Chapter Text
"Temporarily Kits"
Keith stared at the two little kits curled up together on the examination bed, asleep. They looked so familiar that there was no way it couldn't be them. Keith looked at Ulaz. "H-How did this happen?"
Ulaz frowned and nuzzled his distraught kit. "We don't know yet, but we are working on it." At Keith's dismayed expression, he added, "I know how you're feeling, kit. However, Krolia and Thace remember everything but will still act like kits. Their kit instincts are prevelant."
"Can I take them back to the nest?"
"Of course, kit," Ulaz replied, fully knowing how strong Keith was.
Keith gently scooped up the kits his mother and one of his father figures had become. He gently nuzzled each one, purring softly. Krolia shifted slightly and grabbed a handful of her son's hair. Ulaz chuckled to himself. He had forgotten that Krolia would do that as a kit; one more thing Keith got from his mother.
Keith carried the kits to the nest room, where he found his brother and sister. Keith entered the nest and snuggled down with the two kits next to him. Acxa and Regris came closer to their younger brother. Acxa nuzzled Keith's neck. "I see you found out what happened."
"Ulaz couldn't tell me how it happened, but I couldn't leave Mom and Dad in the med bay, especially since they're going to be acting like kits. I know I would rather be in the nest than the med bay."
Acxa gave a soft giggle. "Mom's got a firm grip on your hair."
Keith grinned and nuzzled his mom again. This time he received a chirp. He looked down and saw both Krolia and Thace open their eyes. They took in where they were and who was with them.
"Keith!" Both little kits scrambled further up to reach Keith's neck, where his scent glands were. Both stuck their noses there, breathing in his familiar scent.
"Mom, Dad." Keith rumbled to them.
Krolia lifted her head and released her grip on Keith's hair, her eyes landing on her daughter. She whined and reached her arms out to her. Acxa lifted her mom out of her twin's arms and cuddled her.
Suddenly, Keith felt a tail wrap around his waist. It still surprised Keith how quiet Antok could be. The largest Blade could be as silent as a shadow or as loud as a herd of elephants, though he tended to be the former. Keith reclined against Antok as Thace snuggled against Keith.
"It is still naptime for all kits. I will be here to keep an eye on everyone." Antok squeezed Keith's waist with his tail. "You just got back from a tough mission, kit. You especially need rest."
"All right, Antok, but you're my pillow," Keith retorted, getting comfortable against Antok.
"I will consider it well worth it as long as you rest, kit." Antok carded his claws through Keith's long hair. Keith started purring as he drifted off to sleep with Thace curled against his chest.
Antok looked around the nest at all five kits. Keith was definitely asleep as was Thace. Krolia was curled up with Acxa, and Regris was behind Acxa. All five were asleep, their purrs filling the nest.
Antok carefully pulled out his data pad and opened a private chat with Kolivan.
All five kits are sleeping.
Finally. I despise tricking Ulaz and the others, but Krolia and Thace needed a break and weren't going to take one.
Hmm. Maybe we should keep this in mind when you refuse to take a break.
Antok!
Don't deny it, 'Van. You know you need to take breaks too. Join me?
Where are you?
In the nest, being a pillow for a stubborn kit as his equally stubborn father.
A picture showing Thace curled up against Keith, who had shifted to lay on his side against Antok, was sent. Kolivan had to chuckle at the sight.
I'll be right there.
He took his data pad with him to the nest room. At least he would have the option of continuing to look over reports as he relaxed with his pack.
Fin