A crisp autumn wind blew in through the foliage around the cottage, bringing with it a promise of rain. The days were not unpleasantly cold yet, but there was a definite chill in the air, telling you that yes, winter is coming and no, even though it’s still sunny you are not leaving the house without a scarf young man.
The drop in temperature made the fauna in this secluded area of Ponyville quiet down. Many of the birds had already started their long trek south, and many other creatures were busy building up their food reserves and nests for the upcoming months. There was no cheerful playing of cubs and kits and kittens, no birdsong around the abandoned nests, just the quiet shuffling of animals going about their business.
Inside the cottage the atmosphere was equally calm. The only sounds that broke the silence were the occasional cracks and pops from the fire, and the deep, slow breathing of a drowsy draconequus.
Discord half-sat, half-lay on an enormous furry beanbag in front of the fire. The heat felt wonderful on his feet and his fur, and he was quite tempted to lay his head down and drift off. But he didn’t. This was too sweet to lose to sleep.
Aside from the fire, there was a whole other source of warmth that consumed all of his attention at the moment.
He sighed happily, and laid his paw on top of the roundness on his tummy. He could feel her there, under his fur and skin. Everything in the multiverse, everything that was precious and important, was right there.
Discord smiled, stroking the warm bulge with his paw and claw, enjoying the gentle weight on him, loving how he could feel her shuffling softly every now and then, as if she was telling him I’m Here!
”I know,” he thought, ”I’m here too, always.”
This was true happiness.
Little by little, listening to the wind rattling the windows and the cozy fire started to pull him to the land of slumber.
Knock Knock Knock!
”Who in Equestria could THAT be,” Discord though, slightly annoyed, as he carefully hauled himself up from the beanbag. It was a bit more difficult that usual with his rounded belly.
”Yes?” he said in a slightly clipped tone as he poked his head out the door.
”Oh hiya Discord! Good to see ya pardner! Is Fluttershy home?” Applejack said briskly.
”Well hello AJ,” he answered, glad to see it was at least a pony he could tolerate, ”Fluttershy is home, but she’s ummm… not available at the moment. Is this important?”
”Ah just needed to know if and how she would participate in the fall preparations this year. There are a mighty many critters who need help before the snow comes…”
”Did someone say a critter needs help?” sounded a soft, oddly muted voice from behind the door.
Discord looked down, and felt a sudden stirring on his stomach.
”Sweetheart, it’s nothing to worry about. You should be resting! Go back to sleep, darling,” he cooed down at her.
Applejack stood there, slightly mystified. If Fluttershy had been napping, why wasn’t he talking behind him in the living room, or called her up the stairs?
”No it’s okay. I want to hear what this is about,” she heard Fluttershy’s tiny voice say. Discord grumbled something she couldn’t hear, and then he opened the door fully.
Applejack’s jaw slacked open, as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing.
There was a large bulge on his stomach, and as she watched, it moved and shifted, until a very mussed pink mane poked out, followed by pale yellow forehooves. And her friend’s head emerged from an opening on Discord’s belly. She seemed completely unfazed, just a little bleary-eyed from her nap and smiling drowsily at her.
Seeing her friend’s nonplussed expression, Fluttershy giggled and looked to the side, as if she had been caught doing something a bit naughty.
”Oh hi Applejack! I’m sorry if we startled you, it’s just, well, recently Discord has taken to holding me in a pouch,” she said.
”A… pouch?” AJ repeated.
”Yes, a pouch. It’s pretty similar to a kengaroo or a koala pouch, actually,” she explained.
”Oh it’s much better than those! Temperature and humidity controlled, adjustable lining, a massage program, optional soundproofing, the works! Perfect for carrying one’s mate, and great for taking a catnap in,” Discord boasted, stroking Fluttershy’s mane, who blushed and leaned into his touch.
”Oh, umm. Okay then, whatever works for ya,” AJ answered, deciding not to pry further into the odditties of their relationship.
”So, you said something about critters?” Fluttershy prompted.
What followed was a rather boring exchange about things he barely listened to, except to insist that Fluttershy not overwork herself. Luckily it didn’t take long, and they could wave the earth pony goodbye.
”Finally,” Discord exclaimed as he shut the door. ”That took a minute longer than it should have,” he grumbled.
”Now now sweetie, Applejack was kind enough to come in person to talk to me about things and asked what I could and couldn’t do. It was very thoughtful of her,” Fluttershy admonished him gently.
”Mmm I guess,” he grunted. ”But you woke up from your nap! Don’t you think you should rest a bit more?” he asked, eyes glinting with worry.
Fluttershy sighed and shook her head. He could be such an overprotective worrywart, sometimes.
”I am fine, sweetheart, I promise. Besides, I think I am more hungry than tired right now. Can we have an early dinner?” she asked him, giving him the cutest little pouty face, looking up at him.
Discord chuckled, reaching down and pulling her from the warm pouch into his arms.
”Anything my beautiful wife wants, she shall have! And besides,” he purred, ”you are eating for two right now, so ’tis my sacred duty to keep you fed and happy.”
Fluttershy giggled, as he covered her gravid tummy with kisses and carried her into the kitchen.