Chapter Text
Miorine hears the rich laughter of her children from across the hall. The edge of tension from her time at work left her, replaced by a wave of fondness. She wonders if Celeste’s finally satisfied with her speech about family day. Her daughter’s deeply upset and refuses any help from her and her twin brother, Estelle. Estelle, on the other hand, has developed a stutter and fear of loud noises, he can often be seen holding onto his sister’s hand or the end of her sleeves whenever something scares him. He’s still a child, Miorine thinks, her son will be able to grow out of it.
Another peal of laughter, she walks faster, energized. Maybe she should donate again to the school this year. The teaching staff and other faculty members have been nothing but understanding of her plight as a single parent.
Her last step before the door to the classroom was accompanied by a skip, and she slides the it open.
“Mommy’s he-“
She was never truly ready. No one ever is, she supposes. Heated debates and arguments with fellow entrepreneurs and spontaneous confrontations to defend the vision of GUND-Arm under her belt has certified her for certain victory against most. But not this. Never this.
Suletta ‘Mercury’ Samaya, current commander of the Dominicus, sits crossed- legged on a play mat with her… their children.
“We have the same hair!” Celeste stares in awe at her sire, touching the military cap hiding the red mane. “I thought yours was dyed.”
“Oh, do we? Are you sure that it’s not?” She takes off the cap, revealing the unruly tuft, and puts it on top of Celeste’s head. The cap’s too big for her that the bill covers her eyes and the crown engulfs her face.
Their daughter replies, enjoying the attention. “We do!”
“You’re right.”
Estelle runs around, wearing the oversized military coat sporting the colors of gold, white and black.
“Calibaaaann!!!” He circles around Suletta once more before she stops him with her hands on his hips. He goes into a fit of giggles, not at all bothered by the supposed stranger.
“Gotcha!”
It’s been a while since she saw Estelle’s toothy grin. It reflected the same boyish smile Suletta wears.
All of these, gives her a severe whiplash of a night of stunted conversations turned delightful, reserved stares to worshipping gazes, and demure touches to burning prints on her skin. Miorine can still remember the fresh scent of crisp apples calming her as her heat started. Her mating gland throbs continuously at the sight of the alpha.
“Mooommy!”
“Moom!!”
The children run up to her, her hands automatically seeking the top of their heads. She felt the silk of the coat covering Estelle’s head and the fabric of the crown of the cap on Celeste’s.
Suletta dusts the back of her slacks before she follows them to Miorine.
“Isn’t it great, Mom? The school’s working with Commander Mercury for Family Day.” Celeste reaches for Suletta’s gloved hand, the other lets her with no real resistance to deny their daughter.
Oh, what could have been.
“Really? An accomplished militia coordinating with the school.” Miorine musters. She looks at her daughter.
She could feel the eyes of the alpha firmly fixed on her. Miorine expected anger, a whole lot of accusations, and expletives, not the tenderness in her eyes accompanied by the gentle sweep of apples in the air.
“We’re trying to make a good impression so the community won’t be too perplexed once we build a new base just outside the city.” Suletta answers, voice rough and gravelly. “Ah, that’s supposed to be confidential.”
A small part of her wished that it was for the selfish reasons she’s thinking despite her hand in their current predicament. Everything feels too elaborate though.
“Well. I must be going then. Your mother’s here. Let me just get my-” Suletta’s tone turns wistful. She reaches for her coat and cap, but Estelle hugs the fabric of her coat and Celeste pulls the cap tighter on her head. “Or not.”
They unconsciously recognize and cling to the scent of their other parent. She’s theirs. Miorine knows this and she knows without a doubt that Suletta does too.
Their petulant nature revealed by their powdery scents mingling with Suletta’s.
“Celeste. Estelle.” Miorine says in warning. They look up at her like they’re about to cry. Like they don’t know that what they’re doing is wrong.
“It’s fine. They can keep it. I have dozens of those at home.” She comments, placating both mother and children.
“They’re going to be insufferable.” Miorine says with no real bite but with fond exasperation. She crosses her arms infront of her.
“They’re perfect, Miorine.”