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The least glamorous thing about being a parent, in McQueen’s opinion, was trying to clean baby poop out of said baby's tail while she refused to stop wiggling. The girls weren't even able to crawl yet and they were already proving to be rambunctious.
Again she tried to grab hold of her daughter's tail to try and work some soap into it, but the stubby thing slipped between her fingers and started flinging water in every direction. Bath time had continued to be a struggle for her and Teio, all the parenting guides and videos had been useless when it came to the actual process of keeping the girls still long enough for McQueen to get them clean. At least not without puddles of water getting everywhere.
McQueen sighed, wiping the water from around the sink. She tried again and successfully managed to capture the offending appendage, fine bits of wet fluff trying to slip from her fingers as it wiggled.
"How did you even get poop this far down your tail?" McQueen asked, working the mild soap from base to tip. The only response she got was incoherent babbles and more splashes that soaked the front of her shirt.
Of the two girls, the older twin, Tokai Pulsar, was the easier one to handle. She wasn't very fussy but she wiggled, constantly moving around and swishing her tiny tail. Tokai Point on the other hand, was fussy. Very fussy. She cried and screamed often, throwing little fits. Neither one was particularly easy to bathe, but Pulsar at least let McQueen put her in the sink, even if there ended up being more water on the floor and McQueen’s shirt than in the basin.
Finally satisfied that Pulsar no longer had poop stuck in her tail, McQueen rinsed the suds away and gave her one more look over. She lifted the infant out of the sink and wrapped her in a towel, bringing her to the changing table.
Teio was on the couch, folding laundry and using her tail to entertain Point who sat in Teio’s lap, tiny fists reaching out to grab at Teio’s tail as it teasingly flicked about.
"Are you sure Pulse was the one who took a bath? You look absolutely soaked." Teio called to McQueen, matching baby socks on the cushion next to her.
McQueen finished securing the diaper, making sure the tail tabs were in place and attempted to wrestle the squirming child into some clothes.
"I'm about ready to put on a swim suit, I'm going through more clothes in a day than the girls do, and I don't wear diapers."
Teio hummed in consideration, finally letting Point grab the end of her tail. She placed the last piece of clothing in the basket and turned her head in McQueen’s direction.
"Or you could wear nothing at all, I certainly wouldn't mind the veiw." Teio said, smirking mischievously.
McQueen scoffed and rolled her eyes, pulling Pulsar's arms through her shirt. "For someone who is supposed to be on 'light exercise' you've been awfully frisky."
Teio had to deliver the girls via c-section, not wanting to risk the health of either of them and the recovery had been slow. Teio had recovered from the initial surgery but still had some lingering issues even six months later. The surgical site was still very tender and her doctor had recommended she take it easy and limit her physical activity, including sex. This had led to Teio taking any opportunity to tease and flirt.
McQueen hefted Pulsar up and brought her over to Teio, passing her off to her mother.
"Here frisky, put that energy of yours to good use and feed your daughter. I'm going to go change."
"And here I was hoping to see your titties, guess I have to pull mine out instead. Can you take the laundry to our room since you're heading that way?" Teio accepted the baby, pulling down her tank top strap.
McQueen rolled her eyes again, but teasingly took off her shirt and exposed her bare torso and chest. Teio grinned and wagged her eyebrows while Pulsar latched on to suckle.
"You're such a dork." McQueen said, grabbing the basket and her soggy shirt and headed to their shared bedroom.
When McQueen returned, now in dry clothes with her hair up in a bun, Pulsar was still latched to Teio and Point was actively tugging on strands of Teio’s tail. She swept Point up into her arms, gently removing the hairs from her grasp and mouth.
She sat down next to Teio on the couch, plucking a toy off the floor and handing it to Point who immediately put it in her mouth.
"I think she's started teething, she started to kinda chew on me earlier." Teio watched Point slobber on the plastic toy, perfectly content.
***
Placing Pulsar down next to her sister in their crib, McQueen softly booped the infant on the nose, watching her ears twitch in her sleep. The girls slept through the night for the most part, so once they were put to bed it was cuddle time with Teio.
She padded to her bedside table, opening a drawer and pulling out coconut oil. McQueen really liked massaging Teio’s scar for her, a stop gap since Teio’s physical activity was limited to light aerobics. Just because they couldn't have sex didn't mean they couldn't be intimate with each other and McQueen took a specific delight in rubbing Teio’s belly.
"Ready when you are,Teio."
"Be there in a sec." Teio called from the bathroom. She liked to make sure she went to the bathroom before cuddle time, especially since the one time she had accidentally wet herself after sneezing.
Teio came back in wearing a loose shirt and some baggy shorts, her hair down. McQueen patted the space between her legs, offering Teio the chance to lean against her. She scooted over, nestling herself in against McQueen and lifting her shirt.
The scar looked less red now, more of a light pink semi-crescent right above her underwear line. McQueen used the oil and began to rub little circles around the area, gently desensitizing the scar. Teio winced lightly as McQueen continued to rub.
"You alright? It doesn't hurt, does it?" McQueen asked worriedly.
"No, uncomfortable, but not in pain. I'd rather not have to do pelvic floor therapy, but I might need it at this rate." Teio winced again, ears flicking back and her tail slapping the bed.
McQueen changed directions with her rubs, now running her fingers vertically over Teio’s scar. A tiny bit of paunch, or 'shelf' of skin still sat above the scar, despite Teio’s efforts to be rid of it.
"It might be worth consulting the doctor about it, I remember he had mentioned it last time we were in. But only if you really feel it's necessary, I want you to feel happy in your own body."
Teio relaxed more as McQueen continued, the shift in direction seemed to be less uncomfortable. The end of her tail had settled into a soft swish, occasionally brushing against McQueen's own.
McQueen remembered how much of a struggle the first few weeks of parenthood had been. No matter how much she prepared and how much she planned, it didn't prepare her for the reality of being responsible for the survival of a tiny helpless creature, or in her case two and a partner fresh out of surgery.
Her entire family had pitched in to help, each one contributing in their own way. Ryan had been doing all the chores and shopping for them. Ardan and her grandmother helped McQueen with the babies, her grandmother especially helping her with their care. She did have many children and an army of grandchildren after all, McQueen herself included. Watching how quickly and efficiently the older woman had changed diapers was like watching a modern marvel. McQueen thought she had picked it up fairly well, but seeing her grandmother change both of them in the time it usually took McQueen to change one showed her superior skills.
Bright and Dober had been helping to look after Teio, helping her get out of bed and walk around, cleaning her incision. Watching the normally energetic and bouncy Teio limp around, feebily holding a pillow to her belly was difficult. Postpartum bleeding had been heavy and scary, keeping Teio in the hospital for a few extra days. It was made better by how quickly Teio was bonding with her new borns, nursing and cradling them with tender care.
Palmer made their food, making sure they were eating properly while they scrambled to adjust. Even Romanu assisted, though at a distance. The girls had outfits galore and an endless supply of diapers thanks to McQueen's oldest cousin.
"Whatcha thinking about? You're eyebrows get all squinchy when you think too hard." Teio gently prodded at McQueen’s brow, soothing out the tense wrinkles.
"Just thinking how happy I am, and how I wish your parents were here to see the life we've made. Even though my parents don't approve of my lifestyle, they still came to see us." McQueen answered honestly.
Teio gave a noncommital shrug, leaning back against McQueen.
"It doesn't really bother me that much, it's kind of a relief they're not really interested either. They tried to buy my affection alot when I was younger, love-bombing or whatever the therapist called it. I'd rather my kids didn't get the same treatment."
Family was always a big part of McQueen’s life, so it was hard for her to understand that wasn't the case for everyone. Even though her parents had expressed disappointment when she had told them she was attracted to women, they still told her they loved her.
Teio didn't have that. She rarely spoke to her parents, she didn't even tell them she was pregnant until well into her third trimester. Years of willful neglect had damaged their relationship, but McQueen knew Teio wanted some sort of relationship with them. She had kept her tea chest, a gift from her mother, despite how much Teio said it didn't bother her.
"All done, Love. How's it feel now?" McQueen pulled her hands away, wiping them on a nearby towel.
Teio ran her fingers over her abdomen, testing for any sore spots. Her ears twitched, fingers glancing over a particularly sensitive spot.
"I think it's getting better, less numbness."
McQueen folded her arms around Teio, pulling her in closer to her chest.
"Ready to snuggle?"
The way Teio melted against her said all she needed to know.
***
"Hey, McQueen? Can you grab me another shirt? Point just spit up all down the front of mine." Teio’s voice had a specific tiredness to it that let McQueen know she had been covered in baby barf for quite awhile.
They usually took turns showering, one of them having a quick rinse while the other watched the girls. McQueen had been gone all of 15 minutes to shower and already it seemed like she was going to need another one.
She grabbed a random shirt from the dresser, not sure if it was actually hers or Teio’s, and made her way back out to the living room, hair still damp.
Teio must have been burping Point after feeding and Point had just spit up everywhere, milky fluid all over Teio’s shirt and Point's onesie. McQueen handed Teio the shirt and took Point from her arms so she could change. Teio whipped off her shirt, not yet bothering to put on the new one as she helped McQueen rid Point of her soiled clothes.
"I just changed her, she should just need some new clothes. I'm gonna check on Pulse, I don't like how much she's drooling. If her sister is teething, then she probably is too."
Pulsar whimpered from her play mat on the floor, hand in her mouth, chewing and drooling. The normally happy infant looked rather upset and uncomfortable, tiny ears pinned back and little tail flicking.
Putting on the shirt, definitely one of McQueen's, Teio went to scoop up Pulsar. She instantly started crying, face going red. Teio opened up the baby's mouth, peering at the irritated looking gums.
"Oh yeah, I see at least two trying to come in. No wonder you've been so cranky. Let's see, I think we have some teething rings somewhere in the stuff Romanu sent over."
McQueen redressed Point, letting the girl chew on her fingers for a moment. She watched Teio parade around in her shirt while she searched for teething rings. Seeing Teio in her clothes was doing something to her sanity, a mix of pride and arousal making her tail wag.
"Careful hot stuff, I see that look you're giving me. I'm not the only one getting frisky, now am I?" Teio’s smug smirk only made her tail wag harder.
McQueen was pulled out of her leering by Point's sharp cry, no longer content with nibbling on McQueen’s fingers. She looked inside the infant's mouth, a small white edge breaking through her gums.
***
The strange part of being a retired racer was when you were still recognized long after leaving the turf. At least in Teio’s opinion. She had been immensely popular in her racing prime, even with multiple injuries sidelining her for an entire year. The first few years after she retired it had been expected to get identified just walking down the street, her name and face still fresh in the public eye. Slowly, as time went on, it happened less and less often. No longer in the public eye and out of the minds of most.
Getting recognized while out with her kids was a new level of unnerving. Understandably, she wasn't keen on strangers coming up to her while pushing a stroller around the park. Nagging fears of being followed home or pictures of her and her kids appearing on gossip rags made her skiddish anytime she heard her name nowadays. So hearing her name softly called in a questioning manner immediately sent her into high alert.
Instead of the park, they had been at the store. Normally Ryan would do the bulk of their shopping but Teio wanted to check out the selection of baby food in person to inspect ingredients and quality. It was also one of the few days McQueen was not with her, slowly starting to go back to her office at least one day a week instead of working remotely.
"Teio?"
Well who could blame her for being startled and letting out a pitiful squeak, nearly dropping the teething biscuits she was holding.
Teio had sat behind Nice Nature while in high school, occasionally sat with her at lunch, but never really considered her a close friend. They had raced each other a few times, Nature never placing above third place anytime they did. She never expected that running into a former classmate like this would give her a mix of delight and extreme anxiety. Then again, a lot of things gave her anxiety after suffering in silence for so long.
"Uh, hi. Didn't realize you lived around here. It's been a long time, what is it, 8 years since graduation?" Nature continued try to make smalk talk while Teio slowly unfroze and began to relax.
"Y-yeah, something like that." Well at least she answered.
It was then that Nature seemed to notice the stroller just behind Teio. She looked dumbfounded for a second, then confused, then a small smile.
"I guess I should be saying congratulations, they are adorable. About how old are they now?"
"Seven months next week, they started teething so I'm looking for something safe for them to help with it. One of them is extra picky about what she chews on." Teio casually motioned to Pulsar.
They spent the next few minutes just chatting, catching up on lost years. It was the first time in awhile Teio was comfortable around someone who wasn't her girlfriend.
***
McQueen could tell that Teio was nervous, her ears slightly drooping and the end of her tail flicking slightly. They were supposed to have a visitor today, one that Teio had been both excited to see and absolutely terrified at the same time.
Teio was slowly expanding her social circle again, getting into contact with a few of the people she had talked to in school. She had already starting hanging out with Nature on occasion and was friendly with all of McQueen’s cousins. Today was different though, made obvious by the way Teio had started to pace.
Symboli Rudolf was supposed to be visiting today. Teio’s beloved Prez, her role model and mentor. The person Teio idolized more than anyone, and the person Teio was most afraid of disappointing. And apparently her possible first crush, Teio hadn't been entirely clear on that point.
Point fussing pulled Teio’s attention away from her inner thoughts, going over to check on the squealing little thing.
A knock on their door had McQueen getting up to answer it, Teio too preoccupied giving Point a cold banana piece to chew on. Symboli Rudolf didn't look much different from their school days aside from a few white streaks trying to creep into the rest of her dark mane.
"Pardon the intrusion, thank you for inviting me." Rudolf bowed, handing McQueen a bag filled with various treats.
"No, thank you for coming, it means a lot to Teio. I know she's missed you." McQueen warmly greeted the former student council president, ushering her into the apartment.
"How's she been? She said she had a c-section, I know they can be a challenge. Air Groove had a difficult time with her's." Rudolf said, mild concern coloring her voice.
"Why don't you go in and ask her?" McQueen chuckled.
McQueen led Rudolf into the living room, the faint sounds of giggling and Teio talking echoing in the hall. In the living room, Teio sat on the floor, holding Pulsar upright so she was standing. The small girl was giggling, her tiny tail wagging wildly. Point crawled around nearby, chasing Teio’s tail as it swished on the floor behind her.
Upon seeing her protégé happily playing with her children, Rudolf broke into a warm smile.
"I guess I didn't have to worry so much."
Hearing Rudolf's voice, Teio turned, shy and hesitant.
"H-hey, Prez......." Teio stood up, collecting the babies, holding one in each arm.
Teio approached slowly, until she got close enough for Rudolf to pull her into a hug. The older woman wrapped Teio up in a warm embrace, careful not to jostle the babies.
"I'm so happy you called, you don't know how worried I've been," Rudolf pulled back to look at Teio, fully assessing her favorite pupil. "Congratulations, Teio. Motherhood is a brilliant look on you," She placed her forehead against Teio’s, bringing her hand up to stroke one of her cheeks. "I'm so proud of you." Rudolf whispered, impossibly soft and tender.
Immediately, tears began to well up in Teio’s eyes, sniffling quietly. Her eyes fluttered shut, toothy lopsided grin growing wide.
"Thank you, I'm doing my best."
McQueen couldn't help but smile, finally seeing Teio get the recognition she so desperately craved.
Rudolf stayed for several hours, playing with Point and Pulsar, catching up with Teio and enjoying spending time with the little family. McQueen hadn't seen Teio this happy in awhile, an idea forming in McQueen’s head. She pulled Teio to the side briefly while Rudolf was busy tickling the girls. She whispered her idea to Teio, the later's eyes going wide. She nodded instantly.
As Rudolf was packing up to go, Teio pulled her into one more tight hug, squeezing her.
"I wasn't sure if I was ever going to see you again, I'm so thankful that you came today." Teio murmured. Rudolf chuckled in response, rubbing Teio’s back.
"Anytime, Teio. If there's anything you need, just give me a call and I'll be there."
She let Teio go, slipping on her shoes to leave. Just as Rudolf went to turn the door knob, Teio called out to her.
"One more thing before you go," Rudolf turned to meet Teio’s sparkling blue eyes, full of resolve. "Would you like to be their God Mother?"
For a moment, Rudolf stood in place, mouth open slightly in shock. Then she smiled brightly.
"I would be honored."
***
McQueen was noticing a significant increase in babbling. The cacophony of noise that her daughters made was starting to sound more and more like comprehensive syllables and less like nonsensical shouts. They had also starting pulling them selves up with the help of furniture and standing independently.
"They are getting so big! They'll be running before you know it." Rudolf nodded, a long day spent babysitting while McQueen and Teio went to a court hearing.
Teio beelined to Rudolf, taking Point from her arms and hugging the girl to her chest. It had been a difficult day for her, dealing with the sentencing of her ex-boyfriend. He would no longer be a problem in their lives, no longer haunt Teio’s every movement.
"I take it everything went well?" Rudolf asked, watching the young mother hug and kiss her children.
McQueen smiled bitterly, "In a way, he surrendered all parental rights, he's not permitted to see them. He's going away for several years, Teio isn't the only person he's hurt, but her voice is what sealed the deal. If he ever even thinks he can come within a prefecture of her, I'll make sure he becomes fertilizer."
The look on Rudolf's face said she agreed with McQueen. Anyone who wants to get to Teio will have to answer to them first. The fury Rudolf had when she first learned of Teio's abuse was enough to make McQueen’s blood run cold.
"Ma...ma?"
The adults in the room froze, heads snapping to the tiny bundle in Teio’s arms. They all stared, wide eyed and shocked at Point, the infant tugging at Teio’s hair.
"Did she just......" McQueen started before the tiny voice sounded again.
"Ma...ma?" Point tugged on the white streak in Teio bangs, softly tapping her mother on the cheek with her other little hand.
McQueen's tail started to wag and she couldn't help but cheer, excitedly squealing. Her first word! Their girl had said her first word!
Teio just stared, dumbfounded before collecting herself, nuzzling into Point's cheek.
"That's right, Point. It's Mama." Point giggled, releasing Teio’s hair and latching on to Teio’s ear instead.
"What did I tell you, running before you know it." Rudolf smiled.
***
"Come on Pulse, sit still will ya?" Teio tried to get Pulsar into her high chair, but Pulsar kicked and wriggled, refusing to be contained in the little seat.
McQueen looked on in sympathy, offering Point a spoonful of sweet potato. Point was starting to mellow out, less fussing and crying. She was even starting to let Teio give her a bath without much of a fight. Pulsar on the other hand was becoming cranky and temperamental.
Anytime one of them left the room, she would start to cry. She wasn't eating very much solid food, preferring instead to nurse. Usually a fantastic night sleeper, Pulsar now woke up often during the night. It was apparently common for babies at her age to get very fussy, but it didn't make it any easier on the young parents.
Point happily accepted her spoonful of sweet potato, seeming to enjoy the lumpy texture. She opened her mouth again with a little 'ah', hoping to get another taste.
Teio finally got Pulsar into her chair, the small girl huffing and whining. Teio tried to give her her own spoonful of food, but Pulsar turned up her nose, turning her head.
Point was starting to wobble around, tightly clinging to furniture and cruising about. She was growing confident, exploring the world around her. Meanwhile, Pulsar was struggling. She could barely pull herself up, becoming increasingly frustrated with things out of reach.
Teio frowned, going to the fridge and pulling out some cooked pasta. It was the only thing Teio could get Pulsar to eat, she refused to eat anything else. Nature had given them some vegetable pasta, brightly colored and in little shapes to try to help and Teio was hoping Pulsar would eat it.
She placed a few on the tray in front of the picky child, waiting to see how she would react. Pulsar started to squish the pasta, playing with it before bringing it to her mouth. Seeing Pulsar eating, Teio mixed some more pasta into her sweet potato, offering it to Pulsar again. This time she opened her mouth.
"Thank the Goddesses for Natie, her pasta seems to be doing the trick." Teio breathed a sigh of relief, letting Pulsar alternate between picking up her food and spoon feeding her.
Meal time continued, McQueen taking bites of her own dinner while she fed Point. They tried to eat all together to encourage the girls to eat, offering them a mix of different foods to try. While Pulsar only wanted to eat pasta, Point was much more adventurous, eating a variety of different cooked veggies and fruit. She was particularly fond of shredded cheese.
"Aren't you going to eat anything, Teio? I don't think I've seen you eat anything today."
McQueen watched as Teio shrugged, seeming uninterested in eating, a small warning bell going off in her head.
"I'm not really hungry, don't really want to eat anything. Kinda nauseous actually."
Anxiety was a common issue for Teio, often leading her to be restless and unable to eat. While she didn't struggle with postpartum depression, Teio was diagnosed with a type of post traumatic stress from the abuse of her previous relationship. This didn't match her usual pattern.
"Are you alright? You're not getting sick, are you?" McQueen asked worriedly.
"No I don't think so, I don't have a fever or anything. Just not hungry and kinda queasy."
McQueen tried not to worry, Teio was getting better about being open with her feelings, letting McQueen know when she was feeling overwhelmed or needed a break. If she said she didn't feel sick, then she probably wasn't, Teio was a wimp when she got sick.
Then, a sudden thought came to mind, one that McQueen hadn't really thought of since just after Teio got home from the hospital.
"You're not constipated, are you?"
Teio immediately went pink. Her tail flicked, avoiding eye contact and pretending to not have heard McQueen.
So that was the problem.
"It's very common, especially with the pelvic floor issues you've had. You're also taking iron." Again Teio ignored McQueen, rinsing out Pulsar's bowl and putting it in the sink.
".............do you want some stool softeners? Or maybe a laxative? I've got a foot stool somewhere if you think it will help."
Teio was silent, clearly embarrassed and considering McQueen’s offer.
".........I'll think about it........"
McQueen couldn't help but snort.
There was a short time after Teio was discharged that she was constipated, a mix of hormones and being afraid to tear something. It was resolved rather quickly and she hadn't had an issue since, at least not that McQueen was aware of.
"Teio, when was your last bowel movement?"
Teio squeaked, ears folding back and growing fidgety.
"W-why are we talking about this right now, I mean, you're still eating?!"
"Teio, we have two infants, I'm afraid I'm desensitized to poop." McQueen retorted.
Seeing as there was no escape, Teio relented.
"It's been a few days, I haven't exactly been keeping track. I've been trying to stay hydrated, but it doesn't seem to be working."
McQueen hummed, finishing her food and placing her dishes in the sink. She placed a kiss on Teio's cheek, still flustered from their conversation.
"Let me put the girls in the playpen and I'll get you something for your 'problem'. Stool softener or laxative?"
"..........laxative, please......"
It didn't take long before Teio slipped into the bathroom, face red and ears folded in embarrassment as she shuffled off in shame. McQueen eventually poked her head in to check on her.
"Teio? Everything alright, you've been in here for a long time."
With a exasperated whine, Teio tossed one of her slippers at the door, but not before McQueen got a glance at the look of complete concentration on her face. She couldn't stifle her giggles.
"Goodness, the girls make the same face when they-"
"Go away, you weirdo!"
***
McQueen glared at the numbers on the scale, elevated since the last time she had checked. She hadn't been as careful with her diet recently and the result was staring her in the face. She hopped off the scale, tail flicking in irritation.
Teio gave her a look of confusion when she walked back into the bedroom, tail still flicking and ears turning back.
"That's a look usually only reserved for my piece of shit ex, something wrong?" Teio asked, rolling back the covers so McQueen could join her in bed.
McQueen shook her head, crawling into bed beside Teio.
"It's not too big a deal, I've just put on some weight." McQueen huffed.
Teio hummed, running her fingers over McQueen’s abdomen, feeling for any change.
"I don't feel any flab, and here I thought we could match."
Teio still had some extra weight from pregnancy that was stubbornly sticking around, clinging to her hips and belly.
"Teio, you're not fat. It takes awhile for the skin to tighten, if it does at all. You're still cute." McQueen caught Teio’s hand where it prodded her side.
"If I can't bully myself, then you can't bully yourself either. I'll give you double portions if you do."
A tension was building, one that had been simmering for months. McQueen glanced at the crib, making sure the girls didn't stir, her hands wandering and caressing at soft skin. Teio’s hands also began to roam, blunt nails gliding down McQueen’s back.
"Sure you're up for it? I don't want it to hurt." McQueen whispered, lips impossibly close.
"Don't you dare stop, I've been dying to have your hands on me," Teio groaned as McQueen’s teeth scraped her neck. "I'll tell you if it's painful, just keep going."
So McQueen did, heated breaths and muted gasps fueling her, reacquainting herself with lightly tanned skin and soft curves. They hadn't been intimate like this since becoming parents, Teio’s health McQueen’s top priority.
With a meek, trembling whine, it was over. Teio lay, boneless and twitching, a satisfied, dopey smile on her face. McQueen pulled sweaty hair away from her face, arm sore in the most pleasant of ways. Before she knew it, Teio was straddling her, fingers gliding up her ribs.
"Let's burn some more calories, shall we? Then neither of us has to worry about weight."
McQueen shuddered at the predatory glint in her girlfriend's eyes, she wasn't going to get much sleep tonight.
***
Teio stretched out on the floor, bending forward with her legs extended to the sides until her chest touched the floor. Two little hands touched her shoulder, a sudden weight on her back.
"Oof, using me a a jungle gym, huh? Which one of you is being a little monkey?"
A small brown tail lightly slapped her in the face, whichever twin now fully climbing on her. Cheerful giggles tickled Teio’s ears, a tiny socked foot peeking into her veiw. Point wiggled about, crawling down Teio’s back.
Point had started to walk independently and was getting into everything, from cabinets to baskets to anything she could get her little hands on. Pulsar wasn't quite there yet, still clinging to furniture while cruising.
"Would you like some assistance? It looks like Point has got you pinned down." McQueen chuckled, taking in the sight of mother and daughter on the floor.
"Nah, it's fine for now. If Pulse joins her though, it might be a bit a of a problem. They're starting to get hefty, little weeds that they are."
Teio was able to bring herself up to her elbows, careful not to knock Point off her back. Point soon climbed off, allowing Teio to sit up completely only for Point to cling to the front of her shirt, wanted to be held.
McQueen went back to her laptop screen, clicking away at a few listings for houses for sale. Her little apartment was starting to get too small, the small space not allowing the twins much space as they approached their first birthday.
McQueen loved her little apartment, her little space that she had carved out after college graduation, but she loved her family more. She remembered running in the gardens as a child and wanted that kind of experience for their own children, just not at a sprawling mansion. Something smaller, but big enough to offer room to grow. She had expressed this desire to Teio and she was on board.
Their realtor had been a bit of a surprise, neither of them expecting to see Sirius Symboli at the main office. Some careers of former Tracen students made sense, Teio doing dance, McQueen being an architect, Super Creek a pediatrician and so on. Then there were the wild cards, the profession not lining up with her mental image, like Sirius being a real-estate agent, or Gold Ship becoming a primary school teacher. That one still blew her mind, how Gold Ship of all people was trusted with a group of children.
Sirius had sent her another listing on the other side of town, a decent sized house. She roamed over the photos, taking in the style and layout.
"Teio, take a look at this one. I think we might have something here. Plenty of space, five bedroom, two bath, near your gym actually." McQueen called.
Teio plopped down on the couch beside her, setting Point down to wander around. Wrapping her arms around McQueen’s waist, Teio leaned in, resting her head on McQueen’s shoulder. She hummed as McQueen flipped through the pictures again, rattling off more details about the space.
"It looks good, not so sure about the price though. I don't have a lot in savings and I'm not asking my parents for money. I know you said money isn't an issue, but I want to contribute too." Teio mumbled, ears folding back.
Teio had made it clear that she wanted to split the cost of everything, not wanting to solely rely on McQueen. An even partnership. McQueen understood where she was coming from, it was how she felt when she first left her family home, wanting something she had earned herself and was not just given to her.
"I've been saving up the money you've been giving me for bills, I kept telling you that you were giving me too much. That will be plenty for a down payment, even without a housing loan. We can make it work." McQueen reassured.
Teio grumbled for a bit, thinking it over. It would be nice to have a yard, one of the extra rooms could become McQueen’s home office. It was within walking distance of a market and a quick jog to the gym where she taught yoga and dance.
"...........Tell Sirius we'd like a viewing, I'm curious about the yard size." Teio finally relented.
***
McQueen flattened the final box, bundling it together with the others for pick up day. She took a step back, surveying the lay out of their new home. Everything was put away in it's place, cleaned and ready for them to start their new lives in this new space. She felt satisfied.
Teio was in the yard, letting the little ones run around on the grass, squealing and babbling happily. They were both walking now, Pulsar finally catching up to her little sister, and saying small words. Their first birthday was in a few days, McQueen’s heart aching seeing them grow up so fast.
She stepped out of the sliding door, joining Teio to sit on the stoop. Pulsar was sitting in the grass, bits of grass and dirt stuck in her soft brown hair and Point was toddling over to them, a leaf held in her hand.
"Whatcha got there, Point? Did you find a leaf? Wanna show Mama?" Teio asked.
Point held up her hand, giving her prize to Teio, then she went over to McQueen. The toddler looked up at McQueen and held out her other hand. McQueen laid her palm flat, letting Point drop something in it. A small white flower petal laid on her palm, Point's eyes sparkling and clapping her little hands.
"Thank you, sweetie. It's very pretty." McQueen smiled and placed a kiss to Point's forehead.
Point took off again, little legs running back to the grass. McQueen looked down at her palm again where the little flower petal sat, an idea forming.
"I think I'm going to press this and turn it into something. Maybe hang it in a frame."
"I think that's a cute idea, wanna add my leaf to it?" Teio held up her ginkgo leaf.
McQueen took their gifts into her office, looking for a book to press them in. She spied her Tracen year book, taking it off the shelf and flipping through the pages idly. It had been some years since she gazed at the glossy pages, pictures from yesteryear. She landed on a page with a picture of Teio, young and brightly smiling, posing in front of the fountain in the school courtyard. McQueen admired the image, her eyes catching a figure just barely in the shot, sitting on the edge of fountain. She looked at her younger self, staring longingly at Teio.
She placed their treasures into some paper, pressing it between the pages and replacing it on the shelf. She was no longer the girl sitting in the background, yearning to make a connection. McQueen went back to her family, happy to begin this next chapter with the love of her life and their two beautiful children.