As he touched down outside the castle doors, Steadclaw grasped Cotton’s hoof and led her down. “I believe this is your stop, m’lady.”
Cotton giggled as she landed. “Why thank you, good sir.”
“Anytime,” he said, kissing her on the cheek. “Anything on your mind, or should I head home?” he asked, turning around.
“Yeah, let’s go talk to my dad.”
Steadclaw froze mid-turn. “Wait… ‘let’s’ as in both of us? I… figured that was gonna be just a ‘you two’ thing. Besides, my mom is prob—”
“No, I want this nipped in the bud now, so you need to talk to him directly. I’m not gonna play mare-in-the-middle and let this drag out any longer than it needs to. I can start off the conversation if you want, though,” Cotton said. “And you can blame me if your mom gets worried.”
With a hesitant shrug, Steadclaw responded, “Alright. I guess that works.”
“Good. Then let’s go.” Cotton led Steadclaw to the door, then opened it into the main hall where they were jovially greeted by a quartet of guards. “Evening, gentlecolts.”
“Good evening, Miss Cotton!” they chorused in harmony.
“Anyone know where Dad is?” Cotton asked.
“I saw him going to the dining room last,” the tenor replied.
“No, he was heading for the Archives,” the bass rumbled.
“I thought he was in the library with Princess Twilight?” the lead interjected.
The baritone just shrugged.
Cotton held up a hoof to silence them, then rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Friendly, but not always helpful.” Turning back to Steadclaw, she said, “Hold on a sec.” As she took a deep breath, Steadclaw saw all the guards sit on their haunches and plug their ears with their hooves. He copied them with his claws.
"DAAAAAAAAAAAAD!"
Steadclaw released his ears as the guards did. “Good Grover, what was that?”
“You’ll see,” Cotton replied with a smirk. About fifteen seconds later, she spotted a wisp of green smoke floating towards them from the upper floor, which popped open into a slip of parchment. Cotton smirked and held the slip up to Steadclaw.
In my room, sweetie.
—Dad
“He put these in almost every room of the castle,” Cotton giggled. “Easy way to know where he is when the guards don’t know. Or can’t agree.”
Steadclaw cocked a brow. “He has slips of parchment saying he’s in his room in every room of the castle?”
Cotton smacked her face with the parchment, then said, “Each room has slips that say he’s in that room, birdbrain.”
His face burning red, Steadclaw responded, “…Right. Okay, I deserved that one.”
Cotton giggled again. “Yes you did, but you’re my birdbrain,” she said, giving him a peck on the cheek.
“And I’m glad you’ve claimed me,” Steadclaw replied, returning the kiss with a smile before Cotton headed for the stairs.
As he made to follow, Steadclaw spotted the baritone in the corner of his eye, nodding at him with a wink and a smirk. He was about to smile back when he noticed the tenor, snickering as he conjured an image in his magic. It turned into what appeared to be a dragon tying a giant bib, complete with a tiny picture of a drumstick, around its own neck. As Steadclaw’s beak dipped, the flat end of a spear flipped into the guard’s face and the image dissipated. The same spear then hovered back over to the baritone, who glared at the tenor, then shook his head in Steadclaw’s direction with an apologetic smile. Steadclaw smiled back at the baritone and mouthed out a thank-you, then flapped his wings to catch up with Cotton midway up the stairs.
“Are the guards giving you grief?” Cotton asked loudly, glaring over the railing as Steadclaw landed next to her. The tenor stood frantically shaking his head, while the other three pointed directly at him with their spears. Cotton rolled her eyes. “Sorry, some of them seem to have taken sides.”
“Huh?”
“Some of them like you, others laugh at dad-jokes,” Cotton elaborated.
“Oh. Guess that makes sense,” Steadclaw responded. “Are Bastion and Ravelin on my side?”
Cotton laughed. “Well, they’re permanently off stair duty, if that’s what you’re wondering,” she answered as they walked down the hall.
“Damn.”
“Yeah, and to answer your question, yes, they are. Obviously.”
“Just checking,” Steadclaw responded with a shrug.
“Well well, speaking of whom,” Cotton said as they approached Spike’s doors, finding the two guilty guards on either side.
“You sure you’re at the right room, Miss Cotton?” Ravelin asked.
“I think you want the one down the hall,” Bastion added with a smirk. “You know, the one with your bed in it.”
“You two are incorrigible,” Cotton chuckled. “No wonder Dad has to keep an eye on you. C’mon, lemme in. Gotta have a talk with him.”
Bastion shrugged. “If you say so, Miss Cotton. Is he staying out here?” he asked, pointing at Steadclaw.
Shaking her head, Cotton replied, “No, he needs to come with. And no cooking remarks, that’s why we’re here.”
“I wondered when that would start getting old,” Ravelin said, opening the door. “Good luck, Miss Cotton. And… I want to say Steadclaw, right?”
“Damn, you even remembered my name. You really are on my side, huh?” Steadclaw responded with a smile, bumping his fist against Ravelin’s hoof as Cotton walked through the door.
Bastion lifted his hoof to Steadclaw’s fist as well. “Kid, ever since you came around, we haven’t seen Miss Cotton happier. Obviously she sees something in you. Celestia knows what, but still…”
Steadclaw flushed at the remark. “Um… thanks?”
Bastion’s expression then grew dark as he lit his horn and pointed his spear at Steadclaw’s face. “But keep in mind, kid… If you break Miss Cotton’s heart—”
Ravelin mirrored his partner. “We will draw and quarter you.”
Steadclaw’s eyes widened as he flinched back. “Colts!” Cotton shouted as her head popped back through the entrance. “Ease up, will ya?”
The two guards settled back into their usual expressions and poses. “Just keeping him on his hoo—er, uh, paws, Miss Cotton,” Ravelin said, a hint of a smirk remaining.
Cotton grumbled. “Do I need to have Dad send a message to the entire staff telling them to stop calling me ‘Miss’?”
With a shrug, Bastion answered, “Possibly…”
“…Miss Cotton,” Ravelin finished with a snicker.
Steadclaw couldn’t help but laugh, and Cotton smacked him with her wing. “Don’t encourage them!” Turning to the two guards, she said, “One of these days I’ll throw you two in the dungeon.” She finished off with a quick pbbbbt before closing the door behind her and Steadclaw. They could hear chuckling as they moved into Spike’s room.
“…Can you really do that?” Steadclaw asked.
“Yes! Well, no… Maybe? But they don’t know that,” Cotton replied with a smirk.
“Then… why are they laughing?”
Cotton chuckled. “‘Cause I wouldn’t do it anyway. Not just for laughing, at least. It’s just harmless teasing on both sides. It’s nice to have a few guards with a sense of humor. They shift so much I can never tell if I’ll have a stone brigade or a jester’s troupe from day to day.”
“Umm… I think I got that,” Steadclaw responded.
“Some days all the guards are funny, some days they all have sticks up their plots. It’s usually a bit of both.” Approaching Spike, she turned to Steadclaw and said, “Okay, serious face now.” She took a deep breath to compose herself before addressing the dragon in the room. “Hey Daddy, can we talk?” she called up to him.
Spike turned around from his desk. “Hey there, sweetie. I was wondering when you’d show. Obviously my messages are working, but I think we need to come up with another way for you to reach me. It sounds like you’re starting to pick up the Royal Canterlot Voice,” he chuckled, setting his quill down. “And of course, what about?” Spying Steadclaw, he grinned. “Ah, I see you brought supper.”
Cotton huffed. “About that, Dad. The eating jokes need to stop.”
Spike crossed his arms with a mock pout. “You’d be taking away all my good material, Cotton.”
“And you’re freaking the heck out of Steadclaw!” Cotton retorted, gesturing her hoof towards the griffon beside her, before looking at him square. “You’re gonna need to say something yourself. What you said earlier was good, but I can’t read your mind.”
Steadclaw let out a sigh. “Alright.” He stepped forward as Spike arched a brow at him with the faintest hint of a smirk, his arms still crossed. “Can… Can I just call you ‘Sir’ this time? I think it’d be more appropriate.”
Spike reclined on the desk behind him, looking down at Steadclaw. “I’ll allow it.”
“Thank you, Sir. It’s just… when we met the first time, you were so welcoming. Still a bit terrifying—” Spike let out a small snort. “—but welcoming all the same. That kind of eased my fear. Then after Cotton met my mom and I met Princess Celestia, it felt like everyone was ready to just… let me into the family. And if I remember right, that was barely after a day. I mean, I get the ‘not needing a shotgun because dragon breath’ joke after our first date, I do. That was just kind of a ‘dad teasing the new boyfriend’ thing, right?”
Spike chuckled at the memory. “Essentially, yes.”
Nodding, Steadclaw said, “I thought so. But now… with all the cooking remarks…” He paused as he stared at the floor.
Spike took advantage of Steadclaw’s pause. “Which began after you attempted to sneak my daughter to her bedroom.”
“Daddy, I told you that was my idea!” Cotton cried.
“Noted, but my point still stands,” Spike responded, straightening himself. “Continue, Steadclaw, I’m listening.”
Steadclaw released a breath and nodded. “Well, it’s just… With the remarks now, that warm welcome just feels… well, gone. I don’t even feel safe here, not anymore.”
Settling himself on his haunches, Spike let out a long sigh. “Steadclaw, it seems my natural presence suggests the contrary, but those remarks I make are merely jokes. A girl’s father’s way of making sure her boyfriend stays in line.” Steadclaw nodded. “If this is the reaction you’re having from them, though… perhaps I’ve taken things a little too far.”
“Perhaps?” Cotton interjected.
Spike shot her a glare before continuing. “Despite the little attempt you two made at your dance, I still feel the same way about you, Steadclaw. From what I’ve seen, you have a good heart, and mean no ill will toward anyone in this castle. I have no intention of harming you.” Steadclaw let his shoulders relax. “That does not, however, exempt you from the rules for dating my daughter.”
“And... and those are, Sir?” Steadclaw asked.
“All the unspoken ones, and just about anything else I say,” Spike answered with a smirk.
Cotton groaned as Steadclaw responded, “Understood, Sir. I won’t let you down.”
“Good, see that you don’t. I don’t currently have a reason to harm you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give me one.”
“Daddy!” Cotton cried. “You made your point!”
Spike grumbled. “Very well, very well. In all seriousness, though, Steadclaw…” He sighed, lowering himself as close to Steadclaw’s eye level as possible. “I apologize if I’ve made you uneasy. I should remember I’m more intimidating than most fathers. All the cooking remarks I’ve made really were purely in jest. Does that ease your mind at all?”
Nodding, Steadclaw replied, “Yes, Sir. Cotton’s told me, but it’s just good to hear that directly from the source.”
“Understandable. Well, now that we’ve cleared that air…” He grinned. “Are you sure I can’t keep making ‘em? They really are the best material I’ve got.”
“Daddy!” Cotton yelled.
Steadclaw couldn’t help but chuckle. “Okay, Sir. I’ll allow it.”
“Good boy,” Spike said, holding his grin as he ruffled Steadclaw’s crest feathers with a talon. “Just bear in mind, this doesn’t mean I’m going to go lax on you.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less, Sir.”
“Now you’re getting it.” Spike let out a satisfied breath. “Was there anything else you wanted to talk to me about?”
“Um, not that I can think of at the moment, Sir,” Steadclaw replied, brushing his feathers back into place.
“Hey, aren’t we done with that serious talk now?” Spike responded.
“Sorry, Spike.”
“That’s better. I have to get back to work, so run along before I break out the thyme and rosemary,” he chuckled.
“Yes, Spike,” Steadclaw said with a roll of his eyes, as Spike moved back to his desk and picked up his quill.
As Steadclaw turned for the door, Cotton told him, “I’ll be there in a sec, okay? You go chat with the troublemakers.”
“You sure that’s a good idea?” Steadclaw laughed.
“No worse than what I’m planning,” she answered, pecking him on the cheek. “Go.”
“Alright. See ya in a minute.” He let out a deep sigh of relief as he made his way out.
When Steadclaw closed the door behind him, Cotton flapped her wings and landed on a bare spot on Spike’s desk. “Thank you, Daddy. That was really bothering him.”
“Oh!” Spike flinched at Cotton’s landing before he gave her a smile. “You’re welcome, sweetie. I didn’t realize I was making Steadclaw so uncomfortable. I’m glad you said something.” He leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek, a gesture she returned in kind. “But I wasn’t kidding about not going easy on him.”
“I know, I know,” Cotton said.
“I do need to get back to work, but before I do, is there anything you needed to talk to me about while you’ve got me?”
Cotton fiddled with her hooves as she settled herself on her haunches and cast her view to the floor. “Actually… yyyyyyyes…”
Spike put a talon to his chin. “Hmm. Based on that tone, I’m not sure I’m going to like what I hear. You didn’t do something I wouldn’t approve of, did you?” he asked.
Cotton’s eyes shifted upward and back. “Well, no, not… not yet…”
Arching a brow, Spike repeated, “Not yet? And just what do you intend to—” The gears in his head turned when he saw Cotton’s face flush as she looked toward his door. “…Oh. Oh, I see.” He set down his quill with a sigh, then checked to make sure the two of them were alone before continuing, “You really want to take that next step with him, don’t you?”
Cotton’s cheeks flushed redder as she nodded and glanced at the floor. “I mean… you gave me ‘the talk’ and everything, so it’s not like—”
With a snort, Spike cut her off. “I did, but I did so as a precaution. I didn’t expect you to take it to heart so quickly.”
Her gaze lowering further, Cotton said, “I know you don’t think we’re ready, but…”
Spike shook his head. “Frankly, Cotton, no, I don’t think you are. I would prefer it if you two spent more time together first. I know it probably feels like forever to you, but keep in mind that you haven’t been together that long. Not even two months, if my memory serves.” He looked down and shrugged. “But, by the same token, you are old enough to make this kind of decision for yourself… Just humor me for a moment here, Cotton, and look at it from my perspective.”
Looking up, Cotton simply responded, “Okay.”
“You’re my only daughter. I want the best for you. Whether it’s clear or not, I’m thrilled that you met someone who loves you, but ignore Steadclaw’s personality for the moment. You’ve been with this… boy for less than two months. I’ve only seen him on so many occasions. Two months may seem like a long time to you, and being in love can make time seem to slow down, but two months for me hardly qualifies as an eyeblink. I’ve lived a long time, Cotton, and I’m still quite young by dragon standards. Knowing that, do you think I’d be comfortable if you…” He made a small wave with his claw before he finished, “gave yourself to someone so soon?”
Cotton looked off to the side for a few moments before shrugging one shoulder. “Probably not.”
“And how do you think I’d feel if you went behind my back and did it anyway?”
“…Probably pretty mad… or upset. Or both.”
“Exactly,” Spike said. “That’s why I… semi-grounded you for a week. I was upset about what you did. Given that, and the fact that you should have been studying that week anyway, do you think that was an unfair punishment?”
Cotton shrugged again. “Not really.”
“Would you have done the same thing if you were in my position?”
Fidgeting again, Cotton answered, “Well, probably not… but I think I understand why you did.”
Spike let out a sigh. “At least you’re honest. Not everyone thinks the same way. It’s possible I overreacted, but I stand by my actions.” Cotton nodded when Spike paused. “That said, you took your punishment, studied hard, and did incredibly well on your exams. In that regard, I won’t hesitate to say that I’m very proud of you.” Spike leaned forward and kissed Cotton on the cheek again, making a smile creep onto her muzzle.
“Thanks, Daddy.” After her own pause, Cotton looked up and said, “If you don’t mind me asking, though… why are you so firm on this? I mean yeah, Auntie Tia seems to be in your corner, and I haven’t heard anything from Aunt Twilight, but Aunt Luna and Aunt Cadance have been—”
Spike waved her off. “Do both of us a favor, Cotton, and don’t try to use them in your argument. Love is Cadance’s element, so she’ll do anything to move it forward if she sees potential. That doesn’t mean I always agree. And your Aunt Luna is just a troublemaker.” Cotton couldn’t help but chuckle at that. Then Spike let out a small huff. “You’re already doing a decent job on your own here.”
Cotton’s brows arched. “R… really? So… what’s the verdict?”
Spike sighed again. “Well… I would still prefer it if you waited a little longer, but if you do decide to go forward with Steadclaw… I won’t bring the hammer down on either of you.”
Cotton released a relieved breath, smiling before she flew up to Spike’s chest and gave him a hug. “Thank you, Daddy.”
Wrapping his claw around her, Spike responded, “You’re welcome, Sweetheart. There is one thing I want you to do for me, though.” He scooped Cotton up and placed her back on the floor.
“What’s that?” she asked, standing back on her hooves.
“I’m serious about getting checked,” Spike answered. “I can already tell you aren’t going to wait like I’d like, so make sure you go see Dr. Cross downstairs at some point before you do anything, okay? This isn’t negotiable.”
Nodding, Cotton said, “Okay, Daddy.” Flying up to his muzzle, she planted a kiss on his cheek before once again saying, “Thank you.”
“One more thing, though. It should be obvious.”
Cotton looked him in the eye. “Be safe?” Spike nodded. “We will, Daddy. I promise.”
“That’s a good girl,” he said, lightly brushing her cheek with a talon. “Now go on, I have to get back to work.”
“Yes, Daddy,” she said with a smile, before zipping out the door.
Spike turned back to his desk and picked up his quill. Shaking his head, he said to himself, “Just be careful, sweetie. Heartbreak isn’t pleasant.”
Ж
As she exited Spike’s room, Cotton found Steadclaw chatting with Bastion and Ravelin. “Geez, that must’ve been intense,” he said.
“Not really. Father-daughter stuff,” she responded. “Are you three behaving?”
“No,” Ravelin said, causing the three of them to laugh.
Cotton snorted. “Boys…”
“Can’t live with us, can’t live without us, right?” Bastion snickered.
Rolling her eyes, Cotton said, “Obviously. C’mon, Steadclaw. We’re going downstairs.”
Ж
“Well, I believe that’s that. You two should be good to go.”
With a little squeal, Cotton hugged the old stallion. “Thank you, Doctor Cross!”
With a soft chuckle, the doctor hugged her back. “You’re very welcome, M—Cotton. Just be safe now.”
Cotton giggled. “Thanks for remembering, Doc. And we will.”
Dr. Cross approached Steadclaw and shook his claw. “A pleasure to meet you, Mister Steadclaw.”
“Thanks a lot, Doc,” Steadclaw responded.
With another chuckle, the doctor said, “You’re quite welcome. I haven’t had a chance to study a griffon specimen since medical school.”
“Specimen? I feel like a lab rat,” Steadclaw replied. “And now I’m hungry…” he added under his breath.
“Go on, you two. I’m sure you have places to be this evening.”
“Yep!” Cotton said with a bounce, pecking Steadclaw on the cheek. “Let’s go, Steady!”
Steadclaw arched a brow. “‘Steady’? That’s new. And a first, actually.”
“Figured it was time, and it’s the first thing I could think of.”
“Eh, good enough for me,” Steadclaw responded, kissing her back.
Cotton then flicked him with her tail and headed for the door. “See ya, Doc!”
“So long!” Dr. Cross called as the two of them raced out. Once the door to the exam room closed, he shook his head with a smile. “Ahh, a fine male specimen indeed.”
Following after Cotton, Steadclaw rubbed his rear end for a moment before he said, “Yeesh, that was a lot more poking and prodding than I would’ve liked… but worth it.” Cotton just smiled and kept moving forward. “What are you planning?”
“You’ll see,” Cotton replied simply.
As Cotton dragged Steadclaw behind her, she found Spike trundling down the stairway. With a chuckle, he asked her, “And just what have you two been up to?”
“Oh, nothing in particular,” Cotton answered with a goofy grin.
Spike put his claws on his hips. “Then why do you look so giddy?”
“Well…” Cotton’s eyes shifted upward. “Because we just met with Doctor Cross, and he assured us that 'there would be no medical complications resulting from intercourse,’” she quoted, beaming.
The baritone zipped to the front doors. The rest of the guards wisely hit the deck.
Spike glared down at Steadclaw with narrowed eyes, then pointed firmly to the exit. “OUT.”
Steadclaw’s eyes bulged as he nodded vigorously, then quickly answered, “YES-SIR-SEE-YOU-TOMORROW-COTTON!” before he sped out the front door, quickly opened by the sentry guard.
“DADDYYYYYYYYYYY!” Cotton cried.
“Sorry, not sorry. Paternal reflex.”
That was hilarious!
I definitely needed that.
Hey you finally hit the 1000 likes mark. Great job! This story deserves it!
mwomp mwomp
great story. i really enjoyed reading it
Dr. Cross has that thirst.
Will we be seeing any more of him?
8392268
As of right now, I'm leaning towards probably. There are planned events that will likely require him.
8391711
Thank you! I was hoping I would hit that milestone over the course of this update cluster (blog incoming that will clarify).
1,000 likes! Party time!
Also seems like Cotton wants some "party time" of her own, let see how far that gets with Spike in the same house.
Mister
Good chapter, lots of fun.
Loved the barbershop quartet ref
8392932
Hmm... it's not really a title per se, so I don't know if it's worthy of capitalization, but it's not worth arguing over and it doesn't change much, so I may as well.
Thanks for pointing it out.
oh man that cock block at the end
i.pinimg.com/236x/8d/b8/83/8db8831e13382f4f6fea586d81e8d282--bow-wow-red-vs-blue.jpg
still say someone needs to call spike out, at this point he's said 'sorry i won't do it again' does it again, then 'sorry, but can i just keep doing it' so far the bullying attitude on his side hasn't stopped, he's just attempted to make it seem like he's trying well at the same time not trying, pretty sure even celestia would find that over the line.
he also tells his daughter he'll respect his decision, and then promptly decides not to respect her decision.
8394279
Well, be careful. Looks like you misinterpreted what happened.
On point 1:
Spike never actually explicitly said he would stop. When Steadclaw explained how he was feeling, Spike realized he had been going overboard because he never made it clear that he was joking. When he made a remark at the end of the dance, he may have run it "seriously" through his head briefly, but if you look back at chapter 24, it's actually Stella that unintentionally initiated the jokes, and Spike's tone in response to her inquiry was clearly one of jest. He just decided to continue. All the cooking jokes Spike made between then and now—all of which were done off-screen except for the one just made in this chapter before the conversation—were made with a similar tone (but since they weren't seen, I'll concede that may not have been completely clear), and Cotton tried to clarify that, but Steadclaw was reacting in a way that Spike did not intend (legitimate on Steadclaw's part). When Spike apologized and asked if he had eased Steadclaw's discomfort, Steadclaw said yes, acknowledging that Spike was indeed joking and thus lifting the anxiety. With that air clear, Spike then asked permission if he could continue with the jokes. Steadclaw could have easily said that it would still make him uncomfortable and request that he not, and Spike would have respected that and stopped, but since he heard directly from the source that Spike didn't mean any of it and would not hurt him, Steadclaw was willing to give Spike that little edge over him. As Cotton does with the guards, going forward this would just be some harmless teasing from Spike's end to Steadclaw that Steadclaw has given him permission to do (and what boyfriend would be stupid enough to try and tease his girlfriend's father? Dragon or not). Again, it's teasing, not bullying (I know the difference—I've dealt with both).
On point 2:
Even if Spike did imply he would respect Cotton's decision (though he did not explicitly state that), he also made it very clear how he felt about the decision in question. He understood that Cotton was likely going to go against his wishes, but she could have been more discreet about it or given it a little more time. Instead, she went directly to the doctor, and barely an hour later essentially walked right up to her father and said, "Yeah, this thing that you just told me you don't want me to do? I'm gonna go do it right now." Not the wisest move on her part. Spike also said he "wouldn't bring the hammer down" on them if they went ahead. He never said he would let them stroll right by him when their intent was clear. Also, before this is swung back to point 1, Steadclaw is not in a state of actually fearing for his life anymore. This was a "Yeah, don't f*** with the dad" moment. There's a reason I didn't increase the font size for Spike's "OUT," or give it an exclamation point. It was firm, but not a yell. It's also been made clear that Cotton is the one initiating all these attempts, not Steadclaw, so even though Steadclaw appears to be the victim of Spike's ire, it's actually Cotton who's getting (or in this case, not getting) screwed.
You made some good points in our last discussion about this in chapter 24, ones which I took into account, but I'm standing firm on these.
Ha
8394985
fair enough though i would point out his out order isn't actually valid... as it's not actually his house, well i respect he is her father and has a right to certain decisions until she is of age of consent, the palace belongs to the princesses not himself and honestly the best he can order is out of the direct area off his rooms. but i digress my problem is two fold in regard to this
i fully realize your trying to make spike a caring father but at current he is coming across more as the type who can manipulate there children and others well wearing a mask of caring, he doesn't draw a line for himself not to cross and quite frankly it comes across as more then overbearing, this type of father has really two types of destiny in general, either he ends up damaging the couples relationship beyond repair which even if not addressed leads to a injury in the parent child relationship that well not heal, or in spite of his efforts the two end up together and he finds himself unwelcomed in his son -in-laws house. you need to either have spike himself take a step back and actually analyse himself over the last while and realize he may be taking things a tad too far. or the more likely one of his maternal figures needs to take him into a room and point this out to him, even if celestia or twilight agree's with him it's out of character for them to be allowing him to act this way. you've made it clear the princesses put whats right over there personal feelings, this would be one of those instances, also his line about cadence well maybe not intended to be that way sounds like he has no respect for her or what she represents what so ever.
the second problem is when your brought in the bi about scars you made an implication to gryphons being warriors or a race with a war like backround, and then you've made steadclaw with very little of a spine, dragons are powerful this i give you, but it's recently been confirmed that they are defiantly not so untouchable that they a guaranteed a victory. you can only push someone so far and contrary to popular opinion it was the gryphon and not the dragon who was considered the king of all mythical creatures in mythology. spikes scales are hard but a gryphon mined gold with there beaks to nest in. you also have Stella despite her being friends with spike, being unable to draw a line herself, from personal experience a mother isn't going to let anyone push that far not even a potential father in-law.
in summary i find that well your writing is awesome and it's clear you want spike to come across as a caring father, he's pushing too hard, and steadclaw seems to draw nothing from either his lion or eagle side, have him stand up at some point, give him a few effective barbs back, make spike feel it.
also I've dealt with both too, from multiple sources, there is a point where teasing becomes bullying and the teaser can't always pick up on it. I've dealt with what people perceive as simple teasing from people who don't know any better until it claws into your soul and drags out your self esteem, tears it to shreds, and then pisses on whats left.
8395419
Alright, you've come back with quite a bit here. Let me try to address your points in a way that should cover everything properly.
— Technically no, it isn't Spike's house. But do you think that would be the first thing going through Steadclaw's mind? ...No. You're getting into unnecessary technicalities.
— You really seem to ride on the "Spike is going to damage their relationship" argument. That's understandable for a long-term relationship, but keep in mind, as Spike pointed out, they have not been together that long. If this kind of interference on his part continued well into their relationship, of course I would agree with you. But this is still a young relationship. Spike has now taken a step back, with Cotton being the one to tell him to tone it down (which if I recall, was something you suggested), and Steadclaw was right on the front lines to see that step happen. It may not seem like the big step, but it's a step (This goes back to the bullying vs. teasing argument. We've gone from what you claim appeared as bullying down to teasing, so even if it were bullying, that's been toned down). Spike has already voiced his discomforts to Cotton about the current status of their relationship given its early stage. When the relationship has reached a point where those discomforts have dissipated, he'll back off completely. As is the case with Steadclaw getting in barbs at Spike. When he feels comfortable enough in his relationship with Cotton that he knows Spike will happily take some hits back in jest, he will. It's all a matter of comfort levels and the amount of time it takes to get there.
— Your point about his respect for Cadance and what she represents also just seems plucked out of thin air. No, what he said was not intended that way, and since the only character to hear him say it was Cotton, who was distracted by the main point of the conversation, it would not be interpreted as such.
— In terms of Steadclaw and his incompatibility with normal griffon culture, there's a very simple answer. There are always going to be characters who don't fully align with the true nature of their species (in other words, exceptions to the rule). A perfect example of this is Thorax (in canon, not in the story). Despite being perfectly capable of infiltrating and feeding on love, Thorax chose to go against his nature, and only fed on love when absolutely necessary, and eventually adapted to a way of life where he didn't even need to (and then became a leader who now leads by the new way of life he discovered). Just like Thorax goes against his species' norms, Steadclaw is naturally more docile, and only even began to get aggressive when Cotton got 'threatened.' It's one of the background reasons that he left Griffonstone—he was an outsider to his species. That doesn't mean that he completely goes against his nature, though—his attraction to scars remains.
— In regards to Stella, she is also on the more docile side, and I'll admit there are certain aspects of her character that have not been fully developed yet in order to make her exact mentality perfectly known. Sure, mothers generally will not let others harm their children, but from her experiences with Spike, she has gleaned that he wouldn't hurt Steadclaw without prompting (which she knows Steadclaw would not intentionally do under any circumstances), and thus allows Spike that little bit of buffer to tease. Steadclaw never told her that he was immensely uncomfortable, but had she known, she would have asked Spike to ease up, and he would have acquiesced in respect for her as a fellow parent. Cotton just happened to act first because she noticed Steadclaw's discomfort before Stella did.
— You also appear to be bringing lore about griffons from outside the MLP universe into your argument. Long story short, I'm not using that. I'm using what we have on griffons from the show. I've only touched on so much right now, but more may very well develop later.
— For anything else, I could probably just point to the [Alt U] tag and call it a day.
I appreciate your input, I really do, but what's happening in the story is happening here as well. To me, sometimes your comments come off as a bit hostile. You've said things that essentially mean, "When you did this, it was a problem." You also have a habit of saying things that effectively translate as, "This is what's happening. This is what should happen." My instinctive responses would be, "Okay, you think it's a problem..." and "No, this is what's happening, you're reading it wrong," respectively. However, you've also made some valid points. My tip to you would be to simply add something like, "I feel like..." ---> "I feel like this is what's happening. Based on this, perhaps [x] should do [x] so [x] doesn't happen." It comes off as more of a suggestion instead of me feeling like you're telling me how I should be writing my own story. That's probably not your intent, but sometimes it does feel that way, and as someone that embraces constructive criticism, the last thing I want to find myself saying is something to the effect of, "This is my story, piss off." In the future, just please keep that in mind, okay?
Additional counterarguments may lead to potential spoilers, so if you have any other questions or comments about the content and how it's presented, please PM me.
Spike is a great dad.
move bolded bit down a line.
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Good chapter.
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Glad we were able to clear that up.
This scene confused for a while. I got it only as I was writing this comment to say that I didn't get it.
Okay at least I already like it that it is a griffon.
Maybe you should add the characters that are in every chapter under the list for the cast that are in every chapter, because it can get annoying to go back to find the character that is mentiond but not under the current chapter to remember who they are.
I shouldn't be reading this already but I got curious. Well sometimes I get the feeling Cadance is promoted to princess off porn right from princess of love.
I haven'T seen a responsible Luna in a while I think at least and Cadance ignores all consequences or personal comfort from characters to create a familly with who she thinks has to be together.
I kind of agree with Spike there at least that they should know each other enough, but I don't know what happens in the other chapters before this one yet, so it maybe makes more than enough sense with that knowledge.
Not sure....how much they are really in love with each other, for that I would have to read the rest to see how it feels like, but since I jumped right into this chapter, yes maybe one and a half month is a bit to soon if she shouldn't know him before that already.
I guess I got the horny teeny chliche that I didn't wanted, but at least not that extreme. I can't say I know many that think the same way as me and actually do it like that, but yes that's my opinion on it.
While I said that I'm just a bit more picky about this stuff in books/stories, I still don't like every kind of behavior.
edit: There are still 15 chapters to read for me before I should have been in this one and I haven't completely forgotten it in my comment here. I just like to make my point clear lately you could say.
edit: I think you shouldn't take me to seriously here, for one reason or another my opinion on stuff like that changes slightly in several different stories and I'm suddenly okay with stuff I saw differently before.
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Long story short, yeah, skipping that many chapters was not a good idea.
Well, so much for enjoying this fic. So tired of this
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I'm not going to debate with you about this, since in real life you (and this gentleman) are absolutely right, and I agree with you. This is just a story, though, and I hope that you might give it another chance; this chapter is really the last time you see anything like this, anyway. But that's up to you— I'm not going to try and force the rest of the story down your throat.
*Chuckling as I read the doctor's remarks*
I think it would of been even funnier if they had told spike it would be a "tight fit" but everything would work!!!!
ROFL