Galra Shiro BOM AU Part 3
#sheith #transkeith NSFW
Past Keith/Regris
TW: PTSD, Grief/Mourning
CW: mpreg / trans pregnancy
Past FWB sheith, shaky rekindling, babies, birth (later on tho)
Part 1: https://twitter.com/cryptic_gabriel/status/1262120138775629824?s=21

Part 2: https://twitter.com/cryptic_gabriel/status/1266682316413427713?s=21

Having a complete mental breakdown after a mission was actually an effective way to go on leave. That wasn’t at all what Keith wanted, but he used that opportunity to stay recluse in his home.
He spent most days wearing Regris’ clothes even though they no longer smelled like him.

He lived in isolation like this, save for Krolia coming every once in a while to check on him and bring him food, for 3 phoebs now. As time passed, he looked down at himself and noticed that he really, really looked pregnant. His paranoia that stemmed from his grief

and from his own accident during the explosion kept him from wanting to go anywhere or start new memories. He just wanted the kits to be safe, and they weren’t safe outside of these quarters.
“Keith.” Krolia confronted him one day. “You need to go out.”
Keith rolled his eyes.

“Very funny, Mom. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Keith, I’m serious,” she scolded. “You’re halfway to term, and you don’t know what’s going on. Go to the med bay.”
He grimaced. “I don’t want them getting hurt.”
She sighed. “You and I would never let anything bad happen to them.

Now, come on. If we get there now, we’ll avoid everyone.”
He sighed deeply. “Only because I want to make sure nothing’s wrong.”
“Okay.” She smiled and took his hand, helping him up.
Honestly, he wanted to go back to the way things were... back to when he fought.

[Possible CW for agoraphobia symptoms]

Everyone worked together, and he felt like he belonged. He worked well with Shiro and Regris—
He stopped his train of thought. Being outside made him shudder and just want to hide. Krolia just held his hand though and kelt walking, ignoring his silent protests.

“Okay, we’re here,” she smiled. “You want me to stay with you?”
Keith shook his head. “I’ll call you when I’m done.”
“Okay.” She smiled and rubbed his back. “Then I’m taking you shopping. How does that sound?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Fine.”
“Alright, I’ll see you later.”

After she left, Keith stepped inside with a sigh. The waiting room was thankfully empty when he made his appointment, & he had a seat. He hoped this wouldn’t take too long. He just wanted to go home.
A door to one of the rooms opening up startled him.
“I’ll make sure to ice it.”

Keith’s blood ran cold.
Shiro?
“Yeah, you too.” Shiro grinned as he stepped out of the room, freezing up when looking forward. “Keith?”
Keith crossed his arms over his belly to make it less noticeable. “Hi, Shiro.”
“Jeez, Keith!” He rushed over. “Where the hell were you?

How’ve you been?”
“I’m on leave,” he said simply. It was none of his business.
“Yeah, but no one’s heard from you at all! No calls, no visits, nothing! You just vanished!”
Keith rolled his eyes. “Don’t be dramatic.”
“Keith, come on. We haven’t talked in so long.”

Shiro leaned down. He was getting way too close for Keith’s liking.
“Back off,” he snapped, bristling.
Shiro paused. “Keith, come on—“
“I said, back off!” he hissed, hugging himself tighter.
“Keith?”
He turned his attention away when Ulaz called for him. He took a deep breath.

“Nice talking to you,” he muttered, slowly getting up. He didn’t realize how cumbersome that’d be.
“Whoa! Keith?”
Keith stiffened & turned his head. “Shut. Up.” He snarled.
“Keith, you’re not gonna bother telling ANYONE at the Blades that pregnant? This is huge!”
“Shut UP.”

Shiro glared. “Fine. Be a nasty dickhead.” He backed off finally. “You’ll be a great parent, I’m sure.”
Keith flinched, taking that far too personally.
“Keith?” Ulaz called again. “You can come in. I’ll see you now.”
His lip quivered. “I-I change my mind. I’m going home.”

Shiro glanced back when he heard him. “Oh, come on. The Keith I know wouldn’t just cry,” he groaned.
More tears just welled up. “I...”
“Don’t change your mind because I made you cry,” he muttered, taking his hand. “Come on.”
He said nothing, following his lead.

Shiro stood by the door once Keith was in the infirmary. Ulaz had Keith rest on the table. He was weary, the part Galra kits clearly taking a toll on his body.
“Keith, what happened to you?” Shiro frowned. “You’re all quiet and emotional.”
“I’m pregnant, you fucking asshole.”

He wouldn’t look at him. “And it’s been private.”
“Regris wouldn’t have wanted you to be cooped up and secretive.”
“Shiro.” Ulaz interrupted him. “No more stress, or I’ll make you leave.”
“But it’s time for him to actually listen to the people around him!” he argued.

Keith stayed silent while they spoke. “Can we just... get this over with?”
“That’s fine with me.” Ulaz moved closer. “I’m sorry my technology isn’t at its best right now. But while you’d normally be able to see the kits on an ultrasound scan, that’s on the fritz.”

He chuckled to keep the mood light, but Keith wasn’t laughing with him. “It’s okay... I don’t need to see them yet.”
Ulaz looked at him warmly. “Just give me one moment, and I’ll place this scanner here. It’ll project the sounds of their heartbeats for you.”
“Okay.”

He looked down, watching Ulaz lift his shirt up just so.
The other Galra hovered the scanner above his belly. It radiated a soft, violet light that blinked like a pulse, and in several moments Keith heard them. Multiple sets of heartbeats. He never thought a noise would make him

so happy. He finally managed a smile.
“I hear three sets,” Ulaz said. “They’re all very strong. You’re doing an excellent job.”
Most wouldn’t think so, but he nodded politely. “Thank you.”
He saw Shiro still standing there by the door, watching him. Keith looked away quickly.

“Now, forgive me for needing a reminder, but did you have surgery on your chest for your transition?”
Keith nodded his head. “Yeah, when I was 19.”
“Alright. You may not be able to lactate, then. However, we can supply you with a Galra Hybrid safe formula as a substitute.

I know it’s not the same, but they’ll need to be fed.”
“I know,” he mumbled.
“You should be careful, too. Human bodies are fairly delicate, from what I see. If you feel you’re too weak or in a lot of pain, don’t be afraid to contact me.”
He nodded vaguely. “Sure.”

Ulaz smiled. “I’m glad to see you out again. We all missed you.”
He lowered his head. “It was only for the appointment.”
“That’s a good first step. Regris would be very proud you made that step.”
“Would he?” He didn’t realize he’d said that out loud until Ulaz faltered.

“Well, of course he would.”
“Even thought it’s my fault he’s not here? He’s not proud of me,” he mumbled.
The room got quiet. He gave Keith vitamins to take, and his appointment was all done. He’d just sent a message to his mom that he was done and stood in the waiting room.

It was true, though. Keith was completely to blame. He should’ve let Regris just live his own life. He would’ve been happier; alive, even.
He placed a hand over his bond mark. Krolia had explained to him the pains most widowed mates felt, but he didn’t think it’d hurt this bad.

“Keith?”
He looked over. “What? Come to keep telling me what a useless sack of shit I am some more?”
“No. I was just... conflicted,” Shiro sighed. “Me trying to scold you like that for going through a ton of mental shit was hypocritical of me.”
“You know I’m right, though,”

he said. “You know firsthand. You tried to warn me that I shouldn’t have become mates with him.”
“But you loved him,” he reminded.
“So? He’d still be here if—“
“Keith.” Shiro frowned. “What happened to Regris was horrible, okay? But it wasn’t your fault.

You were both in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“We wouldn’t have been if we stayed home like he wanted,” he muttered.
“Keith, there was no way that you could’ve prevented that accident from happening.” Shiro looked at him. “Just like there was no way I could’ve

predicted being stuck in that arena. Or Kolivan, when Antok sacrificed himself for him.”
Keith looked at the door, just waiting for his mom. He was trying to hold back tears.
“Keith...”
He whimpered. “Shiro, I miss him. I hate that he’s not here. H-he should be here.”

“I know,” he said gently. “But sometimes things don’t work out that way.”
“H-he didn’t even get to find out about the kits. And now I’m alone and I have to raise them and be the shittiest parent in the world.”
Shiro sighed. “Keith, you’re not gonna be a shitty parent.”
“Oh, no?

You said so yourself, just before.”
Shiro tensed. “Keith, I didn’t mean it.”
“You might as well have. Because it’s true.” Keith wiped his eyes. “He’d be a better dad than I’d ever be.”
“Keith...”
Krolia finally came in. “Keith. Hey, sorry I’m late— what’s wrong?”

He just burst to tears, clinging to her. “Take me home. Please?”
“Shiro, what did you say to my son?” he heard her growl while hiding his face.
“N-nothing, Krolia—“
“You have no right. Leave him alone,” she snapped and led Keith out. Her tone immediately softened.

“Keith. Sweetheart, do you want to still spend the day together? Tell me all about your appointment.”
Keith shook his head. “I wanna go home.”
“Okay. You did well today, Keith. I’m glad you went out for a little while.” She led him back. “What did he say to you.”

He shrugged. “He was just being honest.”
She sighed, realizing she wasn’t going to get a straight answer. “Talk to me about the kits. How many?”
“3.” His voice was soft.
“That’s a lot. No wonder you’re so tired,” she gasped. “You’re doing great, okay?”
He disagreed but nodded.

“I-I think I need to go back to work.”
Krolia frowned. “Keith, you can’t work in this condition. You’re far too weak—“
“I’m not weak,” he quickly argued. “I want to go back to work.”
“Be reasonable,” she sighed. “Kolivan would not let you come back like this.”

“Not if he doesn’t know.”
Her eyed narrowed. “Not as your mother, but as your superior, I will not allow that.”
Keith lowered his head. “Mom, what if I made a mistake?”
Krolia paused. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, I know I wanted to keep them, but what if I just screw up?”

“You will not,” she sighed. “Don’t be silly. You’ll be excellent raising children on your own. It’s in your blood.” At that, she gave him a little wink.
Once they stopped in front of his home, he just hugged Krolia goodbye and went inside. He didn’t want to go out again.
—

Keith’s appetite was growing ravenous. He’d eaten everything in his quarters, and he noticed his fangs coming in long when his appetite grew. Now he had nothing left to eat and didn’t want to step outside.
He was startled when hearing a ringing from his Datapad.

Someone was calling him. He curiously looked.
...Kolivan?
He frowned and answered, keeping his belly clear out of the shot. “Kolivan?”
“Hello, Keith.” He gave him a smile. “It’s good to hear from you. How are you?”
“I-I’m okay.” He blushed.
“So, when’s the big day?”

He frowned. “What big day?”
Kolivan chuckled. “Your kits. When’s the big day?”
Keith’s face paled. “...Who told you?”
“Well, Shiro stopped by early this afternoon, and Naxel overheard—“
“Naxel?” His eye twitched.
“Yes. And then of course Thace wanted to take initiative

and set up a little get together for you. Shiro wanted to make sure everyone knew to—“
“Everyone?!”
“I would’ve congratulated you right away. So, when’s the big day?”
Keith nearly broke his Datapad in half.
“Excuse me, I’ll call you back. My food’s ready.” He hung up.

Shiro.
Told.
EVERYONE?
He was going to k*ll him.
He got right out bed, throwing on his most presentable outfit: a pair of sweats and one of Regris’ shirts before leaving
That was it! He was fucking done for.
He stormed straight into the Blades’ headquarters.
“WHERE IS HE?”

Everyone stared at Keith with wide eyes. He must’ve looked ridiculous walking around with a round belly, but he was PISSED.
“...Who’re you looking for?” Naxel asked.
“Shiro! Where’s Shiro?” he snapped.
“Training room,” he stammered.
Keith growled, heading straight for there.

“Shiro!” he yelled out, flinging the training room door wide open. “SHIRO!”
The Galra perked up from where he was doing push-ups. “Keith?”
“I tell you that I’m keeping the fact I’m having kits PRIVATE, and you tell EVERYONE in the Blade of FUCKING MARMORA?”
He gulped. “Oh fuck.”

“That’s all you have to say to me?” he growled. “How dare you! It was no one’s business what was going on in my life!”
“Keith, you’re clearly hurting.” He stood up straight. “Everyone just wants to help. They’d been wanting to reach out to you since Regris died.”

“But that gives you no right to disrespect my wishes!” he snapped.
“I know, but I didn’t know what else to do!” he insisted. “I didn’t know how to get through to you! Clearly this worked, because this is the first time in ages that I’d seen you with such fire.”

“Oh yeah? Well, you take that fire and shove it up your fucking ass!”
“See, that’s the Keith I remember!” Shiro grinned.
“Oh, fuck you!”
“Ahem!”
Keith heard Kolivan and took a moment to read the room. The training room was full of dozens of young trainee.
“Oh.”

“Yeah. Oh,” Kolivan muttered. “Both of you, outside.”
Keith walked out first, with Shiro following behind.
“I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but you can’t yell profanities in front of children!”
Keith frowned. “Well, as a Blade, Shiro shouldn’t be sharing secrets!”

“Sir, I was only trying to help,” Shiro said.
Kolivan frowned. “You told me about Keith’s pregnancy without his consent?”
“I only wanted to help,” he repeated with a groan.
“It doesn’t matter! You respect someone’s consent.”
He blushed, nodding his head. “Yes, Sir.”

Once the haze of Keith’s anger faded, he started growing embarrassed that he was out in public. “I need to go home.”
“Wait,” Kolivan offered. “I hope it’s not inappropriate of me to officially offer my congratulations.”
He nervously shook his head. “It’s fine.”

“Well, congratulations,” he chuckled. “Everyone’s excited around here. We know too that Regris would be very proud.”
He flinched at that and lowered his head. “I-I guess.”
“So. When is the big day?” he asked again curiously.
“I...” He blanked out, flustered. “I don’t know.”

“Well, when were you last together?” Shiro asked from behind.
He felt even more uncomfortable. “A-about 4 phoebs ago.”
“Then you’ll be having them in around half a decaphoeb,” Kolivan offered. “I have to go back to the trainees, but feel free to come back any time.”

When they were left alone, Keith glared at Shiro. “I can’t believe you.”
As he turned to leave, Shiro hurried after him. “Keith! Please, wait.”
“Why should I stay? I-I’m so embarrassed. I didn’t even know when my kits were going to be born. I’m so bad at this—“

“Keith, you’re not bad at anything,” he sighed. “You’re new at it. That doesn’t mean you’re bad at it.”
He shook his head. “A-and people need to stop saying how proud Regris would be, because it’s not true!”
Shiro sighed. “Keith, I’m really sorry I told everyone.

I did think I was being helpful, but it was wrong of me to do that.”
Keith frowned. “Ok that’s 1 apology out of... 20?”
“What do I owe 19 other apologies for?”
“One out if 21.”
“Keith,” he chuckled. “Listen. I really want to help you, but I just feel like I’m making things worse.

What can I do for you that’ll actually help?”
He pursed his lips. “I guess I’ll need someone besides my mom to do wellness checks.”
Shiro rolled my eyes. “Here’s my Datapad number.” He wrote something down on a piece of paper in his pocket, handing it to him. “Call me any time.”

Keith looked down at it. “Alright.” He shrugged. “I’m going home, then.” He put the paper in his pocket.
“Have fun.” He waved with a smile.
“Yeah, yeah.” He groaned while walking back. The weight was making it a little harder, but he’d just get used to it.
—

Keith woke up early the next morning to a knock on his door. He whined as he forced himself to get up, for the knocking only to get louder.
“Coming!” He called, stepping closer and unlocking it.
When the doors slid open, he didn’t expect to see several people standing outside.

“Oh...”
Krolia, Kolivan, Ulaz, Thace, and Shiro were waiting, as well as several senior members from the Blades.
“Hi, Keith,” his mom smiled. “Can we come in?”
“I-I guess,” he offered, stepping back. “I wasn’t expecting anyone. Sorry for the mess.”
Truth was, Keith had cleaned

the night before. It was almost spotless.
“It looks great in here,” Krolia offered. “Much better than last time I visited.”
Everyone sat together, looking at Keith expectedly.
“...What’s going on?” he frowned. “I don’t really have much food here, if you were expecting breakfast.”

Krolia pursed her lips, clasping her hands together. “Have a seat, next to me.”
He did so cautiously. He was afraid that if he tried to move, he’d pounce. Everyone was looking right at him.
Kolivan spoke first from his seat. “Keith, this is an intervention.”

Keith looked them all over with a laugh. “I don’t need an intervention.”
“Keith.” Krolia’s tone was stern. “You do.”
He stopped smiling. “Why do you think that?”
“We’re all each going to tell you how we feel as calmly and as openly as possible,” Thace said. “We’re not saying

these things to hurt you. We just want you to open your eyes & try to change your way of thinking. And this is also a safe place for you to talk to us. No one is going to judge you.”
Keith sat back. “Well, okay...”
He nodded. “Who would like to go first?”
“I will,” Ulaz offered.

“Keith, we all know here how horrible and traumatic it is to lose a loved one. The pain is even worse when it’s someone you were bonded with. But when we found out you were pregnant, that just heightened my fears for you. When you visited the other day, that was the 2nd time I’d

seen you. That is unacceptable.”
Keith lowered his head. “I-I just didn’t want to go anywhere.”
“And that’s fine, for a couple days. But you have responsibilities as a new parent. Do you know that your risk of this failing is so much higher the more apathetic you are?

Breaking contact with friends... living in isolation... not eating? Does that sound responsible to you?”
He nervously shook his head.
“I worry about your health, Keith,” he added. “And I worry about the kits’ health. What you said about Regris was insulting to me.

He would think that way about you, Keith. But if you keep doing this to your kits and taking it out on them, then maybe you’re right.”
Keith didn’t know what to say. He took a nervous breath. “I-I don’t know. I just...” He trailed off.
Ulaz sighed. “That’s all I wanted to say.”

“I’ll go next.” Shiro sat up straight. “Keith, Regris and I were good friends when we were young, before your mom brought you here. He was friendly and funny, and he had a big heart. Regardless of what happened between me and you, I know from the bottom of my heart he loved you.

Nothing could’ve prevented what happened to him, and deep down you know that. You blaming yourself is destructive. It’s not healthy for you to act like this. This is an exciting time for a new parent, and you’re just... you don’t care.”
“B-but I do care,” Keith gasped.

“I care about them.”
“No. I think you just care about having them so you have something that reminds you of Regris. I don’t think you want to be a parent at all.”
“T-that’s not true!” he cried
“Keith,” Krolia murmured. “Just let him finish.”
Shiro sighed. “It hurt me to say that.

Okay? But if you really did care about them, you should do all you can to help them and provide for them. Be their dad, you know?”
Krolia sighed. “I think it’s my turn now.” She turned to him and took her son’s hands. “Keith. I love you so much. You know that, right?”

“Yes.” He nodded quietly.
“So, I’m saying this because I love you.” She gently squeezed his hands. “I was right, back when we found out. I don’t think you should have these kits.”
Keith’s lip quivered. “W-why not?”
“Keith, you’re a mess,” she frowned. “You’re dismissive.

I know you’ve been grieving, but there needs to be a point where you take a deep breath and move on. That step should’ve been taken a while ago. They’re growing, Keith. They’ll be born before you know it. And you’re an unfit parent.”
“N-no, I’m not,” he argued. “Mom—“

[TW talk of abortion]
“You should not be having these kits. Do you even want them?”
“Yes.”
“Why?” she countered.
“Because—“ He cut himself off. He looked at her as his eyes started to water. “They’re all I have. I-I want them.”
“That’s not a good reason,” Krolia said.

[TW talk of abortion]
“Ulaz said you still have time to terminate the pregnancy without severe complications.”
He quickly shook his head. “I don’t want to.”
“Keith, be reasonable. You can’t possibly raise 3 kits on your own when you’ve shown us no reason why you’d

be a good father.”
He whimpered. “I wanted to try. For Regris...”
“Why would you raise them for Regris if you don’t even think he’d be proud of you?” Ulaz asked. “Genuinely. Do you want to prove a point?”
“No one’s letting me tell them how I feel!”
“We’re not trying to stop you.”

Krolia frowned. “Talk to us. Tell us what’s going on. We’re all saying things based off what we’re seeing of you. We can’t read your mind, Keith.”
He sniffled. “I-I just... I keep reliving that whole day over and over, wondering what I could’ve done different.

I got sick that morning. He said we should stay home, a-and I said no. He told me to go to the med bay before we left. I said no. I-if I’d just done one thing different, he’d still be here. And I’m so mad at myself. I think he blames me, and that he hates me for

[CW PTSD related nightmares]
letting him pass the way he did. That he can’t even see his kits. And I have these dreams sometimes. I’d see him, and he just looked so angry. He’d yell at me, say it’s all my fault—“
“But it’s not your fault.” Krolia frowned. “This sounds serious.

You need to talk to someone. We all want you to seek help. That’s all. We want you to get better.”
“I-I’ll talk to whoever you want,” he insisted. “I’m just so scared and embarrassed.”
“Why?” she murmured.
“Because... I’m embarrassed being all alone now, knowing nothing about

being a parent. And I’m scared. I’m scared I won’t be good enough for them. I don’t want you to be right, Mom.”
“Let me ask you again,” she hummed. “Do you really want these kits.”
He sniffled as he quickly nodded. “Yeah. I really do.”
“Then, show us that,” she said.

“Talk to someone, get better... Be proactive in your appointments and stay healthy. Prepare for 3 kits running around.”
“I’m scared of doing it alone...”
“You’re not alone,” Kolivan insisted. “The Blade of Marmora helps their own. We’d never leave you behind.”

“And I’m always here to help,” Krolia smiled. “You know that.”
Keith nodded. “I want to do better. I don’t wanna live like this.”
“Well, we know someone that can help,” Shiro smiled. “My therapist. Deilya. She’s from Olkarion. She already wants you to make an appointment.”

“And I want an appointment with you by the end of this phoeb,” Ulaz said. “That’s non-negotiable.”
“And talk to us too,” Krolia assured him. “You have more family looking out for you than you realize.”
Keith nodded, hugging her tightly. “Thank you. I-I’m really sorry...”

“We know, sweetheart.” She rubbed his back. “And we’re sorry we sounded so harsh. We said those things because we love you. We want you to get better.”
Kolivan watched them. “Keith, why did you want to keep this private anyway?”
He bit his lip. “I was embarrassed.

I felt like it was wrong that I was starting a family without him, that you’d all be angry they were born.”
“Keith, of course not,” he chuckled. “They’re little Blades. Everyone can’t wait until they’re here.”
Keith took a deep breath. Finally opening up helped him

feel much better already, but he knew now that he had to do more. He wanted to get better. He wanted to be a good dad.
—
Deilya was a very nice woman. Her voice was warm, even when she was stern. Keith liked that about her. It made him feel relaxed. And he liked talking to her.

Sometimes he’d have conversations with her well after their allotted time when she wasn’t busy. He’d so far spoken to her several times, their sessions done through a Datapad call. They were long distanced, after all.
“Keith, as much as I enjoy our conversations,

don’t you think you should be sharing all these nicer, casual things with your friends?” Deilya asked him as they’d talked to each other until dinner time for Keith.
He blushed, feeling incredibly called out. “I don’t really have that many friends like that?”
“What about Shiro?”

she offered curiously. “You 2 seem close. Maybe you can talk to him.”
“I-I don’t know,” he trailed off.
“What’s wrong with talking to him?” She watched him through the screen.
Keith gulped. “We had an...interesting past. I don’t know if I’m ready to talk about it.

We had a falling out but kinda made up, and I still consider him a really good friend. I don’t think he sees me that way, though.”
“I beg to differ. I don’t think casual coworkers would be close enough where one would offer the other mental health service referrals.”

He blushed more. “I guess so.”
“And I enjoy our talks. You’re a nice young man. And I’m sure Shiro will too. Tell him about the kits. You can vent to him in, moderation. Talk about your day. What’d you eat? Did you see a good movie?”
“I know how to talk to people,” he laughed.

“Then talk to him.” Deilya smiled. “Give him a call. Be friendly.”
“Okay...” Honestly, she hyped him up a little. He was excited.
After hanging up he made a small meal. Krolia and Ulaz had been helping him with a healthy diet. Some of the food was an... acquired taste, though.

He was shy while dialing Shiro’s number and waited for an answer on his end. Meanwhile, he set his own plate.
“Well, what a sight for sore eyes.”
Keith was admittedly startled at hearing Shiro’s voice so soon. “Hi.” He laughed.
“You jumped 2 feet,” he teased.
“You wish.”

Keith walked over to the table with his plate. “You busy?”
“Nah, I just ate.” Shiro watched from his end of the call. “What do you have there?”
He grimaced. “Gruel.”
“Gross.” He laughed. “Ulaz is trying to murder your tastebuds.”
“You’re not wrong.” He ate slowly.

“So, what brings you here?” Shiro asked.
“O-oh, you know. Just wanted to talk.”
“You just wanted to talk, meaning you were coerced by Deilya to talk to me?”
Keith blushed. “How’d you know??”
“She may have made me do similar things.” He laughed. “Something about making friends.”

“The worst pastime.” Keith grinned. “Have you been on wild adventures lately?”
Shiro shook his head. “I’m on a little vacation, after I did some humanitarian work over on planet Yelbrig.”
“I’m so jealous,” he groaned, taking another bite of his food. “I wanna do that.”

“You’re already on vacation.”
“Y’know what I meant!” Keith tossed a bit of food at the Datapad, laughing when Shiro started to as well.
“Speaking of your vacation, how are the kits?”
“Uh, they’re okay.” He looked down. “Just... chilling.”
Shiro snorted. “‘Just chilling,’ Keith?”

“I-I don’t know how else to describe it.” He frowned.
“Keith, are you okay?”
“I don’t know. Ulaz said they were supposed to start moving a week ago. Nothing’s happened yet. Am I doing something wrong?”
“I’m sure it’s not your fault,” Shiro insisted. “Maybe they’re late bloomers.”

“I guess. I-I wonder what it feels like.” He looked down. “Shiro, is it bad that I still feel lonely?”
“Not at all. I feel lonely from time to time,” Shiro said. “It’s harder when you’re living by yourself. But we’re all here for you.”
“I know that now,” he smiled.

He finished his boring dinner. “Do you think Ulaz would be mad if I ate something fun?”
Shiro chuckled. “My lips are sealed.”
Keith gasped. “Because I found these at the space small!” He held the Datapad and walked to the children. “They had Earth chocolate!” He held a bag.

“How do you even manage that? In space!”
“Hey, it’s your lucky day,” he smiled. “Enjoy.”
“I can’t eat these by myself,” he pouted. “Come over.”
“Right now?”
“Yes, get your tiny tail over here!”
Shiro blushed. “My tail’s not tiny.”
“Objectively, Regris’ tail is far superior.”

He grinned widely.
“Oh, you take that back!” Shiro teased.
“Make me!”
“I’m coming over!” He laughed while getting off his bed, hanging up.
Keith laughed, setting his Datapad down and opening up the bag of chocolate. He took a bite, pleasantly relieved that it tasted delicious.

“Fuck,” he hummed while eating it, setting the bag down. “Shiro’s going to love these!” As he walked over to the front door, there was a flutter from inside his stomach.
He jolted, standing in place as he looked down. It felt so weird... What was that?
Shiro let himself in.

“Alright, before you begin the debate, my tail is more superior compared to your egregious lack of one!” Shiro paused when looking at him. “What’s wrong?”
“I felt something really weird,” he gasped. He pointed to where he felt it. “Right here. I-is something wrong?”

“What do you mean?” He moved closer, looking at his belly. “What’d it feel like?”
“I don’t know. One minute I was laughing, and then the next it feels like... my stomach turned into a popcorn bag.”
“A what??”
“An Earth snack,” he explained. “We should really visit there one day.”

“Keith, focus.”
“Y-yeah.” He blushed. “I guess it felt like little pops.” He gasped as he felt more. “There!” He quickly brought Shiro’s hand to his belly. “What is that? Are they okay?”
“I’m not a doctor,” he chuckled, “but I think the kits are moving.”
“What?” He gasped.

“They’re moving? Right now?”
“Seems like it, yeah,” Shiro smiled.
“That feels so weird.” Keith started to laugh. “It tickles, too. Wow...” He could feel his eyes start to water.
Shiro noticed. “Are you okay?”
He quickly nodded. “More than okay. I’m really happy.”

He wiped his eyes, grabbing the bag of candy. “Now. You’ve got to try this.”
Shiro took one in his hand. “It’s tiny.”
“That’s because your hands are so big!” he pouted. “Just try it.”
Shiro stared skeptically before putting it in his mouth, eating it. “Hmm.”
“What do you think?”

Shiro hummed again. “Mm. It’s not bad.”
“Not bad?” He scoffed as he ate one, Shiro grabbing another at the same time. “It’s like an orgasm in your mouth!”
Shiro promptly started choking on his candy, Keith swiftly helping him & rubbing his back.
“D-don’t say things like that!”

He coughed. “Keith, there’s going to be children in the house!”
“Oh, not yet. Don’t be a prude,” he grinned. He folded up the bag. “You should come back for more.”
“Hopefully I don’t choke next time,” he teased. “Chocolate’s on thin ice.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t try popcorn.”

“How many orgasms do you taste?”
“Good night!” Keith laughed, gently nudging him out.
“No, I have to know!”
Keith grinned widely. “Not yours!”
Shiro’s jaw dropped, but Keith just kept laughing as the door slid shut.
—

3 kits...
3 children.
Keith finally registered that after his next appointment. Time was passing, and everything was going well (except for his bladder). But he barely just assembled a sleeping area for his kits. He’d gotten conflicting results from other Galra that gave birth.

They all said newborn kits should sleep with him in a nest the first few days. Some said the first week and others the first phoeb. Which way was the right way?
What was the right formula to buy? Which diapers were better? It was overwhelming for him as a new parent.

And so, he called his mom for an emergency overhaul. He’d spent the whole day shopping with her, taking all of her advice on supplies.
“So how long should I really have the kits in the nest with me?” he asked nervously.
“The first week should be just enough,” she said.

“Just so they’d know your scent. I saw you already bought cribs for them.”
“Yeah. But it was everything else I was worried about.” He felt a little lightheaded. “Triple everything.”
“Alright, calm down,” she crooned. “I’m here to help, remember? We’ll do this one step at a time.”

Krolia was really helpful with converting a lot of empty living space into an area for the kits. He didn’t really know how much room he had here!
Shiro even stopped by in the middle of their decorating to help. Keith soon relaxed now that he had the company.
“Do you have names

for them yet?” Krolia asked curiously.
He nodded. “I-I only have 2 though. I just know if one is a boy, he’ll have to be named Regris, after his dad.” He blushed. “Until he decides he wants to identify someway else in the future. I mean, I’m a prime example that can happen.”

“That’s true.” Shiro smiled. “And the second.”
“Larya, for a feminine name,” he hummed. “And that’s it.”
“There’s still time,” he smiled. “That’s perfect so far.”
“Thank you.” Keith yawned a bit. “I’m sleepy.”
“Yes, it is getting late. Get some rest.” Krolia kissed his cheek.

“Have a good night, Shiro.”
“Thanks.” He started getting up after she left. “I’ll head off too.”
“Wait,” Keith gasped. “Before you go, can I talk to you?”
“Yeah, sure.” He smiled. “What’s up?”
Keith shifted nervously. “This is a weird request, but... Ulaz said I can pick

2 people I want w me while I deliver the kits. My mom will be with me, of course. B-but will you be the second person?”
Shiro froze. “Huh? Why?”
He blushed. “It sounds stupid, doesn’t it?” he groaned. “I just want another person with me. And you’ve been friends w both me & Regris

For so long, it feels right to let you be a part of the kits’ family. You’ll be like an uncle to them, right?”
Shiro started to smile. “Yeah, kinda. And it’s not stupid. It’ll be an honor.”
“Really?” He smiled and hugged him. “Thank you so much.”
“Of course.” Shiro yawned.

“Take care of yourself, ok? I’ll be here if you need me.”
“Okay.” He smiled while seeing him off. “Good night.”
“Bye, Keith.”
He smiled as they both parted ways. Keith rested peacefully that night, feeling much better than he had just a little while ago. He was proud of himself.

[CW Birth ahead! I may fall asleep in the middle of writing this, fair hanger warning]

Keith never missed a single appointment with Ulaz. He always showed up for his therapy calls with Deilya. Things were getting much better as he prepared himself for the kits.
However, nothing could prepare him for his water breaking in the middle of the night.

Keith felt so alone and afraid, but knew he had to call someone. He had to. He couldn’t shut down again. Not right now. His kits needed him to be brave.
He called his mother right away, urging her to come get him. By the time he called Shiro, he was in tears.
“Keith?”

“They’re coming,” he sobbed, trembling with fear. He frantically looked towards the door for his mom. “They’re coming, I’m scared!”
Shiro sounded more awake now. “Keith, you’re okay. Everything’s fine. Your mom and I will be there for you soon.”
“P-please, hurry!”

He shuddered at a harsh wave of pain. “Please, it hurts!”
“I’ll be right there. Just stay on the call with me.”
He tried to breathe like Ulaz taught him, but each time he felt more pain he couldn’t help screaming. This was the worst pain he ever felt in his life.

Krolia rushed in first, trying to help Keith sit up. “Keith, can you walk?”
He shook his head as he cried. “I can’t even think, Mom!”
“I’ll wake Ulaz up.” She started calling him as Shiro soon ran in.
Keith felt so relieved while reaching out for him. “Please. I-I can’t—“

“Just hold onto me.” Shiro took him in his arms, supporting all his weight. “I’ve got you.”
Krolia led them both. “Ulaz is there now. With it being so late, we have a straight beeline for the med bay.”
Keith gripped Shiro tighter during another contraction. “Nnh!”

“Keith, you have to try and breathe through it,” Krolia encouraged. “You’ll only make it worse otherwise.”
As they rushed in the med bay, Shiro did his best to gently place Keith down. Ulaz said the birth was moving rapidly, and Keith felt he already couldn’t take it.

He was a sweat-stricken mess by daybreak, yet still no real progress. He sought comfort in holding Shiro’s prosthetic arm in a death grip, biting into it with his fangs too. Shiro showed no signs of protest, just encouraging him and moving his hair out of his face.

Krolia gave him ice when he needed it, always there to comfort him when he cried. She understood.
“Alright, sweetheart, you’re doing terrific,” Krolia praised. “You’re nearly there, okay?”
Keith shuddered violently again during another scream, thrashing his limbs.

“Brace his legs, please,” Ulaz urged, ducking while Shiro and Krolia both helped. “Keith, you’re ready to start pushing, alright? Only during contractions.”
Keith whimpered, shaking his head. “I-I can’t, it’s too hard!”
“You kidding? Nothing’s too hard for you,”

Shiro chuckled. “You tackled me to the ground, and you were just a tiny, little thing! This is nothing.”
He still kept shaking his head in protest, but he did so when his body knew he had to. He let out cry after scream, and it never seemed to end.
“Keith, don’t strain yourself

too hard,” Krolia warned. “Pace yourself.”
“I just want it out!” he growled while shuddering one again. “I swear, I will revive Regris just to kill him again! F-fuck!”
“Sure you will, sweetheart,” she sighed.
He was sure that this took a whole varga. Just when he thought

it’d never end, he felt his body shudder with wave after violent wave, & he screamed as the pressure finally eased. He collapsed backward.
He heard no cries.
He paled & lifted his head up. “T-they’re not breathing,” he panicked. “They’re not breathing! Why aren’t they breathing?”

He was bursting to tears, and Krolia was quick to look at him. “Keith, it’s alright. “Sweetheart, your kits have more Galra traits. Galra need a different stimulus for air flow. They don’t cry right away like human babies.”
“Oh.” He was still crying. “T-they’re okay?”

“Yes,” she crooned and kissed his forehead. “Your first kit’s a daughter, sweetheart.”
He finally heard tiny squeals and cries and looked down. Ulaz held for him the small kit, her limbs stretching out. She did look more Galra, skin more indigo like Regris and having a long

tail with his late likenesses. Keith was overwhelmed, reaching to hold her. Despite what little Galra instincts he had, he knew what to do. He held her close while an absolute crying mess, cleaning her with spare blankets and rubbing her chest to help her keep breathing.

“That’s right,” Krolia grinned. “You’re doing amazing. Look at you.”
Keith helplessly smiled, enamored with the small child.
Even Shiro looked emotional. Keith glanced up and noticed his bright smile and watery eyes.
This peaceful moment didn’t last for long. He still had 2 left.

Admittedly, they were much easier than the first despite how tired he was. Another girl was born after the first, almost identical. She was more violet though, like Krolia. The last was tough because he was so exhausted. He nearly passed out when he trembled the last time.

His third kit was a boy, and he seemed to have more human qualities than his sisters. Krolia helped Ulaz with him, considering her experience with Keith. He heard the kit’s faint cries and his eyes fluttered closed while held his kits. He was weak. So, so weak...

And so... so cold. His breathing was labored.
“...Keith?”
“Keith, can you hear me?” Ulaz called, but he was fading away.
“Keith!” That was Shiro, calling out to him.
“Keith?”
He gasped. He knew that voice! His eyes shot open.
“Regris...” His heart soared.
“Keith, please wake up!”

But he already was awake! He was getting up from the bed, surprisingly w no issues. He hurried & held onto his mate tightly, blissfully laughing as Regris lifted him & spun him around.
“Always lighter than air, my darling,” he chuckled.
“You came!” He grinned. “I knew you would!”

“Of course,” he crooned, their foreheads pressed together. “I’ve missed you.”
“I missed you too,” he gasped and kissed him. “Regris.” He held his hand. “Our kits. Can you see our babies?”
He turned to look, seeing Krolia and Shiro panicking in the background.

His focus was only on their children. They were still mewling and crying, nuzzling into Keith’s chest... who was also lying in bed.
“I see them,” Regris grinned. “They’re so beautiful, Keith.”
He faltered. “Wait. If I’m over here, why am I on the bed too?”
Regris smiled sadly.

“Your body was too weak. We have to leave together.”
“What?” He blanched and shook his head. “I can’t. I have to stay with the kits! They need me!”
Krolia and Shiro were anxious, in tears as they held the newborns in their arms. Ulaz was hovered over his chest with a machine.

Keith gasped as he felt a shocking pulse over his chest, holding tightly to Regris. “I don’t want to die. P-please!”
“You may have another chance, my love.” Regris kissed his forehead. “Ulaz is terrific at what he does.”
Another pulse made him let out a cry.

He was pulled away from Regris harshly. “Regris?”
“You’ll be alright, darling,” he smiled. “Take great care of our children for the both of us. I love you so much.”
“Wait—“ Keith reached out.
/Pulse./
Keith’s eyes shot open again and he inhaled sharply, lying still on the bed.

“We have a pulse.” That was Ulaz’s voice.
Keith heard his mother crying. He’d never heard her cry.
Shiro was crying too. They were both near him as Ulaz checked his vitals. He winced when a light flashed in both his eyes to check his pupils.
“Ulaz...” Keith’s voice was hoarse.

“Just relax for me, son,” Ulaz warned softly. “I’ll let you know when you can sit up.”
“Oh, thank the stars,” Krolia whimpered. She was so upset.
“W...what happ’n’d?”
“Keith...” Shiro sniffled. “You were dead.”
“Dead?”
“You were very close there,” Ulaz said solemnly.

“Sometimes, when different alien raced reproduce, the smaller race’s body may not be able to handle the larger’s offspring if they’re carrying them to term. It takes a toll on them. That’s why I’d been so worried. But you were very lucky, Keith.”
Krolia rushed to his side.

She kissed his hair. “I thought we lost you. You were so brave, sweetheart. You did so well.”
“B-but I nearly died.”
“But you’re here,” she insisted & held him close, tears in her eyes.
Shiro walked back over, face tearstained as he took Keith’s hand. He weakly squeezed it back.

His eyes widened after a moment, and he looked around. “My kits,” he gasped.
“They’re all healthy and safe.” Ulaz looked at Shiro. “Bring them back over for him.”
Keith heard little whimpers and cries again, and he turned to look. There his babies were now.

Shiro placed each one close to his chest, one near each of his shoulders and the third in the center. Keith wrapped his arms around all 3, lip quivering.
“My sweet babies,” he crooned, eyed misty as he smiled. “Hi... You’re all so perfect. Your daddies love you 3 very much.”

1 of them cooed softly in his arms, & he smiled brighter. “You’re all here now. I’m so happy. He stayed w them like this until he drifted off to sleep.
After being unconscious for almost a whole day, Keith was allowed to come home. Bc of his weakened state, he was on bed rest.

That was almost impossible when he couldn’t nurse, and Krolia was very busy so Shiro temporarily moved in. He took care of everything Keith needed for his kits.
He named them all during his first official time feeding them. His son was obviously named Regris.

The name Larya went to the kit that looked more like her father, while the third he affectionately named Kyra.
“They’re so small,” he murmured as he held them in his nest. “So small and so perfect.”
There were many sleepless nights the first several weeks, but that didn’t change

his feelings for his babies at all. They were his entire world.
He gave all 3 kisses as Shiro was helping him set up for their next feeding. “You’ve done so much for me,” he hummed. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“Don’t worry about it,” he smiled. “Uncle Shiro’s here to help.”

He grinned. “Speaking of, I think Larya here wants to say hi.” He gently held her up for him.
Shiro blushed & carefully took her, pointedly only using his left hand.
“You can hold 2 babies fairly well in both arms,” Keith teased.
Shiro shook his head. “I don’t want to hurt them.”

“You? Hurt my babies? Never,” he grinned. “Here. Little Regris has had his eyes on you all day.”
Shiro stammered while holding the other baby once handed to him. They were both snuggling up in his arms as sat down. “Wow...” he chuckled. “They really are small.”
“Mhm.” he beamed.

“And they all love their uncle Shiro.”
Shiro looked down at the 2 kits while holding them closer, cradling them. The sight warmed Keith’s heart. He knew right then that Shiro truly loved them.
He even watched tears start to form in his eyes. “Aw, Shiro,” he crooned.