Hondo rubbed his thumb over the smooth surface of a small, silver band. Once, it was so heavy he could barely lift it. But now that he could see its true form, it was lighter than a feather. Dull and worn from years of use, it had long since lost its shine. He raised it up to the light beaming into the kitchen from outside, but couldn’t see more than a faded hunk of metal.

The approaching footsteps grabbed his attention, making him lower the ring to the table. It clacked against the wood as a hot mug did the same. He reached out and caressed the hand wrapped around the handle with the same thumb. A pair of brilliant diamonds shinier than anything he’d ever seen looked down at him.

“You don’t have to do this every morning, you know?” he asked. His eyes fell down to her stomach.

“Don't worry. I don’t mind.” Rarity chuckled then rubbed a hand over her stomach. A notable bump had begun to form. According to the doctor, she wasn’t done growing, either. Hondo’s heart beamed with pride every time he saw her. “I can do something this simple, at least. And if the worst comes to pass, I’ll ask Sweetie Belle to fill in for me.”

“Uh… will that work?” he asked. “With the, um… restraining order and all?”

“You talking about me?” On cue, Sweetie strolled into the kitchen with a carefree pep in her step. The pair watched her slip into the kitchen and help herself to the bacon Rarity just finished making. “What’s up, Dad? Oompa Loompa?”

“I thought I made it quite clear I am not fond of that nickname.” Sweetie turned around, half strip hanging from her lips, and flashed a grin. A confident one, bordering on smugness.

“What’re you gonna do about it?” She reached into her pocket, retrieving a folded-up piece of paper. “One scratch on me, and the law will be up your ass deeper than Dad.”

Hondo sighed, but he couldn't completely fault her. The events of that fateful morning after their stay would stick with him forever. That was the day he found out what an inverted femur looked like. Sweetie narrowly avoided needing physical therapy. But, even after that, Sweetie Belle only managed to secure a restraining order for 15 feet. Neither of them knew something that small was possible. Still, if Rarity abided by it, it would give Sweetie a good headstart on the next town.

The step she took toward the kitchen almost guaranteed she wouldn’t. The second step made it more than clear. Sweetie jolted into action, stumbling over herself as she retreated to her room. She might have been pregnant, but her hands were still in very fine working order.

“I’ll just... make the coffee myself,” said Hondo. Rarity, who seemed satisfied with her display of strength, joined him at his side once again. Once she was close enough, he reached up and rubbed her stomach himself. She purred, which melted into a giggle. ”For what it’s worth… I think you look beautiful.”

“Of course you do, you flatterer.” Her hand covered his, and they shared their soft smiles. “Let me go finish breakfast.”

“Mhm,” he murmured. She left his side shortly after. She entered the kitchen, where Hondo watched her move from behind. He reached for the ring once again but paused. That ring was once so precious he couldn’t help but cling to it. He could still remember those dark days when even taking a breath weighed down on him.

But when he looked up now, he saw the shine he used to in the ring. The sun beamed down on her as if she descended from the heavens before his very eyes. Like she’d fly away if he didn’t grab her now. He lifted himself off of the table, leaving the ring behind, and made for the kitchen.

“Let me help, after all,” he said. Rarity perked up as he wrapped his arms around her. She hummed in delight, then turned her head to him, pecking him on the lips once again. “I love you, Rarity.”

“Mhm…” she hummed. “I love you, too, dad.”

Author's Note

After-Sex Smoke