//------------------------------// // Thanksgiving - FamousLastWords // Story: SpikeDash Group Collab // by Vexy //------------------------------// Spike was a total wreck, pacing back and forth across the same waiting room carpet for nearly thirty minutes non-stop. "Why is it taking so long? What's going on in there? Is she okay? Why won't anyone answer me?!" "Spike, calm down!" Twilight said, gently nudging Spike toward a seat in the room next to Fluttershy. "Everything is going to be okay. Having a foal takes time. You just need to be patient." "But I have been patient... I've been patient for months now." Spike looked around at the five friends who were with him for support. Rarity, Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie. "Look, I don't mean to get on your nerves or anything, I'm just really… nervous. I'm really thankful you all decided to come. Especially with the inconvenient timing of all this." It almost seemed like a fairy-tale, Rainbow going into labor on Thanksgiving day, the day that revolves around being thankful for those you love and appreciate. "Of course, Spike. We'll always be here for you two." Fluttershy smiled warmly at Spike. "Well, Spike, you know what they say," Applejack said, turning toward Spike. "Mother nature doesn't follow nopony's schedule 'cept for her own. That little foal decided to come today, so we're not gonna miss it." "Yeah!" Pinkie shouted. "There was no way I was gonna miss your baby's first birthday party!" "Darling, you know I would never turn my back on you two when you needed me," Rarity chimed in. Spike let out a deep sigh and glanced around at all of his friends. "Thanks guys. It really means a lot. I just wish there was a way to help pass the time... I feel like I'm gonna explode from all this tension." "Hmm, I have an idea," Twilight said. "It is Thanksgiving after all, so why not take turns saying what we're thankful for." "Okay," Spike said. "That sounds like a good idea." "Great!" Twilight said with a smile. "I'll go first." She placed her chin on her hoof in thought for a brief moment before speaking again. "I'm thankful for all of adventures I've gotten to go on with you guys, whether grand or small. All the time I get to spend with all of you is important to me, and I wouldn't trade it for the world." All present smiled and blushed just a bit at the compliment. "Alright, Pinkie Pie? Do you wanna go next?" "Absolutely!" She said, jumping to all fours. "I'm thankful that I get to live in the bestest town with the bestest friends in the whole world! I'm also thankful for the Cake's letting me live with them… and all the free cupcakes I get to eat!… Alright, your turn AJ!" Applejack stood up politely and cleared her throat. "Aww, shucks, let's see here. I'm thankful for my wonderful Apple family—how they've always been there and helped make this harvest one of the best in a long time. I'm also thankful for all y'all for being the best friends Ah I could ever hope for." Applejack blushed and quickly took her seat once again. "Alright, Fluttershy? Looks like you're up." "Um, okay," she responded. "I'm thankful for all the wonderful animal friends I've gotten to take care of this year. I'm also thankful for all the ponies who helped with the animal shelter fundraiser we had a few months ago… And I'm very, very thankful for you too. You're my best friends." "Well, now I suppose it's my turn," Rarity said, wiping away a stray tear. "I'm thankful for how successful my business has been this past year and for all the opportunities it has opened for me. And of course, I couldn't have done any of it without all of you by my side, giving me support. Oh, I just love you all!" With sniffle and a smile, Rarity sat back down, leaving only Spike to recite his thanks. "Alright, here goes," Spike said. "I'm thankful for-" "Um… excuse me?" All six of the friends turned around toward the hallway behind them where Nurse Redheart was standing with a big smile. "Um, Mr. Spike? Would you like to see your wife… and son?" "S-Son?" Spike stuttered, suddenly losing feeling in his legs. "My son?" Twilight could tell he was still reeling from the news, so she motioned for her and the rest of the girls to walk him back to the room. "C'mon big guy, let's go see your new family!" Spike and the girls shuffled into the hospital room where Rainbow was propped up in her bed, half asleep and holding a small bundle against her. "Rainbow?" Spike said, slowly approaching her, unable to stop smiling. "Spike… Psh, the doctor's said giving birth would be hard, but it was nothing." Even when completely exhausted, she was still herself. "I didn't expect anything less, Dash," he said. The five girls slowly approached the bed around Spike to see Rainbow and the new baby. "Oh, congratulations!" "Yay! Now I have somepony all new to play with!" "Congrats there, you two. Heh, looks like y'all will have a hoofful with this one." "Oh my goodness, I'm so happy for you, two." "Oh, Spikey, Rainbow! He is absolutely adorable!" After a few more seconds of congratulating, the Nurse came over and started nudging the girls back. "Alright, the mother and baby need rest, so Spike is the only one allowed in for now. You can all see her tomorrow!" With a few waves and hugs, the girls left Spike and Rainbow alone. "So, um… can I hold him?" Spike said. "Heh, you don't exactly need my permission," Rainbow said with a weak chuckle. "But, you know, be careful." Spike gently took the blanket-wrapped bundle from his wife and looked at his new son. He was mainly dragon, due to Spike's strong genetics, but he had the smaller frame and mane of a pony, light blue scales, green eyes and his mother's rainbow-coloured mane. As far as his parents were concerned, he was the most beautiful baby in the world. "Wow," Spike said, looking at their son. "Best Thanksgiving ever." "So, Spike, what are you thankful for?" Rainbow said. Spike gently turned his body around to lay next to Rainbow. "Well, first off, I'm thankful for having the best family in the world. A beautiful wife who loves me, and now a son we can take care of together. I'm thankful for all my friends who stayed with me the past ten hours in the waiting room out there. Without them, I would've had a heart attack. And most of all, I'm thankful for every Thanksgiving we'll get to have together in the future." Rainbow snuggled up next to Spike and gently stroked her baby. "I'm thankful for having the best, most awesome dragon in the world with me. And the fact you get to be with me forever… And I'm thankful for the getting to have the best baby in the world. He's gonna… be… awesome." With that last sentence, Rainbow drifted off to sleep, curled up next to Spike. At the same time, their brand new baby fell asleep, curled onto his chest. Spike let out a happy sigh and planted a kiss on both members of his family. "Thank you guys. I love you so much."