Ok so Simply and I are gonna finish this before continuing with Recession... It might not be updated for a bit.. Also before I thought this could fit between Healed and Mad Doctor, but I've changed it to after Mad Doctor.
Francis was in the bedroom, keeping an eye on the kits. Arthur waddled in and sank into the bed with a sigh of relief.
"Are you alright?"
"Exhausted," he chuckled tiredly. "How are you?"
"Not so bad." Francis crawls up next to him.
Arthur smiled, turning in to kiss him. Francis leans in for a moment before hugging him. Arthur snuggled in, humming contently.
"How are the others?"
"Matthew and Gilbert are settled, Alfred and Ivan are too," he smiled. "It's nice to see them happy again."
Francis smiles hugging him closer. He nuzzled in, laughing brightly when a kick came from his stomach. Francis chuckles.
"They'll be out soon."
"Can't wait." He kissed him. Arthur pressed in, grinning. Francis smiles holding him. They just snuggled for a while, enjoying the closeness.
One of the rabbits had escaped from the pen and jumped up with them. Arthur couldn't help but chuckle, cuddling the kit close. She nuzzled in happily. Francis gives a playful pout pulling him closer. Arthur rolled his eyes and kissed him lovingly. Francis chuckles.
They nuzzled, watching as the rabbit tried to balance on Arthur's stomach but kept falling off. It didn't help they kept chuckling at the antics. Still, she seemed pretty determined to do it.
"They're little dare devils the lot of them."
"We'll have hell on our hands when they're ready to go outside."
Francis chuckles.
They play a little longer before Arthur sat up. "I need the loo..."
Francis sets the rabbit back in the pen before helping him. They got up and waddled to the bathroom. Francis remained outside, both for privacy and to keep himself from jumping Arthur. He came back out when he'd finished, reaching for support quickly. Francis pulls him close. They start waddling back slowly, Arthur rubbing his stomach.
Francis settles him back in bed. "Do you have anything particular in mind you want for dinner?"
"I'm craving tuna," he hummed softly. "Just fish in general..."
Francis chuckles softly.
"Can we have fish tonight?" Arthur smiled softly.
"Sure."
He pulled him into a loving kiss. They held it for a moment. Francis smiling warmly.
"I can come down with you if you like?"
"Alright."
"Just let me catch my breath," he chuckled tiredly.
Francis smiles softly, rubbing his back. Arthur took a moment then dragged himself up again. Francis helps him down.
When the reached the bottom of the stairs, Arthur stopped. "Oh..."
"Arthur?"
"Something feels different..."
Francis frowns hurrying him over to a bathroom. They barely got in before Arthur had to stop, dampness spreading out across the back of his trousers. Francis eased him down. Arthur took deep breaths, rubbing his bump slowly. Francis sat by him gripping tightly.
They stay there, just tense and waiting for a few minutes before Arthur gasped and groaned, starting to push. Francis eased his pants off helping him through it. It took a lot if straining before the first tiny head started poking out.
"You're doing good."
Arthur just whined, pushing again. A tiny blonde kitten slid out into Francis's waiting hands. He smiles softly, pulling towels out of the cupboard. It squirmed weakly, seeking warmth. Francis dries and wraps it waiting for the next.
It started emerging a few minutes later; coming slowly. This one more of a red-orange.
"I-I want to see.." Arthur panted.
Francis hands the two over to him. He smiled a bright, tired smile as he gently held them. He knew there were still more, but he wanted to see what they were. Francis grips his hand. Arthur squeezed firmly as he cuddled the kittens. They sit waiting for the rest.
The next started appearing very soon after, Arthur groaning uncomfortably as he forced it out. Francis rubs his thighs as he caught it.
Arthur couldn't help but wonder how something so small and soft could hurt so much... The third kitten was pure white. The fourth was already on its way. Francis felt around briefly, trying to count the rest.
It felt like a good three or four more in there... Were they looking at a litter of eight?! Well it was smaller than before at least. Still... Arthur had the largest litters of all...
After the rest had come Francis sat holding Arthur as he rested. They'd ended up with a stunning gradient of colours. The lightest was a little white one, and they worked through blonde to ginger.
"Feel any lighter?" Francis chuckles.
"So much," Arthur smirked tiredly. "All healthy?"
"Perfectly."
He smiled brightly. Francis grins nuzzling him. So many new mouths to feed now... But Arthur didn't mind. He rather liked being a mother. They should probably get off the tile floor though.
"Help me up," Arthur lifted a sweaty trembling hand, smiling halfheartedly with exhaustion. "There should be a little basket we can put the kittens in..."
Francis helps him up and back to the couch. Arthur sank in with a sigh, body aching. Francis rubs his shoulder a moment before gathering up the litter. When he returned, Arthur reached for them, already pining for them.
Francis smiles handing them over and giving him a kiss before washing up to make dinner. Arthur just nuzzled happily before letting them feed.
Soon the others were called downstairs for food. Ro was the only one that turned up though. Al and Ivan were on egg watch, Gil had his bird and Matt was tending his cubs still. Ro smiled apologetically. Francis just shrugs bringing her into the den with the food.
Arthur smiled up at her, gesturing for her to come see. She shuffled over, took one look at the kittens and all but melted. "They're so cute...!"
Francis chuckles passing out plates. Arthur dug into his eager, starving.
Once the other plates had been taken upstairs Francis sits as well. It was tiring running back and forth like this.. At least everyone was on the mend now. No one had to worry about birthing anything else.
That being said. The twins haven't had the chance to tell them about Coyote woman. Arthur didn't know he could be 'cured.'
Well he had to recover a bit first either way so might as well take the time. Let him have a moment to collect himself and enjoy his babies.
The three of them sit for now enjoying their meals. Ro was the first to finish - mainly because she managed half her plate then felt sick and stopped. Francis glanced at her worriedly.
She was nearly always on and off... Iain had said it might have something to do with the potion that changed her, or she could just have a weak immune system.. They'd need to keep an eye on her for now..
It would be a miracle if Francis didn't end up a frustrated mess by the end of this... Everything was just stress after stress... But it did have its bright side. As much work as they were the babies seemed to cheer them all up. Who could be moody surrounded by cute little bunnies?!
Francis takes the plates, gently asking Ro to help fetch the ones from upstairs. She nodded once then ran up, little feet nearly silent. She knocked on the library door, peering in slowly. "Al...?"
"Hey." He was sat by the incubator again. Petting one of the cubs. Ivan smiled and waved too. She just shuffled in. "Are you done eating..?"
"Yeah."
"Francis wanted the plates..." she spotted them on the floor and came over to get them.
Al watched her with a frown. "You alright..?"
"Yeah," she shrugged, avoiding his eyes. "Just ate a bit too much..."
He stood up walking over and hugging her gently. She felt like she might resist for a moment but ended up sinking into him like always.
He holds her rocking gently. She closed her eyes and clung for a moment but stepped back much sooner than usual, muttering that she'd better finish gathering pots. Al stepped back, slightly hurt that she wouldn't talk to him. She picked up their plates and forced a dead smile before slipping out of the room.
Al sighs slipping back into his seat.
Ivan frowned softly, taking his hand. "Ask her later... Though I think she just wants to stay out of the way."
Al grips back leaning into him. Ivan carefully settled the cubs in their blanket before hugging Al tight, swaying gently. He folded into it.
"She will be okay... She needs to learn how to be alone too..."
Al knew she didn't like it, but it didn't mean he wanted it either. She really did need to learn how to cope by herself... They couldn't send her to school if she was just going to call Al every five minutes. It defeated the point of sending her
None of them liked being left alone, didn't make it any easier when they actually were. Her life hadn't been the happiest either... She'd gotten so used to losing everything... No matter how you looked at it, it wasn't easy.
Later the next day Al was outside. He needed a break from sitting still. Matt had come to join him, needing fresh air for five minutes.
*Did you see the cats?*
*I had a peek. They're kinda cute...*
*...that's six outa six.. Just take care of Dad and it's over..*
*I want to punch that bastard in the face for toying with us all like this...*
Al nods slightly, fidgeting with his hands.
Matt frowned softly, reaching to take them in his own. *Alright...?*
*I just.. I'm worried.. What's gonna happen when they get older? And then the eggs.. They were first out but still nothing!*
*We'll have to find them somewhere to live... Be it in the wild or in a protected area we build.. As for your eggs, they've been developing, so maybe they just need time?*
Al sighs running a hand through his hair. Matt watched him sadly, gripping his shoulder. Al leaned into him for a moment. Al leaned into him for a moment.
*Things'll sort themselves out...* Matt hummed reassuringly. *They always do.*
Al nods slightly. *I should get back inside..*
*Why not pause and eat something? I'm sure you could do with it...*
*Probably..*
Matt smiled softly, steering him into the kitchen. Al went along obediently.
Matt sat him in a chair before pottering about to make them a snack. Al sat watching, fingers playing with the edge of his shirt.
He came back with a bowl of warm porridge. "There... Should do nicely."
"Thanks." Al smiles.
"No problem," Matt just smiled as he sat with a cup of coffee. "I'm used to looking after you by now." he nudged him playfully.
Al chuckles. "Not like I don't do the same sometimes."
"Nah, I'm always putting up with your shit," Matt teased lightly. "I mean, damn bro! Really?"
He laughs. Matt chuckled with him. They sit eating, enjoying the break and each others company.
Once they'd finished eating, they headed back to check in the eggs. Al had taken to holding them more often, just hoping they were still alright.
Matt knelt by him, picking up the torch from the desk. "Wanna check?"
Al looked at it for a moment before taking it. Matt sat and waited tensely. Al lifted one of the white orbs putting the light to it.
There was still something developing in there... It just seemed to be smaller than it should. Al frowns petting the shell lightly.
*They'll be okay...* They had to be, the pain he went through to have them... Not to mention loosing half the others..
Matt pulled his brother into a strong hug, chest actually aching at just the thought of losing a cub. The little one still wasn't doing too good, but Kuma was watching her like a hawk. Al folded in hugging the egg to his own chest.
*It'll be okay...*
They sat there a while, not having had much chance to be together lately. Their partners were fantastic, but nothing beat the comfort of siblings... Al fiddled around with the rest of the ones in his lap. Trying to judge how far along they were.
They looked pretty good, actually; only a few days, maybe a week slower than expected? It still worried him though.. No wonder hens were so vicious.. The waiting alone was stressful!
A soft cry came from Matt's room down the hall and he got up with a sigh. "Gotta go... Feeding time..."
Al smiles at him softly settling with his clutch again. Matt slipped off and the crying soon stopped. Al sighs petting the shells again. Soon... They had to hatch soon... He snuggled in settling to wait.
A couple hours passed and Ivan came to join him, the cubs snoozing in his arms.
"Hey..."
"How are the eggs?"
"Alright."
"And how are you?" he sat beside him, carefully wrapping an arm around him.
"Worried? They've been in there too long.."
"Are they still growing?"
"Yeah."
"They should be okay," Ivan kissed his hair gently.
Al nuzzled in with a sigh, still clinging to the clutch. Ivan nuzzled up to him comfortingly.
Another week passed. The others growing steadily, and Arthur cured at some point. It was great to have everyone back on their own two feet now, but Arthur's litters were causing havoc. You could barely take a step without nearly treading on a rabbit. Not to mention their curiosity over the cubs and kittens.
Matt's cubs were finding their feet too and Matt was rushing around after them like a worried hen. Gil had yet to let Jules anywhere near the floor. Afraid the poor chick would be trampled. It was just so hectic!
They ended up taking them outside for the day. Maybe letting out some energy would help. They were just fluffs of endless energy! Arthur flittered around them, constantly making sure all ten were still in the garden.
Al had come out as well, needing some sun. He had hardly put down his eggs in that time though. Matt was getting worried for him, but he couldn't find the time tp even talk to him.
He sat on the balcony, helping to keep an eye on the rabbits. It wouldn't be long before they were old enough to be on their own, but where would they go? Would Arthur let them go easily? Lord knows he has trouble letting things go.
Al glanced down to the eggs again. At least he had a warmer than average temperature during summer, it helped keep them up to temp. But why weren't they hatching yet...
He tapped a shell gently, wishing for a response.
...Was it desperate hope, or did he actually get a tap back?
He leans forward tapping again. It tapped back again, two little knocks. He sat there stunned, unsure if it was real still.
It gave another little tap, as of asking if he was still there. He tapped again. It tapped back, firmer this time.
"Come on.."
Another tap and the thinnest line appeared in the egg's shell. He barked a short laugh. Tears pricking his eyes. The line became a crack, the crack soon spreading into a spidersweb of broken shell. Al laughs, crying freely now.
Matt burst out onto the balcony, sensing Al's tears from inside. "What's wrong?!"
"I-it's hatching!"
Matt gasped in shock, coming over just in time to see a tiny little beak breaking through the shell. Al grins giggling again, peeling away a small piece.
The head wiggled through, the chick peeping weakly. He pet it softly. Heart brighter than it had been for a while.
"Bring them inside," Matt grinned as another egg started to tap. "I'll fetch water and towels for them."
Al gathered them up carefully taking them in. Matt dashed off to find the things. The first chick was squirming, trying to break free from its shell. Al set them down on a table, watching.
It took some squirming, but the first chick broke free, tumbling out across the table. He reached over. "Finally.. You took your sweet time didn't you?" The chick just chirped and shivered, nuzzling into his fingers.
Al picked it up gently. "Hello!"
It curled into the warmth, making a satisfied little noise. Matt came back with the towels just as the second chick got its head free and the third was starting to hatch. They dried them off and put together a temporary nest. "I can't believe it finally happened.."
"We're two down," Matt rubbed his shoulder. "Let's just wait and see..."
Al sat back down, watching the third and tapping the others. The other two seemed rather quiet... The third chick, wrestled its way out of its shell, peeping triumphantly. Al wrapped it up with a smile before returning to the last two. It snuggled into its nestmates, crooning contently. The last two didn't seem to be hatching...
Al frowns, a bit of panic bubbling.
Matt put a hand on his arm, firm but gentle. *They may still hatch...*
Al sighs. Sure they might. Eggs don't always hatch all at once, though normally they would be laid a day or so apart.. It was a little worrying, but it could just as easily have been nothing...
For now he needed to feed the first three. He went to the fridge and pulled out some raw beef taking it back. Matt had sat with the eggs but nothing happened. He left Al tp feed the chicks, saying he was going to fetch Ivan.
Al sat pulling off tiny strips of meat and chewing a bit before feeding them. They gulped it down hungrily. At least their appetite was good. He smiled softly at that.
They took their fill and settled into their nest sleepily. Al sat stroking them gently. He felt a little better but the worry was still there..
Ivan slipped into the room, smiling brightly at the chicks. Al smiles warmly back.
"They're beautiful," he smiled back brightly.
"Yeah." Al had put the two unhatched eggs back in his lap.
Ivan petted the chicks idly. "Still two left?"
"Yeah.. Not ready yet I guess.."
"Perhaps another day then?"
"Hopefully."
Ivan smiled and kissed him sweetly. He pressed in for a moment. They just sat, enjoying the contact.