Keeping Secrets

The walk to Twilight's was fun at first, and then Rarity realized she would have to tell poor little Spike. This would crush his little walnut-sized heart! Rarity started to walk a bit slower, thinking of excuses to tell the little guy. None came to mind, though. She would just have to tell him the truth.

The Tree-Library was within sight now, and Pinkie started trotting a little faster, eager to tell twilight about Rarity's little bundle of joy! Ohh fun! Pinkie would have so much fun playing with it! Maybe Rarity would even let her teach it how to bake, and Pinkie would get to throw all of it's parties! Eeeek!

Fluttershy wasn't sure what to think. Would Twilight be as elated as Mrs. Cake and Pinkie? Or would she hold a grudge and stop being Rarity's friend? Fluttershy was so worried about her friend, she thought she might faint! Rarity would be too busy with her new foal to take care of Opal, so Fluttershy would have to. Not like that's a problem, Fluttershy loves animals.

Pound and Pumpkin were so happy to be out and about in their stroller. Mrs. Cake was worried about Rarity though. She'd have to teach her how to take care of the foal properly. If Pinkie could do it, Rarity could too... Right? Of course Mr. Cake and her could help take care of the foal though, they've had tons of practice. Their little foals turned out great, after all.

As they neared the library, they could see a shadow pacing back and forth inside the window, Twilight must be frazzled about something.. Rarity thought to herself.

Pinkie Pie was the first to arrive at the door, and didn't even bother to knock. She just barged right in, to find Twilight talking to herself walking around like a crazy pony with a messed up mane.

"Umm.. Twilight, darling? Is there something we can help you with?" Rarity asked, obviously worried about the state Twilight was in.

"Wha- AH! Woah! Where did you come from? You scared me! What's going on? Why are you all here?" Twilight spazzed.

"Well dear, I have some news to tell you.. But if you're busy, it can wait till later.." Rarity slowly backed away.

"No. I'm fine. It's just the library has a few books out of order and I can't find them anywhere! Spike is in the other room looking on those shelves." Twilight said, defeated.

At the sound of his name, Spike walked in. Rarity stood awkwardly, wondering how she would break it to him.

"What's... Whats wrong, you guys?" Asked Spike, unsure of why they were here.

"Twilight, Spike, sit down. I have something to tell you." Rarity gestured at two empty chairs. The other three mares just stood by her side, waiting. Nopony knew how Spike would react..

"Spike, you know I love you dearly, you're one of the best friends I could have asked for. I'm sorry to break this news to you, but I'm pregnant. Twilight, please listen to me before you get angry. Please." Rarity said nervously, shifting her weight.

As Rarity explained the story, Spike started getting some ideas. Sure, he was sad at first, but this gave him a great opportunity. He let Rarity drone on about Prince Blueblood, and silently waited until she was done to explain his thought.

When Rarity was done, Twilight didn't say anything. She worriedly looked at Spike, thinking that he was going to be heartbroken, but he looked extremely calm.

"Spike?.." Rarity said, terrified he was going to go crazy, he seemed to unusually relaxed.

"Well Rarity, I'm going to help you. Obviously. I'll stay with you at your boutique, and I'll be your assistant. I'll make your meals, and clean up for you. That way you only need to worry about your foal. I have a crush on you Rarity, I'm going to do everything I can to be there for you while you need me to be. Twilight has Owlowiscious to help her out while I'm staying with you. I don't see the problem. I'll go pack my things. I'm not taking no for an answer, you need me." Spike said, and then walked upstairs to get his suitcase.

"I agree with Spike, you need your own assistant. You can keep him until the foal is born. Oh and by the way, congratulations. I totally did not expect this!" Twilight said, understanding.

Rarity was baffled, she didn't know what to say.

"T--Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. You truly are a good friend. Letting me have Spike for this time. I really owe you one. I can make you a dress if you'd like?" Rarity said, so grateful that she didn't hurt the baby dragon.

"Hey Rarity! Make Spike a butler suit! That would be soooo funny!" Pinkie said, laughing at her own idea.

"Oh um, Rarity, I'll take Opal until you're ready to have her back. I know your hooves are full." Fluttershy said.

"Oh dear, we have some extra foal supplies that we never used, you can have them. I completely forgot. Silly me!"  Mrs. Cake said, smiling at the expectant mother.

"Thank you all so, so much! I'm so grateful to have such good friends! You're truly are all the best!" Rarity said, dramatically crying.

Spike walked back downstairs, all his things in a tiny, baby dragon sized suitcase.

"I have everything. Twilight, I'll miss you.."

"Oh please, Spike. You're being almost as dramatic as Rarity. I'll see you every day." Twilight laughed, roughing up his scales.

"Where are Applejack and Rainbow? They need to know about this, too." Twilight suggested.

"I think they're at Sweet Apple Acres, they usually are around this time of day." Spike said.

"Well, two more stops then, and everypony will know." Rarity said as she trotted out the door.

"Wait why did she say two more stops? Sweet Apple Acres is just one. Who else are we telling?" Twilight asked Fluttershy.

"I think I know...."