Once again - MANY THANKS to Karen, she's the Bestest beta ever, and Vasalysa - who keeps the cheese to a minimum, and offers endless advice and help. What would I do without the two of you?

Comments are always welcome at Geek

Dill woke, but she didn't dare move. Ty was asleep on the edge of the bed, and his arm wrapped around her was the only thing keeping him from falling out, she was sure. So she just kept still and looked at him, loving the way his short silver hair curled around his ear, his eyelashes, long for a man, but perfect on him, his lips, slightly open as he snored softly. Unable to resist, she leaned forward and kissed him. It caused him to slip over the edge, not for the first time that week. Grabbing wildly for him as he fell, she started to laugh.

"I'm sorry, I just wanted to kiss you."

"God, woman, when'd you get so big - taking up all the damn room!" he grumbled from the floor.

"Well, as I recall, there was this handsome marine who had his wicked way with me. He told me everything would be OK. I think he told me a whopping great fib!" she giggled, as his head emerged over the edge of the bed to lean forward and kiss her.

"Ever since you got here, all you've done is push me out of my bed." he laughed. "Go sleep in your own bed for once!"

She lay back giggling as he sat on the bed, stroking her swollen belly. "What, and spoil Iona's fun?" At his raised eyebrow, she laughed out loud. "What? You didn't guess? Iona's made very good friends with Cooper this past week. Why should I spoil their fun, when I can come here and push you on the floor?"

She ran her hand through his hair as he bent his head to kiss her stomach. He turned to look at her. "I can't believe how sexy you are like this." He gave her a wicked grin. "Perhaps I should keep you pregnant all the time."

"Oh great! So I'm only sexy when I'm huge! Well, thank you very much… but I didn't notice you complaining before. And what makes you think you're ever going to get lucky again, flyboy?" she laughed.

He moved up her body to her breasts, giving them a gentle suck and swirling his tongue around each large, full nipple. "God, Dill, I can't wait for these babies to be born. I wish I could come home with you to see it happening."

"Well, we have to leave soon. Another day, I think." she sighed, squirming as his hand slid down her belly to slide between her thighs. "We'll film it. How could I let you miss it." She groaned as his fingers slowly slipped inside her. "You are a bad, bad man, McQueen. You really are."

He grinned at her. "No, I'm horny as hell. Can I help it if you're so sexy? Roll over, Dill, and make room for me." Ty lay down behind her, pressing himself close, as she rolled onto her side. He continued working his fingers inside her until she was moving her hips, grinding them back into him, rubbing against his hard cock. He slowly slid his fingers out, and gently pushing her leg up, slid himself into her. Holding her close to him with one arm underneath her, he used his free hand to massage her breast, all the while kissing and nibbling her shoulders as he pumped hard inside her. He could barely contain himself. The mere sight of her naked, heavily pregnant body turned him on in ways he'd never dreamed of. He knew there were plenty of men who were turned off by such a sight, but he didn't care. He knew that Dill wanted him as badly as he wanted her. She moved her hips backwards, thrusting against him as he slid in and out of her. The small whimpering sounds she made encouraged him to push harder and faster. Feeling her muscles tensing around his cock as her climax approached sent him into frenzy, and he sped up until she cried out his name, gripping his arm and thrusting herself backwards so hard she nearly knocked him off the bed again. His own orgasm followed swiftly, and he collapsed onto the pillow, wrapping his arms around her as he gasped for breath.

They lay for a few moments gathering their strength. Ty gently began to stroke her stomach, nuzzling against her neck he whispered, "Hamish is awake."

"I'm not surprised. You woke him up." she laughed.

"Me? It was you jiggling about!" Ty tried to sound offended.

"Jiggling about! Is that what they're calling it now?" Dill chuckled. "I'm worried about Cameron." she said quietly.

"Feels like he's awake too." he told her, reaching his hand lower to feel.

"Have you noticed how it's always Hamish we talk about? What'll happen when they're born? I worry that Cameron will get left out." Dill turned to look at him. "What if he gets left out because Hamish is so much more assertive?"

"He won't get left out. You'll make sure he doesn't, and so will I." he told her, hugging her tighter.

"But what if Hamish is a bossy boots and demands all my attention?" she sighed. "How am I going to cope with twins, Ty?"

"You'll cope. Of course you will. I'm sure Iona would help you, if you asked her." It was his turn to sigh. "I just wish I could be there to help too."

"We're together now, that's what matters. And I know you'll take all the leave that's owed you. You'll do your best, that's all I ask, Ty." She held his face in her hands and kissed him soundly.

He responded eagerly, sliding his tongue into her mouth and tasting her thoroughly before breaking the kiss. "I have to get up. I need to shower, and I'm due on the bridge in 25 mikes."

"Need help washing your back?" she giggled.

Patting her stomach, he grinned. "I doubt you could reach it, and I really don't want to be late. I have too much to do."

He kissed her one final time and eased himself off the bed, hopping out of the way to avoid the hand she flicked out to slap his behind. "Damn your in vitro reflexes." she laughed. "That behind just begs to be slapped!"

"After the babies are born!" he winked, disappearing into the bathroom.

"Ooooooh - is that a promise?" she called to him.

"If I told you that, I'd have to kill you!" she heard before he was drowned out by the sound of the water running.

When he emerged from the shower a few minutes later, he found her asleep, hugging the pillow. Ty stood and looked at her for a moment or two before dressing. He'd already spoken to Iona about the weight loss he could visibly see. He'd always heard that women were supposed to bloom in pregnancy. Dill, however, looked pale and worn out. It worried him. Iona had reassured him, to a point. But then, she wasn't the one who could feel her ribs under his hands, bones where previously there had been curves. He sighed. At least she was getting some rest and finally managing to keep her food down. He dressed quickly, and with a final kiss, he pulled the covers over her and headed out the door.

Two days later found him heading for the bridge, having seen Dill and Iona off on their journey home. Despite her best intentions, Dill had cried, blaming it on her hormones. And if he was honest with himself, it wasn't dust in his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he put Dill and the babies out of his mind as he went through the door to the bridge.

An hour into his shift there came a frantic call over the comm from the pilot of an ISSAPC "Saratoga, come in! We're being pursued by enemy craft. We've taken hits. We've lost our roof and starboard guns!"

He listened while the comms operator, Lt. Crowe, spoke. "This is the Saratoga. Please advise how many enemy craft?"

"Hell, I don't know - it looks like a whole squadron! We need help now, Saratoga! We have a medical emergency on board - we're heading back. Have a med team standing by." came the pilot's panicked voice.

McQueen frowned, realizing the only ISSAPC out there was the one Dill and Iona were on. His heart leapt to his throat as he caught the look on Commodore Ross's face.

"They'll be fine, Ty." Ross whispered, moving close to him and putting a hand on his arm. Turning, Ross called out, "I want the 5-8 and the 6-4 out there now! I want the 5-8 escorting that APC back to us! And I want it yesterday!"

They waited, watching the lidar and listening to the pilot, calmer now that he knew help was on the way, as he explained the nature of the medical emergency. "The first hit we took shook us up pretty badly." he told Lt. Crowe. "We have civilians on board. One of them was thrown to the floor. She's heavily pregnant, and now it looks like she's going to have those babies right here if we don't get back soon. I'm gunning the engines as fast as I can, but you better tell the docs to be prepared when we get there. It might a close call!" He paused, and then said, "I see the fighters."

Again McQueen felt Ross's hand, this time squeezing his shoulder. "She'll be fine, Ty. Looks like you might be there for the birth after all." Ross grimaced.

"It's too early." McQueen growled. "And our sickbay's not kitted for babies."

Ross grinned. "Are you joking? They'll have a field day down there. After all the battle injuries they see, two babies will boost them right up! What a way to reaffirm what we're fighting for."

They stood shoulder-to-shoulder, McQueen taking comfort from his friend's presence, as they waited for the ISSAPC to land.

As soon as it touched down on the landing pad, Ross turned to McQueen. "What are you standing there for, man? Off to sickbay with you!" He held up a hand as McQueen opened his mouth to protest that this was his shift. "No arguing. Who's the boss here? Go, and don't come back until you have something to tell me." he grinned.

"Sir, yes, sir!" McQueen grinned back, heading for sickbay at a run cursing the fact that sickbay was so far away from the bridge.

He'd been delayed in getting there. The main corridor had been blocked by what seemed like endless squads of marines jogging. As he burst through the doors, he skidded to a halt as an unfamiliar senior nurse bumped into him. Having spent so much time in and out of the sickbay, either by himself or with his kids, he thought he knew them all.

"Colonel McQueen! Just the man I was coming to find! We're prepping her for surgery. One of the babies is showing signs of foetal distress. We need to get them out as soon as possible. Dylan insisted you be there before we started." Grabbing him by the arm, she dragged him into a private room. Dill was lying on the bed, Iona holding her hand.

He took one look at her pale frightened face and gave in to his need to hold her. Gathering her up in his arms, he held her tightly while she sobbed into his chest. "It's Cameron, I know it is."

"Shhh Dill." he whispered, stroking her hair. "You don't know that. And even if it is, he'll be OK. I promise."

"Don't make promises you can't keep." she sobbed.

The nurse tugged at his sleeve. "We really need to prep her now, colonel. Would you mind standing aside, please?" Seeing the reluctance on his face, she smiled. "It's okay, you can hold her hand for me while I put this drip in."

Laying her back down on the bed, he kept a firm hold on her hand as the nurse busied herself with the drip. Once she was set up, the nurse stood back and grinned. "I'm adding this sedative now, it'll take a minute or two before it kicks in. Sorry, but we have to put you under completely dear, in case there's internal bleeding to stop." She turned to McQueen. "Colonel, I assume you're coming in?" At his nod, she carried on. "Out of that flight suit then, lovey, and into some scrubs. I'll be back with them in a minute."

When the nurse returned, Dill was asleep. The nurse handed him the promised scrubs. "Come on, colonel. Into those, quick as you can now. There's a good boy!"

Ignoring his raised eyebrow, she turned to Iona. "There's a big marine outside asking after you. I think you should let him know you're okay."

"But Dylan - " she started.

"Has the colonel. Now out with you - we can't be having marines pulling puppy dog faces all over sickbay. Out with you, girl. Go and make him smile! There's not enough room for the two of you in there, and daddy takes priority." She nodded in McQueen's direction. "Bet he thought he'd never hear that." she whispered, as Iona stood up to leave.

"I heard that." he chuckled.

"Are you ready yet?" the nurse asked, turning around. Seeing that he was, she went to the door and yelled, "We're ready in here… now let's get these babies out!"

The room rapidly filled with people, all seemingly there to do different jobs before Dill was wheeled away to the operating theatre. McQueen trailed along behind. "Come on, colonel! No slacking at the back there!" the nurse called out with a grin. He couldn't help but grin back, despite his fears for Dill and the babies. He felt like a large mother hen had adopted him.

In the operating theatre he stood in the background, not really knowing what to do with himself, but keen to keep out of the way and let them get on with their jobs.

"Come on now, don't be shy!" came a voice from behind him. It was the nurse, changed into scrubs herself. She propelled him to the table, near Dill's head. "Make way for daddy!" she called. He was grateful for the facemask he'd been handed - it hid the blush that crept up his neck.

Ty stood and watched as the nurse - his nurse he thought of her as now - brought over a trolley with an assortment of surgical instruments. He was mesmerised by the way the whole procedure flowed so smoothly. Everyone knew exactly what they were doing. The surgeon had to ask for nothing - the nurse handed him exactly what he wanted when he wanted it. He couldn't fail to acknowledge and admire the efficiency with which they worked. He was so engrossed in watching them he almost missed it when the nurse spoke to him. "We're ready to bring out the first one now."

He watched in amazement, his heart pounding, as he saw first the feet, and then the rest of the body, and finally his son's head emerging, complete with a shock of blonde hair, from Dill's abdomen. The sight of the little fists flailing as the baby was handed to the nurse brought tears to his eyes. That was his child… his son. He could hardly breathe. Ty watched as she wiped the tiny face and cleared his nose and mouth. Alarms started to go off as she wrapped him tightly in a blanket. She turned to McQueen. "Here you go, daddy. Say hello to this little chappie while I help deliver his brother."

Holding him in his arms, he could feel the baby - his son - struggling against the blanket. "You must be Hamish." he whispered. Holding him close, Ty watched as the surgeon plunged both hands inside Dill, reaching for the next baby. "Come on, Cameron." he whispered. "You can do this."

Looking up, the nurse smiled at him. "Don't worry, it's not as bad as it seems. This little fellow is trying to give us a fright, that's all. Once we get him out, he'll be right as rain."

Ty stared, gently rocking Hamish in his arms as Cameron was removed, rather more hurriedly than Hamish had been, from his mother's abdomen. He turned, watching the nurse as she again wiped the tiny face and cleared his airways. She seemed to be spending longer with him than she had with Hamish. "Is he OK?" he asked his concern evident. "And Dill? Is Dill going to be OK?"

"He's a bit blue, but he's pinking up nicely. Don't worry. You have two beautiful baby boys. And she's going to be fine. A few stitches, and she'll be right as rain. She's done you proud." The nurse said, wrapping Cameron in a blanket and handing him to McQueen. She helped him to adjust them so he could hold both babies comfortably. "Now just stay right there - I'll be back!"

He stood, a baby on each arm, feeling slightly bewildered. Although he'd known there would be babies at the end of it, the reality was just beginning to sink in. He had two sons - two tiny people that he was now responsible for.

The nurse returned, holding a camera. She peeled off his facemask. "Come on, daddy, give us a smile!"

He found himself being photographed holding the babies, smiling despite himself. Still feeling overwhelmed at the reality of it, he stood for several more pictures when the surgical team admitted these were the first babies they'd ever delivered. How could he deny them their own photos?

Eventually the babies were taken off him. Dill had been stitched up, and they were heading back to her room. "So, do you have names for them yet?" the nurse asked him as she pushed the trolley that had been turned into a makeshift crib for the two babies.

He smiled. "We do, indeed. That one," he pointed, "is Hamish. He's been the more active of the two all through. And this one," he reached to stroke the tiny head, "is Cameron. He's the quiet one."

She watched his face as he spoke. "Besotted you are." she chuckled. "Already you're besotted. I think I know two little boys who are going to run rings around their daddy!"

"You may be right." he smiled, adding, "I just wish I could be there to watch them grow up."

"Well, they won't be going anywhere for at least a month. They'll grow quite a bit during that time, let me tell you, and you'll be here to see it." She gave his arm a squeeze. "Anytime of the day or night, you just pop down for a cuddle. No one will turn you away."

Once they were safely installed back in Dill's room, the nurse brought him two bottles of infant formula. "We're not as unprepared for everything as we may seem." she grinned.

"But Dill wants to breastfeed." he told her anxiously.

"My love, she's not going to wake up for quite a while. These boys are going to need feeding before she does. One bottle won't hurt them. I'll show you how to do it. Come on, who do you want? I'll feed the other, and then it's 'daddy learns to change a nappy'!"

"Cameron." he whispered. "Can I feed Cameron?"

"Of course you can. Now which one is he? Oh yes, he's the bald one. Ah, bless him, he's awake." Picking him up, she handed him to McQueen and made sure they were settled and feeding correctly, before she picked up Hamish to feed.

Settling herself in the other chair, she watched him with the baby. "You're a natural." she smiled. Looking down at Hamish, she grinned. "These boys have the most beautiful blue eyes. I'd say they'll stay blue, judging by yours. You know, they're like two peas in a pod, the only difference being that Hamish has hair. But he'll lose that." She smiled at him. "I'll bet you were a beautiful baby, just like these two."

"I was never a baby." he mumbled, embarrassed, but not knowing why. "I'm an in vitro."

"Of course you were a baby! They had to grow you, didn't they? You weren't just made fully grown." She shook her head. "And don't be embarrassed about it. There are two people here who won't care about that. They'll love you unconditionally." She smiled at him, ignoring the blush on his face. "I'd say their mummy does, too."

He blushed even more. "I think she does." he whispered. "I don't deserve her."

She smiled at him. "I'm sure you do, my dear. I'm sure you do."

Dill woke to the feel of someone on the bed with her, arms around her. Turning her head, she found that McQueen was stretched out next to her, his head nuzzled into her neck, snoring softly. A large smile spread across her face as she gently stroked his hand where it rested on her breast. The sound of movement drew her eyes towards the nurse busy checking the drip she was still attached to.

"My babies?" she whispered.

"Shhh, my love. They're here, and beautiful they are too. They're asleep, just like daddy here." she grinned. "He's been up for hours feeding, changing and talking to them. He's not long nodded off. I practically had to force him up onto that bed!"

"Are they both OK?" she asked quietly.

"Yes, my dear. Cameron gave us a bit of a scare, but he's fine now. Now you go back to sleep. When they need feeding again, I'll wake you and you can try feeding them yourself."

"I want you to do something for me, please?"

"Of course, my dear."

"Can you let my father know they've been born? He's on the George Washington. And one other thing - " she stopped, not quite knowing how to phrase it. "Will you do a paternity test? It's important. Please?"

"Well." the nurse sighed. "I believe the colonel here already notified your father, and… are you sure, my dear?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Please?"

"I'll do it - but I hope they're his, because he's already besotted." She nodded at McQueen.

"Oh, they are. There's no doubt about it." Dill sighed

"Then why the test? - no, don't answer that. It's none of my business. I'll get straight onto it. Now you, my girl," she came over to her and tucked the covers back up over her, "go back to sleep right this minute."

"It's so nice to hear a familiar accent. Aren't you on the wrong ship?"

The nurse smiled. "No, my love. I'm part of the exchange programme. I arrived here from the HMS Invincible a week ago. I'm here for the next six months." She chuckled. "My head of staff warned me not to pick up any bad habits while I'm here, or I can't go home. Now come on, my girl, off to sleep with you."

"Yes, nurse." Dill smiled, closing her eyes.

Next time she woke, it was to the sound of crying babies. Trying to sit herself upright, she looked up as the nurse came into the room. "Here, lovey, let me raise the bed head for you, then you'll be comfortable."

Once she was more upright, the nurse grinned. "So do you feel up to trying to feed them?" At Dill's nod, she smiled. "There's my girl. Now let's tuck these extra pillows under your arms here. They'll support the boys while they feed. If you manage this… and don't you worry if you can't… daddy is going to be a little disappointed. He enjoyed feeding them far more than he let on." She picked up Hamish and settled him with Dill, his feet tucked under her arm, his body supported by her hand and the extra pillows. She ensured he was latched on correctly. "That's the ticket! Now do you think you can manage the other chappie too?"

As Dill nodded again, she did the same with Cameron on the other side. "Of course, now you don't have the use of your arms." she laughed. "But don't you worry, I'll be back in a minute."

She turned to leave, stopping as Dill asked, "The test?"

"Oh, they're his all right, no doubt about it. Now stop worrying and get those boys fed. I sent the colonel off a while ago, to shower and eat. I expect he'll be back any minute, and you have a whole queue of visitors waiting to say hello." At Dill's worried look, she smiled. "Oh don't worry. No one's coming in until you've finished. Well, except the colonel, but he gets special privileges. He is daddy, after all!" That said, she disappeared out of the door, leaving Dill alone with the babies.

Looking down at them, she saw two sets of pale blue eyes looking up at her. She was unprepared for the strength of love she felt for them both. It brought her close to tears. With a sigh, she contented herself with enjoying watching them as they fed, their tiny mouths working hard as they suckled on her, little fists pressing against her breasts.

"So, can you tell who's who?" McQueen asked, as he came through the door. He kissed her before settling himself into a chair, watching her feeding.

"I'm not sure." she smiled. "But I think this little wriggle fish here, with all this hair… Gosh Ty, so much hair! I think this must be Hamish. And that means that this little man is Cameron." She smiled down at the little face still watching her intently.

"Spot on." he laughed. "Cameron gave us a scare, but it didn't take long for him to pick up."

She smiled at him. "God, Ty, they are so beautiful. Just like their father."

He frowned. "A paternity test, Dill? Why did you ask for that? You said they were mine."

"I wanted you to know that for sure. Now you'll never think about it again, no matter what happens. You'll know they're yours. You'll never get a sneaking doubt, not ever." she told him quietly.

"Oh Dill - I love you so much it hurts." he said, getting up and hugging her.

"So now you know for sure, and we can put it behind us and move on." she whispered. "And I love you too, Tyrus McQueen."

He kissed her hair, her forehead and finally her mouth, before sitting back down in the chair, watching fascinated as the babies fed.

They sat in a comfortable silence for a while, McQueen watching the babies feed, and Dill watching him. Once the boys were finished, she watched in admiration as he took them from her one at a time, changed their nappies, and settled them down to sleep.

"Well, you have skills you've kept secret." she chuckled, as he finally settled Hamish.

"I had a good teacher." he smiled. "That nurse of yours, she showed me how earlier. I can bottle-feed them too." he added proudly.

"Come here to me." she laughed. "Come and give me a cuddle. I think I'm about ready for some proper cuddles from you." At the wary look on his face, she laughed more. "No, you fool, not that sort of a cuddle - just a cuddle. I'm not up to anything like that yet! Hop up on here and give me a snug."

Doing as he was told, they lay together, McQueen wrapping his arms around her protectively as she snuggled herself into his chest, being careful to avoid her abdomen.

"Ty?"

"Yes?"

"You were watching them feed. You were very - intent." She looked up at him, noticing the blush creeping up his face. "You've never seen babies being breastfed before, have you?" It was a statement, rather than a question.

"No." he whispered. "Does it hurt?"

"Not at all." She was silent for a while. Then, "Ty?"

"Yes?"

"You were never breastfed."

"Well, no, of course not." he said, apprehensive about where this was leading.

"Would you like to try?" she asked, her voice very small and quiet.

"What… here? Now? I don't know, Dill. It's not right - that's for the babies."

"Ty, there's plenty for everyone. I've never known you not to want to suck my breasts before!" she giggled.

"Well, that's as maybe… but before, you didn't have babies to feed."

"They're fed. So?" she stared into his eyes. "I don't want to force you into it, but I'm letting you know it's all right."

"Maybe," he whispered, his blush deepening, "just once."

"Lock the door then, and close the blind."

Getting up from the bed, he walked slowly across the room to lock the door. Mentally he may have been reticent, but his body was keen. His cock was rigid.

She smiled, seeing how turned on he was. "Hurry up," she whispered, "and unzip that suit. I'm sure I can help you with that."

"Not in front of the babies, Dill!"

"Oh, come here you fool." she laughed, reaching for him as he climbed back onto the bed.

Holding her tightly, he waited for her nod before bending his head to take her nipple into his mouth. She moaned as he began to suckle. It felt completely different to when the babies had been feeding. She looked down at him. He'd closed his eyes, but opened them again, staring up at her as she stroked his head gently. He stopped suckling. "Go on." she whispered. "It's OK. It feels good, go on." she urged him. He carried on, a whimper escaping his lips as she reached inside his flight suit to stroke his hard cock. Slowly she began to pump him, squeezing him gently, until she could feel his hips beginning to move. She increased her speed, still gently squeezing him with each pump of her hand, until he was bucking his hips into her hand. His sucking became more erratic as he began to build to a climax, and she worked him harder till he thrust against her hand two, three times hard and fast, and she felt him come.

"God, Dill, that was - intense." he gasped, releasing her breast.

"Mmmmm - Yes it was. We must try that again, when I'm all healed up. Thank goodness I heal fast. Must have got that from my father, too." she grinned at him. "You better get cleaned up before that nurse comes back. She'll get suspicious if the door's locked."

Hopping off the bed, he got a washcloth from the sink and cleaned himself and Dill. "You are a very bad girl Dill. I can't believe we just did that! And in front of the babies, too!"

"Oh, give over, you know you enjoyed it." she laughed. "Now, quick, unlock that door."

He did as he was told, and not a moment too soon. He'd just sat down in the chair when the nurse bustled in. "Shut the blinds, did we? Well, we all need privacy sometimes, but I'll just open them now. I hope you two haven't been up to mischief in here!" she chuckled, mentally noting the way they both blushed and smiling to herself. "There's a whole crowd out there to see you. Shall I let them in?"

Dill grinned. "Yes, please."

They were soon besieged by the 58Th and Iona, come for their first look at the new arrivals. McQueen sat in the chair watching them as they cooed and clucked over the sleeping babies, showing Dill the gifts they'd bought. His 'kids' fussing over his kids… the thought made him smile.

Next : Chapter Five
Previous : Chapter Three
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