The two other boys had not escaped Kaldur's fate. Medical examination showed Kaldur was eight weeks pregnant, Wally slightly behind at six weeks and blood tests put Robin between six days and two weeks. The Justice League was devastated; it had taken them five months to find the team. Given the situation many of them felt they had failed the children. Black Canary and Red Tornado had the entire team at the cave under careful supervision. But, recovery would be a long process, particularly for the three boys who were now expecting children and the man who had been forced to father them. Connor, who had escaped capture, was also feeling overwhelming amounts of guilt.
Robin was by far taking it the hardest. He felt humiliated at the revelation of his biological gender. Although his friends and the League had readily accepted this fact, the pregnancy was a hard second blow. He, and Wally, were both struggling to accept their pregnancies. As teenagers, their identities were already fragile. Having their gender questioned in such a way was hard on them.
Kaldur was another matter. He seemed to have embraced his fate. Indeed, it seemed to Black Canary that he almost glowed as he roamed the halls of the mountain, often with Roy in tow. The redhead felt cripplingly responsible for everything that had happened while they were held captive. However, none of the three showed any hatred or aversion to the archer. Wally had disclosed that Roy had waited for consent from each boy before so much as touching them. It was little, but it meant a lot.
"Black Canary." Kaldur called from the couch. Dinah, who stood in the kitchen, looked up.
"Yes Kaldur?" She asked. "Also, please call me Dinah honey."
"Would you mind bringing me some water? I feel like I might be sick."
"No problem Kal. Is it just nausea?" She questioned.
"I believe so. I was ill this morning, and I am quite fatigued as well." He explained as she handed him a cool glass. He took a long drink, one hand on his stomach.
"You are looking a little pale. Maybe you should lie down for a while?" Dinah suggested.
"I do not know if that is necessary." He said with a shrug.
"Kaldur, you're still weak from malnourishment and your ten weeks pregnant. Don't push yourself too hard, rest." She insisted.
"Alright" He relented. "Maybe I will lay down for a few minutes." Handing back the now empty glass he stood slowly and smiled. "Thank you."
"No problem. Let me know if you need anything else."
"I will." He promised. He made his way down the halls, not to his own room but to Roy's and let himself in.
"What are you doing here?" Roy asked looking up from the book he was reading. Seated at his desk he watched Kaldur enter his room and settle himself on the bed.
"I have been feeling tired today, Black Canary suggested I lie down."
"You can't do that in your room?" Roy asked, pretending to be annoyed even as he got up to join Kaldur on the bed.
"I could, but I'd rather be here. Besides, the contact is necessary." Kaldur told him.
"I know." Roy said. Kaldur had fallen ill while they were still in captivity. He had explained to Roy that he was pregnant and that Atlanteans needed contact with their mate when in this condition. Roy had at first protested, feeling like he had violated Kaldur. The younger boy had quickly snapped him out of that by pointing out that he, not Roy, had initiated the sex. It was always consensual on his part, Kaldur assured him. If anything, he admitted HE felt like the criminal because he was enjoying what Roy had been forced to do.
"The baby knows you are nearby." Kaldur interrupted his thoughts. He stretched uncomfortably and stripped off his shirt, looking over at the redhead.
"How can you possibly tell?" Roy asked curiously. He too shed his shirt and cuddled Kaldur close to him, making slow circles over his low abdomen.
"Mmm." Kaldur hummed in appreciation of Roy's closeness. "I could feel the little one's energy within days of its conception. All Atlanteans can, I will not be able to feel it move for another month at least, but the energy is ever present."
"That's incredible." Roy said softly. He idly traced one of the runes tattooed on Kaldur's arm and was shocked when the Atlantean pushed Roy away with a gasp.
"What's wrong?" Roy exclaimed, sitting up quickly. Kaldur was now flat on his back, one arm thrown over his eyes, the other on his stomach and breathing shakily.
"The runes allow energy to transfer from person to person. The baby…got a little excited when you touched them."
"Did it hurt?" Roy asked nervously.
"It felt amazing." Kaldur admitted. "Every part of my body is so sensitive right now, so that I may feel the child and…" He trailed off with a blush.
"What?"
"It…that is, I am more sensitive in order to…be more attractive to my mate…sexually speaking." It was now Roy's turn to blush.
"Oh."
"I am sorry if that is…embarrassing to you."
"No it's okay…it's just your body."
"Would you….do it again?"
"Is that what you want?"
"Yes." Kaldur moaned. Roy hesitantly reached out and brushed his fingers over the swirling tattoos again, eliciting a sharp moan from the younger boy.
"Kal, how does it feel?"
"Roy, it feels so wonderful."