A few days later:

Star opened his eyes, waking up to something unusual. He felt something fuzzy rubbing against his head. He looked up and saw a large fuzzy caterpillar. It was colored with three different shades of green and it appeared to be asleep. Star sat up and stared down at it curiously. “Mmm… Morning?” He said.

The caterpillar wiggled around a little but didn’t appear to wake up.

Star reached out and ran his hand across the top of it.

The caterpillar again moved around this time getting up and circling around on the pillow. It stopped and looked up at Star.

“Well hello there.” Star smiled.

It continued to look up at Star curiously.

“Well I was going to go downstairs and make breakfast. You can sleep as long as you want.” Star said and turned around, heading towards the door. He felt something heavy and very fuzzy move up his back and onto his shoulder.

“Oh you want to come with me?” Star asked, trying to turn his head back to see it.

When he did his face was inches from the caterpillar’s. It made a strange clicking noise.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Star said and walked out of the room and to the stairs. He walked down the stairs and waved to J, who was sitting on the couch watching TV.

“Oh hey you two.” J said as he glanced back, “Het you being a good girl?” He asked.

Heterocera clicked again.

“Okay!” J said as he looked to the side of himself on the couch.

“What’s she saying?” Star asked.

“Just that she doesn’t understand how you appeared in the bed she chose to sleep in last night.” J said.

“I see…” Star said.

“Don’t look to deep into it. They both just hatched last night.” J said.

“Well I think she’s adorable.” Star said, turning and kissing Het on the top of the head.

Het clicked and moved her head back and forth.

“She said she liked that.” J said.

“Glad to hear it. Would she like some food too?” Star asked.

Het clicked.

“Hm. She said she’d love to try some food. But after she ate a few books that she found in my room… she’s pretty full.” J said.

“Ah that’s fine. Maybe later then.” Star said and approached the couch. He noticed another caterpillar, this one was colored different shades of red, was staring at the TV. “So you want to stay with your sister or did you want to watch me cook?”

Het clicked again. The caterpillar on the couch looked up at Het and clicked back.

“You two knock it off.” J said. “Roph she doesn’t have to stay here.”

Roph clicked as she looked up at J.

“I know. But if she wants to stay with Star she can.” J said.

“Neat. I guess we can have some quality time together.” Star smiled, nuzzling his head closer to Het’s.

Het crawled on top of Star’s head and nibbled on his horn a little.

Star giggled a little. “That tickles…” He said.

“Het. Horns are not food.” J said.

Het climbed back down off of Star’s head and back onto his shoulder.

“So let’s cook your dad some food shall we?” Star asked.

Het nodded.

Ben hopped out from in between the couch cushions and hugged Roph.

Roph clicked a few times and waggled her body a little before looking at Ben.

Ben giggled and pressed his face into Roph, rubbing it against her fuzzy body.

“Daww… I think he likes her.” Star said. “You three have fun… I’m going to start making breakfast.” He said, turning and walking into the kitchen.

Ben crawled over to J, Roph in his arms as he held her up to J.

Roph clicked a few times.

J reached out and took Roph. “Thank you Ben.” He smiled.

Roph wiggled out of J’s arms and crawled onto his leg moving towards his foot. When she got to his foot she looked at his sock and took a loose thread into her mouth.

Ben looked down at Roph curiously before crawling up to J and chewing on his shirt.

“Hm so Ben’s joining the eat weird things club too.” J chuckled.

Ben fell back onto his ass and stared up at J. He smiled and started clapping, giggling lightly.

J laughed a little bit.

Roph started pulling more thread from J’s sock as she slowly ate it.

“No Het that’s not bathwater!” Star shouted from the kitchen as Het scurried quickly out of the kitchen and towards J, leaving a trail of pancake batter behind her.

J laughed even more.

Het scurried up a wall and onto the ceiling dripping batter down onto the floor.

Star ran out of the kitchen and slipped on the trail, falling onto his face.

Ben clapped more and started laughing loudly.

The front door opened and Fluttershy walked in, glancing between J and Star. “Am… I interrupting something?” She asked.

J looked over at her, “No… Star was just making breakfast before Het decided she wanted a bath.” He said.

“Oh… Well I wa-” Fluttershy was cut off as Het fell onto her head and started crawling down her face, covering her head in pancake batter.

“That is perfectly good batter!” Star said.

“Het is a trouble maker.” J laughed.

Roph sucked down the rest of J’s sock before crawling back towards J and onto the couch, where she looked at Star and Fluttershy.

Fluttershy licked some off her face. “Mm… Blueberry.” She smiled. She picked up Het and started licking her clean.

Het started squirming and clicking madly.

“You made this mess. Are you going to clean it up?” Fluttershy asked.

After the licking stopped Het calmed down and gave a single click.

“She just said no.” J said, “She doesn’t like the taste of the batter.”

“Oh… Well um… Don’t worry about it. I’ll clean it up.” Star said.

Roph crawled onto the floor and licked at the trail of batter.

“Nope. Roph’s got it.” J said.

Ben stared up at J and made a strange expression with his lips. He stuck his tongue out. “Sssss…” He sputtered.

“Um… okay?” J said uncertainly.

“S….Sssshhh…” Ben sputtered.

“I think he’s trying to say something?” Star said curiously.

“Maybe…” J said.

“Sssha…. Sha….” Ben said.

“Maybe… we’re going to hear his first words…” J said with a smile.

Star walked over and sat down, staring down at Ben.

“Sh… Shay… Shay shay.” Ben said.

Star smiled widely. “I think he’s trying to say J.” He said.

“How do you figure?” J asked his smile growing a little more.

Ben looked at Star and reached towards him. “Dada…” He mumbled.

Star picked Ben up and nuzzled him closely. “Oh baby’s first words!” Star said, his smile beaming outward.

Fluttershy squealed and rushed over, hugging Star.

Star looked at J and saw some tears running down his face. “Are you okay J?” Star asked a little concerned.

J wiped the tears away, “Yeah…” He said, “I am…”

Ben looked at J and started to whine, reaching his arms out to him. Star smiled and handed Ben to J.

J took Ben and J smiled again.

Ben reached out his hands and covered J’s eyes.

“I don’t think he likes when you cry…” Star said softly.

“Then I won’t.” J said.

Ben started chewing on J’s hair happily.

J chuckled a little bit. Both Roph and a now clean Het climbed onto the couch and onto J’s shoulders.

“Did you need anything?” Star asked.

“I don’t. And Roph just ate.” J said raising his foot a little, “And I think Het has had enough for now.”

“I see…” Star said, looking at the half eaten sock on J’s foot. “Well I’m still hungry so… Be right back.” Star ran back into the kitchen shortly after.

“Get me some too. I didn’t think you had stopped cooking just because of the mess.” J said.

“Gotcha.” Star called.

--------------------------

“So… How’s the scar feeling?” Star asked, taking a bite of his food.

“Better. Hasn’t been acting up a lot recently.” J said as he ate some of his food.

“Good…” Star said.

“How you feeling?” J asked.

“I’m fine.” Star shrugged.

Roph clicked a few times.

“Something wrong?” J asked as he looked over at Roph who had gotten flipped onto her back.

“How’d that even happen?” Star asked.

Het had climbed onto Ben’s back and was nibbling on his hair.

Ben crawled over and rolled Roph back onto her stomach.

Roph clicked a few times again and rubbed against Ben.

Ben giggled and hugged Roph.

“I think they’re having fun.” Star said.

“Yep… they are.” J said with a smile. “I’m not the only one who thinks we should let Roph and Het see there other aunts am I?”

“It’d be selfish not to.” Star smiled.

“Yeah… Hm… It’s only who should they go see first…” J said as he scratched his chin. “Twilight! I’m sure she’d love to see them!”

“Sounds like a great idea.” Star nodded.

“Wait… With Het and a library…” J said.

Het’s head perked up and she looked at J. She clicked a few times.

“What?” Star asked.

“She asked what a library is.” J said.

“Oh… It’s a big house full of books.” Star said.

Het threw herself off of Ben and started spinning around on the floor.

“You can’t eat any of them.” Star said.

Het stopped and turned to Star and she stared at Star.

“I’m serious.” Star said.

Het clicked.

“No… you can’t do that to anyone.” J said.

“What?” Star asked.

“She wanted to poison you for saying that.” J said.

“Aww she’s just like her father.” Star smiled.

“Mmm Okay.” J said.

Het clicked.

“I agree with him you can’t eat the library.” J said.

Het looked up at Fluttershy.

“Sorry… But no. We can buy you as many books to eat later.” Fluttershy agreed.

Het looked down and went into the kitchen.

“Right after we leave I’ll get some books for you.” J said.

“Alright well why don’t we head out?” Star asked.

They all head a loud thump in the kitchen. Shortly after Het crawled up the back of the couch and onto J’s head.

--------------------------------------

“Well hello there…” Twilight smiled, staring down at Het and Roph.

Het stared up at Twilight.

Roph clicked happily as she crawled towards Twilight’s foot. When she got to Twilight’s foot she started chewing on her shoe.

“Oh so you like my feet?” Twilight raised an eyebrow.

“No… she wants your socks… at least I hope that’s all she eats. If it’s anything foot related… no one will have shoes for a long time.” J said.

“Mm… Okay.” Twilight said.

“Het on the other hand… enjoys books.” J said. “But… with the promise of her own selection she’ll be good.”

“What kind of books does she like?” Twilight asked.

“She’ll eat any kind she comes in contact with. Though from what she told me… adventure books are spicy… action are relatively sour. And romance seems to be really sweet.” J said.

“W… She uh… Eats them?” Twilight asked hesitantly.

“Yeah.” J said, “She won’t eat any books here though.”

“Okay…” Twilight said nervously, staring down at the two.

“Roph is pretty normal… except for she ate my sock.” J said.

“Yeah I can see she likes them.” Twilight laughed.

J smiled a little.

Roph looked up at Twilight and clicked a few times.

“Yeah go ahead and take my socks.” Twilight rolled her eyes.

“No that’s not what she said.” J smiled.

“What then?” Twilight questioned.

Roph crawled up Twilight’s leg and onto her shoulder. She then looked at Twilight.

“Well she just said that she likes you.” J said.

Twilight smiled. “I like you too.” She said, her wing extending and petting Roph on the head.

Ben giggled as Fluttershy bounced him on her shoulders.

J sat down in a chair and Het climbed up onto his lap.

Roph wiggled a little on Twilight’s shoulder before she got a grip on Twilight’s wing.

“What are you up to?” Twilight asked.

Roph started nibbling on Twilight’s wing.

Twilight started to laugh.

“Yeah they like to chew on everything.” Star said.

“I know more than anyone.” Fluttershy said as Ben started shoving her hair into his mouth.

“Yes… they chew on everything…” J said.

Het shifted around on J’s lap as she nibbled on the chair he was on.

“I think it’s cute.” Twilight said.

“Not all the time.” Star said, trying to pull Ben off Fluttershy’s shoulder, only for him to latch onto her hair.

“Ah! Stop pulling!” Fluttershy said.

“Yes… tell me it’s cute when these two eat your bed.” J said.

Het pulled of a small bit of the chairs cushion and ate it.

“So is there any other reason you’re here besides eating my house?” Twilight asked.

“I thought that you’d like to see them.” J said.

Het spat the cushion piece out and onto the floor.

“And now your house is safe. Het doesn’t like the taste of the soaps you use.” J said.

“What a relief…” Twilight said sarcastically.

“That includes the books.” J said.

There was a small thump beside Twilight as Roph fell off Twilight’s wing and onto the floor.

Twilight quickly knelt down. “You okay?” She asked.

Roph looked up at Twilight and nodded.

“Good… I’d hate to see you get hurt.” Twilight smiled, rubbing Rophs head.

Roph made a sound that sounded similar to a purr.

Star yanked Ben off and fell back onto the floor. Ben crawled out of his grasp and started climbing up J’s leg.

J smiled a little.

Het looked down at Ben before looking at Star.

Star shrugged.

Ben crawled under J’s shirt and around to his back.

“Okay…” J shrugged.

Het climbed off of J and crawled over to Star.

“Hey.” Star smiled.

Ben crawled up onto J’s wings and gripped them tightly.

Het lunged at Star knocking him back as she crawled onto his face.

Star poked at Het. “Whatcha doin.” He said.

Het wiggled around on Star’s face before shoving a few of her feet into his mouth.

“Mmph.” Star mumbled before nibbling playfully on them.

Het started to chew on Star’s horn.

Ben crawled up and poked his head out of the top of J’s shirt and stared at him.

“Hey Ben.” J smiled.

Ben bit down on J’s neck, his fangs seeming sharper than before as they pierced his skin.

“Aaah… O…kay…” J said in a slightly pained tone. “No one… told… about this…”

“Aww… He likes you.” Fluttershy smiled.

Ben drank a little blood before pulling off and giggling, pressing his bloodied face against J’s with a smile on his face.

“That’s great.” J smiled.

Het bit down on the tip of Star’s horn and an odd appendage inside her mouth began to rub all over it.

“What are you doing?” Star asked curiously.

A few seconds later a Het pulled off and began to chew on Star’s nose.

“Yes my nose tastes good.” Star laughed.

“You know I have that age spell if you ever feel like you want him to grow up.” Twilight suggested, pointing to Ben. Ben immediately bit down onto J’s ear.

“A… ah… pain…” J grunted.

A long snaky appendage was shoved into Star’s nostril when Het bit down on his nose.

“Ngh…” Star grunted. “Nose… Not… Slgrnh…”

Het pulled it back out of his nostril.

Ben crawled back onto J’s wing and bit into it.

“Urk… Help… please…” J said.

Het shoved the appendage into Star’s other nostril.

“Ng… Bad… Very bad…” Star said.

Fluttershy came over and pulled Ben off J and back onto her shoulders.

Het pulled it out of Star’s nose and moved up so her mouth was at level with Star’s eyes.

“Whatcha lookin at punk?” Star smiled.

Het looked at Star.

Star sat up and pulled Het off his face and onto the top of his head.

Het crawled off of Star’s head and moved to Fluttershy’s leg.

“Oh… Hello.” Fluttershy said.

Het looked up at Fluttershy.

There was a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it.” J said as he stood up from the chair and walked over to the door opening it up. Sitting in front of the door staring up at J was Oscar.

“Oh. Hey Oscar.” J said, “Come on in.” He stepped to the side giving room for Oscar to come in.

Oscar quickly scurried in and looked around the room. He saw Het on Fluttershy’s leg and stared at her.

Het crawled up Fluttershy’s leg and looked down at Oscar.

Oscar stared intently at Het.

J carefully watched Oscar.

Het clicked a few times.

Oscar walked up to Fluttershy and poked Het gently with one of his legs.

Het scurried up to Fluttershy’s shoulder.

“No they aren’t food.” Fluttershy said.

Oscar blinked a few times before taking Ben off Fluttershy and placing him onto his back.

Het looked down at Oscar. A little bit of liquid dripping from her mouth.

Oscar tilted his head curiously and stared at Het. Ben bounced happily on top of Oscar.

Het simply opened her mouth a little and a small spiked appendage slid out menacingly.

“I don’t think she likes you Oscar.” Fluttershy said.

Oscard blinked a few more times before looking down at the floor disappointedly.

“It’s not that… She just sees Oscar as a threat right now.” J said. “Don’t be like that Het. He won’t eat you.”

Het retracted the appendage and closed her mouth.

Oscar crawled over to Star and sat next to him.

“Hey there Oscar.” Star said, patting him on the head. Oscar nuzzled closer to him and a few of his eyes looked up at Ben. Ben giggled softly and held onto Oscar tightly.

Roph crawled away from Twilight and up the wall.

“Roph whatcha doing?” J asked.

Roph clicked a few times and crawled further up the wall and onto the ceiling.

“Crawling.” Star said.

“Yeah I can see that.” J said.

Roph clicked a few more times.

“You really shouldn’t be up there. Gravity really seems to love you.” J said.

Roph clicked angrily.

“I don’t think she wants to.” Star said.

Roph suddenly fell landing on top of Twilight knocking her to the ground.

Twilight grunted. “You’re enjoying this… Aren’t you?” She asked.

Roph rolled off of Twilight and looked at her, she clicked.

“She says sorry.” J said.

“I’m sure you are.” Twilight smiled, scratching the top of Roph’s head.

Roph purred again and nuzzled closer to Twilight.

Star laughed. “Well this is going a bit calmer than I expected.” He said.

“What did you expect?” J asked curiously.

“Shreds of books and purple laser beams.” Star said.

“Yep. I’m sure that would have happened if not for the bribe.” J said.

Het rubbed against Fluttershy.

Fluttershy smiled and started humming a song.

“Hm.” J mumbled, “That’s a nice song.”

“Well I think we should go show the others.” Star said, glancing at Het and Roph.

Roph looked up at J expectantly.

J walked over to Roph and picked her up.

Roph climbed onto J’s shoulder and happily rubbed herself against his face.

“Well… who do you think we should see next?” J asked.

Star shrugged. “Maybe… Uh… Rarity?” He said.

“Yes. I should set up a sock supply so we don’t have to worry about running out.” J laughed.

“Yeah that works.” Star chuckled.

Oscar walked up to Fluttershy and pulled her onto his back. Fluttershy smiled and looked down at Ben, placing him in her lap.

---------------------------

J knocked on Rarity’s door.

“So let’s try to keep them away from her work… You know…” Star said.

“Of course.” J said, “Like I’d want to risk having needles thrown at me.”

J knocked on the door again.

Rarity opened the door up, “Hello you tw-” She stopped as she saw Rohp and Het sitting on J’s shoulders.

“Something wrong?” J asked.

“Those colors…” Rarity said as she looked closely at the two caterpillars.

“What?” Star asked.

“That fade…” Rarity said.

“Oh god… J prepare yourself.” Star whispered.

“It can’t be natural! Tell me what dye’s are you using those colors are amazing!” Rarity said as he grabbed J.

“Um… it’s natural…” J said.

“Yeah… Been that way since I woke up.” Star shrugged.

“Star I need your opinion on a few things.” Rarity said as she pulled J into her house. “Come along!”

Star was pushed in by Oscar. Fluttershy and Ben still on his back as they followed behind Rarity.

“Rarity… please they aren’t… here for… makeovers… these are your new nieces…” J said.

“And what’s wrong with giving my nieces a makeover?” Rarity asked.

Het clicked a few times and stared at Rarity.

“For one… Het doesn’t want one.” J said.

“Well I’m sure her sister will want one then!” Rarity said.

Roph had already gotten off of J’s shoulder and was on Rarity’s foot.

“See! She really does want one!” Rarity said.

Roph in the mean time had found a loose thread on Rarity’s sock and had started to suck it down.

“I don’t think that’s what she wants.” Star said, pointing to her sock.

“Wha-” Rarity stopped as she looked down.

J bit his lip to contain his laughter.

“I think she wants to give YOU a makeover.” Star said, trying not to laugh as well.

Rarity stared at J and he calmed down instantly.

“I’m going to guess. She eats socks…” Rarity said.

“So far… that and food.” J said.

Rarity sighed, “So. That’s the ONLY reason you came here?” She asked.

“No.” J stated. “I thought you might want to see them.”

“Well thank you for that thought.” Rarity sighed.

Roph looked up at Rarity and crawled up her leg and onto her shoulder.

“Oh. So now it’s m-” Rarity stopped as Roph rubbed up against her face.

“I think she likes you.” Fluttershy giggled.

“I like you too.” Rarity said as she rubbed Roph’s head.

Roph purred a little bit.

“Oh… so she eats cats too?” Rarity joked.

J shrugged, “Possibly.” He said.

“So how you been lately Rarity?” Star asked.

“Good. How have you been doing?” Rarity said.

“You know… The usual feelings you have in a day.” Star shrugged.

“That’s good… and Fluttershy how have you been doing?” Rarity said.

“Great! Especially when he’s here.” Fluttershy said, tickling Ben and laughing as he giggled.

’d tell you to just relax but… we all know how that turns out“That’s wonderful!” Rarity smiled. She then looked at J, “And how have you been?” She asked.

J shrugged, “Pretty good.” He said.

“Hm.” Rarity mumbled, “Is something wrong?”

“Nope.” J said, “Just the usual things I feel.”

“I’d tell you to just relax but… we all know how that turns out around here.” Rarity said with a little laugh.

“Yeah… I think if you say it a few more times we’ll have some explosions in no time.” Star joked.

J laughed a little bit. “I’m sure that would happen.” He said.

“I’d thank you for coming to see me but I’m going to guess that you’ll be sticking around for a little while longer.” Rarity said.

“If we’re making you uncomfortable we’ll leave.” Star said.

“I’m not uncomfortable at all.” Rarity said, “In fact I was hoping you would stop by.”

“Oh?” Star said, leaning in curiously.

“Yes…” Rarity said, “I wanted to take a few measurements on both you and J. But as J is currently tied up I’ll do you first.”

Star choked a little on the water he was drinking. “W… Huh?” He mumbled.

Rarity grabbed a tape measure off the table, “Now just hold still.” She said.

-------------------------------

“All done.” Rarity said as she set down the notepad, permanent marker, pen, and tape measure.

“Well it’s a good thing this involved me having my clothes on.” Star said.

“Like I’d risk doing that so close to my time.” Rarity said with a smile. “Now… I’m sure I can begin making… Oh wait… that’s a surprise…”

“Uh huh…” Star mumbled.

“It’s too bad that we had to miss last years.” Rarity said as she walked over to a chair, “I would have loved to show off some of my newest designs!”

“I’m sure you would have. And I’m sure there are many more in the future.” Star joked.

“It’s too bad you don’t have the slightest idea what I’m talking about Star. I know you’d be just as excited as I am for it!” Rarity said.

“Yes. I’m very sure you’re right about that.” Star nodded in agreement.

“Oh and Fluttershy… you’ll have to come back later… I’m going to make a completely new dress for you and everyone else!” Rarity said.

“That sounds fun…” Fluttershy smiled.

“And unlike last time… I’m going to listen to any ideas you have for your dress.” Rarity said.

“Okay.” Fluttershy said.

“Don’t let me keep you all here.” Rarity said.

J shrugged, “Okay.” He said. “Onward to the next ‘challenge!” He walked out of the house.

-----------------------------------

Back at J and Star’s house:

J walked into the house and sat down on the couch. Roph and Het crawled off his shoulders and onto the couch.

“Hunger again setting in.” J said.

“And again, a problem I must solve.” Star said.

“A problem you always have the answer to.” Fluttershy smiled, kissing Star on the cheek.

“Yeah. You always solve it in the best way possible too.” J said.

“Boy I love problems with multiple choice.” Star grinned.

“I know you do.” J smiled.

“Anyways. I think Ben is hungry.” Star said. Ben’s eyes shot to J and he stared at him.

“I really don’t care.” J said, “He’s free to do it.”

“Okay then.” Star shrugged, letting Ben go. Ben immediately crawled towards J and bit into his arm.

“Yep… it’s not like he’s going to take all that much.” J said.

“Yeah but he’s still teething.” Star smirked as Ben took his teeth out and bit into his arm several times.

“Mmm and Het is enjoying your cookbooks.” J smirked.

Star’s eyes widened and he jumped up, bolting into the kitchen.

Roph crawled onto J and stared down at Ben.

Ben stared up at Roph and crawled up J towards her.

Roph continued to star at Ben.

Ben poked Roph a few times.

Roph remained still.

Star walked out of the kitchen, holding Het in his hands. “No… You don’t eat my books.” He said strictly.

Het crawled up his arm and began to nibble on his ear.

“Being cute isn’t helping you.” Star said, cracking a smile.

Het looked down at Star’s hand.

Star brought his hand close to Het.

Het pushed a finger into her mouth and closed her mouth around it.

“Okay fine you’re forgiven.” Star said.

Het spat out his finger and crawled onto Star’s head before nibbling on the tip of his ear.

“How’s Ben doing?” Star asked. Ben grabbed Roph and fell backwards off of J and onto the couch, pulling her with him.

Roph looked up at J for a moment before looking back at Ben and nibbling on his nose.

Ben giggled and hugged Roph.

“I see he’s fine.” Star said.

“Yep… and can I have a bandage?” J asked.

“Sure just a second.” Star said, running upstairs. As soon as Star walked into the bathroom a hooded figure ran out of J’s room and into Star’s.

Ben’s gaze was fixed on the figure and he jumped off the couch and started crawling towards the stairs.

J got up and grabbed Ben, “Nah uh.” He said, “You’re staying down here.”

Ben started to whine and kick J.

J sighed and carried Ben back to the couch.

Ben bit into J’s hand.

J placed Ben onto the couch.

Ben immediately jumped off the couch and crawled through J’s legs and back towards the stairs.

Het immediately crawled onto Ben and dragged him back onto the floor.

J slumped back onto the couch and gripped his head.

Ben started kicking Het away.

Het’s bristles immediately flared up.

Ben stared at Het intently.

Het stared at Ben waiting for him to move.

Ben stood up onto his feet and continued to stare at Het.

Het looked up at Ben her bristles flaring out intimidatingly.

Ben’s wings started to flap rapidly and he started floating up towards the ceiling.

Het let out a loud hiss and liquid began to drip out of her mouth.

As Ben hovered higher towards the second floor, the figure exited Star’s room and snatched Ben out of the air.

Het instantly spat out a large glob of venom missing the figure by inches. The wall sizzled a little as the venom slid down it.

“Mm… Okay then.” Beck said.

A large bristle shot through the air hitting the railing going most of the way through it.

Fluttershy walked out of the kitchen with a sandwich in her hand.

Het hissed at Beck. More venom sliding out of her mouth.

Fluttershy looked up at Beck. She dropped her sandwich and her pupils dilated. “Who the FUCK ARE YOU?” She screamed, noticing Ben in her hands.

“The… fuck are you doing?” J questioned as he slowly stood up.

“Holding a baby.” Beck said.

Roph’s bristles stood up again.

“Please control the drooling maggot.” Beck said.

Het hissed again.

“They… aren’t… maggots…” J said angrily.

“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” Beck shrugged.

Roph set another bristle loose this one impacting the bathroom door.

“What the fuck?!” Star shouted.

Het hissed loudly.

Fluttershy’s wings shot open and she bolted at Beck.

Beck took a step back and waited. As Fluttershy got close she sidestepped and Fluttershy smashed into the wall. Beck walked over and kicked her in the side. Fluttershy grunted in pain before Beck set Ben next to her and started walking down the stairs.

Het hissed violently but didn’t move from her spot.

Roph stared at Beck.

“You’re not making it easy to like you.” J said.

“Good. I didn’t ask you to.” Beck laughed and headed to the front door.

“Yet you want me to not tell Star. Trust isn’t one way.” J said.

“Well to be fair… She came at me.” Beck said.

“To be fair she had no idea what you were doing with her child.” J said.

“Fair enough.” Beck said.

J shook his head, “Whatever you’re trying to prove by hurting the other girls Star loves… it’s not a good path to be going down.” He said.

“And what would you know about a good path?” Beck asked curiously.

“There’s a lot about me that you still have to learn… that everyone still has a lot to learn.” J said, “From what I’ve seen you’re quite strong…”

“Yes and I’m sure I could listen to your speech that you are about to give that will turn me from my evil ways.” Beck said sarcastically.

“No. I don’t see any point in helping someone who’s to scared to face those they hold as important.” J said.

Beck stopped, standing there and staring at J silently.

“Go ahead and kill me. I’m sure he’d still love you afterwards.” J said calmly.

Beck walked towards J.

J didn’t move.

Beck walked past J and sat down on the couch. She leaned back and pulled her hood down. “Fine.” She said.

J smiled a little, “Good.” He said.

“But before things go to hell. Just know I was staying away for a reason.” Beck said, staring past J to the top of the stairs.

“Whatever reason that was I’m sure that it won’t be as important as you coming back.” J said.

Star came out of the bathroom, seeming slightly stunned as he approached the railings. “I got the bandages… Why was there a large needle inches away from my…” He stopped and stared at Beck.

“Yeah… this is going to be fun…” J said quietly.

Star’s eyes shut and he immediately fainted.

“Really fun.” J said.

“What… The fuck…” Fluttershy groaned, standing up with Ben in her hands.

“Now let loose the dogs of war.” J said.

Beck jumped up and ran upstairs, quickly kneeling next to Star. “Are you okay?!” She said in a panic.

“The hell are you?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’ll sum it up this way. She’s from Star’s past.” J said, “I would say something about her stalking him for a long time… and us in turn… but that’s beside the point right now.”

“Shut the fuck up. Can’t you see Star is hurt?” Beck said angrily.

“He fainted. He’ll wake up and probably faint again once he sees you… again.” J said.

“Did you kick me?” Fluttershy asked.

“Do you want me to do it again?” Beck asked, picking Star up and heading to his room.

Fluttershy glared down at J.

“Death isn’t something I’d enjoy feeling… okay?” J said defensively.

“It will be slow and painful. But that’s not what I’m going to do to you.” Fluttershy said sternly. “Why didn’t you tell anyone about this?”

“Safety reasons…” J said. “If it had been my life on the line… then I would have told someone. But… the risk of telling anyone was too great…”

“Oh is that so? Well now that we have some free time… Why don’t you fill me in.” Fluttershy said, walking down the stairs.

“Well let’s start with this. She should be dead.” J said.

“Like you?” Fluttershy asked seriously.

“No. I mean she bled out in front of Star.” J said.

Fluttershy paused. “Go on…” She said.

“Star’s speech, you do remember it right?” J asked.

“Yeah?” Fluttershy asked.

“The little girl Star was talking about. That’s her.” J said.

The anger on Fluttershy’s face faded. She sat down next to J and looked at him. “Oh…” She said quietly.

“You want to know the specific reason why I never told anyone?” J asked.

“If… You want to tell me.” She said.

“She threatened to kill my kids. And from what I’ve seen… she has the full capability to do it.” J said.

“And… You… You let her… Take Ben instead?” Fluttershy asked, her eyes widening.

“Incase… you didn’t see the acid sliding down the upstairs wall. She wouldn’t have been leaving here with Ben. Roph and Het would have made sure of that.” J said. “And once I was able to stand. I was going to make sure too.“

“Oh… Okay.” She mumbled.

“And… taking Ben would have hurt Star. That’s not something she would have done. Though… it seems hurting you and anyone other than his kids is.” J said.

“Alright.” Fluttershy shrugged. “What now?”

“We should go up and check on them.” J said.

“Maybe you should… I’m going to stay down here with Ben.” Fluttershy said as Ben yawned and nuzzled against her.

“Okay.” J said as he got up from the couch and walked up the stairs and to Star’s room. When he opened the door he noticed Star lying under the covers. Beck was sitting close to him, stroking his hair.

“Isn’t he beautiful?” Beck asked.

“Yeah he is.” J said.

“He’s so… Perfect.” Beck said softly. “You were right Joel…”

“Right about what?” J asked.

“I was scared… But now I know I’ll never leave him again. We’ll be together forever…” She said, starting to smile.

J felt a little creeped out, “Yeah…” He said. “That… doesn’t… sound too good…”

“It doesn’t sound too bad either.” She said softly. Her smile continuing to grow as she nuzzled her head close to Star’s, never taking her eyes off Star.

J stepped back a little bit. “Um…” He mumbled. “I… don’t know what to say…”

“Me neither… No words can describe… The touch of his skin… His perfect skin…” Beck said, giving off a shiver as she ran her hand across his forehead.

“And… the bar… has been raised… beyond… anything I’ve ever seen…” J said.

“Why don’t you leave us alone… And make sure to close… Close the door.” Beck said, her voice seeming a little shaky.

“Uh…” J mumbled.

“LEAVE!” Beck screamed.

Star immediately shifted, his eyes slowly starting to open.

“Oh god… I’m sorry… I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you up.” Beck said, placing a hand on Star’s cheek. “Go back to sleep… Everything will be alright.”

Star’s eyes widened and he tore himself away from her, falling out of the bed and backing himself against the wall. He stared at Beck in horror.

Beck glared at J. “Look what you’ve done…” She said.

“Me?” J said. “Really you blame me…”

“Star it’s me…” Beck said, walking towards him.

“N… You… You died…” Star said shakily.

“I’m not dead. I promise…” Beck smiled.

Star stared at Beck, still disbelieving what he was seeing.

“Maybe not dead… but you sure as hell aren’t fully alive…” J said.

“Well being a vampire has it’s perks. But yeah…” Beck said, barely seeming to hear J.

“A va… Huh?” Star mumbled.

“The day that we were captured… When you were holding me…” Beck said, slightly pained by bringing it up. “I thought it was over… But then I woke up again. I was still in that warehouse.”

“But… Why… Why didn’t you… Try to find me?” Star asked.

“There were a lot of reasons… But the main one was the vampire that turned me.” Beck said.

“What do you mean…” Star questioned.

“He said I couldn’t see anyone from my past… He made it a rule.” Beck said.

“That… Why would he…” Star stammered.

“I don’t know… But… That rule sort of went out the window… When he died.” Beck said.

“When did he die?” Star asked.

“A few months ago. Another vampire killed him… I don’t know exactly when but… I felt it when he died.” Beck said.

“Why did… You wait so long to come to me?” Star asked.

“I don’t know… I was scared. I saw you had a family and… I didn’t know if you’d even want me back.” Beck said quietly.

Star grabbed Beck’s hand. “Beck… I would never… I love you.” Star said.

“I’m… I’m sorry…” She said, starting to cry.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about… You’re here now… And that’s all that matters.” Star said, tears starting to slide down his face as he hugged Beck tightly.

“Star…” She sobbed.

“Shh… I’m here…” Star said.

“I love you so much…” She said.

J sighed quietly and leaned against the door frame.

“S… Say it…” Star said shakily.

“Say what?” Beck asked, sniffling slightly as she wiped a few tears away.

“Please… Tell me you forgive me…” Star said quietly.

“For what?” She asked.

“For… All that I did to you… Back then… I… I don’t know how you could still care about me… After all the pain I caused you…” Star said, more tears forming around his eyes.

“Star… I was never mad at you… I never needed to forgive you.” She smiled.

“Just please say it… Please…” Star said, starting to sob uncontrollably into Beck’s shoulder.

Beck held Star tightly. “I forgive you…” She said softly.

J sniffled a little bit as he wiped a tear from his own eye.

“Did you need anything?” Beck asked.

Star’s tears were interrupted as he laughed slightly. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” He said.

“How about we just stay here for a little longer…” Beck said, nuzzling herself against Star.

“I’d like that…” Star said.