"You what?!" Scootaloo yelled in shock, Applebloom putting her hooves over Scootaloo's mouth, her left ear lifting up towards the door. Satisfied that Spike hadn't heard them, she let her hooves down and sighed.
"So, ah didn't really think it out, but we've come this far haven't we? It ain't fer th' whole day or nuthin', just a visit t' th' castle. Let Twilight SEE th' lil ones and maybe get her an Spike t' say more than a few words t' each other," Applebloom explained herself
"I think you should have asked Spike first, but I support the idea," Sweetie Belle tossed in, still sitting on the bed and stretching a bit.
"This is gonna suck, you both know that right? AB, I know your heart is in the right place an all, we all love the big guy and want whats best for him...But is shoving him into the castle the best idea?" Scootaloo continued. Applebloom sighed and shook her head.
"Ah dunno, but ah gotta do somethin'. Twilight is practically family t' him. Ah can't imagine removin' Applejack or Big Mac from my life, could ya'll jus' ignore Rainbow Dash? An Belle, could ya'll jus' pretend Rarity didn't exist?" she asked. They frowned at her logic, knowing she was right.
"This is gonna suck..." Scootaloo repeated.
Spike sighed to himself as he cracked an eye open. Melody was snoring softly on his back, curled up into a little ball. Tempest had wrapped herself up in his arms, her body rising and falling with her breathing under his chin and Zephyr had passed out against his side.
"Ain't that jus' adorable?" Applebloom whispered as she tiptoed into the room. Spike chuckled softly.
"You gonna come rescue me or what?" he asked just as quietly.
"Hm...they look kinda comfy, snugglin' in with their pa," she teased, laying on her stomach in front of him. He rolled his eyes, knowing she would be no help.
"Bloom...Thanks, for all of this. I know I've been kind of uptight about everything...I'm just scared of what COULD happen. Things are already hard enough for them without an episode wrecking their chances at a normal life..."
"Ah know ya'll worry Spike...An nothin' ah say will change that. Ah could say they are too sweet fer that t' happen, but ya'll have an argument fer that already...But you've watched em grow fer years an ah'm sure ya know ain't no monsters in em...Maybe bein' half pony prevents it?" Applebloom wondered.
"Yea...Zephyr can shift between hooves and claws though...Maybe a mutation of some kind between Dragon Magic and Earth Pony Magic," Spike theorized. Applebloom giggled and kissed his snout.
"Ya'll're turnin' into 'nerd Spike' again," she teased. Spike sighed, his smile fading. Applebloom had long ago learned to avoid comparing Spike to Twilight, but sometimes the dragon did it to himself.
"Guess I can't avoid who I am, huh?" he chuckled weakly.
"Actually...A-Ah wanted t' talk t' ya 'bout something..." Applebloom stammered. Spike raised an eyebrow, several thoughts running through his mind at once.
"About what?" he asked slowly. He knew Applebloom wanted another foal, not that he did anything to prevent their chances. He knew she wanted them to live together as a family, and he was giving it a shot, what else could she want?
"Ah...met with Twilight yesterday at th' market..." She said slowly. Spike's face was neutral at this point.
"She asked how everyone's been doin' an she was wonderin' if'n we could visit. A-As a family! She would jus' get t' see all o' us together Spike a-an maybe ya'll could have a chance t' talk? Ah know it hurts ya t' ignore her, maybe this is yer chance?" Applebloom squeaked by the end, her ears pinned back and her hooves fidgeting with one another.
"She asked if we would visit? All of us together?" Spike asked, his voice betraying no emotion.
"Mhm, jus' t' see us...She wanted t' know how th' little ones are doin'," she answered softly. Spike inhaled slowly, smoke curling around his face. He forced himself to relax as he remembered the little clan of dragons using him as a bed.
"If at any point she tries to do anything resembling notes or 'diagnostics', we're leaving," Spike answered, sighing as Applebloom wrapped her hooves around his neck.
The things he did for love.
"We get to go to the castle?!" Tempest asked excitedly, her wings buzzing. Zephyr wore an excited smile as well.
"Yes, but just for a little bit. The Princess is a very busy mare and we don't want to cut in to her time too much," Spike answered.
"Why are we goin' t' th' castle in th' first place Pa?" Zephyr asked curiously.
"Well, your mothers and I have some things we need to talk to Princess Twilight about. Also she wanted the chance to meet all of you, together, as a family," Spike smiled, placing a wing over his son. Zephyr chuckled, turning his gaze to the castle.
He had only ever visited with his Mother or Aunt on deliveries to the castle. He'd never been inside before or even met the Princess.
Applebloom had a strained smile, relaxing under Spike's other wing while Scootaloo hovered alongside them with Tempest. Melody slept soundly in a carrier Sweetie Belle had across her back. Once again, the little Clan of Ponyville drew stares of surprise as the entire family marched together toward the castle.
By now word had probably spread they were living together, despite Spike's rules.
Spike stopped mid-stride and his family followed suit.
"Spike, why'd we..." Applebloom began, until a mass of pink slammed into the ground in front of them. Spike smiled as Pinkie leapt at him, throwing her hooves around his neck tightly
"Ohhh Spikey! I'm so so so happy for all of you! Party! My place! After your visit!" Pinkie said quickly, kissing his cheek and vanishing in a poof of confetti. The dragon shook his head and continued walking. Tempest hovered closer to Scootaloo.
"Um...I know Auntie Pinkie is family, but does that count as cheating?" she asked her mother. Scootaloo snorted and shook her head.
"The thing about Dragons...Actually, how about you ask Spike later? It'll make a great story," Scootaloo chuckled, winking at Spike as he blushed. He cleared his throat and stopped in front of the Castle Doors.
"Okay, ground rules...Don't.Touch.Anything. There's a lot of stuff in this castle that can't be replaced and a lot of stuff that is drowning in magic and curses. I don't want to see anyone transformed into Chickens or let loose an army of Parasprites, alright?" he said, looking at everyone, including Scootaloo.
"what? What did I do?" she asked, trying to look innocent. Spike stood upright, hesitating with his claw ready to knock. Before he had any longer to second guess himself, Rainbow opened the door and stepped aside.
"Come on in Big Guy, she's waiting for ya," Rainbow said softly.
"That's what i'm worried about..."
Silence hung in the air rather painfully as Twilight and Spike stood before one another. Her lips attempted several times to curl into a little smile, the Princess eventually shaking her head.
"You look well Spike," she eventually said, stepping closer. He puffed up his chest slightly.
"You seem well Princess," Spike replied. Tempest zipped in front of him, her claws against her cheeks and her eyes sparkling like stars
"Oh my gosh! Princess Twilight! I'm Tempest, its so cool getting to meet you! Did you really fight The evil King Sombra?" she asked excitedly, her wings buzzing quickly and keeping her at a gentle hover. Twilight glanced at Spike who hesitated before giving a nod.
"Tempest, I'm sure your father has told you many many stories and while a great many of them are true, I personally didn't battle Sombra...I was there and really, it was your father, Princess Cadence, and Prince Armor that did the real fighting," Twilight answered.
"We wouldn't have found the Heart without you Twilight," Spike said softly. Twilight's ears perked up as she turned to Spike.
"Somepony else might've figured it out in time, my mistakes got me locked in a cage instead of being the hero I thought I deserved to be...I suppose I never learned that lesson," Twilight sighed as she sat down
"We all make mistakes...And we all learn from them," Spike smiled weakly, sitting in front of her.
"Can the worst mistakes ever be forgiven?" Twilight asked.
"I think with time, they can...You're the Princess of Friendship, surely you know anyone can be redeemed?" Spike scoffed.
"Um...What is going on?" Tempest asked, ruining the moment. Spike chuckled and shook his head.
"A pair of old friends, trying to tie up loose ends," Spike answered. He stood up, putting a claw on Zephyr's back.
"Twilight...This is my son, Zephyr Sassafras Apple. Some day he'll take over Sweet Apple Acre's so Applebloom can finally retire with Applejack," he chuckled. Zephyr felt his chest swell with pride at his father's words, Twilight offering him a smile.
"My, you've grown so much, you must be rather strong" Twilight giggled, biting her tongue against questions that piled up in her throat. Spike noticed the effort she put into remaining silent, his eyes still judging her. He held out his wing for Sweetie Belle who stepped forward and under his wing. He lifted his wing gently to reveal Crystal Melody.
"My youngest daughter, Crystal Melody...She isn't speaking yet, but she's learning to walk rather well. Her magic is growing too," Spike said softly. Twilight held back a squeal at the sight of the adorable Dracony.
"Do you all mind giving me and the Princess a moment alone?" Spike asked suddenly. Applebloom chewed her lip and nodded, nuzzling his cheek before nudging Zephyr to follow. Scootaloo hooked her hooves against tempest's sides, pulling her along. Sweetie Belle glanced at them before going into the other room with the others.
"Alright, what do you want?" Spike asked. Twilight sighed, hanging her head.
"I just want my friend back..."
"No science? No experiments? No notes? No studying?" Spike listed off, watching her carefully.
"Not everything has to be studied or understood, especially family..." Twilight answered, keeping her eyes on the floor. Spike was skeptical, crossing his arms and exhaling slowly, smoke curling around his face.
"I can't trust you Twilight...Then again I don't even trust myself...So I want to lay down some rules," he said, holding up a claw before she could speak.
"You will never, ever be alone with my children. Their mothers, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, or Fluttershy must be nearby, in ear shot, line of sight, or by your side. With Sweetie Belle's permission, and only with her permission are you allowed to judge and assist Melody with her magic.
With Scootaloo's permission, you can fly with Tempest, and only with Scootaloo or Fluttershy present.
You're already good friends with Applebloom, but she, or Pinkie, or Applejack MUST be present if you want to spend time with Zephyr...He looks up to you as a hero Twilight. If you asked, he'd happily let you know everything about himself..." Spike took another slow breath, holding up his claw to silence her again.
"One month Twilight. One month with these rules in place. You can ask them questions, you can take notes based on their answers, and I demand the right to see your notes. I know this all sounds harsh..."
"I understand Spike. You don't have to do any of this and I'm very thankful for it," Twilight interrupted him, taking a step forward and biting her lip. Spike shook his head.
"Not yet Twilight," he said suddenly, taking a step back from her. She nodded and sat down.
"Of course, I apologize. How have things been? I heard you all are living together," Twilight changed the subject. Spike chuckled and smiled a little.
"Applebloom has a talent for dragging me into things...I guess that's really how everything started, huh?" he scoffed.
"I woke up with them using me as a bed...It felt...nice. My family...my 'hoard'...In that moment of realizing that they are my 'hoard' I panicked...But there was no Greed, no Hunger, no Need, except to protect them," he hung his head, blinking as he felt a nudge against his side.
He looked down to find Melody holding up her claws to him. He chuckled and lifted her, growling softly as her claws wrapped around his neck. He chuckled as a panicking Sweetie Belle rushed into the room.
"I turned around and she was gone! I-I think she teleported to you," she gasped, out of breath and slumping against Spike's side.
"Tha'ts...Amazing. A silent teleport, and so young," Twilight shook her head and cleared her throat, shrinking in on herself.
"That doesn't count," Spike said quickly. He had similar moments, not even realizing he was going nerd mode, that and his family had him in a good mood today. The others poured in, a collective sigh of relief filling the air at finding Melody safe and sound. Spike laid down, placing Melody on her back and resting his arm over her, smiling as she played with his claws.
"You handle her so well," Twilight murmured as she laid in front of him.
"Spike's a natural parent," Applebloom grinned, claiming his right side since Sweetie Belle was against his left. Scootaloo chuckled and shook her head.
"AB wants another one," Scootaloo explained to Twilight. The Princess of Friendship blinked, staring at Spike.
"We're...Discussing it," he said, glancing at Applebloom.
"Do you guys have to schedule that kind of thing or something? Or does it just happen?" Tempest wondered. All eyes turned to Scootaloo.
"What? She asks a lot of questions! Am I supposed to ignore her?" she argued, her family bursting into laughter.
They spent a lot more time than Spike had expected them to at the castle. Spike took a moment to inhale the fresh air outside the castle. A part of him would always remain there, but that part of him was in the past.
"You okay Pa?" Zephyr asked softly. Spike chuckled, nudging his son.
"We'll talk later, your old man just has a lot of stuff on his mind,"
"Yea, like how you're gonna race me home old man!" Tempest shouted, taking off. Spike smirked and flared out his massive wings. Scootaloo gulped and watched as Spike took off, her legs shaking while she fanned herself with one of her wings.
"Seriously Scoots?" Applebloom scoffed.
"Look AB, you have your thing with Spike, let me have mine. Those wings...unf," She bit her lip, watching him slice through the air after Tempest. Zephyr shook his head at his mothers antics. It wasn't anything he was new to. His father kept most things to himself, humble and quiet. His mothers liked to boast about his father, normally about his prowess in bed
"Ah dunno how Pa manages t' keep up with all of ya," he chuckled, marching after his father and sister.
"Pfft, we're the ones struggling to keep up with him Z," Scootaloo scoffed, grinning as Spike landed with Tempest tucked under his arm.
"What was all that crud about my wings being super cool?! You caught me in no time!" she whined.
"Your wings are super cool," Spike chuckled, spreading out his own, to which Scootaloo swooned.
"Mine are just better,"
Spike had chased after Tempest for several reasons. The first being that he quickly learned never to deny a pegasus, or in this case a Winged Dracony, when it came to a race.
The second reason being that Tempest was every bit her mother, including being accident prone.
And the third reason was that they had a party to attend, home would have to wait.
He fully expected the hug he received as he stepped into Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie planting a kiss on his cheek.
"I'm so happy you all made it! I know you don't really like crowds so I only invited our friends for this one, is that okay?" Pinkie asked, fluttering her eyes at him. Spike chuckled and rolled his eyes.
"It's great Pinks," Spike said softly. She giggled and hopped her way into the kitchen. Spike claimed a seat at the large table full of snacks, chuckling as Tempest happily dug in. Sweetie Belle laid down with Melody, smiling as Applebloom placed a plate in front of her. The unicorn lifted a small sandwich in her magic, holding it out to Melody who squealed happily, eating it in one bite.
Zephyr sat beside his mother, chuckling to himself as he saw her lean up against Spike's side. The drake himself letting out a sigh, even as a small smile touched his lips.
"Helloooo Darlings!" Rarity called as she stepped into Sugarcube Corner. She instantly rushed to Sweetie Belle's side, nuzzling her niece.
"Oh its so good to see you again. You just got back didn't you?" Rarity asked. Sweetie Belle gave a nod.
"You too? How was Manehatten?" Sweetie Belle giggled. Rarity rolled her eyes and huffed.
"We shall not speak of it," Rarity muttered, turning to Spike with a small smile.
"Hello Spike, looking as strong as always,"
"And you look lovely Rarity," Spike replied dryly, earning an elbow to his rib from Applebloom. He chuckled nervously and cleared his throat.
"I mean uh, good to see you," he mumbled.
"Still not on the best of terms?" She asked, her smile fading.
"Hard to forget the rampage, call it a Dragon Grudge," he shrugged.
"Well, at least you talk to me. I admit I might've...overreacted, but things are well now," Rarity giggled, her smile returning. Spike decided to have a bit of fun at his old crush's expense.
"So, how's AJ?" Spike asked over his cup of punch. Rarity paused and cleared her throat.
"She uh, well, you know how she can be. She doesn't really enjoy the city life...We're actually moving back to Ponyville soon," she admitted.
"Really?! Oh Rarity that's wonderful!" Sweetie Belle cheered, Melody squealing happily beside her.
"Speakin' o' my sister," Applebloom smiled as Applejack marched into the store, placing her hat on a small peg Pinkie had left up for her. She smiled over at Applebloom and Zephyr, making her way over and accepting a hug from both of them.
"Nice t' see ya Auntie," Zephyr smiled.
"Ain't so bad seein' ya either young'un. Ah swear ya'll were shorter last time ah saw ya," Applejack mumbled, glancing over at Spike.
"What? How is a growth spurt my fault?" Spike joked
"Ain't nothing wrong with bein' a big strong handsome dragon," Applebloom grinned, winking at her husband. Spike sighed, going back to his punch. He shook his head as he spotted Tempest ready to pounce.
It all happened at once. The winged Dracony leapt for Applejack, the experienced farm pony stepping to the side and pivoting in time to tackle her out of the air, pulling her in for a noogie.
"Ah didn't ferget 'bout you Tee! Jus' cause yer granny Dash could catch me doesn't mean ya'll can. Still got a ways t' go," she laughed. Tempest rolled her eyes and threw her arms around the earth pony.
"Yea, whatever. I'll get ya one day, that's what Z always says and he almost got Dad the other day!"
Applejack looked over at Spike, raising an eyebrow.
"I was having an off day," he shrugged.
Next to enter the shop was Fluttershy, giving her friends a gentle smile before claiming a spot at the table across from Spike. Applejack sat next to her with Rarity staying by Sweetie Belle to coo and waggle her hoof in front of Melody.
"Are Rainbow Dash and Twilight not coming?" Fluttershy asked softly. Pinkie Pie frowned a little as she came back with a tray of cookies balanced on top of her head.
"They were both really really busy, but they said they might be able to visit!" Pinkie perked up, setting the cookies down and clearing her throat.
"After all, today's the day that Spikey and Twilight became friends again! Well, started to become friends again, which is a big big step in being friends and I'm so so sooooo happy for you!" she giggled. Spike sighed, scratching at his chin.
"Thanks Pinks, but there's a long way to go, we'll see how things go in a month," Spike said over his punch.
"What happens in a month?" Zephyr wondered, glancing at his father.
"I'm not entirely sure yet Zephyr, we'll know after a month," Spike chuckled.
"Alright, enough mopin' 'round. This a party or what?" Applejack laughed.
It had been quite a party, Rarity gushing about how her business was doing and Applejack resting her head against the unicorn.
"Ah think they've heard 'nough 'bout business sugarcube," Applejack chuckled, gently nudging Rarity.
"Oh silly me! Spike darling, how have things been?" Rarity asked with a smile. Spike shrugged and tilted his head towards Tempest, the little Dracony having succumbed to a sugar coma after eating an entire tray of cookies. It didn't help that she was using his leg as a pillow.
"A Dad's work is never done," he chuckled.
"I'd say Spikey's work is never done," Pinkie giggled, her normal pink cheeks flushing red. Rarity cleared her throat nervously and glanced at Zephyr who was still wide awake.
"Is that really something to discuss in front of a foal, Pinkie dear?" Rarity said through her teeth.
"Oh, ah know all 'bout Pa's relationships an 'conquests' Miss Rarity. Ma is rather proud of our family," he quickly pointed out.
"We're just three mares, Spike's a big dragon," Applebloom shrugged.
"Ah don't think ah could share Rarity," Applejack admitted.
"It helps when its more than just sharin' the big guy," Scootaloo said, winking at Applebloom. After all, they WERE a married couple.
"Deviants, every last one of you," Rarity sighed.
"I'm innocent in this," Spike argued gently.
"Uh huh, sure thing Spike," Applejack said with a roll of her eyes.
"Ya know, our offer is still on th' table, if'n ya'll are feelin' a might bit adventurous," Applebloom teased.
"An fer th' last dang time, ah'm happy where ah am," Applejack growled. Applebloom only shrugged, leaning against Spike with a sigh.
"Suit yerself sis, more Dragon fer me," she chuckled. Applejack shook her head.
"Ah'd blame ya fer her bein' like this, but ah'm pretty sure it jus' runs in th' family. Always been at least one Apple that couldn't keep t' themselves," Applejack sighed.
"Wait...So which Apple was before..."
"Granny," everypony said together. Spike chuckled, realizing he should have known. She had very quickly accepted Spike's relationship with Applebloom and didn't even bat an eye at the fact that he was also dating Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.
"On second thought, ah s'pose Tempest could sleep in a real bed. Ah'll take her home an let all o' ya catch up," Zephyr said with a smile, slipping Tempest on to his back and taking practiced measured steps so as not to wake her.
"We'll catch up with you later!" Scootaloo waved. All eyes turned to Spike once Zephyr was gone.
"Whoa, I know for a fact Heat Season is still at least a month away, so whats this about?" Spike asked, holding up his claws.
"We're jus teasin ya Spike," Applejack chuckled
"Though I am rather curious on some details Darling, namely your actions with Pinkie Pie," Rarity admitted.
"Heh, well uh...Dragon Stamina is some pretty amazin' stuff," Scootaloo chuckled nervously, flitting her wings a bit.
"We thought th' three of us would be enough t' handle him and he jus' kept goin'," Applebloom smiled, glancing at Sweetie Belle.
"But we were exhausted, as much as we wanted to keep going we just couldn't keep up with him," Sweetie Belle blushed, turning to Spike.
"So Scoots has the crazy idea to drag somepony else over and Pinkie just happens to walk in while I hit the shower,"
"And how could I say no!? I mean...LOOK at him! He was so cute and cuddly as a baby dragon and I guess even back then I kind of had a thing for him. I mean, I don't think what we have is really romance, but I sure don't feel as lonely as I use to," Pinkie giggled.
"I swear, this herd of yours is going to get out of control one day Spike," Rarity sighed.
"One day? It got out of control the moment I asked out Applebloom," he scoffed
"Oh hush," Applebloom gently shoved him, earning a sharp toothed grin.
"Well, as long as all of ya are happy, then ah'm happy fer ya. This old mare is gettin' tired," Applejack stood, stretching a bit and letting out a sigh as her back popped.
"You aren't old Applejack, you're finely aged," Rarity argued,
"Whatever Rares, ya'll take care!" Applejack slipped on her hat, waiting for Rarity at the door.
"Oh! And do be sure to visit with my niece sweetie Belle!" Rarity called out, being gently pushed out the door by Applejack.
Spike sighed and shook his head
"Um," Fluttershy shuffled her hooves a bit, keeping her gaze on the table. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow and sat in front of the older pegasus, holding out her wings and flicking the tips against Fluttershy's wings gently. Fluttershy looked up in surprise, catching eyes with her.
"Wasn't it you that told me 'if you really want something, go for it'?" Scootaloo asked softly.
"T-That doesn't really apply to everything," Fluttershy argued just as softly. Pinkie squealed, looping her foreleg around Fluttershy's shoulders
"Awww, Shy-Shy, are you crushing on Spikey?" She asked, Scootaloo smacking her face with her hoof.
"Pinkie, we love you, but please don't be so blunt..." she sighed.
"Um...what?" Spike asked from across the table.
"Pegasus things Spike, Shy wants a piece of dragon booty. She won't make eye contact with you, her wings are tucked in too hard, and she hasn't said a word to you," Scootaloo explained.
"H-How...?"
"Cause I was the same way, remember?" Scootaloo said with a smile. Spike thought back to then. Sure enough, a picture of Scootaloo with her eyes on his stomach or the ground, struggling to get out more than two words. Until Sweetie Belle had rushed in and yelled their confession in his face.
"Hmmm, what do you think Spikey? Isn't Shy so adorable!?" Pinkie asked, nudging the pegasus to her hooves and gently but forcefully pushing her in front of Spike. The dragon let out a sigh, resting his claws on the table.
"Shy, you know you can talk to me. Just...ignore them for a minute," Spike offered her a smile, watching as she took a slow breath.
"Well, I...um, wait. Ahem, H-How was your day?" she stammered, sitting up a little straighter.
"It was alright. I woke up to my kids using me as a bed," he chuckled. She giggled at that.
"I would have loved to see that, they are all rather adorable," She sighed softly, her ears pinning back against her head.
"Is that what this is about Shy? You want a foal?" Spike asked softly. She bit her lip and nodded.
"I-I'm terrible at dates. I know Rainbow has really been trying to find a stallion I can relate to b-but there just aren't any out there..." She set her hooves on the table.
"I see...So you got the idea to ask me, someone you know and can actually connect to?" Spike continued.
"I-I thought about it a lot. You didn't seem to have a problem w-with Pinkie so I thought...M-Maybe if I asked nicely...a-and then I kept thinking you would be angry with me, or the girls would get upset, or your foals would hate you," Fluttershy started to hyperventilate as the panic set in, blinking as Spike grabbed her hoof.
"Well Scoots? Yer th' Pegasus expert here. She's already got my vote," Applebloom smirked.
"I GUESS I can sacrifice some of my alone time, I did have Spike all to myself for a few days. Besides, I never woulda got the courage to ask out Spike if it wasn't for her, and uh...Belle," Scootaloo glanced over at the Unicorn.
"Hm? Oh! Uh..."
"Fluttershy wants Spike to give her a foal, we're votin on it," Applebloom explained.
"Sorry, I just..."
"Was focused on Melody an not listenin'? Yea, we get it," Scootaloo teased. Sweetie Belle sighed, sitting up and gently lifting the foal into the carrier across her back.
"If anypony deserves to be a mother, I think its Fluttershy," Sweetie Belle answered, smiling at the pegasus.
"You girls...You really mean it?" She asked with tears in her eyes.
"Guess I've been volunteered, oh woe is me," Spike sighed with a smile, Applebloom smacking his shoulder.
"Shush you, ain't like ya'll are gonna bed her right now," Applebloom scolded.
"Yes ma'am, sorry ma'am, won't happen again ma'am," Spike continued to be a smartass. Applebloom sighed and shook her head.
"I'm sorry ya'll had to fall in love with this idiot, though ah gotta know. Are ya'll jus' wantin' to be a mother, or is this a more romantic interest?" Applebloom pressed.
"I-I don't really know. I don't want to take him from you. Just...seeing all of you so happy as mothers..."
"Made ya a little jealous huh? So its mostly momma fever an Spike bein' the only 'stallion' you can turn to, right?" Scootaloo asked gently, sitting beside the mare. Fluttershy nodded as her face burned brighter.
"If it'll make you happy then I'll be a donor for you," Spike smiled.
"Doesn't that take the fun out of it though?" Pinkie said with a pout.
"Just cause some ponies like a good ruttin' doesn't mean all o' us do," Applebloom argued.
"I, um...I want that..." Fluttershy spoke up, collecting herself and looking into Spike's eyes. He let out a sigh.
"Alright then, I guess this is a thing we're doing," he shrugged, looking to his mares.
"So, ya'll're gonna come over when Heat Season hits. We got a special spot we hide Spike in an th' two of ya'll can go at it til ya'll are sure ya have a foal in ya," Applebloom offered.
"W-What about all of you?" She asked.
"Oh, we'll be taking him after that. AB gets him first, then me, then Sweetie Belle. And Pinks might join in," Scootaloo explained, fluffing out her wings.
"Oh wow, I-I don't know what to say..." Fluttershy shook her head, squeezing as Spike squeezed her hoof.
"You don't have to say anything Shy," Spike chuckled, letting go of her hoof and standing up. She scrambled to her hooves, clearing her throat and smiling nervously.
"It feels so long ago that it was you looking up at me Spike..." Fluttershy murmured, smiling up at him. he chuckled, and leaned forward, placing a kiss on her forehead.
"Awwwww!" the gathered mares cooed.
Spike rolled his eyes. Just what was he getting into?