Harshwhinny and the Human: Redux

'Mr The Human!' Even though we were lovers now, she still liked to call me “Mr The Human” as her favourite term of endearment. We had become more relaxed around each other to the point where she opened up emotionally with me, and I used more Scots with her, though she sometimes needed a translation.

'In here, mo chridhe.' I called back from the sofa

It had been almost five weeks since we became lovers, and they'd been the best weeks of my life. Goldcup had finalised the sale of her apartment, and was now living with me full time. Her heat had ended, and we were waiting to see if she was pregnant.

'So, how's my wee lass?' I asked as she slumped down next to me

'Fine.' came the terse reply

I put my arm around her, and instantly I could tell something was off. She normally relaxed around me, but that evening, she remained cold and withdrawn.

'Love, what's wrong?' I asked gently

She gave me a questioning look, fear and hesitation in her eyes

'I'm late.' she replied quietly

'No, you came home exactly on half five, same as always.' I told her

'James! I mean late, late.' she whined

'D'ye mean?' I asked, realisation creeping in

'Yes, I should have had my next heat by now, I think I might be pregnant.' she whispered

'Oh, my wee lass, don't fret.' I replied stroking the back of her neck

'You're not mad?' she asked tearfully

'An' why would I be?' I asked

'Because we've only been together a short time. And pregnancy isn't always assured with Humans and Ponies. I thought for sure you'd accuse me of breeding with some random stallion!'

'Aye, I might have – if I didn't do a bit of research first. I've been doing some reading, and it seems magic can even allow for cross-species breeding. That's why you thought that I could give you foals in the first place And it's why you see Mules and Hippogriffs all across Equestria.' I said reassuringly

'So, you're not upset?' Goldcup asked, resting her head on my shoulder

I hugged her tightly to reassure her

'No, now stop yer fussin'. Whit’s fur ye’ll no go past ye.'

Seeing her look of confusion, I used a more common phrase. 'Whatever happens, happens. Everything will be all right, you'll see.'

A few months later, she was very clearly pregnant, and suffering from quite severe mood swings and morning sickness. Concerned for her well-being, I insisted on going to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Luckily as a civil servant she had an excellent healthcare plan, and was able to easily get an appointment with an obstetrician.

'I have good news Ms. Harshwhinny, I can hear two strong heartbeats.' the doctor said, removing the stethoscope from her belly

'T-two?' she gasped

'Yes, would you like to take a look on the scanner?'

She looked to me for my thoughts.

'I'd like to see the wee bairns, but it's up to you love. If you want to keep it a surprise, then don't. I'll support you either way.

'It's fine, I want to see our foals too.'

Using his magic, the doctor moved something that looked like a TV or large magnifying glass into position. It started doing exactly what the name implied. A line of magic slowly traced it's way up and down Goldcup's swollen belly.

Soon, an image resolved itself on the screen. It was like a more colourful and detailed ultrasound.

'Ah, there we are!' the doctor said after a bit, and the scanner focussed in on one area.

'I'm not sure if you can make it out, but there's one, and there's two.' he continued, circling them with a marker

'Oh, my! How extraordinary!' he exclaimed

'What?! What's wrong?' Victoria asked anxiously

'Well, it seems that the foals are entirely Pony, despite being half Human. Although there are some differences – mostly in the facial structure.' the doctor explained

'But they're otherwise normal?' I asked

'They certainly seem to be well formed, if that's what you mean. In fact if I'm not mistaken, if you look at the distal twins forehead there's the nub of a horn there. She'll be a unicorn, I'm sure.'

'She? How can ye tell that's it's a girl?' I asked in surprise

'Do you see how the magic distorts in a much fuzzier way compared to the other? That tells me she's a she and he's a he.'

Ah, right. Anything else?' I asked, curious to know more about my children

'Oh yes, look at this.'

The view changed, and we were now looking at the back of the foals.

'See those two dark spots there? Those are wing buds. Tell me Ms Harshwhinny, do you have Unicorn and Pegasus ancestry?'

'Yes, I have a Pegasus grandmother as well as a Unicorn grandfather from either side of my family.' she answered

'Ah-ha, that would explain it then. Though I suspect the addition of a non-Pony father may have something to do with it as well.'

Having been told all was well, we had left the clinic feeling very relieved. As we waited at the station, she snuggled up to me, and I rested my hand on her head, which was a substitute for hand holding.

A short distance away a small group of teenaged fillies were gawking at us. Some pointing and giggling.

I tried to ignore them, but a particularly loud titter of nasty laugher triggered my temper

'Awa' an bile yer heids!' I yelled at them, adding the archer's salute for added effect

That caused them to scarper right quick.

'Mr. The Human, It seems you still need to learn how to curb your over-enthusiastic outbursts.' she rebuked me with a smile

'What? I thought you loved my over-enthusiastic outbursts!' I replied in mock offence

'Only sometimes.' she said attempting to sound serious

'Besides James, they were just silly little fillies' she admonished

'Aye, I know tha' but I'll nae let anyone gainsay ye or the bairns. I've got a family now, and a man has to protect his family.' I said with conviction, placing a hand on her stomach

'Thank you James, I can't tell you how happy you make me.' she replied, placing a hoof over my hand

I hugged her, and in that moment I was reminded of what my Gran used to say:

'God's in His heaven and all's right with the world.'