Chapter 10

Zack stood completely still in front of Director Xemnas's desk, waiting. He was waiting for the imminent explosion. He could see it building up because of the way Director Xemnas's face was changing color, a telltale sign that he was angry. Zack had been dealing with Director Xemnas for over a decade now, so he knew exactly what to do and what not to do in front of him.

The biggest thing was to remain calm, no matter what happened. He could not show even the slightest bit of anger. This was difficult for Zack; he had trouble controlling his temper at times and exerted a great deal of self-control to keep himself from shouting at people in anger.

Director Xemnas had called them in separately, starting with Cloud. Zack had waited outside for a quarter of an hour listening to Director Xemnas's muffled shouts. When Cloud had finally emerged, he was on the verge of tears. He had glanced at Zack upon passing him in the hallway, though he didn't say anything.

"You left your post without permission," Director Xemnas's voice suddenly cut through Zack's thoughts.

"Yes sir," Zack said evenly. He was surprised at how easy it was to remain calm.

"You entered a Bearers' apartment without permission."

"Yes sir."

"You revealed personal medical information about a Bearer without consent."

"Yes sir."

"You escorted a Bearer to the medical facility without permission.'"

"Yes sir."

"You have disobeyed orders."

"Yes sir."

"You have broken so many rules."

"Yes sir."

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

He had many things to say, but none of them were good, so he kept those thoughts to himself. He was already in enough trouble as it was so the last thing he wanted was more trouble.

"No sir."

Director Xemnas blinked, surprised. "Nothing at all?"

Zack let out a long breath to help him remain calm, a trick he had learned from Cloud. "No sir."

"Do you deny responsibility for your actions?"

"No sir."

"Then you accept full responsibility for your actions and the punishment I shall give?"

"Yes sir."

"Very well. I have gone over your record and have found it clean, except for a few minor incidents that occurred almost a decade ago."

Zack couldn't help smiling. Those "minor incidents'" had been back when he had first arrived at The Institute. He had been young back then, and reckless. He had caused a few small incidents with the other guards when he had lost his temper, and attempted to take it out on them. He had quickly learned not to do that.

"This was your first major incident, was it not?" Director Xemnas asked.

"Yes sir," Zack answered.

He had become extremely careful to not cause any trouble in recent years, keeping his temper carefully in check. It had been difficult, but somehow, he had managed it. None of them had any idea of who they were dealing with, really, and that was how Zack wanted it to be. When the time was right, he would reveal his true nature and everyone would be surprised.

"There were some problems in the past, however, it appears that there have not been any incidents in the past decade, so I am willing to be lenient," Director Xemnas said. "You will be put on cleaning duty for three weeks in addition to your regular assignments. Am I clear?"

"Yes sir," Zack replied.

"Good. You are dismissed," Director Xemnas said.

Zack saluted and left. Once outside, he let out a long breath. Cleaning duty, while it was one of the worst rotations at The Institute, was so much better than some of the other options. Hell, Zack would scrub toilets for a month if it meant being able to stay at The Institute. It hadn't always been like that; there was a time when Zack had considered quitting, but then he met Cloud, and everything changed. Now there was no going back.

Roxas was released from the medical facility early the next morning. He dressed behind the privacy of a muslin curtain and was escorted back to the Bearers' dormitory by one of the guards.

The other Bearers were only beginning to rise and get dressed. Roxas silently moved to Zexion's bunk where the older boy was pulling on his boots.

"Zexion, there's something I need to do. Only…only I want you to be there," Roxas said in a low voice.

"You're going to tell Axel, aren't you?" Zexion asked at a whisper. Roxas merely nodded. "All right. I'll come with you."

"Thank you," Roxas murmured.

Together, they left the dormitory.

"Where are you going?" one of the guards standing outside the dormitory asked harshly.

"I'm going to see my mate," Roxas said unflinchingly. "I have to tell him something important."

It was not forbidden for mates to speak to each other outside of class or when they were mating, but it rarely happened; the Bearers and Breeders preferred to keep to themselves.

"This way," the guard said.

He led Zexion and Roxas to the Breeders' dormitory. One of the guards standing outside was sent in to get Axel.

"Make it quick; it's almost time for breakfast," he said.

Scowling, Axel stepped forward. "Why the hell are you here?"

"I needed to tell you in person," Roxas said refusing to look up at Axel, nearly a head taller than him now.

"Tell me what?" Axel demanded.

Roxas looked up at last, tears streaking down his face. "I'm pregnant."

"What? Are you serious?" Axel asked.

"Yes," Roxas whispered.

"I…I don't know what to say." Axel backed away, looking at his mate like he was an alien.

Without another word, he turned and fled, knocking over two surprised guards in his wake.

"Stop him!" a third guard shouted.

The two downed guards immediately sprang up and followed the other guards down the hallway. Roxas remained where he was, paralyzed by fear. This was the second time Axel had freaked out.

"What on earth was that?" Zexion asked, thunderstruck.

"I have no idea," Roxas answered. "But…" he paused for a moment, trying to form the proper words. "This…this has happened before."

"It has?" Zexion asked, frowning.

"Yes," Roxas answered. "Do you remember when I had to spend three days in confinement with Axel?"

"Yeah," Zexion said slowly.

"Well, the reason why we spent time in confinement together was because…" Roxas paused again. "During the binding ceremony…after Axel kissed me, he suddenly shoved me away from him and ran out."

Zexion was silent for a while, digesting this piece of information Roxas had given him.

"Oh," he finally managed to say. "That's strange."

"I know," Roxas murmured.

"Hey," a new voice called out.

Zexion and Roxas turned. A single young guard walked toward them holding a toilet brush in one hand. Roxas and Zexion both recognized him, though only Roxas knew his name.

"What are you doing here?" Roxas asked.

"I heard that there was a commotion and that you were involved so I wanted to make sure you were all right," Zack answered.

"We're fine," Roxas replied, blushing slightly. "Axel didn't hurt us."

"Axel?" Zack asked, looking rather angry. "I should have known he was behind this." He looked at Roxas and Zexion. "Well, at any rate, it's almost time for breakfast and believe me, you do not want to be around when the Breeders come out."

"Yeah, definitely not," Roxas said, chuckling weakly.

"Come on," Zack said, smiling. "I'll take you to your dormitory." He glanced at the toilet brush he was holding. "Aw crap, hold on a second." He jogged off. A few minutes later, he returned without the toilet brush. "All right. We're good." He saw Zexion's curious look and smiled. "I haven't properly introduced myself. My name is Zack. I'm one of the guards. You are Zexion, are you not? Saïx's mate?"

"Yes, I am," Zexion said, surprised. "How did you know that?"

Zack smiled. "Oh, we guards are required to know every Bearer and Breeder here at The Institute."

"Isn't that impossible?" Roxas asked.

"Nah, it's not impossible, just really difficult." Zack laughed.

Roxas and Zexion followed Zack back to the dormitory, but it was deserted.

"Huh." Zack frowned. "They must have already taken the others to breakfast. Well, no worries. I'll take you there myself." Without another word, he led Roxas and Zexion to the cafeteria. "There you are."

"Thank you," Roxas said softly.

Zack smiled. "Hey, no problem."

Three months passed in quick succession. Roxas went in regularly for checkups, but today was different. Today was his first ultrasound. Today, he would find out the gender of his baby.

Roxas reflexively moved his hand over his abdomen, resting it on the taut skin as he sat with Zexion and Demyx at the medical facility, waiting for his appointment. His pregnancy had not started showing yet, but he could feel the skin growing tighter and a very slight bulge beginning to form.

At last, a nurse called Roxas's name. Her lips tightened into a disapproving frown as Zexion and Demyx followed.

"These are my friends. They're here for support. I want them here," Roxas said firmly.

The nurse sighed, but didn't protest. She led them into an examination room. It was larger than the one Roxas had seen when he first arrived at The Institute and felt much more comfortable. The floors were carpeted and the walls were painted with nice pastel colors. The only medical equipment visible in the room was the ultrasound machine set up in the corner next to an examination table.

"Roxas, if you would lay on the table," the nurse said.

Nodding, Roxas lay on the table.

"What about us?" Zexion asked.

"Hold on. I'll bring in some chairs for you," the nurse said.

She vanished for a few moments and returned with two folding chairs, one under each arm. She sat them up across from Roxas so they had a clear view of the ultrasound.

"So Roxas, you're just here for an ultrasound, right?" the nurse asked as Zexion and Demyx sat in the chairs she had set up for them.

"Yes ma'am," Roxas answered.

"Now how far along are you?" the nurse asked.

"Four months," Roxas answered, resting his hand on his abdomen.

"And have you experienced any problems with your pregnancy?" the nurse asked.

"Besides the nausea and vomiting, no," Roxas answered.

"Both of those are normal and should disappear later on in the pregnancy," the nurse said.

"I hope so," Roxas muttered.

He hated the nausea and vomiting most of all. He had always hated throwing up as a child and now that he was pregnant, it was like his own personal brand of hell.

"Dr. Vexen will be in shortly," the nurse said.

Roxas, Zexion, and Demyx were left alone for a while. None of them spoke, too absorbed with their own thoughts. Then, at last, Dr. Vexen came in.

"Hello Roxas. How are you today?" he said with a soft smile.

"Fine," Roxas replied.

"Ah, I see you brought your friends," Dr. Vexen said, eyeing Zexion and Demyx critically.

Demyx opened his mouth to reply, but Zexion elbowed him in the ribs hard and he quickly shut his mouth.

"Roxas asked us to come," Zexion said flatly.

Dr. Vexen nervously cleared his throat. "All right. I'm going to do the ultrasound now. Can you lift up your shirt for me?"

Roxas obediently rolled up his shirt so his belly was exposed. Dr. Vexen put some gel onto the end of a wand and turned on the ultrasound machine.

"This is going to feel a bit cold," Dr. Vexen warned, pressing the wand to Roxas's belly.

Roxas jumped slightly as the cold gel touched his skin. Dr. Vexen was silent for a while, focused on the ultrasound.

Finally, he said, "There's the baby's head. And there you can see the spinal cord. And there…oh my god, I don't believe it!"

"What?" Roxas asked anxiously, sitting up. "Is there something wrong?"

"No," Dr. Vexen said in an amazed tone. "There's absolutely nothing wrong with your children."

"Children?" Roxas asked, puzzled. Then, his eyes widened. "Twins?" His voice went up an octave. "I'm having twins?"

"Yes," Dr. Vexen said.

"Oh my god," Roxas breathed, staring at the ultrasound machine. "Twins."

"Let's see if I can find the heartbeats," Dr. Vexen said.

There were a few moments of silence and then they heard a pair of low thumping sounds. Roxas stopped breathing for a few moments. This was his child, no his children. He was carrying twins. Not one baby, but two. There were two living human beings growing inside of him. Until this point, it didn't seem real, but now that he could actually see his babies growing inside him, it made it very real.

"Let's see…" Dr. Vexen muttered. "Ah yes, it looks like you're carrying a pair of baby boys. Congratulations."

"Boys," Roxas repeated softly. "Two baby boys."

Perhaps it would please Axel if he found out that Roxas was carrying his sons. Sons were most desired at The Institute because they had the potential of being Bearers. Roxas smiled bitterly. Of course, knowing Axel, he wouldn't care either way.

Dr. Vexen switched off the ultrasound machine and handed Roxas a towel so he could wipe the goo off his belly, something Roxas was extremely grateful for. He rolled his shirt back down and stood.

"The babies are both nice and healthy," Dr. Vexen said, peeling off his rubber gloves, and washing his hands. "They're both growing nicely. Come back in a couple weeks for another checkup, okay?"

"Okay." Roxas nodded.

He, Zexion, and Demyx were escorted back to the Bearers' dormitory just in time for lunch.

"You two go ahead," Zexion said. "I…I'll catch up, okay?"

"Are you okay?" Roxas said, a worried expression crossing his face.

Zexion smiled. "I'm fine. Just a bit tired."

Roxas and Demyx reluctantly left. Zexion unsteadily walked across the dormitory until he came to the far wall in the most remote corner of the dormitory. He sank down and buried his face in his knees. He had been holding back his emotions for so long, pushing them down so he wouldn't have to deal with them.

Now he couldn't hold back the tears.

The sobs came quietly at first, then grew louder. He tightly gripped the material of his pants, his chest heaving. It felt like every breath he took filled his chest with fire, threatening to tear him apart.

"Zexion?" a soft voice asked.

There were footsteps, footsteps that Zexion knew well. He didn't look up as someone sat next to him. He didn't need to. He knew who it was, knew whose arm wrapped around him, whose shoulder he leaned on as he sobbed.

At last, Zexion was able to stop crying. He opened his eyes, blurred with tears, and looked at Demyx, sitting quietly beside him. Demyx's face was grim and serious for once, one question written across his face.

"I'm fine," Zexion answered the unasked question.

"No, you're not." Demyx's tone was extremely gentle. "I know you, Zex. I know when you're not okay. Are you…jealous that Roxas got pregnant his first time?"

"No!" Zexion immediately denied. "I…I…I…"

"It's okay, you know," Demyx said softly. "It's okay to admit you're jealous."

"Oh Demyx," Zexion breathed. More tears dripped down his face. "I…I just don't think it's fair! Roxas is pregnant his first time and I'm barren. But I don't want to be jealous of Roxas. He's the sweetest kid I've ever met."

"I know." Demyx gently stroked Zexion's hair.

"I want to forget about all this," Zexion said.

"I know," Demyx replied gently.

Zexion faced Demyx. "Will you help me to forget?"

"If you want me to," Demyx answered. Zexion leaned in closer. "But I don't want you regretting this, okay?"

"I won't," Zexion breathed.

Demyx's breath tickled Zexion's throat. Aquamarine eyes locked on sea green. Two pairs of lips touched. A forbidden kiss. Zexion was the one who deepened it. He wanted, no he needed this kiss. They broke apart for air. Demyx brought Zexion's head closer. He slipped his tongue between Zexion's teeth, exploring every inch of the other's mouth.

"We…can't," Zexion wheezed as Demyx's mouth left his and trailed down his neck, playfully nipping it.

"We won't," Demyx responded softly.

"Roxas will wonder where we are," Zexion said as Demyx's hand slipped up the front of his shirt.

"He'll be fine," Demyx replied, lifting Zexion's shirt up and dropping it on the floor. "God, you're so beautiful,"

Zexion flushed. Demyx nipped at Zexion's shoulder blade.

"Ugh, not too hard," Zexion groaned as Demyx's mouth moved lower. "Don't leave a mark."

"I won't," Demyx said. "I promise."

Zexion rocked back and suddenly, he was laying flat on the floor, Demyx over him, more than lust reflecting in his sea green eyes.

"Please don't hurt me," was all he managed to get out.

"I'd never hurt you," Demyx whispered, burying his face in Zexion's belly.

"Okay," Zexion murmured.

Demyx was fumbling with Zexion's pants. At last, Zexion rolled his eyes and did it himself. He flushed at the evident bulge between his legs. Demyx merely smirked and slid his hand beneath Zexion's boxers. Zexion gasped harshly.

"Do you want me to stop?" Demyx asked worriedly.

"No," Zexion hissed. "Don't stop."

He felt so good, had never felt so good before in his life. Demyx withdrew his hand for a moment and slid down Zexion's boxers. Zexion threw his head back with a groan as Demyx's hand grabbed him again and started moving, gently stroking. All Zexion could do was close his eyes, panting, and wait for the end. At last, it came and Demyx let go, hand dripping.

"I'm sorry," Zexion whispered, staring at Demyx's hand.

"Don't be," Demyx said. All of a sudden, he seemed tense.

"Demyx? What's wrong?" Zexion asked, sitting up.

"You're in heat," Demyx answered stiffly.

"You can tell?" Zexion asked.

"Yeah." Demyx nodded. "You'd better get yourself cleaned up and head to lunch so you and Saïx can…"

"No," Zexion cut him off sharply.

Demyx looked at him, surprised. Zexion took a shaking breath.

"Please," he whispered.

Demyx seemed to understand what he wanted because his eyes widened. "No! We can't."

"I can't go through with sex with Saïx again," Zexion said tearfully. "Every time, he hurts me. It hurts so bad, Demyx. I don't want to go through with it again and again!" Tears were falling, but he didn't care. He didn't even bother to brush them away. "I don't think I'm ever going to get pregnant and it's his fault! He's so rough with me. What if he's damaged me?" He sobbed softly.

"Zexion…" Demyx murmured. "You do know what you're asking, right? You'll commit the ultimate betrayal. Are you sure you want to go through with this?"

"Yes," Zexion said fiercely. "I don't care anymore!"

"All right," Demyx said. "I just had to make sure."

"But what about you?" Zexion asked.

Demyx smiled grimly. "My mind was made up even before you asked. I've wanted you for a while now. I find myself wishing I was a Breeder instead of a Bearer so I could have you instead of that bastard, Saïx. I tried to fight this off for so long, but I don't think I'll be able to any longer."

"Then don't," Zexion responded at a whisper, bringing their lips together again. "Take me. Take me now. Make me yours."

Panting, Demyx brought their lips together. Zexion tugged at Demyx's shirt. Demyx pulled away long enough to take it off. Zexion was already working on Demyx's pants. He wasn't the least bit afraid as Demyx shed the rest of his clothes. Somewhere deep inside him, he had wanted to know Demyx's touch, know all of him. Zexion rolled onto his stomach, then pushed himself up onto all fours as Demyx moved closer, closer than he had ever dared to before. There was no turning back. Demyx was extremely gentle when he touched Zexion, preparing him.

"This is the last time I'll ask," Demyx said. "Do you want this? Really want this?"

"Yes," Zexion breathed.

He whimpered softly when the connection was made at last.

"You okay?" Demyx asked worriedly.

"F…fine," Zexion stammered.

Demyx lightly brushed his lips against Zexion's cheek. Zexion gasped when he felt Demyx start thrusting, going deeper and deeper each time. It felt so good, not like when he was with Saïx. He cried out when he felt Demyx reach his climax, rocking hard against Zexion one last time. Demyx withdrew and collapsed next to Zexion, panting. They were silent for a long time, laying side-by-side. Then, the dormitory door opened.

"Oh fuck," Demyx swore as he and Zexion scrambled to gather their clothes. "We are so fucked."

They both looked up as Zack rounded the corner and stopped. He raked his fingers through his cropped brown hair and sighed.

"Come on," he said softly. "You two better get yourselves cleaned up before the others get back."

"Wait." Demyx blinked, confused. "You're not gonna tell Director Xemnas?"

"No." Zack shook his head.

"Why?" Zexion asked.

"Let's go," Zack said sharply. "Now!"

"Go ahead Zexion," Demyx said. "It'll look suspicious if we go at the same time."

"Good point," Zack said. "All right, I'll take Zexion first and then when he's done I'll come back for you, Demyx."

Zexion silently gathered a fresh set of clothes as well as his shower things and then followed Zack into the bathroom.

"I'll wait outside until you're done, all right?" Zack asked. Zexion only nodded. "All right then."

Zexion chose a shower near the middle and quickly stepped in. He remained motionless underneath the spray of the shower, mulling over what happened. He had just broken the most sacred rule at The Institute, which was punishable by death. He should have felt ashamed that he had betrayed his mate, but he couldn't bring himself to feel guilty. He was slightly sore after his experience with Demyx, but it was nothing like when he had sex with Saïx.

Saïx…

He would go ballistic if he found out what Zexion had done. He would be so pissed that he missed the chance to have sex with Zexion. That was all that mattered to Saïx; sex. Zexion knew that he had to sleep with Saïx again or else he would be suspicious. The next time he had his heat…

Zexion's head snapped up as he realized the full extent of what he had done. Not only had he had sex with someone who was not his mate, he had done so while in heat. There was a chance that Zexion was pregnant. It was slim, but there was still a chance.

"Oh god," he whispered. "What have I done? What the fuck have I done?"

Author's Notes: What, indeed? Originally in this version, they weren't going to have sex until later, like in the original version, but the scene just kind of wrote itself and I decided to keep it this way to make things complicated. Much more complicated. Just how complicated things have become will be clear later. And of course Zack decided to write himself into the scene. Of course, it does make sense. It was most likely his turn to be on dormitory rotation for the Bearers so he'd be stationed outside the dormitory, then when Zexion and Demyx were extremely late, he went to find out why and saw them. Exactly why he's not telling is a secret…for now. :P