Later That Night:

“So…” J said.

Het looked up at him out of the corner of her eye. “What?” She asked.

J sighed, “Nothing.” He said as he fell back onto his bed.

Cadence shook her head and walked over to Het.

“Yes?” Het said looking up at Cadence.

Cadence smiled a little and sat down beside her.

Het remained silent as she looked at Cadence.

“I know exactly what you want.” Cadence said quietly.

“Oh. You wouldn’t be the first to guess.” Het said.

“I just wanted to say I’m sure Twilight wouldn’t mind me sleeping over with her.” Cadence said.

Het had a hard time hiding her smile. “Really?” She asked attempting to sound like she didn’t care.

“I’m sure.” Cadence said. She got up and walked over to J giving him a little kiss, “I’ll see you both tomorrow!” She said as she walked out of the room, teleporting away as soon as she was out.

Het looked back at the ground.

J quietly got up from the bed and sat down behind Het, he wrapped his arms around her and then pulled her closer.

Het rubbed back against him a little.

J laid his head down on her shoulder, “Is everything alright?” He asked.

“Yeah…” Het said.

“No it isn’t.” J said, “Come on. I’m here for you.”

“Dad… everything is alright.” Het said.

J sighed.

Het quickly grabbed his hand, “Everything’s alright.” She repeated.

“Okay.” J said.

“I… heard about what you and Emile did…” Het said.

J smiled and gently nuzzled her neck.

“And… I wanted to tell you that…” Het said, “I really love you Dad…”

“And I really love you too Het.” J said.

Het’s grasp on his hand tightened significantly. “But I’m not letting you take control…” She said.

J smiled, “I didn’t think you’d let me without a fight.” He said as he squeezed her more tightly.

Het twisted his hand painfully, “It won’t even be a fight.” She said.

“I… wouldn’t… be… too sure…” J grunted as he picked her up and dropped her to the ground.

“It’s on…” Het said as she scrambled up.

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

“Yeah… Just like that…” Star grunted.

“Like this?” Roph asked.

“Yeah… Harder.” Star said.

The door opened and Fluttershy walked in. “What are you doing?” She asked.

“Giving Uncle Star a back rub!” Roph smiled.

“So… Good…” Star mumbled, resting his head on the pillow.

“Oh… Okay. Did you want me to help?” Fluttershy smiled.

“Ys… Do that...ngh…” Star mumbled.

As Roph scooted over they all heard a loud bang on the wall.

“What was that?” Roph questioned.

There was a loud thud against the wall that sounded like someone was just thrown into it.

“Um… Maybe we should check it o-” Fluttershy said.

“No! I mean…” Star stammered. “It’s… Oh god my back it hurts!” Star whined in a faked pained tone.

“Oh you poor thing!” Fluttershy said, rushing to the bed. “Let me help…”

There was another loud thud against the wall this time followed by several bangs like something was getting beaten into it.

“Okay… Maybe we should check it out.” Star said, jumping up.

“Oh you’re better?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes. Much better. Thank you both.” Star said quickly before rushing out into the hall. He approached J’s door and knocked. “You okay in there J?”

Something was thrown into the door followed by J loudly groaning from the bottom of the door.

“Um… I’m going to open the door.” Star said.

“OH GOD NOT A CHAIR!” J said before Star heard something wooden getting smashed.

Star cracked the door open and peeked inside. He saw Het step back from the door holding the remains of a chair in her hands. She was sweating profusely and there was a little blood dripping from her nose.

“Am… I interrupting?” Star asked hesitantly.

Het looked up at Star, “No…” She said.

“I’m… not… done.” J said before sweeping Het’s feet out from under her.

Het fell onto the floor and groaned a little.

“Did… You need anything?” Star asked.

J pulled Het’s arm behind her back and locked it, “Sure… get a drink for me.” He said, “I’ll need it.”

“No… I will.” Het said as she rolled over forcing J underneath her back. “Just stay the hell down and give up!”

“Uh… Fluttershy go get some water!” Star shouted.

“Why can’t you?” Fluttershy asked from his room.

“Busy.” He said.

“Alright…” She said.

“NEVER!” J shouted as he threw Het off of himself and onto the floor. J got up and jumped onto Het putting her into a knee bar. “You give up… it’ll make this so much easier!”

Het punched J in the stomach, “I won’t give up!” She said following up with a kick to his face.

J fell back as a small bit of blood came out of his nose.

“Did you need uh… Any help at all J?” Star asked.

Het stared down at J.

“No.” J stated as he kicked Het in the knee causing her to drop to the ground.

“FUCK!” Het screamed gripping her knee tightly.

“I’m just about done here…” J said as he picked Het up and threw her right back at the floor with a loud thud.

“A little rough… Don’t you think?” Star said, cringing a little.

“Yes… tell me not to do, what you do…” J said glancing back at Star.

“N… That’s… Okay point taken.” Star sighed.

Het looked up at J.

“Do you gi-” J was cut off when Het kicked him in the dick. “Fuck… balls…” He mumbled as he stumbled backwards and collapsed onto the ground. “Pain…”

“No…” Het said as she stood up, “This… is pain.” She raised her foot overtop of J’s stomach about ready to stomp down on him.

An aura surrounded her foot and held it in place. “Easy there…” Star said quickly.

Het tried to get her foot out of Star’s magic, “No… fair…” She said.

J rolled out from under her foot and shot up onto his feet. “That was a cheap shot Het…” He said as he grabbed her. “A very… cheap shot.”

Star released her shortly after. “Uh… Okay maybe we should calm down.” He said.

Het struggled against J’s grip.

“No… someone needs to surrender first…” J said.

“Never…” Het said.

J smiled as he slammed her down onto the bed.

Het fell face first onto the floor right after hitting the bed. She laid there unmoving.

“Is… She okay?” Star asked concerned.

“Yes. She is.” J said.

Het slowly looked back at J and Star before laying her head back down.

“I win.” J said. “But…”

“You win… I’ll do whatever you want…” Het said.

“Nope. The fight was fun so you get it this time.” J said.

“R… really?” Het questioned.

“Really.” J smiled as he picked her up again this time cradling her close.

Star was hit in the face by two water bottles. “Water.” Fluttershy said. She peeked into the room and saw the two cuddled against each other. “Oh…”

“Yeah. And ow…” Star said.

“Thanks Dad.” Het said as she laid her head down on his shoulder.

“Don’t mention it.” J smiled.

“Aww… That’s swe- Why are their noses bleeding?” Fluttershy asked.

“Uh… Punching usually does that.” Star said, tossing the water to J.

“So does getting kicked in the face… and getting thrown into a wall.” J said as he handed a water bottle to Het.

“And getting beaten into a wall.” Het said.

“Well I take it the fight’s over?” Star asked.

“Yeah.” J and Het said at the same time.

Roph peeked in over Star’s shoulder, “Oh that’s what it was about!” She said.

“Hi Roph.” J smiled.

“Hi Daddy.” Roph giggled.

“Hey Roph.” Het said.

“Hi Het!” Roph smiled.

“This is going to be a normal thing isn’t it?” Star asked.

“Yeah… pretty much.” J said, “If… that’s not a problem.”

“Um… I guess not.” Fluttershy shrugged reluctantly.

“Not like we can really stop you.” Star said.

“Well… I can tell you both that it won’t be happening for a little while.” J said. “I mean… doing it more often then say… once a month or so would just ruin it.”

“Don’t you, Sarah and Serena do this kind of stuff?” Het asked.

Sarah was about to run by Star when he held his foot out and tripped her. She fell and landed on her face, getting a bloody nose. “Hey daddy.” Sarah said happily.

“Yep.” Star said.

Het popped open the top of her water bottle and quickly gulped it down.

“Het you need anything?” J asked.

“No I’m good.” Het said pressing herself closer to J.

“Roph?” J asked.

“I’m fine.” Roph said.

“Either of you?” J asked looking at Star and Fluttershy.

Star and Fluttershy shook their heads.

“Okay.” J said. He yawned a little, “Well… I’m going to get some sleep.”

“So am I.” Het said.

“Good night!” Roph said as she vanished from the doorway and ran back into Star’s room..

“Wait up!” Star said, following behind her.

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

The next morning:

Het slowly and groggily walked down the stairs and into the living room.

“Morning…” Star said.

“Yeah… good morning to you too Uncle Star.” Het said as she rubbed her eyes a little.

Star closed his eyes tightly. “So… How you feeling?” He asked.

“Good.” Het said as she fell back onto the couch and stretched a little.

Star sighed as he rubbed his temples. “That’s good…” He said in a semi-pained tone.

“Something wrong?” Het asked.

“Just a… Headache.” Star said, shaking his head. “Nothing too bad… How about I make us breakfast?”

“Sure.” Het said.

Star stood up and walked into the kitchen, setting a few pans onto the stove.

Shortly after J walked out of his bedroom and down into the living room. He sat down beside Het. “Morning.” He said looking back into the kitchen.

Star waved before cracking a couple eggs.

J looked back at Het with a smile.

Het smiled a little in return.

“Feeling any better today?” J asked.

“A little bit better.” Het said, “Though… I think our fight gave Uncle Star a headache.”

“Nah… it couldn’t have. He’d have told us to stop if it had.” J said.

“Well… he has one now.” Het said.

“Wh… what?” J questioned sounding a little worried.

“Yeah… he just told me he had one.” Het said.

“First batch of eggs done. Who’s first?” Star called.

“I am.” Het said as she got up from the couch.

J got up too and walked towards the kitchen.

Star set a plate down on the kitchen table and cracked a couple more eggs into the pan.

“Star.” J said as he walked into the kitchen.

“If you want first dibs I’ll go faster. I don’t want another fight… Although if it’s over my food then maybe.” Star laughed.

“No… it’s just… are you feeling alright?” J asked.

“Yeah I’m fine. Why?” Star asked. “This isn’t a ploy to get me to do some errand is it?” He joked.

“No… it’s just Het told me that you were having a headache.” J said.

“And? I can’t have headaches?” Star questioned.

“It’s just… it’s been so long since you’ve had one… and I was a little worried.” J said quietly.

Star looked back down at the pan. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” He said, seeming to put on a forced smile, not looking up at J.

“Star… I just want to look out for you… and I can’t do that if you don’t let me.” J said gently grabbing Star’s shoulder.

Star took the wooden spatula next to him and started to stir the eggs with it. “Yeah… That’ll make everything better won’t it.” He said quietly.

J sighed and removed his hand, “Okay…” He said, “Just…” He paused, “I’ll… be in the living room.”

“Yeah I know.” Star said.

J sighed again, “Sorry to bother you.” He said as he walked out.

Star silently stirred the eggs.

A hand gently grabbed Star’s shoulder.

The spatula in Star’s hand broke in half and Star’s head turned to the hand. “What do you want J?” He snapped. He noticed the hand was a lime green color, seeing it was Het.

Het withdrew her hand and looked away from Star. “Nothing anymore.” She said quietly.

Star stared at her. “I’m… Sorry.” He stammered.

Het remained silent as she walked out of the kitchen.

Star’s hand shook a little as his grip on the pan tightened. He walked over to the sink and slammed the pan into it, breaking a couple of the plates that were already in it. He sank down to the floor, leaning back against the wall and put his head in his hands.

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

Het quietly sat down on the couch.

“Something wrong?” J asked.

“Yeah… I wanted to say thank you to Uncle Star but he got really angry when I touched his shoulder.” Het said.

“Oh…” J said.

“I didn’t do anything wrong…” Het said.

“Het… he’s not mad at you.” J said.

“Then who is he mad at?” Het questioned.

“It’s more of a what… and that’d be a few things.” J said. “For now… the best thing we can do is just wait a little bit.”

Star walked out of the kitchen and opened the front door. He stopped and looked back at J and Het. “There’s… Some food in the fridge… I’m... I’m sorry.” Star said quietly before stepping out and closing the door.

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

Star sat down in front of one of the stores lined along the market. He stared out into the crowd, watching the many people walk around and buy things. His attention was drawn to a familiar tune being whistled nearby. He tracked the source of the whistling to a woman who was looking at a nearby storefront.

The woman lifted up her bag and looked around, when her eyes passed over Star they stopped. A small smile crossed the woman’s face and she walked over to where Star was sitting.

“Can I help you stranger?” Star asked.

“No, I was just wondering if this seat was taken.” She said.

A small smile spread onto Star’s face. “You sound wearily familiar.” He said.

“Oh I do?” She asked playfully as she sat down.

“So what brings you here Rose?” Star asked.

“Well I just wanted to do a little shopping.” Rose said, “What brings you out here?”

“Air.” Star shrugged.

“Oh is that it?” Rose asked as she looked down into her bag.

“If you have to be somewhere… Don’t let me stop you.” Star said quietly.

“I have nowhere I need to be.” Rose said as she started digging through the bag.

Star stared silently ahead into the crowd.

“Ah ha!” Rose said as she grabbed something in the bag.

“What?” Star asked.

Rose pulled out a boxed set of cooking utensils and handed it to Star, “For you.’ She smiled.

Star stared at Rose. “What’s the catch?” He asked.

“There isn’t one.” Rose said, “It’s a gift.”

“No… I mean with you. What do you want? And I don’t mean right now I mean with us.” Star said, his tone turning slightly angry.

“I don’t want anything from either of you.” Rose said calmly.

“Then stop with the shadow act. Who are you?” Star asked.

Rose smiled a little, “You know who I am.” She said. “Though not by name I’d venture.”

“Stop being so god damn cryptic… I’m too tired to solve your riddles.” Star said, seeming a little more worn out than a moment ago.

“I thought the recipe I left for you would have been enough for you to figure that out.” Rose said.

“J said it was from his childhood but…” Star said, seeming lost in thought.

“I know.” Rose smiled.

Star’s face went blank and he stared at Rose. “But… That… You…” Star stammered quietly.

“That means what?” Rose asked.

“You’re… Less… Corpsy than you should be…” Star said.

“Correction. Less burned.” Rose said tapping her horn, “And his dad.”

“That’s fantastic! Why haven’t you told him?” Star asked.

“Well… he did see the house burn down… and for him I was still in it.” Rose said quietly. “And… I haven’t really had much time to think about what I was going to say if I saw him again. Because I never expected to see him again.”

“How about ‘Hi’?” Star laughed.

“Well… if I can judge his reaction off of your’s then I’m sure a simple hello wouldn’t do.” Rose smiled, “And I think it’s time for you to know my real name.”

“Willow?” Star asked.

Willow looked a little surprised, “Yes that’s exactly it! How did you know?” She asked.

“Well I’ve been in J’s head before… In more ways than one.” Star chuckled.

Willow laughed a little, “Well that’s good to know.” She said.

Star’s smile faded and he stared back at the ground again.

Willow gently laid her hand on Star’s shoulder, “I know something’s wrong.” She said quietly, “But… out of courtesy I won’t push you to tell me.”

Star shook his head. “No… It’s just… Hard to be happy when you’re dying.” He said quietly.

Willow’s smile faded, “Wh… you’re dying?” She said.

“Cancer. I guess I shouldn’t really be ashamed of hiding it anymore. Probably won’t be around much longer anyways.” Star said.

“Don’t talk or think like that.” Willow said sternly, “If you give up even for a second that could be the end. But if you don’t then you could live longer then you’d think.”

“Yeah I hear that a lot.” Star said. “But it’s hard to fight when all your weapons are broken.”

“Well then you should turn from the conventional to the unconventional.” Willow said.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Star asked.

“Spoilers.” Willow smiled.

“Thanks River.” Star laughed.

“I’ve been meaning to ask… how many grandchildren do I have now?” Willow asked.

“Five.” Star said.

“Well I’d love to meet all of them.” Willow smiled, “And of course all of your children.”

“Yeah they’re the troublemakers. Might need to bring a bat when you do.” Star joked.

“Oh I don’t think they’ll be too much trouble.” Willow chuckled.

“Well let’s see… Two are sadists who love to cut things for a living… Including themselves. Then there’s the two changelings. I couldn’t see more of a yin yang thing going on here. Those two are complete opposites.” Star said. “One will be serving you dinner, the other will take the dinner, eat it, then smash the plate over your head.”

“Are you trying to convince me I shouldn’t go?” Willow questioned, “Because that’s not going to deter me.”

“No no not at all. They’re really fun when they aren’t working as the most sadomasochistic family on the planet.” Star laughed.

Willow laughed a little too.

“Oh hey Star. Who’s your friend?” Twilight asked, approaching the bench alongside Cadence.

“Just call me Willow.” Willow smiled, “It’s nice to meet the both of you.”

“Willow? That sounds a little familiar.” Cadence said.

“Yeah you could say that.” Star smiled.

“What are you two hiding?” Twilight asked.

“How can it be hidden if it’s in plain sight?” Willow asked.

“Well she’s not lying.” Star smirked.

“W… I don’t…” Twilight stammered.

“Well… if it’s in plain sight then what is it?” Cadence asked.

“It’s it.” Willow smiled.

“Yes.” Star said.

“Strangle… I will… You.” Twilight said, glaring at Star.

Willow’s smile faded slightly, “No, you won’t be strangling anyone.” She said sternly, “Not while I’m around.”

“Well I don’t know who you are. And what we do in the privacy of our bedroom is not your decision.” Twilight smirked.

“W… We don’t… Actually do that…” Star stammered.

“I don’t see Star as someone who would enjoy being strangled.” Willow said calmly.

“I was joking… Who are you and why do you care so much?” Twilight asked.

“Let this help a little.” Willow said, “I’m closer to home than you think.”

“I love you.” Star smiled, staring at Willow.

“I hate you.” Twilight said, looking at both of them.

“Oh God… I thought Aunt Celestia’s crypticism was bad.” Cadence sighed.

“What is both bright and hot?” Willow asked.

“Fire?” Twilight asked.

“Yes.” Willow said, “Now someone close to you has had much experience in that regard, all of which relates to me.”

Cadence’s eyes went wide as she stared at Willow. “Wh… h… bu…” She stammered.

“I guess you could say she’s getting… Warmer?” Star said, a stupidly large smile growing on his face as he nudged Willow.

“You can say she’s… on fire.” Willow said the same smile growing on her face.

“Fuck you’re just like J.” Twilight said. Her face turned blank.

Willow smiled.

“You…” Twilight stammered.

“But…” Cadence said.

“How?” Willow finished. “I am a unicorn. So was J’s father.”

“Oh my god does J know?” Twilight said excitedly.

“No. Infact… I never planned on seeing him again… though not because I didn’t want to.” Willow said quietly.

“I’m going to put this out there… You might want to tell him soon because… Twilight is very bad at keeping secrets.” Star said.

“Well what better time then now?” Willow asked glancing over at Star.

“Perfect!” Star said happily, jumping up from the bench.

“This is great!” Cadence smiled.

“Yes it is!” Willow said happily.

“Well what are we waiting for?” Star said.

“You forgot the present I got you.” Willow smiled motioning back to the box.

Star grabbed the box. “You know me too well.” Star joked.

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

J laid back on the couch and started to relax a little, Het was laying beside him already partially asleep.

The front door opened and Star hopped inside with a smile on his face.

“Well someone seems happy.” J said as he looked over at Star.

“I love you so much!” Star giggled.

“Um… is something wrong?” J asked uncertainly.

“Dance with me J… Dance!” Star said, dancing with himself.

“Dad… is Uncle Star going insane?” Het asked.

“Yes… I think he is.” J nodded.

Twilight walked in and stared at J with the same goofy smile as Star.

“What?” J questioned.

“You.” Twilight giggled as Star grabbed her and started dancing with her.

“Everyone is going insane.” J said.

“Yeah…” Het said. “Everyone.”

Cadence and Willow walked in after a few more moments.

“Um… who’s the woma-” J stopped suddenly after he looked over Willow. His eyes going wide.

“Dad?” Het said waving her hand in front of J’s face.

“Hello Joel… it’s been a long time.” Willow said with a large smile.

“M… Mom?” J questioned sounding unsure of what he was seeing.

Willow nodded.

“B… but…” J stammered a few tears starting to form in his eyes, “You… died… and…”

Willow didn’t wait for him to get up, her horn lit up and J was teleported right into her arms.

Star wiped a few tears away from his face and smiled. He looked down at Twilight who was crying.

Cadence sniffled a little.

J started to cry into Willow’s shoulder.

Willow gently patted his head and rubbed his cheek. “It’s alright. You don’t have to cry.” She said soothingly.

“But… y… you here… now…” J stammered. “I… thought…”

“Well you don’t have to think that anymore.” Willow smiled. She looked around at everyone else, “Come on everyone!” She said. “Get over here and join in!”

Cadence was the first one to hug J and Willow.

Twilight was the second, jumping onto the couch, hugging them along with Het.

Star ran over and hugged all of them painfully tight. “I’m so… happy right now…” Star sniffled.

“Yes… we… can… all… feel that…” Willow stammered. “I… think… you’re… cracking… my back…”

Star released everyone. “Sorry…” He said.

Everyone breathed in deeply.

“It’s fine.” J said.

“Well it’s almost lunch time.” Willow said.

“I’d be happy to make you all something!” Star smiled widely.

“That’d be nice.” Willow smiled.

“Great! I’ll get to work right away.” Star said, jumping up and grabbing the new box of utensils before rushing into the kitchen.

“Who’s the noobie?” Pinkamena asked, descending the stairs.

J sighed and shook his head a little, “Pinkamena… this is Willow.” He said.

“And I’m Pinkamena. Names are funny when you don’t know anything about that person.” Pinkamena said.

“Well Pinkamena. I’m J’s mom.” Willow said.

Pinkamena’s eyes widened and she looked at J.

J smiled and nodded.

Pinkamena walked up to Willow and stared at her.

“Is something wrong?” Willow asked sound a little concerned.

Pinkamena leaned in and licked Willow’s face.

Willow seemed unphased.

Pinkamena walked over and licked J’s face. She paused for a minute before her hair poofed up. “OH MY GOD YOU’RE HIS MOTHER!” She screamed happily and hugged her.

“Yes I am.” Willow smiled as she hugged Pinkie back.

“Sarah! Serena! Get down here!” Pinkie shouted.

Sarah and Serena peeked over the railing.

“Come hug your grand mother!” Pinkie said.

Sarah and Serena raised an eyebrow. The two of them walked down and stopped in front of Willow. Sarah walked over to J and licked him, while Serena licked Willow. Both of them squealed happily and hugged Willow.

Willow smiled even more.

“Het?” J said.

Het was staring at Willow, “I don’t… really do hugs…” She said.

J raised an eyebrow.

Het shook her head.

“Why not?” Willow asked.

“She’s waiting for her sister.” J smiled.

Willow laughed and looked down at Sarah, Serena, and Pinkie. “It’s great to finally meet you all!” She smiled.

The three of them giggled loudly as they continued to hug her. “So… Awesome!” Pinkie said.

“Mm… Why am I never here when we have guests?” Beck asked, walking through the front door.

“Well… Mom just… sort of dropped by.” J said.

“You can thank Star for that.” Willow smiled as she squeezed Sarah, Serena, and Pinkie a little tighter.

“Oh… Well okay then.” Beck said with a shrug. She walked up to Willow and extended a hand. “Should I assume you already know who I am?”

“Actually the only two people here I knew originally where Star and my son.” Willow said, “So I don’t know who you are.”

“Beck. Nice to meet you.” Beck said, retracting her hand.

“Likewise.” Willow said.

A few moments later the front door opened again and Ben walked in, giggling as he carried Alexa in his arms.

“Hey you two. Come say hello to your grandmother!” J said motioning to Willow.

Willow smiled as she looked at Ben and Alexa.

Alexa looked at Ben for a few moments. She then smiled widely.

Ben set Alexa onto her feet and the two of them nearly tackled everyone off the couch as they hugged Willow and the others.

J laughed a little, “This is a great day.” He said.

“Best day ever!” Ben chuckled.

“Hey!” Alexa said. “What about yesterday?”

“Uh… Second best day ever!” Ben corrected.

“Yeah. Second best day ever!” Alexa agreed.

Ben smiled and kissed Alexa on the cheek.

Alexa giggled.

“Come on everyone. I’m sure J wants to see his mother too.” Cadence smiled.

“Aww…” Sarah and Serena whined.

“Don’t worry.” Willow said, “I’m not leaving town anytime soon.”

“Okay so… Back to normal?” Serena asked.

“Uh… I guess?” Star shrugged.

“Okay.” Sarah smiled, tackling Pinkie off Willow. The two of them started rolling around wrestling. Serena jumped on the two of them shortly after.

Willow leaned back on the couch and started to relax. “It’s nice knowing how large our family’s become.” She said.

J smiled, “Yeah… and it’s great having you back.” He said.

“Oh yeah, and she’s the one that gave me that recipe you liked.” Star said.

“Well…” J said. “Thank you.”

“You don’t need to thank me.” Willow smiled.

“Uh well hey… I did half the job.” Star laughed.

“I was thanking you too Star.” J smiled.

“Oh! Speaking of food… I need to call Baloque and tell him the news.” Star said, jumping up excitedly. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed in a number.

“Well I’d love to actually meet him.” Willow said.

“He’s a bit uh… Flamboyant.” Twilight joked.

“And it only spreads to Star when he’s around.” Cadence giggled.

“Or when Rarity wants to design something.” J chuckled.

“Well I still want to meet him.” Willow said.

J grabbed his phone, “Let me call everyone else… or just mass text in three… two… one.” He said.

Everyone’s phones dinged simultaneously.

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

An hour later:

There was a tapping at the basement door.

Willow got up and walked to the basement door. “Is someone down there?” She said.

There was a long pause before a few more taps at the door.

Willow shook her head and opened the door up.

Oscar quickly walked out and pushed Willow to the floor. He climbed on top of her and stared down at her curiously.

Willow paused for a moment before she giggled a little. She reached up and scratched Oscar’s head.

Oscar nuzzled himself against her happily.

“Oh… yeah. Mom meet Oscar.” J said.

“He’s so cute!” Willow said happily as she hugged Oscar.

“He really likes you! That’s good enough for me.” Fluttershy giggled, walking in through the front door.

“Fluttershy I’d like you to meet my Mom.” J smiled motioning to Willow.

“It’s nice to meet you Fluttershy, I’m Willow.” Willow said as she looked up at Fluttershy.

Fluttershy smiled widely before rushing over and hugging her and Oscar.

Willow hugged her too.

“Well… who else hasn’t arrived yet?” J asked.

“Um… Aunt Celestia and Aunt Luna haven’t.” Cadence said. “Neither have Rarity, Applejack, Ethan, Emile, or Rainbow Dash.”

“Well it shouldn’t be too much longer then.” J said.

Rarity came in and spotted Willow. “Hello. Who are you?” She asked.

“J’s mother.” Star said bluntly.

There was a pause. “Give it a minute.” Star said.

Rarity ran over and pushed Oscar off. “Give her some room dear!” She said quickly.

Oscar blinked a few times, his legs moving rapidly as he was now stuck on his back.

Rarity helped Willow to her feet and hugged her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you!” She said happily.

Willow smiled and hugged Rarity back, “It’s a pleasure to meet you too.” She said.

“I don’t know what to say… Hello.” Rarity laughed.

“Well hello to you too, I’m Willow.” Willow said with a little laugh. “You must be… Rarity correct?”

“Yes. How are you?” Rarity asked.

“Great. And how are you?” Willow said.

“I’m feeling fa-” Rarity was cut off as a cyan blur tackled both her and Willow to the ground and hugged them both tightly.

“OH MY GOD THIS IS AWESOME!” Dash shouted happily as she squeezed them tightly.

Willow laughed and squeezed Rarity and Dash, “And this day is only getting better!” She said happily.

“I like the floor… As much as the next person.” Rarity said hesitantly.

“Oh sorry… I just was really excited…” Dash said chuckling a little shamefully as she stood up and helped them both up.

Rarity brushed some dirt off her and smiled. “Quite alright…” She said.

“It’s fine.” Willow smiled.

“And you’re going to get tackled again.” J smiled.

Ethan and Emile both rushed in and hug tackled Willow.

“And there the other two are.” Star laughed.

Applejack walked in shortly after. “Hey everyo-” She stopped when she saw Ben and Alexa making out on the couch, “Is that… just…”

J nodded, “It’s normal now.” He said.

“O...kay…” AJ said uncertainly.

Willow managed to stand up with Ethan and Emile still clinging to her. “And there’s the mother!” Willow said as she magically yanked AJ into her arms.

“I’m surprised you didn’t ask how they’re just as old as I am.” J said.

“I know a lot more about magic then you’d think.” Willow smiled.

“So where was that food you promised to make Dex?” Beck smirked.

“Hey I really don’t mind you calling me that but… Just in private okay?” Star said quietly.

Willow froze up, “Um… can… everyone sit down for a moment or two?” She said.

Emile and Ethan let go and sat down on the couch. AJ sat next to them.

“I… have something else I need to tell everyone.” Willow said.

“Okay… go for it.” J said.

“J… you have… no had an older brother.” Willow said quietly.

“Wh… no… then… why wasn’t he…” J started.

“Well… he wa… no… I need to stop lying to myself… we… both… forgot him…” Willow said quietly. “And… when we did… remember… he was gone…” She sniffled a little bit. A few tears ran down her face. “I… was a horrible mother…” She said quietly, “I forgot about my own son…”

J closed his eyes.

“W… wow…” Dash said quietly.

“Hey don’t say that. You’re here now… That’s all that matters.” Star snapped.

“Mom you aren’t horrible.” J said, “Look at me.” He smiled.

“Yeah…” Willow said with a little sigh.

“What… Brought this up?” Star asked.

“Just… what Beck called you reminded me of his name… Dexter…” Willow said quietly.

Star stayed silent for a moment, seeming a little hesitant to say something.

“Star?” J asked.

“Well… My… Birth name is Dex. Dexter. Stardust was something I made up. It’s what I told Baloque when he adopted me and I just… Sorta stuck with it.” Star said.

“Why would… You lie about that?” Fluttershy asked.

“I just… Hated the name after a while. It reminded me of what happened to Beck, Fez, Kit… I just wanted to forget it. So I you know… Left it behind. Along with everything else…” Star said quietly.

“Star… you’re an orphan right?” J asked hesitantly.

“Yeah… I didn’t know my… birth parents…” Star said slowly.

“What… what city did you live in?” J asked.

“Well… Manehatten.” Star said.

“That’s… where…” Willow said slowly. “It’s… no… if it is… then…” She closed her eyes and a few tears slid down her face.

“It’s… a long shot… but… what if… you are… my brother...” J said.

“I… I don’t…” Star said, his voice shaking.

“S… Star…” Willow said quietly as she got up and attempt to hug him.

Star pushed her back and pointed a shaky finger at her. “You… You stay away… From me…” Star said, starting to cry.

“I… I understand…” Willow said quietly.

“No… You don’t understand anything… I went through…” Star said, backing away. “Just… I…” He stammered, running upstairs and into his room, slamming the door behind him.

J had his head in his hands.

“I… I’m going now… I’ve… overstayed my welcome…” Willow said as she walked to the door. She looked back before walking out.

J shook his head as a few tears fell from them. “I…” He said quietly.

“J…” Cadence said quietly.

“I… I need to t… talk… to Star…” J said as he got up from the couch. “Y… yeah… I do…” He walked up the stairs and down the hall to Star’s room. He raised his hand and shakily knocked on the door. “S… Star…” He said, “Can… I come in?”

“I don’t care what you do.” Star said.

J blinked past the door he saw Star laying on his bed crying. He walked up to the bed and laid down beside Star. He wrapped his arms around Star, “Star… I love you…” He said shakily.

Star hit him away. “Don’t… Don’t even… Try… To make me… Forgive her.” He stammered.

“I know you won’t… that’s n… not what I’m here for.” J said as he nuzzled Star. “I’m here to comfort my brother…”

Star shoved him away again and stood up. “You’re not… My brother.” Star said angrily. “You’re my friend… And… Unless you want me to leave… It’s going to… Stay that way.”

“Star… you’re wrong… it doesn’t matter if we’re related by blood or not… you’ve always been more then a friend. You’ve always been my family.” J said, “And nothing… you say… or do will change that for me…”

Star shook his head and started crying again. “No… You… Deserve better than me… I was forgotten… I was a mistake… My life… Is a mistake… And the world has been trying it’s hardest… To fix it.” He said shakily as his nose started to bleed.

“I’ve… always said fuck the world…” J said, “It hates the both of us… you’re not the only one it’s tried to kill…” He raised his shirt and ran a finger over the scar on his stomach, “If there’s anyone better then you then… fuck them. I want you.”

Star smiled slightly, wiping the blood from his nose. “Yeah… You got that right.” He chuckled. “But there’s one thing that… We don’t share.”

“What’s that?” J asked.

“You don’t have a time limit.” Star said, tapping his head.

“I have one thing to say to you about that.” J said.

“What?” Star asked.

“Where ever you go I’ll follow.” J said.

“No… You… You have to… Watch our family…” Star stammered, grabbing his head tightly. “Don’t… Don’t be stupid…”

“You have my heart… and my soul… my body will be left here so I can watch them… I just won’t really be living in the same way that I am now…” J said as he started to cry.

Star started crying uncontrollably. “Joel… God… I’m sorry…” He sobbed, hugging J tightly.

J returned the hug and sobbed into Star’s shoulder, “Don’t be… I… I’m the one who should be sorry…” He sobbed.

“I… I just… I was so mad when… I…” Star stammered.

“W… when what?” J questioned through tears, “With… without… that fuck up… sure… we would have been brothers and… had been raised… together… but look at us… look at it all… what we have… who we are…” He started crying a little more, “Sure… you would have had me… but… not ME… you wouldn’t… have met Beck… Fluttershy… Pinkie… Twilight… Baloque… we’d… be so different… and… I wouldn’t… as selfish as it sounds… have wanted it any other way… because… I wouldn’t have YOU…”

Star pressed his face into J and cried harder. “I love you Joel…” Star said.

“I love you too Star…” J said as he buried his face in Star’s neck. He started to sob loudly as he gripped Star tighter.

They sat there for awhile, holding eachother close. “You… Should go… Get her.” Star sniffled. “I want to… Talk to her.”

“I… don’t know… where she went…” J said wiping a tear away. “Just… to a friend’s house…”

“Oh…” Star said quietly.

“Y… you know… we are werewolves… we could… track her down…” J said, “She… left her bag here…”

“Yeah but… I’ve never been as in tune with it as you… You’ve always been better than me… In that category.” Star smiled, nudging J.

“I guess… living alone in the wilderness can do that to someone.” J said quietly before he smiled a little, “Let’s… do this then…”

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

“There…” J said motioning to the bench that Willow was sitting on. “Let’s… go…” He grabbed Star’s hand and held it tightly.

“I need to talk to her… Alone.” Star said. “If that’s… Okay.”

“That’s fine.” J said as he let go of Star’s hand.

Star approached the bench. “Is… This seat taken?” He said with a weak smile.

“N… no…” Willow said quietly. “It’s… not…”

Star took a seat next to her and stared at the ground.

“I… thought you never wanted to see me again…” Willow said quietly.

“I didn’t… But then the same thing that always happens happened…” Star said.

“What… is that?” Willow asked.

“Joel.” Star smiled. “He… Made me see something I hadn’t noticed before.”

“What… did he get you to notice?” Willow asked.

“That there are no mistakes. You left me as a kid… And I know you didn’t mean to. I can only imagine what I would do if anything happened to my kids. But I’m glad you did. Because things would be different. I wouldn’t be… Star. And I’m glad I am Stardust, and not Dexter.” Star smiled. “Although both of them are very handsome people.” Star joked, nudging Willow.

Willow laughed weakly, “Yes… but that doesn’t… change the fact that I’m a horrible mother…” She said.

“That’s not true… And do you want to know why?” Star asked.

“Why?” Willow asked.

“Because… You’re MY mother…” Star said, starting to cry.

Willow hugged Star and cried into his shoulder.

“I love you mom…” Star sobbed, tightening his grip around her.

“I love you too… Star…” Willow said through tears as she squeezed him more.

“Don’t… Don’t ever leave again… Please… Please don’t leave me again…” Star sobbed into her clothes.

“I won’t… I won’t…” She said tears streaming down her face.. “Never… again…”

The two sat there for a few moments. “We… Should probably… Get back before… They eat all my food.” Star chuckled quietly.

“Y… yeah…” Willow said quietly. “Let’s… go…”

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

Star, J, and Willow walked in through the front door. Everyone else was still there waiting.

“We’re back.” J smiled.

“Yeah… WE are…” Star said, hugging Willow again.

“Yes…” Willow said quietly. “For good this time.”

“Well if you’re feeling better… Why don’t you start cooking. We’re starving!” Dash said. Twilight elbowed her in the side. “Ow… We are!” Dash groaned.

“Well… I can get the stuff marinated…” J said.

“I can cook though… I’m no gourmet chef.” Willow said.

Star’s eyes snapped to Willow. “Oh damn I forgot…” He mumbled.

“What?” Willow asked.

The front door opened and Baloque walked in. His eyes snapped to Star and he smiled. “Star!” He said loudly. He walked over and put Star into a bear hug, lifting him off the ground.

“God… Hi… Dad…” Star said in a strained tone.

J’s lip quivered a little bit and he closed his eyes.

Willow chuckled a little, “It’s nice to meet you Baloque.” She said.

Baloque dropped Star to the ground.

“Thank… You…” Star grunted, wheezing slightly.

“And who is this lovely young lady?” Baloque asked, grabbing her hand and kissing it. “You know me but I haven’t had the pleasure.”

Willow blushed a little, “Oh… I’m Willow.” She said.

“She’s my mother.” Star said, grabbing J. “OUR mother.”

Baloque paused. “You’re joking with me…” Baloque said in disbelief.

“No. We are not.” J said.

“It’s true.” Willow said.

“From… what I’ve seen one hundred percent true.” Cadence said.

“Yep.” AJ nodded.

“Oh god J… Brace yourself.” Star said.

“Alrea-” J was interrupted as Baloque put him in a bear hug and lifted him up.

“Another son of mine! Hahahah!” Baloque laughed, squeezing him tighter.

“Feeling… bones crack… in places… they should be…” J stammered.

Baloque put him down and gripped J’s shoulder. “So much to do… So little time!” He said happily.

“Yes… much… to do…” J wheezed.

“And I have this lovely lady to thank.” Baloque laughed, lifting Willow up and spinning her in a very gentle hug.

Willow laughed a little bit. “No I should be thanking you!” She smiled.

“Okay there’s time to asphyxiate everyone later…” Star said, standing up.

“Yeah… dinner needs cooking.” J said as he stood up. “And… we have three very different styles…”

“Mm…” Baloque mumbled, running a hand across his goatee. “Quite the predicament indeed.”

“Well… we have a lot of people to cook for… so why not just… combine them all?” Willow suggested.

“Great idea! Come, we have a kitchen to use.” Baloque said.

“Let me show you some new tools I got…” Star said happily as the two ran into the kitchen.

Willow followed them into the kitchen.

J stood there thinking for a moment before rushing into the kitchen too.

A few minutes later he came out with two large bags filled with a mix of things. He ran outside to the deck.

“What are you doing?” Fluttershy called.

“Grilling!” J called back.

“Oh… Burgers and fine cuisine. Yay…” Fluttershy smiled.

Author's Notes:

What a twist!