//------------------------------// // CH9: The Beginning of Forever (10 Weeks Pregnant) // Story: Our Daughter // by lillytheomegawolf //------------------------------// “Soarin, Soarin! Wake up!” The young stallion felt himself thrust into the waking world by his two younger cousins. Red and green hooves withdrew from their contact with his side as he rolled over to face the troublesome pre-teen duo. “Can’t a colt get a few last minutes sleep around here?” The duo shook their heads, grins upon their faces as they did so. The cornflower blue colt sighed, “alright. Shoo, I’ll be down in a minute.” The pair remained in place. The red filly with a bright yellow mane giggled into her hoof. Her brother fidgeted with his sky blue mane, “s-some pony looked like he was trying to cuddle his pillow. Do you miss your little sunshine that much?” “Hey,” Soarin sat up, a scowl etched its way along his face, “nopony calls Spitfire that, except me.” “Aww, big cuzzie misses his snuggle-buddy!” Cooed the filly. “Orion and Fire Lilly. Leave your cousin alone,” instructed a rather strict sounding mare. Moments later the door pushed open to reveal a slate grey mare with a light blue mane. “Come on.” “Awwwww!” the youngsters bemoaned as they dutifully left the room. “Thank you, aunty Obsidia.” Soarin flopped onto his back and gazed up at his aunt. “You’re most welcome. I hope you’re more excited than they are by what is going to happen today,” the grey mare smiled down at the relaxed colt. “Yea, just let my mind finish kicking into gear, then I’ll be good to go.” “Missing your morning cuddles?” Obsidia smiled keenly down at her nephew. “Uh...” Soarin flushed slightly. Soarin’s aunt laughed softly, “hun, it’s normal to enjoy such contact with your special somepony once the two of you settle down. No need to be embarrassed, it’s one of the high points of my day when I get to cuddle with my husband.” “Oh, good to know.” Soarin smiled appreciatively as he rose into a seated position on his bed. “Now, I know one of the reasons you are probably getting married this young is because you two are made for each other. Also, eager for sex. Am I right?” Obsidia smiled knowingly. “But believe me, as great as it feels, nothing beats the sweetness and bliss of cuddles. Just watch out. I’m sure you both would appreciate getting into the Wonderbolts before having children.” “Errr... Thanks.” Silently, he did agree with his aunt. Soarin hid his burning muzzle in shame by giving it a light scratch, trying to at least keep something of a smile there to hide his feelings. “Too much?” Obsidia asked. Soarin nodded, embarrassed for reasons he hoped his auntie never would have to discover. Obsidia took a step backward, “alright, but you know, my sister loves having you two around. I do hope you continue to visit regularly once you and your lovely young mare are married.” “Of course we will keep coming round, mom has been making the most amazing meals for us. It’s like she’s trying to lure us home with food,” a light laugh escaped the youngster. “That is exactly what she is doing,” the grey mare nodded knowingly in agreement. “Oh. Well, then I would hate to disappoint mum then.” The older pegasus laughed softly, “anyway, don’t miss your mare too much. Or you won’t be in time to the ceremony and will really miss her. Your mother is making us all a nice breakfast before we head out for the final preparations.” “Okay, thank you.” Soarin slid out of bed as his aunt left the room. As he hurried to the bathroom, Soarin buzzed with excitement. Today was the day! Before noon he would be a married colt and Spitfire would be his, forever! Soarin’s aunt led her two children and her husband out of the dining room. Soarin heard the front door open and close. He turned to his parents who remained seated in front of him. “What’s going on? Shouldn’t we join them?” “In a minute, son.” Dawnrush soothed her son. “We have something to present to you before you fully accept Spitfire as your bride.” “Okay?” Nerves sparked up inside the young stallion. What could his parents possibly have for him now? It would be good, right? “Son,” Tyson paused for a moment as he took his son and wife by their forehooves and brought them all together. “We are not rich like Spitfire’s parents, but we thought long and hard and we have decided to gift you both three hundred bits.” “Three hundred-” Soarin’s maw fell loose. That was a lot of money for a young colt. Certainly, more than he would make in all his time at the bakery before their extended honeymoon. “We know your job at the bakery does not pay all that well,” Dawnrush softly spoke up. “As your parents, this is our wedding gift to you. Hopefully, it will help secure your futures financially so that you both can focus on making your dreams come true. We both know how much it means for you both to become Wonderbolts and I personally know how hard it is to carry a foal for almost a year.” “Thank you,” Soarin squeezed his parents' forehooves. Did they save all that money for Spitfire and him? Lightheadedness began to take over and he tightened his hold. It was unbelievable! With a slight shake from the elation, the colt leant forward and pulled his parents into a winged hug. It was awkward, hugging with the dinner table in the way, but right then and there Soarin wasn’t sure if his legs would hold him properly if he tried to get up to thank them properly. Yellow hooves reached out for the warmth that should be there up came up empty. No Soarin?!? The young mare sat bolt upright in bed. She fought with the heavy weight of sleep only to realise it was her old bedroom. ...She was in her parents home. No Soarin. Dam. ‘Why did I even bother coming back?’ Spitfire sighed. Morning cuddles with her colt would have been nice about now. She peeked out the window and noticed how high the sun was in the sky. That must mean her parents were up getting ready. Why had her mother not woken her up earlier? Her mind drifted from her family to her colt. He most likely would be on his way to the big cloud for their wedding. She would see him soon. Her tummy bubbled with excitement. At least, that’s all Spitfire hoped it was. ‘Come on, behave yourself today.’ She slowly rubbed her tummy, slowly, carefully. Round and round her hoof went. Calm down, come on. This had become her colt’s job, tending to her when she had a rough morning. She smiled to herself, it was like the two of them had become attached at the hip or something. While she wasn’t some helpless filly, it did feel nicer when Soarin did things like this for her. The speedster rapidly grew tired of tending to her nervous tummy and stretched. Time to hurry this up, she had a wingmate to see. Soarin and his family touched down on an extra large, flat cloud that floated near the unicorn ranges. It had been a good flight from Cloudsdale and the young stallion was thankful of the distance from home. No pony could accidentally come across their union without being invited. At least, that was the plan. It was great to see that Tempest Wind had made them an excellent cloud with a slight fluffy rise on one side for the couple to stand and plenty of room for the few family and friends who were invited. 

His gaze turned in the direction of Clousdale. Even from a distance, Soarin could imagine his Spitfire preparing to make the trip. He tingled with excitement, it was almost time! Stormy Flare touched down on the extra large cloud that floated near the unicorn ranges. It was satisfying to see many of the ponies from her family on one side with Soarin’s smaller group of family on the other. Their children's few friends sat in the second row back with her son-in-law’s family. It was good, everypony looked like they were here. “My daughter is on her way, expect her within the next minute or two.” An old purple-grey pegasus with a mane grey from age and sharp green eyes walked from the front row of Soarin’s side to the front and sat, center stage. “Alright Soarin, please rise.” She pointed to a spot on her right, in front of the young stallion’s family. Soarin did as he was instructed by his grandmother. Once up front he sat and turned his attention to the skies in the direction of Clousdale. After a few moments, he spotted two dots on the horizon. The young stallion grinned, there she was! As the dots began to grow the colt could hardly contain himself. He rocked back and forth on his hooves, his wings itching to propel him up and away to meet his beloved. Time seemed to crawl past as Soarin waited and waited for the dots to grow. Slowly, painfully they gradually became ponies. Although there were two dots, one orange and one yellow, Soarin only had eyes for the beautiful yellow pegasus who was to become his wife. Her hoof band sparkled in celestia’s sunlight as she flew. Her mane trailed neatly in a fiery wake that made Soarin want to be right there beside her. The beaufiful young mare alighted on the cloud to many wows and awww’s. She had her coat groomed to perfection and even the flight here had not put a single feather out of place. Her father held himself proudly at her side. He too looked rather dapper for an older stallion. But Soarin had only eyes for one. The young pegasus who took his breath away. As she began to walk slowly down the isle between the two families, Soarin realised his jaw was loose and snapped his mouth closed. Spitfire smirked back at her soon to be husband. It made her feel good that he liked what he saw. She felt what she hoped were just nerves swirl around inside. ‘Yes, yes little one. Please let mommy get married to daddy without making me lose my breakfast.’ All too soon Spitfire found herself at the front. She gave her father a hug then withdrew. She once again faced Soarin and felt her father lift up her right hoof. The grinning young stallion accepted the offering and nodded solemnly to the older pegasus who then walked off to his place beside his wife. Soarin guided Spitfire into place beside him, facing forward toward his grandma. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together on this day in front of family and friends to witness the union of two lovely young souls as they are joined for eternity. Although marriage is a big step for anypony, these two have assured me that despite their young age this is exactly what they want: To spend the rest of their lives together. They wish to become Wonderbolt’s side by side. Although they had recently moved in together, I am made glad by their desire to marry before they take any other major steps in their relationship.” Spitfire’s father coughed rather obnoxiously and muttered something that sounded rather rude under his breath. Gale Force shot Tempest Wind a hard look. “You know, it’s also a rarity that a grandmother is given the opportunity to marry one of her grandfoals. I for one would like to enjoy this day.” Soarin smirked to himself. “Alright. Now, before you both go exchanging primary feathers, I ask that you recite your chosen vows to one another. Make it loud and clear dears, I’m sure some in the audience are deafer than I.” After a moment's silence followed by a encouraging nudge from his wingmare, Soarin realised it was his turn to speak. “I Soarin ...take you spitfire to be my wife.” The young stallion took a deep nervous breath as the full weight of what he was doing settled on his shoulders and his left eye began to leak. “To fly with you through the good days and the stormy days. I will do my best to provide and care for you and I will love you forever.” A light cheer went up and many ponies stomped their hooves on the soft cloud. Spitfire’s insides fluttered at the sound of her colt’s voice. The utter assurance that came from him believing every word he said. Now it was her turn. “I Spitfire take you pieboy-” She smirked at the shock that covered his muzzle. “I mean Soarin... to be my husband. I will fly with you through the storms of life, and be with you in the good days and bad. I will do my best to care for you and will love you forever.” Spitfire itched to nuzzle her companion, but stayed where she was knowing that their moment was soon to come. Soarin wasn’t quite as patient. He snuck in and gave his lover a quick nuzzle and his wings fluttered as she reciprocated. All the pegasi present stomped the cloud in support for the young couple. Vows finished and mind buzzing, Soarin withdrew and turned to eye his parents. His mother was wiping her eyes on his father’s coat while his dad’s jaw slightly quivered with barely contained emotion. The stallion nodded fondly at his son. The young colt’s heart soared. Spitfire cast her eyes at her own parents and spotted her mother with a delighted smile upon her muzzle. Her father was less easy to read. Rather than attempt to figure him out, she returned her attention up front. Gale spoke up once more, “I can see you both are eager for your first kiss. But first, your primary feather exchange.” Soarin nodded. “Before I continue, please, Spitfire remove your hoof band.” The young mare did as she was bidden and handed the band Soarin had given her over to their martricarh. The old mare carefully accepted the ornate object and eyed it for a moment. “This band, typically handed down from parents to son and then to the mare he wishes to wed signifies not only his wish to take her as his wife, but is also a sign of purity.” Tempest Wind coughed rather loudly. Gale shot him an irate look. “Do you have something in your throat, or do you wish to say something?” “Purity?” The stallion scoffed back. “Do you know what that idiot grandson of yours did to my filly?” Sptfire’s insides turned to ice. No way! Her father was not about to say what she dreaded he was?! Soarin shot the now clearly angry stallion a pleading look. Gale Force glanced between the couple up front with confusion. “What is he talking about?” Many other ponies in the audience were also sharing confused looks and murmuring softly. Tempest Wind’s gaze drilled into Soarin. “Because of this young colt, my filly is pregnant. It’s because Spitfire is pregnant that they are getting married so soon and I have been very disappointed with them both ever since I had the news broken to me by Dawnrush and Tyson who discovered their little secret by accident. If they had their way, they would have continued to hide their little accident from us all before they run off to birth the little bastard. Tyson even refused to give his son their family hoof band. He is a disgrace!” The collective audience turned from the angry stallion to Soarin’s parents. Tyson shot the speaker a hard look as he stood. “Why you flankhole!” the dark blue stallion’s wings powered as he crossed the aisle and landed in front of his old friend. The two fathers lightly butted heads as they glared at one another. Spitfire wished she could crawl into some cloud far away with Soarin and hide. Her father was destroying her wedding day! “How could you do that!” Tyson demanded as he shoved Tempest Wind. “I’m not the problem here, Tyson. Your son is!” The deep orange stallion scoffed as he pushed against the blue pegasus in his face. "Shut up Tempest! My son has taken serious steps to fix this problem." "Oh you're not so different to me, come on," Tempest Wind scoffed. "You didn't give Soarin your family hoof band." "Yes, I did!" With each word, Tyson shoved a forehoof into his old friend's chest. "We aren't all-" “Be quiet younglings! Spitfire, Soarin, is this true?” Gale Force’s wings shot to full extension and her voice boomed out over the tense atmosphere. “Y-yes.” Spitfire shrank under the stern gaze of the mare who had almost finished marrying them. “I am pregnant with Soarin’s foal.” Several gasps erupted from pegasi present. Soarin hunkered fearfully under his grandmother’s gaze as she turned sternly to him. He shook slightly as she held him there. “Tell me truthfully young colt. Does this change anything?” “N-no.” "Show some backbone boy. I don't believe you." Despite the fear of his grandmother, the young stallion forced himself to stand tall. "No. It does not change anything. I want to marry Spitfire. Today." “If Spitfire were still pure and without your foal, you would marry her today and not wait?” “Absolutely!” Soarin forced his quaking body to stand up strong. “I love Spitfire and think she is the most amazing mare in Equestria. Nothing will change that.” “Right.” Gale nodded slowly, her gaze shifting carefully between the couple. “What will you both do about this foal?” Spitfire stiffed her resolve as she felt all eyes fall on her. She did her best to ignore the heavy gaze of the audience and focus just upon her lover and their matriarch. “We intend to give our foal away once he or she is born. We created this life. I will not end it before it has had a chance, but we are not in a position to start a family yet. So...” The young mare sighed, "Soarin and I have agreed to find a suitable place for our foal to grow up and that is where we will take them as soon as the time comes." “That sounds like a bold plan.” Gale sighed. “While I wish- I wish you had waited and I’m sure you’re aware of this fact-” she shot Tempest Wind a hard look. “I am glad you chose to get married. Your union has lighted up my life and I feel only happiness for you both. Please ignore anypony who tells you otherwise. I still think you’re both amazing.” “Thank you,” the young couple did a slight bow to their elder, amazed by her kindness. Several pegasi muttered to one another. As the murmuring grew in volume, the mare in charge of the proceedings loudly cleared her throat. Silence fell. Gale shifted as she eyed the guests then returned her focus to the uncomfortable couple up front. “For the record, I too got married young. Although other specifics were ...different it does not change the fact that my husband and I are proof that young marriages can stand the test of time. Now. If we may continue...” A few more moments passed. When no pony made a noise the greying mare fluffed her feathers, rather pleased with herself. “Now... where was I?” “I had ...removed my hoofband.” Spitfire tentatively offered. “Ah yes...” the old mare smiled as she brightened up. Gale held up the hoofband. “As you have removed your engagement band, I bid you both, pluck out a primary feather and place it in your lover’s mane behind an ear. Soarin, you first.” The young couple did as they were bidden. Soarin carefully tugged free a large strong blue feather. He reached over and lightly placed it in his lover’s mane. The colt withdrew with a giant grin. The light blue stood out in stark contrast to the fiery colours of the mare who wore it. His mind buzzed with hyper levels of joy, for Spitfire was officially his wife. She now bore his feather in her mane. She was his. She really was his. ...Breathe... Spitfire quickly yanked out one of her bright golden primaries and eagerly placed it in the mane of her grinning lover. Her colt, her wingmate... Her husband. 

The fiery young mare stepped back to admire her handiwork and the bright yellow feather that stuck out from the dark blue mane like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. It almost felt like her little one inside was doing tiny flips of joy. Or maybe it was just her. Spitfire was brought back down to Equs by the sound of their matriarch's voice. “Now that you bear each other’s feather, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now share a hug or a kiss.” With a slight flare of her wings, Spitfire went in for the kiss. Strong blue forelegs wrapped around her neck as Soarin hugged her and they shared their first kiss as a newly married couple. Cheers rang out and Spitfire withdrew. Oh yea, there was like... forty ponies watching them pash. She flushed lightly as her husband continued to wrap her in a winged hug. “This mare, is now mine. Yes!” Soarin proudly declared with a sweep of his hoof. "Ya big doofus," Spitfire chucked and lightly shoulder barged her new spouse. "I guess I should then introduce everypony to my husband, piebrain." Several ponies chucked. Soarin huffed. The young firey mare smirked at her husband and gave him a quick nuzzle. He immediately perked up as if nothing was ever wrong. Spitfire's heart soared at the sight. With a thankful nod to their celebrant, the newly-wed couple headed toward Spitfire’s parents. They paused and with a flourish of their wings they bowed. Tempest Wind stood, unfurled his powerful wings and lightly touched the couple on the head with one wingtip each. “I trust that you will take care of my daughter in the manner of which she is accustomed. My assistance to you both financially ends here.” “Of course,” Soarin replied as the feathers lifted from his head and he rose. “And to you, father.” Spitfire murmured, glad that he was at least civil for this part of the ceremony. She turned to her mother, “thanks for all your help.” Spitfire lent in for a hug and after nestling in close whispered the last part of her message; “you know, I don’t know how you put up with that pig.” Spitfire’s mother smiled at her daughter as the fiery youngster withdrew. “I wish you both luck.” With everypony watching, the couple made their way over to Soarin’s parents and they bowed slightly as his father rose. Rich blue wings stretched out and lightly brushed against his two treasured young ponies. He smiled warmly at them with a tear in his eye and shot a look at his wife who nodded back. “You both are welcome at our house anytime. And unlike somepony... We do wish to see our grandfoal when he or she is born.” Still covered by his father’s feathers, Soarin shot his wife questing look. She nodded back and together they rose to face smiling stallion before them. “That sounds like a great idea dad.” Spitfire nodded, “you can be our last stop before we find our daughter-” “Son.” Soarin was quick to interject. Spitfire playfully nudged her lover, “daughter a home.” “Thank you,” Soarin’s mother spoke up as she wiped tears from her eyes. “That would mean so much to us both.” As the couple turned to march off down the middle of the gathered ponies, Soarin was sure he caught Tempest Wind roll his eyes. What is up with him? Many ponies gave their congratulations and asked about their foal as they both wandered down past everypony. Soarin’s head spun with all the words and mostly happy faces. It was really happening! He was about to take off and fly for the first time with his wife! The couple reached the end of the cloud and Spitfire brought her husband to a stop. She pulled him back with a hard tug. The overwhelmed colt had almost prematurely fallen off the edge. “Are you okay?” “Yea... I- yea, better than okay...” Soarin trailed off as he lightly squeezed his mare with his wing that he had draped over her barrel. “This just kinda feels surreal... I mean... we are actually about to fly together... first time with you as my wife. It's- it's cool. Its-” “Well let’s not keep them waiting.” Spitfire playfully nudged her companion back and slipped out from under his wing. “Hurry up slow pokes!” Fleetfoot cried out. “If your this slow at the auditions the Wonderbolts will get bored!” The couple shared a look and smiled at each other. Soarin decided to poke the hornet's nest and called back; “my Spitfire is more radiant than the sun. Of course she’s going to get noticed.” The cocky young stallion leapt into the air then nosedived off the cloud in a tight corkscrew. He pulled off and flew away from the cloud. His wife was right on his tail, close enough that she could bite it. The duo pulled off a series of tight loops as they climbed higher and higher till they broke off from one another and sped as fast as they could in ever increasing circles, closing in on the large cloud their friends and family shared below. The two blurs of speed met in the middle and with a massive gust of wind they span up higher then dived down toward the cloud together. As they fell within a few hooves of their audience they once again broke off. Most of the pegasi ducked in shock at such close contact with the young areal aces. As though they were of one mind, the young couple slowly circled back around till they met above the higher section of the cloud where they were wed. Blue touched yellow as their forehooves met with a soft click. With their forms upright and their hind legs loosely hanging, the newlyweds began to slowly circle almost as though to some kind of slow waltz. With their wing beats in sync, they slipped their forehooves closer till Spitfire was resting hers on his strong shoulders and he slipped his hooves ever so slightly around her barrel. Their wingtips almost touched as they danced around above their family below. With a nudge of her nose, Spitfire tucked her feather more securely into her husband’s mane then gave him a quick peck on the cheek. She felt butterflies in her tummy as he grinned back like a lovestruck fool. It was only each other there in the sky. Slowly circling slowly down till their back hooves touched soft cloud. The cheering of their family and friends drew the pair out of their own little bubble and they smiled to one another as they withdrew and settled down to stand normally. “A lovely first flight for our young couple,” Gale Force congratulated. Another round of applause followed. Most of the ponies present took this moment to come forth and congratulate the couple. Though all the hoof shaking and smiling, Spitfire found herself practically glued to her husband’s side throughout. The time passed in a flash of activity and all too soon, it was time to fly off for the feast. Lunchtime. As Spitfire was about to take off Soarin sidled up beside her, “oh wife of mine. Heh, so cool. You’re my wife! She's my wife! Yea!” The grinning stallion paused as he was poked in the ribs by his companion. “Yes?” The fiery yellow pegasus side eyed her husband as other pegasi took flight. “Righ. Uh- can I... carry you?” “What?” “Well you know... I think it would look cool. Plus, you can snuggle up while I fly us...” As her expression failed to change, Soarin sighed. “Nevermind.” He leapt into the sky. Spitfire checked out his well-toned flank as he gained altitude and pondered to herself if it would be better to fly alongside him, where they could do tricks and race one another ...or to be carried by him? ‘Too late.’ With a beat of her powerful yellow wings, Spitfire took off after her husband. “And this is where we are having our lunchtime feast.” Soarin proudly announced as he landed outside his favourite venue in Cloudsdale. The Pie in the Sky. The bakery had a ‘closed’ sign over the front, but the door was open. There were a few tables set up outside on the clouds along with several seats. He grinned as many of his family members appeared pleased by his decision. “Hey, Soarin!” A deep red stallion with a light purple mare at his side came out to greet the newlyweds. “How’s married life treating you?” “Pretty good so far,” Soarin pulled his wife in for a quick hug. As many pegasi began to filter into the establishment to take a look at the food, Tempest Wind turned to the newly married couple. “I honestly thought you were joking when you said this place would provide the family feast.” “And I told you, we can do it,” the red stallion was quick to respond. “Don’t worry, go see the food and enjoy.” He turned to the young bride and groom, "it was actually rather fun cooking a whole lot of other food like this.” “You did get the full pie order too?” Soarin asked hopefully. “Yes, we both know how much you and your folks like our pie,” the purple mare replied with a laugh. Soarin tried to leap inside but was held back by Spitfire. “Let the others go first. I don’t need you taking all the pie and eating till you pass out.” “Hey, I would never do that!” Soarin shot back. “Oh yes you totally would,” Obsidia was quick to chime in. “I remember when you were little when you would come over for a visit.” Spitfire smirked. “Remember that time in Ponyville too?” “That was the single best pie I’ve ever eaten.” “Yea, you also almost passed out from a food coma.” Soarin grinned at his wife. “At least I have somepony awesome and strong to carry me if I ever do it again.” Tyson laughed loudly as he passed the couple with a plate filled with veggies and a pie. “I think the stallion is supposed to carry his bride, not the other way around son.” “Yea, pie boy.” Soarin rolled his eyes then hastily joined the line of pegasi who were waiting to grab their food from the layout inside. The queue progressed quickly and the lucky young stallion soon found himself in front of trays of delicious food. Pies, chips and smaller savoury pastries lay before the conquering stallion. He ignored the stuff like the salads. Those were not stallion fuel! His tummy rumbled eagerly. “Time for the conquering stallion to claim his reward. Ooooh, where have you been, lovely?” The biggest pie on the food table found itself under the watchful gaze of the mighty destroyer of pies! Soarin grinned as he slowly picked up the well-chrispened apple pie and licked his lips. He gleefully cast a look at his wife who rolled her eyes and added some greens to his plate. He poked his tongue out at her. She batted him playfully with a wing and added more healthy food to his plate. With a scowl he added more baked goods then flew off to his table, plate held carefully in his forehooves. Spitfire shook her head but couldn't help but grin as she chose a variety of rather more healthy looking foods for herself. “Still like what you’re getting yourself in for?” One of Soarin’s aunties asked Spitfire as the older mare grabbed a pie. “Wouldn’t have him any other way,” Spitfire grinned back. “Good. Don’t expect him to grow up. My husband sure hasn’t.” A small laugh escaped Spitfire, “thanks.” The fiery pegasus followed her spouse to the head table outside. On Spitfire's side, Fleetfoot and High winds sat. To Soarin’s left, his father and mother chilled out. The two stallions eyed their pies, shot each other a grin then dug in as though it was a race. Their respective wives couldn’t help but smile at the silly activities. Dawnrush lay a wing across her stallions back and lightly tickled him. Tyson sat up rigidly, accidentally spraying a few pieces of pie crust. Spitfire placed a wing over her own lover. “Don’f eben try it,” Soarin shot his missus a warning look. “What? This?” The bright yellow pegasus cheekily tickled her lover as she ran her wing down his back. Soarin chomped down on his mouthful of pie as he sat up and tried not to laugh. He nudged his wife who simply winked at him and ran her wing back up, then down once more. With a big gulp, the young blue pegasus playfully fought his mare off. “Nooo- Sunshine, don’t be mean to your new husband.” Spitfire laughed as her husband sprayed a few flakes of pie crust at her. As he collapsed against her in a fight of giggles, she allowed her aggressive tickles to turn into a light embrace. A few “awww...’ went up from their guests and the newlyweds blushed lightly. Fleetfoot carefully placed a wing on High Wind's shoulders. The greyish-white mare shot her companion a look, “don’t you try that too.” “Reminds me of when we were freshly married,” Tyson commented. He playfully nudged his son who sheepishly smiled back. “Yea?” Tempest Wind spoke up. “Because your ticklish like a foal or because you got her pregnant so she had to marry you.” “Oh shut up Tempest Wind,” Tyson shot back. “You’ve done enough damage already.” “Me?” Spitfire groaned and face planted into her plate. Apparently unaware of his own daughter’s reaction to his outburst, Tempest Wind continued; “it’s your colt who did the damage.” “Oh, and you’ve been so helpful...” Tyson replied sourly. “I’ve been more help to them than you have.” Tempest Wind stood from his place at the table in front of his daughter. “I bought them a house, I even helped with their marriage registration to help keep this abomination a secret and not bring more dishonour to this family..” “Dishonour, really?” Dawnrush rose. “Have you stopped to consider your own daughter? Or are you still only concerned about your own image around the high and mighty?” “Yea.” Fleetfoot tentatively spoke up. “Our friend Soarin is a wonderful friend and coltfriend to Spitfire. I’m sure he will be an excellent husband.” “Here, here!” One of Soarin’s uncles shouted in agreement. Several other pegasi joined in with supportive cries. Obsidia turned to face Tempest from the table she sat at. Her gaze was almost enough to set fire to the cloud he sat on. “Well, I can see why your wife stopped after one.” “What?” Tempest turned to face Obsidia. The grey mare fluffed her light blue mane then placed her foreleg proudly around her husband’s shoulders. “This stud and I have three children. He’s so good to me in every way and makes sure to treat his mare and her family proper. But I can see why your wife stopped at one and let you do your important work at the rainbow factory.”   Several ponies gasped while others stifled laughter. Attention swapped between the stern slate grey mare and the rather annoyed stallion. “If it weren't for my job, we would not have many of the luxuries it affords. Isn’t that right dear?” Stormy Flare sighed. “Just sit down... you're embarrassing me and even worse, look at our daughter.” Tempest Wind shot his daughter a glance and faltered. The bright yellow pegasus was hidden under a light blue wing. The young stallion offering her shelter was glaring at the older, burned orange pegasus. “Get it in your thick head Tempest. We. That’s Spitfire and I- made a mistake. It happened. We are here. Either be happy for us, or please leave.” “Come on dear, we’re leaving.” Tempest tugged at his wife as he stood, wings ready to take off. Stormy Flare sighed once more as she resisted her husband. “No dear. I would rather be here, with both our children. After all... like it or not, Soarin is our son now. He has done all but one of the steps to marry our Spitfire perfectly.” “Fine. I’m out of here...” “Good, get lost you featherbrain and leave us in peace!” Obsidia shook a forehoof at the departing pegasus. “I’m sorry,” High Winds softly spoke up. “I didn’t know your dad was such a flankhole.” “Neither did I...” Spitfire replied as she, at last, emerged from her husband’s comforting wing. Two newlyweds touched down in Ponyville side by side. Spitfire took a moment to fix up the feather in her husband’s mane and smiled as she realised he was checking her out. She grinned at him then trotted ahead a few paces and wigged her flank slightly. Spitfire turned slightly, enjoying the slight blush that adorned his muzzle. He hastened to catch up and placed a wing across her withers. “So much for being discreet?” The young stallion scoffed. “We just finished our wedding. I want to proudly show everpony my awesome wife.” The bright yellow pegasus glanced around. No pony took special notice of the couple. “Long as we are down here, I guess it’s alright.” Fleetfoot touched down beside High Winds and waved at the newlyweds. “Hi guys, mind if we join in for a quiet party of our own?" "Sure. Can't be any worse than the reception my dad flew out on." Spitfire shrugged. "Yea, we were gonna hit the local pub then find a cloud to snuggle on." Soarin grinned. "Riiiight, sure you are," Fleetfoot waggled her eyebrows as she grinned back. "Got someplace in mind? Or do should we just wander around town for a bit?" High Winds softly asked, eager to steer the conversation away from her friend's father. "Yea, the Hay and Clover serve an amazing pie as well as good drinks," Soarin offered confidently. Spitfire shook her head with a laugh, "you don't need anymore food Soarin." "But pie!" "What did I say?" Spitfire shot her husband a cautioning look. "Colts," Fleetfoot scoffed. "I know, right?" High Winds agreed with a snigger as she bumped her fillyfriend. Soarin pocked his tongue out at the fillies then strode off. With a wing-propelled leap, Spitfire landed at her husband's side and nudged him playfully. "Don't worry, I might still let you have some pie when its time for dinner." Soarin huffed, "I thought you loved me Sunshine." "I do. That's why I might let you have some pie for dinner. If you’re a good boy." "She's a real slavedriver that one," Fleetfoot grinned at Soarin. "I can see who is gonna be the captain both at home and out there in the sky." "Yea, yea..." Soarin mumbled. Sometime later in the Hay and Clover, the atmosphere was buzzing, the drinks were flowing and many ponies were having fun drinking with friends. Two young couples relaxed together at a corner table away from most of the hub hub. These young pegasi looked too young to be drinking hard alcohol but did have a mug of regular cider each to enjoy. “Cheers to the newlywed couple, two of my bestest best friends!” Fleetfoot cheered as she raised her tankard. It was met with a clink and a hearty reply before the quad took a draught from their ciders. "So," Spitfire settled back against her husband as she placed her tankard on the table. "When are you two gonna take the next step?" High Winds flushed and shot her fillyfriend a nervous glance. Fleetfoot laughed. "Unlike somepoies we haven't been dating since kindergarten. But if I'm lucky, High Winds will stick with me, like you stick with Soarin." High Winds nodded, “personally I don’t care for getting married myself. But still think you both are lucky, settling down so soon and all.” Soarin grinned as he stuffed his face with pie. "Yep, I'm one lucky colt!" He threw a wing around his wife and hugged her tighter. The young pegasus planted a kiss on the smiling yellow face of his lover. Spitfire playfully shoved Soarin off and whipped the pie crust off her muzzle. "Now that your a married stallion, I'm going to need to teach you how to eat without making a mess everywhere." "I'm a colt Spit. I’m allowed to make a mess." "You're all grown up now, you should act like it." Spitfire pressed a forehoof into the light blue chest to further bring her point across. “And I am.” “No, you’re not.” "Yes, I am. Look... it's a guys thing, okay?" Soarin pulled off his best appealing gaze as he checked out his wife. “What, to not grow up?” Fleetfoot interjected. “No,” Soarin shot the two giggling fillies across the table a look. "You wouldn't understand." "I understand you. That's why I happily married you." Spitfire smirked as she prodded her colt in the ribs. "And bucked him too right?" Fleetfoot leaned forward with a cheeky smile. "Yea... Now she takes over from your mom. Poor girl has her work cut out for her." "What do you mean?" Soarin shot the grinning filly a cautious look. "I'm easy... I'm not a lot of work." Spitfire fought back a giggle. "Nevermind them Sorin. They don't know how wonderful it is to have a stallion.” She embraced him slowly and nuzzled up good and close. “...Even if you are a lot of work." "Yea... Hey!" The last of Celestia's sun lit the sky with its brilliant sunset rays. One patch of cloud high above Ponyville's farmlands glowed golden. It was here our newlywed couple lay cuddled up on a cloud together. They faced the town below with smiles of contentment. "Thanks for an awesome day Soarin. It feels good to be your wife." "Yea, it's pretty cool to be able to say... this-" he tightened his hold on his wife's barrel and his grin increased. "Is my wife. She’s mine. All mine. No pony else can touch. Or peep. And... I get exclusive shagging rights!" Soarin shot his lover a cheeky wink. Spitfire briskly raised her forehoof almost as if to smite him. Soarin quickly shrank back. After a few moments, Spitfire’s hard gaze broke and she rolled over dragging her husband into a playful tussle. The couple rolled around laughing on the cloud, nuzzling, hugging, kissing and throwing in the occasional cheeky prod or two. The joyful noises eventually subsided, replaced with faint birdsong. Spitfire softly nuzzled her husband, "thanks cheeky. You’re right. It does feel pretty good." The pair turned their attention back to the setting sun and the town below. They shared a cuddle as they enjoyed the sights and only moved once the sun had set fully. "Well..." Spitfire rose and stretched. "Are you ready for some action?" Soarin grinned as he checked out his mare, "I sure am. How about that final step in our marriage?" "You mean the one we accidentally did first?" "Yep." Spitfire slowly sat back on her haunches. Her gaze fell to her tummy while her right forehoof rose to tenderly probe the spot. "The reason I'm carrying your foal?" At her quiet words, the young stallion gave a reproachful pause. "Well... yea." He rose and placed his light blue forehoof beside the sunny yellow one. Together they rested where they imagined their new family member to be. “But I’m glad we are where we are, despite our mistake, you know? Our... daughter-” Spitfire grinned and waited for her husband to continue. “-Is still gonna be born into a loving family, even if we can’t be the ones who raise her... or him.” The bright yellow pegasus playfully shoved her husband onto the cloud. “Definitely a she.” “How can you be so sure?” “I just know. I’m her mother after all.” The sunny young mare leant down and snuggled up close. She nuzzled up to her husband's ear where she softly whispered; "I'm all yours." Two blue wings extended in anticipation as the young stallion grinned back. Blissfully alone under the new moonlight, husband and wife came together as one.