//------------------------------// // 18: Planning Parenthood [Slice of Life] // Story: Thirty Days, Thirty Twilights // by Esle Ynopemos //------------------------------// ((Prompt: Two pony parents discuss what to name their foal.)) “Have you decided yet which of you is going to carry the foal?” Twilight Sparkle folded her hooves in front of her, levitating her teacup to her lips. The late morning sunlight streamed in the east window of the library, casting a bright square of sunlight on the table. “Me,” Pinkie said, raising her hoof. “I am,” said Rarity. She and Pinkie looked at each other for a moment. Rarity coughed into her hoof. “Do we need to have that sorted out already?” she asked Twilight. “We were under the impression that it would be decided... ahem, during the act, as it were.” Twilight shook her head. “I need to make preparations for the spell ahead of time, and it works a little bit differently on earth ponies and unicorns. If you still plan to do it on Friday, I need to know which it is now.” “Oh.” Rarity nodded slowly. Her eyes flickered to the floor, thinking. After a time, she turned to Pinkie. “It should be me, darling. Your work has you zipping back and forth all the time. I would at least be able to use my magic to keep sewing dresses without moving too much.” Pinkie Pie shook her head, her pink curls falling over her face. “After eating that whole cake by myself, I know a thing or two about moving around with a big tummy. And our foal could learn how to bounce before they know how to walk!” She giggled. “As an earth pony, Pinkie is a little sturdier, and pregnancy would be a little easier on her,” Twilight advised, “but it's up to the two of you. Have you thought of names for the filly?” “Or colt,” Rarity said. “You can't be certain which it will be.” “Actually, I can.” Twilight smiled. “Because you're both mares, the foal has no chance of inheriting a Y chromosome. It's genetically impossible for her to be born a colt.” “Huh,” said Pinkie, frowning. “Well there goes Rock Candy, then.” “Rock Candy, darling?” Rarity raised an eyebrow. “It's an old family name,” said Pinkie. “I thought it would work, because diamonds are rocks and candy is sweet.” Her eyes widened. “Ooh! What about Sweetie?” Rarity cocked her head. “That's my sister's name, love. Don't you think that would get confusing?” “Maybe you're right.” Pinkie furrowed her brows in thought. “Ruby Pie?” “If she happens to be born with a red coat, that might work, but what are the odds of that?” “That's okay! If she's born with a different color, we can change what gem of pie she is!” Pinkie bounced. “Emerald Pie. Or maybe Sapphire Pie. Ooh, if she gets your coat color, we can call her Pearly Pie!” Rarity's mouth went crooked. “I suppose, but...” “You don't need to be settled on a name for a while yet,” Twilight said. “You can give it some thought. But I do need to know which one of you I'll be preparing the spell for. Why don't you two discuss it over lunch? Pinkie, how about you run down to the cafe and get us a table? It'll be my treat today.” Pinkie nodded, gave Rarity a quick peck on the cheek, and trotted out the door. Rarity stood up, stretching her legs. “Darling, I must insist that I pay for lunch. You are already doing so much for Pinkie and me, we could never repay you.” Twilight watched the door shut behind Pinkie, then turned to face Rarity directly. “Rarity, what's wrong?” Rarity stumbled. “I... I beg your pardon?” “There's something bothering you, Rarity,” Twilight said, searching her friend's eyes. “What's going on?” Rarity sputtered, caught at a loss for words. “I—there's... there's nothing wrong in the slightest, Twilight, I assure you! I am, perhaps, a little bit anxious about this whole procedure, but that is to be expected, isn't it?” Twilight's eyes narrowed. “Rarity, I can't cast this spell in good faith unless I'm completely certain that everypony involved is one hundred percent ready for it to happen. Now, please tell me what's bugging you, or I'm going to have to tell Pinkie that Friday is canceled.” Rarity's pupils shrank. “Please, Twilight,” she pleaded. “It's... it's nothing. I can handle it.” “If it's nothing, then you can tell me about it.” Twilight's voice softened. “Come on, Rarity. I can't do this for you unless I know.” “Please don't make me say it,” Rarity said, her ears flattening to the sides of her head. “It would break her heart if she knew...” With a glance at the door, Twilight lit her horn and cast a sound-proof bubble over herself and her friend. “Whatever it is, Rarity, I promise it won't leave this room.” Rarity sniffed. After a long time of silence, she finally nodded. “Pinkie... oh, Celestia, she wants so badly to have little ones of her own. Her eyes just light up every time she sees somepony pushing a stroller down the street. And I...” Rarity mustered a small smile. “I would gladly give her one, just to see her happy. But Twilight...” A tear rolled down Rarity's cheek. “I... I fear I don't truly ever want a foal, myself.”