//------------------------------// // Month One: Just Like Old Times // Story: Stand By You // by Bluecatcinema //------------------------------// A couple of weeks after finding out they were having the foal, Mist and Blue came to visit Blue's parents, Spitfire and Soarin', in the hospital. The pair had ended up in there following a misunderstanding regarding Blue and Mist's adoptive father, Big Red. Believing Big Red had attacked their son (which he almost had out of anger over him impregnating Mist), they had charged at Big Red, seeking to return the favor. His nerves still frazzled, Big Red lashed out instinctively, breaking both of their backs. As a result, both Spitfire and Soarin' were placed in full body casts. Although in the present, their injuries had healed enough for the casts to be removed, though they still wore foam wrappings around their tender backs. "Hi mom, hi dad." Blue smiled, as he and Mist entered their room. "Hi, honey." Spitfire beamed. "So good of you to come visit." "We know you must be pretty busy, what with the tavern, the studies, and the foal, too..." Soarin' acknowledged. "We can afford to spare an hour or two." Mist shrugged. "Besides, it was kinda our fault you wound up here. If we hadn't kept the foal a secret, things wouldn't have spiralled out of control the way they did." "And Big Red wouldn't have broken your backs in self-defense." Blue added unnecessarily. "Well, it wouldn't be the first broken back either of us ever got." Spitfire smirked. "But enough about us." Soarin' smiled. "How are you two holding up?" "We're holding okay." Mist assured him. "Just trying to take things one day at a time, you know?" "It was kinda overwhelming at first, knowing we were going to have a foal, but now we're starting to get used to the idea." Blue added. "I'll bet you are." Spitfire chuckled. "And everypony's been so supportive, and helpful." Mist smiled. "Twilight gave me some of Dusk and Starlight's old foal clothes, and Daring's already offered to foalsit." "She won't be the only making that offer." Spitfire grinned. "Looks like you two are gonna be just fine." Soarin' declared. "Yeah..." Blue gave a small sigh, as if in deep thought. "Something bothering you, champ?" Soarin' asked. "It's nothing... it's just..." Blue murmured. "I'm just glad that you guys are handling this very well." "And why wouldn't we?" Spitfire raised a brow. "I mean, I thought you guys might have been disappointed that I got a girl pregnant out of wedlock." Blue admitted. "Even more than mom was when I said I wanted to be a bartender." "That was different." Spitfire declared. "You made a choice, one that I took a while to accept. You didn't choose to conceive a foal, but we're glad you're taking responsibility for it." "And we're really excited at the idea of becoming grandparents." Soarin' chuckled. "You are?" Mist smiled. "Of course we are." Spitfire smiled. "What every parent wants most for their own kids to become parents. It's a beautiful cycle." "And you're really okay with it happening like this?" Blue asked. "Well, son... even if we were less than thrilled at the pregnancy... we don't really have any right to say anything." Soarin' shrugged. "What does that mean?" Blue asked. "He means that... well, have we ever told you about how your father and I got married?" Sptifire questioned. "Now that I think about it, not really." Blue shrugged. "What does it matter?" "It matters more than you think." Soarin' declared. "In fact, it was because of you that we got married in the first." "It was?" Blue frowned. "What happened, exactly?" Mist asked. "It's a long story." Spitfire admitted. "We've got time." Blue shrugged. "Okay, suit yourselves." Soarin' smirked. "It all started years ago. I had finally asked your mother out on a date at the Nimbus. It was spectacular. We drank, we talked, we had some laughs, then we went over to my place. That was when things really got wild-" "Whoa, whoa, whoa, we don't need to hear about that!" Blue held up his hooves. "My morning sickness doesn't need this." Mist gagged. "Come on, we're all grown ups here." Soarin' joked. "Two of whom are my parents." Blue grimaced. "I do not want to hear about the two of you 'bumping uglies'." "Your loss." Spitfire chuckled. "Anyways, after the date, your father and I decided to continue seeing each other. It was all so wonderful. Neither of us had been so happy, and we wouldn't have changed a thing. But fate had other plans for us. It was just another day at the practice course..." Many years ago... The Wonderbolts were flying through the skies, practicing their moves. "That's the way, guys!" Soarin' encouraged his teammates. "Keep it up!" Spitfire, on the other hoof, wasn't flying at her usual skill level. Her movements were slow, almost tentative. "What's with the slo-mo, babe?" Soarin' playfully chided her. "You lookin' to bore the crowd with that trick?" "Very funny." Spitfire frowned. "Seriously though, what's up?" Soarin' inquired. "You look like a mare with something on her mind. Care to share?" "Not really..." Spitfire sighed. "Come on, Spitfire." Soarin' urged. "We're coltfriend and marefriend, not to mention teammates. We shouldn't be keeping secrets from each other. You can tell me." "Okay, fine." Spitfire gave in. "But not here. In private, got it?" "Got it." Soarin' nodded. he turned to the other Wonderbolts. "Everypony keep up the practice. We'll be right back!" The two flew down to the changing rooms. "So, what's up?" Soarin' asked. Spitfire looked around, making sure they were alone. "Okay, here goes..." She took a deep breath. "Soarin', I'm... pregnant." "You... what?!" Soarin's jaw dropped. "How?" "How do you think?" Spitfire glared. "Oh, right." Soarin' said sheepishly. "Sorry. It's just... a lot to take in." "You're the one who wanted to know." Spitfire said bluntly. "Oh, jeez..." Soarin' scratched his mane. "We're gonna have foal..." "Yes." Spitfire said irritably. "That is what happens when a mare gets pregnant." "So... what happens now?" Soarin' asked. "That's the question, isn't it?" Spitfire groaned. "It's only a matter of time better it gets noticeable. I'll have to sideline myself from the team for months on end. And then there's the maternity leave I'll have to take after the foal's born..." "That's right." Soarin' nodded. "That's a lot of time away from the team... what are we going to do?" "Not 'we', me." Spitfire declared. "I'll take care of the foal myself." "Take care?" Soarin' gulped. "You mean, like-" "Of course not." Spitfire scowled. "I'll keep it safe, and make sure it comes out okay. You don't need to worry about any of that." "Say what?" Soarin' frowned. "Of course I need to worry about it. I'm the foal's dad, aren't I? I deserve to be a part of things!" "It won't do the team any good if two of their best flyers just drop out." Spitfire pointed out. "I'll stick around for a little while longer, then when the foal starts showing, I'll take my time off, and you can keep the team going after that." "I don't know, babe." Soarin' frowned. "You, on your own..." "I'll be okay." Spitfire assured him. "I perform death-defying stunts every day. I think I can handle raising a foal." "Then what will I do?" Soarin' frowned. "You want me to just let you raise my kid all by yourself?" "I don't want to burden you with the responsibility." Spitfire declared. "But it is my responsibility!" Soarin' insisted. "I'm the one who helped you make it!" "But I'm the mother." Spitfire retorted. "It's my job to look after the foal." "But I'm your coltfriend, remember?" Soarin' retorted. "Or this suddenly a one-pony relationship?" "That's not what I meant." Spitfire told him. "We can still be together. Unless you don't want that." "I do want that." Soarin' told her. "But that means being a part of things. I want to help with the foal." "I know, but there's no need." Spitfire insisted. "I can handle this." "But…" Soarin' was about to protest... but he saw the look in Spitfire's eyes. It was an intense, fierce look. He let out a defeated sigh. "Well, if you say so." Soarin' muttered, not wholly convinced. "So, when are we going to break the news to the others?" "Not just yet." Spitfire told him. "We don't want them worrying about this. It's our private matter. Now, let's get back out there." "Are you sure about that?" Soarin' frowned. "I mean, the foal..." "Is barely even growing yet." Spitfire finished. "I saw the magic scan of it. It's about the size of a bit right now. Besides, we both know how good I am. Nothing's going to happen." "I hope you're right." Soarin' frowned. "Of course I'm right." Spitfire kissed him on the cheek. "But it's sweet of you to worry." "Thanks..." Soarin' grinned. The two returned to the skies, being greeted by their fellow Wonderbolts. "What was with the secret pow-wow?" Fleetfoot asked. "Or were you two just having one of your little private makeout sessions?" "Couldn't be." Blaze smirked. "It was too short." "Save it for later, you two!" Rapidfire teased. "Alright, knock it off, you jokers." Spitfire rolled her eyes. "Let's get back to training. Everypony do ten laps, now!" The Wonderbolts shot off around the course. As Soarin' flew, he couldn't help but glance at Spitfire. She seemed so calm and professional about her pregnancy, so in control and prepared. But deep down, Soarin' knew she was as flustered and worried about this new development as he was. Alas, Spitfire was determined to handle things her way. As leader of the Wonderbolts, her command decisions were often sound. Knowing nothing about pregnancy himself, Soarin' decided to trust his marefriend, and have faith in her plan. However, as the days passed, Soarin' noticed Spitfire's movements becoming ever more slow and sluggish. Her cornering on the turns was sloppy, and her ascensions were becoming weaker. But that wasn't even the worst of it. Her morning sickness meant she couldn't handle the more dizzying routines. More than once, she had to land to steady herself. And then came the mood swings... "You call that a turn?!" Spitfire roared at Blaze one morning. "I've seen turtles corner better than you! Shape up, or ship out!!" "Yes, ma'am!" Blaze gulped, clearly unnerved. "What's with Spitfire?" Fleetfoot frowned. "She's yelling at us more than usual." "She's just... got a lot on her plate right now." Soarin' shrugged. "What is this, a debate club?!" Spitfire yelled. "Get back to work, ya lazy bums!" "Well, does she have to take it out on us?" Rapidfire said resentfully, as they returned to their routines. That was another problem for Soarin' to worry about. Spitfire's hormonal rages could prove disastrous for team morale. Though he wanted to respect her wishes and let her plan work out, Soarin's doubts couldn't be held back any longer. One morning, he pulled her aside before practice. "Hey, Spits, I've been thinking..." Soarin' declared. "Maybe you should take that time away from the team now." "Are you kidding?" Spitfire snorted. "I've still got plenty of juice in the tank." "Maybe, but you're starting to show." Soarin' pointed out the slight bulge in the stomach region of Spitfire's uniform. "If you ask me, you quit while you're ahead." "Nah, I'm still good." Spitfire shook her head. "Just one more week, and I'm out." "But-" Soarin' started. "You trust me, right?" Spitfire asked. "Of course." Soarin' nodded. "Then trust that I know what I'm doing." Spitfire smiled. "Can you do that for me?" "I guess I can try..." Soarin' sighed. "That's my guy." Spitfire gave him another kiss. "Yeah..." Soarin' said weakly. "That's me..." The Wonderbolts gathered at the center of their course. "Alright, listen up." Spitfire announced. "Today, we'll be practicing our corkscrew descents, ground-hugging, and sharp incline flying. Everypony ready?" "Yes, ma'am!" The Wonderbolts chanted (though Soarin' did so less enthusiastically). "I'll be going first." Spitfire announced. "Watch and learn." Spitfire took off into the sky, higher and higher. Soarin' watched her worriedly. "Phase one." Spitfire dove downward, spirallng as she did. Everything seemed okay, until a strong wind suddenly pushed her too far in one direction, throwing her movements off-balance. "No!" Soarin' gasped, as Spitfire spun wildly towards the ground. Spitfire struggled to regain control, but failed to do so in time; Just as she righted herself, she struck the ground, scraping across the field. "Oh, jeez!" Fleetfoot yelped. "Is she okay?" Rapidfire asked. Soarin' rushed over to Spitfire. "Are you alright, babe?" He whispered. "I'm okay..." Spitfire groaned, as she struggled to get up. "What about the foal?" Soarin' asked. "it's fine." Spitfire assured him. "How can you be sure?" Soarin' frowned. "It was just a little scrape." Spitfire insisted. "You're overreacting." Soarin' noticed that their teammates were drawing near. "Can I have a private word, please?" He whispered, before telling the others "I'll take her to the medic, have him take a look at her." Soarin' led Spitfire behind the changing rooms. "Okay, that's it." He announced. "You're off the team, starting now." "Excuse me?!" Spitfire growled. "What gives you the right to make that kind of call?" "The fact that you and our foal almost got hurt out there, that's what." Soarin' retorted. "Look, I know being Captain of the Wonderbolts is important to you, but you've gotta ease up. There's a foal inside you, now. You have to start putting its needs ahead of yours, because I know you'd never forgive yourself if any happened to it." "But-" Spitfire started. "No buts!" Soarin' cut her off. "This foal is my responsibility as much as it is yours. I wouldn't be able to cope if something happened to it, or even to you. So from now on, we do this together. That's non-negotiable, by the way. Sorry, but I gotta put my hoof down on this." "I... you're right." Spitfire sighed. "Guess it's time for me to hit the pine." "Thatta girl." Soarin' grinned. "Sorry for being so stubborn." Spitfire apologised. "Being a Wonderbolt is my life, but there's another life I have to deal with now." She rubbed her stomach. "And I shouldn't risk it just for stunts." "Couldn't have put it better myself." Soarin' kissed her. "I shouldn't have kept you out of things." Spitfire continued. "The truth is, I was terrified of the idea of being a mother." "You were?" Soarin's face fell. "Yeah." Spitfire admitted. "I was so ashamed, I didn't want you to find out." "It's okay." Soarin' comforted her. "What, you think I'm not scared of the prospect of being a father? It's natural to be a little afraid of such a big change, but you don't have to face it alone. Not as long as I'm here." "Boy, was I being an idiot." Spitfire admonished herself. "I should've known you'd be there for me." "Always." Soarin' nodded. "Have I told you how much I love being your marefriend lately?" Spitfire grinned. "Not that I can recall." Soarin' smirked, playing along. "Then let me refresh your memory." Spitfire purred. The two embraced, and entered into a loving kiss. After that near-disaster, Spitfire took a leave of absence, with Soarin' telling the others that she was taking time off to get back in shape. Forced to stay at home while her coltfriend became acting leader of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire couldn't help but feel bored and lonely. She had few friends outside her position, and her parents lived too far away for regular visits. Soarin' quickly picked up on this, and thought of a novel way to cheer her up. He took her out to their favorite restaurant, The Stratosphere. By this point, Spitfire was over a month along, and really starting to show. "Isn't this great?" Soarin' smiled. "Just the two of us, out on the time, like old times." "Yeah, I guess..." Spitfire sighed. "So, how was practice?" "Eh, same old, same old." Soarin' shrugged, trying to keep the topic of work at arm's length. "Did anypony... ask about me?" Spitfire asked. "Of course they did." Soarin' assured her. "They're not going to forget about you just you've been away for a while. "I know." Spitfire sighed. "It's just... things feel so dull, without the Wonderbolts in my life. I know I have you, but you're not always around, with you being acting captain, and everything." "I think I might know of a way I can be around a whole lot longer." Soarin' grinned. "What do you mean?" Spitfire asked. "I mean this." Soarin' pulled out a velvet bow, opening it to reveal a hoof ring with a single diamond embedded in it. "Soarin'..." Spitfire whispered, as their neighboring diners watched with wonder. "Spitfire, you've been an amazing marefriend." Soarin' announced. "And now you've given me a foal. The only way I can think of repaying you is by offering to be your husband." "Soar, I... I..." Spitfire blinked back some tears. "Yes. I will marry you." "YEE-HAAAH!" Soarin' whooped, as their fellow diners cheered. "You've made me the happiest stallion in the world, babe!" "I had a feeling about that..." Spitfire teased, as Soarin' slipped the ring on her. The next day, Spitfire joined Soarin' on the practice. "So much for getting in shape." Blaze gaped, as Spitfire walked towards them. "Looks like Spitfire's put on a few pounds." "Actually, she's pregnant." Soarin' revealed. "Whoa, seriously?" Wave Chill gasped. "Way to go, pal." "Sorry for not telling you guys sooner." Spitfire apologized. "We wanted to keep it a surprise." "Well, mission accomplished." Rapidfire snorted. "And we've got another surprise for you: we're gettin' married!" Soarin' declared. "No way!" Fleetfoot gasped. "Congrats, guys!" "Thanks." Spitfire beamed. "I hope we can count on you to attend." "You know it." Blaze nodded. "Wouldn't miss it for the world." Fleetfoot nodded. The wedding ceremony took place a few weeks later. All their fellow Wonderbolts were in attendance, as were both the bride and groom's parents. Soarin' wore his standard formal uniform, while Spitfire wore a white wedding dress with red trim. By this point, Spitfire's stomach had bulged even further. Once Spitfire took her place alongside Soarin', the ceremony began. Both parties had agreed on a quick service, not wanting to put too much strain on Spitfire, who was getting bigger by the day. The preacher, a wizened, grey coated Pegasus wearing a black outfit, stepped forward. "Do you, Spitfire, take Soarin' to be your lawful wedded husband?" The preacher asked. "I do." Spitfire grinned. "And do you, Soarin' take Spitfire to be your lawful wedded wife?" The preacher asked. "You bet your funny collar I do." Soarin' chuckled. "Then I now pronounce you stallion and wife." The preacher smiled. "You may kiss the bride." "Or vice-versa." Spitfire grinned, pulling Soarin in for a passionate kiss. That night, Spitfire shared a bed with Soarin', having moved in with him during their wedding preparations. "Not so lonely any more, is it?" Soarin' smiled. "Nope." Spitfire nuzzled him. "It's too bad we can't go on a honeymoon, though. Not with me in this state." "Eh, no biggie." Soarin' shrugged. "If you ask me, this is honeymoon enough. Just the two of us, together." "Don't you mean three of us?" Spitfire pointed to her stomach. "Whoops." Soarin' snickered, placing a hoof on her stomach. "Sorry to leave you out, little guy." "I think he can forgive you." Spitfire smiled. "Now come here, husband of mine. Time for some marital cuddles." "Comin' right up." Soarin' grinned. The rest of the pregnancy was relatively uneventful. Aside from a few more mood swings and a strange craving for pieces of cloud, Spitfire handled things well. As they reached the final month, Soarin' started to worry again. "Maybe I shouldn't go into work today." He frowned one morning. "I mean, what if the foal comes, and I'm not here?" "Then I can ask Mrs. Freefeather next door to take me to the hospital." Spitfire declared, speaking of Soarin's friendly neighbour. "Yeah, but-" Soarin' started. "But nothing." Spitfire interrupted him with a kiss. "It'll all be okay. Now get to work, before you're late." "Yes, dear." Soarin' smirked, as he headed out the door. "Just so long as you think peaceful, non-birthy thoughts." "I'll try..." Spitfire rolled her eyes. Still a little worried, Soarin' tried to get through practice as quickly as he could, so he get back home to his wife. Alas, half-way through, his heart sank as he saw Mrs Freefeather, a pale orange, pink-maned middle-aged Pegasus with a feather Cutie Mark, rush across the field. "Oh, no." He muttered, descending to meet her. "Oh, no, no, no, no, no..." "Soarin', dear, I'm afraid it's time." Mrs. Freefeather revealed. "Oh, jeez!" Soarin' yelled. "How along ago was it?" "Not long." Mrs Freefeather told him. "I got her to the hospital as fast as I could, then went to get you. You'll probably be able to get there in time if you hurry." "Okay guys, practice is cancelled." Soarin' declared, as he rushed to the hospital. "I got me a birth to get to!" "Good luck!" Fleetfoot called after him. Soarin' reached the hospital in record time, and quickly found his way to the delivery room. "Spitfire, I'm here!" He announced. "How's it going?" "Did you seriously just say that?!" Spitfire glared at him, racked with pain. "Sorry." Soarin' cringed. "Anyway, I'm here for you, all the way." "Thanks, baby." Spitfire smiled gratefully, before cringing in pain. "Ahhh!" "I got you." Soarin' stroked her hoof. "I got you. Just ride it out. You can do this..." Almost an hour later, it was over, and Spitfire held the infant Blue in her arms. He was a tiny little thing, sleeping soundly against Spitfire's embrace. A shock of red, orange and yellow mane stood out against his blue coat. "Oh, he's gorgeous..." Spitfire whispered. "Look at that beautiful blue coat." "And that mane." Soarin' remarked. "All those colors, like a regular forest blaze." "That gives me an idea for his name: Blue Blazes." Spitfire smiled. "Do you like it?" "I love it." Soarin' embraced his wife and foal. "Welcome to the world, little Blue." The present... "What a story..." Mist gasped. "So you see, we weren't really that much prepared than you were." Spitfire admitted. "But we made it through, and so will you." "You always were a little troublemaker, you know that?" Soarin' told Blue jokingly. "Very funny, dad." Blue rolled his eyes. "But seriously, you were the best thing that ever happened to us." Soarin' smiled warmly. "And trust me, you'll feel the same about your foal before long." "You really think so?" Mist asked. "Of course." Spitfire grinned. "Having a foal can only make things better. Take it from ponies who have been there." "I guess if the two of you could handle an unexpected pregnancy, we can, too." Mist declared. "Sure you can." Soarin' nodded. "If anything, I'll bet you handle it better than we did." "If only we had your confidence." Blue smiled. "As long as you trust and support each other, you'll do just fine." Spitfire smiled. "You make it sound so easy." Mist noted. "Maybe not that easy, but once you're on the right track, it gets a lot less difficult." Soarin' assured her. "Here's hoping." Blue remarked. "That's it." Spitfire smiled. "Just stay positive. It's the best thing you can do right now." "We'll keep that in mind." Mist smiled. "Oh, jeez, look at the time!" Blue glanced at the wall clock. "I gotta get back to the bar!" "And I have to get back to the castle." Mist nodded. "Thanks for the story, guys!" The two rushed out of the room. "You think they'll be okay?" Soarin' asked. "Sure do." Soarin' nodded. "We were, remember?" "Like it was yesterday." Spitfire grinned. The married couple leaned over and kissed each over on the lips. "Just like old times..." Soarin' sighed.