The Twin Thrones

Kato was center stage, lying naked on a narrow bed. Several light sheets were positioned on and around his body, but they did little to his stop his trembling. A young nurse continued to layer thin sheets on top of him. He didn't have the heart to tell her he wasn't cold. It seemed to ease her nervousness and distracted him for a few minutes.

The lights were too bright and the smell of disinfectant so strong it felt like it burned the fine hairs in his nose. One camera was positioned a few feet from Kato, the other above him. The ceiling was nearly two stories. The wall in front of Kato was a long sheet of protective glass. The wall behind him held six video screens.

Two screens showed an image of Kato, one above and the other from his right side. Another screen gave a single view of the occupied room in front and above Kato. It held twelve occupied chairs, set in three rows, stadium seating for easy viewing. Kato assumed the three remaining screens would be filled with images of the procedure. Thankfully, he would not be conscious for it. He had no intention of watching any feed from it later either.

There was too much equipment in the room. There were too many people. There was too much activity. It was all just – too much.

He felt like a freak. Having your entire abdomen shaved can do that. And let's not forget having your insides on display to not just a few people, but planets of people can do that, too. He still didn't understand why it needed to be televised. What – him waddling around in a few months wouldn't be proof enough? Whatever.

Taking deep breaths, he tried to remain calm, at least on the outside. He was accustomed to being in front of a camera but never like this. Noberu and Redaku told him what to expect, but who could prepare for this? He wanted either Redaku or Noberu to be allowed in the room before they put him under. His medical staff smiled and nodded and told him no as if he were a small child. No one bothered with an explanation. It was fucking annoying.

He could feel panic starting again. He raised up on his elbows and found it awkward. The bed was almost too narrow to lay on comfortably. He watched Noberu through the long wall of glass. He was thankful for the man's presence. He didn't understand it, but it actually made him feel better. When did that happen?

Kato knew very little about the man. He only knew what he'd seen for himself.

The man was annoying. He enjoyed pissing Kato off far too much. Noberu was always bossing Kato around. He knew Noberu was full of shit: it wasn't always about Kato's safety. The man always had to be right. Noberu never asked his opinion and was always offering his own. The man was an ass!

Kato wasn't certain he was comfortable with their relationship. He didn't always appreciate the big man's honesty. Especially when Noberu told him he had watched Kato masturbate. He was glad he didn't remember it. It was embarrassing just hearing the confession. He didn't want to imagine how he reacted when he caught the man looking. At least, he thought he may have caught the man looking.

Now, he was glad Noberu told him. It seemed none of Kato's relationships were built on honesty. He prayed this one could be. It was all turning out to be a lot harder than he thought it would be.

The caveman was frowning. Kato frowned back. One thing was certain – Noberu sucked at giving comfort. Just a few hours ago, the man acted like Kato could confide in him and share his fears, his weaknesses and then the ass said something stupid and ruined it.

Kato didn't know he had a sister. He wasn't lying to himself about that. He thought he was an only child. He knew his parents loved each other. It was astounding since like all royalty, his parents' marriage was arranged. His grandfather told him his parents grew to love each other. Years later, their relationship grew strained. He never understood why. Even his worst nightmare could not compare to the truth.

Noberu was still frowning at him. Kato wondered if he was thinking about the kiss and – other stuff. Kato just wanted some damn comfort. He wasn't expecting the giant to actually want him. It shocked him. What shocked him more was his own reaction.

He didn't think of Noberu like that. He wasn't attracted to the man. Noberu was big and bulky, a giant muscle with muscle. His face was heavily lined and normally devoid of expression. Noberu didn't say much. Besides even though the caveman was never cruel, he could shame Kato with a word or a look. No one had been able to do that so easily, not even his father. Kato didn't think any of those were particularly desirable traits.

He still couldn't believe he actually bit the man. He didn't remember doing it. He remembered feeling the man grab his head, like he was going to kiss him and it scared the hell out of Kato. He couldn't explain it. He remembered nearly getting loose and being forced back into Noberu's lap. He was frightened the man would hurt him. It didn't shame him to admit it, he was no match for the caveman. He figured not many were.

When he saw the blood on Noberu's shirt and the fresh blood on his bottom lip, Kato knew he had bitten him. He' had never panicked like that before in his life. Deep down, he didn't think the man would hurt him, but he suddenly realized he knew almost nothing about Noberu. The man never talked about himself. He didn't know if the man had been married, had children. Hell, he didn't know where the man came from.

Kato knew Noberu seemed to enjoy going for a run alone. Kato had seen him several times in the past few months, running on the palace grounds on Radekoun. He'd seen Noberu spar with several of his guard and a few of the palace guards. He knew enough about self-defense to know the man was good, damn good. The caveman surprised him when he stayed by Kato's side after his poisoning. He could have easily left any of the guards to watch over him, but he stayed.

Kato didn't like getting advise from the caveman. He really hated the way the man was always grabbing him and showing him just how inadequate he was. There were moments when Kato was genuinely afraid of the big man. But who in the hell bites and draws blood? And yet – Noberu was the only person he felt safe with – sometimes.

Kato didn't want anything to change between them. He was worried he messed it all up. He didn't realize how much he relied on the man for more than just protection. Maybe he had even grown to kind of care for the guy. He was being irrational. He knew it. He couldn't change or explain why his feelings for his caveman had grown. It was too weird. How could he go from wanting to hurt the man to wanting the man to hold and comfort him? In just a few months? There was something seriously wrong with him.

They were still staring at each other. What was the big guy thinking?

He should have gotten off the man's lap when he was told to. It changed everything. He was just pissed and knew what to say to piss the caveman off. He knew the man didn't like Shinko, but he didn't know why. Kato wished he had tried harder to talk to Noberu alone. He was certain it wasn't a coincidence Redaku was there with them when he woke up. Noberu knew the adviser wouldn't leave his side. It hurt to see Noberu's relief when Redaku remained in Kato's room.

He felt a sharp pain in his hand again and grimaced. This was the same guy who tried to take blood from him when he had been drugged. Wasn't he supposed to be a professional? Why couldn't the guy hit anything the first time? Kato ground his teeth and suppressed a groan as he felt pressure and pulling just beneath the surface of his skin.

“Are you even qualified?” Redaku's voice boomed above them. Kato jerked without meaning to. He was thankful the medical guy didn't react. That would have really hurt more. “Dr. Bankuson, if your team cannot even put in an intravenous line, I shudder to think how well this procedure will go,” said Redaku in a voice that was obviously meant to be insulting.

Kato couldn't stop disgust from showing on his face for a brief moment. He was a wreck. He didn't need this shit now! He wanted to tell Redaku to shut the hell up, but he didn't trust his voice. Kato breathed a sigh of relief when he felt tape covering his hand, securing the line in place.

The technician put gentle pressure on Kato's shoulder. Kato laid flat staring at the only thing he could see from this angle – Redaku's face plastered against the glass above him. Redaku met his eyes and smiled. Kato would have smiled back, but feeling his arms laid flat on small ledges, perpendicular to his body, brought him back to reality. He jerked a little when his arms were secured to the table. Really, was that necessary? Where was he going to go?

A short screen of white fabric replaced his vision of his adviser. Kato took a shuddering breath. A face with kind eyes looked down at him. A transparent mask was placed over his face. One of his physicians brought her face closer to him. He could hear Doctor Bankuson speaking but not clearly.

“Prince Kato,” a warm voice said near his ear. “I will be taking very good care of you. When I tell you to, start counting backwards from ten. Do you understand?”

Kato felt himself nod. It was surreal. If someone had told him he'd be here naked, ready to be cut open with an audience of planets so he could grow female parts to have babies, he'd...he'd. Hell, he didn't know what he'd do. It was just crazy. Everyone had gone mad. He wasn't afraid of pain. He did know what to expect later. It just seemed so unnecessary and unfair. Why couldn't they use a surrogate?

He wasn't ready when she moved her head. White light filled his vision and he kept blinking. The nervousness was back and he felt sick to his stomach. He really wanted to wipe his eyes. Wonderful. Now his nose was starting to itch. He started to ask for some help, knowing no one could probably hear him well through the mask when he felt finger-light touches on his stomach. He twitched and gave a muffled cry, thankful for the mask now.

“Oh, sorry, Prince Kato,” Doctor Bankuson's voice boomed near and above him, nearly in stereo. “I was just pointing out where the incisions will be made.”

“Start counting, Prince Kato,” a warm feminine voice said near Kato's head. He turned his head slightly and saw pale hands injecting something into his line. He got to eight when he started to feel light everywhere. He tried moving and couldn't. He wasn't certain he even said seven or just thought it. The droning voice became static, a weird buzzing around him. And that's when it happened.

He wasn't afraid anymore.

____________________________________________________________________

It was hard watching Kato through the glass. He wanted to be in the room with him. He was assured this would be just as good. It wasn't. There were already too many people in there. What was one more?

Noberu had to give Kato credit. The kid was doing a good job of appearing unaffected, but Noberu was close enough to the see the trembling through the thin sheets draped over the kid. He wanted to offer the kid comfort. He needed to be inside the room, not here. Noberu glanced around at the activity. The room wasn't quite large enough to support the medical staff, equipment and cameras. They should have found another room.

There was too much activity. It was distracting. Noberu was distracted.

The kid was laying back and he couldn't see his face from this angle. He did think about taking a seat in the room above him, but he wanted to be closer to the kid, just in case he was needed.

He glanced at the monitors along the back wall. A single camera was set in the observation room. He wasn't surprised all of the Kitsurin Royalty were present. The kid didn't mention he was disappointed his father wasn't present. Noberu did think it was odd. He was surprised to see several cabinet members along with a couple of private citizens from both planets. Two of the Kitsurin medical team were present. He heard they were upset they would not be assisting Kato's medical team.

He returned his attention to Kato. The kid was leaning back on his elbows, staring at him. The sheet had slipped a little and he could see a pale narrow shoulder. The kid was too skinny. He was too young. Noberu watched Kato. He shouldn't have put the kid in his lap. Hell, he shouldn't have let their relationship evolve into something he couldn't control anymore. He messed it all up and he had no one to blame but himself.

Noberu was content to just watch, like he'd been doing. He could never have him. Like all royals, Kato's marriage was arranged. The who and when would just take a little longer than most arranged marriages.

He could hear Redaku's voice, but it wasn't very clear. The speakers in this room needed adjustment. There would have been time to make last minute adjustments had the procedure not been moved up a few days.

Noberu didn't like feeling nervous. Hell, he didn't like feeling anything. Noberu watched the technician trying to put in the intravenous line. The technician seemed to really struggle but remained calm. Noberu wasn't certain why but it bothered him. The man was on the best team from Radekoun. He should be better than this. Maybe he was just nervous? Noberu would have to get more background on the man. His first investigation was obviously poorly executed.

He turned his attention back to Kato. The kid was still staring at him. What was he thinking? The technician touched Kato on the shoulder. Kato was frowning. He gave Noberu one last look that could have meant anything and laid back.

A giant image of Redaku pressed up against the glass caught Noberu's eye. He looked over at the screen. The man was smiling, trying to look encouraging. He nearly pulled it off if his left eye wasn't twitching. The older man loved the kid. It was pretty obvious. He wondered if Redaku was this annoying with his own kid.

He saw Kato jerk out of the corner of his eye. Dr. Bankuson jerked his hands back and apologized. The kid stopped moving. Noberu thought they were putting the kid under. He felt anxious, a small knot was forming in his stomach. He was assured it was a simple procedure. The doctor returned his hands to Kato's belly. He touched several places and watched Kato to see if he got any reaction. Noberu heard the anesthesiologist mumble something.

Several of the sheets were removed and replaced to cover everything except Kato's thin stomach. An orange liquid was swabbed across his stomach as equipment was moved into place. A few smaller screens were brought over to Dr. Bankuson. The man started to speak in an excited, almost happy voice.

It was really annoying.

It took Noberu and Rato a few weeks to put all the information together, though as it turns out Noberu was familiar with this particular procedure, the Hippocampus Pouch. The procedure came from a small planet in the Milky Way though he couldn't remember the name of the planet. He had seen it performed several times in the past. It was well tested.

It was also one of the more invasive surgeries and most reliable, having the highest successful pregnancy rate and the lowest miscarriage rate. Noberu was certain Kato chose it because it was the only procedure that would allow the kid to keep his testicles without harming the fetus, too much testosterone. Kato would have daily injections to boast his female hormone level but after his pregnancy, the nanites would do it all without injections.

There were a few drawbacks though. Gestation was nearly a full thirty days longer than a typical female. The changes to his body chemistry would be permanent. His body would be fooled into thinking he was a fully functional hermaphrodite. His genetic code would include male and female DNA.

There was no going back. Even removing his new female parts would not be enough to fool his body. Kato would have symptoms much like most women before and during their menstrual cycles for most of his life.

Nanites were used for the procedure. They were living organisms, not machine and metal operating on a cellular level. Nanobots were used centuries ago for many medical procedures, but the draw backs could not be overcome. They were susceptible to electrical surges and electromagnetic fields. There lifespans were determined by chance and by who manufactured them.

Once injected into a host, nanites would have life cycles that ended with the termination of each pregnancy, whether is was successful or not, and new nanites would be created from the dying material. Without a pregnancy every few years, the nanites would start attacking his body. There were designed to help Kato's body, especially his liver, heart and kidneys, cope with the added stress of bearing young. Without intervention, he could die from complications. When children were no longer desirable, Kato would have to endure more injections to fool the nanites into thinking he was pregnant so they could follow their own lifetime cycles. At least the side effects from the injections were better than death.

Noberu watched the screen as three small incisions were made in the kid's abdominal wall. A camera and medical equipment were carefully fed through the openings and moved snugly in place. Gas was pumped into his abdomen, making Kato's tummy swell slightly.

Bloody tissue was carefully fed through a long narrow tube and sutured in place along the upper intestines. Nanites were injected into the bloody tissue. Similar tissue was moved into place along the lower end of the intestines. Eventually both ends of the implanted tissue would bind together creating a womb that would be capable of nourishment and waste disposal for the fetus with the help of the intestinal tract.

The procedure should have only taken about twenty minutes to complete though it was taking longer. Bankuson must love the sound of his own voice. Frankly, Noberu was ready to leave. It was taking too damn long.

Doctor Bankuson explained how the tissue binds together. He explained the advantages of using nanites and why he would have chosen another procedure. He was obviously disappointed Kato didn't want a vagina. Several containers were mixed in with equipment around the room, probably containing starter tissue to grow just that, just in case the small prince changed his mind.

The physician finally removed all of the equipment from the kid's body. He injected nanites directly into the surgical sites along with several doses of a stimulant. The precise cuts healed quickly, without a single stitch. In a week, only small red knots would be seen. In several weeks, the swelling and the redness would disappear entirely, leaving unblemished skin. And within four to six weeks, Kato would have a fully functional uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries with eggs – everything needed to make and sustain a baby.

It was ingenious – using Kato's own cells to begin the process which would guarantee the tissue was completely compatible. Small samples of Kato's own adult stem cells were harvested weeks ago from blood vessels, muscle, and testis from what is called the stem cell niche. With the help of nanites, the cells were programed to grow specific early tissue for Kato's female parts. It was very clever. Many planets reaped the rewards from a clever few. Kitsurin and Radekoun would be added to that list.

Equipment was moved out of the area to another wall. Dr. Bankuson explained about the injections and the expected healing time while he touched Kato's stomach, gesturing to the three reddened knots. He explained what side effects the injections would likely cause. He turned and looked up to occupants in the room above Noberu.

Doctor Bankuson's voice was professional and calm when he told the royal siblings Kato could not have penetrative sex until after he conceived. Apparently small tears could over-stimulate him, more importantly stimulate the nanites to repair torn tissue. Often the nanites fused more of the intestinal tract than necessary. On rare occasions, it could result in pregnancy. A fertilized egg could move into Kato's abdomen. Forcing a miscarriage was dangerous. A fertilized egg attaching loosely in the kid's abdomen was unlikely, but they needed to take all the precautions they could. There was only one Kato.

Noberu managed a brief smile. Kato would be mortified to know the good doctor was discussing this so openly on camera. It really wasn't necessary, and this piece of information was private. The feed was going out live. There was nothing he could do about it now, but he'd talk to Dr. Bankuson about it.

Noberu turned his head to look at the siblings' faces in the video screen. He noticed Redaku was missing. He figured the man was already making his way down to camp out in the kid's recovery room.

Fusako and Seshimora had no expression. Both seemed to be concentrating, taking in all of the information from the kid's physician. Shinko seemed disappointed and did little to hide it. Noberu grew angry when the man's face broke into a huge grin. He didn't need to be in the man's head to know what he thought. He really didn't like the man. He missed part of what Bankuson said. He shook himself. He was being ridiculous.

Noberu realized he might have to sit on the kid for the first few days. The kid needed to stay very still. He would be bed ridden for a couple of days. Noberu wasn't certain how they'd survive it. Kato didn't take direction well and he had one hell of a temper.

The sheets were moved around and Kato's arms were unstrapped. The thin hair net was removed and tossed to the floor along with the screen to hide the kid's features. Kato was gently lifted and moved to another bed. His thin pale limbs poked out from under the thin blankets. His dark mop was curled and wild around his head. He seemed to be resting comfortably. Noberu allowed himself to breathe a little easier. The feeling of dread was lifting. He would never admit to this weakness.

Noberu followed the medical team as they moved Kato to a recovery room. The kid wasn't stirring. Noberu helped move the kid to his bed. He helped arrange the blankets around the kid. He shouldn't have been, but he was surprised Kato was nude. The kid's soft delicate flesh was inviting. He took a deep breath as Kato's vitals were checked.

Noberu watched silently as the nurse pushed the first injection of the hormonal cocktail into Kato's intravenous line. The kid was still breathing easily. The nurse quietly asked Noberu if he needed anything. He shook his head. He was starring down at Kato and didn't hear the nurse leave. He always thought the kid was pretty, but looking at him now, he realized the kid was beautiful.

The next few days were going to be awkward. He should have forced himself to talk to the kid about – a lot of things. He took the coward's way out and let Redaku stay even though the man grated on his nerves. Now he'd have plenty of opportunity and he wasn't looking forward to it.

He set two guards outside of the room. Kato would remain here until his doctor allowed him to return to his own rooms. Noberu moved a chair closer to Kato and made himself comfortable. He enjoyed the peace while he could.

Noberu heard a knock before Redaku entered the room. He immediately made his way to Kato and stood watching the kid for several long moments. He took a seat and sat opposite from Noberu. Something was wrong, Redaku was rarely silent. He was demanding and always scheming.

The small brunette returned pushing a small machine in front of her. Noberu broke eye contact with the older man and studied the machine. It was used to dispense measured amounts of pain medication. He looked to the nurse for an explanation.

“Prince Kato will experience a great deal of discomfort for the next couple of days. He'll be in and out of it for a while. This medication will help ease him through this part of the process. It will get better,” she said, softly looking over at the older man. Noberu followed her eyes and looked at the advisor carefully.

In the past week, dark circles had formed under the man's puffy eyes. He looked paler than he had two days ago. His clothing was wrinkled. In fact, he was wearing the same clothing he had on yesterday. What the hell was going on? Crap, what else had the older man done that he hasn't shared?

Noberu knew this was neither the time nor the place to have this conversation, but he would make time soon. He sat across from the man for an hour before Kato woke. He was incoherent and kept trying to get up and leave. Noberu wouldn't allow them to tie the kid down. He argued with the medical staff for a while and they finally relented. They gave Kato a mild sedative just as Noberu ordered them to. Kato slept through the evening and the most of the following morning.

They received formal notification from King Yoshi later that morning. Though Kato couldn't do very much, he was still expected to spend time with the Kitsurin Royalty. King Yoshi was very clear that Seshimora was next in the rotation. Noberu didn't want to be the one to tell the kid. For some reason, Seshimora scared the kid. Personally, Noberu thought the man was honorable and passionate.

How could that be scary?

____________________________________________________________________

Kato watched Seshimora take out another opponent with ease and realized Seshimora was the deadliest thing he'd ever seen. Was he seeing the very image of King Yoshi, twenty years ago? Seshimora took after his father, like most of the Kitsurin Royalty. In another twenty years, would he be watching his son sparing with others? Another grunt, another block, another strike and another opponent down. This one wasn't moving, wasn't getting up. How many did Seshimora have to hurt before he got tired? Kato had been sitting here watching this for over an hour now. Kato frowned, the man still was not moving.

Seshimora was going to win more than this skirmish. Kato didn't just know it, he felt it.

He couldn't see how Shinko's nature or Fusako's diminutive figure could withstand the force Seshimora could bear. He would be marrying this man. The man was strength, controlled violence. Kato continued to watch him and could feel his eyes becoming glassy. His eyes hurt now, too.

He was fucking stupid! It didn't matter what he felt, what he thought. He knew he'd have an arranged marriage. He was never naive enough to believe there would ever be love but he hoped. It hurt to know there would be nothing – just obligation. Duty.

Kato didn't understand Seshimora. He couldn't even talk to the guy. The man was vague and weird and just didn't fucking talk right. Kato had never encountered anyone like him. He didn't get the guy. He wasn't attracted to the guy at all. He couldn't even imagine kissing him. He didn't want to imagine that. He closed his eyes and leaned over slightly, rubbing his eyes with enough force to hurt himself. He just wanted to go lie down.

He wanted a lot of things, he wouldn't get any of those either. Not ever again. He just had to accept it and stop feeling sorry for himself. At least he'd be alive, others wouldn't be so lucky soon. That's what he kept telling himself. He wasn't bitter but Seshimora was right – some things just are. It made him think of the last time he spent with Seshimora. Just a few days ago, but it felt like years ago.

Kato enjoyed target practice. He remembered the warm sun on his face. He remembered that warm feeling of pride and amusement, besting Seshimora. It was the only normal thing he'd done on this awful planet so far. It would be utterly pathetic to have that be his last good memory of a lifetime, but he didn't see it getting better.

He concentrated on rubbing his eyes again. The pressure he felt eased slightly when he pushed a little harder. The nausea was back again though. He didn't know how long he'd have daily injections. He was surprised at how tired and sick it made him feel. He didn't like feeling weak.

“Prince Kato,” Seshimora's deep voice rumbled so close, Kato jerked and regretted it immediately. The strange pain pulled sleek muscles in his abdomen in wrong the places. It didn't hurt where it should. It always surprised him how low and deep the pain was. “Prince Kato, you look unwell. I'll escort you back to your rooms.”

Kato nearly sobbed with relief. Finally. He let the man help him up. He gently drew his hands back and waited for Seshimora to step away. Kato wasn't even mad when he didn't. Seshimora offered his arm. Kato looked at it for a long moment. What? Crap, did Seshimora think Kato wanted to be lead around like a girl? Of course he did. Kato sighed, taking the big man's arm and let himself be lead away. Anything to get back to the comfort of his rooms.

He not only let him help him, he started to lean heavily against him. He really didn't feel good. It was really hot. For a brief moment, he wondered if he had been drugged. He could feel the sun's warmth cooking his sensitive skin. It burned everywhere. It never burned like this before. His upper lip was dotted with perspiration. He shivered feeling moisture gather and dribble down his scalp to his temple, disappearing into the collar of his shirt. He wasn't entirely certain he could walk much farther. He pulled on his arm a little. He couldn't manage to say anything because vomit wouldn't be far behind.

He didn't object when he felt large, overly warm arms lifting him. He closed his eyes and murmured, “Slower,” and gagged a little. His medical team told him he might feel like this. He never dreamed it could get this bad. He had to keep his eyes closed. The ground was moving too fast. Moisture was dotting his arms, his back and even his shins. Who sweats there?

Relief came immediately when he felt coolness envelop his body. The wind stopped. The birds were quiet. He had to be inside now. He didn't open his eyes. He was worried everything would start spinning.

They stopped. Kato thought he might get put on his feet, but he wasn't. He was shifted briefly. The arm under his knees tightened a little. He leaned deeper into the embrace. The body against him was too hot, but he felt safe. He breathed in the scent of gun oil and something darker, richer. The oil didn't smell quite right though. He frowned unable to think about it for long.

He heard a door opening. He was carried into a much smaller room. He could hear a gentle hum. He didn't need to open his eyes to know he was in the cozy room with the biggest picture frame he'd ever seen. He felt himself slowly pushed into the smooth fabric of a plush couch and signed as the cool fabric clung to his back.

He smiled and looked up to thank Noberu. His throat closed shut. Seshimora's face was bent over his. He looked around confused. He thought Noberu had carried him. He stared into Seshimora's deep set eyes and didn't know what to do.

Seshimora frowned. “Prince Kato, should I contact your medical team? I know you should expect some nauseousness, maybe dizziness. You seemed to really suffer in the sun. I don't recall that being a common side effect of your medications.”

Kato kept staring. He didn't feel quite right yet. He shook his head and regretted it when things started to spin a little. It was a good thing he was sitting. “Just hot,” he murmured. No more poking and prodding, please.

“Quickly,” Seshimora said, turning to one of his guards nearby, “Bring cool packs and a wet cloth.” He returned his attention to Kato and seemed unsure of himself. He stood awkwardly and waited.

Kato closed his eyes. He didn't know why the man was staying either. It didn't take long. He shuddered when a cold wet cloth touched his face. It was hesitantly dragged across his forehead and then down one cheek. He felt his shirt being loosened and then several buttons were undone. A thin cold pack was placed on his chest. He moaned. It was so nice.

“Thank you,” whispered Kato to the bulky figure reaching over him. Another cool pack was placed on one thigh and then the other. The wet cloth against his throat was wonderful. He shivered again when he felt his shirt being opened completely and pushed away from his skin. That was fine too. He was finally starting to feel better.

The side of the couch dipped. He felt a large weight against him. The couch dipped again and his legs were lifted and moved to the side, now resting on the couch. He stretched out. This was wonderful. A weight returned to his left. The wet cloth returned to his throat and now exposed chest. He felt too good to be embarrassed that his nipples were pebbled. Even the sensation of goose bumps rising along his arms and chest felt good.

Wrenching one eyelid open, he stared at Seshimora. The man was too big for this couch. He looked down and watched the man swirl the cloth around in circles on his chest. He was glad to be out of the sun. He opened the other eye slowly and watched Seshimora.

The big man gently touched the small pink knot near Kato's right hipbone. Thanks to the nanites, soon all three scars would fade and it would appear as if Kato had been born with female parts buried deep inside him. Seshimora laid his large hand flat against Kato's stomach. He didn't apply any pressure. Kato looked down and waited for Seshimora to move his hand. He didn't like the warmth from the large man's hand. It was beginning to bother him and he didn't want the man touching him anymore. This seemed too personal. It felt weird.

“Thank you,” Kato said and Seshimora jerked his hand back. “I'm feeling much better.”

Seshimora looked angry, but his words were neutral, “You are recovering. You should have said you were struggling in the sun.”

It was bad enough to be reprimanded by the caveman, but to have this man do it? Seshimora was always giving him advise or just telling him what he should do. Kato fell back on something that always made him feel like he had some control over something; his go to – anger.

Fuck you, Kato thought, but said, “I thank you for your concern, Prince Seshimora. I'm fine. I only got warm.” Just leave. I don't need a lecture. He was glad he sounded angry. If it made Seshimora leave sooner, he'd yell.

Seshimora handed Kato the cool, wet cloth. “You will carry our hope, Prince Kato,” he said quietly looking at Kato's exposed stomach briefly. “Do not let your anger make poor decisions for you,” he said standing, towering over Kato. “The price will be too high.” The man stepped away from the couch.

Kato narrowed his eyes. Leave, he was trying to tell the stupid ass with his eyes. Of course, the man didn't care about Kato. It was always about heirs, about the fate of the planets. Duty. Really, he didn't need to be reminded constantly. How could he forget?

Seshimora stopped at the door and turned. He looked down at Kato with soft eyes. He looked over at the caveman and Kato expected some kind of lecture again. Seshimora only shook his head and turned to look at Kato again.

What? Go ahead and just say it, Kato thought miserably.

He knew his fucking duty. In weeks, he'd be able to carry young. He really tried to look at it the way Redaku presented it to him. How many men get to feel life growing in them? How many would be able to share that kind of bond? He might feel better if he didn't have a lifetime of baggage to carry. He always felt inadequate. He was supposed to look like his dad. He was supposed to be strong like his dad. He would never be now. He had to be a disappointment.

Kato had the strong desire to cover himself even though Seshimora wasn't looking at him that way. Seshimora was big, nearly covering the entire doorway by himself. Kato didn't know how to complete with someone so obviously male, someone so much bigger than himself.

It was important to Kato to keep his testicles and cock. The medical team argued against keeping his testicles. He didn't care that the transition would go smoother without them. He'd take the female hormones and be glad. The nausea was worth it. He left his pride back on his planet, his home, but he had to maintain some dignity.

He knew what the man was going to say, but he wasn't sabotaging anything! He knew how important this was. He'd known it every day of his life for months now. He accepted it. He just got hot. He should have been paying more attention. He waited for Seshimora to finish his tirade and scowled.

He only watched Seshimora spar to make King Yoshi happy. He had no intention of having sex with Seshimora. For that to happen, it would have to be rape. He was pretty certain Seshimora wasn't like that or he would sabotage Ascension.

Seshimora was staring at him, expressionless. Kato could feel his face pinking up again. This time in anger. He flared his nostrils and forced out a great puff of air. He regretted even bothering. Nothing ever went right when he was with Seshimora. Hell, the first time they spent time together, Seshimora admitted to murdering the brother he actually loved. Who the hell does that?

“What?” Kato growled. If the man wanted to argue, he'd argue. Kato felt steadier and sat up a little. He didn't like lying so flat, especially with the bear of a man staring at him. He'd close his shirt but he didn't want to get hot again. He should have been paying better attention.

Seshimora's eyes were soft. Kato was tempted to just get up and leave. He would have seriously thought about it if he knew he could do so without passing out. This little experience would get back to his medical team and his father. There were more lectures waiting for him. He continued to glare at the man. Why was he still staring at him? Like that?

“You're too young, Prince Kato,” Seshimora said lightly, his hand resting on the door handle.

“I'm not a child,” Kato said angrily.

Seshimora straightened his shoulders. He opened the door and moved through the doorway. Kato barely heard Seshimora say, “I know,” as the door closed. The man's two guards quickly followed him. They didn't even look at Kato.

Kato sat quietly. He wanted the man to come back so he could yell at him. He balled his hands into fists and hit the couch. He hated pity. He could feel vomit scald the back of his throat. He was shaking. For once from anger and that made it a little better. He wanted to hurt something.

Noberu cleared his throat.

Kato didn't even look at him. “I don't want to fucking hear it,” he growled only loud enough for Noberu's ears.

He heard the shuffle of feet. The door behind him opened and closed. He didn't need to turn to know Noberu was still in the room. The stupid man magically or telepathically told his guards to get out. And they did because people always listened to Noberu. Kato waited for several minutes. He wanted some privacy. He wanted to be left alone. He knew he'd never get that from Noberu. That was the only thing Noberu and Redaku had in common. At least the caveman waited until Kato's harsh breathing slowed and quieted.

He sat in silence and then saw a large shadow cover him. He knew Noberu was sitting now, with one leg crossed over his knee. Kato fists loosened and he turned to the big man. He needed to get it out now. Noberu's calm face made him even more angry.

“It wasn't pity,” Noberu said carefully.

“You're a fool,” Kato hissed. He sat up straighter, knocking the ice packs off of his body. He turned his body until he was facing Noberu.

Noberu smiled. Kato never stopped frowning. His caveman didn't smile, but this looked natural on his face. The corners of his eyes crinkled slightly. Kato was staring as if he'd never seen the man. It looked like a happy smile, not the kind of smart-ass grin he usually sported when he was making fun of Kato.

“Probably,” Noberu murmured and his smile slipped into a depreciating grin that seemed even less like the man.

Kato was still staring. He didn't want to talk about Seshimora anymore. He wanted to make certain they were okay, but he didn't know how. How do you say, you got hard for me and I kissed you but I don't really feel that way, so can we just forget it happened? Oh and I really lean on you so can you be less of an ass and work on your personality? Kato's eyes dropped and he could feel his cheeks lighting up. He couldn't do this.

He expected too much of the man. It wasn't fair to either of them. He didn't have the right to ask that much. The caveman was only hired to protect his life. This was his job. Kato had to keep that in perspective. Just because he apparently made the man hard once and the man watched him masturbate once wasn't a good reason to expect anything from him.

Kato couldn't use body just because he needed comfort. More was expected of him so he kept quiet. The silence was uncomfortable. He squirmed a little and grimaced. That stupid pain again.

Noberu cleared his throat. Kato didn't look up. He wished he had talked to the man before he realized he was being selfish. He couldn't do it now. He took a deep breath. He needed to be somewhere else. He started wracking his brain for excuses to leave.

“I guess we should talk about this,” the man said without any emotion. He didn't sound eager, but he didn't sound upset. Kato knew what 'this' was and he started to stand. He felt Noberu's wide hand wrap around his upper arm. He felt his heart quicken. He looked over at the man. He fell back into the couch at the look of pain on the man's face. He was shocked. Did the man hurt himself?

Kato felt the couch dip as Noberu sat next to Kato, taking up a lot of the couch. Kato edged away from Noberu.

Noberu took a deep breath and looked away. Kato watched how his tight tan shirt hugged the man's well-defined pecks. Noberu started to wear his service weapon outside of his shirt after Kato's poisoning. He watched the weapon rise and fall as it rode the big man's deep breath.

“I've ruined it,” Kato said miserably. He couldn't look the man in the eyes either. Kato settled for looking at the spot where he had bitten the caveman and wondered if the man had needed stitches. It made him sick to his stomach. The man put up with a lot. He probably regretted taking this assignment.

The big man was quiet now. No big sighs, no big breaths. Kato looked at him, fearfully. Kato was chewing on his lower lip. He watched Noberu's lips twitch. Oh God, was he going to leave? Why wasn't he saying something?

“Squirt,” the big man said fondly. He moved several unruly locks from Kato's forehead. Kato met his eyes, frowning. “This is my fault.” The man's hand dropped. “I should have kept a professional distance.”

“But I kissed you,” Kato said quietly. He felt truly ashamed. He practically threw himself at the man. What the hell was he thinking?

The big man was openly grinning now. Kato didn't understand what was so funny. He couldn't stand the heavy feeling on his chest. He needed to leave. He didn't want to hear it. Whatever it was. He stood and felt a large warm hand around his thin wrist. He stopped but didn't look at the big man. The weight was growing steadily and he needed to get whatever 'it' was over with.

”Kato,” Noberu murmured. “I wanted you. I never intended that to happen. I...” Kato dropped his wide eyes. What? “You're not even my type,” the large man barked painfully. He was watching Kato's eyes carefully. He pulled Kato to him gently. Kato let himself be slowly pushed into the soft couch.

“This is my fault,” the big man said seriously. “I won't cross that line again. You're betrothed. It's more important than how I feel about you.” The man looked miserable and it made Kato feel a little better.

It wasn't Noberu's fault. He knew the man wouldn't have crossed that line. Kato pushed him. Kato was always pushing him. He wanted to argue with the man, but he just couldn't. He wanted to go back to the way it was. When was the man going to tell him he was leaving?

He felt Noberu lightly tap his nose again. “What's wrong now, squirt?”

Kato felt his breath leave him. When was he going to say it? The weight was growing unbearable. He gently pulled free of Noberu. The man was frowning at him. Kato cleared his throat. “When are you leaving?” he asked and was proud his voice didn't tremble like the terrible fluttering deep in his gut. He tried to wipe the pain from his face. He wanted Noberu to stay, but he was a man and wouldn't beg.

The stupid caveman just stared. And stared.

He should have apologized. He should have done a lot of things differently. He didn't like feeling like this. He was too tired and sick to cry. He had no one to blame but himself. He moved too quickly and ignored the discomfort the movement brought.

Kato made it to the door before he felt the man at his back. He touched his hand to the doorknob. Warm arms wrapped around his chest and drew him to a strong, much larger body. He froze. He didn't need Noberu's pity either. He steered himself for the worst.

Kato glanced to his left. He could see the large picture frame. The frame moved to a picture of the entire Kitsurin royal family. There were several siblings he didn't recognize. Fusako looked like she was only five or six. She was small and delicate, with fine features and full lips. Several of the younger siblings were smiling but not Fusako. He looked down at his feet. He didn't try to turn away. He wouldn't beg.

“You've got me for two years, Squirt,” the big man breathed against Kato. He was sniffing Kato's hair and it was weird. Kato stiffened further.

“Why?” Kato whispered. “Why are you staying?”

Noberu slowly turned Kato around and moved closer until he stood inches from Kato. Kato let the big man lift his chin. “I took this job because I believe in it,” the man said firmly.

Kato closed his eyes. But..., he thought sadly. He opened his eyes when he felt his chin being squeezed slightly, but Kato refused to look at the man.

“I spend so much time with you, offer you advise, annoy the hell out of you...because I care for you. I'll leave if you want me to, Kato”

The big man thought he wanted him to leave? The big man released his chin. Kato took his time slowly bringing his eyes up to Noberu's. He was acutely aware of how he looked, flushed, half naked. He groaned inwardly. He looked needy. He'd be nauseated by his own flaws later. He managed to utter a small, “Stay.”

He felt lighter when Noberu gave him one of his rare smiles. Kato searched the worn face. It wasn't an especially attractive face but right now it was honest and pure and beautiful. Kato smiled back

Noberu lightly chucked Kato's chin and said warmly, “We okay, squirt?”

Kato laughed lightly, tension leaving his shoulders, chest and even his stomach. “Yes, Caveman,” Kato barked and tried awkwardly to chuck Noberu's chin. “You're too damn tall,” he said in irritation.

Noberu laughed. It was warm and carefree and it felt good to hear. The stupid man was still laughing when Kato left the room. He allowed himself a small smile. He didn't ruin it. For once, he didn't make a mess of things.

Kato chuckled softly to himself and buttoned his shirt, smoothing the front and tucking it in. Masculine laughter followed him as he made his way to lunch and he felt comforted. It helped knowing at least one person cared about him if only for two years.