Feels all the way! Kind of exploring through all the parental figure relationships I could think of, hope you enjoy it!

"Happy Mother's Day!"

Della woke up startled, if not for the fact that the air was knocked out of her lungs by the triplets jumping into her bed, she would have definitely screamed. Luckily that didn't happen and as soon as she came back to her senses and realized what was happening, the smile took over her features.

"Kids!" she wrapped them up in a messy hug as they all giggled. She then took notice of Donald standing behind them carrying a tray. He mouthed a sorry, he knew Della didn't like to be taken off guard, but by all means that Sunday was an exception to the rule.

"Can we open the blinds now to show you what we brought you?!" Dewey asked accelerated. The fact that he took the time to check before actually doing it showed that he had learned to see what his mother needed opposed to what he wanted to do.

"Yeah, let's start small, though, the one behind me?" she smirked as the blue triplet reached it ready to let some sunlight in.

"We brought you breakfast!" Huey proclaimed proudly as Donald reached the side of the bed as well, putting the tray on the nightstand.

"It looks amazing!" Della said truly surprised, if any of them had inherited her skills in the kitchen, then the feast in front of her should have looked a lot different. She raised a brow at Donald, who shrugged.

"It was all them" he answered the question "But believe me, they have come a long way" he added, remembering a couple of unforgettable breakfasts made by the boys.

"Come on mom try it!" Dewey chimed in jumping up and down.

"Yeah, we promise, it's not a payback for the explosive cake, this one is harmless" Louie smirked teasingly and Della couldn't hide how endearing she found it.

"Alright, alright" she sat against the wall ready to take her first bite. Other than a little bit too much salt, it was one of the best meals of her life. Scratch that, it could have all the salt of the ocean in it and still, Della would have thought it was the most amazing dish in the universe. It was a meal her sons had made for her. It was the first time they had done this, it was their first Mother's Day together.

Without a warning, her tears landed on the plate as she sniffed wiping them away.

"Mom?" Huey mumbled, even Donald seemed taken aback by her display.

"Is it really that bad?" Dewey asked.

"No, no, it's truly the best thing I've ever had" she smiled broadly taking another bite. "Thank you, boys" she leaned in embracing them all and feeling them return the gesture. She was the luckiest mother in the world. She had been able to come back to their arms, if she could have her way, she would never let go of the embrace.

The boys stood there for a couple of moments more before Dewey's excitement made him move.

"We got you presents!" he announced, reaching behind him as his brothers did the same.

"You didn't have to," she said, but the triplets paid her no mind.

"We all agreed it couldn't be store-bought, so we made them" that only added to the special feeling flooding Della's chest.

"Mine first!"

"No, we'll do it by ages, remember?" Huey walked past his brother.

"Come on!" Dewey pouted as Donald messed his hair up.

"Cheer up, she isn't going anywhere" he gazed at his sister, knowing Della would never walk away from her family again. Della nodded at his words, she knew how they weighed on both their consciences.

"Here you go mom" Huey extended a rectangular package that was neatly wrapped in red paper. Once she unveiled it, it turned out to be a book, one that seemed awfully familiar.

"Did you seriously give her a Junior Woodchucks' guide?" Louie almost smacked his older brother's head, but Huey knowingly raised a finger to intervene.

"It's my very own version of it" he turned to his mother smiling brightly as he sat next to her, opening it "It has all the cultural references you missed these past few years, as well as many helpful tips and hints to what to do in your new surroundings. I even added a whole chapter comparing the moon's gravity to Earth's and all the data I could collect so if you ever feel disorientated between the two or if you need reassurance of where you are, you can always check these notes" he explained proudly before trying to meet her eyes, just then he shrugged, looking more like the kid he was and not the responsible adult he so often displayed "Do you like it, mom?"

"I love it" she hugged the book against her chest, then kissing the top of his head "I'll always carry it with me, just like you do yours"

The red triplet was positively glowing "I'm glad you like it" he hugged her once more before jumping out of the bed, giving Dewey space to do his thing.

"Here you go mom!" he all but shoved a blue paperbag in front of her.

Della received it, reaching for its contents. It was the shape of another book, apparently.

"What is this?" Della asked just because she knew Dewey was going to explode if he didn't reveal his surprise sooner.

"It's a scrapbook!" he opened it showing several pictures of the three boys in their early years "I put together all the photos I could find and added some notes telling you the stories behind them" he turned the pages "I might have drawn you in a couple of them" he admitted and the gesture moved Della. She wished she had really been there for them "and then there's the new pictures we've taken so far and a whole new section so we can keep adding more adventures!"

"We'll fill all the pages, I promise" Della hugged him, kissing his head as well.

"I know we will" he stayed on the embrace for a moment longer before Louie made his way.

"Okay, you had your turn. Really, sucks to be the last"

"Is your gift that bad?" Dewey teased letting him seat.

Louie shrugged without answering, pulling out for all to see a poorly wrapped present. For a change, it wasn't a book.

"A mug?" Huey deadpanned.

"Hey, back off, I made it myself" the youngest one replied, shoving his hands into the pockets of the green hoodie. He decided to ignore his brother's remarks in favor of gazing at his mom "look inside" he said.

Della did, finding a phrase at the bottom, she read it out loud soon realizing it was a little spell that made the cup fill up with coffee. As the warm beverage settled in, an inscription became visible 'love you to the moon and back' . Della couldn't help but to chuckle "It's perfect"

"Now you'll always have some fuel to keep you up to read and do all the nerdy stuff these two gave you" he smirked slyly as his brothers tackled him.

"Alright, alright boys" Donald pulled them apart, being fully used to their antiques.

"Thank you, kids. I love all of my presents" she stood up making sure to kiss Louie's head as well.

"Good, because that's only the first part, we have a full day planned ahead," Huey said, reaching under his cap to pull out a list.

"Yeah, so you better get ready because we are Dew-ing this!"

Della smiled brightly at all her kids "Okay, let me get changed then, should I dress in a particular way?"

"Clothes you don't mind ruining" Louie shrugged.

"Please" Donald snorted "that's the only kind she has"

Della stuck her tongue out at him "Okay boy, I'll be downstairs in a few" she said and the three exchanged excited glances having a whole conversation with just their eyes, each knew their role.

"Okay mom, see you at the entrance!" they rushed out of the room leaving the siblings alone.

"Kids" Donald shook his head, smirking fondly.

"Thank you for helping them with this" Della said, taking her final bite.

"I mean it, they made it all. The only help they got was when Mrs. Beakley put out a fire"

Della grinned even wider, reaching her closet as a small silence filled in. She wanted to ask, but couldn't find how.

"Did...did the boys ever did this for you?" she turned to look at him "I mean...you are the one that raised them" shame was ringing in her tone more present now than any time before.

But Donald only smiled gently "July 26, Uncle's Day" he snorted "Bet you didn't know that one existed" he picked up the wrapping papers from the bed putting them on the trash can.

Della shook her head, feeling her chest tightening "What I mean is-"

"I'm not their father" Donald said "and I never tried to be you or take that place" he kept on cleaning up, picking the scrapbook, looking at the pictures of them "They are my kids. I am their parent, but as their uncle" he handed it back to her.

"I will never be able to repay you all the sacrifices you've done" Della gazed down taking the book "if it weren't for you..." her voice drifted, threatening to break down "you showed them love and care and...and you raised them to become the amazing boys they are today, that was all you, Donnie"

"Well, I had a pretty good role model" he wrapped her in a hug.

Della felt in her core she didn't deserve how empathic and loving and forgiving her brother was, but at the same time, she couldn't bear the idea of what she would do if he wasn't. She needed him far more than he needed her.

"You are the best brother in the world" Della mumbled into his navy suit.

"Take credit, you made me like that"

Della shook her head but didn't let go of him "thank you. The words are not enough, but it's really the only thing that can express it"

Donald patted her back gently "Now come on, the boys won't wait much longer before barging in again, you better get ready"

Della sniffed, composing herself "Yeah, you are right" she smirked letting go.

Donald reached the door about to exit "And Della"

"Yeah?"

"Happy first Mother's Day"

Webby opened the door for the Sabrewing sisters to come in.

"Violet, Lena! Hi!" She welcomed them in with a hug.

"Hey, Pink"

"Greetings, Webbigail"

"I'm glad you could come!" the energetic duckling said "It was going to be really boring to be at the manor today"

"Figures" Lena folded her arms, smirking easily "You didn't have plans with Tea Time?"

"Nah, we don't train Sundays, we study strategic planning instead, but I finished that earlier"

"Pardon me asking, but do you not celebrate this day with Mrs. Beakley?" Violet inquired.

"Celebrate?" Webby asked confused.

"Mother's Day" she provided.

"Not particularly, but I'm thinking of getting Della a pocket knife or something for her adventures" Webby smiled punching the air.

"Perhaps I phrased it ambiguously" Violet said "I was wondering if you'll celebrate Mrs. Beakley on this day"

"Oh! Granny isn't my mother!" Webby answered with a wave of her hand.

"What I mean-" Violet was going to elaborate when Lena placed a hand on her shoulder, calmly shaking her head no. Violet tilted her head questioningly, her sister seemed to be unfazed as she prevented her from steering the conversation down that path. But Webby didn't notice their exchange as she walked them by the halls.

"Besides, why only have one day to say thanks for all the amazing things she does?! She's the best role model ever!" Webby continued "I don't just celebrate with her one day! We get every day!"

Violet slowly began to understand why her sister stopped her before. Perhaps Webby didn't have her parents, but she definitely had a parent in her life. She never saw her grandmother as anything more or less, Mrs. Beakley was exactly who Webby needed and loved. The truth about what happened to her mother and father was not a mystery the young spy needed -or was ready- to solve just yet.

"Agreed" Violet said "Our dads actually went out of town to bring over our grandmother, Indy's mother in this particular case"

"Really?" Webby turned around.

"Yeah, she refused to take a plane, so they had to go themselves" Violet explained "Our parents want to have a family reunion, she'll stay the week"

"I'm kinda nervous about it, actually" Lena admitted rubbing her palm arm up and down the opposite arm, shrugging "It's the first time she'll meet me, she even said over the phone that she'll bake me a cake as she did when Violet got adopted"

"Her cooking is extraordinary" Violet affirmed "And she'll love you, I'm sure of it" Violet stated and that alone calmed down Lena. Violet always aimed to say the truth, so it was more than just words, it was reassurance.

"Well, seems like I'll have my very own Granny" Lena smirked at Webby.

"Oh! they should definitely meet! Maybe have a friendly competition of martial arts"

"I believe our grandmother's idea of friendly competition is a game of bridge," Violet said.

"Well, I'm sure we'll find an activity" Webby shrugged "baking maybe?"

"That sounds plausible," Violet noded.

"I'll tell Granny!"

"Tell me what?" the duck in question asked as they met her in the corner.

"Violet and Lena's grandmother is visiting them this week!"

"I'm glad to hear that" the british duck said "What are you up to meanwhile?"

"Not much" Lena shrugged "Just hanging out until our dads come back"

"I assure you, we won't be any trouble" Violet said, formal as ever.

"I trust your good behavior" Lena was almost sure Beakley eyed her suspiciously. She couldn't blame the housekeeper, she was the one to bring chaos more often than not "Anyway, the boys will leave shortly to take Della to the park, laser tag, the movies, a mountain hike among other things, if you wish to say hi before they leave, now is the time"

"Lots of crowded activities there" Lena mentioned with something close to stress in her voice, but it was not her place to tell the triplets what they could do or not do with their mother on that day of all dates.

"Indeed" Beakley nodded with a similar feel. Perhaps other than Lena, the one person that closely took notice of all of Della's triggers was the former spy "anyhow, you better run along if you do want to see them before they are off"

"It's fine, the boys have been looking forward to this all month, I don't want to take their time with their mom" Webby said breezily.

Lena tightened her fist out of reflex, as if scolding herself for a thought that crossed her mind. She swallowed and moved her hand to shove something inside her pocket "Right, we'll catch up with them later"

Beakley raised a brow, the little gesture the teen had made didn't go unnoticed, but she didn't call her out on it "Very well, have fun girls" Mrs. Beakley was about to leave when three dashes of different colors raced down the hall to the main entrance as the triplets dragged Della to the door.

"Careful children!" Beakley called.

"Sorry! No time to lose!" Dewey called over his shoulder.

"Woah- Hey girls!" Della waved as she was pushed towards the exit.

"Bye Della!" Webby made big arm gestures.

Lena took a step forward as if about to call for them, but she just let her arms fall down at her sides as Della was taken out of the house. Their gazes met just for a brief second before Della and the boys were gone.

Violet raised a brow at her sister "Didn't you want to give-?"

"We'll just catch up another day" Lena cut her off before turning to Webby "So? What's the plan?"

True to their word, they stood out of trouble for the most part, but eventually ever so enthusiastic Violet and Webby decided to roam through the restricted books about mysticism and misunderstood magic and Lena just had to go along to make sure they wouldn't run into something actually dangerous.

"Say, can a moonstone really hoard enough power to cast a location spell?" Violet asked.

"Easily" Lena said as she scrolled through her phone "tracking and locating spells are not hard in nature but it's the ingredients that are a real pain to find. You really don't want to know all the things I had to do to get something with Scrooge's essence imprinted in it" Lena rolled her eyes "once he became more of a public figure all I had to do was turn on the TV to see the Richest Duck in the world"

"Can you use your magic to locate anyone?!" Webby leaned in attentively, forgetting about personal space, not that Lena wasn't used to it by now.

"Well, sort of? That's probably the spell I've practiced most in my life, actually" she admitted "Aun- Magica made me perform it a lot before, she always gave me some black feathers but not once told me what I was looking for, which makes the search all the more difficult. If you have a sort of image or connection to the one you are looking for, it's a stronger spell. But Magica liked keeping her secrets, she just assumed I'll be a vessel suitable enough to find whomever or whatever she was tracking with those raven feathers"

Violet pondered for a moment "So, per say, if I gave you the blanket I was wrapped in as a child when left in the orphanage, would you be able to track my biological mother?"

The silence filled with shock and surprise extended through the room as the other two looked at her.

"...Would you want me to, Vi?" Lena asked softly. The hummingbird had never talked about this before and of course Indy and Ty had told the story of how they adopted her when she was five or so, but before that time, her sister's past was still a mystery.

"Not really, it was a purely theoretical question" she explained "I know my biological parents are alive somewhere, I just wanted to understand the range a tracking spell might have"

Lena rubbed the back of her neck "Okay, so...yeah, maybe the blanket would help, but only if it was in direct contact with them for a long time or if it emotionally meant something" she said "In reality, it would be a safer bet to have one of your feathers or hairs for the spell, because you are someone that was linked directly to them"

"But it would only work if they had affection towards me, correct? So it wouldn't be viable"

Lena winced, she didn't like the way she phrased it or the idea that Violet thought her biological mother didn't love her to any extent. After living with the purple bird, she couldn't even imagine someone not liking her, Violet was her sister after all and in her own way, she was one of the most caring people she had ever met.

"It...would be a weak spell if there was no...attachment" Lena tried to choose her words carefully, not knowing how much of a touchy subject it could be.

"Interesting" Violet hummed, turning her attention back to a book but Lena could see something there, under her calm and stoic face.

Even Webby could sense it and was debating on whether or not she should offer a hug since Violet didn't express much of her feelings through physical displays.

"Our friendship bracelets, though" Lena began "those are fully loaded, each one has that incantation in it" she admitted "you are all the closest people I have to my heart -or whatever I have instead of that- so that's basically why when one of you is in distress I just appear, because I know exactly where you are and I'm drawn towards you. I did it just as assurance that I could be there if you needed me" she shrugged "Now that I say that out loud, maybe I should have asked before if you were okay with me putting a magical GPS on those, but-"

"You beautiful idiot!" Webby launched into a hug "you considerate and soft soul" she cuddled into her arms "that's so sweet, you used your magic to have a way of protecting us"

Lena shrugged embarrassedly "Well of course I did, that's basically all I ever do with it anyways"

That only melted Webby's heart even more.

Violet smiled at her sister, she just had openly admitted how much of a softy she was, as Webbigail liked to put it, but it also showed how much she cared. How if either of them was ever missing, she could easily track them. She had proved to Violet that she was someone worthy of love and affection that she would never abandon, and that she meant so much to her as a sister that she was one of her strongest bonds.

"Thank you, Lena" she said "know for sure, if you were missing, we would easily find you as well, even with just a threat of your sweater it would be enough to cast a spell, because it would remind us of you"

Lena felt moved as well. She shrugged looking away "Yeah, whatever" she mumbled "thanks, nerd" she smirked, ready to change the mood "well, how about I teach you how to make that spell?"

"Yes!"

"Agreed!"

By the time the sun was down, the door opened letting in four very worn out ducks.

"That...was...awesome!" Dewey said each word tiredly before face planting into the floor, falling asleep instantly.

"It was truly an amazing day" Della scooped the boy up "thank you so much for all you did for me today"

"Thank you for all you've done for us too" Huey smiled kindly, there was more to the phrase, it was a thank you for not giving up for a decade, for actually coming back.

"There's nothing I wouldn't do for my kids" Della grinned softly "Now come on, let's get you to bed" she tucked them in, staying by their side even after they had fallen asleep. She took a moment to reflect how lucky she was, how much it meant to be there, to be able to have them right in front of her.

"I love you all" she kissed their foreheads before quietly leaving the room to let them rest.

As soon as she turned the corner, she found Mrs. Beakley holding out a steamy cup for her "This should agree with you nicely"

Della chuckled, not even surprised to see her or the mug in front of her "Thank you Mrs. B" she removed two cotton balls from her ears before taking it "a little trick to drown some noise" she said.

"Resourceful"

"I couldn't disappoint the boys" she smirked, taking a drink, immediately feeling her shoulders drop and the tension leave. She had enjoyed the day of course, but at the same time it had been a real quest to stay focused and centered. The noise, the brightness and the people around her were all overwhelming, but through enough exposure she had learned to take it all, just not for such long amounts of time.

"How was everything here?" she asked, easing up, enjoying some casual conversation.

"Well, Mr. Scrooge took your brother on a fishing trip, they haven't come back yet"

"Meh, I would expect them to return tomorrow, who knows what they've got themselves into?" she teased "I'm glad they had some time to hang out together"

"Indeed, it was a nice gesture on your Uncle's behalf"

"Yeah" They reached the main hall "By the way, Mrs. B" Della se the cup down as she fished some tickets out of her pocket "I got you these" she extended them "there's an exposition on the botanic garden, all sorts of flowers and exotic plants will be there, thought you might enjoy the exhibit"

The English Duck took those looking at Della quizzically and surprised "I appreciate the thought, but how did you know I have an interest in this?"

Della huffed waving a hand "Please! Remember when as a kid I jumped from the balcony with some faulty flying invention and crash landed into the roses? After you pulled me out of there and took care of my scratches, you scolded me for my reckless behaviour and for ruining the plants. We spent a whole week knee's deep in the dirt planting new flowers. You told me all about them" Della said with naturality.

"You remember that?"

"Of course, I think it was the first time we did something together"

Suddenly Beakley felt something tingering in her chest. Della and Donald spent basically all their childhoods at the manor and as much as Beakley had to scold and ground them, she was still, in a way, the only person that took care of that part of their upbringing.

"Thank you, Della," she gazed at the two tickets.

"No problem! I'm sure Webby will love it too"

"Perhaps...you would like to come instead?" she said gently "let's see how much of what I taught you, you still remember" she smiled gently and Della realized Beakley knew exactly why she had given them to her on that day in particular.

"I...yeah, I'd like that," she admitted, smirking shyly, avoiding her gaze. Just then, she felt Beakley's arms wrap in a hug.

Della leaned into the embrace, closing her eyes "Thanks" she mumbled.

After a moment, the older duck patted her back "Now come on, off you go, you must be tired"

"Yeah, it was a long and wonderful day"

"I'm sure of it" she gently pushed her on her room's direction.

As Della reached it, she found her curtains were now closed, providing the much needed darkness and quiet she needed. She didn't recall having time that morning to set her room back into her definition of normal and Donald hadn't even touched those, so had Beakley been the one to enter her room?

And just as she approached her bed, she found a little box lying over her pillow. There was no card on it, so she thought maybe it was Scrooge's, but then she opened it.

The smile softly took over her beak as she hugged the little present against her chest.

"Girls! Mr. Sabrewing just called, they are stuck in traffic, they should arrive in 45 minutes!" she heard Beakley's voice from the other side "Also, he says you should have picked up your phones!"

"Sorry Tea Time! We ran out of battery taking some videos!"

"We will star packing our belonging so there is no further delay, Mrs. Beakley"

"Alright then"

Della took the opportunity, now that she knew the person she wanted to see was still in the manor. She followed the commotion of voices, finding the girls at the library picking up candles and pieces of chalk. Just as she was about to walk in, Violet made a question that froze her death on her tracks, right behind the door.

"Lena, why did you considered Magica your Aunt?"

There was a long pause and Della wanted to sneak in a peek, if only to read the expression on her face, see how she was handling the bold question.

"What do you mean?" Lena asked, her tone was cautious, but not hurt.

"I mean, why did you draw that conclusion -or rather- did she allow you to use the term or was it you who suggested it?"

Lena took a pause, roaming through her own thoughts and memories to try and articulate an answer "It's...complicated" she offered before taking a deep breath, it helped that Webby grabbed her hand, she always knew when she needed the support. Talking wasn't always easy, but she had learned that keeping quiet was not a solution either. Small breaths, one word at a time, baby steps. She exhaled "I'm the one that decided to call her that, she just gave up and let me do it since I became sentient, I guess that way she could keep me in check, playing the card of my family meant I was bound to be on her side"

"But...why an Aunt, why not...?" Violet didn't have it in her to finish the sentence.

"Why didn't I picture her as my mother?" she provided, the bitterness found it's way onto her words and almost into her heart.

"...Yes" Violet admitted.

Lena chuckled dryly "I don't know" she gazed down, pressing Webby's hand "I guess...I did for a while, at the beginning" she shrugged "I mean, I wasn't precisely her flesh and blood, but next best thing considering I came out of her shadow. I was, in a way, directly her descendant and...as far as I could understand it, that made me her daughter" it felt sour to say it, like the feeling she would get on her tongue after using black magic "But...I wasn't...quite like her" she shrugged into herself "There was a relation between us but it wasn't as strong to be direct, which meant next best thing to describe it was...was like an Aunt"

Webby gently squeezed her shoulder, but Lena wasn't able to meet her eyes.

"The real messed up thing?" Lena added "I haven't stopped thinking about her all day. Hate her or not, without Magica I wouldn't be here today. I endured the worst because of her but... but it's all worth it because of all the great things I have now, for all the people in my life. So, I'm...I'm happy she made me. I don't care that I was her shadow or the fact that I still am just that -a shadow-, I'm...I'm my own person"

Della had to physically put a hand over her mouth to prevent herself from crying. Her chest was swelling with pride at Lena's words, at how far she had come to be able to say that out loud.

On the other side of the door, the two smaller girls wrapped Lena on a hug, that was a milestone right there, the open acceptance of her existence was a victory like no other

"We love you, Lena"

"I know" Lena hugged back "I really know you mean it"

The sound of sniffling was the only thing Della heard afterwards, which was fitting given that she was also at that stage. She decided to leave the girls be, that moment was theirs after all, so she turned around and walked aimlessly, only focusing on the small box, taking the gift out and putting it on. It was a little detail, an accessory, but Della knew it meant a lot more than that, she had seen it and now she was part of the club, per say.

"Della?" she heard a voice call, she turned to find Lena standing there, looking dumbfounded to see her there.

"Hey, Kiddo" she turned around doing a last effort to wipe her eyes "I-I thought you were with the girls?"

"Thought you were with the boys"

Della chuckled "We came back half an hour ago, they are all asleep"

"Must have been really busy day" Lena offered a small smirk, knowing that the exterior was still a challenge at times.

Della nodded "What about you, why are you in the hallway?"

Lena rubbed the back of her neck "I... just needed a moment, felt like taking a little walk, ended up here"

"Got it" Della nodded, she didn't need to explain further, it must have been a lot at once to admit what she just had moments ago.

Lena awkwardly stood there fumbling with her feathers when her eyes caught sight of something in Della's wrist.

"You- you found it" she pointed at the friendship bracelet she had made her. It was Della's signature blue and brown to match perfectly with her outfit.

"Yeah" Della passed a thumb over the present "I wasn't sure I would find you today to thank you for it" there was a small silence, because the gift was all the more meaningful because Lena had decided to give it to her that of all days, but neither found a way to address it "So I'm part of the little club now, right?" Della smirked playfully, managing to make the teen smile.

"Yeah, all of them have a protection spell casted to keep anyone from cursing you, comes in handy when Louie grabs pieces of gold from catacombs"

Della chuckled "That's true"

"It... it also has a location spell" she said softly, averting her eyes "as long as it's with you, we will always be able to find you..."

Della felt something hit her guts raw, remembering the ten years she had been in plain sight, with a clear view of the target where she wanted to be but couldn't reach out to call. This little piece of colorful intertwined threats guaranteed that she would never be missing again.

Della placed it against her chest "Thanks, honey" she said earnestly "it's... it's perfect, thank you" she said again, pulling her in for a hug.

Lena was taken aback for an instant before she willed her body to move and embrace her as well "Welcome" she closed her eyes, sighing slowly. Being under Della's embrace always made her feel like it was alright to let her guard down. Magica never made her feel that way. Having the witch in her shadow meant she always had to look over her shoulder, careful not to slip or show weakness. Not once in over 15 years she had the right to let her guard down. But now, she had learned it was alright to let other people in. And Della was one of the few that had seen past her facade to find Lena's true core.

And Della knew it. She too felt it as she cuddled the teen against her chest. She could tell how her posture relaxed and she showed no resistance to be held. The way she even yearned to be cared for. Della couldn't imagine how anyone could be so horrible to such a gentle soul.

By the time they broke apart there was the topic neither could find a way to address. Lena took a step back swallowing the knot, looking at the tip of her shoes.

"I have a family" she finally said "I-I have two dads" she struggle to find the words "But...but I never had a mother"

Della smiled moved "I have three sons but...I never had a daughter"

Lena timidly tried to meet her eyes, only to find Della looking at her lovingly.

The shadow took half a step before launching at the pilot's arms, hugging her tight.

Della wrapped her in arms, kissing the top of her head "I love you, honey"

If anything could be said about that day, it was that it reminded them all that family came in different shapes and sizes. That sometimes, being cared for and being shown affection could make the difference in the world. That some couldn't help to choose who would raise them or who they would be tied to by blood, but that didn't mean they couldn't look for people to call a family of their own. Because having others that loved you so unconditionally was definitely their greatest strength.

I really wanted to get this chapter out before the big SERIES FINALE! (I'm not ready for it, not one bit)

Thanks for reading