{Illiya's POV}

When I was told I had to go through educed labor, I was terrified. The emergency option was a c-section, but the doctors were afraid I wouldn't survive it. But I wasn't scared about that. I was scared about my girls. My beautiful and wonderful girls. That pain and the hours of labor were all worth it when I saw them. My firstborn, she came in kicking and screaming far louder then I thought possible. I was so worried something was wrong, but after her sister was born, she was calming down. I had no idea how it was possible, but it was like they KNEW where the other was. My second-born reached out her precious little hand and her sister took it. The speed at which she calmed down was something that even surprised the doctors.

I had heard of 'Twin bonds' and things like that, but witnessing it was something else entirely. And when I was able to hold them, my little angels, my beautiful baby girls, with my hair and their chubby little cheeks, I could've sworn my second born was looking back at me. Her eyes were cracked open, just a tiny bit, but I could see her looking at me. Her sister wasn't crying anymore, which while that was good, it also worried the nurses since she wasn't doing much else. I had to admit, for a moment I was scared. Was she ok? Did she cry it all out and leave herself with nothing else? I could tell she was holding her sisters hand and I could see her tiny chest rise and drop as she breathed, but I was still worrying about her. But then I saw my second borns face change. It was a subtle thing. Far too subtle for a recently born baby, but I recognized it straight away. Being the former secretary to a politician pretty much made you pick up certain skills. And this one let me know my baby was worried.

But who would believe that? A prematurely born baby, one that didn't even have her eyes open all the way, was worried? I couldn't wrap my mind around it. Why was she worried? Was something wrong? What did sh-... Then it hit me. But the thought was so ridiculous that I couldn't even fully believe it. (She... She's not worried about ME, is she? But that's impossible! There's no way she could recognize anything... Is there?) I was pretty sure babies under a certain age couldn't see further then anything in-front of their face. And they were just born. They shouldn't even be able to open their eyes! (She can't possibly recognize that I'm sick, right..? Right?)

I was looking at her face even more now. Searching for the signs that my rational mind was saying couldn't possibly be there. But my maternal side just KNEW, something was going on with her. So I just looked at my youngest, ignoring the talk of the doctors and nurses around me. But then something else happened. She seemed to relax, if that was even possible. And then she seemed to grow confident.

(As confident as a 10 minute old child could possibly be.) The doctors weren't seeing or feeling what I was, but I could see it. She was thinking about something. I didn't know what, but then my attention was suddenly changed to my first born. She suddenly opened her eyes and snapped towards her sister as if she was slapped. But before she could lock her eyes on her sister, our eyes met. Her gorgeous baby blue orbs shone into my sapphire eyes and I could SEE the recognition in her gaze. I could even see my reflection in her eyes, and I could tell we were both enchanted with each other. And when her hand started to rise towards me, I was elated beyond words. I had to let her come a bit closer, and when I felt her soft fingers brush against me cheek, it all truly clicked into place.

(These are my babies. My adorable children are right here. This, this was worth everything. THEY were worth it all.) I could swear she came to the same conclusion, I saw the adoration in her eyes, and I stopped questioning it. My children were far smarter then they had any right to be. So what? I've just met them but they're my family.

I ended up being brought out of my thoughts when I felt a jolt of something, from the side carrying my second born. I could swear there were little green sparks coming from her hands, I thought I felt better too. But I had no idea if that was my imagination or not. But what I could see was how my firstborn seemed to look like she was slapped, again. The look of annoyance on her face warmed my heart and I couldn't help the giggle that came out from me. It even got her sister to really open her eyes and look at me again as well. The look in her Amber orbs was one of relief and something that I couldn't place.

"Sakura-san, we will need to bring your children to their incubators soon. Have you settled on their names before we do so?" The nurse that helped deliver my children ended up bringing my attention to her with that question. And what a difficult question it was. I had a list, sure, but that all went out the window the moment I laid my eyes on them. How was I supposed to think on a list of names when they were right in front of me? It was easier to think I would know what to pick when I saw them, but it was so much harder then I thought. But then I felt it, I felt my heart give me the answers.

"My firstborn, Tara. With all the worries she gave me after she came out, I just know she's going to be the troublemaker out of the two of them. And Martha, my little miracle of a second born, those are their names. Tara and Martha Sakura." For a second I thought I saw a look of recognition make its was onto Martha's tiny features, but I'd file that away as something to think about later. I could feel the exhaustion creeping up on me. I knew I wasn't in the best condition before going into labor but I hadn't realized just how tired I was. The nurses realized it too since I could see two other nurses coming over to me. I was about to hand my girls to them, but before I could, I saw my firstborn, Tara, wiggle her little hand that she was holding her sister, Martha with, and I saw a face of pure childlike indignation on her face that I laughed. I laughed at the absurdity that my little girls were, and I loved it.

I handed my girls to the nurses and watched as they were brought out. I saw them both looking at me over the nurses shoulders, so I smiled at them and waved. Seeing them wave back at me made me freeze for a moment before I felt a wave of happiness hit me. Eventually, the doctor came back and we started discussing how long my girls would be in incubators, despite how surprisingly healthy they were. If the doctor didn't know better, he said he would've assumed they were born from a full term pregnancy instead out of induced labor. Knowing that just made me even happier. The doctor told me they wouldn't even have to stay in the incubators, it was mostly just procedure. If they didn't show any signs of sickness or anything that might need a more in depth check up, I could take them with me after a month or two. And it got even better when I was told my body would finally start to heal.

Sure it would be slow, but after an estimated month of bed rest and medication, I would be allowed to check out and bring my girls with me. If I could've I would've leapt out of my bed and hugged the doctor out of sheer joy. I might've been too happy and gotten pregnant weeks after a successful marrow transplant, but not giving up and carrying them through till now was the best choice I've ever made in my life. I couldn't wait to spend time with my girls... But I was getting tired and sleep was calling, so I took my time and slowly fell asleep with a smile on my face.

My babies were here, and they were healthy.

{The next day, Illiya's POV}

I was woken up at around 10am by a nurse. I didn't recognize her, but all I needed to hear was "Your children are coming", and I immediately fully woke up. A few minutes later, the two nurses from yesterday came in carrying my little angels. Tara seemed to be full of energy, while Martha seemed to be sleepy. Which seemed normal, children needed and took very long naps. But I don't think anyone told that to Tara. As soon as she was in my arms, her little hands started reaching up to me, and just like yesterday, I brought her up and she immediately latched onto me. Her little hands were either on my cheek or caressing my hair. Martha on the other hand seemed to be really waking up now, and seemed to glare at Tara, making her slow down and curb her enthusiasm just a bit. I didn't know if they could understand me, but something inside of me told me there was a chance here and I was going to take it.

"Hmm? Is someone scared of her little sister?" There were two vastly different reactions to this. Tara squeaked, and Martha just slowly blinked. Then not even a few seconds later, Tara started giggling as she looked at Martha with as smug of a smirk she could muster. Seeing a baby, with no teeth in her mouth, smirk, was just the most adorable thing in the world in my opinion. Hearing her giggle felt healing.

Martha on the other hand, just seemed to radiate annoyance and exasperation. It helped me figure out that they were capable of understanding me, and seemed to talk to each other. One day I'd have to ask them about just what was funny about that. However, I was just going to bask in the joy of having my girls in my arms. Then I felt it again, it took a few moments to realize what it was, but when I did, I looked down to see Martha with those little green sparks on her hands. She was grabbing my arm, and I could feel myself getting better. It was like waking up from a power nap.

I had to look around and make sure, but it looked like none of the nurses saw what my little angel was doing. She was grabbing a part of my arm that was covered by the hospital gown, and had her small body in the way. The only way for someone to see what she was doing would be if they were right next to me. But considering I was in my own room, holding her away from the door and Tara taking up that side, no one would really see without me noticing them first. It was strange. Having a daughter who worried about me and started to heal me as soon as she could.

But despite how strange it was, it just endeared me to her even more.

"One day I'll have to ask you how you're doing that." That got their attention. I watched as they both turned to each other and seemed to have a silent conversation between themselves. At one point they both looked back up at me, then back to each other, before Tara just shrugged her shoulders. Seeing a baby shrug was not something I expected to see, but it was adorable nonetheless... Or I'm being biased... Which I wouldn't even mind if I was. My children were adorable. I couldn't stop myself from bringing them in closer and give them as gentle of a hug that I could manage. They even hugged me back, well, as much of a 'hug' they could give. Their tiny little hands reached up and found their place on my shoulders and neck. It just felt right. I was really starting to see what my mother meant when she said I'd know this kind of love when I felt it.

From there I just spent time talking to them, and ended up feeding them for the first time. The looks on their faces when it was time, may have been one of my favorite looks on them yet... Maybe I was sadistic? Because when I looked at them, their faces showed the most visible signs of panic, embarrassment, and unease I think I've ever seen. Tara looked like she wanted to be anywhere but here. Martha? She seemed to be done with her little life. It was from this moment on that I'd discover how much I'd love to tease them.

"Oh? Are my little angels not hungry? If you're not then say no. If you are don't say anything.~" Oh this is great. The looks of abject horror on their faces is worth all the gold in the world. The way they turned to each other and even resorted to panicked baby babble in an effort to avoid feeding is something I'll need to hound them with for the rest of their lives.

{Tara's POV}

{Mar Mar! DO SOMETHING! WE'RE IN DANGER! WEE WOO WEE WOO!}

[I CAN'T! SHE'S THE WORST OF US PUT TOGETHER! WE NEED TO ENDURE! ENDURE VAL!] We were righteously freaking the fuck out now! The consequences of my own actions have come back to bite us in the most embarrassing way possible. She could tell we were smarter then any newborns had the right to be, and now she was using it against us. Our mom had my sense of humor and Martha's vindictive streak. We were fucking doomed!

(Wait a minute, did she just insult my sense of humor?) That was the last thought I got out before a tit was shoved in my mouth.

{Illiya's POV}

I couldn't keep the smile off my face as I watched them feed. They looked so defeated, and it was amazing. Some part of my mind recognized this was looking to be a strange family dynamic. But the rest of my mind just didn't care. Normal was very overrated. After they were done, we laid with each other and took in our little family. They fell asleep at one point, but I saw them holding each others hands again, and I loved the sight of it. Eventually, a nurse came in and I had an idea.

"Excuse me, can you get my phone for me please?" I had to be extra careful with how loud I whispered, I didn't want to wake them after all. The nurse looked at me and my girls and seemed to understand what I wanted to do. She smiled at me and walked over to the desk by my side, opened the drawer and grabbed my phone. I mouthed the password to her and watched as she started moving for the right angle. A few minutes and at least a dozen pictures later, the nurse reminded me that my girls are going to be brought back to their incubators soon. I nodded that I understood and went back to just laying there with my girls in my arms. They stayed asleep while the nurses brought them back, and I brought my attention back to my phone.

The nice nurse got a good 14 photos of me and my little angels, and I had to try not to squeal in delight. I looked for the best one, which is impossible because they're all good, and decided to just send them all to my parents. I knew how much they wished to be here, but with that freak storm that suddenly popped up, flights were grounded 'till it passed. It took them no time at all to respond, and seeing how they gushed at them, I knew they'd love them. But then the idea of telling them that my girls were smart for just being born, and my little Martha's ability to heal... I didn't know if I should tell them. Should I just do it? Do I wait for when they tell me? It was strange... I could just ask them tomorrow... Yeah. That works. For now I'd just tell my parents all about how adorable they are.

{The next day}

I woke up feeling even better then yesterday. The doctor even said I'd probably be able to check out in a week opposed to the original 1-2 months. I knew why, it was my little Martha working her magic. When that thought came in, my rational mind immediately said it couldn't be true. But then everything they've done so far appeared and my rational side was forced to sit down and stew in the corner. So many things I never thought I'd ever think about were making themselves known. Eventually, my girls were brought in, and we spent time bonding just like we did yesterday. I wasn't sure if I wanted to bring up the 'magic' here, but I knew I'd have to do so eventually. But maybe when we were at home. So with that out of the way, I went back to my new favorite activity. Tormenting my little angels. I had to find out what made them tick. Working for a politician for 4 years gets to you. All those annoying mind games, and the annoying crap like that made me like knowing what got to people.

I noticed Martha doing her 'magic', but I didn't address it, I just let her do whatever it was and made sure she was out of sight. Tara was playing with my hair, and I just knew she'd be fun dressing up. Hmm. That was a thought.

"Do either of you like dresses?" They stopped whatever mental conversation they were having when I asked that. Tara seemed to process what I said and physically recoiled. As if the thought of putting one on was a punishment. I could work with that. Martha on the other hand? She seemed to be considering it. Tara seemed to notice it too, since she just stared at her sister, as if daring her to say something. Looks like I had to make a note of that... Hmm.

"Can I set you two down on the bed for a bit?" They looked back at me and I could see Martha raise her brow. The rational part of my mind tried to stand up, but my motherly instincts put it back in its place. I smiled when they nodded at me, and let me set them down by my legs. I turned to the desk I kept my phone in, and got it out from the drawer. After I opened it, I looked for my notes app and made a new list.

"Number 1, get dresses for Tara." I saw the abject horror on her face and knew, I struck gold. Martha looked at me and I felt her vindictive joy at what I'm doing. Tara was still frozen in fear, and that gave me the time to snap a quick photo of the both of them. The click brought her out of whatever she was imagining, and got her to try crawling forwards, but she was still too young and ended up flopping over right onto my legs. She didn't even try to move, she just laid there. So I took another picture. Martha was doing her best to not laugh, and for a baby she had remarkable self control. But then I remembered a comment that got a reaction out of her.

"Martha, why don't you be a dear and help your Older sister? " I felt Tara giggling against my legs, so I helped turn her so she could see the irritation on Martha's face. She kept turning between the two of us and I couldn't resist taking another picture. Yeah. I could definitely get used to tormenting my little angels like this.

{Tara's POV}

{Our new mom is the best. She's evil, but the good kind of evil.} She really was. We were like, 2 days old, and was already gathering blackmail on us. Like, the fuck? What kind of mother did we end up with?

[Ugh. This woman is going to make me love and hate her with all of my soul.]

{Sureeeee.}

[Hush it, dresses.] The amusement that was radiating off of her at that annoyed me to no end.

{Tch.} I thought I'd gotten over my dislike for the frilly and cutesy looks of dresses, but apparently I was lying to myself.

This woman was picking us apart, and the fact she's had the largest grin I've ever seen as she does so, I can guess what our childhoods are going to be like. But I'm fine with this. Back in our other lives, we never really had someone like her. Someone to tease the shit out of us. Me and Maria/Martha always snipped at each other, there wasn't anyone that got the both of us. She was a teasing older sister and mother rolled into one.

Now if only I had a way to delete that face plant.

{Illiya's POV}

The day passed just like the other. And so did the day after. And eventually, a month passed. A solid month with my little angels doing their best to make me feel better, emotionally and physically. Little Martha kept working her magic, even after I was as healthy as could be. It helped me fill back out, and I was a few weeks away from regaining just a small bit of my muscle mass from before everything went to shit.

I could've been checked out after the second week, but I wanted to leave with my girls. The doctors wanted to be sure that they would be good enough to take out, without some hidden complication putting them in danger. (Though, it just seems like their barking up the wrong tree here, since Tara is practically as healthy as I am at this point, and Martha's Martha.) The doctors and nurses were all astounded at how healthy my little angels were, and I couldn't help but feel proud of that. (Yeah, that's right, my baby girls are the best of the best!)

My parents also came to visit when the opportunity made itself known, and they immediately connected with the girls. Despite the fact they were pretending to be normal babies, I wasn't entirely sure why yet, but I just knew that Tara was failing on astronomically adorable levels. Martha was the opposite. Sure she had tiny tells, but other then those? She was perfect. But I was pretty sure she accidentally fell asleep at one point when she was pretending to nap in my mom's arms. And that was something I teased her about the day after. God was she infuriated. I just had to tug her pouting cheeks.

Mom and Dad loved them, and I was pretty sure Dad had been thinking about teaching them how to beat off boys with their legs/fists. Mom was undoubtedly planning on making as many dresses for them as humanly possible, and I was looking forward to the day she did.

But other then the visit from my parents, our hospital stay was just us relaxing with each other. Eventually, when it was time we were ready to leave, I was pretty sure I got enough of what made my daughters tick. Martha was seemingly going to be my prim and proper little lady, while Tara was going to be the trouble maker I pegged her as when she was born.

It was heartwarming when I saw the relief on Martha's face when I told them that I was ready to go, she really was concerned about my health. I loved that about them. I loved that they could essentially tell me when I wasn't doing something they liked, or when I brought up something they did like. Being a single mother worried me because I wasn't sure I'd be able to do right by them. But when your kids can just tell you 'no we don't like that', then there was nothing that I had to worry about. Sure we'd have the conversation about Martha's magic, and whatever Tara was capable of doing, because I know she somehow zapped more battery into my phone when it was almost dead, but until then? I was going to enjoy raising my little angels. Even if it would have to be by myself.

{Next day, Illiya's POV}

"Ok Sakura-san, everything checks out. I am happy to announce you have nothing to worry about with your children. They are beyond healthy and our examinations have determined there are no risks of illness or defects. You and your children are free to go." That announcement was enough for me to rush to and hug the doctor. After that, I made sure to get dressed in the clothes my parents dropped off for me and rush to get my girls. I knew it was going to be today, but knowing and hearing it were two entirely different things. I had enough time to get used to moving through the hospital and over to where the chambers where my girls stayed, so I didn't need to wait for a nurse to come and guide me to them. It was finally time for me and my girls to go home.

I ended up at the ward in record time, right as the nurses brought my little angels out of their chambers, and practically bounced my way over to my girls. They noticed me, and started babbling in my direction, causing the nurses to turn and greet me. Over the month we've been here, the same two nurses were assigned to my girls. I learned their names were Yuki Trivin, the bubbly nurse that loved my little Tara to bits, and Mimi Yoshitsu, the strict nurse that had a soft spot for Martha. Over the stay, we ended up talking and becoming friends. And my girls were fine with them so I didn't mind befriending them either.

We had each others contact information so whenever they wanted, I could send them photos of my girls in all their adorable glory. We talked for a bit before we parted and I walked out the front gates of the hospital, with my girls hand in hand, I had my girls in little baskets. I could tell they were looking around, since despite being by a window, this would be the first time they actually saw the town. Kuoh was a nice place, if a little strange at times. That academy was definitely up there with one of the weirdest places here. Sure it was good and all, but did those skirts HAVE to be that short? Thank god it was an all girls school. (Maybe I should send them somewhere else? I already know my girls are going to be the most stunning girls on campus...-)

{The underworld}

Somewhere, Sirzechs Lucifer, the strongest of the moau, along with Serafall Leviathan, sneezed. A minute later, Serafall sneezed again. They didn't know why, but they suddenly felt as if they should go dote on their newborn sisters.

{Illiya's POV}

(But if I did, then I'd have to move to the other side of Kuoh... Eh, I'll have to work Tara into being ok with skirts.) I already figured out I had a little tomboy on my hands, Hah! And she would be the only tough one. Martha seemed neutral with the idea of dresses and skirts so I knew she'd be the path of least resistance. But would she really go to high school? I played a little mind-game with her and I already knew she's a genius. She might just end up being the smartest on campus and waste her time. Eh, I'll ask her later. But that brought up another thing...

"How are you girls going to handle school? Do you want me to put you through the whole thing? I could 'Home school' you two and try to have you test into High-school if you want." My girls had their silent conversation, and after a bit they started babbling for the second option. We had a 'talk' about stuff like this. If I asked something with multiple answers, they would babble whatever number of times the choice they wanted was. They babbled twice, so they wanted 'home schooling', I could work with that. I already had some ideas of what was going on with my girls, light-novels, manga and anime existed after all. I think Tara was going to end up an avid anime watcher, if the way her eyes sparkled when I mentioned anime, was any indication. Martha just threw her chubby little hands up in the most exaggerated manner to date.

I kept talking to my girls, even when I was a half hour into the walk home, it was worth the exercise. I could've called a cab or something, but staying in a hospital for a month makes you a little stir crazy for some didn't help that I was used to being active, my dad loved putting me through the paces with his martial arts training.

After another 15 minutes of walking, we made it home. My house was a nice 2 story house my parents bought out when I told them I was moving to kuoh. After I opened my front door, I saw the living room and the sleek wooden stairs that would lead up to the second floor. All of our rooms were there, the upstairs bathroom and downstairs bathrooms would be good since I wouldn't always need to give my girls their baths. The kitchen was built into the opposite side of the stairs, it had everything I'd need, (if I could cook worth a damn.) Actually... I walked over to the table that was right in-between the couch and TV, and set my girls and their baskets down there. They both looked up at me and I asked a very important and embarrassing question.

"Girls. I need you to be honest with me... Do either of you know how to cook?" I could see the way they took that question. Tara needed a few seconds to figure it out, I learned that she may understand bits of what I said, but not all of it, and Martha just looked at me. It was strange... I was being pitied by my month old daughter. Eventually, Tara figured it out, unfortunately her answer was no. But we both turned to Martha, who in our time of need, babbled once and nodded her head.

"Hallelujah! Now all I have to do is survive for a few years... Ughhh." I dropped to the couch and just let that process for a bit. I was going to be dependent on my daughter to cook... And I'd have to wait years... YEARS, 'till she could. I just laid there and sighed. (This is my life now.)

"Whatever. We've got this!" Tara babbled a cheer, while Martha just deadpanned at us. My family was definitely going to be an unorthodox-ed but oh well.

{1 year later}

"Ro, I appreciate the offer, but again, please don't use government resources to track down the deadbeat. My girls and I are doing fine." I was probably getting some looks for the first comment, but eh, they weren't more important then my cousin. He was such a sweetheart, but one that had always been highly protective.

Add that with a government position, even if it was a low one at the moment, and I had a pseudo big brother. "Are you sure? I know I don't have much, if any, pull at the moment, but that'll be different when I'm promoted."

I somehow managed not to groan at that. "And when is THAT gonna be, hmm?"

"... Best guess would be a 6 months, worst would be 10." I blinked.

"Really? That soon?" Granted, I had no idea how government positions worked, or the usual rate of advancement, but the first prediction sounded fast.

My cousin huffed at me, and I could practically hear the smirk on his face. "I'm something of a dedicated worker myself you know." I never should've introduced him to that movie. "But seriously, I'm good at what I do, and despite how nepotistic it is, with uncle's recommendation, I have a smooth ride as long as I stay competent." He had a point.

Dad, despite being retired, still had some pull with the military and government by extension. He didn't really do much with it though, since he preferred to let us sink or swim on our own, but he made an exception for Sojiro. But that was all he did, a simple recommendation for an entry level position. It was up to him to go further.

Didn't mean I couldn't tease him about it. "So should I expect you to be Prime minister in the next few years?"

Sojiro probably rolled his eyes, I was betting he did. "If I have anything to say about it, then I'll never be a politician. Greasy bastards."

"Aww, but we'd finally have a competent and trust worthy politician if you did. Do you know how rare that would be, Ro?"

"Yeah, no. I'll stick with my desk jobs and somewhat comfortable lifestyle, thank you very much." We both laughed at that. He'd call every so often to bitch and moan about paperwork, I used to do the same thing before my angels were born, so it was something of a tradition between us.

The two of us talked for a bit more, mostly the usual, 'anything interesting happen', 'how's the family', or 'how are the girls?' Sojiro loved the pictures or videos I'd send to him, and he was slowly but surely being wrapped around their fingers... Despite only meeting them a dozen times or so. It was a 4 hour drive from Tokyo to Kuoh, and Sojiro didn't fly well, so he'd only visit when he had time to do so.

It was a 15 minutes later that Sojiro had to get back to work, so we ended the call, and I went back to shopping. The girls were pretending to be asleep... A quick check showed that Tara, was pretending to sleep, while Martha had dozed off at some point. I'd openly admit it amused me how different my girls were from each other. Discounting the possible anime tropes responsible for their maturity, the two of them were so distinct.

Tara was a bundle of sunshine and energy, kind of like an energizer bunny with the way she bounded around the house now that she could walk. Her first attempts at walking were saved of course, especially when she celebrated too early, and ended up eating carpet when she tripped. I might've fussed over her after that, but when she was fine, I made sure to tease her about counting her eggs before they hatched.

I didn't know why that phrase made her pause, and slowly freak out, but I was sure they'd tell me eventually.

Martha on the other hand, was always calm and level headed. She had her moments of maturity, which she proved to be more mature then her sister and I, but she showed how much she cared for us whenever she did. (Though, being scolded by a 1 year old is probably something no one else in the world has ever experienced... Should I get a medal for it?) No clue, but it felt like I should.

Anyway, I popped a headphone out, and put it over my ear, so I could talk to Tara. "So, I miss anything?"

Tara cracked an eye open, and looked around. Both girls were in their stroller, the plastic covering was open so they could get some fresh air, so she could see a good bit of the aisle. and my basket. She looked at said basket for a bit, and eventually shrugged. I took that as agreement, and hummed as I started making my way to check us out.

{30 minutes later}

After I finished shopping, and we were home, I unleashed Tara, and let her roam around the livingroom as I restocked the fridge and pantry. Martha was still asleep, and looked absolutely adorable as she snoozed the day away. When they were able to talk, I asked them why she slept so much, and I got some amusing answers from Tara, who had kept interrupting her sister when she tried to answer.

Tara's answers ranged from, 'she's a lazy bum', 'she's secretly an actual baby', and my favorite 'she's turning into an Abra.' I knew of Pokemon, obviously, but I hadn't exactly followed the franchise. I was into Sailor Moon and Digimon. Though, after searching Abra's description, we agreed that that one was the best.

Martha was highly annoyed with the both of us though, and told us/me that she was working on something. I saw her share a look with her sister when she said that, and knew they still hadn't decided to fill me in on their circumstances yet. A part of me was a little sad at that, but we'd only known each other for a year, I could wait.

Besides, it wasn't like their secrets were impacting our family life. The girls and I got along great, and they were helping me just as much as I was helping them. My Mom had been giving me advice, but it was the girls that were helping me learn how to be a good mother. Martha had been giving me some subtle hints and advice on some subjects, so I had an inkling she knew more of the subject then Tara and I did, but I didn't press her on it. I had a good read on my girls, and knew that no matter how long I had to wait, they'd tell me.

"Sonnuva shit!" I blinked, and turned towards the sound of the cry/thump, and peered out of the kitchen.

The sight that met my eyes was one that cemented my opinion of them even further. Tara seemingly tripped on the carpet, no clue what she tripped ON, but she was face down on the rug, splayed out like she was just run over.

Meanwhile, Martha had woken up, and raised a brow at her sister, looking as put out as a child her age could be. It didn't help when she sighed, and started pinching the bridge of her nose, a gesture known across the world as someone just done with a situation.

The only sad part of this scene was that I didn't have my phone in my pocket, it was charging in my room, so I couldn't take a picture of this. (I'll just make sure not to forget it. That'll do.) Though, just to make sure. "Tara, you okay?"

The thumbs up she gave me was enough, and I hummed as Martha and I shared a look, and grinned at her sisters' antics.

With her confirmed to be fine, I went back into the kitchen, and went back to restocking our foodstuff. We had another day ahead of us, and I'd still had much more to learn about my little angels.

[Omake - Magical Mayhap. Illiya's POV a month later.]

'POPOPOP!' Groaning in my bed, I had to force me eyes open to figure out what in the hell just woke me up. 'POPOPOP!' The noise went off again, and I turned towards the source, glaring at having my sleep interrupted... Though, when I saw the source, I just STARED, unsure if I was actually seeing what my eyes were telling me I was seeing.

Right before my very tired eyes, was a veritable fountain of bubbles just flowing out of the girls' crib... (What the fuuu...-) 'POP!' That one was right in my face, and I hissed like a pissed off cat. (Too early for this!) I didn't even know what time it was, just that it was too early.

The bubble helped me get up though, if only out of spite to figure out what was going on.

I managed to get out of bed, and waded through the bubbles, to walk up to my girls... And when I got there, I figured out who the culprit was as I saw Tara trying to stop herself from turning into a giggling mess, while Martha seemed way too embarrassed to meet my eyes. So, since Tara was finding the whole thing amusing, I focused in on Martha, who had a halo of bubbles above her. "Do I even want to know?" My youngest just sheepishly shook her head, not even trying to deny anything. "Do you know how to stop this?" Another sheepish shake, and Tara burst out giggling.

I just sighed, and looked at the bubbles spawning from thin air, and wondered just how I was going to deal with this... "The neighbors are going to hate me for this." And so I went to get the vacuum cleaner.