//------------------------------//
// With Great Risk comes Great Responsability 
// Story: Spike x Bloom: a New Life 
// by AngelShy24 
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	What started as a day of speculation suddenly became a day of shock, fright and uncertainty for Spike. Recently, Apple Bloom went to the Ponyville Hospital with her older sister, Applejack to make sure that her mating process with Spike proved to be negative… in which they highly believe to be true due to Apple Bloom being a pony and Spike being a Dragon. And never in Equestrian history has a pony and dragon ever been able to conceive a youngling. Unfortunately, to Spike’s horror, they were proven wrong went Apple Bloom’s test came back positive.
All of his stress came out at once and almost the entire town heard his sudden scream of shock. He wasn’t upset about the fact that he got Apple Bloom pregnant and that they were going to be parents, but more like he was scared because he didn’t feel like he was ready for the responsibility. Apple Bloom was a bit shocked and nervous herself, but she was actually kind of excited and was curious of how this would turn out. While Spike was finishing his freak out, Applejack sent word out to Twilight. When she heard, she hurried right over with no hesitation. When she got there and went into the office room where they were, she noticed how Spike was sitting in a chair still slightly shaking with Apple Bloom standing right beside him.
“Thank Celestia yer here,” said Applejack, “Maybe you can get Spike out of this funk he’s havin’.”
Twilight looked around the room and noticed that no nurse was insight, “Where’s Miss Rhyme? I heard that she worked with you guys?”
Suddenly, Nurse Redheart came in the room from behind after hearing what Twilight said and replied, “She did, but she has business with another patient. So I’m here to observate in her place.”
In the middle of his shaking, Spike happened to look up slightly and saw Twilight standing a few feet away from him. He gasped, jumped up and literally ran and fell to Twilight’s hooves and yelled, “Twilight! Please tell me I’m dreaming! Please tell me that I just fell asleep at the tree and I haven’t woken up!”
Twilight sighed and placed her hoof on Spike’s head and said, “Sorry, Spike, you’re not dreaming.”
Spike sat up on his legs and placed his claws over his face feeling slightly grieved of his situation, “Damnit. I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Neither can I,” said Twilight, “It feels a bit ironic that we were just talking about the possibility of this happening yesterday and that it was very unlikely. Now all of a sudden… its actually happening. So how come I’m suddenly not as thrilled about it as I was yesterday?”
Applejack and Redheart were feeling a bit awkward along with Twilight who just came onto the scene. However, Apple Bloom was starting to feel a bit bad about herself seeing Spike breaking down like this because of what she got him into. She slowly went over to him with her head down and tried to speak to him.
“Spike… y-yer not upset about this whole thang, are ya? After all it is kinda mah fault that ya mated with me in the first place.”
Spike then uncovered his face and looked over at Apple Bloom as she was confessing to him.
“Ah could’ve just resisted mah urges and let ya walk right out of that  barn door, then Ah could’ve secluded mahself for the rest of the day and then continue mah week without any worries. But now thanks to me... this happened and there's  no way to take it back. Well... there is, but lets not talk about that. But anyway, Ah'm  sure ya weren't  plannin’ fer somethang like this, so... Ah-Ah'm sorry. If ya hate me fer this, then Ah'll completely understand."
"What; no!” shouted Spike as he broke out of his freak out, “Why would you even think that I would hate you for this?!"
"Maybe because when ya found out ya screamed at the top of yer lungs so loud that almost the entire town of Ponyville heard you?"
"Well... y-yeah, but forget that. Maybe it was sorta your fault to begin with, but we both already agreed that it was both of our faults. Either one of us could've  done something to prevent... this, but I  guess we didn’t  think that this would be even possible.” Spike then lifted Apple Bloom head up with his claw and looked into her eyes and claimed, “I guess I  kinda overdid it with my freak out, but that was just my stress and the sudden realization of reality talking. I may not be ready to be a father yet, but... I  already promised your brother and sister that no matter what the outcome could be, I would be there for you no matter what... and as a fellow dragon, I  won't  break that promise."
With a single tear going down her face, Apple Bloom smiled and said, "Really? Thanks a lot, Spike!"
She then proceeded to wrap her hooves around Spike to hug him tight, and Spike hugged back smiling as well. Twilight almost felt like crying herself seeing the heartfelt scene in front of her, and Applejack couldn’t help but slightly smile herself. It seemed to her that Spike was really willing to stay in this.
"So anyway,” said Apple Bloom as she suddenly looked up at Spike, “what should we name our soon to be bundle of joy? Ah was thinking upon the lines of maybe Apple Spice, or Flare, or Flame Core, or even Apple Bloom the 2nd!"
Spike arched his brow and stated, "Kinda ruining the sweet moment here."
"Oops, sorry,” said Apple Bloom, “Maybe we can worry about that later."
After that moment, Twilight went over to Spike feeling that he better now and asked him, “So are you really done freaking out now, Spike?”
“Well… I’m still a bit nervous, and I’m still freaking out just a tiny bit on the inside. But other than that, I’m perfectly fine now.”
“Good!” said Twilight with a smile, “Now that you’ve gotten over your freakout, I can finally feel great to say… that this is the most wondrous moment in my life!”
Spike slightly glared at Twilight and she chuckled nervously and said, “A-a-and… you too; most wondrous moment in your life too.”
“Are ya still going on about whether the baby is going to be mostly a pony or a dragon?” Applejack questioned.
“Hey, I have the right to be excited. This will be a wonderful discovery for a pony like me.”
After studying through the observation papers, Nurse Redheart walked over to them and said, “Well right now its a bit too early to determine if this new life is a boy or a girl; or if its more pony than dragon or the other way around. I’d like reschedule another appointment for Apple Bloom 2 weeks from today to see if we can figure out what we’re working with.”
“2 weeks?” whinned Apple Bloom, “That kinda sucks; Ah wanted to see what Ah am havin’ now.”
“No need to rush the delicate process of birth, Apple Bloom,” said Applejack.
Suddenly, a random thought came to Twilight. “You know, this had crossed my mind since yesterday. Do you have any idea of how calm and relaxed we would’ve all been right now if I simply waited to deliver that message to Applejack myself?”
Applejack rolled her eyes and smiled sarcastically to Twilight, “Gee, ya don’t say.”
“Since this will be the first offspring of a pony and dragon,” said Redheart, “we’ll be keeping a close eye on it once we know what is developing. You’re in for a long 10-11 months, Apple Bloom.”
Apple Bloom never understood why it always took so long for somepony to give birth, but in their situation it probably was a good thing.“Well… I guess that leaves plenty of time to calm down from this. Right, Spike?”
“Doesn’t make this moment any different, but thank Celestia anyway,” said Spike with relief.
“Any other advice ya want to presently give to the new lovely couple?” said Applejack to Redheart.
“Nothing much, but while I’m thinking about it… there is a high chance that this newborn is part dragon, meaning that it’s cold-blooded.” Then she looked at Apple Bloom, “So it will be important to keep that belly of yours nice and warm .”
Apple Bloom looked down and rubbed on her belly feeling troubled. “Well that will be kinda hard to do on really cold days.”
“Exactly why I suggest using this.” Nurse went to a corner and pulled out a wool-like band that could fit around anypony’s middle body, “Its just a little sweater-like sleeve to wear around your torso. On cold days, this can help keep whatever is going to develop in you warm.”
Apple Bloom carefully slipped it on getting it nice and snug and feeling it’s warmth. “Mmm… it does feel nice and cozy. I’ll take it; thanks!”
“Well this has been an interesting turn of events,” said Twilight, “Looks like we have a long task at hand. Just wait until Celestia hears about this, she’ll be so intrigued! But, um… I’ll make sure to do whatever I can to help out with this.”
“That’s all Ah can ask,” said Applejack.
Spike felt that most of his stress was gone for now, and he just sat hiemslf down in a nearby chair to relax a bit and take a breather. Apple Bloom then came over to where he was and gave him another little peck on hi cheek to cheer him up.
“So… do ya feel better now, Spike?”
“I’m technically the one who should ask you that,” said Spike, “You’re the one who is going to eventually give birth.”
“Well yeah, but… Ah’m actually okay with it. Ah know Ah got us into this, but we can always make the most of it. Ah can’t wait to shock the other crusaders with the news!”
“Don’t ferget that yer still grounded today and tomorrow, A.B.,” said Applejack while slightly glaring at her excited sister, “and durin’ that time you can relax, help with small things around the farm and think about what ya done got yerself and Spike into.”
Apple Bloom groaned and sighed as she responded, “Ah know, Sis; understood.”
With that said, Applejack and her sister were getting ready to walk out of the office room. But then Spike quickly stood up and asked, “H-hey! Um… think I can tag with you two for a little bit.”
“Sure thang, Spike;” said Appleack with a smirk, “and while yer at it, you can tell Big Mac the big news.”
As Spike followed them from behind, he groaned out of slight regret of suggesting it.“Oh goodie.”
Once they went out, it was only Twilight and Nurse Redheart left in the office room. Twilight just couldn’t help but wonder how things would turn out from this moment.
“Think Apple Bloom will get through this?” she asked Redheart.
“I guess we’ll see in about two weeks. We’re expecting this to be like a normal birth, but considering the two partners… we’ll keep checking it out just to be on the safe side.”
“But you have to admit that this is still a bit exciting, right.”
“It’s something that we’ve never experience, but… yeah, it is.”
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That’s how it went down after what happened with Apple Bloom and Spike. IN the end, they both weren't very proud of what they did, but they both agreed to take full responsibility. Once back at the farm, Spike told Big Mac what the outcome was and was almost afraid for his life. But he had nothing to worry about because he was quite proud of him. He wasn’t running away from this fate placed on his shoulders even though he was still probably very nervous about it. But he chose to stay regardless and take on his new challenge with Apple Bloom; and that was all he wished from Spike. Because if Spike chose to run away, then Big Mac would probably have to kill him.
Even Twilight’s friends eventually found out thanks to a certain pink pony who likes to get the scoop on things. They all had different expressions of shock, especially Fluttershy who didn’t think that this sort of thing would even happen. Different other ponies ended up finding out what was coming, but their were others who were still in the dark about it, including Apple Bloom’s friends; Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. But after Apple Bloom’s 2 days of grounding from her big sister, she was able to fill in everything to them of what happened to her during the heat season. They found out that she was the only one out of all of them to get laid, and they were all quite surprised; but not as surprised as they were when they found out who she did it with.
It was a bit chilly that day and Apple Bloom had forgotten about a certain accessory that he should be wearing. Spike knew about it and volunteered to take it to her, only to walk in on the crusader’s discussion. It was then that Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo found out that not only was Spike the one who knocked up their friend, but that she was actually pregnant. They couldn’t believe it; this sparked a huge interest in their brains. Apple Bloom told them everything, and Spike had to endure the two other fillies’ giggles hearing everything that happened… and it only got more awkward for him from there.
“O… M… G, Apple Bloom,” said Scootaloo, “I can’t believe that you actually had sex with a dragon; and with Spike no less! That is so awesome!”
“I can’t believe that you even had the guts to do it,” said Sweetie Belle shockingly, “You must be very lucky.”
Apple Bloom was still laying down with her head held high and smirking, “Well… yeah, I guess Ah am.”
“Um, hello?” said Spike waving his hand, “Teenage dragon about to become a father over here. I wouldn’t say that I am lucky.”
“Oh don’t listen to him girls,” Apple Bloom stated, “he knows that he is very lucky and that he’s looking forward to being a daddy. After all, Ah didn’t hear him complaining when we were making lovely music together.”
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were chuckling again seeing Spike’s embarrassed face from Apple Bloom sensual talk. He groaned and got to speak for himself.
“Okay; you two, hears the truth. One, I protested many times at the beginning. Two, I doubt either of us was thinking straight during that moment to complain about anything. And third, while I agreed to be on board with this, I hardly find myself to be lucky.”
Scootaloo came beside Spike and gave him a little nudge on his side with her hoof and told him, “We get it, Spike, you’re a little nervous. There’s no shame in that. I know I’d be nervous if I were you.”
“But you should still feel happy of welcoming a new form of life into the world,” said Sweetie Belle, “That is definitely worth being proud about at least.”
Spike sighed and sat back down and looked back over to Apple Bloom who to him looked so calm and content laying there without any worries at all. He knew that he had to stay calm to for his sake and hers.
“You’re right Sweetie Belle, I will feel proud, and… I will be happy for Apple Bloom when she doe give birth. But it doesn’t exactly help you three cooing at me about it.”
“Speaking of which,” said Scootaloo, “do you two know if it’s a boy or a girl yet?”
“Not yet,” Apple Bloom responded, “We should know in about 2 weeks though. It does suck, but Ah guess you can’t rush birth development.”
Another bright smile came onto Scootaloo’s face feeling ecstatic about the whole situation, “This is all so exciting! You being pregnant and going to give birth to a foal… now for some reason I envy you that Rumble didn’t get me pregnant so I could have a foal of my own.”
“We feel so sorry for you,” said Spike sarcastically, “But now that I know that Apple Bloom’s siblings aren’t going to kill me, I guess I can relax knowing that the worst is over.”
That was… until Sweetie Belle thought about something. “But what about the mood swings?”
“The whut?” questioned Apple Bloom.
“Mood swings. You know… the different emotional changes that pregnant mares go through during the development. They’ll experience happiness, sadness, humor, worry, scared and they even experience anger… usually toward the one who got her pregnant in the first place. I don’t know why this happens, but maybe its not as bad as it sounds.”
Hearing what mood swings were, he then remembered reading something about that from the library. Some of his nerves returned to him as he said, “Oh, that’s just great. Guess I spoke too soon.”
“Oh, Ah’m sure that it’s no big deal,” said Apple Bloom, “Ah won’t get mad at Spike. Why would Ah?”
“I don’t know,” said Sweetie Belle, “but I’m just telling you what I’ve heard.”
Suddenly, Scootaloo looked out of the clubhouse at the clock tower and slightly panicked, “Whoa, look at the time;I gotta go! I promised Rainbow Dash I would babysit her tortoise!” She then smiled and winked at Spike saying, “Good luck with your day, you guys.” and then she flew off.
After Scootaloo left, Sweetie was slowly heading towards the door as well. She looked back at Spike and Apple Bloom and told them, “Well… I guess I’ll leave you two to be with each other. See ya later, Apple Bloom.”
“You too, Sweetie,” said Apple Bloom with a smile. 
Now Spike and Apple Bloom were the only ones left in the clubhouse. They were just sitting there in each other’s company be silent and sometimes awkwardly smiling at each other wondering what to say next.
"So… mood swings, huh?” said Spike suddenly, “You going through that almost sounds too scary to even think about it."
Apple Bloom came up beside Spike and gave him a little cheek kiss that made him blush a bit; and then she told him, "Well don't  let that make ya feel discouraged. Even if Ah do have mood swings, Ah'm sure that you can handle it."
Spike was truly hopeful that besides the time of birth, he wouldn’t have to go through anything more stressful. He sighed as he thought to himself... 
"I just hope she's right."