Don't Let Go
by
Draco's Daughter

Disclaimer: Xemnas and Saïx belong to Disney/SquareEnix, I own Celene and the twins.

A/N: The dreaded MPREG is in this story. Don't like it? Don't read it.

WARNINGS: Mpreg, home birth, Mama!Saïx

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I can't believe this moment's come,
it's so incredible that we're alone,
there's so much to be said and done,
it's impossible not to be overcome,
Will you forgive me if I feel this way?
Cuz we just met, tell me that's okay.
So take this feeling, let it grow
Never let it, Never let it go.

-Bryan Adams, "Don't Let Go"

The castle was quiet… abnormally so. All of the members were present and accounted for, most holed up in their individual quarters, some spending quality time with whomever they deemed worthy. But all were in silent agreement not to make any trouble or to be in the hallways at all. Why? You may ask. Well, it had everything to do with the fact that the enigmatic Number Seven, The Luna Diviner, Saïx, was in labor… again.

The complete details of the birth of Xemnas' and Saïx's first child, little Celene, were known only to her parents, and they weren't talking. The whole scenario worried Vexen, who was responsible for the Organization's medical care on top of his other projects. He had carefully monitored Saïx's second pregnancy at Xemnas's request, meeting nothing but hostility from the "mother"-to-be. And Saïx had not allowed anyone except Xemnas and Celene anywhere near him for the past week. Xemnas had informed Vexen that morning that Saïx had gone into labor.

"He'll likely be in labor all day, bearing it all in silence," Xemnas mused. "I didn't even know he was in labor with Celene until he slipped out of my sight, and by that time he was nearly ready to give birth."

"He slipped out of your sight? " Vexen asked, his eyes wide. "How in the world did THAT happen?"

Xemnas chuckled, "Saïx has his ways." And he left it at that.

Vexen looked up at the clock as he absent-mindedly tapped his pen on his personal log, the top of the page read "Observations concerning the Lunarian Berserker." It was eight o'clock at night and no word had come about Saïx. Vexen couldn't help but wonder if the Luna Diviner had given birth yet or if he was even alright; Xemnas had spoken with him at nine that morning and no other details had come since. With a frustrated noise, Vexen got up from his desk, portaling out of his labs and into the hallway leading to Xemnas's private quarters. Slowly, he leaned into the door, pressing his ear close to try to hear through the thick wood, it was a hopeless attempt at assessing the situation, and Vexen knew it, but he felt as though it was necessary.

Stepping back, Vexen raised his hand and gently knocked on the door. A few moments of silence passed before the door opened just a crack and one orange eye glared at him.

"Yes?" Xemnas whispered.

"Forgive my intrustion, Superior, but I could not help but wonder as to Saïx's condition, you did want me to monitor him," Vexen replied. Xemnas opened the door wider.

"Yes, I did ask you to do that… enter and tread carefully," Xemnas said, moving aside to let Vexen in. A quick scan of the room showed that Saïx was nowhere to be seen. However, the bathroom door was open and the lights of both the main room and bathroom were off. The only light came from the flickering glow of a few candles in the bathroom as well as the luminous moon outside.

"Saïx is doing well?" Vexen asked, respectfully staying away from the bathroom, where he supposed Saïx was hiding. Xemnas nodded, sitting down on the edge of his large bed. It was then Vexen noticed he was only dressed in a pair of pants.

"Saïx is Saïx, stubborn and determined. He's fine, Vexen, you don't have to worry about anything," Xemnas replied with a small chuckle. At that moment, Celene came out of the bathroom.

"Mama says he wants the blond rat out of here," she stated bluntly. The five-year old was her "mother's" constant shadow, so it didn't surprise Vexen much that she was present. Seeing Vexen, she offered a smile. "Hi, Uncle Vexen."

'Blond rat indeed!' Vexen thought, especially hearing Xemnas's deep chuckle. Celene immediately went to her father, crawling into his lap. Xemnas placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head. "The Silver Princess" was the temporary title some of the members had given her. It was well known she could get away with almost anything, Xemnas loved her so.

"Tell your mother that the blond rat will be gone soon, and ask if he needs anything," Xemnas said, running his fingers over her hair.

"Kay," she said, hopping off his lap and retreating back into the bathroom.

"Saïx has claimed the tub as his whelping den this time," Xemnas explained. "Celene has helped me keep an eye on him."

"Do you think that's wise? Allowing Celene to be involved so?" Vexen asked with a quizzical look on his face. A child Celene's age was the last thing Vexen would want at a birthing. Xemnas chuckled lightly.

"Saïx won't allow her to be taken to any other part of the castle. He wants her here, so I cannot say a thing against him. Well, I think you should go now. I'll give you a report when he finally births," Xemnas said, getting up. Vexen nodded, knowing full well that things would go according to Saïx's plans, no matter what Xemnas or anyone else thought or recommended. The Chilly Academic left without further comment or complaint.

Quietly, Xemnas entered the bathroom. Saïx lay in the large, Victorian-style tub; sweat coated his forehead and body. He was entirely naked, feeling much more comfortable that way, and breathing heavily. Celene sat on the toilet, keeping an eye on her mother. Xemnas slowly knelt next to the tub, taking a cloth and wiping the sweat from Saïx's forehead, placing a gentle kiss on his temple.

"How's mother?" he asked gently, lightly massaging Saïx's shoulders and back with one hand.

"Mother's seen better days," Saïx replied with a chuckle. "Not much longer now… the first pup is nearly ready to greet the world." One of Vexen's examinations had revealed he was having twins this time. Saïx had been in much better health during the twin's conception and throughout the pregnancy. From ultrasounds Vexen had performed, both babies appeared healthy.

"Celene, why don't you go into the main room and rest for a bit," Saïx said. Celene nodded and quickly left the bathroom, missing a grimace of pain from her mother. "Love… climb in with me." Xemnas quietly obeyed, slipping into the tub behind Saïx, allowing the pregnant man to lean back on him. Xemnas ran his hands over Saïx's large belly, smiling lightly. Saïx shifted slightly so he was kneeling, resting on his hands and knees. Xemnas got back out of the tub to grab one of the nearby towels, knowing full well that Saïx was about to have a "pup." Getting back in, Xemnas knelt, waiting as Saïx made small noises of discomfort. With a small howl from Saïx, a tiny form slipped out of his body and into Xemnas's waiting arms. Immediately, Xemnas severed the cord and cuddled the baby closer to examine him. Like Celene, the child was not crying, merely looking around with curious eyes.

"Verdict?" Saïx asked with a chuckle, breathing as his body shook lightly.

"Our first son," Xemnas replied, handing the baby to his mother. Saïx took him and immediately nuzzled him, bringing a small, happy noise from the newborn.

"Settle him in the basket, love, there's still one left," Saïx said, handing the baby back to Xemnas. He nodded, getting out once more to lay their new son in the basket Saïx had lined with soft linen in preparation for the birth.

It was barely five minutes before a second son joined his brother. Saïx was worn out, but content, as Xemnas filled the tub with warm water and helped clean his sons, as well as Saïx. Once that task was accomplished, Saïx finally got out of the tub he had been lounging in all afternoon, dressing in his soft bathrobe. The new babies were bundled up and settled in their basket, Xemnas carried the basket carefully as Saïx leaned against him for support. They went into the main bedroom in silence; Celene was curled up on the large family bed, perfectly asleep. Saïx settled onto the bed, nuzzling Celene reassuringly and lovingly. Automatically, she turned and nuzzled him back, blinking awake.

"Mama?" She asked sleepily.

"You've new brothers, Celene," Saïx replied, settling down on his side. Xemnas carefully set the twins next to Saïx, watching as Saïx lovingly nuzzled and fussed over them, listening and acknowledging the little noises they made in response to their mother's attention. Immediately, Xemnas pulled the still-sleepy Celene onto his lap, hugging her tight. He didn't want her to feel unloved or forgotten now that the twins were here. Celene hummed her content feelings, cuddling into her father's chest.

"What're their names?" She asked; sleep still heavy in her voice. Xemnas looked at Saïx. The Berserker had named their daughter a few days after she was born. But they had never planned any names for any of their children, Saïx was adamant on that.

"Choosing a person's name before they're even born seems wrong," Saïx had said once when Xemnas brought up the topic. "We don't even know who they are, why should be we so quick to label them?"

"Their names will come soon, my child," Xemnas said quietly, petting Celene's silver hair. "You were not named the moment you entered this world, and neither are your brothers." She nodded, closing her eyes once more to settle into sleep. Xemnas kissed her forehead, getting up to settle her in her own bed on the other side of the room. Saïx emitted a soft whine, but made no other protest. Xemnas sometimes found Saïx's need for Celene to be close at all times strange, but accepted it. But now, with two new babies, their bed would be slightly crowded if the little girl slept there, so Saïx conceded. Xemnas quickly rejoined Saïx, kissing his beloved Berserker and laying close, gently caressing the cheek of one of their new sons. The child gave a slight whimper until Xemnas pulled him close and cradled him. Saïx couldn't help but smile, watching Xemnas before turning his attention to the other child. This one was inquisitive, blinking his yellow eyes in slight confusion and wonderment. Saïx gently chuckled, nuzzling him and pulling him close.

"What's caught your interest, little star-seeker?" He asked his child. The baby cooed lightly at him, reaching out to touch the scar that formed a perfect "X" on Saïx's fair face. Saïx gently redirected the tiny hand with a finger, kissing his child's fingers. "No, little one, that is something you will not know the meaning of for a good, long while."

The baby yawned in response, closing his eyes, content to be close to his mother. Saïx himself yawned; it had been a long day for all. Gently, he ensured the child was nestled carefully next to him before settling down to sleep. Xemnas chuckled, settling the twin he held next to his brother before kissing Saïx's forehead, running his fingers through the blue locks.

"Sleep well, my Diviner, you've earned it," he whispered, settling down to watch his beloved and new babes, silently thanking Saïx's Goddess for seeing fit to bless them thus.
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End Notes: Celene is Xem and Saïx's first child, I may write the story of how she came to be later. Her's is one that I'm having difficulty writing at this point in time. Most of this was inspired by Laura Shanley's Freebirth webpage.

Anyways, if you've stuck with me this far, thanks for reading. Hated it? Loved it? Review it, and let me know your thoughts.