The Gift

by KrisAlmighty

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Sad, Coco Pommel, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike, Rarity, Romance, Fancypants
Length: 5533

Spike and Rarity struggle to come to grips with the fact that they can't have children together.

A week after learning that it's impossible for Spike and Rarity to have a foal together, the purple dragon struggles to keep Rarity from becoming depressed, while also dealing with his own feelings on the matter. A chance encounter with a friend might be the answer to their prayers.

Published 2015-10-14 13:50:03 UTC
Last updated 2015-10-14 13:50:03 UTC

The Gift

“I’m going out, Rarity. Do you want me to pick you up anything?”

Spike stood at the door, awaiting his wife’s response. A stifling silence echoed throughout Carousel Boutique, the still air ringing Spike’s ears. He thought it was odd. He and Rarity could hear each other perfectly fine throughout their home. Still, he knew how much she could get caught up in her work. Maybe that was why she hadn’t answered him.

“Rarity? Do you need anything from the market?”

Again, nothing. Sure, there were times that Rarity got so engulfed in one of her projects that she subconsciously tunned out what was going on around her, but she never outright ignored anypony, especially him. Spike heaved a sigh and trudged up the stairs, deciding he would find out what exactly it was that was causing Rarity’s silence.

He came upon Rarity’s ‘workshop’, as she called it; the largest room (besides of course the downstairs) that had her mannequins, sewing machine, knitting needles, yarn, and more fabric than Spike could count. The room was neatly arranged, and that puzzled Spike because he knew full well that Rarity had a client coming by in two days time to pick up a large order. By this time Rarity ought to be hard at work, but by Spike’s reckoning nobody had been inside the room today, let alone work in it. Very odd…

There came a dripping then, causing Spike’s ears to swivel towards the sound. It came of course from the bathroom. The door was slightly ajar, with the lights off. Spike came over looked into the bathroom. Rarity must not have turned the tub’s faucet tightly enough when she was done with her shower, he thought to himself. Spike made his way over to the bathroom, opening the door and flicking on the light, and to his surprise he saw that it was not the tub’s faucet that was dripping, but the sink’s. Actually the bathroom was in the same shape as the workshop; spotless.

“Okay,” Spike mumbled, “That’s really weird. Rarity ALWAYS has a shower in the morning.” He knew she hadn’t been in here either, because the mirrors lacked any kind of smudging; when Rarity got out of the shower, she would immediately style her mane, and in order to do that she had to wipe the fog off the mirrors, leaving little smudges that she would clean off later on. But now they were crystal clear, without a single imperfection to them.

“This is too weird…” Spike flicked the lights off and closed the door behind him. He stood there a while, trying to piece together the morning’s oddities and the reasons for them. As he was buried in his thoughts, it came to him then that he hadn’t heard a peep of Rarity at all today. The last he had seen of her was when he got up this morning. He always got up a few hours before she did, so he didn’t think anything of the silence in Carousel Boutique, but the more he thought about he realized he should have been some indication that she had gotten out of bed. As Spike approached the bedroom he and Rarity shared, he suddenly came to a stop, his claw hovering above the doorknob. From behind the door came a resounding, defeated sigh, one that would sap the joy from one’s soul. And that’s just what happened to Spike. He froze, breath held, unsure of what to do before his instincts as a husband kicked in. He stepped through the door, ready to face whatever it was that had befallen his beloved.

What he saw when he opened the door, however, made him wish he had just kept it shut. In bed lay Rarity, looking out the window, but not really looking at anything in particular. Her mane wasn’t brushed, and her mascara hadn’t yet been implied. It was becoming increasingly obvious that she hadn’t been out of bed, and that just made everything worse for Spike. Despite his presence in the room, Rarity gave no indication that she was aware he had entered, her gaze still fixed on the window, as if she were a statue.

“Rarity?” Spike tentatively called to her.

Rarity jumped, gasping sharply. She held a hoof to her chest.

“Goodness me, Spike! Don’t sneak up on me like that!”

So she hadn’t heard him after all.

“Sorry dear. I thought you heard me coming up. I was calling you downstairs, and I guess you hadn’t heard me.”

Rarity’s expression softened. “Oh...so sorry, Spike. My mind was elsewhere…”

Rarity looked down to the ground, her eyes glazing over a bit. Spike frowned. He hated seeing her like this. Spike took a step towards the bed, taking a position next to his wife, and wrapped a large foreleg around her.

“Talk to me, Rares. I can’t seeing you like this.”

Rarity sighed, again making Spike’s heart drop. “I know...I’m sorry, my love. It’s just…” Rarity struggled to find the words she needed. Thankfully Spike knew all too well what it was ailing Rarity, so he spoke up to finish her thought.

“You really want a foal.”

Rarity looked up at Spike, smiling sadly. “Yes...very much, Spike…”

Spike hugged Rarity close to him, feeling her tremble under him. It had been about a week since they had made a trip to Ponyville hospital to inquire about the possibilities of starting a family. Spike and Rarity’s friends had told them they ought to prepare for the worst, as hybrid species were a rarity in and out of Equestria. Rarity had assured them that she was ready for such a possibility, but had a “good feeling” about their chances. Sadly, the diagnosis was that dragon and pony DNA was simple not compatible, and that it was impossible for Rarity and Spike to have children of their own. Not even magic could help them, Twilight found out, as either Spike or Rarity would need to alter their entire genetic make-up, effectively swapping their species. According to the books there had been a few attempts here and there through the years, but none of them were successful. The bottom line was that magic and science were not meant to intermingle.

The news hit Rarity especially hard. She had dreamt of having a family of her own since she was a filly, and years of caring for Sweetie Belle had only fed that desire. Now it was impossible for her to fulfill that dream, because she had fallen in love with a dragon. It was like some kind of cruel joke with the worst kind of punchline.

Rarity fought back tears as Spike held her. She was trying to be strong, for Spike, for Sweetie, for her friends, but it was hard. All of her friends had families of their own now. Twilight had her son and daughter, Rainbow Dash her son, Pinkie with two colts and already talking about having another, Applejack her daughter, and Fluttershy had her twins and step-son. It was hard, so very hard not to resent them. It made Rarity feel awful. Today had just been too much, and it hadn’t even began.

As Rarity tried to hold herself together, Spike did his best to comfort his wife. He knew the pain all too well, it just seemed he was better and burying it. Rarity buried herself in Spike’s chest, and let a few hot tears escape as Spike wrapped his tail around her.

“It’s okay, Rarity.” He spoke softly, stroking her mane, hoping it would soothe her. “It’s okay to hurt.”

“Oh Spike…” Rarity wiped her tears away. “Is it wrong for me to want something I can’t have? Is it selfish?”

Spike pulled himself away from Rarity and looked into her eyes. She looked back.

“No.” He said firmly. “It’s not. You’re the most unselfish pony I’ve ever met, Rarity. You only want what you deserve.” He bowed his head. “I just wish I could give it to you…”

Rarity put her hooves on Spike’s face and brought it up to hers. The couple looked at each other in sad understanding for a few long seconds. Rarity smiled weakly at Spike, planting a small kiss on his cheek. “We’re just a mess today, aren’t we darling?”

Spike chuckled solemnly, nodding his head. “No doubt about it.” Spike nuzzled Rarity, and she hummed receptively. She took a depth breath, let it out slow, and wiped away the last remnants of her tears.

“I’m terribly sorry, Spikey. I ought to be better at managing myself rather than collapsing on you in despair.”

“Hey, what’re husbands for? Besides, it wouldn’t be you if there wasn’t a bit of drama every few hours.”

Rarity huffed. “You lout! I think you might be sleeping on the couch tonight, my dear husband.”

Spike chuckled, know Rarity was kidding as he was, and very much glad he was able to get her out of her depressed state of mind, at least for the time being. He had a feeling that the coming weeks would be a defining moment in their marriage. But he would think about that later. Right now he would worry about the present. Spike crawled off the bed behind Rarity, stretching his joints from the awkward position he had been in the last few minutes.

“Now, you had called me, Spike?” Rarity inquired, apparently having read Spike’s mind.

“Yeah, I was about to head to the market, and I was wondering if you needed anything?”

“Oh no, I’m fine darling. But thank you ever so much for thinking to ask.” Spike nodded his head with a smile. Rarity began heading to the bathroom, now intent on getting her day underway, Spike tailing her closely, heading towards the stairs. Before Rarity stepped through the bathroom’s door Spike intercepted her, and planted his lips on hers in a quick kiss that caught Rarity off-guard.

“I’ll be back soon. I love you.”

Rarity blushed from the sudden act of intimacy. “I love you too, Spikey Wikey.” And with that Spike made his way downstairs. He heard the bathroom door close behind him, and the shower started up shortly after as he walked out of Carousel Boutique. Autumn had made its claim on Ponyville. The Running of the Leafs would be happening within the next few days, so the citizens were getting a treat of seeing their lovely trees in all sorts of warm colours, something that wasn’t so common for them. Spike himself enjoyed the scenery very much. It helped calm him, and after the morning’s events it was a welcome sight.

Spiked continued on his way to the market, waving politely at a few friendly ponies here and there that wished him a good day. He wasn’t as famous as the Elements, and for that he was thankful, because he knew all too well what fame could be like, but it was nice to be noticed every now and then for his contributions to Equestria. As he passed Sugarcube Corner Spike smelt the sweet smell of freshly made pumpkin pie, another thing he loved about the fall season. No doubt Pinkie was getting ready for the upcoming rush Autumn brought with it. He thought that he might stop by and pick one up on his way back. That would help cheer Rarity up.

Approaching town square, Spike could make out the sounds of busy-bodied ponies and their customers trotting about the booths. Farmers Markets were another of Autumn’s gifts to the small city. Ponies from all across Equestria came to sell their goods, and the simple truth was that you just couldn’t beat something homemade, not by a long shot.

Spike rounded the corner to the town’s square, mind lost in his little daydream, when…

“OOF!”

He ran smack into another pony when he wasn’t paying attention.

“I’m so sorry. I was so distracted, I didn’t see you there.” Spike stood up and dusted himself off, cheeks red from embarrassment. Getting scolded was just what he needed right now.

“Not a problem, old boy! I’d say it was my fault. I hurried over to say hello so fast, I practically plowed into you!”

Spike froze. He knew that voice. He looked to the side, and even though he knew who he was going to find there, it didn’t make him feel any less surprised.

“Fancy Pants!” Spike exclaimed happily. Fancy Pants got on his hooves and straightened himself out, chuckling to himself. He stuck a pose looking skyward proudly.

“In the flesh.” Spike chuckled a bit himself at the display. Same old Fancy. The socialite stallion held his hoof out to Spike, who shook it eagerly. “Wonderful to see you, Spike my boy. It’s been far too long.”

“Ditto. You’re looking good. Using a new face cream?” Spike smirked deviously..

“Why yes. Would you like it some? Those wrinkles could use a touch up.”

That surprised Spike. Fancy wasn’t known to be sassy, but it seemed he was more than capable when he wanted to. The two shared a laugh together, like the man-childs they knew they were on the inside.

“So what brings you to Ponyville anyway, Fancy? Looking for something in the market?” Spike and Fancy began walking to the square beside each other.

“Yes indeed! I’m on the hunt for some cinnamon scented candles. You would think they would have some back home in Canterlot, but you’d be sorely disappointed.”

“Hmmm.” Spiked hummed, thinking if might know where some candles might be. “How’s Coco?”

Fancy smiled dreamily like a schoolyard colt. “Coco is simply wondrous, my boy. Her boutique opened last month and it’s been a hit in the circles.”

Spike was happy to hear that. Fancy and Coco Pommel had met each other a few years back when Rarity opened her Manehattan boutique, and with a little help from Rarity they hit it off spectacularly. Their wedding had taken place over the summer, and it was a grand event. Spike and Rarity had been invited as the best man and maid of honour respectively, and since then the couples had kept in touch with each other, but unfortunately because of work they hadn’t had a chance to all get together since the wedding. Spike and Fancy approached a booth selling homemade honey, and Spike bought two jars.

“And what of you and madam Rarity, Spike?”

Spike mentally tripped. He didn’t want to spoil his and Fancy’s meeting by telling him that Rarity nearly had a breakdown this morning.

“Oh, you know. Same old, same old.”

“Marvellous! She was always such a magnificent mare, if you don’t mind my saying. Good to hear that everything going well for the two of you.”

Spike felt a pang of guilt in his stomach. He didn’t like lying, especially to his friends. Fancy didn’t seem to notice, and he continued to walk beside the purple dragon, eyes scanning the booths for the candles.

“By the way,” Fancy took a step closer to Spike, lowering his voice a bit so only the dragon would hear him. “Coco and I have been wondering, how are you and madam Rarity faring in trying for a foal?”

Spike stopped walking then, catching Fancy Pants off guard. The dragon’s smile faded from his face and his gaze was fixed on the ground. Fancy cringed, realizing he must have crossed some kind of line without intending to.

“I’m sorry, Spike. I hadn’t meant to pry, please don’t be-”

“Rarity and I can’t have a foal together.” Spike said robotically. Everything seemed to get quiet between Fancy Pants and Spike. Ponies walked past them to go about their business in the square, some giving them odd looks, but no one bumped into them or said anything. Fancy’s mouth opened in shock. He definitely hadn’t been expecting that answer. He tried to say something, anything that might excuse the awkward situation, but all he could do was mummble some gibberish.

“Spike...my word, I’m so sorry. Had I known, I would never have…”

Spike chuckled quietly to himself, looking up at the Canterlot stallion. “Don’t worry about it, Fancy. You couldn’t have known. You don’t have to apologize for anything.”

That didn’t make Fancy feel much better. “But...what about magic? Surely princess Twilight could assist in the field?”

Spike sighed. He sat down on his behind and gave Fancy the full rundown of what Twi had told him and Rarity, about how the magic that could give them a foal of their own was possible in theory, but that if it were actually attempted there was no way of knowing what would happen to the pony, or in this case dragon, once the spell began to take effect on their body. Fancy listened intently, his expression shifting from incredulity to remorse as Spike moved on to tell him the effect the news had on Rarity. He told him about the morning’s events, how Rarity had become most unlike herself, and how it weighed on his mind. When Spike had finished his expression, Fancy put a comforting hoof on his friend’s shoulder.

“My boy, I am so very sorry. Who could think the world could be so cruel to two individuals such as you and madam Rarity, after all you’ve done for Equestria. It’s simple not right.”

Spike smiled, grateful for Fancy’s kind words. “Thanks, Fancy. I...I don’t mean to dump all of this on you.”

“Nonsense! One should not have to bear a burden such as this alone. I’m glad you told me all of this, Spike, truly.” That helped Spike feel a bit better about everything. “But tell me, have you considered adoption as an option?”

Spike nodded. “Yeah, we thought about it for a bit, but...well, Rarity would love to give a little one a good home and all, but she really wants a foal of her own, you know?”

Fancy nodded. Adopting a foal was a wonderful thing for a pony to do, but it really wasn’t the same as having one’s own to call their own.

“Well...I suppose that is quite the situation you’ve found yourself in, Spike. I should hope I never find myself in a similar one.”

“Thanks.” Spike responded with a sarcastic edge. Fancy seemed poised to apologize for what he thought was poor wording on his part, but Spike held a claw up, telling him that he understood what he meant. Fancy smiled appreciatively.

“What else are friends for besides swapping our sorrows, eh?

Spike laughed honestly at that. Laughter truly was the greatest medicine it would seem. Spike sat back. “Thanks again, Fancy. I think I’ve needed this for a while now.”

“It was my pleasure, my good man. We’ve got to stick together through this rough and tumble life.”

“No kidding. Well, I had best get going. Rarity was really looking forward to this honey, and you know what they say about keeping a lady waiting.” Of course, Spike had come to get a few more things from the market, but right now all he wanted to do was get back to Rarity and make sure she was still holding up. Fancy nodded his approval, walking alongside the dragon once more, before he stopped again, gaining Spike’s attention.

“Spike, if there’s anything, anything at all Coco and I could do for you and madam Rarity, please, don’t hesitate to ask. After all you’ve done for us, we’d be more than happy to help.”

Spike smiled again and clapped Fancy on the back in thanks, winding the stallion and displacing his monocle. “You’re just in the buttering mood, aren’t you?”

Fancy coughed a bit and readjusted his eyewear. “Just being a good friend.” He wheezed, but Spike was apparently oblivious.

“Well thanks. Again.” Spike stepped ahead of Fancy in the direction of where he had entered the square. “Don’t be a stranger, Fancy.” Spike continued forward without looking back at his friend.

Fancy waved good-bye to the purple dragon. “Wouldn’t dream of it, my boy. Send my regards to madam Rarity, if you please!”

Spike gave a thumbs up to Fancy before he turned the corner where they had ran into each other, disappearing from Fancy’s sight. Fancy turned to head back into the market, but paused. He looked back behind him where Spike had been seconds ago, his face creased in worry. The dragon’s tale of woe had stricken Fancy Pants. He wanted to do something, anything to help his friends. And then, in an instant Fancy had a sort of epiphany, his demeanor shifting from worry to triumph. He had the solution to this soden situation. Picking himself back up, Fancy Pants galloped away from the market in the direction of Ponyville’s train station. He would find the candles another day, right now there was more pressing matters to attend to.

= = =

Spike and Rarity were sitting quietly on the floor together, Rarity with her nose deep in one of her romance novels, while Spike was curled around her, head resting on hers as he scanned the book’s paragraphs with mild interest. A pie container sat close by, two slices from being fully consumed. Spike made to grab for one of the slices before Rarity smacked his claw away.

“Ah ah ah! If you think I’m going to brush all those little crumbs out of my mane before bed, you best think again, Spike the Dragon.”

Spike sighed. “Sorry, dear.”

Rarity hummed, returning her attention to her novel, but really she was only pretending to read it. Her mind was elsewhere, thinking over the morning’s events. Part of her wanted to talk with Spike about it, but the other half just wanted to drop the whole thing and move on, but then neither option particularly appeased her, so Rarity tried to put the two thoughts out of her mind.

“Thank you for the pie though, Spikey. It was a delicious treat.”

“No problem, Rares. I’m glad you liked it.” Spike nuzzled into Rarity’s mane, making her blush. The couple sat there for a few minutes in silence, enjoying each other’s presence, the morning events finally off their minds, instead occupied by thoughts of their partner. Spike shifted, resting his head to Rarity’s side so as to look at her directly now.

“You know, I actually ran into Fancy Pants on my way to the market today.”

Rarity looked back at Spike, intrigued by this news. “Really? What was he doing in Ponyville?”

“Told me he was looking for some cinnamon scented candles. Apparently they’re not sold in Canterlot, so he figured he’d try his luck here.”

“Hmm. How very interesting. I hope he was able to find some. How was he besides that?”

“Oh you know. He’s Fancy Pants.” Spike and Rarity laughed together. There really was nopony else quite like Fancy Pants. “He and Coco are doing well, he says. Her boutique’s taken off.”

“Wonderful. I’m happy to hear she’s successful.”

“Too bad we can’t find a time to get together again though. A double date would be a good time.”

“Without a doubt. I’d love to-”

Rarity was interrupted mid-sentence when there came a knocking from the door. She looked over to the grandfather clock, thinking she might have mistakenly closed shop earlier than normal, but that was not the case. She looked back to Spike, who shrugged, just as confused as she was. Sighing, Rarity got to her feet and made her way over to the door, wondering who it could possibly be at this hour.

“I am sorry but we’re closed.”

“We’re not customers, my good lady! We’re friends!”

Rarity stopped in front of the door, puzzled. She knew that voice. Peering through the peephole, and saw that she was indeed right. Rarity swung the door open and instantly jumped to wrap both Fancy Pants and Coco Pommel in a tight embrace.

“Fancy! Coco!” She exclaimed happily, loosening her hold to look between the two of them. “What in Equestria are you both doing in Ponyville at this hour!?”

“Has one a need to visit his dear friends?” Fancy asked.

“Oh! I didn’t mean to-”

“Relax, Rarity. Fancy’s just poking fun.” Coco giggled, snuggling closer to her husband, who nuzzled her affectionately in return. “Actually, we did come for a reason.”

“Indeed! Would you mind if we came in to talk, madam?”

“Oh! But of course. Where are my manners...please! Make yourselves at home.” Rarity stepped aside to hold the door open for her guests. Fancy and Coco walked side by side into Carousel Boutique, and spotted Spike in the living room, looking over at them just as curious as Rarity had been a minute ago.

“Spike!” Coco trotted over to the purple dragon and hugged him. “I haven’t seen you since the wedding! You must’ve been working out since then.” Coco squeezed Spike’s arm, which she found to be quite firm, emphasizing her claim. Spike returned the hug with a chuckle.

“I don’t know what it is with you two and brown nosing,” Rarity shot Spike a glare that could shatter glass, but he paid it no attention. “You’re both just so good at it.”

Coco giggled in response, giving Spike a small peck on the cheek. “Good to see you too, Coco.”

The two couples sat for a moment catching their breath, the excitement of the surprise arrival of Fancy and Coco dying down into an almost awkward silence, but thankfully Rarity had enough sense to keep the pace going.

“I hope I don’t sound rude when I say this, but I must ask, whatever *are* you two doing in Ponyville tonight of all nights?”

Fancy cleared his throat, apparently having prepared the answer to that question long in advance. “Yes, that. Well, Rarity, I must confess; Spike and I had run into each other earlier today, and-”

“Ha! That’s too funny. I was just telling Rares about that when you knocked on the door.” Spike realized then that he had cut Fancy Pants off, and he stifled a cough, embarrassed.

“Is that so? What marvelous timing, eh?” Fancy didn’t seem perturbed over Spike’s butting in, so that made him feel better. “Now, as I was saying, Spike and I ran into each other whilst at the market today, and got to talking when he told me about how…” Fancy paused and took a deep breath, wanting to deliver this next bit as delicately as possible. “...are unable to bear children together.”

A weight was simultaneously dropped in both Rarity and Spike’s stomachs. Spike because he thought Rarity might beat him to pulp for sharing such a thing with a close friend, and Rarity because the last thing she wanted was another of her loved ones worrying about her. Sensing the impending dread between the couple, Fancy soldiered on hurriedly.

“Now, I understand that such a thing ought to stay between husband and wife, but I want to say that I’m glad that you told me, Spike. For I believe I have found a solution to your problem.”

Rarity snapped her gaze towards Fancy, pupils shrunk and mouth agape.

“You...e-excuse me?”

Fancy smiled warmly at the white mare. “That’s right, Rarity. I believe I’ve found a way that you can have your very own foal.”

Rarity was frozen in place. Fancy’s words seemed to make the world stop spinning. Her own foal. HER VERY OWN FOAL. But...HOW!? Neither science nor magic could do it. How in Equestria had Fancy figured it out?

“Perhaps an explanation is due. Coco? Would you join me?”

Coco crossed the room to join her husband once more, their legs intertwining as they gazed into each other’s eyes.

“You see, Spike, when you left to return home, I began to ponder what I could possibly do to help you and Rarity. It came to me in an instant, truly a stroke of brilliance, if I do say so myself.”

Spike and Rarity leaned in, anticipation hanging heavy like a mid-summer storm over the room.

“Coco and I have talked it over with each other, and…”

“Fancy wants to be a donor for you.” Coco finished Fancy’s thought for him, looking back at her husband with more love and pride than she ever had before. Rarity and Spike stared at their guests, breath held and eyes wide. They switched their eyes to each other before going back to Fancy and Coco. They took a second or two to gather their thoughts before speaking up again.

“I...a donor? You...you mean a-”

“Yes, that sort of donor, madam Rarity.”

“But...wouldn’t that mean…”

Fancy sighed. He looked downwards, gaze meeting nopony’s in particular. This was the one, terrible catch to his otherwise master plan. “Yes. That would mean that the child would not be Spike’s.” He looked back up to the Spike apologetically. “I’m sorry, my boy. So very sorry.”

The news was...awkward for Spike to swallow. Here were his friends, two dear friends that came all this way for him and his wife, to solve their problem by breaking the conventions of marriage, all so they could have a foal to call their own. Except it wouldn’t be his...he’d be raising another stallion’s child. Could he do that? Could he love it like it were his own, when he knew full well it wasn’t? That it would never be? Spike began to get a headache from all these questions. What was the answer?

“I...I think we need to have a serious talk about this.” Spike spoke slowly as he turned to Rarity. She noded in agreement, and went into the kitchen, out of sight of Coco and Fancy. Spike began to follow her, but paused to look back at his guests. “You guys don’t mind?”

“Certainly not!”

“Take all the time you need.”

Spike noded, then disappeared behind where Rarity had, leaving Fancy and Coco on their own in the living room. Fancy released a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding, suddenly feeling quite fatigued. Coco propped her head on Fancy’s shoulder, eyes closed in peace.

“I’m very proud of you.” Coco planted a loving kiss under Fancy’s chin. He smiled, grateful for his wife’s affection, especially now.

“Thank you, my love.” Fancy’s gaze return to where Spike and Rarity had disappeared, concerned about what they might be discussing. “Do you think we made the right choice? This whole thing?”

“Yes.” That was all Coco said, and it was all she needed to say to quell Fancy’s unease. Husband and wife waited there for the consensus their friends would reach, prepared for whatever decision they would come to. Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, Spike and Rarity made their way out of the kitchen. As to the verdict they had reached, neither Fancy nor Coco could discern; their faces betrayed nothing, not even the slightest bit of emotion. They took a set beside one another directly across from Fancy and Coco. After they had gotten comfortable, Spike cleared his throat.

“Well. Rarity and I talked it over, and we decided that…”

Rarity took Coco’s hooves in her own, her expression changing instantaneously to one of pleading.

“If you’re sure you’re okay with this...we’d love to have you be the father of our foal.”

Even though they had prepared themselves for such an answer, the shock of actually hearing hadn’t been reduced for either of the two ponies. It took Coco only a second to recover, and before she knew what she was doing, she was nodding her head furiously, tears beginning to form at the corners of her eyes.

“Yes. Yes, of course we’re okay with it. More than okay.”

That did it for Rarity. All of the emotions that had been brewing these last few days, the pain, the sadness, the anger, it all melted away to one thing; joy. She wrapped Coco in the tightest hug she had ever given anypony, one that could put Pinkie Pie to shame, as hot tears ran down her cheeks into Coco’s mane. All Rarity could say was “thank you” over and over again as the revelation that her greatest wish, one that, only earlier today, had seemed so impossible was going to come true slowly came over her. Spike and Fancy shook hooves firmly, and Spike wiped a tear of his own away.

“Thank you, Fancy. We can’t ever thank you enough for this.”

Fancy held a hoof up, chuckling to himself. “Think nothing of it, my dear boy. It is an honour to be able to server my friends in such a meaningful way.”

And that was all that needed to be said between the two of them. Once the excitement had died down, Rarity got to work preparing a room for Fancy and Coco, as she insisted they spend the night rather than spend their bits at a hotel. It wasn’t long before everypony (and dragon) were ready to settle in for the night, the day’s events finally taking their toll on them. They soon said their goodnights, and crept under the covers with their special someponies. Tomorrow, they would go to Ponyville hospital, and Rarity would have her wish granted.

She couldn’t wait.