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But they’re larva! Jace realized his plate was piled high with the creamy, yellow, yolky things. There was nowhere to push them on the plate. And, to be honest, he couldn’t imagine eating anything else.

But you were enjoying them, Khoth pointed out. They are highly nutritious and–

If I vomit them out, I get no nutrition from them! Forcing himself not to dry heave, Jace swallowed again and said, My stomach hurts. I need Twizzlers.

No, no, you do not. Khoth was frowning rather adorably. Those are filled with sugar and artificial flavors and colors–

Yes, they’re safe! No larva anywhere near them! Jace swallowed again. Safe, safe lab created food. Nothing natural in them at all! I need them. And pretzels with cheese dip. Oh, and nachos. And then some Skittles would be good and–

Nothing on that list contains anything of any nutritional value, Khoth frowned.

If it’s made of space paste it does! Jace couldn’t believe he was arguing for space paste.

Khoth considered that. Perhaps, but you should develop your palate. There will be many new foods for you to discover on our journeys.

True, but not larva. I draw the line at larva!

His mother was eating her larva seemingly happily. He was glad she hadn’t asked Khoth what it was yet. The sunlight played in her hair and glinted in her eyes as she lifted them to smile at them both. They were sitting in the garden outside of the bedroom where Khoth’s parents had their fight, but there was no fighting this time around. He set his plate to the side. He wasn’t eating any more.

“So… you both look incredibly well after the battles here. I can’t tell you how–how happy and relieved I am about that,” she said, those emotions ringing in her voice.

Jace grinned at her. Of course, he hadn’t forgotten about the dangers they’d gone through or the losses they’d suffered, but since mating with Khoth those things had faded a little bit. But his mother had no idea about that. She just thought he had been resting and recovering after everything, not starting his own family.

A House that needs selchitte! He thought happily.

“Your father explained that you were cut off from the Osiris by the Khul. Are you…” She reached for his temple, but stopped short of touching him. “Are you injured from that, Jace?”

“No, I’m good.” He glanced over at Khoth, unable to help the bright smile as he looked at his mate. “I’m more than good.”

He would have wanted to tell his Mom and Dad together about him and Khoth, but his parents might not be in the same place at the same time. And he didn’t want to hide this. Definitely not from her.

Khoth, I want to tell her. Can I? He asked.

Of course, I wish your mother to know.

There’s a “but” there, Khoth. What are you afraid of?

Khoth lowered his head slightly. That she will not approve. Even my basic understanding of human mores tells me that what we have done would be considered hasty, at best.

Hasty? Yeah. But the moment my parents saw one another, they never left one another. People would joke that my parents were the epitome of love at first sight, Jace explained. She’ll understand. Or, at least, she won’t be as against it as a normal human might.

Khoth appeared thoughtful. Perhaps it is because of their Altaeth blood. They might be mates.

If any couple are mates, it’s them. At least for humans. Partial humans, Jace agreed. So are you good about us doing this?

Yes. I am.

So Jace reached over and took one of Khoth’s hands in his. He threaded their fingers together. He felt Khoth’s surprise and shyness despite his agreement to the reveal. It was a sign of affection in front of outsiders, even though his mother was not really an outsider. For her part, his mother watched the movement with a carefully neutral expression. She then lifted her eyes to his.

“So you’re very good?” A smile twitched on her lips.

She likely thought that they were dating. Maybe she even guessed that they’d had sex. Celebrating life after so much death was something she and his father had done in times past. He still wasn’t sure how she’d take to the mating thing. Humans really didn’t do that.

But I’m not human. She isn’t either. Oh, man, I’ve got to tell her that as well, Jace realized.

Do you wish to abort this? Khoth asked.

No, no, I need to tell her before someone else does. Can’t you see Amana breaking out with it? Jace asked.