Kidnapping is Always an Option - 28. Chapter 28

Overall, the mission had been a success. The Enforcers were at the ready and swooped in to capture the leaders of the Mavit mafia along with many of their followers and soldiers. Kyle's team went in to retrieve Caspin's crew along with the thieves and Loxias. Those with injuries were treated in the Medbay units provided by the Enforcers. But, Adrian insisted that Caspin be treated by the Medbay unit in his own ship since it was far more advanced than those of the Enforcers.

Nix went into hysterics at the sight of Caspin in the Medbay. The Civek recognized fatal injuries at a glance, and the Vulpan that was in the tube was barely even alive. He attacked Kyle upon their return and managed to give him a black eye before he was finally held back.

The entire crew, including the thieves, Loxias, Sifta, and Liam spent the first several hours in the bay looking over the captain.

However, hours became a day. One day became several days. Everyone began to wonder if the unit would be able to heal Caspin at all.

:::

"Prince Cameron and his cousin liked the princess. But, the princess was really Irvine in disguise!" Liam read out loud, seated on Sifta's lap. Every day, he would come read captain Caspin stories while he recovered in the Medbay. The little jaguar didn't know if the Vulpan could hear him, but Sifta assured him that Caspin could hear everything.

Adrian was lying down on a bed next to the unit. He slept next to Caspin every day. The rest of the Seraglio alternated day after day, since the bed could only fit so many of them. That particular day, Rios and Nix were next to him.

Liam finished reading the story, closing it and setting it on his lap. He turned his head to look up at Loxias.

"Mr. Fluffy?" The boy fiddled with the book, opening and closing the cover. "When is Mr. Captain gonna wake up?"

"When the Medunit finishes healing him," Loxias responded as he gently ruffled the top of the little boy's head. "It could be any day now."

"It won't be," whispered Nix, looking up with his yellow-green eye. "He's not waking up. Ever."

When tears began to pool in Liam's large, yellow-orange eyes, Sifta spoke up. "Of course, he will," he countered.

Adrian and Rios stirred awake at the commotion. "What's going on?" Rios wondered aloud.

"Don't lie to him," Nix hissed, standing. "He may be a kid, but he's not stupid. It's cruel to give him hope when there isn't any. If foxie could be healed, he would be by now. The tube's the only thing keeping him alive, and he can't stay in there forever."

Adrian felt that comment like a dagger right through his heart. He couldn't even formulate a response.

Falorios, however, drew his attention elsewhere. "Couldn't sleep, guys?"

Mycha and Phen walked in wearing their night clothes. The Murisian shook his head.

Liam then began to cry.

"Hey," Phenner hurried over to the jaguar cub, crouching down and petting his ears. "What's wrong?"

Liam sniffled, but he couldn't stop crying. "Mr. Kitty s-said Mr. Captain's n-never gonna w-wake u-up!"

"It's understandable that at this point, it feels that way," Loxias agreed as he turned a stern gaze towards Nix. "But, you shouldn't push your lack of faith onto others, young one."

"Fuck you, dog," Nix snarled, standing his hands curled into fists, his ears laid flat. "You don't know shit. Always acting like you're so wise and smarter than everyone else. I've been around the fucking block." He stalked forward, his half-tail lashing the air behind him.

"I've seen shit that would make you piss your puppy pants. There are no happy endings, not really." The Civec shook his head harshly, his body trembling. "I fooled myself into thinking that maybe it was possible for a while. I was stupid.”

“There can't just be happiness. I couldn't just be given all of them and live happily ever after,” Nix concluded in a broken tone. “At least one of them had to be taken away from me."

"Nix!" Phen shouted, horrified.

Rios took hold of one of Nix's hands and squeezed it, offering his support.

"He's still alive right now, Nix!" Mycha insisted. "And he can hear you. If he really does pass away today, is this the last thing you'd want him to hear?"

"How do you know he can hear me?" the Civek demanded, whirling on Mycha and dragging Rios with him. "You all just make shit up to make yourselves feel better, and it just makes things worse!"

"Ugh." There was a soft, muffled cough from behind them. "How could I not hear you? Jeez, you guys are loud. Blech, my mouth tastes like I licked something I really shouldn't have licked."

Adrian was the first to rush over to the Medbay unit just as the glass rolled away. "Cas!" He cried out as he reached over to gently cup the Vulpan's face in his hands. The human didn't realize that tears were streaming down his cheeks, falling freely from his periwinkle blue eyes. "We are never infiltrating a mafia base ever again!" He all but demanded before crushing his lips against Caspin's.

Liam began crying again, tears of joy this time, as he buried his face against Sifta's chest.

Mycha shook his head. Due to all their arguing, the usual music that the unit used to announce a full recovery hadn't been heard by any of them.

"Okay, sure," Caspin replied, wishing Adrian would kiss him like that again. Yowza. "Is everyone else alright? What happened?"

"The Enforcers handled the rest. They captured the leaders and the majority of their soldiers on the base," Rios summarized. "Everyone's fine. But, you really gave us quite the scare. Especially Nix. He punched Kyle over you!"

"Nix!" Caspin's eyes widened as they found the Civek in the center of the room, hugging himself. "Why would you hit Kyle?"

"It was those damned Enforcers' fault that you were gonna die," he said softly, his head turned away. "I wanted to hit him more, but nobody will let me near them now."

"You shouldn't be picking fights with anyone in your condition," Loxias pointed out, undaunted by the Civek's hormonal mood swings.

"You're still a know-it-all, Loxie," Nix snapped.

Rios brought Nix over to Caspin. "He was just really, really, really worried. We ALL were," he defended.

"We're on our way to Invaer as we speak. If you think Nix punching Kyle was bad, Adrian was all chewed up by Etsu over the com," Mycha mused.

Caspin blinked in confusion over Nix's snide comment towards Lox and then looked over at Adrian.

"It was great!" Phen chirped. "Etsu knows lots and lots of swear words!"

"I'm so sorry. Etsu is just...Etsu. He's always been protective of me, ever since we were kids and I got picked on so much." Cas shook his head and frowned. "I'm really sorry I made everyone worry. I couldn't let them get away." He looked down at his lap, picking at the sheet pooling around his waist. "Can you all forgive me?"

"I'll forgive you if you bake more of those yummy honeycake balls!" Liam chirped, prompting a scattering of laughter.

"I'll only forgive you if you promise you'll never go anywhere without one of us with you," Adrian added.

"You don't need forgiving." Phen insisted as he leaned forward to rub his nose against the Vulpan's. "I'm just happy you're finally okay."

"I'm with Phen on this one," Rios said as he reached over to ruffle the top of Caspin's head. "Your being alive is more than enough."

"I agree," Mycha affirmed.

"Nix?" Caspin asked carefully. "Won't you forgive me?"

The Civek's back was turned, his shoulders hunched. He finally turned, wet tracks shining on his dark cheeks. Nix took a shuddering breath and ran to Caspin's side, throwing himself onto the startled Vulpan.

"I don't...I don't understand," Nix said in bewilderment, his voice thick with tears as Cas wrapped his arms around him. "Does this mean we really get to be happy? All of us?"

The entire Seraglio closed in and huddled together in a supportive group hug.

"So long as none of you ever leave the ship without a partner," Adrian agreed, his paranoia still at full force after the previous traumatic events. "Yeah, we can be happy."

"O-okay," Nix whispered, burying his face in the tall soccer player's chest. "I'll try to believe it and not freak out so much anymore."

Adrian pressed a kiss to Nix's forehead and gently scratched the Civek's ears. "That's my kitten," he commented.

Liam squirmed in Sifta's lap as he reached his hands out. "Can I hug Mr. Caspin now?" He asked.

The Vulpan captain grinned, hopping down from the table, checking to be sure he was wearing shorts before dropping the sheet. He crouched on the floor and opened his arms to the jaguar cub.

Liam rushed over and hugged the captain tightly. "I'm glad you're ok. Mr. Sifta and I read to you every day!" He exclaimed.

"I think I heard you while I was asleep," Caspin told him, pulling back to ruffle the boy's hair. "It gave me nice dreams. I think it helped me get better. Thank you."

At the sight of Liam, Adrian's face fell. He gulped loudly. "That reminds me...we should be nearing Invaer by now. Etsu's going to kill me." He nearly whimpered.

"He's not going to kill you." Caspin rolled his eyes, looking up at his mate. "Maybe just some minor maiming. Oh, and watch your shins. He's a kicker…and a biter. Maybe you should just stand behind me. I'll run interference."

"That sounds like a good plan, actually," Adrian quickly agreed.

"Is Etsu really that violent?" Mycha asked Phen.

"Uh, only with his mate, from what I've seen. Orin hardly seemed to notice the smacks. He looked more hurt by Etsu being unhappy with him." Phenner lowered his voice to a whisper. "Have you seen Etsu's eyes, though? He's kind of got crazy eyes. I mean the colors, yeah. I can't look too long into them, or it makes me dizzy. I like Caspin's much better. But Etsu's also a little, you know, yeah..."

"Don't worry Ade. We'll protect you!" Mycha announced, prompting the human to blush a bit. "You should have seen how brilliantly Phen fought off a dozen soldiers! I still feel a little weak in the knees whenever I think about it..."

A lopsided grin appeared on the bunny's face.

"Yeah?" Phenner sidled up to the Murisian, wrapping an arm around Mycha's waist. "Maybe we should, you know, go lay down..."

"Can Nix and I join?" Rios volunteered. "Cas? Ade? You in?"

"Maybe after Caspin gets some food in his system," Adrian pointed out.

The captain's stomach took that opportunity to gurgle angrily. Cas slapped his hands over tummy with a blush.

"Looks like I need to get some dinner in me before I get anything more fun in me." His emerald eyes darted to Liam, blushing brighter. "Like dessert! Which is what I mean...That would be in me after I eat...Oh, dammit..."

A glint of mirth formed in Adrian's eyes. "Then let's get you fed," he prompted as he lifted the Vulpan into his arms and headed towards the kitchen.

:::

"I'm gonna kill him!" Etsu growled as he paced around the house, waiting for his cousin to return with his crew. "Especially if Caspin doesn't fully recover!"

Orin followed behind his mate, the Vulpan's state cranking up the large Kaynen's tension. It almost made Orin wish there was a threat he could pound into the ground for his lover.

"Baby, the last message said he just needed a little more time in the tube, and the computer assessment expected him to be fine." Orin shook his head. "And if you kill Adrian, your cousin wouldn't like it very much."

The last statement made Etsu stop right in his tracks, almost causing Orin to bash into him. The Vulpan turned around and looked up at his mate, a pout on his lips. "You're right...he would be mad at me if I did anything to his human."

Orin let out a relieved sigh.

"Right." He pulled Etsu into his arms, tucking the Vulpan under his chin. "So, maybe we can go to bed now?" he asked hopefully.

"But, they'll be here any moment!" Etsu whined, despite snuggling against the larger Kaynen. "And your dad said he might have a surprise for us."

Orin looked at the clock, rubbing a weary hand across his eyes. Dammit.

"Right, sorry, love. Are we meeting them at the station?"

Etsu shook his head. "They're just coming right over. Your dad said he had transportation covered."

"When should they get here?" Orin asked, wondering if he had time to distract his mate with something pleasant.

"Adrian didn't give an exact hour, just that they were nearly here," the Vulpan pondered aloud, one of his black ears flicking in thought.

Orin leaned down, pressing a kiss to Etsu's forehead, then peppering little pecks across the Vulpan's cheeks, over his nose, even his eyelids when Etsu closed them for a minute. Long fingers caught the Vulpan's slender hips, tugging him closer to Orin's large, warm body.

"Or." Etsu couldn't help a little giggle. "What are you doing?"

"Ah, well." Orin cleared his throat. "Comforting you?"

The big Kaynen looked so endearing when he blushed. Etsu was one of the few who could bring a flush to his tan cheeks.

A small smirk formed on the Vulpan's lips. "I'm not sure I'd call that comforting...I'd say you're fanning flames." He purred, his dark, silver-patterned tail swaying behind him.

Orin slid his hands back, his fingertips digging gently into Etsu's perfectly rounded backside. The tall Kaynen dipped his head to lick a hot path along Etsu's throat.

"Would your flames like to be fanned a bit more?" Orin whispered, voice rough.

The Vulpan's purr rumbled a little louder. "No need, I'm lit," he confessed as he promptly climbed up his mate's body and wrapped his smaller arms around the Kaynen's shoulders.

Orin walked forward until his mate's back was pressed to one tastefully decorated wall. He caught the smaller man's mouth, teasing Etsu's tongue with his own. The Kaynen's hips ground forward roughly, delighted when the decidedly hard bulge in his trousers rubbed against Etsu and found him in a similar state.

"How are you so perfect?" Orin asked, pulling back and looking at his mate in wonder. Though, his hips continued their rhythmic roll. The friction was delicious.

A wide grin formed on Etsu's face. He pressed a hard kiss to Orin's lips before answering. "Well, we are soulmates, you know," he pointed out. "We're special."

"You're the most special," Orin murmured, nipping his favorite spot on Etsu's throat.

Etsu's breath hitched when he felt Orin attack one of his more sensitive spots. "S-soulmates don't work that way. We're on the same level. I'm no more special than you. We're equal."

Orin didn't bother voicing his disagreement. Preferring to pop the fastenings of Etsu's pants open. He wriggled his hand between them, unwilling to pull back, catching Etsu's hot length in his hand and squeezing gently.

"Orin!" The Vulpan keened as he all but bashed the back of his head against the wall. His hands reached up to scratch and gently tug on the base of the Kaynen's ears. "More," he begged.

"I want to fuck you so much, baby," Orin growled, his voice rough with desire as his hand teased up and down his mate's shaft.

"Th-then stop with the hand job and get with the lubrication tablet already," the Vulpan huffed, feeling overheated and frustrated.

Orin didn't even have to set down his lover, holding Etsu up with one arm and roughly yanking down the Vulpan's pants with his other hand. Orin tugged a small bottle from his pocket, yanking the lid free with his teeth and catching a tablet with his lips. He dropped the bottle, uncaring of the sound of the container and the rest of its contents hitting the floor. He hoisted Etsu higher, propping the Vulpan's knees over his broad shoulders and nuzzling between Etsu's warm thighs. Orin spread his mate open and dipped his head, pressing the little pill to the Vulpan's entrance and chasing it inside with his hot tongue.

The Vulpan's heart raced. He felt as if his entire body boiled down to the pucker and Orin's tongue. His hands latched onto Orin's head for dear life as he keened loudly. "You're gonna make me cum!" He squeaked.

Orin pulled back, kissing the inside of Etsu's trembling thigh.

"Then cum," the Kaynen rumbled. "And when I take you, deep and hard, I'll make you cum again."

Etsu's eyes felt like they were trying to roll up into the back of his head as Orin went back to what he was doing, plunging his tongue further inside, thrusting it deep as his strong fingers dug into the Vulpan's smooth skin.

It wasn't long before Etsu really did cum, all over Orin's hair and ears. "F-Fuck!" He hissed. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "I just couldn't..."

Orin just gave his mate a lopsided grin and tossed Etsu over his shoulder.

"Oriiiiiiin!" the Vulpan squealed, letting out a soft, "oof" when he was dropped facedown over the back of their plush couch.

"I need you," the Kaynen growled.

Without needing to look, Etsu knew that Orin's brown eyes would have darkened to nearly black. In any other situation, only rage could make his eyes glint like onyx.

Orin gripped Etsu's soft tail and lifted it. The Vulpan whimpered when he felt something hot and hard at his entrance.

"Stars, yes. Please, Orin!" Etsu pleaded as he tried to shove back against the heat. He wanted him inside so badly, he could barely even think.

The big Kaynen growled, low in his throat, sending a shiver down Etsu's spine and leaving the Vulpan's tail poofing in Orin's hand. The dark-skinned man held his lover still with one hand on Etsu's hip, pressing himself forward just enough to begin to breach the Vulpan's slick, tight entrance. He withdrew and pushed forward again, groaning at the tight heat trying to capture the rounded head of his cock and pull him in. The Kaynen's gaze was trapped, watching the slender body beneath him opening beneath him, over and over, but pulling back every time before the flared head could be captured entirely. It was mesmerizing.

The oddest keening noises came out of Etsu each and every time. He was going absolutely crazy. "Stop with the teasing and fill me up already!" He grumbled as his orange-purple gradient eyes peered over his shoulder to glare heatedly at the Kaynen.

Orin gave his mate a feral grin and squeezed Etsu's hip tighter.

"You want this, baby?" the Kaynen teased. "You want my cock in you? Nice and deep?" Orin gave Etsu a few quick thick inches, then pulled back again at his mate's gasp. "Should I make you scream my name while I knot you?"

Oh, damn. Etsu knew that tone of voice, the look in Orin's dark eyes. When the Kaynen started talking dirty and looking at him like that, it meant Orin was going to take him deep and hard, leaving Etsu a satisfied puddle at the end. But he'd do it at his own maddening pace.

The Vulpan gulped hard as he took a shuddering breath. "Fuck, yes. So deep, Orin," he admitted as his ears lowered down and his tail swayed. "Knot me so hard we'll be stuck together for hours!"

Etsu knew how to play this game. And he knew just how to get exactly what he wanted from his big lover. He was instantly rewarded as the Kaynen slammed his hips forward with a roar, nearly tipping the couch over as he rammed himself fully inside his mate.

"Orin!" Etsu cried out. He lowered his face on the side on top of the sofa cushion as he bit his lower lip and reveled in the bliss of the pleasure, the sting, and the throbbing of his husband's flesh inside him. "So good..."

"I'm going to fuck you so hard," the Kaynen growled, pulling back before snapping his hips forward again, pushing the couch forward several inches.

The Vulpan let out another keen as his tail plastered itself against the Kaynen's chest. He then gently grinded back against Orin, his body begging for more.

Orin released his hold on Etsu's tail to hold his mate's hips with both hands, controlling the Vulpan's sexy movements. The Kaynen tipped his head to the side, slowly drawing his thick length from Etsu's greedy hole, watching as the Vulpan's body tried to draw him back in.

"God, you're beautiful."

Orin stabbed deep, taking wicked delight in the noises he could make his perfect little love make. The Kaynen shifted his stance, spreading his feet slightly, testing his balance and the leverage it would give him.

"Beautiful and all mine."

Orin sheathed himself deeply again, the change in angle making the head of his cock slam so perfectly into Etsu's sweet spot that the Vulpan's head felt dizzy. His eyes didn't want to focus, so he closed them as he cried out. This time, Orin didn't stop. He took up a pounding rhythm that had the sofa scooting across the floor until it lodged itself against the heavy coffee table.

"Y-yes! Please," Etsu whimpered as he tried desperately to meet Orin's thrusts. In no time at all, he felt the familiar heat building up. "A-hanh!" He moaned as he came hard all over the sofa. "Don't...stop..."

The Kaynen groaned as his mate clenched around him. Orin fucked him hard through Etsu's orgasm, fighting off his own. He wanted the hot little Vulpan to feel it when he spilled inside of him. When Etsu's muscles unlocked, the big Kaynen grinned fiercely. It was his turn.

Orin yanked his mate back by the tight grip on the Vulpan's hips as he thrust forward, pounding into Etsu's oversensitive body. The Kaynen leaned forward, hips slamming and retreating, catching the back of his lover's neck in his teeth. He growled as he carefully set his teeth into warm flesh, careful not to break the skin. When Etsu wailed beneath him, it was too much for Orin. He rammed deeply and held himself there, the base of his cock swelling to knot his mate as he shot deep inside the Vulpan.

"Orin!" Etsu whimpered between gasps of air. "Fuck..." he mewled as he reveled in the fullness he felt. “Stars, do I feel complete."

The Kaynen grunted, not yet capable of speech, as he lifted Etsu to press the Vulpan's back against his broad chest. They were still locked together, to Orin's satisfaction. Etsu squeaked and moaned as his mate shifted him, the thick heat inside him nearly overwhelming. Orin walked them around the couch, kicking it to move it away from the coffee table, before laying back on the soft cushions with Etsu laying on top of him. The Kaynen reached over to the chair next to them, tugging a soft blanket from the armrest. He carefully laid it over his mate, fussing with it until Etsu was covered and comfortable. He wouldn't let his love catch a chill.

Etsu appreciated the effort as he felt encased in a coccoon of warmth. Not a moment later, the Vulpan passed out, asleep.

:::

Sometime later, Etsu woke up to the sensation of warm droplets falling on his form. He squirmed in Orin's arms and snuggled closer to the Kaynen, still feeling drowsy. "How many... yawn...times you gonna cum all over me, Orin?" he asked.

"That's like asking how many stars are in the sky," Orin answered with a chuckle as he set his lover on his slightly wobbly feet. The Kaynen began washing Etsu's lovely hair. "Hmm, do you mind it? Do I do it too much? I'm afraid I can hardly help myself," he admitted sheepishly as he tipped the Vulpan's head back to rinse the bubbles away.

The more that Etsu regained his senses, the harder he blushed. "N-no, I don't mind at all. Sorry, I was still a bit out of it," he admitted when he finally realized that they were in the shower.

Orin just gave him a rather self-satisfied grin, knowing he was the reason for the Vulpan's current state. He eased Etsu from under the spray and wrung out the Vulpan's hair before rubbing in the conditioner that was Orin's favorite on his mate. The scent nearly made his mouth water at times. He scratched the Vulpan's scalp lightly, his grin widening as Etsu's eyes closed in bliss.

The big Kaynen rinsed his hands and set to washing Etsu's tail and body while the conditioner sat for a bit. He loved taking care of his mate in this way. Etsu had resisted the Kaynen washing him at first, telling Orin he wasn't some baby or invalid. After several days of the Kaynen looking absolutely pitiful whenever Etsu bathed himself, the Vulpan had relented.

Orin had eventually made him understand that it wasn't about thinking Etsu wasn't capable of caring for himself, it just made the Kaynen very happy to do it for him. It was sweet, really. At first appearance, Orin certainly wouldn't be thought of as the giant softy that he was. It made Etsu think of how his mate would be with children.

While Orin busily washed him, Etsu gently washed the Kaynen’s front, standing on the tips of his toes to reach taller areas. "Thank you for distracting me tonight...I'm just so worried about Cas," he admitted. A small frown formed on his face. "Wait, is it still night time? I'm still a little disoriented."

"It's morning, love," Orin replied, rinsing himself off and stepping out of the water. The Kaynen pulled a fluffy towel off the warmer and held it out for his mate.

Etsu quickly stepped into the towel and began to dry himself. "Morning? Then, they should be here soon!" He exclaimed. "Let's go get dressed." He urged.

Orin followed after his lover holding a second towel as his own body dripped water on the floor.

"Baby, dry your hair," the Kaynen called. "You'll catch a cold!"

In no time, the couple was dressed, with Etsu's hair mostly dry. Orin had convinced his mate to stop pacing for a moment to allow Orin to brush out the Vulpan's tail when the doorbell chimed musically.

All of Orin's effort nearly went to waste as Etsu's tail puffed in surprise, and the Vulpan rushed over to open the door. Instead of his cousin, however, the first people at the door were Loxias, Sifta, and a small jaguar child in Lox's arm.

"Dad, Sifta, it's so good to see you," Orin greeted, resting a soothing hand on Etsu's lower back. "And hello to you, little one," the Kaynen said with a gentle smile to the cub.

Liam glanced nervously at Loxias, but at the large Kaynen's nod, he reached his arms out towards Etsu. "Daddy!"

The Vulpan's eyes went wide, and then his hands lifted to his hips as he sent a suspicious glare up at Orin. "Did he just say, daddy?"

Since Etsu seemed too stunned to act, Orin responded to the boy's outstretched arms, scooping up the young jaguar and settling him on his hip. "I think you'd better come in and explain some things, Dad."

Loxias reached down to gently ruffle the top of his son-in-law's head. "Relax, son. Orin does not have any abandoned children. This young cub has had a rough life in his side of the galaxy. Sifta and I felt that you and Orin would be the perfect candidates to raise him."

Etsu's face changed from a disgruntled and confused mess to shock. "You mean for us to adopt him?" He asked.

Liam smiled at Orin and then down at Etsu, reaching out his arms towards him once again. "Will you be my daddy?"

The Vulpan felt something tug at his heart as he subconsciously reached his hands out to hold Liam in his arms. "Y-Yes...Orin, can we?" He then asked his husband, still reeling from the sudden situation.

"Oh, thank goodness," Orin said breathily before wrapping his mate and his brand new son in his arms. "I was afraid you might not...I mean, we haven't really talked about it. But I've been thinking about it for a while, now. Thinking about what a good father you'd be, how amazing it would be to have a pup- er, cub with you. I didn't know how to bring it up. The timing never seemed quite right, and..."

"Son," Loxias interrupted. "You're rambling."

"I'm happy," Orin responded with a grin so wide it almost hurt. "I'm allowed to ramble."

Liam was quite content being squished by the warmth of his two new fathers. Mr. Fluffy and Sifta had explained that they'd be his grandparents if his two new daddies accepted, and he'd still be able to see the rest of the crew whenever they visited. His new family would be huge!

"I'm so relieved," Sifta said softly, leaning against Loxias. "Look at them...But, you knew." He smiled up at Orin's father. "You knew all along how perfect they would be together."

Loxias nodded before leaning down to whisper into Sifta's ear. "I wouldn't be averse to adopting future pups with you, either."

Sifta squeaked and looked up at the tall Kaynen with wide, shocked eyes.

"You...What? With me? And...I thought, since you already had Orin you wouldn't want, but... And I'm a mess half the time... I didn't think..."

"We have plenty of time to think it over, love," Loxias assured. "We only will if you feel you're ready."

"O-Okay," Sifta answered, still somewhat dazed.

Having a pup of his own had never crossed the Vulpan's mind. He'd never thought he'd ever have a mate, let alone make a family with one. But now that the thought had been planted, it seemed to explode in Sifta's head. Having a little boy or girl...maybe an orphan, a throwback like him. Maybe a dozen. A dozen sounded good.

A moment later, Adrian, Caspin, and the rest of their crew came through the door a few at a time. As soon as Etsu caught sight of his cousin, he handed Liam back to Orin and nearly tackled the other Vulpan to the ground.

As he squeezed him tightly, he began to weep. "You're ok, thank the stars you're ok!" All thoughts of attacking Adrian for his incompetence in protecting him fled his mind. When he pulled back, he sent Cas a bewildered look. "And you brought me a son! You're gonna hafta explain that to me later. But, first, how are you feeling?"

"Uh, kind of squashed, Ets." The smaller Vulpan grinned up at his cousin, who was sitting on his stomach. "It's really good to see you, though."

Etsu stood up and brought his cousin up with him, giving him another tight hug as he sent Adrian a little glare. "You lucked out this time. But, there better not be a second time, you hear?"

The human held his hands up in a defensive manner. "Agreed, if I can help it."

Etsu's attention was then drawn to Nix. "And they found you!" He gasped as he gave the pregnant Civek a hug. "I was so worried about you, too!"

"Thanks." The cat accepted the hug, patting Etsu's shoulder a little awkwardly. "I was fine, though. The guys who snatched me weren't so bad."

"And it's not the Stalker-homes syndrome," Phen was quick to add. "And thank you for not biting our Adrian."

"Snatchers? Stalker-homes?" Etsu asked, confused.

"We'll explain more later," Mycha added. "For now, just know that our three new friends will be staying with us at Lox's place until our children are born." The Murisian motioned towards the trio. "Jason, Daniel, and Pedro."

Jason and Daniel responded with a 'nice to meet you.' Pedro shook Etsu's hand.

"Truly a pleasure to meet the captain's cousin. Un honor de verdad," the Chihuahua stated.

"So, about the little boy..." Etsu pointed out. "How did that come to happen?"

"Liam? Ah, that was partly my fault," Rios responded. "I had left him with the authorities, and they promised to take him to a good facility. Cas and Phen then sprung him from the orphanage, and here we are?"

"I'm very glad we're here," Orin grinned, tickling under Liam's chin and looking like a proud papa.

Liam giggled and clutched Orin's shirt tightly in his tiny hands. "Mr. Leon and Mr. Noel knew lots of fun stories. Can you tell me stories, daddy?" He pleaded as his large orange-yellow eyes peered up at the Kaynen.

Orin nearly melted into a puddle on the spot.

"We'll get you every book you might want," the burly Kaynen promised. "And until then, your other daddy and I have plenty that we can tell you, even without a book."

"That's right!" Etsu agreed as he rushed over to kiss the cub on the cheek. "We know lots of fun stories, too."

"Awww, I'm so glad everything worked out with you two and Liam," Phenner said happily. His eyes grew wide and excited. "And did you see Nixie? Isn't he huge now? I'm so excited!" He gave a joyous little bounce on his toes.

"Hey!" the Civek snapped. "I'm not huge! I'm healthy and glowing, dammit."

"Definitely glowing! Everyone must be taking great care of you," Etsu added with a smile. "I'm as excited as everyone for the babies."

"I don't even know how much longer I have," Nix muttered. "Gonna be big as foxy's friggin' ship at this rate."

"I know, right?" Phen responded to Etsu, thoroughly enthused. "I can't wait!"

"You can't wait..." the cat's grumpy mutterings continued.

Etsu shuffled over with a tender smile. He held out his hands as if to touch Nix's belly. "May I?" he asked softly.

Nix immediately looked happier.

"Careful, though, they're kickers," the cat said with pride. "Even the ones that aren't Ade's. They'll give you a whack."

The Vulpan's colorful eyes fell to the Civek's midsection as his hands gently touched the skin. "Hello my future baby cousins," he whispered. "I'm looking forward to meeting you. You can call Orin and me your uncles since Caspin, your mom, and your other daddies are like my brothers." Etsu's face beamed when he felt some movement.

Nix smiled back. Etsu blinked, a little surprised. The Civek looked different somehow, beyond his expanding middle. The tightness that always seemed to be around the cat's eyes was gone, as well as the patch that had always hidden one of them. The blind eye wasn't startling or ugly, as the Vulpan had expected. It just seemed to be a part of Nix. The black Civek had always been attractive, Etsu could admit. Without the patch hiding part of his face, it was easier to notice the soft curve of his jaw and the height of his cheekbones. He looked softer, in some way, as well. That wasn't just the baby weight, either. Something had changed in the cat, and it seemed to suit him. He looked happy.

Etsu was then distracted from his thoughts by a hard thump against his palm.

"Whoa," Nix laughed. "That one has to be Ade's. I told you they're kickers." The Civek made a sound that could only be described as a giggle. "I bet he's already ordered a bunch of tiny balls just like that human sport he played."

"Yes, I got soccer balls in quite a few colors, for all of them to play with, whether they like playing the game or not," Adrian agreed. "And when we decide on names, they will also have their initials."

"On the subject of names, Nix and I have been thinking..." Rios piped in. "And we think it'd only be fair if we named one kid each. For example, I have the name Faustir in mind for one of the boys."

Everyone jumped when Phenner let out an excited squeal.

"I get to name a baby?!" His face suddenly went paler, if that was possible for an albino, the pink in his cheeks draining away as he swayed where he stood. "The... he responsibility...what if they don't like their name? What if they're mad at me forever because I named them something dumb?"

Mycha reached over to gently tug on one of Phenner's ears and then placed a gentle kiss on the tip of it. "Any name you give him or her is bound to be beautiful," he assured him. "Besides, there are many nicknames that they can decide on as they grow."

"You don't think the other kids will make fun of them if I don't pick right?" Phenner questioned.

"Of course not, we're raising them together, remember?" Rios countered in response. "They'll be way too busy teasing each other as siblings to worry about what any other kids might say, in any case."

"Teasing each other?" Phenner looked absolutely horrified. "They're going to make fun of each other?" The bunny tugged on his ears with worry and looked like he was about to burst into tears. "But...I want them to love each other and take care of each other...like my brothers did for me."

Mycha quickly reached over to take Phenner's hands away from his ears. "Teasing is another way of showing love. It's playful love," he explained. "My brothers and I tease each other all the time. Does it look like we don't love each other?"

"You...You definitely love each other." The rabbit glomped Mycha, hugging him tightly. "Okay, if you say it'll be alright, then I know it will be. Wow, I have to think of a name...it has to be perfect..."

"I'm excited, too," Caspin chirped. "I never thought I'd ever have a baby, let alone name one."

The Murisian melted on the spot and tried not to swoon as he hugged the rabbit back. "I have to think of a name, as well."

"I know plenty of names, for both boys and girls," Adrian mused out loud, also eager to name one of the children.

"And Nix gets to name one, as well," Rios pointed out.

"I don't care what they're named. I want to play with them all!" Liam announced promptly before his stomach gave a loud grumble. He placed his small hands on his own stomach and peered up at his new parents. "Daddies, I'm hungry..."

"I think we all are," Loxias admitted. "Orin, Etsu, we leave Liam in your care. Everyone else, come home with me and I'll have my cooks make us a hearty lunch."

A look of panic passed over Orin's face at the thought of his father leaving. "Uh, dad? Are you sure you should go?” He asked. “I mean, don't we need a book or something on how to take care of Liam? Maybe some videos?"

The poor Kaynen looked lost.

"I don't think they come with an instruction manual," Nix snickered.

Etsu shook his head and tutted at Orin. "Honestly! I've taken care of my baby cousins before. I'll show you how."

"You'll be fine. Raising a child is like a trial by fire, you have to figure most of it out on your own," Loxias teased.

"Stars, I hope he doesn't set anything on fire," Orin muttered under his breath.

"I'm hungry and tired," Nix piped up, sounding awfully similar to a certain little jaguar cub.

"Come, my driver's waiting just outside," Loxias insisted as the crew began to file out of Orin's house. "Vid call us if you're having any trouble, son."

Orin still looked rather adorably uncertain as he waved goodbye to the group. When the door closed behind him, he turned to his mate.

"Etsu, you have to tell me everything you know about children...right now."