sssssnnothing, I guess.

Lithe fingers played with little feet. They counted ten perfect toes and delightfully discovered they were ticklish. Starfire watched in awe as they wiggled in her grasp, a squeak of indignation leaving the newborn in her hold. Green eyes sparked with betrayal, lips pursed in a tight frown. 

These toes aren’t meant for tickling, Mama. 

Starfire let out a dreamy sigh. “Oh, but I disagree, little bumgorf. These toes of yours were meant for all manner of tickles and kisses.” With the utmost care and tenderness, she readjusted the baby boy in her arms so his head lay in the crook of her neck. He was the most precious thing she had ever held, only rivaled by his sleeping twin. 

She breathed in his scent, molten sugar and sunshine perforating her nostrils and filling her with warmth. Her fingers combed through his mop of black hair, peppering kisses along with his temple. 

Starfire hummed in contentment. Twelve hours old, and she had discovered so much about her babies. Her Jaki was ticklish, and her Mar’i… well.

The floating crib held her darling girl. Plumper than a baby k’inoirax and louder than the most rambunctious grun’mbar, the Crown Princess of Tamaran slept soundly with her limbs splayed out, her toothless mouth completely open. Silkie was nuzzled in her armpit. Seeing the larva so lax was unusual, considering he had bitten Galfore for trying to touch her.

“Koriand’r, your Earthen pet refuses to release me,” grumped Galfore. The old guardian held his hand, revealing an incensed Silkie latched onto him. 

“Silkie!” Starfire admonished as she rushed over. She had to tug the worm a few times before he finally released Galfore’s hand, a string of saliva connecting them. “You know my k’norfka would never hurt Mar’i. I’m so sorry, Galfore. I hope he did not injure you.”

Galfore waved off her rue. “Nonsense. A proud knight he is, protecting his princess.” He wagged his drool-covered finger at the hissing larva. “Know this, Sir Silkie, I will cuddle my grandchildren. Especially the one that produces seismic waves.”

Starfire giggled at the memory. 

While her brother had been resistant to feeding, Mar’i immediately latched onto her breast and drank to her heart’s voracious content. Minutes later, the Princess flopped off, milk and drool dribbling down the sides of her face. It was then that she released the loudest burp Starfire had ever heard. So powerful her hair flew back, and the furniture rumbled. The burp caused acillating ripples on her plump cheeks. 

Starfire blinked a few times before exclaiming, “You are magnificent!” 

Her burp captured the attention of Silkie. The worm scurried up Starfire’s lap, examining this puny creature who could produce such a sound. He sniffed her before giving her a curious lick on the temple.

It was Mar’i’s snores that were enchanting. Smacking her lips a few times, her eyes and head rolled back, mouth wide open. Her tiny fat body rumbled as roar-like snores tore from her tiny body. The Princess was already over being born, and now, it was time for sleep, and sleep she did. 

Her Jaki, however, was determined to check out the world. Bright green eyes blinked at her, examining every line and curve of her face. Just exactly was this beautiful creature with the bright red hair? Was this goddess his Mama? Starfire had been his home for the last nine months, and now, she was holding him.

“Hello, my son,” Starfire whispered to him. Tenderly, she traced the sides of his face. “Thank you for choosing me to be your mama. Thank you for being so wonderful. Thank you for being mine.”

Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. The love she felt for these tiny beings was overwhelming. “I’m sorry for getting emotional, Little Prince. I feel like I’ve been waiting for you my whole life, and I am getting weepy now that you’re here.”

Her heart soared when a plump hand touched her chin. She clutched it and kissed his knuckles. “Was it you or your sister who made me crave sweets, hm? You owe my kitchen staff an apology. The Capitol has been without zorkaberry tarts for six months!” She booped his little nose. “All because of you.” 

The little babe in her arms gave her a gummy smile. She spotted a dimple in his chubby cheeks. “Uh huh, I knew you were the culprit. Is that why your sister was so hungry? You were hogging all of the zorkaberries, hm? I should let you know, Little Moon, that you’ll only be getting one a day. Don’t think that I’m so easily swayed by a cute feet and chubby cheeks?”

Jake let out a nonsensical gurgle. 

“Oh, alright. You make a solid point. You are a growing boy,” relented Starfire with a cheeky smile. “Two then! But you should know that your mama is a negotiating woman. I may let you have another one for a kiss or two, maybe a cuddle.”