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Chapter Text

Chapter One: The Bully

The Princess Alliance had been insistent on having a party to celebrate the brides before the wedding. They had called it a bachelorette party and it usually entailed them separating the brides and throwing them individual parties to celebrate their last moments of freedom from marriage. Calliope didn’t like that, she didn’t see getting married to Lexie as being bound to her. So they had compromised and decided to throw a singular party with the entire alliance in Brightmoon which ended up turning into a very large Best Friends Squad sleepover. 

They were all occupying a guest room in the Brightmoon palace since Glimmer did not want all her friends going through her stuff in her room. They had been playing games all night, gorging on snacks and cake, and gifting the couple with presents. Calliope had gone dark red at Mermista’s gift of a lingerie set, much to the delight of the group who would not stop laughing at her reaction. 

They were currently relaxing after their previous game of twister, to which Adora and Lexie had been the last two standing since neither one of them refused to lose. Bow was playing the guitar softly with Glimmer laying on his shoulder, talking with Netossa as Spinnerella laid on her shoulder. Mermista was painting Perfuma’s nails as Seahawk and Adora had started up a game of arm wrestling, with Catra egging them on and trying to distract her girlfriend. Scorpia had reentered the room after carrying Frosta to an adjacent room after the twelve-year-old had fallen asleep. 

Calliope was sitting on a cushion on the floor between Lexie’s legs as the taller girl brushed through her curls, being gentle to pull out the knots. Calliope had her cheek resting on her fiance’s knee, eyes closed as she enjoyed the buzz of the room and the company of their friends. 

“Hey, Calliope! Lexie!” She heard Bow call from across the room and looked up to see that he had gained the attention of everyone as he called out to her. “Tell us, how did you two meet?”

“You know how we met,” Lexie stated as she smoothed out a particularly stubborn knot. “We met in the Horde when we were kids and have been friends since. Nothing more to tell.”

“There’s always more to tell! Come on!” Glimmer chimed up as the rest of the room agreed.

“She’s just embarrassed about how we met- Ow!” Calliope gasped as Lexie pulled, intentionally, a little too hard on the knot. “It’s true! Don’t take it out on the hair!”

“Let me guess, it was friendship at first sight. You two locked eyes from across the horror hall or something and was never separated again,” Catra smirked. 

“It wasn’t like that… I’m embarrassed because I was horrible to her,” Lexie mumbled as the group just stared at her.

“Wait, back up. You two weren’t instant friends? Now you def have to tell us!” Netossa demanded as the group agreed more eagerly. 

“Okay! Okay! I’ll tell it!” Calliope said, smiling as she recounted the beginning of their friendship.

//Flashback\\

Eight-year-old Calliope had never hated her hair more than she did now as she tried to tie it up into a bun in front of her locker mirror. She was getting more frustrated, her eyes starting to water with every attempt as the curly strands refused to stay in place no matter how she pinned it. A couple of weeks ago, Shadow Weaver had gotten fed up with Calliope’s inability to deal with them and had used a pair of rusty shears to cut off the offending curls. 

She had lobbed off every inch to her ears, the hair had been growing down her backside to the tops of her thighs, and Calliope had silently cried in her bunk all night, reaching her hands up to try to run her fingers through the strands only to come short. By the next morning, the curls had grown back, much to Shadow Weaver’s disdain and interest. 

She had spent the next couple of days probing and prodding Calliope, hoping there was some magical abilities to the child but was sorely disappointed when nothing like her hair was reproduced. It was then that she started amplifying her incessant bullying of the child and had managed to get the other cadets to join her. They called her nasty names, pulled her hair, knotted it up, and pushed her around when they could. Calliope took it silently, she did not want to start a fight if she didn’t have to. 

“Hey, princess!” she heard someone yell behind her and she looked into her mirror and see a young girl, around her age, with black hair and chocolate brown eyes looking at her with a sneer. At this point, Calliope was on edge and her hair not cooperating today was just making it worse.

 “Why don’t you go sparkle yourself over a cliff? You know what we do to the princess’ here,” the girl continued, earning high-fives from the other cadets as Calliope focused her eyes down, trying to ignore her. 

“Hey! Look at me when I’m talking to you!” the girl said as she grabbed Calliope’s shoulder and spun her around. “You are nothing but a weak, pathetic princess and I’m gonna wipe the floor with you today in training.”

She doesn’t know what came over her. Maybe it was the constant torture of bullies over the last few weeks, maybe it was Shadow Weaver’s belittlement every chance she got, maybe it was the frustration of her hair and the general hate she had for her appearance but Calliope had had enough and when the other girl spun her around and started yelling in her face, she drew her fist back and punched her in the nose, sending the girl sprawling onto the ground. 

The other cadets gaped at them as the girl on the floor groaned, holding her nose as she sat up. Calliope could see the blood spilling from her fingers and knew she was in deep shit. She didn’t even have time to run before she could feel Shadow Weaver’s presence behind her, placing a clawed hand into her hair and yanking her out of the room. 

_

Calliope was hiding underneath a metal staircase surrounded by boxes, whimpering when the other girl found her later that day. She had received several lashes on her back for hurting one of Shadow Weaver’s prodigies and they were painful but, thankfully, not bleeding as she hugged her knees to her chest. The other girl came up beside her, startling her slightly.

“Hey… are you okay?” she asked as Calliope looked up at her, noting the bandage on her nose, the dried blood on her upper lip, and the black eye she was now sporting as she just nodded, scooting away. The other girl didn’t seem to take it as a hint as she sat down beside her, leaning against the wall. 

“I’m Lexie… I’m sorry I was mean to you earlier… I was trying to… I don’t know, fit in? Do what I thought needed to be done? My reasoning seems stupid now. What’s your name?” Lexie asked, looking at Calliope’s trembling form. 

“Calliope…” she whispered and Lexie smiled, scooting closer.

“That’s pretty… Can I call you Callie?” Lexie asked and Calliope paused before nodding hesitantly. 

“Does your back hurt? I’m sorry Shadow Weaver hurt you. She’s such a bitch,” Lexie said, causing Calliope’s mouth to gape open as she looked around nervously. 

“You shouldn’t say that… You know she has ears everywhere…” 

“What is she going to do that she hasn’t already done? Look, Callie… I’m sorry for what I did and I was hoping we could be friends. Anyone that can slug me like that has my respect,” Lexie said with a smile as Calliope giggled softly, putting a hand over her mouth to hide the noise.

“No, please laugh. It’s very pretty. You seem like you haven’t laughed in a while,” she mentioned and Calliope nodded again, removing her hand. “It’s tough here. You’re not weak or pathetic like I thought and you proved that. Why don’t you stand up for yourself more?”

“I… I don’t like violence. I don’t want to fight if I don’t have to, I don’t see the point… You caught me on a bad day…”

“We’re friends now, which means I have your back if you have mine. We gotta stick together here or they’ll eat us alive. Anyone ever messes with you, I’ll be the violent one, okay? Let’s head to bed, you should be tired.”

Lexie stood up, extending out her hand to Calliope who bit her lip before taking the hand, standing to her feet with a wince. Lexie then crouched down, offering her back to Calliope.

“Jump on, I’ll carry you. Your back has to be hurting,” she explained as Calliope refused. “Come on, we’ll get there quicker. Quicker we get there, quicker you can go to sleep,” she continued to tempt as Calliope gave in, getting on Lexie’s back. Lexie stood up, gripping underneath Calliope’s thighs as Calliope wrapped her around her neck and they took off down the hallway. It took a while for Calliope to notice that they were going the wrong way.

“Hey, Lexie…” she whispered into her ear softly, not noticing the shiver the other girl had. “We’re going the wrong way. My barrack is the other direction…” 

“I know. I’m taking you to mine cause it’s closer. Is that okay?” she asked, suddenly doubting her decision as she stopped in the middle of the hallway. She felt Calliope’s grip tighten around her neck before she felt a nod against her neck. She relaxed before continuing on her way. They made it to her barracks, the lights were already out and they could hear the soft snores of the other cadets around them. Calliope slid off her back by Lexie’s bed, playing with her fingers hesitantly. 

“You can lay down. I don’t bite, I promise,” Lexie whispered as she pulled back her thin blanket and they slipped into bed, Calliope laying on her stomach to avoid her back and they faced each other in the darkness, unable to see the other. 

She doesn’t remember when they fell asleep but she woke up during the night to Lexie thrashing some, whimpering. Calliope slid up the bunk some, wrapping an arm around Lexie’s chest to hold her down as she placed her head against her shoulder and hummed softly into the other girl’s ear. That immediately calmed Lexie down as she stopped thrashing and settled into Calliope’s arms. 

Calliope started to fall back asleep, the humming tapering off as she drifted but she swears she heard Lexie faintly mumble “I will always protect you…” 

//End of Flashback\\

“From that day forward, we were inseparable,” Calliope told the group as she gripped Lexie’s hand over her shoulder. “Then, I left and I thought I lost her before we finally realized that we just belonged together. Did I leave anything out, love?”

“No, that about sums it up. You did leave out the part where I told Shadow Weaver to fuck off when she tried to separate us,” Lexie teased, causing Calliope to roll her eyes. 

“I feel like that’s a story for another day.”

“So, let me get this straight. You two became best friends because she knocked the shit out of you for bullying her?” Perfuma asked, looking between the two. Calliope leaned her head back to look at Lexie, who started laughing as they both nodded. 

“I mean, it’s not as bad as Adora finding Catra in a box!” Glimmer chimed in, shifting the focus to the blonde and brunette who started in on their tale about how they met. Calliope continued looking up at Lexie, who leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on the lips.

“I don’t regret how we met. I think it built character,” Calliope told her, drawing another snicker from her fiance. 

“I regret it some but then I never would have realized how strong, beautiful, intelligent you were. I can’t wait to marry you, Callie.”

“I can’t wait to marry you either, Lex.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: The Hum

Calliope had become hyper-aware of everything her body did ever since the… incident in the Fright Zone. So when she and Lexie and started to try to become intimate again, she was, understandably, freaked out when she could feel the hum bubble up in her chest every time Lexie trailed kisses down her neck or ran her hand down her thigh. She would swallow back the offending song and end the intimacy before it could really start, much to Lexie’s frustration and disappointment. 

This happened for a couple of months before Lexie snapped. Her entire being was wound up in frustration and need that could only be satisfied with her partner but Calliope had been giving her the cold shoulder for months. Every time she thought that a makeout session could lead to more, her fiance would roll away, giving some lame excuse before quickly leaving. There were many nights where Lexie would sleep alone in their bed because Calliope refused to come back into the room till she was sure Lexie was asleep. 

On the night she snapped, she had Calliope pinned underneath her in their bed as they were locked in a heated kiss. She was resting between Calliope’s legs, one hand underneath her thigh to hike her leg up around her waist while the other was behind her neck, tangled in her hair. She pulled away, both breathing heavily as her lips started to trail down the smaller girl's jawline and neck. She loved feeling the small gasps underneath her lips as she kissed her throat. 

The hand underneath Calliope’s thigh slid up gently to her hip as Lexie started to work on her collarbone and that’s when she felt the telltale sign that Calliope was about to stop this. The smaller girl's body tensed underneath her and her hands went to Lexie’s shoulder, giving a gentle push. Lexie sighed, pulling away completely as Calliope sat up. 

“I, um, I have some paperwork I have to finish… some reports from the Plumerian colony Callista sent…” she mumbled as she scooted off the bed, pulling on her robe to cover her nightdress. Lexie inhaled deeply, trying to contain her anger and frustration as she sat back on her knees, clenching her fists.

“Can’t it wait til morning, Callie? I’m sure it’s not that important,” she asked, looking at her fiance's back as she just shook her head, making her way to the door. 

“What is your problem?!” Lexie yelled out, causing Calliope to freeze at the door, hand on the doorknob. 

“What do you mean? I don’t have a problem, Lex,” Calliope informed her, refusing to turn around. 

“Yes,  you do! You have been doing this for months! Every time I try to have some time with you, you always run off! Why won’t you let me touch you, Callie?”

“I do let you touch me! Did you not just touch me? You’re being ridiculous and I have paperwork to look after.”

“I’m not being ridiculous! And you know what I mean! You won’t let me touch you and by gods, you have not touched me in months! So, what’s your problem? Do you find me disgusting now? I’m getting a little tired of being pussy blocked!” 

Calliope turned around to face her, letting out an angry laugh. “Pussy blocked? Is that even a thing?! I don’t find you disgusting, Lexie! I love you! It’s been a hectic few months, and there hasn’t been any time to do anything!”

“That’s a lie and you know it! There has been time but every time we even get a little bit intimate, you run off to go do something else! You’re avoiding having sex with me! Something else is going on, why won’t you talk to me?!”

“Cause there’s nothing to talk about! I don’t wanna…” Calliope sighed loudly, pinching the bridge of her nose. 

“Fine… Don’t come back here then,” Lexie told her, scooting to the other side of the bed. Calliope looked at her fiance's back, biting her lip.

“What do you mean… don’t come back? It’s our room,” Calliope said softly. 

“I don’t want to sleep beside someone who won’t touch me, much less talk to me. Find somewhere else to sleep,” Lexie said, crossing her arms over her chest. Calliope just gaped at her, feeling her own anger starting to boil over. 

“I’m not finding somewhere else to sleep! This is our room, I’m sleeping beside you!”

“Fine!” Lexie yelled, standing up and facing her. “Then I’ll find somewhere else! I’m not sleeping in the same bed, much less the same room as you!”

“You’re so infuriating! You want to know some damn badly! Every time you touch me, I feel the hum bubble up in my chest and I am so damn scared that I’m going to get pregnant again that it’s easier to walk away from it than to risk it happening!” Calliope yelled before putting her hands over her mouth, eyes wide. 

Lexie scoffs in disbelief. “That’s what this is about? You’re scared of the thing that proves your love for me? So what if we get pregnant again, isn’t that what you want? We want kids, right?”

Calliope bits her lip, hard, feeling the metallic taste of blood enter her mouth as she stares down at the floor. Lexie scoffs again, shaking her head. 

“You don’t want kids… You decided this without even talking to me. I’m about to be your wife! This isn’t something you decide on your own! This is something we decide together! That’s what a partnership is, Calliope!”

“But it is my choice because it’s my body that has to carry the baby! It’s not a choice you get! It’s not your body you’re sacrificing! I don’t want to have kids now! I can’t go through that again!” Calliope yelled out, feeling panic start to bubble in her chest. 

“This isn’t like last time! There is no one out there that is going to hurt our baby! All that evil is gone!”

“You weren’t there! You don’t understand! You didn’t feel our baby die within you! You didn’t feel them fight to live! I felt the fight for days, every kick, every flutter, getting weaker until I didn’t feel them anymore!” Calliope was sobbing at this point, sinking to her knees. “I was supposed to protect them! I was supposed to be that safe place for them to grow and I couldn’t! I couldn’t protect them!”

Lexie was frozen, guilt racking through her. She didn’t know that Calliope had been carrying this around for so long. She made her way across the room, kneeling in front of her sobbing fiance as she took her hands gently, feeling tears escape her eyes. 

“It’s not your fault… You did everything you could to protect them. It’s mine. I should have been there to protect you. I shouldn’t have left for Brightmoon that day, I should have been by your side. It should have been me out in the woods when she attacked. It should have been me in that bunk, not you. You did nothing wrong. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people. You did everything in your power to save our baby. I don’t blame you for any of it,” Lexie told her as Calliope leaned forward, hiccuping. 

“I can’t… I can’t do it again… Please, I can’t…” she hiccuped, looking up at Lexie with desperation and heartbreak in her eyes. Lexie nodded, pulling her into her arms, allowing her tears to fall freely onto Calliope’s head. 

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to… We can wait as long as you need, forever even. I wish you had told me. I feel like such an ass for yelling at you,” she gave a watery chuckle as Calliope shook her head. 

“I deserved it… I was giving you the cold shoulder. I should have been honest with you from the beginning.”

“Looks like we have a lot more to work through than we thought… Maybe we should take Perfuma up on her therapy offer… looks like we both need it.”

Calliope nodded, sniffling as she rested her head against Lexie’s chest. “I’d like that… to work through this and learn how to be with you without this… hum getting in the way.”

“We should research the hum more. I bet it comes in cycles…” 

“I’ll send a letter to Callista. I’m sure she knows,” Calliope told her and Lexie lifted her head gently, giving her a chaste kiss on the lips.

“Are we going to be okay?” she asked, resting her forehead against the smaller girls. 

“One day… one day we’re going to be okay.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 3: Scars

Calliope had taken up gardening on her days off from meetings, rebuilding, and the general hustle and bustle of running a kingdom. She wanted to restore the palace gardens to their former beauty, giving life and vibrancy back to the crumbling palace walls. 

That’s where she found herself today alongside Lexie and Haevyn, whose parents were attending meetings in Plumeria and Snows for the week. Haevyn loved digging in the dirt and had a natural talent for summoning life from the dead earth with whispered songs. Lexie had broken off from them about half an hour ago when Adora and Catra showed up to spend the day there. 

Calliope hadn’t been able to hear their conversation up till then, with a crew of people working on rebuilding a gazebo on the far side of the garden. It wasn’t until she sent them off to the kitchens to enjoy lunch that she caught onto what the three women were conversing about. 

“See this one? Got it fighting off a giant spider in the Whispering Woods! Took it down all by myself!” she heard Adora boast and turned to see the woman flexing her bicep as Catra smirked and Lexie rolled her eyes. Calliope shook her head, heading back over to Haevyn who was helping a rosebush bud open beautiful blue roses. 

“Those are very pretty, how did you know blue was my favorite color?” Calliope asked her as Haevyn smiled up at her with pride. 

“I didn’t! They remind me of your eyes, that’s why I made them blue!” she said happily, causing Calliope to laugh softly and hug her. 

“I love them, thank you,” she told the young girl, who grinned before they heard an exclaim from the group of women and turned to see what it was about.

“You’re lying! There is no way you got that from fighting off an alligator lion!” Adora exclaimed as Lexie was showing off a long scar on the back of her calf. 

“How would you know! There is no way you got that other scar from fighting a pack of sand snakes! You probably got it from Catra,” Lexie smirked as Catra hissed.

“What are they talking about, Aunt Callie?” Haevyn asked, looking confused. Calliope rolled her eyes again, smiling.

“They’re comparing scars and trying to see who has the better story behind it,” she explained and Haevyn turned thoughtful for a moment before beaming up at her and running over to the three women. 

“I have the best scar story out of all of you!” she exclaimed as all three women stopped bickering to look at her. Haevyn turned around and pulled her shirt up to expose her back. It wasn’t until Lexie put a hand over her mouth in horror that Calliope came around to join them. She gasped at what she saw.

While her back was covered in faint scars, it was nothing compared to the two large, blackened stumps that sat above her shoulder blades. The veins were darkened around the stumps, indicating that what was on her back had been alive. 

“I used to have wings,” she started to explain as the group was silent. “When I was smaller. They were pretty. Clear, but a colored clear. They were a mixture of red, yellow, and orange, like fire. The colors shimmered in the light, I loved them. I… don’t remember what I did wrong. It had to be really bad for Shadow Weaver to punish me, I probably deserved it. But she cut them off and burned the stumps so they wouldn’t bleed and I could get back to work. That’s when I was switched over to laundry service, she didn’t want me associating much more with everyone else. Did I win?” 

She turned around after pulling her shirt down to see the horrified looks on the adult's faces. Catra was looking away, looking anywhere but at the little girl while Adora looked sad. Lexie still had a hand over her face, eyes watering as Calliope was letting the tears flow freely. 

“Oh man, I didn’t win, did I? They’re not as cool as Aunt Callie’s,” she pouted and Calliope just shook her head, going over to hug her. 

“No… You win, Haevyn. I don’t have anything like that,” Catra said softly, earning the reluctant agreement of the group as Haevyn beamed. 

“Did you hear that, Aunt Callie?! I have the best scar story! I won! Why are you crying?” Haevyn asked as Calliope pulled away, sniffling.

“You know me… I’m just a crier. Everything makes me cry,” Calliope explained and Haevyn nodded in agreement. 

“We can be the back scar club! Cause me and you have the coolest back scars, am I right?!” Haevyn jittered and Calliope smiled, holding her pinky out for Haevyn to wrap her own around. 

“Yes, we’re the cool back scar club, Haevyn,” she told the little girl.

“Hey! I want to be in the cool back scar club! I have some cool ones!” Adora exclaimed as she turned around to show the group, leaving them laughing at her stupidity.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4: Haevyn’s First Day of School

7:00 AM

Brio and Callista had planned on getting up extra early to cook Haevyn a special breakfast for her first day of school. What they had not anticipated (or realized) was that the nine-year-old was on a Horde schedule, therefore she had been up before the sun and had already made breakfast for them. They had been trying to teach her to be more of a child, that she did not have to worry about cooking or cleaning or training but that was nine years of training that they were trying to coax out of her and it had only been a few months since she came into their care. 

She smiled up at them as she placed the plates of eggs, buttered toast, and fruit onto the dining room table. They had taken up residence in the palace with Lexie and Calliope, who had insisted that on their stay, not wanting to live in the large building by themselves. 

“Good morning! I can’t wait for school today!” she told them as she took her seat, diving into her food with vigor.

“Thank you for breakfast, honey, but you know you don’t have to cook,” Callista gently reminded her as she kissed her head and took her seat beside her. 

“I know! I wanted to! I was excited to get started!” she told her. 

“That’s a lot of excitement for so early, kiddo. Take it easy,” Brio said as he ruffled her hair affectionately, taking his seat as well. They were enjoying their meal with Lexie and Calliope walked in, Calliope bypassing everyone to go to the coffee station as Lexie made her way to the table, stealing a piece of toast off of Brio’s plate.

“Get your own breakfast, hotshot!” he yelled, guarding his plate against further assaults. 

“Why when I can just have yours, old man?” She laughed as she took a bite. 

“Aunt Callie, do you want some breakfast? I made plenty!” Haevyn asked as Calliope just waved her hand, making her cup of coffee. 

“You ain’t gonna get anything out of her, Red. She’s not all there before her coffee. Besides, we were up last night looking over the treaties the alliance had written up for us and we have a few meetings today. She’s tired,” Lexie explained, finishing her toast. “But I’ll take some breakfast since your old man won’t let me have his.”

“We need to be heading out. It’s Haevyn’s first day of school,” Callista explains as she clears her spot. Haevyn bounces up excitedly, clearing her place as well.

“Have a good day. Don’t fight the other kids, they don’t have the special training like we do and you could hurt them,” Lexie teases as she makes her breakfast plate.

“But I’ll have to fight them during sparring sessions, right?” Haevyn asked, confused as Brio and Callista made eye contact. 

“Um… We’ll talk on the way. Let’s get going,” Callista mumbles. 

“Have a good first day, Haevyn,” Calliope tells her sleepily, waving as she enjoys her coffee. 

“Have a good day at your meetings, Aunt Callie, Aunt Lexie. Bye, Papa,” she kisses Brio’s cheek as she bounces out of the room with Callista. 

“I bet a pan of sticky buns that she doesn’t make it to lunch without kicking someone’s ass,” Lexie tells Brio, who grins.

“You’re on. I bet she doesn’t make it through the first period.”

9:00 AM

Callista had dropped Haevyn off at school an hour ago. Since Musicia had not set up an official school yet, they had traveled to a school closer to Brightmoon via horse. Haevyn loved riding the horse, but not as much as she loved Callista’s kiss on her forehead at the entrance to the school. 

“Do your best and try to make friends. We’ll see you this afternoon, sweetheart,” she had told the little girl before handing her off to a teacher. 

Haevyn had spent the hour taking a series of tests that would determine where she was academically in order to place her in the proper classroom. While the learning had been Horde Standard, focusing more on mathematics and engineering in order to build weapons and work on skiffs, she did learn enough to place in a higher level and was able to pick up on subjects quickly. That’s when she found herself being taken into a classroom with children her age, all sitting in desks that faced a giant blackboard, similar to the Horde but less falling apart. 

“Class, we have a new student joining us! This is Haevyn from the kingdom of Musicia. Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?” the teacher asked as Haevyn shifted from foot to foot, starting to feel nervous with all the eyes on her.

“Um… hi. I’m Haevyn, I’m nine, and I used to be Horde until my Aunt Callie saved me. Or I saved her… It’s a long story. Anyways, I’m happy to be here. I can’t wait to learn more,” she told the classroom, who was silent. The teacher laughed nervously, guiding her to her seat in the back before returning to the front to resume the lesson.

11:00 AM

Haevyn was ready to bounce off her seat. She had been sitting there for a couple of hours, writing her notes for the classes and participating as much as possible. The other students would giggle when she got something wrong and she didn’t understand why, she didn’t do the same to them. 

They were finally getting a break and Haevyn followed everyone out of the classroom and down to a courtyard. Everyone was lounging around on benches, chasing each other, or playing and Haevyn needed to find an outlet for all the pent energy she had. She walked over to a group of girls playing tag and waved. 

“Hey! I’m Haevyn, can I play with you?” She asked and the girls stopped playing, looking at her. A blue lizard girl hissed at her, sneering.

“We don’t want to play with Horde Scum. Go back where you came from,” she told Haevyn, who frowned. 

“That’s not nice… I’m not Horde Scum, the Horde doesn’t exist anymore. I just want to play,” she said and the lizard girl stepped towards her threateningly. 

“I said we don’t want you here,” she said, most of the other girls nodding, only one frowning at her. She had bright yellow hair that wasn’t really hair, more like feathers as well as folded wings on her back the same color but tipped red. Her legs were long and ended in talons.

“We should let her play. She seems nice, Chamie” the yellow hair girl told the blue lizard, Chamie. 

“No! You seem to have forgotten what the Horde did to our families, our lands, and our kingdoms. Do you hear that? You destroy everything! No one likes you, no one wants to play with you, no one wants to be your friend! You’re nothing but scum on our feet, you’re stupid and worthless! No one would care if you disappeared!” the blue lizard girl said, pushing Haevyn slightly. 

That was her first mistake. Haevyn had been taught that if someone put their hands on you, you had every right to kick their ass. So that’s what Haevyn did. She swung. 

12:00 PM

She was sitting in the headmistresses office, arms crossed over her chest. She sported a busted lip and cracked knuckles but was, overall, unharmed from the fight she had with the lizard girl. She would have beaten the lizard unconscious if the teachers hadn't pulled them apart and sent her to the headmistresses office, where she had been sitting waiting for her parents ever since. 

She tensed when she heard the office door open and looked up to see Brio and Lexie walk in. They looked down at her and she saw Brio visibly relax as he headed over to the headmistress to talk to her. Lexie knelt down beside her, pulling some first aid supplies from her bag as she started cleaning up her knuckles.

“I hate to see what the other guy looks like, Red,” she teased as she disinfected the cracked knuckles, causing Haevyn to hiss in pain. 

“She called me Horde Scum, that no one liked me and that everyone wished I disappeared… I could have ignored it if she hadn't pushed me. You know the rules,” Haevyn said. 

“If they touch you first, kick their ass,” they said in unison before laughing softly, Lexie wrapping bandages around her hands. She stood up as Brio walked over, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“Well, kiddo. I was able to talk down your sentence. You’re serving a lot of detention but at least she’s not kicking you out like she wanted to. Just wait till your mama hears about this though…” they both shuddered, knowing Callista had a temper on her. 

“Your papa also owes me a pan of sticky buns,” Lexie grinned as they walked out of the office and into the hallway. Haevyn looked between them, confused. 

“Your aunt made a bet that you’d beat up someone by lunch. I said the first period but it looks like she won that bet. You’ll get your sticky buns, hotshot! But I’ll win the next one!” Brio told her, causing Lexie to laugh. They walked, heading out into the mostly deserted mess hall so that Haevyn could eat lunch. 

“We have to head out. Your Aunt Callie needs me back soon. But I just wanted to tell you that it’s going to be hard adjusting to school. The Horde really hurt the people of Etheria and there is mistrust amongst everyone about people like us. While their judgment is going to hurt, we have to show them that there is more to us than our past. It’s going to take a while, especially now that you’ve beat someone up but you’ll learn. And if you need to vent that anger and frustration, we can set up sparring sessions for after school so you can beat up someone that can take your punches, okay?” Lexie told her and Haevyn nodded, sighing. 

“I’m really sorry I lost my temper… and that you had to miss your meetings. And that mama is going to hand us our asses tonight,” Haevyn mumbled, looking at the ground. She felt a hand ruffle her hair and looked up to see Brio smiling down at her.

“All forgiven, kiddo. Just keep trying your best, that’s all ask,” he said and the two adults waved goodbye as they left her to enjoy her lunch alone. 

2:30 PM

Haevyn got through the rest of the day without beating up anyone else or causing any trouble. The other students were even warier of her now but no one laughed at her when she got an answer wrong or said much of anything to her. She sat outside of the school building on a bench, waiting for Callista to pick her up when she felt someone sit beside her.

She looked up to see the yellow bird girl from earlier. The girl smiled at her, holding out her hand.

“Hey… We didn’t get introduced properly. I’m Circe,” the girl said and Haevyn took her hand, shaking it softly. 

“Hi… I’m Haevyn. Um, thanks for trying to be nice to me earlier.”

“It was no problem. You didn’t deserve all the mean things Chamie said. You have to ignore her sometimes, she’s cold-blooded,” Circe giggled and Haevyn joined in, scooting a little closer to the girl. 

“I, um… you have pretty feathers,” Haevyn told her and Circe blushed, one of her wings wrapping around to hide her shyly as she stroked the ombre feathers. 

“Thank you… Your hair is the same color as the ends. It’s really pretty, reminds me of an apple,” Circe said shyly, biting her lip.

“Thank you. I had wings once… not feathery wings, more like… bug wings? They were similar in coloring to yours, lots of yellow and reds but orange too, and clearish. They reminded me of fire like yours kinda do.”

“What happened to them?” Circe asked, scooting in closer to Haevyn. 

“I lost them. I was bad and they were taken from me. That’s how it is,” she said, sitting her hand on the bench in between them. Circe’s hand was beside hers and their pinkies barely touched. 

“I don’t think you did anything bad enough to have them taken. That just sounds… cruel,” Circe said, looking at her. Haevyn looked back, biting her lip but wincing when she remembered it was busted. 

“I don’t really remember… I was smaller when it happened. But I like yours. We could be twins!” Haevyn told her and Circe laughed, nodding.

“We could be! We have similar coloring!” 

Haevyn looked up when she heard the clomping of hooves and saw Callista riding up towards her. She stood, heading towards her before stopping and turning back to face Circe.

“Hey, um… would you want to be my friend?” Haevyn asked nervously. She watched Circe smile happily, nodding.

“I would love to be your friend, Haevyn! I’ll see you tomorrow? We can sit together in class!”

“I’d love that! I’ll see you tomorrow!” Haevyn said and ran over to Callista, who helped her mount the horse before they set off from home.

“How was school? Did you make any friends?” Callista asked and Haevyn looked back at the distancing figure of Circe as she rested her head against Callista’s back.

“Yea… I made a friend.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 5: Songs

Lexie hadn’t heard Calliope sing in… well forever. At least since before, she was kidnapped. An occasional hum here and there, sure, but no singing or playing any instruments. That’s why she was surprised when she passed by the gardens on her way to town to oversee some construction and heard the beautiful melody. 

She stopped behind a pillar, peeking around and out into the garden where Calliope was working on a bed of lavender bushes, sitting on her hands and knees as she dug through the dirt to plant the flowers. She was so focused on her task, she didn’t even realize the lyrics had slipped from her lips, to begin with. 

Lavender’s blue, dilly, dilly

Lavender’s green

If you are king, dilly, dilly

I shall be queen

Who told you so, dilly, dilly

Who told you so

Twas my own heart, dilly, dilly

That told me so

Lexie came around the pillar and quietly made her way behind Calliope. Calliope took notice of the shadow looming over her and looked up, face scrunching with concern when she saw fresh tears shining in Lexie’s eyes and her hand covering my mouth. She quickly stood up, touching Lexie’s free hand gently.

“What’s wrong, my love? Did something happen?” she asked, concerned, and Lexie shook her head, removing her hand to give a watery chuckle.

“You were singing… I hadn’t heard that in so long…” 

“I was? I didn’t even realize… Why are you crying then? You’ve heard me sing, silly,” Calliope smiled at her fiance, wiping her cheeks gently. 

“But not since before you were kidnapped. I haven’t heard you sing since then and I missed it so much. I didn’t even realize I missed it until now. Can you keep singing?” Lexie asked, taking hold of her hand as they intertwined their fingers together. Calliope nodded.

Let the birds sing, dilly, dilly

And the lambs play

We shall be safe, dilly, dilly

Out of harm’s way

I love to dance, dilly, dilly

I love to sing

When I am queen, dilly, dilly

You’ll be my king

Chapter Text

Chapter 6: Confrontation

She’s not sure what triggered the argument but the next thing she knew, Lexie and Glimmer were going at each other. They were in Brightmoon attending the monthly Princess Alliance meeting and Calliope was only half paying attention as she worked on her com-pad, looking through the wedding samples that Callista had sent her. Who knew there were so many colors, textures, flowers, foods, and music to choose from. 

“Your ‘plan’ is going to hurt all the progress we’ve made with the Fright Zone and the Crimson Waste! If you’d pull your head out of your ass, you’d see that!” Lexie yelled as she stood from her seat, glaring across the table at Glimmer, who gave her a similar one as she stood from her seat.

“My plan will benefit relationships in the long run if you have the brain capacity to actually see long term!” Glimmer argued, slamming her fist on the table as Bow stood up, putting his hands up in a placating gesture.

“Guys, I’m sure we can come to a peaceful compromise about this,” he said but was met with two intense glares that had him cowering back down into his seat. They went back to fighting as Calliope let out a soft hum, leaning over to Perfuma.

“Do you like this color gold or this one?” she asked, showing her the images as Perfuma gave her a questioning look.

“Shouldn’t you be calming Lexie down? They’re really downing the vibe in this place,” Perfuma told her softly, indicating to the two girls who had abandoned the table and were now afoot across from each other to yell. Calliope looked up, took a quick assessment then looked back at her com-pad.

“This is long overdue. Let them fight it out for a while. Now, about those colors?” Calliope tilted her head in question and Perfume pointed to one of the images she liked better. 

“Why do you always have to do this?! Why can’t you just listen!” Glimmer yelled, stepping closer to Lexie. 

“Why would I listen to someone who is willing to harm innocent lives! I have no trust or respect for you!” Lexie yelled back and the girls were almost nose to nose at this point when Catra popped up beside them. 

“Sparkles… whatever you do, do not swing first,” she warned Glimmer, who turned her glare to her.

“And why not? She’s not going to do anything,” Glimmer challenged, causing Lexie to growl.

“I’m warning you, Sparkles. Horde soldiers are taught to kick ass when hit first. This is not a fight you want to have,” Catra coaxed. 

“I can take her. She’s all talk and no walk. I’ve fought enough Horde soldiers to last a lifetime,” Glimmer gloated and they were toe to toe, glaring each other down, more like Lexie was glaring down at Glimmer and then she smirked.

“Then what are you afraid of? Take the first hit,” Lexie taunted. 

“Uh, Callie. You really should calm Lexie down,” Adora said from across the table, drumming her fingers against the table in nervous anticipation. Calliope looked up from the com-pad, where she was getting Perfuma and Scorpia’s opinions on flowers. 

“Adora, they’re fine. Glimmer and Lexie need to clear the air between them before we can ever have productive negotiations or quiet dinners together. It’s not like they’re actually going to fight,” Calliope reassured her.

“Oooh! I really like the marigolds! You should choose those over the peonies,” Scorpia said, pulling Calliope’s attention away again. 

“But the white peonies will contrast well with the gold theme, honey,” Perfuma told her, placing a hand on her claw. Scorpia made an ‘ooh’ face while nodding. 

“I didn’t think of it like that! Perfuma is correct though she does know flowers!”

They weren’t sure who had started the actual fight at this point but it soon became chaos as Glimmer started throwing magical runes at Lexie, who was rolling and dodging the magic as she would get close enough to Glimmer to land a punch or a kick, Adora had turned into She-Ra and was trying to break the two apart without hurting either of them. Frosta was encouraging the fight from the sidelines, everyone was yelling, it was pure chaos in the war room. 

“Ughhhh! Calliope! Please! Do something about… this!” Mermista groaned, waving her hands towards the chaos, causing Calliope to, once again, look up from her task and sigh loudly. She stood up, coming around the table to sit the com-pad in front of Mermista.

“Could you tell me the best fish selections while I handle this? Thanks,” she said, placing a hand on the other princesses’ shoulder before making her way to the fight. She put herself in the middle as Glimmer came towards Lexie with another rune and Lexie came at her with a fist, both stopping short when they realized they were about to hit Calliope, their fists stopping inches away from her. 

“Callie! What the hell are you doing?! You almost got hit!” Lexie scolded, about to continue before Calliope gave her a searing look that made any more arguments die on her tongue. Calliope turned the same look to Glimmer, whose fists fell to her sides and she hung her head in shame. Calliope pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing.

“We need to work this out. This is beyond ridiculous. You two should not be fighting, we’re friends. Also, you interrupted me planning our wedding cause you two couldn’t figure out your problems yourself so now I’m involved and we’re not going anywhere until this is solved! She-Ra, grab some chairs. We’re having a healing circle” Calliope informed them as She-Ra grabbed the chairs.

“Oooh! A healing circle! I love those!” Perfuma yelled, pulling her own chair towards the new, tableless circle that was forming. 

“My love, we don’t need a healing circle. Can’t we just punch out our feelings and be done with it?” Lexie asked, withering under the angry look her fiance gave her. 

“In the Horde, we punch out our feelings. Here, we talk out our feelings because the punching out wasn’t working otherwise I would not have had to intervene. Now, sit before I make you sit,” she hissed and everyone complied. 

“She’s scary when she’s angry…” Scorpia whispered to Catra, who rolled her eyes. 

Calliope took a deep breath, reeling in her anger as she stood between Lexie and Glimmer’s chairs. “Now then… we need to clear the air before we can make any real progress together. Lexie, Brightmoon is our ally and friend and you are harming that relationship by fighting with its queen. Glimmer, Musicia has always stood by Brightmoon’s side when we were a fully functioning kingdom. I would like to maintain that friendship but I can’t if you are going to insult its future queen. Lexie will be by my side as co-queen and I will not tolerate any disrespect towards her. That is disrespect towards me and my people.”

Lexie snickered, She-Ra flicking her in the knees to stop her, causing her to hiss in pain at the strength of the giantess. 

“Lexie, what’s wrong? You fight Glimmer at every turn, nothing she says is right to you. What’s the problem?” Calliope asked her, causing Lexie to frown.

“She’s the problem. I don’t trust her judgment or her character anymore,” Lexie said and Glimmer huffed.

“Is this still about activating the Heart? I apologized! I have constantly apologized! What, do you want me to beg on my knees for forgiveness?!” 

“I would actually enjoy that a lot, you should kiss my shoes while you’re down there,” Lexie smirked. 

“That’s enough!” Calliope yelled, causing the chairs to scoot back a few inches. She rubbed her face in frustration, grinding her teeth. She felt her whole body vibrating with energy as the whole room was silent. 

“Hey, deep breaths, Callie. There is a lot of negative energy in this room right now and it’s throwing off your aura,” Perfuma instructed as Calliope took some deep breaths to balance herself out again. 

“Glimmer apologized for the Heart. Her and I came to an understanding about it because it was a mistake and mistakes happen. So why are you fighting it so hard, Lex?” Calliope asked, looking at her fiance who was glaring at her knees, her knuckles gripping the edge of her chair. 

“Her ‘mistake’ cost us everything,” she lifted her head, glaring over at Glimmer who was flush with embarrassment and guilt. “Callie still wakes up in the middle of the night screaming. Some nights, she wakes up and can’t move. Can barely breathe from the pain and grief she holds inside. I didn’t hear her sing again until a few weeks ago. It’s been half a year since Prime was destroyed and Calliope hadn’t sung since before the Heart was activated. I’m not allowed to touch my own wife how I want because she is completely horrified in getting pregnant again and losing another baby. The idea of a baby causes her to shut down. So you made a mistake. But your actions have consequences and she paid the price. I don’t trust your judgment, your integrity, or your character. You told me that one person’s sacrifice was worth the peace of Etheria and you got it. You sacrificed my woman for your peace and now, you have to live with that, as do we.”

It was so silent in the room that everyone could have heard a needle drop from across the castle. Tears were dripping down Glimmer’s face as she gripped her knees, trying to hold back her sobs. Bow placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. 

“I made a choice that day too, Lexie. I chose to be away from the city when the Heart was activated. I fell right into a trap I could have avoided if I had stayed in the city. That was my action, not Glimmer’s. So why aren’t you mad at me instead?”

“It wouldn’t have been a trap if the Heart hadn't been activated! You would have been able to fight properly and save yourself!” Lexie argued, standing up to be eye-level with Calliope.

“You really think Terra was going to leave empty-handed? I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, Lex. I made that choice, I put myself in harm's way and I paid the price for it. That was all me, not Glimmer, not Prime, no one but me. I’m not excusing her actions because they were shitty and people got hurt but we won because of it. We ended a needless war because of it. But you should accept her apology, as I have, and apologize to her for your own actions.”

“No! Why should I apologize?” Lexie said.

“Because that’s what a good queen would do. And I know you are going to be a good queen. But we can’t begin to move forward until we settle this. Glimmer?” Calliope said, holding out her hand to the young queen as she stood up, taking it. Calliope took Lexie’s hand with her free one and looked between the two women. “We’re friends, allies. Please… our kingdoms need each other.”

“Lexie, I am so sorry for the hurt I have caused you and Calliope. I never meant for any of that to happen. I said horrible things in my anger and frustration and I regret that. As I told Calliope, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to the both of you. We don’t have to be friends but it would be nice if we weren’t fighting at every meeting,” Glimmer said, giving her a small smile.

Lexie took a deep breath. “You really hurt us. And I am not a forgiving person. But Calliope is right. She always is. Our kingdoms are allies, we will be around each other the rest of our lives. If Calliope has the room in her heart to forgive something so unforgivable, then I can as well because it is what a good queen would do and I intend to be the best one for our people. So, I accept your apology and extend my own for fighting for so long. This still doesn’t mean I trust you.”

“I will spend the rest of our lives earning that trust again, you have my word!” Glimmer said excitedly. 

“So, can we break for lunch now? I’m starving!” Mermista groaned, causing the group to laugh as Calliope released the two women’s hands. The two women regarded each other with wary apprehension but nodded in agreement to lunch.

“Which, speaking of food. Did you look at those dinner plate options for the reception?” Calliope asked, heading over to Mermista.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7: Baby Sister

Haevyn frowned, tapping her fingers against her leg anxiously as she waited outside of her school for Callista. She was running late, which wasn’t like her, and it made Haevyn nervous. If she admitted it to herself, Callista had been acting funny lately and that put her on edge as well, worried that her parents were going to decide they didn’t want her anymore. 

“Fae?” she heard a voice and looked up to see Circe frowning down at her, her yellow hair gleaming in the sunlight. Circe had insisted on giving her the nickname Fae, since it rhymed with Hae, the first part of her name, and is what they called the fairy folk that lived on Etheria. She only liked it when Circe called her that. 

“Are you okay? Why isn’t your mama here yet?” Circe asked, sitting down beside her friend. Haevyn’s leg starting jumping up and down as she bit her lip, looking down the road for any signs of Callista.

“I don’t know… She’s never late… What if they decided they didn’t want me anymore?” she said softly and Circe shook her head firmly.

“There’s no way they did that! Your mama and papa love you! I’ve seen it!”

“Mama’s been acting funny lately…”

“Funny how?”

“Well… she’s always tired, she's been kinda sick too, like throwing up and stuff. And she’s gotten… bigger. Like everything on her has gotten bigger, especially her tummy. And she’s more irritated than normal, she got mad at me the other day when I didn’t do my chores,” Haevyn explained, trying to calm her bouncing leg.

“Oh! Your mama sounds like she’s going to have a baby! My mama got the same way when she had my baby brother!”

“A baby? Why would they do that? Babies are impractical in a fight and can’t defend themselves,” Haevyn told her and Circe laughed. 

“They probably did it because they love each other, silly. When two people love each other, they have babies. And babies aren’t meant to fight!”

“You have babies when you love someone? Then why doesn’t my Aunt Callie and Aunt Lexie have a baby? They really love each other.” 

Circe shrugged her shoulders. “Beats me. I’m just telling you what my mama told me. Hey! There’s your papa!” She pointed and Haevyn jumped up. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Circe!” she yelled as she ran over to Brio. 

“See you, Fae!”

“Papa! Papa!” Haevyn yelled as she jumped into his arms, nearly knocking him over. Brio laughed, wrapping his arms around her as he swung her around to avoid falling. 

“There’s my girl! Did you have a good day at school?” He asked as he helped her up on the horse and they headed back home.

“Yes! I learned about the magic of Etheria today! It was so much fun and then Circe accidentally snorted milk at lunch today, it was hilarious! You should have seen her face! By the way… where’s mama?” she asked.

“Your mama wasn’t feeling well, I offered to come to pick you up but I got held up in a meeting. I’m sorry I was late, kiddo. Do you wanna still spar with Aunt Lexie?”

“Yes, please. I need to get out some energy. Is mama going to be okay? It seems like she never feels good anymore. Circe said it sounded like she was going to have a baby but I said that was silly cause babies are impractical,” Haevyn told him and Brio choked, coughing slightly.

“Um, well. It seems like your friend is very observant. We were hoping to talk to you about it together but it seems like we need to have that conversation now. Your mama is having a baby. You’re going to be a big sister,” they made their way into the city and towards the palace as Haevyn went silent. 

“Kiddo? Are you okay? I know it’s a lot to understand right now but I hope you come to love the baby as much as we do,” he explained.

“I don’t know what a sister is… is that a word you use to say you’re replacing me?” she said softly and Brio stopped the horse, turning her so she would look at him.

“We’re not replacing you, Haevyn. A sister is how you explain the bond between two people who have the same parents when it’s a girl like you. If you were a boy, it would be called a brother.”

“But we don’t have the same parents. I’m only borrowing theirs. When you have a baby of your own, you’re going to forget all about me!” she cried, jumping off the horse and running up the stairs to the palace. 

“Haevyn, wait!” Brio called out but she ignored him, running inside and down the hallways. She had tears blinding her vision and when she rounded a corner, she ran into a figure, falling back onto the ground.

“Haevyn?! Sweetheart, are you okay?” Callista asked, bending down to help her up but Haevyn pushed her hands off, scooting back.

“Leave me alone! Don’t touch me!” she screamed, sobbing as she brought her knees up to her chest and hugged them. Callista tried again to grab hold of her but Haevyn fought, it was all she knew how to do until Callista had to back away in worry that Haevyn would accidentally hit her. Brio finally rounded the corner, frowning. 

“Kiddo, calm down. It’s going to be okay,” he told her, kneeling down to grab her arms. She struggled against him, screaming, but it gave Callista enough time to slide in behind her, wrapping her legs around so that she could pin Haevyn’s down and wrap her arms around her chest, pinning her arms down. She cooed in her ear softly, rocking them as Haevyn’s struggles started to cease. 

“Sweetie, it’s okay. It’s going to be okay. We love you so much,” Callista whispered, kissing the side of her head gently.

“She knows about the baby. She thinks we’re trying to get rid of her,” Brio explained, placing a hand on Haevyn’s leg. 

“You’re having a baby so you won’t want me anymore! How can you love some kid you found over a baby you have?” she cried and Callista frowned.

“We are not getting rid of you or replacing you, sweetheart. A baby means that we have so much love for each other and for you that we wanted to multiple it and give some to someone else. Listen,” she said and then started to sing.

Everybody is born to care

It is something that we are meant to share

Not to keep to ourselves all alone

When we make room for someone new

It does not mean that there’s less for you

It only means that our circle has grown

Love knows, Love grows

Bigger than before

In your heart, there’s always more

It’s magic, the more you give it away

The more love comes back to you every day

You are my Haevyn and I am your mom

Always, forever, wherever we go, so

Love knows, love grows

Bigger than before

In your heart, there’s always more

Always more

Haevyn relaxed completely at her singing, sniffling as Callista slowly released her. She turned around, wrapping her arms around Callista’s neck to hug her. Callista hugged her back happily and Brio wrapped his arms around his tiny family.

“Just because we’re adding someone new to our family does not mean we will ever love you less. We want you to be the best big sister to your baby sister, kiddo. She’s going to need someone strong like you to protect her,” Brio told her and Callista smiled over Haevyn’s head at him. 

“Sister means girl… it’s going to be a girl like me?” Haevyn whispered and Callista nodded. Haevyn shrieked in delight, jumping up out of the embrace. 

“I’m going to teach her everything! Like how to kick other people’s asses and to read! And show her all my favorite foods, like strawberries!”

“Whoa there, kiddo!” Brio laughed. “It’s going to be a while before you’ll be able to do any of that with her but for now, you can help your mama out as much as she needs, okay?”

“Yes, sir! New mission: help mama with baby sister! End of mission estimate: never!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 8: Nightmares

Calliope was nervous. The wedding was a few days away and she had a list of things to do a mile long. It didn’t help that the wedding was also their coronation day, where they will be crowned the official queens of Musicia. Calliope had a kingdom to run, people to protect, paperwork to complete, buildings to reconstruct. And then, Callista dropped her pregnancy bombshell on them a few weeks ago. 

She was happy for Callista and Brio, they deserved this. A baby was a blessing, their baby was a blessing, but Calliope couldn’t help but feel envious and grief-stricken over the news. On top of the already massive plate of things she had going on, this was what set her nerves on edge. She had woken up screaming every night since Callista’s announcement, much to Lexie’s dismay, and they were both lacking to rest from it. 

The day before the wedding, though, the Princess Alliance descended upon the palace while they were enjoying afternoon tea, taking a break from helping decorate and set up. Calliope nearly dropped her cup when she heard Glimmer’s shrieks enter the garden as she was enjoying the new gazebo. 

“Pre-Wedding Best Friend Sleepover!” she screamed, running up and hugging Calliope gleefully as everyone else followed behind. 

“Sleepover? What?” Calliope asked confused, Lexie snickering at her. 

“We’re having a girl's night tonight! Total pampering before your big day! Lexie, you’re going out with the guys. It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding!” Glimmer told her. 

“It’ll be fun! We can have our own sleepover!” Bow said. 

“Or actually do something fun, like go drinking,” Catra supplied instead. 

Calliope gave Lexie a nervous look and she rested a hand against her gently. 

“It’ll be fine. It’s one night,” she stood up, giving her a gentle kiss on the temple. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the altar. I’ll be in white.”

Calliope smiled, nodding. “I can’t wait to marry you. I’ll see you at the altar. Have a fun night.” She turned to Bow and Catra, giving them a glare that made Bow straighten his back instantly. “No funny business. She comes back in one piece and not hungover, got it?”

“Yes, ma’am! Nothing will happen to her! You have our word!” Bow saluted and Catra laughed. 

“You don’t have mine. We’re going out with Seahawk and you know how competitive your dumb jock is. She’s not going to last the night.``

Lexie laughed nervously. “I promise I will not get wasted before our wedding. No matter how tempting it will be to completely crush everyone at drinking.”

“Good. Go have fun,” Calliope told her, giving her a chaste kiss before being pulled away by Perfuma and Mermista. Lexie motioned for Glimmer and the queen came over to Lexie, raising an eyebrow in question. 

“She’s been having nightmares the last couple of weeks. Real bad ones, we wake up every night to her screams. Keep an eye on my girl, please?” she asked begrudgingly and Glimmer smiled, nodding.

“I’ll watch out for her. Try to enjoy yourself and rest, sounds like you need it,” Glimmer told her as she followed after everyone else. 

_

Calliope was laughing along with everyone as she sat on a cushion in her bedroom. Mermista sat behind her, fixing her hair up in curlers as Perfuma sat in front of her, painting her toenails. Adora lounged on the loveseat they had sitting by the windows, eating and drinking while Glimmer was dancing with Frosta to the music blasting in the room, thanks to the speaker system that Entrapta had rigged up. Lexie had gone out with Catra, Bow, Seahawk, and Scorpia hours previously and Calliope was hoping that everything was going smoothly. 

“Okay, okay, Perfuma. I got one. If you could be any plant, what would you be and why?” Calliope asked, trying not to wiggle her toes. 

“I think I would be Lavender because they are tranquil and peaceful, like me,” she responded as she finished the last toe. Mermista snorted behind Calliope as she rolled in the last curler. 

“Lavender? I think you’re more like poison ivy. Pretty to look at but deadly to touch,” she told her, causing Calliope to laugh at Perfuma’s fallen face. 

“Okay, that’s enough. Who’s turn is it?” Calliope asked as she stood up, stretching. 

“Me!” Frosta yelled, jumping onto the loveseat with Adora. “Are you nervous about tomorrow, Callie?” the younger girl asked and the other princesses perked up. 

“What do I have to be nervous about?” Calliope answered, grabbing her glass of wine from the table and taking a seat in her chair. “Not everyone is as lucky as I am to have found love in their best friend. Not many people are lucky to have found love at all. I’m not nervous about marrying my best friend, I am nervous about the coronation afterward.”

“How come? You already run your kingdom like a queen, nothing is going to change,” Mermista pointed out. 

“There’s something about making it official… I’ve been reading up on Musicia’s coronations. It’s a tradition for the previous queen or king, whoever is alive, to crown the next one but… my parents won’t be able to do that. And… Can I tell you all something and you not tell Lexie?” she asked and everyone hesitated, giving each other looks before nodding in agreement. 

“Whatever you say tonight will stay between us. This is a safe space,” Perfuma told her, taking a seat on the armrest of the chair Calliope was sitting on as she took a deep breath. 

“When I went to the Heart to talk with my mom, I asked her to tell me my future. She warned me about knowing but I insisted on knowing something, anything. She told me that I would not live to see my own daughter be crowned queen. So, this coronation is bittersweet for me because I don’t have my own parents here and my daughter will not have one of hers. Please don’t tell Lexie, she’ll freak.”

The room was silent as Glimmer knelt down in front of Calliope’s chair, taking her hand to squeeze it. “I am sorry to hear that. The future changes a lot, maybe that was just a pathway your mom saw. It doesn’t mean it will happen. If it does, your daughter will have us. She won’t be alone.” Everyone nodded in agreement and Calliope leaned forward to hug Glimmer.

“Thank you. That makes me feel a little better, knowing she’ll have so much love when the time comes.”

“Let’s stop being so serious now! This is a sleepover, a party before your big day! We need to have some fun. Entrapta! Turn up something energetic!” Glimmer yelled, pulling Calliope to her feet as the music changed to something with deep bass and great beat. Everyone got up, singing along and dancing energetically to the music and Calliope never wanted the night to end. 

_

Calliope stood in the middle of the dias below the steps of the palace, holding a small bundle in her arms. Her people stood around her, admiring and complimenting the baby as it cooed at the onlookers. She felt a pair of hands on her shoulders from behind and started to turn around when she felt the fingers dig into her shoulders painfully. 

You thought you could escape that easily, princess? The familiar voice whispered into her ear, sending chills up and down her spine as she froze. Terra stepped around to face her, keeping her hands on her shoulders as she smirked down at Calliope.

Cat got your tongue? You certainly do make a beautiful mother. Too bad that never happened, she said and Calliope looked down at her arms to see that the baby was gone and her entire front was covered in blood, her arms slicked with it. She started to hyperventilate as she looked around desperately for the baby but the dias was empty save for her and Terra. 

I told you that you were mine, princess and that I would wipe away every trace of Lexie that I could, Terra grabbed her jaw, forcing the smaller girl to look at her. You’re mine and I made sure you knew it. You will never get rid of me. 

Calliope started screaming. 

She sat straight up in her bed, screaming as she clutched her hands to the sides of her head, over her ears. The room was dark but immediately lit up as Adora jumped out of her sleep in a panic. 

“For the Honor of Grayskull!” she yelled as she transformed into She-Ra and surveyed the room, looking for any sign of trouble. Mermista turned on the lights as Glimmer ran over to the bed, grabbing hold of Calliope’s wrists. 

“Hey! Hey! It’s okay! You’re awake. It was just a nightmare, Callie,” she reassured her as Calliope slowly stopped screaming, breathing heavily as she jerked her arms away, scrubbing at them with her hands as if the blood was still on her. 

“Oh gods, I still feel it! It’s everywhere! Get it off!” she cried and Perfuma came over with a wet cloth and gently grabbed her arm, rubbing it down softly. 

“Shhhh, we got it. It’s okay. We’ll clean it off, Callie,” she told her gently and Calliope nodded, starting to calm down and come back to her senses, the soft swipe of the wet cloth grounding her back into reality. When she finally focused, she looked around the room, seeing the terrified faces of her friends. 

“I… I’m sorry…” she whispered and Glimmer shook her head. 

“Don’t apologize. Lexie told me this might happen. Do you want to talk about it?”

Calliope shook her head vigorously. She looked at Perfuma, who was still rubbing her arms down with the cloth. “Thank you. I’m okay now. How did you know to do that?”

“We needed to keep you calm and if we told you nothing was there, it wouldn’t have helped. Doing what you needed would help more. I’m glad you're calm now.”

“There’s no danger?” She-Ra asked, yawning as Glimmer shook her head again and She-Ra shrunk back down into Adora. 

“What can we do to help you sleep? You need the rest for tomorrow?” Perfuma asked gently and Calliope looked at everyone’s concerned faces. 

“I don’t know how to stop the nightmares… I usually don’t sleep after I have one…” she explained. 

“Perfuma, could you grow some poppy flowers? They have sleeping properties that could help her rest,” Glimmer asked and Perfuma nodded, getting to work immediately. 

“I can find some calm music that lulls people to sleep!” Entrapta offered, going to rig something up with the speaker. 

“How about some warm milk? I’ll head down to the kitchen to grab some,” Adora said, heading out of the room. 

“Does having someone sleep beside you help? One of us can sleep in the bed with you,” Glimmer told her and Calliope gave her a small smile.

“You guys are too kind. Yes, having someone beside me helps. Would you mind, Glimmer?” she asked and Glimmer agreed. Adora came back with the milk and Perfuma ground up the poppies, mixing it in before handing it to Calliope. She sniffed it before drinking it as soft music started drifting through the bedroom. 

“Perfuma… could you also sleep beside me? The extra weight may help keep me grounded…” she said. 

“Of course, Callie. Whatever you need. May I suggest that, when you are ready, we work through some guided meditation together? I believe it could help get to the root of these nightmares and stop them,” she told her and Calliope nodded. 

“Let’s try to set something up next week? I want to enjoy my wife for a while before I unpack years of childhood trauma,” she mumbled sleepily as she laid down, Glimmer and Perfuma taking up spots on either side of her. Adora took the liberty of taking up the end of the bed, stretching out. 

“You hang around Catra too much,” Glimmer snorted as Mermista turned the lights back off and everyone settled back down for the night. 

“The bed is big enough for an army. I can understand why she does it,” Adora mumbled back, yawning. 

Calliope yawned in response, curling up on her side facing Glimmer. Glimmer took a hold of her hand, squeezing it reassuringly as her eyes started to drift shut.

“We’re here if you need us. We’ll be right here when you wake,” she heard her say as Calliope drifted off to sleep, surrounded by her friends.

Chapter Text

Chapter 9: The Wedding/Coronation

To be fair, Lexie had meant to keep her promise and not get drunk but when Catra challenged her to a drinking contest, there was no way she was going to back down. It didn’t help that Seahawk had encouraged the whole thing and Scorpia had tried to keep up with them. Bow had to make them come to a draw after the twelfth drink because neither woman was backing down and both were getting effectively plastered. The rest of the night was a blur.

That’s how Lexie found herself waking up to the mother of all hangovers as the light pierced through the room. She groaned as she buried her head into the pillow. She vaguely remembered that the group had crashed in one of the refurbished spare rooms in the palace afterward. 

“Rise and Shine, sleepyhead!” Bow’s obnoxiously happy voice rang out and she heard Catra hiss beside her. 

“Five more minutes... My head is killing me,” she groaned and Lexie grunted in agreement. 

“You’re the one that challenged her to a drinking contest. She’s just like Adora, doesn’t know when to quit. It’s your own fault,” Bow chided as he pulled the blankets off them and both girls protested. “Besides, I have breakfast ready and then we have a wedding to prepare for. Remember? Your wedding day?” 

Lexie gasped, sitting up quickly and immediately regretting it as pain shot through her temples. “Oh shit, Callie is going to kill me!” 

“Yea, probably,” he said, handing her medicine and water. “Let’s try not to be late today. Now, get up. I have your suit ready and we’re going to try to do something to your hair.” 

Lexie took the medicine gratefully, taking the opportunity to push Catra out of the bed. She yelped, falling off the side of the bed and Lexie laughed, getting up slowly to stretch and make her way to the table to eat breakfast. She nudged Scorpia with her foot along the way and the bigger woman snorted, sitting up quickly.

“I’m awake! I’m awake!” she said quickly, looking around. 

“Time to get up. We got a wedding to get to,” Lexie told her, eating her toast. 

Scorpia squealed gleefully, getting up. “Oh! I can’t believe this is finally happening! You must be so excited! Hey, where's Wildcat?”

“Down here, Scorp!” Catra said from the other side of the bed as she got up. 

“Come on,  everybody! We have a schedule to keep!” Bow encouraged and Lexie rolled her eyes, working on her breakfast. 

_

Calliope tried not to wiggle around as Mermista worked on her makeup. Her hair was already curled and pinned up delicately on top of her head, some strands hanging loosely over her shoulder. Perfuma had created tiny gold flowers to weave into the hair and Glimmer had given it a little bit of sparkle. 

“There, all done. I have to say, I am pretty good at this,” Mermista said and Calliope smiled, standing to go look in the mirror and her jaw-dropping at her appearance. She looked radiant with gold eyeshadow and delicate eyeliner framing her blue eyes and the most natural-looking lipstick. She looked like herself but… glowing. 

“I look… wow! Thank you, Mermista!” she said as Glimmer came over with the dress, settling it on the ground so Calliope could step into it. Glimmer helped her shimmy the fabric up and set about tying the corset back up. Calliope watched her from the full-length mirror in front of them and couldn’t take her eyes off the gorgeous gown.

It was white with off-the-shoulder sleeves that were made of three delicate pearl strings and a sweetheart neckline, leaving her shoulders, upper back, and collarbones exposed.  The bodice was fitted and it flared out into a ballroom skirt. It had a beautiful lace pattern, it felt timeless and elegant. She felt like an actual princess in the dress. 

Adora came up behind her and fastened on her necklace. It was a pearl choker with a large gold pendant attached with an additional pearl inlaid in the middle. Calliope took the matching earrings and put them on as Glimmer disappeared underneath her skirt, helping her slip into her heels. Adora snickered at the sight. Last, but not least, Calliope pinned her Horde pin onto her bodice, the token that Lexie had given her over a year ago for their engagement.

Glimmer came back up, beaming. “All done! You look absolutely gorgeous!”

And she did. She looked radiant, she felt radiant. She took a deep breath, calming her nerves. 

“Thank you. I feel… excited. Anxious and excited. I can’t wait to see her,” she told the group and they turned as the door opened, revealing Brio, Callista, and Haevyn. Haevyn beelined for Calliope, wrapping her in a hug that Calliope eagerly returned. 

“Wow, Aunt Callie! You look beautiful! Doesn’t she, Papa?” Haevyn asked and Brio nodded, stepping forward to take Calliope’s hands into his.

“You look absolutely stunning, my future queen. And I am so honored that you asked me to escort you down the aisle. I know that you wish it was your father here today and that I can never replace him but I am always here for you in whatever way you need me.”

Calliope teared up, squeezing his hands. “Already with the tears,” she chuckled. “I’m going to be a blubbering mess by the end of the day. You took Lexie and I in when we thought there was no one left, I speak for both of us when I say that we love you and you are like a father figure to us both. Think of this as practice for when you walk your girls down the aisle one day.”

Brio chuckled, kissing her cheek softly. “You cry as much as you want, it’s your day.”

Callista stepped forward, a hand over her ever-growing belly and Calliope’s breath hitched as she was pulled into a hug. “Same goes for me. I am sorry you don’t have your mom here with you. I like to think I could be a mother figure to you. Anything you need, I am here for you,” Callista told her as she stepped away. 

Calliope nodded, unable to take her eyes away from the belly. Callista noticed, gently taking her hand and placing it to the side where Calliope could feel the kicks. 

“It’s a girl. We’re going to name her Eira. I’ve been waiting for the right time to ask you but it never seems like the right time. We want you and Lexie to be her godmothers. Please?”

Calliope sniffled, trying to keep the tears at bay as she put her free hand to her mouth and nodded. The door opened again and Scorpia came through, looking around frantically before her eyes landed on Brio.

“You! Come with me! Lexie needs you!” she said and Calliope’s heart sank. She pulled away from Callista, taking a couple of steps forward to Scorpia.

“What’s wrong? Is she okay? I should go check on her!” Calliope said and the whole room collectively yelled no. 

“She’s just spazzing. She asked for Brio so she wouldn’t bother you. And wow, you look stunning! But focus, I need him to come with me, now!” Scorpia said and Brio followed her out of the room. 

Calliope tapped her foot anxiously, worried for Lexie. 

_

Lexie was spazzing. She had been discombobulated all morning. Damn, she knew she shouldn’t have drunk so much last night. She paced the room, dressed in a white pantsuit with matching heels, her hair pinned up onto her head in a series of intricate braids. The treble clef choker sat at the hollow of her throat and she bit at her lip anxiously.

Thankfully, Scorpia reentered the room with Brio, Haevyn bouncing along behind him as she ran to Lexie, who crouched down eagerly to embrace the little girl. 

“You look just as pretty as Aunt Callie! I can’t wait till you can see her!” Haevyn told her and Lexie chuckled, kissing her cheek.

“I can’t wait to see her either. How pretty does she look?” Lexie asked and Haevyn put a finger on her chin, contemplating. 

“She looks… absolutely stunning! I have never seen anyone more beautiful in my entire life except for my mama and Circe!” 

“That sounds very beautiful. I can’t wait to see her. Can you give me a moment to talk to your papa?” she asked and Haevyn nodded, pulling away so Lexie could stand and Brio came over, pulling her into a hug.

“What’s wrong, hotshot? Not getting cold feet on us?” he asked, jokingly, and felt her shake her head before pulling away, keeping his hands on her arms to look at her properly.

“I’m… Oh, gods. I am so nervous! I’m sweating bullets. I feel sick. What if this is wrong? I’m-I’m not queen material. Callie is. I don’t know how to run a kingdom, I can barely keep myself together. This is a mistake, Calliope needs someone who can help her run this kingdom and that’s not me. It’s not me,” Lexie was on the verge of tears and Brio sighed, brushing a finger across her cheek.

“You listen to me and listen to me well, hotshot. You have the most beautiful woman in the world down the hallway worried about you. She is head over heels in love with you, the same way you are for her. You have a kingdom outside these walls eagerly awaiting the wedding and coronation of their beloved princess and her betrothed. The people love you, Lexie. You proved your worth from the beginning when you were out there with us rebuilding. You continuously prove to us that you are a queen that has the needs and desires of her people at the forefront of her mind. You built a fucking orphanage, for God's sakes! There is no one more qualified for this than you. Now, get yourself together and get out there, marry the love of your life, become the amazing queen I know you are and have lots of beautiful babies I can spoil,” he told her and she laughed softly, nodding.

“Thank you. I needed that. You’re right, old man. Let’s get down there so I can marry the woman of my dreams. But first...,” she said, grabbing a pen and a piece of paper to start writing. 

_

It was Calliope’s turn to pace, her heels clicking across the marble floor. It was a miracle she did not trip over her large dress in the ridiculously tall heels. Every time she tried to make a beeline towards the door, her friends pulled her back until Adora just started guarding the door against her attempts. She ground her teeth in frustration, she needed to make sure Lexie was okay and Brio had not come back yet. 

The others tried to encourage her to sit down, relax. Mermista even offered her a bottle of booze to quell her nerves, much to Perfuma’s horror but Calliope declined all the offers. 

“It’s hot. I feel hot, is anyone else hot?” she asked as she fanned herself, the nerves burning through her. 

“I got you, girl!” Frosta exclaimed, moving her hand to create a winter breeze to cool her off. Calliope sighed in relief as it cooled her skin. 

“Much better, thank you,” she told Frosta and turned quickly on her heels as the door opened and Brio reentered with Haevyn. Calliope rushed towards him, worry all over her face. 

“She’s fine, Callie. She was freaking out a bit but she’s ready. She can’t wait to see you, she asked me to give you this,” he told her and handed her an envelope. Calliope opened it, pulling out the sheet of paper and reading the contents. 

To the love of my life on our wedding day,

In a few moments, I will be seeing you for the first time walk down that aisle. I can guarantee you look absolutely stunning in your dress. I can’t wait to see you. I am sorry if I worried you, I was not getting cold feet about us. I was getting cold feet about running a kingdom. But, I know, that if I always have you by my side, we can do anything. We may be crowned queens of the kingdom today but only you are the queen of my heart.

I love you! 

Lexie

Calliope smiled, relaxing slowly as she read the note. She folded it back up carefully, tucking it safely into her desk before turning to Brio. 

“I’m ready. Let's get married,” she said excitedly and the rest of the Princess Alliance cheered as they filed out of the room, Calliope taking Brio’s offered arm as he led her out. Haevyn bounced ahead of them, twirling in her dress much to everyone’s delight. 

“How many people are here?” she whispered to Brio as they made their way down the hallway towards the throne room. 

“Everyone is here. The princesses, ambassadors, council, and nobles are inside the throne room to watch the wedding, which is being live-streamed out into the city for the citizens, thanks to Princess Entrapta. There are already parties happening outside, everyone is beyond excited for this,” he whispered back as they made it outside of the doors. Everyone had already filed inside, leaving her with Brio and Haevyn, who was the flower girl. 

“Any last-minute advice?” She asked, hearing the music start. 

“You’re going to do great. I’ll hold onto you the entire time,” he told her as the doors opened and Haevyn started down the aisle with her basket, throwing her petals as Brio and Calliope trailed a few steps behind. Everyone was standing as they made their way down, Calliope nodding her head in respect towards some, taking in the room. Chairs were lined up on the ballroom floor, it was decorated with white and gold flowers and accents. The Kingdoms insignia hung on banners scattered around the room. 

She finally looked up, breath hitching as she took in Lexie at the end of the aisle. She stood up on the platform that held the thrones, smiling down at Calliope as she approached. If Brio had not been holding onto her so tightly, she would have lurched forward down the aisle in the most inelegant of fashions to reach her. The room faded around her as she focused intently on the beautiful woman before her. 

They finally reached the steps leading up to the platform and Calliope took hold of her dress, lifting it slightly to help her ascend until she was face to face with the love of her life. She was finding it difficult to breathe with Lexie looking at her like that, with so much love and happiness. Brio took her hand and placed it in Lexie’s, where they immediately intertwined their fingers, squeezing. Brio took his place behind Lexie, similar to Callista and Haevyn behind Calliope. 

“Haevyn did not do you justice, my love. You’re more brilliant than the stars themselves,” Lexie whispered softly, causing a soft blush to grace Calliope’s cheeks. 

“Thank you… I love that pantsuit on you. It’s extremely sexy,” she whispered back, causing Lexie to laugh softly before the elder grabbed their attention to start the ceremony. They kept their hands interlocked. 

“Thank you, everyone, for coming to celebrate the union of our own Princess Calliope and her chosen, Lexie. We are also celebrating the crowning of two new queens to our kingdom. Before we proceed, is there anyone that objects to this union or the ascension to the throne?” the elder asked the room, which was silent. He gave it a moment before proceeding with the ceremony. 

Calliope couldn’t hear what he was saying, she was focused on Lexie. The gleam in her chocolate brown eyes, the slender column of her neck, the dazzling smile that was permanently planted on her face. She almost missed the elder announcing the exchange of vows until she felt Lexie squeeze her hand, bringing her back down to Etheria. 

“The couple has prepared their own vows for each other. Lexie, if you would start,” he told her and she nodded, taking Calliope’s other hand in hers so that both hands were interlocked together. She took a deep breath before starting. 

“Calliope, from the day you slugged me in the nose for teasing you about your hair, I knew that you were the one,” she said, sending laughter through Calliope and the room. “Any woman who can put me in my place is good for me. I can’t remember a time where it wasn’t the two of us against the world. I denied my feelings for a long time… until the day you disappeared and I thought I lost you. I was severely injured and was on the edge of death and I knew, my biggest regret was never telling you how much I loved you. You saved me, physically and emotionally. I cannot imagine a world where there is no one in it. I’m not perfect, I will mistake, I will act stupid and irrationally, and I will sometimes hurt you, but I can promise that I will love you with everything I have in me. I will always protect you, I will always be there to pick you up when you fall. We will leave a legacy on this kingdom that will be felt for generations to come through our hard work and dedication to our people. We’re in this together, sickness and health, rich or poor, till death do us part until I figure out a way to cheat death and never be parted from you.” 

Calliope let out a watery laugh, the tears already making their way down her cheeks as Lexie lifted a hand to wipe them away gently. “I’m a crier, everyone knows this. You’re right, it’s always been us against the world. You have my back and I got yours, remember? A promise we made each other a lifetime ago, never knowing that this is where we would end up. The day I thought I lost you was the second-worst day of my life. I was so overcome with grief… it is not a feeling I ever want to experience again. I want to grow old with you, surrounded by our children and our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren in a kingdom we built together to last the ages. I promise to always be by your side, through sickness and health, through the good and bad. I will be there to lift you up when you fall, to raise you higher when you succeed. I promise a lifetime of happiness, sadness, fun, excitement, and adventure. I love you, Lexie.”

“Now you’re going to make me cry! You’re infectious!” Lexie teased, causing another ripple of laughter to go through the crowd. “I love you too, Calliope.”

Brio handed Lexie the box containing their wedding bands, simple silver ones. They each took one, taking turns to slide the rings onto each other’s left fingers, barely breaking physical contact with each other. They finished and the elder cleared his throat. 

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you wife and wife. You may kiss,” he told them and Lexie took no time sweeping Calliope into her arms, causing her to give out a delighted squeal as she was dipped downwards and Lexie kissed her, Calliope laying her hand against her cheek gently as she felt love and passion against her lips. The room cheered, she heard a few wolf whistles and definitely Catra calling out.

“Get a room, Lexie!” she heard the woman yell and everyone laughed as Calliope was lifted back up. She was breathless and elated, today could not get any better than this. 

“Onto the crowning. My ladies, may you please kneel?” the elder asked and both turned to face the crowd, kneeling down onto their knees, holding each other's hands between them. They had practiced the ceremony many times before today. The elder took up Lexie’s crown first, a simple silver circlet with the failsafe insignia on the front, a stone representing each kingdom's runestone inlaid in each dot of the heart figure. 

“Lady Lexie, do you promise to uphold the values of the Kingdom of Musicia? To always serve its people and protect them with your life? To always put the kingdom before your own needs, for as long as you remain in reign?” 

Lexie nodded solemnly. “I do. I will do everything in my power to rebuild and protect the people of Musicia, so long as I shall reign.”

The elder placed the circlet onto her head, the insignia resting on her forehead as the gemstones started to glow softly. “Then I pronounce you Queen-Consort, second only to the Queen. May you always protect our people and find music in your life.”

The elder turned, grabbing the bigger crown, and went to stand behind Calliope. It was her mother’s crown, having been hidden away deep in the palace until they had started rebuilding the palace. It was silver, with the other kingdoms' gemstones inlaid into the metal, a replica of the Heart of Etheria glimmering brightly in the middle. 

“Princess Calliope, I ask you as well, do you promise to uphold the values of the Kingdom of Musicia? To always serve its people and protect them with your life? To always put the kingdom before your own needs, for as long as you remain in reign?”

She nodded. “I do. I promise to be a fair queen, to put the people above all else, to always have our streets filled with music.”

He placed the crown on top of her head, stepping back to look out onto the crowd. “I now ask the elemental princesses to stand and step forward to accept our new queen.”

The princesses stood, forming a line on the stairs to stand in front of Calliope. She held out her hand, palm forward to the first princess, Frosta. Frosta took it, smiling. 

“The Kingdom of Snows recognizes Princess Calliope as Queen of Musicia and Guardian of the Heart of Etheria,” she said and the Snows gemstone of her crown started glowing as Frosta stepped away, going to stand at the bottom of the stairs. Perfuma was up next, mimicking Frosta.

“The Kingdom of Plumeria recognizes Princess Calliope as Queen of Musicia and Guardian of the Heart of Etheria,” she said and Plumeria’s gemstone started glowing as well. Calliope could feel the energy start vibrating within her as, one by one, each princess made their way up to accept her, each gemstone lighting up.

“The Kingdom of Salineas recognizes Princess Calliope as Queen of Musicia and Guardian of the Heart of Etheria.”

“The Kingdom of Scorpion recognizes Princess Calliope as Queen of Musicia and Guardian of the Heart of Etheria.”

Glimmer was last and she stepped forward, placing her hand in Calliope’s with a smile. “The Kingdom of Brightmoon recognizes Princess Calliope as Queen of Musica and Guardian of the Heart of Etheria.”

The last elemental runestone lit up and the large Heart replica started to glow, a bright light shining through the room as everyone shielded their eyes. Calliope gasped loudly, the vibration turning into a violent thrum of magical energy entering her. Her eyes white quickly before dissipating and the light died down. 

She breathed heavily, standing shakily to her feet, Lexie standing with her as she pulled her hand away, holding them in front of her. She felt powerful, invincible. She looked out over the crowd and let out a high note, a burst of sparkles falling over the crowd as they applauded. 

“May I present the Queen of Musica, Queen Calliope!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 10: Reception

The reception was being held outside on the marble dias outside the palace. That way, the citizens could join in on the celebrations with their new queens. Calliope and Lexie never let go of each other as they stood on the stairs leading up to the palace, greeting people as they came up to congratulate them. Lexie had an arm wrapped around Calliope’s shoulders, keeping her tucked into her side as she smiled at the citizens. 

Each of the princesses came up to greet them as well, they were engulfed in plenty of hugs from Glimmer, Bow, Scorpia, and Perfuma, the others more willing to nod or shake hands. Adora showed her affection by punching Lexie in the arm, causing her to laugh. Catra just teased her relentlessly, causing Lexie to roll her eyes.

“You’re next, fluffbutt! Mark my words!” Lexie told her and Catra snickered.

“Again, I swear you’re obsessed with my butt, Lexie. Don’t you have a wife, now?”

“I do have a wife, whose butt is the only thing I’m obsessed with, thank you very much.”

Calliope choked on her saliva, doubling over to laugh loudly, causing a few heads to turn towards them. Lexie, Adora, and Catra laughed along with her before Adora and Catra walked off. 

“You’re obsessed with my butt, huh?” Calliope teased her, wiping a stray tear from her eye. 

“It’s a very nice butt. And hips, and breasts, and body… You are a very sensual woman, my queen,” she told her, bringing Calliope’s hand to her lips to kiss. Calliope blushed furiously. 

“You are very straightforward, my queen consort,” she teased again. 

“It’s one of the many qualities you love about me,” Lexie told her, straightening as Brio, Callista, and Haevyn came up to greet them. Haevyn smiled widely, embracing both of her aunts at once as they hugged her back. 

“Congratulations! Though I’m still not sure what all this is about. What’s a wife?” the young girl questioned and the two women shared a look. 

“Well…” Lexie started. “When two people love each other very much and want to spend the rest of their lives together, they have a big party to celebrate it. A boy is called a husband and a girl is called a wife. So Aunt Callie is my wife, as I am hers, but your papa is your mama’s husband, as she is his wife. Does that make sense?”

Haevyn nodded thoughtfully. “Seems simple enough. Can I marry somebody?”

Brio chuckled, putting a hand on her shoulder. “One day you can when you meet that special someone.”

“What if I already met them?” she questioned and Callista ruffled her hair affectionately. 

“You still have to wait till you are older to marry them. At least eighteen, sweetheart.”

“I think I’m going to marry Circe when I am older than. I love her a lot!” Haevyn announced happily, causing the adults to laugh. 

“I’m sorry we haven’t gotten too much time to talk lately. It’s been chaotic,” Lexie told them as Haevyn ran off to join the other kids. “How’s it going with Castaspella?”

Callista rubbed her belly nervously. “They can regrow Haevyn’s wings, but it’s going to take a while, years even. And it’s going to be painful because of the damage Shadow Weaver caused…”

Lexie nodded in understanding. “Let us know if there is anything we can do to help. We want her to have back her wing, but only if she wants them.”

Callista nodded in agreement, changing the subject. “On that note, did Calliope tell you the news?”

“No? News?” Lexie questioned Calliope, who smiled.

“Callista and Brio are having a girl, her name is Eira, and they asked us to be her godmothers,” Calliope told her and Lexie smiled, nodding happily.

“Of course we would love to! What’s a godmother?”

Brio laughed. “If anything were o happen to us, you two would take care of her in our absence,” he explained, and she nodded again. 

“Then even more of a yes is in order! You know we love your children just like our own. They are always welcome in our home.”

“You’re such a dummy…” Calliope whispered affectionately, kissing Lexie’s cheek gently. 

“May we ask that the queens take to the dance floor for the first dance of the night?” they heard someone announce and they said their goodbyes to the little family before making their way to the middle of the dias, the sea of people parting for them. They took their positions, one of Calliope’s hands-on Lexie’s shoulder, the other wrapped in her hand while Lexie’s free hand was wrapped around her waist, pulling her close as the song started. 

I found a love for me

Darling, just dive right in

And follow my lead

Calliope followed Lexie’s lead as they swayed and turned around the dance floor, allowing the music to flow through them as they stared into each other’s eyes. 

You’re in my arms

And all the world is calm

The music playing on 

For only two

“I could not have pictured a more perfect day,” Lexie whispered to her and Calliope nodded, smiling. 

“How does it feel? Being married to a queen?” Calliope asked her and Lexie snorted softly.

“Why don’t you tell me, my love? Since I am a queen as well?” she smirked and Calliope laughed softly before singing along with the song, a soft white light encircling them as they danced.

We are still kids 

But we’re so in love

Fighting against all odds

I know we’ll be alright this time 

Lexie joined in on the song, singing over Calliope as blue light joined along with the white. 

Darling, just hold my hand

Be my girl, I’ll be your woman

I’d seen my future in your eyes

“You are a beautiful singer, my love,” Calliope told her and Lexie shook her head. 

“You’re the singer, my queen. I am the muscle, remember?”

“No, I think you’ll have to remind me later,” Calliope smirked, causing Lexie’s breath to hitch as she groaned softly. 

“You’re a tease, my queen,” Lexie mumbled softly, causing a soft laugh to escape her wife. They heard the song start to end and they sang the last verse together, so close that they were whispering against each other’s lips.

I don’t deserve this

You look perfect

All I want is to hold you close

Tonight

Lexie closed the distance, kissing her wife as the lights they conjured with the song died around them and the crowd clapped. Calliope kissed her back softly before they pulled away and headed over to the head table to take their seats as dinner and speeches started. 

It felt like everyone took a turn talking about the brides, how they met, who they were, funny stories they knew. 

“In first meeting Calliope and Lexie, there was excitement in discovering our princess safe and sound after all these years. They have been a true blessing to our kingdom since their arrival. Calliope was born to rule a kingdom, but Lexie… she’s going to need a little work. You have your hands full, Calliope,” Brio chuckled, causing the crowd to chuckle. “Naw, I am kidding. Lexie is more than capable of running the kingdom. I trust that woman with my life and she has saved it on multiple occasions. Hotshot, I wish you both an eternity of happiness together.”

Everyone toasted to that, drinking their champagne as Lexie stood up, clinking her glass to get everyone’s attention. 

“Everybody! Thank you so much for coming out to support Calliope and me on our wedding day. We are absolutely humbled to find ourselves amongst so many friends and family we have made over the years. As you have heard, my Calliope has a killer right hook, she is not a woman you want to piss off. It was one of the many qualities that I admire most about her. But she is also compassionate, wise, headstrong, determined, motherly, and kind. She is a queen in every sense of the word, whether or not she had been born into royalty. She never let the Horde take away her spirit, not once, and there were so many times when they tried. My darling, you are the strongest woman I know and I am so proud to stand by your side as your wife and your queen,” Lexie told her and Calliope stood as well, putting a hand on her shoulder as she smiled.

“My wife gives me too much credit, never taking any of it for herself. If anyone should be proud to stand by somebody, it is me standing by you. She was thrust into this rule with no idea what she was doing or how we were going to get it done but she never gave up. She stayed up at all hours reading, learning, studying, talking, building, and growing our kingdom into what it is today and I know she will spend the rest of her days doing so. Lexie, my love, you are as much of a queen as I was born to be. I know that if there is a higher power, he put us in each other’s lives to build each other and this kingdom up together. We just want to thank everyone for being here to celebrate our happiness! Now please, continue eating, drinking, and dancing!”

The crowd whistled and cheered. Soon after, the host announced the father/daughter dance. Calliope looked at Lexie, confused until Brio came up, offering his hand on Calliope. Lexie smiled at her.

“A little surprise for you, my love,” she told her, and Calliope gaped at them before coming around the table, taking Brio’s hand and being led onto the dance floor. Brio took her into his arms, holding her similar to the way Lexie held her but with a little more distance and started dancing.

“We know you wish your parents were with you here today. I’ve told you before that I like to think of myself as a father figure to you girls, so Lexie and I agreed that you should still have a father/daughter dance. I hope you don’t mind,” Brio told her. 

Calliope smiled softly. “You’re right, and so is she, like usual. Thank you… I miss my father a lot and I am happy to have found someone to love me the same way he did.”

“You’re welcome, my queen. Also, Lexie has two left feet, you’re less likely to step on me during the dance,” he joked and Calliope laughed. 

“She’s not that bad of a dancer, we’re just naturally talented.”

The song came to an end as more people started coming onto the dance floor. Bow slid up, asking Calliope for the next dance, to which she accepted. That’s how it went for the rest of the evening, dance after dance with her friends, family, and a few strangers. She was currently dancing with Haevyn, them holding hands as they spun around, laughing as they accidentally knocked people out of the way. No one seemed to mind, they enjoyed watching the queen dance with the young girl. 

“May I cut in?” Lexie asked as she came up to them. Haevyn huffed, wrapping her arms around Calliope’s waist.

“No you may not! It’s my turn!” Haevyn told her and Calliope laughed at the shocked look on Lexie’s face. 

“But I wanted to dance with you…” Lexie told her and Haevyn blinked, mumbling an apology before grabbing Lexie’s hand, holding onto Calliope’s other. Lexie and Calliope took hold of each other’s hands and the three spun around, laughing. 

_

Calliope was exhausted by the end of the night. Most of the guests had trickled out, the town was still bustling into the early morning hours. Lexie came up to Calliope, taking her into her arms. 

“What do you say to one last dance, my wife?” Lexie whispered and Calliope nodded, turning around to wrap both arms around her wife’s neck and Lexie wrapped her arms around Calliope’s waist. Soft music was playing and they swayed, Calliope’s head coming to rest on Lexie’s shoulder. 

“This was perfect… you are perfect,” Calliope whispered into her neck, closing her eyes. 

“No, you’re perfect. I am so happy to be spending the rest of my life with you,” Lexie whispered back. 

“To have and to hold, until we grow old.”

“I can’t wait to see you with silver hair. I bet it’s super sexy,” Lexie teased and Calliope rolled her eyes. 

“Only you would think that getting old is sexy.”

“You make anything sexy, my queen. I can’t wait to see it.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 11: Wings

Haevyn hissed in pain as Castaspella applied the salve to the darkened stumps on her back. Callista sat in front of her, holding her hands as she hummed to her. Her back felt hot, like when she sat out in the sun too long and she yelped as she felt a sharp pain spike through the stumps, squeezing Callista’s hands harder. 

“Mama, it hurts,” she whimpered and Callista moved a hand to stroke her cheek.

“I know, I’m so sorry. We can stop if you want,” she told her daughter and Haevyn shook her head, letting out another hiss. 

“I did say this wouldn’t be easy. This salve is to help heal the old wounds. There is a lot of dark magic still infused in the wound, a lot of malice and anger. It’s going to take some time to drain it out before your body is ready to regrow the wings,” Castaspella explained, finishing applying the salve and drawing a runestone to help extract the magic. 

“What will the process for regrowing her wings look like?” Callista asked as Haevyn gritted her teeth, tearing up. 

“When the dark magic is extracted, we will work through another set of salves to help the growing process. But the regrowing will be up to Haevyn. When her body is ready, she’ll form a chrysalis and hibernate. When she emerges, she’ll have brand new wings.”

“You hear that? Just a little bit more and then you’ll have wings again. Isn’t that what you want, my love?” Callista said softly as she wiped away Haevyn’s tears. The young girl nodded, yelling out as Castaspella finished up the spell and extracted a large ball of dark magic, placing it in a container. 

“All done for today. We shouldn’t have too much longer to go, Haevyn. We got out most of it. Just a couple more sessions,” Castaspella reassured her, wrapping up her back. 

“And then I’ll have pretty wings to show my baby sister. I want Eira to like me, I want Circe to like me…” she mumbled. 

“Your baby sister is going to love you, Haevyn. She already does, she kicks really hard every time she hears your voice. You’re going to be a great big sister,” Callista told her.

Heavyn sighed, pulling her shirt on after Castaspella finished dressing her back. “What if they never grow back? What if we go through all of this pain and it never happens?”

“I don’t think that’s the case. You’ll be able to grow them back, it’s just going to take time, rest, and relaxation. You’ll be fluttering around in no time!” Castaspella told her, packing up her bag. There was a knock on the door and Calliope poked her head in, giving a small smile.

“All done? I could use some help in the garden if you’re up for it, Haevyn?” she asked and Haevyn looked at Callista for permission. 

“If you’re feeling well enough, I don’t see why not. Just be cleaned up for dinner,” she told her and Haevyn got up and walked over to Calliope, taking her hand as they left for the garden. 

_

Haevyn spent the afternoon tending to the garden with her aunt, silently willing the plants to grow as Calliope oversaw the workers installing the fountain in the middle. There was a patch of Aster flowers that was being extremely stubborn, no matter how many times Haevyn dug her fingers into the earth around it or hummed fervently to it. She groaned in frustration, slinging the dirt away from her. 

Lexie walked up behind her, carrying a tray of lemonade. “What’s wrong, Red? I brought you something to drink, you’ve been working really hard today.”

“These flowers won’t grow, no matter how hard I try! I’ve sung to it, I’ve exerted my magic over it, nothing!”

Lexie sat the tray down, kneeling beside her. “Well… what kind of magic have you been giving it? If your intentions are not well, the flowers won’t respond. Isn’t that what Aunt Callie always says? Or Miss Perfuma when she comes over? So, what’s going on?”

Haevyn picked up a glass of lemonade off the tray, drinking some of it before holding it between her hands, staring down at the yellow liquid. “It’s just… My wings. I know it’s going to take time and everything… but it hurts. My back hurts. I feel… off. I’m worried and frustrated and I guess I was projecting that onto the flowers.”

“What exactly are you frustrated about? What is frustrating about this process?”

“The slowness is frustrating. I wish I could snap my fingers and make it happen quicker. Also… the hope. I’ve never had much of that. I’m hopeful that it will work and the longer it takes, the more it lessens. I don’t want to be disappointed anymore.”

“That is so frustrating,” Lexie commented, taking her own glass of lemonade as she pondered for a moment. “Do you remember a time when you had no hope at all? It’s been over a year now since then but try a little bit. Do you remember how it was back then?”

“Yea… every day was the same, there was always more and more laundry to do. It was dark and smelly. I thought I would die there…”

“There was never any hope in the Fright Zone. There was only surviving to see another day. But what about now?”

“I’m always happy! Every day is a new adventure. I have an awesome family and a baby sister coming. I love planting flowers with Aunt Callie and training with you. I love going to school, seeing my friends, being with Circe. I love it,” Haevyn said softly, looking up at Lexie who smiled at her.

“Do you think any of that is going to change whether or not you have wings? What are your wings going to do for you?”

“I… don’t know. It’ll be nice to have them back but I don’t need them. I have everything I could ever want and more.”

“Exactly. You’ll still be happy and everyone will still love you. So what’s the point of being frustrated over something you can’t control? You know what you control?”

“How I respond to things. I know. Thanks, Aunt Lexie. I needed that.”

Calliope wandered over, bending over to kiss Lexie’s head. “What are you two talking about?”

“Nothing, my love. Just having a talk about these stubborn Aster flowers. You wanna give it another go, Red?” Lexie asked and Haevyn nodded, putting down her glass. She turned towards the flowers, digging her fingers into the earth around them, and took in a deep breath, before relaxing, allowing the magic to flow through her. The flowers sprung up quickly, growing wildly around her. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 12: Music Lessons

Lexie winced as the string on the bow broke as she screeched out a couple of notes on the violin. She had been trying for a couple of weeks to find an instrument that she clicked with, she wanted to surprise Calliope with it. But no matter what she tried, the instruments did not like. She tried most of the string instruments, all the strings broke, just like the violin did. She had tried some brass instruments like the tuba, but they just made noise, nothing even close to musical.

The drums hadn’t gone much better. She had started tapping on them and it made her feel like she was hitting something, like her punching bag, which had resulted in holes in the drums. She had been too daunted by the piano. Calliope played it so beautifully, she didn’t want to break the keys with her clumsy fingers, so she had avoided it as she tried out everything else. 

She sighed as she sat the violin down on the table, trying to figure out an excuse for why the bow had snapped the way it did. What was the point of being the queen of a kingdom that she had no talent in?

“You know, that one almost sounded musical, hotshot,” Brio teased with a grimace as Lexie glared at him. 

“I don’t have a musical bone in my body! This is useless! My hands weren’t meant to hold such delicate instruments, they were meant to fight!”

“Everyone has some kind of musical bone in their body, some are just smaller than others. Why don’t you try the piano? You’ve been avoiding it.”

“I don’t want to break it… It’s Callie’s favorite to play,” Lexie mumbled, slumping down into a chair. 

“Honestly, it’s a talent in itself that you managed to break as many instruments as you did. I’m kinda impressed. Instruments really hate you,” he chuckled and Lexie threw him another glare, a small smile starting to form. 

“You don’t have to be good at music, hotshot. Callie loves you for who you are, not because you’re musically inclined,” he told her, sitting beside her. 

“I want us to be able to do it together! It’s something she loves to do and she always does what I love, which is train and fight. I want to do something for her as well. Also, what’s the point of being the queen of a kingdom of music if I’m not musical?”

“Because you offer much more than just musical capability. You’re overstressing about this. Just try the piano and if you break it, we’ll stop searching.”

Lexie sighed, rubbing her face before heading over to the piano, taking a seat at the bench. Her fingers hovered over the keys, hesitant. She really didn’t want to break this piano, Calliope loved it. Brio sat beside her and tapped out a few notes in encouragement. 

“Just copy that, okay? Watch me and try to mimic,” he told her, tapping out the same notes again. He did it a few times as Lexie watched intently, memorizing the tune. She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders before putting her fingers on the ivory keys, mimicking his tune. 

Brio had braced himself to hear the keys crack but were pleasantly surprised when the same tune he had played came from Lexie’s fingers. Not only that, she played a few extra notes, little bursts of color springing from her fingertips as they played over the keys. She laughed in surprise.

“Who would have thought that your clumsy fingers were good at dancing over piano keys?” Brio laughed, high fiving her. 

They turned as the doors opened and Calliope peeked in, eyebrows raised in question. “What are you two doing? I heard the piano playing.”

Brio nudged Lexie, who blushed as she turned back to the piano and started playing it again. Calliope gasped at the beautiful sound and stepped into the room, quickly crossing it to stand behind Lexie as she watched the colorful wisps encircle her wife’s fingers as she played. 

“Oh wow… Lexie,” she said, wrapping her arms around Lexie’s shoulders. “That’s beautiful. A little more practice and you’ll be playing circles around me!”

Lexie smiled proudly, puffing her chest out some at the praise. “I wanted to surprise you but I kept breaking the other instruments. They did not like me.”

Calliope laughed, kissing her wife’s temple. “That’s what happened to my cello. You should have told me, silly. Scoot over, I want to play with you!” she said excitedly, sliding in on the other side of Lexie, leaving her squished between her wife and Brio. They spent the rest of the afternoon playing together until Lexie could play circles around Calliope. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 13: Welcome, Eira!

Haevyn’s leg bounced rapidly as she sat in her chair. Mama had been in the bedroom for hours, she occasionally heard cries of pain from inside. Lexie kept an arm wrapped around the younger girl, holding her tightly to her side. She was watching Calliope pace nervously, biting on her nails. Haevyn winced when she heard another cry, putting her hands over her ears to drown them out. Lexie just held her tighter, resting her head on top of hers. 

“Calliope, you’re pacing is making me nervous,” Lexie told her softly as Calliope hesitated for just a moment before continuing.

“I can’t sit still. Is it supposed to take this long? What if something is wrong? Shouldn’t Brio have updated us already?” Calliope told her, feeling panicky. 

“I’m sure everything is fine. Please, you’re freaking Haevyn out and she’s already on edge,” Lexie whispered, looking down at the little girl.

“It sounds like someone torturing her… It sounds like when Aunt Callie was in the Fright Zone…” Haevyn mumbled, staring at her knees. The comment caused Calliope to come to a full stop, turning to face the young girl in horror. Lexie and she shared a look before she came to sit on the other side, wrapping an arm around her as well so she was sandwiched between the two women.

“Hey, this is nothing like that. Your mama is having a baby, I was losing a baby… It’s two completely different things,” Calliope reassured the young girl, who looked up at her with watery eyes.

“You lost a baby, Aunt Callie?” She whispered and Calliope nodded sadly. 

“That’s why your baby sister is such a blessing to everyone. And it takes a lot of hard work to bring a baby into the world. These noises are good noises, okay?”

Haevyn nodded, leaning into Calliope. The older woman held her, humming softly into her hair as they continued to wait. She felt Lexie’s hand on her shoulder, a reassuring gesture that she was grateful for. She was grateful for this new baby, it was a symbol of prosperity and happiness to their kingdom. But she still grieved for her own loss, even over a year after it happened. 

It was probably a few more hours before Brio opened the doors with a smile, causing the three girls to jump up, Haevyn immediately running over to her papa.

“Is mama okay? What about baby sister?” she demanded and the older man chuckled, scooping her up into his arms.

“Everyone is perfect. Are you ready to meet her?” he asked and Haevyn nodded eagerly as he stepped back inside, followed by the two queens. Callista laid on the bed, cradling a small bundle in her arms, cooing at it. Brio stopped by the side of the bed, allowing Haevyn to slide off him and crawl beside her mama.

“Hey, sweetie,” Callista said, running her fingers through Haevyn’s red locks gingerly. “This is your baby sister, Eira. Eira, this is your big sister, Haevyn.”

Haevyn stared at the tiny bundle, taking in the adorable chubby cheeks and blonde peach fuzz on her head. 

“She’s… squishy. Can I hold her?” Haevyn asked and Callista nodded as Brio helped Haevyn sit properly and hold her arms. Callista gingerly placed Eira into Haevyn’s arms, adjusting her until Eira was comfortably placed. 

“Hi, baby sister. I’m Haevyn. I’m your big sister. I wasn’t always your big sister, there was a time where I didn’t have a mama and papa. I was raised by bad people but that will never happen to you. I’m always going to protect you,” Haevyn told her as Eira gurgled, grasping at Haevyn’s hand as she stared up at her with large, grey eyes. 

“Aunt Callie says that you’re a blessing. I don’t know exactly what that means but a lot of people love you, even after they lost so much. Me, mama, papa, Aunt Callie, and Aunt Lexie all love you. You’ll only ever know love, Eira.”

Calliope and Callista were both crying as they watched the interaction. Brio exchanged looks of exasperation at their wives but smiles at the sweetness of the moment. Haevyn looked up at Calliope, tilting her head. 

“Why are you crying, Aunt Callie? Is it because of your baby?” she asked and Calliope nodded, wiping at her eyes. 

“And you. You’re right, Eira is loved by us all. And so are you, Haevyn. A blessing is this family we have together, despite all the pain and hurt we have gone through. We’re going to make sure Eira never has to go through what we went through.”

“I can’t wait for the day you have another baby, Aunt Callie. I’m going to love them as much as I love my baby sister! It’ll be like another baby sister! Or brother! Did I say that right?”

“You said it exactly right,” Lexie told her, hugging her wife to her. “Let’s leave the family to get acquainted with each other. We’ll come back later to hold the baby.”

“You did so well, Callista. She’s beautiful,” Calliope told her as Lexie gave Brio a pat on the shoulder in congratulations, the two queens leaving the bedroom afterward. 

“I think mama should sleep now, kiddo. It was hard work to bring Eira into the world,” Brio explained and Haevyn nodded, looking at Callista.

“You should sleep, mama. I can take care of Eira. I have a lot to tell her,” Haevyn said and Callista looked a little wary of leaving the baby alone. 

“I’ll watch after them. We won’t even leave the room. Try to rest,” Brio told her, kissing her head gently as he took Eira from Haevyn long enough to lead the girls to the other side of the room and readjust them in a comfy chair. 

Callista smiled at her small family, drifting to sleep as she heard Haevyn start talking about her life and the life they would live there in the palace.

Chapter Text

Chapter 14: Sick Day

Lexie felt heavy but she needed to get up. She needed to go to Plumeria today, there was a meeting she needed to have with Perfuma about agricultural trade and farms. She needed to get ready… but she couldn’t. She couldn’t even open her eyes. Every time she tried, she felt an awful pain in her head. Her limbs felt like lead, everything felt hot. But she needed to get up.

She felt Calliope shift beside her, she had been curled into her side with her head resting on her shoulder, her arm slung over Lexie. Lexie tried to move, she managed a small wiggle that caused a groan to leave Calliope’s lips and roll away from her. 

“Five more minutes, Lex… You’re too hot…” her wife mumbled and Lexie let out a low whine, forcing herself to sit up with much effort, a ragged breath escaping her. It took a moment but something must have clicked for Calliope sat up quickly, suddenly wide away. 

“You’re too hot… Lexie, are you sick?” Calliope asked, moving to feel Lexie’s forehead, which was burning. Lexie shook her head, wincing at the effort. 

“I’m not… I have a meeting…” she mumbled, trying to swing her legs over the side of the bed to stand up but Calliope pulled her back. 

“You need to lay down. You’re running a fever and you sound tired. You’re sick and need to rest,” she told her, frowning. Lexie sighed.

“I’m not sick… Perfuma is waiting for me…” Lexie weakly pushed Calliope’s hands away, going to stand up and immediately collapsing onto the floor. 

“Lexie!” Calliope yelled, looking over the bed to see her wife sprawled out on the floor. She sighed, crawling off to kneel beside her. “You dummy. You’re really sick. I’m calling Perfuma, rescheduling your meetings and you’re spending the day in bed, letting me take care of you.”

Lexie groaned as Calliope got her arms underneath her, lifting her up and pulling her onto the bed. She straightened her out, tucked the blanket around her, and got off the bed again. Lexie weakly reached for her before collapsing back against the pillows, head pounding. Calliope returned a few moments later with a wet cloth, placing it over Lexie’s forehead. 

Lexie drifted in and out, trying to stay awake but too weak to. She was vaguely aware of Calliope running in and out of the room for a while before she drifted back to sleep. 

She was standing in the middle of a village, small and quaint. She did a spin, taking in the buildings with a confused expression. It seemed vaguely familiar. She heard screaming and whipped around to see smoke rising from one side of the village and villagers running past her. Lexie ran towards the smoke, she had to help if she could. No one paid her any attention as she ran.

She stopped when she saw the first Horde tank, more confusion taking over her as smoke kept rising, the screams intensifying, chaos ensuing. 

“Mama!” she heard a high-pitch scream and turned towards the little noise. A small girl stood in the middle of the chaos, the same as her. She couldn’t have been no older than three, holding a stuffed doll in her little toddler hand. Lexie headed towards her, hoping to pull her out of the chaos, and stopped as she got right in front of her.

It was like looking in a mirror but one that reflected the past. The little girl looked exactly like her, it had to have been her. Brown eyes, dark hair, it was her as a toddler. Lexie stared down at her young self who didn’t see her older self, dumbfounded. This was a memory… a memory she had buried so far down that she forgot it even existed. 

Young Lexie cried, looking around for her parents. There was too much going on, she couldn’t comprehend any of it, just that it was loud and scary. She felt someone pick her up and she looked up to see a strange woman in red robes and a mask hold her. 

“You’re okay, little one. You’re going to do great things one day,” Shadow Weaver told her, wiping the tears off her cheeks. Older Lexie watched, horrified, as Shadow Weaver started off towards one of the tanks. She heard a woman scream and turned to see an older lady run towards Shadow Weaver. 

“Lexie! That’s my baby! Put her down!” the woman screamed and was immediately thrown to the ground by Shadow Weaver’s magic. 

“She’s ours now. I sense greatness in her. Dispose of this woman,” Shadow Weaver told the surrounding soldiers. One of the soldiers aimed a gun at the woman’s head-

Lexie could still hear the gunshot ringing through her ears as she woke up, a scream stuck in her throat as she felt hands on her. Hands that reminded her of Shadow Weaver. Of that woman picking her up, taking her away from her family. She fought at the hands, feeling some of her strength come back. 

“Lexie! Baby, it’s me!” she heard and blinked, finally focusing on Calliope’s concerned expression hovering over her as the small girl managed to pin her arms down. She immediately stopped struggling, breathing heavily as the exhaustion finally hit. Calliope slowly released her wrists, moving her hands down to cup her face. 

“You were having a nightmare. Are you okay?” she asked, feeling the fever had reduced some. Lexie stared up at her, the words caught in her throat as she shook her head. Calliope just smiled gently, reaching over to the nightstand to grab the medicine and a glass of water. 

“Take this, it’ll make you feel better. You’ve been in and out of it for a while,” she said as she helped Lexie sit up. Lexie took the medicine and water, downing it quickly as she leaned back against the headboard of their bed. “You were screaming… you said, mama… I thought you didn’t remember your family?”

Lexie finished her water, starting to feel a little more like herself as she stared down at the glass. “I didn’t… I buried this one down deep I guess… Have I been out for long?”

“Well… it’s late afternoon so quite a while. You needed to sleep, you were running a very high fever.”

“I had a meeting with Perfuma! I missed it!” Lexie exclaimed, sitting up quickly before groaning. 

“I already called Perfuma and explained everything. She’s the one that sent the medicine for you. Are you hungry? I can have the kitchen send up some soup,” Calliope said, starting to stand before Lexie grabbed her hand.

“No, I don’t want soup… I would actually like ration bars…” she mumbled, looking ashamed before Calliope smiled, kissing her cheek. 

“I’ll call Adora and Catra to help make some. Just relax, don’t move,” Calliope ordered, tucking her in and Lexie gave a fake salute with a smirk.

“Yes, ma’am… hurry back, please?”

“Of course, it’ll only take a moment to call them,” she said, grabbing the com-pad and heading away from the bed to call Brightmoon. Lexie inhaled deeply through her nose, closing her eyes as she drowned out Calliope’s conversation to think about the memory. She had a family out there, she was stolen away by Shadow Weaver, her mom was dead. Knowing all this felt worse than not knowing at all. She could still hear the gunshot echoing in her head. 

“Lexie?” she heard and turned to see Calliope standing beside her, more concern on her face. “They’ll be over in a little while along with Glimmer and Bow. I tried to talk them out of it but they heard you were sick and decided on a Best Friend Squad Get Well Soon Sleepover. So we’ll be surrounded by a lot of people soon. I'm sorry.”

“It’s fine… I think the company will make me feel better. I don’t want to be alone…”

“What did you dream about? What happened?” Calliope asked as she sat on the edge of the bed, grabbing her wife’s hand. Lexie interlaced their fingers.

“It was a memory… I was very young, not even three… It was the day I was taken from my village. Shadow Weaver…” she clutched her chest with her free hand, feeling a pain in her heart. “Shadow Weaver took me from my family. She had my mom killed. She said I would do great things one day…”

“Honey… that’s horrible. I’m so sorry. That bitch really ruined our lives, huh?” Calliope sighed and Lexie nodded. “Do you want to try to find out if you have any remaining family?”

“No… no, I… knowing is worse than not knowing. I don’t want to know if I have a family. I don’t want them to have to know they have a daughter or whatever who… I’m the reason my mom is dead. I don’t want to hurt anyone else I don’t have to. I have everything I could ever need right here, I have a family,” Lexie explained, not quite able to express her feelings about it. Thankfully, they had been together so long that Calliope understood exactly what she was trying to say. 

“It wasn’t your fault, it was Shadow Weaver’s but I understand that you don’t want to hurt anyone that had to live with this. Just know that we will look if you ever want to, okay?” 

Lexie smiled in relief, snuggling deeper into the bed. “How did I get so lucky?”

“I don’t know, I ask myself that all the time,” Calliope teased, placing the washcloth back over her wife’s forehead. “Now rest. They’ll be here soon.”

“I’ve rested all day. I want to get up already! Can’t I have a bath at least?” she pouted, giving Calliope her best puppy dog eyes until the smaller girl conceded, helping her get out of bed and into the bathroom for a much-needed bath. 

Their friends arrived afterward, carrying various treats, medicine, and ration bars, much to Glimmer’s distaste. Calliope had set Lexie up on a reclining chair with pillows and blankets, much to Lexie’s displeasure. She hated the babying but knew it made Calliope feel better to take care of her. 

“I don’t understand why you would be craving this stuff?” Glimmer asked as Adora handed off the bag of ration bars to Lexie, who opened it to take a bite. 

“It’s a comfort thing. When we were sick in the Fright Zone, no one would take care of us. So we would sneak extra ration bars to make them feel better. It’s more nostalgic than a craving,” Catra explained, the other ex-Horde soldiers nodding in agreement. 

“They taste just as bad as I remember them,” Lexie blanched, swallowing down the gray lumps. 

“They can’t be that bad. We lived on these for years,” Calliope said, taking one and taking a bite, making a face that everyone laughed at. “Well… if the Rebellion wasn’t going to kill us, this definitely would have.” 

“Ration bars can’t be that bad! You guys are exaggerating,” Bow said, Calliope offering him the rest of hers. He put on a brave face, taking a bite. He made a sour face but gave an awkward smile and thumbs up.

“They’re that bad, Bow,” Adora confirmed, laughing at him. 

“Thank you guys for bringing them. And for staying over, I already feel better but someone won’t let me out of bed,” Lexie playfully glared at her wife who crossed her arms over her chest.

“You collapsed out of bed this morning and had a fever dream for most of the day. Of course, I’m not letting you out of bed if I don’t have to.”

“Sounds kinky,” Catra smirked and Lexie threw the ration bar at the magicat, who ducked. 

“You wish your sex life was as interesting as mine,” Lexie said, sticking her tongue out. 

“Oh please! If you only knew the things that Adora and I-” Catra started to say until Adora slapped her hand over the magicats mouth with a nervous chuckle.

“No need to tell everyone what we do! Ewww!” She pulled her hand back after Catra licked it, smirking. 

Everyone laughed and settled down, spending the rest of the evening talking and playing games, most of which Lexie sat in so she could sleep. Calliope had settled into Lexie’s lap after noticing small tremors in her hands, knowing her wife was probably cold and didn’t want to say anything. Lexie gratefully wrapped her arms around Calliope, enjoying her body heat as she nestled her head into the crook of her neck and dozed. 

“I’ve never seen her so… still,” Glimmer commented after a while, nodding towards the sleeping Lexie. 

“Now that you mention it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look so… peaceful either,” Bow added curiously. Calliope smiled down at her sleeping wife, kissing her chastely on the forehead. 

“She’s sick and exhausted. She works herself ragged without any thought for herself. She’s always been like that because if she didn’t, Shadow Weaver would…” Calliope trailed off. She knew they would understand the implication of this. 

“Reminds me of someone I know,” Catra said jokingly, nudging Adora as she broke the quiet tension that had built. 

“I’m not that bad!” Adora pouted. 

“Anyways, she had a fever dream today… or well the fever dragged up a memory… Can you guys help me find a village? The Fright Zone still has all that old paperwork on conquered villages. She… remembers the day she was taken and she’s not ready to find out more about her family but I want to be prepared for when she is…”

“Of course we’ll help. We can ask Scorpia to bring us those files to sort through since you don’t like going near the Fright Zone,” Glimmer said and Calliope nodded gratefully. 

“Thank you. And please… don’t tell her I asked for this. She doesn’t want to find them and she’d be mad if she learned I asked this…” 

“Your secret is safe with us! If there is anything to find, we’ll find it,” Bow commented.

Chapter Text

Chapter 15: Carousing

They don’t even know how they got roped into it but Lexie and Calliope found themselves in Salineas one weekend for some royal business and ended up in a bar/nightclub with Mermista, Seahawk, Glimmer, Bow, Adora, and Catra. Calliope tugged on the dress that Mermista had insisted she wore, feeling a little uncomfortable in the tight, short clothing. 

“Blue is definitely your color. Lexie is going to love you in this!” Mermista had told her and she had not been wrong. Lexie’s jaw had dropped when Calliope had joined the group to head to the bar. She looked just as good in a tight-fitting red jumpsuit she had borrowed from Catra. 

“First rounds on me! Bartender!” Seahawk exclaimed, ordering the drinks for the group as the music flowed through the club, helping Calliope relax a little as her drink was placed before her.

“I don’t really drink…” she said softly and Adora patted her shoulder. 

“Just try it. It’s great, I promise,” the taller woman reassured her and Calliope shrugged, taking her drink and downing it quickly. She coughed a little. 

“That’s strong,” she said and Lexie laughed, shaking her head.

“You’ll get used to it, love. Hey, Adora! I bet I can outdrink you tonight!” Lexie told her and Adora shook her head, a challenging smirk gracing her features. 

“You’re on, Lex! I’m gonna kick your ass!”

“Those two idiots are going to kill themselves,” Catra said, handing Calliope another drink and pulling her to her feet. “The least we can do is stand out of the way while they do so let's go dance.”

“Shouldn’t we make sure they don’t kill themselves?” Calliope asked, looking over to see the two women already working on their third drink. 

“Bow has that covered!” Glimmer told her.

“We should make sure we have fun while they kill themselves! Loosen up a little, Callie! You guys work way too much, honestly, it stresses me out to see you stress out. So drink that up and we’re going dancing. You too, Sparkles!” Catra said, grabbing a hold of Glimmer.

Calliope took a deep breath, nodding before downing her second drink of the night and allowing Catra to pull her to the dance floor, along with Glimmer. Catra pulled her close, placing her lips close to Calliope’s ears that made the small queen heat up in embarrassment. 

“We’re going to make those two idiots jealous enough to pull them away from their drinking game, okay?” Catra whispered and Calliope nodded as the music changed and they started dancing together. It was very intimate, Calliope could feel Catra on her as they ground against each other. She looked over to see Mermista had joined them, dancing with Glimmer. 

After a few moments, Calliope could start feeling her confidence grow as she allowed the beat of the music to pulse through her. She felt bolder and she quickly spun around so that her back was pressed against Catra’s front, the magicats claws ghosting over her hips. 

“Okay, Callie! Get it, girl!” Mermista cheered, causing Calliope to let out a small laugh as the song ended and the next one started playing. Glimmer left the dance floor to grab them more drinks as Mermista came over to dance with the two. Calliope moved forward, loosely placing her arms over Mermista’s shoulders as she swayed her hips. 

“Didn’t know the Horde gave dance lessons,” Mermista teased, causing Catra to scoff behind Calliope.

“I would be a bad music princess if I didn’t know how to dance at least a little,” Calliope giggled, pulling away as Glimmer came back, passing out drinks. 

“Seahawk has officially joined the drinking contest and Bow is stressing out as they’ve made it past their sixth drink. Those two are too competitive for their own good,” Glimmer informed the group of women as they downed their drinks. 

“Oooh! I have a great idea! A little game of our own,” Calliope told, standing on her tiptoes to whisper into Catra’s ear. The magicat smirked, nodded, and started heading back towards the table where the game was going on. Calliope followed along with Glimmer and Mermista, who were curious to see what would happen.

Catra silently went up behind Adora as she was downing her drink, brushing her lips against her ear as she whispered, “Hey, Adora.”

The reaction was immediate. Adora choked on her drink, coughing, which caused Lexie to laugh. The laughter died quickly as Calliope plopped down on her wife’s lap, running her nose along her jawline gently that caused the taller girl to drop her glass. Calliope laughed softly, reaching over the table to fistbump Catra. 

“Told you it’d work. Does that mean we win the competition by default?” 

“T-that was unfair! That’s cheating!” Adora accused, pouting as Catra wrapped her arms around her shoulders from behind. 

“How is it cheating if we weren’t playing?” Catra questioned, kissing her temple gently.

“I say you guys call it a draw and come dance with your significant others,” Calliope said, kissing Lexie’s cheek as she felt her hand run up her thigh gently. Lexie wrapped her arms around her wife’s waist, burying her face into her neck.

“Or we could go somewhere private…” she suggested, causing another giggle to erupt from Calliope.

“Maybe later, silly, when we’re back in our room,” she whispered in her ear as the music shifted to something that made Mermista groan.

“This music sucks! Callie, please go do something about it!” she begged, making Calliope raise her eyebrow in question.

“What do you expect me to do about it?”

“Uhh, go up there and sing! Show them what real music sounds like!” 

“Yea, Callie! Sing for us!” Glimmer encouraged, grabbing the younger girls hand and teleporting them to the stage. Calliope stumbled a little as Glimmer whispered to the person at the piano, who nodded in response. Calliope took a deep breath as Glimmer came back over to her. 

“Just tell them what you want to sing and they’ll play it! Good luck!” she told her, teleporting back over to their friends. Calliope gritted her teeth slightly, going over to the person at the piano and whispering her song request before returning to the microphone. She closed her eyes as the piano started playing a soft melancholy melody before she started harmonizing with it. 

Her voice was soft, hypnotizing because everyone stopped what they were doing to watch the stage. It helped that images started conjuring with her melody, a vast ocean, a dock, a mermaid upon a rock as she started singing.

Upon one summer's morning

I carefully did stray

Down by the Walls of Wapping

Where I met a sailor gay

Conversing with a young lass

Who seemed to be in pain

Saying Darling, when you go I fear

You'll ne'er return again

Her hair it hangs in ringlets

Her eyes as black as coal

My happiness attend her

Wherever she may go

From Tower Hill to Blackwall

I'll wander, weep and moan

All for my jolly sailor

Until she sails home

She started harmonizing again, everyone completely enraptured by the melody. The mermaid swam through the ocean in front of her, chasing after a large ship. She looked up, making eye contact with Lexie, who was staring at her with a beautiful smile, in awe of her talent as Calliope continued singing. 

Come all you pretty fair maids

Whoever you may be

Who love a jolly sailor bold

That ploughs the raging sea

While up aloft in storm

From me her absence mourn

And firmly pray arrive the day

She’s never more to roam

My heart is pierced by Cupid

I disdain all glittering gold

There is nothing can console me

But my jolly sailor bold

There is nothing can console me

But my jolly sailor bold

She finished the song and the room erupted in applause and wolf whistles. She smiled, face flushing with happiness as she crossed her legs and took a bow, causing the cheers to escalate. Some flowers were thrown onto the stage, Calliope being able to catch one of the roses tossed in her direction. 

Everyone called for an encore, to which Calliope was happy to give them. Her friends brought her drinks and she spent the rest of the evening drinking and singing.

_

Calliope giggled, stumbling towards the edge of the stage at the end of the evening where Lexie waited for her. Calliope sat down at the edge of the stage, Lexie going to pick her up bridal style and follow their friends out of the club. 

“You’re sooooo pretty,” Calliope giggled, playing with Lexie’s curls as she wrapped her arms around her neck. 

“And you’re sooooo drunk, my love,” Lexie teased as she boarded the skiff that would take them back to the palace. Calliope pulled away from her slightly, head falling back.

“You look just like my wife. Ma’am, I’m married! Where is my wife?” she giggled, causing Lexie to scoff. 

“Ma’am, I am your wife! You had too much to drink,” Lexie laughed as the rest of the group snickered. Calliope lifted her head up, squinting slightly. 

“You are? We’re married? Awwww, how did I get so lucky? You’re so pretty,” she started peppering Lexie’s face with kisses. 

“I ask myself that all the time, sweetheart,” she told her as they made it back to the palace and she lifted Calliope back up, heading inside. 

“This one is going straight to bed. I’ll see you guys in the morning for the last meeting before we head out?” Lexie told me, getting their nods as she went up to their room. Calliope didn’t help matters as she had taken to trailing kisses up her wife’s neck to distract her. 

Lexie opened their bedroom door, using her foot to close it behind her. Lexie stumbled forward before depositing Calliope on the bed. She bounced slightly, laughing as Lexie gasped for breath, turning her back to start getting ready for bed. 

“I’ll help you in a minute, Callie, don’t move,” she told her as she started zipping off the bodysuit. She heard rustling behind her and felt arms wrap around her waist, lips pressing against her upper back. She sighed softly, placing her hands over Calliope’s.

“Callie… you’re drunk, you should sleep…” she whispered softly as the hands roamed her abdomen. 

“Or I could make love to my very sexy wife,” Calliope mumbled against her back, moving around to face her and gently push her towards the bed. Lexie stumbled backward, taken aback by Calliope’s forwardness until her legs hit the bed and she fell backward. There was nothing sexier than when Calliope climbed on top of her, straddling her hips and kissing her roughly. 

“Gods, you’re going to be the death of me,” Lexie mumbled against her lips, grabbing a hold of her hips and flipping them, pinning the smaller girl beneath her. She was the most beautiful creature alive, Lexie thought as those multicolored curls splayed out wildly across the bed, her cheeks flushed, her lips swollen, her chest heaving with excitement.

“You want this? You have to tell me you want this, Callie,” she whispered, trailing soft kisses along Calliope’s neck. Calliope let out a soft whine, arching into her wife. 

“Yes, please. I want this,” she told Lexie and Lexie wasted no more time, descending upon her wife with heat and passion, Calliope humming in tandem to their love-making.

Chapter Text

Chapter 16: Home

It was Musicia’s first annual music festival and Calliope was making sure everything was set up and going off without a hitch. Everyone from around Etheria was coming to the city to enjoy the festival and it had to be perfect. Music from all over the planet was going to be showcased as well as different dances and cuisines from each kingdom and various villages. 

Calliope stepped into the city square and inhaled deeply, taking in the different smells that were unique to her city. Pastry and coffee smell wafting from the different cafes, the smell of the water from the fountain that graced the middle of the square, beautiful flora fragrances from the potted plants living in every corner. 

“Explain to me why we have to wear our royal attire,” Lexie grumbled, tugging on the royal blue dress she wore. Calliope smiled at her, going over to adjust the circlet tiara that graced her wife’s brow. She would never get tired of seeing her dressed so regally, her dark curls wound up in an elegant bun. Calliope was dressed similarly but had on her crown instead of a circlet.

“Because this is an official royal visit. Everyone will be attending this festival, this is a reflection of our kingdom's prosperity. We need to dress the part,” she smiled, standing up on her tiptoes to kiss her Lexie gently. Lexie kissed her back softly, smiling. 

“Why do you always have to be right?”

“Because I’m your wife and I’m the queen. No one can go against me,” Calliope smirked as she turned and started her way around the square, the people greeting them and bowing. 

“Queen Calliope! Queen-Consort Lexie! It is an honor to have you join us for the festivities!” an older man came up to them, bowing respectively. Calliope nodded back at him with a smile. 

“The pleasure is all ours, Chancellor Eric. I trust that everything is going smoothly so far? It already looks amazing,” she told him as he led them through the city, music starting to waft through the air. 

“Of course, Your Majesty. We have three days' worth of events planned to wow the other kingdoms. The vendors are set up as well to sell their wares, cuisine from every corner of Etheria is being showcased and sold as well. Don’t even get me started on the music selections. They are to die for! It is a great honor that you agreed to lend your talents at the musical showcase.”

“Oh please, Chancellor. I lend my talents as long as my beautiful wife is willing to showcase her own by playing the piano for me,” Calliope smiled, loping her arm into Lexie’s. 

“She flatters me. I am still practicing the piano, music is not my strongest suit. Besides, no one will be listening to my skills when they hear her angelic voice,” Lexie bragged, patting Calliope’s hand on her arm. 

“You two are the cutest! The crowd is going to go crazy just having you two on stage!” Chancellor Eric said as he continued leading them but Calliope stopped at a booth, mouth-watering at the delicious smell coming from it. The elderly woman smiled up at her.

“Can I offer you some braided sweet bread, Your Majesty?” she asked.

“Do you make these yourself?” she asked, examining the beautifully handcrafted loaves of bread, steam coming off of them.

“Yes, ma’am. It’s a recipe that has been in my family for generations. Please do me the honor of trying it,” the woman said, offering up the bread to Calliope. She took it, inhaling the sweet fragrance before taking a bite. Her eyes widened as she chewed, the bread practically melting on her tongue.

“This is absolutely delicious! Lex! You have to try this!” Calliope told her, offering her some of the bread she held. Lexie leaned down, taking a bite, moaning as the flavor exploded in her mouth. 

“Gods, that is amazing!” Lexie said, looking at the elderly woman. 

“I’m glad you two enjoy it. Please, stop by anytime for more.”

“How much do we owe you?” Calliope asked and the woman shook her head. 

“It is free of charge. As a thank you for the amazing job you both are doing. Besides, you need to start adding on that extra weight, my queen,” the woman said, patting Calliope’s cheek affectionately. Calliope looked confused.

“Thank you for the bread, ma’am. Please enjoy the festival and we’ll be sure to send our friends this way to enjoy your bread,” she told her as Lexie took her arm and led her away, back towards the Chancellor.

“Extra weight? Is she saying I’m too skinny?” Calliope whispered and Lexie shook her head. 

“She’s older, she probably thinks everyone is too skinny. I wouldn’t worry about it too much,” Lexie told her as Calliope continued eating the bread. 

“Chancellor, make sure that woman is properly reimbursed for the food,” Lexie told him. 

“Auntie Lexie! Auntie Callie!” They heard behind them as they turned to see Haevyn barreling towards them, Brio and Callista not far behind carrying baby Eira. Haevyn was wearing the formal Plumerian colors along with Callista while Brio and Eira were dressed in traditional Snows colors. Lexie scooped Haevyn up as she reached them, swinging the little girl around happily. 

“How was Plumeria? I see they rubbed off on you. I especially love the flower crown,” Lexie told her after sitting her down. Haevyn laughed, giving to twirl to show off her pink dress. 

“Plumeria was awesome! Princess Perfuma is super nice! There were so many flowers! I loved it!” 

“I’m glad you loved it! Hopefully, you’ll enjoy Snows just as much when you go,” Lexie said and Calliope finished her treat, holding out her hands for Eira.

“Give me my goddaughter, Callista. I need some baby cuddles,” she said as she was given Eira, cradling the infant close to her chest. “And how was your week in Plumeria, my little snowflake?”

“Sorry for the interruption, Chancellor Eric. Hope we didn’t intrude on anything,” Brio told him, shaking the Chancellor's hand. 

“You are actually just in time. I was about to go over the setlist for the next few days. I wanted to confirm that you and Ambassador Callista were set to perform as well for the Colony Showcase.” 

“The other ambassadors should be here soon as well as the other Kingdoms. We should go settle in for the opening ceremony,” Lexie informed Calliope, who nodded in agreement. She kissed Eira’s face, causing the baby to coo happily before reluctantly returning her to her mother. 

“Unfortunately, duty calls. I want more of my little snowflake when the ceremony is over. And of my Haevyn,” Calliope said, hugging the little girl happy. “Oh, you girls make me so happy! Why don’t you ask your papa to take you to the lady down the street for some braided sweet bread?”

“Ooh! Can we, papa?! I’m starving!” Haevyn said excitedly, going to bounce in front of Brio eagerly. Brio threw Calliope a playful glare before chuckling. 

“Of course we can, kiddo! We’ll see you two after the ceremony. Thank you for your time, Chancellor,” Brio said, taking Haevyn’s hand and leading his small family away. 

“If you’ll also excuse us, Chancellor but we need to get to our seats for the ceremony. Can we resume this meeting at a later time?” Calliope asked as Lexie laid her arm over Calliope’s shoulder with a grin. The Chancellor nodded, heading away as Lexie led Calliope back towards the palace.

_

The opening ceremony was held on the marble dias in front of the palace and was absolutely beautiful. Calliope and Lexie sat at the top of the stairs that led up to the palace, watching the ceremony from above and enjoying the performance. They could tell that the performers had worked hard, incorporating many different instruments into the performance that one wouldn’t think would sound good together but managed to interweave into something beautiful. 

The crowd applauded and cheered as the performance ended, the performers bowing and turning towards the stairs. Calliope stood up, straightening herself as she went up to the microphone that had been set up. The leader of the group presented her. 

“Without further ado, may we present Queen Calliope of Musicia!” 

“Thank you so much for that performance! It was truly a wonder to behold! And I would like to welcome everyone, our citizens and visitors from all over Etheria to Musicia’s first annual Music Festival! This had been a tradition lost to our kingdom for many years that we are proud to restart. It has been almost a year and a half since the war has ended and we are still reeling from the losses we endured. This festival is a time to show the peace and prosperity we have worked hard to claim after so many years of chaos and disorder. For the next three days, you will be seeing all the hard work and dedication our kingdom has put into making this first festival the standard for years to come. So please, enjoy the festivities!” 

The crowd applauded the queen as they started to disperse, going to the various events happening around the city. Lexie stood, coming towards Calliope and wrapping her arms around her waist, kissing her temple gently.

“Did I ever tell you that you being regal and in command is super sexy?” Lexie teased, causing Calliope to giggle as she spotted the other princesses ascending towards the marble dias below them. 

“Our friends are here. Let’s go greet them,” Calliope told her wife, returning the kiss onto her cheek before grabbing her hand and leading her down the stairs. Lexie followed with a smile as Glimmer was the first to greet them at the bottom of the stairs with a hug around Calliope’s neck that the young queen eagerly returned.

“Great speech! Everything looks amazing! How do you feel?” she asked the rest of the princesses and their friends approached, hugging and greeting them. 

“Anxious but excited. I just want everything to go off without a hitch. It seems to be off to a good start, right?” 

“You’re doing great! Be confident in yourself!” Glimmer encouraged as Adora and Catra stepped up, a smirk on Catra’s face. 

“Nice dress, Lex,” Catra said, causing Lexie to scowl at her. 

“Don’t tease her. I made her wear it,” Calliope told her, putting a reassuring hand on Lexie’s arm. 

“I’m serious! It is nice. But definitely not as nice as this!” Catra smirked, pointing to her belt. Calliope looked down, seeing Adora’s wing pin attached to the belt. Calliope took a second, blinking before screaming, jumping up and down excitedly. Everyone backed up from her, Catra’s eyes flattening to her head from the screech and Adora’s face went beet red with happiness and embarrassment.

“You’re engaged! We’re planning a wedding!” Calliope continued in a high-pitched voice, so loud that it actually shattered the wine glass that Mermista had been holding in her hand. She groaned, glaring at the excited queen who smiled sheepishly back.
“I’m sorry, Mermista! I’m just so excited! I’m so happy for you both!” Calliope said, pulling Catra into a tight hug before moving to Adora. Lexie laughed at her wife’s enthusiasm. 

“Congratulations to you both. There is no reigning her in now. Love, we need to go to the square for our performance?” Lexie gently reminded the bouncing woman, who stopped with a frown at the reminder. 

“But we have so much to talk about! So much to do! Please tell me I’m doing a music arrangement!” Calliope looked at Catra with puppy dog eyes, causing the magicat to roll her eyes. 

“No, I was going to ask Mermista to do the music,” she said sarcastically. 

“I am very musically inclined. It will be fantastic with a great rock remix!” Mermista said happily, causing both girls to blink at her before she groaned. “Don’t stifle my creativity!”

“No, seriously, Callie. You know I want you in charge of music and I actually have a favor to ask,” Catra said, glancing up at Adora before grabbing the young queen's arm and guiding her away from their group of friends. Everyone gave them curious looks but as soon as Catra knew they were out of earshot, she gave Calliope a pleading look.

“I want to do something special for Adora. I have some ideas but I’m not that musically inclined like you are… can you help me write her a song for our first dance?” she asked, fiddling with her fingers. Calliope smiled, hugging the magicat.

“You know I would be happy to help you write a song. It’s going to be awesome. We’ll get started as soon as the festival is over, okay?” she said and felt Catra nod against her as Lexie approached.

“Seriously, we gotta go to the next performance, my love,” Lexie said and Calliope pulled away from Catra, giving her a large smile before going to take Lexie’s hand.

“We’ll see you all at our performance in a few minutes and then we can find some vendors to eat at, sound good?” Calliope told the group, getting a myriad of responses as Lexie ushered her away towards their next destination. 

_

Their performance was about to start and Calliope was buzzing. She had nervous/excited energy radiating off her at the thought of singing in front of her entire kingdom. Lexie came up, putting her hands on her wife’s shoulders gently to make the young woman look at her.

“Breathe. You’ve done this drunk, it’s much easier sober,” she teased as her wife scowled at her. Lexie leaned down, kissing her wife gently before they stepped out onto the platform that the piano sat atop. Lexie took a seat at the piano while Calliope took the microphone that the platform manager handed to her. She cleared her throat gently before speaking.

“I would like to dedicate this song to my parents, the late King Ronen and Queen Musa and to the family, I have created with my wife and all of our friends. I would not be here today without any of you,” she said, turning her head towards Lexie with a smile and a nod. Lexie took her cue and started playing the piano, the notes light and melodic as the crowd quieted down. Calliope took another deep breath, counting before she started singing.

Dancing bears,

Painted wings,

Things I almost remember,

And a song someone sings,

Once upon a December.

Someone holds me safe and warm,

Horses prance through a silver storm

Figures dancing gracefully across my memory.

As she sang, the images started to come to life in a vibrancy of color. People in ballroom dresses and suits emerging and dancing around her, faceless as they moved across the platform. Only two were recognizable, that of her father and mother, smiling as they glided around her. 

Someone holds me safe and warm,

Horses prance through a silver storm,

Figures dancing gracefully,

Across my memory.

One of the faceless figures stepped towards her, holding out a hand that she took, and started twirling around the stage, gliding from figure to figure as she sang.

Far away,

Long ago,

Glowing dim as an ember,

Things my heart used to know,

Things it years to remember.

She stops in front of the figure of her father, who gently takes her hands and waltzes with her slowly, turning her into a slow circle before leaning forward to kiss her cheek.

And a song someone sings

Once upon a December

She curtsies to him before lowering herself to the ground, her dress fanning out around her as the images disappeared and the melody of the piano changes. She waits a few beats, waiting for her cue before slowly standing and placing a hand over her chest where her heart sat.

Heart don’t fail me now

Courage don’t desert me

Don’t turn back now that we’re here

People always say

Life is full our choices

No one ever mentions fear

Or how the world can seem so vast

On a journey to the past

New images emerged, those of her on her last day in the Fright Zone, looking back at Lexie as she walked away towards the mess hall. The image of herself turned towards the Whispering Woods, entering it as she had done over a year ago and her memories shuffled forward quickly. 

Somewhere down this road

I know someone’s waiting

Years of dreams just can’t be wrong

Arms will open wide

I’ll be safe and wanted

Finally, home where I belong

Well starting now I’m learning fast

On this journey to the past

The images shifted around, showing her meeting all the princesses, her friends, Brio and Callista, the kingdom, Haevyn. 

Home, Love, Family

There was once a time

I must have had them too

The images of her parents appeared beside her, smiling down at their daughter as she smiled up at them. She turned her head to her other side, where the images of her wife, the other princesses, her friends, and family stood, dwarfing her two parents by comparison.

Home, Love, Family

I will never be complete until I find you

One step at a time

One hope, then another

Who knows where this road may go

Back to who I was

On to find my future

Things my heart still needs to know

Yes, let this be a sign

Let this road be mine

Let it lead me to my past

The last image appeared of her on her coronation day as she was being crowned Queen of Musicia.

And bring me home

At last

She sang out the last part, holding the note for ten seconds before releasing it. The images completely faded away as Lexie finished her last note and the crowd roared with excitement, cheering and clapping for the performance. Calliope smiled, taking a bow. Lexie stood, coming to stand by her wife who grabbed her hand and led them both into another bow together. 

Perfuma threw a rose their way and Lexie caught it with a smile, going to place it behind her wife’s ear as they exited the platform to allow the next group to set up for their performance. Calliope felt elated, walking on clouds as they got off the platform and into the arms of their friends, who congratulated them on their performance. 

_

By the end of the evening, Calliope couldn’t even stand. Much to her embarrassment, Lexie had to lift her up bridal style, her arms disappearing under the heavy fabric of her dress as she carried her wife back to the palace.

“I told you to wear comfortable shoes, not those heels. I’m surprised you didn’t collapse sooner,” Lexie chastised as they bid their friends farewell. 

“They were fine till the end. My ankles have started swelling recently, I need to see the palace physician about that,” she mumbled sleepily against her wife’s shoulder. Lexie chuckled, kissing her wife’s nose.

“Sleep, my love. You seem exhausted. We have two more days of this.”

“Don’t remind me…” Calliope mumbled, already drifting off as Lexie carried her inside.

Chapter Text

Chapter 17: Surprise

Calliope felt horrified. She had spent the morning vomiting up her breakfast like she had been doing for the past week. It was only this morning that the pieces had started clicking together. She had been tired lately, exhausted really as well as her ankles and breasts starting to swell. This had happened to her before and she had done everything in her power to stop it from happening again. 

But it was happening again. Despite how careful she had been, despite the extra precautions she took, despite denying her wife often to avoid it, it happened again. She wasn’t completely sure until she went to Mystacor to speak with Castaspella but this was too much of a coincidence for it not to be what she was thinking it was. 

A gentle knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts and the doorknob rattled. She was more than grateful to herself for remembering to lock the door as she rushed in here earlier. Her wife’s gentle voice came from the other side, concerned for her.

“Callie, are you okay? Are you coming down with something? Should I get the physician in here?”

“No, I’m fine! Can… Can you call Catra? And Glimmer? I need a girl's day at Mystacor,” Calliope responded, almost feeling her wife’s confusion from the other side of the door before hearing her agree and walk away to call their friends. Calliope leaned back against the door, feeling another wave of nausea overtake her as lurched forward, releasing the rest of her stomach's contents into the toilet.

She coughed as she finished, hearing voices outside in their room before hearing another knock. She groaned, flushing as she heard Catra’s voice on the other side.

“Can we come in? I had to stop Sparkles from teleporting in until we got your permission.” 

“Come in,” Calliope told them and they were there in a flash of sparkles, Catra leaning over with a groan and looking about as green as Calliope was feeling. Glimmer knelt down beside her, rubbing her back gently.

“Lexie said you needed a girl's day in Mystacor? Is something the matter?” she whispered softly and Calliope nodded before looking at the door.

“I can’t tell you here… I know she’s listening. Let me get changed and then we can go?” she gave them a weak smile, which made the two women give her looks of concern. She went to stand up and Catra held up a hand.

“No, stay there, I’ll go grab your clothes,” she told her, going to the door and sliding out quickly, making sure to block Lexie’s view who was, predictably, standing outside the door with a worried look.

“Is she okay? Why can’t I see her? I want to see my wife,” Lexie huffed, feeling anxious as Catra threw her a look. 

“Callie isn’t feeling well. She doesn’t need more people crowding her. Can you grab her some clothes so we can get going? I’m sure she’s just worked herself too much and needs a relaxing spa day or whatever,” Catra convinced Lexie, who didn’t look too convinced but complied, going to grab Callie’s dress that she was planning on wearing that day. 

Catra took it with a sad smile before slipping back into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. Lexie sighed, placing her forehead against the door as she heard faint talking and shuffling around. 

“Callie… I love you. I hope you feel better. Have a safe day in Mystacor and know that I’m here to talk when you are ready,” Lexie told her through the door, hearing a pause before her wife responded.

“I love you too… I’ll be home soon, promise.”

_

They had arrived in Mystacor about an hour ago and Calliope was anxiously pacing the room she had been settled in, making Catra’s tail twitch just as anxiously and Glimmer follow her every step. 

“I mean, so what if you’re pregnant. Isn’t that what married people are supposed to do? Fuck and have babies? It’s not the end of the world,” Glimmer tried to reassure her, causing a sad whine to escape Calliope’s lips. Catra jabbed Gimmer in the ribs, causing the princess to protest.

“Callie, don’t listen to her. It’s your choice what happens next and we will support whatever you want,” Catra told her as the door opens and Castaspella stepped in, closing it behind her. 

“Sorry about the wait, it’s been a hectic morning. Can you lie down for me, Queen Calliope?” 

Calliope hesitated, eyeing the patient cot she had been avoiding before turning to Catra. Catra stood up, taking her hand and helping her lay down, keeping a hold of her hand on the other side of the cot. Castaspella laid a blanket over Calliope’s lap so that she could pull her dress up and expose her stomach. She started drawing a rune over it and Calliope whimpered, squeezing Catra’s hand.

“Does it hurt?” the magicat asked her gently, to which the young girl shook her head. 

“No… I’m just really scared…” 

“Don’t be, my dear. Everything is going to be fine,” Castaspella told her, finishing the runestone and activating the magic, an image appearing over Calliope’s stomach. They could make out two, small blips appearing and two strong heartbeats radiating through the room. Castaspella smiled at the image. 

“Congratulations, Queen Calliope. Looks like you’re expecting twins. You look about a month or two along, everything seems to be progressing nicely.”

Calliope let out a strangled sob, pulling her hand away from Catra. Her hands went over her face as her entire body trembled and Castaspella finished the spell, looking concerned. 

“Can we have a moment?” Glimmer begged her aunt, who nodded quickly and left the room. Glimmer came and stood where Castaspella stood, rubbing Calliope’s arm gently. “Hey, it’s going to be okay…”

“No it’s not!” Calliope sobbed loudly, sitting up and allowing her dress to fall back down. “I can’t do this! I can’t do this again!”

“You aren’t doing this again! You lost one but now you’ve been blessed with two! You will make it all the way through and in seven to nine months, you are going to have two beautiful babies to hold and love. This is not like last time!”

“It’s twice the loss! Twice the pain! I was so careful!” she threw the blanket onto the floor, angry whimpers leaving her as her tears kept flowing. “I did everything right! I did everything to prevent this!”

“It sometimes happens, you can’t control everything… Again, you have options, Callie. We will support you in whatever you choose,” Catra reminded her, rubbing the small woman’s back gently. Calliope looked up at her, somewhat grateful that Catra was so open and understanding of her feelings but still slightly horrified at the implication.

“I… I can’t… that would be even worse… and Lexie… oh gods, Lexie is going to be so happy…” 

“You should be happy too. Everyone is going to be ecstatic to learn the news, your babies are already so loved,” Glimmer told her and Calliope shook her head, bringing her knees up to her chest to wrap her arms around. She could feel herself going numb, starting to shut down from everything. 

“We should get her home. She needs to rest,” Catra told Glimmer, who nodded in agreement. Calliope’s hand shot out, grabbing Glimmer’s wrist.

“Not Musicia… I don’t want to go home yet…”

_

Calliope found herself in the guest room of Brightmoon. As soon as they had appeared, she beelined into the room, closing and locking the door behind her to shut out everything. She had kept the lights off and went to curl up in the overstuffed bed, burying herself underneath the blankets. She was too overwhelmed, everything was in overdrive as she tried, desperately, to shut it back down. 

She had heard multiple knocks over the course of a few hours, the doorknob rattling, voices trying to coax her to open it, to open up to them. She doesn’t know who was talking, she doesn’t know exactly what they were saying, just knowing they wanted to come in. Glimmer would occasionally teleport in but would quickly teleport back out when Calliope would throw an object at her. 

The noise stopped after a while, helping her relax some as the thoughts still swirled around her head, the emotions plaguing her heart. She found herself drifting off, silent tears drying on her cheeks as she fell into her nightmares, nightmares about the Fright Zone, about Terra. Memories of being tortured, she could hear the awful noise ringing in her ears, drowning out everything. She could feel the blood coating her thighs, her legs, her hands as she desperately and weakly tried to stop it. 

She woke up screaming, still caught up in the memories. The ringing in her ears drowned out all other noise, buzzing through her skull and when she saw her hands, she saw blood. She thought she could still feel the blood as she couldn’t stop screaming, gripping at her thighs. She didn’t hear the banging at her door, she could barely see when She-Ra burst the door down and her friends flooded in, running over to the bed to try to calm her.

She felt hands on her wrists, she didn’t know who they belonged to but she didn’t like it. She was going to be restrained again. Terra was going to tie her down and torture her some more. She felt panic build in her chest as she started fighting, fighting off the unknown assailant. The hands released her and she scrambled backward until her back hit the headboard. Her vision flashed, everything going back to normal as she saw the concerned and horrified faces of Glimmer, Bow, She-Ra, and Catra.

She desperately looked around as she gathered her bearings, the last of the memories seeping away from her senses as she realized that she wasn’t in the Fright Zone. She wasn’t being tortured, she wasn’t being sexually assaulted, she wasn’t losing her baby. Her baby. Her hand flew down to her stomach, trembling as her eyes met Catra’s. 

She doesn’t know why the magicat made her feel safe, why there seemed to be such deep understanding in her mismatched eyes but she needed to ground herself. Needed to feel safe again. That’s how she found herself launching into Catra’s arms, wrapping her arms tightly around the magicat’s neck as she buried her nose deep into the crook of her neck. Catra yelped in surprise, shocked, and hesitant before wrapping her arms around the young queen's back, holding her tightly. 

“Hey, you’re okay. We got you. You’re okay, you’re in Brightmoon. You’re safe, there’s no one here that wants to hurt you,” Catra murmured reassurances in Calliope’s ears as she felt the small woman’s heart hammering against her chest and her taking shaky breaths. Catra looked up at the rest of the Best Friend Squad, who had different faces of shock, concern, and grief over their friends' condition. 

“Lexie will be here soon. Can we have a few minutes alone?” she pleaded with everyone. They gave each other a look, coming to some silent agreement as each person placed a reassuring hand on Calliope’s arm, silent encouragement, and left the room, closing the door behind them. Calliope didn’t look up as they left, didn’t acknowledge the touches as the room emptied, leaving her and Catra alone.

“Callie, look at me,” Catra said firmly, causing Calliope to slowly peel herself away from the magicat, not going too far as she looked up at the mismatched eyes. Catra looked pained as she wiped away the tears on Calliope’s cheeks. “You’re safe. There is nothing here that wants to hurt you. Do you understand?”

Calliope gave a slight nod, sniffling as she felt her body relax slowly. “This is safe… I am safe… Everyone here is my friend. Have you been back to the Fright Zone since the war…?” she suddenly asked.

Catra frowned, shaking her head. “I can’t bring myself to go back yet. Maybe someday I will. You?” Calliope shook her head, pulling Catra back into a hug, less intense than the first one but the feel of the magicat’s fur comforted her. 

“Did you have a nightmare about the Fright Zone?” Catra asked, feeling the small woman tense slightly before nodding, digging her fingers lightly into Catra’s fur. 

“When I was taken and tortured by… I still feel the blood sometimes… it coated my thighs so heavily that no matter how hard I scrub, I can still feel it… I can still feel her hands on me sometimes…” 

“Can I tell you a secret? Something I have told nobody before, not even Adora and Scorpia,” Catra asked, causing Calliope to look up, nodding. “You can’t tell anybody. Adora doesn’t remember…” 

“I won’t tell anybody. You have my word,” Calliope assured her and Catra took a deep, shaky breath. 

“When we were cadets, I think a couple of years before Adora defected… Adora and I recognized our feelings for each other. We loved each other and we were intimate. Shadow Weaver found out… but it was too late. I was pregnant,” Catra started and Calliope a hand over her mouth in horror, almost knowing what would come next.

“She erased Adora’s mind, took away all those moments we had together, and then tortured me for days. I wasn’t far along, maybe a month? She made sure it was gone. Then threatened me to keep away from Adora like that… to stomp down any feelings she had for me and I had for her. So I… I understand how you feel. I still feel the blood on me too…”

“Oh, Catra…” Calliope said softly, pulling her friend into a hug. She felt Catra’s soft sobs against her as she held her, allowing the magicat to grieve for the moment. She was sure she had never grieved properly for this. “Why didn’t you tell anyone?”

“I was scared. I’m still scared. And I don’t want to hurt Adora. I already hurt her enough, I was so angry and bitter when she left, so hurt. She doesn’t remember, I shouldn’t have been so angry for so long…” 

“I’m scared too. I’m… petrified. I’m not going to tell anyone but I do think you need to talk to Adora… at least think about it.”

“You should talk to Lexie, air out these feelings,” Catra encouraged and Calliope shook her head.

“I can’t… she knows how I feel and if I tell her how I feel about being pregnant again, she’s going to be mad. She wants this, I don’t.”

“I’m still supporting you in whatever decision you make. I may not like it but you shouldn’t be forced to be uncomfortable in your own body. Just know that you and your babies are unconditionally loved by everyone, including me. Who would have thought I could feel something like that?” Catra chuckled half-heartedly. 

“You’ve always been capable of love, you’ve just never been properly shown it. None of us ex-Horde soldiers have,” Calliope chuckled as well, wiping her eyes.

“You’ve always been soft, though. The Horde didn't harden you like it did the rest of us. There’s always been… kindness there. I remember it some from when we were kids and would interact together.”

“I just… believe that there is good in everyone, no matter who. Except for Shadow Weaver, there’s nothing good about her,” she giggled and Catra laughed as they sat cross-legged across from each other, holding the other’s hand. 

“I’m glad we’re friends now, though. Thank you for trusting me with your secret. That was very brave of you. And thank you for understanding… for supporting any decision I make… I’m going to need that.”

“What are you going to do?” Catra asked, eyebrows raised in question.

“I don’t know yet. I haven’t decided anything, I’m still processing. I don’t want to go through it again… but I also can’t bear the thought of carrying my babies… I’m kinda stuck at a crossroad.”

They turned their heads as the doors swung open, Lexie running in and landing on Calliope. They could see the taller girl's shoulders relax when she saw her wife but frown when she noticed how they were sitting together. Calliope turned her head away, looking uncomfortable as tears started to prick her eyes again. Catra noticed and growled lowly at Lexie as she approached the bed, causing her to stop and sneer. 

“What’s your problem, fluffbutt? I need to see my wife.”

“She doesn’t want to see you,” Catra said boldly, causing Calliope to whip her head around to stare at the magicat in surprise and appreciation. Lexie’s frown deepened, looking at Calliope. 

“You don’t speak for her. You need to leave,” Lexie said through gritted teeth as Catra stood up from the bed, tense and looking ready for a fight. She noticed movement behind Lexie and saw Adora in the doorway, frowning. 

“No, you need to leave. You’re making her uncomfortable and she’s had enough of that today. She wants to be left alone,” Catra told her, tail whipping around violently in agitation. 

“You’re crossing a line, Catra. Don’t push me. I’ll make you regret it.”

“Hey! Do not speak to her like that, Lexie,” Adora said harshly, stepping further into the room. The tension in the air was thick between everyone as Glimmer and Bow peeked into the room, nervous. 

“Lexie…” Calliope said softly, causing her wife to turn her head to her and her face to soften. “You should go.”

Lexie’s face fell as she processed what Calliope said before becoming angry, clenching her fists at her side. “I’m not going anywhere until we talk. Glimmer told me about Mystacor. Why would you try to hide this from me?”

Calliope and Catra both turned to glare at Glimmer, who ducked away from the door. Calliope breathed in deeply through her nose, exhaling out of her mouth. “I’m not ready. You know I’m not ready. I don’t want this.”

“You should,” Lexie said, causing Calliope to look at her with surprise. “It’s been over a year. It still hurts, I understand that but I miss you. I want things to go back to normal and this could be our chance to do that. We can’t bring them back but we have been given twice the blessing for it.”

“You’re not the one giving up your body for nine months for this! I am! And you have no idea how I feel cause you weren’t there! It didn’t happen to you!”

“It’s not going to happen again! Terra is dead! The war is over! We have to move past this!”

“You don’t know that! I was five months when it happened! I felt them move inside me! T-they had fingers… and t-toes…” By that point, Calliope was off the bed and standing toe to toe with Lexie, glaring up into those stupidly beautiful brown eyes, filled with anger and sadness. “I can’t move past this.”

“So… what? You’re going to end this? You’ll be no better than Terra,” Lexie said and instantly regretted saying it when Calliope’s face morphed into a hideous snarl, pushing Lexie back away from her. 

“Get out. I don’t want to see you anymore.”

“Callie… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-”

“Get out! Get the fuck out of here! You’re such a fucking ass!” Calliope screamed, going to hit her but being pulled back by Catra as Adora grabbed Lexie’s arm, trying to pull her away. 

“Don’t do something you’ll regret, Cal,” Catra said softly as Calliope struggled to break free. Lexie had never seen Calliope so angry, it was terrifying and she allowed Adora to pull her away. 

“Your stuff better be out of my room when I get back! I don’t want to see you! I’ll make you wish I had left you to bleed out in the Whispering Woods!” Calliope snarled, causing Lexie to flinch back and Adora dragged her completely out of the room, closing the door behind them. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 18: Metamorphosis

Haevyn hadn’t felt good all week. She felt like she was overheating and she was exhausted, she could barely keep her head up during the class time. Circe nudged her, causing Haevyn to snort and sit up, eyes droopy. Circe gave her a look and Haevyn flashed her a tired smile. Class ended shortly afterward and they headed towards the courtyard, Haevyn leaning against Circe for support. 

“Fae? Are you okay?” Circe asked as they took a seat underneath a tree. Circe pulled out her lunchbox, pulling out a cup of fruit as Haevyn laid her head on Circe’s shoulder, groaning. 

“It’s hot… I’m tired…” she mumbled as Circe held up a piece of cantaloupe that Haevyn tiredly ate, taking her time to chew on it as Circe ate. 

“I can feel the heat through my shirt. Are you getting sick? Did you tell your mama?”

Haevyn shook her head, finally swallowing the piece of fruit. “I don’t want to worry her, she has to take care of Eira.”

“Your mama has to take care of you too. That’s what mamas are for. We should tell a teacher to call her, you don’t look good.”

“I just need to sleep…” Haevyn murmured with a yawn as Chamie came up to them with a smirk. 

“Hey, Horde Scum. You look tired, up terrorizing villages all night?”

“Lay off, Chamie! She doesn’t feel good!” Circe defended Haevyn, who looked up blearily at the lizard girl. She tried to speak, wanting to defend herself but nothing came out. Chamie’s face morphed from teasing to real concern when she noticed and was barely able to jerk forward before Haevyn fell forward, blacking out. 

“Fae? Fae?! Miss Agatha!” Circe screamed for the teacher. 

_

Brio and Callista rushed to the school when they got the call, having left Eira with Calliope. They entered the office, where they were rushed into the physician's room, where Haevyn was laying on the patient cot, Circe and a young lizard girl sitting beside her. 

“Circe? What happened?” Callista asked, rushing to the other side and feeling her daughter’s forehead, which was scalding to the touch. 

“She wasn’t feeling good today. She was falling asleep in class and we were outside having lunch when she fell forward. She won’t wake up!” Circe told her, sniffling from unshed tears. Callista turned towards the young lizard girl. 

“I’m sorry, we haven’t met. Who are you?”

“I’m Chamie… I helped carry Haevyn in when she blacked out. I was talking with her when it happened…” she mumbled, embarrassed and Callista smiled softly at her.

“Thank you for helping, I am very grateful.”

“What’s wrong with her? Why won’t she wake up?” Circe asked and Callista looked up at Brio, who nodded. 

“We aren’t completely sure but she may be getting ready to regrow her wings. We had finished her last appointment with the physician, who said it could happen any day. She’s going to be out for a little bit while this happens,” Callista explained as Circe nodded in understanding. 

“I hope she feels better. Can I come to visit her?”

“Of course. You as well, Chamie. I’m sure she would like that,” Callista told them as Brio came over, picking up his eldest daughter and cradling her to his chest. Callista went to inform the principal of the situation and followed Brio out, heading home.

_

It took a little while but over the course of twenty-four hours, they watched as the cocoon formed around Haevyn. It was opaque, so they could still see the outline of her figure but not much else. They had changed her into comfortable pajamas and cleaned her up before the cocoon had formed completely so that she could wake up comfortable and clean. 

Calliope and Lexie came to visit, both checking out the cocoon separately as they were not on speaking terms. It had been about a month and a half since their falling out and Calliope was starting to show a small belly protruding from underneath her shirt as she sat on a chair by the worried parents. Lexie sat opposite of her, trying and failing not to stare at her wife’s baby bump. 

“Do you know how long she’ll be stuck like that?” Calliope asked, leaning back in the chair tiredly. Callista shook her head, biting her lip as Brio cradled a sleeping Eira. 

“Could be a few weeks to a few months, it takes a while to grow wings, I’ve heard,” Brio chuckled softly, trying to lighten the room. 

“I hope it’s sooner rather than later. I already miss that little rascal,” Lexie commented, receiving an eye roll from Calliope. Brio looked between the two women, frowning.

“Will you two talk to each other already? You could cut the tension in here with a butter knife,” Brio commented as both women looked away from each other, not saying anything. Brio sighed, looking at Calliope.

“How’re the babies? You look like you’re not sleeping well.”

“I’m not. Everything hurts, especially my back. And the bed is big and cold…” she trailed off, crossing her arms over her chest as Lexie looked up, slightly hopeful. Calliope glared at her, squashing that small sliver of hope she had felt. “They’re growing fine. Hitting all the developmental milestones, according to Castaspella.”

“You know tension and anger is not good for the babies. You need to relax and learn how to forgive,” Lexie mumbled and Calliope huffed. 

“It’s none of your business how I go about myself. You lost that right when you accused me of being like my tormentor.”

“I already apologized! I didn’t mean to say it! It was an accident!” Lexie said loudly, startling Eira awake who started to cry. 

“Now look what you’ve done! You woke the baby! What kind of mom will you be?” Calliope scolded and Callista stood up, growling.

“That’s enough! I am sick of this! You’re both acting like children! You can not be like this when you have a child together, you need to work this out. Don’t you remember your wedding vows? How are you supposed to be there for each other through everything? This is the hard part of marriage.”

“No, I’m sick of everyone telling me I should forgive and forget,” Calliope said, standing up. Lexie stood up as well when she noticed how unsteady Calliope was, how exhausted she looked. “I’m not forgiving you. I don’t have to forgive you for what you said to me.”

“I’m not asking for forgiveness at this point! You’re hurting, physically, and I want to be there for you. I want to be there for our kids!”

“You want to be there to make sure I don’t turn out like Terra…” Calliope grumbled and Lexie inhaled sharply, trying not to snap at her wife. 

“I’ll be back to check on Haevyn. I need some space,” Lexie told everyone, throwing one last look at her pregnant wife before leaving the room, slamming the door behind her. Calliope sighed, moving a hand to caress her belly before thinking better of it, dropping it back to her side. Callista picked up on the motion, going over and placing her hands on young queens shoulders. 

“You know, it’s okay to love your babies. To want to touch your belly and enjoy this pregnancy,” she told her softly, causing Calliope to shake her head.

“I can’t get attached. Not like last time… I won’t survive it a second time…” 

“What Lexie said was shitty, no one is disagreeing with you on that and we are all pretty pissed about it as well but you are ruining your marriage over this. Just… talk to her. Work this out… if not for your love of each other, then for the love of your children that I know you have. Don’t let your heart harden to love, Callie.”

Calliope sighed, leaning forward to hug Callista gently, to which the older woman returned. 

“I’ll be back later to check on Haevyn… and I’ll think about what you said,” Calliope told her before pulling away and heading out the door. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 19: That Would Be Enough

Calliope was held in a state of tension and fear as she went through her fifth month, holding her breath for the other hat to drop. She had been trying to take Callista’s advice to enjoy her pregnancy but every time she saw her reflection in the mirror, saw her belly swelling largely from the twins, every tiny kick she felt, she was gripped with cold dread. She knew the stress wasn’t good for them or her but she couldn’t reel it in, couldn’t hold it back. 

Even as she was halfway through her second trimester, she was still vomiting constantly. The stress of everything made her unable to hold anything down. She wasn’t sleeping well either, the bed too big and cold without Lexie, who she still wasn’t speaking with. They saw each other around the palace and at the monthly Princess Alliance meetings but Calliope avoided her when she saw her. 

Everyone could see the toll the pregnancy was taking on Calliope. The anxiety gripped her every time she saw her stomach. There were bags under her eyes from lack of sleep, her skin was paler than usual, and she was losing weight, which made them all worry about her health. Catra kept vigilant by her side whenever she could, she was the only one that Calliope trusted enough to stay around her. 

They found themselves sitting beside each other at the meetings in Brightmoon, away from their significant others as they whispered amongst themselves. Adora and Lexie had started sitting with each other, slightly glaring across the table during the meetings. The meetings were the only time anyone saw Calliope smile while she talked with Catra.

Calliope wasn’t feeling well during this particular meeting, she felt hot and queasy. Catra had noticed the redness rising in the young queen's cheeks and had poured her a glass of water to help her cool off but it didn’t help. Calliope could feel her vision turn fuzzy as the queasiness tried to force itself up her throat. She couldn’t even hear what Glimmer was saying as she suddenly stood up, knocking her chair back as the room went silent. 

“Callie?” She heard someone say, heard another chair move as she stumbled away from the table, her chest rising heavily as it became harder to breathe, harder to think. She retched, nothing coming up as she felt hands on her arm and here back, rubbing soothingly. Her knees buckled beneath her and she collapsed to the floor, the hands grabbing her and holding her as best as they could so she didn't hurt herself.

“Someone get the doctor! Call my aunt! Calliope?! Stay awake!” she heard as she was laid on her back, the edges of her vision black as she stared up, a few concerned faces above her but unable to recognize them. She didn’t want to stay awake, she wanted to sleep. 

“Love, don’t close your eyes, okay? Why did you let yourself get so sick? She’s burning up, get some ice, we need to cool her down,” she heard them say as she tried to focus her vision. She could make out Lexie above her, tears brimming in her eyes as she looked at her with concern. Calliope tried to speak but started retching again, coughing. They helped her sit up so she wouldn’t choke on her spit. 

When she calmed down, she was lowered back down and felt something cold being placed on her chest and around her neck. Tears started pouring out of her eyes and down her temples onto the floor, she was scared. A low sob rose in the back of her throat. 

“Mom… I want my mom…” she sobbed desperately as she felt herself cool down. Hands grabbed her own, squeezing assuringly, low murmurs of encouragement from her friends. The doctor finally arrived, getting onto their knees to do the exam on the floor. 

“Calliope? Can you hear me? It’s Doctor Apolla. Can you follow my finger?” she asked, lifting a finger in Calliope’s line of vision and moving it side to side, Calliope following the movement with her eyes. Dr. Apollo took her temperature, checked her blood pressure, listened to her lungs before talking again. 

“When was the last time you ate?” she asked.

“This morning… but it came back up… I can’t keep anything down…” Calliope told her, squeezing the hand that was still holding hers. Dr. Apolla nodded, jotting down some notes. 

“Sounds like hyperemesis gravidarum. Severe morning sickness. You’re also dehydrated and exhausted. Your vitals do not look good. You’re on strict bed rest with an IV drip until your vitals stabilize and you’re able to bring your weight up.” 

Calliope shook her head, immediately regretting the action as her vision started to blacken again. She retched for the third time and was sat up again, the bags of ice falling off her as her body trembled. Hands rubbed her back as she heaved. 

“We need to get the IV started immediately. Let’s get her down to the infirmary. Queen Calliope, you need to stay with us, okay?” she heard the doctor say and she felt herself being lifted up, her head lolling onto the shoulder of the person carrying her as her heaving stopped. She blinked up at the person, Lexie’s face coming into view as the doctor led them out of the meeting room. 

“Lex…” she mumbled, Lexie, looking down at her with a soft face, hiding her genuine fear. 

“I’m here, Callie. I’ve got you.”

Calliope went to say something, anything. To apologize, to express gratitude, to tell her she loved her but she didn’t get the chance. The blackness finally overtook her vision and she fell unconscious. 

_

She blinked and she was standing in the gardens of Musicia. They were beautiful, as usual, with full bushes and shady trees, the fountain spouting water in the middle, and the gazebo hidden in the corner. She did a spin to take everything in, smiling. That’s when she heard footsteps running in her direction and turned just in time to have a small girl latch onto her leg. 

The little girl looked up, smiling brilliantly, and Calliope gasped. It was like looking at a miniature version of Lexie, with beautiful black curls and rich chocolate eyes. Except for the white streak of hair down the front and the dimples that were all Calliope. 

“Mama! You promised to teach me how to grow the flowers today!” the little girl told her excitedly, tugging on Calliope’s dress. 

“Shiri, leave your mama alone. She has a very important meeting today with She-Ra,” Lexie said as she entered the garden, carrying a little boy in her arms. He looked similar to the little girl with dark black locks with a white patch in the front but had Calliope’s blue eyes. The little girl lifted her arms up to Calliope, who bent down to pick her up and cradle her.

“Does that mean Finn’s coming?” she asked Lexie with big eyes. 

“Yes, Finn and Aunt Catra are coming as well which means we need to get ready.”

“Mom, I’m hungry,” the little boy told Lexie, tugging on the front of her shirt. 

“We’ll go make lunch in a minute, Zimri,” Lexie smiled, going over and kissing Calliope’s cheek before adjusting Zimri in one arm and taking Shiri, holding both children on either hip. “Have a good meeting, love. We’ll see you at dinner.”

Calliope blinked, nodding as her family walked back inside, both children waving at her from over Lexie’s shoulder. 

“You have a beautiful family, my sweet,” she heard a voice behind her and turned to see Queen Musa standing by the fountain, holding her arms open for her daughter. Calliope gave her a watery smile before running forward, being enveloped in her mother’s arms. They held each other, like they always did, only pulling apart slightly to look at the other, Musa caressing her daughter’s face gently. 

“What are you doing here? What’s going on?” Calliope asked her, hands gravitating to her mother’s gentle curls. 

“You called for me. You were scared and confused and you called for me to come. Tell me, why do I sense such anguish?”

Calliope sighed, motioning over to a bench where the two women went to sit, holding each other’s hands. “I’m pregnant, almost six months, and… my last pregnancy ended when I was five months… I’m scared I’m going to lose them too.”

Musa sighed, squeezing Calliope’s hands. “You’re not going to lose them. If you keep going at the rate you’re going, maybe. You need to take better care of yourself. This is why I set our meeting in this vision.”

“Were those…?” Calliope asked, hopeful. 

“Those were your twins. I think they’re four in this vision? Your children are amazing, just like their mothers.”

“Tell me about them? What are they going to be like?” 

“Well… Shiri is born first and she’s a ball of fire. Strong-willed, stubborn, independent, and a fighter, like her mom. She has a beautiful singing voice, she loves everyone fiercely and she’s going to be an amazing queen someday. Zimri is quieter, likes to think before he acts. He doesn’t sing too much, mostly likes to play instruments, which makes the pair great at duets. They have such an incredible bond, they’re each other’s best friend,” Musa explained to Calliope, who soaked in the information. 

“Shiri means my song and Zimri means my music…” Calliope said softly, looking at her mother. 

“Names have power, I’m sure you can guess why you picked them.”

“I’m not going to see Shiri take the throne…” 

Musa wrapped an arm around her daughter’s shoulders, hugging her to her. “You’ll see her grow up. You won’t miss those milestones and you’ll even have more children after them.”

“Why… Why do I sense power from her? She feels… different from Zimri.”

“She’s going to be born with the full power of the Heart. She will manifest her special ability when she reaches seventeen. Watch after her, she will need guidance as her powers start to manifest in the coming years. When the time is right, send her to me, to the Heart and we will train her.”

“Mom… I…”

“You don’t have to say anything, my sweet. I understand. Listen to me: forgive your partner. You were both angry and scared and confused. Don’t let her miss any more of this pregnancy than she already has. There is a lot of hurt from when you lost your baby and that will never go away but don’t allow your pain to block the great joy you’re about to have, okay?”

Calliope nodded, tears streaming down her face as she bit her lip and looked away, back towards the place where Lexie and the children had disappeared to. “I’ll try. Mom? Thank you. You always know the right things to say.”

“Of course,” Musa said, pulling her daughter into another hug as the vision started to fade. “I love you, my sweet. You’re going to be an amazing mama.”

_

Lexie paced the infirmary, fiddling with her fingers to keep herself occupied since Catra refused to allow her to sit in the chair beside Calliope’s bed. It infuriated Lexie to no end and she had gotten into a heated argument with the magicat. 

“She doesn’t want you by her side,” Catra had said, growling angrily at Lexie as she blocked the bed, defending the young queen. Her tail was puffed and her ears laid flat, pupils dilated. Lexie had sneered back as they faced off while Adora stood back, having never seen Catra so defensive over someone before. 

“She is my wife and she is sick. Our children could be at risk and you will not stop me from being with her!” Lexie had yelled back, going to make a move forward before Catra snarled, baring her fangs. 

“You come any closer and I’ll claw out your eyes! When she’s awake, she can make the decision on whether or not you sit by her but until then, I am going by what she wanted first which is for you to be as far from her as possible! Now, back the fuck up!”

“Catra…” Adora said tentatively, stepping forward as Lexie stepped back, taken by surprise at Catra’s unadulterated rage towards her. Catra whipped her head towards Adora, growling lowly at her partner as well. 

“You too. Back up.”

“Catra, you know I’m not going to hurt her, she’s my friend. What has gotten into you, you’ve never acted like this before…” 

“She gets a choice, okay?! I never got a choice but she gets one and I will defend her choices till my last breath because that’s what she needs! She needs someone who is listening to her concerns, not telling her what to do! So back off!”

“Adora, there’s a lot of maternal instincts happening right now, you don’t want to piss off a mama cat. Give them some space,” Glimmer suggested, pulling on Adora’s shoulder to back them away from the cot. Adora stared at Catra, who looked away to the floor.

“What do you mean you didn’t have a choice? Is there something you’re not telling me?” Adora asked, keeping a distance away from the cot along with Glimmer and Lexie, which seemed to allow Catra to relax her defensive stance and her tail to depuff slightly. 

“I’ll talk about it later. Not now, not here. Just… please. Don’t come near us,” Catra told her, finally sitting down in the chair by the cot. Melog jumped up at the foot of the cot, resting against Calliope’s feet to doze off, having calmed down as well from Catra’s emotions. 

And that’s where they were now, Lexie pacing the invisible barrier that kept her from being by her wife’s side. Every time she got a step closer, Catra and Melog would hiss at her, causing her to retreat back past the invisible line. Adora paced opposite of her, too wound up to sit still. Glimmer had been teleporting in and out, keeping the rest of the Alliance updated and continuing with the meeting. 

There was a slight cough from the cot as Calliope woke up, throat parched as she tried to sit up, breathing heavily. 

“Hey, whoa, don’t get up! You’re okay,” Catra reassured her, helping her sit up in the cot, being careful of the IVs that were attached to her arms. When she was sure she was comfortable, she grabbed the glass of water off the side table, holding it up to Calliope and helping her take a few sips of the water. “How do you feel?”

Calliope took a couple more sips, trying not to gulp down the water too quickly before motioning to Catra she was done, the magicat sitting the water back down. 

“I feel… tired. And drained. Where’s Lexie?” 

“I’m right here, love,” Lexie said, making her way to the other side of the cot to kneel by it, wanting to touch her wife but keeping some distance between them. “You’re okay. Why didn’t you tell anyone you were sick?”

Calliope shook her head, already starting to tear up. “I don’t know, I… I thought it was normal? I didn’t want to worry anyone, we were already fighting and Haevyn is stuck in a cocoon and I was already really stressed… I thought it was me…”

“It wasn’t you. You have a serious medical condition that you didn’t have in your first pregnancy. The stress probably didn’t make it any better but some women get severely sick during their pregnancies. I’m just glad you and the babies are okay,” Lexie told her, inching her fingers forward on the bed, wanting desperately to take Calliope’s hand. Calliope sensed her intention and moved her fingers forward, laying her hand over Lexie’s gently. Lexie looked up at her in surprise as Calliope turned to look at Catra.

“Can I have a moment? We need to talk,” she asked softly. Catra nodded, squeezing her shoulder in reassurance and she backed away Melog following. She bypassed Adora, who had stopped her pacing, and left the room, Adora not far behind. 

“Lex-”

“No, wait. Me first. Callie, I am the stupidest person on Etheria. I even beat Adora in that in the dumbass department and that’s a feat I never thought I would accomplish. You are nothing like Terra. I don’t know why I said that, I was just so… angry and I thought you were going to hurt them and I couldn’t even think straight I… I am so sorry that I hurt you. I never wanted to hurt you and now I’ve missed so much of your pregnancy and if I had been there, I would have picked up that you were sick quicker.”

“Lexie, I’m sorry. I scared you and made you feel like you had to protect our children from me. I was terrified and confused because this was a shock. We did everything to make sure I wouldn’t get pregnant again and it didn’t work…” Calliope let out a soft sob, putting a hand over her mouth. “It didn’t work and now we’re having two babies and I’m still scared. This should have been our second set, we should have been giving our oldest child siblings. We should have a small army of babies already!”

“Oh, honey,” Lexie got up onto the bed and pulled her wife to her. Calliope cuddled into Lexie, sobbing into her shoulder. “I miss them too. I never thought you could miss someone you never met but I do. I miss the future we never got to have with them.”

“There was so much I wanted to do with them…”

“And you will still do all those things with these two. It’s twice the adventure for the both of us, my love.”

“I know… I’m learning to accept it… I can’t keep letting the pain of the past ruin the joy of the future.”

Lexie held her wife closer, kissing her face gently before starting to sing softly. 

Look around, Look around

At how lucky we are

To be alive right now

Look around, Look around

Look at where we are

Look at where we started

The fact that we’re alive is a miracle

Just stay alive, that would be enough

And if this child

Shares a fraction of your smile

Or a fragment of your mind

Look out world

That would be enough

I don’t pretend to know

The challenges we’re facing

The worlds you keep erasing and creating

In your mind

But I’m not afraid

I know who I married

So long as you come home 

At the end of the day

That would be enough

And this could be enough

We would be enough

Chapter Text

Chapter 20: The Orphanage

Calliope did not want to go to the orphanage. Don’t get her wrong, she loved children and orphaned children held a special place in her heart because of her and Lexie’s situation and some of their friends. But this orphanage, the first private orphanage in Etheria, was located in the one place she never wanted to visit again: the Fright Zone. Not that it was the Fright Zone anymore, it was now the Kingdom of Scorpion, reclaimed by Princess Scorpia, but still… almost two years after the war and the remnants of the place she was raised were still present. 

“It’s going to be fine,” Lexie reassured her for the thousandth time, lovingly rubbing her wife’s large belly. She was about seven months but she was about ready to burst, carrying twins was painful and uncomfortable. She had finally gotten her weight up and started taking medication, prescribed by Dr. Apolla, to help with the hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness). She had been approved to come off of bed rest as long as she took it easy as to not cause preterm labor. 

She was also slowly coming to terms with the fact that they were about to be moms and that this was really happening, she had made it farther along in her pregnancy than she had anticipated. She had started some meditation and therapy with Perfuma to overcome her anxiety about her pregnancy as well as some couples counseling to resolve the issues in her marriage. 

She took a deep breath through her nose as she felt the twins wrestling within her before letting out a low exhale through her mouth as she placed a gentle hand over Lexie’s. One, to ease the anxiety she felt every time the twins moved and two, to allow herself to remain calm when she went to touch her wife. She needed to remind herself to remain grounded in both aspects. 

“I love your passion for the project, I know it means a lot to you to help children like us but you know how I feel about going back… there…” she finally replied after several moments of silence between the two. Lexie had grown accustomed to her wife’s quietness as of late. She was just happy to be allowed around Calliope again. Touches like this were rare, even though they shared the same bed again. Calliope only allowed Lexie to freely touch her swollen belly, knowing it made her wife happy. 

Every time Lexie touched her, besides her belly, it made Calliope anxious. Honestly, the anxiety was crippling if not for Perfuma’s guided meditation and counseling methods. Lexie was trying to respect her wife’s boundaries, slowly regaining her trust again but it was frustrating, not being able to hold her or kiss her without her crumbling in a heap of sobs. 

“I know, love. I understand. It means a lot to me that you’re finally coming to see it. Scorpia has really outdone herself and the children… that children are amazing,” Lexie told her, jolting slightly at the strong kick she felt underneath her fingertips. Her twins were strong, as their mama, even at her lowest point. 

“Let’s just make it quick?” Calliope mumbled softly as their ride stopped in front of the large building, Scorpia and Perfuma standing outside to greet them. Lexie got out, turning to help Calliope down. Calliope continued her silent breathing exercises as Lexie touched her hands and waist to keep her steady, finally landing on her feet. Lexie continued to keep her hands on Calliope as they made their way up the stairs to the awaiting princesses. 

“Lex! Callie! We are so glad you both could make it! Whoa, Callie, you’re huge! I mean, not like huge huge but like pregnant huge, like it’s a cute huge, you know…” Scorpia rambled, rubbing the back of her neck with her pincher in embarrassment as Calliope gave her a small smile, initiating the hug between the two. Normally that was Scorpia’s thing but the woman seemed to have preoccupied herself with trying not to make Calliope feel bad. 

“Thanks, Scorpia. I feel huge and I still have two months left. Carrying two kids is very hard! They have to be related to Lex, since she’s built like a tank and eats like one too,” Calliope chuckled, causing Lexie to pout, crossing her arms over her chest. 

“We’re just glad you both could make it. I hope you are taking things easy, Callie. Working on your meditation back home?” Perfuma questioned after Scorpia finally released Calliope, pulling her into a hug as well. Calliope nodded, pulling away after a few moments to put her hands on her lower back, which ached from her massive belly. 

“You may need to teach me some pregnancy yoga instead, this back pain is no joke.”

“We’ll look into it at our next session, okay?” Perfuma agreed, Scorpia motioning for the couple to follow her into the large building. They passed through a waiting area with chairs, toys, and a receptionist's desk. They were having to walk slowly since Calliope was waddling to keep up, Lexie hovering around her. 

They passed the waiting area and headed down a hallway, different doorways leading into offices as Scorpia explained who worked there and what they did. Calliope was only half paying attention to this as her eyes roamed. She knew that they had refurbished a lot of the buildings that the Horde had occupied instead of demolishing them and starting from scratch. This building was an administration building and they have led out the back into a large courtyard surrounded by trees and bushes. 

“That building right there in the dining hall. It’s refurbished from the previous Fright Hall but looks much nicer! Ooh! And over there are the dormitories! We redid the old barracks to create them! Took a while since we added extra walls and such, the thought was that we only wanted two to four kids per room, to give them more privacy than what we got,” Scorpia explained as they crossed the courtyard.

“It took a while to get a lot of this done, Scorps. It was hard to transform this place from the Fright Zone into an orphanage,” Lexie commented as they entered the dining hall, some kids gathered at the long tables completing homework with adults. A few of the older kids looked up, smiling and waving at the arriving group. A couple of the younger ones ran forward, surrounding them as a little boy jumped up into Lexie’s arms excitedly.

“Miss Lexie! Miss Lexie! Why haven’t you come to visit us?” he pouted, all the children yelling out in agreement. She looked around at the children, smiling sadly.

“I am so sorry I haven’t come by lately! You see, this is my wife, Calliope, and she is expecting two babies! I’ve been trying to help her as much as I can,” she explained as all eyes turned to Calliope, whose face went red. 

“Wow! Two babies?! That’s a lot!” one of the little girls commented, staring up at her. 

“Is that why your tummy is so big?!” Another little girl asked, reaching her hands up to touch the large stomach. Calliope flinched away slightly, biting her lip in regret at the crestfallen face that little girl gave her.

“Be gentle, children. It’s very hard work carrying babies and she is tired,” Lexie explained gently, excusing Calliope’s behavior as she sat the little boy down. Calliope frowned at her wife before sitting herself down in a chair, holding her hand back out to the little girl.

“Come here. I can place your hand where they are kicking,” she said and the little girl's eyes lit up in delight as she jumped forward, allowing Calliope to take her hand and place it gently over the top of her belly. Tiny movements placed against her hands and she giggled, looking up at Calliope. 

“They kick very hard!” she exclaimed as the other children crowded around in amazement, waiting for Calliope to take their hands and place them on her belly as well. 

“Are they boys or girls?” a little boy asked curiously as he felt the babies kick and Calliope smiled, keeping a hand over his. 

“One is a boy and one is a girl. Right here, where your hand is, is my little girl. Her name is Shiri and she is a kicker. I can tell she is going to be feisty and independent, like her mom…” Calliope looked up at Lexie, who covered her mouth with tears in her eyes. “Right here,” Calliope continued, moving the boy's hand to the other side of her belly, “is my little boy, Zimri. He’s a lot quieter than his sister, barely ever kicks. He only moves when he hears me singing to him, he loves music.”

“Can you sing for us, Miss Calliope?” a little girl asked, giving the older woman big puppy dog's eyes as the other children started begging as well. She looked around them in a slight panic before looking up at Perfuma, who gave her an encouraging nod. She nodded back before taking a deep breath.

“Okay, scooch in,” she told them as the children sat down in a semicircle around him, the little boy keeping his hand over her belly where she had placed it as he stood by her side.

“May I stay here and wait for Zimri to kick?” he asked and she nodded at him, keeping a gentle hand over his as she began.

Look to the stars

My darling baby loves

Life is strange and vast

Filled with wonders and joy 

Face each new sun

With eyes clear and true

I’m not afraid of the unknown

Cause I’ll face it all with you

The children were completely enraptured by Calliope’s voice as Lexie gave a watery smile, leaning over to Scorpia and Perfuma to whisper.

“I haven’t heard her sing since she got pregnant… I guess she was singing while I wasn’t around but I missed this…”

Look to the stars

And gaze up at the moon

Even as these days pass

I’m always thinking of you

Face each new day

And keep your hope alive

I promise I’ll be there soon

It won’t be long till I’m with you

The little boy gasped as he felt the new kicks against his hand and he squealed with delight, the other children standing up to crowd around her again. 

“I feel it! I feel it! Wow, he really likes your voice!” the little boy exclaimed as the tutors came over to usher the children back to their lessons. They all groaned as they said their goodbyes to the group of older women before returning to their studies. Lexie knelt down in front of Calliope, putting a gentle hand on her knee. 

“How long have you known about the genders? And names? When were you going to tell me?”

Calliope frowned, placing an unconscious hand over her swollen abdomen protectively. She felt self-conscious and had not meant for the information to slip up while she was talking to the children.

 “I… I had a vision when I first got sick… My mother told me. And the names… they feel right. Here,” Calliope grabbed Lexie’s hand, ignoring the look of surprise on her wife’s face as she placed a hand on one side, pressing it there. “Zimri means my music… our son is quiet, gentle, melodic… while Shiri,” Calliope moved Lexie’s hand to the other side where there were consistent bumps, “means my song. She’s strong, stubborn, and fiery. While Zimri’s music helps to calm, Shiri will cut you down with swift lyrics from her song. Do you like them?”

“Honey, I absolutely love them. Shiri and Zimri. It’s wonderful, you’re wonderful…” Lexie told her, placing her free hand on the other side of Calliope’s belly so that she was caressing it and kissed it softly. Calliope froze slightly, nervously tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. 

“I, um,” she cleared her throat, looking away. “Should we continue the tour?”

Lexie nodded, standing up and helping her wife to her feet, but not before planting a small kiss on her cheek. “Hey, I love you. And we’re going to get through this rough patch that we are going through right now, I promise. I’m not going anywhere, there is nothing you can do to scare me off. I’m in this for the long run, I took a vow on our wedding day to stick by your side through the best and worst times of our lives and this is just one of many bumps in the road. So take your time, take your space, take whatever you need to get back to the loving, bubbly, woman I fell in love with.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 21: Catradora Wedding

Brightmoon was packed. But it wasn’t every day that the hero of Etheria, the mighty She-Ra married the love of her life and former criminal warlord. That fact alone still left a sour taste in people’s mouths but no one dared to say anything against She-Ra’s intended. They knew they would be struck down where they stood if they so much as breathed an insult in her direction. 

Catra had wanted Calliope to stand by her side during the ceremony but that was before they found out she was pregnant. With her due date two months away, her carrying around what could only be described as a large watermelon under her dress and doctors' orders to not overexert herself, she was forced to sit in the front row and give Catra her support from a distance. What was surprising was that Lexie had offered to stand in her place instead, if Catra would have her. The magicat had been hesitant at the offer but agreed after some light encouragement from Calliope. 

“Just don’t go into labor or anything at my wedding. That would be like the shittiest friend thing you could do and who else would perform the song we worked so hard on?” Catra had teased, leaving the trio in stitches at the implication. 

Calliope was nowhere near ready to give birth but was warned not to do anything to expedite the process either. She felt a particularly hard kick against her side as she watched the ceremony and winced softly, rubbing the spot soothingly to calm down her unborn daughter. Lexie threw her a worried glance before receiving a small shake of her head. 

Upon the pulpit stood Lexie behind Catra, who wore a tasteful white suit similar to the red one she had worn during Princess Prom all those years ago. Her hair had grown back after being cut off by Prime and now reached her shoulders, Calliope having spent an hour hassling with the thick mane to get it to lie flat earlier that day. Catra beamed at Adora in front of her, who wore a gorgeous white dress with gold accents, a strapless sweetheart neckline and form-fitting. She wore her hair down as well and had a gold tiara placed above her brow. They were holding each other’s hands between them, squeezing them occasionally as they listened to Micah read out the ceremony. 

Behind Adora stood Bow and Glimmer, beaming at their two best friends. Their own marriage was scheduled for a few months out after this and it was going to be the biggest event of the year, almost bigger than Adora and Catra’s wedding. 

“By the power vested in me, by the Sorcerer’s guild and Brightmoon, I now pronounce you two wife and wife. You may kiss the bride,” Micah concluded and Catra wasted no time sweeping Adora to her and tilting her back, kissing her. The room erupted with cheers and applause at the newly wedded couple, most people standing. Calliope remained in her seat, unable to stand so quickly to cheer for her friends. 

They pulled away, Adora finally upright again, and made their way down the aisle, followed by Glimmer, Bow, and Lexie, who threw her wife an apologetic look as she disappeared. Calliope smiled as Scorpia offered to help her up, Perfuma coming to stand on her other side for support as everyone filed out to attend the reception. 

_

“May I introduce the newlyweds, Adora and Catra!” Calliope announced from the stage in the reception hall, everyone standing and applauding from their tables as Adora and Catra made their way into the room, holding each other’s hands and waving as they made their way to the dance floor. Lexie had already taken her place at the piano behind Calliope, fingers ghosting over the keys, ready for her signal. 

“I have known Adora and Catra for many years, we grew up together in the Horde and while we were not close friends, you could always see the love they had for each other even from a distance. When they got engaged, Catra came to me and asked for help in writing a song for their first dance as newlyweds. After months of rewriting and tears, I think we have created something that will properly portray how deep of love these two share with each other. Catra, Adora, congratulations to you! And may your love always be true!”

Lexie started playing the piano as the lights dimmed some, a soft melody that echoed through the large room as Calliope took a deep breath before singing. 

This is a letter

To the girl, I was before

Things will get better

You'll be safe in a place you matter

I know how it feels right now

But you'll make it through somehow

I know you're misunderstood

But do what's right and do what's good

I used to dream of you next to me

But now you're really here

And I wonder if this feeling

Is the feeling of coming home

Home

Calliope could see Adora’s eyes widen as she and Catra danced slowly, pressed together so that there was no room between the two. It was beautiful, the way Catra’s heterochromatic eyes shone up at Adora with so much love and longing, and how Adora reflected that back in her blue eyes. Calliope smiled as she continued singing through the chorus, harmonizing softly for a moment. 

This is a letter

To the girl I was before

You'll find that destiny

It's not set in stone, it's yours to own

I know how it feels right now

But you'll make it through somehow

Learn to take and not just give

The life you have, it's yours to live

Lights were flickering around the couple, similar to what happened to Calliope and Lexie during their first dance and Calliope could see that Catra was whispering the lyrics to Adora softly. Adora was holding back tears as she buried her nose into Catra’s mane, holding onto her wife as they twirled around gracefully. Or as gracefully as Adora could manage. 

I have always loved you

Though I tried not to

I was too blind to see

Hurting you was hurting me

You're always more than what you give

You're worth more than what you've done

You're worth everything to me

You're priceless, you see

And after all is done, we've only begun

Aah

We've only begun, aah

The next thing I know

It's after the war

And you're next to me

Hand in my hand

Together we'll stand

Under the stars

Oh, you're my heart, never depart

And now we're together

Hand in my hand

Together we'll stand

Under the stars

Promise me you never leave

Promise me you'll try

Promise me I've life with you

Together after the war

Oh, together after the war

Oh, together after the war

Calliope finished the song, Lexie playing the last few notes on the piano as the lights died away from the couple and the room exploded in applause. Catra and Adora were both crying softly as they held each other, foreheads pressed against the other happily. Calliope rubbed her own eyes, feeling the tears start to leak out as she watched two of her best friends love each other. They deserved the happy ending they were receiving. 

Lexie came up behind her, wrapping a gentle arm around her waist as the normal band came up to start the evening’s entertainment and escorted her off the stage. Calliope let out a soft sob and instead of escorting her further into the reception hall, Lexie led her out of a side door into an abandoned hallway. She pulls her wife to her, being mindful of the large belly between them, and rocks her side to side slowly, shushing her softly as she sobs into her chest. 

“Sweetheart, it’s just a song. You helped write it, why are you so upset?” Lexie murmured into her hair. They had become more affectionate the closer Calliope’s due date approached, much to her relief but Calliope was still a little jumpy about touch. She pulled away but didn’t go far, staring up at Lexie with bleary eyes. 

“But all of it is true! Lexie… the feeling of you is like coming home, no matter where we are. That’s always been true when we were in the Horde when we were in Brightmoon and the library, even when we were in the hidden alliance camp… you’ve always been my home. And these past few months have been so hard and I’ve hurt you… and I am sorry, truly. I… I need you,” she sniffles out, tears leaking relentlessly down her cheeks. 

Lexie cups her face gently, smiling softly at her wife before kissing away the tears. “I made a promise on our wedding day to always be there for you. I said that I wasn’t perfect and that I would make mistakes and hurt you but that I would always be there to pick you back up. This is it. This is the part of marriage that is hard. But guess what? I still love you. I have loved you every day for almost fifteen years and I don’t plan on stopping that any time soon. Till death do us part until I find out how to cheat it, it’s you and me against the world.” 

Calliope nodded as Lexie continued to kiss away her tears, humming softly to soothe her. Her hands went to the large belly as she felt the kick against her own abdomen, causing a larger smile to grace her face. 

“Our daughter is kicking me. She needs to learn to share,” Lexie teased and Calliope let out a watery laugh. 

“I have a feeling she won’t be too keen on sharing. She’s going to be spoiled rotten by the entire royalty of Etheria.”

“Speaking of which, shall we go back to the party?” Lexie asked and Calliope nodded, wiping away the last of her tears as her wife led her back into the room. 

The rest of the night was spent dancing, eating, and showering the couple with unconditional love. Calliope’s ankles barely made it through a couple of songs before she was too exhausted to continue and had to sit down. After a few moments of resting, Adora came and sat by her side, the two of them watching Catra and Lexie dance around each other and laughing. 

“That song was beautiful, Callie. I wanted to thank you for helping Catra write it,” Adora said, smiling out at her wife. 

“What do I always say? Music is universal and this was Catra’s way of expressing her love and regret to you. I’m glad you loved it. I have the sheet music in our wedding gift to you.”

“How are you holding up?”

“I’m fine. You shouldn’t worry about me on your wedding day. You should be dancing with your wife. You’re more than what you give, Adora but your concern is always appreciated,” Calliope told her, giving her arm a gentle nudge. Adora gave her a grateful smile, reaching out to squeeze her shoulder before going back to the dance floor. 

Calliope watched her friends and family dance together, smiling and laughing, having fun. This is what she always wanted. After the war.

https://youtu.be/oGqqSbmpXQU 

Chapter Text

Chapter 22: Hatch

It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. It’s warm. Haevyn doesn’t want to get up, doesn’t want to move. It’s safe and she’s content. Completely and absolutely content for the first time in her life. She wasn’t quite sure where she was… if she was being honest, it hadn’t even processed who she was yet. She just wanted to go back to sleep. Sleep… she had been sleeping for a long time. 

She blinked open her eyes, taking in the light that was filtered through the opaque chrysalis around her. She was curled up on her side, knees up against her chest and her hands laying up close to her face. How long was she asleep? She brought a hand up to touch her hair, running her fingers through the long red curls. It had been to the top of her shoulders when she went to sleep. This hair was to the bottom of her shoulder blades. It had to have been months…

She raised her hand up to touch the chrysalis above her and pushed on it, making a hole. She pulled her other hand up, using both of them to tear her way out of the small cocoon, inhaling her first breath of fresh air as she emerged. Looking around, she realizes that she is in her bedroom, the cocoon resting on top of her bed. There’s no one in there with her. Where’s her family? Her mom and dad?

Haevyn kicks away the chrysalis, sliding to the edge of her bed and setting her feet down on the carpet beneath her. She scrunches her toes into her before making a wobbly attempt at standing. She hadn’t used her legs in months, she felt like a baby again taking their first steps. The flowy white dress someone had dressed her in fell down to the tops of her knees, had spaghetti straps and a low cut back that kept her wings exposed. 

Wait… wings? She managed to stumble to her full-length mirror that was close to the french doors of her balcony and stared into her reflection. Months… she looked like she had aged some, her features becoming more defined, her cheekbones sharper. The vibrant red curls framed her face, fell down her shoulders, and curled on top of forming breasts. Had she gotten taller? She felt taller. But she didn’t care about all of that. 

She wiggled her shoulder blades, feeling the weight of wings against her back. These were new so it took a moment to unfurl them, to get used to the sensation of the weight and unused muscles. They slowly unfurled, extending out above her head and past her sides. They were as beautiful as she remembered them, like a dragonfly but the color of a flame. The reds, oranges, and yellows ombered together to create almost a soft candlelight. They flickered iridescent in the sunlight from her french doors and she felt a happy laugh bubble in her chest as she gave them an experimental flutter. 

They created a breeze and she fluttered them harder, lifting herself off the ground a few inches before settling back down onto the floor. She felt warmth spread through her, happiness and excitement building as she turned towards the doors and flung them open, enjoying the breeze that wafted through her room. Stepping out onto the balcony, she felt the sunlight warm her face as she looked out onto the city. 

She wanted to fly. She wanted to feel freedom again. That’s how Brio and Callista found her, standing on the railing of the balcony with her arms extended to either side of her, head leaned back to enjoy the sun. Callista screamed, lurching forward to try to remove her daughter from the railing but Brio pulled her back, staring at the beautiful wings in front of him. 

“Haevyn… kiddo, take it easy, okay?” Brio coaxed softly as they stepped forward onto the balcony, him keeping a strong arm around his wife to keep her from scaring their daughter. 

Haevyn turned around to face her parents, smiling. “Dad… look I have wings!”

“And they’re beautiful, kiddo. How about we come down from the railing? Aren’t you hungry? We can get Castaspella over to check you out and everything.”

“I have wings… and I just want to fly,” she whispered, leaning backward off of the railing. Brio lurched forward to try to grab her but he was too late and she fell. 

Callista ran over to the railing, leaning over it to try to find Haevyn as she swooped back up, laughing as she looped around in circles. Brio let out a deep breath in relief, sagging against the railing. They watched her for a while, enjoying her happiness, listening to her boisterous laughs. There was a knock on the door after a while and they turned around to see Circe standing in the doorway. 

“Where’s Fae?” she asked softly, taking a hesitant step out onto the balcony. Her eyes widened as Haevyn fluttered back down, wings flapping to keep her a few inches above the railing of the balcony. “Wow…”

“Circe! Come fly with me!” Haevyn said, extending a hand out to the other girl. Circe rushed forward, smiling as she unfurled her own wings, the gold feathers glistening in the sunlight. She took a hold of Haevyn’s hand, allowing the other girl to pull her up so her feet touched the balcony and she could launch herself into the air. 

“Girls! Be safe!” Callista called after them, gripping onto the railing in fear. 

“Should we go ahead and start planning a wedding?” Brio joked and Callista elbowed him in the ribs. 

_

Both girls landed back on the balcony after an hour of flying and playing, both exhausted but happy. They laid on the cool marble, laying in opposite directions but their heads close together so they could still see the other. They laid, panting but large smiles all over their faces. 

“They’re beautiful, Fae… you were right. Just like fire…”

Haevyn turned her head to look at Circe, dark eyes looking back at her. Her heart fluttered happily at the sight of her best friend. 

“Thank you… now we can fly together whenever we want…”

Circle reached up, holding a hand up in front of her face as Haevyn took a hold of it, intertwining their fingers. 

“Whenever we want. We’ll always be free to do whatever we want. You deserve these wings, Fae.” 

“I don’t care about the wings. I care about our friendship and being able to do things with you. The wings are a bonus. Now, catch me up since I’ve been asleep. What’s happened?”

“You are not going to believe this…” Circe started, recounting the events of the last few months to Haevyn as they enjoyed the afternoon sun together, never once relinquishing each other’s hands.

Chapter Text

Chapter 23: Baby Shower

Calliope felt huge. Like a whale. Everything was swollen. Her ankles, her legs, her hands, her fingers, her face, her breasts, and especially her belly. She couldn’t even see her feet anymore over the gigantic thing under her dress. She had to start wearing dresses more frequently because she could barely see or move around to pull on normal pants. She was constantly exhausted and walking had become an exerting activity that she could only maintain in short bursts. 

Bless Lexie, she really had to put up with the short end of this stick. Calliope’s wife helped her do everything from bathing to changing to even walking. There were many days where Lexie would scoop the very pregnant woman up into her arms and carry her wherever she needed to go, despite her being at least thirty pounds heavier than before. And the mood swings… Lexie had developed an eye twitch from the constant outbursts of anger and tears. 

Overall, both women were tired and stressed and just ready for the babies to be born to put Calliope out of her misery. This is why Lexie had not argued when Glimmer informed her she would throw them a baby shower. It would be a good opportunity for the women to see their friends again since they couldn’t attend many Princess meetings these months, prepare more items for the twins, and allow Calliope to relax a little. 

That’s how Lexie found herself guiding Calliope through the hallways of their palace, heading towards the gardens that would host the baby shower. She had not informed her wife of the party, wanting it to be a complete surprise, and had used the morning to distract her and help her be as relaxed as possible for the day. She was just happy that Calliope allowed her to touch her so intimately again, enjoying the soft gasps and pleasure-filled looks she would receive. 

Calliope’s body had filled out so beautifully to Lexie. Where her wife felt huge and disgusting, Lexie loved the roundness and glow that had settled around her. Calliope may have been miserable during the pregnancy but Lexie thought she had never looked more beautiful in their entire lives. 

“Lexie, I’m tired. Can’t the garden wait til later? And why do I have to wear this dress? Isn’t it a little fancy for a garden stroll?” Calliope asked, holding onto Lexie’s hand as the taller woman guided her through the hallways. Lexie had chosen her outfit for today, a tightfitting white lace dress that showed off all her new and gorgeous curves and stopped just above her knees with long off the shoulder transparent sleeves. Lexie was matching in a white blouse and slacks. 

“You can rest when we get there. Just trust me, okay?” Lexie told her and she heard her wife sighing. She finally went out the last door to the gardens where everyone stopped talking to look at them with wide smiles. 

“Surprise!” Everyone yelled, causing Calliope to gasp, putting her hands over her mouth in surprise as the tears sprung in the corners of her eyes. Lexie smiled, wrapping an arm around her wife’s shoulders. 

“What is all this?” Calliope asked as she was pulled further into the garden. Everything was in full bloom and fairy lights were strung everywhere, the place decorated with balloons, banners, and crystals, a large table with a spread of food to one side and a large table of presents to another. 

“It’s a baby shower, silly!” Glimmer told her as she came forward, pulling the larger woman into a hug. “We know how exhausted you have been and how hard the pregnancy has been so we decided to throw you a shower to celebrate the twins before they arrive!”

“From what I’ve been told, a baby shower helps prepare the new parents for the baby by providing them with all the necessities as well as celebrating the new life we are creating. I gave Glimmer free range to do what she wanted,” Lexie explained. 

Calliope starts crying, fanning herself with her hands as the hot tears stream down her cheeks. Lexie goes to rub her back, used to the outbursts of emotion but everyone else wasn’t. The other princesses started flocking around them, trying to offer comfort. 

“Oh, sweetie, don’t cry,” Perfuma consoles, creating a crown of lavender flowers and placing it on top of Calliope’s head. “You and your babies are so loved”

“I-i-It’s n-not-” Calliope tries to take deep breaths, continuing to fan herself as her face has heated up. Thankfully, Catra took the opportunity to ease her way to Calliope’s side. 

“She needs space, flower princess. This is overwhelming for her. Everyone needs to back up,” Catra tells everyone, taking a hold of Calliope’s arm and leading her further into the garden. “Let’s get you seated, Callie. Do you want anything to drink?”

Calliope sniffles, wiping away her tears with her free hand. “Thank you, Cat… Can I please have some water?” 

“Of course. You heard your wife, she wants some water,” Catra told Lexie, who rolled her eyes as she broke away from them to grab her wife some water. Catra helped Calliope ease down into an egg-shaped wicker chair with overstuffed cushions, decorated with more flowers. 

“I’m so sorry, guys,” Calliope apologized to the worried party guests but Catra shook her head. 

“You have nothing to apologize for. Everyone knows you get overwhelmed easily and the pregnancy has been hard on you.”

“Yea! We just wanted to shower you with all the love and appreciation you and your little ones deserve! All you need to do is sit back, relax, and let us bring everything to you!” Bow suggested happily, everyone nodding in agreement. Lexie returned, handing her wife the glass of water before rubbing her belly affectionately. 

“You heard them. No moving around for you, Your Majesty.”

Calliope rolled her eyes but smiled, sipping on the water gratefully. “You guys are the best. Honestly, we are so grateful to each and every one of you. A life like this is something we never could have imagined all those years ago in the Horde.”

“I definitely never imagined marrying my best friend, ruling a kingdom, and having twins. I was just hoping to survive till the next day. That’s all we ever did: survive. We finally get to live and our children will want for nothing. They will never know pain, abuse, or neglect the way we did.” 

“Exactly! They have an entire planet to love them! Now, let’s get this party started! Music!” Glimmer yelled, causing Entrapta to turn on the speaker system. An upbeat tune starts playing and they get the party in full swing. Everyone disperses to eat, talk, and enjoy the company. 

Calliope adjusts in her seat, making herself comfortable as everyone comes forward to greet her properly, giving their congratulations and asking to touch her belly. She allows her friends and family the pleasure of feeling the twins kick against her, causing coos and squeals to erupt from each princess. Lexie is a diligent partner, knowing when to supply her wife with snacks, keep her hydrated, and shoo away guests to give her a few moments of rest. 

Catra remains diligent as well, staying by Calliope’s side and hissing at anyone who tried to bother her while she rested. Their relationship had only gotten stronger ever since the beginning of her pregnancy and their collaboration with her and Adora’s wedding song. Catra had become very protective of Calliope and was one of the few people she allowed to be so close to her without explicit consent. 

Calliope took the time to observe Catra now as she sipped on some water, caressing the bottom of her ever-growing belly where a twin’s head was resting. Catra seemed… softer. Her fur was fluffier and she seemed to have gained some weight recently. She blinked, tilting her head as the pieces started to fall into place from her observations. 

“Lexie, love, can you go find me some pickles? I have a sudden craving for the juice,” Calliope asks her, giving her best pouty face. Lexie quirks an eyebrow in confusion but nods, heading away from her in search of the strange craving. Calliope waited a moment until Lexie was out of earshot before turning to Catra with a gentle smile. 

“You’re glowing,” she says lowly, Catra giving her a long blink before flushing. “How far along are you?”

“A few weeks… I haven’t told anyone yet, not even Adora,” Catra starts, getting more flustered until Calliope holds up a hand to silence her. 

“I’m not going to tell. That’s your business. But I am excited for you! Our babies are going to grow up together!” Calliope squeals, causing a few heads to turn in confusion as Catra waves them off hurriedly. 

“Not so loudly, Callie!” Catra hisses. Calliope clasps a hand over her mouth, eyes shining excitedly. 

“What are you two whispering about?” Adora asks, coming up beside Catra to wrap her arms around the feline. Calliope giggles, removing her hand to give the tall blonde a smirk. 

“You know… whatever. I don’t think you’ve been properly introduced to the twins yet,” Calliope diverts her attention, much to Catra’s relief, as she guides the blonde's hands to her expansive belly. Adora beams as the small kicks against her palms, cooing softly. Lexie returns shortly after, landing a soft kiss on her wife’s head. 

“Sorry, love, no pickles. Do you want me to call the maid?” 

“Oh, no! It’s fine! Now that I think about it, I think pickles actually make me sick,” Calliope shrugs, wincing softly at a particularly solid kick to the ribs from Shiri. 

Lexie furrows her eyebrows, rubbing the top of her belly gently as Adora frowns at the wince. Catra springs up, concern etched on her face as her hands hover. 

“I’m fine. Shiri is just a strong kicker. Look at your faces! What are you going to do when I go into labor?” Calliope asks them, all three shooting looks between each other. 

“Get your midwife.”

“Panic and run.”

“Hold your hand and try not to pass out.”

Catra, Adora, and Lexie respond, causing Calliope to roll her eyes at the varying responses. She turns her head as she hears a shrill scream of her name, Haevyn barreling towards her eagerly with Brio in tow, Callista trailing behind them with Eira on her hip. 

Haevyn stops short of her aunt, eyeing her belly cautiously. Calliope smiles gratefully, holding her arms out in invitation for the young fairy to climb into. Haevyn doesn’t need to be told twice, nestling into her aunt’s lap gingerly and wrapping her arms around her expanded body. 

“I missed you, Red! Look at how beautiful your wings are!” Calliope says excitedly, gently trailing a finger along the vibrantly colored wings. Haevyn smiles, leaning back to look at Calliope. 

“I missed you too! Are my cousins okay?” she asks, splaying her hands across the large stomach, enjoying the eager kicks. 

“They’re fine. Shiri is ready to meet everyone but Zimri wants to nestle down a little longer. It should be soon though, are you excited?”

The young redhead nods eagerly, wings fluttering happily. “I have a present for you! But you have to come with me!”

“Whoa there, short stack!” Lexie tells her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Where is this gift that we have to walk to?”

“Just on the other side of the garden! I’ve been working on it for a while! Please?!” She gives large puppy dog eyes to her two aunts, pouting her lower lip out. Lexie sighs, shaking her head in amusement. 

“Fine, I guess it’s about time we started opening presents anyways…”

Calliope and Haevyn both squeal in delight, the younger girl jumping off of her aunt as Catra and Adora start helping the heavily pregnant woman up out of her seat. The party guests turn to watch, the noise in the garden starting to die down. Haevyn grabs Calliope’s hand, pulling her through the crowd to the other side of the garden. Lexie stands to the other side of her wife, waiting to help her at a moment's notice but Calliope doesn't falter. She eagerly follows after the eleven-year-old as the crowd follows. 

They reach the other end of the garden, where Haevyn lets her go. Stepping forward to the large cherry blossom tree, she runs her fingers over the beautiful dark wood with a gentle hum, the bark melting away to reveal a carving etched into the trunk. It takes Calliope all of ten seconds to realize what the carving is before backing into Lexie, sobs starting to rack her body. 

“I’ve been working on it for a while,” Haevyn starts to explain, biting her lip nervously. “Mama and Papa explained to me that you had lost a baby before… I kind of remember that day, it’s blurry though. But I know it was very hard and I know that having my cousins has been very hard so I wanted to create something to honor the baby you lost and the babies you will have!”

The carving was beautiful and intricate, depicting a woman cradling a large belly with two children hugging onto her legs. Another child hovered above the woman, seemingly glowing brighter than its counterparts as gentle wings furled around its tiny body. It may be that the wood was just lighter on that area of the trunk but it made it even more lovely. 

“Haevyn…” Calliope choked out, tears streaming heavily down her face. 

“You’re going to be a great mama, auntie,” Haevyn tells her, moving forward to clasp the older woman’s shaking hands between hers. “You’re very motherly, always caring for those around you. I hope I never have to understand the pain you have gone through but any kid would be lucky to have you as their mom.”

Calliope lets out an ugly sob, pulling Haevyn in and squishing her into her growing abdomen. Lexie smiles sadly, ruffling the red locks on the small girl. 

“When did you get so wise, Red?”

Haevyn smiles up at Lexie. “Since always. I just keep it locked away for moments like this.”

“Haevyn,” Calliope manages to choke out again, drawing the young girl's attention back to her. “It’s beautiful. Thank you so much. You are beyond amazing.”

Haevyn blushes furiously, hiding her face against Calliope from the praise. Calliope clutches onto her as best she can, hiccups racking her body. 

“Well, everyone! There is no way anybody can top this gift today!” Lexie announces to the group, causing a wave of laughter to ripple through them. 

“It doesn’t matter. I already have the best gift of all. All my friends and family are here to celebrate our happiness. Now, shall we continue opening presents?” Calliope suggests happily.

Chapter Text

Chapter 24: Welcome, Shiri and Zimri!

Something was wrong. Calliope woke up feeling wrong, a strange pressure bearing down on her lower half. A soft whimper escaped her lips as she tried to sit up, pain rolling through her lower back and straight down through her core. She could feel the muscles of her large abdomen contracting and she held her breath, counting to ten as she pressed her hand against the bottom of her belly. 

Lexie stirs beside her, reaching out to touch her wife’s arm sleepily. “Callie…? Are you okay?”

Calliope releases her breath as the pain subsides, reaching over to grab Lexie’s hand and squeeze it. “I’m okay. They’re just lively… I think I’m going to rest today.”

“That’s probably for the best, love,” Lexie yawns, sitting up and stretching. Her bones audibly crack and she leans over, planting a soft kiss on the large baby bump before placing one on Calliope’s lips. “Unfortunately, I cannot do the same. Duty calls or Brio calls, whichever.”

“Don’t go far today?” Calliope asks, watching her wife slide out of bed to start getting ready for the day. 

“I’ll be in the city all day if you need me. Besides, isn’t the Best Friend Squad coming over for a meeting or whatever?”

“Yea, they were doing some research for me on the surrounding villages. Make sure the maids know that I will be receiving visitors here for the day? Please?” 

“Of course, my love,” Lexie pulls on her boots, coming around the side of the bed to press another kiss to Calliope’s forehead. “Don’t overexert yourself today. Let someone know if you start feeling bad, okay?”

“I will. Don’t worry about me. We’re going to be fine,” Calliope pats her belly reassuringly, inhaling deeply as another wave of pain passes through her but keeping her face schooled as to not worry her wife. 

“Alright. I’ll see you this evening. Give the squad my greetings if they leave before I come back.”

Calliope nods, giving her wife a thin smile that she hopes came off as reassuring as Lexie pressed a few more kisses on her face and stomach before leaving. 

_

Calliope let out a labored groan, standing beside her bed with her hands pressed into the mattress, rocking back and forth as the pain rippled through her. It has been a few hours since Lexie left and the pain was getting harder to ignore and getting closer together. Fifteen minutes apart? She couldn’t quite tell but the pressure in her cervix was building and her abdomen was tightening painfully. She just needed to go to the bathroom. 

There’s a knock on her door before it’s quickly opened, the squad stampeding in loudly as they talked and laughed amongst themselves. Calliope inhales deeply, trying to straighten up to avoid suspicion. Unfortunately, another wave of pain rippled through her, forcing her back into her hunched position. 

There’s a shimmer of light beside her as Glimmer appears, face etched in worry. “Callie! Are you okay?” 

“I’m fine… I just need to go to the bathroom…” 

Glimmer looks up at the rest of the squad as they make their way over, Catra easing the hair away from Calliope’s face. “Adora?”

“On it,” Adora says, pressing her palm against Calliope’s lower back and allowing some of her healing magic to flow into the smaller woman. Calliope slowly relaxes as the pain starts to ease, letting out a sigh of contentment. She slumps forward towards the bed, Catra and Glimmer grabbing her before she can collapse onto the mattress. 

“I’m going to get the midwife,” Bow tells them, exiting the room quickly as the three women try to usher the pregnant queen back into bed.

“How long have you been contracting?” Catra asks, Calliope resisting their help as she turns her head towards the bathroom door. The increased pressure on her bladder was growing. 

Calliope shakes her head. “I’m fine. They’re just rambunctious today. Please, I really need to get to the bathroom.”

“Rambunctious wouldn’t have you in so much pain. You’ve obviously started to labor. When did it start?” Glimmer asks, putting her hands on her hips. 

Catra eases herself underneath Calliope’s arm, propping her up on her shoulder as she wraps her arm around the smaller woman's waist. “Fine. The bathroom then you’re laying down and letting the midwife check you out. This isn’t normal.” 

“And how many pregnant women have you seen labor, Catra?” Calliope jabs lightly, putting much of her weight on the magicat as they slowly ease their way across the room. 

“A couple. The Fright Zone dealt with stuff like that occasionally. Adora, can you get her other side? She’s heavy.”

Calliope gasps, a look of indigitation gracing her features. “I am not heavy!”

“There’s three of you! You’re kinda heavy!” Catra jabs back as Adora get Calliope’s other side, easing some of the weight onto her. 

“Maybe Glimmer should go get Lexie now. You’ve obviously in a lot of pain,” Adora suggests. They make it to the middle of the room before Calliope stops, panting. 

She just needs to make it to the bathroom… if she makes it… She lets out a loud gasp as she feels that pressure on her bladder be released down her legs and onto the floor. The muscles in her abdomen contract violently and she digs her nails into both Catra and Adora’s arms, yelling out softly. 

“Go get Lexie, NOW!” Catra screams at Glimmer, who disappears in a burst of sparkles. 

“Holy fuck, is that blood?! Why is there so much blood?!” Adora panics. 

Calliope could feel gravity centering around her core, could feel the very large presence of her children trying to push their way out. She releases Adora, quickly moving her hand down to move her nightdress away and feel between her legs. It was unmistakable, the large dome shape pressing its way out of her. 

“Holy fucking shit!” she screams, causing the two panicking women to pause in disbelief at her outburst as Bow returns with the midwife. 

“Your Majesty?! Are you okay?!” The midwife asks as she beelines towards the group. 

“I can feel Shiris’ head! I need to push!” she groans out as the contractions violently ripple through her and the intense need to push overwhelms her senses. 

“How do you know it’s Shiri?!” Bow asks, incredulous as the midwife falls to her knees in the puddle, moving the dress reaching up to check her. 

“Headstrong like her mom. She would push her way out first. I need her to wait! Her mom isn’t here yet!”

“Babies don’t wait, your Majesty. She’s coming now. Ma’am, I need you to get in front of her and let her put her hands on your shoulders so she can squat,” the midwife indicates to Catra, who nods and moves into position. “I need you to push on the next contraction, Your Majesty.”

“I can’t!” Calliope sobs, shaking her head. She grips Catra’s shoulders, the magicats hands pressing firmly against her underarms to keep her upright. “Lexie has to be here! She’s going to miss this!”

“Yes you can, Calliope!” Catra encourages her, squeezing her arms. “You can do this. Squeeze my shoulders as hard as you have to but don’t stop pushing until your little ones are out. I’m not leaving you until Lexie gets here.”

Calliope lets out another cry, digging her fingers into Catra’s shoulders as the next contraction presses through her and she forces her body to push. Adora rubs her shoulders from behind, imbuing healing magic through her. 

“Fuck, Fuck, FUCK!” she chants as she pushes, stopping only when the contract ends. She lets out a low whine, body trembling from the effort to remain standing. 

“Bow, go get some towels and hot water, stat! You’re doing a great job, My Queen. The baby is almost out, let’s do another big push on the next contraction.”

Calliope nods weakly, panting softly. There’s a brush of sparkles and Glimmer reappears with Lexie on her arm. The taller woman beelines towards her wife, taking her face in her hands to examine her. 

“You said you were okay this morning. I never would have left otherwise!”

“I was okay… until I wasn’t.”

Lexie turns to Catra. “I got it from here. Thank you.”

Catra nods, going to remove herself but Calliope grips onto her tighter. “No! Ah!” she yelps as the next contraction hits her, forcing her to start pushing again. 

“It’s okay. You’re okay. You’re doing great! Keep pushing, Callie!” Catra encourages her, Lexie pulling her hair off her damp face as she whispers encouragement as well. 

She feels her child slide from her, a sharp cry piercing through the room as the midwife takes hold of the squirming infant. Bow rushes forward with the towels and water, taking a hold of the baby to help clean it up. 

“Congratulations, Your Majesties! It’s a girl! Let’s start delivering this boy now!”

Lexie stares down at her squirming daughter, the world seeming to shrink down into the tiny body. The cries were the most beautiful sound she had ever heard, even more, beautiful than Calliope’s music. 

“Lexie!” Catra’s calls snap Lexie out of her trance, forcing her to turn away from her infant child to focus on the magicat. “Come take my place now, there’s a lapse between babies.”

Lexie nods dumbly, moving to take up Catra’s position, never a lapse of hands-on Calliope as she shudders. Lexie presses her forehead against her wife’s, smiling softly. 

“Hey… you’re doing amazing. Have you seen her? She’s beautiful. I can’t wait to meet our son, Callie.”

“She is?” Calliope whispers, eyes closed as she squeezes Lexie’s shoulders. She feels her nod against her forehead. 

“I haven’t gotten a good look but I can already tell. And her cry is so beautiful. You created something so beautiful.”

“We did… she’s yours too…”

Lexie pulls away far enough to kiss her wife’s forehead. “Let’s meet our son, yeah?”

_

Zimri, unlike his sister, takes his sweet time entering the world. At least an hour and then the small family is finally settled into the bed. Calliope cradles Shiri to her chest, completely awestruck by the tiny being in her arms. Lexie has a similar expression on her face as she holds Zimri. 

“You look like a sap,” Adora teases her, unable to not be awestruck by the tiny humans. 

“Only a sap for these two. You’ll understand one day,” Lexie responds, allowing Zimri to wrap his tiny fist around her finger. Bow and Glimmer both give off similar squeals from the cuteness. 

Calliope looks down at Shiri, who stares back up at her with large, chocolate brown eyes. She runs a finger along her rosy cheek, feeling her new baby skin. Soft black curls graced the top of her head, a small white patch front, and center. Her brother was the same except his eyes were the vibrant blue of his mama. They were perfect. 

Calliope could feel a hum rumbling through her chest, up her throat, past her lips as she gazed down at her daughter. 

My little Shiri

What to say to you?

You have her eyes, you have your mother’s hair

When you came into the world you cried

And it broke my heart

I’m dedicating everyday to you

Domestic life was never quite my style

When you smile

You knock me out, I fall apart

And I thought I was so smart

You will come of age with our young nation

We’ll bleed and fight for you

We’ll make it right for you

If we lay a strong enough foundation

We’ll pass it on to you

We’ll give the world to you and you’ll blow us all away

Someday, Someday

Lexie smiles as she listens to her wife sing to their daughter, unable to tear her gaze away from their son. Their perfection, beautiful son. She could feel her own song bubbling to the surface as she cradled him, the rest of the squad surrounding the bed to observe and coo over the babies. 

Oh, Zimri, when you smile I am undone

My son, look at my son

Pride is not the word I’m looking for

There is so much more inside me now

Oh, Zimri you outshine the morning sun

My son, when you smile

I fall apart, and I thought I was so smart

My mother wasn’t around

I swear that I’ll be around for you

I’ll do whatever it takes

I’ll make a million mistakes

I’ll make the world safe and sound for you 

And that is what they both intended to do. Build a kingdom for their children to grow up in and maintain the safety of Etheria for generations to come.

Chapter Text

Another typical day in the kingdom, Princess Calliope thinks as she meanders through the palace of Musicia. It’s a bright, sunny day in the city and she is avoiding her responsibilities. She did not want to spend the day in Brightmoon in a war meeting. Or in her lessons learning writing skills, arithmetic, and musical theory. Or in the company of her mother and sisters during tea time. She loves her mother, Queen Musa, and her sisters, Clio, Thalia, and Euterpe, but she was not in the mood for the silly gossip that ensued during tea time.
She wants to seek out her father, to spend the day in King Ronen’s company but that would also require a day of meetings. Calliope feels… unsettled today. Something important is about to happen and it is putting her on edge. The only place she knows she can find peace is in the gardens, which is where she is beelining to now.
Unfortunately, she does not make it to her beloved flowers before a tall shadow stands in her pathway. She looks up to meet the matching eyes of her mother, arms crossed over her chest and a peeved look gracing her elegant features. Calliope hates that look.
“Calliope, is there a reason why you are not where you’re supposed to be?” Musa asks, raising an eyebrow in question. Calliope takes in a deep breath through her nostrils, trying to find a better excuse as for why she was not in her lessons or heading towards Brightmoon that did not sound bratty.
“I thought I could spend the day in the garden, studying the flowers and practicing my plant singing. Some of the roses are looking droopy.”
“As important as the garden is, it is not as important as today’s meeting in Brightmoon. Don’t you want to see Princess Glimmer and all your friends? Or She-Ra? An alliance could be in our future.”
There it is. Her mother has started to push the idea of marriage onto her eldest daughter, hoping an alliance with one of the kingdoms would strengthen their kingdom. Calliope could be less interested in an arranged marriage. When she married, it would be for love. But her mother did not seem to understand this concept.
“Mother, I am not interested to creating an alliance with the other kingdoms through my hand. If they are to align themselves with us, it will be because of my abilities to lead and negotiate. Besides, what’s the point of a war meeting in Brightmoon when I am not allowed to join the battles?”
“For your safety is why you do not join the battles. Musicia cannot risk losing their crown princess, I cannot lose my daughter. The meetings are to help you learn to strategize, and give valid input in the kingdoms.”
“What’s the point of four daughters then? Clio can run the kingdom. Or Thalia. Or Euterpe. They all have the same training and education that I do. Besides, I have nothing of note to give to the other kingdoms. They do nothing for us, why should we do for them?”
Musa sighs, uncrossing her arms from her chest. “Because that is what good and decent people do for each other. If we were in need, the other kingdoms would come to our aid. But we are not, our kingdom prospers despite the hardships of this war. We must maintain good relations with them.”
“You mean marry a kingdom to strength our own so that they have no choice but to help us when we are in need.”
“Take it however you want, Calliope. You are going to Brightmoon and that is the end of it. You have twenty minutes to prepare,” Musa tells her before turning and walking away from her disgruntled daughter.
_
Calliope enters the halls of Brightmoon, wearing her best dress for occasions like this. Her mother insisted. It is a black and white halter dress covered in musical notes on the skirt. It stopped midcalf and kept her arms and shoulders exposed. She wore black flats with them and her mother insisted on her wearing her long curls down to frame her face. Calliope cannot help but roll her eyes at her mother’s attempt in attracting her a potential spouse.
It is not till she is halfway to the war room before she realizes how quiet the palace is. This is abnormal given the princess that lives here. She finds a guard to ask where everyone is.
“They are interrogating a prisoner from yesterday’s battle in the spare room. I am sorry you were not informed, princess,” the guard apologizes. Calliope sighs.
“It’s fine. Can you please lead me to this room?” The guard nods and leads her down the winding halls of Brightoom to the spare room that is being used as a prison.
Calliope opens the doors, revealing Adora, Glimmer, and Bow standing in the middle of the room. A blue light encircles a large area with a seat in the middle, occupied by a woman. Brown eyes look up to meet blue eyes and Calliope’s heart stops.
She’s beautiful… she thinks, examining the woman from her frozen place by the doorway. She is tall, with beautiful chocolate brown eyes and sleek black hair pulled back into a tight bun. A cocky smirk graces her lips as she stares Calliope down but her eyes give her away. She is just as awestruck by the princess as Calliope is by her.
Someone clearing their throat interrupts the intense silent exchange between the two women. Calliope looks away first, turning her attention to Bow, who had cleared his throat uncomfortably.
“I take it we are not having a war meeting today?” Calliope asks, taking a few steps forward towards the woman. She wants to be closer to her. She wants to touch her.
“We are later after we finish interrogating the prisoner. We caught her during battle yesterday but she’s refusing to talk,” Glimmer informs her, frustrated by the uncooperation.
“I only talk to beautiful women, sparkles. I’ll tell this one anything she wants to know for a kiss,” the girl says coyily, smirking. Calliope’s cheeks flush with embarrassment, looking away from the attractive Horde soldier. She gets an idea and turns to Adora, looping her arm in hers with a sweet smile. She silently prayed Adora would get the hint and play along.
“Hey sweetie, I’m sorry I haven’t seen you lately. It’s been so busy in Musicia. Can you ever forgive me?” Calliope asks, giving Adora a playful pout, eyes pleading with her. Adora looks bewildered, but, thankfully, holds onto her arm.
“Of course I can. We’ve both been busy. Um, you look nice today,” Adora half-attempted to flirt. Calliope’s smile brightens, pulling away to do a twirl. She can feel the soldiers eyes following her every movement.
“Really? I wore it just for you today! I’m so glad you like it! Now, the prisoner will give information if I give her a kiss. Are you okay with that exchange, darling? It’s for the kingdom.”
Adora flushes, looking quite dumbstruck by the entire exchange. But she composes herself before the prisoner can decipher her emotions. “You should only do it if they give up the information first. Otherwise, they stole a kiss from you for no reason.”
“That’s right!” Calliope turns towards the prisoner, crossing her arms behind her back. “You hear that? I’ll give you a kiss if you reveal some information first. And you have to be truthful otherwise my fiance may have to break a few of your bones for stealing a kiss.”
Adora chokes on air as the horde solider contemplates this turn of events. “I’ll do this if you come into the circle with me. That way neither of us can back out of the exchange.”
“Done. Glimmer, can you let me in?” Calliope asks. Glimmer looks at her like she is crazy. She draws some runes and opens the circle long enough for Calliope to slip in. She is face to face with the horde soldier, who stands to her feet and walks to her until they are toe to toe. Calliope has to tilt her head up to gaze into the young woman’s eyes.
“Senior Cadet Lexie, at your service, ma’am.”
“Crown Princess Calliope of Musicia. Now, what kind of information can you give me?”
“Calliope… that’s a beautiful name,” Lexie says, cupping her cheek softly. Her hand was rough but warm and Calliope could not help but lean into her touch. Lexie leans in, brushing her lips against her ear. It sends tingles through Calliope’s body. “They’re planning an invasion of one of the kingdoms. I’m not sure which one but it is a massive invasion. No prisoners.”
Calliope freezes, breath hitching at the information. An invasion? Which kingdom will be the target?
“Are you sure you don’t know which one?” she asks softly and Lexie shakes her head.
“I’m a woman of my word. If I knew, I would tell you, princess.”
Calliope scoffs, pulling away from Lexie. But Lexie does not let her go far. She grabs a hold of Calliope, much to the dismay of the audience. She swings her down so she is bent back with Lexie is hovering over. Calliope’s heart stops at the position and takes in the smirk on the tall girls face before her lips are pressing against hers.
Calliope has been kissed a few times in her entire life but this kiss… This was the best kiss she had ever received before. Lexie’s lips are soft and mold against her perfectly. There was no force behind it, no harshness. It was sweet, it was simple, it was… perfect.
Lexie pulls away, straightening Calliope with a coy smile before being knocked back by a beam of magic. Hands grab Calliope and yank her back outside the circle but she barely registers it. Her eyes are glued on the taller woman, her lips still tingling from the enchanting kiss.
“Calliope! Are you okay! Did she hurt you!?” Adora’s voice finally breaks through her reverie and she turns to look at the muscular blonde. Lexie would never hurt her. She knows that deep in her bones.
“I’m okay. I have the information. Let’s convene back in the war room with the rest of the princess alliance,” she tells the group. They hesitate, but nod in agreement, slowly filing out of the room.
Calliope hangs back, concerned about Lexie after taking that hit. She kneels down in front of the circle. “Are you okay? Are you in pain?”
Lexie sits up, a smile on her face. She hisses in pain, grabbing a hold of her ribs. “You really know how to knock a girl off her feet, princess.”
Calliope rolls her eyes, smiling back before pressing her hand against the circle of magic and humming a tune. The circle lights up with her tune and Lexie sighs in relief as the pain subsides.
“Neat trick, princess. I appreciate it.”
The smaller girl removes her hand from the circle and stands back up, turning to head towards the door.
“I’ll be here if you want to come back for more, beautiful!” Lexie shouts out at her as the doors to the spare room close behind Calliope.

Chapter Text

Chapter 26: Date Night

“Oh, thank gods you guys are here!” Lexie exclaims as she meets the Best Friend Squad in the hallway. She cradles Zimri in her arms as he whines and kneads at her breast. Lexie looks exhausted; her hair is disheveled, her clothes are crumpled and large bags sit under her eyes from lack of sleep. She bounces the whining one month old in her arms to soothe him as much as she can in that moment.

“Wow, Lex… you look like shit,” Catra tells her, stepping forward with her already protruding belly to take Zimri from his mom. Catra had finally announced her pregnancy shortly after the birth of the twins and was about halfway through. Magicat pregnancies only lasted around 6 months versus the typical 9 months.

“I feel like shit,” Lexie tells them, rubbing her eyes after relinquishing her son.

“Can’t imagine how Callie is feeling then,” Adora says, leaning over Catra’s shoulder to coo at the fussy infant.

“What was the emergency you called us for?” Glimmer asks, also coming over to coo over the baby.

“I need babysitters. I need one night without my kids with my wife, who is exhausted. Please, just a few hours to go out or even just take a bath and sleep. We just need a few hours to feel like ourselves again,” Lexie explains to them, leaning heavily against the wall. Zimri lets out a high pitched wail that has all the adults fussing over him in an instant.

“Is he hurt? Why did he scream?” Adora panics, checking him over.

“Maybe his diaper is dirty and he needs changing,” Glimmer suggests, going to check the edge.

“He could be tired and needs a nap!” Bow chimes in.

“No… he’s hungry,” Lexie sighs exhaustedly, going to take the wailing infant from her friends.

“Um, Lex… you’re um… leaking?” Adora points out the two wet spots on the front of Lexie’s shirt. Lexie shrugs, turning her back to the group to manuever her shirt up and get her son to latch.

“Comes with the territory. We had not discussed me helping with feeding the twins but after the first couple of days of Calliope trying to do it herself, we agreed it would be easier for me to work on trying to lactate. I just started getting a good flow this week so feeding time has become easier for the twins and for us,” she explains and she starts back down the hallway to the office.

Adora turns to Catra as they follow Lexie. “I don’t have to do that, do I?”

Catra rolls her eyes. “Only if you want to, Adorka. I’m not gonna force you.”

“Never imagined you doing it, Lexie. You just don’t seem like the type,” Glimmer comments.

Lexie shrugs, reaching the door of the office. “It was never on my radar. I was more concerned with fighting and running a kingdom and I never stopped to actually think about whether or not it was something I would want to do. Pregnancy and lactating and all that stuff. I guess I wouldn’t mind it. If Calliope wanted me to carry our next child.”

Lexie opens the office door and walks in, the Best Friend Squad following behind her. Calliope sits behind the large wooden work desk, leaning back in her chair with her eyes closed. Shiri lays across her chest, secured tightly against her mother by her mother’s arms. She snorts as the door opens and sits up quickly, keeping a hold of the baby.

“I’m awake! I was resting my eyes!” she exclaims, bleary eyed. Her hair is wrapped up in a loose bun atop her head and her tunic has a spit up stain on the shoulder. Catra shakes her head and goes around the desk to take Shiri from Calliope.

“You looked very much asleep, Cali, but okay. We’re here to babysit.”

“Babysit?” she asks, confused as she turns to her wife. Lexie nods as she props Zimri onto her shoulder to burp him.

“We need a break. They’re gonna take over for a few hours while we go sleep or go out or do something that doesn’t involve babies.”

Calliope pouts a little bit, rubbing her eyes. “We’ve never left them alone before. I don’t think I can leave. I love them.”

“I love them too but we need a break before we lose our minds. Just a few hours, please?” Lexie begs, giving her puppy dog eyes. Calliope bites her lip, hesitant.

“... Fine. Just a few hours,” she relents, standing up to lean over Catra and kiss Shiri on the head. Zimri lets out a burp, causing everyone to chuckle as Lexie passes him off to Glimmer. Glimmer coos at the infant, cradling him in her arms happily.

“We’ll be back in a few hours. Zimri just ate and Shiri ate about half an hour ago. There’s bottles of breast milk in the fridge, just warm them up in some hot water. And make sure you burp them or they’ll spit up. Oh, and-”

Catra cuts Lexie off with a chuckle. “We can handle a few babies, Lexie. Get out of here already.”
Lexie sighs and nods, taking a hold of Calliope’s arm, who still had her lips pressed against Shiri’s head.

“Come on, love. Let’s go.”

“Oh, I don’t want to leave. What if we miss something important?”

“They’re a month old. They’re not gonna suddenly start crawling or speaking. We aren’t missing much,” Lexie persuades her. Calliope sighs, giving Shiri one last kiss before going and doing the same to Zimri.

“Mommy will be back soon, my loves. Be good for your aunts and uncle. Don’t do anything exciting for mommy to miss or I’ll never forgive you,” she tells them, causing everyone to chuckle as Lexie pulls her out of the office. Lexie keeps her arm around her wife’s shoulder as she guides her through the palace to their bedroom.

“How does a bath sound, love?” Lexie asks her.

“A bath sounds amazing. Could we have food brought to us and take a long nap? I really don’t want to go out into the city yet,” Calliope asks her wife as they enter their bedroom and head for their bathroom. Lexie chuckles as she gets the bath water running.

“Of course love. How about you go flag down a maid while I get the bath ready?” Lexie tells her. Calliope nods and exits the bathroom. Lexie takes the opportunity to add oils and bubbles to the tub as well as light candles around the bathroom. She wants her wife to come back to a relaxing environment.

Calliope enters back into the bathroom after a few minutes as Lexie dims the lights. She glances around, taking in her surroundings. “This looks romantic. Are you trying to woo me, my wife?” she giggles.

Lexie rolls her eyes with a smile. She goes over to her wife and starts helping her undress. “I don’t need to woo you, my love. I think the proof of our love is right down the hallway with our best friends. Besides, the vibe I was going for was more “relaxing” instead of romantic.”

Calliope stands on her tiptoes and softly presses her lips against Lexie’s as the last of her clothing falls to the floor. “You’re too good to me. You’ve taken everything in such stride. The twins, lactating, everything. I don’t know how I got so lucky.”

“I’m definitely the luck one,” Lexie reminds her, helping Calliope into the bath. “You do so much for everyone, especially me and the twins. The least I can do is help out where I can.”

Calliope groans in satisfaction as she sinks into the steaming water, submerging all the way to her chin. All the tension left her body and she closed her eyes. The water shifts as she feels Lexie ease down beside her with her own satisfied groan. Lexie moves so that she can take Calliope in her arms and leans against the back of the tub, holding her.

“Are my boobs supposed to hurt so much?” Lexie asks. Calliope nods, laying comfortably against her wife.

“Yes. You’re producing food for our children without ever being pregnant. I produce more naturally because I was pregnant. We’re lucky that Castaspella was able to help speed up the process.”

“We’re lucky that we have so many people willing to help us with them. This would feel impossible without them,” Lexie comments, kissing her wife ontop of her head. She grabs the shampoo. “Now, let’s get clean so we can eat and rest.”