17 Pages of lovely fluff, drama, and humor. It does get graphic in romance, but it's a partial. I skipped the full scene but had to leave in some important things. IF YOU WANT THE GRAPHIC PART, REQUEST IT IN A REVIEW FOR NEXT CHAPTER!

Enjoy!

Chapter 38: Way to Go, Bro

Eragon and Saphira both eagerly rushed down the steps to greet Jacob and the end of the stairs. He stood with a faint smile on his face, holding a red knapsack hoisted over his shoulder.

Jacob! Saphira called happily, nuzzling her snout against his cheek. He reached out and rubbed her neck. How was your journey?

"You mean my trip?" he asked. "It was cool. The President showed me a lot of neat stuff, and I got to meet the leaders of Kuwait and Iran." Eragon growled as Saphira cocked her head.

You ran from the leaders? She shook her head and snorted. That is very improper, little one.

"What? No! Iran is a country. I didn't…I mean…I wouldn't run."

We…err…knew that, Eragon stammered, lowering his head shamefully. I suppose you want to know about that large lizard outside, eh?

"Yeah," Jacob replied. "I thought you two were the only dragons. Where did he come from?"

How'd you know it's a male? Eragon asked. Jacob dropped his knapsack and shrugged his shoulders.

"He came up to say hello after I got out of the car."

Did the people who dropped you off see him? Saphira quickly asked. He shook his head.

"Nope." Both dragons let out a grateful sigh. "So, why is he here?"

Well youngling, Saphira started with a subtle sigh. Your father has a brother that we thought was killed. Fate had other plans and he found us…?

"So that red dragon is like my uncle?" Eragon shook his head.

No, son. That dragon is my brother's. He is a rider…like I was. Eragon looked over to Saphira, who was holding her head down with her eyes closed. We're punishing that red one out there.

"Why?"

He did something he shouldn't have, Eragon cleaned the situation up. I'll take you to meet him, but Saphira wants no part of it. Jacob stepped towards Saphira and placed his hands on her warm muzzle.

"What did he do?" he asked curiously. Saphira's motherly instincts begged her to tell, but she turned her head away and remained silent.

She'll tell you when she's ready, son. Eragon lowered his wing over him to guide him out the door. As they approached, Eragon turned his neck to where he was looking at Saphira. Go back to bed honey. I'll be in there in a few moments.

I'll be counting, she replied tiredly, twisting her large body to ascend the steps once again. Eragon had to shake his head wildly after watching her sway her tail back and forth with each step she took, entrancing him and offering him to follow.

"What's with mom?" Jacob asked. Eragon sighed and waited for Jake to open the door.

The dragon out here did something to her, something unforgivable.

"But everything can be forgiven, can't it? I forgive my mother, and she hated me."

You forgive her?

"Yes," he replied in a childlike voice. "If she wouldn't have abused me, then I wouldn't have found my new home. In a way, I should have thanked her."

Wow, you're pretty smart, kid. Eragon showed his teeth and guided Jacob to the backyard by the pool. Thorn was told to sleep here.

"Thorn?"

Yes? A voice called out from beside them. Jake turned to see the same red dragon he saw earlier sulk out towards Eragon and him. Hello again, child.

Thorn, Eragon growled through gritted teeth. Did Murtagh heal your wounds I gave you? The red dragon sighed and sunk to sit on his haunches.

Yes, he replied. It was quite a lecture too. How is Saphira?

It will take her forever and a day to talk to you, Thorn.

I thought that much. The red dragon lowered his head. I do sincerely apologize, Eragon. It was unlike me to do such a thing. He opened his ruby eyes and stared down at the child that was under Eragon's wing. And who might this youngling be? I remember greeting him, but I never got a name.

Neither did I, Jacob replied mentally, shocking Thorn to the point of shivering. "I learned how to speak like that from my family."

Family? Thorn asked. You are Eragon and Saphira's offspring?

"I wish." Thorn cocked his head and looked at Eragon. "They adopted me."

His mother was just as abusive to him as Morzan was to your rider.

Oh dear, Thorn said sympathetically. I am sorry, child. He took a humble bow and stretched out his right paw to give him a more formal posture. I am Thorn, dragon of the rider, Murtagh.

"I'm Jacob." Eragon gently tapped the tip of his wing against Jake's shoulder and let out a proud hum. Jacob looked up at Eragon and placed his hand against his shoulder. "So did you two both fight together?"

Well, Thorn stammered. No…not exactly. We were…um…enemies. Jacob's eyes widened.

"But Eragon said that he and your rider were…?"

Related? Thorn finished. Yes. They were the offspring of another rider, Morzan. Murtagh and Eragon never knew they were siblings until Galbatorix told the story to my rider before we…sealed our fates.

I thought of him as a friend, Eragon explained further. He told me himself that we were related, and that was when he sided with the king.

"But the king was bad, right?"
Yes, Thorn sighed out. We were bonded to him without our will. It was either serve him or die a terrible death. He glared over to Eragon and growled. Some people, though, wished I took the second option.

Thorn, Eragon hissed back. Can we talk about this later? The red dragon closed his eyes and snorted.

Very well. But I can tell that you want me dead after what I have done. Saphira fares no differently.

Can you blame her? Eragon grumbled. He pushed Jacob aside with his wing and gave him a soft tap on his shoulder with its tip. Go pick out your room, Jacob. I need to have a talk with Thorn for a little while.

"Can I go see mom?" Jacob pleaded. "I missed her too."

She may be asleep, but it's worth a shot. Upstairs and to the right. That's our room.

"Okay, dad." Jacob turned and began walking back up towards the house while Eragon quickly turned to glare at Thorn.

I never wished for you or my brother to die, Thorn.

You do now, don't you? Thorn placed his forearms out and leaned his body forward, as if he was preparing to launch himself at Eragon, depending on the first word he heard. Though not intimidated, Eragon took a defensive stance and stared menacingly into his ruby eyes.

As much as I hate saying it, I still don't wish for you to die. It was a dumbass move on your part, but Murtagh has done nothing to suffer for your actions. Saphira may feel differently, but she has that right to be, after you raped…? He stopped and tilted his head. Good one, Murtagh.

What? Thorn brought his paws back to their normal posture and stood up to listed. What is it? Eragon shook his head and looked at Thorn.

Your rider just married me.

- - - - - - -

"Are you sure you want this one?" The brown haired cashier asked Murtagh. He nodded his head and swiped the credit card into the machine, nervously waiting to see what would happen next. "So, who's the lucky lady?"

"Pardon me?" Murtagh asked.

"Who are you marrying?" Murtagh shook his head and looked up at the girl. She had hazel eyes and a great figure, but a few freckles on her cheeks accented her overall features. She wasn't very tall, maybe just an inch shorter than he was.

"Oh," he tried to respond smoothly. "Eragon." The girl sighed and gave a fake smile.

"Well, congratulations," she replied. "It's a shame you're gay, though. You're really cute." She sighed and packed a shiny diamond ring into a blue velvet box.

"Gay?" Murtagh asked. "What is that?" He looked himself over. "Is it some type of race or ethnicity you call?"

"Eh," the girl stood, dumbstruck. "You must be from another country. What do you call it when you have a male partner?"

"Male what?" Murtagh gasped. "Please tell me you are joking!"

"You know," she winked at him. "When you come home to him…?"

"NO!" Murtagh shouted. "What is this place? Males with…other males? That is beyond vile!"

"You just said you…?"

"Eragon is my brother! I was buying this for him. He told me to get something 'shiny' for his dragon and I found this place right next to the store. I have no clue how buying a ring can be linked with getting married anyway."

"Um, sir? This is an engagement ring you just bought."

"What?" He looked at the box and muttered a curse. "Damn it. He's going to kill me over this one."

"Also, you should be careful voicing your 'opinions' on homosexuals, too. Now that they can be married, you can get arrested for harassing them."

"That is disgusting!" Murtagh yelled. "How do they even have…do I even want to know?"

"I doubt it," the girl chuckled. She reached out her hand and offered a shake. "My name's Natalie and…I'm glad that you're straight."

"Well, I can't be a circle, can I? Unless I was really fat." She chuckled and pulled out a pen. Murtagh watched as she wrote a sequence of numbers on his receipt.

"You're pretty smooth for a foreigner," she pointed out with a smile. "Call me?"

"Natalie."

"Yeah. And yours is?"

"Murtagh," he replied quickly. "Well met."

"Call me tonight."

"I doubt that you would hear me, though, but I will try." He waved goodbye and stepped out the door.

As he rounded the corner, he opened his bag up to take a look at the ring he purchased. It was large with a perfectly cut diamond centered in the middle of it. The metal part of the ring had a carving of a small sapphire dragon that wrapped its way around the ring from start to finish.

Eragon? He tried to reach him. I think I made a mistake. Is it well for it to be a wedding ring? Thorn suddenly landed beside him and motioned for his rider to climb aboard.

He already knows, Rider, Thorn pointed out. He told me to get you while he makes a few last minute…adjustments.

Okay. He braced himself as the red dragon quickly leapt off and into the desert to shield them further from view.

- - - - - -

Okay, Eragon thought to himself as he padded around the patio of his backyard. He knew he had little time since the sun was rapidly setting in front of him. Eragon discovered that there were multiple lights inside of the pool and decided to try something. He squeezed through the garage and found numerous torches stacked neatly near the garage door. They were an odd shape compared to the ones in Alageasia, but the concept of them was no different: Light it and let it burn. He grabbed all of them with his teeth and padded out the door with his head confidently lifted up. He ran into his brother and dropped the torches off at his feet.

Place these around with me, bro, Eragon ordered. Murtagh bobbed his head and picked up three and followed Eragon around the yard. Place one here. Murtagh nodded and stuffed the pointed end of the torch down into the grass until it was stable. After ten minutes, every torch was set throughout the yard, and many of them were surrounded around the pool. Thanks, bro. Now, can you also take Jacob away for awhile?

"As you wish."

Just say alright, Eragon muttered. Murtagh bowed humbly and walked back towards his dragon, who was resting by a yucca plant a quarter-mile away. Eragon stepped into his house and padded up the steps, obviously proud of his plan. Little one? Eragon called for his foster child. Jacob emerged from a room across the hallway from Eragon and Saphira's.

"Yeah, Dad?"

I need a favor?

"What?"

Can you find something to do for the evening? Jacob stepped out and shut his door behind him.

"Do you need me out of the house?" The large black dragon shook his head and let out a choppy chuckle-like growl.

If you could, son. You'll be with my brother…ahem, your uncle.

"Why do I have to?"

I know it's going to be a harsh, but you need make yourself a little scarce for a few hours. I have a plan involving your mother and me.

"Scarce?" he asked innocently. Eragon nodded his head and showed his teeth.

I have a surprise for your mother, and I do not wish for any…ahem…interruptions

"So you just want me to disappear for a little?" Jacob asked. The dragon nodded his head.

Well, I am going to ask Saphira to marry me. Jacob stood in shock and let a tear fall from his eye while Eragon cocked his head to try and figure his emotion out. What is it?

"I…I've…I've never had a real mother and fa…father before. I…I never even knew someone who…who was that lucky."

What do you mean, son? Eragon asked. A married couple is expected to start a family…?

"No," he sighed back. "There are…divorces. The mom and dad separate, and the kid must only see one or the other during different times." He lowered his eyes and shuffled his feet against the hardwood. "I don't want that to happen to me."

Nonsense, Eragon replied with a chuckle. Jacob, Saphira and I both love each other enough to die for the other one. Why on Earth would we 'divorce' if we cared that much? Besides, do you really think that we would do that if you were the one to suffer the most?

He shut his eyes and sulked back to his room, gently shutting the door behind him before collapsing onto the bed that was left behind. His room was bare with only a twenty-five inch television, but there was no cable or satilite for him to watch on. Eragon knocked on Jacob's door and gently pried it open with his claw.

Son, he said. Look, you must trust us, youngling. Have I 'steered' you wrong yet? His comment got Jacob to chuckle.

I suppose not, he replied back mentally. Eragon stepped into Jacob's room and looked around.

We need to get some paintings in here, he muttered. Jacob nodded.

"Posters would be better," he laughed out. "Paintings are for girls." Eragon laughed inside of his child's mind and stepped over towards his bed. It was a tighter fit inside of the room than it was in his own, but it wasn't too cramped.

Um, Jacob?

"Yeah?" Eragon nuzzled him with his snout.

You are expecting to become a brother. Jacob's eyes brightened as he sat up in his bed.

"No way!" he exclaimed.

Way. Saphira is expecting three.

"Three dragons?"

Well…not exactly. We felt one egg…um…kick.

"You mean?"

One may be a human. Jacob groaned and shook his head. What's that all about?

"It's just some little kid I get to pick on," Jacob replied with a chuckle. "I know the stories, dad. The younger one always gets bullied."

Then I will just have to bully you to make it fair then! Eragon suddenly nudged Jacob back down against his bed and lifted up his forearms to carefully poke Jacob's stomach, forcing the child to laugh uncontrollably.

"Okay, I give!" Eragon shook his head at the child and directed his attention to the exit.

Murtagh will come get you in a few moments, okay?

"Okay." Eragon backed out of the door and turned to face his mate's room. He heard the ruffle of Saphira's wings as she waited inside and shivered after hearing her gentle purrs escape her throat. He slowly padded towards the room and opened the door with his first three claws. As he stepped in, his eyes connected with Saphira's. Her sapphire pupils illuminated in the dull light of her room as she lay expectedly on her bed with her tail twitching eagerly at her side.

You're late, she snickered with a soft growl. Eragon entered fully and pushed the door closed with the spike at the end of his tail.

Sorry love, Eragon joked. I couldn't help but make an entrance. He heard her chuckle and watched as she kneaded the bed sheets with her front claws.

Speaking of entrance. Mine has closed. Serves you right for keeping me waiting! She lifted her head up and playfully snapped at Eragon's neck. A simple twist and Eragon dodged the attack.

Won't take me too long to get admittance, I can bet.

Easy, Eragon, she quipped. Eragon let out a raspy growl and began nuzzling her cheek against his own.

Don't worry I didn't step in here to mate with you. She sighed and closed her eyes.

Too bad. Eragon cocked his head and stuck his tongue out to brush it against her snout. I was actually hoping we could…?

Save it for tonight, Eragon cut her off. I have a surprise for you. She stood up and sat elegantly on her haunches, whipping her tail excitedly like a canine happily greeting her owner.

I like surprises, she said innocently, eyes widened with wonder and curiosity. What is it? Eragon sighed and took in all of her beauty. A fully-grown dragoness was sitting on his bed looking no less mature than a hatchling, twitching about nervously in anticipation. He knew Saphira was at his mercy and couldn't help but grin. Well? Tell me already!

I can't, he replied with a grin. You have to get it for yourself. Shift forms and meet me outside in twenty minutes, alright?

Oh, she groaned. Alright, little lover. You won. I'll be right out. Eragon growled soothingly and licked her cheek.

I hope you'll like it.

So do I.

- - - - - - - - -

Saphira shifted forms quickly after Eragon retreated out of the bedroom. She had noticed the her belly had become distended quite substantially, but she could tell her clothes would still fit her, even though it was a bit more of a struggle than usual. She felt her stomach growl as she tried to slide into a pair of pants.

"Easy younglings," she chuckled, soothing her belly with both her hands after she completed her task. "Mother isn't trying to kill you." She felt a strong kick inside her and couldn't help but smile over it. Eragon kept a promise; she was going to be a mother. Nothing could be better for her and she knew it. She tossed on a coat and walked down the steps of her home and towards the back porch, where she saw Eragon in human form sitting patiently on one of the lawn chairs surrounding the pool.

"Eragon?" Saphira asked as she walked her way around the pool and towards him. He stood up and smiled, reaching his hands out to take her own. "What's the surprise? Where is everyone else?"

"Murtagh took Jacob out into the desert for a while," Eragon explained. "We are totally…alone. I'm glad, too." She smiled and wiped her blonde hair back behind her left ear.

"Why's that?"

"Well," he sighed. "It is a great night and a couple needs to spend some time alone in their new home, right?"

"Yeah, I guess." He pulled her close to him and planted a soft romantic kiss on her lips.

"Come on," he guided her to the end of the pool and turned her to where she was facing the opposite direction of it. "Wait a moment." He made sure that he was far away so she couldn't hear her. "Brisingr." The torches around the pool and edges of the property lit up, leaving a dull setting around the backyard. Before Saphira could turn around, Eragon flipped a switch near the house's entrance that turned on the pool lights.

"Wow," she muttered, amazed. "Eragon, what's all this for?" He walked over to her and took her hands.

"I've been waiting for this for such a long time, and now is the best time do get this over with."

"Where are you going with this, Shadeslayer?" He pulled out a blue velvet box from his pocket and placed his hands at the hinges of the package.

"Saphira Brightscales, will you marry me?" He took to one knee and opened up a blue velvet box. Saphira gasped with wonder at the sight of the box's secret. Inside was a sapphire colored ring with a diamond inside that was at least ten carrots worth in value. Around the diamond was an engraving of a dragon that wound its way completely around the ring to where it was almost impossible to see where it began or where it ended. She reached down and plucked the ring up to examine it while Eragon remained on his knee, nervously awaiting her reply.

"This is like the courting dive, right?" she asked slowly. Eragon nodded and closed the box.

"Exactly, but you will lose the title of Brightscales and take on my last name instead." He paused and gave a nervous smile. "You'll be my wife, Saphira." She tried the ring on and discovered that it was a bit too snug for her finger. Still, she liked it. "Um, I need an answer."

"Hmm?" Saphira closed her eyes. "Eragon, my mate, I accept it!" Eragon leapt off of his knee to embrace his lover forcefully, clashing his lips against hers as he swung her around happily. He broke the kiss and stared into her bright sapphire eyes. She gazed back, star-struck and completely in awe of her lover.

"Just two years ago you hatched for me," Eragon reminisced. "Now, you will be my wife." She chuckled and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Think of how I feel, darling. I hatched for you thinking I was picking my rider. Instead, I picked my husband." He embraced her once more and pressed his body forcefully against hers.

"It's not over yet." Eragon slid his hands down to the end of her sweatshirt and slowly lifted it up and over her head. She stood there clad in a silk white bra, which found its way to the ground in seconds. The air was cool, but neither lover cared. Eragon kissed her neck as he gently rocked Saphira's slightly swollen waist back and forth to an unheard rhythm. The stars were the only witnesses as they intensified their passion for each other. Both found each other undressed, kissing and massaging each other lovingly until Eragon took Saphira's hand and guided her into the pool.

"Eragon," Saphira whispered as they both stepped in. "I never knew that my rider could be so…romantic. This tops the last time we mated." He silenced her by placing two of his fingers against her delicate lips.

"That's what I was going for." Saphira reached down to rub Eragon's midsection, but he batted her hand away.

"Hold on," he laughed out. "Who said we have to hurry up about this?" She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "This is our home, and we are about to be real parents. Let's bask in the moment first." She nodded her head and kissed him passionately, smashing his back against the concrete wall of the pool. He let out a subtle 'ouch,' but all was forgotten soon enough. They stood together in the shallow end, coiled around each other like two twisting wires.

"Never let me go," Saphira whispered into her rider's ear. He nodded and reached his hand out to hold the back of her head.

"My arms will always be open for you." He leaned in and kissed her. "No matter what form you are in, I will find a way to hold you." She smiled and gently traced her fingers along his shoulders. Suddenly, she giggled and pushed herself away.

"You can hold me, but what about three younglings, too?"

"I'll figure it out." She cupped her hands and tossed a wave of water into his face.

"Sure, rider," she taunted. "Or is it, 'sure husband'?"

"Either one," he laughed back. "As long as I am the only one that has that title." She waded through the water and found her way back into his arms, embracing each other in the cool water for several seconds of serine silence.

"Saphira?"

"Yes?" she replied.

"I am sorry for what happened with you today." It was her turn to silence him.

"It's in the past, little love. Let's just live in the 'now.'" Eragon smiled and pressed his lips against hers.

"No problem." Saphira closed her eyes as she felt Eragon's right hand begin to caress her body. Suddenly, she gasped and shot her eyes open.

"Eragon!" she said breathlessly, looking down to see where his left hand caressing. "You…you're doing it again…there…?"

"I know." She gasped again, struggling to close her eyes in enjoyment, but the feeling was odd to her. It felt pleasing, yet unnatural at the same time. At least they were the same form, other than the last…encounter she had with his hand. She tried to speak, but Eragon pressed his lips against hers to silence her.

"Shhh," he whispered after breaking the kiss. "Relax, Saphira. I got you." She fluttered her eyes open and let out a sigh.

"You always have, huh?" Eragon stopped pleasing her and removed his hand to bring it to her waist.

"Yeah," he replied with a soft laugh. He kissed her neck and rested his chin on her shoulder. "I can't believe I am going to be a real father."

"How do you think I feel?" she replied quickly. "We were just having a conversation about families just a few months back. Oh, if Gleadr could just see us now." She let go of Eragon and placed one hand on her belly. "Three younglings rest inside me, but I just can't see how. If you ask me, that seems a little cramped." Eragon laughed and took her hands away.

"Hopefully they won't be in there too long." He smiled and inched closer to her. "Now, where were we?"

Couldn't resist. Happy late V-day, everyone!

PEACE!