//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 - Quality Time // Story: Instant Mom // by GoebelTron //------------------------------// One cloudy and light rainy afternoon, everyone that knew Gregory’s mother was there, and so were some students from Canterlot High and Crystal Prep Academy. Sunset and her friends also came, wearing black funeral dresses, and black high heels and open toe heels. Cadance also came, and holding an umbrella. “We’re gathered here to commemorate a tragic loss of Karen Bryant, a loving mother to these two neglected children, and a responsibly strong wife to a husband whose mind was twisted with selfish greed. Let us now hear a speech from her oldest son, Gregory Bryant,” a priest said. Gregory, wearing a black and white tuxedo suit, came over to the pedestal and said his words from the cards. Maisie was sitting on Luna’s lap, while wearing a black dress and high heels. “My mom, Karen Bryant, was really special to me and my sister Maisie. All the times she would give us love and support while keeping our distance from the Narrows, away from all criminal supplements and hoping me and my sister would grow up with brighter futures. But now that she’s no longer with us, and that my father is also in a better place behind bars, me and Maisie can finally live our lives together as siblings, and hoping Ms. Celestia, my principal and Luna, my vice principal, can help us accomplish our goals. Mom, before you go, know that you’ll always hold a special place in our hearts and spirits. I now promise you that I’ll look after Maisie and take good care of her like you once did, and love her as a true big brother.” “Now, let us lift up our hearts up to Jesus Christ the rightful begotten son of God, and bid her a proper farewell, as she descends off to a better place in heaven above, seated at the right hand of God, the almighty father now and forever. Amen.” “Amen!” The funeral then ended with people giving away flowers, and Gregory looked at his mother’s grave with sadness and so did Maisie. Gregory suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder, comforting him. It was Cadance, with a smile of sorrow. “Hey. It’s gonna be okay. As long as she’s with you in your hearts, you’ll never stop loving her,” she said. Gregory nodded and gave her a hug, and Maisie too. “And don’t worry, Celestia and Luna told me all about you two, and I’m sorry for what you’ve been through. But be glad you have your principal and vice principal to look out for you two.” Gregory nodded and then felt Cadance kiss his cheek, and then she kissed Maisie on the forehead before leaving to go home. Gregory and Maisie then gave their flowers to their mother’s grave and stood there. “Greg? Maisie?” a voice said. It was Sunset Shimmer, in a funeral dress like her friends. “Hey, Sunset. Just saying goodbye one more time,” Gregory replied, before Sunset placed her hand on his arm. “You’ll be just fine. Principal Celestia’s gonna look out for you both now,” Sunset said. “Yeah, even though your dad deserves to rot in prison but hoping he’ll get over his possession and drug and alcohol addiction,” Rainbow Dash said. Gregory nodded, “Thanks, girls. I know you’re trying to help, but-“ “Shh shh shh… It’s alright now,” Fluttershy said. “She’s correct, darling. Plus, you still have your sister, don’t you?” Rarity asked, placing her hand on Maisie’s shoulder. “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Gregory said. “Just keep faith, buddy. You’ll understand soon,” Sunset said, before giving him and Maisie a hug. After they got a group hug together, the kids went to Celestia and Luna so they can go home and get ready for dinner. As soon as the warm sunlight rose up in the sky, it peeked through the windows, stirring Gregory from his sleep. His eyelids opened wide as an owl’s eyelids as he then stretched his stiff bones with a soft yawn. Getting on his feet, he inhaled deeply with a smile as he felt cheerful and full of energy on the inside. Just two more weeks, and summer vacation would start, and all he had left to look forward was the 12th grade until he would be ready for his future goals. “I love the smell of sweet, savory freedom in the morning.” After sliding into his slippers, Gregory walked out of his bedroom and into the living room. In there, sitting on the couch, was Celestia reading from her kindle and drinking her coffee. She also hummed a soft melody that no doubt meant for her unborn child. It was like the sweetest sounding of tunes, truly beautiful. ’Wow, she sings so beautifully like Mom did with Maisie and me,’ Gregory thought to himself. Clifford suddenly barked and ran over to him, until he started petting him and scratched his ears, “Hey, Clifford! Hey, boy!” Clifford then jumped onto him and received more pets. Maisie then walked over to pet the dog too, but hugged her big brother first. “Oh! Good morning, Gregory,” Celestia greeted, pausing her reading for a moment. “I assume you’ve slept well.” Clifford then went over to her and sat next to her on the couch but laid there. “That I did,” Gregory replied as he looked around and noticed something was different. “Where’s Ms. Luna?” “Oh, she’s out with her boyfriend, Time Turner,” Celestia replied. “You probably recognize him?” “Whoa, I honestly didn’t know my science teacher was… damn,” Gregory replied. “I understand your surprise,” Celestia giggled, until she then winced in pain, staring down towards her legs. Gregory somehow noticed that both her ankles might’ve looked to be slightly swollen in a painful way, and the rest of her feet might’ve looked that way too. “Are you okay, Ms. Tia?” Maisie asked. “I’m fine, sweetie. My feet just hurt,” Celestia replied, until Gregory looked at her with a genuinely sincere concern, then thought of an idea. “I-If it’s okay with you, I can give your ankles a massage, and then do the rest of your feet.” “Well, if that’s what you want…” Celestia said, as she laid and rested both her legs on the footrest, “go ahead.” After sitting between both of her legs, and taking one of her feet, Gregory began to gently but firmly rub her aching ankles multiple times and then did her entire foot to make her feel better. Each pressing rub earned a warm sigh of relaxing relief from his principal. From how it sounded, it looked to have been bothering her for quite some time. Being a school’s principal, it would certainly have that effect. “Mmmmm… Oh, yes. Oh, thank you so kindly, Gregory,” Celestia moaned heavenly. “Can you do the other one now?” With a nod, Gregory focused his attention on the other foot, and once again started with her ankles before her entire foot, earning another satisfied moan. “So, how does it feel… mmmmm… oh, yeah… to be doing the walk next year?” “Well, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous or anything,” Gregory answered. “Just the feeling of being so close towards the finish line is an odd one to me, but I’ve still got one more lap to go.” “Don’t worry, sweetheart. There’s nothing for you to be nervous about anything. After all, despite what you’ve been through, and Maisie, you’re going to graduate from middle school next year until we decide you’re ready for high school. Just be proud of your future achievements.” After considering her words of wisdom, Gregory nodded with a smile as he was almost there. He’d been through what one would consider a hellhole and managed to dig himself and Maisie out of it. If it weren’t for Celestia, he and Maisie would’ve been stuck in that nightmare of a household and neighborhood forever. With the worst already put behind him, he felt that he could breathe in an unhindered atmosphere. “Yeah, I guess so.” Gregory said with a smile. “So, you got anything planned going on today?” “I’m glad you’ve asked.” Celestia chimed in reply with a motherly tone. “I have a few places to go so I can get things ready for my baby shower next week, and probably some groceries since we’re a little bit low on food. But with Luna out with Time Turner, I’ll be needing an extra set of hands to help me. And I also need to go see my doctor for my ultrasound appointment to see how my baby’s doing. Say, how about that, it’ll be a gorgeously beautiful sunny day in town for just the three of us, and a perfect chance for some quality time. What do you say?” Spending some quality time with his principal; that was something Gregory never expected to do. Even with his true feelings about her divided, it was probably a chance to get to know her better, especially if his sister was involved. Her current condition would possibly make a simple shopping trip difficult as her body changes with the pregnancy. Still, Gregory liked the thought of hanging out with her, even though she saved them both and gave them a new home. “Sounds good, Ms. Celestia,” Gregory said as he got to his feet. “Let me go get a shower and we’ll get going.” “Alright, you do that,” Celestia said, waiting for them to be ready. “Maisie, go get dressed.” She nodded in reply and went to her bedroom to get dressed for the day while Gregory got ready for his shower. As he stepped into the shower and started cleansing himself with soap and hot water, a big multitude of thoughts raced through his brain, all concerning Celestia. After that one night where she cuddled with him to help calm and cease his rattled state, it put his thoughts further into conflict, especially with the kiss on his forehead, the softness of her chest and rhythmic sound of her heartbeat. His hormones suddenly raged like a roaring inferno, preventing him from drawing any conclusions on what to tell his principal. ‘Principal Celestia, she’s… she’s a good person.’ He thought to himself as he washed his hair. ‘She’s kind and wise among other things. Yet, she’s so beautiful, like some kind of angel goddess. Damn, why can’t I make up my mind about her?! I-I- I love her, I do! But-! Ah, damn it!’ Slowly, his mind fell further downward towards the trail of lust, comfort, and want. With him almost done high school, what else did he have to lose, besides his own sister? ‘Fine, maybe with this chance during our quality time, I can prove my love to her. Who knows, maybe she’ll understand what I mean.’ Drying off, and then rinsing and spitting out the mouthwash and brushing his teeth, Gregory got his day clothes on, quickly looking through the mirror for anything unexpected, but saw that he was perfectly fine. After tying his sneakers on, he walked back into the living room with his hoodie jacket in tow, rejoining a smiling Celestia with her purse in her arm. God, he could never get enough of her smile. “Hmm, not quite bad looking there, Gregory,” Celestia cooed to her student’s shock. Such a compliment from her made him feel unsettled sometimes, but makes him blush. “Wow, uhhh… thanks,” he said nervously. “So, are you uhhh… r-ready to go?” Celestia nodded, “Yes, I am. But, could you both do me a favor and go wait out for me in the car? I have to send a text to a friend of mine from college. He’ll be coming over for dinner tonight.” “Okay, take your time. Come on, Maisie.” Once they were out of the house, a worried sigh escaped Celestia’s mouth as her smile dropped into a frown of sadness. Picking up her phone from her pocket, she saw one message to reply to. — So, about the kids, do they know about us? — I told them that you and I were friends. That’s just about it. They’re not really that worried, not even Gregory. Maisie’s only 5. — You know they’re going to find out eventually. And when Gregory does, given his and Maisie’s fragile state… I just hope they’re ready for this. — I’ll try to let them off gently after I get home. I hope they’ll understand, but I fear Gregory might not take it so well. — Tia, of course they’ll understand. Gregory’s more amenable to reason whenever you talk to him, and Maisie… Maisie’s too precious to be dealt with. Tell you what. I’ll be coming over to the house later tonight after I get off the train. So if they don’t know before then, they will when I walk in. — Okay. But don’t worry, I’ll handle it. I’ll see you later on tonight. Take care. — I will. Love you. “Oh… God, please help me if I can’t manage to find the strength to tell them,” Celestia said with depression as she slowly got up from her seat. “Maybe after lunch, or maybe some relaxing on the couch… I don’t know. I just hope I’m doing the right thing.” Not a moment longer, she put Clifford in his kennel until they would return, and then walked out and got in the car, driving off with the kids in tow, as they were buckled up and safely seated. While driving, Celestia didn’t say anything, neither did Gregory or Maisie while Gregory played on his Nintendo Switch with headphones on and Maisie played with her unicorn plushie and one of her Barbie dolls. The first stop was a retail gift store in the downtown area. All around, there were many materials or merchandising to choose from for those seeking to restock their food or remodel their houses stocked up on shelves. For Celestia, Gregory and Maisie, they were there to gather some supplies for the expecting principal’s baby shower. “Okay, so what we need first are some balloons and streamers,” Celestia said as she grabbed a cart, and then put Maisie on the seat. “Fortunately, those should be easy to find.” “Well, we better keep our hopes that Pinkie Pie hasn’t taken the whole stock yet,” Gregory dryly said before Celestia giggled. Strolling through the aisles of the entire store, they found the party section where the cards, decorations, and present wrapping materials would be. From there, a few streamers and balloons of varying colors and styles were in stock. “Okay, so what should we go for? Pink, blue or both?” “Blue,” Celestia answered as Gregory and Maisie turned around. “I’m going to have a boy.” “A boy?” Gregory scoffed. “For some reason, I thought you wanted it to be a surprise.” “Well, I got a little bit impatient during my last ultrasound. Nonetheless, I can’t barely wait to see my son.” “I can imagine how excited you are,” Gregory said. “More for anything or everything in this world, that’s for sure,” Celestia said. “Is it really gonna be a boy?” Maisie asked. “Yes, sweetheart. And you’ll get to play with him soon.” Celestia rubbed her belly as she and the kids grabbed what they needed, all colored baby blue. Maisie also pointed at other balloons that might be suitable for the party like baby bottle balloons and some fancy balloons saying “it’s a boy” on them, and Celestia accepted her idea. After that, they picked up some party platters for the cake and the buffet, and some plastic cups for drinks, and then anything else that was extra they needed or wanted to add to the baby shower. All throughout the walk, Gregory found himself captivated by his principal’s figure. Strong and healthy, yet very beautifully graceful, any other man would be lucky to have her as a girlfriend, but in Gregory’s eyes, he thought of her as someone who really likes her students as a principal. With a perfect figure, it had only been refined by her pregnancy. “Ms. Celestia?” he asked. “Yes?” Celestia replied. “Do you work out while you’re pregnant?,” Gregory said, before he nervously blushed. “Yes. I sometimes work out, but normally do some yoga and lift some lighter weights since the heavy ones might affect my condition, so I try to lose a few pounds and stay fit while I’m pregnant,” Celestia replied. ‘Oh my god! Wow! She’s… she’s gorgeous!’ Gregory thought to himself as his heart pounded. ‘Be still, my heart. I just… I just have to wait… for the right moment.’ “Gregory, is something wrong?” Celestia asked, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Oh, nothing! Nothing much. Nothing!” Gregory said in a dramatic tone. “I’m just in deep thought, that’s all.” Celestia smiled warmly at him, and then placed her hand on his shoulder, “Well, whatever it is you want to tell me, we can talk about it at lunch when we’re done here. How does that sound?” Gregory nodded in reply. But that smile, her warm welcoming smile, it always gets to him as if it could pierce or scorch his soul with graceful happiness. It was like the one gift that only someone as worthy as Celestia could wield, bringing warmth to even the hardest of all hearts that are broken in the world. For Gregory’s view, it seemed almost magical, like he’s forgotten about his rough life in the house near the Narrows. Nonetheless, it was always a pleasant sight he always welcomed. After another twenty minutes of shopping around for more decorations, they took the cart to a cashier and bought their entire cargo. Due to a big savings sale, Celestia paid less than she thought she would. All the fixings and flair for a baby shower were all accounted for. After allowing her a break, Gregory decided to take over for pushing the cart and walked back to the car, offloading the goods into the trunk. Now, it was time for lunch before Celestia’s ultrasound. Later on, they stopped at a diner called the Sweet Snacks Café, which is where Celestia thought it’d be a fun place to have lunch. As they arrived at their seats, Gregory helped Celestia into her seat, making sure she was comfortable enough, and then he and Maisie went next. Suddenly, they saw Pinkie Pie rolling over to their table in her roller skates, and wearing her waitress outfit with her hair tied in a ponytail. “Hi! Welcome to the Sweet Snacks Café! Principal Celestia?!” she asked as she realized her principal was there. “Pinkie? You work here?” Celestia asked. “Yep! Oh, and whoever are these two?” Pinkie replied. “I’m Gregory Bryant, and this is my little sister, Maisie,” he replied. “Wait, the Gregory Bryant?! Who saved Principal Celestia from that drug addict?!” Pinkie Pie asked in excitement. “Yep. That’s me. And that guy was our dad, or was supposed to be,” Gregory said. “Aww… I’m sorry to hear that. So, what can I get you three?” Pinkie Pie asked. “I’ll just have a nice t-bone steak with a fresh garden salad and cream of spinach on the side, and an iced water please,” Celestia said. “I’ll have the fish and chips, with some ketchup as a dipping sauce, and a Coke please,” Gregory said. “I’ll have macaroni and cheese with green peas please, and fruit punch to drink,” Maisie said. “Wow, nice choices. I’ll be back with your orders in just a jiffy!” Pinkie said in a cheerful tone and then went to the kitchen to get their orders. Gregory then looked out the window towards the sunlit cityscape. People and cars passing by, it was a sight for him, Maisie and Celestia to enjoy. Truly, a 50’s themed diner like this was set in the right spot. “So, back at the retail store,” Celestia said, loud enough for Gregory to hear. “what was on your mind?” “Well, a lot of things,” he replied, still feeling slightly embarrassed from staring at her too much. “But, even after a few recent events, I still feel as though it’s all engraved in my memory.” Celestia could tell that he was still troubled by previous events. She somehow never expected him to recover so quickly as Luna told her. “How about this.” Celestia spoke up before her thoughts were interrupted by the delivery of their drinks, and then continued, “talk to me about your experiences in as much detail as you want, but keep your pressure in cool.” Her motherly tone started to ease his nerves. Apart from his secret about his true affectionate intentions towards her, Gregory had a sense of trust for Celestia. With a sigh, he took a deep breath and then spilled the beans. “It all started when I was about 12 years old and when Maisie was almost a year old. Our parents usually got into fights with our grandparents because of dad’s alcohol addiction. It somehow got bad to the point where they were disowned by them. After that, a bit after I started my freshman year, that was when the drug and alcohol abuse started. There were times I had to apply for a part-time job in Canterlot City after school… just to help Mom keep the house afloat so that she’d have enough money to pay the bills before Dad removed me from that job and had me do household work and chores like a servant, but most of all, I had to keep Maisie safe because she was another responsibility I destined myself. Dad never batted an eye, and not even one single brow! All he ever did was smoke that meth, sniff that cocaine, absorb that weed, and drink beer while I worked hard for our family. It’s just not fair…” ‘Oh dear…’ Celestia thought to herself as she exhaled and then comforted him with a hand on his shoulder while Maisie leaned against his side for a hug. “I’m… I’m sorry you, your sister and your mother had to go through all of that.” Gregory then spoke up, “Don’t be. It wasn’t your fault. In fact, if it wasn’t for you, Maisie and I wouldn’t be here right now. You took us in and gave us shelter. I can’t thank you enough for that. But I can see now why everyone holds you in high regard. You’re the most caring person I know.” “Why, thank you, my dear student,” Celestia said as she took a sip from her drink. “But really, I just did what I thought was in your best interests. I honestly wanted to ensure that you would be ready to move on after you graduate from 12th grade next year. It’s my job as your principal to keep my students safe and in a comfortable place.” “And I’m nearly there, thanks to you.” After giving Celestia a quick hug, they were suddenly interrupted but greeted by the arrival of their food. “Here are your orders!” Pinkie Pie said. “Just like you said!” “Oh! Well, I’m flattered,” Celestia said, and then gave their meals a 5 star review on her phone. “If you’re wondering why they’re with me, I’m letting them live with us until we decide what to do about their future.” “Oh! Well, good luck with your decision! And enjoy your meals!” Pinkie Pie said, as she rolled away. For the next twenty minutes, Celestia and the kids ate their lunch, all the while making friendly conversation. The topics varied from thoughts on whatever subject, stories, either true or humorous in its nature. Spirits were high and much joy was had, even Maisie who had the most cutest little laugh and giggle. As far as Gregory was concerned, it was somehow the most fun he ever had in a good while. When it came time to leave, and Celestia’s stomach was full after rubbing it, they were handed the check, calculated to about $40.00 total. Walking over to the counter, Celestia reached into her purse for her wallet, but to her surprise, it wasn’t where she’d normally put it. “Shoot,” she growled. “Where did I put it? Did I leave it in the car again?” “And take the rest as a tip.” Turning to the counter, Celestia saw Gregory handing the clerk some cash from his wallet. “Thank you, sir. Have a nice day.” “Same to you,” Gregory said. “Gregory, you two didn’t have to do that.” Celestia sighed, “I could’ve gone out quickly to the car for my wallet.” “Ms. Celestia,” Gregory placed a hand on her upper arm, “after all that you’ve done for me and my sister, I wanted to repay you for your kindness towards us.” Celestia was taken a bit aback by his gesture with a warm blushing smile. Despite having only a couple hundred dollars to his name, he still paid for their meals. She couldn’t help but feel thankful for him, if he was like a son to her. “Thank you, young man.” She replied with a hug, which Maisie joined. As she left it, her phone buzzed once more as she pulled it from her pocket. “Gregory, can you and Maisie go wait out in the car? I’ll be there in a bit.” With a nod, Gregory and Maisie left the diner as Celestia unlocked her phone. She sighed as she saw the newest message from her friend. — Do they know about us now? — Not at the moment. I honestly can’t bring myself to. — Well, to be frank, there are two ways they’ll find out. In all of them, I can only imagine how they’ll react. Gregory’s been through a lot and Maisie’s almost a big girl. They can probably handle it. — I know but… — Listen Tia, I have full confidence that you can. Even if you can’t, it won’t be the end of the world after all. I’ll help out however I can. — You will? — Of course. Anything for you. I’ll be coming over at around 6. Can’t wait to meet them. — Alright, then we’ll be waiting. See you then. — You too. Love you. — Love you too. *Click* “I don’t know if I can,” Celestia said as she then snapped out of it, forgetting that she had to go check her ultrasound before going to the grocery store. Later on, Celestia was lying on the chair with her lower buttons unbuttoned, and Gregory and Maisie by her side. Suddenly, the doctor came in and stood by Celestia. “Hello again, Celestia. And how are we this afternoon?” Dr. Hibbert asked. “I’m doing just fine, Dr. Hibbert,” Celestia replied. “I see you’ve noticed Gregory Bryant and his sister Maisie?” “Oh, yes! I remember!” Dr. Hibbert said. “And I assume they’re living with you now?” Celestia nodded, and then Dr. Hibbert acknowledged their regards, and put on his gloves. “Alright, let’s get started. So, Mrs. Celestia, could you lift up your shirt if you don’t mind?” Celestia then lifted up her jacket and then her shirt, exposing her round midriff, and then Dr. Hibbert applied the gel on the lower section of her belly as she shuddered about how cold it felt and then placed the ultrasound scanner onto her belly and rubbed it around, until Maisie playfully poked Celestia’s belly button, as Celestia giggled softly and stroked Maisie’s hair before the screen showed her baby fully grown but still needing more time. “Wow… it’s so peaceful,” Gregory said. “Aww…” Maisie said. Celestia smiled warmly at the screen showing her baby. “Looks like your boy’s nice and healthy in there,” Dr. Hibbert said. “I can’t wait to meet him. Oh, I’m so anxious,” Celestia said. “Yeah, me too,” Gregory said. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you soon. You should be proud.” Celestia nodded, and then after the appointment was over and got some copies for herself, they went to the grocery store to pick up some groceries for the house. After a quick trip to the grocery store, the three returned home and offloaded their cargo into the cabinets, and the others in the fridge and freezer. With the effects of their meals taking hold, they all took brief naps. Throughout his, Gregory dreamt of him and Celestia, sitting by a lakeshore while gazing at the sun. Celestia was wearing a while overflowing shoulder off sarong dress with a spare white linen sarong, over a satiny rose pink bikini, along with gold and corkscrew leg high sandals. The feeling was almost real to him as he cradled her, being extra gentle with her precious cargo. As he looked into her eyes, he found his face growing ever closer as his eyes closed and they both puckered their lips. Before he felt the kiss, he was snapped wide awake with a bit of a cool sweat while taking deep breaths. “Jeez,” He panted, climbing out of bed. “Talk about a pleasant dream.” Walking into the living room, he saw Celestia sitting on the couch with both her legs on the footrest and wrapped in a blanket, her bare belly exposed and now wearing a zip up sweatshirt instead of her blazer jacket, watching what appeared to be an old movie from the 80’s. She looked relaxed and peaceful, yet so lonely with her sister being out and about. It was now his chance, his one and only chance to make an opportunity to confess his feelings to her. He then saw Maisie laying on the couch. With a gulp of air, he sat down next to her, surprising the principal with his presence, until he laid Maisie with him. “Oh! Goodness, you certainly surprised me.” Celestia hummed in reply with her signature smile, “How was your nap?” “Needed it.” Gregory replied, “Those fish fillets got me good.” “I bet it did,” Celestia said, until she saw him yawning. “Still tired?” Gregory nodded, before Celestia motioned her arm near him. “Come on, sit closer to me. I promise I won’t bite.” Nervously, Gregory complied with her request and leaned by her side with his head laid against her breast and underneath her armpit, and her arm now wrapped around him stroking his shoulder. Even though he was close to her before, it still made him nervous, but somehow safe and warm, and Maisie snuggled against her brother’s torso. All he had to do was keep calm and go slow. Still, the warmth that radiated from her body was nice to the touch. ’It’s okay, Celestia.’ she thought to herself, ’Just keep calm and he’ll understand.’ She then took a deep breath and started to act completely normal, “You know, they really don’t make movies like this anymore.” “Yeah, I find that to be a real shame. Also, I never knew you were into movies like these,” Gregory said, still snuggled against his principal. “My mother got me hooked on it after reading some of her books, but I sometimes like to enjoy both of them most of my time. I just keep myself comfortable whenever I feel the need to.” Celestia’s attention was suddenly jolted away, realizing she was being interrupted by a kick within her abdomen. She then stared at her gravid midsection, rubbing it to calm her unborn son, before she looked down at Gregory, before looking back at her stomach, and then looked at Gregory again, but with a soft motherly smile. “Would you like to feel it?” “Wha- Are you… serious?” “I am. Don’t be shy about it.” Nervously, he scooted closer and then curled one arm over her back and then placed the other hand over her belly, while laying his head on top of it, listening to the baby’s heartbeat. Gregory couldn’t believe Celestia would allow him to do something of the sort. It wasn’t until one of Celestia’s hands forcing his onto her belly that he fully began to process what it felt really like. Warm, soft, smooth, it was incredible to the touch, as Celestia smiled. “How does it feel?” “Can’t really describe it other than amazing.” Then, Gregory felt something push back against his hand. Knowing very well it was her son reacting to his touch, he briefly felt him kicking before Gregory felt Celestia’s hand rubbing her belly. “Hmmm, I guess he notices me.” “I guess he can’t wait to meet you,” Celestia said, before giving him a kiss on the forehead. Being this close to Celestia, touching her in such a way with her blessings, sent Gregory’s mind in all sorts of directions. He somehow felt safe and warm in her comfort, as he suddenly began to envision something in his mind until he unexpectedly leaned closer before his lips suddenly kissed her belly. Celestia smiled warmly at him giving her unborn baby some love, but while Gregory kept kissing her gravid midsection, he also began to feel as though his heart would uncontrollably jump out of his ribcage like a wild animal. Blood pumping, nerves pulsing, synapses sparking, it was pure madness for him. All or nothing, now was the time for him to act. Giving himself no visual cue, Gregory carefully grabbed Celestia’s shoulders and then latched his lips onto hers, never breaching her mouth with his tongue. After a few short seconds, it was broken. The air became deathly silent as both parties process of what happened, mostly Celestia. Both faces turned a shade of ruby red as the awkwardness of the situation had set in. “G-Gregory…” Celestia shuddered, breaking the silence, “what was that?” “Celestia,” Gregory said while looking her dead in the eyes. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to confess ever since you took me and Maisie in. The truth is… I’ve ha-” “I know what you’re going to say. I’ve long known about your affectionate feelings towards me and that’s very sweet of you, really. But the truth is…” Knock Knock Knock ’Oh crap,’ Celestia internally panicked. Her friend had arrived sooner than she hoped. “Come in.” After a few shakes, the doorknob turned and the door opened, revealing a confusing sight to Gregory and Maisie. “What?” “To be continued…”