All My Brothers – Part 14 – Double Delivery
By: Reba Jean, May 11, 2002
E-mail: rjean@ghg.net
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/comedy
Disclaimer: Characters are based on Sailor Moon copyright 1992 by Naoko
Takeuchi/Kodansha, TOEI Animation, English language adaptation
Copyright 1995 by DIC Entertainment. This story is not intended for
monetary gain or tangible profit, but purely for entertainment of the
readers.
Happy Mother's Day! This is dedicated to the memory of my mother Jane,
who loved to read romance novels. I hope she would have enjoyed this
story.
Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to review or email me
about this story.
Lady of Flame, Marni, Ken-chan, The Firefaery, Sirena Farren, Moon
Princess, NetteStar, Sailor Debbie, Lady Serenity Moon, Writer Chick,
Sailor C, Isabella, Kate, Uasko, sailoronymoon, Mairz87, Moonie54,
Serena the moon princess, Star, Puck, Seria, Usagi usako chiba,
Firegirl, Smily, Tifani Ferisu, Animelover28, Moonie chef, Chibi Halo,
DannigirlSOS, Lunakitty, Booker23de, Rachel, Charllotte aka charlie,
Stardust, Lazzykane, Stephiroth, MG, Leypau, Alicia, Baobbin,
Love91311, Yellow Dahlia, rdngbl17, Shivonne Mckissie, Hilary,
Vladylightning, Kawaii Ryu, Bejiin, David & Misty, Neomoon Princess,
Sellenity00000, Prowess
I really appreciated your comments. If I have left off anyone, sorry
but a nasty email virus ate my laptop a few weeks back and all my
mailing lists were deleted.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Part 14 - Double Delivery
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Serena and Darien stopped at the receptionist's desk at the Tokyo
Production Co. offices. "We're here for an appointment with Mr. Starr;
our agent said she would meet us here," Serena told the company
hostess. Darien had spotted Jenai Rien entering right behind them.
The hostess escorted them to the office on the eleventh floor. Jenai
Rien introduced the pair to the film company personnel manager.
"We wanted to discuss possible roles in one of our upcoming projects
next summer." With a sideways look at Serena, Mr. Starr smiled, "For
once I'm glad there was a delay in our production schedule. I wouldn't
have been able to go with my first choice for the female lead."
By now their curiosity was aroused. Serena bit, "What show did you
have in mind?"
Mr. Starr regarded her slyly, "We want both of you for the leads in a
continuation of the Sailor V story set here in Tokyo that includes our
own Sailor senshi. It will be accompanied by a manga series based on
the movie and associated promotional items. We plan on filming it
locally here in town next summer. The lead roles are filled except for
Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Mask, and Sailor Venus. Do you think you might be
interested?"
A loud shrill squeal from Serena confirmed her interest. Darien's wry
smile at Serena's reaction was his only comment. "I take it you're
interested," Mr. Starr commented.
Darien answered, "In the concept, yes. Of course our agent and I will
want to review the details."
Serena had another question, "Did you know that the actress who played
Sailor V in the original movie lives here in town? And she's one of my
best friends?"
Mr. Starr smiled at her comment, "Of course, that was one of the things
that made the concept so intriguing."
Darien asked, "What made you think of us?"
"Well actually, my secretary saw something in one of the gossip papers
that caught her eye and she brought it to my attention." He pulled the
familiar issue of Gossipbyters out of a file.
Darien groaned, "Not that again! Well at least some good came out of
that stupid, embarrassing thing."
Mr. Starr commented, "I really liked the way you two looked in the
Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask costumes. You could double for the real
thing."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Serena hugged Darien. "Since I haven't been fighting with you guys
these last few months, I've missed my masked man. Do Tuxedo Mask for
me."
Darien grinned and answered, "Your wish is my command, Princess," as he
transformed. Bowing and handing her a red rose, he said, "At your
service, Your Highness."
Looking speculatively at her, he asked, "Can you still do Sailor Moon?"
"I don't know. It takes a lot of energy. It would be interesting to
see what happens," she answered. She chanted the transformation
sequence and the lights began swirling around her. It was apparent
from the beginning that something was awry.
'Tuxedo Mask' began laughing so hard he fell off the arm of the couch
where he was perched and onto the floor. He sputtered, "A watermelon
with legs, a potato on toothpicks, its . . . Sailor Muumuu!"
Serena gasped, "Something's wrong! It isn't stable, I feel really
dizzy." She continued to swirl in the cloud of lights. When she
finally came to a stop, it wasn't Sailor Moon that faced Tuxedo Mask,
but the form of Princess Serenity. Still hugely pregnant however.
Her face taking on a hurt look, Serenity said, "That wasn't very nice
calling me Sailor Muu-Muu you know."
"But you should have seen yourself, it was hilarious," he protested.
Realizing he was on her sh_t list big time and had better attempt a
return to her good graces, Tuxedo Mask tried to think of a good
recovery. His usual quick wit didn't seem to be working. He couldn't
even think up an appropriate haiku. "Well you look .. uh .. really
pretty now," he uttered lamely.
"I'm still mad at you," Serenity retorted. "You're not going to get
off that easy. Well, you've given me an idea for my Halloween costume
any way. I'll be Sailor Muu-Muu," she told him.
"Why do you need a costume? Aren't you a little old to go trick or
treating?" needled Tuxedo Mask.
"For your information, it's for a good cause. Ami does volunteer work
at a daycare center for poor children and she volunteered the senshi to
take them trick or treating. I am their leader after all," Serenity
replied.
"They're not going transformed are they?" he asked.
"Oh, no. The girls are just going to make costumes that look like
their fukus. As punishment, you can help me make mine. And maybe you
should come too. You can be Tuxedo Dork," she added slyly.
"Not me, Muu-Muu. I have to work at the hospital that night. They
always get a lot of extra people coming in on Halloween, plus it's a
full moon too."
"Well I have something else in mind for you now, Tuxedo Mask," Princess
Serenity commented cryptically. Her expression was mischievous, if not
down right evil. Her scepter appeared in her hand and she pointed it
at Tuxedo Mask. A glowing silver fog surrounded him and he floated up
into the air. A small squawk accompanied the frantic expression
visible even through his mask. Serenity gestured with the wand toward
the other room and the suspended Tuxedo Mask floated into the bedroom.
Leaving him suspended in mid-air, Princess Serenity followed. Another
wave of her wand and his clothes disappeared.
An outraged "What!" accompanied the thump as she allowed his suspended
form to drop to the bed. "I think you can figure it out," Serena
answered smugly.
Darien laughed, "I know you've been too uncomfortable and haven't felt
like that lately, but I'm afraid you've waited too long Princess. I
don't think I should be 'knocking on the door' this close to your due
date."
"What does that mean?" she asked.
"To put it bluntly, I shouldn't be banging on your cervix," he
answered.
"Well, you're a smart man, I'm sure your devious mind can think of some
other way to please me," a somewhat irritated Princess retorted.
Darien regarded her slyly, "Anything that causes you to climax has a
slight possibility of inducing labor. I don't think you want that,
baby."
Serena stomped her foot in frustration at the aggravating man posing
nude before her on their bed. "I don't care. I'm tired of being
pregnant anyway. I want to you do something I like..." she ordered
finally.
A bit later, Serena was practically purring. Feeling like
reciprocating the favor she murmured, "Why don't you curl around so I
can reach you too. You know I like to see how you respond; you're my
favorite toy."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Ami, how much farther do we have to go? My feet hurt, my back is
killing me, and these silly babies won't quit pushing and shoving each
other," Serena whined.
Mina clapped, "Come on kids, just three more houses and we're done.
Who has the most candy?"
One of the little boys pointed to Serena and said, "Sailor Muu-Muu
does. She took a piece away from us at each house and said it was the
Sailor chocolate tax. What's a tax?"
Rei glowered at Serena, "You should be ashamed of yourself, taking
candy away from little kids."
Sputtering, Serena laughed, "I was just kidding. I was going to give
it back when we got them back to the Halloween party."
Rei said, "Yeah, right and I'm Queen of the Universe."
Serena looked down guiltily. "Well just take it and hold it yourself
if you don't believe me." She handed Rei her extra bag of candy and
stuck out her tongue at Rei.
Lita was helping a couple of the little girls adjust their long
dresses. As all the children ran up to the next house she stood back
watching. "You know Ami, I didn't really want to do this but it has
turned out to be a lot of fun. You're really good with these kids.
I've enjoyed seeing them have so much fun."
One of the little boys held back and just stood there staring
quizzically at the girls. "What?" asked Rei.
The boy folded his arms and said, "I still don't believe you're Sailor
senshi. There isn't any Sailor Muu-Muu anyway. She's too fat to be
Sailor Moon."
Ami looked down at him and shrugged. "You're right. You've guessed
our secret. These are really just Halloween costumes. But did you know
some of us are movie stars?"
"No way," he answered disbelievingly.
Ami continued, "Sailor Venus played the original Sailor V and she's
going to be Sailor Venus in the new movie they are going to make next
summer. I bet you hadn't heard about that yet. It's supposed to be a
big secret, the movie people told us."
Lita came over and joined the conversation. "I'm in the movie too. I
play the chef at the restaurant where they always have the Sailor
meetings. Rei, Sailor Mars over there, helped write some of the songs
for the movie and if you listen carefully you can hear her when they
sing the first one. Ami here, Sailor Mercury is what they call the
technical advisor. She tells them what they are doing wrong with the
costumes or attacks or whatever."
By this time the other children had returned and were listening to the
story Lita was telling. The smallest girl asked, "But who plays Sailor
Moon and Tuxedo Mask." Mina laughed and pointed at Serena who was
busily devouring her candy. "Sailor Muu-Muu over there is going to
play Sailor Moon. Her husband is going to be Tuxedo Mask."
The skeptical little boy commented again, "She's too fat to be Sailor
Moon and where is Tuxedo Mask."
Serena answered him, "I am too Sailor Moon and I'm not fat! Darien is
working at the hospital today and he couldn't come. He's almost a
doctor."
"Are too fat!" taunted the little boy.
Serena waddled over and bent down and said loudly, "I'm not fat!" An
uncertain expression flitted across her face. "Ami, I feel weird all
of a sudden."
The little boy started laughing hysterically and pointed at Serena.
"Look at Sailor Muu-Muu. She's peeing all over the sidewalk!" At this
all the children and the girls turned to stare at Serena and started
laughing.
Ami held up her hand. "Mina, can you take these kids back to the party
alone? Lita and Rei, you two need to go 'change' and come back and
help get Serena to the hospital. It's started."
Serena looked frightened all of a sudden and opened her mouth to start
wailing. "Nooooo! It's too soon. I want to go home. I want my
Mommy." She doubled over and grabbed her belly. "I'm gonna kill
Darien," she growled as she straightened up, gasping.
Ami said soothingly, "It will be all right. Rei and Lita can carry you
if you can't walk. We'll transform and get you there in plenty of
time."
Serena moaned, "My back is killing me; who stuck a knife in it?"
Ami looked at her questioningly, "Serena how long has your back been
hurting? And does it stay the same or get worse and better? And
didn't you say earlier the babies were kicking and pushing and moving a
lot?"
Serena answered, "My back has been hurting off and on for the past two
days. It started getting really bad this morning. I hoped all the
walking would make it feel better. And the babies have really been
moving around a lot today and part of yesterday. Why?"
Rei looked at Serena astonishedly, "Meatball Head, you idiot, you've
been in labor for the past two days. Didn't you tell Darien any of
this?"
Ami agreed, "She's right Serena."
"How should I know. I haven't done this before," complained Serena.
"I haven't had any cramps until now. I've been complaining about my
back for a couple of months. Darien usually does acupressure on it and
then it feels better for a while. I didn't know this was any
different."
Sailor Muu-Muu arrived at the hospital emergency room moaning and
complaining, as Sailor Mars and Sailor Jupiter supported her in a
fireman's carry. Ami in her Sailor Mercury costume brought up the
rear. Sailor Mars explained that they had found Serena out trick or
treating with some children and decided to help her get to the hospital
as their 'good deed for the day'. Ami hastily called Serena's doctor
and attempted to page Darien. The labor and deliver ward was filling
rapidly and he was swamped with work. The girls transformed back and
accompanied Serena to her room. They were not the only people to
arrive at the hospital that night in costume. A number of staff were
also strangely dressed; their staff parties were interrupted by the
steady in-flow of patients as well.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The nurse's aide poked her head inside the delivery suite and asked,
"Sorry to bother you again. Could Mr. Chiba take a look at the woman in
room next door and see how far along she is? The doctor on this wing
can't get to her for at least another hour or so and all the L & D
nurse practitioners are tied up."
Serena protested, "You can't leave me now!"
"Honey bunny, it will only be a few minutes. I'm still 'on call' until
my shift is over. Your mom is right here. You've got at least half an
hour before transition is over," Darien said as he started for the
door.
"You can't look at some strange woman down 'there'!" she protested.
"It's just part of my job. It's no different for me than for Ami or
her mom. You remember when I told you last week about stopping the
ambulance on the side of the freeway. I delivered a baby then and you
thought it was great." Darien rattled on.
Ikuko shook her head, "You just don't get it, do you? Men!"
"But I can't yell and cuss at you if you're not in here when it hurts,"
whined Serena.
"I knew it. That's the real reason!" Darien winked at her mother as he
slipped out the door.
"Hi, how are you doing? I'm Darien. They asked me to check on you,"
Darien said as he looked at the chart the nurse's aide handed to him.
"Where's my doctor? He should be here by now," Mei asked.
"There's a horrible traffic jam. He's stuck there. Tonight has been a
zoo all over town. It's Halloween and a full moon. The wards here at
the hospital are all full. There's a couple of unfortunate women out
in the hall that they just put screens around. You came in early
enough so at least you got a room. Let's see, four centimeters, it
will be a while. Do you have any family or friends who can wait here
with you?" he asked.
"No, doctor. My husband and family are out of town and my friend is
keeping my other two kids," She gasped out as she panted between
contractions.
"Oh, sorry. I'm not a doctor yet. I'm just a third year medical
student. But I'm a paramedic so I have delivered lots [exaggerating a
bit here, aren't we] of babies. My wife is in the room next door.
We're having twins," he added with a goofy grin. His expression became
more serious. "No woman should have to wait through this all alone.
Would you like me to ask my friend Ami to come sit with you? She is
studying to be a doctor like her mom. I think you two would like each
other."
Mei nodded. It was lonely this time, with the aide just looking in
occasionally.
Rei poked her head in the door. "Darien get your butt back in there if
you want to deliver the first baby. He's already crowning and Serena
is threatening to climb off the table and come drag you back herself."
"I don't believe it happened that fast! Rei would you stay here with
Mei until the nurse comes back, she doesn't have anyone here." Adding,
"Rei is a priestess, she should be good at helping you with your
breathing and focus trance." Darien bounced out the door.
"You don't have to stay if you want to be with your friend," Mei said.
"No problem. It's only supposed to be family in there anyway right
now," Rei answered.
"That guy sure chattered a lot. Most doctors are in and out as fast as
they can be."
"Darien is a chatterbox? That's a switch. I guess he's hyper because
he is so nervous," Rei commented.
Next door, "OOOwwwaaahhh!"
"Honey, you need to focus on pushing, not screaming. It just uses up
the energy you need to push," Ikuko coached.
Serena panted, she just could not seem to get her breath between
contractions, which were coming so fast now. Darien walked in the room
and over to her side. Serena grabbed his shirt and dragged him down.
"Where were you? Why weren't you here?" she screamed at him. "They
gave me a shot in my bottom. They lied and said it would stop the
epeeseewhatamy from hurting. That mean nurse snipped me with a
scissors! I FELT IT AND IT DID TOO HURT! AND IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!"
As another contraction began, she shifted her grip to his hands; it
felt like she was trying to crush them. Serena dropped her barriers
and let all that she was feeling flow toward Darien. It hit like the
proverbial cement truck; his shields were down as he was linked to her.
"Shit," gasped Darien. His knees sagged when the blast of raw pain hit
his nervous system. It was like THAT? Her thought blast followed,
"And the 'transition' was WORSE and YOU WEREN'T HERE, JERK!"
"Push, just one or two more," her mother encouraged.
The nurse tapped Darien, "If you want to play baby catcher, you need to
get in place. It should be out the next good push."
As Serena (and Darien) caught her breath, Darien managed to pry himself
loose from her iron grip. He went to the door and called to Rei to
come in. "Why don't you come in and hold her hands." He would need to
remember to shield tightly when the next wave of pain hit, if he was to
be of any use. Serena asked weakly, "Why did I say I didn't want any
drugs? Why? Why? Why?" Directed to Darien, "You knew if I waited too
long they wouldn't give me anesthesia, if I wanted it. WHY DIDN'T YOU
TELL ME!"
"Baby, we talked about that at least three times before today. I was
at work when you came in; we were so swamped I couldn't leave my
patients. By the time they let me come stay with you it was too late,"
Darien protested. It didn't matter what he said; she wasn't listening
by then, being otherwise occupied.
With just a small cry, a startled exclamation at the freezing air
really, their first born made his appearance. Darien snatched a
flannel blanket from the nearby pile and swaddled the newborn after
clamping and severing the cord. He held him close, refusing to pass
him to the nurse for examination, cleaning and measurements as
expected. "He says that he's cold," Darien exclaimed looking at Serena
for confirmation. He moved over and handed the baby to her, "Here, I
think he wants you to hold him."
An expression of wonder crossed Serena's face as she cradled the infant
on her chest. "He missed the sound of my heart beat; he's settling
down now," she commented. The baby's blue eyes opened and he seemed to
look at his mother and father briefly before squinting his eyes shut
again at the bright lights. "I love you," they whispered to each
other.
Ikuko and Rei crowded in to get a closer look at the infant. "He's
absolutely darling. I think he looks a little like Sammy did when he
was first born. It's too bad Kenji is so squeamish; he's missing out
on a lot," commented Ikuko.
Rei said, "Lita, Mina, Kenji, and Sammy are all out in the waiting
room. I left Ami with the woman next door. She seemed to catch on to
the self-hypnosis techniques right away. She said it didn't hurt any
more. Meatball Head, I told you that you should have practiced
meditation techniques more often."
Serena grimaced, "It's starting again. I hope this doesn't take as
long. I'm already worn out." Ikuko took the baby and held him briefly
before she gave him to the nurse to take his measurements and clean him
off.
Rei looked thoughtful for a moment, "Darien ought to be able to damp
some of the pain and feed you some extra energy. Listen to the sound
of my voice and I'll help you with the rapport through your link."
Serena's labor to deliver the second born son proceeded rapidly. She
was much more focused and at the same time more relaxed. Rei's
guidance helped Darien to support her efforts. Serena's obstetrician
finally finished in surgery and made an appearance at the same time as
the second baby. Serena reached up and took him immediately. "He
wants to be with his brother," she laughed and handed him back to
Darien. "It's amazing to actually get a feeling of what someone so
little wants."
"They've inherited your telepathy with each other and will probably
have the kind that often occurs between twins as well," commented Rei.
"Do you want to repair the episiotomy?" the doctor asked Darien. "I
don't usually let students do that sort of thing but I thought you
might like to this time." She smiled as she teased Darien and Serena.
"Uh no. I'll pass. I don't want to botch the job and never hear the
end of it," he answered as he watched Serena's skeptical expression.
The delivery room seemed crowded and busy as the doctor finished with
Serena and examined the infants. The nurse washed, diapered, and
performed the necessary tests under Darien's watchful eye. She placed
the babies in the incubator to help them maintain a stable temperature
for the next few hours. Serena, her mother, Rei, and Ami, who had come
in as well, chattered quietly as everything was cleaned up and made
ready to transfer to Serena's hospital room. The nurse asked Darien,
"What names should I record for the two boys. Will the first one be a
junior?"
Darien hastily answered, "No, I don't want to do that. It could get
too confusing. What do you think Serena?"
Serena flashed a brilliant smile at him, "Let's go a little further
back and use Endymion and Mamoru for first names."
"We should use your family name for a middle name I think," Darien
added.
The doctor said that Kenji, Sammy, Lita and Mina could come in briefly.
"We need to get Serena and the boys moved to a room shortly. It's
still really busy tonight and I'm sure we'll need the delivery room,"
she explained as she got ready to go on to the next patient.
After everyone had a chance to congratulate Serena and Darien and get a
good look at the two sleepy babies, the girls left for home and Sammy
went to fetch some food from the cafeteria. Darien told Serena that he
would help her walk to her room. Serena wrinkled her nose and sniffed
the air around little Endymion whom she was holding. Ikuko had Mamoru
and noticed the same aroma coming from him as well. She laughed, "I
guess the saying that twins do everything together is true." Her eyes
twinkled with mischief and she looked toward Serena, who nodded in
agreement. Ikuko took Endymion from Serena and carried the two babies
over to Kenji, who so far had just been standing around watching.
Ikuko handed the boys to her husband and directed, "Kenji, you haven't
had a chance to hold your grandsons yet. Take them while Darien and I
help Serena to her room. And by the way, I think they've each made a
present just for you."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
End All My Brothers - Book I
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
By: Reba Jean, May 11, 2002
E-mail: rjean@ghg.net
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/comedy
Disclaimer: Characters are based on Sailor Moon copyright 1992 by Naoko
Takeuchi/Kodansha, TOEI Animation, English language adaptation
Copyright 1995 by DIC Entertainment. This story is not intended for
monetary gain or tangible profit, but purely for entertainment of the
readers.
Happy Mother's Day! This is dedicated to the memory of my mother Jane,
who loved to read romance novels. I hope she would have enjoyed this
story.
Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to review or email me
about this story.
Lady of Flame, Marni, Ken-chan, The Firefaery, Sirena Farren, Moon
Princess, NetteStar, Sailor Debbie, Lady Serenity Moon, Writer Chick,
Sailor C, Isabella, Kate, Uasko, sailoronymoon, Mairz87, Moonie54,
Serena the moon princess, Star, Puck, Seria, Usagi usako chiba,
Firegirl, Smily, Tifani Ferisu, Animelover28, Moonie chef, Chibi Halo,
DannigirlSOS, Lunakitty, Booker23de, Rachel, Charllotte aka charlie,
Stardust, Lazzykane, Stephiroth, MG, Leypau, Alicia, Baobbin,
Love91311, Yellow Dahlia, rdngbl17, Shivonne Mckissie, Hilary,
Vladylightning, Kawaii Ryu, Bejiin, David & Misty, Neomoon Princess,
Sellenity00000, Prowess
I really appreciated your comments. If I have left off anyone, sorry
but a nasty email virus ate my laptop a few weeks back and all my
mailing lists were deleted.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Part 14 - Double Delivery
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Serena and Darien stopped at the receptionist's desk at the Tokyo
Production Co. offices. "We're here for an appointment with Mr. Starr;
our agent said she would meet us here," Serena told the company
hostess. Darien had spotted Jenai Rien entering right behind them.
The hostess escorted them to the office on the eleventh floor. Jenai
Rien introduced the pair to the film company personnel manager.
"We wanted to discuss possible roles in one of our upcoming projects
next summer." With a sideways look at Serena, Mr. Starr smiled, "For
once I'm glad there was a delay in our production schedule. I wouldn't
have been able to go with my first choice for the female lead."
By now their curiosity was aroused. Serena bit, "What show did you
have in mind?"
Mr. Starr regarded her slyly, "We want both of you for the leads in a
continuation of the Sailor V story set here in Tokyo that includes our
own Sailor senshi. It will be accompanied by a manga series based on
the movie and associated promotional items. We plan on filming it
locally here in town next summer. The lead roles are filled except for
Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Mask, and Sailor Venus. Do you think you might be
interested?"
A loud shrill squeal from Serena confirmed her interest. Darien's wry
smile at Serena's reaction was his only comment. "I take it you're
interested," Mr. Starr commented.
Darien answered, "In the concept, yes. Of course our agent and I will
want to review the details."
Serena had another question, "Did you know that the actress who played
Sailor V in the original movie lives here in town? And she's one of my
best friends?"
Mr. Starr smiled at her comment, "Of course, that was one of the things
that made the concept so intriguing."
Darien asked, "What made you think of us?"
"Well actually, my secretary saw something in one of the gossip papers
that caught her eye and she brought it to my attention." He pulled the
familiar issue of Gossipbyters out of a file.
Darien groaned, "Not that again! Well at least some good came out of
that stupid, embarrassing thing."
Mr. Starr commented, "I really liked the way you two looked in the
Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask costumes. You could double for the real
thing."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Serena hugged Darien. "Since I haven't been fighting with you guys
these last few months, I've missed my masked man. Do Tuxedo Mask for
me."
Darien grinned and answered, "Your wish is my command, Princess," as he
transformed. Bowing and handing her a red rose, he said, "At your
service, Your Highness."
Looking speculatively at her, he asked, "Can you still do Sailor Moon?"
"I don't know. It takes a lot of energy. It would be interesting to
see what happens," she answered. She chanted the transformation
sequence and the lights began swirling around her. It was apparent
from the beginning that something was awry.
'Tuxedo Mask' began laughing so hard he fell off the arm of the couch
where he was perched and onto the floor. He sputtered, "A watermelon
with legs, a potato on toothpicks, its . . . Sailor Muumuu!"
Serena gasped, "Something's wrong! It isn't stable, I feel really
dizzy." She continued to swirl in the cloud of lights. When she
finally came to a stop, it wasn't Sailor Moon that faced Tuxedo Mask,
but the form of Princess Serenity. Still hugely pregnant however.
Her face taking on a hurt look, Serenity said, "That wasn't very nice
calling me Sailor Muu-Muu you know."
"But you should have seen yourself, it was hilarious," he protested.
Realizing he was on her sh_t list big time and had better attempt a
return to her good graces, Tuxedo Mask tried to think of a good
recovery. His usual quick wit didn't seem to be working. He couldn't
even think up an appropriate haiku. "Well you look .. uh .. really
pretty now," he uttered lamely.
"I'm still mad at you," Serenity retorted. "You're not going to get
off that easy. Well, you've given me an idea for my Halloween costume
any way. I'll be Sailor Muu-Muu," she told him.
"Why do you need a costume? Aren't you a little old to go trick or
treating?" needled Tuxedo Mask.
"For your information, it's for a good cause. Ami does volunteer work
at a daycare center for poor children and she volunteered the senshi to
take them trick or treating. I am their leader after all," Serenity
replied.
"They're not going transformed are they?" he asked.
"Oh, no. The girls are just going to make costumes that look like
their fukus. As punishment, you can help me make mine. And maybe you
should come too. You can be Tuxedo Dork," she added slyly.
"Not me, Muu-Muu. I have to work at the hospital that night. They
always get a lot of extra people coming in on Halloween, plus it's a
full moon too."
"Well I have something else in mind for you now, Tuxedo Mask," Princess
Serenity commented cryptically. Her expression was mischievous, if not
down right evil. Her scepter appeared in her hand and she pointed it
at Tuxedo Mask. A glowing silver fog surrounded him and he floated up
into the air. A small squawk accompanied the frantic expression
visible even through his mask. Serenity gestured with the wand toward
the other room and the suspended Tuxedo Mask floated into the bedroom.
Leaving him suspended in mid-air, Princess Serenity followed. Another
wave of her wand and his clothes disappeared.
An outraged "What!" accompanied the thump as she allowed his suspended
form to drop to the bed. "I think you can figure it out," Serena
answered smugly.
Darien laughed, "I know you've been too uncomfortable and haven't felt
like that lately, but I'm afraid you've waited too long Princess. I
don't think I should be 'knocking on the door' this close to your due
date."
"What does that mean?" she asked.
"To put it bluntly, I shouldn't be banging on your cervix," he
answered.
"Well, you're a smart man, I'm sure your devious mind can think of some
other way to please me," a somewhat irritated Princess retorted.
Darien regarded her slyly, "Anything that causes you to climax has a
slight possibility of inducing labor. I don't think you want that,
baby."
Serena stomped her foot in frustration at the aggravating man posing
nude before her on their bed. "I don't care. I'm tired of being
pregnant anyway. I want to you do something I like..." she ordered
finally.
A bit later, Serena was practically purring. Feeling like
reciprocating the favor she murmured, "Why don't you curl around so I
can reach you too. You know I like to see how you respond; you're my
favorite toy."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Ami, how much farther do we have to go? My feet hurt, my back is
killing me, and these silly babies won't quit pushing and shoving each
other," Serena whined.
Mina clapped, "Come on kids, just three more houses and we're done.
Who has the most candy?"
One of the little boys pointed to Serena and said, "Sailor Muu-Muu
does. She took a piece away from us at each house and said it was the
Sailor chocolate tax. What's a tax?"
Rei glowered at Serena, "You should be ashamed of yourself, taking
candy away from little kids."
Sputtering, Serena laughed, "I was just kidding. I was going to give
it back when we got them back to the Halloween party."
Rei said, "Yeah, right and I'm Queen of the Universe."
Serena looked down guiltily. "Well just take it and hold it yourself
if you don't believe me." She handed Rei her extra bag of candy and
stuck out her tongue at Rei.
Lita was helping a couple of the little girls adjust their long
dresses. As all the children ran up to the next house she stood back
watching. "You know Ami, I didn't really want to do this but it has
turned out to be a lot of fun. You're really good with these kids.
I've enjoyed seeing them have so much fun."
One of the little boys held back and just stood there staring
quizzically at the girls. "What?" asked Rei.
The boy folded his arms and said, "I still don't believe you're Sailor
senshi. There isn't any Sailor Muu-Muu anyway. She's too fat to be
Sailor Moon."
Ami looked down at him and shrugged. "You're right. You've guessed
our secret. These are really just Halloween costumes. But did you know
some of us are movie stars?"
"No way," he answered disbelievingly.
Ami continued, "Sailor Venus played the original Sailor V and she's
going to be Sailor Venus in the new movie they are going to make next
summer. I bet you hadn't heard about that yet. It's supposed to be a
big secret, the movie people told us."
Lita came over and joined the conversation. "I'm in the movie too. I
play the chef at the restaurant where they always have the Sailor
meetings. Rei, Sailor Mars over there, helped write some of the songs
for the movie and if you listen carefully you can hear her when they
sing the first one. Ami here, Sailor Mercury is what they call the
technical advisor. She tells them what they are doing wrong with the
costumes or attacks or whatever."
By this time the other children had returned and were listening to the
story Lita was telling. The smallest girl asked, "But who plays Sailor
Moon and Tuxedo Mask." Mina laughed and pointed at Serena who was
busily devouring her candy. "Sailor Muu-Muu over there is going to
play Sailor Moon. Her husband is going to be Tuxedo Mask."
The skeptical little boy commented again, "She's too fat to be Sailor
Moon and where is Tuxedo Mask."
Serena answered him, "I am too Sailor Moon and I'm not fat! Darien is
working at the hospital today and he couldn't come. He's almost a
doctor."
"Are too fat!" taunted the little boy.
Serena waddled over and bent down and said loudly, "I'm not fat!" An
uncertain expression flitted across her face. "Ami, I feel weird all
of a sudden."
The little boy started laughing hysterically and pointed at Serena.
"Look at Sailor Muu-Muu. She's peeing all over the sidewalk!" At this
all the children and the girls turned to stare at Serena and started
laughing.
Ami held up her hand. "Mina, can you take these kids back to the party
alone? Lita and Rei, you two need to go 'change' and come back and
help get Serena to the hospital. It's started."
Serena looked frightened all of a sudden and opened her mouth to start
wailing. "Nooooo! It's too soon. I want to go home. I want my
Mommy." She doubled over and grabbed her belly. "I'm gonna kill
Darien," she growled as she straightened up, gasping.
Ami said soothingly, "It will be all right. Rei and Lita can carry you
if you can't walk. We'll transform and get you there in plenty of
time."
Serena moaned, "My back is killing me; who stuck a knife in it?"
Ami looked at her questioningly, "Serena how long has your back been
hurting? And does it stay the same or get worse and better? And
didn't you say earlier the babies were kicking and pushing and moving a
lot?"
Serena answered, "My back has been hurting off and on for the past two
days. It started getting really bad this morning. I hoped all the
walking would make it feel better. And the babies have really been
moving around a lot today and part of yesterday. Why?"
Rei looked at Serena astonishedly, "Meatball Head, you idiot, you've
been in labor for the past two days. Didn't you tell Darien any of
this?"
Ami agreed, "She's right Serena."
"How should I know. I haven't done this before," complained Serena.
"I haven't had any cramps until now. I've been complaining about my
back for a couple of months. Darien usually does acupressure on it and
then it feels better for a while. I didn't know this was any
different."
Sailor Muu-Muu arrived at the hospital emergency room moaning and
complaining, as Sailor Mars and Sailor Jupiter supported her in a
fireman's carry. Ami in her Sailor Mercury costume brought up the
rear. Sailor Mars explained that they had found Serena out trick or
treating with some children and decided to help her get to the hospital
as their 'good deed for the day'. Ami hastily called Serena's doctor
and attempted to page Darien. The labor and deliver ward was filling
rapidly and he was swamped with work. The girls transformed back and
accompanied Serena to her room. They were not the only people to
arrive at the hospital that night in costume. A number of staff were
also strangely dressed; their staff parties were interrupted by the
steady in-flow of patients as well.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The nurse's aide poked her head inside the delivery suite and asked,
"Sorry to bother you again. Could Mr. Chiba take a look at the woman in
room next door and see how far along she is? The doctor on this wing
can't get to her for at least another hour or so and all the L & D
nurse practitioners are tied up."
Serena protested, "You can't leave me now!"
"Honey bunny, it will only be a few minutes. I'm still 'on call' until
my shift is over. Your mom is right here. You've got at least half an
hour before transition is over," Darien said as he started for the
door.
"You can't look at some strange woman down 'there'!" she protested.
"It's just part of my job. It's no different for me than for Ami or
her mom. You remember when I told you last week about stopping the
ambulance on the side of the freeway. I delivered a baby then and you
thought it was great." Darien rattled on.
Ikuko shook her head, "You just don't get it, do you? Men!"
"But I can't yell and cuss at you if you're not in here when it hurts,"
whined Serena.
"I knew it. That's the real reason!" Darien winked at her mother as he
slipped out the door.
"Hi, how are you doing? I'm Darien. They asked me to check on you,"
Darien said as he looked at the chart the nurse's aide handed to him.
"Where's my doctor? He should be here by now," Mei asked.
"There's a horrible traffic jam. He's stuck there. Tonight has been a
zoo all over town. It's Halloween and a full moon. The wards here at
the hospital are all full. There's a couple of unfortunate women out
in the hall that they just put screens around. You came in early
enough so at least you got a room. Let's see, four centimeters, it
will be a while. Do you have any family or friends who can wait here
with you?" he asked.
"No, doctor. My husband and family are out of town and my friend is
keeping my other two kids," She gasped out as she panted between
contractions.
"Oh, sorry. I'm not a doctor yet. I'm just a third year medical
student. But I'm a paramedic so I have delivered lots [exaggerating a
bit here, aren't we] of babies. My wife is in the room next door.
We're having twins," he added with a goofy grin. His expression became
more serious. "No woman should have to wait through this all alone.
Would you like me to ask my friend Ami to come sit with you? She is
studying to be a doctor like her mom. I think you two would like each
other."
Mei nodded. It was lonely this time, with the aide just looking in
occasionally.
Rei poked her head in the door. "Darien get your butt back in there if
you want to deliver the first baby. He's already crowning and Serena
is threatening to climb off the table and come drag you back herself."
"I don't believe it happened that fast! Rei would you stay here with
Mei until the nurse comes back, she doesn't have anyone here." Adding,
"Rei is a priestess, she should be good at helping you with your
breathing and focus trance." Darien bounced out the door.
"You don't have to stay if you want to be with your friend," Mei said.
"No problem. It's only supposed to be family in there anyway right
now," Rei answered.
"That guy sure chattered a lot. Most doctors are in and out as fast as
they can be."
"Darien is a chatterbox? That's a switch. I guess he's hyper because
he is so nervous," Rei commented.
Next door, "OOOwwwaaahhh!"
"Honey, you need to focus on pushing, not screaming. It just uses up
the energy you need to push," Ikuko coached.
Serena panted, she just could not seem to get her breath between
contractions, which were coming so fast now. Darien walked in the room
and over to her side. Serena grabbed his shirt and dragged him down.
"Where were you? Why weren't you here?" she screamed at him. "They
gave me a shot in my bottom. They lied and said it would stop the
epeeseewhatamy from hurting. That mean nurse snipped me with a
scissors! I FELT IT AND IT DID TOO HURT! AND IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!"
As another contraction began, she shifted her grip to his hands; it
felt like she was trying to crush them. Serena dropped her barriers
and let all that she was feeling flow toward Darien. It hit like the
proverbial cement truck; his shields were down as he was linked to her.
"Shit," gasped Darien. His knees sagged when the blast of raw pain hit
his nervous system. It was like THAT? Her thought blast followed,
"And the 'transition' was WORSE and YOU WEREN'T HERE, JERK!"
"Push, just one or two more," her mother encouraged.
The nurse tapped Darien, "If you want to play baby catcher, you need to
get in place. It should be out the next good push."
As Serena (and Darien) caught her breath, Darien managed to pry himself
loose from her iron grip. He went to the door and called to Rei to
come in. "Why don't you come in and hold her hands." He would need to
remember to shield tightly when the next wave of pain hit, if he was to
be of any use. Serena asked weakly, "Why did I say I didn't want any
drugs? Why? Why? Why?" Directed to Darien, "You knew if I waited too
long they wouldn't give me anesthesia, if I wanted it. WHY DIDN'T YOU
TELL ME!"
"Baby, we talked about that at least three times before today. I was
at work when you came in; we were so swamped I couldn't leave my
patients. By the time they let me come stay with you it was too late,"
Darien protested. It didn't matter what he said; she wasn't listening
by then, being otherwise occupied.
With just a small cry, a startled exclamation at the freezing air
really, their first born made his appearance. Darien snatched a
flannel blanket from the nearby pile and swaddled the newborn after
clamping and severing the cord. He held him close, refusing to pass
him to the nurse for examination, cleaning and measurements as
expected. "He says that he's cold," Darien exclaimed looking at Serena
for confirmation. He moved over and handed the baby to her, "Here, I
think he wants you to hold him."
An expression of wonder crossed Serena's face as she cradled the infant
on her chest. "He missed the sound of my heart beat; he's settling
down now," she commented. The baby's blue eyes opened and he seemed to
look at his mother and father briefly before squinting his eyes shut
again at the bright lights. "I love you," they whispered to each
other.
Ikuko and Rei crowded in to get a closer look at the infant. "He's
absolutely darling. I think he looks a little like Sammy did when he
was first born. It's too bad Kenji is so squeamish; he's missing out
on a lot," commented Ikuko.
Rei said, "Lita, Mina, Kenji, and Sammy are all out in the waiting
room. I left Ami with the woman next door. She seemed to catch on to
the self-hypnosis techniques right away. She said it didn't hurt any
more. Meatball Head, I told you that you should have practiced
meditation techniques more often."
Serena grimaced, "It's starting again. I hope this doesn't take as
long. I'm already worn out." Ikuko took the baby and held him briefly
before she gave him to the nurse to take his measurements and clean him
off.
Rei looked thoughtful for a moment, "Darien ought to be able to damp
some of the pain and feed you some extra energy. Listen to the sound
of my voice and I'll help you with the rapport through your link."
Serena's labor to deliver the second born son proceeded rapidly. She
was much more focused and at the same time more relaxed. Rei's
guidance helped Darien to support her efforts. Serena's obstetrician
finally finished in surgery and made an appearance at the same time as
the second baby. Serena reached up and took him immediately. "He
wants to be with his brother," she laughed and handed him back to
Darien. "It's amazing to actually get a feeling of what someone so
little wants."
"They've inherited your telepathy with each other and will probably
have the kind that often occurs between twins as well," commented Rei.
"Do you want to repair the episiotomy?" the doctor asked Darien. "I
don't usually let students do that sort of thing but I thought you
might like to this time." She smiled as she teased Darien and Serena.
"Uh no. I'll pass. I don't want to botch the job and never hear the
end of it," he answered as he watched Serena's skeptical expression.
The delivery room seemed crowded and busy as the doctor finished with
Serena and examined the infants. The nurse washed, diapered, and
performed the necessary tests under Darien's watchful eye. She placed
the babies in the incubator to help them maintain a stable temperature
for the next few hours. Serena, her mother, Rei, and Ami, who had come
in as well, chattered quietly as everything was cleaned up and made
ready to transfer to Serena's hospital room. The nurse asked Darien,
"What names should I record for the two boys. Will the first one be a
junior?"
Darien hastily answered, "No, I don't want to do that. It could get
too confusing. What do you think Serena?"
Serena flashed a brilliant smile at him, "Let's go a little further
back and use Endymion and Mamoru for first names."
"We should use your family name for a middle name I think," Darien
added.
The doctor said that Kenji, Sammy, Lita and Mina could come in briefly.
"We need to get Serena and the boys moved to a room shortly. It's
still really busy tonight and I'm sure we'll need the delivery room,"
she explained as she got ready to go on to the next patient.
After everyone had a chance to congratulate Serena and Darien and get a
good look at the two sleepy babies, the girls left for home and Sammy
went to fetch some food from the cafeteria. Darien told Serena that he
would help her walk to her room. Serena wrinkled her nose and sniffed
the air around little Endymion whom she was holding. Ikuko had Mamoru
and noticed the same aroma coming from him as well. She laughed, "I
guess the saying that twins do everything together is true." Her eyes
twinkled with mischief and she looked toward Serena, who nodded in
agreement. Ikuko took Endymion from Serena and carried the two babies
over to Kenji, who so far had just been standing around watching.
Ikuko handed the boys to her husband and directed, "Kenji, you haven't
had a chance to hold your grandsons yet. Take them while Darien and I
help Serena to her room. And by the way, I think they've each made a
present just for you."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
End All My Brothers - Book I
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*