole and fisted his cock. What would his father say?

Kato realized it was time to change the subject. “When am I supposed to spend time with Princess Fusako,” he asked while his mind flashed images of Shinko's cock jumping in his face. He needed a new brain. He shook his head trying to imagine smooth, naked breasts.

“Prince Kato! You have not heard a word I have said. You took so long leaving your room this morning, you have missed Princess Fusako's fan dance. She may be at breakfast now.” Redaku was hunched over, rubbing his eyes.

Thank god. Fusako didn't confuse him, didn't make him question himself. He should have gotten up earlier. He wanted to watch this fan dance. It sounded pretty sexy. He should have had someone wake him. “I'm ready now,” mumbled Kato. He leaned in to look at his advisor more closely. “I bet she'll still be happy to see me,” he added and wished he hadn't when he saw his advisor's eyes.

Noberu dragged him out before he could say anything else. Smart man. They closed the door hearing Redaku's angry muttering. The only thing Kato could make out was “be the death of me” and that made him move just a little bit faster.

He did miss most of Princess Fusako's fan dance. He had a totally different idea about what a fan dance was. He thought it would be this sexy, mostly naked dance with giant feathers. It wasn't. First of all, she wasn't naked. Second, there weren't any birds or feathers around. And third, fan dancing apparently isn't a multiple partner thing.

She was dressed in black. The material covered nearly all of her and clung well. That was good. He hadn't noticed how small her breasts were before. They fit nicely with her small body. She had a pert little butt, too. He realized he was probably staring when he was pulled over to a chair and pushed into it. He glared at Noberu before returning his attention to the diminutive beauty.

Raven locks hung in loose curls, like silken coils of ribbon, stopping just short of a smooth, rounded bottom. Lightly-muscled twin arms rose together, high in an arc, stopping as thin wrists flicked small metal fans out, opening with a sharp crack. Twisting at the hips, Fusako lowered her torso backward and simultaneously raised her right leg and stopped, balancing precariously. She was spectacular. She was obviously much stronger than she appeared. Kato was impressed with her control. He had taken dance and studied martial arts for years. All Radekoun Royalty were required to. It never came easy to him. He wondered what other talents she had.

Sinewy muscled flexed and twitched before she abruptly flung her left leg up and over her right, twirling her body horizontally for several breaths. My god, how did she do that? Kato jerked when she somehow landed and stopped moving just as abruptly, her fans closed abruptly all in one movement. She straightened and tucked them into small sheaths on the outside of her thighs. He blinked. They were so unobtrusive and matched the coloring of her clothing so well, he didn't even notice them. She looked his way and smiled. He was looking for some indication she was upset with him. He didn't see any. He stood and took her hand, brushing the top of it briefly with his lips. That earned him another smile.

”Prince Kato, I hope you slept well,” her voice was light and teasing. For a minute, he thought she knew – but that was ridiculous.

”I do apologize for my lateness, Princess Fusako,” Kato finished, allowing her hand to fall.

”I'm certain I can find a way for you to make it up to me, Prince Kato,” she murmured beneath thick black lashes.

His eyes narrowed a little. For a moment he wondered just how alike Fusako and Shinko were. He shook his head to remove the image of looking up into the cascading ribbons of her silken hair while he forced himself deeper into her. He didn't need to get a boner this morning. That's why he preferred his robes. No one can see raging boners with pants and the heavy loose fabric of a good robe.

Kato offered his elbow to Princess Fusako. She gave him another, warm knowing smile and took his offering. She and their guard led them to a large atrium. Three walls were thick glass, along with the back half of the roof of the room. It gave the illusion of being outdoors. The floor was uneven, black stone. The footsteps of their guards could be heard behind them, quickly flanking the couple and remaining at the back of the room. Kato didn't need to look to know Noberu wasn't far behind him and would probably hover near them.

A small, shiny metallic table with matching chairs set on the far end of the room, close to the far back window. It offered a spectacular view of lush green foliage dotting a sandy beach. A large pond was set further back. The black surface of the water was calm. It caught the light and mirrored everything nearby. The entire north edge was covered with large stalks that leaned heavily. Kato assumed this must be one of the many ponds Prince Shinko fished in. He followed Fusako, helped her into her chair and then sat in his own.

“Breakfast is my largest meal of the day. I hope you worked up an appetite,” she murmured.

He wasn't certain who told her, but he knew she knew. Who the hell was he kidding? It was probably already to all over the palace by now. She turned her dark eyes to him and he squirmed, but he didn't look away. He wasn't going to admit he was bothered by what he allowed to happen.

“I thought you turned me down to watch Prince Seshimora spar earlier. I am glad I was mistaken.” She actually seemed relieved. He wasn't sure why it mattered so much to her, but it did and that made him uneasy for some weird reason.

“How do you know I didn't?” He asked watching her reaction.

She was laying a napkin on her lap when she turned doe eyes back to him. She smiled almost fondly. “Prince Seshimora can be affectionate. If you spent time with him earlier, you would smell of earth and the oil he uses to clean his weapons.” She leaned towards Kato and inhaled deeply. “You do not,” she exhaled her words slowly.

He caught himself staring at her lips, leaning in too much, invading her personal space. He turned his attention to his own napkin. He smoothed it out when the first plate was brought to them. He could smell eggs and something heavy with fat. His stomach growled loudly. Kato joined her in prayer without being asked to.

He took a drink of the dark liquid in front of him. It was hot and bitter. He took a few more sips of it. He was beginning to like bitter. It surprised him. The largest platter held steaming layers of smoked meat. Small onions with the leafy stalks still attached circled the meat. Colorful herbs garnished the top. The second dish held crusty grilled bread, cut into two-inch, thick pieces. Each piece held two small partially cooked egg yolks. The last dish was served in a large bowl. It held brightly colored chopped up fruit in a thick red syrup. It all smelled heavenly.

He asked for two helpings of meat, a single piece of crusty bread and a small helping of fruit. He waited for Fusako before he dug in with vigor.

The meat was salty and practically melted in his mouth. He loved it. The smoky flavor was light and didn't bother him like it normally did. He thought about cutting into the crusty bread. He looked over. Fusako picked up a piece and took a pretty big bite. He followed suit and was surprised by the warm rush of yolk. The difference in texture was wonderful. “It's good,” murmured Kato between bites of of the crusty bread and the salty meat. He really had worked up an appetite.

Fusako nodded. She gently patted her lips with her napkin. “Tell me about yourself, Prince Kato.”

Kato thought about it for a minute. He pursed his lips. “I doubt I could tell you much about myself that you have not already been learned.” He wasn't trying to be impolite but doubted he had many secrets.

”Humor me.”

Kato thought for a moment. What was he willing to share with a complete stranger? “Hunting. I love to bow hunt. My grandfather took me the first time when I was ten,” he smiled fondly, “against my father's wishes. We sent my mother into a freak out when I came home covered in blood,” he laughed remembering the look of shock on his mother's face and the way the guards we're twitching under her enraged glare. “It was the first time I dressed a deer and it was messy. Bled on me a lot. We hunted together often until he became too frail. I still do it on my own when I have the luxury.”

Fusako watched him speculatively, as if she wasn't certain he was telling her the truth. Eventually she nodded.

Kato set his cup down. “What makes you happy, Princess Fusako?”

Fusako frowned. She bit her own lip and turned her attention to her plate. She pushed her fruit around her plate, making small sloppy crimson trails. “No one has ever asked me that. I don't know. I've spent my entire life preparing...” her voice lilted at the end and dropped off to a whisper. Kato looked over at her, waiting for her to continue. He frowned when she remained quiet.

He didn't mean to make her sad. He felt bad for her. He had a good childhood. His grandfather had spoiled him outrageously. He knew his father loved him. His family gave comfort when his mother passed a few years ago. He never realized how much until this moment. It put all of his tantrums into perspective. This small, delicate creature had never had the love or protection that he grew to thrive on. King Yoshi set her against the strength of men, against of the will of men who wanted to rule. He didn't understand Kitsurins' calm acceptance of violence and death. He hoped he never would.

He thought Kitsurins were more advanced than his own culture and technology. After all, Kitsurins achieved reliable space travel five years before Radekouns. Kitsurins had years to beg, borrow and steal technology and precious resources. It's what started such poor relations between the twin planets. Kitsurin space pioneers stole precious resources from Radekoun. Neither planet declared open hostility. Kitsurin wanted to rule Radekoun, not through force but through negotiations. What could be served from destroying the very thing you wanted to use? He was coming to realize that this family had sacrificed too much in their bloody revolution to take and keep the throne. His own family had only held the throne for three hundred and fifty years and that through chance. Kitsurins had two thousand years of savagery to grow into a culture, a philosophy that punished the weak and duty replaced compassion.

”I've thought about taking up painting myself,” Kato said as in thought. He turned to Fusako with a smile. “Maybe we could try it together?”

Fusako looked up from her plate. The warm smile dimpled her cheeks. She was beautiful not merely pretty. “I would like that very much, Prince Kato,” she murmured, her smile finally reaching her eyes. She looked like the delicate flower he thought she should be.

They sat in comfortable silence for several minutes. Kato tried the syrup-covered fruit. He couldn't get past the sweetness of the syrup. He didn't care for it and went back to his tea.

“That man is an utter whore,” said Fusako though her words lacked any fire. She shook her head and set her tea aside.

Kato turned his attention to the figures outdoors. He could make out a slim, tan male moving with several guards to the pond in front of them. The man strolled, appearing unconcerned and at ease. He pulled his long raven hair back and secured it into a pony tail. He stripped out of his robe once he reached the edge of the water. It was Shinko. The man was freaking naked! Seriously, he had no shame.

“Does he know we're here and can see him?” Kato watched the man with speculation. He was worrying his lips. Fusako snorted, loudly, as if that was an answer. She pushed her meal away. A server appeared and moved their dishes, filing their cups with steaming liquid. She sat blowing on her tea.

“Do you suppose there's any room left for negotiations...about who has to carry the children?”

“What do you mean?” Kato was still staring at Shinko's figure, now swimming laps back and forth. Fusako smiled, “Ah, you mean Shinko? I can't imagine. The man whines incessantly over a paper cut,” she murmured with a light laugh. She cleared her throat. “Besides, I think he would really enjoy you pregnant,” Fusako said through a good-natured leer.

“What?” he stammered, immediately uncomfortable.

“My brother is a man of many fetishes,” she said shrugging. “He finds the pregnant form far more arousing than any aphrodisiac.” She gave Kato an apologetic smile. “At least you would never have to fear him finding you unattractive, even at your largest. I suppose that's not true for many,” she said with a sigh. “I am relieved to avoid child birth entirely.” She didn't sound relieved though.

Kato got the feeling he was missing something important. She was saying she wouldn't be the one to give birth. Did that mean that they could use a surrogate? But if that was true why was he supposed to bear either of those men children? Unless he was supposed to carry the kids no matter who took the throne. He pinched his lips together. That was just fucking stupid! He reached for his tea to distract himself. Fuck. What else had his father neglected to tell him?

Clearly, he needed to have a long talk with his father and his advisor. He understood they were trying to protect him. He did appreciate it, but needed them to trust him. He watched Shinko, while Fusako watched him. They sat together for the remainder of the morning, while the sun warmed them and eased the silence between them.

____________________________________________________________________

They arrived late from breakfast. Redaku met them in the sitting room. He had paced a well-defined trail into the plush cream carpet. He turned abruptly when they entered. Relief lit his eyes. Noberu frowned and looked over at Rato. Noberu asked the question with a slight rise of an eyebrow. Rato shrugged.

Redaku was a normally calm and patient man. This man was an emotional mess. Something was wrong. He thought it was merely a reaction to the kid. Kato was a rare creature. It was impossible to ignore him. He was one of the few people who could transform any patient man into rage shaped like a man. And yet the kid had a quiet vulnerability that demanded he be coddled. It appealed even to strong men. Noberu frequently found himself torn between wanting to spank the brat and wanting to hold him. It was unnerving.

Noberu watched the man's nervous eyes and how he pursed his lips. This man was consumed with guilt. Noberu spent time studying him and his relationship with Kato's dad, King Miyazaki. Redaku was only a year younger than the Father King. Redaku took his father's place as advisor when his father retired with the last King. Redaku's family were retained as advisors for five generations now. They were loyal to a fault. Redaku was no different. Whatever was bothering the man was at King Miyazaki's order. Noberu made a mental note to have the man shadowed with men loyal to him.

“Did something happen? Why are you so late?” Redaku motioned the kid to join him. He moved towards the back of the room to a plush, striped black and cream colored coach and two matching over-sized chairs. He gestured to the couch.

The kid rolled his eyes and waived his advisor off. He started to move off to the back rooms. “Bathroom,” he barked loudly, exiting the room. Two guards moved off with him. Noberu resisted the urge to smack the kid in the back of the head. He sat down across from the advisor.

Redaku was annoyed. He frowned and looked to Noberu to answer. “The kids seemed to get along fine. They ate in the atrium near the pond. Prince Shinko likes to have an audience,” Noberu said, shrugging his shoulders. “He swam naked. The kids got to watch.” Redaku nodded. He didn't seem surprised.

“The medical team will be here in two days, a little earlier than expected. The Father King wants all three siblings to participate. Communication links should be set up to allow the Father King to participate as well. You'll take care of it?” Redaku wasn't really asking. His eyes flickered to the doorway Kato left through.

“Of course.”

This alone couldn't cause much guilt for the man. It was likely the siblings would want to participate anyway. Shinko has already said he preferred one method over others. All of the siblings would probably use their time to cozy up to the kid to influence him in many things.

Finally, the kid returned. His face was flushed. Gods, why the hell was he always blushing? Kato risked a glance at the guards behind him. He moved a little faster. He plopped himself on the couch and slowly settled into the plush comfort, putting his feet up onto the elegantly carved table in between them all.

Redaku made a disgusted sound and looked at Kato's feet. Kato ignored him. The advisor hit his feet and said, “You're being rude.”

Kato moved them with another role of his eyes. “Why would they put a table here if they didn't intend for me to use it?” Kato asked in exasperation. He drew his legs up and tucked his feet under him.

It was Redaku's chance to role his eyes. “Prince Kato, this is 15th century. Have more respect.” He shook his head. The kid frowned at the table. “Now tell me how breakfast went. Do not forget there is some time set aside to spend with Prince Seshimora later today.”

The kid continued to frown. He was still staring at the table. “Breakfast was fine.” He pursed his lips as if thought. “Princess Fusako didn't seem too upset I was late,” he added with a smile, “just like I said.” He punctuated his last statement by pointing at Redaku and bring his eyes up to the man simultaneously.

The advisor nodded. “I am glad it turned out well. Did she set up another time to spend with you? Prince Shinko has asked to take you fishing.”

The kid scratched his head. “Um, okay. I think we're going to paint together or something. Why is that important?”

Noberu watched the exchange with some amusement. It was obvious the two were fond of each other. The kid was always full of questions. Redaku answered them with patience. Dear Gods, how were they going to get through the next two years together?

“You don't think it's important to make a good impression on your future spouse?” Kato groaned. Of course, if the kid stopped acting like a brat, they might start treating him like an adult. “After the procedure, you'll have some limitations for a while. You don't have them now. You have some time.”

“About that,” said Kato. He was scratching his head again. “Did you or my father know Kitsurin Royalty never bear children, not even the women who take the throne?”

“Of course. Kato,” Redaku sighed. “Do not blame us because you were such a poor student.”

Kato huffed, “I would have remembered something like that. Hey, it's not like I knew a wormhole would suddenly appear. “

Redaku pursed his lips obviously not happy. “The right of ascension is two thousand years old.” He sounded as though he was lecturing. He opened his mouth to continue before the kid's groan cut him off.

“I know that. I don't need a history lesson,” the kid said sharply. He straightened his legs quickly and stood. Maybe a spanking would help?

The kid's advisor leaned forward and pointed to the couch. “Obviously, you do. Sit down,” he said clearly expecting absolute obedience. He pointed to the couch again. Kato sat down, grumbling quietly. “Male pregnancy became necessary seven hundred years ago when Queen Tokashiki nearly bleed to death delivering her first child. Most royals who have taken the throne have been male but not all. No Royal has carried a child since then and none will ever again. It wasn't open to negotiation. We tried,” he sounded apologetic.

Kato leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He was wringing his hands. He didn't look up. “So, you weren't trying to keep that from me?”

Redaku's voice was gentle. “Of course not.” Redaku stood and walked over to the kid. He sat down and reached across to grasp Kato's hands. He stilled them and the kid let him “Your father loves you,” the man said warmly. The kid nodded. He looked up to his advisor.

“I don't want to have anyone's babies,” he said quietly.

“It's okay to be afraid, Prince Kato.” The kid immediately started to frown. He tried to pull away. The older man held Kato's hands firmly.

Noberu knew the kid was aware that he was pretty, small and delicate. It was important to him to be strong. That was going to be difficult in a few months. Noberu nearly smiled thinking of the image of a foul-tempered, foul-mouthed pregnant Kato waddling through the palace.

“I know you're not,” Redaku said with a fond smile. “I just want you to know, it's okay to be afraid.” Kato nodded but said nothing.

Redaku sighed, obviously not wanting to say anything more. He expected an argument. “The medical team is arriving two days early. You will meet with them and myself first. Your father has approved the Kitsurin siblings to be present with their father afterward,” he said gently.

“Why?” Kato hissed. Now he pulled his hands away and sat back, pressing his back into the corner of the plush couch.

“Why what?”

Kato groaned. “Why are they early and why does anyone get to sit in on it? I thought it was my decision.”

Both were good questions. Noberu was pretty certain King Miyazaki had already chosen the procedure the kid would have. It was probably Redaku's job to push him in the right direction. It was safest and wisest for him to have a fully cloned uterus implanted with a vagina, but the healing time was incredibly long. He was absolutely certain the kid wouldn't want to lose anything that made him male.

“All of the siblings have expressed an interest. You should be flattered.” The advisor struggled to keep a straight face. Noberu laughed. Kato just stared.

Redaku cleared his throat. “King Yoshi insisted. Your father felt it was a way to show good faith. The Right of Ascension is expected to come to it's conclusion by the time you are able to carry your first child.” He turned to meet Kato's face. “It's a small thing, Prince Kato.”

Kato nodded. “Why can't a surrogate be used? I mean many couples who can't carry turn to surrogates all the time.”

Redaku stared at the kid for several minutes. Kato started to squirm. “You haven't been listening.” The man sounded annoyed. “Your father had the practice of concubines abolished to protect you and Radekoun interests. You must carry the children, all of them.” The kid shuddered. Redaku's voice softened, “You have an opportunity, if only you would see it,” the man's voice was quiet and insistent. He was staring at the kid, as if to tell him something important.

The kid started to sulk. “It's stupid,” he grumbled low. He was pursing his lips. “How can anyone know when the Right of Ascension ends?” Kato's forehead wrinkled. “Is this something else I should know?” The kid wrinkled his nose. Noberu was disturbed that it was cute. Hell, he never called anything cute.

“You already know the answer to this.”

The kid blinked but said nothing for a while. The buzzing from the huge electronic picture, framed in black, was annoying. It nearly covered the entire South wall in this small sitting room. Noberu hadn't noticed how loud it was until now. The images of different geographic locations of the planet and images of the royal family, going back the last fifteen hundred years, flickered brightly. It changed every few minutes. It was gaudy and looked out of place in the rooms.

The kid was still silent. He looked over at Noberu who just shrugged. Kato turned his attention back to his advisor. “There's a time limit?” Kato mused more to himself. His eyes grew wide. “Are you telling me they're going to kill each other? Just in time to impregnate me?”

“Yes,” said Redaku.

Kato stared at him helplessly.

“I don't understand it either.” Redaku shrugged. “Two thousand years is hard to argue with. No royal family on either planet has held the crown this long.” He barked an unhappy laugh. “I doubt that's true for any people on any planet.”

Kato made a weird shrill sound, both hands pressed to his mouth. His knuckles were bone white. He'd leave bruises if he wasn't careful. “Babies,” Kato breathed. Tears threatened those wide globes. It made Noberu's breath hitch.

“You are young,” Redaku said miserably. “With your children's sacrifice, there is hope.”

“No.” The kid glared. He dropped his trembling hands into his lap, making small fists. “No,” he said stubbornly. His wet eyes met Redaku's.

“It galls your father.” Redaku eyes were red and glassy. “That he cannot protect his own grandchildren. But where there is time, there is hope, Prince Kato.” He seemed to want to say more.

They sat in silence. The screen flickered to the image marking Takimore's induction into the hall of masters, earning his seventh belt of eight in sword fighting. Seshimora held Takimore's hand and offered him his newest belt. Takimore barely came to Seshimora's chest. Seshimora's eyes betrayed the pride he felt. Kato glanced at it. It was a bittersweet moment. The kid had to understood the significance now. Kato wiped his eyes. He squared his shoulders.

“This is wrong,” the kid murmured quietly.

Redaku's voice was grainy, as if he had been talking hours past midnight, “Your grandfather is not here to protect you. Do you understand what I am saying? You will do your duty,” his voice grew harsh. “You will marry. You will bear the child who will unite the planets under one throne. Your father has seen to it,” Redaku closed his eyes for a few moments. When he opened them, he looked older. “Prince Kato...” Any minute the man would resort to begging. The man seemed to genuinely care for the kid. It would hurt him, break him to give the order to force Kato, but he would do it. Loyal to a fault.

Redaku leaned across the wide space separating him from the kid. He stretched his arms toward Kato, grasping both of the kid's wrists and pulled. Kato fought him for a minute before closing his eyes. He went limp, letting Redaku draw him into his arms. “This is wrong,” Kato murmured into Redaku's chest. He didn't sound like he was sobbing.

“I know.”

Noberu watched quietly. The kid would do his duty.

“You have some time to yourself, if you want it. Prince Seshimora will wait.” Kato nodded. Redaku dropped his arms when Kato started to draw away.

Kato had his mother's eyes. They were the palest blue Noberu had ever seen. His eyes darkened when he was at his most annoying. Noberu had never seen this shade. They were nearly silver, haunting in the flickering lights of the mocking images of the Kitsurin family. The kid was too pale. Undone. Noberu followed him into the darkness of the back rooms. He waived off another guard. He left Rato to watch the advisor.

Kato sat on his bed, looking at nothing in particular. He didn't move. “I'm safe here. You don't need to stay,” he said quietly. The kid knew better. Noberu grunted but said nothing. Kato swiveled around to look at him.

”When was Takimore murdered?”

Noberu blinked. The questioned surprised him. He went to the wall in front of Kato and leaned against it. Ignorance was making things worse. Perhaps it was time to try something new. “During your anointment ceremony.”

Kato frowned. “Those three men....were they involved?”

Ah, the three who interrupted his speech after the ceremony. Had that been only yesterday?

“No.”

“How did he die?”

“Dead is dead. Doesn't really matter how.” Noberu frowned. “That's not what you want to know. Say what you mean or no one will take you seriously.”

The kid pursed his pretty lips and started to chew them to a deep red. It was a bad habit and let his nervousness show. Noberu waited to see when the kid's temper would flare. Personally, he enjoyed annoying him. Angry Kato was better than withdrawn Kato.

“Fine. Who killed him? It couldn't possibly be Fusako. She's just a little girl.”

Noberu smiled. Dear Gods, the kid had a lot to learn about females. “You're not much older than her, squirt.”

Hell, he was pretty and delicate like that teenage girl. Actually, they looked a very similar. Neither of them looked deadly. Noberu knew she was responsible for the death of one sibling almost two years ago. She was even smaller then. Kato himself had taken his limit of deer and antelope since he was ten.

Kato narrowed his eyes. “It doesn't matter,” he said. “I'm a man.”

Noberu let out a barking laugh. He threw his head back and whacked it lightly on the wall behind him. It was worth it. The kid was funniest when he wasn't even trying. That made it even better.

“Stop laughing at me,” Kato squeezed through his teeth. He was clenching his hands into tight fists. Noberu continued to laugh. The kid widened his feet and lurched upward. “Stop it!” He threw himself at Noberu.

Noberu stopped the kid's momentum with ease. He caught his wrists and held them firmly, not enough to bruise, to either side of his body. He dragged the kid up against himself. He met Kato's darkened eyes.

“Is this how you'll act when you're pregnant?” Noberu scolded him lightly. Of course, he was partly to blame. It was too easy to bait the kid. Kato turned crimson and tried pulling away. Noberu wouldn't release him. Kato had to know he wasn't strong enough. Not like this. He may have some training, but he wasn't terribly good. He continued to fight anyway. Did he know how silly he looked?

Still holding each of Kato's wrists, he wrapped his thick arms around Kato's torso, bring his wrists together behind Kato. He sighed. He obviously wasn't getting through to the kid. He wrapped one large hand around both wrists, feeling the delicate bones grinding slightly. He didn't lighten the pressure until he felt Kato wince. He wasn't acting like the typical bodyguard. He wouldn't be around forever and Kato's education was lacking. He was pretty certain he was making a point. Holding Kato absolute still, he ground Kato's groin into his thigh. He heard the kid gasp. Pain didn't get his attention. He thought this might. He grasped Kato's chin and drew it slowly up to his own. It didn't appear terribly comfortable. He was much taller.

“Stop it,” Kato whispered. His face glowed and Noberu's fingertips felt extremely warm.

“A physical battle you cannot win will cost you more than you'll be willing to pay. You're small. You're pretty like a girl.” Wait, why did he say that? Kato growled at him. He could feel the vibrations against his taut stomach. It actually felt kind of nice. Noberu raised his eyebrow and waited until the kid quieted. “If you use force, you will lose.” The kid dropped his eyes. Noberu could see his eyes through the dark fringe of eyelashes. He released the kid's wrists. Kato wasted no time moving away from him. The kid was breathing heavily now. He stopped short of the bed and stood awkwardly.

“You dismiss the girl because she's female.” It wasn't a question. Kato kept his eyes trained to the floor. “For her – failure means death.” He waited for a reaction and received none. “She could best you,” Noberu added quietly. Kato jerked, but he remained silent. He was rubbing his wrists.

“I haven't learned who put Takimore down. I know it followed Ascension rules – no outside interference. Just ask them. They'll tell you. They have no reason to lie to you. They were doing their duty.”

Kato nodded. “I'm sorry,” his voice was faint when he brought glassy eyes up. Damn. Isn't an angry Kato better than a withdrawn Kato?

Noberu watched the kid closely. “I know you're not weak, but you are young. You anger easily.” He waited for Kato to argue with him. Kato frowned but was silent. Noberu was careful to school his face to smoothness. “How will you control that anger when you're huge, waddling through the palace like a small, squat bird?” He waited for the explosion.

The kid was worrying his lip again, drawing his brows down sharply. “I don't know.” He stopped rubbing his wrists. “How about you stop trying to piss me off.” His voice was light and teasing. “If not, you might get lucky,” Kato said through a cheeky grin. “You'll get to deliver my first kid.”

Noberu blinked.

Kato jerked his thumb towards to the bathroom. He barked out a couple of laughs before squeezing out, “Too much tea.” He headed towards the bathroom, trying to stifle giggles now. Noberu's eyes followed him even as the door closed and the light came on.

He sighed remembering the warmth of Kato against him. It was nice and it surprised him. He knew it was wrong. Kato was his charge. Hell, he was still a kid. He was male. This was fucked up. He wasn't supposed to feel – this way. Kato didn't need force. A touch, a smile, an angry retort at the right time could have as much influence as Noberu's strong hands. Damn him.

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Author's Notes: This is the Prince For Peace. Got to the forum at http://www2.adult-fanfiction.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=16179 for notes.