And just like that, it was over.
 
Eleven months seemed like a long time when Firefly first decided to become a surrogate. But even though all the cravings, kicks, media attention, and mood swings, it all went by in an instant. It was a fun and easy pregnancy, one that Firefly was almost sad was over.
 
But the labor, that was a pain in the crotch…literally. A full 20 hours of pain and struggling, but it felt more like 20 days. She was glad that was over. But nevertheless, one look at the healthy, bright-eyed baby that came out of her made it all worth it.
 
Firefly watched the proud fathers hold their little Bedbug and coo over her. She was so happy for them. They’d been wanting this for a long time, she knew. They would make amazing parents. And she was honored to give them that opportunity.
 
But that baby had been inside her for almost a year. She’d felt her kicks and her heartbeat as she grew, and she’d done all sorts of fun things with her. Bedbug had practically become a part of her during that time, and Firefly couldn’t deny she’d miss that. But now she was born; it was time for Bedbug to go home with her fathers, and time for Firefly to go back to her usual, childfree life. The prospect of that wasn’t as exciting as it used to be.
 
Firefly knew this day was coming; she’d prepared herself for it for months. She knew she’d have to give the baby up right after giving birth, and seeing the family together, she wouldn’t have had it any other way. But damn, what she’d give for her own baby to take home. At least she got to be this one’s cool aunt.
 
“Hey, bro-cuz?” Firefly piped up. “You’re taking her home soon, right?”
 
“Yes,” Ambrosia nodded. “As soon as we get a few more papers signed, we’re ready.”
 
“Yeah, uh, can I…have a minute alone with her before you go?”
 
Ambrosia and Hawk exchanged a knowing glance. “Of course,” they passed the baby into Firefly’s arms. “We’ll be out in the hall.”
 
As the two stallions left the room, Firefly looked down at the baby cradled in her forelegs. She had so much to say she didn’t even know where to begin. Bedbug wouldn’t even remember this, but Firefly didn’t care. She just wanted to spend one last moment with the baby she’d created.
 
“My god, you’re so beautiful,” she finally said. “I did a damn good job with you, huh? Your dads owe me big time.”
 
The baby wiggled her legs and began cooing, a sight that instantly melted the mare’s heart.
 
“Look at that, you even have my leg holes,” she joked. “You’re the cutest baby ever, aren’t you Bugsy? Aren’t you?”
 
Firefly heard Hawk and Ambrosia talking outside and looked back at the baby, knowing their time together was nearing its end.
 
“Well, we had tons of fun together, didn’t we? Lots of Twizzlers, lots of Sex and the City, good times with your cool Aunt Fly. And your dads said I could be your babysitter so we can keep doing all those things. And we’ll invite Bedlam! Just don’t tell your dads what we watch, deal?” She smiled, but felt a lump growing in her throat.
 
“Your dads are such amazing stallions, you know that? They’ve been waiting for you for ages, they’re gonna be great dads. And I hope you never forget how lucky they are to have you. They better tell you every day ‘cause if they don’t, I’ll kick their asses…” she swallowed hard as her voice began to quaver.
 
At this, Bedbug’s little face scrunched up as she began to cry, destroying Firefly’s chances of staying strong herself. The tears forming in her eyes began to spill over as her own emotions came in full swing.
 
“S-stop, fuck, you’re gonna make me cry too…”
 

 
“Hey. Gal.”
 
“What?”
 
“Let’s make our own baby.”
 
“Firefly, it’s 3 am. You gave birth literally yesterday. Go to sleep.”
 
“I don’t care. I want a baby.”
 
“Fine. But you have to be the father because I’m not putting up with all of that from you again.”